Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 391: Continuing Along the Road
The unexpected attack had shaken Tauro, but Pella’s intervention allowed him to escape without injury.
The two villagers remembered nothing. They were bewildered to awaken in the forest rather than inside their tent.
When Tauro and Zion brought them back to camp, Ragune and Ankh were already awake and demanded an explanation.
After hearing the full account, Ragune considered the evidence.
“Your suspicion is probably correct. It sounds like an ability similar to [Puppeteer]. A controlled person or monster can lose the presence of a living being and become difficult for detection abilities to perceive. That makes such powers useful for assassination.”
She continued, “There are usually conditions that must be met before someone can be controlled, so the ability isn’t effortless. The user also has to remain relatively close, which creates a risk of discovery. In this case, the culprit avoided that weakness by joining the escort and controlling people from inside the group.”
Tauro immediately checked who was missing.
The pair of traveling guards had vanished.
“It was those two,” Ankh said. “They reacted as though they already knew the leader, and they claimed Caxart was their original destination. They were probably Assassins’ Guild remnants sent to kill him.”
“I’ll never forgive anyone who tries to take Tauro-sama’s life!” Zion said furiously.
“Pella saved me again.”
Tauro stroked the slime where it mimicked the surface of his armor.
“Thank you, Pella.”
Its body trembled happily.
“At least the threat inside the procession should be resolved now,” Ankh said. “If those two approach again, we’ll recognize them.”
“Probably… but I originally expected the other traveler to cause trouble,” Tauro admitted.
“What makes you say that?” Ragune asked.
“The one traveling alone?” Ankh said. “That person does seem somewhat unusual and keeps looking around restlessly.”
“But the pair were the ones who attacked,” Zion replied. “Perhaps we simply misunderstood the other traveler.”
“I suppose so. Lately, I’m beginning to doubt whether [Presence Detection] is helping me at all.”
Tauro laughed and told everyone to sleep for the remaining hours before dawn.
The following morning, Alimar stared in disbelief when he learned what had happened.
“I never imagined those two were criminals…”
He had slept through the entire disturbance.
“They escaped,” Tauro said, “but remember their faces and remain cautious if you encounter them again.”
“I understand. They seemed so serious and dependable. Apparently I’m a poor judge of character.”
Alimar sighed, then abruptly turned his attention back to the journey.
“We lost time yesterday, so today we must move even faster! Everyone, prepare yourselves!”
The villagers’ faces went pale. Most had already reached their limits the previous day.
Kossa, who was leading the village escorts, stepped forward.
“Chief, we can’t walk faster than yesterday. Please let at least half of us ride in the carriages and take turns.”
The other villagers nodded vigorously.
“You can’t ride with my unmarried daughter,” Alimar objected. “The other carriages are filled with gifts, so there’s nowhere else to sit.”
“As I explained before we departed,” Tauro said, “I can temporarily place the luggage in [Magic Storage].”
He sided with the villagers. If Alimar forced them to move faster, some would inevitably collapse.
“But what will people think when they see empty carriages?” the village chief protested. “The procession will lose its dignity.”
“We can restore the luggage before entering each settlement,” Tauro proposed. “The guards can dismount and walk while we pass through. That will preserve the appearance you want without destroying our schedule.”
“Hmmm… But travelers on the road may still see us…”
“Chief,” Kossa interrupted, “which matters more—the people of your village or your reputation? If you refuse, we’ll have no choice but to turn back. Wouldn’t that damage your reputation far more?”
“That can’t happen!”
Alimar finally surrendered.
“Very well. We’ll follow Tauro-kun’s plan. Time is precious, so everyone hurry!”
The villagers cheered.
Tauro instantly moved the gifts into [Magic Storage]. Cries of amazement rose as the guards climbed into the emptied carriages.
“Let’s depart!”
After confirming that everyone was ready, Alimar ordered the drivers forward.
The procession made rapid progress from then on.
Before reaching each village, the escorts dismounted and Tauro restored the cargo. The procession then advanced slowly through the settlement, displaying Zenyu’s wealth exactly as Alimar desired.
The villagers were also proud of Sita, whom they considered the most beautiful girl in Zenyu. They marched with their chests held high.
If a village chief’s daughter’s wedding requires this much ceremony, what happens when a noble marries?
Leading the procession, Tauro found himself worrying about his future obligations as Count Graunewald’s adopted son.