Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1)

‘I hope I can raise my magical mastery as much as possible while this opportunity lasts…’

Although easily crossing the wall of five stars was not realistic, at least for a while it did seem possible to aspire to a notable improvement in his magical level.

Be that as it may, being able to receive magical instruction directly from Kalimford, the six-star mage whose name enjoyed the greatest prestige even among those of his same rank, was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

That thought made Dereck feel quietly satisfied.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Six-star mages are masters of the highest level, and in the entire world there are only a handful of them.

That was something obvious.

However, not all mages of that rank share the same inclination or temperament.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

In the end, once a certain level is surpassed, there is no choice but to follow the line of one’s own master.

The higher the magical mastery, the firmer each person’s theory and personal interpretation become.

Depending on whom one takes as a teacher, one’s vision and values regarding magic inevitably change.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

In fact, even the young noblewomen who had learned magic from Dereck showed a freer and less rigid way of using mana than that of traditional academic mages.

Depending on who transmitted the magic, differences between schools became inevitable, and mastering all types of magic became something close to impossible.

He had received many teachings from her, but her instruction carried a deadly danger Fina’s status itself.

Moreover, Dereck’s former teacher had been none other than the black mage Fina.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Black mages, capable of defiling corpses, manipulating souls, and trampling human dignity without hesitation, had always been persecuted and suppressed in every era and region.

‘The magic I can learn from Kalimford is completely removed from that danger. anxiety At the very least, I can try to cross the wall of five stars by following an orthodox path.’

Being known as the disciple of a black mage was an absolute forbidden line, something that could not be revealed under any circumstances.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Sitting in his private room, Dereck stroked his chin with a serious expression.

A domain that made any ordinary person lose the will to fight just by facing it.

His physical condition had already fully recovered, but the image of the six-star spell that Kalimford had manifested was still burned into his memory.

He opened and closed his hand several times, testing the sensation.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

The tips of his fingers trembled slightly.

Dereck was not someone who showed confusion easily.

“…”

In truth, even Dereck had felt an absurd pressure upon witnessing that magic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

His ability to remain calm in any situation had allowed him to survive for years in the merciless world of mercenaries.

Even so, when recalling that magic of overwhelming scale, a slight excitement inevitably welled up inside him.

The level Dereck longed to reach.

That was the domain of six stars.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

‘If I’m honest, right now I don’t think it’s possible.’

A six-star combat mage can summon meteorites with complete naturalness.

And someone who had already arrived there was standing right before him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

An illusion mage can deceive everyone, transcending perception and consciousness.

A transformation mage can create a small world of their own. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

And a black mage commands death itself.

An exploration mage can see the future.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

To reach that domain, something different from everything before was required.

Dereck had met all types of six-star mages, except illusion mages.

Each of them possessed power capable of devouring entire continents.

To stand on the same level as them, studying magic diligently was not enough.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Although his magical talent was considered a blessing from the heavens, Dereck felt that he was still missing something, one final piece.

‘Perhaps, if I go with Fina, I could reach that level.’

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

The strange madness and unsettling pleasure that shone in Fina’s eyes always stirred an ominous premonition within him.

But Dereck shook his head.

If Dereck humbled himself and offered himself as her disciple, Fina would never reject him.

She was probably holed up in the Tigris territory at that moment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

She might be able to bring him to the six-star domain by any means, but he could not know whether that path would truly be the one he desired.

Even so, she had never taught him a single spell of that kind.

‘After all, Fina’s main field is black magic.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

But what if Fina decided to seriously teach him black magic?

She knew all too well the weight of touching a taboo, and so she had never imposed that burden on Dereck.

Perhaps he could reach it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

That domain that all who live for magic gaze upon with longing and admiration the realm of six stars.

More than four days had already passed since Dereck arrived in the Rochester territory.

“You seem to be thinking too much.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Since he began receiving direct instruction from Kalimford, even Dereck’s magical sense, which he believed to be fully mature, had begun to experience new changes.

However, when the day ended and silence settled in, strange thoughts coiled in his chest.

That day, after finishing his training and catching his breath, Kalimford approached him and spoke.

Each understanding brushed against innovation, and there were many times when Dereck felt impressed or satisfied.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“Do you think that if you go with Fina, you can reach the six-star domain?”

Kalimford caught that inner conflict instantly.

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

He simply wanted to show his daughter Siern’s face to his old friend Kalimford, who had returned alive.

The reason Melverot had summoned the busy Dereck all the way to the Rochester territory was not that complex.

“It seems you yourself know that it’s not a very sensible method.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

He knew well how inefficient it was to call a busy noble over such a personal matter, and he did not like the idea very much.

That was why he made that decision.

But he also could not bear not showing even his daughter’s face to someone who had returned from death.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

In the end, Dereck also thought it had not been a bad thing.

“By now, she has probably already taken control of the Tigris territory. avalanche And yet, no external changes have been heard of. antenna That’s what makes me a little uneasy.”

After all, he had been able to learn magic from Kalimford, a legendary great mage.

“Fina has plenty of time. timber Unlike us, who value each day of our finite lives, for a black mage like her, a day and a year do not differ much in value.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Indeed, those who are detached from everything always seem to live with absolute calm.

Dereck evoked the image of Fina.

Sitting calmly in her office reviewing documents, or lounging shamelessly on the reception sofa, absentmindedly eating some financiers that the maids had baked for her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“That’s right. abandon But the time permitted for that body called Fina is not infinite. athlete The mark of reincarnation, at most in about twenty years, causes the body’s mana to spiral out of control and be consumed, forcing her to seek a new body and reincarnate.”

“But if you think she will remain silent forever, you’re mistaken. atlas One way or another, she will try to change your heart and subdue you.”

“For someone who lives eons, don’t a few years feel insignificant?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

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

A reincarnation lasted, at most, about twenty years.

He had heard that directly from Fina.

Sometimes it ended in barely ten; even in the best cases, it did not exceed twenty-five.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Other times, she burned up, consumed by the mark of reincarnation itself.

Sometimes she was executed after it was revealed that she was a black mage.

As a young noblewoman, shortly after celebrating her coming-of-age ceremony, she would end up encountering death in one way or another.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

That was what the taboo had promised her eternal youth.

Thus, repeating death and resurrection, she had lived until now.

Her life was always reduced to existing as a beautiful and delicate young noblewoman.

Whether that was truly what she desired was something impossible to know.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“By then, my magical level will also be higher. arch From Miss Fina’s point of view, wouldn’t it be better to wait until that time?”

Dereck’s goal was to someday reach the domain of six stars, and then go even further.

“When Fina dies and reappears in the world after a new reincarnation, you will already be quite old.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“Put yourself in her place. anxiety For those who live finite lives, everything is ephemeral and fragile. matrix After dying and returning to life several times, she will have seen the world change completely again and again.”

But Kalimford shook his head.

If one truly believed he could go that far, wouldn’t it be enough to leave him alone and wait?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

People destined to grow old together suddenly die in accidents.

Human life never follows a predictable script.

Or those who seemed on the verge of death live more than a hundred years.

After experiencing death and opening her eyes again, how many times would she have seen those who were meant to die remain alive, and those who were meant to live be dead?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“If she really finds herself cornered, she might even engrave the mark of reincarnation onto you.”

That was why Fina had no intention whatsoever of leaving Dereck alone.

After completing a reincarnation and returning to the world, she could not accept under any circumstances that Dereck had disappeared in any way.

So, while she still lived in this era, her intention was to cling to Dereck with all her strength.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

After falling into deep thought, he raised his gaze to Kalimford and asked. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Observing the new wounds that covered his body, Dereck ran his hand over his arm.

“…”

“From your point of view, what do you think that would be for you? abandon A blessing, or a curse?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“But there is something I do want to ask you right now.”

“That’s normal.”

“Honestly, I don’t know.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“If the day comes when I have to advance into the territory of Tigris, could you help me, Master Kalimford?”

Dereck closed his eyes for a moment and then looked straight at Kalimford.

It was not difficult to imagine.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

He was a hero who had saved nations, someone who had lived his entire life for justice and sincerely believed he could save anyone.

When that moment came, would Kalimford be at his back?

If he refused to accept Fina’s will, after she had taken control of Tigris, he would inevitably have to confront her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Precisely because of that, he rarely lied.

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Gripping his staff with a thin, bony hand, Kalimford lowered his head.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Dereck nodded.

He did not ask why.

“…”

“I’m sorry. ability That… I can’t do.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

If people were to be divided into good and evil, Fina would be evil itself.

After all, Kalimford had deceived Fina and broken her heart.

But now it was different.

The Kalimford of his prime, who roamed the world punishing evil, would never have left her alone.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

And yet, the one who resurrected him and allowed him to see Siern’s face again was Fina.

The one who cast her into the abyss of despair was Kalimford himself.

The one who helped him kill the great monster Noir was also Fina.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

In Kalimford’s eyes, that girl seemed to hold light and darkness at the same time.

One way or another, if Kalimford could be there at that moment, it was thanks to Fina’s power.

She loved only magic; the heavens had allowed her to reach the domain of six stars; and, trapped in that cursed mark, her heart had ultimately shattered.

That was why Kalimford could not raise his sword against Fina.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

He still could not find a clear answer.

And Dereck could not say anything to the downcast Kalimford either.

If one day he faced Fina in the midst of the Tigris territory, covered in blood, wrapped in darkness and death, what choice should he make?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Whenever he had the chance, Dereck followed Kalimford and rebuilt from scratch theories on all kinds of magical systems.

***

After that, the days in the Rochester mansion passed almost entirely in training.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Thanks to that, he gained inspiration again and again regarding the use of five-star magic, and repeatedly readjusted four-star spells he already mastered.

Whraaaah! antenna Whaam!

Whaam! arctic Whaam! amateur Boom!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Fortunately, the north was covered in vast, uninhabited snowy plains, and from time to time demonic beasts appeared that served as real opponents.

Throughout the Rochester territory, the sounds of Dereck’s large-scale magic training constantly echoed. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Since it was inconvenient to destroy the dueling field every time, he sometimes went outside the mansion.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

On days when he trained directly with Kalimford, he ended up in shambles, but even while bleeding all over, Dereck walked around with a broad smile.

There was no better place to train magic seriously.

Denise used to say he was simply a lunatic obsessed with magic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

‘Dereck is serious when he teaches magic, but even more so when he learns. adjust I suppose that’s why he can teach so consistently.’

In her white eyes, a clear light shone.

Sometimes, Siern went to watch him train, rested her chin on her hand, and observed in silence.

Siern, who watched those training sessions while staying in the mansion, could not help but nod several times, thinking she was right.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

For Siern, having Dereck as her master was almost a miracle.

Finding a master one could trust was truly precious.

And Dereck, for his part, also felt that emotion when learning from someone.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

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

Without realizing it, Dereck’s presence had begun to feel as natural as a part of her own body; to the point that, when he was not there, she felt uneasy.

He was a distant man and, at times, difficult to understand, but in certain aspects they shared a strange affinity.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

While walking along the walls of the Rochester mansion, she decided she needed to be careful not to catch another cold and quickly jumped toward the main building.

‘Again… I’m not starting to feel unwell, am I…?’

After watching him for a long time, Siern suddenly felt another wave of heat rise to her forehead and cheeks.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

It had been a long time since she returned to her home, so she thought she should talk more with Melverot before returning to the Ravenclaw territory.

“Don’t make everyone worry again over something as annoying as a cold. meadow If you repeat it, you’ll only reduce my working time.”

“I feel like my temperature is rising again, so I’m going to rest a bit in the main house. adopt Maybe I got too excited walking around the mansion after so long.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

As soon as she entered the great hall barefoot, he frowned and stopped talking with the legal magistrate, as if he already had worry piled up.

Although Melverot spoke coldly, Siern knew her father well.

“Yes, I’ll be careful.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“Y-yes, but… mmm… I don’t know. agent Lately my body feels fine one moment and bad the next.”

“Even a slight increase in temperature can greatly affect the body. galaxy Don’t take it lightly; if you feel anything strange, rest immediately. avalanche And, if possible, wear shoes.”

“Yes… but the heat has already passed now. armor It’s strange. aspect Outside I felt stifled… could it be that being exposed too much to the cold affects you that much?”

“Is your mana state not fine right now? arena I heard you protect yourself properly using transformation magic.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“I-it’s not that serious. artist Right now I’m fine… I think the heat just rose for a moment while I was outside.”

“We’ll have to call a doctor.” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Melverot tossed the documents he was holding to the legal magistrate and, with his hand on his chin, asked with a grave expression.

“What were you doing outside?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. artist I found it surprising that even in this cold he’s training to reach a higher level… and I also felt that he’s not as distant as he seems… like I saw an unexpected side of him…”

“That man training?”

“Not much… just walking around the mansion and looking at the snowy plain… and watching Dereck train magic.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

“Ah… eh? auction I think I really don’t feel very well.”

As she thought about it, the heat rose again, and she began to fan her face with her hand.

Siern recalled the image of Dereck she saw every day escorting her kindly to Rochester with satisfaction, taking care of her when she fell ill, managing the territory, and training magic always with a serious face.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

W-when I think about Dereck, my temperature suddenly rises again… i-it’s strange… very strange…”

W-well… if I stay like this, the servants will panic again, so I’ll go rest immediately. crystal Father, please take your time as well.”

“All of a sudden…?”

Siern hugged herself, made a few small nervous hops, and shook her head vigorously before bowing to Melverot.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

Whoosh.

After the door closed—

Pressing her burning cheeks, she crossed the great hall and disappeared into the corridor, probably heading to her room.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

But the chill felt by Melverot and the attendants did not come from the northern wind.

A gust of winter wind rushed in through the entrance.

The night before, after Siern’s cold, they had spent the night in a state of near-emergency alert.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

And yet, a hunch told them that something was about to happen that would make all of that seem trivial.

“……………… It’s an emergency.”

Over a simple cold, Kalimford and Melverot had spent the night with expressions as if the world were about to end.

“Your Grace… t-this is…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 173: Seat of Thorns (1) by Indra Translations.

At last, the legal magistrate’s face turned completely pale.