Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 120
On the morning of the fourth day since the Holy City of Lendia declared war on the Kingdom of Golda, strange things began happening at the frontlines, where the damage had been greatest.
The Golda forces, leaving behind only a small contingent, began to retreat.
Naturally, Lendia would not overlook such a sight. They immediately crossed the border and shifted their camp into Golda territory. Without hesitation, they launched a pursuit against the retreating Golda army.
But that pursuit battle—contrary to all expectations—ended up pushing events straight toward the conclusion of the war.
On the eighth day since the declaration of war, the Lendia army reached Golda’s royal capital. Waiting for them there was a proposal of surrender from Golda’s acting commander.
And even before the explanation was given, Lendia understood the reason:
“In this kind of hell, there’s no way they have the luxury to wage war.”
The capital was smothered in the stench of rot. Outside the city, piles of corpses were constantly being burned. Within the city, trails of blood had begun to decay, and monsters had been drawn to the outskirts of the capital by the smell.
That the enemy’s royal capital would fall into such a state—this was something even Lendia had never imagined.
And so, on the tenth day after the declaration of war, the Kingdom of Golda’s defeat was officially and widely reported.
It was announced together with the news that the former king of Golda had been taken into custody and was being transported under guard to Lendia.
On the surface, the citizens of Lendia were swept up in celebration at what was being hailed as a miraculous victory achieved in only ten days.
Of course—she too was eagerly awaiting this, believing: “Now that the war is over, Silent will surely return.”
“Seems it took longer than I thought.”
Several days had passed since I first settled in Lindblum. Watching the festive victory mood spread across the city with something of a detached gaze, I had nevertheless been enjoying the cheap “commemorative menus” on offer day after day.
It’s a fine world. The variety of flavored teas here is splendid. The candies served alongside them change expression every time. Truly blissful moments.
Sipping tea at a café on Traveler’s Street, I addressed the waitress.
“Excuse me, miss. May I trouble you for a moment?”
“Y-yes! What is it…?”
“Well, you see, sitting out here on the terrace with tea has become something of a routine for me lately. But today, I can’t help but notice how many patrolling knights there are. Is something going on?”
Having grown quite familiar with this waitress, I asked casually—
“Um, they say the war’s over, and something about escorting people from the enemy nation… That’s just what I heard from the soldiers, so I don’t know the details.”
“I see, I see. Thank you for telling me.”
So, it has finally come. Fifteen days since the declaration of war… At last, those fools are being transferred here.
Which means, my brief holiday comes to an end.
Turning to the now-familiar staff and regulars of the café, I spoke.
“Well then, these past few days have been delightful. But I think it’s time I move on to the next town. Everyone, thank you kindly for lending me your company now and again. I truly wish from the bottom of my heart that the new year soon to come brings you all much happiness.”
Let me show my gratitude.
To the madam who told me so many tales of the upper class.
To the receptionist who spoke of the incident at the Adventurer’s Guild.
To the young student who recounted happenings within the academy.
And to this waitress, who always brewed me such delicious flavored tea.
“I look forward to the day we might meet again, somewhere.”
With those words—and with the rather unusual sound of regretful farewells following behind me—I made my way to the north gate.
To welcome them. And… to bear witness.
From a café overlooking the north gate, while enjoying my second afternoon tea of the day, I saw them: a line of large carriages surrounded by knights, coming in from beyond the gate.
At the head of the line—I spotted a familiar face.
Paying for my tea, I called out to the group as though greeting an old friend.
“Well, well! It’s been a while—Remiya-san.”
Leading the escort was Remiya herself.
A woman who had once broken down and sunk to her knees on a dark road was now fulfilling Silent’s wish, personally leading the transfer of the captives.
Exactly as expected.
“Y-you’re—!”
“Oh, that’s right. I haven’t properly introduced myself yet. My name is Still. A humble preacher, a priest who has given body and soul to a very, very small faith.”
“Still… did you say?”
“Oh? Does the name ring a bell? Perhaps something happened at the field hospital?”
I had been certain she would come here.
Certain that, upon hearing my name and seeing my face, suspicion would take root.
“So—you must be on your way to the Queen? Escorting those prisoners. Would you allow me to accompany you?”
“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course I can’t allow that.”
“Oh, is that so? Yet, you see—I can explain the situation at that place in detail, the true origins of this war, even the hidden forces lurking behind it. Likely I’m the only one who can properly supplement the words of that ‘broken king.’”
“…So, you really were there as well…”
“Indeed. Yes, I was in the throne room. So, what will you do? It’s true that taking me along may be dangerous. But remember—‘I am but a kindhearted healer,’ after all.”
Yes, I have not killed a single soldier involved in this war.
The only person I did kill was one of the heroes from another world, a young man likely being used for some experiment by the true mastermind. And at the same time—
“By the way… I also killed the person who killed Silent. You could even say I avenged him. So, what do you think? There’s really no reason not to take me along, don’t you agree?”
“…Permission granted. You are… the second most instrumental figure in this war after Silent himself.”
“Indeed! Capturing the high-ranking members of Golda, destroying the symbolic castle, breaking the hearts of the Golda citizens… Oh, how exciting! To have an audience with the queen of the victorious nation!”
“…Please, keep your mouth shut. Your words… are poison.”
“Are they? Well then… I’ll just suck on some candy.”
The carriage must be full of people already poisoned by her words. Even now, remembering me, they must be struggling within, thrashing about. The carriage rocks as though some clandestine affair were taking place inside.
And so, with me joining them, a most ludicrous and twisted caravan is formed.
Carrying the defeated nation’s former king, the procession moves toward the capital of the victorious country—
As we passed through the south gate and entered a forest path, Remiya, leading the front of the group, gave a command to the other knights, bringing the caravan to a halt.
“Oh my? Stopping here in the middle of the forest. Something happened?”
“…We’re going to retrieve two more people deeply involved in this matter. I cannot take my eyes off of you. You will accompany us.”
“Oh? Very well, I shall come along, then.”
…This is extremely convenient. For me, it could not be more convenient.
Two birds with one stone—I am about to witness a sight I have longed to see, staged perfectly.
So, let us go together, down this “familiar narrow forest path.”
To meet the diligent, foolish, clever, and endearing little fox, who has been waiting faithfully for her master.
A small—no, not that small—house nestled in the forest.
In a corner of the garden, a beautiful natural water feature, like a mini park, had somehow been constructed.
Remiya cast her gaze toward the water for a moment, then knocked on the house’s door.
“Hellooo, who’s there?”
“Melt. This is Remiya. We went on a subjugation mission together; I’m a warrior affiliated with the guild.”
“Oh, I remember you! I’ll open the door now!”
A bright, cheerful voice came from behind the door.
Remia’s expression turned pained. …Yes, this girl is considered Silent’s friend.
“Hello! What brings you here today?”
“Well… I have something important to discuss with Same today. Is he home?”
“Ah, um… I don’t think Same will be back for a while. The war’s over, right? He should be back soon, though…”
“…I see. Then, Melt, since you also have deep ties with the brigade… I would like you to attend in his place. Do you have time now?”
“Eh? Me? Where am I going?”
The girl looked at me with wide, innocent eyes, as though she knew nothing.
Seeing her like that… it stirred strange feelings within me. Excitement, fear, emotions I could hardly explain.
“The royal palace, little fox. We’re going there together.”
“Hmph, I’m not a little fox! I’m grown up now; I can even drink alcohol!”
“Oh my, forgive me… well then, pleased to meet you, grown-up fox.”
“Mmph! My name is Melt! Don’t call me a grown-up fox, that’s weird!”
“Ahahaha, pleased to meet you, Melt. You may call me… Brother Still.”
“Brother Still? Oh, but… you remind me a little of someone I know! Though you’re a bit younger than him!”
Most likely, the person she refers to is Hash.
They do look similar, though this is a matter of my master’s taste, and there’s nothing more I can say about it.
“Wow, what a huge group! Where did everyone come from?”
“Hm? I’ve been in Lindblum recently. I’ve spent my days drinking tea.”
“Really? That’s what I’d call elegant. Did everyone come from Lindblum?”
“No, this carriage, and Remia, everyone came from Golda.”
“Eh? Then… they’re all back! Remiya, has Silent returned too?”
“Well… um…”
“Maybe not yet? Perhaps they stopped somewhere along the way?”
I watched Remiya’s expression gradually sink into despair from the corner of my eye.
The innocent words of this girl, unaware of the cruel truth awaiting her, slowly stripped away the iron mask of “a soldier fulfilling her duty” from her face, leaving it bare for all to see.
“Hmm? By the way, Still, what have you been sucking on just now?”
“Oh? You noticed. Here, Melt, have one as well.”
“Ah, candy. Mmm…”
There’s an old saying: “carrot and stick.” The candy is given so that she can endure the whip that awaits her soon.
Listening to the clack-clack of the candy rolling in her mouth, I fixed my gaze on the approaching royal palace.
“It’s delicious!? This is super delicious! I can tell it’s not ordinary sugar!”
“Oh? You can tell? This candy is made from the sap of a specially consecrated tree, refined and processed into sugar. It’s extremely rare.”
“Wow! Such a precious thing, thank you! I’ll savor it as I eat it.”
…This girl understands.
I should commend her for not biting it.
When we arrived at the royal palace, all but one carriage moved elsewhere within the grounds—likely to the dungeons or some similar facility, presumably for holding prisoners.
That meant the single carriage left behind contained—
“Unload him.”
“Yes!”
The carriage was opened, and the cargo—King of Golda, whose limbs I had disabled—was placed onto a cart.
The royal garments had already been stripped from him, and now he wore crude prisoner clothing.
“Hmph, this must be inconvenient, King of Golda. You remember me, of course?”
“Ah! Aaaaahhhhhhh!!! Someone… someone help me!!!”
“Silence.”
As I spoke, his vacant expression was instantly painted with fear, and he let out pitiful cries.
Without hesitation, I activated Holy-Evil Reversal and struck at his limbs.
“Gweh!”
“See? Too early to forget how to walk, isn’t it? Stand and walk on your own.”
“O… oh…! My arms and legs… move…!”
A fleeting moment of joy. In the heart of enemy territory, forgetting for a moment that his fate would be decided here, the King of Golda savored the simple pleasure of standing on his own feet.
“…So, it was you who rendered the hostage’s limbs unusable after all.”
“Eh… King of Golda…?”
Ignoring the murmurs of Remia and Melt, I proceeded with the guides.
An audience with the queen awaited. There, I would reveal the truth of this war and the malevolence swirling within it.
Thus began my audience… my final performance, a stage where seeds of malice and despair would be sown—