Celia-Sensei SS ~ Chapter 3
第3話
Author : Kitayama Yui
作者：北山結莉
TL : Cnine
ED/PF : Jake1456
Part 1
After that, Celia’s arrived at her own laboratory while taking along Flora with her.
「Please enter. It’s a narrow place though」
「I don’t mind, excuse me then………」
After Celia invited her to enter, Flora’s passing through the door with a slightly strained face.
「Please feel free to take your seat on the empty chair since I’m going to prepare the tea」
Celia’s going to the simple kitchen as she said those words. Thereupon――、
「Thank you very much」
Flora’s saying her gratitude while sitting timidly on the chair. And then――、
（So this is how the inside of Celia-sensei laboratory……….）
As she’s looking inside with a curious face. Since she didn’t have any experience of visiting the laboratory of the lecturers during her life in the royal academy up till now, Flora was embracing a kind of new and strange feeling.
Thanks to Rio being in charge of cleaning till sometime ago, Celia’s room became so well and neatly arranged. Because the sense of loss due to Rio who began his journey, in the majority of these few days, Celia’s almost unable to concentrate on her research.
Flora’s looking inside of the room for a while and then looking at Celia as if to assert the situation――、
（She said to talk about Rio-sama………………… Is it about the story from sometime ago？ Beside, as I thought, Celia-sensei is very close with Rio-sama isn’t she ）
While thinking so. Flora recalled that once she saw that Rio and Celia was talking with quite a friendly atmosphere. Though that time was just right after school, maybe because she was able to take a glimpse of Rio’s smiling face which he never shows in the academy, that memory remained strongly in her.
And then, Flora’s somehow feeling quite vexed inside――、
「Thank you for waiting」
Celia’s coming with the tea. On the tray that she’s carrying with both hands was a pot covered with a tea cozy[1] and cup. After Celia sits in front of Flora, her expression slightly darkened. And then――、
「My apologies for what I did sometime ago. Though I heard the content of the story, maybe because I’m a bit too absorbed with hearing the story, I ended up slightly missing with the timing to intervene……」
She’s apologizing to Flora. Thereupon, Flora’s face also darkened and she’s gently shaking her head in denial.
「Nope. Since I also suddenly forced my way through their conversation……..」
「………… Is it because you couldn’t bring yourself to pretend to not hear it？」
Celia’s asking with an implicit question. Since it was convenient for her situation.
To be honest, to Celia, she doesn’t think that they’re the kind of people who’ll obediently apologize when being pointed out of their mistake. On the contrary, if she makes a mistake, she fears that Flora’s position will be even worsened for making too many mistakes. But――、
「………. I couldn’t bring myself to ignore them. I have no reason for making myself to be able to agree with them」
Flora’s shaken as if being vexed by it. And then, drooping her head in disappointment.
「Flora-sama has a better opinion about Rio right………」
Celia was smiling a full smile as she’s feeling relieved somehow.
「Because he saved my life three times. First is when I was kidnapped 5 years ago, the second is during the field training few days ago………..」
「………….. If it’s okay with you, would you tell me the story during the field training a few days ago？ Even Flora-sama must be frustated for keeping it in your chest」
「………. Is it okay？」
Flora’s peeking at Celia’s face to guess her intention.
「Yes. I want to hear it. From Flora-sama who was properly seeing that child, your story about Rio………. 」
Celia’s assenting to her with a gentle smile. Thus, Flora’s taking a short breath as if a burden has been taken off from her shoulder. And then, she’s slowly starting to tell his story.
About Rio being pushed for baggage carrier during field training, about him refusing her offer to help him carry the luggage, about him who was carrying the luggage alone with a nonchalant face without making a single complain as if he’s not carrying anything, and then about him who saved her when she almost fell from the cliff when they’re ambushed by flocks of demon.
Part 2
「………… To me, I will never think that Rio-sama is the one who pushed Stead-kun」
Flora said that after explaining the situation when she almost fell from the cliff.
「Though it’s not my place for saying this, I’m in the same opinion as you. I definitely couldn’t think that Rio lost his cool with a surprise attack of the demons. Or rather, I think it might be the opposite instead………」
Celia’s saying so while joking with a wry smile. Thereupon――、
「T-That is, no matter how you look at it, isn’t that making Stead-kun seem pathetic……….」
Flora’s saying as if trying to protect the pitiful Stead. Though he’s not someone who has a personality that you can praise, it seems she’s still slightly resisting from bad mouthing him.
「Oh my, I never said that Stead-kun is the one who messed up you know When it comes to that, could it be that Stead-kun appeared this way in Flora-sama eyes？ 」
So Celia says while showing a impish smile.
「Ah…………. G-Geez, sensei is unfair！」
Flora’s hanging down her head with flushed cheeks.
「Fufu, I’m glad. You finally can make such a bright face right. ………..Please drink the tea since it’s just about the right time to drink it. Though the truth is, the tea is delicious if it’s brewed by Rio」
When she said that, she’s pouring the steam cooked tea to the cup and then presented it to Flora.
「Rio-sama……….. Could it be that he was frequently coming to this room？ 」
Flora’s asking with a dumbfounded face.
「Yeah, well. He was accompanying me for tea, helping with my research, doing the cleaning of this room and……….. That’s secret, okay？ 」
Celia’s saying that while winking at Flora.
「Y-Yes. I won’t tell anyone. Even so, uhm……….. As I thought, Celia-sensei actually has a good relationship with Rio-sama？ 」
After nodding awkwardly, she’s asking with a unwilling face to not ask it.
「”As I thought” is it？ Yeah, well, becoming closer with him is something I’m happy with though……..」
Though she’s slightly worried with the way Flora said “As i thought”, Celia still nodded as if being shy about that fact.
「Yes, Uhm, once, I happened to see Celia-sensei talking as if you’re being intimate with Rio-sama……..」
「Ah, I see. It’s because we didn’t seem to be quite close in the academy」
「It’s alright. It happened after school when almost no one was left. Beside, though it seems that you’re quite close, it’s just a normal conversation. It’s just that, since Rio-sama’s showing such a natural expression, it’s somehow remained in my memories……..」
So, Flora’s explaining the situation when she saw them.
「Ahaha, so that’s the reason. Normally he’s a child who didn’t have too much expression but, don’t you know that sometimes he makes an expression befitting of his age you know？ 」
Celia answered with a smiling face.
「……Yes. So, he should be right」
Flora’s nodding with a slightly gloomy face.
（Could it be that Flora-sama wanted to become intimate with Rio？）
Celia thought so while looking at Flora whose head is drooping. Thereupon――、
「That’s something I couldn’t see. The truth is, I always wanted to have a conversation with him but, I can do nothing but watch him being isolated in the academy and drifting away from his surrounding like that」
Flora’s blaming herself with a ashamed expression.
「You’re regretting the fact that you can’t do anything for him, right」
「……Yes. Moreover, I’m also jealous with Celia-sensei. That’s why I’m trying to summon my courage to talking with him during the field training. Though I was told by onee-sama to not try to make contact with Rio-sama」
「By Christina-sama？………. I see」
Part 3
Celia nodded with a pensive look on her face And then it comes to her that Christina’s order might be on the basis with consideration that “It’s not a good thing for both of them for Flora whose origin is a princess, becoming intimate with Rio, who’s an orphan of unknown origin“.
Even in Celia’s case which she has a relationship with Rio as his homeroom teacher, she recalled that there was few times when he received animosity from the students just because he seems slightly intimate when conversing with her in the academy ground. For example if Flora’s becoming intimate with Rio, it won’t look too good if they’re seen by the students in the vicinity.
（Well, Christina-sama’s carrying a completely non-interference standing regarding Rio right. It seems she also have some sort of complicated feeling to Rio just like Flora-sama but, I can understand her view when I think about the first time they met[2]……..）
Anyway, it’s because Christina is a wise girl. Though she’s normally making sure to not having the similar common ground except with the students she intimate with, she can make a clear distinction about the being called human. Contrary to her non-interference attitude, she might be trying to be kind to Rio in her own way. When Celia’s coming with such analysis――、
「Well then, the time when you’re speaking with Rio also became the last of your conversation？」
She asked that to Flora. Though she have heard the general situation from Rio himself, even Celia’s completely unknown to the detail. Therefore, she wanted to make sure just how far Flora knows about it.
「No, just a little when I almost fell from the cliff and when we’re attacked by the cow-headed giant. But then, it’s just him one-sidedly calling my name…………」
「Rio should say something else right？」
「That is, he said 『I’m sorry』 right before he threw me back to the top of the cliff with incredible power. And then, he said to me to run quickly when we’re attacked by that cow-headed giant」
「So that was the case………..」
Maybe because she can guess Rio’s mental state during that time, a gentle smile’s forming on Celia’s lips. But, in that moment――、
「……………… The cow-headed giant is beaten by Rio-sama. I insisted on that opinion as the sole witness. But, dear father and headmaster can’t take that as the truth, moreover for them to make the one responsible of this case to Rio-sama is……………」
Flora’s looking down in vexation while saying that.
「I see. Because of that you couldn’t endure the fact that Alphonse-kun and Stead-kun is bad mouthing Rio」
Celia’s satisfied that Flora flared at Alphonse and co for a justified reason.
「Yes, that’s right…………. Is Celia-sensei believing in what I say？ 」
Flora’s asking that while looking at Celia as if begging to her.
「I trust you. I also understand your feeling[3]. …………… But, for you to make a thoughtless statement contradicting the well known truth with your standing as a princess is, please forgive me for saying this, in my humble opinion it is a foolish idea」
Celia’s bowing deeply and admonished Flora who’s making a gloomy face as if being anxious.
「………. Dear father, and onee-sama also said the same thing. That I mustn’t say the truth which is contradicting with the official announced truth. Should I not go on claiming with the truth？ 」
Flora eyes opened slightly wide and showing the expression as if somehow being vexed with the current situation.
「In the human society, the right one will not always evaluated as the right one. No, a correct evaluation might never exist in the first place. When you have a case, there’s always infinite possibilities regarding human whether or not that judgement is correct」
So, Celia’s speaking to seemingly anxious Flora in a manner as her teacher.
「Well then, seeing from common point of view, there’s a possibility that dear father and onee-sama is right and I’m wrong is it？」
「………… It must be hard for you right. At least, I personally think that Flora-sama is right, this sensibility also a nice thing. ……….. In addition, don’t you think that his majesty and Christina-sama in reality also know that you’re speaking the truth you know？ 」
Celia’s answering with a troubled face to Flora who’s looking at her with eyes of someone who seemingly lost her self-confidence.
「Is………………. That true？」
Flora’s looking at her with a dumbfounded face.
Part 4
「Yes. But, when comparing it with the current internal situation of the country, it’s just the safer choice to hold Flora-sama’s feeling. Because In regard to political world, the truth is that even if you don’t think that it’s “right”, sometimes there’s a matter that you must treat as “right” ……… I think that maybe Christina-sama and your majesty was also troubled in how to explain that to you. And then, Even if Flora-sama can’t bring yourself to consent with that fact deep in your heart, aren’t you supposed to cover that part？ 」
「That……….. Might be right. Certainly」
After Celia’s stating her analysis, Flora’s consenting as if she came to understand something.
「Fufu, looking at Flora-sama’s appearance, it seems your majesty and Christina-sama isn’t making it clear about that situation right」
「………….. Yes. The truth is, Uhm, during that time, I’m rebelling against onee-sama and dear father for the first time in my life」
Flora nodded in agreement as if feeling embarassed.
「If that’s the case, based on today’s situation, it might be a good idea if you’re trying to talk to them again after you calm down isn’t it. Though changing Rio’s situation shouldn’t be possible after things going this far, nevertheless if you can’t hold back your emotion, I’m ready to become your conversation partner with just the two of us, the weight on Flora-sama’s heart might be melting a little you know？ 」
Celia’s telling her as if happy about this development.
「……….. I’ll try it. But, as expected, I really couldn’t change the current situation of having returning a good deed with evil toward Rio-sama right？ Maybe I won’t be able to do something about the existing news one way or another, with a bit of thinking……….」
Flora’s giving a firm nod and then timidly asking that question.
「Uhm, I’m also facing similar problem but, I think there’s not that many think I can do」
「…………….. Meaning？」
「I’m believing that child, and then it comes to me that I should wait for his return, forever. And welcome him with a smile on my face once we meet again」
Celia’s answering with a ephemeral smile floating on her face.
「……………. He’ll return, right？」
「Yeah, definitely. I believe that he’ll return. Well, though maybe he won’t be back with a grandiose entrance」[4]
When Flora’s asking that with a anxious tone, Celia answered her and giving a firm nod.
「At that time, he definitely won’t show himself in front of me right」
Flora’s letting out a dejected smile.
「That’s………………. How it should be, right？」
Celia dodged to answering her question by glossing it with a smile as she thinks that he’ll certainly do so if it’s Rio.
「It’s okay, you may speak your opinion. It’s thanks to Celia-sensei that I at least understood what I must to do. …………. Though I might have no qualification for it, I’ll be waiting for him too. And then, though he might be unable to forgive me, I think I will keep living without forgetting about my fault to that person」
Flora’s shaking her head gently in denial as she calmly tells Celia her intention.
「Flora-sama………….」
「I should try to talk with onee-sama and dear father again right. Though it might turn into a quarrel again, I believe that I’m right, moreover, I think I should try to understand dear-father and onee-sama’s circumstances as much as I can」
「……………………… Certainly. In that case, I’ll secretly help from behind. Please come to my place at once if you can’t bear it no matter what. Since I’ll hear your story if you’re okay with me」
Celia showed a wide and gentle smile.
「………….Certainly, thank you very much！」
A bright smile bloomed on Flora’s face as she’s bowing her head.
Part 5
「Fufu, the tea ended up becoming lukewarm right. If you’re okay with it, should I brew new one？ 」
「Ah, it’s okay. Since my throat parched during the conversation. Though After being called childish by onee-sama, I like to drink it when it became lukewarm. Ehehe」
Flora shyly saying that. Thereupon, the sound of a knocker of the door of the room resounded.
「Ara, it seems we have a guest aren’t we. Excuse me then. ……………. Yes, may I ask who is this？ 」
When Celia’s standing from her seat after excusing herself to Flora, she’s walking to the door and asking the identity of the person from the other side.
「It’s Christina. Uhm, Flora should be coming to this place isn’t it？ I heard from the gatekeeper soldier that she was walking along with Celia-sensei ten minutes ago」
There on the other side of the door is Flora’s sister―― Christina.
「It’s princess. I’ll open the door now. Please wait a minute. …………. Fufu, it seems you received a home calling you know. I will open the door」
After Celia’s replying with a loud voice, she’s smiling at Flora who sits on her chair behind her. And then, when she opens the door, Christina was standing on that place.
「Onee-sama……..」
「Uhm, I came to call you. Since you’re later than usual, dear father and dear mother are also worrying about you」
Christina’s ending her words with a somewhat awkward expression to Flora who’s looking straight into her eyes. Celia who’s looking at Christina’s behaviour grasped that there’s still some effect left due to her quarrel with Flora.
「…………… I’m sorry. I became too absorbed in the conversation with Celia-sensei. Could it be that onee-sama’s returning here after arriving at the palace？ 」
Flora meekly apologizes while peeking at Christina’s expression.
「…………. Yeah, well I must admit」
Christina’s timidly admitting it.
「Fufu. You did worry about Flora-sama right. Well then, before it’s too late, please be careful on your way back」
Celia’s smiling to the awkward conversation of the sisters and then urged them to go back at once. Well, the royal academy is practically next to the royal castle, since there’s a communication gate for something like commuting of the royalty etc etc, the thing that they must pay attention is none.
「Thank you very much, Celia-sensei. Thanks to you I feel that the burden on my heart became a bit lighter」
Flora’s standing up and then bowed toward Celia.
「Well, please come again anytime」
Celia’s gently shaking her head with a smile. Christina was looking at them while guessing what the two of them might be talking about in this place.
「Well then, let’s go. Onee-sama」
Flora’s saying that as she started to walk slowly toward her.
「…………… Yeah, that is so」
Christina’s looking at Celia and suddenly bowed at her ――、
「Thank you very much, Celia-sensei. For becoming the conversation partner with Flora」
And saying her gratitude.
「No, I must also say my gratitude for this matter. I could have the privilege of such an enjoyable conversation till I unintentionally forgot about the time」
「In that case, I’m glad for you. Well then, one more time. Thank you very much for what you did today」
Christina’s nodding and then turning around to leave. Celia’s looking at them walking along the corridor and then going back to her laboratory. And then――、
「…………… I also can’t get depressed forever huh. I can’t go on like that right」
She’s whispering in a low voice. Celia’s feeling became slightly lighter after she talked about Rio with Flora. Before she knew, she’s become more positive than sometime ago.
But, her face turned slightly dark when she held the tea that already became considerably lukewarm on her lips. Because even if she’s using the same tea, the tea made by Rio is far better.
「You’ll be back quickly right, that’s why I’ll wait for your return」
Celia turned slightly sentimental.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tea_cosy
[2] [TL* : Rio’s mistaken as the kidnapper despite the otherways around]
[3] [TL* : Rio’s a great sinner for leaving this two nice woman(?) behind for a manly(?) journey]
[4] [TL : He betraying your expectation!]
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