Chapter 97: Power and Love (2)

The opera at the Calimford Theater was a famous performance.

‘Instead of living with this cruel fate, I will give up this glory and head toward her. silence A life without her is worth nothing, so I will even give up the power that rules this world!’

‘Ah! acid If there is a god, I want to ask! timber Why have you given me such a cruel fate? arena Why have you made me love the princess of an enemy country and live with this burning heart?! audit All the glory of the empire is mine, and everyone bows before me, but she alone will not look at me…!’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Although she was not yet ten years old and could not fully understand the artistic value of the stage, the countess wanted her to experience the stage culture of high society early on.

In her childhood, Ellen, holding the hand of the Countess of Belmierd, accompanied her to the theater, where she became completely absorbed watching the passionate performances of the actors.

And, contrary to the concerns of the adults, Ellen was utterly captivated by the actors’ voices and lines, becoming completely immersed in the play The Love of Prince Rodian.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

With his decision to abandon all his authority as prince and embrace Princess Iriana, the curtain fell, singing the value of a beautiful love.

The final backdrop of the stage was a cliff bathed in the setting sun.

When the play ended with the moving music performed by the orchestra, the high society audience, seated in their chairs, applauded with tears in their eyes.

By witnessing the detailed love story of Prince Rodian, who loved the princess of an enemy country, one could deeply feel the playwright’s message about human agony and the sublimity of love.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Thus, the countess and Ellen left the Calimford Theater together. atlas The sun was already setting.

“It was a good play. altitude What did you think, Ellen?”

The countess also stood, applauding for the beautiful and sublime story, and Ellen followed her, clapping with her small hands.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Since Ellen had an extraordinary artistic sense from a young age, she could easily express her impressions of the play she had seen. All translations belong to Indra Translations. You can find us online at indratranslations.com

“The actors’ performances were truly impressive. anchor The orchestra’s performance was also of great quality, much more varied in melody than what I’ve heard in my music lessons.”

“But… I really couldn’t empathize with the characters’ thoughts.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Therefore, Ellen spoke to the countess with a nonchalant expression.

“Oh, really? orbit I thought the moving love story of Prince Rodian was very beautiful…”

“When you say prince, all the power in the world is his, right?”

Although she was still young and did not fully understand the power a prince had, she could perceive how lofty that authority was.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

The prince’s decision to abandon his power and choose Princess Iriana was something with which Ellen, as a spectator, could not identify.

From childhood, she loved power.

“With such great power, to be swayed by such fleeting emotions…”

Having lived in the nobility since she was small, Ellen knew better than anyone how noble and beautiful the value of power was.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

***

Thus, it was not so strange that her emotions were directed toward power.

She had never loved anyone in her entire life.

Although she sometimes harbored a romantic notion about the sublimity of love found in fairy tales or literature, in the end, what she always kept by her side was a strong will to hold on to power.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

For some reason, the youngest of the Belmierd family, who had returned only recently, sent a letter to Dereck.

He had been absent on a long pilgrimage and had recently returned to the Belmierd family.

‘If it’s Leonard of the Belmierd family, would he be the youngest that Lady Ellen spoke of?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

It was a request to meet and talk with him, asking if he could spare some time at the Belmierd estate.

“…”

Dereck opened the letter, but it contained nothing much.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Leonard, the third son of the Belmierd family, seemed at first glance to be a religious and benevolent person, but in reality, he was known to be a shrewd individual skilled in politics and intrigue.

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

Dereck was lost in thought for a moment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

No matter that he was the third son of the Belmierd family, there was no need to meet with him.

There must have been a reason why Ellen showed such caution toward him, so Dereck had no desire whatsoever to associate with that man.

“Please fill in the central part of the second-floor column with a thicker one! crystal It seems the insulating material isn’t needed yet… For now, start with the brickwork!”

Ignoring a letter sent by a noble was discourteous, but Dereck had a good excuse to politely reject Leonard’s request.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

While he was sitting quietly on a log, watching the construction site, a peculiar figure was raising her voice among the burly workers.

The young woman, who looked like a fairy descended to earth, was directing the site while wearing safety gear over her luxurious frilled dress.

Her name was Aiselin Eleanor Duplain, the precious daughter of the Duchy of Duplain and lady of the Rose Salon.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“Team 2, take a break, and Team 3, start the general work as soon as your break is over! arrow Ah! voyage There’s cold water, so if anyone feels dizzy, make sure to hydrate immediately!”

The members of the Ravenclaw barony already knew well how such a situation had come about.

It was a strange sight, like an elephant riding a bicycle.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“No, it’s fine. sphere I was just sitting to read a letter.”

Although it was still late spring, the midday heat was already apparent. Visit indratranslations.com for more free chapters and updates. accent However, Aiselin, as if the heat did not affect her, casually rolled up the sleeves of her pretty dress and managed the burly workers.

“Sir Dereck, if you’re tired, you can go to the office! album The construction of the dormitory is already well underway, so there shouldn’t be any major decisions that require your confirmation.”

Her authority, almost like that of a foreman, was so commanding that even the workers directed by the delicate young lady felt no discomfort.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. acid But it’s nothing important.”

“A letter? canvas Oh? altitude Is it from the Belmierd estate?”

Dereck had no desire to approach Leonard, so he simply crumpled the letter and slipped it into his pocket.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Dereck thought as he watched the facilities slowly grow.

He appreciated the invitation, but the Ravenclaw barony was far too busy with a major construction project to go and meet him; that would be the excuse he used.

In fact, the construction of the Ravenclaw baron’s estate was so large that the size of the classroom and dormitory buildings even surpassed that of the main house.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes…?”

‘I’m sure this used to be my domain… how strange…’

“Yes!”

“It’s nothing—let’s go check the progress of the classroom building’s construction.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin’s spirited reply. alien She seemed more energetic than ever.

***

It was a busy time.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

The era, too, was fading like the sunset.

The setting sun painted the sky red.

Caw, Caw.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“At the recent meeting of the local nobles, we completely lost control of the outer trade routes, the granary in the southeast, and the northern villages of Duplain territory. anxiety Now, less than a third of the territory remains compared to its peak.”

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

Leigh, the last son of the declining Duplain family, spoke while quietly gazing at the sunset.

The once-mighty Duplain family, which had seemed destined to rule Ebelstein’s high society forever, had fallen so far that it seemed only a matter of time before it vanished into the annals of history.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

The place was a cemetery on a hill southeast of the Duplain mansion.

Judging by the still-clean appearance of the tombstone compared to the others, it was clear that its owner had not been buried long. Read original high-quality translation at indratranslations.com.

There stood a tombstone with the name of Grand Duke Raymond Oswald Duplain, and beneath it, another with the name Valerian.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Soon, a tear nearly fell from the eyes of the burly man.

Looking down at the long shadows wrapping around her feet, Diella quietly stood up.

Leigh, standing farther back, lowered his somber gaze.

In front of the grave, Diella sat silently with her eyes closed. amber The light of the sunset looked like red watercolor paint.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“While this foolish brother of yours lay bedridden, unable to move a finger… my dear sisters must have been fighting against the world.”

“I did nothing, Diella.”

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Leigh was not ignorant of this, and he felt deep shame.

The once-confident figure who had proclaimed his ambitions to the world was nowhere to be found.

Aiselin and Diella had endured all kinds of humiliation to somehow restore the fallen Duplain family.

Even so, the helplessness and fear rising in his chest consumed him.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“…”

“Aiselin works tirelessly, day and night, to earn even a little more money, but her brother only gets beaten, robbed, and humiliated wherever he goes. antenna I… feel pathetic… and ashamed…”

“Since I got out of bed, I’ve tried to speak up at several meetings, but… I couldn’t do anything.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Leigh looked again at the sky turning red.

“I don’t have the confidence to take responsibility for this family. legend My ability… only went this far.”

His eyes were also dyed the same red as the sky.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

No one can resist the passing of an era.

There was a limit to what Leigh could do alone.

The Duplain family had already lost its base of support and the trust of the nobility.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“Yes. altitude I was already mentally prepared for this. riddle Perhaps the Duplain family… truly has nothing left but to collapse now. autumn Maybe one person really can’t do anything against this trend and flow.”

Even so, keeping that strong heart was no easy task.

For that reason, Diella had no intention of blaming him. atlas Rising gracefully, she spoke with a determined look.

It was painful to see Leigh in such a state of helplessness, but Diella had no intention of pitying that weakness.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Thinking of it that way, Diella also found it difficult to bear the helplessness and emptiness growing in her chest.

The Duplain family was already finished, and they were only struggling to delay its fall a little longer.

Even Aiselin, who rolled up her sleeves and worked tirelessly at everything, might think it in secret.

‘The power structure of the nobility can change at any time, but… is there any way for a family that has fallen so low to rise again?’

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

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

The era was ending.

The setting sun felt unbearably painful.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

That was the minimum courtesy owed to Aiselin, who bore all this misfortune.

As long as she stood firm, Diella also had to stand on both feet.

Even so, they had to endure. sphere Because Aiselin was enduring.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

However, unfortunately, Aiselin had no intention of rebuilding the family.

The captain steering a sinking ship must bear such misfortune as part of their fate.

That was why, for the sake of Aiselin, who fought in the midst of that misfortune, Diella thought she must endure.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“I secured some funds by organizing an investment seminar at the minor nobles’ seminar in the Rose Salon. august We could even build a large auditorium.”

***

“…What?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Aiselin had even organized an investment seminar using her noble connections, managing to raise additional funds.

“Since we need a social dance class and a magic training field, let’s also build an auditorium!”

“…”

“Many nobles agreed on the commercial potential of the Ravenclaw Training Center. riddle When I assured them of a good return, they all lined up to sponsor with gold coins, so it was exhausting.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“We’ll need some administrative staff, and since Sir Dereck can’t teach everything by himself, we’ll also hire some assistant instructors.”

“In fact, we could expand the garden a little more and build a proper school gate. aspect We could also get better teaching materials.”

Aiselin scribbled numbers into the ledger with her quill.

“Wait, do we have that much funding?”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“This way, we can secure more money under the pretext of facility and teaching material expenses. armor As you know, noble ladies open their purses easily, so they won’t feel it as a burden. timber This will increase the expected income by 25%, and we can use it to request more loans to decorate the interior.”

“Isn’t the schedule a bit tight?”

Dereck, upon confirming the scale of the funds, widened his eyes and slumped onto his desk.

“…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“Business… is more fun than I thought…!!!”

At that point, things were moving so quickly it felt like a race. This novel translation is officially hosted on indratranslations.com. acoustic Not even Dereck had expected Aiselin to be so motivated.

Then, with her eyes shining, Aiselin said something truly astonishing.

“That’s why I’ve already hired all the staff. shadow However, for the hiring of assistant instructors, I thought it would be better for you to select them personally, so I only organized the paperwork. aspect Mr. atlas Delbriton helped me—he’s very good with documents!”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

A noble lady who had lived like a flower in a greenhouse, discussing metaphysical topics like art and philosophy—this was her first experience with the practical studies of the outside world.

“…”

“I think… I’m getting addicted…”

With an expression as if she had made a discovery, she looked ecstatic.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

How far does opening one’s eyes to a new world push a person into a state of extreme excitement?

‘If we start making a profit… let’s be sure to allocate a good portion to the Duplain family…’

Watching her, Dereck thought.

Those who have experienced it once know—no stimulus can compare to that sense of accomplishment.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

As if ideas kept flowing endlessly, Aiselin continued.

“As for the start date of the classes, how about we hold a Q&A session with the people who learned magic from you before they officially begin?”

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

“All of Sir Dereck’s students are famous, right? agent I’ll ask Lady Diella separately. alien If well-known people like Lady Denise or Lady Ellen come and make an appearance, it will increase the credibility of the teaching. apple Also, the news will spread faster.”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Considering that Lady Denise had come all the way here just to see Dereck, and that Lady Ellen occasionally visited to ask him for magic advice, it didn’t seem they would reject the request.

“It’s not unrealistic.”

So Dereck had no choice but to remain silent.

“Well… it’s not easy for the ladies of the Beltus or Belmierd families to come, but…”

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

It seemed even a seasoned imperial official would have trouble keeping up with her pace.

“Right? Indra Translations protects the hard work of translators and authors. acoustic Of course, if we’re going to make a formal request, we should be courteous, but I think if you show up in person, both will gladly agree. august Just buy some gifts and visit their mansions to show the minimum courtesy!”

Aiselin clenched her fists tightly and began thinking about the gift list.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Although Aiselin had lived her whole life being treated like a precious jewel, could it be she was more competent as an advisor? palette Dereck found it difficult to put that feeling into words.

***

A person’s talent, if placed in the wrong environment, withers without ever blooming.

In that sense, considering Aiselin’s situation, it was ambiguous to call it either misfortune or blessing.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“There won’t be any major problems while you’re away. agent I’ve checked everything necessary. shadow Here, I’ve prepared the gifts for the Belmierd family through Butler Delbriton. antique They’ll be loaded into the carriage soon.”

Either way, if he wanted to directly involve the count’s daughter in academy affairs, he had to follow the proper procedures and make a formal request.

While swiftly moving her quill over the ledger, Aiselin came out to see him off just as he was about to board the carriage.

The next day, Dereck’s business trip was decided.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

“The visit to the Beltus family isn’t confirmed yet, so let’s first handle what’s necessary. athlete Marquis Belmierd holds you in high regard, so he’ll probably welcome you warmly.”

“Don’t worry, Dereck!”

“Yes. afford It’s just a visit to chat and make a request, so there shouldn’t be any issues. aspect Please supervise the construction while I’m away.”

Thus, Dereck, lord of the Ravenclaw Barony, had no choice but to personally visit the Belmierd family.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Although he had visited Ellen’s private residence in Ebelstein’s noble district a few times, this was his first time visiting the count’s mansion in Belmierd territory.

The situation had become a bit delicate, but he had to take responsibility for what he had started.

Although Leonard’s letter had said he was very busy, circumstances had led Dereck to visit the Belmierd family first.

The journey to the Belmierd family.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Amid the workers focused on the construction, a small mansion came into view.

Expecting a quiet trip, Dereck boarded the carriage and silently looked toward the baron’s mansion.

Clang! arcade Clang!

Screeeech!

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

‘This… is still my private mansion… right…?’

Due to Aiselin’s expansion plans, the scale of the work had more than doubled.

Inevitably, it seemed Dereck’s private mansion had been buried in the middle of the construction site.

Translation of Noble Lady Reformation Guide - Chapter 97: Power and Love (2) by Indra Translations.

Either way, it was time to depart for the Count Belmierd’s mansion.

Dereck murmured quietly. acquire He had already said it once before.