The Water Magician

"Rather, we should say how well they have held out until now."

Emperor Tsuin murmured.

"It was said that since Payu consists of horseback people, they would not easily surrender even if the capital fell."

This was added by Inspector Li Wu, who belonged to the Inspectorate and was familiar with the situation of the surrounding countries.

"In extreme terms, it means they wouldn't be defeated unless the king is captured."

Fu Ten, who had returned to Earl Barrow, crossed his arms and murmured.

Standing a short distance away from such leaders were Ryo and Abel.

They were technically outsiders and were not supposed to be deeply involved in the operation.

"Abel, the situation in the north is dire as well."

"It took three weeks to move across the sea. Well, I suppose we did well against the phantom beings?"

"You're being cold, Abel."

Ryo expressed his dissatisfaction with Abel's calm explanation.

"Just because a country has been conquered doesn't mean it's all over."

"Y-yes, that's true..."

"It depends on how each individual citizen thinks, right? Whether they feel okay with being occupied, want to rise up to return to their former state, or hope for a new country that is neither of those."

Abel stated clearly.

Waiting alone would get them nothing.

If they only waited for someone to give them something, nothing would change.

Therefore, when Abel fought the liberation war, he sought the strength of every soldier and every citizen.

He avoided victory through Ryo alone, understanding that sacrifices would be made, while conducting a liberation war that allowed soldiers and civilians to feel the reality of reclaiming their country through their own strength.

"The citizens are not that strong."

Ryo, who understood everything Abel had done and found it admirable, shook his head slightly.

He knew.

Ordinary people are not that strong.

At best, they might do everything in their power to protect themselves and their loved ones... their families, but fighting for something as large and vague as a 'nation'... guiding them to feel that way is difficult.

"That's true."

Accepting Ryo's feelings, Abel gently nodded with a smile.

This is what it means to be a king.

The next day.

At the port of Boago.

"We can see it on the southern horizon!"

A lookout climbed halfway up the mast of the Tenth Ship, docked at the port, and shouted from the crow's nest.

In response, confirmation efforts began at the harbor, using telescopes.

Although Ryo and Abel did not have telescopes, they were both excited.

"Finally!"

"How many are coming?"

"It seems there are about thirty ships, but all of them are warships."

"It must have been tough to come all the way to Darwei."

Both were excited, but Ryo was filled with pure interest, while Abel considered the hardships of the long voyage.

A few dozen minutes later.

Thirty warships docked outside the harbor.

They were certainly warships, but they seemed to come in various types.

One of them began to enter the harbor.

"That's from the Sujay Kingdom..."

"The Rondark."

Both Ryo and Abel recognized the ship.

When they previously visited Darwei, they were there diplomatically for Prince Lyun's wedding.

At that time, they were carrying...

"Lord Protector Kavui Somaru of the Sujay Kingdom, here to greet you on behalf of the expeditionary fleet."

"Lord Protector, thank you for your long journey."

Kavui Somaru greeted, and Emperor Tsuin expressed gratitude.

This expeditionary fleet was a joint fleet of the Sujay Kingdom and the Komakyuta Feudal Kingdom.

Tomorrow, fleets from the Duchy of Atinjo and the Bosunta Kingdom would also arrive.

Some of these were due to the supply transport agreements made during the conference of the Eastern Nations.

But it was not just that; a large fleet and ground troops were set to arrive to demonstrate the authority of Emperor Darwei.

Of course, this was a show of force by Emperor Tsuin against Prince Kouri’s faction.

The surrounding countries would recognize who held the power of Darwei.

Naturally, for the neighboring countries, sending troops would allow them to earn favor with Emperor Tsuin.