Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97

The Belmiere Count's Manor was located in the small town of Floren, reached by crossing the vast plains beyond the naturally fortified Ratman Canyon region.

This small town, also the hometown of Lady Elente, was a mandatory stop along most southern trade routes into Evelstein. Mercenaries establishing bases or middlemen haggling along the main road were common sights here.

Floren was small in size but immense in influence.

Though traversable end-to-end in less than half a day, the town's logistics volume rivaled a miniature Evelstein—truly staggering.

As the highest tax revenue source within Belmiere County, this town was essentially the Belmiere family's most prized treasure.

To see the residence of this region's ruler—Border Count Belmiere—one must cross the town and ascend the Lavir Hill overlooking the plains.

The manor perched high above Floren like an observer had become this region's symbolic landmark.

The Belmiere Count's Manor.

"..."

Derek couldn't help but shudder upon exiting his carriage.

"Baron Derek Raidof Ravenclaw. The honor is mine. I've heard you served as Lady Elente's mentor, imparting invaluable lessons."

Naturally, this was incomparable in scale to Elente's private residence in Evelstein.

The welcome proved far grander than Derek anticipated.

Though accustomed to magnificent estates from visiting various noble houses, such thoughts vanished when facing one of the Three Great Families'main residences.

'Come to think of it, the noble houses I've visited were mostly ladies'private residences in Evelstein's noble district. Besides Duplein, I've only seen the remote Rochester Ducal House.'

Neither Duplein nor Rochester mansions were ordinary in size.

Yet Belmiere Manor matched these influential families'grandeur despite its lower rank, proving its regional authority was second to none.

A palace-like main building, glimpsed guest houses, separate guest quarters, a spire-structured chapel, and not one but three gardens—main, servants', and maze.

An armory, training grounds, small barracks along the perimeter, plus stables and workshops—almost a small village attached to the city.

The crowning absurdity? A sizable lake within the manor walls. The scale defied reason.

Now it sank in.

In Evelstein's noble district, Lady Elente seemed just another aristocratic daughter among many. But in reality, her authority was in another league entirely.

This entire estate would one day be hers.

Elente's rise to power within House Belmiere was now common knowledge.

Having enjoyed the Border Count's full support and favor for years, she'd outshone her incompetent eldest brother and religiously-devoted third brother long ago.

As mentor to such a figure, even a backwater noble like Derek received near-VIP treatment here.

The guest room assigned to him matched Ravenclaw Barony's main hall in size. The tea served while waiting cost more than premium cuisine.

But the true shock came when the manor's owner—Border Count Belmiere—personally came to greet him.

"Long time no see, haha! I once chased you to the commercial district trying to hire you. Now your price has multiplied, just as expected."

The Border Count matched his reputation as a jovial figure.

Clad in imposing armor with an elegant cloak, he looked battle-ready at any moment.

Given his frequent barracks and armory inspections, it's no wonder Belmiere's private forces outclassed other houses'.

"This sudden visit hardly warrants the Family Head's personal hospitality."

"Nonsense. Everyone knows you're under the fierce Rochester Ducal House's protection now."

"Indeed. I owe Lord Melberot a great debt."

The Border Count laughed heartily before straddling a chair in Derek's quarters.

"Hah! Feels like just yesterday hearing you were some slum rat. Now a full-fledged baron visiting Belmiere Manor... Regrets not snatching you up sooner."

"Circumstances prevented it then. My apologies."

"Bah! Anyone who's tried hiring a decent magic tutor knows the struggle. Wanted to pocket you myself, but the world rarely obliges."

Despite his rugged exterior, his gaze held sharp intellect.

The very image of a battle-hardened veteran who'd seen it all.

"Gold and jewels stay put once secured, but talent slips through your fingers no matter how tightly you grasp. Damned frustrating."

"The saying'talent outweighs gold'exists for good reason."

"Right. Especially cocky bastards who know their worth—hardest to handle. All sharp wit and no—*chuckle*."

After joking, the Border Count sighed deeply.

"My beloved daughter esteems you as her mentor, so proper courtesy is due. But truthfully, circumstances aren't ideal. If you feel slighted, I beg your understanding."

Derek found this puzzling—if this was"slighted,"he wondered what VIP treatment looked like.

"...Trouble at the manor, I presume."

"..."

The Border Count's expression momentarily stiffened.

Though quickly resuming his hearty smile, Derek caught that fleeting crack.

"Well, you'll learn eventually. Servants love gossip, and everyone here likely knows already."

"...?"

"Your letter mentioned a new venture—a training institute? Wanted Elente to make an appearance during its opening... Reasonable request."

The Count stood, unfolding his arms.

"But currently, that may prove difficult."

"...Why's that?"

"Elente's under house arrest by my decree."

"Pardon?"

The abrupt revelation forced Derek to double-take.

The Border Count's expression was complex—simultaneously smiling and grimacing.

"For now, Elente's confined to the guest house, spire, chapel and gardens under surveillance. Once resolved, outings may resume—but not yet."

"What warranted house arrest?"

The Count fell silent, visibly conflicted.

Renowned as a doting father, he wouldn't restrict Elente without grave cause. His reluctance was palpable.

He seemed torn about sharing details with Derek.

Watching this, Derek realized: whatever secret the Count hesitated to reveal must profoundly impact House Belmiere.

Though inclined to trust Elente's chosen mentor, something gave him pause.

As Derek pondered, the Count finally blurted out:

"Evidence of necromancy research was found in Elente's room."

Derek straightened.

This was no trivial matter.

The incident began when a maid, sent by third son Leonard, entered Elente's chambers.

Requested to find Hamilton's spellbook for Leonard's 2nd-Class magic training—an obscure text absent from the manor library.

When reported, Leonard instructed:

-'I've seen Sister Elente studying Hamilton's works. I'll write to her—retrieve it from her shelves.'

Elente mostly resided in Evelstein for Rosea Salon affairs.

With her room often vacant, borrowing a book seemed harmless.

After Leonard claimed he'd secured permission, the maid searched Elente's bookshelf without question.

Pulling a particular tome revealed a hidden space behind the shelf.

Curious, she reached in, grasped a handle-like object, and pulled.

- Click

The shelf slid aside, exposing a massive staircase descending into darkness.

Terrified, the maid reported to the head butler, who investigated with senior retainers...

...uncovering a horrific scene.

A blood-stenched underground lab.

Dismembered body parts preserved in jars. Skulls littering the floor.

On a desk beneath candlelight—multiple necromantic tomes like those carried by Rodentz Island practitioners.

Nearby lay Elente's accessories: hairpins, writing tools, a frilled hat.

Chaos ensued.

Elente was immediately recalled from Evelstein.

'How amusing.'

Seated in the guest house garden, Elente set down her teacup.

The sky stretched blue and endless above the peaceful estate grounds.

Yet passing servants swallowed hard, stealing glances.

Basking in late spring sunlight, Elente appeared utterly composed—despite the woman standing guard behind her.

Briana—the Count's most trusted senior retainer—ordinarily handling critical matters, now wasted solely on surveillance.

An extraordinary measure.

'Even servants approach cautiously.'

The manor enforced strict silence while senior retainers investigated.

Though not imprisoned—her status prevented that—Elente's movements were severely restricted.

"..."

Despite the crisis, Elente radiated calm. Sunbathing while sipping tea in the garden.

Having navigated power struggles for years, she was accustomed to slander. Maintaining dignity was paramount.

Moreover, Belmiere Manor was Elente's kingdom.

Years as heir apparent had shown the staff her authentic, principled leadership.

The Count trusted her. Most senior retainers doubted she'd dabble in forbidden magic.

Undermining her here was no simple task.

Only something like necromancy could land a meaningful blow—as those remembering Duplein's tragedy knew all too well.

'So you've drawn your blade at last, Leonard.'

To topple Elente required severing her limbs—turning allies into suspects, family and retainers into doubters.

Until none in this manor trusted her.

But years of earned trust don't crumble easily.

Thus Elente simply sipped her tea, eyes narrowing slightly.

Exiting his meeting, Derek encountered a stranger in the hallway.

"A pleasure, Sir Derek. I sent that letter. Since you're busy, I intended to visit—but fortune brought you here first."

The familiar tone identified him as Leonard—Elente's younger brother, Belmiere's third son.

Though smiling, his eyes glittered coldly.

Most Belmieres had red hair, but Leonard's was stark white—an odd sight.

"Young Master Leonard."

Derek's slight bow prompted Leonard to glance around before whispering:

"Evelstein's renowned magic mentor—your reputation precedes you. Meeting in person is truly an honor."

"The honor is mine."

Leonard smiled leisurely before continuing:

"Might you spare a moment? I've something important to discuss."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. Despite your origins, your magical dedication and achievements are extraordinary. Reaching heights most commoner mages never attain so young."

Leonard maintained polite smiles as he spoke.

"But surely you won't stop at commoner limits?"

Derek's brow furrowed.

"The 4-Star realm awaits."

"..."

"I can help. Will you hear me out?"