Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

On the same day that a small skirmish occurred at the Embassy of the Atinjo Grand Duchy. At 7:00 p.m.

On Administrative Island at the Prime Minister’s official residence.

Where Prime Minister Noson resided.

Eighty representatives of the Free Assembly, elected by citizens of the Free City.

Among whom the Prime Minister is selected by the Supreme Council.

The current Prime Minister chosen in this way is Noson.

Serving a four-year term.

And now in the final year of his first term.

Within the Free Assembly, some question whether he will be selected for a second term.

In the Prime Minister’s office at the official residence.

“Excuse me.”

Entering with these words was Deputy Minister Mishta of the Port Authority.

“Ah, over there.”

Prime Minister Noson gestured toward the seating area.

He moved from his desk to sit on the sofa.

And Deputy Minister Mishta sat opposite him.

“So? You requested a meeting as soon as possible, so I made time.”

Prime Minister Noson asked with an emotionless tone.

“Yes…”

Deputy Minister Mishta seemed somewhat tense.

Ministers regularly speak with the Prime Minister, but deputies rarely meet him.

The Prime Minister, though subordinate to the Supreme Council, is the head of the executive branch.

And also the commander-in-chief of the Free City’s military forces.

While the Supreme Council wields substantial influence, by law, the Prime Minister is the city’s representative.

And holds significant power.

Deputy Minister Mishta was about to ask questions.

Likely unpleasant ones, of this powerful figure.

“There are three things I’d like to ask you.”

“Hmm. Go ahead.”

Deputy Minister Mishta steeled himself to ask. While Noson remained expressionless.

“The first matter concerns headaches affecting all the ministers.”

“I see.”

Mishta asked while observing Noson’s expression.

Which remained unchanged.

“I found it strange as well and had it investigated. Severe headaches are reported without high fevers. Or even coughs.”

“Could it affect their ability to perform duties?”

“Are you suggesting I dismiss all ministers and appoint replacements? Surely not for your own desire to become Minister of Ports?”

“Wh-what are you implying!”

Mishta’s voice involuntarily rose in shock.

His intent was not self-serving.

“My apologies. But be careful voicing such opinions, as some may suspect ulterior motives.”

“I didn’t mean…”

“I understand. If it becomes difficult for ministers to perform their duties, I have the authority to replace them or appoint deputies as acting ministers. May I count on your discretion in this matter?” ꭆ

“…Understood.”

Deputy Minister Mishta could only nod.

By law, the Prime Minister has the authority to appoint ministers.

Meaning, the Prime Minister has the power to dismiss ministers, delegate authority, and so on.

Holding strong powers.

“Now, you mentioned three matters. Let’s hear the remaining two.”

Prime Minister Noson prompted.

“Yes…”

The remaining two questions were hard to ask.

Originating from statements made by Duke Helb.

Ideally, he would have confirmed with the Minister of the Navy and Fleet Command before meeting with the Prime Minister…

But the Minister of the Navy was untraceable.

And Fleet Command refused his visit.

Fleet Command is a military institution, making access for a deputy strictly regulated.

Although it was unprecedented for the Port Authority’s deputy minister, who has close ties to fleet operations, to be denied entry…

With no information, Mishta was forced to face the Prime Minister.

“I received… information that the Free City fleet’s main force has been wiped out.”

“Ooh…”

For the first time, Prime Minister Noson’s expression changed.

His eyes narrowed in a probing look.

“Could you verify if this is true?”

“And if confirmed, what would you do with that information?”

“Uh…”

Prime Minister Noson’s question left Deputy Minister Mishta at a loss for words.

“Regardless of the fleet’s condition, I fail to see its relevance to your duties as Deputy Minister of Ports.”

“Well, that…”

Prime Minister Noson’s response was quite correct.

A flawless argument that left no room for rebuttal.

However…

“As a citizen of the Free City, not merely as a deputy minister, I wish to know the truth.”

Mishta responded earnestly.

His words were genuine.

He believed that citizens should be aware of such matters.

“Hmm.”

Prime Minister Noson murmured, glancing at the clock.

Just around 7 p.m.

“We plan to announce to all citizens tonight on this matter.”

“Is that so?”

Deputy Minister Mishta was surprised at the Prime Minister’s words.

As he had received no prior notification.

“After the announcement, government notification will be sent to all departments and citizens through associations and public facilities.”

These government notifications are official announcements from the Free City government.

For the general public, the notification is sent to the neighborhood associations they belong to, based on where they live.

These notifications are also sent to business associations, trade unions, and many public facilities, ensuring widespread communication within 24 hours.

In a world without internet, TV, or radio, informing the public is a considerable effort.

“The Port Authority will receive one as well, so please confirm there.”

“Yes…”

Deputy Minister Mishta could only nod.

For now, it seemed… he didn’t have the right to know.

“One more question, if I may.”

“Certainly.”

Deputy Minister Mishta prepared to ask his final question.

“What exactly is the Blue Island?”

“Well… If you ask me about something I’ve never heard of, I have no way to answer. A prime minister isn’t all-knowing, after all.”

Prime Minister Noson replied, keeping his expression unchanged in response to Deputy Minister Mishita’s question.

“Shall we conclude here?”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Mishta replied before leaving the Prime Minister’s office, having gained nothing from the meeting.

In the aide’s office near the Deputy Minister of Ports’ office.

Three aides were present.

Ronfan, aide to the deputy minister of the Port Authority;

Zo, aide to the minister of the Port Authority;

And Juse, aide to the minister of Foreign Affairs.

“You mean both ministers?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Ronfan asked, Zo confirmed, and Juse silently nodded in agreement.

“The ministers were summoned to the Prime Minister’s office at the same time… but there’s no cabinet meeting scheduled. And it’s almost eight o’clock. At night… And without their aides?”

“They specifically told us not to accompany them.”

Zo replied to Ronfan’s question. And Juse nodded in agreement.

“And how’s the headache? I heard it’s so bad sometimes he can’t even get out of bed.”

“Tonight, he seemed fine. He looked calm… more like he lacked any energy. He was answering normally, but it felt like his spirit wasn’t there… As if he was someone else entirely.”

“A puppet…”

Zo answered Ronfan’s inquiry, adding to the information, and Juse muttered.

Both Ronfan and Zo looked at Juse.

“What do you mean…?”

“Now that you mention it…”

Ronfan and Zo shook their heads slightly.

At that moment, the door suddenly opened.

“Whoa!”

Ronfan jumped in surprise.

And so did Zo and Juse.

Talking about ‘puppets’ had left them feeling uneasy, so the sudden opening of the door startled them…

Entering from the hallway was Deputy Minister Mishta, returning from the Prime Minister’s office.

“Ronfan, you’re still here? I told you there was no need to wait for me…hm?”

Mishta then noticed the other two aides with Ronfan.

“Ah, you’re Zo, aide to the Minister of Ports, and Juse, aide to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. I believe you were classmates with Ronfan?”

“Yes.”

Deputy Minister Mishta was thorough about remembering names and faces.

Which was invaluable in his work.

“Deputy Minister. Both the Minister of Ports and the Minister of Foreign Affairs went to the Prime Minister’s office. Did you see them?”

“No, I just met with the Prime Minister, but he didn’t mention anything.”

Mishta replied, looking puzzled.

“Why would two ministers be at the Prime Minister’s office at this hour?”

“Apparently, other ministers are headed there as well.”

Zo replied.

He had overheard this information before coming here.

“That’s strange… What in the world is happening?”

Deputy Minister Mishta murmured.

Of course, none of the people here had enough information to answer that question.

As the four of them talked, Ronfan noticed noise coming from the hallway.

Soon, someone rushed up to the door and burst in.

“It’s urgent!”

The fellow was a member of the Ministry of Ports’ public relations department.

Someone Ronfan often spoke with in his line of work.

“Ah, Deputy Minister! Apologies for barging in!”

The PR officer bowed quickly in apology.

“It’s fine. What’s the emergency?”

Mishta prompted.

As he and the others were eager to know.

“Right! A Government Notification has just arrived from the Prime Minister’s office.”

Twenty copies of government notifications were delivered to each ministry.

The PR officer had brought one of them.

He handed it over to Deputy Minister Mishta.

Mishta took it and began reading voraciously.

“What…?”

He murmured in shock.

“Deputy Minister?”

Ronfan called. Zo and Juse looked on, concerned.

“As of 8 p.m. tonight, the Free City of Kwebasa will come under the protection of the Atinjo Grand Duchy. This has been decided by the Free City Government…”

“Ridiculous!”

Deputy Minister Mishta read out, and Ronfan and Zo shouted in unison.

“The Prime Minister and all the cabinet ministers have approved it…”

Mishta’s voice weakened as he spoke.

Everything he had believed in, everything he had dedicated himself to and fought to protect with all his might… was crumbling to pieces.

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