Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 217: A Mito Kōmon-Style Reveal
The day after Tauro spoke with Count Dareder’s messengers, Riryo visited his house.
He came to report that the count’s representative had formally offered condolences and promised financial support for his mother. He also wanted to thank Tauro again—and warn him about something troubling.
“The messenger asked many questions about you and the others. It sounded as though they were searching for a connection between Black-Gold Wings and the local man who planned the assassination.”
So they still weren’t convinced.
Tauro sighed inwardly.
Once the messengers had become suspicious, they had apparently begun gathering evidence that could link the team to the conspirators. Tauro’s explanation at the Resting Pavilion might even have sounded like a culprit’s desperate excuse.
“Thank you for telling me.”
After seeing Riryo out, Tauro considered what to do next. Ankh, who shared the house with him, had heard the entire conversation.
“We need to clear their suspicions before they return to Dareder, or this will become complicated,” Ankh said. “My careless mistake started it. Sorry.”
“I was the one who made you take part in that foolish deception. The responsibility is mine.”
“I’ll speak to them. I may have to reveal who employs me, but at least I can prove that you’re who you claim to be.”
Ankh left for the Resting Pavilion.
Tauro still didn’t know with certainty who had sent Ankh. Marquis Van Dyne was the most likely answer, given Ankh’s apparent mission to protect Aeris, but Tauro had never directly asked him.
Ankh returned some time later.
“They suspected me too, but they finally accepted my explanation after I showed them a talisman and a ring bearing the emblems I was given.”
An emblem powerful enough to convince Count Dareder’s agents likely belonged to Marquis Van Dyne.
But Ankh had shown them two different objects with emblems. Did that mean he had more than one employer?
Tauro was curious, but for the moment he was simply relieved that Ankh had reduced their suspicions.
“Thank you. I’m sorry I put you through this again.”
“Don’t worry about it. But if Count Dareder learns you’re living here, won’t that make it harder for you to remain in Dansas? You’re becoming quite a famous person, Leader.”
“I may not be able to prevent people from learning about me anymore. I’ve already done too many conspicuous things. Besides, I can protect myself better now, and I have dependable friends and companions.”
Tauro’s voice hardened with resolve.
“I don’t dislike Count Dareder, but to be safe, I’ll use that.”
“That?”
“The final proof of my identity. I’m going back to the Resting Pavilion.”
The two messengers were drinking in one corner of the tavern.
“What’s going on with that child?” one complained. “First the daughter of a great noble vouches for him, and then a retainer backed by powerful nobles does the same.”
“Our superior believed that refusing to meet Count Dareder might have been part of another assassination attempt. But what kind of suspect is protected by nobles even more influential than the count?”
The daughter of a great noble had to be Aeris. Tauro silently thanked her as he approached.
“Have your doubts been resolved?”
The two men spun around.
“We never truly doubted you…” one began weakly.
“We were merely following orders,” the other added. “It’s our duty to investigate anything suspicious.”
“If doubts remain, I can prove the story I told you.”
Tauro drew the shortsword at his waist and unwound the cloth covering its hilt. Beneath the protective wrapping was the royal family’s crest.
“The Fifth Prince gave me permission to bear this crest because I taught him Reversi and because he regards me as his friend.”
The messengers stared at it through their drunken haze. Then their eyes widened.
Both slid from their chairs and dropped to their knees.
“W-we sincerely apologize! We were only obeying our orders. Please forgive us!”
The sight of the royal crest had finally made them understand how serious a person they had been investigating.
“Please get up! Both of you!”
Tauro hurried to raise them, alarmed by the overwhelming authority carried by the crest Prince Fleue had entrusted to him.