The Water Magician

A few days after Abel read the report.

"What is the meaning of this?!"

A voice rose from the design room of the Royal Alchemy Workshop, located near the East Gate of the royal capital.

"Chief, it says exactly what it means..."

A subordinate replied to the angry voice of the man called Chief.

Of course, he understood that the Chief was not reprimanding him.

It was anger directed at the unreasonable paperwork...

"The funding for the development of 'Vaidra' has been temporarily frozen..."

"Yes..."

The Chief read it out slowly, and the subordinate nodded with a look of grievance.

"Do they not understand?! This 'Vaidra' is our trump card against the Empire in a situation where we are overwhelmingly outmatched!"

"Chief..."

Once again, the Chief raised his voice, and the subordinate replied with a face that declared he was at a loss.

"Besides, this development is a project directly under his majesty the king!"

"However, it was transferred to the Ministry of Internal Affairs last year..."

The subordinate's calm observation made the Chief grimace.

"I know... I know, but..."

The man referred to as Chief muttered while frowning.

Then, he suddenly stood up.

"I'm going to the Ministry of Internal Affairs!"

With that, Chief Researcher Kenneth Hayward burst out of the design room.

"Your Excellency, Baron Kenneth Hayward, Chief Researcher of the Royal Alchemy Workshop, requests an urgent audience."

"Let him in."

Secretary of Internal Affairs Harold Lawrence answered the messenger.

As Kenneth entered the office, he immediately spoke.

"Your Excellency, this is Kenneth, the Chief Researcher. I've come today after hearing that the funding for the development of 'Vaidra' has been temporarily frozen."

"Baron Hayward, I was just about to explain the situation to you. Please, have a seat over there."

With that, Harold moved to the reception area and sat across from Kenneth.

"Your Excellency, the development of 'Vaidra' is the most important means to solve our country's urgent defense problems. To be frank, without 'Vaidra,' we cannot stand against that Empire."

"Baron, I believe so as well, but it's best not to speak too loudly about it, especially in this Royal Castle."

"Ah..."

Kenneth realized that his words could directly undermine the reputation of the knight order and the magical association.

"I understand what the Baron is trying to say. And I agree with you. However, there are those in the core of the government who cannot grasp this matter... The purpose of this freeze is to divert the development funds to the restoration costs of Roh Bridge."

"Roh Bridge..."

Kenneth knew that the collapse of Roh Bridge was causing disruptions in transportation and distribution between the Southern and Eastern regions.

He also understood that the restoration of the massive bridge would require a significant amount of funding.

But even so...

"Yes, but still, national defense is important. The urgency for the development of 'Vaidra' is precisely for that reason. But I apologize, my lack of power has led us to this situation where we must swallow our tears."

With that, Harold bowed his head.

Indeed, it was significant for Harold Lawrence, the Secretary of Internal Affairs and a baron, to bow his head, which Kenneth, a newly risen noble, could not overlook.

"No, Your Excellency, please lift your head. I was also getting worked up. I apologize."

"Ah, Baron, I’m glad you understand."

As Kenneth lowered his head, Harold smiled and took both of his hands.

"Also, Your Excellency, just to confirm, the budget for the purchase of the second magic stone is still approved, right?"

"Yes, it’s that Wyvern Magic Stone. We've succeeded in purchasing the second one. However, that will be the last one. It is scheduled to be sent from the City of Run within a month."

Hearing Harold's response, Kenneth rejoiced.

Securing the second one was good enough.

This would finally provide a solution to the issue of low output that had been an ongoing problem.

"I understand. Thank you for today. I will take my leave now."

With that, Kenneth left the office of the Secretary of Internal Affairs.