Duke Gregory brought up the subject of Rio once again. He wasn’t lying—this was what he truly thought of Rio. He could acknowledge Rio’s abilities, but as a man who didn’t trust easily, he still felt a sense of suspicion.
“Yes, he’s a mysterious one. I remember the first time I saw him in the outskirts of Amande...”
“He saved Cretia’s daughter, Liselotte, from that monster attack, yes? I heard he displayed a strength unthinkable for his age as he scattered the swarm.”
“Yes, I was there too. And the rumors of his strength are accurate. Though I believe a large part of it was due to his enchanted sword...” Stewart said with a somewhat bitter look, unable to acknowledge Rio’s strength honestly.
“Hmm. But don’t you think it’s rather strange? A man as strong as him was completely unheard of until then. Enchanted swords aren’t easy for commoners to get their hands on either.”
“I agree, it’s very unnatural. I’ve suspected him of hiding his past and masquerading as someone of different status before, but...”
“Oh, how sharp of you. As expected of Duke Huguenot’s son, I should say. Wonderful.”
Stewart looked pleased at Duke Gregory’s exaggerated praise of him. “N-No, not at all. It’s been a rumor for a while...”
“I was actually thinking the exact same thing. He must be lying about who he is.”
“But is there a reason for a man that powerful to hide his identity?”
“No no, he may have some kind of dark past he wants to hide, you see?”
“Right... When you put it that way, it makes sense. In which case, he shouldn’t be left in the center of noble society. It’s too dangerous.”
“The abnormal phenomena involving everyone’s memories of him happened just recently. It was explained as a curse from a magic artifact that blocked everyone’s perception of him, but I think it sounds fishy. He might be using that artifact to hide any unfavorable moments from his past. Is it silly of me to suspect him of this?”
“Good point. I think your theory is well thought, Duke Gregory. You’ve certainly convinced me,” Stewart said, praising Duke Gregory and expressing his strong agreement.
“Oh, you think so too?”
“Yes. If he’s able to manipulate the memories and perception of others, it should be easy for him to lie about his identity. Wouldn’t it be better to investigate that artifact in detail?”
“Apparently the artifact was taken by an opposing magic user.”
“Surely not... He might have hidden it away,” Stewart said with a doubtful look.
“I did pass my apprehensions on to His Majesty, but he told me not to speak nonsense and dismissed me.”
“What? Is there a chance the king is being manipulated too?”
“Oh dear, don’t say that too loud now. If it’s true, His Majesty would be a victim, but without any proof, you would sound like you’re doubting the king.”
“R-Right, it was a slip of the tongue. Forgive me.” Stewart flinched and apologized in a hurry.
“It’s fine, I understand what you mean. But it would be best to keep it here...just between you and me,” Duke Gregory said with a smile.
“Yes... That aside, the fact he’s risen this far while lying about his background shows he couldn’t resist the desire for status. That says a lot about his character.”
Stewart mocked Rio, either completely convinced that this was fact without any proof, or perhaps to cover up the guilt of his inappropriate words earlier.
“Indeed. However, at present, we can only theorize.” Duke Gregory sighed uneasily.
“If only we had some kind of evidence of his dark past that we could use to expose him...”
“Evidence, huh... There’s one thing that may be helpful...”
“You know something?” Stewart asked.
“It happened during the commotion yesterday. According to some knights who were at the scene, a little girl called him Rio. If Haruto Amakawa is his alias, then Rio may be his real name... But it really isn’t enough to change anything,” Duke Gregory uttered without any particular hope.
However, Stewart froze. “Rio...?”
Duke Gregory didn’t miss the change in his expression. “Oh? Is something the matter?”
“Ah, no...”
“The look on your face is saying there is.”
“N-No, I can’t be sure of it, so I can’t say... I have no proof either...”
Stewart’s voice cracked, and he trailed off as he spoke. Various thoughts were flying about his head at that moment.
Rio... Is it him? No, that can’t be. But what if it is...?
Wouldn’t it be very bad if it was him? The sudden knowledge left his thoughts scattered, but he knew on instinct that it would be.
Don’t tell me—is that why father brought up the past just now?!
That was his next realization.
I see, my father was in the rooftop garden during the commotion yesterday. He must have heard someone call him by that name...
Stewart’s expression froze over. Dots were connecting themselves before he could even process the facts.
But is it really the same person? His hair color is different... Wait, his current hair color is slightly different to before. Could he...?
He broke out in a cold sweat as his heart beat erratically. He desperately wished for it all to be a lie.
“Stewart.” Duke Gregory called his name impatiently. Stewart snapped back to his senses.
“Y-Yes?”
“I’m very curious about what you’re thinking. Will you not share your thoughts with me?”
“U-Um, about that... Ah...”
He didn’t want to share them. His thoughts weren’t even gathered enough for him to make a judgment on sharing them. Stewart tripped over his words awkwardly.
“If you won’t tell me, I’ll have to ask the other members of the Restoration for clarification...”
Duke Gregory was unsatisfied with that answer after seeing such a reaction right before his eyes. He decided to say something Stewart wouldn’t like—to ask around and see if anyone else knew anything.
“W-Wait a moment! I need a little time... Just a little time to think! Give me one day, at least until tomorrow. Can you please wait?”
“Very well. Then I will wait until tomorrow morning.”
“Th-Thank you very much.”
“I shall come visit you tomorrow.”
“Yes...”
Duke Gregory gave a clear warning, making Stewart nod somberly.
“I look forward to what you have to say.”
Once they’d decided on where to meet, Duke Gregory took his leave.