Water Magician-Chapter 561: A Gift

Editor: Tseirp

The day after the wedding ceremony of the Sixth Prince Ryun and Princess Shio Fen.

There were no official events scheduled for today.

However, the entire Imperial Palace was bustling with activity.

Preparations were underway for tomorrow’s public introduction of the newlyweds and the celebratory banquet for the citizens of the imperial capital.

In front of a certain place adjacent to the palace, a group of people had gathered, eagerly awaiting the moment to come.

That place was the Censorate.

Among the gathered were Wei Fon and the retainers of Count Matan, Von Debout—along with Ryo and Abel.

Of course, the amnesty being granted today was not only for Von Debout.

But among those awaiting it, none matched the intensity and fervor of Wei Fon and his companions.

At 10:00 a.m.

The inner gates of the Censorate opened.

The first person to emerge was…

“My lord!”

Wei Fon and the others instantly knelt.

Ryo and Abel also bowed their heads.

“I’ve made you worry.”

Though a bit worn out, Von Debout appeared with firm steps and even a smile— alive and well.

At the inner gate, Secretary Shao and others stood watching.

Ryo and Abel bowed toward Secretary Shao.

Who responded with a small wave and a smile.

In that moment, happiness filled the air.

The group returned to the ‘Ryusen Residence’.

After taking a bath, having a light meal, and settling down, Ryo and Abel were summoned by Von Debout and entered his room.

“I’ve heard that you both moved on my behalf. Truly, thank you.”

Von Debout bowed deeply.

“Think nothing of it.”

“We were simply fulfilling our duty as those hired for the task.”

Both Abel and Ryo answered with smiles.

Knowing that their efforts had borne some fruit and led to this outcome made those smiles come naturally.

“Now, regarding what comes next…”

Von Debout began.

“The investigation into the incident will continue under the Censorate. Therefore, I’ve been asked not to leave the imperial capital for a while.”

Ryo and Abel nodded at Von Debout’s words.

That was only natural.

“Also, my official duty to host the princess ended with the wedding ceremony… so I will no longer be required to enter the palace.”

Given the incident, it would be difficult to enter the palace again until he was fully cleared of suspicion.

Even Ryo could understand that much.

“The investigation from the Censorate will be conducted by officials who will come here to the Ryusen Residence… so, I no longer require your protection.”

“Ah…”

It was a logical outcome.

“That said, I don’t intend to avoid paying for your stay at the Ryusen Residence. I was only able to return safely thanks to your efforts. However, since your role as my guards has ended, I just wanted to let you know you are free to move as you wish.”

“Understood.”

Abel nodded.

“Of course, while you’re still staying here, all lodging expenses will be covered by us. It may not mean much, but—well, consider it a token of appreciation… and, I’d like to offer a special reward.”

Von Debout placed two leather pouches on the table.

They made a heavy thud as they landed.

“One million Jan—one hundred gold coins in each. In addition, four million Jan each will be transferred directly into your bank accounts. Please accept them.”

“Five hundred gold coins in total? Are you sure it’s okay to accept this much…?”

“It’s from the heart. Please…”

“Very well. We’ll gratefully accept.”

In the end, Abel nodded.

In such situations, Abel always decided quickly. Quicker than Ryo.

“We’ll be staying at the Ryusen Residence for a while longer.”

“Yes, thank you.”

Abel said, and Von Debout nodded with a smile.

“Abel, you always accept money so quickly.”

“What’s wrong with that?”

“Well, maybe a little more…like… ‘Oh no, I couldn’t possibly accept this!’ or ‘Please, I insist…’ some kind of exchange like that would be more polite…”

“It’s pointless. Refusing it would be rude. We’d accept in the end anyway. Better to cut out the unnecessary steps.”

“I think it lacks refinement…”

“I don’t get what you mean.”

Ryo shook his head slightly, and Abel shrugged.

As if remembering something, Ryo continued.

“Also, about the lodging fees. I think we should’ve…”

“Pointless.”

Abel cut him off again.

And added.

“Saying we plan to stay a while actually helps relieve the other party of any guilt.”

“Ugh…that may be true, but maybe a bit more time before getting to that…”

“More importantly, aren’t you going to do something?”

“Huh? Do something?”

Ryo tilted his head, not understanding Abel’s intention.

“Now that Lord Von Debout has been released. Wouldn’t the usual Ryo go around thanking everyone who helped?”

“You’re right! Secretary Shao, Captain Li Chu, and Captain Myun too! I’d like to thank Roche Ten-san as well, but he’s probably still very busy—maybe another day. Let’s go, Abel! No time to dawdle!”

“…Why am I the one being dragged along?”

Ryo smiled, and Abel, though shrugging, also smiled.

The smiles of those who’ve resolved their troubles are truly a wonderful thing.

But in this world, there are also those whose smiles are far from wonderful…

Or perhaps more accurately—those who cannot even bring themselves to smile…

The Bin Royal Residence, residence of the Fourth Prince.

Prince Bin scowled as he read through documents.

Just then, Lin Sui—his trusted right-hand man—entered.

Appearing to be in his mid-40s, Lin Sui carried a bundle of papers.

As he entered, he had everyone else leave and shut all the doors completely.

This clearly indicated that the matter at hand was confidential.

“Your Highness, I’ve prepared a summary of yesterday’s matter.”

Lin Sui placed the papers on Prince Bin’s desk.

“Yesterday? You mean…Ryun?”

Prince Bin lowered his voice.

An assassination plot against a fellow prince was not something to be overheard.

Lin Sui silently nodded.

Prince Bin examined the documents.

“At tomorrow’s banquet? I-Isn’t that a bit soon?”

“Your Highness, we must act before Prince Ryun consolidates his power. Once his structure is in place, even an attack would be impossible. And you, Your Highness, would be his easiest target.”

If anyone observant had been present, they might have noticed how Lin Sui’s words lacked true logic and instead served only to stoke Prince Bin’s emotions.

In fact, it was so blatant that even someone not observant might notice…

Prince Ryun had yet to even be granted the title of Imperial Prince.

It wasn’t even certain he would be.

He had merely married the Princess.

With that in mind, Lin Sui’s fearmongering was clearly overblown…

“True, compared to my elder brothers, I am far weaker. My foundation is fragile. I know I’d be the first target. But I won’t sit idly by and wait for death! I will strike first!”

“As expected of Your Highness. You are indeed the one most worthy to ascend the throne.”

“Very well, Lin Sui. Proceed with the plan.”

“As you command.”

Lin Sui bowed deeply.

And hidden from Prince Bin’s view, a wicked, ominous smile crept onto his face.

It was clearly not the kind of smile one should direct at their own lord…

“Well, I’m glad we were able to visit everyone who helped us without any trouble.”

“You’re the one who insisted we bring alcohol as a souvenir. Everyone sure was happy, though.”

It had been Ryo’s idea to bring some rather high-quality alcohol as a gift, and it turned out to be a hit.

Abel hadn’t quite understood at first…

“Bringing alcohol is a classic way to show gratitude. Back in the town of Rune, Hugh-san used to often bring drinks to Knight Captain Neville Black.”

“…Is that so?”

You never know what kind of knowledge or experience might come in handy.

The world is full of useful little tricks…

By the way, the recipients of the alcohol were Secretary Shao, Captain Myun, and Captain La Wu, from the same Public Vessel Department.

Secretary Shao was a spirited and distinguished elder, someone who looked like alcohol would suit him perfectly.

Captain Myun and Captain La Wu—both seafaring men—had been chosen based on Ryo’s somewhat arbitrary assumption that “men of the sea love their drink”.

Fortunately, Ryo’s hunch proved accurate. All three turned out to be quite fond of alcohol.

“The problem now is Captain Li Chu. He’s apparently busy today.”

“Secretary Shao mentioned that. Said he wouldn’t be able to leave the palace today or tomorrow.”

“The White Flame Army, even though the Imperial Capital doesn’t have any imperial tombs… sounds like a tough job.”

Being tasked with more than your job title suggests… perhaps that’s a common fate for the competent.

But there was a bigger issue with Captain Li Chu.

According to Secretary Shao, Li Chu barely drank at all.

In that case…

“Confections, then.”

“R-Really?”

Ryo declared it with full confidence, while Abel eyed him skeptically.

“He has fifty subordinates. So I thought of getting something like a box of a hundred individually wrapped pastries that keep well…”

“Wait. Does the White Flame Army have fifty members including Captain Li Chu, or excluding him?”

“Huh?”

“If it’s fifty without him, that makes fifty-one with him. You calculated two each, right…?”

“Oh…so we’d need a hundred and two…”

A box of a hundred wouldn’t be enough.

“A bloody feud might break out within the White Flame Army over pastries…”

“I doubt it’ll come to that, but still.”

Food-related grudges are terrifying. Better not take any chances!

Since they had no other errands today, the two of them started walking toward their lodging, the Ryusen Residence.

If they were being escorted like yesterday, it would have been easier to ride Andalusia and Feiwan, but without guards…the capital was just too crowded.

So the horses stayed behind. Luckily, the Ryusen Residence had its own training ground and lawns.

Where the two steeds were now peacefully grazing.

“Come to think of it, Ryo—you haven’t gotten the most important gift yet, have you?”

“Huh? I mean, the pastries for Captain Li Chu…”

“No, I mean for tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

Ryo tilted his head, not following Abel’s point.

Tomorrow’s schedule was the formal presentation of the prince and princess around noon, followed by a reception in the evening…

“Uh?”

“You are invited to the reception, right?”

“Yes, I am.”

“You’re planning to show up empty-handed?”

“Eh…?”

“You’re representing the Kingdom of Knightley. In other words, you’re standing in for the king—me. And you’re attending the prince’s reception…along with the emperor, foreign dignitaries, and ambassadors. Empty-handed?”

“Now that you mention it…”

Back on Earth, he had seen kings and knights in films and dramas bearing incredibly lavish gifts when visiting as national representatives…

Ryo’s face turned pale.

Not because he was a water-attribute magician—this was pure anxiety.

How could he possibly obtain such a valuable or grand gift…?

“Abel, why are you only bringing this up now?! If… you’d just declined the invitation when the emperor asked…”

“Can’t help it… I only just realized it myself.”

Abel looked sheepish under Ryo’s scolding.

“Anything we could afford with the money we have on hand would probably be laughable as a state gift…”

“Yeah…”

They both sighed.

But then Ryo’s eyes lit up.

He spotted something… on Abel’s back!

“I’ll have that magic sword of yours!”

“Huh? No way. Absolutely not.”

“Why not?! That’s our only hope! Even if no one knows its name, a magic sword still looks impressive enough. Abel, hand it over!”

“Nope. I refuse.”

Abel flatly rejected the idea.

As anyone would.

That sword was his most precious companion.

If their lives were on the line, maybe. But for a gift…

“Abel, if you won’t give it up, then I’ll have to take it by force…”

“Wouldn’t… your robe be better?”

“Huh?”

“That robe. Isn’t it from the Fairy King? That’s way rarer than my magic sword. Perfect for a state gift.”

“How dare you! This was a gift from my master! I’d rather freeze all of Darwei into an icy wasteland than part with it!”

“Yeah, let’s not do anything drastic…”

Both of them were in possession of extremely rare and valuable gear.

And, of course, neither wanted to part with it.

“In that case… there’s no helping it. We’ll have to go with the one thing everyone agrees has enough value to present to the emperor.”

“What? We have something like that?”

“Yes… it pains me to say it, especially since he was so happily galloping on the lawn…but…”

“The lawn? No… don’t tell me…”

“It’s your fault, Abel. Therefore, we’ll present your beloved horse, Feiwan…”

“Rejected.”

“Why?!”

“Because he’s my horse.”

“Such tyranny…”

Ryo’s proposal was shot down.

Worse, Abel countered with his own.

“Then your Andalusia would also make a fine gift to the emperor…”

“Rejected!”

“Hey…”

“I’d rather assassinate the emperor and erase all evidence than give up Andalusia!”

“Please don’t actually do that…”

If the Kingdom’s premier duke assassinated the emperor…

Well, they were far enough apart that it might not start a war, but still—not something you should do.

“This is bad…”

“Yeah, real bad…”

The two of them were at a complete loss.

Then Abel glanced down at his hand. There, he wore a ring set with a small blue magic stone.

And in Ryo’s left ear, he saw the ‘Soul Resonance’.

Those two were a matching pair.

A blue water-attributed magic stone, split in two…

“Ryo. I just thought of the perfect gift.”

“Huh?”

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