Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

Ryo, riding on Andalusia, and Abel, riding on Feiwan, were being escorted from front and rear by the White Flame Army.

They were not being forcibly taken along; both Ryo and Abel had agreed to go.

Their destination was the Imperial Palace.

“Captain Li Chu.”

“Yes, Your Grace.”

“Today is the wedding ceremony of Prince Ryun and Princess Shio Fen, right? Isn’t His Majesty the Emperor extremely busy?”

“Yes. His schedule should be packed down to the minute.”

Captain Li Chu of the White Flame Army replied, nodding to Ryo’s question.

“Yes… The wedding ceremony actually began at dawn—or rather, before dawn. Though Prince Ryun and Princess Shio Fen are at the center, the ceremony is held under His Majesty’s name, so he attends most of it. So yes, he is extremely busy.”

“Does that mean he wants to meet during a break in the ceremony?”

“Most likely. If all goes according to plan, the first half should finish before noon. In the afternoon, the Prince and Princess will enter seclusion in the Sacred Hall within the palace until nightfall.”

“So, he wants to have lunch together?”

“No, today His Majesty will not have lunch. Nor will the Prince and Princess.”

“What in the world…”

Apparently, the prince’s wedding is an austere affair.

“Therefore, to be honest, it’s unclear when you’ll be able to meet him…”

At that, Captain Li Chu paused mid-sentence.

Then, as if having made up his mind, he raised his head and continued.

“There’s a chance it may be tomorrow.”

“What…?!”

A shocking prediction was delivered.

“In that case, what about our lunch and dinner…?”

“Eh? Oh, well, I believe those will be prepared…”

Captain Li Chu responded somewhat flatly to Ryo, whose face was filled with despair.

“Ah, that’s a relief.”

“Um…”

Ryo looked genuinely relieved, while Li Chu was left a bit puzzled.

Only Abel, who seemed to understand everything, simply shook his head silently.

The two, under the protection of the White Flame Army, entered the Imperial Palace for the first time.

In Darwei, the term ‘Imperial Palace’ refers to a vast area.

Within it are numerous ‘castles’ and ‘residences’.

At its core lies the Forbidden Castle, where the Emperor resides and where the center of political power is located.

To compare it to 21st-century Japan, Nagatacho would be the Imperial Palace, and the Prime Minister’s Office would be the Forbidden Castle.

The entire Nagatacho area is surrounded by tall walls, with advanced alchemical and physical security systems in place… that illustrates just how impressive Darwei’s economy and technology must be.

Due to the wedding, the entire Forbidden Castle was nearly off-limits.

However, the two were granted special entry through the West Flower Gate and were led to a building nearby called the ‘West White Hall’.

Naturally, the security within the Forbidden Castle was stricter than ever.

Yet wherever the White Flame Army passed, all soldiers bowed their heads in respect.

“The White Flame Army must be highly ranked.”

Ryo commented with unfiltered honesty.

“I-I’m honored. We are the Emperor’s direct unit known as the ‘Imperial Tomb Guard’. There are only 200 of us, divided into four units of 50, so we’re small in number, but our military status is extremely high.”

Captain Li Chu said, both humble and proud.

Indeed, in Fenmu, they had surrounded Ryo and Abel without him noticing, and now they moved in perfect unison as guards, truly deserving of the term elite.

“So that’s why His Majesty commanded the White Flame Army to bring me here?”

“That could be part of it. Escorting someone of your status, Duke, would not be considered a slight if done by us. But perhaps more importantly, we were the ones who reported that ‘Duke Rondo of the Kingdom of Knightley’ paid respects in Fenmu…”

“I see.”

It made sense that the presence of a top-ranking foreign duke acting on behalf of his king to pay respects at the imperial tomb would be reported to the capital.

Looking back, it was obvious.

Yet until now, both Ryo and Abel had completely forgotten about it…

The room they were shown into was extremely luxurious.

Even the vases and calligraphy on display looked high-end.

They were told this was one of the rooms used to host foreign dignitaries.

“Foreign guests do not attend the wedding ceremony itself. However, at the banquet to be held two days from now, after the public presentation of the couple to the citizens, foreign envoys and diplomatic representatives will give greetings. So, on that day, this West White Hall will be packed.”

Captain Li Chu explained as he guided them.

“If you tell the maids assigned to this hall, they will prepare anything you need. Also, we White Flame Army soldiers have been assigned to protect you two, so we’re stationed around this room. Please let us know if you need anything.”

“Thank you.”

Now alone in the room were Ryo and Abel.

“Abel, your name is Albert for the time being.”

“Uh, right.”

“You have no right to complain. You forgot your identification…”

“I know. It’s my fault for not wearing it.”

Abel waved a hand dismissively at Ryo’s words.

“How dare you speak so humbly yet act so casually!”

“Ryo, this tea is delicious.”

Abel casually brushed off Ryo’s scolding.

“In any case, we’re in trouble.”

“Hm? What’s the problem now?”

“You truly don’t understand the dire situation we’re in!”

“Dire?”

Ryo sighed, while Abel tilted his head and sipped his tea.

“Next, we’ll be summoned by His Majesty. But when we arrive, we’ll be surrounded by 50,000 Imperial Guards. Then the Emperor will declare, ‘Foolish Duke Rondo, let your life end here in the imperial capital!’ ”

“…”

“Captain Li Chu and the White Flame Army will surely protect us to the end. But we’ll be outnumbered. One by one, they’ll fall… In the end, we’ll be captured and dragged before Prince Ryun and Princess Shio Fen, where we’ll be executed! ‘Let these corpses mark the beginning of your union!’ the Emperor will proclaim, and our heads will be chopped off… oh, what a tragedy.”

“As expected of Ryo.”

Ryo shook his head sadly. But Abel, on the other hand, nodded with admiration.

“Was there something admirable in that?”

“No, just impressed as always by your imagination… or should I say delusion.”

“Delusion?! How rude!”

Abel stated, and Ryo protested.

“To prepare for the worst and do your best. That’s a quote from the politician Disraeli. I dedicate it to you!”

“So that’s the worst-case scenario you’re imagining?”

“Eh? Y-Yes…isn’t it the same for you?”

Abel’s expression said Ryo’s worst was still too naive.

“The worst I imagine is that the entire palace is wiped out by a wide-area destruction spell.”

“…Excuse me?”

“You know, like that spell used by that empire explosive blaze magician you hate— sudden attack, nobody notices, and the whole palace gets obliterated.”

“If that happens, I’ll notice! And I’ll smash that fire attack to bits!”

Apparently, the concept of a “worst-case scenario” varies greatly between individuals…

While they were having that conversation, it became lunchtime.

After a knock, Captain Li Chu entered.

“Duke, His Majesty will see you now.”

“Oh…”

“He asked me to apologize in advance for not having much time.”

“No problem.”

Ryo paused briefly, then muttered just loud enough for Abel to hear.

“Even so, I won’t let my guard down.”

Apparently, Ryo’s earlier fantasy was still running in his head…

Abel alone shook his head in disbelief.

They were taken to a building located far to the north within the Forbidden Castle.

It seemed the Emperor was taking a brief rest between his morning and afternoon schedule.

And during that short window, he wished to meet Duke Rondo.

“Your Majesty, I have brought Duke Rondo.”

“Let him in.”

Ryo and Abel entered the room after being allowed through.

Ryo walked in front, with Abel trailing slightly behind him.

Apparently, word had already been passed along, as none of the guards made any move to stop them.

Ryo didn’t know the proper etiquette for addressing the Emperor in Darwei.

So, he gave the most formal bow used in the Kingdom of Knightley.

“I am Ryo Mihara, Duke Rondo of the Kingdom of Knightley.”

“I am Tsuin Tsao, Emperor of Darwei. I’ve heard you are the Premier Duke and royal representative. Please, have a seat.”

Ryo sat down in the chair he was offered. Abel remained standing a short distance away.

From what Ryo had heard from Boffo of the Bosuntar Kingdom’s Censorate, one did not normally sit in the Emperor’s presence unless it was a banquet or some very special occasion…

Was it because he was representing Knightley’s king?

Ryo’s first impression of Emperor Tsuin was that he looked worn out.

Not necessarily sick… but for the ruler of a major world power, he lacked vitality.

He didn’t have the commanding strength of the former Emperor Rupert of the Debuhi Empire, nor the piercing gaze of the former king of the Union, Roberto Pirlo.

Still, his face did not look dull or foolish.

People might say, can you really tell intelligence just by someone’s face? But with enough experience, you can get a decent sense.

People with dull faces, no matter how loudly they shout, “I’m the boss!” tend to do foolish things… and eventually, their businesses start to collapse.

Even Ryo, who didn’t consider himself to have all that much experience, had learned to read that much.

And by that instinct, the emperor in front of him didn’t seem foolish.

Just a man who had lost the will to do much of anything.

He looked to be in his mid-fifties.

But his almost completely white hair made him look older and more fatigued than his age.

“When I received a report from Li Chu of the White Flame Army that you had visited Fenmu, I could hardly believe it… yet you are the very Duke sung of in that bard’s song…”

“I only recently heard that song clearly for the first time… and honestly, it was incredibly embarrassing.”

“Is that so? Ah—hahaha!”

Ryo gave his honest, down-to-earth reaction.

Which made Emperor Tsuin laugh heartily.

“I understand that you’re deliberately being approachable. I’m guessing you looked into my schedule beforehand. I appreciate the thought.”

“Oh, not at all.”

“I heard that Li Chu experienced dizziness from a visible pressure in Fenmu.”

“…He was probably imagining things.”

“No, if one listens to that bard’s song, it seems quite believable.”

In truth, Ryo had intentionally projected ‘pressure’ while in Fenmu.

Captain Li Chu must have nearly been overwhelmed by it.

“Someday, I’d like to experience that myself, in top condition.”

“Surely you jest…”

The emperor said it jokingly, and Ryo gave a wry smile in return.

After sharing a good laugh, Emperor Tsuin glanced toward the edge of the room.

The attendants, equivalent to chamberlains and pages in the central countries, bowed their heads.

Their gesture likely meant, “Time’s up”.

It seemed the emperor’s schedule truly was packed to the minute.

“The reason I had you brought here is because I’d like to invite you as a guest of honor.”

“A guest of honor? You mean the reception following the public presentation to the imperial citizens in two days?”

“Oh, you already know about that? Then this will be quick. Yes, that very reception. Envoys from neighboring nations will be attending. If the Duke Rondo—already immortalized in song by bards—were to attend, it would surely leave a wonderful memory for the prince and princess. What do you say?”

“It would be an honor to attend. I gladly accept.”

“Excellent, it’s settled then!”

Ryo’s acceptance made Emperor Tsuin clap his hands and nod in satisfaction.

The weariness that had clouded his expression earlier now seemed to lift, if only slightly.

The Emperor likely felt he had secured the perfect surprise for the prince and princess.

Ryo himself was curious to see their surprised faces—he had no reason to decline.

“I’ll have Li Chu handle the details. You’re staying at the Ryusen Residence, yes? Of course, if you’d prefer, we can prepare quarters for you within the palace.”

“No, the Ryusen Residence will do just fine. You see… I’ve actually been working as an adventurer.”

“An adventurer? You, Duke Rondo? Well, with your magical prowess, I suppose it’s not out of the question…”

“I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the imperial capital.”

“I see. I understand that. I, too, long for such freedom.”

“Hard to come by in high positions, isn’t it?”

Having seen what Abel endured, Ryo understood the limitations well.

He noticed Abel behind him giving a small nod in agreement.

“And as an adventurer… I’ve actually been hired by Count Von Debout of Matan.”

“Truly?!”

Emperor Tsuin was visibly surprised by Ryo’s statement.

Then, as if remembering something—

“Von Debout is currently…”

“Yes, imprisoned in maximum security for that incident involving Count Roche Ten of Bashu.”

“That was a murky affair… hmm, if it weren’t for the laws, I would release Von Debout here and now, for your sake.”

“I understand.”

“But rest assured. An amnesty will be granted in celebration of the prince’s wedding. Von Debout is to be included in it.”

“Is that true?!”

Ryo’s voice cracked with joy.

“Indeed. The release will be announced tomorrow. Feel free to pass the word to his retainers.”

“Thank you so much! I’ll go to them right after this!”

“The investigation will continue through the Censorate. There still seems to be more beneath the surface.”

That last remark, spoken softly, didn’t reach Ryo’s ears—he was too overjoyed to notice.

But at the very least, it was good news.

TLN: Please read my translations at tseirptranslations.com, I did not give permission to any site to host my translations. 

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