There Are No Bad Young Ladies in the World

Derrick (3)

– [ You have gained access to 2-star magic. ]

– [ You have acquired the 2-star magic ‘Hallucination’. ]

*

Since that day, Katia began to formally take Derrick along and started imparting various magics to him.

Initially, she planned only to establish the basics, but Derrick’s aptitude far exceeded Katia’s expectations.

It wasn’t that she had grand intentions of taking in a good disciple and nurturing a successor.

Katia simply saw a great backlash approaching Derrick, and it was too difficult for her to ignore it.

“You’ve rolled enough to know, but living as a mercenary is no easy feat. Still, there’s such a thing as know-how.”

Katia also taught him how to handle minor requests like hunting small monsters or how to efficiently deal with trivial chores.

When the requests were sparse, they would stroll together in the scenic outskirts of Ebelstein, taste quality tea, or haggle over ingredients in the market streets. She did her best to broaden Derrick’s horizons within her means.

Meanwhile, she took every opportunity to pass on various knowledge about magic to Derrick. As seasons changed time and again, Derrick listened intently to Katia’s words, quickly absorbing everything she conveyed.

Before long, everyone in the mercenary circles knew the story of the elderly woman and the young boy who walked in her footsteps. Quite some time had passed.

Throughout that long period, Katia consistently emphasized to Derrick that excessive talent could also become a poison.

“There have been common-born mages who reached beyond the 4-star realm.”

“Really…?”

“However, most of their tales don’t end well. So, always remember to be cautious in your conduct.”

A mage who reached the 4-star level is rare, even among renowned noble families, usually only one or two members at most.

It’s not a realm simply reached by being born of good lineage.

Ascending to 5-star status would make one the head of a family or a core force of the empire, and 6-star mages are few in the history of mankind.

The realm of a commoner, no matter how extraordinary, is limited to 3-stars.

As if to etch this fact into his memory, Katia whispered these words to Derrick with a voice full of concern.

“The nobles usually have their coming-of-age ceremony at eighteen. Being able to cast first-tier magic by then is considered a sign of decent talent, and if one has entered the realm of second-tier, they are watched closely by the elders of the family.”

“…”

Derrick was now fourteen.

He had to understand the significance of his achievement.

Thus, Katia returned to her modest home on the outskirts of the commercial district with Derrick in tow.

The room was sparsely furnished, almost bare. It was sufficient for a single woman to live in, but for someone who had resided in the opulent mansions of nobility, it was pitifully meager.

Yet, Katia had grown accustomed to such a life.

Dust fluttered in the air, and there was hardly any household goods. As a mercenary, one never knew where they might wander next, so it was necessary to keep belongings light.

After seating Derrick on the hard wooden bed, Katia settled into a creaking chair and spoke in a calm tone.

“Considering your age, be careful not to use magic recklessly wherever you go. In crowded places, it’s best to stick to first-tier magic. That alone is an accomplishment not befitting your age.”

“Master, how proficient were you in magic when you had your coming-of-age ceremony?”

“…My own ceremony was so long ago, I barely remember. But I think I could handle a couple of first-tier confusion spells.”

The Flameheart family was not renowned as a magical lineage, but nobility was nobility.

Katia, a noble recognized for her magical prowess, had been at that level during her ceremony, so Derrick’s magical ability was certainly astonishing to anyone who witnessed it.

“Using me as a standard might not be clear-cut. Back then, I had just become an adult woman, so instead of focusing solely on magic, I received more education on becoming a proper lady.”

“Living as a lady of the Flameheart family… was it difficult?”

“Are you interested in noble culture?”

“…I’m curious, you know.”

Katia took a gulp of cold water and met Derrick’s gaze, which was fixed on her.

Was it pure curiosity?

The boy seemed too mature for his age, but at times like this, his age-appropriate impulsive curiosity seemed to surface.

It was as if even this young orphan, weathered by the harshness of life, still had a trace of innocence left.

Feeling a strange sense of relief at this sight, Katia’s voice lightened as she said,

“Stories about noble ladies are quite common in the marketplaces and among mercenaries, aren’t they?”

“The stories aren’t usually flattering. They say that out of ten noble ladies, five lack manners, and the other five have nothing but flower gardens in their heads. Either they lack etiquette or they lack a sense of reality.”

“I can understand why one might say that, but it’s a rather harsh judgment. Values can differ based on the environment one grows up in.”

They were a master and apprentice who usually talked about mercenary work or magic.

Wandering the bleak mercenary landscape together, they often exchanged heavy, somber stories, but sometimes it was necessary to lay down such weight.

Looking up at the starry sky and reciting tales from the mythical ages, or reading a fairy tale book before bed. As if longing for such a tender bond, Katia spoke softly with a subdued voice,

“Most might be as you say, but not everyone is like that.”

“Was it different when you lived as a noble lady?”

“No, to be honest, I was similar. Girls of noble birth around my age seemed different yet shared similarities. Especially around the time of their coming-of-age, preparing for their debutante ball, they’d often get lost in the feeling of being the protagonist of the world.”

“Debutante ball?”

“It’s an introduction to society.”

Katia leaned back against the wooden chair, reminiscing about the distant past.

“Dressed in beautiful gowns, armed with the etiquette of a lady, traveling to the capital to pay respects to the Emperor. Afterwards, hosting a ball at home to grandly announce one’s debut into society. It was the time for a noble lady to shine the brightest.”

“I think I’ve heard of it.”

“During that period, there was so much for a noble young lady to learn and prepare.”

Her voice was like reading from a fairy tale.

Katia, still leaning back, closed her eyes gently, recalling the bygone scenery.

“Elegant posture and gait, the etiquette among high nobility, and the cultivation of conversation. I mainly learned about arts, history, politics – a wide range of knowledge was necessary. Not to mention, one had to have refined hobbies. Flower arranging, embroidery, horseback riding, playing instruments, and such.”

“…Did it suit you?”

“Not at all. You can probably guess, seeing me live as a mercenary now. I was always a tomboy.”

At that, Derrick laughed in resignation.

This boy knows how to laugh, too. Swallowing such a monologue, Katia continued her story.

“Besides, I had to practice dances that could be easily matched at balls, and learn the complex history and traditions of my family… But the most important thing seemed to be magic, after all.”

“It does seem so.”

“However, the magic of the nobility is different from what you’d think, Derrick. You would use magic oriented towards practicality, but for the nobility, etiquette and rules are more emphasized.”

Nobles didn’t regard magic merely as a show of power or a practical tool. It felt more like an art form, a sophisticated hobby.

When it was necessary to chant a spell, it was done as if reciting poetry.

The magic circles were designed not just as simple geometric combinations but as works of art,

and the grimoires were made of fine materials, elegantly illustrated, and written in a graceful style.

“…Looking at your face, it seems you think it’s all quite extravagant.”

“…Is it that obvious?”

“It might be a far cry from your life always in the field, but I believe there’s value in such etiquette and rules.”

“If you say so, Master, I’ll try to see it that way too.”

“No, that’s alright. If you force yourself to agree, it makes my position awkward.”

Saying so, Derrick and Katia looked at each other and then burst into laughter simultaneously.

The two were different in age, background, and values.

Yet, despite these differences, they felt a deep, underlying connection.

Katia brushed off her robe and said in a lighter voice,

“Derek. Even you, who considers all this mere formality and fuss, may one day think differently.”

“A different thought?”

“A noble lady of stature appears like a blossoming flower. There’s a reason why so many ladies reach out in admiration.”

Katia smoothed Derek’s tousled hair and smiled gently.

“Someday, I hope you’ll understand that too.”

*

“I don’t think I can teach you magic any longer.”

The farewell with Katia came the following year.

As usual, after completing minor tasks and returning to Katia’s residence, she suddenly shared such news.

There’s nothing more to teach you. If that implied a happy meaning, it would be welcome, but the number of second-tier spells Derek could cast remained the same.

However, having refined the basics more systematically and cleanly, the technical perfection of his first-tier magic was nearly flawless.

The number of first-tier spells he could use had also noticeably increased, so it was obvious that he would soon be able to cast second-tier magic cleanly and maturely.

“…”

Katia looked determined, her expression strained.

No matter what anyone said, she was the one who worried about Derek the most. Yet, there was a reason she had to make such an announcement.

“There’s a letter from Count Elvester. He wants to appoint me as a private tutor in his domain.”

“Count Elvester?”

“Yes, the most famous hero in the eastern region. The Countess of Elvester has begun her education for her social debut, so it seems they need a teacher.”

Not just any minor noble, but Count Elvester, whom even the Grand Duke of the capital wouldn’t treat lightly.

From Katia’s perspective, it was an offer she couldn’t easily refuse.

“I would have declined similar offers, but I never thought Count Elvester would send a letter himself. Perhaps the fact that I’ve been teaching you magic while roaming the mercenary world has spread in some way.”

Indeed, finding a mentor like Katia wouldn’t be easy.

She was an unusual character to begin with, and the added reputation of turning a slum child into a respectable mage would have contributed.

While Derek’s own exceptional magical talent played a significant role, to those around, it seemed a testament to Katia’s merit. And indeed, Derek also considered her an excellent teacher.

In any case, from a third party’s perspective, it was a fortunate turn of events.

Being a private tutor for the Elvester family would ensure both money and honor. Moreover, the Countess Freya of Elvester’s domain was known to all in the region as a graceful and proper figure.

To become such a person’s teacher would be akin to a blessing from heaven.

“…”

Yet, it wasn’t hard to guess why Katia’s expression was so heavy.

Staying at the Elvester Count’s residence, which was virtually the headquarters of the eastern social circles, it was impossible to bring along a commoner from the slums.

Sadly, it was time to prepare for farewell.

Until leaving Ebelstain, Katia was busy moving about.

She had taken some of the money she saved and prepared simple equipment for Derek.

Not the usual clothes or magical items that felt lived-in, but proper mercenary supplies.

Katia also arranged for Derek to use the dwelling she had been using as much as he wanted until she left, and handed him a book of simple magical theories.

Books that allow the acquisition of magical knowledge are precious. Derek’s previous master had died trying to steal one.

Knowing its value, Derek’s eyes widened in surprise when he received the book.

“A book of magic like this can be mastered in a few years. It might not be as good as being taught directly, but considering your learning ability, it won’t be bad. Once you feel you’ve mastered it, sell it and add the money to your funds.”

“Master, but this is…”

“After I enter the Elvester Count’s family, I won’t have to worry much about money. So keep it.”

And so, two months passed, and the day came to leave for the Count’s domain.

Having packed all her belongings, Katia neatly arranged the hem of her usual ash-gray robe and picked up the pouch containing her modest luggage.

On the road in front of the dwelling, as always, many citizens of Ebelstain were heading somewhere. Katia, too, would leave this city, blending into the crowd as if floating away.

She had done everything she could in two months, but Katia’s face still bore a look of concern as she faced the journey ahead.

Looking back at Derek, Katia revealed her heavy heart, to which Derek responded with a calm smile.

“Don’t make such a face. You’ve taught me for years without asking for anything in return.”

“Derek.”

“Look at me, Master.”

Derek raised his arms and spoke with a playful confidence.

The boy, barely fifteen, was too young to be called an adult. Yet, Derek had grown much more robust compared to when he roamed the slums.

A quality leather robe, a wool tunic, neat trousers, and a leather belt with a shining buckle. He certainly didn’t look like someone who would starve.

“I’m already an adult. I can take care of myself.”

Despite his tender age, he was different from when he used to stuff cheap bread in his mouth in the corner of a mercenary tavern.

Looking at Derek, one could see a reliable side that shouldn’t be visible in a child of his age.

Katia quietly lowered her posture and wrapped her arms around Derek’s shoulders.

Then she told him something completely unexpected.

“You don’t need to become an adult too soon, Derek.”

The harsh reality may have urged you to grow up quickly, but remember the innocence you held even in the midst of that mire.

With those words, Katia waved her hand and disappeared into the crowd.

“See you again.”

Derek waved quietly as he bid her farewell.

*

Thus, after parting with Katia, Derek silently returned to the dwelling she had used.

Upon closing the door and entering, a small space with a wooden bed, a worn table, and nothing but silence remained.

It was the first time he had been conscious of such stillness since arriving in this world. To him, this world had always been just a part of an old game he used to play.

But now, he was well aware that this place was indeed a world of its own.

“…”

He filled a wooden mug with cold water, took a few sips, and pulled out a chair to sit at the table.

In the stillness, as if time had stopped, he sat quietly for a while.

Then, sounds began to drift in through the window.

The noise of neighborhood children playing. The clatter of merchants’ carts passing by. The church bells signaling noon. The sound of the bakery owner across the street sweeping in front of the shop.

Even though Katia had left, the world continued to bustle with life.

The absence of his mentor left a small void in his heart, yet the world flowed on, and life continued.

Amidst the miscellaneous noise of the world, Derek, sitting alone in a daze in the room, eventually took out and opened a spellbook.

– Rustle, rustle, rustle.

The pages turned smoothly like flowing water.

Time was no different.

[ List of Acquired Spells ]

✦ Combat Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Magic Arrow

★☆☆☆☆☆ Full Power Manifestation

★★☆☆☆☆ Fireball

✦ Transformation Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Light Creation

✦ Confusion Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Soundproof

★★☆☆☆☆ Hallucination

✦ Summoning Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon – Guide Fairy

✦ Search Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Direction Detection

★★☆☆☆☆ Clairvoyance

– Thud.

Derrick closed the book of spells, having reviewed the list of magic that came to mind.

“…It’s about time to head out. I should be able to make it on time for the captain’s schedule.”

After finishing his daily routine of delving into the spellbook, he rose from the table to leave for the appointment he had set for the afternoon.

Stuffing a sandwich into his mouth, he tied the laces of his leather boots and opened the door to leave. The midday sunlight seeped into Derrick’s dwelling.

In just one year, Derrick had self-taught himself two more two-star spells.

He was only sixteen years old.