The Water Magician

The next morning, the Skizblaznil Vessel, which had departed from the City of Bolen, seemed to have attracted the attention of some troublesome entities. However, neither Duke Abel nor his majesty the king would concern themselves with such matters at this point.

"There's no one more troublesome than me, Abel,"

"If there's a vote, it would probably show that Ryo is more troublesome than I am."

"You plan to buy votes with money to corner me, don't you? Just like the corrupt King Abel."

"Yeah, I think that result would come out even without buying anyone off."

Today too, the deck where the two of them were was peaceful.

In one corner of the deck, knights were swinging their swords, while the crew busied themselves with their tasks.

Abel, who had just been swinging his sword, was now reading a book, while Ryo was looking at the magic formula inscribed on an ice plate.

"Is that magic formula the one from the coffin...? The box that Lord Regna is in?"

"Yes, you figured it out well."

"There's a lot of letters I don't recognize."

"That's right. I don't understand any of it at all."

Ryo, who said that, wore a big smile.

"Why are you smiling if you don't understand it?"

"Huh? Why? I'm smiling because it's fun."

"Fun? You don't understand it, do you?"

"It's fun not understanding it."

"…I see."

Ryo answered with a smile, and Abel accepted it without fully understanding.

'Not understanding is fun'... In many fields, when you reach a certain level, this feeling begins to emerge.

Conversely, if you can think that way, you could say you are at a top level in that field.

Perhaps even at a top-notch level.

Ryo has stepped into the realm that can be called first-class regarding alchemy.

In terms of water attribute magic, he is likely among the best in the world.

And as for alchemy, he has also reached a high level... It could be said so.

Of course, he himself is not aware of that.

That's why he won't become arrogant.

This is because there is a genius alchemist named Kenneth Hayward nearby.

Without becoming arrogant, and striving to go even higher... That is a happy thing.

"I believe that revealing everything in this world, all things, is the ultimate desire of humanity. If you think that way, then I must be able to decipher this magic formula!"

With a smile, Ryo had a motivated expression.

"Everything in this world, huh... That's grand."

"Isn't that right, Abel?"

"Me? I've never thought about the entirety of the world."

"King Abel must have ambitions to acquire everything in the world. That ambition for world domination must be there."

"Yeah, I don't have such ambitions."

"Once you become a king, you should have at least that ambition once."

"I've never had it."

Ryo, who incited thoughts of world domination, and Abel, who remained very sane.

Ryo's provocations changed tactics...

"The troublesome opponent during world domination would surely be Twilight Land."

"Ah... conquering that place seems impossible, doesn't it? It's a country of vampires."

"Indeed. We should form an alliance with Twilight Land to ensure they don't become our enemies. If that happens, I'll negotiate. Leave it to me."

"R-Right... When that time comes, I'll... no, I'm not planning to conquer the world in the first place!"

"Close, you were almost there..."

Ryo's incitement failed.

The peaceful time on the Skizblaznil Vessel flowed, and two days after departing from the City of Bolen, it arrived offshore of the capital of Bardale Principality, Hosoiina.

Unlike the peaceful Skizblaznil Vessel, what awaited there was...

"So many patrol boats..."

"It's quite imposing, isn't it?"

"Reports of the city being saved from Bolen should have reached them, so we should be able to dock without any issues."

Both Abel and Ryo tilted their heads at the number of vessels that seemed to be patrol boats, and Captain Paulina wore a skeptical expression.

One of the many patrol boats soon spotted the Skizblaznil Vessel and approached.

"Stop your vessel. This is a patrol boat of Bardale Principality. Submit to our inspection."

That voice echoed onto the deck of the Skizblaznil Vessel, just as it had during their time in Bolen.