[Chapter 4] An Apology

A few days later, around noon, visitors arrived at Rio’s mansion.

Christina, Flora, Roanna, Elise, and Dorothea. With the exception of Flora, who was a year younger, they had all been Rio’s classmates during his time at the Royal Academy. Accompanying them as guards were Alfred and Vanessa.

“Thank you for inviting us today,” Christina said, speaking for the group as they stood at the mansion’s entrance.

“We are truly grateful, Haruto-sama,” Flora added with a cheerful smile.

Rio and Celia stood side-by-side to welcome them. “No, thank you all for coming,” Rio replied warmly.

“Welcome, everyone,” Celia added with a smile.

“We look forward to our time with you,” Roanna said, bowing her head deeply. Elise and Dorothea followed suit, their own bows revealing a hint of nervousness.

“Please, come this way,” Rio said, his demeanor gentle as he gestured them forward. “The weather is lovely, so I thought we could sit in the gazebo in the backyard.”

He led the group through the mansion and into the garden.

◇ ◇ ◇

Roanna Fontine was here for one primary reason: to apologize to Rio for her past mistakes during their academy days.

Normally, the entire household would be present to greet visitors, but today, the others were nowhere to be seen. They had likely been considerate enough to grant them privacy, given the delicate nature of their visit.

“Please, have a seat,” Rio offered as they reached a gazebo nestled in a corner of the backyard.

As the group settled into their chairs, however, Rio remained standing.

“I’ll prepare some freshly brewed tea and sweets. Please wait just a moment,” he said, preparing to leave. He turned to Celia. “I’ll leave them in your care.”

“Of course,” she replied, her tone familiar and warm. “Leave it to me.”

The exchange was brief, but it hinted at an intimacy that went far beyond that of a mere teacher and student. As Rio departed, Roanna watched him go.

(…They really are quite close, aren’t they?)

She had known for some time that the two shared a bond, but seeing it now, with full knowledge of Rio’s past, cast it in a new, refreshingly different light. During their academy days, Rio had always been a solitary figure in public, never showing a hint of closeness to anyone. But that was only what they had seen. Away from prying eyes, the two of them must have spent countless hours together, building the deep relationship they now shared.

“…”

Dorothea, too, watched the exchange with keen interest. Elise, on the other hand, was visibly tense, no doubt burdened by the guilt of her false testimony against him during the field exercises.

Sensing her distress, Celia offered a gentle smile. “It’s all right, Elise-san. You don’t have to be so tense.”

“Ah, yes. It’s just…”

“He asked me to help you relax,” Celia explained, her gaze drifting lovingly toward Rio’s retreating back. The others followed her line of sight. “He thought there might be things that are difficult to say with him here. He said that if that was the case, I should listen, as your teacher.”

So that’s why he’s serving us himself…

Roanna thought, impressed by his impeccable consideration. It wasn’t unheard of for a noble host to serve his guests personally at the table, but she had never seen one go to the kitchen himself. Typically, a servant would bring the refreshments to be served.

“I feel quite terrible, putting you through all this trouble,” Christina admitted, her expression apologetic.

“Not at all,” Celia insisted, waving her hands dismissively. “He isn’t going out of his way… In fact, I think he simply wants all of you to enjoy your visit.”

“Even so, we came here today to apologize…” Christina hesitated, a reasonable doubt crossing her features. Was it truly appropriate to enjoy themselves under these circumstances?

“In that case, please, enjoy yourselves all the more,” Celia said warmly. “That boy doesn’t hold a shred of resentment toward any of you. He even told me to think of today as a class reunion and to have fun.”

“A class reunion…?” Christina repeated, taken aback.

In contrast, Flora’s eyes sparkled with delight. “Oh, my.” What a wonderful sentiment, her expression seemed to say.

“Flora,” Christina chided gently, a subtle cough reminding her sister not to be too carefree.

“M-My apologies.” Flora hastily bowed her head.

Celia let out a charming little laugh. “Fufu, I would be happy if you all enjoyed this as a reunion as well. If that is his wish, then I want to respect it.”

“…I understand that Amakawa-kyou doesn’t want an apology,” Christina said, her tone serious as her gaze swept over Roanna, Elise, and Dorothea. “So, what is the point in us offering one? I told them beforehand that if they only wanted to apologize to ease their own conscience, they should forget it. That isn’t an apology; it’s just self-satisfaction.”

Celia’s gaze also moved between the three girls. “And yet, you all still wish to apologize to him—to Rio?” she asked, deliberately using the name he had gone by at the Royal Academy.

“Roanna, you answer,” Christina prompted. “You were the one who wished so strongly for this meeting.”

“Yes,” Roanna replied, her voice resolute and clear. “Because we have taken our mistakes to heart and do not wish to repeat them ever again. If we don’t do this, we feel we can no longer face him, or any of the residents of this mansion…”

“…I see,” Celia said, her eyes widening slightly as she looked straight at Roanna. “So you want to apologize properly, for that reason?”

“Yes. Of our former classmates, we are the only ones in Restoration, but this is our collective will,” Roanna affirmed with a firm nod. Elise and Dorothea nodded deeply in agreement.

“Is that so?” Celia hummed thoughtfully, tilting her head as she met the strong gazes of her former students. “I believe Rio’s wish is for you all not to feel indebted… this is quite a predicament. As a teacher, I cannot show favoritism, so I must respect your opinions as well.” After a moment of thought, she offered a solution. “I understand. In that case, let’s treat the apology as an apology, and the reunion as a reunion. Let’s switch gears and handle both properly. We cannot move forward if we only look back.”

“Right?” A soft, embracing smile graced her lips.

“Celia-sensei…”

Flora, Roanna, Elise, and Dorothea’s eyes welled with tears. Christina watched over them, her expression radiant.

“Your answer?” Celia prompted, her tone playful now.

“…Yes!” they replied, their voices united in a single, heartfelt nod.

◇ ◇ ◇

A few minutes later, Rio returned to the gazebo. As he began to pour the tea, he found himself the sole focus of every girl’s gaze. The silence was a bit awkward, but a glance at Celia’s bright smile assured him that everything was fine. More importantly, he couldn’t afford to serve bad tea to royalty, so he focused on the task at hand.

(…How splendid.)

Roanna watched him, captivated. His bearing was magnificent, every movement graceful and elegant, clearly showing he was accustomed to this ritual. Even his attire was impeccable, its somewhat feminine aesthetic perhaps an influence of the girls he lived with. Paired with his handsome, androgynous features, he was so picturesque it was almost unfair.

“Wow…” Flora whispered, clapping her hands softly as she watched him.

Elise and Dorothea’s gazes were also fixed on his profile, their cheeks faintly flushed.

(…Flora-sama aside, surely Elise and Dorothea haven’t forgotten they’re about to apologize?)

Roanna thought, nearly shooting them a reproachful glare. She quickly calmed herself, remembering her promise to Celia to enjoy the reunion for what it was.

“Here you are,” Rio said, finishing his task and serving each of them a cup. The fresh, sweet aroma was blissful.

“Thank you very much,” they said in unison, their lips curling into delighted smiles.

“It’s a flavored tea, the cake has also been well-chilled, so please enjoy it before it gets warm.”

Following his suggestion, they turned their attention to the refreshments. As expected of young royalty and nobility, they handled their teacups with practiced, beautiful movements.

(How magnificent…)

Roanna thought, closing her eyes as she took a sip. The tea was soft and easy to drink, with very little bitterness. Its relaxing effect was so profound that she had to remind herself she was a guest in someone else’s home. It was a perfect cup, something that was impossible to achieve unless every detail—from the quality of the tea set to the temperature of the water, the amount of leaves, and the steeping time—was just right.

“As always, your skill is truly remarkable,” Christina sighed in admiration.

“I love this aroma,” Flora said, her face lit with delight. “I don’t believe I’m familiar with these tea leaves…”

“I do not know them either,” Dorothea admitted.

“Nor do I,” Elise added.

“I can tell it is a berry-type, but…” Roanna mused.

“It’s a new product from the Ricca Trading Company,” Rio revealed. “I received them from Liselotte-san.”

The name alone was a mark of quality. Tea from the Ricca Trading Company was a masterpiece that had rapidly become popular in recent years, not just for its brand power, but for its undeniably excellent products. Noble wives and daughters all vied for them, making the most popular blends a rare commodity, sometimes impossible to purchase at all.

“Oh my.” Elise’s eyes widened.

“Aren’t those quite precious?” Dorothea asked.

“The tea leaves are wonderful, but your skill, Amakawa-kyou, is what makes this truly splendid,” Roanna praised after another sip.

“Thank you,” Rio said, scratching his cheek with a touch of embarrassment.

“Rio baked the cake, too,” Celia added with a proud smile, as if to guarantee its deliciousness.

“Oh, you made the cake as well, Amakawa-kyou?”

“Is it a cheesecake?”

“It has such a beautiful golden-brown color.”

All eyes turned to the cake. It was an orthodox baked cheesecake, the epitome of “simple is best,” with no crust or toppings.

“Yes. I hope it’s to your liking,” Rio said.

“Well then…”

They each took a bite. In that instant—

“H…!”

“Mmm!”

Christina and the others’ eyes flew open in astonishment.

Contrary to its perfectly baked surface, the inside was rare. A thick, rich, creamy cheese melted on their tongues. The texture alone was a delightful surprise, but the taste was simply divine. The gentle sweetness of sugar and the rich flavor of vanilla perfectly enhanced the tartness of the cheese, the star of the show.

“Fwaah…”

“Delicious…”

“I-It’s wonderful.”

Astonished, Elise, Dorothea, and Roanna immediately took a second bite.

“Fufu.” Celia, who had yet to touch her own slice, watched their reactions with a proud, knowing smile.

“You served us cheesecake before, but this is a different one, isn’t it?” Flora praised. “This one is also incredibly delicious. I love it.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you like it,” Rio replied, letting out a small breath of relief.

“I was so surprised that the inside is so soft and creamy even though the surface is well-baked,” Christina remarked, full of praise. “The balance between the rich flavor and the light texture is exquisite… The vanilla and the degree of sweetness are also superb.”

“I use a mix of cream cheese and fresh cheese,” Rio explained. “As you guessed, the surface is baked, but the inside stays creamy by finishing it with residual heat. After that, I let it set in the refrigerator overnight.” He had learned the recipe from a part-time job his other self, Haruto Amakawa, once had. The original was particular about its ingredients, and it had taken him a long time to find substitutes in this world that could replicate the taste. Only recently had he finally created a version he was satisfied with.

“Back when you all were at the academy, Rio would often make tea for me like this,” Celia reminisced with a happy smile. “He even made me sweets sometimes. He’s always been very good at it.”

“Is that so?” Everyone’s eyes widened with interest, their attention now fully on Rio.

“She would help me with my studies in her research lab, and I would help her out in return,” he explained simply.

“So that’s how you two became so close,” Flora murmured with a hint of envy, her gaze distant. A brief, thoughtful silence fell over the group.

Seizing the moment, Christina straightened her posture. “…Thank you so much for today. We came to apologize, yet you’ve treated us with such hospitality.”

The atmosphere shifted. Rio looked troubled. “Not at all. As I said the other day, I don’t know of any reason why you should apologize to me. It’s only natural that I welcome you as guests.” He took a sip of tea, appearing a little awkward as he insisted there was no need for apologies.

Then, Celia spoke up. “Hey, Haruto… no, Rio.”

“Yes?”

“Why do you think that is?”

“Eh?”

“Why do you think they want to apologize to you?”

“…Why, indeed?” Rio tilted his head, genuinely pondering the question.

“I suppose it’s hard to respond when you don’t understand their reasons,” Celia said gently, as if reasoning with him. “But it seems they have a proper reason for wanting to do this. Won’t you hear them out?”

Perhaps because it was a request from his precious mentor, Rio’s expression softened. He took her words to heart and gave a sincere nod, a relaxed smile on his face.

Christina, seeing that Celia had smoothly set the stage, gave her a grateful nod. “They wish to apologize, Amakawa-kyou, because they feel that if they don’t, they can no longer face you or the others in this mansion. Roanna appealed to me, saying they would lose the right to stand before you in the future.” Her gaze shifted between Roanna, Elise, and Dorothea as she spoke.

“…I see.”

“That is something I myself have long struggled with regarding my relationship with you,” Christina continued, her eyes fixed on Rio. “Which is why I accepted their plea. So now that the truth of your past has been revealed, I ask you once more: please, accept our apology.”

Finally, after a long moment, Rio gave a deep nod. “…I understand.”

“Thank you,” Christina breathed, relieved. At her words, Flora, Roanna, Elise, and Dorothea all bowed their heads in unison.

“However,” Rio said, his tone gentle but firm, “if that is the case, shall we not make this the last time?”

“Eh?”

“Let’s agree that after I accept your apologies today, we will never bring up this dark past again. From now on, we will only work to deepen our friendship. Will we not?” he asked with a kind smile.

“Amakawa-kyou…”

“If you can promise me that, then I will accept any number of apologies. What do you say?”

“…Yes.” Christina’s voice trembled as she nodded. She then stood, her expression solemn. “I am truly sorry. As the first princess of the Beltrum Kingdom, I apologize for the unjust treatment you received at the academy, which led to your isolation.” She declared and bowed her head deeply, an act synonymous with a national apology.

“We are truly sorry, Haruto-sama… no, Rio-sama,” Flora said, also standing to offer a solemn bow.

“I, too, am truly sorry,” Roanna followed, rising from her seat. “Not only did I stand by and watch, but I believe I made many disrespectful remarks and actions toward you.”

Dorothea stood as well, adding her own apology. “I am truly sorry.”

Finally, Elise rose, her face terribly pale. “I am also truly, truly sorry! I gave false testimony during the field exercises and condemned you…!” Her head trembled as she bowed, her nervousness palpable.

“Yes,” Rio said, standing as well. “I accept your apologies. So please, everyone, raise your heads and take a seat.” He tried to keep his tone light, but they remained bowed.

And so, he confessed with a troubled look, “…To be honest, I’m also glad that I was isolated at the academy, you know?”

“Eh…?” Bewildered, they all raised their faces. Celia, too, tilted her head, a blank look on her face.

“If I hadn’t been so isolated,” Rio explained with a hint of embarrassment, “I might not have been able to become this close to Celia. I wouldn’t trade that for anything. So, thanks to her, I don’t really think of myself as having been isolated at all.”

“…Wh-What!?” It took Celia, even with her brilliant mind, a long moment to process his words. When their meaning finally sank in, her mouth fell open in shock.

“Oh, my…!” Flora, Dorothea, and even Roanna flushed, as if they had just witnessed a scene from a romance novel.

“R-Rio!? Don’t say such things, even as a joke!” Celia cried, her face turning as red as a young girl’s.

“It might have sounded like a joke,” he replied with a shy smile, not correcting himself, “but it’s what I truly believe.”

“My, my…!” The atmosphere among the other girls had turned completely rose-colored.

“Wh…! Y-You…!” Utterly conscious of her students’ gazes, Celia looked down, her face beet-red. Witnessing this rare sight, Christina began to giggle.

Seeing that the tension had finally broken, Rio proposed, “With that said, shall we resume our reunion? It’s only just begun, and Celia was looking forward to today as well. The tea will get cold. Please, go ahead.”

“Y-You’re right,” Celia stammered, seizing the chance to hide her embarrassment. “It’s a special reunion, after all. We just promised to enjoy it. This might be a good opportunity to talk about things we couldn’t in the past. Are there things you want to ask?” She took the lead, and after confirming everyone had sat down, she turned to Elise. “Is there anything, Elise-san?”

Elise, whose earlier tension had vanished, looked surprised. “Eh? Ah, yes. Well, then… Amakawa-kyou, why is your hair color different from before?”

“I was using a magical tool to change it,” Rio answered. “Though, for certain reasons, this is my natural hair color now. Shall I show you?” He touched a pendant-shaped tool on his chest, and in an instant, his pure white hair began to transform, turning a deep, jet black. The change was drastic, vividly bringing back memories of the boy they once knew.

“Hh…” The girls stared, wide-eyed, now seeing the grown-up version of their former classmate.

“R-Rio-sama…! It’s Rio-sama!” Flora’s eyes shone with delight.

“I don’t keep it black anymore, so this is a bit embarrassing,” he said.

“I’m surprised,” Roanna managed, taken aback.

“Onee-sama, it’s Rio-sama! It’s Rio-sama!” Flora repeated excitedly to Christina.

“Y-Yes. I know,” Christina replied, though she seemed quite bewildered.

Noticing her reaction, Flora peered at her sister’s face. “What’s the matter?”

“…It’s nothing. It’s just, he feels like a different person. Or perhaps… it just reminds me more strongly of how he used to be.” The Christina of today had only ever known him as Haruto Amakawa with silver hair. Seeing him now, with black hair, brought the boy from her past to the forefront of her mind.

“Could it be that you’re flustered?” Flora teased.

“Th-That’s not it!” Christina denied in a panic.

“I’ve shown you my black hair once before, haven’t I?” Rio said with a wry smile, referring to the time he’d revealed his identity to them after his fight with Lucius.

“Yes, but… some time has passed since then,” Christina stammered, unable to look directly at him.

“Are you sure you’re not flustered?” Flora pressed, peering into her sister’s face.

“I told you, I’m not,” Christina insisted, her cheeks faintly flushed.

“But, with all due respect, Christina-sama, I can sympathize with how you feel,” Roanna chimed in, also feeling strangely awkward. “With his hair back to how it was, it makes one… strongly aware of him.”

“Onee-sama and Roanna keep saying ‘him,’ but Rio-sama is right here in front of you,” Flora pointed out with an exasperated sigh. But she understood. They were using the pronoun deliberately. Though he was the same person, it felt as though the young, distant boy from their past had suddenly appeared before them, and the reality of being face-to-face with him was finally sinking in.

“So you’re embarrassed?” Flora asked happily.

Christina finally gave in, turning away with her cheeks still pink. “Fine, have it your way.” Flora and Celia smiled, pleased by her rare reaction.

“Shall I change it back?” Rio offered, reaching for the pendant.

“Eh? But it’s such a rare sight. That would be a waste,” Flora said sadly.

“I think black hair is lovely, too.”

“Yes, it suits you,” Dorothea and Elise agreed, staring intently at his face.

“I don’t mind, but…”

As Rio hesitated, Celia smiled. “Since it’s a special occasion, why don’t you stay that way? As Rio, not Haruto, for this reunion.”

“…Yes,” he agreed with an abashed smile.

“Then, shall Dorothea-san be next?” Celia said, expertly guiding the conversation like the teacher she was.

“Eh? Ah, well, a very basic question, but…” Dorothea began timidly.

“Yes? What is it?” Rio asked, tilting his head.

“Do you… remember me from our academy days?” Of all of them, Dorothea knew she’d had the least interaction with him and likely left the faintest impression.

“Of course,” Rio smiled warmly. “I recognized you immediately when we spoke at the ball in Galarc. As soon as I heard your name, I knew it was you, Dorothea-san.”

“Oh, my. You recognized me back then?” she said, smiling shyly, unable to meet his gaze. “How embarrassing. To think I had no idea…”

(…Don’t tell me she’s fallen for him,)

Roanna thought with a flicker of alarm. For the current Dorothea, Rio was far out of her reach; their social standings had completely reversed. If she acted rashly and offended him, it would be humiliating to watch.

(I’m not telling her not to fall for him, but…)

This was neither the time nor the place.

Still, Dorothea wasn’t causing any real trouble yet.

(Just don’t do anything foolish,)

Roanna prayed silently, gracefully bringing her teacup to her lips. In her focus on Dorothea, however, she had completely forgotten about Elise, who had been standing right beside them at that same ball.

“…” Elise stared at Rio with an intense gaze that screamed, “I was there too.”

Rio noticed and smiled. “I greeted you at that time as well, Elise-san.”

“Yes! You remembered me too!” she cried, clasping her hands together in ecstasy.

(Ah, you too!?)

Roanna nearly lost her composure. The teacup in her hand, which she was about to set down, shook—

“H…!”

A soft clink rang out as the cup hit the saucer, spilling a little tea.

“R-Roanna?” Flora, sitting beside her, was the first to notice.

“M-My apologies! How could I…!” Roanna stammered, flustered.

Rio immediately stood and approached her side. He knelt before her. “Are you burned? Is there any heat or pain?”

“I-I’m fine. I only spilled a little into the saucer…” she insisted, mortified.

“If you would be so kind as to lend me your hand?” he asked respectfully, offering his own.

“Oh my…!” Flora, Elise, and Dorothea gasped in admiration. It was rare enough to see such a thing, but few nobles could act with such natural gentlemanly grace. Most would simply order a servant to handle it.

“…Eh?” Roanna stared at his outstretched hand, momentarily stunned. A moment later, she understood and gently placed her hand in his.

“Pardon me,” he said, his touch as delicate as if he were handling fragile porcelain. “I shall check if your attire is soiled.” He began to inspect her glove for stains.

Roanna silently looked down at the top of his black-haired head as he knelt before her.

“It seems some tea did get on it,” he said, looking up to meet her eyes. “May I remove your glove?”

“Y-Yes…” Roanna’s voice hitched as their gazes met at such close range.

“Well then…” He lowered his eyes again and began to gently remove the glove, his touch exceedingly polite and careful.

(Wh-What is this…?)

Roanna could feel her face growing hot, her heart pounding in her chest. The only men she was ever around were Hiroaki and the other heroes, and none of them had ever treated her with such courtesy. She had no immunity to this kind of gentlemanly behavior.

“It doesn’t seem you are burned, but is there any pain?” Rio asked, looking up intently into her eyes.

“N-No… there is not.”

(His face is too perfect, isn’t it!? His eyelashes are so long. What is this!? Why is my face so hot!? Am I some maiden in love!?)

When he showed a smile of relief, she felt her face grow even hotter. “I’m glad.”

“Hh…!”

(Is he a natural-born flirt!? That face is a fiendishly effective weapon!)

Gentlemanly conduct paired with overwhelmingly handsome features—he was like a predator at the top of the food chain.

(Dangerous! This is dangerous…!)

A hero of the age—equipped with power, status, and looks—had mastered the art of capturing a maiden’s heart, and he did it all without a hint of calculation. It was simple, genuine kindness.

(That just makes it worse!)

The intoxicating feeling of being doted on by a man of such overwhelming power… It was no wonder so many women misunderstood his intentions. It was unreasonable to expect them not to. She had nearly misunderstood herself.

(N-No, I have Hiroaki-sama…!)

That’s right. Hiroaki had trusted her to come here today. She could not betray that trust. Roanna pictured his face, trying to banish the distracting thoughts.

“I’ll go wash the glove right away so it doesn’t stain,” Rio said, taking the glove and preparing to leave.

“…Eh? Ah, no, you don’t have to…” Roanna called out, snapping back to her senses.

But he was already speaking to Celia as he left. “Celia, just in case, would you mind healing Roanna-san?”

“Of course, leave it to me,” Celia chuckled, amused. Flora giggled along with her.

“Well then, please excuse me,” Rio said with a slight bow before leaving the gazebo.

“…”

Elise and Dorothea were now staring at Roanna with reproachful glares that clearly said, “It’s not fair that it was just you.”

“What are you doing…” Christina added, looking at her with exasperation.

“M-My deepest apologies,” Roanna whispered, her face beet red.

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