Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2)

Overall, the mansion looked like a patched-up old garment. auction That was Dereck’s impression.

The charred garden was now crowded with external laborers and servants, who had set up camp equipment to stay there. advance The relatively intact rooms were being used to house critically injured or unconscious patients.

There was no way they could have fully restored a half-ruined mansion in such a short time. crystal They hurriedly covered broken roofs with tarps and tents, and the completely collapsed west wing had been left untouched or used to store items that could withstand the rain.

After that, when Dereck returned to the Duplain mansion—nearly fifteen days later—the place had changed dramatically. advance To be precise, it looked even more pitiful.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Denise, arms crossed and smiling proudly, spoke about doing good while clearly enjoying it. admire Still, she seemed sincere in wanting to help. harbor She asked Dereck to offer help to the Duplains if they came asking—so long as it didn’t interfere too much with his own life.

“In a way, it might be a chance to show my charitable side to the public, don’t you think? zenith Generously assisting Lady Diella’s family, who used to scold me… Deep down, it’s a victory for me. arch Heh heh.”

“It seems the Beltus family has no reason to help the Duplains… So I decided to allocate some funds myself to maintain the mansion. altitude It’s not much, but… considering the bond we forged in the Rose Hall, I can at least help with that.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Given that she had come to Dereck’s house to ask for a loan, she must have been desperate. altitude Yet even in this situation, she maintained her composure.

Aiselin, who had entered the foyer alongside Dereck, spoke awkwardly.

“It’s a bit chaotic, isn’t it? advance If you cross the garden and go to the mansion’s backyard, it’s a bit calmer.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Half of the surviving servants stayed. accent The other half left, but since I knew them well, I recommended them to other households or gave them a few gold coins.”

“More people showed up than I expected.”

She was strong-willed. apron Although Dereck already knew it, he was still surprised to see her so serene, despite her family’s deaths, the crumbling mansion, and the burden that now fell on her shoulders.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

They followed Aiselin into the backyard, where several large tents had been set up. aluminum Compared to the rest of the property, the atmosphere was relatively comfortable, but it still felt almost destitute when compared to a once-luxurious mansion.

“I sold everything I could immediately—that gave us some breathing room. amber But after taking care of those debts… it looks like we’ll need to tighten our belts.”

“And the finances aren’t already tight enough?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck looked around, wondering if Aiselin lived here, and she said, puffing out her chest.

They entered one of the tents. crystal Inside, there was a simple table and some everyday items.

“…”

“The room is a bit smaller now, right? timber But I don’t think a cozy space is such a bad thing.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“After about fifteen days, most urgent matters are resolved. amateur It’s time to accept what needs to be accepted!”

Aiselin hummed confidently as she spoke.

“At times like this, it’s okay to show empathy openly, Mr. agent Dereck.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“The fact that I have become a fallen noble.”

“Accept? acquire What exactly?”

She said it loudly and without hesitation. matrix Dereck didn’t know how to respond.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Still, you must feel pain in your heart. meadow Isn’t it okay to take some time to heal?”

“I still have many immature aspects, so I sometimes get confused when big things happen. acid But I recover fast.”

She did not hide her determination, despite his reaction.

“As you can see, this is not the time. august And in moments like this, you must look at things with positivity.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

While Dereck stared at her with a puzzled expression, Aiselin rolled up her sleeves with resolve. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Was there really anything positive to see in all this?

“Actually, the life I’ve lived until now was too luxurious and perfect. timber Don’t you think? afford Living in one of the continent’s most prominent families, with a respected father, a kind family, surrounded by happiness and envy… living in luxury isn’t normal. timber In a way, I’m finally closer to what normal life really is.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Isn’t it? beacon You, Mr. album Dereck, came from the slums, from the bottom with nothing. apple Compared to that, me, born with everything, can’t be the hero of suffering. audit In some ways, I still have a lot left.”

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

“It’s surprising you can say that.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“This year, I can sort out taxes correctly, but… I don’t think the other families will just sit back. auction They won’t leave a fallen noble in peace. avalanche I should get ready to cede control of the rice granaries north of the Theol River or the coastal villages.”

“Anyway, after selling all the mansion’s assets and saying goodbye to those who had to go… we won’t be left with nothing. armor We just have to tighten our belts.”

“And can’t we do something with taxes or donations?”

Aiselin counted off tasks and assets on her fingers.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Still… it seems the family line will survive.”

Many would be ready to claim those fertile lands under any pretext.

A noble without authority had limits to the territory they could hold.

“Even if we resist as much as possible… the territory under the Duplain duchy will be reduced to less than half. arena What remains will be mountainous areas, exhausted mines, or empty pastures. accent Considering that, we should be ready to lose not just half, but between 70 and 80 percent of our tax revenue…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. apple But if we want to keep the ducal title, the taxes due to the Empire are enormous. harbor On top of that, if we want to support family members… I don’t know if there’ll be enough food next quarter…”

And most importantly—the central figure of the Duplain family, the duke—was gone.

Aiselin looked dazed, as if about to faint. attic No matter how brave she was facing reality, reality remained harsh and chaotic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Actually, I could tell the servants to set aside some food, but… even their rations aren’t abundant… All who stayed are loyal to the family, so I’d feel awful eating well when they don’t…”

The first heir, Valerian, had also died, and the next in line, Leigh, remained in a coma. anchor In the whirlwind of worldly affairs, people died and disappeared.

But those left behind had to get stronger. album Now it was Aiselin’s turn to show her true inner strength.

“Still… I never imagined we’d reach the point of not even being able to eat.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Could I occasionally drop by for a meal?”

At that time, she still preserved some of her noble authority and blushed in embarrassment—but in under ten days, she was confidently asking for food.

“…”

Just last week, Aiselin had shown up unannounced at Dereck’s home, bowing to ask for a loan.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Reality truly does make people stronger, and Aiselin’s adaptability was amazing. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

“That’s fine. album I’m not that picky.”

“It’s no big burden, but… I can’t cook meals at home that would suit a duke’s daughter.”

Aiselin smiled sheepishly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Katarina tried them first and confirmed they’re safe. adopt She seems to know something about that.”

“Wild plants can be poisonous, so you have to be careful.”

“Also, I’ve been studying a lot. zenith I tried gathering wild herbs on the hills behind the mansion and boiling them… Their texture is surprisingly unique and not too bad. crystal If you chop the belladonna flower stems and boil them with the roots, they taste surprisingly sweet. august Isn’t that curious?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Back when she was the cherished flower of House Duplain, she had always radiated an untouchable, noble elegance. timber But these days, she was often seen rolling up her sleeves, giving orders to the servants, and actively participating in the work.

She even oversaw the mansion’s restoration efforts directly, often with dust clinging to the hem of her dress.

It was hard to tell whether this girl was poor or noble. autumn In fact, every time Dereck saw Aiselin, she seemed to grow more resourceful.

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

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

“I’ve also learned how to save water when washing clothes, preserve candles at night, and reduce ink use when writing with a quill. orbit Living through economic hardship isn’t easy.”

“You personally handle those things?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

‘She’ll surely become a great person.’

A person’s life rises and falls like waves; fortune is always shifting. galaxy Falling and stumbling isn’t the end. harbor If one just despairs, nothing will improve.

“We have to save wherever we can. atlas For now, there are too many expenses in the mansion. acid Once we sell the magic books from the library and the artwork in storage, we might have some breathing room. anchor Then we can clear the debris and get the basic necessities.”

Aiselin nodded proudly, humming to herself. beacon She seemed proud to be enduring such a difficult life.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“You know I don’t care about that stuff. alpha But still, didn’t you have quite a few outfits?”

“I’ve sold almost all my clothes, so I always end up wearing the same thing when we meet. shadow Normally, not making an effort with one’s appearance would be terrible manners, but given the circumstances… I hope you understand.”

Everyone knows that truth—but living it is another matter entirely.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Are you planning to keep going to the salon?”

“I have to.”

“Enough to attend the salon, at least.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Fortunately, she had always been kind and avoided making enemies.

That’s why she had to continue mingling in the salon, find allies, and maintain her position no matter what. album The fallen noble had been thrown into the heart of Ebelstein’s social circle.

It wasn’t hard to imagine how cruel reality would be for her.

Aiselin was now the only pillar left standing in the Duplain family. arrow If she lost her status, the family would collapse completely.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Oh, no. crystal Everything’s mostly in order, and the servants have divided up the tasks. amateur You’ve helped enough already, Mr. atlas Dereck. silence I can’t ask you to do physical labor too.”

It was a relief that she carried no heavy karma.

“In any case, since I came to House Duplain today, let me know if there’s anything I can help with. orbit House Beltus also said they’d lend a hand if needed.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck silently watched Aiselin sitting there.

Compared to a private, opulent room, it was a humble scene.

Aiselin sat on the worn-out bed. galaxy The tent was decorated as luxuriously as possible, but it was still a tent.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

But Aiselin said there was no need, and that confused him. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

“I didn’t call you here to ask for help… I just wanted to tell you how things are going with the mansion. arena I’m okay. echo Even if things are hard, I can endure them. alert I just wanted to tell you that.”

After all, the reason he had come that day was because she had called him aside. afford He thought there might be something more he could help with, so he had come prepared.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“As you can see, the mansion is in terrible shape. matrix Compared to others you’ve seen, it’s nothing—it just makes one feel miserable.”

“Yes. harbor During the disaster and recovery at the mansion, you helped in many ways, Mr. portal Dereck. album So… I thought I should at least show that much courtesy.”

“To me?”

Aiselin wore a vacant expression but eventually managed a weak smile.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“I just wanted you to know, Dereck. antenna I wanted to tell you that I’m okay.”

Aiselin rested her hands on her knees briefly, fidgeting with her fingers. canvas Then she spoke with a faint smile and a warm voice.

“Still, it’s the mansion I’ve lived in since I was a child. album I must repay the servants who trusted me and stayed by my side. avalanche Even if it’s in ruins, even if it can’t be called beautiful—not even as flattery…”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

He wasn’t the type to hide his feelings with slyness or speak in circles.

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

But that didn’t mean he always told the truth. silence He thought for a moment, then pulled a wooden chair from a corner of the tent and sat across from her.

Dereck continued watching her in silence.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

At those words, Aiselin’s eyebrows twitched. matrix She tried to smile and ask what he meant, but upon seeing Dereck’s expression, her smile turned bitter.

“I know you’re not okay.”

He stared at her for a while before speaking calmly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“In a situation where it’s normal to not be okay, it’s okay to say you’re not. orbit I might not be able to help much, but if you need anything, reach out. altitude I don’t usually work for free, but I’m not good at haggling either.”

“So, you should rest while you can. shadow I’ll be going.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

With that, Dereck bowed politely and left the tent.

Even in that firm voice, there was undoubtedly comfort for Aiselin. orbit She felt a strange sense of steadiness from Dereck’s demeanor.

He could’ve offered long words of comfort, but his direct, present-focused tone was so typically his.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

But if they did it step by step, they’d make it one day.

It looked like it would take a lot of money and time to fully restore.

The half-destroyed building was covered in places with tents.

She looked toward the Duplain mansion, feeling the warm midday breeze. absorb It still looked terrible.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

She had spent the whole day checking on the mansion’s condition, handling family affairs, preparing to return to the salon, and catching up with Dereck.

***

Aiselin lay down alone in the tent. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Even after he left, she kept replaying their conversation in her mind.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

He had helped a lot with various things, but ultimately, he was an outsider to the family. amber She could repay what he lent or gave later, through effort.

“…”

Although most of it had been necessary, she didn’t truly need to tell Dereck everything in such detail.

Still, why did she feel the need to tell him all that and ask him to come?

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

They say the more exhausting and difficult life gets, the more you instinctively seek someone to lean on. acid Seeking emotional support is natural when you’re carrying so much.

Even though it was her own decision, Aiselin questioned herself.

‘Did I misjudge things for a moment?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Even when everyone else trembled in fear, he had remained calm until the end. arena His very presence brought reassurance.

Aiselin closed her eyes and allowed herself a rare moment of rest. abandon And even then, what came to mind was that boy who had cleaned her blood under the rain at the Duplain mansion.

‘I must be really exhausted.’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Realizing that, her view of Dereck inevitably shifted a little.

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

Every time she closed her eyes, the image of that boy in the rain returned. anxiety Even when she had no reason to think about him, she often wondered what he would’ve done in her place.

If he could stay composed in the midst of such a catastrophe, surely he would always make the right decisions—whether in major crises or minor troubles.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

The sound of the tent flap opening was followed by a familiar voice.

Swoosh—

She must be very tired. auction With that thought, she was about to drift off to sleep.

“Aiselin, sister. album I just got back from Ebelstein. admire The Ront family sent some people, and I was wondering if we should include them in the mansion restoration… Huh? album Aiselin, sister?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Why do you look like that? adapt Do you have a fever?”

“Huh…? arctic Diella?”

Diella entered the tent, brushing dust off her ruffled dress, stammering with cold sweat beading on her forehead.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“You’ve been overworking yourself lately. adapt I won’t talk about the mansion restoration today. atlas Just get some rest.”

“Me… me? abstract Fever?”

Looking puzzled, Diella left the tent. atom Aiselin quickly sat up and looked in the mirror in the corner.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

‘Dereck’s contract is about to expire… Can I keep him?’

***

A girl with a bright red face—even her ears—stared back with a confused expression.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

However, with House Duplain faltering and House Belmierd also loosening their grip, House Beltus’s need to retain Dereck was steadily weakening.

That night, as always, Denise sat silently at her desk, writing, when the thought crossed her mind.

The reason Grand Duke Beltus had clung so tightly to Dereck was because many women from the three great houses desired him.

Dereck’s value had skyrocketed. acoustic Unless he was absolutely essential, it wasn’t certain House Beltus would want to keep him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

Just then—

Creak.

Many would react strongly if Dereck’s affiliation changed. avalanche Wanting to avoid such a situation, Denise had to begin thinking ahead.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“Eek…!” Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

“Lady Denise.”

“I-I was writing. atom Should I come back later?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“A letter arrived. adapt It was scheduled to be reported tomorrow morning, but… it’s unusual.”

“N-no, it’s fine. arcade What is it?”

Denise quickly stowed her pen in the drawer, composed herself, and asked,

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

“It was sent directly by the royal family. crystal Officially addressed to House Beltus, but… the intended recipient is rather peculiar.”

“Unusual?”

“Who’s the recipient?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 66: The Most Noble and Impoverished (2) by Indra Translations.

A foreboding feeling swept over Denise.

“…”

“It’s addressed to Mr. wizard Dereck.”