Chapter 20

Chapter 20
## Chapter 20
### “There is nothing more to teach.”

Those who heard Dereck’s declaration could only tilt their heads, confused at first.

His student, Diella, was mastering first-tier magic, while Dereck had nearly perfected second-tier magic and was beginning to glimpse the realm of third-tier magic.

The magical difference between the two was as vast as heaven and earth, yet Dereck claimed there was no point in continuing to teach Diella.

“From this moment on, I cannot determine if my involvement will have a positive effect on Lady Diella’s magical growth.”

The scene took place in the Grand Duke’s office. Even in broad daylight, the office was plunged into a strange gloom that gave it an oppressive atmosphere.

Grand Duke Raymond Oswald Duplain remained seated, turning in his chair, calmly listening to Dereck’s explanation.

“Your Grace must have noticed Lady Diella’s use of mana; it differs slightly from rule-based aristocratic magic.”

“I suspected it was the theory of the Wild Academy.”

“You knew?”

“I had a feeling about Diella’s uniqueness after her last duel. I wasn’t entirely sure, but…”

Raymond Oswald Duplain, ruler of this domain, was a five-star mage. Experienced in most magical theories, he had also realized that Diella’s magical achievements were not ordinary.

“And?”

“The magic of Wild Academy is fundamentally based on self-learning. To a certain extent, a good mentor can guide effectively, but beyond that, one must be careful of negative influences.”

“What kind of negative influence?”

“That is when limitations arise in a mage’s free and unrestricted use of mana.”

Dereck continued to explain, standing firm with his hands behind his back.

“Lady Diella’s magic is like painting a picture. Among the free-spirited mages of the Wild Academy, her manipulation of mana is exceptionally potent.”

“It is almost like creating a work of art.”

“Yes, it is an apt comparison. The more intense the artist’s color, the fewer people can lightly offer advice. Such advice could extinguish that color and that strength.”

Dereck added:

**Discover more**
*Books*
*Fantasy books*
*Character products*

“She could become a mage of a much higher level than we imagine.”

The Grand Duke listened and then closed his eyes tightly.

He sank into thought, his countenance unchanging. It didn’t take long for him to reach a conclusion.

“I see. I understand what you are saying. Then you have no reason to stay at the mansion.”

What use is a magic instructor who no longer teaches magic?

“Diella depends on you a lot emotionally.”

Dereck lowered his gaze calmly, without responding. Observing this, the Duke accepted it: it was not beneficial for Diella to depend too much on Dereck. As a mage of the Wild faction, she needed to learn to stand on her own.

“That’s right. You have always been a very ambitious man. In this noble mansion environment, there are limits to training your magic. For someone like you, it must be difficult to endure such restrictions.”

“Yes. I have only perfected my magic in practical environments. The mansion is… too quiet for me.”

“You do not seem destined for an easy life.”

“I consider it a kind of blessing.”

The Duke turned his chair, rested his chin on his hand while looking out the window, and spoke.

“Even so, my youngest daughter, who was once so bitter, has benefited greatly. I cannot say I was a good father, but I was lucky enough to remain one who looked after his daughter. That is undoubtedly due to your effort.”

“I am honored.”

“Children grow so fast it’s almost scary. One gets caught up in managing the estate and, before you know it, they have already bloomed.”

Valerian, Leigh, and Aiselin had found their place in high society. Perhaps Diella’s rebellious stage had long been a thorn in his heart.

Although his youngest daughter seemed to be finding her own way, the Duke felt he was entering a new stage of fatherhood—like a mother bird contemplating her empty nest, caught between relief and loneliness.

The Grand Duke allowed himself to be carried away in silence by his thoughts, watching how his children moved forward with their lives.

**Discover more**
*Character costumes for cosplay*
*E-book publishing*
*Comic subscriptions*

“When will you leave?”

“I plan to go to Ebelstain in Lady Aiselin’s carriage once she visits the mansion.”

“I see. Return the library key now.”

“Yes. I will return the spellbook I am reading through a servant.”

“That will not be necessary. Return the key now.”

It took Dereck a moment to grasp the meaning of those words.

He shuddered slightly and looked at the three-star spellbook fastened to his waist.

Even for the Duke of a nation, sharing such a valuable spellbook with a commoner was something that had to be controlled with extreme care. In monetary terms, this ancient book could be equivalent to the price of a house. *Books and literature.*

However, the Duke showed no intention of taking back the spellbook; he simply averted his gaze toward the window with his chin resting on his hand.

Dereck placed the library key on the Duke’s desk.

“If there is nothing else, you may go.”

In the gloom of the Duke’s office, he remained seated as always, surrounded by a sense of duty and a touch of loneliness. He looked like an immovable statue.

Dereck bowed in gratitude and silently left the Duke’s office.

In the hallway outside, Valerian and Diella were already waiting. Valerian seemed somewhat worried, while Diella appeared calm.

“Did you already inform our father?”

“Yes. I will depart soon for Ebelstain in Lady Aiselin’s carriage.”

“…So that is what you have decided.”

Valerian looked at Dereck with a hint of regret. He had visited him early that morning for one reason: to ask if he could continue guiding Diella. But Dereck’s opinion was firm.

Continuing to teach her might not be beneficial for Diella. And for Dereck, it would be wasted time—time he could use to perfect his own magic.

From the perspective that it would benefit no one, the only conclusion was that continuing the magic lessons was useless.

**Discover more**
*Video game related content*
*Digital art prints*
*Coin packs*

In the end, Valerian accepted Dereck’s words and silently patted him on the shoulder.

“Very well. You have done an excellent job. The Duplain family owes you much.”

“Not at all. On the contrary, I feel that teaching Lady Diella has reinforced my own magical theory.”

“…Take this with you.”

Valerian took a thumb-sized medallion from his pocket. On the front was the great seal of House Duplain, and on the back, Valerian’s engraved seal.

“If you show this in the shops of the noble district of Ebelstain, it will prove you are under the protection of the Duke of Duplain. I will point out some good products exclusive to our family.”

“…Thank you.”

Dereck accepted the gesture and tucked the Duplain seal medallion into his pocket. Then, he gave a small bow to Valerian and turned toward Diella.

Diella looked at Dereck with a surprisingly firm expression.

“You arrived so suddenly, and now you say you are leaving just as suddenly.”

“That is the life of a wandering mercenary, isn’t it?”

“I know you don’t want to hear it, but I’ll say it anyway.”

Diella hesitated for a moment, then, as if deciding she must speak, she raised her head proudly and said:

“…Can you not go?”

As if those words had driven a dagger into his heart, Valerian closed his eyes tightly.

Dereck looked at Diella calmly and then, with a kinder expression, said:

“As always, I will spend my time in the taverns of Ebelstain, playing the role of a mercenary. I will also study a lot of magic.”

“…I see.”

“Lady Diella, once you have completed your cultural training here, you will be granted a large residence in preparation for high society and you will come to the noble district of Ebelstain, right? Just like Lady Aiselin.”

Dereck smiled slightly. It was rare to see such a smile on his normally impassive face.

**Discover more**
*Translation services*
*Discord server access*
*Action and adventure novels*

“We will meet again soon. If by then I have improved a bit more, perhaps I will have something new to teach you.”

At Dereck’s quiet words, Diella could only nod.

His words were always like that: truthful, leaving no room for doubt.

***

That night, Diella had a nightmare.

A dream of the days when she was trapped in the pavilion, achieving nothing.

Sitting silently in her room, wasting time, listening to whispers like demonic voices.

*Diella, you are useless. An incompetent. Nothing more than a name with noble blood.*

The whispers filled her ears until the walls seemed to close in around her. The world shrank until it almost crushed her, suffocating her, until she suddenly woke up.

Drenched in sweat, she sat up in bed, while the moonlight filtered through the curtains of the dark room.

A maid, with a surprised expression, stood there with hesitation.

—”Lady Diella, are you alright? I heard a noise and came in…”

“…”

After calming her breathing, Diella exhaled deeply. The idea of Dereck’s departure produced an inexplicable void in her. She realized how much she had depended on him.

Truthfully, she did not want Dereck to leave.

But she had no reason to stop him.

—“Isn’t it you, Lady Diella, who controls the whole situation?”

Then, suddenly, something Dereck had once said came to mind.

Yes. In the end, Diella was the one in control of the situation.

Dereck was leaving because Diella had changed completely, so there was no reason for him to stay. If she gave him a reason to stay, it would be enough. It was evident that if she returned to her old ways—mistreating servants and sowing chaos—he would stay for her.

**Discover more**
*Translation services*
*Premium Access to Chapters*
*Discord community access*

After all, he was the one who changed her. Surely, the Duke and Valerian would want to keep him. That way, she could keep Dereck.

Diella silently observed the maid, who appeared worried.

She could slap her, scold her for entering the young lady’s room without permission. If she made a scene, Dereck would stay.

Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

“…No. I’m fine. Could you bring me a glass of water?”

“Yes! I’ll be back from the kitchen right away. Please wait a moment.”

But Diella didn’t do it.

She sat silently at the tea table in the center of the room, stroking her face under the soft moonlight.

For whom would she be making such a scene?

Creating such chaos would only nullify everything Dereck had done until now. Even if it meant he would leave, Diella could not bear to tarnish the legacy he had left behind. She would never want to desecrate what he had built with his own hands.

Life had returned to normal. The servants of the mansion now smiled kindly at her, and her family enjoyed each day with tranquility. Those everyday moments were very precious.

Since Dereck didn’t want her to lose sight of that, Diella could only dry her tears and cry in silence.

What mattered most was Dereck’s ambition; it broke her heart.

His ambition, which became clear when they looked at the sky together in the garden, was not to settle for being a commoner, but to become a high-level mage. Remaining tied to that noble mansion would only hinder his path.

So Diella could not stop Dereck. He was a man with wings.

The girl held back her tears and, shortly after, adopted an expression of determination.

***

That night, Diella had a nightmare.

She dreamed of the days when she was trapped in the pavilion, achieving nothing. Sitting silently in her room, wasting time, she heard whispers like demonic voices:

*Diella, you are good for nothing. You are an incompetent. You are no one, you have nothing to show but your lineage.*

The whispers filled her ears until the walls of the room seemed to close in around her. The world shrank to a point, crushing her, drowning her in agony, until she suddenly woke up.

Drenched in sweat, she sat up in bed, while the moonlight filtered through the curtains in the dark room.

A maid stood there, startled, hesitating.

“Lady Diella, are you alright? I heard a noise and came in…”

“…”

After catching her breath, Diella sighed deeply. The idea that Dereck was about to leave produced an inexplicable void in her. She realized how much she depended on him.

Truthfully, she wished he wouldn’t leave.

But there was no reason to stop him.

—”After all, isn’t it Lady Diella who controls the whole situation?”

Then, suddenly, a phrase he had once said came to her mind.

Yes. In the end, control was in Diella’s hands.

Dereck was leaving because Diella had changed completely, so he had no reason to intervene further. If she gave him a reason to stay—if she returned to her old ways, slapping servants, behaving erratically, sowing chaos—she could retain him.

The one who had transformed Diella was none other than him, and surely the Duke and Valerian would want him to stay at the mansion. That way, she could remain by Dereck’s side.

Diella silently observed the worried maid. She could slap her, scold her for daring to enter her mistress’s room without permission. By making a scene, causing chaos, she could force Dereck to stay, for his own sake.

Her eyes gleamed with mischief.

“…No. I’m fine. Could you bring me a glass of water?”

—”Yes, Lady Diella! I’ll be right back from the kitchen. Please wait a moment.”

But Diella did not call her back.

She sat quietly at the tea table in the center of the room, gently stroking her cheek in the dim moonlight.

For whom would she make such a scene?

Creating that chaos would only nullify everything Dereck had done so far. Even if it meant he would stay, Diella could not bear to undo the importance of what he had built. She would never stain the meaning he had created with his own hands.

Life had returned to normal: the mansion servants smiled kindly, her family went about their lives with joy. How happy those everyday moments were!

Since Dereck didn’t want her to neglect these things, Diella could only dry her tears and sob in silence.

The most important thing was Dereck’s own ambition, which broke her heart.

His ambition—revealed when they looked up at the garden sky together—was not to settle for being a commoner, but to become a high-level mage. Remaining tied to that noble mansion would only obstruct him.

That’s why Diella couldn’t keep Dereck. He was a man with wings.

The girl held back her tears and, soon after, adopted an expression full of determination.

***

Four days later, while Lady Aiselin prepared to return to Ebelstein:

At the main gate of the noble Duplain mansion, a large carriage and numerous servants gathered to see her off.

Lady Aiselin, with a somewhat complex expression, waved to the servants and then bit her lip as Dereck approached.

“Shall I drop you off at the entrance to Ebelstein? Or would it be better to go to the commercial district?”

“The commercial district would be more convenient. Thank you for considering it.”

“No, I can at least do that.”

It was a damp dawn.

As often happens in late spring, there was a light mist, but one could still feel the characteristic freshness of the morning.

In that subtle boundary between night and day, the world seemed almost empty.

Only the birdsong in the garden, still without sunlight, echoed hollowly. Dereck thanked Lady Aiselin and, before boarding the carriage, took a look around.

Valerian and Leigh, who had arrived early, gave a slight bow; Dereck responded with a nod.

Then Diella, who had been crouching among her older siblings, stepped forward. She still maintained a firm expression. Although she used to cry, she surprisingly showed a determined countenance at this farewell.

He expected her to throw a tantrum, to plead with him not to leave, but the exact opposite happened.

As if reading his thoughts, Diella said with a familiar smile:

“What? Did you think I was going to put on a show and tell you not to go? I’m not a child anymore.”

“…I see. I see you with different eyes.”

Dereck let out a half-laugh, then looked toward the brightening sky and spoke to Diella:

“Even so, it has been an honor to teach you, Lady Diella. Perhaps I cannot proudly call myself your master anywhere, but I hope you remember the magic we practiced together.”

“I’m sorry, but I will proudly proclaim that you are my master.”

“…”

“Even if you desire a quiet life, it won’t turn out as you expect. Imagine how many will whisper about being the master of Diella Catherine Duplain. Hehe.”

The girl laughed mischievously, smoothed her thick blonde hair several times, and then spoke frankly:

“Don’t hurt yourself doing mercenary jobs for free.”

“I’ll be fine. I hope you take care of yourself too, Lady Diella.”

“There’s no need to worry about me.”

Diella didn’t make a scene. She played silently with the ends of her hair and then, with a resolute look, said:

“I’m already grown up. See? I can take care of myself.”

Having said that, she put her hands on her hips and, with a satisfied smile, puffed out her chest boldly.

At that moment, Dereck stood stunned, eyes wide with surprise.

It was a memory that suddenly assaulted him, one that had been buried deep in Dereck’s subconscious for a long time, relegated to the background and misunderstood for a long period.

—*I’m already grown up. I can take care of myself.*

A long time ago, the young Dereck had said the same thing. Just like Diella now. He didn’t want to be a burden to someone who was leaving, so he spoke with a forced smile and a tense body.

So that the one departing could continue their journey without problems, he had tried to show bravery. But instead of relief, his master hugged him tightly, worry reflected on her face.

And… she whispered something to Dereck.

At the time he hadn’t understood those words, but even so, he kept that farewell deep in his heart and moved forward.

And in time, he had his own student.

Seeing his student bravely declare her maturity while preparing to leave… everything clicked perfectly, like dominoes, and he understood.

The girl was still very young. Her path was long. Many more trials awaited her in life, and as she moved forward, she would face new rebellions.

Amidst the vicissitudes of life, how fragile was the figure of that girl, who opened the way to adulthood with faltering steps! That image was etched into someone’s heart.

Only now did Dereck fully understand the emotions that had remained reflected on Katia’s face that day.

Finally, he completely understood the sweet words his master had once whispered to him:

“Lady Diella.”

Then Dereck knelt down and gently placed a hand on Diella’s bright golden hair.

And he spoke softly, in a low voice:

“You don’t have to grow up too fast.”

At those words, Diella’s pupils dilated briefly and then she bit her lip. She seemed to be holding back her emotions, struggling to suppress them. Tears she could no longer contain fell silently from her reddened eyes.

Dereck stood up in silence and adjusted his cloak hat.

“Dereck!”

Perhaps there was no time for long goodbyes; Diella shouted once. Her next words were brief:

“Until we meet again.”

The girl would integrate into the social circles of Ebelstein. Thus, Dereck could bid her farewell with peace of mind as he boarded the carriage.

“See you in Ebelstein.”

***

*Creak.*

The heavy carriage door opened and Dereck stepped down heavily.

Stretching his thin frame, he looked around and realized it was quite late.

The narrow, winding alley still gave off an air of life; piles of trash were heaped in corners: old wooden boxes, food scraps, rusted knives scattered everywhere.

«Mr. Dereck, if you ever come to the noble quarter, please visit us. I will serve you the best tea, and if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.»

“Yes, thank you.”

“You will always be welcome at the mansion.”

Lady Aiselin leaned forward to say goodbye. Although they had resolved many matters during the journey, something still weighed on her heart as they parted.

As Dereck gave a polite bow, the carriage began to move slowly toward the noble quarter.

—*Jingle, jingle.*

After getting off the train, he returned to the simpler streets, now bathed in moonlight.

Children played barefoot, beggars sat here and there, asking passersby for alms.

In the distance, the cries of a beaten woman and those of rowdy drunks mingled, and an indistinct song drifted from a cheap tavern.

It was a world totally opposite to the noble quarter, where the air was always impregnated with luxurious scents. There, breathing deeply, he felt an indescribable satisfaction, like coming home after a long journey.

“Well, your skin has improved; the food at the noble mansion must be good.”

As he walked down the tavern street, a girl sitting with her legs crossed on an old wooden box at the corner of the alley spoke to him. Her tone was informal, with her chin resting on her hand; she sounded completely natural.

Dressed in an old, worn cloak, she was the spitting image of a mercenary. A large bow hung from her back and her platinum blonde hair was neatly pulled back.

“Oh, Pheline.”

If that foul alley could be called Dereck’s home, then that girl was surely an old friend from his old neighborhood.

Finally, Dereck felt that he had truly returned home.