Chapter 28: Ellen (3)

Magical duels between nobles were, essentially, an old pastime—a means to assess each other’s magical progress, hone skills, and engage in social activity.

When Aiselin entered the magical duel arena in the noble district, a large crowd had already gathered.

However, once word spread that descendants of influential families would be dueling, many rushed to witness it, split into two distinct groups.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

The first group often included members of magical societies from the southwest or royal guests, while the second was typically made up of wealthy merchants or children from influential families.

As people gathered, knights and soldiers were mobilized to ensure safety, and commanding officers mingled among them, which inevitably caused congestion.

The first were those genuinely interested in magic itself, and the second, those with hidden motives, hoping to curry favor with the nobility.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

But it was only a practice duel.

‘This is a duel between the Duplain and Belmierd families, so of course, more people will gather…’

Being a descendant of an influential family always meant drawing public attention. aspect Though Aiselin was aware of this, scenes like this often overwhelmed her.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

***

She was gracious to everyone.

Aiselin disliked the pettiness of such people, but she never showed it.

The result of such a duel could easily be reversed over time. absorb Even so, the spectators would talk about the outcome of this trivial magical duel.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“I took a look at the book you mentioned at the last tea party, Lady Aiselin. alien As you said, it’s filled with touching expressions and descriptions.”

“Hello, Lady Aiselin. alpha It seems the cold has eased a little.”

“Yes, Lady Taniem, please take care of your health, especially in times like these.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Among those eager to exchange words with her, crossing the old corridor was a rather exhausting struggle.

The lower-ranked noblewomen accompanying her flinched at her busy demeanor, but they knew they wouldn’t get another chance to speak with her.

As Aiselin greeted her followers with a radiant smile, her steps did not pause. voyage She wanted to quickly prepare for the duel, warm up, and finish the magical match with Ellen.

“Oh, you really read it? amateur I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Lady Lakail.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

As she walked toward the center of the duel arena, a boy absorbed in reading a small book in a corner of the corridor caught her attention.

“Excuse me a moment.”

When Aiselin quickly turned her head, her followers and attendants halted their steps. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

“…!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Mr. orbit Dereck!”

His white hair and red eyes, his face that at first seemed soft but upon closer look revealed a firm temperament, were just as she remembered.

She approached the boy, nestled among the crowd in a corner of the duel arena corridor, reading a book on the history of magic.

Aiselin excused herself from the chattering girls behind her and moved quickly, walking with grace.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

There stood Aiselin, as always, elegantly dressed in a beautiful gown, speaking in a lively tone.

Surrounded by such a crowd, he turned his head in surprise, as if unaware of her presence until that moment.

When Aiselin called out enthusiastically, the boy’s pupils trembled slightly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Behind them, several minor nobles, followers, and maids watched intently. avalanche The boy had to quickly assess the situation.

A polite bow seemed the appropriate response.

From their farewell in late spring to now, in late winter… quite some time had passed since he last saw Lady Aiselin.

“It’s been a long time, Lady Aiselin.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. autumn Lady Aiselin, you are as beautiful as ever. echo You’ve become even more elegant.”

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

“Did you come to see the duel, Mr. meadow Dereck? acquire It’s been so long, but you haven’t changed at all.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t surprising that Aiselin seemed so pleased.

Dereck was the one who had resolved a deeply troubling issue Aiselin had kept for years, and he was also extremely talented in magic.

“Oh, you flatter me. matrix Mr. meadow Dereck, you’ve become skilled at charming ladies. alpha Is it because you’ve been working in the noble district? voyage Hehe.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

However, the gazes from the surrounding followers and attendants were telling.

“…”

They were eager to gain Aiselin’s favor, so it wasn’t surprising that they looked at someone suddenly so close to her with envy and caution.

He was a courteous individual, though he retained the roughness typical of a mercenary. adopt Lady Aiselin saw Dereck’s ruggedness not as rudeness, but as a sign of his free spirit.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“It’s winter, and here I am, inviting you to enjoy some good tea at the mansion.”

The reason Aiselin greeted a commoner so warmly wasn’t hard to guess from their conversation.

At first glance, Dereck appeared ordinary. orbit A tunic and well-fitted trousers, leather boots, a cloak used in place of a mantle, a dagger at his right hip, and a longsword on the other side. acid Though he still bore traces of youthful innocence, he had clearly entered early adulthood.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“I’m honored. advance Your kindness is greatly appreciated, but life has been quite busy.”

“You’re well-informed. aspect We crossed paths by chance, and I offered a few pointers.”

“I heard you’ve been managing Lady Ellen’s magical training.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Yet Aiselin seemed concerned.

Those nearby finally realized that the man before them was the roaming magic instructor Aiselin had spoken about.

He was the mercenary who had reformed the black sheep of the Duplain family and whom Lady Ellen fully trusted for her magical duel lessons.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Lady Ellen has seemed very tired lately… I’m a little worried.”

“You haven’t been too harsh, have you…?”

“…?”

Aiselin knew well, from her sister Diella’s testimony, that Dereck’s magic lessons weren’t something an ordinary noblewoman could endure.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t worry, Lady Aiselin. canvas In fact, it’s not good to worry too much about others.”

Seeing the concern on Aiselin’s face, Dereck finally said:

But Dereck was someone who didn’t hesitate to use whatever means necessary to achieve a client’s goal.

She wasn’t undergoing knightly training; where else would you find someone who put a refined and beautiful lady through training that even seasoned soldiers would struggle with?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Don’t be too soft.”

“Is that so…?”

Dereck said this and gave a polite bow.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Next time, please visit the mansion to chat, Mr. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. arrow Dereck. amateur I have another engagement, so I must go.”

Realizing too late that the current situation might be overwhelming for Dereck, Aiselin said with an awkward smile:

Aiselin, too, was busy with her schedule, and the gazes of the people around them were a heavy burden.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Though he was still a boy with one year left before his coming-of-age ceremony, he often seemed like an old man who had experienced all of life’s hardships. arcade He was truly a mysterious boy.

“Yes, of course.”

With that, Dereck pulled up the hood of his cloak and walked away, his steps firm and steady, in the opposite direction of Aiselin.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

***

Aiselin was also somewhat aware of the inferiority complex Ellen harbored toward her. atom In fact, it would have been strange if she hadn’t noticed it.

But she didn’t give it much importance. acquire It was because she had a generous heart.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

For those who had reached the top, feelings like envy and jealousy were simply part of life. arctic Ellen wasn’t the only one who envied her.

That’s why the emotion Aiselin felt toward those who envied her was sympathy.

Despite all checks and balances, only those who could remain firm truly deserved to be called the lady of House Duplain.

Although Ellen’s jealousy was particularly intense and persistent, there were many others aside from her who tried to defame Aiselin.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

She wished that those consumed by negative, corrosive emotions could free themselves from that useless cycle as soon as possible. meadow It was good neither for Aiselin nor for them.

Useless envy only consumed them. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. academy She wanted them to break free from those shackles, share conversations, cultivate culture, and become worthy rivals. attic However, she knew well that it wasn’t as easy as it sounded.

The same applied to Ellen.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“Are you well, Lady Ellen? amateur You’ve missed many parlor gatherings lately, haven’t you? galaxy I heard you’ve been busy preparing for the duel… I suppose I should be nervous.”

“Hello, Lady Aiselin.”

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

In Lady Ellen’s eyes, as she stepped onto the dueling field, there was a venomous intent.

“…”

On the grand stage of the duel, various influential figures and noble ladies had gathered in the stands, engaging in discussions about magic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Protective spells had been cast around the luxurious dueling arena.

As the two beautiful roses adjusted their dresses on stage, warm applause echoed from the podium.

At the center of it all, Ellen and Aiselin were the stars competing in today’s event.

The rules of the duel were the usual: a 10-minute time limit, and the first to activate the protective spell embedded in her accessories would lose.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

Ellen silently raised her head in response, repeating the same words. attic The coldness in her eyes was a familiar sensation.

Aiselin gathered her magical energy and bowed her head to Ellen.

“Then, I hope for a good match.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

As always, Ellen remained composed, her beautiful red hair flowing freely.

However, the gleam in her eyes as she stared at Aiselin was tinged with an unusual unease.

An indescribable discomfort grew.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

But now, as she coldly observed Aiselin, focused solely on her magic, there was no such feeling in Ellen.

Every time she spoke with Aiselin, subtle emotional turmoil lingered in Ellen’s eyes.

Aiselin, lost in thought, silently observed Lady Ellen’s demeanor.

It didn’t take her long to understand the nature of this unease.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

It was a moment filled with hope. timber But it didn’t take long for Aiselin to realize that wasn’t the case.

Had Ellen finally been freed from the envy that tormented her for so long?

Ellen’s eyes, which once burned like fire, had somehow cooled into ice. alien She was focused on the duel.

Had Dereck, skilled as a mentor, released Ellen from the chains of those dark, gloomy days?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

That was when Aiselin finally realized that Ellen’s blazing fire arrows had swept across the battlefield.

When she opened her eyes after blinking, her entire field of vision was dyed red.

Amid the flames, Ellen, with her fiery gaze, rose like a phoenix.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

‘You really can’t win by relying on pure magical power alone. atlas Shift the battlefield somewhere else.’

***

‘…Shift it elsewhere? abstract In a magical duel, if not through magical skill, what else determines victory?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

But Ellen had asked Dereck, seated on the ground in the middle of a labyrinth reeking of blood and rotting mucus.

Her body was completely exhausted, and after a day of watching monsters be torn apart, she felt dizzy. ability Her face was pale, resigned to the fact that this truly was the hell Dereck spoke of.

Noble ladies usually practiced magic with elegance in luxurious training halls under renowned instructors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

After hearing this, Ellen could only show a skeptical expression.

‘It’s mental strength.’

Though she looked disheveled, Dereck continued teaching. atlas He was someone who always fulfilled his duty.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Who in the world didn’t know the benefits of mental strength? auction If one could win a magical duel with mental strength alone, why would differences in magical levels and superiority even exist?

‘Haven’t you been pushing your magical energy to the limit in every session?’

However, Dereck wasn’t someone who spoke nonsense. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. crystal Over the past few weeks of lessons, Ellen was sure—there must be a deeper meaning to his words.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck’s voice became more serious.

‘I thought that was just your twisted taste.’

‘I have no such hobbies. adjust When both sides’ magical energy is fully depleted, it’s often a person’s mental strength, not their magical prowess, that determines the outcome.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

‘…What if Aiselin has more magical power than I do?’

‘Unleash your magic as grandly and magnificently as you can—drag her into a battle of attrition. antique In the end… the one who somehow manages to cast a spell they seemed no longer able to will be the winner.’

‘…’

‘Then you lose.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Watching him kill demons made him seem like an entirely different person. acoustic Every moment following him through the labyrinth, Ellen couldn’t help but think—if there were such a thing as a real demon, it would surely be this boy.

Dereck was covered in demon blood. matrix He had just sliced apart a spider larger than a man with his sword and burned it with magic.

‘Of course, a person’s magical capacity is largely innate, but Lady Ellen of House Belmierd is no slouch. album So… believe in yourself.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Only in life-and-death battles can one reach their full potential.

Someone who had lived in a place like this all their life would see a staged duel as child’s play.

This wasn’t a safe magical duel arena, but a demon’s den where a moment’s carelessness could cost your life.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

He made her use magic all day.

That’s why Dereck pushed Ellen into the labyrinth.

Only on the thin ice where one misstep could cost everything do humans unlock all the power buried in their subconscious. beacon That sensation can’t be learned easily, not even with all the money in the world.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

The pressure of not knowing when the multi-layered protective spell would break.

Life and death. palette Scenes in between.

Made her dodge axes among attacking goblins and scorch trolls’ noses.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

There’s a realm one can never reach while sitting in an ancient mansion playing with decorum.

Only in such an environment could one feel, even just a little, the sensation of drawing out all the remaining power from within.

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

The cold sweat running even while still. atlas Trembling legs. zenith Blurry vision.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

–Whoosh!

Flowers in a greenhouse never know, until they wither with age, the feeling of clawing everything up from below and rising.

As a teacher, Dereck was someone who knew how to awaken such things.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

–Boom!

No matter how extraordinary one’s magical skill or how vast their magical power, the one-star limit still existed.

The spectators watching the magical duel near the stage were stunned.

Yet even so, Ellen’s fire magic, which lit up the stage with a dazzling glow, was impressive to behold.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin quickly wrapped herself in magic to protect herself and tracked Ellen’s position.

–Swoosh!

In her eyes was envy, no doubt. attic A massive envy directed at the perfect Aiselin, mixed with a bit of self-loathing.

On the flame-covered stage, amid the scorching heat, Ellen, cloaked in fire like a mage, stared directly at Aiselin. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck’s students harbored a burning passion in their hearts and an icy gaze.

Too emotional on one hand, but relentless in logic during a duel—those were the same eyes her sister Diella had when she faced Leigh.

Reading those eyes, Aiselin understood.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

Their teacher taught them to combine the fiery desire for victory with the cold rationality of competition.

Only then did Aiselin understand why Leigh had to fight so hard against Diella that day.

It was a display where heat and cold clashed fiercely, exuding an aura that made opponents swallow hard.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

However, standing before her was Aiselin Eleanor Duplain.

When faced for the first time with their near-obsessive determination, anyone would falter.

Dereck’s students, unlike ordinary noble ladies, had a different hunger for competition.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

She was sure she wouldn’t lose if it came down to pure skill.

“Even so… I will win.”

No matter how skilled Dereck’s students were, Aiselin was on the verge of becoming a two-star. afford Even against a one-star mage like Ellen, the difference in class was significant.

She wasn’t one to boast about her achievements, but her confidence in her abilities was immense.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

And so, icy magic began to surge from Aiselin’s body.

“…”

At the same time, Ellen’s eyes widened. afford A storm of fire arrows began erupting from the opposite side.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

The traces of that world briefly reflected in her pupils. avalanche Most of it was blood. audit The rest was equally horrific.

Sticky fluids, pungent smells, severed monster limbs, poisonous spider eggs, scattered corpses, the cold of the stone floor, remnants of massacres, seas of blood, the screams of monsters.

Ellen had spent the past few weeks observing Dereck’s world.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 28: Ellen (3) by Indra Translations.

When magic clashed with magic, a radiant glow began to envelop the duel arena.

Even this duel field, bombarded with countless spells, felt that way. harbor The girl calmly assessed every situation amid this grand magical display.

Emerging from all that, standing firm in her original place, everything now seemed peaceful and warm—like a meadow.