Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 280: A Date? (Celestine Arc) ④:
The royal capital mansion once owned by Sanada Shouko contained nothing but paintings of Japanese scenery—presumably ones she had painted while she was alive.
“It seems all the rooms are filled with paintings of some town or other as well.”
“Looks like it… By the way, do you think these paintings have any value?”
“They’re beautifully done, and though the towns depicted are fantastical and unknown, I imagine there are people who would want them… I never would’ve expected Her Majesty the Queen Dowager to have such an artistic side.”
Celestine spoke distantly as she gazed at the softly rendered landscapes.
“To me, Her Majesty the Queen Dowager was always this distant, intimidating figure. I could never tell what she was thinking. It was really unsettling, being stared at like she was constantly appraising me…”
“…I see.”
Having met Shouko within her mental world, Rest found it hard to believe—but it seemed that was the impression she left behind.
Consumed by bitterness and vengeance, she had essentially become a different person.
“So what’ll happen to this mansion? Does it become mine too?”
“No. This wasn’t part of Prince Rodel’s estate, so it has nothing to do with you. Since there’s no listed owner or heir, it’ll become state property.”
“I see… If they plan on tearing the place down, do you think I could buy the paintings at least?”
The thought of Shouko’s legacy being tossed aside so carelessly felt a bit painful.
Even for Rest—who didn’t feel particularly nostalgic for Japan—the idea of losing these paintings of Japanese scenery seemed like a waste.
“Understood. I can’t guarantee anything, since the royal family will make the final decision, but I’ll make the request.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
After thoroughly exploring the mansion, Rest and Celestine prepared to leave.
But just as they were about to pass through the front door, Celestine suddenly stopped.
“Ah…”
“What is it?”
“No, it’s just… something about that wall seems off to me…”
She pointed to the wall beside the entrance.
At a glance, nothing looked out of place—but upon closer inspection, a faint square outline became visible on part of the aged, yellowed wallpaper.
It was about the size of a palm.
“You’re right—something’s there. I don’t feel any magic energy though…”
“Our ducal estate has similar features. Of course, ours are hidden far more cleverly.”
Celestine touched the square shape traced on the wall.
“It’s a non-magical mechanism—a hidden door that even a mage wouldn’t detect.”
When she pressed on the square, part of the wall opened—like a rotating panel in a ninja house.
If it had been a magic-based mechanism, Rest would have noticed.
But precisely because it wasn’t reliant on magic, it had escaped his detection—a complete blind spot.
“Behind the hidden door… there’s a staircase. Leading down.”
He used his [Presence Detection] spell, but didn’t sense anything suspicious.
Rest glanced at Celestine, who gave him a small nod.
“If it’s alright with you, I’d like to investigate further. Would that be okay?”
“Honestly, if you’d said, ‘Let’s just go home,’ I’d be even more curious. Let’s go down.”
Rest lit up the darkness with a magic light and began descending the stairs.