Chapter 27: Ellen (2)

“Since this is a formal magical duel, there are more restrictions than expected. action The most important thing is that, with so many nobles watching, we must at least maintain our dignity.”

That calm demeanor was contagious. antique Ellen felt ashamed of her emotional outburst a moment ago. anxiety No matter how cornered one might be—physically or mentally—a noble lady was always expected to maintain composure and dignity.
Yet Dereck seemed unshaken.

Dereck always wore a serious expression.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“Still… as much as I hate to admit it, Lady Aiselin is superior to me.”

Dereck spoke with certainty, without a hint of doubt or anxiety.

“Not in every way. athlete You just need to find one area where you, Lady Ellen, excel.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“What? atom You’ve got something else planned?”

It was as if he had anticipated Ellen’s emotional reaction. portal To her, Dereck, a commoner, now seemed like a seasoned veteran.

“All the extreme magical training up until now wasn’t for nothing. auction It was the foundation needed to defeat Lady Aiselin. aspect Now we move on to the core process.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

When Dereck looked at Ellen with deeper seriousness, she swallowed hard.

Despite Ellen’s reaction, Dereck spoke calmly.

“From now on, it will be real hell. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com alpha So pay close attention.”

“…Didn’t I say I needed to test your resolve?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

But after making such a fuss, she couldn’t back down now.

Ellen began to see the boy in front of her as a lion wielding a scythe.

If what was coming now was truly hell, then what had everything before been?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Crossing the Boleron Plains, the largest granary on the western continent, a large fortress finally came into view on the horizon. atomic As it managed the entire southwestern coastal border, this impressive military fortress was well-maintained.

***

Riding across the vast grasslands of Prince Belmiard’s lands, one could easily see farmers working in the fields from early morning. accent The wheat fields, now in the harvest season, stretched across the plains.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Clip-clop, clip-clop.

It was just a brief detour. crystal Given the circumstances, he had stopped by the Belmiard estate to finish up some old business and report the current situation to the count.

Felmier had been riding for some time.

Since the mercenary would be handling magic instruction for now, there was no role for him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Riding into the fortress entrance, the guards halted their attempt to stop him.

Unlike the calm atmosphere in the farmlands, things grew somber as he approached the fortress.

Along the ridge following the southern coast, there were watchtowers on guard. avalanche As the massive mountain ranges came into view, flags lined the path and soldiers patrolled, their weapons loosely slung.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Neigh!

He looked quite young for his position. arctic Fine lines hinted at the years he had lived, but his eyes still shone with vitality, far more than other nobles in this world. acid His broad shoulders and sturdy frame testified to his years of active service.

Heading up to the tower at the heart of the fortress, a man stood before soldiers busy with parade drills for the festival.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Even the heads of noble houses in the capital would bow and show respect before this frontier noble, a man of great renown in the Western Empire.

He was Tristan Anelt Belmiard, Count of these lands.

“Oh, Felmier! attic Back from Ebelstain already?”

“I see you’re well, Count. shadow I thought you’d be at the noble mansion, not here at the fortress.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

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

“Are you inviting me to lounge in some corner with a quill? acoustic A man should train his body now and then.”

Count Belmiard was known for his generous nature and care for his subordinates, but as a former soldier, he also carried innate charisma. atomic He was the type of man who stood firm and faced his enemies with resolve.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“It’s been a long time since I saw my treasure, Ellen. adapt When she’s near me, laughter is never far. atom How is she doing in Ebelstain?”

“Quite well. shadow She’s faced many challenges lately and is focusing more on her magic training.”

He couldn’t predict how the Count would react upon hearing that his daughter Ellen was learning magic from a mere mercenary. shadow Felmier viewed Ellen’s involvement with Dereck as a temporary diversion.

Felmier hesitated briefly, choosing not to report on the mercenary named Dereck just yet. atom He decided to keep it a secret for now.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“That’s good to hear. abstract I have business in Ebelstain regarding tariffs on the southwestern trade route. admire I was originally going to send a message via a senior official at the noble mansion, but with you here, Felmier, there’s no need.”

After all, Ellen had hired the mercenary mostly out of competitive spirit against Aiselin. academy Falling behind a commoner in magical training would be a blow to her pride.

“Really?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

However, unbeknownst to Felmier, Count Belmiard was already preparing for a visit to Ebelstain.

“Maybe I don’t need to send a message at all. atlas Sometimes, surprising my treasure Ellen with a gift isn’t a bad idea. legend No need to announce it. apple Though I do need to think about what gift to bring.”

It wasn’t unusual for southwestern nobles to visit Ebelstain, but such a sudden trip was uncommon.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“Even so, maybe it’s better to let her know… Lady Ellen would be delighted, I’m sure.” Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Count Belmiard had visited the noble district of Ebelstain several times. acid On the surface, it appeared a charming paradise for nobles, but beneath it was fierce competition and mental warfare.

It was hard not to worry about his daughter in such a place. riddle He frequently sent gifts, supplies, and competent officials to assist her, but a father’s heart is never completely satisfied with just that.

“I also want to see how Ellen is adjusting to her life at the foreign mansion. afford A father’s worry is ever-present, isn’t it?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Ellen, who visited the noble mansion, always seemed cheerful when recounting her days in Ebelstain.

From Count Belmiard’s perspective, worry was unavoidable. atlas He knew well that, while Ellen had matured intellectually, she still carried many childlike traits emotionally.

If Duke Duplain was a strict and thoughtful patriarch, Count Belmiard was a generous yet direct father. absorb He was the kind of man who wouldn’t hesitate to rearrange his schedule if it meant checking on his daughter—and was a fool when it came to matters concerning her.

However, Count Belmiard knew full well that his daughter had grown. atom It wasn’t impossible that she was putting on a cheerful front to keep him from worrying about her life away from home.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

***

“Given the circumstances, let’s move up the schedule. timber You, Felmier, will accompany me to Ebelstain on my departure day.”

Felmier could only offer a troubled expression.

“…Will that be all right?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

That’s how the letter from his mentor, Katia, began.

Dereck had always liked the expression “time is like an arrow.”

“Time is like an arrow, Dereck.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck had promised to help Ellen win, but in the end, what mattered most was her own will. atlas Whether she properly handled his lessons was something that remained to be seen.

The feeling he had while teaching Ellen was quite similar. portal Before he realized it, more than two weeks had gone by.

Like an arrow loosed from a bow flying straight, time too moves forward without ever turning back. antenna And before you know it, a day, a season, a year has passed—he felt that phrase summed up his life perfectly.

—Crack, crack.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

To passersby, she would’ve looked so disheveled they might question if she were truly nobility, lying there exhausted and panting. alien In truth, her noble status was being kept secret.

It wasn’t the noble carriage she was used to, but an old, dusty, worn-out mercenary wagon.

Leaning his head against the swaying carriage wall, calmly reading the letter, Dereck glanced at Ellen out of the corner of his eye.

Inside that decrepit vehicle—a place where a noble lady from a count’s household would normally never set foot—she lay, not in her usual frilly dress, but in simple, comfortable clothes under a cloak.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck glanced at her again, then returned his gaze to the letter.

“It seems it’s been almost two years since I left Ebelstain, and my contact has been shamefully late. echo Since arriving in Elvester’s domain, I’ve been busy with work, and only now do I feel a little relief. adapt Countess Freya, whom I instruct, has a greater learning spirit than I expected, and it seems I’ve spent my time solely focused on teaching her magic.”

“Now that I have a bit of free time, I reflect and feel that the days when I wandered Ebelstain’s tavern-lined streets teaching you magic felt more liberating. crystal I couldn’t live as comfortably back then, but I could go wherever I wanted.”

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“You look like someone reading a love letter.”

“What do you mean? Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. wizard I’ve been awake this whole time.”

“You’re awake?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Even veteran adventurers had to thoroughly prepare to delve into the deeper sections of the labyrinth, birthplace of demonic races.

For the past two weeks, Dereck had taken her through the labyrinth outside Ebelstain. legend It wasn’t an experience a noble lady could easily endure.

Though the area Dereck led her to wasn’t the deepest part, it was enough to make Ellen feel a fear close to death.

Ellen tried to maintain her dignity but couldn’t sit up. accent It was understandable.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

‘…’

In reality, the method for shaping Ellen into a true combatant was fairly simple. accent It all came down to real battle experience.

Of course, if there had been real danger, Dereck wouldn’t have taken the risk. shadow He brought Jayden, a mercenary more seasoned than himself, and also Pheline, just in case, to help them through. anchor Dereck could manage the labyrinth’s entrance alone, but he didn’t take chances.

Even so, what Ellen saw in those two weeks was nothing short of hell.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

What Dereck wanted to instill in Ellen was the raw, untamed reality of the battlefield—something that those bound by strict rules all their lives would never experience.

No matter how many layers of protective magic one wore before leaving home, witnessing the disgusting brutality of such scenes would make anyone’s eyes tremble. harbor This was a far cry from Ellen’s personal safety.

Blood-soaked scenes, with axes and swords flying through the air.

Killing monsters that occasionally lurked near Ebelstain was one thing, but entering the labyrinth and committing a massacre was something else entirely.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

The significant difference Ellen had felt during her debate with Dereck had stemmed from that very perception.

More precisely, the breadth of her perception.

What Dereck ultimately wanted to cultivate was Ellen’s “vision.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Once someone experiences a broader world, they often quickly master the basics of more limited fields.

Someone who can run 1000 meters will certainly understand how to run 100 meters.

Of course, there are slight nuances to sprinting 100 meters, but the foundational ability is already mastered. aluminum That was the difference between Dereck and Ellen.

For Dereck, who had survived countless fierce battles, this debating arena—so orderly, so concerned with dignity—was nothing more than a playground for children playing in the dirt.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

On the first day, Ellen vomited at the sight of the blood-stained labyrinth. zenith She leaned against the wall, her fingers trembling, then paled at the sight of pus stuck to the surface.

The process of acquiring them wasn’t something a delicate noble lady could easily endure.

Naturally, mastering these seemingly basic skills wasn’t easy.

That’s why Dereck had asked and confirmed with Ellen repeatedly—if she was truly ready.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

On the fourth day, she gritted her teeth and managed to cast a spell on a monster. orbit On the fifth day, she killed a monster for the first time.

Yet Ellen didn’t give up. advance By this point, it seemed like she couldn’t give up even if she wanted to.

For a noble lady who had lived in a grand mansion filled with artistic antiques, walking through scenes soaked in blood was akin to hell itself. athlete It was like a form of shock therapy.

The same thing happened on the second and third days. shadow For three full days, she could do nothing.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

By the fifth and sixth days, she started showing signs of adapting, but on the seventh day, when a giant minotaur appeared in the labyrinth, she had to swallow her dizzying tears once again.

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

Ellen’s figure, gazing at the dark blue blood with trembling hands, stood out. arena Though a noble lady, she had finally come to understand how even the lowest mercenary killed monsters.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Of course, after fighting all day, she was understandably exhausted.

And so, Ellen had become someone capable of conquering the labyrinth’s entrance.

Even so, Ellen continued to persevere diligently. artist Every morning, she waited for Dereck, put on her cloak, and left the mansion. acoustic Without allowing servants to accompany her, she blended into the streets around the taverns to learn what a battlefield was really like.

Pheline, seeing the noble lady collapse like that, held her side and laughed for a long time back at the tavern. auction In front of Ellen, she pretended to be a mature mercenary, but deep down, she seemed to enjoy watching nobility break.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Pheline, sitting in a corner of the carriage with a gentle smile, handed her a cold water flask, which Ellen immediately took and drank from. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

“Tha-thank you… You’re very kind…”

Was Pheline pleased to see Ellen working so hard? athlete She laughed with a light “jo-jo.” wizard To a stranger, she might seem like a kindhearted girl, but Dereck, knowing her true nature, could only shake his head.

“Lady Ellen, I brought you some water.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“Although unlikely, have you mastered high-level magic? avalanche It might be excessive, but I believe you could. arch Countess Freya has recently become proficient in 1-star magic. altitude Seeing her cheerful attitude reminds me of your childhood and warms my heart.”

“How far has your magical progress come? acoustic Sometimes I wonder if you’re still a student. artist No matter what anyone says, you are the most talented mage I’ve ever seen. action As a magic instructor, many would dream of a student like you.”

Dereck looked back at the letter again.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“If we ever get a chance to meet again, please show me your wonders. adjust If I happen to visit the western empire, I’ll be sure to contact you. antique Your old mentor, Katia Flameheart.”

With that silent monologue in his heart, Dereck quietly folded the letter and fell into contemplation.

Teaching and guiding someone was a rewarding task—and, surprisingly, one that positively impacted Dereck’s own magical achievements.

Mastery. album I, too, have spent my life teaching others—just like you.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

The 1-star spells, Ice Lance and Fire Arrow, felt more sophisticated as he taught Ellen, as if he were searching for a more elegant way to use them.

Was teaching someone also a way to teach yourself?

Reviewing what he already knew was beneficial, and at times, in his effort to help a student’s magic mature, his own magic grew more refined.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Of course, this wasn’t the right moment for such gentle introspection.

That unexpected realization helped Dereck understand why magic instructors were so obsessed with good students.

“Lady Ellen.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Lying in the carriage, Ellen silently stared at the swaying ceiling before answering with difficulty.

“How do you feel?”

“…”

“The duel is in two days.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“Even so… I’m not sure I can win.”

“…”

“It’s true, like you said, Dereck. armor I’ve had many extraordinary experiences these past few days. harbor I’ve trained non-stop, and I feel my magic has matured more than ever.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

At least among the noble ladies, no one could be sure.

Of course, Dereck had rapidly improved her magical mastery, but whether she was skilled enough to defeat Aiselin was still uncertain.

For now, all Ellen could do was fully trust Dereck. academy The duel was approaching fast, and Dereck was the one who understood her best.

Ellen couldn’t help but voice her doubt.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Leaning against the carriage wall, Dereck began to close his eyes, as if the world no longer concerned him. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Taking a deep breath as she lay there, Ellen braced herself. atom The duel with Lady Aiselin was at hand.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

The servant called politely at the door of Aiselin’s private study.

“Lady Aiselin, it’s time for your watercolor lesson.”

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

“Pardon me, I’m coming in.”

After hesitating for a moment, the servant decided to intrude, unable to delay Aiselin’s next appointment.

But there was no response from inside. sphere A presence could still be felt, but the lack of reply suggested she was deeply focused.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Inside, Aiselin stared blankly into the sky, murmuring a spell. abstract An eerie aura surrounded her.

With that, he opened the old wooden door, and as it creaked open, the interior came into view.

The servant, who had attended Aiselin since childhood, was left speechless, his voice caught in his throat.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Her gaze wasn’t fixed on the ceiling but seemed focused far beyond.

The room was cluttered with thick books from the Academy of Ordered Magic. anxiety Quite unlike the usually pristine environment of Lady Aiselin. avalanche She was completely absorbed in the magical tapestry unfolding around her.

The room was filled with bluish magical energy. august Her jet-black hair floated weightlessly. athlete Traces of magic shimmered in her glowing eyes, reflecting the dusk itself.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin was the epitome of a model student, devouring the Academy’s magic books to her heart’s content.

It was the sky. riddle The sequence of shining magic in the room resembled a starry night.

Many of the principles and theories of Adelbert—the founder of the Academy school and the first to define magical hierarchy—lived and breathed in her mind.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

The structured magical system, organized by the stars, warded off chaos and emphasized the coherence of ordered theory. meadow The spells he established became the foundation not just of the Academy but of all magic.

She had internalized them, reading them over and over, until they became her own knowledge, now flowing from her fingertips.

It was said that Adelbert, the first mage of the Ordered Academy, had constructed the magical hierarchy by gazing at the Big Dipper in the sky. artist That was the opening chapter in Adelbert’s biography that Aiselin had read in her youth.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Born of noble blood, gifted with exceptional talent, and relentlessly building on her efforts—her magic finally transformed into a Milky Way among the stars.

Suddenly, the magic accumulated in her hands surged throughout the room, and the sound of a grand orchestra began to fill the space. avalanche It was Aiselin’s favorite symphony.

Within that established order, the magical current flowing through Aiselin’s eyes merged and expanded.

—Whoosh!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

But the majestic sound continued for a while before… gradually fading, like a mirage, and then vanished into silence.

The girl seemed strained from using such powerful magic. auction It was still a spell she couldn’t fully control.

The scene of a full orchestra playing in a small study would have made anyone doubt their eyes.

“Hah… Hah… I failed again.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin’s self-reproach echoed in her clear voice, now the only sound left in the quiet room.

What she had just conjured was the 2-star disorientation spell Auditory Illusion. absorb It was the same spell Dereck had self-taught at the age of fourteen.

The servant, having witnessed the spectacle, couldn’t help but widen his eyes in astonishment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 27: Ellen (2) by Indra Translations.

Quickly adjusting her dress, she rushed out of the room, and the servant could do nothing but watch her in silence.

Only then did Aiselin notice the servant’s presence.

“Oh goodness, look at the time. album I got carried away. athlete It would be rude to be late, so I must hurry.”