The Water Magician

That day, the port of Pyuri, the royal capital of Sujay Kingdom, was bustling with excitement.

The sixth princess, Iliriaja, was returning to the royal capital after three months... that rumor was spreading like wildfire.

Moreover, there were rumors that the princess would ascend to the throne as queen, which were spreading just as rapidly.

Those who were observant might have found it suspicious that both rumors had exploded on that very morning.

It was as if someone had intentionally spread them.

As if someone was trying to sway public opinion in a certain direction.

As if someone was preparing everything for the occasion...

Otherwise...

"The princess is said to be arriving at noon."

"The navy will reportedly be following the princess."

"I heard that Lord Protector Kavui Somaru originally instigated a rebellion to put the princess on the throne."

Such detailed rumors shouldn’t have been circulating among the citizens...

If Ryo had heard such rumors, he would have muttered.

"This is information manipulation..."

Indeed, at noon.

A ship appeared on the horizon.

Its numbers increased as time passed.

"Is that...?"

"The royal navy?"

"It would be a disaster if they were enemies."

Since there was no official explanation, the citizens gathered at the port voiced their thoughts while watching the growing fleet.

Yet, no one left that place.

It was for the sake of expectation.

If that were, as rumored, the princess, and the navy was indeed following her, and the invincible admiral, the Lord Protector, was with her...

Such expectation.

When everything came into view.

It became clear that it was a grand fleet that filled the horizon.

And there, fluttering on the masts, were the royal flag and the navy flag.

"Wow..."

No one present had ever witnessed such a massive fleet.

Naturally.

Four hundred warships.

It was normal to never see such a sight even once in a lifetime.

Leading the way with four hundred warships was an elegant ship.

It was a trimaran vessel that once seen, one could never forget.

"It’s the Bralcau..."

"One of the flagship-level ships..."

"I heard Lord Protector Kavui Somaru often boards it..."

The fleet of four hundred warships anchored outside the port.

Only one, the elegant trimaran, entered the port.

The center of the port was guarded by soldiers since morning, and the pier was clear.

Smoothly, as if it was only natural, the ship docked.

Descending from the ship was... a beautiful woman.

The woman everyone knew.

The woman everyone adored.

The woman everyone wished to crown as queen.

"The princess..."

"Iliriaja!"

"The princess has returned!"

And then, the citizens' emotions exploded.

"Long live the princess!"

"Long live Princess Iliriaja!"

Cheers erupted from all over the port.

The voices spread from the port to within the royal capital.

Princess Iliriaja stepped off the ship, smiling and waving.

"Woo!"

The citizens' emotions surged once more.

A worthy king had returned to the citizens of Sujay Kingdom.

"Wonderful! This is truly fitting for the unveiling of the ship, Queen Rain Shooter!"

"Ah, yeah... but Iliriaja is the main star..."

"An escort! I see, that’s quite important in a way."

"Indeed..."

On the ship, Ryo and Abel were joyfully watching the scene.

"The citizens' enthusiasm is incredible."

"They're quite popular. Ryo mentioned before that it's better for a king to have popularity among the citizens."

"He did say that. What was it... 'The Way'?"

"What’s that?"

"'The Way' comes first, then 'Heaven,' then 'Earth,' then 'General,' and finally 'Law.' The Way is that which enables the citizens to align their will with that of their ruler. Therefore, they will live or die together without doubt."

"It's getting even harder to understand..."

"It's a passage from the usual 'Art of War.' The Way means that good governance is when the feelings of the citizens are harmonized with those of the ruler. If that is done properly, the citizens will stand by the ruler in life and death... they will gladly fight together."

"I see. Well, that’s obvious..."

"The fact that you can say that so naturally means that Abel is governing rightly. Moreover, Princess Iliriaja’s actions as a princess have likely resonated well with the citizens. That's why, even before her ascension, she has garnered such support. All that's left is for her to govern correctly without straying from 'The Way' once she becomes queen."