Chapter 113

Chapter 113
## Chapter 113

At the Ravenclaw Training Center, we offer the best learning conditions for our distinguished guests. I am Aiselin Eleanor Duplain, the eldest daughter of the Duplain family, responsible for the Ravenclaw Training Center and the friend who will study the rules of lady-like etiquette with you. It is an honor to welcome you.

After greeting Dereck, the director of the Ravenclaw Training Center, Fina Raffaella Tigris, the baron’s daughter, headed to the auditorium and the training hall building to attend a brief opening ceremony.

Beautifully arranged round tables filled the auditorium, and the sumptuous banquet served upon them was of the utmost luxury.

Most of the tablecloths and tableware were high-end, which made one wonder where a rural baron had obtained so much money.

Although it was termed an “opening ceremony,” it actually felt more like a sort of afternoon tea.

Aiselin, who was sitting in the first row, stood up elegantly, clasped her hands, and spoke with a radiant smile.

“Let us strive together at the Ravenclaw Training Center to understand the elegance of a lady and the depth of magic, and let us become valuable friends to one another.”

Quite some time had passed since the Duplain tragedy.

Even the lower-ranking nobles from the borders had heard of it, so most knew how cornered Aiselin was at that moment.

However, many of the young nobles looked at her with eyes full of admiration.

From the beginning, when she participated actively in the Ebelstein social circle, she was not a person who demonstrated her worth solely through the power of her family.

> Discover more
> E-book publishing
> Online bookstore
> Story writing courses

The fact that even Trisha and Ellen felt jealous of her was proof that she had the power to captivate on her own.

Even people like Siern and Denise, who were previously indifferent, had to recognize Aiselin to some extent, as she was an object of admiration for many nobles.

The simple fact of seeing Aiselin up close was a huge motivation for many young women.

Learning the rules of social etiquette directly from her was something extremely valuable.

However, no matter how hard she tried, Aiselin could not handle all the classes on her own.

“I will handle courtly etiquette, language and literature, rhetoric, and the tea ceremony, but there will be many other instructors who will help us.”

As she said this, she pointed to a large table at one side of the banquet hall. Seated there were several instructors whom Aiselin and Delbriton had gathered from across the continent.

As expected, the auditorium responded with applause. Dereck, sitting to one side, also watched them.

He had already met with them in person and had reviewed their documents several times.

Adelan, Puddle, Isabella, Craig, Lilia, Vivian, Marcel, Silverden, Helena…

Although many of the assistant instructors were commoners, most of the main instructors were of noble origin.

Aiselin had guaranteed them a good vision and an adequate salary, and since most sought personal progress, there were several useful talents.

“Their ages vary and their temperaments are diverse; I am not sure I can control them all.”

Dereck watched them with his arms crossed.

He had already spent sleepless nights memorizing the personal details of each one of them.

To be the director of the Ravenclaw Academy, he had to know all its members well.

* **Adelan.** Combat mage. Short silver hair, golden eyes. Strict and fond of discipline, but with a strong sense of recognition. Although it seems he does not express it well…
* **Pellie.** Chaos mage. Long purple hair, dreamy expression, likes flashy robes… Unpredictable and eccentric, but with great insight.
* **Isabella.** Green hair, green eyes. Always smiling, but as a transformation mage, she has unpredictable aspects. I will have to teach her not to fool around.
* **Craig.** Veteran summoner mage. Black hair with gray, deep wrinkles. Calm and cautious personality. A disgraced noble, but his past is difficult to trace.
* **Lilia.** Young scout mage. Curly brown hair, friendly smile. Always carries a notebook and has a habit of taking notes… Passionate and diligent, she seems the least problematic.

The assistant instructors Delbriton had recruited were generally satisfactory, but Adelan and Isabella had more social prestige than Dereck, which made dealing with them a bit uncomfortable.

On the other hand, the instructors Aiselin had brought from Ebelstein and the northwest of the continent were relatively more manageable.

«Lady Vivian was brought from a private academy in the northwestern city of Locus. I thought she was a noble because she was an expert in courtly etiquette, but surprisingly she is not. The dance instructor Marcel, the musician Helena, the cook Clara… Most are commoners.»

In the teaching of magic, social status usually mattered, but in the teaching of etiquette and basic culture, even common people could take the reins.

Those who possessed exceptional knowledge in these areas often made a living teaching the nobility.

Proof of this was that most of the instructors in the cultural area were commoners.

Following the applause for each instructor, Baron Dereck, owner and director of the Ravenclaw Training Center, finally appeared.

Most had heard rumors about Baron Ravenclaw, but few had spoken directly with him.

> Discover more
> Language learning tools
> Coin shop
> Character products

However, everyone who knew him agreed on the same thing: Dereck was not the type of person who should liven up the atmosphere in that kind of meeting.

But when Dereck smiled slightly on the podium, Ellen and Denise, sitting in the VIP section, were surprised.

“Thank you for coming from so far away. It has been a bit hectic, but I am pleased that we have been able to create an environment where you can continue your academic life solidly.”

Dereck, capturing everyone’s attention, had set aside his cold and calculating attitude and spoke with a relaxed smile, typical of the nobility.

Ellen held her breath upon seeing that image, and Denise, resting her chin on her hand, thought with indifferent eyes.

«He is capable of making those expressions, and yet he behaves like a stone statue when teaching class.»

Even those who did not know Dereck well usually described him as cold, impassive, and pragmatic.

However, ignoring public opinion, Dereck spoke softly.

“There may still be many deficiencies, but our Ravenclaw family has worked tirelessly to create the best environment. All the teachers we have hired are talented, and I too have accumulated long experience in the social circles of Ebelstein. As for Lady Aiselin, she needs no introduction.”

The atmosphere was everything.

While Dereck, dressed in noble clothes, spoke calmly before the young women still inexperienced in the world, the attention on the scene seemed to intensify.

The most renowned magic master in Ebelstein.

A story of self-improvement: that of a commoner from the slums who was now the owner of his own territory.

When he spoke with that relaxed air, wrapped in a quite believable presentation, authority arose naturally.

Furthermore, the fact that this kind and gentle personality was hidden behind his normally cold behavior sparked even more interest.

Although he was a handsome man in his own right, what mattered was the contrast.

«I heard he was a cold baron from the outskirts, but… doesn’t he seem that difficult? He even seems kind… It gives the impression that he would gladly explain anything I asked him…»

“I thought the training center would be a place where we would study in a strict environment… But seeing the director, it doesn’t seem to be that way.”

‘If I try hard… could I learn first-class magic before the coming-of-age ceremony…?’

> Discover more
> Fantasy books
> Adventure games
> Romance novels

While many young nobles harbored their own opinions about Dereck’s appearance.

‘…Who is that?’

Fina, sitting to one side, watched in disbelief.

The Dereck on the podium was a completely different person from the one she had met alone in the office.

***

“I am Veronica, of the Viscount Roentel family.”

“The scout magic of the Roentel family is truly famous. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Veronica.”

After the opening ceremony, it was time to move to the student residence buildings where they would stay, accompanied by assigned assistants.

Dereck was standing at the exit, greeting each of the young nobles one by one.

“Baron Ravenclaw is truly competent. I feel like I am in a world of knowledge and my academic enthusiasm is through the roof. I am very much looking forward to learning.”

“I feel like I am learning more thanks to Lady Veronica’s passion and academic fervor. We will see each other again in class tomorrow.”

When Dereck greeted her politely, the young woman who had introduced herself as Veronica also slightly lifted her skirt and bowed gracefully.

Young ladies from families with certain influence usually had basic knowledge of etiquette, even if they had not yet been formally presented in society.

Dereck treated these young women with impeccable aristocratic manners.

On the other hand, it was not always like this.

“Ah, hello. I am from the family of Viscount Sidmer… uh… I mean…”

“There is no need to be so nervous.”

“Eh, um… I’m sorry… I’m… shy…”

“There is no need to apologize. A cautious and prudent nature can prevent crises for a mage. You already possess excellent qualities as a mage.”

With Esmeralda, from the family of Viscount Sidmer, who was so shy she could barely speak, Dereck showed due consideration and sincerely encouraged her.

“Are you Dereck? I’m Ameline, from the family of Viscount Bleton!”

“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Ameline. I have heard of the greatness of the Bleton family, but unfortunately, the principle that governs the training center is mutual respect.”

“Ah, is that so…? Well, if the other ladies show respect, I cannot rely solely on authority. I understand. I will show respect.”

He also seemed to have a talent for communicating words that, in other circumstances, might have sounded rude.

Although he had lived a long life as a mercenary on the outskirts, he had already adapted quite well to the culture of aristocratic social circles while giving classes to various noble ladies.

He had witnessed many power struggles and tensions among them, and he knew well that human aspects were more beneficial than harmful even in the barren landscape of the nobility.

In this way, Dereck made a good impression on each young noble thanks to his excellent social skills.

At the very least, for the Ravenclaw Training Center to continue, its representative figure could not afford to have flaws.

When the young nobles left the banquet hall and headed to the dormitories, their faces radiated excitement.

> Discover more
> Fantasy books
> Translation software
> Action and adventure novels

Initially they were worried, but both Aiselin, the queen of the Ebelstein social circle, and Dereck, the most famous magic master, seemed like reliable figures for many reasons.

Perhaps it had been a wise decision to travel there in search of knowledge.

With hopeful thoughts, they headed to the private rooms that the butler Delbriton had prepared with care.

And finally, the last person to leave the room was Fina, of the Baron Tigris family.

“It was a good speech, Sir Dereck. I was very impressed. I am looking forward to achieving great things at the Ravenclaw Training Center.”

“It is a pleasure, Lady Fina.”

That said, Fina smiled again.

As soon as her eyes met Dereck’s, she blinked with her mysterious eyes.

The enigmatic energy of her violet eyes, which glowed softly beneath her pretty lashes, seemed to envelop Dereck’s body.

Not even the most common illusion mages could easily deal with those eyes that captivated people’s hearts. Many did not even realize it.

Since Fina was already a beautiful and charming girl, that mysterious power that bewitched others was often interpreted as simple natural charm.

After locking eyes with Dereck, Fina spoke in a whisper.

“I apologize for my rudeness in the office a moment ago. I am still young and inexperienced, so I make many mistakes.”

A voice that slid like a serpent’s tongue, whispering directly into the mind.

A charming aura, difficult to believe could come from such a young girl.

Since she had been reincarnated into Fina’s body, few had been able to resist.

Thus, little by little she was infiltrating people’s hearts. Those who fell under her spell felt as if they were lost in the fog.

Fina spoke to Dereck in a low, enveloping tone.

“Mr. Derek, you are a kind, understanding, and respectable person. Please, with your good heart, help this girl who needs guidance.”

“Of course… I will…”

> Discover more
> Novel subscription service
> Recruitment of translators
> History

“Ha ha…”

At Dereck’s response, Fina smiled with satisfaction and continued.

“Yes… If you ever face difficulties or need help while living at the Ravenclaw Training Center… Please, Sir Dereck, grant me that favor…”

“Of course. If it is really necessary.”

“…”

Fina was left speechless.

It was the first time someone under her spell had interrupted her.

She trembled slightly and then looked up again at Dereck’s face, which now had the same cold expression he had shown in the office.

“But, did I not already say it? The difficulties of youth are worth overcoming…”

“…”

“I saw you before on the podium. You were sitting tilted to one side. Is it due to a deviation in the lumbar spine or is it just a habit…? That is not good for your back. Sit up straight.”

“Pardon…? That, that is…”

«Habits acquired in youth last into adulthood, Lady Fina. All those small things, which seem insignificant, are what forge the impression one takes of a person. How could it not be shameful for Baron Tigris’s daughter to sit with bad posture? However, you have no reason to be ashamed. You came to the training center precisely to learn these things. Ignorance is no reason for shame.»

Seeing Dereck speak again in that quick and direct tone, Fina could not help but feel bewildered.

Even if her spell didn’t work, Dereck, who had been kind, polite, and considerate to all the other ladies, was being particularly severe with her.

However, he was not cruel or malicious. Dereck was simply telling the truth.

“I am very worried, Lady Fina.”

“Eh?”

“Health is the foundation of all learning. If you have bad posture and your body is small and weak, you will not be able to correctly practice what you learn. This is not good. I will not be able to sleep at night from so much worry.”

“W-What are you saying…?”

“Let’s start running in the mornings starting tomorrow. Undoubtedly, it will have a positive impact on Lady Fina’s life.”

Dereck crouched down, took Fina’s hands, and spoke to her with sincere eyes.

“Take care of your health, Lady Fina.”

*Why is he doing this to me…?*

***

Fina uttered a brief monologue, while a drop of sweat slid down her face.

The man who was always polite and noble with the other ladies of the nobility, only showed his old-fashioned character in front of Fina.

If he were much older, it would be understandable, but the age difference between Dereck and Fina was not significant.

“Tomorrow, after finishing basic classes, it’s the weekend again, right? Do you know the Plonterix Forest in Ravenclaw territory?”

“Ah, no… I think I’ve seen it once or twice on a map…”

«Oh, you’re missing out on something incredible! Gazing at the landscape of that hillside, with its perfectly aligned broad-leaved trees, all the stress of the week disappears and you feel refreshed. Let’s climb it together this weekend. I’ll also bring Delbriton.»

“Is—is it climbing a mountain? Th-that…”

“Don’t you want to do it?”

“N-No… It’s just… my health…”

“Your health is not good?”

Dereck raised his voice even more.

Fina was startled immediately and then shook her head. She couldn’t predict what he would do if she said her health was poor.

“I see. If you’re in good health, let’s go up this weekend without fail! The view is breathtaking, too good to see alone. If you have a cup of Mount Alfrain tea at the top, you’ll feel: ‘Ah… it was hard to climb, but it was worth it. Ah, this is what achieving something feels like. This is what they mean by the suffering of youth being worth it.’ You will feel it deeply.”

While Dereck spoke with enthusiasm, Fina began to sweat profusely.

Below, Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion was visible at a glance.

The young nobles, living together in student residences and forging friendships, were already practicing how to network before entering the Ebelstein social circle.

Eating and sleeping together, going on excursions to Ebelstein on non-class days: creating bonds in advance was very important.

«They say that the social center of the eastern continent is Count Elvester’s mansion. At this rate, Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion will fulfill a similar role.»

That place where many nobles gathered became the center of social life.

Margrave Elvester of the eastern continent had already understood this and had built cultural centers, banquet halls, and various facilities for social events in his territory.

Over time, it became almost impossible to debut in the social circles of the eastern continent without passing through Count Elvester’s mansion.

The seat of the eastern continent’s social circle is located in Count Elvester’s territory.

Fina thought that its initial form must have been very similar to Baron Ravenclaw’s territory at that time.

That was Fina’s impression.

‘…’

However, Fina frowned in solitude.

As someone who had already reached an unrivaled level in magic, the magic she found there was so basic it didn’t even make her laugh.

The magic classes were so elementary that she had to suppress yawns, and even the humanities classes, which were more tolerable, seemed like simple nonsense to Fina, who had already accumulated years of experience.

But there was something she simply could not stand: the scolding from Baron Dereck, owner of this training center.

What really infuriated her was that he was perfectly kind with everyone else, but with Fina he was particularly strict.

The other young nobles usually spoke very well of Baron Dereck, considering him a respectable and trustworthy person.

Some even blushed when speaking of him; he was a truly multifaceted man.

However, for Fina it was the opposite.

‘Why… Why is it only… only with me is he strict…?’

“Oof! Such fresh air! It’s revitalizing to the lungs! Lady Tigris, you too should breathe deeply of this morning air! Everything is good for your health! Health! Health! Health is the best!”

Thus, on a morning of rest.

Fina lay stretched out on a rock on the mountainside, sweating profusely.

Conscious or not of Fina’s struggle, Dereck was simply standing at the summit, stretching his arms and inhaling deeply the cold morning air.

No matter how advanced she was as a great mage, there were physical limits to inhabiting the clumsy body of a young girl. Soaked in sweat, with her fingertips trembling, Fina thought.

‘I cannot allow this to continue.’

Finally, she reached the conclusion that she could not leave Dereck alone.

She could no longer bear the arrogance of that young man.

The truly subtle detail was that, in reality, Fina was hundreds of years older than Dereck.

‘He’s about to do something. I need to adjust things here.’

While enjoying the fresh air at the top of the mountain, Dereck also hardened his expression.

In reality, it required considerable courage to be constantly scolding someone knowing she was a 6-star necromancer.

Fina did not want to reveal her identity easily. She wanted to avoid leaving traces of necromancy and being pursued by the Empire.

And Derek knew it.

That knowledge was Dereck’s most powerful weapon.

The important thing was to maintain the proper balance.

It was something very difficult and frustrating, but she couldn’t simply react actively or reveal her identity, and remaining passive was also exhausting.

Maintaining that subtle and ambiguous balance was the most crucial point.

In this way, he had to keep her on edge, alternating between warmth and coldness, driving her crazy.

‘I cannot allow this to continue…’

Those who knew him already knew: Dereck was a difficult person to deal with.

If he couldn’t dominate someone by force, he used social authority and hierarchy to crush them.

He was a man who stopped at nothing.