Absolutely Do Not Touch Eldmia Egga – Chapter 64

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Translated By Arcane Translations
Translator: Yuziro
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The Empire.

The country that occupied a large portion of human territory was more commonly known by a single word, rather than its original name.

Eshnua.

I had only heard it once in my life.

Right now.

“Welcome to Bistim Tel Nua, the capital of the Empire of Eshnua. Margrave Lagnis Lien da Levien of the Kingdom of Itisiel.”

A man who looked like a handsome playboy with golden long hair that suited him well greeted Lagnis with a sly smile, delivering what was clearly meant to be a much longer introduction in an abbreviated form.

Yeah, fuck.

To put it bluntly, an incredibly handsome nobleman welcomed them with a charming smile.

He was truly a flower boy who seemed to have stepped out of a manga, making me instantly understand why Asirye didn’t classify me as handsome.

The bar for handsome men in this world is really fucking high.

Of course, that level of appearance isn’t common, which is why I only realized it now, but the gap is so large it’s infuriating.

“I am Esdel la Vender. I protect a part of His Imperial Majesty’s land in the name of my family.”

All imperial territories belong to the emperor.

That’s why even a small village marked on the map is named under imperial decree.

However, there are only two exceptions: when honoring the achievements of the deceased or when granting territory to a marquis.

In other words, unless this person was dead, he must be a marquis.

“I didn’t expect you to greet us personally. Thank you for the grand welcome, Marquis Vender.”

Although only Marquis Vender alone greeted us at the gate, Lagnis’s description of it being grand was not wrong.

Typically, when a marquis of the Empire was in charge of reception, their aid would first greet the guests, and guide them to the lodgings where the marquis was staying.

After this meeting, he would probably have a subordinate guide us to our lodgings, and then arrange a formal meeting again, but showing his face in person even before such an arrangement was made was known to be an unusual action.

“It’s only natural to welcome those who protect the continent from the demon threat. While it’s to ensure everything is perfect, it’s also meant as an apology for the delay in the Hero’s departure. I hope you won’t feel too burdened.”

Both Radnelbandes and Lagnis stiffened at his response.

Even for a marquis, it was impossible to casually include the word “apology” when representing the Empire.

In other words, those words were conveyed from the Emperor.

And to a margrave of a mere kingdom, no less.

“…Thank you.”

That was probably all Lagnis could say.

Although Radnelbandes’s expression darkened as he watched the two walking slightly ahead and conversing, I decided to stop pondering about their intentions and the situation.

It was not for me to think about what intentions the Empire has in its actions, or what problems Lagnis is now facing because of it.

That’s Lagnis’s job.

If she was someone who couldn’t take care of herself, she wouldn’t have made it this far.

After walking through the gate hall for about 3 minutes and coming outside, Marquis Vender introduced a man he called his aid before leaving.

The carriage we boarded again started moving under his guidance, and I quietly observed the imperial capital, leaving Lagnis alone as she still wore a serious expression.

Honestly, the city itself didn’t seem much different from the kingdom, but I could see that there were more parks, and the average level of citizens’ attire was noticeably higher.

It was such a peaceful and prosperous city that one could forget a war with demons was happening in a corner of the continent.

“Do you feel like sightseeing leisurely?”

I answered Lagnis proudly with a smile as she grumbled, puffing her cheeks as if she didn’t like my attitude.

“Of course. Naturally. But even for an empire, the capital isn’t much. It’s pretty similar.”

As I dodged Lagnis’s attempts to kick my shins, we suddenly arrived at our destination.

However, the destination was a place I hadn’t expected at all.

Finally, as we got off the carriage and were being guided, I blurted out my honest thoughts.

“The destination was… an academy?”

“Isn’t it natural since the Hero is receiving education?”

“No, I thought they’d get private tutoring or something.”

I never imagined that training would actually take place in a real school.

Of course, Cheryl also attended an academy, but… it’s the Hero, right?

I thought it would be different somehow.

But to hear they’re following a regular educational curriculum, even if you consider their age, it was a bit disappointing.

“Come to think of it, how old exactly is the Hero?”

“I heard they became an adult just last year or the year before, but I’m not sure exactly. They’re probably the same age as me or a year older.”

It was hard to understand why she spoke with such a tone of disinterest about someone who could be a world-saving hero and a major variable in reclaiming her territory, but anyway, that’s what Lagnis said.

“Oh, by the way, after talking with you last time, I found out that the Hero was chosen 4 years ago.”

“What? That’s more recent than I thought.”

I clearly remembered it being about 6 or 7 years last time we talked, but it seems it was just my perception of time.

Does that mean they’re a once-in-a-generation genius who showed both learning and results at the age of 12 or 13?

“I know. It really feels like it’s been 10 years already. If it was 4 years ago, that’s when you first met me, right?”

“Is that… right? That gang leader. Right?”

I clearly remember killing him with just one kick.

“Hehe. That’s right. Anyway, it seems the Hero has shown quite a lot of achievements in that short time. The rumors circulating outside aren’t bad.”

The things Lagnis told me were cliché content like exterminating thieves and subjugating monster colonies, but the frequency and scale were quite surprising.

My cold assessment is that in just 4 years, they’ve almost single-handedly taken care of most of the good deeds around the Empire.

“They say it won’t be long before they join the front lines as part of a joint army cooperating with the kingdom… I’m a bit excited.”

“You can have high expectations, unlike others.”

“Not that much. Anyway, if it falls short of expectations, wouldn’t our Mr. Eldmia Egga somehow take care of it?”

“If the divinely chosen Hero falls short of expectations, haven’t we already lost?”

I’m also a special case due to reincarnation, so I might be considered chosen if that counts, but I was utterly ordinary until I got caught up in the war.

I was not comparable to the Hero born with the destiny to oppose the Demon Lord.

“You’re also quite exceptional, so wouldn’t it work out somehow?”

“I don’t think I’m that exceptional, but even if that were the case, wouldn’t it be disappointing if the Hero could be dealt with by someone who’s just a bit unusual?”

I think I’d be very disappointed.

Lagnis just smiled and gave a bland response, saying that’s true too.

As we walked through the academy chatting, a bespectacled man I had never seen before came running from the opposite direction.

“It’s been a long time, Master!”

Judging from Radnelbandes’s reaction and expression, this man was clearly the culprit of this incident.

The man who approached with a bright smile and full of energy received a heavy flick on the forehead from Radnelbandes.

“Ugh!”

“You incompetent fool!”

In fact, from his perspective, it might be unfair.

Didn’t he just mention someone talented he had seen in order to praise talent?

It’s an unreasonable level where if asked if he could have imagined it would lead to such a huge butterfly effect, he could only answer that of course he couldn’t have imagined it.

Nevertheless, Radnelbandes, convinced that he had made a slip of the tongue, kept flicking his forehead as if he was going to split his skull, and the bespectacled man had to protect his head while shedding tears.

“I’m sorry! I really didn’t know it would turn out like this!”

“As a mage! You should! Be careful! With your words!”

Although it seemed he was somewhat aware of his mistake, seeing him get repeatedly hit after approaching so happily upon meeting was rather uncomfortable to watch.

Finally, only after Lagnis intervened was the bespectacled man’s skull safe.

“It’s nice to see you, but I’m really sorry about this, Lagnis. By the way, how long has it been since I last saw you? And you’ve grown again! Your talent never ceases to amaze me every time I see you.”

Being in a teacher-student relationship, it seemed he was also acquainted with Lagnis.

They chatted so naturally about various things that I ended up having to follow them without even knowing the bespectacled man’s name.

“You’ll be staying at the academy as an observer through noble privileges. Have you heard anything about the accommodations?”

“No. I haven’t heard anything specific other than that Marquis Vender has prepared them.”

“If a nobleman has prepared it, they’ll probably take good care of it. Well then, since my next class is coming up, let’s spend a little time here and then go see the Hero together.”

“That’s good, you’re quick. But what subject do you teach here?”

“Hahaha! What else would a disciple of a Master teach?”

At the end of his hearty laugh, the bespectacled man changed his expression to a smile reminiscent of an evil training instructor and said,

“Practical combat.”

Look at that grin.

This guy wasn’t normal either.

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[T/N~ Hi again! let me know if there’s a problem with the chapter, I’m translating it quite late at night, but i wanted to stick to the schedule… Anyways, thanks for the support, as always!]