Chapter 6: Duplain (3)

Inside, seated among the attendants, was Lady Aiselin of the Duplain family. aluminum Across from her sat Jayden, representative of the Beldern Mercenary Band and Dereck’s companion. anchor Dereck himself remained silent beside them, observing his surroundings.

The carriage, bearing the seal of the noble Duplain family, was filled with gold accents and ornate decorations—just stepping inside felt overwhelming.

“You’ve probably never heard of my younger sister Diella, have you?”

Compared to the wagons used for subjugating monster tribes, this one was several times more luxurious inside.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

With the sound of the wagon wheels as background, a conversation began between Jayden and Lady Aiselin.

“Lady Diella… I believe I’ve seen her name on the Duplain family tree.”

“But she’s not someone often seen in public.”

Jayden no longer laughed without reason. acid The noblewoman of the Duplain family seated before him wasn’t someone to be taken lightly. advance It was easy to joke and smile when their identities were hidden, but the situation had changed.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

‘The Duplain line of succession… Yes, two sons and two daughters.’

It seemed that speaking of her sister, Lady Diella, was not a pleasant topic.

“Yes, that’s true.”

Dereck observed Lady Aiselin’s expression for a moment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Under Grand Duke Raymond Oswald Duplain, a five-star mage, there were four children.

“Lady Diella needs a magic instructor.”

He had heard the third and fourth were regarded as ladies of House Duplain, preparing for their social debut.

However, while many stories circulated about the third child—Lady Aiselin’s elegance and kindness—very little was known about the fourth, Lady Diella.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. meadow I apologize for concealing our identities. atom As you know, revealing them gains us nothing.”

Silently at her side, steward Katarina respectfully served tea.

“…So you’ve assigned various mercenaries to assess their qualifications?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

The wagon’s wheels were as tall as a person, and six horses pulled it. shadow It was so stable one could drink hot tea without spilling.

However, no one reached for their cup.

On the small table between the seats, tea cups filled with a rich aroma were lined up.

“Strange, isn’t it? abandon I didn’t expect a simple magic instructor to be suitable for teaching a noble lady of House Duplain.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Seeking a magic instructor from low-ranking mercenary mages for a noble lady was unheard of.

As mentioned, nobles would sell their souls for a good tutor for their children.

Jayden’s remark was accurate. portal Dereck himself nodded, finding the situation odd. afford The nobility’s sense of privilege and authority went beyond imagination.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

In fact, they wouldn’t even need to search beyond the household—there were many people within the family with profound magical knowledge.

Dereck spoke softly.

With the Duke of Duplain’s authority, they could easily hire a famous, well-educated mage. portal Wasn’t this one of the most prestigious families in the empire?

So for Lady Aiselin herself to come looking for an instructor meant this wasn’t a normal situation.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“I heard House Duplain has at least three or four recognized four-star mages. anxiety Why search among mercenaries when you already have such talented instructors?”

“…That’s true.”

“…Being skilled in magic and being able to teach it well are very different abilities.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

It was an implied expression, but Lady Aiselin’s face looked conflicted.

Still, her underlying emotion was clear. riddle It was love for her one and only younger sister.

It hadn’t gone as hoped.

“And of course, I’ve already tried many such instructors. alert But things haven’t gone as I hoped…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Diella has… no magical talent.” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

“….”

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

Jayden fell silent for a moment at her words. shadow He didn’t fully understand.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“If this continues, she’ll be treated as a burden before even entering society. afford I can’t allow Diella to be treated that way.”

House Duplain was a renowned magical lineage—those born into it rarely lacked magical talent.

In the Velkos region, it was common for noble young ladies to come to Ebelstein in preparation for entering society once they came of age. artist They were usually gifted a mansion and even served as hosts.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Beyond the northern walls, in the prosperous district where nobles lived, they engaged in various exchanges and studies, honing the qualities of a proper noblewoman.

But only if they had the minimal qualifications. beacon For someone born into House Duplain but unable to wield magic, it was a fatal flaw for a noble.

Lady Aiselin herself, seated before Dereck, was already immersed in Ebelstein’s aristocratic society—not merely in title but in life.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

It wasn’t hard to imagine how a girl like Diella would be treated.

Rather than being the family’s pride, she’d more likely be its stain. aspect This was probably common knowledge within the mansion.

“I understand. palette But I’m not sure digging through mercenaries is justified. echo If she struggles to learn magic, wouldn’t it be better to find a more capable instructor?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“…Did I say something inappropriate?”

“…”

“No. arrow It’s just that… I’m thinking about how to answer.”

Lady Aiselin, her face full of worry, spoke calmly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“But I can’t give up.”

“Diella has had over twenty instructors in the past eight months. action There’s no one left who can handle her.”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Sir Dereck is different from past mages, both in mindset and magical approach—so who knows what might happen? arrow I’m willing to try anything.”

As she said this, Lady Aiselin’s expression grew more serious.

Gradually, Dereck began to understand. adapt In short, the girl named Diella didn’t seem easy to teach.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

***

Bang!

In the Velkos region stood the majestic mansion of Grand Duke Duplain.

It was often said that noble girls could be rude or stubborn. antique In Diella’s case, it was hard to tell what she was truly like.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Very few people could open the duke’s office door like that—something even nobles couldn’t do.

Inside the office, Raymond Oswald Duplain, the Grand Duke, was seated behind a large desk, and in front of him, a young man with tousled blond hair was discussing the duchy’s quarterly tax revenues.

“Father! canvas Brother Valerian! harbor I apologize for interrupting your conversation!”

The door to the Grand Duke’s office burst open as if it were about to break. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Leigh. zenith What’s with the commotion? antenna Please conduct yourself with dignity.”

He placed the report he was presenting on the desk and spoke in a calm voice.

Valerian, the eldest son, was a tall, well-built, and handsome man. audit Named as the next head of the family, he had come of age the previous year, and during his coming-of-age ceremony, he had mastered the basics of two-star magic—a true prodigy. amateur The elders of House Duplain held him in high regard.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Crack!

“Aaah!”

The young man named Leigh dragged a servant from the hallway and threw him to the office floor.

“Please listen to me, brother! admire I really can’t take it anymore!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

As the servant hit the ground, a pungent smell filled the room, which had previously held a faint scent of incense.

“Leigh. artist Lower your voice when you speak.”

“That damn Diella went so far as to lay hands on my personal servant!”

The servant was soaked in dirty cleaning water. alien His uniform was torn in several places, and his hair was disheveled. canvas It was clear he had been mistreated.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Father! abandon Please answer me!”

“I’m speaking because I can’t stand it anymore! crystal Last month, the number of servants who quit because of that brat reached double digits. amateur The plates she’s smashed in her tantrums must number over a hundred. abstract She destroyed a building because she was bored… How much longer are we going to tolerate this criminal? amateur Just because she’s young and the youngest?”

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Leigh walked to the center of the office and raised his voice toward Grand Duke Duplain, who was reviewing documents across the desk.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

He held his breath for a moment and finally spoke in a flat tone, as if venting a complaint:

“Father…”

Leigh knew those eyes well.

The Grand Duke silently set aside the paper he had been reading and fixed his gaze on Leigh.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Unlike the princely Valerian, Leigh had a sharp, commanding face, like that of a general.

“No, Father. alpha Even if I can’t compare to my older brother, I am also a member of House Duplain. abandon I have the right to speak. armor It’s time to accept it. amateur Diella, that girl, is a disgrace and a liability to our family.”

“It is not your place to judge, Leigh.” Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“Can she really behave like a Duplain? aspect We’ve done enough… as a family… and as nobles. arcade We’ve fulfilled our duties.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

If one had to guess which of the two was older, many would have picked Leigh, but in truth, he was the younger son of House Duplain.

“Brother. orbit I’m sure you think the same, don’t you?”

“Father. sphere Even if Diella doesn’t belong in this family… we have Aiselin. timber It’s as if the gods gave all the noble grace meant to be shared with Diella solely to Aiselin. autumn So let’s free Diella from this burden.”

“Leigh. august Choose your words more carefully before Father.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Leigh’s sharp retort left Valerian momentarily speechless. anchor Seeing his elder brother’s uncomfortable expression, Leigh, encouraged, spoke softly to the Grand Duke.

“Leigh!”

“…I already asked a servant to look into a monastery in the Anhel region.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“It’s a place where many noble children gather, with excellent facilities and under constant imperial supervision. agent It’s better for Diella to serve the gods’ will than to stay here as a burden. airport Instead of risking our family’s downfall…”

“Someone has to be firm! agent If no one else will, then I must.”

Leigh raised his voice again at the Grand Duke.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

The Grand Duke grabbed Leigh’s head and slammed it onto the desk.

Bang!

Leigh couldn’t finish his sentence.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

As Leigh screamed, the Grand Duke pressed his head down and whispered in a cold, icy voice.

“Ugh… Father…”

“Argh!”

“I believe I already told you—it is not your place to judge.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Father. acoustic When the time comes to decide… you must choose…”

“Do I need to repeat myself?”

Though his face was pinned to the desk, Leigh didn’t back down.

Crack!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

True to the blood of a ruler, Leigh was not easily broken. action Pinned beneath the duke’s hand, he held out until the duke’s overwhelming magical pressure made him lose consciousness.

A brief silence followed.

Only the terrified servant’s sobs echoed in the office. armor The duke sank back into his executive chair and massaged his temples for a moment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

He also patted the shoulder of the sobbing servant, brushing him off.

Valerian quietly watched the duke with a tired face, then gently supported the unconscious Leigh.

Worries and burdens were constant companions for any ruler. shadow Yet, one never grew used to them.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“You must be exhausted. abandon I’ll speak with the steward—go bathe and rest in your room for today.”

With a gentle voice, he comforted the servant, then, still holding Leigh, spoke to the duke.

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Very well.”

“The taxes aren’t urgent, so I’ll take my leave for today. apple Please get some rest, Father.”

At that moment, as Valerian was about to leave the office with Leigh and the servant—

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Valerian.”

The duke, still seated and rubbing his temples, spoke in a low voice.

“…Yes?” This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“Loving all your children equally is no easy task.”

With a bitter smile, Valerian bowed deeply and exited the office.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

***

Aiselin, who had returned to the noble mansion after some time, was about to greet Valerian cheerfully as he came out of the office.

“Oh, Brother Valerian.”

In the hallway outside the office.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

However, upon seeing him carrying the unconscious Leigh, her expression hardened. admire The servant following him, covered in mud, mirrored that expression.

Valerian managed a smile and returned Aiselin’s greeting.

“Oh, Brother…”

“Oh. adjust Aiselin. portal It’s such a joy to see you after so long. riddle Has Ebelstein treated you well?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“As you can see, things are a bit complicated, so we’ll have to catch up later.”

As Valerian, holding Leigh, passed by Aiselin, several servants rushed over to take Leigh from him. portal During that time, Valerian caught sight of the people Aiselin had brought with her.

Alongside her usual servant, there were two mercenaries who appeared to have come from outside the noble mansion—Jayden and Dereck.

“…Yes.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

But he couldn’t help but feel a tinge of sympathy at the company she’d brought. afford At first, Aiselin had brought in well-known instructors among four-star mages.

“…”

Valerian knew Aiselin worked tirelessly for her younger sister, Diella.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Yet even those people became disheartened, and now things had reached the point where mages recruited from mercenary bands were entering the ducal mansion.

Thus, in high society, Diella’s reputation as a troublemaker spread, and fewer and fewer people offered themselves as tutors. alpha Still, Aiselin never gave up, continuing to ask around and somehow managing to bring in three-star and two-star mages—as long as they were persistent and sincere.

But none could handle Diella. attic They were humiliated, injured, or gave up and left.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

It felt as though a heavy weight had settled on his chest.

Valerian walked past Aiselin in silence down the hallway.

Her efforts were admirable, but from the perspective of a brother watching, it left a bitter taste. autumn It truly seemed there was no one left to bring.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Thanks to Father’s care, each day has been pleasant. adopt Lately, I’ve been learning to paint portraits, and if I have time, I’d like to paint one of Father.”

“Ah, really? harbor When you finish it, we should hang it in the mansion’s main hall.”

“Aiselin. arcade How is life in Ebelstein?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

With a broad smile, Aiselin kept the conversation light, and the Duke’s expression—full of concern and burden—softened somewhat. voyage No matter what others said, Aiselin was deeply loved by the residents of the ducal mansion.

Born with the dignity and grace of a noble lady, she was adored by her parents, her two older brothers, and even her retainers.

“Father, please. matrix I’m not that skilled yet. airport I need to improve enough so the servants don’t tease me, so give me a little more time.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“…I see.”

“Ah, and before I forget—I’ve brought a mage from Ebelstein.”

So much so that, upon coming of age, she was given a large mansion in the wealthy district of Ebelstein and quickly began her social education. album She was truly the jewel of House Duplain.

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Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

But that was all he said. atlas For some time now, the Grand Duke Duplain no longer gave long opinions.

The Duke’s brow furrowed slightly when he saw Dereck. absorb The people Aiselin had brought in as tutors for Diella were more than just one or two. advance And no matter who they were, they never lasted more than a few weeks before fleeing.

“Very well.”

It was hard to take anyone she brought seriously anymore. acid But even so, it was a choice made by his beloved daughter Aiselin.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“Very well. matrix See you later.”

“Well then, I’ll freshen up from the trip and we can talk more in the sitting room. atomic Father, there’s much I’d like to discuss.”

Aiselin quietly observed his demeanor and then smiled faintly, with a hint of resignation.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

With that, Aiselin bowed and turned to leave the office.

The Duke called out for Dereck to remain behind.

“Wait. canvas You stay.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

A silent office.

The Duke of Duplain scratched at his quill, reviewing documents attentively for a long while.

***

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

It appeared to be important business concerning the management of his lands. voyage The Duke treated nothing lightly, pondering deeply over every detail.

After signing one of the documents that needed immediate attention, the Duke spoke without even looking up, as if casting his words into the air.

He seemed to live each day immersed in work.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“That’s right.”

“Sixteen, you said?”

“Yes.”

“You’re very young.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Asked this while twirling his quill, Dereck answered without hesitation.

“…How far can you handle magic?”

While tending to his affairs, he continued with his deep, weighty voice.

The Duke flipped briefly through the next document, his pen tracing a few lines. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

“I can handle first-level magic to some extent.”

The Duke let out a brief laugh.

“Haha…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Was it a laugh of regret, perhaps for having to entrust his daughter’s magical education to someone like this?

The meaning behind that chuckle wasn’t hard to guess. action For a sixteen-year-old who had studied magic properly and reached a level where he could teach others, it was remarkable to commoners.

It was a mix of admiration—and lamentation.

After all, it was still the level of a commoner.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

Dereck speculated—but his guess was only half right.

“Modesty isn’t always a virtue.”

Before he realized it, the eyes of the Duke of Duplain—bright and piercing—were locked directly onto Dereck. adapt Residual magical energy shimmered in them.

“Don’t bother lying.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 6: Duplain (3) by Indra Translations.

He had already seen through the fact that Dereck’s magical abilities didn’t stop at first level.