Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 31

Adelbert, the grand mage regarded as the patriarch of the Noble Discipline School, comprehensively considered factors like scale, range, duration, spell intricacy, and effect potency when establishing the star ranking system for magic.

While six star ranks were publicly known, rumors among worldly mages often speculated about a seventh rank's existence. This stemmed from Adelbert's personal notes revealing he drew inspiration from the Big Dipper constellation when devising the system—since the constellation had seven stars, why would the magic hierarchy stop at six?

Thus, common mages believed in the mythical rumor that an unreachable 7-Star Realm must exist. Meanwhile, recent non-mainstream magical factions argued the seventh rank was merely Adelbert—a devout follower of the Continental Bolton Sect—leaving a divine benchmark out of reverence for the gods.

In essence, they claimed the 7-Star Realm represented divine territory that humans shouldn't covet—no need to overinterpret it. Though debates about its existence remained fierce, the discussion held little practical meaning.

Historically, the number of mages reaching 6-Star status could be counted on one hand. Across all recorded history, barely ten existed, with only four confirmed living 6-Star mages currently active across the continent.

Grand mages of such caliber often operated beyond even the aristocracy's influence, as each represented a legendary existence. Mastering even a single 6-Star spell could rewrite natural laws or redraw maps entirely.

Kalimford, the 6-Star combat mage who perished in the Dawn War, could allegedly summon meteor showers. Khellin, the infamous 6-Star confusion mage of the Dellim Mountains, could completely dominate minds through eye contact alone—though both were figures of the past.

Most 6-Star mages existed only in historical records. In the current era, only four living legends remained: Lord Melberot, the Northern Dominator and Sword of the Empire; Kochella, the Imperial Head Magic Advisor; and two others less publicly known than their imperial counterparts.

Naturally, Derek knew the remaining two identities—figures of such global influence couldn't escape notice even for someone minimally interested in such matters.

One was Fineda, youngest daughter of a minor barony in the southeastern granary region—a master of the forbidden necromantic arts whose cursed talents forced her into absolute secrecy. The other... was Lord Drest Wolftail of the southwestern continent.

The spiritual pillar of the Drest Magic Society located in Belmierd County's northern reaches, he stood as the world's sole 6-Star detection mage.

"Drest is visiting Evelstain?"

"Yes. The accelerated tariff negotiation schedule likely accounts for his movements."

"I see. So that explains why the Border Count is heading to Evelstain—he's hiding this development."

The Duke of Duplein frowned while listening to Valerian's report. That the bold young Count acted foolishly whenever Elente was involved came as no surprise—yet he never acted without reason.

His sudden itinerary change suggested intentions to meet Drest beforehand. The reclusive mage's rare public appearance undoubtedly carried significance—as the master of the 6-Star detection magic"Future Sight,"his movements outside the Society's walls always signaled historically momentous events.

Nobles would inevitably monitor such a living harbinger closely.

'I must discern what that half-dead old man plots. Direct intervention may prove necessary.'

Yet the Duke pondered his approach carefully—crude surveillance would only provoke hostility toward a detection magic master.

"Father. A letter arrived from Aiselin."

"Ah, Aiselin you say?"

The Duke rarely showed emotion, maintaining a solemn demeanor at his administrative desk. Yet news of his treasured daughter softened his marble-like countenance.

"Family matters mostly... and a request to hire a magic instructor."

"Aiselin wants a tutor? She declined them after childhood, insisting self-study proved most efficient once mature..."

"Precisely. Perhaps she's hitting limitations..."

"Hmm..."

The Duke stroked his chin thoughtfully. He'd grant any request from his beloved daughter who rarely asked for anything—her nature was to consider how she could serve family before seeking help.

As a father who often wished she'd rely on him more, this rare petition stirred his protective instincts.

"However... she specifically mentioned... Derek."

"Derek? That mercenary who taught Diela?"

"Yes. Currently working mercenary jobs in Evelstain."

"Simple enough. Just hire him."

Derek had left the Ducal estate for two reasons: having nothing left to teach Diela, and needing battlefield experience to further his own magical growth. Working mercenary jobs in Evelstain served that purpose.

No major obstacles existed—he could continue mercenary work while occasionally instructing Aiselin for generous pay.

Yet Valerian's expression remained troubled.

"It's... not that straightforward."

"Complications? Had it been simple, Aiselin wouldn't have written."

"He's currently under contract instructing Lady Elente of House Belmierd."

"Hmm..."

Now Valerian's discomfort made sense.

For a wandering instructor, teaching multiple students wasn't unusual. Talent shortages persisted eternally—finding skilled magic tutors in high society remained as difficult as plucking stars.

Derek's lowborn status alone prevented wider renown. Yet ability could eventually outweigh origins, transforming the situation into a recruitment competition beyond Aiselin's capacity to handle alone.

Her unusually strong insistence suggested unprecedented determination—the first time her gentle disposition had hardened so resolutely.

"Shall I dispatch Head Butler Dellon for negotiations? His absence would create estate disruptions, but external matters demand certainty."

"Unnecessary."

"Pardon?"

The Duke observed the weather—winter's end approached, soon bringing warmer sunlight.

"The Drest matter requires my Evelstain visit anyway. Efficient to handle both simultaneously."

"...You'll go personally?"

A Duke personally mobilizing to hire a tutor? Valerian's eyes widened.

Yet combined with meeting Lord Drest Wolftail and handling tariff negotiations, summoning Derek became a convenient secondary objective during the planned visit.

"..."

However, a Duke's footsteps carried imperial weight—none could refuse a direct summons, regardless of instructor fees.

Though Lady Elente lost her duel, she paid Derek the full promised sum.

Failed contracts typically didn't warrant full payment, but Elente's insistence left Derek no choice but to accept the heavy coin pouch.

While slightly uncomfortable, the substantial amount undeniably warmed his heart.

"Derek. I'll rest awhile."

Seemingly gaining insights from her duel with Aiselin, exhaustion weighed heavily on Elente's face. She appeared ready to pause studies and reflect at her estate.

After studying her expression, Derek nodded—adolescent wandering proved necessary for growth.

"You're still with the Velderun Mercenaries?"

"Yes."

"Could you teach me again later?"

Despite her fatigue, Elente sought confirmation.

Derek observed her before responding quietly:

"I've little left to teach. You've mastered 1st Grade Magic completely."

"...True."

After a long stare, Elente continued slowly:

"But watching you... I feel you're no ordinary 1-Star mage."

"I'm just a mercenary who knows some 1-Star spells."

"With continued effort, you could reach higher ranks. The potential's there."

"Your praise honors me. But commoners face inherent magical limitations."

Though Elente's intuition was accurate, Derek firmly denied it.

Their gazes locked—his eyes steady and unreadable. Eventually Elente chuckled lightly and dismissed the matter.

- Thud

The creaking wooden door signaled Derek's departure.

He still occupied his mentor Katia's old residence—not out of sentiment, but convenience for tavern access without unnecessary expenses.

Returning late, Derek retrieved a small strongbox from beneath his modest bed. Inside lay accumulated coins, gems, and valuables from various contracts—a considerable sum.

'Enough saved. Time to consider magical equipment.'

Though Derek dreamed of owning a personal wand or staff, such high-grade items carried noble-tier price tags. Even if purchased, freely wielding them required surpassing 3-Star proficiency—a wand's portability and concealability might prove more practical.

Regardless, achieving 3-Star magic took priority.

3-Star spells differed fundamentally from 2-Star—where the latter represented individual combat power, the former reached tactical battlefield scales.

Combat magic included large-scale terrain alteration and flame walls; confusion magic could disrupt all five senses; detection magic at this level could instantly analyze nearby spells.

'Noble contracts pay well but consume too much time while offering little combat experience. Problematic for magical growth.'

Slaying magical beasts and labyrinth raids tangibly advanced his skills, unlike tutoring noble ladies which rarely helped beyond occasional teaching insights.

With sufficient savings, focusing on personal advancement seemed wise. The amount could sustain him comfortably for some time.

'Right... I'll focus solely on my growth awhile. Decline teaching contracts.'

While instructing held value, becoming an exceptional mage mattered most. Breaking through to 3-Star magic dominated his thoughts.

'Rested long enough. Time for a major contract. Wonder if Pellin's available.'

Thus Derek resolved to enter a teaching hiatus.

A regrettable decision—monarchs never leave capable talent undisturbed.

This occurred one week before the Border Count of Belmierd and Duke of Duplein's Evelstain visit.