Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 147: Meeting the Commander
Count Connoen’s office was plain compared with the polished armor worn by the Royal Guard.
It was clean and orderly, containing only what was necessary. The room seemed to reflect its owner’s disciplined personality.
Tauro and Aeris waited there for a short while. Through the window, they could see Royal Guard knights training in the courtyard below.
Even without appraising them individually, Tauro could tell that the order protecting the royal family contained many highly skilled fighters.
Count Connoen eventually entered wearing simple, comfortable clothing instead of armor.
He was a lion beastman, and drying his long, thick mane after bathing had apparently taken some time.
“I apologize for keeping you waiting. Please, sit and make yourselves comfortable.”
He took the seat opposite them.
“What did you wish to discuss? Sharga pressed me rather insistently to grant this meeting. Once I learned that the visitor was Marquis Van Dyne’s daughter, however, I could hardly refuse. There’s also another matter…”
Count Connoen paused and looked directly at Aeris.
“Royal Guard knights accompanied your father’s expedition. We failed to protect Marquis Van Dyne when he disappeared in the dungeon. For that, I’m truly sorry.”
He bowed deeply.
“Please raise your head, Count. I was told that my father vanished suddenly during the investigation, almost as though the gods had hidden him. No one could’ve predicted it, and another person might’ve disappeared in his place.”
“Even so, your father was the man assigned to our protection. The failure remains ours.”
“Please, let’s leave it there. A dungeon is a place where anything can happen. My father understood the danger every time he entered one.”
Tauro hesitated before asking a question of his own.
“In which dungeon did Marquis Van Dyne disappear?”
He thought Aeris might someday want to visit the place and offer flowers, if permission could be obtained.
“The information is classified, but the dungeon is called Babylon. It lies about half a day’s journey from the capital. Your father didn’t disappear in the depths. He vanished while investigating a newly discovered chamber on the first floor.”
“A new chamber on the first floor?” Aeris repeated. This was the first time she had heard that detail.
“Please keep what I’m about to tell you confidential. Babylon has currently been explored as far as the 101st floor. Despite that long history of exploration, a small room suddenly appeared beside the stairway on the first floor. Marquis Van Dyne led the team assigned to investigate it, and he disappeared inside that room.”
“Thank you for trusting me with that information. What happened to my father is connected to the reason we came here—or rather, it created the circumstances that allowed this problem to arise.”
Aeris then explained the situation within House Van Dyne.
Count Connoen’s expression darkened.
“Unbelievable. I’d heard unpleasant rumors about the marchioness. Affairs are regrettably common among nobles, but attempting to seize control of a great house through her lover would undermine the very foundation of noble succession.”
Tauro continued the explanation.
“We’re gathering evidence now. Until we have it, there’s a serious risk that the marchioness and Uwaakin will use House Van Dyne’s influence to harm or confine Aeris. I asked Sharga to introduce us because we need allies capable of counterbalancing that power.”
Count Connoen considered the request.
“To be honest, I’m a comparatively new noble. Most of my connections are military, so my political influence may be less useful than you hope. Nevertheless, while Lady Aeris remains in the Royal Capital, I’ll assign someone to protect her.”
“Thank you very much!”
Tauro and Aeris rose and bowed.
Before they left, Count Connoen turned his attention back to Tauro.
“Your name is Tauro, correct? How old are you?”
“Twelve.”
“The same age as my son. Your skill is extraordinary, and you carry yourself with remarkable confidence. Still, speak more cautiously when you meet other nobles. Many of them conceal their intentions far better than the people you’re accustomed to dealing with.”
His expression softened slightly, as though he were advising his own child.
“Look after Lady Aeris.”
“I will.”
Tauro and Aeris thanked Count Connoen once more and left his office.
I wonder if he will visit the prince since they are friends.