Published: July 5, 2025
As Ryo and Abel were having that conversation, there was a knock on the door, announcing a visitor.
“Your Majesty, the Western Nations Federation government, Governor Marima Mane is here.”
“Let her in.”
Entering was a woman in her early forties, notable for her long, white hair that reached her waist.
“Your Majesty Abel, thank you for your stay in the city of Augé this time.”
“Governor Mane, thank you for your hospitality.”
Abel smiled as he greeted her.
Ryo was impressed, thinking that this was indeed a king who had been educated as a prince.
However, this time, it wasn’t just that.
Governor Mane also caught sight of Ryo, who had been standing in the corner of the room, blending in with the furnishings.
She approached him.
“So you are the renowned Duke Rondo’s trusted vassal, Your Grace Ryo Mihara. It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Marima Mane, the governor of the Western Nations Federation.”
“How polite of you. I am Ryo Mihara, Duke Rondo, granted the title of First Duke by His Majesty Abel. Governor Mane, I look forward to working with you.”
“Your response is better than mine. Ryo, you truly are a mystery.”
No one knew that Abel had muttered such words.
After exchanging several social niceties, Governor Mane posed a question.
“I have heard that Your Majesty plans to visit the Eastern Wall of the Central Region tomorrow.”
“Eastern Wall of the Central Region? Ah, the sheer cliffs of the Central Region... Yes, I do wish to see it.”
Abel answered honestly, but he sensed a concern from Governor Mane.
“Is there something on your mind?”
“No, it seems that Your Majesty and Lord Graham will be bringing guards, so I don’t think there will be any problems… However, I have received reports that there have been a series of disappearances in that area recently.”
“Disappearances?”
“Yes. For the past week, we have lost contact with fifty members of the First Defense Squad of Augé. Their patrol duties that day included areas near the Eastern Wall of the Central Region…”
“I see.”
Abel nodded slightly at Governor Mane’s explanation.
If it were just one or two people, it might be manageable, but to hear that something might have happened to fifty individuals, especially those tasked with protecting the city, could not be ignored.
“Tomorrow, those who will guide you, Your Majesty, will be members of the Third Defense Squad.”
“That’s fine.”
Abel replied, but he noticed Governor Mane’s expression was one of regret.
“Is there a problem with the Third Defense Squad?”
“Uh… actually, they are in reserve… No, of course, they have received training. However, there are only five of them…”
“I see.”
“The Second Defense Squad is currently engaged in searching for the First Defense Squad that disappeared and is also responsible for the city’s defense…”
“Ah, I understand. In that case, there’s no helping it. We will bring members of the Royal Knight Order as guards, and I believe the French will also bring their own guards. If they can guide us, it should be fine.”
“I appreciate your generous words, Your Majesty.”
As Abel responded with a carefree nod, Governor Mane expressed her gratitude.
“Later, the members of the Third Defense Squad will come to greet you.”
With that, Governor Mane left the Jewel Pavilion.
After she departed, Ryo, who had been present in the room, spoke up.
“There was a case of villagers going missing in Kona Village some time ago.”
“Ah… that was the incident with the vampire, right? I read the report after I became king. Are you suggesting this disappearance is also related to the vampire?”
“It’s a possibility. Remember the Vira Church incident in Von City?”
“Indeed, Graham and the others were attacked by vampires… Hmm.”
Abel pondered for a moment.
“If we were to be attacked by vampires and you were kidnapped, what would we do?”
“Huh? Wouldn’t you come to save me?”
“I wouldn’t know where I was kidnapped to, so I’m not sure if I could…”