Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 113: The Beginning (4)

“At the Ravenclaw Training Center, we offer the best learning conditions for our distinguished guests. I am Aiselin Eleanor Duplain, eldest daughter of the Duplain family, in charge of the Ravenclaw Training Center, and a friend who will study ladies’ etiquette with you. It is an honor to greet you all.”

After greeting Dereck, the director of the Ravenclaw Training Center, Fina Raffaella Tigris, the baron’s daughter, moved to the auditorium and training hall building to attend a brief opening ceremony.

The beautifully arranged round tables filled the auditorium, and the sumptuous banquet served upon them was luxurious.

Most of the tablecloths and tableware were high-end, making one wonder where a rural baron had obtained so much money.

Although it was called an “opening ceremony,” in reality, it seemed more like a sort of tea party.

Aiselin, who was seated in the front row, gracefully stood, clasped her hands, and spoke with a radiant smile.

“Let us strive to understand the elegance of a lady and the depth of magic together at the Ravenclaw Training Center, and let us become valuable friends to one another.”

It had been quite some time since the tragedy of Duplain.

Even the lesser nobles of the borders had heard of it, so most knew how cornered Aiselin was now.

However, many of the young nobles looked at her with eyes full of admiration.

From the beginning, when she was active in the social circle of Ebelstein, she was not a person who showed value only through the power of her family.

The fact that even Trisha and Ellen felt jealous of her was proof that she had the power to captivate on her own.

Even people like Siern and Denise, who used to be indifferent, had to acknowledge Aiselin to some degree, as she was an object of admiration for many nobles.

The mere act of seeing Aiselin up close was an enormous motivation for many young girls.

Learning social etiquette directly from her was something extremely valuable.

Nevertheless, as much as she was, Aiselin could not handle all the classes by herself.

“I will take care of court etiquette, language and literature, rhetoric, and the tea ceremony, but there will be many other instructors who will assist us.”

As she said this, she pointed to a large table on one side of the banquet hall. There sat several instructors whom Aiselin and Delbriton had gathered from all over the continent.

Naturally, the auditorium responded with applause. Dereck, seated to the side, was also observing them.

He had already met them in person and had reviewed their documents several times.

Adelan, Puddle, Isabella, Craig, Lilia, Vivian, Marcel, Silverden, Helena…

Although many of the assistant instructors were commoners, most of the main instructors were of noble origin.

Aiselin had guaranteed them decent vision and adequate salary, and since most sought personal progress, there were several useful talents.

‘Their ages vary and their temperaments are diverse, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to control them all.’

Dereck observed them with his arms crossed.

He had already spent sleepless nights memorizing the personal details of each one.

To be the director of this Ravenclaw Academy, he had to know all the members well.

‘Adelan. Combat mage. Short silver hair, golden eyes. Strict and fond of discipline, but with a strong sense of recognition. Although it seems he doesn’t express it well…’

‘Pellie. Chaos mage. Long purple hair, dreamy expression, likes flashy robes… Unpredictable and eccentric, but with great perception.’

‘Isabella. Green hair, green eyes. Always smiling, but as a transformation mage, she has unpredictable aspects. I’ll have to instruct her not to do reckless things.’

‘Craig. Veteran summoning mage. Black hair with gray streaks, deep wrinkles. Quiet and cautious personality. Fallen noble, but his past is difficult to trace.’

‘Lilia. Young exploration mage. Curly brown hair, friendly smile. Always carries a notebook and has the habit of taking notes… Passionate and diligent, she seems the least problematic.’

The assistant instructors that Delbriton had recruited were generally satisfactory, but Adelan and Isabella had more social prestige than Dereck, which made them a bit uncomfortable to handle.

On the other hand, the instructors that Aiselin had brought from Ebelstein and the northwest of the continent were relatively more manageable.

‘Lady Vivian was brought from a private academy in the northwestern city of Locus. I thought she was noble because she was an expert in court etiquette, but surprisingly she is not. The dance instructor Marcel, the musician Helena, the chef Clara… Most are commoners.’

In the teaching of magic, social status usually mattered, but in the teaching of etiquette and basic culture, even commoners could take charge.

Those with exceptional knowledge in these areas often made a living teaching nobles.

Proof of this was that most of the instructors in the cultural area were commoners.

After the applause for each instructor, finally appeared Baron Dereck, owner and director of the Ravenclaw Training Center.

Most had heard rumors about Baron Ravenclaw, but few had spoken with him directly.

However, those who knew him all said the same thing—Dereck was not the kind of person to lead the atmosphere in such gatherings.

But when Dereck slightly smiled upon the podium, Ellen and Denise, seated in the VIP section, were surprised.

“Thank you for coming from so far. It has been a bit hectic, but I am pleased that we have been able to create an environment where you can continue your academic life with solidity.”

Dereck, receiving everyone’s attention, had set aside his cold and calculating attitude, and spoke with a relaxed smile, proper of nobles.

Ellen held her breath at that image, and Denise, resting her chin on her hand, thought with indifferent eyes.

‘He can make those expressions, and yet behaved like a stone statue when teaching.’

Even those who did not know Dereck well usually described him as cold, emotionless, and pragmatic.

However, ignoring that public opinion, Dereck spoke gently.

“There may still be many shortcomings, but our Ravenclaw family has worked tirelessly to create the best environment. All the instructors we have brought are talented, and I have also accumulated long experience in the social circles of Ebelstein. As for Lady Aiselin, no introduction is needed.”

Atmosphere was everything.

As Dereck, dressed in noble clothes, spoke calmly before the young ladies still inexperienced in the world, the focus of the scene seemed to intensify.

The most renowned magic master of Ebelstein.

A human success story—a commoner from the slums who now owned his own territory.

When he spoke with that relaxed air, wrapped in a fairly credible presentation, authority naturally emerged.

Moreover, the fact that that kind and gentle personality was hidden behind his normally cold demeanor sparked even more interest.

Although he was a handsome man in his own right, what mattered was the contrast.

‘I heard he was a cold baron from the outskirts, but… he doesn’t seem so difficult? He even looks kind… He gives the impression that he would gladly explain anything I asked him…’

‘I thought the training center would be a place where we would study in a strict environment… But seeing the director, it doesn’t seem to be the case.’

‘If I work hard… could I learn first-class magic before the coming-of-age ceremony…?’

While many young nobles harbored their own thoughts about Dereck’s appearance.

‘…Who is that?’

Fina, seated to the side, watched in disbelief.

The Dereck on the podium was a completely different person from the one she had met alone in the office.

*

“I am Veronica, of the family of Viscount Roentel.”

“The exploration magic of the Roentel family is truly famous. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Veronica.”

After the opening ceremony, it was time to move to the dormitory buildings where they would be lodging, guided by the assigned attendants.

Dereck was standing at the exit, greeting each of the young nobles one by one.

“Baron Ravenclaw is truly competent. I feel like I am in a land of learning, and my academic enthusiasm is soaring. I really want to learn a lot.”

“I feel that I am learning more thanks to the passion and academic fervor of Lady Veronica. We will meet again in class tomorrow.”

As Dereck greeted her politely, the young lady who had introduced herself as Veronica also slightly lifted her skirt and gracefully bowed.

Young ladies from families with some influence usually had basic knowledge of etiquette, even if they had not yet been formally introduced to society.

Dereck treated these young women with impeccable aristocratic manners.

On the other hand, that was not always the case.

“Ah, hello. I am from the family of Viscount Sidmer… um… I mean…”

“There is no need to be so nervous.”

“Eh, um… I’m sorry… I’m… shy…”

“There is no need to apologize. A cautious and prudent nature can prevent crises for a mage. You already possess excellent qualities as a magician.”

To Esmeralda of the family of Viscount Sidmer, so timid she could barely speak, Dereck showed appropriate consideration and encouraged her sincerely.

“Are you Dereck? I am Ameline of the family of Viscount Bleton!”

“It is an honor to meet you, Lady Ameline. I have heard of the greatness of the Bleton family, but unfortunately, the principle within the training center is mutual respect.”

“Ah, is that so…? Well, if the other ladies show respect, I cannot rely solely on authority. I understand. I will show respect.”

He also seemed to have a talent for communicating words that, under other circumstances, could have sounded discourteous.

Though he had lived a long life as a mercenary from the outskirts, he had already adapted quite well to the culture of aristocratic social circles while teaching various noble ladies.

He had witnessed many power struggles and tensions among them and knew well that human aspects were more beneficial than harmful even in the barren landscape of nobility.

Thus, Dereck left a good impression on each young noble thanks to his excellent social skills.

At the very least, for the Ravenclaw Training Center to continue, its representative figure could not afford to have flaws.

As the young nobles left the banquet hall and headed to the dormitories, their faces shone with excitement.

At first, they were anxious, but both Aiselin, the queen of the social circle of Ebelstein, and Dereck, the most famous magic master, seemed like reliable figures for many reasons.

Perhaps it had been a wise decision to travel there in search of knowledge.

With hopeful thoughts, they went to the personal rooms that Butler Delbriton had prepared with care.

And finally, the last person to leave the hall was Fina of the family of Baron Tigris.

“That was a good speech, Sir Dereck. It left me deeply impressed. I look forward to accomplishing great things at the Ravenclaw Training Center.”

“It is a pleasure, Lady Fina.”

With that said, Fina smiled again.

As soon as her eyes met Dereck’s, she blinked with her mysterious eyes.

The enigmatic energy of her purple eyes, shining softly under her pretty lashes, seemed to envelop Dereck’s body.

Even ordinary illusion mages could not easily deal with those eyes that captured the hearts of people. Many did not even realize it.

Since Fina was already a beautiful and charming girl, that mysterious power that enchanted others was often interpreted as mere natural charm.

After making eye contact with Dereck, Fina spoke in a whisper.

“I apologize for my rudeness in the office earlier. I am still young and inexperienced, so I make many mistakes.”

A voice that slid like a snake’s tongue, whispering directly into the mind.

An enchanting aura hard to believe could come from such a young girl.

Since she had reincarnated into Fina’s body, there had been few who had not succumbed to it.

Thus, she slowly seeped into people’s hearts. Those who fell into her spell felt as if they were wandering in the fog.

Fina spoke to Dereck in a low voice, with a wrapping tone.

“Sir Dereck, you are a kind, understanding, and respectable person. Please, with your kind heart, help this girl who needs guidance.”

“Of course… I will…”

“Haha…”

At Dereck’s response, Fina smiled with satisfaction and continued.

“Yes… If you ever face difficulties or need help while living in the Ravenclaw Training Center… Please, Sir Dereck, grant me that favor…”

“Of course. If it is truly necessary.”

“…”

Fina was left speechless.

It was the first time someone under her spell had interrupted her.

She trembled slightly and then raised her gaze again to Dereck’s face, which now had the same cold expression he had shown in the office.

“But, didn’t I already say it? The difficulties in youth are worth going through…”

“…”

“I saw you earlier on the podium. You were sitting leaning to one side. Is it due to a deviation in the lumbar spine or is it just a habit…? That’s not good for your back. Sit straight.”

“Excuse me…? That, that is…”

“Habits formed in youth carry into adulthood, Lady Fina. All those small things, which seem insignificant, are what build a person’s impression. How could it not be shameful for the daughter of Baron Tigris to sit with bad posture? However, you don’t need to be so embarrassed. You came to the training center to learn precisely these things. Ignorance is not shameful.”

Seeing Dereck speak again with that fast and direct tone, Fina could not help but feel bewildered.

Even if her spell did not work, Dereck, who had been kind, courteous, and considerate with all the other ladies, was being especially severe with her.

However, he was not cruel or malicious. Dereck was only telling the truth.

“I am very worried, Lady Fina.”

“Eh?”

“Health is the foundation of all learning. If your posture is bad and your body is small and lacking strength, you will not be able to properly practice what you learn. This is not good. I will not be able to sleep at night from so much concern.”

“W-What are you saying…?”

“Let’s start running in the mornings from tomorrow. Without a doubt, it will have a positive impact on Lady Fina’s life.”

Dereck crouched down, took Fina’s hands, and spoke to her with sincere eyes.

“Take care of your health, Lady Fina.”

‘Why is he doing this to me…?’

*

Fina briefly monologued, with a drop of sweat sliding down her face.

The man who was always courteous and noble to the other noble ladies only showed his old-fashioned character in front of Fina.

If he were much older, it would be understandable, but the age difference between Dereck and Fina was not significant.

“Tomorrow, after finishing the basic classes, it’s the weekend again, right? Do you know the Plonterix Forest in Ravenclaw territory?”

“Ah, no… I think I’ve seen it once or twice on a map…”

“Oh, you are missing out on life. Observing the scenery of that slope, with its broad-leaf trees placed just right, all the stress of the week disappears and your heart feels renewed. Let’s climb it together this weekend. I will also bring Delbriton.”

“I-Is it climbing a mountain? T-That…”

“Do you not want to do it?”

“N-No… It’s just that… my health…”

“Your health is not good!?”

Dereck raised his voice even more.

Fina immediately flinched and then shook her head. She could not predict what he would do if she said her health was bad.

“I see. If your health is fine, then let’s climb it this weekend without fail! It’s an impressive view, too good to see alone. If you drink a cup of tea from Mount Alfrain at the top, you will feel, Ah… it was hard to climb, but it was worth it. Ah, this is what it feels like to accomplish something. This is what they mean by the suffering in youth is worth it. You will feel it deeply.”

As Dereck spoke with enthusiasm, Fina began to sweat profusely.

Below, Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion was visible at a glance.

The young nobles, who lived together in the dormitories and built friendships, were already practicing how to establish connections before entering the social circle of Ebelstein.

Eating and sleeping together, going on excursions to Ebelstein on days without class—forming ties in advance was very important.

‘They say that the social center of the eastern continent is the mansion of Count Elvester. At this rate, the mansion of Baron Ravenclaw will fulfill a similar role.’

Where many nobles gathered, that place became the social circle.

Margrave Elvester of the eastern continent had already understood this and had built cultural centers, banquet halls, and various facilities for social events in his territory.

Over time, it became almost impossible to debut in the social circle of the eastern continent without passing through Count Elvester’s mansion.

The headquarters of the eastern continent’s social circle the territory of Count Elvester.

Fina thought that its initial form must have been very similar to Baron Ravenclaw’s territory at that moment.

That was Fina’s impression.

‘…’

However, Fina frowned in solitude.

As someone who had already reached an unmatched level in magic, the magic she found there was so basic that it did not even make her laugh.

The magic classes were so elementary that she had to suppress yawns, and even the humanities classes, which were more tolerable, seemed like mere nonsense to Fina, who had already accumulated years of experience.

But there was one thing she simply could not endure—the scoldings of Baron Dereck, owner of this training center.

What really infuriated her was that with everyone else he was perfectly kind, but with Fina he was particularly strict.

The other young nobles usually spoke very well of Baron Dereck, considering him a respectable and trustworthy person.

Some even blushed when speaking of him—he was truly a multifaceted man.

However, for Fina, it was the complete opposite.

‘Why… Why is it only… only me he is strict with…?’

“Phew! The air is so fresh! It feels revitalizing down to the lungs! Lady Tigris, you should also breathe this morning air deeply! Everything is good for your health! Health! Health! Health is the best!”

Thus, on a morning of rest.

Fina lay sprawled on a rock on the side of the mountain, sweating profusely.

Whether aware or not of Fina’s struggle, Dereck was simply standing on the summit, stretching his arms and inhaling deeply the cold morning air.

No matter how advanced she was as a great mage, there were physical limits when inhabiting the clumsy body of a young girl. Drenched in sweat, with her fingertips trembling, Fina thought.

‘I can’t just let this continue.’

Finally, she came to the conclusion that she could not leave Dereck alone.

She could no longer endure the arrogant nature of that young man.

The truly subtle point was that, in reality, Fina was hundreds of years older than Dereck.

‘He is about to do something. I need to adjust things here.’

While enjoying the fresh air on the mountain top, Dereck also hardened his expression.

In truth, considerable courage was required to be constantly scolding someone knowing she was a 6-star necromancer.

Fina did not want to reveal her identity easily. She wanted to avoid leaving traces of necromancy and being hunted by the Empire.

And Dereck knew that.

That knowledge was Dereck’s greatest weapon.

What mattered was maintaining the right balance.

It was something very difficult and frustrating, but she could not simply react actively nor reveal her identity, and remaining passive was also exhausting.

Maintaining that subtle and ambiguous balance was the most crucial point.

Thus, she had to keep him on edge, alternating between warmth and coldness, driving him crazy.

‘I can’t just let this continue…’

Those who knew him already knew—Dereck was a difficult person to deal with.

If he could not dominate someone by force, he would use social authority and hierarchy to crush them.

He was a man who would not stop at anything.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelCet