Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 23: Feeling Nervous
As expected, the mansion remained crowded with visitors throughout the following day.
Merchants based in Clausel, old friends of Lessard, and civil officials employed by public institutions within the territory all came to celebrate the birthday of Licia Clausel, bearer of the White Saint.
Watching the procession, Ren thought privately that noble birthdays looked exhausting.
His own celebrations had been entirely different.
Grandma Rigg and other villagers might bring vegetables or small gifts, but there had never been anything formal. At night, only Ren and his parents shared the meal.
Licia’s birthday bore almost no resemblance to his.
Eventually, the sun began to set.
Ren had not seen Licia once all day. He knew she was receiving guests, but the number of visitors kept them apart. Ren had also helped the attendants whenever possible, so the two may simply have missed one another repeatedly.
He wondered whether she was tired.
For the moment, he was back in the old manor changing clothes.
“I never thought I would have a reason to use these.”
The formal outfit was part of the clothing Licia had given him before summer.
Ren put on the jacket tailored to his measurements and stood before an old mirror. The black fabric was less formal than a tailcoat and patterned with a subtle pale check. Matching trousers completed an appearance that, at first glance, could make him seem like the son of a noble.
“Do not forget this.”
He slipped a long, narrow gift box into the inner pocket of the jacket. The shopkeeper had prepared it specifically for the finished hair ornament.
The box raised the fabric over his chest slightly, though not enough to look untidy. Only someone paying close attention would notice.
“All right.”
Ren left the room.
Evening light covered the grounds outside, mingling with the warm illumination from the main residence’s windows and creating an almost dreamlike view.
After pausing to appreciate it, Ren crossed toward the mansion. His formal leather shoes sounded unfamiliar against the path. The thick trousers brushed comfortably against his legs, while the rarely worn jacket felt somewhat tight across both shoulders.
“Well now.”
Weiss spotted him shortly after he entered the main residence.
Several nearby knights turned as well, and Ren scratched one cheek beneath the sudden attention.
“It suits you,” Weiss said. “You look almost as gallant as Hero Loren.”
“I mistook you for a young noble.”
“The outfit fits you well.”
“You should show your parents someday.”
After enduring the chorus of praise, Ren cleared his throat with exaggerated dignity and straightened his posture.
“You all look different from usual as well.”
The knights wore ceremonial uniforms resembling military dress, though their swords remained at their waists. Weiss explained that such attire was customary when household knights attended a celebration.
He and Ren began walking toward the great hall where the party would be held.
“I was waiting for you, boy,” Weiss said.
“For me?”
“I have not asked what you chose as your present, but the slight rise beneath your jacket answers that question.”
Ren had not intended to keep the gift secret forever, though he was surprised Weiss noticed it so easily.
“You are correct. What does that have to do with waiting for me?”
Weiss smiled mischievously.
“Each year, the butler presents a gift on behalf of the servants, and I present another on behalf of the knights.”
“I see. Then I should go before—”
“No. You will follow us.”
“…Why?”
The unexpected answer drew a blank response and an uneasy smile from Ren.
“You are giving her a present unlike anyone else here. It would be strange to place it before the offerings from those who serve the family.”
What is he talking about?
Ren could not prevent the thought.
“Lessard traditionally presents his gift last,” Weiss continued. “I want you to go immediately before him.”
“I have several objections, beginning with the fact that you seem to have forgotten I also serve House Clausel.”
“Do you? Well, that is very like you.”
The knights close enough to hear laughed, while Ren’s smile grew more strained.
“Are you serious?”
“Entirely. Forgive me for assigning you such an important position without warning. Still, tonight belongs to the young lady. We should arrange the gifts in the way most likely to please her.”
Ren could not dispute that purpose.
If standing in that position would make Licia happier, then he should accept it. The wishes of the person being celebrated mattered most.
Even so, his nerves tightened.
This is ridiculous. I may be almost as nervous as I was before fighting the Thief Wolfen.
The comparison was clearly exaggerated, yet his stomach churned and he pressed one hand against the left side of his chest.
Weiss watched with a gentle smile.
“It is refreshing to see you behaving like an ordinary boy.”
“Please remember that I am an ordinary boy.”
Ren’s reply sounded more challenging than intended. He continued rubbing his chest, and none of his usual composure had returned.
Today, he was simply a visibly nervous child, a sight the adults found unexpectedly heartwarming.
“Your normal conduct makes it easy to forget your age,” Weiss said.
“Then please use this opportunity to remember it.”
Ren did not notice the slightly petulant tone in his own voice.
Weiss and the other knights only smiled more warmly.
This was Ren Ashton—the boy Licia proudly described as the hero who survived their desperate escape and defeated the assassins sent by Viscount Given.
I mean it’s obvious at this point he is more than just a servant for Licia and her father. Even for her, he is her special person.
But she hadn’t made that clear to anyone yet though her father and the knight seem to have picked up on it