The Water Magician

Originally, the Skizblaznil Vessel was scheduled to stop next at Tagyunza, the capital of the Western Nations Federation, after Von City.

However, through assault explorer no. 3, a message came from crown prince Zorn saying preparations were complete, so they changed course and headed to Hosoiina, the capital of the Bardale Principality.

At the port of Hosoiina, they were able to enter without any delays.

It seemed prior contact had been made, and even the ship’s characteristics were conveyed.

This was a stark contrast to the last time, when it took more than a day just to dock.

The city of Hosoiina, where Ryo and Abel disembarked, was bustling with activity.

“A festival?”

“It definitely feels like they’re celebrating something grand.”

Following their guide, the Royal Knight Order, including the two of them, walked toward the Chief’s Office.

Along the street, two types of flags were displayed everywhere.

“The two flags flying all over the place…”

“The flag of the Bardale Principality and the flag of the Eastern Provinces,” Abel answered.

Of course, his majesty the king was knowledgeable about the flags of various countries.

The Chief’s Office was reached by passing through gates off the city’s main avenue and ascending a long, wide staircase.

It was apparently called the “Chief’s Office Grand Staircase.”

“Your Majesty Abel, His Grace Duke Rondo, welcome,” crown prince Zorn greeted them warmly.

Then he approached the person standing behind them and took his hand.

“Father, welcome back.”

“Zorn… I hardly recognized you,”

Before even exchanging words, Battuzon seemed to have noticed the change in his son.

He stumbled over his words as he praised him.

Battuzon was on the verge of tears—no, he was actually crying.

“To this extent… I was wrong, it seems I was wrong in every aspect,”

Battuzon said, lowering his head deeply while holding Zorn’s hand.

“I’m sorry, Zorn.”

“Father?”

“I think I had been suppressing your abilities—no, perhaps it was even worse,”

Battuzon shook his head with tears streaming down.

Zorn waited until Battuzon calmed down a bit before speaking.

“I will ascend as chief. Will you perform the coronation, Father?”

“Ah, of course… absolutely,”

Battuzon answered through tears.

In the dark continent, having the king or representative personally perform the coronation signifies recognition of the new person’s power and the transfer of position.

Battuzon, who expanded the Eastern Provinces and elevated the Bardale Principality to be the greatest power on the dark continent, personally performing the coronation carried immense significance.

Even if the successor was his own son.

Moreover, while Battuzon was captured by Duke Rondo, Zorn had rallied other powerful chiefs and brought the aristocracy under his wing.

Therefore, those at the core of the Eastern Provinces had already acknowledged his power.

However, the common people were unaware of this.

That was why this coronation was meant to show the people that he was the rightful successor.

“Crown prince Zorn seems even more formidable now.”

“Yeah, I think he’s really come into his own,”

Ryo said, and Abel nodded in agreement.

“Have we ended up creating a powerful ruler?”

“Is that a problem?”

“Huh?”

“If it’s not a neighboring or surrounding country, a strong ruler should be welcomed. It will contribute to regional stability. And crown prince Zorn probably won’t invade the Western Nations Federation… although he might bring small breakaway states under his control.”

“That’s a major obstacle to Abel’s world domination, isn’t it?”

“I’ve said it many times, I have no intention of world domination.”

“Sure you don’t,”

Ryo said with a mischievous grin.

Of course, he was joking.

“I see, so conquest starts with the Central Nations?”

“What are you implying? I have no plans for conquest.”

“What if the Empire attacks?”

“Of course, we’ll repel them.”

“Then maybe counterattack the Empire and conquer it?”