The Water Magician

The Vashteque docked at a port several times larger than Manyamia's.

"This ship here isn’t a merchant ship, right?"

"That's right. There are escort ships of the transport fleet that are of the same type. This must be a military port."

Ryo and Abel leaned over the side of the ship, discussing this as they looked at the port.

It seemed that the transport fleet had entered the military port of the capital, Wannya.

"It's amazing for a military port to be this big."

Abel, who was familiar with the military port of the Naitorei Kingdom, was genuinely surprised.

"Abel, our Naitorei Kingdom should also strengthen its naval power!"

"What's with the sudden suggestion?"

"We should organize a super strong fleet and dominate the seven seas!"

"In the case of our kingdom, the enemies of the navy are pirates... or perhaps, sea monsters, right? With our current strength, it's sufficient."

"How dreamless..."

Ryo felt downcast at the reality Abel was pointing out.

"However, you’re right... Eventually, strengthening naval power might become necessary."

"Huh?"

"You guys have been working hard, right? Investigating sea routes with the Western Nations and France. It's impossible to trade with the Western Nations over land, but if we could develop something that repels sea monsters or a magic formula to deal with them, we might be able to connect with the Western Nations by sea. If that happens, we may need an escort fleet that can venture into the open seas."

"Oh!"

Ryo was delighted by Abel's line of thought.

Yes, those in charge of national affairs must conduct policies with foresight, planning not just for twenty or thirty years, but even fifty years ahead.

But in reality, how many bureaucrats are truly aware of a hundred-year plan for the nation?

After a while, the two got off the ship and lined up in the farewell line.

Whose farewell line was it?

Of course...

"Oh..."

"Beautiful..."

"Princess..."

"Long live the princess!"

Princess Iliriaja was descending from the ship, waved off by the sailors and marines of the transport fleet.

Those who had fled from the Sujay Kingdom to accompany her and would continue to do so were already on the shore, lining up behind her carriage.

As Princess Iliriaja stepped off the ship, she greeted Captain Dao and Ban Socks.

"Captain Dao, it was a pleasant sea journey. May good winds continue to blow for you and your ship."

"Your Highness, such kind words..."

"Captain Ban Socks, thank you for your protection. May the Azure Orb Company be cloaked in glory."

"Thank you, Princess. Feel free to call upon the Azure Orb Company whenever you're in need. We have a store in this capital as well."

Both Captain Dao and Ban Socks replied with smiles.

It seems that sailors have a custom of sending people off with smiles rather than tears.

After greeting the two, Princess Iliriaja approached Abel and Ryo.

"Mr. Abel, people do not follow the words of the king. They follow the figure of the king. If you want people to follow you, you must show a figure that is supported by the people and soldiers... This resonates with me."

"No, Princess. You already understand this without needing me to tell you. You can continue as you have been."

"Thank you for protecting me, Ryo-san..."

"No, no, it was nothing much."

However, Princess Iliriaja seemed hesitant to say something and, after a few moments, finally opened her mouth.

"Um... To be honest, I don't know what will happen to me from now on... but will it be possible for me to speak with both of you again?"

"I'm planning to cross the continent through connections with the Azure Orb Company, but I've heard it won't be immediate. So... I will likely be here in this capital for a while."

"I see. If you can contact the Azure Orb Company, I think they will connect you to us."

Both Abel and Ryo answered affirmatively to Princess Iliriaja’s question.

"...Will I be able to meet you? A princess who has lost her country to return to."

"Don't worry about that. We're people from the Central Nations."

"Yes, yes. Even if Abel can't make it, I'll go to see you, so it’s all good."