Water Magician-Chapter 553: Roche Ten’s Explanation

Editor: Tseirp

“Why are you two here?”

After inviting Ryo and Abel, who had suddenly arrived, to sit, Roche Ten asked them this question.

Of course, it was a natural question.

The two had parted ways in the city of Nomon, and now here they were in the imperial capital, even showing up at the inn where Roche Ten was staying.

And yet, no one had come to inform him of their arrival…

“Um, we came to check in on you.”

Ryo answered.

It wasn’t a lie.

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.

“I see… so it’s already reached your ears as well? But it only happened a few hours ago. That seems rather quick, doesn’t it?”

Roche Ten was a calm, composed man— but certainly not slow-witted.

“That’s true. Actually, we’ve been hired as guards by Von Debout-dono, Count of Matan.”

Abel said honestly, causing Roche Ten to widen his eyes in surprise.

He seemed quite shocked.

But only for a moment.

He quickly nodded.

“I see. That explains it. Count Matan’s vassals must have been gathering information too. So your visit here is part of that?”

“Yes. Given what just happened, and the fact that we’re hired by the man who attacked you… we understand it’s awkward.”

“No, I don’t mind. In fact, I’d like you to tell his vassals something.”

“Tell them? What exactly?”

“To refrain from any rash actions.”

Roche Ten’s expression was deadly serious.

“I understand. I promise. For that reason…”

“Yes, I’ll tell you everything I can.”

Roche Ten nodded.

“Though… there really isn’t that much.”

Here’s a summary of what Roche Ten said:

Roche Ten had been appointed advisor for the preparation of the new residence following the wedding of the Sixth Prince Ryun.

Because of this, he often entered the imperial palace, though it had been some time since he walked the south corridor where the incident took place.

While walking there, he heard a scream from behind.

When he turned around, he saw a palace guard on the floor and Count Matan charging toward him with a sword raised.

There were others around, but no one moved.

Roche Ten dodged as Count Matan swung his sword down.

Count Matan staggered as a result and was then restrained by nearby officials and lords who piled on top of him.

Roche Ten was quickly escorted to another room, so he didn’t see what happened after that.

“I’m not skilled in martial arts, but Count Matan is even less suited for such things.”

Roche Ten added with a small shake of his head, finishing his account.

“Are you close with Count Matan…Von Debout-dono?”

“No… I know of him, of course, but we’ve never worked together before. We barely know each other.”

“I see.”

“Count Matan is not a martial man, but he is known to be principled. He doesn’t belong to any faction, and he always acts with integrity— even toward the princes and royal family. So to think such a man would draw his sword in the imperial palace… If I hadn’t been the target myself, I wouldn’t have believed the story.”

With that, Roche Ten drank the last of his tea.

“Did you notice anything unusual? About him, or about the situation…?”

“Hmm… to be honest, everything felt unusual… But two things stood out. First, when he attacked, his eyes were closed.”

“…His eyes were closed when he struck?”

“Yes. Strange, right? Even the best swordsman can’t hit a target with their eyes closed. And second—this was just for a moment—but I caught a sweet scent coming from his body.”

“A sweet scent…?”

“Yes, something I’ve never really smelled before… maybe coming from inside his clothes. I don’t know if that means anything, but it really stuck with me.”

“No—that’s helpful.”

Abel nodded at Roche Ten’s words.

Ryo, who had remained silent, spoke up.

“Do you know what Count Matan Von Debout-san was working on recently?”

“Yes. Count Matan was in charge of hospitality for the princess. In other words, he was responsible for everything from caring for Princess Shio Fen, who was to marry His Highness the Sixth Prince Ryun as his legal wife, to preparing tools, the wedding ceremony, and setting up temporary accommodations. Of course, the actual work is done by officials; we lords only hold the title of responsibility. He did attend meetings and communicate frequently with the other side, but… I had heard that everything was proceeding smoothly.”

Roche Ten gave a slight shake of his head.

He truly couldn’t understand why the incident had occurred.

“Anyway, we’ll go and deliver your message to Count Matan’s vassals.”

“Yes, please. Also, no punishment or execution will happen until the wedding is over. There’s still time… please remind his people not to do anything rash…”

“Got it. We’ll let them know.”

With that, Ryo and Abel exited the inn, ‘Moonlight Banquet Pavilion’, once again using the back door.

“Both the attacker and the victim are involved in the wedding.”

“Ah, so you noticed it too, Ryo.”

Prince Ryun, the Sixth Prince, was marrying Princess Shio Fen.

The victim, Lord Roche Ten, was overseeing the preparation of Prince Ryun’s new residence.

The attacker, Count Matan Von Debout, was responsible for hosting Princess Shio Fen.

“No way that’s just a coincidence.”

“Exactly…”

Abel nodded, thinking for a moment before continuing.

“First things first, we report.”

In the Darwei Imperial Family, the former Crown Prince (First Prince) had already died.

Roche Ten had belonged to his faction. But was currently unaffiliated.

The Second, Third, and Fourth Princes had become Imperial Princes.

A rank above ordinary princes and contenders for the throne.

The Sixth Prince, Ryun, was not an Imperial Prince and wasn’t in line to compete for the throne.

Ryo and Abel had met him before in Fenmu, the imperial mausoleum.

Princess Shio Fen was marrying him.

So, to sum up—it all seems deeply connected.

The two of them reported everything to Wei Fon and the others.

Of course, they also passed on Roche Ten’s warning to avoid rash actions.

“Wei Fon-san said they could keep things under control in the capital, but…”

“Yeah. Once word reaches the territories, who knows what’ll happen. The family will probably be dissolved…”

“And no one would quietly accept that…”

Abel and Ryo both let out a long sigh.

Naturally, as hired adventurers—not vassals—they wouldn’t suffer serious losses.

At worst, they wouldn’t get paid.

But for Count Matan’s vassals, like Wei Fon, it was possible their families would be left destitute.

No wonder the two sighed.

“Anyway… they said they wanted us to gather more intel, right?”

“Yep. No point in just sitting around the waiting area. So, where should we start?” ƒгeewebnovёl.com

Just as Abel and Ryo were deciding what to do next, they heard voices from the city.

“The Princess is arriving!”

“It’s Prince Ryun’s bride’s ship!”

“Think we can get a glimpse if we head to the harbor?”

“Let’s go check it out!”

“Abel, looks like Princess Shio Fen and her party have arrived.”

“Yeah, it took us a while too, but they’re finally here.”

“Well, they were stopping in cities for formal appearances. Must’ve been exhausting.”

Even though Ryo and Abel had only traveled with her entourage for a few days, they sympathized with the burden she must have endured.

TLN: Please read my translations at tseirptranslations.com, 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!