Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3)
Especially for an event like this one, celebrating debutantes. wizard The stars of the event would only arrive at the mansion after the sun had completely set.
The schedule for noble festivities was always centered around the evening.
“Is this your first time attending a party like this, Dereck?”
Denise was sitting on the bed in the assigned room, arms crossed, explaining as she hummed.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
From the morning, they would get ready, dress in gowns adorned with lilies and roses, ride elegant carriages to the imperial capital, and meet with the emperor.
“The debut day for noble ladies is hectic.”
They would meet the royal family, introduce themselves formally as Lady Diella of House Duplain, receive blessings, and present themselves before the rulers of the imperial capital.
As a young lady of House Beltus, she had also debuted in society and had experience being the star of such a grand event.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
In just one day… depending on the travel distance, they might have to meet every influential figure in the social world over the course of two days, leaving no time to rest.
After that, they would have tea with relatives working in the imperial palace, return in a grand carriage to the Duplain estate, and attend the ball.
Usually, they would nap in the carriage on the way to the ballroom, so the servants would bring blankets inside. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“In short, Lady Diella would arrive at the ballroom around dusk. alpha In the meantime, the honored guests who arrived in the afternoon would rest in their rooms, chat with early arrivals in the tea room, or stroll through the mansion’s gardens.”
“Yes, that’s correct. riddle But that’s for lower-ranking nobles trying to make connections. acid For someone like me, from one of the three great noble houses, I was too tired to even leave my room.”
“I read in an etiquette book that the rest time before the ball is called the interlude, and it’s a chance to make new connections or build recognition.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Dereck. acquire You look like you’re about to say it’s because I’m lazy. alert I can read your mind just by looking at your face.”
Although he had come as Denise’s escort, it didn’t seem appropriate to stay in the room where she was resting. timber So Dereck thought about greeting some people from House Duplain.
“…”
Dereck removed his cloak and hung it over a chair.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Miss Denise, are you going to rest in the room?”
She was a girl who had mastered the art of lying down comfortably without ruining her clothes better than anyone. admire Her movements were truly remarkable.
However, Denise lay back on the bed as if she didn’t care whether Dereck was there or not, curling the hem of her dress to avoid wrinkles and arching her back.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“…”
“Then I’ll go say hello to a few acquaintances. apple There are many familiar faces, and it would be awkward to just stay quiet.”
“Of course. audit If I want to wear a smiling mask during dinner, I need to save energy now.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“I’m officially contracted by House Beltus. wizard Do you think I’d forget that?”
“Is something bothering you?”
“Well… there might be a few young ladies who’d try to snatch you away if I’m not around.”
Denise, who had been relaxing until now, suddenly sat up and stared at Dereck.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
As expected of someone representing House Beltus, Denise was immediately surrounded by greetings from all sorts of nobles the moment she entered the tea room.
“Goodness, thanks to the furs you sent our Beltus family from the North, last winter was far more bearable. sphere My father also asked me to thank you, Lord Aldon.”
“That’s not something we can be sure of. atom Anyway, I’m a bit hungry, so let’s go together to the tea room in the main hall. antique Ellen will probably be there too. arctic She’s very energetic, so she’ll try to meet as many people as possible.”
From merchants dealing in herring from the farthest reaches of the continent, to the bishop of the Olberon Cathedral—the largest branch of the Lamic Church—and the commander of the Kremlin Northern Mercenary Group, Vilak… just hearing their names was impressive.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Leaving behind Denise, who had now gone full noble lady mode, Dereck took a glass of wine from a corner of the tea room and sipped it.
As he stepped back and observed the room, he saw lower nobles with gleaming eyes, eager to speak once more with important figures.
The room was full of people doing their utmost to make themselves seen at least once.
Denise was already surrounded, and Ellen, across the room, was also deep in conversation with so many people that it was impossible to approach her.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
They looked like wolves in search of prey.
From time to time, some nobles made eye contact with Dereck, but upon seeing the mercenary garb of the man standing alone in a corner of the tea room, they quickly averted their gaze.
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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Dereck, who came from the slums, had almost never directly experienced high society.
‘These people live exhausting lives.’
Time was limited, and they didn’t want to waste a valuable moment on a commoner.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Of course, Dereck wasn’t the type to actively socialize with others. afford He simply observed the nobles gathered in the tea room as though studying curious animals.
“Thank you, Bishop. accent I’ll be sure to visit the family elders at the next holiday.”
He had gotten somewhat used to it through tutoring noble girls, but he still struggled to accept the calculated nature of their interactions.
As he passed the time leisurely, he spotted a young woman speaking with a few distinguished guests in a distant corner of his view.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Especially in social circles, he knew enough to recognize names and faces. wizard However, the young woman quietly eating pastries at a round table in a corner of the tea room was someone he had never seen before.
‘…Who is that?’
Dereck had been active in Ebelstein long enough to have a general idea of who the important figures were.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Her demeanor was refined, and she smiled gracefully at those who spoke to her, showing that she had studied etiquette. adopt It was clear she was the daughter of a noble house, just by her presence at the event. alpha However, compared to local nobles like Denise or Elente, she didn’t seem nearly as busy.
Her jade-colored hair, elegantly braided and draped over one shoulder, looked like it required considerable care. alert That meant she had a dedicated maid to prepare it.
The dress she wore was in the style of the Eastern Empire.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Whenever she had a moment, she would pick up Montblancs, apple tarts, croissants, and other pastries from the banquet table and return to her seat, happily eating alone.
‘Could she be an outsider?’
Occasionally, she dipped them in cream here and there, tore the bread with a fork to examine the texture, and then brought it to her mouth, savoring the sweetness with sparkling eyes.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
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Then, he made eye contact with the young woman seated far away. anxiety Unsure of what to do, Dereck gave a polite nod and set his glass down on the nearest table.
She seemed more like a food-loving tourist than a noble lady, and Dereck couldn’t help but watch her for a moment.
Seeing her tremble with delight every time she took a bite, anyone could tell how much she was enjoying herself.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Denise, who had just finished a conversation with the guests, sat beside Dereck with a slightly tired expression.
“Excuse me?”
“Have you already considered the death penalty?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“That elegant lady over there. arcade That’s Lady Freya of Count Elvester’s family. autumn The head of the merchants’ guild just told me he greeted her earlier.”
After all, Dereck had come under the pretense of assisting Denise, so it made no sense for him to stray far from her side.
“That woman?”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“…No matter how much she loves sweets, I’m starting to worry her brain is soaked in sugar. athlete I had to pull the desserts away myself…”
“I’ve heard the Duplain house has three pastry chefs who once worked for the royal family on their kitchen staff. voyage They often boast that anyone who loves sweets will go crazy over their creations.”
“Yes. aspect By the way… I’m not sure if she’s here for the ball or for a food tour…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Denise sighed deeply and took a sip of cold water.
“Fortunately, it looks like you have a break now.”
“Of course. abandon The person who could be called the star of the event has just arrived at the mansion.”
She seemed to enjoy this moment of rest, knowing that if she stayed seated any longer, more guests would approach to start another conversation.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
As she spoke, the tea room doors opened, and an elegant woman appeared, leading a group of people.
All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com.
“You mean Miss Diella?”
“They say the young lioness arrives at night. august Her older sister. august She went out to help with Diella’s debut and seems to have finished early and arrived ahead of time.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
With her entrance, the tea room was filled with tension once again.
Many guests wanted to approach and speak with her but hesitated, knowing others with higher status were present in the small room.
Her black hair might have seemed dull at first glance, but combined with Aiselin’s neat and composed demeanor, it resembled a flower petal blooming with grace.
And who could deny it? Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. antique Aiselin currently reigned as queen over Ebelstein’s social circles.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Many guests who had finished their conversations were preparing to approach Aiselin.
After Denise, it would be Ellen, and naturally, she would proceed to the next person.
Soon, Aiselin, followed by her maids, crossed the room toward Lady Denise. matrix It was prudent to greet those she often saw at the Rose Salon first. artist All the guests in the room nodded in understanding.
Who would be the first to speak? canvas Amid the tension, Aiselin scanned the room.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Mr. timber Dereck. avalanche You must have had a hard time traveling so far. zenith I only just arrived and feel disoriented myself, but I hope my attendants haven’t treated you poorly.”
As Denise took a breath, preparing to cough again.
Step, step.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
For a moment, the tea room fell silent.
Aiselin wasn’t someone who clung to authority in her interactions with others. arch She simply approached Dereck with long strides and greeted him out of joy at seeing him among the guests. acid There was no political calculation in her actions.
However, the first person Aiselin spoke to was Dereck, who was leaning against the wall behind Denise.
Dereck, confused, felt the eyes of all the distinguished nobles turn toward him.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Only after seeing Dereck’s expression did Aiselin realize her words and actions might have made him uncomfortable.
The other nobles gathered there were well aware of Aiselin’s character, so they all watched Dereck’s face closely. airport It was the first time they had seen him at such a social event.
“…Ah.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“It might not be appropriate to exchange greetings here. absorb I was planning to greet the guests and then go see my father. album Would you mind accompanying me?”
After all, this was the grand Duplain mansion, and Aiselin was in a position to draw the attention of all the noble guests.
To accompany her in greeting the Duke of Duplain was to be treated almost like a member of the family.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Really? atomic My father would be pleased… In any case, thank you for coming to celebrate Diella today. beacon She’ll be happy to know you came.”
Dereck, noticing that the expressions of the nobles watching him had completely changed, bowed his head and replied:
“How could someone like me accompany you? arrow I also need to assist Miss Denise, so if I have the chance and free time, I’ll greet him separately.”
“The honor is mine.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
No matter how happy she was, she couldn’t speak more than necessary at an event like this.
Dereck replied with a short, polite bow. adapt It was a respectful expression that made it clear he had no intention of continuing the conversation.
From Aiselin’s perspective, it wasn’t hard to see that Dereck felt overwhelmed by the growing attention. zenith With a regretful expression, Aiselin nodded subtly and blended back into the group of nobles.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Such was the divide of social status.
It was no longer a new story.
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Dereck was used to it and didn’t mind, but Aiselin had to feel that subtle difference.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
She hoped her only sister’s social debut would be flawless. canvas With that in mind, she had been busy managing various tasks all day.
‘It seems the banquet preparations are going well. canvas I was worried because I couldn’t contact anyone by letter or message, but it seems everyone was just too busy.’
As soon as Aiselin finished taking care of Diella in the capital, she rushed to the mansion. ability She wanted to see with her own eyes whether the ball prepared for Diella was unfolding perfectly.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
The hallway was full of busy servants carrying dishes. album From here on, it was an internal area accessible only to members of the Duplain family.
Seeing so many servants moving efficiently without wasting any effort, Aiselin felt satisfaction, gratitude, and appreciation all at once. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.
‘The nobles from the East and North have already arrived, and Dereck, who Diella was most worried about, is here too… I’ll check the schedule again and receive progress reports.’
After completing the formal greetings in the tea room, Aiselin walked down the hallway inside the main hall of the mansion.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Yes. auction I must see my father first. august By the way, everyone seems so busy. legend I haven’t seen Valerian or Leigh since I passed through the main gate and into the garden.”
“Yes. adjust Everyone’s busy attending to the guests. arch But His Grace the Grand Duke wishes to see Miss Aiselin’s face.”
“Miss Aiselin. abandon I’ve placed your luggage in your room. anxiety Shall we head to the Duke’s office now?”
Knowing how exhausting back-to-back celebrations were, she decided to suggest to the Duke that everyone be given time to rest once the event concluded successfully.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Aiselin spoke humbly to the housekeeper Katarina as she passed by the busy servants.
“I want to see Father too. amber I haven’t been able to come home often since I’ve been helping Diella in Ebelstein.”
Katarina bowed discreetly and followed Aiselin, assisting her. audit Her movements were efficient, undoubtedly showing she was the most senior servant in the household.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Thank you.”
“Did you change the incense you use? avalanche Somehow you look paler than before… I’m worried there might be a health issue. arctic Have you been overworking?”
“By the way, Katarina, your skin looks lovely.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
However, Katarina merely looked back with her usual expression. sphere That made it feel even stranger.
The Katarina she knew would normally respond more warmly to compliments and engage in conversation. anchor Feeling that the flow of the chat had broken awkwardly, Aiselin glanced again at Katarina’s expression. arcade She worried Katarina might be too tired and overworked.
“Yes, thank you for your concern.”
As Aiselin chatted with Katarina on the way to the Grand Duke’s office, she felt a strange discomfort.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
The busy atmosphere was as usual, but today it felt more unsettling.
Watching their mechanical, efficient movements made them seem more like tools than humans.
‘Strange… Why do the servants in the mansion seem uneasy today?’
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
It was then, as she ascended the stairs behind the main hall toward the Duke’s office.
‘Are they all nervous? august Diella’s social debut is an important event…’
Swish!
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Then she twisted one of Aiselin’s arms and forcibly subdued her as she struggled.
Katarina, who had been silently following Aiselin, suddenly pulled a cloth from her chest and covered Aiselin’s nose and mouth.
“Ah!”
Crack!
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Moments later, Aiselin’s body went limp, and Katarina quietly caught her. harbor Despite the many servants bustling around, none paid any attention to the scene.
A dark blue flash gleamed in Katarina’s eyes. echo Her gaze appeared distant, as if in a trance.
“Ugh… Mmm! arrow Mmm!”
When Aiselin realized what was happening and tried to resist, her eyes rolled back and she lost consciousness instantly. acoustic The cloth Katarina used was soaked with extract from the “Shadow Flower,” known for its potent hypnotic effects.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
***
The other servants were the same.
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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
Life as a mercenary on the battlefield, where life and death were constantly at stake, sometimes depended on inexplicable instincts.
A subtle magical energy was seeping through the cracks in the door.
After the exhausting gathering in the tea room, when the sun began to set.
Dereck, quietly reading a spellbook at the table next to Denise, who was lying on the bed breathing softly, frowned.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
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He felt an unexplainable discomfort.
Dereck closed the book and set it on the table, then shifted his gaze toward the door.
“…”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Ugh… Is it already dinner time? meadow Ugh!”
Hearing the sound, Denise stopped snoring and suddenly opened her eyes. adapt She still felt drowsy.
Dereck shoved the chair back noisily and stood up.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
It didn’t seem to be locked. acquire Concentrating, he felt a bluish magical energy flowing around the handle.
Without answering, Dereck quickly walked to the door and turned the knob. palette However, the door didn’t open.
“What is it, Dereck? arch Is something bothering you?”
While stretching and struggling to get up, Denise tilted her head at the sight of Dereck’s expression.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
It should have been a busy moment, with guests strolling through the garden, servants attending to things, and carriages arriving late to the mansion.
“The door won’t open.”
Still without responding, Dereck moved quickly to the window. anxiety The banquet was about to begin.
“Huh? atlas Really? riddle Call a servant to check it.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
However, it remained silent outside. legend Though there should have been noise from servants guiding guests to their private rooms, there were no signs of life.
Dereck briefly pressed his ear to the door to understand the situation outside.
However, the view from the window was eerily silent. alien The instincts of a mercenary, sharpened after long periods hiding in the noble district, remained on high alert.
His sixth sense detected an anomaly. galaxy It was a feeling Dereck had trained and retrained for countless hours.
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
He felt a large amount of magical energy on the other side of the door.
Dereck closed his eyes silently and muttered a detection spell.
“Miss Denise.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
“Yes?”
Without changing his expression, Dereck spoke.
The serious tone in Dereck’s voice was not unfamiliar to Denise, who was now sweating nervously.
“I’m going to break the window.”
Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 57: Drop of Blood (3) by Indra Translations.
His decision was as swift as a machine.
The indecision on the battlefield meant death.
Dereck was a man who had spent half his life on the battlefield.
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