There Are No Bad Young Ladies in the World

Wild Horse (1)

After Derek left the Duplain family, many years passed, and the seasons changed several times.

Dielra Catherine Duplain had bid farewell to the mentor who had the greatest impact on her life, yet her growth curve did not falter or retreat. Instead, once her direction was set, her innate talent began to blossom.

In the realm of magical achievement, it was well-known that lineage was paramount, first and foremost.

Her magical progress, which had been sluggish, soared like a fish finding water once Derek slightly adjusted her direction.

While the growth curves of the commoners were typically similar, the way the blessed geniuses completed their development was uniquely their own.

Valerian, Leig, Aislin, Dielra.

Among the Duplain siblings, all notable for their magical accomplishments, Dielra’s growth was the most extraordinary.

She did not seek to penetrate the essence of magic like Valerian, nor did she aspire for worldly ascension like Leig, nor did she absorb the vast knowledge of the discipline school at a desk like Aislin.

As always, she roamed the forests, gazed at the night sky, and embraced magical truths in her own way, unbound by any rules.

The ice spear she conjured twisted and turned, and her flame arrows blazed with a dark crimson light. Her transmutation magic yielded results unlike the theory, and her enchantment magic subtly differed from its known effects.

Yet, she was not entirely detached from noble culture.

She effortlessly absorbed etiquette and culture, the art of diplomacy, governance, and even imperial studies from her family.

She mastered the central continent’s language, social dances, flower arrangement, piano, flute, history, literature, modern philosophy, and political science, and completed her education in clothing and manners to achieve a demure posture.

In the field of art, she was already making a name for herself.

Her works, born of exceptional talent in landscape and portrait painting, had begun to catch the eyes of artists, and some pieces were already circulating in Ebelstain’s art auctions.

Dielra’s artistic world was completely detached from the contemporary styles. Already recognized among critics, it was believed she would mature into a renowned artist across the continent.

By this point, rumors had begun to swirl, even though she had not yet debuted in Ebelstain’s social circles.

The rumor was that the petite girl huddled in the annex of the Duplain mansion was now a threat to Aislin, the most esteemed figure in Ebelstain’s social circles.

Could it be that the only one who could rival the flower of the Duplain family was a lady from the Duplain family itself?

It seemed as though the families capable of challenging the Duplain’s prestige in Ebelstain’s social circles were disappearing, heralding the dawn of the Duplain era.

Aislin, more than anyone, heard these rampant rumors up close… but she couldn’t help feeling conflicted.

There was no anxiety about being overtaken by Dielra. She was deeply familial and benevolent, genuinely rejoicing in Dielra’s growth.

However, there was a slight difference between rumor and reality.

“I really don’t see why I need to belong to the Roséa Salon. Honestly, if it’s not someone like you, Lady Ellente, or Lady Denise, it seems like everyone else is just the same.”

“…No, Dielra. It might seem so if we only look at magical achievements, but everyone is cultured… and it’s good to know and be acquainted with many.”

“Hmm…”

Aislin had come down to the Duplain mansion to assist with Dielra’s debutante ball.

Having had a successful debutante experience herself, Aislin thought she would be of great help, but Dielra seemed to need little assistance. Frankly, there would be no issue if she debuted in society right now.

The mansion Dielra was to enter was soon to be completed, and the selection of servants and high-ranking vassals to assist her within the family was also finished.

A grand banquet to celebrate her social debut was planned, and dresses as expensive as any magical weapon were ready. The time around her debutante ball, when a noble lady experiences her most splendid moments, was imminent.

Despite the glittering path laid out before her, Dielra’s expression, seated at the garden tea table, did not seem so bright.

For ladies of noble houses, a debut into society is always considered a dream filled with romance, yet Diella seemed to have no interest in such things.

The slight anticipation she felt was due to the thrill of venturing outside the Duplain mansion where she had entrusted her life. She had no interest in the so-called glamorous social culture of the Ebelstain aristocratic district.

“When I went to the tea party hosted by the Elora Academy, or to the festival in the Elontain region, I saw a few noble ladies from the Rozea Salon. Most were engrossed in frivolous, showy social activities. Trying to curry favor, spouting insincere flattery…”

“Di, Diella… It’s not something to say in public, but you must understand the difference in position. We, being high nobles of the Duplain house, often don’t feel it, but for the lower nobility, the chance to expand their connections is precious.”

Aiselin, born a high noble, understood the position of the lower nobility well.

That’s why she didn’t become arrogant, even when her followers made embarrassingly sycophantic remarks. Half of the goodwill she received was out of awe for the girl named Aiselin, and the other half was respect for the background of the Duplain house.

“It’s only when you take off those colored glasses that you can see the true nature of people. We need to practice seeing through to that essence. That’s why we join the salon, to meet people from various strata…”

“If Sister Aiselin says so, I’ll consider going to next week’s meeting…”

Since Diella hadn’t even completed her debutante process, her salon visit would be nothing more than a formality.

Nevertheless, Diella wore a listless expression.

Born with exceptional talent, which she was nurturing, the essence of Diella’s character remained unchanged.

She was haughty, did not think highly of those she deemed inferior, and despised the rigid rules they created. However, she had become adept at not showing it outwardly, maintaining decorum and wearing a mask.

It was an unwritten rule for the daughters of the most noble families to join the Rozea Salon.

Yet, Diella was like a wild horse on the prairie, unconcerned with such rules and regulations. One must not be fooled by her lovely, doll-like appearance.

Being the complete opposite of her sister Aiselin, it was too much to ask the greenhouse-grown noble ladies to control her.

“It would be good to check on the servants at your estate as well. Now that you’re becoming the lady of the house, they all fall under your direct command. It will feel very different from receiving help from the Duplain estate’s servants to commanding them as their master.”

“Most of the maids from the annex are coming over, so I don’t think my living environment will change much. It’s just a matter of whether it’s the Duplain estate or Ebelstain.”

“That may be true. But now, even the servants you usually have no contact with will come under your control. The guards who watch over the estate, the laborers, and even the vassals who handle accounting and finances will all work under your supervision and permission.”

Understanding this gap would make the reality of becoming the mistress of the estate feel more tangible.

Diella hadn’t fully realized it yet, but watching Aiselin’s meticulous ways, she knew it wouldn’t be easy.

Still, it was a rite of passage for high nobles to move into the Ebelstain social circle.

“Not only that, but you might have to personally choose someone to be in charge of your security outside the estate… You might need to find a personal chef to your taste, or a private tutor if necessary.”

“I don’t think it will bother me much since they’re all pretty much the same… But if it’s about a personal tutor…”

Even with the once-in-a-lifetime event of her debutante ball approaching, Diella showed no sign of nervousness, but at the mention of a personal tutor, her eyes began to sparkle.

“Derek is working as a mercenary in Ebelstain, isn’t he?!”

“As I said, he’s currently teaching Lady Denise of the Beltus family. I went to see him before his affiliation was decided… It seemed he had already set his mind on becoming Lady Denise’s tutor.”

“Hmm…”

It had been quite some time since Diella had bid farewell to Derek. Nevertheless, she remembered clearly what kind of person he was.

Derek wasn’t particularly fearful or resentful of getting involved with nobles, but he tended to prioritize his magical achievements above all else. Yet, why he was attached to the Beltus family was a mystery.

‘Why the Beltus family…? There’s no connection at all…’

Anyway, there often seemed to be reasons for his actions.

Even though he had sent letters from Duplain or Belmierd, it seemed there was a reason for his sudden visit to the Beltus family.

‘…Has he been compromised? Lady Denise is said to be an enigma…’

“Di, Diella… Just so you know, taking someone who has already joined another family can be a great offense. Father isn’t furthering this matter for a reason.”

Of course, there’s always an undercurrent of rivalry, trying to poach talent from competing families, but doing so openly is a completely different issue.

It would have been different if Derek had no formal affiliation, but now he’s officially contracted with the Grand Duke of Beltus and serving as Lady Denise’s tutor.

From noble mtl dot com

It might be different if it were like when Elente hired Derek, and the previous contract was fully concluded… But even the Duplain family has a code of honor to uphold.

Of course, this code of honor isn’t always adhered to. However, when one does break such unwritten rules, they must be prepared for the emotional consequences.

Aiselin, fearing Diella might act impulsively, quickly cautioned her, but Diella nonchalantly spoke, resting her chin on her hand.

“I saw Lady Denise from a distance at the Elontain festival. I didn’t speak to her or make contact, but… she looked so dignified, wrapped in her silver-grey hair, sitting inside the carriage. She looked as mysterious as an angel depicted in religious paintings… That’s what I thought.”

“Yes, that’s right. Uh-huh. Lady Denise is a treasured person even within the Beltus family… That must be why someone as capable as Mr. Derek is her tutor.”

Diella was about to take a sip of her tea but set the cup down and said with a serious look,

“Aren’t you upset, Aiselin? We are from the Duplain family, aren’t we?”

“…..Di, Diella?”

*

“Isn’t it interesting?”

Lady Denise’s mansion lacked nothing unnecessary.

The artworks were displayed just enough to maintain a minimum level of dignity, and the building’s exterior was done just enough not to be overshadowed by other mansions. Lady Denise liked to go with the flow just that much.

That’s why there was no grand training facility like Lady Elente’s mansion.

In the end, Derek had no choice but to demonstrate his magic in the grasslands outside of Evelstain, accompanied by a few servants and guards.

Even though Derek’s magic was basic, its firepower was impressive.

Despite her own considerable magical prowess, Denise couldn’t deny that Derek’s skills were superior. The boy had honed his magical energy utilization to the extreme, producing results akin to those of seasoned magicians.

At first, she applauded Derek’s magical demonstrations, but as they began intensive training, her leisure quickly vanished.

It felt like she had just left the mansion after lunch, but the sun was already setting.

Denise, sitting breathlessly on the grassland floor, was drenched in sweat.

And Derek, sitting in front of her, leaned in and said,

“The range you can control the magic arrow has greatly increased from the beginning. Now, Miss Denise, you can intercept enemies even outside your field of vision.”

“That’s… right….”

“You can feel the sensation of the magic itself, right? It’s different from when you’re just shooting arrows in one direction.”

“Ugh… *panting*… Is that so…”

“It’s a subtle difference, but each time you use magic, your senses become sharper, and the sensations are felt more intensely. And once you truly perceive that difference, your magical sensitivity ascends to a higher level.”

“Is, is that so… *gasp*… *gasp*… I can’t catch my breath…”

Derrick pressed his face closer and continued speaking.

“That’s how you come to experience the rise in magical power. Isn’t it fascinating? To train the innate magic given to us in such a way, isn’t it profoundly deep?”

Fascinating?

Say it’s fascinating.

Under Derrick’s imposing tone, even laden with pressure, Denise swallowed her dry saliva. The silver-haired boy before her was truly, madly obsessed with magic.

Denise could feel her own magical proficiency growing by leaps and bounds each day, but she couldn’t begin to keep up with Derrick’s overflowing vitality.

Is it fun?

To be honest, if I put aside all pride, it is fun. When people find enjoyment in something, it’s when effort poured forth returns as achievement.

Indeed, training alongside Derrick, she felt her magical skills improving rapidly.

However, for Denise, who had a hermit-like nature, the training process itself was torturous. Born a freshwater fish, being dragged into the sea meant certain suffocation.

“Hmm…”

“De, Derrick?”

“It seems Miss Denise has yet to fully grasp the profundity and joy of this process. Perhaps a different approach is necessary…”

“Uh, huh? What do you mean?”

“Just as I said. I haven’t been teaching for many years, so there are many areas where I’m still inexperienced. If Miss Denise doesn’t find magical achievement fascinating, it must be due to my shortcomings as a teacher. I am deeply reflecting on this responsibility.”

Derrick held one of Denise’s shoulders and spoke earnestly.

“We should move on to more serious training, to achieve greater feats and find it more interesting. Merely skimming the surface as we have been is insufficient; let’s dive in properly. I will also thoroughly review the intensity of our training.”

“What are you talking about, Derrick? I find magic so much fun. I love magic.”

“Miss Denise… You don’t need to spare my feelings like that. Such consideration only makes me feel worse.”

It wasn’t consideration but a struggle for survival, yet Derrick would never accept that.

“If you haven’t felt a sense of accomplishment, that is entirely the teacher’s fault. I am deeply disheartened by my incompetence. I apologize, and I assure you, this will not happen again…!”

“No, it’s okay. I told you it’s okay, Derrick! Where are you going? Wait for me, aah!!!”

Derrick had already planned out Denise’s schedule in his head.

She would attend the upcoming Roséa Salon gathering, then join the cultural corridor’s reading club over the weekend. With various liberal arts classes scheduled in between, piecing together the spare moments would provide ample time for training towards the next level.

Of course, Denise’s own wishes were another story altogether.

In the deepest part of the noble district, ladies from various salons were gathering at the Adelbert Cultural Hall, the hub of cultural exchange among the salon members.

The number was significant when including the lower nobility, but ultimately, only the three most revered ladies were at the center: Aiselin, Elente, and Denise.

Many followers sent them greetings, spoke sweet words to win their favor, and seized any opportunity to send gifts from their families or propose artistic exchanges.

For the past few years, these three young ladies had been leading the Roséa Salon centered around the Adelbert Cultural Hall. Yet, today was anticipated to be a day of significant upheaval in that structure.

It was because Diela Catherine Duplain, the younger sister of Lady Aiselin—reputed to be the most noble lady in the Ebelstein social circle—was to make her appearance at today’s salon meeting.

All eyes were drawn to her as she crossed the hall, where a grand tea service was laid out.

Among girls of her age, she was petite, and her actions carried a charmingly delicate air.

As the doll-like girl, adorned in a pretty frilled dress, entered the salon’s tea party, she inevitably became the center of attention.

At a glance, she was a lovable girl you’d want to embrace tightly, but those who had been close to the Duplain family knew her past well. She was one of the most notorious troublemakers in the history of the Duplain family.

If Aiselin was a warm spring, then she was indeed a harsh winter. It was astonishing how two close sisters of the same bloodline could be so diametrically opposed.

Although she had reformed considerably under a good mentor, there were many speculations that her true nature hadn’t completely vanished. Nevertheless, the current Diela had developed quite a bit of sociability. The peak of her rebellious days was long gone.

However, if you asked whether she was as warm-hearted as Aiselin, you couldn’t nod in agreement.

“Everyone’s eyes are ablaze, trying to secure even the slightest connection.”

Diela sneered as she ascended the podium, glancing at the lower nobles for a moment before scoffing.

Their greedy eyes, buried in secular hierarchy, were clearly visible even to this young girl.

They might discuss art, philosophy, and magic, but what they clung to was the obsession to exchange even a word more with the scions of distinguished families.

It was understandable why a lady from a high noble family, after lingering long in society, would become arrogant, as if her self-esteem pierced the heavens. Spending all seasons in such an environment, one might truly feel like a king.

“I thought I’d be disgusted, but it’s not as bad as I expected. I can see why everyone gets addicted.”

With an inward sneer, Diela made her way deeper into the tea party.

And there, in the innermost part, was a girl engaging in pleasantries with a few lower nobles. Her beautiful silver-gray hair cascaded down, making her look like a noble angel.

But whether her inner thoughts were as angelic was another matter. She was known in society for not easily revealing her intentions.

She looked quite weary, but nonetheless, she possessed the dignity befitting her reputation. She was Lady Denise of the Beltus family.

She was the one who had won over Derrick, despite the fierce competition for his recruitment.

The Beltus family, with its grip of power, held Derrick tightly and was said never to let go.

“…”

After adjusting the hem of her dress, Diela approached Denise with a stern expression.

The gaze of the hall subtly shifted towards the two of them.