Chapter 176

Chapter 176
Chapter 176
## Chapter 176: Chair with Spikes (5)

The date for the official opening of the Ravenclaw Academy has already been set.
“Mmm…”
Derek, who was in the midst of recovery while tending to a significant injury on his shoulder, remained thoughtful. Leaning on his healthy arm, he stroked his chin as he analyzed the content of the missive sent by Aiselin. Approximately four days have passed since that mistake by Kalimford caused him serious wounds.

The contusion on Derek’s shoulder turned out to be deeper than anticipated; it was not an ailment that could heal simply with a few days of inactivity. Although Derek possessed a physical resistance capable of leaving common men stunned, it was overly optimistic to think of a total recovery after having received a direct impact from the sorcery of the Grand Mage Kalimford.

‘I wish to experience the adrenaline of our combat again, but my physical state prevents it…’
Derek’s attention remained fixed on the electrifying sensation of the mystical exchange with Kalimford. He was convinced that, with barely one more day of practice, he would be able to glimpse the threshold of a new level of power. However, despite mulling over these thoughts while trying to heal, plans were not materializing as he desired.

During his convalescence, the service staff of the Rocheste family overwhelmed him with attention so meticulous it bordered on annoyance. They kept watch every hour to ensure his well-being, fearing any complication, to the point where Derek felt the desire to ask them to moderate.

Sirine, for her part, remained glued to Derek like a constant shadow at every moment of rest, while the butler and the governess personally inspected his progress every day. Furthermore, the Grand Mage Kalimford came to his bedside daily to inquire about his health, and Melberot ensured from time to time that no one disturbed his rest.
‘…’
To be honest, the environment was suffocating. Having overcome much more severe injuries in the past, Derek understood that proper nutrition and rest were sufficient for a natural recovery. However, in the Rocheste house, they guarded him as if he were a delicate piece of crystal, watching every one of his gestures and analyzing every triviality, which caused him persistent discomfort.

‘This is the exact representation of a compromised situation.’
Holding his injured shoulder, Derek meditated on his situation while reviewing the words of Aiselin. The relentless northern climate did nothing to favor his recovery. Added to this, remaining secluded there meant enduring people who were doing everything for his health twenty-four hours a day, enough to exhaust anyone’s patience.

“Judging by his attitude, I doubt Kalimford is willing to fight me using all his potential again.”
Every time the mage saw Derek with Sirine, he immediately began to break into a cold sweat. After understanding that Sirine would not stand idly by if Derek were injured again, Kalimford lost any intention to intimidate him. The simple fact that Sirine could unsettle two 6-star mages with a single look was something truly prodigious.

‘Now that I reflect on it, I have been away from my territory for too long. This power lacks control.’

As was usual, Sirine was sitting, breathing softly, in an armchair near the fire. Behind the glass, the snow fell gently over the Rocheste domain, in a landscape that seemed to never change. By this point, spring should have already completely covered the lands of the southwest of the continent. Surely there was a mountain of work waiting for him and many would be awaiting Derek’s return. He could not prolong his stay in the Rocheste county indefinitely. Perfecting his magic was the ambition that guided Derek’s life, and although he felt close to the glory of reaching the 5-star mastery, he could not neglect his responsibilities as a feudal lord.

After massaging his temples, Derek inhaled deeply and stood up.
“I have decided that I will return soon to the Ravenclaw Barony. With my injured shoulder, it is impossible to train magic with seriousness, so I prefer to resolve the pending matters of the fief while I finish healing.”
“…”
Melberot, with his hands resting on the furniture, replied with a low, serene, and contained voice.
“…So soon?”
“…”
It gave the impression that even parents who spend a long time without seeing their daughters could not avoid the desire to hold them a little longer. Both Melberot and Kalimford seemed reluctant to allow Derek to leave and take Sirine away so quickly. It was not a definitive farewell; once the preparations for the academy were concluded and the recess time arrived, Sirine would return to visit them. However, Melberot frowned and spoke with severity.

“I warned you to inform me if anything was unpleasant for you during your stay.”
His way of speaking was almost intimidating, but the underlying message was one of genuine concern, something that would confuse anyone who did not know Melberot’s temperament. Of course, Derek understood Melberot’s nature well and measured his words.
“Not at all. As I have mentioned, tasks in the fief are accumulating, and, currently, I cannot advance in my magic instruction. It is my duty to prioritize my obligations.”
“So you have the intention to officially open the Ravenclaw Academy.”
“It will be a discreet ceremony, but considering that all those enrolled belong to the female nobility… the preparations are numerous.”
“I will only say this: do not neglect Sirine.”
“That is something that goes without saying.”

Derek had confirmed something important on this trip to the north. Whoever it might be, if someone tried to harm Sirine, Melberot and Kalimford would annihilate them without hesitation. Since Sirine had always been affectionate toward Derek, he had no personal reasons for concern… but among the haughty aristocrats of Evelstain, someone could misjudge the situation. It would be ideal if such a reckless person did not arise, but if they were to appear… Derek could only pity their fate.

“I will send a communiqué to the aristocrats of the central continent.”
The creation of the Ravenclaw Academy had the necessary backing, but those veterans usually changed their minds according to their convenience.
“On that point, I have held conversations with Principal Advisor Kochella, so there should be no inconveniences.”
“That old man with a gloomy air gave you the thumbs up, eh? It is well known that they are extremely demanding, so your prestige will surely increase.”

While Derek bowed his head as a sign of respect, Melberot crossed his arms and let out a sigh. His silver mane, unusually long for a male, fell over his fine vestments. Although he always projected an image of arrogance and superiority, his immense power justified such an attitude. Melberot watched Derek in silence before continuing: “If even Kochella recognizes your value, you will ascend to a higher position, like it or not.”
“…”
“The same occurs with Phee and Drest. Once it is spread that the six-star mages from all over the world hold you in high regard, the central nobility will not remain on the sidelines. This transcends even the influence of Kochella.”

Derek already had a notion of the central nobles. Those who act as extensions of Emperor Gertrel, handling the central power of the empire, are people detached from mages who, like Derek, work in the peripheries.
“You will soon realize. Being a young promise will bring you praise… but also envies and judgments. Especially those thirsty for power will treat you with hostility.”
“Is the central nobility so severe?”
“After finishing Noir, I could have joined them if I had wished. Why do you think then that I prefer to spend my days eliminating magical beasts in this corner of the north?”
Melberot rested his face in his hand and made a gesture of disdain.

“Because I detest being manipulated by petty subjects who only live by appearances. Regardless of what happens, you must be cautious not to fall into their intrigues while leading the academy.”
“I will keep it in mind.”
“Also, Emperor Gertrel plans to visit you personally.”
Derek tensed up. It was the first news he had that the sovereign of the empire would make such a trip. Given the unprecedented magnitude of this new magic institution, imperial interest was logical. However, Derek expected a delegate, not for the emperor himself to head to the Ravenclaw Barony.
“These are internal documents from the past high nobility meeting.”
“Is it possible for you to share this information with me?”
“Sometimes I doubt you remember that you are a noble. Although, considering your history, I suppose it is understandable.”
“Given that I have never dealt with Emperor Gertrel, I do not know the imperial protocol. I will need to prepare.”
“Do not invest too much energy in that decrepit old man.”

Derek’s expression became rigid at such a comment. The tales described Emperor Gertrel as an exemplary figure: honest, upright, and prudent in the exercise of his authority. A group of magic advisors under the command of Kochella worked directly for him, and even the most powerful clans bowed before the throne. The Duplein family became one of the powers of the southwest precisely because of their blood link with the imperial lineage. But Melberot, who knew power better than anyone, let out a snort full of contempt.

“Do you really believe that the weakened Emperor Gertrel retains any genuine power? He has lost all his vitality. You will notice it when you have him in front of you: he is nothing more than a puppet who nods at what his cronies dictate.”
“…Since when?”
“It is complicated to pinpoint. But the point is that the passage of time transforms even the most powerful monarchs into helpless elders.”
Melberot showed a smile.
“Upon seeing the pitiful state of the old emperor, even Phee might consider the seal engraved on his skin a blessing rather than a stigma. What is wrong? Was this not what you expected to hear? Like it or not, you are dragging yourself toward the epicenter of power. At your age, being a 4-star mage puts you inevitably under the radar of the high nobility.”

His essence and his tactics were radically different from those of the nobles of the frontier regions. After exposing his reasons, Melberot crossed his legs elegantly.
“If Emperor Gertrel no longer has control, who is the one that really rules in the Gremfort Palace?”
“The court has been fragmented for years. Kochella dominates the matters of magic with firmness, but the other sectors are plunged into a war of influences between factions. I could not point to a single person, but…”
There was no better appellation for Melberot than “the superior of all.” As one of the most prominent mages and the hero who defeated Noir saving the world, his words possessed an undeniable weight.

“It is preferable that you do not have altercations with Princess Rozelyn. She is the one who is closest to our position. However, as an authority of the empire, she feels a disdain for witches greater than anyone else.”
“…How is such hatred towards mages possible in these times? The majority of people with power are experts in the mystical arts.”
“That is the enigma of the princess. How am I to know the reason for her way of thinking? But one thing is certain.”

Derek finally understood why Melberot was revealing all this to him. Although his tone was always rude and arrogant, analyzing the situation, a different intention could be perceived. In his own way, Melberot cared about him.
“At the very least, she will not view the opening of a magic center of such magnitude with good eyes. As director, it is likely that you will face considerable hostility.”
“…”
“Do not worry excessively. Despite her lineage, she is still a capricious young woman. As you well said, abhorring magic nowadays is not exactly a quality.”
Although Derek did not know her, he perceived that Melberot did not hold a good image of that individual either.
“Whatever the outcome of the dispute for the throne, the Imperial Magic Advisor, Kochella, will not allow her to act without brakes.”
“…”
“Sooner or later she will be sidelined. Keep your composure until that happens.”

Melberot’s warnings turned out to be more valuable than Derek expected. For someone who lacked experience in the intrigues of the capital and the politics of the empire, this information was vital, even if he found it somewhat disturbing. Derek nodded seriously.
“I understand perfectly. I thank you very much for your advice.”
“Good. And given that the Ravenclaw Academy is about to be born, I must prepare a gift.”
“It is not necessary. Your help to this barony has already been immense.”
“Do not argue and accept it. Do you believe I am someone who goes back on his word?”

When Derek observed him, Melberot snorted and continued: “You already have enough complications on the horizon. If you get distracted, you will not be able to dedicate yourself properly to Sirine’s education. I must intervene up to a point.”
“I already have a plan drawn up.”
“Do you think I will remain quiet that easily? Take Kalimford with you when you return. I have already given the orders.”
“…What?”

Kalimford: a 6-star combat mage. Taking into account his fame, no amount of money would suffice to hire his services… it was a decision outside of all logic.
“Give him a position. After all, you will always need teachers. Furthermore, he also wishes to see Sirine frequently.”
The organization of the professors of the academy was not yet defined… but counting on Kalimford would exceed any possible expectation. A strange premonition began to beat in Derek’s chest. Just as when Aiselin first suggested the project… everything seemed to be growing much further beyond what was planned.

On a hill near the academy buildings, almost concluded, on the limits of the Duplein county, Aiselin was sitting, wiping the sweat with a smile of satisfaction. Katarina’s butler watched her, swallowing saliva with nervousness. Somehow, she who before was the delicate and refined Aiselin had become a figure that reminded one more of a sovereign than a simple noble lady.

Without noticing Katarina’s unrest, Aiselin adjusted her hair of an intense black and commented with joy:
“Derek will be left speechless when he returns!”
The era of splendor of the Duplein lineage has returned. After having been despised by the court and the high aristocracy, the powerful Duplein house was resurging with strength. Leading this rebirth was Aiselin Eleanor Duplein, the true leader of the family, who raised her gaze with pride and determination. Ironically, she still perceived herself as part of a fallen nobility. Probably, that conviction would accompany her until her last breath.