Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 268

"Good to see you. I am Count Derek Raidof Ravenclaw. Though I was caught up in major events at Gremfort Palace and suffered greatly, as you can see, my life has been preserved."

The next morning, when Derek appeared at the breakfast gathering, Ravenclaw Academy couldn't help but be thrown into an uproar.

Truthfully, by now most people who needed to know were already aware of Derek's survival. Yet the shock that came with this official announcement was inevitable.

"D-Derek...!"

At this modest breakfast gathering in the academy's main hall to celebrate their master's return, Diela came running in with tears in her eyes.

She must have rushed over immediately upon hearing the news. The small dining area in the corner of the main building was now trembling with emotion.

Diela clung to Derek while sobbing uncontrollably, Elente sighed with relief while massaging her temples, and Denise maintained surprising composure—perhaps having caught hints long ago.

The unexpectedly calm reaction came from Tricia, who seemed to have already been tipped off by Aiselin.

-'I had to inform her about Her Majesty Rozelyn's plans. From my position, I had no choice but to reveal your survival. Certain things needed to be heard.'

Thanks to this, Tricia had managed to maintain peace amid the academy's chaos.

What truly startled Derek was Siern's reaction—upon hearing news of his death, she had immediately set off for the imperial capital to kill Damon.

Aiselin recounted how much she'd struggled to track Siern down and bring her back, saying even remembering that time made her break into a cold sweat.

When Siern burst into Derek's welcome breakfast, she immediately burst into tears and embraced him upon seeing his face.

She cried so long and hard that others couldn't even greet Derek properly.

After finally regaining composure, Siern's words chilled everyone present:

"I was planning to kill Damon—and every noble faction official involved."

"..."

"Anyone complicit in the scheme, and if Kochella was involved, I would've torn her apart by any means necessary."

Setting aside how one would kill a 6-Star mage, the shock came from learning she'd actually been strategizing to carry this out.

Having witnessed through Damon how revenge ruins lives, Derek quietly pressed Siern's head down and spoke firmly:

"Even if something were to happen to me, Lady Siern must prioritize her own life first."

"That's my decision to make. You said it yourself, Derek—revenge is meaningless, but it must be done."

Siern wiped her reddened eyes and declared:

"I agree with those words."

Beyond this, Derek managed to conclude the breakfast while checking on his direct disciples.

Though emotionally taxing, many praised Derek's achievements. Retainers, servants, and academy staff alike lauded Count Ravenclaw's accomplishments—now truly Evelstain's hero, the Southwest Continent's eminent figure, and the empire's de facto ruler.

"I knew you'd return."

"You've endured much, Delbritton."

"My struggles pale before Your Excellency's."

The elderly butler had steadfastly guarded the household. Believing he'd remain loyal to the end, Derek rewarded him appropriately.

As initially expected, Delbritton became head butler to the empire's most powerful figure—itself a form of success. Seemingly satisfied, he gave Derek a trusting smile.

"News of Count Ravenclaw's achievements has reached even Evelstain. The Duplein family will surely visit, and my father from House Belmierd will likely come personally."

After scrutinizing Derek's face several times, Elente sighed deeply in relief before speaking.

"Returning triumphant means Evelstain's influential families will want to celebrate. House Beltus will be no different."

"...Did Lady Denise know I was alive?"

"One could tell from Lady Aiselin's expression..."

Denise casually smoothed her bluish hair while side-eyeing Aiselin, who swallowed dryly. Though aware of Denise's sharp perception, being seen through despite efforts to remain composed clearly surprised her.

"I see. With Evelstain's elite gathered, this would be an appropriate time to announce important matters."

"Important matters?"

"Compared to Gremfort Palace's affairs, it's nothing major. After hearing about who holds imperial supremacy... anything else would seem trivial by comparison."

"That's... understandable. So what's this important matter?"

"I believe I'll be marrying Lady Aiselin."

"..."

Silence fell over the breakfast gathering.

Even Denise looked stunned. Though aware of Count Ravenclaw's popularity, no one expected someone to snatch him up so abruptly.

And understandably so.

Who could possibly claim a man even the empress had shaken her head at and stepped back from?

That Aiselin—who'd shown no signs of actively pursuing him—had been the first to seize him left everyone speechless.

When eyes turned to Aiselin, she flushed red and fidgeted with her fingertips.

She didn't deny it. Whatever happened last night, seeing this elegant, refined woman first claim the prize was simply absurd.

In war, ambush tactics are indispensable.

Aiselin embodied what it meant to be a true strategist.

"..."

Diela's eyes widened as she alternated staring at Aiselin and Derek.

Siern nearly froze solid, becoming a living statue who could only clench her teeth at the sudden news.

"That's how it turned out."

Derek chuckled wryly as he said this.

With Count Ravenclaw's return, many things began normalizing.

The academy's curriculum resumed as planned, staff no longer appeared gloomy, and many strived to reach higher magical realms.

After concluding his night of deviation, Derek returned to his overwhelmingly busy routine.

There was much to handle—as territorial noble, academy head, and imperial hero. Each day felt insufficient for the accumulated tasks.

Beyond immediate matters, future obligations remained.

Derek's life still held many unresolved ambitions.

"..."

Having received only basic handover documents, Derek sat in his office surveying piled paperwork. Process these by noon, inspect the academy in the afternoon, meet distinguished guests, then conduct personal magic training.

Today's agenda—and likely tomorrow's and the day after's.

Yet one couldn't live only handling today's tasks.

Derek set down his quill, leaned back, and exhaled.

Outside, autumn was just arriving. The vast blue sky seemed to symbolize his current unimpeded path.

But seasons change. As winter follows autumn and spring follows winter, even seemingly repetitive lives transform through upheavals.

'Must visit Lord Melberot to express gratitude. Should also review former Earl Elvester's territory where Master Katia resides. Another capital visit is needed too.'

Beyond routine matters...

'...Must dedicate myself more to magic training. I'm confident... I'll reach 6-Star rank soon.'

Likely becoming a 6-Star mage commanding the continent within the year. Excluding the late Phee, he'd be the youngest on the continent.

'And... once I reach that realm, I must find Master Phee.'

Somewhere beyond time, Phee awaited—having promised to meet again through reincarnation's cycle.

Mastering time magic and reaching heights to touch those stars... He'd cross time to extend a hand to Phee—lying despairing in a snowy alley corner during her first life as Rublen.

'Should inspect the main family too. Might be best to relocate my old master's grave in Evelstain. So much to handle. While near the tavern district, should visit Uncle Jayden again... Must inform Pellin about the marriage too. She'll probably rejoice that troublesome matters are finally concluding.'

Though his life hadn't been long, his connections were numerous and obligations endless.

'...'

Derek had accomplished something monumental.

At Gremfort Palace's heart, he'd grasped the precursor to humanity's longed-for 7-Star magic. Emerging from that climax with certainty he'd someday reach those heights... he quietly returned to the human world.

One could say he'd concluded an epic tale. Like awakening from a long dream.

Yet here in Ravenclaw Academy, quill in hand reviewing documents... everything flowed as calmly as if nothing had changed.

Not so different from reading magic tomes in Evelstain's shabby slum shack.

Life seemed this way—yet so much had changed that he shook his head.

Despite completing so much, new desires took root like intertwining tree roots.

Far removed from slum days spent scrambling for survival, he now understood how life expands outward.

'Must handle them one by one, slowly.'

Derek thought this as wind blew through the window.

Despite everything that had passed, life continued.

As autumn leaves began turning, Derek's wedding invitations spread across the continent.

Those indebted to him—from reconstructed eastern mansions to noble estates—reacted variously upon receiving them.

Katia and Freya smiled knowingly while rebuilding their ruined eastern mansion.

Countess Rodea of House Renuel pressed her forehead in disappointment.

Melberot of House Rochester sat before a fireplace with a bored expression, while the Border Count of Belmierd sighed deeply.

Many who'd wanted Count Ravenclaw for themselves had ultimately failed.

Siern nearly wept tears of blood but refused to give up, pouting at Aiselin whenever they met—as if to say even with a partner, hearts could still waver.

Not that anyone would dare confront Aiselin directly. Amid this delicate tension, preparations progressed.

"..."

Aiselin herself sat on pins and needles daily.

Having claimed such a prize, she inevitably drew envy. To wear the crown, one must bear its weight.

Yet Aiselin simply smiled foolishly while reading the invitation text.

No matter what anyone said, she looked blissful.

"I knew this would happen."

Meanwhile, Empress Rozelyn sat on her throne massaging her temples...

Complex thoughts swirled, but ultimately Count Ravenclaw wasn't someone just anyone could claim.

The nearly ruined Duplein family—now regaining influence—couldn't compare to the imperial household. Aiselin was completely outmatched, making this likely temporary.

Amid such thoughts, autumn deepened gloriously.

The high blue skies made perfect conditions for celebrations.