Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

Since the two returned from the ‘Blue Island’, many things have been decided.

As Chairman Sukhwe of the Supreme Council desired, Kwebasa was granted a degree of autonomy.

Of course, the Supreme Council was dissolved, and Kwebasa became part of the Grand Duchy, under Grand Duke Atinjo.

The official name was changed from ‘Free City Kwebasa’ to ‘Autonomous City Kwebasa’.

It was announced that the Chief Administrator of the Autonomous City would be Noson, the former Prime Minister during the Free City era.

However, Noson was held responsible for key decisions during his tenure: the destruction of the Free City Fleet, the directive to explore the hazardous waters, and his early acceptance of the Grand Duchy’s intervention. Additionally, rumors also spread that Noson manipulated ministers through sorcery and led the decision to come under the Grand Duchy’s control…

When those details became public, the citizens directed their anger not at their new rulers—the Grand Duchy—but at Noson.

“Politics is tough, huh?”

“Yeah, it’s a job where you’re rarely praised, and constant public criticism could sap anyone’s motivation.”

Ryo and Abel had this casual conversation as they sipped coffee after dinner at the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’.

One was the Premier Duke, the other a king—a pair deeply involved in national politics. Yet, their conversation was remarkably relaxed.

Ryo, despite being a premier duke, wasn’t engaged in national governance.

His title as the King’s Special Advisor was purely honorary.

With his stipend going toward maintaining his estate in the royal capital…

Not a single coin made its way into his hands.

Abel, on the other hand, was a king beloved by his people. A former adventurer who repelled the invaders from the Debuhi Empire, he maintained immense popularity.

His consistent efforts to govern for the people’s benefit had earned him significant goodwill.

“Well, with autonomy granted and little change in day-to-day life for citizens, this seems like a reasonable compromise.”

“True. For most people, leadership changes are often irrelevant…”

Abel agreed matter-of-factly.

Even though Abel himself was one of those leaders potentially subject to replacement.

“Is it fine for you to say that?”

“Huh?”

“What if the Kingdom of Knightley has been overthrown while you’re away?”

“By whom?”

“Uh…Q-Queen Rihya and Prince Noah… maybe?”

“If it’s Rihya, that’s fine. As for Noah, he’s destined to inherit the throne anyway. It’d just happen a bit sooner.”

Abel’s calm response left Ryo at a loss for words.

“What about Marquis Heinlein, then?!”

“Wouldn’t he govern better than me?”

“…Yes, I think he would…”

Ryo admitted reluctantly.

Marquis Heinlein, the Prime Minister, was indeed highly capable.

Yet, the idea of him ousting Abel or Noah to seize the throne was laughable.

A former captain of the royal knights, Heinlein was the epitome of honor…

“Abel, you’re blessed with capable allies.”

“That’s undeniable.”

Ryo remarked, and Abel replied with a nod.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

Their conversation was interrupted by a letter delivered by the inn’s receptionist.

“It’s from Duke Helb.”

Abel said as he broke the seal.

Ryo moved behind Abel to peek over his shoulder at the letter.

“It seems arrangements have been made for a ship heading north. It’s a warship from the Grand Duchy, departing the morning after tomorrow.”

“As promised, but they sure work quickly.”

Ryo remarked, impressed as Abel read the letter.

The day after they returned from the Blue Island, Duke Helb had made an offer to them.

Since they wanted to head north on the continent, he proposed providing a ship from the Grand Duchy.

While the two of them preferred the familiar Suje Kingdom Navy, it lacked detailed knowledge of the northern seas beyond this point.

Similarly, ships from Kwebasa, now a self-governed city, did not frequent northern routes.

North of Kwebasa lies the coastal region of the Atinjo Grand Duchy.

Considering this, a warship from the Grand Duchy seemed like the best option, something both of them understood.

“I hope there’s a great chef onboard, like Chef Susie.”

“Well, we won’t know until we board.”

The next evening, the dining hall at the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’ was reserved for a special event.

The Suje Kingdom Embassy had sponsored a farewell party for Ryo and Abel, hosted by the crew of the Lone Dark.

The two were overwhelmed by a feast of culinary delights.

Just as the gathering was about to wrap up, urgent news arrived at the crowded dining hall.

“Is this true?!”

Captain Gorick exclaimed in shock after receiving the report.

He had been drinking more than eating but was instantly sobered by the news.

First Officer Lena glanced at the report.

“Chief Administrator Nosson was assassinated?”

She murmured softly.

Indeed, the report confirmed that Nosson, the new administrative head of the autonomous city, had been murdered.

For several days after, the Administrative Island plunged into chaos… but that’s another story.

“Wow, we really ate a lot yesterday.”

“Yeah, definitely overdid it.”

On the morning of their departure, Ryo and Abel were talking as they headed to the free port.

Fortunately, neither of them suffered from indigestion.

Or hangovers, as they hadn’t drunk excessively.

Considering they were about to board a ship, such issues would have been a nightmare.

“It seems something major happened while we were sleeping.”

“The Chief Administrator was assassinated. Quite the commotion.”

“I bet the Grand Duchy people were behind it.”

“Huh? Why do you think that?”

Ryo said mischievously, and Abel asked, tilting his head in confusion.

“First, they appointed Nosson, who was once Prime Minister, as Chief Administrator. Around the same time, rumors spread that Nosson had done all sorts of bad things during his time as Prime Minister, leading to the current situation.” Ṙ𝘼ƝŏВΕs̩

“Yeah, I heard those rumors.”

“That was all part of the Grand Duchy’s scheme. They successfully redirected the citizens’ resentment… not toward the Grand Duchy, but toward Nosson.”

“I see.”

Abel nodded at Ryo’s explanation, impressed by his scheming insight.

“By gathering all the resentment toward Nosson and then killing him, what do you think will happen…?”

“Whether true or not, Nosson will bear all the blame… And the Grand Duchy will face less criticism, right?”

“Exactly.”

Ryo said with a satisfied nod.

However…

“Still, won’t the citizens continue to have grievances? Wouldn’t it be better to keep him alive and pin any new discontent on Nosson as well?”

“Hmm… that does make sense.”

Though Abel wasn’t particularly skilled in intrigue, his three years as king had taught him to consider such possibilities.

“Well, either way, we’re about to board a ship provided by the Grand Duchy…”

“Yes, let’s keep these thoughts to ourselves.”

The two reached a mutual understanding.

Without hesitation, they found their designated ship.

The reason was simple: Duke Helb and his entourage were waiting prominently at the pier.

“Ah, welcome! We’ve been expecting you.”

“Thank you for arranging this ship.”

“We’re very grateful.”

Duke Helb greeted warmly, and both Abel and Ryo bowed their heads in gratitude.

“After your help with the Death Dragon and the Blue Island issues. It’s the least I could do.”

Duke Helb replied with a smile.

“The ship will take you beyond the northern coast of our Grand Duchy to the capital port of the Bosuntar Kingdom, Jonjon. You should arrive in about ten days.”

He explained, handing them an envelope.

“This is an introduction letter to the Bosuntar Kingdom. As a formal letter of recommendation from the Grand Duke’s brother, it should assist you in traveling further north.”

“Ooh! Thank you so much.”

Ryo exclaimed, surprised and grateful for Duke Helb’s thorough preparations as he accepted the letter.

“I heard something significant happened last night.”

“Ah, you’ve heard? Well, many things tend to happen during periods of turmoil…”

Abel said, steering the conversation deliberately.

Duke Helb replied smoothly.

Ryo looked slightly uneasy at this exchange.

His gaze saying, “I thought we agreed to keep quiet about this”.

Of course, Abel wasn’t trying to provoke an argument.

“I don’t care what happens at the top, as long as the government works for the citizens.”

“Naturally. I understand completely.”

Duke Helb nodded in agreement to Abel’s words.

Abel had brought up the topic intentionally to make this point.

“May your journey be a safe one.”

“Thank you.”

“We’re off.”

Duke Helb added as the two boarded the ship.

Soon, the ship set sail.

“So… the two of them are heading north… I hope they can make it to the Central Countries before that moves south. We’ll see how it turns out.”

Duke Helb murmured to himself, shaking his head slightly.

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