Chapter 123: Characters (4)

After checking on Aiselin’s condition in the reception hall, they assured the young ladies of the Rose Hall that everything would be fine.

Ellen and Denise were no exception.

All of them felt relieved after confirming that it was only a temporary condition and that there would be no serious aftereffects.

The commotion caused by Aiselin’s collapse from overwork had finally subsided, and the young noblewomen who had come from various regions to visit her were about to depart.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Thank you for your concern, Lady Ellen.”

Ellen looked at Aiselin with a faintly displeased expression, but soon boarded her carriage; she seemed to be quite busy with her family’s affairs.

“Don’t forget that Belmierd has always been favorable toward the Ravenclaw Barony. apron If any problems arise in the future, send a letter at any time.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

The carriage was enormous, and the number of servants accompanying her was also unusual. antique After all, she was the person destined to become the lady of Belmierd.

‘It’s about time I leave as well; staying any longer would be strange. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com ’

For her part, Denise woke up around noon and strolled quietly through the barony’s garden, lost in thought.

Thus, Ellen departed from the Ravenclaw Barony early the next morning.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Above all, Dereck knew perfectly well that there was a possibility Denise might betray him.

She hadn’t slept well due to the many things running through her mind.

That meant that, whatever she did, she was probably already part of Dereck’s calculations.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Dereck’s apparent composure only made her thoughts grow more tangled.

However, the idea of openly betraying Dereck was also unbearable.

As a member of the Beltus family, she could never betray her house.

‘…Even if I betray you, it doesn’t matter… What did you mean by that, Dereck…?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

If she left the barony and returned to the Beltus residence, the Grand Duke would summon her immediately to question her about the situation.

The fact that he seemed to have read her inner conflict only made her doubt even more.

Denise let out a deep sigh and ran a hand over her face.

And she had much to report.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

‘If only Dereck would lower his head and submit to the will of the Beltus family, my mind would be at ease… But he’s not that kind of man…’

That newly established rural barony had too many weaknesses that the Beltus family could exploit.

In the end, Beltus’s influence would be the strongest.

Even if the Belmierd family tried to protect the Ravenclaw Barony, that territory was practically a direct neighbor, sharing a border with the Beltus lands.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

The Grand Duke of Beltus was a man who eliminated any threat to his power without hesitation.

Dereck was not someone who served his lord out of loyalty.

“It seems you have many things on your mind, Lady Denise.”

Therefore, a clash between the Beltus and Ravenclaw families seemed inevitable.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

When she looked up in surprise, she saw a young noblewoman delicately holding her skirt and curtsying.

As she sighed, a feminine voice interrupted her.

Although the quality of her dress did not suggest a particularly high rank, an indescribable elegance emanated from her.

Her hair, a shade between lavender and silver, radiated a mysterious aura.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

The girl with the enigmatic aura returned the smile warmly.

Denise, with the usual composure of a noble lady, responded with a gentle smile.

Watching her, Denise spoke politely.

“Oh, thank you for your concern.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“No, there’s nothing to forgive. alien I am not someone whom the lady of the Beltus family needs to remember. advance I am merely a girl from a small baronial family on the southeastern frontier. auction My name is Fina Raffaella Tigris.”

“I sincerely appreciate your consideration, but I fear my memory fails me and I do not recall the name of such a beautiful lady. portal Please forgive me.”

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

“I see, Lady Fina. matrix I’m sorry to have troubled you with my concerns upon our first meeting.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

On the contrary, getting too close to a lady of higher rank could be seen as opportunism—a blatant display of ambition.

Lower-ranking nobles often hesitated before addressing a lady from a powerful house like Beltus.

Of course, there were some who, dreaming of advancement, tried to form connections, but such relationships were usually one-sided; high-ranking nobles rarely regarded them as equals.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“As a low-ranking noble, I know I must be cautious when speaking to the lady of the Beltus family, but even so, I wished to address you, even if it may seem bold.”

However, Fina did not let herself be intimidated and continued speaking respectfully.

That class divide existed even among the nobility.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“I thank you for your kind words, Lady Denise. arena But our Tigris family has received great favor from Duke Beltus, and I wanted to express my gratitude.”

Fina smiled and drew from her chest a small box about the size of a fist.

“Don’t underestimate yourself so much. anchor Lady Fina, you also possess enough beauty and grace.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

It was wrapped in colorful paper and adorned with a ribbon and flowers, clearly prepared with care.

“Duke Beltus may not remember, but when my father, Baron Tigris, inherited his title, the Duke sent a congratulatory letter and a wreath of flowers.”

“Oh, right. airport I had completely forgotten.”

“F-Favor?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Fina smiled politely as she approached Denise.

“It’s understandable. matrix The Beltus family must have attendants in charge of such ceremonial duties. atlas With so many celebrations and condolences to handle, it would be impossible to remember every letter sent to the frontier baronial families.”

“But for a small family like ours, such a letter carries great meaning. action If Duke Beltus hadn’t sent it, it would have been difficult for my father to be officially recognized as the leader of our territory, given how complicated the internal situation was back then.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“No, as I mentioned, we received great help from Duke Beltus’s authority. adopt As his daughter, I couldn’t help but express my gratitude.”

“I see. matrix Baron Tigris must have gone through difficult times.”

In truth, the Beltus family had never sent such a congratulatory letter to the Tigris.

But, as Fina said, with the number of formalities noble houses handled, such a story could easily seem credible.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Fina was precisely one of those people.

After many years in noble society, one learns well how to identify the gaps in bureaucracy.

No one could remember the names of all the frontier nobles who had received courtesy letters.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“On the contrary, it would be a great honor if you did. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. matrix I hope His Excellency the Grand Duke Beltus will also appreciate our sincerity. alpha Please show him this gift.”

“This is a small gift from me. august It’s a ring with the most beautiful gems from the Tigris Barony, along with a tie ornament.”

“Is it all right for me to accept something like this?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

After all, as a member of the Beltus family, she was used to such situations.

***

As Fina handed over the box with a bright smile, Denise returned the gesture with the ceremonial smile typical of nobles.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“The Baroness of Ravenclaw… has arrived…”

Dereck, who was reorganizing the delayed schedules and preparing a response to the maneuvers of the Beltus family, thought he could finally relax a little.

When all the young noblewomen who had come to see Aiselin’s condition returned to their homes and a certain calm returned to the Ravenclaw Training Center,

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Among the young noblewomen at the center, countless rumors circulated.

Much was known about Dereck Lydorf, Baron of Ravenclaw.

However, with just that single report from Delbriton, the Ravenclaw Training Center was thrown into chaos again.

Who was the Baroness of Ravenclaw?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Handsome, efficient in his work, usually cold in demeanor but able to be kind when needed and assertive when required—a capable man.

Because of this, some of the young noblewomen at the center harbored quiet admiration for him. atlas His reputation was good, and his name well-known.

He personally led the faculty and often appeared in practical classes.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

In the dormitories, the speculation was already endless.

Even in front of the flowers of nobility, Dereck maintained an unapproachable attitude; what kind of person had been able to enchant him?

So then, who was the woman who had captured the heart of such a man?

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

They said she was a commoner, a fragile girl.

Often, when the girls gathered at night in frilled pajamas, sitting on their beds and chatting by lamplight, the subject of the imaginary Baroness of Ravenclaw always came up.

They wondered what her beauty was like, how much knowledge she possessed, or how noble her bearing might be.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“I heard about her from the servants. agent They say she’s elegant but brave, and she knows when to stay silent and when to act. athlete I’ve never seen her, but I admire her.”

Lady Rointel, a freckled and cheerful young woman, spoke with a dreamy expression while hugging a pillow.

“I heard she smells of freesia flowers, and her voice is so soft it caresses your ears when she speaks. ability They say that when you look into her eyes, it feels like warm sunlight, and that talking to her brightens your whole day.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Do you know the romance novel The Arrogant Lord Robain, written by an anonymous author?”

“Oh, Lady Sidmer knows it too! adjust They say the baroness resembles the heroine Tracy from that book—lively yet refined.”

“Really? legend I thought she was just a fictional character if that’s true, she might be the perfect match for Baron Ravenclaw.”

“Ah, yes! arch I saw a sample copy at the Largo Bookstore when I went to Ebelstein.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“We must also work hard and make our social debut as true ladies.”

“Well, without a doubt, if she managed to win over Baron Ravenclaw, she must be an exceptional woman…”

No matter the era, girls that age could never resist romantic tales of impossible love.

Lady Sidmer, always shy due to her slowness in learning magic, was glowing with excitement as she imagined a love story between a handsome man and a perfect lady.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Thus passed the night for the young ladies, amid whispers and laughter by the light of a single candle, sharing stories of forbidden love.

“Well… we shouldn’t compare them, but… so far, I haven’t seen anyone as admirable as Lady Aiselin…”

“Y-yes… But if we could see the Baroness of Ravenclaw in person… it would be so inspiring… I heard she’ll visit the barony this time, do you think we might be able to speak to her, even just once…?”

“Now that you mention it, I’m curious… Who do you think is nobler, Lady Aiselin or the Baroness of Ravenclaw?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

They dreamed of the elegant Baroness of Ravenclaw—and of the day when they themselves would become dazzling ladies.

“If you’re going to burp, at least cover yourself.”

“Ugh.”

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Delbriton, who had gone out to receive her, couldn’t help but break into a cold sweat when he saw her step down from the carriage.

Pheline, who had arrived at dawn, was covered in blood.

“Ugh… the hangover… I’m dying after that carriage ride since early morning… This place is so far from Ebelstein…”

Even the coachman wore a tense expression, as if fearing for his life upon seeing the bloodstained girl. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Listen, Dereck. amateur Last night I was drinking at Tears of Beldern… and some weird guys, no insignias, no affiliation, tried to attack me.”

“I only defended myself. atom If they suddenly throw magic at you in the middle of Tavern Street, they’d better be ready for a beating. apple Ugh… ugh…”

Her tight mercenary outfit exposed her abdomen and shoulders. advance Her arms and legs had a few scratches, but no serious wounds.

“Yes. canvas I can tell from the bloodstains on your clothes.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Even so, it was necessary to confirm whether they were still alive.

If Pheline had come out almost unscathed, there was no need to ask how her attackers had ended up.

“What happened to them?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“They attacked me first, so I didn’t have to hold back, right?”

“If they were lucky, they survived. harbor Poor Jayden… cleaning the tavern must have been hell…”

After saying that, Pheline took a big bite of the snacks Delbriton had brought.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

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

“But it was strange. acquire If they were just perverts, they wouldn’t have acted so coordinated or hidden their identities. voyage They were too clean to be other mercenaries. agent It was suspicious, so instead of returning to my lodging, I called the coachman and came straight here. canvas Hmm… this is delicious. adjust Is it expensive?”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“That’s why I told you to drink in moderation.”

The nearby servants moved nervously as they watched her make gestures of nausea.

“They say the fruits of this region are really good, and these grapes… wow, delicious. canvas But eating something this juicy all at once… my stomach… ugh…”

“I don’t know. wizard I got it from a local producer.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“No way. timber Do you think I’m going to waste free food? aluminum Even if I throw it up later, I’ll still put it in my mouth first… ugh…”

“If you feel sick, stop eating, idiot.”

If an accident occurred, they would be the ones to clean the floor and tablecloths. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Continuing to live as an ordinary mercenary was her own principle, so she didn’t care about appearing careless.

Officially, she held the title of Baroness of Ravenclaw, but Pheline despised the nobility so much that she rarely visited the barony.

“If I’d known, I would’ve left one alive to ask who sent them.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Depends on how tough they were. afford If you go easy on them, they think they won’t die and start gambling with their lives. acquire You have to face them with the intent to kill, and then they get scared. armor Isn’t that right?”

That was something Dereck often said back in his mercenary days.

“So you didn’t leave any?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“The Beltus family, huh? afford Even someone like me, who doesn’t care about noble nonsense, has heard that name. album Dereck, you’re wading into deep waters.”

In any case, he thought he should inform Pheline of the situation, so he explained how things were unfolding across the continent, as well as which faction might be behind the attack.

That’s why he couldn’t refute it; he just rested his chin on his hand with an indifferent expression.

“Unfortunately, I’m now the noble you despise so much.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“I know what you’re thinking. arena You think I don’t notice that you’re clinging to your title just to learn more magic.”

“Still… it’s unfair that I’m getting dragged into all this just because I lent my name as baroness.”

Dereck was different from the arrogant nobles obsessed with appearances, and that’s why Pheline didn’t mind that he had a title. apple She knew him far too well from the old days.

“I have no excuse. meadow I’m sorry.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Well, Dereck, the refined noble, apologizing to me. meadow It must be the end of the world.”

He acknowledged it sincerely, but Pheline just burst out laughing.

Dereck admitted it—Pheline was right. abstract She had been dragged into all this simply because she was associated with him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“It won’t be that simple. meadow If they failed this time, they might send more skilled people next.”

Pheline, somewhat recovered from her hangover, drank some cold water and let out a relieved sigh.

“So what? apron Beltus or whoever—they attacked me, so it was self-defense. anchor In other words, now I’ve got a legitimate reason to hit nobles.”

“In short, those damn degenerates who tried to attack me were hounds sent by some noble. acquire It felt good to give them what they deserved.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

The servants, who had been anxiously waiting in case she vomited, finally relaxed.

She meant it.

“If anyone dares touch me, I’ll cut off their hands.”

Dereck, seeing the wooden bucket Delbriton had prepared “just in case,” almost wanted to applaud his foresight.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Pheline might seem clumsy and careless, but when her mercenary instincts awakened, she didn’t hesitate for even a second.

“A justification, huh…?”

She was, perhaps, the one who most resembled Dereck among all the mercenaries of Beldern.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

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

***

Dereck looked at her with a complicated expression, somewhere between pity and concern.

In any case, he decided that, for the time being, he had to protect her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

The characteristic chirping of night insects filled the baron’s residence.

The night, when even the moon slept, was wrapped in darkness; though candles were lit, a gloomy atmosphere filled the reception hall.

“Yes, the mind games of nobles all come down to one thing in the end—justification.”

That night, Fina, who was showing Dereck some magical theories, smiled mischievously.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“In that sense, I like that girl. album Someone from the bottom of the pit, full of instinct and ferocity, who instinctively understands the importance of justification. aluminum From my point of view, she’s worth keeping close. atlas Good, good, very good.”

In that dim space, Fina, sitting cross-legged, laughed softly and licked the tip of her fingers after brushing her chin a couple of times.

“You were watching when I met Pheline?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“This master, who has lived as a noble for hundreds of years and gone through all kinds of nonsense, will personally teach you something.”

“Of course. harbor My cute disciple is in trouble because that brat of a duke decided to provoke him. legend How could a master like me sit idly by? ability In fact, I should take this chance to give you a grand lesson.”

She reclined on the sofa, placed her bare feet on the table, and began to speak without pause.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“…What do you have in mind?”

Then he narrowed his eyes and watched her suspiciously.

Dereck rose from his desk and sat across from her on the opposite sofa.

“I already told you. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. adjust If I put my mind to it, there’s nothing I can’t teach you. legend You have exceptional talent in magic, but your summoning magic is a bit clumsy compared to the rest, isn’t it? anxiety Let’s make a major breakthrough this time.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

Despite Dereck’s wary gaze, Fina didn’t seem concerned.

“Wow, I like that suspicious look. voyage Yes, you shouldn’t trust people so easily. alert But you should trust this master of yours completely. riddle Everything I do is for your sake.”

“Oh, look at those eyes. zenith What’s that supposed to be—for a master like me?”

“If you have some sort of plan, I’d prefer to know it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

In truth, she was acting for his sake; the problem was that her results were unpredictable.

“What…?”

“Do you know the fastest way to master summoning magic? august Fight against a summoner who has reached the high rank of five stars or more.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Why? matrix Are you scared because you don’t have a justification?”

When Dereck frowned, Fina laughed even louder.

“I don’t know anything about the Beltus family or their affairs, but since we have the opportunity, let’s go and beat them up. legend There’s no reason to sit trembling like a child waiting for them to come swinging.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t worry. absorb This magnificent master of yours is a specialist in creating justifications. arrow I need to create a situation where our adorable disciple can legally fight the Duke Beltus.”

“The Beltus family is one of the most powerful houses that has ruled the southwest of the continent for a long time. atomic You know that better than anyone, don’t you?”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

At those words, Dereck fell silent for a moment.

“Yes, exactly. meadow But there exists a justification that once made the mighty Duplain family tremble in an instant, doesn’t it?”

He could more or less guess what Fina was planning.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“…”

The only six-star necromancer on the continent, Fina Raphaela Tigris.

“And I, the one in front of you, am the source of all that necromancy.”

“Even the powerful who seemed to rule the heavens and devour the earth tremble and must prove their innocence when they’re linked to necromancy.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

“Send a letter to that novice Rodelia. shadow Tell her it seems the Beltus family has ties to necromancy.”

She crossed her legs naturally and, with her chin resting on her hand, dropped a bomb in a calm voice.

“If we accuse them falsely, it could backfire on us.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make it true. acoustic Our adorable disciple must handle the task, so I’ll at least do my part for it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 123: Characters (4) by Indra Translations.

And she seemed ready to prove it.

That girl was, in herself, like a living curse.