The Water Magician

The bonus short story featuring Ryo, Abel, and Kenneth will be posted exactly at midnight on March 10, the release date of Volume 1.

This time, I wrote this short story on a whim this morning...

As some of you might already know, the release date for Volume 2 of "The Water Attribute Mage" has been announced by the publisher TO Books as June 19! (The information was disclosed at noon today)

I thought it would be good to write it in an activity report, but since I came up with this short story, I managed to write it in between my main work... and then posted it...

On that day, the crepe shop in the royal capital was crowded.

Yes, the crepe shop that occasionally appears, with diamonds mixed into their banana and whipped cream!

Of course, the phrase "mixed with diamonds" regarding crepes was just one of Ryo's typical whimsical coinages...

Ryo was, as usual, standing in line.

After this, he would be going to the Royal Castle to meet his majesty the king...

Should he choose the crepe or Abel?

There was no need to think about it!

"It's definitely the crepe! Oh, right. I should bring a crepe as a souvenir for Abel too. That way, I won't get scolded."

It was a bribe.

If he were to use tax money for a bribe, he would surely get in trouble, but if it came from Ryo's pocket money, it shouldn't be a problem.

As Ryo began to line up, he pondered such things, and after a while, a particularly extravagant and huge carriage pulled up in front of the crepe shop.

Naturally, it attracted attention.

Ryo looked as well.

The emblem painted on the door seemed familiar, but he couldn't recall where he'd seen it...

The door opened, and a pair of men and women stepped out.

An astonishingly beautiful young man and an incredibly alluring young woman.

It was Lord Ancestor and Duke Alba Agnes.

Agnes was looking very happy, holding hands with Lord Ancestor.

Seeing the affectionate sight made Ryo feel a bit happy too.

The two noticed Ryo.

"Huh? Ryo?"

"Oh, Lord Ryo. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Both Lord Ancestor and Agnes greeted him with bright smiles.

"Ah, yes, it has been a while. Um... what brings you two to the royal capital?"

Even Ryo sometimes asked conventional questions.

"Well, it's just a stroll."

"A stroll..."

Even Ryo found it hard to comprehend the scale of Lord Ancestor...

It seems that a stroll can extend to a capital city of another country.

"I asked Lord Ancestor to accompany me for a courtesy visit to your majesty Abel."

Agnes answered happily.

It seemed she was very pleased to be traveling with Lord Ancestor.

"We are heading to the Royal Castle afterward, but won't you join us, Ryo?"

"Yes. I will also be heading to the Royal Castle, but..."

"Then you can ride in the carriage with us."

"Eh? Is that alright?"

Ryo glanced at Agnes, wondering if it was appropriate to interrupt their time together.

"Of course."

Agnes nodded happily.

"Since Lord Ryo knows about our relationship, there's no need to hide it anymore."

It seemed that way...

They were being affectionate in public, but... what did hiding it mean...?

"Then let's treat Ryo to a crepe as well."

Lord Ancestor said this and approached the crepe shop owner to place an order.

"Three crepes, please."

Without much waiting, three crepes were ready, and Lord Ancestor returned with them.

Meanwhile, what about the people who had been standing in line?

They said nothing.

They stood completely still.

Mouths agape.

"Here you go."

"Ah, thank you."

Ryo received a crepe from Lord Ancestor.

"Um, Lord Ancestor. The people in line aren't moving. Have they perhaps been charmed or something?"

"Hmm? No? I haven't done anything... and it seems Agnes hasn't either."

Both Lord Ancestor and Agnes were smiling, taking a bite of the crepe.

"It's delicious!"

"Yeah, as expected, the taste is great."

Agnes exclaimed in delight, and Lord Ancestor praised it.

"Indeed. The world is peaceful..."

Ryo decided not to worry about anything.

And so, the three of them boarded the carriage.

Inside Duke Alba's carriage...

"Um, Lord Ancestor. Actually, I've always had a question..."

"What is it?"