After being held in the Holy Lady’s embrace for a moment, Derek keenly sensed the subtle contours of Teresia’s figure.

Though he’d once dreamed of adventure, he still lacked the courage to explore like a true adventurer—instead, worry coiled tightly in his chest.

Unlike Derek, Teresia felt wonderfully refreshed after their morning embrace.

Truth be told, she wasn’t sure why she’d acted that way, but the comfort of Derek’s arms was deeply comforting.

Every time she recalled that instant, her cheeks flushed hot as fire, while a sweet, tangled flutter stirred in her heart.

Though hard to define, her mood was undeniably joyful.

Humming a soft tune, Teresia watered the blooming tulips in the courtyard. Dewdrops clung to petals and leaves, glittering brilliantly under the sun.

A single glance at this tender scene radiated the maiden’s overflowing happiness.

So…

Duke Wudewen, who’d inadvertently witnessed it, felt a sudden spike of irritation.

He turned from the courtyard and summoned Xinzel.

“Xinzel. What’s the story with that little maid?”

Lounging in a plush armchair, the Duke still radiated quiet authority.

Hearing Teresia’s name, Xinzel’s heart tightened—but he answered truthfully: “She’s Kana’s daughter.”

“Kana?”

“The maid Young Master Derek expelled two weeks ago.”

“Ah. *That* commoner.”

Wudewen rubbed his temples, expression unreadable.

“And why is her daughter living so happily in *my* manor?”

“I’ve trained her into a proper maid. She now serves Young Master Derek.”

It was risky, but Xinzel had no choice—he had to shield Teresia and himself behind Derek’s name. Alone, they couldn’t survive the Duke’s wrath.

“Derek?” The Duke let out a cold chuckle. “Heh. Still so soft. As my son—Yuri Wudewen’s heir—he should know how to command servants. Xinzel. Fetch him.”

Xinzel caught the dark glint in the Duke’s eyes and grew colder inside. The rest… was up to Derek.

…

Lately, Derek had focused on meditation. After nearly dying from Teresia’s accidental bump, he’d felt his own fragility deeply.

Following the Duke’s orders, he’d read *Elementary Magical Theory*—the foundational text every novice must master.

Derek skimmed it once… then set it aside.

Lazy?

No. Derek was never lazy.

He’d simply *learned* it.

The moment he closed the book, a prompt popped up before his eyes:

【"Elementary Magical Theory" has been mastered.】

This “trigger-based learning” was perfect—no prerequisites, instant mastery. Saved him endless hassle.

Now, magical energy swelled within him, a faint “fullness” blooming in his core.

Time to learn real spells.

But first… permission from Duke Wudewen.

Derek sighed. He really didn’t want to face that villainous father.

…

Who *was* Yuri Wudewen?

Publicly: Grand Duke of Doranbar Kingdom, one of its strongest warriors.

Secretly: A Defender Knight of the Witch Cult.

Not the final boss of any “Seven Sins” route in *Fate*—but power-wise? Nearly there.

In most routes, players had to bribe Xinzel early.

The mole would strike with a “righteous backstab” at the critical moment. A crit? Instant takedown. Even a graze weakened the Duke enough for the heroes to prevail.

But Derek couldn’t rely on that now—he couldn’t even cast an arcane bolt.

So… study the villain.

Evil? Obviously. But also cunning, cruel.

A flicker of displeasure—and someone died.

Worse: his cruelty was *uncontrollable*. Madness. Impulse. No restraint.

As a Witch Cult elder, he had access to “Witch Blood”—a potion granting terrifying power at the cost of a twisted mind.

Like cheap liquor frying your brain: only evil deeds brought him joy.

No wonder Derek avoided him.

*Knock.*

“Enter.”

Xinzel stepped in. “Young Master Derek, His Grace requests your presence.”

“Understood.”

Derek rose, resigned. Magic awaited. Might as well go.

He assumed it was about spells—until Xinzel murmured beside him:

“Young Master… Teresia has caught the Duke’s eye.”

*What?!*

The Duke was unmarried, solitary. Derek assumed the potions had left him… *incapable*.

But *this*? Targeting Teresia?! The man was a beast!

“My fault,” Xinzel whispered, head bowed. “I failed to curb her expression. The Duke saw her happiness. After reprimanding you… he may punish her cruelly.”

Derek froze.

*Wait—NOT that kind of “interest”?! Xinzel, say it sooner!*

Still… twisted. Teresia hadn’t provoked him.

Panic seized Derek.

Teresia *couldn’t* die here. Lose this top-tier healer, and the team’s strength halved. No strength? No defeating the Witch Cult. No future.

*What do I do?!*

Xinzel, noticing his silence: “Young Master… are you well?”

Derek turned.

*Right!*

Xinzel was *his* ally now. A gold-rank assassin who knew the Duke intimately—surely he had a plan!

*(Xinzel… any ideas?)*

Derek asked inwardly, frantic.

But to Xinzel, Derek appeared utterly calm.

“This trivial matter? No need for concern. I have it handled.”

Xinzel’s eyes widened—then softened with relief. *Of course. Young Master Derek always sees three steps ahead. Like saving Kana… he’ll resolve this too.*

Meanwhile, Derek—

Was freaking out internally.

*Damn it! Why’d I sound so cocky?!*

*Derek, Derek—why play it cool NOW?!*

*Dear Witch Goddess… please spare my big mouth!*

*I don’t wanna act this cool!*