Chapter 177

Chapter 177
Chapter 177: The Gambler (1)

The distinguished district of Evelstein, to which I was returning after a prolonged absence, retained its air of sophistication and splendor. When I undertook the journey back from the northern lands, winter still dominated Evelstein, but now that season is coming to an end.

Although remnants of snow still persist in the shaded corners, the weather has become notably warmer, and green buds are beginning to emerge on the trees that decorate the road. After such rigorous cold, the desire for spring warmth intensifies. The aristocrats roaming the avenues, sporting attire even more refined than in the previous cycle, delight in the softness of the new weather.

The tea terraces were crowded with noble ladies immersed in conversation, while young knights and their assistants prepared to ride with enthusiasm. Upon returning from the icy and gloomy landscapes of the north, Derek experienced this change with overwhelming lucidity. The northern territory of Rocheste imbues a natural sadness just by staying there. Undoubtedly, to preserve mental health, it would be ideal for young people to grow up in the environment of Evelstein.

“—Then, I trust we will meet again in the Duplein area.”

“That’s right. Please be sure to diligently attend to Mr. Hamilton’s teachings in the meantime.”

After accompanying Sirine to her private property, Derek offered her his final recommendations. The sorcerer escorting him, Hamilton, displayed an aged and gaunt appearance. That name was just a facade for Kalimford… but mentioning his real identity in Evelstein would bring absolutely no benefit.

Kalimford’s only longing was to observe Sirine’s progress and growth from a discreet position. His choice to stay in Sirine’s house to assist her until the inauguration of Ravenclaw Academy was proof of that commitment.

“Mmm…”

With his arms crossed, Sirine observed Kalimford with a gesture of displeasure, as if she had repressed reproaches. Kalimford made a nervous gesture. Since he severely wounded Derek, he felt the young woman’s latent hostility toward him.

Derek had reiterated to her on several occasions that there was no problem and that he held no resentment against Kalimford. Nevertheless, emotional barriers once raised do not disappear easily. Noticing Kalimford’s unease, Derek wished him luck internally. The reconciliation between Kalimford and Sirine remained in their hands. With the little time available, Derek could only hope for a favorable outcome.

“Well, we’ll see each other soon in Duplein.”

When Derek boarded the rail transport, Sirine bid him farewell with an expression of clear sadness. Even though they would soon be reunited in the lands of Ravenclaw for her magic studies, the separation weighed on her. After having shared so much time, saying goodbye was difficult, as evidenced by the expression on her lips. Derek performed a respectful salute before settling into his seat.

«Having Kalimford as a teacher…» An institution where a 6-star sorcerer teaches classes personally is unheard of. Although he wouldn’t reveal who he really is out of prudence, his magical talent would make it evident that Kalimford is not a common instructor. The level of Ravenclaw Academy is reaching astonishing heights.

Absorbed in those thoughts, Derek gave the order to begin the journey.

*

The next stop on Derek’s route was the vicinity of Duplein, the site where Ravenclaw Academy stood.

“—Why is the scale of the work so much greater than originally planned?”

“—Lady Aiselin convinced the nobility of the southwest to obtain more funds. Even after negotiating with the Renuel lineage, she managed to add two hundred additional workers.”

“What exactly happened while I was away?”

“It would be too long to narrate. Would it be alright if I gave you a detailed written report?”

At the main entrance to the Duplein property, what was once an empty plain in Lerghal was now occupied by imposing structures. The buildings, clad in marble with detailed engravings, had complete infrastructure: walls, urban furniture, fountains, and green areas. The complex seemed to have doubled the size that Derek projected before his departure to the north.

Butler Delbritton, who was escorting Derek in the carriage, remembered with some pallor the period when Aiselin took full control of the work. Exceptional figures achieve feats, but they usually exhaust their subordinates; Aiselin turned out to be an implacable boss despite her brilliance as a partner.

“Would you allow me a question of a personal nature, even if it is bold?”

“—Ask it.”

“—Will Lady Aiselin continue to lead the management in the future?”

Delbritton, a servant with decades of loyalty to the Rocheste house, rarely questioned his superiors’ decisions. However, Aiselin’s intensity seemed to have overwhelmed him; her capacity for work was beyond what Derek could explain. Even so, Derek could not give the confirmation the butler longed for.

“That… does it really depend on my will?”

“Baron…”

“Have a little patience… I am going to meet with Lady Aiselin now…”

“Y-yes… Derek…”

Even Diela, who usually imposed herself with overflowing energy, was found with a haggard face in the living room. Derek had never seen her in such a state. Diela, who always hid a spark of joy when seeing him, now looked dull. Her characteristic blonde hair hung limp over her shoulders.

Today, slumped on the sofa, Diela seemed to be at the limit of her strength. Her unkempt appearance almost gave the impression that she had been practicing dark arts.

“Miss Diela, what has happened to you?”

“Nothing special. While my sister Aiselin focused on the academy, I had to take on almost half of the responsibilities of the Duplein house… Managing the staff wasn’t the problem, but balancing it with my academic obligations…”

“—Half?”

“Yes. Meanwhile, Aiselin handled the rest: she attended the Rosea Salon, participated in social forums and scientific debates, managed the lands, and directed the construction…”

Diela shuddered. Almost all the ladies in Evelstein felt intimidated by her, but now it was Diela who experienced deep fear toward Aiselin.

“Listen, Derek. With the work almost ready, do you know what Aiselin said recently?”

—Lately… I feel very idle… I suppose it’s because I don’t have as much work anymore…

“—Even being her family, it gave me chills.”

Diela, who used to welcome Derek with enthusiasm, now could only lament. Her ambition to be the central figure of Duplein had vanished before her sister’s efficiency.

“It’s impressive… although you don’t seem to enjoy it…”

— Click!

At that moment, the door swung wide open.

“Mr. Derek! I was informed of your arrival! Ah, this door needs maintenance!”

“Lady Aiselin.”

“It’s been a while. Was your time in the north profitable?”

Unlike the exhausted Diela, Aiselin overflowed with vitality. She seemed to bloom with spring, with a face full of energy. She dressed with her usual elegance and carried an immense amount of perfectly classified documents. While the others involved in the project looked exhausted, she looked radiant.

Derek had to admit it: beyond her intensity, her efficiency was incomparable.

“What do you think? The construction has been left impeccable. Allow me to give you a tour. The central block is the Delphinia Hall. To the east are the study areas: the Silver Crown Hall for the education of young ladies; the Ravenclaw Hall; and the Liberty Hall for magic. The dorms are in Amaryllis House, to the west, and the practice area to the north. On the main road, we plan cultural service areas.”

“What kind of services?”

“After negotiating with the Rotain Alliance and in the port of Bulix, several businessmen showed interest. They are willing to invest if they manage to establish themselves near an educational center of this caliber, which will increase our capital.”

In Derek’s absence, Aiselin had made multiple large-scale business trips.

“But… when do you study?”

“During carriage rides. Anyway, I don’t need to sleep too much. There are many matters that await your approval. Could you review them right now?”

Although they were only the urgent topics, the pile of papers was huge. Derek considered for an instant ceding total management to her.

“We need her as operations manager so that everything goes well!”

But Aiselin detected the intention behind his words. Her smile, although kind, hid a determination more imposing than any creature of the White Wilderness. Derek had to maintain the leadership. Although she was the most influential woman in the southwest, Aiselin’s talent was that of a supreme advisor and manager, not that of the supreme leader. For a second, Derek felt a respect that bordered on fear.

*

“Please, validate the teacher payroll and the schedule. I have drafted a speech in case it is necessary…”

“Lady Aiselin… Don’t you think I’m overloading you?”

“Mr. Derek… do not be mistaken… I really like it. Being so busy… is something I enjoy confessing…”

“…”

Aiselin, with a gesture of shyness, seemed out of this world. As they toured the gardens, Derek accepted his role. He was, in fact, the director of Ravenclaw Academy.

“The student quota is almost full, about 96 young people. It seems little for the size of the place, but considering that each one brings their own retinue, it will be constant movement.”

“We must also coordinate the merchants.”

“That is already solved. We will create a control office and I have thought of Delbritton to lead it.”

Derek internally lamented the extra burden for the butler.

“Delbritton will be the butler of the Barony, secretary of the Academy, commercial manager, and support director.”

“—And what will your positions be, Lady Aiselin?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary: deputy director, spokesperson, auditor, strategist, human resources manager, and welfare supervisor, among others.”

Derek preferred not to comment on anything.

“Almost everything is decided… my only concern is the crown inspection.”

“When is it for?”

“At the beginning of spring. Seventeen inspectors will come, including Emperor Gertrel, as Melberot anticipated.”

The sovereign’s visit was an event of great magnitude that fell on Aiselin’s shoulders. She refused to delegate any detail of the protocol.

“The committee includes the Emperor, the counselor Kohlera, eight magic experts, the leaders of the Gremfort Palace, and Princess Rozelyn.”

It was a powerful entourage. Melberot had suggested caution with Princess Rozelyn, who was emerging as the most relevant figure before the declining health of the Emperor. It was difficult to imagine the strength of the person who would lead such an empire.

“Then, we have a week left.”

“We must hurry with the preparations for the reception…”

“Lady Aiselin. You yourself said that I am the one who gives orders here, right?”

Derek took the documents from Aiselin’s hands.

“Therefore, I assign you a critical mission.”

“A critical mission?”

Aiselin appeared expectant and somewhat blushing, expecting a complex task.

“—What is it about?”

“During the next three days, you will do absolutely nothing.”

“…?”

“You will not exercise any of your positions. You will limit yourself to resting at the residence.”

Aiselin was stunned.

“What are you saying? There is so much to do…”

“The main thing is ready. The inspection can be organized in four days.”

“But the details…”

“It is an order. Rest.”

Derek understood that only he could stop Aiselin’s frenetic pace. He remembered that she had already collapsed before due to exhaustion, and he did not intend to allow it to happen again.

“Guhhh…….”

Aiselin looked like someone who had lost everything. Internal desolation was reflected on her face.

“Guhhh.”

Upon returning to the mansion and reviewing the documents, Derek noticed that the organization was impeccable. In the lobby, he bumped into a known silhouette, although somewhat changed by an unkempt beard and hair tied back.

“Wow, look who came back. *Burp*. My apologies.”

It was Ryner, the gambler.

“…”

Derek recognized that melancholic air of Ryner, similar to an animal prohibited from its favorite activity. His habit of burping under the effect of alcohol remained the same. Despite everything, Derek was happy to see him.

Ryner, the firstborn separated from the Belmierd and brother of Lady Elente, had been key for Derek to obtain his rank. No one understood why someone of his birth preferred a life of excess and gambling, but his information network was unparalleled.

“I’ve come to drink with an old acquaintance.”

His charisma was his most potent tool.

“Do you have any news?”

Ryner smiled mischievously. He knew Derek wouldn’t be able to ignore his offer.

“Are you close to young Raeg? I propose a deal: I have fascinating data about Princess Rozelyn and the crown.”

His presence in Duplein was unusual, but his news immediately caught Derek’s attention.

“They say a 6th-level confusion sorcerer is walking around Evelstein. Isn’t it curious?”