Chapter 498: Report

Editor: Tseirp

The government’s notice was delivered to various locations that very night.

However, many citizens of the Free City only saw it the following morning.

It was seen around their homes.

It was seen at their workplaces.

And even… at inns.

“This has become quite serious.”

“Yeah. It seems the Grand Duchy had already infiltrated the government.”

Ryo and Abel discussed the government notice, which had reached the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’, both frowning as they read.

In front of the notice posted in the lobby, they were not alone; other guests were also gathering and discussing the matter.

Some even debated abandoning their negotiations in the Free City and returning to their homeland…

“But doesn’t the Free City have people with more power than the Prime Minister?”

“That would be the Supreme Council.”

Abel replied precisely to Ryo’s question.

The Supreme Council of the Free City of Kwebasa is composed of the heads of the eight major merchant guilds.

This Council elects the Prime Minister from among the members of the Free Parliament.

Therefore, the Supreme Council is considered the most powerful institution in the Free City.

“However, the nation’s representative is apparently the Prime Minister. The law grants the Prime Minister considerable authority.”

“But this… doesn’t seem like a decision aligned with the Supreme Council’s wishes, does it?”

“That may be true. There could be some movement soon.”

Neither Ryo nor Abel knew the detailed actions of the Free City’s government.

They both felt… somewhat vaguely, an aversion to watching a country before them fall to invasion.

That said, they were not citizens of the Free City.

They were quite curious about how the government, the Grand Duchy, and the citizens would act next.

“For now, we know what we need to do.”

“Hm?”

“We’ll go to the Adventurers’ Mutual Aid Society, get a guidebook, and head to some recommended eateries!”

“…Is that really what we need to do?”

“Of course! And primarily, we’ll be confirming whether these shops are still open and have access to ingredients.”

“Oh, I see… That is indeed important. And if they’re not open?”

“Simple. We’ll raid the Grand Duchy’s embassy once again!”

“Unlike before, the Grand Duchy seems to have become the suzerain of this Free City…”

“That’s irrelevant. No, in fact. As the suzerain, it must ensure food reaches the citizens!”

Ryo declared firmly.

Abel, too, understood that Ryo’s words carried a certain logic.

Though…

“We can only hope the Grand Duchy behaves rationally.”

Abel prayed to a god he had yet to meet.

Before noon.

Having successfully received a dining guide from the guild, Ryo and Abel stood before the first establishment listed.

“So, this place is, ‘Eat! Eat! Eat!’ —quite a bold name.”

“Well, at least it’s clear what kind of place it is.”

Ryo and Abel glanced around the door.

“There’s no ‘Closed’ sign up.”

“Right. Shall we go in?”

The two stepped inside.

“Welcome!”

A deep male voice called from the back.

“Table for two.”

“Please, take any seat you like!”

Ryo and Abel exchanged a small fist bump in secret.

At the very least, a meal awaited them.

They wouldn’t go hungry today.

And from the kitchen came the most delicious aroma…

“This looks promising.”

“Considering the recommendations, it’s bound to be delicious!”

And so, the two were drowned in an ocean of flavors…

“That last bit of chicken was overkill. That was definitely Abel’s fault.”

“The large sweet-and-spicy stir-fried rice was beyond excessive as well. That miscalculation was yours, Ryo.”

Yes, Ryo and Abel had overindulged.

Indeed, as everyone had foreseen.

Only the two involved had thoughtlessly overdone it.

But who could blame them?

Delicious food is addictive.

The two then decided to rest their stomachs in the cafe at the ‘Freedom Breeze Inn’.

Initially, they’d headed to the tea shop in the plaza where they’d also rested after meals on the first and second days, but it was still under repairs.

Apparently, when the government officials were attacked, the walls and floors had also been damaged, so it was closed for now.

Thus, the inn’s café became their place for a stomach break.

“This coffee… Mandheling, is it? Mandheling coffee on Earth originates from Southeast Asia, and this area on the southern continent or the archipelago region gives a similar vibe… Interesting. Okay, I’ll go with the Mandheling.”

“I’ll have the same…”

Ryo had focused on the Mandheling coffee on the menu.

Abel, unable to even look at the menu, seemed to leave everything to Ryo.

“I’ll get Abel the extra spicy red chili juice.”

“Hey, don’t…!”

“Unfortunately, that juice isn’t available. I guess we’ll settle for Mandheling coffee.”

“Why can’t you just order it normally…”

“The rivalry between magicians and swordsmen is an eternal fate, written since ancient times. It is what it is.”

“I know that’s nonsense.”

Ryo and Abel were simply bantering.

They were not in conflict.

And certainly not at odds with each other.

In fact, they were comrades-in-arms.

Comrades who had braved the battlefield called ‘Eat! Eat! Eat!’ together.

“Still… what we feared has actually happened.”

“What do you mean?”

“Of course, the annexation of the Free City by the Grand Duchy.”

Yes, I was concerned, and I can’t say it’s a sight I wanted to see… But I don’t think it’s our place to intervene.”

“Abel, you’re so cold. I thought you’d be the one to establish a resistance and call for a rebellion!”

“I don’t really understand this resist-whatever, but… if there’s resistance, the citizens and the people should rise up themselves, shouldn’t they?”

Abel stated this firmly.

“That may be true, but…”

“I can’t help but wonder where the military force that should be defending the Free City has gone.”

“Exactly! I’ve been thinking the same thing. Despite a massive fleet arriving and soldiers landing. There’s barely a token garrison. Yet they say the Free City’s forces have always been strong enough to fend off both the Grand Duchy and the Federation…”

“Yeah, Lord Protector Kabui Somal mentioned that. Something must have happened…”

“The main fleet of the Free City has been decimated.”

These words were murmured by a figure seated next to the two.

“Welcome back, Captain Gorick.”

“It’s good to see you returned safely.”

It was Captain Gorick of the Lone Dark, an ocean-going cruiser of the First Fleet of the Sujie Kingdom Central Navy.

“I was hoping for a more surprised reaction…”

Captain Gorick sighed, as if disappointed.

“Well, I knew you were approaching…”

“But I was surprised by what you just said.”

Ryo and Abel offered their form of comfort to the captain.

“By the way, is it okay to share such critical information with us?”

“It’s fine. Ambassador Randassa has already been informed. And he instructed me to pass this on to you two as well.”

“We’re just civilians, you know.”

While Abel expressed concern about a potential information leak, Gorick reassured them it was authorized, and Ryo exuded the air of someone who didn’t want to get too involved.

Abel couldn’t help but glance at Ryo with a skeptical look.

“What’s with that look, Abel?”

“Nothing.”

“If you have something to say, say it!”

“I suspect Ambassador Randassa knows you attacked the Grand Duchy Embassy. Perhaps he’s sharing this information because he doesn’t want you stirring up more trouble.”

“Hmm…”

Ryo couldn’t refute Abel’s reasoning.

Though he didn’t feel guilty for his actions, he understood they were nerve-wracking for those involved.

Makes sense.

Ryo liked to think of himself as a rational and sensible person.

Very sensible indeed.

At least, that’s what he believed…

Though no one else would agree.

Probably not even Sera.

Not that it mattered much to her either way.

“So… the annexation occurred before we could return?”

Captain Gorick shook his head with a small sigh of regret.

“Speaking of which, how did you manage to enter the city after it was annexed?”

Abel tilted his head in curiosity.

And Ryo nodded in agreement.

“The Lone Dark is still offshore. We slipped past the Grand Duchy’s fleet when leaving the Free Port. Though they likely don’t view us favorably. For now, our ship is moving stealthily to avoid detection by their fleet stationed offshore.”

“Is it safe for you to leave your ship in such a situation?”

“It’s fine. Ocean-going cruisers often operate independently, even under similar conditions. My crew is used to this sort of thing.”

Captain Gorick smiled confidently.

It seemed that warships had more roles than just engaging in combat.

They might even act like maritime spies.

“Your crew’s skill must be why they’re entrusted with such challenging missions.”

“Being highly valued has its downsides too.”

Abel praised the captain, who responded with a wry smile.

Though his expression betrayed a hint of pride.

Recognition, after all, wasn’t unwelcome.

“By the way, didn’t you just mention the fleet’s main force was destroyed?”

Ryo brought the topic back around.

In response, Captain Gorick began recounting his experiences to the two of them.

Naturally, Ambassador Randassa had already given his approval.

Apparently, the ambassador had been instructed by his homeland to treat Ryo and Abel with utmost courtesy.

This report was part of that effort.

“So… you believe that island might be the ‘Blue Island’ mentioned by Duke Helb?”

“Yes, I suspect so. Honestly, I don’t know what it truly is. From a distance, it appeared to be an island, but whether it actually is remains uncertain…”

“If it’s not an island, then what?”

“A giant turtle shell!”

Ryo’s immediate response was…

Of course, dismissed by both Captain Gorick and Abel.

“A turtle, huh…?”

“Just ignore Ryo’s nonsense.”

“Nonsense? How rude! What we know is not all there is to this world. As Horatio says, ‘There are more things in heaven and earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy’!”

“Who’s Horatio…?”

Ryo, indignant, began quoting Hamlet as if performing on stage.

Naturally, Abel, unfamiliar with the name Horatio, was left puzzled by the reference.

“I also have another piece of information to share with you.”

“Hm?”

“The decision to place the Free City under the protection of the Grand Duchy was made unilaterally by the Prime Minister and his cabinet.”

“So the Supreme Council didn’t approve it?”

Abel nodded at Captain Gorick’s explanation.

“That’s correct. While it appears to be legally and administratively valid within the laws of the Free City… the Supreme Council likely finds it bitterly unacceptable.”

“A coup…”

Captain Gorick offered his perspective, and Ryo voiced his own impression.

Legally, it might not have been a coup, but that was the scenario Ryo had formed.

“It doesn’t look like this is going to end peacefully.”

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