Chapter 102: Power and Love (7)

“Shh.”

Thud, thud.

“W-why did you break the window…?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Fortunately, it seemed no one had seen Dereck climb the outer wall and break the window.

Rain was pouring down in torrents, and the growing darkness outside the window covered the landscape like a curtain.

Dereck shook off the water, tended to the wound on his hand, and looked again through the broken window.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Y-you slipped in? crystal The number of servants in Belmierd mansion easily exceeds a hundred, and with the soldiers stationed, it’s not a place one person could handle quickly…”

While slowly repairing the shattered glass with transmutation magic, Dereck spoke.

“Currently, Lady Ellen cannot meet outsiders nor obtain information without the consent of the high servants. aspect If anyone outside were to discover that I slipped into the room without the servants and vassals knowing, things would become needlessly complicated.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“I had not planned on making such a fuss by breaking the window, but I had to burst in a little violently, fearing that Lady Ellen might make a rash decision because of the situation.”

“There was someone who helped me. aluminum Now is not the time to explain the details.”

When the window was perfectly repaired, Dereck began to bandage the blood dripping from his hand with a piece torn from the collar of his shirt.

“That…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

If she had gone through with it, it would have been the most futile and foolish decision of her life.

Dereck’s blood was on the dagger rolling on the floor. amber Ellen looked at her own disheveled appearance with a sinking heart.

Yet Ellen’s fingertips still trembled.

What had she tried to do?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Whoever one may be, to rule over the masses one must know it. arcade The human being is, by nature, a being that betrays.

A single step away, she was caught in the sweeping intrigues of nobility, bearing the blame for a crime she had not committed.

For someone who had already fought within the social circles of Ebelstein, it was not a trial she could not endure.

But more important than all that was the doubt about the values she had pursued all her life.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

From her shrunken position, looking up at Dereck, he appeared tall.

Some criticized this as ruthless, while others accepted it as human nature.

Ellen gathered strength in her trembling chin and slowly raised her head. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Those subjugated by authority and power may turn their backs on you at any moment if you fall.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

His eyes, visible beneath the cloak, did not seem to hold much emotion.

“…”

But why had she forgotten? atlas Dereck had always been like that.

That appearance was not so different from when he had walked past her with Leonard.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Dereck remained silent for a moment.

Your life is noble and valuable, so don’t make foolish choices.

For Ellen, who had only just returned to the path of life before making an extreme decision, he might have recited lines from the third-rate romance novels Denise loved.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Trust only in me and give me your heart, and surely I will heal your wounds.

It was easy to imagine that process where he consoled her with grand words, became her pillar, and rewove trust by holding hands.

I will be by your side, so cast away that fear.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Dereck was Ellen’s master.

However, Dereck did not do that.

Like pulling a girl’s arm trapped in a pit.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

That is what teaching someone means.

Dereck did not believe in one-sided words of salvation from the heart.

To see a girl who sought power, who believed in righteous values and carved her own path of life, and then extend a one-sided hand of salvation, he thought, was not to respect her life nor her ideals.

The one who unilaterally pulls the arm of someone trapped in the mire is not a teacher.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

A true teacher is one who rolls up their sleeves, presses against the ground, and teaches how to climb out of the mire by oneself.

Ellen, who was sitting on the floor, raised her head and met his eyes.

That was why Dereck did not lift Ellen up, but knelt on one knee at her side and met her gaze.

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“You have understood loneliness.”

Her appearance was gaunt. accent Her tangled hair clung to her cheeks, and her dull eyes were like those of a living corpse.

Those who advance to reign over the masses must experience it at least once, sooner rather than later.

In an empty room, the experience of seeing those you believed would follow and believe in you for life turn against you one by one left a void and a hollow in the heart.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Even those who reigned over the world from on high had lived it at least once.

But there was no one to tell her.

Ellen was also in that process.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Seeing the blood dripping from Dereck’s fingertips, she finally felt as if cold water had been poured over her.

At hearing that, Ellen’s eyes widened.

So Dereck whispered quietly, without the need for many words.

“You have grown again.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Sometimes, you must let it all go and prepare a place where your mind can rest.

However, mental strength is a consumable resource.

One who would be the next head of Belmierd must always live with dignity, like a single flower.

Only now, feeling a great doubt about the purpose of life and as if she had hit rock bottom, could she understand the importance of that. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

She pressed her nose tightly and held back the tears that were about to burst.

Ellen stood up on her own without Dereck’s help.

“Dereck.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“It’s fine. harbor Anyone would be cornered mentally in a situation like this.”

Then, after lifting her chin again, she raised her still gaunt eyes, but now with a spark of life regained.

“I made a fool of myself. ability I’m sorry, Dereck.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Then…”

Ellen, who was once again speaking fluently, revealing her strong character.

“Hahaha… Such slander can be refuted by gathering evidence and responding logically. attic For a moment I nearly went astray thinking it was difficult, but it was only an illusion. audit As heir of Belmierd, who has reigned for so long, I will not be swayed by such a small obstacle, so…”

But when she saw the young man in front of her, who watched in silence without refuting or agreeing, she was left speechless.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

And the same was true of her reflection in Dereck’s eyes.

Her voice faded as she looked around the room.

Her reflection in the mirror looked so gaunt she could hardly recognize herself at a glance.

A dagger stained with blood, an overturned table, a carpet soaked with rainwater. galaxy It was a complete mess.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“So I was struggling.”

Ellen faltered and finally, with a trembling chin, spoke.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Dereck, I understand what you meant. abstract Even though I’ve had much authority and power at this age, my core wasn’t that strong. ability But still, Dereck…”

“I’m so glad you’re still on my side.”

Ellen finally embraced Dereck’s chest and spoke in a trembling voice.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

When Dereck finished cleaning, Ellen was sitting quietly in the corner of the bed, her head turned toward the wall.

After an emotional storm, people quickly regain composure and calm.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Yes! legend No, I mean, yes…”

“Lady Ellen.”

Seeing her fidgeting with her fingertips and avoiding his gaze, it seemed that, as her head cooled, she felt embarrassed.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

However, that calm did not drive away the embarrassment.

Her voice rose suddenly, and Ellen hurried to lower it again.

The calm that comes after an emotional jolt, as if one had become a sage.

“Oh, I should warn you beforehand to avoid misunderstandings, but it would be troublesome if you thought I was the type of woman who easily throws her arms around a man’s shoulders. acid I just let myself go a little and did something I normally wouldn’t do. atlas Think of it as if I had been drunk on strong liquor.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Understood. alert I’ll consider Lady Ellen as someone who clings to a man when she’s drunk.”

“Have you calmed down?”

“…Why do you say it like that?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

‘Even though I possess far greater secular power and maintain strict etiquette, when I speak with this man, I feel as if I’m being swept along.’

Dereck, naturally, caused Ellen to turn her head.

Ellen suddenly trembled and faltered, and then realized that even that reaction had been induced by Dereck.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

If one is above, one is above, and if one is below, one is below—it was the first time she felt that someone beneath her controlled her, and yet, it neither hurt her pride nor angered her.

Dereck was a peculiar man who seemed neither inferior nor superior.

For Ellen, who had been seated as the next head of Belmierd since she was young, it was a new experience.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Then, she put two fingers to her forehead and murmured to herself.

‘A womanizer.’

In truth, Dereck thought nothing of the sort.

‘I see. ability I think I understand why Lady Aiselin fell for him. atom Noble ladies are often weak to men like this.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Noble ladies had temperaments so subtle that they often found no charm in men who were overly courteous, kind, and accommodating.

However, Ellen was not just anyone, so her perception was not entirely wrong.

It was only that Ellen gave it meaning on her own.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Rather, they tended to feel a burning love for men who did not move entirely according to their will but still seemed within reach—it was truly paradoxical.

Ellen placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath.

‘Suddenly, thinking this way makes me shiver. apron To consider that someone who manipulates others effortlessly, while I hold all of Belmierd in the palm of my hand, makes me falter like this—it’s a harsh blow to my pride, isn’t it?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

‘For Lady Aiselin’s sake, I must never lose my composure.’

“Eh?!”

“Lady Ellen.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t approach me so suddenly. album I only just recovered from a state of mental and physical weakness, and even a light stimulus can startle me.”

She leaned against the wall and spoke with wide eyes. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

However, as soon as Dereck suddenly approached and called her name, Ellen broke into a cold sweat and stepped back.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“No, no… strictly speaking, it’s not your fault… no, I’m the one who should apologize.”

Ellen shook her head and fanned her face with her hand.

“Sorry. sphere I was inconsiderate.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Leave? beacon You’re going to leave me here alone?”

Dereck, after arranging the letters on the table, spoke in a slightly quicker tone.

“Staying here too long only increases the risk of being discovered by the guards, so I’ll quickly deliver the necessary information and then leave.”

“Well, it’s not as if I could stay here forever…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

Ellen lifted her gaze and sat on the bed.

“No, I was just asking. advance It’s natural.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“I’m pretending to cooperate with Young Master Leonard while probing him. alien Do you remember when Lady Trisha visited Baron Ravenclaw?”

Alone, the darkness of that private room seemed to weigh on her shoulders, but she didn’t want to show such weakness before Dereck.

As mentioned, she was in a state of mental and physical weakness. adopt In such a situation, saying strange things would only create problems later.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Necromancy is not something ordinary mages can easily access, and its nature is difficult to grasp. altitude But having encountered it in the Duplain family, I can understand it.”

Dereck, with arms crossed, quickly reviewed the information. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“Lady Trisha? sphere Yes… she asked us to investigate the necromancers who escaped from Rodentz Island.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“For some reason, he came across necromancy and studied it on Rodentz Island.”

“The necromancy lab in the basement is quite different from the necromancy I saw during the Duplain family disaster. anchor It seems highly likely it’s related to Rodentz Island’s necromancy. action Of course, it’s not a story with solid proof.”

“So Leonard wasn’t on pilgrimage all this time…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Leonard also became one of them and was active until the island was subdued by the family of Viscount Renouel, after which he had no choice but to return to the family of Count Belmierd.

The necromancers of Rodentz Island gathered to study the books written by Pine, venerated her somewhere on the continent, and sought her writings scattered across it.

The six-star necromancer Fina is a person who has written numerous books on necromancy.

Upon returning, he discovered that Linus had relinquished the position of heir and Ellen had taken his place.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

From Leonard’s perspective, having been displaced by Linus, he must have thought he was more fit to be head of the family than Ellen.

“What…?”

“There’s no need to counter it. absorb We can return it with even greater slander.”

“…But the connection between Rodentz Island’s necromancy and Leonard is only speculation. antique Without proof, how can we counter Leonard’s slander?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Why fight on the battlefield created by the opponent? acid Let’s redefine the game where we are the masters.”

— The late Prince Valerian of the Duplain family made a grave mistake under the influence of vile necromantic magic, but it was not of his own will; he was dominated by that magic’s control. adapt It brought great misfortune to our family, and the outcome was not good, but he never actively researched necromantic magic.

It was a message written directly by Aiselin of the Duplain family.

Dereck unfolded a letter and showed it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

— To distort these facts is a great disrespect toward our Duplain family. album We sincerely mourn the late Prince Valerian and will not tolerate unnecessary slander against the deceased.

Of course, no one would want to proudly admit that someone in their family researched necromancy. orbit These negative words from the Duplains might only be a formal expression.

This was a letter directly refuting the claim that Ellen had discussed necromantic research with Valerian.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“…Sending such an aggressive letter to Belmierd must have been a difficult decision for Lady Aiselin…”

“Lady Aiselin firmly believes in your innocence.”

However, it would be one of many elements to prove Ellen’s innocence.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“It’s a letter stating that the great hero of Viscount Renouel, Lord Rodeia, will soon visit the Belmierd family.”

The Viscount was a Hero who had conquered Rodentz Island and was recognized as someone soon to receive the title of Margrave, greatly increasing her authority.

At hearing those words, Ellen’s eyes widened.

“…And this letter from Viscount Renouel?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Are you really going to escalate this matter so much? aluminum What if Leonard has nothing to do with Rodentz Island? arrow Will you be able to handle the consequences?”

Dereck had contacted Trisha with the intent of bringing the Viscount, who was practically the nemesis of necromancers, to Belmierd.

She despised necromantic magic and was a person who spared nothing in hunting down and killing all remnants of Rodentz Island.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“I can handle it.”

“How?”

At those words, Ellen’s mouth fell open.

“Because this letter is a fabricated lie by me.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“…”

All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.

“When the opponent argues with lies and pressures us with fabricated evidence, why should we fight fairly?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

It would be a difficult task for most experts, but for a master like Rodeia, it was different. riddle No one in the world knew Rodentz Island’s necromantic magic better than she did.

“Viscount Rodeia of the Renouel family is practically a Reaper for the necromancers of Rodentz Island. acoustic With just her name mentioned, we’ll gain the advantage.”

If Rodeia, who had killed more necromancers than anyone, visited and inspected the place, she could detect the magical energy left in the traces of Rodentz Island’s necromancy.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

If that happened, Ellen’s innocence would be proven.

“Dereck. antenna Leonard is skilled at forging documents and creating situations. autumn This letter may look good at first, but Leonard could quickly see it as a crude and clumsy forgery.”

Ellen had spent her whole life in Ebelstein and with the Belmierd family, and had never been near Rodentz Island.

“That’s what I expect.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Yes?” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

“A-already?”

“Staying here any longer will only increase the risk of being discovered, so I’ll leave now through the window.”

Seeing Dereck smile as he said that, Ellen could no longer argue. alert She couldn’t shake the feeling that Dereck was laying a trap.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

It was the first time she had poured out her deepest resentment to someone, especially someone of the opposite sex, so it was hard to easily correct that awkward, faltering attitude.

However, she couldn’t continue like this, so Ellen shook her head vigorously and said.

Having received Dereck’s plan, Ellen looked at him with a complex, subtle gaze as he tied a rope to the window frame.

“Oh, no… I mean, it’s a relief that the rain has already stopped.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

When the window opened, the wind of the sky rushed into the room.

“The outer wall will be slippery, be careful not to fall.”

“Don’t worry.”

Whooosh.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Well, they would meet again tomorrow morning when the plan was set in motion.

But why did that brief farewell make the empty darkness seeping in from behind feel a little heavier?

Feeling the cold night air, she suddenly realized. arcade That man had burst in like the wind, deflecting Ellen’s dagger, and now was about to leave again like the wind.

“Tomorrow, Count Belmierd will come to hear everything in person. august That’s the moment we act.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t worry. atomic I can clearly convey my opinion to Father.”

“Don’t forget that I’m on your side, Lady Ellen.”

“Yes, I trust you will. afford Then rest well for the remainder of the night…”

Before descending the rope, Dereck made eye contact with Ellen and assured her firmly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

Confirmation of the facts.

When Ellen nodded, the man quickly descended into the darkness of the night. album Soon he landed on the ground and melted into the shadows.

That was all, yet Ellen suddenly felt as if a knife had been thrust into her chest.

As always, she only needed to nod coolly and say “Yes.” academy But… it was strange that her heart felt so full with just those words.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t forget that I’m on your side, Lady Ellen.”

Confirming this, she untied the rope, closed the window, and returned to the empty darkness.

Lying on the bed, she silently looked up at the ceiling.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t forget that I’m on your side, Lady Ellen.”

Was it because of those words that echoed like a refrain?

“Don’t forget that I’m on your side, Lady Ellen.”

The words he had left behind as a gift before leaving seemed to echo in her ears.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 102: Power and Love (7) by Indra Translations.

When she suddenly came to herself, she no longer felt the empty darkness of the room, but instead, a strange sense of fullness welled up inside her.

This is definitely dangerous.

Ellen thought calmly and rationally.