Water Magician

Editor: Tseirp

The new ambassador from the Atinjo Grand Duchy, Duke Helb.

He is a figure known throughout the southern part of the continent as synonymous with fear, yet his appearance is almost gentlemanly.

With no trace of hostility, his cool demeanor would likely captivate many, particularly women.

His pale purple formal attire, depending on the light, could even appear white; at twilight, when the torches began to be lit, it created an almost fantastical effect.

His long black hair was meticulously tied up, secured with a small crown.

With not a hint of arrogance, as he entered the garden party, he noticed Randassa, the ambassador of the Suje Kingdom, who was coming toward the entrance to greet him, and approached him himself.

When he reached Ambassador Randassa, he offered a single, graceful bow.

Just a single bow.

A murmur of admiration rippled through the crowd.

No one knew exactly who murmured.

Or perhaps, nearly everyone present murmured.

Such a breathtakingly elegant, beautiful bow, that was all.

And with that alone, it was proven that Duke Helb was the protagonist of the evening.

Many attendees, seeing Duke Helb’s bow, were captivated by it, though there were a few who were not. Only three people frowned slightly.

Bansnow, the deputy ambassador from the Komakyuta Principality.

Lena, the deputy captain of the Lone Dark ship.

And Abel.

These three knew the effect of ‘a bow’.

Is it something performed out of courtesy?

Something to show respect?

Neither would be incorrect.

But the essence runs much deeper.

With a perfect bow, one can command the room.

People, unconsciously, fall under the influence of a person who performs a perfect bow.

Many cannot resist.

‘A person who bows so elegantly’ is translated in their minds to ‘a remarkable person’.

Perhaps this is because, deep down, everyone knows that most people cannot achieve a ‘perfect bow’.

Anyone can simply lower their head.

But no one would be moved by that.

A ‘perfect bow’ is something altogether different.

A simple bow, yet not so simple.

It was the three who knew the effect and power of a perfect bow who showed slight displeasure.

Bansnow, the deputy ambassador from the Komakyuta Principality, had been trained since childhood by his family.

Those born into merchant families are taught reading, writing, math, and etiquette from a young age.

This is true across all times and places.

Of course, only in respectable merchant families.

It isn’t just ‘do this’.

First, they instill a thorough understanding of ‘why it is necessary’.

Otherwise, simply memorizing and recalling things is meaningless.

That’s why Bansnow knew the fearsome power of a ‘perfect bow’.

First Officer Lena of the Lone Dark, had parents who both served in the navy.

Military personnel do not take bows lightly.

They may not be ‘perfect’, but they are at least not bows that would invite disrespect.

In a profession where victory and defeat are matters of life and death.

Any advantage, even through a bow, is valuable.

At the very least, they must avoid being at a disadvantage.

That’s why Lena understood the necessity of a ‘perfect bow’.

Abel was the king of the Knightley Kingdom.

From an early age, he had mastered various forms of etiquette at the royal castle.

Regardless of personal preference, he had to learn everything deemed necessary for a lifetime.

He first had to understand.

Why he had to master it all.

That’s why he did not neglect his training.

Any of it.

There was nothing he could afford to neglect.

But… or perhaps because of that, he understood.

Everything has depth.

Not only swordsmanship, violin playing, or dancing…

Even writing.

Official letters to foreign countries were traditionally handwritten by the king himself.

They were written in a way that was easy to read, but beautiful, elegant, and dignified…

No, they had to be written that way.

There is depth to everything.

When you strive for perfection in anything, you find it goes deep.

Naturally, even in a bow.

Among royalty, Abel’s bow was considered quite elegant.

But it couldn’t be called ‘perfect’.

He had devoted a considerable amount of time to training from the day he was born.

That’s why Abel knew how astoundingly difficult it is to achieve a ‘perfect bow’.

“That master of the art of sorcery is a very challenging negotiation opponent, isn’t he?”

Ryo whispered to Abel.

“You think so too, Ryo?”

“Someone who understands the power of courtesy knows just how important and effective it is in negotiations. By making a beautiful bow, they can begin at an advantage.”

“It surprises me that you know this, Ryo.”

“I dealt with a lot of cunning people back in my hometown.”

Ryo replied, remembering his time in Japan.

He had often faced off with troublesome presidents of rival companies… alongside his boss, Gen-san.

“Ambassador Randassa, thank you for inviting me to the garden party.”

“Duke… I mean, Ambassador Helb, it must be busy for you just after your appointment. We are honored that you accepted the invitation.”

After some hesitation, Ambassador Randassa chose to address him as ‘Ambassador’ instead of ‘Duke’.

“As this is my first appointment as an ambassador. I am still young and inexperienced. I may cause you some trouble, and I hope for your patience and kindness.”

“…It will be my pleasure.”

The initial greetings between Duke Helb and Ambassador Randassa ended without incident.

Watching this, one man then approached Duke Helb.

“I would like to ask the ambassador. What is the meaning behind the recent recklessness of the Atinjo Grand Duchy’s fleet?”

Though spoken in a restrained tone, the question was blunt and confrontational.

Even at a lowered volume, it was clear enough for Ryo and Abel to hear from where they stood.

The questioner was the Deputy Minister of Ports of the Free City, Mishta.

Duke Helb, the one being questioned, maintained his calm demeanor.

Tilting his head slightly.

“Deputy Minister Mishta! This is a garden party hosted by our embassy. Please mind your language.”

Ambassador Randassa intervened, also keeping his voice low.

“But…”

The deputy minister tried to argue back.

“Ah, I see. So, you are Deputy Minister Mishta of the Port Authority. My apologies. I thought I’d memorized all the names and faces of relevant officials, but it seems I missed a few… My apologies.”

“All of them?”

Duke Helb spoke in a normal, conversational tone.

Followed by a murmured question from Aide Ronfan, standing behind the Deputy Minister.

“Yes. Aide Ronfan, isn’t it? You’re attached to Deputy Minister Mishta.”

“Y-yes.”

Duke Helb replied, surprising Ronfan by correctly identifying him.

“Since I’m taking up the post of ambassador, I thought it was essential to recognize key embassy and Foreign Ministry officials from the Free City. It’s my first appointment as an ambassador, so I’m still getting used to things.”

Duke Helb said with a wry smile.

The participants around him couldn’t help but smile as well.

They were already captivated by him, ever since his ‘perfect bow’.

“I believe I can guess the names of most people here. Had the documents from my homeland included portraits, I might have done even better. But I can identify all but five people… based on the descriptions provided.”

“Ooohhh~”

Duke Helb continued, impressing the guests.

From the way Duke Helb spoke, they got the feeling that he knew their names.

To be recognized by such an influential figure…

Made the attendees feel validated and enhanced their positive impression, already heightened by his perfect bow.

“Deputy Minister Mishta, shall we discuss the matter of our fleet later?”

“Are you trying to avoid it?”

“No, not at all. Rather, is it wise to reveal everything here? Wouldn’t that be more troubling for the Free City government than for the Grand Duchy?”

Duke Helb lowered his voice slightly.

“What do you mean?”

“I’m referring to the movements of the Free City fleet. After all, wasn’t that the trigger for this situation?”

“…What are you talking about?”

The Deputy Minister seemed genuinely perplexed by Duke Helb’s words.

Seeing this, Duke Helb raised an eyebrow and spoke in a thoughtful tone.

“It appears… you truly are unaware. For the Deputy Minister of Ports to be unaware of this… It would be best if Deputy Minister Mishta personally asked the Navy Minister and the Free City Fleet Commander.”

“What… what are you implying, Duke Helb?”

“Doesn’t it strike you as strange? Where exactly is the main force of the Free City fleet right now?”

“They’re conducting large-scale exercises in the northern seas…”

“While our fleet of 200 ships is anchored at your capital’s port? Without protecting the capital?”

“That…that’s…”

Deputy Minister Mishta began to frown, contemplating Duke Helb’s point.

“When you consult with the Navy Minister and Fleet Commander, you should ask them two things: ‘What is the Blue Island?’ and ‘Was the Free City fleet’s main force wiped out?’”

“Wha…?”

Deputy Minister Mishta was stunned into silence by Duke Helb’s words.

Even Ambassador Randassa and Aide Ronfan, who had been standing beside him, were speechless.

“Of course, I won’t deny that our Grand Duchy is aiming for the unification of the entire southern continent. This has been our nation’s aspiration since the previous dynasty. However, the reason for taking large-scale action at this time… isn’t solely because of our own motives.”

Duke Helb said in an even quieter voice.

Hearing this, Ambassador Randassa seemed to snap back to attention.

“Duke… no, Ambassador Helb, may I have a word with you in private inside the embassy? If you can spare some time?”

“Of course. However, would you mind if I spoke with about five others beforehand?”

“Understood.”

Upon hearing Ambassador Randassa’s response, Duke Helb smiled warmly and walked away.

Duke Helb first approached Bansnow, the Deputy Ambassador of the Komakyuta Principality.

Next, he headed to Captain Gorick and Deputy Captain Lena of the Lone Dark.

Finally, he made his way to…

“Pardon me. May I join you?”

“Please do, Duke Helb.”

“They’ve just served the third roasted bird. Head Chef Logo Bagirsch from the embassy made this dish, and it’s simply superb.”

Duke Helb’s last stop was with Abel and Ryo.

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