Chapter 179

Chapter 179
## Chapter 179: The Gambler (3)

The evening shadows lengthened as Derek walked away from the Duplein mansion. He had exhausted his energy after a grueling day supervising the academy’s building plan, checking the facilities, and holding casual conversations with the various patriarchs.

Is this the usual routine of nobles?

As he left the Duplein Duke’s estate, Derek’s face reflected a deep seriousness, appearing more distant than usual. During his brief stay in the northern lands, his magical capabilities had progressed significantly, practicing tirelessly until nearing the mastery of a 5-star level. Despite the freezing, relentless climate, Derek considered his days at the Rocheste ducal mansion, always tinged with white from the snow, to have been much more enriching.

At that time, it was unthinkable to renounce aristocratic prestige to pursue the rank of a superior mage. If his current sacrifices bore fruit, Derek could achieve goals situated beyond his simple noble position. It was still unclear if this would bring harmony to his existence. Nevertheless, that was how the world worked. In a continent where the mastery of mystical arts is considered synonymous with lineage and power, what path awaited him? He sighed, lost in melancholic reflections.

—You seem to have a lot on your hands.

As Derek walked toward the transport awaiting him at the main exit, Ryner appeared behind him. With a short laugh and scratching the back of his neck, Ryner gave him a friendly slap on the shoulder.

—Now that the arrival of the imperial inspection group has been ratified, your head must be about to explode.

—It’s a necessary procedure… but the accumulation of obligations is overwhelming.

—A higher rank and outstanding performance inevitably entail greater difficulties. Do you understand now why I prefer to waste time in betting parlors with this unkempt appearance?

—…

Ryner showed a radiant smile before settling into a park bench, under the last orange glimmers of the day, and crossed his arms naturally.

—Your current concerns are quite a bit more convoluted than in your days as a soldier of fortune.

—That is likely, although…

Derek pondered for a moment, resting his hand on his chin, and let out a sudden doubt: —You were a key piece in me obtaining my title. Even if the initial intention was to support Lady Elente, there are still loose ends I don’t understand.

—What doubts could you possibly have? To prevent my foolish younger brother from harming Elente… does another explanation even exist?

—Couldn’t you have assisted Lady Elente personally, without using me as an intermediary?

Derek observed him with curiosity, to which Ryner responded after a slight cough and wiping away sweat:

—As I mentioned to you, Elente despises me. Being someone who left their family behind in their youth and who lives ignoring their noble burdens, why would she hold me in high regard? A respectable instructor like you, by her side, has many more chances of being accepted by her.

—And I wasn’t wrong, was I? Elente holds you in high regard. Despite her manners, don’t be fooled, deep down she is very different.

Knowing Ryner was to delve into a constant mystery. The man adjusted his worn, yellowish tunic reluctantly while feeling his unkempt beard.

—The Belmierd lineage possesses a cruelty that you cannot imagine.

Having a trusted guide at hand is vital so as not to succumb. Although I admit I didn’t count on you attracting so many other students under your tutelage.

—…You are hiding something else in this whole matter, aren’t you?

—Perhaps. Be that as it may, your rise was fueled by the certainty that you would be an unconditional support for Elente.

Ryner cleared his throat, extracted a flask of liquor from his clothes, and drank greedily. That rustic way of drinking was far removed from an aristocrat’s etiquette.

—I am a gambler by nature. I will continue in the game until I am forced to retire. Unlike me, who descended from the very top into the mud, you, who come from the humblest beginnings, need a solid foundation.

—Lately, I notice that the weight of my position is real.

—That is logical. Of all my acquaintances, you possess extraordinary ties with various six-star mages. Probably only Kohlera, at the Gremfort Palace, has a network of influence that compares to yours.

Ryner let out a hoarse laugh.

—A great domain implies a heavy burden. It exhausts you, doesn’t it? Hehe.

“Is he trying to seduce me with his words?” thought Derek, while Ryner leaned back with relaxation.

—I am convinced that the 6-star confusion mage is real.

With that declaration, he exposed his most relevant theory. Even in his usual state of drunkenness and eccentricity, Ryner was capable of speaking with piercing seriousness when the situation required it. The moment had arrived.

—…Do you have any proof of that?

—There is no physical evidence. However, that Kohlera is escorting Princess Roselyn in this review is extremely suspicious.

—…

—You know how overwhelmed the Imperial Counselor of Magic is. Why would he visit a construction project he already validated previously? It’s absurd.

After another noisy gulp, the container ended up on the ground. Contradictorily, his expression became cold and piercing, as if he saw something on the horizon that the others ignored.

—That old vermin only moves in an unusual way when he suspects the presence of a 6-star mage. His fixation on magic is sickening.

—I cannot refute that.

—Take it as you will, but you and Kohlera share a similar essence.

Individuals obsessed with the arcane. Only those willing to give everything manage to graze the level of 7-star skill. Kohlera has dedicated his life to that research more than anyone. Surely his sanity is quite damaged.

—That Kohlera is personally accompanying Princess Roselyn in this trivial inspection tells us that there is something hidden. Although for a long time it was believed to be a myth, the sensible thing is to assume it ‘exists’ and prepare for it.

—I understand. But, in what way will we face external mages? The Comprehension Group?

—Exactly. Ha. But remember, not even 6-star mages lack limits.

Every being has a weak point. Ryner stared at the sunset and Derek mimicked his gesture. Dueling, transmutation, perception, necromancy. Derek had dealt with 6-star mages in all four kingdoms. He affirmed that their trace was real. Developing a plan against someone whose identity has not been confirmed seemed like an impossible challenge.

—At the end of the day, this is a gamble. If you have doubts, act as if the danger were there. If you ignore the options, you will be left with nothing.

Despite everything, Ryner looked very calm.

—That is the heart of any play.

*

—Notify the staff that I do not want to be disturbed first thing tomorrow.

When Derek arrived back at the Ravenclaw Barony, darkness already enveloped everything. Compared to the vastness of the Duplein property, the Ravenclaw Barony felt austere. However, the training facilities gave it a magnitude superior to any common rural fiefdom.

With the transfer of functions to the new Ravenclaw Academy headquarters, the territory would regain its calm, although that was not exactly what was sought.

—I must relieve the tension in my shoulder. Do not bother serving me breakfast.

After giving orders to Delbritton and the house manager, Derek finished a light dinner.

—Sleep until noon…? Does that mean you won’t do anything during the morning?

—I need my shoulder to recover so I can work with clarity. Leave the academy calendar in my office and only interrupt for real emergencies.

—U-understood… Very well. Then… will you rest until the sun rises…?

—…Until dawn?

—…

Delbritton averted his gaze nervously while Derek watched him with suspicion. He realized that it had only been a day since he took on Aiselin’s responsibilities.

Derek asked carefully: —How does Lady Aiselin usually handle this?

—…

—Tell the truth. Now.

—She… barely rests for three hours and dedicates herself to reports until daybreak. The domestic staff is organized in vigil shifts to support her.

The young butler Elfin gave the answer while trembling. Derek looked at him. The dark circles under his eyes and the state of his skin revealed extreme exhaustion. Without a doubt, no one could keep up with Aiselin’s superhuman endurance. Upon being hired, Elfin was radiant about working for such a relevant figure in Evelstain, believing her energy would be ideal. However, in a few months, he looked like a specter.

What began as pride for serving the admired Aiselin had transformed into a cycle of fatigue, regret, and obsession.

—Lady Aiselin will not resume her duties for a while.

—Is that possible?

The question itself was revealing. But in the Ravenclaw Barony, Derek’s word was law. Even the Duplein heiress had to abide by his judgment regarding the academy.

Faced with Derek’s nod, the faces of Delbritton and Elfin lit up. Relief spread even among the employees cleaning the dishes and the guards in the corridor. Without words, an atmosphere of gratitude flooded the place. They were like prisoners who had just been liberated.

Who was Aiselin? The most beloved lady of Evelstain, respected by everyone. But in the privacy of the Ravenclaw Barony, she had become a terrifying force. The worst part was that her attitude was born of good will; she worked tirelessly managing the lands.

—…What kind of ordeal did you live through while I was in the north?

—Then… if I may ask, can we dispense with the night guard shifts, except for security?

—If the perimeter is secure… rest is mandatory.

—Will there be no early morning schedule revisions or sudden inspections…?

—Management control will remain in effect, but the inhumane workdays are over.

Surprise appearances at the construction sites before sunrise? Digging in the garden personally? Demanding exterior repairs at odd hours? Changing the lawn in the middle of the night?

—What madness is this?

While Derek felt overwhelmed by the revelation, the butler Elfin made a solemn bow.

—I will be your faithful servant… forever… my lord…

Derek did not know what to say to such a display of affection loaded with desperation. The reaction of the rest of the team was just as emphatic. Derek remained silent, thinking only that those workers needed an urgent salary increase.

Aiselin Eleanor Duplein felt as if she were withering away. Or at least that was her perception. In her opulent bedchamber filled with fine lace in the Duplein mansion, her routine now consisted of brief inspection visits and moments of drinking. Family chats, deep readings, and quiet music. Although it was the perfect life for a noble, Aiselin felt she was sinking. That void was consuming her spirit.

“Is the month’s budget ready? Has Delbritton seen it?”
“The uniforms to receive the emperor must be impeccable… Let Elfin not overlook it.”
“Heavens! Today is the last day for the payment of the tableware! I hope it has been managed…!”
“The arrival of His Majesty requires the entire student body… I invited Lady Elente, but Lady Trisha and Lady Denise still need to confirm…”

While lying motionless, she saw visions of documents on the ceiling. For someone like her, stepping away from duty was torment. But Derek’s stance was the correct one. Looking at her hands, she noticed that the neglect was starting to take its toll. Without that intervention, she would have consumed herself until she lost her breath.

She needed someone to put a brake on her. And no one could doubt that Derek was the one for it.