Chapter 34: Star 3 (4)
In the central meeting hall of Cleon Hall, within the noble district of Ebelstain.
“Duke Beltus, that man never seems to age.”
The sight of three prominent western Empire nobles gathered in one place made the attendants swallow dryly.
Count Belmierd mused aloud.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Count Belmierd led the meeting with a warm laugh, but as usual, Duke Duplain and Grand Duke Beltus maintained grave, grim expressions.
That was how heads of great families behaved. echo In truth, nobles like Count Belmierd were rare.
Each of them ruled their territories like kings, knowing that even the smallest misstep could bring shame upon their families.
“Perhaps the rumor that he touched a taboo isn’t so far-fetched.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“You call those people knightly orders? audit Aren’t they just worthless mercenaries?”
“If Duke Duplain plans to expand his territory beyond the Belkos Peninsula, he should be cautious of the labyrinth in the White Zone. beacon Manipulating trade tariffs there would be a major advantage, but if powerful monsters are stirred up in high-level labyrinths, it could bring greater losses, don’t you think?”
“Duke Beltus is the most concerned. avalanche I’ve dispatched knights from my own domain to investigate, and it seems there won’t be major disruptions.”
“The lives of your people are at stake, so we must be more cautious. silence If needed, we can even send knightly orders from our own lands.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Grand Duke Beltus, his thin face framed by tousled blue hair, frowned.
In terms of influence, he couldn’t compare to Duke Duplain, whose bloodline was mixed with royalty, so it was natural for him to constantly worry about being left out of the three great families.
Though his military might matched that of high nobility, over half of it came from General Orel, a former mercenary.
The Beltus territory was vast and fertile, but nothing compared to the other two territories present. advance Most of it consisted of islands and mountains.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“It seems Duke Duplain is confident in managing his vast territory with his limitless private army. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com beacon Rumors say the outskirts of the Duplain domain are full of crime and lawlessness.”
“If you pour enough gold into their hands, they won’t hesitate to stab those they once protected. atlas Can you really sleep at night entrusting your domain to such people?”
“Duke Duplain, your words are too harsh. zenith The mercenaries under General Orel stationed in the Beltus territory wield their swords with conviction and faith, don’t they?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“Does it sound like a provocation? galaxy I’m only stating facts.”
“What a ridiculous provocation.”
Duke Duplain gave a hollow laugh. palette He recognized the value of General Orel’s mercenaries, but entrusting them with administrative duties and territorial security was another matter entirely.
“You’ll hit a wall eventually. arena Or perhaps… are you content with things as they are?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
The White Zone, stretching north of the Duplain domain, was a golden region filled with high-risk labyrinths.
If someone could break through and raise trade tariffs, and retrieve hidden treasures from the labyrinths, it would be a huge gain… But realistically, it wasn’t a task solvable with Duplain’s military alone. arrow Labyrinth exploration couldn’t be handled by brute force alone.
Count Belmierd sighed deeply. portal It wasn’t that he didn’t understand the reason behind their tension.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Grand Duke Beltus’s suggestion to send knightly orders was also driven by his desire for a share of the White Zone’s treasure. acoustic If he wanted a share of the spoils, he needed a reason, hence constantly pushing Duke Duplain to ask for help.
“Still, exchanging opinions directly in Ebelstain is far better and faster than by correspondence. acquire Now that we’ve reached a consensus on the contentious issues, let’s wrap up the negotiations. acquire After all, after such a long journey, don’t you agree it’s time we see our children’s faces in the noble district’s social scene?”
Since the talks on goods tariffs passing through Ebelstain had concluded, Count Belmierd thought it fitting to end on a lighter note.
Such interest disputes were common, but it wasn’t something that should be discussed in a setting like this.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“I heard Lady Diella of the Duplain family will debut soon in Ebelstain’s social circle after her coming-of-age ceremony. arcade Though she roams a lot, her recent magical achievements are remarkable.”
With that, Count Belmierd turned the conversation to their children. abstract In truth, all present loved their offspring deeply, each in their own way.
Fathers were constantly engaged in their own battles of pride, each determined not to let their daughters be overshadowed.
It was also important for each of their daughters to have a place in Ebelstain’s social scene, particularly within Rose Hall.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“With her debut preparations underway, such gloomy thoughts will soon be forgotten.”
“Hmm… She may roam, but she’s accomplished a lot lately. voyage However, she tends to downplay her achievements, overshadowed by Aiselin’s success.”
No father disliked praising his child. arcade When Count Belmierd casually offered praise to ease the atmosphere, Duke Duplain crossed his arms and leaned back in his luxurious wooden chair.
Count Belmierd shared this pleasant exchange to lighten the mood, but he was not someone who always bent to others. riddle Especially when boasting about his children.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“There’s no need for such pessimism, Duke. avalanche While Diella’s achievements may not rival our Ellen’s, she’s certainly nothing to be ashamed of.”
“Though perhaps she’s no match for Ellen.”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“It’s true that Diella’s achievements have yet to shine. antenna But since there’s no mountain higher than Aiselin, perhaps she’s set her sights on her as a new goal.”
When it came to boasting about daughters, he had little to say.
Duke Duplain’s brows furrowed slightly.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Aiselin was, indeed, the flower of Ebelstain’s social circle—the pillar of Rose Hall.
Even the kind-hearted Count Belmierd found it difficult to claim that his daughter Ellen was nobler or superior to Aiselin.
“…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
To think there was no comeback could be frustrating, but the Count couldn’t stand imagining his daughter Ellen being seen as lesser anywhere.
“Perhaps you haven’t heard of the recent magic duel, Duke Duplain?”
Having a daughter like Aiselin was akin to holding a royal flush in the game of parental pride.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
It wasn’t that the Duke was unaware of the recent duel. silence Aiselin had openly shared several Ebelstain social gossip bits with him.
“Yes. alien Lady Aiselin may have long reigned in Ebelstain’s social scene, but that glory might not last forever.”
“What? arena A magic duel?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Those who always thought of their families naturally sought out new mentors.
Aiselin was always composed. august However, she clearly sensed a crisis during that duel, nearly facing defeat at Ellen’s hands.
In particular, she seemed to have learned a lot from her recent duel with Ellen.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Though he spoke gracefully and with dignity, his words were nothing more than a veiled jab at Duke Duplain. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.
He’d heard that Aiselin had won that duel. absorb However, judging by Count Belmierd’s expression, it was hard to say who truly won.
It was true that Ellen had caught up to Aiselin’s level. amber With a victorious gleam, Duke Duplain quietly observed Count Belmierd, who watched him warily, and slowly frowned.
“It’s true, the mercenary who became Lady Diella’s teacher appears to have extraordinary skill. ability For now, that mercenary is firmly on Ellen’s side.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“On Ellen’s side? apron Do you think that mercenary is the type to stay in one place?”
But Duke Duplain also mocked Count Belmierd in return.
It was essentially saying: “Aren’t you jealous? riddle The magic tutor you got so much out of now works for us.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
The words of Duke Duplain hit the mark. action The mercenary, a highly confident master of magic followed by Ellen and Aiselin, hadn’t even been seen by them.
“It seems, Count Belmierd, that you haven’t truly met that mercenary.”
“Pardon?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
If he ever felt that teaching noble ladies was negatively affecting his pursuit of magic, he would refuse to teach anyone, even for wealth.
When Count Ellen fell silent, Duke Duplain, chin held high, spoke with an arrogant expression.
“Of course, he has talent for teaching, but he’s not someone who can be easily tied down to one place, and forcing him would only backfire.”
Before being a magic teacher, he was a mage full of ambition.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
To manage a talent like that, persuasion was more effective than coercion. adopt Duke Duplain’s insight was something that could only be gained from meeting the man named Dereck directly. apron Count Belmierd couldn’t make that kind of decision at the moment.
Feeling psychologically superior, Duke Duplain’s voice became calm again.
“Ugh…”
“After all, he has worked for a long time as a teacher on the Duplain estate and is very close to Diella. zenith Knowing how Aiselin is, it’s obvious he’ll eventually return to being her family tutor rather than Ellen’s.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“You think you can bind him just because he deviated slightly from the Belmierd family? palette A ruler must know how to control and manage his people.”
It was true, Dereck understood very well that Duke Duplain was someone who valued earned achievements when working under his command.
Count Belmierd couldn’t refute Duke Duplain’s words.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
If Dereck pledged loyalty to anyone, in the end, it would be only to Duke Duplain.
With his voice full of confidence, Count Belmierd rested his chin and took a deep breath.
He didn’t need to be overly loyal to Count Belmierd, a man he didn’t even know.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Ellen seemed interested in keeping the magic teacher named Dereck. album It was true, having such a teacher had brought great success in the magical duel with Aiselin.
‘I must meet him.’
Even worse, losing him to Aiselin of all people—such an event would keep him from sleeping at night. legend It was something he had to prevent at all costs.
Imagining his daughter losing her teacher due to differences in parental authority was unbearable.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
‘Is it the Beldern Mercenary Band?’
He felt sorry for Ellen, but decided he had to get to ‘Beldern’s Tears’ in the tavern alley faster than anyone else.
Only by pushing the mercenary named Dereck into Ellen’s arms did it seem he could leave Ebelstein with a relieved heart.
After this meeting ended, the other nobles would go see their daughters in the noble district.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
However, the expression of Duke Beltus, who had been listening to the two’s conversation, was also not light.
‘…’
He was an opportunist.
If figures like Count Belmierd and Duke Duplain were competing over a single talent, there was definitely something worth noting about him.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Being a magic tutor for noble ladies was reason enough. attic His daughter, Denise, hadn’t shown significant progress in her magical achievements lately.
‘I must send a letter to Denise to ask about the magic teacher named Dereck. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. august The fastest way is to inquire through the social circle.’
Precisely because Denise lacked motivation and just did what others did. matrix Even as her father, Duke Beltus couldn’t understand such a lazy temperament.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
In fact, Denise had anticipated such instructions from Duke Beltus and had already sent a request to the Beldern Mercenary Band.
In any case, Denise would provide some information if he took action on his own.
She may not initiate things, but once she did, she always got results.
If she could obtain the man named Dereck, it would clearly hold importance at the negotiation table.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
When Dereck tried to light a torch, the old man raised his withered hand to stop him.
The sound of water dripping from stalactites echoed throughout the chamber.
Even in the darkness where not an inch ahead could be seen, Drest moved forward without hesitation.
***
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“…”
“Release your mana.”
“Always be careful observing your surroundings in darkness.”
“How exactly should I do that?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
The old man’s explanations were always brief.
It seemed impossible to discern beyond the darkness just by releasing mana. harbor Among detection-type spells, there was one called ‘Night Vision’ that allowed one to see in the dark.
However, there was no sign the old man used that spell. arena Even a mage at the pinnacle of skill couldn’t manifest magic without a process of mana refinement.
“…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
But within the dark cave, his magic clashed and disappeared into nothing.
“…Is it possible?”
Yet, there seemed to be a skill to perceive the surroundings just by emitting mana. adjust Dereck closed his eyes and tried as the old man instructed. adjust Emitting magical power wasn’t too difficult.
“Yes, you catch on quickly. abandon By extending your magic and feeling its echo, you can roughly understand your surroundings.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
This way, one could understand a battlefield without using high-level magic.
Dereck swallowed hard. accent It was like a bat emitting sonar to navigate dark caves. abstract The old man seemed familiar with the process, able to walk even with eyes closed.
However, just because the theory was clear didn’t mean it was easy to execute.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
The old man seemed to easily grasp the cave’s structure, but Dereck had to stay completely alert just to sense his surroundings.
Dereck tilted his head after several attempts, but the old man’s voice came seriously.
“Is this… possible…?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
He spoke as if this wasn’t a great feat, but merely the fundamentals of search magic.
This old man was an undisputed master of search magic. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
His standard was too high. apron Skills like that weren’t basic. arctic Still, Dereck didn’t complain.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“It seems you still don’t fully understand the level of search magic. beacon Level 1 search magic can detect dangers or weaknesses, but at level 2, you can track a specific target, sense magic itself, and glimpse objects or places in the past.”
Mages specializing in search magic like Drest were rare, most acting as support.
Search mages were a minority. arctic They didn’t contribute directly to combat power.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“…What about at level 5?”
“At level 3, you can see magical camouflages or view distant places, and at level 4, you can discern magic levels or lies from others. voyage This is just part of the wonders of search.”
“You can read people’s minds. arcade Sometimes, even talk to the dead.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
However, the old man showed no surprise at Dereck. adapt He had lived a century. afford It seemed there was nothing left in the world that could surprise him.
That is, he knew Dereck wasn’t bound to this world and that his blessed magical talent wasn’t ordinary.
Hearing those words, Dereck had to swallow again. arena The old man, who read aloud as if he had seen all the world had to offer, also seemed to read Dereck’s mind.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“…Then, is there a reason Sir Drest sought me out?”
“Correct.”
“At level 6, you can sometimes glimpse the future and destiny. shadow You can’t use it freely, but occasionally, it feels like seeing through the eyes of a god. amateur Of course, surrendering to such arrogance never ends well. aspect We must not forget we are just ordinary humans on this earth.”
As the old man went deeper into the dark cave, a wide open space appeared.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“You are destined to die before your coming-of-age ceremony.”
Bats chirped and flew in the dark, and unknown rodents scurried across the ground.
In the middle of it all, an old man sat silently atop a large rock.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“I just hope it won’t happen.”
“…”
You are destined to die. matrix Hearing such a statement from a six-star search mage was shocking.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
However, Dereck didn’t appear surprised or emotionally shaken.
“There are many things I want to ask.”
“Sorry, but I have no desire to answer. artist I can’t predict how my answers might change your future. atom The future can unfold in many ways, diverging from what was initially seen. wizard But I can assure you one thing.”
As a mercenary who crossed battlefields, he had always lived close to death. echo He found it curious that he felt no emotional disturbance inside.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
What could be the purpose of his life, after losing everything?
Drest WolfTail’s face showed the accumulation of years. aspect After living a century and experiencing many things, he seemed to have come to a deep realization in the end.
Dereck couldn’t understand it.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“Yes. audit And if you can aim for three-star in combat and confusion magic, it would be wise to achieve it now. afford If you do, no companion of yours will be able to match your accomplishments.”
“Are you offering to teach me search magic?”
“You must not die. harbor So I will make sure you don’t. auction You must reach a higher level than now.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“Before you come of age, Valerian Delomaine Duplain will attempt necromancy.”
“Why go this far? wizard What do you want from me?”
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
Drest closed his eyes for a moment, then remained silent, as if searching for a compromise.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“If that happens, you must kill him.”
Yet even so, Dereck found himself needing to ask again what he had just heard.
Drest WolfTail was not someone who spoke nonsense.
Dereck’s eyes widened in shock. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Assisted by many servants and followers, the head of the Belmierd family, Belmierd the Prince, walked in with difficulty.
***
As usual, Jayden was polishing glasses at Beldern’s Tears bar.
However, that afternoon, the face of the visitor who entered the tavern nearly made his eyes pop out.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“Ah, welcome.”
He was not the type of person to stroll through Ebelstein’s market block casually.
The commotion had made everyone at the tavern alley entrance bow their heads.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
No one, including Jayden and the gathered tavern patrons, could have imagined Count Belmierd would set foot here, so all watched with incredulous eyes.
Jayden immediately bowed deeply.
There had been rumors of an agreement between the three noble families in Ebelstein. advance It was just passing news.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“No matter. artist Do you think I came here to drink? arctic I need to see the face of that mercenary, Dereck.”
“Ah, I didn’t expect you to come in person. arena I have nothing special to offer right now. legend Just low-quality liquor…”
“I heard my servant sent a letter, but there was no response.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Count Belmierd laughed heartily and then sat at one side of the bar.
After all, he was now the owner of the tavern. avalanche If Count Belmierd came as a guest, then it was his duty.
“I already received the commission letter. silence But… there’s a small problem…”
With many servants bowing behind him, Jayden, standing on the other side of the counter, felt unbearable pressure.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Dereck had entered the tavern a few days ago, face full of emotion, left a message saying he’d reject all commissions, took his ration bag, and immediately left.
“A problem?”
“Yes. beacon The problem is… Dereck is currently missing.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Count Belmierd had rushed to the tavern faster than anyone else, a bold move on his part.
Since then, there had been no contact. alert He sometimes rested, claiming he needed a break, but he had never completely disappeared.
He had a tight schedule in Ebelstein. academy Forcing everyone to come here in person meant he had sacrificed a lot. aspect He was a father who would do anything for his daughter.
‘Surely they received letters from the Beltus and Duplain families too, but to vanish at a time like this…’
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
“Maybe… he went into seclusion for some magical breakthrough… That’s what I think.”
However, that was only possible if they could see his face.
If the Count showed his sincerity by coming in person, no mercenary could reject an offer. abstract Such pressure was necessary to prevent their minds from drifting to offers from other houses.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
Whatever the issue, he wasn’t the type to boldly refuse a direct offer from a head of house.
Beltus, Belmierd, Duplain — all were eager to recruit him.
“Seclusion…? adjust And where would he do that?”
“That, I don’t know. antenna At times like this, it’s pretty hard to understand…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 34: Star 3 (4) by Indra Translations.
So, the first to find him would be his Lord.
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