Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121

"D-Derek. Seeing you after so long, you seem even busier than before. The Ravenclaw Training Institute's opening ceremony didn't have this scale."

"That's how things turned out. But we plan to enter a rest period once winter comes, so I should have more time to focus on my training then."

"Judging by appearances, the barony's finances seem quite comfortable now."

"We've resolved basic survival issues. It's a world of difference from when I wandered the slums."

Derek hung his coat on the chair back before sitting opposite with a polite bow.

Though he'd become quite the expert in magic, he couldn't navigate Evelstein's political landscape alone. His influence still paled compared to high nobility.

If drawn into power struggles, he'd inevitably need allies.

Fortunately, Derek maintained connections with the Belmierd family.

"Since Lady Aiselin's condition wasn't good, I brought some medicinal herbs and potions. The head butler should have received them separately."

"Yes, I was informed. Lady Aiselin mentioned coming to express her gratitude personally."

After exchanging pleasantries and discussing trivial matters around Belmierd and Ravenclaw estates, Derek broached the main topic.

"The Beltus family seems to view me as a thorn in their side."

"..."

Elennte's fingers twitched at this. Apparently she'd anticipated Beltus's stance.

"After Duplein's decline, Belmierd and Beltus became Evelstein's true powerholders. Frankly, if Beltus decides to crush me, I'll be in serious trouble."

Derek lowered his gaze honestly.

No matter how renowned as a magic instructor, he couldn't oppose a grand ducal family dominating an entire region. His territory's population barely reached triple digits - incomparable to Beltus's vast domain.

"...Grand Duke Beltus takes southwestern power struggles seriously. With House Renuel rising as new elites, he won't welcome another emerging force."

Elennte sighed deeply, arms crossed.

Beltus was a troublesome opponent even for Belmierd - a renowned 5-Star summoner, imperial descendant, and accomplished bureaucrat who'd monopolized high offices.

However, Beltus's relatively short lineage meant weaker foundations despite vast territories. Their military - half composed of mercenaries following ex-general Orel - required astronomical upkeep costs.

Hence Beltus's sensitivity toward new rivals.

"Strange though. Didn't Beltus support your baronial title?"

"That... was with help. Young Master Ryner persuaded Beltus's heir."

"Ryner... my brother? Now that you mention it..."

Ryner Belmierd had been instrumental in Derek's barony. The rarely-seen eldest son who reeked of alcohol and tobacco - the very thought made Elennte grimace.

"That uncouth brother pulling strings makes sense. His connections were always wide."

"You don't get along with Young Master Ryner?"

"Beyond not getting along - I'd rather not discuss him."

Elennte clearly disliked Ryner - less from animosity than visceral sibling aversion.

"..."

Indeed, Ryner wasn't easily likable.

Though handsome if groomed, he reeked of alcohol, sported unkempt stubble, and gambled with his hair tied back like straw.

The antithesis of noble ladies maintaining rose-like grace. Hard to believe he was Belmierd's heir - especially compared to Duplein's exemplary late heir Valerian.

"Not to speak ill, but had Duplein's Valerian been Belmierd's heir, succession dynamics might differ. Whether that's fortunate... I'm unsure..."

"Indeed. Brother Valerian epitomized high nobility."

"...!"

As Elennte spoke with complicated expression, Aiselin entered the reception room after freshening up.

The timing - amidst discussion of Duplein's deceased - proved awkward.

Thus began an unplanned three-way meeting between Aiselin, Elennte and Derek.

None felt comfortable.

Elennte had already declared rivalry with Aiselin, who likewise remained wary. Derek couldn't act casually before these noble flowers.

Their cautious exchanges around the round table resembled a three-way standoff.

...Though really just Aiselin and Elennte's duel.

"My apologies for the thoughtless remark about Prince Valerian, Lady Aiselin."

"No need. I barged in abruptly. You came concerned for my health - how could I take offense?"

"Still, I admit my carelessness. I formally apologize."

"Oh my. Belmierd's flower shouldn't bow so easily. I appreciate the sentiment."

"Hehe, Lady Aiselin's magnanimity rivals oceans."

"If anything, Lady Elennte shows remarkable thoughtfulness. Hehe."

"Nonsense. *chuckle*"

"Ahaha."

"Hehe."

"Ahaha."

Though sounding like refined noble banter, Head Butler Delbritton sweated profusely behind Derek.

Elennte openly opposed Aiselin, who tried deflecting hostilities. Their dynamic had shifted from Evelstein's social battles.

Now competing over a magic-obsessed man - a more mundane conflict leaving Delbritton perplexed.

Derek sipped tea pensively, focused on predicting Beltus's moves rather than the women's sparring.

As a lord, geopolitical strategy outweighed personal squabbles.

Noticing Derek's solemn knee-gripping posture, both women sighed.

"Beltus's suppression of rising powers is public knowledge. Even social rumors suggest unusual developments."

Despite recent collapse, Aiselin had already investigated social circles around Ravenclaw.

"Labyrinth conqueror Baron Rothel and adventurer-turned-Baroness Cruella suffered under Beltus's pressure. I thought you'd be safe, but the institute's growth likely changed his stance."

Aiselin spoke gloomily.

"And I pushed for this institute. In a way, I'm responsible for drawing Beltus's ire."

"...You think that way?"

"Isn't it true?"

Derek never planned such expansion - Aiselin's efforts made it possible. She took responsibility seriously.

"House Duplein will support you unconditionally."

"Lady Aiselin clearly trusts Derek deeply. While admirable, your influence alone can't change circumstances."

Elennte interjected gracefully.

"But Belmierd differs."

Smirking, Elennte turned to Derek.

"Lord Belmierd thinks highly of you. He's delegated political authority to me - and I too consider you exceptionally trustworthy."

As Derek hesitated, Elennte leaned forward intently.

"I told you before - you're the person I trust most in this world."

Rising suddenly, she loomed over Derek with a bewitching smile.

"And I am Belmierd."

Her statement carried layered meanings - Beltus might scheme, but Belmierd wouldn't remain idle.

Though reassured, Beltus's plans remained unclear.

"For Lady Elennte to say that..."

"Yes! Exactly!"

Aiselin interjected anxiously.

"W-we at Ravenclaw Barony feel greatly reassured!"

"...We?"

"We...!"

"..."

Elennte glared before sighing heavily.

"Regardless, Beltus's methods remain unknown. Baron Rothel faced slander, while Baroness Cruella endured border tariffs and servant betrayals."

Calling a grand duke"vile"was blasphemous - unless deliberately emphasizing alliance through shared disdain.

"Few know this, but he's ordered assassinations and hostage-taking before. If he secures justification, military action isn't impossible."

"..."

Aiselin's lack of surprise suggested this was open secret among high nobility.

"Rumors can be countered through our social influence, but beyond that, Derek's response becomes crucial."

"B-but Derek's mercenary experience makes assassination unlikely. He might even turn the tables."

"True, Lady Aiselin. But Beltus knows that."

Elennte walked to the window where a silver-haired girl approached under servant escort - Denise, Beltus's capable pawn.

Though Derek trusted Denise, Elennte didn't.

"S-so what's Beltus's most extreme option?"

Aiselin asked nervously.

"Assassination or kidnapping... Targeting Derek directly would be unwise. More likely someone he cares about - someone vulnerable yet guaranteed to provoke reaction..."

Both women realized simultaneously - the obvious candidate being Derek's closest associate of modest status whose harm would deeply trouble him.

After tense silence, Derek finally spoke, sweating:

"That... wouldn't be wise..."

"Ugh... drunk..."

After harpy subjugation in the Roven Mountains, Pellin returned to"Beldern's Tear"tavern, collapsing over honey mead.

Near closing time, a few mercenaries drank boisterously while cloaked figures watched Pellin from a corner.

Owner Jayden had stepped out for closing preparations.

In the rowdy tavern, no one would notice if drunken girls vanished into night streets under confusion magic.

As the cloaked men approached Pellin's table -

-Thud!

A dagger embedded in the lead man's shoulder without warning.

"Wha...?!"

Blood sprayed as excruciating pain radiated from the non-fatal wound.

"Wanna die?"

Beneath the blood, crimson eyes gleamed.

Though noble-looking, this was a battle-hardened she-wolf who'd survived mercenary life unscathed.

Street predators sense hostility instinctively.

Before the men could react, Pellin kicked one onto a table with crashing impact, his shoulder bleeding from her dagger.

"Ugh... already nauseous..."

Though swaying drunkenly, her murderous aura clung like malignant energy.

Officially Baron Ravenclaw's refined companion, she'd killed dozens in the underworld.

Survival demanded nothing less.