There Are No Bad Young Ladies in the World

Opening (4)

“At the Ravenclaw Training Center, we provide the best learning conditions for our esteemed guests. I am Aiseline Eleanor Duplain, the eldest daughter of the Duplain family, the head of the Ravenclaw Training Center, and a friend who will study the etiquette of ladies with you. It is an honor to greet you all.”

After greeting Derek, the head of the Ravenclaw Training Center, Fine Raphaela Tigress, the baron’s daughter, moved to the auditorium and training hall building to attend a brief opening ceremony.

—

—

The beautifully set round tables filled the auditorium, and the sumptuous feast laid out on them was luxurious.

Most of the tablecloths and tableware were high-end, making one wonder where a baron from a rural outpost got such money.

Although it was called an opening ceremony, it looked more like a kind of tea party.

Aisellin, who was sitting at the very front, stood up gracefully with her hands clasped and smiled brightly as she spoke.

“Let us strive to understand the elegance of a lady and the profundity of magic together at Ravenclaw Academy, and become more valuable friends to each other.”

It had been quite some time since the tragedy of Duplain occurred.

Even the lower nobles of the frontier had heard of the tragedy, so most people knew how cornered Aisellin was right now.

However, most of the noble ladies looked at Aisellin with eyes of admiration.

From the beginning, when she was active in the Ebelstein social circle, she was not a person who only showed value by relying on the power of her family. The fact that someone like Trishana Elente felt jealousy towards her was because she had the power to captivate people on her own.

Even people like Siern and Drenis, who were indifferent, had to acknowledge Aisellin to some extent, as she was an object of admiration for many noble ladies.

Just seeing Aisellin up close in person was a significant motivation for some young noble ladies. Learning social etiquette directly from Aisellin was such a valuable thing.

However, no matter how much, Aisellin could not handle all the classes alone.

“I will take charge of court etiquette, language and literature, rhetoric, and tea ceremony, but there are many other instructors who will help.”

Saying so, she pointed to a large table on one side of the banquet hall… There, all sorts of instructors that Aisellin and Delbritton had gathered from across the continent were seated.

Naturally, applause flowed from the audience. Derek, who was sitting on one side, also observed them.

He had already met each one in person and reviewed their documents several times.

Adelan, Puddle, Isabella, Craig, Lilia, Lady Vivian, Marcel, Silverden, Helena…

While many of the assistant teachers were commoners, most of the main instructors were of noble origin.

Aisellin had guaranteed a decent vision and salary, and most of them had come seeking personal advancement, so there were quite a few useful talents.

‘Their ages vary, and their temperaments are diverse, so I’m not sure if I can control them all.’

Derek observed them with his arms crossed.

He had already stayed up all night memorizing their personal details. To be the head of this Ravenclaw Academy, he had to be well aware of all the members.

‘Adelan. Combat mage. Short silver hair and golden eyes. Strict and values discipline, but has a deep sense of recognition. Though it seems he doesn’t express it well…’

‘Puddle. Chaos mage. Long purple hair, strangely dreamy expression, likes flashy robes… Unpredictable and eccentric, but quite insightful.’

‘Isabella. Green hair, green eyes. Always smiling, but as a transformation mage, she has unpredictable aspects. I need to instruct her not to do anything outlandish.’

‘Craig. Old summoning mage. Black hair with streaks of gray, deep wrinkles. Quiet and cautious personality. A fallen noble, but his past is hard to know.’

‘Lilia. Young exploration mage. Brown curly hair with an impressive friendly smile. Always carries a notebook and has a habit of taking notes… Passionate and diligent, so she seems to be the least worrisome.’

The assistant instructors that Delbritton had recruited were generally satisfactory, but Adelan and Isabella had more social prestige than Derek, making them somewhat burdensome.

On the other hand, the instructors that Aisellin had gathered from Ebelstein and the northwest of the continent were relatively easier to deal with.

‘Lady Vivian was brought from a private academy in the northwestern city of Locus. I thought she was a noble because she was an expert in court etiquette, but surprisingly, she wasn’t. Dance teacher Marcel, musician Helena, chef Clara… Most of them are commoners.’

—

—

In teaching magic, social status often mattered, but teaching basic etiquette and culture was something even commoners could do.

Those with exceptional knowledge in such areas often made a living by teaching nobles. As proof of this, most instructors in the field of culture were commoners.

After applauding each of the instructors, Baron Derek, the owner and head of the Ravenclaw Training Center, finally appeared.

Most had heard rumors about Baron Ravenclaw, but few had spoken to him directly.

However, those who knew Derek would all say the same thing: Derek was not the type to lead the atmosphere at such gatherings.

But when Derek smiled softly on the podium, Ellentena Drinis, sitting in the VIP section, was startled.

“Thank you for coming a long way. It was somewhat eventful, but I am pleased that we have been able to create an environment where you can continue your solid academic life.”

Derek, who was receiving everyone’s attention, had set aside his usual cold and calculating demeanor, and was speaking softly with a relaxed smile typical of nobles.

Ellentena held her breath at the sight, and Drinis, resting her chin on her hand, thought with indifferent eyes.

‘He can make such expressions, yet he acted like a doll when teaching.’

Even those who were not familiar with Derek often described him as cold, emotionless, and businesslike.

However, Derek, ignoring such public opinion, spoke gently.

“There may still be many shortcomings, but our Ravenclaw family has worked tirelessly to create the best environment. All the instructors we have brought in are skilled, and I have also accumulated long experience in the social circles of Ebelstein. As for Lady Aiseline, there is no need for an explanation.”

Atmosphere was half the battle.

As Derek, dressed in noble attire, spoke calmly in front of the young ladies who were still unfamiliar with the world, the focus of the scene seemed to increase.

The most renowned magic teacher in Ebelstein. A human success story who started as a commoner from the slums and came to own his own territory.

When he spoke with a relaxed demeanor, wrapped in a somewhat plausible package, credibility naturally followed.

Moreover, the fact that such a kind and gentle nature was hidden in Derek’s usually cold demeanor piqued the audience’s interest.

Though he was originally a handsome man, the important thing was the gap.

‘I heard he was a cold baron from the outskirts, but he doesn’t seem that difficult? He even looks kind… It seems like he would kindly explain anything I asked…’

‘I thought the training center was a place where we would study hard in a heavy atmosphere… But seeing the headmaster, it doesn’t seem that way.’

‘If I work hard, can I learn first-class magic before my coming-of-age ceremony…?’

While many young ladies were harboring their own thoughts about Derek’s appearance.

‘…Who is that?’

Fina, sitting to one side, was looking on in disbelief.

The Derek on the podium was a completely different person from the one she had met alone in the office.

*

“I am Veronica of the Viscount Roentel family.”

“The exploration magic of the Roentel family is truly famous. It is an honor to meet you, Lady Veronica.”

After the opening ceremony, it was time to move to the dormitory buildings where they would be staying, guided by their assigned attendants.

—

—

Derek stood at the exit, greeting each noble lady one by one.

“Baron Ravenclaw is truly capable. I feel like I’m in a land of learning, and my academic enthusiasm is soaring. I really want to learn a lot.”

“I feel like I’m learning more from Lady Veronica’s passion and academic zeal. I’ll see you again in the classroom tomorrow.”

As Derek greeted her politely, the girl who introduced herself as Veronica also lifted her skirt and greeted him demurely.

Ladies from slightly influential families often had basic etiquette even if they hadn’t received debutante education yet. Derek treated such ladies with thoroughly aristocratic manners.

On the other hand, there were cases where this was not the case.

“Ah, hello. I’m from the Viscount Sidmer’s family… um… that is…”

“You don’t need to be so nervous.”

“Um, that is… I’m sorry… I’m… timid…”

“You don’t need to apologize. A cautious and prudent nature can sometimes prevent crises for a wizard. You already possess excellent qualities as a wizard.”

To Lady Esmeralda of the Viscount Sidmer’s family, who was so timid that she couldn’t even speak properly, Derek appropriately showed consideration and encouraged her.

“Are you Derek? I am Ameline from the Viscount Bleton’s family!”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Lady Ameline. I’ve heard of the grandeur of the Viscount Bleton’s family, but unfortunately, mutual respect is the principle within the training center.”

“Is that so… Well, if other ladies are showing respect, I can’t rely on authority alone. I understand. I will show respect.”

He also seemed adept at conveying words that might seem somewhat rude.

Although he had lived a long life as a mercenary from the slums, he had already adapted quite well to the culture of the aristocratic social circles while teaching various ladies.

He had experienced many power struggles and tensions among them, and he knew well that human aspects were more beneficial than harmful even in the bleak aristocratic landscape.

Thus, Derek left a good impression on each noble lady with his excellent social skills.

At least for the Ravenclaw training center to continue, the representative figure must not have any flaws.

As the noble ladies left the banquet hall and headed to the dormitory, their faces were all glowing.

Initially, they were anxious, but both Aiselin, the queen of the Ebelstein social circle, and Derek, the most renowned magic teacher, seemed reliable in many ways.

It might have been a wise decision to come this far to seek learning. With such hopeful thoughts, they headed to the personal rooms that Butler Delbritton had diligently prepared.

And finally, the last person to leave the banquet hall was Lady Fine from the Baron Tigress’s family.

“It was a good speech, Sir Derek. I was deeply impressed. I hope to achieve great things at the Ravenclaw training center.”

“No, Lady Fine.”

With that, Fine smiled again.

As soon as she made eye contact with Derek, she blinked her mysterious eyes. The mysterious energy of her purple eyes, subtly shining under her pretty eyelashes, seemed to envelop Derek’s body.

Even ordinary illusion wizards couldn’t easily deal with those eyes that captivated people’s hearts. Many didn’t even notice.

Because Fine herself was an attractive and beautiful girl, that mysterious power that captivated people’s hearts was often considered her innate charm.

After making eye contact with Derek, Fine spoke in a whisper.

—

—

“I apologize for my rudeness in the office earlier. I am still young and inexperienced, so I make many mistakes.”

A voice that slithers like a snake’s tongue, whispering into the mind.

An enchanting aura that is hard to believe comes from such a young girl. Since reincarnating into Fine’s body, there have been few who were not captivated by it.

Slowly burrowing into people’s hearts like that.

Those who are ensnared by Fine’s charm feel as if they are wandering in a fog.

Fine gently spoke to Derek in a low, captivating voice.

“Sir Derek, you are a kind, understanding, and respectable person. Please, with your kind heart, help this girl who needs guidance.”

“Of course… I will…”

“Hahaha…”

At Derek’s response, Fine smiled contentedly and continued.

“Yes… If you ever find it difficult or need help while living at Ravenclaw Training Center… Please, Sir Derek, grant my request…”

“Of course. If it is truly necessary.”

“…”

Fine was at a loss for words.

It was the first time she had seen someone under her charm cut her off.

She trembled slightly and looked up at Derek’s face again, and this time, Derek had the same tiger-like expression he had in the office.

“But, didn’t I just say? Hardships in youth are worth going through…”

“…”

“I saw you on the podium earlier. You were sitting slightly tilted to one side. Is it because your lumbar spine is tilted… or is it just a habit… That’s not good for your back. Sit up straight.”

“Pardon…? That, that is…”

“Habits formed in youth carry on into adulthood. Lady Fine. All those small, seemingly insignificant things come together to form a person’s impression. How can it not be embarrassing for the daughter of Baron Tigress to sit with poor posture? However, there is no need to be too embarrassed. You came to the training center to learn such things. Ignorance is not shameful.”

Seeing Derek speak again in a rapid-fire manner, Fine couldn’t help but be flustered once more.

Even if her charm didn’t work, Derek, who had been gentle, kind, and considerate to other ladies until just now, was being particularly harsh only to Fine.

However, he wasn’t being mean or malicious. Derek was only speaking the truth.

“I am very concerned, Lady Fine.”

“Yes?”

“Health is the foundation of all learning. If your posture is poor and your physique is small and lacking in strength, you cannot properly practice what you learn. This won’t do. I won’t be able to sleep at night worrying like this.”

“W-What are you saying…”

“Let’s go for a morning run together starting tomorrow. It will surely have a positive impact on Lady Fine’s life.”

Derek lowered himself, holding Fine’s hands, and spoke with earnest eyes.

—

—

“Take care of your health, Lady Pine.”

‘Why is he doing this to me…?’

Pine briefly monologued, a bead of sweat trickling down her face.

The man, who was always courteous and noble to other noble ladies, only revealed his old-fashioned tendencies in front of Pine.

If he were much older, it would be understandable, but the age difference between Derek and Pine was not significant.

“Tomorrow, after finishing the basic classes, it’s the weekend again, isn’t it? Do you know about the Plonterix Forest in the Ravenclaw territory?”

“Ah, no… I think I’ve seen it on a map once or twice…”

“Oh dear… You’re missing out in life. Looking at the scenery of that ridge with the appropriately placed broadleaf trees, all the stress of the week will disappear, and your heart will feel refreshed. Let’s climb it together this weekend. I’ll bring Delbritton along too.”

“Cl-climb a mountain? Th-that…”

“Do you not want to?”

“N-no… It’s just… my health…”

“Your health is not good?!”

Derek raised his voice even higher.

Pine quickly shivered her shoulders and then shook her head. She couldn’t predict what he would do if she said her health was poor.

“I see. If your health is fine, let’s definitely climb it this weekend! It’s a breathtaking view that’s too good to see alone. If you have a cup of Alfrain Mountain tea at the top, you’ll feel, ‘Ah… it was tough to climb, but it was worth it. Ah, this is what a successful experience feels like. This is what they mean by ‘suffering in youth is worth it,’ and you’ll feel it strongly.”

As Derek spoke passionately, Pine began to sweat profusely.

Below, the Ravenclaw baron’s mansion was visible at a glance.

The noble ladies, who lived together in the dormitory and built friendships, were already practicing building connections before entering the Ebelstein social circle.

Eating and sleeping together, going on outings to Ebelstein on days without classes… Forming friendships in advance was very important.

‘They say the social center of the eastern continent is the Elvester Count’s mansion. At this rate, the Ravenclaw baron’s mansion will play a similar role.’

Where many nobles gather, that place becomes the social circle.

The Elvester Margrave of the eastern continent had already realized this and had built various cultural centers, banquet halls, and facilities for social events in his territory.

As time passed, it became almost impossible to debut in the eastern continent’s social circle without passing through the Elvester Count’s mansion.

The headquarters of the eastern continent’s social circle, the Elvester Count’s territory.

Pine thought that its initial appearance might have been similar to the current Ravenclaw baron’s territory.

That was Pine’s impression.

‘…’

However, Pine was frowning alone.

As someone who had already reached an unparalleled level in magic, the magic she encountered here was so low-level that it didn’t even make her laugh.

The magic classes were so low-level that she had to suppress her yawns, and even the liberal arts classes, which were somewhat bearable, were just cute antics to Pine, who had already accumulated many years of experience.

—

—

However, there was something that she absolutely couldn’t endure… It was the nagging of Baron Derek, the owner of this training center.

What really got on her nerves was that he was perfectly fine with everyone else but was particularly strict with Pine.

Other noble ladies often spoke highly of Baron Derek, considering him a very respectable and trustworthy person. Some even blushed when talking about him… He was truly a man of many talents.

However, for Pine, it was the complete opposite.

‘Why… Why is he only… only strict with me…!’

“Phew! The air is so fresh! It feels refreshing all the way to my lungs! Lady Tigris, you should take a deep breath of this morning air too! It’s all good for your health! Health! Health! Health! Health is the best!”

Thus, on a holiday morning.

Pine was lying on a rock on the side of the mountain, sweating profusely.

Whether he knew of Pine’s hard work or not, Derek was just standing at the top, spreading his arms and taking in the cold morning air with all his might.

No matter how advanced a grand mage she was, there were limits to physical activities in such a clumsy girl’s body.

Already sweating all over and trembling at her fingertips, Pine thought.

‘I can’t just stay still like this.’

Finally, she concluded that she couldn’t just leave Derek alone.

She could no longer endure the arrogant nature of that young man.

The truly subtle point was that, in reality, Pine was hundreds of years older than Derek.

‘He’s about to do something. I need to adjust things here.’

Derek, while enjoying the fresh air at the mountain top, was also hardening his expression.

In fact, it took considerable courage to constantly criticize someone who knew she was a 6-star necromancer.

Pine didn’t want to reveal her identity easily. She wanted to avoid leaving traces of necromancy and being pursued by the empire.

And Derek knew that.

Knowing that fact was Derek’s greatest weapon.

The important thing was to maintain the right balance.

It was very tough and infuriating, but actively responding and revealing her identity was not an option, and just staying still was too exhausting… Maintaining that subtle and ambiguous balance was the most crucial point.

Thus, she had to keep him on his toes, alternating between hot and cold baths, driving him crazy.

‘I can’t just stay still like this…’

Those who knew already knew, but Derek was a tough nut to crack.

If he couldn’t handle someone with force, he would use social authority and hierarchy to crush them.

He was a man who would stop at nothing.