Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 110: Options

Morning when the last night's party will be held.

The weather on the outskirts of the royal capital was clear.

Although Rio was easily allowed out when meeting an acquaintance, they set one free knight as his convoy.

Rio was strolling in the center of the royal capital city along with the knight guards in the bright spring sun descending nonstop.

The knight guard was really no stranger to Rio, it was the young man who tried to protect Flora with his own body during the thief attack last night.

His name is Kyle.

（Yeah, Aisia. We will start our plan now）

Rio sent a fleeting glance towards Kyle who was walking to his right while communicating with Aisia who was in a separate place using telepathy.

―― Understood. Me and Celia will be coming to your location soon. Then we chatted with each other even while moving.

Rio's call and then Aisia immediately answered her call.

He was able to make telepathic communication with Aisia as he got closer to a decent distance, it was also easier to make Aisia explain the situation to Miharu and the others.

Regarding the fact that Takahisa really wants to meet them.

For the sake of meeting Takahisa soon, Miharu and the others must go to the royal palace.

There was also the problem that they would attract the attention of the nobles and royalty if they appeared in the castle.

The problem that they would try to use the political value of Miharu and the others might be approaching them.

The matter that they do not know when Takahisa, Satsuki and the other three can meet like this comes a second time.

The matter of respecting the will of Miharu and the others who once sided with them would choose whether it was Satsuki or Takahisa after the reunion.

Lalu–

And then, the problem, if they felt anxious and the reunion was only to meet with Satsuki and Takahisa, he wouldn't mind letting them stay with him a little longer.

He has given them everything he has to tell them.

Despite not having much time, from the fact that they were given time to think about it even though there was little reason why he let Miharu and the others remain in the inn as they are now.

But, seeing that he used the pretext of meeting his acquaintances for his walks, did not mean that he could walk around without meeting anyone.

So it had been decided that Rio would have a camouflage meeting with Celia while Miharu and the others had a discussion.

As long as Aisia, who could understand Rio's position and communicate with him was there, it was a piece of cake for them to arrange an unexpected meeting in the city.

（Ah, I found you）

Rio told Aisia that he found the two of them from a distance.

Unlike Aisia who hid her face with a robe attached to her white piece, Celia was wearing a pink tunic dress with lace on it.

Different from usual, Celia turned her white hair into gold with a magic tool.

Coupled with her ever-young appearance, she gave off the feeling of a princess who was quite noble around half of her teenage years.

EllNah then, I will return to the place of Miharu and the others.

When Rio found Celia, Aisia echoed the telepathic communication in her head.

Aisia who was in front of his line of sight turned around and then walked back to the inn.

Section 2

(Thank you)

Rio thanked her and then ended their telepathic communication.

It seems that somehow Rio figure also entered Celia's gaze as she approached towards him with a cheerful expression after staring for a while.

「Not that Haruto. It's been a while, right！ Since when did you come to the royal capital？ 」

Celia's address, Rio was like a friend who had never met for a while.

「A long time ago. The cecilia. I came to the royal capital just a few days ago 」

「Is that？ Then, you should come visit」 soon

Celia puffed her cheeks sweetly as if it was natural.

This is an amazing acting skill to the point that one cannot think it is just an unnecessary act.

Despite this, his anger could certainly be felt but, for some reason it did not have much of an impact.

For some reason, Kyle who was by his side entered a state of light trance due to Celia's beautiful movements.

「There are many tasks that I have to do. But I'm glad we don't miss each other. Because I was just about to go to see you after this. Are you just about to leave?

「Uhuhn, I'm fine if now but, can we talk for a minute?」

Celia made a suggestion following their initial plan.

"Yes I can . Wait a minute 」

Saying so, Rio was staring at Kyle by his side.

「Kyle-dono, he's my acquaintance. Can we go to some shops for a chat？ 」

「Y-Yes, recognized. I'll be on standby near that place！ 」

Kyle made a fist with his right hand panicked and then said those words while hitting his fist against his chest.

This is a special tribute to the countries around this area.

"Thank you very much . All right, then we go, Cecilia 」

「Yes. Are you OK with leaving your friends？ 」

「It's okay. He's my guard. I have said it correctly. That I was just about to go to see you 」

「What is it？ Alright, fine for me if it's okay but, please let me hear your story」

After that, Rio and Celia entered a pretty good coffee shop.

The two of them sat in front of each other on the patio chair with hindered views while the commotion outside became bgm.

Kyle did not come with them and just stared at them from outside the shop.

As expected, there was no way he could hear the topic of their conversation.

「Sorry for calling so suddenly. The situation becomes a little complicated 」

After ordering and just becoming the two of them, Rio apologized to Celia.

「Uhuhm, it's okay. But, say, I never expected that you would come with a knight 」

「The truth is, it's because I'm currently staying at the royal palace as one of their guests, and he's one of the guards there」

Rio smiled wryly as he explained the situation briefly to Celia.

「Guest castle？ Not a guest duke Kretia house?」

"Yes nih . I've been ordered to stay overnight at the royal palace since last night. Alright, I will explain the situation later 」

Section 3

He did not want to make her feel worried by saying that there was a thief attack.

When he thought so, Rio decided to change the subject.

「What is it？ It's okay if there's no problem except …………. Is this the matter about Miharu and the others first?

"Yes nih . As I told Aisia before, I found the person Miharu-san and the others were looking for. I have already asked Satsuki-san for help to explain the situation to her but, a rather irregular situation has happened 」

Rio said that while showing a troubled expression.

「So you mean it's for the sake of meeting him soon without the country realizing the whereabouts of Miharu and the others?」

So Celia asked him after summarizing the situation.

"Yes nih . Different from Satsuki-san's single room, there were her people and granddaughter clinging to Takahisa-san's side almost 24/7. I thought there was another matter of my freedom to move that was severely restricted while living in the castle of 」

Rio replied while sighing.

"I saw"

Celia nodded as if understanding the situation [i].

「But, more than anything and which is the biggest problem, is the fact that the existence of Miharu and the others is known by the first princess of Saint Stellar kingdom. Fortunately they did not tell anyone about this fact 」

Celia stared in surprise when Rio said that to her.

「Jeez, it's known by royalty？ That's a big deal, right. Can we trust him？ 」

「…………………. . More or less . But I won't give full confidence to him despite 」

Rio answered Celia's question after a short pause.

Both Takahisa and Lilyana swore to Rio and Satsuki last night.

If it were after this Takahisa who protected Miharu and the others, he would do his best not to let them become political tools and respect their will.

But, to be honest, other than Takahisa being a blood relative of Aki and Masato, Rio could not put his trust in Lilyana.

It would be better if it was a king who was at the top of the country, but she was only a princess, she could not always go against her political obligations.

However, they would not be treated badly seeing that Lilyana was a noble of a great country.

Although he needed a written vow with similar content from Saint Stellar who stood behind him for minimum confidence in Lilyana, the implementation was impossible at this stage.

Even though it was an act that was barely rude to them, it was there so he would go to great lengths in fulfilling his duty as a common ground.

「But nevertheless, Takahisa-san is the older brother to Masato and Aki-chan. When they want to meet their families, I do not think that outsiders can help more than necessary 」

Just because Rio was protecting Aki and Masato, it didn't mean they were his slaves.

Most importantly, Takahisa is in a position where he can claim the right to protect Aki and Masato as their older brother.

Whether he should hold a reunion between siblings who have been separated.

Section 4

「Let them know everything, and they still have the responsibility and right to make their own choice」

Rio said that with a firm tone.

Although it would create danger after the reunion, however, the family did have a strong will to meet again――.

Whether this choice is right or wrong, it is not a matter to be given to one who is not even their brother.

That was how Rio felt.

「I decided to respect and trust them including Miharu-san to decide if they want to meet Takahisa-san while knowing the risks」

「It's a good argument ……………. Is what I thought but, are you really okay with that?

Celia asked Rio while looking into his eyes as if peering into his heart.

「…………. . That's not a problem I have to decide 」

Rio said that while showing a slightly lonely smile.

Celia sighed lightly after hearing her answer.

「…………. . It's been on my mind for a long time but, you're very realistic about human relationships, how should I say, it's really dry, right 」

Soon after, Celia started telling him about it.

Rio's face showed a confused expression.

「You .......................... Should ………………. . Starting depending on your environment is even more like this. Namely, Uhm―― 」

When Celia was about to say something, the female employee kindly brought their order.

「This is it!」

With a beautiful business smile, she poured tea from the teapot into an artificial porcelain cup.

Thanks to that, the flow of the conversation was completely cut off.

"Thank you"

Rio said thank you while smiling wryly.

Celia looked at the female employee who was interrupting their conversation at the most important point.

But, he immediately took his eyes off the female employee, maybe he knew right away that it was just unjustified hatred.

Silence flowed for a few seconds between them.

「.................... Should we eat?」

「…………. Uhn 」

Rio suggested to her and thus they tasted the warm tea.

And then, after fulfilling their thirst, they,

「However. Miharu and the others were also worried when I left the inn, you know 」

After some time passed, Celia said that.

Section 5

"…………… "

Rio's cheeks fell wearily.

「If Miharu and the others decide to go to the royal palace, allow me to ask about what you will do in that case?」

「I already made plans to attend the evening party as soon as I returned to the royal palace. Later, I will come and greet Miharu-san and the others along with the people in the country 」

「Roger. Is there anything I can do？ 」

"It's okay . Since there are currently many people of Bertram kingdom in Galwark kingdom castle, please wait in the inn together with Aisia for now 」

Rio replied while shaking his head in denial.

As expected, he could not take Celia with him to the Galwark royal castle.

Because many of Bertram's royal nobles are currently in that castle.

Celia's eyes opened wide for just a moment and,

"I saw . The people of Bertram kingdom are there yes ……………. 」

He muttered those words with a slightly gloomy face.

Rio cleverly guessed the change in his expression.

「My former classmates are also among them」

When Rio suddenly told her that Celia was surprised.

「Are you okay？ No one is watching you, right?」

"Yes nih . I've never revealed my bloodline, you know. But, I was scared when princess Flora asked if we had met somewhere before 」

Rio's lips when he said so crooked gently as if smiling wryly.

「So, princess Flora yes …………. Although it might be unexpected, Your Majesty is someone who has sharp eyes in seeing one's true essence. Maybe he doesn't feel any discomfort in your atmosphere

「Once, what should I do？ It's a bit hard for me to imagine it …………. 」

Rio's impression of Flora was of a quiet and reserved girl.

He's a low key that keeps people from thinking that he's royalty.

Always peek at the expression of someone with a curled face.

Perhaps Celia in question was the observer's eye she had. [ED: Not sure about this: So I think.

「I think I understand him a little. He also has a keen intuition 」

"Right?"

Celia said that with a slightly proud expression.

「Don't Cecilia also care about your students」

「EH? U ~ hn, I can see it like that because I have many years of experience as a teacher. I've been in contact with students bit by bit over the years"

Celia showed a light smile and a slightly embarrassed face.

But that smile felt a little far away.

「So you're worried？ About Bertram」 kingdom

Section 6

Rio asked while peeking into Celia's eyes.

Celia showed a slightly confused expression but,

「Yah …………………. Unlike that, you know 」

Answer's cold.

Rio sighed lightly at Celia's reply.

「Bertram royal nobles who were in the royal palace founded an anti-government organization called Restoration and supported princess Flora. Although it seems like Hiroaki Sakata-sama is also dancing on the palm of duke Gustave Euguno, right 」

Rio suddenly started to tell her about the current situation of Bertram kingdom.

「…………. She's ~, so that's the problem？ 」

Contrary to her words, Celia seemed to be interested in the topic.

As expected, the situation of his homeland must have weighed on his mind.

「In addition, in the evening party the day before yesterday, the Galwark kingdom announced their support for Recovery. Although both the Bertram kingdom and Galwark kingdom still maintained their alliance normally after the coup, the alliance between the two countries was cut off only a matter of time, right 」

Seeing that the Galwark kingdom supported the formalities of the Restoration, the anti-government organization of Bertram kingdom, the relationship between the two countries was already impossible both in name and reality.

Although Bertram kingdom seems very recent, there is no way to avoid the fire when they know that their neighbors have housed anti-government organizations.

「Y-Yes ....................」.

Celia gulped due to the gloomy situation that had enveloped her homeland.

「The Bertram kingdom itself does not show any movements that stand out so far, right. Since the size of their national power was halved due to the civil war, it was only natural that they wanted to avoid the war, right 」

「God ………………. Bertram kingdom clearly did not want to wage war against Galwark kingdom in their current situation. There is also the kingdom of Proxia in the north. I also do not know how the country will move in this kind of situation 」

Celia said that while furrowing her brows.

"Religion . And as a means to check on them, Galwark kingdom made a big announcement about Satsuki-san as a hero in the evening party.

Rio's words unnaturally stopped in the middle of his sentence.

The matter of the attack last night suddenly flashed in his head.

When looking from the current world trend, since it was an act that seemed like a provocation towards Galwark kingdom when done with a time like this, the mastermind might be anyone from Bertram kingdom or Proxia kingdom.

The spies of both countries may have infiltrated Galwark kingdom, or it may be someone supported by one of the two countries invited to the party that night.

Rio stopped his carriage after thinking that far.

Because whatever it is has nothing to do with him.

Section 7

「I hope maybe it will turn into a cold war with the three parties holding each other back. Although there are rumors that the shadow of the Proxia empire hides behind the coup sometimes past, the Bertram kingdom itself was also so calm with the rumors that it seemed that they did not have any allegiance to the Proxia empire 」

「…………. . Correct . Now that I hear the gist of the situation from Rio, I also think so 」

Celia agreed with a slightly troubled face.

「If I remember correctly, earl Claire's territory is in the eastern part of Bertram kingdom. There is also the Rodan marquiss territory, the Recovery headquarters in the vicinity. So it's a good thing to prepare for your return based on it 」

Rio said that to her with a restless smile.

"………… That means………………"

Celia was confused by Rio's line of sight.

「I've said before that it's my turn to save you right？ I want Cecilia to be happy. Therefore, do not hesitate to say if there is a place that will make you happy. I will not spare any effort to help you 」[TL: Marry her]

Rio said that to her with a slightly embarrassed face.

In summary—

Celia stared in amazement as she guessed what Rio wanted to say.

「Let's go to earl Claire's territory after this issue is resolved. Since we are leaving in a few days, please wait a while with Aisia 」

Rio said that with a friendly tone.

"…………… Yes . Thank you………………"

Although she wanted to cry, somehow, Celia bit her lips tightly.

She does not regret the fact that she ran away from her threat-like political marriage.

But, even thinking the country was split in two due to the civil war, even though the nobles completed their duties in the country, could he really just spend some leasury time by himself.

Celia had always had such doubts this entire time.

Although she had tried to hide it within herself, everything was probably visible to Rio.

Moreover, he noticed that currently Rio was there to support his decision.

As if to say, choose a path that you will not regret.

He was given a choice.

He was in a completely similar situation to Miharu and the others.

Celia embraces feelings that are hard to describe.

At that time,

――Haruto, Miharu and the others decided to meet Takahisa.

Aisia's voice echoed in Rio's head.

Rio smiled wryly as that sensation was something that he could not get used to just like that, no matter how many times he experienced it.

（…………. . Entiendo. I will part ways with sensei and return to the castle. Since I am currently going back to the inn together with the knights from the castle, please do other things together with sensei during that time）

―― Understood.

Section 8

After completing the telepathic communication, a brief silence descended between them.

1 Second, 2 seconds.

Then,

「It looks like Miharu-san and the others have decided to meet Takahisa-san」

Rio said that with a somewhat stiff tone.