「Although I feel sorry for everyone since you guys no longer have a reason to chase after me even after coming this far… there’s no need for you guys to come to Strahl Region. As such, will you return to Karasuki kingdom now that you know that I’ve avenged my parents? Naturally, I’ll go with you as I’ve been planning to visit Karasuki kingdom too. And no need to worry about safety since we’re going to travel by flying which will also greatly shortens our travel time.」
Rio urged Gouki and the others to go back to Karasuki kingdom.
「… Uhm.」
The sudden change in the situation bewildered Gouki, forcing him to stop and think for a moment. After all, his original intention on chasing after Rio was so he could at least assist him in his revenge. Yet, before he could do that, Rio had already achieved his aim. Moreover, the sudden situation aside, Rio even offered to send them back personally.
「…………」
Seeing Gouki like that, Rio didn’t say anything and waited for his answer.
「May I ask one thing?」
Gouki asked in a small voice.
「What might it be? 」
「Where and what are you going to do in the future? 」
「… What I’m going to do in the future…」
And now it was Rio’s turn to be befuddled. He looked at the ceiling, slowly pondering his future plan. After a while, he finally looked forward to Gouki and spoke.
「Once in a while, I’ll go to the Strahl Region to visit my teacher since she lives there. Of course, I’ll do the same with Karasuki Kingdom. I’ll go there to visit Yuba-san, Ruri and the other villagers in the kingdom’s village. Naturally, that includes Homura-san and Shizuku-san.」
He told Gouki his future plan.
「That’s indeed a future plan… But Rio-sama, do you have any plan to settle down in some place instead of living like a nomad?」
「Let see… I think I might just visit various place later just like before for now.」
Rio gave Gouki a vague answer. Strahl Region in the west, Yagumo Region in the east, and Spirit Folks Village in the middle. And he planned to constantly move in between these three areas frequently. Thus, indirectly telling Gouki that he didn’t plan to settle down in one place. Because if he had to be honest to himself, he simply couldn’t picture himself settling down somewhere fixed.
It might be due to the influence of his journey to various places all his life. He constantly met and parted with people. So, although he might get used to a place after living there for a while, he never hesitated to pack up and leave to continue wandering elsewhere. Moreover, he might be able to easily meet any of his acquaintances this way. Thus, he chose a nomadic life for now.
It also might be because he thought he was unneeded. Or it might even be because of his guilty conscience that constantly said a killer should not get close to anyone. Or it might be simply because he was afraid of becoming closer to someone more than necessary.
At any rate, even if those reasons weren’t the complete truth, it was still part of Rio’s reasoning behind his insistence on not settling down. Furthermore, due to Rio’s introverted personality, people thought he might just really disappear forever if they lost sight of him. So, it was no wonder that people close to Rio wanted him to settle down in one place.
「Uhm……..」
It was not only Gouki who saw through Rio’s facade, but also the sharp elders and the others. All of them, who felt Rio was holding something back from them, were staring at him.
「I want to live with you, Onii-chan! I won’t tell you to not leave the village, but… at the very least, stay with me when you’re in this village! Please…!」
Latifa, who couldn’t hold back anymore, suddenly said with an expression filled with hope and trepidation. As if asking Rio to not forget her, to always remember her, and to stay with her as much as possible.
「… Thank you, Latifa.」
Hearing Latifa’s words and noticing her expression, Rio’s eyes widened before he thanked her. However, his smile was troubled when he expressed his gratitude over her heartfelt feelings.
「You say all that, but it doesn’t mean you want him to remain as your older brother forever, right?」
Dominique said teasingly to Latifa.
「Hmm…」
Hearing this, Syldra also smiled mischievously.
「Yes, well……」
Meanwhile, Rio himself only nodded after slight hesitation.
「Is there something urgent back in the kingdom that you need to hurry there?」
Ursula questioned with a worried tone.
「… There’s no particular urgency… I just want to visit Yagumo Region again.」
Hearing her question, Rio paused briefly before replying.
「Then, you should stay in this village for a while. Besides, I don’t think you should press Gouki-dono and the others for their reply so suddenly like that.」
Ursula said as she sent a considerate look at Gouki and the others.
「Nay, we’ve resolved ourselves to answer each and every expectation Rio-sama has.」
Gouki shook his head as he immediately replied, wasting Ursula’s consideration. However, his resolution could be felt from his tone. He meant it and was ready to commit to his decision.
「May I ask for the reason?」
Rio asked, looking into Gouki’s eyes as if he wanted to dig out every secret he was hiding.
「… It might be presumptuous of me to say this Rio-sama. But, the reason we pursued you is because of our devotion to the late Ayame-sama and you, the memento she and Zen left behind in this world. It was unrelated to that Lucius guy. In short, the reason we choose to follow you is because we feel it’s our raison d’etre.
So, regardless of the place you’re going to visit on this continent, whether or not you plan to settle down somewhere, we’ll follow you till the end. If you have no intention to go back to Karasuki Kingdom, then we don’t as well. Our feeling is similar to Latifa-dono’s own. It is our greatest pride to be able to stay by your side, Rio-sama.」
Gouki said in a solemn tone as he bowed to Rio. It wasn’t only him who felt that way. Kayoko, Gouki’s wife, Komomo and Sayo by her side also agreed with Gouki’s words.
「Even if you say that…」
Despite everything though, all Rio felt as he looked at them was a slight guilt. After all, if he had to be honest to himself, he wasn’t that keen in making Gouki his retainer. However, although he understood Gouki’s and everyone’s feelings on this matter, he still couldn’t reconcile himself with it.
He had even told Gouki his reluctance to take the group along with him back when they were still in Karasuki Kingdom. Many times. Yet, Gouki and the others still insisted in devoting themselves to him as his retainer.
At this moment, he was confused… He was simply confused about what he should do in regards to Gouki and co. Rio didn’t have any solution that would satisfy all sides on this matter. As such, he hesitated now.
「From what I can see, it seems Rio-dono needs some time to himself to think about this matter. Why don’t we leave this conversation to a later time?」
Ursula added when she saw Rio deep in thought.
「That’s right. Anyway, it’s not like you’re in a hurry to go back to the Yagumo Region. So, just take your time in thinking up a solution during your stay in this village.」
Dominique said, shrugging his shoulders light-heartedly as he supported Ursula’s suggestion.
「Oh my. This is supposed to be a simple exchange about each other’s situation, yet there are so many things revealed. However, there’s no need to rush, isn’t that right? After all, there are many things to consider. So, take your time to think about this matter during your stay in this village. Oh, and if it’s fine with you, Rio-dono, I also want to know more about you.」
「That’s right. You’ve never talked much about yourself after all, Rio. About your bitter past… Well, I think we should just skip that part, since I think everyone in this room wants to know more about you yourself than that. And don’t refute it as a mere curiosity of ours. Because I’m sure we really want to know more about you.」
Ursula and Dominique spoke simultaneously, giving him their opinion as someone who had more life experiences than him.
「….. I understand.」
After pondering for a while, Rio finally agreed with them.
「Yosh. Then…」
Satisfied, Dominique then threw a look at Syldra, signalling him for a follow-up.
「I know. It’s time for a banquet.」
Syldra let out a silent sigh before he smiled and invited everyone to go to the banquet, properly supporting the other elder without him having to say more. It was thanks to their long-term relationship as the village’s elders that allowed them to cultivate the ability to communicate with each other through a simple gesture.
「Hehehe, you really are an understanding person. Well, it’s time for us to celebrate since Rio has returned with Aisia. Just forget about those boring stories for a while and commemorate our reunion with a feast now. Anyway, nothing good will come out of it if you think with such a gloomy look on your face. That’s why, let’s just enjoy the banquet first and think about the problem later.」
With that, the elders decided to celebrate Rio and Aisia’s arrival with a banquet.
◇ ◇ ◇
The government building of the village was located in the giant tree. And the elders had decided to hold the banquet in the huge dining room located in the lower floor of the building.
After some time had passed, the preparation was completed. Soon, the participants started to gather in the party location one after another. Perhaps because the news that Aisia, a new human-type spirit contracted to Rio, had awakened had spread wide and far, the huge dining room became crowded in just a moment.
「Well then, I guess it’s time for the banquet to begin. Be quiet everyone. Our leading actor has arrived.」
Ursula, as the appointed host of the banquet, announced as soon as she saw the number of participants was decent enough and the atmosphere had warmed up. Then, she turned around and looked at Orphia and Sara, signalling to them. Receiving the signal, the two of them who were standing by the dining room’s door two sides opened the door and showed the stars of the banquet.
「OOOOOOH! 」
Soon, the participants saw the figures of Rio and Aisia, the stars of the banquet, entering the dining hall accompanied by Dryad. When they came in, the whole dining room was filled with the participants’ voices as if it was about to be swallowed completely.
「Oh my, today’s banquet gathered quite a lot of participants… You’re really popular, eh, Aisia?」
Dryad said, tone surprised, when she saw that they had become the center of the attention as soon as they entered the dining room.
「It’s not only us, Dryad-sama. It’s also because the villagers also have a deep sense of trust for you. After all, I doubt they will readily come to attend this banquet if it’s just to see two human-type spirit appearing together.」
Rio said with a soft and tranquil smile on his face.
「What are you talking about? Clearly everyone was hurrying to come here because they want to meet you.」
Dryad said as she shrugged her shoulder carelessly.
「You and Aisia are the stars of this banquet, that’s why… please entertain them at the very least. Ah, and the same goes to you Aisia. You’re Rio’s escort for this banquet, so you’ve to go along with Rio. Like this, see?」
She added as she seized one of Rio’s arms and hooked it to hers.
「Un.」
Aisia nodded her head in understanding and then proceeded to imitate Dryad by seizing Rio’s free arm. And the crowd broke out into an uproar when they saw Rio with two beautiful human-type spirits on both arms.
「Uhhmm……」
Rio was about to shake off the spirits, but then his body stiffened up since both spirits had firmly locked him in their embrace to prevent that from happening. Thus, it was natural for him to become the center of attention seeing that he was embraced by two revered and rare human-type spirits.
「Muu~! 」
Komomo and Latifa puffed their cheeks when they saw that sight as they stood among the participants.
――I’ll make him do the same thing with me later.
Both of them simultaneously thought about the same things.
「This banquet is held to celebrate Rio-dono’s return and to welcome Aisia-sama’s arrival. Therefore, we decided to heed the villagers’ request to omit the usual boring opening speech. And since our stars have entered the venue, everyone raise your cups.」
Once Rio and the two spirits had reached the stage that was prepared in the dining room, Ursula led everyone for a toast. After everyone raised their cups filled with liquor――、
「TOAST! 」
The banquet officially began. And as soon as the party started those who attended made a beeline towards Rio and Aisia to greet them.
And while she was normally a taciturn person, Aisia did have a wide expanse of vocabulary. Thus, both of them had lively conversations with the people who were surrounding them. Soon, the banquet became more and more lively after Dominique made merry by himself. Furthermore, since there was a never-ending stream of people coming to greet Rio and Aisia, the laughter and light atmosphere surrounding the venue never ceased.
And just like that, time passed in the blink of an eye.
「Muu, I haven’t had enough of onii-chan.」
Meanwhile, on some people’s side…
Latifa was pouting. It had been a while since Rio came to visit the village, so Latifa wanted him to spoil her to death. And she wanted him to do so as soon as possible. However, due to the banquet and the seemingly endless number of people around Rio, she was unable to get her wish.
「Well, no need to worry. After all, we can have all the time we want with him after this.」
Orphia, who was standing by her side, gently pacified the unsatisfied Latifa.
「Is that so？」
「Yeah. I mean, even Rio-san has his own situation right? The truth is, you see….」
Orphia whispered something to Latifa, making her eyes wide open in surprise before she let out the brightest smile she did today. Meanwhile, at this time, a group of twenty people were approaching Rio to greet him. It was the Karasuki Kingdom’s group which included Gouki, Kayoko, Komomo, Sayo, and the others.
「Will you allow us to give our official greeting to you, Rio-sama? These are the people who chose to come with us.」
Gouki, as the representative of the group, greeted Rio first.
「Yeah, naturally」
Rio replied with a smile. And when he looked at the people who were lined up behind Gouki ―― Several familiar faces he knew came to sight.
「Shin… -san? 」
The person, whose name was called by Rio, stiffened up. It was that guy from a certain village in Karasuki Kingdom; and he was also Sayo’s older brother. Rio had never expected that Shin would be mixed among the group who chased after him so naturally, and that was why he unconsciously called his name.
「… Yo.」
Shin’s greeting was rather stiff and he also averted his gaze from Rio. And because of that, Gouki elbowed Shin in a reprimand.
「It’s not “Yo”. My apologies for his rudeness, Rio-sama. Now greet him properly!」
「O-Ouch. Fine, fine, no need for that… Guh, H-Howdy.」
Honestly, if he was pushed to voice out his opinion regarding Shin, he would say that Shin was a blunt and crude youth with a soft point for his little sister. However, that blunt and crude Shin was currently bowing to Rio with an atrophied face, looking distinctly different from his memory. More importantly, since Shin was also in this village, it meant Gouki had told him about Rio’s royal status. Thus, for a moment, Rio couldn’t react at all.
「In the middle of our journey, he appeared. He was forcing himself to follow us for his little sister’s, Sayo, sake. So, we ended up training him along the way. And now, his current status is that of a valet.」
Gouki told Rio the gist of Shin’s participation in the journey with a solemn expression and voice.
「I see…」
In the end, after Rio heard that, the only thing he could do was to sigh and nod. He could do nothing else. After all, for Shin, who had lost his parents, Sayo was the only family left in this world. And his actions showed just how much he cherished Sayo, his little sister. So, what else could he say about that?
「Although he’s sometimes rather reckless and careless, he does have some guts. And his martial art is… uh, well, good enough I think. While here, he also mastered the basics of spirit arts. So, he should be useful.」
Gouki extolled, more less praising Shin to Rio.
「Hehehe.」
When Shin heard those words from Gouki, he smiled shyly, seemingly bashful at receiving his recognition.
「Don’t get cocky.」
Gouki elbowed Shin again, though it was far gentler compared to the previous one.
「Cough. Well, I’ll set aside some time for us to chat. And I’m including Sayo in this one. So, it’ll be just the three of us.」
Gouki said, giving a look to Shin and Sayo as well.
「…… I understand. Well, see you again tomorrow.」
Rio agreed after thinking briefly. In any case, the conversation couldn’t be had right now since Rio was the main star of the banquet. So, he couldn’t possibly leave mid-way to have a personal conversation.
Meanwhile, Sayo looked at Rio, starry-eyed, before she clumsily nodded in agreement. And though Shin looked incredibly vexed when he noticed his sister acting like that, he couldn’t do anything about it. So, he just grunted in agreement, silently expressing his displeasure.
Fortunately, he didn’t make a scene. So, with Rio and Aisia keeping their amiable attitude, they maintained the cozy atmosphere of the banquet as they were constantly greeted by everyone. Thus, the banquet proceeded to its end without any mishaps.
「Although I feel sorry for everyone since you guys no longer have a reason to chase after me even after coming this far… there’s no need for you guys to come to Strahl Region. As such, will you return to Karasuki kingdom now that you know that I’ve avenged my parents? Naturally, I’ll go with you as I’ve been planning to visit Karasuki kingdom too. And no need to worry about safety since we’re going to travel by flying which will also greatly shortens our travel time.」
Rio urged Gouki and the others to go back to Karasuki kingdom.
「… Uhm.」
The sudden change in the situation bewildered Gouki, forcing him to stop and think for a moment. After all, his original intention on chasing after Rio was so he could at least assist him in his revenge. Yet, before he could do that, Rio had already achieved his aim. Moreover, the sudden situation aside, Rio even offered to send them back personally.
「…………」
Seeing Gouki like that, Rio didn’t say anything and waited for his answer.
「May I ask one thing?」
Gouki asked in a small voice.
「What might it be? 」
「Where and what are you going to do in the future? 」
「… What I’m going to do in the future…」
And now it was Rio’s turn to be befuddled. He looked at the ceiling, slowly pondering his future plan. After a while, he finally looked forward to Gouki and spoke.
「Once in a while, I’ll go to the Strahl Region to visit my teacher since she lives there. Of course, I’ll do the same with Karasuki Kingdom. I’ll go there to visit Yuba-san, Ruri and the other villagers in the kingdom’s village. Naturally, that includes Homura-san and Shizuku-san.」
He told Gouki his future plan.
「That’s indeed a future plan… But Rio-sama, do you have any plan to settle down in some place instead of living like a nomad?」
「Let see… I think I might just visit various place later just like before for now.」
Rio gave Gouki a vague answer. Strahl Region in the west, Yagumo Region in the east, and Spirit Folks Village in the middle. And he planned to constantly move in between these three areas frequently. Thus, indirectly telling Gouki that he didn’t plan to settle down in one place. Because if he had to be honest to himself, he simply couldn’t picture himself settling down somewhere fixed.
It might be due to the influence of his journey to various places all his life. He constantly met and parted with people. So, although he might get used to a place after living there for a while, he never hesitated to pack up and leave to continue wandering elsewhere. Moreover, he might be able to easily meet any of his acquaintances this way. Thus, he chose a nomadic life for now.
It also might be because he thought he was unneeded. Or it might even be because of his guilty conscience that constantly said a killer should not get close to anyone. Or it might be simply because he was afraid of becoming closer to someone more than necessary.
At any rate, even if those reasons weren’t the complete truth, it was still part of Rio’s reasoning behind his insistence on not settling down. Furthermore, due to Rio’s introverted personality, people thought he might just really disappear forever if they lost sight of him. So, it was no wonder that people close to Rio wanted him to settle down in one place.
「Uhm……..」
It was not only Gouki who saw through Rio’s facade, but also the sharp elders and the others. All of them, who felt Rio was holding something back from them, were staring at him.
「I want to live with you, Onii-chan! I won’t tell you to not leave the village, but… at the very least, stay with me when you’re in this village! Please…!」
Latifa, who couldn’t hold back anymore, suddenly said with an expression filled with hope and trepidation. As if asking Rio to not forget her, to always remember her, and to stay with her as much as possible.
「… Thank you, Latifa.」
Hearing Latifa’s words and noticing her expression, Rio’s eyes widened before he thanked her. However, his smile was troubled when he expressed his gratitude over her heartfelt feelings.
「You say all that, but it doesn’t mean you want him to remain as your older brother forever, right?」
Dominique said teasingly to Latifa.
「Hmm…」
Hearing this, Syldra also smiled mischievously.
「Yes, well……」
Meanwhile, Rio himself only nodded after slight hesitation.
「Is there something urgent back in the kingdom that you need to hurry there?」
Ursula questioned with a worried tone.
「… There’s no particular urgency… I just want to visit Yagumo Region again.」
Hearing her question, Rio paused briefly before replying.
「Then, you should stay in this village for a while. Besides, I don’t think you should press Gouki-dono and the others for their reply so suddenly like that.」
Ursula said as she sent a considerate look at Gouki and the others.
「Nay, we’ve resolved ourselves to answer each and every expectation Rio-sama has.」
Gouki shook his head as he immediately replied, wasting Ursula’s consideration. However, his resolution could be felt from his tone. He meant it and was ready to commit to his decision.
「May I ask for the reason?」
Rio asked, looking into Gouki’s eyes as if he wanted to dig out every secret he was hiding.
「… It might be presumptuous of me to say this Rio-sama. But, the reason we pursued you is because of our devotion to the late Ayame-sama and you, the memento she and Zen left behind in this world. It was unrelated to that Lucius guy. In short, the reason we choose to follow you is because we feel it’s our raison d’etre.
So, regardless of the place you’re going to visit on this continent, whether or not you plan to settle down somewhere, we’ll follow you till the end. If you have no intention to go back to Karasuki Kingdom, then we don’t as well. Our feeling is similar to Latifa-dono’s own. It is our greatest pride to be able to stay by your side, Rio-sama.」
Gouki said in a solemn tone as he bowed to Rio. It wasn’t only him who felt that way. Kayoko, Gouki’s wife, Komomo and Sayo by her side also agreed with Gouki’s words.
「Even if you say that…」
Despite everything though, all Rio felt as he looked at them was a slight guilt. After all, if he had to be honest to himself, he wasn’t that keen in making Gouki his retainer. However, although he understood Gouki’s and everyone’s feelings on this matter, he still couldn’t reconcile himself with it.
He had even told Gouki his reluctance to take the group along with him back when they were still in Karasuki Kingdom. Many times. Yet, Gouki and the others still insisted in devoting themselves to him as his retainer.
At this moment, he was confused… He was simply confused about what he should do in regards to Gouki and co. Rio didn’t have any solution that would satisfy all sides on this matter. As such, he hesitated now.
「From what I can see, it seems Rio-dono needs some time to himself to think about this matter. Why don’t we leave this conversation to a later time?」
Ursula added when she saw Rio deep in thought.
「That’s right. Anyway, it’s not like you’re in a hurry to go back to the Yagumo Region. So, just take your time in thinking up a solution during your stay in this village.」
Dominique said, shrugging his shoulders light-heartedly as he supported Ursula’s suggestion.
「Oh my. This is supposed to be a simple exchange about each other’s situation, yet there are so many things revealed. However, there’s no need to rush, isn’t that right? After all, there are many things to consider. So, take your time to think about this matter during your stay in this village. Oh, and if it’s fine with you, Rio-dono, I also want to know more about you.」
「That’s right. You’ve never talked much about yourself after all, Rio. About your bitter past… Well, I think we should just skip that part, since I think everyone in this room wants to know more about you yourself than that. And don’t refute it as a mere curiosity of ours. Because I’m sure we really want to know more about you.」
Ursula and Dominique spoke simultaneously, giving him their opinion as someone who had more life experiences than him.
「….. I understand.」
After pondering for a while, Rio finally agreed with them.
「Yosh. Then…」
Satisfied, Dominique then threw a look at Syldra, signalling him for a follow-up.
「I know. It’s time for a banquet.」
Syldra let out a silent sigh before he smiled and invited everyone to go to the banquet, properly supporting the other elder without him having to say more. It was thanks to their long-term relationship as the village’s elders that allowed them to cultivate the ability to communicate with each other through a simple gesture.
「Hehehe, you really are an understanding person. Well, it’s time for us to celebrate since Rio has returned with Aisia. Just forget about those boring stories for a while and commemorate our reunion with a feast now. Anyway, nothing good will come out of it if you think with such a gloomy look on your face. That’s why, let’s just enjoy the banquet first and think about the problem later.」
With that, the elders decided to celebrate Rio and Aisia’s arrival with a banquet.
◇ ◇ ◇
The government building of the village was located in the giant tree. And the elders had decided to hold the banquet in the huge dining room located in the lower floor of the building.
After some time had passed, the preparation was completed. Soon, the participants started to gather in the party location one after another. Perhaps because the news that Aisia, a new human-type spirit contracted to Rio, had awakened had spread wide and far, the huge dining room became crowded in just a moment.
「Well then, I guess it’s time for the banquet to begin. Be quiet everyone. Our leading actor has arrived.」
Ursula, as the appointed host of the banquet, announced as soon as she saw the number of participants was decent enough and the atmosphere had warmed up. Then, she turned around and looked at Orphia and Sara, signalling to them. Receiving the signal, the two of them who were standing by the dining room’s door two sides opened the door and showed the stars of the banquet.
「OOOOOOH! 」
Soon, the participants saw the figures of Rio and Aisia, the stars of the banquet, entering the dining hall accompanied by Dryad. When they came in, the whole dining room was filled with the participants’ voices as if it was about to be swallowed completely.
「Oh my, today’s banquet gathered quite a lot of participants… You’re really popular, eh, Aisia?」
Dryad said, tone surprised, when she saw that they had become the center of the attention as soon as they entered the dining room.
「It’s not only us, Dryad-sama. It’s also because the villagers also have a deep sense of trust for you. After all, I doubt they will readily come to attend this banquet if it’s just to see two human-type spirit appearing together.」
Rio said with a soft and tranquil smile on his face.
「What are you talking about? Clearly everyone was hurrying to come here because they want to meet you.」
Dryad said as she shrugged her shoulder carelessly.
「You and Aisia are the stars of this banquet, that’s why… please entertain them at the very least. Ah, and the same goes to you Aisia. You’re Rio’s escort for this banquet, so you’ve to go along with Rio. Like this, see?」
She added as she seized one of Rio’s arms and hooked it to hers.
「Un.」
Aisia nodded her head in understanding and then proceeded to imitate Dryad by seizing Rio’s free arm. And the crowd broke out into an uproar when they saw Rio with two beautiful human-type spirits on both arms.
「Uhhmm……」
Rio was about to shake off the spirits, but then his body stiffened up since both spirits had firmly locked him in their embrace to prevent that from happening. Thus, it was natural for him to become the center of attention seeing that he was embraced by two revered and rare human-type spirits.
「Muu~! 」
Komomo and Latifa puffed their cheeks when they saw that sight as they stood among the participants.
――I’ll make him do the same thing with me later.
Both of them simultaneously thought about the same things.
「This banquet is held to celebrate Rio-dono’s return and to welcome Aisia-sama’s arrival. Therefore, we decided to heed the villagers’ request to omit the usual boring opening speech. And since our stars have entered the venue, everyone raise your cups.」
Once Rio and the two spirits had reached the stage that was prepared in the dining room, Ursula led everyone for a toast. After everyone raised their cups filled with liquor――、
「TOAST! 」
The banquet officially began. And as soon as the party started those who attended made a beeline towards Rio and Aisia to greet them.
And while she was normally a taciturn person, Aisia did have a wide expanse of vocabulary. Thus, both of them had lively conversations with the people who were surrounding them. Soon, the banquet became more and more lively after Dominique made merry by himself. Furthermore, since there was a never-ending stream of people coming to greet Rio and Aisia, the laughter and light atmosphere surrounding the venue never ceased.
And just like that, time passed in the blink of an eye.
「Muu, I haven’t had enough of onii-chan.」
Meanwhile, on some people’s side…
Latifa was pouting. It had been a while since Rio came to visit the village, so Latifa wanted him to spoil her to death. And she wanted him to do so as soon as possible. However, due to the banquet and the seemingly endless number of people around Rio, she was unable to get her wish.
「Well, no need to worry. After all, we can have all the time we want with him after this.」
Orphia, who was standing by her side, gently pacified the unsatisfied Latifa.
「Is that so？」
「Yeah. I mean, even Rio-san has his own situation right? The truth is, you see….」
Orphia whispered something to Latifa, making her eyes wide open in surprise before she let out the brightest smile she did today. Meanwhile, at this time, a group of twenty people were approaching Rio to greet him. It was the Karasuki Kingdom’s group which included Gouki, Kayoko, Komomo, Sayo, and the others.
「Will you allow us to give our official greeting to you, Rio-sama? These are the people who chose to come with us.」
Gouki, as the representative of the group, greeted Rio first.
「Yeah, naturally」
Rio replied with a smile. And when he looked at the people who were lined up behind Gouki ―― Several familiar faces he knew came to sight.
「Shin… -san? 」
The person, whose name was called by Rio, stiffened up. It was that guy from a certain village in Karasuki Kingdom; and he was also Sayo’s older brother. Rio had never expected that Shin would be mixed among the group who chased after him so naturally, and that was why he unconsciously called his name.
「… Yo.」
Shin’s greeting was rather stiff and he also averted his gaze from Rio. And because of that, Gouki elbowed Shin in a reprimand.
「It’s not “Yo”. My apologies for his rudeness, Rio-sama. Now greet him properly!」
「O-Ouch. Fine, fine, no need for that… Guh, H-Howdy.」
Honestly, if he was pushed to voice out his opinion regarding Shin, he would say that Shin was a blunt and crude youth with a soft point for his little sister. However, that blunt and crude Shin was currently bowing to Rio with an atrophied face, looking distinctly different from his memory. More importantly, since Shin was also in this village, it meant Gouki had told him about Rio’s royal status. Thus, for a moment, Rio couldn’t react at all.
「In the middle of our journey, he appeared. He was forcing himself to follow us for his little sister’s, Sayo, sake. So, we ended up training him along the way. And now, his current status is that of a valet.」
Gouki told Rio the gist of Shin’s participation in the journey with a solemn expression and voice.
「I see…」
In the end, after Rio heard that, the only thing he could do was to sigh and nod. He could do nothing else. After all, for Shin, who had lost his parents, Sayo was the only family left in this world. And his actions showed just how much he cherished Sayo, his little sister. So, what else could he say about that?
「Although he’s sometimes rather reckless and careless, he does have some guts. And his martial art is… uh, well, good enough I think. While here, he also mastered the basics of spirit arts. So, he should be useful.」
Gouki extolled, more less praising Shin to Rio.
「Hehehe.」
When Shin heard those words from Gouki, he smiled shyly, seemingly bashful at receiving his recognition.
「Don’t get cocky.」
Gouki elbowed Shin again, though it was far gentler compared to the previous one.
「Cough. Well, I’ll set aside some time for us to chat. And I’m including Sayo in this one. So, it’ll be just the three of us.」
Gouki said, giving a look to Shin and Sayo as well.
「…… I understand. Well, see you again tomorrow.」
Rio agreed after thinking briefly. In any case, the conversation couldn’t be had right now since Rio was the main star of the banquet. So, he couldn’t possibly leave mid-way to have a personal conversation.
Meanwhile, Sayo looked at Rio, starry-eyed, before she clumsily nodded in agreement. And though Shin looked incredibly vexed when he noticed his sister acting like that, he couldn’t do anything about it. So, he just grunted in agreement, silently expressing his displeasure.
Fortunately, he didn’t make a scene. So, with Rio and Aisia keeping their amiable attitude, they maintained the cozy atmosphere of the banquet as they were constantly greeted by everyone. Thus, the banquet proceeded to its end without any mishaps.
