Chapter 36: Denise (2)

Now, it was nothing more than an empty maze—yet merchants still avoided the area.

Long ago, it housed a treasure-filled labyrinth, but a maze so close to a metropolis like Ebelstain would surely have been conquered swiftly.

The massive Raspah Cave on Ramhel Hill had been abandoned for quite some time.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Lady Denise, I think it’s unwise to go too deep. absorb Let’s explore around the cave first, and if it seems difficult to find him, we can alert the master and consult the private guards, alright?”

It wasn’t a major thoroughfare, and roaming monster tribes frequently wandered into the desolate place.

Observing the cavern entrance from a distance, Denise maintained a composed expression, though Bella, her chief maid, was deeply worried.

No one wanted the trouble of crossing a seldom-visited, danger-filled zone. alpha Thus, it was the perfect hiding place for Dereck and Drest.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Still, Denise had no intention of backing down.

If Dereck was simply near the cave entrance, locating him wouldn’t be hard, but if he was deeper inside, prudence would call for retreat.

“There might be monster tribes… The interior is vast and complex, so entering cautiously is wise. adopt But Bella, if we report from here, all my effort will have been wasted.”

She was eager—excited to be the first to pinpoint Dereck’s whereabouts—but it seemed unwise for a noblewoman to venture inside with only a few guards.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Really?” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

“So you intend to go in?”

“If we bring in all the private guards, the other houses will notice. portal And Dereck, inside, wouldn’t want to deal with nobles arriving in force.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Talk is wasted words.”

The men responsible for Denise’s protection looked at each other. anxiety If she were injured inside the cave, they’d all be doomed.

Bella exchanged anxious glances with the guards.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

The maids wondered if she planned to go all the way to the cave’s depths.

Denise formed a glowing orb of light with magic to illuminate the path, stepped forward—and the guards immediately followed, scanning the area.

But stopping her wasn’t an option: her magical status had been assessed, and she was steadily moving into the cave. athlete Their only choice was to follow.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

His thick white hair, unkempt, fell over his eyes; his worn gear showed neglect.

He looked far more gaunt and exhausted than when last seen from a distance—during the magical duel.

Thankfully, it happened before they ventured too far. alpha There, seated on a wide, flat boulder, sat a man.

“Ah…!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“What brings you to a place as modest as this?”

It was impossible to guess how much he had endured in the past week. autumn The mage, motionless on the rock, seemed to have reached some form of enlightenment.

He wore no flashy attire nor carried an aura of dominance. august Yet his silent presence, calmly waiting on the rock, was quietly compelling.

Indeed, he was different. anxiety Denise recognized this and approached him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

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

They were tense, not knowing who this “Dereck” might be. wizard Yet Denise herself wore a confident expression upon seeing him.

The maids accompanying her swallowed hard.

Her words came out extremely polite and formal. arcade He looked up and responded directly to Denise, his tone measured.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

If she could persuade him, Grand Duke Beltus would gain influence at the upcoming tripartite negotiation. audit The Count Belmierd and Duke Duplain would do anything for their daughters, and the Beltus family could leverage his position in many ways.

The mage before her was the much-coveted tutor sought by both the Belmierd and Duplain families.

‘He may appear shabby and humble, but perhaps it’s due to immersion in training… He’s courteous—surely reasonable. voyage He looked impressive during the magic duel, after all.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

She cleared her throat and smiled, lifting her chin.

If she could bring him into the Beltus fold, all the praise would fall to Denise.

“Mr. action Dereck… it is you, isn’t it?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, that’s me.”

Having straightened her outfit in the carriage and restyled her hair en route, she presented herself exquisitely. arch With sleek silver-gray hair pulled back, she looked almost like a living work of art.

Her face glowed with the innocence of someone unversed in worldly ways.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“I-I wanted to meet you, Dereck. canvas I searched so diligently… just… to speak with you, even once…”

Her poised but gentle demeanor, striving to maintain composure, made Bella—standing behind her—swallow hard.

“I—I found the right place…! matrix I’m just… so nervous… I lost my words for a moment… please excuse me…”

“Huh?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Denise, who spent her days studying the works of a famous romance novelist and upholding the dignity of a noble lady in society, had a solid philosophy on how to captivate someone.

What is the art of captivating someone?

***

Indeed, now in noble attire, Denise was almost a different person.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

To make others want to follow you and be with you, one must possess a dignity and charm that go beyond mere appearance.

However, not every character in the world can be captivated by looks alone.

First of all, one must be beautiful. apron With confidence in her appearance that could pierce the sky, she lacked nothing in that regard.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“That’s an exaggeration. alert And those I teach do receive direct help from me, but many achieve success on their own. meadow I can’t create qualities that don’t exist, and as a commoner, it’s hard for me to accept such admiration.”

Even Denise herself did not consider herself internally perfect. airport However, she had the ability to make it seem like she was.

Denise humbly brought her hands together, her face blushing.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen Mr. admire Dereck in my dreams. zenith There are quite a few rumors among the ladies. advance They say there’s a skilled and reliable magic mentor, and if you learn magic from him, you can rise several levels overnight. admire He’s also personally admirable—a true gentleman.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Denise knew how to use her noble heritage and beautiful appearance to her advantage. auction No matter how skilled Dereck was in magic and teaching, he was still a young man.

“That humility is one of the reasons you are so respected, Mr. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. artist Dereck. matrix Even so, I sincerely wish to learn magic from you.”

Denise’s gaze, full of pure admiration, seemed wrapped in awe. agent Anyone’s heart would soften seeing the respectful expression of such a beautiful girl.

Men have a strong desire to be recognized. apron When a noble lady like Denise looks at them with pure admiration, their hearts melt.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Why are you speaking in such a theatrical tone, Lady Denise?”

How could he easily ignore the advances of a lady from the Beltus family? adopt Denise, wearing her mask of innocence, spoke kindly to Dereck. galaxy However, Dereck was not as swayed as Denise anticipated and did not become someone who nodded at everything she said.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

It was expected. riddle Dereck was well aware that Denise was not as naive and pure as she appeared.

“…”

“I’ve heard a lot about you from Lady Aiselin and Lady Ellen. amber They praised you as someone perceptive and wise.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“I see. palette I apologize for judging someone I hadn’t met based solely on others’ opinions.”

“Lady Aiselin and Lady Ellen praised me too much. accent I’m just one of the three of the Rose Hall, always trying not to bring shame.”

But Denise was a strong-willed character. anxiety What could be done? acquire Even if one was aware, it was known that beauty could still deceive.

Bella, who stood three steps behind Denise with her hands clasped, adjusted her expression. legend If she were Denise, she would surely want to die of embarrassment at that moment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck’s intentions were hard to read.

‘…Did Lady Denise’s act work…? Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. ’

“No need, Mr. adjust Dereck. armor It’s fine. adopt You think kindly of me.”

The young magician seemed kind to Denise but also maintained a certain distance… It was unclear what he truly wanted.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Now… how should I handle this…’

Denise sensed the same but remained unfazed. adopt She never thought he would be an easy target. apron Not even Aiselin or Ellen had managed to sway him.

Denise looked at Dereck calmly and deliberately blushed again.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

No matter how talented someone was, if they came from the slums, they were just a commoner. aspect The gap born from inherent status difference would surely be a heavy burden.

Hadn’t the young lady from the Beltus family come all this way after reflecting deeply?

“Anyway, what I wanted to say is… the Beltus family is looking for a magic tutor. altitude I came here personally because I really wanted to ask you to consider it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Indeed, Dereck wore a slightly troubled expression. ability He surely hadn’t expected to be found in such a remote place while hidden in training.

After all, she was the first of the three houses to find Dereck. altitude If she hesitated, the others would soon catch up.

If they just needed a mercenary, there were many replacements. aspect However, Dereck was the only one sought after by the three great houses. anchor Even though Dereck himself, hidden in this cave, seemed unaware of recent events in Ebelstain’s social circle, this was rather advantageous for Denise.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“I truly appreciate that someone like you found a commoner like me. orbit However, as you can see, I’m not sure I’m capable of teaching or doing that kind of work.”

“Is it because you’re focusing on your magical training?”

If she couldn’t persuade Dereck today, things would only get more complicated. aluminum And Denise, who hated complications, was determined to bring Dereck back today.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

The young lady from the Beltus family had come in person, and he rejected her directly? arrow There might be a major reason, but brushing off her request just to train wasn’t easy.

There was an exchange of glances among the maids.

“Yes. alpha I’m currently facing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. ability My sincere wish is to focus on my own training.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Thank you for your honesty, Mr. echo Dereck. aluminum But I am desperate too.”

Raising one’s voice in pride here risked ruining everything. abstract Of course, Denise was the type who could handle such insult gracefully, like a snake sliding through grass.

Denise wasn’t the kind of person to give up. sphere If a noble lady decided so, it wasn’t hard to play with a commoner.

However, Dereck had risen to a position where he wasn’t easily looked down upon. portal His origins were humble, and he lacked connections, but he was a talent coveted by all major families.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

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

“Really?”

Denise spoke with a firmer and more sincere expression than ever. athlete Watching her, Bella was speechless.

“Yes. accent In the last magical duel, the efforts of Lady Aiselin and Lady Ellen in their training deeply impressed me. alpha You, having seen them closely, Mr. acid Dereck, must know better than anyone how hard they worked to uphold the dignity of a noble lady.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Being left behind is a sad thing.”

With clenched fists and teary eyes, her pleading gaze awakened anyone’s protective instincts.

Even Bella, who knew her well, found herself swallowing dryly upon seeing her.

Denise knew exactly what moved people’s hearts: sincerity. canvas It was ironic that Denise was the one talking about sincerity, but at least her external charm was unmatched.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Denise took a step forward and grasped Dereck’s thin, tanned hand with her soft, pale ones.

“…”

“When everyone steadily ascends to a higher realm, being the only one left behind destroys self-esteem and weakens the heart. admire I won’t hide it anymore; I fear not being able to match their achievements.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“That’s why I came to find you after all this time, Mr. alpha Dereck.”

“Please, I beg you. orbit Save me from the swamp of anxiety I fall asleep in every night. athlete With my own magical progress… it’s too much to bear.”

Denise asked with an anxiety that seemed on the verge of breaking her.

Without hesitation, she held it, looked him in the eyes, and pleaded with all her heart. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck silently watched Denise.

“…”

In the dark cave, Denise, with teary eyes, looked longingly at Dereck. sphere She maintained eye contact with him for a long time.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Eh? antenna You sensed that from here?”

How many men could endure that fragile and ghostly gaze without wavering? meadow Not just Bella, but even the guards sworn to protect her couldn’t help but shake their heads in their hearts.

“Lady Denise, it seems you don’t have strong ambitions for magical accomplishments. august You used a one-star light spell on the way into the cave, didn’t you?”

However, Dereck spoke softly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Denise’s pupils widened for a moment before returning to normal.

“What do you mean…?”

“Yes. galaxy Although the amount of magical power is exceptional, it doesn’t feel like it’s refined daily. antique It’s not about talent—it’s about will.”

“Lady Denise. palette With all due respect, it’s unwise to feign sincerity about magic in front of someone immersed in it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’m not sure why you need me, Lady Denise. sphere But it doesn’t seem to be for magical accomplishments.”

“Some might consider it an insult.”

Faced with his cold gaze, Denise had no choice but to realize the truth. atlas She wore a thick mask, but this boy had seen through her from the beginning.

Dereck was a man who could be called obsessed with magic. orbit Those to whom Dereck had dedicated time to teach had one thing in common: whether Diella or Ellen, all were individuals genuinely devoted to magical achievement.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

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

Dereck brushed himself off and stood. canvas He had been so absorbed in magic that he could barely sleep, yet he managed to restrain himself.

“How can I accept a task when I don’t even know what the client wants? acid I don’t take on work I can’t handle. armor That would be disrespectful to the client.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

His demeanor was so respectful and formal that there was nothing more to say in reply. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

“So please, find someone more suitable than a humble wandering mercenary like me. silence Someone fit for your stature, Lady Denise.”

With that, Dereck bowed his head. echo It was a polite but firm refusal.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

She had prepared, knowing that even Aiselin and Ellen had failed to acquire such talent.

Denise felt like she had been hit on the head with a hammer. athlete Her performance—one that could surprise the heavens—was rendered useless, and she stood in silence. orbit Soon, she felt a deep scratch in her pride.

But she never imagined Dereck would reject her so swiftly. acoustic Even a bit of hesitation on his part would have spared her this feeling.

“Eh…?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

The sting surely came from aristocratic pride… But there was another, deeper reason.

“No, how could it be that I, a lady of the Beltus family, went to such lengths to find this place, and bowed openly…?”

What was the point in saying it? aspect The axe wound to her pride was already severe.

“How could it be that I, who look so beautiful, shed tears…?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Wait a moment. zenith Mr. auction Dereck. shadow First…”

Before Denise could call him, Dereck lightly leapt from the rock and walked toward the depths of the cave.

“Then, I’ll go and finish my training for today.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

However, Denise just stood there with a broad smile.

The maids watching were left speechless. acquire They had heard rumors of the boy who lived like a hermit, but they hadn’t expected him to be such a mystical figure.

When Dereck disappeared into the darkness, Bella quickly approached and asked. acquire If they were going to follow, they had to act fast.

“Should we… should we follow him, my lady?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Bella looked anxious.

“Lady Denise?”

“Hmm. artist I thought he was someone with clear convictions, but I didn’t know he was this resolute.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

Though she said it, Denise was smiling only with her eyes, while a vein visibly throbbed on her forehead. airport Bella swallowed hard.

“My lady, please calm your anger and think rationally. apron We need to report the cave’s location to the main house first…”

“Yes, it seems so. crystal I came here with tears in my eyes, wearing lovely makeup and expensive perfume, and he just threw me a cold look.”

“Eh? alien Anger? orbit Why would I be angry? aluminum That’s funny, Bella. absorb Anyone would think I’m mad.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

“Just… a little… the stubbornness is starting to show… hehehe…”

Frankly, she wondered if this was about her pride being hurt because her beauty hadn’t worked, but she bit her tongue for fear of the consequences.

Denise was someone who found everything bothersome and rarely got motivated—but once she rolled up her sleeves, she was relentless.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 36: Denise (2) by Indra Translations.

She was the type to bite harder and cut deeper if a tree didn’t fall.

Bella had to press her temples and suppress a headache as she looked at Denise. accent After so long together, Bella knew her well.