Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 443: A Reunion and a Request
After meeting with Mardai Garfish at the Garfish Trading Company, Tauro visited several nobles who had sent gifts or congratulations.
Most of the visits required both thanks and apologies.
Many of the nobles had offered their congratulations on the assumption that Tauro would be formally unveiled as Count Graunewald’s heir. No one had expected another candidate with a legitimate blood connection to House Graunewald to appear on the very day of the ceremony, so the sudden announcement that Haku would become the heir had upset more than a few calculations.
Tauro therefore used his rounds not only to express his gratitude, but also to explain the change personally.
Count Dareder was among those who openly regretted the outcome.
“It’s truly unfortunate that you’ll no longer succeed Count Graunewald, Lord Tauro.”
Such frankness was unusual for a noble, but Count Dareder had always shown Tauro particular affection. Tauro had once saved his life, and the count had entrusted him with an identification tag bearing the Dareder family crest as proof of his gratitude.
“Thank you. I won’t inherit the title, but my younger brother Haku will. I hope you’ll support him as well.”
Tauro smiled as he asked the count to extend the same goodwill to Haku.
“If that’s your wish, then of course I shall. What will you do now, Lord Tauro? I’d be delighted if you returned to Dansas in my territory.”
“Ha ha. I intend to continue traveling as an adventurer, but I may visit when the opportunity arises.”
“I see… That’s disappointing. Ah, would you care to attend a party tonight? The Saint from our allied nation, the Kingdom of Luwan, is expected to appear.”
Count Dareder had mentioned the person currently dominating every conversation in the Royal Capital.
The gathering was probably being hosted by someone connected to the Prime Minister’s faction.
Perhaps I could greet His Excellency there and thank him for his gift.
Tauro considered accepting, but Count Graunewald might have received a different invitation for the same evening. Appearing as Count Dareder’s companion could create unnecessary complications.
After some thought, Tauro politely declined and left the Dareder residence.
“Leader, you’re back. A message came for you,” Ankh said when Tauro returned to the Graunewald residence and was heading toward his room.
“A message?”
“Yes. Prince Fleue wants you to come to the palace immediately.”
“Now? Even though he’s so busy?”
“I don’t know the details, but that’s what the messenger said.”
“I understand. I’ll go at once.”
Hoping to arrive before sunset, Tauro hurried to the royal palace.
At the gate, he presented the shortsword bearing the royal crest that Prince Fleue had authorized him to carry. The soldiers were startled by the contrast between Tauro’s youth and noble attire and the crest he displayed, but once they confirmed that his name appeared on the visitor list, they promptly escorted him inside.
“Thank you for coming. It’s been far too long,” Prince Fleue said, clearly pleased that Tauro had arrived so quickly.
“Thank you for the gifts, Your Highness.”
“You’re welcome. I heard what happened at your unveiling. You were supposed to be presented as the future head of House Graunewald, yet you suddenly surrendered the position to someone who appeared at the ceremony.”
Prince Fleue looked somewhat disappointed.
“There were several circumstances behind the decision.”
Tauro explained that the domain might have split between opposing factions and that Haku was the previous count’s posthumous son and Count Graunewald’s younger half-brother. Recognizing Haku as the heir was therefore both politically necessary and legitimate.
“I see… So that’s what happened.” Prince Fleue studied him, then smiled. “Still, you look rather relieved, Tauro. My friend truly is an adventurer at heart. A life of freedom suits you much better.”
“I think so too.”
Tauro laughed, then remembered that the prince had summoned him for a reason.
“Was there something you needed from me, Your Highness?”
“There was a favor I intended to ask, but perhaps I should reconsider. It may draw too much attention to you.”
“Please don’t hesitate. You’ve done a great deal for me. I’ll gladly accept a request or two if they’re within my power.”
Tauro trusted that Fleue wouldn’t ask anything unreasonable.
“In that case… I’d like you to keep the Saint company during her stay in the Royal Capital. The Kingdom of Luwan wants her to become acquainted with nobles and talented young people near her age. I initially thought this would also help you build relationships with your peers. Since you’re no longer the heir, that’s less important, so I won’t insist. Still, you could also serve as one of her guards.”
Prince Fleue’s voice trailed off.
That’s much heavier than the favor I expected!
Tauro hesitated. Becoming involved with the celebrated Saint sounded far more troublesome than he had imagined.
I may no longer need connections with noble heirs my age, but Haku certainly does.
If Haku could participate, the experience and relationships might become valuable assets for his future.
“How old is the Saint?”
If the kingdom wanted her to meet people his age, Tauro wondered whether she was still a child.
“She recently turned sixteen and has reached adulthood. I met her several days ago. She’s rather demanding—and she kept touching me, which I found uncomfortable.”
Prince Fleue sighed.
The prince had once been somewhat plump, but he was now slim, composed, and remarkably handsome. As the son of a human and a High Elf, he might simply have matched the Saint’s tastes.
“Ha ha… That does sound troublesome. Could Haku accompany me? I’d also like to bring Aeris and Zion.”
“Zion is the newest member of Black-Gold Wings, correct? Very well. I’ll have both of you added to the Saint’s attendants. Wait—Lady Aeris too? Excellent!”
Prince Fleue seemed particularly pleased to hear that Aeris would participate.
“Your Highness… You aren’t assigning this to me because you don’t want to be among her attendants yourself, are you?”
“W-What are you suggesting, my friend? I’m merely busy and require someone dependable to act in my place!”
The prince’s flustered response made Tauro feel that he had been neatly maneuvered into the role. Even so, it was a request from his friend, so he agreed.