Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

“Wow, the last supper yesterday was incredibly delicious, wasn’t it?”

“I don’t quite understand why you called it the ‘last supper’...but yeah, it was definitely good.”

Both Ryo and Abel praised the dinner aboard the Lone Dark.

The dinner, prepared with the utmost care by head chef Susie and the other chefs of the Lone Dark, was a high-level meal.

Since it was their last dinner before landing, alcohol was also served, making for a lively meal with drinking and singing.

“The crew members, half of them, are staying at the same inn.”

“That’s what they said. Half of them, including the captain and officers, are staying on Diplomatic Island, right? That’s where the embassies are. Looks like they still have some work to do after we land.”

“Spies... intelligence work, no doubt. Like Marquis Heinlein. Oh, speaking of which, Kabui Somal does kind of resemble Marquis Heinlein, doesn’t he?”

“Now that you mention it, maybe. Neither of them seems to be bad at espionage or intrigue.”

Abel nodded in agreement with Ryo’s words.

Although Abel wasn’t skilled in that field, he understood the necessity of gathering intelligence to maintain a country.

“Espionage is a dirty job. That’s why only a gentleman can do it.”

Ryo said with a heavy tone.

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Those are the words of a famous spy from the past. For Abel... it might be a bit too difficult.”

Ryo said, after giving Abel a mockingly exaggerated once-over, from head to toe.

“I admit it might be impossible for me, but it’s even more impossible for you, Ryo.”

“How rude! I am a gentleman, no matter how you look at me.”

“A true gentleman wouldn’t say they’re a gentleman.”

“Ugh... the spy has fallen into Abel’s trap...”

While they were having this conversation, the Lone Dark arrived at Kwebasa Freeport.

The immigration procedures for entering the Free City of Kwebasa were simple.

A port authority officer boarded the ship and cross-checked the names on the manifest with the crew one by one.

Of course, there were no photos or special identification methods, so it seemed easy to lie and get away with it.

Ryo and Abel, who had been listed as crew members, passed the immigration inspection without any issues.

“A dangerous swordsman like you got into the country without any problem. It’s no wonder saboteurs can easily enter too...”

“Hey, dangerous magician, did you say something?”

Ryo lamented the difficulties of border control, while Abel protested.

Despite their banter, the two put on their most dignified faces during the actual landing.

They appeared to be harmless—a swordsman and a magician.

However, it was only natural that the port authority officer did a double-take when they noticed a small cart made of ice trailing behind Ryo.

It was his usual spell.

This time, the refraction had been adjusted so that its contents were completely invisible.

By the way, the cart was carrying Ryo and Abel’s money...

Denari, the currency of Kwebasa, which had been exchanged for them by the Suje Kingdom.

“The inn prepared for the two of you is called ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’. Half of our crew will also be staying there. The officers are led by First Officer Lena. We’re heading to Diplomatic Island, so if you need to contact us, please speak with Lena.”

Captain Gorick said, before boarding a carriage to Diplomatic Island.

Ryo and Abel, along with fifty other crew members including First Officer Lena and Head Chef Susie, began walking toward the inn.

“Abel, the inn’s name is Freedom Breeze.”

“Come to think of it, didn’t you mention something yesterday about a wind of freedom blowing, or something like that?”

“You remembered! Indeed, in this city, the wind of freedom is blowing.”

“I still have no idea what that means.”

Abel, who hadn’t studied the history of liberalism on modern Earth, didn’t quite grasp the concept.

Ryo considered giving a five-hour lecture on the history and significance of liberalism but decided against it.

After all, Abel was a king.

A living embodiment of the absolute monarchy and the divine right of kings, which liberalism sought to transcend... trying to explain liberalism to him seemed pointless.

“It means you have the freedom to eat delicious food and make your own choices.”

“Now that’s easy to understand. I wholeheartedly agree.”

The ever-hungry swordsman Abel nodded happily.

No matter what ideology one holds, delicious food transcends everything!

If you want peace, feed people delicious food!

The inn, ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’, where the two of them and fifty others would be staying, was located close to the Freeport.

“I thought it would be big since fifty people are staying here, but...”

“It’s a two-story wooden building, but it’s enormous!”

The building was so large that its frontage alone seemed to stretch at least 100 meters.

“I’ve heard the Suje Kingdom invested in this place.”

“Yes, a few generations ago. The king’s sister invested in various places across the continent, including here.”

Lena and Head Chef Susie explained from behind as Ryo and Abel marveled at the inn.

“Crown Estate...”

Ryo muttered to himself, though no one heard him.

The ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’ had a grand yet elegant entrance.

Its exquisite balance of luxury and grace was completed by the flawless demeanor of the staff.

“In the Western Countries... I stayed at a marvelous inn in the Mafalda Republic, but this place seems just as splendid.”

Ryo recalled the ‘Doge Pietro’.

A place where both the facilities and the service were perfect. This place seemed to be just as excellent.

He could tell just from the way the staff moved.

All the procedures for the Lone Dark’s crew were carried out smoothly and without a hitch.

Every one of the fifty crew members.

No, with Ryo and Abel, it was fifty-two people, but the difference was so seamless it felt negligible...

“The service here is always amazing.”

Head Chef Susie said.

“Do you often stay here, Susie-san?”

Ryo asked.

The inn seemed quite expensive.

It felt like the kind of place that wouldn’t be easily accessible unless it was for ‘national business’ or if you were ‘guests of the state’, like Ryo and Abel...

“When I was young, my parents worked as chefs at the embassy here. They brought me to this inn a few times.”

“Hohooo.”

“The food here is fantastic. I heard the kingdom will cover your meal costs, so feel free to order whatever you want.”

“Oh! I can’t wait.”

Ryo said with a blooming smile, clearly delighted by Susie’s nostalgic and happy tone.

Deliciousness is justice!

Ryo and Abel entered their assigned room.

Which was much like a suite, with separate living and bedroom areas.

It was still before noon.

“The others seem to be in meetings.”

“Welcome!”

“For two.”

“Right this way, to that table.”

They were seated at a table.

Around them were only locals, regulars by the looks of it, but the stares from the other customers didn’t matter to the pair.

They were only there for one thing: good food.

The two began reading the menu.

“As expected! They have both beef and pork!”

“Ah, as expected of the continent. Wait a minute, how are we...”

“Yes! We can actually read the words! And we could talk to them earlier too!”

Abel and Ryo were trembling with a little bit of awe.

“That’s thanks to the grueling training we endured under Chief Engineer Gunno for over forty days.”

“No doubt, but I bet Gunno had it harder than we did.”

Chief engineer Gunno had taught them the Eastern language while also keeping up with his regular duties.

The two were deeply grateful to him.

“Beef and bell pepper stir-fried with spicy seasoning? Crushed meat and fermented soybeans stir-fry? Rice with sweet and spicy sauce?”

“Wheat noodles in a broth with Tonton pork? Stir-fried noodles with lots of spicy toppings? Let’s just go with that.”

“Thank you very much!”

With that, Ryo and Abel completed the big task of ordering.

There was a sense of satisfaction on their faces.

Truly.

That much was clear.

But...

“We could read it, but honestly, I have no idea what any of it means...”

“Yeah, no clue what kind of dishes are coming.”

Well, some things can’t be helped.

The world of food is vast and deep.

Just being able to read the menu doesn’t mean you understand it all!

But the two weren’t trembling with fear or uncertainty.

Because they still remembered the smell of that meat from outside the shop.

It was exquisite.

It was divine.

It was... utterly convincing.

‘This place will be good’, they felt, beyond any doubt.

Five minutes later.

Their food arrived.

And their hunch was confirmed.

“Ah, just from the smell, I can already tell.”

“Yeah, this looks great.”

But as the food was laid before them, Ryo noticed something odd.

“I get the spoon and fork, but what are these two sticks... chopsticks?”

Ryo was the only one surprised.

The ever-hungry swordsman Abel had already started eating with a fork.

“Delicious!”

That single word from Abel erased all of Ryo’s surprise.

Chopsticks didn’t matter.

Well, he would use them, of course.

“Mmm, this is really good!”

“See? No matter where you go, good food is always out there.”

“True. I must admit, Abel, you were right.”

“Yep, it’s good if you understand. That’s all that matters.”

Smiling brightly, the two dug in with enthusiasm.

Their hearty eating brought a smile to the regular customers as well.

Seeing unfamiliar guests come in... yet watching them enjoy the food they always ate... it brought joy to the locals too.

At least, no one seemed upset about it.

This place, ‘Happy Eats’, was a restaurant that brought happiness to everyone through food.

“I think I ate too much.”

“Well, Ryo, you did ask for a second helping of the spicy fried rice.”

“And Abel, didn’t you overdo it with that extra serving of noodles? You look just as full as I am.”

“...I won’t deny it.”

The two formerly hungry adventurers had successfully upgraded to full-bellied adventurers.

Being full makes people happy. And it makes them kind.

At this moment, the two were at peace with the world.

Perhaps they had transcended beyond mere fullness and glimpsed a new realm of creation.

“Abel...walking is a bit...”

“Don’t say it. Let’s find somewhere to rest.”

Yes, fullness brings happiness, but be careful not to overeat.

The two wandered into a cafe facing the town square... more like a tea house.

They ordered some green tea.

“This is refreshing, isn’t it?”

“Calling green tea ‘refreshing’ is a new one. Speaking of which, don’t the central countries usually drink black tea?”

“Yeah... tea made from fermented leaves. Lately, coffee has been gaining popularity though.”

Abel answered, but then his gaze shifted.

Noticing, Ryo followed Abel’s line of sight.

“Captain Gorik?”

“Yeah. And the two behind him are crewmembers from the Lone Dark.”

“Are they on a spy mission? But isn’t espionage a bit much for sailors?”

“It’s difficult for them, probably. They’re likely just a distraction... some kind of diversion.”

“Ah, I see. So while the Lone Dark crew draws attention, the real experts move in the background.”

“Exactly. It looks like they’ve got their hands full.”

“But not as full as us.”

“Yeah, our troubles are... totally self-inflicted.”

Watching the sailors engaged in espionage, the now-full swordsman and magician let their guilt and satisfaction wash down with the green tea they sipped...

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