Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 215: A Meeting the Day After the Case Was Solved
At noon the following day, Tauro and his companions met with one of Count Dareder’s trusted aides.
The count’s household wanted to thank them for preventing the assassination. Tauro had initially refused and intended to return to Dansas. He was still in the middle of Riryo’s guild request, and accepting personal gratitude from a noble involved in national politics promised needless complications.
More importantly, Count Dareder belonged to the prime minister’s faction and had met Tauro before. If they met face-to-face, the count might recognize him.
Tauro finally agreed after the aide suggested that Count Dareder would provide compensation and future support for Riryo and his widowed mother.
Fortunately, the count was also being cautious after the assassination attempt and chose not to meet them personally. The discussion therefore took place with his aide.
“On behalf of my master, I offer our deepest gratitude for preventing his assassination.”
The aide bowed deeply—to Ankh.
Tauro had asked Ankh to pose as the party’s representative. If Tauro handled the conversation himself, questions about his identity could create even more trouble.
Ankh was visibly uncomfortable, but he endured the role.
“We only happened to discover the plot while carrying out another request. Please don’t bow to us.”
Tauro had instructed him to emphasize that point.
“Even so, you saved my master’s life,” the aide insisted.
“The best thanks you can give us would be to support the family harmed by this conspiracy,” Ankh replied pointedly. “Our client’s father was murdered, and his mother nearly died.”
“You seek nothing for yourselves?”
“We’re already being paid by our client. As I’ve said, our involvement in the count’s case was a coincidence. Direct your gratitude toward the victims. We also need to report back and complete our request, so may we leave?”
Ankh glanced toward Tauro.
“Very well. Then please deliver this to your client.”
The aide handed him a leather pouch filled with money.
“It’s compensation for the victims and assistance for their new life in Dansas. Tell Riryo that another messenger will visit later to convey Count Dareder’s condolences formally.”
“We’ll deliver it. Leader, please put this in [Magic Storage].”
Relieved that the uncomfortable performance was over, Ankh accidentally addressed Tauro by his real role.
The aide’s gaze moved back and forth between the adult warrior and the child.
“Leader?”
“That’s backward, Leader!” Tauro blurted. “You’re supposed to be the leader today!”
Whether the aide believed the desperate correction or simply decided not to pursue the matter was impossible to tell. He accepted the explanation with a polite smile.
Tauro and his companions left Count Dareder’s residence without further questioning.
“Ankh, you nearly ruined the entire act at the end,” Tauro complained once they were outside.
“Sorry, Leader. I was so relieved that it slipped out. Still, Riryo and his mother now have enough money to rebuild their lives. All’s well that ends well, right? Wahaha!”
Ankh laughed, trying to smooth over his mistake.
“So can we finally return home?” Aeris asked after stretching her stiff shoulders.
“It’s already past noon,” Tauro said. “If we leave now, we won’t reach Dansas until around midnight. We’ll depart first thing tomorrow.”
“Then shall we spend another night at Riryo’s old shop?” Ragune suggested.
“That will save the cost of lodging. We can use the money for a good dinner instead.”
“Excellent! Since the Leader can cure abnormal conditions, I can drink as much as I like tonight!” Ankh declared.
“You may drink,” Aeris said, “but if you become obnoxiously drunk, Tauro will sober you up immediately.”
“What would be the point of drinking, then?”
Ankh looked genuinely offended.
“Just drink in moderation,” Tauro said. “Then I won’t need to use magic on you.”
“I’ll drink tonight as well,” Ragune announced. “I’ll leave it to Tauro to decide whether I need treatment afterward.”
It was rare for Ragune to declare her intention to drink. Tauro decided he wouldn’t use abnormal-status recovery magic unless one of them was still suffering from a hangover the following morning.