The Water Magician

Ryo and Abel left the mansion.

They were gathering information about the three princes who were rivals to Prince Lyun.

"The go-to method for gathering information is to ask around at taverns!"

"But it's still noon..."

Yes, it was precisely lunchtime.

Most taverns were not open, and even if they were, there would be few people.

While there would be a crowd at dining establishments, gathering information from people there who were just there to eat would be difficult.

"Moreover, asking commoners about the princes wouldn't yield accurate information."

"Now that you mention it, that's true."

Ryo nodded in agreement with Abel's reasonable observation.

"Then we need to ask someone who directly knows the princes. The emperor would surely know all three of them, but..."

"He's probably busy, and if we went to ask him, we might get some strange looks, right? Besides, the princes would want to hide their worst sides from the emperor..."

"That's not going to work."

Ryo shook his head slightly.

Gathering accurate information was quite challenging.

"In that case, we need to find people who have worked with them or have some sort of connection."

"Plus, they need to be acquaintances of Ryo, right?"

"Do you think there's anyone like that...?"

Ryo pondered.

He couldn't come up with anything.

"To begin with, I don't have that many acquaintances in this imperial capital."

"Wouldn't it be quicker to list the acquaintances you have?"

With Ryo's sigh-filled report, Abel suggested a different approach.

"First, there's Workshop Chief Ron."

"He's the one I've been involved with the most recently. If he knows anything, he might share it, but he basically stays in Chouonkaku at the Imperial Palace, right?"

"That's right. He would probably share some information, but it seems he doesn't have much on the princes."

The first candidate was eliminated.

"Next... perhaps Earl Matan, Von Dobre?"

"He’s in the Shtaiif Layer. But Earl Bashu's Roshu Ten was also involved, yet for some reason, he doesn't seem to be part of any faction at all. That means he likely wants to avoid faction disputes."

Earl Matan Von Dobre had once requested protection from Ryo and Abel.

They had become embroiled in the chaos before Prince Lyun's wedding to Princess Shio Fen, manipulated by bad people, and ended up having to go through an investigation after a stabbing incident.

Certainly, he wouldn't want to get involved.

Earl Bashu's Roshu Ten had been attacked by the manipulated Von Dobre...

He was also someone who had suffered damage from faction-related conflicts surrounding Prince Lyun.

It was no wonder he would want to avoid involvement.

The second and third candidates were eliminated.

"Is there... anyone else?"

"No, there must be more, right? For example, how about the captain of the White Flame Army?"

"Oh! Captain Li Chuu! I've heard he's directly under the emperor, but he might also move within the Imperial Palace. Let's go with Captain Li Chuu first. A gift of sweets would be nice."

"... Ryo is quite diligent in these matters."

"Since he's taking the time to talk to us, some sweets should be expected."

They secured their fourth candidate.

The two stopped at a confectionery shop and bought 150 baked goods before heading to the White Flame Army's barracks at the Ministry of Military Affairs.

They arrived without issue, but...

"Captain Li Chuu isn't here?"

"Yes, Your Grace Duke Rondo. The captain is currently at the Imperial Palace."

The fourth candidate was eliminated.

"All plans have failed."

"That's a bit exaggerated."

After leaving the barracks behind, Ryo and Abel sighed heavily after entrusting the 150 sweets to the guards.

"But not being able to catch Captain Li Chuu, who seemed like the most promising option, is painful."

"There are others."

"Huh? Are there?"

Ryo was surprised by Abel's light-hearted tone.

"Someone who is close with Captain Li Chuu and seems to have a wealth of experience, like an old timer."

"Wait..."

Ryo tilted his head at Abel's words.

But after thinking for a moment, it dawned on him.

"Censorate Minister Shou!"