Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 322: The Lavender Margrave Territory
In the eastern part of the Kingdom of Iwood lies the domain of the Lavender Territory.
This territory borders the Geisel Empire to the east and was once the main battlefield during the war with the empire.
During that war, countless fires of battle ignited across the land, and many heroes fell — a testing ground of blood and valor.
The current lord of this land, Margrave Lavender, is known as one of the most battle-hardened nobles in the entire Kingdom of Iwood.
Even after the war with the Geisel Empire ended, he remains a latent oppositional force, critical of the royal family’s conciliatory diplomatic approach.
(“Margrave Lavender is considered a loyal subject to the royal family. Celestine said he wouldn’t rebel like Marquis Eiger… but we should remain cautious regardless.”)
Whether he’s a good man or a bad one, I don’t know. Depending on how you look at him, he might even seem like a patriot.
But one thing is certain: he’s an elder statesman whose views differ greatly from those of Marquis Rosemary, Marquis Catreya, and Duke Crocus.
He likely harbors some grudge or agenda against Rest as well — this isn’t going to be a carefree trip.
(“If it were just for gathering food supplies, I might’ve let it go… but since I received an invitation, refusing outright would cause offense.”)
Rest received an invitation from Margrave Lavender and decided to consult with his father-in-law, Marquis Rosemary.
Even Rosemary had no idea why Rest was summoned, so he asked Rest to take this opportunity to find out what’s going on.
Otherwise, Rest would never willingly venture into such a potentially dangerous place alone.
“Feels kind of like I’ve become a spy or something… not that I’m taking this lightly or anything,”
Rest muttered with a strained smile as he gazed out the window of the carriage.
At the center of the Lavender’s territory lies the city of Lavenderburg, the largest urban center in the eastern region of the Kingdom of Iwood.
Though not as bustling as the royal capital, it’s still a vibrant city. Merchants crowd the main thoroughfares, some clearly foreign in appearance — likely from the neighboring empire, given the proximity to the border.
(“Margrave Lavender is said to be anti-Geisel Empire, but business seems to be thriving. Wasn’t there a phrase for this kind of thing… ‘Cold politics, hot economics’?”)
He recalled a phrase he had learned in social studies in his previous life — a term describing situations where political relations are chilly, but economic ties remain strong.
Indeed, merchants from the empire frequently enter the city, and likewise, merchants from the kingdom travel to export goods into the empire.
(“Trade revenue with the empire is essential for the Kingdom of Iwood. Despite political issues, trying to upset that balance would be unacceptable.”)
Understanding the Margrave’s true intentions is also one of the goals of this visit.
After some time riding through the city, the carriage arrived at the Lavender’s mansion, located at its heart.
“Welcome, thank you for coming, Count Clover.”
As Rest stepped down from the carriage, he was greeted by a man in butler attire — likely a servant of the Margrave’s household.
“We’re honored by your visit today. Please, let me escort you inside. The young lady has been waiting for you.”
“Ah… I wonder if Urla’s been doing well.”
“Yes, very well. She’s been eagerly awaiting your arrival, Count.”
“…I see.”
In a sense, this was enemy territory.
The only one Rest could truly count on here was Urla Lavender, with whom he had grown close.
She might be hiding her own secrets, too… but they had once crawled into a centipede’s nest together. That was trust forged under duress. He had to believe in her.
“This way, please.”
“Right… I’ll be in your care.”
Guided by the butler, Rest passed through the mansion’s gates.
Upon entering the grand entrance hall… he was greeted by rows of servants lined up neatly on both sides, all there to welcome him.
“Welcome, Count Clover!”
The servants called out in unison, loudly and respectfully.
“……”
Rest was momentarily startled by the coordinated greeting, but as a count — a proper noble — he couldn’t afford to be flustered by such things.
He steadied his nerves and firmly planted his feet on the ground, resisting the urge to step back.
(“Calm down… this is nothing. Compared to being awarded a medal by the king at the palace, this shouldn’t make me nervous at all.”)
“Thank you for the warm welcome. Now then, where are the Margrave and his daughter…?”
“Welcome…”
“……!”
Despite his mental preparation not to be surprised, Rest couldn’t help but gasp in astonishment at the figure who appeared.
From the staircase just beside the entrance, a girl descended step by step, slowly and gracefully.
“Urla… is that you?”
“……”
Rest, caught off guard, asked bluntly.
The girl showed no sign of displeasure at his casual tone and gave a small nod.
“I’ve been waiting… I’m happy to see you again…”
In halting, polite speech and with a gentle smile on her face, Urla Lavender greeted him.
She was now a radiant beauty — dressed in a delicate lavender-colored gown, adorned with makeup and accessories, shining like a jewel.
She was no longer just a friend — she had transformed into a stunning young lady.