Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 114: After the Audience

After the audience, Rio invited Liselotte when he decided to talk to her.

Although there was a proposal from Satsuki whether or not to take her to Miharu and the other rooms, she headed to Miharu and the others' room alone.

He wanted to report the matter today to Liselotte.

And then, the place they were going to was the lounge of the royal palace.

Any nobles who attend the castle can use the private space as long as they apply.

But at that place, Rio facing Liselotte was sitting on the antique sofa.

Aria Governess, her maid, was fulfilling her duty of preparing tea by Liselotte's side in silence.

Aria's skill in erasing her existence was incredible, she did not cause any uncomfortable feelings to her master or the guests in the room.

He was definitely the best example of a treasurer.

"Excuse me"

It was quick but, he politely finished his work and handed out his tea.

After bending over lightly, he retreated to a corner of the room.

And then, when everything was ready, Liselotte started talking.

「First let me congratulate you, Haruto-sama, for your inauguration as honorary knight」

"Thank you very much. To be honest, I feel ashamed because I don't deserve such an important title ……… .. 」

Rio showed a troubled expression as he thanked.

「But, I think it will be more profitable if you can use it wisely, right?」

Liselotte said that while tilting her head.

Although it does not belong to any country, Rio will be treated as an official noble in Galwark kingdom from this moment onwards.

Social position difference is absolute in Strahl―― region

Although there were some nobles who dealt with commoners without discrimination, like Liselotte, those groups were an overwhelming minority.

There were nobles who looked down on it just by hearing that the other party was an ordinary person, the truth was, only nobles, and not ordinary people, received varying degrees of good treatment.

From today onwards, Rio joined that group of nobles.

Moreover, he was completely different from a worthless noble.

Although his rank and treatment were different from the status of ordinary nobles, when it came to honor knights and combat, it was a title that would incur the jealousy of any noble who knew about it.

It is a title with a brand name called "Directly recognized by the king for their achievements and abilities", it is a much more privileged position than a mere honorary title――

Either way, there was no disadvantage in having such a title, it would naturally make it easier to move within Galwark kingdom.

Speaking of flaws, even if there were many practical uses of being honorary knights, they were still a part of their mother country.

（Well, I think it might be your idea to ascertain the facts and make Haruto-sama play an active role as a knight of honor. Looks like he has some other ideas besides .........）.

Although this was nothing more than a simple analysis from Liselotte, she was vaguely aware that Rio might suspect that as well.

Therefore, Liselotte was not trying to do anything like talk about her idea.

"Yes. On the other hand, I think I'm not much used as a 」 noble

Rio said those words with a calm tone.

「So that's the reason？ If Haruto-sama has become a noble, I'm sure you will be the one who was cut off beyond the others」

Section 2

Liselotte showed a dumbfounded expression at his words.

「It's just an estimate that's too high. Hanging out with noble people is too much for a humble person like me. It will sink deep into my body at tonight's party 」

「But there are almost no problems in your etiquette ..............」

「It was nothing more than a papier mache to maintain it on the surface. My defect will come out soon if they can see even the one minute details it 」

Rio smiled wryly as he shook his head in denial.

「Fufu, such humility」

When he said so, there was a mischievous smile on his face. Liselotte then held her teacup elegantly on her lips.

（That worries me more, the more I think about it yes ......................）

Liselotte was very interested in the existence called Rio.

Right now, the young man in front of him said that he went to the academy of a certain country a long time ago.

If it passes through his birthplace, Bertram kingdom, there is a high chance that place is that place.

But, the only national educational institution in Bertram kingdom was only the royal academy, when it came to private institutions, the number swelled by several times.

If he obeyed the words of Rio, who called himself an ordinary person, the chances of the institution were reduced even further with the addition that they were teaching noble etiquette there.

Only the rich among commoners could go to such educational institutions.

（A child of an emigrant goes to school for the rich？ Not impossible but ............................. ..）........................................................<TAG1>.

Liselotte could not give an answer no matter how much she thought about it.

Rio nonchalantly drank his tea in front of him.

Although he inadvertently had the urge to ask thoroughly about it, as expected, he managed to stop himself from doing so, which may have stemmed from the common phrase "It's not suitable for women". [TL: It's not friendly]

Although she could ask a question like probing, the thing like Rio being wary of her was not her intention.

In the end, he had no choice but to wait until he talked about it himself.

「After all, please come if you have something you want to consult in the future. Because I'll help if you're okay with that 」

Liselotte told him that after politely putting her teacup on the plate.

"Thank you very much"

Rio thanked the sweet smiling girl.

「I'm the one who should have said that. Therefore it is thanks to Haruto-sama that there was no significant damage during the party yesterday night 」

「No, something like that is ――

"That's right. That's absolute truth. The guard knights scattered around the place were at a disadvantage against the bandits rushing towards their target 」

Section 3

Just when Rio was about to deny his achievements, Liselotte words cut them off.

There were no more than five guard knights protecting the targeted royalty, and the number of bandits was 14 people.

There were nearly three times the difference in their combat potential.

「No matter how much you strive to be humble, it is a fact that Haruto-sama did the work of several knights alone, alone. Thanks to reinforcements can come on time, so save the life of any royalty in that place 」

Liselotte told him in an orderly manner.

「Naturally, I include. Haruto-sama has saved my life for the second time. Thank you very much"

When no objections came from Rio, Liselotte followed her words earlier with an expression of gratitude.

「I already owe Liselotte-sama a favor. It's too cheap compared to that. I should be the one to apologize 」

Rio said those words with a somewhat troubled smile.

There was a question mark floating on his face when he told him that he was the one who owed him a favor.

「This is to hide the information about Satsuki-sama's friend. I used Liselotte-sama for this problem and ended up causing an uproar at the moment 」

Rio explained his reason for apologizing.

It seemed that Liselotte knew the circumstances but, she still shook her head slowly in denial.

「It happens every day for the nobility to approach someone while hiding their true intentions. Although I was surprised by it, it was not like it caused some kind of loss for me 」

Since nobles were beings who arranged their relationship according to mutual advantage, it was very important for them to establish a relationship with no profit intent behind it.

Their marriage was governed by political interests.

This was a completely different case when the end result harmed him, then the other party who was scolded for trivial matters each time would not last long in the world of nobility.

「Instead, it was thanks to the actions of Haruto-sama that even I myself received words of praise from His Majesty. Therefore, please do not think too much about it 」

Liselotte said it while showing a slightly mischievous smile.

「I am grateful that this humble self is useful but ..........」.

"Yes. And that's enough 」

Liselotte nodded in satisfaction.

Rio replied with a slow nod.

「However, boys and girls who cannot speak our language. You have done very well in protecting them, correct 」

「I'm lucky enough to have that magical keepsake tool. And I can't leave those who walk in a quiet place with a confused expression 」

「It was an amazing action. Even though I already know that you can understand each other using that magical tool, you used that tool to teach them properly？ 」

「Yes, it is very difficult to explain it in words but all three improved their language skills in those 3 months. Currently they have no trouble using it in everyday conversation 」

Section 4

Rio nonchalantly covered up his lie as if it was no big deal to answer Liselotte question.

「There are practical magic tools in Yagumo region yes. Or, could it be that Haruto-sama can speak in the world language of the heroes-sama？ 」

Liselotte was staring at Rio face when she asked that question.

「Yes, somewhat」

Rio replied with a faint smile.

"……….. I see"

Liselotte muttered after hearing those words with deep nuance.

「Are you interested in it?」

Rio asked her while sending a glance as if observing her.

"Yes. There is a world I do not know. So, when I think about it ..... 」.

Liselotte showed a somewhat awkward smile.

Rio smiled back at her, then, then,

（It seems that he somehow believed the story about the magic tool for this time）

He held the teacup on his lips as he thought so. Although Miharu and the others had finally reached a level where they could use the language of the Strahl region in their daily conversations recently, there were still some flaws in their pronunciation.

Therefore, Miharu and the others were unable to speak in Strahl region language as their mother tongue so they could understand if it was just a simple conversation.

Although the simplest answer was because Rio could speak in their [Japanese] language, the next question was why Rio could understand Japanese.

In the case that the other party was someone who came from this world in the right sense, the level of difficulty would rise sharply when the other party was someone who came from the earth.

Because there is such a possibility as “Could Rio yang— The man named Haruto used to live in Japan?”.

Although it is not strange to think that people who used to live on earth will investigate the circumstances.

The people who are currently aware that Rio is a former Japanese are Aisia, Celia, Miharu, Aki, Masato, Satsuki and then Latifa – they are seven.

Although he was considering the other reincarnated people at the time he met Latifa and Liselotte, at this point in time, he had to put the factors transferred into his consideration with the appearance of the heroes.

Because from now on, those seven people who were aware of the fact that Rio was a reincarnated person might change his actions in the future, he said, whether it was going to be and profitable for him or not was something that was difficult to predict.

Therefore, if it really needed to be put aside, he would not specifically make a grand statement about himself as a reincarnated person.

「By the way, there should be no dissatisfaction from Satsuki-sama's friends when they will stay in Almond right?」

Section 5

Liselotte nonchalantly changed the subject.

There are hidden concerns under his statement—,

（Well, that's because Almonds are filled with products that come from bumi）

Rio saw his worry in an instant.

There are a wide variety of earth origin products in Almond.

Most of them use real Japanese names.

Even if the heroes were able to automatically translate the language of this world into Japanese thanks to their heavenly attire, there was a possibility of guessing with lip movements like what Satsuki was doing.

Let alone saying if it was from the side of Miharu and the others who learned the language of this world from the beginning, they would naturally notice an abnormality in the fact that the Japanese were used for items made by the Rikka company.

In fact, Miharu and the others had already noticed that strange phenomenon.

If someone as wise as Liselotte, it was not like continuing to hide her own secrets in this situation would be of any use to her.

――With that as the basis of his anxiety.

"Well, how should I answer that question".

Rio immediately considered it.

「Yes, they can spend a wonderful time there」

Rio looked stupid as he smiled while replying to her.

Liselotte looked at Rio face and,

「...... So, I'm happy then

He said so with a meaningful smile.

Their views are intertwined.

（She still doubts on me ya）

Rio guessed Liselotte mind.

That's natural.

The matter regarding Rio moving around Almond was known to him.

Even without those factors, the products of Rikka's company circulated in Galwark kingdom.

If one finds that, even though Miharu and the others are under Rio's protection, it would be even more strange for them to not have any contact with the products that originally came from the earth made by the Rikka company.

If that was the case, it was easy to imagine how much doubt was held by Miharu and the others at the time they were in Almond where they asked Rio.

Why are there products with Japanese names in the world? What is it about the Rikka company that makes that product? And who is this Liselotte Kretia who runs this Rikka company?

Of course there is a possibility that Liselotte is only a sponsor, and unlike there is no possibility of anyone else, who is a former Japanese other than her, being the one to make those products.

Although he first met her, he was under deep prejudice that she was a reincarnated person seeing that there were many clues, as it did not eliminate the possibility of people being transferred after the hero appeared.

But, the one who was most doubtful was Liselotte, which was the truth, it would still not change the fact that there was some kind of secret hidden behind Rikka firm.

Therefore, there were some doubts about Liselotte.

And then, maybe some kind of warning.

That was the current situation waiting in front of Rio.

（The facts will turn into beliefs sooner or later. Perhaps it is better to remove his suspicions by telling him a certain amount of truth in）

Section 6

Although Rio could pretend his ignorance now, he predicted that there would be seeds of doubt still present in Liselotte mind.

Because there is no one who is not wary of someone who stays with his lies while being aware of their own secrets.

But then, even Rio measured how big the value and importance of the secret was.

But, he was a noble, even if there was his merchant side, perhaps he would hate the reality leaving even the slightest chance of others hurting him.

What was Liselotte going to do after this with this kind of worry in her heart, perhaps that was what she thought in her heart.

Sooner or later, in cases where someone wants to keep their secret a secret, they may need to pay a bribe.

In that case, he might bribe her to keep her secret from Satsuki and Miharu and co, or else, he might try to kill them if they leaked her secret.

Even Rio did not regard Liselotte as a very good person without any dirty secrets.

Even though he was a reliable ally, he would definitely become a troublesome existence once he became an enemy.

Provoking him recklessly was an act that was too reckless for the time being, as he continued to accumulate a favorable relationship, it was definitely a better choice to maintain their relationship as it was, he said, if may.

Seeing that Liselotte was a noble, as well as a merchant, the possibility of being stabbed back as long as there was an unbroken pro and con relationship between them was low.

Even Rio believed it was based on his relationship with her until now.

「Friends of Satsuki-sama are three people. Two of them are women but, they are very grateful with the products made by Rikka company you know

Although Rikka company makes a wide range of products, among those products, being worn to women is the best.

Although their circulation network and production system were not complete so they could not supply supplies and demand in every place at the same time, there is almost no product that you cannot get when you are in Almond.

Rio knew such stories because he was guarding his headquarters around Almond.

「I'm so happy for such a compliment. Because it is a blessing for merchants if their customers are happy 」

Liselotte replied to him with an ambiguous smile.

「Even they were very surprised by one part of the product made by the company Rikka」

"……….. I see"

Liselotte suddenly narrowed her eyes as she said so.

「Although I want to know if there is some kind of secret in those products, I told them not to tell anyone in connection with that secret. And they agreed to my wish 」

Rio replied while deliberately leaving behind an unclear secret.

After which, Liselotte stared dumbfoundedly as if being attacked by surprise.

"Why did you do that?"

「Because, although it would be an insult if they thoughtlessly revealed that to others, it would not bring any benefit to them」

「Demerit ........... What?」

Liselotte tilted her head as she asked that question.

「I was already under contract with Liselotte-sama some time ago kan」

Section 7

Rio hinted at her.

「........ As expected, so the people you want me to protect in case of emergency with conract are Satsuki-sama's brothers, aren't they?」

「Yes, three out of five. They are in a very dangerous situation as friends of the hero. So it is better if they have many allies 」

Rio told smoothly.

Liselotte listened to the story with a serious expression.

「So, now I want to ask Liselotte-sama to protect them as far as your strength」

「It ......... .. it's only natural. We are under such a contract, not 」

Liselotte nodded while agreeing to it.

"Thank you very much. Although I asked for their protection, I want to do that with good agreement with the other party, namely Liselotte-sama, from now on. That's my true desire without any falsehood in it 」

「Other sides of the contract, is it」

Liselotte said that as if trying to understand the meaning behind those words.

「Although I am not a trader, I know the strong bond that ties one person to another with profit and loss. And then, we both made a profit because our contract was 」

While he said so, Rio smiled lightly looking at Liselotte.

Liselotte was also looking back at Rio.

Maybe because he understood what he meant immediately after that.

"…… I saw. He has the most persuasive power as a trader 」

Liselotte lips formed a smile as if pleased with such an answer.

Even his vigilance that he had shown until a while ago was extremely weak.

「In short, I don't want to sever ties with you at this time. Although contrary to my wishes, I have already become a noble starting from today. So, you are definitely the one who made me want to keep a good relationship with 」

Rio shrugged his shoulders when he said so.

「If that's the case. Because I also really wanted to be a good contract partner for Haruto-sama from the beginning ………. 」

「Then, it will make this faster. I swear that I will not reveal any secrets regarding the products of Rikka company. I also will not look for any other way to reveal it 」

「. But, are you really not worried about it？ Even if there are some secret secrets that you mentioned some time ago 」

「Ya, the secret of a well-known trading company even in a neighboring country is something that goes beyond what I can handle. Even if I know the secret, it does not mean that I can do something about it 」

Rio shook his head while smiling wryly.

Liselotte showed a naughty smile and then,

「That's regrettable」

Say those words to Rio.

Map of Strahl Region