Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 123: Report
Entering the central hall, Orthofen and Bray stopped roughly in the middle and offered a formal knight’s salute to the current Pope.
“Your Holiness.”
“Mm.”
Rayev XXIII looked at the two of them and said with encouragement, “Orthofen, Bray Gegefer, thank you for your hard work in aiding the Dawnlight Kingdom against the undead monsters.”
“It is our duty, not hard work.”
The two replied in unison.
“Good.”
Rayev XXIII gave a slight nod.
“On this mission, did the undead show any unusual behavior?”
This was a question asked every year. The Church had to stay vigilant toward the movements of the undead and be prepared in case Kazitu led his undead army on a large-scale invasion to the south.
“Your Holiness.”
As commander, Orthofen always spoke first—after all, the Red Sand Fortress was the main battlefield against the undead.
“This time, the scale and types of undead encountered at Red Sand Fortress were basically no different from the last. With the combined efforts of both sides, we once again stopped their southern invasion.”
For such a result, the cardinals had little to ask.
Next, it was Bray’s turn to give his report.
“At Bianshu Town this time, the number of undead encountered was slightly larger than before, and even a Corpse Sand Worm appeared.”
“Oh? Even a Corpse Sand Worm appeared?”
The middle-aged cardinal’s face grew solemn. He knew those worms had only ever appeared at Red Sand Fortress before.
“Fortunately, last time when the northern wall was breached, it put us on guard, so we dispatched more people there. I trust you didn’t suffer heavy casualties?”
“None.”
Bray replied.
“That is good.”
“Talenberg, the number of undead appearing in Bianshu Town during the winter has been increasing year by year.”
The elderly cardinal stroked his beard and speculated:
“Do you think it’s possible that Kazitu’s undead army is only using Red Sand Fortress as a decoy, and might suddenly launch their main assault at Bianshu Town, breaking through in one stroke?”
Hearing this, Talenberg nodded gravely.
“Lemi, what you suggest is indeed something worth paying attention to.”
“If Bianshu Town falls, isn’t there still the Eastern Rising Fortress further south to hold them?” asked Freya Lutis, the young woman known as the Saint, speaking for the first time.
To this, Talenberg explained:
“The Eastern Rising Fortress hasn’t fought the undead for a long time. If so many enemies suddenly appear, they may not be able to hold.”
Finally, Lemi raised his head to look at Rayev XXIII and offered his opinion.
“Your Holiness, it would be best to remind the Dawnlight Kingdom to pay close attention to Bianshu Town, and not allow the undead to seize the opportunity.”
Rayve XXIII nodded in agreement:
“Indeed, precaution is necessary. I will write a letter to remind the King of Dawnlight.”
The discussion about the undead ended there. Rayev XXIII turned to the two who had been summoned.
“Have you brought the latest intelligence from the Dawnlight Kingdom?”
Orthofen immediately stepped forward, saluted, and said:
“Your Holiness, I have an important matter to report.”
“Speak.”
After briefly gathering his thoughts, Orthorfen reported:
“The old king of the Dawnlight Kingdom passed away last winter. In his will, he named the third prince, White Wells, as heir to the throne. However, the first prince, Legovis Wells, suspects forgery, and is gathering troops in Abundance City. I fear a struggle for the throne will break out between them.”
“So, the old King Wells has passed away…”
Rayev XXIII pondered for a moment, then said:
“This is an internal affair of the Dawnlight royal family, we should not interfere too much. Still, we must pay attention to who ends up as the new king.”
“Also, while returning through the royal capital, the third prince entrusted me with a letter to be delivered to Your Holiness.”
After speaking, Orthorfen took a roll of parchment from his chest, lowered his head, and respectfully offered it up with both hands.
Pope Rayev XXIII gave a slight nod to Freya, who immediately understood and stepped forward to receive the letter. She carefully opened and checked it before handing it over to the Pope.
After reading, Rayev XXIII fell into thought for a moment.
“Hmm… I understand.”
He then looked toward Lemi and instructed:
“Lemi, prepare a congratulatory gift and have it delivered to Archbishop William in Junhui City. Ask him to extend my blessing at the coronation ceremony for the new king, and express the hope that our two nations continue to maintain good relations.”
“Yes, Your Holiness.”
Lemi placed a hand on his chest and bowed respectfully.
With that matter settled, Rayev XXIII turned again to Orthofen and Bray.
“Is there anything else?”
“There is!”
Bray finally seized the opportunity to step forward.
“Your Holiness, during this mission to Bianshu Town, certain events took place.”
“Speak.”
Having received permission, Bray recounted the events of the mission.
When it was revealed that Bray had been deceived by Duke Eddie, Talenberg could not help but reproach him:
“Bray Gegefer, to think you would fall for such trickery—how shameful for a Knight of the Temple.”
“I am deeply ashamed.”
Bray bowed his head low.
“Come now, Talenberg…”
Lemi interjected generously.
“As the lord of the Dongsheng Fortress, Duke Eddie should have been well aware of the Bianshu Town’s situation. It’s not unreasonable that Bray Gegefer believed him.”
Then, turning to Bray, he asked:
“According to you, the Bianshu Town managed to withstand the initial assault of the undead. How was this possible? Please explain.”
“Yes.”
Bray then described what he had witnessed in the Bianshu Town.
The town’s lord, Marquis Eisen, had formed a militia composed entirely of commoners, training them collectively to face the northern threat.
“A militia?!”
Talenberg exclaimed in disbelief.
“Ordinary folk flee in terror at the sight of undead—how could such a force possibly have combat power?”
“They do.”
Bray’s tone was firm and resolute.
“This militia places great trust in their lord. Their morale is high, and their discipline and organization are no less than that of our own Knights of the Temple. They even dare charge into battle against undead. I saw it with my own eyes.”
Pausing briefly, he added:
“Not only that, Marquis Eisen also invited a band of lizardmen to aid them.”
“Demi-humans?!”
This time it was Lemi’s turn to be shocked. He leaned forward urgently.
“You mean the lizardmen didn’t clash with the townsfolk, but actually fought alongside them?”
“It’s absolutely true.”
Bray nodded.
“After winter ended, the lizardmen and humans even held a celebration together in the town square—singing, dancing, sharing food. The atmosphere was remarkably harmonious. My squad and I can all attest to this.”
“Why, this is exactly the ideal we’ve long advocated! To think it would be realized first in such a remote little town—how delightful! Hahaha—”
Confirming the truth of it, Lemi burst into hearty laughter. But soon realizing he had lost his composure, he coughed awkwardly into his hand.
“Cough, cough…”
He then bowed apologetically to Pope Rayev XXIII.
“Forgive me, Your Holiness—I lost myself for a moment.”
“It’s of no consequence,”
Rayev XXIII replied with understanding.
Indeed, he too wished he could personally witness the scene Bray had described.
Without a doubt, Bray’s account left the reformist clergy present with a favorable impression of Owen.