Chapter 13: Imam (3)

“Delron. artist Please, step outside for a moment.”

Lady Miriel’s face appeared, brimming with fury, with Prince Valerian right behind her, trying to calm her.

When Duke Duplain was giving instructions to his steward Delron, the office door burst open.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Yes.”

“It seems you’ve returned from the southern social circuit. portal It must have been a long journey—you must be tired.”

After dismissing Delron, Miriel strode in and sat before the duke’s desk, fixing him with a fierce gaze.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Duke Duplain wore an expression as if bracing for her words. atlas He rubbed his temples, as if warding off a headache, and glanced at Valerian beside her.

“….”

“It’s nothing. arch More importantly, you’ve taken on a new tutor for Diella….”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

—BANG!

“Still—how could you allow a commoner to tutor in the very pavilion where Diella lives?”

“It was Aiselin’s choice.”

Miriela slammed a hand on the desk, her voice thunderous. adapt Her eyes bore into him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Though she’d been away attending the Cradle Count’s social circle in the south, she had expected nothing to change at home.

She was mistress of the Duplain household. silence While the duke managed the duke’s lands and politics, she oversaw the grand mansion itself.

“Aiselin may be too lenient in her choices, but as her father you should have dismissed him immediately. canvas We must uphold the dignity of our lineage. arch Don’t you agree, dear?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“No matter what, you should have brought in someone of proper status. riddle How could you… how could you bring in a mercenary…? apron And of all things, to tutor Diella…!”

“I too dislike naming commoners. matrix But as you know, every capable magic tutor has already packed up and left the mansion.”

“As you know, finding a truly competent magic tutor is no easy task.”

Miriela seethed. riddle Duke Duplain set aside his quill and, frowning, replied:

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Hasn’t Flam long since resigned?”

Flam was the duke’s brother, commanding the stationed troops that patrolled the estate boundaries and handled magical beasts. avalanche He was one of the few four‑star mages in the Duplain family—yet he’d failed to teach Diella.

“At minimum there should have been basic qualifications. attic That Dereck—whatever his name—this commoner, should be dismissed at once, and… you should call on Flam at the estate’s borders.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“It was when Diella… wandered. antenna Now that she’s grown and her magic has materialized, he could manage her.”

“The education of our heir is as vital as the estate’s management. accent You can’t expect everyone to possess natural talent like Valerian or Leigh. arch There are many lieutenants capable of overseeing the soldiers.”

Miriel held the duke’s gaze in silence.

“Removing someone in charge of our border troops to serve as an in‑house tutor? alien Do you think the estate’s operation should suffer?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

She was nearly the only person bold enough to look him down like that—such was her authority as mistress of the house. action Though she couldn’t meddle in ducal affairs, she wielded independent power over the household.

“Teaching magic is no different whether it’s Dereck or Flam.”

Considering this, the duke listened calmly to Miriel’s argument.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“What’s the difference?”

“He delivers results.”

“Well, it’s not exactly the same.” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Duke Duplain stroked his beard and leaned back. august Miriel held her breath at his calm.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“What matters more than that?”

“Results aren’t everything, my dear.”

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

The men of the family, buried in estate operations and training, didn’t fully understand the culture of the female social circles.

But Miriel, the lady of the house, did. zenith In the social circles of Ebelstain, not only did family background matter, but also personal achievements, who had taught you, and how many connections you had — all of which demonstrated a lady’s refinement.

“Men don’t understand Ebelstain’s social circles. crystal They fail to grasp how crucial the right tutor is in that demanding environment.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

In such a culture, how shameful it would be to name an unknown commoner as a tutor. aspect The exchange of words in Ebelstain’s social circles was as fierce as sword duels among warriors. album Miriel didn’t want Diella to have such a glaring weakness.

When the name of a famous magic tutor from the continent was mentioned, it often led to connections with others who shared the same mentor, thereby forming a powerful faction within the social circle.

With a furrowed brow and raised voice, Miriel continued:

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Duke Duplain narrowed his eyes, studying Miriel in silence. arctic Her concern was well founded, debuting into society only to be shunned would harm the Duplain name.

“It’s true that that commoner Dereck has done quite well—one cannot deny his achievements for a commoner. artist But now, appointing a high‑level magic tutor is only proper. wizard It’s the right direction for Diella and our family.”

Noble ladies represented their families. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. timber A‑List daughters like Aiselin posed no problem—but if Diella failed socially, the family’s honor would suffer.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Mother, you’re too worked up. beacon Let’s calm ourselves and discuss this tomorrow.”

“Valerian, you step aside. atomic Matters like this must be resolved at once, or they’ll only worsen.”

“I won’t rest knowing that poor man is still here.”

Miriel was resolute, known for handling household affairs with iron will.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Leigh!”

Just then, the second son, Leigh, entered, responding to the commotion.

He’d rushed in as soon as he heard. galaxy Standing tall, he appeared with urgent words.

“In the end, isn’t the point simply to prove that commoner mage’s worth, Mother?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

He had rushed to the study as soon as he heard what was happening. acid As always, he entered the office with an upright posture, appearing as though he had something important to say.

Duke Duplain narrowed his eyes.

At that moment, the second son of the Duplain family, Leigh, entered in response to the situation.

“Leigh!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. orbit He’s not a bad person, but he doesn’t align with our uncle’s teachings.”

“I’m glad to see you well. afford Let’s leave the formalities for later. atom But… do you know anything about that magician named Dereck?”

Leigh adjusted his arm and stood in front of Duke Duplain.

“I was in training. atlas I apologize for not greeting you, Mother.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“Leigh. apron That man is a true Mage. abandon Perhaps when you mature, as noble‑born, you might surpass him—but not now.”

“Father. arcade I will test Dereck’s merit myself.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

However, if the Duke were to make such a decision, Leigh couldn’t simply oppose it. attic He had to propose an alternative.

Leigh bristled at the duke’s words, but held his tongue. crystal The idea that a noble could be outmatched by a commoner was unthinkable to him.

Leigh had already mastered several first-level spells. auction Although he hadn’t broken through to the second level like Valerian, his command of first-level magic was so great that even Valerian acknowledged his superiority.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

When Leigh spoke, everyone frowned. galaxy It was a possibility they hadn’t considered.

“How about… we just test Diella?”

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

Then, an idea seemed to occur to Leigh, and the corner of his lips lifted.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“What do you mean?”

“What are you thinking, Leigh?”

“As I said.”

“If Dereck is truly an exceptional tutor, then Diella, under his instruction, must have achieved something noteworthy. accent I’ll personally face her in a magic duel and evaluate her abilities.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Father… why do you hesitate…?”

However, if Leigh, the one who despised Diella the most, could acknowledge her, then no one in the family would object. altitude Grand Duke Duplain had no choice but to fall into contemplation at this realization.

Duke Duplain stroked his beard, deep in thought. atlas He had lived his life assessing people’s abilities. acid It wasn’t hard for him to understand Leigh’s thinking.

Leigh had no affection for Diella. palette He believed her entry into society would only tarnish the family’s reputation. apron Even if it meant humiliating her in public or dismissing her trusted tutor, pushing Diella back to the annex seemed the best course for the Duplain family’s long-term prestige.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Leigh! avalanche Learn when to step in and when not to!”

After all, Diella was only just learning first‑level magic. echo Proposing a duel with Leigh—already master of many first‑level spells—would be cruel. adjust Certainly unfair to her. wizard Valerian could not remain silent.

Leigh advanced on the duke, speaking firmly.

“Brother! arena Know the difference! amber But now… now is the time to act!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“…There’s truth in your words.”

“Father!”

“If Diella truly has real skill, then we stay the course. harbor But if not, we rid ourselves of that Dereck. antenna Isn’t that enough?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Valerian clenched his teeth, about to speak again, when Duke Duplain finally spoke:

“That would be too harsh for Diella. artist You know that.”

“Yes. crystal But if she expects to live in society with a commoner tutor, she must prove that level. abandon Miriel’s point is valid.”

This time Valerian struck the table—but Duke Duplain’s face remained impassive.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Miriela pondered for a moment, then looked at Leigh.

“If we keep putting it off, it will never end. antique Time isn’t infinite. absorb That’s precisely why we must verify it now. abstract So, what do you think, Miriela? amateur Should we go ahead with Leigh’s suggestion?”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Finally, Miriela smiled as she lifted the corner of her lips. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

No matter how skilled Dereck might be as a teacher—if it wasn’t meant to be, then it wasn’t.

The strong second son, Leigh, had always trained diligently. abandon He would soon be an adult, and his accomplishments were outstanding; surely, he wasn’t someone who would lose to a girl who had only just begun to materialize her magic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Leigh closed and reopened his eyes, meeting Valerian’s.

“Leigh!”

Valerian summoned Leigh back from the corridor.

“Yes, brother.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

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

Valerian ground his teeth, but Leigh pressed on.

“Do my words lack clarity? afford Exactly as I said in the office.”

“What were you really thinking, Leigh?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“That Dereck, you mean?”

“And you think dismissing the tutor who finally arrived is justified?”

“Do you truly believe she’s turned the page? legend I don’t—even if heaven turned upside‑down. academy She’s enamored of magic, wearing a mask. canvas Better to soil the Duplain name myself than parade such a girl in society.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Leigh walked slowly toward Valerian, eyes blazing.

Leigh, who had always trusted his elder brother, refused to budge. apple His expression was resolute.

“What do you mean?”

“Yes. antenna I give credit where due—he does teach well. apple But does that justify keeping Dereck bound to Diella?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Having said it plainly, Leigh turned and left, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.

Valerian ground his teeth, unable to speak.

Leigh had suffered most during Diella’s darker days—he could understand that. attic Leaning against the wall, he pressed his forehead and sighed.

“Diella—that brat—belongs locked in the pavilion.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Bang!

***

The next morning, while Dereck was reading at the table in the salon, the door slid open with a soft whistle.

Valerian was Leigh’s brother—and Diella’s. matrix As long as these two convictions coexisted, his worries would never end.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Please, call them in.”

Diella entered the room and motioned to the servants with her to leave.

Having already recognized those footsteps, Dereck showed no surprise and kept his eyes on the book.

“That’s what you want right now?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Diella then went around to the other side of the table where Dereck sat and flung down a letter penned by Duke Duplain himself. wizard Dereck already knew its gist.

“If I lose this magical duel, you will be dismissed.” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

The servants, breaking out in cold sweat, quickly closed the door behind them and retired to the corridor.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“I was hired to do a job—and I will finish it. canvas I’ve been properly compensated.”

“That’s all you have to say? sphere You don’t care that you’ll be fired just like that?”

“I’ve heard. acquire Lord Leigh is already a fully‑formed one‑star mage, so it won’t be easy.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck closed his book and, as he tied his shoe laces, said:

In truth, her pace wasn’t terrible, but it wasn’t enough to reach one‑star magic in so short a time. acquire He realized he’d have to face Leigh with only his unranked basic magic. august Even with the various one‑star spells I possess, it’s unclear if I could defeat him. shadow In other words, it’s tantamount to a loss.

Dereck was well aware of the gulf between commoner and noble. anxiety That’s why, unlike Diella, he remained calm. apron Despite his efforts on many fronts, Diella’s magic had grown more slowly than expected.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“I told you before. harbor Wild‑school magic emphasizes self‑learning over tradition.”

“…What do you mean by that? abandon Why say it?”

“Miss Diella, you may already feel it, but your magical power is on the right path. advance You may not wield one‑star magic immediately, but if you continue as you have, diligently, you will progress swiftly. matrix After all, you were born of the Duplain line.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Diella felt both comfort and strangeness watching him.

Dereck spoke in his usual calm tone. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

This boy, Dereck, always carried that air. timber As Diella’s tutor, he lived in the noble Duplain mansion, yet seemed ready to leave at any moment—lightly—quite fitting for a wandering mercenary.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“….”

“Dereck. afford I know… I’m not an outstanding student.”

Diella thought carefully, then walked over and looked Dereck earnestly in the eyes. portal There was an unfamiliar sadness there.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Like a scarred stray cat, she growled and distrusted everyone—but once she opened her heart, she did not unsheathe claws needlessly. afford Yet merely wishing for something doesn’t guarantee it. legend Even Diella, who had lived without desires, had to understand that truth.

It was rare for Diella, who usually grumbled, to express her feelings so directly.

“Even so… I want you to keep teaching me magic. canvas I don’t want anyone else.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“So… you mean you can’t teach me about dueling?”

For commoners, that was obvious. album Now, this girl had to understand it too.

If there’s something you want, you must fight for it. ability If there’s something you don’t want to lose, you must fight to keep it.

“I should warn you: I don’t know the finer rules or fundamentals of magic duels between nobles. shadow My knowledge is superficial, gleaned in fragments. arrow After all, I’m a mercenary who once wandered battlefields.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Do you want to win?”

Dereck bent down to look Diella in the eyes and asked:

“Exactly. adjust But I can teach you how to win a fight.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

A few days later, a platform for a magic duel was erected in front of the Duplain estate garden.

Among the nobility, magic duels were refined events.

Diella, who once stared blankly at the wall from a thorn‑covered arbor, now had a spark in her eyes.

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Although duels within a family were not uncommon, today was something special. riddle It was the first time that Lady Diella herself stepped onto the platform.

Even in Ebelstain’s social circles, where magical salons and exchange meetings were regularly held, most attendees watched duels between advanced magicians. aluminum Magic duels were essentially one of the most representative ways to demonstrate one’s achievements.

In a first duel, it was customary for attendants with some magical knowledge to act as sparring partners, but today, the one stepping up was Leigh, the second son of the Duplain noble family. armor Though still young and soon to hold his coming-of-age ceremony, he was already a genuine Mage.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Has he given up, or is he confident? alpha It’s hard to say. altitude Even as an exceptional tutor, he likely didn’t anticipate this situation.”

Seated on the terrace, fingers gliding along the rim of his teacup, the Grand Duke Duplain looked down at Dereck sitting calmly near the platform. adapt He showed no signs of tension.

The Duke and Duchess Duplain watched from the grand terrace connected to their private rooms, facing the garden, while other attendants gathered near the platform, ready to witness the duel in proper ceremony.

At midday, with the sun high overhead, Leigh stood in his formal outfit and robe, a satisfied smile on his face.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

“Certainly, he’s not someone to be dismissed too quickly.”

The mage had an oddly calm demeanor, even in a situation where others would be swallowing nervously. action Whether it was courage born of his years as a mercenary, he wasn’t someone who panicked—even in the worst situations.

The Grand Duke glanced at Miriela, let out a quiet snort, and then turned his eyes back to the platform.

There, Leigh, having finished all preparations, adjusted his cuffs, a confident expression on his face. artist Then, on the other side, Diella climbed the steps to the platform. alien Her voluminous golden curls framed the upper part of her body.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

As always, her lovely frilled dress and ribbon symbolized her role as the youngest and most adorable member of the Duplain family. crystal But today, she wore a reddish-brown robe.

Under the hood, Diella’s eyes glowed with a resolute aura, barely visible.

The sleeves of the robe were a bit too large for the girl’s body, hanging loosely. armor When the warm wind swept through the garden, the hem of the robe fluttered gently in the breeze.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 13: Imam (3) by Indra Translations.

Seeing this, Leigh had a sudden realization. atom The girl hadn’t come today as the youngest daughter of the Duplain family. arena She had come as Dereck’s student—and as a mage.

“…”