The Water Magician

At that moment, Ryo’s departure from the Royal Castle was purely coincidental.

He certainly did not hear about the “delicious newly opened crepe shop” at the royal castle cafeteria and think about going to buy some.

Yes, that’s not the case, really!

When he stepped out, he found three familiar faces and a box at the castle gate.

It seemed the elderly man in the red clothing was complaining, while the two young people were watching with wry smiles, and the box remained silent.

The guards weren't acting overly authoritative; they looked incredibly apologetic, as if they were saying that what was impossible was just impossible.

Basically, the guards of the Royal Castle were serious.

Thus, to save both sides, Ryo decided to intervene.

“Uh, Ms. Marlin?”

“Hmm? Oh, child of the Fairy King... No, my apologies, I should refer to you as His Grace Duke Rondo since we are at the royal castle.”

“No, Ryo is fine. More importantly, is something the matter?”

“Well, it’s nothing much. I requested to meet my old friend, King Abel, but the gatekeeper won’t let me in.”

Marlin said.

Roman and Nadia, who were behind him, continued to watch with wry smiles.

They knew very well that it wasn’t easy to meet the king.

“Therefore, I’m currently contacting my superiors and asking you to wait a little longer. Please inform His Grace the Duke to bear with it.”

It seemed that another guard had already gone to report or relay the message to a superior.

It wouldn’t be long before they would be allowed through, but...

“Oh... well then, shall I take you to Abel under my responsibility? Since you’re acquaintances, it’s likely that Abel would want you to pass through.”

“Is that alright, Your Grace?”

“Yes, leave it to me. Please inform my superior that Duke Rondo has taken you to the king.”

Ryo nodded towards the guard.

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“Thank you, Ryo-san.”

“Thank you very much, Ryo-san.”

“As expected from the one who sealed me.”

Marlin, Roman, and Nadia expressed their gratitude, while Regna in the box was impressed.

It was a secret that the guard was startled when a voice suddenly came from the box.

Thus, Ryo guided the three and the box to the king’s office.

When Ryo returned after just five minutes, Abel was puzzled, but then he understood upon seeing the three and the box following behind.

However, he tilted his head at Marlin’s request.

“King Abel, could you take me to the Western Nations as well?”

“Take Marlin to the Western Nations?”

Abel glanced at Ryo.

Ryo shook his head in a panic.

Of course, Marlin and the others had not informed anyone that Abel intended to travel to the Western Nations aboard Skizblaznil.

Abel looking at Ryo carried the implication of whether that was what he meant.

“I’ve heard that a ship for investigation has come from the Western Nations. If it’s for investigation, wouldn’t they be returning to the Western Nations? I would like to be taken along.”

“I see.”

Abel nodded at Marlin’s explanation.

Indeed, rumors regarding the Skizblaznil had swiftly reached this royal capital and were spreading rapidly among the citizens.

Especially since the kingdom’s government hadn’t made any official announcements, such topics tend to spread by themselves.

“To put it bluntly, it wouldn’t be difficult to take you. But are you two really okay with that?”

Abel said, looking at Roman and Nadia behind Marlin.

The two could not return to the Western Nations as they had escaped from the hands of the Western Church.

It might eventually become possible, but the heat of the situation had not yet died down...

“We would like Marlin-san to remain here, though…”

“Marlin-san is very determined…”

Both Roman and Nadia shook their heads softly.

“I have witnessed your wedding. I have no lingering attachments. Moreover, it would be inappropriate to disturb the newlyweds…”

Marlin said.

Indeed, the two had gotten married while Ryo and Abel were sent flying to the Eastern Nations.

As ordinary people, they had apparently held a small ceremony in the City of Run.