Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 155

Amid the daily onslaught of bitter cold and snowstorms, one could almost forget—but winter always gives way to spring.

Around the time tender buds began sprouting on the bare branches in the grandiose gardens of Count Elvester's estate, Kochella—the revered matriarch of House Elvester—returned and sought out a certain retainer.

The last survivor of the long-fallen Flameheart family, now a magic instructor favored by Count Elvester and tutor to Lady Freya.

Katia Flameheart, the mercenary mage from Evelstain, stood before an elderly man clutching a large staff in a corner of the garden.

'Every time I see her, I'm struck by how unassuming she appears despite her reputation.'

Katia quietly assessed Kochella.

Though every member of the mighty Elvester household trembled in Kochella's presence, none had ever witnessed her display true power.

Yet an indescribable aura made them all bow instinctively.

The majesty of a 6-Star mage defied description.

Kochella simply smiled, but Katia felt an inexplicable unease.

"I saw your disciple at Baron Ravenclaw's territory recently. Truly, a man of extraordinary caliber."

"Is that so? I only gave him basic instruction years ago when he knew little of magic... He must have changed considerably since."

"Indeed. Katia—you originated from Evelstain's mercenary quarters, didn't you? Now that you're stationed far away at Elvester's estate, don't you ever miss your old nest?"

"My true home burned to ashes long ago. The tavern district of Evelstain was merely... a place to scrape by."

Katia was an exceptional magic instructor.

Under her tutelage, Lady Freya reached 2-Star rank shortly after her coming-of-age ceremony.

More than just a strict teacher, Katia guided her disciple as a life mentor.

With maternal warmth at times and stern discipline at others, she shaped Freya into a better person.

It was no exaggeration to say Freya—normally devoid of seriousness—being revered like a saint among the territory's people was entirely Katia's doing. The instructor would roll up her sleeves to assist Freya at every major event.

Having served as Lady Freya's magic teacher for years, Katia had become quite renowned in eastern continental high society.

Many noble family heads sought to recruit her... but none could offer better terms than House Elvester.

Moreover, poaching a magic instructor from the eastern continent's de facto rulers required considerable audacity.

For the foreseeable future, Katia would remain rooted to Elvester's estate.

"Once the weather warms, a new magical education facility will open in the continent's southwest. Given the lack of systematic magic instruction there, southwestern nobility are showing keen interest."

"Ravenclaw Academy, you mean? Magic is intricate and heavily influenced by lineage... I'm curious how they'll teach it systematically."

Katia rested her chin thoughtfully.

"Still, if Derek's involved, there must be grand intentions behind it."

"We can't remain idle either. It would be absurd for our Elvester magic instructor to fall behind on educational developments."

"Certainly worth monitoring."

"Seeing it firsthand would be most reliable, no?"

Kochella's narrowed eyes crinkled with amusement. Katia found the elderly mage's smile unsettling.

"With no noble lady in eastern society matching Freya's caliber, her horizons should broaden. While you're there, observe the academy's progress in the southwest. I'll provide official authorization."

"I-I appreciate the consideration. But neglecting my duties worries me. The southwest is over a day's carriage ride away—"

"I've heard about Freya's recent plateau. She needs new stimulation."

Katia swallowed dryly.

True, Freya had advanced rapidly to 2-Star level... but seemed to hit an invisible wall afterward.

With no peers matching her magical progress locally, interaction with Ravenclaw's disciples might provide fresh impetus...

'But Derek's disciples are too formidable in both skill and authority.'

Having corresponded with Derek, Katia knew his school's composition well.

Rumors spoke of a girl wielding 3-Star magic right after her coming-of-age—a rarity across the entire continent.

Rather than inspiring Freya, such company might shatter her confidence.

'I'd prefer Lady Freya focused on magical achievements within the safety of the count's estate...'

Katia swallowed nervously under Kochella's persistent smile. Refusal seemed impossible.

After brief contemplation, she nodded.

"It does sound beneficial. Though visiting Ravenclaw Academy's construction site... before assessing educational developments... would primarily mean reuniting with an old disciple."

Now a 4-Star mage surpassing Katia herself, Derek still treated her with utmost respect—never forgetting her aid during his lowest days.

"So rather than official correspondence... I'll arrange this privately."

Kochella smiled approvingly.

Sweating profusely, Katia bowed silently.

"Oh...!"

Derek's startled reaction made Elente jump beside him.

Elente had been receiving magic theory instruction at Ravenclaw Barony.

Unlike at Count Belmierd's estate, she could relax without constant scrutiny over her attire and actions.

She'd even considered staying overnight after lessons concluded.

"...?"

While contemplating how to monopolize Derek's time, she noticed his rare smile upon reading a letter delivered by Head Butler Delbritton.

Such visible delight from the typically stoic man piqued Elente's curiosity.

"What is it, Derek?"

"My apologies. I was momentarily distracted. A welcome guest is visiting."

A welcome guest.

The phrase further intrigued Elente.

This iron-willed man remained impassive even when receiving noble ladies of highest standing. Who could make him forget mid-lesson decorum and beam so openly?

Though aware of her personal interest, Elente burned with curiosity about this mystery guest who could melt Derek's icy demeanor.

"Who has you so delighted?"

"My magic instructor from mercenary days."

"Ah yes. Katia... Katia Flameheart, was it?"

"Correct. An immensely knowledgeable mentor. Unsurprisingly, she's gained renown as a magic instructor in the eastern continent."

The vast distance between southwest and east limited information flow.

Yet their mutual awareness suggested regular correspondence.

That this perpetually busy man would personally maintain contact spoke volumes about their bond.

"Beyond magical expertise, she possesses profound wisdom about life itself. I've never regretted following her guidance."

"I've... never seen you express such trust in anyone before..."

"The backstory is lengthy... but I'll spare the details. Regardless, our busy schedules prevented meetings... so this opportunity excites me. Much preparation is needed."

Derek seemed uncharacteristically verbose. The prospect of reuniting with his old mentor visibly energized him.

By all accounts, Katia was an elderly woman—no romantic rival—but seeing the usually impassive Derek display such open affection felt strangely unsettling.

Surrounded by blossoming flowers yet never showing interest, now reverting to boyish enthusiasm at his teacher's visit.

If Katia held such significance for Derek, Elente recognized her own stake in this.

'I know little about this mage Katia, but I must avoid offending her.'

Ever perceptive, Elente resolved to make a good impression.

Though how Derek's other disciples might react remained uncertain.

-'I'm an adult now. I can take care of myself.'

'How time flies, Derek.'

Boarding the carriage, Katia recalled leaving young Derek in that tiny slum hideout.

His anxious pretense had tugged at her heartstrings, making departure painfully difficult.

Throughout her journey to Elvester territory, she'd kept glancing back toward Evelstain.

Even after settling into her busy new life, Derek's occasional letters brought relief.

Though her worries gradually eased with each update, a peculiar guilt lingered.

However unavoidable, she'd ultimately abandoned him that day.

'No need for gloom when reuniting with a dear face after so long.'

Leaning back, Katia smiled contentedly.

"Ugh... Teacher Katia... Why must we ride this rickety carriage when the estate has such grand ones?"

"As explained, Lady Freya. Arriving under House Elvester's official banner would overwhelm Ravenclaw Barony."

The count's luxurious carriages required craning one's neck to admire. In comparison, Katia's rented transport resembled a creaky cargo wagon.

Lady Freya pouted but couldn't refute her teacher.

With servants'assistance, she boarded while groaning.

"This bone-rattling ride to the southwest will shatter my spine..."

"Consider it character-building."

"Ugh..."

As Katia soothed the grumbling noblewoman, she visualized their southwest route.

Through the central capital's domain, across Lorel Plains... traversing County Renuel and Duchy Beltus before the long final stretch.

'Using Count Elvester's name would ease passage through other territories... but as private travelers, we should avoid unnecessary attention.'

Southwestern nobles were notoriously insular regarding border crossings.

Rumors of Evelstain's strong-willed noble ladies also promised... exhausting encounters.

'Since we're going southwest anyway, we should visit Evelstain. Survey high society there... I wonder if Jayden still runs his tavern business...'

At this point, Katia remained blissfully unaware of what being Derek's revered mentor truly signified.

Isolated in distant Elvester territory, she couldn't possibly grasp the current southwestern dynamics.