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Chapter 11
“I agree with the head butler as well. The smallest lessons learned in childhood can influence someone for the rest of their life. I believe it would be best to think more carefully about this.”
“Even if we owe her a debt of gratitude, bringing someone of unverified reputation and ability into the household could set a dangerous precedent for the future. Perhaps Your Grace should reconsider.”
Several retainers who had been watching the situation cautiously began to quietly side with Baron Bayton. Since he had already spoken first, they acted as though there was no longer any need to hold back.
‘They must belong to the same faction as Baron Bayton. Looking at them, they’re obviously all in cahoots.’
There had been a similar scene in the early part of the original story. These people constantly tried to hinder Theremion and never hesitated to make subtly dismissive remarks toward him.
To put it simply, they were the sort of people who only got in the way of Eleanor’s happy future.
‘What’s the best way to crush these bastards so thoroughly people praise me for it later?’
It would be ideal if she could gather undeniable evidence and sweep them all away in one strike, but at the moment she had no suitable method.
Maybe she should just quietly dispose of them while they slept at night. One flick of her hand would be enough.
Just as Ailesia’s terrifying train of thought deepened, Theremion finally spoke.
“I didn’t realize all of you cared so deeply about my niece’s education.”
“As members of the Grand Ducal household, it is naturally something we must concern ourselves with.”
The moment Baron Bayton answered as if he had been waiting for the opportunity, Theremion’s entire demeanor abruptly changed.
“Now that I think about it, you’re right. Hiring a tutor isn’t the urgent matter here. First, we should determine how this incident happened in the first place.”
The polite tone completely vanished from his voice.
The retainers who had been speaking so confidently moments ago all fell silent. A heavy stillness settled over the conference room.
“It took an entire week before I received a report that Eleanor had disappeared. Why exactly did it take so long? Unless someone intentionally tried to conceal it.”
Gray mist slowly began to rise around his body.
‘Good grief. If aura is leaking out unconsciously, just how furious is he?’
In the original story, Theremion was a once-in-a-generation genius rarely seen not only within the Empire, but across the entire continent.
At the mere age of fourteen, he had already manifested a fully completed aura and become a master. If he continued growing at this pace, becoming the Empire’s strongest warrior was practically guaranteed.
When someone like him deliberately released his pressure, ordinary people could barely endure simply meeting his gaze.
‘…In the original story, the curse kept him from properly using his strength.’
As Ailesia clicked her tongue quietly, Eleanor—sitting beside her—suddenly grabbed her hand tightly.
“What’s wrong, little one?”
“Uncle looks really angry… doesn’t he?”
Eleanor’s face had turned pale, and her body trembled faintly. She had clearly been affected by the killing intent Theremion was unconsciously releasing.
‘He completely forgot his niece was here.’
His mind was so clouded with rage that he probably couldn’t see anything else. At this point, it looked like he had fully decided to drag someone to the gallows.
“It’s alright. Teacher’s here with you.”
Ailesia pulled Eleanor into her arms and slowly stroked her back.
Thankfully, the trembling subsided quickly, but Eleanor still looked at Theremion with anxious eyes.
Meanwhile, Theremion continued glaring at the retainers one by one as he spoke sharply.
“What do you think, Sir Dayfold?”
“The Grand Duchess’s protection falls entirely under the responsibility of the Tigel Knights. I have no excuses. If Your Grace commands it now, I will offer my head immediately.”
Kubera uncrossed his arms and lowered his head stiffly.
His usual indifferent attitude had disappeared completely. His face was filled only with grim resolve.
“And the head maid?”
“It is my fault for failing to properly manage the servants below me. I will accept whatever punishment is given.”
Madam Hermann answered in a heavy voice after being questioned by Theremion. She likely blamed herself for failing to care properly for Eleanor.
Watching them, Ailesia quietly let out a sigh.
‘…This isn’t even a situation where I can stay angry.’
The two most innocent people in the room were the first to volunteer themselves for punishment, so naturally the other retainers no longer dared to open their mouths.
Especially Baron Bayton, who had spoken so boldly at first—now he merely stared fixedly at the table.
It was satisfying in its own way, but continuing to watch left a bitter taste in her mouth.
‘There’s no benefit in showing Eli more of this.’
She had only just returned home, yet instead of letting the child rest peacefully, this was what they were doing.
Still holding Eleanor in her arms, Ailesia rose from her seat.
“Ailesia? What is it?”
In an instant, everyone’s attention turned toward her. Even Theremion looked at her with confusion.
“This atmosphere is unbearable, so I’m leaving first.”
Perhaps because she suddenly spoke informally, the retainers’ expressions instantly hardened.
At that moment, she stirred her mana and lightly stomped her foot.
Boom!
Theremion’s eyes widened sharply. His aura, which had been spreading through the room, was forcibly suppressed as though it had slammed into an invisible wall.
The suffocating pressure vanished instantly, and shock spread across the faces of the retainers.
To forcibly suppress the killing intent of an Aura Master—none of them had ever even heard of such a technique.
“All these strangers keep talking as they please, and honestly I can’t tell whether I’m supposed to be a benefactor or a criminal here. Is this how the Grand Duchy usually treats its guests?”
“…What?”
“And why are you still making Eli sit here? Don’t tell me this is some nonsense about the duties of a Grand Duchess? She’s only five years old.”
Theremion’s gaze slowly lowered.
His young niece did not avoid his eyes, but the fear on her face was obvious.
‘…Good heavens.’
The fingers gripping the table tightened so hard they turned white.
His aura had been powerful enough to freeze even adults in place—how much worse must it have felt for a small child? The fact that she hadn’t fainted on the spot was practically a miracle.
“Your words are too harsh, Lady Milenov.”
Instead of the speechless Theremion, Madam Hermann finally spoke.
“When we heard the Young Lady had disappeared, every day felt like hell—not only for His Grace, but for all of us as well. No matter how great a benefactor you may be to this household, there are limits to how freely you may speak.”
“Oh? Really?”
Whether the words came from loyalty or simple dissatisfaction with the situation, it was a perfectly reasonable response.
Which made it all the more perfect for driving in the final nail.
“And yet the moment she returns home, you drag her into a place like this for a meeting? If it were me, I would’ve prepared warm bathwater first, changed her clothes, and served her a slice of sweet cake.”
Madam Hermann’s face immediately turned pale.
Even Kubera, who had maintained a stern expression, and Viscount Gavin, who usually wore a gentle smile, failed to hide their shock.
Perhaps it was because Ailesia’s voice had turned so cold.
“Te-Teacher…”
Eleanor looked up at her in surprise, lips trembling slightly.
“It’s alright, little one. Teacher isn’t angry.”
Ailesia gently patted Eleanor’s shoulder.
If she had truly been angry, this entire conference room would already have been reduced to rubble with open skies overhead.
“You can continue your precious meeting all you like. Head maid?”
“…Yes?”
“What exactly are you doing right now? Shall I remind you what the most important thing you should be doing is?”
Madam Hermann looked awkwardly toward Theremion. He gave only a single silent nod.
“…Please follow me.”
“Then we’ll be going now. Our Eli needs a snack, and it’s already been over an hour. Tsk.”
Holding Eleanor in her arms, Ailesia left the conference room. The stares burning into the back of her head were so intense they practically stung.
Just before the door closed, her eyes met Theremion’s, but she deliberately pretended not to notice. Instead, she used magic to quietly send him a short message.
[Cool your head. I’ll take care of Eli.]
After openly humiliating him in front of everyone, the least she could do was say that much.
Theremion was just as precious to her as Eleanor. Basic mental care was essential.
“Teacher.”
“Hm?”
“Are you disappointed in Uncle…?”
The moment they stepped into the hallway, Eleanor looked up at her anxiously and asked the question.
At this rate, Ailesia had no right to criticize Theremion at all.
She adjusted Eleanor more comfortably in her arms and met her eyes.
“Disappointed? Why would I be?”
“When you looked at Uncle earlier.”
Eleanor raised her eyebrows dramatically with her fingers as she explained.
“Your face looked exactly like this. It was the same face you made when Polly secretly stole fruit and you scolded him.”
