Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 65: Within Three Years
When Marlon led the little fox-girl back into the room, Inspector Bernard had already finished his dinner and was waiting in the living room. His posture was rigid and formal, the kind that left no doubt he had something important he wished to discuss with Marlon.
Seeing this, Marlon simply took a seat opposite Inspector Bernard.
In truth, even before a single word had been exchanged, Marlon already had a rough idea of what the conversation would be about.
“Marlon, I wish to tell you something… about the Yebler family. Would you like to hear it?”
As it turned out, the first words spoken by Inspector Bernard didn’t stray from what Marlon had expected. A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips as he replied calmly, “As long as you’re willing to tell me, Uncle Bernard, I’m willing to listen.”
Earlier that day, in the city square, Benjamin von Stein had openly scolded Inspector Bernard, calling him nothing more than “a mere exile of the Yebler family.” And in a time when millions of veterans were left unemployed, Bernard had somehow managed to parachute into White Sand City with ease…
Even if his official role was only that of a small slum precinct Inspector, it was clear that such a position could not have been attained by someone of ordinary background.
Marlon had never pressed for details before—not out of disinterest, but out of respect for Inspector Bernard’s personal life. In Marlon’s eyes, Bernard bore no ill will toward him, so why dig into the ancestral roots of someone who had done him no wrong?
But now, since Inspector Bernard had chosen to speak, Marlon had no intention of refusing to hear more. That was why he said he would listen, so long as Bernard was willing to talk.
“Where should I begin…? Hmm. Our Lorin Republic was founded by three hundred and seven sages—you already know that, Marlon.”
After receiving Marlon’s nod, Inspector Bernard paused briefly, collecting his thoughts, and then framed his words with that simple question.
Having studied the otherworldly version of I Have a Dream, Marlon was well aware of this centuries-old truth. He nodded firmly and waited silently for Bernard to continue.
“However, you likely do not know that, aside from those who died without heirs or those who perished in various accidents—both intentional and otherwise—the three hundred and seven sages ultimately formed one hundred and eight prominent families, which have endured to this day. To maintain their influence, they remain closely interconnected, quietly manipulating the republic from behind the scenes.”
True to form, Inspector Bernard had a way of delivering information that hit like a bombshell.
Though his words were simple, they sketched out the real political landscape of the Lorin Republic with remarkable clarity.
After a pause, he continued, “I, your Uncle Bernard, am a direct descendant of the Yebler family—one of those one hundred and eight great families. I still retain a fraction of our family privileges, though I have chosen the path of self-exile.”
Finally, Marlon’s expression betrayed a flicker of genuine surprise. Though he had suspected Bernard’s true identity, he had never imagined that the man’s background was so monumental.
Could this truly be what legends referred to as a “power generation” family?
Although, according to Bernard, the privileges he could access seemed rather limited.
“You little brat,” Bernard said, forcing a wry smile when Marlon remained silent. “Do you feel that your Uncle Bernard is despicable now?” He didn’t seem entirely comfortable with the idea of his own prestigious lineage. “Heh… do you know what your father’s very first words were when he learned of my identity?”
But before Bernard could finish, Marlon interrupted.
“Uncle Bernard… actually, I’m more concerned about Amy’s identity as an Eliza demon-hunting fox-girl.”
At those words, uttered in such a timid, almost sheepish tone, Bernard nearly choked.
Hey, hey—wait a second! You little brat! Shouldn’t your first concern be your Uncle Bernard’s identity? Not a shred of envy, jealousy, or admiration for the fact that I come from a power generation family?
All the words Bernard had carefully prepared now seemed to retreat back into his chest, forced to remain unspoken. It was… exasperating.
“I mean, you really don’t care at all about your Uncle Bernard’s identity?”
Finally, Bernard could not hold it in and asked, voice edged with disbelief.
“Why should I?” Marlon replied with a shrug. “No one can choose their parents before they are born.”
He truly did not care, because Inspector Bernard was a highly unorthodox member of a power generation family.
Marlon’s answer left Bernard staring at him, eyes wide, silently scrutinizing for a long moment. Only after being certain that Marlon’s words were genuine did he finally show a look of admiration. “You little brat… you really are… a monster.”
Not a monster in the usual sense, but a rare compliment from Bernard, acknowledging Marlon’s unusually independent thinking.
Marlon, however, barely reacted. He was tempted to mutter under his breath, “Well, considering I got sent here by a soul transmigration to another world… I guess being called a monster is fair enough.”
“Alright,” Bernard said, finally letting out a sigh, “since you’re so curious about Amy’s identity, tonight I’ll tell you… a part of it!”
He lowered his voice, no longer trying to elicit a “normal” reaction from Marlon. “I can only tell you that Amy’s mother was once the greatest Eliza demon-hunting fox-girl in this country—unequaled by anyone! Though the gates between the Abyss, Hell, and the mortal world have long been closed, there are rare moments when a few demons can slip through. When her mother dies, her abilities and memories are passed down to her daughter… just as your White Phantom witch-maid Adela inherited her mother’s knowledge.”
The words were dense with meaning, but thanks to the adult soul contained within his young body, Marlon understood them without difficulty.
After a brief pause, he looked at Inspector Bernard sincerely. “I… I shouldn’t have asked this question.”
What could be more impolite than pressing on someone’s deepest, most painful truths?
“I’m sorry, Amy.”
Having apologized to Inspector Bernard, Marlon turned his gaze to the little fox-girl seated beside him.
Her tail swayed gently. Amy’s sapphire-blue eyes glanced at Marlon, then she shook her head vigorously.
To Marlon’s surprise, in those sapphire eyes, he saw no sorrow, no fragile helplessness—only… longing.
What could Amy possibly be yearning for?
Marlon returned his gaze to Inspector Bernard, hoping to glean an answer from him.
“I cannot answer that,” Bernard said, shaking his head. Then, after a pause, he added, “But you will know soon enough… within three years.”