Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 452: The Prince and the Saint
During Matilda’s stay in the Royal Capital, the young members of her entourage were expected to accompany her almost constantly. Tauro nevertheless left Aeris, Haku, and Zion with the group long enough to visit Prince Fleue.
“I’m sorry, Tauro. My careless suggestion has caused you a great deal of trouble.”
The moment Tauro entered the prince’s private chamber, Fleue bowed his head in apology.
“Please raise your head, Your Highness.”
Tauro hurriedly tried to stop him.
Only Sebas was present. Standing behind the prince, the trusted aide adopted the expression of a man who had neither seen nor heard anything unusual.
“I truly am sorry. I never expected my elder brother to involve himself.”
The brother in question was, of course, the Crown Prince.
“The situation began because I met Matilda without realizing she was the Saint and accidentally escorted her out of the palace. I then brought her to meet Aeris and the others.”
Tauro explained what had happened after his previous audience with Fleue.
“What? So that was how the incident developed.” Fleue looked stunned. “I would like to persuade Matilda to release you, Aeris, and Zion from the tour, but now that my brother has personally intervened, it may be difficult.”
“It can’t be helped. A noble can hardly refuse the Crown Prince of his own kingdom.”
Tauro didn’t truly think of himself as a noble, but Aeris was normally fearless about expressing her likes and dislikes to anyone. If even she had been unable to refuse, there had been no realistic alternative for the rest of them.
“Haku’s adoption is still being formalized,” Fleue said. “I’ve already explained that to my brother, and he agreed that Haku must remain in the Royal Capital. But Tauro, you’re my friend. You should speak freely with me.”
“That’s exactly why I came to consult you, Your Highness.”
“True. Still, what’s my brother thinking? He knows that all of you’re my friends.”
Fleue remained troubled by the Crown Prince’s treatment of Tauro, Aeris, and Zion.
“There’s another favor I would like to ask.”
“Name it. If it’s within my power, I’ll do it.”
“It concerns Ragune and Ankh.”
“You want them added to the Saint’s delegation, correct?”
Fleue understood immediately.
“Yes. Black-Gold Wings is one party. It would help us greatly if they could accompany us.”
Tauro bowed in gratitude.
“This began with my request, so you have no reason to bow. My brother holds final responsibility for the Saint’s tour, and I can’t promise what conditions he may impose. Nevertheless, I’ll secure permission for Ragune and Ankh to accompany you. You may rely on that.”
Reassured, Tauro spent a little longer talking casually with his friend.
Sebas eventually left the room, then returned a short while later.
“What is it, Sebas?” Fleue asked.
“Your Highness, Saint Matilda has requested an audience.”
“Matilda? I’m speaking with Tauro at present. Ask her to return later.”
Fleue chose to prioritize his friend over the kingdom’s honored guest.
“Y-Your Highness, that may not be wise,” Tauro said. “I should leave now.”
“Must you? Opportunities to relax with a friend are rare.” Fleue sighed. “Very well. When does Lady Matilda wish to meet me?”
“She’s already waiting outside, Your Highness.”
“What? Then refusal was never truly an option.” Fleue turned to Tauro. “Stand beside the doorway. Bow as she enters, then leave quietly.”
Tauro followed the advice. He moved to one side of the door and bowed as Matilda entered.
He had almost slipped past her when she recognized him.
“You there. You’re one of Aeris’s attendants, are you not?”
She noticed me, yet she doesn’t remember that I was the person who escorted her out of the palace?
Tauro complained silently, but kept his face neutral and tried to continue toward the exit.
“Wait. Why are you leaving Prince Fleue’s private room? Don’t tell me Aeris has designs on my Prince Fleue.”
Matilda had apparently decided that Tauro was a messenger arranging a secret meeting between Aeris and the prince.
Since when did he become your Prince Fleue?
Tauro protested inwardly on his friend’s behalf.
“No. His Highness and I are simply friends.”
He denied the accusation as calmly as possible. Anything less would only create greater trouble.
“That can’t be true. You may be a count’s son, but you aren’t the heir. Why would His Highness—”
“Please don’t belittle my friend, Lady Matilda,” Fleue interrupted.
Matilda mistook his objection for political caution.
“Your Highness, there’s no need to worry about Marquis Van Dyne’s family supporting him. He’s merely a follower who will inherit no title. Surely House Van Dyne wouldn’t interfere with our relationship merely to protect someone like him.”
She seemed convinced that she already shared an intimate relationship with Fleue.
“Lady Matilda, Tauro truly is my friend. If you continue insulting him, I must ask you to leave.”
The handsome half-elf prince spoke quietly, but genuine anger lay beneath every word.
Both Matilda and Tauro were shocked. Fleue was known for his gentle temperament, and neither had expected him to become so angry on Tauro’s behalf.
“I-I’m sorry.”
Matilda apologized instinctively when she realized that he was serious.
“Please apologize to Tauro as well.”
“I’m sorry.”
She repeated the apology, this time toward Tauro.
“The misunderstanding has been resolved, so that’s enough. Thank you for defending me, Your Highness. I’ll take my leave.”
Remaining in the room would only make the atmosphere more uncomfortable. Tauro bowed and departed as quickly as dignity allowed.