Creak!
When the heavy iron door slowly opened, the air inside the archive flowed out.
A thick scent of dust, old paper, and a peculiar aroma from the thick books containing magic blended together, irritating the nostrils.
The marble floor, touched by cautious footsteps, felt quite cold. The magical torches lining the walls glowed faintly with a bluish light. The bookshelves illuminated by this glow gave off a mystical, mysterious aura.
“…This is beyond imagination.”
Dereck swallowed hard.
Books adorned with gold and purple were tightly packed.
The spines, etched with strange patterns he had never seen before, glowed faintly.
It was an incredible sight—it seed impossible that such a place could exist in the world. A place like this would never be allowed for commoners.
Dereck took a book from the shelf. The cover was lined with soft leather, and the golden thread embroidery shimred beautifully.
Creak, creak.
The sound of flipping through a thick, ancient book. The scent of aged, heavy paper teased the tip of his nose. The densely written text on the thin, fragile paper was full of unfamiliar phrases.
“A three-star spellbook…”
One-star spellbooks were sothing even commoners could obtain with enough effort. Of course, they were valuable, and possessing one didn’t an one could master the magic inside.
However, from two-star books onward, they beca hard to get unless you were wealthy. And for three-star magic, the cost was often astronomical.
And here it was—a three-star spellbook decorating a shelf. Indeed, the library of a great noble house, one of the top three in the Western Continent, was on a whole different level.
But being able to read a spellbook was one thing; mastering its contents was another. Moreover, the library was filled with theory books based on the aristocratic regulation-based schools.
Of course, for Dereck, born with a magical instinct, adapting regulatory academy theory wasn’t too difficult. But at the three-star level, things were certainly starting to feel excessive.
“No doubt it’ll be a challenge.”
After flipping through the book in the reading area, Dereck ca to a conclusion. The realm of three-star magic wasn’t easy.
A three-star mage referred to a noble-born individual who had mastered magic to an advanced level.
Among nobles, that level commanded respect, but among commoners, it was the kind of mage you might encounter once or twice in your life. Dereck himself had never heard of a three-star mage born of the common people. At most, there were only rumors of a three-star explorer mage nad Tracy from the Ebelstein Magic Academy.
“It’s certainly worth staying in the Duke’s mansion a bit longer. Pheline’s going to be mad if she finds out.”
Pheline was the na of an archer who had once worked closely with the Beldern rcenary Band. She hated nobles so much she would sneer if she saw Dereck spending ti in a place like this.
But the desire for three-star magic was irresistible. For now, the theory was too intricate and the use of magical power too complex to be practical, but Dereck thought if he gritted his teeth and dove in, maybe he could achieve sothing.
“…Still, I can’t stay forever. After all, my magic has to be applied in the real world.”
Dereck reflected silently as he stared at the spellbooks filling the shelves.
*
After the duel between Leigh and Diella ended, Duke Duplain officially recognized Dereck as a mber of the ducal household.
Essentially, the master of this vast duchy had personally stamped his approval, so no one in the house could oppose it. For now, Dereck’s role was to remain at the mansion and continue teaching magic to Diella.
“I’m officially a one-star Mage now.”
After resting for a bit, about three days later, Dereck entered the pavilion where Diella was staying, her wounds nearly healed. Although there had been so bleeding, it wasn’t serious. When Dereck, neatly dressed in his rcenary uniform, entered the room, Diella stood with her hands on her hips, flashing a victorious smile.
“…I thought you’d be really upset. When you lost the duel, your eyes were tearing up…”
“Kyaa! Stop ntioning embarrassing mories I want to forget!”
“I’m glad you’re doing well. I saw you use a one-star spell in the duel. You’ve grown fast.”
“Of course I have!”
When Dereck gave a direct complint, Diella’s face lit up again with a smile, her expression so radiant it looked like she might bounce around the room.
She had felt defeated after losing, but since the Duke had accepted Dereck and didn’t expel her, she seed to have recovered quickly.
“Didn’t I tell you? When I put my mind to sothing, I get it done.”
“…”
“You don’t like my triumphant attitude, huh? As my ntor, Dereck, you should be happy for my success. Co on, loosen up.”
“What are you talking about? I’m very happy.”
“You don’t sound sincere…”
Diella scowled and looked at Dereck, but his expressionless face—honed through countless battles—was impenetrable to a young girl like her. After all, Dereck had always been hard to read, so Diella had stopped trying to understand him.
She just let out a deep sigh and flopped onto her lacy bed.
“By the way, after such a tough battle, I’ve secured my spot, so you’ll have to teach
more magic, right?”
“Your enthusiasm is good, but for now, it’d be better to keep practicing magical power control as we have been. Mastering a one-star spell is an achievent, but using it freely is another matter.”
“Hmm… You’re right about that. Compared to how you use magic, my movents are too limited, and I get exhausted after just one cast.”
“That’s because your fundantals are weak. Magic’s foundation depends on how efficiently you use your magical energy. The sa spell can vary in power and efficiency depending on how well it’s handled.”
Dereck pointed this out.
However, he knew satisfaction wouldn’t co easily. Mages had a temperant that yearned for greater accomplishnts with each new success. After casting a one-star spell successfully, Diella would surely want to learn every kind of one-star spell. But learning spells beyond her current level in multiple areas often resulted in shallow understanding.
So Dereck had already prepared for when Diella inevitably began whining to learn other one-star spells.
“Hmm… If you say so, then I guess there’s a reason.”
But Diella, resting her chin on her hands, responded with a tired voice. Dereck crossed his arms and watched her silently. His eyes held a hint of surprise.
Diella noticed Dereck’s expression and quickly spoke up.
“Huh. Why are you looking at
like that? Surprised I’m listening for once?”
“I thought… you’d pester
to teach you stronger spells. I even had a few strategies prepared.”
“What do you think I am?! Haven’t I always respected your words?”
Dereck, resting his chin on one hand, said:
“The first ti… you poured dirty water on my head.”
“You still rember that?”
“Do people usually forget things like that?”
Diella blushed awkwardly and looked away. She couldn’t deny her first impression had been terrible. She fidgeted with her hands on her knees, looking thoroughly miserable.
What people call “dark history” has a mysterious power that makes one want to hit their head against the wall or pound the sheets in frustration.
Even for a noble lady, it wasn’t easy to withstand a sudden wave of sha. Seeing her tremble and sweat profusely was uncomfortable even for the observer, so Dereck took a deep breath and sat at the table beside the bed.
“Anyway, magic lessons will continue as usual… but I heard you’ll be busier.”
“Hmm… Dereck, you heard too. Starting next week, I’ll also attend liberal arts classes. They say we’re preparing for high society…”
“Isn’t that worth celebrating? After mastering first-level magic, it’s ti to acquire a noble lady’s elegance.”
“…Honestly, I don’t want to.”
“…Even so, you must.”
Diella combed through her thick golden hair and lay back on the bed. A wail of despair echoed beside him.
“Basic noble etiquette, foreign languages, geography, history, botany, piano, sewing… Do I really have to do all this?”
“Maybe it’s just preliminary prep. After your coming-of-age ceremony, there’ll be a lot more serious studying.”
“…How does my sister Aiselin handle all this?”
“That’s why they call her ‘The Flower of Duplain’ and why she shines in Ebelstain society.”
Aiselin Elenore Duplain.
Having built many connections beyond the noble district walls of Ebelstain, she was essentially the face of House Duplain. Rumors had it many n lined up to propose to her, captivated by her ever-dignified manner, but she always declined with a gentle smile.
Although social circles were often viewed as places to make good matches, she seed to work hard to build strong relationships for House Duplain’s future.
She was beloved by everyone in the family. Even a duke could be proud enough to smile.
“I just… want to study magic…”
“….”
“But… this mansion and noble status weren’t gained without reason… I suppose I must do whatever is necessary…”
“Miss Diella…”
Dereck looked at Diella with a serious expression and said:
“…You’ve learned to say such admirable things…”
“…Dereck, you really know how to wound soone’s pride.”
“That’s a misunderstanding.”
“Huh.”
Diella sat up, firmly lifting her upper body, and sat on the bed, swinging her legs idly.
“Still, since you’ll be teaching
magic for a while longer, I want to learn quickly. I want to use the first-level Ice Lance spell more skillfully.”
“There’s no need to rush. At this point, no one will criticize you for learning magic from .”
“Is that… really true…?”
Diella suddenly looked worried. Dereck knew exactly what she was thinking.
“Are you talking about Duchess Miriela?”
“…Even though my father has officially acknowledged you, my mother is not soone who will remain silent.”
“Ah, no?”
“Even if there’s no way to separate us now, she’ll surely find a way.”
Diella, with an anxious expression, looked at Dereck and voiced her concern.
“She might try to ruin your reputation… or create a reason to expel you.”
“A reason… What reason would Lady Miriela have to expel ?”
“Well… because your behavior is far removed from noble dignity. She might do it out of fear that it’ll be a flaw in high society later on…”
“Then it’s nothing serious.”
“Nothing serious… You say that because you don’t know my mother well.”
“Miss Diella. Silencing Lady Miriela isn’t as difficult as you think. Just eliminate the reasons for her argunts.”
Dereck, arms crossed, spoke casually as he sat at the table.
“After all, aren’t you, Miss Diella, the one in control of this entire situation?”
“…Eh?”
*
Chirp, chirp.
Morning ca early in the Duke’s household.
By the ti birdsong filtered through the bedroom window, the lower-ranking servants were already awake, tending to the gardens or checking on the house’s cleanliness.
Several individuals supervised and managed these tasks: the head butler, the valet, the head chef… each departnt had its own leader.
And it was the role of the lady of the house, the noblewoman, to gather all those people and oversee them once more.
– Tac, tac.
Duchess Miriela, who had gone out early in the morning to inspect the servants’ work, still clenched her teeth. Since the last duel, Miriela’s expression had always been stern.
After being slapped by the Grand Duke and receiving pitying looks from the servants, her heart was filled only with concern for Diella.
‘I can never accept such a vulgar teacher for her. Even if the ruler of the territory—my husband—has acknowledged him, I must speak the truth until the end.’
The fact that she couldn’t expel a common tutor who was clearly negatively influencing her beloved youngest daughter always irritated her. That’s why the servants assisting her were nervous.
‘That vulgar teacher could never teach noble manners. Seeing Diella, who should always be proud and full of elegance, learning gutter habits… I can’t accept it, even if it splits my head in two.’
She closed her eyes and imagined it. The disgrace Diella would suffer, entering high society with careless words and actions. Miriela could never tolerate that, and as she organized her thoughts to devise a thod, she walked down the mansion’s hallway.
At that mont, her youngest daughter, just entering through the mansion’s main gate, caught her attention.
As always, Diella was leading several servants, walking toward the main house in a lace dress adorned with beautiful ribbons.
Miriela’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her lovely youngest daughter. She missed seeing Diella’s tantrums and bustling presence around her. Though she may have been tainted by the teachings of a vulgar commoner, the fact that she was her beloved daughter, carrying her blood, hadn’t changed. Miriela greeted her warmly, unable to hide her happiness.
“Oh, Diella! You look as beautiful as ever!”
Miriela, as usual, opened her arms, expecting Diella to rush in for a hug with a childlike attitude, a smile on her face. However, instead of hugging her, Diella elegantly lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed her head.
“Did you have a peaceful night, Mother?”
“Huh…?”
“I’ve missed several chances to vent my frustration while I was confined to the pavilion recovering from my wounds. I’d love to chat, but unfortunately, I have a piano lesson starting this morning.”
Diella asked for Miriela’s understanding with a gentle smile, her noble deanor blooming like a flower, reminiscent of Aiselin’s grace.
“Oh, really?”
“I’ll co for tea this afternoon. I haven’t even heard what happened at the southern social gathering. But now, I must hurry to my etiquette class…”
Miriela knew well that Diella had only just begun her basic education. Though the curriculum was still preparatory, she had been busy arranging the instructors. Still, she had the impression Diella hadn’t yet started her manners lessons.
However, seeing Diella act with such courtesy, as if she were a completely different person, left Miriela montarily speechless.
Though Miriela was shocked, the servants were even more stunned, as if their world had flipped upside down. One servant repairing the garden fence stood frozen, dropping the boards he was carrying, unable to move a muscle.
What had Diella been like these past few years? Wasn’t she the sa girl who smashed dishes out of boredom and kicked servants?
Who in the world could have made such a tyrant change her ways? It was said that no one dared even ntion the na of soone capable of such a feat.
And yet, the young lady politely greeted Miriela before hurrying up the stairs of the main hall.
“Oh dear, young man. You’ve dropped all your boards on the ground. Be careful not to hurt yourself.”
“Y-Yes… Miss Diella…”
Miriela could only stand there, mouth agape, watching the scene unfold before her eyes.
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