The Water Magician

Today, I will be posting two chapters.

This [interlude] is the first chapter.

To the north of the Corridor Nations, which includes 'Schultz', lies a vast grassland.

It is further north of the Forest of Jet Black, surrounding 'Aiteke Bo'.

To be precise, it might be more appropriate to call it a desolate land rather than a grassland.

It is land that cannot be used for agriculture.

As a result, no nation has ever arisen there, and not even a village exists.

However, there are those who live in that land.

They are the horseback people.

People who ride horses, herd sheep, and move from one grassy spot to another to survive.

Most of them are said to have migrated from the northern lands of the Eastern Nations, through the eastern part of the Central Nations, and further east.

In the northern part of the Eastern Nations, there have traditionally been many ethnic groups that wield powerful cavalry.

When a mighty king is born, they can sometimes become a force that even sweeps through the Eastern Nations.

These are some of those people.

However, this is a story from over two hundred years ago, and currently, there is no interaction with the East.

Just before the delegation departs from the Central Nations to the Western Nations, representatives of the horseback tribes of the corridor gathered together.

This is the first time in two hundred years.

“It’s decided.”

A one-eyed man declared in a voice that resonated deep within.

At his words, the attendees nodded in unison.

Only one person, a young man with red-orange hair who sat in front of the attendees with his arms crossed and eyes closed, remained motionless.

He was the man chosen to be the “king.”

“We shall gather under King Ahn from today. And we shall annihilate ‘Schultz’!”

“Ohh!”

The one-eyed man declared, causing the attendees to erupt into enthusiastic shouts.

That shout quickly spread beyond the tent, carried from mouth to mouth among the thousands of gathered horseback people.

Each of the horseback people returned to their respective tribes.

To convey the results of this meeting.

Of course, since the results of the meeting align with the initial plan, there should be no confusion among any of the tribes.

And when all the tribes gather next, it will be with all those who can fight...

“When will the door open?”

“Exactly one hundred days from today. As previously communicated.”

In response to Juddah's confirmation, King Ahn replied.

“It is rather unfortunate that the horseback tribes of the corridor unite for such a reason...”

King Ahn muttered with a grimace.

“It can’t be helped. For the past ten years, each tribe has become a victim of ‘Schultz’s child hunting. For me, this is finally...”

Juddah answered, staring into the distance.

Though he leads the largest tribe among the horseback people, he understood that it would be impossible for his tribe alone to take on ‘Schultz.’

However, if the number of children continues to decline, the horseback people will eventually fade away.

After overcoming many difficulties, Juddah finally managed to unite the horseback people.

But he understood that this was merely the starting line.

“The door is located beneath the Royal Castle’s central area... At that time, where will the king and his aides be?”

“If they are in the audience chamber, that would be best. If they are in the office, it will be challenging.”

Responding while picturing the interior of the Royal Castle, King Ahn continued.

“However, even if it is difficult, we cannot afford to give up. The door opens once every two years. If we miss the opportunity in a hundred days, it won't open again for another two years.”

“True. Well then, I suppose I should return. What about you, Your Majesty Ahn?”

The one-eyed Juddah asked.

To that question, King Ahn answered with a sardonic smile.

“The grandson of an exiled clan becomes king... Well, that’s fine. I’ll join you shortly.”

“Understood.”

King Ahn headed towards his aides, who were waiting a short distance away.