The Water Magician

"Is it just me, or is the atmosphere around the neighboring lodgings rather noisy?"

This was the candid opinion of Robert Pirlo, the leader of the alliance delegation, who had returned to the alliance lodge after a long absence.

Captain of the guard Grown, who was always by Robert Pirlo's side and was also accompanying him this time, tilted his head in confusion.

At that moment, a clerk from the alliance delegation arrived.

"Welcome back, your majesty."

"Is it just me, or are the other lodgings noisy? Has something happened?"

"Yes, actually, last night..."

Thus, Robert Pirlo learned about the vampire's attack.

"Did you hear, Grown?"

"Yes, your majesty. Baron Hagen Benda is a crucial figure in the Imperial Army. If he has been kidnapped, it will be a serious matter."

"That's not it. Well, that too... but the fact that Count Oscar Lusk from the Empire and Duke Rondo from the Kingdom will be involved in the recovery."

"Indeed, that's a powerful force."

"With those two setting sail, we can't miss this opportunity!"

"Excuse me?"

Grown tilted his head at Robert Pirlo's unexpectedly cheerful comment.

"I want to go too."

"No, your majesty, you are the leader of the alliance delegation."

"You've already been away from the Holy Capital for a while. Yet the delegation has been operating without any issues. Besides, I'm just a former king of one of the nations that make up the alliance. My presence holds no significance."

"That's not true..."

"Regardless, I have already decided to go."

"Well..."

Robert Pirlo set off toward the royal lodge.

"Your majesty Abel, I apologize for the sudden visit."

"Welcome, Robert Pirlo."

This was their second encounter.

After some polite exchanges, Robert Pirlo got to the point.

"I just returned to the lodge and heard about last night’s events."

"Yes. Baron Hagen Benda from the Empire was kidnapped by someone claiming to be a vampire grand duke."

"And so, you are heading to the southern dark continent to rescue him. I've heard that both the Empire and the Kingdom will cooperate."

"Yes. Our Duke Rondo has a personal friendship with Baron Hagen Benda and wants to help."

"Is that so? I wasn't aware of that."

Abel spoke honestly, and Robert Pirlo was genuinely surprised.

When he heard about it, he wondered why Duke Rondo was involved, but it seems Robert Pirlo understood now.

He nodded several times.

"Actually, I would also like to accompany you."

"Huh? Does Robert Pirlo also have a connection with Baron Hagen Benda?"

"No, I do not."

"Eh..."

"I simply want to join Count Oscar Lusk and Duke Rondo on their journey as a mage."

"Oh... I see."

Abel somewhat understood.

Count Oscar Lusk, the blazing flame mage known throughout the Central Nations, representing the Empire.

Duke Rondo, acclaimed as the strongest in the Kingdom since the war of kingdom liberation, has become a name that many have heard.

To travel alongside those two.

That might seem enviable for a mage.

However, from Abel's perspective, who knows their relationship, it appears to be a reckless act of willingly jumping into fire and ice...

"As for the Kingdom, we have no particular issues with you joining, your majesty Robert Pirlo. Now, how will the alliance acquire the ship? The Kingdom will use the Skizblaznil Vessel, but I've heard the Empire is negotiating with France."

"I'll just need to be able to board anywhere."

"Huh? How many from the alliance will...?"

"Just me and my guard, Grown."

"...Only two?"

Even Abel, known for his fortitude, was surprised.

"I need the others to stay and work in the Holy Capital."

"Oh, I see."

Robert Pirlo said this casually, and Abel shook his head slightly.

He genuinely thought many mages were rather unrestrained... but wisely kept that thought to himself.

Following that, Robert Pirlo headed to the imperial lodge.

"Ah, Duke Rubine, it's been a while."

"Your majesty Robert Pirlo, please call me Fiona as you used to."

One was the former king of the prominent nation of the alliance, the Kingdom of Capitone, and the other was the youngest daughter of the previous emperor.

They were both acquainted.