Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 479: Change of Destination
The Saint’s entourage made a substantial change to its itinerary.
After visiting the Barriera Duchy, the original plan had been to stop in the territory of another prominent noble nearby before continuing to the Halagoura Marquisate. Because the journey was already badly delayed, however, the Kingdoms of Luwan and Sart held discussions and decided that the group would proceed directly to the Halagoura Marquisate.
Even along the main road, the westward journey would take ten days each way.
“The Halagoura Marquisate is next, huh…”
Tauro sighed inside the carriage the Kingdom of Luwan had arranged for them.
Ragune and Ankh rode with him, finally able to travel with the rest of the party during this journey.
“If everything had gone according to the original plan, this part of the trip would’ve taken only four days, right?”
Ankh added to Tauro’s complaint.
“The Saint’s remaining schedule is packed. Apparently, the Crown Prince’s faction suggested skipping the detour because it’d be rude to keep the very busy Marquis Halagoura waiting any longer.”
Aeris explained what she had heard directly from Saint Matilda.
“Marquis Halagoura… the leader of the kingdom’s largest noble faction. I’m curious about him, but I’d much rather avoid becoming involved.”
Tauro gave his honest opinion.
“His grandson gave me a bad feeling too. I just want to arrive, finish the Blessing Ceremony, and then go adventuring with everyone.”
Ragune agreed with Tauro.
“If Tauro-sama doesn’t want to become involved, neither do I.”
Zion eagerly agreed, as loyal to Tauro as ever.
“Ten days there. The Blessing Ceremony will be held the day after we arrive, then we’ll remain for several days before moving on. At that point, we can say goodbye to the Saint and her party.”
Aeris summarized the schedule while counting the days.
“Yeah. I had hoped we’d return to the Royal Capital first so I could celebrate Haku’s formal adoption, but I suppose that won’t happen.”
Tauro looked disappointed that he would miss his adoptive brother’s important occasion.
“If that’s what worries you, I still have an entrance to [Dimensional Corridor] outside Aeris’s room at the Van Dyne Marquisate residence. From there, House Graunewald’s territory is only a few days away.”
Ragune reminded him.
“That’s right! At least returning to Graunewald territory will be easier. The Halagoura Marquisate is far away, but shortening the return journey makes a big difference. Thank you, Ragune!”
Tauro was once again grateful for Ragune’s ability.
“Tauro, do you not still need to appear in the Royal Capital at least once?”
Aeris asked, suddenly remembering something.
“The Royal Capital? I send Prince Fleue letters regularly, so I have no particular reason to visit him in person…”
“I knew you had forgotten. Remember what Viscount Musai said? He intends to recommend you for ennoblement.”
“Leader, seriously!? Ouch!”
Ankh stood up in surprise and immediately struck his head against the carriage roof.
“Well… yes, but nothing has been decided. It’s only a recommendation, and the title would be honorary. Still, perhaps I should return to the Royal Capital at least once.”
Tauro began considering the matter seriously.
“An honorary noble receives no territory, right? It really is only a title, though it’s still impressive.”
As expected from his long experience as a mercenary, Ankh understood the distinction and nodded.
“Really? That sounds useful! What can an honorary noble actually do?”
Ragune asked reasonably.
Aeris took the opportunity to explain the status and privileges of honorary nobility to Ragune and Zion, neither of whom knew much about it.
“I see… So that’s how it works. Those privileges would be extremely helpful during our future adventures!”
Ragune was clearly impressed.
“As expected of Tauro-sama!”
Zion beamed with pride.
“Even if I do become an honorary noble, I’ll owe it to all of you. Had I been alone during that battle, I doubt I could’ve protected Aeris. In truth, we probably would all have died. We could fight the enemy on equal terms only because Ragune, Ankh, and Zion pressured them from outside.”
Tauro spoke with genuine gratitude.
“What are you saying, Leader? Those two may deserve praise, but I was injured almost immediately and had to withdraw. I was barely useful. Frankly, the enemy was far stronger than I expected, and I underestimated them completely. I deserve a scolding, not praise.”
The matter genuinely troubled Ankh.
“Then the same applies to me. When I saw you wounded, a chill ran down my spine and I realized how serious the situation was. Had that not happened, I might have been the next one to fall.”
Ragune admitted that she, too, had entered the battle with excessive confidence.
Zion had fought valiantly, but her memories of the battle remained vague because she had activated [Berserker].
She therefore listened quietly to the other two.
“We’re all in the same position. Every one of us underestimated that enemy. It only proves how vast the world is.”
Tauro’s words encouraged both his companions and himself.
“You’re all being too hard on yourselves. I trusted every one of you, and you lived up to that trust. You were wonderful. Luck may have played a part, but we survived and turned the tables on the enemy. That’s enough. Let’s learn from the experience and become even stronger.”
Aeris encouraged them to look toward the future.
“You’re right. Black-Gold Wings is only getting started!”
Bolstered by Aeris’s words, Tauro added his own encouragement.
“Yes! I’ll work even harder!”
Zion responded enthusiastically.
“Good grief. I’m already an old man, you know. Still, I suppose I’ll do what I can.”
Ankh smiled, accepting the encouragement from Tauro, Aeris, and Zion.
“Right! I’ll keep doing my best to protect everyone!”
Ragune found her resolve again.
“Yeah!” A spirited cheer erupted from the carriage carrying all five members of Black-Gold Wings.
The carriage continued west toward the Halagoura Marquisate.