Chapter 107

Chapter 107
## Chapter 107

It was not until late in the afternoon that the uproar at the Belmierd mansion began to subside.

When Ellen, who had naturally taken control of the situation in place of Count Belmierd, began issuing orders to the servants, everything proceeded without a hitch.

The servants, too ashamed to look her in the face, bowed their heads, and even the high-ranking officials fell to their knees with their faces to the ground, consumed by guilt.

No matter how grave the situation, if even the most loyal—those who would have given their very organs for her—turned their backs, there was no turning back.

Among them, some servants, sincerely ashamed, offered to resign from their posts, leave the mansion, or hand over all their belongings to Ellen, even placing their lives in her hands.

Ellen smiled at the servants bowing their heads in the central garden and spoke.

“Though I was deeply saddened by the malice, suspicion, and contempt directed toward me… given the circumstances, anyone would have wavered. And I, too, by admitting guilt, tested and confused your loyalty… I will not judge every one of those sins.”

She had inherited all the majesty of Belmierd. It was evident she would rule as the lady of that vast territory. At the young woman’s words, the gathered servants could not help but open their eyes wide.

“Loyalty follows the heart of the Lord. Although it will be difficult to recover from all the contempt and pain I have received, I believe that the affection and trust we have built over time will not crumble so easily. So, do not let the guilt or debt you feel despise you; instead, contribute even more to Belmierd.”

And Ellen added with a forced smile.

“And if you still have strength left… help me a little as well.”

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Upon seeing Ellen say she would erase all the contempt and mockery she had suffered, the servants and guards gathered at the mansion burst into tears.

They had come prepared to give up parts of their bodies or their very lives, but Ellen had accepted them all.

Not even the mercy of the god Ruelon moved their hearts as much.

The servants and officials understood that Ellen, who ruled with the coldness of steel, was also capable of caring for her own with affection and possessed an unblemished character.

Thus, they lowered their heads to the ground and did not stop chanting Ellen’s name.

She smiled awkwardly and told them it was alright, then turned around and entered the main hall of the mansion.

As she walked down the hallway, she silently followed the shadows where the sunlight did not reach.

Upon entering the dark corridor, her kind expression vanished, replaced by a cold, hardened face.

*Things are proceeding more or less according to plan.*

Power is fleeting, and those who follow it can switch sides at any moment.

Even those who swear to follow and believe only in Ellen in the entire world will turn their backs if she falls to the bottom and begins to wallow in the mud.

For that reason, although she welcomes them with affection, she has no intention of giving them her heart.

Ellen’s expression, colder than before, might seem more mature, but it also gave the impression that she had lost part of her humanity.

And yet, even this frigid woman retained aspects of a girl her age.

“There are not many people in the world worth trusting and giving one’s heart to.”

Ellen thought, softly closing her eyes as she walked through the dim hallway.

Many people who had passed away while she held power had disappeared into the shadows.

But, curiously, one person she met at the end of it all remained in her heart.

That sensation startled her, making her stop for a moment in the hallway.

“Is something wrong?”

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“…No.”

She had spent the entire morning busy resolving various matters.

Just as she finally found a moment to relax, the face of that man blossomed in her heart like a fragrance.

“…Now that I think about it, where is Dereck?”

Ellen became pensive, resting her chin on her hand.

Then she suddenly realized.

Reflecting, she noticed she had been thinking about Dereck all day, except for the moments related to work.

She was aware it was dangerous, but truly dangerous things are those that one knows and yet endures.

Ellen looked distractedly out the window while fiddling with her fingers.

Her reflection in the glass was strangely flushed, making her wonder if she was truly the same Ellen who had once ruled from the heights of Belmierd.

That wounded her pride.

In a position where marriage proposals rained down daily, she had always felt repulsion toward those who tried to link everything in the world to romance.

However, upon regaining her senses, she realized that she, too, was letting herself be influenced by a single man.

It was difficult for her to accept that this was the figure of the heir to Belmierd.

She was the heir to Count Belmierd, destined to rule the entire territory.

Ellen, as a woman, thought the time would come when she would feel attracted to a man. She had even planned in advance how to handle it. She was a perfectionist.

But everyone has a plan until something actually happens.

This sudden feeling, like that of a natural disaster, was disconcerting.

But Ellen recovered her rationality and logic after wiping her face.

“Personal feelings must not interfere with the path of a ruler. I have already consulted with my father, so he will surely give me his opinion…”

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Undoubtedly, she was the epitome of a ruler capable of controlling even her emotions.

After keeping silent for a moment, Ellen reflected logically.

‘…So, where is Dereck?’

***

The Count of Belmierd is gathering his thoughts. For now, he will have one last conversation with the advisor mage in his office.

“…And what will happen to young master Leonard?”

“Well… there are many possibilities. But few seem positive.”

Dereck and Rodelia were sitting across from each other, drinking tea in Count Belmierd’s reception room.

When Rodelia first arrived at the mansion, she was completely covered in a massive silver armor the size of her body.

But once the situation was resolved, she wore only a fitted leather tunic and light bracers.

Seeing her always ready to train at any moment made it clear what allowed a heroine to dominate her era.

Despite her advanced age, Rodelia had well-defined muscles in her arms and neck.

The fact that she maintained such a physique at an age when gray hair had already appeared demonstrated how extraordinary her efforts had been and the difficulties she had overcome.

Sitting demurely beside her, Trisha was completely different from the image she had shown at the Rose Hall.

Her hands were resting on her knees, and she was sweating profusely.

The mischievous expression she used to wear had completely disappeared.

It was said that Rodelia was the fiercest tigress of the Renouel Viscount family.

It was not hard to imagine how strict she would be when it came to educating her daughters.

“Trisha. You went on your own to Baron Ravenclaw’s house to spread rumors about necromancy. I reprimanded you personally, but I understand you have not yet apologized to the Baron.”

“…T-that…”

“Do you not understand how dangerous it is to take necromancy lightly? How much more shame do you intend to make me suffer before you come to your senses?”

“It’s just… it’s just that I thought, since Baron Ravenclaw had already witnessed necromancy and played an important role during the Duplain family disaster, it wouldn’t be much to ask of him…”

“And who are you to make that decision? I already told you that matters related to Rodentz Island are decided by the head of the family. Are you already demonstrating ambition to reach the top of the Renouel family while I still breathe?”

“N-no, it’s not that…!”

“Apologize to Baron Ravenclaw. Now. Bow your head.”

“…”

Those who remembered Trisha’s arrogant attitude at the Rose Hall and Baron Ravenclaw’s house could not imagine her bowing and apologizing.

It was strange that such a daughter had come from a mother like Rodelia—dominant, haughty, and disdainful of both subordinates and superiors.

But when Rodelia directed a gaze at her so piercing it seemed capable of devouring her, Trisha turned pale and lowered her head.

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“I’m sorry… I was too reckless…”

“Not only are you shortsighted, but you also lack the words. How dare you, being the second daughter of a rural viscount, speak so rudely to a legitimate noble and head of a family? Are you going to continue humiliating me, Trisha?”

“M-mother… He is just a noble from the outskirts, and you will soon be named Countess of the Frontier and head of a countal house. When that happens, we won’t have to envy the Belmierds…”

“Oh, really? Am I already a Countess? From the way you answer, it seems you still lack education.”

“N-no…! Baron Ravenclaw! I-I’m sorry! I was too reckless…”

As soon as Rodelia clenched her fists, Trisha began to break into a cold sweat and apologized to Dereck.

He, uncomfortable with the situation, made a gesture with his hand.

“If Trisha had not provided information about the necromancers, it would have been difficult to deal with the incidents at the Belmierd mansion. Do not worry too much.”

“T-thank you, mother!”

“Even so, that does not change the fact that your hasty decision was quite rude, Trisha.”

Rodelia sighed deeply and leaned back on the sofa.

“When we return to the mansion, we will train physically all night. Consider it a punishment.”

“M-mother…! I have to return to the Ebelstein social circle today…! My personal maids are waiting for me at my private mansion…!”

“I will contact them. Don’t worry.”

“Uuugh…!”

Trisha gripped her knees with an expression of pain, as if she had been stabbed with a knife.

But knowing that talking back would only make things worse, she pressed her lips together and held back tears.

For some reason, Dereck felt a bit of guilt for her and looked away.

“In any case, Baron Ravenclaw, your skill with necromancy is impressive. I was so surprised that I even considered taking you as my lieutenant, but judging by the atmosphere… you don’t seem like the type of person who would accept such an offer.”

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“I have many responsibilities in the Ravenclaw territory. Having a place to return to is already a blessing, don’t you think?”

“Yes. I can only express my regret. However, since I have received information about the necromancers of Rodentz Island, there is something else I must tell you.”

Rodelia crossed her arms and let out a deep sigh, as if she hadn’t expected the conversation to go this far.

“I killed many necromancers in the subjugation operation on Rodentz Island. And although I may seem reasonable now, my appearance on the battlefield is very different.”

It was Trisha, sitting beside her, who shuddered upon hearing those words.

She seemed to remember something. Just hearing the battlefield mentioned made her tremble again.

“I loathe necromancers. They killed my parents, my best friend, and they even kidnapped and murdered my firstborn, Belopher. They ruined my life. Now it is my turn to ruin theirs.”

Even though Leonard had strayed from the right path, he was still the youngest son of a count.

The way Rodelia wielded her sword without mercy, even against nobles, clearly demonstrated what kind of person she was.

“The massacre of necromancers on Rodentz Island was described as hell. But the truth is, on that battlefield, I felt the greatest joy. I decapitated those wretches, smiled amidst spurts of blood, chewed their entrails with my teeth, and used their severed limbs as firewood to roast boar meat. Truly, it was a flavor worthy of being called celestial.”

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There was not a single exaggeration in her words. Trisha’s expression proved it.

This heroine of Rodentz, who seemed dignified, elegant, upright, noble… was no ordinary human.

Only one who can be absolutely ruthless toward their enemies can possess the strength of a true warrior.

By then, Rodelia was already considered a demon from hell by all necromancers.

It was understandable that Leonard had wanted to flee as soon as he heard her name.

She was the reaper who harvested necromancers. A wandering specter of vengeance.

“But you know… during the investigation on Rodentz Island, I found clues about the leader of those necromancers. I am looking for a necromancer named Sinia, creator of a high-level grimoire said to be one of the most powerful.”

“…I heard that Lady Rodelia killed all the high-level necromancers who were the leaders of Rodentz Island.”

“Those three fools? They were quite problematic, but there existed a being of even higher rank whom they worshipped. I must find out who that faceless creator is. They seem to be the ringleaders of necromancy in the southwest.”

The creator of the book of necromancy wandered the world. “Sinia” was obviously a pseudonym.

Rodelia seemed to know this well, as she did not seem to give much importance to that name.

“Based on their level, they seem to have accumulated such vast knowledge and experience that even five-star mages cannot comprehend it. They seem to have been active for a very long time… perhaps their level is unimaginable.”

The meaning of those words was clear.

Somewhere on the continent, there was a six-star necromancer. That heroine seemed convinced of it.

Dereck already knew that.

However, at that moment, he could not nod. If he showed he knew of their existence, the inevitable question would be: “How do you know?”

It was impossible to give a reasonable answer to that question. It was evident it would only arouse dark suspicions.

That was why Dereck remained silent.

“It is not easy to track them. If they really are six-star necromancers… Yes, that six-star necromancy that only appears in myths… they might have used reincarnation or soul-stealing to transfer themselves into another body.”

“Is that even possible?”

“As you know, magic of that level transcends common sense and even rewrites the laws of the human world.”

Of course, no matter how skilled a six-star mage is, it is impossible to use magic of that level recklessly.

Even Drest, a world-renowned master in tracking magic, needs several months to use his six-star tracking magic, “Vision of the Future,” a single time.

Using the most powerful magic that can be implemented in the human world was that difficult.

“At this moment, the purpose of my life is to crush that bastard.”

With a piercing gaze, Rodelia spoke bluntly.

That was the message she wanted to convey to Dereck.

“If you find any clue or trace of them, send a letter to the Renouel family at any time. I will come running immediately, even if it’s to the other side of the map. Even if my legs shatter, I will find them and pierce their entrails.”

The legendary figure whom all necromancers worshipped was the sworn enemy Rodelia had decided to eliminate.

In Rodelia’s eyes shone a piercing aura that seemed capable of wounding at any moment.

She was a demon who fed on the lives of necromancers.

That fact could be felt undeniably.

***

*Creak.*

“Where were you? I see you talking to Lady Rodelia.”

Dereck had just finished his conversation with Rodelia and was about to go out into the garden for some air.

Ellen, who had been pacing anxiously down the hallway, lit up like a child upon seeing Dereck.

She laughed like that, and then, suddenly, as if startled, she returned to a neutral expression and cleared her throat several times, as if realizing there were many eyes watching her.

“Lady Ellen, you must be very busy with many matters inside and outside the mansion.”

“No, this is nothing. The servants are working harder and my father hasn’t given any more orders, so I can take a breather.”

“I see. That’s a relief. I was quite worried when you were under house arrest.”

“Worried, you say? Were you really worried about me?”

“…Yes. Isn’t it obvious?”

As they walked down the hallway, Ellen looked out the window for no apparent reason and said:

“Why? Why were you worried?”

“Eh? Well, I don’t think it’s something that really needs to be explained with words…”

“Come on, explain it with words.”

“Isn’t it obvious? You were my student and went through a lot emotionally… Of course, from my point of view, I couldn’t help but be very worried.”

“Mmm… I see…”

“…?”

“I see. Alright.”

Although the way Ellen chewed her words was not exactly pleasant, Dereck shook his head and spoke anyway.

“Since you mentioned you have some free time, I wanted to tell you that in the Barony of Ravenclaw we plan to open a training center soon.”

“I already knew that. Now that I think about it, you are a very busy person and I have taken up too much of your time with my personal affairs.”

“No, it’s not that. In fact, I came to ask you a favor. I was wondering if you could visit the training center soon.”

“Of course, if the future head of Belmierd makes a personal visit, it would be a great help for authority and prestige. Since I owe you a favor, I can at least do that.”

Ellen accepted Dereck’s request without hesitation. In fact, Dereck didn’t expect her to refuse.

Dereck thanked her sincerely.

“Speaking of which, I suppose many noble ladies will visit the Ravenclaw training center.”

“Yes, indeed. Lady Aiselin herself plans to teach etiquette classes, so it’s having more success than expected.”

“Really? Along with all those charming noble ladies of the continent… and Lady Aiselin too…”

Ellen, resting her chin on her hand again, looked at Dereck with a meaningful expression, her eyes forming half-moons.

“Now that I think about it, Dereck, you have a lot of luck with women. How many of those noble ladies, whom one would cherish for a lifetime even if they only met one, have you taught?”

“If you call that luck, perhaps, but… it’s not necessarily a good thing.”

“Really? Why not?”

“The more distinguished and noble a person’s background is, the less they can be treated lightly. In the social sphere, a simple gesture or a small lack of etiquette can ruin the impression you make and make you seem insignificant. Lady Ellen, you know this better than anyone.”

Dereck maintained a polite tone while sharing his opinion with Ellen.

“The more noble they are, the harder it is to feel at ease. And since I am also human, I can’t help but feel more comfortable with someone I can talk to with familiarity.”

“I see…”

Hearing Dereck’s words, Ellen immediately thought of Baroness Pheline, who was nothing more than a facade.

In fact, there were no barriers in the relationship between Pheline and Dereck.

The problem was that no barriers existed, and yet their relationship had a bond that high-ranking nobles could not break.

They were comrades who had grown up together from the bottom and had gone to battlefields on extermination missions that risked their lives.

In reality, the only one who could have a relationship like that was Pheline.

Ellen held her breath for a moment and asked with difficulty:

“Dereck. Do I make you uncomfortable?”

“…”

The fact that his response was slightly delayed already ruined everything. Ellen couldn’t help but hold her breath.

From Dereck’s perspective, he couldn’t refuse, nor say he felt comfortable, nor that she was like a friend. That would be a great lack of courtesy toward a high-ranking noble.

That was why Dereck gave the closest answer he could think of.

“Although I have received a noble title, how could a simple noble from the outskirts compare to Lady Ellen? You don’t need to try so hard to exalt me.”

It was an almost artistic reaction, but Ellen held back the urge to pout.

Even so, she couldn’t get angry either. Otherwise, she would be seen as a hysterical and fussy woman. In that case, Dereck would consider her an annoying or problematic woman. And she didn’t want that.

Her own behavior, unable to do this or that, was very strange to her. How could the future lady of Belmierd be so shaken by a simple baron from the outskirts?

Ellen pressed her temples and let out a deep sigh.

“Anyway, thank you for your consideration in so many ways. I have finished my business, so I must return to my mansion.”

“Return?”

“Yes. Do you have anything else to say?”

“Ah, no… First, my father… No… That’s not it…”

“Count Belmierd seems to need time to clear his feelings, so we should give him a break. I will leave him a letter.”

“Ah, no… But still… Don’t go yet…”

Ellen suddenly put on a look of bewilderment and said:

“I, uh… well… I don’t know how to explain it…”

“…?”

“Would you consider staying at the mansion for a few more days? I mean… just a little bit longer…”

Ellen wanted Dereck to stay. She felt that if she let him go to the Barony of Ravenclaw like that, it would be a long time before she could see him again.

***

Meanwhile.

“Mmm… I think I should go see how Dereck is doing myself.”

Sitting in the office of Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion and tapping her pen, Aiselin finally addressed the head butler, Delbriton.

The planned construction works were almost finished and most of the important tasks had already been carried out.

Only Dereck’s final approval, the lord of the Ravenclaw mansion, was missing. Everything else was at a standstill awaiting his approval.

She had planned for everything to be ready upon Dereck’s arrival, but he had been delayed longer than expected.

She feared he might have become involved in some other matter within the Belmierd family.

If things were delayed any further, it would be problematic, so Aiselin decided to put all the documents requiring Dereck’s signature into a leather briefcase and personally head to the Belmierd family home, where he was staying.

She would have him review the documents, confirm the tasks, and take him back to the Baron’s mansion.

After making that decision, Aiselin rose from her desk.

“Now that I think about it… lately I haven’t been able to return to the Duplain mansion. Since I’m at it, I should visit my home too.”

Humming a tune, Aiselin began to tuck the stacked documents from her desk into her bag.