Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 138: Captured
The first day of the decoy operation produced nothing. Perhaps the suspects were cautious, or perhaps we were simply unlucky.
Still, Lionel had now been seen travelling around Mount Claire in my form, strengthening the rumour that I visited frequently. The bait was convincing.
When I returned to the mansion, Rosalia and Mira were waiting. I had told them I was inspecting Mount Claire so they wouldn’t search for me again. Mira had wanted to come, but I promised to take them after the danger passed.
“Welcome back, Big brother. How was Mount Claire?”
“The trees are growing well. We shouldn’t face another firewood shortage this winter.”
The family knew about the so-called Bald Mountain Incident, so Rosalia believed my visit concerned the restoration work. For once, that incident made an excuse easier.
The operation continued. On the fifth day, the suspects finally appeared.
While I pretended to be a worker’s child, Search detected several unfamiliar people on the mountain.
“There are three suspicious people nearby. Warn the others. Their position is here.”
I unfolded my map for the male and female knights posing as my parents.
One hurried away with the message while the other remained with me.
“Let us hold hands so we aren’t separated, Lord Julius.”
“That’s unnecessary.”
Her enthusiasm made me wonder whether the rumoured arguments over who would escort me were real.
We moved carefully through the trees. Search showed the hidden observers closing the encirclement while the three suspects approached Lionel’s group.
At a time like this, a long-distance communication magic tool would have been extremely useful. Rosalia’s proposed device suddenly seemed much more urgent.
The knights regrouped around me. Using binoculars, one confirmed the three hooded figures where I indicated.
The suspects finally moved.
Lionel avoided the first attack, and the attacker immediately fell to a concealed knight. The remaining two tried to flee, but the surrounding force closed in and captured them.
I never needed to cast Hold.
The prisoners were removed at once. Their interrogation and the search for their base were Father’s responsibility now.
“We succeeded, Lord Julius,” Lionel said while still wearing my face.
The expression looked surprisingly charming. Did I always smile like that? I would have to be careful not to create misunderstandings.
“We still can’t relax. There may be accomplices elsewhere.”
Search showed no other suspicious presence on Mount Claire, so any remaining agents were probably at their base.
Lionel agreed and descended the mountain briskly to begin the next stage.
The operation also taught me that Mount Claire itself was easy to monitor. Few strangers visited, and Search made unfamiliar people stand out immediately.
Perhaps I could safely gather materials there in the future, provided I remained properly escorted.