The Water Magician

Skizblaznil had been sailing peacefully for a week after departing from the Banban Kingdom.

"Peace is truly wonderful."

"I completely agree."

Both Ryo and Abel were citizens of the Naitorei Kingdom who cherished peace.

"This peace is made possible by the sea monster repellent. That is, in essence, a testament to the greatness of alchemy."

"Ah, I wouldn't deny that."

"I believe we should nurture more alchemists in our kingdom."

"Aren't we already nurturing enough?"

Ryo made a suggestion, and Abel tilted his head as if to question if sufficient effort had been made.

In reality, the budget for the Royal Alchemy Workshop was abundant.

Since Abel became king and the war of kingdom liberation ended, the budget had increased tremendously compared to before.

Of course, the Royal Alchemy Workshop was producing results worthy of that budget.

"Kenneth and the others are indeed doing well with the Royal Alchemy Workshop. They are yielding satisfactory results. However, there are other alchemists too."

Ryo stated clearly.

Up to that point, it was a very sensible suggestion.

One could say it was a candid word suitable for the first duke as a king.

But after saying that, he began waving his hands, moving his body up and down, making very noticeable movements in Abel's line of sight.

It was as if he was saying, "Look, right in front of you is the subject."

"Ryo is... a junior researcher at the Royal Alchemy Workshop, right?"

"Uh... y-yes, that's correct?"

"Then, you're part of the budget allocated to the Royal Alchemy Workshop."

"Well... no, but I don't use much of the Royal Alchemy Workshop's funds..."

"You eat in the workshop's cafeteria, don't you?"

"That's only when I'm holed up in the workshop for research..."

"That's enough. Just give up."

Abel stated decisively.

The Royal Alchemy Workshop had a cafeteria for those who worked there.

Of course, it wasn't just for alchemists; even guards and cleaning staff utilized it.

They could also use that cafeteria for free.

After the war of kingdom liberation, Ryo was registered as a junior researcher at the Royal Alchemy Workshop.

Because of that, he had the freedom to utilize the workshop's facilities.

Of course, all of this was because he continued to produce results.

The deployment of the 'long-distance dispersion divine mercy' in the battle against demon Garwin was one such example.

As a junior researcher, he was also provided with a room for accommodation.

Essentially, the alchemists at the Royal Alchemy Workshop had private rooms within the workshop and would move between those and their research rooms... thus, their life was contained within the workshop.

An environment where they didn’t have to worry about anything other than research.

An environment where they could immerse themselves solely in their studies.

That is what it meant to be an alchemist at the Royal Alchemy Workshop.

Ryo thought it was only natural that alchemists from all over the kingdom aspired to such a life.

Just focusing on research... the kingdom would provide for everything else.

For someone truly engrossed in research, it would be a dream environment.

What if you didn’t feel that way?

You might not be suited for research... perhaps.

It might be better to aim for something else... perhaps.

However, the truth is that you won't know until you try.

Ryo felt downcast when the king, the ultimate person responsible for the national budget, told him to give up.

He pondered over new strategies.

As the two were contemplating, a woman approached them.

"I have a report, Your Majesty."

It was Captain Paulina.

"We will soon enter the 'Archipelago' region."

"I understand."

Abel nodded at Paulina's report.

While Abel seemed to understand, Ryo, who was listening from the side, did not grasp it.

"Archipelago?"

"It isn't quite developed enough to be considered a nation, but it is a sea area with dozens of islands. Most are uninhabited, but there are also inhabited islands."

"There is a fairly large island to the north, and I believe there is a country there."

"Yes. Since I only heard this from someone in the 'Archipelago', I do not know the distances or the scale of the nations. Therefore, we will head west without stopping this time."