Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 128: And Now His Departure

The next morning, Satsuki went to Rio's room.

「Say Haruto-kun, will you eat all this bread and sausage?」

Satsuki asked timidly while looking at the dishes that were on the table.

Fresh bread from a round oven, beef and vegetable soup, sausages, scrambled eggs, and fresh fruits.

The breakfast menu became relatively simple at Satsuki's request but, it was a sumptuous breakfast when compared to ordinary people.

The materials they used for it were also first class.

「If you want it, I will be happy to share it know

Rio showed his agreement.

After which, Satsuki showed a bright and clear smile in the next moment.

"Thank you . It's a waste of food if you don't spend it. Should I say that the castle food is too greasy, or too dark with proper seasoning 」

Therefore, Satsuki quickly served the plate to Rio while grumbling about the food in the castle.

「Even the best, a woman will only eat a little for their breakfast」

While saying so, she received some bread and sausages from Rio.

「I'm considered a heavy eater even among my generation, you know. Because many girls skip their breakfast and only eat yoghurt and fruits as their breakfast 」

「And then, they just hang on until the right lunch time

「As for that, well I wonder if I am actually not like a woman?」

"I saw"

Rio admired her, "As long as there is faith, there will be a way out" she replied with a wry smile.

「Alright, can we eat our breakfast later?」

Satsuki told him that after she finished sharing the bread and sausages while chatting about the topic.

「Ya, then―― ――

「Itadakimasu」

The two of them exchanged glances and then said those words at the same time.

After matching their hands for a bit, they took a cutlery.

「I thought about this since last night, your table manners are really pretty, Haruto-kun」

Satsuki said so with admiration.

「No, maybe it's because I feel nervous because of your elegant way of eating. That's why I care more about my manners than usual 」

"Is that so? "

"Yes nih . Satsuki-san from last night was completely focused on your food but, it seems like you have calmed down this morning. Since you have the calmness for light conversation also 」

Rio said that while showing a mischievous smile to her.

In front of her Japanese food that she had tasted after such a long time, Satsuki last night was completely blown away by the food that was already her dream. Even when he did not eat in public places, his good descendants still appeared. '

「S-Shuttle. Yesterday was Japanese food, so it was a special case！ 」

Satsuki stuck her tongue out slightly in front of him. He nimbly moved the cutlery in his hand as if hiding his own shy feeling and then took the soup with his spoon.

「And then, where will you go after leaving the palace today?」

Moments later, Satsuki asked that question to change the subject.

「I'm heading west. Because I have promised my acquaintance 」

Rio was just obediently rising on the topic.

"I saw . You should not do the dangerous thing you know 」

「Yes, I'll try to do that as much as I can」

After Rio agreed to her request, Satsuki's movement stopped,

（As possible yes. Maybe it's already in his character without even me asking. Well, I can only pray that he does not get involved in the strange events）

He glared at Rio.

Rio who noticed Satsuki's gaze was tilting his head with a confused expression.

Satsuki let out a long sigh and then,

「Then Haruto-kun, before you start your journey, may I say something to you？ This is a continuation of last night. With regards to the matter of Miharu-chan, I think you should convey what you feel to them 」

He looked into her eyes and asked for her answer

"It doesn't matter"

Rio nodded while looking back into his eyes.

After which, Satsuki spoke in a timid tone.

「I have no intention to correct the mistake you made. But, I want you to do it one last time. Haruto-kun, do you agree with the current situation？ 」

"Yes, that"

Rio retaliated without hatred.

「Really?」

Satsuki was chewing her lips and then asked a second time.

"Yes, that"

Satsuki's staring at Rio who's nodding in no time.

But, he could not detect the fluctuations of his heart from his actions or his eyes.

"I saw……… . . 」

And then, Satsuki who was showing a surrender face reacted as if she was still not convinced by him.

「It looks like Satsuki-san still won't believe me」

Rio said those words while smiling lightly at her.

"I mean……… . . 」

Satsuki's at a loss for words.

「Maybe I have a lover ………. . No, lover only when you have someone you love. Miharu-san is dating Takahisa-san right？ 」

「It was true, but still ………. . 」

「In that case, my love will only be a forbidden love. Even though I wish she was my lover, it's only natural that I can't do that because she's been dating someone else 」

「…………」

Satsuki was at a loss for the words―― Because she was also thinking the same thing as Rio. Because even for Satsuki, there was no way she could answer someone's feelings for her when she already had a lover. If he received that recognition, it would be a matter of―― In short, two times.

If it came from Satsuki's Japanese sense of value, she would consider that there wouldn't be two times in a normal situation.

「I have prepared myself in listening to the fact that Miharu-san is Takahisa-san's lover. But still, I want to settle this regret. That is the reason for my confession. That's the reason why I can go that far. That's why I won't bother any further just for my self-satisfaction 」

Satsuki just bit her lips in annoyance when Rio honestly told her that.

And then, he opened his lips.

「………. I think you're right . The train of your rational mind that considers the other party's feelings is the feelings of an adult. But–"

Satsuki's getting more confident the more she speaks.

「As for me, I really want you to tell him about it properly and see it through to the end. Even if Miharu-chan can't answer your feelings for her. Because, you and Miharu-chan are my important friends. I Really don't want to see the two of you put something into your heart that will prevent you from speaking well to each other 」

「It ……………. 」

Now Rio who was at a loss for words.

Satsuki conveyed her honest thoughts on the matter to Rio.

「Doing something like moving without considering something is childish, too much consideration without taking action is what I call LOSER [Hetare]」

Rio was a little confused hearing the straight forward words from Satsuki.

「.........

So, Rio muttered those words to mock himself.

「So what, after all, I am the chairman of OSIS. Didn't I give advice to my junior who got lost 」

Satsuki said it with a bloated smile.

「But, please don't misunderstand. I'm saying this doesn't mean I'm forcing you to take my opinion. To let Haruto-kun show me his own thoughts, I have to show him my own thoughts 」

While their gazes mingled together, Rio listened to Satsuki with a serious expression on his face.

「I will support you. I'll support what you consider to be the best option. I really don't want you to have cruel considerations on yourself but, no matter what happens, this is your decision 」

「Satsuki-san ...........」.

And then, silence descended upon them for a few seconds.

Although they stared at each other for a few seconds, probably because she felt embarrassed, Satsuki turned her reddened face away with an awkward expression on her face.

「Yes, that's it. Please advise me as one of your options 」

"Yes nih . Thank you very much"

After answering so, Satsuki cleared her throat and,

「And then, I will give my promise now that I will not cause any disturbance when you meet with Miharu-chan from now on. But, I want to listen well to Miharu-chan's story. That's why I want you to allow me to do that 」

Saying so while pouting lightly.

There is something Satsuki is difficult to understand with regards to Miharu's recent behavior.

The dispute between Haruto and Aki aside, even if she received the acknowledgement from Haruto while still dating Takahisa, it was not until now, he did not think that Miharu would take such a cold-hearted action by disappearing right in front of Rio without saying anything.

In fact, Miharu might want to have a conversation with Rio―― No, with Haruto who is her childhood friend.

Even so, there was probably a reason that he could not fight back which forced him to go to Saint Stellar kingdom.

（It seems there is a reason for that ............. The reason why he is in a hurry to return）

Although Rio might be aware of that as well, he felt that maybe Rio would not take such a firm step in the present.

He knew from his words that Rio drew a line somewhere inside himself, and would stay before that line.

The reason that he explained earlier was the reasonable argument―― No, he could not even find the error behind his argument.

But, he couldn't help but think that his true intention was basically somewhere else. Maybe because Rio did not believe in himself, or maybe because deep down he could not trust a stranger, there was a side that felt something. Although they had just met, Satsuki was looking at Rio's distorted nature.

And then, she even thought— The majority of the reason might be because Rio was basically suppressing most of his own ego.

Satsuki is unaware of everything that happened in Rio's past.

Even so, it had nothing to do with him.

（I just need to act according to what I consider to be true）

As for what motivated Satsuki to do that, even Satsuki herself was unable to understand it. But, he knew one fact that at least he would not accept the current situation.

「So, what is your answer?」

Satsuki's pressing Rio who's showing a hesitant expression to answer her request.

"……Yes . Understood 」

A while later, Rio nodded as if resigning at his request.

"Good"

Satsuki smiled with a satisfied expression and then started moving her cutlery again.

Rio also smiled wryly at her, breakfast time just passed by.

So, after finishing breakfast and drinking tea after eating,

「Can I take my leave immediately？ Because I have to leave the capital in the morning」

Rio told her that it was time for her departure without any convolutions.

"Of course . Thank you for accompanying me for these few days. I really enjoyed the last few days 」

"I am also . Let's meet again someday. Surely"

So, Rio said his farewell word to Satsuki with a gentle smile on his face.

Satsuki showed a puzzled expression for a moment and,

"…………… Yes . Let's meet again later！ 」

He immediately replied with a timid expression.

☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★

Galtwark, the royal capital of Galwark Kingdom has several city gates and fortresses from each city block with a view of the lake on its eastern side.

First is the easternmost block where royalty and high ranking nobles live near lake― Is a heavily guarded area where no one can enter or exit unless they have permission.

After that was the central block where the lower ranked citizens and nobles lived in― This was an area where one needed to pay some amount of tax at the gate to enter and exit.

Miharu and Celia are staying at the inn inside this block.

Moreover, even though there was an area where it became a western block, it was a place for people who could not live within the city gates, it did not have a fortress, it did not have a fortress, although you can freely enter and exit, public order is not that good .

After saying his farewell, Rio left the royal palace and went to a certain inn in the eastern block.

After reporting that he had left to serve Aisia who was staying at the inn through telepathic communication, he called her to come with Celia towards the western block. And then, just before leaving the middle block, he waited for Celia and Aisia right outside the gate. After which, the two of them arrived before 30 minutes passed as he waited for them.

Haruto's.

Rio looked at his surroundings as Aisia's telepathic communication reverberated in his mind. And then, he instantly found the person he was looking for.

Aisia and Celia, both wearing black and white robes with their respective hoods, they hid their extremely prominent appearance to avoid the public's view.

「Entai how it feels it's been a long time since I saw the appearance it's true」

After arriving in the distance where they could talk to each other, Celia said those words in a somewhat happy tone while looking at Rio who was wrapped in traveling clothes.

"Is that so? "

Rio twisted his neck to confirm his own appearance.

Rio was currently wearing a long coat and thin but extremely durable leather armor made from the less powerful dragon skin called the black dragon, a specially crafted mithril sword given to him by the Seirei no Tami craftsman was strapped to his waist, and he wore an armor made of mithril fibers under his armor.

Of course it had been a long time since she appeared in front of Celia wearing this outfit.

When Rio thought like that.

「So, how about Miharu?」

Celia timidly asked that question while looking around.

「Miharu go to Saint Stellar」 kingdom

Rio was conveying the facts with a slightly timid expression.

After which, Celia's eyes opened wide in shock,

"I saw . So they're gone …………. 」

He breathed with a sad face.

"I'm sorry . The people of Saint Stellar kingdom suddenly decided to leave due to urgent matters, so there was not enough time for them to say goodbye 」

「You don't have to apologize for that. I somehow felt that things would change like this since Miharu decided to come to the castle royal palace

"really that?

Rio was shocked to see Celia's reaction.

「Well, the situation I was worried about did happen correctly. Besides, the one who brought them was Aki and Masato's family right？ 」

"Yes, that"

「In this case, there is nothing to do. Family yes ――

Rio looked at Celia who was speaking in a strange tone familiar with such a situation with a surprised face. Celia then asked him with a sweet gesture.

「What's up？ Is there something on my face?」

「Nothing, I just think that you suddenly have a distant view」

Rio shook his head in denial and said those words while smiling wryly at her.

Celia looked at the sky while wearing a contemplating expression and,

「Uhm, well, I'm with Rio again. I don't know how to express this but, it's because I think we can't meet again. I feel lonely and surprised but, we somehow met again 」

He twisted his words as if fumbling with feelings in his heart.

"I saw"

Besides he might think of another problem―― And Rio admired that part of him.

「Yup, let alone――」

Celia wore a troubled expression on her face as if having trouble saying that line.

「Aparticularly?」

Rio urged her to continue. After which, Aisia suddenly approached him with a brisk gait and then held his hand tightly. Celia was surprised to see that.

「U ~ hm, Aisia?」

Aisia did that to him occasionally.

Rio felt that he could see everything when he looked into his eyes. But, she did not feel disgusted or strange because of that.

And then, when Rio and Aisia were staring at each other in such a manner from a short distance away, before she realized it, Celia was already standing beside her and pulling her sleeves.

「Wait a minute, what exactly happened to you two to make a world of you two？ Didn't you leave me here」

Saying so, Celia looked at Rio face.

「No, even if you refer to it as the world we both it somewhat ...............」.

"Let's go . Haruto 」

Aisia pulled out Rio's unsteady hand and started to walk quickly.

「…………. . W-wait for me！ Geez！ 」

Although Celia saw the back of the two of them, she ended up chasing their backs in a hurry.

「By the way Aisia, until when will you hold Rio's hand?」

Celia asked that question while looking at Rio's hand which was still held by Aisia with the corner of her eyes.

「I can't do this?」

「T-No, doesn't mean I can't do that unless ………………. 」

When she asked back from the front, Celia was at a loss for words.

「Does Celia want to hold Haruto's hand too?」

Aisia asked that question while tilting her head with a puzzled face.

「WAAA-I-NOT A HAT NOT NOT WHAT I AM THEN！ WHEN YOU HAVE EVERY OTHER HAND LIKE THAT, DON'T JUST LEAVE ME ALONE」

Celia denied Aisia with a flushed red face.

「In that case, it will; fine as long as Celia also holds Haruto's hand 」

（In that case, there is another option to hold Aisia's hand right?）

Thought Rio thinking about such a matter, he couldn't just let go of Aisia's hand casually as her hand was held tightly.

「It ……………. 」

Celia muttered in a low voice while looking at Rio's hand that wasn't inhabited by Aisia.

「No, won't it cause various problems? . Aishia 」's

Rio cut their conversation because he did not want to think of their figure walking side by side with their hands joined together.

「Then, Celia does not want?」

「No it just ………. . Maybe you just need to let go of my hand 」

So, Rio tried to persuade her.

「I can't hold your hand?」

「U ~ h ……………. 」

Staring at Aisia who had eyes so pure and innocent, Rio almost accidentally said "Of course you can".

After which, Celia showed a surprised face.

「F-All right then！ I'll hold Haruto's hand as well」

Saying so, he took Rio's uninhabited hand.

「S-Sensei」

「A-It's okay, right. Don't tell me that you can do that with Aisiabut, can you？ 」

Celia said those words consecutively with a red blushing face.

"No problem"

Rio was unable to say "no" as he looked at the somewhat formed tears in the corner of Celia's eyes as if he was trying his best to overcome his embarrassment.

Celia sighed in relief while Rio sighed by her side.

「B-How about we go」

After saying those words in an excited voice, Celia pulled Rio's hand.

Aisia also pulled the other hand, and just like that the three of them walked side by side while holding Rio's hand until they left the city and then flew through the air.