Chapter 196: Omen (1)

Confident in his skill at handling a horse, the youth surged forward like the wind and was already about to reach the territory of Tigris, the outermost area of the County of Elvester.

Clop, clop.

Along the southeastern road of the continent, a young messenger rode with urgency.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The young and capable Baron of Tigris was a solid man—he protected that mountainous border region, administered small settlements that could barely be called villages, and maintained order by hunting the monster races that appeared in the area.

The news that Emperor Gattrel had been assassinated.

It was a place so remote that news rarely arrived, but at the very least, the information that messenger now carried had to be spread to every corner of the continent.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

But the closer he drew to the mansion, an icy sensation, impossible to describe in words, began to crawl through his body.

With that revelation—shocking like a bolt of lightning from the sky and capable of shaking the entire Empire—the messenger pressed on without stopping, pushing through the darkness of the forest, driven by his sense of duty.

From the settlements outside the castle, a gloomy atmosphere already hung in the air, though at first he thought it was simply due to the late hour.

However, when he finally arrived at the mansion of the Baron of Tigris, he could not help but open his eyes in astonishment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

As long as they dealt with the occasional monsters and submitted the quarterly taxes, no one felt the need to come and check in person.

‘W-what is this…? acquire W-was the mansion of the Baron of Tigris attacked…?’

And when he crossed the boundary of the grounds, the blood-soaked landscape that greeted him left him frozen in place.

The territory of the Baron of Tigris regularly sent reports to the County of Elvester.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Someone had used artificial means to prevent the internal chaos from spilling outward.

It was a region too remote, and moreover, the Baron of Tigris himself was a man worthy of trust.

‘H-how can everything inside be so devastated… and yet nothing leaked to the outside…?’

A profound sense of incongruity overwhelmed him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Just as the messenger decided to abandon delivering the message and immediately turn his horse—

In a rural area composed of small settlements, it was not impossible if a powerful figure intervened.

He did not know how much time had passed since the massacre, but soon the County of Elvester would discover it.

Even so, there were limits to concealing something like this.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

With bulging eyes, he managed only to let out a strangled sound as his body collapsed.

He could not even scream.

Thunk.

A black-crimson spine pierced his chest.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Already sitting behind the saddle, calmly flipping through the letter the messenger carried, was a girl of small build.

He had not sensed any presence.

“Well, coming from so far away must have been exhausting. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com meadow Thank you.”

“Working as a messenger traveling long distances can’t be easy. alert Cold, exhaustion, hunger, and on top of that, running into beasts or monster races that can kill you at any moment. galaxy I suppose the pay makes up for it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

It mentioned that the culprit was a 6-star confusion-type mage, that the Baron of Ravenclaw had led her capture, and that, in recognition, he would receive both the title of margrave and that of count.

As she read the letter, it was filled with details about the assassination of Emperor Gattrel at the Ravenclaw Academy.

The girl, her pale lilac hair gently swaying, watched him with half-lidded eyes, completely indifferent to the life fading before her.

The messenger, emitting muffled sounds, slumped against the horse’s neck.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

With direct backing from Melverot of the north and Kohella from the Palace of Gremport, once the weather grew warmer, Dereck Lydorf would reach a position to which no one in the surrounding lands could aspire.

There were very few 6-star mages on the continent.

At that, Fina let out a mocking laugh.

And Melverot, Kohella, and Drest were protecting him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Although the distance was considerable, such a prolonged silence was suspicious.

It seemed the County of Elvester was already beginning to notice that something was wrong.

“The central nobles will stir up a fuss again. autumn For someone like me, hidden away in a rural corner, it’s almost like a smokescreen—though I don’t think it will last very long.”

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The time Fina could remain there without concern was running out.

Moreover, Katia Flameheart was surely already dropping hints.

Even so, that place was already practically her kingdom.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Necromantic creatures moved everywhere.

At the entrance, floating in the air, was her most prized creation—the Archlich named Happy—observing the world from on high.

Atop the mansion, a gigantic dragon-shaped monster, reduced to bones, rested with its wings folded.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Thud.

Amid the sinister fog, corpses and wandering spirits roamed that cursed stronghold.

The messenger’s lifeless body fell to the ground.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

He was already one of Fina’s soldiers.

The young man, sprawled on the earth, began to move little by little with a grotesque sound.

Fina, seated elegantly on the mount, took his place.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“Soon, Dereck will come to see me. avalanche I’ll have to tidy the house up a bit.”

As the horse moved forward slowly, the queen who ruled over death crossed the landscape beneath a moon veiled by mist.

He had been Fina’s student, and also her master.

They said Dereck was the most famous master in Ebelstein. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Fina found it hard to suppress her laughter.

After seeing the state to which the territory of Tigris had been reduced, could anyone still say that?

Did they say that bad noble ladies didn’t exist?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Perhaps those who taught young ladies raised like hothouse flowers could afford such romanticism.

Regret had no meaning, and she had never intended such a thing.

But Fina, the noble lady of the House of the Baron of Tigris, had lived for eons, massacring and profaning countless lives, paving her path with blood.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

No famous master could fix something like this.

This was not about correcting proud, ill-mannered young women.

Among all the noble ladies Dereck had known, Fina was the one who harbored the deepest darkness.

This was on an entirely different level.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

She closed her eyes and imagined the scene—Dereck, having become a mage at the level of a family head; armies following him; mages beyond the limit protecting him.

And then, she imagined them all dead.

And she would be the greatest trial in that master’s life.

“Well now, I really do have an expensive disciple.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

In the middle of the mansion of Tigris, drenched in blood, embracing Dereck and whispering in his ear that only she could guide him.

And when he reached the supreme level, mastering all magic and every inscription—then, at last, she could ask him to put an end to that long and exhausting life.

That only she could lead him to the starry heavens.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“Ufufu… ufufufu…”

Seated sideways on the horse, laughing softly, she looked like a dreamy girl.

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The queen of that dark and cursed realm was Fina.

Even death bowed its head before her.

But seeing her cross that mansion covered in the shadow of death and spirits, the only thing one felt was a chill.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“For the beginning of summer, it seems I’ll be granted the title of count.”

***

“Oh! canvas That’s… truly something worth celebrating, Dereck…!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“…”

Seeing that Dereck had a somber expression, Ellen tilted her head, wondering if she had said something inappropriate.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Of course, Princess Roselin and Kohella also departed with them.

The imperial guard took the emperor’s body and placed the culprit in custody before leaving the academy grounds.

The chaos that had occurred at the Ravenclaw Academy had largely settled down.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

— Don’t forget what we promised. altitude We’ll see each other again at the Palace of Gremport.

In any case, she had no intention whatsoever of yielding Dereck to another faction.

Early in the morning, just before boarding the carriage, Princess Roselin’s gaze as she looked at Dereck was unusually serious.

She seemed convinced that they were now traveling on the same boat.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

For his part, the conditions Dereck had presented to Princess Roselin were also quite satisfactory to him, so he did not see them as a bad option.

“D-Dereck…? august Then… from summer onward you’ll really become a noble with territory…? arctic You’ll have the same rank as Countess Rodelia of House Renuel…?”

Thus, after seeing off the imperial guard at dawn, Dereck gathered the Ravenclaw Academy disciples who were present into the conference room where the large round table stood.

The first order of business was to announce his rise in status.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Siern, on the other hand, seemed completely indifferent.

Ellen congratulated him sincerely, and Denise did the same.

Diella, seated beside Dereck, opened her eyes wide. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“Something like that.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“H-haah……………… the western frontier territory… you’re going to administer it… yourself…?”

After all, she was someone who behaved perfectly naturally even in front of 6-star mages like Melverot or Kalimpord; Dereck’s increase in authority would not change their relationship much.

Trisha, however, the most sensitive to worldly power, was left staring with her mouth agape.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“N-no… s-sorry for my lack of decorum, c-count…”

“…You can make expressions like that too?”

“…I haven’t officially received the title yet.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

When they had first met Dereck, he was nothing more than a ragged mercenary from the slums.

Seeing Trisha trembling so exaggeratedly, the other noble ladies began to swallow nervously in silence.

“A-ah… th-that is… haah…”

Dereck sat down at the round table, pressing his temples hard.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

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

If Dereck truly entered the category of a family-head-level mage, the hierarchy would be completely reversed.

And now, before they realized it, he was about to receive a noble title and take responsibility for a vast territory.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

An elevation in status changed even the relationships that had been maintained until then.

It would no longer be possible to maintain such an informal relationship, calling each other simply by name while exchanging teachings.

Administering one or two rural villages as a baron, moving about at one’s convenience, was nothing like becoming a count and beginning to manage a territory directly subordinate to the Empire.

Until now, it had been enough to keep up appearances at official events; in private, they could treat him with the same familiarity as in his days as a mercenary.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

And Dereck found that extremely uncomfortable.

Having lived since youth as a mercenary, always far removed from authority and formalities, he did not like seeing his disciples so tense and careful around him.

But with such a high position, they would have to change their attitude completely.

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

When it came to the relationship between master and disciple, Dereck was always firm.

“After the academy officially opens, the workload will increase. amber And once I begin fully managing the territory, I’ll be even busier. sphere Still, from the moment I decided to teach you magic, I don’t intend to do it halfway.”

Taking those things lightly could lead to mistakes in important situations, which would end up eroding his authority.

Even so, rank was rank, and due treatment was due treatment. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“However, I think it will be impossible for me to accept any more direct disciples. abstract That’s why I wanted to make it clear that, at least with those who are here, I’ll go all the way.”

If he decided to accept someone as a disciple, he took responsibility until the very end.

He was the kind of person who would storm into the Belmierd family or the Beltus family and raise hell just to protect his own.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

It was necessary to define that point clearly and eliminate any unease.

“…Although, to be honest, there is one more disciple I haven’t told you about.”

Although Dereck had made a name for himself in the field of educating noble ladies, even he had his limits.

The direct disciples of Baron Ravenclaw, Dereck Lydorf, were only the people gathered there. alien There would be no more in the future.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

But the world was vast, and all kinds of noble ladies existed.

And then, Dereck moved on to the real topic.

He had accumulated sufficient experience both as a mage and as a teacher, and had begun to feel a certain internal confidence that he could teach almost anyone.

From his days as a mercenary to becoming a noble, he had taught countless noble ladies, improved their achievements, and guided many along the path of reform.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The direct disciples of the Baron of Ravenclaw were five—that was what everyone believed.

Among all those he had met and educated so far, there remained one figure who far surpassed any other in difficulty—someone who was, at the same time, his teacher and his disciple.

Those present could not help but swallow in surprise.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

— If Princess Roselin says she needs allies, I can join as well. ability However, there is a matter I must resolve without fail. abandon If this isn’t settled, even from the princess’s position, it will be difficult to keep me under her command.

***

— And what are you planning to do now?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

There were far too many things to do. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Inside the carriage returning to the Palace of Gremport, Princess Roselin reviewed with a grave expression the conversation she had had with Dereck.

— …Could the imperial side help me with this?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Once back at the Palace of Gremport, she had to interrogate Marilyn, who was still in custody, in greater depth, and also investigate the figures hiding behind her.

— A 6-star necromantic mage is targeting me.

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However, what Dereck had asked of her just before departing kept returning to her mind, tangling her thoughts even further.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The emperor had been assassinated, the Empire was going through a national crisis, and her anger toward Marilyn was at its peak.

She thought there was nothing left that could shake her.

Baron Dereck Lydorf Ravenclaw always made shocking statements.

At least, that was what she believed.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

But the words Dereck had entrusted to her just before boarding the carriage ended up disturbing her mind even more.

***

What he had told her in secret, away from Kohella, continued to weigh on her chest, deepening her thoughts again and again.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The next day, Aiselin entered the office carrying an enormous stack of documents, her expression overflowing with happiness.

“It’s about time to prepare the reconstruction of the academy and, while we’re at it, the preparations for reopening!”

Dereck, who had spent the previous night brooding over all kinds of matters and was somewhat exhausted, thought as he looked at Aiselin so full of energy.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Dereck glanced sideways at the expressions of the head maid, Elpin, and the chief butler, Delbriton.

‘No matter how I look at it, I can’t compete with the endurance of this monstrous woman.’

“I heard that while I was gone, Dereck handled both palace affairs and academy matters! admire I can’t keep causing you so much trouble! alert From now on, I’ll take charge of directing the palace staff!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“T-that is…”

Seeing two people normally so cold and professional with their faces completely drained of color made Dereck’s feelings a bit complicated.

Their faces looked like cattle being led straight to the slaughterhouse.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Dereck looked silently toward Delbriton and said,

The sad reality was that Aiselin was right.

“Sir Dereck! amateur You already have far too many important matters to attend to! aluminum I appreciate your concern for me, but it’s better that you entrust minor internal affairs to someone like me, so you can focus on larger and more significant things.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

The butler Delbriton spoke with an expression of complete spiritual enlightenment.

“Then… if that’s the case…”

The head maid Elpin at his side was no different.

“It’s fine, Baron Ravenclaw… I understand perfectly… perfectly…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

“Yes… that’s right. action For all of us maids… it has been an honor to serve Baron Ravenclaw as our lord…”

“Eh…? album Elpin? echo The lord is still Dereck, you know? antique There’s no need to speak as if you’re saying farewell forever.”

“Elpin… seriously! anxiety There’s no need to say goodbye so nostalgically! altitude It’s not like there’s a staff transfer or anything!”

“Yes… of course… I’m still the head maid of the Ravenclaw palace… of course I am… but… I will live remembering this month that was like a paradise… remembering this beautiful spring…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Be that as it may, this was not a time when he could devote attention to palace management.

Seeing the lively Aiselin and the two servants completely pale, Dereck inclined his head in silence, as if offering a funeral prayer.

He had to deal with the administration of the Ravenclaw Academy, private magic lessons, and, on top of that, the schedule for the granting of his title.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

Dereck let out a sigh and stood up.

In the servants’ eyes, she must have looked like a Grim Reaper wielding a scythe.

The weather was beginning to soften.

And the only person capable of handling all of that at once was, in the end, Aiselin.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 196: Omen (1) by Indra Translations.

It was spring.

Now, the reopening ceremony was just around the corner.

The turbulent inspection itinerary, one way or another, had come to an end.