Published: August 13, 2025
The French Fleet entered Dazuru City.
Cardinal Graham and other French leaders went to greet the administrative officials of Dazuru.
As for Ryo and Abel...
“We have to take custody of Chief Battuzon.”
“That’s not wrong, but saying ‘take custody’ makes it sound like he’s some kind of cargo. Wouldn’t something like ‘take responsibility’ be better? True, we did freeze him once...”
“Is that so? Well, if Abel says so... then we must take responsibility!”
Abel insisted on correcting the wording, and Ryo accepted it.
Ryo deliberately spoke the words aloud as a sign of his resolve.
Chief Battuzon was entrusted to Dragon King Blan, but even Ryo had to steel himself before meeting him.
As Abel said, this was someone they had once frozen in ice.
“If anyone blames us for freezing him, I’ll say it was under Abel’s orders.”
“Yeah, that’s a clear lie.”
“Ah, Abel, don’t you want to help your vassals when they’re in trouble?”
“Remember, Ryo. The Duchy of Rondo declared independence from the Naitorei Kingdom.”
“Ah...”
“And it’s still independent.”
Abel shrugged as he spoke.
“W-We should restore it right away...”
“Restoring the country isn’t that simple. We need to consult with the chancellor.”
Ryo was anxious, while Abel remained calm.
“...We are allies, right?”
“That’s right, we are allies. As part of my exclusive authority, we have a temporary alliance.”
“So you think we should help our ally...”
“You expect me to say ‘Yes, help them, it was my order’? No way.”
“Ugh...”
Ryo pretended to cry.
“Phew.”
The pretend crying ended.
Ryo straightened his back.
“Have you made up your mind?”
“Yes, let’s go.”
Abel asked, and Ryo answered.
Thus, the two headed to the ruins of Dragon King Blan in the suburbs.
Just a few dozen meters from the ruins, they met a man.
An old acquaintance.
Of course — they came to take responsibility for this very person.
“Long time no see, Your Majesty Abel, His Grace Duke Rondo.”
“Ah, Battuzon, long time no see...”
Chief Battuzon greeted them with a bright and lively expression they had never seen before, and Abel returned the greeting, somewhat awkwardly.
Naturally, an exchange of information about their surprise at Battuzon’s change began between Ryo and Abel.
((Battuzon’s impression is completely different...))
((Yeah, his expression is brighter now.))
((He usually looked grim or unhealthy, but now he’s lively and healthy... right? Has his demeanor softened too?))
Through the echo of the soul, Abel and Ryo communicated.
They thought it best not to let Chief Battuzon hear this directly.
“Your Majesty Abel, I seem to have been mistaken in many things.”
“Hm?”
“Why strengthen the country, for whom must the country be strengthened—I lost sight of that.”
“Hmm?”
“Everything is for the people. Thinking that way, I could easily accept the words you once told me.”
“I-I see.”
Chief Battuzon said this decisively and without any worry, his brightness and energy pushing Abel.
“Well then, I’ll head into town for a bit. Excuse me.”
With that, Chief Battuzon left.
At the same time, Dragon King Blan arrived before the two.
“You’ve come properly this time. Quite well.”
Blan nodded solemnly.
“Lord Blan, it’s been a while.”
“Hmm, child of the Fairy King... no, Ryo. It has been a long time.”
Ryo greeted politely. Blan nodded solemnly, but looking closely, he seemed happy. Abel, bowing behind Ryo, sensed this.
Ryo spoke about what happened after he was teleported.
Blan nodded repeatedly while listening—it was clear even without a close look that he was pleased.
After Ryo’s report, Blan asked:
“I heard you met Chief Battuzon earlier.”
“Indeed. He has been living here.”
“His impression was... quite different from before.”
“Hmm.”
“Did you do something, Lord Blan?”
“No, I did nothing.”
“But such a change is unusual. Did you perhaps alter his memories or spirit?”
“Even I cannot do such things.”
Blan chuckled wryly.