Chapter 123

Chapter 123
## Chapter 123

The stir caused by Aiselin’s fainting due to overwork had finally subsided, and the young noblewomen who had come from various regions to visit her were about to depart.

Everyone felt relieved after confirming it was a temporary condition that would have no serious consequences.

Ellen and Denise were no exception.

After checking on Aiselin’s condition in the foyer, they assured the young ladies of the Rose Hall that everything would be fine.

“Do not forget that Belmierd has always been favorable toward the Barony of Ravenclaw. If any problem arises in the future, send a letter whenever you wish.”

“Thank you for your concern, Lady Ellen.”

Ellen looked at Aiselin with a slightly displeased expression, but soon boarded her carriage; she seemed quite busy with her family’s affairs.

The carriage was enormous, and the number of servants accompanying her was also unusual. After all, she was the person destined to become the lady of Belmierd.

Thus, Ellen departed from the Barony of Ravenclaw early the next morning.

‘It is time for me to leave as well; staying any longer would be strange.’

For her part, Denise woke up around noon and strolled peacefully through the barony’s garden, absorbed in her thoughts.

She hadn’t slept well due to the many things weighing on her mind.

First and foremost, Dereck knew perfectly well that there was a possibility Denise might betray him.

That meant that whatever she did, it was likely already part of Dereck’s calculations.

‘…Even if you betray me, it doesn’t matter… What did you mean by that, Dereck…?’

Dereck’s apparent serenity only made her thoughts more tangled.

As a member of the Beltus family, she could never betray her house.

However, the idea of openly betraying Dereck was also unbearable.

The fact that he seemed to have read her internal conflict only increased her doubts.

Denise let out a deep sigh and ran her hand over her face.

If she left the barony and returned to the Beltus residence, the Grand Duke would summon her immediately to interrogate her about the situation.

And she had much to tell.

This newly established rural barony had too many weaknesses that the Beltus family could exploit.

Even if the Belmierd family tried to protect the Ravenclaw barony, that territory was practically a direct neighbor, as it shared a border with the Beltus lands.

In the end, Beltus’s influence would be the strongest.

“If only Dereck would bow his head and submit to the will of the Beltus family, I would be at peace… But he is not that kind of man…”

Dereck was not someone who would serve his lord out of loyalty.

Therefore, a confrontation between the Beltus and Ravenclaw families seemed inevitable.

The Grand Duke of Beltus was a man who eliminated any threat to his power without hesitation.

“You seem to have many things on your mind, Lady Denise.”

While she was sighing, a female voice interrupted her.

When she looked up in surprise, she saw a young noblewoman delicately holding her skirt and performing a curtsy.

Her hair, a shade between lavender and silver, radiated a mysterious aura.

Although the quality of her dress did not betray a particularly high rank, an indescribable elegance emanated from her.

Denise, with the usual composure of a noble lady, responded with a sweet smile.

“Oh, thank you for your concern.”

The girl with the enigmatic aura returned the smile warmly.

Observing her, Denise spoke politely.

“I sincerely appreciate your consideration, but I fear my memory fails me and I do not recall the name of such a beautiful lady. I beg you to forgive me.”

“No, there is nothing to forgive. I am not someone the lady of the Beltus family should remember. I am simply a girl from a small baronial family on the southeastern border. My name is Fina Raffaella Tigris.”

“I see, Lady Fina. I regret having troubled you with my concerns during our first meeting.”

Lower-ranking nobles often hesitated before addressing a lady from a powerful house like Beltus.

Of course, there were some who, dreaming of social advancement, tried to establish relationships, but these were usually one-sided; high-ranking nobles rarely considered them equals.

On the contrary, getting too close to a higher-ranking lady could be considered opportunism, a blatant display of ambition.

—

That class division existed even among the nobility.

However, Fina was not intimidated and continued speaking respectfully.

“As a low-ranking noble, I know I should be cautious when speaking with the lady of the Beltus family, but even so, I wished to address you, even if it may seem bold.”

“Do not underestimate yourself so much. Lady Fina, you also possess plenty of beauty and grace.”

“I thank you for your kind words, Lady Denise. But our Tigris family has received a great favor from Duke Beltus, and I wanted to express my gratitude.”

Fina smiled and took a small box the size of a fist from her chest.

It was wrapped in colored paper and adorned with a ribbon and flowers, clearly prepared with care.

“A favor?”

“Duke Beltus may not remember it, but when my father, Baron Tigris, inherited his title, the Duke sent a letter of congratulation and a wreath of flowers.”

“Ah, of course. I had completely forgotten.”

“It is understandable. The Beltus family must have assistants in charge of such ceremonial functions. With so many celebrations and condolences to attend to, it would be impossible to remember every letter sent to the baronial families of the border.”

Fina smiled politely as she approached Denise.

“But for a small family like ours, such a letter holds great meaning. If Duke Beltus had not sent it, it would have been difficult for my father to be officially recognized as the leader of our territory, given the complexity of the internal situation at the time.”

“I see. Baron Tigris must have gone through difficult times.”

“No, as I mentioned, we received great help from Duke Beltus’s authority. As his daughter, I could not help but express my gratitude.”

In reality, the Beltus family had never sent such a congratulatory letter to the Tigris.

But, as Fina said, with the amount of formalities noble houses handled, such a story could easily seem credible.

No one remembered the names of all the border nobles who had received courtesy letters.

After many years in high society, one learns to identify the shortcomings of bureaucracy.

Fina was precisely one of those people.

“This is a small gift from me. It is a ring with the most beautiful gems from the Barony of Tigris, along with a tie ornament.”

“Is it alright for me to accept such a thing?”

“On the contrary, it would be a great honor if you did. I hope His Excellency the Grand Duke Beltus also appreciates our sincerity. Please, show him this gift.”

When Fina handed her the box with a radiant smile, Denise returned the gesture with the ceremonial smile typical of the nobility.

After all, as a member of the Beltus family, she was accustomed to such situations.

***

When all the young noblewomen who had come to see Aiselin’s condition returned to their homes and a certain calm returned to the Ravenclaw Training Center,

Dereck, who was reorganizing the delayed schedules and preparing a response to the Beltus family’s maneuvers, thought he could finally relax a bit.

“The Baroness of Ravenclaw… has arrived…”

However, with just that report from Delbriton, the Ravenclaw Training Center plunged back into chaos.

Who was the Baroness of Ravenclaw?

Among the young noblewomen at the center, countless rumors circulated.

Much was known about Dereck Lydorf, Baron of Ravenclaw.

He personally led the faculty and frequently participated in practical classes.

Handsome, efficient in his work, generally cold in manner but capable of being kind when necessary and firm when required: a capable man.

Because of this, some of the young noblewomen at the center felt a silent admiration for him. He had a good reputation, and his name was well-known.

So, who was the woman who had conquered the heart of such a man?

Even in the face of the flowers of the nobility, Dereck maintained an inaccessible attitude; what kind of person had been able to bewitch him?

In the student residences, speculations were already endless.

They said she was a commoner, a fragile girl.

They wondered what her beauty would be like, how much knowledge she would possess, or how noble her bearing would be.

Often, when the girls gathered at night in ruffled pajamas, sitting on their beds and chatting by lamplight, the subject of the imaginary Baroness of Ravenclaw always arose.

“I heard she smells of freesias and that her voice is so soft it caresses your ears when she speaks. They say when you look into her eyes, you feel like the warm sunlight, and that talking to her brightens your day.”

Lady Rointel, a cheerful, freckled young woman, spoke with a dreamy expression while hugging a pillow.

“The servants told me about her. They say she is elegant but brave, and that she knows when to be silent and when to act. I have never seen her, but I admire her.”

“Do you know the romance novel *The Arrogant Lord Robain*, written by an anonymous author?”

“Ah, yes! I saw a sample copy at the Largo bookstore when I went to Ebelstein.”

“Oh, Lady Sidmer knows it too! They say the baroness resembles the heroine Tracy from that book: lively yet refined.”

“Really? I thought she was just a fictional character. If it’s true, she could be the perfect match for Baron Ravenclaw.”

Lady Sidmer, always shy due to her slowness in learning magic, radiated excitement imagining a love story between a handsome man and a perfect lady.

Regardless of the era, girls of that age could never resist romantic stories of impossible love.

“Well, undoubtedly, if she managed to win over Baron Ravenclaw, she must be an exceptional woman…”

“We must also strive and make our social debut like true ladies.”

“Y-yes… But if we could see the Baroness of Ravenclaw in person… it would be so inspiring… I heard she will visit the barony this time, do you think we could talk to her, even just once…?”

“Now that you mention it, I am curious… Who do you think is more noble, Lady Aiselin or the Baroness of Ravenclaw?”

“Well… we shouldn’t compare them, but… so far, I haven’t seen anyone as admirable as Lady Aiselin…”

Thus the night passed for the young women, between whispers and laughter by the light of a single candle, sharing stories of forbidden love.

They dreamed of the elegant Baroness of Ravenclaw and of the day when they themselves would become dazzling ladies.

***

“Ugh.”

“If you’re going to burp, at least cover yourself.”

“Ugh… the hangover… I’m dying after that carriage ride since early this morning… This place is so far from Ebelstein…”

Pheline, who had arrived at dawn, was covered in blood.

Delbriton, who had gone out to receive her, couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat seeing her step down from the carriage.

Even the coachman had a tense expression, as if he feared for his life seeing the bloodied girl.

“Listen, Dereck. Last night I was drinking at Tears of Beldern… and some weird guys, no badges, no affiliation, tried to attack me.”

“Yes. I know from the bloodstains on your clothes.”

“I only defended myself. If they suddenly hurl magic at you in the middle of Tavern Street, they’d better prepare for a beating. Ugh… ugh…”

Her tight mercenary outfit left her abdomen and shoulders exposed. She had some scratches on her arms and legs, but no serious injuries.

If Pheline had come out practically unscathed, there was no need to wonder what had become of her attackers.

Even so, it was necessary to confirm if they were still alive.

“What happened to them?”

“If they were lucky, they survived. Poor Jayden… cleaning the tavern must have been hell…”

After saying that, Pheline took a big bite of the snacks Delbriton had brought.

“They attacked me first, so I didn’t have to hold back, right?”

“…”

“But it was strange. If they were just perverts, they wouldn’t have acted with such coordination or hidden their identities. They were too clean to be mercenaries. It seemed suspicious to me, so instead of going back to my lodgings, I called the coachman and came directly here. Mmm… this is delicious. Is it expensive?”

“I don’t know. I got it from a local producer.”

“They say the fruits of this region are great, and these grapes… wow, delicious! But eating something so juicy all at once… my stomach… ugh!”

“That’s why I told you to drink in moderation.”

The servants standing nearby moved nervously as they saw her making nauseous gestures.

If any accident occurred, they would be the ones tasked with cleaning the floor and tablecloths.

“If you feel sick, stop eating, idiot.”

“No way. Do you think I’m going to waste free food? Even if I vomit it later, I’m going to eat it first… ugh…”

Officially, she held the title of Baroness of Ravenclaw, but Pheline despised the nobility so much that she rarely visited the barony.

Continuing to live as an ordinary mercenary was her own principle, so she didn’t care about appearing unkempt.

“If I had known, I would have left one alive to ask who sent them.”

“So you didn’t leave any?”

“It depends on how tough they are. If you are lenient with them, they think they’re not going to die and start gambling with their lives. You have to face them with the intention to kill, and then they get scared. Isn’t that right?”

That was something Dereck used to say in his mercenary days.

Because of that, he couldn’t refute it; he simply rested his chin on his hand with an indifferent expression.

In any case, he thought he should inform Pheline of the situation, so he explained how events were unfolding across the continent, as well as which faction might be behind the attack.

“The Beltus family, eh? Even someone like me, who doesn’t care about noble nonsense, has heard that name. Dereck, you’re getting into turbulent waters.”

“Unfortunately, I am now the noble you despise so much.”

“I know what you’re thinking. You think I don’t realize you’re clinging to your title just to learn more magic.”

Dereck was different from the arrogant nobles obsessed with appearances, and that’s why Pheline didn’t mind him having a title. She knew him too well from the old days.

“Even so… it’s unfair that I’m getting involved in all this just because I lent my name as baroness.”

“I have no excuse. I’m sorry.”

“Well, Dereck, the refined noble, apologizing to me. It must be the end of the world.”

Dereck admitted it: Pheline was right. She had been dragged into this simply by being related to him.

He acknowledged it sincerely, but Pheline simply let out a loud laugh.

“In short, those damn degenerates who tried to attack me were dogs sent by some noble. I felt good giving them what they deserved.”

“It won’t be that simple. If they fail this time, they might send more capable people next time.”

“So what? Beltus or whoever, they attacked me, so it was self-defense. In other words, now I have a legitimate reason to attack nobles.”

Pheline, already somewhat recovered from the hangover, drank some cold water and let out a sigh of relief.

The servants, who had been waiting anxiously in case she vomited, finally relaxed.

Dereck, seeing the wooden bucket Delbriton had prepared “just in case,” almost felt like applauding his foresight.

“If anyone dares to touch me, I’ll cut off their hands.”

She meant it.

Pheline might seem clumsy and careless, but when her mercenary instincts woke up, she didn’t hesitate for a second.

She was, perhaps, the one who most resembled Dereck among all the Beldern mercenaries.

“A justification, eh…?”

Dereck looked at her with a complex expression, halfway between pity and concern.

In any case, he decided that, for the moment, he had to protect her.

***

“Yes, in the end, all the mind games of the nobles boil down to one thing: justification.”

That night, Fina, who was showing Dereck some magic theories, smiled mischievously.

The characteristic chirping of nocturnal insects filled the baron’s residence.

The night, when even the moon slept, was shrouded in darkness; although there were candles lit, a somber atmosphere filled the reception hall.

In that dim space, Fina, sitting with her legs crossed, laughed softly and licked the tip of her fingers after touching her chin a couple of times.

“In that sense, I like that girl. Someone who comes from the bottom of the abyss, full of instinct and ferocity, who instinctively understands the importance of justification. From my point of view, she’s worth having around. Good, good, very good.”

“Were you watching when I met Pheline?”

“Of course. My adorable disciple is in trouble because that brat of a duke decided to provoke him. How could a master like me stand by with arms crossed? In fact, I should take this opportunity to give you a great lesson.”

She leaned back on the sofa, propped her bare feet on the table, and began to speak without pause.

“This master, who has lived as a noble for hundreds of years and has gone through all kinds of nonsense, will teach you something personally.”

“What do you have in mind?”

“I already told you. If I set my mind to it, there is nothing I cannot teach you. You have an exceptional talent for magic, but your summoning magic is a bit clumsy compared to the others, don’t you think? This time we are going to achieve a great breakthrough.”

Dereck rose from his desk and sat across from her on the opposite sofa.

Then he narrowed his eyes and watched her suspiciously.

“Oh, look at those eyes. What is that supposed to mean to a master like me?”

“If you have a plan, I would prefer to know it.”

“Wow, I like that look of distrust. Yes, you shouldn’t trust people so easily. But you should fully trust your master. Everything I do is for you.”

Despite Dereck’s cautious gaze, Fina did not seem worried.

In reality, she acted for his sake; the problem was that her results were unpredictable.

“Do you know what the fastest way to master summoning magic is? Face a summoner who has reached the high rank of five stars or more.”

“What…?”

“I don’t know anything about the Beltus family or their affairs, but since we have the opportunity, let’s give them a beating. There’s no reason to stay trembling like a child waiting for them to come for us.”

When Dereck frowned, Fina laughed even louder.

“Why? Are you afraid because you don’t have a justification?”

“…”

“Don’t worry. Your magnificent master is a specialist in creating justifications. I need to create a situation in which our adorable disciple can legally face Duke Beltus.”

“The Beltus family is one of the most powerful houses that has ruled the southwest of the continent for a long time. You know that better than anyone, right?”

“Yes, exactly. But there is a justification that in its time made the powerful Duplain family tremble in an instant, isn’t there?”

Upon hearing those words, Dereck remained silent for a moment.

He could more or less guess what Fina was planning.

“Even the powerful who seemed to rule the skies and devour the earth tremble and must prove their innocence when linked to necromancy.”

“…”

“And I, the one in front of you, am the source of all that necromancy.”

The only six-star necromancer on the continent, Fina Raphaela Tigris.

She crossed her legs naturally and, with her chin resting on her hand, dropped a bombshell in a calm voice.

“Send a letter to that novice, Rodelia. Tell her it seems the Beltus family has links to necromancy.”

“If we accuse them falsely, it could turn against us.”

“Don’t worry, I will make it a reality. Our adorable disciple must take care of the task, so at least I will do my part.”

That girl was, in herself, like a living curse.

And she seemed ready to prove it.