Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 265

"You're still awake at this late hour, Lady Aiselin."

Aiselin enjoyed strolling through the academy gardens late at night after finishing her studies.

The darkness of night had a way of transforming even ordinary spaces into something mystical. The academy gardens where daily life unfolded took on an entirely different atmosphere under moonlight, as if she'd wandered into some enchanted place.

The main building of Amaryllis House stood empty, all staff having retired for the night.

At this hour, the only people awake would be the retainers on night watch. Yet Aiselin often found herself taking in the crisp predawn air while mentally organizing tomorrow's tasks.

By now it wasn't particularly unusual behavior, but as a staff member, it warranted attention.

Head Butler Delbritton, who had long served Derek and supported the Ravenclaw household, had come out with a blanket out of concern for Aiselin.

"Oh, Head Butler."

"It's quite late. While Ravenclaw Academy's security is reliable, you should be cautious walking outside when visibility is so limited."

"Thank you for your concern. But these nightly walks are important to me. With work constantly piling up... I rarely get quiet moments for contemplation."

Though startled by the head butler's sudden appearance in the predawn hours, Aiselin maintained her graceful composure without faltering. This girl, whose self-discipline bordered on mechanical precision, served as the very model of propriety for all young noblewomen at Ravenclaw Academy.

"Many thoughts weighing on your mind?"

"Managing the academy seems to grow more complicated by the day. Of course, operating a facility of this scale was never easy... but I can't help feeling the worries multiply."

Aiselin sighed deeply—a rare sight indeed.

She seldom voiced complaints or grievances in front of others. Only with this tight-lipped old retainer, a trusted Ravenclaw vassal, did she allow her guard to relax slightly.

Aiselin quietly sat on a wooden bench where cricket songs filled the air, gazing up at the night sky.

"I told Derek I'd fulfill my duties to ensure smooth operations at Gremfort Palace... but I never imagined the situation would become this complicated."

Her position as de facto authority of Ravenclaw Academy made her a coveted target for anyone with political ambitions.

Though many coveted Aiselin's position, none enjoyed Count Ravenclaw's trust as she did... effectively wielding absolute authority.

Yet Aiselin herself harbored no such ambitions. She simply fulfilled her responsibilities.

"Regarding the announcement of Count Ravenclaw's survival... do you still not intend to make it public?"

"No. While leaving the academy's gloomy atmosphere unchecked weighs on my conscience... what can I do? Without knowing Derek's intentions, I can't arbitrarily change the situation."

Aiselin crossed her arms tightly.

"My role is to assist, not take the lead."

Very few knew Count Ravenclaw still lived. While some at Gremfort Palace might be informed, within Ravenclaw Academy's halls, fewer than five likely knew.

If no news came within days, what then?

Should they continue treating him as deceased, or announce his survival to revitalize the academy's atmosphere?

The time for decisions approached. Leadership meant facing endless judgment calls.

-'Lady Aiselin. If what I heard is correct... Count Ravenclaw may become part of the Gertrel Imperial Family once this matter concludes.'

-'...Pardon?'

Thoughts of Derek only complicated her emotions further.

According to what Lady Trisha conveyed, Empress Rozelyn of the Gertrel Imperial Family had made Derek a promise. Once everything concluded smoothly and the empire properly transitioned to her rule... she would bestow imperial authority upon him.

What did this mean?

Those in the know understood perfectly. Empress Rozelyn intended to take Derek for herself.

That Derek was quite the catch had become common knowledge, so Aiselin could understand the empress's interest.

And if she were honest, even this seemingly innocent girl had entertained certain thoughts... not that she could deny it.

Moreover, Derek had explicitly told Aiselin before leaving Ravenclaw Academy.

Once this journey ended, he'd have something important to say.

While uncertain what that might be, Lady Trisha's news offered some clues.

Becoming part of the Gertrel Imperial Family.

This meant Derek would ultimately become someone's husband.

"..."

What did it matter?

Marriage prospects for Count Derek Raidof Ravenclaw had been discussed many times before.

Evelstain's high society never left eligible bachelors in peace.

Prestigious families had caused quite the uproar trying to claim this man—not once or twice. That the Gertrel Imperial Family now set their sights on him wasn't particularly surprising.

Yet this time, she felt strangely hollow.

Unlike with other noble families, if the imperial family made their move, there would be nowhere left to hide. Who would dare refuse a position as imperial son-in-law?

This time, Derek would truly soar into the heavens beyond reach.

As his adjutant, she should be overjoyed by this news.

"Lady Aiselin. Your expression seems clouded with worry. While the academy's atmosphere has grown gloomy lately, you shouldn't let it affect you so."

"...Yes. You're right, Head Butler. With so much work, I can't afford to be swayed by emotions."

"...Are you wondering when Count Ravenclaw might return?"

Delbritton was sharp—the seasoned insight of an old butler who'd seen it all.

Noting Aiselin's distant expression, Delbritton didn't press further. Though both had served Ravenclaw for years, they still found much about Derek remained unknowable.

A peculiar understanding formed between these two who served the same master.

Derek Raidof Ravenclaw.

As they wondered when this missing man might return, they surrendered to the cool night air.

In the hazy atmosphere, they reminisced about one person.

The weight of longing in her chest felt unexpectedly heavy. Waiting for someone wearied the heart, even without lifting a finger.

He would return someday.

Clutching this small hope, the young woman gazed at the moon.

So she would fulfill her duties and wait however long it took. She was accustomed to long waits.

Holding hope through endless waiting came from knowing he would undoubtedly return.

"Good evening, Lady Aiselin. It's been quite a while. I trust you've been well?"

"..."

The time between concluding her melancholic soliloquy about steadfastly fulfilling duties and actually meeting Derek spanned approximately three minutes and twenty-one seconds.

Returning to Amaryllis House's main building after her nightly stroll, Aiselin froze upon seeing Derek casually dining while being attended by retainers.

"...Is something wrong?"

"Wh-when did you return?"

"Just now. Stopped by Evelstain to handle some matters, which delayed me slightly. Also needed treatment for injuries sustained during the battle at Gremfort Palace."

"..."

"Not sure if you've heard, but the Gremfort Palace situation is fully resolved. The political climate will stabilize, and the Ravenclaw School will likely gain official recognition from the Gertrel Imperial Family. Quite the fruitful journey in many ways."

Derek adjusted his mercenary-style cloak—a rare casual outfit for him.

Having visited Evelstain, he'd apparently taken the opportunity to meet old acquaintances along Tavern Street. Rare chances like this allowed the perpetually busy noble to move about freely and reconnect with past associates.

"Pellin will return to the academy soon. Visited the Velderun Mercenary Group—they've grown since last time. Guildmaster Jayden looked quite pleased, which eased my mind. Seeing everyone doing well lifts the spirits."

"Y-you're... you're not injured, are you?"

"Actually took quite a few hits with some lingering effects. Nothing permanently debilitating, but recovery will take time. Though of course, magical training can't be neglected."

Derek stretched his neck and handed his coat to a retainer before perching on the main hall table.

Despite surviving life-and-death situations, overcoming multiple mortal dangers, and concluding an epic that determined the empire's fate and the Gertrel Imperial Family's future, Derek delivered his greetings with the casual ease of someone returning from a neighborhood stroll.

Come to think of it, this man had always been like this.

Even when facing mortal peril or during fateful journeys that altered countless lives, he maintained that indifferent expression as if it were nothing special.

Aiselin had countless questions, yet none came to mind.

Because his demeanor—dusting himself off as casually as if returning from a walk—felt utterly natural.

"A-academy operations have proceeded as discussed without major issues. Though... the atmosphere has been somewhat gloomy lately..."

"Ah, I'll announce my survival at first light tomorrow. Sent separate letters to the school's direct disciples. They likely don't know I've arrived yet—should make rounds to greet them before retiring."

"I... see..."

Everything resolved itself seamlessly. Ultimately, Derek's presence formed the academy's foundation.

Derek sighed deeply and stared intently at Aiselin.

"..."

"D-Derek? Did you... have something to tell me...?"

"Many things... but operational matters can wait. More importantly... your reaction seems oddly subdued, which puzzles me."

"Oh, oh?"

"Not that I deserve grand welcomes... but expected slightly more enthusiasm. Given it's been so long since my return."

As Derek tilted his head, Aiselin fidgeted nervously.

Admittedly, Derek had a point. Normally composed Aiselin would naturally beam with joy upon seeing him.

Given their familiarity, her current flustered state seemed particularly unnatural.

Naturally, Aiselin felt cautious.

Because of certain rumors she'd heard. Above all, news of the imperial marriage proposal lodged in her heart like a thorn.

If he became Empress Rozelyn's consort, he'd likely reside permanently in Gremfort Palace's Lily Palace.

From there, all manner of unhappy imaginings sprouted—eventually picturing him ascending to greater heights, leaving Ravenclaw Academy behind.

Only then did Aiselin realize: her unease stemmed not from the academy's gloom, but from fearing Derek might abandon this nest for distant horizons.

Yet articulating this directly proved impossible.

As mentioned, Aiselin had no grounds to hold him back, nor would confining this ocean-bound man to a small lake serve his interests.

Thus she could only watch Derek's reaction with uneasy hesitation.

Yet this ambiguous state couldn't last forever.

With his rare appearance, Aiselin resolved to ask directly.

"D-Derek. There's something I'd like to ask..."

"Naturally. Ask anything."

Derek accepted this as expected.

After his long absence, documents requiring his approval must have piled up, along with both professional and personal curiosities.

Perched on the table with folded arms, Derek appeared fully prepared to explain everything thoroughly. His reliable demeanor made Aiselin momentarily hold her breath.

'No need to rush. Start with natural questions about Derek's well-being and health first. Naturalness is key.'

Though questioning naturalness between comrades who'd survived life-and-death together seemed unnecessary, Aiselin grew increasingly tense.

She sat primly opposite Derek, hands folded on her lap, swallowing dryly.

Then slowly, methodically lined up natural questions in her mind.

What happened at Gremfort Palace. Serious injuries sustained. Future political outlook. Any academy changes he wanted addressed. Checking staff rotations. Updates on school disciples. The Duplein family situation. Possibilities seemed endless.

Thus steeling herself, Aiselin began with the most natural, comfortable question.

"Derek. Are you getting married...?"

At least, that's what she intended.

"..."

Aiselin had to steady her breathing immediately after asking.

Even she couldn't believe this was her first question to Derek after his epic, life-risking journey. So blatantly personal that her cheeks burned with unbearable shame.

Even unflappable Derek found this sudden interrogation startling, though his composure never broke.

Watching Aiselin avert her eyes in flustered embarrassment after asking actually helped him remain calm.

Rubbing his forehead, Derek answered bluntly.

"No."

"I... see..."

"You've heard about the Gertrel Imperial Family's marriage proposal, I take it. I've put it on hold for now. Circumstances didn't permit."

"Ah, I... see..."

Aiselin's expression cycled through countless emotions.

Though Derek had many complex thoughts, he simply stated facts. While Empress Rozelyn still seemed intent on claiming him, Derek returned to Duplein Territory citing too many unfinished tasks.

Surely that sufficed as an answer.

The normally composed and graceful Aiselin rarely lost control like this. Considering it a rare spectacle, Derek prepared to move on.

Though particularly awkward about relationships—prone to overreacting or rash statements—she typically regained composure after reflection.

He could patiently wait while she turned beet-red and floundered... it felt pleasantly like coming home after long absence.

Just as Derek resolved to gently set aside this momentary lapse—

"Then will you marry me?"

"?"

The verbal dagger flew so swiftly Derek doubted his ears.

"..."

Behind them, Delbritton nearly dropped the wineglass he'd been polishing.

For this battle-hardened old butler to make such a rookie mistake was... unusual indeed.