The Water Magician

"Well, we got to see something great."

"Yeah. It's interesting just from the perspective of being a historical building, but the history of the Western Church's missionary work on the dark continent was fascinating too."

"The way Enzon shared his adventures was quite impressive."

"It was incredible to hear that a clergyman fought against a wyvern."

Ryo and Abel left the Jerdan Church feeling satisfied.

However, Scotty, who had been silently following them the entire time, hadn't missed the moments when he was most moved, quietly wiping away tears and gazing at Enzon with sparkling eyes as he listened.

"Scotty seems cool and sharp, but he’s quite passionate."

"Yeah. Compared to Zack and me, he’s fundamentally serious. He enjoys those kinds of stories."

A quiet conversation passed between Ryo and Abel.

Two days after the three of them visited the Jerdan Church.

The Papal Barge Archangel returned to Jerdan Port.

"The Archangel is back already."

"A round trip in four days? That's a fast ship."

Ryo and Abel shared their impressions from the deck of Skizblaznil.

During the four days that the Archangel was away, they enjoyed a peaceful stay in Jerdan, without being summoned to the royal palace or government.

"Abel didn't do any paperwork and just strolled around drinking coffee."

"That's true, but the way you put it..."

Ryo stated the fact, while Abel showed dissatisfaction with the phrasing.

Indeed, in many situations involving people, the way something is said often matters more than whether it is true.

"There was certainly no paperwork."

"You used to sign documents even while in the carriage."

"It's true that I went to cafes and drank coffee, which was the only item on the menu."

"That means you were indulging without working."

"I didn't do anything wrong."

"You've finally turned the tables."

Neither Abel nor Ryo were in the wrong.

While the two exchanged such conversations, the hardworking Pope revisited the Jerdan Royal Palace.

"Your Holiness... how did it go?"

"Everything went well, Your Majesty Bohos."

Graham smiled and nodded at the worried expression on Bohos's face.

In the next moment, Bohos and his attendants erupted in cheers.

And they shook hands.

"Your Holiness, I can't thank you enough."

"Please, don't mention it. We acted because it was beneficial for us too."

"Even so..."

Bohos shook hands multiple times.

"We're waiting until we subjugate Marquis Shionka."

"That's fine. If the head of state doesn't return by then... the Western Nations Federation won't last. Soon enough, we'll be swallowed by the Eastern Provinces. We will also be consumed."

Bohos shook his head slightly.

He understood that it was impossible for their country to remain independent against the Eastern Provinces on its own, and he didn't even have an absolute desire to maintain independence.

He simply didn't want to get caught up in the war between East and West.

The ones who suffer the most in wars between great powers are the citizens of small nations.

This fact never changes throughout the ages.

"There is no country that will not perish."

Bohos's murmuring barely reached Graham's ears.

Of course, Graham said nothing.

He was not in a position to say anything.

More importantly, there was something else he should say.

Something that had probably been forgotten for a long time...

"Are you aware that the ship from the Naitorei Kingdom in the Central Nations is docked at Jerdan Port?"

"Naitorei? Oh, now that you mention it, I think I received a report about that. Hmm? It was a while ago... Wait, is it still in the port?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"I was told to wait for His Majesty the King to arrive..."

"What? The King? Is His Majesty on board?"

"Yes."

Bohos was surprised, while Graham maintained his composure and nodded.

Bohos called for his attendants and instructed them to confirm it urgently.

Bohos's attendants hurriedly moved, bringing documents quickly.

They flipped through several papers...

"Indeed, the name of His Majesty King Abel the First is on the passenger list."

"What a surprise!"

As the attendants confirmed, Bohos's eyes widened in astonishment.