Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 68

'4-Star magic weapons... This speaks volumes. It couldn't have been an easy decision to place such items in a commoner's hands.'

Roen placed two weapons on the table.

One was the 4-Star wand"Reversal,"and the other was the 4-Star staff"Footsteps."

Magic weapons were typically crafted by high-ranking Transformation Mages over long periods. Each bore a unique name precisely because such artifacts were rare.

Most magic weapons possessed special magical effects influenced by transformation magic, and these two undoubtedly held their own unique powers.

Derek rested his chin on his hand, alternately studying the items.

Roen, sitting across with crossed legs, simply smiled without speaking, as if curious to see which Derek would choose.

'No prior information, just pick what I want?'

4-Star weapons were worth several mansions.

Being forced to choose based purely on intuition felt somewhat cruel.

Sensing this might be some kind of test, Derek examined the weapons carefully.

"May I touch them?"

"Of course."

Derek lifted the wand adorned with a massive gemstone and ornate feather decorations, channeling mana to gauge its resonance.

Its superior quality was evident, and the mana flowed smoothly through it.

'The wand's called Reversal. Seems to have power related to rewinding mana.'

Just from handling it, Derek deduced the wand's capabilities.

'Does it contain the power to undo magical effects and revert them back to raw mana? Would synergize well with Summoning or Transformation Mages.'

It could be used to dismiss summoned creatures and recover their mana, or dissolve transformed objects to recharge energy.

After brief consideration, Derek then picked up the staff.

He hefted the sizable wooden staff, then without another glance at the wand, declared:

"I'll take this one."

"Oh? Any particular reason?"

"It feels more to my liking."

"Going by feeling... While following instincts isn't bad, you don't strike me as that impulsive."

Roen straightened his posture, clearly curious.

"While I'm sure the royal gift wouldn't be flawed, who knows? There might be differences between these weapons."

"As you said, how could there be flaws in a royal gift? But this staff seems more practical for combat."

Roen's eyes narrowed.

Derek lifted the staff while remaining seated.

"First, it's light. While the wand is smaller and lighter, this offers better mana efficiency relative to its weight."

"Judging a magic weapon by weight efficiency?"

"It's important. Considering its name'Footsteps,'and how mana seems to catch slightly around these gems... I suspect it's a resonance-type weapon."

Derek set the staff down with a serious expression.

"Mana resonance is tricky to utilize but excellent for combat. Useful for surprise attacks in duels or overwhelming opponents in group fights. Could also amplify firepower."

"Oh? You know about mana resonance?"

"A phenomenon only seen in 4-Star weapons and above. Lets you recast a spell in the same location after a delay without additional mana cost, correct?"

"Impressive magical knowledge."

"Pales compared to Academy scholars."

Mana resonance was a rare trait in high-tier magic weapons.

It gathered residual mana to recreate spells in identical locations.

Like firing two fireballs in succession from the same spot, or making earthen walls repeatedly erupt. Properly utilized, it could dominate battlefields.

Derek preferred this active battlefield control over passive mana efficiency. His choice reflected that preference.

Roen smirked, resting his chin on his hand.

"Academy scholars treat magic as mere academics. True mages should excel across all fields."

"I agree. But combining scholarship and practical application advances magic itself."

"True. Few can achieve that synthesis. Most mages prefer straightforward mana recovery over tricky resonance effects. They prioritize versatility over combat effectiveness."

Roen's expression softened slightly as he pocketed the wand.

"I won't elaborate on that staff's value. But carrying such a bulky thing seems inconvenient for someone prioritizing practicality."

"I can devise solutions for portability. That's my concern. Thank you for your consideration."

"Planning to adjust weight with transformation magic or conceal it with confusion spells?"

"..."

"Versatile, aren't you? Know any detection magic?"

"I studied under Drest Wolftail of the Southwest Drest Academy."

"Oh... That old coot? He took a disciple?"

Roen examined Derek with interest.

It was amusing seeing a mere 3-Star mage like Roen calling a grand mage like Drest an"old coot."

But Roen seemed unfazed, grinning as he continued.

"For a supposedly detached wanderer, that's quite the eccentric move. Well, no questioning your credentials then."

As Roen smiled contentedly—

- Knock, knock, knock.

Someone rapped on the reception room door. Likely Lord Melberot from the north, who was scheduled to visit today.

As Derek adjusted his attire and stood—

- Creak

The door opened to reveal—Rohen, the royal magic advisor.

The surprisingly young-looking man gaped at the scene inside.

There were two Roens in the room.

"...What is this...?"

Before he could react—

The Roen sitting across from Derek began radiating immense mana.

Magic energy flooded the room as the silver-haired man's appearance shifted.

4-Star Confusion Magic:"Perfect Mimicry."

A high-tier spell allowing flawless imitation of known targets, far surpassing ordinary illusions.

The arrogantly smiling man with silver hair reaching past his shoulders spoke:

"Rohen. You're unforgivably late. Did you think idle old men wouldn't amuse themselves?"

"M-my apologies! Gathering the requested materials took longer than expected."

"No matter. Gave me time to test this boy."

As Derek alternated glances between them, Rohen hurriedly bowed upon entering.

"My deepest apologies for the disrespect, Lord Melberot."

Melberot waved off the apology casually.

Despite calling himself an old man, his appearance was remarkably youthful.

"You've likely guessed, but I volunteered as royal messenger specifically to meet you."

"...An honor."

"The Southwest's most renowned magic tutor, yes? I hear the Dupleins, Beltus, and Belmierds are all clamoring for you... I see why after our talk. Quite different from desk-bound scholars claiming to teach magic."

Lord Melberot, the North's greatest mage, was a lifelong warrior.

He despised academics who treated teaching as mere knowledge transfer.

The silver-haired man always wore exquisite silver armor, with every piece from boots to gauntlets immaculately maintained.

Ever ready for battle, he recognized Derek as someone who'd lived close to combat, a valuable asset.

While warriors teaching swordsmanship or bravery were common, few magic instructors possessed the toughness he valued.

"Heard much about my daughter Sirine?"

"That she's strong-willed yet dignified."

"Sugarcoating. You've heard the rumors - a murderous lunatic they call'The Slaughterer.'"

"..."

An awkward question.

When Derek stayed silent, Melberot laughed dryly.

"If those rumors were true, would you refuse my offer?"

"I lack the standing to decline regardless."

"True enough. But I'm no fool to entrust matters to the unwilling. I want your honest opinion."

Derek sensed that genuine hesitation might make Melberot reconsider.

Though appearing capricious, it was likely a facade masking careful calculation.

Truly dangerous people pretended to act on whims while weighing every factor.

'Odd phrasing.'

Something in Melberot's wording felt peculiar.

-'If the rumors were true, would you refuse?'

The implication suggested his daughter wasn't actually that deranged killer.

But if untrue, why not say so directly?

Whether to believe it was Derek's decision.

"My daughter Sirine is violently aggressive despite her beauty. Likely more brutal than you imagine. As her father, I'm ashamed I couldn't correct this sooner."

"Children rarely develop exactly as parents wish. Don't blame yourself."

"Your expression suggests you're inclined to accept?"

"As I said, how could I refuse? Though I've yet to hear your terms."

"Think I don't know what your kind wants?"

Melberot chuckled, propping his chin on one hand.

"I've assessed you. Commoner mages aiming high always face opposition. Your reason for tutoring noble girls is obvious."

"..."

"Want allies in this icy noble world?"

Melberot leaned forward, studying Derek.

"Top mages are all flawed. Drest wanders without care for politics. Kochella's plainly insane. And I'm hardly conventional."

He omitted mentioning Phee, the 6-Star mage, as her existence was a closely guarded secret.

"Cultivating noble connections is sound strategy, but having ties to a top mage would benefit you, no?"

"Certainly. A wise proposal."

"Your face says otherwise. Speak frankly. I value honesty."

Derek hesitated briefly.

Knowing Melberot's reputation for favoring bluntness, Derek exhaled and replied:

"A strong man's promises hold little meaning. Their keeping depends solely on his will."

"Reasonable. But would I discard my daughter's tutor so lightly?"

Melberot leaned closer.

"If you prove competent enough to handle her, I couldn't easily dismiss you."

"...Meaning, under certain circumstances..."

"Use my daughter as leverage. Too harsh?"

When Derek remained silent, Melberot laughed again.

"I could sugarcoat it. Say if you genuinely connect with her as a true mentor, how could I mistreat you? But what's the point when the essence remains?"

"..."

"My daughter Sirine needs social skills. And magic, of course."

It was hard to tell if he was loving or cold-blooded. A man of contradictions.

Regardless of his true nature, his situation was clear.

If the rumors were true, countless retainers and servants must have died. Something he couldn't publicly acknowledge.

Far worse than Diela's former arrogance. A genuine maniac who treated lives like water.

"..."

Many had warned Derek against this.

But Derek knew risk and reward were often proportional.

Especially with Melberot as patron - he'd never leave empty-handed.

"Would substantial payment be acceptable? Or magical items?"

"Your idea of'substantial'is likely trivial. Can't be bothered answering such questions."

"Thank you."

"Spare the formalities. I do have one request."

Melberot's gaze turned serious.

"Beyond magic and social skills, she needs ladylike refinement. Sirine must debut in high society eventually."

"I'm knowledgeable about noble etiquette, but hardly qualified to teach it."

"I know. An aristocratic tutor would be ideal, but few refined nobles could control Sirine."

It was unimaginable how deranged she must be, but Derek simply nodded.

He wasn't particularly expressive in such matters.

"Northern nobility lacks suitable candidates. Since you have Southwest connections, perhaps you know someone?"

"Is that so?"

Sirine's notoriety was well-known even in Evelstein's noble district.

Teaching etiquette to such a maniac seemed impossible for comfortable nobles.

While Derek knew many noble tutors and ladies personally, none came to mind.

Even Lady Denise recoiled at Sirine's name. Others would likely react similarly.

As Melberot's expression darkened at Derek's hesitation—

"Hmm... There might be one candidate."

Melberot's eyes sharpened at Derek's words.

"The pay would be around 400 northern rotei gold coins."

"I'll do it! Absolutely! Please let me! I want this so badly!!!!"

When Derek rode to Duplein Manor at dawn the next day, Lady Aiselin was fertilizing plants behind the half-ruined mansion.

With sleeves rolled up, admiring plant growth with rapturous expression - the very image of a farmer.

Starting before sunrise showed dedication bordering on frightening.

"You... are aware of Lady Sirine's reputation?"

"Of course! But the Dupleins can't afford to be picky now...!"

"..."

"Money...! Need money...! Cash!!!! Liquid assets...!!!!"

Golden coins seemed to spin in Aiselin's widened eyes.

The Southwest's noblest, most renowned lady was also its poorest.

The tragic irony would move anyone to tears.

"..."

Even the rarely sentimental Derek... felt a pang of melancholy.