Published: July 4, 2025
“...Missing?"
Ryo tilted his head and looked at Abel beside him.
Of course, Abel shook his head as he had no idea either.
"The fleet was scheduled to make several stops along the way. However, reports have come in that they have not docked at any of those places past their scheduled times."
"Well, it's a ship, so could it be delayed due to weather or something?"
"Considering that possibility, we waited for a while, but we received a report that no docking had occurred, and that was sent to the imperial capital."
"Muuh."
Both Ryo and Abel frowned.
"Upon receiving that report, the Darwei Fleet Command dispatched ships to search not only along the route but also in areas away from the route. That was a week ago... The situation changed the day before yesterday."
"The day of the Kyoonkai meeting, right?"
"Yes. On that day, the fleet conducting patrols rescued a single ship. The people on that ship were on their way to deliver a letter to the imperial capital."
"And then?"
Both Ryo and Abel urged him to continue as they couldn't see the connection between the missing fleet and the letter.
"This is that letter."
Captain Myun said this as he handed over an envelope.
"Eh? For me?"
Ryo was surprised.
"The addressees are Lord Ryo and Lord Abel. I opened it to check its contents when it arrived at the fleet command, so I hope you can forgive me for breaking the seal."
Captain Myun handed over the envelope.
On the front, it read, "To Lord Ryo and Lord Abel."
Inside was a single letter.
"Duel Challenge
We have taken custody of individuals from the Komakyuta Feudal Kingdom and the Sujay Kingdom. If you want them back, come to the location marked on the attached map.
You may come with as many as you wish.
Attire and equipment are free.
The purpose is a fair match. Regardless of the outcome, if the two of you come, I promise to return the captives unharmed. Furthermore, if you win, I am prepared to provide crucial and valuable information for the Darwei.
From Ruri."
"...What is this?"
"It says it's a duel challenge."
"Ruri... Could it be those two from the ghost ship ruri?"
"I don't know anyone else named Ruri."
"Rather than a duel challenge, isn't this more like a threat?"
"Well, it's certain that the fleet members are safe and unharmed, so that's a relief."
Ryo and Abel conversed while looking at the letter.
"A request for a rematch means they are stronger than before, right? They must believe they can surpass our power now that they know what we can do."
"That's troublesome."
Both Ryo and Abel remembered the battle on the ghost ship.
They were certainly not easy opponents.
Especially Ryo, who fought without being able to use his water attribute magic...
"They said it was something like a water attribute monster. Not being able to use magic is quite difficult for a mage."
"Yeah, for an ordinary mage, not being able to use magic is not just difficult; it's pretty much hopeless."
Ryo frowned as he expressed his dissatisfaction, and Abel pointed out the misunderstanding.
"That said, the option of not going..."
"Doesn't exist, obviously."
The conclusion had been decided from the start.
"The fact that Captain Myun brought this to us means the Darwei Fleet is aware of it as well, right? Will they assist us in going to the island marked on this map?"
"Of course. It is true that there are no diplomatic ties with these two countries. However, if a diplomatic mission that came for the prince's wedding was kidnapped on their way back, Darwei cannot remain uninvolved. There's national pride at stake."
Captain Myun nodded as he answered Ryo's question.
Even though they were off the coast of Darwei, the fact that a diplomatic mission was captured in an area firmly within Darwei's sphere of influence could be seen as a blow to their pride.
However, it was clear that the situation couldn't be resolved solely by the Darwei Fleet.
There was a specific addressee.
Moreover, that addressee was...
"At first, the fleet command didn't know that 'Lord Ryo' mentioned in the letter was the same person as Duke Rondo."