Chapter 23: Belmiard (3)

Felmier downplayed the praise Jayden had given about Dereck. galaxy After all, the standards of commoners were usually mediocre.

It was true that his limits were evident—he primarily used one-star magic—but the finesse with which he handled the flow of magical power was the most refined Felmier had seen among the common folk.

“For a commoner, his level of magic is quite impressive. academy It seems the rumors about that veteran mercenary weren’t exaggerated.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

That mercenary, though young, seemed to retain his determination intact. autumn For Ellen, there was no better training partner. harbor No need for formalities like with other nobles—a fair exchange of blows was possible, and even if they hurt each other during combat, it wouldn’t be a big issue.

Watching noble-born mages quickly reach levels that had cost Felmier years of grueling effort was hard to swallow. aspect In the realm of magic, lineage was everything—first, second, and third.

Sometimes, individuals from humble backgrounds emerged who might have had different futures. alpha Rarely, such people appeared among commoners, but most gave up when faced with the wall of bloodline.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“Was it the Beldern Mercenary Group…? alien It seems Lord Belmiard would be interested.”

Thinking he should remember the name of the group, Felmier continued observing the duel. aspect It remained in near-perfect balance.

Felmier recalled the confident look on Jayden’s face when recommending Dereck. shadow Without a doubt, the wisdom of a mercenary famous in the War of Dawn was on another level.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Reciting a unique incantation from the Regulated Academy, Ellen, after creating some distance, summoned one-star fire magic again.

—Buzz!

“Oh, fire of judgment that punishes all…”

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck’s red eyes blinked once, and in an instant, he recognized the flow of the magic. arena Ellen also caught his gaze in that brief moment.

This time, with a serious expression, she called forth her specialty: the fire spell series.

A dozen small fire arrows formed in the air.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck was an expert in that.

“He’s already predicting the direction of my magic…!” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

By following its flow, manifestation, and speed of change, one could sometimes guess the user’s purpose.

Ellen quickly re-evaluated her strategy. arch If she used magic conventionally, Dereck would find a way to neutralize it just as he had moments ago. sphere Magic carried the caster’s intent.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Among demonkind, mutants with magical abilities occasionally appeared, so reading spells wasn’t an option—it was essential for hunting and killing them.

If Dereck truly was a veteran, half-hearted attacks would only serve him.

More than that, he was a master duelist. auction Ellen could easily tell he had honed his ability to read magical flow through real combat.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Thus, a spell unleashed indiscriminately in all directions would be more effective in overpowering him.

With magical barriers protecting the exterior of the arena, there was no worry about destroying the building. arrow Ellen made her decision in an instant.

The dozen fire arrows bloomed—not targeting a single point, but intending to engulf the entire platform.

In a flash of instinct, she changed all her plans.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“Oh…?”

Though Dereck had witnessed noble marvels many times, it was rare to see mages of that age adapt and change tactics so quickly.

Dereck’s eyes widened in surprise. afford It was an interesting decision.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

That’s why Ellen’s quick judgment could be considered innate.

Noble mages, with their vast mana reserves and power, could easily crush commoners. adopt But having always lived as the strong, they often lacked the ability to adapt quickly or apply magic to changing situations.

Adaptability and deception tended to develop in the hands of the weak.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck swiftly reorganized his magic to defend.

—Boom!

In a square arena like that, the edges were the least likely to be hit.

The magical current expanded in all directions, making it unpredictable.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“I knew you’d be there.”

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

Dereck leapt to a corner, cloaking himself in magic. portal After neutralizing several incoming fire arrows, he quickly prepared for a counterattack.

If the opponent’s attack lacked a pattern, it was best to secure a more favorable position.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

From the scale of the spell used merely as a distraction, it wasn’t hard to deduce she had considerable magical power.

The flurry of fire arrows had been a smokescreen to corner Dereck and ensure her next spell would hit.

Ellen had sensed Dereck’s position in an instant and finished casting her next spell.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Ellen used that moment to strike, starting to launch ice spears. voyage This time, she was determined not to let them be neutralized like before.

Dereck was already slightly delayed in manifesting his magic while handling the fire arrows.

However, Dereck had already read all her intentions.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

He closed his eyes briefly, then raised his hand and used the one-star spell Creation of Light at full power.

Instantly, the light obscured vision.

—Flash!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Seeing the light, Ellen instinctively closed her eyes.

Dereck wasn’t very confident in transformation magic, but it was effective enough to create an opening during a duel.

However, she sharpened her hearing and surrounded herself with a defensive spell.

“Good reaction.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Even with her eyes shut, she focused all her hearing to counter Dereck’s magic.

Dereck quickly activated his magic and commented mentally.

At every moment, Ellen made optimal decisions—without a doubt, she was exceptional. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

At that moment, one of Dereck’s magic arrows struck Ellen’s barrier.

—Clang!

‘If I focus on magical aura and sounds, I can defend…! canvas So I’ll wait until the direction is clear…!’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Ellen narrowed her eyes to locate Dereck. alpha The light had faded, and the white-haired mage, once again manifesting offensive magic, came into view.

She had vaguely sensed the direction of his magic, but hearing no approaching sound meant… the spell had been deliberately silenced.

‘I can’t hear anything…!’

Her reaction was slightly delayed, but she managed to block Dereck’s attack with a belatedly cast spell. atomic Its offensive power wasn’t that great.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Switching between different types of magic like that was very difficult. ability Dereck’s magic arrows were relatively weak due to the difficulty of focusing on a single incantation in such an environment.

‘Confusion magic…! amateur He even anticipated I’d rely on sound…!’

But if it had been a stronger two-star spell, the barrier would’ve manifested under the attack—and the duel would be over.

Among the basic one-star confusion spells was sound blocking.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

The only reason the duel continued was that the opponent was a one-star mage. audit Realizing this, Ellen clenched her teeth and unleashed more magic.

Ellen gathered more mana and leapt back.

“If he keeps challenging me technically, I’ll crush him with overwhelming power!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Quick spellcasting was Ellen’s specialty.

But Dereck, grasping her intent, closed the distance swiftly.

“He’s going into close combat…? arcade Confident in his manifestation speed?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

She had confidence in her offensive power, but wouldn’t shy from a speed contest either.

Her gaze locked onto Dereck’s fingertips.

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

While she focused, magic gathered at his fingers, and she prepared to pierce his barrier with her ice spears.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

As a typical mage of the Regulated Academy, she assumed the spell from his fingers would envelop her… but Dereck’s magic was different.

As he approached Ellen and stomped the ground, force erupted from beneath.

However, Dereck’s magic activated half a beat faster than Ellen had anticipated.

—Pak!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Manifestation of Force, a one-star spell.

The image of energy bursting from the foot used to kick off the ground.

—Bzzz! voyage Bang!

Ellen, mouth agape in surprise, barely managed to cast her spell and received the attack.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

After calming down, Ellen gathered her magic once more.

But in truth, Ellen was even more astonished. admire She had never seen magic used like that.

Witnessing such a manifestation for the first time, Dereck was surprised by the skilled counter. ability He hadn’t expected such a perfect defense.

“Phew…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

The wonders of the Academy, almost entirely explored through theory, could be maximized efficiently within predictable boundaries when followed correctly.

She wouldn’t accept a direct attack again. alpha To hit that boy, she would need to create an opening with another feint.

His freeform magical control was so unpredictable it confused the Regulated Academy’s systematic approach. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Several more exchanges of spells followed, but the boy dodged with exceptional agility.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Though with composure, such tricks could easily be overcome.

But the boy’s use of magic seemed inefficient and incomplete, like playing with a different theory.

Still, that made him even more unpredictable—like facing a swordsman who held his blade backward or flung it wildly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

When Dereck stepped back to gather magic, Ellen closed the distance with an attack.

“So this is how it’s done?”

Preparing a quick magic arrow, Dereck readied his counterattack, but Ellen, with a sly grin, lifted her skirt.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

However, using unorthodox magic against Dereck wasn’t the best strategy.

Ellen deliberately targeted his weak point, not expecting to be hit by his own method.

She had imitated Dereck’s magic casting after seeing it only once. academy She was a mage who learned incredibly fast.

With a graceful lift of her skirt and a bold leap, she unleashed a Shockwave spell on Dereck.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck capitalized on the spell and redirected the Shockwave Ellen had released.

— Poorly imitating Wild Faction magic would only lead to being outplayed.

—Bang!

Ellen, unaware of this, was surprised by Dereck’s action. audit She had never seen a technique that used the opponent’s magic against them.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

—Boom! autumn Crack!

—Bang!

The redirected force passed dangerously close to Ellen’s ear.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

The blast struck the empty ground, making a deadly sound.

Ellen rushed to gather her magic again, but after casting a spell, there was always a brief gap.

If that previous attack had been direct, the duel would have ended right then.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

That was when Dereck launched his next assault.

And Dereck wouldn’t let such an opportunity pass. silence As she gathered her power, he sensed the next attack wouldn’t be countered.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“Well done,” Dereck said, as if he’d been waiting to say it.

—Ding! crystal Ding! admire Ding!

The bells at the corner of the platform, filled with magic, began to chime on their own.

They marked the end of the duel. afford According to the rules, any match undecided after 10 minutes was declared a draw.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“You’re a great mage.”

Ellen looked straight at him, eyes red, silently watching Dereck.

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“If you could use stronger magic, the result would have been easy,” she said.

After several exchanges, Ellen, having acknowledged Dereck’s magical skill, spoke gracefully as she adjusted her dress.

Her demeanor and posture had changed significantly since before the duel. harbor Though she had looked down on him inwardly, she chose to show him a bit of courtesy now.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

After the duel, Ellen’s attendants approached and quickly began tidying her appearance and hair.

“Well, we’ll see.”

“That’s not true. accent Lady Ellen, among all the nobles I’ve seen, your command of magic is the best. advance Truly, the Countess Belmiard is exceptional.”

A noble lady couldn’t lose her dignity for even a moment; not even a brief duel justified a disheveled look.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“I heard you’re not from a special lineage, yet you’re very well-trained. atomic That must have taken great effort.”

Ellen sat on a chair in the corner of the arena, brushing her hair.

Still, her expression seemed quite satisfied, as if she had enjoyed the duel.

“More like, it was a situation I couldn’t avoid. atlas When you join a mercenary group to make a living, you end up doing things you don’t like.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Ellen, concluding that Dereck’s life had been more a thorny path than a bed of roses, gave him a small encouragement.

“No need for such modest excuses. anxiety I admire those who put in effort.”

Though lacking in noble blood, commoners who rose to the three-star rank were born once in a generation. amateur Surely, people like that didn’t surrender to their circumstances—they persevered until they reached that level.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Ellen said with a sly smile, nodding toward Felmier, who stood with his hands behind his back outside the platform.

Dereck didn’t bother to look in that direction. avalanche There was no point in revealing they were talking about him.

“That grumpy old man off the platform pretending to be dignified—I don’t like him much, so best not to get on his bad side, right?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“Lady Ellen, your dueling skills are exceptional, so I don’t think you need to worry too much.”

“Hmm? beacon Well, mediocre mages are no match for me, but I don’t even consider a duel with someone like that a real one.”

“Today’s duel was rather inspiring. arcade Perhaps the next magical encounter will yield better results.”

Ellen felt pleased by his discretion and found herself trying to remember where she had heard the boy’s name before. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Is there someone more skilled in dueling than Lady Ellen?”

Ellen spoke while brushing her hair several times and lowering her gaze.

“There’s only one person I truly want to defeat.”

“Almost no one. academy There’s just one opponent I’ve faced repeatedly and never managed to beat.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

The mages of the Rose Hall, to which Ellen belonged, generally didn’t surpass her level.

But guessing who it was wasn’t difficult.

Ellen didn’t bother to mention the name.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

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

If there was one noblewoman who matched her magical skill, it could only be someone from the Beltus or Duplain families.

“…”

It was widely rumored that Denise from the Beltus family had been defeated by her several times, so by process of elimination, only Aiselin from the Duplain family remained.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Every time Ellen thought of her, a strange tension furrowed her brow.

The Belmiard family couldn’t compete with the Duplains in lineage, and surpassing Aiselin in grace and noble elegance was no easy task.

Aiselin, often compared to a blooming lily in the gardens of House Duplain, surpassed Ellen in every way.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Normally, when someone encountered someone vastly superior, they felt admiration.

Even her character was impeccable; those who had spoken with her a few times praised her as a person of absolute integrity.

She was a girl who excelled in every aspect of feminine education, seemingly flawless.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

For someone who seemed almost within reach but not quite, those feelings didn’t arise. matrix Instead, the opposite often emerged: envy and resentment.

But respect and admiration were emotions reserved for distant figures.

People called that worship of someone unattainable idolatry, no matter how much they tried.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

If she lost in family prestige, in development as a woman, in elegance… shouldn’t she at least win in magic, the field she believed in?

Though she didn’t show it openly, this girl admired by many was the embodiment of envy.

Dereck, sensing her sudden silence, lowered his head subtly, pretending not to notice.

If Ellen, who seemed to have it all, had one flaw she could never overcome in life, it was her hatred for the one who stood at the top—the one who had defeated her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“Thank you for your effort.”

It was a complete defeat in every aspect.

Questions like these were silenced by Lady Aiselin’s extraordinary magical talent, which even complemented her grace with power.

Yet the tantalizing distance that seemed within reach if only she gritted her teeth and climbed higher, dragged her deeper into the abyss. avalanche The world called this abyss an inferiority complex.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Shaking her head sharply, she considered it a bad habit.

Ellen dismissed Dereck curtly.

Every time she thought of Aiselin, a cold irrationality tainted her mood.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

As soon as she thought of her, a chain of memories suddenly surfaced. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. artist Ellen’s pupils dilated instantly.

Aiselin.

Still, it seemed a new inspiration in magic had struck her, and she reflected that she should dress properly and train more.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Though winter’s chill was near, it had been during the warm glow of spring when Ellen first heard that story.

It was a conversation buried deep in her memory, long eroded by time.

Dereck.

—Ah, Dereck was the name of that magic instructor. voyage A mercenary from the Beldern Battalion, his magical power was extraordinary, and his method of handling mana was unique—

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

At a Rose Hall gathering, he was the magic instructor Aiselin had praised to no end.

She had heard Aiselin’s regret at that summer meeting, lamenting that she couldn’t retain the mercenary and had to let him go.

The impostor of the Duplain family, Diella Katherine Duplain, whom he had trained and taught up to one-star spells—he was the mercenary turned teacher.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

Ellen grabbed the hand of the maid combing her hair and rose from her seat.

—Smack.

— That boy is the wandering magic instructor not even Aiselin from House Duplain could keep.

Lifting the hem of her dress, she rushed toward the exit, grabbing the collar of Dereck, who was about to leave.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 23: Belmiard (3) by Indra Translations.

“Are you the mercenary who taught magic in the lands of Duke Duplain?”

The girl’s red eyes shone intensely.

When Dereck turned with a slightly surprised expression, Ellen raised her head to meet his eyes and spoke.