Chapter 0675 Genius Alchemist Abel?
-x-X-x-
"Alright, it's done!"
On the deck of the Darwei Tenth Public Vessel, Ryo cried out in delight.
"Good work. Alchemy?"
Abel stopped swinging his sword and praised Ryo.
"Yes, yes. Those people… no, those Akumas suddenly showed up. Something terrible might happen from now on. I prepared so we'd be okay if something happened. They say 'Better safe than sorry ', after all."
"Was what you were fiddling with the magic formula for the Neil Andersen?"
"Eh…"
Ryo froze at Abel's words.
By 'Neil Andersen' here, he meant the Rondo-class second ship, the Neil Andersen. The submarine Ryo can produce with alchemy.
Neil Andersen is, of course, a vessel Abel had ridden on before, and it had saved them several times in various crises.
So Abel knew of its existence.
But…
"I never said a single word like that, did I?"
Ryo muttered, eyes wide.
Indeed, Ryo had never once said what kind of magic formula it was.
He certainly hadn't summoned Neil Andersen.
He knew Abel had peered over his shoulder from time to time, but still…
"No, I just thought it resembled a Neil Andersen–related magic formula I'd seen before."
"What…!"
At Abel's words, Ryo was completely speechless.
It became clear that Abel hadn't just been guessing.
He could tell from similarity to some magic formula he'd seen before?
There was no way that could be known from something so ambiguous!
Someone who's never programmed can't tell what a piece of code does just by glancing at it.
Whether it's Fortran, LISP, or C… maybe Python's more likely?
No— this is abnormal.
The only conceivable explanation was…
"Actually, Abel might be a genius at alchemy."
Ryo said, eyes wide.
"Yeah, right."
But Abel laughed the remark off.
"I've never studied alchemy once."
"That's exactly why!"
Ryo retorted, flushed with indignation at Abel's words.
"It's abnormal to understand something you've never studied."
"Is it?"
Abel shrugged.
"Abel, when we get back to the kingdom, you should become Kenneth's apprentice right away!"
"Huh?"
"They say strike while the iron's hot. If you start learning now, by the time you're old, you might become a famed alchemist across the whole kingdom!"
"What is that even—"
Ryo spoke passionately; Abel seemed utterly unmoved.
"Besides, I can't use magic, can I?"
"Ah…"
At Abel's words, Ryo was struck dumb.
Alchemists handle magic.
Or rather— you have to be a magician to become an alchemist…
He remembered a similar exchange from before.
"A specialist alchemist who designs magic formulas…"
"Is there such an alchemist?"
"Forgive my ignorance, but I don't know of one."
"Right. I don't either."
The world, it seems, doesn't always go as one expects.
"Well, if I guessed 'Neil Andersen–related' correctly, then I'm satisfied."
"That alone is amazing."
Abel said happily, and Ryo nodded in appreciation.
"Our 'preparations'… of land, sea, and air, the weakest is definitely the sea. So I took measures so we'd be fine no matter what happens at sea."
"Land, I can understand, but isn't the sky weak too?"
"Huh? Abel, you learned to fly, didn't you?"
Abel wore a 'Flight Ring'.
It was Ryo's modified version; it eats mana but lets you fly even outside Darwei's 'Chuo Chuang' region.
"Well, sure I can fly, but not with total freedom…"
"Then you'll draw the enemy's attention. During that time, Andalusia, Feiwan and I will escape."
"Hey…"
"Can't you put your life on the line for your beloved steed?!"
"Think of something that will save not just my horse but my life too…"
Abel sighed and answered Ryo's reproachful remark.
"But Andalusia and Feiwan can't fly either—what do you plan to do?"
"I'll instantly create a big
Ryo's reference was of the time Abel flew the platform at the coronation in Rune city.
"Could you put me on it too…"
"If I do that, who'll defend against the enemy?"
"That's exactly where Ryo comes in…"
"I'm busy generating the
Ryo said firmly.
Abel shook his head.
A few moments later Abel muttered,
"When we get thrown into the air, I can just grab Ryo's collar immediately."
"Huh?"
"I can use Ryo as a shield. You'll auto-generate ice walls and spears, right? The perfect shield."
"How dare you! A swordsman who hides behind a magician, have you no pride?!"
"First survive, then feel remorse—that's the spirit."
"That's altered…"
Abel grinned slyly and Ryo scowled in frustration.
While the two of them talked like that, Andalusia and Feiwan lay on the deck enjoying the sun and watching them.
Such easygoing beloved steeds.
The world, today as well, was peaceful.
"By the way, Ryo."
"What is it?"
"You erased all the golems at the Rondo Residence, didn't you?"
"Yes. Except for Friendship Token No. 2-kun that I gave to Captain Lu Yao, they're all here."
Ryo said that and lightly tapped a trinket hanging from the cord of his robe.
"What's that?"
"It's an inro* containing seasonings. I show this to bad people and say, 'Behold—can you not see this crest?!' " TLN: Inro – A portable case worn to hold small objects like seal, medicine, etc. usually worn on kimonos whilst also serving as an artistic fashion accessory
Ryo answered happily, feeling like some wandering magistrate from a tale.
Abel gave no reaction.
"Um, Abel?"
"Ah, sorry. I understood it's a container for seasonings. No—I meant the thing at the end of that cord…"
At the end of the cord on what Ryo called an inro were two blue mana stones tied on the string.
"In the old days, they called it netsuke. Well, these are plainly water mana stones."
"Those were the ones at the Rondo Manor, weren't they?"
"You remembered well."
Abel's memory impressed Ryo.
Those water mana stones were placed in a room at the Rondo Manor and supplied mana to the golems; the golems' 'memories' were also stored there.
"It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Messenger No.1-kun and all the Oniwaban's memories are contained in these two mana stones. When we return to the kingdom, I'll put them back. I'm looking forward to it~"
Ryo nodded happily, clearly thinking about all sorts of things.
After the ship had sailed for a while, Abel spoke up.
"We'll arrive at the port of the Atinjo Grand Duchy tomorrow, right?"
"That's right. Let's review the Atinjo Grand Duchy."
"Review?"
Abel tilted his head at Ryo's words.
"The Atinjo Grand Duchy annexed the Free City Kwebasa and turned it into the autonomous city Kwebasa, intervened in the civil war in the southern Ghegish-Lu Federation and established a puppet regime. Those two countries were brought completely under its control. They did that to oppose the Choouchi Empire, the nation of Phantomkins from the north."
"But the Choouchi Empire's power was weakened. In the process, the Grand Duke of Atinjo died, and the powerful Duke Helb was seized by the Phantom King."
"The two were possessed because they were Phantomkins. But the new Grand Duke who succeeded to the title is human. Duke Helb was temporarily frozen, but I've released him from the ice."
"The ostensible purpose of this visit is to return the holy sword Tatien, which Duke Helb brandished at the meeting in the autonomous city Kwebasa, to the Atinjo Grand Duchy."
Ryo and Abel were on the same page regarding this matter.
"But I know your hidden objective, Abel. Your great desire."
"My hidden objective? Desire?"
Abel tilted his head at Ryo's remark.
"Last time you missed it—you want to stuff yourself with the delicious cuisine of the Atinjo Grand Duchy, right? Talk about obvious."
"Now that sounds less like my desire and more like yours."
"Don't bother hiding it!"
"Then Ryo doesn't want to eat the Atinjo Grand Duchy's delicious food?"
"That's totally different. Of course I'll eat."
"Yeah, I seriously don't get how that's different."
That's right—at the time, the two of them both thought it would be a very peaceful visit…
-x-X-x-
The following day.
The Tenth Ship entered the port town of Hoi An in the Grand Duchy of Atinjo.
This time, through official diplomatic channels from Darwei, notice had already been given of the Tenth Ship's port call and the visit of Ryo, the Duke of Rondo.
Because of that, everything proceeded smoothly.
"Captain La Wu, everyone, thank you very much."
After disembarking, Ryo bowed politely at the port.
Abel did the same, of course.
Their two beloved horses let out soft snorts as well.
Surely, they too were expressing their gratitude.
"No, Duke Rondo, please raise your head."
The one who spoke in flustered haste was Captain La Wu.
Even the Emperor held Duke Rondo in high regard—being bowed to so deeply naturally made him uneasy.
"Though your journey will likely continue, all of us aboard the Tenth Ship pray for your safe return home."
As Captain La Wu said this, the lined-up crew members also bowed deeply.
The Tenth Ship would return to Darwei, but the journey of Ryo, Abel, and their two horses was far from over.
From the port town of Hoi An to the Grand Duchy's capital, Cam Pho, they would travel together with a welcoming party.
It seemed that the party had already arrived.
"We have been awaiting your arrival. Duke Rondo, and Abel-dono."
The one who greeted them was a familiar face.
"It's been a while, Zlurma-san."
Ryo said with a friendly smile.
Zlurma was someone with whom the two had a history dating back to their time in the Free City of Kwebasa.
More precisely, among those of the Grand Duchy of Atinjo, he was one of the individuals most closely connected to them.
For that reason, he had been chosen as the leader of this welcoming party.
Looking over the group, Abel muttered:
"Aren't there too many soldiers?"
"Now that you mention it…"
Ryo nodded.
There were perhaps a hundred cavalry and a thousand infantry.
Sure, they were receiving important figures from a foreign nation— and those figures were carrying a sword passed down through the royal family.
There could be no room for error.
That much was true.
But even so…
"For domestic travel, and from a major port to the capital— it should be a road with plenty of traffic, right?"
"Exactly. When we transported Duke Helb's ice coffin before, we also went from this port to the capital, and there were lots of people along the way."
Abel and Ryo spoke in hushed voices.
Behind Andalusia and Feiwan, the two horses they rode, the usual ice
"Hey… what's in that again? Books and gold, right?"
"Yes. Bags filled with various books we received, and money given to us in Darwei. Within Darwei, we can withdraw money using our 'bank' cards, but for times like this—outside the country—we're carrying cash."
With the two of them, their horses, and the
"It took two days from here to the capital, right?"
"Yes. Last time it took two days."
Ryo nodded at Abel's question.
This time as well, their speed would not differ much.
Though some—including Ryo and Abel—were mounted, most of the group consisted of infantry, so their pace could not be considered fast.
"Hmm."
"What is it?"
Not long after leaving Hoi An, Ryo tilted his head, prompting Abel to ask.
"We're being watched… but the number…"
"Is it a lot?"
"About fifty in total…"
"…What?"
Abel let out a bewildered cry at Ryo's answer.
And rightly so.
Fifty people conducting surveillance was absurd.
Far too many.
If there are many watchers, it does reduce the chance of the target escaping.
But it also greatly increases the chance of being noticed.
To begin with, the target being watched was this welcoming party—there was no possibility of them escaping.
Unless something extraordinary happened, it would be impossible to lose track of a thousand people.
In that case, the number of watchers should be reduced.
No—reducing them would be the only logical choice.
And yet, fifty?
"Are you sure you didn't miscount?"
Of course, Abel knew well the accuracy of Ryo's detection ability.
His so-called 'sonar'.
But even so… fifty was hard to believe.
"I'm certain there are around fifty. However, judging by their movements… some of them might be protecting this group from the shadows."
"Ah, I see."
Not just the thousand visible guards, but people protecting the group from the shadows… like ninjas in old Japan, perhaps.
Like how Sukesaku guards the Lord of Mito openly, while Yashichi protects him unseen…
"With such tight security, that's reassuring."
"Indeed. I don't want Andalusia to go through anything frightening."
As Ryo said that, Andalusia let out a gentle, pleased sound.
Ryo responded by stroking her head.
"Well, taking good care of your horse is a fine thing."
At Abel's remark, Feiwan also gave a small cry.
Just before three in the afternoon that day, the welcoming party entered a town.
"When we transported Duke Helb before, we passed through this town without stopping, didn't we?"
"We did. We went a bit farther before making camp for the night."
"It's still only three. We could keep going if we wanted…"
"Are we stopping because of possible attacks?"
Their conversation was exchanged in extremely low voices.
They were surrounded on all sides by Atinjo cavalry.
"But why would anyone attack this group? The only valuable thing here is that sword Ryo is returning, right?"
As Abel said this, he glanced at the sword tied to Andalusia's saddle.
"The Holy Sword Tatien, was it? It must be valuable, yes… but transporting it wasn't mentioned through diplomatic channels in the first place."
"Really?"
"Yes. It should have been phrased as 'Abel and I will be bringing something to return'. So even if information leaked along the way, the sword itself shouldn't have been mentioned."
"That just makes it even harder to understand…"
Abel looked even more perplexed after Ryo's explanation.
"If it's some kind of anti-government group, they might attack without thinking too much—just to damage the government's authority."
"Well… I suppose that's possible."
If important figures from a foreign country were attacked within the nation, it would damage the government's prestige.
Other countries might see it as a sign of weak governance.
Or the citizens themselves might think so.
Either way, it would not be good for the government.
"Maintaining public order is tough."
"Yeah, it really is. You never know when or where an attack might come from."
"Thinking about it that way, the Kingdom of Knightley—where you can travel safely within the country—is truly a remarkable nation."
"I agree. We should be grateful to those who work tirelessly to maintain order every day."
Neither Ryo nor Abel was an idealist.
They understood that in this world, there were people who committed acts of destruction for reasons incomprehensible to outsiders.
Those individuals might have something they absolutely refuse to compromise on… but to everyone else, they were nothing but a nuisance.
They didn't want to be caught up in such things, nor did they want anyone important to them to be hurt because of it.
"I just hope they find happiness somewhere that has nothing to do with us."
"Yeah."
Ryo said this with a small shake of his head, and Abel agreed with a wry smile.
That evening, during dinner.
The inn had been fully reserved by the welcoming party, with no other guests present.
Zlurma sat across from the two of them.
"As you've likely noticed, the security situation is not very good."
"So it seems,"
Abel nodded.
Ryo said nothing.
It was definitely not because he was happily eating a pineapple-like dessert refill.
Absolutely not!
"Is it fallout from Kwebasa's independence, or the power struggle within the Ghegish-Lu Federation?"
Abel proposed a plausible hypothesis.
"No. This is an issue within the Grand Duchy itself."
"Great nobles?"
"Yes."
Zlurma nodded plainly.
"The recently enthroned Grand Duke Bash… he was urged by the previous Grand Duke to ascend immediately, correct? That's why the coronation was held so quickly. Is this related?"
"Exactly. In fact, because Bash-sama ascended immediately and has the full support of the national army, things have been contained to this extent. If it had been delayed, our country might have split in two."
Zlurma explained in response to Abel's words.
"But Duke Helb's ice has melted now, right? If he appears publicly, wouldn't everything settle down?"
Ryo interjected after finishing his dessert refill.
"Yes. It is precisely because His Excellency has awakened that the enemy seems to have made their final gamble."
"Ah…"
"Furthermore, although he has awakened, he is still unable to rise."
"Is that due to being possessed by the Phantom King?"
"That appears to be the case. He is recovering day by day, but…"
Zlurma grimaced, clearly frustrated.
"In that case, if this group were to be attacked…"
"To undermine Bash-dono and the government's authority,"
Ryo and Abel nodded in agreement.
However, Zlurma's expression darkened.
"Zlurma-san?"
"Ah, my apologies. That may not be the only possibility."
"Sorry?"
"As I am the one in charge… they may be targeting my life as well."
"What?"
They were unable to get any further answers from Zlurma, and dinner came to an end.
"It seems Zlurma-san has his own complications,"
"When your position rises, so do the problems."
"Ugh, Abel is flaunting his status as a king!"
"That's not what I meant."
Ryo spoke in mock frustration, while Abel gave a wry smile.
And then, in the dead of night—
The inn was engulfed in flames.
-x-X-x-
"I was sleeping so comfortably in such a wonderful bed!"
Ryo fumed in indignation.
"Y-yeah…"
Abel glanced furtively at the inn.
All the fires in the inn had been extinguished.
"It's… not very burned, huh?"
"Of course not. The arsonist's bad luck was having a water-attribute magician staying here."
Ryo, enraged at having his peaceful sleep disrupted, had extinguished every fire in an instant.
"Besides, if the fire spread, Andalusia would be startled, wouldn't it? Horses and wild animals in general aren't supposed to like fire."
The stable where Andalusia and Feiwan were kept was in a different building from the main inn where the two of them had been staying.
Of course, they had already confirmed that both horses were safe.
The two stood in front of the stable, looking around.
"Those two… to me, it looked more like they were calming the other horses down, the ones that were getting frightened."
Abel's murmur never reached Ryo's ears.
"Fighting is breaking out all over the place."
The sound of clashing blades could be heard even here.
"They must have intended to set fire and attack while everyone was confused."
"A classic method."
Ryo gave a small shake of his head.
Then he continued.
"We may need to lend a hand, but I have no idea who's the enemy and who's an ally."
"Can't be helped. In situations like this, you should focus on protecting yourself and the things that matter to you. Anyone who attacks you in that situation is the enemy."
"I see! Abel says wise things sometimes."
"Ho?"
"The important one is Andalusia… well, Feiwan too, I suppose."
"Just protect both of them honestly."
Abel let out a small sigh.
After the fire had been extinguished instantly by Ryo, the two of them had changed clothes and come down here.
So their equipment was all with them as well.
"Just in case the target was Holy Sword Tatien, I brought it out properly."
Saying that, Ryo showed Abel Tatien in its bag with his left hand.
"Man, if we do not even know the target, that is a pain."
"Considering it was a nighttime raid, there is some confusion."
"At least the fire did not spread. If it had, that would have been a disaster."
"That is the punishment for disturbing my sleep."
Ryo nodded pretentiously.
In the darkness, the sound of sword clashes coming from all around did not cease.
"Are there a lot of guys attacking?"
"Seems so. There were about a thousand infantry on this side alone, so it is strange that taking control is taking this long."
Ryo tilted his head and chanted.
"
He shook his head slightly.
"As expected, there are too many to tell."
"I see…"
"Oh, but I can tell this reaction."
"Hm?"
"Zlurma-san is fighting very nearby."
Ryo pointed.
Abel focused on the sounds he could just barely hear.
Ryo could hear the conversation as well.
"Zlurma, you traitorous bastard!"
"Getting hooked by that monster!"
Those surrounding Zlurma half-enclosed, shouted such words one after another.
"Give up, Zlurma."
Was he the one leading the encirclement?
A man with an eyepatch over his right eye snapped those words.
Though wounded and down on one knee, Zlurma still held a sword in his right hand, and his fighting spirit had not yet dimmed from his eyes.
"Rukiya, with a brain like yours, you should understand. Doing this is pointless."
So the eyepatch man's name was Rukiya.
With a grimace, Zlurma tried to persuade him.
"The destruction of the Grand Ducal House is our only wish. Have you forgotten even that, Zlurma!"
Rukiya shot back.
But Zlurma replied clearly.
"I told you already. My loyalty is sworn to the Grand Duke and Duke Helb. I will not obey the clan's orders."
"As if we would ever accept that."
In response to Zlurma's words, an old woman emerged from the shadows and objected.
"Even the elder has come to the front line. Have you really joined forces with the Babury family and turned against the Grand Ducal House? You will not win."
"Hmph. The monster is already gone. And the new Grand Duke is an astonishingly weak human, is he not? It looks like even the Babury family alone could get the job done. We of the Gyuga clan are simply riding the winning horse, that is all."
"How foolish…"
The old woman called the elder spat words filled with scorn, and Zlurma twisted his face and muttered in response.
"I will ask you once more, Zlurma. Return to the clan and lend us your strength to achieve our long-cherished wish."
"No matter how many times you ask, I will answer the same. My loyalty is sworn to the Grand Duke and Duke Helb. I will not return to the Gyuga clan."
Zlurma stated it plainly in answer to the elder's question.
"Then die."
Clang.
A sword rang out sharply as it was knocked aside.
The eyepatch man, Rukiya, having his own sword deflected, took a light backstep with a look of surprise.
Between Rukiya and Zlurma stood a man holding a crimson-glowing magic sword, blocking the way.
"I hate ganging up on one person and attacking them."
Abel, with his magic sword readied, sneered.
"You, are you Zlurma's ally!"
Rukiya demanded.
"No, not at all. In fact, I have even cut off Zlurma's head before."
"Not just the head; he cut off all his limbs."
Abel answered with a restrained fact, and Ryo stated all the facts.
"Did you really need to say that much?"
"Why are you trying to dress it up now?"
Abel complained, and Ryo said that with an exasperated tone.
Indeed, there was no point whatsoever in trying to soften things at this stage.
"Abel-dono, Duke Rondo…"
Still on one knee, Zlurma bowed his head slightly to the two who had helped him.
"If we kill all three of you, it becomes irrelevant."
"Kill them."
The elder declared, and eyepatch man Rukiya issued the order.
Clang!
Abel closed the distance in one burst and crossed swords with Rukiya.
"
The attack that came at Ryo and Zlurma was deflected by an ice wall.
"Counterattack.
But…
Every single ice lance was 'diverted' away.
It was a familiar trajectory.
Paper floating in the air.
Paper that repelled all magic.
"Again with the talismans! Talismans again! Talismans-talismans-talismans-talismans, is that all you people have!?"
The furious water-attribute magician became even angrier.
"I have already found a way to deal with talismans!"
Ryo declared proudly.
"
A wide-area freezing spell named Permafrost.
It reduces the vibration frequency of the water molecules in the air within the range of vision and freezes the air.
The talismans themselves do not freeze.
However, the space around the talismans does freeze.
This stops the talismans' movement.
But what is needed is the next step.
"
The ice generated by
Ryo's 'multilayer ice' is 'ice that does not conduct magic'.
It is ice that is not cold, invented by Ryo in the Western Countries.
Its principle is to sandwich ice with almost no molecular vibration.
Even now, he did not fully understand what magic power was.
He thought it was probably gravity in an extra dimension.
But he still did not know how it 'changed' after coming into this three-dimensional world.
Even so, he believed that whatever it was, it must be 'vibrating' in some way.
So, sandwiching it with ice that forcibly stops vibration should cut off the transmission of magic power… probably.
For that reason, when the ice around the talismans is turned into multilayer ice, the magic power from the sorcerer can no longer be transmitted to the talismans.
In other words…
"The talismans lose their power and fall to the ground."
Ryo had finally come up with an anti-talisman method during his journey through the Eastern Countries.
But in truth, all the information had already been there.
After pondering, he finally used that information to derive the answer…
"Impossible!"
However, from the point of view of those who suddenly had their talismans dropped to the ground, it was something they could not possibly accept.
"Withdraw!"
It was the elder's voice.
In response, fire-attribute spells went up all around them.
It was the signal to retreat, and likely also to set fire to the buildings, create confusion, and escape.
"
Once again, the angry water-attribute magician extinguished all the fires within his sensing range in an instant.
That said, this also meant letting the enemies who were right in front of them get away.
"Tch. They sure are quick on their feet."
Abel clicked his tongue at the escaped enemies.
"So they got away, and Abel is all talk, I see."
"Why am I the one getting blamed?"
Ryo gave a small shake of his head, and Abel voiced his dissatisfaction.
"Those guys aren't knights or swordsmen or anything."
"What are they, then?"
"Assassins or something like that."
"I see."
Ryo nodded at Abel's words.
"You two saved me."
Still on one knee, Zlurma offered his thanks.
"No, no. It's an apology for Abel's past rudeness."
"Hey…"
While handing Zlurma a potion he had been carrying, Ryo asked.
"Those people just now were from your clan, right, Zlurma-san?"
"Yes, you heard them?"
"They called you a traitor."
"Originally… I was sent by the clan to assassinate Duke Helb."
"How astounding…"
Zlurma answered honestly, and Ryo was shocked.
Abel was silent as well, but he too was clearly surprised.
"But my abilities were nowhere near enough…"
"Ah."
"After Duke Helb defeated me in return, he told me to serve him instead… Since then, I have devoted everything to the Grand Duke and Duke Helb."
Though his expression held a trace of nostalgia, there was not the slightest cloud in his eyes.
However, the two who heard this…
"I feel like I've heard of something like that somewhere before."
"That's right, Phelps and Sheena."
"Ah! "
What the two of them remembered was the relationship between Phelps A. Heinlein, the leader of the B-rank party 'White Brigade', and his vice-captain, Sheena.
Sheena had approached Phelps in order to assassinate him, but after failing, she came to serve him instead.
"Do assassins often end up serving the target they failed to kill?"
"Who knows?"
Abel tilted his head at Ryo's words.
"Do either of you know someone with that kind of relationship?"
Zlurma must have become curious too.
"Yeah, well."
"From the side of the one who failed the assassination, it's only natural to want to serve them."
"Oh, really?"
Ryo was surprised by Zlurma's words.
"Because it was an opponent your full effort could not reach. Once you are shown overwhelming ability, you develop a certain kind of admiration. If someone is that strong, isn't it natural to honestly want to serve them?"
"I see."
"Fair point."
At Zlurma's explanation, both Ryo and Abel nodded.
"The problem is with the one being served. The person who was targeted for assassination."
"Well… if someone had tried to take your life once, having them nearby would be scary, I guess."
"Indeed, of course. But we also demonstrated our strength. If we are rare enough that they would think us useful, someone worth employing…"
"Then they might hire them."
Abel nodded.
"Yes. Duke Helb is very broad-minded."
"Well, Phelps, too, was a pretty broad-minded person."
Ryo marveled, and the people both Zlurma and Abel had in mind were indeed open-minded people.
"One of these days, an assassin who targets Abel will show up…"
"The 'Five Dragons' San who came before got his head cut off, though…"
"So he wasn't someone worth wanting to employ."
"It was simply that I had no choice but to do that."
Abel let out a small sigh.
-x-X-x-
The next day.
On the way to Cam Pho, the capital of the Atinjo Grand Duchy, Zlurma relayed information to the two of them as they traveled.
"My family… well, we're called the Gyuga clan. We are the descendants of those who once served a country that was destroyed by the Grand Duke's house. The family that ruled that country no longer exists. Nowadays, we take assassination work for our own selfish profit and gain…"
"Sounds like a certain assassination cult."
"…"
At Zlurma's explanation, Ryo interjected without thinking, and Abel gave a small shake of his head.
"I believe the Babury family was mentioned in yesterday's conversation."
"Yes. Once… until before the previous Grand Duke ascended, they were a great noble house of the Atinjo Grand Duchy, second only to the Grand Duke's house. But the previous Grand Duke greatly reduced their power. Even now, they are by no means weak… if they were to raise a rebellion, then due to the status of that house, the other nobles might follow them as well."
"Can you beat them?"
"If we clash head-on, the Grand Duke's house would probably win. But if the Gyuga clan assassinated the Grand Duke…"
Zlurma grimaced.
Had it been the previous Grand Duke, such a thing would have been unthinkable.
Because he was a Phantomkin.
From the incident at the embassy, Zlurma did not seem to know that Duke Helb or the previous Grand Duke were Phantomkin, but he must have understood that they were astonishingly powerful.
Even yesterday's elder had described them as a 'monster'.
Zlurma left the two of them to give instructions.
"Conflict is happening everywhere, both here and there, within the country."
Ryo grumbled, shaking his head.
"There are always a certain number of people in any country who want power."
Abel said with a shrug.
"On that point, Abel, you are fortunate."
"Hm? Because you don't want power?"
"Because our prime minister there isn't aiming for the throne."
"That's certainly true."
"If Count Heinlein went after the throne, it would absolutely be taken."
"That's true too. Well, in that case, I'd gladly hand it over."
At Ryo's words, Abel shrugged again.
This king, too, was not the type to cling too strongly to power.
"By the way, I'm the type who clings to power."
For some reason, Ryo said this with his chest out and a villainous expression.
"Is that so?"
Abel asked, sounding doubtful.
"With power, I can obtain the cake privilege, after all!"
"If you were told that giving up power would get you free cake and coffee every day, what would you do?"
"Of course I'd give up power. Free cake and coffee every day, you know? There's no need to even think about it."
"Yeah, no matter how you look at it, you're not the type who clings to power. You're the type who clings to food."
"Eh?"
One part of the reason the Kingdom of Knightley was peaceful… had now been revealed.
That afternoon, the group arrived in Cam Pho, the capital of the Atinjo Grand Duchy.
As they arrived, they passed a military force leaving Cam Pho.
"A huge army, numbering in the tens of thousands?"
"Suppressing a local rebellion?"
Ryo said, though both he and Abel watched it pass by without really understanding.
Ryo and Abel were guided by Zlurma up to the royal palace.
"Welcome!"
The new Grand Duke Bash went so far as to come down from the top of the staircase to greet the two of them.
He was smiling. Yes, smiling.
And yet, one could sense a shadow.
The reason for that was probably that the domestic situation was still unsettled.
"Your Excellency, Duke Rondo, Abel-dono, I have dragged the two of you into the conflict in our country. I apologize."
"Oh, no, Your Majesty, please raise your head."
Bash bowed his head, and Ryo was startled.
"I received most of the explanation from Zlurma-san."
"Zlurma… perhaps he also told you about his clan?"
"Yes. Since the ones who attacked yesterday seemed to be those people, he must have had no choice but to speak about it."
"I see."
From Bash's wording, it seemed that not only Duke Helb, but even the new Grand Duke Bash standing before them, knew Zlurma's background and the fact that his clan had turned into enemies.
The two of them were guided by Bash and taken to his private room.
"First, this Holy Sword…"
"Thank you."
And so, the Holy Sword Tatien was returned from Ryo to Bash.
"I must apologize that this timing became unavoidable."
"Hm?"
"Actually, tomorrow, the royal palace will be attacked."
"Huh??"
At Bash's sudden words, Ryo let out a startled, high-pitched voice.
Abel said nothing, but his eyes widened.
"Sorry for the outburst. I heard from Zlurma-san that the people from the Gorgeous family… no, the people from houses like the Babury family, and the Gyuga clan, were trying to bring down the Grand Duke's house. Is this related to that?"
"Yes. Armed retainers from the nobility, centered precisely around the Babury family, will attack tomorrow."
Bash stated it clearly.
Bash looked to be not long past adulthood, yet his expression held neither hesitation nor indecision.
If anything, he even gave off a sense of strength.
"Why do you know they will attack tomorrow?"
Abel asked bluntly.
"Because I arranged it so."
Bash answered just as bluntly.
But perhaps he thought he ought to add some explanation.
"This plan has been in motion since half a month ago. We thought the two of you would arrive a little later… after this matter was already over. I am sorry that you were dragged into it."
"Well, that can't be helped. We probably arrived earlier because of ocean currents and the wind."
"During the attack, I would like the two of you to stay in a safe place within the royal palace…"
"Oh, please do not worry about that. Both Abel and I can protect ourselves well enough… please fight to your heart's content."
Ryo answered with a smile.
Abel beside him gave a shrug, but did not deny it.
Abel gave a small nod and spoke.
"When we arrived in the capital earlier, the army had left. It was quite a large force, but that's related to this, isn't it?"
"Yes. That is the main force of the national army, thirty thousand strong. They left today for a three-day, two-night exercise."
"I see. By doing that, you created a gap in the palace's military strength… to tempt the Babury family?"
"Exactly as you said. This exercise had been planned half a month ago… From the enemy's perspective, there are not many opportunities as good as this."
"But wouldn't they think it's a trap?"
"They probably would. However, this is their last chance."
In response to Abel's question, Bash said it decisively.
"Because Duke Helb is recovering day by day."
"Yes. If my uncle fully recovers, they will have no chance, not even the slightest. So even if they know it's a trap, this is the only time they can act."
After talking about a few other things, Ryo and Abel left Bash's private room.
Guided through the royal palace, the two walked onward.
"His Majesty Bash has changed."
"That he has."
"When I brought Duke Helb's ice coffin before… back then, it may be a bad way to put it, but he still had a rather fragile feeling about him. But now…"
"Position shapes who you are, or perhaps experience shapes the face."
Abel nodded as he spoke in response to Ryo's impression.
"It's a battle of interception while using one's own life as bait. You can't do that unless you brace yourself."
"Being a ruler is hard, isn't it. There's a strange swordsman beside me who made himself into such a ruler, too."
"I had no other options. It couldn't be helped."
Abel shrugged.
"But I think both Abel and His Majesty Bash can stand up in a crisis precisely because they were raised from a young age with royal education."
"Is that so?"
"I don't think most people can do that."
"I don't know about the royalty of other countries, but at least I was taught that everything a royal family does is for the people. After my elder brother died, and with no idea what happened to my father, the capital fell… there was no other option in my mind except for me to stand as king. I believed that doing so would be for the sake of the people of the kingdom, or at least I acted with that belief."
"I think that is wonderful."
Ryo sincerely praised Abel's words, his principles, and his way of acting.
To sacrifice one's own body, to devote everything to one's people… that is not something ordinary people can do.
That is precisely why Abel, who naturally does what ordinary people cannot, earns the support of the people.
And in this Atinjo Grand Duchy as well, there was a new Grand Duke who was trying to expose himself to a difficult path.
"Come to think of it, Duke Helb also had enemies attack him, didn't he?"
"Could that be a tradition of the Grand Duke's house?"
What Ryo and Abel were remembering was the assault incident at the joint conference of the Eastern Countries, held in the autonomous city of Kwebasa.
At the entrance to the conference venue, the carriage carrying the Grand Duke of Atinjo was attacked.
But that had been a trap—rebels had bitten at the bait Duke Helb had deliberately scattered.
The result was a complete sweep by Duke Helb, with hundreds of corpses left strewn about.
"But this time, Grand Duke Bash's side will not have an easy battle."
"There are also people like the Gyuga clan, attacking from the shadows. If only Duke Helb were at full strength…"
"Because he is not at full strength, they see this as their last chance and are attacking."
"That's right. It's all rather complicated."
Both Abel and Ryo shook their heads slightly.
The place they were being guided to was an annex within the royal palace grounds.
It was something like a guest house, apparently a building where state guests stayed.
The Grand Duke Bash had recommended that they stay in the annex rather than lodging inside the royal palace, so that nothing should happen to them.
"The royal palace is apparently going to be attacked, but this annex is also part of the palace, right?"
"Well, the other side's main target is the Grand Duke's house… for this time, it would be Bash-dono, right? Since this place is a little removed from the main palace building, I suppose that means it should be safe."
The annex was a splendid single-story building made of stone that looked like marble.
"This is amazing."
"It's a fine building."
Both Ryo and Abel were astonished by its beauty.
Incidentally, this annex also had stables attached, so the horses of the state guests would be kept there as well.
Naturally, this time, Andalusia and Feiwan were housed there.
"Andalusia and Feiwan were also eating their meal with great appetite."
"You're saying that we can expect the same, too."
"Abel, say no more."
"You've already said it all."
That night, they were served a banquet even more lavish than they had expected, and it is worth recording here that they were able to sleep satisfied.
-x-X-x-
The next day.
On the way to Cam Pho, the capital of the Atinjo Grand Duchy, Zlurma relayed information to the two of them as they traveled.
"My family… well, we're called the Gyuga clan. We are the descendants of those who once served a country that was destroyed by the Grand Duke's house. The family that ruled that country no longer exists. Nowadays, we take assassination work for our own selfish profit and gain…"
"Sounds like a certain assassination cult."
"…"
At Zlurma's explanation, Ryo interjected without thinking, and Abel gave a small shake of his head.
"I believe the Babury family was mentioned in yesterday's conversation."
"Yes. Once… until before the previous Grand Duke ascended, they were a great noble house of the Atinjo Grand Duchy, second only to the Grand Duke's house. But the previous Grand Duke greatly reduced their power. Even now, they are by no means weak… if they were to raise a rebellion, then due to the status of that house, the other nobles might follow them as well."
"Can you beat them?"
"If we clash head-on, the Grand Duke's house would probably win. But if the Gyuga clan assassinated the Grand Duke…"
Zlurma grimaced.
Had it been the previous Grand Duke, such a thing would have been unthinkable.
Because he was a Phantomkin.
From the incident at the embassy, Zlurma did not seem to know that Duke Helb or the previous Grand Duke were Phantomkin, but he must have understood that they were astonishingly powerful.
Even yesterday's elder had described them as a 'monster'.
Zlurma left the two of them to give instructions.
"Conflict is happening everywhere, both here and there, within the country."
Ryo grumbled, shaking his head.
"There are always a certain number of people in any country who want power."
Abel said with a shrug.
"On that point, Abel, you are fortunate."
"Hm? Because you don't want power?"
"Because our prime minister there isn't aiming for the throne."
"That's certainly true."
"If Count Heinlein went after the throne, it would absolutely be taken."
"That's true too. Well, in that case, I'd gladly hand it over."
At Ryo's words, Abel shrugged again.
This king, too, was not the type to cling too strongly to power.
"By the way, I'm the type who clings to power."
For some reason, Ryo said this with his chest out and a villainous expression.
"Is that so?"
Abel asked, sounding doubtful.
"With power, I can obtain the cake privilege, after all!"
"If you were told that giving up power would get you free cake and coffee every day, what would you do?"
"Of course I'd give up power. Free cake and coffee every day, you know? There's no need to even think about it."
"Yeah, no matter how you look at it, you're not the type who clings to power. You're the type who clings to food."
"Eh?"
One part of the reason the Kingdom of Knightley was peaceful… had now been revealed.
That afternoon, the group arrived in Cam Pho, the capital of the Atinjo Grand Duchy.
As they arrived, they passed a military force leaving Cam Pho.
"A huge army, numbering in the tens of thousands?"
"Suppressing a local rebellion?"
Ryo said, though both he and Abel watched it pass by without really understanding.
Ryo and Abel were guided by Zlurma up to the royal palace.
"Welcome!"
The new Grand Duke Bash went so far as to come down from the top of the staircase to greet the two of them.
He was smiling. Yes, smiling.
And yet, one could sense a shadow.
The reason for that was probably that the domestic situation was still unsettled.
"Your Excellency, Duke Rondo, Abel-dono, I have dragged the two of you into the conflict in our country. I apologize."
"Oh, no, Your Majesty, please raise your head."
Bash bowed his head, and Ryo was startled.
"I received most of the explanation from Zlurma-san."
"Zlurma… perhaps he also told you about his clan?"
"Yes. Since the ones who attacked yesterday seemed to be those people, he must have had no choice but to speak about it."
"I see."
From Bash's wording, it seemed that not only Duke Helb, but even the new Grand Duke Bash standing before them, knew Zlurma's background and the fact that his clan had turned into enemies.
The two of them were guided by Bash and taken to his private room.
"First, this Holy Sword…"
"Thank you."
And so, the Holy Sword Tatien was returned from Ryo to Bash.
"I must apologize that this timing became unavoidable."
"Hm?"
"Actually, tomorrow, the royal palace will be attacked."
"Huh??"
At Bash's sudden words, Ryo let out a startled, high-pitched voice.
Abel said nothing, but his eyes widened.
"Sorry for the outburst. I heard from Zlurma-san that the people from the Gorgeous family… no, the people from houses like the Babury family, and the Gyuga clan, were trying to bring down the Grand Duke's house. Is this related to that?"
"Yes. Armed retainers from the nobility, centered precisely around the Babury family, will attack tomorrow."
Bash stated it clearly.
Bash looked to be not long past adulthood, yet his expression held neither hesitation nor indecision.
If anything, he even gave off a sense of strength.
"Why do you know they will attack tomorrow?"
Abel asked bluntly.
"Because I arranged it so."
Bash answered just as bluntly.
But perhaps he thought he ought to add some explanation.
"This plan has been in motion since half a month ago. We thought the two of you would arrive a little later… after this matter was already over. I am sorry that you were dragged into it."
"Well, that can't be helped. We probably arrived earlier because of ocean currents and the wind."
"During the attack, I would like the two of you to stay in a safe place within the royal palace…"
"Oh, please do not worry about that. Both Abel and I can protect ourselves well enough… please fight to your heart's content."
Ryo answered with a smile.
Abel beside him gave a shrug, but did not deny it.
Abel gave a small nod and spoke.
"When we arrived in the capital earlier, the army had left. It was quite a large force, but that's related to this, isn't it?"
"Yes. That is the main force of the national army, thirty thousand strong. They left today for a three-day, two-night exercise."
"I see. By doing that, you created a gap in the palace's military strength… to tempt the Babury family?"
"Exactly as you said. This exercise had been planned half a month ago… From the enemy's perspective, there are not many opportunities as good as this."
"But wouldn't they think it's a trap?"
"They probably would. However, this is their last chance."
In response to Abel's question, Bash said it decisively.
"Because Duke Helb is recovering day by day."
"Yes. If my uncle fully recovers, they will have no chance, not even the slightest. So even if they know it's a trap, this is the only time they can act."
After talking about a few other things, Ryo and Abel left Bash's private room.
Guided through the royal palace, the two walked onward.
"His Majesty Bash has changed."
"That he has."
"When I brought Duke Helb's ice coffin before… back then, it may be a bad way to put it, but he still had a rather fragile feeling about him. But now…"
"Position shapes who you are, or perhaps experience shapes the face."
Abel nodded as he spoke in response to Ryo's impression.
"It's a battle of interception while using one's own life as bait. You can't do that unless you brace yourself."
"Being a ruler is hard, isn't it. There's a strange swordsman beside me who made himself into such a ruler, too."
"I had no other options. It couldn't be helped."
Abel shrugged.
"But I think both Abel and His Majesty Bash can stand up in a crisis precisely because they were raised from a young age with royal education."
"Is that so?"
"I don't think most people can do that."
"I don't know about the royalty of other countries, but at least I was taught that everything a royal family does is for the people. After my elder brother died, and with no idea what happened to my father, the capital fell… there was no other option in my mind except for me to stand as king. I believed that doing so would be for the sake of the people of the kingdom, or at least I acted with that belief."
"I think that is wonderful."
Ryo sincerely praised Abel's words, his principles, and his way of acting.
To sacrifice one's own body, to devote everything to one's people… that is not something ordinary people can do.
That is precisely why Abel, who naturally does what ordinary people cannot, earns the support of the people.
And in this Atinjo Grand Duchy as well, there was a new Grand Duke who was trying to expose himself to a difficult path.
"Come to think of it, Duke Helb also had enemies attack him, didn't he?"
"Could that be a tradition of the Grand Duke's house?"
What Ryo and Abel were remembering was the assault incident at the joint conference of the Eastern Countries, held in the autonomous city of Kwebasa.
At the entrance to the conference venue, the carriage carrying the Grand Duke of Atinjo was attacked.
But that had been a trap—rebels had bitten at the bait Duke Helb had deliberately scattered.
The result was a complete sweep by Duke Helb, with hundreds of corpses left strewn about.
"But this time, Grand Duke Bash's side will not have an easy battle."
"There are also people like the Gyuga clan, attacking from the shadows. If only Duke Helb were at full strength…"
"Because he is not at full strength, they see this as their last chance and are attacking."
"That's right. It's all rather complicated."
Both Abel and Ryo shook their heads slightly.
The place they were being guided to was an annex within the royal palace grounds.
It was something like a guest house, apparently a building where state guests stayed.
The Grand Duke Bash had recommended that they stay in the annex rather than lodging inside the royal palace, so that nothing should happen to them.
"The royal palace is apparently going to be attacked, but this annex is also part of the palace, right?"
"Well, the other side's main target is the Grand Duke's house… for this time, it would be Bash-dono, right? Since this place is a little removed from the main palace building, I suppose that means it should be safe."
The annex was a splendid single-story building made of stone that looked like marble.
"This is amazing."
"It's a fine building."
Both Ryo and Abel were astonished by its beauty.
Incidentally, this annex also had stables attached, so the horses of the state guests would be kept there as well.
Naturally, this time, Andalusia and Feiwan were housed there.
"Andalusia and Feiwan were also eating their meal with great appetite."
"You're saying that we can expect the same, too."
"Abel, say no more."
"You've already said it all."
That night, they were served a banquet even more lavish than they had expected, and it is worth recording here that they were able to sleep satisfied.
-x-X-x-