The Water Magician

A few days after the assassination cult members secretly departed the Holy Capital towards the location of the Bordren Kingdom.

Café Roma, located in front of the Holy See in the Holy Capital Marromar, is always bustling with activity.

"Ryo-san hasn't come today either; what a shame,"

Baron Hagen Benda of the Debuhi Empire murmured, yet a smile appeared as he glanced at the menu.

Known as a user of [Teleportation] and [Infinite Storage] in the Central Nations, he occupies a rather unusual position as an imperial noble attached to the Imperial Army.

Recently, he has frequently been traveling back and forth between the imperial capital and the Holy Capital.

Of course, this is to carry documents and instructions from the imperial government to Duke Rubine and Count Ruska, who are staying in the Holy Capital.

Each time he comes to the Holy Capital for work, it has become routine for him to enjoy cake and coffee at Café Roma.

Hagen has a friend whom he might call a 'cake buddy.'

That friend is Duke Rondo from the neighboring Naitorei Kingdom, known as a formidable mage and the first duke.

Hagen is certainly aware of this.

Nonetheless, it is true that he is a friend who loves cake and respects Café Roma... and since he hasn't done anything that would go against the Empire or leaked any confidential information, there should be no problem.

"Considering His Majesty Rupert, he is likely already aware of information around here. The fact that he hasn’t said anything means exactly that."

Hagen concluded within himself.

Emperor Rupert the Sixth is an astonishing figure.

At the same time, he is someone in a position like Hagen's who has absolutely no need to worry.

In other words, he rarely makes mistakes in judgments concerning the Empire.

For those who serve him, there has never been a greater happiness.

This teleportation to the Holy Capital was, of course, at Rupert's directive.

He had been tasked with delivering a letter to his beloved daughter, Duke Rubine Fiona... well, that’s how it is.

"The affection His Majesty has for Lady Fiona remains unchanged over time."

Hagen whispered.

It wasn't said in mockery or disdain.

Those were words that came from understanding.

Hagen also has children.

A son and a daughter.

That’s why he understands Rupert’s feelings.

Hagen always feels warmth in his heart when he takes on the job of delivering letters from Rupert.

That night, in the Imperial Lodge.

Baron Hagen Benda jumped up, not because he heard any noise.

He woke up suddenly.

Upon awakening, he literally jumped up and understood what was in front of him.

He realized that he had jumped up because of that 'presence.'

"Ku ku ku, I've found you."

Words leaked from the mouth of that 'presence.'

The moment he heard it, he understood that it was bad.

"Teleport... ugh."

His throat was squeezed by a left hand, preventing him from completing the teleportation chant.

"Now, now."

Just as those words were spoken, moonlight poured in, allowing Hagen to discern the face of that 'presence.'

It was a face he did not know.

Both eyes were unnaturally red... he couldn't look away from them.

"Vam... py... re?"

His throat was crushed, making it almost impossible to voice.

"Ah, correct. Then, let me check just how functional you are."

Before Hagen could react, the vampire swiftly grabbed his face with its right hand.

In an instant, Hagen lost consciousness.

"Hmm... hmm. Oh, it seems to be perfectly fine. It appears to be completely usable. Despite being human, it has been inherited perfectly across generations. In a good way, this is unexpected."

The vampire muttered with a savage smile.

"To have both [Teleportation] and [Storage] perfected like this, it truly frightens me."

The moment the vampire said that...

Bam!

Armed men burst through the door.

"Hagen-dono!"

"Are you safe?"

The soldiers of the Empire who rushed in all spoke at once.

They were essentially Hagen’s guards belonging to the imperial delegation.

These men protect Baron Hagen Benda, who is attached to the Imperial Army, from the shadows.

Using special alchemy tools manufactured by the Imperial Alchemy Association, Hagen Benda's location and health are constantly monitored, and they keep an eye on it.