Chapter 34

Chapter 34
## Chapter 34

“Duke Beltus, that man seems like he never ages.”

Count Belmierd mused aloud.

In the central meeting hall of Cleon Hall, within the noble district of Ebelstain.

The sight of three prominent nobles of the Western Empire gathered in one place made the attendants swallow hard.

Each of them ruled their territory like a king, knowing that even the slightest mistake could bring shame upon their families.

“Perhaps the rumor that he touched a taboo isn’t so far-fetched.”

Count Belmierd led the meeting with an affable laugh, but as usual, Duke Duplain and Grand Duke Beltus maintained serious and somber expressions.

That was how the heads of the great families behaved. In reality, nobles like Count Belmierd were scarce.

“If Duke Duplain plans to expand his territory beyond the Belkos Peninsula, he should be careful with the labyrinth of the White Zone. Manipulating trade tariffs there would bring him a great advantage, but if powerful monsters are awakened in high-level labyrinths, it could bring him greater losses, don’t you think?”

“Duke Beltus is the most concerned. I have sent knights from my own domain to investigate, and it seems there will be no major upheavals.”

“The lives of your people are in danger, so we must be more cautious. If necessary, we can even send knightly orders from our own lands.”

“You call those people knightly orders? Aren’t they simply worthless mercenaries?”

Grand Duke Beltus, whose thin face was framed by a disheveled blue mane, frowned.

> **Discover more**
> * Translator recruitment
> * Romance novels
> * Character products

Beltus’s territory was vast and fertile, but nothing comparable to the other two existing territories. Most of it consisted of islands and mountains.

Although his military might equaled that of the high nobility, more than half of it came from General Orel, a former mercenary.

In terms of influence, he could not be compared to Duke Duplain, whose lineage was mixed with royalty, so it was natural that he was constantly worried about being left out of the three great families.

“Duke Duplain, your words are too harsh. The mercenaries under General Orel’s command, stationed in Beltus territory, wield their swords with conviction and faith, do they not?”

“If you give them enough gold, they will not hesitate to stab those they previously protected. Can you really sleep soundly entrusting your kingdom to people like that?”

“It seems Duke Duplain trusts he can manage his vast territory with his unlimited private army. Rumors say the outskirts of the Duplain domain are plagued by crime and anarchy.”

Duke Duplain let out a forced laugh. He recognized the value of General Orel’s mercenaries, but entrusting them with administrative tasks and territorial security was a completely different matter.

“Sooner or later, you will reach a stalemate. Or perhaps… are you satisfied with things as they are?”

“What a ridiculous provocation!”

“Does this sound like a provocation? I am only stating the facts.”

Count Belmierd sighed deeply. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the reason for their tension.

The White Zone, stretching north of the Duplain domain, was a golden region filled with high-risk labyrinths.

If someone managed to break through, increase trade tariffs, and recover the treasures hidden in the labyrinths, it would be a great advantage… But, realistically, it was not a task that the Duplain army could solve alone. Labyrinth exploration could not be carried out by brute force alone.

Grand Duke Beltus’s suggestion to send knightly orders was also motivated by his desire to obtain a share of the White Zone’s treasure. If he wanted to participate in the loot, he needed a reason, which is why he constantly pressured Duke Duplain to ask for help.

These types of disputes over interests were common, but it was not something that should be discussed in a context like this.

Given that the negotiations regarding tariffs on goods passing through Ebelstain had concluded, Count Belmierd thought it appropriate to end on a more relaxed tone.

“Even so, exchanging opinions directly in Ebelstain is much better and faster than by correspondence. Now that we have reached a consensus on the controversial issues, let us conclude the negotiations. After all, after such a long journey, don’t you think it’s time to see our children in the social life of the noble district?”

> **Discover more**
> * Action and adventure novels
> * Short story writing courses
> * Novel subscription service

That said, Count Belmierd turned the conversation toward their children. In truth, everyone present deeply loved their descendants, each in their own way.

It was also important for each of their daughters to have a place in Ebelstain’s social circle, particularly within Rose Hall.

The fathers were constantly immersed in their own battles of pride, each determined not to let their daughters be eclipsed.

“I have heard that Lady Diella, of the Duplain family, will soon debut in Ebelstain’s social circle after her coming-of-age ceremony. Although she travels a lot, her recent magical feats are notable.”

No father hated praising his child. When Count Belmierd offered an informal compliment to lighten the mood, Duke Duplain crossed his arms and leaned back in his luxurious wooden chair.

“Mmm… She may travel a lot, but lately she has achieved quite a bit. However, she tends to downplay her achievements, eclipsed by Aiselin’s success.”

“With preparations for her debut underway, those somber thoughts will soon be forgotten.”

Count Belmierd shared this pleasant exchange to lighten the mood, but he was not one to yield easily to others. Especially when it came to bragging about his children.

“Although perhaps she is no match for Ellen.”

“…”

“There is no need for such pessimism, Duke. While Diella’s achievements may not rival those of our Ellen, there is certainly nothing to be ashamed of.”

Duke Duplain frowned slightly.

When it came to bragging about his daughters, he had little to say.

“It is true that Diella’s achievements have not yet shone. But since there is no mountain higher than Aiselin, perhaps she has set her sights on her as a new goal.”

“…”

Aiselin was, indeed, the cream of Ebelstain’s social circle, the pillar of Rose Hall.

Even the kind-hearted Count Belmierd found it difficult to claim that his daughter Ellen was nobler or superior to Aiselin.

Having a daughter like Aiselin was like having a royal flush in the game of fatherly pride.

Thinking there would be no comeback could be frustrating, but the Count could not bear to imagine his daughter Ellen being seen as inferior anywhere.

“Perhaps you haven’t heard about the recent magic duel, Duke Duplain?”

“What? A magic duel?”

“Yes. Lady Aiselin may have reigned for a long time in Ebelstain’s social life, but that glory might not last forever.”

It wasn’t that the Duke was unaware of the recent duel. Aiselin had openly told him various social gossip from Ebelstain.

In particular, she seemed to have learned a lot from her recent duel with Ellen.

Aiselin always appeared serene. However, during that duel, she clearly sensed a crisis approaching, as she was on the verge of being defeated by Ellen.

Those who always thought of their families naturally sought new mentors.

It was true that Ellen had reached Aiselin’s level. With a victorious look, Duke Duplain silently observed Count Belmierd, who looked back at him suspiciously and slowly frowned.

He had heard that Aiselin had won that duel. However, judging by Count Belmierd’s expression, it was hard to say who had actually won.

“It’s true, the mercenary who became Lady Diella’s teacher seems to have extraordinary skill. For now, that mercenary is firmly on Ellen’s side.”

> **Discover more**
> * Fantasy books
> * E-book publishing
> * Coin shop

Although he spoke with grace and dignity, his words were nothing more than a veiled dig at Duke Duplain.

Basically, he was saying: “Aren’t you envious? The magic teacher you profited from so much is now working for us.”

But Duke Duplain also mocked Count Belmierd in return.

“On Ellen’s side? Do you think that mercenary is the type to stay in one place?”

“Pardon?”

“It seems, Count Belmierd, that you haven’t truly met that mercenary.”

Duke Duplain’s words hit the mark. The mercenary, a very self-assured master of magic followed by Ellen and Aiselin, had not even been seen by them.

When Count Belmierd fell silent, Duke Duplain, with his chin held high, spoke with an arrogant expression.

“Of course he has a talent for teaching, but he is not someone who can be easily tied down to one place, and forcing him would only be counterproductive.”

Before being a magic teacher, he was a mage full of ambition.

If he ever felt that teaching noble ladies negatively affected his pursuit of magic, he would refuse to teach anyone, even in exchange for money.

To manage such a talent, persuasion was more effective than coercion. Duke Duplain’s insight could only be obtained by knowing Dereck directly. Count Belmierd could not make that kind of decision at that moment.

Feeling psychologically superior, Duke Duplain’s voice calmed down again.

“After all, he has been working as a teacher at the Duplain estate for a long time and is very close to Diella. Knowing how Aiselin is, it’s obvious he’ll end up being her tutor again instead of Ellen’s.”

“Ugh…”

“Do you think you can subdue him just because he strayed slightly from the Belmierd family? A ruler must know how to control and direct his people.”

Count Belmierd could not refute Duke Duplain’s words.

It was true; Dereck understood very well that Duke Duplain was someone who valued achievements earned through effort when working under his command.

He had no reason to be excessively loyal to Count Belmierd, a man he didn’t even know.

> **Discover more**
> * Fantasy books
> * History
> * Language learning tools

If Dereck swore loyalty to anyone, in the end, it would only be to Duke Duplain.

With a voice full of confidence, Count Belmierd rested his chin and took a deep breath.

‘I must meet with him.’

Ellen seemed interested in keeping the magic teacher named Dereck. It was true; having such a teacher had brought her great success in the magic duel with Aiselin.

Imagining his daughter losing her teacher due to differences in her parents’ authority was unbearable.

Worse yet, losing him to Aiselin, specifically, would take away his sleep. It was something that had to be avoided at all costs.

‘Is it the Beldern mercenary band?’

Once this meeting ended, the other nobles would go to see their daughters in the noble quarter.

He felt sorry for Ellen, but he decided he had to get to ‘Beldern’s Tears’, in the tavern alley, faster than anyone else.

Only by pushing the mercenary named Dereck into Ellen’s arms did it seem he could leave Ebelstain with a relieved heart.

‘…’

However, the expression of Duke Beltus, who had been listening to the conversation of the two, was also not at all pleasant.

He was an opportunist.

If figures like Count Belmierd and Duke Duplain competed for a single talent, there was undoubtedly something noteworthy about him.

Being a magic tutor for noble ladies was reason enough. His daughter, Denise, had not shown significant progress in her magic skills lately.

Precisely because Denise lacked motivation and simply did what others did. Not even her father, Duke Beltus, could understand such apathy.

‘I must write a letter to Denise to ask her about the magic teacher named Dereck. The fastest way is to ask through my social circle.’

In any case, Denise would provide some information if he took action on his own.

She might not be the one to take the initiative, but once she does, she always gets results.

In fact, Denise had anticipated those instructions from Duke Beltus and had already sent a request to the Beldern mercenary band.

> **Discover more**
> * Adventure games
> * Online bookstore
> * Translation software

If she managed to contact the man named Dereck, it would certainly carry much weight at the negotiation table.

***

The sound of water dripping from stalactites echoed throughout the chamber.
Even in the darkness, where not an inch ahead could be seen, Drest moved forward without hesitation.

When Dereck tried to light a torch, the old man raised his withered hand to stop him.

“…”

“Always be careful when observing your surroundings in the dark.”

“How exactly should I do it?”

“Release your mana.”

“…”

The old man’s explanations were always brief.

It seemed impossible to discern beyond the darkness simply by releasing mana. Among the detection spells, there was one called “Night Vision” that allowed one to see in the dark.

However, there was no sign that the old man had used that spell. Not even a mage of the highest skill could manifest magic without a mana refinement process.

However, there seemed to exist the ability to perceive the environment simply by emitting mana. Dereck closed his eyes and tried what the old man had told him. Emitting magic power was not too difficult.

But inside the dark cave, his magic collided and vanished into nothingness.

“…Is it possible?”

“Yes, you learn fast. By extending your magic and feeling its echo, you can roughly understand your surroundings.”

Dereck swallowed hard. It was as if a bat were emitting sonar to orient itself in dark caves. The old man seemed familiar with the process, able to walk even with his eyes closed.

In this way, a battlefield could be understood without the need to use high-level magic.

However, the fact that the theory was clear did not mean it was easy to carry out.

The old man seemed to easily understand the structure of the cave, but Dereck had to remain completely alert to perceive his surroundings.

“Is this… possible…?”

After several attempts, Dereck tilted his head, but the old man’s voice sounded serious.

He spoke as if this were not a great feat, but simply the fundamentals of search magic.

His level was too high. Those skills were not basic. Still, Dereck did not complain.

This old man was an undisputed master of search magic.

“It seems you still don’t quite understand the level of search magic. Level 1 search magic can detect dangers or weaknesses, but at level 2 you can track a specific target, feel magic itself, and catch glimpses of objects or places from the past.”

Search mages were a minority. They did not contribute directly to combat power.

Mages specializing in search magic, like Drest, were scarce; most acted as support.

“At level 3, you can see through magical camouflages or spot distant places, and at level 4, you can discern levels of magic or the lies of others. This is only part of the wonders of search.”

“…And at level 5?”

“You can read people’s minds. Sometimes, even talk to the dead.”

Hearing those words, Dereck had to swallow again. The old man, who read aloud as if he had seen everything, also seemed to read Dereck’s mind.

That is, he knew that Dereck was not bound to this world and that his blessed magical talent was not ordinary.

However, the old man showed no surprise at Dereck. He had lived a century. It seemed there was nothing left in the world that could surprise him.

“At level 6, sometimes you can glimpse the future and destiny. You cannot use it freely, but occasionally, you feel as if you are seeing through the eyes of a god. Of course, yielding to such arrogance never ends well. We must not forget that we are only ordinary humans in this world.”

“…So, is there a reason Sir Drest sought me out?”

“Correct.”

As the old man went deeper into the dark cave, a wide open space appeared.

Bats squeaked and flew in the darkness, and unknown rodents scurried across the floor.

In the midst of it all, an old man sat silently on a large rock.

“You are destined to die before your coming-of-age ceremony.”

“…”

“I only hope it doesn’t happen.”

You are destined to die. Hearing such a statement from a six-star search mage was shocking.

However, Dereck did not seem surprised or emotionally affected.

As a mercenary who roamed battlefields, he had always lived on the brink of death. He found it curious that he felt no emotional disturbance within himself.

“There are many things I want to ask.”

“I’m sorry, but I have no desire to answer. I cannot predict how my answers might change your future. The future can unfold in many ways, diverging from what was initially foreseen. But I can assure you of one thing.”

Drest WolfTail’s face reflected the passage of years. After living a century and experiencing many things, he seemed to have finally reached a deep conclusion.

What could be the purpose of his life, after having lost everything?

Dereck could not understand it.

“You must not die. So I will make sure you don’t. You must reach a higher level than your current one.”

“Are you offering to teach me search magic?”

“Yes. And if you can aim for three stars in combat and confusion magic, it would be wise to achieve it now. If you succeed, no peer of yours will be able to match your achievements.”

“Why go so far? What do you want from me?”

Drest closed his eyes for a moment and then remained silent, as if looking for a middle ground.

“Before you reach adulthood, Valerian Delomaine Duplain will attempt to practice necromancy.”

Dereck’s eyes widened in surprise.

“If that happens, you must kill him.”

Drest WolfTail was not someone who talked nonsense.

However, even so, Dereck felt the need to ask again what he had just heard.

***

As usual, Jayden was polishing glasses at the Beldern’s Tears bar.
However, that afternoon, the face of the visitor who entered the tavern almost made his eyes pop out.

Assisted by numerous servants and followers, the head of the Belmierd family, Prince Belmierd, entered with difficulty.

The commotion had made everyone at the entrance of the tavern alley bow their heads.

He was not the type of person who strolled leisurely through the Ebelstein market block.

“Ah, welcome.”

Jayden bowed deeply immediately.

There were rumors of an agreement between the three noble families of Ebelstein. But they were nothing more than passing news.

No one, not even Jayden or the tavern customers gathered there, could have imagined that Count Belmierd would set foot there, so they all watched with incredulous eyes.

“I heard that my servant sent a letter, but there was no response.”

“Ah, I didn’t expect you to come in person. I have nothing special to offer right now. Only low-quality liquor…”

“It doesn’t matter. Do you think I came here to drink? I need to see the face of that mercenary, Dereck.”

Count Belmierd let out a loud laugh and then sat at one side of the bar.

With many servants bowing behind him, Jayden, standing on the other side of the counter, felt an unbearable pressure.

After all, he was now the owner of the tavern. If Count Belmierd came as a guest, then it was his duty.

“I already received the commission letter. But… there is a small problem…”

“Any problem?”

“Yes. The problem is that… Dereck is missing.”

Dereck had entered the tavern a few days ago, his face full of excitement, left a message saying he would reject all commissions, took his ration bag, and immediately left.

Since then, there had been no contact. Sometimes he rested, claiming he needed a break, but he had never completely disappeared.

‘Surely they also received letters from the Beltus and Duplain families, but to disappear at a time like this…’

Count Belmierd had rushed to the tavern faster than anyone, a bold decision on his part.

He had a very tight schedule in Ebelstain. Forcing everyone to come in person meant a great sacrifice for him. He was a father who would do anything for his daughter.

If the Count demonstrated his sincerity by showing up in person, no mercenary could reject the offer. Such pressure was necessary to prevent them from opting for offers from other houses.

However, that was only possible if they could see his face.

“Maybe… he went into seclusion to have some kind of magical revelation… That’s what I think.”

“Seclusion…? And where would he do that?”

“I don’t know that. At times like this, it’s quite hard to understand…”

Beltus, Belmierd, Duplain: they were all eager to recruit him.

Whatever the problem was, he was not the type who would blatantly reject a direct offer from the head of the house.

Thus, the first to find him would be his Lord.