Chapter 124

Chapter 124
## Chapter 124

“A person’s growth occurs explosively only when they challenge themselves to overcome an obstacle that lies beyond their limits. You, who have taught so many people, should know that better than anyone, shouldn’t you?”

“I agree, but isn’t it asking too much of someone who is barely trying to overcome the four-star level to face a five-star summoner?”

“Hahaha. When you were teaching those naive girls, you made them perform tasks that exceeded their limits, but now that it’s your turn, you seem worried. Is that not how one becomes a master—only by talking a lot?”

Fina let out a genuine laugh, with the expression of a mischievous child.

Her way of laughing, swinging her bare feet in the air, was so different from when she acted as Dereck’s disciple during the day that it was hard to believe she was the same person.

Dereck lowered his gaze with an incredulous expression, but Fina continued smiling.

No matter how they were compared, assigning a physically demanding task and directly facing a five-star mage were not equivalent things.

“You have such a strong desire for self-improvement that your limits are too high. You are like a stubborn guy who clenches his teeth and endures trials that would make common mages roll on the floor and cry inconsolably. So, this should be considered a challenge to your limits, shouldn’t it?”

“If I make a mistake, I will die.”

“Enjoy that intense sensation. Death is always closer than you think.”

Dereck was someone who had traveled the battlefields as a mercenary.

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However, he avoided reckless acts that flirted between life and death; that was not bravery, but foolishness.

Many comrades, with their heads held high, had walked the tightrope of death and finally departed from this world.

Although his work carried a certain degree of risk, he rarely took the initiative to face a greater danger.

But the necromancer who dealt with death and vengeful spirits seemed quite displeased with Dereck’s attitude; she pouted and grumbled.

“You underestimate my judgment. Perhaps it is still too early for you to be able to defeat a five-star mage, but you will never lose.”

“What do you mean by that?”

“You think you know yourself well, but I can see through you. You define yourself as a talented mage, but your pure magical ability is not what matters most.”

The reason Fina decided to take Dereck as her disciple was partly due to his exceptional magical talent, but there was a much clearer reason.

“You have a fanatical ambition. Those born with that temperament never give up just because something seems impossible. When you speak seriously about reaching seven stars, you are already a bit crazy. A lunatic, a madman; most live as fools and die in vain.”

Fina hurled insults at Dereck without hesitation, although there was another hidden meaning in the words of this woman who called herself his master.

“But it is very fun. Those who reach the six-star rank are usually precisely those crazy ones.”

“…”

“In the end, it’s like spitting while lying down. Aren’t you curious to know how this magnificent master reached the six-star rank?”

Dereck leaned back on the sofa and observed Fina for a moment.

The first six-star necromancy magic she learned was the “Mark of Reincarnation.” It was not a level that could be reached with simple diligent training.

Sitting in front of her, Dereck silently watched as Fina laughed arrogantly, with a touch of malice, and then spoke slowly.

“In your first life, even before the reincarnation began, what kind of life did you lead?”

“Of course, that is a secret.”

“…”

“Trying to coax private information out of a lady so easily shows that you have not yet mastered the norms of social etiquette.”

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Fina let out a laugh and then changed the subject.

“Well, your will doesn’t really matter. I have already sown traps that will become the roots of my necromancy within the Beltus family.”

“…”

“If you wait calmly, the trap will come on its own. When the time comes, you will only have to crush the head of the cruel and arrogant Duke of Beltus, who dared to challenge the Barony of Ravenclaw. Quite simple, right?”

“Why are you doing all this?”

From time to time, Dereck asked questions that wounded like a spear.

Fina stopped laughing suddenly. She could guess the intention behind his question.

“No matter how much you manage to escape the cycle of reincarnation, getting directly involved with one of the highest powers in the southwest of the continent is risky even for you. It is strange that someone trying to hide their identity would take such a risk.”

“A foolish disciple trying to measure the profound and infinite intentions of his magnificent master. Everything has a purpose.”

“The matter is too serious to cover up with vague words.”

“You are very stubborn, eh?”

Fina regained her smile and continued with a relaxed tone.

“Yes. It is not just to increase your magical power, Dereck. If you defeat Beltus, I will also benefit. There are things I can obtain from that family.”

“What things?”

“I already told you, didn’t I? Prying into a lady’s secrets is a lack of tact.”

Although she had lived for hundreds of years and looked more like a monster than a lady, her appearance was always that of a young girl.

And since her identity had always been that of a girl, it was not difficult to understand her behavior.

“I understand. But I cannot help but ask one last question.”

Dereck spoke calmly.

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“You said that when I reached a high level, you would have a favor to ask of me.”

“…”

“What is it?”

For the first time, Fina narrowed her eyes at her disciple’s serious question and smiled with satisfaction.

She rested her chin on her hand, crossed her legs, and smiled seductively.

In her gaze shone the traces of a long life and the calm she sought at the end of it.

When she opened her eyes, she saw an ambitious mage who seemed to want to reach even the heavens. His talent was no less than that of a genius.

Finally, with an enigmatic expression, Fina whispered.

“You will know when the time comes. It may seem sudden to you, but from my perspective, a disciple like you is a very valuable treasure.”

Dereck frowned and nodded, but Fina did not seem to care about his indifferent attitude.

As was usual for six-star mages, she was a difficult person to understand.

***

*Crunch.*

Late at night, after finishing his business with Fina.

When both left the reception hall and entered the hallway, they immediately encountered a familiar face.

“Oh, heavens… Lord Dereck. And Lady Fina…”

It was Aiselin, who already seemed completely recovered, accompanied by the butler, Delbriton.

They seemed to be heading toward the room where Dereck was, holding some documents, perhaps to report on certain matters related to the training center.

When Dereck nodded, Aiselin looked alternately at Fina and Dereck, sweating slightly, and greeted them.

“Good evening, Miss Aiselin. Are you feeling better now?”

“Yes, of course. Lord Dereck, what brings you and Lady Fina here at these hours…?”

Before Aiselin’s gaze, Fina’s arrogant attitude vanished completely, being immediately replaced by that of a simple country lady.

The innocent smile that replaced her mischievous expression was so charming that it was hard to believe she was the same person. That contrast never ceased to amaze.

“Master Dereck is giving me private magic lessons. As you know, he is very busy during the day, so I visit him at night.”

“Ah, I see. Er…”

Aiselin swallowed hard, as if she were making a decision, then gathered her courage and spoke again.

“Er… um!”

“Do you have something to tell me? If it’s about the training center, we should go to the office first…”

“That’s not it!”

Aiselin stammered, as if she had something stuck in her throat. Behind her, the butler Delbriton, who was holding the documents, also showed a strangely tense expression.

Finally, Aiselin composed herself and spoke firmly.

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“I don’t know how you’ll take it… and please… I hope you don’t misunderstand or feel uncomfortable!”

“…?”

“Lady Fina is also a valuable member of the Tigris Barony… so, what would others think if a man and a woman saw each other alone every night? Besides, Dereck is engaged, isn’t he? If the ladies of the center misunderstand the situation, they might hold it against you…”

Although Dereck and his fiancée, Pheline, did not look like a romantic couple at all, Aiselin knew that the problem lay in public perception. If an engaged man behaved too freely every night, some women might consider him a libertine.

Even if their relationship was purely academic, the imagination of young women at the age of falling in love could easily run wild.

That was why Aiselin had gathered enough courage to say what she thought. It was rare to see the normally serene and kind Aiselin show such determination, and Dereck could not help but sweat uncomfortably.

However, Fina’s perspective was different.

Thanks to her sharp perception of others’ thoughts, she realized that Aiselin’s words did not come solely from concern for Dereck’s reputation.

*’Oh… so it’s like that?’*

Fina’s eyes sparkled.

Thanks to her vast experience, she knew that each reincarnation required its own entertainment to drive away boredom.

Seeing Aiselin so nervous, Fina’s eyes shone with mischief, as if she had just discovered a new toy.

Before Dereck could respond, Fina stepped forward with a radiant smile.

“Miss Aiselin, you have a very vivid imagination!”

Aiselin looked at her with a tense expression, but Fina continued smiling sweetly.

However, her next words were not as kind as her expression.

“Officially, we only have a relationship of master and disciple, and everything else is a product of the imagination, isn’t it? If we let those rumors disturb us and worry too much about appearances, how could we achieve great things as future leaders of our lands? We would only become petty people.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“In addition, there are some subtle inaccuracies in your comment, Lady Aiselin.”

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Fina, who always smiled with the innocence of a country girl, sketched a slight smile once more.

However, that smile was very different from the kind one she usually showed in public.

It was as if a reddish light flickered in her lavender eyes, and Aiselin could not help her fingers from trembling slightly.

“Those who despise men of loose morals only pretend. At least, that is what I believe.”

“What…?”

“They say that heroes are passionate, and for centuries it has been common for women to feel attracted to troubled men with many lovers. Isn’t that so, Master Dereck?”

*What on earth is this woman talking about?*

However, Dereck found no way to refute her words.

He did not know what kind of romantic fantasies noble girls had, but he, who had read several romance novels—among them *The Arrogant Lord Robain*—knew it quite well.

The protagonists of those stories—burly and charming men—were usually the type who bragged and had multiple love affairs, which often left him perplexed.

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No matter how much he thought about it, he could not understand those tastes; he himself was a serious and diligent man, so it was natural that he did not empathize with that type of behavior.

“Of course, I am not that different.”

With a subtly provocative smile, Fina locked eyes with Aiselin.

There was a meaning in that look, one that required reflection to be understood.

Seeing Aiselin sweating profusely, Fina was on the verge of bursting into laughter, but she managed to contain herself and maintained a serene expression.

With a sweet smile, she looked at Dereck.

“Well, until next time, Master. Preferably, like today… in the deep and ambitious night.”

Having said that, Fina rested her chin on one hand, gave a slight bow, and disappeared down the dark hallway between Delbriton and Aiselin.

Aiselin stood stunned watching her leave. Her lips were trembling, completely pale.

“Miss Aiselin?”

“Y-Yes… It is quite late. Perhaps it was rude to come and talk about work matters at these hours… I… I don’t know.”

“No, no problem. It doesn’t require much effort, so we can finish it quickly…”

“N-No. It’s already late, so please, get some rest.”

Aiselin, completely bewildered, sweated while backing away. She seemed unable to order her thoughts.

Thus, she also quickly disappeared into the darkness of the hallway. Unlike Fina’s serene steps, Aiselin’s were clumsy and unstable.

“…”

Only silence remained in the hallway.

Delbriton and Dereck, with the documents still in hand, continued in that uncomfortable silence.

“…”

“…”

“Do you have something to say, Delbriton?”

“…Yes.”

Delbriton’s gold monocle gleamed under the moonlight.

He had been an exemplary butler since his days at the Rochester mansion and continued to perform his duties with the same precision at the Ravenclaw estate.

That was why, even in such a situation, he was able to choose his words calmly.

“Baron, as the primary servant of this chamber, I always act with conviction. I have no intention of opposing your decisions or your policies; my duty is to fulfill my responsibilities with the utmost diligence.”

“…”

“However, there is something I must say now. For the sake of the Baron’s future and the stability of this house, I must speak. I beg you to listen to my words carefully.”

It was inevitable that women would be attracted to a man with a title.

Delbriton knew better than anyone that it was common for nobles to be involved in various scandals.

Therefore, he knew exactly what he had to say at that moment, with conviction.

“…You must use contraceptives.”

“…”

Dereck thought.

Even in that situation, the man could speak with total honesty for the sake of his lord. Without a doubt, he was reliable and sincere.

Even so, Dereck had to bring a hand to his temples, as his head was starting to ache.

***

After visiting Aiselin, Denise walked through the hallway of the main Beltus mansion with a visibly tense expression.

Following the orders of Grand Duke Beltus, she had inspected the situation in the Ravenclaw Barony and had found countless flaws in the management of the property.

If she were to develop strategies to pressure Baron Ravenclaw based on that information, there would be countless diverse and malicious ways to do so.

No matter how capable Dereck was, his power as a noble remained relatively weak.

If Grand Duke Beltus decided to crush him, he would suffer to a point that would almost inspire pity.

“The Grand Duke is looking for you, Lady Denise.”

Her personal maid, Bella, approached with a worried expression. Denise nodded slightly, straightened her dress, and walked toward the reception hall.

*— If necessary, you can stab me in the back.*

The garden of the baron’s mansion.

The image of the man who had uttered those words with a hollow expression had remained engraved in her heart like a thorn.

The Beltus family had ordered her to betray that man and serve the interests of the family.

And the man himself had said there was no problem in betraying him.

With that, nothing held her back anymore.

“…”

Denise hardened her heart and climbed the stairs toward the central hall.

There was an unusual fierceness in those eyes that normally seemed calm and carefree.