Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 59: Sunset over the Royal Capital (1)
An old arena stood north of the royal capital. Built long ago, it had fallen out of use partly because marshland extending toward the Ureri River left its foundations unstable.
Workers had recently gathered to repair it for a new purpose.
Most laborers came from the capital’s poor districts. They hastily laid stone over poorly drained ground. A canal also passed near the arena, and because the wet season made its odor especially foul, workers covered it with wooden planks.
“I wonder what they plan to use this old arena for,” one of the men said.
“I heard the king is supposed to come and watch from the stands. They’re doing quite a bit of work here, though. Is it for some kind of ceremony?” another replied.
The men chatted as they worked. Grateful for employment, they nevertheless understood little beyond their assigned tasks.
“Hey, have you heard that another person has gone missing…?”
“What? Another one? I don’t get why they’d run away; the pay isn’t bad for this job.”
Recently, laborers had disappeared one by one without explanation. The work was difficult but well paid, a rare chance for the poor to earn money. It offered no obvious reason to flee.
“Yes, and so many rumors about undead beasts have spread lately. I understand why people hesitate to approach the river.”
The man carrying dressed stones glanced anxiously toward the Ureri River.
◆◆◆
Crown Prince Alexis and Amanda toured the lower town with Royal Guards. The inspection also provided a pretext to meet Kevin and Chelsea.
Though dressed plainly, their guards made anonymity impossible. Still, Alexis often visited common districts, so they caused no major disturbance.
A child suddenly ran toward their carriage. Guards swiftly restrained the boy, but he looked over the soldier’s shoulder and cried out to Alexis.
“Your Highness, please help! My father is missing!”
Alexis and Amanda exchanged grave looks. Commoners rarely pleaded so directly during inspections, and the city’s atmosphere felt wrong.
The boy’s desperation alarmed them. Residents watching from a distance looked equally anxious, as though they too wished to speak.
A pale middle-aged woman, probably the boy’s mother, approached the guards and took him into her arms. Her pleading gaze remained fixed on Alexis.
“…Several people have vanished recently. My husband and others disappeared without a word. I can think of no reason.”
Still holding the child, she knelt and bowed to the ground. Ordinarily guards would force distance between the crown prince and approaching commoners, but her desperation left them uncertain.
Several residents among the distant crowd also knelt and bowed toward Alexis.
“Just to be sure, let’s investigate,” Alexis said.
Amanda nodded in agreement.
◆◆◆
In a castle chamber, Elliot and Emily tried on newly sewn ceremonial clothes while Count and Countess Agreas attended.
The castle servants present noticed something strange, although their faces revealed nothing.
Wrapped in delicate layers of lace, Emily seemed delighted at first glance, but her conversation with Elliot was awkward.
Formerly overfamiliar and casual for a royal setting, they now avoided each other’s eyes and exchanged stiff words. Palpable tension suggested both struggled to speak.
Some servants attributed the change to Marianne’s etiquette lessons. Others considered it ordinary emotional instability before a wedding.
Despite such explanations, a dark shadow lingered and clouded their hearts.
The couple merely donned each garment and listened to instructions. Their gloom ill suited the Holy Knight’s glorious debut.
Only Count Agreas and his wife watched with calm, unreadable smiles.