[Chapter 5] The Future

One week later.

Within a state guesthouse in the Galarc Kingdom’s castle, Christina and the other leaders of Restoration were gathered around a massive conference table. Among them were Baron Dandy, the father of Saiki Rei’s fiancée, Rosa, and Baron Belmont, the father of Murakumo Kouta’s lover, Mikaela. Baronet Huguenot was also present, though the number of military officials was noticeably small, as many key officers had been captured during the fall of Rodania. And there was one other—

“Today, Celia-sensei will also be joining us,” Christina announced, glancing at Celia, who waited dutifully at her side.

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Celia said with a small, graceful bow. After the participants returned her nod, Christina moved the meeting forward.

“Let’s get right to it. A letter has arrived from the government in the royal capital.” She placed a single letter on the table for all to see. “It seems they wish to hold a discussion before we conduct the coronation ceremony.”

“…What exactly do they wish to discuss?” asked Count Albert, Dorothea’s father, raising his hand. With Huguenot’s demotion from duke to baronet, Count Albert was now the highest-ranking civil official in the Restoration.

“A demand for the return of the regalia and the cancellation of the coronation ceremony,” Christina explained. “They have agreed to meet at a location of our choosing. Please, feel free to speak your minds. I would like to hear your opinions.”

“The return of the regalia is one thing, but the cancellation of the coronation ceremony?” One noble mused aloud. “Even if the ceremony were held, they could overturn the legitimacy of the coronation through a vote. It seems unnecessary to make it a point of discussion…”

“Perhaps they wish to avoid that vote entirely? The procedure is quite extensive, and who knows how much time and money it would require.”

“There is also the matter of legal interpretation. The requirements are already strict, and it’s a clause that has never been applied in our history. They would want to avoid any situation where the procedure is later criticized for having flaws, rendering the vote invalid.”

“Could it be they also wish to save face with neighboring countries? An unprecedented situation where nobles overturn a coronation and deny the legitimacy of a new king. It would be difficult to present that as a just cause to foreign nations.”

“And let’s not forget the provision allowing royalty who have married into other countries, and their blood relatives, to request a re-election. They may not want to give them an opening.”

The participants actively exchanged their opinions, the room buzzing with speculation.

“However, their main goal is likely the return of the regalia,” another noble posited, shifting the focus. “They have the votes required to overturn the coronation. As long as we cannot break through that stronghold, the legitimacy of the enthronement will be denied again and again, no matter how many revotes we force.”

A series of grunts and murmurs of agreement followed, as many came to accept that the demand for the regalia, not the cancellation of the coronation, was the true objective.

Indeed… the return of the regalia and the cancellation of the coronation ceremony. Which of these is a bigger headache for Duke Arbor?

Continuing to possess the regalia—the very symbol of royal authority—seemed like the more troublesome issue for him. Celia was about to be convinced, but then a dissenting voice emerged.

“Regarding the demand to cancel the coronation, I feel we haven’t examined it closely enough.”

It was Baronet Huguenot, who had remained silent until now. Though his noble rank had been greatly diminished, he was still the man who had, until recently, been a top executive of their organization. The attention in the room immediately focused on him.

“…What do you mean by that?” Count Albert asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Upon re-examining the laws concerning the vote to overturn the legitimacy of the coronation, I found an old rule stating that anonymity must be maintained in the voting. In other words, a secret ballot,” Huguenot explained. “Of course, Arbor is capable of dirty tricks to render a secret ballot meaningless, but in a situation that is also attracting attention from abroad, would he truly risk leaving room for criticism that the procedure is flawed?”

“…Are you suggesting that even Duke Arbor cannot disregard the anonymity of the vote?”

“The first vote might be compromised. However, whether he can continue to render it meaningless after the vote is invalidated on that basis is another matter entirely. Especially if criticism from royalty who have married abroad and their blood relatives is added to the chorus, it should not be something he can ignore. In any case, let us assume for a moment that a truly secret election can be held.”

Baronet Huguenot stated his opinion with confidence, his clear, carrying voice addressing everyone present.

“…I see. Since the votes are anonymous, Duke Arbor would be unable to coerce the outcome. Once the results are in, the possibility arises that the legitimacy of the enthronement cannot be denied.”

“Christina-sama’s enthronement would be confirmed, and she would be recognized as the one true, legitimate monarch. Arbor may be afraid of that.”

Following Baronet Huguenot’s speculation, the room buzzed with newfound energy.

“Ohh!”

“There must be quite a few nobles in the home government who are only reluctantly following Duke Arbor.”

“As expected of him.”

The participants murmured loudly with admiration. However—

“This is, at best, a possibility,” Baronet Huguenot added dispassionately, tempering their excitement. “On the surface, the Duke Arbor faction remains the overwhelming majority, and we cannot grasp how many nobles will truly cast a vote against Arbor’s intentions. When the results are in, the possibility that we will lose still remains.”

“Nevertheless,” Count Albert mused, turning to Christina, “it might be a demand to cancel the coronation with the thought that it’s better not to see the results at all. What are your thoughts, Christina-sama?”

“For the most part, I have no objection to this line of reasoning. On that basis, I am willing to face Arbor in discussion.”

“…Are you saying there is room for negotiation?” In other words, was she willing to agree to the return of the regalia or the cancellation of the coronation?

“It depends on the conditions,” Christina stated firmly. “Some sacrifices are unavoidable. We have lost far too much already. If we are to get any of it back, we must be prepared to lose something else.”

A heavy silence descended upon the room as everyone cast their eyes downward. But it was Christina who broke it, her gaze fixed on the future.

“Let’s talk. What will we use as bargaining chips, and what conditions will we draw from them?” she called out to everyone resolutely.

◇ ◇ ◇

As the meeting ended and the participants began to file out of the room, Christina turned to Celia, who had remained by her side.

“Sensei, thank you for your hard work today.”

“No, I was merely present…” Celia replied, bowing her head deeply. “Christina-sama, you are the one who truly worked hard.”

“I will request that Count Claire be present at the talks as well. The discussion will likely be held the day after his arrival, so could you share our intelligence with your father the night before and also gather any information you can from the royal capital?”

Since Rodania had fallen, it had become difficult for Restoration to probe the situation in the capital. The upcoming talks presented a valuable opportunity for information gathering.

“Of course.” Please leave it to me, Celia nodded solemnly.

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

“I am also a member of the Restoration, so it’s only natural. I have hardly any work to do, and I’m allowed to do as I please.”

“That is not true,” Christina countered. “I have asked you to be Lord Amakawa’s aide. Even without that, you have lent us the intellectual property rights to your magic and contributed greatly to our fundraising efforts.”

“Even if you call me an aide, we’re just living together normally, you know,” Celia said with a slightly troubled smile.

“No, it is a role no one else in Restoration can fulfill. Your living in Lord Amakawa’s residence, Sensei, has indirectly benefited the organization as well.”

It wasn’t just Rio. Important figures from the Galarc Kingdom, such as Satsuki and Charlotte, were gathered at that mansion—a place that King Francois himself valued. The fact that Celia, a member of the Restoration, was allowed to live among them was significant. The relationship she had built with Rio held no small influence over Francois’s various decisions regarding their cause. That was the indirect benefit Christina spoke of.

“Is… that so?” Celia tilted her head, looking unconvinced.

“Yes. It may be difficult to feel because it’s an intangible benefit, but it is a role that can only be entrusted to you, Sensei. Please continue to stay by his side without concern.” (Please be confident)

“…Thank you.”

“I am the one who should be thanking you. You were a great help in mediating my relationship with him at our recent reunion.”

“I really did nothing at all.”

“That’s not true. That reunion was possible precisely because you were there to mediate, Sensei. It also came across clearly how cherished you are by him.”

“Eh…?” Celia blushed in embarrassment. “P-Please don’t tease me.”

“Fufu, I am not joking, you know,” Christina said with a soft laugh.

“…Thank you. But Haruto is… no, Rio surely treasures his relationship with you too, Christina-sama. He was worried, you see,” Celia said. She had decided to call him ‘Rio’ now, unless it was a formal occasion or if explaining it would be a hassle.

“Lord Amakawa was?” Christina’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes. He asked me today to check if you were in any trouble, Christina-sama, and to ask if there was anything he could do to help.”

“Is that… so…”

“So, if there is anything else I can do, please let me know. I will do my best, however small my contribution may be.”

“In that case, please tell your mother and Lord Amakawa what we discussed in today’s meeting.”

“…Are you sure?” Celia asked, surprised.

“We cannot cause them to worry, so please put them at ease. With those two, there is no problem in telling them the general details.” Because I trust them—Christina added with a gentle smile.

◇ ◇ ◇

After returning to the mansion, Celia found herself in the drawing-room with Rio and her mother, Monica. Her purpose was to share the information from the earlier meeting.

“So, it seems it’s been decided that there will be another talk with Duke Arbor’s faction. They will also be requesting Father’s presence.” After briefly reporting the conclusion, Celia looked back and forth between Rio’s and her mother’s faces.

“I see. So I might be able to see Laurent-san,” Monica said with a distant smile, likely picturing her husband’s face.

“During his stay, we should definitely have the Count stay at the mansion as well,” Rio offered to Monica, who was sitting beside him.

“Oh my, it’s quite alright. You don’t have to be so formal and call him ‘Count.’ You can just call him ‘Father-in-law.’”

“M-Mother!” Celia cried out, blushing, while Rio gave a wry smile. “Ahaha…”

“But, thank you for your consideration, Rio-san,” Monica said.

“Thank you, Rio,” Celia added.

“No, it’s only natural,” Rio replied, shaking his head gently. “By the way, how are things? The situation with Restoration?”

“Hmm, it would be a lie to say there are no worries,” Celia admitted honestly. “We’ve lost Rodania, and I think the situation is quite bad.” She didn’t try to deceive him, conveying her true feelings before adding, “But, I also think it’s too early to despair. At the very least, Christina-sama hasn’t given up. She is devising plans to do something about it and is resolutely looking towards tomorrow.”

“I see…” Rio nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Is there something on your mind?” Celia asked gently, trying to read his expression.

“………It’s right after the incident with Duke Huguenot—no, Baronet Huguenot—and you were unusually summoned to a meeting, Celia…” He took a while to respond, hesitating midway through his sentence. The tryst from that night had likely crossed his mind.

The image of a frail girl standing alone, unnoticed in the deep darkness, was stubbornly stuck in his mind, refusing to leave. He felt as if the heat of her body, trembling as she clung to him in the pouring rain, was still seared into his own.

And yet, since that night, Christina had been behaving as if nothing had happened. According to Celia, she was presenting her retainers with the image of a strong queen.

Then, which one is the real Christina? Or are they both real? If so, is she still left all alone on that night, standing and trembling in the pouring rain?

“Rio?” Celia’s gentle voice pulled him from his thoughts.

“…I’m sorry. Honestly, I’m worried that the situation has become serious. For the organization called Restoration, for Christina-sama who leads it, and for you, Celia, as a member.” Having stopped overthinking, Rio simply conveyed his feelings.

“My.”

Monica, sitting next to him, seemed to take his straightforwardness as a positive sign, her eyes widening in admiration.

“…I see. The reason I was called was because they wanted me to hear about the situation in the home country from Father before and after the talks. I think they wanted to share a certain amount of information in advance.”

“I see…”

“And I can’t say that the matter with Baronet Huguenot has had no effect, but he is a brilliant man who has served as the head of his faction for a long time. Just because his title has been greatly reduced doesn’t mean he has completely lost his popularity or influence. In fact, he was attracting attention at the meeting for his pertinent remarks. I don’t think there was anyone in that room who had completely written him off.”

As a noble, a title was certainly important. But if one were to ask if that was the sole reason the nobles of the former Duke Huguenot faction followed Gustave Huguenot, the answer would be no. They would not have followed him if they had not sympathized with his ideals and passion, or if his abilities had not backed them up.

“Well, if that’s the case…”

“In any case, it’s not something you need to feel responsible for. It’s a problem for Restoration. Christina-sama said so herself, you know. She told me to put you at ease.”

“…She did?”

“She did, when I told her you were worried. She even said it was alright to tell you about today’s meeting. I can’t tell you yet what kind of negotiations will take place with Duke Arbor’s faction, but I think a ray of hope appeared in today’s meeting.”

“I see…”

“Well, I may be a member of Restoration, but I’m more like an outsider myself. I would be happy if you would believe in Christina-sama and watch over her with me. Just having you with me is reassuring…”

“…I understand.” At Celia’s heartfelt plea, Rio finally showed a smile and nodded.

“Fufufu.” Monica smiled sweetly, looking back and forth between Rio and Celia’s faces.

“Wh-what is it, Mother?” Celia asked, bracing herself.

“I was just thinking, am I in the way?” Monica said happily, gracefully placing a hand on her cheek.

“Wh-why would you say that? That’s not true at all!” Celia replied, flustered.

“Is that so? Then perhaps I shall borrow his arm for a little while. I’m feeling a bit tired.”

With that, Monica clung to Rio’s arm.

“Wha—! Hey…” Celia was dumbfounded. Rio, startled, reflexively tried to create distance, but Monica held on tightly and wouldn’t let go.

“M-Mother! Please get away from Rio!” Celia scrambled to her feet and rushed over to the two of them sitting across the table, trying to pull her mother off of Rio.

“Oh my, are you jealous?” Monica asked cheerfully.

“N-No, that’s not it! If Father saw you like this, he would faint!”

Celia’s shrill voice echoed throughout the room.

◇ ◇ ◇

And then…

Time passed peacefully for Rio. Christina, Hiroaki, and the others came to stay at the mansion for an extended period, and he was introduced to Rei’s fiancée and Kouta’s lover.

It was as if the conflict with Saint Erica, the golem attack, and the uproar caused by Stewart had never happened… The peaceful days continued.

Christina also behaved as usual, as if that night had never happened. He thought that she might just be acting strong in front of people while revealing her weak side to those she was close to, but that didn’t seem to be the case either. He had casually asked Flora about her, but it seemed there was nothing out of the ordinary.

On the other hand, Lina, possessing Miharu, seemed to have contacted Celia several times and was moving behind the scenes in other ways, but she rarely showed herself before Rio.

In any case, Rio thus regained his lost daily life…

A month and a half passed in the blink of an eye.

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