The Water Magician

Chapter Text:

On the day of the Kyoonkai.

Ryo and Abel rode in a carriage sent from the Imperial Palace to attend.

They were not wearing their usual clothes, but instead donned the garments gifted to them by Emperor Tsuin after the subjugation battle in the Green Villa Plain.

Ryo's outfit was light blue with dark blue trim, embroidered with patterns resembling arabesques in gold thread.

Abel's attire was red with black trim, embroidered with silver thread.

In fact, a messenger from the Imperial Palace had come the day before, requesting them to wear those clothes if possible.

The clothes were wonderful, perfectly suited for such a glamorous occasion, so both of them wore them.

"It's refreshing to see Ryo not in a robe," Abel remarked.

"That robe was given to me by my master. It should suit me best. But, wearing something like this every now and then is nice too," Ryo replied, clearly pleased as he waved the large sleeves.

While they exchanged such conversations, the carriage arrived at the Imperial Palace.

They were guided straight to the northern part of the Forbidden City.

It was a room that resembled Emperor Tsuin's private chamber, a place they had been shown before.

However, they still did not know its name.

Ryo decided to boldly ask the guide.

"I believe we are being taken to his majesty the emperor's private chamber, but what is that room called... or rather, what is the building?"

"Yes, that is called Bunka Hall. It was built by the previous emperor, and I have heard that his majesty often played there when he was young."

The term "his majesty" refers to the current Emperor Tsuin.

Since Ryo and Abel were originally from the Central Nations, they were not accustomed to such formal language and always referred to him as "his majesty the emperor," hoping that they would not be disrespectful.

"Bunka Hall is a lovely name. It perfectly suits a place that the emperor, who loves the arts, uses as his private chamber," Ryo said, nodding happily.

Hearing that, the guide couldn't help but smile as well.

If the person he served was praised by a famous bard, it wouldn't make him feel bad.

This was what Abel referred to as "Ryo's charm."

By the way, Abel remained silent this time.

His expression seemed to suggest he wanted to say something, however.

"Oh, Duke Rondo, thank you for coming."

"Your majesty, thank you for inviting us to the Kyoonkai," Ryo greeted, bowing his head along with Abel.

"No, no, I wanted the knowledgeable Duke Rondo and Lord Albert to listen," Emperor Tsuin said while gesturing for them to take a seat.

"Well, I may be out of place, but I..."

Ryo chuckled in embarrassment.

Abel, known as Albert, had given violin lessons to Workshop Chief Ron Shen and had reached a level of performance that even the emperor admired.

Naturally, it was understandable for Emperor Tsuin to hold Abel in high regard.

"Nonsense! Ron has mentioned that you have the potential to play the piano as well. Because of that, I would like to bestow the Grand Piano 'Shen-Ron' number one to Duke Rondo," the emperor stated.

"Ah, so that magnificent grand piano came to us thanks to Ron," Ryo nodded enthusiastically.

Since then, he had been playing the piano every day.

After over twenty years since his previous life on Earth, his fingers initially struggled to move as he wanted, but now they moved without issue.

He could even play the pieces he used to perform back then.

In fact, Ryo's piano performances had become a new sight at Rondo Mansion, where Andalusia and Feiwan lay on the grass, enjoying the music.

"I believe today will also feature the official unveiling of that Grand Piano 'Shen-Ron'," Ryo added.

"Indeed. It is quite large, so it may not be feasible immediately, but I hope it will eventually spread around the world like the violin," the emperor replied.

"That sounds wonderful!"

"When you two return to the Naitorei Kingdom someday, I will send one from Darwei as a gift," the emperor promised.

"Wow!" Ryo exclaimed in surprise and delight.

Abel, who was listening next to him, widened his eyes in astonishment.