Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 164

The Ravenclaw Barony's territory in Rodelen was known for its warm climate year-round and abundant sunlight, famous as a wine-producing region.

To Sirine, who had always wandered snowfields gazing at cold, empty landscapes, this place felt like paradise on earth.

A land lush with vegetation. Sitting quietly on the guest house rooftop overlooking the sprawling grasslands made all her worries seem to disappear.

The days spent weeping in the spire of Rocheste Territory, hugging her knees, now felt like ancient history. Ravenclaw Barony had become her new home.

Yet occasionally, she still thought of Melberot guarding the northern Rocheste lands.

She often felt she should visit at least once. If she remained trapped only in that frozen land rather than this warm place, her heart might grow cold too.

"Right. I should go at least once."

Though satisfied with life here, she wanted to visit occasionally to comfort her father's loneliness.

Such desires blooming in her heart were inevitable.

'My mind feels hazy.'

Katia felt utterly bewildered observing the Duplein sisters.

Even for someone as experienced as Katia, these sisters defied description.

The elder sister Aiselin appeared the perfect noble lady, yet showed an oddly obsessive, fiery enthusiasm for practical matters and work.

"Lord Derek doesn't seem to realize how precious his well-being is. Wouldn't it be better to entrust not just Duplein Territory matters but also Ravenclaw Barony affairs to me? He looks at me with worried eyes saying he's concerned about overwork or being a burden... but persuasion doesn't work on him... Perhaps if you spoke to him, Lady Katia, he might reconsider?"

"..."

"What do you think, Lady Katia? Derek seems focused on magic training, and once the academy is built, he'll need to devote energy to education too. Wouldn't managing such things be a waste of his time? As someone who cares for Derek, wouldn't you consider persuading him more actively?"

"That... for someone as noble as Lady Aiselin to devote herself to such matters seems..."

"No! I'm perfectly fine with it! That's why I'm asking for your help in persuading Derek, Lady Katia!"

If Aiselin's workaholic tendencies were one thing, Diela was intimidating in an entirely different way.

"What was Derek like as a child?"

"In the slums... he suffered much. But he was principled and passionate about magic—teaching him was rewarding."

"I see... Did he have any other... connections back then?"

"Pardon?"

"That mercenary Pellin... he doesn't seem particularly interested in her... but Derek has such broad connections, who knows? Someone who shared memories with him, a friend who went through hard times together... are there many such people...?"

"Why... why do you ask?"

"J-just curious."

"..."

As when meeting Denis, Katia realized many were eyeing Derek keenly.

While this could be seen as fortunate, having just witnessed the sisters command retainers moments ago left Katia speechless.

The disciples of the Ravenclaw School each had peculiar traits that defied the usual noble socialite intuition.

Even the experienced Katia couldn't help but be flustered—each one was uniquely eccentric.

'Derek... what kind of life are you leading to handle all these people...'

With each noble lady being of such high status, none could be treated carelessly.

Teaching magic while dealing with multiple such figures daily was no easy feat.

'I mustn't lose heart. Having come all this way to the southwest, I should scout more candidates to guard Derek's side.'

She'd sufficiently caught up with her long-lost disciple.

Only tasks remained to wrap up before returning to Elvester County.

Though deciding on Derek's life partner wasn't urgent, she at least wanted to identify potential candidates.

'I'll need to visit Evelstain's high society for conclusions. I must meet the ladies of the Rosea Salon...'

With a bright smile, Katia politely thanked the Duplein sisters.

"Meeting you has been truly delightful. Seeing the academy construction site and those Derek is indebted to has been quite fulfilling."

"Ah, yes... Are you leaving now?"

"As Lady Aiselin mentioned, Derek seems to have much work awaiting at Ravenclaw Territory. I shouldn't waste his time playing the doting teacher."

Though Derek appeared satisfied just wandering around with Katia after so long, this was excuse enough to return.

She felt somewhat guilty toward the Duplein sisters who'd dressed beautifully hoping to impress, but Katia decided to reserve judgment.

'The remaining candidates are Lady Elente of the Belmiard family... and Lady Sirine of the Rocheste family, was it? I can't begin to guess what they're like.'

Katia already felt a headache coming on.

Through exchanged letters, she knew all Derek's disciples were eccentric. She could only hope the remaining two might be slightly easier to read.

After politely bidding farewell to the Duplein sisters, Katia followed servants into the corridor and sighed deeply.

- Caw caw

In the melancholic early evening atmosphere, she strolled briefly through Duplein Manor's central garden.

She often reflected that the deeper and more authoritative the person, the harder they were to handle.

As matriarch of the Flameheart family, she hadn't struggled this much. The nobles there had been transparent and manageable.

How wonderful when people's intentions are clear and actions predictable.

Such individuals were far easier—she'd spent most of her life dealing with them.

Just as she collected her weary thoughts in the garden:

"D-do you know who I am...! I'm Tricia of the Renuel Family...! You should recognize me at a glance!"

"Y-yes... of course, Lady Tricia. W-we'd never not recognize you. We're just preparing servants to properly receive your carriage according to your status..."

"I said I don't need it! Just move aside! If I miss him again after sunset, I'm really done for...! I need to hurry and clean up my mess...!"

Someone was arguing at Duplein Manor's main gate.

Looking closer, Katia recognized the girl.

"S-sorry. Had you informed us in advance, this wouldn't have..."

"Are you blaming me now?!"

"N-no! Not at all...!"

Seeing Tricia throwing a tantrum before flustered servants warmed Katia's heart strangely.

This was the quintessential image of an immature noble socialite—arrogant and spoiled.

Figures like Aiselin or Denis—sharp and seemingly perfect in every way—were rare exceptions.

Noble ladies were traditionally either airheaded or ill-mannered—no in-between.

To find someone embodying this adage so perfectly...

Ironically, it felt oddly comforting. Tricia epitomized the spoiled noble girls Katia had dealt with all her life.

"Lady Tricia, isn't it?"

"Who now..? I'm busy to death so if it's useless then—*gasp* Lady Katia, hello................."

The instant Tricia recognized Katia, her expression stiffened as her attitude did a complete about-face—a duplicity so familiar it felt nostalgic.

Katia felt her accumulated frustrations melt away.

A natural smile emerged as she addressed Tricia in a soothing tone.

"Are you in some trouble?"

"W-well... you see..."

Tricia, meanwhile, wanted to die on the spot.

Having rushed to Duplein Manor all day hoping to improve her image, only to immediately yell at servants upon arrival...

She wished she could bite her tongue and perish right there.

"So I informed the Duplein ladies about Lady Tricia's visit. They'll handle the rest appropriately."

"I... see..."

Inside the carriage returning to Ravenclaw Barony.

Recalling Tricia tearfully pulling her hair in frustration, Derek wore a complicated expression.

Knowing Tricia's temperament well, he worried she might have offended Katia.

As he hesitated to ask, Katia instead looked remarkably refreshed as she spoke.

"Lady Tricia... has a talent for putting people at ease..."

"......Pardon?"

"Hard to explain in words... but seeing Lady Tricia brings me peace and stability... Perhaps because she resembles figures I often saw in eastern high society..."

"Is... that so?"

Tricia, convinced she'd made a terrible impression, sat pale-faced while twisting her hair anxiously.

Though Derek had checked her expression repeatedly, unsure how to comfort her, he'd merely patted her shoulder.

Contrary to expectations, Katia didn't seem displeased with Tricia.

'Tricia is one thing... but Master is truly inscrutable...'

Broad tolerance carried many meanings.

Katia was so accustomed to such matters that she could indulgently overlook even a brash junior disciple like Tricia.

Derek simply stared at Katia with that same complicated expression.

- Creak

- Thud thud

Returning to Ravenclaw Barony and walking toward the main manor.

Having dismissed the weary servants who'd assisted all day, and having prepared guest rooms for Lady Freya.

Derek and Katia crossed the barony's front garden as dusk deepened.

"Still, coming all this way to see your face was worthwhile. Through letters alone, I hadn't realized—but seeing with my own eyes makes it real."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. From our parting in Elvester's market district to now, you've never stopped striving. This vast territory, your magical prowess, the disciples who follow you, these retainers—all fruits of your labor."

"You flatter me too much."

"Hmm... is it really flattery? Few commoner-born mages achieve such success."

Entering the main manor, they passed through the hall and ascended to the second floor.

Heading to Derek's office for final tea and conversation before retiring.

"That's why this trip was especially valuable. Tomorrow I'll tour Evelstain's high society, and if nothing noteworthy remains, I'll return to Elvester County."

"So soon? After such a long journey?"

"Duties pile up at Elvester Manor. Making time like this was difficult, but worthwhile."

Pausing mid-step, Katia smiled softly at Derek.

"Derek. You've worked so hard. Just knowing you're doing well gives me strength."

"..."

Derek rarely showed emotion.

Katia knew this well and expected little reaction.

Yet after listening quietly, Derek flashed an uncharacteristic smile.

"All thanks to having a good teacher."

"..."

Katia started before mirroring his gentle smile.

"What an impudent disciple I have—one who's surpassed all I could teach."

"Nonsense. No matter what, I'll always proudly call myself your disciple."

Derek shrugged with a warm smile as they reached the office door.

In a world flowing with bitter cold.

Meeting Katia on those slum streets had been Derek's greatest miracle.

With such thoughts, Derek opened the office door.

"Shall we have some herbal tea before retiring? I'll have servants bring—"

- Whoosh!

Then, an indescribable chill poured from the opened doorway.

In the moonless dead of night.

Within the darkness-filled office, someone sat perched on Derek's large desk.

Petite frame, elegant frilled dress, neatly trimmed lavender hair, matching eyes.

A 6-star mage who'd bid farewell with noble bearing, claiming they'd likely never meet again.

"..."

Derek could only frown at the ominous aura flooding from the office.

Katia behind him gaped in shock.

The girl blinking in the dark office was clearly a stranger to Katia.

Yet an inexplicable pressure stifled her voice.

The girl was drenched in blood.

The metallic stench so overpowering it pierced the air from yards away.

As if she'd returned directly from some slaughter.

"Wait—"

As Derek tried to speak, those eerily lifeless eyes snapped toward him.

Her lips curled mechanically before Phee's voice—wrapped in spectral energy—rang out.

"Derek~!"

That seemingly cheerful tone carried unsettling dissonance.

As Derek stepped back to assess the situation, Phee leapt from the desk.

Blood droplets marked her path.

An unfathomable darkness swirled in the girl's eyes—bottomless and obscure.

"Why so late? I nearly died waiting. My disciple, Derek."

"Lady Phee?"

"Yes. It's me. Your teacher, who'll guide you to greater heights—your one and only teacher. Pine Rafaela Tigris. Say my name again. Drop the'Lady'nonsense. Say it—teacher. Call me Teacher Phee... Say it..."

"You clearly said you were returning to Tigris Territory..."

"True. I did. That worthless land... my business there is done. Something far more important awaits."

Too calm for madness, too inscrutable for mere eccentricity.

One thing was certain—Phee's state was anything but normal. Like watching a structure teetering on collapse.

Anyone would shudder at Phee's unsettling smile.

Katia's fingers trembled at the indescribable menace.

"My disciple, my only Derek is here... Of course I'd return."

Blood dripped from Phee's sleeves as she laughed.

After stroking Derek's arm repeatedly, she suddenly turned serious, snapping her gaze toward Katia.

That gaze alone constricted Katia's heart with terror.

A master of necromancy's pinnacle—death itself served her.

Just facing this blood-drenched girl risked being swallowed by madness.