The Water Magician

As expected, the mention of the vampire country was something unexpected for Agnes.

"Why...?"

"It is the result of comprehensive judgment based on various information. Your beauty, Agnes, was also a factor in my assessment."

Such beauty at over ninety years old... is certainly not human... probably.

Yes, that was a matter of Ryo's subjective opinion.

"Just to avoid any misunderstanding, I should clarify that Count Haskill Kalinikos did not betray his kin."

"I see. Lord Ryo was present at the scene where Kalinikos perished."

Her words did not carry any tone of accusation or blame.

It was simply a matter of confirmation.

"Yes. In the end, it was at the hands of a clergyman from the Western Church..."

"Ah, Archbishop Graham, I presume."

In her words, there was a slight tremor of emotion.

"Well, that’s fine. It was unexpected that you would become aware of the secrets of this country, but it cannot be helped. However, because of that... it would be troublesome if you were to leave from here."

"What if I must leave?"

"You will die."

Agnes's expression as she said this was truly sorrowful.

"I do not wish for this either, but I must fulfill the role assigned to me..."

"While I remain, it doesn't guarantee the safety of my companions from the delegation, does it? I can see a future where we are executed alongside the grand duke."

"To be honest, that is likely the case."

Agnes wanted Ryo to stay, but she did not feel like lying.

If she lied to keep him there, and he later learned the truth, she feared that all those involved would face terrible consequences.

"Then, there’s no choice but to leave."

"Is that so?"

"Yes, that is so."

Hearing Ryo's words, Agnes shook her head softly.

At that moment, the walls of the dining hall, including the windows, transformed into solid stone.

Then, a man entered through the door.

"I'm sorry, but we will have to forcefully keep you here, Lord Ryo... and depending on the situation, you may die..."

"It cannot be helped."

"You cannot use magic, can you? Even if you could wield a sword... how will you fight against us vampires, who surpass humans in speed and power? No, there’s no point in saying anything. At least... let's make this quick. He..."

As she said this, Agnes pointed at the man who had appeared from the door.

"He is Sir Griffin, one of the best swordsmen among vampires. Lord Ryo, you have no chance of victory."

"That may be true. However... there are battles one cannot run away from. For me, this is such a battle."

Ryo was aware of this.

He understood it was a fight without hope of victory.

Even so, he had no choice but to fight... somehow, he felt that Abel and the others were waiting for help.

As usual, Ryo grasped Murakumo and unleashed its blade.

Seeing this, Agnes gasped.

Yet, the swordsman before her, Sir Griffin, remained completely unfazed.

Ryo and Sir Griffin gradually closed the distance between them.

They edged closer... and it was Sir Griffin who first made his move.

With a crosswise strike at terrifying speed.

Ryo did not receive it with Murakumo but instead avoided it with his body movements, slashing sideways with Murakumo as he dodged.

Sir Griffin evaded it with an extraordinarily swift backstep.

Though each attack was singular, it was evident to Agnes that this was an extraordinary sword fight.

Duke Alba Agnes was known as one of the most famous and powerful mages in the land.

Moreover, she also boasted top-class strength with a sword.

Thus, even on the grounds of magic nullification, it would have been fine to confront Ryo with a sword, but she was considering the possibility of the unexpected.

The possibility that, "Ryo, an abnormal water mage, might also be abnormal with a sword."

That was why she had called upon Sir Griffin, one of the best swordsmen among vampires.

It was likely that Ryo would express his intention to go back to his companions... she anticipated this and wished it wouldn’t come to that... but unfortunately, it turned out to be just as she feared.

Even if she had to kill him, she wanted to make it as painless as possible...