Chapter 56

Chapter 56
## Chapter 56

Dereck was a transmigrant.

When he woke up, he found himself in a world where he had no ties to anyone, and he had to struggle his entire life, wandering through the slums to survive.

He made a few friends, but few people remained by his side for long. The paths of life fork in many ways and rarely cross for extended periods.

If someone were to ask him what the most important thing in his life was, he would answer: achievements.

Valerian was the eldest son of the Duplain family.

Born of noble blood, he carried everyone’s expectations and became someone exceptional and virtuous, fulfilling every one of them.

He enjoyed many things in a privileged environment, lacking for nothing, and he loved his family—who were always present—more than anything in the world.

If someone were to ask him what the most important thing in his life was, he would answer without hesitation: family.

The two men had different origins, different environments, opposing values, and incompatible goals.

Therefore, the end of their stories would also be different. During his journey to the north, Drest Wolftail silently contemplated the vast coastline.

Every person’s path is unique, but the infinite ocean, without defined routes, sometimes makes one feel lost.

It was normal to get lost every now and then.

The social debut of a young woman belonging to a family as distinguished as the Duplains was not only an exceptional event, but a grand one. The ball held at the family mansion exceeded all expectations.

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Not only the main house, but also the nearby towers and all kinds of annex buildings were used as venues for the event.

All the attendees were prominent figures.

First and foremost, the heads of the families of the lower nobility attended in person. For a high nobility event like that of the Duplains, sending a representative was considered very rude.

On occasion, exceptions were made for military or imperial reasons, but in general, it was best for the heads to attend directly.

Events like this did not happen often, so celebrities from all over the empire gathered. Even if they did not manage to establish special relationships, it was an opportunity to be seen.

Just looking at the guest list was impressive. From Count Belmierd, headed by Margrave Belmierd, to Ellen, who would attend as his representative, the level was exceptionally high.

It was a decision made by Margrave Belmierd himself, who wished to send Ellen to such a prestigious event.

And rumors were circulating that Denise would also attend as a representative of the Beltus family.

Originally, Dereck was supposed to attend in her place, but Denise rushed to intervene and persuaded the duke to let her accompany him.

Knock, knock.

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Finally, Denise boarded the carriage headed for the Duplain mansion.

“They say the Duplains are looking for you, and yet you still wanted to enter the tiger’s den alone? Dereck, I’m going with you; just help me a little.”

In reality, if she was so worried, she should not have sent Dereck. But given his connections, she could not avoid it completely.

The Duplains treated him as an important person, and the Belmierds saw him as someone to whom they owed a favor. His influence was too significant to ignore. No one knew how things would end.

That is why Denise allowed him to attend, on the condition that she accompany him.

“Well, I have received much from the Duplain family… It seems only fair to show my gratitude on an occasion like this.”

Dereck spoke with a neutral expression.

After all, visiting the Duplain mansion meant seeing many familiar faces again.

“I’ve heard that many important personalities will attend. I’ve only dealt with nobles from the southwest of the empire, so I don’t know anyone from other regions.”

“I’m not much different. In other regions, there is usually only one powerful family that dominates everything. There isn’t as much competition as in the southwest.”

Denise gathered her silver hair and began to braid it calmly. She seemed bored by the long journey. In the end, the only thing left to do was converse.

“It’s impossible to remember all the guests. Focus on the important figures. They say someone named Lord Roilak of the North will attend… and from the East, Lady Freya, from Prince Elvester’s family, will be present.”

“… Prince Elvester’s family?”

“Yes. Why? Do you know them? I doubt you know any noble from the other end of the continent…”

In fact, Dereck had rarely left the southwest.

But the name of the Elvester family sounded familiar to him. A long time had passed since then.

“A letter has arrived from Margrave Elvester. They are requesting that I be assigned as a private tutor in their lands.”

“…That is the family where my mentor lives.”

“Mentor? Do you mean Drest Wolftail?”

“No. There was someone before him. The one who helped me awaken my magic.”

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“Really? Dereck’s past seems to have many facets.”

There had once existed a fallen noblewoman named Katia.

She lived in Ebelstein and supervised Dereck’s magic training for several years before moving in with the Elvester family.

If it was Lady Freya, belonging to that same family, she was undoubtedly Katia’s disciple.

“She was a student of the same master as I. I would like to see her at least once.”

“Lady Freya? They say she is kind and respected in the East… but I have never met her personally. Events like Lady Diella’s social debut do not happen often.”

A ball of this magnitude had not been seen since Aiselin’s debut, but it seemed Lady Freya had not attended that event.

“So, in a way, is she like your senior? Even though you’ve never met.”

“That’s right. If she has been with Katia for a long time, she is surely quite skilled.”

“I haven’t heard much about her magic…”

Sometimes, letters from Katia still arrived from Prince Elvester’s house.

Although they were less frequent now, they still exchanged at least one letter a year. Those letters were always full of praise for Lady Freya, so she did not seem like a bad person.

In addition, prominent figures such as Lord Melverot’s uncle, Lord Robenkheim of the North, Lady Adelen representing Lord Delos of the South, and from the imperial family, Chancellor Poloncourt and Chief Magic Advisor Kohella, would also attend.

Each of them was a key figure, responsible for hundreds or thousands of people.

Most would attend as representatives, but their mere presence could influence the course of the nation.

“Lady Ellen will also be at the ball, and I must greet Lady Aiselin separately. I cannot address Grand Duke Duplain directly… but if the opportunity arises, I would also like to greet Lady Diella, the star of the event.”

“…”

“I also want to thank the butler Delron and the head maid Katarina, who helped me… It would be good to ask Lady Freya about Katia’s well-being, but since I don’t know her personally, I can’t just approach her…”

“Dereck… from what you say, you already sound like a noble.”

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“…Well, there’s no point in overstepping my bounds.”

“No, it seems you already have a wider network of contacts than most lower-ranking nobles.”

Denise crossed her arms and grumbled.

Of course, Dereck had forged many connections while moving through Ebelstein’s noble circles.

He had become friends with members of the Beldern Mercenary Corps and other mercenaries from the tavern districts… Even the lower-ranking nobles in Ebelstein might envy his contacts.

What’s more, his magic skills had reached a considerable level.

Although he was not well known, Dereck had already surpassed the level of a 3-star mage. Given his age, even high-ranking nobles took notice of him.

Without the backing of a powerful family, his personal safety had already become a real concern.

“With your magic skills and the ease with which you handle yourself in the nobility… if you achieve a few more things, you might even receive a title.”

“Well… It’s not something I should say in front of a noble, but I’ve heard that the high nobility is so conservative and exclusive that even the emperor is reluctant to grant new titles.”

“Well, it is well known that Emperor Guttrel always keeps a close eye on the high nobility… But you never know.”

Dereck, resting his chin on his hand, paused to think before speaking.

“Well, the nobility isn’t my thing.”

“I don’t think so either.”

For some reason, Denise burst out laughing.

Although she didn’t particularly like social events, this was the first time she had attended a formal one alongside Dereck.

For some unknown reason, she was excited and breathing deeply. Her lack of formality contrasted notably with her usual personality.

Dereck looked at her and gave her an embarrassed smile.

***

“It has been a long time, Lady Katarina.”

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When Dereck handed over his belongings and greeted her, the head maid Katarina bowed her head and received them.

In reality, she was not one to bow before a mercenary of humble origin, but at least in the Duplain household, Dereck was treated almost like a lower-ranking noble.

Realizing this, Denise, who got out of the carriage with Dereck, was perplexed.

“The Duplain house administrator shows you respect? You really have a reputation, don’t you?”

The administrator of this mansion did not bow easily. She was one of the faces that represented the family.

“It is a great honor to receive a visit from the young lady of the House of Beltus. His Grace the Duke of Duplain is receiving visitors in his office. It would be a pleasure to welcome you and greet you during the ball, but for now he is quite busy, so I suggest you visit him after dinner.”

“Yes, thank you. It seems the party hasn’t started yet. Could you prepare a room for us?”

“Of course. Please rest comfortably in the west wing lounge. We will prepare individual rooms for you, so please follow the directions of the west wing staff.”

The main entrance of the Duplain mansion was filled with luxurious and majestic carriages.

Each family had sent its most beautiful carriage, striving not to be outdone, as if competing to show off their best finery.

Dereck watched the scene in silence, nodded, and then entered the Duplain mansion, as if drawn inside.

Although he knew the layout of the mansion, today he felt that something was different.