Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 149: “Princess Sophia Conducts Intelligence Gathering”
—In a forest near the border—
“The unit has already deployed, correct? Good.”
Inside a tent set up in the forest, Prince Ricardo spoke.
It had been over ten days since he left the Imperial Capital.
Prince Ricardo, who led the investigation unit, had been waiting in a forest near the border.
They remained concealed in the forest to avoid detection by Noza Town’s soldiers.
Archduke Kharon was a clever man. He had likely already realized that an investigation unit had departed from the capital. Any noble should have that level of intelligence network.
However, the Archduke probably didn’t know that the unit was being led by Prince Ricardo. Nor would he know where the unit currently was.
Prince Ricardo’s objective was to obtain the “box in question” or a clue related to it.
He also intended to gather information from Princess Sophia.
Once he obtained either the box itself or relevant information, he would withdraw immediately.
Even if Noza Town’s soldiers discovered them after the investigation, it would no longer matter.
After all, the unwanted princess Sophia wouldn’t be able to stop Ricardo’s unit.
“Of course, we mustn’t be careless. You understand that, don’t you?”
“—Yes, sir.”
The investigation unit’s captain answered Ricardo.
The captain was dressed in common traveling clothes:
Brown garments and a slightly dirty cloak.
A scarf was wrapped around his neck to protect from dust and sand.
His expression was calm, making him look like just another traveler.
“Our specialty is erasing our presence. The second unit has already disguised itself as travelers and is moving toward its target.”
“Good. You lull your enemies with your appearance.”
“We place no importance on outward strength.”
A black-coated dagger was strapped behind the captain’s waist.
Hidden under the cloak, it couldn’t be seen from the front. With its short reach, it looked weak.
However, Ricardo knew that they possessed exceptional combat prowess.
“That’s right. You only reveal your strength when carrying out your mission.”
“A saying attributed to the Hero states: ‘Those who remain inconspicuous in daily life are the ones who awaken their true power in another world.’”
“There was a hero who only showed strength when his comrades were in danger, wasn’t there?”
“There’s also the maxim: ‘Always act weak.’”
“That saying inspired the imperial family to raise units like yours.”
Prince Ricardo laughed.
“The Princess of the Holy Sword probably can’t imagine the imperial family’s hidden strength. The unwanted Princess Sophia may know a little, since she at least possesses knowledge—but knowledge is meaningless for someone who can barely move.”
“There are rumors that Princess Sophia’s health has improved.”
“I’ve heard that too. But she likely isn’t well enough to withstand combat.”
“We sent the vice-captain to Princess Sophia’s location. He has orders to avoid violence whenever possible.”
“I understand. We’ll just gather information and withdraw swiftly. No need to keep repeating it.”
“If possible, I’d like to send the first unit as backup…”
The captain hesitated with his words.
“The first unit sent toward Noza Town has been delayed. They still haven’t returned.”
“Struggling in the town governed by Sophia? That’s unusual. Very unusual.”
“My apologies. I believe they’re also investigating the facilities near the border. That may be why they’re delayed.”
“You mean the facility for interaction with the Demon Lord’s Domain—the Trading Post, right?”
“Yes, exactly.”
“Brother Diaz ordered us not to interfere with the Demon Lord’s Domain, but the Trading Post lies south of the border, outside its territory. Investigating it should pose no problem.”
“We’ve sent in a large number of personnel, so they should return soon.”
“Once they return, we’ll send them to support the second unit. After that, we’ll proceed to the fortress.”
The investigators were capable individuals. They should return with information by tomorrow.
Ricardo and the main force would move out afterward.
“In a few days, we’ll have obtained all the information.”
Prince Ricardo said.
“I’m sure the Unwanted Princess Sophia will be satisfied too. The useless princess is at least providing some information to the Empire. That’s about all she’s good for.”
—Evening. In the town near the fortress—
“Princess Sophia. Are you not tired?”
“I’m fine. Dorothy-sama, you must be more exhausted, no?”
After finishing their investigation at the fortress, Sophia and Dorothy returned to the inn.
This was the closest town to the fortress once commanded by Geralt Zelger.
Sophia and the “Lady Omawarisan Unit” led by Dorothy had been staying here for a few days.
They were investigating the “box in question.”
The investigation had been going smoothly.
They searched the fortress for clues and also conducted interviews in the surrounding towns and villages.
They even questioned travelers and merchants moving between towns.
“I regret that despite Your Highness’s efforts, we’ve found so little useful information.”
Dorothy muttered apologetically.
“All we’ve learned is that someone carrying something that might be the box was spotted in a nearby town. But after that, there’s no information at all about where they went.”
“Don’t worry about it, Dorothy-sama.”
Princess Sophia smiled gently.
“I believe there’s meaning in the act of investigation itself.”
“…What do you mean?”
“By conducting our investigation, we’re also sending a message to whoever took the ‘box in question.’”
Nodding, Princess Sophia continued.
“If the box really can’t be opened by anyone, then those who stole it’ll eventually seek clues. They should take interest in us as well.”
“You’re investigating just to draw their attention, Your Highness?”
“A perceptive hero from another world once said, ‘The culprit returns to the scene of the crime.’ The thief may revisit the fortress and notice our investigation. If that happens—”
“They might try to contact us?”
“If we can speak with them, we might gain more useful clues.”
Princess Sophia winked playfully.
(Princess Sophia truly is incredible. How could someone this capable ever have been dismissed as useless?)
Dorothy stared intently at the princess before her.
She didn’t know what Princess Sophia had been like when she was sickly.
But even if she had been sickly—what of it?
Her wisdom, knowledge, and initiative far surpassed the other princes and princesses.
Princess Sophia might even surpass Princess Liana, the Princess of the Holy Sword.
Of course, not in a head-on fight, but in commanding troops.
Dorothy believed that Princess Sophia could devise a strategy to put Princess Liana in a situation where she couldn’t use the Holy Sword—and win. That’s how capable she seemed.
(Not that Her Highness Liana would ever oppose Her Highness Sophia, of course.)
Princess Sophia and Princess Liana trusted each other deeply.
It was as if they were mutually protecting one another.
In the imperial family, such a close bond between sisters was rare.
(Whatever happens, Her Highness Liana will surely support Her Highness Sophia. Sophia also wields powerful light magic, and above all, she has a formidable ally in the Demon Lord’s Domain.)
That overwhelmingly powerful ally—was the alchemist, Thor Canaan.
His technical prowess was astonishing.
The MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium he created had cured Dorothy’s sensitive skin immediately. Used too heavily, it made her skin so smooth that even her underwear slipped off—an experience she would never forget.
Furthermore, Sophia had other allies.
“Sophia-sama. Can I show myself now?”
“Yes, Soleil-sama. It’s just me and Dorothy-sama here.”
“Heave-ho—here I come!”
From within Sophia’s clothes, a small winged pixie emerged.
She was a light-element winged pixie named Soleil.
Dorothy had only been introduced to her a few days ago.
(To think a winged pixie would trust a human this deeply…)
In the Empire, winged pixies were legendary beings. Almost no one had ever seen one.
And yet, Sophia casually maintained a friendship with one.
Such a thing would have been unimaginable back in the Grand Duchy.
Winged pixies were masters of hiding, quick-moving, and capable of using magic.
If anything happened to Sophia, Soleil would surely lend her strength.
And in the worst-case scenario, she could act as a contact to the alchemist Thor Canaan.
(No imperial prince or princess has ever gained the trust of a winged pixie. Princess Sophia—and the alchemist as well—are truly extraordinary…)
Dorothy shuddered.
She realized that she had been entrusted with protecting someone of legendary stature.
Realizing she had been entrusted with protecting someone who might become legendary, Dorothy renewed her resolve.
“When we return to our room, let’s summarize today’s findings.”
As they ascended the inn’s stairs, Sophia said.
“No, before that, let’s have some tea together, the three of us. Let’s talk calmly, take care of our skin, and then get to work on summarizing everything.”
“I’m all for it!”
“As Your Highness wishes… no, please wait a moment.”
Suddenly, Dorothy stepped in front of Sophia and Soleil.
She moved without a sound, raised a hand to shield Sophia, and stood in the second-floor hallway.
“There’s an intruder present.”
Dorothy whispered.
She sharpened her hearing and used Presence Detection to locate the intruder.
—They’re here.
Second room from the back—Sophia’s room.
While they were out investigating, there were fewer guards at the inn. Security was thinner. The intruder had taken advantage of that.
There were no valuables in the room. The research materials were carried with them.
However, from what was left behind, it might be possible to deduce how long they were staying and their investigation route.
More than anything, as a guard, she couldn’t allow her master’s room to be violated.
“…Your Highness, please stay in a safe place.”
Leaving those words behind, Dorothy took off running.
She moved without a sound. Concealing one’s presence until the instant of attack was a foundation of Grand Duchy swordsmanship. Dorothy reached the room and kicked the door open.
The intruder was there—but far away.
A man wearing a mask was heading toward the window. He was trying to flee.
Outside the window was a large tree. He must have come in via the branches.
The distance to the branch was great, but someone skilled in body movement could make the leap.
We should have cut down that tree, Dorothy thought as she rushed toward him.
“Who are you!? Are you aware this is Princess Sophia’s lodging!?”
“——Tch.”
The intruder clicked his tongue.
He wore ordinary traveler’s clothing: a reversible cloak and a slightly dirty jacket, either of which could alter his appearance. The mask concealing his face was especially suspicious.
Dorothy drew her dagger and advanced.
The intruder dashed toward the window—clearly intending to escape.
In his hand was a leather pouch. It was bulging. He had taken something from the room.
Even if it wasn’t something important, stealing from a lady’s room was unforgivable.
Thinking that, Dorothy closed the distance—but then—
“—Ice Needle!”
“—!?”
The intruder cast a spell.
It was a low-powered water-element spell that launched ice needles, with a short chant and rapid activation.
Its purpose was to stall.
Even knowing that, Dorothy slashed away the ice needles with her dagger.
Swift movements. Quick decisions.
A skill set focused on evasion and intelligence gathering.
This was no ordinary foe.
“—How troublesome!”
Dorothy clicked her tongue.
Fending off the spell slowed her down. She was now a few steps short of reaching him.
The enemy neared the window. She wouldn’t make it in time. He would escape with the information.
Just as she thought that and clenched her teeth—
“Omawarisan! Not Isaac! Lady Unit!!”
Startled—!
The intruder froze, as if frightened by the voice.
It lasted only a moment.
But for Dorothy, that was enough.
She reached the window, blocked the intruder’s escape, and slashed with her dagger.
“Dammit!”
Clang!
The intruder parried Dorothy’s strike with his own dagger.
He leapt back toward the wall of the room.
His eyes locked on Dorothy—then shifted to the doorway.
At the entrance of the room stood Princess Sophia.
In her hand was a small disk.
It was a “Security Buzzer” made by the alchemist Thor Canaan.
“You aren’t the thief who took that box. Are you an imperial reconnaissance soldier?”
Princess Sophia gazed calmly at the intruder.
“This is Archduke Kharon’s territory. If imperial soldiers were conducting an official investigation, he would have notified me as the local ruler. State your purpose and your commander’s name, return what you stole, and apologize.”
“Princess Sophia Dorgalia… you?”
Behind the mask, the intruder’s eyes widened.
They likely didn’t recognize the current Sophia.
They seemed confused by her unexpected aura of dignity.
Footsteps approached from the hallway.
The “Lady Omawarisan Unit” stationed on the first floor was now coming up the stairs.
The intruder’s eyes darted around.
They looked at Dorothy and then at Princess Sophia in turn.
Dorothy predicted the enemy’s route of movement.
Escape path—Dorothy was blocking the window. There was no way out.
That being the case, the enemy would most likely try to take Princess Sophia hostage. Using her as a shield could allow for a safe escape. Therefore, Sophia must be protected—
With that conclusion, Dorothy dashed toward the enemy.
But—
“A hostage doesn’t have to be the princess. Archduke Kharon’s niece will suffice.”
“—!?”
The intruder lowered their body. In an instant, they disappeared from Dorothy’s line of sight.
Dorothy used “Presence Detection” to sense their movements. Crossing her arms, she went into a defensive stance.
Moments later, the Security Buzzer’s “Omawarisan alert” sounded again.
The kick the enemy had been about to deliver faltered for a second. Its force weakened. Dorothy caught the blow and leapt backward, absorbing the impact.
“Please run, Your Highness Sophia! This person is highly skilled!!”
“No, I’ll assist Dorothy-sama.”
Came the voice of Princess Sophia.
“Take this—Vivid Light Destruction!”
“Y-Your Highness!? You can’t use a wide-range attack spell here—!?”
Dorothy cried out reflexively, then realized something.
(That’s not right. Her Highness isn’t chanting!)
Princess Sophia would never use magic that would endanger Dorothy.
But the intruder didn’t know that.
Which is why, for a brief moment, their movements halted. They glanced between Dorothy and Princess Sophia, hesitated for an instant, then dashed toward the window.
“O-Omawarisan! Trouble approaching! Omawarisan!”
The Security Buzzer activated again, slowing the intruder for a fraction of a second.
And that alone was more than enough for Princess Sophia.
Her true trump card was neither a light attack spell nor the Security Buzzer.
What Dorothy saw was a small vial thrown by Princess Sophia—and—
The other was Soleil, the winged pixie hidden beneath her clothes.
Those two things were Princess Sophia’s ace in the hole.
“Please forgive me for using your gift this way. I’ll make a proper apology—yes, with everything I have.”
“I’ll make sure to see it through properly. Activate—Vivid Strike!!”
Pashuun.
Soleil peeked out from beneath Princess Sophia’s skirt and fired a small projectile of light: Vivid Strike.
The intruder quickly ducked—but Sophia had already anticipated that.
What Soleil aimed at was the small vial directly above the intruder.
Vivid Strike pierced the neck of the vial.
The viscous liquid spilled over the intruder’s head, arms, and legs before pooling on the floor.
From their arms to their legs. Then, forming a small puddle on the floor.
(That is… the lotion we received from Alchemist-sama!)
“Forgive me. I was supposed to use that gift to show you beautiful, smooth skin…”
Princess Sophia murmured in a trembling voice.
Soleil gently patted her on the shoulder, as if to console her.
Neither of them approached the intruder or displayed the slightest concern.
Because it was already over.
“To think the so-called ‘Useless Princess’ would go this far…”
The intruder raised their face.
Gripping a dagger tightly in their hand—
“This smell… is it cosmetics? What a pathetic last effort. Well then, I’ll take my—”
Slippity.
The dagger slipped from the intruder’s hand.
“—Huh?”
Slippity. Clang!
Furthermore, the intruder’s foot slipped and they crashed to the floor.
Headfirst.
“Gah, gahhh!? Wh-What’s this…? M-My feet are slipping—I can’t get up!? What’s happening!?”
The intruder tried to rise, hands pressed against the floor—
Slippity. Thud!
Their hand slipped, and their head smacked into the floor again.
“S-Slipping!? What’s this slipperiness!? Oil? No—my martial arts skills wouldn’t be hindered by mere oil—!”
“Your Highness! Dorothy-sama, are you safe!?”
“Wh-Who’s this person!?”
“They’re flailing like a dying insect—may we capture them?”
The arriving “Lady Omawarisan Unit” asked Princess Sophia.
Princess Sophia nodded.
“Capture the intruder, but don’t touch the lotion. Bring rope and bind only areas that aren’t coated.”
“““Understood!”””
One of the “Lady Omawarisan Unit” members dashed downstairs.
As Sophia issued orders and the unit obeyed, Dorothy felt a cold sweat.
(She turned the undiluted MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium into a weapon. What audacity… Princess Sophia.)
MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium made treated skin exceptionally smooth and nearly frictionless.
Dorothy knew because she had once used it almost undiluted. Even undergarments slid off treated skin. Princess Sophia and Thor had described the effect as “reducing friction to nearly zero.”
If the concentrated lotion covered someone’s hands and feet, standing would be almost impossible.
That was why the intruder could do nothing but flail on the floor.
The lotion had soaked their hands and feet and had probably seeped into their shoes.
On top of that, small puddles had formed on the floor.
The intruder had collapsed into one of them. There was no way they could get back up.
And to make matters worse, the lotion had even gotten on their face—
“Th-The mask… it’s coming off!? I-If it’s come to this—!”
The intruder whistled.
A sharp, piercing sound echoed through the surroundings.
A few seconds later—white smoke came blowing in through the window.
“Please step away from the window, Dorothy-sama! Reinforcements are coming!!”
“U-Understood!!”
Dorothy immediately moved to guard Sophia.
Because she understood her intention.
Sophia was already whispering instructions to the Lady Omawarisan Unit and preparing her next move.
Dorothy couldn’t help but be moved by the swiftness of her decision-making.
“—Vice Captain.”
“—Take my hand.”
A man’s voice called from beyond the white smoke.
He had likely come to rescue the intruder.
“—My apologies.”
Slip!
Thud!!
A loud sound rang out.
No surprise—Dorothy thought.
The vice-captain’s hands were completely coated in undiluted MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium.
There was no way he could be pulled up by the hand.
On top of that, after repeatedly falling to the floor, his clothes must have been soaked as well.
At this point, extracting him through the window was impossible.
“When the smoke clears—escape. Report this information up the chain.”
“—Understood, Vice Captain.”
“—We’ll definitely come back for you.”
The smoke began to dissipate.
What Dorothy and the others saw was the first intruder, lying face-down on the floor, his forehead bright red.
And the backs of the two intruders running toward the window.
They kicked off the floor and jumped.
Reaching out toward a tree branch outside the window.
Both grabbed hold of the branch at the same time—
Slip!
Slide!
“Aaaaaaaaah—!”
Thud.
The sound of the intruders crashing into the ground echoed up.
““Rope them—!!””
Voices from the Lady Omawarisan Unit rang out from beneath the window.
Sophia had anticipated this and repositioned part of the squad beneath the window.
The two intruders had tried to pull up the man they called Vice-Captain.
The MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium transferred to their hands the instant they grabbed him.
Trying to swing to the tree with lotion-coated hands could only end in a fall.
“…T-This is so humiliating…”
The one called Vice Captain groaned from where he lay on the floor.
Looking down at him, Princess Sophia said:
“You’ll tell us everything you know. Whose orders brought you here? How many people are involved? Who’s the commanding officer?”
Princess Sophia’s voice was perfectly calm.
“Because of you, I lost something given to me by someone precious. I must offer that person something of equal value—and make a wholehearted apology.”
(…Princess Sophia. What a dignified presence…)
She was a reassuring sight.
But at the same time, Dorothy found her baffling.
Princess Sophia had used the entire bottle of MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium to incapacitate the intruders. It was a precious gift from Thor Canaan.
She had just lost it, and yet she wasn’t angry.
She remained composed—and that was the baffling part.
“As expected of Sophia-sama. This too must be part of her plan.”
“Huh?”
“…Oh, nothing.”
Behind Sophia, Soleil covered her mouth with both hands.
(Part of the plan…?)
Now that she thought of it, Princess Sophia had said something earlier.
Their investigation itself was meant as a message to whoever had stolen the Mysterious Box.
Maybe this entire operation had also been a message to the imperial soldiers.
Princess Sophia was the ruler of a border territory.
It wouldn’t be strange for her to capture those conducting unauthorized investigations.
(Could it be that Her Highness calculated all of this from the start!?)
Dorothy felt as if she finally understood Princess Sophia’s plan.
She had used herself as bait to capture the imperial investigation team.
Then she could extract information and share it with Thor Canaan of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
That information would compensate for using the precious lotion.
As a trade, it was more than fair.
(What a brilliant strategist Her Highness Sophia Dorgalia is.)
Never in the history of the Empire had there been a princess with such wisdom and initiative.
Dorothy might be serving a princess destined for history. She resolved to remain vigilant.
After the intruders had been captured—
“…Lady Soleil. How should I apologize to Thor Canaan-sama?”
“…I think it would be best to do something that helps him.”
“…What kind of thing?”
“…For example… Miss Mabel is always worried because the alchemist works through the night without rest.”
“…So she’s worried about his lack of sleep?”
“…Exactly.”
“…Then I should apologize in a way that helps Thor Canaan-sama sleep soundly. Perhaps a lap pillow—or sleeping beside him? Warmth is said to aid sleep. In that case, bathing together, washing his back, and then sharing a bed may be best.”
“…Sophia-sama, the things you think up…”
“…It can’t be helped. I used that precious lotion he gave me for something like this. I must apologize. Yes, with everything I have, I must.”
“…Sophia-sama really is a genius.”
Sophia and Soleil had such a conversation—but Dorothy would never come to know about it.