Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 474: The Saints’ Reactions
The operation to defeat the Imperial soldiers who attempted to abduct the Saint—using Aeris as bait—ended in success. But the damage was so great, that news of the incident quickly reached Saint Matilda herself as well as the Crown Prince, the representative of the Kingdom of Sart.
”What? I was being targeted? …Why? I’m a Saint, you know?!”
Saint Matilda, who traveled the land bestowing “blessings,” considered herself beloved and popular. The idea that she might be targeted was something she never imagined.
One of her attendants, who had brought her the news, offered a suggestion:
“The details are still unclear, but it appears that a certain nation tried to abduct you, Saint. Viscount Musai prepared a decoy to prevent this, and lured the enemy into a trap. However, it seems many were injured or killed during the operation, so it might be best if you expressed your gratitude and condolences to those involved…”
“Really? I don’t really get it, so why don’t you ask Marquis Donaisson?”
At that moment, Marquis Donaisson himself arrived to report the situation to the Saint.
”Lady Matilda, the truth is—“
He explained the details again. This time, Matilda actually listened and frowned deeply.
”Miss Aeris stood in for me? Why would she do that?”
”Because the enemy mistook—“
”There’s no comparison between me, The Saint, and that woman! Why is she taking my place again?”
Without her knowledge, Aeris had acted in Matilda’s place during the “Blessing Ceremony” held in this city, and had made it a success. Even though it was only temporarily, Matilda felt that she had owed a favor to her love rival, and she hated it. Now, she finds out that Aeris had acted as a decoy in her place.
It felt like a rival in love constantly upstaging her, and that made Matilda deeply upset.
”Lady Matilda! Prioritizing your pride over the lives of Aeris—who risked her life in your place—and the many soldiers who have sacrificed their lives is utterly disgraceful!”
Marquis Donaisson, who rarely raised his voice, scolded her sharply for the first time. He continued:
”If they hadn’t succeeded in this operation, you would have likely been abducted—or worse— harmed in the not-too-distant future. The enemy was that powerful! Do not belittle those who fought against them. That would be the same as saying the people of the Kingdom of Luwan are heartless!”
Saint Matilda was speechless and fell silent after being scolded by Marquis Donaisson, who rarely voiced his anger.
Just then, a voice interrupted from the entrance.
”Marquis Donaisson, you’re being too harsh on the Saint. Our Kingdom of Sart had its elite royal guards protecting her. With only the troops of the Duke’s territory, it was only natural that there were so many casualties. On the other hand, If the attack had come while we were present, I think we could have repelled it with fewer losses. Viscount Musai may have acted rashly.”
The Crown Prince, who had been listening to the conversation near the entrance to the room, stepped in and answered.
”Rashly!?”
”Yes. Plus, the Saint was accompanied by talented young nobles. It would’ve been impossible for anyone to directly target her. I think Viscount Musai simply jumped the gun.”
Because the Crown Prince was aligned with Marquis Haragura, he held a low opinion of Viscount Musai, the son of prime minister Duke Barriella—his political rival.
But to Marquis Donaisson, it was a different matter entirely.
He was filled with gratitude toward Viscount Musai, who had acted to protect the Saint and the Kingdom of Luwan’s reputation—even at the cost of lives.
Especially to Aeris and Tauro, who had volunteered to act as decoys, and their comrades who fought so bravely —Donaisson felt the nation owed them a great debt.
Furthermore, according to the reports from his subordinates who had participated in the operation, the enemy seemed to be the legendary “Golden Lions” unit, an elite force directly under the Emperor of the Empire.
Marquis Donaisson was both terrified and shocked to find that such an enemy had targeted them—making the Crown Prince’s words utterly unacceptable.
”With all due respect, Your Highness. My subordinates who participated in the operation report that the enemy may have been the Empire’s ‘Golden Lions’ unit. Many lives were lost. I strongly urge you to refrain from any further criticism.”
”The ‘Golden Lions’? That’s just an exaggerated legend. Hahaha! Marquis Donaisson, you do love your conspiracy theories. Yes, our country and the Empire have had tensions in the past, but once I’m on the throne, I believe we can establish friendly relations. I already have strong connections and personal ties within the Empire. Given that, I doubt they would do something so bold. Besides, I’m merely stating facts. It is unfortunate that there were soldiers who died—but if the commander had been more competent, those deaths could’ve been avoided.”
The Crown Prince feigned wiping away tears—but of course, he wasn’t actually crying.
It was just a show to maintain the appearance of decorum.
To the Marquis, who was sincerely grateful to Viscount Musai for his swift action in this case, this moment solidified his view of the Crown Prince as utterly unworthy—his opinion dropping even lower than rock bottom.
Meanwhile, Viscount Musai was meeting with Tauro and the others in the reception room, listening to their report.
”I’ve also heard the report from the commander of the territorial troops. On behalf of my father, I thank you deeply for your service.”
Viscount Musai bowed his head.
“No, please raise your head. We didn’t expect the enemy to be so skilled, and we struggled because of it. I believe that caused heavy losses on our side too… I’m sorry.”
Tauro bowed his head honestly, reflecting on their shortcomings.
“The commander of our territorial troops is quite skilled, and a warrior with a keen eye. If he says the Imperial soldiers were extraordinarily strong, then it must be true. You all played vital roles in both acting as decoys and repelling the attack. In fact, had you not been there, we might have suffered a crushing defeat. I can only offer my deepest gratitude. Truly, thank you.”
Viscount Musai bowed again, even more deeply.
This time I can’t say anything anymore.
It would be rude to be any more humble.
”And so, I’d like to ask: through my father’s connections, may we recommend Tauro-dono to the royal family? Is that okay?”
”Recommend me?”
”Yes. For protecting the Saint and preserving the honor of both our nation and the Kingdom of Luwan, I wish to nominate you for a noble title.”
”Wha—?!”
Tauro couldn’t help but shout in surprise at the unexpected proposal.