The Water Magician

The next day.

A delicious dinner, a comfortable sleep, a tasty breakfast.

Indeed, it was perfect.

Ryo, after lightly stretching post-breakfast, was about to leave the inn when he noticed someone standing outside the entrance.

Standing at attention.

It was the person referred to as 'Director' yesterday.

As Ryo exited the inn, he said,

"I apologize!"

He bowed deeply.

It seemed confirmation had been made.

To confirm so quickly from yesterday to today was rather impressive.

"Have you confirmed it?"

"Yes. Your Grace, I am truly sorry for this..."

"Since it's not appropriate to talk here, let's go inside that lounge."

Ryo said, leading the way into the lounge where he had enjoyed delicious cake yesterday.

The Director followed him in.

In fact, it seemed some of his subordinates or aides were waiting at a distance and entered behind him.

A total of ten people.

Ryo once again ordered "This month's blackboard cake" along with a mocha coffee.

The Director and his subordinates only ordered coffee.

Ryo had properly asked them, "How about you all?"

However, the Director likely thought it was inappropriate to order without his approval.

So, they politely declined.

It seemed that the hierarchy in the workplace was quite challenging, no matter the time and place...

Ryo enjoyed the delicious cake and sipped his coffee.

As before, it was a wonderful cake.

Meanwhile, the Director remained silent.

Cold sweat had not stopped.

It was only natural.

Even though it was far away in the Central Nations, he had tried to mistakenly arrest the number two power of that great nation...

Moreover, he had completely denied what the other party had said: "If you want to apologize, now is the time."

In most countries, that led to the death penalty.

In some nations, the entire family could be implicated.

Such was the nature of the aristocracy...

Finally, Ryo opened his mouth.

"So... about the Director's apology..."

"Yes..."

The Director gulped.

"I am not familiar with the laws of the Republic, but it seems in a kingdom, the death penalty—meaning execution—would apply."

Ryo had confirmed this with King Abel yesterday, so there was no doubt.

"Yes... It is the same in the Republic..."

It appeared to indeed be a grave offense.

"I see. However, it is understandable that you acted impulsively for the sake of the country or your subordinates. Therefore, I will let this go under one condition."

"R-Really...?"

"Yes, really."

Ryo nodded with a smile.

"So, what is the condition..."

If it were something very difficult, the Director would find himself in a bind in another sense...

"It's a simple matter. I have heard that the Republic has a thriving shipping industry. Moreover, that the fleets even travel to the dark continent. I would like to see the navigation technology that allows crossing seas with monsters."

"Eh..."

"Of course, it doesn't have to be state secrets; civilian-level information would suffice. But if possible, I would prefer the best that civilian level offers."

Ryo still remembered.

That there were sea monsters like the kraken in the ocean.

Yet, fishermen would go out to fish in such seas.

It seemed even fishing villages once ruled by vampires had some sort of sea monster repellent.

If that was the case, then in a country with such developed shipping, they would likely possess considerable technology.

Of course, if he asked for national secrets, the Director before him would be in a difficult position.

However, if not... he might provide various conveniences.

The Director thought for a moment and then nodded.

"I understand. If it’s at a civilian level... my family is in the shipping business. I haven’t taken over since I entered this world, but my brother has taken over, so I will talk to him."

"Oh!"

This was truly a win-win situation.

That afternoon, Ryo visited the Franzoni Shipping Company.

This was the family of Director Bonifacio Franzoni.

By the way, Ryo was already off the watch list of the Special Agency.

It seemed various confirmations had been made.

Ryo was pleased, but it appeared the Special Agency had its own issues arising...