Chapter 163

Chapter 163
Chapter 163
## Chapter 163: Whose Disciple? (4)

“Derek has mentioned a lot about you to me. They say you enjoy considerable fame on the Eastern continent. It is truly an honor to meet you in person.”

Inside the Duplein family residence, which looked completely renovated, Aiselin was sitting in front of a teacup. Her smile was so refined that it seemed to harmonize with the beauty of the flowers surrounding her.

While still, she evoked the image of a pure white hyacinth; when smiling, she brought to mind a radiant lily; if she frowned, she resembled a daffodil; and even in anger, she projected the strength of a vibrant red rose. It was no wonder she was known as the sovereign of southwestern high society, inevitably captivating anyone who exchanged words with her.

However, in Katia’s mind, the image of that same woman wielding a pickaxe in the middle of a construction site kept replaying, causing her to break out in a cold sweat, while Aiselin fidgeted with her pinky finger due to nerves.

There are bonds that are forged by first showing one’s least graceful side.

Although Derek seemed convinced that everything would go smoothly, Aiselin and Katia did not share his optimism at all.

“I am no longer worthy of considering myself Derek’s mentor. The time when I could instruct him in magic has long since passed.”

“But Derek always speaks with great admiration about the teachings he received from you. He is not someone who gives out meaningless compliments, nor does he usually praise others with such a level of enthusiasm.”

“I thank you for your kind words. And this is… Lady Freya, whom I am currently instructing in the arts of witchcraft.”

“Is there anyone in the eastern social spheres who hasn’t heard of Lady Freya of the Count? It is a true honor to meet you!”

The meeting between Aiselin, the most prominent noble figure in the southwest, and Freya, who dominated the social scene in the east, was an event of such magnitude that it would have caused an uproar in Evelstain’s high society if it had been made public.

Due to the geographical distance and their individual lives, it was extremely rare for their paths to cross.

Freya observed Aiselin with contained astonishment.

<<>>

Aiselin’s bright smile managed to purify the atmosphere surrounding her. One could almost visualize her wagging an invisible tail full of emotion.

Freya, having heard that she was the queen of the southwestern nobility, had imagined a cunning woman with a frigid temperament; she could not have been more wrong.

Even Katia, who felt disturbed by the memory of their first meeting, began to relax gradually.

Despite that initial image of Aiselin with a pickaxe in hand, her aesthetic elegance was indisputable as she sat demurely at the tea table in her family mansion.

In her days as a mercenary in Evelstain, Katia had often heard stories about the honor and poise of the Duplein house.

‘Hmm…’

Katia closed her eyes for a second, visualizing Aiselin. She imagined her wearing a splendid dress and laughing with joy while walking arm in arm with Derek.

After the arduous paths that Derek has had to travel, having someone to offer him support while he gives himself over to his passion for magic seemed perfect… until that image collided again with that of Aiselin with her sleeves rolled up, working hard in a mine.

That internal contradiction caused her a slight dizziness.

“I have spent much of my life moving among the nobility and have dealt with countless ladies, but I confess that Lady Aiselin is someone truly complex to decipher.”

Katia possesses an extremely patient character. She is capable of treating even the most conceited individuals with courtesy, just as she does with Tricia, always maintaining a cordial smile.

However, when it comes to the woman who could accompany Derek, her criteria become extremely rigorous.

At first glance, Aiselin seems impeccable, but a doubt assails Katia. Her inclination to get involved in everything could prove to be a heavy burden for Derek.

‘Even so, she belongs to the Duplein family… Perhaps I shouldn’t… I am overanalyzing this.’

Just when Katia began to let her guard down…

— Bang! Bang!

A strange, dull thud rumbled from the hallway.

They were in the Duplein mansion, a place designed to exude eternal elegance, but that sound of violent blows made Aiselin startle.

It was obvious that she was already expecting something like this to happen.

— Lady Diela! I beg you! Forgive me just this once! I am deeply sorry! Let me make up for my fault!

— Very well. If you seek redemption, I will grant it to you. Choose now. Do you prefer to receive lashes until your limbs lose all sensation, or do you prefer to leave this mansion in silence as payment for your lack of ethics?

— Please! Give me one more chance! I swear I will never touch the accounting books again! I will pay back every coin I took! I just need some time…!

— Take your hands off my clothes. You are staining them.

Thud! Thud!

The crisp sound of something being crushed was heard.

Aiselin lost the color in her face while Katia and Freya tensed up.

Derek had no choice but to remain in absolute silence.

Raeg holds the title of head of the Dupleins, having Aiselin as the operational support and moral heart of the family.

Although Raeg is a man of firm principles, he tends to hesitate; Aiselin has a special talent for social bonds, but lacks firmness.

Naturally, that is not enough. To lead any organization, someone who projects authority and fear is required; people’s will does not always move with incentives alone.

— Do you think this home is an easy target? An employee of your rank falsifying records, altering accounts, and stealing jewelry intended for official protocols… Even witnessing the delicate situation of our family? That money you stole could have served to improve your colleagues’ salaries!

— Lady Diela…!

— What is it? Did you think you would profit after our recovery? You should have asked first. I will grant you my forgiveness, but it will come at a cost. Choose: your legs or your job. Give up one of the two.

— I’m sorry… I’m truly sorry!

— I ordered you not to pull on my shirt! I have an important commitment to attend to!

— Whack! Whack! Crack! Bam!
— Crash! Boom!

After a series of additional violent noises, calm gradually returned.

Although the soundproofing of the guest parlor is acceptable, the recent renovations have not yet reached perfection.

Whether because she didn’t notice or because she simply didn’t care, Diela ignored the dishonest subordinate and smoothed out the folds of her dress.

— Knock, knock.
— Ahem, ahem.

In the midst of the deathly silence, the door to the room opened with a slight creak.

The young woman who entered with a charming expression was none other than Diela Catalina Duplein.

“Well, greetings to you all. I came over upon hearing of your arrival. You must be Derek’s teacher, Lady Katia. I offer you my sincerest apologies for the mess in the house… I beg you to be understanding.”

She performed a perfect curtsy, holding the hem of her dress with a distinction that was the spitting image of the most refined nobility.

“I am Derek’s primary disciple. Diela, at your service.”

Her behavior was such that it made the sounds of violence from a moment ago seem like a mere illusion.

She possessed golden curls that shone, delicate features similar to a doll’s, and a dress adorned with lace and a large ribbon; her small stature was adorable, awakening the instinct to protect her.

But those who accompanied her trembled for no apparent reason. It was wisest not to inquire into what had happened in that hallway.

Although her almond-shaped eyes exuded charm, a closer look revealed a coldness that was difficult to explain.

As it was commonly said, only two individuals in Evelstain were capable of dealing with her: Derek and Aiselin. Fortunately, both were there.

*

“Is the atmosphere always this freezing…?”

Lady Freya could not stop trembling after speaking with the Duplein sister.

Although initially, she felt intimidated to meet the great figure of the southwest, Aiselin, she ended up branding the image of Diela into her mind.

Being younger, smaller, and also a student of Derek, Freya technically held a superior hierarchy in the teaching relationship.

Despite having those advantages, Freya remained seated stiffly, gripping her knees with hands that were surely soaked in cold sweat.

Even while silent, Diela radiated the imposing presence of a lioness roaring behind her back.

Although Raeg and Aiselin are good-hearted people, the efficiency with which this huge household is now managed was terrifying.

“Professor Katia wishes to speak with them more in depth. We should withdraw to recover from the trip.”

“Agreed.”

Upon leaving the guest parlor, Freya walked with the relief of an inmate who has just been pardoned.

Seeing her state, Derek tried to calm her with a certain clumsiness: “Both are noble people.”

“I… I understand…”

Freya swallowed hard and advanced next to Derek along the corridors of the immense property. He slowed his pace on purpose to match hers, demonstrating his social tact.

Their first meeting occurred during the catastrophe at the Duplein home; this second meeting was happening right here. It was still ironic.

Since Katia was not there and there were no prying ears, Freya addressed the baron with seriousness:

“During what happened at the mansion… I already told you my doubts about the possible involvement of Countess Kohlera. I told you that I would help you if necessary, do you remember?”

“That’s right, I remember.”

“Since then, I carried out my own inquiries. Although Countess Kohlera almost never set foot in the Gremfort palace due to her multiple tasks, she left behind research logs, mostly dated documents.”

Kohlera, the Chief Magical Advisor of Gremfort Castle: a 6th Star Transformation Witch.

Right hand of Emperor Gertrel and one of the most famous figures in magic today. Without a doubt, the most valuable asset of the Elvester lineage.

Having been in the Ravenclaw Barony previously, Derek paid full attention.

“You investigated… in what way? Should I prepare myself to hear the great spy chronicle of Lady Freya? I imagine it is a long tale.”

“Could you… settle for a summary?”

“I thought so…”

Making a small gesture of disapproval, Freya narrated how she infiltrated Countess Kohlera’s private office: a bold feat that would deserve to be told calmly over tea.

Derek’s countenance became gloomy upon hearing her conclusions.

“Countess Kohlera, being an expert in 6-star transformation, seeks to establish contact with mages of her same level. It is very likely that her goal is to reach the legendary 7-star rank that belonged to the Great Mage Adelbert.”

Only those who have reached 6 stars dare to yearn for the seventh level. However, for centuries, no one has managed to cross that frontier.

Adelbert’s Seven-Star Realm was considered a sacred territory and inaccessible to mortals. Even so, greed does not understand time. Despite her age, Kohlera never abandoned that desire.

“She has met with every renowned mage and has developed various tools and magical weaponry to locate users of great power.”

Although Derek only holds 4 stars, he is worthy of her personal attention, as she suspects he could hide immense potential or even possess a secret 6-star rank.

Freya pulled a note from her pocket: “Not even Lord Drest, a 6-star detection expert, was able to evade her surveillance.”

“It’s logical. Transformation magic of that level can alter fate itself; manufacturing a detector would be something simple for her. Although not even that artifact could locate Mr. Drest.”

It is rumored that 6-Star Transformation Magic is capable of giving life to objects that defy reality.

Kohlera also enjoyed immense political power: all of Gremfort’s magical advisors followed her orders without questioning them.

“After a lifetime of searching… if she cannot locate an individual, there are only two possibilities. Either that person has transcended death… or has escaped perception itself.”

In Freya’s notes, two terms appeared:
– Necromancers
Magic that confuses the limits of death or perception.

To evade Kohlera’s surveillance while traveling across the continent, one must fall into one of those categories.

Derek knew someone with those characteristics: a sorcerer who cheated death through constant reincarnation, camouflaged in the nobility. Not even Kohlera can find the deceased.

However, there was another alternative, something unprecedented. Confusion magic: the art of deceiving the senses and distorting perception.

What happens upon reaching the peak of the sixth level? What discoveries did the elderly mage make in the Gremfort laboratories?

“There is someone who is present but at the same time is not. Someone who is by our side, but is invisible. Someone who is already walking among us.”

“…”

“That was Countess Kohlera’s final note in her research.”

Derek stood motionless in the hallway. Suddenly, he turned his head quickly, but only found the emptiness of the corridor behind him.

A 6-star confusion magic expert. A being whose existence could be impossible to confirm, whose presence is not retained in memory even after having had them in front of you.

Could it be possible that someone like that existed? Derek narrowed his eyes and nodded. “That’s right.”

For reasons that were unknown, Kohlera sought to meet with every 6-star mage. That seemed like a logical conclusion, so Derek limited himself to agreeing.

The sunset cast long shadows. Through the large window, the construction of the Ravenclaw Academy could be seen extending toward the horizon. Beyond the enigmas, there were crucial tasks that demanded his attention.

While Derek remained deep in his thoughts…

At the entrance of the residence, bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, a large carriage was passing the security checks.

Squinting, Derek recognized a young woman who was desperately trying to give explanations to the guard.

It was Tricia, with a face that reflected absolute anguish. Derek could already feel his head starting to ache.