Chapter 63


    Ah, lets take a look.


    Romandro scratched his nose as he checked the documents. Opposite him were Ian and Kakantir, shuffling through papers as well. They were nning to wrap up the day with an evening meeting after dinner.


    He asked Ian,


    Is there nothing left to reconstruct in Gilsaem Vige?


    Yes. The vige was isted due to the destruction of a bridge during the battle, so it didnt suffer much damage. The bridge reconstruction is underway; once thats done, it should be mostlyplete.


    Good. Then lets reduce the orders for the quarry.


    Feeling pleased to have ovee a big challenge in erasing the traces of battle in the Bratz territory, Romandro wet his throat with wine and continued.


    What about the Gr supplies?


    It should be fine to start distributing them gradually. ording to the vigers who received supplies in advance, its spreading quickly. Itd be better to announce it before it flows into Merellof.


    I see. Will you be going out again today?


    Im nning to continue for about three more days.


    Working both day and night. They say magic users have exceptional talents, but it seems in your case, that talent is stamina.


    Ianughed in surprise at the unexpectedpliment. Wasnt he the one who struggled and fainted after even a single outing when he first arrived in Bratz? But now, he seemed to be gradually toughening up through his trips to the desert.


    Lets review the content again. Ah, Gr cultivation, distribution, and consumption within the Bratz territory are free, but trading outside must exclusively go through our mansion.


    More precisely, it would go through the Imperial Advisory Council, and even more precisely, through Ian.


    Given the nature of Gr, this winter would be the first andst time it would be monopolized in Bratz. A crop that reproduces quickly and is quitemon; as soon as perceptions improve, it will be consumed throughout Bariel.


    Mulling over the sentences, Romandro muttered,


    Should we attach a condition about Merellof


    Thats not a good idea. It would give them a reason to criticize us, and were at a disadvantage for now.


    Hmm. Technically, they were the ones who started it.


    The one who strikes first often forgets.


    True. Then, about the rted fines


    As they delved into the details, the moon reached the center of the sky. ncing at his watch, Ian nodded.


    I think weve covered enough. Anything else youd like to discuss? Ah, Sir Nersarn.


    At Ians words, Nersarn, who had been standing behind Kakantir and remained rtively quiet throughout the meeting, raised his hand.


    Ive received a message from the desert.


    From the desert?


    The tribal chiefs health has deteriorated again.


    The old woman who had once survived a near-death experience thanks to the Ssque Ian had provided. They had hoped she was recovering, but it seemed she couldnt stave off looming death after all.


    Therefore, we decided to use all the remaining Ssque.


    Oh dear.


    Even if we want to cultivate it, we dont have any information on how to grow it or how long it will take.


    Hold on. Can you include me in this conversation? Whos this tribal chief and what is Ssque?


    Romandro, who had been silently listening, raised his hand. Everything being said waspletely unknown to him. Especially the term Ssque, he had never heard of it before.


    Ian briefly exined what had happened.


    so, in order to cure the Gypsys disease, we needed a red flower called Ssque. It just so happened that I had one. The Cheonrye tribe got through their hardship with one, and I was pondering whether to nt the other one for future generations or use it for the tribe chief Winchen. Thats the decision that has been made.


    Ssque? Ive never heard of it.


    You really dont know? Its a red flower that never wilts once it blooms.


    If an advisor from the Imperial Pce doesnt know, thats saying something. Even Ian, who was an emperor in his past life, was unfamiliar with it; it must be hard to find in Bariel.


    The biggest factor in our decision is the current situation in Bratz. Youre aware of our funeral customs, right?


    Yes, Im aware.


    When a tribe or n chief dies, the entire tribe enters into mourning for a year. The leader is considered the family of everyone, especially if theyve held the position for a long time like Winchen.


    Sir Romandro.


    Hmm?


    Ian, who had been tapping the table, called out to him. It was time to discuss something they had been skirting around.


    Has there been any response to the report I sent to the Imperial Pce?


    No, not a single one hase in yet.


    Im asking about a reply from Crown Prince Mariv.


    Everyone knows that the Crown Prince has been sending daily reports. The first prince is undoubtedly restraining the party thats cornered, which also means restraining Gale, the second prince. Everyone is aware that hes not just interested in the reconstruction of Bratz.


    There was just one.


    Do you mind if I ask what it was?


    It was nothing much. Just that we should carefully report the situation in the territory and also


    Romandro nced at Ian.


    Because youre a magic user, to keep a close eye on you. Ahem. Really, thats it. Nothing special, right?


    Based on Ians assumption, one of the main pirs of Gale was the Magic Department. Ian remembered an incident where many wizards, who were already considered precious, were purged en masse after the failure of the rebellion. Thus, Ian being a magic user could be a little problematic from Marivs perspective. Mariv might also be aware of this power dynamic, and could misunderstand Ian as being on Gales side.


    Advisor, as you can see, I dont get along well with Sir Molrins group.


    Hmm. Yes, I see that. Hehe.


    Romandro took a sip of his wine, letting out an awkwardugh. He seemed slightly tense, perhaps wondering what Ian would say next.


    Do you think Prince Mariv would prefer to appoint the new lord of Bratz as someone unrted to Sir Molrins group?


    There are circumstances among the higher-ups, so to speak.


    I share that sentiment, Advisor.


    I had suspected as much, to be honest.


    Its convenient that you suspected. Sir Romandro, I know you wish to return to the center. If a new lord is appointed quickly, it would also be favorable for you.


    Ian, you


    Rmend me as the lord.


    While the right to appoint a lord belongs to the Emperor, a rmendation from the Crown Prince, who is also the actual wielder of power, will carry significant weight. Even if Ian has the blood of a criminal, being a magic user makes such limitations meaningless. For the sake of Bariels development, someone had to hold onto him.


    Otherwise, Ill have to return to the desert. The new lord wouldnt leave someone from the former lineage like me alone. Moreover, the pce would try to monopolize my abilities under the status of a ve.


    Thats true, but


    The only way to secure both my safety and Bratzs peace is me. There will be no one morepatible in terms of public sentiment, which was also a concern in the imperial pce.


    Not only that, the tasks recorded in the reports demonstrated remarkable ability. The discovery of Gr was the same. Eliminating the empires famine was already an aplishment that made a position like a lord of some remote area seem inadequate.


    <i>Of course, it hasnt proceeded to that extent yet.</i>


    Romandro took out a cigarette, as if he had made up his mind.


    Alright, let me speak frankly.


    Please do.


    Prince Mariv doesnt understand the rtionship between you and Molrin.


    From a third-person perspective, didnt Ian back his own father through Molrin, and wasnt that the reason why things ended up this way? It was almost like he had set up a stepping stone to appoint Molrin as the lord.


    Furthermore, a magic user. If he enters the pce, hell inevitably be affiliated with the Magic Department. It was an open secret that the head of the Magic Department, Wesleigh, was Gales woman.


    No matter how you look at it, Ian fits well with Gale.


    If thats the reason, Ill prove it.


    How?


    Ill discuss the details directly with Prince Mariv. Even if I exin in detail, some things cant be conveyed through text alone. But I can prove right away that I am truly on a path opposed to Sir Molrins group.


    <i>That is, through death.</i>


    Reading Ians emotionless gaze, Romandro felt a slight chill run down his spine. Without a word having been spoken, he wondered why he felt so precarious.


    Then, I will convey your message to Prince Mariv.


    Thank you.


    In truth, Romandro also knew deep down that Ian was the right person for the job. However, due to his background and circumstances, he couldnt easily speak up.


    Furthermore, the moment he did, it would be like throwing himself into an unknown whirlpool of politics. Romandro simply wished to finish the reconstruction quickly and return to his main house in the central region.


    To the home where his lovely wife was waiting for him!


    Then, lets call it a day.


    Since were on the subject, may I ask you for one more favor?


    What is it?


    Could you find out if theres a merchant in the center who deals with Ssque?


    The empires capital was the center of the world. If he wanted to find information, he was certain to find it. Romandro readily nodded, as it wasnt a difficult task.


    Ill look into it.


    Thank you.


    The night has grownte. You should also get some rest.


    You too, see you tomorrow.


    <i>Screech</i>


    Romandro and Nersarn tidied up their seats and left the meeting room. Ian lightly tapped his tired shoulders and called for Beric outside.


    Beric, lets call it an early night.


    Tired?


    Yes. My eyes keep closing, cant help it.


    Ian chuckled, wrapped the hood around his shoulders, and turned off all the meeting roomsnterns. This night was particrly dark, even the moon didnt rise.


    ***


    Master Ian is here!


    Shh. Keep your voice down.


    Master Ian, weve been waiting for you.


    Youve all stayed up, I see.


    Of course. By the way, we tried roasting seeds for the first time yesterday. They were really delicious!


    The rumor that Ian would be handing out Gr seeds at midnight had already spread. Everyone pretended to be asleep and locked their doors, but as soon as they heard any movement, they ran out to greet him. Perhaps due to the excited atmosphere, it felt like the aftermath of a forbidden festival.


    What to do now? I didnt prepare much for today.


    Already? I only got a handful


    Tomorrow, Ill try to prepare more generously.


    Dont put Master Ian in a difficult situation! Hes already helping us out by avoiding the eyes of those pce brats, isnt he?


    Ah, you little rascal. Those pce brats will hear you. Keep your voice down.


    Surprisingly, they didnt find it strange that the guards didnte despite the noise. No, it seemed like they didnt even consider it. As if they were intoxicated by the joy that Gr brought them.


    Tomorrow, you have to give it to me first, okay?


    Understood. So go and get some rest.


    Beric shook the sack he had been carrying, signaling that it was empty. The disappointed vigers dispersed one by one, and Ian also turned to leave.


    <i>Shuffle, shuffle.</i>


    As they exited the alleyway, only the sound of their footsteps could be heard. Maybe it was because he was more tired than usual, but Ian walked in silence until he realized that Beric had stopped.


    Are you not going?


    Ian.


    Beric yfully raised his eyebrows three times. Their gazes met as a cool breeze swept through. Ian also took off his hood and showed a faint smile.


    Lets go.


    Following them were three presences.


    Ian pretended not to notice and kept walking ahead, while Beric iled his arms about, as if to show that he wasnt carrying any weapons.