Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 179

The sun was already setting by the time Derek left the Duplein mansion.

After a full day of reviewing academy construction schedules, inspecting buildings, and engaging in pleasantries with the family head, Derek was utterly exhausted.

Is this what noble life usually feels like?

Exiting the Duplein ducal residence, Derek wore an even more indifferent expression than usual.

During his brief stay in the north, his magical aptitude had grown, and he'd repeatedly trained to the brink of reaching 5-star proficiency.

Though the environment was harsh and cold, Derek felt he'd spent far more fulfilling days in the snowbound Rocheste Ducal mansion.

Yet in this era, one couldn't abandon noble authority to become a high-ranking mage.

If all his current endeavors bore fruit, Derek might rise beyond his baronial title.

Whether this would positively impact his life remained uncertain.

Still, such was the world.

When had this continent's rule—where magic equated to noble authority—come to be?

He could only sigh empty thoughts.

"You seem preoccupied."

As Derek headed toward the waiting carriage after exiting the main gate, Ryner followed behind.

Scratching the back of his head with a hollow laugh, Ryner patted Derek's shoulder.

"With the imperial inspection team's visit confirmed, your mind must be tangled regardless."

"That's just procedural... but the mountain of remaining tasks is giving me a headache."

"Higher status and greater achievements inevitably bring greater problems. Now you see why I wander gambling halls in this wretched state?"

"..."

Ryner cheerfully grinned before sitting on a garden bench bathed in sunset's crimson glow, crossing his arms.

"Your worries and challenges have become far more sophisticated compared to your mercenary days."

"That may be so, but..."

Derek rested his chin thoughtfully before suddenly asking:

"You actively helped me obtain the baronial title. While it was initially to assist Lady Elente, many questions remain."

"Questions? To stop my foolish youngest brother from harming Elente... what further reason is needed?"

"Couldn't you have helped Lady Elente directly instead of through me?"

As Derek tilted his head questioningly, Ryner coughed and wiped sweat before answering:

"As I said, Elente detests me. After abandoning the family in my youth, wandering without regard for noble duties—why would she respect me? A presentable mentor figure like you standing beside her was more likely to earn her nod."

"..."

"And I was right, wasn't I? Elente adores you. Despite her composed demeanor, she's quite different underneath."

Ryner became more enigmatic the more one knew him.

Draping an arm over his yellowish tunic, he absentmindedly stroked his unshaved stubble.

"The Belmierd family is far more cutthroat than you imagine. Having at least one trustworthy mentor is essential for survival. Though I never expected you'd attract so many other disciples."

"...There's more to it, isn't there?"

"Perhaps. Regardless, elevating you was motivated by certainty you'd remain Elente's ally."

Clearing his throat, Ryner produced a small liquor bottle from his waist and gulped noisily.

His messy drinking hardly befitted nobility.

"I'm a gambler. I'll play money games until it's time to bow out. Unlike me—descending from high society to the gutters—you who climbed from the bottom up need solidity."

"Lately, I've been feeling that burden."

"Unavoidable. Among those I know, you're uniquely connected to multiple 6-star mages. Only Kohlera at Gremfort Palace rivals your network."

Ryner chuckled hoarsely.

"Great influence brings great responsibility. Exhausting, isn't it? Heh."

"..."

Was he here to tease?

As Derek entertained that thought, Ryner leaned against the bench backrest.

"In my view, 6-star confusion mages exist."

Thus he delivered his weighty hypothesis.

Though usually drunken and erratic, Ryner occasionally spoke with grave solemnity.

Now was such a moment.

"...Any evidence?"

"Nothing concrete. But Kohlera accompanying Princess Roselyn's inspection is suspicious."

"..."

"You know how busy the Imperial Head Magic Advisor is. Yet he's visiting an academy construction site he already approved? Unusual."

Another noisy gulp, then the bottle clinked down.

Paradoxically, his eyes grew sober.

Ryner's sharp gaze seemed fixed on some distant point.

"That old snake only acts unusually when 6-star mages are involved. Magic-obsessed as he is."

"Hard to deny."

"Whether you take this as compliment or insult, you and Kohlera seem fundamentally similar."

Magic-obsessed madmen.

Only those willing to sacrifice everything might approach 7-star proficiency.

Kohlera had researched 7-star magic longer than anyone.

His psyche was likely profoundly twisted.

"Kohlera personally accompanying Princess Roselyn on this routine visit suggests something's afoot. Though long dismissed as fantasy, it's prudent to assume'existence'and act accordingly."

"Understood. But how could we counter a mage beyond all perception?"

"True. Heh. Still, 6-star mages aren't omnipotent. Everything has weaknesses or limits."

Ryner gazed at the setting sun.

Derek followed his gaze.

Combat, transformation, detection, necromancy.

Derek had met 6-star mages in all four fields—confirmed existences.

Acting against one whose existence was unverified seemed theoretically impossible.

"Ultimately no different from gambling. When uncertain, assume existence and act. Fail to consider possibilities, and you'll lose everything."

Yet Ryner seemed oddly relaxed.

"That's gambling's essence."

"Tell the servants not to wake me early tomorrow."

By Derek's return to Ravenclaw Barony, night had deepened.

Compared to the sprawling Duplein mansion, Ravenclaw Barony seemed modest.

Though remnants of training institute structures lent it greater scale than typical rural baronies.

With those operations moving to Ravenclaw Academy's new site, the barony would regain quiet—not unwelcome.

"My shoulder needs rest. Skip breakfast preparations."

After instructing Delbritton and the head maid, Derek finished a light dinner.

"Sleeping in... meaning you'll rest all morning?"

"My shoulder needs recovery before I can focus. Leave any academy opening schedules on my desk—only report urgent matters."

"Y-yes... Understood. Then... you'll be... asleep until dawn...?"

"...Until dawn?"

"..."

As Delbritton averted his eyes awkwardly, Derek squinted at him.

Come to think of it, today marked one day since taking over Aiselin's duties.

Derek cautiously asked:

"...How did Lady Aiselin handle this?"

"..."

"Honesty. Now."

"She... slept about three hours daily, handling paperwork until dawn. Maids took night shifts assisting her."

Head maid Elfin answered tremblingly.

Derek studied her. Dark circles and blemished skin betrayed exhaustion.

Keeping pace with Aiselin's monstrous stamina inevitably destroyed anyone.

When first hired, young head maid Elfin had rejoiced at assisting Aiselin—Evelstain high society's treasure. Her vitality seemed perfect for the role.

Yet within months, Elfin grew so pallid she resembled a necromantic revenant.

Though initially proud to serve the admired Aiselin...

Now only regret, exhaustion, and obsession remained...

"Lady Aiselin won't handle duties temporarily."

"I-is that possible?"

The very question was alarming.

But within Ravenclaw Barony, Derek held ultimate authority.

Even Duplein's daughter must respect his decisions regarding academy matters.

As Derek nodded, life returned to Delbritton and Elfin's faces.

Even maids clearing dishes and squires cleaning corridors shuddered.

Though unspoken, an odd energy surged among them.

Like oppressed souls discovering a savior.

Who was Aiselin?

Evelstain's treasured noble lady, universally admired.

Yet within Ravenclaw Barony, she'd become... an inescapable terror.

The horror stemmed from one fact:

She meant no harm.

She simply worked tirelessly, managing the estate.

"...What hell did you endure while I was north?"

"Then... if I may, excluding guards, no night shifts are needed?"

"Security permitting... sleep is necessary..."

"No predawn schedule reviews or surprise inspections...?"

"Basic checks remain. But unreasonable hours are unnecessary."

"Sudden predawn construction site visits? Grabbing shovels to replant gardens? Ordering ladders for exterior renovations? Dawn grass replanting...?"

"What nonsense is this?"

As Derek sweated, head maid Elfin suddenly bowed deeply.

"I'll serve you... forever... My Lord..."

Derek froze at the tearful bow, but Delbritton and other staff's silent empathy spoke volumes.

Derek could only fall silent.

One thought dominated:

These people deserved massive raises.

Aiselin Eleanor Duplein died miserably.

Or so she felt.

"...."

Her luxurious lace-adorned bedroom in Duplein mansion.

After returning, Aiselin's day consisted of: brief site inspection, family tea, reading philosophy, and light music.

An ideal noblewoman's leisurely life—yet Aiselin had degenerated terribly.

This hollow routine made her soul leak away.

'The monthly budget needs finalizing today... Did Delbritton review it?'

'For the imperial visit, all maid uniforms must be laundered... Elfin better not have forgotten...'

'Gasp! The tableware payment deadline was today! Surely they paid...?'

'His Majesty's visit requires gathering all disciples... I sent Lady Elente's invitation, but Lady Trisha and Lady Denise need confirmations...'

Lying still, she hallucinated ledger lines on the ceiling.

For Aiselin, quitting work was worse than drug withdrawal.

Yet Derek's decision was justified.

Suddenly examining her hands, she noticed damaged cuticles.

Without such measures, she'd work until collapse.

"......"

She needed someone to rein her in.

None could deny Derek's suitability.