Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 116: Fina (3)

By experiencing multiple deaths over countless reincarnations, the weight of death itself naturally becomes lighter.

That is why the girl sometimes walked through the communal cemetery of the Tigris Barony and reflected.

Death is nothing more than the final fate that comes equally to all.

All humans are beings who one day will end up in a grave and take the rest called death.

Thinking like that, her life felt like a journey without a destination.

What meaning could a life have that only drifts, carried away by the currents with no direction?

Now, her self from the first life, buried in a past so distant she barely remembered it—why had she studied necromancy?

In the end, all that remains is emptiness and meaninglessness.

A cold wind blew through the communal cemetery of the Tigris Barony.

Amidst that wind that stirred the girl’s hair, she thought of only one thing—the appearances of the few six-star mages who still existed in this era.

Melverot, who lived to fulfill a promise to a friend long dead.

Kohella, who lived driven by a pure desire for magical knowledge.

Drest, who lived remembering happy times.

But for Fina, nothing remained anymore.

What futility.

A life that simply continues and repeats endlessly cannot have meaning.

Occasionally there are some extraordinary ripples, but even those are nothing more than faint tremors before the enormous wall of time.

And it is only then that the girl understands.

A person’s life has value precisely because it has an end.

*

“I am a seeker who pursues the pinnacle of necromancy, devastating both the living and the dead.”

Dereck stood still, watching Fina with his staff lowered.

Behind Fina, who was sitting on a large rock, an ominous aura began to emanate. It was, indeed, a concentration of vengeful spirits, and its energy was clearly abnormal.

When Dereck furrowed his brow, Fina let out a scornful chuckle.

“I am a master of necromancy, that art everyone on this continent despises and shuns… so you are truly unfortunate.”

Dereck simply remained standing, looking at Fina. He needed to organize his thoughts on how to handle the situation.

Fina, a six-star necromancer, rarely revealed her identity until she reached her objective.

But seeing her so naturally manifest power infused with vengeful spirits before him made it clear she had no intention of hiding herself.

After putting away his staff, Dereck adjusted his posture and spoke.

“…Is what you say true?”

“Your reaction is so bland—you’re like boiled water.”

Fina clicked her tongue, and with her white hair tinged with a faint lavender hue fluttering in the wind, she floated up to the top of the rock.

Sitting there, legs crossed and chin resting on her hand, she looked exactly like a queen.

Fina Raffaella Tigris. The Witch of Tigris.

A six-star necromancer completely different from Melverot, Drest, or Kohella. It was impossible to predict her mood or behavior.

Capricious. Emotional. Vicious. Cruel.

More like a demon than a human, those who came into contact with her rarely met a happy end.

Dereck did not fully understand why she had revealed her identity, but he decided to remain calm.

“If what you say is true, I have committed a great discourtesy.”

“Yes. Indeed, you have been very discourteous to me.”

“…”

“Every chance you got, spouting third-rate philosophy, meddling in everything, throwing cheap criticisms around, and passing off your shallow wisdom as universal truths. I felt like my patience was being tested.”

“I did it with the best intentions for Lady Fina.”

“What a funny man!”

Fina shuddered, her small body trembling.

Dereck’s condescending attitude, into which he had put his full effort, had clearly struck deep, for as she recalled everything, her expression showed a trace of agitation.

Then she again rested her chin on her hand and swung her crossed foot as she kept speaking.

“Watching you use magic, I can see you have talent. But why do you only bother me? Am I supposed to get angry or not? You act normal with all the other ladies in the training center…”

“Still, I did not expect you to reveal your identity so suddenly.”

“Well, it wasn’t just because of that—it’s just that, since things came to this, I wanted to say it. Why are you only strict with me…?”

It was because Fina knew Dereck was a mage. A rival. A threat.

Of course, Dereck could not tell her the truth, so he improvised quickly.

“Lady Fina, perhaps you did not notice, but considering the way you handle magic, your understanding of basic magical theory, and your reaction speed during practice, it was clear you were not an ordinary mage. I already mentioned that I noticed how you reserved your power.”

“So you knew my true identity?”

“Not to that extent. I only thought you had exceptional talent. One cannot teach the ordinary and the extraordinary in the same way. When you have high expectations, you also demand more. That is why your education was different from the others.”

His words flowed like a river.

And he was not entirely lying. Fina was a mage on a completely different level compared to the others, and it was possible that even in her casual behavior, hints of her true skill slipped out.

What Dereck was saying was that she was so excellent that he only wanted to teach her more seriously.

Hearing that, Fina looked pleased, swinging her crossed leg with an amused air.

“Well. Even though you have that annoying condescending attitude, you have a good eye for people. Recognizing even a flicker of my power means you have some talent.”

It seemed Fina was naturally arrogant and proud, and quite sensitive to praise.

Indeed, Fina, who laughed with a nasal melody, seemed in very good spirits, and she did not give the impression of wanting to kill Dereck immediately.

After laughing for a while, she spoke again with narrowed eyes.

“I have lived through countless eras you cannot even imagine, and I have met all kinds of people. Some of them you surely know only from history books.”

“I see.”

“But like you, I have not seen many. Above all, someone so sincere with his magical achievements.”

“That should be normal. A mage always looks upward.”

“Yes. You are not a heap of straw chasing empty dreams. You have talent, at least in my opinion. But you seem stuck before a wall.”

Fina smiled slyly, and her lavender eyes glowed with a reddish tint.

At some point, the wandering spirits around her turned the forest’s atmosphere more gloomy.

It was said that the path walked by the Witch of Tigris was always marked by the traces of wrongfully killed souls.

Dereck understood that this was not merely a metaphor from games or novels. It was pure reality.

She was a fearsome witch who guided spirits and fed on corpses.

“I can teach you and raise you to the rank of a four-star mage.”

“…”

“Trying to break through that barrier alone is absurdly inefficient. The best way is to explore the method of utilizing your own magic alongside someone with enough experience. And in that regard, I have no rival.”

The old vagabond who had taught him one-star magic, Katia Flameheart who had taught him two-star magic, Drest Wolftail who had taught him three-star magic.

And now, at the four-star level, a legendary necromancer whom the entire continent wished to see beheaded—thinking about it, this could indeed be considered quite a dangerous situation.

“It would be an honor, but it is not a favor I can accept so easily.”

Dereck spoke in a calm voice. Fina kept her chin-in-hand posture and let out a “hoh.”

Even with a six-star necromancer before him, he showed no sign of fear.

Those born with a firm heart do not lose their composure before anything.

Fina liked that attitude a lot, and she spoke again with a crooked smile.

“Do you not want to take me as your teacher?”

“I see no reason. A six-star necromancer who does not even appear when the royal family of Kohella seeks her personally—why would she present herself before me and help me reach level 4? This situation only leaves me with questions.”

Dereck continued to look at Fina coldly.

“Lady Fina has no reason to help me. Accepting a favor without knowing the motive rarely ends well.”

“Yes. It is fine that you are so cautious. Do not worry. Teaching you magical achievements directly, even if we have no connection, is for my own good.”

Fina did not erase her sly smile. It had something hypnotic, like a mischievous girl and an authoritarian queen at the same time.

“Of course, I am not obliged to explain that reason. But I know. You are someone who would do anything to achieve magical accomplishments.”

“It seems you know me well.”

“I have a good eye for people. You are insane. You are insane for magic.”

Finally, Fina’s seductive eyes glimmered again.

The figure of Dereck was already engraved in those pupils. As if trying to see through his very essence.

“No magic-mad man would reject the teachings of a six-star mage. Even if you say no, you are calculating how much learning you could obtain from me. Do you think I do not know?”

“…You have a good eye. That perception truly is worthy of a six-star mage.”

“Mhm. You had better not underestimate me.”

When Dereck acknowledged it sincerely, Fina hummed in satisfaction and lifted her chin again.

By this point, Dereck already understood clearly. This girl was vulnerable to flattery.

“But you must at least know this.”

Sometimes she smiled with the innocence of a young girl, but immediately her eyes shone again with ominous energy. And each time she spoke seriously, the spirits around her trembled and stirred.

“I am a villain.”

“…”

“I kill people, desecrate corpses, and knead blood and flesh. I take life from others and commit evil acts to satisfy my own selfishness. I violate death, ignore taboos, and break laws without hesitation.”

Fina lived a life steeped in the stench of blood.

In that process, she killed many. It would not be strange if the blood on her fingers formed a river.

“I am the witch who dwells in the Tigris Barony. I do not know if the fact that you learn magic from me will be beneficial or not for you. Well, that is not my concern.”

“I too have killed many people.”

“The number is not the same as mine. I am accustomed to looking at the world from atop a mountain of corpses.”

Dereck was sitting on a rock, watching Fina with satisfied eyes.

Seeing her hair float, carried by the energy of the vengeful spirits, it felt as though he were looking at a ghost rather than a person.

What does it mean to learn magic from the Witch of Tigris?

Depending on the situation, if that fact became public, Dereck could also become an enemy of the empire.

“I am not sure that learning necromancy is a wise choice.”

“Hahaha, I do not even intend to teach you necromancy. And let me warn you—it is better not to touch it out of curiosity.”

That was an unexpected declaration, and Dereck tilted his head.

He thought that Fina, who had dedicated her entire life to the study of necromancy and had become a master, would naturally try to spread the greatness of that magic.

However, Fina wore a complicated expression and, while still swinging her legs, said.

“I do not care about the commoners of the Isle who cannot even understand half of my writings. But you, who have a deep understanding of magic, great capacity for learning, and the potential to become someone great in the future—you should not touch my writings nor my magic.”

“May I ask why?”

“Necromancy beyond the level of 5 stars is a curse, not a blessing. Usually, it ends up devouring even the one who uses it. Well, if you truly desire it, I have no reason to refuse to teach you.”

Fina said that and then smiled mischievously, offering no further explanation.

Dereck watched her in silence and nodded, asking no more questions.

“I am a person with merciful and kind aspects. If you accept my offer, I will help you achieve your goals in every possible way, to the point that you will shed tears of gratitude.”

“…What are the conditions? Lady Fina does not seem like someone who works for free.”

“How perceptive. Well, it is not even a bad condition for you.”

Fina chuckled and said:

“In the future, if you manage to become a talent of level 6 stars—you must grant me one request without conditions.”

“A request?”

“It will not be anything difficult. If you are worried, I can formally promise that my request will not negatively affect your life, status, body, or soul in any way.”

Dereck listened to Fina’s words and could not help but tilt his head.

From any angle, it was a favorable proposal for him.

And when things sound too good to be true, his principle was to be suspicious.

However, in reality, he had no choice.

Fina had already revealed her true identity. If Dereck refused now, it was unpredictable how she might react.

In any case, Dereck was also stuck, blocked by the barrier of the 4-star rank.

Since it had come to this, perhaps it was best to steer things in a direction that was also beneficial for him.

“This is also something good for me. However, there is something that must be promised for mutual stability.”

“Are you proposing a negotiation with me? Your courage is admirable, but I do not see why I should accept it.”

“Well, Lady Fina, you cannot ignore this. After all, are you not hiding from the eyes of the Empire?”

Dereck continued with a serious look.

“It is good for me to serve Lady Fina as a teacher and receive her teachings. But we must take public perception into account. To the world, I am the director of the Ravenclaw Training Center, and you are a young noble from the outskirts who came to receive instruction.”

In reality, Fina was an overwhelmingly powerful figure, a great mage without equal who dominated the world.

But her hidden identity was nothing more than that of a low-ranking noble lady from the remote Tigris Barony.

For Dereck, serving her as his teacher would raise suspicion among those around them.

Fina listened in silence and then nodded, as if in agreement.

“Yes. Although I may be your teacher, we cannot ignore appearances.”

“Exactly. Therefore, during the day, I will act as the master of the center, and when there are no curious eyes, you, Lady Fina, will teach me as my teacher.”

“It is a reasonable suggestion. I also agree. When there are many eyes upon us, you will be my teacher.”

Perhaps it was not a conventional master-disciple relationship, but given the circumstances, it was the best they could do.

“At least during the day, when the center is active, I will act as the master. When the sun sets and all sleeps, Lady Fina, you will teach me as my teacher.”

“Hehe… it sounds like roleplay, which is rather fun. I am starting to get excited. Yes, I will also be one of the nobles attending the training center.”

Fina jumped down from the rock where she had been sitting and landed softly on the grass.

Her movements were so fluid it seemed as though gravity barely affected her.

“The magic classes in the center are terribly boring, but the etiquette and culture classes have some value. Perhaps my values have become outdated with the years, but I find the tea ceremony and history interesting. That girl, Aiselin, has quite a persuasive way of speaking.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. So playing the role of disciple during the day and enjoying the roleplay does not seem so bad. If you have something to teach me, go ahead.”

Her satisfied smile and the way she puffed out her chest arrogantly were striking, but in truth, it was an absurd demand—to teach anything to a 6-star mage.

As Dereck looked troubled, Fina again raised the corners of her lips.

“The most renowned magic master of Ebelstein and pioneer of noble education seems worried. I thought you had a great sense of professionalism—I am disappointed.”

“Lady Fina, you are a very special case.”

“Although my past is complicated, it is still a fact that I am a noble lady. Did you not always say that there are no bad girls, only wrong ways of teaching?”

Fina put her hands on her waist and looked at Dereck with narrowed, seductive eyes.

Her relaxed attitude was like that of a stray cat that had settled into its territory.

“Yes—in a way, perhaps I am the one who will test your values.”

“…”

“They say there are no bad girls in the world, but I am the living proof that contradicts that motto. Did I not tell you? I have no qualms about killing people, desecrating corpses, or doing anything for my own benefit.”

Fina let out a loud laugh, then returned to her seductive smile and continued speaking.

“I am a villain.”

There was not a shred of hesitation in the girl’s words.

“Yes. The most renowned professor of Ebelstein tries to rehabilitate someone like me?”

Fina’s confident smile had clear foundations.

In the entire vast continent, only four people had reached the level of 6-star mage.

Considering the monstrous 6-star mages Dereck had encountered in his life, it was understandable that Fina showed such confidence.

While Dereck thought about how to respond, Fina spoke in a slightly softer tone.

“Well, I think we have reached a conclusion. And it seems an unexpected guest has arrived, so let us leave it here.”

Swoosh.

“Oh! There you are, Sir Dereck! There was a change in next week’s schedule and I need your confirmation. Forgive me for disturbing you on your day off!”

As soon as that voice was heard, the ominous energy that permeated the forest vanished instantly.

The peaceful scenery of lush vegetation returned to normal, and Aiselin appeared through the bushes, carrying a bundle of documents in her arms.

*

“Ah, were you exercising? Just the two of you, Lady Tigris…”

“Lady Aiselin. I am sorry to have made you come from so far. If you had left it in the office, I would have reviewed it later.”

“No, it is a rather urgent matter.”

For her part, Fina had already erased her arrogant air and had resumed her elegant and confident demeanor as Lady Tigris.

Making a polite bow to greet Aiselin, she was the very image of a refined noble lady.

“Forgive me, Lady Aiselin. My lack of talent has made Sir Dereck use part of his day off on me.”

“It is nothing, Lady Tigris. It is something that should be done from the Ravenclaw Training Center. By the way… you are sweating a lot…”

“Yes, yes… I am not used to physical exercise…”

“I see…”

Aiselin looked alternately at Dereck and at Fina, nodding nervously.

After finishing fixing his staff, Dereck spoke to Aiselin.

“It seems there are quite a few documents, so it would be better to go to the office to attend to them. I am sorry, Lady Fina, but we will have to end today’s supplementary lesson here.”

“Do not worry, Sir Dereck. I have learned a lot and I am very grateful to you.”

Fina showed a refreshing smile along with her usual elegance. Despite the great incongruity, Dereck took a deep breath and said:

“Then we will finish by jogging back to the baron’s mansion. Do you remember the breathing technique? Haha… you must not forget that rhythm.”

“…Excuse me?”

Fina did not really know the man called Dereck.

He was the most renowned mercenary of the tavern district of Ebelstein, and his motto was to do everything properly if he was going to do it.

He never did anything half-heartedly, not even the smallest task, and that seriousness had earned him the affection of many clients. That seriousness and diligence were the secret of Dereck’s success.

During the day, Dereck was the teacher, and during the night, Fina was.

And now, the sun was high in the sky.

Without a doubt, as a teacher, Dereck never did anything halfway.

“Ah, I do not mean… I am too tired now… besides, I have never been good with physical activity…”

“Oh, Lady Fina. Have you not rested enough already? If you keep avoiding this type of endurance training, you will remain stagnant forever.”

“No… it is just that…”

Fina hesitated, casting a glance at Aiselin, but Dereck spoke firmly, showing no mercy.

“Come on, let us run. Let us run together. Haha.”

“…”

Fina was dumbfounded, but Dereck did not care in the slightest.

His inflexible character could not be changed even with a bit of fear.

In fact, Fina knew it too.

People with extraordinary talents often had their peculiarities.

And Dereck was no exception.

“Let us go, we have work to do, Lady Fina!”

That afternoon, Fina had the chance to thoroughly learn what true muscle pain meant.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelCet