Kays Translations

Chapter 51: They’ve Returned 

　It was shortly before the Spring Waiting Festival. A large ship appeared in the waters of the Kingdom of Wernos, where Mai lives.

　The watchman at the lookout post became suspicious of the unfamiliar sight of the ship and immediately reported it to his superiors. The superior sent a quick horse to the castle, and the soldiers were assembled on the shore. Tension ran high among the soldiers as they anticipated an invasion from another country.

　However, the ship of unknown nationality stopped moving before it approached the harbor. It had run aground on an artificial reef built for such a case.  The soldiers gathered on the shore looked murderous, watching the stranded large ship in the distance.

　The higher-ups on the scene were waiting for instructions from the castle on how to proceed.

　Soon, a liaison officer who had ridden in on horseback reported the situation.

“I am sorry to inform you, sir. We have been instructed not to attack until we have confirmed that the other party has intentions to attack.”

“Then I don’t know what they’ll do. Didn’t they bring Kyrias with them?”

“Mr. Kyrias is responding to a cave-in at the mine and was unable to be moved.”

“What a jerk.”*

　In the middle of this exchange, a soldier who had been watching the movements of the stranded ship through a telescope raised his voice.

“The boat is being lowered. There are three men on board! I repeat: there are three men on board!”

　The boat proceeded to the shallows as the soldiers looked on.

　Of the three men on board, the leading man approached with his arms raised, wading through the shallow water with a splash. Behind him were two large, tanned men, each carrying a crate.

　Dozens of archers from the Royal Army of Wernos were ready to fire arrows at any moment.

“Hey! Isn’t that the wizard Jusel Leesley in the lead?”

“Ah!　Who the hell does that guy think he is?　Hey!　Arrest Leesley!”

　More than a dozen soldiers rushed to the three men, and Jusel Leesley, who had disappeared along with his magical tools, was arrested on the spot. The two representatives of the large ship of unknown nationality were also asked to accompany them.

　Jusel Leesley and the two men were taken directly to the castle. The ship is left stranded and under surveillance day and night. 

　Upon arriving at the castle, Jusel Leesley explained the situation to Prime Minister Bernstein.

“I have told you many times. It was neither embezzlement nor theft.”

“You bastard, do you have any idea how much trouble you’ve caused?　What country is that ship from?”

“The ship belongs to the kingdom of Arcetheus.”

“What?　You were in the beastman country?　I hope you didn’t leak information about our country to that country, have you?!”

“That’s absurd. How could you? Do you really think that I, your best friend, am the kind of person who would leak information to a country with which we have no diplomatic relations?”

“You are no longer my best friend. You don’t seem to have any idea how much trouble you have caused this country.”

　One was a free-spirited wizard, the other was a prime minister who was the epitome of seriousness. Their personalities were polar opposites, but they got along rather well and became good friends.

　Now, however, Jussel Leesley is guilty of embezzling expensive magic tools, and Prime Minister Bernstein is the one pursuing him for his crimes.

“That’s why I’ve explained it many times. I was just passing magical power through the teleportation device that was nearing completion to check if it would work properly. I carelessly forgot to turn off the safety, so the magical tool activated. I brought it back with me. I didn’t steal it.”

“Don’t call it ‘careless’, you idiot! This has become a major incident! It’s not as simple as just bringing it back and forgiving it! You’ve used up all the diamonds in the magical tool! You know how much those things cost!”

“I’m sorry about that. I will work to pay you back. I’m only human and I make mistakes.”

　Bernstein puts his hand to his forehead and sighs.

“That’s enough. I’m going to report this to His Majesty. You won’t get away with this. You’re too skilled a wizard to even send you to forced labor. You may spend the rest of your life making potions while imprisoned. Prepare yourself.”

“Please forgive me. It was really just a mistake.”

　Bernstein took one look at his former best friend and left the room.

　King Eldor VIII, heard the report and became deeply concerned, so he consulted with Bernstein.

“The Kingdom of Arcetheus… a beastman country. If someone of a certain status has come this time, let’s use this as an opportunity. Establishing diplomatic relations may lead to some kind of benefit.”

“But Your Majesty, we are dealing with beastmen.　Can you really derive any benefit from the beastman country? Is it even possible to have a conversation in the first place?”

“Bernstein, there are old documents that say that beastmen are capable of conversation. Maybe they’re actually just like normal humans?”

“That is unthinkable. Your Majesty, would it not be better to get rid of them as they are?”

“That would be a bad move. Let’s meet the two beastmen who have landed for now.”

“Your Majesty, yourself?”

“That’s right. Let’s move quickly. Prepare for an audience.”

　Looking at Bernstein’s reluctant face, King Eldor VIII issued instructions in rapid succession, and the audience was set up.

　Leasley and the two beastmen  bowed their heads in front of King Eldor VIII, while the Prime Minister and the Minister of War stood to the left of the King. There were more guardian knights than usual, in case of emergency.

“You can relax. Leesley, I’ve heard what happened. Introduce me to the two men who brought you here.”

“Yes. This is Navy Lieutenant Tenth Wagle, and this is Hills Canner, the head civil servant of the Kingdom of Arcetheus.”

　Prime Minister Bernstein, the Minister of War, and the escorting knights were all surprised (they look like perfectly normal human beings!). However, they have no idea what type of beastmen the two beastmen are.

“Lieutenant Wagle of the Navy, Head civil servant Canner. I thank you for bringing our people all the way back to our country.”

　Lieutenant Wagle of the Navy asked for permission to speak, and when he was allowed, he opened his mouth. Surprisingly, the beastman began to speak in the archaic language of he Kingdom of Wernos.

“We, the people of the Kingdom of Arcetheus, are greatly indebted to Mr. Jusel Leesley. It is only natural that we should escort him, to whom we owe so much, back to his homeland.”

“Oh. Did leesley help you?”

“Yes. Yes, Mr. Leesley’s potions saved many sick and injured people. He has also used his magic to create many roads and bridges. Mr. Leesley is a hero of our country.”

　Eldor VIII smiled serenely.

“A hero. I see.”

“Our king and people of our country are very concerned to hear from Mr. Leesley that he may be punished if he returns to his country. I have come to accompany him, by order of our king to ask that his crimes be mitigated.”

　There was a delicate atmosphere in the audience chamber. However, King Eldor VIII responded with a cheerful expression.

“I am glad to hear that Leesley has been of service to your country. I will send craftsmen to repair the stranded ship. How many people are on board? We will give them all permission to come ashore. You may relax in our country until the ship is repaired. We will provide you with a place to stay, food to eat, and personal safety. You will not be inconvenienced.”

　The king made no mention of Leesley’s disposition. But since they were not expecting the kind of generous treatment they had just been told, the two beastmen looked at each other in surprise and then nodded.

“Thank you for your kind words. Your Majesty, in appreciation of Mr. Leesley’s achievements, the royal family of Arcetheus would like to present you with a gift of thanks.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness”

　A decorated treasure chest was brought in. Prime Minister Bernstein who checked the contents before handing it over to the King, had to take a double look at what was inside the box.

“This is …….”

“This is a small token of our appreciation from our country.”

　The treasure chest was filled with black pearls, white pearls, peach-colored pearls, coral beads of various sizes and shapes, amber, and purple crystals. The dignitaries of the Kingdom of Wernos in attendance were all breathless. Eldor VIII looked inside and smiled at the two beastmen. 

“How splendid. I’m grateful for the Kingdom of Arcetheus’s thoughtfulness.”

　The two Arcethean folk were led out to the guest room. After confirming this, the king called the Prime Minister close.

“If the beastmen say they want to go out, let them go out as they please. But there is a prejudice against beastmen in our country, is there not?　If they go out in the city, make sure they have a sufficient number of guards. Do not place any restrictions on their movements. Let them go wherever they wish to go freely, and let our people know what beastmen look like.”

“Yes, sir.”

　A message was immediately sent, and the soldiers and crew of the Kingdom of Arcetheus who were waiting on board the ship were allowed to disembark.

　The beastmen sailors who traveled to the royal capital were divided into two groups and allowed to stay at an inn and enjoy the royal city. They were also told that all their expenses would be borne by the royal family.

　The group of exotic-looking people, escorted by soldiers, set out immediately to tour the royal city. The group immediately becomes the talk of the town. The group of beastmen were jovial and amiable, and talked to the people of the royal capital in a friendly manner.

　The beastmen proudly explain that they come from the Kingdom of Alceteus on the ancient continent, and that they are beastmen themselves. The people of the royal capital had been raised to believe that beastmen were frightening and unintelligent beings. In reality, however, they looked no different from themselves and speak intelligently. The surprise of the people who came into contact with the sailors was great.

“What? So even though they’re beastmen, they don’t usually take on the form of a beast.”

“they seems kind and we can communicate well.”

“They are all very handsome.”

　Eldor VIII’s plan was a success.

　Rumors of the arrival of the beastmen reached the ears of Henry’s biological mother, Carlotta, within days. Carlotta sent a letter to Henry the day after she heard of it.

It was the first time Henry had received a letter from Carlotta at his workplace, and when he hurriedly opened it to see what it was, he was stunned.

“Dear Henry,

　I’m going to ask the beastmen who are in the capital to let me board a ship to return home. I want to end my life with my people. I intend to get on board for sure. Before I board the ship, I wonder if I can see you one more time, Carlotta.”

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