Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

And then finally—the doors opened.

In that instant, it felt as though ice had slid down the backs of many present.

The military officers instinctively reached for the hilts of their swords.

Not too fast, not too slow.

The stronger a person was, the less they could look at the robed man.

They couldn't even turn their eyes toward him.

Their instincts refused.

The weaker ones, conversely, couldn't look away.

Their teeth chattered.

Sweat poured down their faces.

Yet their eyes were locked, unable to turn aside…

Among them, a few strong individuals forcibly suppressed their instincts and watched Duke Rondo's approach— enduring even physical pain to do so.

One such person sat directly ahead— the day's main figure.

"To think… it would be to this extent."

Prince Ryun murmured.

The other main figure, seated beside him, whispered:

"Ryo-sama?"

Princess Shio Fen's whisper reached Ryun's ears.

He heard her— but couldn't question her here.

No… not now.

He couldn't even move his eyes!

Duke Rondo advanced.

When he reached the foot of the ceremonial stairs, he bowed gracefully.

As the King's representative.

He effectively stood in for the sovereign himself.

A full prostration would be politically inappropriate.

These matters involved delicate inter-national dynamics and hierarchy.

And so, Ryo offered only a refined, elegant bow.

If anyone had complaints about that…

"Th-That's disrespectful!"

A voice came from the left.

Based on the seating arrangement, it was likely the Fourth Prince, Imperial Prince Bin.

Without a word, Ryo doubled the pressure he'd been restraining— and directed it at Prince Bin.

"Ghh…kah…"

The prince could barely breathe.

Ryo confirmed that— then smiled.

Though intended as a polite smile, it appeared malevolent and ominous to all who saw it…

"Duke Rondo, perhaps that's enough…"

This time, the voice came from the right.

One he recognized.

"My apologies, Your Majesty."

Ryo gave another elegant bow.

And in that instant, the oppressive aura vanished.

Sound returned to the room.

It was the sound of people breathing again.

Something they hadn't been able to do under Ryo's pressure…

"I've heard the name Duke Rondo before, but this was excessive. Downright rude."

The one speaking now was seated beside the Fourth Prince.

The Third Prince, Imperial Prince Churei.

"All was done at His Majesty the Emperor's behest."

"What?"

Ryo replied with a smile, and Churei grimaced at the answer.

"Hahaha, indeed. It was my mistake. I foolishly asked to witness Duke Rondo's full strength as a jest— it was my mistake."

Emperor Tsuin chuckled, clearly delighted.

Many were taken aback by the sight.

It had been ages since Emperor Tsuin looked so pleased.

Yes, perhaps not since five years ago.

"As thanks for indulging me, I've prepared a seat of honor for you. Please, enjoy the festivities."

The emperor gestured to the vacant seat beside him.

It had remained empty since the beginning— for Duke Rondo.

"I am most grateful, Your Majesty."

Ryo bowed again with grace.

"But first, a wedding gift for the bride and groom."

At his words, Abel— who had somehow arrived behind him— stepped forward, bearing a tray covered in cloth.

When Ryo removed the cloth—

What was revealed was a massive magic stone, the size of two fists.

Deep, deep blue. Truly blue.

"What kind of gem is that…?"

"No, that's a magic stone."

"That can't be! No magic stone is that big!"

"A blue stone… that means water. Even a fingernail-sized one can buy a whole barony…"

"Where in the world did he get something like that?"

The crowd buzzed in astonishment.

Apparently, it was recognized as valuable.

Relieved by that, both Ryo and Abel sighed inwardly.

They hadn't known the exact worth either.

"Duke Rondo… is that truly a magic stone?"

Even Emperor Tsuin seemed shaken.

His voice was subtly trembling.

"Yes, Your Majesty. I thought it a fitting gift for the wedding of the prince and princess."

Ryo replied with a smile.

"I've never heard of such a massive water stone… if I may ask—what creature did it come from?"

"This is the magic stone of a Kraken, Your Majesty."

The banquet exploded into astonished murmurs.

Everyone began speaking with their neighbors.

Even the princes and ministers were no exception.

No one remained silent.

No one… except the Emperor and the guest of honor.

To possess a Kraken's magic stone was to imply one had defeated the monster.

That was the natural conclusion.

But there was one major problem.

"Can a human even defeat a Kraken?"

The question slipped from Emperor Tsuin's lips.

Ryo smiled and answered:

"That is a secret— for now. I shall share the story with Your Majesty another time."

"Oh-ho! I look forward to it!"

The emperor nodded, clearly delighted.

And with that, the princes could say no more.

They must have wanted to know.

Can a human defeat a Kraken?

How did he do it?

Even if Ryo had tried to dodge the question, they'd likely have accused him of insolence and pressed him.

But once the emperor spoke, they no longer could.

(Heh heh heh…)

A wicked grin formed in Ryo's heart.

Ryo was then led to the seat beside the emperor.

Abel stood respectfully behind him.

Emperor Tsuin looked at Abel with interest.

"Duke Rondo, and this swordsman?"

"This is my bodyguard, Albert, Your Majesty."

Ryo introduced him, and Abel bowed in silence.

It was Knightley style of bow—graceful yet brimming with strength, radiating noble dignity…a masterful bow.

"Ho…as expected of the duke's guard— splendid."

"I am honored by your praise."

Tsuin praised Abel's etiquette; Ryo smiled in gratitude.

To recognize another's refinement, one must possess refinement themselves.

Emperor Tsuin had ruled the great power of Darwei for over two decades.

Indeed, these past five years had shown signs of decay… but he was no fool.

At least until five years ago… his ability to judge people had been widely respected.

Thus, even from a single bow, he sensed something extraordinary in Abel.

"Someone. Prepare a meal for Albert-dono as well."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

At Emperor Tsuin's command, preparations for the meal began immediately.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Think nothing of it. It is merely a token of appreciation for the splendid bow he showed us."

While Tsuin and Ryo exchanged those words, the banquet continued.

Greetings from the various countries had concluded, and dancers were now performing.

Emperor Tsuin's gaze turned to Abel's left hand as he was served and seated.

"What you wear on your left arm—Albert-dono—is that a flight ring?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Albert insisted on having one, so I bought it for him."

Ryo replied with a wry smile.

Abel smiled awkwardly as well.

"I see, I see. Although the Kingdom of Knightley has become famous worldwide thanks to the songs of bards, I have heard that the Eastern countries are superior in flight technology. Is that true?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. Our kingdom has not yet developed technology that allows anyone to fly this easily."

Without shame or humility, Ryo acknowledged the superiority of the Eastern countries in flight technology.

"In fact, I also purchased one and have been studying its components."

"Truly! Duke Rondo, do you also practice alchemy?"

"It is a hobby of mine."

Tsuin looked surprised, while Ryo smiled pleasantly.

"The imperial capital offers many interesting things—both fun and educational."

Ryo said with a warm smile.

It was that same smile Abel always described as Ryo's charm.

"You honor us. Please, stay as long as you wish."

At that point, Tsuin paused for a moment in thought.

Then he continued.

"Are you still staying at the Ryusen Residence?"

"Yes."

"But, Von Debout…"

"I'm aware. The escort contract with Lord Von Debout has ended. However, for Albert's flight training, the spacious training grounds at Ryusen Residence are quite convenient."

"I see."

Tsuin nodded deeply at Ryo's explanation.

But then, the conversation took a sharp turn.

"By the way, I heard that you are acquainted with Prince Ryun?"

"Yes. We greeted each other at the Imperial Mausoleum."

Most likely, Captain Li Chu of the White Flame Army had reported it.

"What did you think of him? I would like your candid opinion."

Emperor Tsuin asked with a smile.

But Ryo could see that the smile didn't reach his eyes.

This was a serious question.

"I found him to be strong-willed and steady in character, with a kind heart. However… to be honest, I feel he's also putting on a facade."

"A facade?"

Apparently, the expression wasn't familiar in Darwei.

"Like a tiger pretending to be a house cat…"

"I see."

Tsuin chuckled wryly at the analogy.

"That's not necessarily a bad thing for a prince of a great empire. And as for his kindness— I found it rather endearing. He's suitable enough to marry someone I know."

"Someone you know? Duke Rondo, are you… acquainted with Princess Shio Fen?"

"Yes. I had the chance to meet her in Bosuntar Kingdom. Her lady-in-waiting, Lady Mifa, is Albert's only apprentice."

As Ryo said this, Abel bowed his head.

"That is… quite surprising…"

Clearly not expecting a connection to Princess Shio Fen.

Even Tsuin seemed speechless.

"Hmm… in that case, this might be even more convenient."

"Excuse me?"

Ryo caught Tsuin's muttered words.

"I wish to give you a gift, Duke Rondo."

"A gift?"

Ryo was surprised by the sudden offer.

"I want you to accept a residence."

"…I beg your pardon?"

The conversation was taking an unexpected turn.

"The residence is large enough for your escort to practice flying. It's also a bit removed from the palace, so you can live comfortably without concern."

"That's too generous a gift."

"Nonsense. Compared to that water magic stone… Even a hundred or two hundred mansions would not suffice."

"But that was a gift for the prince and princess…"

"Is it strange for a parent to repay a debt their child cannot?"

"Uh…"

Ryo instinctively glanced at Abel.

Abel gave a small nod.

"Very well. I gratefully accept."

"Oh! I am most pleased. In fact, the residence is right next to the one being prepared for Ryun and his wife."

"Ah, I see. Because I'm acquainted with both of them."

"Exactly."

Tsuin paused briefly, then continued.

"Also…it is because I want you to protect Ryun."

"Pardon…?"

Tsuin was still smiling.

But once again, his eyes did not smile.

Anyone watching from afar wouldn't suspect that a serious request was being made.

"From now on, there will be greater threats to his life. If you happen to be nearby in such a moment, please help him."

"…And if I'm not nearby and he loses his life?"

"Then that is Ryun's fate. We will have to accept it."

All of this was said with a smile.

Ryo also maintained a smile.

So no one would know they were having a serious discussion.

Abel listened intently but kept his eyes elsewhere.

"I will not remain in Darwei forever."

"I understand. You will return to the Central Countries, yes? But to do so from the Eastern countries, one must pass through the 'Corridor' in northwestern Darwei. However… it is not always passable."

"Oh?"

"This is not known among the commoners. Perhaps not even among the Shitaifu class. The 'Corridor' is sometimes blocked by an invisible wall. Now is one such time. It's uncertain when it will open again… but it should be passable in about a year."

"And when it opens, does it remain open for long?"

"Records from the previous dynasty say it remains open for at least five years."

This was shocking news to both Ryo and Abel.

It seemed leaving Darwei would not be easy.

"Could this be why there's so little traffic between the Eastern and Central countries…?"

"Yes, because of that wall."

"I see."

Ryo nodded once.

Seeing this, Tsuin continued.

"So, how about it? Just for that time… protect Ryun. Not constantly, just when necessary. How about that?"

Behind the smiling eyes was a very serious light.

It was as if he knew Ryun would face grave danger.

Or perhaps… the emperor himself would be the cause…

"Understood. While I am here… I'll look in on him from time to time, as a neighbor."

"Oh, I am grateful."

Both kept smiling.

Only their eyes told the truth.

"By the way, is it true—what they sing in your songs—that you struck down a hundred thousand in a single blow, Duke Rondo?"

"What?"

Ryo struggled to follow Tsuin's sudden change of topic.

He understood it was likely meant to redirect attention from their previous conversation.

But still, it wasn't easy.

"It wasn't a single blow. I cast the same spell several times in rapid succession."

"Oh-hoh. What kind of magic was it?"

"Something like this…"

Ryo held his right palm upward and summoned a small about ten centimeters long.

"I fired larger versions of these in volleys."

"A spear of ice? Impressive indeed…"

Tsuin trailed off mid-sentence.

"Your Majesty?"

"No, forgive me, Duke Rondo. How are you able to use magic?"

"Excuse me?"

Ryo tilted his head, not understanding the question.

"Within the palace— especially in this Forbidden Castle— magic cannot be generated. Due to alchemy. Yet you've just done so."

"Yes, it seems I can."

"Someone!"

"Your Majesty, I'm here."

The one who knelt beside Tsuin was none other than Captain Li Chu of the White Flame Army.

"Li Chu, investigate immediately whether there's an issue with the magic systems in the Forbidden Castle."

"Understood."

With that, Captain Li Chu left quickly.

Ryo and Abel exchanged glances in silence.

They understood something serious was happening…

But all they could do was wait.

Meanwhile, the banquet continued.

The entertainment shifted from dancing to koto music, then to sword dancing.

Five minutes later, Captain Li Chu returned.

"What did you find?"

"Yes! As Your Majesty suspected, a malfunction was discovered in the 'Starry Veil', which protects the entire palace. The alchemists are currently repairing it. It should be restored shortly."

"This is troubling…"

Emperor Tsuin shook his head slightly at the report.

Ryo watched silently.

Noticing this, Tsuin spoke.

"Thanks to you, Duke Rondo, we discovered the issue before it became a catastrophe. I am grateful."

"Please, think nothing of it. You mentioned just now that this 'Starry Veil' protects the palace?"

"Yes. Because of it, magic cannot be used within the Forbidden Castle. There are other complex defensive mechanisms as well… but the Starry Veil is at the core. If it fails, the entire defense is compromised. But, why would this happen…"

At that moment, the roof of Zhenglin Hall exploded.

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

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