Chapter 486: Invitation

Editor: Tseirp

The two returned to the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’.

At the counter, another pair was receiving their room key.

“Ah, you two just got back too?”

“Abel-san, Ryo-san. We’re just returning from work.”

Head Chef Susie answered.

Lena, the First Officer, nodded in agreement.

“Abel, this is how people should be.”

“Yeah, you’re the last person I want to hear that from.”

Abel retorted to Ryo, who had been wandering around with him.

Indeed, Abel didn’t want to hear that from Ryo.

“Welcome back, Abel-sama, Ryo-sama. A letter has arrived for you both.”

The well-mannered man at the counter said as he handed them the letter.

“An invitation?”

“The Suje Embassy?”

Their murmurs must have been louder than intended.

As the two women who had just received their keys turned around.

Both Lena and Susie were eyeing them suspiciously.

Noticing this, Abel broke the seal.

He thought they were curious about what was inside.

“An invitation to a garden party?”

“Ah… just as I thought.”

Susie, the head chef, shook her head slightly at Abel’s murmur.

And Lena frowned.

“Hm? Is it not a good invitation?”

“Well… to be honest, it could be troublesome.”

“Why would the embassy send you two an invitation?”

Susie answered Abel’s question, while Lena raised a concern.

“If we refuse, will it cause problems for the Suje Kingdom?”

Ryo asked.

Not fully grasping the significance of the ‘invitation’.

“It would be a loss of face.”

“Someone who was counting on you two might be disappointed.”

“And there will be leftover food.”

Abel, Lena, and Susie each responded in their own way.

Naturally, the last response was what struck Ryo the most.

“Le-leftover food?! That’s terrible! We must reduce food waste! Abel, even if this is a trap, we have no choice but to attend!”

“You just want to eat embassy food…”

Abel replied, exasperated.

“Embassy head chef Logo Bagirsh-dono is a master of both meat and fish dishes. As a chef, if you have the chance, I highly recommend his food… though this time…”

“Let’s go, Abel!”

“…Well, fine.”

Despite the potential trouble, Susie, the head chef, couldn’t fully recommend attending. But Ryo, who was optimistic and thought everything would work out, persuaded Abel.

Who also thought, it would be fine.

In the end, maybe they really were a good pair.

“Wait, you sent an invitation to Abel-san and Ryo-san?”

“Yes, I did. Is there an issue?”

Slightly confused by Captain Gorick’s raised voice.

Ambassador Randassa responded suspiciously.

They were in the Suje Kingdom Embassy, inside the ambassador’s office.

“We received an official response from the Grand Duchy’s embassy. The new ambassador, Duke Helb, will attend the garden party. He’s a formidable force. If something happens, our embassy’s current strength won’t be enough. Even with the seasoned crew of the Lone Dark.”

“That may be true, but…”

“You were the one who said those two were quite strong, captain. Having them here in the Free City is an unbelievable stroke of luck. Of course, I don’t expect them to work for free. Since they seem to be adventurers, I’m prepared to offer appropriate compensation.”

“…Have you already reported this to the kingdom?”

“Yes, I did earlier. No response yet.”

In response to Captain Gorick’s question, Ambassador Randassa nodded firmly.

The embassy was equipped with a ‘magic communication device’ that allowed for communication with the royal castle of the Suje Kingdom.

It’s a kind of long-distance communication, though it doesn’t allow for real-time two-way conversations.

It’s somewhat like a fax machine or email.

They would send a message and wait for a reply.

Depending on the distance, like between the Free City and the capital, it could take about two hours one way.

The reply would likely arrive tonight at the earliest.

“Honestly, even with their strength, I doubt they could stop Duke Helb. But they’ll surely be of some help.”

“You’re not planning to start a war in the embassy, are you?”

Captain Gorick blurted in response to Ambassador Randassa’s words.

“If nothing happens, great. But we can’t wait until something goes wrong, can we?”

“But they’re our guests…”

Captain Gorick trailed off.

If the two declined the invitation, it would be over.

And even if they attended the garden party, the captain planned to keep them from getting caught in any trouble.

The crew of the Lone Dark would also be present as assistants.

Knowing they’d act properly, he felt a bit more at ease.

At this point, however, at the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’, the decision to attend the garden party had already been made, mainly due to the magician’s insistence…

The next day.

“So, what should we do about Abel’s outfit?”

“Outfit?”

“For the garden party. Since it’s a formal invitation from the embassy, you can’t go in your regular clothes, right?”

“Well, I guess not…”

Abel was caught off guard by this sudden topic right after breakfast.

“You wore a white formal outfit during Suje Kingdom’s coronation. How about going with black this time?”

“Bl-black?”

“Or, given the ‘Crimson Sword’ in your party’s name, are you attached to red? Maybe a combination of red and black? Very Stendhal… or even a red and black striped pattern—Rossonero. Like the famed Italian team.”

Ryo, grinning to himself.

Clearly imagining Abel wearing the Rossonero uniform, playing soccer.

Ryo muttered things like, “Being a swordsman, you’d play as a forward, right? I can feel the breeze from Milan…” but Abel had no idea what he was talking about.

“The white formal wear I wore for the coronation ceremony in the Suje Kingdom, can’t I just use that…?”

“No, no, Abel’s fans across the continent would want to see you in a different outfit.”

“What? Fans across the continent…?”

“Exactly. Abel’s fans who live on the continent.”

“There are no such people!”

“Let’s take this opportunity to grow your fanbase properly. ‘Behold, Abel the swordsman!’ Just like that, you’ll make a big impression.”

“Not necessary.”

Ryo’s suggestion was flatly rejected by Abel.

It seemed that the King of Knightley didn’t like being in the spotlight.

The two of them spent the rest of the morning as usual.

In the courtyard, Abel practiced his sword swings, while Ryo read an alchemy book and conducted experiments.

However, as Abel swung his sword, he noticed something.

Ice towers appeared and disappeared at the four corners of the courtyard.

Of course, it had to be Ryo’s doing.

That much was clear.

But Ryo was reading his alchemy book and repeatedly conducting his alchemy experiments.

“Could it be that he’s simultaneously performing water-attribute magic while doing alchemy experiments…?”

Abel couldn’t use magic.

Therefore, his knowledge of how it was executed was purely academic.

Based on that knowledge, he believed it was impossible to perform both alchemy and magic at the same time.

Though he had heard of ‘fusion magic’.

A concept introduced by his friend Kenneth.

It was a combination of alchemy and magic…

But it required one person to perform alchemy and another to cast magic… the fusion occurred through collaboration between multiple individuals.

The idea of one person simultaneously performing alchemy and magic was unheard of.

Alchemy, whether it involved experiments or crafting alchemy tools, required the infusion of magic power.

To use elemental magic at the same time would be akin to… shooting an arrow while swinging a sword.

It seemed impossible to do both simultaneously.

And yet…

“Phew.”

Ryo exhaled, seemingly satisfied with the results of his experiment, and tilted his neck from side to side.

A typical gesture to ease tension.

“Hey, Ryo.”

“What is it, Abel?”

“You were just doing alchemy experiments, right?”

“Yes, and they went quite well.”

Ryo replied with a cheerful smile.

“Were you also creating ice towers at the same time?”

“Ah, you noticed! Maybe it’s because they were as tall as a person. I still can’t make smaller towers while doing alchemy, though. I need more practice.”

Ryo responded, nodding as if it were the most natural thing.

Abel was still far from convinced.

“Yeah, but I thought it was impossible to do both at once…”

“Abel, nothing is impossible. Some swordsmen can wield a sword in both their right and left hands, aren’t there?”

“I don’t think that’s the same thing…”

“I-Is it not? Well, how about this… some people fight with a spear in their right hand and a sword in their left, right?”

“…That’s pointless.”

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”

“Right…”

Ryo said this with full confidence, and while Abel didn’t find it convincing at all, he decided to accept it.

After all, he had just witnessed Ryo simultaneously perform alchemy and water-attribute magic…

At three in the afternoon.

Both dressed for the garden party, Abel and Ryo descended into the lobby of the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’.

A carriage was scheduled to pick them up and take them to the Suje Kingdom Embassy, and they had a fellow passenger.

“First Officer Lena, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No, I’ve only just arrived myself.”

Ryo spoke, and First Officer Lena responded.

Then, looking at Abel, she added.

“Abel-san, you’re wearing the same outfit from the coronation ceremony. It really suits you.”

“Oh, really?”

Abel replied, feeling a bit embarrassed.

As for Ryo, he was, of course, wearing his usual robe.

First Officer Lena was dressed in the formal attire of the Suje Kingdom Navy.

She and Captain Gorick were attending the party as representatives of the navy.

While the other crew members were assisting with the event.

“Head Chef Susie has already gone ahead to the embassy, right?”

“Yes. She had to help with preparations. I’ll be escorting the two of you.”

Lena said, bowing elegantly.

Her graceful posture, combined with her well-tailored naval uniform, made her bow a beautiful sight.

Ryo nodded happily.

And Abel let out a quiet “Ooh”, in admiration.

No matter the time or place, proper etiquette always elevates one’s reputation.

It is, after all, a part of one’s education.

Education isn’t just about knowledge.

It encompasses one’s behavior and manners as well.

The three of them boarded the carriage and headed for the Suje Kingdom Embassy on Diplomatic Island.

“I’ve learned why the two of you were invited.”

Lena said as the carriage began to move.

“It’s because Duke Helb, the new ambassador of the Atinjo Grand Duchy, will be attending the garden party.”

“Why us, though?”

“Do you know this Duke Helb? He’s not an old friend or an enemy of yours, right?”

“…I’ve heard the name before.”

“Abel, now would be a good time to say, ‘No, I don’t know him’…wait, you’ve heard of him?”

“You’ve heard of him too, Ryo. Remember, at that teahouse by the plaza.”

“Oh, right, now that you mention it!”

Yes, they had overheard a conversation among some ‘big shots’ from the Free City government.

In that conversation, the name of the new ambassador, Duke Helb, had come up.

Ryo and Abel continued chatting, while Lena looked on in slight confusion.

“Ah, sorry. We know about Duke Helb. And the fact that he’s a powerful sorcerer. So they called us as a countermeasure against him, uh?”

“Yes. That was Ambassador Randassa’s decision…”

First Officer Lena knew that the two before her were not just any guests, but rather honored ones of Queen Iliaja.

Because of that, she believed they shouldn’t be involved in such matters.

However…

“Well, it’ll be fine. Whether he’s a sorcerer or a ‘jujujuju’ master, Abel will handle it. In no time!”

“Hey… We’re not going there to start a fight.”

“Of course not! We’re going to enjoy some delicious food… oh no! I fell into Abel’s trap and revealed my true feelings hidden deep in my heart…”

“It was obvious from the start.”

The two in front of her didn’t seem to care about First Officer Lena’s concerns.

Listening to their conversation, the feeling of guilt Lena had in her heart started to dissipate.

“But, Abel. That outfit really suits you.”

“You’re still wearing your usual robe, Ryo. Is that alright?”

“This is a gift from my master. It’s more fitting for a garden party than any formal attire.”

“Is that so?”

Abel looked at him skeptically.

“You’re just too lazy to change clothes, aren’t you?”

“W-What are you talking about? Anyway, wearing that outfit, Abel, you might not pass as a Count, but you could easily look like a Viscount. You certainly won’t be treated poorly.”

“What a forceful change of topic…”

Abel looked at Ryo with a mixture of exasperation and amusement.

However, he noticed First Officer Lena’s puzzled expression from where she sat.

“First Officer Lena, what’s wrong? Is Ryo’s robe inappropriate?”

At Abel’s question, Ryo looked at Lena with a sad and startled expression.

“Oh, no, of course, it’s perfectly fine.”

Upon hearing Lena’s reply, Ryo smiled again.

“It’s just… The word ‘viscount’ that came up in the conversation earlier caught my attention.”

“Ah, I see.”

Abel nodded in understanding.

Of course, Ryo had no idea why that was relevant.

“What do you mean ‘I see’? Wait, First Officer Lena, you don’t know what a viscount is?”

“No. I’m afraid I’m unfamiliar with it.”

“What…?”

Ryo was taken aback by Lena’s answer.

When he looked to the side, Abel didn’t seem surprised.

“Why aren’t you shocked, Abel!”

“It’s a matter of basic knowledge.”

“Ugh… Abel just called me ignorant…”

Abel responded with a calm expression, and Ryo pretended to cry in frustration.

But then, it seemed that something had dawned on him.

“Lena, could it be that there are no ‘viscounts’ in your country?”

“Yes… we don’t have them.”

“I see!”

Ryo nodded firmly and looked at Abel.

But Abel was still frowning.

“Huh? That’s not enough? Okay then… do you also not have the title of ‘baron’?”

“No, we don’t.”

“I see!”

Ryo nodded again, looking once more at Abel.

But Abel was still frowning.

“What about ‘dukes’…?”

“Dukes… well, it’s an old title. Nowadays, we just say ‘duke’ like ‘Duke Helb’. Though using ‘duke’ isn’t wrong. It’s mostly reserved for royalty.”

“I see… And what about ‘marquises’…?”

“I think I’ve read about them in some old books… but I’m not familiar with them myself.”

First Officer Lena answered apologetically.

“So, is ‘Count’…also an old title, and now it’s just ‘Count’ on its own?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“I see…”

Ryo mulled over the new information in his mind.

It seemed that things were quite different from the Central countries.

“In the Central countries, people are divided into royalty, nobility, and commoners, but that’s not the case in the Eastern countries.”

Abel started to explain further.

“In the Eastern countries, there isn’t really an aristocratic class as we know it. The title of ‘duke’ is reserved for royalty, and while ‘count’ can be considered nobility… there aren’t many of them. In terms of the Central countries, you’d consider them to be equivalent to the highest-ranking nobles… like marquises or above.”

“I see.”

“There weren’t any counts in the Archipelago region either, were there?”

“No, there weren’t.”

Abel asked Lena a question.

And she nodded in response.

“You’ve probably never heard of the title of Lord Protector Kabui Somal either, right, Ryo?”

“Oh, now that you mention it, I guess not. So that’s what it was all about.”

Ryo thought back and started to reflect.

“It’s a more equal world.”

“Well… maybe. But if you go further north on the continent, you’ll find a class known as ‘Shitaifuso’, which is similar to the aristocratic ranks of the central countries.”

“In the end, there’s a hierarchy wherever you go in the world…”

Upon hearing Abel’s explanation, Ryo let out a small sigh.

By the way, Ryo, who was lamenting the class system, was a premier duke.

“It’s simply more convenient for governing a country that way.”

Abel shrugged as he responded.

Incidentally, Abel, who was saying this, was the King.

“But Abel, how do you know all of this?”

“Oh, I learned it long ago.”

He had learned it when he was still in the royal castle before he came of age.

“Ugh… this is what they call an information gap. Down with social inequality!”

“What are you even talking about?”

As they bantered, the carriage the three were riding in arrived at the Suje Kingdom Embassy.

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