Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 314: An Important Discussion
At the Dragonfolk Village Adventurers’ Guild branch, Aeris looked down at her newly issued tag with deep emotion.
“We finally reached D rank. That happened faster than I expected.”
“Wa-ha-ha! I say this not merely because I’m the branch manager, but Black-Gold Wings is already stronger than an ordinary D-rank party, especially when Tauro’s equipment is included.”
Salaman delivered the assessment with complete confidence.
“Branch Manager, the guild’s internal rules require caution when rapidly promoting young adventurers. There’s no need to encourage them further,” Ryuko warned from the reception counter.
“Is that true, Ryuko?” Ragune asked her childhood friend.
“Yes. In human branches, rapidly promoted young adventurers can attract jealousy and resentment. Young people are also more likely to become overconfident and accept reckless requests. Since higher ranks provide access to more dangerous work, their death rate rises accordingly.”
Ryuko indicated Tauro and Aeris.
“A human adventuring party containing two minors would rarely reach D rank this quickly. This branch currently has only Black-Gold Wings, Salaan, and a handful of new registrants, so we have avoided the usual problems.”
“I’ll come of age soon,” Aeris said, puffing out her chest.
“In three months, correct?” Tauro asked casually.
“Yes. That’s what I needed to tell everyone.” Aeris drew a breath. “In three months, I’m returning home.”
The others stared at her.
“You already return to the Royal Capital frequently,” Tauro said. “What do you mean?”
“I mean that I’ll retire from adventuring and return permanently to House Van Dyne.”
“What?”
Every other member of Black-Gold Wings froze.
“Wait, Aeris.” Tauro’s normally calm expression vanished. “Why are you suddenly leaving the team?”
“This isn’t sudden to me. I’ve considered it carefully for the past three months. Once I come of age, I’ll have responsibilities as the daughter of a marquis.”
She continued before anyone could interrupt.
“Father intends to marry Mei, and she’ll become my stepmother. Their child will also be my younger sibling. As the birth approaches, I want to support both of them and prepare to fulfill my duties within House Van Dyne.”
“So the time has finally come,” Ankh said with a rueful smile. “I expected it eventually, though not quite this soon.”
“My leaving doesn’t mean that you or Ragune must stop,” Aeris told him. “Please continue helping Tauro as you always have.”
“Are you certain?” Ragune asked. “You seemed more attached to Black-Gold Wings than any of us.”
“That’s true. I formed this party with Tauro, met all of you through it, and shared many difficult experiences with you. I’d be lying if I claimed leaving didn’t hurt.”
Aeris’s voice remained steady.
“But I’ve made my decision. We still have three months together, and the party may need another member afterward. We can’t recruit easily through this tiny branch, so perhaps we should search at the Adventurers’ Guild in the Royal Capital.”
Tauro couldn’t yet think far enough ahead to discuss replacements.
“The leader has also become House Graunewald’s heir,” Ankh said. “Perhaps this is the right time for all of us to discuss the future.”
“I should say what I’ve decided as well,” Ragune added. “I owe Tauro a great debt, and I intend to accompany him for as long as he continues adventuring. If he eventually retires, Ankh and I have discussed continuing together for as long as we’re able.”
Tauro was stunned that everyone else had already contemplated the party’s eventual separation.
He had always known that their current life couldn’t continue forever. Until Aeris spoke, however, that ending had felt distant and unreal.
“I must respect your decision,” he finally said. “I’m sad, and the announcement was so unexpected that I still can’t organize my thoughts. I’ll continue working as an adventurer while helping the dragonfolk conquer the dungeon. Ragune, Ankh—I hope both of you’ll continue beside me as companions and friends.”
“Of course,” Ankh replied. “I haven’t been an adventurer for very long myself. I still have much to learn under your leadership.”
“I’m staying with you, Tauro,” Ragune said. She then turned to Aeris. “You’re still my friend, so I’ll continue visiting House Van Dyne.”
“All of you’ll always be welcome,” Aeris assured her. “I’ll also continue worrying about Tauro, so he had better visit regularly.”
She laughed lightly, apparently having already come to terms with her choice.
Tauro alone remained unable to do the same.
After the discussion ended, Black-Gold Wings entered the dungeon together as usual.