Chapter 158

Chapter 158
Chapter 158

Today is the day Trisha returns to the main house. She will have received lessons from Baron Ravenclaw for the first time; I am curious to know what she thought of them.

Countess Rodelia was getting ready with the help of the servants.

Unlike many ladies of the nobility, she had a markedly untamed temperament, so she did not bother with flashy attire.

It was enough for her to make a small braid and apply light makeup so as not to damage her skin; with that, she finished quickly.

With several documents that had arrived from the central region of the continent in hand, she was heading to her office to review the day’s affairs.

Her chief aide walked by her side and spoke in a firm and disciplined voice.

“It seems that the negotiations with the Avalon territory have concluded without issues. The proposal for tax readjustment in the peripheral zones is still under review, but everything indicates that the result will be positive.”

“Then there is no need for me to review it personally. Any other news?”

“A letter has arrived from the Ravenclaw territory.”

“Oh? From Baron Ravenclaw himself?”

Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw did not usually exchange letters about unnecessary matters.

It was not common for him to take the initiative to contact her, so Rodelia paid attention to the contents of the letter.

However, the message was not as important as she expected.

Apparently, a woman named Katia Flameheart, who was Baron Ravenclaw’s teacher, will pass through the County of Renuel and the Duchy of Beltus. He personally requests that we facilitate her transit so that she does not suffer any inconvenience.

“Wow. That man always acts like a lone wolf, and yet now he is making requests as noble as they are classic.”

Among the nobility, it was quite common to resort to contacts to receive formal help.

Even so, it was curious that Baron Ravenclaw, who seemed oblivious to that world, would make such a direct request.

Since the other party was leaning on her, it was appropriate to reciprocate.

Managing these types of personal favors well ended up becoming a debt and, in the long run, a bond.

“If she is heading to Baron Ravenclaw’s territory, she will pass through my lands, cross the Rubes Plains, and then enter the Duchy of Beltus.”

“Yes. According to the information we have received, they plan to personally send the commander of the Orel mercenary company to receive her. Movement of troops toward the border area has already been detected.”

“They are sending the supreme commander of the territorial army just to escort a traveler?”

“Apparently, this Katia is a figure equivalent to a benefactor to Baron Ravenclaw, so they have ordered that she not be treated lightly under any circumstances.”

Denise, of the Beltus family, was very sharp at picking up on the atmosphere and very skilled at gathering information, so she knew the people close to Dereck well.

She knew perfectly well how much he valued Katia, and she had warned her subordinates not to offend her under any circumstances.

In matters like this, Denise always acted with speed and precision.

The only one capable of dealing with the proud young women of the Ravenclaw group was Dereck, and the person whom even Dereck followed with total confidence was Katia.

If she expressed an opinion, he always respected it, provided it was not excessively irrational.

Rodelia remained thoughtful.

Trisha had become Dereck’s disciple only a very short time ago, so no matter how much they exchanged letters, it was very likely that Katia did not know that yet.

In other words, it would be a first impression.

The importance of a first impression was something that anyone who frequented high society knew from childhood.

Therefore, they had to present themselves firmly.

“If Beltus plans to receive her with such care, we cannot be left behind. If we give in on matters like this, they will reproach us for it later.”

“What would you like us to do?”

“If they are sending their commander-in-chief, then I will go myself.”

“The Countess in person?”

Rodelia shrugged and replied.

“I have spent a long time focused solely on internal affairs, and my body is screaming for it. My best horses also need to run a bit. Since I have an excuse, I will take the opportunity to ride through the plains.”

“I-is that so? But…”

“Enough unnecessary comments. You were going to say that the head of the Renuel family should not move with such lightness, right?”

Rodelia was not only the head of the Renuel family, but also a former warrior who had traversed battlefields.

Spending too much time trapped in administrative tasks ended up exhausting anyone.

“It’s been a long time since I broke the necks of those dark mages; it seems like a good time to get in shape. I will prepare my best mounts and put my personal guard on alert. I will personally escort Katia to the border.”

“Was such an extraordinary reception really necessary?”

“With this, Baron Ravenclaw will not be able to say anything more. Besides, opportunities like this do not come around often; one must take advantage of them when they arise.”

Rodelia let out a laugh and walked with a firm step toward the stables.

The chief aide, visibly tense, hurried to follow her.

“We will clearly show the dignity of the Renuel family. Find out her itinerary in detail and report it.”

However, there was something Rodelia had not foreseen. Katia always moved half a step faster than the others, a habit she had kept since her days as a mercenary.

***

“She has no intention of properly declaring her identity or revealing what she is transporting in that carriage, and yet she expects us not to be suspicious. What audacity!”

Trisha was in a very good mood.

She had been pressured by Baron Ravenclaw, by Siern, by Diella, and by the nobles of Rose Hall, and despite being a young noblewoman carefully raised by the Renuel family, she had spent all day measuring every gesture.

Now that she finally had the opportunity to hold her head high as a noble, her mood could only improve even more.

When Trisha cast a piercing gaze, the soldiers guarding the gate shuddered.

That was precisely what she wanted: that uncomfortable and cautious look, as if they were facing something untouchable.

In the County of Renuel, it was enough for her to walk with a calm step for the servants to bow their heads, and even the highest-ranking vassals showed her respect first.

Remembering that she was a young noblewoman finally restored her confidence.

‘Yes… this is me… the proud flower of the noble Renuel family…’

“What Lady Renuel says is entirely true. However, as far as I understand, in the County of Renuel, exhaustive inspections are not carried out on those who simply transit through the peripheral zones.”

The County of Renuel was situated at the northernmost point of the southwest of the continent, and its outer lands extended like a long peninsula, making it impossible to inspect every traveler.

Aside from stopping previously registered merchants and collecting transit taxes, checking the wagons one by one was nothing more than a waste of administrative resources.

The mercenary mage, wrapped in a robe, spoke as politely as possible, with a lively and intelligent gaze.

“Of course, this does not apply to suspicious or dangerous individuals. I have presented the seal of the Elbester family. I believe that should be enough. What exactly is so suspicious that you keep trying to inspect the inside of the wagon?”

No matter how exemplary Countess Rodelia was, she could not personally supervise every checkpoint in the peripheral zones.

On occasion, soldiers would stop travelers in hopes of getting a few coins.

The mercenary seemed very much aware of that behavior.

“Ugh…”

Trisha shuddered.

The other person was someone who, compared to Trisha, seemed much viler, but an indescribable impulse emanated from her.

The clear and measured way in which she presented her position conveyed an inexplicable pressure.

When Trisha hesitated for an instant before responding, the soldier guarding the gate raised his voice.

“Do you think it is common for someone from Count Elbester’s family to travel to the southwest of the continent? How do we know it is not someone disguised as a vassal from a region so far away that it is almost impossible to verify, thus hiding their true identity?”

“Am I to understand then that you do not trust the seal of Count Elbester’s family? I have handed it to you several times to inspect. If I am forced to return, I will clearly inform the main house that the guards at the gate of the County of Renuel did not allow me to pass.”

The guard frowned.

It seemed that this mercenary had not the slightest intention of showing the inside of the carriage.

Evidently, there had to be something she wanted to hide.

It was not that he had not considered using that as a pretext to extract a few coins.

However, the excuse of detaining someone suspicious was clearly on his side.

Still, if she was so firm, perhaps they could let her pass pretending they could not do anything.

But now that Lady Trisha was watching the situation, they could no longer take it so lightly.

‘If there is no other option, I will have to show the inside and resolve it that way… but that would be a huge burden for Dereck. Is there no other way?’

Katia, who had never imagined she would have problems in a place like this, showed an expression of discomfort.

Katia wanted to hide at all costs the fact that Lady Freya of the County of Elbester had come all the way here.

Her influence, comparable to that of the cream of high society in the eastern continent, would undoubtedly have weight in the southwest as well.

If the guards found out, the news would immediately reach the main house of Renuel, and in the blink of an eye, the word would spread that Lady Freya of the County of Elbester was heading toward Ebelstein.

A simple trip to visit a disciple would end up becoming something excessively ostentatious.

Thinking about it now, perhaps it would have been better not to have brought Lady Freya, but regretting it at this point made no sense.

‘The seal of the County of Elbester…? That is the most powerful family in the east of the continent…!’

For her part, Trisha was also bewildered.

It was hard for her to believe that such a disheveled woman was really a vassal of the County of Elbester, but if she behaved badly there, she had no idea of the consequences that could bring her.

Still, no matter how much she thought about it, it did not seem credible.

Everyone knew how rich and powerful Count Elbester’s family was.

Sending a vassal in such a dilapidated carriage would do nothing but tarnish the family’s prestige.

She dressed like a low-ranking mercenary, appeared older, and certainly did not give the impression of holding a high position.

Instead of looking like someone from the County of Elbester, she looked like a simple impostor.

Letting her pass without questioning her was suspicious, but detaining her on grounds of suspicion could also lead to reprisals that were difficult to control.

‘Hmm…’

Trisha crossed her arms and remained silent for a brief moment.

Katia, who was watching Trisha attentively, began to move her head at high speed.

After all, it was Katia who taught Dereck to improvise and handle himself in the culture of the nobility.

Thanks to her extensive experience in social circles, it was enough to observe Trisha a couple of times to understand what kind of person she was.

‘That haughty tone, the constant emphasis on her family background… without a doubt, she is a proud person obsessed with noble authority.’

From her attire, filled with flashy ruffles, and her clearly expensive jewelry, it was obvious.

The servants accompanying her did not take their eyes off her, ready to fix her clothes at any moment.

It was the result of the education received from the beginning.

Young, but with enormous vanity.

Katia knew very well how to deal with people like that.

“I see. If it is Lady Trisha of the County of Renuel who makes the decision personally, I will abide by it without objection.”

“Eh…?”

“Lady Trisha’s reputation is so well known that it occasionally even reaches the social circles of the eastern continent. I have heard that you inherited intact the imposing presence of Countess Rodelia, whom they call little less than the reaper of dark mages: a pure, elegant, and firm-character person. If someone like you makes the decision personally, an insignificant mercenary like me has no choice but to accept it as a wise judgment.”

Trisha was the type of person who could not resist flattery.

As if she knew it perfectly, Katia spoke with impeccable fluency.

“In a way, it could be said that it is a blessing. The fact that it is not just anyone, but Lady Trisha herself who judges the matter, allows me to feel at ease.”

“Idiot. Do you think that just because you speak kindly I am going to be lenient?”

“I do not expect a favorable ruling. I only long for Lady Trisha’s wise judgment. If it is you, with your open mind and broad vision, who decides, even if it differs from my opinion, I will have no choice but to accept it.”

After saying that, Katia looked at Trisha with an expression full of respect.

There was a trace of sincerity in her gaze, and Trisha swallowed hard.

‘She speaks wonderfully…’

Trisha cleared her throat and looked away.

“Now that you mention it, that sapphire hairpin and those jade earrings look like works from the imperial workshop in the central region. With an outfit so befitting your rank, I am almost ashamed of my sloppy appearance.”

“Wow, you really know how to appreciate jewelry! That’s right. They are ornaments that common people like you could not get even working all your life.”

“The gems shine with an impressive light, but they do not compare to Lady Trisha’s beauty. Because of my profession, I have met many noble ladies, but someone like you stands out even among them, like an especially radiant jewel.”

“Hmph. Even if they are flattery, I must admit you hit the nail on the head.”

Trisha laughed with an “oh ho ho”, but suddenly she shuddered.

‘For an instant, I almost lowered my guard. What a poisonous tongue!’

Hardening her gaze again, she spoke coldly.

“Are you trying to get away with such obvious words? The more you speak, the more suspicious you become to me. Did you think I was so naive as to believe a few compliments?”

“…”

“With this attitude, I cannot stand idly by. You will follow me. I will have to interrogate you properly. Honestly, even when people are looked down upon, there are limits. How shameful!”

“How funny! Haha!”

“And thus ends the story of the ugly woman from the Antel family. Not everywhere are there women as beautiful as Lady Trisha. I myself had to pinch my thigh so as not to laugh.”

“Haha! It’s true, there are many who, looking like sewer rats, pretend to be noble ladies. Pathetic.”

“But thanks to people like them, figures of beauty like Lady Trisha can shine even more. Sometimes, one even feels gratitude toward those who serve as a backdrop.”

“Yes, yes, it’s true. Haha. Sometimes you even have to thank those rats. Mmm, is it a little cold? The air is freezing.”

“I am going to light a bonfire. That way I can warm the air immediately.”

“Your magic level is also quite high! You are really interesting!”

Trisha let out a laugh, and Katia, who played along, also smiled with satisfaction.

For Katia, who had lived ten years in high society, ten as a mercenary, and ten as a teacher, winning over Trisha was as easy as eating a bowl of soup.

If that was enough to satisfy her mood and be able to cross the territory without problems, she had no inconvenience.

She was not the type of person who needed to assert her pride in situations like this, and she had plenty of experience dealing with arrogant noble ladies.

As a result, Trisha became quite fond of Katia and ended up authorizing her passage.

She even ended up accompanying her back to the main house while they chatted animatedly.

And, going even further, Trisha, with her great enthusiasm, decided to accompany her to the other side of the border zone.

In any case, to return to the main house, she had to cross that border outcrop.

“Did you say your name was Katia…? What a peculiar history you have! Noble life, mercenary life, teacher life… There are not many around me with such a varied past.”

“I am not someone so extraordinary for Lady Trisha to worry about me. I simply live according to circumstances. Lady Trisha’s life, carrying the weight of a great family, must be much more exhausting.”

“Just as you say… ah… so few recognize my efforts. There are not many as perceptive as you.”

Trisha rested her chin on the armrest and let out a deep sigh.

She had spent the whole day exhausted, pending every gesture she made in front of Baron Ravenclaw.

Finally, having someone who knew how to flatter her made her feel at home.

With renewed spirits, Trisha raised her voice even higher.

“That’s it! You are an incredible storyteller! Everything you say is interesting! Come on, tell me something even more entertaining!”

“There are stories of nobles who had tragic endings in the eastern social circles. Did you know that there was one who died choking while eating at a banquet?”

“Really? I hadn’t heard that. They always say that the food from the east is delicious, so I suppose it was true.”

“To tell you that, first I would have to tell you about the state of the social circle fifteen years ago. Back then, the cook…”

Thus, Trisha let herself be carried away by Katia’s stories, with a radiant smile on her face.

She had finally returned home.

The Renuel territory: her world, where she was the protagonist.

While she delighted in that happiness, the two carriages moved side by side.

***

“…”

Denise could not believe what she was seeing.

In the border zone where the County of Renuel borders the Rubes Plains, she had brought soldiers to the gate, assuming that Katia would pass through there.

Even the commander of the Beltus family’s private troops, General Orel, had gone out after finishing the preparations for the reception.

Everything had been organized with the utmost care.

They could not enter through the gate of the County of Renuel with private soldiers following them.

Therefore, the plan consisted of waiting in the outer zone and, once Katia crossed the gate, receiving her personally and then joining the private troops to escort her.

For that reason, she had no choice but to enter through the gate accompanied only by two servants.

Thus, when she entered through the gate in silence…

A girl with a familiar face was sitting triumphantly on the driver’s seat of the carriage, raising her voice.

“Hahahaha! I like you a lot! I accompanied you personally to the gate, so don’t forget my favor! Next time I will grant you the privilege of seeing me again! Feel honored!”

“That is so. It is an immense honor, Lady Trisha.”

Next to Trisha, who was laughing with an “ohoho” while crossing her legs and waving a peacock feather fan, was…

None other than Katia Flameheart, Dereck’s teacher.

With a smile on her face, Katia used magic to warm the environment around her, showered Trisha with compliments and praise, and told her story after story without pause to please her.

She even went to the extreme of bowing her head and kneeling on one knee, perfectly observing all the manners proper to a vassal.

Trisha was so satisfied with Katia that she laughed openly while patting her on the shoulder.

“I wish all the vassals of the Renuel family were like you! Don’t you want to enter my personal service? I will pay you well!”

“It is a very generous offer, but as you know, I belong to the house of Count Elbester, so I am afraid that will not be possible.”

“Always so rigid. Fine, fine. What did you say your name was…? Katran? Kahit? Sorry, I’m not good at memorizing the names of servants. You will understand, with your status being so low.”

“Katia. Katia Flameheart.”

“That’s it! Katia! I will remember your name especially! If you ever want to enter my service, don’t hesitate to let me know! Ohoho!”

Trisha laughed with energy, visibly satisfied.

At a short distance, Denise’s face began to pale slowly.

The person kneeling in front of Trisha, observing the manners of a vassal,

It was Katia Flameheart, the person whom Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw cherished more than anyone in this world.

Denise gripped the edge of her dress tightly and hurried to where the gate guards were.

No matter how much she rubbed her eyes and looked again, it was not an illusion.

“T-Trisha… w-what… what are you doing…?”

“Eh? Denise? What are you doing in a border zone…?”

Just as both girls’ eyes widened in surprise,

Denise’s name clearly reached the ears of the old mercenary who was kneeling.

Unlike Trisha’s name, Denise’s name appeared constantly in the letters Dereck had been sending for many years.

That was why Katia was able to stand up slowly with an expression of genuine satisfaction.

“Lady Denise…?”

“A-ah… yes, I… um…”

“Dereck’s disciple…! Lady Denise of the Beltus family! I have heard that my Dereck has received a lot of help from you… Who would have thought that we would meet in a place like this! What a joy!”

Katia stood up with courtesy and elegance, unable to hide her happiness.

Upon hearing that “my Dereck,” loaded with such a particular closeness, Trisha could not help but turn her head with an expression of total amazement.

“…What?”

They say ignorance is not a sin.

But that does not mean it is free of charge.

“I am a being as miserable as a water beetle, a mosquito, a water bug, or a dung beetle…”

From the moment she understood the situation to the instant Trisha hit her head against the ground, not even ten seconds had passed.