Seirei Gensouki Konna Sekai De Deaeta Kimi Ni
[Towards the Royal Capital]

[Towards the Royal Capital]

PART 1

The day for the village trading group to go to the capital had arrived.

It was still early in the morning when the villagers and those who were leaving for the capital gathered in the village square.

About ten carriages with goods quietly stood up. Among the advantages of the village itself were the items handed over from Gon village.

Including Rio, there was a rather large group of 15 people heading towards the capital.

Rarely were there people armed with weapons and armor in the village. However, today, everyone, including Rio, is complete.

「Rio. 」

After the final inspection of the cargo, Ruri called out to Rio who was bored with a slightly tense voice.

Yuba stood up to watch him from behind.

Rio directed a friendly smile at them.

「Ruri-san, Yuba-san. I'm going to go. 」

He said goodbye to the two of them in a calm voice.

「Yes. Be careful . 」

「Such as well, be sure to take care of yourself. 」

"course . 」

The two returned her smile and said goodbye to her which Rio responded firmly to.

「Lalu .. Uhm ..」

Seemingly wanting to say something, Ruri stuttered a few words, puzzled over how to formulate her words.

He floated a difficult expression that Rio quickly realized.

"What's the problem?"

「Ya .. Uhm .. I'm sorry!」

At Rio's question, Ruri excitedly lowered her head deeply.

Rio was clearly shocked.

However, he soon realized what he was sorry for.

It was probably related to what Yuba talked to him a few days ago.

「I've done something bad to Rio, haven't I? Even though Rio saved me, I am still afraid of you .. 」

Overcome with regret, Ruri apologized to Rio in a desperate voice.

He kept his shoulders straight, showing his determination.

「No need to apologize because it was the result of losing control over my emotions. It wasn't Ruri-san's fault. 」

Rio responded with a slightly troubled smile.

「B— But ..」

Rio made an apologetic expression, seeing that Ruri still wanted to apologize.

「Even then, Ruri-san was still worried about me. So, I was wrong. 」

Rio gave a slow and unadorned explanation.

Since she had scared him away, Rio avoided unnecessary interaction with Ruri, fearing that she would only scare him further if he actively tried to close the distance.

Even so, Ruri was worried about Rio's emotional instability and regularly approached him despite the fear.

In other words, they both worry about the welfare of others and end up only worsening the situation.

Rio reflected on the choices he made.

He made others worry about him. In order to prevent such a thing from happening, he should have communicated more from the start.

Human relationships are complex; doing what is considered best may actually produce the opposite result.

Rio sighed inwardly, admitting that he was still inexperienced in social matters.

"That's wrong! Rio's not the wrong one here! This is a situation where I have to thank you. I was wrong for being afraid of Rio, so please, allow me to apologize. I'm really sorry! 」

Rio denied that he had made a mistake, but Ruri relentlessly apologized.

「No, it was the result of my own lack of consideration. Even if I saved you, I did it wrong. 」

「I— Is not it! I was wrong. 」[TL: Honestly, when will they end this unlimited apology]

「No, it's only natural that Ruri-san became scared and I was the cause. 」

"As I said! Rio is not wrong! Me!"

Stuck in the apology deadlock, Ruri's voice grew hot.

"But…"

「It's okay! I'm wrong here! 」

Ruri flatly cut Rio off before she could deny her mistake and declare that she was the one to blame.

Understanding that he was not going to retreat, Rio blinked for a moment.

「I understand .. Then we are both guilty. How about that?"

Seeing the stubborn Ruri, Rio proposed with a bitter smile.

Rio believes that he is to blame because he let his emotions catch up with him, running amok and scaring Ruri.

Ruri believes that even though Rio saved her, instead of being grateful, she became afraid of her savior.

They both worry about each other but do not take the initiative to discuss their feelings.

That's kind of unfortunate.

If that is the case, compromise will be profitable.

「Not—. That's right .. isn't it? 」

For a moment, Ruri was about to refute Rio's suggestion, but perhaps after understanding his intentions, she ended up retreating.

Although there was still a trace of dissatisfaction in his eyes, his mouth formed a gentle smile.

Rio also gently smiled back at her.

It warms Rio's heart for him to catch a glimpse of his sincerity through his reaction.

While conceding to Ruri inwardly, Rio syly extended his hand.

「Should we shake hands as a sign of reconciliation?」

For a moment, Ruri stood there in a daze, but when she saw the outstretched hand, she grasped it with a slightly surprised expression.

"Yes! Sorry, I'm sorry, Rio .. 」

With tears streaming down her cheeks, Ruri firmly grasped Rio's hand.

Section 2

「I, too .. Let's talk again when I get back. I'll go then. 」

「Ya, that's a promise!」

Ruri showed a bright smile as she excitedly affirmed Rio's proposal.

Seeing the state of the two of them, Yuba directed a warm smile at them from behind.

「Yuba-san, I'm leaving. I will definitely protect the goods during transit, so there is no need to worry. 」

Sensing Yuba's gaze at him, Rio became a little embarrassed. He quickly put away those feelings and spoke in a serious manner.

「Ya, please. Please remember that your life is much more important. 」

"Religion . Rio, be careful, okay? 」

"course . 」

To have a family that truly worried him, happiness flourished within him as he replied with a peaceful smile.

With the three of them having finished their conversation building a difficult barrier to block them—

「Uh— Uhm! Greetings, Rio-sama! 」

Sayo, who timidly watched them from afar, finally gathered her courage to speak to Rio.

Although she usually wore the typical village attire, she was dressed for the road today.

As one might expect, he was one of those who would head for the capital as well.

Originally, Ruri had to leave, but the incident from a few days ago resulted in a change of plans.

Yuba forbade Ruri to participate, so Sayo, who had never been to the capital before, to participate as a substitute.

"Of course . My greetings to you too. 」

Rio returned his greetings calmly.

Yuba and Ruri watched the tense Sayo with heartwarming eyes.

「Y— Yes! Although it might be troublesome for Rio-sama, please take care of Onii-chan as well. 」

「Yes, I will try my best to keep everyone safe during our trip, but please follow my orders during emergency. 」

「Sayo-chan, be careful, okay?」

In preparation for the worst-case scenario, Sayo was asked to obey every command without question.

"Yes!"

Hearing his words, Sayo responded firmly.

「Oi, Sayo. What need not be said. I can protect myself, you know. 」

Perhaps after hearing their conversation, Shin forced his way into the conversation with a displeased look.

Rio slightly widened his eyes.

Although she was a bit irritated, it was rare for Shin to approach Rio.

What could possibly change his attitude?

「Onii-chan, there's no point fighting with Rio-sama, you know. 」

As if chiding a rowdy child, Sayo rebuked Shin with a slightly tight tone.

Shin is Sayo's older brother.

Shin is naughty and Sayo is simple. Despite their contrasting personalities, Sayo still spoke in her mind to Shin.

「A— Why should I fight with that man?」

Despite trying to air, his voice sounded hollow.

「Yeah, Onii-chan, didn't you just say that day that you recognized Rio-sama because he saved Ruri-san? You can't act like an irritable child forever. 」

「A— Idiots! Don't say something like that! 」

Shin reacted nervously to Sayo revealing her inner thoughts.

「Hm— Hmph, I am grateful that you are protecting Ruri. You did well . 」

Glaring at Rio with a slightly reddened face, Shin continued speaking.

Rio and Ruri smiled amusedly at her childish behavior.

"Thank you very much . 」

「I hope you've been obedient since the beginning. Really, a kid like that. 」

Despite still having a sharp tongue, he seems to have accepted Rio one way or another.

After being ridiculed by Ruri, Shin turned the other way.

「I— Is not it. I can take care of myself so if anything happens, please protect Sayo. 」

With those short words, Shin turned around and left them.

When judged by a third party, it was clear that he was trying to hide his embarrassment.

"I'm sorry . My brother is not honest about his feelings. 」

Sayo apologized to Rio. At first glance, it seems Sayo is the older sister and Shin is the younger brother.

「There are many men who share his social awkwardness. Although he might have acted that way, it was not an accurate reflection of his feelings. Having such an attitude does not mean he is a bad guy 」

「Ya .. Te— Thank you. 」

Showing a little surprise at Rio's words, Sayo awkwardly thanked him.

There are many cases where Shin's behavior makes him easily misunderstood.

That was the childish side of him.

Therefore, even though he often quarreled with the other villagers, Shin was still looked upon by many young men in the village.

Still, Sayo grieved over the fact that she could not get along with Rio despite being close to the village youths.

Continuing to think of ways to improve the situation, she continued to talk about Rio with Shin, even though it never brought a favorable reaction. [TL: OF COURSE IT IS]

However, when Rio saved Ruri the other day, Shin finally made a statement of acceptance.

Maybe the two will finally get on good terms after this.

He had planned on trying to make Rio understand Shin's awkward personality, but Rio easily saw through Shin's outer behavior before he had the chance.

He felt both surprised and happy, because he understood each other between men.

「Yosh, we will leave ~」 soon

Acting as the leader of the trade group, Dora's voice echoed throughout the region.

Looks like the departure time is near.

Section 3

「It's time, isn't it? Let's get on the train. I'll go, Ruri-san, Yuba-san. 」

「Ya, be careful!」

"Heart of heart . 」

Saying goodbye once more, Rio approached one of the carriages and sat down in the coach seat.

「I'll take care of you, Dora-san. 」

「Ou! Likewise. 」

Rio greeted Dora who was sitting next to him on the carriage.

Dora returned her greeting with her usually kind smile.

Rio's role in the trade group was to protect the villagers and their belongings.

Rio looked back at the wagon canopy.

When his eyes met the person sitting there, he received an incomparable frown and look of hatred.

Indeed, the one sitting there was Gon, who would soon be punished as a crime slave.

「Ha. Just seeing your face pisses me off! If only I could kill you now! 」

Seeing Rio's face, Gon insulted and threatened.

He kept staring intently at Rio.

With his entire body tied to a rope, even with his large body, he could not break free. The only thing that doesn't change is his frustration.

Rio let out a small breath.

It seems he is still quite alive /

"Oh, shut up . Yosh, I think it's time to go. Let's go!"

Barking back towards Gon inside the wagon, Dora hinted at the departure of the group.

The sky was still dim as the sun began to creep on the horizon.

Although still falling, the whiteness of their breath could be seen when the group experienced the biting morning chill.

Being seen by the villagers, the trading group began their journey to the capital.

「Jaga ~!」

The voices of the villagers could be heard in the distance.

The one in the back carriage was still waving hands.

Rio's driving the main carriage.

The highway to the capital connects the villages to each other. It was regularly serviced to support carriage traffic and was wide enough for two carriages to travel side by side.

However, without high-quality carriages, the driving experience is uncomfortable due to unpaved roads.

The time required for the train, traveling from the village to the capital, would take one day.

Although not too far away, nor too close.

In order for him not to suffer from back pain, Rio spread out a blanket to sit on.

「You are proud of yourself as a man, yet you hate so much that you really make me trash. You are no different than a tyrant. 」

Hateful words came from the back of the wagon.

Gon continuously harasses the abuse in Rio.

It contained only ridicule and ridicule.

Despite trying to get a reaction from Rio, he was only greeted with silence.

He would reach his goal if Rio struck him again, but his provocation was only through one ear and out of the other.

Even if Rio felt that Gon's anger was pitiful, he did not feel any anger.

「Oi, listen to me! I'm alive, doing whatever I like but you're the same as me! We are no different from each other! 」

Seeing Rio ignoring everyone, he said, anger arose within Gon.

His voice began to gradually become louder.

It's great that Gon is this excited.

At the very least, it would be best if he kept it until they could sell it as a crime slave.

They needed him alive, otherwise they would not be able to accept the compensation payment for Ruri.

Even if he did not survive for long as a crime slave, Rio was not interested in his fate.

「You know what the great me hates the most *? People like you, who show a good face but are full of dirty desires. 」[ED *: He calls himself as" ore-sama "] [TL: Typical weak villains right?]

Rio felt a strange admiration for Gon who was able to continue spouting insults since the journey began.

She can scream and scream as much as she wants but her voice becomes a bit too loud.

It would be troublesome if he kept shouting throughout the journey as well.

With that thought, Rio approached Gon.

「Aah? What's?"

Seeing Rio slowly approaching with his hands raised, Gon floated a doubtful expression.

Carrying an annoyed expression, Rio could only see Gon as a noisy dog who would not stop barking.

Gon complained loudly for Rio to be angry, but he was just a little annoying.

（Really joke!!

Rio was the first to fool Gon.

Until that incident, Gon was constantly surrounded by his followers or those he feared.

There were some who rarely openly hostile towards him, but he quickly made them give up through sheer force.

However, Rio was indifferent towards Gon.

He hates that.

He couldn't help but hate her.

Rio destroyed his pride and defeated him. Although Gon was intending to mock Rio as also hiding the dirtiness, he felt like he was already clearly visible.

「Sleep briefly. 」

Saying that, Rio summoned Spirit Arts and put Gon to bed.

Resistance might occur if one excelled in Odo's control but for Gon, it was impossible because he could not use Spirit Art.

Gon fell asleep in an instant.

「Ooh that's amazing. So it's Spirit Art, huh? 」

Dora spoke in awe at the scene of Gon falling asleep in the blink of an eye.

「Yes. He'll shut up with this. 」

Finally regaining their peace and tranquility, Rio smiled wryly as he spoke.

He put a bit of strength into his Spirit Arts so Gon had to stay asleep until they reached the capital.

After which, chatter flowed from each cart and a peaceful atmosphere hung in the air.

Regardless of the possibility of an attack by a savage beast or monster, with the number of people present in the trading group, as long as there was not a very large number of aggressors, the risk was extremely low.

Furthermore, the villagers were armed with short swords and spears in case of an attack.

Even most of the bandits would be discouraged from attacking so many people.

Even so, Rio would casually scan their surroundings to find out any suspicious activity.

If there happened to be an attack, he would realize and be able to deal with it immediately.

A few hours had passed since the trade group left the village and the sun was shining overhead as the wagon continued rolling down the highway.

Under the clear blue sky, warm sunlight radiated above them.

Vast green fields were scattered around them with mountains and forests visible in the distance.

Wrapped by the cool autumn wind while surrounded by a beautiful scene, Rio enjoyed the scenery as they moved slowly.