Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 77

-'Before teaching anything else, the first thing Lady Siern must learn is the weight of death.'

-'Do you think I haven't tried such methods?'

-'It's not something that can be taught through mere words and actions. If Lady Siern's homicidal urges stem from instinct, we must use methods intense enough to be engraved into that very instinct.'

The next day, Derek visited Lord Melberot's office. He explained there was something he needed consent for and shared his plans for socializing Siern before leaving.

-'So you're saying you'll push Siern to the brink of death? Quite a violent method.'

-'Nothing of the sort. However, I can't deny somewhat violent methods may be employed. That's why I came for your consent.'

Derek explained the upcoming events to Melberot. The lord listened quietly before his expression hardened slightly, clearly accepting that Derek wasn't exactly normal. Yet he didn't oppose the plan—merely nodding in agreement.

-'If you have no objections, I'll take my leave now.'

As Derek bowed and exited the office, his footsteps carried unusual determination. He clearly had no intention of dragging this matter out.

"How are Lady Siern's meals delivered?"

"Servants bring them to the spire for every meal. They go fully equipped with protective magic and gear. It's... dangerous work after all..."

After leaving the office, Derek immediately sought out head maid Serina. As she directed warehouse organization, she bowed upon meeting Derek's gaze. Her battered appearance suggested considerable hardship.

Derek acknowledged her efforts before asking numerous questions:

"Does Lady Siern often go to the snowfields?"

"Yes... She frequently returns drenched in blood. Mostly from beasts or magical creatures... though not always..."

"..."

"How long has she been like this?"

"About seven or eight years. Before that, she was an ordinary girl. Bright, studious, playful."

While Derek's expression remained unchanged, the head maid looked troubled. Despite years caring for Siern which could breed resentment, she seemed genuinely concerned.

Children aren't at fault—only the adults who failed to teach them. Derek believed this firmly. Especially for someone like Siern who couldn't be taught by just anyone.

"That crimson kachusha robe is striking. Made specially in the mansion?"

"Huh? S-suddenly asking... We usually purchase ready-made items, but head maid uniforms often have added decorations or patterns."

"What dye is used? Is there a dedicated workshop in the mansion?"

"Why suddenly—"

"I'm curious about the staff's working methods."

The head maid explained the dyeing process while wondering about Derek's interest in mansion operations—a servant's virtue being not to show unnecessary curiosity.

"I'd like to review all meals going to Lady Siern starting today,"Derek declared while crossing the corridor.

Someone watched this from afar.

'...'

Aiselin swallowed dryly as she observed Derek's actions.

"It's fine if Lady Siern doesn't trust me. Think of me as someone to use and discard."

Returning through the snow, Aiselin hung her robe by the bed and spoke solemnly. Siern, trembling in the room, was reminded of Derek's beast-like approach through the snowfields—a top predator in this kill-or-be-killed world.

Though few in the mansion could match Siern's magical prowess, Derek clearly could overpower her effortlessly.

"I'll... do what I believe is right. Even if Derek tries to kill you, I'll protect you with all my strength."

"Why... why go so far for me?"

"...Hard to believe, but there's no special reason."

This was why Derek valued Aiselin most—her ability to embrace people. The method was simple: be genuine. Discarding personal gain and sticking to one's convictions was the only way to inspire true trust.

Siern almost nodded at Aiselin's shining sincerity, but years of traumatic memories with tutors who initially approached kindly only to show fear and disappointment prevented her.

"I don't trust you."

"That's fine. Doubt me. It's good for you."

"Of course. You're with that... lunatic Derek. Why should I trust you?"

"That's... true..."

Aiselin lowered her gaze awkwardly.

"But I still believe in Derek. However cold-blooded he seems... I believe he has humanity."

"Lies. You're betraying your magic teacher right now."

"Correct. But wait. I'll persuade Derek."

As Aiselin approached, Siern scooted back on the bed until Aiselin gently grasped her hands.

"Your distrust is natural. But trust me to stall while I try changing Derek's mind."

"That monster? I should tell Father—get this madman expelled."

"With Lord Melberot's full support, stopping Derek is impossible here."

Siern realized the imbalance—between a murderous noble girl and a renowned magic teacher from the empire's southwest, Melberot's choice was obvious.

"Doubt me all you want. I'll do what I can."

Aiselin's genuine concern was undeniable. Yet when pushed away, Siern snarled:

"Stop it. Let me die. If he kills me, so be it. I want neither pity nor to beg for life."

- Smack!

Aiselin, known for her gentle nature, shocked Siern by slapping her.

"Don't accept death so easily. Giving up means it's over."

Though raised privileged, Aiselin had hauled manure and sold furnishings to survive her family's ruin—her strong will couldn't tolerate surrender.

"You can live. Forget magic or manners. Just... don't throw away life because of some incomprehensible nature. That... I can't bear..."

"Why... crying...?"

"Do you understand?!"

Aiselin's reddened eyes reminded her of her sister Diela's past despair—something she knew too well.

"I'll deceive Derek longer. Buy time until he changes his mind—"

"That won't be necessary."

- Bang!

The door burst open as Derek entered in mercenary attire, his cold-blooded gaze fixed upon them.