Chapter 98

Chapter 98
## Chapter 98

The mansion of Earl Belmierd was situated in the small town of Floren, beyond the natural fortress of the Ratman Gorge and on the other side of the vast plains.

This small town, which was also the birthplace of Ellen, was a mandatory stop on most of the southern trade routes leading to Ebelstein.

For this reason, it was not uncommon to see mercenaries establishing bases or middlemen crowding the main road to haggle.

Floren was a small town, but one with great influence.

Although one could travel from one end to the other in less than half a day, the volume of logistical distribution was so large that it could be considered a miniature Ebelstein.

Being the place with the highest tax revenue within Earl Belmierd’s territory, this city was the family’s most prized possession.

To see the mansion of the ruler of this region, Earl Belmierd, one had to cross the city and look up toward Rabir Hill, which rose behind the plains.

The mansion, built as if to dominate Floren from above, had become a symbol of the region.

It was the mansion of Earl Belmierd.

“…”

Dereck could not help but shudder the moment he stepped off the carriage.

“Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw. It is an honor to receive you. I have heard that you were Lady Ellen’s tutor and that you provided her with excellent guidance.”

Of course, the scale was very different from Ellen’s private mansion in Ebelstein.

The welcome Dereck received was much grander than he had expected.

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He thought he had grown accustomed to seeing large estates, as he frequently visited various noble families, but that notion vanished when he saw the main residence of one of the three great families.

*“Well, the mansions I used to visit were mostly private residences of noble ladies in the aristocratic district of Ebelstein. The only main residence I knew was that of the Duplain family. Other than that, perhaps Duke Rochester’s on the outskirts.”*

The ducal residences of Duplain and Rochester were also of no ordinary size.

However, Earl Belmierd’s mansion did not pale in comparison to the homes of such powerful families. Although his title was of a lower rank, his influence and authority in the region were no less significant.

The main building, resembling a palace, the annexes extending behind it, independent guest pavilions, a church with a tower, three different gardens (the main garden, the servants’ garden, and the labyrinth), an armory, a training ground, and even a small barracks.

Along with the stables and artisan workshops, it gave the impression of being a small town adjacent to the city.

Even within the outer walls, there was a large lake.

The magnitude of the mansion left anyone speechless.

It was then that reality became evident.

Ellen, whom he had seen in the noble quarter of Ebelstein as just another lady, actually possessed a very different kind of authority.

This entire mansion would be hers one day.

***

It was no surprise that Ellen had ascended to the position of true authority within the Belmierd family.

She had the unconditional support and affection of the Earl, and years ago she had eclipsed both the incompetent eldest son and the third son, who had devoted himself to religion.

Even Dereck, a simple frontier noble who was Ellen’s tutor, could be treated as an guest of honor in this mansion.

The guest room to which the servant led him was as large as the main hall of the Barony of Ravenclaw, and the tea served to him while he waited was of such superior quality that it was more expensive than most exquisite dishes.

In fact, the most surprising thing of all was that Earl Belmierd himself came to receive him.

“It’s been a while, hahaha. I once chased you all the way to the commercial district to hire you, and as expected, your value has multiplied several times since then.”

Earl Belmierd was known for being a generous man.

He wore imposing armor and a luxurious cape, as if he could march to the battlefield at any moment.

In fact, he often personally inspected the barracks or the arsenal, which explained why the soldiers of this territory were considered superior to those of the other two families.

“It was an unexpected visit, but I am honored that you have received me yourself.”

“An honor? Everyone knows you are under the protection of the cold Duke Rochester in the north.”

“Yes, I owe much to Lord Melverot.”

Earl Belmierd, crossing his massive arms, laughed again and then sat in a chair in the corner of Dereck’s private room.

“Hahaha. It seems like only yesterday when I heard rumors that you came from the slums, and now you arrive at the Earl’s mansion as a titled noble… I regret not being able to retain you back then.”

“There were circumstances at that time. I apologize.”

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“Well, anyone who knows how difficult it is to find a good magic teacher will understand. I wanted you by my side, but things don’t always go as planned.”

Despite his rugged appearance, intelligence shone in his eyes.

He had the bearing of a veteran hardened by countless battles.

“Gold, silver, and jewels stay in the chest once you lock them away, but no matter how much you want to keep talent, you only need to be careless for it to disappear. It’s frustrating.”

“That is why they say talent is more valuable than gold.”

“Exactly. Especially those, like you, who know their value. They are the most difficult to manipulate. Anyway, you are clever, hahaha.”

After joking, the Marquis sighed deeply.

“Since my dear daughter Ellen considers you her teacher, I should treat you with the utmost respect, but the situation is not the most favorable. I ask for your understanding if you feel we have neglected you a bit.”

To Dereck, who at no point felt neglected, it seemed strange.

If this was “negligence,” what would the treatment given to a true guest of honor be like?

“…It seems something is happening in the mansion.”

The Earl’s expression hardened for an instant. Then he smiled again, but Dereck did not miss that fleeting moment.

“Well, in the end, you will know even if I don’t tell you. There are many servants prone to gossip, and those who need to know already know.”

“…?”

“According to your letter, you are starting a new business, correct? You want Ellen to attend the opening of the training center… it is not a difficult request.”

The Earl uncrossed his arms and stood up.

“However, I am not sure it is possible at this time.”

“…Why?”

“Ellen is currently under house arrest by my decision.”

“What?”

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It was so sudden that Dereck could not help but ask again.

The Earl’s expression looked complex, halfway between a smile and a bitter grimace.

“For the time being, Ellen will be under surveillance. Within the mansion, she can only go to the annex, the tower, the church, and the gardens. When the situation is resolved, perhaps she will be allowed to leave, but for now, I doubt it.”

“What happened for her to be under house arrest?”

The Earl remained silent for a moment, as if meditating.

He was known as an affectionate father, so he must have had a compelling reason to forbid his daughter from leaving. It was clear he had given an order he was not comfortable with.

He seemed to be hesitating whether to tell Dereck the details.

Seeing this, Dereck understood. The information the Earl hesitated to reveal was likely a secret so large it could affect the entire House of Belmierd.

If Ellen fully trusted someone, the Marquis usually trusted them as well. However, there was a reason why he hesitated.

While Dereck tried to guess, the Earl finally spoke, as if forcing the words out.

Even Dereck, always calm, frowned upon hearing it.

“Traces of research into necromancy were found in Ellen’s room.”

Dereck straightened his posture.

This was not something that could be taken lightly.

***

“Baron, a letter has arrived.”

“Hmm?”

The next day, a letter arrived at the Barony of Ravenclaw, which was busy with construction work.

Dereck, who was observing the scene with a complex expression, received the letter that Delbriton handed to him.

The envelope, richly decorated, bore the seal of Earl Belmierd.

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The incident began when a maid, sent by Leonard, the third son of the Belmierd family, entered Ellen’s room.

Leonard had asked her to look for a magic book by the author Hamilton to practice a second-tier spell.

The Hamilton book was quite rare, not even available in the estate’s library. When the maid informed him of this, Leonard said:

“I saw Ellen reading Hamilton’s book. I will send her a separate letter to inform her, so go ahead and take the book from her shelf.”

Ellen resided most of the time in Ebelstein due to her work at the Rose Salon.

Since Ellen’s room was usually empty, borrowing a book did not seem like a big problem.

When Leonard assured her that he would personally obtain Ellen’s permission, the maid began searching the shelf without any objection.

And soon, upon pulling out one of the books, a strange space was revealed behind it.

Unable to resist her curiosity, the maid reached in, found something like a handle, and pulled it.

*Creak.*

Then, the bookshelf moved, revealing a massive staircase descending directly underground.

The horrified maid immediately informed the butler of the Belmierd mansion, and he, along with two higher-ranking servants, descended into the underground space, where a terrible scene unfolded before them.

An underground laboratory reeking of blood.

Human remains were stored in a mutilated state, and several skulls rolled on the floor.

In a corner of the room, under the desk’s chandelier, were several scattered necromancy books, the kind used by the necromancers of Rodentz Island.

Next to the desk were trinkets, writing instruments, and a ruffled hat that seemed to belong to Ellen, scattered about the place.

After that, the mansion was turned upside down.

Ellen, who was in Ebelstein, was immediately called back to the Belmierd mansion.

*‘So you are finally plotting something interesting.’*

Ellen, sitting in the garden of the Belmierd mansion’s annex, set down her teacup.

The sky was high and blue, and the garden offered a peaceful view.

However, the servants passing by could not help but glance sideways and swallow nervously.

Behind Ellen, who was having tea under the late spring sun with her hands clasped behind her back, was a woman. Her name was Briana, and she was Earl Belmierd’s most trusted maidservant.

It was not common for someone as capable as her, who handled all sorts of important tasks, to waste time simply watching over a person.

In that gloomy atmosphere, the servants could not help but mutter among themselves.

*‘Even the servants seem to approach with caution.’*

First, they ensured that no news leaked outside the mansion, and then all the higher-ranking servants gathered to begin the investigation.

During that time, Ellen was under strict surveillance, making it difficult for her to have contact with anyone.

While she was not confined to her room due to her position, her physical freedom was restricted.

“…”

Despite the urgency of the situation, Ellen remained calm. She could continue sitting in the garden enjoying a cup of tea under the sun.

She had witnessed all kinds of vile struggles in the corridors of power. In a way, she was used to facing such slanders and intrigues. What mattered was appearing more dignified than anyone else.

Above all, the Belmierd mansion was practically her kingdom.

Having reigned as the family’s heir for a long time, many servants had seen her fight for power in a genuine and fair way.

Earl Belmierd also trusted Ellen, and most of the senior servants believed she would not have involved herself in such nefarious magic.

It was not easy to undermine her authority in this place.

Undoubtedly, something as serious as necromancy was needed to have a real impact.

Those who remembered the tragedy of the Duplain family knew well how dangerous necromancy could be.

*‘You have finally drawn your sword, Leonard.’*

To overthrow Ellen, all her close allies, who were like her arms and legs, had to be eliminated.

Suspicion had to be sown among them, and her family and servants dragged into a sea of doubt.

Ultimately, no one in that mansion should be able to trust Ellen.

Of course, trust built over the years does not crumble easily.

Therefore, Ellen narrowed her eyes and drank her tea in silence.

***

When Dereck finished his conversation with Earl Belmierd and stepped into the hallway, he encountered an unfamiliar face.

“It is a pleasure to meet you for the first time, Sir Dereck. I sent you a letter. Since you mentioned you were busy, I thought about visiting you personally, but fortunately, you had a reason to come to the mansion.”

From the familiarity in his words, that man had to be Leonard.

Ellen’s younger brother and the third son of the Belmierd family. Although he smiled, his eyes glinted with coldness.

Most members of the Belmierd family had red hair, but Leonard’s was completely white. It was a peculiar image.

“Young Master Leonard.”

As Dereck lowered his head slightly in greeting, Leonard looked around and spoke in a low voice.

“Sir Dereck, recognized as the most famous magic teacher in Ebelstein, your reputation precedes you. It is a true honor to meet you in person.”

“No, not at all.”

He smiled calmly and then continued.

“Will you grant me a moment? I have something important to tell you.”

“Oh, really?”

“That’s right. Despite your position, I have heard that you dedicate yourself sincerely to the pursuit of magic, and your achievements are truly remarkable. They say you reached a level at a young age that ordinary mages of humble origin could never achieve.”

Leonard spoke politely, without erasing his smile.

“However, Sir Dereck, you are not someone who should settle for the level of a commoner.”

At those words, Dereck frowned.

“You should aspire to reach the level of a 4-star mage.”

“…”

“I will help you. Will you listen to me?”