Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 44: Wild Horse (1)

Several years passed after Dereck left the Duplain family, and the seasons changed multiple times.

Diella Katherine Duplain bade farewell to the mentor who had the greatest influence on her life, but her growth curve neither wavered nor took a step back. On the contrary, once her path was set, her innate talent began to blossom.

In the realm of magical achievement, lineage was regarded as the most important factor. Her previously slow magical progress soared like a fish finding water after Dereck made a slight adjustment to her direction.

Although the growth trajectories of commoners were similar, the manner in which blessed geniuses reached maturity was unique.

Valerian, Leigh, Aiselin, Diella.

Among the Duplain siblings—all renowned for their magical achievements—Diella’s development was the most extraordinary.

She didn’t seek to penetrate the essence of magic like Valerian, nor did she yearn for worldly prominence like Leigh, nor did she absorb vast academic knowledge like Aiselin.

As always, she explored the forests, gazed at the night sky, and received magical truths in her own unbound way.

The ice spear she created spun and spun, and her fire arrows burned with a deep dark red. Her transmutation magic produced effects that defied theory, and her enchantments differed slightly from known outcomes.

Yet she was not entirely disconnected from high culture. She effortlessly absorbed ethics, culture, the art of diplomacy, governance, and even her family’s studies on empire politics.

She mastered the central continent’s language, social dancing, flower arrangement, piano, flute, history, literature, modern philosophy, and political science, even completing her education in attire and etiquette to present a refined demeanor.

In the arts, she already shone.

Her creations, born of exceptional talent in landscape and portrait painting, began catching the attention of artists, and some were already circulating in art auctions in Ebelstain.

Diella’s artistic world was entirely detached from contemporary styles.

Already recognized among critics, she was believed to become a famous artist across the continent. By this point, rumors began swirling—even though she had not yet debuted in Ebelstain high society.

Rumor had it that the little girl once curled up in the Duplain pavilion was now a rival to Aiselin, the most respected figure in Ebelstain’s society.

Could it be that the only one who could challenge the Duplain family’s pride was another Duplain?

It seemed that families capable of challenging the Duplains in Ebelstain society were disappearing, marking the beginning of the Duplain era.

Aiselin, more than anyone, heard these rumors firsthand… but couldn’t help feeling conflicted.

She didn’t feel threatened by Diella’s prowess; she felt deeply familiar and genuinely happy for her growth.

Yet there was a slight gap between rumor and reality.

*

“Honestly, I don’t really understand why I must join the Rose Salon. If not for people like you, Lady Ellen or Lady Denise, they all seem the same.”

“…No, Diella. That may seem true when looking only at magical achievements, but they’re all cultured…and it’s nice to meet and connect with people from many walks of life.”

“Hmm…”

Aiselin had come to the Duplain estate to help with Diella’s debut celebration.

After a successful debut experience, Aiselin thought her presence would be helpful, but Diella seemed hardly to need it. Honestly, she could debut in society right now without issue.

The mansion Diella would occupy was nearly complete, and the selection of servants and high-level attendants to support her family was finalized.

A grand banquet had been planned to celebrate her societal debut, and gowns as exquisite as magical weapons were already prepared. The moment of her debut—when a noble lady experiences her most glorious moment—was near.

Although a bright future lay ahead, Diella’s expression as she sat at the garden tea table didn’t seem particularly joyful.

For noble ladies, debuting in society was always considered a romantic dream, but Diella showed no interest.

Her mild anticipation stemmed only from the excitement of venturing outside the Duplain household where she had grown up. She didn’t care for the so-called glamorous social culture of Ebelstain’s aristocratic district.

“When I went to the tea at Elora Academy, or the festival in Elontain region, I saw some noble ladies from the Rose Salon. Most were absorbed in frivolous, ostentatious social activities—attempting flattery and giving insincere compliments…”

“Di, Diella… That’s not something you say publicly, but you must understand the difference in rank. We, as high-ranking Duplain nobles, often take it for granted, but for lesser nobles, the chance to expand connections is invaluable.”

Aiselin, born high-born, understood the position of lesser nobles well.

That was why she never became arrogant, even when her companions uttered embarrassing praises. Half of the goodwill she received was admiration for Aiselin herself; the other half was respect for the Duplain lineage.

“You only see someone’s true nature when you take off tinted glasses. We must learn to perceive that essence. That’s why we join salons, meet people from different strata…”

“If Sister Aiselin says so, I’ll consider attending next week’s gathering…”

Since Diella hadn’t completed her debut process, attending the salon would be merely formal.

Still, Diella wore a sullen expression.

Born with exceptional talent she had cultivated, the core of Diella’s character remained unchanged.

She was arrogant, didn’t regard those she deemed inferior, and hated rigid rules. Yet she had learned to conceal it externally—maintaining courtesy and wearing a mask.

It was an unwritten rule for daughters of the most noble families to join the Rose Salon.

But Diella was like a wild horse in a meadow, indifferent to such norms. Her porcelain beauty shouldn’t conceal her untamed spirit.

Being the opposite of her sister Aiselin, expecting a sheltered noble lady to control her was asking too much.

*

“It might be good for you to review your household’s servants too. Now that you’re the mistress, everyone is under your direct command. It will feel very different from receiving help on the Duplain estate to giving orders yourself.”

“Most of the pavilion’s servants will remain, so I don’t think much will change. It’s just a matter of whether it’s on the Duplain lands or in Ebelstain.”

“That may be true. But now even those who didn’t usually interact with you will be under your oversight. The estate guards, workers, even the aides handling accounting and finances will work under your supervision and permission.”

Understanding this gap would make the reality of being an estate mistress feel more tangible.

Diella didn’t fully grasp it yet, but seeing Aiselin’s careful planning, she knew it would be a challenge.

Still, it was a rite of passage for high noblewomen to integrate into Ebelstain society.

“Not only that, but perhaps you should select someone responsible for your security outside the estate… You might need a personal chef to suit your tastes, or private tutors if necessary.”

“I don’t think it’ll bother me too much since most things already feel similar… But if it’s about private tutors…”

Though nearing the once-in-a-lifetime moment of her debut, Diella showed no signs of nervousness, but her eyes lit up at mention of private tutors.

“Dereck works as a mercenary instructor in Ebelstain, right?!”

“As I said, he’s currently teaching Lady Denise of the Beltus family. I went to see before deciding affiliations… It seems he chose to be Lady Denise’s instructor.”

“Hmm…”

It had been a long time since Diella said goodbye to Dereck. Yet she clearly remembered him.

Dereck didn’t fear or hesitate to engage with nobles, but tended to prioritize magical achievement above all. Why he aligned with the Beltus family still remained a mystery.

Why Beltus…? No apparent connection…

In any case, it always seemed there was a reason behind his actions.

Though the Duplains or Belmierds had written to him, it seemed like there was a reason he suddenly joined the Beltus household.

…Could he have been betrothed? Lady Denise is known as a mystery…

“Di-Diella… Just so you know, taking someone who has already joined another family could be a major offense. Dad didn’t pursue this for a reason.”

Of course, there were always hidden rivalries, attempts to poach talents from competing families, but doing so openly was a completely different matter.

It would be a different case if Dereck didn’t have a formal affiliation, but now he was under official contract with Grand Duke Beltus and was Denise’s instructor.

Maybe it would be different if it were like when Ellen hired Dereck and the previous contract had been fully resolved… But even the Duplain family had a code of honor to uphold.

Naturally, that code wasn’t always followed. However, when someone broke those unwritten rules, they had to be prepared for the emotional consequences.

Fearing that Diella might act on impulse, Aiselin quickly warned her, but Diella responded indifferently, resting her chin on her hand.

“I saw Lady Denise from afar at the Elontain festival. I didn’t speak to her or interact, but… she looked so dignified, her silver hair flowing, sitting in that carriage. She seemed like a mysterious angel from a religious painting… That’s what I thought.”

“Yes, that’s true. Uh-hah. Lady Denise is a valued figure even within the Beltus family… That’s why someone as capable as Mr. Dereck became her instructor.”

Diella was about to take a sip of tea but set the cup down, speaking with a serious gaze:

“Doesn’t it bother you, Aiselin? We’re from the Duplain family, aren’t we?”

“Di… Diella?”

*

“Isn’t it fascinating?”

Denise’s mansion lacked nothing unnecessary.

Artworks were displayed just enough to preserve a sense of dignity, and the exterior was built to ensure it wouldn’t be overshadowed by other luxurious homes. Denise liked to go with the flow.

That’s why there weren’t large training facilities like in Ellen’s mansion. In the end, Dereck had no choice but to demonstrate his magic in the fields outside Ebelstain, accompanied by a few servants and guards.

Though Dereck’s magic was simple, its firepower was astonishing. Despite the extraordinary marvel of his spells, Denise couldn’t deny that Dereck’s skills were superior. The boy had perfected his use of magical energy to the point of producing results on par with an experienced mage.

At first, she had praised Dereck’s magical demonstration, but once the intensive training began, her free time vanished swiftly.

She felt as though she had just left the mansion after lunch, yet the sun was already setting.

Sitting on the grassy ground, panting and drenched in sweat, Denise looked exhausted.

Facing her, Dereck leaned in and said:

“The range of your magic arrows has increased significantly since the beginning. Now, Lady Denise, you can intercept enemies even outside your line of sight.”

“That’s true…”

“Can you feel the magic itself? It’s different from just firing arrows in one direction.”

“Ugh… huff… Is it?”

“The difference is subtle, but every time you use magic, your senses sharpen and the feeling deepens. Once you truly sense that difference, your magical sensitivity reaches another level.”

“R…really? Pant… pant… I can’t breathe…”

Dereck leaned closer and continued:

“That’s how you feel the surge of magical power. Isn’t it fascinating? To train the innate gift we were given this way—isn’t it profound?”

Fascinating?

Let’s call it interesting. Beneath Dereck’s impressive tone, even filled with pressure, Denise swallowed dryly. The silver-haired boy before her was completely obsessed with magic.

Denise could feel her magical skills growing daily, but she couldn’t match Dereck’s overflowing vitality. Was it fun?

Honestly, if she set aside her pride, it was fun. When people find joy in something, the effort poured in transforms into achievement.

It was true training with Dereck, her magic skills improved rapidly.

But for Denise, naturally reclusive, the training process itself was torturous. Born like a freshwater fish, being dragged into the sea meant drowning.

“Hmm…”

“Yes, Dereck?”

“It seems Lady Denise still doesn’t fully grasp the depth and thrill of this process. Perhaps a different approach is needed…”

“Eh? What do you mean?”

“As I said. I haven’t taught in years, so there are many areas where I’m still inexperienced. If Lady Denise doesn’t find magical achievement interesting, it’s clearly my shortcoming as an instructor. I deeply reflect on that responsibility.”

Dereck placed a hand on Denise’s shoulder and spoke seriously:

“We must switch to more intense training, to achieve greater feats and find it even more exciting. Just brushing the surface isn’t enough; let’s delve deeper. I’ll also thoroughly revise the training intensity.”

“What are you talking about, Dereck? I think magic is really fun. I like magic.”

“Lady Denise… you don’t need to comfort me like that. Such kindness only makes me feel worse.”

It wasn’t kindness—it was survival—but Dereck would never accept that.

“If you don’t feel a sense of accomplishment, it’s entirely the instructor’s fault. I’m very disappointed in my inadequacy. I’m sorry, and I promise this won’t happen again…!”

“No, it’s fine. I said it’s fine, Dereck! Where are you going? Wait for me—aaah!!!”

Dereck already had Denise’s schedule planned out in his head. She would attend the upcoming Rose Salon meeting, then join the cultural reading club that weekend. With several liberal arts classes in between, aligning the free moments would provide enough time to train toward the next level.

Of course, Denise’s own desires were another matter.

*

In the heart of the noble district, women from various salons gathered at the Adelbert Cultural Hall, the center of cultural exchange for salon members.

The number of attendees was considerable when including lesser nobles, but in the end, only three women were at the center: Aiselin, Ellen, and Denise.

Many followers greeted them, spoke sweetly to gain favor, and used every chance to send family gifts or propose artistic exchanges.

In recent years, these three young women had led the Rose Salon centered around the Adelbert Cultural Hall. But today was expected to shake that structure.

Because Diella Katherine Duplain, the younger sister of Lady Aiselin—regarded as the most noble woman in Ebelstain’s social circle—would appear at today’s salon gathering.

All eyes followed her as she crossed the salon, where luxurious tea was served. Among girls her age, she was small, and her movements had a soft, captivating charm.

When the doll-like girl, dressed in a beautiful frilled gown, entered the salon tea gathering, she inevitably became the center of attention.

At a glance, she looked like a sweet girl you’d want to hug, but those close to the Duplain family knew her past well. She was one of the most notorious troublemakers in Duplain family history.

If Aiselin was a warm spring, Diella was a harsh winter. It was surprising how two sisters so close in blood could be so opposite.

Though she had changed a lot under the guidance of a good mentor, it was speculated her true nature hadn’t disappeared entirely. Even so, the current Diella had developed social finesse. Her rebellious days were behind her.

Still, if asked whether she was as sociable as Aiselin, you’d definitely nod.

“Everyone’s eyes are gleaming, desperate to establish even the slightest connection.”

Diella frowned as she stepped up to the podium, casting a fleeting glance at the lesser nobles before smirking.

Their greed, buried in the secular hierarchy, was clear even to this young girl.

They might talk about art, philosophy, and magic, but what they truly craved was exchanging more words with descendants of prestigious families.

It was easy to see why a woman from a high noble family might grow arrogant in society, her pride towering sky-high.

Spending whole seasons in that environment, anyone might start to feel like royalty.

“I thought I’d hate it, but it’s not as bad as I expected. I can see why people get addicted.”

With a mental sneer, Diella moved toward the tea.

And there, in the depths, sat a girl chatting with a few lesser nobles. Her long silver-gray hair flowed freely, making her look like a noble angel.

But whether her inner thoughts matched that angelic appearance was another matter. She was known in society for never revealing her true intentions.

She looked weary, yet still carried the dignity her reputation demanded. It was Denise of the Beltus family.

She was the one who had captured Dereck’s heart, despite the fierce competition to recruit him.

The Beltus family, with its grip on power, held Dereck firmly and reportedly never intended to let him go.

“…”

Adjusting the hem of her dress, Diella approached Denise with a determined expression.

The salon’s attention subtly shifted toward the two of them.

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