Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 139: The King and Crown Prince in Anguish
While Rest returned to the Marquis Rosemary’s household, the Royal Army that had suppressed the rebellion also triumphantly returned to the capital.
A mere few days of campaign. The returning Royal Army, returning at an unexpected pace, was welcomed as heroes and received with smiles from the people.
Entering the royal castle were the Crown Prince and his entourage of soldiers. The Marquis Catreya, who had been a vice-captain, remained in Marquis Eiger’s territory, handling the aftermath.
Crown Prince Richard Iwood had returned ahead to report to the king and to bring back “it.”
“Nicely done, Richard.”
“I have returned, Father.”
Richard returned and reunited with his father.
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Seeing his son return unharmed, the king’s face showed genuine relief.
“The resolution came faster than I imagined. Honestly, I didn’t expect you to achieve so much.”
“It’s not my doing. It’s thanks to Marquis Catreya and the soldiers, and above all… ‘him.'”
“I’ve heard the reports. It seems he exceeded expectations as well.”
Here, “him” refers to Viscount Rest Clover.
Undoubtedly, in this battlefield, the greatest contributor was Rest.
He led the charge into the enemy ranks, defeating seven thousand soldiers.
He even engaged and repelled Rodel, who had advanced near their own lines, in a duel.
The royal family had intended to elevate Rest as a hero… but his achievements surpassed their expectations. It was a true heroic feat that didn’t need any intentional embellishment.
“We know that Viscount Clover subjugated the magic beast Subnok. But it seems there was no exaggeration or falsehood about his abilities.”
Although the king had received preliminary reports, hearing his son’s account made him truly appreciate Rest’s abilities.
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In a world where magic powers exist, warriors and sorcerers who can change the battlefield single-handedly are not uncommon.
The Wise Council, including the headmaster of the Royal Academy, Velroid Khan, represents such individuals.
Rest Clover also seems to be a person endowed with such extraordinary abilities.
“…In that case, we must seriously consider how to retain Viscount Clover.”
The king pondered with furrowed brows.
Granting titles and lands alone might not suffice.
To strengthen ties with the royal family, it would be necessary to drive other wedges as well.
“If possible, I’d like to marry off one of the royal daughters… but…”
“…I don’t have any sisters or younger sisters, do I?”
Richard interjected in response to the king’s muttering.
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Unfortunately… the current royal family lacks princesses who could be used for political marriages.
All three children in the royal family are princes. Moreover, one is missing.
The king has sisters, but they are either already married or incompatible with Rest due to age.
“Aunt is still unmarried, though…”
“I can’t order someone to marry a ‘princess’ in her fifties. Rather than trying to tie down Viscount Clover, it might incite rebellion.”
If Rest had such a penchant, it would be a different story, but few would rejoice at being ordered to marry a woman nearly three times his age.
Even Marquis Rosemary, Rest’s guardian, would likely intervene, and marrying him to the royal sister would be practically impossible.
“In that case, we may have to consider marrying off a daughter from a family close to the royal family…”
“If that’s the case…”
The gazes of the king and Richard converged on one point.
There stood Duke Verios Crocus, who had been quietly standing by to avoid interrupting the conversation between the king and crown prince.
The Crocus family is a lineage that has descended from the royal family. Besides Crocus, there are other ducal families, but they are merely nominal and lack fame.
And as if perfectly arranged, there is a daughter of the Crocus family who is the same age as Rest and currently without a fiancé.
She is Celestine Crocus, formerly engaged to the rebel Rodel Iwood.
“…I understand what you both are considering.”
Receiving the gaze of his liege lords, Duke Crocus solemnly spoke up.
“My daughter was engaged to Prince Rodel by a magic contract made by the previous lord, who was devoted to the Queen Dowager. There were ways to lift the curse by force, but to monitor the Queen Dowager’s faction, I deliberately left the engagement intact.”
“Prime Minister…”
“I cannot in good conscience ask my daughter, who has been forced into unwanted engagements for the sake of the royal family, to marry for political reasons again. Even if it may be the best decision for the country.”
Duke Crocus had always served selflessly, sacrificing himself for the good of the country.
For him, perhaps this was the first time he spoke his true feelings.
“…”
“…”
The words hung heavily in the air, causing both the king and the crown prince to fall silent.
“…I will discuss this with my daughter. However, I request that you refrain from coercing her under royal command.”
However… Duke Crocus also understood.
His daughter, Celestine Crocus, had a stronger sense of responsibility than anyone else.
If he explained the situation to her, she would likely accept the political marriage willingly.
Therefore, this was Duke Crocus’s selfish desire—to be a father who considers his daughter’s welfare above all.
“…You can’t laugh at Rosemary and Catreya. You are a father too.”
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“…,”
In the bitter yet somewhat amused words of the king, Duke Crocus’s grim expression deepened.
“Ahem… Now, aside from Viscount Clover, there are other matters we must deliberate on.”
Richard cleared his throat and changed the subject.
What Richard was about to discuss was also unpleasant for him. It was an issue that had been postponed for as long as possible.
Richard clapped his hands, signaling a knight waiting outside to bring “it” in.
“Shall we discuss the fate of Rodel Iwood, my foolish brother?”
“…”
Brought in by the knight, with both arms held due to his injuries and bandages wrapped around his body, was Rodel Iwood, the third prince.