Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 3

- [You have gained access to 2-Star Magic.]

- [You have learned the 2-Star Magic'Auditory Hallucination'.]

From that day onward, Katia began taking Derek around in earnest, teaching him various spells.

Initially, she had only planned to lay the foundational framework, but Derek's talent far exceeded her expectations.

It wasn't that she harbored any grand ambitions of nurturing a prodigy or raising a successor.

Katia simply foresaw the great misfortune that awaited Derek, and found it difficult to turn a blind eye.

"Having been through the wringer yourself, you probably already know this, but making a living as a mercenary is no easy task. Still, there are tricks to the trade."

She accompanied him on minor monster-hunting commissions and taught him how to handle small jobs efficiently.

During slower periods, they would stroll through scenic areas on the outskirts of Evelstain, share quality tea, or haggle for ingredients together at the market. She did everything within her power to broaden Derek's horizons.

All the while, she continued imparting magical knowledge whenever possible. Over the seasons that passed, Derek absorbed everything she taught with remarkable speed.

Before they knew it, everyone in the mercenary underworld had heard of the middle-aged woman and the young boy who followed her. A considerable amount of time had passed.

Throughout those years, Katia repeatedly emphasized one truth to Derek: excessive talent could become a poison.

"It's not that no commoner-born mage has ever reached the realm of 4-Star magic and beyond."

"Really...?"

"But most who do meet unfortunate ends. So never forget—you must always tread carefully."

Even among renowned noble families, only one or two mages typically reach 4-Star status.

It's not a realm one can attain simply by being born with good lineage.

Those who reach 5-Star become family heads or core military assets of the empire, while 6-Star mages are so rare they can be counted on one hand throughout human history.

For commoners without noble blood, the ceiling is 3-Star—no matter how exceptional they may be.

As if urging him to remember this, Katia whispered to Derek in a worried tone:

"Nobles usually hold their coming-of-age ceremonies at eighteen. If they've mastered 1-Star magic by then, they're considered decently talented. Those who've begun learning 2-Star magic catch the attention of their elders."

"..."

Derek was now fourteen.

He needed to understand the significance of his achievements.

With that, Katia brought Derek back to her modest home on the outermost edge of the commercial district.

The single shabby room contained almost no belongings. While sufficient for one woman to live in, it was a far cry from the opulent noble mansions she once inhabited.

But Katia had long grown accustomed to this lifestyle.

Dust floated in the air, and furnishings were sparse. As a mercenary who could be called away at any moment, she needed to travel light.

After seating Derek on the hard wooden bed, Katia perched on a creaky chair and spoke calmly:

"Given your age, be careful not to use magic recklessly anywhere. In crowded places, stick to 1-Star spells. Even that would be an extraordinary achievement for someone your age."

"How far had you progressed in magic by your coming-of-age ceremony, Master?"

"...That was so long ago, I barely remember. Thinking back, I could probably handle one or two 1-Star confusion spells."

The Flameheart Viscountcy wasn't quite at the level of being called a magical powerhouse, but nobles were still nobles.

If even Katia—whose magical skills were respected among aristocrats—had only reached that level by her coming-of-age, Derek's abilities were undoubtedly eye-popping by any standard.

"Using me as a benchmark might not be accurate. Back then, I was a newly adult woman who received more education about becoming a proper noble lady than focusing solely on magic."

"Was life as the young lady of Flameheart Viscountcy... difficult?"

"Interested in noble culture?"

"...Can't help being curious."

Katia took a gulp of cold water and met Derek's steady gaze.

Was this pure curiosity?

Though the boy seemed unnaturally mature for his age, moments like these revealed the indiscriminate curiosity typical of youth.

It almost seemed as if this world-weary orphan still retained some childlike innocence.

Feeling an odd sense of relief at this sight, Katia continued in a lighter tone:

"Aren't there plenty of rumors about noble ladies circulating in marketplaces and mercenary circles?"

"Not many flattering ones. They say half of all noble ladies are ill-mannered, and the other half have nothing but flower gardens in their heads. Either lacking etiquette or common sense, I suppose."

"Harsh but understandable. Still, people's values inevitably differ based on their upbringing."

Their master-disciple relationship had always revolved around mercenary work or magic.

Wandering the brutal mercenary underworld together meant their conversations tended toward heavy topics, but even such weight needed to be set aside at times.

As if longing for that faint bond—like reading bedtime stories or reciting myths under starry skies—Katia spoke softly with lowered voice:

"Most may fit that description, but not all."

"Were you different when you lived as a noble lady?"

"No. Honestly, I was similar. Noble girls that age seem different but share common traits. Especially around debutante preparations for coming-of-age ceremonies—they start feeling like the protagonists of the world."

"Debutante?"

"It means entering high society."

Leaning against the chairback, Katia reminisced about the distant past.

"Dressing in beautiful gowns, armed with ladylike etiquette, visiting the imperial capital for an audience with the emperor. Then hosting a grand ball at home to formally announce one's debut. It's when noble ladies shine brightest."

"I think I've heard of it."

"Around that time, noble girls have much to learn and prepare."

Her voice resembled a storyteller's.

Eyes gently closed as she leaned back, Katia recalled scenes from bygone days.

"Graceful posture and gait, etiquette among high nobles, cultured conversation. They study arts, history, politics—broad knowledge is essential. Refined hobbies too: flower arrangement, embroidery, horseback riding, musical instruments."

"...Did they suit you?"

"Not at all. Can't you tell from my current mercenary life? I was a tomboy."

Derek laughed weakly at this.

So the boy could laugh. Swallowing that thought, Katia continued:

"We also practiced simple ballroom dances and studied complex family histories... but magic remained most important."

"That figures."

"However, noble magic differs from what you imagine. You focus on practical combat spells, but nobles prioritize ceremony and discipline."

To nobles, magic wasn't just a tool for power or utility—it resembled an art form, a refined hobby.

Incantations were recited like poetry.

Magic circles were designed as artistic compositions rather than simple geometric patterns.

Even spellbooks used premium materials with elegant illustrations and prose.

"...Your expression suggests you find this excessively fussy."

"...Was I that obvious?"

"It might seem alien to someone who's lived in the trenches, but I believe those ceremonies and disciplines hold value."

"If you say so, Master, I'll try to see it that way."

"No, don't. Forcing yourself to agree just makes this awkward."

After this exchange, Derek and Katia locked eyes before simultaneously bursting into laughter.

They differed in age, background, and values.

Yet they sensed an inexplicable connection at their core.

Dusting off her robe, Katia spoke in an even lighter tone:

"Derek. Even if you currently see all this as pretentious nonsense, someday you'll think differently."

"Differently how?"

"A dignified noble lady resembles a blooming flower. There's a reason so many women aspire to become one."

Smoothing Derek's messy hair, Katia smiled gently.

"Someday, I hope you'll understand that too."

"I don't think I can teach you magic anymore."

Their parting came the following year.

After completing routine commissions and returning to Katia's residence as usual, she suddenly delivered this news.

Had it meant she had nothing left to teach, that would have been joyous—but Derek's repertoire of 2-Star spells remained unchanged.

However, his fundamentals had become more systematic and polished, bringing his 1-Star spells near perfection.

His arsenal of 1-Star magic had visibly expanded too, making his imminent mastery of 2-Star spells inevitable.

"..."

Katia wore a resolute expression, as if steeling herself.

Despite being Derek's greatest well-wisher, she had compelling reasons for this decision.

"I received a letter from Count Elvester. He requested me to serve as private tutor in his domain."

"Count Elvester is..."

"Indeed, the East's most renowned hero. His daughter is preparing for her social debut and needs an instructor."

This wasn't some minor noble—even dukes hesitated to slight Count Elvester.

Katia couldn't easily refuse.

"I've declined similar offers before, but never expected a personal letter from the Border Count. Word must have spread about me teaching magic to a slum kid while mercenary work."

Finding a mentor like Katia was rare indeed.

Her unusual background alone made her distinctive, but successfully training a slum child into a capable mage added to her reputation.

While Derek's exceptional talent played a major role, outsiders would credit Katia's tutelage. And Derek himself agreed she'd been an excellent teacher.

Regardless, this was an incredible opportunity.

As Count Elvester's private tutor, she'd gain both wealth and prestige. Moreover, Lady Freya of Elvester was renowned throughout the region for her grace and dignity.

Becoming her mentor bordered on divine blessing.

"..."

Yet Katia's somber expression was easy to interpret.

The Elvester estate functioned as the eastern nobility's social hub—hardly a place to bring a slum-born commoner.

Regrettably, it was time to part.

Before leaving Evelstain, Katia busily prepared.

She spent part of her savings equipping Derek with proper mercenary gear—not his usual worn clothes or magical trinkets.

She arranged for Derek to use her residence as long as needed and gifted him a spellbook containing basic magical theory.

Magical texts were invaluable—Derek's first teacher had died trying to steal one.

Understanding its worth, Derek's eyes widened upon receiving it.

"You'll master its contents within years. Not as good as direct teaching, but with your aptitude, it'll suffice. Sell it for funds once memorized."

"Master, this is too—"

"I'll have no financial worries at Elvester. Keep it."

Two months later, on departure day.

After packing, Katia straightened her usual grayish-white robe and grabbed a pouch containing minimal belongings.

Outside, Evelstain citizens bustled about as always. Katia would soon disappear into this flow.

Despite two months of preparations, worry still clouded her face as she turned to Derek—who responded with a calm smile.

"Don't look so grim. You taught me for years without asking anything in return."

"Derek."

"Look at me, Master."

Derek raised his arms boastfully with a cheeky grin.

At fifteen, he remained too young to call an adult. Yet compared to his slum days, he'd grown remarkably sturdy.

His quality leather robe, wool tunic, neat trousers, and gleaming buckled belt gave no impression of starvation.

"I'm already grown. I can take care of myself."

Though undeniably young, he'd come far from cramming cheap bread in mercenary tavern corners.

His demeanor exuded reliability uncommon for his age.

Katia quietly crouched to embrace his shoulders.

Then she said something unexpected:

"You needn't grow up so fast, Derek."

Though harsh reality pressured you to mature quickly, never forget the childlike heart you preserved through hardship.

With these parting words, Katia waved and merged into the crowd.

"See you again."

Derek silently waved back.

After bidding farewell, Derek returned alone to Katia's former residence.

Closing the door revealed the tiny space containing just a wooden bed, shabby table, and silence.

This was his first time consciously noticing such quiet since arriving in this world—which he'd once considered merely part of an old game.

Now he knew better—this was undeniably a real world.

"..."

After drinking cold water from a wooden mug, he pulled out a chair and sat.

Time seemed frozen as he remained motionless in the stillness.

Eventually, outside noises filtered through the window.

Children playing, merchant carts clattering, noon church bells, a baker sweeping across the street.

Though Katia had left, the world continued bustling.

Her absence left a small void, but life marched on regardless.

Amidst these mundane sounds, Derek eventually pulled out the spellbook.

- Flip, flip, flip.

Pages turned like flowing water.

Time passed similarly.

[Acquired Spells]

✦ Combat Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Mana Arrow

★☆☆☆☆☆ Power Manifestation

★★☆☆☆☆ Fireball

✦ Conversion Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Light Creation

✦ Confusion Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Soundproofing

★★☆☆☆☆ Auditory Hallucination

✦ Summoning Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Summon - Guide Fairy

✦ Detection Magic

★☆☆☆☆☆ Direction Sense

★★☆☆☆☆ Clairvoyance

- Thud.

After reviewing his mental spell list, Derek closed the book.

"...Time to meet the shopkeeper for that commission."

Having completed his daily spellbook study, he rose to leave for his afternoon job.

Shoving a sandwich into his mouth, tying his boots, he opened the door—letting midday sunlight flood in.

In just one year, Derek had self-taught two more 2-Star spells.

At merely sixteen years old.