Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 126: Things Become Hectic
Rosalia and Mira were overjoyed that I returned so quickly.
Fortunately, Rosalia seemed to suspect nothing. She clung to me throughout the day of my return. To be safe, I indulged her so she would remain in a good mood and not begin asking difficult questions.
From the following day, Father spent most of his time in his study with Lionel. When I visited the knight barracks, units were hurriedly departing one after another.
They were undoubtedly being sent to strengthen the border. I didn’t know how much they had been told, but the duty would demand both constant vigilance and stamina.
I should increase our stock of elementary stamina-recovery potions and prepare more healing potions. They wouldn’t spoil quickly. Waiting until an emergency began would be far too late.
The horse-racing season was approaching, and cancelling it was impossible. If we did, surrounding nobles would immediately suspect that something had happened. To avoid provoking neighbouring countries, the races had to proceed as usual.
Amid those preparations, Father summoned me to his study.
“Julius, I have decided to place you in charge of this year’s horse-racing season.”
“Me?”
“You’ll have assistants. Most of your duties will consist of greeting visitors with Amelia as representatives of House Heine.”
I thought Alex should be called home instead. When I suggested it, Father explained that final-year students took their graduation examinations after the summer recess. Alex would remain at the academy to study and wouldn’t return this summer.
But Cain would be coming, would he not?
“What about Brother Cain?”
“He’ll assist you. However, Cain may not be able to respond appropriately if an unexpected problem occurs. You already understand the races and should be able to handle one.”
“That’s true, but…”
I had proposed horse racing and had assisted Father every season since its introduction. Even so, was his opinion of Cain not rather low? At this rate, Cain might one day strike me from behind out of resentment.
Thus, I became the principal organiser and public representative for the races. Preparations reduced my potion-making time, though Mother’s help made the work less overwhelming than I had feared.
“Julius, Mira may attract even more visitors than usual this year,” Mother said.
“That’s possible. Should we not call Alex home after all?”
“No. If he performs poorly in his graduation examinations, people will criticise him as Princess Daniela’s prospective fiancé.”
So it was effectively decided. We would have to manage with those available.
More visitors required more guards, but many knights had been reassigned to the border. We needed help from the Adventurers’ Guild.
“Mother, we don’t have enough security personnel. I’ll request adventurers from the guild.”
“Can they be trusted?”
“I’ll ask the guildmaster to recommend them personally. Anyone carrying his endorsement should be reliable, and he’ll understand how carefully they must be chosen.”
“Very well. I leave it to you.”
Preparation prevented disaster. I was glad to have a good relationship with the Adventurers’ Guild and immediately sent the guildmaster a letter.
None of the rare-material requests I had submitted before winter had been completed. The ingredients were evidently even harder to obtain than I expected.
They had been difficult to collect in the game as well, but not to this extent. Perhaps I should change strategies: hire adventurers and accompany them to gather the materials myself.
My game knowledge should tell me approximately where particular monsters and resources could be found. I could simply give that information to the adventurers, but explaining how I knew it would be troublesome. Going personally would be easier.
Perhaps after the racing and social seasons I could set out on an expedition. My parents would never grant permission. Going secretly would be… No, that would still be difficult.
Time passed while I considered it, and the day arrived when racing officially opened in the Heine Margraviate.
Many people had been waiting eagerly. The square in the territorial capital was packed with spectators awaiting my declaration. Some wore clothing unfamiliar in Spencer and had evidently travelled from foreign countries.
Visitors had probably come from the neighbouring Kingdom of Lund Al and even from the other continent. Some might be agents of the Lazar Empire. I couldn’t lower my guard. My stomach was already beginning to ache.
When I stepped onto the platform in the centre of the square, the crowd fell silent. The sudden stillness was unnerving. Sweating slightly, I stood before the voice-amplifying magic tool.
“I’m Julius Heine, third son of the Margrave of Heine. I’m delighted that we can hold the races again this year. I hereby declare the horse-racing season open.”
I recited the prepared words, and the square erupted in cheers. Everyone looked genuinely happy.
I waved back while praying that the entire racing season would end without incident.
Am I the only one thinking if I was him I would be glad that the prey came to me? He is so weak willed… he has the power to mess them up if he wants to…
He does but remember, his mission by the goddess is to improve and spread the potion quality in that world.
Can’t really do it by force without knowing why things degraded and having to deal with backlash that could make him take longer.
I know I’ve forgotten a few times about that during my time reading.