Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 115

After experiencing countless deaths through numerous reincarnations, even the weight of death itself inevitably fades.

Thus, the girl occasionally wandered through the communal cemetery of Tigris Barony while contemplating.

Death is merely an equal destination that comes for all.

Every human will eventually lie in a grave, finding rest in death.

Viewed this way, her own life resembled a journey without destination.

What meaning could be assigned to a life aimlessly tossed by ocean currents?

Her first life, now buried too deep in distant years to even remember clearly—for what had she originally researched necromancy?

In the end, only emptiness and meaninglessness remained.

A chilling wind blew through Tigris Barony's communal cemetery.

As the wind scattered her hair, she contemplated the few remaining 6-Star mages of this era.

Melberot lives to keep a promise with a departed friend.

Kochella lives through pure yearning for magic.

Drest lives while reminiscing about happier times.

But Phee had nothing left.

"How futile."

A life endlessly continuing and repeating bore no meaning whatsoever.

Though extraordinary ripples occasionally occurred, even those were mere tremors before the immense wall of time.

Only then did the girl realize.

Human life gains value precisely because it has an end.

"I am an explorer pursuing necromancy's pinnacle, one who tramples both the living and dead."

Derek silently observed Phee with his staff lowered.

Behind Phee, perched on a large rock, a sinister malignant aura began emanating—clearly an aggregation of restless spirits whose energy felt profoundly unsettling.

As Derek furrowed his brows, Phee scoffed.

"As the continent's most reviled master of necromancy, your luck is truly wretched."

Derek simply kept watching, needing to organize his thoughts about handling this situation.

The 6-Star necromancer Phee typically concealed her identity until achieving objectives.

Yet her casual emission of spirit-tainted mana before Derek suggested no intention to hide.

Derek sheathed his staff, adjusted his posture, and spoke.

"...Is that true?"

"How dull. Like watered-down wine."

Phee clicked her tongue and floated onto the rock's peak, her silver-violet hair fluttering as if weightless.

Crossing her legs and propping her chin, she looked every bit a queen.

The 6-Star necromancer. Phee Rafaela Tigris. Known as the Witch of Tigris.

Unlike Melberot, Drest, or Kochella, her temperament and actions defied prediction.

Capricious, emotional, vicious, cruel.

Closer to demon than human, those encountering her rarely met kind fates.

Though uncertain why she'd revealed herself, Derek resolved to remain calm.

"If true, I've committed grave disrespect."

"Indeed. Utterly unforgivable."

"..."

"Pushing third-rate philosophies at every opportunity, meddling, nitpicking with shallow insights as if universal truths—you tested my patience daily."

"I acted with your best interests in mind."

"What nonsense!"

Phee shuddered violently, her petite frame trembling.

Derek's relentless lecturing had apparently struck deeper than expected, as she grimaced recalling past interactions.

Resuming her chin-propped pose, she tapped her foot and continued.

"Your magic shows surprising competence, yet you scrutinized only me. Why single me out when treating other noble ladies normally?"

"I didn't expect you'd reveal yourself over this."

"Not solely for that... but I've wanted to ask. Why so strict with me?"

Because he knew she was a necromancer.

Unable to admit this directly, Derek improvised.

"You may not realize, but your mana control, foundational understanding, and reaction speeds during practice all indicated extraordinary talent. As I mentioned earlier, I noticed you holding back."

"So you knew my identity?"

"Not exactly—just recognized exceptional talent. Ordinary and extraordinary individuals require different teaching approaches. Higher expectations demand greater challenges. That's why your education differed."

His words flowed effortlessly.

Not entirely false—Phee's magical prowess far surpassed others, making her abilities discernible even in casual spellcasting.

Essentially: You're too outstanding, so I taught you properly.

Phee's satisfied expression suggested she approved.

"Though annoyingly preachy, your discernment is sharp. Recognizing glimpses of my prowess indicates your own merit."

Clearly, Phee's arrogant nature made her susceptible to flattery.

Humming proudly, she swung her crossed leg.

"Very well. Though insufferably pedantic, your judgment impresses me. Noticing even hints of my mastery speaks to your potential."

After basking in praise, her gaze sharpened.

"I've lived eons beyond your imagination, encountering figures you'd only read about in history books."

"...I see."

"But rarely met oddities like you. Your dedication to magical achievement is genuine."

"Isn't that natural? Mages must always look upward."

"True. You're no empty dreamer. Considerable talent—though currently stalled at a wall."

Phee's violet eyes gleamed crimson as restless spirits swirled around her, darkening the forest's ambiance.

Legends said the Witch of Tigris left trails of wronged souls wherever she walked—no mere poetic description, Derek now realized.

She was a horror who led vengeful spirits to feast on corpses.

An entity whose mere presence drained blood from faces—keeping Derek tense.

"I can guide you to 4-Star mastery."

"..."

"Breaking the 4-Star barrier alone is inefficient. Studying methodology with an experienced mentor is optimal. And I'm second to none in such matters."

The slums beggar taught him 1-Star magic.

Katia Flameheart taught 2-Star.

Drest Wolftail taught 3-Star.

And now for 4-Star—a necromancer the entire continent wanted dead?

A perilous situation indeed.

"A generous offer, but not one I can accept lightly."

Phee raised an eyebrow at Derek's calm response.

Unfazed even by a 6-Star necromancer's presence—those born with steely nerves never lost reason.

His temperament pleased her, drawing a smirk.

"Refusing my tutelage?"

"The reasoning eludes me. The empire's most elusive 6-Star necromancer reveals herself to offer 4-Star guidance? Suspicious."

Derek's gaze remained steady.

"You've no reason to help me. Unreasoned generosity usually ends poorly."

"True. Such wariness is proper. But rest assured—this benefits me."

Phee's vicious smile didn't waver.

"I needn't explain further. But I know your type—you'd sacrifice anything for magical progress."

"You understand me well."

"I see clearly. You're mad—mad for magic."

Her enchanting eyes seemed to pierce Derek's essence.

"No magic-obsessed fool rejects a 6-Star's guidance. You're already calculating how much knowledge to extract."

"...Perceptive. Worthy of a 6-Star mage."

"Hmph. Don't underestimate me."

Phee preened at the praise, chin raised proudly.

Derek recognized her weakness for flattery.

"But know this."

Though occasionally grinning like a mischievous girl, her eyes soon gleamed ominously again. With each serious word, surrounding spirits stirred violently.

"I am evil."

"..."

"I kill without remorse, defile corpses, manipulate flesh and blood. I steal lives for selfish ends, commit atrocities, scorn death, and break taboos unflinchingly."

Phee's life was stained with blood.

Countless deaths marked her path—enough to form rivers from her hands'stains.

"I'm the Witch of Tigris Barony. Consider whether apprenticeship benefits you. Not my concern, really."

"I've killed many myself."

"Our scales differ. I'm accustomed to surveying eras from mountains of corpses."

Derek studied Phee's regal perch.

Her hair floated eerily amidst spiritual energy—more specter than human.

What did apprenticing to the Witch of Tigris entail?

If discovered, he'd become the empire's enemy.

"Learning necromancy seems unwise."

"Hah! I've no intention to teach it. Heed my warning—don't dabble out of curiosity."

An unexpected statement that puzzled Derek.

Having devoted her existence to necromancy, he expected her to promote its virtues.

Instead, Phee wore a complicated expression, still swinging her foot.

"Rodentz Island's rabble couldn't comprehend half my treatises. But someone of your aptitude... should avoid my works entirely."

"May I ask why?"

"5-Star necromancy isn't blessing but curse. Typically consumes even its users. Though I'd teach if insisted."

Her ominous smile discouraged further questions.

"I'm merciful enough to aid your advancement immensely—enough to move you to tears."

"...Your terms? You don't seem the altruistic type."

"Sharp. Nothing too onerous."

Phee smirked.

"If you reach 6-Star... grant me one request."

"What request?"

"Nothing difficult. I'll swear it won't endanger your life, status, body, or soul."

Derek remained skeptical of the overwhelmingly favorable terms.

Yet refusal wasn't truly an option—Phee had revealed herself. Rejection's consequences were unpredictable.

Stalled at the 4-Star barrier, cooperation might be preferable.

"An agreeable proposal. Though for mutual security, I require assurances."

"Bargaining with me? Bold—but why should I comply?"

"You've evaded imperial detection for years. Our arrangement must consider appearances."

Derek explained pragmatically.

"Publicly, I'm Ravenclaw Academy's director while you're a rural noblewoman attending classes. Treating you as my master would raise suspicions."

Phee—an overwhelming powerhouse—was supposedly just a minor noble's daughter.

"Reasonable. Discretion is necessary."

Phee nodded.

"By day, I'll teach academy classes. At night, you'll instruct me."

"How amusing. I'll play the student by daylight."

Phee leaped gracefully from the rock.

"Magic classes bored me, but etiquette and history held surprising merit. That Aiselin girl lectures well."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. Playing student won't be unpleasant. Teach me properly."

Her smug demeanor contrasted with the absurdity of instructing a 6-Star mage.

"Evelstein's renowned educator at a loss? How disappointing."

"You're an exceptional case."

"Still a noblewoman at heart. Didn't you preach that no student is unteachable?"

Phee's challenging smile held clear confidence.

As one of only four 6-Star mages continent-wide, her arrogance was understandable.

While Derek pondered his response—

"Enough talk. We have company."

Phee's energy abruptly shifted.

-Rustle

"There you are! Derek! We have schedule changes to confirm! Apologies for interrupting your day off!"

Aiselin emerged through foliage, documents in arms, as the spiritual energy instantly dissipated.

"Oh! Were you... exercising? Alone with Lady Tigris..."

"You've come far, Aiselin. Those documents could've waited in the office."

"They're rather urgent."

Phee had seamlessly reverted to her refined noble persona, bowing gracefully.

"My apologies, Lady Aiselin. My inadequacy occupied Sir Derek's time."

"N-not at all! Academy matters concern us all. You seem... quite sweaty..."

"Y-yes... Unaccustomed to physical exertion..."

"I... see..."

Aiselin glanced between them nervously.

"We'll review these in the office. My apologies, Lady Phee, but today's lesson ends here."

"Of course, Sir Derek. I've learned much."

Phee's flawless noble smile was jarringly incongruous.

"...Then jog back to the manor. Remember the breathing rhythm—in-in-out, in-in-out."

"......Pardon?"

Phee had misjudged Derek.

Evelstein's famed mercenary lived by doing things properly.

He approached even trivial matters with utmost seriousness—the key to his success.

By day, Derek was the teacher. By night, Phee.

And the sun still shone brightly overhead.

As a teacher, Derek never cut corners.

"W-wait... I'm exhausted... unskilled at physical..."

"Now now, you've rested sufficiently. Avoiding training ensures stagnation."

"But..."

Phee glanced nervously at Aiselin, but Derek remained firm.

"Let's run. In-in-out, in-in-out."

"................."

Phee paled, but Derek was unmoved.

His unshakable principles couldn't be swayed by mere intimidation.

She should've known—extraordinary talents always had quirks.

"Hurry! Work awaits! Lady Phee!"

That evening, Phee received thorough instruction on true muscle soreness.