Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 180

The royal inspection team was assembled surprisingly quickly.

Among the bureaucratic nobles of Gremfort Palace, the establishment of Ravenclaw Academy was already an approved matter, so the emperor's personal visit to inspect the academic facilities was merely a formality.

Emperor Gertrel, long past his prime and completely aged, no longer exerted meaningful influence over state affairs.

Each day, he barely managed to care for his ailing body, living only to reminisce about the glorious past of the empire he had built.

The political tensions between the imperial faction centered around Princess Rozelyn, the noble faction led by Chairman Damon and bureaucratic nobles, and the pure magic faction headed by Head Magic Advisor Kochella.

With Princess Rozelyn practically confirmed as the next emperor, those scrambling for power crowded near the throne.

'What's the point of seizing imperial authority by crushing rivals and relatives? At this rate, she'll become a puppet emperor.'

Princess Rozelyn sat in her carriage, chin resting on her hand as she pressed her forehead.

Both Crown Prince Bulis and Second Princess Lavender had already yielded to Rozelyn's overwhelming momentum in the imperial succession race.

When facing stubborn factions like the nobles or magic purists, only the strong-willed Princess Rozelyn could maintain the tug-of-war.

First Prince Bulis was merely a bookworm obsessed with academics, while Princess Lavender was simply a gentle, delicate flower.

While some imperial family members maintained noble, beautiful appearances, others had to struggle through mud and thorns to preserve their power.

No one in the imperial family denied that Rozelyn was the most qualified candidate.

'We need talent. Someone knowledgeable in magic who won't be swayed by vipers like Kochella, yet doesn't consider it a privilege... Such individuals must be rare. Melberot would have been ideal, but he doesn't seem to trust me. When provoked, he only shows indifference.'

Though Rozelyn disparaged central bureaucratic nobles as fattened pigs, she knew imperial faction bureaucrats weren't entirely clean either.

Power and corruption were like light and shadow—inevitably intertwined. What mattered was who maintained the balance.

Understanding this, Rozelyn had wanted someone like Melberot.

However, Melberot was like a noble wolf. He never bowed to others, living only by his principles while protecting the northern territories.

Even his reputation as the Empire's Sword was merely him fulfilling an old promise to the imperial family after the Dawn War.

Lately, he even seemed dominated by his daughter Sirine.

Despite it being for her education, taking in Derek and granting him various authorities—even turning a blind eye to his academy's establishment—clearly showed Melberot's high regard for the man. But Sirine's influence couldn't be ignored.

'Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw...'

As she sat quietly in her soon-to-depart carriage, Princess Rozelyn gazed out the window.

Gremfort Palace, hailed as humanity's greatest architectural marvel, displayed its majestic form beneath the sky.

Its staggering size—taking over half a day to traverse on foot—meant even carriage travel required considerable time to exit the palace grounds.

Whoever gained control of this colossal palace would dominate the political landscape.

Contemplating her thorniest adversaries—Damon of the noble faction and Kochella of the pure magic faction—Princess Rozelyn sank deep into thought.

She needed a weapon.

A finely honed blade capable of matching Damon, the most capable bureaucrat, and Kochella, the greatest transformation magic specialist.

"The carriage will depart shortly, Your Highness Princess Rozelyn."

"..."

Lost in thought, she barely noticed someone opening the carriage door.

Only a select few could enter the princess's carriage unannounced. Speak of the devil—the ominous old man himself, Head Magic Advisor Kochella, had come to pay his respects.

"How touching that Advisor Kochella shows such concern for me. I'm at a loss for how to respond."

"No need for such wariness, Your Highness. Aren't we allies sharing common goals?"

As Rozelyn frowned, Kochella sat opposite her with a gentle smile, producing a large magical tome.

"It took some time. This is'The Book of Resentment'—an ancient labyrinth grimoire refined through my transformation magic. I aimed for 6-star quality, but despite my efforts, it only reached 5-star."

"Oh? So even the great 6-star transformation mage can't always create 6-star artifacts?"

"Naturally. Preparation time and variables make it challenging."

Officially, Kochella had only created three 6-star magical weapons or artifacts.

One was presented to Emperor Gertrel—the magical weapon"Light of the Empire"that could be observed and its magic felt anywhere across the continent.

Of course, the aged Gertrel couldn't wield such powerful magic... but as a symbolic"imperial weapon,"nothing compared.

Kochella placed the child-sized book before her with a beaming smile.

"If a true 6-star confusion mage exists, this book can locate them."

"What exactly does this book's magic do?"

"Would you like to see for yourself?"

Princess Rozelyn's suspicious expression deepened as she slowly flipped through the massive tome.

The effort poured into each rune was extraordinary—worthy of the continent's foremost transformation mage.

But as she comprehended its contents, her face gradually hardened.

"What... is the purpose of this? Not that it affects me personally, but..."

"Necessary sacrifices. If a 6-star confusion mage exists, this is the only way to find them."

Having fully grasped the book's secret, Princess Rozelyn's expression froze.

Though this expedition was nominally for inspecting Ravenclaw Academy, Kochella clearly had other objectives.

"The 6-star confusion mage you mentioned, Your Highness... If they exist, we'll surely discover them during this inspection."

A flicker of fear rose at the old mage's sinister smile, but Rozelyn expertly suppressed it.

Every elderly noble in Gremfort Palace was a venomous snake.

Feeling disturbed now would be pointless.

Though Kochella's exact plans remained unclear, his determination to find a 6-star confusion mage was evident.

This inspection wouldn't conclude peacefully. Something would happen.

She could only hope it wouldn't turn bloody.

"The royal inspection team arrives at Ravenclaw territory tomorrow. His Majesty Emperor Gertrel's personal visit is momentous, so all academy members must attend."

"I've heard."

After concluding the Elfontaine Hall academic meeting, Elennte—rarely making suggestions—proposed tea for Ravenclaw School's noble ladies.

As the school's second-ranked member and de facto head of House Belmierd, refusal was nearly unthinkable.

Thus, after salon duties, they gathered at a teahouse near the central fountain in Evelstein's noble district.

Diela, Elennte, Denis, Sirine... and Trisha.

Their combined entourage numbered over thirty attendants.

Naturally drawing public attention, the gathering radiated indescribable authority.

Each member represented an illustrious family's actual power.

At the center sat the school's top-ranked Diela.

"The Duplein Ducal family has prepared everything—banquet arrangements, venue preparation, reception plans. All events will occur at the academy grounds in Duplein territory."

With arms crossed and crimson hair cascading, the dignified second-ranked Elennte added:

"Belmierd attendants will assist. With the royal family personally inspecting, even minor mistakes are unacceptable..."

The elegant silver-haired third-ranked Denis spoke modestly:

"Beltus apologizes for limited support due to internal stabilization efforts. But my personal attendance should prevent protocol issues."

"...Understood."

The fourth-ranked Sirine—highest in magic prowess, backed by two 6-star mages, her essence reeking of bloodshed.

'I... I'm truly part of this group now... Hehe... hehehe...'

And then simply noble lady Trisha.

With Emperor Gertrel personally inspecting Ravenclaw Academy, coordination was essential.

The day would feature numerous reception events, followed by luncheons and banquets in the academy's main hall.

After customary inspection formalities and exchanged pleasantries, they'd part ways.

As the academy was established around House Ravenclaw, its noble ladies would naturally represent its public face.

Any misstep would tarnish its reputation, creating inevitable tension.

Yet the atmosphere remained light.

Each was accustomed to representing their prestigious families at major events.

Diela worried about her attire, Elennte felt no tension, while Denis and Sirine were utterly unfazed.

Only Trisha dripped cold sweat unconsciously.

'Heh... hehe... Attending the royal inspection... How amusing... So amusing...'

Though her inner monologue sounded composed, her arms trembled visibly.

Having been thoroughly disciplined by Sirine and comforted by Elennte, Trisha now understood the power dynamics.

But bowing her head meekly wasn't her style.

She stiffly raised her chin, wiping sweat while maintaining an air of nonchalance.

'Nervous? Me? The jewel of House Renuel?'

The same Trisha who danced effortlessly at Count Renuel's social events wouldn't tremble now.

With a snap, she unfurled her lace fan, forcing an elegant laugh.

"...?"

"?"

As others tilted their heads curiously, Trisha finally noticed her odd behavior and shrank slightly.

'I feel sick...'

After the school's tea gathering concluded, Trisha staggered into the streets with her attendants, utterly drained.

She'd assumed the royal inspection would require mere formal attendance—never imagining all school members would participate together.

Even among peers, comparisons were inevitable.

Facing figures like Diela, Elennte, Denis, and Sirine made her lips droop despite her"never back down"motto.

Her concerned attendants watched anxiously.

'Hup...!'

But Trisha soon shook her head and straightened proudly.

By the luxurious fountain in the noble district's peaceful center.

Watching the spraying water, she composed herself.

'With my looks, grace, and dignity, there's no reason to feel inferior! Right!'

Nothing in life improved by feeling small. Confidence could achieve the impossible.

Just as Trisha's arrogance resurfaced—

"You seem troubled... Lady Trisha..."

"Eek...!"

A familiar voice startled her. By the fountain sat a familiar figure.

With lovely, elegant hair, a reddish-brown semi-robe over a pretty dress.

Lady Aiselin, who should have been busy preparing for the imperial banquet, sat spiritlessly by the fountain.

"A-Aiselin... my lady...?"

"Peace be with you... You remain as beautiful as ever..."

"Oh, no... But... why are you here...?"

"Vacation... Forced vacation... So... I'm wandering aimlessly..."

"...Forced?"

Though told she looked troubled, Trisha saw deeper worries in Aiselin's eyes.

"I... worked too much... The attendants complained..."

"...? What? Isn't that... good?"

Aiselin's eyes lit up.

"Y-you think so? Working hard isn't bad, right?"

"W-well, of course?"

As Trisha hesitantly agreed, Aiselin smiled slightly, perking up.

"Exactly! One must work hard! Life is finite. We must never take our days lightly...!"

"R-right."

"Mr. Derek told me to rest, but doing something feels better. You seem worried too—about the royal inspection?"

"Huh? Well... yes..."

"Shall I help?"

"What?"

Aiselin Eleanor Duplein.

The noble exemplar who single-handedly revived House Duplein—a superhuman among superhumans.

Who could refuse her helping hand?

Countless in Evelstein's social circles would line up just to exchange words with her.

But Trisha didn't know.

The portrait-perfect Aiselin strolling through Rosea Salon represented only a fraction of her.

Aiselin Eleanor Duplein was a poisoned chalice—a cursed blade that could kill its wielder.

Unaware, Trisha happily nodded at this windfall.

Thus began the catastrophe that would mark Renuel family history.

-'Running away temporarily to find myself. Will return within a week.'

"..."

Given vacation, she ran away.

Derek sighed deeply at the note left in Aiselin's room, brought to his office by attendants that morning.

"I planned to have her resume work tomorrow..."

As he muttered, head maid Elfin and her staff paled instantly.

Derek managing the estate for the past week had been paradise for the staff.

Just his normal supervision made them unusually loyal.

But all springs end.

Derek couldn't leave such talent idle. Her work ethic surpassed veteran bureaucrats.

"Well... another week's rest won't hurt. She's been overworking."

Exceptional workers deserved understanding for minor deviations.

Someone like Aiselin could take months off without objection—she'd earned it.

Aiselin was an accomplished 2-star mage approaching 3-star.

With little risk of harm, occasional breaks from routine were healthy.

Thinking this, Derek tucked the note into a drawer.

"Other reports?"

"...A letter from the royal court."

Nodding, Derek accepted the ornate letter from Delbritton.

Seeing the sender's name, he frowned.

Head Magic Advisor Kochella.

A personal letter to Derek.

'She's plotting something.'

Chin resting on hand, Derek narrowed his eyes.

This royal inspection wouldn't conclude quietly.