Seirei Gensouki's
Chapter 90: Encounter

On the day of the evening party that became Satsuki's debut.

While having to accompany Liselotte tonight, Rio finally headed to the Galwark royal palace.

With the time approaching night, the full moon had risen in the cloudless eastern sky.

Two excellent underachieving trainers stand in the garden of Duke Kretia's mansion.

Rio and Liselotte will take one while Cedric and Julianne go inside the other.

「Then, I will go escort our daughter to you, Haruto-kun. Anyway, this is the first time for this kid to attend an evening party with someone of the opposite sex 」

Cedric told Rio about that with a bright smile on his face before taking his coach.

Although that doesn't mean that she never goes out with men, it's more or less a tradition that when going to an evening party, she's not, the person attending with someone of the opposite sex will be their partner for the night.

Although unmarried people can attend with their parents, a noble going with a spouse in their age has happened with increasing frequency.

These couples are usually unmarried men and women who have the same level of status.

In short, they wore similar clothes and gems.

Especially in the case of the male party, someone who is present without bringing a partner, even if they are an adult, will be treated as less than one.

A noble attending a night party attaches importance to dignity and honor; it is easy to see that choosing a partner has a very important meaning.

By the way, in the case of side fiancees, couples who attend together are not obliged to stay together all night, they can move separately depending on their situation and judgment.

「Understood. While being an unworthy person, I will do my best not to bring shame as the person sitting next to ojou-sama * 」[TL *: Princess] [Ed: Isn't it" Young Miss "]

Rio replied with a humble smile.

Liselotte is the daughter of the duke; she even has the title of CEO of the famous Rikka company in neighboring countries.

Moreover, didn't he just say that he basically never attended a night party together with someone unrelated to blood and the opposite sex?

Honestly, it felt a bit awkward for Rio to attend the evening party together with Liselotte.

If Rio who is nothing more than a nameless existence attends a night party with her, the future to gather the attention of the nobles attending the evening party is guaranteed.

（But it is necessary. It's inevitable）

Rio was slightly complaining inside for the reason of the situation.

Not a bad thing in particular.

The main reason for her joining Liselotte was to make it easier to make contact with Satsuki, the hero, at the night party.

「I'm glad you said that. You-know-what, if it was Haruto-kun, you wouldn't give an unpleasant impression when standing next to Liselotte. Maybe a good coincidence if they treat you as his fiancee 」

Cedric told her with a seductive smile.

Julianne who was standing next to him also smiled with an amused face.

"Ha…………… . 」

Rio's answer was a wry smile.

Section 2

「It's okay, no need to remember what dad said, Haruto-kun. Because he usually jokes with it 」

Liselotte said that while looking slightly surprised at Cedric's direction.

「Hahaha, that's rude. I'm really worried about my cute daughter 」

Cedric slightly shrugged while saying that in a slightly joking tone.

「Even if it is just a joke, please keep it at a moderate level. Geez 」

After that was the first man my daughter took home. So I can't help my curiosity 」

「Yeah, please don't make me more embarrassed. I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. Haruto-sama 」

After sighing lightly, Liselotte turned around and apologized to Rio.

「No, absolutely no problem」

Rio shook his head in denial as he smiled gently at her.

"Thank you very much . Okay then . Please go to the coach. My pal"

「Ya, recognized」

Rio nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile he also nodded to Cedric and Julianne, Rio rode a beautifully made coach who was standing in the garden together with Liselotte.

Thus, accordingly.

「Good to enjoy today fully with both of you. This is a long-awaited opportunity, 」

So, Cedric gently said that on the two inside of the coach.

"Thank you very much"

"Yes nih . Beloved father"

After getting the coach, Rio and Liselotte replied with smiles on their faces, each with different meanings on them.

Rio's smile was filled with good faith, and Liselotte felt like a 'want how else' smile'.

Both are in luxury coaches.

Meanwhile, Aria, the retainer who served as the guard and driver, had already obtained the coach.

The sight of a round moon rising in the eastern sky was projected from outside the window.

「Then, we will leave」

After the driver said that, the coach where Rio and Liselotte were at started moving towards the royal palace.

No other coach headed to the royal palace around them, the sound of “garagara” from the wheel echoed within the quiet noble district.

It seemed that the castle gate was not jammed with the trainers of all the nobles as they had already decided the time slot of attendance by their noble rank.

Everyone in the house of Duke Kretia, who had the highest family status in the kingdom, entered the place a little behind schedule, moreover, everyone entered with a friend, a friend, even Rio was present as Liselotte guest.

「Haruto-sama fits the tailcoat perfectly, right? It really brings out your charm. Is this from the store？ 」

Liselotte asked that question while the coach advanced along the way.

Section 3

「Yes, I'm not too used to clothes like this. I got help from my acquaintance 」

"Is it so . That person must have very good fashion sense. Although many royals prefer a striking color, my preference is set to black 」

「I'm sorry that nothing but trivial language comes to mind but, Liselotte-sama looks so beautiful today」

Rio also praised Liselotte while secretly showing a sign of embarrassment.

Right now, Liselotte was wearing a pretty dress that accentuated her beauty.

Her long blue hair that would extend until her back was styled upward, a wild rose-shaped hair brooch was used to tie her hair, a pale light blue dress that matched her hair color, and her hair color, a large ribbon that made people think that it was a wild rose that was also tied behind.

Her gently fluttering skirt only reached the ground, carrying a fairy-like charm.

The eyes of the men would definitely be glued to her when she entered the party venue.

"All right, thank you very much"

Liselotte looked at Rio face with a hint of wonder, she gently thanked him with a slightly timid face.

As far as he was concerned, it was not a strange thing to be praised for his performance.

She used to be called things like 「Cantik」, 「Cantik」, sometimes Beautiful 」or sometimes even some lengthy compliments from the male royals she had met up to that point.

Although most of them were just a pick-up line thrown along with passionate gazes and, Rio was currently a real man, he really could not feel some sort of ulterior motive. [TL: He may be right impotent] [Ed: possible theories]

On the other hand, it seemed like it was not a compliment with a simple compliment, strangely Liselotte was praised purely for her own appearance.

At that moment, their coach stopped moving.

「We have arrived at the castle gate. Now the driver will go through the procedure to enter 」

Aria's voice echoed inside from her place in the driver's seat.

It seemed that even the castle's defense became tighter tonight, from the window they opened, they could see the figure of soldiers patrolling around it.

「You're from Duke Kretia's house, right? Of course I have confirmed. Please follow 」 road

The humble voice of a soldier echoed slightly from outside.

The sound of the gate opening instantly rang out, the coach started moving again.

Just like that, Rio entered the center of the royal castle of Galwark Kingdom.

☆ ★ ☆ ★ ☆ ★

There is a small castle for social gatherings built next to the royal castle―― And now, this facility becomes the place for Satsuki's debut and evening party, the, each part of the small castle was adorned with yellow ornaments on the base of the pale indigo walls.

They did not directly enter the place upon arrival, Rio was guided towards the waiting room along with everyone in Duke Kretia's house.

There was a strict protocol even with the rotation of attendance, it was decided that they would wait until their sequential order came.

Beautiful furniture is lined up inside, and the walls are decorated with works of art.

Rio started the conversation with Cedric and the others inside this kind of room.

Section 4

「I heard that evening party will be held for several days」

「Yes, the political balance of Bertram kingdom in the west is unstable, what they thought was reckless when they always glared at Proxia Empire in north」

Cedric replied with a wry smile.

「I think everyone needs good news for moments like this. Even your morale will go down if there is only grim news all the time right? 」

Rio said with a friendly smile.

"Religion . Basically the debut of Hero-dono is also to raise the morale of the citizens, although it will not end just like that for the nobles who attend the evening party. Various complex situations around become more complicated 」

「Although it should have meaning in line with the true purpose of the party that would result in a waiting and seeing situation of the kind that caused the nobles to hold each other back, right?」

Thinking that it was not the place to talk about such a situation, Rio expressed his own opinion while avoiding the fundamental question.

「Hou ……………. 」

Cedric sighed to show his interest in his opinion.

He could see the gist of Rio's statement back then.

Just like that, Cedric opened his mouth and looked at Rio.

「I wonder how much you know about our country, Haruto-kun?」

「Unfortunately it is just a rumor on the road, some of which include relations with neighboring countries」

Rio shook his head gently while smiling wryly.

In fact, Rio knew nothing but superficial rumors about the Galwark Kingdom.

"I saw . As I thought, you seem like a wise man. But somehow, I now know the reason why Liselotte is directing attention at you 」

After seeing Rio's face with slightly narrowed eyes, Cedric laughed.

「You overestimated me. I said nothing but things others could see 」

「You might say that, you know. But, I won't say it. Not to mention ordinary citizens, I think even most royal nobles will not understand your words. It could be a minority. 」

Cedric said his words with a subtle hidden meaning.

Rio was a little troubled, not understanding what was so good from his answer, as he wanted to ask the voice of someone knocking on the door echoed within the room.

「Ups, it's time. I think it's still too early 」

Saying that, Cedric looked at the door in slight surprise.

"Excuse me . His Majesty Duke Kretia 」

There, the door opened politely in a slightly confused voice

The soldier guarding the front of the room immediately entered.

「Hero-sama from Bertram kingdom mentioned that he should give his greetings to Liselotte-sama ……. She came with the daughter of Duke Fontine, Roana and Her Royal Highness Princess Flora ………. 」

And tell them that with a troubled expression.

The people waiting inside the room opened their eyes slightly in surprise.

「Ah, so. Since they will come to greet us, we cannot expel them. No problem . This will also be done as a warm-up 」

"YES!"

After it bowed with practiced movements, the soldier left the room to invite the three who were waiting outside.

「Yo, Liselotte」

Bertram―― kingdom counter-revolution army Although now called revolution―― army Under the banner of the summoned hero, Sakata Hiroaki, who happily greeted Liselotte as soon as she saw him after entering the room.

Since they were going to attend the party that night, he was wearing a nice white suit with gold ornaments.

The nobles of the foreign country were invited to the party that night, Hiroaki was also included.

Though, it was natural considering Hiroaki and co had been living as foreign guests in the capital of Galwark Kingdom for about a month.

By the way, Duke Euguno had visited the territory of Marquis Rodan, their headquarters in Bertram kingdom.

Although it was a slightly too familiar remark, everyone in Duke Kretia's house showed an unperturbed smile at Hiroaki.

「A long time ago. Hiroaki-san. I'm very grateful that you came here to welcome me 」

Liselotte who was summoned as a representative returned her greeting with a wide smile on her face.

「Yes, I heard it. Almonds are in great danger. Although I hear that it is safe now, I am worried because we can not go there since the incident 」

「My deepest apologies. As the prefectural governor, I could not leave Almond easily due to the post processing of the 」 event

「What, so that's the reason, well ............. Because I can see you safe and sound like this. I think it's been pretty good with that 」

「Fufu, Hiroaki-sama is the same as usual kan」

Liselotte thanked him with a smile that might inadvertently lure the opposite sex.

Hiroaki became fascinated and stared intently at her who was wearing a new dress for the first time.

Hiroaki unintentionally had her face flushed red in front of the beautiful appearance of Liselotte who had a dress that was much more fashionable than before.

「Ehm, however, that dress doesn't suit you」

Hiroaki praised Liselotte in a slightly embarrassed voice after slightly improving her tone.

Although she glanced at Liselotte from time to time, perhaps because she was aware of her own behavior, she avoided meeting with her eyes.

"Thank you very much . This is my favorite dress 」

「O ~ h, so. I think, this is beautiful 」

「Fufu, you are skilled with flattery right?」

Section 6

Although Hiroaki was immersed in his conversation while forgetting the people around him, after laughing, Liselotte moved her gaze to Flora and Roana.

「Your Highness Princess Flora. It is an honor for me to meet again 」

Liselotte saluted respectfully by raising the handcuffs of her skirt with both hands.

"Yes nih . Been a long time. My deepest apologies for interrupting during this exciting time with your family 」

Flora apologized with a humble smile.

She was wearing a purple dress, her purple long hair was bundled in a half-up style.

His figure was cute to the point that it was not inferior to Liselotte.

「Not something you should apologize for. We will always give a warm welcome if Flora-sama visits 」

「It is my happiness for you to give those words」

Flora's smile showed her relief.

After which, Liselotte turned her gaze to Roana who was waiting behind Flora and Hiroaki.

「A long time ago too, Roana-sama」

「Yes, it's been a while. I'm really grateful for the invitation to your home the other day 」

Roana bowed gracefully while lifting the handcuffs of her yellow dress.

「No, I'm glad you spent a wonderful time」

Liselotte was also bowing gracefully while lifting the handcuffs of her dress.

「While I am a bit late with that, I will introduce the people by my side who have accompanied me today. First, this is my father, Cedric, and the woman by his side is my mother, Julianne 」

Liselotte had only introduced her parents, Julianne and Cedric for now.

「This is the first time I've met you all. I'm called Cedric Kretia, Liselotte's father 」

「Julianne, his wife. I'm glad to meet you It's an honor for me to be able to meet you 」

Cedric and Julianne did a brief introduction with a gentle smile on their faces.

「This is the first time I've met you. I'm Flora Bertram. That's fun"

「I Roana Fontine. Please treat me well after this 」

Flora and Roana greeted them with courtesy.

「Well, um, I'm Hiroaki Sakata. It's nice to meet you"

Seeing the two doing their greetings, Hiroaki bowed while trembling slightly from nervousness.

Perhaps because he guessed the atmosphere of the place, he became meek which was somehow hard to imagine from his outspoken attitude.

He became soft as a lamb.

「Hahaha, please no need to be nervous. Hiroaki-dono 」

Section 7

So, Cedric spoke to Hiroaki.

「Uhm, sorry to bother you. I am very weak in formal language. I .............. . recently received a warning regarding my speech from Flora and Roana 」

Hiroaki bowed lightly with an awkward smile on his face.

Flora beside him showed a troubled smile while Roana let out a light sigh.

「I've heard that Hero-sama came from a different world. You're still not used to this costume, are you? Now is a good opportunity to adapt to the lifestyle of this world 」

「Aah, Yes. I was saved when you said it was 」

Hiroaki scratched his head while saying that.

The introduction is not over yet, Flora and her partner met Rio.

「He is Haruto-sama, my benefactor. I invited him on this occasion to repay his kindness 」

And then, Liselotte introduced Rio.

Rio beautifully hid his shock deep in his heart by showing a sincere smile on his face.

Although it was unexpected that he would meet his old acquaintances this way, he could not play it badly and damage the cover.

「I'm glad to meet you. Following the previous introduction. My name is Haruto. It is an honor for me to be able to meet everyone 」

Gently putting his right hand on his chest, Rio expressed himself in the right way.

Although Roana squinted her eyes at the fact that she did not give her surname, if time and circumstances allowed it, it did not mean that a noble could not hide their surname.

Although in this case she did not consider the situation of whether Rio was really a noble, Roana guessed that he was a noble of her conduct and polite speech.

「Benefactor what kind of him?」

Hiroaki asked a sharp question.

「Hiroaki-sama knew about the Almond incident a few days ago right? I borrowed his strength during that occasion 」

Liselotte replied, as if slightly avoiding the question.

「Hee」

Hiroaki looked at Rio as if measuring it one way or another.

Rio caught his gaze while smiling.

"It's nice to meet you . I'm Hiroaki Sakata. For a while, I was a hero. You may be a little younger than me. My age 19 years 」

"It's nice to meet you . Hiroaki-san. I'm 16 years old"

「Yeah, you were the same age as Roana back then. Flora one year younger 」

Saying so, Hiroaki sent a fleeting glance at Flora and Roana.

「N? What's up, Flora？ 」

Section 8

For some reason, Flora looked at Rio's face.

Figuratively speaking, his expression was as if something was missing.

"Ah no . I'm sorry Uhm, we haven't met anywhere before, have we？ 」

Flora asked timidly.

「No, I don't remember to it」

Rio gently shook his head to deny without changing his expression.

「It sure is, right. Sorry I just said something weird 」

Flora smiled as if a little sad.

（Could he have noticed my identity?）

Rio had cold sweat running down his back while maintaining his smile.

Although Roana did not care much about Rio's appearance, Flora still stole a glance at Rio's face.

Although soon after, Flora seemed to be mesmerized by Rio's graceful features, somehow a strange atmosphere began to float between them.

「Ara, is something wrong？ Flora. Haruto will be troubled if you keep staring at him like that 」

Hiroaki interrupted the atmosphere between Rio and Flora with a slightly bored face.

「I'm sorry. 」

Flora was surprised and suddenly apologized.

Although it was decided that they would have a pleasant conversation with Hiroaki, Roana, and Flora until it was time to enter the venue, Flora sometimes looked at Rio as if she could not help but do so.

「Yang Mulia Duke Kretia. It's time. Please come in"

Immediately, a soldier came to tell that the time to enter the venue had arrived.

「Then, it is regrettable, we will continue our conversation at the venue. We will make our way to the first party 」

After gesturing for a short wait on the soldier with some light movements in his hand, Cedric said that to their guests.

「We are the ones who bother you with staying longer. Looks like we have lost track of time while enjoying a conversation with Duke 」

Flora spoke as their representative.

「It is my honor, to receive such words outside my」

Cedric bowed deeply.

Suddenly they stood up from the sofa where they were sitting.

「Then, we'll excuse first」

After saying those words, they started heading towards the night party venue.