Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196

The news of Emperor Gertrel's death spread across the continent, plunging many into mourning while the central political landscape descended into chaos.

Though such turbulent times continued, these macro-level political affairs mostly remained concerns of the central high nobility.

Events from lofty heights rarely reached the general populace. To them, tragic news was simply tragic news.

As if proving this point, the early mornings in Evelstein still brimmed with vitality.

"I heard direct disciples of the Ravenclaw School will stand before the students as seniors once the academy opens! Just imagining it seems so magnificent and beautiful... I'm terribly envious!"

At'Adelbert's Bookstore,'the most renowned teahouse in Evelstein's noble district.

Amidst the full bloom of spring, noble ladies gathered like figures in a painted landscape, enjoying pleasant conversation.

At their center sat Lady Trisha of the rising Renuel Count family, sipping tea with elegant grace.

Setting down her cup, she smiled demurely.

"There's no need to praise me so. As the youngest disciple of the Ravenclaw School, I still have much to learn."

"N-no, how could that be...! Simply being accepted as a direct disciple means you've achieved what most noble ladies in Evelstein can only dream of...!"

"I saw Lady Trisha at the academy's founding ceremony last time! You looked so lovely and noble, practically glowing...!"

Trisha, who'd gained her own circle of admirers, barely contained her rising excitement as their praises washed over her.

The urge to preen was overwhelming, but true masters of social grace knew better than to let it show. A slight shoulder shrug and strategic humility would only invite more compliments - a formula Trisha had mastered through experience.

Her self-esteem soared.

This intoxicating rush of validation was impossible to resist!

The endless fulfillment of her need for recognition carried such exquisite flavor that she feared becoming addicted.

'This... this is the taste!'

Trisha emitted a series of delighted giggles, basking in heavenly joy amidst her admirers'flattery.

"If you ever have questions, feel free to ask. Though merely the youngest disciple... I do maintain connections with ladies from the Duplein, Belmierd, Beltus, and Rochester families... Should opportunity arise, I might arrange introductions...?"

"R-really...? I suppose that makes sense...! You could probably meet Lady Diela or Lady Elente for tea whenever you wished..."

"You're practically the social linchpin of Evelstein and the Rosea Salon...! If I've ever been impudent... please accept my apologies...!"

"Ohoho, ohoho. No need for such nervousness. Though I may be Lady of House Renuel and a direct Ravenclaw disciple, I'm still just an ordinary girl at heart. I too enjoy simple conversations and sipping fine tea while enjoying the spring breeze. There's no need to treat me like some unapproachable figure...!"

"Lady Trisha...!"

"How noble...!"

"...What are you doing?"

As Trisha reveled in narcissistic ecstasy, dramatically gesturing to her admirers, a petite girl emerged from the crowd - Lady Sirine of House Rochester, the most magically proficient among Ravenclaw's disciples, eyeing her with arched disbelief.

Returning from Derek's lesson, Sirine had stopped upon seeing Trisha's midday theatrics.

"Eeek...!"

"..."

Unlike most noble ladies, Sirine cared little for appearances.

Except when meeting her revered father Melberot or Derek, she merely combed her hair haphazardly and wore minimal accessories. Her small frame was draped in a modest flare skirt and half-robe, with bangs unevenly covering her forehead.

Servants dared not fix her dishevelment, knowing she found such attentions bothersome.

"L-Lady Sirine. I-I hope you're well..."

"..."

Trisha turned pale as a ghost, sweat pouring as if facing a predator - a conditioned terror from being pummeled by Sirine during magic sparring, her first true brush with mortal fear.

For this greenhouse flower, being beaten like a stray dog on a hot day had been terrifying. Even now, her right shoulder and thigh ached at Sirine's presence.

Sirine stared blankly before nodding and turning away.

"Right. You look healthy."

"Y-yes!!!! Please stay well!!!! Take care!!!!!!"

Trisha's booming reply made Sirine cover her ears as she flounced away.

As silence returned, whispers erupted among Trisha's circle.

"Heavens... That was Lady Sirine of House Rochester. They say no one her age surpasses her magical prowess..."

"L-Lady Trisha exchanges greetings so casually with such figures...! Truly... your world differs entirely from minor nobles like us...!"

Turning away, Trisha took several deep breaths where none could see.

Between Diela, Elente, Denis and now Sirine... each was formidable in their own way, leaving the timid girl breathless with anxiety.

Under Derek's devoted instruction, Trisha had quickly surpassed basic 1-Star magic proficiency.

Yet other direct disciples progressed at incomprehensible rates - Sirine nearing mid 3-Star, Elente and Denis at early 3-Star, Diela approaching late 2-Star. All achieving feats absurd for their age, making Ravenclaw disciples'fame understandable.

Trisha, still struggling at 1-Star, couldn't help feeling inadequate.

Clearing her throat, she resumed her performance.

"Ahem... How rude of me to pause our conversation. I hadn't expected to encounter Lady Sirine here, you see. As you witnessed, we share a... special bond from frequent meetings at the school."

"I-I see...! I've never seen Lady Sirine raise her voice like that before!"

"She may seem cold at first glance... but reveals different facets to those she's close with...! A side few see... but through our frequent encounters at the school..."

"Oh right. Trisha."

"Eep!"

Sirine's sudden return nearly made Trisha collapse.

"Derek said he might visit Renuel Manor soon. Told me to let you know."

"YEEEEEEES!!!!!"

Trisha's booming reply at least proved her ingrained sense of hierarchy remained intact.

"....Is something wrong?"

"Being the youngest disciple of Ravenclaw School is... not good for one's heart..."

"..."

Though the academy's official opening remained some time away, Derek spent most days at Ravenclaw Academy's grounds - conveniently located near Evelstein and accessible for visiting noble ladies.

Ideal for magic instruction, with good facilities and proximity to Evelstein when needed.

Hence his ability to summon Trisha so casually.

"Did... someone cause trouble? I can't imagine who would..."

"No, nothing like that... Never mind. I heard you might visit Renuel Manor..."

"Yes. As mentioned, I plan to meet neighboring territorial nobles before receiving my count title. There's also... another important matter."

"Another matter?"

"Regarding necromancers."

Trisha asked no further.

Countess Rodea, conqueror of Rodentz Island, was the natural enemy of necromancers - her transformation magic, swordsmanship, and spirit-severing Holy Blood Sword making her their grim reaper.

When necromantic affairs arose, seeking Countess Rodea was standard advice.

"I see... I won't pry. But you'll need to check schedules - Mother is currently in the White Wilderness."

"Dungeon hunting?"

"Naturally. She should return before late spring, so I'll arrange contact. Count Derek would surely... receive warm welcome."

Derek nodded, offering Trisha water - perhaps pitying her nervous sweat. She'd already endured Diela's scolding before arriving.

As Duplein family's de facto leader, Diela's fiery temper was legendary, though she played the elegant noble lady before Aiselin or Derek - an open secret.

"By the way... I heard direct disciples will mentor new students after the academy opens..."

"That proposal's still under review... Word spreads fast among applicants."

"Y-yes..."

"Nothing complicated."

Derek crossed his arms matter-of-factly.

"Amarilis House, our main dormitory, will divide into five wings by floor and location - each named after flowers, with direct disciples overseeing as senior mentors."

"R-really?"

"Your portrait will hang in Amarilis House's 3rd Floor Wisdom Wing. A painter will visit Renuel Manor soon - please cooperate appropriately."

"W-wait... So my portrait would remain displayed until Amarilis House closes?"

"Should the academy endure, tales of your virtues may circulate. A favorable outcome, no?"

Trisha's sweat intensified.

"I'm... getting nervous..."

"Hmm? Nervous?"

"No! Not nervous - excited! Ohoho! The world finally recognizes my worth! Surely my noble virtues have swayed many!"

Trisha's haughty facade persisted even through mortal terror, though her pallid face dripped sweat. Competing with Ravenclaw's other disciples was no simple matter.

"Regardless, I hope you'll become a model for many. As mentioned, I'm more immersed in magical education, and Lady Aiselin can't oversee all students'etiquette training alone."

"How perfectly suited! I am, after all, the very model of noble womanhood."

Trisha's laughter grew louder - a talent for smiling through hellfire.

"I'll... inform my family then!"

Rising abruptly, she fled with those words.

- Creak

'This may prove quite the gamble.'

Watching Trisha's tense departure, Derek reviewed letters about Countess Rodea.

The monster of Rodentz Island, lifelong slayer of necromancers.

Though she respected Derek, this stemmed from incomplete knowledge.

Derek was personally taught by 6-Star necromancer Phee - how the Countess might react to this revelation remained unknown.

'Best strike while the iron's hot. As Ravenclaw's disciple, Trisha's already aboard this ship.'

Massaging his temples, Derek donned his robe and rose.