Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 316: Each of Them…
Tauro continued researching magic circles every day in the dragonfolk village.
He was particularly interested in reproducing the village-wide barrier through a magic circle.
The existing barrier was maintained by a hero-class Great Sage who specialized in barrier magic and periodically reinforced its many overlapping layers. Tauro wanted to determine whether magic circles and magic stones could maintain at least part of that protection automatically.
He had already found circles capable of drawing out the inherent ability of a magic stone. Such circles could produce remarkable effects, but each was limited to the original property contained in that particular stone.
The circles used in magic lamps, refrigerators, cooling devices, and heaters worked differently. They treated a magic stone much like a battery from Tauro’s previous life and converted its power into simple predetermined functions.
That system was versatile but unsuitable for complicated or high-output devices. A cooking stove, for example, required more firepower than the ordinary utility circles could safely provide.
Tauro initially believed that combining the two systems would create an ideal magic circle.
It didn’t.
Whenever he joined the two designs, the completed circle failed to activate. To obtain both advantages, he’d need to devise an entirely new structure rather than simply connecting existing patterns.
Aeris had once spent long periods beside him during experiments and occasionally offered unexpected insights. Recently, however, she had become busy in the Royal Capital and no longer followed him after their requests ended.
She still worked with Black-Gold Wings in the dragonfolk village during the day. As soon as their assignments were complete, she returned to the capital.
Her intention to retire in three months was unmistakably serious.
Aeris would soon come of age and make her formal social debut as the daughter of Marquis Van Dyne. She had begun doing everything she could for House Van Dyne and for the younger sibling Mei would soon give birth to.
Tauro found the approaching separation painful, but he couldn’t ask her to remain.
His own freedom would eventually narrow as the adopted son and heir of Count Graunewald. Everyone reached a turning point, and Aeris had reached hers.
He could only support her decision while continuing along his own path.
That night in the Royal Capital, Ankh visited Count Graunewald’s residence and was shown into a reception room.
“So our original contract has finally ended?” he asked.
“Yes. You were contracted to protect Tauro and report to me until his adoption into our family was completed. Thank you for your service, Ankh.”
Count Graunewald then asked, “Are you still serving as Aeris’s escort?”
“Yes. My contract with Marquis Van Dyne requires me to guard Aeris while she remains an adventurer. I’ll therefore continue for another three months.”
“What will you do afterward?”
Their manner toward each other made it clear that the relationship extended beyond that of a noble and a hired adventurer.
“I intend to remain an adventurer with the leader even after both contracts end. Returning to mercenary work isn’t an option. Adventuring suits me better, and although my companions are much younger, we’ve built genuine trust.”
“You certainly seem more alive than you did as a mercenary. You smile more often. Was serving under me truly so miserable?”
“Please don’t tease me.” Ankh laughed. “As a mercenary, I traveled from battlefield to battlefield killing people. That isn’t a life anyone can continue forever. I admit that I had some good years under your command, but fighting monsters as an adventurer is far more carefree.”
“Then continue looking after my son. I ask this not merely as your former employer, but as a comrade-in-arms who rode the battlefields beside you.”
Count Graunewald smiled at his former subordinate.
“The leader is capable enough that he rarely needs protection,” Ankh replied, “but he’s undeniably reckless. I’ll watch him. Are you truly comfortable allowing the heir of House Graunewald to face such danger?”
“I want Tauro to live as he wishes. Had my wife and I been blessed with a child of our own, we’d have wanted the same for that child.”
The count considered the matter.
“Continue giving me reports, then. We could sign a new contract appointing you as my son’s protector.”
He began to summon a servant to prepare the document, but Ankh stopped him.
“No contract is necessary. As a member of Black-Gold Wings, I’ll protect Tauro because he’s my companion. As your friend, I’ll also be glad to tell you how he’s doing.”
Ankh scratched the scar on his temple, slightly embarrassed by his own sincerity.
Tauro needs to do some king of healing on his adopted parents so they can have children then he should have some kind of epiphany where he awakens to true OP’ness in the next couple chapters.. that’s how this story would become even better..