Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 469: Strategy Meeting from the Day Before
Aeris agreed to act as a decoy, which was the solution desired by Viscount Musai and Marquis Donaisson.
Both Tauro and Aeris anticipated that these two would suggest a plan that involved using Aeris as bait, which unfolded as expected.
“…In that case, we’ll need to finalize and execute our plan within the next few days. If Miss Aeris is willing, we should go to the square where the two of them were seen before, and have the imperial soldiers carry out another abduction attempt there again. Then we can surround the area and capture them all in one fell swoop . What do you think?”
Viscount Mousai suggested giving the imperial soldiers, who had failed once at the abduction attempt, another chance in the same situation.
“…Wouldn’t that make them wary? If the same opportunity presented itself a second time, they might start to suspect something…”
Marquis Donaisson pointed this out with a crease in his brow.
“No, that’s exactly why I believe the imperial soldiers will thoroughly surround us this time and try to capture Aeris. They likely don’t think that we would notice their encirclement and escape.”
“If you believe that, then I suppose we can only hope for it… Well then, we don’t have much time to think. Let’s go ahead and try this plan. We need to have the Saint’s guards on our side, so we won’t be able to spare many people, but we can send out about five trustworthy and skilled people.”
Marquis Donaisson agreed to the plan and promised to lend some of his most capable subordinates.
“We will hide our soldiers among the townspeople and position them around the area on the day of the operation.”
“That area is quite deserted, so the locals don’t go there very often, so we’ll assume that anyone who gathers there is imperial informants, and we will capture them all.”
Viscount Musai came up with a surprisingly aggressive plan.
Well, it seems likely we might capture real residents as well on the day, but that would be better than letting the imperial soldiers escape.
“…I understand. Also, would it be alright if our companions Ragune, Ankh and Zion join us on the day? I can vouch for their skills.”
It’s not that Tauro didn’t trust the soldiers of Duke Bariella’s ducal territory, but he felt more secure relying on his comrades.
“—okay. Since you both will be acting as bait, you can act as you see fit. However, please make sure not to get in the way of the plan.”
Viscount Musai had some reservations since he didn’t know how skilled Tauro’s companions really were, but he chose not to voice them.
Just then, voices came from outside the room.
“—Hey, what are you all doing in front of our room? Let us in!”
“It’s fine to force our way inside, right?”
“Both of you, don’t use force, okay?”
Apparently it’s Ankh, Raguna, and Zion.
Viscount Musai’s subordinates were standing outside to prevent any interruptions, so it seems they’re arguing with them.
“—It seems like my companions have returned just as we were talking. Can I let them in?”
Tauro said with a wry smile as he asked viscount Mousai for permission.
“—I see. I had a feeling something was up, so I came back quickly, but is this what was going on? –So? Leader, can we do as we like on the day?”
After hearing the situation, Ankh asked Tauro without hesitation, even in front of Viscount Musai and Marquis Donaisson.
“Wouldn’t it be better for me to be by your side this time rather than Tauro? I think it would be safer if everyone rushed to help while I protected Aeris from the enemies with my shield skill.”
Ragune stated.
“If it means protecting the two of you, then my abilities are more than enough to fight against a large number of enemies!”
Zion added.
“Everyone, this operation must put an end to the empire’s schemes of abducting the saint, so we need to capture them all. Just like this time, I want to prevent our presence from raising any unnecessary alarms with the enemy by being there. So everyone, please hide somewhere nearby with the territory soldiers.”
Tauro cautioned his comrades, and also subtly trying to ensure that Viscount Musai and Marquis Donaisson didn’t distract from the plan.
“…Got it, leader. Just make sure to protect Aeris, okay?”
Ankh said, with a knowing grin.
“Uh, yeah, of course.”
Tauro, being a bit slow to catch on, nodded in response.
The day before the operation, Viscount Musai decided to have his troops hide in the buildings around the square.
Since the castle where the Saint was was being watched, and they would be keeping a close eye only on the Saint as she emerged from there, so they had sent their soldiers to the scene in advance to make preparations.
Ankh and Ragune also decided to wait in an abandoned building near the square.
Since Zion looks like a child at first glance, it’s unlikely that he will raise any suspicions, so on the day, they decided to have her play the role of a lonely boy playing alone near the plaza.
“I, I’m a loner… I was definitely a loner until Tauro-sama picked me up, so I can play the role without pretending, you know…?”
Apart from Zion being a little upset, the preparations were carried out at a rapid pace without any problems.
Meanwhile, the real Saint Matilda, was enjoying her time with her latest favorite minion from the Kingdom of Saar, a beast tamer.
The Crown Prince, who was in charge, was not informed of the operation taking place behind the scenes either, and was busy checking the itinerary and escort arrangements for the next destination.
“…Tauro. Please be careful on the day, okay? I don’t think they’ll harm me as I’m the target for abduction, but I can’t guarantee what will happen to you who is with me.”
Aeris came to Tauro’s room that night and cautioned him.
“Of course. Plus, you know even if they try to kill me, I won’t die, right? I have Pella with me too.”
Tauro said, laughing at what could have sounded like a hint.
“…That’s true. But since they are imperial soldiers, We don’t know what tactics they’ll use, so if you feel it’s dangerous, please run away, okay?”
“Got it. —We have an early day tomorrow, so you should get some sleep.”
“Good night.”
Aeris answered demurely before returning to her room.
“Imperial soldiers, huh…? Looking at the way they surrounded us today, they seem quite well-trained, so I need to be careful…”
Tauro lay down in his bedroom.
Soon, overtaken by sleepiness, he fell into a deep slumber.