Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 39: A House of Cards
At Count Agreas’s invitation, Elliot and his companions dined at Duke Ziemeld’s mansion.
Meals at the castle were lavish, but this food was still more extravagant and refined.
“Amazing! It looks delicious!”
Emily exclaimed despite herself, and Marianne smiled.
“Tonight’s banquet celebrates everyone’s hard work, so dispense with excessive formality and enjoy yourselves.”
“Thank you, lady Marianne! Yay!”
As Emily delighted over the feast, Elliot managed an awkward smile.
The dishes were exquisite luxuries he could never have enjoyed as a commoner. Yet tension and his present circumstances reduced everything to tasteless sand in his mouth.
After dinner, Count Agreas, Elliot, and Lloyd retired to the smoking room. Though neither knight smoked, they sipped the spirits served to them.
Once drink had eased the tension, Count Agreas placed a small bottle on the table. Its intricate decoration made it resemble a nobleman’s vial of perfume or grooming oil.
“It’s holy water. Carry it as a precaution, and purify yourselves regularly.”
Count Agreas looked at the replica sword Elliot carried.
Elliot’s brow wrinkled involuntarily.
“If you believe the holy sword… completed its purpose, why take such precautions?”
Count Agreas smiled gracefully.
“You were concerned about the undead beast that appeared outside the capital. This is merely insurance. One vial should suffice to conceal the problem if only a single creature appears.”
His calm, casual tone sounded persuasive, yet Elliot’s unease remained. He lowered his head in silence.
“It appeared northeast of the capital, along the Ureri River, I believe. That river rises in the northern mountains, crosses Ziemeld territory, and flows toward the capital. Its northern current is particularly swift. An undead beast that escaped the campaign’s cleanup could easily have washed downstream.”
Elliot’s worry deepened, but Count Agreas continued trying to persuade him.
“The same incident could have happened even if the holy sword had never existed. There’s no need to worry. Besides…”
Count Agreas rose and approached the window. The sun had set, and the royal castle was visible in the moonlight.
“You may claim you’re giving new recruits experience, then keep them as far away as you please… Once I assume my position as commander of the Royal Order of Knights.”
“What? What do you mean? What happened to Commander Lionel?”
Utterly surprised, Elliot and Lloyd sprang up, eyes wide.
“Ah, yes. You haven’t been informed. The news was withheld so it wouldn’t spoil the celebration.”
Count Agreas turned and smiled as though the matter had completely escaped his mind.
“Apparently he quarreled with His Majesty over their differing opinions regarding the Holy Knight’s future treatment. He’s a stubborn man.”
Agreas returned to the sofa, sat comfortably, and crossed his legs.
“I may lack his reputation and military achievements, but I once proudly led the Knights of Ziemeld.”
“…We’re, of course, aware.”
Lloyd answered, and both knights sat again to recover their composure.
Dylan Agreas Ziemeld was heir to the Duchy of Ziemeld and a collateral relative of the present royal family, his house having received royal blood when its former country was annexed.
His noble birth had kept him from the front lines, but he had indeed commanded the Knights of Ziemeld, an organization preserved from the territory’s years as an independent kingdom.
In rank and position, he was undeniably suited to succeed Lionel as commander of the Royal Order.
“Besides, in that position I could be of greater assistance to you.”
—Having someone who shares the secret at the top would certainly be convenient…
Elliot lowered his gaze and breathed out. This was far easier than concealing the secret from Lionel—or confessing it to him. The thought eased Elliot’s burden somewhat.
After leaving Duke Ziemeld’s residence, Elliot and Lloyd returned to the castle with Emily.
Court mages’ magic lamps illuminated the castle corridors as brightly as day despite the night outside.
A familiar man nearly tall enough to touch the ceiling approached: the arms dealer Goliath, probably visiting the castle to receive orders.
As they drew near, Goliath looked faintly surprised, then smiled and bowed.
“Oh, you’ve already returned?”
“Yeah, we are. ……”
Even inside the royal castle, they couldn’t discuss the Hidden Village or the sword in a corridor where unknown ears might listen. Elliot had intended to consult Goliath after speaking with Count Agreas, but the unexpected meeting was painfully awkward.
While Elliot considered escaping with a casual greeting, Goliath’s gaze stopped on the sword in his hand.
There was a moment of silence, and Goliath’s expression went blank.
“…I see. So you’ve chosen your path.”
Goliath was a connoisseur who had handled the genuine article and couldn’t be deceived. His hard, emotionless voice held a freezing chill.
Without another word, Goliath departed.
Elliot felt as though he stood upon terribly fragile ground, and dizziness swept over him. He bade Lloyd farewell, then walked heavily down the corridor to escort Emily to her room. She clung to his arm.
“Hey, Elliot. Can I come to your room tonight?”
Emily looked up at him through lowered lashes, cheeks flushed and all melancholy gone.
—Even if Flora gave me the vessel, Emily’s prayers brought forth the holy sword.
That was the only truth Elliot had left—his sole support. He had witnessed Emily’s devotion with his own eyes, so there could be no doubt. That was what he told himself.
—And if Emily, the Saint, prays, then eventually…
With that thought, he tightened his grip on the replica.