Since When Did You Have The Illusion That You Don’t Have Magical Powers?! - CH 44

Characters in this chapter:

Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier

Matteo, Percival’s horse

It was the fifth day of our journey to Vanderwall. The journey was too smooth and we entered the territory earlier than planned. Riding along the empty roads, we saw houses and fields here and there. Some cows were grazing. In the distance you can see a fortified castle towering on a hill.

“That is the castle of Vanderwall.”

“It’s that…….”

The castle has a stately appearance befitting the sword and shield that protects the country. Beneath it is a city, protected by the castle.

He must have realised that he was back home. Matteo quickened his steps.

The size of Matteo’s previously conspicuous physique is not so noticeable after entering Vanderwall. After all, the horse pulling the cart is also big.

Thanks to Matteo’s quickened pace, we arrived in the town in no time at all. Solmontana is a relatively peaceful country, so the gates of most towns remain open during the day and people can come and go as they please. Vanderwall seems to be no exception.

When we entered the town, the streets were bustling with activity. Men of every description are everywhere, and there are many eateries and arms dealers. It must be a place where adventurers and mercenaries gather. There is also a good smell wafting from the stalls. What’s that thing that looks like a lump of meat that is shaved and wrapped in a thin bread? It’s a dish I’ve never seen before.

“I’ll show you around the town later. First, I want you to take a rest in the castle.”

My foodie spirit must have been leaking out. I am certainly curious about the food stalls and eateries, but I don’t want to eat anything right now. I just wondered what that was and was a bit curious about it……I’ll keep that stall in mind for now.

Incidentally, the construction of this town is a bit complicated. There are few straight roads and many stairs. It’s rare nowadays, but when soldiers from other countries invade, they are not able to head straight for the castle. In case of emergency, the people are evacuated to the castle and the soldiers fight here in the city.

“Here we are, Sapphiras.”

“Ohhh……”

So this is Vanderwall Castle, where Percival grew up. It’s amazing to see it up close. It’s intimidating, as if it’s stretching out to you, and it has a very stern appearance. I can see why his character is so serious.

As soon as I got off Matteo with Percival’s help, the groom came.

“Welcome home, Percival-sama. Matteo is back too.”

“Yes, I’m back now. Please take care of Matteo.”

After leaving Matteo to the groom, Percival led us to the main entrance.

“There is nothing formal here, so please take it easy.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“Welcome home, Percival-sama.”

The Belisario family butler greeted Percival at the front door. Despite his age, he has a solid physique, as expected of a man from the Vanderwall territory. I’m sure he will fight with a sword in case of emergency.

“This is my friend Sapphiras, whom I told you about in my letter. Please make sure he is well cared for.”

“I’m Sapphiras. I’ll be troubling you for a while.”

“My name is Jacob, Sapphiras-sama. If there is anything I can do for you, please do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

“Welcome home, Percy.”

As I was exchanging greetings with Jacob, a beautiful lady came down the main staircase. She has rich golden hair and a face much like Percival’s.

“Mother, I just returned.”

“I’m so glad to see you are well. That’s your school friend, right?……ara……oh my, oh my, oh my!’

As soon as the Margravine of the Vanderwall Frontier saw me, she approached me with a twinkle in her eye.

“Eh? U-umm?”

“I’m Adeline, Percival’s mother. You must be Sapphiras-san!”

“Y-yes. My name is Sapphiras. I’ll be in your care for a while.”

“The two of you are very close! Ah, that’s right! Let’s prepare a tea party right away! There are delicious sweets. I’d love to hear your story at the academy!”

Madam Adeline is more energetic than I expected, so I can’t help but be a little perplexed.” Um, what should I do about this……

“Mother, Sapphirus has just arrived. First of all, please let him rest well. We will be staying for the vacation, so we can have tea anytime.”

Percival, who couldn’t stand by and look, sent me a lifeboat. The tea and sweets make me happy, and although I am not tired because it was a comfortable trip, I am very dirty from the long trip. I’m not in a state where I can sit with a lady.

Ah, that’s right. I just got so excited. You just arrived. I’m sorry, Sapphiras-san. First of all, please take it easy in your room. Tonight, we will prepare a small welcome dinner. What do you like, Sapphiras-san?”

“I like meat but……”

“Oh my! Oh my! Meat, you like meat right! Leave the meat to me! Nola! Someone call Nola!”

Madam Adeline, who was rather sprightly for a noble lady, was busily on her way somewhere. Somehow, she looks very different on the outside from what she is on the inside.

“I’m sorry, she’s usually a much calmer person……but today she seem to be out of her mind.”

“I think she’s a lovely lady.”

Cheerful people are likeable, so as far as I’m concerned, it’s not something you should be apologising for. I’m sure she’s happy to see her son after all these years. Percival’s family seems to be close.

“Sapphiras-sama, let me show you to your room first. Please, come this way.”

“Ah, yes.”

The room Jacob showed me was a very nice room. The view over the city is fantastic, as the castle is located on a hill. The luxurious room, which is too large for me to use alone, also has a bathroom. I looked in and saw that the bathtub was already filled with hot water and ready for use.

“Please feel free to use this room. The servants will be here shortly, so please take a bath first, and slowly wash away the fatigue of your journey.”

“Thank you very much.”

After Jacob-san left, I immediately jumped into the bath.

“Uwah, I’m coming back to life!”

The temperature of the water is just right. It’s not often that I get to soak my whole body in hot water like this, so this is the best treatment I’ve ever had. When I used the soap that had been prepared for me, it smelled of lemon and mint. Is this soap what Percival smells like? The smooth lather shows that it is a luxury product.

Impressed by the soap, I slowly enjoyed the hot water before leaving the bathroom and there was a knock at the door of my room. It must be the servant Jacob had mentioned.

“May I come in, Sapphiras-sama?

“Please,”

“Excuse me.”

When I allowed them to enter, three servants came in. I wondered if three people for one person was too many, but with big smiles on their faces, they greeted me politely.

“Welcome to Vanderwall Castle. We will take care of you during your stay here, Sapphiras-sama. We will do our best to make your stay as comfortable as possible, so please do not hesitate to ask us anything.”

“Thank you for your kind attention.”

I bow my head hurriedly too. I never thought I would be greeted so politely. Even though I’m Percival’s friend, I’m a commoner. The Belisario family are very generous to their guests.

“Now, please have a seat here.”

I did as I was told and sat down on a chair, and a foot massage began. The oil smells good and is rubbed in between my toes. It was somewhat painful, but it was also pleasant. A deep sigh escaped me.

“How do you like it? If it hurts, I can make it a little weaker.”

“No…… it feels very, very good……”

While I was entranced by the massage, my hair, which had been left wet and untouched, was carefully wiped and combed. This also feels good and makes me even more enraptured. While I’m half dozing off, the hair care and massage ended.

“Thank you for your hard work. Here is your tea.”

The tea is served immediately and a plate with several kinds of sweets is placed on the table.

……No matter how you look at it, isn’t this too hospitable?

“Um……I can take care of myself, so can you leave me alone?’

“Maa! I can’t do that. The madam will scold me. We have been firmly instructed to ensure that Sapphiras-sama will not be inconvenienced in the slightest during your stay.”

“Yes, you can leave everything to us while you are here, Sapphiras-sama.”

“Enjoy the castle and Vanderwall to your heart’s content.”

I’m not stubborn enough to refuse such a request. I decided to take advantage of it because they said they would take care of me.

“Thank you very much……then I will take you up on your offer.”

The three servants smiled with a good smile when I said that.

melon: I would also like hair care and foot massages

Anyways, I will be off to Japan for a 2 week vacation and will be back on 14th Feb. The last stockpiled chapter will be published on 11th Feb, didn’t have time to translate more.  I will try to resume updates on the 15th.