Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 26: The Fourth Princess
After a long five-day journey, the carriage carrying Hyde and the others passes through the castle gate surrounding the imperial capital, Onyx.
Although the territory capital, Centritz, was a splendid city in its own right, after seeing the imperial capital, it inevitably pales in comparison.
After all, the imperial capital, Onyx, seems endless…
So vast that it is impossible to grasp its full extent from the ground, and according to Dolph, the current imperial capital was the result of many towns being absorbed and merged over time.
Even though they finally thought they had arrived at the imperial capital, the carriage continues to travel for a while after passing through the castle gates.
Crossing several walls that divide the noble district from the commoners, each time their view is captivated by the changing cityscape, and they eventually reach the heart of the imperial capital.
The walls surrounding the imperial palace, where the emperor conducts state affairs, and the many palaces where the imperial family resides, are solid, and many guards patrol the area.
After passing through the glittering grounds, the carriage stops in front of a palace built to accommodate distinguished guests.
“You must be tired from the long journey. The skill appraisal is scheduled for tomorrow. For today, please rest and take it easy. I have some business to attend to, so I’ll be stepping out for a while.”
After receiving an explanation of the building’s interior from the palace maids, Dolph says this and leaves for somewhere else.
“Sigh… I’m tired.”
Even though this carriage is considered top-notch by the standards of this world, the five days of travel have taken their toll.
Just stretching lightly makes every part of my body creak in protest.
Along with the physical fatigue, my mental state is the most drained of all.
“The skill appraisal… tomorrow, huh…”
The royal family’s [Appraisal] skill has been troubling Hyde throughout these five days.
I don’t know what the skill’s capabilities are, but if it’s on the same level as [All-seeing god’s eye], there would be no way to make excuses.
Suddenly, the sunlight streaming through the window of the guest room catches his eye.
It seems there is still plenty of time before dusk.
“Looks like I can walk around freely within the grounds of the palace, so maybe I’ll take a little stroll outside.”
Hyde decides to take a walk in the palace’s garden to refresh his mind.
◆ ◆ ◆
“The garden of the Rugen estate was also beautifully arranged, but as expected of the emperor’s domain, this one feels more majestic, with a grandeur and natural beauty.”
The garden of the Aree Palace, where Hyde and the others will be staying, is planted with a variety of trees imported from both domestic and foreign sources.
Since dignitaries and envoys from foreign countries also stay at the palace, various elements have been incorporated into the design to showcase the empire’s authority.
Hyde stretches and twists his body while admiring the garden, easing his tension.
As he does so, he notices a small flower bed tucked away in a corner of the garden.
Approaching it to take a closer look, he sees flowers that resemble pansies.
“In the midst of this extravagant garden, it feels a bit out of place, but somehow, it’s calming…”
He crouches beside the flower bed, absentmindedly gazing at it.
Strangely, it feels as though his mind, which had been so chaotic, is becoming clearer.
Unexpectedly, this has been a refreshing moment.
Of course, if he were to use [Clay Doll of the Divine Realm], he could easily shake off his fatigue, both physical and mental, just like how it could dispel sleepiness.
(…Wait a minute?)
As he tries to stand up, a sudden flash of insight strikes his mind.
[Clay Doll of the Divine Realm] can transform into anything.
It could be the form of an animal, or the appearance of his past life’s self—basically, it can adapt to any state or environment.
Not only can it change externally, but even mentally, [Clay Doll of the Divine Realm] can alter itself to achieve the desired state.
So then… What about [Skills]?
(No, that’s too much of a leap. There’s no way it could mimic skills, just like it can imitate appearance…)
However, it’s also true that there are no better ideas to get through tomorrow’s [Appraisal].
Just as he stands up, intending to return to the guest room with the mirror to test this theory, he hears a voice.
“Oh?”
Hyde felt the presence of someone behind him.
When he turned around, there stood a girl dressed in a light-colored gown.
She was a girl so delicate and lovely that the term “beautiful girl” seemed to suit her perfectly.
Her water-blue hair, which had a slight wave to the tips, was cut to shoulder length, and her large, deep blue eyes were wide open, fixated on Hyde.
She appeared to be around the same age as Hyde, about seven years old.
(A child…? Why is someone like her here?)
Hyde and the others were already staying at the palace.
Even if someone else was staying at the palace like Hyde, they would likely be assigned to a different section of the palace.
As he thought about this, he suddenly remembered something Dolph had mentioned.
–The fourth princess is about the same age as you.
In a panic, Hyde quickly stood up, dropped to one knee, and lowered his head in a gesture of respect.
“I am Hyde Rugen, the eldest son of Count Rugen. I apologize for the rudeness, but may I ask your name?”
When Hyde spoke, he sensed a soft chuckle in the air.
Then, a clear, flowing voice rang out.
“I am Monica. Fourth princess of the Bernard Empire, Monica Bernard.”
“…My deepest apologies.”
Ad
Turning his back on royalty would be highly inappropriate.
Even if it was unintentional, it was necessary to express his apologies.
“Please raise your head, Hyde. This palace is now a place prepared for you and your companions. It is I who have intruded.”
“I appreciate your consideration.”
As he slowly raised his head, Monica’s large eyes shone with brightness.
“Hyde, why are you in this corner of the garden?”
“…Well, I was admiring this flower bed.”
“Hehe, how kind of you to say so.”
With a small laugh, Monica walked past Hyde and crouched near the flower bed.
She then began watering the flowers with a watering can she had in her hand.
(…So that’s why the princess is here… to tend to the flower bed.)
However, the question of why Princess Monica is watering the flower bed arises, but at this point, it doesn’t really matter.
(This child is also of royal blood, so… she might possess [Appraisal] as well.)
As he heightened his internal vigilance, Monica finished watering the flowers and turned toward him.
“Hyde Rugen… Yes, you’re here to have your skills appraised in the Imperial Capital, correct?”
Ad
“Y-Yes.”
“Hehe, and that’s why you’re staying in the palace. If you had arrived in the capital, my father or older brother could have swiftly had your skills appraised, couldn’t they? It’s strange that you have to wait for reasons like gaining prestige or maintaining authority.”
Monica chuckled softly, but for Hyde, it wasn’t at all funny.
If someone from the royal family was laughing, it might be overlooked, but for him to laugh in such a situation could be seen as disrespectful and punishable.
(Still, this is not what I imagined a member of royalty to be like.)
He had expected royals to be much more formal, but Monica, holding a watering can and laughing, reminded him more of Enju than the regal figure he had expected.
As he was thinking this, Monica looked up at him intently.
Her eyes, reminiscent of a distant blue sky, pierced through him.
Then, with a mischievous smile, she placed her finger on her chin.
“Hey, Hyde. Would you like me to appraise your skill right here?”