The Water Magician

Having parted ways with the group from the Tenth Ship, Ryo and Abel decided to head towards the Chououchi Empire by land.

With the map they received and the alchemy tools for tracking Emperor Tsuin given by Commander Tin of the Forbidden Army, they believed they could manage.

It was clear to anyone that the journey wouldn't be easy.

They would likely face terrifying difficulties.

However, the two pressed on!

To save the emperor!

Whether they left the port town of Mei Hei with such a solemn determination was uncertain.

Abel occasionally tilted his head in confusion.

Traveling on foot was tough.

Especially on a mountain path that wasn’t paved like the one they were on this time.

It was also common to struggle with food procurement.

Yet, they were munching on rindo as they walked.

Was this really a 'difficult journey'?

"Abel, if you have something to say, just say it!"

"No, Ryo, I have nothing to say."

"That's a lie! You've been glancing at the cart and tilting your head ever since we started!"

As Ryo pointed out, Abel's gaze was wandering.

It was understandable.

Behind Ryo, two carts capable of carrying about three people each were following.

Most of what was loaded was food.

And every time the carts rolled, the road ahead was paved with ice...

"Ryo, your attention to detail remains impressive."

"I have a saying from my hometown: 'God is in the details.' Those who don't cut corners in the finer aspects can reach the pinnacle of excellence."

"I see. That sounds quite challenging."

"I feel like I've been easily misled..."

Ryo frowned.

"From the fourth day, it seems we should progress through the forest."

"Yes. They say that if we keep to the road, we might encounter the Payu army around the fourth day."

"War is happening everywhere."

"Rulers are more competent when they solve issues without resorting to war."

"I completely agree with that."

Abel nodded in agreement with Ryo's words.

"But if that's the case, we should have brought Andalusia and the garden watchers with us."

"Garden watchers?"

"They're the golems that clean the garden."

"Oh..."

The garden of their mansion, Rondo Mansion, was cleaned by ice golems.

"But don't golems lack combat capability?"

"Sure, they can't use swords like you, Abel, but just charging with spears can be pretty effective. Captain Ruyao praised them."

"They protected the princely residence under the command of Number Two, right?"

"…That was still war. Inside the imperial capital, the war, filled with human folly, must look quite different from the perspective of the golems."

Sometimes, Ryo would become philosophical.

"Is there any answer besides 'humans are foolish'?"

"…No."

It was a sad topic.

While discussing such matters, the two headed north.

Along the way, they chose to take a fork in the road as marked on the map.

They thought they were making progress... but on the third day.

"Is this... a road?"

"It could be called a beast path, but normally, beast paths aren't marked on maps."

Before the two stood a path that hardly resembled a road.

Beyond it lay what could only be described as a forest.

They could see the trees thickly clustered.

"There’s a slight possibility we've taken the wrong path."

"Yeah, we definitely took a wrong turn."

Both Ryo and Abel sighed.

However, neither sank into despair.

Because...

"Let’s take a break and eat something."

"Yeah. How about grilling some fish?"

Indeed, they had an abundance of food.

The cart following Ryo was loaded with meat, vegetables, fruits, and even fish.

Of course, everything was preserved in Ryo's ice, so it was fresh!

Naturally, they had all the tools for starting a fire, led by flint.

The two enjoyed grilled fish in the heart of the forest.

Their expressions were filled with happiness.

"We must go save his majesty the emperor... but it seems his health is good."

"Can those tracking alchemy tools discern such things?"

"Yes. It appears he is eating properly and taking care of his health. I suspect he is under house arrest, not in a dungeon."

"To open the 'corridor,' the emperor's presence is required... what could that mean?"