Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 130: News from the Capital
Looking back now, it seemed that the lizardman Kuros had encountered on the road had actually been talking to a local resident.
The scene was incredible—it completely overturned the common perception of demi-human races.
When ordinary people thought of demi-humans, they typically assumed they were savage and brutal, and would naturally avoid them.
Of course, there were some demi-human races whose appearances were very close to humans, such as elves or cat-eared people.
Because they matched human aesthetics and could never get pregnant, these demi-humans were often captured by humans and ultimately became toys for the wealthy and the noble.
“Indeed, as you said… well, let’s not talk about that.”
Regarding the lizardmen, Kuros didn’t feel it was appropriate to comment further and changed the topic.
“Owen, I heard about your father last year and was really worried about you. Now seeing how busy you are, I feel relieved.”
“I can’t stay immersed in grief forever. Let the past be the past.”
Owen said.
Mentioning it made Owen’s expression solemn, and he continued slowly.
“Right now, the most important thing is to govern the territory I inherited from my father.”
“I’m really sorry. At the time, we couldn’t come to visit you, and only sent letters of condolence. I don’t know if you received them?”
Xinia said apologetically.
“No need to apologize. I understand,”
Owen smiled.
“I did receive the letters. Thank you.”
“I knew you’d be able to pull yourself together. It’s just that my sister worried too much about you, skipping meals and losing sleep.”
Saying this, Kuros deliberately made a helpless expression toward his sister.
“Brother, what are you talking about!”
Xinia immediately got flustered and lightly pounded her brother’s arm with her small fists.
Owen awkwardly laughed on the side.
After the playful moment, Kuros quickly regained a serious expression and said solemnly,
“Owen, do you know? Something major happened in the capital. The situation there is unstable. That’s why, as soon as winter ended, my sister and I hurried back to the Dongsheng Fortress.”
Ah, so that was why they returned so late—they probably didn’t know what Duke Eddie had done to Bianshu Town last winter.
“Oh? What happened?”
Owen had recently devoted all his energy to developing his territory and hadn’t been following the news from the capital.
“The king has passed away.”
Kuros said deliberately, emphasizing each word.
Owen was silent for a moment upon hearing this.
To be honest, as long as it didn’t involve Bianshu Town, he wasn’t very interested in the happenings of the capital.
After a while, Owen asked.
“Who is the heir to the throne?”
“Officially, it’s the third prince, but who will ultimately succeed is uncertain.”
Kuros replied.
“What do you mean?”
“The third prince has a will left by the late king that names him as heir. But the eldest prince will absolutely not agree. By now, a succession conflict has likely erupted in the capital, and it’s unclear who has gained the upper hand.”
“I see.”
Owen murmured.
A war, huh? Regardless of who wins, it would be the civilians around the capital who suffer.
The fighting probably wouldn’t reach here. Once the new king is confirmed and prepares for the coronation, Owen thought he could send some congratulatory gifts then.
“Originally, we planned to visit you immediately upon returning.”
Kuros said, suddenly frowning, showing slight displeasure.
“But I heard something from my father. There was some dispute, which delayed our journey a bit.”
“What happened?”
Owen asked.
“My father said that all four major families of the Dongsheng Fortress decided to support the eldest prince for the throne. By the time my sister and I returned, the troops had already departed.”
It’s just about picking sides.
Once a noble chooses the right side, they can gain tremendous benefits from those who chose wrongly.
Whenever there’s a transfer of power, the factions of different princes clash fiercely—it’s either you die, or I live.
This is the game of power, one played with one’s life.
“Kuros, are you worried about the eldest prince? That the Eastern Rising Fortress might pick the wrong side?”
“You could put it that way.”
Kuros nodded.
“The main concern is the third prince—he’s very dangerous.”
“Oh? Can you elaborate?”
Owen suddenly felt a bit curious.
He simply wasn’t familiar with either prince. Since one of them would become the new king, it wouldn’t hurt to know a little.
“Let me explain! My brother and I lived in the capital for three years and attended some banquets, and we learned about the two princes from other nobles.”
Xinia eagerly said.
“The eldest prince is a martial type. He prefers hot-blooded combat with weapons over magic, and he’s straightforward and easygoing, not bothered by small matters. The third prince, on the other hand, is clever but a womanizer—he’s been involved with many women. He’s ruthless; a minor noble who spoke ill of him was reportedly dismembered at home by assassins sent by the third prince.”
Spoke a bad word and got killed at home? The third prince really is that ruthless.
It seemed Kuros’s worry wasn’t without reason—the eldest prince might not be a match for the third prince at all.
“If the eldest prince manages to inherit the throne, that’s fine. But I’m afraid the third prince will win.”
Kuros said worriedly.
“Knowing his temperament, he probably wouldn’t easily let Dongsheng Fortress off.”
Since the three hadn’t met for a long time, their conversation lasted a while.
Learning what had happened in the capital allowed Owen to prepare in advance, just in case.
Of course, they didn’t spend the entire time discussing serious matters—they eventually chatted about some interesting events in the capital.
Under Owen’s generous hospitality, the Youm twins stayed in the castle for one day and prepared to leave the next.
Before boarding the ship, Owen specially gave them some of Bianshu Town’s new specialty—white high-grade paper.
The siblings were very interested in this substitute for parchment and gladly accepted it.
As the ship set sail south, Kuros stood on deck watching the civilians working along the shore.
Suddenly, he turned to Xinia and said.
“Sister, finally seeing Owen, I thought you’d confess your feelings to him, but in the end, you said nothing.”
“Brother!”
Xinia glared at Kurose and gave him a light kick.
This time, Kuros reacted quickly and dodged, then feigned shock:
“What? Don’t you like Owen? That night…”
“Ah! Don’t say it!”
Xinia shouted.
Her voice drew the attention of the ship’s crew, who looked over curiously to see what was happening between the siblings.
Embarrassed, Xinia scolded.
“Kuros Youm, you just like bullying me, hmph!”
With that, she turned and stormed into the cabin.
“Ah! I’ve made my sister angry again,”
Kuros muttered, blaming himself.
Back in her room, Xinia lay on the bed hugging the blanket, sulking.
“Brother is such a big dummy. When do women ever chase men first? I want to use my own charm to attract Owen, but he doesn’t even look at me. What should I do…”
Xinia couldn’t help but recall the first time she entered the Magic Academy, when Victor Colette tried to take advantage of her. The first person to stop him was Owen, who had just arrived at the academy.
If only time could stay frozen at that moment, she thought wistfully.