The Water Magician

As morning arrived and people began to pass along the highway, the four in Room 10 entered the Holy Capital.

Before returning to the delegation's lodging, they organized their information while having breakfast.

“We managed to retrieve the Holy Sword, but we still can't find those four mages. Moreover, we have completely lost our leads.”

“That’s true. Having no leads at all is painful.”

“However, considering the one who was supplying magical power to the Pope yesterday, it would make the most sense to assume they are being held captive somewhere in the Holy Capital or nearby, where their magical power is being drained.”

Nils said, with Eto agreeing, and Ryo presenting his deductions.

Since Ryo's deductions were reasonable, Nils and Amon nodded along with Eto.

That said, there was still a severe lack of information beyond that.

“By the way, why did the Pope appear at such a timing?”

There was no one present who could answer Nils' simple question...

After finishing their breakfast, the four headed towards the kingdom delegation's lodging.

As usual, the leader, Hugh McGrath, was in the lobby.

“Ah, you’re back.”

With that, Hugh invited the four to the lounge in the back.

“First, I want to hear your report.”

In response to Hugh's inquiry, Nils and Eto reported on everything from the underground space in the Holy Capital to Count Padawan's ambush and the Pope.

Hugh listened intently without interrupting, his expression slightly surprised.

“And we recovered four swords, believed to be Holy Swords.”

Nils concluded.

Then, Nils, Amon, and Ryo each placed their Holy Swords on the table.

“Seriously… You managed to do this in such a short time? You guys are impressive.”

Hugh praised them wholeheartedly.

He then picked up one of the swords.

“Alright.”

He murmured softly.

This was repeated four times.

“Well done. All four are undoubtedly Holy Swords. Their specific properties, however, remain unknown.”

“Wooow!”

Nils, Eto, and Amon rejoiced at Hugh's words.

“Mr. Hugh, can you tell just by holding it whether it's a Holy Sword?”

“Yeah, I can tell. It’s not just me; if you’ve been the master of a Holy Sword for a certain period, you’ll know. I can’t identify its properties, but I can tell whether it's a Holy Sword or not.”

In response to Ryo's question, Hugh nodded affirmatively.

“Um… Is it really impossible to break or melt a Holy Sword?”

“Ah, that’s right. You know your stuff.”

Hugh nodded in agreement with Ryo’s deduction.

“No, I was just wondering why you'd keep it instead of melting it down. That seems like the best option.”

“Holy Swords don’t break. In fact, there are Holy Swords said to have been made thousands of years ago. Oh, and my Holy Sword Galahat has also been around for quite some time, if I remember correctly.”

Ryo replied, and Hugh added as if recalling something.

“Actually, Grand Master…”

Nils started, honestly reporting that all leads in the search for the four mages had vanished.

Of course, Hugh did not scream or get angry upon hearing this.

He wouldn’t get angry over something so unreasonable.

He had led the organization and adventurers for a long time.

He understood what it meant to be a superior accessible to reports from subordinates.

Building trust through regular interactions is the most important aspect.

As long as this was not mistaken, subordinates would report even the difficult things.

Even if their leader was a tough-looking giant.

“Actually, yesterday we received some information regarding this. I was just reviewing it until a moment ago.”

Hugh said, pulling a sealed envelope from his pocket, and continued.

“It arrived yesterday from Graham through scout Maurice.”

He said, handing it to Nils.

Nils took out a piece of paper from inside the envelope.

Eto leaned in to peek.

Amon and Ryo quickly moved behind Nils to take a look.

“The four of them are in the Land of Eternal Night.”

Nils read the written words aloud.

Then he tilted his head in confusion.

Eto and Amon also tilted their heads.