DLBF Chapter 47

Chapter 47 – The Sun-Warmed Beast of Gold (Part 2)

Chapter Side Story, Part 2

Novel Title: ルーデンドルフ公と森の獣 (Duke Ludendorff and the Beast of the Forest)

Author：かわい有美子 (Kawai Yumiko)

Illustrator: 周防佑未 (Suoh Yuumi)

Translator: K (@kin0monogatari)

Protagonists: 藤森賢士 (Kenji Fujimori -MC), ユリアン ルーデンドルフ (Julian Ludendorff -ML)

*Please read at Novels Space.space, the original site of translation. TQ*

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Julian’s mother had already left the house and his father seldom returned due to work. After his grandfather passed away, Julian was left alone in the mansion in Germany. So, it wasn’t surprising that Julian didn’t have many people around, even with the presence of Paul and Frau Gessner.

Fujimori, being naturally optimistic, didn’t worry much about Julian being a werewolf or the true nature of Frau Gessner and Paul as ‘bakeneko’.

Julian seemed puzzled by Fujimori’s attitude. But Fujimori had reassured him that as long as he didn’t have to eat mud pies or bathe in a cesspool, he was fine with it.

Rather than being fine, it’s more accurate to say that Fujimori didn’t give it much thought because he had only seen Paul transform once. Meanwhile, Julian only took on his beastly form when he was deeply asleep or felt his life was in danger.

“How about some coffee?” Julian invited Fujimori to the study, and Fujimori nodded.

Frau Gessner, who had once guided him in her cat form, approached with her back straight and pushing the usual cart as if it had never happened.

“What’s the dessert for today?” Fujimori asked Frau Gessner, who was slicing the tart on the plate.

“It’s an apple tart with rum-soaked raisins.”

“Oh, that sounds delicious.”

At Fujimori’s words, Frau Gessner seemed somewhat pleased and placed an especially large slice on the plate for him.

Much like Julian, she might be much kinder than her appearance suggests.

As usual, Frau Gessner poured the fragrant coffee into the cups before leisurely leaving the room.

“An apple tart with rum raisins… Is it time for the autumn menu already?” Fujimori wondered aloud as he sat in the Chesterfield chair. It was his usual spot in the study. He picked up his plate and his gaze drifted towards the study’s window.

The season had turned to September. Fujimori has started coming here every weekend.

Compared to Tokyo, where the lingering summer heat was still intense, autumn was already in the air here.

Last weekend, Julian had set up an internet connection so Fujimori wouldn’t be inconvenienced. It wasn’t broadband, of course. But it was sufficient for Fujimori, who only needed to check his emails.

The cell phone reception was still out of range. But recently, whenever Fujimori was at the mansion, he had left a message that people could call the mansion’s phone if there was anything urgent. No calls had actually come through, so it seemed there hadn’t been any urgent matters.

The tart baked by Frau Gessner had just the right amount of sweetness while the tartness of the apples combined skillfully with the rich flavour of the rum-soaked raisins. This, as expected, is an exquisite treat.

“This is amazing! It’s delicious,” Fujimori exclaimed with a smile, wondering if baking was Frau Gessner’s hobby. Julian nodded in agreement.

“In the old days, it used to be more like donuts or simple cut-out cookies. But over the years, the treats have gotten more elaborate,” Julian explained.

It seemed that ever since he was a child, Julian had been comforted by these sweet treats.

“That sounds nice,” Fujimori murmured, with a deep respect for the two cats who had likely helped soothe Julian’s loneliness when he lamented being unloved.

Taking a sip of his coffee, Fujimori asked, “Hey, is the frame finished?”

“Not yet, it’s still a work in progress,” Julian replied, pointing to his desk.

Next to the typewriter with a manuscript in progress, there was a partially carved frame.

“So, it’s a secret, okay?” Julian said with a mischievous smile, using awkward Japanese.

It probably meant that he wouldn’t show it for a while.

Fujimori had asked out of curiosity. But since Julian had mentioned that his work had been progressing well lately, there was no need to rush the frame.

In his own time, Fujimori was slowly reading Julian’s book whenever he could spare a moment from his work.

The book was thick. He was still in the middle of it. But it was a story centred on the forest and the animals that lived there, rich and complex enough to satisfy even adult readers. Although it was classified as fantasy, it was a story about the coexistence of nature and civilization, presented in a thoughtful way without offering clear answers, which made the reader ponder various things.

Initially, Fujimori had started reading out of curiosity about what Julian was writing. But now he was simply enjoying the reading experience. While part of him wished he could read faster, another part wanted to savour the quiet, deep world Julian had created.

Julian had mentioned that the series was translated into several European languages, and upon further investigation, Fujimori discovered that the series was quite popular in Europe. Readers eagerly awaited the next instalment, while also being intrigued by the mysterious life of the author, who never appeared in public.

The series hadn’t been published in America yet, which was why it wasn’t known in Japan. But Fujimori had read enthusiastic recommendations from a few Japanese readers who had read the translated version in the UK. Most of them hoped that the series would eventually be translated into Japanese so that more people could enjoy its profound story.

Fujimori felt a surge of pride as if the praise was directed at himself.

“Hey, I’ve been thinking…” Fujimori began.

“I really love that painting. But… It feels a bit odd to hang my own picture in my own room. So, I was wondering if I could hang a picture of you in my room instead, Julian?”

“Picture of me?” Julian tilted his head, looking puzzled. “…Kenji wants to paint a picture of me?”

“Uh…” Fujimori hesitated. “I’d love to try. But when I try to draw people, they just end up looking like… well, something else entirely…”

Julian displayed a mischievous look on his face and laughed cheerfully.

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*Translator’s Note: The last chapter is coming up next. It’s been quite a journey. Especially because I’m translating this from the physical copy so most of the words in this translation came from my own interpretation of the novel. But of course, I didn’t add anything unnecessary. I hope I get most of it right. As you all know, different people might interpret what they read differently. I hope the author’s original message will get across accurately through my translation, though. -K

Next update: 2024.12.06

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