Water Magician

Chapter 513: Two Assailant

Editor: Tseirp

The clothing store recommended by the deputy governor’s office offered a rich selection.

Next door, a tailor shop from the same chain was also open, catering to both ready-made and custom orders.

“Are you sure you’re okay with just an off-the-shelf cloak? We have plenty of money, you know?”

“I don’t know how long we’ll be staying in this city. Besides, as long as the cloak is sturdy, that’s good enough, right?”

“You’re surprisingly frugal for a king, Abel. Though being too extravagant would be a problem too.”

“Is that even related?”

Ryo’s image of a ‘king’ was someone who spent money lavishly... perhaps not excessively, but at least someone who didn’t hesitate to spend on quality items.

“I get that good things cost money. It’s just that I don’t often feel like buying good things...”

“You’re a swordsman, Abel. You should get quality weapons... then again, that sword of yours already stands out. It doesn’t look like it needs a replacement.”

“Ah, this one? I just happened to pick it up from a corner somewhere... but I’ve grown quite attached to it.”

Abel said this while tapping the hilt of his sword with his right hand.

Since becoming an adventurer, it had been his companion through countless life-or-death situations.

Growing attached to it was only natural.

“By ‘corner,’ you mean a corner of the royal treasury, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“I’d love to see inside someday. There must be some amazing alchemy tools in there!”

“Probably, but even if there are, you won’t get your hands on them.”

“Why not?!”

“It’s the kingdom’s property. Unless there’s a compelling reason, I can’t just give it away. It’s not something I can decide on my own.”

“Even though you’re the king?”

“A king is merely the kingdom’s administrator. The kingdom doesn’t belong entirely to the king. In fact, royal family assets and state assets are separate. While I can use royal family assets to some extent... even those come with responsibilities to my descendants, so I can’t be too careless.” ṚΑ????ՕᛒΕS

“Being a king doesn’t seem very free...”

“Well... that’s just how it is.”

Ryo sighed softly, and Abel replied with a wry smile.

That said, today’s priority was buying a cloak for Abel.

He would be paying with the money he had earned since leaving Manyamya, with no need for hesitation.

“A black cloak would look cool.”

“Ah, this one, right?”

Seeing Abel stop and gaze at a particular cloak, Ryo gave him a gentle nudge forward.

The black cloak was both practical and had a touch of elegance.

Cloaks have been used throughout the world and across many eras.

Their versatility and usefulness make them indispensable.

For adventurers, what are the uses of a cloak?

First, as protection against the cold.

Even a single layer can provide surprising warmth.

Next, as armor.

A sturdy cloak can deflect flimsy arrows.

There are even techniques that involve using a cloak to deflect multiple arrows.

Abel, of course, knows these skills...

Additionally, a cloak serves as protection against dirt.

Most adventurers’ cloaks are easy to wash with water.

When wearing a cloak, even formal attire remains clean, making it suitable for audiences with nobles.

The black cloak Abel was eyeing didn’t seem particularly stiff.

Its clasp was silver.

And the craftsmanship from the shoulders to the back was uniquely distinctive.

“This cloak seems designed for someone like you, Abel, who carries a sword on their back.”

“Yeah. Even with the cloak on, I can draw my sword without hindrance.”

This feature appeared to be the biggest draw for Abel.

The cloak was reinforced subtly with layered leather or something similar to prevent it from being cut when drawing the sword quickly.

The reinforcement was so meticulously done that it was barely noticeable unless closely inspected.

Abel lifted the cloak and examined its interior.

“This is...”

“Bright red...”

The inside of the cloak was red.

Contrasting with its black exterior.

“Red and black... Stendhal.”

Ryo muttered the words instinctively.

When one hears ‘red and black’, Stendhal naturally comes to mind.

It’s common knowledge for any well-read individual.

However, Ryo hadn’t actually read Stendhal’s novel ‘The Red and the Black’...

“But this is definitely a cloak for a high-ranking swordsman like you, Abel.”

“Why do you say that?”

“The red interior conceals blood splatter, doesn’t it? It’s almost as if it’s encouraging you to stain it even redder with blood.”

“...Or to hide the blood when I’m wounded?”

“That’s a possibility too! This cloak lets you keep fighting no matter how much you’re hurt!”

“That’s hardly reassuring...”

Despite the playful exchange, Abel had made up his mind.

“Excuse me, I’ll take this cloak.”

The black cloak was just the right length, reaching down to Abel’s ankles.

“It’s perfect in every way, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it really is.”

Abel replied.

His cheeks slightly flushed and his eyes softening— a rare display of emotion that Ryo didn’t miss.

He was clearly delighted.

Seeing Abel’s happiness, Ryo felt equally pleased.

A good purchase, and a content companion— there was no better outcome.

But this moment of peace and joy was abruptly shattered.

To use it properly, it was best to focus on ‘cutting’ rather than brute force.

It was clear she had thoroughly studied her weapon’s characteristics and practiced accordingly.

From her movements.

In this sparring match, the girl took the offensive while Abel defended.

Occasionally, Abel launched counterattacks.

These counters, Ryo observed, weren’t intended to overpower her but to test her defensive capabilities.

In terms of raw power, there was a significant gap between Abel and the girl.

If Abel had wanted to end the match quickly, he could have done so within three exchanges.

That wasn’t to say the girl was weak.

At fifteen or sixteen years old, she was astonishingly strong for her age.

Among the Rune Knights, whom Ryo served as their swordsmanship instructor, she might rank within the top 20.

The Rune Knights were renowned as the kingdom’s elite.

For an adventurer, this would be equivalent to the top tier of C-rank.

Possibly even nearing B-rank.

And she was still in her mid-teens!

Her strength was nothing short of remarkable.

But Abel was on a different level.

A former A-rank adventurer, Abel had survived countless deadly encounters. Each experience had honed his skills further.

Compared to when Ryo had first met him, Abel had grown unbelievably stronger.

“Huh?”

Ryo noticed the girl taking a deep breath.

She must have realized she couldn’t win as things stood and was likely preparing to unleash a decisive move.

Abel, however, remained completely unchanged.

“.”

The girl whispered softly, and in the next moment...

Her body was suddenly right in front of Abel... but the sword she had been holding flew high into the air.

The spectators were undoubtedly shocked.

In fact, most of them likely hadn’t understood what had just happened.

Only two people weren’t surprised.

Ryo and Abel.

The most shocked of all was the girl who had uttered the word .

She had intended to close the gap in one swift motion and thrust her sword with that momentum. Instead, her weapon had been sent flying, and her hands were now empty.

What’s more, Abel’s sword was now pointed at her neck...

“I’ve lost...”

With those words, the girl admitted defeat. Abel gave a small nod and sheathed his sword.

Then, without a word, he turned to leave.

“Uh!”

The girl called out, prompting Abel to turn back to face her once more.

“How... how can I become stronger?”

Her voice and eyes were filled with desperation.

Anyone could see it.

From the depths of her soul, she wanted to grow stronger, no matter the cost.

Abel quietly opened his mouth to speak.

“You have talent, and you’re putting in the effort. Even if you don’t rush, you’ll become stronger.”

“I don’t have time.”

“I see. As I said, if you take the time, you could become a swordswoman who represents your nation. You’re not misdirecting your efforts either. Your training is well-balanced between offense and defense. Continue developing as you are.”

“Yes...”

“If there’s anything lacking, it would be experience.”

“Experience?”

The girl had likely gained some experience in sparring and duels.

Yet, she didn’t fully grasp Abel’s point.

“You don’t plan to switch to another weapon, like a spear or a greatsword... do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

She answered firmly, returning Abel’s gaze with determined eyes.

“If that’s the case, you need to gain more experience, broaden your repertoire... and develop the insight that comes with it. You’ll encounter opponents who target your weapon itself, like I did earlier.”

“Ah...”

“A one-handed sword is fast and easy to maneuver. But since it’s held with one hand, it lacks the grip strength of two-handed weapons like spears or greatswords. Some opponents will exploit that weakness. In combat, understanding what your opponent is targeting comes only through experience.”

“I see...”

The girl nodded in understanding.

With that, Abel turned on his heel.

Having said all he intended.

But then...

“Wait!”

The girl called out to him again.

“Please make me your disciple!”

“Denied.”

“Wha...?”

Her plea was met with Abel’s curt and immediate rejection.

Without hesitation, Abel resumed walking and returned to Ryo’s side.

Ryo stood and handed Abel his cloak.

“Are you sure about that girl?”

“Yes. Let’s head back to the inn.”

Ryo asked softly. And Abel answered in his usual tone.

Hearing Abel’s response, the two patrol guards took their positions, one in front and one behind the pair.

Guiding them back to the inn since Abel and Ryo were unfamiliar with the way.

Left behind was the girl, standing there in stunned silence.

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