Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 371: Reporting Back and Collecting Zion
Ragune returned to Caxart through [Dimensional Corridor] after spending only a few days in the Van Dyne Marquisate.
“Welcome back, Ragune. You could have remained longer and enjoyed the visit,” Tauro said.
“N-No, this was enough. I only went to confirm that Aeris was doing well.”
Her hurried response sounded as though she were concealing something.
“Did anything happen?” Tauro wondered aloud. “How’s Aeris?”
“She’s well. She said she’s becoming accustomed to her new life—or rather, returning to her old life. She appeared peaceful and happy.”
Ragune’s answer remained strangely evasive.
“I see. I’m glad she’s doing well.”
“Her younger twin brother and sister are adorable. Both will probably grow into beautiful people. A reliable group is guarding them, so there’s no need to worry.”
“A reliable group?” Tauro repeated.
“The truth is that three senior dragonfolk accompanied me to the Van Dyne Marquisate. They have remained there with Aeris.”
“You didn’t travel alone?” Ankh interrupted.
“I never said that I did.”
“You refused to let us accompany you. Naturally, we assumed you wanted to go alone.”
Tauro had wondered the same thing.
Perhaps Aeris would have disliked their visit, or perhaps Ragune had wanted private time with her. Yet the presence of three senior dragonfolk suggested a different purpose.
“In any case, my seniors agreed to remain there, so Aeris and her family will be safe,” Ragune said before enthusiastically describing the Van Dyne estate and its surroundings.
One concern lingered in Tauro’s mind.
Ragune may have feared that surviving Assassins’ Guild members would target Aeris or her family. That would explain the additional guards—but not why Ragune had hidden the plan from her companions.
The theory rested on little evidence. Since she was clearly worried about something, Tauro decided not to press her.
When Ragune finished describing her journey, Ankh suddenly stiffened.
“We’ve forgotten something important again. What about Zion?”
“Ah!” Tauro and Ragune exclaimed together.
Zion should still be completing the dragonfolk training curriculum in the Dragon’s Den.
“Damn it… Just kill me…”
Ragune’s eyes became distant as memories of her own training returned.
“We should collect Zion now,” Tauro said. “Staying there longer than necessary may inconvenience both Zion and the dragonfolk.”
“I doubt the instructors consider it an inconvenience,” Ragune muttered. “Zion, however, is undoubtedly suffering in hell.”
“Then let’s hurry.”
Ragune opened [Dimensional Corridor], and Tauro used [Spatial Transfer] to bring Ankh with them to the Dragonfolk Village.
They emerged in Drago’s garden while he was watering the plants.
“Lord Tauro, Lord Ankh—welcome.”
“Good afternoon, Drago. We came to collect Zion.”
“I’m afraid the timing is unfortunate. Zion is currently in a dungeon, completing the adjustment stage after the Dragon’s Den training. The return will be in another three days.”
“Adjustment?”
Tauro couldn’t imagine what required adjustment after such brutal training.
“The instructor must have expected you to arrive around now,” Ragune said, apparently understanding.
“What does adjustment involve?” Ankh asked.
“The Dragon’s Den exhausts a trainee mentally and emotionally,” Ragune explained. “Afterward, they’re sent into a dungeon to hover between life and death until the awareness that they’re still alive restores their emotions.”
She nodded as though describing an ordinary lesson.
“After the normal several-year curriculum, adjustment usually takes approximately one month. Zion’s training was shortened, so three days should be sufficient.”
That explanation is completely insane!
Tauro restrained the protest inside his mind. At least the process was apparently intended to ensure that Zion returned with a sound mind.
Even so, he felt guilty for leaving Zion in a place even more outrageous than he had imagined.
“Since we have three days, I should visit Chief Ryuga and thank him for the village’s assistance against the Assassins’ Guild.”
“That would be polite,” Drago agreed. “The chief won’t expect repayment, but he’ll appreciate the greeting.”
As they spoke, the village garrison arrived, as it often did when outsiders appeared.
“Welcome, Lord Tauro. What brings you here today?” the captain asked.
“Good evening, Captain. I’d like to visit Chief Ryuga and offer my thanks. Would that be possible?”
“Of course. I’ll escort you personally.”
The captain turned to lead them away.
“We’ll return later, Drago,” Tauro said. “May we stay at your house tonight?”
“Certainly. I’ll prepare rooms and await your return.”
Drago waved as Tauro and his companions followed the garrison captain toward the chief’s residence.