Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 124: Events in Imperial Territory (9), Part 1
—Several days later, in the imperial capital of the Dorgalia Empire—
“We rejoice at the safe return of Archduke Kharon Listan!!”
At the center of the imperial capital stood the imperial court.
Archduke Kharon, who had come to the chamber of the Council of High Officials, was welcomed by the chancellor and ministers.
The officials praised Archduke Kharon with excited expressions.
They had likely read the report on the “Magical Beast Investigation.”
—That Archduke Kharon and Princess Liana had fought the scorpion-type magical beast “Nozerius.”
—That Archduke Kharon’s sword halted the beast’s movements, and Liana’s holy sword delivered the final blow.
—That despite facing a new, gigantic magical beast, there were zero casualties.
—That Archduke Kharon and Liana had captured the perpetrator behind the magical beast’s summoning.
All of it was a brilliant achievement.
Another achievement had been added to the record of Archduke Kharon, the former Sword Saint.
It was no wonder the high officials were excited.
“You have accomplished a splendid feat, Archduke Kharon.”
Crown Prince Diaz spoke from beside the empty throne.
The emperor was absent due to poor health.
As the Emperor’s proxy, Crown Prince Diaz appeared to be presiding over the meeting.
“I rejoice that Your Grace’s fame has grown even further. I also thank you for your excellent guidance of my sister, Liana.”
Prince Diaz spoke with deep emotion, then suddenly tilted his head and asked:
“But why did you not inform us of your return date? Entering through the rear gate was unexpected as well. The Council of High Officials had planned a grand victory celebration.”
“A victory celebration is unnecessary. The achievements of the Magical Beast Investigation don’t belong to Her Highness Liana and me alone.”
Archduke Kharon sat down in one of the empty seats among the high officials.
He was still in his travel attire.
Aside from tidying his hair and removing his sand-dusted coat, he looked exactly as he had when he stepped from the carriage.
After being summoned by the Council of High Officials, Archduke Kharon had parted ways with Liana on the journey back.
After that, he entered the imperial capital through the back gate and came straight to the council chamber.
“We were only able to defeat the magical beast thanks to the help of brave individuals. The honor of a triumph should be given to them.”
“And who are these individuals?”
“The Demon Lord’s army.”
Archduke Kharon replied briefly.
“More precisely, Flame General Raisenga and his forces. They defeated two Nozerius magical beasts and supplied vital information, allowing us to confront the remaining beast safely.”
“We have received that report.”
Prince Diaz shrugged.
“Still, it’s undeniable that you and Liana defeated the beast. Can the Empire not claim this as a success?”
“The problem lies in where that magical beast came from.”
“You mean the magical beast summoning incident at the fortress. Yes, I’ve heard.”
“Then, where’s Minister of Magic?”
Archduke Kharon looked around at the faces of the high officials.
“I stated clearly in my report that Minister of Magic Azim Rajin was involved in the summoning. I wished to hear his explanation.”
“Minister Azim has already been dealt with.”
Prince Diaz replied in an emotionless voice.
His words echoed through the council chamber, and the high officials looked at one another.
They seemed to understand the situation, but not all of them were convinced.
As he looked around at the high officials, Prince Diaz continued:
“After receiving your report, I immediately sent subordinates to the Minister of Magic. He was then arrested and confined in the underground dungeon.”
“As expected of Prince Diaz. Your response was swift.”
“No, it was too late.”
Prince Diaz sighed.
“It seems that Minister Azim had prepared for the exposure of his actions. He had already sent his family abroad. After being arrested, Azim Rajin confessed to his crimes and accepted his punishment.”
“May I meet with Minister Azim?”
“We’re currently investigating his connections. Once that’s completed, you may.”
Upon hearing Prince Diaz’s words, Archduke Kharon looked at the high officials.
Their expressions varied.
Some seemed convinced, while others shook their heads with dissatisfied looks.
They murmured among themselves:
“The incident is already over.”
“Azim Rajin, the Minister of Magic, will receive his punishment.”
“We too bear responsibility for failing to notice his conspiracy.”
“In any case… the investigation should continue.”
—So they said.
Archduke Kharon made a mental note of the names and faces of those who looked dissatisfied.
They might cooperate when he eventually launches an independent investigation.
(Even so, the Crown Prince moves quickly.)
Archduke Kharon made a bitter face.
When the “Magical Beast Investigation” ended, he hesitated.
Should he send the incident report to the capital immediately, or disclose everything after arriving himself?
He chose the former for the sake of Princess Liana’s position.
This investigation was a joint effort between Archduke Kharon and Princess Liana.
If he had delayed the report and earned the resentment of the imperial family, Liana’s standing could have worsened.
Archduke Kharon could simply return to his duchy—but Liana couldn’t.
That’s why Archduke Kharon sent a letter ahead of time to the capital, detailing the investigation results and the perpetrator’s name.
As a result, the Minister of Magic responsible for the summoning had been imprisoned.
It became more difficult for Archduke Kharon to uncover the full truth, but—
(Well, I’ll manage somehow. As a precaution, I’ve already sent my subordinates ahead.)
Kharon was a politician too. He had already made his move.
He had entrusted the report on the “Magical Beast Investigation” to his close aides and sent them ahead to the imperial capital.
Before submitting the report, they were ordered to investigate the Minister of Magic.
That’s why Archduke Kharon needed to return to the imperial capital as slowly as possible.
He had used the extra time to speak with Thor and the others and to tour the borderlands.
It had been an extremely meaningful time.
And as he met and spoke with them, he made up his mind.
If uncovering the mastermind behind the Magical Beast Summoning proved too difficult, he would instead secure tangible benefits.
And those benefits, he decided, would be used for the sake of Sophia, Liana, and the others.
(I’m not fond of scheming… I simply wanted to be a swordsman.)
Suddenly, the face of the alchemist Thor appeared in his mind.
If he had been like Thor, could he have devoted himself solely to mastering swordsmanship?
As he pondered such things, Archduke Kharon faced the high officials.
“The Minister of Magic, Azim, will be judged according to the laws of the Empire. That’s the situation, correct?”
Archduke Kharon said.
Diaz nodded in satisfaction.
“That’s correct. He’ll pay for the crime of disrupting the nation.”
“In that case, I have nothing more to say.”
“No, Your Grace. You must be rewarded appropriately for your accomplishments.”
“Covering the expenses of the expedition will be more than enough.”
“That alone won’t suffice. After all, Your Grace has achieved a great success.”
Prince Diaz spread his arms wide.
“Although your archduchy is semiautonomous, we could enlarge its holdings. Or would you prefer one of our treasured magic items?”
“In that case, I would ask for an expansion of territory.”
Without hesitation, Archduke Kharon replied.
“I would like new land granted to the Grand Duchy—an exclave some distance away.”
“Which land do you have in mind?”
“Noza Town and the surrounding borderland.”
Kharon’s request stirred murmurs throughout the council chamber.
The Grand Duchy lay west of the imperial capital.
Reaching Noza Town from there took more than ten days.
It wasn’t unheard of for a noble to possess an exclave, but such an extreme distance was unusual.
The high officials were all struggling to understand the meaning behind Archduke Kharon’s request.
“Although that area is Imperial territory, it’s governed by a margrave, correct?”
“Just as you say, Your Grace,” Diaz nodded.
“That land falls under Margrave Garua’s jurisdiction. It’s too distant for the imperial family to govern directly, so the margrave appointed a steward.”
“Then there should be no issue if the Grand Duchy assumes that role from here on.”
“But it’s also distant from the Grand Duchy.”
“Then why not entrust it to someone of Imperial blood? Come to think of it, Princess Sophia is presently in Noza Town, is she not?”
Archduke Kharon offered his words with a fearless smile.
“What do you think of having her govern Noza Town and the surrounding region?”
“…Sophia?”
“During the Magical Beast Investigation, I had the opportunity to speak with Princess Sophia and found her admirable. The people of Noza Town love her, and her Omawarisan Unit even assisted in defeating Magical Beast Nozerius.”
Looking around at the officials, Archduke Kharon continued.
“Princess Sophia is loved by the people, respected by the soldiers, and maintains good relations with the Demon Lord’s Domain. I believe she can be entrusted with territory belonging to the Grand Duchy.”
“…But Sophia is sickly. I doubt she could manage a territory—”
“Actually, she seemed quite well when I saw her.”
“What?”
“Perhaps the borderland climate agrees with her. Even I’ve felt much better since visiting. A change in the air can clear the mind as well.”
“…Are you implying that the air in the imperial capital is stagnant?”
“I meant no such thing.”
Facing Prince Diaz, Kharon bowed formally as an archduke.
“A change of place brings a change in thought and perspective. A statesman should strive to view matters from many angles—that’s all I meant, Your Highness.”
“I understand your thoughts, Your Grace.”
Prince Diaz nodded.
After a long sigh, he turned to the other officials.
“What do the chancellor and ministers think of the Archduke’s proposal? We can grant additional land to the Grand Duchy. However, giving it such a distant exclave and entrusting that land to a member of the imperial family—to Sophia—is unprecedented. Let us hear your views.”
“Indeed, there’s no precedent for granting a territory so far from the main domain.”
The chancellor stood and answered Diaz.
“However, entrusting the land to Princess Sophia changes matters. It would be treated as though the Archduke were offering land to the Emperor himself. Rejecting it would mean disregarding the Archduke’s loyalty.”
Sweating nervously, the chancellor finished speaking.
Hearing his opinion, the other high officials began to speak as well.
“If it’s the wish of the Archduke, who has achieved such great merit, we should accept it.”
“The proposal is logical and serves the Empire’s interests.”
“I have also heard good things about Noza Town. It may prosper even further under Princess Sophia.”
“In any case, the Archduke will bear responsibility.”
Accepting Archduke Kharon’s proposal would make the Empire’s borderlands stronger.
And strength was the supreme value in the Empire.
It seemed all the officials shared this view.
“Very well. Let us consider Your Grace’s proposal positively.”
Eventually, Prince Diaz nodded with a composed expression.
“However, I have a few questions.”
“Please, Your Highness.”
“Why did you evaluate Sophia so highly?”
“It’s only natural to make use of someone with talent. Of course, there’s also the meddling of an old man involved.”
Archduke Kharon scratched his gray hair with a troubled expression.
“If Princess Sophia is to remain as a ruler, so be it. If not, the Grand Duchy will take responsibility for the aftermath. That’s all there’s to it. Naturally, I’m also a subject of the Empire. I simply wish to utilize valuable personnel.”
“I have one more question.”
“Go ahead, Prince Diaz.”
“Why did you not only grant Sophia territory, but also place that town under the jurisdiction of the Grand Duchy? There must be a reason, mustn’t there?”
“Oh, indeed there is.”
With a sense of satisfaction, Archduke Kharon slapped his knee.
“As expected of the wise Prince Diaz. You noticed that I’m wary of the borderlands.”
“Of course.”
Diaz nodded.
“If your only intent were to support Sophia, there would be no need to make the area around Noza Town part of the Grand Duchy. You yourself must have a reason to be wary of the borderlands.”
“The reason is simple.”
Archduke Kharon’s expression changed.
The pleasant look he had up to that point turned serious.
A look as if he were about to face off with a magical beast—so intense that the high officials gasped.
Then—
“Several of Geralt Zelger’s subordinates, who participated in the Magical Beast Summoning at the fortress, escaped.”
He stated the fact as if it were the most natural thing.
“The escapees were mercenaries hired with money. They apparently fled through the fortress’s rear gate while Magical Beast Nozerius ran amok. We must remain vigilant against them. That’s why I wish to strengthen security in the borderlands, as a precaution. That’s all.”
“Coming from someone like Archduke Kharon, this seems overly cautious.”
“Does it?”
“Only a few hired mercenaries escaped, correct? I don’t see the need to be that cautious about them.”
“Fortress commander Geralt Zelger said the escapees were involved in ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ and ‘Magical Beast Control.'”
Archduke Kharon spoke.
For a moment, silence swept through the council chamber.
Pretending not to notice, Archduke Kharon continued.
“In other words, there’s a danger that the summoning ritual has been leaked. Furthermore, it’s said that they were hired because of their skills in ‘Magical Beast Control.’ Now, Prince Diaz. Are there any individuals you can think of who might excel in ‘Magical Beast Control’?”
“…No way.”
“…You mean, survivors of that civil war!?”
Suddenly, the Chancellor interjected.
An elderly man, the Chancellor held knowledge equal to that of Archduke Kharon.
He must have remembered that the now-lost House of Marquis Tilik had been renowned for Magical Beast Control.
“But that house perished during the Tilik Rebellion. I can’t imagine there were survivors. The fighting was so fierce—”
“Calm yourself, Chancellor. The Archduke’s words are all speculation.”
Prince Diaz cut the Chancellor off.
Faced with Diaz’s piercing gaze, the Chancellor fell silent.
“Even so, we should accept the Archduke’s proposal. I previously said we would consider placing the border town under the Grand Duchy, but if the Archduke senses a threat, we should decide here and now.”
“That’s much appreciated.”
“Then, everyone, please raise your hands.”
A tense air filled the council chamber.
At its center stood Prince Diaz and Archduke Kharon.
The high officials couldn’t avert their eyes from the two of them.
Under everyone’s gaze, Prince Diaz declared:
“Those in favor of placing Noza Town and the surrounding area under the jurisdiction of the Grand Duchy, and appointing Sophia Dorgalia to govern the region under Archduke Kharon’s patronage, raise your hands.”
The high officials raised their hands.
Naturally. They had no reason to oppose.
The territory was granted as a reward for Archduke Kharon’s efforts.
Moreover, he had proposed to entrust that land to a member of the imperial family—Princess Sophia.
Seeing this as a gesture of loyalty, opposing it was out of the question.
“The council is unanimous. Archduke Kharon’s proposal is accepted.”
Prince Diaz announced this while looking around the chamber.
“Then, once we have received His Majesty the Emperor’s approval, we shall begin the arrangements immediately. If the Archduke is willing to support a town on the border, we couldn’t ask for more reassuring news.”
“Indeed. I shall give it my utmost effort.”
“Your utmost effort, hmm…”
Suddenly, Prince Diaz narrowed his eyes.
With a chilling smile, he continued.
“This is a fine opportunity. Would Your Grace allow me to witness your strength for the first time in many years?”
Prince Diaz spoke quietly.
“I, Diaz, am also a swordsman who aspires to strength equal to a Hero’s. Having fought gigantic magical beasts and gained further experience, I ask Your Grace for a bout.”
“I don’t mind, but right now?”
“If possible. While Your Grace still retains the feeling from fighting the magical beast.”
“…Hmm.”
Archduke Kharon looked into Crown Prince Diaz’s eyes.
He could tell he was calm.
Archduke Kharon didn’t underestimate Diaz.
Diaz had been raised as the Crown Prince and had met the imperial family’s expectations.
Among the many princes and princesses, he was wise. It seemed unlikely he would challenge without a chance of winning.
“By the way, Your Highness Diaz, you bear the epithet ‘The Lightning Swordsman,’ don’t you?”
“It’s embarrassing. It’s a nickname my subordinates gave me on their own.”
“No need for modesty. I’ve heard that many who admired your swordsmanship gathered around you and formed a unique knightly order.”
“It’s embarrassing that even Your Grace has heard of it.”
Diaz bowed calmly.
“So, will you have a bout with me?”
“I would like to, but… if Your Highness is the opponent…”
“You seem reluctant. Then, shall we make a bet?”
“A bet?”
“If Your Grace wins, I, Diaz, will personally support the town of Noza and my younger sister Sophia. I’ll provide the funds but won’t interfere… that’s the deal.”
“And if Your Highness wins?”
“I ask that Your Grace keep your speculation between us.”
Diaz spoke.
The “speculation” referred to the escaped soldiers and their possible connection to the House of Marquis Tilik.
“Don’t speak of that speculation elsewhere. The Tilik Rebellion belongs to the past. It’s better not to needlessly disturb the people.”
“Your Highness Diaz—”
“Yes?”
“Do you have anyone you respect among your acquaintances?”
It was sudden.
Without realizing it himself, words flowed from the Archduke’s mouth.
“During this Magical Beast Investigation, I met a boy I can respect and a girl I wish to make my disciple. I want to be someone who need not feel ashamed before them.”
Archduke Kharon said this while recalling the two.
An alchemist who created a magic item that could fell the magical beast Nozerius in one strike.
A girl who had sent a chill through the former Sword Saint.
Both were rare talents.
Archduke Kharon had come to want to be someone not ashamed before them.
“Does Your Highness Diaz have such people?”
“I don’t quite understand what Your Grace means.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
“So, what about the bout?”
“It’s Your Highness’s request. I can’t refuse.”
Archduke Kharon nodded with a bitter expression.
He circled his right arm and said,
“Very well. I shall accept Crown Prince Diaz’s challenge.”
“Ooooooh!”
Cheers rose throughout the council chamber.
The high officials here were renowned warriors and magicians.
Some were still active.
A match between Archduke Kharon and the Crown Prince—the Emperor’s eldest son, who revered the Heroes—was naturally cause for excitement.
“Thank you. If Your Grace’s sword technique is shown, His Majesty the Emperor will also be energized.”
“Is His Majesty still unwell?”
“The doctor said it was temporary. He should be fine just watching.”
“If His Majesty watches, I can’t hold back.”
“Oh? If His Majesty doesn’t watch, do you mean you can hold back against me?”
“That was just a turn of phrase. If I offended you, I apologize, Your Highness.”
And so, the match between Archduke Kharon and Crown Prince Diaz was arranged.