The Water Magician

The two parted ways with the five members of 'Spring Hope'.

After they were told to inform them if they discovered anything and given directions to the inn.

"We're being played at our own game."

"What do you mean?"

"The adventurers. It seems there was a prince who executed what we were planning before us, right?"

"That's true. But which of the three princes could it be…?"

"The princes' residences… I believe they are called the royal residence. If we go there, might we learn something?"

"We might, but at the same time, it will also be known. That Ryo… I mean, Duke Rondo, is moving alongside the sixth prince Lyun."

"Indeed."

Ryo frowned as he nodded at Abel's observation.

It will eventually be known, but the later it is, the better.

It seems that Prince Lyun's camp is preparing various things…

"Hmm?"

Ryo tilted his head while walking.

"What is it?"

Naturally, Abel asked.

"Shhh! Abel, just keep walking."

"What is it?"

With a serious expression, Ryo spoke, and because of that seriousness, Abel felt it was somewhat forced, but he followed without fully understanding.

"We may be under surveillance."

"With so many people around, how can you tell?"

"No, I'm not very confident myself… but let's take some counter-surveillance actions."

"Counter-surveillance actions?"

"Actions to confirm whether or not we are being followed. Specifically, we'll stop by various places to scout the movements of whoever might be tailing us."

Ryo said this and headed for the stalls set up in the center of Holy Emperor Square.

"I get the feeling you just want to stop by the stalls because you didn't get enough for lunch…"

Abel's muttering went unheard.

While eating a relatively small grilled chicken skewer, Ryo whispered to Abel.

"I don't know when we were first being watched, but perhaps…"

"Someone who was tailing 'Spring Hope' split off and started tailing us too?"

"Ah, do you think so too, Abel?"

"I have no evidence, but it sounds plausible."

Ryo and Abel's thoughts aligned.

"If they're monitoring us as Duke Rondo, they would have been watching from the residence. However, if that were the case, both Ryo and I would have noticed."

"That's true."

At this point, Ryo thought for a moment.

Then he muttered.

"Duke Rondo…"

"What is it?"

Abel asked.

"How about we visit the mutual aid association again?"

"I'm fine with that… Are we going to do some counter-surveillance actions? Or are we looking to gather information on the Advanced Hall and Special Class Hall?"

"Both."

"But we can't enter the Advanced Hall or the Special Class Hall, can we?"

"Right, Ryo and Abel, being sixth rank adventurers, won't get in…"

"I see. So you plan to visit as Duke Rondo?"

"That's right. As a formal client."

Ryo nodded emphatically.

"At times a C-ranked adventurer. At times a sixth rank adventurer. And at other times a wandering man. Yet, in reality… I'm Duke Rondo!"

"Yeah, I don't really understand, but it sounds like you're having fun."

Ryo said cheerfully, while Abel shook his head slightly.

Imperial Capital Adventurers' Mutual Aid Association.

In front of the cobbled square.

As usual, a guide stands in one corner.

If Ryo and Abel's memory serves them right, this was the same guide who showed them around the standard hall yesterday.

Today they are likely in charge of the square.

"Lord Ryo Mihara, the sixth rank adventurer, and Lord Abel, I presume."

The guide seemed to remember and approached the two to bow.

"Thank you for your help yesterday."

Ryo politely bowed.

Then he removed his ID plate from around his neck and said.

"Actually, I hold the position of the first duke in the Naitorei Kingdom. I am Duke Rondo Ryo Mihara. Here is my ID plate."

"Um…"

Hearing Ryo's explanation, the guide froze.

Exactly twenty seconds later.

"I-I apologize, but… may I confirm? Did you say you are Duke Rondo of the Naitorei Kingdom?"

"Yes, I did."

Ryo smiled brightly.

At that moment, the guide could be heard swallowing hard.

It seems they know the name 'Duke Rondo.'

"A-ah, yes… um… the confirmation can be done with the tool used to verify yesterday’s mutual aid association card… please follow me…"