Kays Translations

Just another Isekai Lover~

Chapter 168: Meeting with a Researcher

The day after his business meeting, Tauro visited the research institute where Sharga worked. The dungeon researcher was extremely busy, so Tauro went to him rather than asking him to leave the institute.

“Welcome, Tauro.”

Sharga received him in a guest room. The thin scholar wore glasses, a square academic cap, and purple robes.

“It’s been a while. First, thank you for introducing Count Connoen. His help saved our lives more than once.”

“There’s no need to thank me so formally. Count Connoen felt responsible for Marquis Van Dyne’s disappearance. At the time, Royal Guard knights who would normally have protected the dungeon survey were reassigned to escort the Second Prince, who had suddenly decided to enter the dungeon.”

The involvement of a prince was new information and probably confidential, so Tauro didn’t question it.

“I didn’t know that. Even so, your introduction protected Aeris, Marquis Van Dyne’s only daughter. I can’t properly repay you, but please accept this.”

Tauro removed a special Reversi set from [Magic Storage] and placed it before Sharga.

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“Is this one of Giro Sugar’s works? The Prime Minister was boasting about his own set.”

Sharga’s eyes lit up. He examined the delicate carving and the individually crafted pieces from every angle.

“I’m one of Giro Sugar’s disciples. He gave this set to me, and I’d like you to have it.”

“Are you certain? Wealthy collectors would pay almost any price for one of these. I tried to bid on the set that appeared at auction, but Joshna stopped me from using the institute’s budget.”

Tauro was briefly speechless at the thought that Sharga had considered buying a luxury game set with research funds.

“There’s also a favor I need to ask.”

“Anything within my power.”

Sharga was clearly prepared to agree before hearing the request.

“I’d like to enter Babylon with Aeris and offer flowers at the place where Marquis Van Dyne disappeared. I know the area is restricted.”

Tauro bowed deeply.

“Please raise your head. I promised that I’d help you enter, and I intend to keep that promise. Several investigation teams are currently inside, however, and we don’t have enough knights available to escort another party. The earliest opening will be about a week from now. Is that acceptable?”

“Of course. Thank you.”

“I’m glad I can finally fulfill my promise. And after receiving this magnificent set, I’ll make certain you’re assigned excellent escorts. I’ll treasure it as a family heirloom.”

Sharga clasped his hands toward the Reversi set as though venerating a sacred object.

Tauro was happy that the gift pleased him, though he hoped Sharga would actually play with it instead of merely displaying it.

After thanking the researcher again, Tauro left the institute.

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When he returned to Bacchus Pavilion, a carriage was waiting outside. Aeris had already moved back into the Van Dyne residence and had come to collect him.

“Where have you been all day?” she demanded.

She had disliked attending the royal meetings alone, even though Tauro wasn’t permitted to join her.

“I visited Sharga. I also arranged for us to enter Babylon and offer flowers where your father disappeared. The date hasn’t been fixed, but it should be in about a week. Will you come?”

Aeris’s expression softened.

“Of course I will.”

“I’ll tell you as soon as the date is confirmed.”

“And you should move out of this inn and stay at my residence. There are plenty of empty rooms, and it’ll cost you nothing.”

She puffed out her cheeks when Tauro hesitated.

“I didn’t like that steward.”

“He was arrested as Mother’s accomplice. I’m recalling the former servants who were dismissed.”

“That’s good news.”

“Then come with me. Don’t make me ask again.”

Aeris tried to sound commanding, but her embarrassment was obvious.

“All right. Give me a moment to pack.”