Chapter 77

Chapter 77
## Chapter 77
**“Is there a major labyrinth within the territory?”**

The following morning, while breakfast was being prepared, Dereck suddenly posed that question to the head butler, Layton.

He had traveled from the distant southwestern plains to teach magic to Lady Siern. Following Lord Melverot’s instructions to actively cooperate in any matter requiring assistance, Layton responded even to the most trivial questions.

“In the northern snowfields, it is easier to find a place without a labyrinth. That is partly why the monster tribes are so active here.”

“I would like to visit one personally. May I borrow a horse?”

“It would not be difficult, but I am concerned you might be injured. It is not that I doubt your skills, but the monsters of the north are often more ferocious and brutal than those of the southwest.”

Dereck was more or less aware of that.

The monsters he encountered on the way to the mansion were large and aggressive. Of course, the most fearsome of all was Siern.

“It’s fine. Thank you for your concern. By the way, I would like to ask you another question, butler.”

“To me? What would you like to know?”

“You have worked at the mansion for a long time, haven’t you? I have some questions about Lord Melverot.”

***

**Discover more**
* Sustainable fashion
* Women’s clothing
* Fantasy books

In the northern continent, it was common for it to snow even in the afternoon.

Dereck had already adapted fairly well to the environment during his journey to the mansion, but the cold was something that subtly eroded his mental fortitude.

Sitting in an armchair by the fireplace in the main hall, Dereck organized his thoughts in silence.

The plan was already sketched out.

If the recipient of the teaching was a member of the demonic tribe, the methods applicable to humans would hardly work. It was obvious.

If the murderous impulse that invaded her was instinctive, it could not be corrected with education or persuasion. The problem of instinct could only be resolved by replacing it with another instinct.

And Dereck was a human who knew the instincts of the demonic tribe better than anyone.

*«The plan itself won’t change much from the original. As decided from the beginning, we will use the ‘battered woman strategy’…»*

He had spent the entire night reviewing the labor records of the tower servants, inquiring about Siern’s situation, and learning about her routines and preferences.

Furthermore, he had attempted to obtain as much information as possible about Melverot, the owner of the mansion.

However, as expected, the servants were not going to reveal their master’s secrets, so progress was slow.

Even so, he finally reached a conclusion. In the end, the best thing was to move forward with the original plan.

There was no need to drag the matter out. Once the plan was established, it was best to resolve everything quickly and begin preparations to obtain the title.

However, there was a problem.

— Lord Dereck! If you continue to control Lady Siern with violence…! I… I…! Even if I have to put the Duplain name on the line…! I will not stand idly by!

The image of Lady Aiselin stuttering like a rusty machine came to his mind, and Dereck rubbed his temples with deep regret. It was something that made him sigh.

Aiselin’s acting skills were terrible, which made the synchronization between them more difficult than expected.

Her noble bearing, which emanated naturally, was excellent for winning people’s favor, but she seemed to have no talent for deceiving others.

*«Undoubtedly… the plan must be revised…»*

Dereck rested his chin on his hand and leaned back in his chair, pensive. Finally, he made an important decision and stood up from his seat.

**Discover more**
* Fantasy books
* Translation software
* Novel subscription service

He walked with firm steps down the hallway.

Not much time had passed since his arrival at the northern Rochester mansion.

But Dereck had no intention of staying for long.

Whatever it took, the key was speed.

***

“Miss Siern, you look beautiful today. I was quite surprised by the heavy snowfall last night.”

Aiselin greeted Siern with a radiant smile.

After breakfast, a sense of freshness could be felt upon entering the hallway. Apparently, the servants had ventilated the area early in the morning.

Siern was walking through the hallway accompanied by servants.

Just by walking, she gave off a visible tension, as if she were always on guard.

“…”

“Oh, that is a dress from Atelier Calroin. The layered fabric at the waist is beautiful. Truly charming. The servants have good taste in clothes. It is a dress that suits Lady Siern wonderfully.”

“…”

“I’ve heard they imbue the fabric with fragrance and even apply some kind of magic to preserve it. In fact, Lady Siern has a scent that could only be found in a garden in bloom. Not only your outer beauty, but also your fragrance and your bearing are worthy of admiration in a lady.”

As soon as she saw Aiselin, Siern stepped back and began to break out in a cold sweat.

These creatures are weaker in defense than in attack. Aiselin knew that detail well.

Especially her, with her appearance and elegance capable of melting anyone’s heart, and her pure nature like a blank canvas. The natural nobility that could only be possessed by someone raised as the only flower during the height of the Duplain family made even those outside high society consider her extraordinary.

Seeing her approach like a warm ray of sunshine, Siern retreated a few more steps and shook her head.

“P-Please, do not worry about me! It is an unnecessary intrusion!”

**Discover more**
* Translator recruitment
* Online bookstore
* Adventure games

Leaving Aiselin behind, she activated her unique acceleration magic and disappeared with a hum.

She moved so fast that, despite the long hallway, she was almost invisible by the time she reached the end. Siern vanished like a lightning bolt, leaving only the servants standing there uncomfortably.

Aiselin, watching her, clasped her hands together with a shimmer in her eyes and said:

“Oh, she used honorific suffixes. How lovely.”

She was strong in her own way. Dereck, claiming he needed to prepare for the lessons, locked himself away for a time.

Sometimes, Dereck would ride out to the labyrinth and return; other times, he would lock himself in his room doing who knows what, or spend time researching the Rochester family background within the mansion.

During that time, Aiselin, too restless to simply enjoy herself, did everything possible to get closer to Siern.

In doing so, she discovered that Siern also had her own charms and adorable traits. The more she discovered her human side, the more she intensified her efforts to strengthen their relationship.

Every time they met, she greeted her with her best smile; if she had free time in the afternoon, she prepared a beautiful floral arrangement and visited the tower; and if she found any delicacy, she did not hesitate to share it with her.

It was not easy to reject someone so genuinely dedicated.

Siern tried to drive Aiselin away with shouts or threats, but a sincere smile was always the hardest thing to endure.

No matter how harshly she treated her, Aiselin, with her bright smile as if nothing had happened, persisted with a tenacity that bordered on terrifying.

Siern, still hidden in a corner of the tower, reflected on how to reprimand Aiselin, who would surely return that very day.

*Does she never tire?*

Seeing Aiselin appear with all sorts of gifts, Siern curled her lips with inward contempt.

Even the illustrious lady of the Duplain family could be so frivolous and inconstant. Thinking about it, Aiselin’s smile seemed ridiculously light.

Siern did not easily open her heart to anyone.

Those with human form, no matter who they were, would die if their carotid artery were cut. The blood splashing everywhere was proof that everyone was the same.

Knowing that truth better than anyone, she had begun to see human beings as mere clusters of meat that speak and move.

No matter how much empathy one felt, humans could die suddenly any day. That was their ephemeral nature.

That was why she didn’t waste energy on unnecessary things. And that was why she isolated herself from the world.

“There are some delicious fruits in the kitchen! I thought maybe you had never tried them, so I brought you some!”

Aiselin, approaching with a radiant smile, seemed to Siern like a completely different creature.

That pure goodwill was something no one could imitate.

***

“It’s time to take things seriously.”

Nearly a week had already passed since Dereck and Aiselin arrived at the northern mansion.

Every day, Aiselin tried to get closer to Siern: she brushed her hair, recommended pretty dresses, chatted during meals. Just when she was starting to feel discouraged by the constant rejection, it was Dereck who brought up the subject.

“Miss Aiselin, what do you think of Lady Siern? Do you detect any peculiar traits of the demon race?”

**Discover more**
* Coin shop
* Romance novels
* Character products

“Hmm… Well, she has a great emotional barrier, but she seemed like a fairly normal teenager to me. When I approached her with sincerity, she seemed to open up little by little.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Today I even brushed her hair. Of course, the servants were holding her and she was glaring at me, grinding her teeth…”

“…”

It sounded more like trying to tame a beast than approaching a person.

Siern was the image of elegance when she was calm. But as soon as someone approached her, she ground her teeth and growled… To Dereck, who already had a bad impression of her, it was difficult even to hold a conversation.

“I anticipated many difficulties, as she was influenced by the great demon Noir, but I thought maybe there would be a solution if we treated her like a person. She has an adorable side, so I want to get closer to her soon.”

“I see…”

“Lord Dereck, you said you were preparing for the lessons. Lately, you’ve been quite busy in the mansion. What have you been preparing?”

“As I mentioned, I was trying to apply some knowledge regarding the demon race. I explored the labyrinth and brought something back with me.”

Dereck took a small glass vial from his chest and placed it on the table.

The flickering firelight from the main hall reflected in the glass.

“…What is this?”

“It is a mixture of water and the Flonen flower, which usually grows in high-level labyrinths. It took me a while to get it.”

“I see. Does it have any special effect? Perhaps a calming effect if consumed…? Ideally, something that won’t harm Lady Siern…”

“If consumed, it kills.”

At that moment, Aiselin was left speechless.

Thinking she had misheard, she tilted her head with a smile, but Dereck spoke again, as if confirming what he had said.

“The Flonen flower is a substance that weakens and slowly kills demons. Sometimes it grows in labyrinths, but demons never go near it. If its scent is inhaled for a long time, the body begins to weaken gradually, and after about fifteen days of constant exposure, the victim enters a state close to death.”

**Discover more**
* Action and adventure novels
* Story writing courses
* Language learning tools

“W-Why did you bring something like that?”

“Why do you think? I mixed it with scented water and used transformation magic to reduce its smell. If mixed with food, it won’t be noticed much.”

“Do you plan to weaken Lady Siern until she cannot resist?”

Aiselin looked up with a worried expression. Trying to control her with a substance that was essentially poison for her species seemed more than inhuman… it was ethically atrocious.

However, Dereck shook his head.

“If I really wanted to take a middle measure, there are many other methods besides poison.”

“Then… why this?”

“As I have said, this is about ending Lady Siern’s life.”

Aiselin was completely speechless. She looked at Dereck with a pale face. His expression remained firm and unchanging.

“W-What… what do you mean…?”

«Lady Aiselin. After hearing all the details from Lord Melverot, I fell into deep distress. It took me time to reach a conclusion. Although I didn’t show it, I suffered a lot upon learning of Lady Siern’s situation.»

Dereck approached the hallway fireplace, added some logs, and brushed the snow off his trousers.

The melting snow dripped slowly like water.

“I have dedicated my life to exterminating demons. To me, they are no different from pests. They kill humans for no reason at all. Can such creatures be rehabilitated? And even if they could… should it be me who does it?”

“What… what are you saying… Dereck?”

“I have already made my decision. What use would it be to keep alive someone who inherited the power of Noir, who caused such a disaster for humanity? That’s why… I plan to end everything in my own way. Besides, it is for the common good.”

“But if you do that, you won’t be able to fulfill Lord Melverot’s request! You will lose your noble title. And if Melverot discovers the truth… he won’t leave you in peace!”

Dereck let out a slight laugh. He seemed sure of his words.

“Which is more important? My title or completely eradicating Noir, the one responsible for the massacre of the north?”

“…”

The common good.

Aiselin was a person of impeccable morals. When someone like her faced a just cause for the common good, she usually could not object and simply remained silent.

Dereck knew very well how to handle people like Aiselin.

“Why do you think I went to so much trouble to prepare this poison? I told you, the affected demon will weaken little by little until death. It will simply look as if she fell ill and died naturally, not that we used any trick.”

“Are you saying… you would go that far…?”

“Do you despise me? But there is nothing wrong with my actions.”

“But… Lady Siern… she is innocent.”

“She killed someone.”

“She was simply swept away by Noir’s blood.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that she killed.”

“But if we kill someone in return…”

“We are not killing people; we are killing monsters.”

There was no further conversation. Diella, Ellen, and Denise all agreed: Dereck was always right.

In fact, there was no flaw in his words.

If there was even the slightest possibility that the great disaster known as “the Dawn War” would happen again, the most sensible thing was to eliminate Siern immediately.

However, Siern’s image remained engraved in Aiselin’s mind. Sometimes, when she visited the tower, she found her sitting alone, hugging her knees, looking at the blizzard through the window.

Loneliness seemed to be part of her body. Happiness was a foreign feeling, and unhappiness her natural state.

She had an arrogant personality and rough hands, but it seemed unfair to completely blame such a young girl.

After all, she didn’t choose to be born with Noir’s blood. She was simply born that way.

Wasn’t it Dereck himself who used to say there were no bad girls in the world?

They simply needed enough teaching.

The idea that her final days, spent alone in the tower, would end with her bedridden without even knowing why, made Aiselin’s pupils tremble violently.

She tried to say something to Dereck, but she didn’t utter a single word. Seeing his firmness, she understood that anything she said would be refuted with solid arguments.

And solid arguments are invincible. They cannot be refuted.

Aiselin also agreed with Dereck’s way of thinking. The world should be governed by principles.

But sometimes, that was not enough to move the heart.

“Although life does not distinguish between values, there are moments when we must recognize its importance. The servants who suffered at the hands of Lady Siern were also family, were they not?”

“…”

“People are worth more than monsters.”

Aiselin wiped her face and slumped onto the sofa in the hall. Her face was pale, but she could not gather the strength to argue against Dereck’s decision.

“I’m leaving.”

Dereck spoke firmly and headed to his room, leaving Aiselin behind.

Just by seeing his back, he appeared rigid and unbreakable. He did not give the impression of having any intention of changing his mind.

Aiselin watched him leave with tired eyes, biting her lip.

***

Winter in the north is cruel. When the sun sets, blizzards erupt naturally.

In the southwest of the continent, where large cities like Ebelstein were located, the warm sun shone naturally, and walking among the noble houses gave the feeling of being in paradise.

Siern, hearing the conversations of merchants, used to dream of those paradisiacal meadows.

Instead of living while being treated as monsters and surrounded by the smell of blood, surely those who were treated as young ladies lived much happier lives.

The reason someone like Aiselin could have such noble elegance must be because she had been raised in such a place: a happy paradise.

That was why Siern envied Aiselin. She wished to stop being dragged along by inexplicable murderous impulses and to be moved only by the light weight of a noble lady’s responsibilities.

‘How stupid.’

In the end, Siern mocked herself. Pursuing an empty dream would only make her more miserable.

Surely, she would end her life right there in a pathetic way. A life stained with blood and murder.

If in the afterlife she could see a green meadow bathed in sunlight, that would be enough.

It was a reality she accepted so naturally that she didn’t even cry.

As always, it was when she was sinking into darkness.

*Creak.*

Someone opened the door and entered.

The servants should have been standing guard, but she didn’t know how that person had managed to get in.

The figure that appeared in the room, wrapped in a black robe with her face hidden, was none other than Aiselin, the very person she had just been thinking about.

“What…?”

Before Siern could express her surprise, Aiselin quickly brought her index finger to her lips. She had arrived in secret, without anyone knowing.

“I have something to tell you.”

Without even brushing the snowflakes off her shoulders and head, Aiselin looked at her with those clear eyes.

“W-What…?”

“Lady Siern, listen to me carefully.”

Aiselin swallowed hard and spoke.

“Dereck wants to kill you. It’s not an empty threat; he’s completely serious.”

In that instant, Siern’s eyes trembled even more violently.

On the other hand, Aiselin’s face was somber.

“Dereck… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry!! I still can’t accept that Lady Siern has to die in such an absurd way…”

An indescribable sense of guilt and debt stirred in her chest. She felt dizzy, not knowing how to apologize to Dereck.

Although she was already crying inside, she tried to do what she believed was right.

What is it, ultimately, that defines a person? Until that is clear, we must not take life lightly.

That was Aiselin.

***

The moon, visible through the blizzard, continued to shine brightly.

Dereck was alone in his room, reading a magic book, when he suddenly looked out the window.

He saw a girl in a thick cloak moving through the snow, heading toward the tower.

After confirming that her ebony-black hair fluttered in the wind and that her eyes remained just as clear, Dereck quickly closed the curtains.

Then he sat down with a satisfied smile.

After all, he had everything under control.