Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 90

The next day, a tiny girl sat at Beldern's Tear tavern.

Compared to burly men, she'd barely reach their solar plexus in height.

While short-statured girls weren't uncommon in noble districts, her petite frame stood out among the rough mercenaries frequenting this street.

Her vintage chiffon dress in monochrome with a shawl made it obvious she was no commoner's child.

Nothing good ever came from visiting such rough places, yet the girl sat at the bar table with a sullen expression.

'Though she appears unguarded, she's brought two escorts at that far table.'

Jayden served apple juice while scanning the tavern.

Two men sipping beer near the entrance table seemed to be retainers from House Duplein.

In other words, the person sighing deeply at the bar was none other than Diela Catherine Duplein, youngest of House Duplein.

Lately, nobles had been frequenting Beldern's Tear more often.

Big-spending aristocrats were good for business. Places frequented by high society naturally attracted commoners with aspirations, boosting sales.

But this was excessive.

By now, young ladies from all three great noble families of Evelstain had visited. Even the tea house beside Elfontaine Hall in the noble district didn't see this many distinguished guests.

"Looking for Derek? He's handling business at Kelbenrok's labor recruitment office."

"Labor office? Different from the mercenary guild?"

"Yes. They handle manual labor contracts rather than dangerous extermination requests."

"Why would Derek go there? Mercenary work pays plenty."

"He went to hire people, not take jobs."

Diela tilted her head.

Such rough taverns might unsettle delicate noble girls, but Diela showed no discomfort.

She seemed naturally bold.

"With Ravenclaw Barony's founding date set, he's hiring maintenance staff for the estate."

"...Approval came through?"

"Yes. With noble support and extensive groundwork, it finally worked out. Derek should become head of House Ravenclaw before spring ends."

Though merely an honorary title with only two family members.

But earning even that semblance had required immense effort from Derek. A valuable reward nonetheless.

"Properly managing the newly designated Ravenclaw Barony in Rodellen requires quick action. After estate repairs, we'll need servants and tax negotiations with local gentry."

"Hmm... So Derek will get busy. But I'm not here for him."

"Oh? Considering a contract with Velderun Mercenaries? We'll give you a discount."

"No, I'm looking for a female mercenary named Pellin."

Jayden's fingers twitched.

Countless scenarios flashed through his mind.

While aware Derek's network had expanded dramatically in recent years, he hadn't expected repercussions so soon.

Jayden forced a laugh.

"Ah... you mean Baroness Pellin?"

"...What?"

"...?"

"N-no... I mean. That person. I just wanted to see her face..."

Emphasizing Pellin's title gave Diela time to mentally prepare.

Regardless of circumstances, Pellin was undeniably Derek's wife now.

Reminding Diela of this fact would help her accept reality.

"What... what's she like?"

"Hoho, where to begin? She's one of Velderun's prides. Without Derek's exceptional talent, Pellin would've been our ace."

"That... good?"

"Yes. Young and strikingly beautiful—a rising star. Though her slum origins are a drawback, Derek wouldn't mind. Probably felt kinship."

Jayden waxed poetic like a proud father.

Since Pellin despised nobles, he wanted to bolster her confidence before this meeting.

Meanwhile, Diela paled while staring at Jayden.

"P-pretty? How much?"

"Hard to say. Surely not comparable to noble ladies who've cultivated beauty their whole lives."

"R-really? I see..."

"But can beauty alone define a person? Pellin's unshakable composure and resilience make her invaluable. Sharing slum origins likely deepened Derek's affection."

Jayden exaggerated shamelessly. Pellin, don't lose your nerve out there...

As Jayden gushed with sparkling eyes, Diela grew more intimidated.

Other qualities aside, the kinship from shared slum origins was something noble girls could never replicate.

Why emulate such vulgar roots? Though the obvious question arose, Diela shook her head and steadied her voice.

"Derek's... my most respected magic teacher. But his judgment about women seems lacking, obsessed with magic... I just worried he might be deceived..."

"Then rest assured. To me, Pellin is Derek's perfect match."

The statement would nauseate both parties, but Jayden laughed heartily.

"T-that's...! You can't judge so rashly!"

"Oh?"

"P-people contain infinite potential! Declaring someone the absolute best is reckless..."

Even Diela didn't understand her own rambling.

Whether this would develop into romantic feelings remained uncertain, but she clearly disliked the idea of Derek being taken.

Though that might be the end of it, this naive girl couldn't even identify her own anxiety.

She just fidgeted, waiting impatiently for Pellin's return.

After ten minutes of sipping apple juice, the tavern door creaked open.

"Uncle Jayden~! Finished the request. Please settle payment quickly—including last month's overdue ones~."

"Oh, Pellin."

Pellin entered cheerfully before locking eyes with Diela.

"..."

The Duplein lioness. Her gaze alone signaled trouble.

'Huh?'

Pellin instantly recognized her.

That unmistakable noble aura radiated from this tiny girl.

"...Who... are you...?"

"Diela Catherine Duplein. Derek's first apprentice..."

"Oh... I see..."

Normally vivacious, Pellin's tone flattened noticeably.

Diela's mood similarly soured, ensuring mutual poor first impressions.

"I... heard you're marrying Derek... wanted to see what kind of woman..."

"..."

Oh right, that contract.

Focusing solely on monster hunting lately, Pellin shuddered recalling that nauseating arrangement.

"Yes... that's right..."

"..."

That was all.

Diela thought:

Derek—a slum-born magic obsessive, yet admirable for his dedication—deserved better than this indifferent woman.

She'd expected newlywed bliss, which would've also annoyed her... conflicting emotions swirled.

Honestly, Diela didn't understand her own feelings but disliked Pellin regardless. Pure instinct.

Meanwhile, Pellin felt the same.

Already disliking nobles, Diela's scrutinizing gaze at Beldern's Tear irritated her.

Just thinking about that ridiculous marriage contract with Derek made her scowl—let alone being inspected by his apprentice.

Resentment flared.

A delicate balance existed between them.

Diela's status was incomparably higher, but Pellin was Derek's wife.

Neither could disrespect the other. Jayden watched the tense standoff with interest.

'...I'd love to humble this arrogant noble, but reckless actions might bring repercussions.'

Though disliking nobles, Pellin wasn't thoughtless.

After pondering, inspiration struck. She walked to the bar and sat beside Diela cheerfully.

"Derek's first apprentice, you said? That makes you like family to me~."

"..."

Calling him"our Derek"so familiarly grated, but Pellin could endure for the greater good.

"Our Derek owes you so much~. Having a Duplein lady watch over him is such a comfort~."

Clasping her hands, Pellin smiled sweetly.

"......"

Diela's expression twisted complexly.

For some reason, Pellin's presence made her blood boil.

Though speaking politely, Pellin seemed to be subtly needling her.

—She absolutely was.

Seeing Diela's possessive attitude, Pellin resolved to provoke her relentlessly.

"Thanks to you, our Derek got his barony~. The Ravenclaw estate approval came through because of you. So very~ very thankful."

"Urk..."

"Now we can renovate the estate and build our love nest. I'll cherish your kindness forever while creating a beautiful home. Truly grateful~!"

Though ostensibly gracious, Diela felt physically ill hearing Pellin's words.

Yet what could she say?

Pellin had done nothing wrong. Lashing out would just make her look unreasonable and risk Derek's wrath.

Diela was trapped.

'She's using Derek against me...! The Duplein lioness can't even retort...?!'

Meanwhile, Pellin reveled in unprecedented euphoria.

As when touring labyrinths with Elente and Derek, manipulating stuck-up noble girls was immensely satisfying.

Breathing heavily, Pellin's eyes sparkled with delight.

"My darling... oops, pardon—that's what I call him privately. Since we'll keep relying on Derek, please forgive any improprieties. Let me know if anything comes up—we're practically one~!"

"Urk... ugh..."

"I should bring gifts... but just returned from a request and am unpresentable. May I send something to Duplein Manor? Unless forbidden—I can't just let my husband's benefactor leave empty-handed!"

"Ugh... th-that... guh..."

"Please! Let me repay you! Lady Diela! My beloved's benefactor is mine too! For his sake...!! I'll help you however I can!!"

"Uwaah... UWAAAH! KYAAAAAAH!"

Finally snapping, Diela grabbed her temples—hair disheveled—before screaming and fleeing the tavern.

Her presumed escorts hastily followed. Clearly, she wouldn't return.

- Slam!

- Creak, creak.

Watching the door swing, Pellin smiled contentedly.

"Maybe... I was born for this moment...."

"Damn, Pellin. That was brutal."

"Did you see that noble's face? Pale as paint! Hilarious! Ahahaha!"

Clutching her stomach, Pellin laughed breathlessly while Jayden chuckled.

He knew she despised nobles, but never expected such ruthlessness.

"Damn, Pellin. You've grown thick-skinned."

"What's the big deal? Just some harmless teasing."

"Pretty spicy remarks though. Where'd you learn that?"

"Hmm..."

After calming down, Pellin chugged water Jayden provided.

Finally regaining composure, she began processing her own words.

"'Our Derek,''darling,''beloved'... Is there anything you won't say? Why not actually marry him?"

".........."

"Derek's face would've been priceless."

Now Pellin paled.

"Ugh... UWUgh... What did I..."

Though lost in noble-trolling euphoria, reflecting on those cringe-worthy lines made her nauseous.

Pellin buried her face in the bar, looking no better than Diela.

Stone sober yet queasy, she pressed her forehead, struggling to compose herself.

'This brat and that brat—both ridiculously prideful.'

Jayden observed thoughtfully.

Perhaps Pellin had merely wanted to humble some nobles by playing Derek's devoted wife... but consequences were unpredictable.

-'Statement of Support'

-'House Duplein finds no procedural issues in Derek Ravenclaw's barony appointment and supports it.'

-'Considering Derek Ravenclaw's magical prowess, House Belmierd approves his barony for demonstrated merit.'

-'House Beltus has no objections to Derek Ravenclaw's barony.'

LETTER OF APPOINTMENT

By Imperial Decree,

I, Gertrel III, hereby proclaim:

Derek Raidof Ravenclaw, in recognition of your loyalty, service, and exceptional achievements, I grant you the Barony of Rodellen.

You shall henceforth possess these rights and duties:

1. Governance over Ravenclaw Territory in Rodellen

2. Seat on the Southwest Continent's Rotfail Council

3. Judicial and taxation authority within your domain

4. Obligation to contribute to imperial defense

5. Unwavering loyalty to Crown and Empire

May your wise and just rule bring prosperity to your lands and strength to our Empire.

This title shall pass to your lawful heirs unless revoked for treason.

Swear to uphold peace and prosperity.

Bearer of the Radiant Crown, Guardian of the Continent, Navigator of the Milky Way

Flakior Robengard Gertrel III

Time flows mercilessly fast.

Especially when focused, its passage accelerates.

Late winter gave way to spring's peak before notice.

Lush greenery flourished under warm sunlight.

- Rustle!

Derek wiped sweat near Rodellen's vineyards, sleeves rolled up.

Sitting on a log, he examined newly arrived documents—his baronial appointment.

Surprisingly swift progress for what seemed a protracted process.

Apparently, Ryner had successfully persuaded Duke Beltus.

'Nothing's free... What's brewing in Belmierd that that drunk wants me secured?'

Derek pondered before refocusing.

- Bang! Bang! Bang!

- Creak! Crack!

Workers Derek hired renovated the dilapidated estate.

After assisting briefly, Derek stepped back to observe.

Modest for nobility yet luxurious compared to commercial district dwellings.

Tucking away the document, Derek reflected:

'High nobles get lavish coronations, but backwater exiles like me get paperwork.'

No celebrations—just an imperial seal. Though meticulously drafted by royal scribes, Emperor Gertrel III likely never glanced at it.

Such was life for bottom-tier nobility.

No complaints though—Derek felt strangely satisfied.

Spring breeze wafted through vineyards.

A log sat amidst butterfly-filled flowerbeds.

Perched there, arms folded, Derek watched the transforming estate.

Cloak draped aside, staff propped nearby.

From sleeping under sacks in slum canals to studying Katia's spellbooks, then residing at Beldern's Tear—memories flowed.

Now he'd secured a sizable estate through his own efforts.

Life's trajectory rarely shifts abruptly—usually through gradual changes.

Suddenly realizing how far you've come when seeing footprints stretching behind.

Like mountain climbing—often too focused to gauge progress until pausing to survey the view below.

Such moments allow reflection on life's journey.

So you've come this far.

A brief realization before moving forward.

"Hah..."

Derek Raidof Ravenclaw.

Thus he became Baron of Rodellen's frontier.

"Time to move."

No time for sentimentality.

Countless tasks awaited, responsibilities multiplied...

Most importantly, preparations for higher realms neared completion.

- Rustle, rustle.

Footsteps along the path.

Derek retrieved cloak and staff, returning to the estate.

Though countless goals remained, one objective anchored his purpose:

4-Star.

A realm even noble-blooded mages require decades to reach.

Commoners are barred entirely.

Where magic transcends conventional laws, blending star ranks with personal essence.

Some develop unique spells at this stage.

Derek longed for this realm.

The groundwork was nearly laid.