Noble ladies often step into mansions in Ebelstein for social training. It's said that at least 40 servants are needed to assist a single lady given a separate mansion.

A head maid, head butler, three housemaids, three cooks, four kitchen maids, three scullery maids, five personal maids, a maid in charge of the personal maids, butlers, valets, coachmen, gardeners, and so on.

Moreover, a high-ranking retainer is required, and if preparing for a debut into society, several private tutors must be included, sometimes totaling over a dozen teachers.

The most valuable among these tutors are those proficient in magic, regarded as a noble's privilege and inherent trait. High-level wizards are extremely rare and usually occupy significant positions rather than serving as private tutors.

This background explains why Count Elvester, the most renowned war hero of the eastern region, personally recruited Katia. An individual with deep understanding of noble culture, exceptional magical skills, and the charisma to teach was more valuable than gold. It's no wonder that every noble family would compete to hire such a person.

There’s a famous story about Count Delros from the north who traveled all the way to the capital to personally fetch a third-level magic tutor, fearing another noble might take them first. It was a desperate move that didn't suit his rank.

Ultimately, parents would do anything to provide their children with excellent tutors. Nobles who rule the world from their thrones are no different.

Retainers, servants, tutors, and even knights for protection—all these form a small army or a trade caravan to serve one noble lady.

It's like the entire world moves for one young girl, not even an adult yet. Such is the status of a noble lady from a prominent family.

Derek’s world was completely different, so it was natural for them to have no intersection.

*

“I’ve got a big one this time. It’s a request from the Duke of Duplain.”

Jaden, the owner of 'Tears of Veldurn,' a tavern located in the deepest part of the mercenary street, was also the leader of the Veldurn Mercenary Group.

“Don’t complain about the sudden call, Derek. You know I usually follow proper procedures.”

“The Duke of Duplain? It’s hard to believe. Why would they come to us for a job?”

“It’s true, though. This is a rare opportunity for the Veldurn Mercenary Group.”

When people think of mercenaries in Ebelstein, they imagine two types.

One is a genuine military group stationed in a specific area, handling requests on a domain or national level. They usually gather around retired generals and rarely leave their posts, making them hard to see.

The other is a group performing various tasks centered around places like the tavern street in Ebelstein. Individual mercenaries form groups to tackle more challenging and complex jobs.

The former has a strong sense of camaraderie, while the latter doesn’t. They are more like business partners.

Jaden, a middle-aged man who founded the Veldurn Mercenary Group, had grand ambitions despite the group’s modest size. Derek, though not deeply involved, occasionally took on requests with them.

“I wouldn’t forgive myself if I missed this golden opportunity.”

Jaden, once a mighty warrior in many battles, now had a rugged beard and was more of a tavern owner than a fighter. However, good mercenaries gathered in good taverns, making his role necessary.

“You know how generous nobles can be. They throw gold coins for trivial tasks and keep coming back if they like your work.”

“So, what’s the request?”

Derek, sitting at a tavern table with his robe hanging loosely, asked nonchalantly.

“Nothing major. Just a simple task of eliminating some monsters on the outskirts of the duke’s domain.”

“What kind of monsters?”

“Seems like some goblins and maybe a few trolls if it’s dangerous.”

“That’s it?”

“Yeah. Frankly, you or Felinne alone could handle it, but given the situation, I need to go myself. Our group’s future depends on it!”

A large sword hung behind the tavern counter, a relic from Jaden’s warrior days. Now, he was more of a tavern owner and mercenary leader, but he still had the skills of a seasoned warrior.

Derek acknowledged Jaden’s capabilities. Though Jaden was a bit greedy, optimistic, and ambitious, he was a capable leader.

“The Duke of Duplain…”

Ebelstein is located at the southern tip of the vast Belkos Peninsula in the western continent. The northern half of this peninsula was all under the Duke of Duplain's domain, making them significant clients.

This made Derek uneasy. The Duke’s private army was formidable, so why seek help from a small mercenary group for minor monsters? It felt suspicious.

“Something feels off.”

“Derek, we’re mercenaries.”

Jaden, wiping a cup, smiled.

“We take requests and get paid. Delving into the reasons isn’t our business until they’re revealed.”

“You’re not wrong… But if you’re going, I’m not needed.”

Derek was a valuable asset. Skilled in basic swordsmanship and magic, a first-level mage was a rare and sought-after talent in the mercenary world, capable of handling various challenges.

But even then, he wasn’t more valuable than a veteran like Jaden. Goblins and trolls were tasks Jaden could handle alone. Derek didn’t need to be involved.

But Jaden shook his head.

“There’s a reason I called you in a hurry. The retainer from the duke’s domain specifically requested a mage.”

“Why a mage for a simple extermination?”

“I asked the same. They insisted on a mage, just in case.”

Jaden sighed heavily.

“The more I hear, the more suspicious it sounds.”

“Well, look on the bright side. Here, take a look.”

Jaden placed a gold coin on the table. Derek’s eyes widened.

“A gold coin from Aidel. They gave it without negotiation. Crazy, right? It makes all those times we scraped by for silver seem pointless.”

“Nobles are generous. Throwing a gold coin for a few monsters…”

“Here’s the kicker. It’s not the payment; it’s the advance.”

Derek couldn’t help but change his attitude.

*

In the afternoon, the clients arrived at the tavern. Few people drank this early, so it was quiet. Derek, sitting at the bar, watched the newcomers, who were clearly from outside the tavern street, with their good skin and fine clothes.

Three people entered. The leader, an older man, had a harsh, weary look with half-bald hair, sharp eyes, and deep wrinkles.

Following him was an older woman with streaks of white in her hair and a robed figure whose face was hidden.

As they sat, Jaden personally served them fruit drinks.

“You’re early. We’ve been expecting you.”

The old man glanced at the drink and pushed it aside, uninterested. His lack of manners was apparent.

“You must be Jaden, the warrior known for his valor in the Dawn War?”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m no longer a soldier, just a humble tavern owner.”

“Then your skills should be reliable.”

At the old man’s signal, the woman and robed figure joined the round table. Derek, listening from the bar, sipped his water.

“I am Melvin, chief secretary to the great Duke of Duplain. This is my assistant maid, and the robed one is an apprentice inspector. Both are from the duke’s estate.”

The chief secretary’s assistant was a high-ranking retainer. Jaden greeted them with a smile.

“The maid assists with general duties, and the robed one is an apprentice inspector. Both are from the duke’s estate.”

Derek, pretending to drink water, examined the two. The maid’s neat appearance suggested she was experienced, with clean, well-maintained clothes. The robed figure’s silhouette suggested a petite build.

“An inspector reports directly to the duke. I must make a good impression.”

“Don’t worry. He’s still an apprentice. By the way, where’s the mage?”

“Oh, right here. Derek, come introduce yourself!”

Derek stood and approached them, feeling their gazes on him. He lowered his hood, revealing his face.

“I’m Derek.”

His neatly groomed white hair and red eyes stood out. His leather and metal equipment were well-maintained.

His gear was practical, if not luxurious. Clean tunic under leather armor, a quality belt with a dagger on one side and a decent sword on the other, a leather pouch, gloves, and boots—all clean and well-kept.

Derek was clearly seasoned, though not without flaws.

“He’s too young.”

Melvin frowned at Jaden.

“We requested a skilled mage. This boy hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony.”

Melvin’s bluntness was typical of those serving nobles, who often considered themselves noble too.

Melvin scowled at Jaden.

“I expected better judgment from someone with your reputation. How can I trust this?”

“Looks can be deceiving. Mages are rare in this district. Understandable, right?”

“Even among commoners, mages are limited. At his age, he can barely handle first-level spells. We need more than that.”

Melvin glared at Derek, who nonchalantly raised his arms, signaling indifference.

This only irritated Melvin more.

“If this is the best you can do, I might as well leave…”

“Sir Melvin.”

The maid, who had been consulting the robed figure, interrupted.

Melvin sighed and looked at Derek.

“How old are you?”

“Sixteen.”

“How much magic can you use?”

“I can handle first-level spells.”

“Fine. Given your age, that’s impressive. Consider yourself lucky.”

Melvin sighed again and addressed Jaden.

“Let’s proceed.”

‘What a control freak,’ Derek thought, maintaining his indifferent expression. Jaden, pleased, patted Derek’s shoulder. It seemed the clients wouldn’t proceed without a mage, making Derek’s presence crucial.

“As I said, I am Melvin, a retainer.”

“I am Delia, a scullery maid from the Duke of Duplain’s estate.”

Retainers and servants have ranks. High-ranking retainers and servants of the Duke of Duplain hold significant authority.

“I am an apprentice inspector, ensuring the task is properly handled.”

The robed figure extended a delicate hand, revealing a woman with pale skin and raven-black hair, contrasting her clear, blue eyes.

“Sorry for not fully revealing myself. My skin is sensitive to sunlight.”

“That’s fine.”

Derek shook hands and nodded, noting the elegant demeanor of the inspector, who seemed genuinely noble.

“Let's head to the stable. We've arranged a coachman. It’s not a difficult task.”

*

“Though they may lack manners, noble families often do. Just focus on the pay,” Jaden whispered to Derek as they walked to the stable.

“I’m not too bothered.”

Derek replied, watching the three ahead.

“What do you think?”

“They’re all lying.”

“Really?”

Despite being from the slums, Derek had learned much about noble culture from Katia. She often shared stories about nobles before bed or while walking.

Derek also had a habit of closely observing everyone he met.

“Noble retainers often travel frequently, so they’re usually younger and more sociable. That old man doesn’t fit the role.”

“Interesting…”

“The scullery maid is also odd. Her hands were too clean for someone doing menial tasks. She’s not who she claims to be.”

The two likely lowered their status.

Given the disparity in rank among retainers and servants, Derek suspected they were not who they seemed.

“As for the robed inspector…”

“Derek.”

Jaden interrupted with a knowing smile.

“…”

“I told you, don’t dig too deep. It’s not good to be too perceptive.”

Mercenaries do their job and get paid. That’s all. Involving themselves in the noble’s affairs often led to trouble.

Jaden’s advice was something Derek agreed with. He sighed and lowered his gaze.

Jaden was right. In this wild world, survival was the priority.

Everything else was secondary.

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