Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 63: The Two Princes and the Two Knights
Orgol Asgard, the 99th Emperor.
The ruler of the world opened his mouth, and through the broadcast of the imperial media, his voice echoed throughout the nation.
Of course, his voice was transmitted literally across the entire world.
“Listen, all of you. I do not have much time left. That is why a successor must be chosen… the next emperor…”
His voice was already weak, so feeble that one could tell just from listening that he was on the verge of death.
It seemed he could barely stand.
“Father!?”
Odin, alarmed by his father’s words, called out.
As the one controlling the imperial broadcast, Odin had ensured Orgol was kept away from the media to prevent any careless statements.
However, today was the ceremony for Lord to name his Knight.
There was no way to stop the broadcast.
Lord had planned for this moment—using a live broadcast to deliver his message to the entire world.
“The emperor must be the strongest. That is the history of the empire, the history of war, and the history of mankind itself. Therefore, I have decided that the next emperor shall be chosen through battle—fair and honorable combat.”
Odin stepped forward, attempting to cut the broadcast.
“Our father is speaking. Brother, stay silent.”
“Tch!”
Odin tried to stop the broadcast, but Lord and Kenya stepped in front of him.
There was no army present—only nobles.
Moreover, the sudden announcement had delayed any decisive response.
“Lord… is this your check?”
“Yes, Brother. Today, the game resumes. If I recall, it was my move last time?”
A childhood memory resurfaced.
Odin remembered flipping over the chessboard, nullifying their match.
“I see… So there’s no stopping this now, is there?”
“Indeed. This time, it is my turn to overturn the board.”
If Lord had declared check, then battle was inevitable.
Odin understood this. Even if he destroyed the screen by force, Lord would find another way to see this through.
“Odin-sama, shall I cut everything off at your command?”
“Osiris… No, it’s fine.”
Osiris, hand on his sword, prepared to draw—but Odin stopped him.
Meanwhile, on the screen, the once-ailing Orgol slowly stood up.
His feeble voice gradually regained strength, carrying the weight of imperial authority throughout the hall.
“By the name of Orgol Asgard, the 99th Emperor, I declare this: A Holy War. A reenactment of the ancient duels for the imperial throne!”
The hall trembled.
Soldiers and nobles alike recalled the imposing presence of the emperor they once served.
“I hereby announce the Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament! The combatants shall be Lord and Odin! Each prince will be represented by their knight in single combat! The victor shall be the next emperor!”
“UOOOOHHH!!!”
All of Asgard shook with excitement.
The traditional tournament—a festival where Holy Knights tested their skills— This year, however, it would be different.
Odin and Lord would fight.
A battle for the throne.
The tournament had reclaimed its original purpose: A war that would shape the future of Asgard.
The people trembled with anticipation.
Odin’s knight—one of the three strongest warriors in the empire.
Osiris Halberd, the Sword Saint.
His swordsmanship was considered the best in the world.
On the battlefield, it was said he had cut down over a thousand enemies.
A living legend.
His skill with the blade had reached its peak—rumored to be able to slice bullets mid-air.
Lord’s knight, on the other hand, was an unknown figure.
Yet, he was the youngest Holy Knight Commander in history.
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His strength remained untested, but expectations were high.
A duel between two Holy Knight Commanders was unheard of in official events.
That was why this Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament carried such weight.
It was a battle that would decide the next emperor.
A battle that would shape the future of Asgard.
“So this is what you and Father were plotting all along…”
“Yes, Brother. I wanted to prove myself—before the entire nation. There is no running from this.”
“And you expect me to accept this so easily?”
“Of course. You are my brother. Besides, if I lose, I swear upon my life—I will serve as your pawn, fighting on the battlefield for you.”
“…Oh?”
Odin contemplated.
If he tried to seize power by force, the empire would fracture.
Many nobles supported Lord.
And Lord was an undefeated commander.
Even with superior numbers, Odin knew he could be outmaneuvered.
Moreover—
(The Asian Federation is already an enemy. Depleting our forces now would be foolish…)
There was no time for internal strife.
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The Asian Federation would exploit any weakness.
No, they were probably waiting for it.
That was why Lord had proposed this solution—
A way to fight without destroying the empire.
Odin and Lord both loved their nation.
They would fight for it, but they would not let it fall.
Lord had entrusted everything to this battle.
“Entrusting everything… to that man?”
“Yes.”
“Hah. That’s unlike you… But the die is cast. There’s no turning back now.”
“The same goes for you, Brother.”
Odin and Lord faced each other.
Osiris and Kenya followed suit.
Two princes and two knights.
Kenya would face the empire’s strongest knight—Osiris.
“Sword, so it has come to this. An Imperial Swordsmanship Tournament, no less…”
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“Yes, Osiris-san. I intend to keep my promise from before. I will fight with everything I have.”
“I look forward to it.”
Osiris and Kenya exchanged smiles.
Lord and Odin did the same.
“It has been a long time since we last fought. I remember teaching you chess when we were younger. Though now, I doubt I could match you. But my knight… he is the strongest in the empire.”
“We can always play chess again, Brother. And don’t worry—my knight is the strongest in the world.”
Odin and Lord locked eyes.
Then, Odin turned on his heel, his coat billowing behind him.
“Prepare yourself. My dear brother—And Sword Sylphid! Osiris, we’re leaving!”
“Yes, my lord!”
And with that, the grand announcement concluded.
The knighting ceremony was over.
A grand party followed—but all anyone could talk about was the upcoming tournament.
“Wh-which side should we support…?”
“H-hmm… It’s impossible to predict.”
“This is no longer about politics. Only strength matters now. Perhaps it is best to remain neutral…”
The nobles gathered to discuss whether to side with Odin or Lord following the emperor’s announcement.
However, no one could make a decision.
This was because if they chose the losing side, they would be branded as traitors.
Thus, remaining neutral was the wisest course of action.
“I thought I’d be showered with more praise…”
“Hehe, it can’t be helped. I’ll shower you with praise instead! You’re amazing, big brother!”
“Wow, I’m so happy. Thanks, Reina.”
Kenya enjoyed the party’s food with Reina.
He had expected to receive more congratulations, perhaps even to be approached by noblewomen offering their greetings.
Yet the only one celebrating was Reina, who clapped her hands and jumped up and down with joy.
How adorable. Can I hug her?
“It’s been a while.”
“Papa!”
“Stop that pronunciation.”
Sieg also offered his congratulations.
As always, he was a dandy gentleman who fit right in at the party.
I’ve missed you, Papa!
“The entire venue is abuzz with talk about you two, debating which side to support.”
“But I imagine all the nobles are remaining neutral. The military as well.”
“Lord!”
“You do understand why, don’t you?”
“Uh, well… probably. Because no one knows who’s going to win, right?”
“See? You do get it. Also, the duel has been scheduled for a week from now. I’ve arranged for that unit to be prepared as well. Sieg, I’ll leave it to you.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Wait… you mean Takemikazuchi-no-kami? I can pilot it!?”
“They’ll be using the latest model on their side, so we have no choice but to bring out ours as well. This will not be some lukewarm simulation battle.”
“I see… I guess I’ll get to see Tanaka-san again. He’s at the research lab now, right?”
“Yes, in the district I oversee. You’ll be using that machine on the day of the battle.”
“Alright, I’m counting on you.”
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Issei Tanaka had traveled across the sea with Kenya and the others.
He was now working at a research facility on the outskirts of Asgard.
He mainly conducted solo research, modifying Takemikazuchi-no-kami.
Though Kenya hadn’t spoken to him since they arrived, the distance between them was vast.
In Japan, it would still be considered “domestic,” but in this country, it was the equivalent of traveling overseas.
Still, they had talked over the phone, so Kenya wasn’t worried about his safety.
That night, the party came to an end.
On the way home, Reina and Kenya walked together.
Their father had left to handle matters related to Takemikazuchi-no-kami and wouldn’t be returning home that night—though, to be fair, he was rarely home.
“R-Reina, you don’t have to be that on guard…”
“No, an assassin could be targeting you. From tonight on, I will stay by your side.”
Reina remained on high alert.
Her seriousness in moments like these was almost endearing.
Though, truth be told, the idea of assassins was terrifying.
Fortunately, nothing happened that night, and Kenya went to bed as usual.
When Reina even tried to join him in the bath, he had to beg her to wait outside the door.
On the other hand, when Reina bathed, she insisted that he stay right next to the door, meaning he had to endure the sound of running water.
Why does the scent of freshly shampooed hair awaken such primal instincts?
(Isn’t this just torture for a healthy high school boy?)
Kenya had no idea when he might lose control.
But now wasn’t the time.
At the very least, he needed to wait until after the Imperial Sword Festival—until peace returned to the world.
With that resolve, he held himself back.
Not that he could ever hope to win against Reina if he did lose control.
Besides, it would be unfair to Kaguya.
If he was going to be affectionate, he wanted to be affectionate with both of them.
Would that make him unfaithful?
No, he loved them both—this was true love.
“Well then, goodnight, Kenya-kun.”
“Yeah, goodnight.”
By convincing Reina to use two separate beds, he managed to sleep better than last time.
Otherwise, he might have collapsed from exhaustion before the festival even began.
The next morning.
Ding-dong.
Early in the morning, the doorbell rang, waking Kenya up.
It was only 6 AM—he would usually still be asleep.
He had no idea who would be visiting at such an hour.
When he opened the door…
“Who is it? …Military personnel?”
Standing there were five stern-looking soldiers.
“Sir Sword Sylphid, correct?”
“Uh? Yeah, that’s me.”
“We require you to appear before the Military Tribunal. Here is the warrant.”
“Huh? What is this about?”
A single sheet of paper filled with complex legal jargon was presented before him.
His eyes scanned it, and then he saw the signature.
That’s when Kenya understood.
“You are suspected of a serious breach of military conduct.”
This was Odin’s move.
“Will you comply and come with us?”