Chapter 44

Chapter 44
Of course. Here is the full, unabridged translation of the text, preserving the original structure, tone, and specific narrative details.

—

## Chapter 44

Several years passed after Dereck left the Duplain family, and the seasons changed many times.

Diella Katherine Duplain bid farewell to the mentor who had the greatest influence on her life, but her progress did not stall or regress. On the contrary, once her path was set, her innate talent began to flourish.

In the realm of magical achievements, lineage was considered the most important factor. Her magical progress, once slow, skyrocketed like a fish finding water after Dereck made a small adjustment to her direction.

While the growth trajectories of ordinary people were similar, the way blessed geniuses reached maturity was unique.

Valerian, Leigh, Aiselin, Diella.

Among the Duplain siblings, all famous for their magical achievements, Diella’s development was the most extraordinary.

She did not seek to penetrate the essence of magic like Valerian, nor did she crave worldly prominence like Leigh, nor did she absorb vast academic knowledge like Aiselin.

As always, she explored the forests, gazed at the night sky, and received magical truths in her own way, without restraints.

The ice spear she created spun incessantly, and her fire arrows burned with an intense dark red. Her transmutation magic produced effects that defied theory, and her incantations differed slightly from known results.

However, she was not entirely disconnected from high culture. She effortlessly absorbed ethics, culture, the art of diplomacy, governance, and even her family’s studies on imperial politics.

She mastered the language of the central continent, social dancing, flower arranging, the piano, the flute, history, literature, modern philosophy, and political science, and even completed her training in dress and etiquette to project a refined image.

In the arts, she already shone.

Her creations, the fruit of an exceptional talent for landscape painting and portraiture, began to catch the attention of other artists, and some were already circulating in art auctions in Ebelstain.

Diella’s artistic universe was completely removed from contemporary styles.

Already recognized by critics, it was believed she would become a famous artist across the continent. By then, rumors began to circulate, even though she had not yet debuted in Ebelstain’s high society.

It was rumored that the girl who once curled up in the Duplain pavilion was now a rival to Aiselin, the most respected figure in Ebelstain society.

Could it be that the only one capable of challenging the pride of the Duplain family was another Duplain?

It seemed that the families capable of challenging the Duplains in Ebelstain society were disappearing, marking the beginning of the Duplain era.

Aiselin, more than anyone, heard these rumors firsthand… but she couldn’t help feeling torn.

She didn’t feel threatened by Diella’s prowess; on the contrary, she felt it deeply familiar and was genuinely happy for her progress.

> **Discover more**
> * Action and adventure novels
> * Fantasy books
> * Adventure games

However, there was a small gap between rumor and reality.

***

“Honestly, I don’t understand why I have to join the Rose Salon. If it weren’t for people like you, Lady Ellen, or Lady Denise, they all seem the same to me.”

“…No, Diella. That might seem true if we only look at magical achievements, but it’s all about culture… and it’s nice to meet and connect with people from different walks of life.”

“Mmm…”

Aiselin had gone to the Duplain estate to help with the celebration of Diella’s fifteen-year-old party.

After a successful debut, Aiselin thought her presence would be useful, but Diella seemed not to need her at all. Honestly, she could debut in society right now without any problem.

The mansion Diella would occupy was nearly finished, and the selection of high-level servants and assistants to maintain her family was already finalized.

A grand banquet had been planned to celebrate her society debut, and dresses as exquisite as magical weapons were already prepared. The moment of her presentation—when a noble lady lives her most glorious moment—was near.

Although a bright future awaited her, Diella’s expression as she sat at the tea table in the garden did not seem particularly joyful.

For noble ladies, debuting in society was always considered a romantic dream, but Diella showed no interest.

Her slight expectation came solely from the thrill of venturing outside the Duplain house, where she had been raised. She was not interested in the supposedly glamorous social culture of the Ebelstain aristocratic quarter.

“When I attended tea at the Elora Academy or the festival in the Elontain region, I saw some socialite ladies from the Rose Salon. Most were absorbed in frivolous and ostentatious social activities, trying to flatter and offering insincere compliments…”

“Di, Diella… That’s not something you say in public, but you must understand the difference in rank. We, as high-ranking Duplain nobles, often take it for granted, but for lower-ranking nobles, the opportunity to expand their contacts is invaluable.”

Aiselin, born into a noble family, well understood the position of lower-ranking nobles.

That’s why she never became arrogant, even when her peers praised her inappropriately. Half of the goodwill she received was admiration for Aiselin herself; the other half was respect for the Duplain lineage.

“You only see a person’s true nature when you take off the tinted glasses. We must learn to perceive that essence. That’s why we join salons, meet people from different strata…”

> **Discover more**
> * Character products
> * Story writing courses
> * Translator recruitment

“If sister Aiselin says so, I’ll consider attending next week’s meeting…”

Since Diella had not yet completed her debut process, attending the salon would be merely a formal act.

Even so, Diella wore a somber expression.

Born with an exceptional talent that she herself had cultivated, the essence of Diella’s character remained unalterable.

She was arrogant, despised those she considered inferior, and hated rigid rules. However, she had learned to disguise it externally, maintaining courtesy and wearing a mask.

It was an unwritten rule that the daughters of the most noble families had to enter the Rose Salon.

But Diella was like a wild horse in a meadow, indifferent to such norms. Her porcelain beauty should not hide her indomitable spirit.

Being the complete opposite of her sister Aiselin, expecting a protected noble lady to control her was asking too much.

***

“Perhaps you should also review the servants of your house. Now that you are the mistress, they are all under your direct command. It will be very different from receiving help at the Duplain estate than giving orders yourself.”

“Most of the pavilion servants will remain, so I don’t think it will change much. The question is whether it will be located on Duplain lands or in Ebelstain.”

“That may be true. But now even those who didn’t normally interact with you will be under your supervision. The estate guards, the workers, even the assistants who handle accounting and finances will work under your supervision and authorization.”

Understanding this gap would make the reality of being an estate administrator feel more tangible.

Diella did not yet fully grasp it, but seeing Aiselin’s meticulous planning, she knew it would be a challenge.

However, for high-born women, integrating into Ebelstain society was a rite of passage.

“Not only that, but perhaps you should designate someone responsible for your safety outside the estate… You might need a personal chef who suits your tastes, or private tutors if necessary.”

“I don’t think it will bother me too much, as most things already seem similar to me… But if it’s about private tutors…”

Although the once-in-a-lifetime moment of her debut was approaching, Diella showed no signs of nervousness, but her eyes lit up at the mention of private tutors.

“Dereck works as a mercenary instructor in Ebelstain, right?!”

“As I said, he is currently teaching Lady Denise of the Beltus family. I went to see him before deciding on an affiliation… It seems he chose to be Lady Denise’s instructor.”

“Mmm…”

A long time had passed since Diella said goodbye to Dereck. However, she remembered him perfectly.

Dereck did not fear or hesitate to interact with the nobility, but he usually prioritized magical achievements above all else. The reason for his alliance with the Beltus family remained a mystery.

*Why Beltus…? There is no apparent connection…*

In any case, there always seemed to be a reason behind his actions.

Even though the Duplains or the Belmierds had written to him, there seemed to be a reason why he suddenly joined the Beltus family.

*Could he have been promised? Lady Denise is known for her mystery…*

“Di-Diella… Just so you know, taking someone who is already part of another family could be a grave offense. Father didn’t do this for a reason.”

Of course, hidden rivalries always existed—attempts to snatch talents from rival families—but doing it openly was a completely different matter.

> **Discover more**
> * History
> * E-book publishing
> * Coin shop

The situation would be different if Dereck didn’t have a formal affiliation, but now he had an official contract with Grand Duke Beltus and was Denise’s instructor.

Maybe it would be different if it were like when Ellen hired Dereck and the previous contract had been completely resolved… But even the Duplain family had a code of honor to respect.

Naturally, that code was not always followed. However, when someone broke those unwritten rules, they had to be prepared for the emotional consequences.

Fearing that Diella might act impulsively, Aiselin quickly warned her, but Diella responded with indifference, resting her chin on her hand.

“I saw Lady Denise from afar at the Elontain festival. I didn’t speak to her or interact, but… she looked so dignified, with her silver hair waving in the wind, sitting in that carriage. She looked like a mysterious angel from a religious painting… That’s what I thought.”

“Yes, that’s true. Aha. Lady Denise is a highly valued figure even within the Beltus family… That’s why someone as capable as Mr. Dereck became her instructor.”

Diella was about to take a sip of tea, but she set the cup back on the table and spoke with a serious look:

“Doesn’t it bother you, Aiselin? We are from the Duplain family, aren’t we?”

“Di… Diella?”

***

*Isn’t it fascinating?*

Denise’s mansion lacked nothing superfluous.

The artworks were displayed just enough to preserve a certain air of dignity, and the exterior was built so as not to be eclipsed by other luxurious houses. Denise liked to let herself go.

That’s why there were no large training facilities like at Ellen’s mansion. In the end, Dereck had no choice but to demonstrate his magic in the fields outside Ebelstain, accompanied by a few servants and guards.

Although Dereck’s magic was simple, its power was astounding. Despite the extraordinary wonder of his spells, Denise could not deny that Dereck’s abilities were superior. The boy had perfected the use of magical energy to the point of obtaining results equal to those of an experienced mage.

Initially, she had praised Dereck’s magical demonstration, but once the intensive training began, her free time vanished quickly.

She felt like she had just left the mansion after lunch, but the sun was already setting.

Sitting on the grass, panting and drenched in sweat, Denise looked exhausted.

> **Discover more**
> * Online bookstore
> * Fantasy books
> * Language learning tools

Dereck, staring at her, leaned in and said:

“The range of your magic arrows has increased significantly since the beginning. Now, Lady Denise, you can intercept enemies even outside your line of sight.”

“That is true…”

“Can you feel the magic itself? It’s different from simply shooting arrows in one direction.”

“Uf… *gasp*… Is it?”

“The difference is subtle, but every time you use magic, your senses sharpen and the sensation intensifies. Once you truly perceive that difference, your magical sensitivity reaches another level.”

“Eh… really? *Gasp*… *gasp*… I can’t breathe…”

Dereck leaned in further and continued:

“This is how the surge of magical power feels. Isn’t it fascinating? Training the innate gift given to us in this way, isn’t it profound?”

*Fascinating?*

Let’s say it’s interesting. Under Dereck’s imposing tone, even loaded with pressure, Denise swallowed hard. The silver-haired boy in front of her was completely obsessed with magic.

Denise felt her magical skills growing day by day, but she could not match Dereck’s overflowing vitality. Was it fun?

Honestly, if she set her pride aside, it was fun. When people find joy in something, the effort invested transforms into achievement.

It was true that, thanks to training with Dereck, her magical abilities improved rapidly.

But for Denise, solitary by nature, the training process itself was torture. Born as a freshwater fish, being dragged out to sea meant drowning.

“Mmm…”

“Yes, Derek?”

“It seems Lady Denise does not yet fully grasp the depth and excitement of this process. Perhaps a different approach is necessary…”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“As I said, I haven’t taught in years, so there are many areas where I still lack experience. If Lady Denise is not interested in magical achievements, it’s clearly due to my lack of experience as an instructor. I reflect deeply on that responsibility.”

> **Discover more**
> * Novel subscription service
> * Romance novels
> * Translation software

Dereck put a hand on Denise’s shoulder and spoke seriously:

“We must intensify the training to achieve greater feats so it becomes even more exciting. It’s not enough to scratch the surface; let’s go deeper. Additionally, I will thoroughly review the intensity of the training.”

“What are you talking about, Dereck? I think magic is very fun. I like magic.”

“Miss Denise… you don’t have to comfort me like that. Such kindness only makes me feel worse.”

It wasn’t kindness, it was survival, but Dereck would never accept it.

“If you don’t feel you’ve achieved anything, the fault lies entirely with the instructor. I am very disappointed in my lack of ability. I’m sorry, and I promise this won’t happen again…”

“No, it’s fine. I already said it’s fine, Dereck! Where are you going? Wait for me… aaah!”

Dereck already had Denise’s schedule planned mentally. She would attend the next Rose Salon meeting and then join the cultural book club that weekend. With several humanities classes in between, organizing free moments would give her enough time to prepare for the next level.

Of course, Denise’s wishes were another matter.

***

In the heart of the noble quarter, women from various salons gathered at the Adelbert Cultural Hall, a center for cultural exchange for salon members.

The number of attendees was considerable if one included lower-ranking nobles, but in the end, only three women occupied the center of the gathering: Aiselin, Ellen, and Denise.

Many followers greeted them, spoke to them sweetly to win their favor, and seized any opportunity to send gifts to their families or propose artistic exchanges.

In recent years, these three young women had led the Rose Salon, which was based in the Adelbert Cultural Hall. But that structure was expected to be shaken today.

Because Diella Katherine Duplain, the younger sister of Lady Aiselin—considered the most noble woman in Ebelstain’s social circle—would attend today’s salon meeting.

All eyes followed her as she crossed the hall, where exquisite tea was being served. Among girls her age, she was petite, and her movements possessed a soft and captivating charm.

When the young girl, looking like a doll and dressed in a precious ruffled dress, entered the salon tea meeting, she inevitably became the center of attention.

At first glance, she looked like a sweet girl you’d want to hug, but those who knew the Duplain family well knew of her past. She was one of the most problematic people in the family’s history.

If Aiselin was like a warm spring, Diella was like a harsh winter. It was surprising how two sisters so closely linked by blood could be such opposites.

Although she had changed a lot under the tutelage of a good mentor, it was speculated that her true nature had not completely disappeared. Even so, the current Diella had developed great social skill. Her rebellious days were behind her.

Even so, if you were asked if she was as sociable as Aiselin, you would undoubtedly nod your head.

“Everyone’s eyes are shining, desperate to establish the slightest connection.”

Diella frowned as she approached the podium, casting a fleeting glance at the lower-ranking nobles before flashing a mocking smile.

Their greed, hidden behind secular hierarchy, was evident even to this young girl.

They could talk about art, philosophy, and magic, but what they really craved was to exchange more words with descendants of prestigious families.

It was easy to understand why a woman from a high-born noble family could become arrogant in society, with excessive pride.

If one spends entire seasons in that environment, one might start feeling like royalty.

“I thought I’d hate it, but it’s not as bad as I expected. Now I understand why people become addicted.”

With a mental sneer, Diella headed toward the tea.

And there, in the depths, sat a girl chatting with some lower-ranking nobles. Her long silver-gray hair waved freely, making her look like a noble angel.

But whether her innermost thoughts matched that angelic appearance was another matter. She was known in society for never revealing her true intentions.

She looked tired, but still retained the dignity her reputation demanded. It was Denise, of the Beltus family.

It was she who conquered Dereck’s heart, despite the fierce competition to recruit him.

The Beltus family, with its iron grip on power, kept Dereck firmly under their control and, reportedly, never intended to let him go.

“…”

After adjusting the hem of her dress, Diella approached Denise with a determined expression.

The salon’s attention shifted subtly toward the two of them.