Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 100: Conversations and Reunions of orang² from the Same City of Origin pt2
Masato said that as if recalling Rio's words.
「Yeah, so you know about that. He's a pretty know-it-all, isn't he? You should know that I am the main guest of the evening party held in the royal palace of Galwark Kingdom, right Actually, it seems that they also invited the hero of Saint Stellar kingdom to the party that night. Well, they haven't come 」
Satsuki replied with a wry smile.
Although she hoped that the hero was Takahisa, Aki lowered her head sadly when Satsuki said Not yet arrived 」.
But, Satsuki continued her story as it was now.
「It appears that the country of Saint Stellar is very closed *. We have sent a message for now but, the answer is still not coming. It seemed like they usually instantly refused without waiting for too long. Then, there was the fact that my handwriting was on the letter held by the courier. If Takahisa-kun is the hero of Saint Stellar kingdom, he should have seen my handwriting. If that was the case, shouldn't he have come？ 」
[TL*: Like Japan before the appearance of black ships] [PF: do people recognize the handwriting of others these days?]
Satsuki smiled widely while asking that.
「Y-YA!」
Aki repeatedly nodded.
「Since the evening party will be held over the span of three days, I think there is still a possibility for him to come. There seems to be an exception but, in the case of prolonged evening parties, it often happens that foreign guests start attending from the second day onwards even the invitation is for the first day 」
That's right, on occasions where one holds a prolonged evening party, in the case of foreign guests, depending on the status of their country or their relationship with another country, it's a matter of course, experience a situation where they often change their schedule.
This is called the "state invitation method from the second day onwards, the state invitation from the first day". [ED: You unreasonable nobility …. I won't even edit it, basically the same way in a more fancy way]
For that sake, the Galwark kingdom gave priority to the nobles in their own country to establish a relationship with Satsuki, who was the one who was the most important, the countries they carefully selected and could present from day one were only the anti-government organizations of Bertram kingdom and Saint Stellar kingdom.
Moreover, they had already made arrangements for many people from small neighboring countries to attend from tomorrow onwards.
「S-real!」
「Yes. Well, I'm not so sure if he'll attend the party. But, from what I heard from the royalties, I think he will be present ever since, he said, while they say that Saint Stellar is indeed a closed country but still cannot be considered a hostile country 」
「If that's the case, oniichan also …………. 」
A hopeful expression floated on Aki's face.
Satsuki looked at her expression for a few seconds and,
「……………. . Okay then . There is something I want to ask from you guys 」
"Yes nih . What is possible？ 」
Miharu replied after preparing herself a little.
「If Takahisa is found, what will you do after that?」
Section 10
So Satsuki frankly asked about what they would do afterwards.
「What we want to do, of course, to be together with oniichan!」
Aki said her wish faster than anyone.
「Well, that's it, right」
Masato also followed after Aki.
Instead, although the expression floated on Miharu's face as if she wanted to say something, she just closed her lips and looked at Masato and Aki.
Satsuki looked at their situation and then,
"……I see . Does that mean you will part with him―― With Haruto-kun？ 」
When he asked so.
「EH ....」
Aki and Masato stiffened when the question was asked by Satsuki.
But, in contrast to them, only Miharu showed a grim expression.
「K-Why are we separated from Haruto-anchan！？ I don't understand. Why, why did it come to that？ 」
Masato asked as his tone began to rise in panic.
「Maybe the way I asked it was a bit difficult to understand. Maybe you will meet Takahisa-kun in the near future. When it comes to that, which one will you choose to take care of you between Haruto-kun and Takahisa-kun？ 」
Satsuki calmly threw the question at the end.
「I-That's why, how does it relate to separating from Haruto-anchan ……. . 」
Masato's tone grew weaker as he was defeated by Satsuki's presence.
「I mean, for example, if Takahisa is a hero, he will belong to the country as in my case. If that's true, then Takahisa will be a central part of a certain country around this time, you know. For now the first candidate for the country is Saint Stellar kingdom 」
So Satsuki told them about that fact.
Masato anxiously looked at Satsuki.
Satsuki decided to continue with her explanation without waiting for Masato's answer.
「In short, if you receive protection from Takahisa then it means you receive protection from the country where he is located. If that's the case, is there any reason for Haruto-kun to be together with you？ 」
Satsuki calmly threw the question.
「I-There is a know！ Because Haruto-anchan is my master of swordsmanship!」 [ED: teacher]
Masato replied while raising his voice.
「So, so you were taught swordsmanship. It is good that you learn the skills to protect yourself. But, the matter of Haruto-kun as your swordsmanship teacher and whether he belongs to the country where Takahisa-kun and you guys belong to a completely different matter 」
Section 11
Satsuki said that while looking at Masato.
「K-Why?」
「He was not educated with Japanese morals. Haruto-kun has his own life. He has a place where he is. In addition, he might have other things he had to do. In short, he will not always go to places that are suitable for everyone you know. You have to understand that, shouldn't you？ 」
Satsuki gently said that to him as if reprimanding the child.
「……」
Putting aside the emotional feeling, perhaps because he understood that, Masato was at a loss for words.
「U-Uhm-s. If that's the case, Takahisa-oniichan will come to us .......... 」.
Aki who was sitting next to him muttered timidly.
「It depends on the agreement with the country but, first, see that he belongs to the country as a hero, maybe it's like an easy part-time job?」
"Rubber………"
Maybe because she had understood from the start, Aki nodded as if feeling sad.
「Sorry for suddenly saying such strange things. But you see. Maybe you will meet Takahisa-kun soon like how you met me 」
「Soon, with oniichan ...................................」.
Aki muttered those words as if chewing on the meaning.
「The two of you are the younger brother and sister of Takahisa-kun, right? Well then, wanting to be with her later when you meet again is something that is very natural in my opinion. But you see, please think hard about that choice. The reason is because this will involve your own safety also 」
「……………………. Our own security？ 」
Aki asked while tilting her head.
「Yes, I said it a moment ago, don't you think. I said that "Receiving Takahisa's protection means you will receive the protection of the country". Being a hero is a really troublesome position. It does not have substantial authority but, it can greatly affect the country. That's why many people try to use heroes. When someone the hero loves is captured, you'll see how bad the situation is, right? 」」
「………………. How outcome？ 」
「I can't say anything for sure about this country but ............ As long as nothing happens, you will receive good treatment, you know. But, maybe they will turn as easy as turning their palms when the critical moment arrives at them 」
Despite making himself remember the various hate prophecies, he needed to tell them the concrete details they were avoiding.
The stimulus was too strong for the two of them who were still young.
「However, this world is not a gentle place like Japan. Right now you are receiving protection from Haruto-kun but, maybe you will see the dirty side of humans if you ever go to the castle. There may be danger waiting for you in that place. Even so, are you sure that you want to go under the protection of Takahisa-kun？ 」
「…………」
Section 12
Aki and Masato couldn't answer him right away.
Although he did not know what they were thinking, their expressions told him that they were thinking hard about this decision.
「Although I'm asking you this question, it's not something you should answer immediately. This is not a problem that you should answer directly without thinking about 」
There 「？ the huge Huge on Aki and Masato's faces was as if it was something they hadn't expected.
「That's right. Even if Takahisa-kun doesn't show up, I think it won't be difficult to take care of you by asking about Galwark kingdom. Uuhn, should I say that I want to be with you guys? But of course, that's only if you want it 」
「So, there are also such options yes ……. 」
Masato muttered as if convinced by something.
「Yes. But, as I said earlier, danger will also befall you by coming to my place. I feel that I am a truly selfish person, but I want to bond with this country and become a hero because I can look for a method to return to earth. When I say so, the hero position is more like a part-time job, right 」
Satsuki said that while showing a slightly self-mocking expression.
「Although so, the kingdom of Galwark wants me to be a hero. Even if I live in this world, I must become the hero of Galwark kingdom to return to earth. Thus the current delicate relationship is formed while each party agrees and has their own goals. Do you understand what this means?
Satsuki asked about them.
「Uhm ........... Satsuki-san wants to return to earth. Galwark Kingdom wants Satsuki-san to be a hero. Because of that, in reality the Galwark kingdom does not want Satsuki-san to return to earth 」
Miharu replied with a pensive expression on her face.
"Religion . That's why, if you ever come to Galwark kingdom, know that it comes with the risk of being held hostage against me 」
Satsuki said it to them while smiling.
「Haruto-kun, Takahisa-kun, and I, each of us live in various positions. Maybe, what you say, along with everyone is a bit difficult. Although this is a difficult problem to solve, I want you to keep it in the corner of your mind. You've already faced that problem, you'll continue to rely on Haruto-kun until you can at least find the answer, but, you need a little time to think about it, right?？ 」
Satsuki kindly asked Masato and Aki.
They both nodded deeply.
「There are people who need you. There are people who want to be with you. Lending your ears to listen to people's words is important. They will support you when you feel troubled. I think that also applies to Haruto-kun and Takahisa-kun. Even so, since this is your life, it is better to think about it for yourself, I want you to find an answer that you will not regret ………. . Or so 」
Section 13
Satsuki said that feeling was a bit embarrassed.
His eyes wandered for a while after that as if embarrassed by his words and,
「Well, does Miharu-chan understand how buoyant what I am saying, I wonder?」
Satsuki asked that question when her line of sight stopped on Miharu.
"Ah no . I ......... It was a bit hazy but even so, we can still meet Satsuki-san like this, I just have to think about what we will do if we find Takahisa-kun ……. . 」
「Ya, have you found your answer?」
「Uhhhm ………. . 」
Miharu showed a troubled smile as she looked at Aki and Masato.
「I found my answer less or less」
Satsuki smiled at her answer.
"Is it so………………… . And that's the end of this topic！ Even though it was our long-awaited reunion, sorry for doing something that broke the mood！ Because I have to meet you like this as long as we live apart. I've conveyed what I think so you don't have to regret your choice 」
Perhaps he became embarrassed after their discussion ended.
Miharu, Aki and Masato giggled when they saw Satsuki like that.
The atmosphere in that place softened and they became more comfortable.
「Yes, let's leave that troublesome trouble, instead let's do something more fun. I also have some things to say but, most of my stories involve me living inside the castle. My room was nice too but, it felt a bit cramped and stifling, you know. This place is better than that. Somehow it really helped me calm my tense mind 」
So, Satsuki let out a weary sigh as she recalled her daily life in the castle.
「Of course, it looks like this place already feels like home. Now that you say it, I noticed after not staying in this house for a while. A ~ h, because we are finally reunited, maybe we should take a bath together 」
Masato said that while stretching out his hand.
「That sounds good. The bathtub！ I wanted to immerse myself in hot water while stretching out my arms and legs. I really miss the Japanese style bathtub 」
Satsuki agreed while wearing a lonely expression on her face.
「Ah, this house has a bathtub, you know. There is a stone bath and there is a spruce bath. What if we all just leave? 」
Aki said that as if it was a good idea.
「A ~ h, it sounds good. Not something like cypress bath and rock bath best combination 」
Satsuki replied in a pleasant voice.
「Se-Serious！ With everyone?」
Section 14
Masato asked with a embarrassed face.
「Better if Haruto-san, you are out for eye candy, right!」
Aki directly stabbed Masato in the head.
"It hurts . I'm just kidding, you know 」
「Liar, see your lips smile and your eyes are dirty. Stop looking at us with eyes like that! 」
Aki glared at Masato, who was holding his head, with an apathetic line of sight.
「Iyaa, Miharu-neechan and Satsuki-neechan aside, something like Aki-neechan's naked body is ………. Ah, no, I was just kidding！ Please don't hit me！ 」
While he was in the middle of his sentence, Masato shook his head firmly to the left and right with a pale face.
Aki raised her trembling skinny arm and then brought it to Masato.
「Ahaha. Then, should I ask Haruto-san if we can enter it？ 」
Miharu suggested them.
「Yes. Yes if possible …………. WAITA MINUTE! "
Satsuki exclaimed with a surprised expression.
「Uhm, yes ..........
Miharu looked at the surprised face of Satsuki.
「............. This house actually has it？ A OFURO [i]?」
Asking that, Satsuki swallowed her saliva.
「Y-Yes. There is a little onsen [iii] – like bathtub in this house, you know 」
Miharu's nodding jolted as she felt an unusual strength.
「O-Onsen, you say?」
At that moment, Satsuki's eyes glared with a brilliant radiance.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Back to before their conversation about "whether they can enter the bathroom or not", Rio listened to the current situation of Aisia and Celia in his room.
Rio sat on the chair, and faced those who were sitting on the bed.
There was a small table placed right beside them.
There are three steam release cups on the table.
「Did anything in particular happen during a stay at the capital inn?」
Rio asked that question after lightly tasting the tea.
「Nothing special」
Aisia answered first, giving only a brief conclusion.
Although his expression could be seen as apathetic, it was his normal expression.
Rio unintentionally laughed because it was somehow rather funny.
Section 15
「It seems they were nervous at first but, it seems they are used to life in the city. We also escorted them as they walked in a safe area. Ah, of course we wear our veils 」
Unlike Aisia, Celia's answer was more concrete.
He could not see things like stress or anxiety in his actions nor his expression.
"I saw . Thank you very much . You two"
Rio thanked the two of them who had always been steadfast.
He noticed that it had been a while since he could feel relaxed with just a little conversation like this.
「Is everything okay on your side as well, Rio pl Nothing that doesn't happen?」
Celia asked while peeking at Rio face.
"Yes nih . I have no problem on my side. But, as I thought, it calmed me the most when everyone was at home, not 」
Rio nodded while laughing.
「Uhm, is that true？ Miharu, Aki and Masato also feel like that?」
Celia told him with a slightly embarrassed face.
"I saw . I'm happy then 」
Rio was staring at the tea in the cup as he answered her.
And then, a light and calm smile peered on her lips.
「In retrospect, I must apologize for the slow response. Celia-sensei, I want to talk about the matter of you returning home, is it alright？ 」
After looking at the cup for a few seconds, Rio raised his face and looked at Celia.
「Ah, uhm」
As their vision overlapped as if a surprise attack had occurred, Celia replied in a confused voice.
His heart was beating faster, he could somehow feel his cheeks becoming a little hot.
「As expected, please allow me to accompany you while you send greetings. Even though you seem to be in a hurry, are you going to wait a little bit more？ 」
Celia regained her composure after those words.
Come to think of it, at some point the talk of Celia returning to her own home in Bertram kingdom was postponed.
Although Celia planned to return alone so that she would not bother Rio, and she had already told him about wanting to act separately before they came to Galwark kingdom.
Rio said that he would accompany Celia but, as he could not estimate how long it would take to return to Bertram kingdom, his decision was to set a schedule so that he would attend the party that night first.
「Uhm, it's not like I told you to hurry but ......... Is it okay?」
Celia asked timidly.
Section 16
「When it doesn't matter with me, the person who brought sensei to this house is me, right? So it's normal for me to go along with sensei 」
「T-But the one who decided to get out of that palace was me, you know. Besides, I think that I can cause some trouble for Rio if we go together ………. . I say this also for my own selfish desires ………. 」
Celia's answer sounded weak in the end.
「Although I've said this before, it doesn't bother me at all. The idea of taking Celia-sensei out of Bertram kingdom was my idea, and I was the one who first took that action, you know？ If that's the case, I'll have to take responsibility for taking on the task. It's because I kidnapped your family's most important daughter
「A-It wasn't a kidnapping！ Because I gave my consent! [1]」
Celia unintentionally yelled at him as she reacted to the word "kidnapping".
Rio showed a troubled smile and,
「But, maybe it looks like that by the people in your house. Although you sent a letter explaining your situation, you did not write any details and you did not explain almost anything for fear of being examined, did you？ 」
That answer.
The letter sent by Celia was a recording written in such a way that only the family and Celia could understand.
But, if they did unnecessary checks on the writing, he was afraid that they would find out that the sender was Celia, that was why he could not write about important matters.
「U-Uhn」
「In that case, it is not strange for them to think that Celia-sensei was kidnapped you know. Even if they didn't do it, they would definitely worry about how Celia-sensei is doing now. That's why Celia-sensei thought of returning to your house once, right？ 」
「…………. Uhn 」
Celia nodded weakly.
「If that's the case, let me come with you. Because I think I'm in charge of making Celia-sensei's house worried and have to apologize to them 」
Rio spoke in a calm tone.
「As I thought, it troubles you …………. . 」
Celia smiled wryly as she muttered those words low enough that they would not be heard by anyone. [ED: In a room full of spirit arts users, I think only Celia didn't hear it]
As for her own feelings, although she was quite unwilling to cause trouble for Rio more than she already had, it was meaningless as the more she rejected Rio's helping hand, the more sentimental she became …
Actually, she felt that it would be very reassuring if Rio came with her.
There was no reply from Celia.
「Celia-sensei?」
Rio tilted his head as he muttered something.
「. Now I don't even know which one of us is sensei here. Talks like this are 」
Section 17
Celia showed a slightly pleased smile when she said that.
「Because my mental age is much older, you know」
After looking at him with a slightly confused face, Rio said that in a joking tone.
Celia nodded at those words, and then after straightening her back,
「Thank you, Rio. I look forward to working with you 」
He bowed deeply towards Rio when he said those words.