Published: July 4, 2025
As the title suggests, the second episode of the comic adaptation was released today.
Comic adaptation by Bokutengou
"Water Attribute Mage @COMIC"
https://seiga.nicovideo.jp/comic/55002?track=official_list_l1
https://twitter.com/TOBOOKS/status/1451020423525699586
In commemoration of that, I also posted a short story!
In the regent's office of the Handalu Federation's capital, Jakelea.
"Your Grace, something terrible has happened!"
Assistant Lambert burst in without knocking.
This was an extremely rare occurrence, and at the same time, it indicated that something surprisingly troublesome had occurred.
Regent Lord Aubrey quickly organized his thoughts and deliberately asked in a calm voice.
"What happened?"
With that, Lambert realized just how flustered he was.
However, it was also true that there was a significant report to be made.
"I just received word that the military of the Strah Duchy has invaded the Naitorei Kingdom."
"What?!"
Even Aubrey found himself raising his voice at Lambert's unexpected report.
The Strah Duchy was one of the nations that made up the Handalu Federation.
Moreover, it was one of the ten major countries that held a seat in the Council of Ten.
Among the nations that constituted the federation, the only one that borders foreign lands along the western frontier… in other words, borders the Empire and kingdoms is the Duchy of Volturiino.
Only, however… there is a peculiar area that spans just a hundred meters.
That area, called the Kantano Region, is now clearly under the jurisdiction of the Duchy of Volturiino, but it once belonged to the Strah Duchy.
Crossing through that Kantano Region allows immediate access into the kingdom's territory.
In fact, there have been instances in the past where invasions into the kingdom were made through that route… multiple times.
Perhaps this time as well, that route…
The current Marquis of Strah, Wiesun Gasco, is in his late twenties.
According to Aubrey, his governance is neither particularly good nor particularly bad.
However, his personality…
"If only he were a bit more thoughtful and cautious…"
Aubrey sighed.
"The previous Lord Alicio was a reliable individual."
"There is a kingdom border divided by the Kantano Region. If he were not as prudent as that, we would always have to worry."
Assistant Lambert recalled the former Marquis Alicio, and Aubrey nodded in response.
Originally, there were rumors that the late Lord Alicio intended to make his second son, not Wiesun, the heir.
However, soon after those rumors arose… Alicio died in an accident.
Wiesun, who was twenty-three at the time, became the Marquis of Strah.
And, naturally, two years later, the second son who might have been made the heir also passed away.
Wiesun was left without any rivals.
"When the previous Lord Alicio passed away, there were rumors that you intervened, Your Grace."
"Come now… I'm not a fool either. Considering the whole federation, the Strah Duchy is a particularly important nation. It would be better for it to be governed by a reliable person like Alicio. Why would I go so far as to have him killed?"
"Well, the timing was… unusual."
Aubrey sighed again, and Lambert offered a wry smile.
When Aubrey became regent, nine out of the ten members of the Council of Ten had changed… one of those nine was Alicio.
It was understandable that Aubrey would be suspected.
"So, what reason did Wiesun have for invading the kingdom this time?"
"It seems that a band of thieves causing havoc domestically escaped into the kingdom through the Kantano Region. They say it was to subjugate them."
"What in the world…"
Aubrey sighed and expressed his disbelief at Lambert's report.
"Surely, Wiesun isn't foolish enough to not retreat before the army from the royal capital arrives. It should take about two days."
"From the royal capital, yes."
At Lambert's speculation, Aubrey shook his head slightly.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Lambert, this is a trap… or rather, should I say a scheme. This must be orchestrated by Regent Count Heinlein or someone around him."