The Water Magician

After the two returned from the "Blue Island," many decisions were made.

As the chairman of the supreme council, Sukuwai, had desired, Kubevasa was granted a degree of autonomy.

Of course, the supreme council was disbanded, and it became part of the duchy under Grand Duke Atinjo.

It appears that the official designation will be "Autonomous City of Kubevasa" rather than "Free City of Kubevasa."

As the top of the administration, it was announced that Prime Minister Noson from the era of the Free City would serve as the supreme regent.

However, Noson was the one who issued the exploration orders that led to the devastation of the main forces of the Free City Fleet, and he was also the one who had accepted the advancement of the duchy from the start. Furthermore, it was Noson who manipulated the ministers through sorcery to lead the decisions that placed them under the duchy's control...

As this information circulated among the citizens, their anger shifted more toward Noson than toward the ruling duchy.

"Being a politician is tough, isn't it?"

"Basically, it's a job that rarely gets praised, so if you're only getting insulted by citizens and the public, it's hard to stay motivated."

Ryo and Abel had finished their dinner at the "Inn of Free Winds" and were having that conversation over coffee.

One was the first duke, and the other was the king, two people who should be involved in national-level politics, yet their conversation was quite carefree.

After all, Ryo was the first duke but was not involved in national governance.

He merely held a completely honorary position as a special advisor to the king.

The allowances he received seemed to vanish into the maintenance costs of the royal capital's Duke Rondo's residence...

Not once had it ever come into Ryo's hands.

In Abel's case, he was the king of the Naitorei Kingdom, a former adventurer who had successfully repelled the invading Imperial Army of the Debuhi Empire, and he was very popular with the public.

Moreover, it seemed that because he always aimed for governance that benefitted the citizens, he was still quite liked by the people since becoming king.

"Well, since autonomy has been recognized, life at the citizen level won’t change much, so I think it's a good compromise."

"That's true. A change at the higher levels of government often doesn't matter much to the common folk..."

Abel responded to Ryo's impression without hesitation.

After all, he was part of that 'higher level' that could be replaced.

"Is it okay for you to say that?"

"Huh?"

"While Abel is away, the Naitorei Kingdom might be taken over, you know?"

"By whom?"

"Um... by Princess Rhea and Prince Noah, perhaps..."

"Princess Rhea aside, Noah is supposed to inherit the kingdom eventually. It would just be a bit sooner, right?"

Abel said this nonchalantly in response to Ryo's words.

"Then, what about Count Heinlein?"

"Don't you think he would govern the country better than I could?"

"Yes... I think so..."

Ryo had no choice but to nod in agreement to Abel's question.

The chancellor was indeed very capable.

However, at the same time, it was also true that he couldn't imagine Count Heinlein trying to get rid of Abel or Noah to seize the throne for himself.

He was the former commander of the Royal Knight Order, truly the epitome of a knight...

"Abel, you are blessed with talent."

"Yes, I won't deny that."

Abel clearly nodded at Ryo's words.

Just then, the receptionist brought over a letter.

"It's from Duke Helb."

Abel said this and opened the seal.

Ryo moved around behind Abel to view it over his shoulder.

"They've made arrangements for a ship to the north. We should set sail on a military vessel of the duchy the morning after tomorrow."

"Even though it was promised, they sure are quick with their work."

As Abel read the letter, Ryo was impressed.

The day after they returned from the Blue Island, Duke Helb had offered to take them to the north.

It seemed that the duchy could provide a ship, as they wanted to head towards the northern continent.

Both of them were more comfortable with the Sujay Kingdom Navy, which they knew well, but they were not familiar with the waters north of here.