Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 55

Derek was an outsider.

When he came to his senses, he found himself in an unfamiliar world with no connections, forced to scrape by in the slums just to survive.

Though he'd formed several meaningful bonds, very few people had stayed by his side for long. Life's journey tends to branch in many directions, and it's rare for paths to remain aligned for extended periods.

If asked what mattered most in life, he would have answered: achievement.

Valerian was the eldest son of House Duplein.

Born into noble lineage, he grew up under everyone's expectations and became an exemplary, virtuous man worthy of his station.

Having lived in luxury without want, he loved his family—who had always been by his side—more than anyone else.

His trusting and supportive father and mother, his reliable younger brother, his adorable sisters... If asked what mattered most in his life, he would have answered without hesitation: family.

The two men differed in origin, upbringing, values, and life goals.

─Naturally, their answers would differ as well.

Drest Wolftail, embarking on his journey northward, stared blankly at the vast coastal expanse before him.

Though life's paths unfold differently for everyone, the boundless sea stretching endlessly without navigation routes often left one feeling adrift.

Getting lost along the way was simply part of life's journey.

The social debut of a young noblewoman backed by a great house like Duplein was nothing short of magnificent—transcending mere splendor to become truly grand.

The ball held at the family estate typically exceeded all ordinary expectations in scale.

Not just the opulent main mansion, but every spire surrounding it and all manner of guest houses would be utilized for the event.

The attendees were equally impressive.

Lower nobility sent family heads rather than representatives—it would be a grave insult to send anything less to a high noble house like Duplein's social event.

Though some had to send proxies due to military or royal court obligations... the family heads preferred attending personally when possible.

Such balls were rare occasions that drew renowned figures from across the empire.

Even if deep connections couldn't be forged, it was an opportunity to at least make initial acquaintances.

The confirmed guest list alone was dazzling enough to make one's eyes water.

From the prestigious Belmiere Count family led by Border Count Belmiere, their most celebrated heir—Lady Elente—would attend as representative.

This valuable opportunity being given to Elente was characteristic of Border Count Belmiere's judgment.

Rumors also abounded that House Beltus was sending Lady Denise herself.

Originally Derek was to attend as proxy, but Denise had urgently petitioned the Grand Duke to let her accompany him.

- Clip-clop, clip-clop

Thus Denise now rode alongside Derek in the carriage to Duplein Manor.

"With rumors swirling about Duplein House eyeing you hungrily, you think I'd send you alone into that tiger's den? I'll attend personally—you just assist me."

If she were truly worried, she could have simply not sent Derek at all. But given his connections, completely barring him was impossible.

Duplein treated him like an honored guest, and Belmiere House considered themselves deeply indebted to him.

His influence couldn't be ignored—one never knew how such things might prove useful later.

Thus Lady Denise permitted Derek's attendance on condition he assist her.

"Given all I've received from Duplein House... I'd like to show my appreciation if the opportunity arises."

Derek responded indifferently, without particular enthusiasm.

Visiting Duplein Manor meant reuniting with several cherished faces.

"I hear many distinguished guests are attending. Having only met nobles from the Empire's Southwest, I'm unfamiliar with those from other regions."

"Do I know any better? There likely aren't as many influential families as in the Southwest. Perhaps more from the central imperial capital..."

"Is that so?"

"Mhm. It's uncommon for three noble houses to vie for power in one region like here. From what I hear, usually one dominant family controls each area."

Denise absently smoothed her silver-gray hair before beginning to braid it strand by strand.

Bored from the long journey, conversation was her only diversion.

"Memorizing every attendee is impossible. Just note the major figures. From the North comes someone called Lord Roilark... and from the eastern Elvester County comes Lady Freya."

"...Elvester County?"

"Yes. Why? Someone you know? Hard to imagine you'd know nobles from the continent's opposite end..."

In truth, Derek had rarely ventured beyond the Empire's Southwest.

But Elvester County was a name he'd heard before—though it had been quite some time.

-'A letter arrived from Border Count Elvester. He requests I serve as private tutor for his county.'

"...The house where my mentor resides."

"Mentor? Your mentor? You mean Drest Wolftail?"

"No. Before him, there was the mentor who first awakened me to magic."

"Oh? The more I learn of your past, the more surprises emerge."

There once was a fallen noblewoman named Katia Flameheart.

She had stayed in Evelstain for several years, guiding Derek's magical development before departing for Elvester House.

If this Lady Freya of Elvester was Katia Flameheart's student, she and Derek shared a mentor.

"A fellow disciple then. I'd like to meet her."

"Lady Freya? She's reputedly virtuous in the Eastern Empire, but... having never met her, I can't say. Debutante balls like Lady Diela's are rare occasions."

Though a similarly grand ball had been held for Lady Aiselin's debut, it seemed Freya hadn't attended.

"So you're martial siblings then? Even if you've never met."

"In a sense. If she trained long under Mentor Katia, she's likely quite skilled."

"I haven't heard much about her magical prowess..."

Occasional letters still arrived from Elvester County's Katia.

Though less frequent recently, they'd exchanged annual updates. Her letters praised Lady Freya extensively, so he imagined her favorably.

Other attendees included Lord Melberot's uncle Rovenkheim from the North, Countess Adelen representing Southern leader Sir Delos, and from the royal court—Chancellor Poloncourt and Head Magic Advisor Kochella.

Each commanded hundreds or thousands of followers—true heavyweights.

Though most attended as proxies, their collective presence could sway national affairs.

"Lady Elente will attend, and I should pay respects to Lady Aiselin. Though I can't approach Grand Duke Duplein directly... I'll greet the guest of honor Lady Diela if opportunity arises."

"..."

"I'm also indebted to Head Butler Dellon and Head Maid Katarina, so I should acknowledge them... And while I'd like to ask after Mentor Katia when meeting Lady Freya, having no prior acquaintance makes that difficult..."

"Derek... listening to you, you might as well be nobility already."

"...Perhaps. But overstepping wouldn't be proper."

"No, your connections surpass most lower nobles'."

Denise huffed while crossing her arms.

Indeed, Derek's activities in Evelstain's noble circles had expanded his network considerably.

Between the Velderun Mercenary Group and tavern street mercenaries... even lower nobles might envy his connections.

Moreover, his magical skills had reached considerable heights.

Though not widely known, Derek had already surpassed 3-Star rank—at his age, even high nobles viewed him warily. Without major house backing, he'd soon need to fear for his safety.

"Between your magic and natural integration into noble circles... with a few achievements, you might earn a title."

"Perhaps... Though it's improper to say before nobles, high nobility is notoriously conservative and exclusive. Even the emperor is said to be stingy granting new titles."

"Well, rumors that Emperor Gertrel constantly appeases high nobles are public knowledge now... but who knows?"

Derek pondered before responding.

"Perhaps... being nobility doesn't quite suit me."

"My thoughts exactly."

For some reason, Denise burst into merry laughter.

Though she disliked high society events, this marked her first official outing with Derek.

For reasons unclear, she grew unusually animated, snorting with excitement—quite unlike her usual dignified self.

Derek smiled awkwardly at her antics.

"Long time no see, Miss Katarina."

As Derek handed over their luggage with a greeting, Head Maid Katarina bowed in acknowledgment.

Though normally unnecessary to bow to a common mercenary, Duplein House treated Derek almost as lower nobility.

Noticing this, Denise—who had disembarked with Derek—looked surprised.

"The Duplein head maid bowing to you? You really do have standing here."

A manor's head maid rarely bowed without permission—being one of the estate's representative figures.

"The honor is ours to host Lady Denise of House Beltus. His Grace awaits guests in his office. While you should pay respects during the ball, the current crowd makes after-dinner more advisable."

"Thank you. The ball hasn't begun—will separate quarters be prepared?"

"Yes. You may rest in the west wing lounge. Servants there will guide you to your private room."

Duplein Manor's main gate bustled with luxurious carriages.

Each house sent their finest, competing visually like nobles comparing attire.

After quietly observing, Derek nodded and entered the familiar-yet-strange manor.