Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 303: A Moment with a Friend
When Viscount Saissi learned that the Kingdom Knights were heading to his residence to arrest him, he immediately attempted to escape.
The refuge he chose was the residence of Marquis Halagoura, leader of the faction to which he belonged.
The knights quickly traced him and surrounded the estate. However, this was the residence of one of the most powerful figures in the kingdom’s aristocratic society, and they couldn’t simply force their way inside.
They sent a messenger demanding that Viscount Saissi be surrendered.
A butler of House Halagoura came out to meet them, denied that the viscount was present, and demanded that the knights end their disrespectful siege.
Unable to enter without authorization, the Kingdom Knights withdrew the cordon and continued watching the estate from a distance.
While that confrontation unfolded, Tauro left the Kingdom Knights’ headquarters and went directly to the royal palace to meet a friend he hadn’t seen in some time.
“Welcome back, my friend!”
Prince Fleue greeted Tauro with a broad smile.
“It’s been a long time, Your Highness.”
Although they were friends, Fleue remained a prince of far higher status. Tauro bowed and greeted him properly.
“You’re as formal as ever, Tauro. Ha ha! What brings you here today? You didn’t come merely to visit, did you?”
Fleue knew Tauro too well to miss that something serious had happened.
“I apologize, Your Highness. I came to report to you as a friend—and to offer my greetings as one of your subjects.”
“As one of my subjects?”
The prince tilted his head. Tauro was a free-spirited adventurer, so the statement made little sense to him.
“Marquis Van Dyne acted as intermediary, and today I was formally adopted by Count Graunewald.”
“What? You’ve become a noble?”
“Yes. There was an important reason.”
Tauro briefly explained that the Assassins’ Guild had been targeting his life, that Viscount Saissi had commissioned the attempt, and that becoming Count Graunewald’s adopted son had allowed the evidence to be submitted as an accusation involving the attempted murder of a noble heir.
“I had no idea any of this was happening! Saissi had been quiet for a time, and there were even rumors that he’d transfer the headship to his son and retire. Then he suddenly became active again—and he used that opportunity to target my friend? What a treacherous man! Tauro, why did you not tell me sooner?”
Fleue’s anger quickly turned toward the friend who had kept him uninformed.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. We couldn’t know who might be watching or where information might leak. The steps had to be completed in the proper order before I could report to you.”
“I’m still displeased, but I’m glad you came on the very day of the adoption. Is that why Viscount Saissi is being arrested?”
“The Kingdom Knights should have raided his residence by now.”
“I see… Good. So that explains both the report and your formal greeting.”
Fleue nodded as he finally understood Tauro’s meaning.
“I knew that, as my friend, you’d be upset if I failed to greet you immediately.”
Tauro tried to lighten the mood with a small joke.
“Ha ha ha! You know me too well. As your friend, I’m glad you came. Still, you’re now a noble—and as Count Graunewald’s adopted son, you may eventually succeed him. The count is an honorable man, and I’ve never heard anything shameful about his house. Noble life will bring difficulties, but you may always rely on me.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Tauro bowed gratefully.
“How old are you now?”
“I’m thirteen.”
“Thirteen… Then what of school? Now that you’re a noble, you must also learn the conduct expected of one.”
“My adoptive father has allowed me considerable freedom in that regard. For the time being, I intend to continue traveling as an adventurer.”
“Count Graunewald is known as something of an eccentric among the neutral nobles. Personally, I’m happier knowing you’ll remain free.”
Fleue treasured the letters in which Tauro described adventures the prince himself could never experience.
“Thank you for your concern. Speaking privately, I’ve recently visited a place that might surprise even you.”
Pleased by his friend’s interest, Tauro decided to tell him about adventures he hadn’t yet described in his letters.
“Truly? Then I must hear everything. It’s been far too long since you told me one of your stories in person. Sebas, please bring us more tea.”
With his attendant making preparations, Prince Fleue settled in to listen eagerly to his friend’s account.