Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3)

But if one looked at his true intention, it was practically the same as saying that he did not want to accept it.

“If there is no consistency when evaluating the value of a talent, that will later return as major discontent. sphere A deal comparable to the one received by Countess Rodelia of the Renuel family, who has devoted her entire life to hunting black mages… From my point of view, it may be something good, but other loyal supporters might perceive it as hollow.”

The words sounded elegant. armor For a mere frontier baron to reject a title granted directly by an imperial princess was something practically inconceivable.

Precisely because of that, Dereck spoke in a reasonable tone, presenting plausible reasons and appearing to be concerned for the princess.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“I appreciate it from the bottom of my heart. atlas From now on, I will also strive even harder to contribute to the Empire.”

Princess Roselin silently observed Dereck, who had raised an insurmountable wall, passed a hand over her face, and spoke in a low voice.

“You say interesting things. apple You know very well what kind of opportunity you are rejecting right now, don’t you?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

She considered that what they were about to discuss was better done away from prying eyes.

Thus, Princess Roselin led Dereck into the corridor adjacent to the main hall, entered an empty room, and closed the door. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

“This does not seem like an appropriate place. alien Follow me.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“This isn’t a negotiation. adopt I only spoke the truth.”

“I see. alpha You know how to negotiate. arctic There aren’t many who have the courage to stand up to me like that.”

In that empty room, whose purpose had yet to be defined, where there was only a table and some wooden chairs, Roselin sat on the medium-sized table, crossed her arms, and continued.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“I brought you to a place without witnesses out of consideration, so tell me again. anxiety I offer you a vast territory on the western frontier, the rank of frontier count, and in addition, the title of count. arctic And you still shake your head? autumn Then there are only two possibilities.”

The muted-toned dress blended into the dimness of the room, as if it were part of the shadows.

There was nothing about her that matched the bright, lively image one would associate with a princess.

Her dark red hair, which stuck out in sharp tufts, seemed to reflect a strong personality.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“If it were the former, I could simply think you are an arrogant type and let it go. academy But no matter how I look at you, you don’t seem like someone like that.”

“…”

“Either you feel that the reward is insufficient, or you do not wish to enter under my command.”

Roselin was, if one had to say it, someone closer to darkness.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Roselin also had a good eye for judging people.

The proposal itself was already extraordinary; Dereck did not seem like someone with such poor judgment as to aim for something even greater.

Then she had to find out why.

In the end, the only certain thing was that he did not want to place himself under Roselin’s command.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Depending on which answer it was, the princess’s attitude could not be the same.

Whether he simply had no interest in power, or whether he did not value Roselin very highly as a person.

From experience, she already knew this well.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Those who rejected becoming allies would, sooner or later, end up wielding a sword under the command of her enemies, pointing it at her.

On this political board as fragile as thin ice, there were only allies or enemies.

“For me, it is enough to train my magic and teach the young ladies of the academy. atom If, in this stage of political transition, you wish for my support, Princess Roselin, I will gladly provide it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

There was no intention in him to flatter her or to justify himself.

It did not seem like a simple polite response, but neither was it.

However, Dereck’s reaction was completely different from what Roselin had expected.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“This is the first time I’ve seen a noble who scorns territory and a title. anchor Weren’t you the one who even asked Melverot for a letter of recommendation to obtain the title of baron?”

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

He was a man who did not speak unnecessary words.

Roselin understood why Melverot valued him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Princess Roselin’s eyes opened wide.

In an age where magic represented the authority of the nobility, she felt repulsion toward those nobles who, possessing magic as just one more quality among many, boasted of their innate nobility.

But Dereck was the opposite.

“In this era, to properly learn magic it is essential to have a title. timber But one of this level is enough for the magical training I desire. antenna Nothing more than that.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Once he had secured the status he needed, he did not demand more; it was enough for him to be able to fully immerse himself in the magical training he loved so much.

He was not someone who learned magic to obtain authority, but someone who sought authority in order to learn magic.

It was often said that Kohella and Dereck were similar, but their directions were completely different.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

‘He’s more upright than I thought…’

If Kohella was a lunatic capable of sacrificing everything to reach greater heights of magic and its results, this man found meaning in the very process of magical training.

Roselin swallowed.

At this point, even she had to admit it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

It was behavior devoid of all elegance, but Dereck was in no position to point that out.

Dereck was someone with great potential to be used politically and with more than sufficient abilities, but before that, a desire was born in her to retain Dereck as a talent in and of himself.

Roselin let out a deep sigh and ran a hand through her abundant hair, scratching it forcefully.

‘Even so, to use him properly, I would need to push a higher title on him. atom With just being a frontier baron, he won’t be able to say a single word in front of the central nobles. amber If he merely limits himself to standing by my side without authority, he will only end up being manipulated by old foxes like Damon or Kohella.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

He could only look at her as if asking whether there was some problem.

“Fine… since we’ve come this far, I’ll speak frankly, without beating around the bush.”

“I like you. alpha If possible, I would like you to help me while I properly consolidate my imperial power at the Gremport Palace. arctic However, I don’t quite know how I should convince you.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Even as she spoke, she kept her arms crossed, pursed her lips, and maintained a somewhat surly expression.

“Then how about this? august If you’re so interested in magical training, I’ll have the Academy Ravenclaw recognized at the imperial level as a directly affiliated institution. athlete It will be able to receive support in magical materials and supplies from the Gremport Palace. atomic Needless to say, each and every one will be of the highest quality.”

Princess Roselin gave ground by one step, but without bending her pride.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“Are you serious? shadow For the Empire to support a magical educational facility of this scale carries a rather profound political significance.”

The feeling was strangely complex.

At those words, Dereck’s eyes opened wide.

Someone who had not changed his expression in the slightest when offered a county now reacted just upon hearing that magical education and training would be supported.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“Hmm, it doesn’t matter. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. autumn From the beginning, I’ve thought that magic should be taught more broadly. voyage I’ll even cover the costs of restoring and expanding the facilities and turn it into the most prestigious educational center not only in the southwest of the continent, but on the entire continent. album The old geezers of the noble council will fly into a rage, but that’s my problem.”

“In exchange, you’ll have to accept a title.”

It seemed that Princess Roselin had finally found a new approach, and she spoke with a sense of relief.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t you think you should at least take some care with your expressions in front of an imperial princess…?”

At that, Dereck once again made a face as if he were at a funeral.

Roselin had never seen someone make an expression like they had bitten into something unpleasant just because they were being offered a noble title.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

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

“My apologies. adjust Princess Roselin, you have a special talent for taking people from one extreme to the other…”

Looking at Dereck stirred an inexplicable irritation in her, but even so, Roselin once again pressed her temples and let out a deep sigh.

“Who is taking whom from one extreme to the other?! absorb I’m lowering my pride to this extent and you say that!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Accepting that fact made it unnecessary to get so worked up.

Dereck had always been like this.

“Haa…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“If there’s anything else you want to ask for, say it. arcade It’s not common for me to be this generous, so take it as an opportunity.”

Roselin splashed water on her face again. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Dealing with someone who never moved according to expectations was exhausting.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“From that expression, it looks like there’s something you want. adapt My, for you, it’s rare to see your eyes so full of desire.”

“…”

“…”

“…Why all the hesitation? anchor We’re already at this point, so say it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“No. canvas In a national calamity like this, after the misfortune suffered by His Majesty Emperor Gattrel, this is not a situation to make requests.”

Unless he asked to split the Empire in two, it didn’t seem like something worth hesitating over so much.

Roselin spoke with a sigh, as if she had already given up, but Dereck still hesitated over how to begin.

After rejecting immense territories and lofty titles, it was impossible to know what kind of request could come next.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“If you were going to say that, you shouldn’t have started at all. zenith There’s nothing more irritating than leaving words half-said. alpha Stop the nonsense and say what you want.”

“…”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Why so much beating around the bush? orbit Seeing you this quiet makes my chest feel like it’s on fire.”

As Roselin, frustrated, scratched her head forcefully again, Dereck finally managed to let out the words he had been holding in his chest.

“……”

“The 6-star magical artifact… the Light of the Empire…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Asking to touch a relic of the deceased in front of a grieving family member, no matter how one thought about it, was not appropriate.

Perhaps with time it could be asked cautiously, but it was not a request to make of Roselin, who had just lost her father.

“…Now I understand why you didn’t want to say it. alpha Yes, that definitely wasn’t something that could be asked in this situation.”

“According to imperial law, its possession will pass into the hands of Princess Roselin. arena Even if only once, I would like to use it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Understanding that reason, the princess felt even more drained.

Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw was someone who seemed to go off on tangents while at the same time respecting boundaries; who seemed to respect boundaries and yet step beyond them.

He was an insolent man and difficult to read, but even so he knew how to keep appearances and respect the other party.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

In the end, beneath everything, there was a pure passion for magic.

Probably, the young noble ladies who called themselves his disciples felt something similar.

That ambiguity had something that attracted people.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Roselin sighed once more and said,

‘If all mages were like this man, perhaps I wouldn’t have come to hate magic so much.’

Although Roselin was not particularly fond of magic, this kind of fervor was not unpleasant to her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“Of course not.”

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

“I see… so that was it. audit It’s true that a 6-star magical artifact is not something one can easily find anywhere.”

“Would it be possible?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck once again made an expression as if he had bitten into something filthy.

At this point, however, Roselin no longer felt irritated, but rather satisfied at having returned the blow.

“…”

It was the end of days.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“I’m sorry. antique I’m not very good at this sort of thing.”

“The Light of the Empire is the most noble staff symbolizing imperial authority. agent It’s not something just anyone can touch. apron As I said, the process of binding it to a user is also extremely arduous.”

“I see you’ve completely abandoned control of your expressions.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Princess Roselin spoke while lightly kicking at the hem of her dress. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“…That’s fine.”

“Do you have some illness that will kill you if you don’t reject a favor? portal Tell me honestly. avalanche Do you dislike me?”

“Even so, if what you need is a magical artifact, I can directly order my imperial magical advisor to hand you a decent one. canvas You will also become a mage at the level of a family head, so you should at least have 5-star armament.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

Princess Roselin observed Dereck with a gaze full of suspicion, half-lidded.

“That’s not it. audit I plan to forge my own magical weapon. athlete Also to train transformation magic…”

It was hard to tell whether he was just making excuses or truly serious.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“I think you are mistaken. amber I feel immense gratitude toward Princess Roselin. airport If you are helping me to this extent, why would I show hostility toward you?”

“…I feel like something is stuck in my chest…”

“I ask you to dispel that misunderstanding. amber And moreover, preparing for the political changes of the Gremport Palace is certainly important, but isn’t there something even more important than that?”

There was no wall more impenetrable than that.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

The emperor had died, and the situation of the continent would change drastically.

When Roselin looked at him with eyes full of doubt, Dereck took out a crumpled letter from his chest.

For Princess Roselin, the main candidate for the throne, what could be more important than that?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“It’s the last letter His Majesty Emperor Gattrel wrote before he passed away. palette It seems he intended to send it to Princess Roselin.”

The princess’s eyes opened wide.

“And this… why only now…?”

“What is this…?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“Princess, you seem to be someone capable of suppressing your emotions and judging calmly and rationally. aluminum Even in such a pressing situation, you sought the best possible option and did not give up until the end when everyone was immersed in chaos.”

“It appeared during the subsequent investigation. athlete It was under the carpet. arch I suppose they were the last words he left thinking of you before going to sleep.”

Emperor Gattrel probably did not think those would be his last words, but even so, for Roselin it was something she absolutely had to read.

The contents would surely be filled with wishes for his daughter to survive in the Gremport Palace, as harsh as a wasteland.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck handed her the letter and added, as if making an offhand remark,

“…” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

“However, it isn’t always necessary to be rational. armor When there are emotions that need to be released, if they aren’t let out clearly, don’t they end up becoming a problem later on?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

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

Her father had died.

“His Majesty the emperor, who protected you your entire life as if you were in a cradle, has passed away. abstract What Princess Roselin must do now is not think about the future of the empire or changes in power.”

It seemed that Dereck had understood quite well the emotions lying deep within the princess’s heart.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

That fact alone remained there, bare.

Amid situations where life and death hung by a thread, she had been forced to move desperately just to survive.

It was like being crushed by a storm-lashed sea route—she could not afford to set aside the emotions that needed to be released at that very moment.

A confusion mage had caused havoc, the area had been sealed by a barrier ritual, and the political landscape would also be shaken.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

At least, Dereck knew that well.

If she did, sooner or later a person would break.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

It seemed he considered negotiating terms with her to be, in truth, a secondary matter.

With that said, Dereck made a brief bow and left the room, as if leaving the princess alone was the right thing to do.

“Then I’ll take my leave. admire If you have any additional orders, find me in the main hall.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

As always, Emperor Gattrel wrote words of concern and good wishes for his daughter.

Without imagining that these would be the last words he would leave her, the emperor had been sitting in his chambers late into the night, moving his pen.

Princess Roselin was left alone in the empty room, sitting on the desk, and carefully opened the letter Dereck had left.

That scene came easily to her mind, and Roselin lowered her head in silence.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Displaying calmness and rationality in the face of the emperor’s death and the confusion mage’s upheaval, organizing the place, she certainly seemed like material for a future empress.

To her subordinates, she was an untouchable existence, so it was not strange.

Amid the shifting situation and political chaos, no one had stopped to measure the princess’s feelings.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Even if she was busy responding to the urgency of the immediate situation, she could not completely isolate herself from that feeling of emptiness.

Because she was human.

But before anything else, she was a daughter who had lost her father.

Loss comes to everyone, and its pain does not distinguish between ranks or titles.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

It was a type of person often seen in life.

The stronger and sharper someone seemed on the outside, the more shattered they often were on the inside.

At least, that was how it had seemed to Dereck.

And the more that was the case, the louder they raised their voice.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

Then she continued to stare at the letter in silence for a long time.

The tips of her hair trembled.

Princess Roselin let that superficial comment about Dereck slip while keeping her head lowered.

“…How shameless.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

“….”

Out in the corridor, Dereck stretched his arms a couple of times and silently looked at the sun through the window.

At least within the main palace, there was no one who could see her in that state of weakness.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 195: Talent and Its Value (3) by Indra Translations.

He let out a hollow laugh and began to walk, step by step, toward the main hall to check on the state of the young ladies.

The sun high above shone so brightly that it blinded the eyes.