Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 233

"I want to become a 4-Star mage."

Since Empress Rozelyn had taken refuge in Lavender Dormitory, Derek found himself visiting there more frequently.

Even with the empress's understanding, harboring a nation's ruler in one's own domain was no small matter. It naturally kept him on edge, making him constantly want to check the situation.

During Derek's frequent visits, Sierne benefited the most.

Having always been the most enthusiastic about learning magic from Derek, she brightened visibly whenever she saw him dropping by Lavender Dormitory so often.

To Sierne, each day seemed fulfilling and joyful.

With her limited emotional expression and disinterest in academy administration, most wouldn't notice.

But compared to staring at snowfields from Rocheste Territory's spire, Duplein Territory—with its distinct seasons and lush greenery—felt like paradise on earth.

Yet Sierne never neglected her magical training.

Born with the blood of the Great Demon Noir, she was inherently different. Among Derek's direct disciples—each exceptional in their fields—Sierne stood uniquely above the rest.

Eventually, during one of Derek's visits... she boldly declared her intention to challenge the 4-Star realm.

"I suppose it's about time for ambition to stir in you."

"That's why I like you, Derek. You understand me perfectly."

Normally, someone Sierne's age declaring 4-Star aspirations would draw incredulous looks.

Among central nobility, 4-Star mages typically had wrinkles beginning to form. For someone her age to dream of 4-Star was near impossible.

Thus, people would uselessly praise how even elite mages would marvel at her current level, questioning why she rushed.

Human growth ultimately depends on talent and environment. Sierne implicitly believed this.

Fortunately, her surroundings teemed with mages who'd reached absurd heights.

Her father was a 6-Star combat mage, her direct teacher was Derek—central nobility's most renowned mage—and her peers were all extraordinary.

Transparent souls like Sierne could only shine in such places.

Derek responded casually to her seemingly outrageous 4-Star goal—unsurprising since he'd effortlessly crossed that threshold young. Having achieved it himself, he could react so nonchalantly.

In Lavender Dormitory's silent main hall—always quiet with few students—Sierne crossed her arms with satisfaction.

"Derek, how did you break through to 4-Star?"

"I defeated a 5-Star mage."

"Gasp..."

Always surpassing expectations.

Derek had subdued House Beltus's patriarch. True, Phee had half-beaten him to death first, but he'd still faced a 5-Star mage at full strength.

"Then... to break through 4-Star, I must defeat you."

"Frankly, Lady Sierne defeating me with magic is impossible."

Derek stated facts. While he'd beaten a 5-Star as a 3-Star, that didn't mean others could. Sierne, understanding this, felt not insulted but blocked by an immense wall.

"However, facing overwhelming strength is valuable experience. If you wish, we can spar properly."

"Great!"

Without hesitation, she sprang up and dashed to Amarilis House's training grounds to schedule a match, dress fluttering as if heading to a festival rather than a brutal duel with a 5-Star mage.

'Fortunately, Lavender Dormitory seems stable. Few students mean fewer concerns.'

While surveying the dormitory, Derek felt relieved.

Ravenclaw Academy had many top students, but Sierne stood above all.

Among Count Ravenclaw's direct disciples, her magical attainment was highest, with numerous legendary feats.

Combined with her mystical appearance and eccentric behavior... rumors spread and inflated until she'd become almost a celestial being residing at the academy.

Amusingly, she remained utterly indifferent to public opinion.

Compared to rampaging through Rocheste's northern snowfields, such commotion couldn't disturb her.

She was simply excited by childish ambition to test her strength against Derek.

"I've booked the training grounds for tomorrow morning. Can you schedule it under my name?"

"Gasp... Lady Sierne..."

In Amarilis House's student common area, the attendant startled as Sierne burst in.

Students checking duel schedules also jumped at her sudden appearance.

Her presence resembled a natural disaster—unpredictable in arrival or departure.

With snow-white hair fluttering, she'd fly in through windows or emerge from garden corners—unfathomable habits more befitting a beast than a person.

Her appearing in Amarilis House's east building now surprised none—just another"oh, here this time"reaction.

"T-tomorrow, you say?"

"Yes. Problem?"

"N-no! If Lavender Dormitory's representative Lady Sierne personally schedules a duel, we'll make it happen. There are some bookings tomorrow, but they'll surely yield to you."

Sierne was a rising star—Ravenclaw School's highest-achieving disciple. Observing her duel was rare, guaranteeing many spectators tomorrow.

The question was her opponent.

Currently, no one at Ravenclaw Academy surpassed her magical prowess. Even Aiselin—Amarilis House's head—couldn't match her magically.

"Who's... your opponent?"

"Derek."

The casually dropped name sent murmurs through the room.

-'Count Ravenclaw versus Lady Sierne?'

-'Heavens... the academy's strongest facing off...'

-'Count Ravenclaw is practically at 5-Star's pinnacle...'

5-Star mages were scarce continent-wide.

A duel between one and the academy's top student was bound to draw attention.

Hands on hips, Sierne smirked proudly—visibly pleased at publicly affirming her status as Derek's foremost disciple.

"We need someone to dispatch to Gremfort Palace. Someone who can clearly assess situations, remains unswayed by interests, and has status allowing palace proximity without suspicion..."

"Hmm... Not easy. With academy operations already straining manpower... I'll look, but..."

After completing inspections, Derek met Aiselin at the academy's main building with retainers.

Understanding Gremfort Palace's internal dynamics was paramount.

They needed clear intel on Damon and Kochella's power struggle's progress—who would ultimately survive.

If Damon won, compromise was possible. As long as his survival was guaranteed within Gremfort Palace, he'd concede much.

But Empress Rozelyn wouldn't forgive Damon if he'd truly orchestrated Emperor Gertrel's assassination.

If Kochella won, complexity increased.

She'd employ every means to reach the 7-Star Realm—forcing open the palace catacombs to pursue Adelbert's legacy toward the stars, sacrificing all.

She'd clash with Empress Rozelyn, who acknowledged magic's utility but not its nobility.

'Either way, Empress Rozelyn stands where compromise is impossible.'

Both Damon and Kochella had touched 6-Star realms.

Derek's own goal was reaching 6-Star. Facing them might reveal clues.

This explained his lack of hostility toward Rozelyn.

Rozelyn lived in a world separate from magical attainment. Opposing her wouldn't yield magical gains.

Kochella and Damon differed.

Whoever remained, Derek intended to consume them.

"..."

In his dim office, Derek pondered, chin in hand.

Ultimately, little had changed since slum mercenary days. His motivations still centered on magical achievement.

Compared to Kochella, he had more to protect.

But their essence was identical—undeniable.

"For Gremfort Palace... we'll need external personnel. We can't spare more insiders."

"Any trustworthy candidates?"

"One comes to mind... but he's... problematic."

"...?"

Wondering who could unsettle Derek, Aiselin tilted her head.

Derek sighed deeply. While no match for Derek's might, this individual exuded inexplicable peculiarities.

Not malice—but discomforting nonetheless with excessive familiarity.

Sharp-minded, of excellent status, quick to grasp situations, unlikely to switch sides—such individuals were rare.

"...I'll contact him personally. Must visit Evelstain."

"Oh, someone in Evelstain? Shall I arrange a carriage?"

"Please. By the way—is Pellin at Amarilis House?"

"Ah, yes... likely inspecting student common areas now. Need her for something?"

"Just questions. Only she'd know recent Evelstain market district developments..."

Arms crossed, Derek mused before explaining:

"I need to know where the most active gambling dens are in Evelstain's market district lately."

A man who ties greasy, unwashed hair like twine, scratching his coarse beard while perpetually drunk.

Yet this was someone who, as a 1-Star mage, had captured a 6-Star confusion mage through sheer wit and insight—a rare talent for overturning power balances.

Visiting him meant enduring excessive friendliness, but needs must.

Derek sighed deeply. Still, he was worth having as an ally.

'Oh? Count Ravenclaw versus Lady Sierne? Must see this.'

Empress Rozelyn, engrossed in playing transfer student, eavesdropped on rumors circulating Amarilis House.

Adjusting her unfitting horn-rimmed glasses with rising excitement, she strode purposefully toward Lavender Dormitory, books clutched tightly—a scholarly facade drawing curious glances.

Walking through, she surveyed the campus brimming with academic zeal and youth.

'So this is the academy Count Ravenclaw built.'

Though settled here awhile, she truly appreciated its peaceful scenery for the first time.

A land where noble scions with entangled interests harmonize under shared scholarly pursuits. Though not without issues, compared to Gremfort Palace's scheming, it felt tranquil.

In the palace, every servant's word required scrutiny for hidden meanings or agendas.

Here, she felt free from such pressures.

"Um... excuse me... You're Lady Rona of Lavender Dormitory, right? I'm... Callia from Iris Dormitory... I've... wanted to talk to you..."

Occasional greetings from noble girls bore nervous tension.

Not the tension of royal protocol or concealed motives—just youthful awkwardness approaching a mysterious peer.

In noble social circles, such pure nervousness was rare.

Noticing this, the academy appeared different.

Rozelyn paused, observing the fragrant central garden.

'Yes... quite a good place.'

Such places should exist.

She couldn't deny it. This was likely the land of learning Border Count Elvester envisioned.

Count Ravenclaw had created this—earning her deeper respect.

'Proper social circles should resemble this.'

Smiling inwardly, Rozelyn returned the girl's brave greeting warmly.

After all, these were shining times. She ought to learn to accept such pure goodwill.

'Now, how to win Lady Sierne's favor... Without imperial authority, I'm clueless about charming people... She seems utterly enchanted by Derek... What magic did he use?'

Separately, her campaign for Sierne's favor continued.

Derek's mystifying charisma in taming that snowfield beast intrigued her endlessly.