Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 92: Baron (4)

The reason Dereck had so urgently desired the title of baron was to be able to devote himself fully to his magical training without interference.

However, holding a titled noble position wasn’t simply about receiving it and being done.

After all, since the emperor had delegated the rights of jurisdiction and tax collection to him, it was a role that demanded at least minimal responsibility for the inhabitants of the territory. And for that, a basic level of authority was required—which, of course, didn’t come for free.

He had to resolve a chain of issues and put things in motion so everything would function smoothly before he could finally focus on his magic training.

“Oh, Baron. Construction will be finished once we install the nameplate. The furniture is from the Lorenhale Carpentry Workshop, so you can pay them directly. As for the garden, perhaps it’d be better to hire a separate gardener.”

“Thank you for your work. Can I pay through the labor office?”

“Oh, please, no need to be so formal. I don’t have a status high enough to deserve a noble’s courtesy.”

The foreman, who had been directing the workers, waved his hand dismissively.

Hearing those words, everything finally felt real—Dereck was now officially a noble.

“Hmm…”

Dereck nodded as he gazed at the mansion, which looked relatively decent.

“Seems there’s no one left in the tavern district who doesn’t know your name. I mean, you were a commoner who practiced magic, managed to convince nobles, and even got a title—you’ve become a true hero among the commoners.”

Even Drest Wolftail, known for mastering tracking magic, had to spend most of his life to obtain a mere baronial title.

Considering that, there was no need to explain just how extraordinary Dereck’s case was.

Of course, Drest had a past tarnished by the destruction of a noble family, so his situation was quite different—still, the result remained impressive.

*

Ebelstein, commercial district.

The bustling commoners filled the streets, working hard to make a living.

Pheline, walking briskly behind Dereck as he moved through the crowd, spoke with arms crossed.

“Now you’ll be able to train your magic as much as you want—that magic you loved to the point of giving your life for it.”

“Did you see how the mansion renovation turned out, Pheline? It came out pretty well. I’ve reserved a space for you, so if you’d like, you can have a room.”

“Well… Ebelstein is too far to use it as a base, but it’s good to have a place to store my stuff. I’ll check it out next time.”

After inspecting the Ravenclaw Barony, Dereck had ridden all day to return to Ebelstein.

There were still moving preparations to be made, but also many problems to solve before that.

“Having a mansion doesn’t make you a noble. You need reliable servants and staff to work there, and you’ll also have to deal with local nobles and their territorialism—you’re in for a lot, Dereck.”

“I’ve already got my thoughts in order. Dragging this out isn’t my style, so I need to sort it all out quickly.”

“And how do you plan to do that? Nobles always struggle to hire staff… It’s not something that gets resolved easily, right?”

Dereck, arms crossed, reflected for a few seconds before replying like brushing off an idea.

“True.”

Dereck, who always managed to find suitable solutions no matter the situation, knew this kind of matter wouldn’t be solved in a day or two.

Even he would have to rack his brains. Felinne thought this while focusing on preparing for the subjugation mission they had for the next day.

The next morning, Dereck sent a letter to the Duke of Rochester in the north.

In it, he confirmed he had officially received the title of baron and wrote a few formal words of gratitude for the trust placed in him.

He also mentioned that he was hiring a steward to manage the mansion and recommended Delbriton, an assistant butler from the Rochester household.

From the beginning, Dereck had been granted the baronial title to look after Siern.

Since Siern would be visiting the Ravenclaw Barony frequently, it was likely Melverot wanted someone familiar with her to take the position of head steward.

“My name is Delbriton. It is an honor to serve you, Baron Ravenclaw.”

“Yes.”

Thus, they secured a veteran steward who had worked over ten years at the Duke of Rochester’s estate.

Although it was technically a step down, Delbriton showed no signs of dissatisfaction.

With a moderately bald head and a serious demeanor, he seemed rather unimpressed by working in a place with no prospects for advancement, out in the snowy plains.

Even if it was a peripheral barony, he could manage it from start to finish, and its owner had backing from several influential families.

Perhaps he thought that in the long run, it would be better to establish a new position here, as he immediately dressed in his steward’s uniform and presented himself to Dereck with impeccable punctuality.

“Not much staff is required to run the estate immediately. Although the Ravenclaw Barony may expand in the future, for now we should hire only the bare minimum and establish a solid foundation.”

“How much staff do you estimate is needed?”

“A head cook, three servants for general duties, a coachman and gardener, and about three or four guards or squires would be more than enough to manage an estate of this size.”

Delbriton adjusted his golden monocle and spoke while surveying the newly renovated estate, still nearly empty and barely furnished.

“The Duke of Rochester has provided funds for the purchase of household goods and the first year’s maintenance expenses.”

“…We should send him some of this year’s finest wines.”

“The Duke of Rochester would appreciate it, but I believe he’d be more pleased to see Lady Siern adapt well to noble society.”

Of course, knowing Melverot’s character, he wasn’t the type to openly express his emotions, not even if he was pleased.

Whether he was happy or angry, he was always in his office, chin resting on his hand, wearing that lofty expression as if he understood the entire world.

It wasn’t hard to picture that mage, still seated like that, in the middle of the snowy plains, gazing out the window.

“I can handle finding a cook. I know a chef from the grain-producing southeastern region of Tupel who is currently available.”

“Is he trustworthy?”

“Yes. He’s discreet and experienced. However, his salary is quite high.”

“Hire him. I’ll personally bring in some maids or housekeepers. Take charge of recruiting squires or guards, but leave one or two positions open.”

Dereck was still dressed in his mercenary attire.

Although he was already a baron, he had no intention of giving up his work as a mercenary or as an instructor. He planned to leave for Ebelstein once he finished organizing the estate that day.

He sat on a wooden chair placed in the empty hall of the estate, tying his boots.

Delbriton, standing with his hands behind his back, listened silently to the instructions.

“Are you planning to bring in anyone in particular?”

“I’ll recruit some maids from noble families in Ebelstein. If I request them, they’ll get me a few. And I plan to hire guards from among the local residents.”

Dereck had unusual experience in that kind of matter.

Having met all sorts of people while working as a mercenary, he had a general idea of how to proceed when recruiting various types of people.

“The local forces in this region of Rodelen are mostly vineyard owners or farmers from the outskirts. If you accept one or two of their family members as servants in your mansion, you’ll gain a favorable position in future power negotiations. There’s no stronger bond than blood.”

Dereck had no intention of using tax rights to amass wealth.

If he made reasonable concessions, it was clear that the residents would align themselves with Dereck, a legitimate noble.

In the region of Rodelen, there was one large village with about 300 people, a couple of smaller villages with around fifty each, and the rest were scattered isolated farms.

There was no need to engage in unnecessary power struggles to recruit barely over 500 inhabitants. Dereck planned to fully respect the authority of the local people.

After adjusting his clothes, he finally drew his sword and began wiping it with a cloth.

“I’ve sent some gifts and letters to the Belmierd and Beltus families. I asked them to recommend any available servants or squires.”

“…”

Delbriton felt a slight dissonance hearing Dereck mention the Belmierd and Beltus families so casually.

Even in Ebelstein, those were among the most prestigious families, and yet Dereck could contact them personally about everyday matters like hiring servants.

For Dereck, who already communicated with Ellen and Denise without issue, it wasn’t particularly special.

‘I heard he had backing from many influential families, but seeing it firsthand is truly extraordinary.’

Delbriton thought this to himself.

Dereck had just become a baron, with barely any real power, and he, newly appointed, was his only vassal. For someone experienced, becoming the retainer of such a minor noble was normally something to be avoided.

But Delbriton knew it instantly—this was an opportunity.

Dereck wasn’t someone who would end up merely managing a vineyard in some remote barony.

Whether it was his magical level or the scale of the families watching him, everything pointed to the fact that, sooner or later, he would form a power that was currently unimaginable.

Being the first vassal of someone like that—anyone with a bit of vision would know it was an invaluable opportunity.

“I will carry out your orders.”

He polished his gleaming monocle with a cloth, bowed respectfully, and proceeded to carry out Dereck’s instructions.

*

‘W-What…? How did everything progress so quickly…?!’

Diella, who had arrived at the Ravenclaw Barony, was stunned.

After her complete defeat in the war of nerves against Pheline, Diella had spent her days with a withered expression, until, fifteen days later, she finally decided she would go to the Ravenclaw Barony to check on how Dereck was doing.

In fact, from the Duplain family’s point of view, visiting a remote barony wasn’t anything unusual.

It didn’t take long to arrange the trip, but once there, everything became more real—Dereck had become a noble.

“…It’s been less than a month since he received his title, and he already has the mansion system set up. Well, I guess Dereck learned about how a noble household functions while working as an instructor…”

Aiselin, sitting across from her in the carriage, looked at Dereck’s mansion with a look of amazement.

In reality, the mansion itself was so modest that it bordered on humble compared to those of influential families.

However, the servants waiting for the Duplain ladies in front of the main gate were already completely attentive.

“I am Delbriton, head butler of the Ravenclaw Barony. It is a great honor to personally receive the ladies of the Duplain family.”

The elderly man who acted as butler stepped forward and greeted them with a flawless bow, followed by the rest of the staff, who also bowed their heads.

Although they hadn’t been working there long, their behavior was precise and disciplined, which spoke volumes of the head butler’s capabilities.

“I apologize for the sudden visit.”

No matter how much the Duplain family had declined, the news that its young ladies were personally visiting a remote barony was like a bolt from the blue.

Diella had insisted on going to the Ravenclaw Barony, and Aiselin had reluctantly agreed, but even so, it must have taken considerable effort for the servants to prepare the reception.

“It’s no problem. Although our staff is small, we’ve become quite skilled at attending to distinguished guests. There’s no need to worry.”

“Oh, really? I heard the Ravenclaw Barony has only been functioning for about half a month… Did you have time to prepare for guests?”

“Yes. We’ve already had several distinguished visitors.”

Delbriton responded with a slight bow and adjusted his monocle.

“Miss Ellen from Count Belmierd’s house visited us last week with a gift, and Miss Denise from the Beltus Duchy also came once.”

“…”

“Miss Siern, from the ducal house of Rochester, visits whenever she can, as she spends a lot of time here receiving magic lessons.”

Diella cast an incredulous glance toward the servants, analyzing their expressions.

Now she understood why the employees of such a remote barony moved with such efficiency.

Despite being a fringe territory, treated like an exile, renowned noble ladies visited whenever they could. There was no room for mediocrity.

In Ebelstein’s social circles, lower-ranking nobles would do anything to get even a single visit from the children of influential families.

Seeing that such people visited here so naturally, the nobles of the Rose Hall were probably already beginning to feel a sense of inferiority.

“Do other young ladies also learn magic here?”

“Well, the baron focuses on teaching Miss Siern, so he doesn’t present himself as the official tutor of any family. However, I understand that he helps with basic magic usage and organizes the rank system.”

It seemed that Denise and Ellen visited with the intention of taking Dereck with them whenever they could.

One way or another, capable magic instructors were always in short supply.

The Duplain sisters had arrived late because family matters kept them very busy.

‘…At this rate, this seems more like a magic academy than a noble mansion.’

That strange thought crossed her mind, though she wasn’t sure if Dereck thought the same.

“Even so, the baron has received considerable support from high-ranking families, so he tries to help in everything related to magic. If you wish, it wouldn’t hurt to consult him.”

“Oh, really? Where is Dereck now?”

Delbriton cleared his throat softly before responding promptly.

“He is teaching magic to Miss Siern.”

From any angle, this was nothing less than a private magic academy.

Aiselin and Diella couldn’t help but feel a mix of emotions, but before making any judgments, they needed to see Dereck’s face with their own eyes.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelCet