Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 105

A grinding sound came from Leonard as he clenched his teeth.

He desperately scratched at Derek's hand gripping his collar with his nails, but those rock-solid arms showed no sign of budging.

Leonard's eyes were bloodshot with burst capillaries, drool dripping uncontrollably from his labored breathing. Yet driven by sheer will to survive, he thrashed wildly to break free.

After a prolonged struggle, Leonard's arms finally went limp.

With a gurgling sound, a flash of resolve crossed his eyes.

"..."

Simultaneously, his already pale hair began turning completely white.

'...What?'

As Derek frowned and stared, an impossible surge of magic power and vengeful spirits erupted from Leonard's chest area.

- Whoosh!

The sudden shockwave sent Derek stumbling back, allowing Leonard to collapse free from his grasp while coughing violently.

"Ghk, huk... kgh!"

As air returned to his lungs, life flickered back into Leonard's eyes. Yet blood now trickled from his nose, ears and mouth - prompting Derek to narrow his eyes and brace himself.

Unlike conventional necromancers, those from Rodentz Island specialized in a particular branch - sacrificial necromancy using flesh and life as mediums.

While typically employing carefully crafted wooden dolls or mammal corpses as vessels... human sacrifice remained most effective.

But cornered prey couldn't possibly procure sacrificial victims. Thus Rodentz necromancers would eventually offer their own flesh when pushed to the brink.

Their methods were invariably gruesome - many chose mutual destruction over capture.

After all, those researching forbidden arts faced either horrific executions or lifelong imprisonment. Better to lose limbs ensuring your enemy's demise.

Leonard proved no exception - one leg had already vanished, blood gushing from the severed thigh.

Sprawled on the ground supporting himself with his arms, he spat blood and shouted:

"You think... I'd die here...?!"

"..."

"I... I can't die yet. After living crushed under Ryner hyung's shadow, just when my chance came... Elente noona blocked my path? Ggh... kehehe... If you thought I'd surrender, you're mistaken..."

Leonard emitted eerie magical energy while bleeding onto the garden stones.

"What makes you think I'm any different from Elente noona? I wanted power too. To stand above the masses and command them. That's all. How am I different?"

"And this is your method? Fraud?"

"What of it? Baron Ravenclaw. Life must seem so easy for you. Born with innate magical talent, mastering new spells at a glance, leaving extraordinary achievements ahead of peers - you'd never understand someone like me."

As spectral energy enveloped the garden, rotting skeletal soldiers began rising from the ground.

The ghastly horde swirling around Leonard sent servants screaming. Senior retainers shouted for guards while squires collapsed trembling, unable to even draw swords.

Derek stood firm amidst the fluttering cloak.

Leonard glared up with bloodshot eyes.

"I'm not like you. I know life's cruelty. You can't hesitate in pursuing goals. Push competitors off cliffs, deceive deceivers first, be vile, ruthless, cold-blooded. Without heaven's blessings, better to be a cowardly victor than get swept away."

"..."

"Only the blessed like Elente noona can act noble. Do you know why Ryner hyung abandoned succession?"

Amidst the howling spirits, Leonard spat each word like a curse.

"Ryner hyung originally..."

"Not interested. You talk too much."

Derek's interruption cut through Leonard's venting like a blade.

Leonard's pupils dilated at Derek's expression before contorting in hatred.

- Thwack! Thwack!

Twin magic arrows struck Leonard's shoulders. Though merely 1st Grade spells, Derek's magic packed unusual force. Leonard momentarily registered his shoulder nerves numbing.

- Crunch

"GAAAH!"

Derek systematically shattered each rising skeleton before charging into the garden's heart. His approaching figure through the gale was death incarnate.

A kick sent Leonard's head snapping back, blood spraying. Gripping his hair to lift him revealed fully inverted eyes.

Yet his tenacity was terrifying.

Regaining rationality, Leonard gathered magic.

Rodentz necromancers were feared because the cornered could unleash high-tier spells by burning their lives. Even 1st Graders could cast 3rd Grade necromancy through self-immolation - true madness.

3rd Grade Necromancy: [Greater Soul Absorption]

As Leonard reached to steal Derek's life—

- Schlick!

His right hand vanished.

Not sacrificed - Derek's returned sword had severed it mid-cast.

Blood sprayed.

Leonard couldn't even scream.

- Thud!

Necromancy touching the soul was lethal if allowed. The veteran mercenary knew better than to permit contact.

But humans have two hands.

As Leonard's remaining hand grabbed Derek's thigh, a kick shattered the forearm. The flawless counter suggested prior necromantic experience.

"Ghhk! Kgh!"

Sprawled on the ground, Leonard raised a palm for another spell when—

- Clatter! Clatter!

- Thwack!

A third party intervened, sword flashing between them.

Time seemed to slow.

Derek saw the blade sever Leonard's necromantic spell mid-cast.

The silver sword bore crimson scripture - the legendary [Holy Blood Sword] wielded by Rodea, hero who slew hundreds of Rodentz necromancers.

- Whoosh!

- KABOOM!

Leonard's summoned spirits dissolved into light.

One slash nullifying an area's necromancy - truly heroic power.

The flash forced Derek's eyes shut. When they reopened, only Leonard's stunned face remained.

Before him stood the intervenor.

"Not too late, I see. You're the one who wrote to House Renuel?"

The woman between them was Countess Rodea, Renuel family's hero.

Her battle-worn kindness proved her veteran status.

Though aged with silver braided hair, her aura remained undimmed. The massive silver armor most men struggled to wear only enhanced her saintly knight image.

Her piercing gaze pinned Leonard down.

A lifelong slayer of necromancers.

Now a legless necromancer writhed before her.

Horror twisted Leonard's face.

- Clank, clank.

"Hahk... haahk... ghh..."

The aged hero's armor clanked with each step.

Grabbing Leonard's collar, she lifted him as blood dripped. The hemorrhage suggested critical condition.

"He'll die untreated. Must stop the bleeding first."

Not that humanitarianism motivated her.

"Don't expect an easy death. Agreed?"

Leonard's face contorted in terror as her expression remained unchanged.

Her arriving retainers galloped into view.

Derek pieced it together - she'd sensed Leonard's necromancy while en route after his letter, rushing past guards to intervene.

Heroes arrive precisely when needed.

"The situation's resolved. This criminal violated taboos. Stabilize him first - we'll interrogate later about Rodentz techniques."

"Eh? Already finished?"

"Thanks to this capable mage's work."

She handed the trembling Leonard to retainers. Lady Trisha paled seeing his bloodied state.

After organizing the scene, Rodea approached Derek.

Her average frame bore time's marks, yet intelligent eyes brimmed with vitality. The clanking armor radiated lethality.

Still a battlefield demon despite age.

Even Emperor Gertrel had tried promoting her to Border Count - her protected allies would feel invincible.

As an enemy? Worse than hell's demons.

Her warm smile masked this brutality.

"You handle necromancers skillfully. Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw, who aided during Duplein's tragedy?"

"The honor is mine, Countess Rodea."

"I'd hoped to meet under better circumstances."

Brushing blood from her gauntlet, she chuckled.

"My foolish daughter Trisha visited Ravenclaw Barony uninvited... If her impertinence offended you, I apologize as her mother."

Trisha turned pale overseeing the retainers.

The brash girl who'd poured tea on Aiselin was now a meek lamb before her mother.

"Most panic facing necromancy, yet you remain composed. Quite experienced."

"Long mercenary life leaves little room for panic."

"Oh? Impressive."

She studied Derek approvingly.

High-ranking individuals bearing such satisfied smiles usually spelled trouble.

"While I'd love to talk privately, now isn't the time. Charging into Belmiere Manor uninvited was inexcusable."

She sheathed her sword.

"First I must apologize to Count Belmiere. We'll speak later."

As she turned toward the manor—

- Creeeak

The estate doors opened, revealing its master.

The red-and-gold brocade doublet bore the family crest in exquisite gold embroidery. A massive gray wolf pelt cloak enhanced his majesty as he smoothed his dark brown beard.

Behind him followed Elente, demure yet radiant.

Servants trembled at the sight.

Her elegant posture, fresh dress and styled hair epitomized Belmiere's rose. Flaming locks cascaded like butterfly wings.

Gone was the disheveled detainee - walking beside the Border Count signaled restored authority.

"Countess Rodea of Renuel pays her respects. Forgive my trespass, Count Belmiere."

"..."

The Count surveyed the devastated garden and Leonard receiving treatment.

"You'll soon hold equal rank, Rodea. No need for such deference."

"Authority stems from discipline. How could I not kneel before Belmiere's glory?"

"Still stubborn as ever."

"I prefer'principled,'my lord."

Her gentle smile belied her battlefield ferocity.

"I appreciate your aid, but today I mourn my son."

His somber expression silenced further pleasantries.

"I wish to speak with Leonard first."

He studied the bowing servants.

"As father before Count, indulge me."

"..."

"Lady Elente will handle arrangements. Bring Leonard to my office after treatment."

His burdened shoulders disappeared inside.

Rodea understood - the conflict between parent and ruler.

"As you heard, I oversee the situation."

Descending the marble stairs gracefully, Elente smiled.

"Meeting Rodentz's hero is an honor."

"...You endured much slander. You have my condolences."

"I'm quite alright."

She glanced at the gathered servants - many senior retainers had publicly condemned her.

Their bowed heads and gulps signaled repentance.

"You've traveled far, Countess. Please rest in the reception room."

"Most kind. My retainers require lodging as well."

"Naturally. Please refresh yourselves."

With practiced grace, she guided Rodea inside as servants scrambled to assist.

Derek observed the settling chaos. The ordeal was over.

Elente's framing was resolved. His original purpose surfaced - securing her appearance for Ravenclaw Magic Academy's opening.

With the crisis passed, she'd surely agree.

Construction must be nearly complete. Aiselin had worked tirelessly during his absence.

Now was time for his request.

But Elente remained busy hosting Rodea.

He'd ask later. Turning to leave—

"Derek."

"...?"

Having delegated hosting duties, Elente had returned.

Her crimson eyes locked onto him intensely before flickering away repeatedly.

Then she blushed faintly.

"I... just wanted to say..."

"Yes?"

"..."

Noticing observers, she whispered:

"Never mind."

"..."

"I just... wanted to say that. We'll talk later."

Fanning her flushed face, she hurried inside.

This uncharacteristic behavior left Derek bewildered.

-'You're late. Opening day approaches.'

Aiselin had nearly finished preparations, documents awaiting only Derek's approval.

Her office overflowed with paperwork - she'd single-handedly managed this massive undertaking.

The scale defied ducal daughter expectations, astonishing Delbritton.

Aiselin Eleanor Duplein.

She truly had a gift for business.