Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 99: Power and Love (4)

Born and raised in a wealthy family, one would think there was nothing in the world that could obstruct her path, advancing in life without hesitation.

If one were to trace the journey of life, it would surely be the ever-ascending path of a hero.

Ellen had never changed that idea since childhood.

And, thinking that the outlook of other powerful families would be the same, sitting in the main seat of the Rosea Hall, she sometimes felt an affinity with the other two people.

Although Aiselin of Duplain and Denise of Beltus seemed to have dispositions completely different from Ellen’s at first glance, when looking closer, there were strangely similar aspects in their way of life.

They were all chosen people.

Blessed by everyone from birth, they would continue to reach the sky, carrying on the prestige of their families.

As they climbed higher and higher, they would come to possess even greater power.

To live with that ambition until death could be said to be, ultimately, the reason for existing.

However, something happened outside Ellen’s conception.

The Duplain family, which had seemed destined to reign forever at the top of Ebelstein, faltered, and half of its members died, were injured, or left; the territory was reduced to less than half, and the high-ranking nobles despised or rejected them.

The days of walking among the clouds ended in an instant, and Aiselin, who had been considered a flower in the chamber, was suddenly thrown to the ground and rolled in the mud.

Except for a few lesser nobles who admired her character, everyone considered Aiselin a finished woman, and they pitied or mocked her as she wandered, trying to earn even a single coin.

Ellen, who observed Aiselin closely, felt moved and approached her to ask.

“Lady Aiselin. Are you all right?”

The place was the corridor of Elfontaine Hall.

Aiselin, exhausted from searching all day for a place to borrow money, was resting in a corner of the hallway.

Her still-beautiful appearance was like the reincarnation of an angel, and her sleeves, rolled up with energetic air, remained as white and thin as before.

And the smile she gave Ellen when she looked up at her did not seem much different from when she walked among the clouds.

“Oh, Lady Ellen. Are you all right? What do you mean?”

“Simply… everything, everything in general.”

Ellen, who had witnessed the fall of the Duplain family up close, could not help but have mixed feelings about Aiselin’s firm attitude.

The whole process had been a shock to her.

The fact that the Duplain family, which had seemed destined to rule the world forever, collapsed so suddenly meant there was no guarantee that Belmierd would not end up the same someday.

“Lady Ellen, your face is full of worry. Your rose-like appearance will be ruined. Do not worry. Duplain only suffered a great misfortune from a series of unfortunate events, but the Belmierd family will never be dragged down by such a great disaster.”

“…I am not worried about the Belmierd family. What worries me is you, Lady Aiselin.”

“Hahaha, don’t worry too much about me, Lady Ellen. Although Duplain suffered greatly from being consumed by necromancy, it still maintains its lineage. Somehow, it served as a warning of how dangerous necromancy is, so perhaps it worked as an alarm to prevent something similar from happening in Beltus or Belmierd.”

Incredibly, Aiselin was worrying about the future of the Beltus and Belmierd families.

Even though her own family was on the brink of collapse, this celestial girl had a heart to care for others.

“Thank you for worrying about me, Lady Ellen. When we first met in Ebelstein’s social circle, we did not have a good relationship, but in the end, we became close enough to worry about each other. That in itself is also a great gain.”

Aiselin stretched out her arms and smiled brightly.

The traces of her hard wandering all day through noble houses were evident.

“I am not wise enough to speak of life with Lady Ellen… but even so, there are things that can only be understood when one goes through a situation like this.”

“…”

“Lady Ellen, you are someone who loves power more than anyone and has a strong ambition to rise, aren’t you? But my older brother always told me something. Life is long and full of ups and downs, and one cannot always improve and improve without stopping.”

As they observed Aiselin, not only Ellen but also all the noble ladies who passed through Elfontaine Hall could not help but feel strange.

She had faced a great trial that could have sunk her life into the abyss, yet she never erased from her face the same firm expression as always.

Ellen suddenly wondered where that strength came from.

“Along the journey of life, there will be times when you stumble on a stone, or fall from a great cliff and crash to the ground. While you roll in the dust and face everyone’s doubts and ridicule, it may seem that your life has ended, but only then do you begin to see things clearly.”

“…”

“Lady Ellen, while navigating noble society and clashing with various enemies, surely there will be times when you stumble on a stone or face everyone’s doubts and ridicule. Even if it is not a crisis that shakes your life to its depths like mine, it could still corner your heart and mind.”

Aiselin clenched her delicate hand tightly and extended it in front of Ellen’s eyes.

“That is the moment to look around.”

“What does that mean?”

“When you feel that everyone is mocking you, and the world has abandoned you. When your closest friend turns their back on you, and the servant you trust the most shakes his head. Even at the lowest point, there will be at least one person who will not turn their back on you. Because Lady Ellen is a wonderful and precious person.”

It might have been advice born of experience.

This delicate girl, who bore on her shoulders the weight of a collapsing family, had gone through experiences since the Duplain disaster.

However, she must have seen something on that thorny path.

And there must have been someone by her side.

When everyone else shook their heads and turned away, there was a mercenary who tried to lift her by the arm.

“The journey of life is not just about constantly ascending. Only by wandering once along the thorny path can one truly know who one’s true people are.”

“…”

“The value of that experience is more precious than gold. So I have no reason to be sad.”

Duplain collapses miserably.

However, looking at this girl, it seemed that even that trial had some meaning. Ellen did not know what to reply.

Magic and scholarship can always be learned if one finds a good teacher.

But where can the strength of the heart be learned?

The only teacher who teaches that is this vast world with its relentless winds.

“Mmm…! If we just fix the sign that is a little crooked, it is quite a decent building. For something built in such a hurry, it is really well done!”

The garden of the Baron Ravenclaw’s mansion.

In front of him, a young woman wiping sweat with one arm at her waist always seemed to have stars shining in her eyes.

Looking at the first completed dormitory building, a refreshing smile spread across the face of the girl who had walked the thorny path.

She had been constantly educated since childhood.

Only by being able to walk even a thorny path as if it were a flower path could one truly be called a flower of the chamber.

*

“My sister Ellen is someone who will do anything for power. There is probably no one in this Belmierd mansion who doesn’t know that.”

When Dereck was led into Leonard’s private room, the sturdy young man personally carried the tea instead of letting a servant do it.

After placing the cup in front of Dereck, the latter glanced at it for a moment but didn’t bother to bring it to his lips.

“Thank you.”

“No, I should be the one grateful. For someone like me, who is still learning about the world, it is of great value to build a connection with a distinguished magic master such as Lord Dereck. I appreciate your visit. Hehe.”

Leonard, with his white hair falling in locks, sat down in front of Dereck.

“You said you taught Ellen, right? What was she like?”

“What do you mean by what? I’m not sure what you’re asking. The Lady Ellen I taught was diligent and applied in everything.”

“I see. But… you shouldn’t be so easily swayed by those appearances.”

There was a hidden intent in Leonard’s words.

As a guest of the Belmierd family, Dereck didn’t need to get too involved in that matter. However, Leonard seemed eager to convey something to him.

“I’ve known Ellen since childhood. She spent every day acquiring every skill necessary to seize power. Sometimes she was diligent in her studies, sometimes she immersed herself in magic training… and other times she tried to master the art of deceiving or winning over people.”

“…”

“I’m not sure which side of Ellen you saw, but I can’t say that showed her true nature. Ask any Belmierd servant. No one in the world can match Lady Ellen’s endless greed for power.”

Dereck listened in silence.

In situations like that, he always maintained a critical gaze, filtering the words he heard. Leonard seemed to notice, for he smiled and eased the atmosphere.

“I’ve spoken too harshly of my sister. I worry that Lord Dereck may have a very poor impression of me.”

— Leonard is cunning, skilled at winning people over, and an expert in intrigues and tricks. Don’t believe a single word he says. Hehe, hic.

It seemed Dereck remembered Linus’s drunken words, crying over the tavern table.

Finally, Dereck let out a light laugh and replied.

“Don’t worry too much about that. I heard that you, young master Leonard, abandoned the family’s prestige at a young age to go on pilgrimage, showing your deep faith.”

“My faith is nothing more than a gift from the god Ruelon. It is not something worthy of praise.”

With those words, they exchanged knowing smiles.

“Before getting to the main point, allow me to tell you why I wanted to meet like this. As I mentioned in my letter, I firmly believe that you, Lord Dereck, are an outstanding and promising individual who will leave a mark on the history of magic.”

Leonard continued speaking without losing his sly smile.

“It would be a great loss if the path of such a promising mage were obstructed. That is why I hope you don’t get entangled in the affairs happening within the Belmierd family and suffer great harm.”

“What exactly are you trying to say?”

“You are Ellen’s master and have shared a special bond with her. It’s only natural that you’d want to defend her in the current situation.”

Leonard looked at him with sincere concern.

It was clear that he had called him to persuade him.

“However, you must not defend Ellen hastily. If my prediction is correct, she will soon suffer a great downfall.”

“…”

“Listen well, Lord Dereck. The beautiful image of her reigning in society as a noble rose is nothing more than a mask. Once you learn Ellen’s true nature, you’ll quickly realize that you’ve taken in the wrong disciple.”

Leonard stood up, lowered his voice, and spoke with a serious expression.

“Do you know my older brother, Linus, who was once the heir of Belmierd?”

“…”

“One day, Linus suddenly abandoned all his rights as heir and began wandering the world. It’s truly strange. What kind of position is that of Belmierd’s heir? It’s a role that makes you feel as if the entire world is at your feet, along with this vast mansion.”

Linus, who abandoned such a position to wander, was truly an unusual case.

Seeing him drink excessively, frequent gambling houses, and live as he pleased made one doubt if he was really a noble.

The eldest son, who should have been responsible for the family’s future, turned out to be a complete wastrel, which deeply worried the Marquis of Belmierd and his senior servants.

“Why did Linus renounce it all and leave? It was Ellen, our sister, who slandered him and drove him out of his position as head of the family.”

Leonard’s face grew even more serious.

“Ellen threatened and manipulated Linus by exploiting his weaknesses, expelled him, and usurped the position of heir in order to study necromancy. The evidence is now coming to light. I can explain the details to you.”

“…”

“I know how hard it is to believe my words. Lord Dereck, who has taught Ellen and seen her masked face, must have only seen her as naive and hardworking. But as someone who has been closer to her, I know well. You must not be deceived by that fox obsessed with power.”

In Leonard’s desperate eyes, he seemed like a meek lamb. His history of turning religious and living a virtuous life didn’t seem like a sham.

“I’ve heard from the senior servants. They found traces of necromancy in Ellen’s room. And not only that, they are also investigating the mansion in Ebelstein, and it’s reported that they found corpse remains in the basement.”

“Is that true?”

“It is the result of an investigation not only by our family, but also by the famous magical trace tracker, Advisor Revilton. It must be true.”

Leonard spread his arms and declared.

“You must make a wise decision, Lord Dereck. I beg you to take my hand. I am willing to give you all my support to help you reach the level of a four-star mage. I promise to establish a closer relationship with the Ravenclaw barony and ensure that nothing obstructs your path to greatness.”

“Why would you do so much for me?”

“I already told you. I firmly believe that you, Lord Dereck, will become an even greater master of magic. I’ve heard of your achievements and was amazed at how outstanding you are.”

“…”

“My father often says gold and silver remain still, but exceptional talent disappears quickly. I know how to recognize the value of talent. If I can help it remain within Belmierd, it will surely be a great asset.”

Leonard’s words flowed so smoothly that it was hard for Dereck to interrupt.

His pauses, his intonation, everything made the listener easily accept his speech. He was a natural orator, regardless of the content.

“So, please, don’t act rashly or defend Ellen lightly, putting yourself in a difficult position. I don’t ask that you believe everything I say. But I beg you not to jump to conclusions. From your perspective, even I must seem like someone untrustworthy.”

“…”

“Your suspicion is natural, Lord Dereck. I won’t impose my opinion by force. But you must be cautious.”

He didn’t try to win him over in one stroke, but respected his freedom of choice while gently sowing seeds of doubt.

Dereck stroked his chin and fell into deep thought. Leonard waited in silence, convinced he had persuaded him.

But Dereck didn’t trust him at all.

Even though he couldn’t immediately see what kind of person Leonard was or what plots he was hatching, there was only one possible decision.

“So young master Leonard thought the same.”

He finally smiled.

That smile was like the one of someone plunging a dagger into the neck of a dying monster.

Those who knew Dereck knew he didn’t usually smile like that.

But Leonard couldn’t know.

“Lord Dereck…?”

“It’s truly strange. While teaching Lady Ellen, there were moments when I felt chills or when everything seemed like a lie. I dismissed many things as mere discomforts, but it turns out they had a reason.”

“Exactly! Lord Dereck has sharp insight!”

“Now that young master Leonard says it, everything makes sense. Certainly, Lady Ellen had many strangely suspicious aspects.”

Dereck stood up and extended his arm to Leonard, his eyes full of distrust.

“If you hadn’t called me, I would be in great trouble. I owe you a great debt.”

“No, Lord Dereck. But… I didn’t expect you to trust me so easily.”

“Are you not the lamb of the god Ruelon? I too am a devout believer. A person capable of going on pilgrimage at your age would not slander others so lightly.”

Dereck clasped his arm with a wide smile.

“Young master Leonard is a messenger sent by the god to save me. It is a blessing.”

*

Click.

Ellen, who was in the annex garden, set down her teacup.

The senior servants who had investigated the traces of necromancy in her room had returned.

Their faces were heavy. In the Belmierd mansion no one distrusted Ellen, which was why those clouded expressions were strange.

“Lady Ellen.”

“Has the investigation concluded?”

“Yes. With the help of Sir Loteil, a four–star mage from the outskirts, and Advisor Revilton, an expert in tracking magical traces, we have completed it.”

The servants spoke in low voices before her.

“From now on, it seems the house arrest will be reinforced. Please, Lady Ellen, do not leave your quarters in the annex. This report will soon be delivered to Count Belmierd.”

Ellen’s face hardened.

Thud, thud.

‘…They’re not giving me even a hint of the results.’

Soon she was walking down the corridor under “escort.” In practice, it was no different from surveillance.

In that oppressive atmosphere, Ellen thought about how to punish her younger brother’s schemes.

Then the unexpected happened.

Creak.

“Then I will contact you separately.”

The one who appeared from Leonard’s room with a satisfied smile was none other than Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw, the person she trusted more than anyone.

The two seemed to have already formed some kind of complicity.

“What… what is this…?”

Ellen came to a halt, and so did the servants.

The words urging her to keep walking didn’t reach her ears. Leonard was coming forward from the other end of the corridor.

As they crossed, Leonard met her eyes and gave her a faint, almost imperceptible smile.

Then he went on his way, leaving behind Dereck, who also passed in front of Ellen without reacting.

In that instant, time seemed to flow slowly.

Why was Dereck in the Belmierd mansion? And why was he speaking with Leonard as if they were allies?

“De… Dereck… Why… are you here…?”

He had always answered her call. He had always been reliable.

But now he walked past without even reacting.

“Dereck! Why are you in the Belmierd family…?”

She called out again.

Then he briefly turned, and his eyes were cold, colder than she had ever seen them.

That frozen gaze left her breathless.

Leonard had persuaded Dereck.

That fact fell upon Ellen’s chest like an anvil.

It was, truly, a bolt from the blue.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelCet