Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 16: The Coming Ordeal
The morning sun rises from the east even in this world. White clouds were drifting across the blue sky after twilight.
“Reis-san, how did you come to know the young master of this mansion?”
“Lord Eric’s father is the lord of Glasbel, and he has visited the kingdom before. I was tasked with his guarding him during that visit… and at that time, to put it simply, he approached me with an offer to ‘poach’ me.”
“That… could have been very dangerous if it had become public knowledge.”
Behind his mask, Reiss softly smiled. He always seemed tense, so seeing him smile like this was somehow a relief.
Still, it’s quite bold of him to try to scout someone like Reis-san, a member of the shadow society. But I myself have just tried to do the same, there’s just a certain charm about him that draws people in—a little of topic to think but I guess even a mask couldn’t hide that charisma.
“He is sending Lord Eric and Lady Phyllis to an academy attended by nobles from surrounding Nations.”
I learn that Lady Phyllis’s older brother’s name is Eric. But what do you mean by “surrounding nations” —ideally, wouldn’t it be safer for them to attend academies in their own countries.
Ad
“The academy is located within Forlant… This is a measure to guarantee neutrality.”
“…You mean, as hostages?”
“Yes. Lord Glasbel was seeking allies within Forlant to protect his family. I declined that offer, but my escort duties continued until he safely returned to his domain.”
“In that case, I suppose he’d taken an increased liking in you because of that.”
“I don’t know about that, but Duke Glassbel gave me a copy of his ‘official seal’. It’s a type of magical item, and when you use it to create a sealed letter, only the person it was intended for can read it’s contents.”
Using that tool, Reis-san asked a merchant traveling between Belche and Glasbel to deliver the sealed letter to the Duke. Relying on past connections, he was searching for ways to help me escape.
“So, that’s why Lord Eric knew about me.”
“I’m sorry, I asked the prince to handle everything until I arrived…”
“Lord Eric didn’t turn me away even though I was clearly a prisoner; he immediately understood everything. Lady Phyllis, his younger sister, is also very kind. I’m glad I was able to come here with you Reis-san.”
“…It’s more than I deserve… I am unworthy. But I am truly grateful.”
“You don’t have to be so formal. Just treat me casually.”
“That’s not true… the reason I still call you ‘Your Highness’ isn’t just out of formality. I just believe it’s appropriate, even now.”
Did I really behave that much like a ‘princess’?—though I feel that might not be the right way to put it. Still, hearing it too often makes me uneasy.
“However, for the time being, we need to hide your true identity. So…”
“Just Ashrina, I think, will be fine. I said that before, too.”
“In that case… I will call you lady Ashrina.”
“Eventually, I’ll have to use a fake name, but for now, I’ll take it.”
Reis-san is older than me and speaks with incredible elegance, so I think it would be more comfortable for our relationship if we didn’t use honorifics.
As the saying goes, a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—so maybe I will be able to change things someday? I was just pondering such peaceful thoughts when…
“I can hear voices coming from the mansion. It sounds like an argument…”
Reis-san nodded in agreement, and we descended from the hill toward the mansion. As we approached, I could see Lord Eric armed and leading several mounted soldiers.
“Eric, wait! Me too…!”
“Phyllis, please stay here! We need defenders here too!”
Eric’s voice stopped lady Phyllis in her tracks—behind her, I could see a man who looked terribly emancipated even from a distance.
(So that’s what was happening…)
I’ve heard the circumstances. Please prioritize my father and the others over me.
Phyllis had said that because her father was suffering from some kind of illness.
While training under the master, I have become able to sense the presence of life. But from this person I assume is lord Glassbel, I can barely sense any such presence at all.
“Phyllis, I’m sorry… it’s all my fault for being so incompetent.”
“…Father, I’ve been honing my swordsmanship and magic just like my brother.”
“even though I’m not as strong as I use to be, I won’t just sit back and let these bandits get the better of us. Leave this to me.”
“…Yes! Father, everyone, please stay safe…!”
Lady Phyllis also mounted her horse and rushed after Eric—but,
“…Gah…!”
Lord Glasbel suddenly collapsed and began coughing violently. Blood spewing from his mouth—he’s likely suffering from tuberculosis or some kind of lung disease.
The lord’s military forces should not be so small that they cannot fight off the bandits, but it seems they are unable to mobilize all their soldiers. I don’t know much about the details, but they must survive this crisis with the limited troops they have.
Ad
“Lord Glasbel is in no condition to fight… lady Ashrina, I will hold off the enemies.”
I could stay here and help defend—yet I have a bad feeling.
“You’re worried about Lord Eric and the others. Normally, it would be far too dangerous for you to join a fight at your age… but…”
“Reis-san, I’ll be back soon. I want to protect both the mansion and those two.”
“I understand. I will hold out until you return, ensuring no one is lost.”
Leaving the rest to Reis-san, I grabbed my wooden sword and mounted the horse I’d been using since I rode here—though I could no longer see lady Phyllis’s figure, Riku was guiding the way.
If this territory is under threat, I cannot just stand by. Perhaps Riku understood my feelings, and maybe because it had eaten enough, the horse’s strength surged. It tore through the grassland, galloping at full speed.
*Thank you for reading!*
Bookmarks, ratings, comments, likes—thank you very much. Your support is a great encouragement.
Your continued support fuels these updates, so we humbly ask for your continued support!