The Water Magician

The building was located two doors down from the "Inn of Free Winds."

Eastern Trading Company.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that it was the most famous trading company in the Free City.

From behind the building, a carriage entered the premises.

Once it reached a position out of sight of the surrounding buildings, a man wearing a deep hood got out and immediately passed through the door of the trading company.

"We have arrived."

"Let them in."

The butler announced, and the master responded.

With that, the man was led to the chairman's office.

"L-Lord Sukuwai, it is a pleasure to see you..."

"Enough, Vice Minister Mishta, let us get straight to the point."

The greeting from Vice Minister Mishta of Ports was interrupted by Chairman Sukuwai of the Eastern Trading Company.

Sukuwai was said to be well over seventy years old.

However, he looked no older than in his fifties; he appeared remarkably youthful.

Especially his eyes... It was said that one felt a physical pressure when looked at directly by those green eyes.

He had shaved all his hair, and in some sense, it could be said he had an unusual appearance.

Once one met him, it was impossible not to understand.

He was truly a powerful merchant.

One of the great merchants listed among the eight members of the supreme council.

"I had heard the ministers were having headaches, but to find they had already become puppets..."

"I-I apologize..."

"No, it is not Vice Minister Mishta's fault to apologize."

Cold sweat trickled down Vice Minister Mishta's back as he involuntarily expressed his apologies.

Of course, Chairman Sukuwai said it was unnecessary.

Indeed, the ministers had become puppets controlled by the mage from the grand duchy.

Though their usual behaviors and responses seemed normal, there were signs of their headaches and lack of vigor, but they were far from being puppets.

"Vice Minister Mishta... how much do you know about the main force of the Free City Fleet?"

"Yes... I was informed by Duke Helb that the main fleet was annihilated."

"Indeed, that is a fact."

Chairman Sukuwai stated clearly.

Vice Minister Mishta was tempted.

He wanted to ask other questions that had been on his mind.

The man in front of him was the one who held the most information in this Free City.

Moreover, normally, it was someone Vice Minister Mishta would never be able to meet.

The only reason they could meet this time was that Chairman Sukuwai himself had chosen Vice Minister Mishta.

"If there’s something you wish to ask me, feel free."

"Eh...?"

"You have that look on your face. I don't mind, you know?"

Before feeling pleased, Vice Minister Mishta felt fear.

He sensed that he could not hide anything in front of this man.

"I too am far from omniscient. If I understood everything, I could have handled the grand duchy's movements a little better. I can only vaguely grasp what the person before me is thinking."

After saying this, Chairman Sukuwai wore a smile that was hard to distinguish between a wry grin and a genuine smile.

At that moment, Vice Minister Mishta made a decision.

"I understand about the main fleet. However, among the ministers, aside from the Prime Minister, what has become of Lord Romanoa, the Navy Minister...?"

"It seems Minister Romanoa is in confinement."

"Confinement...?"

Vice Minister Mishta was taken aback by Chairman Sukuwai's words.

"He is quite a cautious man. Therefore, he did not become a puppet, but ultimately he was confined and forced to sign a declaration to be placed under protection."

Chairman Sukuwai said this and shook his head slightly.

"Why did the fleet meet its end...?"

"That’s the other piece of information you received from Duke Helb."

"Surely not the Blue Island...?"

"Yes, the Blue Island. I am still investigating that matter, but it seems they approached that island and were annihilated. Speaking of which, this dawn, a long-range cruiser dispatched by Sujay Kingdom returned. They seem to have grasped some information regarding that incident. Eventually, I will likely receive that information as well."