Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 305: Inside the Marquis’s Residence
After infiltrating Marquis Halagoura’s residence, Tauro struggled to navigate the enormous building. As the home of the leader of the kingdom’s largest noble faction, it was even more extensive than Marquis Van Dyne’s residence.
He restricted his search to areas servants could enter without suspicion, but found only reception rooms of various sizes, kitchens, servants’ rest areas, and empty rooms used for staff meetings.
While wondering how he’d ever locate the study, Tauro noticed Alexa walking briskly deeper into the residence.
“Could he be heading there?”
Tauro followed.
The rear portion of the mansion appeared closed even to most servants, and almost no one approached it. Alexa finally stopped before an imposing door and knocked.
“It’s Alexa. May I enter?”
“Come in.”
Alexa opened the door and went inside.
Tauro reached the doorway but decided that entering alongside him would be too risky. Instead, he remained outside and listened.
“My lord, the principal members of our faction who are currently in the Royal Capital have gathered in the reception room.”
The next voice was familiar. Viscount Saissi was inside.
“Saissi, make your decision. I told you already: our people investigated the documents linking you to the Assassins’ Guild, and they appear genuine. Once that becomes public, we can’t continue sheltering you.”
“What? You’d abandon me merely because a single contract targeting a commoner’s child was discovered?”
Saissi’s protest approached a scream.
“That child is the entire problem! Count Graunewald, one of the neutral faction’s leading nobles, has adopted him. Why did you arrange the assassination of someone you understood so poorly, you fool?”
“Tauro was only a commoner. He can’t possibly be the count’s son!”
“Nevertheless, Count Graunewald and Count Dareder have jointly presented evidence to the Kingdom Knights that you attempted to murder the Graunewald heir. The matter has already grown beyond anything I can quietly suppress.”
Marquis Halagoura’s anger echoed through the room.
“Then what am I supposed to do?”
“Alexa, what do Count Ayanshi and the others say?”
“The faction’s representatives believe the evidence concerning the four earlier noble assassinations has fortunately not been traced back to Viscount Saissi. At present, attention is focused on the attempted assassination of Count Graunewald’s heir. Their consensus is that the viscount should surrender before the affair expands and exposes anything further.”
“What? Then I alone will bear the blame! House Saissi has provided vital funds to this faction. Are all of them truly prepared to discard me? Marquis, you won’t abandon me too, will you?”
Marquis Halagoura answered the plea with silence.
“My lord!”
“Stop clinging to me. Alexa, have you completed the arrangements?”
“Yes, my lord. Everything is prepared in the event that Viscount Saissi chooses to surrender.”
“You hear that, Saissi? Alexa has prepared assistance for you. That’s why we delayed the Kingdom Knights and bought enough time for his people to act.”
“Then I’ll truly be safe?”
Hope entered Saissi’s voice.
“I admit I’m not skilled at keeping silent. I’d prefer to surrender quickly rather than endure a lengthy interrogation.”
The statement was an unmistakable warning: if abandoned, Saissi might expose the faction’s secrets.
“Of course. We accounted for that possibility, and my subordinates are already making the necessary preparations. You may surrender without fear. Before leaving, greet the nobles who came to see you one final time. I still have matters to discuss with Alexa and will join you afterward.”
“Understood. I’ll see you later.”
Saissi’s footsteps approached the door.
Tauro quickly moved away and flattened himself against the wall.
The door opened, and Viscount Saissi emerged. He had gained considerable weight since Tauro last saw him, apparently after years of indulgent living.
Wiping sweat from his face with a handkerchief, the viscount headed toward the reception room.
“Has he gone?” Marquis Halagoura asked after the footsteps faded.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Damn him. He threatened me even at the end. Still, this will be the last time I must tolerate it. Are the remaining arrangements complete?”
“Yes. Leave everything to me.”
Alexa abruptly opened the study door and looked down the corridor.
Tauro held perfectly still.
“Did you hear something?” the marquis asked.
“No. It must have been my imagination.”
“Good. Let us join the others in the reception room and give Saissi his farewell.”
Once Marquis Halagoura and Alexa had moved away, Tauro withdrew through the rear of the residence. He had learned enough—and the meaning of their ‘arrangements’ was disturbingly clear.