Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 215

To properly understand why Sepia Dormitory had barricaded its doors and was provoking conflicts with other dormitories, we must return to the dormitory gathering held in the main hall of Amaryllis House just before the first classes began.

The power dynamics among Amaryllis House dormitories had already solidified to some degree.

Rosemary Dormitory, which followed Lady Elente's lead, was the largest, followed by Diela's Camellia Dormitory, Denis's Iris Dormitory, and Tricia's Sepia Dormitory, all with roughly equal student distribution.

Meanwhile, the Lavender Dormitory led by Lady Siern only admitted two students—one could only wonder what kind of exceptional individuals could earn the approval of the notoriously strict and unpredictable Siern.

During Derek's absence while resolving the crisis in Count Elvester's territory,

With him—the de facto head of magical education—away, each dormitory sought to solidify their positions within Amaryllis House before his return.

"The basic sparring matches in two weeks will effectively determine which dormitory ranks highest. Everyone's extremely motivated. With so many scions of prestigious families here, they're all desperate to prove their abilities."

"I-I see..."

Tricia had come to consult Aiselin about room assignments within Sepia Dormitory.

Surveying the smoothly functioning Amaryllis House with satisfaction, Aiselin nodded approvingly after reviewing Tricia's documents.

"Many were concerned about Sepia Dormitory, but you seem to be leading it well, Lady Tricia. If anything, your dormitory's atmosphere seems more relaxed than others."

"Ahaha... W-well of course... Who do you take me for..."

Tricia accepted the compliment with an awkward smile.

Many had been inspired by Tricia's demeanor during orientation and joined Sepia Dormitory.

Though she'd only intended to avoid embarrassment, Tricia suddenly found herself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Ravenclaw School's direct disciples.

"Um... Lady Aiselin... There's... something I need to discuss."

And when students divided by dormitories and began developing group identities... conflicts naturally arose.

If this remained healthy competition to hone skills and elevate magical prowess, it would be ideal—but occasionally, some students crossed the line.

This was precisely what Tricia wanted to consult about.

"...I heard some of our young ladies caused trouble for Lady Diela's Camellia Dormitory..."

Diela belonged to the same Duplein family as Aiselin and was her younger sister.

Only two people in the academy could control that little demon of Camellia Dormitory—Derek, the founder, and Aiselin herself.

"Camellia Dormitory?"

"Yes... Well... Since Lady Rina of House Lointeil is with our Sepia Dormitory..."

"Ah! Then this involves Lady Ranas of House Ribbon from the eastern continent..."

Tricia gulped dryly as Aiselin immediately grasped the situation.

A rumor circulated among the servants:

That Lady Aiselin Eleanor Duplein had memorized every name in the academy's registry.

Students, faculty, even external staff—hundreds of names and affiliations committed to memory. The rumor appeared completely true.

"There's longstanding conflict between House Lointeil and the mercantile House Ribbon from the eastern cities... There are branch family issues, mining rights in the Robunt Basin, and trade toll disputes along Count Elvester's borders."

"Yes... So given their families'feud... there's constant tension between their scions too."

"Then... Lady Rina of Sepia Dormitory...?"

"Yes... She went to Camellia Dormitory to insult Lady Ranas and... ended up... striking her..."

Tricia trailed off there.

Aiselin sighed deeply, massaging her temples. This was somewhat expected.

When gathering scions from prestigious families across the continent, their underlying conflicts would inevitably spill into academic life.

That these tensions now fueled emotional clashes within Amaryllis House placed Aiselin in an awkward position.

"...Let me be blunt."

But Derek and Aiselin had already aligned on this matter.

With Derek absent, Aiselin—effectively holding all decision-making authority—spoke firmly:

"Under no circumstances should external family matters be brought into academic life. Friendly competition is one thing, but physical altercations... emotional harassment—these cannot be tolerated."

"S-so then..."

"Yes... If Lady Rina of House Lointeil truly instigated conflict due to family disputes, I'll have to impose disciplinary measures."

The usually gentle Aiselin didn't hesitate when firmness was required.

She fully understood the intensity between House Lointeil and House Ribbon, but allowing such conflicts into academics would turn Ravenclaw Academy into a political arena.

Though rooted in noble social circles, the academy couldn't become a political battleground.

"You must be worried, Lady Tricia. Bearing responsibility is difficult... You shouldn't overburden yourself. Everything... can be handled according to regulations."

- Creak

When Tricia entered Sepia Dormitory's central foyer, all eyes turned toward her.

Tricia hiccuped nervously, sweating profusely as she crossed the hall.

Young ladies by the fireplace and those at the large conference table all stood and gathered around her.

"Lady Tricia! Wh-what happened?! Is Lady Rina being expelled?!"

"Those Camellia Dormitory brats started it! Th-they... definitely released mice in Lady Rina's room—that venomous Ribbon girl must've done it!"

"Lady Diela's strange too! Why would she side with such a spiteful girl?!"

"Lady Tricia... You went to Amaryllis House's main building...? Has Rina's case been decided...?"

Amid the barrage, Tricia took a deep breath and called for quiet.

Crossing to a large wooden chair, she sat and spoke in a calmer tone:

"Regarding this matter, I've personally discussed it with Lady Aiselin, the overall supervisor of Amaryllis House."

"L-Lady Aiselin?! From House Duplein?!"

"Yes."

At this point, no one could dispute the judgment of Lady Aiselin—Derek Raidof Ravenclaw's closest confidant and the academy's de facto highest authority.

Only Ravenclaw School's direct disciples could bypass her schedule for a private audience.

This was Tricia's current standing within Sepia Dormitory.

As tension filled the room, the incident's central figure—Lady Rina of House Lointeil—emerged from the crowd.

Her determined eyes shone ocean-blue. Though her neatly tied chestnut hair gave a soft impression, her pressed lips revealed resolve.

She was gentle yet strong.

Approaching Tricia, she bowed slightly and asked:

"...Lady Tricia. Will I... be expelled?"

"...Expulsion seems unlikely, but disciplinary action is unavoidable."

The crowd sighed collectively.

They could already see Camellia Dormitory's spiteful members gloating over Rina's humiliation.

Tricia's fingertips trembled.

To them, she must seem like a defeated soldier returning from a dormitory pride battle. As Sepia Dormitory's head, they'd expected her to defend them, voice their stance, and secure victory in official settings...

How disgraceful that their representative couldn't even protect one of their own.

Though fearing such criticism, Tricia had no choice. Lady Aiselin Eleanor Duplein's decisions were absolute within Amaryllis House.

Now, Lady Rina would surely protest.

That arrogant Camellia Dormitory's Lady Ranas had provoked her—she'd only responded to being wronged.

She wouldn't understand why she faced punishment. She'd likely vent her grievances while glaring resentfully at Tricia for only bowing before Aiselin.

How should Tricia respond then?

As darkness seemed to cloud her vision, sweating profusely...

"I see."

To Tricia's announcement, Lady Rina quietly nodded in acceptance.

Bowing politely, she thanked Lady Tricia:

"...You must have advocated for me before Amaryllis House's administration. I'm sorry for troubling you, Lady Tricia."

"L-Lady Rina?"

"Regardless, striking first without evidence was my mistake. That venomous girl probably released mice in my room and spread rumors... But responding emotionally wasn't right either."

Other Sepia Dormitory students gaped at Rina's words.

They shook their heads, insisting she'd done nothing wrong, questioning why she'd accept defeat now.

But Rina calmly composed herself and told Tricia:

"You likely couldn't say much, Lady Tricia. Rules and justice were on their side. I don't think Lady Aiselin's judgment... was incorrect."

"B-but Lady Rina... Then..."

"However, I don't regret it."

Meeting Tricia's gaze squarely, Rina continued:

"Lady Ranas insulted my family with derogatory remarks. She acted covertly and viciously, leaving no openings. I won't tolerate anyone disparaging the family that raised and believed in me—not under any rules or regulations."

Bowing slightly, she concluded firmly:

"I'll accept punishment. But I won't apologize."

"..."

"That's all. Thank you for advocating for me, Lady Tricia. Inform me when disciplinary measures are decided. I'll accept them willingly."

With that, Rina turned and walked through the crowd.

Her demeanor showed no regret. She neither resented Tricia nor compromised her principles.

Watching this, Tricia could only swallow dryly.

What defines a noble lady? If asked, she'd answer: beautiful as a flower, strong as steel.

Believing this, Tricia had always carried herself confidently as House Renuel's member.

Yet lately, she'd grown accustomed to hanging her head low.

Seeing Rina only emphasized her own inadequacy.

Had she truly stood up for the students who believed in her before Aiselin? She hadn't.

Challenging Aiselin in Amaryllis House was unthinkable. As Ravenclaw's favored disciple, she was the wisest, most capable young lady.

This was the right path. Her words were just, indisputable—following them was correct.

Just as she resigned herself to this and prepared to see Rina off—

"W-wait, Lady Rina."

The words escaped before she realized.

When Rina turned, all eyes focused on Tricia.

"........."

Aiselin Eleanor Duplein.

The ideal all young ladies admired, the flower atop the cliff.

If she judged something right, it was.

Defying her in rule-bound Amaryllis House was tantamount to suicide.

So why had Tricia stopped Rina?

Unable to answer herself, Tricia impulsively replied:

"Lady Rina seems to accept the disciplinary measures. But... I... I don't... I mean, I'm not..."

"........................................What?"

Her mouth moved on its own.

Whenever flustered, her tongue betrayed her.

The academy's master Derek was absent.

If trouble was coming... now was the time.

Derek stared blankly at Sepia Dormitory's main building.

A flag bearing Sepia Dormitory's seal fluttered alongside their declaration of war against Camellia Dormitory.

The entrance was completely barricaded—a siege underway.

"...."

Frankly, one flick of his finger could blast it all open. Marching in and dragging out the instigators wouldn't take five minutes.

Punishing ringleader Tricia would take under ten seconds—but he remained still.

The reason for his hesitation? Pure disbelief at the absurdity before him...

Running an academy was no easy task. Truly... no easy task at all...

With this internal monologue, Derek trudged toward the barricaded entrance where students staged their protest.