Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 224: The Boys’ Gathering
I gave Nero a brief tour of the townhouse as we headed to my rooms. A more detailed tour could wait; for now, I needed to retrieve the potions quickly.
“This is my room.”
I invited Nero inside. He entered somewhat timidly while I, paying little attention to his unease, took a spare key from the desk drawer.
“Here. This is the key to my desk. Use it whenever you need to.”
“I’ll keep it safe, my lord.”
“Good. I store some potions in here.”
I opened the largest drawer. It contained potions made in the royal castle’s compounding room. I would add labels later so Nero could identify them easily. For now, I removed an elementary stamina potion.
Normally, an elementary mana-restoration potion might have suited Ijidol better, but he would not be using any more magic before bed. Restoring his physical stamina seemed wiser. Axel was not injured either, so he did not need a healing potion.
The elementary stamina potion was pale red, diluted and carbonated. We already knew that drinking the undiluted concentrate was dangerous; the surge of energy was far too intense.
When I returned to the common room, I handed the potions to Axel and Ijidol, who were slumped over the table. Their eyes brightened immediately. Neither had ever seen a potion like it.
“What is this?”
“An elementary stamina potion. It restores a small amount of physical energy. I thought you two could use it.”
“I’ve never heard of such a potion. The colour is pretty, though…”
Axel examined the bottle from every angle, clearly suspicious. I should have brought enough for everyone and drunk one with them. Come to think of it, had Brother Alex ever tried this potion?
They cautiously pulled the corks. Each bottle opened with a cheerful pop, drawing everyone’s attention. Perhaps embarrassed by the scrutiny, the boys quickly drank. Their eyes widened.
“What is this?!”
“There are bubbles bursting all through my mouth! And it tastes amazing!”
They cried out in surprise and seemed to love it. The potion was popular among the knights of House Heine. To prevent anyone becoming dependent on it, we had established a limit of one bottle per day.
“Julius, didn’t you bring one for me?”
“What? I-I’m sorry, I forgot. Nero, please bring one for Brother Alex—and one for yourself as well.”
Had Brother Alex truly never tried an elementary stamina potion? I assumed he had received reports about it, but perhaps he had never had an opportunity to taste one.
“What about yours, Lord Julius?”
“I don’t need one. I’m not tired.”
“After sparring with Axel for so long? What exactly is your body made of, Julius— What’s this? Strength is pouring back into me!”
“Wh-what is happening? Whoa!”
This was bad. The two boys who had been completely exhausted were suddenly overflowing with energy. They were still children; I should have given them half a dose. Brother Alex stared at the transformation in astonishment.
“This potion is remarkable. It truly restores stamina. In that case, you can continue your etiquette lessons.”
“What?”
“What?”
Their voices overlapped. Both turned towards me, but I smoothly redirected my gaze to Nero. He understood at once and nodded before leaving to fetch more potions. Meanwhile, Brother Alex, having guessed my intention, closed in on the other two.
“I have arranged for both of you to stay the night. That will give you plenty of time to train before the evening party. Don’t worry; I’ll inform your parents.”
The two stared at me with wide eyes and open mouths. Their expressions clearly said, You planned this, Julius! I bowed my head in silent apology.
Brother Alex and Nero were both amazed after tasting the potions Nero brought. Brother Alex immediately asked for another bottle, perhaps intending to give it to Princess Daniela. I only hoped it would not reach His Majesty the King through her.
“This was your plan all along, wasn’t it?”
“You set us up.”
They confronted me later in the bath. Axel and Ijidol would now remain at the townhouse until the evening party. Honestly, I had not expected the arrangement to last that long either.
“I’m sorry. I thought you might stay tonight, but I never imagined it would turn into this. Brother Alex truly is thorough.”
“Really? You weren’t working with Lord Alex?”
“I truly wasn’t.”
Nero was helping wash my back. I felt awkward about it, but now that he was officially my attendant, I needed to become accustomed to his assistance. It was also better for Nero and Lelie; if Nero handled bath duty, Lelie would not try to rush in herself.
“There’s no point complaining now. I was able to try all kinds of magic, so perhaps it worked out well.”
“Ijidol, we can do it again tomorrow.”
“Really? Yes!”
That was entirely up to him. At the townhouse, Ijidol could practise as many spells as he wished, which must have felt like a dream. Perhaps I should use the opportunity to guide him properly. I knew how much talent he possessed.
“Then you’ll spar with me tomorrow too, Julius—seriously this time.”
“Well… yes. Are you sure? You haven’t lost heart?”
“Lost heart? I’m surprised, but you were even stronger than I expected. Julius, you really are a Sword Saint.”
“Don’t say that! Never spread that rumour, Axel. Never.”
“And what do I receive in return?”
“Please.”
Axel laughed, evidently satisfied to see me reduced to something as small and harmless as a dwarf hamster.
“Very well. I forgive you.”
Apparently, I had been pardoned. Ijidol laughed, and Nero’s shoulders shook as he tried to hold back his own amusement.
Go ahead and laugh, Nero. You were here because of my selfish request, after all.