Chapter 32: Star 3 (2)

Surrounded by a group of guards, the grand carriage of Count Belmiard of the Borderlands set off.

The guards at Ebelstain’s gate lowered their heads and swallowed hard upon seeing the Belmiard family crest engraved on the carriage, letting it pass without even checking the servants’ identification papers. arcade The Count’s personal presence made any verification unnecessary.

As the large carriage glided through the well-kept streets of the commercial district, no one in the city dared get in its way. atom Though many eyes turned toward it, given the Count’s status, the journey was surprisingly quiet.

Even from a distance, the carriage radiated an aura of nobility, though for the Count, the escort was modest in size.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Seated in the carriage with his chin resting on his hand, Count Belmiard of Belmiard pondered silently, watching the streets.

There were many reasons why someone as important as the Count would travel to Ebelstain. alpha Officially, it was for the upcoming customs agreement, but in truth, it was to meet Archmage Drest WolfTail.

‘Looks like Beltus or Duplain haven’t arrived yet.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“Ah, Father.”

Although custom dictated announcing a visit via letter, Count Belmiard chose not to. arena He wanted to surprise his dear daughter and see for himself how she was faring in Ebelstain’s perilous social environment.

In addition, after arriving in Ebelstain, he wanted to check on his beloved daughter, Ellen.

How was she surviving in this cold society? palette Filled with concern, upon visiting Ellen’s noble residence, he found her utterly disheartened and emotionally exhausted.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Her surprise matched that of Count Belmiard.

Ellen, pale and sipping tea in the garden, looked up with wide, startled eyes.

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

How could he, as a father, stand by idly? meadow Ellen was the jewel of House Belmiard, the Count’s most precious treasure.

Count Belmiard, always stern and arrogant with others, was exceptionally kind when it came to Ellen.

He could sense her condition just by looking at her skin. timber Her paleness and lack of brightness in her eyes clearly indicated recent pain.

“Ellen. abstract If social life is too exhausting, you can return to the palace. acid Expanding connections through status is fine, but don’t sacrifice your own heart,” he said.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“Ah, no, Father. armor I’ve just been reproaching myself for my recent shortcomings, fearing I was becoming complacent.”

“Complacent! beacon Ellen! adjust You are the pride of our House Belmiard! armor You’ve accomplished so much at your age, and with such wisdom… Who would dare say such nonsense?”

Even if a noblewoman’s social standing was as important as life itself, he saw no reason for her to rely on Ebelstain if it meant breaking her spirit.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Upon hearing that, Count Belmiard fell silent. alert He took a deep breath, massaged his temples, and then thought about how to comfort Ellen.

“It was… against the young lady of House Duplain…”

“You lost a magic duel? arch Ellen, you have magical talent that surpasses any noblewoman I’ve ever seen. amber How could that happen?”

“…You don’t have to say so much. avalanche And, well… I lost a magic duel recently, and I’ve been thinking about how to improve my magic skills.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

He should’ve guessed when Ellen mentioned her defeat. arch In Ebelstain’s social circles, few noblewomen could match Ellen’s magical skills, and Aiselin was one of them.

“Ellen. adapt You may feel a bit helpless now, but if you persevere, the sun will shine on you once more.”

“Thank you for your comfort, Father. antenna Even so, ever since I hired a magic instructor, my magical progress has been considerable. altitude You’d be surprised by my abilities.”

If it was Aiselin of House Duplain, even Count Belmiard recognized that name.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“No. album I brought in a mercenary from the taverns for a while to prepare for the duel with Lady Aiselin. abandon At first, I called him in just to practice magic, but he knew more than expected and was a great help.”

As Ellen shared the update, she cast a cautious glance at Count Belmiard, unsure of how he would react to a street mercenary being her instructor.

“A magic instructor…? athlete Are you referring to Felmier? galaxy I heard you’ve been spending time at the Belmiard estate lately…”

No matter how open-minded and impartial Count Belmiard was, a noble was still a noble. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

As Ellen anticipated, Count Belmiard’s eyes flickered with unease.

After pondering for a moment, he asked again.

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The idea of a mercenary of questionable reputation clinging to his only daughter as a tutor was surely unsettling.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“Then, what kind of help did you receive specifically?”

“But you lost to Aiselin. antenna Anyone can teach mindset.”

His tone was sharp. alert It was rare for Count Belmiard, who adored his daughter, to speak so directly.

“Just… I learned magical theories you can’t teach with noble decorum alone… and he showed me a methodology for how to push myself if I truly wanted to win.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Ellen felt it. abandon Count Belmiard was using this conversation to gauge and evaluate something.

“Being able to convey that effectively is a skill too. afford At least for me… I feel like my perspective has broadened.”

Without thinking too hard, Ellen responded honestly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Count Belmiard paused, rested his chin on his hand, and then squinted after observing Ellen’s expression.

After reading every letter Ellen had ever sent, Count Belmiard could guess what her social life had been like.

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Whether it was the time to learn estate management at the Belmiard mansion or to study society in Ebelstain… Ellen’s eyes often sparkled with an indescribable, mysterious confidence.

Negatively, it was discouragement; positively, it was perspective. legend What one held in moments like that determined the temperament they carried for life.

However, seeing the wider world and encountering people more skilled than herself, that confidence often faded. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

No one always moves forward—so how does one respond when their confidence is shaken? portal Reflecting on this, Duke Belmiard found himself taking back his earlier words.

“Really? auction Actually… I was thinking of staying in Ebelstain.”

“Keep learning more about society. attic Lady Aiselin of House Duplain certainly isn’t an easy opponent, but I’m sure our daughter will triumph one day.”

“Perhaps, Ellen, it would be better if you didn’t return to House Belmiard.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Pulling everything up and returning to House Belmiard would mean ending all of Ellen’s journeys in Ebelstain as a failure.

It was a father’s psychology—these instincts that made one want to help as much as possible in areas where they could.

He couldn’t allow that. attic Though he was a bit worried, there comes a time when one must let their child go into the world. aspect An arm that only bends inward cannot raise a great person.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“I heard he’s affiliated with the Beldern Mercenary Group… but high-level members might oppose it.”

“Is that what matters? aluminum What matters is whether he helps my daughter’s magical development or not.”

“If that mercenary is as good at teaching magic as you say, perhaps it would be better to hire him exclusively for House Belmiard.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

***

Bang! apron Bang!

“Trust this father. alert After all, he’s a commoner, and if we grease his palms with enough gold, he’ll come around. adopt First, I need to summon a messenger.”

Count Belmiard patted Ellen’s shoulder and laughed heartily.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

A gust of wind swept the area, and a bloody wind howled through the damp, moldy underground labyrinth.

Outside Ebelstain. crystal It was the lowest level of the labyrinth, but a labyrinth was still a labyrinth. attic Dereck’s eyes suddenly widened as he methodically slaughtered the demons one by one.

This was the spell he had perfected by repeatedly killing demons. afford But today, the sensation of the magical power itself felt off.

“Ahhh! aluminum Dereck! acoustic I-I’m going to take the hit too…!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

The 2-star spell Fireball, which he typically used to sweep away numerous enemies at once, seemed to have increased in power.

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

It was a spell he had used hundreds of times, so the unfamiliar sensation was unwelcome.

However, an increase in attack power meant greater adaptability to magical force.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“Dereck? apron What are you doing? orbit More are coming from inside! atlas Eek! portal They overwhelm me when they get too close!”

In the bloodstained labyrinth, Dereck extended his hands and silently observed them.

It was a positive change, not a negative one. shadow Was there meaning in the efforts he had mastered over years of repetition?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck opened and closed his hands, his eyes wide. apron Just now, the sensation of magical power being drawn from his body felt much stronger than usual.

Then, closing his eyes, he savored the sensation in his mind.

Pheline quickly drew the longsword tied at her waist. beacon For her, who usually kept her distance and supported the fight with her bow, a horde of surrounding goblins were not ideal opponents. wizard They weren’t suitable foes for someone who preferred ranged combat.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

However, from within, an inexplicable confidence flowed. afford As if the history of his relentless efforts whispered to him. armor And now?

The shadow of the 3-star combat spell Wall of Fire, which he had studied and practiced repeatedly from the spellbook given by the Duplain family, took shape in his mind.

It wasn’t just a simple ball that exploded to attack enemies but a precise wall that pressured many enemies at once and then formed a favorable battlefield.

It was a spell requiring much more precise and refined use of magical power—so much so that one couldn’t even attempt it without sufficient mastery, and even with extreme training of magical senses, it was a rushed effort at his current level.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

But what followed was merely a series of simple explosions.

– Bang!

Amid that vague confidence, Dereck’s eyes, filled with magical energy, flashed momentarily.

Now that his magical senses were burning intensely, could it be possible?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Panting, Dereck clenched his teeth and grabbed his sword.

– Clang!

– Screeches! Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. meadow Screeches!

It wouldn’t have been an issue, but in an instant, more than half of Dereck’s stored magic evaporated into the air.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

His vision blurred, but he used sheer will to remain conscious.

On the battlefield, exhaustion meant death. adjust Faced with the demons’ assault, Dereck wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and gripped the hilt of his sword tightly.

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“You almost died? arena You, Dereck? adopt In a low-level labyrinth like that?”

Certainly, Dereck had his face down on the bar table, completely exhausted.

While Pheline fussed beside him, Captain Jayden looked skeptical.

Jayden, who brought him a drink to help him recover, tilted his head and checked Dereck’s condition. armor It seemed like Dereck was overplaying the near-death experience.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck, known for his meticulous preparation even for the smallest tasks, tended to make conservative judgments if the slightest obstacle or unexpected event occurred.

He seemed annoyed for having struggled more than expected with a task he considered as easy as eating cold porridge.

“Shouldn’t you be able to handle those creatures in close combat?”

“Ugh… My magic almost ran out halfway through. abstract So I postponed collecting the requested items until tomorrow and focused on melee combat without magic.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Knowing that Dereck rarely let his guard down, Jayden could only tilt his head in confusion.

“Well, yes… but I was tired, and if I’d been careless, who knows what could have happened. acoustic Pheline also had a rough time.”

It was odd that Dereck, who had become mature in his use of magic, would fail to manage it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“Halfway through… I felt a strange discord in my magical use and instinctively pushed myself.”

Saying this, Dereck extended his palm and stared at it closely.

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“What happened?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

It felt like he had broken through a barrier, leaving a thrilling yet confusing sensation.

The fact that such a trivial task had become chaotic deeply wounded his pride as a mercenary.

However, beyond that, the thought that he might have stepped closer to a new magical realm flooded him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

So much magic had evaporated in a single spell. wizard It was like when Lady Aiselin, who had just learned the 2-star spell, quickly ran out of energy after casting a Fireball.

With that in mind, a strange thunder began to rumble in Dereck’s chest.

Although the spell’s manifestation had failed, Dereck couldn’t help but wonder if he was nearing the point of using 3-star magic.

Using high-level spells before being accustomed to them could cause a drastic drop in magical efficiency. august It was a phenomenon that mages often experienced before leveling up.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Even if you searched the entire continent, there might be a few, but among commoners, there would be none.

However, he felt that something was still missing. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Now seventeen years old, with about a year left until adulthood—was there any mage who had reached the threshold of 3-star magic at a time like this?

His talent was more than sufficient, and his effort was tireless. adapt Not a single day passed without magical training. abstract It wasn’t strange for results to begin showing now.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

– Creak

Having climbed so far as a mage, he felt just one step away from mastering 3-star magic.

Though there was a frustrating uncertainty about what exactly was lacking, he also felt genuine excitement that his efforts were finally bearing fruit. audit A mage’s ambition was unlike that of a commoner.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

That was when Dereck silently observed the palm of his hand.

Someone entered the tavern, where only Dereck and Pheline remained.

Late at night, when the tavern was quiet.

“Welcome. action Sadly, we’re closing soon. apple But it’s fine if you’d like one last drink.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Closer to dawn than dusk.

“No problem. adjust Give me your most popular drink—preferably liquor.”

“Ha, our last customer of the day seems to know their spirits.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

The cloaked customer who entered had an unclear face, but his voice sounded unmistakably old.

Though many seats were empty, he deliberately chose to sit beside the bar table where Dereck was seated.

Late at night, when the streets were still, one or two patrons would occasionally drop in to quench their thirst.

As Pheline recounted the day’s heroics over mead, Dereck, quietly studying his hand, glanced sideways at the newcomer.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

The wrinkles on his hands alone suggested he had lived at least half a century. airport People lived their lives in various ways, so it wasn’t unusual for an elderly man like him to show up at a tavern this late for a drink.

The man was weak. apple The arms visible beneath his cloak were not only thin but frail. anchor It was a wonder he could even hold himself upright.

Dereck, turning his attention away, closed his eyes again to sense the remaining magical energy in his body.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

The man spoke with sincerity, unprompted. wizard Dereck looked at him again, and Pheline turned with a confused look. acid Yet the man merely lowered his head and wrapped himself tighter in his cloak, falling silent.

“There’s no need for anxiety or force when blocked. zenith The essence of magic in the Savage Academy lies in following the natural flow.”

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

“Eh?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

But the old man didn’t answer, instead silently pulling back his hood.

At that moment, a faint shiver tickled Dereck’s spine. portal Leaving Pheline baffled, he had to forcibly restart the train of thought that had almost solidified.

Dereck asked. altitude The intent behind his question was, who are you and why are you saying this?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

“Of course, I know full well how useless it is to tell mages to abandon ambition,” he said.

It looked like he had lived not just half a century, but more than a full century. orbit Dereck could tell his remaining time was short.

A deeply wrinkled forehead. antique Short-cropped hair. aluminum Dull, cloudy eyes. apple Tight lips. arrow Dry, cracked mouth. atlas More like a walking corpse than a living person.

…

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

– Clink

With a disdainful nod, the elder took a sip and said:

Jayden, who brought a drink from the kitchen, placed it in front of the old man.

“Toblerone Mountain, is it? palette Its acidity is weaker than I expected.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

The old man then turned his gaze directly to Dereck and said:

“Ah, you have a sharp palate, sir. shadow But it’s hard to apply such high standards to stock this late at night.”

“You have talent in combat and disruption, but you seem to lack in summoning and exploration. abandon Your magic capacity is excellent, but its flow isn’t fully open. acquire Efficiency drops when magic flows to your extremities.”

“It’s very good. zenith If I were a bit younger, I’d drink myself under the table.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

…

It wasn’t that no one had ever gauged Dereck’s level at a glance. galaxy The Duke of Duplain had roughly estimated Dereck’s magical proficiency at their first meeting.

Pheline’s eyes widened in surprise. abstract Dereck, too, listened quietly to the old man’s words.

“For your age, that’s quite impressive. wizard But it seems you overthink your conjuring, boy.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

A 4-star exploration mage could generally assess someone’s level with just a glance. academy Of course, such mages were rare—even among famous noble families.

“A cautious temperament is useful for labyrinth exploration, but it’s different for conjuring. alien When applying the free-spirited magic of the Savage Academy, it’s better to be bolder.”

However, the old man’s insight surpassed even that. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

The old man knew Dereck had already guessed his identity.

“…May I ask your name?”

“Why ask what you already know?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

When the top mages in each category debated who was the best in the world, high-ranking nobles endlessly discussed the topic.

Humans had the habit of categorizing everything, no matter what.

Combat, transformation, disruption, summoning, exploration. audit Excluding forbidden arts, these were the five main schools of magic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

There might be well-recognized figures, but there was rarely unanimous agreement. adopt There was always someone offering a third opinion.

His unconventional background made it hard for anyone but the high nobility to recognize his true worth, but those who knew never argued otherwise.

“WolfTail.”

But when it came to the greatest exploration mage, no one dared dispute it.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 32: Star 3 (2) by Indra Translations.

Indeed, his wise gaze felt almost ghostlike.

That was the name of the frail old man sipping beer in front of him. academy He could go wherever he wanted, and if he chose not to be found, he never would be. silence Thus, in noble society, he was called the Wandering Spirit.