Editor: Tseirp
Ryo and Abel left the Censorate.
“Certainty is hard to come by, isn’t it?”
“Ah, about the Second Prince.”
Ryo shook his head as he spoke, and Abel let out a small sigh.
A highly capable candidate, yet unable to be established as Crown Prince.
A strong contender, yet not favored even by experienced Secretary Shau.
Those two points were unlikely to be mere coincidence.
“This is troublesome…”
“Yeah, it really is.”“The surest way would be to storm back into the Censorate and forcibly extract the information from Shau-san. You could handle that, Abel.”
“Yeah, that last part was unnecessary.”
In any era, in any world, intelligence gathering is never easy.
“As a next-best option, we could storm the Second Prince’s royal residence, seize the prince if possible, and pry information out of him. If we fail to capture him, we can at least gauge his reaction and adjust accordingly. You could handle that, Abel.”
“Once again, that last part was unnecessary.”
Perhaps it was only natural that the perspectives of a magician and a swordsman rarely aligned.
“It’s always ‘No, no, no’ with you, Abel. All you ever do is reject my plans.”
“Obviously…”
“It’s a problem if you don’t propose alternatives, you know. I’m giving detailed suggestions, and all you do is shoot them down.”
“Alright, fine, I’ll give you an alternative.”
Abel paused before continuing.
“How about this: Ryo, clad in ice armor, charges into the Second Prince’s residence on an ice path, breaks in, and holds a sword to Prince Kouri’s throat. See? It’s even more specific than your plan.”
“Rejected, since I could get captured.”
“…So you’re fine with me getting captured instead?”
“Naturally. My identity as Duke Rondo from the Kingdom of Knightley is widely known. If I were to get caught, it would endanger the Kingdom’s standing.”
“You realize…I’m the King of that Kingdom…”
“But since you forgot your identification, you’re just my bodyguard right now.”
Identification was very important.
“…Even so, if I get captured, wouldn’t you be held responsible for supervising me? Wouldn’t that also reflect badly on the Kingdom?”
“Ah, now that you mention it.”
“Yeah, I’m sure you already knew that.”
Ryo clapped his right fist into his left palm in an exaggerated gesture, while Abel sighed.
“I was hoping a good idea would come to us while we were talking, but…”
“In the end, nothing came to mind.”
Both of them shook their heads simultaneously.
Suddenly, something caught Ryo’s eye.
“Fish dishes…”
“You hungry or something?”
“No! Please don’t make comments like some hungry swordsman.”
“Why am I getting scolded here?”
“Speaking of fish, that means ships. And ships mean captains.”
“Could it be… the Captain of the First Imperial Ship?”
“Yes, Captain Myun!”
Captain Myun had captained the first ship of the Imperial fleet that served as Princess Shio Fen’s imperial escort from Bosuntar to the Imperial Capital.
And before becoming captain of that ship, he had apparently been an admiral in the Darwei Navy.
Because of that, he was said to be well-regarded by His Imperial Majesty.
Moreover, he once fought on the same battlefield as Prince Ryun and Prince Kouri, the Second Prince.
That was promising!
Later, the two arrived at the Imperial Vessel Office near the harbor.
Having first stopped at a liquor shop to buy a bottle of sake as a gift.
“Ryo, you’re always so thoughtful”, Abel’s muttered comment didn’t reach Ryo’s ears.
But…
“What? Captain Myun isn’t here?”
“My apologies, Your Grace. The Captain has been summoned to the Imperial Palace.”
It seemed important figures often found themselves summoned to the Palace.
“We’re out of options.”
“You’re being dramatic.”
Leaving the sake as a gift, the two exited the office.
Ryo voiced his despair, and Abel offered a small comfort.
“Seriously, we have no one left who knows the Second Prince well.”
“Yeah, I can’t think of anyone either.”
They concluded that, for today, it was best to give up.
Since they had left gifts for Captain Myun and Captain Li Chu, they might receive word in the coming days.
For now, they decided to return to the mansion.
When they arrived,
they found a man standing before the gate.
“This feels familiar.”
“Last time, it was one of Prince Ryun’s attendants who was stuck there.”
“This one seems different. He’s carrying something on his back… I feel like I’ve seen him before.”
Ryo tilted his head.
The reason he was standing frozen there was likely the same.
The ice golem stationed at the gate.
But they did indeed recognize the man.
“That’s the bard.”
“Ah! Wang A-Shi-san!”
Perhaps hearing them.
The bard Wang A-Shi turned toward them.
He placed his hands together before his chest and bowed.
“It has been a while.”
“Since we last met, I’d say.”
“Since you sang your plum garden song at the Ryusen Residence, right?”
Abel and Ryo spoke as they recalled.
“After that, I was allowed to stay at the Ryusen Residence.”
“Wasn’t that quite expensive?”
Wang A-Shi smiled, while Ryo worried about the lodging costs.
The Ryusen Residence was an ultra-luxurious inn, with lodging fees that were no joke.
“I had a nightly singing contract that covered my stay. So it was effectively free.”
“I see!”
Wang A-Shi explained with a wry smile, and Ryo nodded in understanding.
Having the most renowned bard in the Eastern Countries sing nightly would surely draw in wealthy guests, even just for dinner.
Making it well worth it for the inn.
“I was well cared for, but then the entire Ryusen Residence was rented out.”
“Rented out?”
“Yes. By the Imperial Envoy from the Choouchi Empire. So I had to leave… Though I was very happy composing songs during the day…”
With a sigh, Wang A-Shi looked dejected.
Then, as if remembering something,
he raised his head sharply.
“More importantly! When I heard you were the Duke Rondo, Ryo, I was shocked! Why didn’t you tell me?!”
“Ah, ahaha…”
They had told him they were adventurers from the Kingdom of Knightley, but never revealed their true identities.
It wasn’t that they were hiding it.
They simply hadn’t found the right timing…
“Also, while Duke Rondo’s identity is public, Abel’s is still hidden, isn’t it?”
“M-me? What are you talking about…”
Abel was never good at bluffing.
“Someone who can interact so casually with Duke Rondo, like Abel-san here, can only be that person.”
“No, I’m just an adventurer, Abel…”
“You’re Abel I, the Liberator, King of Knightley, aren’t you?”
Wang A-Shi stated it flatly, shaking his head.
“Abel The Liberator… that sounds pretty cool.”
Ryo latched onto a completely different part of the statement.
As usual.
“W-Wang A-Shi, about that…”
“Don’t worry. I don’t know the reason, but you go by Albert-san at the imperial palace, right? I won’t go around spreading that you’re King Abel.”
Abel tried to hush him in a panic, but Wang A-Shi had already stated it before he could.
“But it does make me wonder: why is it that Ryo-san’s status as Duke Rondo is revealed, but Abel-san’s status as King Abel is kept a secret?”
“Yeah, that’s all on me…”
“It’s because of this.”
As Wang A-Shi voiced his question, Abel accepted all the blame, while Ryo showed him the reason.
The reason Ryo showed his was…
“An alchemical identification tool, is it?”
As expected of a bard.
Wang A-Shi instantly recognized what Ryo had shown him.
“Our Prime Minister told me to always keep it on my person, so I wear it at all times.”
“Ah, I’ve heard about that. Foreign nobility…and the Shitaifu Class in Darwei, are also required to wear them at all times. In Darwei, I heard it’s even the law…”
“But Abel wasn’t wearing something that important.”
“Well, it was inside my own country, and… I mean, I’m the king…”
“That was a massive blunder on Abel’s part!”
“Yes…I’m sorry.”
Abel accepted Ryo’s denunciation honestly.
“That’s not exactly a heroic story for King Abel, is it? I’ll refrain from putting that in a song.”
“Yes, please do.”
Wang A-Shi frowned as he spoke, and Ryo requested it.
Abel simply shook his head silently.
Since it wasn’t ideal to continue the conversation standing, Ryo led Wang A-Shi into the mansion.
It was inevitable that Wang A-Shi’s gaze became fixed on the ice golem he saw on the way in.
Moreover, once he entered the courtyard, he saw multiple golems.
Wang A-Shi stood frozen, eyes wide open.
Finally rebooting, he entered the residence with the two.
“That’s incredible…those are the golems, right?”
“Yes, I’m impressed you knew. Those are ice golems.”
Ryo answered Wang A-Shi’s question with visible delight.
Showing a trace of pride in both tone and demeanor.
“I’d heard golem technology was advanced in the Western Countries…”
“Recently, it’s been spreading in the Central Countries too.”
Ryo’s pride was evident in his response.
Technically, this wasn’t a lie.
But in reality, the only one creating truly practical golems in the Central Countries was Frank de Verde of the Union.
And Ryo’s own ice golems were mainly used in rice fields rather than war.
Claiming it was ‘spreading’ was, frankly, an exaggeration.
The three sat drinking tea that Ryo had prepared.
After a pause, Abel asked:
“So, why did you come, Wang A-Shi?”
Indeed, while it was true they hadn’t seen each other in a while, they hadn’t told him they were living here.
And it wasn’t as if they had made any prior plans.
“Ah, yes. After leaving the Ryusen Residence, I was invited to stay at the Imperial Palace.”
“What!”
It seemed even a bard of his caliber could stay at the Palace.
“While there, I heard many things about Prince Ryun.”
As he spoke, Wang A-Shi watched their expressions carefully.
Not so much to probe, but rather to gauge how much they already knew and how much he could safely share.
“We know a fair bit.”
Ryo offered upfront disclosure.
Upon hearing this, the words that came from Wang A-Shi’s mouth were…
“Even about Prince Ryun being sealed as an Imperial Prince?”
“Yes. Rather, I’m surprised you know about that, Wang A-Shi…”
“Hehe, I am a bard, after all. Many people within the palace quietly share things with me.”
There will always be people who want to show off a little.
“With the emergence of a fourth Imperial Prince, things will become even more complicated. His Majesty understands this, yet still wishes to elevate Prince Ryun, indicating how highly he values him.”
“However, in general, I’ve heard that while the people like Prince Ryun, he lacks the sharpness typically found in those who wield power…”
“That’s the general opinion, yes. However, His Majesty… and particularly Prince Kouri, the Second Prince, are said to hold Prince Ryun in high regard.”
Wang A-Shi took a sip of tea.
“Why does Prince Kouri value Prince Ryun so highly?”
“I heard that years ago, when Prince Kouri led the army, the young Prince Ryun, still in his early teens, led a charge that prevented the collapse of the front lines.”
“Ah, yes, I’ve heard that story before.”
Ryo nodded deeply.
Recalling that Captain Myun had told him this once.
It was clear that Wang A-Shi had considerable knowledge not just of palace affairs but also about each prince.
Perhaps he could serve as a replacement informant for Captain Myun or Captain Li Chu…
“Wang A-Shi, I have a request.”
“Yes?”
“Please, tell us everything you know about Prince Kouri, the Second Prince.”
Ryo decided to ask directly.
Abel glanced at Ryo upon hearing this.
But he remained silent.
Apparently agreeing with Ryo’s initiative.
Wang A-Shi tilted his head slightly.
But only for a few seconds.
“Very well. But I have one condition.”
“A condition?”
“In exchange, I’d like to hear your stories.”
“Our…”
“Stories?”
Both Ryo and Abel tilted their heads this time at Wang A-Shi’s proposal.
“I’ve been able to piece together and sing about your stories up to the Kingdom Liberation War from various sources. But nothing of what happened after. I don’t know why you two are in these faraway Eastern Countries, so distant from the Central Countries.”
“Ah…”
Ryo and Abel both uttered at the same time.
The two exchanged a look.
“Very well, we agree. Go on.”
The information Wang A-Shi provided about Prince Kouri ranged from what they already knew to details only his closest aides would know.
Prince Kouri was skilled in both the military and literary arts, excelled in politics, and possessed keen foresight, as Secretary Shau had mentioned.
Many within the Shitaifu class aligned themselves with his faction.
Among the three princes, he was undoubtedly the closest to the Imperial Throne.
But…
“Some say he is too calculating.”
Wang A-Shi’s voice lowered as he shared this.
“But if he’s to steer the vast Darwei, being calculating isn’t necessarily a flaw, is it?”
Abel, who had steered a nation himself for three years as a king, tilted his head as he asked.
“You’re right. But even in a vast empire like Darwei, the people are its foundation. And people are moved not by logic but by emotion. Being calculating is a strength for a supporter of the throne, but the emperor himself should possess warmth to allow the people to live in peace… At least, that’s what someone told me.”
“That may indeed be true.”
Ryo nodded deeply in agreement.
“Abel is the prime example of that, after all.”
“Me?”
Abel tilted his head again at Ryo’s point.
Seemingly unaware of it himself.
“Abel is the epitome of a king who lacks calculation or logic but possesses warmth.”
“Hey…”
Abel interjected at Ryo’s harsh description.
“Even so, the Kingdom of Knightley runs fine because of calculating vassals like Marquis Heinlein supporting it, right? Being calculating may sound negative, but if you rephrase it as having sharp awareness or being merciless toward evil, it’s fine.”
“Well, I can’t deny I’m blessed with capable retainers…”
Abel did not refute Ryo’s words, though he frowned.
The qualities needed to lead and the skills to support a leader were entirely different.
This applied not only at the national level but also within companies and organizations.
Could excellent subordinates become excellent leaders?…99% of the time, they could not.
The skill sets required were different.
Of course, some rare individuals could do both.
But they were extremely rare.
Would you gamble on such miracles when choosing a leader? Would your employees accept that?
Besides, those truly exceptional people capable of doing both often establish their ventures early.
So, what should be done?
Unfortunately, so far, humanity has only found one answer.
That is to train individuals from a young age to become future leaders.
After all, it is easier to acquire skills when starting young.
Whether it be learning a foreign language or playing an instrument…
Everyone knows this.
The same applies to management. It’s as simple as that.
That is why even globally dominant Western corporations like Walmart, BMW, Exxon, and Miele remain family-run.
Does being born into such a family guarantee glory?
Hardly.
One must first compete within the family.
Only those recognized as truly capable within the family can move up, but even then, without certain academic achievements, they couldn’t even stand at the starting line.
The humiliation of being denied even the chance to compete…
With no choice in the matter, from the moment they are born, they are thrust into competition.
Even if they lose, the title of ‘one of that family’ follows them to their grave.
Even if they find normal employment, those around them will always mention it.
Of course, those people likely don’t say it with any intent to insult.
And so…
In the end, many do not take regular employment but choose to start their ventures…
Perhaps this was not so different from certain royal families.
“Life never goes as planned.”
Ryo muttered, letting out a small sigh.
“Abel, you should be grateful to Marquis Heinlein.”
“Y-yeah…”
Ryo spoke solemnly, and Abel accepted it.
“Still, being an emperor sounds incredibly difficult.”
“Hm?”
Ryo reacted to Abel’s muttering.
“If a fool becomes emperor, it’s a problem. But if someone too smart becomes emperor, it’s also a problem. It’s way too complicated.”
“You’re trying to say you’re amazing for managing it so naturally, aren’t you, Abel? So sly!”
“No, not at all! I never said that!”
“You won’t say it yourself and make me say it instead. That’s not smart, that’s cunning.”
“Ugh, that makes no sense…”
Ryo declared, while Abel voiced his dissatisfaction.
Wang A-Shi, listening beside them, only chuckled softly…
His silence displayed the tact of a bard.
After more conversation, Wang A-Shi finally took his leave, departing with a smile, saying:
I feel like I can compose a new song now.
TLN: Please read my translations at , I did not give permission to any site to host my translations.
If you like my translations, please support me on Patreon and unlock early chapter releases! 7 day free trial is available for Bronze tier now!