Chapter 4

Chapter 4
## Chapter 4
Ladies of the nobility usually visit the mansions of Ebelstein to receive social training. It is said that at least 40 servants are needed to attend to a single lady who has a mansion of her own.

A head maid, a chief butler, three domestic maids, three cooks, four kitchen helpers, three dishwasher assistants, five personal maids, a maid in charge of the personal maids, stewards, valets, coachmen, gardeners, etc.

Additionally, a high-ranking advisor is required, and if she is preparing for her debut in society, several private tutors must be included, sometimes more than a dozen teachers.

Among these tutors, the most valuable are those who master magic, considered a privilege and an inherent quality of the nobility. High-level mages are extremely rare and usually occupy important positions rather than serving as private tutors.

This background explains why Count Elvester, the most renowned war hero of the eastern region, personally recruited Katia. A person with deep knowledge of noble culture, exceptional magical skills, and the charisma to teach was more valuable than gold. It is no wonder that all noble families competed to hire someone like that.

There is a famous story about Count Delros, from the north, who traveled all the way to the capital to personally seek a third-level magic tutor, fearing that another noble would snatch them away. It was a desperate measure that did not fit his rank.

—
**Discover more**
*Fantasy books*
*Character costumes for cosplay*
*History*
—

In short, parents would do anything to provide their children with excellent tutors. The nobles who rule the world from their thrones are no different.

Servants, attendants, tutors, and even protection knights: they all form a small army or a commercial caravan at the service of a noble lady.

It is as if the entire world moves for one girl, who is not yet an adult. Such is the status of a noble lady from a prominent family.

Derek’s world was completely different, so it was natural that they had nothing in common.

*

“This time I have an important request. It is from the Duke of Duplain.”

—
**Discover more**
*Women’s clothing*
*Sustainable fashion*
*Action figures*
—

Jaden, the owner of ‘Tears of Veldurn,’ a tavern located in the deepest part of the mercenaries’ street, was also the leader of the Veldurn Mercenary Group.

“Don’t complain about the sudden call, Derek. You know I usually follow proper procedures.”

“The Duke of Duplain? It’s hard to believe. Why would they come to us looking for work?”

“It’s true. This is a unique opportunity for the Veldurn Mercenary Group.”

When people think of mercenaries in Ebelstein, they imagine two types.

One of them is an authentic military group stationed in a specific area, managing requests at a local or national level. They usually gather around retired generals and rarely leave their posts, making them difficult to identify.

The other group performs various tasks in places like the tavern street of Ebelstein. Individual mercenaries form groups to tackle more complex and challenging jobs.

The former have a strong sense of fellowship, while the latter do not. They are more like business partners.

Jaden, a middle-aged man who founded the Veldurn Mercenary Group, had great ambitions despite the modest size of the group. Derek, although he did not participate actively, occasionally accepted commissions with them.

“I wouldn’t forgive myself if I missed this golden opportunity.”

—
**Discover more**
*Translation services*
*Discord community access*
*Electronic books*
—

Jaden, once a powerful warrior who had participated in numerous battles, now sported a thick beard and was more of a tavern keeper than a fighter. However, good mercenaries gathered in good taverns, which made his role necessary.

“You already know how generous nobles can be. They throw gold coins at you for insignificant tasks and keep coming back if they like your work.”

“So, what is the request?”

Derek, sitting at a tavern table with his robe hanging loosely, asked indifferently.

“Nothing major. Just a simple task: eliminate some monsters on the outskirts of the Duke’s domain.”

“What kind of monsters?”

“It seems there are some goblins and maybe some trolls if it gets dangerous.”

“Is that all?”

“Yes. Frankly, you or Felinne alone could handle it, but given the situation, I have to go myself. The future of our group depends on it!”

A large sword hung behind the tavern bar, a relic from Jaden’s warrior days. Now he was more of a tavern keeper and mercenary leader, but he still retained the skills of an experienced warrior.

—
**Discover more**
*Online reading platform*
*Novel subscription service*
*Fantasy books*
—

Derek recognized Jaden’s capabilities. While Jaden was somewhat greedy, optimistic, and ambitious, he was a capable leader.

“The Duke of Duplain…”

Ebelstein is located at the southern tip of the vast Belkos Peninsula, on the western continent. The northern half of this peninsula was under the rule of the Duke of Duplain, making them important clients.

This unsettled Derek. The Duke’s private army was formidable, so why turn to a small group of mercenaries to face minor monsters? It seemed suspicious to him.

“Something doesn’t add up.”

“Derek, we are mercenaries.”

Jaden, while cleaning a cup, smiled.

“We accept commissions and we get paid. Delving into the motives is none of our business until they are revealed.”

“You’re not wrong… But if you’re going, you don’t need me.”

Derek was a valuable asset. An expert in basic swordsmanship and magic, a first-level mage was a rare and highly coveted talent in the mercenary world, capable of facing various challenges.

—
**Discover more**
*Comic subscriptions*
*Translator recruitment*
*Collectible coins*
—

But even so, he was no more valuable than a veteran like Jaden. Goblins and trolls were tasks Jaden could solve alone. Derek didn’t need to get involved.

But Jaden shook his head.

“There’s a reason I called you so hurriedly. The servant from the Duke’s domain specifically requested a mage.”

“What for a mage if it’s only about an extermination?”

“I asked the same thing. They insisted there be a mage, just in case.”

Jaden sighed deeply.

“The more I hear it, the more suspicious it seems to me.”

“Well, look on the bright side. Look.”

Jaden placed a gold coin on the table. Derek’s eyes widened.

“An Aidel gold coin. They gave it to me without negotiating. Incredible, right? It makes all those times we barely got silver seem useless.”

—
**Discover more**
*Online bookstore*
*Graphic novels*
*Adventure games*
—

“Nobles are generous. Throwing a gold coin for a few monsters…”

“Here is the crux of the matter. It’s not the payment; it’s the advance.”

Derek couldn’t help but change his attitude.

*

In the afternoon, the customers arrived at the tavern. Few people drank so early, so tranquility reigned. Derek, sitting at the bar, observed the newcomers, who clearly came from outside the street where the tavern was located, given their good appearance and elegant clothing.

Three people entered. The leader, an older man, had a tough and tired look, with thinning hair, piercing eyes, and deep wrinkles.

Behind him went an older woman with white streaks in her hair and a figure wrapped in a robe whose face was hidden.

While they were seated, Jaden personally served them fruit drinks.

“You’re early. We were expecting you.”

The old man glanced at the drink and pushed it away, showing no interest. His lack of manners was evident.

“You must be Jaden, the warrior known for his courage in the Dawn War?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m no longer a soldier, just a humble tavern owner.”

“Then your skills must be reliable.”

At the old man’s signal, the woman and the figure dressed in a robe joined the round table. Derek, listening from the bar, took a sip of water.

“I am Melvin, chief secretary to the Grand Duke of Duplain. This is my assistant maid, and the one wearing a robe is an apprentice inspector. Both are from the Duke’s estate.”

The assistant to the chief secretary was a high-ranking official. Jaden greeted them with a smile.

“The maid helps with general tasks, and the man dressed in a robe is an apprentice inspector. Both come from the Duke’s estate.”

Derek, pretending to drink water, examined the two. The clean appearance of the maid suggested she had experience, with clean and well-maintained clothes. The silhouette of the figure dressed in a robe indicated a petite build.

“An inspector reports directly to the Duke. I must make a good impression.”

“Don’t worry. He is still an apprentice. By the way, where is the mage?”

“Ah, right here. Derek, come introduce yourself!”

Derek stood up and approached them, feeling their gazes upon him. He lowered his hood, revealing his face.

“I am Derek.”

His white hair, carefully styled, and his red eyes drew attention. His leather and metal equipment was in good condition.

His gear was practical, though not luxurious. A clean tunic under leather armor, a quality belt with a dagger on one side and a decent sword on the other, a leather pouch, gloves, and boots; all clean and well-preserved.

Derek was undoubtedly an experienced professional, though not without flaws.

“He is too young.”

Melvin frowned while looking at Jaden.

“We requested an expert mage. This boy hasn’t even had his initiation ceremony.”

Melvin’s bluntness was typical of those who served the nobility, who often also considered themselves noble.

Melvin frowned while looking at Jaden.

“I expected better judgment from someone with your reputation. How can I trust this?”

“Appearances are deceiving. Mages are scarce in this district. Understandable, right?”

“Even among common people, mages have limitations. At his age, he can barely handle first-level spells. We need more than that.”

Melvin stared at Derek, who raised his arms indifferently, a sign of unconcern.

This only irritated Melvin further.

“If this is the best you can do, I’d better leave…”

“Mr. Melvin.”

The maid, who had been consulting with the hooded figure, interrupted.

Melvin sighed and looked at Derek.

“How old are you?”

“Sixteen.”

“How much magic can you use?”

“I can handle first-level spells.”

“Fine. Given your age, that is impressive. Consider yourself lucky.”

Melvin sighed again and turned to Jaden.

“Let’s proceed.”

“What a control freak!” Derek thought, maintaining his indifferent expression. Jaden, pleased, slapped him on the shoulder. It seemed the clients would not go forward without a mage, which made Derek’s presence crucial.

“As I already said, I am Melvin, an employee.”

“I am Delia, a servant from the estate of the Duke of Duplain.”

Servants and attendants have ranks. The high-ranking servants and attendants of the Duke of Duplain hold significant authority.

“I am an apprentice inspector and I am in charge of ensuring the task is carried out correctly.”

The robed figure extended a delicate hand, revealing a woman with pale skin and jet-black hair, which contrasted with her clear blue eyes.

“Forgive me for not showing myself fully. My skin is sensitive to sunlight.”

“It’s okay.”

Derek shook her hand and nodded, observing the elegant bearing of the inspector, who seemed genuinely noble.

“Let’s go to the stable. We have already hired a coachman. It won’t be difficult.”

*

—Even if they lack manners, noble families often do. Focus on the pay —Jaden whispered to Derek as they walked toward the stable.

“I’m not too worried.”

Derek replied, observing the three who went ahead.

“What do you think?”

“They are all lying.”

“Really?”

Despite coming from the slums, Derek had learned a lot about noble culture thanks to Katia. She used to tell him stories about nobles before going to bed or while they walked.

Derek also had the habit of closely observing everyone he met.

“Noble servants usually travel frequently, so they are generally younger and more sociable. That old man doesn’t fit that role.”

“Interesting…”

“The kitchen maid is also strange. Her hands were too clean for someone who performs domestic tasks. She is not who she says she is.”

It is likely that both have lowered their status.

Given the disparity in ranks between the servants and the attendants, Derek suspected they were not who they seemed to be.

“As for the inspector in the robe…”

“Derek.”

Jaden interrupted with a knowing smile.

“…”

“I already told you, don’t inquire too much. It’s not good to be too perceptive.”

Mercenaries do their job and get paid. That’s all. Getting involved in the affairs of nobles often brought them trouble.

Derek agreed with Jaden’s advice. He sighed and looked down.

Jaden was right. In this wild world, survival was the priority.

Everything else was secondary.