Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 245

The Elvester County territory was incorporated into Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw's domain.

With virtually no survivors left from House Elvester and the territory itself completely devastated, self-recovery was nearly impossible—a proxy ruler had become necessary.

"Baron Ravenclaw has delegated authority over Elvester County's restoration to me. However... I still consider myself part of House Elvester. Lady Freya."

"..."

"Therefore, you may decide the territory's restoration plans yourself. Baron Ravenclaw will understand."

The location was the ruins of Elvester County's destroyed manor.

Once considered the epicenter of eastern high society culture, this luxurious territory now lay buried under collapsed buildings and debris.

The place where Lady Freya of Count had spent half her life, and where Katia Flameheart had taught her magic.

One of House Elvester's few survivors. And among them, the highest-ranking.

Sitting lazily on the ruined manor's rubble while enjoying the breeze, Lady Freya heaved a deep sigh.

"Even if I tried rebuilding our house now, it would only frustrate me. Aiselin Eleanor Duplein—practically a southwestern legend—only managed her family's restoration because at least their mansion remained somewhat intact."

Aiselin, who had revived the collapsing Duplein family, had essentially relied on House Ravenclaw's support to stand back up.

By that standard, Lady Freya's situation wasn't terrible—yet rebuilding from literal ground zero seemed impossible.

"Master Katia. May I ask you something?"

Ironically, the spring sunlight felt warm, the breeze refreshing.

Wildflowers bloomed between marble fragments of the vanished mansion. Life stubbornly persisted despite everything.

Katia. Former matriarch of House Flameheart, once a mercenary, later magic tutor at Elvester Manor.

Though unaware of her full history, one could imagine its turbulence.

"What's it like... living as fallen nobility?"

The question might reopen wounds, but Freya asked bluntly—knowing Katia would understand better than anyone.

Having lost her house and survived the wilds, Katia hesitated before answering.

"It wasn't easy."

"Really? That's worrying."

Sighing to compose herself, Freya proved equally extraordinary.

With only Katia left to protect this petite girl, the older woman sat beside her with concern.

"...."

As they silently observed the ruins, someone trudged down the manor's rubble-strewn hill.

Who could possibly be in this wasteland?

Perhaps a wandering merchant or bandit seeking shelter. But when they looked up, both froze.

Faded crimson robes. Wrinkled skin. Languid eyes observing the world with detachment. Disheveled white hair.

A"wandering ghost"rarely seen outside the southwestern Belmierd County's academy spire.

"You are..."

A 6-Star Search Mage. Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw's mentor.

Drest Wolftail emerged from Elvester Manor's wreckage.

"..."

Among extraordinary 6-Star mages, none remained more enigmatic.

Whispers claimed he glimpsed futures and twisted fate. Seeing this specter, Freya and Katia's fingers stiffened.

Baron Ravenclaw rejected House Rocheste's marriage proposal!

Rumors spread through every academy corner within half a day—surprisingly slow given the scandal's intensity.

Would Melberot—who'd sacrifice liver and lungs for his daughter—stay quiet? Yet House Rocheste seemed to respect his decision, fueling wilder speculations.

From claims that even Rocheste tread carefully around Baron Ravenclaw, to theories they stood as equals...

Or that Ravenclaw used undisclosed methods to persuade Melberot...

For a week, baseless gossip flourished—until Pellin stormed the academy assembly platform.

"Even if it's just formalities, blood ties bind us. Don't think claiming Baron Ravenclaw will be easy, understand?"

Hands on hips, Pellin laughed boldly onstage.

"I'm always open! Anyone wanting Baron Ravenclaw must first break Pellin Raidof Ravenclaw's pride. Note—I accept all challengers anytime."

"Though I'd prefer opponents with more fight than Lady Sirine. Warming up against weaklings just makes me sigh."

Sirine—the monster who'd cast 4-Star magic before the entire academy.

Pellin had beaten her mercilessly and laughed heartily.

Witnesses realized: Baron Ravenclaw's inner circle wasn't for ordinary folk.

To claim him, one must first defeat Pellin. This sobering truth silenced even direct disciples.

"That's all!"

Descending the platform in expensive dresses, Pellin moved like a battlefield soldier.

Though she'd bear noble retaliation, Pellin seemed exhilarated.

At least she could legally pummel nobles now.

A terrifying woman indeed.

"No wonder things quieted down. I should thank Pellin."

"Actually, the Countess wanted livelier fights... but after seeing Lady Sirine's condition, no one dares challenge her."

"...Naturally."

Head Butler Delbritton sighed in relief watching Derek finally relax.

Having served since Derek's baron days, he'd rarely seen him so at ease. Sipping tea in his private quarters, Derek seemed physically and mentally lighter.

"Now we can consider Gremfort Palace's situation."

Of course, Derek was actually analyzing imperial affairs.

Since Melberot's visit, something felt amiss.

Leaning against the window, Derek muttered thoughtfully.

-'Curious about that Gremfort Palace letter's sender? Wondering who summoned me there...'

Melberot had smirked before answering:

"Damon."

Derek whispered the name.

Emperor Gertrel's assassin. A 6-Star mage candidate. Central Noble Council chairman. Gremfort Palace's de facto power wielder.

Had he ousted Kohlera to seize control?

Only then could palace-sealed letters summon Melberot directly.

'Kohlera... ousted? Seriously?'

That old fox—who'd swallowed dozens of scheming snakes—pushed aside by Damon?

If true... news would reach Derek soon.

Damon sought survival.

In this cutthroat world, he eliminated threats to maintain power. A petty man despite his position.

Kohlera, however, was ambitious.

She'd stop at nothing to reach 7-Star. Excavating Adelbert's remnants beneath Gremfort Palace, gathering 6-Star mages—all to breach new realms.

'Damon winning is preferable. His motives are clear, open to negotiation.'

But that was Derek's perspective.

Empress Rozelyn would never forgive Damon—her father's killer.

'If the situation's settled, I should revisit Gremfort Palace. After news from Ryner, I'll visit discreetly.'

Having decided, Derek rose.

Time for meals, staff inspections, then personal magic training.

- Creak

As Derek exited with Delbritton:

"Hello, Derek."

"..."

"Perfect timing. I was heading to your office with questions."

A girl awaited in the hallway. None in the academy wouldn't recognize Diela Catherine Duplein.

Ravenclaw School's top disciple. Fierce pride made noble heirs cower before her.

Petite as a doll, but a beast lurked within. Few in the academy could control her.

Derek was one—before him, Diela became docile as a herbivore, astonishing observers.

Not that Diela cared.

"Lady Diela... what brings you?"

"Like I said—questions."

"...Are you injured?"

"Circumstances happened."

Diela looked off—scratches covered her body.

Minor wounds, but nobles prized flawless appearances. Yet Diela stood arms crossed, venomous expression unchanged.

"Hey, Derek. That arrogant mercenary Pellin."

"..."

"How do I beat her?"

Now Derek understood the scratches'origin.

Even 4-Star Sirine struggled against Pellin—Diela stood no chance.

Though more adaptable than Sirine—having fought from disadvantage often—Diela remained greenhouse flower versus Pellin's wild breed.

"...Why fight her?"

"She's cocky. Don't ask details."

"..."

Derek could imagine Pellin's euphoric grin while brawling nobles.

Playing with Sirine, clashing with Diela—legally beating noble ladies brought her supreme job satisfaction.

The irony left him speechless.

Apparently, Ravenclaw's direct disciples were collectively attempting to"defeat Pellin."

Derek massaged his temples and sighed.

Is this how running an academy works...?

Reality differed greatly from expectations.