Chapter 66

Chapter 66
## Chapter 66

After that, when Dereck returned to the Duplain mansion—nearly fifteen days later—the place had changed drastically. To be precise, it looked even more pitiful.

It was impossible for them to have completely restored a half-ruined mansion in such a short time. They had hastily covered the broken roofs with tarps and tents, and the west wing, which had completely collapsed, was left untouched or used to store objects that could withstand the rain.

The garden, now charred, was crowded with workers and servants who had set up their camping gear there. The relatively intact rooms were being used to house seriously injured or unconscious patients.

Overall, the mansion looked like an old, patched garment. That was Dereck’s impression.

“It seems the Beltus family has no reason to help the Duplains… So I decided to allocate some funds for the maintenance of the mansion. It’s not much, but… considering the bond we forged at Rose Hall, I can at least help with that.”

“In a way, it could be an opportunity to show my charitable side to the public, don’t you think? Generously helping the family of Lady Diella, who used to scold me… Deep down, it’s a victory for me. Hehe.”

Denise, with her arms crossed and a proud smile, spoke of doing good, clearly enjoying it. Even so, she seemed sincere in her desire to help. She asked Dereck to offer his assistance to the Duplains if they asked for it, as long as it didn’t interfere too much with his own life.

“It’s a bit chaotic, right? If you cross the garden and go to the backyard of the mansion, it’s a bit quieter.”

Aiselin, who had entered the foyer along with Dereck, spoke awkwardly.

Given that she had gone to Dereck’s house to ask for a loan, she must have been desperate. However, even in that situation, she maintained her composure.

She was a woman of strong character. Although Dereck already knew this, he was surprised to see her so serene despite the death of her family, the mansion in ruins, and the burden that now fell upon her shoulders.

“More people attended than I expected.”

“Half of the servants who survived stayed. The other half left, but since I knew them well, I recommended them to other families or gave them a few gold coins.”

“But aren’t finances already tight enough?”

“I sold everything I could immediately, which gave us some breathing room. But after settling those debts… it seems we’ll have to tighten our belts.”

They followed Aiselin to the backyard, where several large tents had been set up. Compared to the rest of the property, the atmosphere was relatively pleasant, but it still gave the feeling of being in a state of neglect compared to what was once a luxurious mansion.

They entered one of the tents. Inside was a simple table and some everyday objects.

Dereck looked around, wondering if Aiselin lived there, and she said, puffing out her chest:

“The room is a bit smaller now, isn’t it? But I don’t think a cozy space is a bad thing.”

“…”

“In moments like this, it’s okay to show empathy openly, Mr. Dereck.”

Aiselin hummed confidently as she spoke.

“After about fifteen days, most urgent matters are resolved. It’s time to accept what must be accepted!”

“Accept? What exactly?”

“The fact that I have become a disgraced noble.”

She said it out loud and without hesitation. Dereck didn’t know how to respond.

Despite his reaction, she did not hide her determination.

“I still have many immature aspects, so sometimes I get confused when important things happen. But I recover quickly.”

“Still, you must feel pain in your heart. Isn’t it okay to take some time to heal?”

“As you can see, this is not the time. And in moments like this, you have to look at things optimistically.”

Was there really anything positive to see in all this?

As Dereck looked at her with a perplexed expression, Aiselin rolled up her sleeves with determination.

“Actually, the life I’ve led until now has been too luxurious and perfect. Don’t you think? Living in one of the most prominent families on the continent, with a respected father, a loving family, surrounded by happiness and envy… living in luxury is not normal. In a way, I am finally closer to what a normal life really is.”

“It’s surprising that you can say that.”

“Isn’t it? You, Mr. Dereck, come from the slums, from the humblest beginnings, with nothing. Compared to that, I, who was born with everything, cannot be the hero of suffering. In a way, I still have much to give.”

Aiselin listed the tasks and assets with her fingers.

“Anyway, after selling all the mansion’s assets and saying goodbye to those who had to leave… we won’t be left with nothing. We’ll just have to tighten our belts.”

“And couldn’t something be done with taxes or donations?”

“I can manage the taxes well this year, but… I don’t think the other families will sit idly by. They won’t leave a fallen noble alone. I should prepare to give up control of the rice granaries north of the Theol River or the coastal villages.”

Many would be willing to claim those fertile lands under any pretext.

A noble without authority had limits on the territory they could control.

“Even if we resist with all our might… the territory under the Duchy of Duplain will be reduced to less than half. What will remain will be mountainous areas, exhausted mines, or empty pastures. Taking this into account, we must be prepared to lose not just half, but 70 to 80 percent of our tax income…”

“Even so… it seems the family bloodline will survive.”

“Yes. But if we want to keep the ducal title, the taxes we must pay to the Empire are enormous. Furthermore, if we want to maintain the family… I don’t know if there will be enough food next quarter…”

Aiselin looked dazed, as if she were about to faint. No matter how brave she was in facing reality, it remained harsh and chaotic.

And most importantly: the central figure of the Duplain family, the Duke, had disappeared.

The first heir, Valerian, had also passed away, and the next in line of succession, Leigh, remained in a coma. In the whirlwind of worldly affairs, people died and disappeared.

But those who stayed behind had to become stronger. Now it was Aiselin’s turn to prove her true inner strength.

“Even so… I never imagined we would reach the point of not even being able to eat.”

“Actually, I could tell the servants to set aside some food, but… even their rations aren’t abundant… Everyone who stayed is loyal to the family, so I would feel terrible eating well when they don’t…”

“…”

“Could I stop by every now and then to eat something?”

Last week, Aiselin showed up unannounced at Dereck’s house and bowed to ask him for a loan.

Back then, she still retained some of her noble authority and blushed with shame, but in less than ten days, she was already asking for food with confidence.

Reality truly strengthens people, and Aiselin’s adaptability was astonishing.

“It’s not a big trouble, but… I don’t know how to cook dishes at home that would do justice to a Duke’s daughter.”

“It’s fine. I’m not that picky.”

Aiselin smiled shyly.

“Besides, I’ve been studying hard. I tried gathering wild herbs in the hills behind the mansion and boiling them… Their texture is surprisingly unique and not bad at all. If you cut the stalks of the belladonna flower and boil them with the roots, they have a surprisingly sweet taste. Isn’t it curious?”

“Wild plants can be poisonous, so you have to be careful.”

“Katarina tried them first and confirmed they are safe. It seems she knows something about it.”

“…”

It was hard to discern whether that girl was poor or noble. In fact, every time Dereck saw Aiselin, she seemed to become more resourceful.

In her peak times at the Duplain house, she had always radiated a noble and unattainable elegance. But lately, she was often seen rolling up her sleeves, giving orders to the servants, and actively participating in chores.

She even directly supervised the restoration work on the mansion, often with dust still clinging to the hem of her dress.

“I’ve also learned how to save water when washing clothes, how to conserve candles at night, and how to reduce ink consumption when writing with a quill. Surviving economic hardships is not easy.”

“Do you personally handle those things?”

“We have to save where we can. For now, the mansion’s expenses are too many. Once we sell the magic books from the library and the artwork that is in storage, maybe we’ll have some breathing room. Then we can get rid of the unnecessary and buy the basics.”

Aiselin nodded proudly, humming to herself. She seemed proud to be enduring such a difficult life.

‘She will surely become a great person.’

A person’s life has ups and downs, like waves; fortune is always changing. Falling and stumbling is not the end. If one surrenders to despair, nothing will improve.

Everyone knows that truth, but living it is another story entirely.

“I’ve sold almost all my clothes, so I always end up wearing the same thing when we meet. Normally, not dressing up would be very rude, but given the circumstances… I hope you understand.”

“You know those things don’t matter to me. But still, didn’t you have quite a few outfits?”

“At least enough to go to the beauty salon.”

“Do you plan to keep going to the hairdresser?”

“I have to.”

Aiselin was now the only pillar left standing in the Duplain family. If she lost her position, the family would collapse completely.

That’s why she had to keep frequenting the salon, seeking allies, and maintaining her position at all costs. The disgraced noble had been thrown into the heart of Ebelstein’s social circle.

It wasn’t hard to imagine how cruel reality would be for her.

Fortunately, she had always been kind and avoided making enemies.

It was a relief that she didn’t carry negative karma.

“In any case, since I came to the Duplain House today, let me know if I can help with anything. The Beltus House also said they would lend a hand if necessary.”

“Oh, no. Almost everything is in order, and the servants have divided the tasks. You’ve helped enough already, Mr. Dereck. I can’t ask you to do physical labor too.”

Aiselin was sitting on the worn bed. The tent was decorated as luxuriously as possible, but it was still a tent.

Compared to an opulent private room, it was a humble scene.

Dereck observed Aiselin sitting there in silence.

After all, the reason he had come that day was because she had called him aside. He thought maybe he could help with something else, so he had come prepared.

But Aiselin said it wasn’t necessary, and that confused him.

“I didn’t call you to ask for help… I just wanted to tell you how things are going with the mansion. I’m fine. Even if things get difficult, I can handle them. I just wanted to tell you.”

“To me?”

“Yes. During the disaster and the recovery of the mansion, you helped in many ways, Mr. Dereck. So… I thought I should at least show you that courtesy.”

Aiselin had a vacant expression, but she finally managed to sketch a weak smile.

“As you can see, the mansion is in terrible condition. Compared to others you’ve seen, it’s nothing; it just makes one feel very sorry.”

“…”

“Still, it is the mansion I’ve lived in since I was a child. I must reward the servants who trusted me and stayed by my side. Even if it’s in ruins, even if it can’t be called beautiful, even as a compliment…”

Aiselin briefly rested her hands on her knees, fidgeting with her fingers. Then she spoke with a slight smile and a warm voice.

“I just wanted you to know, Dereck. I wanted to tell you that I’m fine.”

Dereck continued to observe her in silence.

She wasn’t the type to cleverly hide her feelings or speak in circles.

But that didn’t mean she always told the truth. He reflected for a moment, then pulled a wooden chair from a corner of the tent and sat in front of her.

He stared at her for a while before speaking calmly.

“I know you’re not fine.”

At those words, Aiselin frowned. She tried to smile and ask him what he meant, but seeing Dereck’s expression, her smile turned bitter.

“In a situation where it’s normal not to be fine, it’s also okay to say you’re not. Maybe I can’t help you much, but if you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact me. I don’t usually work for free, but I’m not good at haggling either.”

“…”

“So rest while you can. I’m leaving.”

Saying this, Dereck gave a polite bow and left the tent.

He could have offered long words of comfort, but his direct tone focused on the present was so characteristic of him.

Even in that firm voice, there was undoubtedly comfort for Aiselin. She felt a strange sense of stability in Dereck’s countenance.

He looked toward the Duplain mansion, feeling the warm midday breeze. Still, it looked terrible.

The building, partially destroyed, was covered in some places with tents.

It seemed that restoring it completely would require a lot of money and time.

But if they did it step by step, they would achieve it one day.

***

Aiselin lay alone in the tent.

She had spent the whole day checking the state of the mansion, taking care of family matters, preparing to return to the salon, and catching up with Dereck.

Even after he left, she kept reliving their conversation in her mind.

“…”

Although most of it had been necessary, she didn’t really have to tell Dereck everything in such detail.

He had helped a lot with various things, but deep down, he was a stranger to the family. She could pay him back what he had lent or given her later, with effort.

Even so, why did she feel the need to tell him all that and ask him to come?

Although it was her own decision, Aiselin questioned herself.

‘Was I wrong to judge things for a moment?’

They say the more exhausting and difficult life becomes, the more instinctively you look for someone to lean on. Seeking emotional support is natural when you carry so many burdens on your back.

‘I must be really exhausted.’

Aiselin closed her eyes and allowed herself a rare moment of rest. Even so, the first thing that came to mind was that boy who had cleaned her blood in the rain at the Duplain mansion.

Even when everyone else was trembling with fear, he remained serene until the end. His presence alone instilled tranquility.

If he was capable of maintaining his composure in the midst of such a catastrophe, he would surely always make the right decisions, whether in major crises or minor problems.

Realizing that, her opinion of Dereck inevitably changed a bit.

Every time she closed her eyes, the image of that boy in the rain returned to her mind. Even when she had no reason to think of him, she often wondered what he would have done in her place.

‘She must be very tired.’ With that thought, she was about to fall asleep.

*Whoosh—*

The sound of the tent flap opening was followed by a familiar voice.

“Aiselin, sister. I just returned from Ebelstein. The Ront family sent some people, and I was wondering if we should include them in the mansion’s restoration… Eh? Aiselin, sister?”

“Eh…? Diella?”

Diella entered the tent, shaking the dust off her ruffled dress, stuttering while cold sweat beaded on her forehead.

“Why do you have that face? Do you have a fever?”

“Me… me? A fever?”

“Lately you’ve been pushing yourself too hard. I’m not going to talk about the mansion restoration today. Get some rest.”

With a look of bewilderment, Diella left the tent. Aiselin quickly sat up and looked at herself in the corner mirror.

A girl with a face red as a tomato—even her ears—stared back at her with a confused expression.

***

‘Dereck’s contract is about to expire… Can I keep him?’

That night, as always, Denise sat silently at her desk, writing, when that thought came to mind.

The reason Grand Duke Beltus had held onto Dereck so tightly was because many women from the three great houses desired him.

However, with the Duplain House reeling and the Belmierd House also losing ground, the Beltus House’s need to retain Dereck was progressively weakening.

Dereck’s value had skyrocketed. Unless he was absolutely indispensable, it wasn’t certain the Beltus House would want to keep him.

Many would react vehemently if Dereck’s affiliation changed. To avoid such a situation, Denise had to start planning ahead.

Just at that moment…

*Creak.*

“Lady Denise.”

“Eek…!”

“I was writing. Should I come back later?”

“N-no, it’s fine. What’s wrong?”

“A letter arrived. It was scheduled to be reported tomorrow morning, but… it is unusual.”

Denise quickly tucked her pen into the drawer, composed herself, and asked:

“Unusual?”

“It was sent directly by the royal family. Officially addressed to the Beltus House, but… the recipient is quite peculiar.”

“Who is the recipient?”

“It is addressed to Mr. Dereck.”

“…”

An ominous feeling washed over Denise.