Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 56: Explaining the Situation pt1

When they returned to the rock where Aki and Masato were hiding, their eyes sparkled as they looked at Rio and Miharu who were coming towards them.

Just like that, they ran towards Miharu to hug her.

「Miharu oneechan!」

「Miharu-neechan!」

「Two of you, thank goodness ……. . 」

Rio was a little relieved to see the three of them reunite safely.

「Thank you very much, Haruto-san」

Miharu represented the three of them to say thank you while bowing her head along with Aki and Masato.

「I'm glad the three of you are back safely」

Did Rio answer them while waving his hands a little.

Like his face formed a smile naturally.

「Then, the truth is there is a gold coin added into your suitcase」

While saying that, Rio gave away their luggage.

The truth is that inside the heavy school bag is filled with over fifty gold coins that weigh about 3 kilograms.

「Y-Yes ………. . 」

Miharu received the bag with a confused face.

The gold coins were inside Miharu's bag.

By the way, 50 gold coins was the expected amount of profit the slave merchant would get once he sold all three as slaves.

Although Rio did not know about that because he had never bought slaves, this number was not too high considering that the slave merchant would destroy someone alive by turning them into slaves in an illegal way.

The price of slaves would vary greatly based on their purpose, gender, and ability, standard income is when such slaves can earn income by employing them into standard *.

A beautiful and healthy woman full of youth is highly valued as a prostitute even without many great abilities, on the contrary, the values of a man without abilities are the worst.

Although Miharu and the others who were held captive as slaves would be imperfect items, even though they were unable to speak [in Strahl language], they were not perfect, miharu's condition was exactly as required above [As a prostitute], although the demand for Aki was still low due to her age.

Therefore, almost all gold coins were the price for Aki and Miharu, Masato's price was almost to the point of serving as a bonus for buying both.

「Erhm, this gold coin is?」

Miharu's acting with a confused expression.

「I think this is consolation money. Because the three of you became slaves ……. 」

It was not easy for Rio to answer his question.

Although kidnapping someone to make them slaves is illegal, in reality there are many of them that are never a problem.

Moreover, the people who were tricked into becoming slaves were mainly children, or young women.

This time around was not something rare in this world.

「T-Cannot ……. . Slave"

Aki muttered as she received the shock.

That's natural.

Because to him, an existence known as a slave was something extremely rare.

Miharualso was startled but, the impact was less than Aki since she heard about the slaves from Rio from some time ago.

「Please explain to me what this slave thing is?」

Among them, Masato asked while tilting his head.

「You don't know about them?」

Aki looked at Masato with a shocked expression.

「Listen to me, that slave. …… Erm ..... 」.

Although he tried to explain to her about the slave, he stumbled over the words.

Even if he knew the meaning of those words, he did not know how to explain them.

Even Miharu showed a troubled face.

「To put it simply, they are the ones who are treated as goods」

Rio cut in and explained in their place.

「Treated as item?」

Even so, Makoto still tilted her head with a puzzled face as she could not make an image of that explanation.

「I wonder if this can be simplified, people are traded like animals. People sold should do whatever their buyers say 」

Rio added those words to his explanation.

「K-Why should they do that！ Isn't that like a pet! Does that mean we're going to be like that！ Why do they do that！？ 」

As expected, once he understood the meaning of the explanation, he shouted out his hatred.

「Because of the people who will do whatever is ordered to them it is convenient」

Rio gave that simple answer without thinking about Masato's age.

「What is so much fun by listening to such a sequence of people？ They're not dolls!」

「Well, it depends on everyone. Regardless if it is interesting or not, it is more because it is necessary to use such a person 」

Rio replied with a bitter smile.

In contrast to her accepting of slavery as the norm, the seemingly intelligent Masato could not simply agree with the way this world is.

「Why, that ………. . 」

Masato muttered in a low voice.

He may have difficulty explaining the emotions swirling within him.

「Then, will we turn into them if Haruto-san doesn't find us ………. 」

After which, Miharu who was listening quietly asked with a terrified expression.

「Really. Then, I'm glad we saved it now ……. . 」

Aki said that while shaking at Miharu's side.

It seemed like she was terrified when she thought of what would happen to them if Rio did not come to save them.

「No, I did nothing worthy of being called」

Because from the beginning Rio thought that he had to save Aki.

Although the current situation changed too much, his first motive did not pass the level of curiosity and he did not think of digging too deep into it.

Section 2

「……. We were actually saved thanks to Haruto-anchan *. Thank you very much! 」

Maybe because he managed to regain himself, Masato thanked Rio.

Although it looked awkward, his smile of gratitude was reflected on his face.

「Do not worry, it's okay」

「No, if there is no Haruto-anchan, I really can't imagine what will happen to us！ I'm really scared of them」

「Ya, equally」

Rio replied with a smile to Masato who insisted on saying thank you.

Then .

「By the way, what you said a while ago. "Haruto-anchan" that's ……. . 」

Aki asked Masato who seemed to be pouting slightly.

「EH? Ah, it's nothing, I mean, Haruto-anchan seems to be older than me. That's normal, right? 」

Even without that big reason, Masato somehow called Rio "Haruto-anchan".

「……. I see, but 」

Aki muttered with dissatisfaction as if she could not accept that answer.

Masato showed a puzzled face as he was unable to understand his reaction.

「Aki-chan ……. 」

As if worried about that, Miharu called out her name.

Aki showed more wrinkles as she realized that.

"I'm sorry ……… . 」

He said he apologized in an unpleasant mood.

I want to know who he apologized to.

Aki's head slumped as she was unable to clear her pain.

「…………」

Rio stared intently at Aki who fell into such a state.

Feeling some sort of deja vu, even though his surname was different, Rio thought of such a possibility when he heard his name.

But, he was sure now.

Maybe Sendou Aki is Amakawa Haruto's younger sister.

The fact that she was with Miharu further strengthened Rio.

In contrast to Amakawa Haruto who left home to go to the countryside following his father, his younger sister Amakawa Aki was left in the city with her mother.

Although she did not know whether they were staying in that house or not, if Aki was still in the city it would not be strange for her to go with Miharu.

Although Haruto always played with Miharu, Aki also played with them most of the time.

Although he misidentified the current Aki due to her growth, Haruto accidentally recalled his mother's face while looking at her.

"I'm sorry . Oh, haruto-san. To cause the atmosphere to be strange 」

Aki apologized to Rio.

「Don't worry, I don't mind about it」

Just like that, Rio replied with a faint smile.

(Could it be — . )

(NO, it's not like it's impossible)

(Could it be that Sendou Aki hates Amakawa Haruto)

Rio was currently thinking about such a possibility when he saw the state of Aki in front of him.

"Thank you very much"

Aki bowed while showing a slight apologetic smile.

Looking at that Aki, even though she felt that her chest tightened, in their case, Rio was just someone they had just met.

The current Rio was neither Amakawa Haruto nor had he ever met her.

Was he even the type of person who did not have delicacy that would firmly stab his nose into a smooth place.

Lying about its history, faking its existence, as it was too late to change it for now as it would get a one-sided assessment but, it was unfair if he asked about the matter if he did not even say that he was Amakawa Haruto himself.

But, it might add fuel to the fire if he were to say that he was Amakawa Haruto at this point.

(What should I say ……… . . ）

Rio also made a little preparation for his feelings when he and Miharu would return to Aki and Masato's hideout.

(Right now that the matter regarding Miharu and the others is taking maximum priority, my history is not about Haruto, it seems like I need to think about what will happen to them after this)

For this reason, she decided to leave them to sometimes be satisfied with their feelings and at that moment she would tell Miharu about her previous life.

Anyway, the topic of conversation is the details.

He should not cause much confusion by giving too much unnecessary information mixed with his own feelings at this stage because it will cause confusion, because his feelings are too heavy because of that, he said, it was preferable to hear their situation after their hearts calmed down.

But, the situation coming towards him became more complex.

He wanted to move faster to ensure Seria's safety, and he was currently not thinking of abandoning his revenge.

(No........ . in the end nothing will change. Right now I have to explain Mii-chan about their situation, I need them to accept their current situation after they calm down. But, the problem I have to consider only increased a little）

After deciding that.

「………. Should we move on to the main subject? 」

Rio looked at Miharu as he smiled when saying that.

Delaying the matter about the gold coins inside the bag for now.

(Because it is slowly getting dark, I first have to tell them what I have to say to them in this place)

「I think your first concern is where you currently are. Although I already explained to Aki-chan and Masato-kun, this place is not earth 」

This explanation was especially for Miharu.

This time, Miharu strangely thought about the problem of why Rio spoke in Japanese.

But then .

「……. . Can't we go back to Earth？ 」

Aki asked with a worried face.

Rio was hoping that such a question would come.

Section 3

「It .....」

But, Rio could not answer her.

Rio knew that it was almost impossible to answer him.

(But it's okay to just tell him.)

The current situation was that even for Rio who had information superior to mankind regarding spirit arts and magic in Seirei no Tami village, there were too many unexplainable things.

Although it was impossible to do so with spirit arts because of the intervention against mana manipulation and odo was so complicated as to manipulate space and time, Seirei no Tami succeeded in that area with magic.

Although they could move from the tip of the continent to the other side by using crystal transfers loaded with transfer magic, it was still impossible to traverse the world.

No, although it was theoretically possible to set coordinates, no one knew how to set coordinates in another world.

Even if for example they manage to set the coordinates, the feasibility is very low when thinking about the number of odo needed to cross the world boundary.

「Sorry. Although it's not like it's impossible, I think it's very difficult to do that ……. .

Rio replied, after worrying about such things.

「It ……. . 」

Aki's expression was choked in despair.

No, Aki is not the only one.

Even Miharu and Masato received such a huge impact.

「But, the odds are not zero. Because I think this event doesn't happen naturally, if we can determine the cause. Although the odds are low but …. . 」

Rio added his explanation without seeing Miharu's desperate expression.

(I wonder who caused today's event?)

Since it happened in the Strahl region, all humans are suspects.

Although as far as Rio knew, the human tribe had yet to reach the stage where they could use time and space magic practically.

Rio did not feel that it would reach the level of practical use within a few years during his absence from the Strahl region.

That was why he concluded that it might have happened if it was due to an artifact from the era of the Demon-God War.

He might be able to find something if he could clarify the magic engraved on the artifact.

Although the magic equation engraved in the artifact had too many complicated mysteries.

Although there were many substitute grade spirit artifact tools created by Seirei no Tami who had far more advanced knowledge of magic than the human tribe, even those who could not be classified as artifact grade items.

Putting that aside, if they could clarify the cause, their chances of finding the artifact themselves were extremely low.

First of all, the biggest mystery is the fact that Miharu who disappeared on the opening day of their first year in high school was summoned to this place.

Although the incident about some of the disappeared people was treated as deceased, it was treated as trivial news to bring the community to life.

Miharu is currently still in her High School year.

In short, the missing Miharu is because she was summoned to this world.

But, in this case, it raises another question to the surface.

Why is Haruto dying so much slower than the disappearance of Miharu earlier in this world? .

Although there was a difference between reincarnation and summoning if there was a difference in them, there was something in them that caused a gap in the chronological order.

(I don't understand at all)

So many complicated problems stuck in his head.

After exhaling a little like to spit out his fatigue, Rio looked at Miharu.

「Because I will give my cooperation as much as possible」

After saying that.

He was really upset with himself who could do nothing but give such words of comfort.

If Miharu says that she wants to return to earth no matter what.

Will he give his cooperation to return it to earth? .

Or will he try his best to keep Miharu who wants to return to earth? .

Rio thought of such a question.

"…… Thank you very much"

Miharu answered Rio's speech with the best smile she could make.

Aki and Masato had yet to recover from the shock.

「After all, should we think about what you will do from now」

After all those smiles as if being in an awkward situation, Rio spoke to Miharu.

"Yes, that"

Miharu answered with a smile.

「First, I think you already understand that public order in this world is very bad. It is impossible for you guys who can't even communicate with their residents to survive on your own 」

Although his manner of speaking became very loud, Rio told them without hiding it.

Signs of tension are very visible on Miharu's face.

Perhaps because they heard about their current situation, Aki and Masato also lent their ears to hear Rio's words.

「But, please calm down. Because I will protect you as long as you follow one rule and swear to protect it is my condition 」

While he thought that it didn't matter even if he had to protect them unconditionally was his true feelings.

However, based on the current situation, Rio had to set a rule for them to be protected.

「Ru ……. . The le？ 」

Miharu asked in a timid voice.

Section 4

"Yes nih . From now on, you cannot disclose my personal information to third parties without my consent. But, just in case it will harm you, you don't need to think about leaking it. Do you agree with that? 」

Rio said his condition without showing any riled state.

Then .

「……. Are you okay with that？ 」

Miharu answered as if confused by the rules.

In that situation, basically Miharu's responsibility is nothing.

When judging from Miharu's point of view, it wasn't something half-hearted to put the three freaks under her protection.

At least, even if he was the same Japanese who also lived on earth, he thought that he would not easily give his approval.

For this reason, Miharu was confused when she suddenly presented such light rule.

"Yes nih . Your problems regarding the living needs of three people will be taken care of by me if you swear on your words to give your obedience. I will even teach you the important things you need to survive in this world as much as I can teach you 」

「It .....」

It was the best thing he could ask for.

Because for Miharu, that was the best thing she could ask for.

But, doing that might be too burdensome for Rio.

Although Miharu had no choice but to cling to Rio, she could not apologize for weighing too much on Rio because of that.

But, it is the truth that the current Miharu is unable to do anything.

「Understood. I swear to protect that rule. One day, I will definitely return the favor I got from Haruto-san. Therefore, please protect us. Please"

Miharu was bowing her head deeply while swearing strongly in her heart to repay this favor someday.

Really, inside, he lowered his head.

Aki and Masato also followed Miharu, bowing their heads while saying "Please take care of us" to Rio.

「Understood. Please lift your head 」

He said that while smiling lightly.

「Then, let's do a brief introduction again. In this case I have to be the first. …… . Even though I told you that my name is Haruto, to be honest, it's my name because of my condition. My real name is Rio. My age 16 」

Rio told them his real name in this world.

It was because he thought that he should show his best greeting to them now.

Miharu's looking at him with a dumbfounded face after knowing the fact that she's using an alias.

「Ehm, sorry for the confusion. Although it is okay to call me by both names in a place where no one else, after this, when you call my name outside please call me Haruto 」

Rio slightly lowered his head while saying that.

「Uhm, understand. In that case, since it will cause confusion, is it alright if we all call you Haruto-san for a while？ 」

Miharu's answering because she's used to calling him Haruto.

「Understood. 」

Rio smiled lightly as he replied to her.

Although if it was from Rio, he was well aware of the fact that he was Rio, there was no difference between him and Haruto.

To be honest, she was really glad that Miharu called her by that name.

「Then, my turn was right. My name is Ayase Miharu. I am also 16 years old. It's nice to meet you"

Miharu also introduced herself to Rio again.

「Then I also ――」

In addition, Aki and Masato also introduced themselves to Rio afterwards.

「Then, please treat me well from now on」

Rio said that while looking at the three.

Then then, although there was still a lot to talk about, it had already become very dark. Let's move to a quiet place to rest. I will take my home now 」

Darkness was surrounding them.

Staying in this place for too long would only cause them to become even more gloomy.

「EH? Ho ........... . use? Took? 」

Aki asked as if confused.

Where there is such a house in a rocky area with essentially none.

Even Miharu and Masato also had a similar reaction to him when they looked around them in confusion.

「Please wait a minute」

Rio moved a little further away from that place as he smiled wryly at their reaction.

After finding a suitable location, he placed his hand on the ground, manipulating the earth with spirit arts to stabilize the ground by cutting off its roots.

After making sure that he had already made a place for the house stable.

「Discharge [Release]」

After reading aria.

After which, a gigantic whirlpool swirled in front of Rio.

He can put items he doesn't need to carry into the item box.

And then, the stored items can be retrieved at any place near the stand.

Home is not an exception to that rule.

During the preparations for this trip, Rio made a home for the purpose of the trip.

'

And it is a stone house made by combining many stones which although naturally mixed with the surrounding, it is durable.

'

It had a spirit tool loaded with magical barriers to perception inhibition that pervaded the building itself, when someone other than the registered residents entered within 500 meters of the house, they would feel strangely uncomfortable within the range of that barrier once they entered .

If the person entering was a spirit art user with a perception of mana and a tall odo who could see the odo, though they would see a barrier magic covering the surroundings with a stone house at its center, there is no valid magic for the prevention of crime related to living things.

But, when considering that the consciousness of the abuser would be cut off once they crossed a radius of 500 meters, even if they entered the barrier because the effect would be reduced quickly, it was not, he also needs to choose a suitable place to place his house. .

By the way, the effect of the spirit tool can switch to "ON" or "OFF" at any time, at this time the barrier switches to "OFF".

Also, except for the barrier to perception barrier, just how much magic was inscribed on the building.

「A-What the heck, is that ……. ？ 」

Although she could not see well in the darkness, Aki muttered in astonishment when she saw a gigantic stone suddenly appear out of nowhere.

The gigantic mass of rock that appeared before Rio was over 20 meters long at its longest.

Miharu and Masato were also stunned, Rio just smiled wryly looking at their reaction.

「This is the house where you will stay from now on. Although it looked like an ordinary giant stone, the inside was extremely beautiful. The entrance is like this 」

While saying that, Rio quickly walked towards the entrance of the house.

The three of them only looked with a confused face on his back.