The Water Magician

"Welcome, Duke Rondo."

"I apologize for my sudden visit, Princess. I have moved in next door, and I came to greet you."

"A greeting for moving in?"

Ryo spoke with a smile, but Princess Shio Fen didn't quite understand.

Perhaps in the Bosunta Kingdom, there is no custom of newcomers sending gifts to their neighbors.

Nonetheless, with the help of the White Flame Army, they brought boxes of baked goods from the trendy bakery in the imperial capital Hanlin... cookies, to be precise.

Forty boxes, each containing fifty pieces.

A total of two thousand cookies.

"Please distribute these to everyone working at the mansion, as per your arrangement, Princess."

"I appreciate your thoughtfulness."

In response to Ryo's words, Princess Shio Fen bowed her head with a smile.

By distributing them through the princess's arrangement, the reputation of the workers toward her would improve.

Of course, the princess is a figure of power in the mansion, second only to the prince.

But at the same time, she is a person from a foreign land.

To be honest, the workers are observing.

"Is this person worthy of serving? How will they treat us?" they wonder.

And then, if this was simply a case of the princess distributing sweets to everyone, it would diminish her status.

To flatter the servants is to question the balance of power.

However, if it is something that Duke Rondo has brought and distributed through the princess's arrangement, the conversation changes.

Yes, to stand above others is actually quite complicated...

If one acts arrogantly, they will be turned away.

If one acts too submissively, they will be looked down upon.

Truly, maintaining this balance is difficult.

"Please, come inside."

"Oh, no, today is just a greeting for moving in."

"Please don’t say that. If I send you home like this, I’ll be scolded by Lord Lyun."

The princess was unusually proactive in keeping them there.

Ryo tilted his head slightly but ultimately replied...

"Then, just tea."

Ryo, Abel, Princess Shio Fen, and Captain Bijis, along with maid Mifa, sat together to drink tea and engage in light conversation.

After a while, Princess Shio Fen brought up the topic.

"Lord Ryo, I have something I’d like to confirm with Mr. Abel."

"Yes?"

"Me too?"

Princess Shio Fen smiled as she spoke.

Ryo and Abel tilted their heads in confusion.

"It's about Mr. Abel's true identity... or rather, his status."

"Ah."

Ryo nodded with a wry smile at Princess Shio Fen's words.

Yes, the three present here knew that Abel was 'Abel' and not 'Albert.'

Given how well-known "The Song of the Naitorei Kingdom" is, even Ryo could tell that eventually, people would realize who Abel really is.

As one would expect, Abel knew that too.

"I am an adventurer and a swordsman. And I am Mifa's sword master. At least for now, that's all I am, nothing more, nothing less. Is that alright?"

"Yes, I understand."

That was the entirety of the conversation between Abel and Princess Shio Fen.

However, this confirmed that Abel was indeed King Abel the First.

For now, he would continue to act as an adventurer.

Moreover, he wished to be treated as Duke Rondo's guard 'Albert.'

He might reveal that he is King Abel the First someday, but that was not the time.

"However... I would like to convey this only to Prince Lyun..."

"Oh, that is..."

As Ryo looked toward Abel, he saw him nodding slightly.

"It seems he agrees."

"Thank you."

And finally...

"Lord Ryo, the neighboring mansion must feel spacious for just the two of you. Should I arrange for a chamberlain or maid? I can send someone from our side."

"Oh, right, I forgot about that! No, Princess, that’s alright. We’ll manage somehow."

"Manage somehow?"

"Well then, it's about time I take my leave. Abel, let’s go home. Thank you, Princess, and Captain, and thank you, Mifa. I will come back later to visit."

With that, Ryo and Abel hurried back to their mansion.

Once back, Ryo said one thing before retreating to his room.

"I’m going to concentrate and start working now. Please don’t call for me except for snacks and meals. Also, please hold off on the big bath today. That’s all."