Chapter 26

Chapter 26
## Chapter 26

Running a tavern meant living out of sync with the world.

The doors opened at dusk and closed at dawn. On the way home, as the clear sky turned a pale blue, it was common to see busy people walking through streets that would otherwise be empty.

Jayden didn’t think this life was bad.

Back when he roamed battlefields decapitating trolls, there were no life patterns, so the tranquility of being able to predict the present and the future was welcome.

Of course, he never neglected his training and occasionally took on missions of his own to keep busy… but, in essence, he craved peace. Occasional monster hunts were merely a distraction for Jayden, whose past was riddled with fatigue.

After cleaning a few clinking glasses, the silence of the empty tavern felt as comforting as a warm blanket.

Jayden enjoyed the tranquility before closing. In those moments of reflection on how to end the day, a familiar figure walked through the door.

*Creak*

“Still open, boss?”

“Dereck. It’s almost dawn; what brings you here?”

“I just want a quick bite before I head home. Anything left?”

As always, Dereck looked disheveled.

It wasn’t unusual for this mercenary, known for shedding neither tears nor blood, to appear covered in dirt and dust.

What was strange, however, was that he currently held a lucrative contract and was not accepting other paid work.

“No way, Dereck. Did you go all the way to the outskirts of Ebelstain? Without a bounty mission? Don’t tell me you entered the labyrinth.”

“It’s not that deep, just a little. I have a plan I’ll tell you about.”

Exhausted, he sat at the bar, brushed back his bangs with his hand while wiping his face, and sighed.

“Do you want something to drink?”

“It’s almost closing time; not many good things left.”

“Anything is fine.”

“As you wish.”

It was known that Dereck was tutoring a young lady from the Prince Belmiard family, spending almost the entire day with her. Even so, at night he found time to explore the outskirts of Ebelstain. He seemed to be honing his magic or simply wandering.

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“Are you going to sleep?”

“I’m going to close my eyes for a bit.”

“So are you going back to tutoring that Belmiard lady?”

“I have about three hours planned. Better grab what I need and get moving.”

Jayden clicked his tongue and poured him a simple drink. He had never worked as hard as Dereck, even in his prime. Dereck seemed almost obsessed with the study of magic.

He had met the boy a long time ago in the mercenary trenches. He knew the lad’s astounding magical talent very well, and often found it excessive.

“There’s a letter for you at the mercenary guild. From an unusual sender.”

To avoid holding up an exhausted Dereck any longer, Jayden tossed a letter with an elegant seal onto the table.

Dereck looked at it with a confused expression and examined the surface.

“It’s from the County of Elvester. Elvester is a long train ride from here, on the far eastern edge. I’ve never seen a letter come from so far away… especially from a noble house…”

“Prince Elvester, you say?”

“Yes. No matter how famous your name is, it only reaches as far as Ebelstain, right? Do you have some charm that attracts the nobility?”

“No. It was probably sent by my mentor. She said she’d let me know if she could.”

Dereck’s mentor, Katia Flameheart, was the teacher of Lady Freya of the Elvester County.

Knowing how incredible she was as a mentor, Dereck was sure she would do well even in such a prestigious place.

“Lady Freya’s mentor? That old mage has lived a fairly full life.”

In a kingdom that seemed to span the entire continent, prominent families varied by region. News from the east rarely reached the far west of Ebelstain, but the names of certain influential figures did make it there.

If they were referring to Lady Freya of Elvester, she was practically considered a queen in the social circles of the Eastern Empire.

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‘In Ebelstain terms, she’s similar to Lady Aiselin.’

Dereck tucked Katia’s letter into his pocket, unaware that a satisfied smile was spreading across his face. He seemed genuinely pleased to have heard from his mentor.

For Dereck, a mercenary hardened by a thousand battles at seventeen, such a human expression was unusual. Jayden, watching, couldn’t help but think:

‘After all, he’s still human.’

“Dereck.”

Jayden, arms crossed, finally spoke after silently watching Dereck drink his fruit wine in exhaustion.

“Take care of yourself.”

“…Don’t worry.”

***

**(Newly Acquired Magic)**
* 1-Star Combat: ‘Ice Spear’
* 1-Star Combat: ‘Fire Arrow’
* 1-Star Transformation: ‘Attribute Infusion’
* 1-Star Confusion: ‘Illusion – Small Animal’
* 2-Star Combat: ‘Shadow Bind’
* 2-Star Combat: ‘Great Protective Shield’
* 2-Star Transformation: ‘Crystallization’
* 2-Star Detection: ‘Magic Detection’

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[One-star spells can now be used without the need for a full incantation.]

***

Ellen began to believe in the afterlife. She realized that hell was not that far away.

Ellen’s resilience was far from weak. Although she was a delicate noble lady, her mental strength was exceptional, and her determination so ironclad that she could endure even the harshest lessons.

Even so, Dereck’s magic lessons had a mysterious way of pushing people to the limit.

“Lady Ellen! You can give more! Today you must learn to gather the remains of your exhausted magic energy… to cast spells effectively. You must understand that feeling!”

“How can I summon magic… from the depths of exhaustion… *pant*… *pant*…? How is that even possible…?”

“Is there anything in this world that cannot be achieved with pure willpower?”

“Words… are easy… to say…!”

“If it seems impossible, giving up is always an option.”

Ellen’s daily routine already exceeded what most could endure.

She woke at dawn for a brief magic training session with Dereck, attended humanities classes in the morning, ate a quick lunch, participated in duels all afternoon, had dinner, practiced magic control in a rush until bedtime, had a night snack, and practiced flower arranging or played an instrument until the moon was high in the sky before falling asleep.

After about two weeks, upon waking in the morning, the world looked blurry to her. It was true: this is what it felt like to be at the limit.

“Could this… actually kill me?”

She had made a bold promise to Dereck, and now it was hard to say she couldn’t keep it.

However, the thought began to circle her mind that maybe, just maybe, if she kept pushing herself this hard, she could defeat Aiselin. Ellen had never lived her life with such intensity, minute by minute.

Effort never betrayed her. Diligent in everything she did, Ellen managed to find satisfaction even in this demanding schedule.

Her desire still burned.

But whether her body could keep up was another matter.

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“Ah, Lady Ellen. Your skin is suffering a bit.”

“…”

For a butler, commenting on the appearance of a lady of the House of Belmiard was an act of daring.

Still, the manor’s butler ventured to advise Ellen while helping her dress in the morning.

“Madam, it is laudable that you always strive to master magic, but when it begins to affect your appearance, it becomes a serious concern for us, the servants.”

‘Yes. I was so absorbed in my magic that for a moment I forgot about my appearance. Without all of you, I would be in a sorry state. I will always be grateful.’

“…What if you reduced your magic training schedule a bit?”

“…That’s not possible.”

She had to defeat Aiselin.

The burning desire to win was incomprehensible to the butler.

What if she lost?

He was in no position to make such irresponsible comments, but perhaps it was time for someone to show her reality.

No one could ignore that Aiselin was the embodiment of perfection in all aspects.

And most assumed it would not be easy to defeat her with desperate, short-term efforts.

After all, Ellen was challenging the impossible.

Even if she had succeeded, it didn’t matter. Who would consider Ellen superior to Aiselin for winning a simple practice duel? In the end, it was nothing more than that: a practice duel.

However, Ellen was obsessed with fighting Aiselin, as if possessed by a spirit bewitched by victory.

One could only wonder what had her so absorbed.

“It seems Lady Ellen is having a hard time.”

The same was true for the other noble ladies in the Rose Salon.

Ellen, who occasionally graced meetings and debates with her distinguished beauty, was admired by all, though not as much as Aiselin.

After all, among the three ladies considered the soul of the Rose Salon, ranking them seemed futile. Each bloomed in her own right.

That was why no one understood Ellen’s seriousness as she grew thinner day by day, dedicating herself entirely to magic training.

Shortly after, unable to endure the horrific daily training, Ellen wandered through the cultural hall looking dazed. It was still unclear if all of that was acceptable.

Returning to the manor meant more magic training and a rushed review of spells before dinner.

Every day, she summoned her magic from the depths of her being, pushing herself to exhaustion without questioning the meaning of it all.

Her only goal was to overcome that hell. Little by little, everything in the world began to seem distant and blurry.

“…”

From a corner of the cultural hall, Aiselin watched Ellen with a heart full of unease.

‘Lately, Lady Ellen seems very exhausted. Her skin looks a bit damaged and her eyes lack vitality. I’m worried she’s pushing herself too hard.’

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“She must be giving her all in the magic duel with Lady Aiselin. Even if it’s just a practice match, her seriousness is undeniable.”

Aiselin hated speaking ill of others.

Her followers knew this well, so they refrained from openly criticizing Ellen’s competitive spirit.

However, their words subtly hinted at a disdain toward Ellen, who seemed to be trying too hard.

Deep down, Aiselin despised those petty and vulgar noblewomen.

Following in the footsteps of the exceptional Aiselin, her followers often deluded themselves into believing they held the same authority. Aiselin deeply disliked their condescending attitude toward Ellen, as if they were in her place.

Aiselin seemed compassionate.

***

The next morning, Ellen, somehow enduring the cries of pain emanating from her body, got out of bed.

As usual, the butler, with a worried expression, combed her hair and said:

“A gift has arrived from the Duplain family.”

“…What? The Duplains?”

“Yes. Oh, it seems Lady Aiselin sent it…”

A maid entered the room carrying a wooden box adorned with an elegant floral bow and a delicate ribbon.

After placing it on the tea table and making a polite bow, Ellen, rubbing her blurry eyes, opened the box.

Inside was a handwritten letter from Aiselin, a scented sachet, and several magical health care items.

“…”

“Miss Ellen?”

After reviewing the contents of the box, Ellen opened the letter in silence. Inside, Aiselin’s handwriting, neat and delicate, was of exquisite beauty. The message was filled with words of encouragement, urging her to stay strong.

Aiselin had sent this gift out of concern, fearing that Ellen was pushing herself too hard in preparation for their duel.

However, it was obvious to anyone that someone with superior skills would only send such a gift out of pity.

Aware of this, Aiselin wrote the letter as if she were simply sharing leftover items from her house, a social formality of courtesy.

In reality, it was a sincere gift from Aiselin, but she presented it in such a way that Ellen wouldn’t feel belittled, as if she were sharing it with several acquaintances at once.

To anyone, she seemed too good, too virtuous.

After reading the sincere letters, Ellen put them down in silence.

“They are quite luxurious items. I will put them away separately.”

“No, throw them all in the trash.”

“…Pardon?”

“Throw them all in the trash. Don’t let them catch my eye.”

Clenching her teeth in frustration, Ellen stood up from her seat.

In the mirror, a tired and haggard girl, with a bitter expression, stared back at her.

Adorned with beautiful makeup and charming accessories, her face reflected jealousy and envy.

There stood an ugly human being, consumed by irrational jealousy, harboring hostility toward a perfect being: beautiful, noble, and kind.

Who was she? It was herself.

Who was the villain who conspired to ruin Aiselin when she entered society? Herself.

Who was that despicable woman, moved by Aiselin’s dignity and grace but unable to set aside envy, struggling desperately to win? Herself.

The woman reflected in the mirror had disheveled hair and pale skin, consumed by fatigue.

Who was this woman? Who was she?

Suddenly, Ellen’s eyes widened as she stared silently into the mirror.

“Is Dereck in the training area right now?”

“Yes. He is preparing for the morning training. Once you are dressed…”

“What’s the point? Soon I’ll be soaked in sweat and dirty.”

“…Pardon?”

Without another word, Ellen lifted the hem of her dress and left the room.

The servants rushed to stop her, but she ignored them.

***

*Thud*

Ellen burst into the training area, releasing her grip as she entered.

Dereck, who was polishing his sword in a corner of the grounds, looked up in surprise.

“Dereck, we’re back to working hard today. As always, can we start with a practice match?”

“My lady, did you come right after waking up?”

“Is it not obvious that I should start training the moment I open my eyes?”

“That’s not what I meant…”

“Then what is it?”

It was time for her exhausted mind to slowly repeat the same thing. In fact, enduring this much was not common.

Dereck had deliberately cornered Ellen, but he hadn’t expected this reaction and had to stop to assess the situation.

However, Ellen, after silently observing Dereck, took a deep breath as if it were nothing and said:

“To defeat Aiselin, every moment of training is too precious to waste. I need to further refine my skills.”

“Lady Ellen.”

Dereck realized immediately that Ellen had reached her limit. So far, everything had gone according to plan.

And in a situation like this, he asked a question he had asked many times before.

“Sometimes, giving up is also an option if it becomes too difficult.”

“Give up?”

Ellen frowned as if he had touched a wound, then wiped her face with her delicate hands and approached Dereck.

Then, looking at him with wide eyes, she faced him.

“Why should I give up? Dereck, you always suggest I give up when things get difficult. Did you come here to stop me?”

“…”

“I want someone to help me defeat Aiselin, and you agreed immediately. Is that not our relationship? Why do you keep insisting I give up…? May I ask why?”

“Lady Ellen.”

Why was she so obsessed with competing against Aiselin?

Dereck needed to know the reason. He had long realized that it wasn’t just jealousy and envy driving her.

Teaching someone means understanding their fundamental psychological desire for self-improvement and guiding them accordingly.

Transmitting knowledge is the role of an instructor, but guiding people is the role of a mentor.

And Dereck had learned well what it meant to guide others thanks to his experience with Katia.

“And what if you can’t win?”

Seeing Dereck utter those words so calmly, Ellen suddenly felt a surge of inexplicable anger. She hadn’t hired Dereck to listen to such nonsense; she had hired him to help her defeat Aiselin.

Ellen grabbed Dereck’s collar.

About to raise her voice, she suddenly met Dereck’s sincere gaze and calmed her breathing.

“If I can’t win… if I can’t win, then I am too ugly.”

Finally, Ellen spoke as if spitting out the words.

“…”

The day she brought Dereck home, she had exposed her flaws and convinced him.

But she was also a seasoned figure in social circles. She said many things, but she never revealed why she truly wanted to beat her.

Dereck had concluded that, in this state, he couldn’t help Ellen.

“I already said it. I’m the kind of person who slanders and belittles Aiselin. I might be called the pillar of House Belmiard or the flower of the Rose Salon, but at best, that’s who I used to be. Do you understand?”

“…”

‘I have admitted how childish and malicious my actions were, and I have understood a thousand times over that Lady Aiselin is completely genuine and admirable. That she is not someone one can compete with, I accepted long ago. My mind and my reason understand everything. That there is no reason to feel aversion or hatred toward Lady Aiselin, I have also explained.’

With that, the anger vanished from Ellen’s twisted eyes, leaving only sadness.

She spoke as if expelling a clump of mud that had stuck to her heart.

“But what can I do? This inferiority complex, so ugly and petty, won’t go away…”

It was then that Dereck began to understand her. After all, she was just a girl his age.

No matter how childish or superficial this inferiority complex seemed, it meant nothing. Because human emotions do not always follow logic.

Ellen, a noble lady respected wherever she went, was still just a girl going through the storm of adolescence.

If reason matured too much, it would detach from emotion. Knowing how ugly and shameful her inferiority was only made her feel even more ashamed for harboring it.

But, as she said, where could those emotions come from just because one desired them, and disappear just because one didn’t want them?

—’You have expressed it very well. I am fully aware that my personality is not the best.’

— “There was a time when I felt truly miserable.”

It was then that Dereck felt the puzzle pieces finally fit together. She always acted like a proud rose, but behind her words and actions lay self-hatred.

It was a sign too subtle to notice unless one was looking for it, but once it caught his attention, the full shape became clear.

Lady Ellen was surely looking for a way to correct that flaw in herself. But human emotions don’t change easily overnight.

After much difficulty and wandering, her final goal was to beat Aiselin, even if it was over something trivial.

In the end, the person she hated most was not Aiselin, but herself.

Finally, Dereck felt he was seeing Ellen’s essence.

The reason he constantly asked Ellen if she could really pull it off was to confirm her determination. Because the plan he had in mind would be dangerous for her if she did it halfway.

“That’s right.”

Dereck didn’t make a scene or react emotionally.

Simply and slowly, he pulled Ellen’s hand away from his collar. Even that gesture denoted firmness.

“…Then, let’s win!”

Ellen’s eyes widened in surprise.

Despite Ellen’s emotional reaction, Dereck showed not the slightest sign of confusion.

He was like a blade of steel: easy to provoke, but unbreakable.