Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 364: Thinking of His Companions
After returning to Caxart, Tauro’s group handed Viscount Bomen and the captured Imperial summoners over to Count Graunewald’s retainers.
Count Graunewald himself had already hurried back to the Royal Capital.
His retainers had been thoroughly informed about Tauro’s circumstances. Following Tauro’s instructions, they prepared to escort the prisoners to the capital, accompanied by several dragonfolk as an additional precaution.
“I’m sorry to impose on you even further,” Tauro told the [Great Hero] commander on his father’s behalf. “Destroying the Assassins’ Guild was already more help than we could have asked for, yet you’re also escorting the prisoners.”
“There’s no need to apologize. We also have an interest in what happens to them,” the commander replied. “We’ll return to Caxart after the handover. When we do, we’d appreciate transportation back to the Dragonfolk Village.”
With that, the commander departed alongside the unit carrying Viscount Bomen and the Imperial soldiers to the Royal Capital.
“What will the rest of you do?” Tauro asked the more than forty dragonfolk warriors who remained.
“Most of us will stay in the region and eliminate any remnants of the Assassins’ Guild,” one warrior answered on behalf of the others. “A few would like to return to the village immediately and report what happened. We’d be grateful if you could transport them.”
“Understood. We can take them now. Ragune, please.”
“Of course.”
Ragune opened [Dimensional Corridor], and Tauro transported the returning warriors to the Dragonfolk Village.
They emerged inside Drago’s house, where Ragune’s older brother immediately noticed Tauro.
“Lord Tauro! It’s been some time.”
“It has, Drago. We came to bring back several dragonfolk who participated in the operation.”
“Thank you for your efforts,” Drago said.
The warriors thanked Tauro as well and filed out of the house.
Drago watched them leave, then gave an amused sigh.
“I suppose I should tell Ragune to move the entrance to [Dimensional Corridor] outside. Having groups of warriors emerge from her old room is somewhat inconvenient.”
“That would probably be wise. Ah, Ragune is coming now.”
A moment later, Ragune stepped through the corridor.
“Brother, you look well. Tauro, shall we return to Caxart?”
She offered Drago only the briefest greeting before urging Tauro to leave.
“We can, but first you should move the corridor’s entrance outside, just as your brother suggested.”
Following Tauro’s advice, Ragune changed the endpoint she had maintained in her room since acquiring the skill and moved it to the garden.
“There. Shall we go now?”
“Wait, Ragune,” Drago protested. “Is that truly all you have to say to your brother? More importantly, have both of you forgotten Zion, the child you brought here?”
“Ah!”
Tauro and Ragune exclaimed at the same time.
Their attention had been completely consumed by the campaign against the Assassins’ Guild.
“I’m sorry,” Tauro said awkwardly. “How’s Zion’s training progressing?”
“Zion is still training in the Dragon’s Den. I check every few days. For a human child, Zion possesses astonishing determination, and the practical-training results have been exceptional.”
“The Dragon’s Den is the place even dragonfolk describe as hell, correct?”
“Yes…” Drago said darkly. “Even Ragune and I still remember it.”
“Damn it… Just kill me…”
Brother and sister muttered the same line in perfect unison, their expressions equally haunted.
“So it really is that terrible,” Tauro said. “Is Zion coping with it?”
“Zion is. Apparently, the same thought is repeated constantly: ‘I can’t remain weak if I want to help Lord Tauro.’”
“Zion said that?” Tauro’s expression softened. “I’d rather that strength be pursued for Zion’s own sake.”
“Some people can’t push themselves so far for their own benefit,” Drago explained. “Yet they can endure almost anything for someone important to them. Zion appears to be that kind of person.”
“I understand. Whatever first motivates him, the effort will still help him grow and eventually find his own path.”
“Precisely.”
“How much longer will he need?”
“The simple answer is that more time is still required. The instructor believes that, once the training is complete, Zion will become a tremendous help to you.”
“Then please allow the training to continue. Do your best, Zion.”
“I’ll pass that message to the instructor responsible for the Dragon’s Den.”
After once again entrusting Zion to Drago, Tauro returned to Caxart with Ragune.
“Ragune, is the Dragon’s Den truly as dreadful as you make it sound?” he asked after they arrived.
“I’ve told you repeatedly that it’s impressive, but… yes, it’s hell. Frankly, the fact that Zion is enduring it so well despite being a human child is extraordinary.”
The memory alone made her shudder.
“Damn it… Just kill me…”
Her customary phrase escaped again.
“It’s already rather late, but I should leave to see Aeris now,” Ragune said after recovering. “I expect to be gone for approximately a week.”
“That journey will leave you very little time with her. You may stay longer if you wish.”
Given the distance to the Van Dyne Marquisate, Tauro estimated that a one-week trip would allow Ragune only two days with Aeris.
“No. I shouldn’t leave you alone for too long. While I’m gone, you and Ankh must take good care of each other.”
The idea of two men being instructed to ‘take good care of each other’ sounded faintly awkward, though Ragune clearly intended nothing unusual by it.
Tauro merely nodded and saw her off.