The Water Magician

"It's amazing, isn't it? He's truly focused on creating."

"Yeah. That must be the true form of Ron."

Ryo and Abel were quietly peeking into the workshop adjacent to Chouonkaku.

In fact, the concentrated violin course led by Workshop Chief Ron had finished the day after he received permission to perform on the outdoor stage.

That was yesterday.

"Starting tomorrow, I'll dive into instrument making."

Ron said that and bowed his head to Abel.

He was grateful for the long practice sessions they had together.

Of course, he would practice every day.

So that his fingers wouldn't forget.

However, he also had to do the original work of being the workshop chief...

Curious about what it would be like, the two secretly peeked into Ron's work today, which was the day after.

Seeing that, they both nodded.

Of course, they had heard that Abel's violin and Ryo's piano could be used at any time from the workshop's instruments.

That said, both of them had their own things to do and were busy.

"...Are you busy?"

"Being called to the Imperial Palace today is, in a way, work too."

"Ah, yeah..."

Ryo insisted, and Abel nodded with a subtle expression.

Today, they had been summoned directly by Emperor Tsuin.

He wanted to have lunch with them.

It seemed that he had something he wanted to convey...

"What do you think he wants to convey?"

"Well..."

In response to Ryo's question, Abel tilted his head in thought.

Even when told that there was something he wanted to convey to them, nothing came to mind.

"Abel, I can imagine it."

"What is it?"

Ryo said with a smug expression.

Abel knew that Ryo's opinions were usually off the mark during times like these, but he decided to listen anyway.

"I'll listen, what is it?"

"How rude to say 'I'll listen'!"

"Oh, I really want to hear it, please tell me!"

"How exaggerated."

Abel's way of speaking made Ryo feign being hurt.

However, in the end, he stated his thoughts.

"I think they will ask us to do something that only we can do."

"What specifically?"

"They're definitely going to tell us to take the piano back when we return to the Central Nations and spread it around."

"...Huh?"

Abel was left speechless by Ryo's assertion.

What he had braced himself for, expecting Ryo to say something ridiculous, was far surpassed.

Well, it was the kind of surpassing that left him with his mouth agape.

"You see, his majesty the emperor is trying to spread the piano all over the world..."

"Certainly, Ron mentioned that."

"It must be the first step to achieving that ambition."

For some reason, Ryo was full of confidence.

"That piano or whatever, it's heavy, right?"

"Yeah. Probably around 300 to 400 kilograms."

"Isn't it going to be tough to take that back...?"

"Abel, fight!"

"Don't push that on me!"

Abel barked in disbelief.

But he quickly calmed down.

"Well, anyway, that's probably just Ryo's delusion."

"Abel, you act as if you don't believe what I say."

"That's because it's unrealistic. To begin with..."

At that point, Abel paused his words and let out a small sigh before continuing.

"When are we actually going to set off for the Central Nations?"

"Huh? The reason we're staying here is because of you, Abel, isn't it?"

Ryo pointed out with a tone that clearly indicated disbelief.

Of course, Abel didn't understand the meaning.

"Why is it my fault?"

"To be precise, it's because of that thing you're wearing."

Ryo said this while sharply pointing at Abel's wrist as if a snapping sound would echo.

"The Flying Ring?"

"Yeah. You can't fly without 'Central Yellow,' right? So you want to stay here until your desire to fly is satisfied. I understand."

Ryo concluded, nodding multiple times.

"Well, I do admit I want to be able to fly more... but if we’re talking about that, Ryo would want it more than me, right?"

"Me? Why?"

"Because you said you would unravel why the Flying Ring only works with 'Central Yellow.' If you can clear that up, you might be able to fly in other places too."

"Ugh... I did say that, but..."

In the end, the romance of flying seems to captivate people.

Both let out a simultaneous sigh.

Of course, the fundamental reason why they couldn't return to the Central Nations is that 'the corridor isn't open.'