The Water Magician

Three days later, Lord Roshu set out towards the City of Nomon with his attendants.

The City of Nomon is located to the north of the territory governed by Roshu Ten, under Earl Bashu, and is the center of the territory ruled by Earl Keiro.

"Are the lords all earls?"

"Yes, that's the impression I got. Also, if they're strong or closer to the imperial family, there might be dukes among them."

Ryo nodded in response to Abel's inquiry.

All this information was provided by Boffo from the Censorate of the Bosunta Kingdom.

Ryo had previously requested various information about Darwei, and Boffo had given it to him.

Of course, there were no secrets among these details; they consisted mostly of general information, but for the two of them, who had no prior knowledge, it was incredibly helpful.

Unlike the Central Nations and the Western Nations, which had a hierarchy of nobility consisting of dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons, Darwei did not have such a system.

Therefore, there was no equivalent of the noble class in Darwei.

Instead, it seems that there are those who hold territories and belong to the nobility, like earls and dukes, or those who rise to high-ranking officials by passing the central examination.

They are collectively referred to as the "Shtaiif Layer."

Since the Shtaiif Layer is different from ordinary common people, it might be considered a certain kind of noble class.

"In the end, people tend to create privileged and upper classes."

"What's with the sudden realization?"

"Throughout history and across the world, such classes have always emerged. It's surely a product of human karma."

"That's not necessarily a bad thing, right?"

At Ryo's words, Abel tilted his head in question.

"Haa~"

Ryo sighed dramatically.

"His Majesty King Abel wouldn't understand the feelings of the common people. It's really quite troubling."

"You understand, right? You're the first duke after all."

"Of course! I'm a duke who stands close to the common people."

Ryo confidently stated this for some reason.

"...Um, as the duke who stands close to the common people, how can I understand their feelings?"

"Naturally, you should just imitate me."

"So, when I'm in the royal capital, I should eat a cake set at Café de Chocolat, lounge on the sofa in the king’s office while reading an alchemy book, and have cake and coffee for snacks, is that it?"

"Ah, that's an expression filled with malice! I don't always do such things!"

"Sometimes...?"

"Well, there might be days like that."

"Yeah, I definitely don't think you're close to the common people."

By the way, while these two were joking, they were part of Lord Roshu Ten's attendants, following at the very back.

Of course, both were riding their beloved horses.

Because Andalusia and Feiwan were both intelligent, they followed the line without needing to be guided.

Automatic following, cruise control, hurray!

After that, the two were called by Lord Roshu Ten.

Roshu Ten, too, was riding alone without using a carriage.

When the two came alongside him, Roshu Ten opened his mouth.

"My uncle... Vice Daimyo Fu Ten said that you two can be trusted."

"That's an honor," Abel replied.

"As you might have guessed from our previous conversation, my uncle was sealed as Baron Barrow. At that time, he was involved in the assassination of the Crown Prince and was demoted as a result. Therefore, he is currently serving as my vice daimyo in my territory."

"Is it alright for you to share that with us?"

"Yes, it's fine. Many of those in my territory know this, and it's also known that my uncle bears no responsibility."

Roshu Ten said that with a look of grievance.

Ryo listened in silence.

He knew from experience that it was better to leave the conversation to Abel in situations like this.

"I've heard that three princes are currently fighting over the imperial succession. Was the Crown Prince's assassination related to that?"

"That's a bit different. Rather, it should be said that the struggle among the princes began because the Crown Prince was assassinated."

Roshu Ten shook his head slightly before answering Abel's question.