There Are No Bad Young Ladies in the World

The Most Noble and Impoverished (5)

—

“4-star magic weapons… This implies a lot. It must not have been an easy decision to put such items in the hands of commoners.”

The weapons Roen took out and placed on the table were two.

One was the 4-star wand ‘Reversal’, and the other was the 4-star staff ‘Footsteps’.

Magic weapons are often created by high-ranking transformation wizards who invest a lot of time. Each weapon has a unique name because such items are not common.

Most magic weapons have special magical effects due to the influence of transformation magic, and these two items would also have their own special powers.

Derek rested his chin on his hand and alternately looked at the items for a moment.

Roen, sitting across with his legs crossed, smiled faintly and said nothing. It seemed he wanted to see which item Derek would choose.

“Take what you want without any prior information?”

A 4-star weapon is worth as much as several mansions.

It was rather harsh to decide on such a weapon based solely on intuition.

Derek felt as if he was being tested and stared at the weapons for a moment.

“May I touch them?”

“Of course.”

Derek lifted the wand adorned with a large jewel and ornate feather decorations and checked its responsiveness with his magic.

It was clearly a high-quality item, and it felt like it smoothly accepted the magic.

“The wand’s name is Reversal. It seems to have the power to reverse magic itself.”

Just by touching it once, Derek roughly guessed the wand’s ability.

“Does it have the power to erase the results of used magic and revert it back to magic? It would be a good match for summoners or transformation wizards.”

It seemed it could be used to summon a large creature, then revert it to regain the magic, or to erase various constructs summoned by transformation magic to recharge the magic.

Derek pondered for a moment, then lifted the staff.

After briefly holding the large staff made of old wood, he spoke without even glancing at the wand.

“I’ll take this one.”

“Oh. Any reason?”

“It just feels better.”

“Feeling… It’s good to act on feelings, but you don’t seem like such an impulsive person.”

Roen, curious about something, adjusted his posture and asked Derek.

“Of course, there wouldn’t be any defects in the items bestowed by the royal family, but who knows? There might be a difference in quality between the two.”

“As you said, there wouldn’t be any defects in items directly bestowed by the royal family. However, this staff seems more practical.”

Roen’s gaze narrowed.

Derek, still seated, lifted the staff and spoke.

—

—

“First of all, it’s light. Of course, the wand is much smaller and lighter, but considering the amount of magic it can handle, its efficiency doesn’t seem that good.”

“Efficiency in terms of weight to performance. Do you consider such things when looking at magical weapons?”

“It’s an important factor. And considering the name of the staff, ‘Footsteps’, and the feeling of getting stuck near this gem when accepting magic… it seems highly likely that it’s a magical weapon that leaves an ‘echo’.”

Derek put the staff down again and said with a serious expression.

“Magic echo is a difficult trait to utilize, but it’s excellent in practicality. Above all, it seems to be very useful in both duel situations and one-to-many combat situations. It could be used to deliver an unexpected blow to the opponent or simply to increase firepower.”

“Oh. Do you know about magic echo?”

“I’ve heard it’s a phenomenon that manifests in magical weapons of 4-star grade or higher. It’s the power to manifest the same magic again in the same location with a time difference, without consuming magic power.”

“You have extensive knowledge about magic.”

“It’s a shallow level compared to the people in the academy.”

Magic echo was a trait often found in high-grade magical weapons.

It was the power to gather the aftermath of already used magic and implement new magic in the same location.

Two fireballs going out with a time difference… or the same earth wall continuously springing up… depending on how it’s applied, it was a power that greatly contributed to controlling the battlefield.

Derek preferred the power to actively dominate the battlefield rather than a passive ability that only used magic efficiently. This tendency seemed to be reflected in his choice of weapons.

Roen smiled and said to Derek while resting his chin on his hand.

“The scholars in the academy only regard magic as a study. Real proper wizards, I think, should be able to use their power in all fields.”

“I agree. However, I think magic itself develops more when the academic field and the practical field are combined.”

“Yes. And there aren’t many talents who can achieve such integration. Most wizards prefer to intuitively regain magic power rather than utilizing the difficult echo effect. Under the excuse of versatility, they often neglect practicality and efficiency.”

Roen, with a relieved expression, soon took the wand and put it in his arms.

“I won’t go into detail about the value of that weapon. But, wouldn’t such a large staff be cumbersome to carry around… is it a choice considering practicality?”

“There are various ways to consider the portability of the weapon. I’ll think about it. Thank you for your concern.”

“It seems you plan to adjust the weight using transformation magic or hide its appearance with illusion magic.”

“…”

“Can you handle quite a variety of magic? Do you know a bit of exploration magic too?”

“I was taught by Drest Wolf Tail, a wizard of the Southwestern Drest Academy.”

“Oh… that old man? He takes on disciples separately?”

Roen looked at Derek with interest.

It was a funny sight for Roen, who was only a 3-star wizard, to call a great wizard like Drest an old man.

However, Roen, as if it didn’t matter, grinned and said.

“For an old man who lives wandering around the world as if he’s detached from it, he has done quite a few eccentric things. Yes. There’s no doubt about his skills.”

Roen was smiling contentedly at that moment.

—

– Knock, knock, knock.

Someone knocked on the door of the reception room. It seemed that Sir Melverot from the North, who was supposed to visit today, had arrived.

Derek hastily tidied himself up and stood up from his seat just as the door opened.

– Creak

However, the one who entered through the door was── the Imperial Magic Advisor, Roen.

The man, who looked young for his age, widened his eyes in surprise at the scene inside the room.

There were two Roens in the room.

“…No, this is…?”

Before he could react, a massive magical force began to swirl around the Roen who was sitting with his legs crossed opposite Derek.

In an instant, the magical energy spread throughout the reception room, and soon, a silver-haired man with a haughty face, sitting with his legs crossed, revealed himself.

It was a 4-star level confusion magic, ‘Perfect Mimicry.’

It was a high-level magic that allowed one to completely mimic the form of a known target and act accordingly. It was a perfect mimicry that couldn’t be imitated by mere illusions or phantasms.

The arrogant man, with long silver hair flowing past his shoulders, smiled and spoke.

“Roen. You’re too late. Don’t you know that old folks like me resort to boring pranks when we have nothing to do?”

“I’m, I’m sorry. I was a bit late because I was looking for the materials you requested.”

“Never mind. Thanks to you, I got a chance to test this boy.”

As Derek alternated his gaze between the two, Roen quickly entered the reception room and bowed his head.

“I have committed a grave discourtesy, Sir Melverot.”

When Roen greeted him, the man called Sir Melverot waved his arm dismissively, indicating it was fine.

Although he introduced himself as an old man, his appearance was that of a considerably young man.

*

“As you might have guessed, the reason I personally brought the Imperial message all the way here is because I wanted to see you in person.”

“…It is a great honor.”

“They say you’re the most renowned magic teacher in the southwestern continent? It seems Duplain, Beltus, and Belmiard are all eager to take you in… I can see why after having a conversation with you. You’re different from those so-called magic teachers who just play around with books.”

Sir Melverot, the greatest magician in the northern continent, had lived his entire life on the battlefield.

He greatly despised desk-bound scholars who viewed teaching as merely the transmission of knowledge.

In fact, this silver-haired man always wore luxurious silver armor and kept everything from his boots to his bracers meticulously maintained.

He was always ready to jump into battle at any time and place. From his perspective, Derek, who had lived close to the battlefield as a mercenary, seemed to be a valuable asset.

If one wanted to teach swordsmanship or instill a brave spirit, there were many warriors to choose from as mentors.

—

—

However, it was rare to find someone who possessed the strength that Sir Melverot valued while teaching the ancient art of magic.

“Have you heard much about my daughter, Siern?”

“I’ve heard she is a strong and dignified person.”

“That’s just a facade. You’ve probably heard rumors that she’s a madman who kills people indiscriminately.”

“…”

It was a difficult question to answer.

When Derek remained silent, Sir Melverot laughed as if he were disappointed.

“If those rumors are true, would you refuse my offer?”

“One thing is clear, I don’t have the right to do so.”

“That may be true. But I’m not a foolish ruler who would entrust a task to someone without will. I just want to ask for your honest opinion from your perspective.”

Derek sensed it. If he showed any sign of hesitation and shook his head here, Sir Melverot would not bother to take him along.

He may seem like a whimsical person who acts on a whim, but that was just a mask to intimidate his opponent.

Pretending to act on a whim while calculating all the gains and losses inside, such a person is truly dangerous.

‘His way of speaking is strange.’

Derek felt a peculiar tone in Sir Melverot’s words.

– ‘If the rumors are true, would you refuse the offer?’

There was something underlying those words. It was as if he was assuming that his daughter was not such a madman.

However, if that were not true, it would be a matter of simply saying so.

It was up to Derek to decide whether to believe it or not.

“My daughter Siern is so violent and aggressive that her beautiful appearance is regrettable. She is probably more brutal than you think. As a father, it is a great shame that I couldn’t correct her earlier.”

“How can children always grow up according to their parents’ wishes? You don’t need to blame yourself.”

“Judging by your expression, it seems you are quite willing to accept the offer?”

“As I said, how could I refuse? However, I have not yet heard what conditions you will propose, Sir Melverot.”

“Do you think I don’t know what people like you want?”

Sir Melverot laughed heartily, resting his chin on one hand.

“I have already evaluated you. A commoner-born wizard aiming for a high position is always met with strong resistance. It’s not hard to guess why someone of your level would bother teaching noble ladies.”

“…”

“Do you want to increase your allies, even a little, in this cold aristocratic world?”

Sir Melverot lowered his gaze and looked Derek up and down before speaking.

“Those who stand at the pinnacle of the magical world all have some flaws. Old man Drest is obsessed with wandering and has no interest in worldly affairs, and madman Cohella is beyond words. And as for me, well, I’m not exactly normal either.”

—

—

Melverot did not bother to mention another 6-star wizard, Pine. Her existence was a top secret known only to those who truly knew.

“Getting close to all kinds of noble families might be a pretty good strategy, but wouldn’t it be advantageous for you to maintain a connection with someone at the top?”

“Indeed, it is a wise suggestion.”

“Your expression doesn’t seem to think so at all. Speak your honest opinion. I like honesty the most.”

Derek hesitated for a moment.

If it was someone as renowned as Sir Melverot, Derek knew him well enough. In fact, he preferred people who expressed their opinions honestly.

Derek held his breath and then spoke as if exhaling.

“A strong person’s promise always has little meaning. The breaking of the promise also depends on the will of the strong.”

“That’s a reasonable point. But do you think I can easily dismiss the teacher who took care of my daughter?”

Sir Melverot leaned forward and spoke.

“If you are truly capable of controlling my daughter, I wouldn’t be able to touch you at will either.”

“…That means, depending on the situation…”

“It means to take my daughter as a hostage. Why, is it too brutal a suggestion?”

When Derek quietly stared at Sir Melverot, he laughed again.

“It’s always possible to soften the words. If you truly connect with my daughter and become a true teacher, how could I treat you recklessly? However, even if I speak softly like this, the underlying meaning doesn’t change, so what’s the point?”

“…”

“My daughter Siern needs to learn social skills. Of course, magic too.”

It was hard to judge whether he was benevolent or cold-blooded. He was a dual-natured person.

Even if one set aside his true intentions, it was clear what his current situation was.

If the rumors about Lady Siern were true, countless retainers and servants would indeed be dying. It was not something that could be revealed publicly.

He was different from the somewhat arrogant Diela. He was a real lunatic who saw human lives as nothing.

“…”

There were many who tried to dissuade Derek.

But Derek thought with his head bowed.

Risk and reward often go hand in hand.

Especially if the client was none other than Sir Melverot, there would never be a situation where he would be left in the dark.

“Is it okay to ask for a lot of money? Or perhaps items related to magic.”

“The amount of money you imagine is obvious. Such a trivial question doesn’t even deserve an answer.”

“Thank you.”

“Formal greetings are unnecessary. However, I have a few requests.”

—

—

Sir Melverot spoke with a look that showed he didn’t have much expectation.

“Even if we set aside magic and social skills, it’s necessary to teach her the manners of a lady. Eventually, Siern will have to debut in society.”

“I know quite a bit about the manners of a lady, but I’m not at the level to teach others.”

“Yes, I know. Ideally, we would find a teacher from a noble background, but as you know, it’s not easy to find someone among the dignified nobles who can control Siern.”

I couldn’t even imagine how insane and crazy she must be, but I decided to just nod for now.

Derek was not a person who expressed his emotions richly in such matters.

“There are no nobles in the north who would take on such a task. So, I was thinking of looking into the southwest, but as you know, I’ve spent my whole life in the north, so I’m not very familiar with the people there.”

“Is that so?”

“If you, who have connections with the nobles in the southwest, could find a suitable candidate, it would be great. I don’t have high expectations, but if you find someone suitable, please recommend them.”

“Hmm… I don’t know…”

The rumors about Lady Siern seemed to be quite famous even among the noble quarters of Ebelstein.

Teaching the manners of a lady to such a murderous madwoman, there was no reason for the already wealthy and well-fed nobles to reach out for such an extreme job.

Although Derek had many noble teachers and ladies he had personal connections with, no suitable candidate came to mind immediately.

Even Lady Drinis would recoil at the mention of Lady Siern’s name. It didn’t seem like other people would be much different.

Just as Sir Melverot, who was watching Derek’s lukewarm reaction, was lowering his gaze in disappointment.

“Hmm… There might be one person.”

Sir Melverot’s eyes narrowed at Derek’s words.

*

“I think we can offer up to 400 northern Rotay gold coins as a salary.”

“I’ll do it, I’ll definitely do it. Please let me do it. I really want to do it. I really!!!!! want to do it…!!!!”

The next day, when Derek rode his horse early in the morning to the Duplain mansion, Lady Aiselin was spreading manure behind the half-destroyed mansion.

With her sleeves rolled up, watching the growth of the plants with a look of ecstasy, she looked just like a farmer.

The sun hadn’t even risen yet, and her diligence was beyond impressive to the point of being frightening.

“Um… Have you heard the rumors about Lady Siern?”

“Of course! But our Duplain family is not in a position to be picky right now…!”

“…”

From noble mtl dot com

“Money…! We need money…! Money!! Money!!! And cash!!!!! Cash that we can use immediately…!!!!”

Lady Aiselin’s eyes already seemed to be spinning with the glittering shape of gold coins.

She was the most noble and renowned lady in the southwest of the continent, but also the poorest.

Anyone who saw that ironic scene would have been moved to tears.

—

—

Even Derek, who rarely indulged in sentimentality… felt a somewhat wistful feeling.