Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 108: Aiselin & Ellen (3)

Explaining who Dereck Lydorf, Baron of Ravenclaw, was did not require many words.

He was a common-born mage from the suburbs, who awakened his first-class magic on the streets, without any lineage.

Afterward, he lived as a mercenary for some time and, by chance, ended up becoming a magic instructor within noble society.

Naturally, being just a mercenary mage, he did not receive much recognition, but the young noblewomen who studied magic under him began to achieve remarkable results.

As one after another made breakthroughs, rumors about the magic instructor Dereck began circulating within the social circles of Ebelstein, and over time, a competition broke out to recruit him.

It was not long before he started to build a solid reputation among the nobility.

Then, during the necromancy disaster that occurred in the Duplain family, he contributed decisively by saving the lives of many nobles. Finally, under the protection of Lord Melverot of the North, he was granted the title of baron and became a noble with his own territory.

‘Though at first glance he may seem unremarkable, his magical achievements are extraordinary.’

The Count of Belmierd sat in a corner of his office, silently gazing at the pile of accumulated documents.

There was much pending work since he had been dealing with matters related to Leonard.

His youngest son had delved into necromancy, and when the time came to cut him off with his own hands, his mind had been so filled with anguish that he could no longer continue his work.

‘Leonard… What a tragedy… but there is no other way…’

Leonard’s body was already broken; there was no way to help him.

Even covered in blood, he had begged the Count to trust him just one more time.

While offering pathetic excuses and saying he could explain everything, even the last spark of compassion had vanished.

However, the Count of Belmierd could not simply nod and say that it was all Leonard’s fault.

It is said that a son’s fault, at its core, is the father’s fault.

He had only paid attention to his heirs, Linus and Ellen, without caring for the ambitions or goals of his youngest son. For that reason, the Count of Belmierd could not be angry with Leonard.

He could not say he bore no responsibility for the dark path his son had taken.

Thus, facing his own lack of virtue, the Count of Belmierd softly closed his eyes and spoke.

“Leonard. I have asked Viscountess Rodelia to at least spare your life.”

“Ah, Father…!”

“However, I told her that nothing else matters. So, as a form of atonement, you must bear the weight of your mistake.”

The Count of Belmierd, without scolding or yelling, simply closed his eyes with serenity and informed him.

Seeing Leonard’s face turn pale again only made his heart ache even more.

Falling into the hands of Viscountess Rodelia was, in truth, a curse disguised as forgiveness.

He had seen countless necromancers on Rodentz Island beg to be killed.

Leonard screamed, but the Count of Belmierd averted his gaze and ordered his servants to take him away.

With Leonard’s matter settled, it was time to move on to the next, though his heart was heavy.

There was much pending, but what he needed to analyze now… was none other than the shocking declaration of his beloved daughter Ellen.

In fact, reading the reports and documents about Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw was a direct extension of that matter.

The Count of Belmierd thought that Dereck was, certainly, a talented and useful man, but he was not interested beyond that. From his lofty position, he was used to occasionally seeing extraordinary people like Dereck emerge.

It was enough to think “impressive” and let it pass. However, because of Ellen’s surprising declaration, he could not simply ignore it.

“I… asked them to stay three more days. So… I need some time to sort out my thoughts…”

Ellen, who always behaved as the mistress of Belmierd Mansion when handling household affairs, began to stammer and falter clumsily whenever she spoke about Dereck.

The Count of Belmierd, who had spent his entire life watching Ellen, found this side of his daughter so unfamiliar that cold sweat ran down his nose every time he saw her like that.

“I have many things to consider, but… does it really have to be Baron Ravenclaw…?”

The Count of Belmierd pushed all the documents on his desk aside, composed himself, and spoke.

Dereck was not a man with any glaring flaws, but Ellen, being a lady of her stature, could meet men more noble, more capable, and more handsome.

Marriage proposals arrived at the private residence and the main house in Ebelstein in such numbers that both hands could not count them, and among them were names known by all.

The heart does not always follow logic, but how was it possible that a noble among nobles, who could be compared with anyone save the crown prince, insisted on Dereck?

Moreover, he was already officially married.

According to information gathered by the maid Briana, he was married to a commoner archer from the mercenary district of Ebelstein, and he had a family, which was not easy to deal with either.

From the Count’s perspective, who adored his daughter, he thought that the perfect and flawless Ellen could easily remove that commoner archer, but public opinion could be different.

The flower of the Belmierd family, the lady of the house, was infatuated with a rural baron who tended vineyards on the outskirts, and moreover, a married man… No matter how prestigious the Count was, should Ellen not also consider her dignity?

Taking all that into account, the Count of Belmierd spoke calmly.

“Ellen. I must tell you this. Baron Ravenclaw is a good man, but there are many others just as good among the nobility of Ebelstein. Do you know Robenalt, the eldest son of the Beltus family? He is a grand duke, handsome, and has the support of his family.”

“I heard about him from Lady Denise at the Rose Salon. But I also heard that his magical achievements are insignificant, and that he lacks manly spirit, always swayed by his servants.”

“Is… is that so…?”

In truth, Ellen, more active than anyone in social circles, knew far more about noble families.

Ellen fiddled with her fingers, embarrassed, and murmured in an almost inaudible voice.

“And… Dereck is quite handsome, don’t you think…?”

“…”

“He has a strong build for his age… and ambition… his magical achievements are excellent… he has firm convictions… and he is not rude…”

“…”

The Count of Belmierd’s vision blurred.

He had raised two sons, but this was the first time he had raised a daughter.

Seeing this side of his daughter for the first time, he could not find a single flaw in Dereck.

It was what people call “blindness from love,” but he could not understand what had led Ellen to this, and it was baffling to him.

“He’s picky with food, which has its charm… the veins that show when he rolls up his sleeves are strangely attractive… he’s meticulous with equipment maintenance… and he stands firm even before powerful people… and…”

“E-enough already… Ellen.”

“…”

Realizing she had said too much, Ellen held her breath, combed her hair back with her fingers, and gazed out at the innocent window.

It seemed that making eye contact was uncomfortable, so she deliberately avoided looking at the Count.

The Count of Belmierd rubbed his temples, lost in thought.

For his beloved daughter Ellen, he would be willing to pull down the stars from the sky, but conquering Baron Ravenclaw was not an easy task.

He was a man whom even the Duplain family, in its days of glory, had given up on. A man with a deep thirst for freedom, who would leave without hesitation if his environment interfered with his magical achievements.

And more importantly, whether Dereck felt anything for Ellen was another matter.

Of course, from the Count’s perspective, Ellen was an angel fallen from the heavens, and even if all the beauties of the world were gathered, they would only be ugly women in comparison… Naturally, this was only from his perspective.

In any case, because of his profession, Baron Ravenclaw would have had many opportunities to meet noble ladies, so there must have been a reason why he had married a mercenary from Ebelstein.

If his ideal type was a simple and strong person, then Ellen was the complete opposite. More than a wise and virtuous wife, she was like a noble saint, and more than a resilient housewife, she was a trustworthy ruler.

And above all, if Ellen, who always had to be at the center of attention, paired with Dereck, it seemed she would end up being dragged along by him.

Of course, to be honest, all of this was nothing but excuses.

‘No matter how good a man he is… it is a waste to give Ellen away! Ellen is the treasure I have protected all my life…!’

As happens to many fathers with daughters, the Count of Belmierd had to hold back tears of blood.

But seeing Ellen fidget timidly, his heart softened once again, realizing that being a father was not easy.

‘Yes… I know instinctively. No matter what, in the end, I will do as Ellen wishes.’

The Count of Belmierd let out a deep sigh.

Ellen, who had always tried to meet his expectations, almost never asked him for anything. Before such a request, his heart could not resist.

Baron Ravenclaw. Conquering him was not easy, but he had to devise a plan.

“Very well, Ellen. The human heart does not always move by gain or loss.”

“Father…!”

“But, as I said, Baron Ravenclaw is like a lone wolf, difficult to bind to the forces of others. Even so, it is not impossible to persuade him. I will do what I can.”

Saying that, the Count of Belmierd rose from his desk.

“For now, try to keep Baron Ravenclaw in the mansion as long as possible, and think about how to convince him during that time.”

Seeing Ellen’s face light up again, the Count’s heart softened once more.

The wound of having lost Leonard still hurt, but at least he could be grateful that Ellen was safe.

Just as the Count of Belmierd began to devise a plan.

“An important guest has arrived at the main gate of the mansion.”

“An important guest? Who could it be at this time?”

“Well…”

The servant, bowing with courtesy, replied.

“Lady Aiselin of the Duplain family has come personally.”

*

Ellen was slightly surprised to see Aiselin.

At the Rose Hall, she had still been dressed in a beautiful gown and carried herself like a noble lady, but while helping with the work at Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion, she had become a completely different person.

She still wore a pretty frilled dress, but without unnecessary decorations and with the sleeves rolled up, she looked a little more active.

Even so, Aiselin was still Aiselin, and her characteristic noble elegance had not disappeared, but she certainly felt different from before.

The most remarkable thing was that she had not come by carriage, but on horseback, with a leather backpack tied to the saddle and on her back.

The image of her carrying a leather backpack on top of an elegant frilled dress was indescribable. It was like watching a princess plowing the fields… a strange sight.

“Oh, Lady Aiselin?”

“Oh, Lady Ellen! It’s been so long since we’ve seen each other! I haven’t been able to attend the recent gatherings at the Rose Salon, so I haven’t seen you much, and it’s really sad!”

Seeing her smile so gracefully and speak so elegantly, it was clear this girl was indeed Aiselin.

However, Aiselin, who had dismounted with a slight groan, set her leather backpack on the ground and wiped her sweat.

The servants of Belmierd Mansion who saw this were shocked and ran out to take her luggage.

Aiselin handed them the luggage and greeted them with a radiant smile.

“Thank you. The servants of Belmierd Mansion are very kind.”

With that said, Aiselin handed over the rest of the luggage tied to the saddle.

Inside were basic items and a leather blanket used during the trip. It must have been her first time traveling such a long distance on horseback, but she had completed the journey without major problems.

A noble lady traveling without a carriage was unheard of.

While Ellen looked at her with a surprised expression, Aiselin laughed awkwardly.

“I did not expect Lady Aiselin to come all the way to Belmierd Mansion. If you had sent a letter in advance, I would have sent a carriage.”

“Oh, just hearing you say that makes me feel so apologetic and grateful. But it was an urgent matter, so I couldn’t.”

“Urgent? Has something happened?”

“Actually, I’ve been staying at Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion, doing various things.”

Ellen knew that Aiselin often visited Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion because of matters regarding the training center.

However, she had not thought Aiselin was doing anything beyond that, so she tilted her head in confusion.

“Doing things? How can a noble lady of the Duplain family be at a baron’s mansion in the outskirts…?”

“Oh, well, if I went around saying things like this, it would affect the family’s prestige… Lady Ellen, could you please keep this a secret?”

“Oh, that is not difficult… but, doing things?”

“Well, the family is going through a difficult time these days, so I’ve been studying a lot. While helping at Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion, I’ve been practicing and applying what I’ve learned. It’s quite fun.”

The expression on Aiselin’s face as she said this was so bright and refreshing that it was hard to believe she was a fallen noble carrying her family’s crisis on her shoulders.

“I’ve been doing practical work like financial and personnel management within the mansion… taking care of the servants… overseeing major projects related to the training center business… and also keeping an eye on the Rose Salon… attending social events… these days, even ten bodies wouldn’t be enough for me. Hahaha.”

“S-so much…?”

Ellen looked at Aiselin with wide eyes.

No matter how it was, going to another noble family’s house and overseeing their internal affairs… wasn’t that practically like being the lady of the house?

Even though there was a proper baroness named Pheline, seeing her move freely through the mansion almost made it seem like she was becoming the true power behind the Ravenclaw Barony.

At times, it seemed her intention was to swallow the entire barony, but when she sought Dereck’s approval for important matters, she gave off a different impression.

“Lately, Sir Dereck has been very busy, so he hasn’t been able to give final approval for the matters being developed in the Ravenclaw Barony. There are quite a few things that could be resolved with just his confirmation… but waiting indefinitely is not an option, so I came first.”

No matter how it was, a duke’s daughter traveling to a rural area just to obtain work approval was something for which no law existed.

Aiselin, however, seemed completely unconcerned with such matters of authority, and smiled boldly.

Watching her, a strange sense of crisis began to grow within Ellen.

At least Pheline did not see Dereck as a man at all. If she were asked to give up her position as baroness, she would gladly do so, cheerfully humming as she returned to Ebelstein.

But with Aiselin, things were a little more complicated.

“I-I see. So, the reason Lady Aiselin brought her precious self all the way to Belmierd Mansion is…”

“Yes! I need to take Sir Dereck with me!”

Aiselin replied enthusiastically.

Hearing that, Ellen’s face stiffened for a moment.

“Hmm… suddenly I feel a chill on my back…”

Dereck, who was sitting in the guest room of the mansion, reading a magic book, shuddered for a moment.

Soon after, he put down the magic book he had borrowed from the Belmierd Mansion library and sighed deeply.

‘As expected, unlike the Duplain family, there are no suitable high-level magic books here in Belmierd.’

In fact, from the 4-star level onward, there were limits to what could be learned from magic books. Finding a good teacher was the most efficient method.

Dereck crossed his arms, leaned back in his chair, and closed his eyes.

Dereck’s magical achievements, which had soared like a rocket, now seemed to have entered a slight stage of stagnation.

In fact, it was a barrier that every mage faced at least once. And now it had arrived for Dereck.

He was thinking about how to wisely overcome that obstacle.

He had learned 1-star magic from a shabby old man in the slums.

2-star magic, from a fallen noble girl of the Flameheart family.

3-star magic, from an old archmage wandering aimlessly through the world.

So then, where could he find someone to teach him 4-star magic?

Dereck, who was considered a teacher by countless mages, could now find no teacher for himself.

It was a problem tied to the fate of those born with extraordinary talent.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelCet