Chapter 13 Translator: XZY Chapter 13: Master and Disciple (3) ***
When the Grand Duke of Duplein was giving instructions to the head butler Delon, the door to the office was flung open violently.
The sight of the noble lady Miriella, who was furious, and the young master Valerian, who had followed her to try and stop her, came into view.
"Delon. Step aside for a moment."
"...Yes."
After Miriella dismissed Delon, she strode forward and looked at the Grand Duke of Duplein, who was sitting at the office desk.
"It seems you've returned from the southern social gathering. The journey must have been long, you must be tired."
"That's fine. More importantly, you, you've brought in a new tutor for Diella..."
"..."
The Grand Duke of Duplein had an expression as if he could guess what Miriella was going to say.
When he glanced at Valerian, who had followed her, he was pressing his temples as if it was a headache, as always.
"It was a selection brought by Aiseline."
"Even so, how could you put a mere commoner as a master in the annex where Diella is staying?"
SLAM!
Miriella slammed the desk and raised her voice. Miriella glared with a murderous look in her eyes.
She was the mistress of this Duplein family. While the Grand Duke looked after matters inside and outside the domain, it was her role to manage this mansion well.
She had to be away to attend the social gathering of the southern Marquisate of Cradle, which had deep ties with the Duplein family, so she had no choice but to leave, but it seemed she had not thought that there would be such a big change.
"That child, Aiseline, has a tendency to choose people too generously, but still, as a father, you should be able to cut them off appropriately. You have to think about the dignity of the mansion. Isn't that right, dear?"
"I'm not a fan of appointing commoners either. However, as you know, all the magic masters with good bloodlines have given up and left the mansion."
"Even so, you should at least bring in someone whose status is guaranteed. How... how could you bring in a guy who rolled around on the mercenary floor...! Not for any other position, but as Diella's master...!"
Miriella already seemed to be furious to the tips of her hair. The Grand Duke of Duplein put down his quill pen and said with a frown.
"As you know, it's not an easy task to find a competent magic master."
"Still, there's a minimum qualification. That Derek or whatever, that lowborn, cut him off immediately, and yes... you can just call in Flamm, who is out in the outskirts of the domain."
Flamm was the Grand Duke of Duplein's younger brother, a person who managed the standing army that patrolled the outskirts of the domain, clearing out magical beasts or standing guard. He was also one of the few 4-Star mages in this Duplein family, but he was a person who had already tried to teach Diella.
"Hasn't Flamm also given up a long time ago?"
"That was when Diella was a bit... wandering. Now she's matured, she's manifested mana, and she's come to her senses."
"You want to turn a person in a key position managing the standing army in the outskirts into a tutor? Do you think the domain management always runs in such a haphazard way?"
"The education of the next generation is just as important as domain management. It's troublesome to think that everyone will do as well as Valerian or Reigh on their own. There will be many deputies who can take over soldier management."
Miriella stared at the Grand Duke of Duplein like that.
Miriella was almost the only person who could glare at the Grand Duke of Duplein, the master of this ducal estate, like that. It was the status that the mistress of the mansion held.
She could not meddle in all the operations of the entire ducal domain, but at least for the mansion's operation, her independent authority was recognized.
The Grand Duke, taking that fact into consideration, was listening to Miriella's opinion in silence.
"Teaching magic itself, there's not much difference between that lowborn named Derek and Flamm!"
"Well, it's not that there's no difference."
"What's so different?"
"The fellow produced results."
The Grand Duke of Duplein stroked his beard a few times and leaned back in his chair. Miriella held her breath as she watched him.
"Results are not always everything, dear."
"Then what is there that can take precedence over that?"
"The men of the house don't know about the social circles of Ebelstein. They wouldn't know how important it is what kind of master one has in that place, which is like walking on thin ice."
The men of the family, who were buried in matters like domain management and training, were not well-versed in the culture of the young ladies' social circles.
However, Miriella, the mistress, knew. In the social circles of Ebelstein, which family one came from was important, but how much personal achievement one had, who one learned from, and how many acquaintances one had were also important means of proving a lady's culture.
When one mentioned the name of a renowned magic teacher on the continent, people who shared the same master would often appear. Then they would form academic ties and flock together like a powerful faction within the social circle.
In such a culture, how great a shame it was to have to name an unheard-of commoner as a master.
It was the social circle of Ebelstein, where the exchange of every single word was as bloody as a fight between grown men with swords. She absolutely did not want Diella to have such a big weakness.
And so, Miriella frowned and raised her voice.
"Yes. That lowborn named Derek has fulfilled his role. I can't deny that he has produced considerable results for a commoner. Still, it is right to attach a proper high-level mage as a master now. That is the right direction for Diella, and for our family."
The Grand Duke of Duplein looked at Miriella quietly with narrowed eyes.
It was not that he did not understand what Miriella was worried about. Even if she made her social debut after much effort, it would be meaningless if she was only ostracized there.
Noble young ladies became the face of their family in the social circle.
If it were a perfect lady in every aspect like Aiseline, there would be nothing to worry about, but if Diella failed to adapt properly to the social circle, it was highly likely that she would instead tarnish the name of the Duplein family.
"Mother. You are too heated. Please calm down for now and let's talk again tomorrow."
"Valerian. Stand aside. If you don't come to a conclusion on things like this right away, the situation will only worsen."
It felt as if Miriella had already made up her mind to sort out the entire situation. As the mistress of the mansion, she was famous for dealing with all matters decisively.
"I won't be able to sleep at night if I don't take responsibility and kick that lowborn out."
"In the end, it's just a matter of proving that commoner mage's qualifications, isn't it, Mother?"
At that moment, the one who came in answering was the second son of the Duplein family, Reigh.
He had run straight to the office as soon as he heard about the situation. He, who had entered the office pushing his sturdy frame as always, seemed to have something he really wanted to say.
The Grand Duke of Duplein's eyes narrowed.
"Reigh!"
"I was out training. I am sorry for not being able to greet you, Mother."
"I'm glad you look healthy. Let's catch up later. But... did you also know about that mage named Derek?"
"Yes. He's not a bad fellow, but he's probably not as good as having Uncle teach her himself."
Reigh came in, dusting off his arms, and stood in front of the Grand Duke of Duplein.
"Father. I will test the qualifications of that man named Derek."
"Don't. As a mage, the fellow is the real deal. You, who were born with noble blood, might have the upper hand when you become more mature, but not now."
"..."
Reigh was momentarily offended by the Grand Duke of Duplein's assessment, but he kept his mouth shut for now. This was because he could not understand that his magic proficiency was behind that of a mere commoner.
Reigh was at a level where he could already handle six or seven 1-Star spells with proficiency. Unlike Valerian, he had not surpassed the wall of 2-Star, but at least in terms of the perfection of 1-Star magic, even Valerian would have to concede.
However, if the Grand Duke of Duplein had judged so, he could not shake his head. He had no choice but to suggest another possibility.
At that moment, Reigh's lips curled up as if he had a good idea.
"Then... how about testing Diella?"
When Reigh said that, everyone frowned. It was a possibility they had not even thought of.
"What do you mean by that?"
"If Derek is such a great master, then Diella, who received his teachings, must have also achieved great things. I will personally conduct a magic duel and verify her qualifications."
"What are you thinking, Reigh?"
"It is as I said."
The Grand Duke of Duplein cupped his chin and was lost in thought for a moment.
He was a man who had lived his whole life judging the caliber of people. He could see through what Reigh was thinking without difficulty.
Reigh simply disliked Diella. He thought that her entering the social circle would only tarnish the family's face.
To push Diella back into the annex, even if it meant shaming her in a public place, even if it meant cutting off the master she trusted and followed. He clearly thought that was a good thing for the reputation of the Duplein family in the long run.
However, conversely, if Reigh, who was more hostile to Diella than anyone else, could acknowledge her, then no one in the family would object. The Grand Duke of Duplein, considering that fact, could not help but fall into deeper thought.
"Father... what are you hesitating for..."
No matter what, it was Diella, who was struggling even to learn 1-Star magic. To tell her to have a magic duel with Reigh, who already wielded a considerable number of 1-Star spells, was too cruel a measure.
This was surely nothing more than harming her. Valerian could not stand by.
"Reigh! Learn to distinguish when to step up and when not to!"
"Hyung-nim! I can make that distinction! It's just that now... is the time to step up!"
Reigh raised his voice and came right up to the Grand Duke of Duplein's nose and spoke confidently.
"If you think that Diella has truly made proper achievements, then it would be fine to proceed as is. However, if the conclusion is that she has not, let's cut that man named Derek. That would be fine, wouldn't it?"
"...Your words themselves are not wrong."
"Father!"
This time, Valerian slammed the desk. But there was not even a twitch on the Grand Duke of Duplein's face.
Valerian gritted his teeth and was about to raise his voice, but he soon relaxed his strength and spoke.
"It is too harsh for Diella. You know that."
"That's right. However, if she is to engage in social activities with a commoner as her master, she must have that much achievement. In this part, Miriella's words are not without reason."
"But is there a reason to verify it right now? Diella has only just come out of the annex. It hasn't been long since she started learning magic either."
"If you postpone and postpone, there is no end. Time is not infinite. On the contrary, it is because it is now that we must verify it. Yes. Miriella, what is your opinion? Would it be fine to go as Reigh says?"
"..."
Miriella was lost in thought for a moment, then looked towards Reigh.
Her sturdy second son, Reigh, was a man who had always trained diligently. He was about to have his coming-of-age ceremony soon, and his achievements were excellent, so he was definitely not a person who would lose to a girl who had just manifested mana.
No matter how talented that man named Derek was at teaching people, what couldn't be done, couldn't be done.
Soon, Miriella's lips curled up as she smiled gently.
"Reigh!"
Valerian followed Reigh, who was striding out into the hallway after finishing his business, and called him to a halt.
Reigh closed his eyes slowly and opened them, then turned his head to look at Valerian.
"Yes, Hyung-nim."
"What on earth are you thinking, Reigh?"
"Was my explanation insufficient? It is exactly as I said in the office just now."
Valerian was gritting his teeth, but Reigh paid him no mind and said what he wanted to say.
"Do you really believe that that hooligan-like girl has turned over a new leaf? I will never believe it, even if the sky falls. She is just wearing a mask, engrossed in magic. Rather than sending a girl like that into the social circle, it would be better to personally smear shit on the name of the Duplein family."
"Even so, is there a need to cut off the master she follows so well?"
"You mean that fellow named Derek?"
Although Reigh always trusted and followed his brother well, it seemed he had no intention of yielding in this matter. His expression was firm.
"Yes. I'll acknowledge what I must acknowledge. The fellow certainly has a talent for teaching people. However, does that become a reason to keep that fellow named Derek attached to Diella?"
"What on earth do you mean by that?"
Reigh walked slowly towards Valerian and said with glaring eyes.
"That brat Diella is most suited to being stuck in the annex."
After speaking so definitively, Reigh turned back again and strode down the hallway.
Valerian gritted his teeth and was about to shout something, but he could not bring himself to do so.
It was Reigh who had been hurt the most during Diella's vicious days. It was not that he did not understand that wound.
He clutched his forehead and leaned against the wall, sighing.
Valerian was Reigh's older brother and Diella's older brother.
As long as the two propositions coexisted, the day his worries would disappear seemed far away.
<><><>
SLAM
The next morning, when Derek was reading a book at the table in the guest room, the door was flung open.
Since Derek had already heard the footsteps, he did not show any particular sign of surprise and kept his eyes on the book.
"Please knock."
"Is that what you have to say right now?"
Diella strode into the room and gave a look to the accompanying ladies-in-waiting to leave.
The ladies-in-waiting broke out in a cold sweat, quickly closed the door, and went out into the hallway.
Diella then went to the opposite side of the table where Derek was sitting and tossed down a handwritten letter from the Grand Duke of Duplein himself. Derek roughly knew what it was about.
"If I lose this magic duel, you're going to be cut."
"I heard. Young Master Reigh is already a proficient 1-Star mage, so it will probably be difficult."
"Is that all you have to say? You don't mind being cut just like this?"
"I was hired, and I just need to complete my task. I am being paid sufficiently for it."
It was not as if he had not known about the gap between commoners and nobles. That was why Derek, unlike Diella, seemed calm.
Although Derek had tried in various ways, the speed at which Diella's magic improved was slower than he had thought.
In fact, the growth rate itself was not bad, but it was not enough to reach the target of 1-Star magic in such a short period of time.
In the end, since things had turned out this way, she had to face Reigh with basic-level magic that did not even have a star-rank. He was an opponent she might or might not win against even if she handled various 1-Star spells skillfully. In other words, it was the same as saying she could not win.
Derek closed the book he was reading and spoke as he tied his bootlaces.
"As Lady Diella may have started to feel, your mana growth is already on track. You won't be able to cast 1-Star magic right away, but if you consistently maintain the methods you've used so far and don't neglect your research, you will grow quickly. After all, you were born with the Duplein bloodline."
"...What do you mean by that? Why are you saying such things?"
"I've told you before. The Wild School line of mana is focused on self-study rather than transmission in the first place."
Derek was speaking in his usual calm tone.
Diella looked at Derek and felt a sense of familiarity and unfamiliarity at the same time.
In fact, the boy named Derek had always been like that. Although he was staying at the Duplein ducal estate as Diella's master, he looked light-bodied, as if he was ready to leave at any moment. It was understandable, as he had lived his whole life as a wandering mercenary.
Diella hesitated about what to say, then walked over and looked straight up at Derek. A strange sense of longing, which was usually absent, was in her gaze.
"Derek. I... I know very well that I'm not that great of a student."
"..."
"Still... I want you to keep teaching me magic. I don't want anyone else."
It was rare for Diella, who always just grumbled, to reveal her inner feelings so directly.
The girl was a stray cat with many wounds. She was wary of everyone and would growl, but she did not raise her claws against someone she had once opened her heart to.
However, just because there was something she wanted, she could not always get it. Even Diella, who had lived her life getting everything she wanted, had to understand that fact.
If there was something she wanted to obtain, she had to fight for it. If there was something she did not want to lose, she had to struggle.
It was a very natural fact for a commoner from the bottom. Even now, this girl had to know that fact.
"To tell you in advance, I don't know the basics or the detailed rules of magic duels between nobles. I've heard about it roughly, but my knowledge is at a level where I've only scratched the surface. In the first place, I'm a mercenary who used to wander the subjugation battlefields."
"Then... you're saying you can't teach me about duel combat?"
"That is correct. But I can teach you how to just win a fight."
Derek lowered his posture to meet Diella's eyes and spoke.
"Do you want to win?"
Diella was a girl who had lived her life staring at the wall with empty eyes in an annex covered with thorn bushes.
In the eyes of such a girl, a spark now flew.
<><><>
A few days later, a platform for magic duels was set up in front of the garden of the Duplein mansion.
In the culture among nobles, a magic duel was close to a noble event.
Even at the magic salons or exchange meetings held periodically in the social circles of Ebelstein, they mainly watched the duels of high-level mages. A magic duel was indeed one of the most representative means of proving one's achievements.
It was quite a common thing to have duels within the family, but today was bound to be a bit more special than usual. This was because it was the first time that Lady Diella was stepping onto the platform herself.
In the first duel, it was customary for people among the vassals who knew a little magic to step up as punching bags, but the one to step onto the platform today was the second son of the Ducal House of Duplein, Reigh. Although he was about to have his coming-of-age ceremony soon, he was already a respectable mage.
At noon, with the sun beating down, Reigh was well-dressed in ceremonial attire and a cloak, wearing a satisfied smile.
The Duke and Duchess of Duplein were looking down at the garden from a large terrace attached to their private room, and the rest of the vassals had gathered near the platform and were preparing to watch the duel with courtesy.
The Grand Duke of Duplein, who was stroking the rim of his teacup while sitting on the terrace, confirmed that Derek was sitting near the platform below. He did not even feel a hint of nervousness from him.
'I can't tell if he's given up or if he's confident. No matter how outstanding a fellow he is as a master, he wouldn't have anticipated a situation like this.'
In the first place, that mage had a strangely calm feeling even in situations where others would be swallowing dry saliva. Whether it was the courage he had developed during his numerous years as a mercenary, he did not panic much even in a truly desperate situation.
'As expected, he's not a fellow to be cut so early.'
The Grand Duke of Duplein glanced at Miriella, then snorted and turned his gaze back to the platform.
There, Reigh, who had finished all his preparations, was pressing his wrist and wearing a confident expression.
Soon, the figure of Diella, who had come up the stairs on the opposite side and onto the platform, was visible. Her abundant golden hair wrapped around her upper body.
As always, the pretty frilled dress and ribbon decorations were the attire that symbolized her, the cute youngest daughter of the Duplein family. However, today she was wearing a reddish-brown robe over it.
It was a little large for the girl's frame, so the sleeves of the robe were loose. As the warm wind that crossed the garden swept through the area, the hem of the girl's robe fluttered gently in the direction of the wind.
It seemed that Diella's eyes, which were emitting a grim energy from under the robe's hood, could be faintly seen.
"..."
Seeing that sight, Reigh had an intuition.
The girl did not come here today as the youngest daughter of the Duplein family.
She came here as Derek's disciple, and as a mage.
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