Chapter 164

Chapter 164
Chapter 164
## Chapter 164: Whose disciple? (5)

The Barony of Rodelen, under the rule of Ravenclaw, stands out for its constant warm climate and a radiant sun that bathes its lands, which has turned it into a highly prestigious wine-growing area.

For Sirine, accustomed to traversing frozen landscapes and contemplating views of wintry desolation, finding herself in this place is like having found an earthly Eden. The environment was overflowing with vibrant and lush vegetation. As she sat on the roof of the guest house, observing the vastness of the prairies, she felt her anxieties dissipate completely.

Those days of crying and loneliness in the tower of the Rochester Territory, where she would hug herself seeking comfort, now felt like a remote past. The Barony of Ravenclaw had transformed into her new home.

However, the image of Melberot, the guardian of the North of Rochester, crossed her mind from time to time. A pang of duty told her that she should return there at least once. She thought that, had she remained on that frozen ground instead of this warm refuge, her own spirit would have ended up cooling.

—It’s fine. I must return, even if just once.

Despite the fulfillment she felt in this place, she wanted to visit her father occasionally to alleviate his loneliness. It was a longing that grew inside her inevitably.

***

«I feel like my head is going to explode».

Katia was experiencing deep confusion as she watched the Duplein sisters. Despite her vast experience, she found it impossible to define this pair with simple words. Aiselin, the eldest, projected the image of an impeccable aristocrat, but she hid a fervent and almost maniacal obsession with management and administrative tasks.

—Lord Derek seems not to understand how crucial his own rest is. Wouldn’t it be logical for him to delegate to me not only the administration of Duplein, but also that of the Ravenclaw barony? He looks at me with concern, fearing that it might be an excessive burden for me… but I cannot get him to relent. Maybe if you speak with him, Lady Katia, you will manage to get him to change his mind.

Aiselin continued her insistence:

—What do you think, Lady Katia? Derek is totally devoted to his magic training, and with the opening of the academy, he will have to spend his vitality on teaching. Isn’t it a waste that he loses time on bureaucracy? As someone who esteems Derek, don’t you think you should try to persuade him more firmly?

—Well… that a lady of the high nobility like Lady Aiselin would surrender herself to such labors seems something…

—Not at all! It doesn’t bother me in the slightest! That is why I beg you to help me convince Derek, Lady Katia!

If Aiselin was bewildering due to her workaholism, Diela provoked an unease of an entirely different nature.

—What was Derek’s childhood like? —Diela asked.

—In the poorest sectors… he went through many hardships. However, he was always a man of firm convictions and his enthusiasm for magic is genuine; watching him teach is very satisfying —replied Katia.

—I see… And did he have other bonds… back then?

—What was that?

—That mercenary, Pellin… she didn’t seem to pique his interest… but Derek knows many people, who knows? Someone with whom he holds shared memories, a friendship forged in adversity… are there many people like that in his life?

—What is… that question for?

—Simple curiosity.

Just as happened when she met Denis, Katia noticed that Derek was under the constant scrutiny of many people. Although it could be seen as a sign of success, seeing the sisters giving orders to the soldiers just a few moments earlier had left her speechless.

Each member of the Ravenclaw College exhibited traits so peculiar that they clashed head-on with the usual customs of high society. Even the experienced Katia could not help but feel overwhelmed. Each one possessed unique eccentricities.

«Derek… what kind of existence do you lead to have to deal with such complex personalities?».

Since they were all women of high lineage, they could not be treated lightly. Instructing in the magical arts while living with such characters could not be an easy job.

«I cannot give up. After this trip to the southwest, my goal is to locate more allies who can safeguard Derek».

She had successfully managed to re-establish contact with her former pupil. Now only a few details remained before undertaking the return to the County of Elvester.

Although choosing the ideal companion for Derek was not a matter of immediate life or death, she wanted at least to detect the best candidates.

«I must infiltrate Evelstain society to obtain answers. I need to gather with the ladies of the Rosea Hall…».

Showing a cordial smile, Katia expressed her gratitude to the Duplein sisters.

—It has been a true pleasure. Verifying the progress of the academy and meeting those who have supported Derek so much is very gratifying.

—Ah, I see… Are you leaving already?

—As Lady Aiselin pointed out, an immense volume of work awaits Derek in Ravenclaw. I do not wish for him to waste his time with me by playing an excessively attentive host.

Although Derek seemed to genuinely enjoy her company after such a long time, Katia considered that it was time to leave. She felt a slight pang of pity for the Duplein sisters, who had taken such pains with their appearance to stand out, but she preferred not to pass judgment.

«The ones missing are Lady Elente of the Belmiard lineage… and Lady Sirine of the House of Rocheste, right? I cannot even imagine what kind of people they will be».

Katia already sensed an imminent headache. From what she had read in the letters, all of Derek’s close associates had extravagant traits. She only had left to hope that the two remaining ones were somewhat more conventional.

After formally saying goodbye, Katia walked through the corridor guided by the servants and let out a deep sigh.

During the sunset, she walked briefly through the central garden of the Duplein mansion. She reflected on how, usually, the people with the greatest authority and depth are the most complicated to deal with. As leader of the Flameheart family, she had rarely encountered such difficulties. The nobles of her region tended to be direct and predictable. What relief she felt when the intentions of others were transparent.

That was the type of people she was used to dealing with for almost her whole life.

As she was immersed in these thoughts, a shout broke the silence of the garden:

—Don’t you know who I am?! I am Tricia, of the House of Renuel! You should have recognized me instantly!

—Y-yes… of course, Lady Tricia. Impossible not to recognize you. We were organizing the staff to receive your carriage with the due honors…

—I said that’s not necessary! Get out of the way! If the trail is lost after sunset, I will be done for! I have to solve this disaster immediately!

There was an altercation at the main entrance of the property. Katia, upon observing carefully, identified the young woman.

—A thousand apologies. If you had notified us of your arrival, none of this would have happened…

—Are you blaming me now?!

—No! Not at all, my lady!

Upon contemplating Tricia losing her temper in front of the bewildered servants, Katia felt, curiously, a relief in her heart. That was the exact image of the young and immature aristocrat: arrogant and spoiled.

People like Aiselin or Denis, with that appearance of absolute perfection and sharp intelligence, were exceptional cases. The common thing among the nobility tended to oscillate between foolishness and a lack of modesty. Finding someone who fit so well into that traditional mold…

It was ironic, but it brought her peace. Tricia was the reflection of the capricious young women with whom Katia had always dealt.

—Lady Tricia, am I wrong?

—Who else would it be? I am very busy, so if it is not important… —Tricia interrupted herself abruptly—. Lady Katia, greetings.

As soon as Tricia realized who it was, her posture became rigid and her attitude took a radical turn. It was a hypocritical change but so familiar that it felt nostalgic to Katia. All the accumulated tension disappeared. A genuine smile illuminated her face as she addressed Tricia calmly.

—It seems you have some inconvenience?

—It’s just… you see…

Tricia, for her part, wished the earth would swallow her whole. She had run all day toward the Duplein mansion to improve her reputation, and the first thing she did upon arriving was to yell at the service in front of Katia. She felt like disappearing right there out of pure shame.

***

—So I informed the Duplein ladies about the arrival of Lady Tricia. They will take care of attending to her properly. That was all that happened.

Already in the carriage that was taking them back to the Barony of Ravenclaw, Derek showed a confused countenance when remembering Tricia pulling her hair out of frustration. Knowing her volatile character, he feared she might have offended Katia. However, to his surprise, Katia spoke with a renewed spirit.

—Lady Tricia… possesses a special gift for making others relax…

—…… Sorry?

—It is complex to narrate… but seeing her transmits a strange serenity to me. Perhaps it is because she reminds me of the personalities that frequent oriental society…

—Do you really believe that?

Tricia, sunk in the idea that she had ruined her image, remained pale and nervous. Derek, although he observed her gestures with attention, did not know how to console her and limited himself to giving her a light touch of support on the shoulder.

To his astonishment, Katia did not seem at all annoyed with the young woman.

«Tricia is a separate case… but my Master is truly unpredictable».

That benevolence could be interpreted in many ways. Katia was so accustomed to that environment that she could tolerate even someone as impetuous as Tricia. Derek kept looking at her, maintaining his expression of bewilderment.

***

Upon arriving at the Barony of Ravenclaw, they headed toward the main residence. After allowing the employees to rest after an exhausting day and leaving the room ready for Lady Freya, Derek and Katia crossed the garden while the darkness of night set in.

—It has really been worth it to come here. By letter I could not perceive it, but seeing it personally changes everything.

—Do you feel that way?

—Yes. Since we separated in that market in Elvester, you have not stopped fighting. These lands, your mastery of magic, the students who follow you and those who support you… everything is the result of your tenacity.

—You dedicate excessive praise to me.

—Hmm… do you think it is just a compliment? It is the amazing story of a common person who has managed to reach the summit.

They entered the house and went up to the upper floor. They headed to Derek’s office to share some tea and converse a little before retiring.

—That is why this trip has been so valuable. Tomorrow I will see the nobles of Evelstain and, if there is nothing noteworthy, I will return to the County of Elvester.

—So soon? After such a long journey…

—Matters at the Elvester mansion are piling up. It is not easy to find the time, but it has been a profitable investment.

Katia stopped and gave him a smile full of affection.

—Derek. You have done an admirable job. Seeing that you prosper in this way… fills me with energy.

Derek did not usually externalize his feelings, and Katia knew it well, so she did not expect a great response. However, after listening to her, he smiled in a way unusual for him.

—It is all thanks to having had the best teacher.

Katia remained silent for a moment before returning the gesture with tenderness.

—This student of mine has become very daring; he has already surpassed everything I could teach him.

—Don’t say that. No matter what happens, I will always carry with pride being your disciple.

Derek shrugged kindly upon reaching the door of his office. In a world that often turned out to be cold and hostile, having met Katia in that miserable alley was, for him, the greatest miracle of his life.

With that feeling, he opened the door to his office.

—What do you think about herbal tea before sleeping? I have asked a servant to bring…

Suddenly, a piercing cold emerged from the inside. In the room, submerged in total darkness under a moonless night, a figure could be distinguished sitting on Derek’s large desk.

It was someone of short stature, dressed in a sophisticated lace dress and lavender-colored hair meticulously combed, matching her eyes. It was the six-star mage who had said goodbye with a solemn air, ensuring that they would probably not cross paths again. Derek frowned at the lugubrious atmosphere emanating from the room.

Katia, right behind him, was petrified. Although the young woman in the office was a stranger to her, the pressure that her presence exerted robbed her of speech.

The girl was soaked in blood. The ferrous smell was so intense that it was unbearable even from a distance. She seemed to have emerged directly from a slaughterhouse.

—Wait…

Before Derek could articulate a word, eyes devoid of brightness landed on him. A voice loaded with an unsettling energy resonated in the air.

—Derek~!

The intonation intended to be jovial, but hid a terrifying dissonance. While Derek retreated instinctively to analyze the danger, the figure, Phee, jumped off the desk leaving a trail of crimson drops. Her eyes harbored an abyssal and indecipherable darkness.

—Why did you take so long? I almost lost my patience waiting. My dear disciple, Derek.

—Miss Phee?

—Yes, it is me. Your teacher, the one who will lead you to unattainable summits; your only mentor. Pine Rafaela Tigris. Engrave my name in your mind. Forget the formalities. Just say: teacher. Call me Teacher Phee… say it now…

—You stated that you would return to the lands of Tigris…

—And I did. That place so valuable… my affairs there… are already history. Now something much more transcendental awaits us.

Her calmness was more terrifying than the obvious madness. She was a walking enigma. It was clear that Phee’s state was not that of a sane person; it was like seeing a structure slowly collapsing. Her smile caused shivers. Katia, feeling the threat, began to tremble.

—My disciple, my only Derek, is here… Of course I must be by his side.

Phee laughed while blood dripped from her clothes. After repeatedly touching Derek’s arm, her expression turned somber and she fixed her gaze on Katia.

That visual contact made Katia’s heart skip a beat out of pure terror. She was standing before an eminence of necromancy, someone whom death itself seemed to obey. Just the fact of being in front of that young girl covered in blood was enough to feel that her sanity was beginning to crack.