Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 159

Katia Flameheart had arrived in the southwestern continent.

Neither Katia herself nor Derek considered this particularly significant... but other nobles who heard the news were on high alert.

With Baron Ravenclaw's recent movements drawing intense attention in Evelstain's high society and magical education circles,

the appearance of someone who could influence him naturally made everyone react sensitively.

Countess Rodea, who'd been brushing her prized stallion's mane with a towel draped over her shoulder, made a regretful expression upon hearing the butler's report.

"She already passed through the checkpoint? I had my horse saddled ready to ride across the plains..."

"By the time word reached us, she'd already crossed the grasslands heading toward Ravenclaw Territory. Given her reputation for swift action and disdain for formalities... this might have been intentional."

"The Beltus Territory reportedly held proper ceremonies... What a blunder."

"Shall we prepare a gift to send?"

"Uncertain whether she'd take it positively. Let's observe first."

"Understood."

Ever the pragmatist, Countess Rodea found Katia's rapid movement frustrating.

As she lamented, the butler continued:

"No need for excessive disappointment. The gate guards reported Lady Tricia happened to meet the mage at the checkpoint."

"Oh? Tricia did?"

"Yes. She even personally escorted the mage to our territory's outskirts... At minimum, proper courtesy was shown."

This unexpected news brightened Rodea's expression.

Considering Tricia's usual behavior, doubts lingered—but having the Renuel heiress personally escort a guest suggested proper treatment.

How Tricia managed such perfect etiquette without prior knowledge of Katia's identity was puzzling... but Rodea smiled proudly at her daughter's foresight.

"My Tricia did this? Haha... I thought Hutton's influence made her somewhat uncouth... but maturity comes with age. First joining Baron Ravenclaw's disciples, now this timely diplomatic gesture... I truly raised her well."

Rodea laughed heartily, puffing her chest with pride.

Tricia remained every inch the elegant noblewoman in appearance. Proper conduct would surely leave Katia favorably impressed with House Renuel.

She'd praise Tricia upon her return.

Rodea's lips curled upward as she adjusted the reins.

Rodea's smile was dropping.

Massaging her temples, she wore a stormy expression.

At the tea table prepared for Tricia's return, the countess grimaced, needing confirmation:

"Let me get this straight..."

A pale-faced maid who'd accompanied Tricia delivered Katia's message:

"Th-the eastern mage Katia Flameheart sends regards. Thanks to Lady Tricia's escort, troublesome matters were avoided, for which she's grateful. However... regarding the offer to become Lady Tricia's attendant... she must regrettably decline, being of Elvester lineage..."

"You proposed that Katia Flameheart—Baron Ravenclaw's own mentor—become your servant?!"

"Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!"

Tricia's sole redeeming quality was confessing faults immediately rather than lying.

Under Rodea's glare—which made grown men tremble—the mouse-like Tricia could only tearfully apologize.

"There's so much context! She looked common! The situation demanded anger! We bonded over conversation! Her noble insight was impressive! I got carried away—"

"Tricia. In all my years, I've never seen someone ask their teacher's teacher to become their lackey. Who knows how Baron Ravenclaw will react..."

"Sorrysorrysorrysorrysorry!"

Rodea sighed deeply, pressing her forehead.

House Renuel's longstanding ambition was recruiting Baron Ravenclaw. This blunder could ruin everything.

"Tricia..."

"Eep!"

As Tricia hugged her shoulders tearfully, Rodea's tiger-like eyes gleamed.

"Fix this."

"YES MA'AM!!!!!!"

"I met two of your disciples on the way. Both seem lovely."

"Lady Tricia and... Lady Denise, correct?"

"Indeed. Quite... distinctive personalities. You have my sympathy."

"Not at all. Their magical foundations are solid—teaching them isn't complicated."

"Magic aside..."

Passing Ravenclaw Manor's gates, Katia wore a troubled expression.

Derek studied her silently as she continued:

"I heard about your nominal wife—Pellin, was it? A mercenary with no noble pretenses makes convenient camouflage... but that facade won't last forever. Don't grow complacent."

"Teacher..."

"Take this as concern, not criticism. Marriage matters are life-or-death in noble circles."

Katia's usually gentle eyes now burned intensely.

At Derek's age, with his looks and capabilities... noblewomen wouldn't remain passive.

Using Pellin as cover had worked thus far... but the ruse's expiration neared.

"Derek... truthfully now. Among your noble acquaintances... can you swear none harbor ulterior motives?"

Having noticed Denise's particular interest in Derek, Katia suspected others lurked.

She wouldn't let her pupil—practically her son—fall prey to social climbers.

"..."

Derek couldn't answer definitively.

He'd recognized several ladies'affections but used Pellin to politely deflect them—a arrangement for which he regularly compensated Pellin with quality fruits.

Yet Katia saw through this.

Gripping Derek's shoulders, she spoke with unusual intensity:

"Derek. Your magical devotion is admirable... but don't underestimate the value of a good partner. I want you to live happily."

"Teacher... I appreciate the advice but—"

"I'm not pressuring you. Just warning against noble vipers. You're prime prey in high society."

Katia had seen too many seasoned socialites devour promising young men.

Though Derek seemed unlikely to succumb, one could never be certain.

"Now, let's continue inside. I hear you've prepared excellent wine—just what this old woman needs."

"First, let's store your carriage."

"Right. Hmm..."

Katia hesitated before adding:

"Actually... we have one more guest. Don't be startled."

"...I anticipated this."

Servants inspecting the second carriage froze as a girl in lavish dress descended.

Surveying Ravenclaw Manor with half-lidded eyes, she greeted Derek with a lazy wave.

"We meet again. My, how you've risen since last time."

Her mint-colored hair ribbons swayed as she stretched, handing a large bag to a servant.

They'd met years ago during Duplein's crisis.

Lady Freya of House Elvester—the"Queen"of eastern nobility, Katia's prized pupil...

And Derek's junior in magical studies.

"I smell bread..."

Salivating with cheerful appetite, this master of confusion magic had arrived.