Seirei Gensouki: Spirit Chronicles Volume 15, page 1
Prologue: Liselotte’s Melancholy
Southwest of the Galarc Kingdom, in the trading city of Amande... Ten days had passed since Christina and Flora disappeared.
One morning, Liselotte Cretia was in the drawing room of the governor’s estate. She was accepting a letter from Roanna, who was visiting as a messenger from the Restoration. She was seated on one of the reception chairs, scanning over the letter penned by Duke Huguenot.
The contents were detailing the possibility of an engagement between Liselotte and the hero, Sakata Hiroaki. Liselotte would become his third wife from the public point of view, but the letter emphasized that Hiroaki hated the thought of ranking his wives and believed there was no meaning to the order. It also asked for her to immediately visit the Galarc Castle with Roanna in order to meet Hiroaki, noting that Roanna was to be the second wife and Galarc’s third princess Rosalia would be the first wife.
However, the first thought that came to Liselotte’s mind after reading the text was...
How do I reject this...?
Suppressing her desire to sigh heavily, she glanced up at Roanna seated before her. The girl who had arrived as Duke Huguenot’s messenger was sitting elegantly with her eyes closed as she waited for Liselotte to finish reading the letter.
The marriage meeting will take place in the Galarc Castle. The sender says Duke Huguenot, but it’s been stamped with King Francois’s signature, so I’m essentially being summoned by His Majesty himself. This is Duke Huguenot we’re talking about, so of course he wouldn’t overlook the proper procedures regarding this.
When making a marriage proposal to a noblewoman of a distinguished family, it was only natural to seek the permission of the king. But the fact he had gone to approach the king formally before Liselotte herself was a cunning move. With the proposal crafted like this, Liselotte was now one step behind.
His Majesty approved of my freedom in marriage already, but...
It was unclear how far King Francois was willing to respect Liselotte’s freedom when the Restoration—their allies—were in such a precarious state. Since the Restoration’s headquarters were located in Marquess Rodan’s domain, it was in a position that bordered the Galarc Kingdom and could suppress the Proxia Empire.
Even if the organization itself was terminated, it would still become the potential frontline if a war between the Galarc Kingdom and the Proxia Empire ever occurred. The Beltrum Kingdom’s main government was already strengthening its connections to the Proxia Empire, so the Galarc Kingdom’s best interests lay in having the Restoration alive and well. That way, they could act as a breakwater in case of an emergency.
Duke Cretia’s domain in particular was located along the border, and the royal family of Galarc had entrusted them with the protection of the western border, so they had a mutual interest in that respect. It was an important matter of whether one’s own kingdom would be the frontline for a war.
If things continue at this rate, the Restoration movement will be at risk. I don’t know what circumstances prompted me to be nominated as a marriage candidate, but I can’t take an optimistic view without hearing His Majesty’s opinion first.
Liselotte thought to herself calmly—she needed to confirm the facts. Did King Francois summon her through this letter because it was the least he could do to show his cooperation with their allied hero? Or was the situation worse than imagined and he needed to act proactively?
If it’s come to this, I can’t just send a rejection without showing my face. I guess I have no choice but to visit the Galarc Castle... Good grief, this is going to be trouble.
Liselotte finally let herself sigh. When she imagined how offended Hiroaki would be when she rejected him, she couldn’t help feeling heavyhearted. But there was no helping it: no matter who the offer came from, Liselotte had no intention of marrying someone she didn’t even like. It would be her choice and her choice alone who she devoted the rest of her life to. In order to make that possible, she had become the governess of Amande and established the Ricca Guild, making her position and power unshakable.
“I have read the letter.” Liselotte looked away from the paper and up at Roanna.
Roanna bowed her head solemnly. “I apologize for bringing such sudden news to you.”
“Not at all. I’ve heard of the news already.”
The leaders of the Restoration—that is, Christina and Flora—had disappeared with no clues as to their whereabouts. The Restoration had separated from the main government under the just reason of overthrowing Duke Arbor with the two legitimate princesses on their side. With the foundation of the organization having disappeared, they were on the brink of collapse.
Duke Huguenot, who was leading the Restoration, surely felt a sense of panic about this, and it was a troubling issue for the Galarc Kingdom as well, as they wanted the Restoration to act as a cushion between them and the Proxia Empire and the Beltrum Kingdom.
“I’m terribly sorry to bring up another sudden request, but as it says in the letter, would you be willing to come with me to the Galarc Castle as soon as possible? I understand you have your own business to attend to, but if you could create some time within the next few days...” Roanna looked at Liselotte with an apologetic face.
“I don’t mind—I just so happen to have business to take care of in the capital. We can leave today.”
“Thank you very much.”
“There’s no need for that. I just need to give the hero my reply directly, is that correct?”
“Yes, that’s what Sir Hiroaki desires.”
“The hero...” Liselotte paused for a brief moment, then nodded firmly. “I understand.”
If he wants to hear my reply directly, then he must be on board with this proposal. If he wasn’t interested in the proposal, he wouldn’t have specified the reply to be through a direct meeting, Liselotte analyzed from Roanna’s response.
“I will go and prepare for my departure. It shouldn’t take that long, so please wait here in the drawing room until I’m done,” she said to Roanna.
“Okay. Please take your time.”
“I’ll leave a servant in the room, so tell her if you need anything.”
Liselotte looked at Natalie, one of the attendant ladies waiting in the corner of the room. Natalie replied with a respectful bow. Incidentally, Aria and Cosette were also waiting next to Natalie. The order to Natalie was an indirect order for the other two to follow her, so Aria and Cosette also nodded faintly to show Liselotte their understanding.
“Then, if you would excuse me.” With those words, Liselotte stood up and headed for the door. Aria and Cosette followed her quietly, and the three of them left the room.
Honestly, what should I say when I reject him?
As soon as she stepped out into the corridor, Liselotte let out a melancholic sigh. Aria and Cosette watched their master with sympathetic smiles.
Chapter 1: After the Fierce Battle
In the Paladia Kingdom, at a hilly area near a farming village thirty kilometers west of the capital...
The entire area was completely destroyed. The ground was gouged open, with slabs of soil turned up everywhere. But contrary to the disastrous sight, a fantastical spectacle was taking place in the surroundings. Water hung in the air as mist, creating a rainbow. Rio walked beneath such a sky with Lucius’s corpse burning brightly behind him. He walked until he reached Christina in her tattered dress and the feverish Flora who had fallen unconscious.
“Is Princess Flora okay?” Rio asked Christina as he sheathed his sword at his waist. Christina had been staring at the mystical sight of Rio passing under the rainbow in a daze, but snapped back to her senses to explain Flora’s symptoms.
“Oh... Umm, she was bitten by a venomous spider in the forest and has a fever.”
“A venomous spider... Have you tried casting Purgo?”
“Y-Yes. But it isn’t a poison that can be treated with magic...” Christina regained her composure a little and examined Flora’s state with a pale face.
“I see...” Rio looked down at Flora’s fever-flushed face.
Detoxification magic can only decompose harmful substances inside the body into harmless substances, which means her body is being attacked by an infection rather than a toxic substance. She may heal if I strengthen her natural recovery with spirit arts, but...
There was another recovery method that would have a more immediate and reliable effect. And so, Rio decided to use that instead. He reached into the pocket of his coat and moved his mouth faintly to chant a spell.
“Dissolvo.”
The space beneath his coat immediately distorted and a small bottle appeared in his hand. Rio grabbed it and took his hand out of his pocket. To Christina and the other figure standing nearby, it looked like Rio had taken it out of his pocket normally.
“Take this. It’s a powerful magic potion that can be considered a panacea. She looks fairly exhausted so it may take some time before she regains her stamina, but it should treat the poison right away,” Rio said, holding the bottle out to Christina. It contained a secret recipe made by the spirit folk, so its effect was guaranteed.
“Are you sure...?” Christina blinked in hesitation.
“Of course?” Rio cocked his head, unsure of why she was asking such a thing.
“Th-Thank you so much,” Christina said with her sincerest gratitude and accepted the bottle.
“It’s fine. More importa
Her bare, dainty feet were peeking out from under the tattered hem of her muddy dress. They were clearly stained with blood, making it obvious that she was injured. There was a magic-sealing collar around her delicate neck, adding to the tragic sight.
“I-I’m fine. I was walking through the forest barefoot, but it isn’t anything major.” Christina moved her hands to cover her dirty feet in a fluster.
Rio reached inside his coat pocket once more and whispered the discharge spell to retrieve another bottle. He then offered it to Christina. “Pour this over the wound and drink the rest. It’ll ease any pain you have in your body. I’ll remove that collar later.”
“Umm, magic potions are meant to be fairly valuable items... Please use it on your own wounds before me,” Christina said hesitantly, looking at Rio’s bloodstained coat.
However, to Rio, it was something he could mass-produce, and he had no qualms about using it. “I applied some minimal treatment to my wounds while I was fighting, so I’m fine. The more pressing matter right now is the person approaching from over there, so I’m going to deal with that while you treat Princess Flora.”
Rio half-forced the bottle into her hands before turning his gaze to the approaching third party—the Paladia Kingdom’s first prince, Duran. His gaze wasn’t entirely hostile, but Rio placed a hand on his sword handle warily. However, Duran held both his hands up as he approached, expressing his lack of intention to fight.
“Stop. I do not wish to fight you.”
“But you were Lucius’s ally, no?” Rio asked.
Duran was the one who had told Rio of Lucius’s location while he was in the capital. He had even accompanied Lucius here to spectate the battle; there was plenty enough reason to conclude that the two of them were allies.
“We were comrades in arms who had fought on the same battlefield before, but I’m a prince and he was a mercenary. We were bound by no more than a contract in the end. There’s no way I would consider retaliating just because he was killed—all the less after seeing you fight just now. I’m not that reckless of a fool.” Duran recalled the sight of Lucius fighting Rio and laughed with a hint of exasperation.
“Why were you here with Lucius, then?”
“He asked me to lure you here, but after meeting you in the capital, you piqued my interest. That’s why I wanted to watch your battle with him—I’m no more than a curious onlooker, really. Ah, but I did agree to accept one of the royal sisters as a reward for my assistance,” Duran answered honestly, turning his gaze to Christina, who was feeding Flora the medicine.
Rio’s gaze grew sharper. “So you want the two of them?”
“There’s no way you would allow that, no? As I said, I do not wish to oppose you.” Duran’s attitude remained as carefree as ever.
“In that case, would I be right to assume you have no problem with me taking the two of them away from here?” Rio asked, searching Duran’s expression.
“Sure, I don’t care,” Duran replied, nodding readily. “But I’d like to negotiate with you a little first.”
“...About what?” Rio asked with suspicion. Duran’s connection to Lucius alone was enough to make Rio cautious, so those words immediately made him suspect an ulterior motive.
“Don’t be so wary. Like I said just now, I don’t need those two. Instead—what was your name again? Rio, or Haruto?”
“Rio is a name I have discarded. Please call me Haruto,” Rio answered with a glance at Christina and Flora.
“I see. Then, Haruto. Would you have any interest in working for Paladia...? In working for me? I want you more than those two,” Duran said, suddenly making an unexpected proposal.
“...Huh?” Rio made a bewildered face at the topic at hand, which surpassed his expectations.
Duran began his headhunting pitch with an entirely serious expression. “I’m asking that you work for me. I can give you whatever you want, be it money, power, or women.”
“No, I will not,” Rio declined clearly despite his bewilderment.
“Give it some careful thought before you give an answer. You may be wondering what I’m going on about so suddenly, but I’m being completely serious. I’m not trying to trap you into anything. I also don’t have an ulterior motive,” Duran appealed persistently.
“Even if you say that... What made you bring this up?”
Just what is his goal?
“A most reasonable point. How about we discuss this more at the castle over some alcohol and a seat?” Duran nodded solemnly, coming closer to Rio.
“I humbly pass on that offer.”
The Paladia Castle was where Duran had the greatest amount of power. There was no reason for Rio to go out of his way to visit such a place.
“Come on now, don’t be like that.” Duran was extremely persistent.
Rio stepped back from him. “N-No thank you. I’ll listen to whatever you want to say here.”
“Hmph... What a killjoy. But I guess there’s nothing I can do—I don’t want to overstep my boundaries and antagonize you.” Duran sighed dramatically and accepted Rio’s words with reluctance. With that, Rio could see Duran really didn’t have any ill will.
He really throws me for a loop... Rio’s guard relaxed for the first time.
He lowered the hand he had over his sword and sighed.
“Let’s get back on topic, then. Do you have an interest in working for me?” Duran said, encouraging Rio with an eager look.
“Honestly, the fact you got along with Lucius as comrades in arms is enough reason for me to decline.” There were myriad other reasons he couldn’t explain well enough, so Rio chose to answer that way.
“Hmm. So you consider me to be the same as Lucius?”
He already knew he would never work for him, so Rio spoke his thoughts without bothering to hide the truth. “Not exactly—but I cannot trust you.”
“Ha ha ha! I see you really hated that man a lot. Well, that’s only understandable after he killed your mother... But if he was walking the road of heresy, then I’m walking the road of domination. Power is justice—I take whatever I want with my own hands. I suppose I’m similar to Lucius in that way, and I won’t deny I have the temperament of a tyrant, but my tastes aren’t as terrible as his. Thus, I’m not the same as him, but we were similar enough for me to find some parts of him tolerable.”
Duran showed no offense at being compared to Lucius and instead started rambling fluently about himself. He even grinned when he called himself a tyrant. It was probably his way of making himself sound appealing to Rio as an employer.
“...You speak very frankly.”
If Duran really is trying to scout me, he should have phrased his words a little more nicely, Rio thought.
“That’s because I’m seriously trying to employ you. If I lied to you now, what would I do once you’re actually hired?” Duran answered openly.
“A just reason. But even then, I still question your decision to hire a stranger who just killed your acquaintance,” Rio argued back.
“We’re not complete strangers, and one needs to be open-minded to walk the road of dominance. Whether you killed a friend of mine or not, I want what I want. That’s why I’ll say it one more time—I want you more than the two princesses. Will you work for me?” Duran tried to persuade Rio once more.
“We’re going around in circles,” Rio said with a wry smile and a shrug.
Duran chuckled. “Well, we’d be done right away if you’d just agree.”
“I’m flattered by the offer, but why do you have such a high opinion of me?” Rio sighed at Duran’s tenacity.
“Bwa ha ha! Why, it’s simple—I love strong people. I want them for myself. That’s why I want you. By any means possible.”
“Why are you so desperate for strong people? Is it for the dominance that Your Highness spoke of earlier?”
Dominance—the power to subdue others and make them obey. The fact they were talking like this meant Rio was being dragged into Duran’s pacing already, but Rio decided to ask anyway.
“It’s my ideal way of being, but it’s not completely related. In short, I believe in the need to look at things more broadly.”
“By which you mean...?”
“My kingdom is merely one of many small kingdoms. That’s why the kingdom needs enough power not to be looked down upon by other kingdoms in a diplomatic sense. I pride myself in being able to do the work of a thousand foot soldiers, but there are skilled warriors in other kingdoms, and we’re no match for the resources of a major nation. That’s why we’ve formed an alliance with the Proxia Empire, but we’re still a small kingdom in their eyes. I cannot stand for my kingdom being seen as the weak to be eaten. For the future of the kingdom, I need to overturn that view. Do you understand?” Duran looked at Rio with fire burning in his gaze.
