The Water Magician

The port was crowded with the citizens of the Empire.

Everyone was waving their hands and waving cloths, rejoicing at the arrival of the princess.

Toward the crowd, Princess Shio Fen smiled warmly and waved.

Behind her on the left stood her maid Mifa, and on the right was the captain of the princess's guard, Bijis.

Princess Shio Fen caught a glimpse of Bijis tilting his head slightly.

"What's wrong, Bijis?"

"Ah, no... I thought I saw a white robe in the crowd..."

"The people of Darwei mostly wear eastern attire, right? The style where the front opening is secured with a sash."

Princess Shio Fen asked, Bijis responded, and Mifa confirmed.

While those not wearing eastern attire might indeed stand out...

"The white robe must be Lord Ryo, right?"

"Y-yes..."

Bijis answered, looking down in acknowledgment of Princess Shio Fen's confirmation.

"If this were romantic love, it would be delightful, but I would like you to teach me swordsmanship, Bijis..."

Princess Shio Fen sighed softly and said with a wry smile.

For some reason, Ryo seems destined to be a rival in battle.

"However, I heard that before and after your highness's marriage procession, no ordinary person can enter the imperial capital."

"That seems to be the case. It might still be some time before Mr. Abel and Lord Ryo can enter the imperial capital."

Princess Shio Fen nodded at Mifa's words.

"Your highness, please."

A gangway was laid down for the ship.

The soldiers from the Department of Rites of Darwei were already lined up at the disembarkation point, ready for the ceremony.

Naturally, the princess's disembarkation was also a part of the ceremony.

"Then, let’s go."

When Princess Shio Fen said this, Mifa and Bijis nodded.

Finally, Princess Shio Fen's party arrived at the Hanlin imperial capital.

"As expected of your highness, you were dignified! Mifa seems to have fulfilled her duties splendidly as well."

"Ah, yes. From now on, there will be various challenges, but I believe they will manage."

Ryo nodded repeatedly, and Abel smiled as he watched the group disembark, which also included his apprentice.

The white robe that Bijis saw was indeed Lord Ryo.

As Princess Shio Fen’s party disembarked, they moved to the Imperial Palace.

After a while, the crowd began to thin out.

The unloading of cargo was still frantic on the ship, but it seemed the person they were searching for had already disembarked and was overseeing the work of their subordinates.

Moreover, the person next to him was also a familiar face.

Neither of them seemed busy, so this was a chance!

"Captain Myun, Captain Ra Woo, it's been a while!"

Ryo greeted the captains of the first and tenth ships of the princess's fleet.

"Hmm? Ah, it was Lord Ryo."

"Ryo-san! Mr. Abel too! You came to the imperial capital earlier, huh?"

Both Captain Myun and Captain Ra Woo remembered the two of them.

"I apologize for that time. The Department of Rites was inflexible."

"No, well, I guess it can't be helped."

Captain Myun apologized for having tried to leave Ryo and Abel on the fleet with Vice Minister Snus from the Department of Rites but failing.

Ryo understood that bureaucracies were often inflexible, so he didn’t think much of it.

"Indeed. After that, the transport of water was quite challenging, and it was a bit sad to see the cold looks from the sailors directed at Vice Minister Snus."

Captain Ra Woo said with a laugh.

"Actually, it's a bit of a dire situation right now..."

Ryo started to explain the events that he and Abel had been caught up in.

"That's troubling. Earl Matan Von Dobre is the hospitality role for the princess, right? I know it had been decided for over a year... If Earl Matan has been imprisoned, someone else will take over the hospitality role. Then, there will be some impact on the princess's party."

"This marriage procession sure has a lot going on."

Captain Ra Woo expressed concern over the change in the hospitality role, while Captain Myun sighed about the marriage procession itself.

There were likely many events that had occurred after Ryo and Abel disembarked.