The Water Magician

Ryo and Abel were heading toward the capital of the Duchy of Atinjo, Kamphor, accompanied by the diplomatic mission led by Acting Captain Zuluma.

Naturally, behind them was an ice sculpture resting on a cart.

To maintain privacy, the contents of the ice sculpture were not visible.

However, Ryo's expression was tense.

In contrast, Abel showed no signs of worry at all.

The reason for this was clear.

"You're still not good at riding, are you, Ryo?"

"If it were Andalusia, this wouldn't happen!"

Indeed, Ryo's expression was strained due to traveling by horse.

If it were his beloved horse, Andalusia, he would ride with complete trust and a calm mind, which would surely brighten his expression. However, Andalusia was currently at Rondo Mansion in the Hanlin imperial capital.

They had arrived by boat from the imperial capital to the Autonomous City of Kubevasa, and were planning to return by the same boat... Andalusia, along with Abel's Feiwan, would understandably stay behind.

It was only natural...

"If only I had Andalusia..."

"Give it up."

Abel replied to Ryo, who looked frustrated, with his usual calm demeanor.

Abel's handling of the reins seemed flawless.

"I'm being shown the differences."

"It's the result of training since childhood."

Yes, Abel was currently the reigning King.

Always exposed to gazes from both inside and outside the country.

Riding beautifully was part of his job.

That was why he had repeated training since he was little.

That said, Abel felt relieved internally.

At least on the surface, Ryo had regained his composure.

Of course, deep down, he might be concerned about the matter with Duke Helb.

For now, he thought that was acceptable.

Rushing things would not yield good results.

They could adapt slowly.

The treatment of the two among the diplomatic mission from the Duchy of Atinjo was very courteous.

This was due to Acting Foreign Minister Zuluma announcing in front of everyone that, in case anything happened to him, he would entrust these two.

"Abel has even beheaded Zuluma once."

"...Why bring that up now?"

Ryo shook his head slightly as he spoke, while Abel grimaced in response.

That was during the time they attacked the embassy.

Zuluma, marked with a star-shaped magic circle on his chest by Duke Helb, obtained strength that was far from human.

During that time, Zuluma and Abel staged a duel.

By the way, Ryo and Duke Helb seemed to have enjoyed conversing during that time.

Though it felt like there might have been some fighting involved... but that might just be my imagination.

In the end, Abel beheaded Zuluma, pierced his heart... and severed both his arms and legs.

But what was truly terrifying was what happened afterward.

The next day, the two were once again yelled at by Zuluma.

Yes, by the Zuluma who had had his head beheaded, heart pierced, and limbs severed...

It seemed that Duke Helb had performed "treatment" on him.

There were faint stitches visible around his neck...

That very Zuluma was leading them as Acting Captain.

"If I were Zuluma, I would tear Abel apart first."

"Ryo would come to help, right?"

"Unfortunately, I have to prioritize delivering Duke Helb, frozen in ice, to the other party, so Abel will have to manage on his own..."

"Hey..."

It seems that people's priorities differ.

"I am always grateful to Abel. I truly am! But that's one thing, and this is another."

"When would you help if not when I'm about to be torn apart?"

"It's obvious. When Abel orders too much food and can't finish it, I'll help him eat it."

"I don't know, that seems like an unlikely situation."

"Why not? Abel overeating happens often, doesn't it?"

"In that case, wouldn't you already be in a state of overeating too?"

"Now that you mention it..."

The pace of the diplomatic mission from the Duchy of Atinjo was slow.

This was due to several carriages being involved.

One of them, the most luxuriously constructed carriage, was apparently for the Duke's personal use, but... it currently contained the ice-encased Duke of Atinjo.

Zuluma had requested Ryo to have him frozen.

It was to prevent decay.