Chapter 17

Chapter 17
## Chapter 17: Creak!

When the heavy iron door slowly opened, the air from inside the archives drifted out.

A thick scent of dust, old paper, and the peculiar aroma of heavy magic books mingled together, stinging the nostrils.

The marble floor, stepped upon with caution, felt quite cold. The magic torches adorning the walls emitted a faint bluish glow. The bookshelves illuminated by this radiance gave off a mystical and mysterious aura.

“…This is beyond imagination.”

Dereck swallowed hard.

Books adorned with gold and purple were stacked closely together.

The spines, engraved with strange designs he had never seen before, shimmered faintly.

It was an incredible sight; it seemed impossible that such a place could exist in the world. A place like this would never be permitted for common people.

Dereck picked up a book from the shelf. The cover was lined with soft leather, and the gold thread embroidery shone beautifully.

*Flip, flip.*

The sound of leafing through a thick, ancient book. The scent of heavy, old paper brushed the tip of his nose. The densely written text on the thin, fragile paper was filled with unfamiliar phrases.

“A three-star spellbook…”

One-star spellbooks were something even commoners could obtain with enough effort. They were valuable, of course, and possessing one did not mean mastering the magic within.

However, starting from two-star books, they became difficult to acquire unless one was wealthy. And for three-star magic, the price was usually astronomical.

And there it was: a three-star spellbook adorning a shelf. Without a doubt, the library of a great noble house—one of the three most important in the Western Continent—was on a completely different level.

But knowing how to read a spellbook was one thing; mastering its content was another entirely. Furthermore, the library was packed with theoretical books based on the standards of aristocratic schools.

Of course, for Dereck, who was born with a magical instinct, adapting the theory of the regulatory academy was not too difficult. But at the three-star level, things certainly began to feel overwhelming.

“It will certainly be a challenge.”

After leafing through the book in the reading area, Dereck reached a conclusion. The world of three-star magic was not easy.

A three-star mage was an individual of noble birth who had mastered magic at an advanced level. Among the nobility, such a level inspired respect, but among the common people, it was the type of mage one might encounter only once or twice in a lifetime. Dereck himself had never heard of a three-star mage born from the people. At most, there were only rumors of a three-star scout mage named Tracy from the Ebelstein Magic Academy.

“It is certainly worth staying a bit longer in the Duke’s mansion. Pheline is going to be furious if she finds out.”

Pheline was the name of an archer who had worked closely with the Beldern Mercenary Band. She hated nobles so much that she would mock him if she saw Dereck frequenting a place like this.

But the desire for three-star magic was irresistible. For now, the theory was too complex and the use of magic power too complicated to be practical, but Dereck thought that if he bit the bullet and dove in headfirst, he might be able to achieve something.

“…Even so, I cannot stay forever. Ultimately, my magic must be applied in the real world.”

Dereck reflected in silence as he contemplated the spellbooks filling the shelves.

***

Following the duel between Leigh and Diella, Duke Duplain officially recognized Dereck as a member of the ducal household.

In essence, the lord of this vast duchy had given his personal approval, so no one in the house could object. For now, Dereck’s role was to remain in the mansion and continue teaching magic to Diella.

“Now I am officially a one-star mage.”

After resting for a bit, about three days later, Dereck entered the pavilion where Diella was staying, her wounds nearly healed. Although she had bled a little, it wasn’t serious. When Dereck, impeccably dressed in his mercenary uniform, entered the room, Diella was standing with her hands on her hips, wearing a victorious smile.

“…I thought you would be very upset. When you lost the duel, your eyes filled with tears…”

“Kyaa! Stop mentioning embarrassing memories I want to forget!”

“I’m glad you’re doing well. I saw you use a one-star spell in the duel. You’ve made a lot of progress.”

“Of course I have!”

When Dereck gave her a direct compliment, Diella’s face lit up again with a smile, her expression so radiant it seemed she was about to jump all over the room.

After the defeat, she had felt vanquished, but since the Duke had accepted Dereck and had not expelled her, she seemed to have recovered quickly.

“Didn’t I tell you? When I set my mind to something, I achieve it.”

“…”

“You don’t like my triumphant attitude, huh? As my mentor, Dereck, you should be happy for my success. Come on, relax!”

“What are you talking about? I am very happy.”

“You don’t sound sincere…”

Diella frowned and looked at Dereck, but his expressionless face—hardened by countless battles—was impenetrable to a young girl like her. After all, Dereck had always been difficult to read, so Diella had stopped trying to understand him.

She simply let out a deep sigh and flopped onto her lace bed.

“By the way, after such a hard battle, I’ve secured my position, so you’ll have to teach me more magic, right?”

“Your enthusiasm is good, but for now, it would be better to keep practicing magic power control as we have been doing. Mastering a one-star spell is an achievement, but using it freely is another story.”

“Mmm… You’re right. Compared to your way of using magic, my movements are too limited and I get tired after just one cast.”

“That’s because your fundamentals are weak. The basis of magic lies in the efficiency with which you use your magic energy. The same spell can vary in power and efficacy depending on how it is handled.”

Dereck pointed this out.

However, he knew that satisfaction would not come easily. Mages had a temperament that craved greater achievements with each new success. After successfully casting a one-star spell, Diella would surely want to learn all types of one-star spells. But learning spells that exceeded her current level in multiple areas usually resulted in a superficial understanding.

So Dereck had already prepared for when Diella would inevitably start complaining to learn other one-star spells.

“Mmm… If you say so, I suppose there’s a reason.”

But Diella, resting her chin in her hands, replied in a tired voice. Dereck crossed his arms and watched her in silence. A hint of surprise could be seen in his eyes.

Diella noticed Dereck’s expression and spoke quickly.

“Eh? Why are you looking at me like that? Are you surprised that I’m actually listening to you for once?”

“I thought… you would insist on me teaching you more powerful spells. I even had some strategies prepared.”

“What do you take me for? Haven’t I always respected your words?”

Dereck, resting his chin on one hand, said:

“The first time… you poured dirty water on my head.”

“You still remember that?”

“Do people usually forget things like that?”

Diella blushed uncomfortably and looked away. She couldn’t deny that her first impression had been terrible. She shifted restlessly, hands on her knees, with an expression of deep sadness.

What people call “dark history” has a mysterious power that makes one want to bang their head against a wall or beat the sheets in frustration.

Even for a noble lady, it was not easy to endure a sudden wave of shame. Seeing her trembling and sweating profusely was uncomfortable even for the observer, so Dereck took a deep breath and sat at the table next to the bed.

“Anyway, the magic classes will continue as usual… but I’ve heard you’ll be busier.”

“Mmm… Dereck, you heard it too. Starting next week, I’ll also be attending humanities classes. They say we’re preparing for high society…”

“Isn’t that something worth celebrating? After mastering first-level magic, it’s time to acquire the elegance of a noble lady.”

“Honestly, I don’t want to.”

“…Even so, you must.”

Diella combed through her thick golden hair and lay back on the bed. A groan of despair resonated beside her.

“Basic rules of noble etiquette, foreign languages, geography, history, botany, piano, sewing… Do I really have to do all this?”

“Perhaps it is just preliminary preparation. After your coming-of-age ceremony, there will be much more serious study.”

“…How does my sister Aiselin stand it?”

“That is why they call her ‘The Flower of Duplain’ and why she shines in Ebelstein society.”

Aiselin Elenore Duplain.

Having forged numerous relationships beyond the walls of Ebelstein’s noble district, she was, in essence, the face of House Duplain. It was rumored that many men lined up to propose to her, captivated by her always dignified bearing, but she always rejected them with a sweet smile.

Although social circles were usually considered places to arrange good matches, she seemed to work very hard to build solid relationships for the future of House Duplain.

She was dearly loved by the whole family. Even a Duke could feel proud enough to smile.

“I just… want to study magic…”

“…”

“But… this mansion and this noble status weren’t obtained for no reason… I suppose I must do what is necessary…”

“Miss Diella…”

Dereck looked at Diella with a serious expression and said:

“…You have learned to say such admirable things…”

“…Dereck, you really know how to hurt someone’s pride.”

“That is a misunderstanding.”

“Hmph.”

Diella sat up, firmly raising her upper body, and sat on the bed, swinging her legs distractedly.

“Even so, since you’ll keep teaching me magic for a while, I want to learn fast. I want to use the first-level Ice Spear spell with more skill.”

“There is no rush. At this point, no one will criticize you for learning magic with me.”

“Is that… really true…?”

Suddenly, Diella looked worried. Dereck knew exactly what she was thinking.

“Are you referring to Duchess Miriela?”

“…Although my father has officially recognized you, my mother is not one to keep quiet.”

“Ah, is that so?”

“Even if there’s no way to separate us now, she’ll surely find a way.”

Diella, with an anxious expression, looked at Dereck and expressed her concern.

“She might try to ruin your reputation… or find a reason to expel you.”

“A reason… What reason would Lady Miriela have to expel me?”

“Well… because your behavior is far from noble and dignified. Perhaps she’ll do it for fear that later on it will become a flaw in high society…”

“Then it is nothing serious.”

“Nothing serious… You say that because you don’t know my mother well.”

“Miss Diella. Silencing Lady Miriela is not as difficult as you think. Simply eliminate the motives for her arguments.”

Dereck, with his arms crossed, spoke naturally while sitting at the table.

“After all, isn’t it you, Miss Diella, who has control over this whole situation?”

“…Eh?”

***

*Creak, creak.*

Morning arrived early at the Duke’s house.

By the time the birdsong filtered through the bedroom window, the lower-ranking servants were already awake, tending to the gardens or checking the cleanliness of the house.

Several people supervised and managed these tasks: the head butler, the valet, the head chef… each department had its own manager.

And it was the task of the mistress of the house, the noblewoman, to gather all those people and supervise them once more.

— *Tap, tap.*

Duchess Miriela, who had gone out early in the morning to inspect the servants’ work, was still clenching her teeth. Since the last duel, Miriela’s expression had always been severe.

After being slapped by the Grand Duke and receiving pitying looks from the servants, her heart was filled only with worry for Diella.

*“I can never accept such a vulgar teacher for her. Even if the ruler of the territory—my husband—has recognized him, I must speak the truth until the end.”*

The fact that she could not expel a random tutor who was clearly negatively influencing her beloved youngest daughter always irritated her. Because of this, the servants assisting her were nervous.

*“That vulgar teacher could never teach noble manners. To see Diella, who should always be proud and elegant, learning such low habits… I cannot accept it, even if it splits my head in two.”*

She closed her eyes and imagined it. The disgrace Diella would suffer upon entering high society with reckless words and actions. Miriela could never tolerate it, and while she ordered her thoughts to devise a plan, she walked down the mansion’s hallway.

At that precise moment, her youngest daughter, who had just entered through the main door of the mansion, caught her attention.

As always, Diella was at the front of several maids, walking toward the main house in a lace dress adorned with beautiful ribbons.

Miriela’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her adorable youngest daughter. She missed Diella’s tantrums and her boisterous presence. Although she might have been influenced by the teachings of a vulgar commoner, the fact that she was her beloved daughter, who carried her blood, had not changed. Miriela greeted her with affection, unable to hide her happiness.

“Oh, Diella! You look as beautiful as ever!”

Miriela, as usual, opened her arms, expecting Diella to run and hug her with a childish attitude and a smile on her face. However, instead of hugging her, Diella elegantly lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed her head.

“Did you have a peaceful night, Mother?”

“Eh…?”

“I have lost several opportunities to vent my frustration while I was confined to the pavilion recovering from my wounds. I would love to chat, but unfortunately, I have a piano class starting this morning.”

Diella asked for Miriela’s understanding with a sweet smile, her noble bearing blossoming like a flower, reminiscent of Aiselin’s grace.

“Oh, really?”

“I will come for tea this afternoon. I haven’t even heard what happened at the southern social gathering. But now, I must hurry to my etiquette class…”

Miriela knew perfectly well that Diella had barely begun her basic education. Although the program was still preparatory, she had taken care of organizing the instructors. Even so, she had the impression that Diella had not yet started her manners classes.

However, seeing Diella act with such courtesy, as if she were a completely different person, Miriela was momentarily left speechless.

While Miriela was shocked, the servants were even more stunned, as if their world had been turned upside down. A servant repairing the garden fence froze, dropping the boards he was carrying, unable to move a muscle.

What had Diella been like these past few years? Wasn’t she the same girl who broke plates out of boredom and kicked the servants?

Who in the world could have changed the attitude of such a tyrant? It was said that no one even dared to mention the name of someone capable of such a feat.

However, the young lady politely greeted Miriela before hurrying up the stairs of the main hall.

“Oh, dear boy. You’ve dropped all your boards on the floor. Be careful not to hurt yourself.”

“Y-Yes… Miss Diella…”

Miriela could only stand there, mouth agape, watching the scene unfold before her eyes.