Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 92

Numerous tea houses catering to noble ladies lined the area near Elfontaine Hall in Evelstein's noble district.

Among them, Trisha sat basking in the warm spring sunlight... her face grave with contemplation.

'Why on earth would Lady Sieren of House Rocheste come all the way to the southwestern continent...?'

Since the Duplein family's decline, House Renuel's authority had been skyrocketing uncontrollably.

If the Renuel family head received a count's title at the next imperial birthday celebration, it seemed the day wouldn't be far when they could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with ladies from Houses Belmiere and Beltus.

Trisha's pride had already inflated to its limits, making every moment in Evelstein's noble circles feel like a dream.

However, Lady Sieren of House Rocheste suddenly appearing in Evelstein's high society threw everything into disarray.

No matter how rapidly House Renuel's prestige was rising, it couldn't possibly compare to House Rocheste led by Lord Melberot.

'Though positions aren't solely determined by secular power from the main family...'

Even with Lady Sieren's formidable backing, surpassing her wouldn't be entirely impossible if one excelled in all other aspects.

The current situation where Lady Trisha could voice her opinions proved this, despite House Duplein holding greater secular authority.

Still, that didn't make it easy.

'First, surpassing Lady Sieren in magical ability is absolutely impossible. I seem far superior in general social knowledge and understanding of noble culture though...'

If she didn't seize this opportunity well, another chance to rise to Rosea Salon's pinnacle might never come.

Knowing this, Trisha desperately sought to gain stronger influence within the salon than Sieren.

However, Sieren remained too mysterious and inscrutable.

Her murderous gaze alone evoked terror, yet she never violated basic etiquette or manners.

To push aside such an enigmatic snow maiden, one needed to know her weaknesses or sensitive points.

'...Come to think of it, the Rosea Salon Trio all learned magic from the same tutor... Was Lady Sieren the same..?'

Ultimately, noble undercurrent battles were information wars.

Having already gathered extensive intelligence on ladies from Belmiere and Beltus, Trisha found it strangely significant that all influential noble ladies in Evelstein had been taught by this magic tutor named Derek.

'Does this mean everyone except me is connected through academic ties? That's... problematic...'

Of course, as a private tutor, Derek wouldn't conduct group classes or foster separate connections.

Still, being the only one left out didn't seem favorable.

'To break this deadlock, I should probably meet this magic tutor. As head of Ravenclaw Barony in the frontier region, with a small territory not too far from Evelstein...'

Trisha rose with the intention of visiting him directly.

She was someone who would do anything for greater power.

Considerable time had passed since Ravenclaw Barony became fully functional.

Many distinguished guests had visited during this period, and its appearance grew increasingly refined over time.

The barony's backyard contained a small clearing.

Though pitiful compared to a proper ducal family's training grounds, for Derek who previously trained magic in mountains and fields, this space felt luxurious beyond satisfaction.

Sitting at its center, Derek gathered magic power while holding the large staff"Footsteps."

Channeling the collected energy through his fingertips, he focused intently as the magic flow surged up the staff toward the clear sky. The soaring energy paused at a point before gradually enveloping the area.

Derek furrowed his brow and clenched his fist tightly.

The magic transformed into a different energy, gradually taking the form of clouds.

- Drip, drip, drip

Then slowly... rain began to fall.

[New Magic Acquired]

3-Star Transformation Magic'Raincloud'

While weather manipulation was advanced magic, limiting its scope and duration made manifestation at 3-Star level possible.

Thus, he could now briefly create rain to drench an area—an efficient way to create variables in complex battlefields.

'I've definitely grown accustomed to learning 3-Star magic.'

Derek remained still in the pouring rain, fist still clenched.

Just moments ago, the sun had been blazing. Though suddenly drenched, he showed no surprise—having summoned this rain himself.

'But... 4-Star seems too difficult for self-study. Come to think of it, I always had mentors when first learning each star rank's magic...'

Before being an excellent magic teacher, Derek was an excellent student.

A beggar in the slums taught him 1-Star magic, a fallen noblewoman 2-Star, and a wandering mage 3-Star.

While manageable up to 3-Star, finding someone qualified to teach 4-Star magic wasn't easy.

Moreover, 4-Star magic varied greatly based on individual capability and disposition.

In terms of diversity, 4-Star magic surpassed even 5 or 6-Star spells.

The same 4-Star fire magic might blaze crimson for some while flowing blue and calm for others.

The same 4-Star summoning magic could manifest beautiful spirits for those raised in warmth, or bloodstained hounds for those forged in struggle.

Few mentors could fully convey such diverse 4-Star magic, given the variables in each mage's learning process.

Thus Derek fell deep into thought.

'Ideally Lord Melberot would teach me... but he's hardly the nurturing type.'

He'd already secured the barony title, estate, and funding through his own efforts.

Asking for more would be shameless.

As Derek concentrated, the rain intensified.

- Splaaaaash!

"Eeek!"

Just as the downpour threatened to engulf the world, a girl screamed.

"Hm?"

"Ugh... Didn't expect this..."

Derek quickly gathered his magic and turned to see a thoroughly drenched Lady Elente standing awkwardly.

"My apologies. I often neglect my surroundings when focused on magic training."

"No need. My fault for sneaking up to watch."

Lady Elente always wore frilly, rose-adorned dresses even in casual settings.

The plain blouse provided by a junior maid seemed too simple for a Belmiere noblewoman, but her original outfit was completely soaked.

Appearing unfazed, she dried her reddish hair while wearing the unadorned clothes.

The maid tremblingly wiping Elente's hair with soft cloth clearly never imagined a junior like herself would attend to such an important figure.

Only veteran maids with over a decade's experience typically handled noble ladies'hair.

The freckled maid, barely a month into service, swallowed dryly as she strained to steady her hands.

"3-Star transformation magic... Derek, you never fail to amaze me."

"Still somewhat unrefined, but I'm growing comfortable with 3-Star magic."

"..."

Elente fell silent, studying Derek before sitting on a wooden chair in the clearing to dry her still-damp hair while pressing her temples.

"I recently mastered 2-Star magic. Just last week actually."

"Truly? That's wonderful news."

"I rushed here to brag to you, only to see you casually casting 3-Star transformation magic... I'm at a loss for words."

Despite her words, mastering 2-Star magic at Elente's age represented remarkable progress.

Officially, only Lady Aiselin had achieved this earlier among her peers.

Though Lady Denise had secretly reached 2-Star level even before that.

"Among commoners I've seen, none match your speed and skill in magical achievement."

While honored, Derek simply thanked her without formalities—a response so characteristic it made Elente chuckle.

After drying her hair, a maid brought tea.

Though a far cry from Belmiere's standards, Elente accepted the cheap teacup cheerfully.

"This estate has become quite organized. Serving tea to guests is impressive."

"Lord Melberot sent an excellent head butler. He handles most management, leaving little for me to do."

"Good help is life's greatest blessing. The more I learn as heir, the clearer this becomes."

Elente tied up her long reddish hair, her usual authority softened by a youthful vibrancy.

"You'll understand as baron. Though yours is the lowest rank."

"The lowest of the low indeed."

"Who knows how long it'll remain low? More importantly, Duke Beltus approved your title? He usually dislikes new border nobles..."

Elente sounded intrigued, prompting Derek to share about his unexpected helper.

"Actually... someone else assisted me."

"Oh? Who would help with such a difficult matter?"

"...Lord Ryner of House Belmiere."

Elente's expression froze.

Setting down her teacup, she grimaced.

"...That good-for-nothing brother sought you out?"

"...Yes."

"What state was he in? He hasn't returned home in ages. I heard he wastes his life gambling and drinking in cities..."

Elente spoke with genuine disgust.

"Still unshaven and drinking heavily?"

"...Yes."

"Ugh... Why return to Evelstein? If he offended you, I'll apologize."

"Not at all. He actually persuaded Duke Beltus on condition that I assist you if becoming baron."

"...Me?"

Elente blinked her luminous red eyes before tilting her head while smoothing her hair.

"...That irresponsible wastrel wouldn't worry about me..."

"Is something amiss in House Belmiere? Lord Ryner wouldn't act without reason."

"I can never predict that drunkard's actions... Hmm... Still, I'm grateful he helped secure your title..."

House Belmiere likely wouldn't collapse like Duplein, but something might threaten Elente.

Noticing Derek's concern, Elente smiled.

"Don't worry too much. I have suspicions."

"Oh?"

"Likely preparing support against Leonard's return. I'd be quite inconvenienced if he seized power."

Elente's eyes widened as realization dawned.

"Leonard... House Belmiere's youngest son?"

"Oh Derek, you've learned our family tree. Yes, currently on pilgrimage, avoiding home."

House Belmiere's sons rarely stayed home—why Elente solidified her position as heir.

"Actually, Ryner was the heir before abandoning it. Leonard left because he couldn't compete."

"So Lord Ryner relinquished succession rights."

"Exactly. Sharp as ever, Derek."

For unknown reasons, Ryner abandoned succession to House Belmiere's vast legacy, choosing to waste his life gambling.

With only Elente remaining as heir (Leonard being absent), his potential return complicated matters.

Though female heirs existed, male succession remained customary.

"...What kind of man is Leonard? His religious devotion suggests decency..."

"Hardly. His piety is political—religion conveys moral virtue."

Elente's expression revealed Leonard's true nature.

"If that brat tries displacing me, I won't yield quietly. I've worked hard for this position."

"..."

"Should he return expecting me to surrender the heirship simply because he's male? Would our father even allow it?"

Elente's blazing red eyes burned with determination—the secret to maintaining her legitimate heir status.

Derek studied her with concern.

Officially, Elente was House Belmiere's rightful heir—authoritative, capable, and salon-approved.

Already receiving heir education, accomplished in magic and academics, nothing justified yielding to a belatedly returning Leonard.

Thus, Leonard would need to undermine Elente's authority and reputation.

What methods he might employ remained unknown. As Derek hesitated to speak, Elente placed a finger on his lips.

"Don't worry. While you're the magic expert, power struggles are my specialty."

"..."

"You're busy establishing your new barony—forget Ryner's selfish request."

Smiling brightly, Elente placed hands on her hips.

"Wearing these plain clothes feels refreshing. If I were a village girl working mills or coops, could you speak casually with me?"

"Hard to say. You'd probably start a business mid-shift."

"Hah! Such peculiar compliments. This is why I enjoy our talks."

Shaking out her sleeves, Elente untied her fully dried hair, letting the spring breeze catch its length.

"The warm wind feels wonderful. Anyway, since I'm here, evaluate my magic."

"No major commitments this afternoon. You mentioned mastering 2-Star magic?"

"Indeed. Try not to faint at my progress."

Elente's carefree smile bloomed like a spring flower.

When Trisha arrived at Ravenclaw Barony, the head butler received her smoothly despite her unannounced visit.

'The servants are oddly accustomed to receiving distinguished guests. Remarkable training for a backwater barony.'

The maids attending to her dress moved with practiced ease—clearly experienced.

Unbeknownst to Trisha, this estate regularly hosted noble ladies.

"Thank you for visiting our humble estate. Might I inquire about your purpose?"

"I wish to meet Baron Ravenclaw. His reputed teaching skills interest me."

"An honor. However, His Lordship is currently instructing another noble lady."

Trisha frowned.

As daughter of the rapidly rising House Renuel, being made to wait was unacceptable.

"How important is this person that I must wait after coming all this way?"

"...Lady Elente of House Belmiere. Earlier, Ladies Aiselin and Diela also visited."

"..."

Hearing those names, Trisha acquiesced.

She'd bare fangs against the weak but quickly submit to stronger opponents—a trait she considered shrewd rather than cowardly.

"Fine. I'll wait. You have a reception room?"

"A modest one. We appreciate your understanding."

"Hmph. I expect little from this backwater hovel. Bring tea."

"Certainly. You might converse with another guest awaiting His Lordship."

"Another guest?"

What kind of remote barony received so many visitors?

Entering the reception room, Trisha found Lady Sieren Aleina Rocheste quietly waiting.

"...We meet again, Lady Trisha."

The sight of a northern ducal heir patiently waiting in this minor barony defied belief, yet the lady herself seemed unfazed.

"..."

Trisha vividly remembered the primal murderous gaze from their first meeting—terrifying enough to nearly make her wet herself.

Facing Sieren alone felt like sharing a cage with a wild beast that might pounce any moment.

"Ah, yes... LovelytoseeyouLadySierenyouareasradiantaseverwhatanhonorthisshouldn'thaveintrudedI'llbeonmyway."

Trisha hastily backpedaled, smoothly closing the door behind her.

"..."

Unfortunately, this tiny estate had only one reception room.

Head Butler Delbritton promptly informed her of this despairing fact.

Such was life—rarely going as planned.