Chapter 26: Ellen (1)
Jayden didn’t think this life was bad.
Opening the doors at dusk, closing them at dawn. arctic On the way home, as the clear sky turned bluish, one would often see busy people walking through otherwise empty streets.
Running a tavern meant living out of sync with the world.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Back when he roamed battlefields decapitating trolls, there were no life patterns, so the comfort of predicting today and tomorrow was welcome.
After cleaning a few clinking glasses, the silence of the empty tavern felt as comforting as a warm blanket.
Of course, he never neglected his training and occasionally took on missions on his own, staying busy… but essentially, he was drunk on peace. galaxy Occasional monster hunts were just a diversion for Jayden, who had a past full of fatigue.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Still open, boss?”
Jayden rather enjoyed the quiet scene before closing time. zenith During these moments of reflection on how to end the day, a familiar figure stepped through the door.
–Creak
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Just want a quick bite before heading home. anchor Got anything left?”
It wasn’t unusual for this mercenary—known for shedding neither tears nor blood—to show up covered in dirt and dust.
As always, Dereck looked like a mess.
“Dereck. acoustic It’s nearly dawn, what brings you here?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
What was strange, however, was that he currently had a lucrative contract and wasn’t accepting other paid jobs.
“Not that deep, just a bit. legend I’ve got a plan I’ll tell you about.”
“No way, Dereck. auction Did you go all the way to the outskirts of Ebelstain? riddle Without a bounty mission? echo Don’t tell me you entered the labyrinth.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Want something to drink?”
“Anything’s fine.”
“Almost closing time—there’s not much good stuff left.”
Exhausted, he sat at the bar, brushing his bangs back as he wiped his face and sighed.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“I’ll close my eyes for a bit.”
“As you wish.”
“Going to sleep?”
It was known that Dereck was teaching a young lady from the Prince Belmiard’s family, spending nearly the entire day with her. amateur Even so, he found time at night to explore the outskirts of Ebelstain. autumn He seemed to be perfecting his magic or simply wandering.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Then you’re heading off to teach that Belmiard lady again?”
“I’ve got about three hours planned. silence Better grab what I need and get going.”
He had met the boy long ago in the mercenary trenches. acquire He knew all too well the kid’s astonishing magical talent—and often found it excessive.
Jayden clicked his tongue and poured him a simple drink. harbor He had never worked as hard as Dereck even in his active days. adapt Dereck seemed almost possessed by the study of magic.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Not wanting to keep an exhausted Dereck any longer, Jayden tossed a letter with an elegant seal onto the table.
“There’s a letter for you at the mercenary guild. arcade From an unusual sender.”
Dereck looked at it with a confused gaze and examined the surface.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“No. zenith It was probably sent by my mentor. apple She said she’d send word about her wellbeing if she could.”
“It’s from the Elvester County. crystal Elvester is a long train ride from here, on the eastern edge. antique I’ve never seen a letter come from so far away… especially from a noble house…”
“Prince Elvester, you say?”
“Yeah. admire No matter how famous your name is, it only stretches to Ebelstain, right? avalanche Do you have some charm that draws in the nobility?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Knowing how incredible she was as a mentor, Dereck was sure she’d be doing well even in such a prestigious place.
“The mentor of Lady Freya? voyage That old mage has lived quite a full life.”
Dereck’s mentor, Katia Flameheart, was teaching Lady Freya of Elvester County.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
If they were talking about Lady Freya of Elvester, she was nearly considered a queen in the Eastern Empire’s social circles.
‘In Ebelstain terms, she’s similar to Lady Aiselin.’
In a kingdom that seemed to span the entire continent, prominent families varied by region. alien News from the east rarely reached the far west of Ebelstain, but the names of certain influential figures still made it here.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Dereck pocketed Katia’s letter, unaware that a satisfied smile had crept onto his face. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com athlete He seemed genuinely pleased to have received news from his mentor.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
For Dereck, already a battle-hardened mercenary at seventeen, such a human expression was rare. armor Jayden, watching, couldn’t help but think:
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Take care of yourself.”
Jayden, arms crossed, finally spoke after silently observing Dereck sip his fruit wine in exhaustion.
“Dereck.”
‘After all, he’s still human.’
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
***
“…Don’t worry.”
(Newly Acquired Magic)
• Combat 1-Star: ‘Ice Spear’
• Combat 1-Star: ‘Fire Arrow’
• Transformation 1-Star: ‘Attribute Infusion’
• Confusion 1-Star: ‘Illusion – Small Animal’
• Combat 2-Star: ‘Shadow Bind’
• Combat 2-Star: ‘Great Protective Shield’
• Transformation 2-Star: ‘Crystallization’
• Detection 2-Star: ‘Magical Detection’
[One-star spells can now be used without full incantation.]
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
***
Even so, Dereck’s magic lessons had a mysterious way of pushing people to their limits.
Ellen began to believe in life after death. beacon She realized that hell wasn’t so far away.
Ellen’s resilience was far from weak. legend Though a delicate noble lady, her mental fortitude was exceptional, and her determination so ironclad that she could endure even the most grueling lessons.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Is there anything in this world that can’t be done through sheer will?”
“Lady Ellen! anxiety You can give more! athlete Today, you must learn how to gather the scraps of your depleted magical energy… to cast spells efficiently. arch You must understand that feeling!”
“How can I summon magic… from the depths of exhaustion… gasp… gasp…? palette How is that even possible…?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“If it seems impossible, giving up is always an option.”
Ellen’s daily routine already surpassed what most could handle.
She rose at dawn for a short magic-use training with Dereck, attended liberal arts classes in the morning, ate a quick lunch, dueled all afternoon, had dinner, rushed through magical control practice until bedtime, had a late-night snack, and practiced flower arrangements or played an instrument until the moon was high in the sky before falling asleep.
“Words… are easy… to say…!”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Could this… actually kill me?”
She had made a bold promise to Dereck, and now it was hard to say she couldn’t follow through.
After about two weeks, waking up in the morning left her in a state where the world seemed blurry. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. august It was true—this is what it felt like to be pushed to the brink.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
But whether her body could keep up was another question.
Yet, the thought began to grow in her mind that maybe, just maybe, if she kept pushing this hard, she could defeat Aiselin. antenna Ellen had never lived her life so intensely, minute by minute.
Effort never betrayed her. orbit Diligent in everything she did, Ellen could find satisfaction even in this brutal schedule.
Her desire still burned.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Ah, Lady Ellen. arctic Your skin is suffering a bit.”
“…”
Yet even so, the mansion’s butler dared to advise Ellen while helping her dress in the morning.
For a butler, commenting on the appearance of a lady of House Belmiard was a bold move.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“…That’s not possible.”
“…What if you reduced your magical training schedule a little?”
“My lady, it’s commendable to always strive to master magic, but when it starts affecting your appearance, it becomes a serious concern for us servants.”
“Yes. alpha I was so absorbed in my magic that I forgot to care for my appearance for a moment. august Without all of you, I’d be in a dreadful state. advance I’m always grateful.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
She had to defeat Aiselin.
And what if she lost?
The burning desire to win was incomprehensible to the butler.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
And most assumed it wouldn’t be easy to defeat her with desperate short-term efforts.
No one ignored that Aiselin was the epitome of perfection in every aspect.
He wasn’t in a position to make such irresponsible comments, but maybe it was time someone showed her the reality.
After all, Ellen was challenging the impossible.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Yet Ellen was obsessed with battling Aiselin, as if possessed by a spirit enchanted by victory.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Even if she succeeded, it didn’t matter. adopt Who would consider Ellen greater than Aiselin for winning a mere practice duel? alpha In the end, it was just that—a practice duel.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
The same went for the other noble ladies in the Rose Salon.
One could only wonder what had her so consumed.
“Lady Ellen seems to be having a hard time.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
After all, among the three ladies considered the heart of the Rose Salon, ranking them seemed pointless. atlas Each bloomed like a flower in her own right.
That’s why no one understood Ellen’s seriousness as she grew thinner by the day, devoting herself to magical training.
Ellen, who sometimes graced gatherings and debates with her dignified beauty, was admired by all, though not quite as much as Aiselin.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Soon after, unable to withstand the horrific daily training, Ellen wandered the cultural salon looking dazed. arctic It was still unclear if all this was acceptable.
Every day, she summoned her magic from the deepest parts, pushing herself to exhaustion without questioning the meaning of it all.
Returning to the mansion meant more magical training and hurried spell review before dinner. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
From a corner of the cultural salon, Aiselin watched Ellen with a heart full of unease.
Her sole focus was to overcome this hell. agent Gradually, everything in the world began to feel distant and blurry.
“…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Her followers knew this well, so they refrained from openly criticizing Ellen’s competitive spirit.
“Lately, Lady Ellen seems very worn out. arena Her skin looks a little damaged, and her eyes lack vitality. arena I’m worried she’s overexerting herself.”
“She must be giving her all for the magic duel with Lady Aiselin. absorb Even if it’s just a practice match, her seriousness is undeniable.”
Aiselin truly hated speaking ill of others.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
In her heart, Aiselin despised such petty and vulgar noblewomen.
Following in the footsteps of the exceptional Aiselin, her followers often deceived themselves into thinking they held the same authority. acid Aiselin deeply disliked their condescending attitude toward Ellen, as if they were in her place.
However, their words subtly hinted at a disdain toward Ellen, who seemed to be trying too hard.
Aiselin seemed compassionate.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
As usual, the butler, with a worried expression, combed her hair and said,
The next morning, Ellen, somehow enduring the screams of pain from her body, rose from bed.
***
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“…What? alien The Duplains?”
“Yes. acquire Oh, it seems it was sent by Lady Aiselin…”
“A gift has arrived from the Duplain family.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
After placing it on the tea table and bowing politely, Ellen, rubbing her blurry eyes, opened the box.
A maid entered the bedroom carrying a wooden box adorned with an elegant floral bow and refined ribbon.
Inside was a handwritten letter from Aiselin, a scented sachet, and several magical health care items.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
After checking the contents of the box, Ellen silently opened the letter. acquire Inside, Aiselin’s meticulous handwriting was beautifully delicate. acoustic The message was mostly filled with words of encouragement, urging her to stay strong.
“…”
“Lady Ellen?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Aware of this, Aiselin wrote the letter as if she were simply sharing surplus items from her home—a polite social formality.
However, it was obvious to anyone that someone with superior abilities would only send such a gift out of pity.
Aiselin had sent this gift out of concern, fearing Ellen was pushing herself too hard in preparation for their duel.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
After reading the sincere letters, Ellen put them down silently.
To anyone, she seemed too good, too virtuous.
In truth, it was a heartfelt gift from Aiselin, but she presented it in such a way that Ellen wouldn’t feel belittled, as if it were being shared with various acquaintances at once.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“No, throw them all away.”
“They’re quite luxurious items. orbit I’ll store them separately.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Grinding her teeth in frustration, Ellen stood from her seat.
“Throw them all away. album Don’t let them catch my attention.”
“…Pardon?”
In the mirror, a tired and haggard girl with a bitter expression stared back at her.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Who was she? anxiety She was herself.
There stood an ugly human, consumed by irrational jealousy, harboring hostility toward a perfect being—beautiful, noble, and kind.
Who was the villain who plotted to ruin Aiselin when she first entered society? acquire Herself.
Adorned with beautiful makeup and charming accessories, her face was plagued with jealousy and envy.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
The woman in the mirror had disheveled hair and pale skin, worn down by exhaustion.
Who was the despicable woman, moved by Aiselin’s dignity and grace but unable to let go of envy, struggling desperately to win? orbit Herself.
Who was this woman? arch Who was she?
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Is Dereck in the training area now?”
Suddenly, Ellen’s eyes widened as she stared silently at the mirror.
“Yes. matrix He’s preparing for the morning training. aluminum Once you’re dressed…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“…Pardon?”
“What’s the point? athlete I’ll be soaked in sweat and dirty soon enough.”
Without saying another word, Ellen lifted her dress hem and left the room.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
–Thud
***
Ellen stormed into the training area, letting go of her grip as she entered.
The servants hurried to stop her, but she ignored them.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Isn’t it obvious I should begin training the moment I open my eyes?”
“My lady. audit Did you come straight after waking up?”
“Hard at work again this morning, Dereck. abandon As always, can we start with a practice match?”
Dereck, who was polishing his sword in a corner of the grounds, looked up in surprise.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Then what is it?” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
“That’s not what I meant…”
It was time for her exhausted mind to repeat itself slowly. adapt Indeed, enduring this much wasn’t ordinary.
Dereck had deliberately cornered Ellen, but he hadn’t expected this reaction and had to pause to assess the situation.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Lady Ellen.”
Dereck immediately realized Ellen had been pushed to her limits. artist Everything had gone according to plan so far.
However, Ellen, after silently watching Dereck, took a deep breath as if it were nothing and said,
“To defeat Aiselin, every moment of training is too precious to waste. echo I need to perfect my skills even more.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Give up?”
“Sometimes, giving up is also an option if it’s too hard.”
And in a situation like this, he asked a question he had asked many times before.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“Why should I give up? sphere Dereck, you always suggest giving up whenever things get hard. absorb Did you come here to hold me back?”
Then, looking at him with wide eyes, she confronted him.
“….”
Ellen frowned as if he’d touched a wound, then wiped her face with her delicate hands and approached Dereck.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“I want someone who can help me defeat Aiselin, and you agreed right away. atom Isn’t that our relationship? atomic Why do you keep scratching at me with words of surrender…? apple Can I ask why?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“Lady Ellen.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Conveying knowledge is an instructor’s role, but guiding people is the role of a mentor.
Why was she so obsessed with competing against Aiselin?
Dereck needed to know the reason. arcade He had long realized that it wasn’t just jealousy and envy that drove her.
Teaching someone means understanding their fundamental psychological desire to achieve and guiding them accordingly.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Seeing Dereck calmly utter those words, Ellen suddenly felt a surge of inexplicable anger. orbit She hadn’t hired Dereck to hear useless talk like that—she had hired him to help her beat Aiselin.
And Dereck had learned well what it meant to guide others from his experience with Katia.
“So what if you can’t win?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Ellen grabbed the collar of Dereck’s shirt.
“If I can’t win… if I can’t win, I’m just too ugly.”
About to raise her voice, she suddenly caught Dereck’s sincere gaze and calmed her breathing.
At last, Ellen spoke as if spitting the words out.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Dereck had judged that in that state, he couldn’t help Ellen.
But she was also a seasoned figure in social circles. galaxy She said many things, but never revealed why she truly wanted to beat her.
“….”
The day she brought Dereck home, she had exposed her flaws and persuaded him.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“I’ve admitted how childish and malicious my actions were, and I’ve understood a hundred thousand times that Lady Aiselin is completely genuine and admirable. august That she’s not someone you can compete with—I accepted that long ago. august My mind and reason understand everything. avalanche That there’s no reason to dislike or hate Lady Aiselin—I’ve explained that, too.”
“I already said it. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. echo I’m the kind of person who slanders and belittles Aiselin. action I may be called the pillar of House Belmiard or the flower of the Rose Salon, but at best, that’s who I used to be. sphere Do you understand?”
With that, the anger had vanished from Ellen’s twisted eyes, leaving only sorrow.
“….”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“But what can I do? sphere This ugly, petty inferiority complex won’t go away…”
She spoke as if expelling a clump of mud clinging to her heart.
It was then that Dereck began to understand her. matrix After all, she was just a girl his age.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
If reason matured too much, it would detach from emotion. arrow Knowing how ugly and shameful her inferiority was only made her feel even more shameful for harboring it.
No matter how childish or shallow this inferiority complex might seem, it meant nothing. echo Because human emotions don’t always follow logic.
Ellen, a noble lady respected wherever she went, was still just a girl enduring the storm of adolescence.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
— “There was a time when I felt really miserable.”
— “You’ve put it nicely. admire I’m well aware my personality isn’t the best.”
But, as she said, where could such emotions arise just because one wanted them to, and disappear just because one didn’t?
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
It was a signal too subtle to notice unless one was looking for it, but once it caught attention, the whole shape became clear.
It was then that Dereck felt the pieces of the puzzle finally fit together. absorb She always acted like a proud rose, but there was self-hatred behind her words and actions.
Lady Ellen must have been looking for a way to fix this flaw in herself. legend But human emotions don’t change easily with the flip of a switch.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
In the end, the one she hated most wasn’t Aiselin, but herself.
After much struggle and wandering, her ultimate goal was to beat Aiselin—even if it was something trivial.
The reason he kept asking Ellen if she could truly go through with it was to confirm her determination. admire Because the plan he had in mind would be dangerous for her if done half-heartedly.
Dereck finally felt like he was seeing the core of Ellen.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
“That’s right.”
He simply and slowly guided Ellen’s hand away from his collar. portal Even that gesture carried firmness.
Dereck didn’t make a scene or respond emotionally.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
Ellen’s eyes widened in surprise.
Despite Ellen’s emotional reaction, Dereck didn’t show the slightest bit of confusion.
“…Then let’s win.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 26: Ellen (1) by Indra Translations.
He was like a steel blade—easily roused, but unshakable.
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