Seirei Gensouki Konna Sekai De Deaeta Kimi Ni
Following His Parents Steps

Following His Parents Steps

More than half a year had passed since Rio left the Seirei no Tami village.

Rio's mobility has increased significantly thanks to his ability to fly using Spirit Arts. He arrived in Yagumo just a week after departing from the village of Seirei no Tami.

Yagumo is the common name for the Eastern region of the Yufilia continent. It contains more than 30 countries of various sizes.

Unlike Strahl, where Bertram and Galark Kingdom were located, organizations like the Adventurer's Guild and Merchant's Guild did not exist in Yagumo. Thus, the circulated currency is different1.

In addition, the common language used in Yagumo is different from that used in Strahl.

Fortunately, the chief elder of Seirei no Tami, Arthura, had spent a lot of time in Yagumo before and was able to teach Rio Yagumo's native language.

Although his pronunciation was still a little awkward, Rio had no trouble holding daily conversations.

Rio meticulously investigated every country in Yagumo for any information relating to his parents, asking the locals if they were acquainted with his parents.

Unfortunately, Rio had no clue as to which country his parents came from. The only information he had was their names and that they came from Yagumo. Thus, the effectiveness of his quest was significantly hampered.

There are more than 30 countries of various sizes in Yagumo.

Trying to obtain information about two people from many countries was like trying to find a needle in a haystack; in other words, it was extremely difficult.

Roughly spending one to two months in each country, he was already in the fourth country.

The countries in Yagumo are typically made up of one large city surrounded by a number of towns and small villages.

Right now, Rio was heading to Karasuki, the capital of the country he was in. Along the way, he found a rather large village near the capital.

According to the information he gathered, Karasuki was by far the largest and most populous city he would meet so far2.

There is a higher chance of getting clues about his parents than other cities.

Even if he could not question everyone there, Rio considered staying a little longer in Karasuki.

However, it was still necessary to gather information in the village where he had come.

Judging from the number of houses, Rio estimated that the village had a population of about 300.

A fence surrounds the village with shabby-looking houses made of wood, limestone, and clay that adorn the center.

Around the residential area there are open fields and meadows with barns scattered. Here and there, Rio saw people working the land and feeding their livestock.

It was a typical village scene that could be found anywhere.

Rio walked towards the entrance to the village.

Although there were no guards on guard so that one could come and go freely, the nearby villagers recognized Rio as an outsider and watched him from a distance.

It was an atmosphere that would make outsiders hesitate to go further, but Rio could not just turn around and leave.

Rio urged forward, heading towards the village to quickly finish what he wanted.

After reaching the center of the village, Rio observed the surrounding buildings. Finding a house larger than the others, he considered it the residence of the village chief and walked there.

「Eto, guest? You don't look like a traveling salesman, nor do you look like Samurai-sama or Warrior-sama? Are you a Ronin3 …? Or maybe a traveler? 」

A girl who seemed to be Rio's age called out to him with a curious look.

This is unusual.

It was Rio's mind.

Mostly, the villagers avoided talking to him unless he started a conversation.

Even then, they would usually take a hostile or wary stance.

The girl's clothes were simple. The appearance of his skin was rough and dry, most likely due to agricultural work, and his hair was cut short, which suited him. Overall, she was a girl with beautiful features and a friendly attitude.

By the way, the Samurai were on par with the Knights in the Bertram and Galark Kingdoms.

Soldiers were honorable warriors who had risen in rank and reported directly to the Samurai.

Lastly, the Ronin can be compared to the Adventurer.

Although Rio was armed, his appearance was very different from that of the Samurai or Warriors in the region.

Instead, its arsenal is far from that used in the region.

From these facts, the girl speculated Rio was a traveler from a distant foreign land.

「Yes, it's like that. Actually, I'm looking for someone. I want to talk to the village chief. Is this just a coincidence of the chief's residence? 」

「Ah, you— yes. That's true but .. 」

Towards Rio's polite behavior unthinkable to the Ronin or a traveler, the girl replied in a stiff voice.

"Thank you God . Is the village head currently at home? 」

「Uhm, yes. She was?"

Tilting her head, the girl replied with some reason for some reason. Maybe he's not experienced in formal speech4.

「If you don't mind, can I trouble you to guide me there? It would be very disrespectful for me to suddenly barge into someone's house. 」

Rio spoke with a somewhat troubled tone.

Although the village chief acted as a mediator between the village and the stranger, if a completely outsider suddenly appeared, suspicion would arise, just like Rio experienced many times before.

The presence of the girl will make Rio smoothly communicate with the village chief.

「Ah, of course! Then, uhm, please follow me. 」

The girl agreed to Rio's request without the slightest bit of annoyance.

Guided by the girl, Rio arrived at the village chief's house.

Maybe it was because he was nervous but he remained silent all the way. Every now and then, he stole a glance at Rio.

When Rio wondered if outsiders other than the peddlers who came to the village were rare, the two arrived at the village chief's house.

「Obaa-chan! There is a guest ~! He said he was looking for someone ~ 」

When they entered the house, the girl loudly called the village chief.

Spacious rooms with fireplaces positioned in the middle welcomed them.

「You don't need to speak so loudly, I can hear you alright. A guest, right? Not a traveling salesman? … Oya, you .. I've never seen your face before. 」

An old woman appeared from inside the house. He directed a doubtful look at Rio's exotic appearance.

「Greetings, nice to meet you. I am called Rio. It's nice to meet you. 」

Rio politely introduced himself in the usual way.

「Rio .. the same name as the old King. Sorry, I'm Yuba. Leaving aside whether we will get acquainted after this, what kind of business do you have in such a rural village? 」

Although polite, the old lady introduced herself as Yuba spoke in a doubtful tone.

Rio laughed bitterly in his mind as he had already expected to hesitate. Rio decided to ask his usual questions in order to quickly finish his business.

「Alright, I'll get straight to the point. Do you know a man and woman named Zen and Ayame? They were supposed to live in Yagumo until 15 years ago. 」

Rio asked the names of the two people he was looking for.

Zen and Ayame.

They are the names of Rio's father and mother.

How many times has he asked the same question?

He has not received a favorable answer.

Although it was most likely that he would receive the same and unpleasant answer, Rio could not help but stick to the hope that this time, this time he would hear the words he had been waiting for.

If the answer is negative, he will soon leave the village.

However, this time his hopes did not betray him.

「... Zen? Did you just say Zen? And Ayame-sama also .. 」

Yuba's reaction was very different from the one Rio had seen until now.

This old lady clearly knew something.

Indeed, it was the reaction he was looking for.

「Do you know them !?」

For Rio who was rarely agitated, he subconsciously asked in a rather loud voice.

「... You, who are you?」

Yuba stared directly at Rio as if confirming something.

「... I am their son. 」

Rio was a little worried whether he should reveal the truth so easily, but since he was asked, he decided it was best to answer honestly.

Thinking so, Rio answered his question.

「Their son ... You are ..」

Yuba's expression darkened as she stared intently at Rio, as if trying to find something.

「... Ruri, leave us a moment. 」

Yuba fired the girl named Ruri who was attentively listening to their conversation on the side.

「EEh ~ Why ~?」

Ruri voiced her complaint while puffing her cheeks in annoyance.

「Go only. I have something important to talk to this kid about. And don't say a word to anyone in the village about what you just heard. 」

「Eh ~? I understand but .. che. It started to get interesting. 」

Ruri left the house while grumbling.

「Finally. You, you said your name was Rio? Is what you said just now the truth? 」

After confirming that Ruri left the house, Yuba turned a sharp gaze towards Rio.

「About what I said earlier, you mean about me being the son of Zen and Ayame?」

"Yes nih . 」

"That's right . But I have nothing to prove that. Since I have no memory of my father, the best thing I can do is describe my mother's traits and remember the stories I heard about my father when he was alive. Is that okay? 」

「I'm sorry but please, tell me. I'm not sure you're their son. 」

Rio felt signs of doubt lingering in Yuba's eyes.

"I saw . I can definitely do it. Then, I'll tell you everything I know. 」

Rio began to describe the characteristics of his mother as well as talk about his memories of his father.

Yuba remained silent throughout Rio's story.

In the midst of Rio's memento, Yuba silently watched Rio with a trace of nostalgia on his face.

「... I'm sorry for doubting you. I'm sure you're their son. 」

After speaking for some time, an expression of understanding finally appeared on Yuba's face and he recognized Rio as the son of Zen and Ayame.

「No, no. In fact I find it hard to believe if someone suddenly appears out of nowhere and declares that they are the son of an acquaintance of mine who left over 20 years ago. 」

Rio slightly nodded, agreeing to Yuba's previous doubts.

「I thank you for that. You resemble Ayame-sama. Part of me is ready to trust you, but I want more evidence. So, how do Zen and Ayame-sama fairing? 」

Yuba asked in a slightly faster tone.

He could not help but worry about the well-being of the two.

This person was not only acquainted with Zena and Ayame, he was also worried about them and yet, he had not received any news of their deaths.

「Dad died shortly after I was born. Mom died during my childhood .. 」

While answering his question, Rio saw that Yuba could not hide his curiosity and wondered what kind of relationship he had with his parents.

"…I saw . The boy's dead, huh? Sheesh .. 」

The atmosphere of loneliness can be felt from it.

「About it .. May I know the relationship between you and my father?」

Rio asked a question to Yuba.

「I am the child's mother. 」

After expecting such a response, Rio did not feel confused or surprised.

「I, see ... Then will it make you my grandmother?」

Rio smiled wryly while feeling a little nervous about having met a blood relative other than his parents for the first time.

「Ah, that is true. A strange feeling. But, I'm glad you're alive and well. Must have been hard for you until now. 」

Freed from the previous tension, Yuba looked at Rio with a gentle expression.

「Well, it's hard in its own way. But thanks to that, I managed to survive until now. 」

Reacting to Yuba's gaze, Rio showed a faint smile.

What was Rio's life like until now? How's things going? Her feelings? Yuba was unable to understand all of that from just his expression alone.

「I understand ... Then, did both manage to reach the West end?」

The West end probably refers to Strahl.

"They did . I was born in a country there. 」

"I saw . I am glad to hear it . To give birth to you, both of them must be happy. 」

「It ... yes. I think so too. 」

His father died during the search while his mother was murdered after being. Memories of the past flashed across his head for a moment causing Rio to hesitate in the middle of his words.

"…I saw . I am happy . … So, you've traveled here far from the west, right? Why would you make such a dangerous journey? 」

Despite noticing the subtle change in Rio's expression from his years of experience, Yuba did not want to pry too deeply and instead asked him the reason for coming to such a distant land.

「I want to set up a grave for my parents here ..」

Although Rio did not have any mementos belonging to his parents, he thought they would be happier to have their graves in their hometown than in the foreign land where they met their end.

「... Actually, the graves for them have been made. 」

The words that Rio never heard came from Yuba's mouth.

「Their graves ... have been created?」

Rio could not understand his words.

It was not impossible to set up a grave for someone while they were still alive.

However, the graves would only be made assuming that they would die there.

Zen and Ayame, Rio's parents, spent many years on a dangerous journey and eventually reached the other side of the continent.

Despite existing on the same continent, the inhabitants of Strahl and Yagumo know almost nothing about any other region besides its name.

Do the two intend to return to their hometown?

As far as he could remember, Rio did not remember his mother showing any signs of wanting to return to Yagumo.

First, why did Zen and Ayame leave? If Rio knew the reason for their departure, he would have a better picture of this situation.

He could not think of a reasonable reason even if he tried but there was someone who might know right in front of him.

Rio voiced the question that was currently bothering him.

「Why did father and mother leave Yagumo?」

「You are not notified ...?」

Yuba muttered with a troubled expression.

Rio thought that if it was him, at least he would know something about the state of his parents. Hearing her question, Yuba slowly opened her mouth.

「... Sorry, but I myself cannot tell you. 」

Yuba regretfully apologized to him.

「The only thing I can say is, both of them are prominent fugitives and are considered dead by this country. A small cemetery was built for them on the outskirts of the village. 」

Rio was only able to gather some information memos about his parents.

「They ... fugitive?」

Rio's tone was a bit confusing.

What the hell are they doing?

Rio was curious but he did not feel like Yuba would answer him even if he begged, nor would extracting information forcibly be a good idea.

There was nothing he could do but give up for now.

「I'll guide you to the tombs of Zen and Ayame-sama for now. Will you hold a memorial service for them? 」

When Rio was silent, Yuba offered to guide him to their grave.

「Please, of course. I came all the way here for that reason .. 」

Straightening his back, Rio responded with a smile.

As they left the village chief's house, they arrived at a small hill on the outskirts of the village.

It was a peaceful area overlooking the entire village and the surrounding land.

Two simple stone pillars stood there because of their solitude. It is evident that they are regularly maintained because not a speck of soil is visible on any pillar nor is there any sign of weathering.

「This is the tomb of Zen and Ayama-sama. Although their bones were not buried here, their mementos were. 」

Yuba looked at the stone pillar with a gentle expression.

「I am the only one in the village who knows that this grave belongs to Zen and Ayame-sama. To begin with, the other villagers did not even know that this was a cemetery. Please keep this a secret from the villagers as well as Ruri. 」

"…I understand . 」

Despite not being able to fully understand the situation, Rio acknowledged her request with a slight nod.

「Maybe one day, I will be able to tell you what happened. 」

Rio could understand what Yuba meant as he muttered such a thing.

For a moment, Rio shifted his gaze from the stone pillars to Yuba.

「That's why, until that day arrives, do you want to stay in this village?」

It was an expression filled with affection, making Rio's mind calm.

「Can I stay here?」

Rio blinked at his offer.

「You are my grandson, you know. A grandson should not act so secretively in front of his grandfather. 」

Her lips formed a bright smile as she spoke.

「There are many empty rooms in my house. Ruri's father died in the war while her mother died of the plague. Only that boy and I live there now. 」

Yuba spoke with a bit of loneliness.

「Ruri-san? She is…"

Foreseeing the kind of relationship he had with her, Rio asked a question.

"Your cousin . He will be 15 this year. 」

Yuba finished the sentence for him.

"Is that so…? And I have to keep this a secret from him too, right? 」

"Indeed . The boy didn't know he had a cousin. 」

Receiving the response he expected, Rio nodded at Yuba's words.

「Understood. Then, I'll be in your care for as long as I stay here. Please take care of me. 」