The Water Magician

"Even though we docked..."

"I heard there are no available lodgings on land."

"Well, during the time we waited outside the port, not a single ship came out. The merchants who have been here since yesterday must still be staying in the city."

"Well, it makes sense they'd extend their stay."

The crew of the Skizblaznil Vessel had looked for accommodations, but none were available.

Of course, Abel felt no urgency to disembark.

It would be fine to stay on the Skizblaznil Vessel.

Rather, the bigger issue was that he had expressed a desire to hold talks as the King of the Naitorei Kingdom at the chief’s office, yet had not even received a response.

"Abel, please give up on tonight's delicious banquet at the chief’s office."

"I wasn’t really expecting that anyway."

"But don't worry. We have a strong ally."

"That's right, Kobatchi's cooking is excellent."

Indeed, Kobatchi, the head chef of the Skizblaznil Vessel, and his team of cooks were quite skilled.

"When we disembarked earlier to buy supplies, we managed to procure a large amount of small white fish. And some seasonings unique to the dark continent. With that, we can make something delicious."

"This aroma is..."

"Is it curry?"

Kobatchi explained with a smile while Ryo’s nose picked up the scent, and Abel tilted his head, pronouncing it beautifully as usual.

And what was brought out was...

"Fried white fish... curry-flavored..."

"This is delicious."

"I got taming, turmeric, and dougarashin at a low price. Mixing it with the seasonings we had on board made it taste even better."

"Probably cumin, turmeric, and chili pepper..."

Kobatchi happily responded to Abel’s straightforward impression while Ryo translated the spice names to earth terms.

It was surely delicious.

"Maybe it was better than having the banquet at the chief’s office."

"There's no doubt about that. This is tasty."

"Thank you."

Both Ryo and Abel were satisfied, and Kobatchi was smiling.

"By the way, didn’t that happen in the Eastern Nations too?"

"Huh?"

"Remember, we had to spend another night on the ship because we couldn’t disembark."

"Oh right. Was it when we were at the Free City of Kubevasa?"

"Exactly! As expected, your memory is remarkable, Abel."

"Stop it."

Ryo praised, making Abel blush.

"Your Majesty, have you been to the Eastern Nations?"

"Hm? Ah, there were various circumstances. I also stayed on the ship overnight when we docked in the evening there."

Abel answered Paulina's question.

"I see, so it happens in the Eastern Nations as well."

"Is this something that frequently occurs in the Western Nations too?"

"I wouldn’t say frequently, but I have experienced a few times in the Western Nations and the dark continent as well. It often relates more to troubles within the land's government than port issues."

"I see."

Ryo nodded at Paulina’s explanation.

It likely involved sudden deployments of chiefs.

Ryo and Abel exchanged glances and nodded.

The morning after their satisfying dinner on board, people from the chief’s office arrived quite early.

Although it was still early, they were drenched in sweat...

"Ah, I deeply apologize for keeping Your Majesty Abel waiting..."

"Don't worry. I heard the chief is absent. The Crown Prince is acting as a proxy, right? Can I meet him?"

"Yes, of course. I will guide you."

The guide repeatedly wiped his sweat and bowed his head, hardly looking at Abel.

Without changing his expression, Abel stepped off the Skizblaznil Vessel and followed the guide along with his escort from the Royal Knight Order.

Of course, Ryo walked closely behind Abel.

They were led to the conference room of the chief’s office.

There waited a young man who appeared to be around twenty years old.

"I am Zorn, Crown Prince of the Bardale Principality."

"I am Abel, King of the Naitorei Kingdom."

After introducing themselves, Zorn began with an apology.

"Normally, my father Battuzon, the chief, should be here to receive you, but he is absent, and I am serving as his proxy. I sincerely ask for Your Majesty's understanding..."

"There's no problem."