Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 219

Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw.

That he achieved feats as a mage in the barren wasteland of Evelstain's slums where starvation deaths occurred daily already marked him as extraordinary.

Surviving each day amidst life-threatening dangers as a mercenary, then gaining recognition in a magic education system that discriminated against commoners... Just how many trials had he endured?

Those who'd faced this steel-tempered man all agreed - his radiant talent that distinguished him in any environment was precisely the quality of a troubleshooter who confronts every problem head-on.

Heading toward Ravenclaw Academy, Damon closed his eyes in thought.

Had this man who sought solutions even in death's shadow ever shown anguish or bewilderment?

If such a moment existed, what kind of extreme dilemma could have provoked it?

"Lady Rogir started the psychological warfare first...! Is this how all Camellia Dormitory ladies act - so arrogant and haughty...?!"

"S-sorry... I just wanted to see inside Lavender Dormitory where only Lady Siern's permission grants entry... I was... just curious... Since only three in Amarilis House have been approved... We Iris Dormitory students follow Lady Denise's example in making inquiry our motto...! I couldn't resist my curiosity..!"

"While admiring flowers in the garden~ I lost track of time until sunset~ My apologies~ I'll be more careful next time~."

Derek stood bewildered, plunged into distress.

Even this steel warrior who'd overcome extreme trials on countless battlefields with expressionless composure found it no easy task to handle the dramatic thought processes of adolescent noble girls frolicking in this flower garden.

What kills a mighty warrior isn't a sharpened blade.

It's noble ladies with heads full of flower gardens and no worldly sense.

"Those were the top three rule-breakers in Amarilis House. I've sent them back for now."

"...Elfin. Are you certain these are truly the most problematic individuals?"

"Y-yes, that's correct..."

Disciplinary authority in Amarilis House had been fully delegated to Aiselin.

For Derek to personally intervene in every student conduct issue would be undignified. As the figure responsible for magical education's overall design, such petty matters were beneath him.

Aiselin cited this reason to avoid sending cases to Derek unless absolutely requiring the highest authority's personal attention.

Meaning... the stories from those three represented merely a drop in the bucket compared to Amarilis House's daily incidents. If unreported cases were included, the sheer volume Aiselin managed was staggering.

"What about the explosions from the dormitory earlier?"

"Ah, Lady Aiselin handled that. Lady Nevent caused a small explosion while studying reaction patterns between magic stones and Aront herbs in her private room, destroying two rooms and spreading fire to the corridor."

"That wasn't reported to me?"

"Well... in Iris Dormitory... it's become... somewhat routine..."

Derek pressed his eyes shut and leaned back in thought.

The original Ravenclaw Academy plan with Aiselin was meant to become a cultured, dignified source of high society like the cultural facilities in eastern Elvester Territory.

But now Derek had to admit:

No matter how refined and elegant noble-raised young ladies might be—girls their age inherently contain storm-like tempestuousness.

If anything, this environment offering freedom from family pressures had become their utopia to freely pursue ideals.

Thus these noble scions chased the dazzling values of their age—academic passion, curiosity, youthful yearning, friendship, love, effort, victory—that they couldn't properly express under normal circumstances.

The result? Seventy-three officially reported incidents this month alone.

Counting petty power struggles, factionalism, and various troublesome"memory-making"incidents, the total was uncountable.

At last Derek acknowledged:

Controlling and teaching these girls was undoubtedly harder than mercenary life in slum alleys.

Being prestigious family heirs made outright intimidation difficult and proper punishment nearly impossible.

Only Derek's formal title and intimidating 5th-Class Mage authority earned him some deference.

But considering what academy staff endured daily... it seemed nothing short of hell.

"At least academic achievements remain excellent. Producing double-digit 2nd-Class Mages from a single institution is unprecedented."

"That's truly... fortunate. Had results been mediocre, we'd have been in real trouble."

Receiving Head Maid Elfin's report, Derek sighed in relief.

Gathering those of excellent lineage for systematic education had borne fruit.

Lady education centered around Aiselin also showed results. Regardless of dormitory chaos, formal etiquette training was being properly absorbed.

Though it felt more like producing two-faced foxes than refined ladies, the outcome sufficed.

With grave expression, Derek told Elfin:

"I may need to leave again soon for Elvester Territory's award ceremony and other title matters."

"Understood. Head Butler Delbritton already informed us. We've accounted for business trips, but are there changes?"

"No changes. Just... lately I fear leaving the academy unattended."

Derek's tense expression contrasted sharply with his unflappable composure facing a 6th-Class necromancer's army in Elvester Territory.

Now before this horde of starry-eyed noble girls, he gulped nervously.

Derek was certain:

Even northern hero Lord Melberot couldn't handle these monsters. Only those who've felt this indescribable pressure understand the terror.

"When I return from extended absences, I can't imagine what awaits. Sepia Dormitory establishing independence? Lavender Dormitory experimenting with dangerous alchemy?"

"No need for concern. All attempts were thwarted."

"...Attempts were made?"

"Lady Aiselin's preemptive measures neutralized everything."

"When...?"

"When you ask... there have been about four incidents. Which should I detail...?"

Derek asked no further.

Clearly, Aiselin working herself to death wouldn't be surprising.

Though concerns about her workload had been raised before, this official business exceeded mere worry.

If Aiselin became unavailable, chaos could erupt. Such massive operations shouldn't hinge on one person.

Many excellent faculty and dormitory representatives existed.

But none could replace Derek or Aiselin. Such talents were inherently rare.

'Right. We need more deputies. To focus on magic training and external duties... someone to properly manage internal affairs...'

They needed authority.

And strong willpower.

Individuals with sufficient authority and strength to control such facilities rarely became subordinates. Without proper authoritative legitimacy, neither students nor faculty would follow, risking operational chaos.

"Ah... Lord Ravenclaw. News just arrived. Chairman Damon... has already arrived at the main gate..."

"What?"

Though forewarned by Elente, this early arrival was unexpected.

Truly, nothing went according to plan.

"I've often heard Chairman Damon's name at Gremfort Palace. Your visit honors me greatly."

"I've heard much about Elvester County's battles. Though they say you're recuperating in Duplein Territory, you seem more overworked than recovering."

"Teaching students suits recovery periods. Otherwise, I'd have no time for academic management, so I handle what I can while mobile."

Stroking his salt-and-pepper beard, Damon—the most authoritative bureaucratic noble as Central Noble Council chairman—chuckled heartily.

They sat in Ravenclaw Academy's most luxurious reception room, its size rivaling halls, with maids serving premium tea amidst gold-trimmed furnishings.

Few ducal family private rooms matched this opulence. Damon sensed Baron Ravenclaw's substantial authority.

'Though central nobles eye him covetously, he seems less status-obsessed than expected.'

The room was lavish, yet Derek himself appeared unpretentious.

Before Damon—the most authoritative bureaucratic noble—he showed no tension. Understandably so.

This man had drawn interest from both Princess Rozelyn (imperial faction leader) and Kohlera (pro-magic faction leader).

A 5th-Class Mage at his age.

Scouring the continent would reveal only one comparable talent—northern Melberot.

And even Melberot protected this young mage, making him virtually peerless.

'If we can't recruit him, we must at least prevent him from joining enemies.'

Having navigated dirty politics for decades, Damon could gauge newcomers'longevity at a glance.

Derek was no fleeting star.

"My reason for coming is obvious. You know about Gremfort Palace's power struggles."

"..."

"You look more surprised than expected?"

"I anticipated more circumspection. Such matters risk appearing vulgar."

"Why hesitate? Backroom deals are all the same."

Setting down his cup, Damon leaned back with a distant gaze.

"So? You've formed opinions about me. As one of Gremfort's three powers, how do you view Chairman Damon?"

"I've heard you're wise, thoughtful, and fiercely loyal to the empire."

"Knowing diplomatic flattery shows you understand this game. You're not the type for vain monologues."

Damon smirked.

"Most so-called heroes succumb to such arrogance."

"..."

"Perhaps I pressed too hard. None would critique someone to their face. But speaking for myself... I'm less ambitious than you'd think."

Princess Rozelyn had royal blood; Kohlera had 6th-Class magic.

So what let Damon stand beside them?

He seemed disinclined to explain.

"I simply wish to protect."

"Protect what?"

"What I've built."

No grand ambition shone in Damon's eyes.

His storied life's thorny path to leading arrogant bureaucratic nobles spoke volumes.

"With much gained, one eventually focuses more on safeguarding possessions than acquiring new ones. Wealth, family, authority, life... such things."

"..."

"Holding privilege usually means that. Only the scale differs."

Derek realized: Damon came hoping to recruit him but knew he wouldn't be easily swayed.

If not recruited, at least not made an enemy—the old noble's survival tactic.

"I'll say this: being drawn to Princess Rozelyn's ideals is understandable. But never Kohlera."

"...You've learned much surviving Gremfort Palace."

"Kohlera doesn't research magic for lofty ideals. She's just a monster obsessed with magic itself. If reaching the 7-Star Realm is possible..."

Damon's eyes turned icy.

"That monster would sacrifice the empire itself. Given the chance."

Derek remained silent.

He understood Damon's implication.

Derek and Kohlera were alike.

Their pure fascination with magic itself—their most striking similarity.

Some viewed this with awe, others with terror.

Because observing Kohlera reveals traces of madness.

For magic's sake, she'd do anything.

If reaching 7th-Class were possible... she'd stop at nothing.

"...Too serious for a first meeting. My stated interest in noble education and cultural projects was genuine."

"Truly?"

"Yes. I was close with Border Count Elvester—we shared interests. Culture and education form the empire's foundation, and this academy will strengthen it."

Damon lightened the mood.

Excessive politics created tension.

Smiling, he softened his tone.

"I've longed to see this revolutionary academy. Will you guide me?"

"Certainly. Your visit itself benefits our reputation."

"Then shall we—"

- BOOM!!!!

A massive explosion erupted from Sepia and Iris Dormitories.

Dark smoke rose... a strangely familiar sight.

- KABOOM! CRASH! BANG!!!!!!!

Dozens more explosions followed, as if consoling Derek's hollow heart.

Massaging his forehead, Derek bowed his head deeply.

What could he do? Life was but a series of trials.