Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 139: Interlude pt3
The morning when Christina-tachi escaped from Creia.
Charles Albo wakes up in the living room at earl Claire's house.
Although she had a hazy memory of it, after receiving an explanation of the situation when she was still unconscious, she finally remembered what happened.
Subsequently, he decided to continue the chase by filing a command unit in the room that became the headquarters for the search operation.
Although he did not dare to tell the truth, Charles' mood was devastated at this moment. Even though he was a noble noble who was even higher in rank than the nobles in this place, he was afraid of someone unknown origin―― This was a very humiliating experience that he could not forget at any cost.
Therefore, it was possible to obtain information about the origin of the person who threatened him now, he would take catharsis to tear the person to pieces.
But, right now he had an even more important task to look for Christina. But Charles Albo is not a fool who will abandon his duties out of anger.
That was why Charles forcibly suppressed his own feelings and decided to look for Christina first.
He began by proceeding to analyze the information gathered.
He considered every possibility and hard evidence that would be Christina's escape route.
In addition, due to the huge difference in personnel damage that occurred in the north block and the south block or perhaps due to the fact that Charles himself met Rio, the, he considers the possibility that what is happening in the north and south blocs is a completely different matter. .
After deciding his goal from that point, he proceeded to separate the search team according to the priority level and the most effective method to use his limited personnel.
While he was considering such a plan— The door to the headquarters of the search team where Charles lived was knocked from the outside.
"Institute"
Charles said so from inside the room.
After that, a security guard walked into the room. He bowed to Charles and then declared his business.
「Charles-sama. The leader of the royal guard, Alfred Emal is coming. Can I let him in? 」
「Let him in. Deceiving . Call him now 」
Charles frowned with an unhappy face as he urged the soldier.
「HA!」
The soldier immediately turned around and then invited Alfred who was waiting outside the room to enter.
After which, a handsome man with a burly body at the peak of his life entered the room.
He is the one who is recognized as the best swordsman in Bertram kingdom and the current 『King of Swordsmanship is also the elder brother of Vanessa Emal―― Alfred Emal.
Alfred wore a light blue armor and helmet on top of the majestic knight's attire, a sword with a beautiful jewel inserted in the hilt tied around his waist.
「I'm sorry. I hope I'm not late 」
Alfred said his apology as soon as he entered the room. Nevertheless, his cold expression did not seem to say it.
「Yes. We encountered a big problem here when you took the time on the way here 」
「Once, it seems so to me. I want to hear what happened in detail 」
Although Charles said those words as sarcasm, Alfred indifferently ignored them and then urged for further explanation.
After which, Charles frowned slightly. But, now was not the time to fuss over such a trivial matter.
「I will give a brief explanation because we are in an emergency situation. A girl who looks like your noble daughter, Christina, appears near the gate of earl Claire's house. After that, there is strong evidence of some people fleeing from the south gate and the north gate of 」
「In short, there is a possibility that Her Highness princess Christina escaped by using one of those gates right? 」
「. A girl with light purple colored hair appeared from the north gate of 」
"I saw . Naturally, you are resuming the search operation, right? 」
「Naturally. Although I don't think they would be so eager to use the highway route after fleeing because the front row of the air team has made a blockade in the north, south and east direction 」
Charles said so while pointing at the marked blockade points on the map spread out on the table.
「Will they not be easily found if they escape in the forest? 」
"I know . But, they were only women and children who were not used to traveling far. They won't get that far. I've formed several search teams to sweep the forest stretching from north to south 」
「......... You only block the highway southwards? 」
"For now . Even if I want to deal with it, I am limited by the number of personnel now. So I ignored the possibility of them hiding outside the fort. I had to leave some personnel behind the city right. That's why I focused my search in the north and east considering the goal of princess Christina 」
「Fumu ……………. 」
Alfred showed a slightly troubled face in listening to Charles' explanation.
Of course, when talking about him heading towards the Restoration located in the northeast of the earl Claire region, the shortest route to take was north or east.
But, although it would take quite a long time demanding a detour, it did not mean that he would not take a detour through the southern route.
「Even if we are short on personnel for the southern route, I don't think that's a good idea ………. 」
"I know . I would search the area if we had more personnel on my hands. In the first place……… . The one who forced her through the south gate was probably a completely different case with princess Christina running away 」
Charles said the second line with an annoyed expression as if it was just an addition.
「Why can you say that? 」
「. Although I considered the possibility of them escaping from there as no one was killed in action at the north gate, I could not think of it that way with the south gate. Thanks to several knights killed in action 」
「What？ Who killed them, man or woman? 」
CAN Vanessa kill them? FAlfred could not make himself believe the story.
Despite being separated by a fairly distant age, she knew very well about Vanessa's personality as her sister.
These knights of Bertram kingdom were similar to the treasured royal property.
Therefore, despite Vanessa's high loyalty as a member of the royalty faction, she did not think that she would easily end her partner's life.
「. An unknown man. He easily defeated a squad of knights led by me 」
Although Alfred was relieved to hear Charles' explanation, now another question came to his mind.
「He single-handedly defeated an entire army of knights? We should be able to choose the culprit only for people who have a lot of skills. He's not our royal knight working with His Majesty, is he? 」
"Knight? A knight? It was as if such a savage fighting style was a knight! He fought like ! I don't know anyone among our royal knights with such a fighting style! 」
Charles spit out his annoyance.
Using daggers instead of swords, even using the dirty method―― Very much different from the very orthodox swordsmanship used by the royal knit Bertram.
But having been defeated by someone who used such a savage way of fighting was probably the greatest humiliation for Charles as a knight.
「But, I don't think that combat-trained knights will be done so easily by criminals like that」
Alfred expressed his doubts.
"I know . That's why I say unknown people. Although we can't rule out the possibility that princess Christina is cooperating with earl Claire, I don't think there will be a hunch in those two cases 」
I did take out a capable person by asking the adventurer guild in this city but, I was unable to find any records about that person.
「In the end, earl Claire is just a suspect in the matter of kidnapping the royal family. The scolding problem with crosscheck is rather unwise. Or else, how can we get undeniable evidence to examine it? 」
Alfred frowned at Charles's opinion.
「If only you brought that search warrant a little faster, things would change in a different way」
Charles said so while clicking his lips. The door of the room knocked a second time.
"Institute"
「Reis-sama is coming. Since it was in the middle of the meeting, what should I do? 」
A duty soldier is declaring his business. After that, Charles' eyes opened wide.
「What？ Get him to this place immediately. Don't be careless 」
The knight left the room immediately after saluting.
"Who is that? "
Alfred asked for the identity of the guest.
Guest My guest. I have been acquainted with him for a while 」
「Although We are discussing military secrets? 」
Alfred implied whether it was permissible to let outsiders listen to their discussions.
「He is a VIP. I can't treat her carelessly 」
Alfred sighed when he heard Charles say in a strong tone. After that, the door was knocked again.
「This Reis-sama」
「Serve appetizer」
After Charles said that, the door opened. And then, a man with a slender body entered the room. Reis.
「Hoho, quite surprising here. Charles-sama. It's been a long time since you wrote me a letter. How are you today? 」
Reis bowed respectfully while smiling sincerely at his pale face.
「A long time ago, Reis-dono. You are the same as always. But then, you know that I'm here 」
Charles showed a smile as if he was dealing with someone he knew very well.
「Actually I just stopped by this city on the way to the capital. So I planned to send greetings to the lord of the region but then I heard that you are also in this place, Charles-sama 」
「Ooh, how polite you are. Nevertheless, even though this is our first meeting after such a long time, I am really busy now 」
「Huh. Could it be that you are currently having an important talk with the knight-dono there? 」
Reis looked at Alfred while narrowing his eyes.
「Yes, he is currently my subordinate. Alfred, introduce yourself to him
Charles ordered Alfred with good humor.
「This is the first time we met. I am the leader of Bertram kingdom Kingdom Knight, Alfred Emal 」
「Ooh, could it be you famous『 Sword King 』. I heard rumors about you becoming a military personnel in Bertram Kingdom 」
Reis was quite surprised by the revelation as if being affected by such news while offering a handshake.
「You exaggerated me. I am nothing more than a knight 」
Alfred was cold but humble while tightly grasping Reis' hand. After which, he was slightly surprised by the cold feeling like a corpse transmitted from Reis' hands.
Reis showed an eerie smile as he looked at Alfred and then,
「I'm sorry for the late introduction. I work as a Proxia royal ambassador, Reis. Nice to meet you 」
This is how Reis introduced his name.
「Proxia .....
The Proxia kingdom and Bertram kingdom were forming an alliance at the moment. So, it was only natural that their ambassador was in Bertram kingdom.
Although Alfred could not help but feel that Reis who was standing in front of him must be a suspicious person. Although he did not think it would be displayed in his actions or words.
And so, Reis suddenly started talking.
「By the way, I noticed that the situation inside this city was quite strange, so I wondered what had just happened? 」
「………. Even a heavyweight criminal had just escaped to the area around the city. Even though we were really keeping an eye on the city situation, the criminal escaped from the city last night with someone helping 」
Creia's current situation was clearly different. SO answering with whatever happened would not be able to deceive Reis.
So Charles decided to tell Reis a part of the truth that was not very meaningful even though it was revealed to the 3rd party.
He tries to hide the matter of searching for Christina by telling Reis about what happened at the south gate.
「Hou, that sounds dangerous. If even Charles-sama and Alfred-sama moved together, I can guess how dangerous the villain was 」
「Yes, some of our knights have already killed on their way to chase him. Please be careful, Reis-dono, there is a high chance that a criminal could escape to the southern highway 」
「I'm absolutely obliged to your warning. But, for the villain to defeat some official knights. I really want to know what kind of person he is 」
Reis admires criminals.
「He may be just a bloodthirsty person from the annihilated mercenaries–」
「Come to such a direct conclusion is rash」
To Charles who spoke in a displeased manner, Alfred who listened to their conversation without a voice was speaking his words.
「I am in no hurry to make such a decision! The man is ……………. . ! 」
Charles swallowed the words of the curse that he almost spewed out from anger.
「................ Can have some kind of connection to Lucius」
Charles muttered those words with an embarrassed face.
Afterwards, Reis muttered 「Oh」 as if he had just heard an interesting name.
On the other hand, Alfred was confused to hear the unexpected name.
「Lucius? Why is his name out in this? 」
「Si who crossed with us asked about Lucius. Do I know about a man named Lucius 」
Alfred showed a grim face in hearing Charles' words.
「When it came to Lucius, the leader of the mercenary group『 Griffon also used the same name, could it be that they were acquaintances? 」
Reis asked while hiding a strange glint in his eyes.
「Is he also your acquaintance, Reis-dono. Well, I mean that guy is a former noble of our kingdom 」
Charles said it with an awkward attitude. Then–,
「…………. Hum, looks like I'm trespassing into something. I am not the kind of rude person who would annoy others as a 3rd party. Let me forgive myself so that I will not be a hindrance in your duty 」
It was as if he said so to seek fresh air.
「I will prepare a room just in case you want to stay in the city but ………. 」
「No, I have to leave immediately because I am in a hurry. So please don't worry about it 」
「I understand ....... I'm the most deeply sorry for not being able to comfort you. Let's talk good and appropriate if we meet again later 」
"Yes with pleasure . All right then"
After smiling blankly, Reis left the room.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
And then, after Reis left.
「Well, how about looking for the south route? Since you said that we don't have enough labor, I don't mind going alone 」
"No . I can't let you move alone. I'll go with you"
Charles just brought up Alfred's idea.
「You won't believe me ya」
Alfred spoke those words as sarcasm.
「Naturally. Because your sister is involved in this matter 」
「. If I see Vanessa, allow me to deal with her 」
「Naturally. That's why I called you. Use the power given to you by 『King of Sword』 for my sake 』
Charles sneered at her while saying that.
「…………. Yeah"
Alfred just nodded at him.
「But then, I think you should consider that working with me in this case will affect the future of Emal's earal house. If you ever do anything suspicious ..... 」.
「………. I understand"
Alfred expressed his own feelings as he nodded at Charles who threatened him.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
4 figures appeared in the forest around the Almond region.
One of them was Reis who wore a black hood. The other three wore ordinary adventurer clothes.
The other three figures seem to be talking to Reis――, though,
「Then, good luck. Get minimal contact with both parties to handle flexibly as soon as possible 」
「HA!」
After Reis gave them the order in an indifferent voice, the three then left with each of them taking a different direction.
「That name is yes. This was quite troublesome about how he could kill some knights easily. Although I'm sure he wasn't sent by the man himself ……. . 」
Reis who went alone muttered those words.
「Well, the problem of princess Silvi is also time consuming, so I will wait for the results. Well then, I guess it's time for me to get moving right away. Return to and fro because intermediaries are also quite troublesome 」
Reis lightly kicked the ground after saying so. His body slowly floated in the air.
He headed west―― Heading towards Bertram kingdom capital, Bertrand.
☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★
Elsewhere, the capital of the kingdom of Galwark kingdom, Galtouct.
In a certain room at the very top of the royal castle tower, the room where Skata Hiroaki, the hero 『Recovery』.
Sitting on a quality sofa with Flora and Roana on both sides and Gustave Euguno in front of them.
「Then, what problem do you want to discuss? 」
Hiroaki asked the duke of Euguno about the reason for his visit.
"Yes nih . In fact, I think it's time for Hiroaki-sama to get married 」
Hiroaki was shocked to hear the duke's Euguno speech.
「I ................. Married? 」
"Rubber"
Duke Euguno nodded while wearing a wide smile on his face.
"I refused . I have just arrived in this world, it is too early to get married 」
Hiroaki replied with a slightly annoyed tone. For those born and raised in Japan and only 19 years old, the word "Marriage" may be a big burden for him.
「If you say that it's too early to get married, I don't mind if you're engaged to someone. What are you thinking? 」
「Involved yes. If so, let it be ………. 」
Hiroaki reluctantly agreed.
「But, why are you suddenly bringing this matter up now? 」
「Actually, there are many mariage proposals coming from noble girls for Hiroaki-sama after the evening party that」
「Ah, so. With that said, you plan to stop them by announcing about my engagement, correct 」
Hiroaki replied with a triumphant expression on his face amidst duke Euguno's explanation.
「How impressive, your insights are as sharp as usually」
「Well, this is just normal. No need to flatter me like that. By the way, who are you going to talk to? 」
Hiroaki asked that question while sending a fleeting glance at Roana and Flora by his side. Because when it came to her engagement, she thought that the two people who usually acted as her manager were candidates.
In contrast to the restless Flora with a tense expression on her face, Roana showed a dignified face.
「Since we need suitable status candidate as the legal wife of hero-sama, I consider pairing you with Flora-sama」
Duke Euguno replied eloquently.
「Uhm, what do you think of that, Flora? 」
Hiroaki looked at Flora as she asked that question.
「EH? Ah yes . I'll do my best! 」
Flora's body twitched and then retorted in high spirits.
（Do your best yes. ………. To be honest, as a woman, she was more charming than Roana or Liselotte. And there's Lilyana I met a few days ago. . Talking to her is fun, or rather she knows how to be considerate of men, her point is outside of graph）
Hiroaki stared at Flora's face while secretly rating the female rank inside her head.
Flora Face Face Perfect but not talkative is her only drawback. He has no charm from your usual hero archetypes. But well, a quiet girl like this is the best as an official wife in terms of polygamy）
Because the most damaging sight in his relationship with women is the jealousy of the rightful wife―― is what he thinks.
Now he understood that Flora did not have much of a self-declaration.
Besides, though say so—
（Yeah, princess attributes are also cliche when it comes to other worlds. Their brand value as legal wives is also high. So I might also say that I will not give it to another man）
As expected, it was difficult for him to leave Flora.
「I don't mind getting engaged to FLora as long as she agrees」
Hiroaki decided quickly with such a low tone.
「Ooh, is that true? 」
Duke Euguno smiled happily.
"G . But, for the one who will be my wife later, the decision is in my hands. Of course, even though I'll hear your idea, you can't nag me. Because it will make me more stressed 」
So, Hiroaki indirectly told him about his intentions.
Since the situation called for that, he had to remind Duke Euguno about this matter―― was his argument, because he thought that the person who agreed without the above promise was stupid.
「Of course. Although I feel grateful for that, I will be the one to receive the marriage interview mentioned above from now on if possible.
「Ah, so. I didn't know that I was this popular 」
Hiroaki shook his head in disappointment to the duke of Euguno who easily gave in to his request.
「It's natural for some girls to line up as your wife as long as we consider Hiroaki-sama」's charm
Roana by his side suddenly said those words.
「Hee, you too huh, Roana? 」
Hiroaki asked with a big smile on his face.
「Don't I already say it」
Roana suddenly puffed out her slightly red cheeks.
（Haha, she is very cute）
Hiroaki smiled happily and then turned to duke Euguno.
Then Then, a while ago you just mentioned the incoming marriage request regardless of which country, but which country did this many marriage requests come from? 」
「When coming to a big country, there is a request from the duke house and some other respectable houses of Galwark」 kingdom
「Hou, when you say royal lord Galwark, is it from liselotte? 」
Hiroaki's cheeks loosened as he asked that question, filled with hope.
「No, because for now I do not accept marriage proposals from the ducal family of Kretia」
"What do I see………"
Hiroaki was saddened to hear the reply coming from Duke Euguno.
（Ah, I will prepare the 2nd or 3rd seat if it is for Liselotte but then, it seems to be too late by then）
Hiroaki's brows furrowed slightly as if wanting to say that his interest was slightly stifled. He was not happy to hear that there was no courting from Liselotte.
Offerings for marriage interviews should increase from now on. Although it will be difficult to meet everyone of them, feel free to rule me because if needed, I myself will personally test candidates even including their pedigree 」
Hiroaki pondered for a moment and then said to Duke Euguno.
「Aah, you are right. Yes, we accepted all of that after various problems. So I have to meet all those candidates even including those who failed because of their descendants right? 」
By doing so, he would be in a harem situation as the only man at the venue.
Then he will choose the girl he likes among them―― What Hiroaki will do. Because he might find diamonds among them.
「As expected of the kind-hearted Hiroaki-sama. In that case, I will prepare everything so that we can welcome many women 」
Duke Euguno bowed respectfully. But, a grin appeared on his lips.