Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 409: The Countess
Tauro and his companions waited in a drawing room of the castle—his parents’ home and, by adoption, his own.
The sharp rhythm of approaching heels remained audible even through the thick carpet. The footsteps stopped outside the door.
“This is the room, correct?” a woman asked someone in the corridor.
The door opened immediately afterward.
“Tauro, welcome! No—welcome home! I can’t express how long I have waited for this day.”
The elegant woman who entered had long golden hair, blue eyes, and refined features. She was Countess Aida Graunewald, Tauro’s adoptive mother.
“It’s been some time, Mother. I’m sorry I took so long to visit.”
Tauro bowed deeply.
“Raise your head and let me look at you. I’ve been waiting so eagerly for your return.”
Countess Aida spoke rapidly in her excitement.
“A room has already been prepared for you. Ordinarily, you’d have been taken there at once, but your father wants your identity kept secret until the unveiling ceremony. That’s why you were brought to this drawing room first.”
“The ceremony is planned for one month from now. Will that be acceptable?”
“Of course, Mother. This is my first visit, so it still feels strange to think of the castle as home.”
Tauro answered honestly.
“I understand. This residence is much larger than our house in the Royal Capital, so anyone would feel overwhelmed at first.”
She considered giving him a tour, then changed her mind.
“You must be tired from the journey. I’ll show you to your room today, and you can tell us about your adventures over dinner.”
Countess Aida took Tauro’s hand warmly.
“Thank you once again for becoming our son. I’m truly happy that we can finally welcome you here.”
She then turned to his companions.
“And thank you for supporting my child. As his mother, I ask that you continue taking good care of him.”
She bowed to Ragune, Ankh, and Zion.
“Countess Graunewald, we’re indebted to Tauro as well,” Ragune replied. “Our gratitude toward him can’t be measured.”
“The same is true for me,” Zion said, bowing politely. “Tauro-sama rescued me and gave me a place among his companions. I should be the one thanking you.”
“Our leader sometimes acts recklessly,” Ankh added, “but he’s dependable when it matters.”
Ankh spoke to the countess with the ease of an old acquaintance.
“Your manner hasn’t changed at all, Ankh,” Countess Aida said. “And you must be Zion. I’ve heard a great deal about you. You’re remarkably well mannered for someone so young. Who taught you?”
“My mother did. She said my father had been a respectable man and raised me to behave in a way befitting his daughter.”
Embarrassed by the praise, Zion lowered her gaze beneath the hood.
“Your parents must have been fine people,” Countess Aida said gently. “Tauro’s companions are important guests of House Graunewald. Treat this castle as your own home.”
She paused and glanced at Ankh.
“That invitation doesn’t mean you may flirt with the maids again.”
“When did I ever do that?” Ankh protested immediately.
The countess’s teasing reference to an old incident made everyone laugh.
They spent some time talking pleasantly before Tauro turned to official matters.
“Is Father occupied? I hoped to report on my territorial inspection and the incidents that occurred during our journey.”
“He left for an inspection shortly before you arrived,” Countess Aida explained. “He may not return until evening.”
“Then it can’t be helped. We arrived without an appointment.”
After the conversation ended, servants led the party to the residential wing.
“I tried to keep your room simple, based on the stories I’ve heard about your life as an adventurer,” Countess Aida said uncertainly as she opened the door. “Do you like it?”
The room contained fewer expensive paintings and vases than the Graunewald residence in the Royal Capital, but it was still enormous.
In place of conventional decorations, it displayed exotic objects from across the kingdom, along with swords, shields, and other weapons. The entire room had been designed around an enthusiastic noblewoman’s image of an adventurer.
“Mother… what exactly is this?”
“An adventurer-themed room. I created it from your stories.”
She smiled proudly.
“It’s very thoughtful,” Tauro said with an awkward laugh, “but could some of the decorations be removed?”
At his request, servants began simplifying the room.
Guest rooms near Tauro’s were prepared for Ragune, Ankh, and Zion.
“Let’s all dine together this evening,” Countess Aida said. “Your father should’ve returned by then.”
A servant explained the remaining arrangements, and the countess hurried away to resume her own duties.
“So this is my new home…”
Tauro sat on the bed and looked around the unfamiliar room.
“It still doesn’t feel real.”