Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 49

While noble districts are littered with mansions of prestigious families, gaining proper entry into even one is no easy feat.

Though Evelstain's most renowned location and an object of envy, this district paradoxically remains accessible only to a privileged few.

In this regard, Derek's position was truly unique - having properly entered mansions belonging to the daughters of Duplein, Belmierd, and Beltus families.

Now he could even casually come and go from the mansion of Duplein's youngest daughter preparing for her social debut - an exceptional status bordering on unprecedented for someone from the slums.

'Not that it means much.'

Leaning his chin on his hand in the carriage Beltus had prepared, Derek narrowed his eyes at Diela's mansion through the window.

However magnificent noble mansions might be, newly constructed ones inevitably differed from weather-beaten estates.

While mansions of established socialites showed signs of age despite maintenance, Diela's residence embodied grandeur, mystique, and pristine elegance.

It became clear why countless noble daughters yearned for social debuts.

The commercial district and slums teemed with those who'd lick shoe soles for half such status.

"You came to persuade Lady Diela...?"

"Yes. Rosea Salon eagerly awaits her membership. Though currently affiliated with Beltus, I thought my prior acquaintance might help convince her."

Head butler Dellon, who managed Duplein's main estate, had come to Evelstain prioritizing Diela's stable debut over other duties.

Though occasionally arrogant, his fundamental loyalty and diligence earned him Duplein's favor.

Yet his expression darkened as he welcomed Derek at the mansion gates.

"Lady Diela holds favorable opinions of you, but tread carefully regarding social matters."

"Is that so? I hadn't considered it such a sensitive issue."

Derek disembarked, handing miscellaneous luggage to nearby servants.

Most staff were transfers from Duplein's annex, familiar with Derek who received near-VIP treatment from the family - an established fact among household servants.

"Recently she's drawn considerable social attention while alienating several ladies. As you know, her temperamental nature makes counsel difficult."

"What specific counsel do you mean?"

"The basics - as Duplein's daughter, she should mingle smoothly in society. But her strong individuality complicates advice-giving."

Entering the mansion, Derek listened while observing servants'worried expressions.

Clearly many attempting to advise Diela had met frustration. Their reactions told the story.

"Frankly, even you may struggle to sway Lady Diela. Lady Aiselin likely grasped at straws sending you."

"Still unusual. Beltus permitting Duplein's head butler to visit suggests this isn't routine."

"Indeed. Lady Denise proves remarkably accommodating regarding such matters."

Unbeknownst to Dellon, Denise would have granted any Duplein request.

After a lengthy walk, they reached a guarded reception room entrance - Diela undoubtedly waited within.

Derek dusted his mercenary attire and adjusted his cloak's drape. However familiar, proper decorum was necessary when meeting noble ladies.

"Take care not to provoke undue hostility. Do what you can."

"Understood. Thank you for your consideration."

After bowing politely, Derek knocked on the large wooden door.

- Knock knock

"C-come in!"

A strangely strained voice answered.

Entering confidently, Derek found Diela seated opposite the sofa in an elegant monochrome dress.

"You've grown taller. And more beautiful."

"R-really? Since when could you give such flattery? I see those noble circles rumors are true."

"No flattery intended. It's good seeing you in Evelstain."

-'Let's meet again in Evelstain.'

Since their clean childhood parting, both had accumulated considerable experience.

Particularly Derek, who now understood noble culture far better than during his Duplein teaching days - knowledge hardened through repeated noble encounters.

To Diela, he appeared markedly more mature, making their reunion feel real.

After servants took his cloak, Derek sat opposite Diela in his leather vest and tunic.

Elegant tea aromas filled the reception room.

'Why... why'd he grow so tall?'

Though Diela had trained magic alone for years, she'd never forgotten Derek.

That lightning-strike encounter had completely transformed her life.

Now considered Duplein's second-most promising figure after Aiselin, all stemming from this magic instructor.

Yet despite such achievements, Derek remained typically nonchalant rather than prideful.

His steadfast nature - prioritizing duty over noble-pleasing ambition - made him memorable.

Thus Diela had always treasured memories of their time together.

But those were just memories now.

'We... we were only half a handspan apart before... Is this normal for boys? D-do I look like a child now?'

When Derek taught her, he'd been merely sixteen.

His adolescent growth spurts couldn't match her post-childhood development.

Now over a full handspan taller, his reliable appearance caught Diela off-guard.

Yet his crimson eyes retained that familiar Derek-ness.

Undeniably the instructor who'd taken in the abandoned Diela.

"I'm delighted to see you as mistress of such a splendid mansion. My contributions were just basic 1st Grade Magic lessons, hardly worth mentioning."

"N-no... you helped a lot. But I heard you're teaching Beltus magic now..."

"Yes. I'll be assisting Lady Denise's magical achievements temporarily."

"Did you go willingly?"

"Beltus made the initial offer. The terms weren't unfavorable."

Truthfully, Beltus's lack of prior connections had been decisive.

But explaining his three-house balancing act to Diela was unnecessary.

"I... see..."

Nearby servants exchanged stunned glances.

Duplein's former instructor had switched to Beltus for better terms.

Given Diela's pride in her lineage, they'd expected outrage. Instead, she awkwardly averted her gaze.

Maids who'd served for years bit their lips in disbelief.

Who was this demure girl?

Long-serving maids alone nodded understandingly.

"D-Duplein offers good terms too."

"Indeed. Extremely generous ones. But as you know, Lady Aiselin needs no instruction."

"Y-yeah. Sister should be perfect."

"Lady Denise expressed frustration with her magical progress, so I offered assistance. Whoever I teach, my lessons should have value, no?"

"What about me?"

"...Pardon?"

The sudden question gave Derek pause.

"I'm debuting soon... After my debutante, I'll need a private instructor. Would you teach me?"

"I'd be honored beyond words by Lady Diela's request. The offer itself is gratifying."

"Really?!"

Diela shot up excitedly before abruptly sitting again upon realizing her breach of decorum.

After clearing her throat, she continued shyly:

"I-I mean... I'd be honored. You're a proven instructor, and we're acquainted... Many tutors are vying to teach me."

"Naturally - Duplein instructors hold prestigious positions. But as you know, my Beltus contract remains active."

"..."

"Noble protocols forbid commoners like me breaking agreements."

Diela's expression darkened at Derek's accurate assessment.

Unlike noble Diela, commoner Derek couldn't casually void contracts with Grand Duke Beltus.

Diela felt an inexplicable heaviness - Derek stood before her yet remained bound to that silver-haired vixen.

"So if Beltus's contract ends somehow, that solves it?"

"Pardon?"

"You said you'd teach me. I'll handle the rest."

Derek studied Diela's expression.

Though docile before him, her tyrannical nature remained.

She was seriously prepared to confront Denise.

Even for Duplein's daughter, opposing one of Rosea Salon's three leading ladies wouldn't be easy.

Yet she'd do it without hesitation.

"Could you maintain amicable relations with Rosea Salon?"

Derek's sudden interjection made servants tense.

Countless retainers and lower nobles had been rebuked for similar suggestions.

One of Denise's followers had even suffered wine poured on her head.

"Rosea Salon?"

"Yes. Beyond noble protocols, this is somewhat personal. Having connections there, I'd be forced to choose sides if conflicts arise."

"Y-you wouldn't choose mine?"

"To be frank - if forced to weigh three great houses'daughters against one, how could a mere commoner resist such tides? We fragile commoners blow where the wind takes us."

Even Dellon swallowed dryly at this.

Though knowing Derek's principled nature, he hadn't expected such bluntness before wildcard Diela.

Such honesty often invited retaliation.

Yet Derek remained steadfast.

The servants nearly fainted at Diela's response.

"O-oh...?"

"..."

"B-but why ask this?"

"Wouldn't estrangement from Lady Diela be regrettable? As my first student who gave me so much, I'd prefer maintaining good relations."

"Same here. Right... my Salon conflicts would trouble you. Hmm..."

Diela crossed her arms, groaning.

The tyrant who'd dismissed all advisors had vanished.

Servants and Dellon alike stared incredulously at this unforeseen development.

"O-okay. I'll try."

"Your consideration is deeply appreciated."

Who could leash this world-conquering lioness?

The answer wasn't far.

[Membership Application]

Diela Catherine Duplein

Rosea Salon's three leading ladies silently examined the document on their roundtable.

Against all expectations - including sister Aiselin's - Diela's membership application lay before them.

Brought personally by Derek after visiting Diela's mansion.

"..."

Elennte scrutinized the document's authenticity.

But Duplein's stamped seal couldn't be forged.

Aiselin looked equally stunned, while Denise swallowed hard.

"What did you do to make this possible...?"

No one could answer.

Though notoriously arrogant and willful, Diela inexplicably yielded to Derek.

This revelation forced reevaluation of the white-haired mercenary's value.

Magic instructors coveted by high society all had their reasons.