Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 182

Obsessing over magic is more common than one might think.

In this era where magic forms the foundation of power and symbolizes nobility, it's an inseparable element for those striving to become exalted beings gazing at the clouds above.

Yet most consider magic merely a means, rarely treating it as an end in itself. Such was the age.

Still, even in these times, certain individuals inevitably emerge.

Those utterly captivated by magic itself, dedicating their lives to its pursuit.

In the most luxurious guest chamber of Ravenclaw Academy's dormitory, the princess looked down at the man who'd personally cultivated this vast estate.

To Princess Roselyn, Derek seemed"not yet 6-star"but fundamentally no different from Kohlera.

A monster so immersed in magic that all else becomes meaningless. Kohlera and Derek appeared essentially alike in this regard.

What drives such madness for magic? From Roselyn's perspective—one fundamentally opposed to magic's supposed nobility—this remained incomprehensible.

Yet it was precisely this fanatical disposition that allowed genuine belief in her outlandish hypothesis about a 6-star confusion mage's existence.

"After learning about Princess Roselyn, I conducted personal inquiries. Countless people dismissed you as a childish conspiracy theorist spouting nonsense."

"Would you readily believe such claims? Proclaiming the existence of an imperceptible, unverifiable entity would get anyone labeled insane."

"You must have been lonely."

"Not particularly."

Arms crossed, the princess lounged in an ornately carved chair with practiced ease.

No one believes me, I'm so alone, the world's full of fools...

Such meaningless soliloquies and wanderings had ended long ago.

The world demands evidence before belief.

Repeating baseless claims for years only earns one the madwoman label.

Yet some madmen do exist who'd believe such things.

Whether Kohlera or Derek... such individuals shared abnormal traits. This was why Roselyn remained guarded even with those who believed her.

"I'm fully aware my claims sound delusional. Broadcasting them risks endangering my hard-won imperial succession rights. Do I seem so lacking in judgment?"

"I see."

Derek had stationed Delbritton and Elfin outside, bringing only his most trusted aides—a silent invitation to speak freely.

"You must have been lonely."

"...Not particularly."

Recalling her childhood evoked no particular emotion—it was all in the past.

"So? You believe me about the 6-star confusion mage's existence and feel compelled to find them?"

"Naturally. If such a figure exists, leaving them undiscovered would be a monumental loss for magical history."

"The more you speak, the more you sound like Kohlera."

"I'm honored."

"That wasn't praise."

Roselyn studied Derek's face with a blank expression, chin propped.

Though fundamentally overlapping with Gremfort Palace's viper Kohlera in many aspects, he wasn't entirely identical.

Derek lacked much of Kohlera's sinister aura.

Kohlera often radiated disturbing madness—willing to sacrifice anything, even family or friends, without hesitation to reach 7-star mastery.

Derek represented a different breed of fanatic.

Many disciples followed him, and his associates spoke highly of him—not just respecting him as a young high-ranking mage, but genuinely trusting him as a person.

Melberot's favorable assessment and his other disciples'attitudes at the entrance confirmed this.

If Kohlera was a monster obsessed with magic, Derek seemed slightly more human.

Yet his pure passion for magic still burned fiercely.

Reaching solid 4-star proficiency at his age, dedicating everything to magical attainment—it all pointed to obsession.

Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw was a monster similar yet distinct from Kohlera.

'I thought magic-crazed lunatics only gathered in the continent's center. To find one among southwestern frontier nobles...'

Roselyn swallowed dryly and slightly upgraded her assessment of Derek.

Then, with an even more bewitching smile, she continued:

"Frankly, I don't believe you actually trust my words."

"..."

"Living as imperial heir exposes one to many such people. Those who think empty agreement will earn trust. Why should I believe you're different?"

"Had you truly thought so, you wouldn't have admitted me."

Derek seemed rather relaxed, as if already understanding Roselyn's psychology.

No pushover to be easily manipulated. In this, he resembled Melberot.

'Left alone, he'll become like Melberot—whether in attainment or social standing.'

Roselyn abandoned attempts at emotional manipulation. Such men couldn't be swayed.

If you can't bend them, make them allies—politics 101. Yet Roselyn couldn't be certain Derek would truly side with her.

He was nothing but question marks.

How to evaluate him? His true motives? Appropriate countermeasures? Everything felt labyrinthine.

"Princess Roselyn repeatedly proclaimed the world was altered, yet never clearly specified what changed."

Roselyn scoffed.

This ambiguity was precisely why her claims were dismissed as conspiracy theories. Despite the rumors, she'd never publicly detailed the supposed alteration.

Why?

What exactly was altered in the world?

As someone immune to all magic, what distortion in the world's memory had Roselyn perceived?

This was crucial—perhaps the key to finding the 6-star confusion mage.

Yet Roselyn had remained silent for years.

As if revealing this truth constituted some cardinal sin. She'd never described that pivotal moment.

Surely, there was an unavoidable reason.

Derek wanted to know.

"Haha... You think I'd share what I've withheld for years with some backwater baron I just met?"

"How can the world believe you when you withhold the most crucial point?"

"True. That's why I kept silent. It's long been dismissed as conspiracy theory."

"Yet I must know. As I've repeatedly said..."

Derek's pupils dilated.

His expression resembled a mountaineer planning an ascent—that simple yet intense desire to climb any existing peak.

"I believe in the 6-star confusion mage's existence."

Roselyn's expression hardened further upon seeing Derek's face.

This was genuine. Even without mind-reading, anyone would reach that conclusion.

"What exactly did that 6-star confusion mage alter about the world? What impact does it have on this empire?"

"Haha... Did you never consider I had reasons for not sharing that crucial detail?"

"I'm asking precisely because I know."

"How presumptuous."

"I'm aware."

Though Derek wielded considerable influence, it paled before Gremfort Palace's princess.

Yet his bluntness suggested innate boldness.

Roselyn chuckled briefly before falling silent again, chin propped.

There was no reason not to share—no one would believe it anyway.

Long silence.

Only the sounds of bustling servants outside filled the room.

Finally, after deep contemplation, Roselyn spoke:

"Well, calling me crazy would be the best outcome. I might face worse punishment."

"..."

"You love magic, live obsessed with it. Hearing this might feel insulting. Not my concern."

Roselyn straightened her back and raised her chin.

Though usually confident, she seemed unusually solemn now.

What had she hidden despite conspiracy theorist labels?

If there were reasons for silence, what were they?

Could Derek receive a straightforward answer to dispel these questions?

Derek's gaze remained fixed on Roselyn as she hesitated before finally speaking—though her words initially seemed off-topic.

"Magic forms nobility's power foundation and benefits the world."

"..."

"This ideology stems from Grand Mage Adelbert's Discipline School theories. That legendary genius divided magic into categories and star ranks while advancing magical theory with many disciples. This became today's noble magic system."

Derek listened without reaction as Roselyn unexpectedly explained magic history known to all nobles.

Amused, she continued:

"Isn't it funny? That legendary figure who single-handedly realized magic's truth in youth, challenged divine realms, and established magic as the noblest power..."

Pausing here, Derek held his breath.

He'd roughly guessed Roselyn's point—including why she'd withheld this for so long.

With crimson hair cascading, Roselyn narrowed her eyes and delivered words that made even Derek widen his eyes:

"─Do you truly believe such a person ever existed?"

The room fell into stillness as if time had stopped.

A cosmic void like gazing at a starless night sky.

In that endless silence, Derek found no words.

Gremfort Palace's thorny rose. Keep away from Princess Roselyn.

Melberot's warning suddenly made sense.

She was denying the era's very foundation.

This era, she implied, was merely an illusion built by a confusion mage.

"Admit no one before the evening banquet."

Velos Hall, Ravenclaw Academy.

An entire building served as Emperor Gertrel's quarters.

An emperor deserves not just rooms but a whole building. Following Aiselin's protocol advice, Derek had prepared separate accommodations.

In the grandest chamber, the aged emperor dismissed his head maid and sat alone.

His wrinkled hands bore life's accumulated wisdom.

With trembling fingers, he lifted a quill and parchment onto the pristine table.

Slowly, deliberately, he pressed ink onto paper.

His long reign had seen him called both tyrant and sage.

None could easily judge such a life.

Regardless of public opinion, only the gods could assess its true worth.

Amid candlelight, Emperor Gertrel moved his quill.

- Knock, knock, knock.

"Your Majesty, the welcome banquet begins shortly. Maids have come to assist with preparations."

At dusk, the head maid cautiously knocked.

No response came from within.

"...What shall we do, Captain?"

"He must be resting. We'll return later. Perhaps delay the banquet until he recovers from travel fatigue."

"I'll inform House Duplein. Any other guard matters requiring attention?"

"No. The imperial guard already patrols every entrance, window and rooftop. Don't trouble yourself."

The massive doors.

Nothing could be seen beyond them. Only deathly silence.

"The banquet is postponed. His Majesty needs more time to reach the main hall."

Hearing the imperial head maid's announcement, Tricia sighed deeply.

Dressed in Aiselin's selected gown and jewelry, with makeup personally applied by her, Tricia already drew all eyes in the hall.

Aiselin's masterful styling—honed from years of noble service—had transformed the already pretty Tricia into a blooming flower. Her skill surpassed ordinary servants'.

'I was so nervous... but not yet, it seems...'

Tricia, wearing an updo for the first time, rubbed her neck and straightened proudly.

'Well... since we're here, maybe I'll go see Baron Ravenclaw...'

Speak of the devil—Derek appeared in the distance with his attendants.

Feeling inexplicably glad to see him, Tricia smirked confidently.

As she considered how to greet him—

'...'

Seeing Derek's expression froze Tricia mid-step.

He wore an unfamiliar look—hand over mouth, pupils dilated, gaze sharper than ever.

'Wh-what's... wrong...?'

Seeing this unprecedented expression, Tricia hiccuped nervously.

So different from Derek's usual composed demeanor that she grew tense.

'What's... happening...?'

Swallowing hard, Tricia tried calming her pounding heart.