Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

The term literally translates to ‘Garden Party’ in English.

A party held outdoors in a garden.

This is not a seated, indoor event.

If seats were assigned, people would be unable to move around freely and fulfill their objectives.

In the garden, guests can roam freely.

The purpose of the guests?

It’s to exchange information.

Or, perhaps, to circulate useful information…

Nor is there any expectation for dancing…

It is a ‘party’, but general citizens are not invited.

This garden party is hosted by an embassy, so those invited are people connected to ‘diplomacy’.

Those invited to the Suje Kingdom Embassy’s garden party this time include ambassadors from other nations and representatives from the Free City’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs—nearly all are connected to Suje Kingdom’s diplomatic efforts.

Perhaps with the exception of two individuals: a swordsman and a magician.

“Thank you for coming. I am Randassa, the ambassador of the Suje Kingdom.”

“Thank you for the invitation. I am Abel from the Knightley Kingdom.”

“And I am Ryo.”

Abel responded to Ambassador Randassa’s greeting with courtesy.

And Ryo answered politely.

“Do you know the reason for your invitation…?”

“Yes. First Officer Lena explained it to us in the carriage earlier.”

“Ah, that’s good to hear. Of course, since this is a Suje Kingdom Embassy-hosted garden party and Duke Helb is also attending as an ambassador from the Grand Duchy, I don’t expect any issues to arise…”

“Actually, there’s something I’d like to confirm regarding that…”

Abel asked directly.

“The recent actions by the Grand Duchy. I would like to know how Suje Kingdom intends to respond to it. It will influence our actions as well.”

“I see.”

Ambassador Randassa nodded once in response to Abel’s question.

He spoke clearly.

“In other words, you’re asking what the Suje Kingdom intends to do should the Grand Duchy resort to force against the Free City.”

Abel nodded at his response.

While thinking with a grim expression.

(The fact that he’s willing to say it so clearly means he believes the Grand Duchy’s annexation of the Free City is likely to happen soon.)

Of course, what happens to the Free City doesn’t concern Abel directly.

Although, it could affect his journey back to the Central Countries as he heads northward…

But still, he thought.

(Regardless of the country, I don’t want to see a nation trampled by another.)

Once, the Kingdom of Knightley suffered this fate.

Maybe that’s why he felt this way.

Abel’s attention returned to Ambassador Randassa’s words.

“If a military conflict breaks out between the Grand Duchy and the Free City, Suje Kingdom will not intervene.”

“Well, I assumed as much.”

“Frankly, neither we nor the homeland anticipated such rapid developments in the situation. Even if we had anticipated it… the decision would likely still be not to intervene. Given the distance. Although Suje Kingdom has a close relationship with the Free City of Kwebasa. Dispatching troops for intervention is simply unrealistic.”

Abel nodded at Randassa’s words.

It takes over forty days by ship from the royal capital to Kwebasa.

“Our homeland has instructed us to close the embassy and promptly evacuate Suje Kingdom’s personnel. However, we are authorized to issue permits for Free City citizens who wish to migrate to Suje Kingdom.”

“A pragmatic approach. But the Kingdom does have assets in the Free City, correct? What will happen to them?”

“Well… those we cannot recover will have to be abandoned.”

At this point, Ryo, who had been quietly listening, interjected.

“What about ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’?”

“Though it’s partly funded by the Kingdom, it’s operated by citizens of the Free City. The assets can’t be recovered, but whether operations continue is not a decision linked to the Kingdom.”

“Understood.”

Ryo nodded in response to Randassa’s answer.

Interpreting it as a minor stake, such as that of a shareholder.

“Sorry to interrupt, Ambassador. Deputy Ambassador Bansnow from the Komakyuta Principality has arrived. As a representative of Ambassador Mirako.”

“We will take our leave.”

“Sorry about that. Please enjoy the garden party, Abel-san and Ryo-san.”

Informed by Gunno, the chief engineer of the Lone Dark, Abel and Ambassador Randassa part ways.

“Gunno-san, you look so sharp!”

“Oh, you’re too kind. On the ship, I only wear clothes that can get dirty, so this feels quite different.”

Ryo complimented Gunno’s well-dressed butler-like attire, and Gunno appeared slightly embarrassed.

“Is everyone here except Captain Gorick and First Officer Lena?”

“Yes. This embassy garden is quite spacious.”

“Indeed. It almost feels like it was designed for hosting a garden party like this.”

With that, Abel surveyed the garden.

It had few elevation changes and a clear line of sight.

Pavilions with columns, roofs, and seats were scattered throughout, with people already sitting and chatting at them.

Additionally, there were stone benches around the garden where people could sit and converse.

“There shouldn’t be any formal opening remarks. You two are truly our guests—please enjoy the food.”

“That’s what we came for!”

“The embassy’s head chef, Logo Bagirsh-dono, makes delicious food. And our own chef, Susie, is also helping. I’m sure you’ll love it, Ryo-san.”

“Ooh!”

Hearing Gunno’s words, Ryo’s face lit up.

And Abel also smiled.

After all, when good food is promised, everyone looks forward to it.

And finally…

“Abel, the food’s here!”

As expected, Ryo was the first to notice the food laid out on the tables.

And he was already moving toward the table before the words had even left his mouth.

“That initiative of yours is impressive…”

Abel sighed as he followed Ryo.

Despite his words, he didn’t hesitate to go along, clearly looking forward to the food as well…

Fish, meat, vegetables, fruits…

A colorful assortment of dishes.

The scents mingled in the air.

All of it…

“It’s so appetizing!”

“Yeah, it looks delicious.”

Both Ryo and Abel took the plate and chopsticks that had been set on the table.

“Come to think of it, you handle chopsticks really well, Abel.”

“Chopsticks? Oh, right, ‘chopsticks’… I learned about them back in the royal palace, I think.”

“Right, you had that kind of training.”

Ryo guessed that there must be chopstick-using countries among the Central Countries, and that Abel had likely been trained in their customs to avoid any embarrassment when visiting as royalty.

Table manners are important.

On the table, the meat and fish were cut and served onto each person’s plate.

Some people ate standing, while others sat on chairs scattered around the area.

Apparently, either way was acceptable.

After confirming that, Ryo took a bite standing up.

His eyes widened.

Seeing that, Abel also took a bite while standing.

And his eyes widened too.

“It’s delicious.”

“Yeah, it’s really good.”

Both of them confirmed with each other and ate every bit of food on their plates.

Naturally, they went back to the person cutting and serving the food.

It was likely someone from the embassy’s kitchen staff.

Noticing them again, the server smiled and served them.

A larger portion than before.

They enjoyed the food again.

“The sauce is amazing, but…”

“Yeah, and it’s well-seasoned, too.”

“They’re not just relying on the sauce to make it good.”

“Each dish is crafted with care…”

Ryo and Abel suddenly turned into amateur food critics.

“Isn’t Logo Bagirsch’s roasted bird amazing?”

A woman’s voice came from behind them as they savored each bite.

“Susie-san! Yes, it’s absolutely delicious.”

“As expected from something Chef Susie praised.”

Ryo and Abel said, showering it with praise.

“Right? It’s delicious, isn’t it? I think he’s one of the best chefs, not only in our homeland but in all of the southern continent.”

Chef Susie said, looking pleased.

“You and the embassy chef here seem to get along well.”

“Oh, sure. He’s my father’s junior disciple. They trained at the same restaurant when they were young.”

Susie said, nodding in response to Ryo’s guess based on her expression and words.

“There are still lots of delicious dishes coming, so enjoy yourselves.”

Susie said as she left, carrying a new plate of food over to Captain Gorick.

“Having a junior disciple… that sounds nice.”

“Yeah… Ryo, you don’t have any, do you?”

“Of course not. Since my master’s training is intense, I tend to discourage others from joining.”

“I-I see…”

Ryo answered, imagining the training with his sword master, Dullahan.

Abel was actually referring to the lack of junior disciples in water-attribute magic.

“Oh, but Abel would probably keep going at it, even after getting knocked down again and again. Although, if you’re defeated three times in one night, my master will leave you. It takes more than just persistence.”

“Your sword master, Ryo? He’d leave?”

Ryo realized he’d mentioned that his sword master was the Fairy King but hadn’t discussed the training itself.

“My master is strict. He’ll tell you to come back when you’re ready.”

“He sounds formidable… three points to win, huh? How many times have you beaten him?”

“Huh? I’ve never won even once.”

“What?”

“Honestly, I’m the weakest in the Rondo Duchy. My master, not to mention my neighbors, are all incredibly strong. That’s why I need to become even stronger.”

“The Rondo Duchy sounds… intense.”

Ryo nodded gravely, and Abel responded with a slightly taken-aback expression.

This was the same Abel who happened to be the King of Knightley, to which the Rondo Duchy belonged…

From then on, the two took up a spot next to the table.

A spot they’d pretty much claimed for themselves.

Unlike the other attendees, the two didn’t need to go around socializing.

Everyone else here, apart from Ryo and Abel, was involved in diplomacy.

It was their job to talk to foreign dignitaries…

That included Captain Gorick and First Officer Lena, who were currently speaking with the Deputy Minister of Ports of the Free City.

The reason they knew it was the Deputy Minister of Ports was because Ronfan, the aide to the Deputy Minister, was by his side.

Ryo remembered him clearly from a certain commotion they’d gotten into at the tea house.

“Captain Gorick and First Officer Lena seem busy.”

“Well, they’re here representing the Suje Kingdom’s navy.”

Captain Gorick seemed to be getting handed notes fairly frequently.

Glancing at each one briefly as he continued his conversation.

“Captain Gorick is pretty adept, isn’t he?”

“People picture sailors as rough and loud, but that’s not enough to run a ship. It takes a lot of skill to command dozens of crew members.”

“You sound like you know what you’re talking about, Abel…”

“I am a king, after all! I was taught how to lead people back in the day.”

Ryo’s comment prompted a quiet yet firm rebuttal from Abel.

“They teach you a lot at the palace, huh?”

“No, it wasn’t the palace. My brother taught me…”

“Ah, Crown Prince Cain! If it was him, then it must be reliable!”

In Ryo’s eyes, Abel’s brother, the late Crown Prince Cain, was highly esteemed.

“Seriously, even though you never met him, your opinion of my brother is so high, Ryo.”

“Of course. Anyone who can create such incredible problems must be amazing! You see, problems don’t just challenge the solvers—they test the creator’s skills. The creator’s intellect shines through their problems.”

Back when Abel was dispatched to Twilight Land, Crown Prince Cain had assigned him a mountain of tasks.

These were impromptu lessons on becoming king.

Ryo had glanced at once, admiring the practical, real-world nature of each problem.

“We’ve lost someone precious.”

“Yeah.”

“If Crown Prince Cain were still alive, King Abel wouldn’t be monopolizing the government like this.”

“Uh… is ‘monopolizing’ the right word here?”

Ryo used a challenging word, and Abel questioned its usage.

Either way, the dead don’t return.

“For the Crown Prince’s sake, let’s enjoy this delicious food.”

“I don’t quite understand, but I’m all for eating.”

Abel agreed, and the two continued eating the food laid out on the table.

When the second roasted bird was brought out, they were the first to have it cut and served on their plates.

Right after them, a young man stepped up, took his portion, and immediately tasted it.

“Oh, this is delicious…”

He muttered instinctively.

Since the two were close by, they overheard him.

“I know, right?”

Ryo nodded.

Grinning happily as if it was his own doing.

“I missed out on the first one, but seeing everyone enjoying it so much, I had to make sure to try this one… I’m glad I could.”

The young man said with a smile.

Ryo tilted his head slightly.

Abel did the same.

He looked… familiar.

“Excuse me, I am Abel of the Knightley Kingdom in the Central Countries. And you are?”

“Oh, I beg your pardon. I am Bansnow, Deputy Ambassador of the Komakyuta Principality.”

The man replied to Abel’s introduction.

“Bansnow? Ban… could it be…”

“The Blue Jade Trading Company…?”

“Yes. The Blue Jade Trading Company is my family business. While I work in diplomacy, I’ve heard of your help to the company from my father, Bandelsh, the company chairman, and my youngest brother, Banhu. Thank you for supporting us back then.”

Both Ryo and Abel were surprised, and Bansnow bowed slightly in gratitude.

No wonder he looked familiar.

He bore the face of the founding family of the Blue Jade Trading Company.

“We were just doing our duty, really. Think nothing of it.”

“We’ve also had wonderful service at the Blue Jade Inn, Wannya.”

Both Abel and Ryo held a favorable view of the Blue Jade Trading Company and the Blue Jade Inn.

And naturally, this good impression extended to Bansnow.

“For several decades, the Free City of Kwebasa has had close ties with the Suje Kingdom. Just as our Komakyuta Principality has been involved with the Ghegish-Lu Federation. Therefore, our principality’s influence here in Kwebasa is limited… Nevertheless, if there’s anything I can do to help, please let me know. You both remain benefactors of the Blue Jade Trading Company.”

Bansnow said and left.

To join the Deputy Minister of Ports…

“Everyone seems to be going through a lot.”

“Yeah. The Deputy Minister’s presence likely means the port ministers still suffer from those severe headaches.”

“Ah… It must be poison or some magic spell causing it, right?”

“Poison that just causes headaches? Isn’t that a bit lackluster?”

“The poison has a different purpose. The headaches are a side effect. I’m sure some grave issue is brewing within the Free City’s government!”

Ryo mused, posing as a detective.

“Anyone can tell that something serious is going on. That’s stating the obvious.”

“How rude! This is what we call the ‘pathos of things’. You truly are a ‘kochinashi’ and ‘nasakenashi,’ Abel.”

“Here we go with the nonsense again…”

Ryo shook his head as he spoke, and Abel shook his as well.

Apparently, ‘kochinashi’ and ‘nasakenashi’ are old expressions meaning ‘lack of refinement’ or ‘lacking an appreciation for elegance’.

Ryo must have learned them in his high school Japanese class.

Ryo muttered things like, “This is why swordsmen without an appreciation for elegance…” or, “It’s an unrefined and clumsy combination,” or, “I believe a certain degree of grace is necessary, even for a king”.

Naturally, Abel ignored it all.

His gaze was fixed on one spot.

And as expected, Ryo noticed this.

“What are you looking at, Abel?”

“Look at the table, Ryo.”

Abel said gravely.

It was a fish dish baked in a salt crust.

“Salt-crusted fish! I’m looking forward to this.”

As the two started savoring the fish dish, a stir rippled through the entire venue.

In a sense, the star of the day had arrived.

Duke Helb, the Ambassador of the Atinjo Grand Duchy.

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