The Water Magician

"Although we're a bit late, the launch party starts now!"

Ryo declared as he sent off Prince Lyun and his party.

Of course, it was just a regular lunch.

"I'm definitely hungry."

Abel nodded in agreement.

It was just past twelve-thirty.

"Let’s head to Holy Emperor Square!"

Thus, the two of them made their way to Holy Emperor Square.

Since it was between the peak lunchtime of twelve and twelve-thirty…

"Is there a chance there will be fewer customers?"

"Perhaps there are more people leaving than entering."

After glancing around a few shops, Abel and Ryo nodded.

"What do you think? Should we indulge in some broth-filled Tonton noodles for the first time in a while?"

"Yeah, that sounds great. It's been quite some time. The last time we had it was… when we ate with Spring Hope, right?"

"Exactly. It feels nostalgic. But didn’t we end up meeting again at the neighboring shop the next day?"

As they chatted, the two entered a shop that advertised wheat noodles with broth-filled Tonton noodles.

"Welcome! Please have a seat over there."

The landlady, who seemed to be managing the floor, spotted the two and pointed them to a table.

They were able to sit down without any issues.

"When you behave well on a daily basis, good things happen in places like this."

"Behaving well on a daily basis? Is that so?"

Ryo said with a smile, while Abel tilted his head in confusion.

It was a usual occurrence.

However…

"Wait, Abel and Ryo?"

The familiar voice that called out to them was…

"Jun Luo?"

"Everyone from Spring Hope!"

Both Abel and Ryo immediately recognized who was speaking.

They had just recalled it earlier.

The five members of Spring Hope were having lunch at the adjacent table.

"We often run into each other at this shop, don’t we?"

"Indeed."

Jun Luo nodded while smiling at Abel's confirmation.

"It was a month ago when we last met, right? Have you been in the imperial capital all this time since then?"

"Yes. While my lord travels between the territory and the imperial capital, we have been fulfilling requests from my lord here in the capital."

In response to Abel's question, Jun Luo replied.

However, his expression didn't look good.

"Given your demeanor, are the requests not going well?"

"That's right."

Jun Luo nodded and glanced at Baliri, the mage from Spring Hope.

Baliri nodded in response to the gaze.

It seemed some permission had been granted.

"Actually, we are searching for the whereabouts of eighty second-rank adventurers..."

"What do you mean by that…?"

At Jun Luo's words, Abel glanced at Ryo.

Receiving that look, Ryo inquired.

"Are those different from the seventy second-rank adventurers repelled by Lord Rowan?"

"You're aware of that matter!"

Jun Luo responded in surprise.

The other four members of Spring Hope also seemed surprised.

"Well, um… I have a close relationship with His Highness, Prince Lyun…"

"I see! That certainly explains why those seventy attacked Prince Lyun. However, separately, the eighty second-rank adventurers have gone missing."

"Could it be that those eighty were hired by a certain prince but have disappeared?"

"…How much do you both actually know?"

In response to Ryo's question, Jun Luo looked suspiciously.

"We might know a fair bit… I am also acquainted with Shou, the minister of state from the Censorate."

"The minister of state from the Censorate… You've got connections with some big names. Therefore, do you also know who the prince that hired those eighty is?"

"Yes. It’s Prince Bin, the fourth prince."

Ryo replied promptly.

"That's correct. It is said that Rinsui, who was Prince Bin's closest aide and right-hand man, had been in charge. However, as a result of the attack thwarted by Lord Rowan, Rinsui fled from the imperial capital. Simultaneously, the remaining eighty second-rank adventurers also went missing."

"Then they may no longer be in the capital? Perhaps in Prince Bin's territory or some other place?"

In response to Jun Luo's explanation, Abel asked.

"Prince Bin's territory is also being investigated by other adventurers, but... There seems to be no sign of those second-rank adventurers entering there."