Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 387: A Day in the Dyeing Village
Tauro and his companions met the ten additional members of the bridal escort: several experienced travelers and a group of villagers confident in their strength.
Kossa was among them. After the previous day’s match, he remained quiet, apparently having accepted the difference between his ability and Tauro’s.
There were three travelers in total—one pair and one person traveling alone.
The pair had passed through Zenyu several days earlier on their way to Caxart and had been hired after demonstrating their skill.
The lone traveler had arrived about ten days before them, drawn to the village by an interest in dyeing. Alimar had hired that traveler as well after judging them more capable than even the strongest villagers.
“I’m Tauro, leader of Black-Gold Wings from the Caxart branch of the Adventurers’ Guild. I’ll command the bridal escort. Some of you may be concerned because of my age, but I’m a properly certified D-plus adventurer.”
Tauro introduced himself, then had Ragune, Ankh, and Zion offer brief greetings.
Afterward, he explained the procession’s formation, each person’s position, and the night-watch schedule.
The villagers had seen how easily Tauro defeated Kossa and no longer doubted his combat ability, but some remained uncertain about his leadership.
Those doubts faded once he began speaking. His instructions were specific, easy to understand, and sensible, and the villagers soon nodded in agreement.
Ragune and Ankh watched with relieved expressions. Zion listened as intently as the villagers, treating Tauro’s explanation as another lesson.
“We’ll maintain this guard arrangement for nearly a week. Please raise any questions or objections now.”
Tauro looked over the villagers before turning his attention to the three travelers.
He had been curious about them since the meeting began.
“We have no objections,” the pair replied.
“Your explanation was thorough. I have no problem with it either,” said the lone traveler.
Something about all three responses bothered Tauro.
The pair appeared to recognize the name Black-Gold Wings, while the lone traveler listened to every word with unusual care yet seemed unwilling to open up to anyone.
[Presence Detection] had its limits. Tauro could sense their attention and wariness, but not their motives, so he decided not to press the matter for now.
That evening, Black-Gold Wings was invited to dine at the village chief’s house.
The party had planned to stay in an empty village house during the two days before departure. The three travelers would apparently lodge in the same building.
“I thought the adventurers should meet my daughter before the journey,” Alimar explained.
He called toward the rear of the house.
“Sita, come and greet the adventurers who will be escorting you.”
“Yes, Father.”
A girl emerged from the back room.
Sita was fifteen, with fair skin, brown hair, and brown eyes. Her features were delicate, but her gaze held a quiet strength.
The mayor’s son was said to have fallen in love with her at first sight, and it was easy to understand why.
Alimar was clearly proud of his daughter.
“Isn’t she beautiful? We’re fortunate that the son of Wasan’s mayor fell in love with her.”
“Father, please stop. I’m not—oh?”
Sita had looked openly unhappy, but the sight of Tauro and Zion caught her attention.
“Excuse me, but how old are you two?”
“I’m thirteen, and Zion is fourteen,” Tauro answered.
“You’re both younger than I’m, yet you’re already accomplished adventurers. That’s amazing. Is adventuring enjoyable?”
Her admiration was sincere; Tauro could sense that much through [Presence Detection].
“It can be difficult, but yes, I enjoy it. Zion only joined our party recently, so she’s just getting started. What do you think?”
Tauro turned the question over to Zion.
“I’m having a wonderful time traveling with Tauro-sama!”
Zion still wore her hood low over her face, but she raised her head and answered brightly.
“Oh! You’re a girl, Zion, aren’t you? I could tell from your voice. Becoming such a capable adventurer at fourteen is incredible.”
Sita seemed delighted to meet another girl close to her age.
“I’m not especially impressive. Tauro-sama is the amazing one!”
Embarrassed by Sita’s praise, Zion immediately began boasting about Tauro instead.
“Zion, stop! No one wants to sit through stories about me!”
Tauro hurried to restrain her.
“Nonsense,” Alimar said. “We rarely have a chance to hear stories from a D-plus adventurer. I’d like to hear them too.”
He had noticed that his daughter’s expression had brightened for the first time in days and encouraged the conversation.
Zion eagerly began recounting Tauro’s adventures.
Tauro stopped her before tales glorified by the dragonfolk grew even more exaggerated. Since matters involving the dragonfolk also couldn’t be discussed freely, Zion settled for a brief account of how Tauro had become an adventurer and some of his earlier journeys.
Sita and the rest of the village chief’s family listened with astonishment, gasping and cheering at the most dramatic parts.
“My goodness, Tauro-dono. You have endured a remarkable number of hardships,” Alimar said when the story ended.
“I envy you,” Sita admitted. “I wish I could have experienced adventures like those.”
She clearly possessed an active, curious nature. Yet her pale skin and limited knowledge of the world suggested that her family had raised her protectively and seldom allowed her to travel.
“Wahaha! I’m certain you’ll have a wonderful life in Wasan from now on!” Alimar declared, brushing aside her longing.
Sita’s expression made it plain that she didn’t want the marriage. Seeing it, Tauro couldn’t help feeling sorry for her.