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[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
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Chapter 172 - Summer Vacation at the Duke’s Manor (3)
The grand mansion within the Toulouse Duchy stood like a masterpiece, nestled within a breathtaking landscape.
Its magnificent yet intricate architecture exuded a timeless beauty.
Constructed of marble, the mansion gleamed brilliantly in the sunlight, like a dazzling jewel, while its crimson roof created a striking contrast against the clear blue sky, giving it an air of splendor.
Surrounding the mansion was an expansive garden, carefully maintained trees, and at its center, an elegantly sculpted fountain flowed gracefully.
Around the fountain, a variety of colorful flowers bloomed in full glory, their delicate petals swaying in the breeze as if performing a dance in midair.
The marble staircase leading to the mansion’s front yard stretched upward in a perfect curve, while the long colonnade extending to the entrance was shaded by towering ancient trees planted in two neat rows.
The windows of the mansion were large and spacious, framed by intricate ironwork, lending an air of both antiquity and sophistication.
So this enormous estate… is just one of many scattered throughout the duchy?
The rank of Duke really is something else.
No wonder the Dukes were each assigned as commanders of the noble forces during the war.
"Whoa! There's an ocean back there!"
Olysia, practically hanging out of the carriage window, shouted in excitement.
Sure enough, a vast expanse of shimmering water stretched out behind the mansion.
But wait a minute—there’s no ocean in this region.
"That’s probably not the ocean but a lake."
"What?! A lake that big? But I can see the horizon!"
That enormous body of water was known as ‘Silphrea Lake’, one of the most famous natural landmarks of the Toulouse Duchy.
It was so vast that it truly looked like a sea, with its crystal-clear waters stretching endlessly, forming a horizon of their own.
Silphrea Lake was the largest and deepest lake in the Empire, its tranquil surface reflecting the sky so perfectly that it shimmered like a massive mirror.
Dense forests encircled the lake, their serene stillness occasionally broken by the chirping of birds, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the scenery.
At the lake’s edge, small trees stretched their branches over the water, their shadows swaying with the gentle ripples.
When the sunlight struck just right, the lake sparkled like a field of gemstones, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
"Unbelievable! Absolutely incredible!"
Olysia gasped in awe, and similar reactions could be heard from the other carriages.
Kaiden simply smiled quietly, admiring the view, while Ismera reached forward and shook Kirrin awake.
"How long are you planning to sleep?"
"Mmm…? What’s going on?"
"We’re here!"
"Oh, really?"
Kirrin, still groggy, stuck her head out the window and promptly let out a half-gasp, half-scream of admiration at the sight of the grand mansion and the lake.
With everyone’s excitement building, the carriages finally turned onto the road leading to the estate.
As we approached, the massive gates of the mansion silently swung open.
The moment we passed through the gates of the Toulouse estate, it felt as if we had entered an entirely different world.
The towering iron gates slowly parted, revealing a broad, meticulously maintained path leading to the mansion.
Directly beyond the entrance lay a white marble road, flanked on either side by exquisitely landscaped gardens.
Since it was the height of summer, the gardens were in full bloom, with crimson roses and lavender blending together in a fragrant symphony.
Tall, stately trees lined the road, their thick canopies providing cool shade for our procession.
Between them, ornamental ponds and small fountains added to the estate’s charm.
Water gushed from the fountains, sparkling under the midday sun and sending refreshing mist into the air, while tiny droplets caught the light, creating miniature rainbows.
Stone pathways and benches were scattered throughout, offering quiet resting spots even in the summer heat.
Everywhere we looked, the scenery was so picturesque it felt almost surreal.
And Knightley ran away from all of this?
She abandoned such an incredible home and enrolled in a special ops academy just to escape an arranged marriage?
Waiting for us in front of the mansion was none other than the Duke of Toulouse himself.
"Your Grace."
"Dian!"
As I waved, the Duke beamed broadly and strode over, personally opening the carriage door.
Wow. Now that’s hospitality.
"Welcome!"
"Have you been well? Your estate is truly magnificent. The yard alone is massive."
"But of course! We must welcome our esteemed guests in the finest manner!"
As he spoke, the Duke’s eyes darted eagerly around the carriage, searching for someone.
"That little Mage over there is Kaiden."
"Oh-ho!"
The Duke extended a hand to help Kaiden out of the carriage—
But Kaiden ignored it and instead reached for my hand.
After stepping down with my assistance, he gave the Duke a polite nod.
"It’s an honor to meet you, Your Grace. I am Kaiden, a mage. Thank you for your kind invitation."
"Welcome, welcome! The Hero of the Continent! The Savior of Humanity! The Grand Mage Kaiden!"
I couldn’t help but smirk at the Duke’s utter lack of noble composure as he clasped Kaiden’s hands with both of his, shaking them fervently.
"Greetings, Your Grace."
"Ah, we’ve met before, haven’t we?"
Kirrin and Ismera greeted him in turn, followed by the rest of the professors.
Knightley, however, treated her father like a complete stranger.
Merilda, with her warm greeting, seemed more like the Duke’s daughter than Knightley did.
"Come inside, all of you! Unpack and join me for a meal!"
Following the Duke’s lead, we stepped into the mansion.
If the exterior had been impressive, the interior was nothing short of breathtaking.
The grandeur of the estate continued inside, its halls adorned with exquisite, intricate details.
As soon as we entered, we were met with towering ceilings, at the center of which hung a massive crystal chandelier, radiating a warm, golden glow.
The chandelier’s light reflected off the pristine marble floors, filling the hall with a soft, luminous ambiance.
The floors were made of white marble, their edges inlaid with gold, showcasing the pinnacle of luxury.
A long corridor stretched ahead, lined with colossal columns, each intricately carved with delicate patterns.
Above the marble pillars, classical artworks adorned the walls, making the entire estate feel more like an art museum than a residence.
A rich, fragrant aroma from scented candles permeated the air, and the plush carpets muffled our footsteps, their texture so soft it was as if we were walking on clouds.
Everything was so meticulously crafted and extravagant that we all felt as though we had stepped into a royal palace.
"This place is incredible, Olysia. Don’t you think?"
When I received no reply, I turned to look at her—
And promptly burst into laughter.
Like a child dazzled by a new toy, Olysia’s jaw had practically unhinged.
Guided by the mansion’s well-dressed attendants, we made our way to the guest rooms.
My assigned quarters were so lavish that I couldn’t tell if it was a guest room or the Duke’s personal chamber.
The others’ rooms were just as extravagant.
The accommodations were arranged in four-person rooms, separated by rank and gender—except for Kaiden and me, who were each given our own private suites.
"The Duke seems to be under a serious misconception."
Kaiden chuckled as we headed toward the dining hall.
"No kidding. He’s not even trying to hide his intentions."
It wasn’t hard to guess what the Duke was aiming for when he suddenly invited not just the two of us but the entire faculty.
He probably wanted to secure the loyalty of two former Demon Lord extermination squad members by treating us to a full-course luxury experience.
But inviting just us would have been too obvious, so he extended the invitation to the headmaster, vice principal, and all the other professors as well.
Too bad for him—neither Kaiden nor I take orders from anyone.
Even the Second Princess, the most powerful figure in the empire, had settled for simply keeping us in her sights while letting us do whatever we pleased.
Unfortunately for the Duke, we’d be leaving after enjoying the feast, free of charge.
Well, technically, it wouldn’t even be free-loading.
After all, he was simply treating his daughter’s teachers and friends to a good time.
And we were more than happy to accept.
When we arrived at the dining hall, a long table was already overflowing with an extravagant feast.
But in the far corner of the room, I noticed another massive table.
It was piled high with whole cuts of meat, bones and all.
Beside it stood several unopened barrels of ale.
…What was that for?
At a glance, it looked like the aftermath of a coastal raid, the kind where marauding pirates would throw a grand feast to celebrate their latest plunder.
"Professors Brogg and Kazador will be seated over there."
Ah. So it was a special spread prepared for the big eaters among the non-human professors.
Once everyone was seated, the Duke took the head of the table and began a speech.
Something about how honored he was to welcome the faculty of the Imperial Special Mission Academy…
The usual formalities.
But…
Someone was missing.
"Sophie. Isn’t Sophie here?"
"Hmm. Not sure. Should I go get her?"
Merilda had just begun to rise when the sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"Sorry, everyone. I’m late."
Hindrasta entered the dining hall.
The Duke stopped mid-sentence, his eyes widening, his jaw going slack.
The other guests all wore similar expressions.
And I was probably no exception.
"Huh? What’s with everyone? Why are you all still in your regular clothes?"
Hindrasta looked around in confusion.
"Aren’t we heading straight to the beach after the meal? Don’t tell me I’m the only one who thought that…?"
Dressed in nothing but a bikini, she tilted her head slightly, looking somewhat perplexed.
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[Translator - Peptobismol]
[Proofreader - Demon God]
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