Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 88: Dinner Together at Duke's House
The magical ship carrying them departed from Almond in the morning and moved northeast, sailing towards the royal capital of Galwark in less than half a day.
The maximum speed of the magic ship was roughly around 110 knots [1], but when it was cruising normally, the ship was moving at half speed to have effective fuel consumption.
Although it was not as fast as when Rio was flying at full speed, it was still very fast.
「I saw it ~！ It's the capital！ We will be arriving soon in the capital!」
The sound of crew members standing on the mast of the ship is seen echoing in the cabin.
「It looks like we're almost at the capital. That looks like the capital 」
He could already confirm the sight of the capital from the deck.
Rio said that to Chloe who was standing in front of him.
"Ah yes . It ………………. Beautiful, not 」
While agreeing with her, Chloe is fascinated by the sights of the capital, especially the gigantic white wall structures conspicuously within the city, or better known as the royal palace of the Galwark Kingdom.
Gardens and grain-producing areas scattered around the capital, seem to support life in the capital.
Perhaps because they heard the reports, bit by bit, the other people saw the sights of the capital, the deck quickly turned into a noisy place.
「Alright, as they have already made preparations for the landing. I'll be back to my room for now 」
"Yes thank you very much! "
Separated from Chloe, Rio left the deck and turned around.
After sailing for about 10 minutes more since then, the magical ship landed on a giant lake located east of the capital.
Although the magical ship could park on land as well, the speed at which most private ports were located was in places with a lot of water such as in lakes or at sea.
The magical ship that advanced from the southwest passed through the capital and arrived in the sky of the eastern lake.
「Starboa ~ rd」
「Starboa ~ rd」
The sounds of the steering crew and the ship captain on the bridge echoed.
After repeating the Captain sequence, the steering crew turned the steering wheel to the right.
「Starboard 15 degree」
So, the steering crew told the captain.
The magical ship turned its head towards the right, and then began to circle the capital seemingly drawing a large bow.
「Return steering when ~ el!」
「Directing to the center!」
When the magical ship started heading towards the harbor, the steering crew followed the command of the ship's captain and returned the steering wheel to 0 degrees.
「For target!」
「7 degrees!」
Now he turned the rudder slightly to the left and then, the force of the ship spinning to the right turned off its momentum.
Section 2
「Arah, 270 degree ~」
The captain of the ship ordered where he wanted the ship to go.
「Yo ~ soro ~, of course, 270 degrees」
When he took the direction he was told, the steering crew reported him.
「Forward with very slow speed, down with very slow speed」
「Forward with very slow speed, down with very slow speed, yo ~ soro ~」
As the ship approached the capital port in the western part of the lake, the magic ship descended slowly as its distance with the lake below it gradually narrowed.
「All members, prepare for impact!」
The captain spoke towards the talking tube.
When the magical ship landed on the surface of the water as if it started to infiltrate into it and create waves.
He arrived at the port while moving through the surface of the lake, people watching and the crew skillfully working to get ready to dock.
When fixing ships to ports with ropes, roads are installed that allow movement to and from ships.
「Liselotte-sama！ Preparation complete!」
The captain of the ship told Liselotte who was looking at the situation from the deck.
"Thank you very much everything . Have fun after this until we get back to Almond 」
「You chaps！ Did you hear that！ It's the holiday we want, finish your work fast!」
「OU!」
The crew's voice rang out on the board and began to act at once.
Liselotte smiled as she looked at them.
「Then, Haruto-sama. Since the preparation has been completed, please go to this place 」
Saying so, Liselotte went ashore accompanied by Rio.
The four Chloe, Cosette, Natalie, and Aria, walk as room bodyguards to protect the two of them.
Afterwards, a man who seemed to be at the end of his teenage years approached the deck.
Although he looked like an outstanding military man from his muscular body, his clothes were not from a military man, it was the uniform of a servant or servant.
「I'm sorry for the long silence, Liselotte-sama」
After bowing respectfully, the man called out to Liselotte.
「Ara, Richard. You were as lively as you used to be, weren't you? If you're already in this place, maybe honorable father and mother are here as well？ 」
Conversing as if they knew each other, Liselotte asked for her answer kindly.
It seemed that the man Richard called was his acquaintance.
Rio guessed that he might be the one serving the Duke Kretia's house.
Section 3
"Yes nih . Of course, the two esteemed masters have been waiting eagerly to be able to meet Liselotte-sama again 」
"Indeed . Could Pascal-niisama and George-niisama come too？ 」
「George-sama has gone to his fiancee's house. He left after saying that he will attend Hero-dono 」 debut party
"Indeed . Entiendo. Well, it won't be soon but, maybe we'll go to home 」
「Your Pleasure. Coincidentally, forgive my rudeness but, could it be that the person who was there was Haruto-sama？ 」
Richard asked that question as his line of sight moved towards Rio who was standing beside Liselotte.
「Yes, this person is Haruto-sama who saved me during the Almond monster attack some time ago」
So, Liselotte introduced Rio.
"It's nice to meet you . My name is Haruto. Next, glad to meet 」
Rio introduced his name while bowing politely so as not to show disloyalty to the other party.
「Oh, this is the first time I've met you. I've heard about you from the report. My deepest thanks for saving Liselotte-sama 」
Richard thanked her with a friendly smile.
Although it might be natural to get to know Rio, as his deeds were delivered along with the matter regarding the Almond attack some time ago.
「No, because I only kill the demons that come at myself」
「It doesn't change the fact that you saved Ojou-sama. I'm sorry to say it this late. I'm Richard. I work as the butler of Cedric Kretia-sama, Liselotte-sama's father. Happy to make your acquaintance 」
Richard bowed politely while greeting her.
"Yes nih . Me too, please treat me well 」
Rio also bowed to her.
「Then, please follow me. Please come through here"
Afterwards, they followed Richard's lead, and headed to Duke Kretia's house in the royal capital.
The noble district is close to the port.
Or rather, the main road runs from the royal castle to the port located to the southeast of the capital, a glorious location is between the two [2].
In addition, war-related places were everywhere, a thick defensive line was laid in the eastern part of the capital.
Solid buildings made of stone stood in rows everywhere, the surroundings encased in a desolate atmosphere.
「It's been seen. That one is the villa of the royal capital of the house of Duke Kretia 」
The villa of the royal capital of the house of Duke Kretia was located very close to the royal palace when compared to the other villas in the noble district.
A beautiful ornament is displayed on a solid metal gate erected in the middle of the beautiful brick wall surrounding the Duke's land.
A solemn white-walled building with a relatively new artistic style is towering all the others on the far side of the walls and gates.
Even the interior must have been installed with elaborate ornaments.
Section 4
The park has a geometric style and the road leading to the building after entering the site can be seen, there is a considerable distance to reach the mansion from the gate.
Even when comparing it to the houses of the other nobles standing around it, the villa of the royal capital of Duke Kretia's mansion was undoubtedly an exquisite one.
It only served as proof that the home of Duke Kretia was prosperous.
「" Celebration "is the right word to express this nice home garden. It's amazing to the point that I was accidentally captivated by it 」
Rio recounted his impression after seeing his mansion and garden.
He was telling the truth and, if he were to stay in this mansion, a simple design would be preferred over an artistic design, he would most likely end up mentally exhausted.
But, if it was to appreciate the artistic style, the mansion in front of him actually made him feel that it was a beautiful building.
「Fufu, this mansion was built under my father's orders but, I felt it was too conspicuous for a residence. It is only necessary to build a suitable house in the capital to show the strength of the house. Noble society is troublesome isn't it? 」
Liselotte said that while showing a playful smile.
「………. . Condolences . Which reminds me, Liselotte-sama house in Almond has a simple yet beautiful design. The truth is I feel like that too, if it's for a place to stay, I prefer the design like your big house 」
Rio replied with a wry smile.
"Religion . I also feel that permanently settling down at home like this will cause mental fatigue 」
Liselotte agreed while smiling lightly at Rio's reply.
When they entered the mansion after that, as expected, beautiful ornaments that captivated the eyes could be seen, Rio sighed briefly in admiration.
The entrance hall is also decorated with distinctive carvings, the room itself is more like a work of art.
Just like that, they continued to walk through the passageway surrounded by white plaster stone walls, Rio guided towards the dining room.
「Please wait while sitting here. We'll have a banquet. I will immediately call Liselotte-sama's parents 」
After entering the room, Richard urged Rio to sit on the chair.
「Excuse me then
Rio nodded as he sat down.
On the other hand, Liselotte did not immediately sit down, either,
「Haruto-sama, I will also forgive myself for a while」
He skillfully said it and immediately left the room.
"Yes nih . Sure"
After Rio said that, Liselotte left the room followed by her four exclusive servants.
Richard also left the room with them and instead, the treasurer of the mansion came in.
"Excuse me"
Section 5
The chamberlain began to make tea with graceful movements.
Rio silently observed the inside of the room with a slanted look.
It was a really luxurious dining room.
Antique furniture is placed indoors, stained glass is placed in large windows to add color to the room.
「This is it, please enjoy」 [Chamberlain]
"All right then . Please enjoy slowly 」[Chamberlain]
After saying those words, the treasurer went to a corner of the room.
"Thank you very much"
Rio thanked her while smiling.
If it was a normal case, the invited guests would not need to give their thanks when given tea, if the guest was a noble, they would not even think of expressing their gratitude.
But, that doesn't mean that Rio is different from the nobles, he decided to thank normally because he has no intention of behaving like a noble.
Incidentally, the matter regarding Rio as the benefactor of Liselotte had been conveyed to the people in this mansion, but they were not specifically informed of his social position.
Perhaps because he was not used to receiving words of thanks, the treasurer was slightly surprised and then bowed with a smile on his face.
He waited a little longer than 10 minutes after that.
Rio sensed the people approaching to the dining room.
The dining room door opened and then, several people walked into the room.
What caught his attention were the men and women in his prime who walked in front, and then, Liselotte who was walking behind them.
Richard and Aria held their presence and followed behind.
Perhaps because she changed her clothes in such a short time, Liselotte was wearing a simple white dress.
Standing up from the sofa immediately, Rio bowed after straightening himself.
「Yoo, so you're Haruto-kun, welcome to the villa of the royal capital of our Duke Kretia home. Welcome to . I'm Liselotte's father, Cedric Kretia 」
The man walking in front greeted Rio with a cheerful tone that was pleasant to hear.
He was Liselotte father, Cedric Kretia Duke.
Although his age should have been in his mid forties, he was a handsome man who could be called a young father to Liselotte.
「This is the first time I've met you. My name is Haruto. Many thanks for inviting me to this house in this occasion 」
Rio greeted him with respectful words and gestures.
Cedric smiled brightly.
「I've heard the story. It seems you saved Liselotte some time ago. My deepest thanks for that. I heard that my daughter's life would be in great danger if you weren't in that place 」
Friendly words.
「As for the event, I happened to be in the right place at the right time. Because I just defeated a demon that came rushing to me at
Rio waved his hand while smiling wryly.
Section 6
「Hahaha, it's still a fact that you saved my cute Liselotte. Listen to what I'm saying. It seems that you are participating in this royal Hero-sama debut party. Feel free to relax yourself as if it is your home during your stay in the capital 」
"Thank you very much"
Feeling the earnest gratitude coming from Cedric, Rio said his thanks while bowing deeply.
Although it seemed like he had already received an explanation about Rio before, when the grand noble daughter brought the wanderer of unknown origin, there might not be many fathers who could show a good attitude from the bottom of their hearts.
It seems that somehow Cedric is a gentle person with a big heart.
Although he had to say that as expected of a duke, Rio could feel the dignity hidden behind his friendly smile for his long service.
「Yang honoured, I also want to express my gratitude to the benefactor Liselotte. Please introduce me to him 」
The woman standing next to Cedric said that.
She was a beautiful and gentle woman with deep blue eyes and pale blue hair like Liselotte.
「Ah, Julianne. My fault"
Cedric replied with a bright smile and,
「Let me introduce him to you, Haruto-kun. She is Julianne, Liselotte mother and also my wife 」
He then turned towards Rio and introduced a woman named Julianne.
「Fufu, good afternoon. I'm Julianne Kretia. Thank you so much for saving my daughter. I feel so grateful to you from the bottom of my heart 」
Julianne who followed the introduction, greeted him politely. It seems she's Liselotte's mother.
Of course, be it her hair color, the color of her eyes, or her calm and gentle face due to her good upbringing, everything was in Liselotte, the more she paid attention to her.
Although she did not know how old she was, once she saw them, Julianne looked so young that her mother and daughter would be considered a sibling couple, no matter how people looked at them.
「This is the first time we met. My name is Haruto. Although I was embarrassed to think of Julianne-sama as Liselotte-sama's older sister 」
「Yeah, you are very skilled I see」
Julianne faced slightly down while blushing in embarrassment.
「Hahaha, he's absolutely right. That's because Julianne is beautiful 」
Cedric agreed to a good mood while wearing a bright smile that would amaze everyone who saw him.
「Gezz, dear such teasing ...........」.
Julianne turned her face while putting her hands on her face.
That action fits perfectly with her being truly sweet.
Nonetheless, perhaps because they were really close, this married couple acted like a newly married couple.
Section 7
「The deepest I apologize Haruto-sama. They always act like this. Causing the people who saw them to feel ashamed, they are so familiar that I can't even get into the world they created themselves 」
Liselotte who was looking from behind her parents said that to him while smiling wryly.
「I think a couple's relationship went smoothly is an amazing thing」
Rio answered honestly while smiling.
「Oh, so you also think like that. You really are a young man with a promising future 」
Cedric praised Rio with his beautiful tenor.
「I thank you for your praise」
Rio said so with a short bow.
Cedric looked at Rio face attentively and then,
「Fumu, then, we'd better have a chat over dinner. First is to take our seats properly. It's just a family banquet. So switch from formal speech 」
So he said.
「What do you want as an alcoholic drink？ I prepare from low alcohol content to high」
As everyone sat down, the room maid came and asked if they wanted to drink any alcoholic beverages [3].
They also serve every alcoholic drink.
"Thank you . All right, maybe I'm taking a wine-based cocktail？ 」
「Of course. Please wait a minute 」
After bowing lightly, the treasurer left quietly.
After that, an alcoholic drink was brought along with the appetizer and then, the banquet to greet Rio began.
Cedric skillfully guided the conversation, Julianne laughed happily, besides, a smile also floated on the faces of Liselotte and Rio who were being captivated by her.
Gradually, the drink also lifted the atmosphere.
「Somehow, Liselotte grew into a strong-willed child different from me or Julianne right?」
And then, Cedric suddenly started telling her about Liselotte.
「B-Dad is honorable?」
Liselotte put on an expression as if something unexpected happened.
Cedric grinned widely, then opened his mouth while looking at Rio who was sitting in front of him.
「You can't ignore something like a personal connection to living as a noble. I'm wondering if you understand that？ 」
「Ya, I have knowledge about it」
Rio slightly nodded.
Section 8
Link Links between homes are the main habit of forming that personal connection. In other words, it's a marriage. Marriage is for the sake of the continuation of the house, forming personal connections, avoiding social events as nobles is a difficult thing. That's why the nobles are doing political marriages. They do marriage interviews for the sake of political marriage. Even if the person is not interested in the other party 」
Cedric showed a slightly troubled smile as he said that.
「Liselotte also cannot be excluded from it. Various official marriage interviews came from several houses, including the ducal house. Moreover, they had come since his childhood.
Well, it's similar to a face-to-face meeting. If I wanted to maintain a harmonious relationship with a noble society, doing something like rejecting everything would be a bad move. Since Liselotte is as you can see, cute to the blinding. That alone has made the talk of marriage come from many homes. Of course because receiving each of them is troublesome, we made it so that a formal marriage interview is to reject those who have bad rumors among them 」[Cedric]
When Rio sent a fleeting glance towards Liselotte while listening to her father's story, her body trembled while her face flushed in embarrassment.
「Perhaps around his eighth year. Liselotte came and said this in my office. 『If I graduate by skipping grades until senior grade at the royal academy when I was 12 years old, I will make you gladly listen to my wish』 is right. That hope is that he wants me to accept his management over the territory of the municipality and let him establish the company 」
「B-sad dad, telling that story now is ………. . 」[Liselotte]
Liselotte tried to change the subject with a narrow smile on her face.
Perhaps because Rio was in front of her, it seemed like he did not want to show his improper and stubborn actions.
「Yeah, it's okay. This is a great opportunity for Haruto-sama who became your benefactor to know that side of you is 」[Julianne]
Julianne held back Liselotte as if enjoying this situation.
Even Liselotte could not maneuver any further, so she sighed a little.
Cedric smiled as he confirmed the state of his beloved daughter and,
「At that time, Liselotte was only almost 8 years old. It would surprise people when he suddenly said something like that right? So I asked the reason. And then, what do you think he said at the time？ 」[Cedric]
He looked at Rio with a pleasant mood as he asked that question.
「『 Dear father, I don't mind taking part in a political marriage with someone I didn't expect. I want the other party who will marry me to be handpicked. That's why I want the power to at least break off my own marriage. That's my reason 』. He said that with a strange expression floating on his face. He was only 8 years old？ 」[Cedric]
A while later, Cedric answered his own question as if unable to hold back his own laughter.
「Maybe she is strong-willed despite being our own child, or it is just her good nature, whichever it is, I am very touched. I immediately agreed to his wish. And then, this child fulfilled his promise. In just two and a half years you saw 」[Cedric]
「She is an amazing Ojousama isn't she?」
Rio smiled lightly while saying that.
「So you understand？ She is a very cute and amazing daughter to the point that she wasted us」 [TL: You may have noticed this but let me say it: Cedric is a loving father !!!]
Section 9
An extremely proud expression floated on Cedric's face.
But, an expression of sadness immediately peered through it.
「That's why it's normal for us to feel anxious about her when asked to stay in a separate place but, you know. Wasn't the herd of demons marching towards Almond a few days ago. Although there are rumors that the origin of the restless demon is due to a dragon. Well, the dragon itself is a kind of natural disaster. Although it cannot be helped to accelerate the growth of my daughter ……. . 」
Cedric spoke as if feeling a little discouraged.
After complaining for a moment, she straightened herself up and then faced Rio.
「You are a man who has an unusual swordsmanship right? I heard that you are a reliable person from Liselotte, you know? 」
「The words are more than what I deserve」
Rio replied while bowing lightly.
「Is that a little precaution？ I'm not threatening you at all. If it's prevention, your worries are futile. But, I have a little hope, 」
"A hope?"
She did not mean that as a precaution at all, Rio decided to hear her even if it was just talk.
「It could be something related to work or important for position, although there are many people who think well about this child, there are a number of people who hate and envy him. If it's OK with you, will you be his friend after this？ 」
「. That's a certainty but, is this the problem you want？ 」
After a while, Rio asked for a somewhat anti-situation.
To his expectations, the content of his wish that he thought was coming was something a little deeper *. [TL*: Married likes]
「Ah, so ya」
Cedric showed a brilliant smile.
Rio blinked once with ―― "blink".
「Of course. Since I also hope for a lasting relationship after this, please treat me well then 」
Rio stated that while smiling lightly at Cedric.