Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3)

When Duke Duplain was giving instructions to his steward Delron, the office door burst open.

Lady Miriel’s face appeared, brimming with fury, with Prince Valerian right behind her, trying to calm her.

“Delron. Please, step outside for a moment.”

“…Yes.”

After dismissing Delron, Miriel strode in and sat before the duke’s desk, fixing him with a fierce gaze.

“It seems you’ve returned from the southern social circuit. It must have been a long journey—you must be tired.”

“It’s nothing. More importantly, you’ve taken on a new tutor for Diella….”

“….”

Duke Duplain wore an expression as if bracing for her words. He rubbed his temples, as if warding off a headache, and glanced at Valerian beside her.

“It was Aiselin’s choice.”

“Still—how could you allow a commoner to tutor in the very pavilion where Diella lives?”

—BANG!

Miriela slammed a hand on the desk, her voice thunderous. Her eyes bore into him.

She was mistress of the Duplain household. While the duke managed the duke’s lands and politics, she oversaw the grand mansion itself.

Though she’d been away attending the Cradle Count’s social circle in the south, she had expected nothing to change at home.

“Aiselin may be too lenient in her choices, but as her father you should have dismissed him immediately. We must uphold the dignity of our lineage. Don’t you agree, dear?”

“I too dislike naming commoners. But as you know, every capable magic tutor has already packed up and left the mansion.”

“No matter what, you should have brought in someone of proper status. How could you… how could you bring in a mercenary…? And of all things, to tutor Diella…!”

Miriela seethed. Duke Duplain set aside his quill and, frowning, replied:

“As you know, finding a truly competent magic tutor is no easy task.”

“At minimum there should have been basic qualifications. That Dereck—whatever his name—this commoner, should be dismissed at once, and… you should call on Flam at the estate’s borders.”

Flam was the duke’s brother, commanding the stationed troops that patrolled the estate boundaries and handled magical beasts. He was one of the few four‑star mages in the Duplain family—yet he’d failed to teach Diella.

“Hasn’t Flam long since resigned?”

“It was when Diella… wandered. Now that she’s grown and her magic has materialized, he could manage her.”

“Removing someone in charge of our border troops to serve as an in‑house tutor? Do you think the estate’s operation should suffer?”

“The education of our heir is as vital as the estate’s management. You can’t expect everyone to possess natural talent like Valerian or Leigh. There are many lieutenants capable of overseeing the soldiers.”

Miriel held the duke’s gaze in silence.

She was nearly the only person bold enough to look him down like that—such was her authority as mistress of the house. Though she couldn’t meddle in ducal affairs, she wielded independent power over the household.

Considering this, the duke listened calmly to Miriel’s argument.

“Teaching magic is no different whether it’s Dereck or Flam.”

“Well, it’s not exactly the same.”

“What’s the difference?”

“He delivers results.”

Duke Duplain stroked his beard and leaned back. Miriel held her breath at his calm.

“Results aren’t everything, my dear.”

“What matters more than that?”

“Men don’t understand Ebelstain’s social circles. They fail to grasp how crucial the right tutor is in that demanding environment.”

The men of the family, buried in estate operations and training, didn’t fully understand the culture of the female social circles.

But Miriel, the lady of the house, did. In the social circles of Ebelstain, not only did family background matter, but also personal achievements, who had taught you, and how many connections you had — all of which demonstrated a lady’s refinement.

When the name of a famous magic tutor from the continent was mentioned, it often led to connections with others who shared the same mentor, thereby forming a powerful faction within the social circle.

In such a culture, how shameful it would be to name an unknown commoner as a tutor. The exchange of words in Ebelstain’s social circles was as fierce as sword duels among warriors. Miriel didn’t want Diella to have such a glaring weakness.

With a furrowed brow and raised voice, Miriel continued:

“It’s true that that commoner Dereck has done quite well—one cannot deny his achievements for a commoner. But now, appointing a high‑level magic tutor is only proper. It’s the right direction for Diella and our family.”

Duke Duplain narrowed his eyes, studying Miriel in silence. Her concern was well founded, debuting into society only to be shunned would harm the Duplain name.

Noble ladies represented their families. A‑List daughters like Aiselin posed no problem—but if Diella failed socially, the family’s honor would suffer.

“Mother, you’re too worked up. Let’s calm ourselves and discuss this tomorrow.”

“Valerian, you step aside. Matters like this must be resolved at once, or they’ll only worsen.”

Miriel was resolute, known for handling household affairs with iron will.

“I won’t rest knowing that poor man is still here.”

“In the end, isn’t the point simply to prove that commoner mage’s worth, Mother?”

Just then, the second son, Leigh, entered, responding to the commotion.

He’d rushed in as soon as he heard. Standing tall, he appeared with urgent words.

“Leigh!”

At that moment, the second son of the Duplain family, Leigh, entered in response to the situation.

He had rushed to the study as soon as he heard what was happening. As always, he entered the office with an upright posture, appearing as though he had something important to say.

Duke Duplain narrowed his eyes.

“Leigh!”

“I was in training. I apologize for not greeting you, Mother.”

“I’m glad to see you well. Let’s leave the formalities for later. But… do you know anything about that magician named Dereck?”

“Yes. He’s not a bad person, but he doesn’t align with our uncle’s teachings.”

Leigh adjusted his arm and stood in front of Duke Duplain.

“Father. I will test Dereck’s merit myself.”

“Leigh. That man is a true Mage. Perhaps when you mature, as noble‑born, you might surpass him—but not now.”

“…”

Leigh bristled at the duke’s words, but held his tongue. The idea that a noble could be outmatched by a commoner was unthinkable to him.

Leigh had already mastered several first-level spells. Although he hadn’t broken through to the second level like Valerian, his command of first-level magic was so great that even Valerian acknowledged his superiority.

However, if the Duke were to make such a decision, Leigh couldn’t simply oppose it. He had to propose an alternative.

Then, an idea seemed to occur to Leigh, and the corner of his lips lifted.

“How about… we just test Diella?”

When Leigh spoke, everyone frowned. It was a possibility they hadn’t considered.

“What do you mean?”

“If Dereck is truly an exceptional tutor, then Diella, under his instruction, must have achieved something noteworthy. I’ll personally face her in a magic duel and evaluate her abilities.”

“What are you thinking, Leigh?”

“As I said.”

Duke Duplain stroked his beard, deep in thought. He had lived his life assessing people’s abilities. It wasn’t hard for him to understand Leigh’s thinking.

Leigh had no affection for Diella. He believed her entry into society would only tarnish the family’s reputation. Even if it meant humiliating her in public or dismissing her trusted tutor, pushing Diella back to the annex seemed the best course for the Duplain family’s long-term prestige.

However, if Leigh, the one who despised Diella the most, could acknowledge her, then no one in the family would object. Grand Duke Duplain had no choice but to fall into contemplation at this realization.

“Father… why do you hesitate…?”

After all, Diella was only just learning first‑level magic. Proposing a duel with Leigh—already master of many first‑level spells—would be cruel. Certainly unfair to her. Valerian could not remain silent.

“Leigh! Learn when to step in and when not to!”

“Brother! Know the difference! But now… now is the time to act!”

Leigh advanced on the duke, speaking firmly.

“If Diella truly has real skill, then we stay the course. But if not, we rid ourselves of that Dereck. Isn’t that enough?”

“…There’s truth in your words.”

“Father!”

This time Valerian struck the table—but Duke Duplain’s face remained impassive.

Valerian clenched his teeth, about to speak again, when Duke Duplain finally spoke:

“That would be too harsh for Diella. You know that.”

“Yes. But if she expects to live in society with a commoner tutor, she must prove that level. Miriel’s point is valid.”

“If we keep putting it off, it will never end. Time isn’t infinite. That’s precisely why we must verify it now. So, what do you think, Miriela? Should we go ahead with Leigh’s suggestion?”

“…”

Miriela pondered for a moment, then looked at Leigh.

The strong second son, Leigh, had always trained diligently. He would soon be an adult, and his accomplishments were outstanding; surely, he wasn’t someone who would lose to a girl who had only just begun to materialize her magic.

No matter how skilled Dereck might be as a teacher—if it wasn’t meant to be, then it wasn’t.

Finally, Miriela smiled as she lifted the corner of her lips.

“Leigh!”

Valerian summoned Leigh back from the corridor.

Leigh closed and reopened his eyes, meeting Valerian’s.

“Yes, brother.”

“What were you really thinking, Leigh?”

“Do my words lack clarity? Exactly as I said in the office.”

Valerian ground his teeth, but Leigh pressed on.

“Do you truly believe she’s turned the page? I don’t—even if heaven turned upside‑down. She’s enamored of magic, wearing a mask. Better to soil the Duplain name myself than parade such a girl in society.”

“And you think dismissing the tutor who finally arrived is justified?”

“That Dereck, you mean?”

Leigh, who had always trusted his elder brother, refused to budge. His expression was resolute.

“Yes. I give credit where due—he does teach well. But does that justify keeping Dereck bound to Diella?”

“What do you mean?”

Leigh walked slowly toward Valerian, eyes blazing.

“Diella—that brat—belongs locked in the pavilion.”

Having said it plainly, Leigh turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Valerian ground his teeth, unable to speak.

Leigh had suffered most during Diella’s darker days—he could understand that. Leaning against the wall, he pressed his forehead and sighed.

Valerian was Leigh’s brother—and Diella’s. As long as these two convictions coexisted, his worries would never end.

*

Bang!

The next morning, while Dereck was reading at the table in the salon, the door slid open with a soft whistle.

Having already recognized those footsteps, Dereck showed no surprise and kept his eyes on the book.

“Please, call them in.”

“That’s what you want right now?”

Diella entered the room and motioned to the servants with her to leave.

The servants, breaking out in cold sweat, quickly closed the door behind them and retired to the corridor.

Diella then went around to the other side of the table where Dereck sat and flung down a letter penned by Duke Duplain himself. Dereck already knew its gist.

“If I lose this magical duel, you will be dismissed.”

“I’ve heard. Lord Leigh is already a fully‑formed one‑star mage, so it won’t be easy.”

“That’s all you have to say? You don’t care that you’ll be fired just like that?”

“I was hired to do a job—and I will finish it. I’ve been properly compensated.”

Dereck was well aware of the gulf between commoner and noble. That’s why, unlike Diella, he remained calm. Despite his efforts on many fronts, Diella’s magic had grown more slowly than expected.

In truth, her pace wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t enough to reach one‑star magic in so short a time. He realized he’d have to face Leigh with only his unranked basic magic. Even with the various one‑star spells I possess, it’s unclear if I could defeat him. In other words, it’s tantamount to a loss.

Dereck closed his book and, as he tied his shoe laces, said:

“Miss Diella, you may already feel it, but your magical power is on the right path. You may not wield one‑star magic immediately, but if you continue as you have, diligently, you will progress swiftly. After all, you were born of the Duplain line.”

“…What do you mean by that? Why say it?”

“I told you before. Wild‑school magic emphasizes self‑learning over tradition.”

Dereck spoke in his usual calm tone.

Diella felt both comfort and strangeness watching him.

This boy, Dereck, always carried that air. As Diella’s tutor, he lived in the noble Duplain mansion, yet seemed ready to leave at any moment—lightly—quite fitting for a wandering mercenary.

Diella thought carefully, then walked over and looked Dereck earnestly in the eyes. There was an unfamiliar sadness there.

“Dereck. I know… I’m not an outstanding student.”

“….”

“Even so… I want you to keep teaching me magic. I don’t want anyone else.”

It was rare for Diella, who usually grumbled, to express her feelings so directly.

Like a scarred stray cat, she growled and distrusted everyone—but once she opened her heart, she did not unsheathe claws needlessly. Yet merely wishing for something doesn’t guarantee it. Even Diella, who had lived without desires, had to understand that truth.

If there’s something you want, you must fight for it. If there’s something you don’t want to lose, you must fight to keep it.

For commoners, that was obvious. Now, this girl had to understand it too.

“I should warn you: I don’t know the finer rules or fundamentals of magic duels between nobles. My knowledge is superficial, gleaned in fragments. After all, I’m a mercenary who once wandered battlefields.”

“So… you mean you can’t teach me about dueling?”

“Exactly. But I can teach you how to win a fight.”

Dereck bent down to look Diella in the eyes and asked:

“Do you want to win?”

Diella, who once stared blankly at the wall from a thorn‑covered arbor, now had a spark in her eyes.

*

A few days later, a platform for a magic duel was erected in front of the Duplain estate garden.

Among the nobility, magic duels were refined events.

Even in Ebelstain’s social circles, where magical salons and exchange meetings were regularly held, most attendees watched duels between advanced magicians. Magic duels were essentially one of the most representative ways to demonstrate one’s achievements.

Although duels within a family were not uncommon, today was something special. It was the first time that Lady Diella herself stepped onto the platform.

In a first duel, it was customary for attendants with some magical knowledge to act as sparring partners, but today, the one stepping up was Leigh, the second son of the Duplain noble family. Though still young and soon to hold his coming-of-age ceremony, he was already a genuine Mage.

At midday, with the sun high overhead, Leigh stood in his formal outfit and robe, a satisfied smile on his face.

The Duke and Duchess Duplain watched from the grand terrace connected to their private rooms, facing the garden, while other attendants gathered near the platform, ready to witness the duel in proper ceremony.

Seated on the terrace, fingers gliding along the rim of his teacup, the Grand Duke Duplain looked down at Dereck sitting calmly near the platform. He showed no signs of tension.

“Has he given up, or is he confident? It’s hard to say. Even as an exceptional tutor, he likely didn’t anticipate this situation.”

The mage had an oddly calm demeanor, even in a situation where others would be swallowing nervously. Whether it was courage born of his years as a mercenary, he wasn’t someone who panicked—even in the worst situations.

“Certainly, he’s not someone to be dismissed too quickly.”

The Grand Duke glanced at Miriela, let out a quiet snort, and then turned his eyes back to the platform.

There, Leigh, having finished all preparations, adjusted his cuffs, a confident expression on his face. Then, on the other side, Diella climbed the steps to the platform. Her voluminous golden curls framed the upper part of her body.

As always, her lovely frilled dress and ribbon symbolized her role as the youngest and most adorable member of the Duplain family. But today, she wore a reddish-brown robe.

The sleeves of the robe were a bit too large for the girl’s body, hanging loosely. When the warm wind swept through the garden, the hem of the robe fluttered gently in the breeze.

Under the hood, Diella’s eyes glowed with a resolute aura, barely visible.

“…”

Seeing this, Leigh had a sudden realization. The girl hadn’t come today as the youngest daughter of the Duplain family. She had come as Dereck’s student—and as a mage.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelCet