“Yeah, but I don’t intend on becoming a knight anyway,” Rio replied with a wry smile.
“Really? I know they say the work is exhausting, but gaining the title of ‘knight’ will provide you with status and a stable income. It’s not a bad deal.”
“I’m not interested in those things. There’s something else I want to do after I graduate,” Rio said. He took a sip of his tea in a refined manner. Celia was impressed by how natural his movements had become.
“Oh, really?” Celia interjected with curiosity, briefly wondering whether it was appropriate to dig deeper before deciding to ask him outright. “Your graduation is less than a year away now. What do you want to do after that?”
“I’m thinking of going on a journey in the near future. There’s a place I’ve always wanted to visit.”
“Huh? You’re going to leave the kingdom?” Rio’s answer shocked Celia. She hadn’t even considered the possibility that he would leave the country.
“Well, it would be a bit difficult for me to stay in this country.”
“That... might be true, but...”
Most of those problems could be resolved by becoming a knight. Not to mention—
“...Hey, why don’t you come work in my laboratory? I’m not sure I can function without you here anymore,” Celia said as she looked around the room.
Five years had passed since Celia and Rio met.
At first, the mess of Celia’s research lab had been an unbearable sight for Rio, but after countless visits, he simply went about cleaning up the room on his own. As a result, Celia was more than well aware of how refined Rio’s life skills were. These days, Rio not only managed the state of the room, but helped out in everything from taking care of everyday necessities, to assisting with her research. He had become an irreplaceable partner to Celia.
“You’re a noble of age, Professor Celia. Shouldn’t you have a marriage proposal or two by now? You shouldn’t have a commoner of unknown origins in your research laboratory all the time.”
“I don’t have any intention of marrying for a while yet. My family has been noisy about it, but I’ve been using my research as an excuse to reject all talks of marriage,” Celia uttered wearily at the mention of marriage. Seeing her like that made Rio smile with a giggle.
“Well, the decision of when to marry is completely up to you, but...”
“Aah! You think I’ll be past my prime if I wait, don’t you?!”
“I said no such thing.”
In this world, the ideal age range for a noblewoman to marry was between their mid-teens to 20 years old. Celia was currently seventeen. While it seemed way too young to Rio with his residual Japanese perceptions, Celia had entered her ideal marriage years already.
That being said, someone of Celia’s remarkable talent and extremely high status would have no trouble finding a marriage partner well into their twenties.
“Hmph! What’s with that, anyway? All the men of this kingdom seem to think I’ll be past my prime once I’m in my twenties... Do they really like younger girls that much?” Celia muttered bitterly. The topic of marriageable age really seemed to bother her.
“Well, I personally think the ideal age for noblewoman is too early. And you’re young and cute in appearance, so I think you’re fine.”
“...Are you saying I look like a child?” With her tiny frame and short stature, Celia still looked like she was in her early teens — not much different as when Rio had first met her. Apparently, she was a little bothered by this too.
“You’re a very mature woman, Professor,” Rio said with a soft smile. Celia blushed furiously.
“Oh, you. Don’t be silly...”
Smiling at the blushing Celia, Rio picked up the empty teapot and went about preparing a new batch. He knew exactly how to make it the way Celia liked; long years of hanging out with the tea-fussy noble had made his tea preparation abilities on par with that of a butler, and he could proudly say that any noble daughter would be satisfied with his abilities.
Just as Rio was considering what type of tea to pour next, Celia spoke up.
“B-By the way, where were you thinking of going?” she asked in an attempt to cover up her embarrassment from earlier.
“My parents’ homeland — the Yagumo region.”
“...Huh? The Yagumo region? That’s... beyond the Wilderness, isn’t it?” Celia eyes widened at the name of Rio’s destination.
“Yes, that’s right.”
“I only know as much as what I’ve read in books, but that place doesn’t even have proper diplomatic relations! It’s far, there are no roads, no maps, and there are dangerous creatures... you’d be risking your life if you go.”
Celia’s words implicitly expressed her disbelief towards Rio’s intentions to go. That was how remote the Yagumo region was to the people of the Strahl region.
East of the Strahl region was a vast expanse of land known as the Wilderness — a neutral zone outside the control of humans. The Yagumo region was located just beyond. Throughout history, ambassadors and expedition teams had left Strahl for Yagumo through the Wilderness, but most of them gave up midway and returned. The number of successful instances where people reached Yagumo and returned could be counted on one hand. Any rational person wouldn’t even consider making the journey.
“Well, it’s just a plan for now. I’d have to make the proper preparations before heading out, of course. My parents were able to make it here, so the trip itself can’t be impossible,” Rio said calmly.
“You... don’t seem to be joking, but... Yagumo, huh...”
Perhaps the matter was too far in the future to consider, or the destination was too unfamiliar to her, as Celia couldn’t quite process the idea. In her heart, she naively believed that Rio would either give up once he realized how harsh the journey would be, or that he wasn’t entirely serious about it. But Celia was unaware of Rio’s motive for heading to the Yagumo region — his past.
◇◇◇
Finally, the day of the tournament arrived.
“Hey, Rio. Don’t you mess this up. If you fight pathetically in your match, it’ll reflect badly on us too. Honestly, this is such a drag.”
“I agree. Why was such a weakling selected to compete? The instructor’s orders may be absolute, but I still cannot comprehend it.”
The students that were to participate in the tournament were gathered in a waiting room, loudly expressing their disdain. The ones leading the barrage of verbal abuse towards Rio were Alphonse Rodan, the sixth year student, and Stewart Huguenot, the fifth year student. Both were sons of great lords that represented the kingdom, making them very influential figures within the Academy. Nothing could have been more irksome than having those two lead the onslaught of insults. However, Rio was already used to their shrewd tactics. He had endured more than enough insults in the years since his enrollment to easily brush off the nobles.
“I am aware the role that has been bestowed upon me is unfitting for one of my status. I will endeavor to avoid an unsightly match that would bring shame upon everyone. Please, give me your mercy.”
“Hmph. I haven’t the slightest expectations for your performance — just prepare yourself for the worst if you drag us through the mud. That’s all.”
“Of course,” Rio agreed, completely unfazed by Alphonse’s threat. Just then, the door to the waiting room opened.
“It’s time. You’re up, Rio.” The swordcraft instructor came in.
“Yes, sir.” Rio immediately rose to his feet and placed a hand over his chest, using the appropriate response etiquette.
The tournament format consisted of five matches that took place one after another; it had been decided that Rio would go first. Huge crowds of spectators and students were packed into the stands of the arena where the tournament was being held, their gazes fixed on the center of the field. It was there that Rio and his opponent faced each other to exchange a few brief words before the first match unfolded. The knight took one look at Ri
o’s face and widened his eyes in a look of surprise — which quickly turned to an expression of annoyance.
“Hmph. I knew you were enrolled into the Academy, but I never imagined you’d be the one to face me.”
“It’s good to see you again.” Despite being similarly surprised to see his opponent, Rio still greeted him in a calm voice.
“Oho, so you remember me. It’s been five years since our last encounter.”
“Yes. Thank you for taking care of me back then, Lord Charles.”
The knight’s name was Charles Arbor — the man who tortured Rio in the name of an interrogation five years ago.
“My apologies. My position at the time required me to use a harsher method of investigation.” Charles looked down at Rio with a sadistic sneer.
“It’s fine, I’ve put it behind me. If I recall, you were terribly flustered at the time — if anything, I’m the one who should express my apologies to you, Lord Charles, for not being of more use to you,” Rio said with a forced grin.
Despite his efforts, Charles had failed to redeem himself for Flora’s kidnapping case and was severely demoted in rank. He had recovered some of his status in the past five years, but it didn’t compare to when he had been in line to be the next commander of the Royal Guard. There was no reason for Charles to feel resentful toward Rio over what had happened, but it wouldn’t have been strange for Charles to unjustly pin his resentment on him, considering the circumstances at the time.
Sure enough, Charles narrowed his eyes and glared at Rio with contempt. His mood had been fouled by the scathing sarcasm behind Rio’s words.
“...Let us have a good match today, then,” Charles said in a frosty voice. He made no move to shake hands.
“Yes, let’s. I will fight you with everything I have.”
“I accept your challenge. There’s no need to feel intimidated by my rank in the Royal Guard — being daunted by our differences in experience will only lead to your demise,” Charles informed him with a cold sneer.
“Yes, that is my intention,” Rio answered in a voice so calm, it bordered on daring. Charles’ expression fell carefully blank.
“We will now begin the match. Both sides, draw your training swords.”
Prompted by the referee standing between them, Rio and Charles drew the swords hanging by their waists. Charles had a one-handed sword with a shield, while Rio simply wielded a longsword.
“A bastard sword, huh. It suits you,” Charles said with a provoking grin.
The longsword was a weapon that could be wielded as both a one-handed sword or a two-handed one — at the cost of being more difficult and tiring to use. Rio had opted for this sword because he didn’t use shields.
“The rules are exactly as they were explained to you before. Magic is forbidden — make sure to only fight with your swordcraft abilities.”
“I understand.”
“Understood.”
Once Rio and Charles had both nodded in agreement, the referee raised his right hand high into the air.
“Both sides, take your places.”
Rio and Charles backed up until there was about 30 feet of space between them, then readied their swords.
“Ready... begin!” The referee gave the signal and lowered his hand.
“Haaah!” Charles immediately took off charging towards Rio.
I guess he has no intention of sharing the glory. Fine by me. Rio’s lips curled into a cold smile as he sensed Charles’ intensity, although Rio wasn’t exactly a saint. He held the same amount of fury as anyone else would over the brutal and unjust treatment he received from Charles. Perhaps his fury would have subsided with a proper apology, but their conversation just now proved that wasn’t happening. He hadn’t had much enthusiasm for the tournament to begin with, but now that he was here, Rio decided to bring about as much humiliation for the knight as he could.
At that point, Charles had finished closing the distance between them, whereas Rio had yet to move a single step. It probably appeared as though he had been overwhelmed by Charles’ intensity, causing him to react one step too late. Perhaps Charles had thought the same, as he smiled as though his victory was assured.
He truly had no intention of holding back at all.
Charles swung with all his might in a strike aimed to mow down Rio’s torso. No matter how effective healing magic was, the force behind his attack would’ve done some serious damage if it made contact.
With a small sigh, Rio saw through the attack and took half a step back to just barely evade Charles’ sword. It slashed through empty space, exactly as he had calculated.
In the next instant, Rio spotted an opening at Charles’ right side and stepped forward to his left, jabbing out his sword.
“!”
The shock was evident on Charles’ face as he tried to use the momentum of his first swing for a follow-up attack fueled by panic. But the point of the sword in Rio’s left hand reached its destination first — Charles’ neck. The blunt blade of the training sword stopped mere millimeters away from digging into his skin.
The match had been decided in a single counterattack.
A silence fell over the arena. Everyone was completely dumbfounded by the result no one had expected.
“S-Stop there! The victor is the Academy representative, Rio!” The referee announced in a high-pitched voice.
And yet—
“W-Wait! I wasn’t ready just now! Let me do it in earnest!”
Unable to accept how easily his defeat had been decided, Charles raised a flustered objection. He was so shocked, he spoke without even considering what he would look like demanding a rematch against a young student opponent he’d lost to. While the observers could clearly see his humiliating loss, the damage would have been lessened if he had assumed the position of giving the student the glory.
“Hey, this is some kind of mistake. This isn’t right!”
“S-Sorry, a loss is a loss...” The referee seemed troubled by Charles’ deranged protests.
“You fool! A loss is a loss. An honorable Royal Knight would accept his loss without dispute.” Someone had suddenly stepped onto the field to scold Charles.
“S-Sir Alfred... No, Commander Alfred.” Charles gritted his teeth in a sour expression at the sight of the voice’s owner.
Alfred Emerle.
The man who had assumed the Commander position that should have belonged to Charles through his connections, and Charles’ superior. He was also Vanessa’s older brother.
“Your pride may have made you complacent, but for you to actually be defeated so easily is pathetic. If you can feel the eyes of the spectators right now, accept your defeat graciously and step down,” Alfred said in a cold voice.
With a gasp, Charles glanced around at his surroundings before flushing red. He calmed down a bit as the shame of the situation rushed into him all at once.
“I-It’s my loss,” Charles accepted his defeat in a squeaky voice and bowed his head.
“Thank you very much,” Rio returned the gesture.
Once their exchange was over, Charles turned on his heel and immediately rushed off the field. The matches proceeded smoothly after that, and the tournament ended without incident.
In the end, the only one that achieved a win against the knights was Rio.
The knights guided the students through the rhythm of their blade swings to ensure that their matches were good and fair, but none of them were willing to lose on purpose. While the number of wins and losses against the knights were usually even every year, Charles’ disgraceful behavior seemed to have influenced their conduct. As a result of being the only student to earn a victory against the knights, attention inescapably gathered on Rio.
◇◇◇
At Duke Arbor’s residence in the capital, Charles drank with another man in his personal quarters.
“Damn those infuriating Huguenot men. Making a fool out of me!” Charles cursed as he took a swig of his liquor, his red face making him seem int
oxicated already. He was in a bad mood after the humiliation and shame he had suffered in the tournament that day.
“Heheh. Please calm your wrath, my lord.” The man sitting across from Charles gave him a serene smile. He looked to be in his mid-thirties.
“...Mr. Reiss. My apologies for behaving in such an unsightly manner,” Charles said, a little ashamed of himself.
“I can imagine how you must be feeling. It is fairly normal to give the students the glory in matches like these... You must be frustrated to hear others say what they please.”
“T-That’s right! It’s a virtue not to be fixated on winning or losing in exhibition matches. Yet those weak-kneed nobles that know nothing of swordcraft were all swayed by the words of that Huguenot...” Charles started to speak rapidly, spurred on by Reiss’ sympathy.
“They are simply envious of your ability, Lord Charles. Let them say what they wish. Now is not the time to draw attention to yourself.” Reiss’ words appeared to have touched upon Charles’ ego, as his expression relaxed slightly.
“But now the Huguenot family has built momentum. Not even His Majesty can ignore their opinions anymore.” Charles looked at Reiss inquisitively.
“Yes, it would be unfavorable for our kingdom to have Duke Huguenot continue gathering strength like this. These last five years have proved his capabilities to be exceptional. However, he must have a weakness somewhere.”
“Five years, huh...” Charles’ expression twisted in displeasure, seemingly able to recall bad memories during that time.
“Come to think of it, Duke Huguenot came into power after the incident five years ago. Weren’t you deeply involved with that case too, Lord Charles?”
“...I suppose you could say that. Actually, the student I faced today was the one suspected for being involved in Her Highness’ kidnapping. I was the one who interrogated him back then.”
“Oho, so he’s the one...” There was an interested gleam in Reiss’ eye.
“And he was quite a stubborn brat back then too. No matter how much pain I inflicted, he refused to confess. There were some suspicious parts of his testimony that didn’t match up with the situation at the time, so I thought he’d crack with some... forceful encouragement.”
Kingdom of Lies Page 12
