Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 8: Before the Strongest Onmyoji Goes to a Party
Even though we had decided to accept the Emperor’s request, it would take about three days before we could actually depart. This was because we needed to make arrangements for a carriage, supplies, and other necessities.
Preparations were progressing smoothly, and one day before our departure
For some reason, we found ourselves attending a party.
“…”
Looking around.
It was a room within the imperial palace.
People, dressed splendidly, adorned a dazzling hall. It was so glamorous that I started to doubt if we were really inside a castle.
As expected from its exterior, it seemed that this wasn’t a castle prepared to withstand a siege.
“You don’t have to be so on guard. Ufufu, no one will get close to any of you.”
The one who said that nearby was Fiona.
Sipping from a glass, she continued cheerfully.
“Dealing with those trying to bring us into their own faction is troublesome, but it’s also troublesome to be misunderstood by others as being absorbed into some faction. So, please stay with me today.”
“…With our status, being thrown into a place like this would only result in us being ridiculed, but…”
Saying that, I looked up at the person standing beside Fiona.
“…Is that how you’re avoiding people?”
The person turned out to be an Ogre, specifically a Demon Ogre.
A physique far surpassing that of a human. Unusually for a Demon Ogre, its skin was gray. There was a martial air about its stance.
Even when my gaze met the Demon Ogre’s, it remained silent, motionless, staring straight ahead.
“This is Sir Vromd, the Holy Knight.”
Smiling, Fiona introduced him.
“He’s a silent type and doesn’t talk much, but just by standing there, he makes the surroundings quiet. It’s quite helpful in our daily lives.”
“…”
Perhaps due to being in a party venue, Vromd, the Demon Ogre, was dressed appropriately, and of course, he was unarmed.
However, the intimidating presence he exuded made the attire, designed for humans, appear less fitting and more terrifying.
Thanks to that, the area around us remained unpopular.
“…I can’t believe there’s a demon in the ranks of the Holy Knights.”
From being brought to such a place to the presence of a demon in the Holy Knight order, it was a bit shocking.
I returned my gaze to Fiona and said
“How did he get accepted?”
“Giggle, have you forgotten my position?”
“Is it okay for the princess to distance people like this?”
“I choose parties where Vromd accompanies me, of course. However, as my supporters are not originally from the nobility, there are many opportunities like today. Unfortunately, it seems no one I want to talk to is here today.”
“Were we given the option not to participate?”
“You are guests of His Majesty. It would be wiser to participate in the party quietly than to smear His Majesty’s face with mud.”
The party for which even we received invitations seems to be organized by the court.
Despite our reservations, Fiona recommended that we attend. However, with the crucial absence of the Emperor, I’m starting to feel like we didn’t really need to attend after all.
“More importantly, Seika-sama”
Fiona said with a smile, turning on the spot.
The hem of her glamorous dress floated softly.
“How about it?”
“…”
Wrapped in a social dress, Fiona looked so dazzling that words seemed to fail.
Fiona’s appearance has been sung about by poets with numerous beautiful phrases, but it feels like no matter how many compliments are piled up, they would still be insufficient.
In reality, despite the inability to approach due to Vromd’s presence, the men around were casting heated gazes at Fiona.
However, if asked for my impression, I would be at a loss.
I involuntarily made an awkward face and replied
“If you want words of praise, ask someone else. You should be able to receive as much as you want from others.”
“Well, I would like to receive them from Seika-sama more than anyone else.”
“…Unfortunately, I don’t possess a vocabulary with clever expressions.”
Saying that, I couldn’t help but look away.
While not particularly praised for sociability, I always found it awkward and uncomfortable to explicitly compliment a woman’s appearance.
Whether during my time in Japan or when traveling on the continent, I could never quite get used to it.
Feeling somewhat apologetic, I looked at Fiona, who for some reason seemed cheerful with a smile.
“Come to think of it, Seika-sama, you’ve always been like this. It feels somewhat nostalgic.”
“What… do you mean?”
“Oh, it’s just my own reflection. However, Seika-sama…”
Saying that, Fiona gestured behind me with her eyes.
There, I saw the figures of Amu, Iifa, and Mabel.
Each of them held a glass, discreetly huddled together but captivated by the dazzling court party.
Ad
Fiona whispered to me
“It’s fine for me, but Amu-san and the others need to behave properly. Such opportunities don’t come by often.”
“…”
The three of them had also dressed up for the party today.
Their dresses were more subdued compared to Fiona’s, but each was meticulously tailored and chosen to complement their hair and eye colors.
Their hairstyles were well-groomed, and it seemed like they had lightly applied makeup. They all looked like daughters of some noble family.
It was clear that they had spent quite some time preparing.
When the three noticed Fiona’s smiling face and my presence, they suddenly started to look cheerful.
“What’s up, Seika? Got something to say?”
“Well… let me think.”
“I’m waiting.”
Feeling the awkwardness reaching its peak, I unintentionally put on a stern expression.
But… there was no escaping this anymore.
“Um… all three of you look beautiful.”
I managed to say it with a slightly averted gaze, and the three of them responded with a mix of teasing and joyful cheers.
Ad
Fiona, in high spirits, joined in, and they all began to liven up with discussions about accessories and beauty.
I sighed heavily while watching the scene unfold.
“Give me a break…”
“Seika-sama… Yuki is feeling embarrassed.”
Feeling irritated, I tried to brush off the area around my ears, and I felt Yuki, hidden in my hair, quickly moving away toward the top of my head.
With a heavy sense of fatigue, I looked around the venue again.
I didn’t recognize a single face, but they all seemed to be from prestigious noble families or the families of lawmakers.
In my past life, would they be comparable to courtiers? I couldn’t help but feel out of place in such situations.
“Fiona.”
At that moment, a slightly hoarse voice echoed nearby.
Instinctively turning my face, I saw a young man addressing Fiona.
“I thought you wouldn’t be here today. Even though you look so beautiful, you still prefer to bloom in the corner”
The young man said with a gentle smile.
He was a slender figure. In a venue filled with elegant young men, he seemed even more lacking in vitality, almost feeble.
In reality, he appeared fragile. His pale, almost unhealthy-looking blond hair, along with his white skin, suggested a delicate constitution. Despite his youth, he leaned on a cane with his right hand. The slightly mismatched dark-colored eyeglasses were likely for blocking intense light.
Fiona, who had been chatting with Amyu and the others, momentarily furrowed her brows and then turned towards the young man.
With a clearly forced smile, she spoke
“Well, greetings, Hiltzell Onii-sama.”