The Water Magician

The day after departing from the southern dark continent.

On the deck of the Skizblaznil Vessel, Ryo was venting his frustration to his superior.

“We just finally escaped the yoke of the vampires, and yet Harg-san teleported back to the Empire without even a moment’s rest. It’s such a harsh order!”

“Technically, he did rest for two full days,” Abel corrected precisely.

“We should have rested more! After such an exhausting experience, what if he made a mistake and teleported somewhere completely wrong because of the accumulated fatigue?”

“Well, I don’t think that kind of mistake would happen...”

Of course, Abel didn’t have detailed information about the teleportation used by Baron Hagen Benda.

Not only in the Central Nations but probably nowhere else in the world could anyone else use this magic.

No other country would have such detailed knowledge.

So, it was unclear whether teleportation failure was even possible.

“I suppose the former emperor Rupert wants him back on the Empire’s mainland before any new problems arise.”

From a ruler’s perspective, Abel could understand the former Emperor Rupert’s reasoning.

He also understood what had to be sacrificed because of this.

“If he had returned with this fleet, he probably could have teleported to ports on the dark continent along the way, but even so, Rupert preferred to have Harg-san back in the Empire as soon as possible, right?”

“Yeah... certainly, there’s a loss of opportunity there. But your majesty Rupert wanted Harg-san back on the mainland as quickly as possible, even at the cost of that chance.”

Although Ryo still frowned, he understood it as well.

Baron Hagen Benda took pride in his role within the Empire.

So if told to return, he’d overcome any obstacle to do so.

And it wasn’t just for his pride but also to leave a better country for his children... using all his power for that purpose.

That was the kind of person he was.

“I just thought it would’ve been better if they brought the explosive flames or something along with him back to the Empire.”

“Yeah, I can feel Ryo’s heartfelt wish behind that request.”

Abel nodded, sensing the deep desire in Ryo’s heart.

Abel also thought that would have been better.

Because as things stood, nobody knew when Ryo and Oscar might clash.

For now, Oscar apparently showed gratitude for the cooperation in rescuing Baron Hagen Benda... but that was one thing, and this was another.

These two were always a potential source of conflict.

That was Abel’s understanding.

There were other pending issues for both of them.

“There’s still no contact from explorer no. 3, right?”

“No, none at all,” Ryo nodded in response to Abel’s confirmation.

Once all preparations were complete, contact was expected to come via explorer no. 3 from Crown Prince Zorn of the Bardale Principality.

The preparation meant that Zorn had taken power in Bardale Principality... in other words, chief Battuzon had lost control, so it was safe to return the country.

Of course, both understood this was a complete internal political interference.

And they knew it wouldn’t be easy.

“Are you sure it’s okay not to send the Shadow Legion to the Bardale Principality?”

“Kagenogundan?”

“They’re the ones who quietly eliminate resistance forces. Also known as ninjas.”

“I remember reading about ninjas in a book a long time ago. A legendary existence.”

“What?!”

Ryo was surprised that Abel knew about ninjas, even though Abel meant it as a casual suggestion.

“Actually, it’s more mysterious to me why Ryo knows about ninjas.”

“It seems they used to be in my hometown...”

“I see. That was long ago, huh? They’re not around anymore?”

Abel looked a little disappointed.

But then, after tilting his head, Abel asked:

“But didn’t you say you’d send the Kagenogundan?”

“Yes, my garden watchers are modeled after ninjas...”

“I see, that explains it. But you can’t actually send them.”

“Well, explorer no. 3 has already been sent.”