Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 199: Watcher and Escort
While the three of us were discussing magic tools, dinnertime arrived. Apparently, the meal would be brought to our room. Thank goodness. We weren't expected to dine with His Majesty or anything like that.
"I'm going to check the compounding room while they're preparing dinner."
"We'll come with you."
"What? Me too?!"
Remembering the smell in the compounding room, Ijidol grimaced and cried out in alarm. I had no intention of forcing him, but Axel apparently wanted to bring him along.
"Of course. We're Julius's watchers and escorts."
"I-I suppose so."
Seemingly convinced, Ijidol rose from the sofa. Apparently, he did possess some awareness of his duty as a watcher. So that was what they thought, after all. Was I really the sort of person who might do anything at any moment? It was a little depressing.
The compounding room remained filled with its peculiar stench. Whether because my earlier instruction had been good or because the Royal Magic Pharmacists were so skilled, there was nothing for me to correct.
"Everyone is doing extremely well. At this rate, you won't need any more guidance from me."
"What are you saying? We've reached this point because your instructions were so precise and easy to understand, Julius-sensei."
"Exactly. Temperature control, pressure control—we have entered an entirely new realm."
That seemed a little exaggerated, but apparently they didn't think so. Everyone's eyes were shining, and they seemed to be sharing what I had taught them with the others.
With this degree of unity, they would complete the Panacea without difficulty.
Once they could make Panacea, they should also be able to make other potions of comparable difficulty. Advanced potions required several people working together over several days, after all.
This was the real world, not a game. Ordinary people couldn't produce them the same way I could with my cheat ability.
After confirming that the Panaceas remained on course, I instructed everyone to take turns eating, resting and sleeping. I repeated myself until my mouth was dry, so no one should dare to ignore me openly.
When we finished checking the compounding room and returned to our suite, dinner was ready. The servants had apparently begun arranging it as soon as we left, because every dish was still warm.
"It's so luxurious!"
"Ijidol, make sure you wash your hands with soap. We don't want you catching a cold."
Only after making them wash their hands and gargle properly did we sit down. As always, we offered a prayer to the gods before eating. Tonight's meal consisted of roast beef, golden soup, bread and fresh salad. Everything was delicious.
"I never expected we'd get to eat food this good."
"Neither did I. We need to savour it properly."
"There are second helpings, so don't hold back."
The three of us ate together as we talked. There was no need to fret over table manners. Food obviously tasted better when one ate as one pleased. I was glad the two of them had agreed to stay. If I had been alone, I might have been made to dine with His Majesty and Lady Daniela.
Eating while obsessing over manners the entire time would have been unbearable. I was certain I wouldn't have tasted a thing.
"I'm glad you two are here."
"Where did that come from?"
"Did something happen? If I'm any help, you can talk to me."
The offer alone was enough. When I said so, both of them gave me strange looks. Now I had friends in the royal capital too. Where there were meetings, there were also partings. That was what it meant to live.
I remained worried about Lady Chloe and Miss Carolina, but there was truly nothing I could do for them. Aristocratic society breathed throughout this world, and we had no choice but to move with that breath.
"Come to think of it, you came to the royal capital to instruct the Royal Magic Pharmacists, didn't you? What will you do when you're finished?"
"I'll return to the territorial capital. I never intended to leave it in the first place."
"Then you won't come to the royal capital again?"
Axel's gaze wandered. I shook my head.
"His Majesty may summon me again, as he did this time. Besides, many new things arrive in the royal capital. To keep from falling behind the times, I intend to visit as often as I can from now on."
I certainly had no intention of living here. I had too little freedom in the royal capital. More importantly, there were people precious to me in the territorial capital. I couldn't abandon them.
"I see. Then perhaps we should visit the Heine March instead."
"You'll be welcome whenever you do. The Heine March has all sorts of local specialities that can rival anything in the royal capital."
"I'm looking forward to it. I'll definitely come."
Our meal continued amid such conversation.
After dinner, the three of us were playing cards when a servant brought two letters. They were from Axel's and Ijidol's parents.
"Do you think they might forbid you from staying?"
"Of course not. Even if they did, I'd ignore them."
"Are you sure that's safe? Your father will hit you."
Ijidol looked worried, making Axel laugh.
"In that case, your father will burn you."
"He wouldn't do anything like that!"
Surely no one would use magic inside the family home. Well, anyone who did would be arrested by the guards. Feeling oddly nervous, I used the servant's paper knife to break the seals.
Neither letter condemned their sons for staying. Both simply asked me to look after them.
Of course. If an influential noble family requested that their son be allowed to stay, refusing would be difficult. Most parents would instead be pleased that their family had formed a useful connection. It might be different if my terrible reputation had spread, but that didn't seem to have happened yet.
"They both ask me to take good care of you."
"Well, naturally."
"I suppose so."
Ijidol released a relieved breath. He must have thought his parents might be angry. Axel wasn't like that, but perhaps Ijidol was more sensitive. I would have to keep that in mind when dealing with him.