Published: July 5, 2025
Important announcement first. (As of January 10, 2025, at noon)
Water Attribute Mage will begin airing as a TV anime starting in July 2025 on TBS and other networks!
For more details, please check the "Afterword" section at the end of the main story.
Be sure to read it!
On the second day since the Skizblaznil Vessel departed from Whitnash,
his majesty the king has been swinging his sword on the deck since morning.
A little distance away, knights are also practicing with their swords.
Not all of them are doing so.
They understand that if everyone were to swing their swords, it would disturb the crew working on the deck, so it seems they are taking turns with about ten at a time.
"Even seeing this scene, it's clear that Abel is flaunting his privileges as the king."
"Ah, I feel good about being king," Abel admits with a laugh in response to Ryo's comment.
"That's unusual. Normally, you'd argue back."
"Do you remember, Ryo, the words I said when I returned from the Eastern Nations?"
"Words? I've heard so many; it's hard to recall..."
Ryo tilts his head.
It's not sarcasm; he genuinely doesn't know which words Abel is referring to.
"I said I wanted to become stronger."
"Oh, I remember that."
Abel answers while continuing to swing his sword, and Ryo, sitting on an ice chair, looks at the magic formula inscribed on the ice board while responding.
Neither of them considers this conversation particularly important.
"To become stronger, one must train. To train, time is necessary. I have that time now."
"Indeed. On this journey to the Western Nations, it seems we will have ample time to train."
"Well, yes. We will be stopping at a few maritime nations along the way, so I will make appearances as king then... but aside from that, I believe there will be time."
"Are there maritime nations?"
"Yes. Of course, our Naitorei Kingdom is known, but there are said to be several islands that were not known even in the Western Nations."
"If the trade routes open, we might be able to resupply at such places."
Ryo nods at Abel's explanation.
Not all ships are as fast as the Skizblaznil Vessel.
While small boats would struggle, some larger trading ships might be able to travel back and forth between the Central Nations and the Western Nations, connecting those maritime nations.
Until now, no actions had been taken to link these two regions by sea, so there were countries unknown to either region.
However, it seems the Skizblaznil Vessel did make port calls while coming from the Western Nations to Whitnash.
"Captain Paulina said there is quite a large island. Of course, we only stopped at the port along the sea route, so only a few of the crew disembarked on the island."
"It reminds me of the Archipelago Sea Region."
Ryo recalls the Archipelago Sea Region that was displaced due to the magical power rampage of Demon Garwin.
"The arrival of King Abel might bring storm clouds to the peaceful maritime nations."
"Don't say such ominous things."
Abel grimaces at Ryo's words.
If the Western Nations and the Central Nations are connected by sea, they could potentially become long-term neighbors.
It is natural for a king to want to establish a peaceful relationship.
"Since Abel's military force consists only of fifty Royal Knights, please don't provoke a war with a light attitude like 'let's just occupy a bit.'"
"I wouldn't do that."
"If you insist, changing the monthly cake privilege to a weekly cake privilege could possibly gain the support of the first duke."
"Well, I don't want support because I have no intention of fighting."
Ryo, for some reason, tries to provoke negotiations, and Abel, feeling exasperated, refuses.
"Why do you bring an air of danger before we even reach port?"
"Because we can't negotiate once we get caught up in trouble!"
"Don't involve the peaceful ship and nation with your desires, Ryo..."
Abel lets out a sigh.
The Skizblaznil Vessel, making steady progress, continues its peaceful voyage.
Delicious meals and disciplined daily routines.
These two symbolize a peaceful voyage.
The chefs led by Kobatchi continued to provide delicious meals for over a hundred crew members and passengers.