[Chapter 1] Ambiguity

In the dead of night, a relentless downpour played an irregular melody upon the gardens of Rio’s mansion, nestled within the grounds of the Galarc Kingdom’s royal castle. A veil of darkness shrouded the view, and the winter air, already dipping below ten degrees Celsius, grew colder still with the chilling rain. It was no weather for anyone to be outside.

Yet, two figures huddled together against the cold: Rio, the master of the mansion, and his guest, Princess Christina of the Beltrum Kingdom. The rain stole their warmth, leaving them shivering, and Christina pressed herself tightly against him, her arms wrapped around his back.

“…”

Rio gently returned her embrace. Leaning against his chest, her delicate frame felt so fragile it seemed a slight push could topple her. It was difficult to reconcile this image with the princess who led the Restoration. Before him was not a political leader, but a teenage girl buckling under the weight of her worries. He couldn’t see her expression, but he sensed the turmoil within her—a burden she had clearly shouldered alone for far too long.

“…!”

Christina’s body stiffened for a moment at his touch before she melted against him, seeking his warmth with even greater urgency. As if a switch had been flipped, her reason gave way, and she clung to him tighter. In that moment, in that moment, they were the only two people in the world, the heat of their bodies and the feel of their skin seeping through their rain-soaked clothes.

They remained that way for a time, locked in a silent embrace—

How much time had passed, he couldn’t say, but it was long enough for their body heat to feel as one.

“…Pardon me,” Christina finally whispered, her voice reluctant as she loosened her arms.

“It’s nothing,” Rio replied, releasing his own hold.

“I’m sorry. I… it was just so cold,” she explained, her hands sliding to his chest. She gave a faint push to create some distance between them, but her excuse felt thin.

“…That’s a bit of a stretch, isn’t it?” Rio observed gently. He knew the cold was merely a pretext. “Will you tell me what’s wrong?” he pressed, uncharacteristically persistent. There was clearly something more troubling her.

“…I was thinking about the future,” she admitted, her voice hushed and hesitant. “And I became anxious.”

“About the Restoration?”

“…That… might be it.”

“Might be?” he echoed.

“…”

Christina fell silent, her head bowed. He could see the conflict in her posture, the hesitation warring with the need to confide.

“There’s something else making you anxious, isn’t there?” Rio probed, trying to reach the worries she kept hidden in her heart.

“…It involves the organization’s secrets.” With those words, she made it clear he was an outsider. The force of her will was almost palpable.

“This is troubling.” Rio sighed, scratching his cheek with a genuinely perplexed look.

“…Why are you troubled, Lord Amakawa?” Christina asked, her gaze lifting to gauge his expression.

“Because there is someone in front of me who is troubled and I want to help, but I was just told it involves organizational secrets,” he explained honestly. “I’m troubled about how deeply I should get involved.” I want to help you, he thought, but the choice to speak was hers alone.

“…Even if I am troubled, I no longer have the right to ask for your help.”

“Why is that?”

“Considering everything things the kingdom has done to you, it’s only natural,” she said, looking away in guilt.

So she’s still worried about the past after all. He had assured her countless times that he held no grudges, but it seemed the past remained a heavy weight on her heart.

Perhaps that was why he decided to feign ignorance. “Many things? I wonder what you could possibly mean?”

“Eh?”

“I’ve already forgotten,” Rio said with a gentle smile. “Things from so long ago.”

“…Th-That’s unbelievable!” Christina’s voice grew sharp, his words shaking her composure. “Weren’t you just troubled by the past again today? To say you’ve forgotten…”

In contrast, Rio remained perfectly calm. “If you are in trouble, I want to help. That’s all. If we are to discuss who has the right to do so, then it is I who should be questioned.”

“…Why? That’s…”

“I am an outsider, am I not?”

“!” Christina was left speechless, faced with the truth of her own logic turned back on her.

“As long as I do not know the troubles you carry, Christina-sama, I cannot know what I can do. I may not be of any help at all. But I can at least listen. I can even worry with you. So, if you need me, please do not hesitate to rely on me. You can tell me as much as you’re comfortable sharing with an outsider.”

“…Thank you.” Her expression was on the verge of crumbling. She lowered her gaze, as if to hide the tears he was sure were welling in her eyes.

“…Christina-sama?” he called her name softly.

“…” She remained silent, her face hidden from him.

“Are you crying?”

“…No.” When he asked again, timidly, Christina finally raised her head. She made a gesture as if to wipe her eyes, but in the rain, it was impossible to tell if they were tears.

“I’m alright,” she said, and just like that, the sorrowful girl from a moment ago was gone, replaced by a radiant smile. It was like moonlight breaking through on a rainy night—fleeting, gentle, and dazzling.

“…” This time, it was Rio who was left wide-eyed and speechless.

“I told you, didn’t I?” she continued, her voice regaining its strength. “‘Please give me courage. That is what I want to ask of you, Lord Amakawa.’ That is enough. There is nothing more I wish to ask. I have already received all the courage I need.”

The rain was still pouring, but the smile on her face seemed to grow even brighter.

“…Is that so?” Isn’t she just putting on a brave face? he wondered, trying to discern her true feelings.

“Yes,” she affirmed, and from her expression, the hesitation had indeed vanished. “I am now confident that the decisions I will make in the future are not mistaken. That they are the best they can be.”

“…Really?” Rio asked again, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

Christina hesitated for a brief moment. “If you are that anxious…” she began, then stepped forward. “One last time. Just one last time. Hold me. Let me replenish my courage.” With a soft plea, she pressed herself against him again.

“…I understand.” Rio complied, wrapping his arms around her. He still didn’t know what determination she had found, but he understood her resolve was not half-hearted. If this was all he could do for her, he would gladly do it.

A short while later, she separated from him. “Please keep what happened here a secret,” she requested, looking down with a bashful blush. “I can’t let anyone see me in such a weak state.”

“…Yes.” Rio nodded, watching her intently. It was true; the vulnerability she had shown him was a side she would never reveal to anyone else. Perhaps it was a weakness she could only show to him.

Then, was she able to dispel her worries, even if just a little? A sense of unease still lingered in his chest. However, the fragile helplessness he’d felt from her earlier had vanished. Standing before him now was a noble young lady, her composure restored.

“I’ve been in the rain long enough,” Christina said, hugging her shoulders as a shiver ran through her. “Shall we return to the mansion? Any longer and I won’t be able to stand the cold.”

“…Right.”

And with that, they returned to the warmth of the mansion.

◇ ◇ ◇

Inside the silent mansion, its residents already asleep, Rio urged Christina to take a bath. She entered the women’s changing room alone. The moment the door closed, her strength gave out.

“…”

Christina sank to the floor, her body collapsing. The calm facade she had maintained shattered, leaving her heart pounding and her face burning hot. Her legs trembled so violently she couldn’t stand.

Is this a fever? No… She placed a hand over her chest, feeling the frantic rhythm of her heart. She knew, intuitively, that this was no simple illness from the cold. The feeling wasn’t unpleasant; in fact, it was almost comfortable. What, then, was this physiological reaction?

…Because I’m embarrassed? The thought surfaced. To cling to a man of her own volition was a shameless, unladylike act for a princess. If she dared to ask herself “why” again, she felt she might find the precise words to describe this feeling.

…No. She stopped herself, intentionally putting a lid on that train of thought.

“…”

Even so, it felt like a waste to let go of the lingering warmth in her chest. She kept her hand pressed there, cherishing it. A strange sense of euphoria and omnipotence washed over her, making her feel as if she could accomplish anything. The anxiety and despair from moments ago seemed like a distant lie.

…Did he think I was strange? No, he must have. To walk out into the garden alone at night, get drenched in the rain, and cling to him not once, but twice… I even asked him to hold me! It was far too late for regrets. A blush crept up her cheeks, as innocent as any maiden’s.

But it had been worth it. She had received the courage she needed.

“This is fine. Yes, this is… This is the only hand we have left to play,” Christina muttered, as if to convince herself. Just then, the door to the changing room opened.

“!?” She flinched, turning to see who had entered. The only person who knew she was here was Rio, but the figure in the doorway was—

“…Oh my.”

“…Miharu?”

It was Ayase Miharu, another resident of the mansion. From her surprised expression, she had likely come by chance.

“May I join you?” Miharu asked with a bright smile.

“…Y-Yes.” Christina nodded, hastily getting to her feet, a bashful look still on her face.

“Thank you.” Miharu offered a simple thanks and began to undress, making no mention of Christina’s rain-soaked hair and clothes, or the fact that she’d been collapsed on the floor.

“…”

Christina glanced sideways at Miharu as she changed into her undergarments. Her well-proportioned figure, glossy black hair, and lovely face, which exuded an air of grace and good upbringing, were captivating even to another woman. This must be the kind of woman that men fall for, Christina thought.

“Excuse me for going ahead,” Miharu said, quickly finishing and entering the bathroom.

…Hmm? Christina tilted her head. An indescribable sense of unease had been nagging at her since she entered the room. Something about Miharu felt different, not quite like the girl she knew… Shaking it off, Christina followed her into the bathroom a moment later.

Miharu was already seated on a bath stool, washing herself. Christina sat on a nearby stool and did the same.

“…”

They weren’t close enough to chat comfortably; they simply hadn’t spent enough time together. An awkward silence hung between them as they bathed.

Miharu finished first and slipped into the bathtub. Christina followed shortly after, letting out a sigh of relief as she sank into the pleasantly hot water.

“This is a nice bath,” Miharu remarked suddenly.

“…It is, isn’t it,” Christina replied, glancing at her face.

I knew it… The atmosphere around her was different. Christina’s suspicion intensified. She had an idea on what was causing it, but…

“It’s just as you’re thinking,” Miharu said, her words seeming to peer directly into Christina’s heart.

“…You’re quite the elusive one, aren’t you.” Christina, though startled, suppressed her agitation and chose her words carefully.

“I have been called a god before, you know.”

I knew it. The person before her was not Ayase Miharu. It was the goddess Lina, one of the former Seven Wise Gods.

“…Why are you here?” Christina asked.

“I was in the mood to soak in a hot bath,” Lina replied breezily. “You have those times too, don’t you? Just like how one sometimes feels like being in the rain.” Her tone was laced with implication, as if she had witnessed everything in the garden earlier.

…Was I being watched? No, did she know from the beginning? Christina recalled that the goddess Lina possessed the power of precognition.

“You know, I like you,” Lina stated plainly.

“…Why is that?”

“Because you’re brilliant. Your mind works so fast you when you hear one thing you understand ten, and you have excellent intuition. You’re quick to find the right answer. It’s easy to talk to a wise person, isn’t it?”

“To be praised so by one who was called a Wise God is an honor,” Christina replied, slightly flustered by the sudden confession but maintaining her composure.

What is she planning? She must have a reason for appearing here… Even as she spoke, her mind raced.

“You don’t have to be so on guard. This is my first time entering a bath while possessing this body, so it’s true that I was looking forward to it,” Lina said nonchalantly, scooping hot water with her hands.

What an elusive person…

“But, well,” Lina began with a preface, “since we have the chance, I guess I’ll give you a little push while I’m at it.” She looked at Christina with a fearless gaze. “I, who knows the future, will declare it: you are proceeding down the right path. You can be confident.”

“You…” Just how much of the future can she see? Christina gasped.

“People want to know ‘why,’ don’t they?” Lina asked suddenly. “Why do you think that is?”

“…Because the answer is shrouded in mystery, and it piques one’s interest.”

“I really do like you.” Satisfied with the answer, Lina’s lips curved into a cheerful smile.

“Am I correct to assume that was the right answer?”

“Yes. But people are selfish creatures, aren’t they? Just because something is shrouded in mystery doesn’t mean they’re necessarily interested in the answer. If they’re not interested, they won’t even try to find out in the first place.”

“That may be so.”

“Then here’s an additional question. Do you want to know what your own future holds?”

After a moment’s pause, Christina shook her head without hesitation. “…No, I do not particularly wish to know.”

“Is that because you already know the answer?”

If she knows the answer, there is no mystery, and therefore nothing to be intrigued by.

“…I’m afraid I don’t understand what you are saying. I do not have power such as yours. I have no way of knowing the answer.”

“Even if you cannot know it, you can predict it, can’t you?”

“…” Christina’s solemn expression twisted, and she fell silent.

“There’s another reason why I like you,” Lina said, abruptly changing the subject.

“…May I ask?”

“Even if the expected answer is a hideous one, you can push forward into the future without rotting away. Because you possess extraordinary will and resolve.”

“…I see.” For some reason, Christina’s lips tightened into a bitter line.

“Excuse me for going ahead.” As if there was nothing more to say, Lina stood and got out of the bathtub. She was about to leave, but—

“Please wait.”

“What is it?” Lina paused in the washing area, stopped by Christina’s voice.

“Even if the answer is shrouded in mystery and piques one’s interest,” Christina stated, returning to the previous topic, “I believe there are times when one chooses not to know the answer. Because people are creatures who hold complex emotions.”

“That’s right.” Lina’s mouth curved into a smirk, and with that, she left the bathroom.

◇ ◇ ◇

Earlier this evening, when Christina started her bath…

…‘I’m alright.’ That’s what she said. Rio soaked in the men’s bath, staring up at the ceiling as he replayed the recent events in his mind. But…

It was a fact that she was shouldering a worry she couldn’t confide in anyone. He was the only one who had seen her in that vulnerable state.

…I can’t pretend I didn’t see it. No matter how much she insisted she was fine, he couldn’t simply take her word for it. The problem was, he knew nothing about what troubled her. Even if she had found her resolve, the root of the worry surely remained.

But she won’t easily confide in me, will she? If it were a simple problem, she wouldn’t have been so distraught in the first place.

…Is there nothing I can do? He tilted his head, pondering.

—Other than Sora, I think it would be best to make Christina Beltrum your first vassal.

Lina’s advice echoed in his mind.

“!”

Rio grimaced. Lina probably foresaw this situation. And on top of that, she told me to choose Christina-sama as a vassal. But why? Christina was a princess, destined to lead her people. Becoming his vassal would remove her from the human world. It made no sense.

Besides, Christina herself would surely reject such a thing. To force it upon her would be nothing short of coercion. I don’t understand. No, it’s impossible. Does she mean I should make her my vassal by force? The thought filled him with a strong sense of rejection.

…No, in the first place, I have no intention of increasing my number of vassals. It’s not about her being Christina-sama. That conclusion wouldn’t change no matter who it was. To become his vassal was to risk losing one’s humanity, to be burdened with an eternal life separate from the human world, just like Sora.

Wouldn’t that be an incredible ordeal? That’s why— …I can’t involve anyone. For Rio, making someone a vassal was synonymous with twisting their destiny.

But, Lina must have advised me with full knowledge of that. There must be a reason I have to take on more vassals, even if it goes against my feelings. A small part of him understood that.

‘You’ll regret not taking on more vassals.’ That’s what she said… He knew the woman once called a Wise God had reincarnated out of concern for the distant future. That was why her word, “regret,” carried such an ominous weight. Is it really okay to come to a conclusion based on emotions alone?

So, despite the strong rejection swirling in his chest, Rio forced himself to consider her advice objectively. But no matter how he thought about it, no answer came.

…It’s no use. I need to calm down. He scooped up hot water and splashed it on his face. Should he follow her advice? And why had she named Christina specifically?

…It’s probably natural that I can’t find an answer. I don’t know the future, after all. And yet, this vague hint of what was to come was leading him astray. The moment I was made to think about this, I fell right into Lina’s plan. A bitter, weary smile touched his lips as he pictured her smirking face.

The future is unknown. But I still have no choice but to move forward. That was the only certainty.

Let’s disregard Lina’s advice for now, and think about what I can do myself. Even if Lina hadn’t advised him, he wouldn’t have changed his response to Christina tonight. If he let himself be swayed and did something drastic, it could alter the future in unforeseen ways. Perhaps that was what Lina wanted, but he couldn’t know.

I’ll increase the time I spend with Christina-sama, make it a little easier for her to confide in me. I’ll watch over her and be ready to respond to whatever happens. He would simply do what he could, here and now. With that decided, Rio got out of the bath.

◇ ◇ ◇

The next morning, after breakfast, it was time for Christina, Flora, Hiroaki, Roanna, Kouta, and Rei to depart.

“Well then, thank you for everything,” Christina said on behalf of the group, addressing Rio and the others who had gathered at the entrance to see them off.

“Likewise, we had a wonderful time,” Rio replied.

“Please feel free to visit again!” Latifa added cheerfully from his side.

“So, please don’t hesitate,” Rio said with a small laugh, feeling as though Latifa had spoken his own thoughts.

“I was just talking with Flora-oneechan about when we could have our next sleepover,” Latifa announced.

“Yes, we decided that we wouldn’t know without asking my elder sister…” Flora chimed in, the two of them already plotting their next get-together with perfect coordination.

“It seems you’ve become quite good friends…” Christina smiled, though she looked slightly troubled. She was happy her sister was making friends, but she couldn’t simply agree on the spot.

“I am deeply sorry. I hope she has not been rude…” Rio began, looking a bit awkward. He trusted Latifa, but the difference in their status was apparent.

“Not at all! Latifa-chan is my friend,” Flora declared forcefully.

“Yes!” Latifa beamed.

(Following the revelation of Rio’s identity, it had been formally decided that Latifa would be called by her real name. Rio, however, would continue to go by Haruto Amakawa—his established public persona as an honorary knight.)

“It was a similar situation last time,” Christina said apologetically. “At this rate, it seems we’ll be making our next promise every time we stay…”

“In that case, I think it would be wonderful if you could stay for a long time!” Latifa proposed with a cheerful hand-raise. “I want to talk a lot with Christina-sama too!” Flora’s eyes sparkled as she nodded in agreement.

“We get to eat good food if we come to Haruto’s mansion,” Hiroaki interjected teasingly. “We’d be grateful to hang out here too.”

“That’s right,” Rei agreed.

Kouta just gave a wry smile. “It’s not a high school club room to hang out in.”

“…” Christina was happy to see her sister’s circle of friends expanding, but she hesitated at the thought of them imposing so frequently as a large group.

“Then, please consider a long-term stay for next time,” Rio suggested, taking the lead.

“…Is that alright?”

“Of course. You do not need courage to come to this mansion.”

He chose the word “courage” instead of “hesitation.” It wasn’t an odd choice, but it sounded a little grand.

“Courage? We don’t need that,” Hiroaki pointed out with a laugh.

On the other hand—

“!” Christina gasped, as if struck. She remembered her own words from the previous night. —Please give me courage. That is what I want to ask of you, Lord Amakawa. She immediately understood that he had chosen the word intentionally.

“…” She couldn’t meet his gaze and looked away.

“Onee-sama, is your face red?” Flora asked, peering at her sister curiously.

“Wh-What are you saying? Of course not,” Christina replied, clearing her throat to regain her composure.

“Is that so? But you seem somehow happy…”

“Don’t say strange things. I am as I always am,” she insisted, flustered by her sister’s continued scrutiny.

It’s true, she seems to be in a rather good mood… Roanna, her childhood friend, watched with a look of wonder.

“Onii-chan, did you do something to Christina-sama?” Latifa turned a suspicious gaze on Rio.

“I didn’t do anything,” he said, scratching his cheek awkwardly. “Did I say something strange? I just wanted to tell you to come without hesitation, whether you have a reason or not…”

“Hmm,” Latifa hummed, probing him.

Rio could only offer a wry, uncomfortable smile. Perhaps finding it amusing that the undefeated hero was on the back foot against his little sister, Christina came to his defense.

“Fufu, it’s nothing at all. Flora was just saying something strange,” she giggled.

“Is that so?”

“Yes, so please don’t trouble Lord Amakawa too much.” The smile she gave was radiant, full of a gentle affection. Her elegant gesture of placing a hand to her mouth was as beautiful as a painting.

“…”

Everyone present held their breath.

“Is something wrong?” she asked, tilting her head.

“Christina-sama, you’re an incredible beauty, aren’t you,” Satsuki said with deep feeling, and the other girls nodded in strong agreement.

“P-Please don’t say such strange things.”

“Onee-sama is also cute, you know,” Flora praised proudly as Christina blushed and looked down.

“She’s your pride and joy, isn’t she, Flora-oneechan? It’s the same as how Onii-chan is to me.”

“Yes, so next time you visit, please become much, much better friends with Onee-sama too.”

“Of course! Then, you’ll have to become good friends with my onii-chan too. I’m looking forward to it!”

The two younger sisters had completely hit it off, sealing the deal for the next sleepover.

“…Honestly.” Christina pouted her lips shyly. In that innocent expression, there was no trace of the girl who had been on the verge of tears the night before.

It’s as if last night never happened.

But… is she just acting as usual because she’s in front of people? Is she still crying in her heart? He couldn’t shake the thought.

“…” His expression hardened for a moment.

“Onii-chan?” Latifa looked up at his face.

“Hm?”

“You’re silent with a serious face. What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. I was just thinking it might be nice to have some kind of entertainment next time,” he said with a gentle smile, adding, “to deepen their friendship further.”

“Entertainment? Sounds great!”

“Shall we think about what would be good together later?”

“Yeah!”

Just as Latifa nodded cheerfully, Rio turned his gaze back to Christina, his expression softening as if looking at his own precious sister. “We can’t keep you here forever. When your next plans are decided, please do contact us. Even tonight would be fine.”

“…Understood,” Christina replied, her earlier hesitation gone. “Then, I believe I will take you up on your kind offer. I have a meeting scheduled for tonight, but I will contact you in the coming days.”

With that, the Restoration party departed from the mansion.

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