ACT 7 - Daybreak Rondo

Seirei Gensouki 07 - Yoake no Rinbunkyoku (精霊幻想記 7.夜明けの輪舞曲) is the 7th installment of the Seigensou Light Novel Series, It follows the Rio story in Amande, and Reiss plan to raid and destroy the city.

Summary
Rio finished clearing the ambush that attack Liselotte convoy near Amande, but he didn't expect to meet Beltram nobility, especially Flora that somehow ask if they ever met somewhere. Rio manage to evade all question about his identity until Chloe manage to remember about him, he then change topic to the broken carriage and run from the group toward the carriage.

After fixing the carriage and clean up the place, Liselotte offer Rio a ride to Amande that he take, but for the entire way, they didn't manage to talk anything useful because of Hiroaki that keep intervening the conversation and dragging it to his whims.

Reaching Amande, Liselotte tried to invite Rio to her mansion, but Rio decline because his company already waiting him, Liselotte then offer him the best inn instead and invite him at latter days that he took, and Rio get off and lead to the inn by Aria.

After securing the inn, Rio rendezvous with Aishia and Celia and explain his plan for the future by befriending Liselotte, on the Mansion. Liselotte had a meeting with Huguenot, talking about the accident, and about Rio and the plan to befriend him. Huguenot expressing his wish to attend the meeting with Rio at later date with loaning his knight to scout the surrounding as payment, afterward they start talking about Charles wedding incidents.

Next day, while Rio are having breakfast with Celia and Aishia in the private room in the inn restaurant, they got disturbed by Stewart and drunk Alphonse. Both that already pretty stressed out under Hiroaki condescending attitude tried to make scene by flaunting their noble status, but get pissed off because nobody care considering its Liselotte rule and jurisdiction. Alphonse then tried to pick up Aishia and the disguised Celia, but get ticked off when he got ignored. He then tried to attack Rio with Stewart, where Rio easily took them down and report them to Aria.

Hearing the report, Liselotte got exasperated thinking now Rio will consider them bad noble and putting his guard up. Huguenot also got ashamed for that happening and apologize at once to Liselotte. He also got really furious to the two, afterward, he disinherited Stewart on the spot while Alphonse start to pick a fight with the Duke even when he's higher in rank simply because Alphonse pride as noble can't allow someone to insult him, even if they are higher in rank. Huguenot assign him to the scout team to clean his name before asking the two to apologize to Rio, humiliating them even more.

Later Liselotte visit Rio room and got introduced to Cecilia and Aishia, Liselotte then apologize to Rio about what happened, Rio make sure that Liselotte are not the one at fault and ask some kind of contract to make sure the two won't trouble him anymore, they made the contract on the Mansion with Duke Huguenot with the content completely one sided in Rio advantage confusing him, Huguenot also forced the two to do dogeza at Rio before shooing them off.

Rio then got invited to lunch where they found Roana, Flora, and Hiroaki that somehow think he is the mansion owner, Liselotte start serving Risotto that Hiroaki praise, Rio wonder if Hiroaki did not even think in the slightest if Liselotte made risotto simply using modern knowledge, after lunch, Flora somehow got to pumped up asking Rio past before Hiroaki stop her out of jealousy.

In the forest, Alphonse still completely pissed off and just want to lash out before meeting Reiss and Lucius, he plan to pit all his rage beating Lucius, but Lucius destroy the entire knight squadron instead, completely terrified Alphonse, he then tried to bribe Lucius for his life, piquing Lucius interest on him.

At night, Hiroaki still pretty displeased of what happened, he consider Flora as just a cute princess, but shy, quiet and gloomy, so seeing her trying to interact with other man that much while never did the same at him rub him the wrong way, while Flora still troubled in her notion that Haruto are Rio, about what she will do if that's even true, and if Rio hate them for what they done, in the end she spends her night crying on her pillow.

At Dawn the city are woken up by Minotaur's roar, and army of monster attacking the city, the Beltram group are taking shelter on Liselotte mansion while Liselotte herself turning her front yard as HQ and giving order, she sent Aria to the west gate that monster attack, but not long after, the east also got attacked, in the confusion, Reiss, Lucius and Alphonse infiltrate the city to the north, aiming for the mansion, Rio that watching the battle progress from the sky decide to help the east side, obliterating the monster group almost alone before returning to Celia in the middle of the city, he planned to evacuate Celia to the south but got caught by other evacuees and dragged to the north instead where he was asked to meet Liselotte.

In the mansion, Hiroaki once again struck by panic from the sudden battlefield, he start grumbling and complaining annoying everybody before a group of revenant attack the room, Hiroaki tried to retaliate to clear a path to escape but Alphonse punch him in the face and sending him flying across the room, Alphonse proceed to pummel duke Huguenot for revenge, Lucius pretend to be a soldier from outside asking their safety, hearing him, Roana sent Flora outside, letting Lucius to kidnap Flora, Hiroaki woke up and snapped from panic and anger, killing all the revenant using his divine weapon before facing Alphonse, before getting knocked out by Reiss from behind, Reiss notice the humanoid spirit getting closer to the mansion, sending Alphonse outside before escaping himself.

Arriving at the Mansion, Rio are greeted by the relieved Liselotte, Aishia notified Rio about monster presence in the mansion, Rio ask Liselotte about the state of the mansion where Liselotte order one of the maid to check, before a jet stream of water explode in one part of the mansion from Hiroaki attack, afterward, Lucius break out the front door while carrying flora, insulting everybody that won't be able to catch him and flee, Rio notice his voice and start to get furious but cant decide whether to gave chase or protect Celia, Aishia told Rio to go and leave Celia to her, Celia told Rio that she can take care of herself, casting magic flawlessly surprising Liselotte, Rio then leave using burst of wind instantly, surprising Liselotte again, Aishia told Celia to make barrier that she did flawlessly, surprising Liselotte yet again, and Aishia proceed to eliminate all revenants by herself surprising her even more before Alphonse appear and start talking giving her the biggest surprise yet, though Aishia easily dismissed Alphonse soon.

Rio caught up with Lucius just outside the city, he bluff that he's there for him not flora, that he had a grudge with Lucius piquing his interest, Lucius attack Rio while using Flora as shield but Rio still keep up, he tried to bait Rio for information but Rio didn't bite, and he get even more frustrated that he just cant remember who this strong fighter is, he then drop Flora down believing he can pick her up easily later after he found out Rio ID, Rio give him a little hint and he easily deduce Rio identity while revealing everything in front of Flora, Lucius got really pumped up about that and can't wait to trample and kill Rio, enjoying his despair, he told Rio to play once again with him like old times, before Rio vanishes, appeared behind him after decapitating his left hand off, telling him to play by himself.

Rio proceeds to pawned, trampled, and beat the shit out of Lucius, not giving him any chance, but Lucius manage to strike a flying attack toward Flora before Rio finish him off, forcing Rio to protect Flora, when he turn back, he find Lucius already taken by Reiss, Rio provoke Lucius as coward, Lucius struggle to be let go but Reiss refuse, that he will definitely died in matter of minutes, Rio ask if they think they can escape, Reiss admit he's not confident can escape from Rio sense alone before a dragon-breath attack strike Rio and Flora outside his perception, Rio manage to counter hit by a split second and overpowering the dragon-breath attack with his own magic blast, but he can't find the two anymore and only manage to catch a sight of the escaping dragon far in the horizon.

Realizing they managed to escape, Rio curse under his breath before noticing that Flora was there, Flora fearfully calling Rio, Rio-sama, that Rio can't reply except "what is it? princess Flora"

Prologue: An Unexpected Encounter
After the battle finished and the situation declared safe, Rio got himself surrounded by Liselotte, Aria, Flora, Roana, Hiroaki and Duke Huguenot, and out of all this, Rio got really nervous with Flora that ask if they had met before, even when he managed to evade the question, Flora didn't stop staring at Rio face, Duke Huguenot subtlety asked about Rio background suspecting that he is some noble from somewhere after seeing Flora reaction, but he manage to evade again, until one of Liselotte chamberlain, Chloe, managed to remember Rio when he visit her inn years ago, totally caught him off guard.

Finding Chloe know about Rio really make Liselotte ecstatic, and it's also pique Huguenot interest, on the other hand, it make Flora really confused and she start thinking that she really mistake him with someone else.

It was his intention to jump into the battle to create a connection with Liselotte, but the Beltram noble there are totally outside his calculation, feeling the situation getting bad, Rio choose to shift the topic on the broke carriage and offering to take a look at it, Liselotte keep accompanying Rio while the rest break up to rest in the safe carriage.

Chapter 1: The Road to Amande
Rio then start inspecting the damaged carriage and when he deemed it salvageable, he told Liselotte to leave it to him and go to her maid that waiting her, Liselotte give signal to Aria to keep watching Rio while she deal with her maids that start to look curiously to Rio.

They told her they already clean up everything aside from one minotaur sword, Rio then coming with the fixed carriage and offer to deal with the sword because it's him that stab the sword there in the first place, he then took the 3m long sword and bring it easily to the side of the road, amaze everybody, Hiroaki that saw this get annoyed because everybody, especially Liselotte got awed by another men aside of him, he said it's time to show his hero power, pick the sword that Rio already put, swing it around showing that he can do it too.

Looking at Hiroaki, Rio wonder if hero power are something similar with Spirit Art, and Hiroaki, feeling all the amazed gaze at him feel satisfied, after half-assedly praising Rio that he's also not half bad, Hiroaki walk return to the carriage proudly, Roana also follow him proudly seeing all the people amazement toward Hiroaki, Hiroaki then call both Flora and Liselotte to follow him back, startled, Flora follow right away, while Liselotte only nod before facing Rio once again.

Liselotte offer Rio a ride to Amande considering both going there anyway, Rio accept though hesitating considering the status difference, Huguenot happily accept the idea and assure him it's okay, on the carriage, Hiroaki act pompously as if it's his carriage, sitting in the highest seat and ordering the seating order around, but got displeased when Liselotte choose to sit the farthest away from him, and beside Rio.

Hiroaki then brazenly and rudely interrogate Rio about his background, astounding the whole group just how untactful he is, Hiroaki keep pressing about Rio background, and his distrust of a sudden intruder in their travel, but the rest as noble can't stop him, a hero, and can only hope that Rio aren't offended hoping they can somehow have some connection to Rio later.

Outside, Liselotte chamberlain start talking secretly about what just happened, Cosette try to ask Aria about Rio that she manage to find out, she then ask what kind of woman Rio like that Aria right away answer that there's no way she can ask that kind of question, Cosette then compare it with the kind of girl that Hiroaki seems like, Natalie then call her rude, Cosette in monologue state that Hiroaki are an overconfident haughty intrusive man, like a haughty bad noble youth that misuse their family power, Natalie try to refute that he is amazing enough by swigging the giant sword, Cosette ask if there's even any point to do that at that time, silencing everybody.

They then reach Amande, Liselotte surprised that she lost in time just dealing with Hiroaki, she got disappointed failing to get closer with Rio at all because Hiroaki keep intruding the conversation and steering it toward his whim, Liselotte invite Rio to her mansion, but Rio decline because his companion already waiting, Liselotte compromise by providing the best inn in the city, Rio ask for a room for him and two of his female companion, Hiroaki comment in sarcasm about how he play around with women.

Interlude: Let's Make Uniforms!
Latifa, Aki and Vera going home after playing around outside, and they find Ouphia wearing Miharu school uniform, the three praise how the uniform look good on Ouphia, and Latifa also want to try, she's an elementary school student before so she always want to try middle school and high school uniform, Sara tell Latifa there no way she gonna fit in Miharu uniform, Alma say Sara aren't fit in it either bust wise, Sara said she fit height wise, not like alma, alma retort that she's a dwarf so it's only natural.

Aki offer Latifa to wear her middle school uniform instead, and everybody praise Latifa that look good in uniform, Latifa then have an idea to make everybody a uniform and wear it in front of Rio, Oufia agreed and ask Miharu to teach her to sew the uniform, seeing all the girls pumped up to show themselves for Rio, Aki wonder how Rio really loved by them, and wonder if Rio even notice it because he's kind of dull on that part.

Chapter 2: Arrival in Amande
Arriving inside Amande, Rio get off in the plaza while the carriage continue to the governor estate, Rio then lead to the inn by Aria, Aria deal with all the administration, Liselotte letting Rio stay in the best inn in the city, a big room with two bedroom, and he can stay for free indefinitely, satisfied with the room, Rio thank Aria and she left.

After Aria left, Rio contact Aishia with telepathy, wonder if he made them worried or something, Aishia told Rio she's having tea in a cafe with Celia, Rio relieved that they actually relaxing instead, but apparently Celia really is worried, Rio then left the room to meet them.

Reaching the Café, Celia jump at Rio right away worried if he got any injuries, the commotion attract other people attention, the 2 cute girls meeting a hunk of a man, realizing they attract attention, they goes to sit on balcony seat again away from people eyes, Rio then tell the two about what happened, the battle, and then the Beltrum aristocrat, Celia got worried that they got find out and propose to leave the city right away, but Rio refuse and tell her his plan to get close with Liselotte, as part of his effort to search for the hero in Galarc, hesitating a little, Celia warn Rio that he must nor underestimate Liselotte, even in her age, she famous for being a great noble, Rio tell Celia he has a n appointment with Liselotte in the next day and ask Celia to teach him all the needed manner which Celia happily comply.

In the mansion, Liselotte had a meeting with Duke Huguenot, they first talk about the monster ambush, about everything went south fast after the sighting of dragon, and about how amazing Aria is, Huguenot praise Liselotte to have the insight to find talent like that and self insult Beltram to keep throwing away amazing talent like that.

Then they move to Rio, about how he defeat 3 minotaur and strange humanoid monster, that what he did are impossible unless he had complete control over his magic sword, that if Rio didn't come, they will definitely wiped out, Liselotte ask if Hiroaki can save them instead if that the case, Huguenot disagree and admit that Hiroaki aren't battle ready, in fact he definitely don't have any battle training before, and currently only raising his confidence by sparring with soldier in staged situation, and only after that they will try to have him battle with low-class monster, Liselotte understand that Huguenot didn't see Hiroaki as battle power at all and only use him as symbol of divine will, though she also agree with that policy because a strong hero without any war in horizon will simply become a risk instead.

They then try to guess Rio background, a noble incognito, or maybe a fallen noble like Aria, Liselotte says it's a good fortune if they can create some relationship with Rio, but they can't do it recklessly to avoid getting hated instead, Huguenot agreed, Liselotte notice Huguenot want something but pretended that she didn't understand, Huguenot laugh at the clear act, and state his wish to meet Rio too in the next day meeting, Liselotte imagine that Hiroaki definitely want to barge in the meeting anyway, might as well give them permission from the start, as thanks, Huguenot lent Liselotte their knights to survey the city surrounding of more monster threat.

Interlude: Meanwhile, in the Proxia Empire
Move to Proxia Empire up north, it's explain some stuff about Proxia empire like it's size, military strength or it's history, then move to the history of it's founder and first and current emperor, Nidol Proxia, that he born as orphan in a slum, grow into a strong mercenary, that somehow managed to take down his own country and becoming the ruler, then he immediately conquering almost 20 small country around them, becoming the empire today.

Then it describe about Nidol Proxia himself, his stature that didn't lost in age, his prowess in battle, and his military exploits throughout Strahl region, making him the strongest man in the entire Strahl region.

Then it move to a certain balcony in Proxia imperial castle, where Nidol stood idly looking down at the city below, while the room normally forbidden for any other noble, there's someone else aside him there, asking NIdol of his day in a friendly way, where Nidol answer as simple "bored" without any interest, the man ask if he's that restless for some war and that he currently preparing an interesting event, but Nidol reject the offer because he's not interested with the man bad taste in thing.

The man ask Nidol about Beltram kingdom, Nidol said he's not interested, the man argue that it won't be interesting if Arbor Family fall too soon, Nidol assure it won't happen because he already sent a "goodwill ambassador" that will manage the conflict, the man tease Nidol for being diligent in taking care of a soon to fall kingdom and said he's going back to Paladia kingdom because he has nothing to do before being stopped by the third voice that enter the room.

Reiss come to the room, looking for the man that revealed to be Lucius, asking for some assistance, with the Incident in Beltrum that happen in the wedding between Charles Arbor and Celia Claire, in order to correct the failure, Reiss plan to attack Ricca Guild to shave some of Galarc Kingdom power, Lucius wonder if Reis don't have enough power for something small like that, Reiss argue that Ricca Guild closest confidant are stronger than expected, and then there's an irregular existence that easily demolish a group of Minotaur and revenant, this pique the man interest, Reiss admit the irregular becoming quite the thorn in his side and he heed help from Lucius, but not Nidol because he's standing out too much.

Lucius take it that he's gonna take care of the irregular, but denied by Reiss, that asking him to kidnap someone while he'll have his monster run amok for diversion, Lucius is disappointed, Reiss argue that purposefully putting his best fighter against a formidable opponent are stupid move, Lucius then ask who to kidnap, wondering that they're talking about Ricca Guild, it'll be that girl Lise-something that making name of herself everywhere in recent years, but Reiss deny him again, that while Liselotte are good to take if there's a chance, she's only second priority, that as long Amande City ruined from his monster, it'll do enough damage for Galarc Kingdom, Lucius ask Reiss to just spit it out without going around, and Reiss tell him the target.

"The Second Princess of Beltram, Princess Flora"

Chapter 3: Intruders
Back to Amande, Rio are having dinner with Celia and Aishia in the First floor of their Inn, they're on a private VIP room reserved by Ricca guild, enjoying the finest food and liquor while gazing at the garden, Celia are enjoying herself fully with the accommodation, while Aishia mumble that it'll be perfect if they also had deep bathtub to submerge in, Celia reply wryly that that's a little unreasonable, since Bathtub custom aren't even common in Strahl region, that it's amazing enough the inn had bathroom for each room.

Rio note that both of them already accustomed to bathtub, Aishia admit to like taking a bath because it made her sleepy while nodding, while Celia add that she really surprised because Aishia really fall asleep in the bath.

Their conversation continue until the waiter carry their next dish where they also picking their liquor, Rio asked Celia because he's not that knowledgeable about liquor,  Celia pick while also a little confused because she's also not that familiar, the one she pick are a liquor made by Ricca guild own vineyard while Aishia busy indulging herself more in the newly served dish.

Rio then noted that it's getting noisy outside their room, that someone seems arguing something, Celia wonder if it's a fight, along time, the noise sounds getting closer to their room, until it stop right in front of their door where they can clearly heard them, the voice of an aggravated young man that insisting to use the private room by paying threefold, then the voice of an employee that reject the man because the room are occupied not because money problem. Rio understood that their room are on demand while sighing, Celia ask what to do, and Rio choose to wait-and-see first, because it's seems gonna be a problem to get outside at that time.

The young man brag that they are the city important guest, and threatening the employee to report them to the upper class of the city, his tome overbearing while totally throwing around their influence, but the employee didn't back down and challenging them to do so, because it's the upper class, lady Liselotte herself that reserved the room for the current customer, another young man choose to had enough and threaten the employee to watch his back later, the employee replied bluntly "as you wish", losing patience, the first young man decide to settle it straight to the customer themselves, the employee tried to block their way, while the young man force their way in.

Pretty sure it happened outside their room, Rio sigh and choose to deal with it himself and ask both of the girl to ignore them, immediately after that, their door flew open without even a knock

Then it's an explanation about Stewart Huguenot, Duke Huguenot son, about how he brought up totally spoiled with whatever he want, about no matter what trouble he caused, nobody scold him, about Stewart life and his two big turning point, one, when he was eleven in academy, where he cause an incident that nearly killed Princess Flora, the blame are falsely shifted to an orphan classmate Rio, but it's the first time Stewart provoke Duke Huguenot fury, a hard cold fury, that made him realize that his father don't care about him and really make him fear his father, from then onward, Stewart become highly aware of his surrounding, constantly checking his status, making him even more discriminative on anyone below him while straight up licking all that higher than him, the second turn are when his father lose his position, he learn even his terrifying father could fall and he become fed up with noble life, he appealed to become a knight to his father instead and accepted as Princess Flora elite guard, it's a fulfilling life that stewart don't need to think about anything, barely any danger, and can occasionally hunt monster as stress relief together with his partner in crime and colleague, Alphonse Rodan.

Alphonse, 2nd son of marquis Rodan are another stereotypical noble son that doing whatever they like while throwing their status to maximum degree, later on, after hero summoning, Sakata Hiroaki become their charge, it's barely change anything on both of them except that Hiroaki condescending attitude hardly tolerable for their pride, that day event too, a boy from nowhere named Haruto appear on the scene slaughtering all the monster and flooded with attention, while it make them feel bad, they still feel awe from the fight, and choose to use it as topic to approach Liselotte beautiful servants before getting interrupted by Hiroaki that totally ruin the air while at the same time obliviously insulting all the knight while he trying to bad talk Haruto fight achievement as some bad game manner like kill steal.

To release their frustration, they slip out to the city, pick up some women in some entertainment bar, along the way, the women talk about famous restaurant and Stewart, trying to show off, try to bring them there, yet in the restaurant, they get yet another set back when the room they want are already occupied, it become an argument with the employee until Alphonse start to get irritated, Stewart that notice it think that Alphonse bad habit show again, but he think it'll be humiliating to back down if front of the girls they try to impress and worse to worst he can let money do the talk, yet the employee didn't back down, he then tried to threaten them to report them to the city management but instead get challenged to please do that, alphonse that lose patience finally push the employee away and force his way through to the room

Return to the situation, Rio come forward confronting the group, He feel kinda familiar with the two young man but pretend to met them the first time, the employee try to apologize to Rio right away, while Stewart realize that Rio are the man from ambush battle before, Both Stewart and Alphonse introduce themselves to Rio when Rio ask who are they, hearing their name, Rio reminded again that they are the root of all his misfortune in Beltram, at the same time, Stewart gloated while slightly relieved, the situation turn to be troublesome, but if the customer aren't a stranger, he thought he can pull his family influence to settle the trouble, Rio then ask what their business, Alphonse boldly ask for their room, Rio notice Alphonse are Drunk and mumble that drunks are troublesome before making correction that noble are troublesome, he decide that's it's a pain to deal and give the room right away while asking Celia and Aishia to prepare to leave, Alphonse and Stewart finally notice the 2 girls inside and called out again, inviting both girls for a meal and drinks, Rio refuse the offer, Alphonse feel offended and start pulling his status that a commoner shouldn't reject noble offer even if they are good with sword while also bring Stewart on the conversation, Stewart ogling Celia and Aishia and agreed with Alphonse, He figure Rio are Liselotte guest but Celia and Aishia appearance won against his anxiety, Rio reject them once again, Alphonse try to bribe him by promise of introduction to knight order, Rio reject once again, The employee also join again to reprimand their attitude and Stewart also start to back out after sensing the situation getting worse again, But Alphonse keep at it, inviting Celia and Aishia again without Rio this time, both girls ignore him and Alphonse feel offended greatly.

Rio try to leave, nudging both girls to start walking while reassure the employee that there's no need to report to Liselotte relieving him, Stewart realize his in trouble while Alphonse just swallowed by his anger, He block Rio and ask rio if he insulting him, Stewart try to stop Alphonse but failed, Alphonse start pulling his noble status, Rio deflect it with polite word but a phrasing that definitely proactive, flaring up Alphonse temper even more, Alphonse start insulting all three and threatening to use the "Right to Strike", but Rio challenge him to explain which part of him that fulfill the requisites for the right to strike that pretty hard depending on area, Alphonse realize if they were investigated and found out they use the right to strike because they were ignored by girls when they try to pick them up while drunk, they will be ridiculed, not to mention they are not in their own territory but on another country, normal commoner would be cowered in fear just by hearing "right to strike" but Rio didn't even flinch, and having his move deflected humiliate Alphonse soo much, his pride refuse to back down against commoner, He lunged forward trying to hit Rio, trapped between Celia and Alphonse, Rio have no choice but engaged him head on, he easily twist Alphonse hand and pinned him to the ground, Stewart are shocked and tried to berate Rio, Rio excuse himself that it's legitimate self-defense, Stewart tried to grab him but Rio evade, tumbling Stewart to Alphhonse, after they get up, both try to attack Rio again and Rio dealt with both of them easily before pinning both to the ground, afterward, he ask the employee to report everything to Liselotte while sighing  in annoyance.

Chapter 4: Apology
In Liselotte Mansion, Liselotte and Duke Huguenot are sitting with a pained face listening to the report from Aria about what happened in the restaurant, Duke Huguenot apologize to Liselotte right away, Liselotte accept the apologize while stuttering, her mind in shamble, rather than thinking who's at fault, she's more concerned about Haruto, Aria inform Haruto current status and her promises that Liselotte will apologize to him later, because there's so many witness by the staff and other customer, they can't even excuse themselves anymore, Liselotte really concerned that Haruto will consider them arrogant noble and pretty sure that Haruto will become cautious about them because of this problem, while Huguenot are furious about the two moron conduct.

Liselotte affirm Aria decision to apologize to Haruto later on, Huguenot hesitantly ask wondering if he can come, Liselotte politely refuse considering his position as the assailant father will only make Haruto more wary and offer Huguenot to let her explain his situation to Haruto on his behalf, Huguenot agreed reluctantly, he really valued Haruto battle skill and his son conduct literally ruin everything, just like Huguenot, Liselotte also value Haruto highly and didn't want to ruin the connection over dumb incident.

After separating with Liselotte, Huguenot summon both Stewart and Alphonse to his room and furiously insult them, Stewart and Alphonse that already sobered up are utterly terrified, Stewart try to defend himself before getting cut by Huguenot, for ruining his connection with amazing swordman, dirtying his name and inconveniencing Liselotte, he disinherit Stewart of the family inheritance, Alphonse try to defend Stewart, questioning Duke Huguenot over a mere commoner swordsman, Huguenot looking down on Alphonse asking him about his swords skill compared to Haruto, Alphonse sensing he's being looked down upon argued back commoner is commoner no matter his swordskill, Huguenot ask "so what?" and that Haruto is still better than him, Alphonse flared up even forgetting that Duke Huguenot are still out rank him in nobility, Huguenot note Alphonse as an emotional person, that he suit to be in military but utter incompetent in politics, Alphonse completely enraged, "How dare you! i don't care if you're a duke, take that back!" and flared up even more, Huguenot coolly said no, and he's just an incompetent, Alphonse ask just where did he an incompetent, Huguenot explain that he and Liselotte are discussing on scouting Haruto, but he ruin it all, he said Haruto can deal against 3 minotaur and if Alphonse can do the same, Alphonse excuse that he can if he also had enchanted sword, Huguenot insult him while laughing that using Enchanted sword need talent and he definitely don't have that, Alphonse still argue back, Huguenot sneered about how he lose against Haruto even when bare handed and 2 against 1 shutting him up.

Huguenot then give Alphonse a chance to clear his name, Alphonse jump to it right away without even listening to the detail, showing once more his own incompetent, Huguenot inform that Liselotte planned to investigate the forest near Amande, Alphonse ask if he will assist, Huguenot affirm, that if he do good, he'll put a good word to his father later, though he'll be in house arrest if failed, Alphonse take it right away, after that, Huguenot order him to apologize to Haruto and Liselotte, surprising and humiliate Alphonse even more, he then order him to apologize to him as practice, at first they do it unwillingly, angering duke Huguenot once again, he ordered both to lower their head, Terrified, Stewart prostate himself right away, surprising Alphonse, Alphonse once again tried to rage but unable to after seeing Stewart fling his pride away, and forced to drop to his knees, experiencing his greatest humiliation of his life

Next morning on the Inn, Rio had breakfast with both girls, Celia are worried about the situation, Rio assure that it's ok and to trust Aria that want them to trust Liselotte, Rio apologize for dragging Celia to this mess, Celia say it's fine and refuse to be separated from Rio, before correcting her embarrassing word, Celia then noted that it's dangerous outside the city anyway, Aishia assure them that if bad thing happen, they can just run away anyway.

After breakfast, Liselotte arrive in the inn, and brought by Aria to Rio room and greeted by Rio, Liselotte and Aria both bow their head and apologize about the incident and wish to talk about how to deal with it, Rio accept them while being surprised that a high noble like her are the one that come to him rather than summoning him to her estate, Liselotte said that the one at fault shouldn't ordering around the people they want to apologize on, Rio then ask if she want to come in or if she want to do it somewhere else because it's seems inappropriate for her to enter his room, Liselotte hesitantly told him anywhere is fine, Rio then invite her in to his room living area, it's a risk to let Celia and Aria in one room but Liselotte order Aria to stay outside instead, it's unthinkable for young noble lady to enter a stranger male room without guard and Rio take it as Liselotte trying to show her sincerity.

Liselotte meet Celia and Aishia that waiting inside and feel dumbstruck with their beauty, Liselotte as Noble and Businesswoman often met with attractive people, but none like them, Rio introduce the 2 girls to Liselotte before asking them to wait in their room and offer Liselotte a seat, he notice that Liselotte are nervous and offer her a tea, they start the discussion while waiting it to steam.

Liselotte start apologizing about the incident, Rio tell her that it's not her fault and in fact the inn handle the trouble nicely and he had no complaint, Liselotte still apologize because the Inn should stop it before the trouble happen, and Rio say it can be helped because the perpetrator are noble, that in a class system society, sometime, you need to endure rather that doing whatever you want and challenging the society, but hearing that made liselotte feel ashamed even more, Rio then change the topic to Alphonse and Stewart, Liselotte told him duke Huguenot want to apologize along with the two youth and Liselotte promises to support Rio side if they come to cause trouble again, Rio ask for a contract to be made as guarantee and Liselotte noted that Rio really used to that kind of situation unlike commoner.

Finishing the discussion, Rio served the finished tea to Liselotte, and Liselotte compliment it, she surprised that his technique are comparable to Aria, Rio note that one of his companion are peculiar to her tea, They then continue by setting the date for meeting Huguenot, and then, Liselotte also invite Rio and the 2 girls for lunch but Rio ask for the 2 girls to be excused.

then Rio goes to Liselotte estate and meet huguenot to settle the contract, contrary to his believe, Huguenot are really cooperative and keep the condition that favorable to Rio that the contract are completed without taking too much time, Rio are a bit confused to the point he has it hard to believe the same man are the one that the false charge on him and turn Latifa into assassin, Huguenot then ask Rio for an opportunity for Alphonse and Stewart to apologize personally, Rio accept hesitantly, The two soon come, Stewart fully apologize because he's scared to anger his father, while Alphonse apologize while trembling from frustration, Rio accept it with strained smile and the two get dismissed.

Rio then led to dining hall for lunch by Aria and Natalie, already waiting inside are Flora, Roana, and Hiroaki, Flora greet Rio right away instead Liselotte or Duke Huguenot, surprising him, Hiroaki then acting haughty ordering him to sit as if it's his own house, Flora ask if it's ok for them to be there, Rio return that it's him that out of place and if it's ok for him to join the lunch, Hiroaki brag that it's sort of appreciation for Rio and that he need to feel priviledge to be able to have a lunch with princess and hero like him, despite the meeting are for Rio, Hiroaki act as if he's the master of the house, Liselotte ask Rio to just relax and subtly fix the bad air.

The lunch start in a feast style, Hiroaki sit in the farthest "seat of honor" one, Roana beside him and Flora opposite him, Rio sit between Flora and Liselotte with Duke Huguenot seat in Liselotte opposite, Hiroaki stuffing his mouth full while complimenting Liselotte chef but then he start wishing for rice, Liselotte surprise him by preparing some rice dish, she explain in strahl, rice are eaten as porridge, but it also looked down upon as food for the poor and it's impolite to serve it for nobility, except this time, it's the request from hero, Flora see it with curiosity, but Hiroaki get disappointed because the rice are not the kind of rice he think about, Liselotte expected that reaction because she's also the same, she then offer him something else, an experimental dish, Hiroaki notice that it's Cheese Risotto, Liselotte pretend there's no name for the dish and using the name given by Hiroaki as the dish name, Rio wonder if Hiroaki never suspect that Liselotte actually create the dish using memory from earth, Everyone compliment the dish, Liselotte then ask Rio comment, Rio said he missed eating rice surprising her, he told them he eat it while traveling across the land although he eat it daily actually, it become a story about Rio past, how old is he when he start travelling, his parent, his reason in travelling, where he live before, Everyone get a little surprised seeing Flora assertive attitude, Rio tried to answer as vague as possible, but Flora keep pressing further before being stopped by Hiroaki that getting uncomfortable with Flora interest, Huguenot shift the topic from past to future and ask Rio future plan and slyly tried to scout Rio before Liselotte put him to check by inviting Rio to her side too, Hiroaki become sarcastic seeing Huguenot and Liselotte fighting over Rio, Rio tried to appease him by complimenting the hero legend, Hiroaki get high and start bragging his hero title and calling Rio fake, Liselotte becoming uncomfortable with Hiroaki attitude to Rio and shift the topic to other hero, Rio took the opportunity to dig about Galarc hero and found out Galarc will throw an evening party where the hero will be introduced to public and find out her name, Satsuki Sumeragi, clearly the name of Miharu upperclassman that he's looking for, Huguenot also add that Hero from Centostella also will attend, Rio feel satisfied that he finally get something good in this troublesome event.

Interlude: Miharu's Daily Life
In Seirei no Tami, Miharu and Aki learning to use spirit art under Oufia tutelage, Oufia complimenting Miharu, amazed by her quick learning in just several days, while Aki get frustrated because her progress not as fast as Miharu, she start to wonder about the difference between her and Miharu, because the gap are getting bigger each days, In Oufia eyes, Miharu are clearly talented in spirit art although not in the same level as Rio, and Aki and Masato too, they learn Spirit Art in an incredible speed compared to the other kids around their age, she wonder if their origin had any effect, Oufia keep reminding Aki about her progress, but she won't listen and keep comparing herself to Miharu making her feel inferior and dejected, Oufia notice that Miharu are really focus and determined to learn the spirit art, while Aki keep getting distracted from comparing herself with miharu that hamper her even more, Oufia feel disappointed not being able to lead Aki as an elder and instructor, she plan to talk it out with Miharu about how to deal with Aki

At night when young group already asleep, Oufia, Alma, Sara visit Miharu room, they found out Miharu still practicing even in her room secretly, the three compliment her for being such a diligent person, but to also be careful not to over do it, then they ask about Miharu life in the village, if she had any worries, Sara ask if she feel lonely, Miharu admit that she is, but because everyone are there to keep her company, she's okay, Oufia told Miharu about Aki and Masto feel impatient seeing her progress, Miharu surprised that she's totally didn't notice that, Sara then ask what make her so determined to learn spirit art, Miharu answer that she want to be more useful to Rio, Everybody took her word as "for Rio sake" and start teasing her.

But then Alma return to the topic, that Miharu progress are way to fast it's abnormal, Sara think that it's indeed weird that unless she's contracted to spirit, but Miharu as otherworlder shouldn't have met any spirit before, Miharu then reminded that she's indeed albeit temporarily, are contracted to Aishia, everyone surprised and agreed that that's exactly the reason, Miharu then promised to thank Aishia when they meet again.

Chapter 5: Evils Lurking Near
At the time they are having dinner in Liselotte mansion, Alphonse Rodan and a group of Beltram knight are exploring the forest west of Amande, at the request of Duke Huguenot, they are investigating the cause of the monster swarm and to secure the safety, while Stewart are behind on house arrest, Alphonse are here so he can clear his name while Stewart not are a clear indication that the Duke still have consideration to him than his own son, but Alphonse didn't get that, he keep fuming and holding an irrational deep grudge toward Rio, Duke Huguenot, Aishia, Celia, Liselotte and Aria, for not giving him what he want, he still hate the fact that he had to apologize to a commoner, he didn't even find it a problem that he's the cause in the first place, that it's normal for him to get what he want as part of his priviledge class, he want Rio as commoner to just bow down and do whatever he want, and he want the girl to be grateful he give them his interest and provide him their bodies, he had been forced to apologize, and the fact that the duke already intervening mean he already totally defeated and can't touch them again, ha can't bear the thought that the Duke see him as incompetent, and start aiming his fury to Huguenot.

Of course Alphonse that completely fuming distract the other knight, the commander reprimand him, but because his family are lower than Alphonse, he ignore him outright, the commander didn't like his attitude because, as a military group, he is still the higher ranked one, they start to argue between themselves, the commander told him that they are only reconnaissance, not going to fight any monster, Alphonse ask what if another Minotaur attack, the commander reply that it's not something a mere foot soldier like him should worry and to just follow the order, Alphonse calling him coward, the commander then challenge him to explore the forest alone and fight a minotaur by himself, Alphonse begrudgingly admit even he can't deal with that alone.

Suddenly they got ambushed by 2 men from the darkness, Reiss and Lucius, Lucius are provoking the wary knight using Flora name, the commander tried to arrest them for interrogation, but Alphonse charge after finding a perfect target to vent his stress, Lucius find him interesting while Reiss already give up and told Lucius to hold back and to not kill anyone, Lucius instantly move to the middle of knight group blowing away one of them, Alphonse charge at Lucius with vicious smile, but Lucius easily evade him, finding him really interesting, he decide to leave him for the last and go provoking the other knight to attack, but none of their attack hit him, they realize Lucius just toying with them, and when he decide to go to the offense, he easily take out all of them shocking and scaring Alphonse, Lucius move around clearly faster than even the knight that already using body enhancing magic, Alphonse then notice that Lucius sword are Enchanted sword, reminding him of Rio enchanted sword and making him envious, when he realize, he is the last one standing.

Alphonse tried to run away, but Lucius easily caught up, Lucius provoke him again, and Alphone start glaring at Lucius with deep hatred because he can't accept that he is scared of someone, Alphonse tried to bribe Lucius to let him go, noticing that Lucius reacted, Alphonse already believe that he can get away using money, lucius start laughing, finding him interesting, and approaching him. --- In the mansion Rio are saying goodbye to the noble group in the gate, Liselotte remind him that she will send messenger about the next meeting to discus his reward for saving them from monster ambush, it's Liselotte trick to keep in contact with Rio and form some friendship, Rio know but because he also has the same intention, he agreed After Liselotte, Flora nervously tried to call Rio, asking for a chance to meet again in the future, Rio accept while worriedly wondering if Flora notice something about him, that he feel as if Flora trying to meet him halfway but he himself can't really certain what Flora intention is, though he detect for sure that Flora didn't have any negative feeling for him, Hiroaki that watching flora strange attitude and Liselotte that keep trying to befriend Rio try to make cut the goodbye short and make rio leave soon in a blunt way, Huguenot agreed in not keeping Rio standing too long and say goodbye to him last, Rio then walk away back to the inn.  Back in the forest, Alphonse half conscious are dragged by his collar by Lucius, and then thrown him to the ground, Reiss greet Lucius back, Alphonse snap awake, he notice Lucius are looking at something beside Reiss and shocked seeing that, the humanoid monster that attack them before, but all of them are now wearing the same knight uniform Alphonse wearing, Reiss notice that Alphonse are awake, Lucius grab alphonse head and forced him to look at something, it's his fellow knight turned into the humanoid monster, the spectacle completely made him feel sick he throw up, Reiss ask Lucius why Alphonse conscious, Lucius told Reiss to test to turn Alphonse to the final form of Revenant, Reiss reluctantly agreed, Lucius pinned Alphonse down to the ground and Alphonse start a futile struggle while Reiss approaching and thrust a magic stone to Alphonse chest, then Alphonse start struggling in agony under the two men watch.

Chapter 6: Each Nights
On the same afternoon

Duke Euguno has just heard a report from the Captain of the Elite Guard, Raymond Brandt about the investigation team the knight did not return. Duke Egumo and Raymond think it is possible The knights team had encountered unusually strong monsters in the forest and died. After Raymond left, Duke Egumo thought he was lacking military capable soldiers. Suddenly the duke remembered out Alphonse is also in the group of knights. Duke Egumo frowned............ So in the end he was just an incompetent. His voice echoed throughout the room

Hiroaki's night friend drinking tea with Roana. Noticing that Flora was acting abnormally, Hiroaki asked Flora if she was thinking about Haruto. While flora didn't know how to respond Roana said it helped Flora thinks that the princess is thinking about how to give rewards to Haruto because his achievements are so great. Hiroaki reluctantly agreed.

Hiroaki's mind was thinking how unusual Flora was since meeting Haruto. Hiroaki has lived with Flora and Roana for several months, so he knows what their personalities are.

Flora is very shy, quiet ..................vv. Even Hiroaki had a hard time talking to Flora, seeing Flora trying to interact with another guy makes Hiroaki uncomfortable

Hiroaki doesn't seem to realize that, but unlike his aspirations, he doesn't have much experience establishing relationships with others either. That's why dealing with he is very easy, but also very difficult

Hiroaki is a curious and troubled boy

After the conversation was over, Flora said goodbye to Roana and Hiroaki, and went to her room. Liselotte's assistants had helped her bathe and change her clothes, so she was now lying in bed.

Flora are worry about the words Hiroaki's words about her concern for Haruto

Rio, Haruto their names are different. Their hair color is different. He has acquaintances gone with him for a long time. Those reasons are too more than enough to prove that they are not the same person  but...

When he remembered that Haruto had defeated Minotaur how. Flora could not help but think of Rio

That is why Flora has been staring into the light all day. If the others noticed her unusual status, then most likely Haruto also got out

Flora felt hatred for herself. Her head was reeling from all her thoughts and thoughts, but the girl continued to question herself in spite of that.

Apparently she couldn't find out the truth by asking directly to you. But even if she did, most likely, Rio wouldn't tell the truth to her

After all, the kingdom Bertram has charged Rio wrong way,

Thank you with hatred.

That guilt cannot be erased

Should I apologize? But what we have done is inexcusable

Was that her true feelings? Does Flora want her forgiveness ?. If that was the case, then for her it was too favorable a conclusion

No… "As she reached that conclusion, Flora felt a strong contempt for herself, even stronger than she had ever experienced before. Her eyes began to shed tears. Her eyes started to shed tears

A time in front of the mansion LLiselotte, Duke Egumo and Liselotte had an emergency meeting about the current situation. The meeting was about Knights were sent to reconnaissance and disappeared. Liselotte apologizes to Duke Egumo, Egumo says it is not her fault. Liselotte and Duke Egumo is thinking about whether to send elite warriors

Midway through Duke Egumo suggested Liselotte So thanks to the young man named Haruto. Liselotte refuse, She said that depending on the adventurer was one thing, But Haruto is a commoner. Not to mention that he was accompanied by two women

Duke Egumo agrees with Liselotte. But he thought this time he couldn't just rely on houses explore. There may be several monsters that combine to attack like last time. Need to prepare in the city case Almond is attacked

Meanwhile deep in the woods west of Almond, Lucius and Reiss sitting by the fire. Around them were Vampires standing still. It is a disturbing sight

Reiss amused while observing the Vampires, Lucius fatigue and say they are a nuisance. Reiss want to see my collection for a bit. Lucius smiled happily, saying that he was a bastard scary

Lucius was finally able to relax. Tell Reiss that he could finally breathe. Reiss Tell Lucius the plan will start tomorrow morning when the sun rises and don't oversleep

Epilogue
Miharu is dreaming of a dream, she sees Rio and his mother talking happily since childhood.

Suddenly the scenery around her changed. She saw his mother murdered by the unknown man who was laughing with glee. Seeing that scene made Miharu chill her spine.

Suddenly the 16-year-old Rio stood before her, witnessing the dreadful spectacle with horribly icy eyes while clutching the hilt.

Miharu is scared and tries to call Rio, but he doesn't hear. She knows exactly what Rio is going to do but doesn't look away. Suddenly, Rio swung his sword to cut off the man's head without hesitating.

Miharu's consciousness is increasingly blurred, clearly her About to wake up, if she wakes up she might forget everything.

Miharu feels scared, she doesn't want to see that tragic scene. But she also doesn't want to forget it no matter how tragic it is. She must also be determined to see that scene. Fear, sadness, despair. Miharu couldn't help but hugs Rio from her dream.

Her heart ached. But at that moment the door of her dream closed. Miharu's consciousness gradually fades.

And then a new day new again begins.

I Tried to Dance
Latifa still ecstatic thinking about the uniform plan, and she start thinking what can she improve to impress Rio even more, she start to make some simple dance choreography, and later on she start adding love lyrics, until she realizes Miharu are watching her in the door, embarrassed, she threatened Miharu to keep it secret or else she gonna force her to dance and sing the same thing as her in front of Rio.

Character Debut

 * Rebecca: Chloe's Mother


 * Mireille: Chloe's Little sister

Trivia

 * The title of this volume are Yoake no Rinbunkyoku (夜明けの輪舞曲), with Yoake mean Dawn or Daybreak and Rinbunkyoku are a type of dance where you spin around and around, often seen in any wedding scene or noble, or formal party, can also be called Rondo, so it's something like Rondo of the Dawn, Rondo of Daybreak, or Dawn Rondo.
 * Its related to the previous volume title, the previous one are prelude and dusk, hinting that something going to happen, while this one are the dawn or daybreak, hinting the conclusion.