Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 191: Return to the Kingdom of Plazzo
The next day, after another full day of travel through Marquis Felker’s territory, the group found accommodation at an inn in a well-located town.
The exclusive floor, as usual, made the stay very comfortable. Along the way, they were greeted warmly and smoothly, thanks to the presence of both the head of the house and the captain of the Magic Knights.
Franboise, the young female captain, was understandably popular, but Samuel’s popularity was also considerable.
“Still, Samuel-sama’s popularity is really something…”
Isamu commented to Franboise during their third day in the Felka territory.
Calling him by name had been the marquis’ own suggestion. The marquis himself, currently riding in a trailer type magic vehicle, had asked to experience another model. Isamu noticed the strained face of Marcella, the driver, but pretended not to see it.
“Nobles are usually intimidating to commoners, and the head of an ancient marquis family would be even more unapproachable…”
“Samuel-sama regularly tours his territory and often heads to excavation sites. He doesn’t take many attendants, which brings him closer to the common people.”
Franboise explained, a bit proudly.
Samuel had seemed like a strict lord, but apparently, he was an approachable person, like the famous Lord Mito of old.
By noon, the group finally arrived at Topolski, the town nearest the border with the Plazzo Kingdom. The road they had taken wound through a deep forest, and as they had come far north of Felka, the forest was filled with massive coniferous trees. At Topolski, the road turned westward at a 90-degree angle, and just ten minutes by carriage led to the Plazzo border.
Beyond that, the road stretched straight west toward Plazzo’s capital, Ratcherio, lined with the same towering coniferous trees on either side.
“What a beautiful place…”
Isamu couldn’t help but marvel as he stepped out of the magic vehicle and observed the town, its red triangular roofs reminiscent of Felka, though smaller in scale, still breathtaking.
“Indeed. The forest around Klaufendam is beautiful, but this one rivals it, don’t you think?”
Samuel, who had been walking ahead, stopped and answered proudly.
“Yes, it’s just as you say.”
Isamu nodded enthusiastically, and even Annemarie, walking beside him, agreed with a large nod.
“But ironically, this time around, this forest works in their favor, though.”
Samuel mused.
“Yes, the thick trees make it the perfect place for large magic golems to hide.”
“Yes. It’s probably no coincidence that they chose this time of year, early summer, when the undergrowth is growing. It seems there are some clever people among the Zun.”
Isamu responded.
Samuel was right, clicking his tongue. At this time of year, the forest of giant trees with all the undergrowth growing was an advantage for those hiding out.
In contrast, winter, with its dead underbrush and snow, wouldn’t offer the same advantage for concealment.
“We have a rough idea of where they might be hiding thanks to Liliene’s information, but there’s no guarantee they’ll be there.”
Isamu noted and Samuel agreed.
“I know my own territory’s terrain, but another country is another matter. This may take some effort.”
“There’s no other way about that. Let’s enter the Plazzo right away after our lunch break.”
According to the information from Lilliene, operational maneuvers here in eastern Plazzo are set to begin in three days.
Additionally, the Zun’s first-generation magic giant golem should be surging into central Plazzo as of today.
Before the second raiding unit, advancing eastward from there, can join forces with Avalushi’s magic giant golem, we need to settle this.
In such a pressing situation, Isamu took a moment to rest and refocus his resolve.
“Oh! Is that a magic golem? I’ve never seen one in action before, but to see something this big move so smoothly… impressive.”
Samuel exclaimed, gazing up at the golem that had stood up.
To prepare for a possible ambush, they had assembled the yellow magic golem they had brought in parts during their break and loaded it onto a carrier.
“And it’s even more impressive that young Julius is the one piloting it.”
Samuel added, nodding as he watched Julius sit in the control seat of the other carrier.
Isamu, overhearing, remembered how children often piloted robots in anime.
With his impressive mana pass of 10, Julius smoothly managed the loading. While the experienced Drexler would pilot the golem during battle, Julius, less capable in physical combat, had volunteered to gain piloting experience during non-combat situations to contribute as quickly as possible.
Within five minutes, the loading was complete, the golem secured with ropes, and a sheet placed over it, ready for departure.
Samuel, watching intently, murmured.
“I must try piloting this myself someday…”
His quiet comment didn’t escape Isamu’s ear.
After five more minutes of travel out of Topolski, they reached the border checkpoint on the Stahlen Kingdom side. Normally, the large gates of this allied border were left open with minimal checks, but given the current tense situation, the gates were closed.
Even though things appear to have calmed down on the surface, it’s only natural to remain cautious, as there’s no telling when the magic giant golem might reappear.
The group was questioned, but with Samuel and Franboise on board, they were quickly waved through.
“You’re doing good work. No unusual activity?”
Samuel asked the knight in charge.
“Occasionally, a stray monster from the Plazzo side crosses over, but we handle it easily. However…”
“Yes?”
“Since yesterday, we’ve noticed fewer people entering from Plazzo’s side.”
“Oh? Did they mention anything unusual?”
“No, aside from the usual monsters and bandits appearing on the roads.”
“I see… Stay vigilant. Also, someone from Yaderud might come. Don’t let them through.”
“Are you sure?”
Samuel smiled and nodded.
“Monsters are likely just up ahead, aren’t they?”
“Indeed, they are.”
Ad
“And Franboise and I are heading to deal with them. We’ll return once the area is secure. It won’t take long.”
“Yes, sir!”
“Carry on.”
Samuel said, patting the knight’s shoulder as he saluted with a stiffened back.
Samuel added one more thing.
“Marquis Zabadak will be bringing troops soon. After you explain the situation thoroughly, let them through.”
“Eh!!!?”
Isamu stiffened at this unexpected remark.
“Thoroughly, sir! Understood!”
“Good.”
Samuel nodded in satisfaction as the captain agreed.
As they returned to the magic car together, Isamu bowed slightly to Samuel.
Although nothing was said about the movements within the faction, this man, who had a bird’s-eye view of the kingdom, seemed to be aware of it.
“What are you talking about? I just said to explain the situation.”
As Isamu replied with a wry smile, the corners of Samuel’s mouth turned up in a happy manner.
Ad
We smoothly passed through the checkpoint on the Stahlen Kingdom side, passed through a buffer zone of several hundred meters, and quickly arrived at the checkpoint on the Plazzo side.
This place is also under strict security, but since the lord of the neighboring territory is on board, this place too is mostly just pass-through.
Just like at their own country’s checkpoint, Samuel made a couple of simple requests, and Isamu and his party easily entered the Kingdom of Plazzo.
“According to the intel, the plan is for them to occupy a large town called Meraja ahead and use it as a forward base.”
As they walked along the road on the Plazzo side, Isamu explained the situation to Samuel once again.
Samuel thought for a moment and suggested.
“It’s likely their scouts are already in Meraja. There’s a small town called Alicia before that. It would be wise to use it as our base.”
“That sounds like a good idea. It would be counterproductive to approach someone carelessly and end up giving them an impression…”
“Well, maybe I’m being too cautious.”
Samuel muttered with a wry smile, a little self-deprecating, but acting carelessly and missing the opportunity would be pointless. It would be best to be overly cautious.
After passing through the checkpoint and continuing along the road, keeping a cautious eye on our surroundings, we arrived at the town called Alicia that Samuel had mentioned, just as the sun was setting in the west.
The town is in a similar location to Topolsk, which we visited earlier, but the atmosphere is quite different.
Not only does it lack that uniform roof, but this building also makes greater use of wood, which gave it a more country-style feel.
Once in town, the group first secures lodging.
It is not a big town, but since many people travelling between Stahlen and Plazzo stop here, there are many inns.
The group found a luxurious inn and secured an entire floor, resting after a long day.
“Are we heading into the forest now?”
Samuel asked as he sat on the shared living room’s sofa.
“I plan to scout just the entrance, but the sun is setting, so we won’t go far. Entering a new forest after dark is too risky.”
“Agreed. Let’s split into teams to cover more ground. Franboise, organize the others.”
“Haa!!”
Samuel nodded vigorously at Isamu’s answer and immediately took action. His quick footwork was as good as ever.
“Can Liddell-san and Memphio-san join us please?”
“Yes.”
“Understood.”
“Hoho, I shall come too. In the event we encounter our kin or Lady Liliene, I may be of some use.”
With that, Liddelll, Memphio—knight of the Bisseling family—and Greg joined the group.
“Ah, indeed, as Greg pointed out, it’s helpful to have someone who knows Lady Liliene.”
Isamu then divided them further into three teams: one centered around him, another including Sarah, and a standby team staying in town. Felix, who also recognized Liliene, accompanied Issmu as his guard, while Mizeroi remained in town to guard Annemarie and Julius.
The party began exploring the forest as the afternoon sun lowered, but after a few hours, they could only map the basic terrain without reaching the forest’s depths.
Not long after they returned to town, small shadows darted back toward the woods.
“Nyaa-fu.”
“Nyao.”
“Nii,”
“Mya.”
Led by Orhime, Sarah’s cat, Lucy, and her kittens Kiki and Leo vanished into the darkening forest.
Late that night, as Mizeroi was checking his armor in the living room, a soft sound caught his attention. Taking turns to stay on night watch, it was now his and Elis’ shift. Concentrating on the sound, he heard a faint scratching at the door.
“Nyaa-fu.”
“This voice—is it you, Sensei?!”
Startled by the familiar meow, Mizeroi opened the door to find Orhime, Lucy, Kiki, and Leo slipping into the room.
“What brings you here at this hour?”
Confirming no one else was outside, Mizeroi closed the door and lifted Orhime, who had been brushing against his legs.
“Nyaa-fa~~”
Perched on his shoulder after climbing up his arm, Orhime let out a big yawn, then looked pleased as she tapped his head with her paws. After a while, the cats, having enjoyed attention from Mizeroi and Elis, returned to the rooms where their masters slept.