Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 56: Drop of Blood (2)

Dereck was a transmigrator.

When he awoke, he had been thrown into a world where he had no connections, and he had to fight his whole life, wandering through the slums to survive.

He formed some bonds, but few people stayed by his side for long. Life’s paths diverge in many ways, and they rarely intersect for extended periods.

If someone asked him what was most important in his life, he would answer: achievements.

Valerian was the eldest son of the Duplain family.

Born of noble blood, he carried everyone’s expectations and became someone exceptional and virtuous, fulfilling each one of them.

He enjoyed many things in a privileged environment, lacking nothing, and he loved his always-present family more than anything else.

If someone asked him what was most important in his life, he would answer without hesitation: family.

The two men had different origins, different environments, opposing values, and incompatible goals.

Therefore, the end of their stories would be different as well. During their journey north, Drest Wolftail silently gazed out at the vast coast.

Everyone’s path is unique, but the infinite ocean, with no defined routes, sometimes made one feel lost.

It was natural to lose your way now and then.

The debut of a young woman from a great family like the Duplains was not only a rare event—it was also grandiose. The ball held at the family mansion surpassed all expectations.

Not only the main house, but also the nearby towers and all kinds of annex buildings were used as venues for the event.

All the attendees were notable figures.

First and foremost, the heads of lower noble families attended in person. For an event of the high nobility like the Duplains’, sending a representative was considered extremely rude.

Exceptions were sometimes made for military or imperial duties, but in general, it was best for the heads to attend directly.

Events like this didn’t happen often, so celebrities from all over the empire gathered. Even if they didn’t manage to form special connections, it was a chance to be seen.

Just seeing the guest list was impressive. From Count Belmierd, led by Margrave Belmierd, to Ellen, who would attend as their representative, the level was exceptionally high.

It was a decision befitting Margrave Belmierd, who wished to send Ellen to such a prestigious event.

And there were rumors that Denise would also attend as a representative of the Beltus family.

Originally, Dereck was supposed to attend in her place, but Denise hurried to intervene and persuaded the duke to let her accompany him.

Knock, knock.

In the end, Denise boarded the carriage bound for the Duplain mansion.

“They say the Duplains are looking for you, and yet you wanted to go alone into the tiger’s den? Dereck, I’m going with you—just help me out a little.”

In truth, if she was so worried, she shouldn’t have sent Dereck at all. But given her connections, she couldn’t avoid it entirely.

The Duplains treated him like a VIP, and the Belmierds saw him as someone they owed. His influence was too significant to ignore. No one knew how things would turn out.

That’s why Denise allowed him to attend—on the condition that he went with her.

“Well, I’ve received a lot from the Duplain family… It seems only right to show some gratitude on an occasion like this.”

Dereck spoke with a neutral expression.

After all, visiting the Duplain mansion meant seeing many familiar faces again.

“I heard many VIPs will be attending. I’ve only dealt with nobles from the southwest of the empire, so I don’t know anyone from other regions.”

“I’m not much different. In other regions, there’s usually just one powerful family dominating everything. It’s not as crowded as it is in the southwest.”

Denise gathered her silver hair and began calmly braiding it. She seemed bored by the long journey. In the end, conversation was all there was to do.

“It’s impossible to remember all the guests. Just focus on the important figures. They say someone named Lord Roilak from the North will attend… and from the East, Lady Freya, of Prince Elvester’s family, will be there.”

“…Prince Elvester’s family?”

“Yes. Why? Do you know them? I doubt you know any nobles from the opposite end of the continent…”

Indeed, Dereck had rarely left the southwest.

But the name of the Elvester family was familiar to him. It had been a long time since then.

“A letter has arrived from Margrave Elvester. They’re requesting that I be assigned as a private tutor in their lands.”

“…That’s the family where my mentor lives.”

“Mentor? You mean Drest Wolftail?”

“No. There was someone before him. The one who helped me awaken my magic.”

“Really? Dereck’s past seems to have many layers.”

There had once been a fallen noble named Katia.

She lived in Ebelstein and oversaw Dereck’s magical training for several years before moving to the Elvester family.

If it was Lady Freya from that same family, she was undoubtedly Katia’s disciple.

“She was taught by the same master I had. I’d like to see her at least once.”

“Lady Freya? They say she’s kind and respected in the East… but I’ve never met her personally. Events like Lady Diella’s social debut don’t happen often.”

A ball of this scale hadn’t been seen since Aiselin’s debut, but it seemed Lady Freya hadn’t attended that event.

“So in a way, she’s like your senior? Even if you’ve never met.”

“That’s right. If she’s been with Katia for a long time, she’s likely quite skilled.”

“I haven’t heard much about her magic…”

Sometimes letters from Katia still arrived from the house of Prince Elvester.

Though less frequent now, they still exchanged at least one letter a year. Those letters were always full of praise for Lady Freya, so she didn’t seem like a bad person.

In addition, prominent figures like Lord Melverot’s uncle, Lord Robenkheim from the North, Lady Adelen representing Lord Delos of the South, and from the imperial family, Chancellor Poloncourt and Chief Magic Advisor Kohella would also be attending.

Each of them was a key figure, responsible for hundreds or thousands of people.

Most would attend as representatives, but their presence alone could influence the direction of the nation.

“Lady Ellen will also be at the ball, and I must greet Lady Aiselin separately. I can’t address Grand Duke Duplain directly… but if the chance arises, I’d also like to greet Lady Diella, the star of the event.”

“…”

“I also need to thank Butler Delron and Head Maid Katarina, who helped me… It would be nice to ask Lady Freya about Katia’s well-being, but since I don’t know her personally, I can’t just approach her…”

“Dereck… from what you’re saying, you already sound like a noble.”

“…Well, there’s no point in overstepping my limits.”

“No, it seems you already have a broader network than most lower nobles.”

Denise crossed her arms and grumbled.

Of course, Dereck had built many connections while active in Ebelstein’s noble circles.

He’d made friends among members of the Beldern Mercenary Corps and other mercenaries from tavern districts… Even lower-ranking nobles in Ebelstein might envy his connections.

What’s more, his magical skills had reached a considerable level.

Although not widely known, Dereck had already surpassed the level of a 3-star mage. Considering his age, even high-ranking nobles took note of him.

Without the backing of a powerful family, his personal safety had already become a real concern.

“With your magic skills and the ease with which you navigate noble society… if you earn a few more achievements, you might even receive a title.”

“Well… It’s not something I should say in front of a noble, but I’ve heard that the high nobility is so conservative and exclusive that even the emperor is reluctant to grant new titles.”

“Well, it’s well known that Emperor Guttrel always keeps a close eye on the high nobility… But you never know.”

Dereck, resting his chin on his hand, paused in thought before speaking.

“Well, nobility isn’t for me.”

“I don’t think so either.”

For some reason, Denise burst out laughing.

Although she didn’t particularly enjoy social events, this was the first time she was attending a formal one alongside Dereck.

For some unknown reason, she was excited, taking deep breaths. Her lack of formality was a stark contrast to her usual self.

Dereck looked at her and gave a sheepish smile.

*

“It’s been a long time, Lady Katarina.”

When Dereck handed over his belongings and greeted her, Steward Katarina bowed her head and received them.

In truth, she wasn’t someone who would bow to a mercenary of common birth, but at least in the Duplain household, Dereck was treated almost like a minor noble.

Realizing this, Denise, who stepped down from the carriage alongside Dereck, was taken aback.

“The steward of House Duplain shows you respect? You really do have a reputation, don’t you?”

The steward of this mansion did not bow easily. She was one of the faces that represented the household.

“It is a great honor to have the young lady of House Beltus visiting us. His Grace the Duke of Duplain is currently receiving guests in his office. It would be a pleasure to welcome you and exchange greetings during the ball, but for now, he is quite busy, so I suggest visiting him after dinner.”

“Yes, thank you. It seems the ball hasn’t started yet. Could you prepare a room for us?”

“Of course. Please rest comfortably in the west wing lounge. We will prepare separate rooms for you, so please follow the guidance of the staff in the west wing.”

The main entrance of the Duplain mansion was crowded with luxurious, majestic carriages.

Each family had sent their most beautiful carriage, striving not to be outdone—as if competing to show off their attire.

Dereck watched the scene in silence, nodded, and then entered the Duplain mansion, as if being drawn inside.

Although he knew the layout of the mansion, something about today felt a little different.

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