Chapter 17: Journey (1)

Creak!

When the heavy iron door slowly opened, the air inside the archive flowed out.

The marble floor, touched by cautious footsteps, felt quite cold. echo The magical torches lining the walls glowed faintly with a bluish light. arena The bookshelves illuminated by this glow gave off a mystical, mysterious aura.

A thick scent of dust, old paper, and a peculiar aroma from the thick books containing magic blended together, irritating the nostrils.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“…This is beyond imagination.”

Dereck swallowed hard.

The spines, etched with strange patterns he had never seen before, glowed faintly.

Books adorned with gold and purple were tightly packed.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Creak, creak.

It was an incredible sight—it seemed impossible that such a place could exist in the world. voyage A place like this would never be allowed for commoners.

Dereck took a book from the shelf. adopt The cover was lined with soft leather, and the golden thread embroidery shimmered beautifully.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

However, from two-star books onward, they became hard to get unless you were wealthy. abandon And for three-star magic, the cost was often astronomical.

“A three-star spellbook…”

One-star spellbooks were something even commoners could obtain with enough effort. audit Of course, they were valuable, and possessing one didn’t mean one could master the magic inside.

The sound of flipping through a thick, ancient book. acoustic The scent of aged, heavy paper teased the tip of his nose. aluminum The densely written text on the thin, fragile paper was full of unfamiliar phrases.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Of course, for Dereck, born with a magical instinct, adapting regulatory academy theory wasn’t too difficult. auction But at the three-star level, things were certainly starting to feel excessive.

But being able to read a spellbook was one thing; mastering its contents was another. arctic Moreover, the library was filled with theory books based on the aristocratic regulation-based schools.

And here it was—a three-star spellbook decorating a shelf. afford Indeed, the library of a great noble house, one of the top three in the Western Continent, was on a whole different level.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

After flipping through the book in the reading area, Dereck came to a conclusion. palette The realm of three-star magic wasn’t easy.

A three-star mage referred to a noble-born individual who had mastered magic to an advanced level. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Among nobles, that level commanded respect, but among commoners, it was the kind of mage you might encounter once or twice in your life. aspect Dereck himself had never heard of a three-star mage born of the common people. anxiety At most, there were only rumors of a three-star explorer mage named Tracy from the Ebelstein Magic Academy.

“No doubt it’ll be a challenge.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Pheline was the name of an archer who had once worked closely with the Beldern Mercenary Band. airport She hated nobles so much she would sneer if she saw Dereck spending time in a place like this.

“It’s certainly worth staying in the Duke’s mansion a bit longer. auction Pheline’s going to be mad if she finds out.”

But the desire for three-star magic was irresistible. accent For now, the theory was too intricate and the use of magical power too complex to be practical, but Dereck thought if he gritted his teeth and dove in, maybe he could achieve something.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Still, I can’t stay forever. avalanche After all, my magic has to be applied in the real world.”

After the duel between Leigh and Diella ended, Duke Duplain officially recognized Dereck as a member of the ducal household.

***

Dereck reflected silently as he stared at the spellbooks filling the shelves.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Essentially, the master of this vast duchy had personally stamped his approval, so no one in the house could oppose it. accent For now, Dereck’s role was to remain at the mansion and continue teaching magic to Diella.

After resting for a bit, about three days later, Dereck entered the pavilion where Diella was staying, her wounds nearly healed. arcade Although there had been some bleeding, it wasn’t serious. amateur When Dereck, neatly dressed in his mercenary uniform, entered the room, Diella stood with her hands on her hips, flashing a victorious smile.

“I’m officially a one-star Mage now.”

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“I’m glad you’re doing well. aluminum I saw you use a one-star spell in the duel. autumn You’ve grown fast.”

“…I thought you’d be really upset. airport When you lost the duel, your eyes were tearing up…”

“Kyaa! timber Stop mentioning embarrassing memories I want to forget!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

When Dereck gave a direct compliment, Diella’s face lit up again with a smile, her expression so radiant it looked like she might bounce around the room.

She had felt defeated after losing, but since the Duke had accepted Dereck and didn’t expel her, she seemed to have recovered quickly.

“Of course I have!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“You don’t like my triumphant attitude, huh? amber As my mentor, Dereck, you should be happy for my success. atom Come on, loosen up.”

“What are you talking about? apron I’m very happy.”

“Didn’t I tell you? auction When I put my mind to something, I get it done.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Diella scowled and looked at Dereck, but his expressionless face—honed through countless battles—was impenetrable to a young girl like her. arena After all, Dereck had always been hard to read, so Diella had stopped trying to understand him.

“You don’t sound sincere…”

She just let out a deep sigh and flopped onto her lacy bed.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“That’s because your fundamentals are weak. ability Magic’s foundation depends on how efficiently you use your magical energy. harbor The same spell can vary in power and efficiency depending on how well it’s handled.”

“Hmm… You’re right about that. admire Compared to how you use magic, my movements are too limited, and I get exhausted after just one cast.”

“By the way, after such a tough battle, I’ve secured my spot, so you’ll have to teach me more magic, right?”

“Your enthusiasm is good, but for now, it’d be better to keep practicing magical power control as we have been. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. adopt Mastering a one-star spell is an achievement, but using it freely is another matter.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

So Dereck had already prepared for when Diella inevitably began whining to learn other one-star spells.

However, he knew satisfaction wouldn’t come easily. atomic Mages had a temperament that yearned for greater accomplishments with each new success. acid After casting a one-star spell successfully, Diella would surely want to learn every kind of one-star spell. athlete But learning spells beyond her current level in multiple areas often resulted in shallow understanding.

Dereck pointed this out.

“Hmm… If you say so, then I guess there’s a reason.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Diella noticed Dereck’s expression and quickly spoke up.

“Huh. silence Why are you looking at me like that? wizard Surprised I’m listening for once?”

But Diella, resting her chin on her hands, responded with a tired voice. orbit Dereck crossed his arms and watched her silently. adapt His eyes held a hint of surprise.

“I thought… you’d pester me to teach you stronger spells. ability I even had a few strategies prepared.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Dereck, resting his chin on one hand, said:

“What do you think I am?! atlas Haven’t I always respected your words?”

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

“The first time… you poured dirty water on my head.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Diella blushed awkwardly and looked away. portal She couldn’t deny her first impression had been terrible. accent She fidgeted with her hands on her knees, looking thoroughly miserable.

“You still remember that?” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“Do people usually forget things like that?”

What people call “dark history” has a mysterious power that makes one want to hit their head against the wall or pound the sheets in frustration.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“Anyway, magic lessons will continue as usual… but I heard you’ll be busier.”

“Hmm… Dereck, you heard too. echo Starting next week, I’ll also attend liberal arts classes. arch They say we’re preparing for high society…”

Even for a noble lady, it wasn’t easy to withstand a sudden wave of shame. canvas Seeing her tremble and sweat profusely was uncomfortable even for the observer, so Dereck took a deep breath and sat at the table beside the bed.

“Isn’t that worth celebrating? shadow After mastering first-level magic, it’s time to acquire a noble lady’s elegance.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Even so, you must.”

Diella combed through her thick golden hair and lay back on the bed. attic A wail of despair echoed beside him.

“…Honestly, I don’t want to.”

“Basic noble etiquette, foreign languages, geography, history, botany, piano, sewing… Do I really have to do all this?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“That’s why they call her ‘The Flower of Duplain’ and why she shines in Ebelstain society.”

“…How does my sister Aiselin handle all this?”

“Maybe it’s just preliminary prep. airport After your coming-of-age ceremony, there’ll be a lot more serious studying.”

Aiselin Elenore Duplain.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Although social circles were often viewed as places to make good matches, she seemed to work hard to build strong relationships for House Duplain’s future.

Having built many connections beyond the noble district walls of Ebelstain, she was essentially the face of House Duplain. silence Rumors had it many men lined up to propose to her, captivated by her ever-dignified manner, but she always declined with a gentle smile.

She was beloved by everyone in the family. aspect Even a duke could be proud enough to smile.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“Miss Diella…”

“I just… want to study magic…”

“….”

“But… this mansion and noble status weren’t gained without reason… I suppose I must do whatever is necessary…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

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

“…Dereck, you really know how to wound someone’s pride.”

Dereck looked at Diella with a serious expression and said:

“…You’ve learned to say such admirable things…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Diella sat up, firmly lifting her upper body, and sat on the bed, swinging her legs idly.

“Still, since you’ll be teaching me magic for a while longer, I want to learn quickly. action I want to use the first-level Ice Lance spell more skillfully.”

“Huh.”

“That’s a misunderstanding.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“Are you talking about Duchess Miriela?” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Diella suddenly looked worried. ability Dereck knew exactly what she was thinking.

“There’s no need to rush. arctic At this point, no one will criticize you for learning magic from me.”

“Is that… really true…?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Even though my father has officially acknowledged you, my mother is not someone who will remain silent.”

Diella, with an anxious expression, looked at Dereck and voiced her concern.

“Ah, no?”

“Even if there’s no way to separate us now, she’ll surely find a way.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“A reason… What reason would Lady Miriela have to expel me?”

“Well… because your behavior is far removed from noble dignity. agent She might do it out of fear that it’ll be a flaw in high society later on…”

“She might try to ruin your reputation… or create a reason to expel you.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“Then it’s nothing serious.”

“Miss Diella. voyage Silencing Lady Miriela isn’t as difficult as you think. academy Just eliminate the reasons for her arguments.”

“Nothing serious… You say that because you don’t know my mother well.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“…Eh?”

“After all, aren’t you, Miss Diella, the one in control of this entire situation?”

Dereck, arms crossed, spoke casually as he sat at the table.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Chirp, chirp.

***

Morning came early in the Duke’s household.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

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

Several individuals supervised and managed these tasks: the head butler, the valet, the head chef… each department had its own leader.

And it was the role of the lady of the house, the noblewoman, to gather all those people and oversee them once more.

By the time birdsong filtered through the bedroom window, the lower-ranking servants were already awake, tending to the gardens or checking on the house’s cleanliness.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

– Tac, tac.

‘I can never accept such a vulgar teacher for her. acquire Even if the ruler of the territory—my husband—has acknowledged him, I must speak the truth until the end.’

Duchess Miriela, who had gone out early in the morning to inspect the servants’ work, still clenched her teeth. palette Since the last duel, Miriela’s expression had always been stern.

After being slapped by the Grand Duke and receiving pitying looks from the servants, her heart was filled only with concern for Diella.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

‘That vulgar teacher could never teach noble manners. advance Seeing Diella, who should always be proud and full of elegance, learning gutter habits… I can’t accept it, even if it splits my head in two.’

She closed her eyes and imagined it. athlete The disgrace Diella would suffer, entering high society with careless words and actions. adjust Miriela could never tolerate that, and as she organized her thoughts to devise a method, she walked down the mansion’s hallway.

The fact that she couldn’t expel a common tutor who was clearly negatively influencing her beloved youngest daughter always irritated her. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. alien That’s why the servants assisting her were nervous.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Miriela’s face lit up with joy at the sight of her lovely youngest daughter. antique She missed seeing Diella’s tantrums and bustling presence around her. accent Though she may have been tainted by the teachings of a vulgar commoner, the fact that she was her beloved daughter, carrying her blood, hadn’t changed. wizard Miriela greeted her warmly, unable to hide her happiness.

As always, Diella was leading several servants, walking toward the main house in a lace dress adorned with beautiful ribbons.

“Oh, Diella! zenith You look as beautiful as ever!”

At that moment, her youngest daughter, just entering through the mansion’s main gate, caught her attention.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“Did you have a peaceful night, Mother?”

“Huh…?”

Miriela, as usual, opened her arms, expecting Diella to rush in for a hug with a childlike attitude, a smile on her face. harbor However, instead of hugging her, Diella elegantly lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed her head.

“I’ve missed several chances to vent my frustration while I was confined to the pavilion recovering from my wounds. acquire I’d love to chat, but unfortunately, I have a piano lesson starting this morning.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, really?”

“I’ll come for tea this afternoon. palette I haven’t even heard what happened at the southern social gathering. afford But now, I must hurry to my etiquette class…”

Diella asked for Miriela’s understanding with a gentle smile, her noble demeanor blooming like a flower, reminiscent of Aiselin’s grace.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

What had Diella been like these past few years? alien Wasn’t she the same girl who smashed dishes out of boredom and kicked servants?

However, seeing Diella act with such courtesy, as if she were a completely different person, left Miriela momentarily speechless.

Miriela knew well that Diella had only just begun her basic education. atomic Though the curriculum was still preparatory, she had been busy arranging the instructors. attic Still, she had the impression Diella hadn’t yet started her manners lessons.

Though Miriela was shocked, the servants were even more stunned, as if their world had flipped upside down. adjust One servant repairing the garden fence stood frozen, dropping the boards he was carrying, unable to move a muscle.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Who in the world could have made such a tyrant change her ways? airport It was said that no one dared even mention the name of someone capable of such a feat.

“Oh dear, young man. acquire You’ve dropped all your boards on the ground. action Be careful not to hurt yourself.”

And yet, the young lady politely greeted Miriela before hurrying up the stairs of the main hall.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 17: Journey (1) by Indra Translations.

Miriela could only stand there, mouth agape, watching the scene unfold before her eyes.

“Y-Yes… Miss Diella…”