Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 451: The Saint and the Marquis’s Daughter
The Blessing Ceremony ended without incident. Nearly everyone surrounding Matilda trembled with emotion and showered her with praise.
“After hearing Aeris’s explanation, this display feels somewhat absurd,” Tauro murmured quietly.
“The Kingdom of Luwan may have restricted how often Matilda was permitted to use [Blessing],” Aeris replied. “Otherwise, it would be difficult to explain why the technique remains so undeveloped.”
“Don’t repeat that where Matilda—or anyone else—can hear you. It could become an international incident.”
Tauro warned Aeris, Haku, and Zion firmly.
“Understood. I won’t tell anyone. Damn it… I want to live.”
Zion understood the danger well enough to promise silence, but her anxiety caused her customary phrase to escape.
“What do you mean, you want to live?”
Matilda had appeared directly behind her.
“Eep!”
Zion jumped and gave a frightened squeak.
Matilda ignored the reaction and hurried toward Aeris.
“Did you see that, Lady Aeris? I was magnificent, was I not?”
“It was… quite impressive.”
Aeris paused just long enough to exchange a glance with Tauro before answering diplomatically.
She had matured in more than appearance. The Aeris of the past would have stated her honest assessment without hesitation.
“I knew you would understand. This is when I shine most brightly.” Matilda beamed. “Lady Aeris—no, may I simply call you Aeris? You may call me Matilda as well.”
Whether because she respected Aeris’s rank as a marquis’s daughter or merely felt attached to her, Matilda had decided that they should behave as friends.
“Lady Matilda, such familiarity would set a poor example,” warned one of the Luwan officials attending her.
“How rude. Aeris is the daughter of Marquis Van Dyne of Sart. She’s perfectly worthy of being my friend.”
Matilda’s declaration sent another wave of murmurs through both entourages.
“Lady Matilda is an honored guest of our kingdom. Such familiarity would be far too great an honor for me,” Aeris replied with a flawless smile.
Her actual meaning was obvious to Tauro: Please stop. I never agreed to this.
“Don’t worry about rank, Aeris. We’re friends, and friendship has no barriers.”
“Even so, it truly is too much…”
Again, Aeris’s expression remained polite, but Tauro could almost hear the unspoken protest: You insisted that my status made me worthy only moments ago. How can you now claim rank doesn’t matter?
“You’re very modest,” Matilda continued. “But treat me as an ordinary woman before treating me as the great Saint. I shall do the same for you.”
Completely captivated by her own generosity, Matilda continued without noticing Aeris’s reluctance.
“Very well.”
Aeris finally accepted. Continuing to refuse, even politely, would eventually become an insult.
Tauro glanced at her and saw resignation beneath her smile.
“While we’re together, I shall also overlook informal speech from the three behind you,” Matilda added magnanimously.
She apparently regarded Tauro, Haku, and Zion as Aeris’s personal attendants.
“I’m busy now, Aeris, so I shall see you later.”
“Until then.”
Aeris bowed as Matilda departed with her entourage.
“I’m exhausted,” she admitted the moment they were safely out of hearing.
“You handled her well,” Tauro said with a sympathetic smile. “You had only just made your glorious return to Black-Gold Wings, and now we have dragged you into this strange situation. I’m sorry.”
“She doesn’t listen to anyone at all. That sort of insensitivity may actually suit noble society.” Aeris sighed. “More importantly, I’m worried about you and Zion. Are you both certain you can endure dealing with her?”
“I’ll manage. Zion concerns me more. She was added to the delegation despite having no noble background.”
“I’m all right, Lord Tauro,” Zion said. She pointed to her human-looking nose. “I can tell from her scent that she isn’t a bad person.”
When her ears and tail were concealed, Zion looked entirely human. Tauro had sometimes wondered how much of a beastman’s physical ability she retained, but her sense of smell was clearly excellent.
“I understand. Even so, her behavior may create difficult situations. Stay close to us, and be cautious around the other attendants as well.”
“Yes. I won’t leave your side!”
Her eager response made the catlike Zion resemble an obedient dog for a moment..