Kays Translations

Chapter 178: A Proposal from the Marquis

For the first time in several days, Tauro returned to his current lodging, the Van Dyne residence.

He had spent the last few nights staying near the curry shop so he could oversee preparations through its opening.

As usual, he greeted the guards at the estate gate and was admitted.

“Haven’t seen you in a few days. What have you been up to?” one of them asked.

Tauro had become familiar with the guards during his stay, and they spoke more casually with him whenever Aeris wasn’t present.

“I’ve more or less been sleeping near my workplace.”

“Working away from home for several days at your age must be rough. Ah, more importantly, Lady Aeris has been looking for you. You should probably see her right away.”

“Thanks. I’ll go find her.”

After thanking the guards, Tauro headed toward the mansion.

The estate grounds were large, and the distance from the gate to the main entrance was considerable. When he finally reached the front steps, Aeris was already waiting for him, apparently having spotted his return through a window.

“Welcome back, Tauro.”

“I’m back, Aeris.”

She didn’t appear angry that he had been away for several days. Even [Presence Detection] failed to sense anything ominous in the atmosphere.

“My father wants to speak with you again.”

Tauro tilted his head.

He couldn’t imagine what Marquis Van Dyne wished to discuss. They had already explained how Tauro and Aeris had found and rescued him in the dungeon, as well as the fact that the two belonged to the same adventuring team.

Could the marquis be planning to tell him it was time to leave?

That seemed unlikely considering the man’s personality, but Tauro would find out soon enough.

Aeris led him to Marquis Van Dyne’s office.

“Tauro, please sit.”

The marquis looked up from the documents he had been reviewing and gestured toward a chair.

Tauro took the offered seat.

“I asked you here because I want to discuss your future.”

Does he really want me to leave after all?

“What do you mean?” Tauro asked.

“Do you intend to continue working as an adventurer?”

“Yes. Becoming an adventurer allowed me to support myself, and I believe the work suits me. I’m also fond of Dansas Village, where I’m currently based.”

“This may not appeal to you, but I have a proposal.”

“A proposal?”

“I know of a count’s family with no child to inherit the house. They’re considering adopting someone to preserve their lineage.”

The conversation had abruptly taken a direction far beyond anything Tauro had expected.

“Are you saying I’d become a noble?”

“If they adopted you, yes.”

The idea was so unexpected that Tauro struggled to process it. Becoming a noble had never even entered his mind as a possible future.

“I’m a commoner—the son of farmers, no less. Noble families normally adopt someone whose lineage is known, such as the third or fourth son of another noble house. Someone like me would only damage the count’s reputation.”

Tauro merely stated what seemed obvious.

“Your concern is understandable. However, that family already knows a great deal about you. I disappeared before you became active in the Royal Capital, so I only learned recently how well known you’re among the nobility. I even heard that you defeated the prime minister at Reversi.”

Ah, so it’s someone connected to that time…

Tauro laughed inwardly.

“It was only a game, and I had the advantage of far more experience. That victory doesn’t mean much.”

That was his honest opinion. If they played now, there was a good chance the prime minister would defeat him.

“You’re remarkably modest. That only makes me more inclined to recommend you. I don’t expect an immediate answer, so take your time and consider it carefully.”

Tauro’s current life and the life of a noble were so different that he could hardly compare them.

He was about to refuse outright when Marquis Van Dyne continued.

“There’s one more matter. Aeris wishes to remain an adventurer for a while longer, so I’d like you to continue looking after her. Once she’s satisfied and ready to return, I’ll ask for your answer.”

That would give Tauro perhaps another year or two to think.

Even so, he was surprised that Aeris still intended to continue adventuring.

Now that her father had returned alive, Tauro had assumed she would safely reenter noble society. He had even begun considering when to say farewell and return alone to Dansas Village.

Instead, Black-Gold Wings could continue as before.

Tauro felt relieved that he wouldn’t have to explain Aeris’s departure to Shin and Rumeya after all.

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