“Criticizing the king must have been quite a bold move to make...”
“That was how disadvantaged His Majesty’s position was. His Majesty has been stuck dealing with the faction rivalry ever since the former king passed away.” The researcher spoke of the issue objectively and sighed. He seemed to have the minimum amount of expected knowledge regarding noble society, but he truly didn’t seem to be interested in politics.
“On another note, do you know the name of the hero that was summoned recently?” He didn’t know when someone might visit this laboratory, so they couldn’t afford to chat for too long. Rio decided to quickly ask what he needed to know right then and there in a blunt manner.
“Ah, what was it again? I believe it was... Rui. Yes, it was Rui Shigekura.”
“Rui Shigekura, you say? Right, thank you very much.” While it was certainly a Japanese-sounding name, it was not the person Miharu and the others were searching for. After that, Rio confirmed a few more things with the man.
“That’s all. If you’d please excuse me,” he said.
“It was my pleasure.” The man shook his head amicably and saw Rio off. The illusion would wear off later, clearing his mind but leaving the impression that he had been napping.
“What will we do?” Aishia asked Rio after they left the room.
“...There are still some missing points in the timeline of the marriage, but there’s no time. I want to meet Professor Celia before the ceremony, so let’s sneak into the castle immediately.” It’d be easiest to hear the details of what happened from Celia’s own mouth.
“Then let me help, too. I’ll locate the room Celia’s staying in inside the castle.”
“Thanks. The castle is right next to this academy. If it’s just entering the grounds, then it shouldn’t be too hard, but...” The problem was locating exactly which room Celia was staying in. The inside of the castle was spacious and had many rooms, almost all of which Rio was unfamiliar with.
It doesn’t seem like there’s any kind of barrier set up around the perimeter, so the problem will be the interior... Especially inside the castle itself...
There was a technique using advanced wind spirit arts that could erase his figure from view, but it required moving at a walking pace to perform successfully. It also risked triggering any magic essence detectors and giving away their location, so he had to think carefully. They probably would have been able to break their way in and escape without an issue, but then the security would be tightened and make it harder to reach Celia.
“I’ll turn into my spirit form and search through the castle alone. That way, the risk of detection is lower,” Aishia uttered simply.
“...The inside of the castle will have zones with restricted entry, so they may have ways of detecting suspicious sources of essence. Ignoring the characteristic aura you emit as a physical spirit, won’t you be a mass of ode and mana in your spirit form? Are you sure?” They had considered this risk when they were sneaking into the academy too, but the royal castle was more likely to be guarded carefully in comparison.
“It’s no problem. If there’s any kind of barrier that detects magic essence, I’ll be able to detect it first. And the humans of the Strahl region typically can’t perceive essence, so my spirit aura shouldn’t be an issue, either. Plus, I don’t feel any spirits around here. As far as the radius of my detection reaches, anyway.”
“Dryas also said that wild spirits rarely ever appear in Strahl,” Rio noted.
“Most spirits are cowardly by nature, so they tend to avoid human habitats. The spirit folk who live together with spirits are actually an extreme exception, according to Dryas.”
“I see... Then can I rely on you once more, Aishia?” Rio requested reluctantly. He felt sorry for depending on Aishia so much, but they had to search as efficiently as possible right now.
“Yup,” Aishia agreed without missing a beat.
“Thank you. Let’s head to the castle right away, then.”
The two of them set off toward the castle.
Interlude: Celia’s Woes
Some time before Rio and Aishia infiltrated the academy...
In a separate building from the guest house located on the castle grounds, Celia was having supper in the dining hall with her father, Roland Claire, and her fiance, Charles Arbor.
“...It’s been a long time, Celia. I’m sorry I haven’t been able to see you very often until now, even with your wedding ceremony coming up tomorrow.” Seated across from Celia, Roland apologized to his daughter with a grimace. His gaze flickered over to Charles Arbor and the knights that were standing in the room as guards, their presence intruding on the long-awaited private moment between a father and daughter.
“I understand, Father. I’m sure you were busy with your official duties... Just being able to see you like this is enough for me.” Celia smiled fondly and shook her head.
“I’m sure it was unavoidable — these are busy times, after all. I haven’t been able to meet my beloved Celia much either, despite the approaching ceremony,” Charles said tiredly from beside Celia.
A vein in Roland’s temple twitched. “...With the departure of the Huguenot faction from the capital, the state of the kingdom has become rather chaotic. I cannot help but worry that moving forth with the ceremony during times like these will cause you undue stress,” he said to the two of them worriedly, pasting a grin on his face.
“No, no. It is precisely because they have fled with their tails between their legs that there is meaning in holding the ceremony right now. It is as I told you before — this marriage between the Arbor House and the Claire House will show those both inside and outside the kingdom that Beltrum’s power is flawless.”
“I understand that, but... It’s my duty as a parent to worry.” Roland nodded, stifling his discomfort.
“Children all grow up one day. Celia understands that well herself, so there is no need for concern,” Charles said with a huff of laughter, looking at Celia.
“...Yes, I am aware,” Celia agreed obediently. With a sigh, Roland tried to seem convinced.
“I see...”
“Besides, the Huguenot faction took one of the sacred stones with them, so they should have a hero on their side, too... Which means they will definitely attempt to justify themselves with their hero. This wedding ceremony will also act as a form of control to those in the Huguenot faction. It is for that reason that we have called for the hero, Rui Shigekura, to officially bless our wedding.” Charles frowned and spoke of Duke Huguenot’s faction with hatred, but the latter half of his words were accompanied by a smug sneer.
“But to hold the ceremony in such a grand way with the parade... I hope you have sufficient security measures in place, in case the Huguenot faction intervenes,” Roland said, looking at Celia with worry.
“There is no need for any concern there. The newly formed Elite Knights is assigned to our security detail, after all. There are also plans to add the Royal Guard to the security detail, too, under His Majesty’s orders,” Charles boasted.
“...I see... So it’ll be an impenetrable formation.”
“The Sorcerer Squad and Aerial Knights will also be on guard. All of them are the elites of our kingdom; if anyone attempted to pull something after seeing our security, that would be a suicidal move. Only ignorant fools with a death wish would try it. I look forward to seeing if anyone dares.”
“I see...” Roland lowered his gaze and nodded with a hanging head.
Seeing Roland like that made Charles chuckle. “Well, just leave it all to me, Father-in-Law. There is no need for you to shoulder any of the burden,” he said pleasantly.
“Far from shouldering anything. I haven’t been involved in any aspect of the wedding ceremony so far... I’ve been relying completely on the Arbor family — or rather, you,” Roland said with an apologetic smile.
“And that’s how it should be. The house of Count Claire is already considered family by the Arbor House at this point. As l
ong as you so rely on me, I shall look after Celia and your family.”
“I am still young myself. I cannot simply rely on you for everything...”
“Of course, I expect the talented Count Claire to work on various matters after the wedding, so you may rest assured there.”
“I see. I will do my best.”
“Of course. Everything will get busier after the wedding, after all. Although, I do have one concern... but please relax and rest yourself for now,” Charles said, speaking with a strange implication.
“...A concern, you say?” Roland asked. His instincts were telling him that the future would be more troublesome if he didn’t choose to ask for more details now.
“It’s the rumors that have been going around the royal court for some time now. The ones that suspect members of the Duke Fontaine faction — including you — to be secretly colluding with the Huguenot faction after their estrangement. As expected, most of them have quieted down after my engagement to Celia, but there are still some that are stubbornly hanging on out there. It’s quite troubling, indeed,” Charles said, shaking his head dramatically.
You dare say that after setting everything up so that you could threaten this engagement into existence? Roland displayed a splendid amount of control in resisting the urge to furrow his brow.
“...I am truly saddened to hear that. To communicate with the rebels that discarded their duties in the royal court is on par with betraying the kingdom itself, after all. It is an unthinkable offense,” he brushed off with a strained smile. He couldn’t afford to be flustered here. Meanwhile, Celia’s face paled as she froze stiff in her seat, staring at Roland opposite to her.
You mustn’t make a face like that, my dear Celia. No... It is my failure which makes you look that way. I am so sorry. Roland met Celia’s eyes for a brief moment before he reassumed his poker face.
“It is exactly as you say. Now that you are tied to the Arbor House, I had deep-seated fears that the rumors would continue to involve the Claire family... but if you’re thinking that way, then my worries were quite unnecessary. In the end, rumors are just that: rumors. You’ll be able to win over trust with your actions and attitude from here on out,” Charles said cheerfully, nodding in an exaggerated manner.
“That would be most fortunate if so...” Roland agreed with Charles carefully, unsure of his intentions.
“It’s simple. From now on, you will maintain your relationship with the nobles of your faction that you have associated with until now, while drawing an appropriate line of distance. On top of that, you’ll have to watch them carefully for any hidden agendas,” Charles stated as though it was a predetermined matter. In other words, he wanted a spy that moved under the orders of the Arbor House.
A predictable demand indeed, Roland thought to himself.
“...It is a duty far above what I deserve, but I understand. I shall do my best,” Roland said, nodding deeply.
“I will have high expectations of you. If you produce the right results, Father and I will be more than happy to grant you more opportunities to prove yourself. For someone as intelligent as you, I don’t even need to tell you that you’ll have to accomplish something to win over those around you, am I correct?” Charles asked, narrowing his eyes.
“Yes, I will take care in the way I present myself.”
So I won’t be suspected of acting as a double agent, Roland added in his heart.
“Excellent. In that case, the house of Count Claire will continue living in peace, along with the future of my bride, the greatest genius sorcerer our kingdom has ever seen,” Charles said dramatically, directing a smile at Celia.
“...Please do look after our family, Sir Charles. My father and I will devote ourselves to your vision.” Celia put on the biggest smile she could as she bowed her head at Charles.
“I as well. Your results as my wife will reflect upon me in the future, too.”
“I understand.”
Charles nodded in satisfaction. “A good reply. I look forward to our lives together... Oh, yes. Speaking of that. I have yet to give you the opportunity to meet with my wives properly yet, have I?”
“Yes, though there are some I have met in my own time...”
“You’ve been shut away in here ever since our engagement was decided, I suppose. Ah, well. I shall set up some time for you to speak with them before the ceremony tomorrow. You’ll be living together with them from now on, so do get along with them. My wives also wish to know you better.”
“I understand. I shall look forward to it,” Celia replied with a smile plastered on her face.
The uncomfortable conversation between the three of them continued for some time after that.
Chapter 4: Reunion with Celia
Roughly one hour had passed since Rio and Aishia left the academy.
Rio was flying in the sky above the castle alone. His black overcoat completely camouflaged him against the night sky, making it nearly impossible for him to be spotted from the ground.
It’s been quite a while since we snuck in... Does Aishia really know what Celia looks like? Rio thought, looking down at the enormous castle below.
Because Aishia had slept inside Rio for so long, she wouldn’t have met with Celia before. Yet, for some reason, Aishia had stated that she knew Celia’s face. Apparently, through the spiritual link that connected a contract spirit and contractee, it was possible for the contractee’s memories to be read. If that was true, then it would explain why Aishia knew the face of someone she had never met, why she could speak Japanese, and why her martial arts techniques were so similar to Rio.
That being said, with how long had passed since she entered the castle alone, he couldn’t help but worry about her. With nothing else to do, Rio was lost in his thoughts for a while, until a telepathic message arrived from Aishia.
Haruto, I found Celia.
Really?
Yup, Aishia replied. She’s located in a big building to the far left of the front gate. It’s probably a guest house. There’s an entire detached suite there that belongs to Celia. It seems like she just finished dinner and is now back.
...All right. Is there any area where I can get inside?
There are lots of security guards inside the building and a few knights in front of Celia’s room, so you should come in from the terrace. I’ll guide you in my spirit form.
Thank you. I’ll fly above the guest house first. Following Aishia’s directions, Rio descended gracefully to the air above the guest house. From what he could see on the way, the security was indeed as harsh as one would expect of a royal castle. As he descended from the skies, he spotted security guards patrolling all over the place. However, with his ability to fly, it only took Rio half a minute to arrive above the guest house.
The guest house was a building constructed separately from the castle and set up so that it could only be accessed by going through the sturdy stone bridge that connected it to the castle. With the wedding ceremony approaching, the guest house had many visitors staying over, resulting in more security guards there than near the castle.
Celia is in a detached suite surrounded by a lake... The building closest to the castle, Aishia’s voice echoed in Rio’s head.
Got it. Over there— Rio identified the building immediately.
In order to reach the suite, one would normally have to use the dedicated suspension bridge, but Rio simply flew over with his spirit arts.
There are several knights in front of the door, so drop down to the roof first.
Okay, Rio replied, landing on the roof of the detached suite.
Celia’s on the second floor. The corner room closer to the castle.
...This one?
Yes, Celia’s room is directly below. There’s a knight guarding the door, but Celia’s the only one inside. Entering through the terrace would be a wise choice, Aishia directed through telepathy.
Understood. I’m going to drop down to the terrace, then.
Yeah. I’ll unlo
ck the window for you.
With a deep breath, Rio descended onto the terrace; then, the window of the room unlocked with a clicking sound. Aishia stood inside the room in her physical form.
This is her bedroom. Where’s Professor Celia?
The other side of that door is a studio — Celia’s in there. Aishia quietly pointed a finger at one of the several doors in the room.
Got it. I’ll be back.
I’ll be on lookout duty in my spirit form and let you know if anyone comes.
Okay. Thank you for everything, Aishia.
No problem. Aishia shook her head and turned into her spirit form once more; the particles of light scattered everywhere. Rio walked toward the door of Celia’s studio and stopped before it.
I guess... it would be better not to knock. It wasn’t very polite, but manners didn’t matter when he was sneaking in.
Rio opened the door quietly.
◇ ◇ ◇
After finishing dinner and seeing off Roland and Charles, Celia headed straight for her room. In an estate as huge as this one, the only place she got any sense of privacy was her own room.
It was the first time I met with father in ages, yet we couldn’t have any meaningful conversation... Celia thought with a gloomy face.
...But I’m glad I was able to confirm Father’s safety. The worst case scenario was averted, it seems...
Before Celia’s engagement was decided, Count Claire had been secretly suspected of assisting Duke Huguenot in taking Second Princess Flora out of the capital, putting Count Claire in a precarious position himself. In order to clear that suspicion, it was decided that his daughter would wed Charles as a human sacrifice of sorts. And if he was allowed to meet her like how he did earlier, then it meant Roland’s position had now recovered.
I’ve fulfilled my purpose of recovering my family’s position, right? All that’s left now is for me to be that man’s hostage for the rest of my life. That’s all. Yup, that’s all there is to it... Celia bit down on her lip as she tried to convince herself. Now that the engagement was set in stone, it would be impossible for Charles and the Duke Arbor family behind him to treat Count Claire’s family with disdain any longer, which was why all Celia had to do now was quietly become Charles’ puppet.
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