Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 435: Reuniting with a Friend
Tauro’s unveiling had transformed into the unexpected announcement that Haku—the posthumous child of the previous count and the current Count Graunewald’s much younger half-brother—would also be adopted and recognized as the eldest son.
That decision prevented the opposition faction’s plan to replace the current lord with Haku from coming to fruition.
Haku had been brought openly into House Graunewald and designated as its future head. There was no longer any reason for his supporters to remove the current count in order to place him in the line of succession.
Several guests had secretly sympathized with the claim of the previous count’s child, but the surprise adoption deprived them of any justification for rebellion.
Those who attempted to cause trouble were arrested before the guests even realized a confrontation had begun. A conflict that might have divided the territory was prevented without open bloodshed.
Outwardly, Tauro and Haku returned to the gathering as though nothing had happened. Together they greeted village chiefs, town leaders, influential residents, guild officials, merchants, and neighboring nobles.
Both boys became the center of attention.
Many local leaders already knew Tauro as an adventurer and territorial inspector. Learning his true identity gave them an endless supply of questions.
Chief Alimar of Zenyu Village laughed heartily.
“I never imagined that the adventurer I hired was the lord’s son! This must be fate. I hope you’ll continue to look kindly upon Zenyu Village.”
Alimar’s daughter had married the eldest son of Mage Baron Wasan, strengthening Zenyu’s reputation among the surrounding settlements. The chief now appeared even prouder of his connection to Tauro.
“Master, why did you not tell me who you were?”
The previously spoiled young man who had married Sita seized Tauro’s hand with tears in his eyes.
Master? I suppose he truly is grateful for the training that forced him to change.
Mage Baron Wasan, who had been speaking with Count Graunewald, joined them.
“Thanks to Lord Tauro, my son was able to reform himself.”
He patted his son on the head, then bowed.
“I also behaved rudely toward you because I didn’t know your identity. Please accept my apology.”
“There’s no need. Your son has changed and will be an asset to House Graunewald. From now on, please continue supporting my father and my brother Haku.”
Tauro bowed in return.
“Please raise your head, Lord Tauro. My loyalty to House Graunewald will never waver.”
Mage Baron Wasan and his son bowed deeply together.
Other chiefs from places Tauro had visited during his inspection tour also crowded around him.
“I knew at the time that you were no ordinary boy! Hahaha!”
“You certainly have a talent for correcting troublesome people.”
“I always knew you were more than an ordinary adventurer!”
They praised him enthusiastically, each trying to strengthen a connection with the count’s son.
Tauro gave them a strained smile.
“I’m not the eldest son. Please offer those words to Haku, the future heir.”
He directed them toward Haku, who was already surrounded by another group of guests.
The village chiefs soon stepped aside as a neighboring high noble approached.
“Tauro-dono, it’s been a long time.”
Marquis Van Dyne stood before him with Aeris at his side.
“My daughter was looking forward to your unveiling, but even we didn’t expect so many surprises.”
Apparently, the marquis hadn’t known about Haku’s adoption beforehand.
“It’s been a long time, Marquis Van Dyne. Aeris, how have you been?”
Tauro smiled at the beautifully dressed young woman beside him.
“Tauro… I have many things I want to discuss with you, but those can wait. For now, congratulations on being formally unveiled as a member of House Graunewald.”
Aeris looked faintly dissatisfied about something, but she ultimately congratulated him with a smile.
“Thank you.”
Tauro admired how naturally she now carried herself as a noble lady.
“You should speak with Ragune and Ankh later. I also want to introduce you to our new companion, Zion. Pella is presently disguised as my belt.”
When Tauro rubbed the belt, Pella trembled beneath his fingers.
The slime released its disguise and sprang onto Aeris’s shoulder.
“Pella seems happy to see you too.”
It rubbed affectionately against Aeris’s cheek before returning to Tauro’s waist and resuming its belt form.
“Pella, you’ve become remarkably clever.”
Aeris praised it with a warm smile.
“It has helped me many times since you left the party.”
Her smile drew one from Tauro as well.
It feels as though our adventures together happened a very long time ago.
They began reminiscing about the journeys they had shared.
Ragune, Ankh, and Zion eventually entered the hall in formal clothing after completing their work behind the scenes.
Ragune praised Aeris’s dress, while Ankh told her that she had grown into a beautiful young lady.
Tauro then introduced the shy Zion.
Aeris studied her unusual features without the slightest hostility.
“You’re of mixed human and catfolk ancestry, are you not? That’s rare—and you’re very pretty.”
There was no trace of discrimination in her voice.
Zion brightened immediately and shyly complimented Aeris in return.
Ragune, Ankh, Zion, and Aeris soon found a common subject: Tauro.
Tauro wanted to join their lively conversation, but the remaining guests continued to demand his attention.