Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 164: Traces and Hints

Rio-tachi was visiting a city located in the southwestern part of Galwark kingdom.

After the inn was prepared the interrogation and cross-examination of Charles and Alfred was entrusted to Vanessa. During that time, Rio decided to go shopping for their daily necessities along with Celia. Their job is to secure transportation to Almond.

Seeing that they were already in Galwark kingdom, they did not need to disguise themselves to avoid Bertram kingdom army. Therefore, they decided to use a coach to continue their journey.

On a side note, Aisia stood in the inn to handle any emergency situation.

「Can I let him stand in the inn together with Kouta-san and Rei-san? They must be tired from the trip, right? 」

Rio was talking to Celia who was walking by his side.

"No problem . They were actually not so tired, because they were not close enough to the man. I mean they kept their faces hidden with hoods and isolated themselves from their rooms during our trip, right? 」

Celia shook her head while smiling wryly.

「It's okay but …………. If this continues, won't they blow up the cover of Cecilia in front of the man? 」

"For now . But I don't know how to deal with the man from now on, his house is in trouble. 」

「Understood. I thought things might happen during our trip, but I'll handle it. Please let me know immediately if you feel that something is wrong. 」

「………. Yes thank you . 」

Celia expressed her gratitude in an awkward way.

Then then, do we have a relaxing time before going to buy a coach. Because we were always tense throughout our journey until we got here. Is there something you want? 」

Rio suggested that with a wide smile on his face. Hearing that Celia was a little confused, and then she opened her lips.

「EH? Really it? ………. . Then, would you like to talk to me for a moment? 」

「Conversation with You? I'll accompany you to a fun talk no matter when and where, but, are you really okay with that? 」

It doesn't have to be right now— Or so Rio thought when he looked at Celia's face.

「U-Uhn. I mean, we don't even have time to be alone. Or rather, I can't bring that topic up because of the people around us. 」

Celia replied with a shrill voice.

「Then think of …………. . You're right In that case, will we chat over tea? Let's find a good shop near here. 」

After nodding at his wish, Rio looked for a good cafe.

"Yes! 」

Celia nodded happily as she walked beside Rio with a step in her step.

◇ ◇ ◇

They then went to buy a coach after spending some peaceful time together and returned to the inn where Christina-tachi was staying.

"We are back . 」

Rio entered Christina-tachi's room after knocking on the door. There, contrary to the indifferent expressions of Alfred and Christina, for some reason Vanessa grimaced herself.

「Welcome back, Mr. Amakawa. You came at the right time. I'd like to ask you something. May I have a little of your time? 」

Christina greeted Rio and asked for her time with an indifferent face.

「Ya, I don't mind ………. . 」

Rio agreed while indirectly groping the situation in the room.

「In this case, please sit down. ………. . Vanessa, please change with the two of them for watching Charles. 」

「…………. . But, Your Majesty. 」

Vanessa was stunned, and tried to raise an objection. But–,

「It's okay, leave it. Please calm your head for a moment. They both need to rest, right? 」

「………. . Entiendo. 」

Vanessa left the room with a reluctant expression after Christina blatantly ordered her to do so.

Only Rio, Christina, and Alfred were left in the room.

「Alright, what kind of talk is this? 」

After facing Christina who was sitting on the chair in front of him, Rio asked what his affairs were with her.

「It's about Alfred. After various investigations, I felt that there were some events that were out of place in the actual explanation given. As you can see, he became very obedient after being beaten up by you and was willing to cooperate with our investigation but ……. . How should I say, it is very difficult to know which is right and which is wrong. 」

Christina glanced at Alfred who was tied up in his chair to prevent his freedom of movement.

「So, what do you want to tell me? 」

「Alfred tried to capture me by force. Understand Vanessa, her blood-related sister who stands in her way, until a fierce battle against you. Even so, it was not his true intention but something he had to do. Seeing that my catch might end up with me being banished. The person himself said so when Charles was not here 」

「I saw .................... By the way, can I hear the situation? 」

Rio asked Christina as he glanced at Alfred. Alfred remained silent with an expressionless face.

「The first reason was because he could exchange the life of the king by obeying Charles' orders. And another reason was because the position of Aimar's house in the kingdom was in danger which resulted in him being confused what would happen if he did not obey Charles' orders. That's the core of this story. 」

Alfred's status was royal nobility. And for the sake of that status, he might need to show his loyalty to Charles even if it was just on the surface. However, Alfred's position turned into the prisoner he captured along with Charles.

That was why he did not need to consider about Charles, at least not when the person was not in front of him. In fact, Alfred was cooperating with Christina's investigation.

「In short, it wasn't his intention to follow Lord Charles' orders. Nevertheless, changing his mind at this point was, in my humble opinion, a foolish idea that went against his previous attitude, but ………. . For now, it should be His Majesty who gave the order to arrest His Majesty, right? 」

Rio expressed his honest opinion.

"Religion . The king's life was an absolute priority for Alfred, the king's sword. And that should apply even when he becomes the prisoner he is today. Formal people like that, right? 」

「......... Lord Alfred must give up on the king's life unless he catches you right? 」

"Religion . But I missed the opportunity to ask that question before Vanessa's anger reached boiling point. 」

Nodding at her, Christina then shrugged her shoulders.

「I understand .................. But then, I don't think that a talk like this is something I should hear. Should I move places with Vanessa-dono now? 」

Guessing that the conversation was heading in an unfavorable direction for him, Rio suggested that opinion.

「I don't mind even if you hear it. Vanessa currently has a short wick. Of course, I hope that you do not divulge any information on the topic of conversation in this room, but, given the complicated content of the information, do not, I'm giving you a promise that I'm not going to do something that will put you in an unfavorable position. So, are you willing to do this? 」

Christina shook her head while asking him with a slightly confused face.

「.............................. Understood. If that's the case. 」

After hesitating for a while, Rio nodded at her with a brief smile on his face. Then–,

"Thank you very much . ………. It seems like everything is going well. Alfred, listen to me. Were you given such a task by my father? That order shouldn't be as simple as catching me right? 」

Christina asked Alfred that question.

「…………. . I received such an order from His Majesty at the time of my departure. My mission is to accompany Charles. 」

「……………. That only? 」

When Alfred replied in a steady tone, Christina looked at him with a doubtful expression.

"Yes nih . 」

Alfred nodded with a doubtful expression on his face.

As expected, when Christina was filled with doubts—,

「………………. So, what does my father's order mean? 」

So he asked.

「The task given to me by your father is to take care of you. 」

Hear irrelevant answers from Alfred――,

「Given all that, you won't be easy on us at all right. I'll definitely be arrested by you if Mr. Amakawa doesn't show up at that time. Don't tell me that you plan to betray Charles later? 」

Christina asked the question in a somewhat irritated tone.

「………………」

But Alfred did not justify or dispute his question. He remained silent and continued to look down as if holding something back.

Seeing that, wrinkles appeared on the face of the beautiful Christina and—, the,

「I won't know the truth if you don't say anything. At least give me some answers. In fact, your mission is to safely take me back to the royal palace, right? 」

He asked in an asharp tone.

「Your Majesty, princess Christina. Although I feel reluctant to guess the motive behind his act of grandeur, why did you leave the royal palace? 」

Rio who could not stand the situation anymore asked that Christana.

「…………. . I know . I already know. 」

Christina bit her lips to suppress her irritation. Because the one who ordered him to leave the palace was none other than the king.

That was why he felt irritated that he could not judge Alfred's true intentions, but, he at least regained his composure when he heard Rio's question.

「My apologies for my rude actions. 」

Rio apologized.

「………. . Don't worry, thanks to you, I managed to regain my composure. I unintentionally let my own feelings get better. Thank you very much . 」

「I don't deserve to thank you. 」

After Christina thanked him with a slightly embarrassed face, Rio slowly shook his head in denial.

「………. . In that case, will you tell me about your opinion as someone who crossed swords with him, Lord Amakawa? How serious is Alfred? 」

After sighing, Christina asked Rio.

「I think he hasn't lied until now. It's just ………. . I don't know if you can use this as a reference but, during our fight, I felt there was some sort of doubt in Alfred-dono's movements. 」

Rio told her about that fact in a calm voice.

「…………. Really？ I didn't see him hold back at all during that battle. 」

Christina had a confused expression.

「He obviously did not hold back during our fight. But, that doesn't mean that he used all the cards in his hand―― Instead, it doesn't feel like he's trying to attack me at all. 」

「…………. . Did ya? 」

「If the goal was just to catch His Majesty, he should have caught you while you were trying to escape. The table would be turned upside down if he used a hostage in his hand. However, lord Alfred attacked in a circular manner until His Majesty and the others escaped. Instead, in some ways, it feels like he's buying time for you to escape. 」

「………. . Even if your guess was correct, what was the reason that forced Alfred to hesitate? 」

Christina asked that question in confusion.

「Maybe―― He is hesitant whether to protect you like what or to bring you back to the royal palace safely ―― Isn't that so? According to the testimony of lord Alfred, his own command of greatness was quite abstract. And that can be interpreted as both my guesses. 」

After Rio explained his thoughts so far, Christina's eyes opened wide due to her confusion. Alfred's face also twitched at the same time.

Perhaps because he caught the small reaction from Alfred endlessly, he looked at Alfred attentively.

Of course, if the order was only to return Christina, she could easily do so. The "Caring for" part is pretty blurry.

「Lord Alfred is also alone. He promised his loyalty as the king's sword to the king himself however, he had many things he wanted to protect starting from his own family. Perhaps that was why he did not dare to act recklessly and was at a loss as to what to do. This is just a conjecture but, I think his majesty also gave an unclear order taking into account the situation. 」

Rio added more to his explanation.

「…………. I saw . 」

Christina bowed thanking him while chewing her lips.

「Nevertheless, the current lord Alfred may feel guilty in regards to you, daughter Christina. He was forced to choose between his own feelings or his duties. Thus he leaves his own fate in your hands without talking about his own feelings. 」

Rio advised Christina to choose her own words wisely.

「......... Alfred wants to be judged by me? 」

「I'm not one hundred percent sure about that. Because in the end, all of my guesses were just guesses from the 3d party who just happened to be here. 」

Rio shook his head while showing a slightly troubled smile.

「What do you think, Alfred? 」

Christina asked that question as she looked at Alfred.

「…………. . No, I just .......... 」...

Alfred averted his gaze awkwardly as he was at a loss for words. The silence dropped for a moment. Then–,

Christina sighed and said so to Alfred.

「………. . Entiendo. 」

Alfred just nodded slowly.

「Thank you very much, Mr. Amakawa. Thanks to you, I can make a lot of arrangements for later. 」

Christina bowed to Rio after saying thank you.

「Please don't mind such things. I didn't do anything great anyway. 」

"That's not true . I'm not going to make it this far without your help. And without you, I'd be sent back to the royal palace first. Please allow me to express my gratitude in a more formal way after this trip is completed. 」

「I to the end is nothing more than a companion of Cecilia. If it was gratitude, it should be towards him. 」

Rio clearly expressed his rejection.

「Yah, of course I will thank him but ………. . 」

Somehow Christina had a gloomy expression with a mixture of anxiety.

「Let's focus on our journey towards Almond for now. Since I have already bought a coach, our journey from tomorrow will be a little more comfortable. 」

「. 」

「Then, please let me excuse you. Let me take Mr. Alfred to Mr. Charles's room. Your Majesty should return to your own room as well since I'm sure you yourself are quite tired. 」

So Rio stood up from his chair and immediately ended their conversation.

◇ ◇ ◇

That night, Rio watched over Alfred and Charles who were placed in one of the separate rooms he booked.

Although they were physically restricted with shackles inspired by sealing magic, he was meticulous in his attention to detail.

「F CK! Why am I lying in bed like this ……. . 」

Charles grumbled as he lay on the bed. Perhaps because he could not accept the fact that he had become a prisoner, his body was there but his soul was not.

Alfred on the other hand was lying still—,

（Presences similar to spirits yes. The man called Reis was. It seems like he can catch our movements as well. Why would a person like him be a diplomat for the Proxia empire. A strange and mysterious person. ）

Since Rio was in the midst of exchanging information with Aisia through telepathy, Charles' grunts were the only sound that echoed within the room.

Rio who was currently busy listening to the story about that man named Reis from Aisia was in his own world.

（Sorry, it seems like he can predict our actions because he can sense my existence. I can also feel her existence even if she is in her spirit form as the presence of the spirits gets stronger along with their powers ………. . Nevertheless, he ran away when I fought against his minions. I failed to catch him. ）

A voice like an apology Aisia sounded in Rio's head. Perhaps it was because of his regret that he became more talkative.

（No, his activities around this area and what he does are certainly things to worry about but still, fortunately, the man named Reis―― has some sort of relationship with Lucius. Moreover, he seemed to be using a powerful demon right? I don't know how he carried all those demons, maybe it was a trap. Your decision not to pursue it is right. To pressure you to go that far ……. . Sorry ）

Rio told Aisia about that fact in a worried tone and apologized to her.

(I'm fine . ）

Said Aisia frankly.

(Thank you . ……… Finally, since I can't get any important information from the people who ambushed us, now I have to rely on your information, Aisia. ）

Although Rio had driven away the adventurers along with the three Arein, Lucci and Ven who hired them, he was finally unable to get any important information from them.

Because he had heard the thunder sound of 《Thunder Rain》 being fired by Celia to keep Alfred under control. Although Celia's intention in using magic was not to summon Rio, luckily Rio's battle site against Arein-tachi was not far from where it was.

Rio immediately stopped his investigation and went to help Celia, thus leaving Arein-tachi. After the end of the battle, although he had asked Aisia to fly towards the place where she left Arein-tachi, all that was left was the hired adventurers.

（Reis has said before that Lucius is somewhere in the north. What are you going to do?)

（The question is how much information it can be trusted. I know that Reis is a Proxia royal diplomat but that does not mean that Lucius is also in Proxia. But again that's our only lead for now …………. That's why, Aisia, uhm ……………. . ）

When Rio hesitate――,

(I know . As for me, I am in no hurry to go to the village where seirei no tam arei. Should we push to another time?）

Aisia said so with her monotonous voice.

（………. Thank you very much . If that's the case, I guess I'll go north after escorting Celia-sensei. ）

(Yes nih . ）

Aisia answered briefly when Rio proposed the plan. So their conversation was interrupted when Rio sighed. And then, a few moments later――,

「................ Can I ask you one question, young man? 」

Alfred who was sitting on his bed suddenly started a conversation.

「What is possible?」

Rio beat Alfred while looking at him.

「Are you a citizen of Bertram kingdom? Princess Christina called you by the name of Mr. Amakawa some time ago. But I don't remember our kingdom having a noble house by that name. I don't think that someone with your skill level will remain unknown but, it's weighing on my mind. 」

After Alfred asked that question――,

「I-That's right, YOU ! If it were not for you, a situation like this would not …………. . ! 」

Charles also spat out those words as if trying to gather his courage. Although Charles had developed some sort of fear towards Rio due to the previous battle, he took advantage of Alfred who asked Rio the previous question.

「……………. You overestimate my own abilities, don't you? 」

Rio denied Alfred's words while smiling wryly. But–,

「Answer the question! , are you a citizen of Bertram kingdom? 」

Charles urged her to answer in a confused voice.

「If I was one, what would you do? 」

「A-Nothing, thank you very much. 」

When Rio asked back, Charles wavered. Then–,

"The person . He or she may be thinking of controlling you by using your weaknesses. Young man, you don't have to answer the question if you don't want to. 」

Alfred sighed and cut their conversation.

「Alfred! W-You, there shouldn't be such a thing! 」

Charles was clearly shaken at Alfred's words.

Rio just smiled at them and then—,

「Instead of answering, there is something I want to ask. Answer me if you know the answer to the question I'm about to ask. What are you thinking? 」

「Depends on the subject of your inquiry. I'm not able to answer your question if you ask for a royal secret. 」

Alfred answered calmly.

「I just want to know the whereabouts of someone at the moment. Maybe you've heard his name? 」

「…………. . Who her? 」

「A man named Lucius L'orgueil. He was once a candidate for the king's sword. 」

Rio called out the name Lucius.

Hearing that, Alfred's eyes opened wide.

「B-CAN, You were then! ? The man who attacked us in Creia! He asked about Lucius too! 」

Charles screamed as if trying to confirm his suspicions.

「Yes, what are you going to do? 」

Rio asked in a calm tone.

「A-It was because of you that my unit suffered a huge loss! You killed my subordinate! Shaming reputation! 」

「I just acted in response to your own tactics」

"WHAT! ? 」

Charles was almost angered from hearing Rio's indifferent reply. But–,

「Stop it already, Charles. It was a fight where both sides were armed and had their own reasons. No one could complain in case someone died on both sides in the battle. 」

「GUH ...........」.

Charles's face frowned when he heard Alfred's warning. Then, Alfred looked at Rio and opened his mouth.

"Youth . Other than the past, I don't know where and what that person is doing right now. 」

「I understand. Well, if you want to know about me, you can ask Princess Christina about my identity. 」

Although he had expected nothing from the start, Rio could not help but say those words in a slightly sad tone.

「………. . What's your relationship with that guy? If it's okay with you, how about I tell you about his past? 」

「An old acquaintance, something resembling an inseparable relationship but …………. . That doesn't mean that I'm curious about the man's past, so allow me to refuse. 」

Smiling wryly, Rio rejected Alfred who offered information while looking as if making a guess.

And then, a few moments later―― 、

「Better you sleep early. We'll move again starting tomorrow. 」

Rio bluntly said that to them. After that silence came down to the room for the second time.

Rio-tachi left the city the next morning. They arrived in Almond a few days later.

(~ '.') ~ Will Be Continued Next Week Xp ~ ('.' ~)

or

Chapter 136: Towards Tomorrow From Today — Teaser—

Right now, Rio was taking Celia and Christina away to Liselotte house in Almond. The rest of the party stood in an inn.

And then, contrary to Rio wearing the black dragon sub-species equipment made by Seirei no tami, Christina and Celia were wearing their noble clothes.

「You …………. . Haruto-sama, right? Welcome to this big house 」

The gatekeeper who was a little familiar with him greeted him with a smile on his face.

「Thank you for me. The deepest I apologize for this sudden visit but―― ――

「Haruto-sama! 」

When Rio apologized and was about to clarify the reason for his sudden visit without prior approval, a woman voiced her name from behind.

The owner of this voice who rushed to him – without being seen – was a beautiful girl in her teens who wore a nice and neat treasurer outfit.

Rio who noticed that the person who came to her was one of Liselotte Chamberlain, Cosette was— 、

「Good day, Cosette-san」

Welcomed her with a brilliant smile on her face.

「A long time ago. And welcome to this mansion 」

Cosette clamped her long skirt with both hands and replied with a woman-like attitude. But, when she saw the faces of Celia and Christina behind Rio――,

（WHOA …………. . They are on the same level as Liselotte-sama. From their clothes, are they nobles?）

He was stunned to see those two beauties. Cosette herself was confident in her appearance, however, she knew that she could not beat Christina and Celia in terms of looks.

Although she was really curious about Rio's relationship with the two of them, she couldn't just blur her own inner thoughts—, she said,

「I'm sorry for forcing you but, may I ask about your business for coming here, Haruto-sama? 」

He asked Rio's business to come today.

「Although I am really sorry for coming so suddenly without any prior announcement, I would like to meet Liselotte-sama. It was rude for me to ask for your time, but, may I know the time and date when she could meet me? 」

「So ..................... You might be able to meet him now. Since I need confirmation, please enter it for now. And follow me from behind 」

"Thank you very much . By the way, the reason for my sudden arrival to meet Liselotte-sama today was simply to introduce …………. . Both behind me. Although it will bother you a little, please give it the best 」

Rio glanced at Christina and Celia as he said honestly about his goal for this meeting with few words.

「.............................. Understood. In that case, I will report this to my master. Then, please this way 」

Cosete nodded respectfully and then guided Rio-tachi to the mansion. Along the way, he turned his head to look back and then-