Kays Translations

Just another Isekai Lover~

Chapter 14: The Lord’s Circumstances

After leaving the bath, I was served dinner—soft porridge. Despite the mild seasoning, it tasted incredible. Realizing how hungry I was made me feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward the person who prepared this for me.

“……!!”

“If you’re that moved, I might end up crying myself…”

The attendants nodded in agreement at Lady Phyllis’ words. I wanted to ask them if they eat such delicious food every day, but since I was eating recovery food, meat dishes had been served to Lady Phyllis instead.

(…But it seems a little less than usual.)

Perhaps she’s just being cautious, or maybe there’s some reason he had to do so? The answer became clear immediately.

“My lady, I apologize. You have returned after such a long time, and yet you have come to this…”

“I’ve heard about the situation. Please prioritize my father and the others. Don’t worry about me.”

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As I paused my spoon and listened to what was being said, Lady Phyllis looked at me and smiled. Although she usually gives off a strong impression, right now she seemed somewhat fragile.

“There is nothing to be worried about, Lady Ashrina. Sorry for bothering you.”

“My lady…”

“That’s why my brother and I came back. We’re no longer just children to be protected.”

(…From the looks of it, this territory has probably been suffering from bandit attacks.)

Even in the game, there are often quests to deal with mountain bandits and the like, with requests coming from small lords. Is it possible that something similar is happening in this world that resembles “Artifact & Blade”?

And Lady Phyllis and her brother are in a position where they must handle this problem. This means they’ll have to fight.

“Lady Phyllis, I too…”

“Lady Ashrina, you’re accustomed to horseback riding, aren’t you? I’d like to show you around the area sometime soon. There are local specialties and places with beautiful scenery.”

She had called me brave, but that was because she and her attendants were kind.

Kind and strong. Even though she would soon have to embark on a dangerous battle, Lady Phyllis invited me to join her —a promised of what’s to come.

“Yes. I’ll definitely go with you.”

Lady Phyllis nodded. She still didn’t know—she didn’t need to know—what I was planning to do in order to keep my promise.

◆◇◆

After finishing the meal, lady Phyllis was called by her parents. I was curious about their conversation, but it would be rude to eavesdrop.

I entered my guest room alone and immediately picked up the wooden sword propped up against the wall. I sat on the floor as usual, and tried to enter into meditation, but I couldn’t enter the teacher’s inner realm.

(…Master, it’s me, Ashrina.)

When I closed my eyes and concentrated, I could feel my teacher’s presence, but it seemed like he was hesitating. But…

When I opened my eyes again, I found myself in a forest, and my teacher was sitting on the rock where he always sat, with his hands on his knees and his head bowed.

“W-What is this…? Are you telling me to never come here again?”

“…I’ve lived much longer than you, yet I made such an oversight. I had the time to teach you how to fight when hostages are taken, but I failed to do so.”

Seeing Reis-san in that state, I couldn’t stay calm. It wasn’t my teacher’s fault, but rather mine. I was the one who didn’t gain an ‘advantage’ when I faced off against Zephen.

“You were able to use that power because you had defeated the enemies before reaching Zephen. But if that hadn’t been the case, all I can do is apologize…”

“I was able to win because you lent me your power, Master. ‘Avatar Release’… It’s true that being able to use it at that dime moment was cutting it close, but thanks to you, I wasn’t struck down.”

The teacher, who had kept his head down the whole time and not moved, finally lifted his face. He uncrossed his legs and looked at me, still looking apologetic.

“It is only thanks to your strength that you are able to use the power of the Sacred Relic in this world. Thanks to the fruits of your training, you have the ability to use my power… At this stage you can only use water magic, but in the future you will be able to use other types of magic as well.”

“Does that mean, you’ll teach me again?”

“…Don’t look so happy. Honestly, There’s no one else as obsessed with training as you.”

I felt relieved to see that the teacher was not completely displeased. When I couldn’t enter this realm earlier, I was worried that I would no longer be able to practice meditation.

“Master, may I ask about the time when I used ‘Avatar Release’ ?”

“…The way you elevated my skills to this level… I was surprised because there has never been another person who has. You have changed into what you would have looked like if you were a man, and if you had dark hair, … well, I suppose we just have to accept that that’s the way it is.”

“So, while using ‘Avatar Release’, others saw me as a completely different person, right?”

“Exactly. That’s why, even if Zephen tells someone about you, no one will believe him. From now on, you’ll need to think carefully about whether it’s okay for people to know that you’re the same person.”

Should I make the black-haired swordsman who I was when I used “Avatar Release” a different identity from mine? It’s a complicated matter, since I still have to hide my identity for the time being, but it’s better to decide on a course of action now.

“Then, let’s say it’s someone else.”

“The ability to act in the guise of another person will come in handy in certain situations. You’ll appear grown-up, so you can handle situations where your child-like appearance would be a disadvantage.”