Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 166

Gremfort Palace, said to be the most magnificent, vast, and exquisite among all man-made structures.

Sitting alone atop the palace's highest spire, symbolizing the empire's majesty, Kohlera gazed up at the night sky.

The twinkling firmament resembled a sea of stars.

Reaching her hand toward that celestial ocean's center, the aged mage muttered to herself.

'Almost found them all.'

The Big Dipper constellation discovered among the star clusters.

What inspiration had those seven brightest stars given the Grand Mage Adelbert?

Contemplating the magic's profundity, she tightly closed her eyes again.

The seventh realm Adelbert had concealed in his writings rather than documenting.

Combat, chaos, transformation, summoning, detection, taboo... and something beyond.

To reach it required gathering those who'd attained each field's pinnacle. Kohlera's conclusion.

6-star mages touching humanity's limits.

Combat mage Melberot, transformation mage Kohlera, detection mage Drest.

Though the world recognized only these three, Kohlera was certain more existed. 6-star mages hiding from even her sight, avoiding public recognition...

Adelbert's memories she'd glimpsed couldn't be wrong.

The stars'blessed 6-star mages always existed in every field, like fixed constellations—an immutable truth within providence's domain.

Either their talents hadn't fully bloomed or they lived concealed from society.

Only chaos, summoning, and the forbidden necromancy fields remained.

"Something might be amiss with the Tigris Barony."

Tigris Barony was a tiny mountain village at the continent's southeastern edge.

Though Derek's Ravenclaw Barony was modest, Tigris was even smaller—barely overseeing one or two villages.

Granted territory by Elvester Border Count, eastern continent's true power, the Tigris Baron managed monsters near the Rockrail Mountains bordering the eastern spine.

Given its insignificance, the Border Count viewed it as a mere auxiliary force.

With infertile land, no specialties, and no strategic trade routes, the Border Count saw little value there.

"Hmm..."

Late afternoon.

In Elvester Count's lavish dressing room, Katia stood with hands clasped behind her back, delivering her report.

Fatigue showed on her face from the long southwestern journey, yet her expression remained serious for this important matter.

"I expected reports about Evelstain, but Tigris Barony? Unexpected, Katia."

"..."

"Domestic affairs aren't your concern. Why suddenly worry about Tigris? This morning's report from the Baron indicated no issues."

One of eastern nobility's most authoritative figures, Elvester Border Count adjusted his coat with servants'help.

His sharp, piercing gaze met Katia's through the large mirror—a face befitting his prestigious house's leadership.

Though authoritative and intimidating, his trust in Katia remained firm after years recognizing her wisdom.

Thus he tolerated her unusual interest in domestic matters without offense.

"...Reports... arrived already?"

"Yes. As usual, Tigris Barony shows no significant changes. Having verified the Baron's seal myself, I suggest you dismiss these concerns."

Katia dryly swallowed at the Border Count's words.

Though wanting to protest, making baseless claims before him risked consequences.

"I expect different concerns from you. Having visited Ravenclaw Barony, what of Evelstain's high society?"

"Ah, yes. Ravenclaw Academy's construction and Evelstain's social scene were remarkable. Significant changes seem imminent."

"House Elvester always dominated high society. Though distant, major shifts there will eventually reach us."

Finished adjusting his attire, the Border Count brushed his coat sleeves while speaking.

"You're renowned for noble education. While I doubt we'll lag behind, remain vigilant. House Elvester must never lose social prestige—remember you spearhead this effort."

"Understood."

Katia bowed firmly.

Yet her mind was in turmoil.

Considerable time had passed since Phee's rampage at Ravenclaw Barony.

But Phee had taken no further action.

This silence only deepened Katia's unease.

"With warmer weather, Ravenclaw Academy will soon complete construction. Lady Aiselin seems quite busy recruiting faculty recently."

Ravenclaw Barony manor.

Having finished magic training, Derek listened to Head Butler Delbritton's report while wiping sweat.

Maids waiting at the training ground's edge swiftly approached with towels to wipe his back with practiced efficiency.

"I worry she might overwork herself again..."

"I share that concern. But... it's impossible to stop her..."

Derek noticed Delbritton's hesitation.

He didn't press—understanding the butler's dilemma.

-'New tasks keep appearing...! Personnel management seems complex yet has simple aspects too...!!!'

Aiselin immersed in work was practically a force of nature.

The blazing determination in her eyes suggested she'd reduce anyone interfering to charcoal.

"..."

Lately even Derek grew somewhat intimidated by Aiselin.

This was the woman single-handedly rebuilding House Duplein.

Judging her by delicate appearances would be a grave mistake.

An awkward silence fell between Derek and Delbritton.

Wordless mutual understanding passed between them.

"Regarding the recent intrusion, we conducted extensive searches... but found no traces. My deepest... apologies."

She'd breached tight security alone, sitting bloodstained in the reception room.

Having attacked Katia and threatened Derek, all matters were kept secret—association with a 6-star necromancer brought no benefits.

Only the trashed reception room required explanation, hence the nominal investigation.

"Enough. Our retainers couldn't track someone like her anyway."

"...Understood."

When Derek dismissed it, Delbritton pressed no further.

He seemed to sense Derek knew more but respected his lord's discretion.

'That was definitely unusual.'

Derek pondered while stroking his chin.

Phee always carried herself with lofty grace. Seeing her wide-eyed desperation was unprecedented.

She rarely formed attachments after centuries of existence. Yet then, she'd displayed intense possessiveness toward Derek.

'Knowing what happened in Tigris Territory would help assess the situation...'

Being targeted by a 6-star necromancer wasn't trivial.

After sharing all information with Katia, Derek remained vigilant for developments.

Yet nothing occurred.

The eerie silence only heightened his wariness, though immediate action seemed unwarranted.

Nearly a week passed in this state.

Amidst this, baronial affairs, academy construction, and magic training continued unabated.

Life flowed onward as always.

"I have leads regarding the intrusion, so further investigation is unnecessary. With many internal matters, I can't spare retainers unnecessarily."

"Are you certain? A direct attack on the baron in his manor isn't trivial."

"The victim says it's fine. Focus on internal affairs. External disturbances may arise—we must ensure smooth operations."

"Understood. There's little else to report except..."

As Derek gestured to the maid wiping him that it was enough, she shuddered and hastily retreated.

The nervous junior maids always grew fearful watching his magic training.

4-star magic reached inhuman levels—destroying, freezing, warping landscapes effortlessly. Commoners'awe was understandable.

Ordinary folk's admiration stopped at 3-star level.

Few on the continent truly understood this distinction.

"There's correspondence from Rocheste Duchy in your office."

"From Lord Melberot? It's been a while since we corresponded."

"Actually... he requests your visit to Rocheste Territory soon..."

"...Lord Melberot himself?"

Another matter added to Derek's plate.

He couldn't easily refuse Melberot, who'd helped secure his noble title.

"So suddenly...?"

"Yes... He insists you come immediately regardless of schedule."

"Any reason given?"

"He says... he misses seeing his daughter..."

"...."

Sirine, one of Derek's disciples, hailed from snowy northern Rocheste Territory.

Though recently adapting to the southwest's mild climate, Derek occasionally wondered if she missed the snow.

The reverse never occurred to him.

That the cold, arrogant Lord Melberot would summon the busy Ravenclaw Baron for such sentimental reasons seemed uncharacteristic.

He understood delegation.

Needlessly summoning someone to distant territory wasn't statesmanlike.

'Is there another reason he couldn't write?'

Derek already suspected.

Melberot urgently summoning someone because he"missed his daughter"didn't align with his character or conduct.

Though a loving father, he was first a ruler managing bureaucrats.

But with this pretext, etiquette demanded compliance.

"Father... sent a letter saying he wants to see me...?"

Visiting Sirine's Evelstain residence with the news, Derek found her practically sparkling while fidgeting.

Had she a tail, it would be wagging furiously, though her composed appearance remained.

Frequenting Rosea Salon to cultivate ladylike grace, she'd grown noticeably more refined compared to her isolated days in Rocheste's spire.

Her hair, eyes, even frilly dress were pure white.

Yet her radiant expression seemed to glow with every color. Though typically expressionless, longtime acquaintances could read her moods.

"Yes. I'll visit Rocheste Territory soon. You should accompany me."

"Of course. I must show Father what I've learned at Ravenclaw Barony and Rosea Salon... Derek, help me pick northern attire if you're free."

"Others or maids would know better..."

"You choose. Father will appreciate your selections more."

Though her voice stayed calm, her excited demeanor was obvious.

Seeing her genuine happiness pleased Derek immensely.