Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 411: Rumors
Tauro and his companions decided to remain in the territorial capital for several days before resuming their tour of the domain.
They spent part of that time walking through the city and learning its streets. Everywhere they went, residents were exchanging rumors.
The most popular subject was the Assassins’ Guild.
The organization had once been treated almost like a frightening folktale. Parents could silence crying children by warning that the Assassins’ Guild would carry them away.
Now the public had learned that the organization truly existed—and that its leader had been Viscount Bomen, lord of the neighboring territory.
In the Graunewald capital, the story had become entangled with local pride. Many residents claimed that Count Graunewald’s forces had destroyed the guild in Bomen territory and captured the viscount.
“Exactly what one would expect from our lord’s soldiers!”
“How much of that story is actually true?”
“I heard an adventurer led the operation.”
“Someone told me a small group destroyed the guild, while the count commanded from behind them.”
“You’re all repeating distorted versions,” another man declared. “I have a friend among the soldiers who escorted the prisoners to the Royal Capital.”
The listeners leaned closer.
“He said the force was led by a child. The child had previously saved the lives of several powerful warriors, and those warriors gathered to repay the debt by helping him destroy the guild. It was a true heroic tale.”
“A child led them?”
“If such a hero exists, why has no one heard his name?”
“Perhaps he possesses [Hero], [Holy Knight], or [Sage]—one of the truly extraordinary skills.”
The man insisted that the soldiers had heard the account directly from warriors involved in the operation.
While the residents debated the story, its central figure walked past them with his mouth full of grilled meat.
“Apparently our leader is a hero,” Ankh said, looking at Tauro’s sauce-stained face.
Tauro swallowed before answering.
“The details are close enough to the truth that the original source was probably someone connected to the operation.”
He finished the skewer and immediately produced another from [Magic Storage].
“The stories I heard about Tauro-sama in the Dragonfolk Village were far more impressive,” Zion said, sounding dissatisfied by the modest public version.
“What exactly were the dragonfolk saying about me?” Tauro asked nervously.
He had long wondered why Zion’s admiration sometimes bordered on worship. Apparently, the Dragonfolk Village had circulated highly embellished accounts of his achievements.
“Tauro saved the Dragonfolk Village,” Ragune said. “That fact alone is worthy of admiration. I understand Zion’s feelings perfectly.”
“Both of you know what kind of person I actually am.”
Tauro frowned, but the surrounding rumors continued.
News from the Royal Capital was equally dramatic.
Viscount Bomen was being interrogated repeatedly, and numerous nobles were said to be terrified by what he might reveal.
The Assassins’ Guild had existed for generations. Some families may have employed it during the time of their parents or grandparents. Exposure would stain even descendants who hadn’t personally commissioned a crime.
To those carrying such secrets, Bomen’s continued survival had become dangerous.
Assassins were reportedly attempting to reach his cell almost every day.
“That part isn’t merely a rumor,” Tauro observed. “The information is surprisingly accurate.”
“The dragonfolk guards are probably defeating each assassination attempt,” Ankh said.
“And Bomen can’t kill himself while they remain beside him,” Tauro added.
“If he tried, they’d heal and resuscitate him immediately,” Ragune said with pride. “He won’t be permitted to die easily.”
“That’s true,” Zion said seriously. “I nearly died several times during the Dragon’s Den training, and they saved me every time. Damn it, I’ll live…!”
Zion, I’m truly sorry I sent you into that place.
Tauro was struck by another wave of guilt.
The Royal Capital was apparently obsessed with the Assassins’ Guild and Viscount Bomen. People had even begun wagering on how long the prisoner would survive.
The anonymous child hero remained the most romantic part of the story.
The warriors involved refused to identify him, saying only that he had once saved their lives. Their silence caused the public to praise the child as both heroic and humble.
Prince Fleue also heard the rumors and immediately guessed the child’s identity. He regularly exchanged letters with Tauro, so the conclusion wasn’t difficult.
Tauro knew none of that.
As he walked through the territorial capital, he merely felt relieved that his name hadn’t appeared in the gossip.