Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 27: Disgraceful Valor (3)
“Your Highness, I’ve never once considered you… a disgrace.”
Kevin looked directly at Alexis. The kingdom’s crown prince had turned sixteen that year. Despite his mature manner, boyish traces remained in his face, and to Kevin, eight years his senior, he still appeared a child in need of protection.
Kevin nervously searched for words.
“I was nineteen when I first entered battle, and it was against an ordinary beast, not even an undead one. I had never seen one so close. I was terrified, lost my footing immediately, and couldn’t stand. In the end, I did nothing that day. My superior carried me home, and I… washed my own trousers…”
Mortification overtook him and his voice faded. Chelsea placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
—I know this probably offers no comfort…
About a month after Elliot obtained the holy sword, Crown Prince Alexis visited the battlefield to console the troops. Naturally no one openly mocked a royal boy—and future king—for behaving disgracefully in battle, but some knights ridiculed him behind his back.
Kevin considered their behavior vulgar and foolish. Yet ugly words spoken behind a person’s back were hardly rare, just as commoners vented their dissatisfaction with the ruling class in disreputable taverns.
The more foolish the speaker, the less thought he gave before belittling someone with childish taunts.
In an earlier age of absolute monarchy, insults toward royalty wouldn’t have been tolerated. Under the kingdom’s present government, however, the crown didn’t zealously punish the careless words of ordinary people.
What began as minor mockery eventually spread throughout the Order.
“But those men disparage Your Highness far beyond reason because of misplaced resentment.”
Alexis apparently understood and returned a wry smile.
“What do you mean by misplaced resentment?”
Amanda, who had been silently listening, leaned forward. She seemed to know what was going on, but she probably didn’t know the details.
“Because His Highness refused to call that woman a saint. What a pathetic reason.”
“Oh. I see…”
Alexis pouted like a boy his age.
“…Many priests and clerics were present there—people of different ages and genders who had all served the kingdom and its people for years. Ignoring them to call an apprentice cleric whom the church hasn’t even recognized a ‘saint’ would insult every one of them.”
Kevin nodded solemnly. The prince had said nothing wrong.
Amanda’s cheeks flushed and her eyes shone as she placed a hand over Alexis’s on the table.
“As expected of my beloved prince. Unfortunately, people often turn trivial matters into outrageous slander. I myself am frequently called arrogant and overbearing.”
Amanda looked thoughtfully into the distance.
“Besides, some deliberately incite and exploit such situations. Those with the crudest vocabulary are often the easiest to manipulate.”
Alexis sighed deeply and turned to Kevin.
“I know you’re different, so I’ll tell you this: I can’t believe the apprentice cleric Emily brought us the holy sword. I question why she receives such extravagant praise when there’s no proof. Unfortunately, too little is known about holy swords to establish the contrary…”
Silence settled. Kevin agreed, but he too lacked proof.
“…You were trying to encourage me earlier, weren’t you? Thank you. It’s a small token, but I’ll tell you something. The news will soon be public anyway, so there’s no harm in your hearing it a little early.”
Kevin looked up at Alexis’ words.
“Lionel, former commander of the Royal Order of Knights, has resigned and returned north.”
“What? Commander Lionel? But I thought the campaign was over…”
The news stunned Kevin.
Alexis’s expression turned grim and he looked Kevin straight in the eyes.
“I’m ashamed to say that even as crown prince, I don’t know everything that’s happening. As I mentioned, others look down on me… But I have a bad feeling. Flora’s situation troubles me as well. If I learn anything, I’ll inform all of you.”
As a low-ranking knight, Kevin knew little about the campaign’s overall circumstances or the details and results of the Order’s operations. He clenched his fists on his knees against the anxiety spreading through his chest.