Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 231

-"Neither Chairman Damon nor Chief Magic Advisor Kochella are easy opponents. Dealing with both simultaneously would be highly inefficient, so let's wait for one to naturally fall from power."

When facing two formidable foes, the surest strategy is to let them fight each other.

After saying this, Derek suddenly lunged at Empress Rozelyn and subdued her. Though she attempted to resist, the abruptness left only traces of her futile struggle... She couldn't stop him.

As Derek finished his bold declaration, Empress Rozelyn's consciousness gradually faded... When she came to, she found herself in a swaying carriage.

"..."

Thus, under Derek's design, Empress Rozelyn found herself in seclusion at Ravenclaw Academy.

Compared to Gremfort Palace where friend and foe were indistinguishable, this was certainly a safer place. Yet whether leaving the seat of imperial power would prove advantageous remained uncertain.

"Y-Your Majesty... I never imagined you'd visit such a humble place... I did receive notice but... I never thought Her Majesty would come personally..."

"Indeed. You likely wanted to document my whereabouts in writing. Though even so... referring to oneself as'We'seems rather excessive, don't you think?"

"L-Lord Ravenclaw surely meant no harm..."

The secluded Globe Hall in Ravenclaw Academy's farthest corner was considered enigmatic even among staff, primarily handling confidential matters or affairs connected to the Duplein main family.

Most students didn't know it existed. Only by venturing deep into the eastern forest could one glimpse this remote building.

Though outwardly plain, inside lay spacious carpets and luxurious furnishings. Across an ornately decorated table, Aiselin wore a bewildered expression.

Now she understood why Derek had emphasized preparation. Who could imagine an empress arriving by freight carriage?

"From your expression, you grasp Lord Ravenclaw's intent. While Gremfort Palace tears itself apart debating my whereabouts, I'll leisurely pass time here, correct?"

"Y-yes... Lord Ravenclaw left instructions. Should Your Majesty arrive, we prepared an alternate identity. As mentioned, I'm Aiselin Eleanor Duplein, the academy's director. I'll handle all necessities."

"How reassuring. Since my court days, I've often heard of House Duplein's resurgence after hardships."

"You flatter me. Since imperial inspections frequently visit, complete concealment seems unnecessary."

A perfect hiding spot while Kochella and Damon clashed. Though unexpected, Ravenclaw Academy was ideal—but she couldn't simply reside here without credentials.

Naturally, she'd need a student identity at this elite southwestern noble academy requiring verified lineage.

"First, we'll dye your hair. Using confusion and transformation magic on your eyes, with falsified records... most won't suspect."

Few had met the empress personally, making the disguise plausible—her acting skills honed from years reading people would suffice.

"How novel—discarding my life's context to become someone entirely new. Perhaps this image refresh will prove beneficial."

"Then..."

"If hiding, we must commit. A lofty disguise would draw attention, so something commonplace—perhaps a minor baron's daughter from the provinces would suit Ravenclaw."

Among illustrious noble daughters, a regional aristocrat could blend in seamlessly. Aiselin, who memorized continental nobility, quickly proposed:

"The Helghast barony in southeastern Luxstine would work. Remote and politically disinterested, with no local connections to raise suspicion."

"We should notify Baron Helghast."

"I'll draft correspondence. Surely he won't refuse an imperial request."

"What if he informs other factions?"

"Unlikely. We'll assign monitors. The distance is vast, and he lacks political ambitions."

The plan progressed smoothly.

Empress Rozelyn became Lona Helghast, a naive baron's daughter newly enrolled—an inconceivable transformation ensuring secrecy.

"How should we alter your appearance?"

"My natural crimson hair is prized, but variety suits me. Your onyx locks appeal, though Rothen River's blue hues also tempt me."

"Baron Helghast has blue hair, so that would suit."

"My waist-length hair feels cumbersome now. Shoulder-length would do, with dresses bearing the Helghast crest."

"Consider it done."

Aiselin had already prepared all documents—anticipating every need with flawless efficiency.

The empress studied Aiselin before remarking:

"Are you Lord Ravenclaw's chief advisor?"

"Huh? Roughly... but it's hard to define..."

"Or perhaps aspiring to be his consort?"

"No!"

"?"

Caught off-guard by the sudden turn, Aiselin reflexively denied.

The empress arched an eyebrow at her flustered response. Aiselin bowed apologetically.

"M-my apologies, Your Majesty."

"No need for formality. Though clearly, Lord Ravenclaw attracts capable people—a rare gift for gathering talent."

Leaning back, the empress gazed distantly.

"A ruler's coveted ability. More than mere management—an innate charisma."

"Your Majesty also possesses such magnetism."

"I distinguish between flattery and sincerity. Yours was the former."

"N-not at all..."

"Forgive my bluntness. Old habits from princess days—when trust was folly."

"Power bears heavy responsibility."

"Speaking of which... when returns the lord who exiled me here? We have much to discuss."

"Once Gremfort Palace stabilizes. Until then... please acclimate to academy life."

Aiselin presented documents detailing academy life.

Lona Helghast needed dormitory placement.

Among options—Diela's authoritative Camellia, Elennte's dignified Rosemary, Denis's scholarly Iris, the magically rigorous Lavender, and underachievers'Sepia—the empress pondered.

"Ah... Lord Ravenclaw already selected your dorm. Lavender, led by Lady Sirine."

"Sirine? Daughter of northern Lord Melberot?"

"Precisely. You know of her—that reassures me."

Melberot—a 6-Star combat mage who spurned imperial overtures, yet entrusted his daughter to Ravenclaw.

'An opportunity. Building rapport with his daughter could bolster my influence.'

Turning crisis into advantage—forging new connections during exile.

"Lavender houses only four students—elite and insular. You'll enjoy privacy and facilities."

"I see."

"However... concerns remain. Lord Ravenclaw insisted on absolute secrecy—not even Lady Sirine will know your true identity."

Secrecy was paramount. Only Derek, Aiselin, and Head Butler Delbritton would know"Lona's"truth.

Though nodding, unease lingered.

"Lady Sirine is... unconventional. Her followers share this eccentricity."

"I comprehend my position. Would I cling to pride while in hiding?"

"Not that... but please consult me regarding any discomfort."

"Know what I despise most? Those who value pride over situational awareness."

Crossing her arms, the empress smiled confidently.

"Don't worry. A Gremfort Palace survivor knows how to read people."

That very confidence somehow unsettled Aiselin.

With elegant blue locks and gentle demeanor, she appeared kindhearted.

Lavender Dormitory held prestigious status within Amaryllis House—only those earning capricious Lady Sirine's favor could wear its violet insignia.

Rumors spread about this extraordinary newcomer admitted without examination. Yet Lavender's secrecy ensured little information leaked.

- Creak

Entering Lavender's dim, silent halls—unlike other dorms, no candles illuminated the damp main hall where only dripping water echoed.

'...Not what I expected?'

"Zzzzz... Hggk... Snort!"

A snoring figure lay on the central table, using a cloak as blanket—a green-haired dorm officer oblivious to the newcomer.

Ravenclaw Academy's Amaryllis House.

Lavender Dormitory—where mystery dwelled.

First-time visitors all agreed:

It was a secret forest where geniuses secluded themselves.

"Huh... Huh? Zzz... Huh?"

The sleeper blinked drowsily at the poised newcomer.

"...Newbie?"

An unusual atmosphere already permeated the air.

- Clip-clop

'Lavender has few residents and minimal interaction—ideal for secrecy. Yet... concerns remain.'

Derek spent over ten days resolving Gremfort Palace affairs.

Leaving Damon and Kochella to their strife was strategically sound.

The question remained—could the empress adapt to academy life?

'I asked Aiselin to assist... but will it suffice?'

After concluding investigations and documenting palace affairs, Derek prepared reports for the empress.

As legitimate imperial heir, she commanded immense authority—requiring Derek's deference.

Nearing the academy by carriage, reviewing final reports, Derek gazed outside.

Ravenclaw Academy remained magnificent—thanks to excellent staff, operations proceeded smoothly.

Despite political worries, optimism emerged seeing the vibrant campus under warm sunlight.

Derek bolstered himself with positive thoughts, feeling somewhat reassured.

"...."

"W-welcome back..."

Until discovering Empress Rozelyn diligently sweeping Lady Sirine's room.