The Water Magician

On the driver's seat of the box carriage were Korn and Matthew, while inside the carriage were Prince Willy, Lord Rodrigo, Ruka, and Ryo.

Four carts carrying the Coffin of Ice followed behind the box carriage.

Surrounding them were Prince Willy's guards, adventurers, and cavalry soldiers, as they made their way toward Stone Lake.

"Thank you, Ryo-san. I ended up calling you my escort without thinking..."

"Your Highness, it’s no problem. You rescued those two knowing the danger. You must have felt sorry for Korn and the other adventurers if you handed them over just like that," Ryo replied.

Prince Willy apologized for his thoughtless statement, and Ryo understood his feelings.

"I truly apologize for causing you all trouble."

However, it was Ruka who bowed his head in response.

"Yet, to be hunted by the Handalu Federation and even have a death warrant from the younger brother of the crown prince... You must be quite a big deal," Lord Rodrigo remarked.

His implication was clear: it might be time to reveal his identity and circumstances.

Ruka nodded a few times and then began to speak.

"I am the brother of Treasurer Fuka of the Naitorei Kingdom."

(Treasurer Fuka! What an unfortunate name...)

What came to Ryo's mind was, of course, the character from Alexandre Dumas's "The Three Musketeers."

Treasurer Fouquet. The infamous Lord de Brézé, who plotted against the French crown... a tragic figure who became a pawn of the former musketeer Aramis.

He was, of course, a historical figure.

While Ryo entertained his rude thoughts, Ruka continued with his explanation.

"Prince Raymond has made a secret pact with Regent Lord Aubrey of the Handalu Federation. I happened to learn of it by chance... Furthermore, I was imprisoned by the Handalu Federation to draw my brother, the Treasurer, into their camp."

(If Treasurer Fuka is involved, then perhaps there is also a doppelgänger of Financial Supervisor Colbert... Speaking of Colbert, he’s quite a famous figure who appears bolded in high school world history textbooks alongside mercantilism...)

While Ryo's mind wandered into fantasies, he kept his mouth shut.

The other two listened quietly to Ruka's story.

"I was rescued by Matthew and my brother's direct subordinates. But for Prince Raymond to try to kill me... "

"What I've heard is that his Majesty King Stafford IV and the younger brother of the crown prince do not get along very well. I thought perhaps we could appeal to the royal court through your brother, the Treasurer?" Prince Willy suggested to Ruka.

"Indeed, his Majesty and the younger brother do not have a good relationship. However... it seems there are various troubles within the royal court as well..."

Ruka answered while shaking his head.

"Hmm..."

Prince Willy also fell into deep thought.

When Willy glanced straight ahead, he saw Ryo thinking while nodding a few times.

"Ryo-san, have you thought of something?"

"Eh?"

Ryo did not show on his face that he was recalling how the Treasurer Fouquet was arrested by d'Artagnan.

"Ah, should we consult with Arthur Velasis about this as well?"

"He's a significant figure brought in from the royal capital, right? I think that's a good idea," Prince Willy said, nodding vigorously.

(Managed to divert the conversation somehow...)

Ryo felt relieved.

"Lord Ryo, are you really acquainted with Advisor Velasis? This isn't a lie just to settle the situation, is it?"

Ruka asked sharply.

"It’s true that I know him. To put it dramatically, he's a comrade in arms," Ryo replied.

"Oh," Prince Willy reacted to Ryo's words.

"You have quite a lot of experience, Ryo-san!"

For some reason, Prince Willy was excited.

"If I train harder, will I gain more varied experiences as well...?"

"Well, probably..."

"Starting today, the guards will protect our lodging until Advisor Velasis arrives. This means there's no worry about attacks, so I can practice magic right up until then, right?"

"Y-yes, probably..."

The apprentice of the water attribute magician was very eager to practice...

The next day, just before noon, after spending two nights at the guard-protected inn, the arrival of the captain of the guards was announced.