Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 128

The moment Duke Beltus received the report from Judicial Officer Dolres and rushed out of his office, his first action was to identify the source of this catastrophe.

The main manor was overrun with restless spirits and magical beasts.

The crimson-black necromantic energy pouring out originated from the isolation chamber directly below—the very room where he'd ordered Denise to be confined.

The timing was uncanny—this disaster began immediately after locking her away.

The implications were too significant to ignore, but contemplation would have to wait.

An Arch Lich had brazenly appeared at the heart of Beltus Manor.

Why would this high-ranking undead creature—normally found only in the deepest labyrinths of the White Wilderness—be floating in a guest room?

One thing was certain: it had to be subdued immediately.

Even veteran extermination squads suffered heavy casualties against Arch Liches.

But this was Beltus Manor. The stronghold of Duke Beltus, a 5-Star summoner—one of the rare Family Head-level mages across the continent.

- Swish! Crack!

- Fwip!

Swords of light materialized from the floor, swiftly impaling the magical beasts rampaging through the manor.

Crimson elemental spirits encircled the estate, systematically eliminating the creatures outside while the Duke's mana coalesced into an enormous staff in his grasp.

5-Star Magical Weapon:"Light of the Empire"

A replica of the legendary staff created by transformation master Kohlera and owned by Emperor Gertrel. The Duke's summoning magic could replicate over 80% of its original power—allowing him to manifest nearly any magical weapon imaginable.

In non-living summoning magic, he stood unrivaled across the continent.

- Whoosh!

As his summoning magic enveloped the manor, hope blossomed among the servants.

For a Family Head to personally intervene meant this crisis surpassed all norms.

"His Grace... His Grace has taken action!"

"Hold fast! Stay calm and defend yourselves! We'll prevail!"

'Damn it all...'

The Duke's face twisted in fury as he marched toward the isolation chamber.

Whoever orchestrated this outrage would pay dearly.

To attack Beltus Manor—his ancestral seat—with such vile methods? Unforgivable.

The involvement of necromancy made the perpetrator doubly dangerous.

Entering the chamber, he gritted his teeth at the Arch Lich attempting to consume his manor whole.

'This place nearly became another high-level labyrinth.'

Even for him, subduing an Arch Lich would require significant effort and minor injuries—but remained feasible.

Once eliminated, he'd root out whoever orchestrated this and make them suffer.

Only excruciating death would suffice as retribution for this scale of provocation.

'Whatever bastard dared this... I'll sever every organ and ensure they die in agony.'

As he prepared to cast 4-Star transformation magic"Chains of Binding"on the floating lich—

- Whoosh

- FWOOOSH!

Beneath the Arch Lich, where Denise's luggage remained, another sinister light erupted—engulfing the Duke in malevolent energy.

- KWA-GAK!

Wide-eyed, the Duke raised his staff defensively—but the necromantic density alone forced him back.

A humanoid figure rose from the epicenter, time seeming to freeze as the mana parted respectfully.

Like a queen of death making her entrance.

Even the Arch Lich—responsible for countless adventurers'deaths—bowed before this emerging presence.

"Hello."

Lavender hair and eyes. Crimson frilled dress.

Barefoot and empty-handed despite her regal appearance.

The transformation magic embedded in Denise's gifted jewelry had summoned this monster, radiating power beyond any normal mage.

Faced with this overwhelming aura, even the Duke—who commanded armies—swallowed hard.

An entity that made an Arch Lich kneel could only be one thing:

The most exalted necromancer alive.

"It's rude to kill my cute Happy. Took me over two months to craft this mischievous boy... Wouldn't it be tragic to lose him so pointlessly? Don't you think?"

'Happy'—was that the lich's pet name?

The Duke clenched his trembling hand. Even his legendary staff felt like a twig against this incomprehensible girl.

"Are you... the mastermind?"

"Indeed. Feel honored. I rarely reveal myself."

Her grin—stretching unnaturally wide—raised goosebumps. Undeniably, she was death incarnate: the queen of all necromancers.

The Duke had heard rumors.

Of scripture-like texts revered by Rodentz Island's necromancers—authored by some reclusive continental powerhouse.

Never had he imagined their origin would be this young girl.

"As you see, circumstances require my... discretion."

"..."

"So I only reveal myself to two types: long-term acquaintances... or soon-to-be corpses."

Phee's smile carried a bone-chilling quality.

"Care to guess which you are?"

- KWAANG!

The Duke unleashed combat elemental magic without hesitation.

Phee didn't flinch. The Arch Lich behind her—"Happy"—effortlessly blocked everything.

Though technically low-tier spells, their speed defied visual tracking.

Phee smirked, tilting her head mockingly.

"So impatient. For a Duke, you're remarkably petty—who'd pledge loyalty to that?"

"Silence. State your purpose."

"To kill you."

The words carried icy finality.

No jest—this was no situation for humor.

The Duke adjusted his grip, scowling.

"You..."

"Why? Simple. My research requires a 5-Star mage's corpse. That's all."

"Then you're from Rodentz—"

"Couldn't care less about that island's rabble. I focus solely on my work. Though... killing high-ranking mages isn't easy."

Phee stepped forward leisurely, each movement pressing the air itself downward.

The necromantic density thickened with her approach—a realm beyond Family Head level.

"Duke-level mages all have substantial power and influence—too troublesome to eliminate casually. But you? Plenty of grievances and justifications to exploit."

"..."

"Should've lived more virtuously. Not that I'm one to lecture."

Her intent was clear.

She came to kill this power-hungry tyrant who crushed dissenters and manipulated kin like chess pieces.

Not for justice—this wasn't about morality. Neither she nor Derek operated on such principles.

Life's journey inevitably brought clashes. To ascend meant trampling obstacles—not from righteousness, but survival's brutal calculus.

Derek's mercenary past reflected this same pragmatism.

"Well, that's not the only reason... Regardless, shall we begin?"

- FWOOSH!

Phee's eyes glowed crimson as necromantic energy swirled.

Mere mana emission sent debris flying into walls.

The storm centered on her small frame as power coalesced.

Beyond needing a high-grade corpse, another motive drove her:

A prized student.

Should her resurrection research fail, he'd serve as backup—though currently inadequate against a full-power Family Head.

She'd dismissed Derek's repeated complaints about this imbalance.

Because she'd already devised a solution.

"Duke of Beltus. Shall I teach you true magic?"

Unlike Derek's previous mentors—the slum beggar, Katia, or Drest—Phee operated differently.

Wolf cubs raised on bloody meat became lethal hunters.

To nurture strong offspring required abundant prey.

If the meat proved tough? Pound it tender—a mentor's duty.

Even Derek's potential had limits against a prepared Duke.

Solution? Ensure the Duke wasn't at full strength.

A brutally simple approach—the way of true power.

- BOOM!

A flick of Phee's dress sent the Duke crashing backward.

He barely stabilized himself against the wall, pain wracking his body.

- HOOOOON!

Phee's laughter carried relentless pressure.

The Arch Lich behind her seemed insignificant compared to her overwhelming presence.

Brushing her dress, she declared:

"Consider yourself honored, Lord of Beltus. I don't teach just anyone."

Kalimford, Melberot, Feria, Drest, Levellton—continental histories overflowed with legendary mages.

This girl stood among them.

Even Family Heads had limits.

As the Duke steeled himself, flames erupted through the ceiling—

5-Star Summoning Magic: Hellim, the Mythic Fire Giant.

The fire giant's emergence lit up the estate grounds.

Its heat spiked local temperatures, illuminating every shadow.

Derek—galloping on horseback—watched alongside Rodea and soldiers, their eyes wide.

Servants and even Denise—collapsed near the manor—witnessed this awe-inspiring display.

A Family Head's full-power magic—rarely seen outside continental wars.

The purifying flames promised to cleanse all corruption.

As the giant's sword prepared to banish evil—

- KWA-GA-GA-GAK!

The sky tore open.

A demonic hand—rivaling the giant's size—grabbed its face and slammed it into the estate.

- KWA-GA-GA-GAK!

Flames spread across gardens as the giant convulsed.

Not necromancy—this was the Duke's signature summoning magic.

Yet undeniably Phee's doing.

Through crumbling walls and rising dust, her mad laughter echoed.

She was death incarnate.

"..."

Derek spurred his horse forward—the manor's entrance coming into view.