Chapter 121: Characters (2)

The fact that the precious daughters of Duplain and Belmierd were competing for the attention of a single man was a spectacle as troublesome as it was fascinating.

She was probably the only one aware of it, so whenever she met with Aiselin or Ellen, she deliberately mentioned Dereck.

“Dereck seems more reliable since he received his title.”

Denise, naturally perceptive, had noticed that both Ellen and Aiselin harbored personal feelings for Dereck.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“They say people change when their status changes, and it seems that saying isn’t just empty words.”

That was what she said to the newly arrived Ellen when she visited the barony of Ravenclaw under the pretext of checking on Aiselin’s health.

As a writer of romance novels, Denise couldn’t help but be even more interested in the love intrigues of high-ranking nobles; she thought that somehow, they could serve as inspiration.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Ellen, who was brushing her shining red hair, blushed slightly at Denise’s words and replied,

It wasn’t common to see the usually confident and proud Ellen behaving so shyly.

“Yes, you’re right.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Although it was decorated with as much luxury as possible, it was still modest compared to the halls of the three great families.

The place was the guest room of the Ravenclaw barony.

Enjoying the reaction, Denise narrowed her eyes and smiled mischievously. alpha To anyone who knew the situation, the love was obvious.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“Well, catching up with Dereck is important, but today we came to see how Lady Aiselin is doing. apron They said she collapsed from overwork, and many people in the salon were worried.”

Seeing the young ladies of Belmierd and Beltus seated in such a remote barony was something almost unreal.

In any case, since there was a connection through the Rose Hall, both had come to visit Aiselin.

The topic of Baron Ravenclaw would come later.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Denise merely watched from between them, exhaling softly through her nose with amusement.

“That’s right, Lady Ellen. atom The butler will come soon to report on her condition.”

Unlike Denise, who seemed quite relaxed, Ellen appeared strangely nervous about the imminent meeting with Aiselin. acoustic What else could be expected? acid They were rivals.

Shortly after Denise’s arrival, Ellen had also arrived.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

In the end, opinions were divided on who would win Dereck’s heart—Ellen or Aiselin.

There’s nothing more entertaining than witnessing a quarrel, and for girls their age, a romantic rivalry was irresistible—especially when they could see it up close.

Besides, for Denise, it was like watching a fire from across the river. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

The young ladies of Duplain and Belmierd fighting over the same man—there wasn’t a girl in the world who wouldn’t be interested in such a love story.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘…Although, now that I think about it, maybe not.’

No matter how much of an heiress Ellen was, could she compare to Aiselin, who was like a noble lily? anchor She thought so, even without realizing it.

But Denise leaned more toward Aiselin.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

They say love changes a woman.

Reading cheap romance novels at the Ebelstein bookstore and listening to the excited conversations of young noblewomen at the salon wasn’t enough to understand how love could transform a person.

Even this Ellen, who always seemed more like a monarch than a girl, would blush and act shyly when speaking of Dereck—if love was truly difficult and complex.

Denise, who spent her days writing romance novels, had never truly felt the mysterious nature of love. riddle Naturally—she had never experienced it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Even so, she had thought about it a lot, and her view of love had become distorted.

In short, Denise had learned about love only through books.

She believed that love meant waiting for a prince on a white horse to come, take the princess into his arms, and whisper sweet words—it was almost childish that she wrote novels based on that idea.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Lady Ellen’s love is sincere, but who knows how it will work in a relationship between a man and a woman. alert They say whoever falls in love first loses. attic So, whether it’s Lady Ellen or Lady Aiselin, both will end up losing to Dereck!’

That was Denise’s reality—she could only repeat clichés.

But unfortunately, she considered herself an expert on the subject just because of that.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘I’m very curious to see how Dereck will react. album Very.’

She was thinking that with a satisfied smile when—

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Remembering it sent a chill down her spine.

— Create a reason to control that man. echo Meet with him often, stay close, and find his weaknesses.

It was the message of Grand Duke Beltus.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

The bright atmosphere of the reception room turned as cold as winter.

It was as if she had been dragged from a garden full of flowers into a frozen reality while talking about love.

Yes, Denise had come as a member of the Beltus family, with the mission to strike Dereck from behind and take advantage of his weaknesses to shut down the Ravenclaw training center.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

She couldn’t go against the will of the Beltus family, to whom she had devoted her life.

Denise could only exist as someone valuable because she was the favored lady of House Beltus.

Denise would betray Dereck. zenith That fact was already decided.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Speaking with Dereck in a friendly environment was only temporary.

“…”

Someday, Dereck would inevitably look at her with resentment, and the day of enmity would come.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Ellen, who sincerely wished to win Dereck’s heart, and Aiselin belonged to a completely different world from Denise. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

That fact was like a thorn lodged in the girl’s heart.

As long as Grand Duke Beltus’s policy remained firm in restraining and bringing down Dereck, she could never maintain a special relationship with him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Ellen, the powerful heiress of Belmierd, stood before her like a flower growing alone on a cliff.

They were the true forces driving their families, while Denise was nothing more than a pawn on the ducal chessboard.

Realizing that difference, Denise quietly lowered her gaze.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘The building looks luxurious, but it was built hastily, so its structure isn’t solid. anchor If a major natural disaster occurred, there could be problems.’

***

After a brief conversation with Ellen, she went out to the garden to get some fresh air.

Denise usually strolled through the mansion with a carefree mind, but when she began to think seriously, her eyes would sharpen.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘There’s a mountain behind the baron’s mansion. galaxy If an artificial landslide were triggered or the water flow altered, it could cause significant damage during heavy rain.’

She was someone who tended to tire easily because of her quick thinking, but thanks to the physical training Dereck had given her for a long time, she no longer became exhausted so easily.

Just by walking a few times through the Ravenclaw mansion, Denise could identify the weaknesses of the territory at a single glance.

Denise crossed the garden with the appearance of an elegant lady, her dress trailing behind her. artist Her silver hair fluttered in the wind, and the scent of flowers clung to her clothes.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

The young noble ladies of the Ravenclaw training center were astonished to see the lady of House Beltus walking through the garden.

‘From the perspective of the Beltus family, maintaining control wouldn’t be difficult. anchor However, such pressure would require political justification, and since Dereck is under Lord Melverot’s protection, it would be dangerous to impose such measures openly. arch Using obvious tricks wouldn’t be wise.’

‘Being next to Beltus territory could be a great advantage. auction If we impose heavy tariffs and tolls only on the border trade routes, it will surely affect the supply of goods to the Ravenclaw barony.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Rumors were already spreading among the students that the true figures of power from the Rose Salon occasionally appeared at the training center.

They didn’t dare address Denise; they only watched her from afar, whispering and blushing.

In the noble society of Ebelstein, it was difficult even to speak with someone of such high rank; they could only see her from afar thanks to being enrolled at the center.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘There’s still a lack of personnel for the size of the territory, and almost no preparation against monster attacks. avalanche The poor security management means it would be easy to cause incidents if we acted from the shadows.’

‘The lack of security in a place where young ladies from noble families gather is a fatal flaw. voyage If the Beltus family were to hire a few people to cause disturbing incidents, the heads of the families who sent their daughters here would grow uneasy.’

Used to such gazes, Denise continued to observe the baron’s mansion in silence, showing no concern.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Just a few glances were enough for all kinds of intrigues and strategies to come to Denise’s mind.

‘That would contribute to the deterioration of the reputation of the Ravenclaw Training Center. voyage It seems like a realistic plan.’

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Even the way she handled magic had become much more skillful than before, reaching almost the level of a high-ranking mage when it came to detection magic.

With her head lowered, she extended her hand in front of her and opened and closed it a few times.

But suddenly, feeling a wave of emptiness, Denise let out a long sigh and sat down on a nearby bench.

Magic gathered in her palm, then dispersed and vanished.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

If she had to attribute that progress to someone, she couldn’t deny it—the foundations Dereck had taught her remained within her and still exerted their influence.

‘…’

Tracing back the origin of Denise’s magic, much of it came from what Dereck had awakened inside her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

In the cold aristocratic society, anyone who allowed themselves to be swayed by human emotions was eliminated instantly.

To repay kindness with betrayal.

Though it seemed cruel, there was no other choice. timber Denise clenched her teeth at the thought.

Even if one formed bonds and received kindness, there were times when it was necessary to tear them apart and move on.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Even so, thinking of Dereck—and his occasionally calm face—made her heart waver and her mind tangle.

Denise was still gritting her teeth when it happened.

That was the only way to survive in that merciless world.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

It seemed he had been practicing behind the garden.

Startled, she looked up and saw Dereck shaking magical residue off his hands.

“It seems you have a lot on your mind.”

“Eek!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“It’s not observation. galaxy We’ve known each other for a long time; it’s not strange to notice when something isn’t right.”

“Your expression has been tense since I arrived this morning. abstract Is something happening at home?”

Denise stammered, unsure what to say. athlete But Dereck, unbothered, sat beside her on the bench and spoke in a calm voice.

“Oh, no… it’s not that. arctic You even notice my expressions. august You’re very observant, Dereck.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“Well, there’s no need to worry so much. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. alert Everyone has worries. artist I also have some that I can’t share with anyone.”

Dereck said in a calm tone, leaning back on the bench.

“I see. echo You’re right about that.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Only then did Denise realize her appearance was a bit disheveled and held her breath.

“In truth, I’m the same. auction My goal was to become a high-ranking mage by training without rest, but lately, unexpected worries have piled up.”

Then he reached out, removed a few leaves that had gotten caught at Denise’s waist, and threw them into the flowerbed.

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“You have worries too, Dereck?”

To find the weaknesses of that seemingly perfect man—

If Dereck revealed his concerns directly, it would be very useful to her.

That was the order Denise had received from Grand Duke Beltus.

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“To become a higher-level mage, I needed a title and land, so I somehow obtained them. altitude But before I knew it, I already had vassals, servants, and people who trusted and depended on me.”

Dereck rested his staff to one side and spoke calmly, passing a hand over his knee.

“When Lady Aiselin collapsed from overwork, I learned a lot. ability This barony, this title—they didn’t mean anything to me at first.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

The Dereck she knew was usually quiet and reserved, never uttering unnecessary words.

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

Dereck was speaking more than usual.

Denise watched him with curiosity.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Even so, everything he said now had a clear purpose.

“Yes. aluminum Dereck, you’ve truly become a noble.”

“When things reach that point, isn’t it natural not to sit idly by?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“Hmm?”

When Aiselin collapsed from exhaustion, Dereck realized something—nothing in this world is guaranteed.

“Well, I still have much to learn, but I did understand one thing—when you have the chance to do something, you have to do it right.”

Dereck was looking at Denise with a deep seriousness.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Having lived as a mercenary in a merciless society, it was natural that there had been something lacking. orbit Dereck had realized that.

We must pay attention even to the smallest changes.

One must never take for granted those who show kindness, who sacrifice themselves, or who help.

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Only then did Denise understand the intention behind his words.

His sharp eyes had clearly noticed her unease, and once Dereck detected something like that, he never ignored it.

Having taken Aiselin’s dedication for granted until she collapsed had been the trigger.

Dereck wasn’t a man without faults, but he never made the same mistake twice.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

That man knew how to show interest without being emotionally burdensome.

In short, Dereck was telling her, in his own way, that if there was something troubling her, she could talk about it.

His voice was as dry as ever, but understanding the concern hidden behind it made it strangely uncomfortable.

‘Ugh…’ This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Even as she admired him, Denise again felt a weight in her chest.

It was no wonder that both Ellen and Aiselin were drawn to him.

Trying to dodge the topic wouldn’t work with Dereck, so she had no choice but to change the subject.

Because, deep down, the reason for her distress was precisely that man—and she couldn’t confess it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“Well, there’s not much to look forward to. galaxy But the ending I wrote is a little different from what I originally thought… I wonder if it’s all right that way. shadow That’s why you saw me looking so pensive.”

“Ah, really? legend I’m looking forward to it.”

“I see. apron If it’s that kind of concern, there’s not much I can do.”

“Well, it’s nothing serious. shadow Lately I’ve been about to finish The Arrogant Lord Robain.”

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As they sat side by side under the warm late autumn sunlight, she felt a strange sense of calm. absorb That man called Dereck was bothersome and troublesome, yet by his side she always felt at peace.

Denise let out a small laugh and also leaned back on the bench.

“That’s why I told you it was nothing.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“Exactly. arena It’s not something worth tormenting yourself over. harbor Why? crystal Are you afraid I’ll faint like Lady Aiselin? arch Hahaha.”

“Well, as you said, everyone lives with some worries.”

“If your worries show so clearly on your face, you should reflect on that. aspect Even if your heart is full of anxiety, you must maintain the appearance of a dignified flower.”

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But she was a fox with her tail hidden beneath her frilled dress—lazy by nature, though when she used her mind, even the most experienced hunters gave up trying to catch her.

Denise said this laughing lightly. antenna Her expression seemed innocent, but at the same time carried a mischievous nuance, making her a girl of a thousand faces.

She wasn’t inherently noble like Aiselin, nor was she born with Ellen’s natural authority.

“Well, Lady Aiselin will soon finish getting ready and come out to the reception room. alert If you want to talk to her, you should go now.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, thank you very much. attic Since I’ve come all this way, I should speak with Lady Aiselin as well. airport Dereck, are you busy with your training?”

“I have some free time today, but there are still pending matters. canvas Sorry for not being able to properly attend to you.”

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“Attend to me? sphere This is already more than enough.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

After exchanging a few formal words, Dereck stood up.

Though she couldn’t tell him that he himself was the cause of her worries, confirming that Dereck trusted her gave her a strange sense of satisfaction.

Thus, Denise smiled, pleased to have handled the situation perfectly.

In any case, the fact that he worried about her was something she appreciated, so Denise felt a little relieved.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck picked up the staff he had left by the bench, adjusted his cloak, and spoke as if making a casual remark.

“Ah, Lady Denise. beacon Now that I remember, I should tell you something.”

Just as Denise, with a relaxed expression, was about to ask what it was about, she heard—

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

She held back the sound that almost escaped reflexively, but she couldn’t immediately decide how to respond to those words that pierced straight through her.

“If it ever becomes necessary, you can hit me on the back of the head.”

At that instant, Denise’s breath stopped.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

However, he didn’t seem to give it any importance.

“I understand your situation.”

She stood up abruptly, eyes wide open, staring at Dereck.

Before Denise could utter a word, Dereck was already putting away his things and leaving the garden. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

‘It seems the Beltus side will start watching us. galaxy It was about time.’

***

She could only watch, eyes still wide, as he slung the leather bag over his shoulder and headed toward the training center.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

On the path of power, there are always those who try to bring you down.

‘I don’t know what method they’ll use, but right now there are too many gaps in the residence. voyage We need more personnel, and it’s far too difficult to fight a battle of wills against someone like the Grand Duke alone.’

Although Melverot, from the Rochester territory, protected him, the physical distance was immense.

Dereck, with the leather bag over his shoulder and his staff strapped horizontally to his waist, walked steadily toward the main building.

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But who could stand against the head of the Beltus family, one of the most prestigious in the southwest?

Unless the enemy acted openly, it would be impossible to defend against all his schemes. meadow Before the psychological warfare intensified, it was necessary to secure the support of an influential figure in the southwest with authority comparable to that of Grand Duke Beltus.

He lived in the snowy lands at the far north of the continent.

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“Good morning.”

Creak.

It was hard to name anyone like that—but luckily, there was one person within Dereck’s reach.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

The red-haired young lady, who had been reading a book alone, immediately turned her head.

The unexpected visit from Dereck wasn’t good for her heart.

Seeing the man suddenly appear startled her, and she hurried to fix her disheveled appearance from resting.

Dereck opened the door to the guest room and entered.

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“D-Dereck?”

Some might consider it arrogant, but Dereck was quite sure.

“It’s been a while, Lady Ellen.”

The only power in the southwest of the continent capable of challenging Beltus’s authority was the Belmierd family.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 121: Characters (2) by Indra Translations.

Belmierd would side with the Ravenclaw barony.