Chapter 7: Duplain (4)

“However, I understand why you act that way. apron It’s true—an excess of talent can sometimes consume its owner.”

‘At the very least, that’s four-star exploration magic.’

Dereck frowned. atomic In any case, he sensed no hostility from the Duke of Duplain.

The Duke of Duplain didn’t elaborate further. crystal He continued scratching at his quill, resting his chin on one hand. sphere He seemed to understand why Dereck was hiding his true ability.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“No, it’s a relief to know you’re not just anyone. orbit But judging by your age and attire, you don’t seem like someone who usually teaches magic.”

“If I’ve been impolite, I apologize.”

Even so, he couldn’t help but feel a faint wariness deep down. audit Dereck still didn’t fully understand what kind of person the Duke was.

Every noble had their own way of dealing with commoners, so there didn’t seem to be any need to take proactive measures at the moment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“I’m a mercenary.”

“I see. acquire So even tavern mercenaries are entering the Duplain mansion now.”

He was a man who led many followers and held immense power. accent The ability to quickly gauge someone’s capability was crucial.

The Duke’s tone was colder than Dereck had expected. alert Dereck realized he was being assessed.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“You can retire.”

“Aiselin chose you, so I won’t say more. abandon I’ll grant you permission to enter the pavilion where Diella lives. silence A servant will guide you.”

“Thank you.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

However, Dereck didn’t leave. arcade He stood there, hands clasped behind his back, unmoving in the office.

After going over the documents several times, the Duke finally looked up again and said,

With that, the Duke waved his hand indifferently toward Dereck and turned his gaze back to the stack of documents on his desk. zenith He was the ruler of a vast duchy, with too many things to consider and manage.

“What are you doing? atlas I told you to leave.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Your Grace, I am a mercenary. airport Mercenaries take pride in fulfilling any task assigned to them.”

“What is it?”

“There is something I must ask Your Grace.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Lady Aiselin gave me a task: to teach magic to Lady Diella and ensure she can hold her head high as a noble in society.”

Dereck spoke in a low voice, almost a whisper, without lifting his gaze.

“Why are you stating the obvious?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

The Duke furrowed his brow and looked at Dereck.

It was unusual for a commoner to speak so freely before a duke of the realm.

“That’s why I must ask Your Grace something sincerely.” All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

***

After greeting the Duke, Lady Aiselin entered her private quarters and served tea to Jayden.

However, Dereck’s expression remained resolute.

If the matter was trivial, that alone would be an offense. shadow Such was the nature of the social hierarchy.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“This job doesn’t seem too demanding. acoustic I’ll escort Lady Aiselin back to Ebelstein once her schedule at the palace is complete.”

With an awkward smile, Jayden, his hands thick with muscle, raised the cup and took a sip.

Her dedicated maid carefully prepared exquisite tea and offered it to Jayden, though the delicate teacup didn’t quite suit the rugged mercenary.

“Would you? sphere Having the leader of the Veldern mercenaries here is very reassuring.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Her dress, though modest, flowed with an elegance that highlighted her beauty. advance Still, the worry in her expression dimmed her grace.

Sitting in a corner of the room, Lady Aiselin looked like a solitary flower.

“Ha ha. action No need for such formality with a small mercenary group like ours. airport Lady Aiselin, you’re far too kind.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“No need. album Bringing mercenaries into a grand duke’s mansion won’t be pleasant for anyone. adjust I understand. absorb It’s Dereck who’ll face the real challenge, not me.”

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

“Valerian looked quite grim. anxiety If he’s upset, I apologize.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Lady Aiselin appeared far more anxious upon returning to the noble estate.

“I brought him based on my own judgment, but I’m worried whether Dereck will be able to handle Diella.”

“I don’t know much about Lady Diella… so I can’t say.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Was it a hasty decision?”

Jayden observed Aiselin for a moment and then smiled gently.

“Why did you bring Dereck?”

She had invested much time and money seeking skilled mages through various mercenary groups. atlas Yet she hadn’t neglected her social education.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Not at all. artist I’ve worked with him for quite some time, and he’s definitely more composed and capable than his age suggests.”

“I was just wondering if you saw the same thing.”

Jayden’s smile softened, and he continued, hoping to ease Aiselin’s concern.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Perhaps that’s due to his mentor. arctic His teacher used to be a wealthy noble who fell from grace.”

“Well… Dereck may be a mercenary, but oddly enough, he seems to know a little about noble etiquette and culture.”

“I see. audit Most mercenaries lack that kind of refinement and resolve… But he has good manners… So I thought maybe he could manage Diella.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

His magical ability was also well developed. absorb Though still basic, the small age difference between him and Diella was significant.

That’s why someone like Dereck was seen as more suitable.

It was true, Dereck seemed sensible and kind—especially compared to typical mercenaries.

Four-star or higher mages, who studied magic decades ago, often struggled to understand beginners.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Ha, Lady Aiselin, you’re sincere and honest. aluminum Your direct and earnest gaze is what draws people to you—a trait that inspires loyalty.”

“No need to flatter me so much.”

“Not at all. action But… may I, a humble commoner who has wandered many battlefields, offer an opinion?”

Upon hearing Aiselin’s explanation, Jayden chuckled.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Lady Aiselin knew Jayden was a seasoned warrior. antique His casual manner hid a deeply reflective nature.

“In your opinion, what’s the most important trait for a mercenary, someone who constantly walks through dangerous battlefields?”

Jayden’s relaxed smile broadened. orbit Though still friendly, the air grew more serious.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Dereck is a mage raised on the streets and has been a mercenary since before coming of age. apron Do you think a mercenary born on the streets could survive with only grace and kindness?”

“Tenacity… or perhaps courage. arrow That can’t be taught—unlike most things.”

Holding a teacup with floral patterns that looked out of place, Jayden glanced away briefly before setting it down on the table.

“…I’m not sure.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

***

“Lady Aiselin, you need to sharpen your ability to judge people.”

“Excuse me?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

With a polite bow and voice, the servant said:

“The butler has informed me. album I’ll guide you to the pavilion where Lady Diella resides.”

After his audience with the Duke, Dereck found a servant waiting in the corridor. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Creak!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Yes, that’s correct. echo She used to have a room in the main house, but due to certain circumstances…”

“Lady Diella lives separately in a pavilion?”

The circumstances were fairly obvious. beacon It must have been difficult to house someone so destructive in the main residence.

Dereck followed the servant, who calmly walked through the ducal corridors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

The hallways, filled with ornate decorations, were magnificent, with walls lined with what looked like expensive paintings.

Everything from the carpets to the curtains was of the finest quality—fitting for a true noble mansion.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Following the servant, Dereck entered the pavilion where Diella’s room was located.

The path to the pavilion was surrounded by green trees, with red roses decorating the fence’s arches. atom It was a beautiful walkway, though its design subtly isolated it from the main house.

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“My name is Dereck.”

“We’ve been expecting you. artist This way, please.”

Crossing the large front door, he finally saw the servants assigned to Lady Diella, their faces already weary.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Soon, a large room came into view—presumably Lady Diella’s quarters. august Servants stood before the wooden door, heads bowed, waiting.

After a brief introduction, the butler of the pavilion led him through the foyer and up the stairs.

Unlike the bustling main house, the interior of the pavilion carried an oddly pale aura. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com. atomic Sunlight barely filtered in, and the air felt damp.

Dereck took a deep breath and climbed the stairs.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Knock, knock.

Dereck paused, resting his chin on his hand, realizing there was no point in speculating further about Diella, whom he hadn’t met yet. arch So he knocked.

He passed by the servants, each one looking more dejected than the last, until he reached the door.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

The air in the room was silent.

“…”

Receiving no reply, he slowly opened the door and peeked inside.

“Excuse me.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

It was far too spacious for a girl not yet of age. amateur So grand that all the furniture inside seemed to occupy less than a fifth of the room.

Only her back was visible, but her small frame was impressively cloaked in numerous golden locks. adapt Dressed in a comfortable lace gown like casual loungewear, the girl appeared to be enjoying tea at the table.

At the center of the room was a tea table covered with a pristine white cloth, and a girl seated with her back to the door.

A bed adorned with fine lace, a tea set that looked expensive at a glance, a vanity, and a wardrobe with decorative embroidery stood out.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“My name is Dereck. album Pardon the intrusion.”

Her tone was soft, but there was a youthful lilt to her voice. anxiety She was the youngest daughter of the Duplain family. apple Even younger than Lady Aiselin, so her voice wasn’t surprising.

“Come closer.”

Noticing the expressions on the surrounding servants, tension was evident.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

That’s when he quietly approached her.

Dereck looked around, then hesitantly stepped farther inside. adapt After all, he had to speak with Lady Diella.

Splash!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

It happened in an instant.

A stale stench began to emanate from his body. antenna He was now in the same condition as the servant who had been crying in the audience chamber.

When he opened his eyes, Dereck was soaked.

Lady Diella, who had swiftly turned around, had thrown dirty water from a cloth hidden beneath the tablecloth.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Drip, drip, drip.

“My, my, my.”

The girl’s eyes, wide like a cat’s, glinted with satisfaction. arctic With her delicate fingers, she touched her lips and then, bursting into laughter, twirled the ends of her lush golden hair with innocent delight.

“My, my.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Through the strands, he could see Lady Diella wearing a bitter grin, as if something had brought her immense joy.

“I thought it was a rat crawling in, but turns out it’s the mercenary the butler mentioned, isn’t it?”

Reddish droplets fell from Dereck’s snowy white hair.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Or not? arch Now that I look closer, you really do look like a rat. antenna A beggar from the slums, huh? legend Living the high life now, visiting grand mansions.”

“…”

Lady Diella pulled something else from beneath the tablecloth, climbed onto a chair, and dumped it over Dereck’s head.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Now Dereck understood why the servants had looked so anxious. arcade They knew Lady Diella would do something like this. arch Yet they had to remain silent; warning Dereck ahead of time would only have made Diella take her anger out on them.

Splash

No matter the era, the middle ranks always suffer. atom Working in this annex was no easy task.

This time it was dirty water mixed with food scraps—something the kitchen staff might’ve discarded but had been kept instead.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Understanding their unease to some extent, Dereck silently endured the cruel welcome.

After emptying the bucket, Lady Diella flung it carelessly to the floor.

Bang!

Drip, drip, drip.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“I prepared something to remind you of home, thinking you wouldn’t be used to such grandeur. armor Now you really look like a sewer rat. matrix Do you like my surprise?”

“Don’t look at me with those eyes.”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

The already filthy floor was slippery, and Dereck had no choice but to fall.

Thud! This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com.

Still seated on the chair, Lady Diella kicked Dereck in the stomach, knocking him down.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

She removed the sandal that had touched Dereck and tossed it at him with disdain.

“Ugh… what a stench.”

The sandal struck Dereck’s shoulder and rolled away.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

She pinched her nose and added with disgust,

Barefoot, Lady Diella crossed her legs and perched on the table. voyage Using the chair as a footrest, she rested her chin on one hand and laughed arrogantly.

“Now sewer rats from the slums are entering my pavilion. accent You’re so lowly you don’t even know your place… You should’ve left before embarrassing yourself. ability What a pitiful sight.”

Her tiny body belied the ferocity in her gaze. shadow The aggression of a clawed cat was clear, defying her diminutive stature.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

“Know your place, gutter rat.”

“…”

“Who do you think you’re going to teach, you street beggar?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

—‘That’s why I must ask His Grace, the Grand Duke, seriously.’

Dereck stared at her in silence before rising to his feet.

In the office, the Grand Duke Duplain’s movements paused as he manipulated his quill in silence.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

—‘But seeing Lady Diella’s condition, I’m not sure the usual approach will work. aspect Sometimes, drastic measures are necessary. echo That’s why I must seek guidance from His Grace, who deeply loves Lady Diella.’

He stroked his chin, contemplating for a while, before finally setting the quill down on his desk.

—‘I’m not an ordinary magic instructor, but a mercenary from the streets. wizard So I can handle things my way, or I can follow conventional methods like others.’

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Though born a commoner, he possessed an inner magical strength that seemed at least two-star level.

Deep in thought, he stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

The Grand Duke rose from his seat and calmly gazed out the window at the view from his office corner. Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

True to his word, he sought to determine what was necessary to complete his mission, regardless of method. afford Sensing the strange sincerity in him, the Grand Duke Duplain could only rest his chin on his hand and reflect.

Standing before the Grand Duke, Dereck had asked what he needed to know, maintaining the courtesy and fundamental understanding of noble culture.

The boy had said that mercenaries take pride in fulfilling their contracts.

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

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

The boy’s voice had been as resolute as steel.

Drastic measures might be needed. atlas The seriousness in Dereck’s eyes was clearly different from the majestic dignity of the mages who came before.

If things continued as they had, the outcome would be no different.

—‘In teaching Lady Diella, how much authority are you willing to grant me, Your Grace?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

As head of the family and a father, had he always made the right decisions?

Diella’s arrogance was already well-known among the high circles. academy Could the Grand Duke Duplain truly claim innocence regarding his daughter’s fate?

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

In endless introspection… the Grand Duke Duplain continued to gaze silently out the window.

Among stacks of documents that always kept him busy with the duchy, had he ever loved his children equally?

Valerian, Leigh, Aiselin, Diella.

Crack!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

This was one of those moments.

Sometimes, when something happens too quickly, it’s hard to process what’s occurred.

Slap!

As if the brain can’t compute a scene so removed from reality.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

So shocked they forgot to breathe, their fingertips trembled uncontrollably.

Crack!

The servants gathered near the door and hallway widened their eyes.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

The sound of a teacup shattering as it fell from the table. timber Before them, Lady Diella, whom Dereck had slapped, now lay on the floor after falling from her chair.

Seated on the floor, Diella couldn’t even comprehend what had happened, her eyes wide with shock. acoustic Her pupils dilated, reflecting disbelief.

“??.”

A silence so deep it felt as though time had stopped.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Such was the sacredness of a noble lady’s body—always dignified and beautiful. admire It was a lesson instilled in noble house servants to exhaustion.

If she twisted her ankle while walking, the servant in charge would be expelled from the mansion.

What was the status of a lady from a distinguished family? action If the tea’s temperature was wrong and burned the lady’s tongue, the servant who made it would be flogged until his back tore open.

And yet, despite all that, Diella’s cheek was swollen and red.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Tap, tap.

“…”

Lady Diella tried to speak, to say something, but her voice, trapped in shock, only emitted hollow, incomprehensible sounds.

Dereck brushed off the remains of his soaked tunic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Because that, too, was just life.

That stale stench still clung to him. alien Diella was right. armor Dereck’s home was the slums.

An insult like that might wound high-ranking mages who had lived noble lives, but to a sewer rat from the gutters, it wasn’t even a scratch.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

His white hair, tangled with dirty water.

Dereck, adjusting his clothes, looked coldly at the girl sitting on the floor.

“Get up.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 7: Duplain (4) by Indra Translations.

Between the strands, his icy gaze exuded a chilling aura from another world—one that could freeze anyone with a glance.