There Are No Bad Young Ladies in the World

Duplain (3)

“You’ve probably never heard of my younger sister Diella, have you?”

Compared to the carriage used for the monster tribe’s subjugation, this one was several times more luxurious inside.

The carriage, bearing the seal of the Duplain ducal family, was so laden with gold trimmings and ornate decorations that it felt overwhelming just to climb aboard.

Inside, along with the servants, sat Lady Aislinn of the Duplain family, and opposite her was Jayden, a representative figure of the Beldern Mercenary Band and Derek’s companion. Derek himself sat quietly beside them, scanning the surroundings.

Against the backdrop of the carriage wheels’ rumbling, a conversation unfolded between Jayden and Lady Aislinn.

“Lady Diella… I think I’ve seen her in the Duplain family’s genealogy.”

Jayden no longer laughed frivolously.

The lady of the Duplain family sitting before him was not someone to be treated casually.

It was easy to smile and jest when their identities were concealed, but now the situation had changed.

“She’s not one to appear much in public, though.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Derek noticed Lady Aislinn’s gaze drop for a moment.

It seemed discussing her sister, Lady Diella, was not a particularly joyful topic.

‘The Duplain family’s succession… Yes, two sons and two daughters.’

Under the Grand Duke Raymond Oswald Duplain, a five-star magician, there were four children.

The news had reached him that the third and fourth were being treated as ladies of the Duplain family, preparing to debut in society.

However, while there were many tales of the third, Lady Aislinn’s grace and kindness, there was surprisingly little known about the fourth, Lady Diella.

“Lady Diella needs a magic tutor.”

“…So you’ve been commissioning various mercenaries to test their qualifications?”

“Yes. I apologize for hiding our identities. As you know, there’s nothing to gain from revealing it.”

Quietly beside them, the housekeeper Katarina poured tea with a demure gesture.

The carriage wheels were as large as a person, and six horses pulled the carriage. It was so steady that one could easily drink the hot tea.

On the small table between the seats, teacups with a rich aroma were lined up.

Yet, no one reached for the teacups.

“It’s strange, isn’t it? To think a common-born magic tutor would be fitting to teach a lady of the Duplain ducal house?”

Jayden’s point was valid. Derek himself nodded, finding it an odd situation.

The sense of privilege and authority among the nobility was said to be beyond imagination.

Searching for a magic tutor among the lowly mercenary mages for such a noble lady was an unnatural act.

As mentioned, nobles are ready to sell their liver and gallbladder to attach a good magic tutor to their child.

With the authority of the Duplain duke, they could easily secure a renowned and well-bred magic tutor. After all, isn’t it one of the empire’s most prestigious families?

In truth, there was no need to seek external help; a search within the family itself would reveal many with deep magical knowledge.

So, the fact that Lady Aiselin herself has come out to search for a teacher is proof that this is no ordinary situation.

Derrick spoke in a quiet voice.

“I’ve heard that the Duplain family has at least three or four known four-star mages. Why scour the mercenary corps when you have such excellent teachers at hand?”

“…Being deeply versed in magic and being able to teach it well are completely different skills.”

“…That’s true.”

“And of course, I’ve tried many such teachers. But it hasn’t gone as well as I hoped…”

It hadn’t gone as well as she hoped.

It was an implicit expression, but Lady Aiselin’s face looked incredibly complex.

Yet, the underlying feeling was singular. It was the love for her one and only younger sister.

“Diella has… a despairing lack of talent for magic.”

“…”

Jaden closed his mouth for a moment upon hearing this. He couldn’t quite understand.

The Duplain family was a famously renowned magical lineage, and it was uncommon for someone born into such a bloodline to lack magical talent.

“If things continue this way, she’ll end up being treated as a burden without even starting her social studies. I can’t just watch Diella be treated like that.”

In the Velkos region, it was common for young noble ladies to come to Ebelstein to prepare for society when they came of age. They usually receive an entire mansion as a gift and even practice the role of a hostess.

Lady Aiselin sitting before Derrick was also immersed in the aristocratic society of Ebelstein, not the ducal realm.

Beyond the northern walls, in the affluent district where the nobility reside, they engage in various exchanges and studies, honing the qualities of a dignified lady.

However, that’s only when they have the minimum qualifications.

For someone born of the Duplain lineage yet unable to properly wield magic, it’s a flaw too fatal for a noble.

Rather than a pride of the Duplain family, she’s more likely to become a blemish. It’s probably a fact already known by everyone in the ducal residence.

It wasn’t hard to imagine the kind of treatment that girl named Diella was receiving.

“I see. But I’m not sure if that justifies rummaging through the mercenary corps. If she’s struggling with learning magic, wouldn’t it be more appropriate to find an even more capable teacher?”

“…”

“…Have I asked something out of line?”

“No. It’s just… I was pondering how to respond.”

Lady Aiselin, her face full of worry, spoke calmly.

“Diella has gone through more than twenty teachers in the last eight months. There’s no one left who can handle her.”

“…”

“But I can’t give up.”

As she said this, Lady Aiselin’s expression grew more solemn.

“Mr. Derek is different from the older wizards who have come before, both in his way of thinking and in his approach to magic, so who knows what will happen? I intend to try everything within my power.”

Gradually, Derek began to get a sense of it. In short, this lady named Diella did not seem to be an easy person to teach.

It is often said that noble ladies are either rude or airheaded.

As for the girl named Diella, it was hard to tell which she might be at this point.

*

– Bang!

In the Velkos region, the imposing mansion of the Grand Duke Duplain stood.

The door to the grand office of the great duke opened as if it would break. There were not many who could fling open the door of the duke’s office, which even the nobility could not look upon.

“Father! Brother Valerian! I’m sorry to interrupt your conversation!”

Inside the office, Raymond Oswald Duplain, the Grand Duke, sat at a grand desk, and in front of him, a young man with flowing blond hair was discussing the duchy’s tax revenue for the quarter.

Valerian, the eldest son, was a handsome man with a tall stature and a good build.

Designated as the next head of the family, he had celebrated his coming of age last year, and at the time of his ceremony, he had already mastered the beginnings of two-star magic, a true prodigy. The elders of the Duplain family had already taken notice of him.

He placed the report he was presenting on the desk and said in a gentle voice,

“Leigh. What is all this commotion? Please behave with some dignity.”

“Please listen to me, brother! I really can’t take it anymore!”

The young man known as Leigh dragged a maid from the hallway and threw her onto the office floor.

– Click!

“Ahh!”

As the maid tumbled on the office floor, a pungent smell pierced the air, which had been faintly scented with incense.

The maid was drenched in dirty mop water. Moreover, her maid’s uniform was torn in places, and her hair was completely disheveled. It was clear she had been mistreated.

“Diella, that wretch, has gone so far as to lay hands on my personal servants!”

“Leigh. Lower your voice when you speak.”

“I’m speaking because I can’t bear it any longer! Last month, the number of servants who quit because of that brat reached double digits. The dishes he broke in a bad mood must have surpassed hundreds by now! He destroys buildings out of boredom… How long must we tolerate this hooligan? Is it all right just because he’s young and the youngest?”

Leigh, having walked to the middle of the office, raised his voice towards the Grand Duke Duplain, who was perusing documents across the desk.

“Father! Please answer me!

The Grand Duke Duplain quietly put down the papers he was examining and looked intently into Leigh’s eyes.

Leigh knew well the emotions that lay in those eyes.

“Father…”

Leigh held his breath for a moment, then finally spoke in a deflated voice, as if lamenting,

“Can that rascal truly behave in a manner befitting the name of Duplain? We have done enough… as a family… and as nobles… We have fulfilled our duty.””It’s not for you to judge, Leig.”

“No, Father. Though I may not compare to my brother, I am still undeniably a member of the Duplain family. I too have a right to speak. It’s time to accept it. Diela, that child, is our family’s shame and flaw.”

Unlike the gentle prince-like Valerian, Leig had the angular face of a general.

If one were to choose the elder between the two, many would pick Leig, but he was indeed the younger son of the Duplain family.

“Father. Even if Diela is not fit for our family… there is Aiselin. It’s as if the gods have bestowed all the noble grace that should have been shared with Diela upon Aiselin alone. So let us release Diela from this burden.”

“Leig. You should choose your words more carefully in front of Father.”

“Brother. Surely, you share the same thoughts?”

Leig’s sharp retort left Valerian unable to respond immediately. Seeing his brother’s awkward expression, Leig, as if encouraged, subtly spoke to the Duke Duplain.

“…I’ve had the steward inquire about a monastery in the Anhel region.”

“Leig!”

“Someone must be resolute! If no one else will, then I must take on that role.”

Leig raised his voice again towards Duke Duplain.

“Even so, it’s a place where many noble children gather, the facilities are good, and the empire keeps a close watch. Better for Diela to serve the will of the gods than to live here, treated like a burden. Rather than leaving her be and risking a great misfortune befalling our family…”

– Bang!

Leig couldn’t finish his sentence.

Duke Duplain had grabbed Leig’s head and slammed it onto the desk.

“Argh!”

As Leig screamed, Duke Duplain pressed down on his head and whispered in a cold, steely voice.

“I thought I told you it’s not for you to judge.”

“Ugh… Father…”

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

Despite his face being crushed against the desk, Leig remained unyielding.

“Father. When it’s time to decide… you must decide…”

– Thud!

True to the blood of a ruler, Leig did not easily bend his will. Crushed under the hand of the Duke, he persisted until finally, overwhelmed by the Duke’s magic, he lost consciousness.

“…”

A moment of silence.

In the office, only the low sobbing of a terrified maid could be heard.

The Duke slumped back into his executive chair and pressed his brow for a moment.

Worry and concern are like lifelong companions to a ruler. Yet, one never grows accustomed to them.

Valerian gazed quietly at the weary-faced Duke and gently propped up Leig, who had lost consciousness.

He also patted the sobbing maid’s shoulder, dusting it off.

“You must be exhausted. I’ll have a word with my steward, so for today, go wash up and rest in your quarters.”

With a soft voice, he comforted the maid, then, supporting Leig, he spoke to the Duke.

“The matter of the levy is not urgent, so I will retire for today. Please rest, father.”

“Alright.”

It was at that moment, as Valerian was about to leave the office with Leig and the maid.

“Valerian.”

“…Yes?”

The Duke, seated in his office chair and pressing his brow, spoke in a low voice.

“To love one’s children equally, it’s not an easy task.”

“…”

Valerian, with a bitter smile, bowed his head deeply and left the office.

*

“Oh, brother Valerian.”

In the corridor outside the office.

Aiselin, who had returned to the ducal residence after a while, was about to greet Valerian cheerfully as he emerged from the office.

However, seeing him supporting the unconscious Leig, her expression inevitably hardened.

The maid, following behind covered in slosh, was no different.

“Oh, brother…”

“Oh. Aiselin. It’s good to see you after so long. Is Ebelstein treating you well?”

Valerian managed a smile and accepted Aiselin’s greeting.

“As you can see, things are a bit complicated, so we’ll have to catch up later.”

“…Yes.”

As Valerian, supporting Leig, was about to pass by Aiselin, several servants rushed out to take over Leig. During this, Valerian saw the faces of the people Aiselin had brought with her.

Along with her usual attendants, there were two mercenaries who seemed to have come from outside the ducal residence. Jayden and Derek.

“…”

Valerian knew that Aiselin was tirelessly working for her youngest sister, Diella.

Yet, he couldn’t help but smile sympathetically at the company she had brought.

Initially, Aiselin had also brought renowned teachers among four-star mages.

However, no one could handle Diella. They were either humiliated, hurt, or they gave up and left first.

Thus, among the upper class, Diella’s notoriety as a troublemaker spread, and gradually, fewer volunteered for the tutor’s position.

Still, Aiselin did not give up, inquiring here and there, she somehow managed to bring in even three-star, two-star mages, as long as they were tenacious and upright.

However, even such individuals became desperate, and now it had come to the point where mages airlifted from mercenary groups entered the duke’s residence.

The effort was admirable, but from the watching brother’s perspective, it left a bitter taste in his mouth. It was now truly felt that there was no one left to bring.

Valerian passed by Aiselin and quietly proceeded down the corridor.

He felt as if a heavy weight was attached inside his chest.

“Aiselin. How is life in Ebelstain?”

“Thanks to father’s care, every day is joyful. I’m learning portrait painting these days, and if I have time, I’d like to paint father’s portrait.”

“Is that so. Once it’s complete, we should hang it in the mansion’s hall.”

“Father, really. I’m not yet skilled enough for that. I need to be good enough so the servants won’t scoff, so please wait a little longer.”

With a full-faced smile, Aiselin offered a cheerful conversation, and the duke’s expression, full of worries and concerns, relaxed a bit.

No matter what anyone says, Aiselin is dearly loved by the people of the duke’s residence. Born with the dignity and grace of a noble lady, she was adored by her parents, both brothers, and even the retainers.

Such was she that as soon as she came of age, she received a mansion in Ebelstain’s wealthy district and began her social education swiftly. She was truly a jewel of the Duplain family.

“Ah, and I wanted to report this in advance. I’ve brought a mage from Ebelstain.”

“…Is that so.”

The duke’s brow furrowed briefly at the sight of Derrick.

The people Aiselin brought in as Diella’s tutors were not just one or two. And whoever it was, they couldn’t last even a few weeks before running away.

It was hard to attach great significance to anyone brought in now, but still, it was a selection made by the dearly loved daughter Aiselin.

“Indeed.”

But that was all he had to say.

Duke Duplain had, for some time now, ceased to offer lengthy opinions.

Aiselin quietly watched the duke’s demeanor and then let out a quiet, bitter smile.

“Well, I’ll go freshen up from the journey and then let’s have a further conversation in the reception room. Father. There’s a lot I want to talk about.”

“Alright. See you in a bit.”

With that, Aiselin greeted and was about to leave the office.

“Wait, you stay.”

The duke called Derrick to halt.

*

The quiet office.

The Duke of Duplain was scratching his quill pen, intently examining a document for a long while.

It seemed to be an important matter related to the management of his estate.

The Duke did not handle anything carelessly, deeply pondering over it.

It appeared he spent his days consumed by such busy work.

After signing one of the documents that needed immediate attention, the Duke spoke without even matching gazes, as if throwing his words.

“You are quite young.”

“Yes.”

“Sixteen, you say?”

“That’s correct.”

The Duke skimmed through the next document, his quill pen drawing several lines.

While handling the matters, he continued in his low and thick voice.

“…To what extent can you handle magic?”

Asked while playing with his quill, Derrick responded without any hesitation.

“I can handle first-level magic to some extent.”

“Haha…”

The Duke let out a low chuckle.

The meaning behind that laughter was not hard to guess.

For a mere sixteen-year-old to have properly learned magic and reached a level to teach others was astonishing for a commoner.

There was a mix of awe in it, and the rest was lament.

After all, it was just the level of commoners.

Was it a laugh of lamentation over the fact that he had to entrust his daughter’s magical education to such a person?

Derrick speculated as much—yet his guess was only half correct.

“Don’t bother lying.”

Before he knew it, the Duke of Duplain’s eyes, shimmering brightly, were directly upon Derrick. A remnant of magical power flickered in those eyes.

“Modesty does not always serve as a virtue.”

He had already seen through the fact that Derrick’s magical ability did not end at merely first-level.