The Water Magician

Two chapters are posted today. This is the first chapter.

Two years ago, Emperor Rupert the Sixth abdicated the throne, and his eldest son, Helmut the Eighth, became the new emperor.

Since the former emperor Rupert declared he would withdraw from all political affairs, the real power of the Empire completely shifted to Helmut the Eighth and his close aides.

Of course, there should have been no problem with that.

Helmut had gathered aides since his days as crown prince, learned governance in the territories he was given, gained experience, and achieved results.

He became emperor and was determined to govern the country well.

That was something that took time to yield results.

However, Helmut could not wait.

Before him loomed the shadow of the former emperor, who was far too great.

The former emperor Rupert the Sixth ascended to the throne at the age of twenty.

From that point on, he made the already powerful Empire even more formidable, dismissing nobles who dared to defy the emperor's authority and acquiring absolute power and economic strength.

By the time Rupert the Sixth abdicated and Helmut the Eighth ascended, there were no nobles left in the Empire who would challenge the emperor’s authority, and the power and prestige of the emperor had already become immense.

It may have been inevitable for Helmut to feel anxious about the overwhelming achievements built by the former emperor.

There was only one question that had occupied his mind.

How could he achieve great accomplishments that surpassed those of the former emperor?

What could he do to surpass the former emperor?

This was a question that had echoed through many histories and worlds, not just for Helmut the Eighth.

Some built massive structures.

Some created libraries to compile knowledge.

Others plotted to invade neighboring countries to expand their territories.

"Failed, did you?"

Helmut the Eighth asked with an unmistakable tone of displeasure in his voice.

"I apologize."

The one bowing and apologizing was Flora Reisenheimer, Commander of the Tenth Imperial Army.

Though she deeply bowed her head, her expression showed no sign of changing.

Her advisor, Elmer, standing right behind her, knew well.

Flora did not feel sorry in the slightest.

In the first place, she had been opposed to this operation.

She had once requested the emperor to reconsider.

However, the operation was carried out.

Moreover, she was made the person in charge.

The possibility of being held accountable...

"That's enough. Step back."

"Yes, my apologies."

Without anything further, Flora and her advisor Elmer left the room.

Tenth Army Commander's office.

"His Majesty the Emperor is quite anxious."

Flora Reisenheimer, Commander of the Tenth Imperial Army, grimaced as she sipped her coffee.

Across from her on the reception set sat her advisor.

"What do you think, Elmer?"

The man called Elmer shrugged and replied.

"Basically, time will solve the issues, but... the trend is not looking good. His Majesty is comparing himself to the former emperor in his mind. While it’s understandable, there’s no one around to stop him. Ever since Count Hans Kirchhoff was dismissed, no one can voice their opinions. It’s frightening, but it can’t be helped."

"It has only been three years since the war with the Kingdom. The Kingdom has indeed suffered deep wounds, but the Empire was not unscathed either. We had finally sent a joint delegation to the Western Nations, fostering a mood of friendship..."

"Well, for His Majesty... if he can achieve the defeat of the Kingdom, something the former emperor could not accomplish, it would certainly be regarded as one of the great achievements surpassing that of the former emperor."

"I don’t want soldiers sacrificed for something like that."

Flora’s last words were whispered softly.

Of course, the room was secured with alchemy tools, making eavesdropping impossible, but still.

She couldn’t help but lower her voice...

"By the way, Elmer. What’s the situation in the Corridor Nations?"

"It’s quite dire. That king of horseback has subdued everything. They hold a grudge against the Empire due to the former emperor. Until now, there has been little relation between the Corridor Nations and the Central Nations, but with them being the 'horseback people', the story changes. Their range of action is completely different. It’s someone we should keep an eye on."