Chapter 75: People (2)

This is a story from when Dereck had not yet grown accustomed to the smell of monster blood.

Kwaak!

Pshuk! anxiety Pshuk!

It was when he had just started interacting with the group of mercenaries and was getting familiar with the ecology of the labyrinth by following Jayden.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Jayden often admired Dereck’s attitude, even thinking that maybe he lacked human emotions.

However, despite his young age, Dereck slit their throats and severed limbs without hesitation, showing the demeanor of a cold and ruthless mercenary.

The intimidation caused by goblins, trolls, ogres, and other monstrous demi-humans was considerable, so many mercenaries who explored the labyrinth for the first time would tremble or be of no help at all in combat.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

He was, by nature, a complete mercenary. zenith Jayden thought this as he watched him.

After completing the expedition that day, Dereck, who was sitting at the camp tending the fire before returning to Ebelstein, showed no signs of exhaustion.

Crackle, crackle, crackle.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Of course. shadow By the way, aren’t you tired?”

“No. sphere Just make sure to give me a fair share tomorrow when we get back to the taverns in the district.”

“Dereck. amber You worked hard today.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

The harsh environment of life, like a long winter, sometimes created human beings like this boy.

This was said by a boy who had yet to undergo his coming-of-age ceremony, after having massacred dozens of monsters in a single day. airport A sight that would make anyone unfamiliar with him shudder.

“I can handle it. arrow There’s no other job in the commercial district that pays this well, so I actually feel pretty good.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Having spent so much time in brutal combat, he knew well how precious a child’s pure smile was.

Jayden was a renowned mercenary who had fought on many battlefields and had made a name for himself even in the so-called “Dawn War.”

That’s why seeing a boy who had already learned all the harshness of the battlefield at such a young age unsettled him.

They had a human form, but there was a strange sense that something was missing in terms of humanity.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Jayden sat across the fire. arctic And with a warm, human laugh, he said:

“As long as you live killing monsters like in a trance, there will come a time when you question your own humanity. anxiety When that happens, don’t forget to reflect on it.”

“Dereck. anchor You’re human.”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck looked at him silently. amateur Jayden smiled kindly, but there was a firm resolve in that smile.

Crackle, crackle.

It was advice born of experience. orbit That old mercenary named Jayden had wandered the battlefield for a long time and had come to his own conclusions.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“I’ve heard there are quite a few monsters that mimic humans. action Most are simple tricks, so their habits or characteristics are quickly noticed… but they also say distinguishing between a human and a high-level monster can be very difficult.”

Jayden quickly caught the meaning behind Dereck’s question.

“What’s the difference between humans and monsters?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“You know the habits of monsters well, Dereck?”

“Yes. abandon Monsters kill humans. matrix It’s just their instinct. avalanche No different than humans eating to live, reproducing, or seeking pleasure. orbit That’s why monsters must be eliminated, and mercenaries like us make a living from it.”

“They kill humans.”

The boy had already gone through the worries that troubled him. academy He was facing an anguish that most mercenaries only experienced much later in life.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Jayden’s life was steeped in blood to that extent.

Comparing the number of monsters he had killed to the number of stars, it was hard to know which was greater.

Jayden looked up at the sky. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com auction Many stars were visible.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

With a calm smile and his head lowered, Jayden quietly said that was the only conclusion he had come to.

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

“It’s no different than exterminating pests. arch Just think of it that way and go on with your life.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

It was simply that kind of problem. sphere He didn’t think he had to find a deeper meaning.

The natural order implied that living beings harmed or killed others to survive.

Dereck had no intention of arguing.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Although more than ten years had passed since the war ended, it was such a major event for the northern continent that it was still spoken of as if it had happened yesterday.

Dereck asked.

“You were recognized as a hero in the Dawn War, right?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

To defeat the great demon Noir, humanity lost the six-star mage Kalimford. airport The only other six-star mage present on that battlefield, Melverot, was the one who finished off Noir and exterminated all the demon tribes, sealing the war with victory.

The colossal figure of that monster, visible even beyond the horizon, was still remembered as a symbol of terror by all northern humans.

“Even so, why are you working as a mercenary here in Ebelstein?”

Jayden, who had been present at that horrifying scene, always showed a serious expression when recalling it. afford Even veteran mercenaries remembered it as hell, and the scars that war left on the north were immense.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Those who remember the madness of that battlefield consumed by Noir would think the same. absorb Something like that… must never happen again.”

Jayden, with arms crossed, silently watched the fire.

“Don’t mention it, Dereck. arctic I refuse to return to a battlefield like that.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

When Dereck killed his first demon, he didn’t sense such a presence. airport When he had killed a hundred, he sometimes detected their fear.

It’s subtly different from humans and seems to pick up the peculiar scent of blood in those soaked in demon blood.

***

Demon tribes possess a natural sense of smell.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

When hunted by the human they believed to be prey, they sensed the blood on Dereck and instinctively knew it was the end.

Only humans who had spent their entire lives massacring demons could emit such an intense presence.

And by the time he had killed a thousand, it became evident. canvas They perceived the trace of demon blood soaked into Dereck’s body.

Every time Dereck killed a member of the demon tribe, he could clearly see their eyes trembling before the final blow.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

But younger demons, who hadn’t even spread their wings, often lost all strength just by sensing that smell on Dereck.

Of course, stronger demons resisted. harbor Sometimes they injured Dereck or forced him to flee.

The weaker the demon, the more evident it became. advance Some even wet themselves or preferred suicide.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

That’s why Derek had an intuition.

“Hic… Hic…”

The way she manipulated magic was also completely different from the orthodox, systematic Lord Melverot. amber It was enough to cause a sense of unease.

Seeing the trembling figure of Lady Siern in the snowy field as he approached, he felt she wasn’t merely a frightened human.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Step, step.

However, intuition is not evidence. action That’s why Dereck examined various records related to Lady Siern.

Siern’s magic, impossible to define by the star-ranking system, leaned more toward an otherworldly existence than a human one. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates.

Derek walked firmly through the luxurious hallway of the Rochester mansion. amateur A drop of cold sweat ran down Aiselin’s cheek as she hurried after him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Killing servants without reason, running off into the snowy plains to hunt and kill beasts, learning magic at an abnormal pace… The reasons why so many high-ranking mages who tried to teach her ended up dead, injured, or quitting.

It seemed all the puzzle pieces were falling into place. harbor Once he organized his thoughts to that point, everything became clear.

The insistence on keeping everything about Lady Siern secret.

Reviewing the records left by the servants since Lady Siern’s childhood, he found many details that would be overlooked by others but were alarming to Dereck, an expert in demon tribes.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck never worked for free. apron If there was risk, there had to be a corresponding reward. apple That’s how the world worked.

It wasn’t just a matter of bad temper or lack of magical talent. auction Perhaps Siern Alaina Rochester was the most difficult person Dereck had ever had to teach.

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

“Dereck…!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“I’m going to Lord Melverot’s office. amateur They say it’s in the main building beyond the tower, so I must walk diligently.”

“And what are you going to say to Lord Melverot?”

“Dereck. atlas Where are you going now?”

While Dereck organized his thoughts, Aiselin quickly stepped in front of him to block his path.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“I intend to negotiate.”

Dereck replied without changing expression.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin checked several times that no one was in the hallway, then lowered her voice.

“Suppose your hypothesis is correct. atlas If they really are hiding a demon tribe member in the mansion, raising her as a noble lady and turning a blind eye to the killings… just revealing that would be fatal.”

Aiselin’s face tensed again. arctic The young man before her was thinking of negotiating with a six-star mage.

Though Dereck seemed to be considering the situation, Aiselin couldn’t help but voice her concern.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“You said it yourself, right? shadow If the power difference is too great, negotiations are meaningless. afford Even if we try to shake them with Lady Siern’s secret… we have no proof, and I don’t think they’ll be affected by something like that, Dereck.”

“If I were Lord Melverot, the first thing I’d think of would be silencing you.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin continued, her face full of worry.

She spoke seriously. voyage Those who tried to manipulate Lord Melverot’s secret likely met a terrible end without exception.

“Many magic instructors who came to teach Lady Siern died, were injured, or resigned, right? beacon Do you really think all that was just Lady Siern’s doing…?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

What he intended wasn’t a threat, but a negotiation. riddle And that was something entirely different.

But Dereck shook his head.

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Those at the top of the magical world all have some defect. canvas Old Drest is obsessed with wandering and has no interest in worldly affairs, and let’s not even mention a lunatic like Kohella.”

Despite his immense power, he rarely left the barren land he ruled.

In the tower office, a six-star mage sat alone, gazing out the window with his chin resting elegantly.

The Rochester mansion, in the northern region where snowstorms raged. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

There he was, alone in these monster-infested lands, locking away a creature disguised as a human in his room, calling her daughter, and pushing expensive tutors to somehow socialize her.

“And I’m not exactly normal either.”

Even as he spoke so coldly, he didn’t exclude himself.

Those were Melverot’s own words. riddle There are no normal six-star mages.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

A reason not yet visible. meadow That couldn’t be known. aluminum And even if there were someone who did know it, it could only be Melverot himself.

There had to be a reason for such madness.

That’s why, to resolve this situation, it was necessary to speak directly with Melverot.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

***

He had heard that residents of the North considered it normal to wait more than a month to be granted an audience with the lord of the Rochester mansion. apple Only people of very high rank could be given such an opportunity.

“Yes, Lord Melverot.”

“I heard you ran into Siern on your way to the mansion. action It’s fortunate no serious accident occurred, but as her father, I must apologize. amateur Do you now understand a bit more why I was so careful when selecting someone to care for my daughter?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

However, Dereck and Aiselin were able to go straight to the office the moment they requested it through the butler. abandon That demonstrated just how special the treatment was toward those teaching Siern.

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

As soon as Dereck entered the grand office of the Rochester mansion, he saw Melverot seated in an elegant fur coat, resting his chin on his hand. autumn He was an imposing, striking man, with silver hair flowing over his shoulders.

He was still calmly reviewing the affairs of the territory.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Of course. aspect However, as you mentioned, it seems more difficult than I thought.”

“I understand your arrival was delayed due to a certain disturbance. acid So, how was meeting Siern? amber Do you think you’ll be able to teach her the manners of high society?”

Melverot, sitting in a finely carved wooden chair, glanced sideways at Dereck. arena After observing his expression, he finally set aside the documents and leaned back.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

However, upon reconsidering, he felt the need to change his approach.

Dereck had considered taking some valuable magical artifacts stored by the Rochester family. silence They wouldn’t only help with his transformation magic training but would also be useful for his work as a mercenary.

“I understand. orbit I’m not ignoring the difficulty of the task. agent I don’t intend to belittle your effort with a mediocre reward, but it seems there’s something you want.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

So, Dereck knelt on one knee and bowed his head as he spoke.

“I know it’s an unreasonable request, but may I ask that you have all the guards leave the office?”

Taking a few magical artifacts wasn’t enough. arrow He felt he needed to convey that idea to Lord Melverot.

At those words, Melverot’s brow furrowed slightly.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Is there a reason to go that far?”

That meant there was something he wanted to say that others must not hear.

“There’s only one thing I need to say.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

In truth, high-ranking magic masters, dressed in luxurious robes and reciting academic theories, often lacked practical knowledge of monsters.

“I don’t know if you’ve considered it, Lord Melverot, but I’ve spent my entire life killing monsters. amber I can say with confidence that I understand the ecology, habits, and behavior of monsters better than any magic master.”

Dereck lifted his gaze and spoke directly to Melverot.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“That’s enough. matrix Everyone, leave.”

However, Dereck, who had risen from the bottom with blood on his hands, was entirely different from them.

Having heard that much, Melverot gestured with his arm and ordered the guards to withdraw.

“If you wish, I can speak my mind here and now. altitude But I find it hard to judge whether that would be the right thing to do.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

However, the guards hesitated only briefly before stepping out into the hall. beacon The lord they served was none other than Melverot, a six-star mage.

It was uncomfortable to leave an armed foreign mercenary alone with their lord in a small room.

Judging there would be no serious harm, they didn’t take long to leave. apple After the disturbance, the office fell silent.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

He was a person of extraordinary valor. orbit Melverot could easily understand what kind of man he was.

“Alright. arena Speak.”

Dereck, who had maintained a low posture, and Aiselin slowly stood up. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. attic Aiselin’s face clearly showed tension, but Dereck’s remained as calm as ever.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“You came here already knowing she isn’t, didn’t you?”

As Dereck silently watched him, Melverot let out a short laugh and continued.

Melverot answered naturally, without any significant change in expression.

“Is Lady Siern truly human?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Why? airport Do you think you accepted the wrong job?”

“And what happened to the ones who did?”

“I dismissed all the mediocre ones who didn’t even notice Siern’s true nature.”

“May I ask why the other magic instructors resigned?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“It’s better if you don’t know.”

Dereck asked directly. avalanche Aiselin, standing behind him, was sweating nervously.

“There are only two outcomes. artist Either they begged to resign, or they tried to handle it to the end and met a terrible fate.”

“How many survived?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck didn’t press further. voyage From the beginning, there had been several strange aspects. meadow He fully understood the moment he faced Siern.

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

Her magical prowess was excessively high.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

Siern Alaina Rochester was not a disciple just anyone could handle. absorb That fact was already clear.

It was an achievement that made one question whether it was even possible within the human world. athlete Even across the entire continent, you could count on one hand the number of mages who had reached such a level at her age.

Even if she had inherited the best bloodline, it was unusual for someone her age, still not an adult, to already use three-star magic.

What happiness it would be to have someone like her as a disciple. shadow With that thought, many masters had approached her, but most seemed to meet an unfortunate end.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Seems a bit late for regrets. acoustic You’ve already arrived at my mansion in the north, so you can’t leave just because you feel like it. shadow Do you think you can cross this vast, freezing field of snow alone?”

“As you know, the North is full of monsters, and many suffer accidents while traveling across the harsh snowy fields. antique And monsters don’t distinguish between commoners and nobles, between ordinary people and mages.”

From the start, setting foot in that mansion was already part of Melverot’s plans.

Once inside, one couldn’t leave without his permission. academy To emphasize it, Melverot’s eyes glinted once.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“…?”

“I don’t regret it. arena In fact, Lord Melverot has found the right talent.”

“If you don’t want your name added to that list of victims, perhaps it would be better to give your all to this rather than regretting it.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

It was an intimidating threat for anyone. arcade When a mage who had reached six stars spoke so openly, most would succumb to fear or be swept up in the atmosphere.

However, the young man named Dereck stood up with a satisfied smile. adopt Melverot was momentarily surprised by that attitude but didn’t show it.

“Oh… so you came to negotiate your pay?”

“Didn’t I tell you in our first conversation? Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. adapt It’s not an easy task, but it’s worth trying. portal But… the gold coins and magical tools you promised aren’t enough for me.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“It might be something deeper than that. arrow Didn’t you say, Lord Melverot, that you knew better than anyone what I wanted?”

Of course, Melverot had no intention of answering, but he was surprised that Dereck didn’t even question it. aspect He simply laid out what needed to be done with cold clarity.

Melverot observed Dereck’s expression with his chin resting on his hand. matrix There was nothing crude in his confident demeanor. crystal He was truly willing to take charge of Siern.

He didn’t even ask why Melverot was protecting a monster disguised as a human.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. portal But even if someone from the bottom reaches out, the times will simply reject them.”

“I’m a mage. agent Mages always dream of higher realms.”

What supported his confident tone was the fact that he wasn’t a cheap worker. apple It’s common for a capable person to have ambition and desire. echo Melverot didn’t consider that disposition to be a flaw.

“Exactly. atlas That’s why I need a weapon to resist that. aspect If you help me, I’ll take all of Lord Melverot’s secrets to the grave and resolve the concerns regarding Lady Siern.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Very well. legend What do you want?”

Hearing what he wanted wasn’t that hard. altitude So Melverot asked.

However, what the hell was he planning to ask for that made him show up to negotiate with a smile in a life-or-death situation? arena Even if a mere commoner made a grand demand, it would often amount to pocket change for Melverot, one of the Empire’s stars.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

At Dereck’s response, Melverot’s expression hardened.

There are no cheap but competent talents in the world. acquire Although he knew that well, his opponent’s request went a few steps beyond what he expected.

“A title.”

“Isn’t it obvious? accent If Lord Melverot wants me to keep quiet, you’ll have to put a muzzle on my mouth.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

He had been born in the depths of the slums.

“The rank doesn’t matter, but I need a title.”

A dark place where the rooftops of dilapidated buildings blocked the sunlight. legend Growing up in such a place trapped one’s vision and thoughts, forcing them to crawl forever along the muddy ground.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 75: People (2) by Indra Translations.

“Even if it’s low-ranking, I must become a noble.”

However, his eyes were truly fixed on the highest peaks of the magical world.