Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 14: The Royal Capital
It had been five days since Sheila and I decided on our goals.
With no new seeds planted after the harvest, the fields were left empty, leaving us ready to head to the royal capital at any time.
A carriage comes from the royal capital once a month to deliver food supplies, and I had considered riding it back to the city. However, leaving the fields empty and waiting for days seemed foolish, so we decided to walk to the capital instead.
The distance was about 20 kilometers—not too far to be impossible, though it would be a bit of a challenge for me. For Sheila, it was likely such a short distance that it wouldn’t even count as a warm-up. I’d have to work hard not to slow her down.
“Sato-san, are you ready?”
“Yes, I’ve locked up properly, and everything’s prepared.”
“Then, shall we head to the capital?”
“Ah, could you wait just a moment? I’d like to say goodbye to Lime.”
“Of course. Although I’m sure Lime will be fine, it’s natural to worry about it a bit.”
“True. There’s food for it here, so I hope it’ll behave and stay quiet while we’re gone…”
“Well, it’s only about a 40-minute run for me. If you’re worried, I can come back to check on it.”
“Thank you. If we end up having to stay longer than expected, I’ll leave that to you.”
“Of course. Leave it to me.”
After bowing deeply to Sheila, I went outside to say goodbye to Lime.
As always, Lime was bouncing around playfully, and I let it know that I’d be heading to the royal capital for a few days.
“Please take care of the house while I’m gone. If anything happens, Sheila will come back to check on you.”
Though I doubted it understood my words, I told it anyway and gently patted it. Lime stretched and curled up lightly, looking happy. After saying goodbye, I left with Sheila, and we started walking toward the capital.
Three hours after leaving the villa, we arrived at the royal capital with plenty of energy to spare.
Contrary to my earlier worries, the journey wasn’t as tiring as I’d feared. I’d assumed I’d be exhausted, considering how little exercise I got after starting work. However, the farm work and outdoor activities I’d done since being summoned seemed to have built up my stamina without me noticing.
“Sato-san, we’ve arrived. You can see the royal capital ahead.”
“It’s been a month since I was last here, and since I didn’t really explore the city back then, it feels almost like I’m visiting for the first time.”
“To be honest, I feel the same way. I don’t have many fond memories of the royal capital, so this is the first time I’ve entered it with such a fresh and positive mindset.”
“Is that a good thing?”
“Of course. If it weren’t, I wouldn’t have chosen to stay in the villa. I’m truly grateful to you, Sato-san.”
Sheila expressed her gratitude with a slightly embarrassed smile, and I felt my own face growing red.
“I should be the one thanking you, Sheila. It’s a bit embarrassing to say this out loud, though.”
“Fufu, it is indeed.”
“S-So, what’s the plan from here? I don’t have an ID or anything. Can I even enter the city?”
I asked, trying to mask my embarrassment by shifting the conversation. From what I’d observed, entering the city involved a baggage check and ID verification, but I had nothing to prove my identity.
“I have a special ID entrusted to me by the king, so there’s no need to worry. We’ll likely be allowed through without much trouble.”
“I see. That’s a relief. I already knew I was being treated well after being given the villa, but this is really exceptional treatment.”
“Of course. You were an innocent victim caught up in this situation, Sato-san. You could even act a bit more entitled if you wanted to.”
“No way. With all the kindness I’ve received, I couldn’t possibly act entitled.”
We continued chatting as Sheila guided me through the inspection process.
Though I felt a bit nervous, everything went just as Sheila said, and we were let in with almost no issues. I safely entered the royal capital.
When I left the capital last time, I’d been in a carriage and hadn’t seen much of the surroundings, so walking through the city now felt like my first real experience of it.
The streets were so picturesque, it felt as though I’d stepped into a game world. There was no particular event or spectacle to grab my attention, yet I couldn’t help but feel excited.
“Sato-san, you seem to be enjoying yourself. Since I thought you preferred quiet rural areas, I assumed you didn’t like crowded places.”
“I do prefer quieter places, but the royal capital’s streets feel like something out of a story. It’s fun to walk through.”
“A story, you say… To me, this is just an ordinary sight, but it must feel different for you. I’d like to visit where you’re from someday, Sato-san.”
“It’s like a whole other world. I’m sure you’d be amazed, Sheila.”
“The food alone was so different! Hearing that makes me want to visit even more.”
I’d love to show Sheila around someday, but since there’s no known way to return from this world to mine, it’s not realistic.
While my previous world had its challenges, it wasn’t a bad place.
It was full of entertainment, and even convenience store meals were surprisingly delicious.
If possible, I’d want Sheila to experience Japan and love it as much as I did.
Lost in thought, we soon reached the royal castle.
That was the end of my sightseeing mood. From here, it was time to negotiate.
Slapping my cheeks to focus, I entered the castle with Sheila.
Much like entering the city, getting into the castle was smooth and easy. Sheila led the way, and before I knew it, we were heading straight for the throne room. Her guidance made everything feel incredibly seamless.
While I was waiting in the empty throne room with Sheila, the person who entered from the back wasn’t the king—but an exceptionally beautiful young woman.
Judging by the tiara-like accessory she wore, I assumed she might be the queen.
“She’s the princess.”
Sheila whispered into my ear as I tilted my head in confusion. Her quick explanation reminded me again how competent she was.
“Princess, thank you for taking the time to see us.”
“No need for the stiff formalities. So, what brings you here today? Don’t tell me you’ve grown tired of living in the countryside?”
Despite her striking beauty, the princess’s tone was somewhat casual and a little brusque. There was a hint of sharpness in her words, making me wonder if she thought I’d come to beg for money.
“No, not at all. Thanks to the king’s generosity, I’ve been living quite happily.”
I replied quickly.
Ad
“Hmm, is that so? Then, why are you here?”
“I have something I’d like to discuss with His Majesty. Could you tell me where he is?”
“Just tell me first. Depending on what it’s about, I’ll decide if it’s worth passing on to him.”
I glanced at Sheila for confirmation, and she gave me a small nod. Taking that as a sign that it was safe to proceed, I explained my purpose to the princess.
“So… that’s what I’ve come to seek permission for.”
“I see.”
The princess responded with a vague tone.
“Could you inform the king about my request?”
I asked hesitantly.
“My father isn’t in the capital right now. He’s in the city of Latell with the summoned heroes.”
“Ah, um, do you know when he’s expected to return?”
“Who knows? He left about two weeks ago, so I’d guess he’ll be back soon.”
She replied casually.
And with that, the princess stood up and left the room.
I nearly let out a shocked “What?!” but managed to swallow my words at the last second.
Ad
“Well… she’s gone. What just happened?”
“Don’t worry, that’s just how the princess is, It’s best not to overthink it. You handled yourself perfectly, though—it would’ve been troublesome to upset her.”
Sheila said reassuringly.
“Really? So she didn’t leave because I annoyed her?”
“Not at all. In fact, she seemed to enjoy herself. I think she liked you.”
Sheila said with a smile.
Did she really? From my perspective, she seemed upset the entire time, and her abrupt exit certainly didn’t help.
But Sheila had known the princess for a long time, so I decided to trust her judgment.
“If you say so, that’s a relief. So, what should we do now?”
For the time being, I suggest waiting here for a few days. If His Majesty hasn’t returned by then, we can go back to the villa.”
“Understood. I’ll stay in the capital for a few days.”
“Since you’re here, please enjoy the city. I’d be happy to show you around.” Sheila offered kindly.
“Thank you. I’ll take you up on that,” I said gratefully.
And so, we decided to wait for the king’s return in the royal capital.
The only thing that concerned me was my complete lack of money, but just as we were leaving the castle, a butler handed me five gold coins, saying they were from the princess.
I wasn’t familiar with this world’s currency, but according to Sheila, it was more than enough to cover the costs of a few days’ stay.
Relieved to have some funds and reassured that the princess didn’t dislike me, I felt a weight lift off my chest. At the same time, I realized I would need to find a way to repay her kindness, which gave me yet another thing to ponder.