Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 142: Suspending Activities and Heading to the Royal Capital
Shin, Rumeya, and Aeris needed a moment to process Tauro’s announcement.
“Why the Royal Capital?” Shin and Rumeya asked together.
“And why suspend Black-Gold Wings?” Aeris added.
“The practical reason is simple. If Shin and Rumeya accompany us, they’ll have no income while we’re away. I can’t predict how long this will take or how expensive life in the Royal Capital will be. The two of you should remain here, continue accepting quests, and cover your living expenses.”
“Wouldn’t the same problem apply to you and Aeris?” Rumeya objected.
“I have contacts in the Royal Capital, and we can’t make use of them unless I go personally. Aeris is the person directly involved, so she must be there as well. I would prefer to have both of you as her guards, but I can’t guarantee your expenses or compensate you for lost work. You need to continue earning your livelihoods.”
The explanation left Shin and Rumeya with little room to argue.
They had some savings, but not enough to survive indefinitely without income. The journey and the cost of staying in the capital could consume everything they possessed.
Tauro’s real concern was the danger of involving them in a conflict among nobles. He kept that reason to himself because he knew they would refuse to stay behind if he admitted it.
“Why go to the Royal Capital instead of House Van Dyne’s territory?” Aeris asked.
“Because there’s no reason to enter a place where our opponent can exercise absolute authority.”
Within his own domain, a lord controlled the courts, soldiers, and administration. If Aeris returned to Van Dyne territory, her mother could have her seized and confined before she had any opportunity to defend herself.
Tauro understood too well how frightening one-sided authority could be. Walking into the opponent’s territory would be the same as entering a contest whose outcome had already been decided.
“Even in the Royal Capital, very few nobles would interfere in a dispute inside House Van Dyne,” Aeris said. “I doubt anyone important would even agree to meet people like us.”
The more she spoke, the more she felt that she had dragged Tauro into a hopeless struggle.
“We won’t know until we try. I can’t promise how much I can accomplish, but I have decided to do everything within my power.”
Tauro placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
“…Thank you, Tauro.”
Aeris turned toward the other two.
“Shin, Rumeya, please look after things while we’re gone. Until we return, the two of you’ll represent Black-Gold Wings. Do your best!”
“We’ll protect the team’s name, so don’t worry!” Rumeya declared.
“And if the situation becomes too dangerous, run,” Shin told Aeris. “Coming home safely matters more than anything.”
The two reluctantly agreed to remain in Dansas.
Tauro asked Shin to arrange a carriage and deliver the letters to a courier, together with an additional fee.
Ordinarily, a courier waited until enough parcels accumulated to make a journey profitable. Tauro paid generously so the letters would be dispatched without delay.
While Tauro and Aeris prepared to leave, angry voices rose outside the house.
“We have confirmed that Aeris is here! Send her out quietly!”
“This isn’t my house,” Rumeya replied. “Even if I wanted to obey you, I couldn’t order anyone out of it.”
“Then stand aside!”
“I don’t need you telling me where I can stand!”
Tauro recognized Uwaakin’s voice and Rumeya’s defiant response.
“I’m the future Marquis of Van Dyne! Soldiers, remove this insolent man!”
Tauro stepped outside before the situation could escalate further.
“The future Marquis of Van Dyne? I heard that you’re merely the second son of a fallen viscount’s family. In other words, you hold no title at all.”
Uwaakin froze.
“If you’re falsely presenting yourself as a member or heir of House Van Dyne, that isn’t a harmless boast. Impersonating or fraudulently invoking the authority of a noble house is a grave crime in this kingdom—one severe enough to carry the death penalty. You understand that, don’t you?”
Tauro seized upon Uwaakin’s careless claim and pressed him with cold authority.
At the same time, he activated [Majesty].
Despite Tauro’s youthful appearance, the force of his presence overwhelmed Uwaakin. The man’s legs gave way, and he collapsed onto the ground, wetting himself in terror.
“I-I didn’t mean to deceive anyone! It was only a figure of speech! You there, help me. We’re leaving!”
The soldiers lifted Uwaakin beneath the arms and hurried away with him dangling between them.
Rumeya watched them retreat and burst out laughing.
“He wet himself just from feeling Tauro’s pressure!”
“Shin should have the carriage ready shortly,” Tauro said. “Rumeya, I’m leaving the house and Black-Gold Wings in your care.”
Then he called to Aeris inside.
“We should go. This may be our last chance to leave without interference.”
Aeris emerged with her belongings.
“I suppose this is goodbye for a while.”
Rumeya waved until Tauro and Aeris disappeared down the road.