The Water Magician

"I have gathered quite a bit of information."

Ryo nodded with a satisfied expression.

"Indeed, there is a significant difference compared to when Prince Lyun came."

Abel also nodded.

However, Ryo wanted just one final push.

"I want to obtain decisive information."

"What is it? Decisive information?"

"It’s about the second prince, Kouri himself."

"Well, if we could get that, it would be the best, but... we can’t just charge in, can we? It would be difficult, right?"

At Abel's words, Ryo's eyes sparkled.

"Yes, that's it!"

"That?"

"Abel will launch a solo assault on Prince Kouri's stronghold! And we will see how they respond!"

"Yeah, we talked about that after leaving the Censorate earlier. And we concluded that it was impossible. If I did something like that, I would get caught and it would turn into a big problem, right?"

"The premise has changed since then, so it can’t be helped. After all, sacrifices are unavoidable for gathering valuable information. It’s an unavoidable sacrifice, collateral damage!"

"I don’t know anything about collateral damage, but that’s a no."

"Why!"

"Because I value my own life."

Abel plainly stated it was for self-preservation.

Many would say that Ryo's suggestion was wrong.

"To be so distinctly self-preserving! I can’t believe those are the words of the great King Abel."

"Yeah, I’m neither great nor anything. How about you show some self-sacrifice, Ryo? You're the Duke Rondo, so they probably wouldn't kill you that easily, right?"

"You never know. This is a good opportunity, so maybe it would be better to take the plunge... If Prince Lyun is going to run to them anyway, it might be best to nip it in the bud. They might think like that!"

"You understand there’s a chance I could get caught and executed if I charge in, right? Yet you still want me to do it..."

"Oops… Abel figured it out."

Gaining information at the cost of a partner.

Even if successful, it could hinder future developments.

It’s definitely a method to avoid since it’s not sustainable...

"I'll stop the direct assault on Prince Kouri."

"Ah, of course."

If they talk it out properly, they can come to understand each other.

"The match will be tomorrow."

"Huh? A match?"

It seems there are many things that cannot be understood without proper discussion.

The next day, just before noon.

Ryo and Abel were visiting their neighbor.

"I’m sorry for suddenly dropping by, Your Highness."

"Please, just call me Shio."

"Oh, then please call me Ryo."

Ryo and Princess Shio Fen asked for a first-name basis like in a foreign movie.

"It's been a while, Mifa."

"Yes, Master Abel. It's been a while."

This was a reunion between master and disciple.

However, after a while, it turned into a mock battle in the garden...

"Not only Abel, but even Mifa has become muscle-headed..."

Ryo's words must have reached Princess Shio Fen beside him.

She smiled.

Those who were flustered were not the ones present there.

It was because suddenly, the sounds of a sword fight echoed from the garden.

Soldiers came running from the training ground at the back of the mansion.

Leading them was a tall woman clad in white armor.

Captain of the Princess's Guard, Bijis.

Originally, she was supposed to serve as the captain for Princess Shio Fen during her marriage procession and was scheduled to return to the Bosunta Kingdom after arriving in Darwei.

But... she remained as a guard around the princess, saying "just a little longer."

With Captain Bijis leading, the soldiers burst into the garden and witnessed the sword fight between Abel and Mifa... and froze.

The sword fight was far too high-level to be called just a mock battle.

Only two people watched without freezing.

Ryo and Princess Shio Fen.

"Mifa, you've been training hard, haven’t you? I feel your swordsmanship has become more refined than before."

"Yes. I have swung my sword every morning and evening while on the ship, and since arriving in Darwei, I still do so without fail. I even woke up before dawn in the mornings..."

"Really..."

"But compared to before... it seems like you enjoy swinging your sword now."