Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 217

"I heard Baron Ravenclaw personally went to discipline Sepia Dormitory's troublemakers. The protest was resolved in an instant... truly living up to his reputation."

Lady Ranas stroked her reddened cheeks and smiled demurely at Diela, who had trudged back to Camellia Dormitory.

The girl who'd allegedly been struck by Sepia's Lady Rina had been impatiently waiting for Diela's return along with other Camellia students, tapping her feet anxiously.

It wasn't common for a dormitory head to personally intervene in such matters. Especially someone like Diela, who usually took a laissez-faire approach with most Camellia students.

With a 3-Star mage like Diela stepping in, they expected quick resolution... but never imagined Baron Ravenclaw himself would get involved.

"Disciplinary measures will be decided soon. Regardless of reasons, we can't tolerate violence crossing into Camellia Dormitory."

"Lady Diela... your active involvement leaves me speechless."

Lady Ranas'short bob swayed as she shook her head. Though she appeared like a pitiful flower with tearful eyes, Diela saw through her facade.

'Similar to Beltus family's Denis. Two-faced and inscrutable... but clearly acting in self-interest.'

Having navigated Evelstain's high society, Diela had encountered all types of noble ladies. Most cowered when she raised her voice, but some—like Ranas—knew how to manipulate situations.

She didn't necessarily disapprove. Within noble propriety and conscience, leveraging one's advantages was a skill any seasoned noblewoman should possess.

Yet watching Aiselin and Derek's reactions left Diela with strange dissonance.

"Ranas."

"Yes, Lady Diela!"

Diela sighed deeply before speaking.

"I needn't elaborate how insolent Sepia's foolish Trisha and her followers have become."

"O-of course! Unlike you, Lady Trisha lacks conviction or regard for discipline despite being from House Renuel!"

Clasping her hands excitedly, Ranas continued brightly:

"I'm so fortunate to be in Camellia under your leadership. Being among those inferior creatures in Sepia would've been humiliating!"

Diela glanced around.

Those drawn to Evelstain's"lioness"typically shared similar temperaments—awed by the petite girl's overwhelming charisma that made others swallow nervously in her presence.

With a satisfied smile, Diela remarked:

"Good. That Rina girl from Sepia... from House Lointeil, was it? More ignorant and dull-witted than I imagined. She should know violence is absolutely forbidden in Amarilis House."

"Exactly! Without your intervention, who knows what might've—"

"You're from House Ribbon, correct? I hear your family has frequent disputes with House Lointeil—mining rights in Robunt Basin, longstanding trade toll conflicts..."

Settling onto a large chair with crossed arms, Diela continued:

"Rina probably already knew merchants like Lointeil lack any concept of honor."

"W-well... that's..."

Diela smirked with regal arrogance.

"Well done, Ranas."

The girl radiated an aura befitting a young monarch as she rested her chin on her hand.

"Whether Camellia or your family... letting those who disrespect authority run wild only invites more insolence."

"L-Lady Diela...!"

"I'll handle the fallout. Stand firm in your convictions against those merchant upstarts. You're doing well."

As Ravenclaw School's top-ranked student, Diela Catherine Duplein's full support meant no peer could challenge Ranas.

Overjoyed by this validation, Ranas gushed excitedly:

"I-I never imagined such support! That merchant's daughter deserved it—I even released mice in her room! You should've seen her face!"

"Oh? Perfect for someone forgetting their place."

"And House Ribbon has so many scandals! I made sure to spread them during Amarilis events! Seeing Rina hang her head was so satisfying!"

"Good work. Those unaware of their station never learn unless taught."

"Exactly! Just as you said, Lady Diela!"

Diela rose with a pleased smile.

A triumphant atmosphere filled the hall as students smiled, delighted by Sepia's humiliation.

Diela approached Ranas with radiant smile—

- SMACK!

And slapped her across the face, kicking her stomach to send her sprawling.

"GYAH!"

- CRASH!

Violence was forbidden in Amarilis House—Diela's own words moments ago—yet the tyrant coldly watched Ranas collapse.

"You think this is a joke?"

The hall froze instantly.

Students who'd been reveling in Sepia's downfall now paled into silence.

"Why the celebration? Did you all enjoy crushing insects?"

An icy chill spread as Ranas clutched her cheek, bewildered.

"Ranas."

"Y-yes...?"

"I just confronted Derek Raidof Ravenclaw—this academy's ultimate authority—to defend you as a Camellia student."

"Th-thank..."

"But I didn't expect such disappointment. Provoking conflict then hiding behind me as the victim?"

Was Diela angry about bullying? Moral outrage?

No.

Evelstain's tyrant raged for entirely different reasons.

"Had you openly challenged Rina, I'd have arranged a spar. But scheming behind backs then cowering? Why should I defend that?"

Diela loomed over the fallen girl, radiating cold energy as a 3-Star mage—an unmatched level among students.

"You tried using me. I don't tolerate such insolence."

"S-sorry..."

"Don't be. At Duplein Manor, I'd have beaten you senseless. But here..."

Grabbing Ranas'collar, Diela dragged her out as students gaped.

"H-how do we resolve this...?"

"..."

In Derek's office, Trisha sat stiffly, sniffling.

Her pitiful state extinguished any anger.

She knew Diela's temper and Aiselin's authority. Defying the Duplein sisters meant relying on their sole superior—Derek.

Rubbing his temples, Derek pondered.

The conflict between Sepia and Camellia had spread academy-wide. Taking sides risked alienating one faction.

"I thought... just bowing to Lady Diela would suffice... but Sepia students wouldn't accept that..."

"Indeed. You've become Sepia's hero."

"I never expected this!"

"Regardless... let's assess. We'll hear from Ranas and Rina before escalating."

Running an academy proved endlessly troublesome.

As Derek sighed over documents—

- BANG!

"Eeek!"

Diela stormed in, dragging a trembling Ranas.

"Derek!"

"Knock first."

"Sorry! Brought Ranas."

"GYAH!"

Diela shoved Ranas forward, leaving Derek baffled.

"What's this—"

"...You? Why're you kneeling?"

"Eek!"

Diela marched toward the petrified Trisha.

"L-Lady Diela! I—"

"My apologies. I misjudged."

The world turned upside down.

Diela bowed formally to Trisha.

"I was wrong. I apologize."

Derek blinked repeatedly.

Academy administration never went as expected.

"...??"

Trisha remained utterly confused as news spread like wildfire.

"Lady Trisha! Wonderful news!"

"That terrifying Lady Diela... formally apologized!"

"How...?! Truly... only you could achieve this!!!!"

Before she knew it, Trisha sat at Sepia's celebration party, crowned with flowers as Rina tearfully clasped her hands.

"...????"

"...What happened????"

She only managed this dazed question much later.

By then, she was already Sepia's undisputed hero.