Kays Translations

Chapter 478 – Preventing a Rift

Though they were significantly behind schedule, the Saint’s entourage was finally set to depart Duke Barriella’s domain for their next destination.

At that moment, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Sart, who was in charge on their side, made the decision to exclude Tauro and his companions from accompanying the group.

The reason given was that they had been at the center of a failed operation in the Duke’s territory, which resulted in significant casualties.

This decision was supported by Suguro, the grandson of Marquis Haragura, a key figure in their Kingdom’s noble faction. Naturally, those in his circle followed suit.

“They were recommended by my younger brother, Fleue, so I’m reluctant… but I cannot overlook the fact that they committed a blunder that resulted in so many deaths and injuries, I cannot overlook it. Therefore, I am removing them from the Saint’s escort.”

The Crown Prince declared this first thing in the morning on the day of his departure, as he gathered the entourage.

“I support His Highness’s decision. If this continues, it would bring shame upon both the Van Dyne and the Count Graundewald Houses. It’s best they are removed.”

Suguro agreed with the Crown Prince.

Of course, the people involved, Tauro, Aeris, and Zion, were also there, but rather than protest, they were quietly grateful for the opportunity to part ways.

However, Marquis Donaisson, the representative of the Kingdom of Luwan, soon arrived.

“Did I just overhear you say you’re removing Lord Tauro and his group?”

“Ah, Marquis Donaisson. Yes. In light of their failure during the recent operation, I have decided that it would be inappropriate for them to remain by the Saint’s side. I sincerely apologize for causing so much trouble to your kingdom.”

The Crown Prince bowed deeply in apology.

　

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about, but we—especially the Saint herself—hold Lady Aeris and Lord Tauro in very high regard. If the Kingdom of Sart wants to exclude them, then there’s nothing we can do.  we will welcome them as guests of the Kingdom of Luwan, and they shall accompany us from here on on our journey.”

“Wha—Marquis Donaisson?! But, they claimed to have been decoys for the Saint, but they ended up causing many casualties here in the Barriella domain! Why would you defend them?” the Crown Prince protested, turning to Suguro and his entourage for support.

Of course, Suguro and the other sons of high-ranking nobles agreed, but the commoners remained silent.

“It seems there is a big gap in understanding between us and His Highness the Crown Prince. I heard a report from my subordinates about the day the operation was carried out, and it is our understanding that Lady Aeris and Lord Tauro risked their lives to eliminate all the enemies targeting the Saint.”

“No, but—!” the Crown Prince began to protest, but Marquis Donaisson ignored him and continued.

“It seems that the enemy was so strong that if they hadn’t volunteered to act as a decoy, the Saint would have been attacked directly, and the resulting damage could have been even worse. The enemies were incredibly powerful. Therefore, we hold gratitude, not blame, for their actions. We are not so ungrateful as to punish them for their courage.”

Up until now, Marquis Donaisson had carefully avoided tension with the Crown Prince’s side. But now that a situation had arisen that threatened to bring the Saint herself into disrepute, he felt that such consideration was no longer necessary and so he stated his position clearly.

“Y-You’re calling me ungrateful…?!”

“Oh, not at all. I was only expressing the viewpoint of the Kingdom of Luwan. In fact, the Saint herself has had a change of heart regarding Lady Aeris and her companions because of this incident.”

　Marquis Donaisson replied and turned around.

　There stood Saint Matilda.

“I was hoping to have Lady Aeris, Lord Tauro, and Lady Zion continue accompanying me.  Your decision is… truly disappointing, your Highness” she said with a theatrical sigh.

“Th-That’s…” the Crown Prince stammered, caught completely off guard by the sudden change of heart of the Saint, who he had thought was on his side until recently.

— As the Crown Prince, he had even considered taking her as a concubine someday. Now, he couldn’t find the words to respond.

“In that case, since your side is dismissing Lady Aeris, Lord Tauro, and Lady Zion, we shall invite them to join our escort instead. Do you object?”

“…Do as you wish.”

That was all the Crown Prince could say.

Even Suguro and the other nobles didn’t expect things to go this way and were too stunned to respond.

“(…So in the end, we still have to travel with the Saint…)”

Tauro whispered this to Aeris with a deep sigh.

(It can’t be helped. After that whole exchange, we can’t just say “Actually, we’d rather not go with you, so we’ll say goodbye here”…?)”

Aeris whispered back, sighing as well.

“Please wait a moment. If things continue like this, it could end up creating a rift between the Kingdom of Saat and the Kingdom of Luwan. That would make us uncomfortable too. So I’d like to propose something: Rather than being treated as escorts, could we instead travel as accompanying adventurers, acting as bodyguards until the next destination, and then leave? That way, it would appear that we chose to part ways at our own behest, which would preserve the Kingdom of Sart’s stance. and by joining as adventurers, the Kingdom of Luwan’s position is also respected. Our honor is preserved, and both sides save face. Wouldn’t that be best for everyone?”

Tauro quickly put an end to the bad atmosphere between the two.

It was a quick-witted move by Tauro, who thought that if the atmosphere between the two countries were to sour because of their actions, it would be the worst possible outcome, especially for someone of his and Aeris’s noble status.

“But… you don’t have to leave after the next destination!”

Saint Matilda protested—she had only just started getting along with Aeris and didn’t want to say goodbye so soon.

“Saint, they have made a proposal that will peacefully resolve the issues between our nations. Moreover, they are nobles of the Kingdom of Sart. They cannot remain in the midst of this problem any longer.”

　Marquis Donaisson understands Tauro and his friends’ situation and gently adviced Saint Matilda.

“……I understand. I was being selfish,” the Saint replied, sighing deeply with regret.

“……Very well. I’ll accept that arrangement,” said the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince was unwilling to accept this proposal, as he had originally intended to undermine the popularity of Duke Bariella and Prince Fleue, but risking a diplomatic rift between him and the Kingdom of Luwan was not worth it. So he grudgingly agreed.

Yes! Once they reached the next destination, we could finally relax and get back on our adventure!

 Tauro thought to himself.

He exchanged glances with Aeris and Zion, then gave a small, victorious fist pump.

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