The Water Magician

I unexpectedly tried posting an SS!

"We were supposed to leave the city of Chualow, but…"

"Was there another city right next to it…?"

Ryo was perplexed, and Abel was equally confused.

The two were of course riding on Andalusia and Feiwan, with a cart made of ice following behind them.

Despite that, they were unable to comprehend the situation.

Before them stood a castle gate.

It was a massive gate like the ones found at the entrance of a city.

However, just thirty minutes ago, they had left the city of Chualow after resolving the transport issue at Amanoru Lake, and were hastily continuing their journey.

And yet, they had arrived at a city almost immediately.

Perhaps it was a different city from Chualow…

Moreover, they found themselves right in front of that gate…

"Lord Abel, and Master Ryo, I presume? We have been waiting for you."

An elegant elderly man greeted them with a polite bow.

"Indeed, we are Abel and Ryo, but… old man, is this a different city from Chualow?"

Abel asked on behalf of the two.

"This is the residence of Earl Vivi, Lord Spoo, who rules over Chualow and its surrounding areas."

"The mansion gate…"

"Though it is rather large for that."

The elder replied, and both Ryo and Abel were astonished by its scale.

It was so large that they had mistaken it for a city gate.

Even if he was a lord, it was hard to believe this could be just a personal residence…

The two were courteously guided inside.

Upon entering the building after leaving Andalusia and Feiwan, a man was waiting at the entrance and bowed respectfully.

"I am Lord Spoo, Earl Vivi. I cannot express how delighted I am to welcome such esteemed guests to my residence."

Spoo spoke, bowing deeply again after addressing the two.

In contrast, Ryo and Abel were confused.

"Ah… Lord, please lift your head. It was merely a matter of circumstance regarding Amanoru Lake. It was only natural for us to do so as adventurers."

"We were, of course, asked for help by the residents and the water spirits… non-human entities as well."

Abel and Ryo replied.

"Yes, I have received a report from Vice Daimyo Churan as well. Just a few minutes ago, in fact. We were truly fortunate that you passed by in front of my residence. Otherwise, I would have had to run after you."

Spoo replied with a smile.

"However, that is not all."

"Huh?"

"Yes?"

Spoo bowed again and continued speaking.

"You two are the Duke Rondo and the escorting Lord Albert, are you not?"

"Uh…"

"Um…"

The two hesitated to respond to Spoo's smiling inquiry.

"I was also present at the Kyoonkai event."

"Ah…"

Abel could only nod in response to Spoo's words.

Ryo nodded silently in agreement.

"Should you leave without being properly entertained, it would be an everlasting disgrace for Earl Vivi, who has treated you generously. Please allow me to host you to preserve my honor."

"Ah…"

"Now that you mention it…"

Thus, the two were treated to a delicious meal.

It was almost a veritable feast… though that might be an exaggeration, it truly came one dish after another.

However, Ryo had something slightly concerning him even while eating.

They were dining in a spacious room resembling a banquet hall.

There was a massive table set in the center.

According to Spoo, it was a place used for banquets with high-ranking officials and military leaders.

In one corner of this hall, there was a covered 'instrument.'

Only the upper structure was visible, so Ryo could only speculate about it…

Just when everyone had begun to enjoy their drinks, Ryo stood up and walked over to the 'instrument.'

Then, he gently lifted the cloth covering it.

"I knew it! Shen-Ron!"

Indeed, what lay there was a grand piano.

"Shen-Ron?"

Abel didn’t quite understand.

"Look, it’s a piano."

"Oh, a piano."

It seemed that this was something Abel could grasp.

"I ordered it at the Kyoonkai and bought it…"

Spoo said, glancing at a lady beside him.

Spoo's wife smiled sweetly in response.

Yes, she smiled to cover it up.

She seemed to have grown tired of practicing the piano.

"Learning an instrument takes time, after all."