The Water Magician

Abel, leading the members of the "Red Sword" and the "White Brigade," arrived at the entrance of the Royal Castle an hour after the West Gate was breached.

The surrender of the Raymond army within the royal capital spread under the name of Count Park Fletcher of Kirkhouse, and since there was little resistance, things ended up this way.

Waiting for Abel at the entrance of the Royal Castle were Ryo and Parker.

"Ryo and... Count Kirkhouse? I see, my uncle..."

Just their presence seemed to give Abel an understanding.

Those in high positions have stricter ways of taking responsibility. The higher the rank, the stricter it becomes.

This has not changed in any world or era.

For someone representing the nation... it might even come to risking their life... perhaps that is how it is.

"This is the relic of King Raymond."

Parker said this and handed Raymond's necklace to Phelps.

Then, Phelps passed it to Abel.

"Ah... I know this. It is the necklace that my father and uncle had as a pair... So, my uncle was still wearing this."

As Abel said this, he briefly closed his eyes.

He might have been mourning the deceased Raymond.

When Abel opened his eyes, he looked at Ryo.

Ryo nodded once and opened his mouth.

"His majesty King Stafford IV is at the Central Sanctuary. Captain Dantan has led a unit to secure the temple."

Since Parker was present as well, he explained in a polite tone.

"I see."

Abel smiled slightly.

"However..."

Ryo said that much before glancing at Parker.

Parker nodded and began to speak.

"I will explain the rest. His majesty Stafford has been poisoned by agents of the Empire for the past few years. It seems he has not taken poison since the Empire captured the royal capital, but due to the prolonged effects of the poison, it appears that recovery will be difficult even with the full efforts of the temple."

"Even using the light magic... 'Cure'? Is that impossible too?"

When Abel asked, Parker nodded with a bitter expression.

"'Cure' is a magic that recovers from poison and disease, but the longer the time passes, the less effective it becomes. If he has been under its effects for years..."

Priest Rhea added supplementary information about 'Cure'.

Her face also bore a sad expression.

"I see..."

Abel murmured that much.

After confirming Raymond's death in the office, Abel moved to the Central Sanctuary.

Accompanying him were the "Red Sword," the "White Brigade," and Ryo.

Although Abel maintained a heavy atmosphere throughout, he smiled slightly when he was welcomed by High Priest Gabriel at the Central Sanctuary.

They were comrades who fought together in the underground tomb during the turmoil of the royal capital.

In the room where King Stafford IV lay, four members of the Red Sword and Ryo entered.

The White Brigade remained outside the door as guards.

The thought of exposing the image of a fallen king to many was Baron Phelps's reasoning.

Since the members of the Red Sword had originally been in a protective role for Abel, they entered.

Ryo entered as Abel's guard.

King Stafford IV's eyes were slightly open.

When Abel stood by the bedside, he nodded once.

"Father..."

Abel's words were small and weak.

Even if he had prepared himself upon hearing that his father was poisoned... seeing him like this still twisted his heart.

After that, Abel unilaterally explained the current situation.

It was unclear whether King Stafford IV was listening, as he kept his eyes closed.

Finally, Abel said,

"I will become king and drive out the Empire. Is that alright?"

Upon hearing this, King Stafford IV opened his eyes and looked at Abel, smiling slightly.

Then, he nodded.

Thus, the throne of the Naitorei Kingdom was officially passed from King Stafford IV to King Abel the First.

The day after King Abel entered the royal capital, the "Liberation Festival" was held in the royal capital.

Even though it was called a "festival," there were no particular performances or attractions.

Simply, the gates of the royal capital, which had been closed since the Empire's invasion, were opened, and food brought in from outside was distributed for free.