01x11 - Silver Bride

[bunniefuu]

Charles Arbor?

That's who Professor Celia is marrying?

Well, it is your quintessential

marriage of convenience.

By which you mean

In the last conflict,

the Kingdom of Beltrum suffered a

crushing defeat by the Proxia Empire.

Thanks to the actions of

the House of Duke Arbor,

we just barely managed to

commence negotiations for peace,

but the power and authority

of the royal family was lost.

When Duke Huguenot's faction was

made to take responsibility,

they fled the royal capital.

The House of Duke Arbor has

rallied their momentum,

and what they have chosen in

order to once more gain strength

is the House of Count Claire.

Does Professor Celia no, does the House of

Count Claire desire this political marriage?

I don't know.

I don't have such detailed information.

What will you do, Haruto?

The wedding ceremony is tomorrow.

Before it happens, I want to see

Professor Celia and ask her in person.

Yes.

But the professor is in the castle.

Their defenses will be even

tighter than the Academy.

Then I'll use my spirit form and investigate.

A spirit in spirit form is

a mass of od and mana

Something inside the castle may be set

to detect suspicious magical power.

Will you be all right?

I can visually perceive barriers

that are made to detect magic.

I see.

O-Oh, but Aishia, you and

the professor haven't—

I know what Celia looks like.

I'm counting on you, then.

Yes, leave it to me.

Seirei Gensouki

Silver Bride

I'm so sorry, Celia.

I just haven't been able to come to see you.

And now it's already the

night before the wedding.

It couldn't be helped, Father.

You're busy with official matters.

Count Claire

No, I suppose I should be calling

you "Father" now, shouldn't I?

The preparations for the ceremony

are complete. Please set your mind at ease.

I heard that the ceremony

will be a large event.

Yes.

This is a wedding between

our House of Duke Arbor

and the House of Count Claire, after all.

We'll be able to show those

inside and outside the kingdom

that the power of the

Kingdom of Beltrum is solid.

That said,

the state of affairs within the

kingdom is still disordered.

Security will be flawless, I expect?

Of course!

The Knights of the Royal Guard,

the Mage Corps, and others

I've gathered our kingdom's very best.

Then I do feel more at ease. However

I suppose worrying about everything

is part of parental love.

Thank you, Father.

Instead of you worrying for us,

Father, we are worried about you!

For some time, strange rumors

have been flowing from the royal court.

That you and a portion of the nobles

have been secretly in contact with

Duke Huguenot, who fled the kingdom.

That slander is completely unfounded.

Yes, I know.

But it is true that trust

in you has been shaken.

I would never betray this kingdom.

Father, please don't worry.

My marriage to Celia is partly

to help protect your standing.

The House of Duke Arbor would never

abandon the House of Count Claire.

And I am very grateful for that.

Father, soon we'll have

you serve as commander and director

of the House of Duke Arbor.

That's all right with you, isn't it?

That sounds like a threat

My dear Celia, I am truly sorry.

If I were better at maneuvering

I understand. I will do everything in

my power to fulfill this responsibility.

Well, then! To the peace and

prosperity of both our houses!

And to this beautiful bride.

To the both of you.

We are in your care, Lord Charles.

Father and I will both dedicate

ourselves entirely to this.

No, it is I who am grateful to you.

I look forward to the

wedding ceremony tomorrow.

Yes.

The defenses are very strong,

just as I thought.

Perhaps it's in preparation for tomorrow.

Haruto, I've found where Celia is.

Good. Where is she?

She's outside the palace.

Start at the main gate. On the left,

a fair ways in, there's a large building.

Understood. I'll head there now.

It's been such a long time

since I've seen Father,

but we weren't able to speak

as parent and child at all.

Still, with this, Father and the

House of Claire will be all right.

All that's left

is for me to become that man's

property for the rest of my life.

Here at the very end

I wish I could have seen him again.

For certain, absolutely certain, understand?

Stay safe

until you return, all right?

I think probably

the feelings I have for Rio are

Who's there?

Quiet.

It's me, Professor Celia.

Rio.

What?

Oh.

It's been a long time.

R-Rio?

Yes.

Is it really you, Rio?

I've returned, just as I promised.

Though it's taken me four years to do it.

Rio!

It is you.

P-Professor

Yes

You're really here. It isn't a dream.

Professor, I've missed you.

Yes, as I have you!

All this time

Yes.

Rio

You've gotten quite a bit taller.

You haven't changed very

much at all, Professor.

I-I've grown a little more womanly!

Yes.

You have always been beautiful,

but you've grown even more lovely.

There you go, saying things

like that again!

You've grown dashing, Rio.

Strong and gallant.

Thank you very much.

I-I'm so glad you came back safe and sound.

Wait

How did you get here?

You couldn't have snuck in, could you?

Yes, well

Oh, right! Did you make it to the

Yagumo region? Where else did you go?

I want to hear everything!

Y-Yes

Oh, wait.

Would you like some tea? Let's have some.

We often had tea together,

just the two of us, didn't we?

Yes, we did.

Since then, I've always

had tea alone, you know?

Professor You're getting

married, aren't you?

I've heard that your groom is Charles Arbor.

Y-Yes.

That's right.

I know it's rude to ask so suddenly, but

Is this wedding something

you want, Professor?

I am sorry to ask something like this.

But when I heard that the

wedding ceremony is tomorrow

This wedding is something

I have agreed to, of course.

Even though the person

you're marrying is Charles Arbor?

He's someone you have an ill-fated

connection with, isn't he?

I thought perhaps

this might have something to do with

the circumstances of your family.

No. I am of age, after all.

I can't think only of my research forever.

Really?

Yes!

And in spite of appearances, Lord Charles

is chivalrous and kind toward women!

Professor

Then, will you marry me instead, Rio?

Or will you take me somewhere and

live the rest of your life with me?

I uh

Just kidding.

What?

I'm sorry. Please forget all of that.

Professor

Rio, you should leave.

We haven't finished talking yet.

You can't stay. The people who

look after me will be here soon.

I have an early day tomorrow,

and there are a lot of preparations left.

I'm glad I was able to see

you before the ceremony.

Oh

And don't come to the ceremony.

It's too embarrassing.

Now, then, hurry up and go.

Be careful not to get caught as you leave.

I'll close that door and give

you twenty seconds to go.

Go on.

If you don't hurry up and leave, I'll scream.

Come on!

One, two, three, four, five, six

Thank you, Rio

for coming back, just as you promised.

It made me truly happy.

But I can't let you get caught up in this.

Bye-bye, Rio.

Haruto?

I wasn't able to find out her true feelings.

What will you do?

I don't know.

But I want to know a little more

about what's motivating this wedding.

I will help you.

Sorry.

Why are you apologizing?

Because all I do is have you help me, Aishia.

I believe I've told you. I will

always be at your side, Haruto.

If you need me, you can come to me any time.

Thank you.

Fall in!

Sir!

Right face!

Lord Charles, I have brought Sir Reiss.

Ah!

Sir Reiss!

Allow me to offer congratulations

on this, the event of your wedding.

Thank you so much for coming!

With our relationship?

I am delighted to attend.

Yes, thank you!

When did you arrive in our royal capital?

I've just arrived.

If I'd known earlier that you'd be staying,

I'd have provided a proper welcome!

No, please don't trouble yourself.

Though we are officially at peace

with the Kingdom of Beltrum,

we two are from enemy countries.

If you are too friendly with me, I am sure

there are some who would not be amused.

I see.

So this time, I will keep my visit quiet.

I am touched by your consideration.

It's fine.

But once the ceremony is over,

please come to my home!

Tonight is your first night together.

I will visit another day.

Oh, well, I

To take such trouble and to be

so considerate is quite, well

I sense a spirit.

It's quite a powerful one.

Sir Reiss

Is something wrong?

No, nothing.

I will go to the ceremony hall

early and wait there.

Allow me to send someone

to show you the way.

You there! Show Sir Reiss to the ceremony hall.

I am honored.

Sir!

Be sure to show him every courtesy.

It's disappeared.

Yes, sir.

Everything is fine.

I am a doll.

I have no feelings. I am just a doll.

Celia

Please come out here a moment.

Yes, I'll be right out!

Oh, my

You look m-magnificent, Celia! Truly beautiful!

Thank you very much, Lord Charles.

Very nice Truly wonderful!

Even better than I'd imagined!

Are you nervous?

Don't worry. I am here.

Yes.

And, you see, I thought it might

help you feel more relaxed,

so I've brought my wives.

You should take this opportunity

to become friends.

Tenasina, take care of the rest, won't you?

Leave it to me.

I am his first wife, Tenasina.

There is something I would like to

make clear from the very beginning.

Y-Yes?

Normally you, the daughter of a count,

would be superior to us in social standing.

But once you have married Lord Charles,

as his seventh wife, your place

amongst us is at the very bottom.

Of course. I understand.

I will not allow any impertinent behavior.

It shall be as you say.

I am inexperienced and inept,

but I hope you will look on me kindly.

Your complexion looks terrible.

You are going to be a bride of the

House of Duke Arbor, you know.

Smile more brightly.

Y-Yes.

Well, I suppose that will do.

L-Lady Celia!

What is all this noise?

Her Highness, Princess Christina,

First Princess of the Realm is here!

Princess Christina?

Let her through right away!

Yes, my lady!

Who gave you leave to—

My deepest apologies!

But would it not shame the House of Duke Arbor

to keep Princess Christina waiting?

Princess Christina!

What an honor to see you!

I am sorry for arriving

so suddenly, with no prior notice.

Please, don't trouble yourselves for me.

Thank you so much for

coming, Princess Christina!

My!

You look beautiful, Professor!

That wedding dress suits

you wonderfully well!

Th-Thank you very much.

Princess Christina, please come

inside and rest at your leisure!

I was hoping to speak with my

former teacher, Professor Celia, in private.

Oh! P-P-Please forgive my impertinence!

W-Well then, we will take our leave.

Now, ladies, let us go!

Professor, I've come to offer congratulations

in place of my mother and father.

Thank you very much.

You truly are beautiful, Professor!

I-I accept your words of praise

with a heart full of gratitude.

I'm glad.

What?

Your complexion looks a little

better than it did earlier.

O-Oh

Did those individuals say

something unpleasant to you?

No. I was just so nervous yesterday

that I didn't sleep well.

I think that might be the cause.

I see.

It really has been a while, hasn't it?

Princess Christina, I'm so

happy to see you again!

So am I!

It's thanks to you, Professor, that I'm

finally able to be outside like this.

For so long, I had been confined in the palace.

The scrutiny of Duke Arbor's faction

is quite stringent, isn't it?

In my case, the inadequacy of the

royal family is the cause of it.

I believe Flora feels the same.

When Duke Huguenot fled

the kingdom with Princess Flora

I'm sure it must have been painful.

It made me see that all faith in the

power of the royal family had been lost.

And the ill effects of that have

resulted in your wedding, Professor.

I am truly sorry for all of this!

P-Princess Christina!

This wedding is something I decided upon!

Why are you apologizing?

Because I've stolen your

smile from you, Professor.

While I attended the Academy,

I admired and looked up

to you, Professor Celia.

Back then, Professor, you seemed

so clearly happy, unlike now.

Now, you're like a bird locked in a cage.

If there were ever a chance for you to

regain the smile you had back then

Princess Christina

I swear I will do everything in my

power to help when the time comes.

Thank you.

And I will pray that you and

Princess Flora will one day be reunited.

It looks to be a lavish ceremony.

Yes, it will be.

We should get going—

Alfred

You are about to gloriously take command

of the assembled forces, are you not?

After all, you are the strongest

warrior in the kingdom.

Your skills have caused some

to call you the King's Sword.

But how unfortunate for you.

I have authority over the

security for the ceremony.

You have no choice but to obey my orders.

I only ever think of how

I might fulfill my bounden duty.

Well, don't go showing off.

Year one thousand of the Holy Era. Spring.

Year 1000 of the Holy Era, Spring

Thus, the wedding ceremony between

Professor Celia and Charles Arbor began.

I can't see!

Here they come!

They're nearly here!

They're crossing the bridge!

I can see them!

Here they come!

Amazing!

That's a huge procession!

Oh, it's the bride!

She's all silver

Long live the Silver Bride!

The Silver Bride!

Long live the Silver Bride!

I see. The Silver Bride, is it?

Coming from ignorant peasants,

that's not a bad appellation.

Well, it just shows how

very beautiful you are.

Th-Thank you.

When I think that very soon you

will be mine and mine alone

I look forward to the moment

we kiss to seal our oaths.

Long live the House of Arbor!

Long live Lord Charles Arbor!

Long live the House of Arbor!

Long live Lord Charles Arbor!

Long live the House of Arbor!

Long live Lord Charles Arbor!

Long live the House of Arbor!

Long live the House of Arbor!

One day, this kingdom will be mine.

And you will be wife to me.

Are they here yet?

Haruto, Celia is close.

It seems so.

Haruto, you're very calm.

It's thanks to you, Aishia.

I only investigated. It wasn't very much.

That's not true. Thanks to that,

I understand a lot more.

It's the bride!

I see them!

She's so beautiful!

Long live the bride!

Long live the Silver Bride!

Lord Charles! Lord Charles!

Professor

Haruto, I'm going to go now.

Yes.

Celia?

Huh? What?

Celia, stay calm.

Who are you?

I'm Aishia.

Haruto—no, Rio asked me

to talk to you this way.

Rio did?

Look to your right.

Rio

Rio!

Why are you here?

I told you not to come!

Rio, you were the one person

I didn't want to see me like this!

Hey, now! What's wrong, Celia?

Oh, I

I'm not sure. So many feelings

suddenly welled up

I see. You're so happy you're crying?

I didn't realize you cared for me so.

But we must be dignified here.

Everyone is watching, you see.

Yes.

Good.

Aishia, can you hear me?

Where has Rio gone?

Was it all a fantasy?

Celia

I am a doll.

Halt!

Hurry!

Seize him!

There's an intruder!

Next Time

Fated Reunion

"Fated Reunion."

Spirit Chronicles

Exciting Bonus Manga

Rio!

By Minazuki Futago

fwhoosh

Professor

Celia!

whoom

ziiing

Hah

pop

Meow

It's

a

kitty

Really

You really

can use cat-

trans-

formation

magic