Chapter 55

Chapter 55
## Chapter 55

When Denise returned to the mansion, everyone from the head butler to the maids was shocked. She had returned with injuries on her beautiful body.

Denise was someone before whom the maids would kneel and beg for forgiveness even if she received a tiny scratch on a finger. But this time, her forehead was split open and bleeding.

“Lady Denise!”

“Are you alright? Please, come in quickly! We must attend to you!”

As she stepped down from the carriage, Denise’s hair was disheveled, her dress was torn in several places, and she was covered in dust. It was evident that something serious had occurred during her duel with Diella.

The servants surrounded her to check her condition, while others interrogated the escorts and the coachman. For a long while, the entire mansion was paralyzed.

However, Denise, as if nothing had happened, smiled serenely and said:

“It is nothing.”

Logically, she should have been angry given her lamentable state, but instead, she wore an unusually refreshed expression.

“When I launched my tracking magic, Diella—that savage—was frozen in shock. I thought I should say something cool and impactful at that moment… but nothing came to mind. Hmm, I should have prepared a better parting phrase…”

Unconcerned by her wounds, Denise returned to the mansion, where the maids tended to her while she proudly recounted her feat to Dereck. Dereck stood stunned as he listened.

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In his eyes, Diella was practically his direct disciple. Even Ellen did not reach Diella’s talent, so he had expected Denise to struggle in their confrontation.

Above all, Diella’s unpredictable use of mana posed a harsh challenge for young noblewomen trained in academic magic. However, contrary to his concerns, Denise had completely dominated Diella.

The pace of Denise’s magical improvement was so rapid that probably no one in Ebelstein could keep up with her.

“And then it seemed her pride had shattered, with tears streaming down her face. And this after she acted like she was going to devour me in the tea room? Well done. Very well done.”

“Are your injuries alright?”

“As you can see, just a few scratches, and they say they won’t leave scars. But what matters is that you should have seen that girl’s face. Ugh, if I hadn’t controlled myself, I would have mocked her mercilessly.”

Denise spoke with pride, puffing out her chest as she looked at Dereck.

“No matter how fine a gem is, if it is barely polished, it cannot beat me. She lacks experience in duels and the necessary determination in crucial moments. She doesn’t even have the cunning to remove her accessories and create an opening like I did. Besides, she isn’t prettier than me. If you look closely, my skin is better and my features are more refined. Right?”

“…”

“What do you think, Dereck? You warned me not to underestimate Diella. You didn’t expect me to return with such a crushing victory, did you?”

Denise clearly expected praise. But Dereck shook his head and replied firmly:

“Deactivating a protective barrier in a duel can put your life in danger. Whatever the reason, I cannot approve of it.”

“It was necessary to take a risk to gain time and cast a second-level spell against that rabid madwoman. Besides, they were first-level spells; the risk of a fatal wound was practically zero. What mattered was the expression on her face at that moment…”

“Lady Denise.”

Dereck’s tone of voice dropped.

Even though he was nothing more than a commoner, that alone made Denise give a hiccup of surprise.

Dereck, generally cold and reserved, always showed a glimmer of enthusiasm when he was with Denise. But the Dereck waiting for her after this victory did not seem happy at all.

And the reason became clear immediately.

“Whatever the reason, deactivating your protective barrier in a duel can never be justified.”

“What…?”

“Did you not see the power of Lady Diella’s spells? If just one had hit you, you could have lost an arm, or even a leg.”

Even if it was first-level magic, its power varied enormously depending on the caster’s skill.

Diella’s magic was already so powerful that few nobles her age could match it. If Denise had been hit without protection, her life could have ended in an instant.

Winning was admirable, but Dereck could not approve of such a reckless gamble.

He was a young man who had dedicated his entire life to measuring his worth on the battlefield. No one understood the weight of risking one’s life better than he did.

And only by showing Denise what such a decision truly meant could he prevent her from making equally imprudent choices again.

That was why, even after her victory, Dereck wore a severe expression.

It was a moment worthy of celebration, but Denise had not expected Dereck to react with such coldness. It was disappointing, but she couldn’t show it.

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After all, if Dereck was angry, it meant he cared.

At that point, she had no choice but to admit that Dereck’s reprimand was fair.

Denise was a fairly sensible person and knew she had acted recklessly during the duel. When facing Diella, who was determined to take him away, she also lost her composure.

The atmosphere turned tense, and the maids attending to her swallowed loudly. Given Dereck’s humble origin, reprimanding someone like Denise should have been unthinkable.

But Dereck always said what he believed was right, without hesitation. And Denise knew that very well.

“Alright… I’m sorry.”

So she apologized without protest. Anyone unaware of the situation would have been completely stunned.

Dereck seemed to perceive the sincerity in her words and finally sighed, softening the atmosphere a bit.

“In any case, it seems you have progressed. I was glad to hear it.”

“Ufufu… Who else but me?”

“But if I may be honest with you… Don’t you think that, from Lady Diella’s perspective, you seem like quite the villain?”

“What are you talking about? There is no one sweeter than me in the whole world!”

“You should try to see things from Lady Diella’s point of view.”

“Hmm? Hmmm…”

As the maid gently brushed her hair, Denise sank into deep thought.

After all, she had written the letter to Diella to draw her out.

At first, her intention was to lose, but halfway through the duel she changed her mind and gave it her all.

From Diella’s perspective, Denise must have seemed like a terrible person. She had provoked her to a duel, crushed her with force, and humiliated her.

Without realizing Denise’s change of intentions, Diella could only see her as a full-blown villain.

Until now, Denise thought Diella’s resentment was a bit unfair, but in light of this, she had actually struck her out of pure whim.

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“Have you finally realized?”

“Dereck… Maybe, yes. Maybe I really am a rather horrible person…”

To say, “Did you just realize?” would have been too cruel.

“If it’s just a misunderstanding, couldn’t you talk it out?”

“And if you were Lady Diella, would you want to talk to me?”

“…Knowing her personality, honestly, I don’t think she would.”

And now, having won the duel, she could technically sell the suspicious set that Diella had promised her in her letter.

In many ways, Denise had already become an arch-enemy in Diella’s eyes.

“I-it’s okay… B-but, even though it sounds weird… I don’t dislike Lady Diella that much…”

“A-and she likes you a lot, Dereck. Couldn’t you explain things to her?”

“At this point, I don’t think my words would do much good…”

“I don’t want to pick a fight with the Duplain family. What would I gain by antagonizing one of the most powerful houses in the southwest of the Empire?”

“Lady Denise… You were the one who sowed this seed.”

“Arghhh!”

Denise grabbed her temples in desperation. The maid brushing her hair began to sweat nervously, gripped by panic.

Denise was an expert at navigating high society, always seeking balance and avoiding conflict. Her policy was to maintain good relations with everyone.

But if she wanted Dereck to keep living in her house, she could never get close to Diella again.

That, at least, was a reality she had to accept.

***

When Aiselin visited Diella’s mansion, she found her sister with her head resting against the garden table, completely demoralized.

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“Although you gave your all against Denise, you lacked calmness, experience, and magical precision. Everything was a step below for you.”

“Diella…”

“Aiselin, sister. You came. As you can see, I am a mess after that humiliating defeat.”

“Don’t be discouraged, Diella. You haven’t even formally started magic duels in social circles. It’s not such a big deal to lose to Lady Denise, who already has a lot of experience in the Hall of Roses.”

It was an opportunity to mention Dereck…

Diella’s face was completely haggard. If only she had an excuse to save her pride, perhaps she could have held her head high again. But this defeat had been devastating in every sense.

Luckily, it took place in her private training room; if it had been an official duel in the noble district, in view of many, it would have been a true embarrassment.

Of course, the mere fact of losing would still fuel rumors in the salons. But Diella didn’t care about gossip. What really mattered was that she had been beaten.

“In the end, if we want Dereck to come to our house, the most important thing is his will, right? Forcing things through a duel doesn’t make much sense… So you shouldn’t give so much importance to this defeat, Diella.”

“Thank you for comforting me, Aiselin. Even so, losing is losing. My pride hurts.”

“…”

“And the worst part is that if Dereck hadn’t trained her, I probably would have won. Even if Denise is a mediocre mage, reaching that level of control was only possible thanks to Dereck.”

Diella raised her head and finally relaxed her expression a bit.

“In any case, it is not good to leave Dereck with another family. If we can bring him, we must do so.”

“But… you lost the duel. You have no justification for snatching him from the Beltus family.”

“Aiselin, you yourself said that what matters most is Dereck’s will, not contracts or conditions. And I agree.”

Diella sighed deeply, running her thin fingers through her hair, a gesture she often made when thinking.

“It won’t be easy to convince him with money, and it doesn’t seem possible to find a legitimate reason to bring him here. So… maybe a feminine charm…”

“…”

“…”

“…If that doesn’t work, maybe with understanding or by sparking his admiration he might change his mind? Don’t you think?”

“…”

“…”

Aiselin’s silence was her form of consideration. Diella knew it, so she said nothing more.

The truth was that Diella had little chance of eclipsing Denise in beauty or prestige. While it wasn’t evident in the closest circles, Denise’s public image was that of a nearly perfect noble lady.

Not even Aiselin had been able to convince Dereck. It was evident that Diella, young and inexperienced as she was, had no chance.

“Aargh!”

Unlike when she acted tyrannically with the servants, Diella sometimes let her youthful emotional side show: now she screamed desperately and ran her hands through her hair.

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“If you want Dereck to be part of the Duplain family, the first step is to become someone valuable. If you manage to stand out in the Hall of Roses and demonstrate your talent for teaching, perhaps Dereck will reconsider. Don’t you think?”

“If you couldn’t convince him, what could I do?”

“You never know. But we have to try, right?”

Since arriving in Ebelstein, Diella had done nothing but complain. Seeing her like this hurt Aiselin, so she sat down beside her and gave her gentle pats on the back.

Since Diella desired Dereck so much, Aiselin was willing to help in any way she could.

“For now, you must complete your debut and formally enter high society. The audience with the Emperor and the ball are already organized… first we need to finalize all those details.”

“Ah… It can’t be helped.”

Diella’s debut was just around the corner.

Next week they would travel to the imperial capital for an audience with the Emperor. Afterwards, they would return for a grand ball at the mansion. Numerous nobles would come to congratulate her during a sumptuous dinner. All eyes would be on Diella at her debut and her return to Ebelstein as the true lady of the mansion.

That would make her a woman capable of carrying herself with ease before her peers. Once that process was completed, she could also readjust her relationship with Denise.

Aiselin only wished for Diella to adapt well to that world, as cunning as ice.

“I have sent another letter to the headquarters to confirm it. We will depart from this mansion for the capital next week. After the audience, you will attend the ball as the guest of honor of our family.”

“The servants of the house must be very busy… If they plan to invite so many nobles, they will have a lot to prepare.”

“We are all happy to celebrate your debut, Diella. What matters is that you show the elegance and dignity of a noble lady. That is your task.”

Aiselin spoke with a soft and warm voice.

Hundreds of people worked to make Diella’s debut a success. And if all went well, every member of the family would feel proud.

“Among the guests will be people from influential families… perhaps even Dereck, representing the Beltus family.”

“Really? This time he came to deliver the letter, and it seems he has the trust of Lady Denise…”

“I will send him a special invitation. If at the ball you show that you have become a real lady, maybe he will see you differently. So stay strong, Diella.”

“Ugh…”

Although she disliked being motivated by the fear of losing Dereck, Diella could not deny that it mattered. To say otherwise would be a lie.

Diella sighed and nodded. The debutante ball organized by the Duplain family for a noble daughter was a grand event.

The servants said that debutantes at such an event shone like angels descended from heaven. That magnificence reflected the pride of those who organized it.

If she managed to make a good impression at that event, perhaps she could win Dereck’s favor.

“You’re right. I need to focus on what’s in front of me. More opportunities will arise.”

Diella sighed. Her position absorbed her too much in logistical matters to continue lamenting.

“By the way, Aiselin, when did you send that letter to the main office? I also sent mine, but I haven’t received a response lately.”

“Hmm? I don’t remember well… I think it was a few weeks ago. Perhaps they are busy and haven’t replied yet.”

“Yes?”

“Remember that our brother Valeriano returned recently. I heard that, to manage the spoils he brought back, they invited the imperial magic advisor, Kohella.”

Being in Ebelstein, Aiselin couldn’t be aware of everything happening at home. The physical distance made it difficult.

“I suppose Kohella will have to visit the mansion soon. So they are probably busy. But don’t worry, that shouldn’t interfere with the ball preparations.”

“With so many guests—and the imperial magic advisor at their disposal—the servants must be exhausted.”

“Still, they see it as part of the same event. If Kohella visits the mansion now, he will surely attend your ball as well.”

Kohella, the imperial magic advisor.

Since his visit, the replies to letters have been delayed. Understandable, considering how busy they must be.

Although not responding promptly to a noble lady’s letter bordered on disrespect, Aiselin decided to be understanding. She knew the pressure the servants were under in those times.

She couldn’t know for sure what was happening at the main branch, but she would soon see them in person.

Diella’s debut ball was very close. It would be the most glamorous and splendid to date.

Thinking of her beloved sister’s grand entry into high society, Aiselin couldn’t help but smile with pride.

‘I hope Dereck can attend. If I invite him directly, the Beltus family should approve. After all, they also have to send someone.’

***

*Creak.*

‘Who would have imagined?… Finally, the day has come when I am invited to a noble family’s ball.’

Early in the morning, while swinging his sword here and there shirtless at his residence, Dereck received a letter.

The envelope bore the seal of the Duplain family and was an invitation to attend Diella’s social debut ball, to be held the following week.

He had been the only one who had contacted her when she was locked in the annex, so even from the perspective of the Duplain clan, it seemed they considered Dereck a great benefactor.

Otherwise, they never would have sent such a formal invitation to a commoner.

‘It’s likely that figures from not only the southwest of the Empire, but also the north and east will attend. It’s rare for patriarchs to come in person, but they will surely send representatives…’

The Beltus family also had to send someone out of formality, and Dereck, who already knew Diella, was the most appropriate choice. Apparently, Aiselin had him in mind when sending the invitation.

‘It’s been a while since I visited the Duplain family mansion. Even if they’ve made preparations for the ball, I doubt it’s changed much.’

Since a great ball was being held, it was probably decorated with great luxury, but after all, it was a place where he had spent a considerable amount of time.

Feeling an unexpected nostalgia for the visit, Dereck carefully tucked the invitation into the inner pocket of his coat.