The Water Magician

Returning to the royal capital, Ryo was dropped off at the Royal Alchemy Workshop.

"Y-your grace, Duke Rondo!"

"Excuse me, guard. I came to see Kenneth."

"Ah... the chief researcher just left a little while ago..."

"What did you say?"

Ryo's spirits sank at the guard's words.

However, he quickly bounced back.

"Then, let me at least transcribe the magic formula for the 'magic nullification tube.'"

It seems that the alchemy tool for magic nullification had inadvertently acquired that name...

Of course, it was just Ryo who had named it on a whim.

"Huh? Ryo-san?"

"Ah, Raden, you're in a good spot!"

As Ryo entered the workshop, he saw Raden, the deputy chief.

"I'd like to take a look at that alchemy tool for magic nullification, the cylindrical one. I have the qualifications to see it, right?"

"Yes, of course. Ryo-san is registered as a researcher here."

That's right; Ryo is also a researcher at the Royal Alchemy Workshop.

To be precise, he is a junior researcher... but let's not get into the details!

Raden brought out three items from the back.

The magic nullification tube.

The Bracelet of Concealment.

The fusion magic brooch.

These three might be considered a set.

"It goes without saying, but their use is prohibited."

"Yeah, I understand. I'm just going to copy the magic formula."

"Copy?"

Raden tilted his head at Ryo's words.

It seems the term 'copy' didn't register with him.

But 'transcribe' would have worked.

As with the 'coffin' incident, Ryo transcribed the respective magic formulas using water attribute magic.

In the end, he managed to transcribe all three.

The bracelet and brooch were also creations of Cardinal Sakarias.

If he could decipher his alchemist thinking, having more comparable items would be beneficial.

"Hehehe, with this, I'm one step closer to the truth of the world."

"The truth of the world...?"

"Ah, no, please don't mind me."

Leaving Raden, who remained puzzled, Ryo exited the Royal Alchemy Workshop.

His destination was the Royal Castle.

As a place for conducting research on alchemy, the Royal Castle is one of the best locations.

The Royal Castle Library houses a wealth of books related to alchemy.

Moreover, as the first duke, Ryo even has access to the restricted library to read its hidden books!

How wonderful!

Additionally, the Royal Castle has just the right sofas for reading the books he borrows.

In the same room, important figures were signing documents...

"Ah, Ryo. You finally returned."

Having borrowed about three books related to alchemy from the Western Nations, Ryo entered the king's office, where the room's master greeted him.

"I was worried since I hadn't seen you for a while."

"No... you went to Sera and the City of Run, right?"

"How do you know that?"

"Reports came in about that."

"What a surveillance society!"

Ryo felt a sense of dread in a world where he was always being watched.

"It’s only natural that if the first duke and head knight use the royal carriage to go to the City of Run, a report would be sent."

Abel shrugged, as if it were obvious.

"The freedom to act..."

"Actions are free. It's just that reports are sent. Holding a high position comes with that sort of thing."

"I can't understand why anyone would want to be in a prominent position."

"You're just constantly being watched, reported on, and the subject of gossip; that’s how it is."

"I can’t find peace. I want to be a duke like an ordinary person..."

"Give it up."

Abel chuckled at Ryo's words.

The king, who could be considered the foremost figure, was always under observation.

Ryo genuinely respected Abel, who handled that position with ease.

"Abel, please keep doing your best as king. I'm cheering for you."

"O-oh?"

Abel looked confused.

But it seemed he remembered something.

"I mentioned before that we will be departing for Whitnash tomorrow."

"Oh, you did say that. I need to hurry and read these before tomorrow."

Ryo said as he lightly tapped the three books he brought from the Royal Castle Library.

"Alchemy, huh? You’re really enthusiastic."

"Enthusiastic? I’m only doing this because it’s fun, you know?"