The Water Magician

"I was sleeping so comfortably in a wonderful bed!"

Ryo exclaimed in indignation.

"O-oh..."

Abel glanced anxiously at the inn.

All the lights in the inn were extinguished.

"There's not much... fire left."

"Of course. It was the bad luck of the arsonist that a water attribute mage was staying here."

Ryo, disturbed from his deep sleep, had extinguished all the flames in an instant.

"If the fire spread, it would have caused quite a stir in Andalusia. Horses, as well as wild animals, don't like fire."

The stables in Andalusia and Feiwan were separate buildings from the main inn where the two were staying.

Of course, both horses were confirmed to be safe.

The two stood in front of the stables, scanning the area.

"Those two... seemed to be calming down the other scared horses, rather than being frightened themselves, in my opinion."

Abel's muttering went unheard by Ryo.

"Battles are breaking out here and there."

The sounds of sword fights could be heard approaching the two.

"They must have intended to start a fire and launch an attack amidst the chaos."

"An old-fashioned tactic."

Ryo shook his head slightly.

He then continued speaking.

"We might need to assist, but I can't tell who is an enemy and who is an ally at all."

"There's no helping it. In situations like this, it's best to focus on protecting yourself and what is important to you. Anyone attacking you is the enemy."

"I see! Abel, you have a good point."

"Oh?"

"The important ones are in Andalusia... well, Feiwan too."

"Just protect both of them honestly."

Abel let out a small sigh.

After the flames were extinguished in an instant by Ryo, both of them changed clothes and came down here.

Thus, their equipment was all within reach.

"I brought the Holy Sword Tati-en just in case it was their target, so it's safe with me."

Ryo said this as he showed Abel the Tati-en contained in a bag with his left hand.

"If that's the case, it would be a hassle if we don't know what they want."

"Just the midnight raid alone has caused a bit of confusion."

"It's better that the fire didn't spread. If it had, things would have been a disaster."

"It's a punishment for disturbing my peaceful sleep."

Ryo nodded with an air of superiority.

The sound of sword fights continued to echo from various directions in the darkness.

"Are there quite a few attackers?"

"Yes. There were about a thousand infantry here, so it’s strange that it's taking so long to suppress."

Ryo tilted his head and then cast a spell.

"Active Sonar."

He shook his head slightly.

"Still, there are too many to figure out."

"I see..."

"Oh, but I can identify this reaction."

"Huh?"

"Zuluma is fighting nearby."

Ryo pointed.

Abel focused on the sound that was faintly audible.

Ryo could hear a conversation as well.

"Zuluma, you traitor!"

"You've been swallowed by an abomination."

Those surrounding Zuluma exclaimed.

"Give up, Zuluma."

Perhaps it was the leader of those surrounding him—a man with an eye patch over his right eye shouted harshly.

Despite being injured and on one knee, the light in Zuluma's eyes had not dimmed.

"With a mind like yours, Lukiya, you should understand. This is pointless."

Lukiya was likely the name of the man with the eye patch.

Zuluma grimaced and tried to persuade him.

"The fall of the grand duke's house is our tragic goal. Have you forgotten that, Zuluma!"

Lukiya retorted.

However, Zuluma replied clearly.

"I have declared that my loyalty is to the grand duke and Duke Helb. I will not follow the clan's orders."

"Such a thing is unacceptable."

A voice of an old woman who appeared from the shadows countered Zuluma's words.

"Even the elder comes to the front lines. Are you truly serious about allying with House Bubbly to oppose the grand duke's house? You will not win."

"Hmph, the abomination is gone. Besides, the new grand duke is not a notably strong human. We could even defeat him with just House Bubbly. Our Gyuuga Clan will ride on that winning horse—that's all."

"What a foolish thing to say..."

The elder, referred to as such, scoffed, and Zuluma grimaced at her words.

"I'll ask you one more time, Zuluma. Return to the clan and lend your strength to achieve our tragic goal."