The Water Magician

Markdorf, the Imperial Capital of the Debuhi Empire, was lightly coated in white due to the snow that began to fall from early dawn. Although the streets of the capital, said to be the center of the largest economic zone in the Central Nations, were not bustling with people.

It seemed to symbolize the worsening economy of the entire Empire.

The main road that runs through the center of the capital leads directly to the heart of the Empire, the Imperial Castle.

The master of the castle, Emperor Rupert the Sixth, received a report from the regent, Count Hans Kirchhoff.

"The hero has arrived?"

"Yes. He just arrived at the Imperial Castle and has requested an audience with your majesty based on the agreement."

Emperor Rupert the Sixth, clearly showing a displeased expression, asked back, while Regent Hans replied with an understanding but unavoidable expression.

"There was a report about crossing the border some time ago. Was it a week ago? So, they came straight here without stopping anywhere."

"That is correct. There seems to be a clear purpose, but the details are still unknown since they are only requesting an audience."

Rupert's face remained displeased.

To him, a hero was nothing but a source of trouble.

"What is this agreement you speak of? I have never heard of any agreement between me and the hero..."

"I didn't know either, so I had the chief librarian, Churan, look into it. There are records from about three hundred years ago, during the time when we were still a kingdom, stating that King Carl the Twelfth granted the hero a seal of approval."

"Three hundred years... that's a long time ago. What does it say?"

"It states that they will cooperate with the hero at any time."

Hearing that, Emperor Rupert the Sixth let out a deep sigh.

"Really troublesome. Well, I suppose I will 'cooperate' with them. Depending on what the hero wants in the audience, of course."

Since it was an 'informal' audience, there were hardly any courtiers present this time.

Downstairs, the hero Roman, along with seven party members led by him, knelt on one knee, waiting for Emperor Rupert the Sixth to call upon them.

"Hero Roman and his companions, please raise your heads."

When Regent Hans Kirchhoff called out, the members of the Hero Party lifted their heads, having kept them bowed in respect.

"Hero Roman, and companions, it is an honor."

Emperor Rupert the Sixth spoke to them.

"Thank you for your kind words."

In response, Cleric Graham, the oldest member of the Hero Party, replied.

Although the party leader was Hero Roman, only nineteen years old and not very experienced, the oldest Graham often took on the role of negotiator in external matters.

"This audience is informal, so there is no need to be stiff. It is a great honor that the renowned hero Roman and his party have visited our Empire, but may I ask the reason for your visit?"

Emperor Rupert the Sixth, hiding his inner disdain, inquired politely.

"I have come to seek the guidance of the renowned blazing flame mage, Oscar Lusk."

Hero Roman replied, locking eyes with Emperor Rupert the Sixth.

In some nations, or under certain powers, this could be considered an incredibly disrespectful act.

Therefore, the party members watched Roman with anxiety.

"Hmm, a mock battle with Oscar, is it?"

This was quite an unexpected request for Rupert.

Why would a hero want to fight Oscar?

"Speaking of Oscar Lusk, he is also very famous as an adventurer. Therefore, I first visited the adventurers' guild, but I was told he is already in military service and won’t be coming to the guild. Thus, I decided to visit the castle, disregarding any rudeness, in hopes of your majesty's understanding."

Cleric Graham explained the reason for their request for an audience.

"Hans, where is Oscar?"

"Your majesty, Oscar is at the magic training grounds."

Upon hearing the expected answer from Hans, Rupert thought to himself.

(It's usual for him to be holed up in the training grounds. However... leaving all the teaching of the brigade to Fiona and isolating himself in the Fourth Magic Training Grounds. It seems he was seriously affected by the Whitnash incident... Though he did manage to protect Fiona well in that situation, he still seems unsatisfied. Well, he will likely grow stronger from this. Good, very good.)