Chapter 166

Chapter 166
Chapter 166

## Chapter 166: The Old Hero (1)

Gremfort Palace is considered the most ancient man-made structure. Grand, immense, and endowed with great beauty. Kohlera stood alone at the top of the building’s highest tower, the point that embodied the empire’s glory, observing the night sky. The sky, filled with glimmers, resembled an ocean of starlight. Extending his hand toward the core of that celestial sea, the old mage spoke a few words to himself.

‘I have found almost everything.’

The Ursa Major constellation shines among the star clusters. What revelation do the seven brightest stars offer? Perhaps to the Great Mage Adelbert? Pondering the immensity of the magical arts, he narrowed his eyes again. That’s right, that’s right. The seventh domain that Adelbert veiled in his manuscripts, instead of leaving it recorded. Combat, chaos, alteration, invocation, detection, the forbidden… and something else. To realize this, it is imperative to gather individuals who have reached the pinnacle in each discipline. That was Kohlera’s deduction.

A 6-star sorcerer who brushes against the boundary of human faculties. The battle mage Melberot, the alteration mage Kohlera, the detection mage Drest. Although the world only has knowledge of these three, Kohlera is certain that there are many more. Six-star mages who remain hidden even from his scrutiny, eluding public fame… Adelbert’s reminiscence, which he had glimpsed, could not be wrong.

6-star mages, favored by the stars, are always present in every specialty, like immutable constellations: an unalterable reality in the fabric of destiny. Either their aptitudes have not fully flourished, or they lead an existence apart from society. Only chaos, invocations, and the forbidden disciplines of necromancy remain.

“It is possible that something strange is happening in the Tigris Barony.”

The Tigris Barony is a tiny mountain settlement on the southeastern edge of the continent. Although Derek’s Ravenclaw barony was modest, Tigris’s was even smaller, as it barely controlled one or two villages. After receiving lands from Border Count Elvester, the true power of the eastern continent, the Baron of Tigris manages the creatures that inhabit the vicinity of the Rockrail Mountains, which border the eastern range. Given its irrelevance, the Border Service considered it merely a support force. Due to the sterility of the soil, the non-existence of specific crops, and the lack of strategic trade routes, the Border Patrol did not find great value in said area.

“Hmm…”

In the late afternoon. In Count Elvester’s sumptuous dressing room, Katia stood with her hands clasped behind her back, presenting her report. Fatigue was reflected on her face after the long journey to the west, but her expression maintained seriousness regarding this matter of importance.

“I held hope of receiving news about Evelstain, but about the Tigris Barony? It is unexpected, Katia.”

“…”

“Internal disputes are not your concern. What is the reason for this sudden anxiety regarding Tigris? The baron’s report this morning indicates that there is no issue whatsoever.”

As one of the most illustrious personalities of the eastern aristocracy, Count Elvester Border adjusts his coat with the help of his servants. His sharp and piercing gaze met Katia’s through the full-length mirror: a face worthy of a command position in his prestigious lineage. Despite his authority and imposing presence, his trust in Katia endures firmly after years of valuing her good judgment. Consequently, he consented to her unusual interest in domestic matters without showing offense.

“…Has the report arrived?”

“Indeed. As usual, Baron Tigris showed no significant alterations.”

Having personally ratified the Baron’s seal, I suggest you discard those concerns. Katia swallowed bitterness upon hearing the noble’s words. That border. Despite wishing to rebut, she formulated baseless imputations before him, assuming the risk of causing repercussions.

“I was expecting other concerns from you. After visiting the Ravenclaw Barony, what is your opinion of Evelstain’s high society?”

“Ah, yes. The progress of the Ravenclaw Academy and the social life of Evelstain are notable. It gives the impression that major transformations are soon approaching.”

“The Elvester lineage has always exercised its dominance in high society. Although they may be distant, the great transformations that occur there will eventually reach us.”

After finishing adjusting his garments, the Border Count spoke while smoothing the sleeves of his coat.

“You are distinguished for your excellent training. While I doubt we will fall behind, remain vigilant. The Elvester family cannot afford the luxury of losing its social renown; keep in mind that you lead this effort.”

“Understood.”

Katia performed a firm bow. But her mind was a whirlwind. A considerable time had passed since Phee’s altercation in the Ravenclaw Barony. However, Phee did not undertake any other action. This silence only increased Katia’s anxiety.

*

“With the advent of good weather, the construction of the Ravenclaw Academy will soon be concluded. Lady Aiselin seems to be extremely busy lately hiring teaching staff.”

Noble dwelling of Ravenclaw. After finishing magic training, Derek listened to butler Delbritton’s report while wiping off sweat. The servants waiting by the training area quickly approached with a towel to dry his back efficiently.

“It worries me that she is overloading herself with work again…”

“It worries me too. But… there is no way to dissuade her…”

Derek perceived Delbritton’s indecision. He did not insist, for he understood the butler’s crossroads.

-‘New tasks just keep coming…! Personnel administration seems intricate but also possesses simple facets…!!!’

Aiselin, engrossed in her work, is practically a force of nature. The burning resolution in her eyes evidenced that she would reduce to ashes anyone who dared to bother her.

“…”

Lately, even Derek has felt somewhat intimidated by Aiselin. This is the woman who rebuilt House Duplein by herself. To judge her by her delicate appearance would be a gross error. An uncomfortable silence took over the environment between Derek and Delbritton. A mutual understanding was established between them without requiring words.

“Regarding the recent intrusion, we have conducted a thorough search… but we have not found any trace whatsoever. I offer you… my most sincere apologies.”

Immediately after, Delbritton reports on Phee. He managed to evade strict surveillance alone, sitting in the visiting room, soaked in blood. After assaulting Katia and coercing Derek, everything was kept in secrecy; associating with a 6-star necromancer brought no benefit. Only the disorder of the visiting room required an explanation, hence this superficial inquiry.

“That is enough. Our sentinels will not be capable of tracking someone of his caliber anyway.”

“…Understood.”

When Derek downplayed the matter, Delbritton did not insist. He seemed to sense that Derek possessed more knowledge, but he respected his lord’s prudence.

‘That is undeniably unusual.’

Derek reflected while stroking his chin. Phee always displayed a refined and authoritarian attitude. Witnessing the desperation that emanated from his eyes was something he had never witnessed before. After centuries of existence, he rarely forged affective bonds. But in that instant, he showed strong possessiveness toward Derek.

«Knowing what is happening in the Tigris region will contribute to evaluating the situation…»

Being the target of a 6-star necromancer is no trivial matter. After sharing all the information with Katia, Derek remained alert to future events. However, nothing happened. The unsettling silence only increased his vigilance. Although no immediate action seems necessary. Almost a week has passed in this state. In the midst of all this, the chores of the aristocracy, the construction of the academy, and the training in magic continued without respite. Life continues its usual course.

“I possess indications about the intrusion, so a deeper inquiry is not necessary. With so many internal inconveniences, I cannot allow myself to incur unnecessary additional expenditures.”

“Are you sure? A direct assault against a baron in his own dwelling is not a minor matter.”

“The victim states that everything is in order. Focus on internal affairs. There could be external interference; we must ensure that the operation proceeds without setbacks.”

“All right, understood. There is not much more to report, except…”

When Derek signaled to the servant attending to him that it was enough, the subordinate shuddered and withdrew hurriedly. The nervous servants always experienced fear when they saw her exercise magic. Four-star magic reaches superhuman heights: it annihilates, freezes, and alters landscapes with ease. The astonishment of common people is understandable. The public’s admiration usually stops at the 3-star level. Few people on the continent truly understand this distinction.

“There is correspondence from the Duchy of Rocheste in your office.”

“From Lord Melberot? We haven’t corresponded in a long time.”

“Actually… he requested that you visit the Rocheste area immediately…”

“…Lord Melberot himself?”

Derek had to face one more inconvenience. He could not easily refuse Melberot, who had helped him obtain a noble title.

“Suddenly…?”

“Yes… He insisted that you go immediately, regardless of the schedule.”

“Was any reason given?”

“He mentioned that he longs to see his daughter…”

“…”

Sirine, one of Derek’s disciples, is a native of the Rocheste area, in the snowy north. Although she has recently adapted to the colder climate of the western region, Derek sometimes questioned whether she missed the snow. The opposite never crossed his mind. That the cold and arrogant Lord Melberot would summon the busy Baron Ravenclaw for such sentimental reasons seemed unusual for him. He understands what delegation implies. Calling someone to a remote area without any clear motive. It is not a sound determination.

“Is there any other reason why he cannot write?” Derek was already suspicious. Melberot’s pressing action of calling someone because he “longs for his daughter” does not fit his temperament nor his procedure. Despite being an affectionate father, he was initially a ruler who directed bureaucrats. But under this pretext, ethics demand compliance.

“Papa… did he send me a letter saying he wished to see me…?”

When Derek visited Sirine’s dwelling in Evelstain to communicate the news, he found Sirine radiant despite her nervousness. If she possessed a tail, she would be wagging it noisily, although her expression remained calm. Thanks to her frequent visits to the Rosea Salon to cultivate feminine distinction, she became much more graceful compared to her days of seclusion in the tower of Rocheste. Her hair, her eyes, even her lace attire were of an immaculate white. But her radiant face seemed to radiate all colors. Although she used to be expressionless, her old acquaintances could interpret her state of mind.

“Yes. I will visit the Rocheste region soon. You should escort me.”

“Of course. I have to show my father what I have assimilated in the Ravenclaw Barony and at the Rosea Salon… Derek, help me select some northern attire if you are unoccupied.”

“Other people or servants might know better…”

“You decide. Papa will respect your determination more.”

Although her voice remained calm, the rejoicing on her face was clearly visible. Witnessing her genuine happiness filled Derek with joy.