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The Water Magician

Chapter 532: 0491 Steering 🚢

Published: July 4, 2025

The "Inn of Free Winds," where Ryo and Abel returned, was bustling despite the night.

The cause seemed to be the crew of the Rondark.

"What's the hurry?" Ryo asked.

"We have an emergency departure scheduled. The Rondark will set sail tonight," Lieutenant Rena replied, issuing orders at the entrance.

Her response was polite, but she quickly moved around, helping the crew with their preparations.

"Abel, can warships really set sail that quickly?" Ryo inquired.

"No, they need to load food and other supplies, so it should take at least half a day..."

"To prepare for emergencies, we've already loaded preserved foods," came the answer from Soushi, the head chef, who appeared from behind.

"Welcome back, Soushi! The food at the embassy was incredibly delicious!" Ryo exclaimed.

"Right? The embassy's head chef is quite skilled," Soushi responded, visibly pleased by Ryo's praise.

"Apparently, cooking is also part of diplomacy at the embassy," Soushi asserted.

"That's interesting," Ryo nodded, recalling having read similar things in manga when he was in Japan.

"Is this sudden departure related to that situation?" Abel asked in a small voice.

"Yes... as I am affiliated with the military, I cannot discuss details since it pertains to military secrets," Rena replied.

"Come on, Abel, think a bit more about your questions!"

"Y-You're right, I apologize," Abel admitted as Soushi smiled wryly, pointing out the inappropriateness of his question.

Indeed, it was a question that couldn't be answered.

"To answer within the limits of what I can say, it relates to Duke Helb's statements," Rena replied cautiously, and Abel nodded.

While they were discussing this, Lieutenant Rena returned.

"The preparations are complete. We will depart now."

Rena said to Soushi, then turned to the two.

"The situation in the Free City might change in a few days. Please be careful, Abel-san, and Ryo-san."

"Yeah, you too."

"Good luck," Rena wished them safety, and Ryo and Abel returned the sentiment.

With that, led by Lieutenant Rena and Soushi, the crew returned to their beloved ship.

The Rondark, anchored in the Free Port.

Captain Gorick and Chief Gunno were staying at Diplomacy Island, along with Lieutenant Rena and Chef Soushi, assisting with embassy duties.

However, the Rondark was not uncrewed during this time.

As a warship, it was mandated that at least one officer was onboard unless the ship was in dry dock undergoing maintenance.

This time, it was First Officer Mostara.

During the voyage, he was serious and kind to everyone, earning the trust of the crew.

However, when it came to boarding battles, he would be among the first to board enemy ships, following Lieutenant Rena, who always took the lead.

As one of the officers leading the crew, he believed he should be at the forefront of the charge... in that sense, he could indeed be considered serious.

"The port is not blockaded, right?"

"Yes, all clear! There’s no movement from the grand duchy fleet either," First Officer Mostara confirmed to the remaining crew.

"They're here! The ferry from Diplomacy Island has arrived. Captain Gorick is visible," someone reported.

"Good."

The fifty people from Diplomacy Island arrived directly at the Free Port on a ship owned by the embassy.

It was faster than crossing the diplomatic bridge.

"They're also coming from land! Lieutenant Rena is at the front," another report came in.

"Good."

After hearing both reports, First Officer Mostara nodded several times.

"Let’s hurry and finalize preparations for departure."

"Yes!"

One hour later, the Rondark set sail from the Free Port.

"The port itself cannot be blockaded, after all."

"Probably a bit offshore," First Officer Mostara replied while looking at the navigational chart.

"The west wind shouldn't change until dawn. Since it's a tailwind, if we take advantage of that... the current from the north is weak, so we should achieve a speed that we can ignore."

The first-class navigator's weather forecast was an important job.

"The west wind, huh..."

Captain Gorick murmured before shouting up to the mast.