The Water Magician

When Finley Forsyth, the Grand Master, heard the request, Hugh's face was twisted in discomfort.

If one were to give a title to that expression, "anguish" would have been the most appropriate.

"That face suggests there might be troublesome circumstances behind it."

Finley asked, reading Hugh's expression.

"Yes..."

However, Hugh only replied and did not continue with an explanation.

After contemplating various matters for a while, he finally spoke up.

"It might be alright to inform the Grand Master about Abel's true identity."

"Abel's... true identity?"

Normally, when explaining matters related to adventurers, one wouldn't use the term "true identity."

"Yes. Abel's real name is Albert Besford Knightley. He is the second son of his majesty the king."

"Hmm."

That was indeed unexpected for Finley.

In recent years, there had been no news about the second prince, Albert.

It was assumed he was training in the knight orders of a prominent lord somewhere.

But to think he had actually become an adventurer and even risen to a-rank...

In the adventurers' guild, adventurers who rise to c-rank and above are not influenced by their status or origin.

Of course, there are assessments based on personality and insight, but as long as a certain standard is met, rank advancement is determined solely by the nature of requests, contributions to the guild, and success rates.

Thus, even for the Grand Master, he was unaware of Abel's origins, who had ascended to a-rank.

In a sense, it might serve as proof of the guild's fair assessment system.

It may be so, but...

"I would have liked to have been informed of such matters as the Grand Master..."

Finley's expression became even more furrowed than before.

"I am sorry."

Hugh scratched his head in apology.

"But in that case, various circumstances will change. We cannot send Abel to the Empire's borders to search for the 'Five Dragons.'"

Currently, the crown prince resides in the Naitorei Kingdom.

Due to policies he has implemented, he is quite popular among the citizens, both within the royal castle and beyond.

His character and insight are impeccable.

If nothing happens, he will eventually become a great ruler.

Yes, if nothing happens...

"I hear the crown prince has been in poor health more frequently."

Finley muttered softly.

Since his younger days, the crown prince has had health issues.

Given the strong bond between the two princes, it was said that eventually, the crown prince would handle politics while the second prince, Albert, would lead the military, governing the kingdom together.

That was why Albert was gaining experience in various knight orders.

However, the recent deterioration in the crown prince's health has progressed significantly.

If something were to happen... the first in line for the right of succession to the throne would be Albert.

Sending Albert, the adventurer, into danger would certainly be unwise.

Both Hugh and Finley came to the same conclusion.

"We shall have another person conduct the search for the 'Five Dragons.' While it will primarily involve c-rank adventurers, let's include as many b-rank adventurers as possible."

"Yes. That seems best."

With Finley's conclusion, Hugh nodded.

"However... we must address the delegation. We have already submitted personnel for the delegation to the Land. The bureaucrats at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who want to avoid problems before sending them out, insist that personnel changes are not possible."

"Ah... If we change things at the last minute, the other country will start probing for weaknesses."

"Indeed. It can't be helped. Sending Abel to the Empire's borders is problematic, but sending him to the Land should be fine, right? There may not be government ties, but there are exchanges at the citizen and merchant level. Could he go in place of the 'Five Dragons'?"

"Yes, that should be alright."

Hugh nodded in response to Finley's proposal.

Compared to searching for an unknown a-rank party near the Empire's borders, this was far better.

"Hmm, that's good. Now, the personnel for the delegation will be two: a swordsman and a mage. The swordsman will be Abel, and the mage will be Lin. The delegation will depart from the royal capital in ten days, so please send those two to the royal capital by then."