Extra 18: Dekan's Prayer
The soft morning light pierced through the thin mist, gradually illuminating the beautiful estate of the Kulan Territory.
The ancient buildings in the manor appear solemn and mysterious in the morning sunlight, while in the exquisite garden, various flowers bloom in competition, exuding a charming fragrance.
The gardeners, dressed in their work clothes and carrying shovels and shears, busily tended to the flowers and plants, while the chefs entered the kitchen early to prepare a sumptuous breakfast, filling the kitchen with various wonderful aromas.
As the sun rose higher, breakfast was already prepared on the magnificent dining table in the Earl's mansion. Exquisite tableware and various delicacies were laid out on the table, everything was perfectly prepared for the Earl and his guests.
At this moment, only Zestera's small figure sat at the dining table.
Having grown up in a church, she had never experienced being treated like a count's daughter.
Although she was awake, her eyes were vacant.
It still feels like a dream.
She kept glancing around nervously; if the butler and maids hadn't been so kind and gentle to her, she would have been extremely anxious long ago.
Finally, he saw the restaurant door be pushed open, and several figures walked in.
It was Dekan and Cornelia, whom she had been hoping for, along with a young man she didn't recognize.
However, judging from his attire and the respectful attitude of the steward waiting in the restaurant, he should be the owner of this house.
However, before they could even get close...
"Babble!!"
The moment Zestera saw Croix, she was so terrified that she froze, jumped up from her chair, and hid in the corner.
"Well..."
Seeing her reaction, Dekan quickly understood what was going on and hurried over to her side.
Before Dekan could even speak, Zestera hid behind Dekan, just as she had done when she encountered Countess Lisilina.
She clutched at Dekan's clothes, timidly peeking out to look at Croix one last time.
This light brown-haired man clearly showed no malice, or rather, he seemed to be a very gentle person.
But the Magic Power he possessed was Terror.
This instilled an instinctive fear in Zestera.
"Let me introduce you to the Earl of Kulan Territory. He's the one who will teach you how to control Magic Power."
Dekan patted Zestera's head, gesturing for her to come out and greet Croix properly.
Am I scary?
Croix asked, somewhat puzzled.
"Well, for a child who can almost see the intensity of Magic Power, it might indeed be a bit scary."
Dekan knew that Zestera some special talents.
Generally speaking, Croix wouldn't be able to scare a child; Zestera is an exceptional case due to her extraordinary magical talent.
"How about this?"
As Croix asked her question, Zestera suddenly peeked out as if in a daze, looked around, and then stared blankly at Croix.
She felt that all the Magic Power in this person had suddenly vanished.
"Looks like I'm not afraid anymore."
Dekan said with a smile.
He knew that Croix had completely suppressed her Magic Power, which was why Dekan believed that Croix was Zestera's best teacher.
As far as Dekan knows, the only human capable of freely controlling pure Magic Power to this extent is Croix, and also Bishop of Ruin Evans of Ruin.
However, if Evans had become Zestera's teacher, it's hard to imagine what kind of person she would have become.
Fortunately, I optimized Evans early on.
"Have breakfast first. Later, after the Earl and I have finished some business, he can teach you. Today, Cornelia will take you on a tour of town."
After Dekan finished speaking, Zestera seemed to have forgotten all her previous fears, and became all smiles, happily running to Cornelia's side.
Breakfast at the Earl's mansion ended not long afterward.
The servants were clearing the table.
Cornelia has already happily embarked on a sightseeing trip to the main city with Zestera.
Dekan and Croix were still sitting at the long table.
They were waiting for the Marquis Prin would be visiting shortly.
"Actually, Marquis Prin and his two daughters have been staying in Kulan Territory recently. They heard that I wasn't too busy with official business today, so they came over."
"Croix said."
He had actually been using official business as an excuse to avoid the Marquis Prin for several days.
Now that he's walking out of the office, he has to give his father-in-law an explanation.
Dekan nodded.
Although the Marquis Prin has never appeared on stage, Dekan and his friends had often heard his name back in the academy.
This marquis was also a close friend of Professor Arnold, and often gifted him fine wines.
Therefore, in Dekan's mind, the Marquis Prin was an elder who also deserved respect.
"Professor Arnold always said that if there were a next life, he would never want to teach again, because he would never want to encounter a student like you again."
Croix couldn't help but sigh as she recalled her time at the Havenlit Academy.
He also knew that Dekan and Professor Arnold had a close relationship.
Because whenever Dekan encounters a problem at the academy, he goes directly to Professor Arnold.
"I hope the Goddess will grant his wish."
Dekan also smiled and sighed.
His time at the academy was also the most impetuous and reckless of his youth. Thanks to Professor Arnold, who acted like a father to him, he resolved many of the troubles with the Kingdom Association.
Moreover, the leaders of the academy, like those of the Norton Kingdom, are staunch supporters of the Pro-Dekan Faction. They firmly believe that Dekan is not the heretical priest or evil Card Crafter that has been slandered by the outside world, and they do their best to help him gain the recognition and support of the Kingdom Association.
It can be said that during Dekan's weakest period, he was never bullied or slandered by the outside world, thanks to the efforts of both Havenlit Academy and the Norton Kingdom.
However, Dekan lived up to expectations and became the Bishop of Pain at the third rank.