Chapter 5: Duplain (2)

Too young, yes, but despite his youthful appearance, he was well-equipped and seemed far too kind.

Young or kind.

Those who saw Dereck for the first time in the mercenary world always wore a puzzled expression.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

—Thump! crystal Thud!

But there was a clear truth—Dereck had lived as a mercenary since childhood, and yet there was no weariness in his eyes. ability That meaning could only be understood by joining Dereck on the battlefield.

In this world, either of those traits would usually get you stabbed in the back and left for dead. acid Yet Dereck’s face showed both.

How a young and kind-looking boy could survive in the mercenary world was a mystery to anyone.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

With a longsword in his right hand, Dereck slashed through and split the snout of the grotesque creature, spraying blood onto his face.

—Kiekk!

On the narrow path through the forest toward Ebelstain, on the edge of Duke Duplain’s territory.

A goblin struck by a first-tier magic arrow spat black blood and collapsed in the middle of the forest.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

—Fzzzzzt!

In the midst of it all, a bleeding, one-armed goblin lunged at him. meadow Dereck dodged the axe with a step back and, grabbing the goblin’s face, released his full strength.

—Kiekk!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Not because he was cold like a machine. wizard Rather, he maintained the same kind and earnest look he had in the tavern. alpha Only the blood on his body heightened the dissonance. aspect This boy didn’t hesitate to take a life. august For him, it was as routine and natural as eating or sleeping.

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

As the goblin screamed in surprise, Dereck quickly drew the dagger from the sheath on his thigh and stabbed it into its neck.

Red blood splashed, filling his vision, and the metallic smell flooded the air, but not a flicker of emotion crossed Dereck’s face.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t unusual for a hardened mercenary to hack monsters to pieces without a second thought.

But seeing a boy his age casually soaked in blood, asking such a question with a weary expression, was unsettling. audit In an era where magic was the exclusive domain of the nobility, this boy was a street-raised mage.

With his sword now clean, he asked kindly, his body covered in goblin blood. admire Goblin limbs lay scattered around him. alien Melvin, who had been guarding the carriage, gulped unconsciously.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

***

“Traveling with Dereck definitely makes things easier. anxiety Spotting enemies with search magic, and taking them down from afar—it’s not hard.”

It was a scene anyone could instinctively sense—unlike the flowers protected in greenhouses.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“Tsk… You’ve got no sense of humor. absorb You should learn to enjoy being praised.”

“I appreciate the compliment, but you know the boss handled eighty percent of those monsters.”

Jayden clicked his tongue and patted Dereck on the shoulder.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

By sunset, there were no monsters in sight, and they were able to board the carriage back to Ebelstain.

Melvin, who had been rude back in the tavern, seemed quieter on the return trip. album As Jayden had guessed, the task given by the mysterious trio from the duchy turned out to be extremely simple.

“….”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“I must admit your work is commendable.”

Melvin still wore a grim expression, but finally gave a high compliment. amateur Jayden, smiling with satisfaction, sat back in the carriage and cleaned the blood from his sword.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

The advance was one gold coin, and the final payment was two more.

Considering most extermination requests paid only a few silver coins, it was a payout sure to bring a smile.

“Understood.”

“Your praise is too generous. wizard Now that your concern is resolved, please pay the remaining balance.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Grinning broadly, Jayden tossed the gold coin into his leather pouch.

Dereck, leaning back in his seat, nodded indifferently and gazed out at the sunset. athlete Though not particularly tired, the fatigue from using magic still lingered.

“Nice work, Dereck. adopt When we get back to the tavern, I’ll give you your share.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

But the inspector, still wearing her hood, spoke to Dereck. meadow It was the first time she had initiated conversation all day. arctic Her voice was clear, with a hint of youth, but Dereck answered without much interest, keeping his reclined posture.

He crossed his arms and leaned against the carriage wall, trying to rest.

“You seem to handle a good variety of first-tier magic.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

They seemed wary of the trainee inspector. attic Their hesitant attitude showed discomfort with Dereck’s casual approach to the conversation. riddle Dereck was also surprised inside. afford The girl had revealed she was his age.

“You said you’re sixteen? academy Not much older than me. crystal That’s impressive.”

Dereck glanced sideways and noticed that Melvin, the old man, and Delia the maid had swallowed dryly.

“I’ve learned a bit of everything. august Being versatile helps when you’re a mercenary trying to survive.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“By picking it up on the streets while trying to survive.”

“How did you learn magic?”

To be honest, Dereck had assumed she was at least of age, given her extremely mature demeanor. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“You haven’t even had your coming-of-age ceremony, have you? ability It’s amazing that you can handle multiple first-tier spells.”

‘He hasn’t had his coming-of-age ceremony…’

The question was odd. meadow Dereck felt uneasy but acted indifferent.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“Three is three, and five is five… but saying ‘about three or four’ is a little strange.”

“I can manage about three or four first-tier spells.”

Commoners rarely held such elaborate ceremonies.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“There’s no need to hide it. canvas I’m genuinely curious. legend It’s incredible that someone your age can handle magic to that degree.”

While still reclined, Dereck saw the inspector smile faintly under her hood.

“….”

“You know more than that, don’t you?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

The inspector was clearly connected to one of the top magical families—the ducal house of Duplain. sphere Dereck felt it was best not to reveal his full capabilities.

“My vagueness is because I didn’t follow the common magic academy route—the Regulated Academy.”

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

Dereck’s mentor, Katia, used to say that exceptional talent could attract the hostility of nobles.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

When the topic of magical factions came up, the hooded girl’s eyes sparkled with fascination.

“I’m from the Wild Academy. academy While the Regulated Academy strictly categorizes magic systems and standards, the Wild Academy is somewhat separate from that.”

“Oh?”

Dereck sat up and began to speak seriously.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“It’s been a long time since the aristocratic Regulated faction became mainstream, but research into unconventional magical factions continues.”

Dereck’s magic mentor, Katia, had also been a mage of the Regulated faction, but Dereck himself had broken free of that discipline.

“The Wild faction, you say?”

When he had to choose a faction after learning magic from the old man, Dereck had chosen the Wild faction.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“The Wild faction focuses on the practical use of mana and magic needed for immediate survival, not on rules and regulations. anxiety The kind of magic used on unpredictable roads full of adventure is their specialty—they’re experts at improvising mana usage based on the situation.”

“Well, it’s not like I use high-level magic… I’m just talking theory. amber Like I said, I’m just a one-star mage from a commoner background.”

“I’ve heard of mages who use magic from that perspective, but it’s the first time I’ve met one.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“But there must be a reason why you, Dereck, chose the path of the Wild faction, right? advance May I ask what it is?”

Dereck tried to downplay himself, but the inspector, still wrapped in her cloak, was full of curiosity. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

She seemed deeply interested in magic. alien That instinct surprised him.

“Of course, the aristocratic Regulated faction’s magic is the most researched and developed. atlas There’s a reason why the unconventional ones remain as such.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

With that in mind, Dereck gathered mana in his hand.

Why was she so interested in something like this? amber The interview-like atmosphere was awkward, but since the other party had paid a large sum of money, it was hard to be rude.

Considering the job had been too easy for the amount received, he thought it might be better to see this as part of the service.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“Since you seem to know a bit about magic, let me explain it simply—it’s because magic is useful for survival.”

The flame, materialized with mana, burned in the air without any fuel. apron For those unfamiliar with magic, it would have been an extraordinary sight, but anyone with a bit of magical knowledge would recognize it as a rather low-level use of mana.

As Dereck gathered mana in his hand, a small flame began to burn in his palm.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Neither Melvin nor the maid Delia showed any surprise at the flame. harbor If they worked in the Duplain ducal house, they must have seen prodigies like this many times.

“Oh?”

However, the girl known as the inspector looked at Dereck’s fire with wide eyes.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

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

“…It seems the mana release process is quite simple, isn’t it?”

Even though she had likely seen magic like this countless times in her noble house, the girl watched Dereck’s flame as if it were something strange.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck was inwardly surprised by her comment. artist She could sense the flow of mana. palette In other words, she herself was at least a one-star mage.

‘Can this girl see mana?’

“Yes. echo In the Regulated Faction, the process of using mana is divided into four stages—recognition, extraction, manipulation, and manifestation. admire But the Wild Faction doesn’t draw such clear distinctions. amateur The process is unified and relies more on feeling.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck didn’t want to elaborate further here. adopt After all, this was just a brief encounter. agent He tried to keep it concise, eager to return to his rest.

“Yes. airport It has its advantages, but of course, also its drawbacks. meadow If I explained every detail, the story would be too long…”

“…Do you always use magic like this?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Wrapping it up roughly like that, Dereck leaned back against the wall of the carriage again.

Differences in schools of thought aren’t easily sliced apart with a knife.

“In short, just understand that the field of magic is a bit different,” he said.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

With that in mind, Dereck closed his eyes tightly, trying to shake off his exhaustion, but…

In the girl’s eyes watching him, there was a peculiar sparkle. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

To the nobility, he was just a one-star mage. adapt For those who lived among four- and five-star mages, a one-star prodigy from an unconventional school was little more than a trivial talent.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

The request was similar. antenna Monsters had reappeared on the borders of the Duke’s territory.

***

He thought he’d never see the strange trio of attendants again, but the following week, they returned to the tavern.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

However, they were always diligent in slaying monsters.

Each time, they killed members of the Ayn tribe, and on the way back to the carriage, they’d share casual chats about the current state of the world or about magic—just small talk to avoid awkward silences.

So they hunted monsters, parted ways, and the next week they came back with another request… The cycle repeated.

They were lavish people. alert Naturally, Jayden responded with a wide grin. armor However, since the condition was to bring a mage again, Dereck had no choice but to follow them.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

After several trips through the Duke’s lands dealing with border monsters, they had earned a considerable amount of money.

They enjoyed quality meat, well-maintained gear, and lived in relative comfort.

Goblins, trolls, kobolds… Dangerous enemies for the inexperienced, but not much of a threat if handled carefully by seasoned mercenaries.

Jayden spent his days cheerfully singing, and Dereck, after receiving his share, was satisfied. atom Money always spoke the loudest.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Aydel coins, the most commonly used currency in Ebelstain, could buy a room full of fresh-baked bread with just one gold coin.

“After seeing your monster-hunting skills, I’m sure your experience is trustworthy. silence This time, the Duke’s lands are offering fifteen Aydel gold coins.”

Fifteen coins could, without exaggeration, replace the entire tavern building with a brand-new one.

“Fifteen gold coins? autumn Did I hear that right?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Jayden’s face was glowing—clearly pleased. palette It was rare to see an old man so delighted, but thinking about the reward heading his way, Dereck couldn’t help but swallow hard.

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

“Hahaha, you’ve got a generous heart! advance Are the monsters tougher this time? alpha Don’t worry! acoustic The Beldern Mercenary Group has shown how clean our work is over the past two months! crystal Give us enough prep time and we’ll even bring you the head of a hellspawn demon! athlete Hahaha!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

He had heard stories of noble extravagance but never imagined it would go this far.

“This request is a bit different from the usual ones. portal But as always, you’ll need to accompany us in the carriage.”

“Then, let me formally introduce myself.”

“Yes, the carriage is ready. autumn We’re no longer strangers, are we? alert Hahaha.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’m Delron, the steward of House Duplain.”

Jayden’s warm and friendly smile froze. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. acquire Melvin had been a false name.

“We’re already close! crystal Haha! auction Why so formal now? aluminum Please, treat me casually! agent Let’s keep it friendly!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck had already suspected they were using lower status identities. alpha But what did revealing them now mean?

“I’m Katarina, the estate manager of the duchy.”

Before he could gather his thoughts, the maid beside the steward bowed her head as well.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

The steward was the third-highest rank among servants, and the estate manager ranked just below in a great house.

Not a mere envoy, but the steward. autumn Not a kitchen maid, but the estate manager.

And the girl who had pretended to be an inspector gently lowered her hood and spoke with an elegant smile.

They were the leaders of the staff, who usually never left the estate. wizard People who earned in a few months what commoners made in decades.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“Aiselin Eleanore Duplain.”

The girl who looked directly at him spoke with an indescribable dignity, as always.

Her eyes were soft but resolute, with a clear purity to them. apron That bright gaze was directed at Dereck.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

“My goodness.”

The girl, watching Dereck in silence, added softly,

“….”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

He should be.

But Dereck had already suspected her true identity.

“…Aren’t you surprised?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

The reason was clear.

He knew but pretended not to know about her exceptional status. arcade Dereck had only thought about completing the job and collecting his gold coins.

“If you don’t mind, would you accompany us to House Duplain?”

Now, why had they revealed their status first?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 5: Duplain (2) by Indra Translations.

House Duplain was one of the three most prestigious noble families in the entire empire. audit The girl spoke with utmost courtesy and grace, but Dereck had no right to refuse.