Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 167: Stupid Reasons

The next morning, Rio-tachi departed from Almond on the private magic ship Liselotte bound for the marquis Rodan's capital, Rodania.

They arrived at their destination in the afternoon and their ship landed on a lake adjacent to the city. They arrive at the port of the city using a magical ship to move on the surface of the water. Upon arrival at the port, the sailors quickly completed the necessary preparations to go ashore.

When it was time for them to leave, Vanessa as the royal guard descended first from the ship using a ramp as she escorted Christina. At the end of the road, the high-ranking nobles belonging to the Restoration stood in rows. Liselotte had sent her party yesterday to give them news regarding Christina's arrival. When the nobles confirmed Christina's figure behind Vanessa, they all placed their right hands on their left chests and bowed, showing their respect.

「This is my greatest pleasure to see you. Her Highness princess Christina. 」

Duke Euguno walked out of the welcoming noble group and greeted him warmly.

「It is also my honor to meet you. Duke Euguno's. 」

Christina replied back to greet Euguno with a cold voice.

Her figure wearing an orchid-colored dress that matched her hair color was truly dazzling. It was beautiful and brilliant according to royalty. Although his appearance did not lure everyone in that place, the majority of the young male nobles could not take their eyes off him.

But then, that was also true for Kouta and Rei who were standing ten meters behind him. They should have been used to seeing Christina during their travels but her appearance now in public was really like a princess and she had an incredible charisma that suited a princess.

「This one is not worthy of such words. We are waiting here eagerly for your arrival. Your great Princess Flora will also be very happy once she hears about your arrival. 」

Thus duke Euguno said it with a smile plastered on his face.

「Lady Liselotte has sent her envoy to inform Flora of my arrival. He probably arrived here in the earliest few days. 」

「It will be the luckiest event for us. We will send a magical ship to greet him. ………. . Well, it pains my heart to make you stand here, Your Majesty. Let's move somewhere else first. We have prepared a warm welcome for you. 」

"Yes nih . I have already explained the general situation in the letter I sent before my departure from Almond. I have brought important guests to entertain them with our hospitality. And, some prisoners. 」

"By pleasure . 」

Duke Euguno slightly nodded and looked towards Alfred and Charles who were following behind Christina.

Their names were well known in the Bertram kingdom. Moreover to say about Alfred being recognized as the strongest knight in the kingdom, many nobles in that place wondered why such a person was being held up like that.

But, Alfred stood there, boldly ignoring all of their inquisitive gazes. In addition it–,

「H ……………. 」

Charles turned his gaze away from the nobles in an awkward manner.

「Bring them away. 」

Duke Euguno looked at them with a sinister smile on his face and told the knights standing behind him to take them away.

「HAH! 」

Some knights moved towards Charles and Alfred. And I took them from Rio and Aria who were each escorting.

「Thank you for taking care of me, young man. Aria-kun's chat. 」

Alfred muttered to Aria and Rio before being taken away by the soldiers.

"………… . 」

Rio and Aria shook their heads while saying almost the same thing. ―― 、

「………. OOOH, Liselotte-kun's. Especially Mr. Amakawa. Two big shots coming yes. While this is an insignificant reception, we have prepared a warm welcome for you. Please, don't hesitate to enjoy yourself first. 」

As if he had been waiting for this opportunity, duke Euguno greeted Liselotte and Rio, the foreign nobles. He had looked around at the members who had arrived from the very beginning to confirm their identities.

「I came to this place to replace his majesty and nothing more than a temporary liaison. The one who played the biggest role until his arrival in Almond was lord Amakawa. So if there is someone who deserves a thank you, that person is Mr. Amakawa. 」

Liselotte was being humble while showing a smile of her manners. ―― 、

"I saw . Grand Princess Flora, rescued by Lord Amakawa during the event at the evening party, however, you have also gone out of your way to save her noble daughter Christina ………. What a magical hand. 」

Duke Euguno tried to exaggerate a little.

「It was just a coincidence. 」

Rio was being humble while showing a wry smile.

「…………. . Did ya? Flora was saved by you, lord Amakawa? 」

Christina asked Rio with a surprised face.

「Ya, fine. There was a small commotion at the party that night. 」

Which reminded him that the details of the situation were not explained in detail and were only generalized by Rio. ―― 、

「There were several intruders at the party. And the intruders are after his glorious life, the daughter of Flora. 」

Duke Euguno completed his explanation without leaving a gap.

Christina's eyes opened wide in amazement and as she understood the burden of the situation back then—, she was,

「………. I saw . So that's what happened. Thank you very much, Mr. Amakawa. My deepest thanks to you … . 」

She said so to Rio with a very grateful expression.

「Please don't mind that. Because that one event was also a gesture for me to receive the coronation of an honorary knight. 」

「I understand ..................... So that's what happened. I'll remember it. 」

Christina sighed with an understanding expression.

「Huhm, although there are many things you might want to talk about, let's change our place for now. 」

Duke Euguno urged them to move away from the place. So, everyone finally started moving.

◇ ◇ ◇

Afterwards, Rio-tachi received a very warm welcome in the guesthouse living room built right next to Marquis Rodan's main house.

There was no formal banquet for consideration for Christina-tachi who must have accumulated a lot of fatigue from their trip. The number of participants was also very limited to duke Euguno and marquis Rodan as the top men of the Restoration and some nobles.

And it does not make the spacious dining room feel lonely because there are musicians, waiters and chefs so the atmosphere is more like a peaceful standing party.

Nevertheless, in one corner of the hall, duke Euguno engaged in a conversation with Celia and Christina while remaining vigilant about their surroundings.

「Yeah, I never expected even Celia-kun to appear. Besides, you even showed up with Charles Arbeau's. I heard that you were forced to marry her in a political marriage however ……. 」

Duke Euguno asked directly to Celia. Then–,

「I took him into hiding. Because sensei would be useless if he married such a man. 」

Christina took the initiative to answer her question. He implied that with vague words it was too troublesome if he gave an honest answer but, it seemed like his worries were meaningless.

"Ha ha ha . Of course, a talented woman like Celia-kun was wasted. 」

Duke Euguno agreed while sneering at Charles in his heart. As expected of duke Euguno, he had no choice but to follow Christina's script.

「Because we don't want to continue causing trouble for Claire's nobles who are still part of the government, we will keep the matter detailed and only say that the Recovery summoned sensei to this place in the form of kidnapping to all who asked. Is that clear? 」

"By pleasure . 」

That is the exchange between them.

On the other hand, in stark contrast to them, Rio and Liselotte were approached by the nobles of Bertram kingdom in the name of hospitality.

Those noble princesses swarmed Rio while the reverse happened to Liselotte. Liselotte style and appearance naturally loomed over the noble girls from the neighboring kingdoms and there was Rio whose name rose because he received the honorary knight title for saving Flora's life and was also famous in the among the nobles, despite the reluctance of the word people.

And now, because of Rio who for some reason worked as Christina's bodyguard ―― and had defeated the kingdom's strongest knight, Alfred ―― he was the center of attention of the nobles of Bertram kingdom. And since a dinner party like this was an event for the nobles to establish connections, all of them continued to chase after Liselotte and Rio one after another.

Moreover, the parents of the nobles were obviously close but they kept a moderate distance from Rio and Liselotte or should people say that they let that happen. Putting aside Liselotte who was already used to this kind of situation, Rio was overwhelmed in a matter of minutes. Naturally it keeps a perfect facade on the surface.

Yet elsewhere in the hall, Rei and Kouta grabbed their hands towards the beautiful dish.

「Uhm, very delicious. But there are a lot of differences with this place. Koutas. 」

Rei said so while looking at Rio who was being besieged by the noble ladies.

「Alright ........... it seems like Haruto-kun is an outstanding noble. He was so attractive even from our point of view and so powerful as well due to the fact that he defeated the great knights that knocked us unconscious. 」

Kouta replied with a wry smile on his face.

「Stop, it will make us even more miserable. 」

「Eh, you are the one who brought up this topic ……. . 」

Besides, now that we have reached this place, what are we going to do now? 」

Rei asked as he filled his mouth with neatly sliced steak.

Hearing that, Kouta's face became a little grim—,

「To be honest, like that. Yes, I know that it is better to follow Haruto-kun's advice and work in this place for a while but .. 」

So he told Rei.

「…………. . Well, maybe because we almost failed to leave that terrifying castle without them, working for them was also not a bad choice right? I mean, we can't escape the castle without making sacrifices if it's not for their help. 」

「Yeah, I know what you mean, but still …………. 」

「Well, we still have some leeway, I mean we can still give an answer as long as they don't kick us out. Even so, let's fill our stomach first. 」

Rei shrugged his shoulders lightly and placed the clean, licked plate on the table. ―― 、

「You guys, can I have a minute with you? 」

The one who appeared called them. The one who called out to them were the two young nobles who had brought along two cute noble girls who made their respective spouses.

「Ah, Yes. What's problem? 」

Rei replied while straightening his posture with reflexes.

「What's up with that, I want to talk to you both. My name is Dierk Dandi from the baron house. And his name is Gilbert Belmont from the baron house. He's my relative. 」

「Uhm, my name is Rei Saiki. And his name is Kouta Murakumo, my junior. Nice to meet you . 」

After baron Dandi introduced himself and his friend, Rei also introduced himself in the slightly awkward Strahl area. Kouta who was standing behind him bowed shyly as he said 「It's nice to meet you. 」.

「Hahaha, no need to be so formal. Ah right, allow me to introduce the two girls who are with us. Girls, it's your turn now. 」

Saying so, baron Dandi urged the girls. After which, the two cute girls waiting at the back stepped forward.

「My name is Mikaela Belmont. 」

Rosa and Mikaela bowed gracefully according to their status as noble ladies.

They both looked slightly younger than Rei and Kouta. Although due to their differences in nurturing their appearance is actually quite amazing and each one has a calm and tidy atmosphere about them.

Then–,

「I too, nice to meet you. Please call me Rei. 」

Rei was airborne while trying to look as suave as possible. But, perhaps because of his instincts as a man, his line of sight was drawn to them. Especially Rosa, whose size betrays her young age――。

（Ooh, Kouta! Our time has arrived!）

Rei had a pleased face while still bowing and sending a glance towards Kouta.

（Yeah, senpai, please stop doing something that will embarrass us. ）

Perhaps because Kouta felt too embarrassed about Rei's sudden change in attitude, he did his best to maintain a narrow smile on his face.

But, perhaps because they felt that Rei's attitude was rather attractive, Rosa and Mikaela couldn't help but laugh at him.

「Well, nice to meet you too, Rei-sama. Please contact us by our first name. 」

"Yes with pleasure . Rosa-san, Mikaela-san. 」

When Rosa said that to him with a smile on her face, Rei nodded with a calm expression on his face.

「Can I call you Murakumo-sama? 」

Mikaela asked Kouta.

「Ah, Yes. Please do …………. . 」

Kouta replied in a slightly awkward tone.

"Thank you very much . Nice to meet you, Kouta-sama

「Y-Yes, I also ………. . 」

Kouta was a little confused as he spoke to the smiling Mikaela.

They chatted for a while after that. As expected of a noble, the barons and noblewomen who were more skilled in the art of conversation managed to bring the confused Kouta to become more familiar with Mikaela.

And then, at that time―― 、

「In hindsight, is it okay for you to just talk to us? To be honest, we're not the important people you know. 」

Suddenly Rei said as if only paying attention to that fact.

"Ha ha ha . We don't mind even if you're not an important person you know. I mean, you seem to really enjoy the food. It is difficult to start a conversation with you. In fact, we're constantly looking for opportunities to talk to your side, you know? 」

Baron Dandi said so while smiling lightly.

「A-I understand. 」

Rei agreed with a shy expression on his face. Because they were aware that their problems that were not welcomed by the nobles also had something to do with their own actions. Kouta also looked down with embarrassment. .

「But, after accompanying you here and there, it is also a fact that you guys are very kind. It was rather natural for the grand princess Christina and Miss Celia from the house of earl Claire, you even brought along the knight of honor, you even brought with you, mr. Amakawa and Liselotte-dono from Duke Cretia's house were the biggest shots of Galwark kingdom. We only hear about their names to this day. 」

When baron Dandi said so—,

「Eh, so a baron can't just meet His Majesty? 」

Kouta asked so while looking at Rio and Christina.

「We barely qualify as a noble. Even if we are summoned as nobles, we cannot be so careless when talking to those who have social positions above us. Although it seems like a peaceful and pleasant conversation from the side, there are some manners and small details about things like etiquette or the order of conversation in this kind of social gathering. 」

Baron Belmont replied thus with a wry smile. Although he looked humble, it was the truth that only the people gathered here barely qualified as a noble. Baron Dandi and Belmont have outstanding characters as they can rise up the ranks despite their low social position and even manage to get themselves selected to come to this place.

"…… I see . Must be hard on you. 」

「Because we are not nobles in the strange things you see. So feel free to relax when you talk to us. 」

After Kouta calmly said it, Rei continued in a lighter tone.

「Rei-sama is a strange person. 」

Rosa laughed at what Rei said. At that time –,

「It looks like you guys are really engaged in your conversation. 」

A noble greeted them. Beside the Japanese duo, the barons quickly straightened themselves up.

「Uhm, who are you? 」

When Rei asked for the name of the unknown man it――,

「Rei-dono's. This figure was the ruler who ruled this region, marquis Rodan. 」

Baron Dandi introduced marquis Rodan with a slightly anxious voice. Due to speaking correctly, both of them were quite careless for not recognizing the big shot, let alone saying the person who ruled this land.

But, marquis Rodan who doesn't seem to mind such a thing—,

「Ah, it's okay everyone, I don't mind they don't know about me. Or rather, I'm not in a position to think about such things. Even though you just heard about my name, yes, my name is George Rodan. It's good to see you both. 」

He introduced himself to Rei and Kouta with a friendly smile.

「Ah, we are the ones who are rude towards you. Our deepest apologies My name is Rei Saiki. 」

Rei apologized without a moment's delay and introduced himself.

「I Kouta Murakumo. Please take care of me. 」

Kouta also introduced himself with a confused voice.

「I am honored to meet the two of you who were summoned together hero-sama. 」

「Oh no, we are like lukewarm tea or should I say, free that comes along with the hero. 」

Rei acted humbly as marquis Rodan tried to praise them.

「Ahahaha, humble attitude. I heard about it, you know, something about you guys receiving a higher level of education in your world. Moreover, with your abundant magical power, the two of you are blessed with magical talent. 」

「No, well, if you praise us a lot ………. 」

Rei and Kouta smiled wryly while showing troubled expressions. The fact that they are both whose abilities are no more than the level of high school students in Japan is known best by themselves. Although they received many heaven-high praise when it came to this world, it did not mean that their abilities had improved, it was just that the level of their surroundings was lowered.

In fact, they have only met people who are smarter than them and have so far moved with them. Moreover, even if they were praised for having suitable talent to become a magician, it was not about using magic like Celia, they were instantly invited by Alfred who only used brute strength, he said, so they felt that they must have won 'I couldn't beat Rio from the front.

「You two are too humble about yourself. I have great hopes for you guys who have excellent knowledge but, did I put too much pressure on you. If that's the case, please enjoy the party today. Who knows, there might be a wonderful meeting waiting for you, right? 」

「Hahaha, if this is an amazing meeting, then we already have it. 」

When marquis Rodan said it in a joking tone, Rei answered kindly while glancing at Rosa.

（Senpai has already made a quick step towards the beautiful girl. ）

Kouta sighed seeing Rei's bad habit appear again. Even though it was just his usual attitude, it might prove fatal only at this moment.

A sharp glint appeared for a moment in Marquis Rodan's eyes but he maintained his smiling face and— ――

「Hou, how lucky you are. Well, it may be better for you to settle in quickly because if you do, we can prepare a post that suits you later. How about showing your determination if there is a girl you are interested in? Well, there are cases where the girl you like already has a fiance, or a love rival might show up. 」

So he told her.

「Yes, the competition for beautiful women is really hard. It also includes Rosa-san and Mikaela-san. 」

Rei bites on the topic offered by marquis Rodan and mentions Rosa and Mikaela. Then–,

「This may sound like something stupid fathers say to their daughters but, they have received many marriage proposals because of their looks. It's just that I haven't found a guy who can meet my condition. I mean this is about my cute daughter, of course I want her to find the ideal partner but ..... 」.

Regardless of Rosa in question, her father, baron Dandi told her in a somewhat lethargic tone.

Even if she had a neat appearance, the majority of the baron's daughters usually married high ranking nobles as the second wives of the old nobles or just to be a part of the harem. Because marriage as a legal wife is generally known for its added value to nobles who aspire to rise in the ranks. That thought process will not change even for the baron Dandi and the baron Belmont who have settled down as the head of their home.

「Hu ~ hm. Ri ~ ght. She's so cute. When it comes to that, I, for example, already cannot be considered as a potential mate for Rosa-san. Oh baby, how unlucky I am. 」

Rei said it with exaggerated actions.

The truth is, Rosa's appearance is to her liking and despite saying 「Sial」, she actually doesn't think too much about it. After all, since she had never had a boyfriend until now, she never expected a beautiful girl like Rosa would like her. In short, he was already satisfied to the point of feeling excited just by being able to chat normally with her.

「Hahaha, you may be too quick to judge yourself. Right, Rosa. What did you say about Rei-dono? 」

Baron Dandi said that with a smile on his face as he asked Rosa.

「This will be my pleasure. After all, Rei-sama is an interesting person. 」

Rosa's answer betrayed everyone's hope.

「Hou …………. So he said, what do you think. Rei-dono's. Will you meet my daughter again later? Because you need to know about each other a little bit first. 」

「...... Eh? Y-Yes. ………………. E-EEEEEE? 」

Rei nodded with a dumbfounded expression after listening to baron Dandi. Lalu–,

（EH? Is this…………… . Dating invitation? Or else, another chance?）

Once he understands the situation—,

「Please treat me well after this, Rei-sama. 」

Rosa looked pleased and bowed respectfully.

「E-Eh .......... T-Please take care of me too. Rosa-san's. 」

Rei returned his greeting with a shrill voice.

（K-Why everything changed like this ………. ）

While contemplating things like inside.