The Water Magician

Episode "The Prisoner Abel"… This is the fourth and final night of the four-night consecutive posting.

In front of the Allied Government Office, Lord Aubrey welcomed Abel.

"You have done it, Your Majesty Abel."

"Yes, Lord Aubrey. I made a few changes to the entry. I apologize for the lack of prior notice."

Lord Aubrey made a sarcastic remark, and Abel responded with a smile.

"I was surprised by the Ice Platform, but even more so…"

Lord Aubrey looked at the one hundred and one ice golems following Abel.

"The ice golems have been quite helpful during the journey. A water attribute mage is truly impressive."

"It’s not the water attribute mage, but rather Duke Rondo who is impressive."

Lord Aubrey's gaze pierced Ryo.

Ryo, being looked at, feigned ignorance by looking in another direction.

It seemed he was also pretending to whistle.

Of course, Ryo couldn’t whistle…

Just a little away from the three of them, Assistant Lumber received urgent news.

"What is this…"

"Lumber, what's wrong?"

"No, Your Excellency…"

As Lumber approached Lord Aubrey, he glanced at Abel.

That was enough for Abel to understand.

The preparations he had set through Ryo had become effective.

"Could it be that the kingdom's escort is seeking permission to cross the border?"

"An escort? To cross the border?"

Lord Aubrey questioned with suspicion at Abel's words.

"Yes. I thought it was only polite to call for an escort from the kingdom, including myself and the first duke, after the troubles caused by Jakelea. They are likely seeking permission to enter the allied territory."

"You are correct, Your Majesty."

Lumber nodded to Abel's words.

However, Lumber's expression was far from cheerful.

"Your Majesty's safety will be ensured by our alliance as we deliver you to the kingdom."

"No, no, Lord Aubrey, please don’t worry. It seems the escorts are already near the border… In two days, they should arrive at Jakelea. May I request permission to cross the border?"

"That would be…"

As Lord Aubrey was about to grant permission, he noticed Lumber's expression.

What was evident there was fear.

"Lumber, how many escorts are there?"

"…It is said to be ten thousand knights."

"What…"

Lord Aubrey was rendered speechless.

Even though it was an escort for the king, ten thousand knights was no ordinary number.

To grant permission for such a large military force to cross the border was…

"That is an absurdly large number…"

"Lord Aubrey, you brought a thousand knights to escort Marquis Nyusha, and I only relayed that. I too was surprised that the kingdom would send ten thousand knights."

Abel smiled.

This was truly brazen.

Lumber continued with the report.

"Moreover, they are led by the supreme knight commander of the Naitorei Kingdom and head knight..."

"The elf from the Forest of the West, Sera."

Lord Aubrey had not forgotten that name.

The nations forming the alliance had utilized that position for their own benefit.

Immediately after Abel and Ryo were sent to the Eastern Nations.

The Strah Duchy, which had a seat in the central council of ten, launched an attack on the kingdom.

Enticed by Marquis Heinlein's strategy, the Strah Duchy had over two thousand prisoners, showcasing the powerful presence of Sera to the Central Nations.

"Ah, so Sera is coming. That's great."

The voice filled with joy belonged to Ryo.

"Duke Rondo and Sera are quite close, so that’s probably why she volunteered."

"Not at all."

Abel explained with a smile, and Ryo blushed.

In contrast, Lord Aubrey and Assistant Lumber wore expressions of despair.

"What kind of combination is that…"

Assistant Lumber's too-honest words went unheard.

Lord Aubrey hesitated.

He was irritated that his own strategy was being used against him.

Realistically, allowing an army of ten thousand knights from the kingdom into the territory was terrifying.

"Sera is the supreme knight commander of the Naitorei Kingdom and head knight. It’s a position that hasn't been held since King Richard, known as the father of our kingdom's revival. Are you aware?"

"No…"

"She possesses military command authority that surpasses even mine as king."