Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 19

"Well, anyway, I personally wanted to thank you."

After exchanging some casual remarks, Raeg relaxed his posture and spoke candidly.

"The household atmosphere has been good lately. Brother Valerian seems to have found an environment where he can focus on territorial affairs, and though Father doesn't show it openly, he appears quite satisfied."

"Is that so? His Grace's thoughts are difficult to discern."

"I feel the same way, honestly. Heh."

Raeg crossed his legs comfortably, stroking his chin a few times before sighing.

"Right, I suppose I should accept what needs to be accepted."

"..."

"People can change. Especially children at that age—they change even more easily."

With a distant look in his eyes as if reminiscing, Raeg seemed to be recalling the past.

While it wasn't hard to guess how he had come to harbor such resentment toward Diela, revisiting each specific incident would be another matter entirely.

He had disliked Diela, but after their spar, he couldn't deny that she had achieved personal growth. Now, he seemed to have revised his previous low opinion of her potential.

"She used 1st Grade Magic, but her mana application was unique. It was like... how should I put it... painting a picture."

"You noticed the difference?"

"I saw it right in front of me—of course I did. It didn't seem like Diela had learned the Discipline School theories that we nobles typically use."

Raeg was sharper than expected. After all, he too was a magical prodigy born of the Duplein bloodline.

Though his achievements still couldn't compare to his elder brother Valerian's, his innate magical senses were no less remarkable.

"Does Diela use magic differently?"

"Yes. Wild School practitioners each have their own distinct way of applying mana. Once she reaches a certain level, she'll likely advance on her own without needing further instruction. At that stage, a mentor's interference might even become a hindrance."

"That in itself seems quite extraordinary."

Raeg closed his eyes.

He seemed to be reflecting on Diela's past—her life once filled with nothing but failures, leaving her shut away in the guest house in despair.

Then, in a tone neither overly emotional nor dry, he murmured:

"Everyone gets their time in the sun eventually."

And so, spring arrived.

If life had seasons, lately it felt like an endless spring.

At least to Diela, it did.

She couldn't speak for the rest of her family, busy managing territorial affairs and other macro-level matters... but for Diela, who could devote herself entirely to training, the world seemed like a warm paradise.

Her magical skills improved bit by bit with each practice session. As with any learning process, once she began to feel her own growth, it became more exhilarating than any amusement.

Contrary to her expectations, the etiquette lessons were manageable. She even found piano and flower arranging somewhat enjoyable, practicing them in her spare time without being asked.

Strolling through the garden bathed in warm sunlight, she no longer saw servants breaking into cold sweat at her approach.

When the occasional bold retainer remarked on the pleasant weather, Diela could now respond with appropriate cheer.

The maid assigned to her guest house had begun to genuinely trust and follow her, carefully tending to her attire and demeanor.

Head Butler Dellon would greet her with a gentle smile whenever they crossed paths, allowing Diela to reflect on how much he had aged since her childhood.

Though she had once been indifferent to the world around her, she was finally beginning to see things clearly.

The low-ranking maid who had always watched her nervously was actually more capable and sharp-witted than she'd thought.

Head Maid Katarina was far busier and more competent than she'd realized. The squire who used to get scolded in her presence woke up at dawn every day to rush about the mansion's affairs.

The soup prepared by the former royal chef was incredibly delicious. The spices sprinkled at the end were of the finest quality. The black tea served during teatime carried an exquisite flavor, its aroma rich with sophistication.

She had even picked up painting again.

Whenever she had free time, she would take her canvas and easel to the garden, sketching the gardeners at work or the mansion at dusk.

Most still couldn't comprehend her sparse, impressionistic style, but Diela didn't care—she painted to her heart's content.

Dipping her brush into well-mixed paints and stroking the canvas made time feel suspended.

Once, while painting the blue skies from the hills behind the mansion, she lost track of time and only noticed the sun setting when she came to her senses.

Though time continued to pass, the warmth of perpetual spring never faded.

After such a long winter, perhaps it was only fair for spring to linger.

This was the thought Diela carried with her always.

"You've adapted to manifesting mana faster than I expected. Your progress is ahead of schedule. We can discontinue this training now."

"Told you I could do it if I tried."

Though countless flowers had bloomed in Diela's world, she still spent most of her time with Derek.

Who could deny it? That boy was the spring that had come to Diela.

He taught her magic, helped her discover her talents, showed her the right path, and steadfastly did his job even in the face of her disdainful family—all with that same impassive expression.

Diela felt grateful to Derek, but like any teenage girl, she struggled to express her feelings properly.

As Derek praised her straightforwardly as usual, Diela narrowed her eyes haughtily before puffing up with pride, hands on her hips.

"Hmph!"

"..."

"You always look at me with such pity when I'm feeling proud of myself."

"Not pity... I just sometimes envy that innocence."

"What a pretty way to say I'm naive."

"How could I speak bluntly to a noble lady of House Duplein? You are of exalted lineage."

There was no denying that. This boy observed all proper decorum while never speaking empty flattery.

If anything, that made him more reliable. In a noble world filled with hollow compliments and formalities, someone like Derek—who maintained courtesy without falsehood—was rarer than gold.

What a blessing to have found a mentor worth trusting.

Before she knew it, Diela had taken to humming whenever she walked alone.

She would admire roadside flowers, breathing in their fragrance, or reach a hand toward the vast blue sky above.

In her spare time, she even painted portraits for the mansion's servants.

Though they had initially been reluctant models, the servants gradually began vying to have their portraits done by Diela.

After one month, then two, Diela was already remembered among the staff as a kind and graceful young lady.

Once an innocent, carefree girl who had later withdrawn into rebellion, she had now regained her senses and become worthy of her noble blood.

That was how Diela's rebellious phase was framed. As long as she continued progressing steadily, her brief straying would be remembered as just that—a momentary lapse.

Even Duchess Miriela, who had regarded Derek with disfavor, could no longer deny his achievements. Whenever they passed in the hallway, she would simply close her eyes and continue on her way.

Seeing this, Diela felt as if nothing in the world could trouble her anymore.

"Hey, Derek."

One late spring day, while absently watching a butterfly's wings flutter among garden flowers, Diela asked:

"You used to be a wandering mercenary, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

"So you've lived in the wild, not some ducal mansion like this. That's why your magic follows Wild School principles."

"Essentially. Most Wild School mages are like that. It's rare for someone in aristocratic surroundings to develop Wild School affinities. You're quite special in that regard."

Special.

The word filled her with inexplicable satisfaction, bringing a broad smile to Diela's face.

Derek, who had been studying a 3-Star Magic Tome borrowed from the library, looked up at Diela across the tea table.

"Why do you ask?"

"Just curious about how you lived."

Though Diela had never cared about her surroundings before, her broadening perspective now extended to Derek as well.

"You probably know this, but noble ladies all live pretty similar lives. There might be differences in status and prestige, but most live like me. Commoners don't, though."

"True. Commoners'lifestyles vary more. Their priorities differ, and they're surprisingly free. Though most spend that freedom struggling with poverty rather than enjoying it."

"Right. So I wondered about you. Just curious."

After listening quietly, Derek answered as if it were nothing:

"I simply want to reach higher magical heights. That's my only goal for now."

"Really?"

"All I've done my whole life is struggle to survive at the bottom. The only notable skill I have is magic."

Though Derek spoke candidly without any particular emphasis, Diela listened intently, her luminous eyes blinking.

"I just want to do what I'm good at. Nothing grander than that."

"I think that's plenty grand. Your magic is absurdly advanced for a commoner."

"Only by commoner standards. Someone of your noble bloodline could reach that level eventually."

In Diela's small eyes, Derek appeared far more remarkable than she'd imagined.

"If you're going to dream, dream bigger. Not that I can say that openly elsewhere."

It was just so like him, she thought.

Whenever Derek spoke of his ambitions, Diela felt an odd, disconnected sensation.

Their backgrounds and approaches to life were so different.

Yet following in his footsteps remained a joy.

As if her aimless wandering had gained direction, Diela found herself smiling contentedly without realizing it.

"You seem in particularly good spirits today, Lady Diela."

"Do I? I nearly perfected another 1st Grade Magic spell yesterday. Brother Valerian reached this level around my age too—maybe I really am talented?"

"Of course. Your magical achievements these past months have been remarkable. You'll surely become a mage worthy of the Duplein name, just like Young Master Valerian."

Early morning, the maid combing Diela's hair smiled warmly.

Diela, equally cheerful, responded enthusiastically.

The maid wasn't just flattering her. Diela's magical progress had accelerated noticeably—she was clearly no ordinary talent.

By noble standards, mastering four or five 1st Grade spells before one's coming-of-age ceremony marked exceptional talent, while beginning 2nd Grade spells earned one recognition as a prodigy. By any measure, her growth was extraordinary.

Having fully absorbed Derek's techniques, she seemed on the verge of mastering another 1st Grade spell soon.

"Magic lessons this morning. Geography studies in the afternoon, so I should practice as much as possible before then."

"The weather is lovely this morning—shall I set up tea in the garden? You could have your lesson there."

"Yes!"

Beaming, Diela answered brightly before skipping out into the hallway.

Though her morning lesson wasn't for a while yet, her excitement had brought her out early.

At this hour, her magic teacher was likely holed up in his quarters reading spellbooks. He practiced magic whenever he had spare time.

If she pestered him to start early, he would sigh deeply before letting her drag him out.

With such fine weather, she could learn a new 1st Grade spell basking in the warm sunlight.

Humming, Diela headed toward his room with light steps.

- Thud

Pushing open Derek's door without hesitation, Diela called out excitedly:

"Derek! Magic lesson this morning! I've been waiting all week with just etiquette classes!"

"..."

Inside, the familiar mercenary-clad boy sat at his table as usual.

But today, her eldest brother Valerian was visiting. What had brought the busy heir, usually occupied with territorial affairs, here?

"O-oh. Brother."

"Ah, Diela. Good morning."

Valerian's gentle smile held a trace of unease. He seemed to have been discussing something with Derek.

Startled by the unexpected visitor, Diela hesitated before continuing more brightly:

"Brother, I'm sorry. I didn't realize you had an appointment with Derek this morning."

"No, I didn't come by appointment. I just had something to ask him."

"Should I come back later, then?"

It was Derek who stopped her.

"It's alright, Lady Diela. We were just discussing your magic lessons."

"Huh? My lessons?"

As Diela tilted her head in confusion, Derek lowered his gaze and spoke.

"To be honest, I have nothing left to teach you."

Such was the way of seasons.

Just as winter never lasts forever, neither does spring.