The Water Magician

The fleets of the Duchy of Atinjo and the Bosunta Kingdom have docked.

"I hereby transfer the command of the Duchy of Atinjo's fleet to his majesty the emperor."

"I hereby transfer the command of the Bosunta Kingdom's fleet to his majesty the emperor."

The command is now entrusted to Emperor Darwei by the commanders of both fleets.

"In the name of Emperor Darwei, I will transfer the command of both fleets as well as the Darwei fleet to Lord Protector Kavui Somaru."

"I humbly accept this responsibility."

Thus, the command of the entire allied fleet, including the Darwei fleet led by Earl Bashu, has been transferred to Kavui Somaru.

This is a protocol that must be followed before heading into battle.

Unification of command.

Clarification of the chain of command.

Without this, it would simply be a disorganized mob.

The ground forces are led by Emperor Tsuin himself on his personal expedition.

The naval forces are led by Kavui Somaru under the name of Emperor Tsuin in an allied fleet.

"All that's left is to head north now," Ryo said with a cheerful expression.

War is a sad affair, but it is only natural to feel uplifted in the presence of large armies and fleets.

Moreover, conflict is not necessarily the primary goal.

It is a movement to return the great authority held in Darwei back to Emperor Tsuin.

"It is indeed a magnificent show of force," Abel said with a wry smile.

"Moving a large army to avoid actual armed conflict... It really makes no sense when you only read it on paper."

"There's nothing we can do; that's just how it is," Ryo and Abel shrugged.

After a while, Ryo opened his mouth.

"Being a ruler is difficult."

"What's got you saying that all of a sudden?" Abel tilted his head at Ryo's words.

"Abel, you are criticizing his majesty the emperor in your heart, aren't you?"

"Criticizing? Well... not to that extent," Abel said, scratching his cheek before continuing.

"Some of the current situation is due to the emperor's befuddlement after the crown prince's death... I won't go that far, but I believe it's a contributing factor."

"That may be true, but it's understandable; a child has died."

"A ruler cannot be afforded such leniency."

"That is true, but..."

Abel stated firmly, leaving Ryo at a loss for words.

Of course, Ryo understood what Abel was getting at.

A ruler, responsible for the lives of many people, must always keep governance in mind, no matter the circumstances.

Because neglecting it would lead to the people's misfortune.

"Abel, you are too harsh."

"But he's not wrong... Ryo understands that, right?"

"I do. I understand, but..."

Abel was articulating the words of a king.

Ryo was expressing the thoughts of an ordinary person.

"Even so... I don't think it's a bad thing to realize that one has been befuddled and to try to regain one's composure," Ryo said.

"Indeed, that is an important thing."

"Even while harboring sad feelings, one must strive for governance. What a tremendous burden..."

"That is indeed a burden. Normally, in regular jobs, one would be allowed to take a break until they can sort out their feelings."

"A ruler is not afforded such time."

"Yes, as long as one is alive and holds that position, they must always be a ruler."

Both Ryo and Abel shook their heads lightly.

And the next day.

At last, Emperor Tsuin's return to Darwei was announced.

This was necessary to counter the previous announcement from the Chououchi Empire that he had died, hence the need for a grand announcement.

Currently, he is in Boago, Southern Darwei, and will be returning north to the imperial capital, Hanlin.

There was also an announcement that various lords from surrounding countries would be accompanying him.

For the general public of Darwei, the emperor who was said to be dead was alive—it was good news for them.

They likely thought that it was a relief that no strange chaos would ensue.

In reality, that was sufficient.

This announcement was intended for the Shtaiif Layer within Darwei.

"Is it really him?"

"It seems it was delivered to each town via the 'Policy Transmission Line'..."