《Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor》 Chapter 1 Chapter 1
Hey guys! So, I recently got my hands on this new novel with Lilia. Its actually been tranted by a few TL groups, but thest update was back in February, over 3 months ago. I thought it was a shame to see this novel just sitting there, gathering dust, so Lilia and I have decided to team up and trante it ourselves. By the way, even though you can already find the first 9 chapters tranted by other groups, Ive decided to start from chapter 1 because there have been some changes in the names and terms. Anyway, hope you enjoy reading the first chapter!
Ian ascended to the throne of the Emperor at a tender age. And before he reached adulthood, his throat was shed. The life of Emperor Ian Verocion will be remembered in those two sentences. Who would remember a young emperor who came and disappeared like the wind during turbulent times? A man entered the underground dungeon and grabbed Ian by the hair. His face was a bloody mess, but his gaze was as sharp as ever. Ian, my uncle. The mans name was Kroni. His twisted genealogy had made him twenty years older than Ian, making him Ians nephew. Each time he shook Ian by the hair, drops of blood mixed with saliva fell from Ians mouth. How did you end up like this? I told you, uncle, youck the virtues of an Emperor and shouldve refused the position. If you had listened to me back then, none of this wouldve happened. Ian only red at Kroni in silence. Apparently displeased by his stare, Kroni harshly pped Ians face. Smack! Even a thoughtless brat should know where toy his feet before stretching his legs! That magic! Whats so great about it?! Ian sighed inwardly. Magic, a power so sacred and grand that it could be considered a trace left by the gods in this world. And it was precisely because of this that Ian was able to ascend to the throne of the emperor. Uncle, look! Your fancy magic cant even stop my footstep, can it? Thump! Thump! It was true. Thanks to the magic sealing shackles that bound Ians limbs, he was now nothing more than a regr neen-year-old human. Even if he could break the seal, his fate was already sealed with death looming in front of him. Even if one in ten thousand, One in ten thousand, the first noble magician or whatnot! All meaningless in front of this de. Swish. Kroni finally unsheathed his sword. No matter how the fallen emperor was used of treason, to end his life in an underground prison like this Ian finally let out an incredulous chuckle, ha. Youreughing? Yeah, its funny, Kroni. Neither you nor I have changed. Are you still so envious of me being a magician? At Ians words, Kronis face stiffened. Just as the more rare something is, the more precious it is, the same was true for magicians. Among the entire Bariel Empire, they were so rare that they might not even number a hundred. Hence, the emergence of a magicianing from a noble family was a first in the history of the Bariel Empire. I remember. When I was a child, an unknowing magic user, you said this to me. Magicians are precious, but moste from themoners. If youre found out, youll be kicked out of the mansion. So hide it.'' Ian. Nows not the time for such talk. Isnt it funny? Of course, since there are overwhelmingly moremoners than nobles, most magicians alsoe frommoners. Shut up! Why, are you embarrassed? Shut up! Thump! Ians vision went dark. It was due to the impact of Kronis fist squarely hitting his eyes. Ian, sprawled on the ground, felt a dull pain as his nape was trodden on. What matters is that I am standing here, and you are lying on the ground. Thats whats important. Kroni pointed the tip of his sword at Ians throat, ready to sever his windpipe without a moments hesitation. At that moment, there was a stir outside. Kroni-nim, a letter has arrived for you from Duke Hiron. Is it urgent? Yes, my apologies. Kroni clicked his tongue in annoyance and removed his foot from Ians nape. Then, he nced at Ian, whoy motionless as if dead, and left the underground prison. Ian-nim. A strange metallic noise and a familiar voice. Ian barely managed to open his eyes. He didnt have the strength to turn his head. When he barely moved his gaze, he saw Naum, the Minister of Magic, unchaining him with teary eyes. Ian-nim, please, pleasee to your senses. Naum, what what happened here This is not the time. You have to get out of here, you have to live. Ian-nim, please muster your strength somehow But the sealstone shackles were not easily removed. Moonlight streamed in through a small window and illuminated Naums hands. His fingertips were worn and in a mess. Stop it. Ian-nim? I want (you) to stop. What, what are you saying. Ian faintly smiled and closed his eyes again. He vividly remembered when he first entered the Ministry of Magic. I owe you, thanks to all of you, I could be a wizard from a magic practitioner, and even ascend to the emperors throne. Although I was inadequate and ended up like this, you guys should continue to survive and protect the Bariel Empire. No, its not possible. Without Ian-nim, the Ministry of Magic means nothing. So, pleasee to your senses and take some of my magic. If you die, its all over. If I die, its all over. That was what Ian truly wished for. It was too hard, too tiring, too painful. The life he led as an emperor for the past three years had destroyed everything he had. Ian-nim, listen carefully to what Im saying. But Naum didnt give up. Carefully clutching Ians chin, he forced him to meet his gaze directly. You know the detached building directly under the control of the Magic Department, located next to the central main hall of the second imperial pce, dont you? Its the ce Ian-nim always sought when you felt like crying upon your first entrance into the imperial pce. I cried only once. Still, its the truth. Why did I cry? Ian furrowed his brows as if groping through foggy memories. It was then that Naum seemed to sense something, looking towards the entrance of the prison. It was evident that the returning Kroni, who had finished his business, was approaching. Undo the barrier and quickly hide. I cant. Ian-nim, you need to go that way. If you go, you will be able to find an escape route. What does that mean? In response to Ians question, Naum answered only with silence. He could see that Naums face was growing darker, not because of the darkness of the underground prison, but due to worry and concern. Ian, feeling his senses blurring, barely grabbed hold of Naums sleeve once again. Naum, I asked. Ive mixed my blood into the magic. Naum! They said they would open an opportunity if you go that way and wait for the answer. I dont know why there, though. It could be due to my limited abilities. Anyway, you must hurry. The power of magic, contradicts the principles of nature just by existing. If the bnce of power was disturbed even a little, one would fall into the abyss. The papacy called it hell, and among the magicians, it was called the Curse of Eternity. You twisted space-time? I had no choice, Ian-nim, therefore. Why, why! Screech. I knew this would happen. Even if I weed out all those Magic Department brats, its pointless if a minister like this appears, isnt it? It was Kroni. Behind him stood a man who was being promoted as the next Minister following Naum from the Magic Department. Naum gritted his teeth and began to cast a spell. The rippling wave formed at the tip of his fingers, along with the distorted dizzying pattern that did not shine as brightly as before. It was due to the overwhelmingly strong energy of the seal stone that held Ians wrist. Naum! Please! You cant! Ian-nim. Its okay. Opportunities are always, always there. God does not give unanswered questions. Whooong! Naums magic circle began to burn red. But strangely, the mes were not heading towards Kroni but were consuming Naums hand instead. Aaargh! No! Naum, wait! Stop! Ian, lying prone, only raised his head and yelled. He did not care for his own life, but he could not bear to see precious people dying because of him. Only after bing the Emperor did he understand. The weight of the crown was the weight of devotion from those following Ian. And those bearing that weight were not him, but them. Ah! Kroni also blocked the erupting me with his left hand. If the magician behind him hadnt put up a protective shield, his face would have been burnt. Ah. Damn it. Meanwhile, Ian felt his consciousness fade once again due to the intense heat. Everything turned bright, even the pain was fading into the distance. At that moment, Ian noticed a metallic sound ringing in his ear. ng. Kronis sword touched Ians neck. The end of the three-year-long reign of the emperor was like this. He had thought he did his best for Bariel, but those who sacrificed themselves were being consumed and dying, and his neck was also on the chopping block. Ian. Dont be born again in your next life. With Kronis cruel words, everything disappeared. The surroundings were so quiet that it seemed like this was what death felt like. And soon what he saw was Fork and knife? Moreover, they were in his hands, held upside down. Ian slowly lifted his head. Although his body felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, it felt lighter than the torment hed endured over the past few days, as though he could fly. Ian. Across from him, a strange woman was looking down at him. The expansive garden, the well-maintained flower bed, and the sumptuous food before his eyes. Upon gathering his senses, it seemed that everyone seated around him was watching him. Ah. It didnt seem to be hell. Then, is it heaven? But the scenery wasnt much different from where he had been living. If anything, it seemed rather unimpressivepared to the imperial pce Why is he behaving like this? Ian, greet the guest. He must be revealing hisck of upbringing. Chel, watch your words. Ian, pull yourself together. The chubby boy sitting next to the woman spouted rough words, but Ian didnt pay much attention. It was because of the appetizing aroma of food that had been stimting his senses since earlier. He couldnt remember thest time he ate, being trapped in the underground dungeon. I dont know what it is, but its driving me crazy. It was an instinctual reaction that slipped out without him realizing. With an elegant gesture, Ian correctly held his utensils and assumed a proper dining posture. He then proceeded to cut and eat the steak with more grace, and more speed, than anyone else. Hmm. It was a dignified and formal motion, unthinkable from someone who had just been clutching a fork like a fist. Even his exmation of admiration, as if in praise, was short, low, and not vulgar. The woman across from him, the Count, the Countess who was his stepmother, and his half-brother, watched him with incredulous eyes. Chapter 2 Chapter 2
Kindly note that the prefix (-nim) refers to an honorific, of calling someone with respect. In this novel, it can refer to Master, Miss, Lord, and other respectable callings.
The House of Bratz is crude, even for nobility. This was the widespread evaluation of the Bratz family in the social circle. It was probably because they were bordering a barbarian tribe among the many border territories. Wars used to be unending in the distant past, but recently, various interactions had increased due to superficial peace treaties. Master Ian, your meal manners are exceptional. Ian, who had been quickly chewing his meat, regained hisposure at the old manspliment. Was it sarcasm?Was he eating in a messy manner because he was starving? Ian cleared his throat unconsciously, feeling slightly stung, but the old manspliment was nevertheless sincere. Your son has wonderful manners. It must be the excellent teachings of Count Dergha-nim. Please dont mention it. Sir Molrin. The head of House Bratz, Count Dergha, managed to keep a ceremonial expression despite the surprise of seeing his sons demeanor change in mere seconds. Dergha nced at Ian and responded, After all, he carries Bratz blood. Please, do convey this to the emperor. Of course, Count-nim. At their cryptic words, Ian stopped chewing. The emperor? Are they talking about me? No, wait. Did they just mention Bratz? Come to think of it His hands holding the fork and knife were too small and thin. The view from his seat was also low. Unable to understand the situation, Ian swallowed his food and looked for his ss of wine. Ah. The ss contained not wine but a beverage. Moreover, reflected in the round ss was not his face, but the face of an unfamiliar boy. Ian nearly spat it out, momentarily forgetting all manners. *Cough*! As he grabbed a napkin with his cough, the boy sitting across him snickered. Tsk, tsk. Look at that, acting all ssy. Chel, you should be helping your younger brother when he makes a mistake. The boy named Chel pursed his lips in displeasure. The countess, Mary, firmly gripped Chels hand under the tablecloth and reprimanded her son. This wasnt just a simple meal. Sir Molrin was a civil servant sent from the central royal pce, and he was in the middle of checking whether Ian was fit to be part of House Bratz. Disying a friendly smile to Chel, Molrin then turned his focus back to Ian. Master Ian, Ive heard that you have been studying philosophy recently. At Molrins sudden question, both Count Dergha and the Countess showed confused expressions. Ian couldnt even write his name yet. As a child brought from outside the mansion by the count, he hadnt received proper education. Wasnt he the same kid who was guzzling the finger bowl1 water just at the start of the meal? Hes not yet at a level where he can discuss it. The Count hastily intervened, pretending to reprimand Ian. Despite this, his eyes were unconsciously sharp as he looked at Ian. Foolish boy. After I told you to memorize it. There had been a crash course in preparation for Molrins questions, but it seemed the little boy had already forgotten everything. The old man did not retreat, pushing forward with a smile. Academics are always like that. It solidifies when ideas collide. Ian-nim, what have you been learning recently? Youre already sixteen and not attending school The old man, nearly eighty, was both affectionate and firm. It was only natural for a man who had withstood a lifetime in the central administrative office where talent was constantly drained. With thingsing to this, even the Count couldnt back down. All eyes turned to Ian. Hmm. Ian cleared his throat and wiped his mouth with the napkin. As everyone at the table had anticipated, Ian was confused. But not because of Molrins question, but because he realized this ce was the backyard of the House of Bratz. In the House of Bratz? In the body of a boy hes seeing for the first time? I suspected that Naums space-time magic might be involved, but I could not be sure. Space-time magic was about opening a passage connecting one point in time to another, inherently subject to location constraints. In other words, it required being in that ce. But wasnt myst memory being in an underground dungeon? Moreover, I had never heard of transferring to another body. Master Ian? Ah. I apologize. Prompted by Molrin, Ian answered reflexively with grace. It was a habit he picked up at the royal pce. A smile to convey his intention, even while focusing on the conversation. The Margrave and his family had never seen Ian smile like that before. Philosophy Philosophy Ian seemed to be pondering, murmuring a few times. May I answer on his behalf? Administrative Officer Molrin-nim. Unable to contain himself any longer, Chel, his stepbrother, interjected. It was already maddening enough that Ian, who had arrived from outside, was the main character at this precious dinner. Let alone that he entered a counts house with a lowly bloodline. It was natural for him, as the young master of the house, to be upset. In his foolish and pitiful attempt to steal the adults attention from Ian to himself, even under the sharp gaze of Lady Mary, Chel faltered. Chel. Officer Molrin asked Ian. The countess was silently pleading. My son. Please keep your mouth shut. All of this is for your sake. We need to bring that wretched child of amoner into the counts house for you to survive. I am fond of Lord Fuhlens. Fuhlen? In the midst of themotion, Ian spoke softly. Whether his appetite had fallen off or not, he had tidily set his utensils aside. The face of Count Dergha turned deathly pale. It was a name he was hearing for the first time. Instead of pretending not to know, he should just admit it! What kind of nonsense is he spouting? Yes. Of course, the papacy may not approve of him, but isnt the humanism that Prof. Fuhlen advocates pose a very important question? With humans at the center, pondering the truths created by humans could help sketch the image of a true monarch. It was purely his personal preference. To Ian, rather than philosophy or humanities, the survival of the people who could starve any day was more important. Having just enough formality in his study of philosophy, he mentioned a sessful schr he could remember. Count Dergha rolled his eyes to catch Molrins reaction. The old man seemed quite shocked and stopped for a moment, but then he leaned towards Ian. How do you know Lord Fuhlen? Pardon? But the one who answered was not Ian, but Count Dergha. Molrin chuckled and repeatedly shook his head. Oh dear. I must have assumed that being in the countryside, news from the capital might be dyed. My apologies to you, Count Dergha-nim, and Master Ian. No, not at all. Molrin had realized that the Count did not know Fuhlen. If he had known, he would have furrowed his brow in apparent distaste rather than having that foolish expression. Prof. Fuhlen is the youngest son of the Viscount of Hawkman, who just had hising of age ceremony. Although he is young, hes an exceptional talent among talents, having entered Bariel University with top honors. Not long ago, he brought up humanism during an academic debate at the royal pce, causing quite a stir. The news being dyed due to the change, was expected. After all, it took a solid fortnight by carriage to get from the capital to the Counts domain. A fact that not even the Dergha, let alone anyone else, was aware of. Everyone turned to look at Ian in surprise, and Ian himself was also secretly astonished. Lord Fuhlen just had hising-of-age ceremony? Didnt he seem to be over a hundred years old? Not only was he in a strange body, but it seemed he had nearly traveled back in time by 100 years. It was a very, incredibly surprising situation, but he didnt show any outward signs. Thanks to his dignified bearing as an emperor. So, you like Lord Fuhlens philosophy. But you just mentioned that the Vatican (papal state) does not wee it. What does that mean? Humanism is the view that theres nothing more important than human beings, so the Papal States, which worship God, wouldnt be thrilled with it. My, my.. It was a perfect response. Molrin felt the fatigue that had umted over the fortnight melting away. I feel it was worthing all this way. I didnt know the new heir of the Bratz Countdom was this intelligent. The Emperor will undoubtedly be pleased. The fact that a noble adopted a foster son wasnt extraordinary. These noble individuals, with all their virtues, were hardly capable of keeping their pants on; bringing home illegitimate children was hardly a scandal. Whether male or female, it was just a happening that surfaced in the dull social world every so often. However, Molrins following words were somewhat strange. And the Cheonryeo (Heaven/Heavenly) Tribe will also wee it. Cheonrye Tribe? Ian recalled the familiar name. The Cheonrye Tribe referred to the barbarians east of the border. Theyd wee his brilliance? If so. It seems Ive hit the nail on the head. A foster son to be sent to the border-adjacent Cheonrye Tribe in return for maintaining peace. I roughly understand the situation now. The Count, with a wicked smile, ced his hand on the back of Ians hand. Now that he understood the situation, he looked like a devil wearing the disguise of a kind father. Ian. I have no doubt that you will be a symbol of peace. Peacekeeping was an official agreement. Although the custom was to send the biological child of each head, the barbarian Tribes beyond the countdom were fickle creatures that could change their minds at any time. In fact, the Counts own second brother also died crossing the border for peacekeeping when he was young. They said it was an ident, but the truth could not be determined. Given this, how could he send his only bloodline, Chel? He hurriedly brought in Ian, who he hadnt paid attention to before, to adopt him as an heir. The imperial pce must have noticed this, of course. However, no matter what, they couldnt just send anyone, so they were testing Ians intelligence through Molrin. The smarter the child is sent, the more diplomatic deterrent power it will have, and it will be beneficial for both sides. Of course, in the countdom, the autonomous rights of the Bratz family took precedence, so it was partially a ceremonial procedure. But it could also be seen as a half-measure to keep provincial nobles in check from the royal pce. Aah. Ian instantly grasped the situation. Even before his death, the Bratz family had gone through this ritual several times, exchanging formalities. Eventually, they were tragically wiped out by the Cheonrye tribe. The setback (causing the event) was the fortnight it took for the central news to reach the central government. By the time other lords and the emperor during this time arrived with their armies, it was already toote. Was he my great-grandfather? That was the major incident involving Ians great-grandfather. The emperor drove out the Cheonrye Tribe and divided the territory among the nobles and knights who had fought alongside him, thus concluding the incident. Ian? Countess Mary called Ian. Seemingly urging him to respond to the Counts words. In other words, a prompt to remember his primary duty. Ian faintly smiled and once again moistened his mouth with water. He wasnt sure why, but he admitted one thing. Ian hadnt died. He had been resurrected in the form of a child, for reasons he couldnt fathom. Yes. Father. At Ians crisp response, Count Dergha seemed to smile in satisfaction. Except for Chel, everyoneughed heartily, blessing the peace that Ians presence would bring. Alright. Lets eat. Only then did Dergha continue with his meal in relief. Ian looked around for a moment to feel the reality. Above all else, the thumping heartbeat was what reminded him that he was alive. I have no idea whats happening. If this was the result of Naums magic, there was only one way to verify it. That is, to go to the royal pces annex and search for traces of Naums magic. However, it was a long distance that took more than a fortnight from Bratzs countdom to the capital, and for a child soon to be sold to the desert, it was a world that seemed unreachable forever. Yes. It was such a world.
  1. A finger bowl is a bowl of water that dinner guests use for rinsing their fingers.[]
Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Did the meal suit your pte? Count Dergha asked as he set down his utensils. The luncheon thatsted for a couple of hours was finally drawing to a close. The sun that had hung high in the sky had long since begun its descent towards the mountains. It was absolutely splendid. Its of a quality that would not be out of ce even in the imperial pce. Ian, who had been silently tidying up the napkins, paused in surprise. Such a statement,paring anything to the imperial pce the center of the world and the epitome of dignity would have been shocking in Ians era. However, as he looked at Count Derghas people, none of the Counts household members reacted. Is this considered normal? If so, it implied that the influence of the imperial pce might not be as strong as he assumed. Even disregarding the short-reigned emperors from 100 years ago, one would have to go back seven generations to find aparable era. Ill have the dessert prepared. Thank you, Countess. As Ian wracked his brains, the atmosphere in the room suddenly shifted. Countess Mary looked at her two sons with an elegant and gentle smile. Chel. Ian. The adults have matters to discuss. The two of you should go to the next room and have some tea. No doubt they will gossip about Ians adoption. Even excluding the very person involved. While the progression of the adoption was almost a foregone conclusion, the unusual scrutiny and objections due to their unusual distance from the pces influence was anticipated. Yes, Mother. As Ian answered crisply, the corners of Countess Marys mouth trembled slightly. It seemed no easy task to even feign affection towards such a pitiful creature. With a soft pat on his cheek, she managed to express a semnce of affection. However, the more she did this, the deeper the scorn in Chels eyes became. Over here, Sir Molrin. Oh my, quite impressive indeed. They entered the main building, leaving the backyard behind. Therge reception room at the heart of the mansion was not just luxurious, but to a degree that was almost mind-boggling. The golden foil adorning the room glittered in the sunlight, illuminating the area. Squeak. As the adults went into the inner reception room, only Chel and Ian remained. The two sat opposite each other, each taking the measure of the other. To be exact, Chel red, while Ian observed. The young master does resemble Count Derghas quite a bit. Any passerby would know theyre of the same lineage. His fiery red, curly hair and freckled nose. Despite his youthful age, his rotund belly unmistakably showed Ders lineage. The reflection in the mirror, Ian, with his blonde hair and absinthe eyes, seemed to have heavily inherited features from his unknown mother. He was pretty, with no simrity to Chel whatsoever. Master Chel. Master Ian. Ill serve the tea. The servant approached politely and set down the tea and cookies. Chels eyes hardened, and he smacked the servants head. Smack! Ah! Hot tea spilled from the servants hand. Ian reflexively searched for a handkerchief, but he, a lowly servant, had none to offer. Say that again. Pardon? The servant looked taken aback as he rubbed his scalded hand on his apron. Luckily, the burn was minor. Who gave you the audacity to call me by my name? Aa I apologize, Young Count. This term acknowledged him as the Counts only legitimate offspring, essentially publicly dering him as Derghas sessor. Ian, well-versed in etiquette, was aware of this, but he too found Chels aggressive response a bit strange. Since you spilled the tea, youre responsible. Ill bring a fresh pot. Bring a fresh pot? Do you not know the value of this tea? Ill have it deducted from your sry. Since its a tea youll never taste in your life, might as well lick it off the floor. Ive made a mistake. Please forgive me just this once. Youre insignificant. Such disdain was notmonly seen.How could his temperament be so cruel? Clearly, his parents raised him poorly. Since the tea is still hot, go cool off your hand. At Ians softmand, Chels face contorted. The servant, fearing to be caught in the crossfire, quickly retreated with the tray. Her judgment was correct. Chel looked ready to grab Ian by his hair at any moment. What do you think youre doing? What are you referring to? Your older brother was talking. How dare you interfere, giving unnecessaryments?Geettest ??ovel ch??pters on n??velbj/n(.)c/??m Ian then spoke with a cid face, as if asking about the obvious. If you keep treating the servants like this, soon you might have to handle the mansions chores yourself,hyungnim. It would be wise to perform your duties without causing unnecessary trouble. At the calm and logical response, Chels eyes bulged in surprise. You lowborn brat dare to talk about duties Just because Molrin praised you, you think you are high and mighty? Do you think youve be a real noble? His voice was soft and quiet, which was to be expected since there were guests on the other side of the door. At least he was that much tactful. Ian chuckled while sipping his tea. And if Im not a noble? What? Then you,hyungnim, might get sold off. Heughed at his own words. Even though he was emperor for only three years, he was at the peak of Bariel. Chel needed to understand that it was an undeniable honor, hearing his words. Though seeing Chels face turn red, the boy seemed to think Ian was making fun of him. Yo-youre insane! Chel raised his hand to p Ians face, but was stopped in mid-air, his wrist tightly grasped by Ian. Youre Chel, arent you? Ian was thinner and smaller than his peers. Hence, if Chel decided to overbear him, he could. However, Chel couldnt do it. Because when Ian called his name in a low voice, he felt chills down his spine. What will Molrin think if he sees my face with a scar here? Huh? What about the Count and his wife? Theyre trying hard to sell me, but instead of cooperating as a son, youre trying to cause a problem The emperor, Ian, tapped Chels cheek lightly. It was a gesture telling the person in front of him to get a grip. And what will you do if I disappear? At those words, Chels eyes gradually gleamed with malice. Hmph, you? The sneering smile, as if he had seized an opportunity, was not that of a childs. It was simr to a thug who had been through a lifetime of hardships in a back alley, a testament to why his family was called vulgar among nobles. Go ahead and try. Then your mothers head will be kicked around like a ball in the marketce. Ahahaha! Phew.Ian sighed inwardly. As a former emperor, he had never heard such a wild and naked threat. It was more, a sophisticated stab, so to speak. Anyway, Ian learned another piece of information from Chels words. His mother was his Achilles heel. There was a reason why Ian had to cross the border without making a sound. It was almost impossible for the child from the slums to escape Derghas grasp. Yes. Looking back, there must be a reason why I entered this childs body among numerous choices. As Ian pondered briefly, Chel misunderstood that his attack had worked. Kneel down. Thats the only way to extend your life for even a day with your mother, right? Even if you roll around in the marketce, your filthy body wouldnt stand out. That was the moment Ian grabbed Chels hair and looked him straight in the eyes. His absinthe1-colored eyes changed to gold and his magical power erupted. It was a reaction that happened involuntarily, as if blood was surging up. You foolish child. Ian let out a sigh, feeling the magic power with his whole body. It was minisculepared to when he was the emperor, but it was not a level Chel could withstand. Moreover, wasnt he, the brightest star in the history of magic? No matter how young you are, the weight of words is the same. A three-inch tongue is not too short to change a life. If youre not careful, it could be cut off. A century ago, the current Bariel Empire had virtually no recognition of magicianspared to when Ian ruled. Even the capitals nobles could only connect with them if they were lucky, let alone Chel, who didnt have a trace of it. Ah Thus, even when faced with a strange phenomenon, he had no idea what it meant. Chel was on the verge of fainting, his face turning pale white. Thump. He fell onto the sofa with a slump, wetting himself out of sheer shock. Ian withdrew with a grimace, clicking his tongue internally. With his back against the direct sunlight, Ian looked like a manifested angel. Chel continued to make mistakes without stopping. This is driving me crazy. He thought he should call a servant when suddenly the door to the reception room swung open. Dear guests. Please enjoy the tea Molrin paused while walking in with a gentle smile, as he faced Ian bathed in sunlight. For a brief moment, he could see Ians golden eyes transformed into an absinthe hue. Just now? Was it an illusion caused by light reflection?Something felt odd. Molrin studied Ians eyes, reying that fleeting moment until the Countesss fuss broke his concentration. Chel! What is this! Countess Mary had found Chel, who was standing there in a daze. The child stumbled as he looked at Ian, but his face remained calm. It wouldnt be good to speak nonsense. The warning conveyed through silence seemed to have reached Chel. The child almost cried as he stammered his excuse. I, I, I spilled the tea. Oh dear. Oh dear. In all the world! Finally noticing Chel, Molrin turned away, coughing awkwardly as if embarrassed, and Dergha tightly shut his eyes. What a disgrace! A seventeen-year-old, grown sonmitting a faux pas in the reception room! If rumors spread, it would be unbearable to show my face. Is there no one outside? Anyone would do, quickly! Whats going on? Egmont! Bring clothes, towels, and something to wipe with. While the Countess was bustling about calling for a servant, Molrin quietly asked Count Dergha for permission to leave. While it wouldnt be surprising for a Central Bureau employee who urgently came down to oversee the change, it was also hard to keep standing like this. Count, I have an urgent matter. For now Oh! Of course. It was an honor today. Same here. If its alright, may I request Master Ian to escort me out? Dergha, too flustered, let his thoughts slip out before he could stop it, especially when Chel started sobbing. Thank you for your permission, Count. Master Ian, the mansion is quiterge, could you please assist this old man? Of course. Sir Molrin. I will dly guide you. Although he had no idea about theyout of the mansion, leaving with Molrin was a far better choice than staying here. He could just catch any passing servant and ask them to hold Molrins coat. Lets go. Ian, with a wide smile, guided him out. Once again, facing those absinthe-colored eyes, Molrin scrutinized the child with a gaze filled with wisdom of the ages. Chapter 4 Chapter 4 It was an honor to meet you today, Master Ian. A carriage waited by the main gate, which Sir Morlin had ridden in. As the old man doffed his hat in greeting, a servant brought him his cane. Ian, too, raised a hand to his chest in respect. Despite the incident, you still honor us with such words. My father will be truly pleased. Ians gesture was formal and graceful. As impable as a tutor responsible for royal etiquette. Morlin again nced down at the boy with a smile. His deep green eyes were clear as ss beads. Master Ian, you truly act in the best interests of the Count. Was this sincerity? No. It was a veiled question disguised as apliment. It was unclear if it was a sneer or a jab a nebulous intention. Morlin seemed to expect an answer, but Ian had no intention of satisfying the old mans curiosity. Please take care. Ian maintained the bare minimum of courtesy with an ambiguous smile. As he could not grasp the intention behind the mans words, his response was necessarily vague. Morlin seemed increasingly intrigued by Ians demeanor. Then, I shall see you next week. The admission proceedings were not a one-day affair. Four times at one-week intervals about a month of this time with Morlin was required. Only then would a report go up to the capital, and over another fortnight, an official order would be issued. One way or another, it meant he had at least a couple of months. Ian exhaled a sigh of relief upon realizing the time afforded to him. His agile handling of the situation was bing second nature. Well then. Farewell. Creak. The carriage driver opened the door for Morlin. Until thest moment, he held Ians gaze through a narrow window, then disappeared. Only after the carriage was out of sight did Ian finally take in the full view of the Counts estate. Its rather traditional for a Count. Master Ian, shall I escort you to your room? No, I believe we should return to the reception room. When the servant standing behind him cautiously asked, Ian waved him off. He needed to check how well Chel had managed the aftermath. At this point, when he didnt have a perfect grasp of the situation, he couldnt predict what his actions might bring about. So he had to see for himself. He needed to see with his own eyes and hear with his own ears. You go ahead. Yes. I understand. But, Master Ian! At the servants call, he turned his head. That flustered face looked familiar. It was the boy who had handled Chels tantrum in the reception room. Is your hand okay? The servant asked, bowing andter holding Ians slightly swollen hand. Although not treated properly, the swelling seemed to have subsided. Thank you. Its nothing. What a big deal over a little kindness. As soon as the servant turned the corner and disappeared, Ian looked at his own hand. There was something he needed to confirm. I can feel the magic. They say magic resonates with the soul, not the body. Although he was in an unfamiliar body, he could still summon his power. This was surprising, considering he had never experienced such a situation Still, its a relief. While it couldntpare to his original body, if he trained, he could use magic far more easily. Even in the worst-case scenario, as long as he had magic, he could avoid certain things. Knock, knock. Ian, who had reached the reception room unnoticed, was about to enter when he knocked on the door. Inside, he could hear unfamiliar servants chatting, most likely cleaning up the disarrayed room. Ah, really. What in the world happened here? Indeed, hes seventeen after all. Shh. Be quiet. Thedy of the house warned us not to mention it outside. Be careful, or else, youll get hit. If Master Ian made a mistake, I would believe it. Rememberst time? He fainted because his head was nearly torn off by the young count. I thought it was some kind of joke, and that he had peedagain because of another near-death experience! The servants burst into a clear, echoingughter. Ian, peeking from behind the door, quietly listened to their mockery. They gloated over him like he was a captured mouse. Tsk tsk. But it was surprising to see him in the garden today. Hisposure, he seemed more elegant than the Countess. Its because hes being mindful since there are guests. Otherwise, do you think the Count would have let him be? Hes clearly of mixed blood, just like his mother. Looking at his mothers paleplexion, Im certain her prostitute blood has been mixed in. Yeah. But his mother is not a prostitute, is it? Why do you say that shes one? Youre right. If you think about it, its the Counts fault. Why would he meddle with a perfectly fine woman? Living fine, you say? Is living by sucking your fingers called living well? Ian decided it wasnt worth listening anymore and opened the door. The chattering servants all froze. Um, there Master Ian? Where did my parents and my brother go? Should he make excuses, or not? Although the servants respectfully addressed him, everyone knew that Ian was of low birth and that he would soon be sold to the Cheonrye Tribe. Do I have to ask again? Ah! I apologize! The madam and young master Chel have returned to their rooms, and the Count has gone to the front door with the butler. If they went to the front door, they were probably going to bid a bted farewell to the guest. The whole situation felt off. It was unheard of to send only the disgraced son and Ian to see off a guest. It was obvious that he was worried about what trap the snake-like old man might have set. Theyve taken different paths. As Ian calmly closed the door and left, the servants exhaled sighs of relief and scolded a woman among them. Ah, really! Be! Its your mouth thats the problem. Sheesh. Whats the big deal? Hes a ve whos going to be sold in a few months. Cant you keep your mouth shut? Do you want to get in trouble? It was a matter of particr concern to the Count. Wasnt he in the midst of legitimizing Ians status for the sake of peace? Even if the pce wouldnt say much as it was a national affair, it was uncertain what kind of trouble might arise if the Cheonrye Tribe found out. There was a reason why all the servants of the mansion treated Ian with such care. Ah, father. Ian spotted Count Derghaing around the corner at the end of the hallway. He was frowning heavily as he approached Ian. Has the honored guest left? Yes. I watched the carriage that he arrived in depart. What did you talk about on your way? Nothing special. Just some idle chat. He did mention Chel-hyungnims mistake, but it seemed like a mere concern. When Chels name came up, Derghas brow furrowed deeper as if he had suffered a defeat. Ian didnt miss a thing. From his reaction, it was clear that Chel had spilled the beans about his golden eyes. Prepare the carriage. Feeling the stress building up, the Count ordered his butler and put a pipe made of jade to his lips. Regardless of whether his child was present or not, he exhaled the harsh smoke of his tobo. Then all of a sudden. How did you know about the schr named Fuhlen? It was a question that came to him as he was reviewing the banquet. After all, it was a mystery how a wretched bastard knew about a schr from the monastery that even he didnt know. Ian gave a vague response without much thought. I overheard someone in the house talking about him. Whose words? I dont really know their name. Ian was a child who hadnt been here for long. He couldnt possibly know everyone in the mansion yet. This was a quick-witted response derived from that judgment. Whether it was convincing or not, Dergha filled in the nk with his own guess. Was it Chels private tutor? Ive heard the mans a graduate of Bariel University. Well, that part wasnt so important. Dergha deliberately put on a stern voice. Make sure there are no mistakes next week. If you spill finger bowl water again, Ill dunk your head into the mop bucket. Perhaps it was a mistake the child made before Emperor Ian took possession of his body. Ian simply nodded without any furtherment. Dergha took a drag of his cigarette and looked down at Ian with a nonchnt gaze. Hmm. The boys face is indeed attractive, strongly resembling his mothers. When he was first brought here, he was such a crybaby, constantly in tears, that there hasnt been an opportunity to really look at him. And theres no real desire to do so either. Why are you behaving this way? If his character matures well, hell certainly be considered attractive among the Cheonrye Tribe. And hes only sixteen now. There might be a chance to marry into the chiefs family. However, crossing the national border is a matter of life and death, uncertain at best. Nevertheless, if things go well, it could be helpful for a formal alliance. Forget about the mistake your brother made today. Yes. I understand. Its embarrassing even to the lower-ranked individuals in the mansion. What if the Cheonryeo tribe finds out? The dignity of the next Count would beughable, Dergha thought. Around the time Dergha almost finished his cigarette, the butler appeared with a coat. Count-nim, everything is ready. Lets go. And with that, the Count turned away in a huff. Ian confirmed through the window that the Counthad boarded his carriage. From the fact that the servants didnt even bother to see him off, it was clear this was a ndestine outing. Tsk. Such a boring man, Ian cleanly wiped all thoughts of him from his mind and turned around. It seemed best to form a mental map of the entire mansion. Or he could meet Chel and implement firm control. As he wandered around the vast mansion, he eventually arrived at the central kitchen. The servants and the whole household gathered in small groups, clearing up the food left from the backyard feast. Master Ian? Whats the matter? Nothing. I am just taking a walk. How peculiar. Normally, he didnt even go outside even if a fire broke out. As the servants began to clean up the leftover food, Ian frowned slightly. They arent livestock, why are they eating leftovers Such a thing could never happen in Bariel where he came from. Unless it was the poorest slums, who would eat leftover food? Regardless of the overall increase in living standards, after the outbreak of diseases spread by saliva, even in slums, it was a forbidden habit. However, in Count Bratzs mansion, it seemed this scenario was a familiar thing, without an ounce of hesitations. Are you hungry? Shall I serve you some? Hey! How dare you speak so rudely to the young master! Ah, Im sorry. No. No, its okay. The territory of the Cheonrye Tribe was right in the middle of the bustling desert. Even the closest Bratz territory was influenced by it, so it could be said to be barrenndpared to other ces. There wasnt much fertilend. And how many soldiers were there because its a bordend? The bnce of supply and demand had been broken for a long time, so the servants were always hungry. Then please, help yourself. Yes. Please go ahead. Ian moved aside so they could eat morefortably. But the more he thought about it, the weirder it seemed. Was it a sense of disconnect? Of course, the time gap from Emperor Ians era was big, but even considering that, it felt like something was missing. What is it? Whatscking? Ian-nim. At that moment, someone called him from behind. It was a girl his age, her ck hair braided. She was one of the girls eating earlier. What is it? Well, Im nning to go to the market in a bit. Why is she telling him that? Underneath his gentle smile, Ian tried to figure it out. What could it be? Could it be that Ian also oversees the market? Replenishing the mansions food supplies is difficult even for adults. If theres a message youd like me to ry to your mother Oh. When the girl started talking while fidgeting with her fingers, he understood her intention. Whenever she went out, she must have sent her regards to Ians biological mother. Since she couldnt read or write, she could only rely on word of mouth. That means I cant leave the mansion. He was a precious offering for the alliance. He probably wont be able to leave the Counts mansion on his own feet until the Cheonrye Tribe arrives. With a single sentence, the girl had made Ian realize the shackles on his feet. Chapter 5 Chapter 5 Master Ian? The child called out, watching Ians mood. Hisplexion didnt look particrly bad, but there was an unusual gloom about him. Rumors had been going around that Ian was different today, but no one expected it to be to this extent. Ah, yes. Only then did Ian understand the reason behind Chels behavior. Initially, holding his mothers life as coteral, it was understandable that such cruel words would spill out. Ian gave a small smile and expressed his gratitude to the child. Its fine. Theres nothing to ry. Eh? But why the childs eyes widened as if this was an unprecedented urrence. Wasnt it the same Ian who used to tell her all sorts of trivial stories every time before she left? The servants also didnt know how to write, so they would sketch and memorize things roughly with pictures. My father has gone out. The Count? Today was a special day with a banquet held due to pressing circumstances. It meant that the Counts schedule was also different from usual. It seemed the child had overlooked this fact. It will be troublesome if we bump into each other by coincidence. Besides, youre not exactly of age. Its better to limit your ventures outside. Hearing this, the child remembered Ian always mentioned the red-light district, which was a dangerous ce even in Ians era. It was probably even more dangerous 100 years ago. If youre unlucky, even a healthy man could copse due to frailty and get his pocket picked. Ian couldnt send a child to such a ce. Will you be alright? Hm? What do you mean? Dont you often cryte into the night The child knew that Ian was cryingte into the night? Did he share a room with someone? If not, it meant that there were people outside Ians roomte at night. So, theyve set surveince on me too. Fortunately, he figured it out before making a mistake. Ian replied with a faint smile. Im fine. I wont cry anymore. But, then, the errand fee Errand fee? The one who seemed about to cry now was the child. Twiddling her fingertips, she made an awkward face. Ian reflexively reached into his pocket, but found nothing. If I cant bring food today, my siblings might starve. Im truly fine, so please give me an errand. I promise I wont make a single mistake in delivering your message. The errand fee wasnt money. Of course, the child was born poor and was now semi-forcibly confined in the mansion. Theres no way she could have even a single penny. Please, Ian-nim. Then, what could Ian offer her in this mansion? That would be three square meals a day. Right, she did look awfully thin. The Heavenly Tribe was a strong and resilient barbarian tribe. They were so strong that a single person could rival dozens of others, enabling their tribe to be a thorn in the side of the Bariel Empire. With the standards for physique already vastly different, if the Count were to send such a scrawny child like himself, surely there would beints. As a result, his meals were as equal as those of the Counts family. This was everything that Ian could offer and a sort of currency that could be used outside. There are five siblings in total. If I cant bring the errand fee, theyll have to fill their bellies with grass, the child pleaded earnestly, even using her hands. Ian had suspected that the estate was impoverished but didnt expect it to be this bad. However, in a situation where he couldnt even guarantee his own safety, he couldnt just blindly heed the childs circumstances. After a moment of contemtion, Ian nodded, Alright. But theres a condition. This time, its a prepayment. The errand fee will be given first, and when I need itter, youll do the task then. Ah! Perhaps it was a much-wee proposal, the child repeatedly bowed in gratitude. So, there was someone who would help Ian here. Although their rtionship was bound by transactions, what does it matter? Having an ally in any form was better. And I want to address you more casually. Thinking that he should know the childs name at this point, he casually probed. It was a statementced with the implication that there would be more tasks for the child in the future. Recognizing Ians intentions, the child smiled broadly and answered, Please call me Hannah! Everyone in the mansion calls me that! Previously, Ian used to call out with there or you know. As if she had been waiting, Hannah introduced herself repeatedly. Ians room was thest one at the end of the third-floor corridor. As soon as the door opened, a strong musty smell wafted out. The small window seemed woefully insufficient for venttion. It was clear that this wasnt a guest room, but rather a servants room. Creak. The old chair creaked, but it couldnt distract Ians focus. Thankfully, in one corner, there was some cheap paper and pen holders. It was evident that a child had been practicing their writing here. It was more urate to say that they had been drawing the words rather than writing them. The year 1100 of the Empire. Ian was able to determine the exact date from Hannah. He had been in the year 1198, so he had almost returned to a century in the past. His guess of roughly 100 years had been correct. Ian let out a weary sigh and brushed back his golden hair. Where should I even start from Whether it was Naum or not, it was clear that he had been caught in someones time-space magic. If not, it was an illusion that one sees at the moment of death. For now, the only thing is that the person Ive taken over and I have the same name. But it was also difficult to attribute arge significance to this. The name Ian was neither rare nor special. Swoosh. Ian casually jotted down significant events on the paper to clear his head. If this was an illusion, or a different world, things would proceed differently from his expectations. Hmm. Ian had no problem writing down the historical timeline of events that would ur in Bariel. There were gaps here and there, but it didnt matter. Theck of memorable events meant it had been peaceful. But really, howe there are so few sheets of paper on a kids desk? The clean paper quickly filled up with countless characters. The only remaining paper was filled with things which were probably Ians sloppy handwriting. Heaving a sigh, Ian tried hard to decipher what it was, although he couldnt quite make it out. These are letters, right? Judging by the pattern, something was written Could it be in Barielnguage? Knock knock. It was then. Upon hearing a noise from outside, Ian stealthily slid the paper into a drawer and turned around. He didnt know who it was, but anyone reading the letter could pose a problem. Come in. I will leave your evening meal here, Master Ian. Ah, its Hannah. The phosphorescent stone was a much cheaper light source than candles. It only glowed dimly enough to make out shapes in the darkness. Could you fetch me a candlestick? Ah. Well, to enter Master Ians room, we need the Countesss permission. Her awkward reply came from beyond the door. Given the miserable state of the room, it was unlikely she wouldply. Wasnt she the child, the very mistake her husband made outside? One could imagine how much of a thorn in the side she would be. Should I be grateful just for not starving? Shall I go and ask? The chances of receiving a used candlewick, and the likelihood of being hounded about why its needed. Which one was higher? Especially on the day when her proud son Chel made a mistake in the reception room. No. Its okay. You can go now. I will excuse myself then. The sound of Hannahs footsteps fading could be heard. Ian picked up the pen again. He had tried to dip the pen several times, but it was too dark now, to the point where he couldnt even see the inkwell. He leaned back in his chair and looked towards the door. Creak. There was a small tray ced in front of the door. Two chunks of barley bread, a piece of cheap ham, and some water. What the? It was a meal that Hannah had left for him as a chore, stripped down to the bare minimum. No wonder he was feeling weak after surviving on this. Ian grumbled under his breath as he picked up the tray and came back in. He wasnt satiated, but who can conduct business on an empty stomach? As he soaked the bread in water, he grumbled. Even the orphans on the battlefield didnt eat this way. Back then, there was at least gru soup Ah! A gust seemed to blow through his foggy mind. Everything became clear as he scratched at an itchy spot. Right, he had thought something was odd when he looked at the kitchen. It was a bountiful meal, but it felt somehow hollow. There was no gru. Gru was a vegetable rich in nutrients and often eaten as a substitute for a meal. Regardless of taste, its bitterness and versatility made it an essential food item for every Bariel citizen. The discovery of gru was an event of such significance that it could be said to be a turning point in the Empires history. It had reduced the number of deaths from starvation by nearly 85% every year. Economically and lifestyle-wise, Bariel would be divided into before and after the discovery of gru. The discovery of gru was originally about 50 years from now. A discovery, not an invention. It wasnt about creating something that didnt exist, but discovering something that did. Gru seeds from the East were considered toxic, not recognized as edible, and discarded in the mountains and fields where they naturally became indigenous. For 50 years, no one knew how to eat the strange food from the East. However, Ian knew how to eat gru. In other words, if he discovered gru, he could erase the famine in Bariels history. My goodness. Ian wished, for a moment, that all of this was real. That this was not a magical illusion Ian-nim. Its okay. Opportunities are always, always there. God does not give unanswered questions. Naumsst words lingered in his ears. Although he didnt know the details yet, he felt like he could find an answer. Whatever it was. Lets try to survive somehow. And go to the Imperial Pce, to trace Naum. That was the first answer Ian came up with. Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Heave-ho! Heave-ho! The time when the still azure moon hung in the dawn sky. Ian sat by the window, gazing outside vacantly. He had lost his sleep due to having much to think about, only to be awakened by some noise. Align to the left! March forward! The sound was of Bratzs soldiers going out for their dawn training. Ian leaned on his chin, meticulously observing their formation. Thats quite a number of soldiers. The number of soldiers hustling out one after another through the main gate was not insignificant. Considering the ratio of soldiers stationed at the mansion to general soldiers deployed across the fiefdom, it seemed as though Lord Derga held an excessive amount of troops. It is rather difficult to reduce the number of soldiers. Itd indeed give me a headache. Any other lord would decrease their number of soldiers once they entered into a peaceful alliance. Unemployed soldiers would return to their original jobs, till the fields, sell goods, and in turn pay taxes to the lord. An alliance often brought economic benefits along with peace. But the Count of Derga, even after forming an alliance from past generations, didnt reduce the number of soldiers. It must be because the alliance was perfunctory andcked faith. The Counts second brother was killed crossing the border, and Ian was essentially a sacrifice, being sent off assuming his death. Rather than this, it might be better to break the alliance. The economy of the fiefdoms citizens had to support the maintenance of the army. At the moment, there were far too many soldierspared to the economys capacity. It would make more sense if there were frequent battles. If battles continued, the number of soldiers the citizens had to support would decrease, and if they were sessful in upying, theyd even gain newbor and capital. Of course, the assumption of defeat is another problem. As people often say when their worries grow, its a headache. This had to be resolved before anything else. War if its war. Peace if its peace. One of the two had to be ensured, but if this half-hearted situation continued, everyone would only suffer more. Just look at Hannah. She was a servant working at the Counts mansion, but without Ians errand money, wouldnt she starve? Squeak. After adjusting his ragged clothes, Ian stepped out of his room. He saw a servant nodding off in the hallway. The servant was likely on night duty, keeping watch over Ian. Hey. M-master I-Ian? The air outside seems fresh. Lets go out. Is this a dream or reality? The servant blinked his eyes, wiping the corners of his mouth. It was the first time Ian hade out at dawn. Until now, hed only confirmed that there was no issue overnight when handing over the breakfast tray Where, where are you nning to go? Just taking a stroll, you see? At this ungodly hour? Could there be some hidden agenda? Seeing the servants eyes narrow suspiciously, Ian grinned and nodded, his gaze icy cold. What are you staring at? It meant, get out of my way. Although the servant lowered his head to pull himself together, he couldnt hide his troubled expression. It felt wrong to let Ian go since the mansion was so quiet and it felt like he could harbor ill intentions. But he didnt have a proper reason to stop him either. Erm, Ian-nim You can follow me if you like. Ian permitted him as if there were no more words needed and led the way down the hall. Ian took the lead through the corridor as if there was nothing more to say. Despite his warning not to follow, they decided to ignore it, and besides, Ian was utterly unfamiliar with the mansion. He thought it would be helpful for them to learn a few things while they wandered around. Is that annex over there locked? Its intended for guests, so we clean it every day. Thats a roundabout way of saying its unlocked. Then what about over there? The armory, as youd expect, prioritizes security. Theyre rather tight-lipped, I see. The servant didnt give a straight answer, constantly gauging Ians reactions. The moment surveince ended, it was clear they would rush somewhere to report. Despite the obviousness, Ian didnt pay it much mind. He wouldnt do anything that could cause trouble. The real problem was something else. Sigh. He let out a heavy breath, straightening his back. He had been keen on gathering information, but the first issue he noticed was the childs stamina. An untrained body. He had guessed as much, but it was worse than expected. To think merely walking around the mansion could be so tiring. If it hadnt been for meeting the Heavenly Tribe, he mightve copsed at the border from exhaustion. And the second problem. It doesnt seem like theres any gru here. Despite inspecting the well-maintained garden and even the rarely trodden backyard, he saw no gru. Considering its a nt that thrives in reproduction and survival, it mustve been pulled and burned on sight. One wouldnt find it outside of deep mountains and such ces. Not being able to go outside posed another problem. Master Ian. Dawn hase. Lets eat. The servant, suppressing a yawn, suggested. It was time to end their night shift. Rude, considering their position, but understandable given Ians circumstances. Ian nodded obediently. Alright. Lets head to the main buildings dining hall. Huh? The dining hall in the main building? The servant was questioning his meaning. Didnt he have dinner served to his room yesterday? Ian probably preferred his meals that way. However, Ian didnt have such intentions. His hunger had grown, and he needed to face the members of the Counts family who held his life in their hands. Oh, Ian-nim? Hello? What brings you here. The servants bustling in front of the dining hall were flustered when they saw Ian. Judging by the number of dishes, it seemed two people were already inside. I came to eat. But the Countess and young master Chel are present. And DerghaI mean, my father? He hasnt returned since he went out yesterday. Tsk. A letdown, but on the bright side, without Dergha, he could deal with the other two more easily. Open the door. Upon Iansmand, the servant had no choice but to pull the handle, revealing the grandeur of the dining hall. The expressions of the two waiting for their meal inside were pr opposites. The startled Chel with wide-open eyes, and Countess Mary, narrowing hers in displeasure. Whats this about? Her tone was sharp. Ian retorted nonchntly, Good morning, mother. Its a lovely day. After greeting them casually, he took a seat opposite them. Chel looked at his mother, at a loss for words, but Countess Mary didnt notice, too focused on ring at Ian. Her expression was so malicious, it was hard to believe she was the same gentledy he saw in the garden yesterday. You should have your meal in your room. Despite her thinly veiledmand, Ian calmly moved forward to the dining table. Indeed, I did thatst night. As I nibbled on a piece of bread, it urred to me that it didnt seem quite right. What did you say? Werent you quite surprised because I had to drink the finger bowl yesterday? The two children of the Counts family making such blunders. At his words, Chels face turned a fiery red. Mary forcefully put down her knife and mped her mouth shut. Her eyes were warning him to shut up if he didnt want to be pped. Father also admonished me. He told me to diligently pursue my studies. Learning manners is difficult when dining alone with a tray, so its better to do so together. He spoke deceitfully well. It wasnt something ordered by Derhaga, but he made it sound as if it was his intention. Mother? Sit. She looked as if her stomach was boiling since morning. Countess Mary held her fork and knife nervously, slicing the frittata. Chel just sat still, as if his appetite was gone, sneaking nces at Ian. Ian exchanged nces while smiling broadly. Indeed, receiving a meal at the table is better than from a tray, right? Hyung-nim? Eh? Uh Yes. The quantity was muchrger. Ian elegantly and busily filled his hunger. All the while, he examined thedy in detail. All the items adorned on her body, from jewelry to dresses, were precious even in the times of Emperor Ian. The servants didnt have enough to eat, looking at even the young masters bowl, yet thedy indulged in luxury. Its aplete mess of a family overall. Mother, I have something to tell you. Cant you shut up and eat? Please change my room. I would appreciate it if you could also provide a candle. Hah! Thedy finally looked at Ian, bursting into an incredulousugh. You dont know your ce. Change your room? What do you need a candle for? An ignorant boy who cannot understand a single letter is going to waste. Indeed, you take after your mother who was all vanity and nothing more. It was beyond insulting, it was downright abusive. Chels body visibly stiffened. It was clear he was worried that Ian would show his golden eyes in anger and possibly unleash an unknown power. Of course I take after my mother, the Countess. Everything thedy has said is correct. However, Ian responded with a clear smile. He effectively pointed out that she was the vain woman she described. His polite tone meant thedy didnt immediately understand his insult, but she soon realized the nasty implications and her face turned red. You! Sir Molrin will be visiting next week and has requested to see my room. Just as she was about to shriek in outrage, Ian cut her off cleanly. It was a lie, but a manageable and useful one. We cant show such a room to a valuable guest, can we? Even if we change it just for the day, hes an astute person and will notice something is off right away. We have spare rooms, itd be better to give me one of them now, wouldnt it? Where did you learn to speak so boldly! If I show my ignorance and shorings, it will solely burden Chel-hyungnim. Mother wouldnt want that. Although its just a formal procedure, Molrin is a central bureaucrat sent from the pce. Naturally, hes meant to keep check on provincial nobles. If things go wrong, Chel might really have to be sent in his ce. Ill do my best, Mother. Ian smiled warmly, teasing the meat with his fork. His gaze seemed to say, Just help me without asking questions. The countess was beyond perplexed, veering into disbelief. In just one day, how had that bumbling fool be so audacious? Bam! Clearly annoyed, thedy abruptly stood up and left the room. Chel also slowly stood up, after hesitating for a while. Hyungnim? Ah? Uh huh? Chel, who had been quietly about to leave the room, turned back. Dont worry about yesterdays incident. Everyone makes mistakes, dont they? Well, thats true, but Only lowly people dwell on the past. His words seemed tofort Chel for his mistake on the surface, but underneath it was a message to forget what he had seen yesterday. Without a word, Chel just nodded and quickly ran out. A lot of food will be left over, wont it? Ian raised an eyebrow, ncing at the bountiful spread before him. He left enough for himself to eat, then pushed the rest aside for the servants. Hmm. Ian leisurely tasted his food while taking in the scenery outside. It was truly peaceful to be sitting alone in the spacious dining room. This was a tranquility he hadnt experienced in his previous life. Then suddenly, he caught his reflection in the windowpane. A small, puny, unfamiliar face. Ian. If Emperor Ian is here, where has bastard son Ian gone? Facing the serene face of the child in the reflection, Ian rested his chin in his hand. The beautiful willow in the garden swayed elegantly. Meanwhile,ter that afternoon. The countess, despite her fury, had no choice but to move Ians room to the annex. As the servants rummaged through Ians room to pack his few belongings, they discovered a strange piece of paper. Whats this? It was Ians writing about the history of Bariel from the previous night. But it was thoroughly soaked in a cup of water; the ink was smeared all over, and the paper was torn and crumpled. It was impossible to make out any of its contents. Did Master Ian actually study? But why did he soak it in water? Why? He must have been ashamed of it, even by his own standards. Without even knowing what the paper contained, the servants dumped it in the trash bin. Everyone in the mansion had no doubt that bastard son Ian waspletely ignorant. Chapter 7 Chapter 7 Ian-nim, you need to focus. Ian turned his head at the words of his private tutor. The guest room in the western annex. Unlike before, a clear breeze was nowing in through the windows opened on all sides. Looking at his indifferent student, the tutor sighed and doodled with his pen. Lets try again. Lets suppose that a hundred farmers paid five sacks of grain each as a tax. If half of it is sent to the capital, and again half of the remaining is distributed to the mansions servants, how many sacks would be left in the end? Ian let out a light yawn and looked away. The afternoon study hours,sting a couple of hours, were utterly unbearable. I dont know. At first, he pretended to calcte, counting on his fingers, to make it seem less strange if he suddenly switched his attitude. But its annoying to keep doing that. Ian decided topletely feign ignorance. Try to do the calction. Hmm. Wouldnt it be 100 sacks? Moreover, his stupidity seemed to bring unexpected benefits. The tutor and the butler often chatted about Ians education process, sometimes leaking information about the affairs of the house. Well end the math lesson here. Next is literature. We read Fate of Destinyst time, didnt we? The tutor was a mancking enthusiasm. Whether Ian understood or not, he just went through his given tasks rigidly and collected his sry. It was fortunate for Ian. When he imed not to know, the tutor gave up neatly, so there was no need to pretend to study frantically. Knock knock. Come in. Excuse me. The butler came in with some snacks. The fact that the butler himself brought them, rather than a servant, likely reflected an intention to observe the childs learning attitude. How far have you progressed? Were about to wrap up with literature. I see. It seems youre finishing up early today. Young master Ian has been very cooperative. Humph. How amusing. Ian nibbled at his snack while looking at a book, half of which was pictures. The butler showed his palm to the tutor and wrote something quickly. It was not visible from Ians position. Then. Carry on. Yes. Butler-nim. Thump. The tutor read out a few characters, wrote them on parchment, and asked Ian to copy them. In this way, the boring afternoon study time ended. As the wall clock chimed, the tutor rose, packing up his books. Ill see you out, Teacher. No, its okay. Im busy today. Young masterIan, you should continue practicing your writing. Ian used to greet and see off the tutor, learning how to walk, greet, and practice social etiquette. But on days like today, when the tutor refused, it meant he was meeting someone in the house. Okay. Then, Ill see you next time. Without any further reply, Ian simply nodded. The tutor, now wearing his coat, left the room with a smile. Is he going to meet the butler? Sometimes the man also met the count or countess. But since moving to the annex, there had been more servants around, so he couldnt follow him. Having let go of the regret, Ian casually cleaned up the parchment and stretched out his body. The benefit of having arger room was that even if he didnt go outside, he could still exercise. Physical strength is magic. He used magic to build strength, and that strength stored magic again. This was why even the elderly wizards called Grand Magicians stayed vigorous. Young master Ian. Knock knock. And that night. After finishing his evening meal, Ian was called by the butler. His Lordship has requested your presence in his office. Finally, the time hade. Count Derghas office was on the top floor of the mansion, an entire level that Ian had never ventured to before. Puzzled yet calm, Ian followed the butler. Your Lordship, young master Ian has arrived. A few knocks on the heavy door handle were responded with permission from within. Enter. Creak. Unlike Ians old room, which only had a single luminescent stone for lighting, the office was as bright as day. The glow wasing from various magterns that were densely arranged throughout the room. Yet the atmosphere remained somber, presumably due to the presence of Count Dergha. Did you summon me? Ian asked politely, but Dergha gave no response. His working environment might seem peacefulpared to the peasants who toil in the fields day and night, but a Count is busy in his own way. You are aware of the banquet happening the day after tomorrow? Yes, of course. Dergha mumbled without lifting his gaze from the documents. It seems that other aides from the central will also participate this time. The first meal must have left quite an impression. Seeing a country boy, moreover an adopted child, discussing the philosophy of Fuhlen must have piqued his interest. Youll need to be more alert thanst time. Ill keep that in mind. Is this all he summoned me for? Dergha, who didnt say much even when he changed rooms, remained silent. Ian patiently awaited further instructions. As the sound of the pen scraping against parchment continued, the Count finally opened his closed lips again. The Heavenly Tribe has requested a handwritten letter from you. Ian knew that they had offered Derghas second son as a condition of their alliance. Along with the offer, they also enclosed a potion that reacts only to direct family members, so there was no need to question his lineage. Of course, they must not know hes an adopted child from a peasant background. Anyway. My handwritten letter? It seemed they wanted some sort of security measure. Could Dergha have reced his son at thest minute due to pity? Given the Heavenly Tribes emphasis on familial bonds, it was a usible concern. It seems theyve brought this nuisance upon themselves in a rather barbaric manner. Tsk tsk. Theyre going to use the homogeneity potion again at the treaty ceremony. Unlike the Bariel Empire, the Heavenly Tribe does not have mages. To them, mages are unnatural beings who defy nature, right from their very bloodline. Well, I see no reason to refuse. They n to receive the handwritten letter andter cross-verify the handwriting. They want to confirm that Ian is indeed Derghas adopted son and the designated subject they had agreed upon. Write letters regrly and send them. The private tutor will guide you, so all you have to do is write them down. Youre not so ipetent that you cant do even that. Ill make sure not to make any mistakes. Creak. At that moment. The small door leading to the office opened. The administrative officer entered, searching for Dergha with a frantic expression. Count-nim. The calctions just dont add up no matter how much I try. He was holding arge pile of documents. Seeing him about to copse under the weight, the Count waved his hand dismissively. Thats enough. Ill handle it. He gave Ian a look that meant wait for a moment. Although the documents he was working on were still spread out on his desk, the Count didnt seem worried. Ian was almost illiterate, and even if he could read, he could onlyprehend the sybles. Wait. The Count ordered as he stepped into the administrative officers office. Ian, who had been courteously smiling, suddenly changed his expression. Lets see. What could be so urgent? It was early spring. Conscientious lords tend to look after their territory even when the ground is frozen, but Dergha didnt seem like that kind of person. Hadnt he enjoyed strolling through back alleys until the day he met Molrin? Rustle. Ian quickly skimmed through the documents, making sure not to disrupt their order. His skill of leafing through the papers was exceptionally smooth. Hmm? Ian furrowed his brows as if he had expected this. As he suspected, Dergha possessed far more soldiers than he could handle. The size of the Bratz domain would optimally sustain around 300 soldiers without straining its resources. However, considering the food ration expenditures, numbers ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 were possible. Its impressive they havent copsed yet. Furthermore, the taxes imposed on the domains residents were more than twice the capitals rmended ratio. Considering the historical fact that the Tianle tribe drove the Bratz to extinction, it almost seemed reasonable. The situation was on the edge of copse, even without any intervention. Ian gave a disbelieving re at his small office. What was the author thinking to manage the domain in such a way? A family that has been handed down for generations, and they were far from impressive. Is there another source of ie? He wasnt sure how long theyd been operating like this, but relying on taxes alone seemed to be quite tight. There wont be much on the Bratz side. As far as he knew, the Bratz domain bordered the Heavenly tribesnd. Thend wasnt particrly fertile, and there was no sea either. There were no significant resources to note. If that was the case, the ancestors wouldnt have divided the domain among other nobles. The previous emperor distributed the domain to the nobles who had helped defeat the Heavenly tribe. If there were important resources, the pce would not have done so. Click. At that moment, the door opened without warning. Ian, who was leaning on the counts desk, instinctively held his breath and released his magical power. Pssst. Fffzzz. Hm? Simultaneously, all thenterns in the room went out. The office of the chambein was no different. With the moon hidden behind the clouds, the surroundings were instantly engulfed in darkness. Count-nim? Are you alright? It hasnt been long since the magtern was reced, right? Just a moment. Ill light a candle, ugh! Thud! The chambein had run into something. Before the moon came out, Ian moved stealthily to the center of the room, hiding his presence. Dergha was groping in the dark, trying to find his desk. Ian. Respond. Yes. Father. Ians voice echoed gently in the darkness. Judging by the sound, he seemed to be standing near the sofa. Is there anyone else out there?! The chambein, who had been searching for a candle, continued to stumble, and the darkness showed no signs of lifting. Annoyed, Dergha shouted. Psst. Fffzzz. Then, thenterns were lit again. Ian, who had been holding his breath, had retracted his magic. Dergha made eye contact with Ian, who stood calmly. His absinthe-colored eyes were clear. Are you alright? The Count looked down at his hand, which was still supporting him on the desk. The documents were slightly scattered, but it was dismissible as his own doing in the dark. He opened the drawer without suspicion. Here. Come and get this. What is it? It was a small pouch, manually knitted. Dergha threw it lightly as if it were nothing special, and it fell precisely at Ians feet. Its from your mother. The small pouch was scattered on the floor. Ian picked it up slowly. Always remember your position and be mindful of your actions by looking at that. When the news about Ian, who was told through Hannah, stopped abruptly, his mother attempted suicide. If she couldnt meet him alive, she wanted to meet him in death. Forced by her sudden act, the Count reluctantly agreed to deliver letters and gifts as apromise. If she died, it would be as good as Ian being unchained. It was a fact that Hannah told him everything that happened, through the coachman. He had been generous with the errands, so there was likely no falsehood in her words. Thats it. You may leave, Dergha waved his hand. Holding the old pouch, Ian quietly exited the office. As he leaned against the dark hallway and untied the pouch, misceneous items poured out. ng! Five gold coins. Dried flowers. A very small letter. One gold coin was equivalent to what amoner could earn in a month. Ian calmly unfolded the letter. The handwriting was neat, clearly someone had been asked to transcribe. But would it contain his mothers sincerity from beginning to end? No. There might be hidden intentions from Dergha. Like swapping the letter. Ian fiddled with the gold coins, then began to read the letter. Chapter 8 Chapter 8 Ian. My little child. Ahem. The private tutor coughed slightly and watched Ians reaction. Surely, the illiterate recipient of this letter must have asked someone else to read it for him. The most natural choice was the private tutor. Ians eyes sparkled in anticipation as he sped his chin. Please continue reading, Teacher. Are you doing well over there? Your mother is livingfortably, thanks to Count Dergha. Not having to work, she finds joy in every passing day. Devote yourself to your studies in gratitude to the Count. Master Chel, although your half-brother, should be treated with respect. Dont forget that. Take honor in being a symbol of unity. Above all, build a solid rtionship with the Cheonrye tribe. You and Master Chel are the hope of future generations. As the teacher recited the letter, he stealthily observed Ians reactions. And I have one request. Yes. The main point of the issue. The Cheonrye tribe smoke gureut leaves instead of tobo, I hear. Your mother would like to try it as well. Can you bring some seeds secretly when youe back on your birthday next year? Gureut leaves were a kind of stimnt used by the Cheonrye tribe. They were chewed whole, or rolled into leaves and smoked. It was a mystery what nt it came from, or even how it was made, a secret of the Cheonrye tribe. What was certain was that they would always bite into a leaf before heading into battle. And the flower from the pot you took such care of bloomed. I wont be able to see you once you cross the border. Hmm. Thest sentence reads like this. Write down a verse of the song I often sang for you when you get this letter. I love you always. My son. Presumably, the dried flower petal in the pocket was the real gift sent by his mother. And likely, only thest paragraph was the real content of the letter. She must have put some thought into it. By demanding a secret code, she forced the Count to pass on the letter and send a reply. It seems like she mixed in the task of smuggling gureut leaves with the letter. What was strange was Derghas approach. Why would he coax Ian with such aplicated method? If he threatened his mothers life like he always did, Ian wouldply. There would be no need to go roundabout like this. Master Ian? Yes, teacher. Thank you. Please keep the contents of this letter a secret. Of course. Dergha must have some hidden intentions. Ian made a resolution to uncover them. The tutor pulled out a clean piece of parchment and asked, Would you like to write a reply today? No. I have a lot to say, so I need to sort out my thoughts. Ill ask you another time. Is that so? Your mother must be waiting. Whats he rushing for? But it was problematic since he didnt know the song. If I write the wrong lyrics, there will be an uproar on my mothers side. Theyll think something has happened to me. The shackles both bound Ian and offered him protection. What if his mother mistakenlymitted suicide? He couldnt predict what Dergha would do to ensnare Ian. At worst, I could be confined until the day of the unity ceremony. It would probably be best to meet her in person. Fortunately, tomorrow was the day for a luncheon with Molrins entourage. If he yed his cards right, he could have both an opportunity to leave the mansion and understand Derghas intentions. Ah, Your Excellency Molrin. Its been a week, Count Dergha. As previously arranged, Molrin arrived at the mansion with his aides. They were young, jovial men, clearly the juniors that Molrin was guiding in the central administration. Pleased to meet you for the first time, Count. We sincerely thank you for your hospitality at the luncheon. The men introduced as Mack and Dgor kissed the back of the Countess hand. Countess Mary elegantly smiled and brought her son Chel forward. We hope you have an enjoyable time. Ah, is this young master Chel? Then who might this be? Actually, there was no need for confusion. As heard, Ian had bright golden hair that resembled sunlight. It was merely a formality for politeness sake. Im Ian. Nice to meet you. Ive wanted to meet you ever since I heard about you. Just call me Mack, young master. Chel seemed dissatisfied being addressed with the same honorific as Ian. But what could he do? He couldnt act childishly in front of the adults and Ian. He just clung to his mothers side and walked to the garden. This is indeed Count Bratzs mansion. The garden is very beautiful. To receive such apliment from someone from the capital, it seems my luck is good today. The conversation flowed, each word seemingly measuring their elegance. There was no ill intention involved. It was a natural and habitual demeanor of the nobility. Master, I will serve the pre-meal food. Do so. At the butlers signal, the servants came in with a trolley. What will you have for aperitifs1? The day is clear, so Ill have Sherry. What about young master Ian? At Macks friendly question, Ian almost unknowingly requested the same. Sherry is a white grape wine. It was a rather ambiguous age for him to be drinking. He smiled gently and requested a fruit beverage. You look much better thanst week, Molrin chuckled kindly as he wiped his hands. Although his body was tied by the ritual of age, to the old man, Ian seemed utterly refreshing. I guess its because I was looking forward to today. Haha, is that so? Actually, I had a lot of curiosity about the capital. I felt a bit regretful as we only talked about mest time. Isnt that right, Father? At Ians clever words, Dergha cleared his throat and stroked his beard. Meanwhile, the servants set up the pre-meal drinks and some simple sds. Indeed. What are you so curious about? People live the same lives, even in the capital. Today, Im d I brought Mack and Dgor. As an old man, I dont know much about the youngsters affairs. Ian skillfully dodged the bullet. What do the students in the capital study, how do they spend their leisure time, have they really seen a magician, et cetera. When talking about magicians, the eyes of Molrin, Mack, and Dgor sparkled. Im especially curious about what you usually eat in the capital. The capital is not particrly abundant. The specialties from each territory all go to the royal pce. Above all, there are hardly any farnds in the central region. So, unless the merchants distribute, theres no other way. Thats right. Therefore, the famine in the capitales not from thend but from the wallet. Regting appropriate demand and supply is one of the royal pces roles. Unlike Chel, who just rolled his eyes pretending to know, Ian casually lead the conversation. Mack and Dgor exchanged meaningful nces. As they say, hes remarkably sharp for amoners son. His key insights and unusual concentration for a child were exceptional. Ian casually cut his steak and continued, Food is fundamental and should always be abundant. It would be quite nice to discover new food. He said it casually, as if discussing the weather. Everyone was focused on Ians words. Count Dergha and the Countess wondered why he was so talkative today, and the guests seemed interested. Particrly, the cornered senior official. Its a new food. Im curious about your culinary tastes, young master Ian. I have no so-called culinary tastes. What I thought was inedible could turn out to be a precious ingredient. Ahaha. Could such a dreamy event ur? Who knows. The starving ones eat without discriminating, trying this and that. If you look carefully at that, you may make a good discovery. I dont n to tell him about the gru right now. I nned to keep it a secret until the right opportunity arises, but I felt it was okay to give a hint. Then Mack added as if something came to his mind. Speaking of which, I heard they make stew with seafood shells in the slums. They say it tastes surprisingly good. Young master Ian, have you ever tried it? For the first time in the conversation filled with courtesy, a direct question was asked. Ian, who lived in the brothel due to poverty, could be said to be the poorest of the poor. Surprisingly sharp. Ian swallowed hisughter. The central government and the border are in a check-and-bnce rtionship. The imperial court implicitly approved sending Ian instead of Chel. But what if Ian, who crossed over to the border, were to be questioned about his qualifications? If this results in harm to Bariel? Then they gain a pretext for effectively pressuring the central court. So, the implication of the question was clear. Ian. Youre from the slums, arent you? Attempting to make him admit to his lowly origins like an ostrich burying its head in the sand. There couldnt be a more solid testimony than having three central bureaucrats hear it at the same time. Ian? Sir Mack is asking you. The countess urged him on with a smile. It seemed she had no idea about the political intentions in each word spoken. Of course, the same went for Chel. Well, I think he might not have- Chel! As Chel began to stutter, Dergha quickly cut him off. With a tter, the surprised Chel dropped his fork. However, Dergha calmly disciplined his son, Didnt Sir Mac ask a question to Ian? Its not polite to interrupt. Be careful. It was a demand for silence. Chels expression darkened and he mped his mouth shut, while Countess. Mary secretly grabbed her sons hand under the tablecloth. Her gaze at her husband was unavoidably sharp, as if saying How could you yell for such a minor mistake? Isnt he already disheartened from the mistake he madest week? Ive never tried it. Is that so? Ian put down his knife and answered firmly. For now. It was better to show a submissive attitude beside Count Dergha. Even though I was raised outside the mansion, my father always took good care of me. No matter what anyone says, I am proud to be a member of the Bratz family. O-ho, thats certainly true. A funny situation where everyone knew it was a lie, but pretended not to know and turned a blind eye. Molrinughed very satisfactorily. Seemingly satisfied with how well Ian detected the attack that came in without warning. Although I havent tried it, I would like to try it if I have the opportunity. Dergha frowned but couldnt say anything. Ians answer was urate, and his flow was quite natural. Is that so? Where is the disdain in whates from nature? If it can alleviate hunger, isnt that a blessing in itself? Especially when they say its a delicacy. Molrin felt a strange sense of dj vu at Ians response. It was a im he had certainly heard somewhere before It sounds like something the Prince would say. Dgor had hit the nail on the head. Prince? Who? From Ians point in time, several generations would have to pass to reach the current Emperor. And how many princes were there in between? They usually had more than ten children each. In other words, even Ian, who was once an Emperor, wouldnt know who the prince from 100 years ago was. Its Prince Gale II (the second). He made such a remark quite calmly while discussing with the nobles about street food. Haha. Although he didnt say anything at the time, there must have been quite a bit of criticism behind his back. A prince of a nation uttering such uncultured words. But Gale II It sounded incredibly familiar from somewhere You two would get along well. How could Ian dare to No, I think its a great opinion. Amidst Derghas pretense, Dgor chuckled and waved his hand. He was sincere. In a time where tens of thousands of people starve to death each year, whats the big deal about street food? The priority is to survive. Keeping up appearances can be truly scary. Regardless of it being street food, it has value and is consumed nheless. Thats true. But the reality is even more grim. Evenmoners dont even nce at the food that the lower ss eat. The Countess intervened in thementations of Mack and Dgor. Even if a new crop is discovered, it will take a while before its distributed, right? It was a decent topic, but the context was off. Without realizing it, Ian shook his head sideways. No, Mother. Actually, distribution is not the problem. Really? Young master Ian, you seem to have an opinion. Molrins tone seemed to test him. Ian smiled as if to say why would someone who knows it all ask such a question.
  1. an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimte the appetite.[]
Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Use the rumors. The rumors? Ian nced at Molrin. It was as if he was telling him, Listen carefully, Im about to provide the answer you want. To be precise, we should spread rumors that fulfill desires. For instance, eating it makes the skin smoother, hair shinier and thicker. Or it aids in weight loss or weight gain. If we im its effective for pregnancy, people will be desperate to consume it. Then, theyll be itching to eat it. Regardless of gender. In fact, this was a method often used by the central court. It was a basic yet effective method to shape public opinion and correct market imbnces. Thats interesting. The citizens of the pce are nimble and clever. A groundless rumor will quickly be extinguished. So whats the next step? Mack questioned, his voice echoing as he sipped on his sherry. The mans question wasnt an issue either. We can set guards. Ian ced his index and middle fingers on the table, mimicking a persons legs, then slowly traced a circle next to the dish. You make a show of guarding it, but you intentionally leave a weak spot. Its human nature to desire something valuable. Theyll steal it, even if whats being guarded is worthless, wondering what it could be that esteemed people guard day and night. When the timees, they cant stop it even if they want to, and everyone naturallyes into contact. However, However? Those are just minor issues. The essential problem is whether an alternative food source will really emerge. Molrin, Mack, and Dgor felt static in their brains. After all, they were from the Central Court,where the top echelons of the empire congregatedimplying that they had seen countless types of people. Such answers were expected from those who boasted of their academic prowess, but they had never seen a kid, who had just shed his infancy, answer so astutely. Especially one who had been wandering around the red-light district until recently. Then the three men recalled the issue they should have considered first. Should the second-born really cross the border instead of the first-born? They had overlooked it. No, they had been arrogant. They assumed that the bastard child from the slums would naturally fall behind. Whether Ian was aware of this or not, he smiled brightly and brought the steak to his mouth. Its really delicious. Indeed, it seems the good weather enhances the vor. What started as a light luncheon had now transformed its atmosphere. Ian noticed that all eyes were on him. This is as far as I go concerning the gru. Now was the time for the main event. Ian intended to investigate why Dergha had yed his hand through a letter and if there was a chance for him to get out of the mansion. Do you enjoy writing, young master Ian? The conversation resumed. Mack asked Ian, but his gaze naturally shifted towards the Counts wife and Chel. Even though they hade to see Ian, a conversation too focused on one person was considered rude. I heard that your wife has a discerning eye for literature. I presume your children are also exceptional. Oh my. Thats too generous of you. Its just a little bit of scribbling. Isnt it true, Sir Mack, that you have authored two books? I am embarrassed to receive such praise from someone like you. Dgor butted in as response to her modest tone. Madam, you need not be so humble. In my view, Sir Mac is more proficient at writing letters than books. If anyone receives a letter from him, they cry tears of love and scream out in joy. Dgor! Thats quite the exaggeration. Haha! Young master Ian, you should ask Sir Mac for help if you ever need to write a letter. It will be quite useful. The mans jesting gesture, even winking, seemed incrediblyical. Thedy of the houseughed heartily, seeming to enjoy the joke, but Derghas expression was unusually dark. He found the content of their conversation extremely ufortable. The Cheonrye tribe has requested your handwritten letter. The timing was too perfect, almost as if he knew Ian had to write a letter. Did he know? If so, how had he found out? Dergha preemptively cut in, sipping his wine: Speaking of which, we received a message from the Cheonrye tribe. Oh? Is that so? Dergha carefully chose his next words. Theyve asked for Ians handwritten letter on a regr basis. Im not sure why youre so worried, since were going to use a homogeneity verification potion anyway. I cant understand these savages who behave like beasts, Mack said with a smirk, goading Dergha before adding, Beasts are always wary of the world, thats their way of life. They establish order only through power, dont they? Itsmon for the chieftain we meet in spring to be reced by fall, isnt it? Power is everything. All hierarchies were determined solely by strength. The chieftain had to ept challenges at any time, and only death could bring peace. If they werent so hot-headed, Bariel would have had a harder time. They regte their own poption, how fortunate. Upon hearing Macks words, Ian asked, Then is the current Cheonrye tribes chieftain, a rival of the former chieftain? Or a follower? The Cheonrye tribe was decimated before Ians coronation, and their status was low. Whenever desert crossers went missing, it was either a sandstorm or the work of the Cheonrye tribe, or so he thought. Thus, the information he had was very fragmentary and basic. In response to Ians question, Mack shook his head. No, neither. The tribal chief is an old woman named Winchen, whos so old that her age is unknown. While other chieftains change almost every day, she has been holding the position of tribal chief for a long time. Ah. That means Ian mumbled as if surprised. She must be the spiritual pir of the Cheonrye tribe. It was the correct answer. Mack didnt hide his admiring gaze for Ian who understood even a single word perfectly. From what Ive heard, everyone in the tribe considers her as someone who has touched the sky. She has a very special ability. An ability? Ive heard they despise magic. Its hard to call it magic, its more simr to a gypsy. Shes a seer, who discerns the truth and lies with her voice. Ah. Ian softly furrowed his eyebrows. A seer chieftain who sees the truth. Now he understood Derghas intentions. The gureut leaf was definitely a luxury item, an item that could not be obtained no matter what. If Ian could sessfully smuggle it, it would be a huge gain. Its not just any nt, its the nt the Cheonrye tribe always brings into battle. Whether to enhance Bratzs military power, or to reduce thebat power of the Cheonrye tribe. Either way, it was a chance to tip the scales of victory toward Bratz. But what if they were exposed midway? Ian would be interrogated by the chieftain. He would confess that it was purely for his mother. If the Cheonrye tribe protests, then Bratz could appease them with Ian and his mothers death. Since its not rted to the Count, it can be soothed with some form of constion. Is there a chance that the Cheonrye tribe will dere war using this as an excuse? It was still unlikely. For now. The extinction of Bratz was for the next generation. There must be a reason for what happened then. He could guess that a full-scale war would be too much to handle right now. Count-nim, you must have heard about the chieftain as well, right? Isnt that right, Count Dergha? Yes, well, to be honest, Ive never seen the chieftain myself. Dergha coughed awkwardly, sneaking nces at the child. How does that kid know? The tutor had reported that Ian was slow-witted without any doubt, but the asional glimpses of sharpness were suspicious. It was utterly impossible to guess what thoughts were traversing within that small head. The more I hear, the more fascinating the tribe seems. Ian noticed his gaze and smiled even brighter, to leave no room for doubt. As Ian naturally continued his carving, Dergha withdrew his suspicious gaze. But what does it matter? Since Ian had already detected Derghas intentions, if he were to appear before the tribal leader, everything would undoubtedly be exposed. Well, hes not likely to do that. The subsequent conversations of little significance were scattered by the wind. Around Mack and Dgor, and the Countess, heartyughter broke out. So, Prince Gale, the second Prince, has said, Immediately lock that arrogant child in a pigsty!'' Oh my! Are you serious? Yes, hes quite the belligerent one. Ohoho! How terrible! Suddenly, Ian tilted his head in confusion. Molrin, Mack, and Dgor were officials dispatched from the central court. All officials follow the Emperor and the official heir in carrying out their duties. Its significant for these people to be away from the capital for several months. Either they were carrying the trust of the Emperor due to their importance Or they were distanced from their positions. Dergha, who was unfamiliar with the capitals affairs, didnt know, but Ian felt a strange hunch. Why do they keep mentioning the second prince? The official heir is the first prince, so their lord should naturally be the first prince as well. Of course, there are followers of other princes too, but they are mostly those who are far from the center of power. But these three men have consistently spoken of Prince Gale, the second prince. Young master Ian, what are you thinking about? No, I was just listening to your conversation, its quite entertaining. Is that so? I thought I misread you. You look so solemn. Hehe. Molrin subtly diverted Ians attention. His face was smiling, but his eyes were cold and persistent, scrutinizing the boy. Was the golden eye he saw at their first dinner a mere illusion? He heard that magic users have significantly higher intellectual capabilities than ordinary people. If thats the case, perhaps Count Dergha. While wiping his mouth with a napkin, Molrin began. As if it were a signal, Mack and Dgor ceased their conversation. Like I felt before, young master Ians schrship is quite remarkable, it always surprises even me. It must be due to the excellent education policy of the Count and the Countess. Thats too kind. Thus, I have a small favor to ask. At that remark, Dergha took a somewhat anxious sip of his wine. That cunning old fox. How many times has he caused trouble with his favors? As Dergha chose his response, a brief silence fell. At this moment, Ian didnt miss his chance. Would you like to take a tour of my room? Ian asked with a hint of mischief. While his speech wasnt very aristocratic, it was a childs yful manners. Pointing out his informal tone would be ungraceful. Countess Mary seemed irritated, ring at the back of Ians head. That would be nice, but this time its about something else. Everyone in the household, including Count Dergha, focused their gaze on Molrins mouth. Only Mack and Dgor appearedposed, as if they already anticipated this. Chapter 10 Chapter 10 What does the favor entail? Its been a week since I arrived here, but Ive hardly been able to go out except foring and going from the mansion. And so? Dergha replied with an unknowing expression, but everyone could guess what wasing next. Ian gently bit his lower lip and swallowed his joy. Thus, if you permit it, I would like to ask young master Ian to introduce me to your domain. I understand that the Count and his wife has been very busy, so I dared not ask. Haha. Quietly listening at the side, Mack and Dgor joined in at the perfect moment. That sounds like a great idea! Lets have lunch together. Sharing food while conversing would be delightful, wouldnt it, Dgor? Well The wife considered interrupting, but ultimately chose to keep her mouth shut. It was too overwhelming for her to guide three strange men she had just met. Dgor responded as if he hadnt heard the wifes words. Of course. Furthermore, didnt young master Ian live outside until recently? You surely must know some interesting things that we dont. Dgors we included the foreigners and meant the people of Derghas household. Do you guys know about the alleys of themon folk? It strongly implied that only Ian could do it and that they should not interfere. Ahem. Dergha seemed deeply flustered. He rolled his eyes while unable to swallow the wine in his mouth, thinking of a reason to refuse. But what reason could there be for not allowing an adult man to go out? Furthermore, the very sound purpose of an academic discussion was added. Its not customary for guests to frequent a mansion. If you give your permission, we can invite you to our ce. We have a very kind carriage driver. Molrin delivered the coup de grce (the final blow). Ian, who had been silently observing the situation, opened his mouth. If he was being pushed forward, he had to push back. Your Excellency, Molrin, where do you live? Its near the park in the third district of Fortloga. Ah, Fortloga? You seem to know it well. Well, I was born and raised here after all. A vague response that was up for interpretation hung in the air. Even though the actual Ian had said so, Emperor Ian didnt have a clue about what kind of district Fortloga was. It was just that Molrin pinpointed the park, so he could vaguely make things up. Then it works out even better. It would be nice to take a walk in the park and contemte. Isnt the sun quite warm these days? It looked like there were pleasure boats floating on the smallke, but I havent dared to get on one as Im an old man. I might have the courage if young master Ian helps me, Molrin smiled, his eyebrows raised in amusement. They seem to have an agenda too. Ian observed the Counts expression. While Dergha managed to squeeze out a forced smile, his face was stiff. As if there werent enough reasons to refuse, usible reasons kept piling up. Count-nim? Ian, your opinion is what matters. In the end, the Count yed his final card. He passed the decision-making power to Ian. While his mouth wore a gracious smile, his eyes were icy cold. There was immense unspoken pressure, signaling him to handle the situation well. Interesting. It was a scene of a power struggle over a single child between Dergha, a native of the countdom, and Molrin, from the central administration. It was not dull even in the imperial pce, but it felt different watching from below rather than above. I wonder. Ian ced his words on the tightly pulled string. It was certainly beneficial to go outside, but it wasnt bad to shake things up before the game was over. If my guidance is clumsy, wouldnt it just be a nuisance? Im still young and Im not sure if I can satisfy your noble tastes. At his unexpected reply, the faces of Official Molrins group stiffened slightly. Dergha covered his smile with his wine ss and nodded. Well, its not often that we get to learn from those whoe from the capital. If its a luncheon with academic discourse, rather than a guided tour Ian stole a nce at Dergha. His jaw, chewing on the wine as if savoring it, was stiff. Then, Dgor naturally intervened. Count-nim. If we arecking in any way and make you feel ufortable, I apologize. He skillfully took control of the conversation. It was a surprisingly adept way of speaking, uplifting each others status and coaxing a positive response. The answer to that question was already determined for Dergha. Thats not the case. Its unthinkable. Im d. When would be a good time for you? Thats a question for Ian, isnt it? Ian? Once the focus was again on Ian, this time Molrin stepped forward with dignity. Since the Count is permitting us, it would be best if the Count could set the date. After all, all matters of Bratz are carried out by the Count. His rhetoric was so excellent that even Emperor Ian admired it. As expected from someone working in the central government, he was very nimble. The arrogant nobles of the frontier, like Dergha, could never beat them with words. What could they be up to? At first, he thought it was just a minor check by Molrin. The more they met and conversed, the easier it would be to find faults in the third son. But watching the three of them pushing and pulling, it was clear they had other objectives. They were investing a lot of effort for what seemed like a secondary opportunity. Had Dergha noticed? He has noticed. The touch stroking his beard was careful. And his rolling eyes? In any case, unless there was a reason to refuse, he would cooperate to understand their intentions. Then, how about lunch tomorrow? Dergha asked Molrin, but his gaze was on Ian. He had already finished calcting in his head, and wore anguid smile. His stern face from earlier was nowpletely gone. Oh, thank you, Count. But I have a request of my own, he said this, then looked at Chel. All eyes followed Dergha to the child. Chel, who had been about to take a bite of his steak, hesitated and froze. Since you came from the central government, as Ian said, I dont doubt you will make excellent teachers. Therefore, I would like for Chel to join and share in the learning. It was a bother, but it wasnt a difficult request. Mack, Dgor, and Molrin quickly exchanged signals. Theirmunication was just by eye contact, so no one noticed. But Father, I have school Alright. There is no better ce for the intelligent young Master Chel. I look forward to the lunch discussion. Thank you for saying so. Before Chel could even speak, the adults had reached a conclusion. Chel nced at Ian with a sulky face. It was already awkward, and now he had to stick with him all day? And outside the counts house? Shall we bring out the dessert now? Yes. It was an excellent meal, Ian also agreed, nodding his head. A satisfied smile lingered around his mouth. He had gotten everything he wanted from this meal. He would have been full even if he hadnt eaten. Todays meal was an honor, Count Dergha. Lets meet again next week. Young master Ian, I will send a carriage for you at lunchtime tomorrow. The subsequent conversation was really a nd chat,pletely devoid of substance. The boisterousughter that was exchanged as a courtesy was also gone. Everyone entered a state of calm, losing interest in the conversation. Molrin and his group rose to their feet, leaving half of the dessert. Yes, please go carefully. Madam, until next time. After leaving a farewell kiss on the back of Marys hand, the three guests got in the carriage and disappeared. As the meal was cleared away and Ian was about to return to the mansion, Dergha called his two sons. Chel. Ian. Yes, Father. You must ry to me every single detail they discuss behind us. Be fully alert. It was a reasonable order. As Chel and Ian both nodded, Dergha watched Ian with a cold gaze. And you, follow me to my office. Mary and Chel turned in surprise but said nothing. They disappeared into the corridor to return to their respective rooms, and Ian followed Derghas retreating figure to his office. Squeak. The office wasrgely unchanged from hisst visit. There seemed to be more documents, but he couldnt be sure. Dergha rummaged through a drawer without offering Ian a seat, searching for something. Rustle. Hmm. What he pulled out was a small brooch. A panther and a yew tree crest embedded with a red jewel. It was unmistakably the Bratz family emblem. Wear this when you go tomorrow. Unlike when he threw his mothers purse at him, Dergha personally stepped forward and pinned the brooch on Ians chest. Ian immediately understood what it was. Its a magic stone that can record and track location. In the era when Ian lived, these weremonly used, but they would have been difficult toe by a hundred years ago in this kingdom. It must be a tool secretly used by the family lineage when a threat was posed to their safety. Dergha brushed off his chest lightly and warned him, You must never lose it. Care for it as if it were tens of times more precious than your worthless body. I I will remember. There were limitations to relying on the childrens report. Especially when dealing with three robust men from the central office. Would they not be able to handle a single naive Chel? They would surely push Chel aside and approach Ian. I will also assign people to watch you, so do not rashly cause any trouble. Report to my office immediately upon your return. Does this mean that Ian is fully on Derghas side? The one who shook the life rope of his mother, nning to sell me out to the border? He had no choice but to take out the precious magic stone brooch of the family. Yes, Father. However, Ian clicked his tongue at the magic stone attached to his chest. It was an attitude asserting that he would not fall into Derghas trap. As if he was reassured by sticking such a useless thing to me. It was not even funny. Squeak. Ian bowed politely and left, returning to his room to examine the brooch closely. When he breathed magic into it, it was quickly drained. Meaning, its capacity to store magic was low. Buzz. Buzz. The lowest of the low. With this level, Ian could control it if he wished. The location tracking is done with a homogenous magic stone, so that doesnt matter. Dergha was probably staring at apass in his office. It was not an ordinarypass but one made with a magic stone identical to the brooch, able to track the targets location based on direction and the intensity of light. I just need to figure out the recording. As Ian focused and sent magic into it again, the gem shone even brighter. His golden eyes glowed softly. Ah. Then suddenly, he remembered. One of the reasons he was going out was to meet his birth mother. Ian rang the bell to call for the attendant. Ding! Did you call, young master? Bring some snacks. Snacks after just finishing a meal? The servant bowed his head, hiding his surprised expression. But Ian was in high spirits, humming a tune and looking out the window. He was waiting for someone not the snacks, but the person bringing them. Chapter 11 Chapter 11 Hannah arrived, presenting a tter of dehydrated fruits. She wore a look of anticipation, her hands folded in front of her, as if she sensed Ian had summoned her with an intent. Ian, meanwhile, was still basking in the radiance of the day outside the window. Is there anything else you require? Hannah, how are the younger ones faring? Ever since they began dining at the restaurant, leftover food had be plentiful. Not just Hannah, but the other kitchen workers also found their pockets brimming. Because of you, theyre thriving. Its a bit of a whirlwind, going about all day, but, sheughed boisterously. The persistentughter, fueled by filled bellies and the deepening bonds among her family, was all credited to Ian. All the subordinates understood that he had made provisions for them. Thats a relief to hear. Do you need me to carry out a task? Moving a step closer to Ian, Hannah was resolved not to let a single whisper slip past her. Ian kept his back to her as he dered, Hannah, I need you to deliver a message to Mother. While speaking, Ian was busy embedding his brooch with magic. This was to prevent their private conversation from reaching Derghas ears. Given that both her and him were effectively illiterate, he had no other option. Alright. What is the message? Atst, an opportunity to reciprocate! Hannah sealed her lips tight, as if prompting him to issue his instructions. A sh filled the window, but she ignored it, attributing it to simple sunlight. Inform her to meet me at Fortlogas section 3 park for lunch tomorrow. She should disguise herself. Is that all I should ry? Also, tell her that Ive received the funds. This might be their first point of contact. It would causeplications if Ians mother, under the impression it was a ploy by Dergha, decided not toe. Hannahmitted the concise details to memory. Understood. I wont let there be any errors. I apologize. I vowed not to involve you in such matters, but the urgency of the situation leaves me no choice. The day they were waiting for was already the next one. There wasnt enough time to find an alternative solution. Hannah subtly lowered her head, epting the responsibility, before retreating. Ill depart now. Help yourself to some snacks. Consider it yourpensation. Thank you! Master Ian! Hannah pocketed the dried fruits while Ian remained gazing out of the window. What could be so captivating outside? She imagined the scene beyond the window, resulting in a smile. The only visible sights from there were the barracks and the residences of the soldiers. Tomorrow, when you and Master Chel venture out, Mr. Deo will be apanying you. Deo? Ians head shifted slightly, but not enough to reveal his eyes. As Hannah contentedly patted her bulging pocket, she confirmed, Yes. Its quite a coincidence that he has the day off today, despite the night training scheduled, isnt it? They mentioned that Mr. Deo was the only one avable. Even though his left arm isnt fully healed, he imed that it wont hinder him from escorting you two. What happened to his arm? You didnt know, Master Ian? He got intoxicated and fractured his left arm a fortnight ago. He said he had a brawl with some rogue, but everyone knows the real story: it was the wall of a pub he battled. Ive lost count of how many times this has happened. Hannah chuckled as if she found the storyical. Ian also managed to muster a faint smile, yet it was evident that this Deo person would prove to be a formidable adversary. Even after all that, hes still employed? And tasked with guarding two boys despite a wounded arm? The insinuation in Hannahs statement suggested that this individual Deora, who had earned Derghas trust, was someone quite extraordinary. Ian casually swiped his hand across the window and acknowledged, Understood. Ill bear that in mind. Yes. Should you require anything else, feel free to summon me. ck. The child exited the room with a spring in her step. Only then did Ian, who had been busy concentrating his magical energy, swivel around. His gold-colored eyes returned to a shade of absinthe, and the glow of the brooch subsided. Hmm, Deora. While Chel might be an insignificant child, if properly maneuvered, this character named Deora could introduce unpredictability. Ian reclined on the couch, absently toying with the pouch his mother had handed him. One week and one day. That was the duration it took for Ian to part from the Bratz mansion. The carriage, dispatched by the fraught manager, appeared exactly at midday, ready to take the two young boys. Master Chel. Sir Ian, this way please. Deora was the man leading them. His visage marred by scars, hinting at a tumultuous past. He had an air of such significance about him that one might question if he couldfortably fit in the carriage. Whether it was deliberate or idental, he subtly varied his terms of address for the two boys. Are you traveling together? Shouldnt we be? If they sat across from each other, their knees might touch Ian shot an unpleasant nce and climbed into the carriage. Perhaps it was just his imagination, but the horse seemed to move sluggishly. Clip-clop, clip-clop. Only the sound of the horses hooves resonated quietly. Chel and Ian were both silent, each staring out the opposite window. While Chelpared it to being led to a ughterhouse and wished he were going to school instead, Ian was marveling. Oh-ho~. Thendscape was distinct, possibly due to the proximity to the desert. Having spent the majority of his life in the capital and the war he had been part of was on the diametric opposite of thend, he, like most nobles, had never had a holiday. Theres such a ce in Bariel, he mused, feeling as though he was venturing through foreign terrain, his excitement extending beyond mere novelty. Despite the differences across the centuries, it was still intriguing. Do you know of any interesting spots in Fort? Ian, who had been observing for a while, broke the silence. Chel turned at the unexpected question from Ian, and the man just blinked his eyes. The central official asked me to introduce the area, so I should at least make a perfunctory attempt. As you know, I dont know anything. After all, he was just a boy from an impoverished background, barely scraping by. Isnt that right, hyung-nim? Even so, I dont think introducing the back alleys where I used to live is the right thing to do. Yeah, youre right. Although the guests are curious, he cant really show them around. Its a red-light district, after all. How can the legitimate children of a Counts family take their guests there? Its a crazy idea. Baffled, Deora scratched his nose and responded, Well. There are many taverns, but Im not sure about ces where central officials would like to go. The ces I visit are always noisy. Did you forget that Im a minor? Well. Technically speaking, yes. Despite Ians rebuke, Deora just smiled shamelessly. The stench seemed to rise from his dark teeth. What a rather distasteful fellow. It wasnt just about personal hygiene. The unsettling habit of incessantly ying with the edge of his de, the foreboding gaze, made him appear less human than he was. Thats fine then. Well just have to tour the park. This was Ians true intention. He wasying the foundation for something bigger. He kept in mind the chance that Deora might report back to the count. His rendezvous with his mother was scheduled in the park, so everything had to seem casual yet decisive. Weve arrived. Please disembark, young master. The speed of the carriage gradually reduced, and the coachman opened the door for him. It was evident that their journey to Fort had led them into an affluent neighborhood. Beyond the finely honed stone road and the rows of trees adorning the boulevard, the prominent Heiman Bank by the roadside was proof enough. The establishment known as the third sanctuary was responsible for the fiscal framework throughout the Bariel region. Each domain housed at least one branch, and without them, a vast amount of taxes would have to be transported via carriages. Boom! As Deo got offst, the carriage shook significantly. Seeing this, Mack greeted him warmly. Ah! Young master Ian! Sir Mack. Thank you foring to greet us. No need for thanks. Its even more pleasant to see you in person. Ah, young master Chel as well. You must have had a tough journey. Even as Mack greeted Ian and Chel, he cautiously eyed the guards trailing behind them. His smile concealed a strong sense of wariness. However, Deo remained unaffected, only twitching his ears slightly. Please,e in. They seemed to be using the entire building. Though not as big as the Derghas mansion, the interior decorations finished with luxurious materials were extremely elegant. Is this an office? Yes, this is where the government officials stay when they are dispatched from the capital. It is clean andfortable, and I live here like it is my home. Everything inside was ready. With a tray full of food and even wine, it seemed perfect. It didnt seem much different from a meal at the Count Bratzs. Is the guard also going to join? Is that okay? When Mack asked while standing in front of the reception room door, Deo squinted as if he found it strange. Despite being a considerably rude act, Mack only crossed his arms. He was contemting how to tackle this situation. Please enjoy your meal and the academic discussions. I just need to be in a corner. At his words, Ian turned his body around and looked up at Mack. Then, with a very slight raise of his eyebrow, he signaled, He came out of the mansion with us, we cant just have him watch us eat. Can you prepare an extra set of utensils and a wine ss? Ian deliberately emphasized the word wine. It was said that the man who lived to eat had gotten drunk several times and even broke his arm. Surely, he would die without alcohol. Mack hesitated for a moment, then opened his mouth, We havent prepared any wine. After all, their guests were just children. In the absence of Count Dergha and Countess Mary, there was no justification for procuring alcohol. Surely, this child Ian must understand that Do you enjoy drinking? Eh? Well, it would be a lie if I said no. Then follow me to the basement. We have a wine cer there. Choose any bottle that pleases you. I apologize for the oversight; kindly wait while we prepare your ce. After all, you are one of the guests. Is this okay? Mack nced at Ian and trailed off. It was perfectmunication. As the child faintly smiled, Mack caught the hint and prompted Deo, adding, Theres quite a selection. Its right downstairs? In the building basement. Deo sniffed and nced down at Chel and Ian. There was no danger inside the building anyway. If Chel and Ian stick together, they should be fine for a moment. Plus, its not just anywhere, but the wine cer of the government office! There would surely be an array of alcohol that people couldnt usually see. Then. Well. I wont refuse. Wait a moment. Dgor! Mack opened the door to the reception room and called for Dgor. He whispered something to him and then instructed Deo to follow him. Pleasee in, young masters. Dgor took over Macks role and guided the guests inside. As always, Molrins gaze was gentle. Please sit down. I hope the food will suit your taste. The location was familiar; it felt like Derghas backyard had been simply transposed to this side. They exchanged greetings as they did the day before, and started their meal. Oh! The school that young master Chel attends is nearby, isnt it? Yes, its about a ten-minute carriage ride. If there was anything different, it was the subject of their questions. The two of them poured their attention onto Chel as if to show off. Ian knew it was a clumsy deception, but perhaps it would work on Chel. Father, they barely talked to Ian, did they? I didnt notice any other intentions. And todays conversation was He was told to remember everything, so the boy was probably trying to memorize their words in his head. Ian chuckled at the image of Chels foolish appearance. After all, Dergha would check the brooch. Alright, when will it start? Ian quietly ate his meat. He was curious as well, as much as Dergha. Why on earth had they pulled him outside? He had a hunch, but it was just a hunch. Ah! Ssh! At that moment, Dgor spilled a bottle of water. urately, onto Chels pants. An old trick, but perhaps an effective one. Ian knew it was a signal. Oh no! Are you okay? Ahyes Chels face turned red reflexively. His thighs were soaking wet, as if he had wet himself. Without changing his expression, Ian calmly put a piece of meat in his mouth and checked Dgors lines. Do you want to change clothes? I think you should change. Itsits okay. Wait a moment. I will tell the servant to quickly buy suitable clothes. Theres a decent clothes shop in the building next door. Humming, Ian continued to eat with a calm expression, as if he knew this would happen. Why dont you go yourself instead? Brother, you dont know the exact size since its not the clothing shop you usually go to, right? Certainly, if he told the servant, he woulde back up and convey that Chel should go himself. He knew it without seeing. Molrin sipped water and stared at Ian. Isnt that right, Sir Molrin? So lets stop wasting time and have a real conversation. The boy knew how to speak with his eyes. Chapter 12 Chapter 12 While Chel was away in the dressing room, only Ian and Molrin were left in the reception room. When you cross the border The reception room was quiet. The sound of the shing cutlery echoed nicely. At Molrins t statement, Ian too raised his head. You will surely miss this ce a lot. One can never leave ones hometown, even in death. Was that response too mature for a child? Ian pondered for a moment, but Molrin didnt seem particrly bothered. You seem to have a lot of interest in the capital. Indeed. As a citizen of Bariel, who wouldnt want to set foot on the capitals soil at least once? The meanings offered by the royal pce and the papal residence were markedly different. They were the starting points of patriotism and pilgrimage. Even without these grand reasons, the capital held a myriad of small festivals and events every month. To a child, especially to a poor child, it must have been a ce of dreams. Its unfortunate. If you cross the border in a couple of months, you wont have a chance. So, has master Chel been to the capital? Ian grinned and shrugged his shoulders. Probably not, right? This ce was the furthest province from the capital. The social debut of the Bariel aristocrats was under the emperors jurisdiction. Each year, a grand party was held for the young nobles on a certain autumn day when the rice is at its most beautiful, just before theiring-of-age ceremony. Well, I think it will take some more time. In a year or two, Chel and Ian would be old enough to make their debut in high society. However, they couldnt count on the next year when they didnt know what would happen the next day. If you have time, you should ask the count to arrange a trip to the capital. Master Chel will have many opportunities, but its not the same for you, master Ian. The nuance of the statement oddly emphasized Chel. As ifparing the two of them, it seemed to provoke him. However, Ian deflected it calmly. He wanted to skip the small talk and get straight to the point, but everything has its order. I still have a lot to learn, I cant even dare to think about it. But Molrin was skeptical. It didnt seem like the intelligent Ian would be struggling to decipher a single character. Ian smiled slightly and asked, Can I tour the royal pce if I go to the capital? Of course. I will personally request His Highness Gale to issue an invitation for the young lords of the Count Derghas family. You seemed curious about the magicians thest time, didnt you? Molrins eyes sparkled, assessing whether Ians golden eyes were real or just a facade. However, Ian was too busy digesting the name Gale to notice. I feel like Ive heard that name before. There are many great mana users under His Highness Gale. It will surely be a great meeting. Ah. Ian covered his mouth with a napkin andughed incredulously. The corrtion between Gale and mana user brought back a name buried beneath faded memories. Thats great. It will indeed be a good meeting. As an emperor, there were only two kinds of people he needed to keep track of; those who have contributed greatly, or those who were involved in a rebellion. Especially thetter required follow-up action. Even after a century had passed, they would periodically check to ensure that the bloodline waspletely severed. The second prince, Gale. A rebel. And a failed one at that. There was a reason the name sounded so familiar. And if Gale was indeed that person Why are you like that? No, its nothing. Ian narrowed his eyes and looked at Molrin. Could it be that he had noticed traces of magic in the reception room that day? One of the main pirs of Gales rebellion was the magic department. The impact of that had been significant on Ian. The purging of the already scarce magicians had burdened Ian immensely. From about five hundred magicians at that time, only around one hundred were left in Ians era. Right. Thats why I once tore up a report. I was angry asking why the magicians were involved and caused such a fuss. It became clearer now. The reason why Molrin approached Ian. It seemed certain that he noticed something during their reception room meeting. Recruiting a mana user, a promising candidate before bing a magician, in advance. You seem ufortable. No, its just Ian nced at Morlins reaction. Whether Morlin was sure of his magic or not, it wasnt a bad thing in Ians current situation. Rather, if he used it well, it could even be a favorable event. Ian slowly fiddled with the brooch on his chest, as if to show it off. My eyes are a bit sore. And soon, he covered his mouth with his fingers. To indicate that their conversation was being recorded by the brooch. They needed tomunicate their intentions silently. Is that so? Wait a moment. Morlin seemed startled for a moment, then got up and walked over to the desk. He showed him a small notepad and pen. Do you want to try writing it down? Eye drops, indeed. Thank you. He carefully handed him the notepad and sat down next to Ian. The sensation of sharpening the pen was refreshing. -Is it a magic stone? *Nod.* Ian affirmed with his head. Morlin touched his temple briefly, then frowned. The magic stone was a valuable item even in the capital; so he wondered how a count in the bordends had acquired it. *Swish* However, his hand moved without hesitation as he jotted down the thoughts that had been repeating in his head. -Do you want to cross the border? Hardly likely. Ian shook his head sideways. The sound of scraping the soup bowl echoed alongside. -Its irrational. You have master Chel as an heir, dont you? And you dont even have a birth mother, do you? If you leave Bariel, the Viscountess wont leave it be. It matched the preamble he had expected. He had touched a nerve by mentioning his birth mother, his only weak point. They wanted Ian, not Chel, to stay here. If theyve seen me using magic, they are probably trying to pull me towards Gales side to strengthen their power, otherwise. They are rebels, after all, theres only one answer. They nned to make Ian a puppet to seize control of the Bratz familys territory. Although the administration was in shambles, they had several times more soldiers than other ces because of it. More importantly, the key to a sessful rebellion was a swift victory. If they made this ce their base before other nobles from the bordends could send reinforcements, they could effectively block them. But I wonder, what about Dergha? One way or another, it was faster and more certain to get the cooperation of the count. The current situation favors the 1st Prince, so theres a standoff with Dergha. The approach of the 2nd Princes forces wouldnt have been bad, would it? They wouldnt have immediately talked about rebellion and would have just subtly tried to form a power base. But judging by them trying to entice Ian, its natural to assume that it didnt go well. Even though it was a short time, Ian knew about Dergha. How could such a greedy and sensitive man reject the 2nd Princes approach? It would be more convincing if the old man was keeping his options open But judging by Morlins attitude, it seemed the count had outright rejected it. Ian looked at Morlin with a calm gaze. -Youre saying youll help me? -If you wish. Why? Why is Dergha not interested in the power struggle at the center? For a moment, Ian remembered the documents he had seen in the office. The military ratio was so high it was hard to predict how it would roll out. The taxation was at an astronomical level, but he doubted it would be enough. It even made him wonder if there were any special resources in the territory. Could this guy possibly Is he embezzling the taxes paid to the royal pce? If so, everything made sense. His attitude of trying not to get entangled with the central powers as much as possible, the abnormal economic structure, even the busy work of the ountant. *Tap tap.* Morlin lightly tapped Ians arm, bringing his attention back. He wanted him to answer hisst written question. Ian began to write his response with his small hand. -What do you want from me? Thats straightforward. Morlin openly mentioned the golden eyes he had that day. -By any chance, master Ian. Are you a magic user? -Im not sure what you mean. Ian was certain. Revealing himself as a magic practitioner would have more cons than pros. Besides, his opponent intended to rebel, backed by the Ministry of Magic. It was wise to stay hidden until he could protect himself. Molrin tapped the memo pad silently. The old mans eyes were sharp, trying to catch any falsehoods. -Thats a pity. -Are you going to hold back because of it? -Not at all. We need you, master Ian. If you help us, well climb to the capital and oppose your exile. Then, there would be no reason for you to cross the border. Are the clothesfortable? At that moment, DGors voice was heard from outside. It was a clear signal to wrap up the conversation since he was sure to enter soon. Without showing any signs of fluster, Molrin crumpled up the memo pad into the ashtray. He put a small me to it, then closed the lid. *Squeak.* Huh? Chel, who was wearing newly tailored clothes, halted as he opened the door. The atmosphere was strangely tense. Molrin greeted Chel with a friendly smile. Oh my, the madam from the boutique sure did a good job. Dgor kindly gave them as a gift. Uh, thank you. It was my fault for spilling the water. Please, finish your meal. By the way, I wonder why Mack is taking so long. No sooner had he finished speaking, the door opened again. The guards were gone, and Mack was alone. When you fall into a barrel of liquor, you die from alcohol poisoning, not drowning. I tried a sip, and lost the taste. Macks jolly words instantly brought the dinner atmosphere back to life. Ian responded with a smile and sliced some remaining meat, while Molrin signaled his subordinates with his eyes. How is it? As expected, hes sharp. Molrin conveyed Gales intentions to the count during their first dinner, but Derghas response was not exactly pleasing. Just when he was perplexed and about to open the door, he met Ians golden eyes. If done well, its worth it. Especially if youre a magic practitioner, its a god-given opportunity. But when he denied being a child Keep an eye on him. Molrin instructed Mack and Dgor with a flick of his left eyebrow. Meanwhile, Ian looked down at the fork in his left hand and the knife in his right, feeling as if both the royal court and the Heavenly tribe were in his grasp. *Swoosh.* Then the steak in the middle must be Bratz. If he used both at the same time, he could cut and eat it cleanly. The taste of the meat is, as expected, excellent, Ian added ament with a satisfied smile. Then, he naturally continued, Since the guards have scattered, we probably cant go far today. How about a walk in the park after the meal, for digestion? I would like to see theke that Sir Molrin mentioned earlier. Ngl, theyered conversations in this chapter is giving me a headache. Chapter 13 Chapter 13 Are we there yet? Chel asked, wiping his sweat. Although it wasnt that long of a walk in the cool weather, the child seemed tog behind, apparently running out of steam. On the other hand, Ian was feeling refreshed by the outdoor breeze he hadnt felt in a long time. He was also quite enjoying the view of the unfamiliar street. Were almost there. Young master Chel, if youre tired, would you like to return? At Macks kind words, Chel shook his head. He might have, if Deo were here. If he turned back alone now, he wouldnt be able to follow his fathers instructions. He had to remember as much of their conversation with Ian as possible and report back. Ah, this is the ce. Thendscaping is beautifully matched to the standards of Fortloga. Theke is also very clear. On a good day, those mountains are reflected perfectly on the waters surface. Morlins praise wasnt empty words. Even to Ian, who had seen the luxurious gardens of the pce, it was quite impressive. But that was just for a moment. Ian looked around, hiding his troubled expression. Howrge is this ce? Hmm. I havent fully explored it myself. It will take about thirty minutes if you walk slowly. The park was bigger than he had expected. Since no specific location was specified, the problem was whether he could meet this childs mother. Even while conversing with Morlin, Ian kept an eye out for every passerby. Ah. Then. At a distance, he noticed a beggar wearing a hat. With not a single strand of hair visible, it was impossible to tell if they were male or female. But there was something familiar among the objects spread out on the ground. Its the same. A flower pot of the same species that his mother told him about was there. Ian stopped in his tracks and turned to Chel. Fortunately, Chels hair was a mess due to all the sweat. My Chel-hyungnim seems to be very tired, perhaps we should take a break here. Should we? Would it be possible to ask for a drink, if its not too much trouble? Just a moment. Rhee! Mack called the servant walking behind him to bring drinks, and the group sat down at a nearby bench to catch their breath. Ian kept stealing nces towards the beggar, waiting for an opportunity. While waiting for the servant, I would like to take a look over there. Older brother. Would you like toe with me? No, Im fine. Chel was panting heavily, almost stretching out his hand. Ian looked at the three men straight on, silently asking for permission. It wasnt that far from where they sat, so Mack gave a slight nod. Go ahead. Im sure theres something worth seeing. Thank you. Ian walked towards the beggar, crouched down, and started to inspect the items. The beggar, almost lying down, didnt react. This person hadnt fainted, had she? Ian tilted his head to the other side and gathered his magic. His absinthe-colored eyes turned golden, and his brooch, emitting a red light, stopped working. Mother. At his voice, the beggar twitched. Soon, the beggar lifted her head. Golden hair, like the sand of the desert, flowed from beneath the ck cloth. Eyes the same green as his. It was Ians mother. Ian. Dont react strongly and just listen to what I have to say. Ians mother, Philea, was quite beautiful. Enough to understand why she had been involved with Dergha. Philea raised her head to look at him but stopped at Ians words. Her vision was limited by her own cloth, so she could only see up to his chest. Ian. Ian Mother. I am doing well. I received your letters too. Please dont worry about me. His mothers tears fell drop by drop. Ian silently watched her cry. Sorry, but theres no time. The men behind him wouldnt take their eyes off him. Please understand that I cant contact you as before through Hannah. And I have a favor to ask. Ian took out a gold coin from his pocket. Did you put this in? What? Gold coin? Philea seemed to have no idea. Although he expected it, it was still the case. A subtle emphasis that the count was financially supporting his mother. Ian smiled and put the gold coin in her hand. Prepare well to hide yourself with this money. Ill let you know the timing through Hannah. Whether he wanted it or not, Philea was currently an obstacle for Ian. To devour Dergha, it was best to first clear out all foreseeable variables. The woman held the coin quietly and raised her head. She seemedpletely puzzled by what he was saying. Ian. Your eyes Promise me. That you will do so for my sake. Golden eyes shining like a lions. As Philea blinked in surprise, tears streamed down her cheeks. Ian. If you want to run away, its okay. Mother. Im sorry, but. Master Ian! The servant ced drinks and snacks on the table. Mack called Ian, but the child couldnt turn his head. He couldnt show his gold-colored eyes to the them. Im already sorry enough for letting you go like this. So if you want, dont hesitate to run away. Mack slowly approached. The closer he got, the more puzzled his expression became. The woman seemed to havee to see Ian to convey her determination. She couldnt hold his hand, so she tightly grasped his sleeve. I will not run away, Ian added in a quiet voice, as if making a decision. Whenever you can, collect Gru seeds. They will definitely be a great help in the future. Forget the song you sang for me, the lyrics I will send in a letter will be our code from now on. Mack stood right behind him. Ian loosened his magical powers and smiled faintly. His golden eyes and the red brooch quickly lost their light. Ill take it in a pot. The price should be about this. Master Ian? Is something wrong? Im sorry, Sir Mack. I was thinking about whether to buy it or not, so it took a long time. Ian picked up the pot andughed. Mac kscrutinized the boys expression, but he couldnt feel any emotion beyond calmness. He nced at the wanderer and led the child away. Young master Chels stamina is weaker than I thought, Mack continued in a whisper. He snickered while looking at Chels chest. Ian too, looked back andughed a bit. Philea was looking downpletely, her face covered with a cloth. A woman who knew how to cry silently. You bought a pot, Master Ian. What nt is it? At Dgors question, Ian justughed. What does it matter if you know? He wasnt particrly knowledgeable about nts, and from the contents of the letter, it was certain that the pot had been cultivated by the child. Well, I bought it because the flowers were so pretty. Ive never seen it before Mack! You know this, right? Why should I? Arent you an expert in giving bouquets? Dgor! You! Surprisingly, however, everyone in the room seemed to be unaware of the identity of the pot. The red petals that seemed to hold watercolors were so gorgeous that you wouldnt forget them once you saw them. Ian gently hugged the pot and looked back. The woman had disappeared without a trace. Tick tock. Were here. The coachman opened the door, and Deo staggered out. It was clear he was still not sober. At the gate, the servants were waiting for them, holdingnterns. Young masters, have you arrived? Are you tired? Pleasee in. Master Ian, the lord has requested you toe to his office first. The butler took off his coat smoothly and brought a wet towel. Ian handed the pot to a servant, then headed straight upstairs. Knock, knock. Come in. The permission fell almost simultaneously with the knocking sound. He must have been waiting for quite a while. As soon as he entered, Dergha stopped moving his quill. The brooch. Before any greetings, confirming the brooch was most important. Ian went near the desk and put the brooch from his chest on it. What did you talk about? Nothing special. The banquet was held in the reception room of the official residence, and we mostly talked about the capital. After the meal, we went to a nearby park for an academic discussion. Is that so? Thats it? Dergha picked up the brooch while stroking his mustache. Next to him was a ss jar containing a transparent liquid, a potion to activate the magic stone. Plop. The magic stone submerged in the liquid emitted light. The same response as when Ian infused it with magic. A momentter, a voice echoed like the sound of waves spreading slowly from a gong. [Is this an office? [this is where officials staydispatched from the capital. It is clean andfortable, like home. What did he mean by like a home? It seems to suggest that they live there as if it were their home. Perhaps because it was a low-grade magic stone, the voice was not clear. Ian had to swallow a sigh internally. So this is the knack to meticulously track down the imprecise parts. Feeling tired, should he just let loose his magic and shatter it? As Ian was seriously contemting this, he heard movement from outside. It was Countess Mary. Would you look at me for a moment. Whats the matter? Her tightly drawn lips held anger. The Count fiddled with his brooch with a frown on his face, and the Countess stalked over, ring at Ian. As if she was absolutely dissatisfied with the situation. Do you n to send Chel to follow that wretched thing every time it roams outside? Are you telling me that the work that justifies pulling him out of sses is merely to follow that thing around and supervise it? Where is this racketing from! You dont look like you wont? The state of Chel upon returning to the mansion was certainly not pretty. Soaking in sweat like a pig doused in water, his staggering walk was rather pitiful. Mary dered that she wouldnt send the child as a watcher again, and Dergha raised his voice. There was a lot built up between them already, and it felt like a spark was about to ignite. Excuse me. Ian, who had been silently watching the two, intervened. There was no reason to continue listening to the ear-piercing argument between the couple. Ill take my leave first. Father. I will see you again tomorrow. With that, he slipped out of the office. It seemed like this was amon urrence, as the servants were shrinking away and quickly scurrying down the hallway. As Ian descended, he ran into Hannah. Hannah. Master Ian. Ive ced the flower pot in your room. Thank you. Thanks to you, I was able to finish my work sessfully. This meant he had a good meeting with his mother. Hannah followed behind him, prattling on. Once I actually went there, I realized that the park was big. So I told the guests that the Fort district, where they reside, is the closest to the third district. Ian turned to look at her as he opened the door. Somehow, it turned out that Hannah had managed the task brilliantly. A truly helpful and clever child. Good. Thank you. If theres anything you want, just tell me. Yes, young master. Thank you! After adjusting thentern light, Hannah bowed and left. Like Chel, Ian wasntpletely exhausted, but his legs were sore and he was tired. He flopped onto the bed and mumbled, This is going to be troublesome. Should I take Chel to the training ground? It was about time to start moving, to build up his strength. It was clear that turbulent times wereing. For the first time in his life, Ian copsed face-down, utterly drained. The lingo in this novel is quite medieval-ish.I''ve tried to trante it best as I could, so please bear with me if there are incongruities in the trantion. Anyway, enjoy this chapter! Oh yeah, join our Discord for faster updates. Chapter 14 Chapter 14 The hubbub within the Counts castle didnt subside even as dawn approached. As a result, the following morning, only Chel and Ian emerged in the dining room. Chel, dragging his weary body, hesitated as he entered. Good morning, hyungnim (brother). Ian greeted first, but received no response. It was curious why the seats of their father and mother were vacant. They are unusuallyte today. We should start eating without them. Please, sit down. Being forced to not only face each other but also to eat together? An uneasy stomach in the early morning? Just as Chel was discreetly turning to leave, Ian grabbed him with a quiet voice. Do I need to pull out the chair for you? No, no. Thats not it. Struggling for an excuse, Chel eventually surrendered and took his seat. It was justst week that Ian was the one constantly begging, but he couldnt understand why their roles had reversed so dramatically. What was it about those golden eyes Could it have been a curse? Could their father have cursed Ians body to exterminate the Heavenly tribe before sending him off? Various imaginations born out of ignorance tangled in Chels head. As Ian quietly ate his sd, he watched Chel intently. Brother. Huh? I noticed that you seem to have very weak stamina. Do you have any personal training regimen? Training? Chel was known for skiving off even the basic physical exercises at school under the pretext of various illnesses. Theres no way he would train on his own. Ian offered a suggestion with a seemingly worried expression. From what Ive noticed, both of us have weak stamina. Its a bit worrying considering that we are the only heirs of the Dergha family in the face of the Heavenly tribe. A sense of foreboding washed over Chel as he gently put down his knife. Ian, however, cleaned up the tableware with a subtle smile. So, how about going to the training ground together? Chel gaped in surprise. The training ground? The ce where soldiers swing swords and spears? If you suggest it, father would probably appreciate it. He would surely praise it as befitting the next Count. In truth, Dergha had many concerns. Being in a quasi-war state with the Heavenly tribe, the strength of the heirs was important, but Chel, despite being the first heir, was quite removed from that aspect. Hence, the Counts chosen solution was to elevate the power of the captain, Deo being one of the beneficiaries. I suppose he would Chel, who didnt even like to jump around let alone swing a sword, was pondering how to refuse. But Ian quickly seized the opportunity. Alright then. After breakfast, lets just go for a look. It is said to be right behind the mansion. Right after breakfast? Why? Would you prefer to go without eating? Whether he would go after eating or go on an empty stomachIan was asking him to choose. Chel nced resentfully at the empty seats of his parents with his mouth shut. As always, Ian served himself the food. There was bound to be a lot left over today. The training ground, visible as soon as they left the mansion through the back gate. An ancient building, used since the times of the ancestors, was a bit rundown but the ash-colored walls still held an impressive military aura. The national g of Bariel, fluttering in the wind, apanied by the g of the Bratz family, were very dignified. Deo. Young master Chel? As they entered the training ground, they found Deo semi-reclined on a bench. It was clear that he was still using his injury as an excuse not to participate in training. The unexpected visit of the two young boys, who usually showed no interest, caused Deo to spring up, surprised. What brings you here? Um. We thought of having a look around the training ground. You, young master? Why? At Deos reply, Ian, who had been standing behind, stepped forward. His attitude was not just disrespectful, it was downright defiant. Is it such a remarkable thing for the young Count to visit the training ground? Its just that this is the first time. After feeling ack of stamina from yesterdays outing, I thought we should train together in the future. Even if the guards are knocked out by drinking, I should be able to protect myself. His words were a rebuke to Deo, who had copsed after drinking wine at the banquet. From Ians perspective, it was indeed fortunate, but Deo had neglected his duties nheless. The man smirked and ran his tongue over his dark teeth. Whats gotten into him all of a sudden? For Deo, this was an unwee change. Although the chance was slim, if Chel were to show interest and talent in martial arts, it was certain that some of the authority granted to him, as the captain, would be limited. Well, given the kids young age and chubby figure, it seemed unlikely he had to worry Yes, then follow me. How difficult could a tour be? Deo leisurely took the lead. Inside the spacious ground, soldiers were training freely. Most were bare-chested, swinging their swords, or running around with wagon wheels, emitting a raw and lively atmosphere. Argh! One more time! Push! Harder! Argh! They were gathered for individual training. The atmosphere was heated, with shrieks erupting here and there. Chel tried to keep his expression under control, but he seemed clearly ufortable. This is thergest training field, and over there is the warehouse, and beyond that is the lounge. You can sleep in the lounge if you are training all night. Hmm. And. Listening with half an ear to Deos reluctant exnation, Ian surveyed the inside of the area. In one corner, young men were lying t with their heads bowed. Whats happening over there? Unlike the mostly adult soldiers, these boys looked quite young, probably no older than eighteen. Deo replied in a dull tone, Theyre orphans. Orphans? It was impossible that the financially strained Bratz family would run an orphanage. The only way for orphans wandering the streets without guardians to survive was to be soldiers of Dergha. At least the military provided food and a ce to sleep. Deo muttered with a smirk, If you hadnt been so lucky, Master Ian, you might have ended up seeing me here as well. Although it was disrespectful, it wasnt untrue. Ian himself was the illegitimate child of amoner mother. It wouldnt have been surprising if hed been abandoned. If so, Ian would have had no choice but to join them here. Do you think so? Brother, what do you think? At Ians question, Chel hardened his expression. Deo. Dont say such things. Please, he was saying, stop making disturbing remarks to Ian. Who knew what would happen if Ian were to show his golden eyes once more out of fear? Although Chels rebuke was fear-based, Deo frowned as if surprised. Just then, there was amotion in the middle of the training field under the scorching sun. Get your head together! Whack! A man who seemed to be an instructor indiscriminately whipped around. Red marks were clearly visible on the arms, backs, and thighs of the children. Abusing child soldiers. This is insane. That Dergha, what on earth is going through his mind? This was a practice Ian had never even imagined. In his previous position as Emperor of Bariel, child soldiers only appeared when the country was on the brink of ruin. Ian wanted to alleviate the childrens pain, even for a moment, and called Deo. Deo, as you said, if they werent so unlucky, they would have been myrades. Lets encourage them, at least. Call them into the shade for a bit. Really? Are you serious? Do I have to repeat myself? Thats not possible. Even if the Count himself were to visit, they cannot pause during training. Its a rule for discipline, please understand. Discipline my foot. Ian watched them from a nearby bench instead of replying. As soon as this damned training was over, he nned to call them and check on their wellbeing. Chel also hesitated and perched on the edge of the bench. Argh! Cant do it right? You want to starve? No! I can do it! Raise your arms straight! Argh! The screaming was intense. It was audible even amidst the noise of the surrounding training. One by one, the bodies propped up only by their heads and arms began to fall to the side. Hold on! One child among them particrly caught Ians eye. His disheveled red hair was loosely tied, but the look in his eyes visible through the strands was unusual. It was pure determination. His eyes werent just resolute, they seemed to view the world in this manner. That child. Ian found himself speaking before he realized it. Red hair and eyes. The childs physique was slender, and even amidst the shivering of his body, he managed to hold out to the end. Following Ians gaze, Deo replied in an irritated tone, His name is Beric. The kid wasnt particrly physically gifted. But he was persistent enough to make even the instructors wince. He faced an opponent nearly twice his size in the selectionbat but managed to secure victory by biting his opponents ear. Of course, as punishment, he was made to fast for three days. Ian watched Beric, crossing his legs. Urgh. Only two were left. Beric and the other kid were bent as if their necks could snap at any moment. The instructor remained silent, checking his watch, waiting for one of them to oust the other. Aaaargh! Beric resisted with a yell. At that moment, his opponent lost his strength and fell to the side. His sweat-soaked upper body was coated with sand. Whistle! Enough. At the instructors words, Berics knee touched the ground. Struggling for breath and unable to get up, the boy spat on the ground with a tired turn of his head. His forehead was a mess from fatigue. He couldnt move an inch, having poured out all his strength. So this kid named Beric is the top amongst them? Chel asked, having observed the scene. Not necessarily. His efforts aremendable, but thats just about it. His skills do not match his tenacity. Especially in battle. The instructor poured water on Berics head. Still, the boy couldnt get up, closing his eyes with an annoyed expression. The others, who had given up earlier, had no trouble moving. With such passion, shouldnt he be exemry in training? Theres something called constitution. No matter how hard you try, if it doesnt work, it doesnt. There are limits to natural abilities. Every day he was the first to arrive at the training ground and thest to leave, but his growth was slow. No one could match his ability to endure pain, but what does that matter? In front of an enemys de, its not about gritting your teeth. So he should also know when to give up. Everyone has a ce where they can shine. Im thinking of moving Beric to special missions rather than the frontlines, Deo added this, as if addressing both Chel and Ian. They are handling troop management well, including himself, so they should just stick to pen-pushing. But Chel was too obtuse to understand the implication, and Ian was lost in his own thoughts. Somethings off. That look in that childs eyes, it wasit was like Like a knight willing to die for faith and honor. The spirit vividly reminiscent of the heart of war. Isnt it surprising for a child not even of age to possess such fervor? And most importantlyhe detected a faint aura of magic power when Beric gritted his teeth. This is typically characteristic of magic swordsmen. A swordsman who maniptes magic. The inner energy is blocked by magic power, slowing growth before awakening. But once awakened, the individual can be so strong that no ordinary human canpare. To unearth this, a magic practitioner who can stimte thetent magic is needed. Its so rare that many people live and die without knowing theyre magic swordsmen. Looks like training is done, call him over now, Ian directed Deo. He was very firm, as if not epting a second refusal. Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Beric, at seventeen, was a bit of an odd child. Resembling his red hair, his temperament was fiery, and his training peers didnt much care for him. It had been like this since he first joined. When the military training chief instigated a fight, vowing to subdue him, Beric fought back without surrendering until his arms and legs were on the brink of breaking. Ultimately, he finished with unconsciousness. A kid who wont win, but refuses to lose. Thats how all the trainees referred to him behind his back. Rest. Sigh. Move to the shade. In the training ground where the hot sun was zing, everyone staggered at the instructors order to rest. Meanwhile, no one bothered to help Beric up. As if he didnt expect any help, Beric just closed his eyes and caught his breath. In a bit, hed move by himself. Beric? Beric squinted at the unfamiliar voice calling his name. The golden-haired figure before him was vividly bright, but that was it. His vision was blurry, he couldnt see properly. Can you stand? Who are you? Ian. Get lost. He knew that the Count Bratz had a bastard son. But he didnt realize that this kid standing before him was the one. Beric didnt care. Having lived in the barracks for almost six months, he didnt even know the names of his roommates. There was no way hed know a kid who had just moved into the mansion a month ago and lived like a hermit. What an unpleasant personality. On the other hand, Ian looked down at him thoughtfully. No matter how he looked, the child fits the characteristics of a magic swordsman. It might be prejudice, but somehow, all the magic swordsmen he had seen had that kind of attitude. Always itching tosh out at something or someone, as if they couldnt rest until theyve cut something apart. Such a rude attitude. Ahh Ian scolded him while pouring water on his face. Beric merely opened his mouth, eyes still closed, perhaps because it felt refreshing. Ian nced back. From the shade, Chel and Deo, the trainees, watched him with curious looks. They seemed puzzled, unable to guess what the bastard son himself was trying to do. Should I give it a test? Ignoring them, Ian squatted down. Pretending to feed him water, he grabbed Berics chin. His magic power flowed from his touching fingertips. Berics face, which had been scrunched up, gradually rxed. How should he put it? It felt like the block of pain that was filling his body was slowly melting. Just a little more, just a little more Perhaps thinking it was the relief brought by water, he seemed ready to lick up even what had been spilled on the ground. Ian scattered what was left and got up. Its done. Ordinary people cannot ept pure magic. This is due to the difference in the density of the vessel that contains the power. Magic users have a solid vessel that doesnt leak magic, but ordinary people cant hold it, like a vessel full of holes. That was the reason healing and illusion magic were highly valued. Any attack magic can simply pour out all at once, breaking the vessel, no matter who the target is. But transforming magic into a form that the target can ept, as in healing or illusion, is a high-level skill. Anyway, what about Beric? Not only did he ept the magic carefully, but his reaction was also immediate. Despite being a very faint power, he reacted as desperately as a newborn seeking its mothers breast. He has potential. It was an unexpected harvest. Ian never thought there would be a sprout of a magic swordsman in such a ce. Releasing his magic, Ian headed towards Chel and Deo. Chel was sweating profusely, already looking exhausted. He hadnt done anything, just standing there. Big brother. Lets call it a day and go back. That was exactly what he wanted to hear. Chels face brightened up, flushed with joy. Sh, should we? And starting from tomorrow, you can train with me. His face fell again, looking as gloomy as if hed just been plunged into the mud. Is it because hes still a kid? Its hard to understand why his emotions are so tantly disyed on his face. As the next Count, you should, Ian added with a light smile. Meanwhile, Beric was still lying on the training ground, feeling the remnants of the magic power. Going to the training ground with Chel? Dergha asked. It was just when he had perfectly sorted out everything contained in the magic stone brooch. Although he had called him when the sun was up, outside it was already densely starry. Ian soothed his throat that had been exhausted from speaking all day. Yes. Although its right in front of the mansions back door, I need to go out, so Im asking for Fathers permission. Dergha pulled out the magic stone from the ss container and wiped it with a dry cloth. His expression seemed grim, but somewhat indecisive. Theres no ulterior motive. As Ive told you, even going outside once can be very exhausting. If both of the young heirs of the family are in such a state, it will be a disgrace to the Heavenly tribe, and above all, I worry that we wont be able to endure when crossing the border and passing through the desert. It was a reasonable argument. Dergha pushed aside a pile of documents and threw a word. His tone was arrogantly testing. Being outside often will excite you. It was a question of, How do I know if youll have a different idea? It was honestly uneasy for him for Ian to regrly meet Molrin, and he also didnt like the idea of continually giving Ian opportunities. Ian took out a letter from his pocket. This is the response to the pocket letter you gave me previously. A letter to Ians mother. He used it as a substitute answer. You know better than anyone that while my mother is around, I cant engage in nonsense, Dergha. Dergha lightly unfolded the neatly folded paper. Please add that I am still not proficient in writing to my mother. At that point, Dergha had already heard from the housekeeper that a private tutor had written Iansreply during ss time. Rustle. He unfolded the letter. The handwriting was messy, but the affection contained within could definitely be felt. Mother, dont worry. I am doing well here. The Count, the Madam, and the young master all take good care of me. I will surely find what you asked for. Please remain safe until the day I return. I send you my longing with a short verse. When the moon falls from the sky, the sun rises. There is no eternal darkness. Thest line seemed to be a secret code between them. Dergha stroked his beard looking at the sentence where Ian promised to find a gureut leaf. It was an act to hide a subtle smile rising on his face. What did your mother ask for? Didnt you see the pocket letter? It was a testing question, but an unexpected answer came. Dergha raised his head and looked at Ians face. Rarely clear, it was evident that he cared about his mothers message to keep it a secret from Dergha. A smile appeared on Derghas lips that he couldnt hide. Do I look so idle to you? No, I dont know, but its a hair ornament that Heavenly tribe women usually wear. But all of this was also within Ians calction. In a situation where he had to hide his mothers request, acting doubtful whether Dergha had checked the letter. Deliberately lowering his eyes and letting his voice shake as if on guard Ah, I really cant do it. Acting is not only out of my taste but I alsock talent. Then how stupid is Dergha, who ispletely fooled by such Ian. If you allow it, Ill go to the training ground from tomorrow. Ian desperately turned his words around. Although he had already coaxed Chel and received Derghas permission through him, he needed to wrap it up surely. Dergha stroked his beard and nodded his head. Do not dare to use the training as an excuse to hurt Chel. If you do, Deo will cut your throat on the spot. To nonchntly utter such terrifying words to a child. Ian nodded his head and bowed. He did not forget to say thank you. By the way, when are you meeting Molrin again? The day after tomorrow. He would go out to meet them again the day after tomorrow. At Ians words, Dergha frowned as if thinking something. Probably due to the countesss opposition, Chel wouldnt be able to apany him then. I understand. With a wave of his hand, Dergha urged him to leave. Even as he turned to go, Ian didnt forget to scrutinize the desk. There must be something rted to taxes among that Click. Standing in the dark corridor, Ian thought of Molrin. What exactly was the value they saw in him? He didnt know in detail, but it seemed clear they were trying to oust Dergha. Casually, even considering putting Ian forward in ce of Chel. In that case, the tax issue is the biggest one. They mustve been suspicious of Derghas tax evasion as well. However, it was dangerous too, evading taxes against the imperial pce was one of the most serious crimes. If unlucky, the charge of treason could be applied, and everyone bearing the Bratz family name could be executed. If Ian doesnt intervene he might receive the punishment of falling into very. Whatever the case, its dangerous. If the Bratz name disappears, the family line disappears, and so does Ians existence and value. This means that his future survival is in jeopardy. A tightrope walk with his life on the line. Dergha was trying to sell Ian off to the desert, and Molrin was trying to eliminate Bratz as a whole. He should stay alert in the middle of them. However, it looks like theyve nted eyes and ears in the mansion. Especially, they seemed to be quite sure about the letters. Master Ian? A servant called him, holding antern. It was a call to return to his room. Ian followed the servant, crossing the hallway. Due to being the highest part of the mansion, the flickering lights of the training grounds could still be seen from the window. Theyre working hardte into the night. At Ians warm murmur, the servant walking ahead quietlyughed. Hadnt Ian been the one who was stuck in Derghas office all day, suffering the most? To the boy who was served clean food in the dining room every day, the servant felt a subtle sense of familiarity. Weve prepared a change of clothes in your room. Alright. Thank you. Have a peaceful night, Master Ian. Meanwhile, in the training grounds, men with heated bodies were still swinging their swords and spears, and the most conspicuous among them was the redhead, Beric. What the hell did that bastard eat today? Seriously, hes full of energy. He looked like he was dying during the day. Beric, whose energy used to wane like a candle going out at sunset, was still swinging his sword even after everyone else had returned to their quarters. It was inexplicable. Swoosh! Whack! With all his might, Beric sliced off the dummys neck. For the first time, he felt the sword move ording to his will. His ragged breaths were soaked in joy and pleasure. Haha this is it, damn it. What could it be? Was it the result of his training finally showing? Or because he had been down all day? He didnt know why the image of a blond boy under the sun popped up, but Beric once again gripped his sword. Chapter 16 Chapter 16 The atmosphere at the training ground was slightly awkward. The energy was just as high as the day before, but knowingly or unknowingly, everyones attention was directed at one spot. The noble lords they served. You need to properly warm up. If you dont, the risk of injury is high. Ugh, like this? The physical training of their masters fell to Deo. He was the only one still using the injury as an excuse toze around, but he was apetent individual regardless of his temperament. Dergha trusted him enough to include surveince of Ian and immediate punishment if any problems arose in his duties. Brother (hyungnim), stretch your arm further back. Ah, I cant. It hurts too much. However, to the eye, Ian seemed to assist Chel very diligently. As long as Deo was present, wouldnt everything be reported to Dergha? Misunderstandings are foolish, andcency invites wise action. Well start with basic fitness, but you cannot quit halfway. After about an hour of running, Ill show you how to hold a wooden sword. Chel, whose nose was running, grimaced as if he was going to die. As time passed, it was clear the sun was going to get hotter. Deo nced at the expressions of the two children as he checked the clock. If theyre pushed this hard, theyll quit in a few days. It was bothersome, but in the long run, both of them should stay away from the training ground. Even if Ian, being sold to the Heavenly tribe, was excused, there was still Chel. As the days passed, wouldnt he have more dealings with Count Bratz? If he happened to hand over themand of the soldiers, it would be the same as stealing his rice bowl. By the way, where are the knights? Ian, who had been slowly stretching, asked. He had wondered about this yesterday as well, but most of the trainees gave off a rough and rugged aura. He hadnt seen anyone with the refined aura typical of knights. Of course, starting with Deo, who isnt a knight. Deo seemed to be without a title. All the household servants called him different things. Among the many names, he had never heard the word knight, nor had he seen him wearing a family crest. The gentlemen have their own training ground due to their noble bodies. This ce is filled with guys who picked up a sword after a hoe. Why? Do you want to be taught by a knight? Deoughed as he tapped the ground with his stick. Today, his teeth seemed unusually dark. His tone was sloppy, like someone waiting to be picked on. I see. Each has their own suitable teacher, dont they? What Ian meant was that Deo was just the right level for a beginner. But whether the man understood up to that point or not, he only snorted loudly and turned his back. Alright. Then, lets start running. There was no such thing as a knightless territory. Knights were the elites in any territory. The same was true for the Bratz territory. It was obvious they were silently performing escort andmand duties. Should be about ten at most if we go all out. The number of knights that nobles could maintain was limited due to restrictions from the imperial court. A knight,monly acknowledged, is someone recognized for their skill and experience. They are iparable forces, having been through numerous battles with monsters big and small, or wars with other countries. Its an entirely different storypared to a motley crew of swordsmen from farming backgrounds. They seem to be quite skilled. They were the ones opposing the Heavenly tribe and in the process of change. And above all, though he had been here for nearly a fortnight, not once had he felt their presence. They must be in Derghas shadows. Keep running! Huff Huff Chel was dragging his feet and drooling. This happened only after the secondp. Ian was ahead of him, catching his breath lightly. Deo, who was walking heavily, nced at Ian. This kid seems to know how to control his breath. Although he didnt seem to be in good shape, he had an unusual knack for moving his body. Unlike Chel, who was falling behind, Ian consistently followed behind Deo. On the other side, Two children in the midst of a sword practice. Aaaargh! Beric, you crazy bastard! sh! sh! The one swinging his sword like a storm was Beric. His opponent staggered backward, not due to the overwhelming difference in strength, but merely as a reaction to Berics ferocious onught. Berics expression was anything but pleased. Damn it! It was strange. Wasnt his body as light as a feather justst night? Now, upon waking, it felt as though the effects of an uningested drug had worn off. Desperate to hold on to the fading peculiar sensation, Beric furiously stabbed his sword forward. Hey! Ease up! Crash! His sparring partner, unable to contain his frustration, yelled out. Simultaneously, the colliding swords spiraled into the air. Only then did Beric halt and catch his breath while his partner, annoyed, spat onto the ground. I told you I didnt want to do this! Youre the one who lost the bet this morning. Meyrul. No one wanted to spar with Beric. His aggressive nature, too intense to be merely training, had already injured several trainees. His otherrades jeered at Meyrul, who mumbled curses as he retreated to the break room. Beric, left alone, picked up his fallen wooden sword. Beric. By now, the voice was familiar. Beric turned to look at Ian with his red eyes, offering a wry smile despite being drenched in sweat. What is it? So, youre not telling me to buzz off anymore. When did I ever do that? It seems youve really lost the taste for it. You dont even remember what Ive said. He had only found out earlier. That the young man named Ian was the one who had offered him water back then. He had unintentionally overheard the servants of the household speaking about Ianing to the training grounds. Ian gave a warm smile, gently patting Berics shoulder. Well, its fine. In the scorching heat, everyone gets sun-blind. Beric had no desire to respond. He held an attitude that was indifferent as if saying scold me if you wish. What could this young master do anyway? As Beric slowly moved toward the shade, Ian followed. Beric turned around, his brow furrowed. Looks like it will take some time for Chel-hyungnim toe. Im nning to take a slow walk and rest. Behind him, Deo was roughly dragging Chel along. The said person was at his wits end, falling and getting back up, constantly tripping over again. Do you want to eat something? Ian took out some well-dried beef jerky from his pocket. It was something the servants had packed so they wouldnt starve during training. The human heart can be won over by satisfying basic desires, and the more basic they are, the more effective. However. No thanks. Why not? Theres no reason for me to eat. Beric dismissed it without hesitation. It was unexpected. Even with Derghas focus on bolstering the soldiers, it was unlikely that a soldier of orphaned origins would live plentifully. It was simply a better situation than when he was outside. Move. Now. Youre not addressing me properly. If youre going to use honorifics, do it right. Still, thed was adamant. While knowing that he was facing the young master, Ian, there was no change in his behavior. The child was thoroughly rejecting any gesture of kindness or goodwill. This attitude may seem difficult, but only for a moment. Ian realized that this could work out well in the end. Right. I need arade, not a tterer. If one doesnt care about trivial matters, theres a high probability that they have a steadfast belief of their own. Once this belief is satisfied, they could likely engage in an unambiguous and neat contract. Of course, the standard is to build a master-servant rtionship based on trust and faith. Swoosh. Beric wound bandages around his right hand and short sword. Then, without any hesitation, he opened the door to the break room and called for his colleague, a man named Meyrul, with whom he was sparring until just now. Meyrul. Come out. Got a sunstroke or what, calling my name out of nowhere The match isnt over yet. Really, is he out of his mind? As the boy named Meyrul scrunched his face in annoyance, a bulky man from the other side stood up on his behalf. He seemed to be twice the size of Beric. Youve been acting up since yesterday, huh? Beat it. I have no business with you. Meyrul doesnt have any business with you either! Crash! The man grabbed Berics head and mmed it into the wall. It all happened in the blink of an eye. Beric, seemingly familiar with the situation, quickly retaliated by swinging his short sword without hesitation. Get lost! Wham! Thump! Ian, nibbling on a piece of jerky, watched this unfold. Clearly, Beric was far from normal. He acted as if he had no fear of violence at all. Plus, he showed a strong power and obsession with winning. Wham! Thump! The unfortunate thing was that the reality was quite sober. No matter how much Beric flitted about, he couldnt beat a man who was twice his size. Crazy! This kid! Just quit it! Thump! Thump! Crack! Like kicking a ball, the man stomped on Berics abdomen. Hmm. That must have hurt, Ian thought, simultaneously worrying as he saw Beric sprawled on the floor. The man dusted off his hands,ughing lightly as if it were no big deal. You wontst long if you keep being troublesome. Though, Id be thankful if you die sooner. Hahaha! Urgh. Bericy t on his back, gasping for breath. Ian squatted next to him. Through Berics gaze, he saw a strand of golden hair fall. Should I deal with that guy? At Ians whisper, Beric closed his eyes. Get lost, you bastard. Why? Dont you want to win? There are various ways to win in this world. Even if Ian was a novice, he could easily handle a recruit like that with just a word. But Beric responded by flipping him off. Thats meaningless. A strong power. That was the only standard for living in this world. Whether it was his family kneeling and begging under his fathers violence, or his home stained with blood from a thiefs ruthless shing, Beric could do nothing but watch. Ian didnt know the whole situation, but he understood the message. I see. Thats your belief. Then, Chel suddenly fell backward in the distance. Deo, who was troubled, and the other men gathered around Chel, shaking his body. Beric, still with his eyes closed, responded, If you bother me one more time, Ill kill you. But in your current state tsk tsk. Damnit Ian ced his hand on Berics eyes. He was crouched and bent down, his face likely invisible to others. More than anything, others attention had shifted to Chel falling backward. I have a really good method, you know. He could feel Berics gaze under his palm. A zingly hot aura. He had the feeling that his pupils werent red for no reason. That powerful strength you want. I can give it to you. Youre spouting nonsense. You madman. If I give you what you need, you should also give me what I need. His voice was unintentionally serious. When Beric remained silent, Ian chuckled softly. The childs failure to answer was unexpected. Seeing that even casual words were hard to utter, he seemed to have a serious personality despite his frivolous tone, Ian deemed. Ziiing. Without hesitation, Ian channeled his magic. A bit more than yesterday, but still not enough to awaken fully. Given that a magic swordsman serves their master for at least a year, the brat too would need to devote simr time. ! Berics fingertips twitched. The pain that had corroded his body felt as if it was being washed away by water in an instant. It was so refreshing, it felt icy cold, jolting his consciousness awake. Beric jumped to his feet, hearing the pounding of his heart in his ears. Ahem. Ian, startled, removed his hand. In that moment, Berics gaze met his golden pupils. A brief sh. Slowly, Beric turned his head. Everything felt sensitive, as if dead nerves wereing back to life. The man who had knocked him down was standing with his arms crossed, watching Chel. Tsk, tsk. If youve been like this from the start So this is why Count Bratz The voices lingered in his ears. With twinkling eyes, Beric ran reflexively. Like a beast jumping at a signal. His wooden sword was too cumbersome, so he threw it away and lunged with his fist. Thwack! Aaaargh! ? A man turned his head at the scream. The sight he was met with was Beric rushing toward him, his face pale. Somehow, even though there wasnt a breath of wind, his hair fluttered. Only Ian knew that it was the flow of magic. Chapter 17 Chapter 17
Hey everyone! Just heads up, Ive decided to change Heavenly to Cheonrye for the tribes name. Turns out, theres really no spot-on trantion for it, so I thought that its best if I stick to the original term from now on. Sorry!
In an instant, everything unfolded. The mans body jerked back, overwhelmed by the sudden shock. Beric swiftly pounced on him, relentlessly hammering his fist down. Thud! Thud! Uh The manspanions stood by, watching the spectacle with nk expressions. Despite the surprise attack, it seemed illogical that a single punch could bring him down. After all, this man had appeared sturdy enough to effortlessly grab Berics hair and toss him aside. But now, he was simply being mercilessly beaten. Stop him! Stop! This is insane! What are you doing, Beric! Has this bastard lost his mind! However, the mans reaction was peculiar. He copsed helplessly, not even twitching a finger, as if he were unconscious. It was only then that his colleagues rushed towards Beric in shock. Move aside! Snap out of it! Berics breaths were ragged and erratic as if he had consumed some stimnt, his intensity unmatched. It took more than five trainees to finally restrain him. What are you doing! What happened? Amidst themotion, Deo and the instructors hurried over. The sight of the enormous man sprawled out and Beric, thirsting for blood, was unbelievable. They couldnt fathom how this had transpired solely through fists, without any weapons. It would have made more sense if Beric were the one lying on the ground instead. Haah haah. Hahaha! Hespletely lost it! Instructor! Beric just attacked out of nowhere! Beric erupted intoughter while lying t on the ground. The sheer exhration on his face was a spectacle in itself. The trainees restraining him grimaced in disgust, and an instructor raised his chin with his foot. Beric. Ah. Damn, this feels good. Beric! Anyone who turns their back in the middle of a fight is a damn fool! The fearsome fervor in his outburst was palpable. The instructor, seeing him unfit for a retort, nted a kick in his face. Beric responded with a pained grunt. Have him escorted to the med bay, while Beric gets put in confinement and relocated to the penal cell. Everyone immediately set into motion at the trainers directive. As Beric was hauled off, his eyes locked with Ians. In contrast to Ians emotionless demeanor, Beric looked like an explorer whod just unearthed a relic, his eyes aze with anticipation. He seemed to struggle with his newfound euphoria. Hes definitely a madman. Ian found himself concurring with the sentiments of the apprentices. Out of all the magic knights hed observed, Beric appeared to be among the most reckless. On the flip side, it reflected ack of fear on the battlefield. Such a warrior, who does not cower at the face of death, is unrivaled. Ian, sir. Ah. Deo approached Ian, furrowing his brows. What exactly did that guy do? His query was born not out of genuine concern but mere formality. Ian dusted off his sleeves and replied,He just got himself a good thrashing. Todays training has to wrap up early. Considering Master Chels state and the chaos here. Chell wasying t on his back in the shade, catching his breath. His round belly undted with each breath. Even the slightest motion seemedmendable. Moreover, the training ground was stained with blood where the man had fallen. To Ian, whose main goal was training, the day had been utterly unproductive. Right. But what about that kid Beric? Deo, who was about to turn away, halted at Ians call. What will be his punishment? Considering his numerous misdeeds, well need to discuss it, but hes likely to be whipped and expelled. On top of that, his umted wages would be seized as reparation for the damage. Though Ian maintained a poker face, inwardly he felt a surge of satisfaction. Even though it wasnt intentional, this turns out well. Beric was currently a foot soldier of Dergha Bratz. But if he gets expelled and gains his freedom, it will be much easier to establish a rtionship. As someone blindly chasing power, he would surely seek out Ian due to the peculiar phenomenon he felt just now. With his temperament, he might even crawl here the very day he gets whipped. thought Ian, looking towards the back door of the training ground where Beric had disappeared while nodding with a fluttering heart. The kid is a vigorousd. If contract magic was feasible, it could be used to manipte him. But for now, that was beyond Ians own capabilities. Beric needed to be treated delicately, like taming a wild beast. Huff, huff. Brother. Are you alright? I, I cant do it. I really cant! Chels exasperation was nearly a roar. Since witnessing Ians golden gaze, hed remained subdued. He looked genuinely fatigued. Understood. Brother, you do as you wish from now on. But if you dare make the count stop my training because of you, I wont let it go, Ian hinted with a smile. Whether Chel understood his words or not was uncertain. Nheless, Chel rose, mopping away the sweat, repulsed by the blood-soaked earth and the distant sounds of a whip cracking and a scream. In the end, he reconfirmed that the training grounds were not his cup of tea. The following day. The official third luncheon with Molrin was underway. The surroundings were splendidly decorated with blooming flowers, bestowing the garden with an enhanced festive aura. Molrin, Mack, and Dgor effortlessly steered the meal, more rxed than before. Thats why I sought His Highnesss favor back then. Oh~, Ive heard of that. I presumed yourdyship would be aware. There was no trace of their customary guarded discourse, and there was no conflict between Dergha and Molrin. No attempts were made to provoke Ian with a challenging topic. With Countess Mary as the center of attention, they only engaged in the petty chatter of the social circle. This shift was unquestionably due to their mutual understanding of Ian. Dergha, who had been reticent for quite a while, spoke up. Officer Molrin. Yes, Count Bratz. Is Ian showing you around my territory well? Although there was room for doubt, there was no tangible evidence. Chel and Deo werepletely in the dark, and the brooch had been checked thrice in the midst of his busy schedule. However, there was nothing substantial totch onto. After our initial excursion and meal, we visited the park. The weather was splendid, making the walk very pleasant. The intellectual discussions were enriching and that days events are still vivid in my mind. Thats fortunate. Oh, by the way, Master Ian. Will you show me the room you mentionedst time? Room? Which room? The memory suddenly clicked in Ians mind. Hadnt he yfully suggested Molrin visit his room when he first proposed an outing? Ian nced at Dergha with a smile as he noticed his te was now empty of steak. If he got the approval, it would be best to end the meal and leave immediately. Would that be alright, Father? Id like to apany you, but Dergha wanted to join, but the presence of his aide lurking at the entrance of the garden was strong. It seemed even more so as he was fidgeting around like a whimpering puppy. He clearly had urgent matters pending. Please finish entertaining the guests, my wife. He clicked his tongue internally and nced at Lady Mary. His authoritative demeanor, appearing to assign her a task, felt rather heavy. Yes, I suppose so. Ever since their disagreement, the frosty tension had be even more apparent. But given the presence of guests, they maintained a superficial cordiality. Countess Mary wiped her hands with a napkin, sporting a radiant smile. It was as if an actress on a stage was changing her expression. Shall we rise then? Sure. The meal was excellent today as well. It was a great meal. As everyoneid down their utensils, the waiting staff began to move. One servant, as if he had been waiting for the opportunity, leaned in and whispered something into the countesss ear. Oh. What is the matter, madam? My apologies. Ive just been informed that Lady Merellof is at the front gate. Do you refer to Count Merellofs wife from the neighboring territory? Mack queried, sounding somewhat taken aback. Count Merellof, though residing in the outskirts, didnt seem to have much societal standing Judging by Countess Marys response, it was clear she was quite familiar with him. Countess Mary smiled as if she agreed. It was a smile filled with mockery. Yes. Im to receive something from her. Ian, could you show our guests to the room in the meantime? Ill have some tea sent up. With grace, thedy requested their understanding. Dergha also bade a brief farewell before heading to his study, while Ian led the guests to the annex. Squeak. Just as they say a room resembles its owner, its indeed very bright. Mack looked around andplimented. The three of them sat around the sofa. Ian brought out a sheet of parchment and a pen, pointing to the brooch on his chest. Everyone knew what the red brooch signified. Thank you, Sir Mack. You mentioned practicing your handwriting. May we take a look? Of course. To fill the gap, Mack and Dgor chattered endlessly. It wasnt long until Countess Mary arrived. Ian picked up his pen and started writing down simple sentences. -What should I do? -Is it possible to ess Count Derghas library? -Ive been going up to refill the magic stone. The rush to find the office. The problem rted to taxes was likely as Ian had anticipated. Molrin paused for a moment, choosing his words to make it easier to understand. -We need to verify the total yield of grains harvested from the territory and the production volume from the Monne Mountain mines. In addition, we also need the farmer tax verification form fromst summer to the present. A transcription would be ideal, but if its difficult, just note down the numbers and bring it with the seal. So, he did possess a coal mine after all. But its just coal, hardly a significant fortune. Even without a detailed list, if a seal is found, a forced search can be carried out on the grounds of an internal whistleblowers report. This was why nobles valued seals so much, andmonly, loyalty was measured by entrusting ones seal, precisely for this reason. -Are you saying that the Bratz family has embezzled taxes? -There are only suspicions so far. Ian asked, pretending to hesitate: -Embezzlement is a capital offense that can wipe out a family. A vow not to exterminate was needed. If the Bratz Castle disappeared, so would Ians position. Is that all? As long as Derghas blood mixed inside him, the likelihood of him bing a ve in the imperial pce ve was high. Hed probably have to devote his life to making up for the embezzled taxes. -If I object to your adoption registration, you, Master Ian, will not be part of the Bratz family. You can avoid extreme punishment, and there would be no need to cross the border. Wouldnt that be wonderful? Now, will you look at this? As expected, Molrin didnt give the answer he wanted. He seemed to think that Ian wouldnt understand the subsequent process, disying an attitude of indifference. If he were a magic user, it would be different, but for a child from a brother-turned-ordinary background, the man seemed to think that would be sufficientpensation. Its an obvious choice, but its a bit tricky. Given his situation, he couldnt outright demand the preservation of his family. If he were to bring down Dergha, he would definitely need the imperial pces power. He thought it would be troublesome if they found out he was thinking too seriously. Ah. An exmation unknowingly slipped from Ians mouth, who had been deep in thought. At the sudden voice, Mack and Degor turned around. Master Ian? I apologize. I bit my tongue. Be careful. Even a small wound can be painful. Molrins caring concern didnt sound caring at all. If he let himself be led like this, there would be no way out. Ian smoothed out the n he had just thought of and began to write. -Then, I have a proposal. -By all means. A way to protect himself from the imperial pces judgment and retain the ownership of his territory. Didnt they say, the enemy of an enemy is a friend? There was still amon enemy left between Dergha and the imperial pce. -I wont oppose the adoption process, but I will meet with the Cheonrye tribe. Chapter 18 Chapter 18 Not adoption, but meeting with the Cheonrye n? Molrins expression was something to behold, a feeling somewhere between bewilderment and absurdity. He kept stroking his beard, opening and closing his mouth. He was trying to figure out what Ians intentions were. Meeting the Cheonrye n meant crossing the border. From Ians point of view, it was a suicidal path. In response to his hesitation, Mack and Dgor also peered at the parchment. Their expressions, too, morphed into something intriguing. Do you not understand what it means to meet the Cheonrye n? I do understand. However, when the investigation is conducted from the imperial pce, my father will surely suspect me. In the Bratz territory, the only person from the Central are Sir Official Molrin and the others, while I am the one who spent a lot of time in the mansion. Even if there are nted eyes and ears, it is a given fact that I will be the first to be suspected. That was a logical sequence. If the pce had sent an investigator all this way for almost a fortnight, it means theres some degree of solid evidence, and if theres solid evidence, it means it must havee from the Bratz mansion. They wont leave me alone. The moment the investigator arrives, anything could happen. Given my fathers temperament, hed probably interrogate me with a sword. Therefore, I will cross the border. The three men exchanged nces. In fact, they didnt care what happened to the boy. Whether he was killed by his father, became a ve, or crossed the border. What they wanted was the fall of the Bratz family and the value of the territory they could seize as a result. -You may not be able to return. Ian knew this. Even under the ongoing patronage, safety could not be guaranteed, let alone once the (Bratz) family was gone. How would he manage to return from there? It might be better to hide somewhere instead. Then. Ian pierced through their thoughts and continued his writing. Would you hide me and my mother? Molrin kept his gaze steady on the parchment with a nonchnt expression, but it was clear that Mack and Dgor were perplexed. It was the task of bringing down the Bratz family that had been passed down for generations. It was a pressing and dangerous situation, and it was a burden to protect the son and the mother too. Above all, they were outsiders. The Bratz territory is in my fathers grasp. I fully understand its a lot to ask. So, Ill cross the border as my father wishes. Thats enough. As long as Dergha was in good health, Ians bones could only be buried beyond the border. Even if he ran away, there was nowhere for him to go. But what if the Bratz family were to be exterminated? No. Even if only the family head Dergha were to be gone? Ian could return. And he could live as before. Its dangerous, but it might not be a bad choice. Mack stroked his eyebrows, pondering. If here, hed either be killed by his father or be a ve, but if he left Hope arises. When time passes, and everyones memory fades. He might be able to live among the townsfolk. He silently apuded Ian. His penmanship, as he wrote at the corner of the parchment, was almost nted. Its indeed a pioneering choice! Sir. I believe its enough to consider. Isnt it a priority to secure the evidence right away with Ians help? That Dergha guy, is extraordinary. We dont have time to dy. Molrin nodded his head in agreement. And above all, when the alliance is established As Mack tried to follow up, Dgor stopped his pen. A stern look, reprimanding him for his careless words. Realizing his mistake, Mack looked back at Ian. His look of checking Iansplexion was a bit awkward. Instead of replying, Ian finished the sentence, When the alliance is established, itll benefit us in many ways. With the Central Investigation Team and Dergas discord, the territory would be in turmoil. But if the Cheonrye n were to rise amidst this, it would be a problem. Wouldnt it be safer to proceed with the promised alliance first? Even if the family head changester, they could be in a better position in negotiations. Master Ian. Lets go out often. Youre leaving when the flowers are in full bloom, so you should imprint the beautiful Bratz territory in your eyes before that. He was saying that he would carry out everything as nned, without any hitch, on the scheduled spring day. Molrin drew his familys seal at the corner of the paper with his fingertip. It was an act performed when men of honor made a vow. With the name of the family at stake, it was an absolute promise. He seemed grateful for Ians sacrifice which was not really a sacrifice. His seal is unusual. It was then when Ian was dispassionately observing his hand movement. Knock, knock. There was a knock from outside. I will bring in the dessert. Let them in. Thankfully, it was not Lady Mary, the countess. It was the servants moving tea cups and a teapot on a full tray. As they busily entered the room, Mack stuffed the parchment into his pocket and asked, Id like to light a cigarette, Master Ian. You may. Just open the window, please. Thank you. Hey, bring me an ashtray with a lid. Yes. Ill bring it right away. But the madam iste, isnt she? If Countess. Mary iste, Mack was nning to burn the paper with the tobo leaves. Click, click. He flicked his lighter as if by habit, prompting an awkward smile from the servant. Madam Merellof sent quite a few things, said the servant. Do they interact often? Hmm? Yeah, their servantse about twice a week. The servant respectfully offered the golden ashtray. As Mack was opening the window, he suddenly noticed a familiar flowerpot. Thats the flowerpot you bought at the park. Its a strange flower. It seems tost a long time in full bloom. Do the people in the mansion not know what it is? Yes, they all say its the first time theyve seen such a nt. We were worried it might be hazardous, but luckily, it seems that its not. Hmmm. Mack shifted his gaze as he blew out a puff of smoke. As the servants all left, he crumpled a neatly folded parchment into the ashtray and slowly set fire to it, watching as the tip burned. The faint smoke twirled and disappeared out of the window. Knock, knock. This time, the door opened without waiting for a response. It was Countess Mary. She covered her mouth and smiled, as if embarrassed. Sorry for beingte. It wasnt polite to leave our guests waiting. No problem, Madam. It seems that Countess Merellof has sent you some precious gifts. Being close to the Kingdom of Hawan brings a lot of curious things our way. Is that so? There must be many things that are hard to see even in the central region. Mack asked, implying that he wanted to see these things, but Countess Mary awkwardly changed the topic. You might not be interested since they are womens items. However, she paused to take a deep breath to enjoy the tea aroma but stopped abruptly. What is this smell? I apologize, Madam. I was smoking a cigar. Oh, I see. Her initially stern look softened, thinking for a moment that the room wasnt well managed. Mary, with a bright smile, brought up a new topic of gossip. One hour. Thats how long it took for the guests to leave after finishing lunch. Except for the beginning, most of the time was spent with Countess Mary, which significantly reduced the time Mack had to check the brooch. Dergha, taking a jewel out of his magic pouch, asked, There was a bit of a gap. Exin. Especially before his wife came in. Dergha scanned Ian, who was standing in a formal posture. He seemed neither tense nor flustered. I was just listening to Mack and Sir Dgors conversation. The weather was so nice, I was looking outside. Overall, it was a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. The sound of Dergha rolling the brooch was the only noise. His expression was full of suspicion, but Ian knew. It was an intimidation to put pressure on him. May I go down now? My tutor is waiting. You said you would write a personal letter today, right? Yes. I will try my best, although I am not very good at it. He already knew what to write about. It would be filled with meaningless contents, proposing the cooperation between the Bratz family and the Cheonrye tribe, except for handwriting identification. You may go. Father. Despite Ians call, Dergha didnt raise his head. He just twitched his eyebrows, allowing him to speak. Did you receive a letter from my mother? Youre asking irrelevant things. Its not irrelevant. Ian is reminding Dergha consciously that his chain is his mother. Hes making himcent, having a leash tightly gripped in his hand. But in the end, there will be nothing. I apologize. Ill leave now, Ian bowed his head slightly and left the office. What Official Molrin needs is a clue for embezzlement. The details will be revealed by the pce investigator. As long as he found even a trivial thing, there would be no problem. The brooch isin the middle drawer of the desk. Theres no separate lock. Not that there should have been. From his position, Ian couldnt look into Derghas desk drawer since it was facing him. Yet, it was the ce where the precious magic stones were stored, and there didnt seem to be anything like a safe in Derghas study. Even if there was a safe, there was a high likelihood it would be connected to the desk. As he was pondering how to rummage through the desk, Master Ian. Hannah? As he descended the stairs, Hannah peeked her head out. Her cautious voice and scanning gaze were unusualit was a posture checking to see if anyone was watching. Whats the matter? Do you happen to know someone named Beric? Beric? He knew him, of course. When Ian nodded, Hannah whispered as if she had expected it. Beric is causing a scene at the front gate, demanding to meet you, Master Ian. He could imagine the scene and it brought a small chuckle. Would he, whose time was so precious even his mother couldnt see him, entertain a rogue who had been expelled from the army? Ill go see him briefly. Please pass a message to the teacher for me. Yes, Master Ian. Hannah quickly scampered off towards the annex, and Ian headed for the front gate. The gardeners and gatekeepers atmosphere was clearly flustered. As Ian approached with quick strides, the guard bowed awkwardly. Whats the matter? I heard a guest came looking for me. Well The gatekeeper exined while scratching his nose. Hes an ex-trainee, and he seems to hold a grudge against the house, so we questioned him. So they misjudged that Berics reasoning to see Ian as an excuse for entering the mansion. That must have been why the report ended at the level of a mid-tier manager. How audacious. Pardon? Ian scowled. At the sudden scolding, the gatekeeper blinked in surprise. How dare the lower ranks decide arbitrarily about the guest of the master? If he says hes here to see me, you should naturally inquire from the top and proceed with the situation. Who are you to decide? Up meant Dergha, but it didnt matter. It wasnt a matter to hide, nor could it be hidden. Taking Beric as his aide would mean taking him under his wing. I-I apologize. Ian waved a hand dismissively. Open the gate. But I wont go out. At Ians firm words, the gatekeeper opened the front gate. Creak. Beric was half lying down a little distance away. He seemed to have nned to eat and sleep here until he could meet Ian. Hey! As soon as Beric spotted Ians golden hair, he jumped reflexively. The spear of the gatekeeper blocked his path, but Beric, treating them as if they were invisible, yelled out loud. You! Whats your deal! He was probably talking about Ians golden eyes and the mysterious power from that day. Ian smiled and stood in front of the gate. Technically, he had not left the mansion as he told the gatekeepers. You look quite robust. Whip marks crisscrossed on Beric were vivid. Ian beckoned him closer, and they met face-to-face at the boundary between the mansion and the outside. Everyone, step back for a moment. But Shall I call the butler? The people managing the gatekeepers were not Dergha but the butler. If it became known that the report was cut off midway, they would undoubtedly be severely reprimanded. And the visitor was no other than the one who sought Ian. There was an order to manage even the smallest things regarding the young master, regardless of other matters. Just for a moment. The gatekeepers retreated a bit. They were far enough to not hear a soft conversation but close enough to respond quickly if anything happened. Ian tugged Berics ear closer. You. You seem to need my help. Skip the chit-chat and tell me what that was all I need you too. Ian cut off Berics words and whispered, So follow me from now on. Chapter 19 Chapter 19 I fully understand that I have neither a ce to sleep nor food to eat. The sry he had received so far must have been confiscated under the name ofpensation for damages. Beric was literally naked and destitute. He managed to secure some food at the tavern he had previously scrounged from, but he couldnt live like this for several days. Beric furrowed his eyebrows and red at Ian. Shit, did you use magic on me? Was it that noticeable? Come to think of it, my body was like this every time I met you. I dont know what it is, but itd be better for you if you just confess the truth. I wont fight in such a way. An inexplicable surge of emotion filled him. When hended a punch, he almost lost his senses due to the euphoria. It certainly wasnt a normal reaction. The onlymon factor in his two experiences was that blond brat. Hmm. Ian chuckled leisurely and shook his head, conveying a slight sense of regret. You have a good stance, but youre slower than I thought. What? Surprised by the unexpected remark, Beric was momentarily stunned. Ian crossed his arms and leaned against the door, tapping his cheek as if to suggest that Beric should think more carefully. The water I gave you when we first met wasnt mine; it belonged to one of the trainees. And you didnt refuse the jerky, did you? He hadnt taken a sip of water aside from that. Berics face gradually turned into a look of confusion. He hade here half-certain of something. I can tell you what youre curious about. But we need to make a promise first. Swoosh. Ians eyes turned golden. However, unlike before, he didnt channel any magic into Beric. He didnt want things to get messy if Beric went wild like a lunatic. First, dont pry into my personal affairs. No, thats it! This! When Beric jumped and shouted, the guards standing behind looked at him suspiciously. Ians face was turned away and not visible. And do not act rudely, Ian warned Beric calmly. He had been lenient because he needed the power of the Magic Swordsman, but Beric had taken things too far. Given his nature, it seemed likely that he would act the same way in front of Dergha. So thats why a Magic Swordsman is precious? Rushing the royal edict to the point of sticking his neck out was a sign of a hothead. The still unhealed whip wound was proof of that. Beric bit his lower lip and muttered, Is that all? Lastly, I hope youll protect me from all kinds of danger. Then, I will make the power you had that day entirely yours. To avoid any misunderstanding, I should rify that I merely drew out the power that was hidden within you. It seemed better to set the record straight, considering he appeared to dislike relying on external forces. Beric blinked his eyes in surprise. My power? Thats the end of my proposal. If you agree I agree! Please lower your voice. At Berics outcry, stating he had nothing more to think about, the guards began to look suspicious. They whispered to each other, discussing something. Being with me also includes crossing the border. I dont know if Ill need you when we return. Return? Here? How could a tribute sold to Cheonrye return to Bratz? Even Beric knew that was impossible. Nevertheless, his answer was clear. Whats the big deal about crossing the border? I dont have a home or family anyway. Keep in mind that you might die. Id starve to death if I stayed here. Right. Even if he was about to die, he wouldnt respect anyone. Ian looked at the boy before him incredulously and chuckled. He was about to add a remark but decided against it. He thought that Beric had made some progress after receiving his many scoldings. So now tell me clearly. Berics eyes shimmered with fervor. It was a simple desire for strength. Ian paused for a moment to choose easy words and asked, Have you heard of a Magic Swordsman? No. How about magic? That, either. .. Both stared at each other in silence, finding the other strange. Even in Ians time as emperor, there were cases of people who had no education. And this ce was a rural vige from over a hundred years ago. It might be natural for Beric, who had wandered the streets as an orphan, to be unaware of such things. Master Ian, weve been dyed too long. Its time for us to change shifts. As their conversation halted, the guards seized the opportunity to interject. Ian scratched his chin and made a request to Beric. Ill call you soon, so wait for me. Eh? What? Wait a minute. Behave. He added thest sentence almost pleadingly. As the guards began to slowly close therge door, Beric rushed in as if to follow. He was blocked by a long spear and had to back off. Ive just told him to wait. How could he disobey the order immediately? Ian had plenty to do already, and now he had one more thing to worry about. Sighing, Ian moved towards the detached building. The corridors were oddly empty, perhaps due to the inconvenient timing. It seemed all the servants had gone to rest after cleaning. Knock knock. Its Ian. Without waiting for a response, Ian opened the door. He had expected the tutor to be waiting, but the room waspletely empty. Judging by the coat, bag, and half-cooled tea cup left behind, he didnt think the tutor had left. Where did he go? Teacher? He wondered if the man had gone to the bathroom, but there was no sign of him. Ian leaned back on the couch, then suddenly looked over at the tutors bag. Dergha attached him to me for surveince. There must be some useful information. Ian rummaged through the tutors bag and examined the stack of papers. Most of it was reference material for sses. The rest was a paper titled, The Corrtion between Desert Climate Changes and the Blister Sea. In between, there was a journal that was publishedst year. Surprisingly, it was issued by Bariel University. He did say he graduated from a university, so it was Bariel. It was usible to guess why a genius among geniuses was in Bratz. Desert refers to the main base of the Cheonrye tribe, and Blister Sea is the sea at the edge of the desert, adjacent to the East. Swish. Despite searching to the bottom of the bag, there was nothing special. Ian neatly put the documents back and rummaged through the worn-out coat. Besides some trash in the pocket, it was clean. Hmm? Deep inside the sleeve, there was a designerbel attached. It was the name of the person who designed and made the clothes, but the seal stamped next to it seemed familiar. It seems simr to the seal used by Sir Molrin. He traced each line with his fingertips, and it was much simr to Molrins hand gestures in his memory. Then he noticed again, the journal from Bariel University. Since Bariel University is a national institution, wouldnt it have many opportunities to connect with government people? Ian burst outughing without realizing it. So, Sir Molrins eyes and ears were the home tutor. It all made sense then. The servants wouldnt know about the information like sending letters to the Cheonrye tribe. Ian sat on the sofa as if nothing had happened while tidying up the coat. I wonder if the tutor knows that Ive teamed up with Sir Molrin? If he was just an informant, there would be no need to inform him that far. And if he was more than that, then there would be anotheryer of surveince on Ian. Then. Squeak. Master Ian? The tutor, who rushed in, froze when he saw Ian. His slightly sweaty and flushed face indicated that he had been up to something precarious. In such cases, its usually a secret meeting, spying, or thievery. Given his bare appearance, it was likely spying. I had some business to attend to, so I waste. Where did you go? II went to the bathroom. But theres a bathroom in the room. Well, that is, um. His eyes rolled around nervously. Ian, seemingly satisfied, sat down at the desk. I have to write a letter today. Youve heard from my father, didnt you? Yes. I did. Ive been informed about the contents, and Ive already written it. You just need to copy it, Master Ian. The sound of a relieved sigh reached him. The tutor seemed thankful that Ian didnt show much interest. Perhaps he was so clumsy. Rather than thinking the tutor was nted as an informant, the hypothesis that the tutor turned out to be a distant rtive seemed more usible. Teacher, it seems like well bete today. Should I contact your home? We could even have dinner, considering the awkward timing, Ian asked to tease him. Then, the teacher showed difort, wiping away his sweat. Its okay. Theres nobody waiting for me. Ill eat when I get home. Single. A poor noble in histe thirties, struggling alone in a foreignnd. His life devoted to research and its pursuits were clearly visible. When he was in the pce, there were a few people like him who asionally showed remarkable results. I can understand why he was unenthusiastic in ss. He had to finish quickly and return to his research. Even while copying the letters, Ian watched the teacher closely. He was checking if he was concealing anything, as his demeanor was somewhat odd. Scratch, scratch. The sound of parchment being scraped filled the quiet room. Ian thought quietly, He seems to be attempting something under the directive of Molrin. But he would have been pressed for time to visit Derghas office. Ians room was on the third floor of the annex, and Derghas office was at the top of the main building. He wouldnt have been able to visit there not knowing when his student would arrive. That means he must have attended to his business somewhere in the annex. The first floor housed a makeshift kitchen, a bathroom used by the servants, and a storage room. The second floor was where the butler and the servants slept. From the third floor up, there were guest rooms and vacant rooms. The butler Did he visit the butlers room? Ian looked back at the teacher as he deliberately let the words slip. It seemed he had a knack for responding silently. His face hardened, bing dark. The butler didnt bring any snacks today. Arent you hungry? No, Im fine. Ian chuckled softly and continued writing the rest of the letter. From Molrins perspective, it was safer to keep multiple possibilities open. If Ian failed, if he were to be found out by Dergha and be ruined, how would he cope with the aftermath? This tutor must have received some sort of instruction. He must had some business with the butler right then. Master key? But it was rare for a house head to grant seal ess to the butler. If the Count had entrusted him with control over the funds, that would have been different. But it didnt seem likely considering Derghas character. Then There was no other way but to find out for himself. As Ian skillfully copied the text, he stared at the teacher. For now, the man in front of him seemed oblivious to his alliance with Molrin. The tutor was sweating profusely, restless. In that case, there was no particr reason for Ian to reveal anything. The tutor, relieved by the sight of Ians smiling face, returned a stiff smile. Chapter 20 Chapter 20 Ians not feeling well? Yes, Count. Hes beenining about a stomachache since morning and has been in bed ever since. Count Bratz fastened his cufflinks, furrowing his brows. He had thought the dining rooms atmosphere was somewhat off since morning. The servants had been stealing nces at their food in a strange manner. The count misunderstood their hesitation as reluctance to report. In fact, it was because Ian had skipped his meal, leaving them in a hungry state. What about the doctor? His tone suggested more concern about a blemish on his sons tradingmodity than about his sons health. The butler gave a nod of relief in response. He just finished his examination. He said it doesnt seem to be anything serious, more like stress-rted. He said he would keep an eye on his condition for today and tomorrow and then decide on a prescription. Is he pretending to be sick? Well, it is true that he has been pushing himself recently. And hes not exactly robust to begin with. The way he scampered about, so thin he could be blown away by a gust of wind, it was hard to believe he was the same boy who had firste to the mansion. The count scoffed, a snort apanying his retort. I heard there was a disturbance at the main gate yesterday. Yes, Count. Shall we prepare for corporal punishment? What corporal punishment? Just make sure hes taken care of medically. That brat still doesnt realize hes a burden, even if hes about to cross the border. Tsk tsk. Does he not realize that everything tying him to me now will only be shackles? This was rather convenient. The count had been feeling increasingly uneasy about controlling the child with only his mother as leverage, especially since his mother, Philea, had be quiet. Whether it was a change of heart or something else, Philea had stopped making a fuss about seeing Ian, and even Ians inquiries about Philea werent as frequent as before. Its clear whenpared to the time he was desperate to see his mother. His emotions are gradually bing numb. Moreover, Ian had been meeting with Molrin a couple of times a week separately. The count had always kept his brooch clean, despite clearly knowing that the old man had hidden intentions. At this point, he suspected that he was falling into some kind of trap. A keen instinct told him. What was his name again? Eric? Its Berick, Count. If Ian wants to see him, let him, and try to amodate him as much as possible. You said hes an orphan, right? The count recalled the handwriting sample brought by the tutor the night before. Even a passing dog would recognize the writersplete ignorance. The writing improved slightly towards the end The count grimaced and muttered, Theres a saying, isnt there? Losing a lover is like losing your heart, and losing a friend is like losing a lung. Having tied the boy down with the rope called mother, now it was time to bind his wrist with the name of friendship. In the remaining month and a half, everything had to be prepared tightly so that even after crossing the border, the boy would be ready to sacrifice himself for the Bratz family. Teach Ian how to breathe. Hell be curious to see how much strength a friend can give. That way, when the timees to strangle him, the pain and fear will return twofold. The butler bowed his waist in response to the countsmand. I assume youll have no trouble managing the manor. Of course. Butler, I trust you a great deal. I wont let your trust down. Im looking forward to it. Then, Ill take my leave. Tap. The butler exited. Dergha lit a candle on the wax holder. As the inside of the red wax slowly began to melt, he opened the drawer. Squeak. He reached inside with familiarity. He felt a rounded groove. He turned the diamond ring on his forefinger and pushed it in. Click. With a loud, clear click, another secret drawer opened. It looked simple from the outside, but in reality, an electric current was running inside. If you carelessly pushed anything in, youd end up fried right there. For example, like the fake key the count gave to the butler. This time butlersts quite a while. Once, a long time ago, a butler was found dead in Count Bratzs office. The trap of the generations-old Bratz family had been perfectly triggered. Although the former butler was suspected of collusion with the Cheonrye tribe, the dead cant talk. This butlers more perceptive than the old one, so he might already know. Dergha didnt explicitly say it was a storage for seals, but he subtly indicated that precious items were stored there. He didnt even take out the brooch in front of Ian. Swish. Dergha poured wax onto the envelope, then lightly pressed the seal of the Bratz family. The image of a tiger, the symbol of the family, was vividly embossed. * * * Ian half-reclined on the cozy bed. He had devised a n to stay alone in the annex, but unexpectedly, the household members had been even more attentive than ever. After the doctors visit, the servants kept bringing him all sorts of food, making his morning more filled than usual. Hannah? Are you outside? Yes, young master. As Ian got dressed into his robe, he confirmed Hannahs presence. The current time was 3 p.m. It was the hour when the manors servants finished theirte lunch and began cleaning the main building. Although a few people remained downstairs, it was now the quietest time. Lets go. Yes, young master. With Hannahs help, Ian decided to search the butlers room. They nned to keep watch and, in case anyone approached, to divert their attention. But, are you really going to give me a silver coin? Given the significant risk involved, he had decided to offer a reward beyond food. After all, with three nobles from the central authority in one mansion, it wouldnt be hard to spare some silver. Yes. Dont worry. Im not worried, Im just pondering what Ill buy with the silver. Hannah moved nimbly, scanning the corridor left and right. Nobody was there. Ian, too, tread lightly as he descended the stairs. He was about to use the less crowded back stairs when he heard a voice. No way. Is that even possible? No, its not. Buddy, youve been conned. Hahaha! The sound of chatter echoed. The door to the servant quarters closed, and the noise faded, indicating that theyd only dropped by for a moment. Hannah signaled that it was clear by drawing a circle in the air. Ill guard the downstairs staircase. If anything happens, Ill shout, so be careful. Alright, thank He halted. Ian had tried to turn the doorknob and found it locked. It was hard to find locked doors inside the mansion. Even the counts bedroom was known to be always open, though guarded. Is it locked? It wont open. Did the tutor experience this too? Hed guessed from the tutors demeanor that day that he had failed. But he didnt imagine he wouldnt even be able to enter. As Ian contemted whether to use his magic, Hannah motioned him to step aside. Please wait a moment. Then, she began picking the lock with a hairpin. Ian looked on in skepticism. How could a door be opened like that Click. Did it open? Its open. As if it were a simple task, Hannah dusted off her hands. Ian turned to look at her in surprise, and the girl, reinserting the hairpin into her hair, smiled. Didnt I tell you? I have many brothers. And so? In a house with many brothers, doors are locked and unlocked all the time. Its a way of expressing dissatisfaction or pranks. Even a simple handle like this can be opened with a fork. It seems like a talent to me. If this is considered a talent, all the kids in my neighborhood would be geniuses. Go ahead, do your job. Hannah was aware that she lived near a brothel, but she hadnt realized how it influenced her. Picking locks, secretly passing messages, and swapping alcohol with water were unusual acts for ordinary people. Squeak. Ian left Hannah behind and entered the butlers room. The room was simple, with a bed, a desk, and one wardrobe. It was so neat it felt sparse. Hmm. Ian took a sweeping look around the room. What could it be? What was the tutor trying to gain from the butler? As he flung open the wardrobe door, a bunch of keys hung on the inner wall. Roughly a few dozen keys per bunch. It seemed all the mansions keys were here. Jingle Each key had its purpose written on it. First multipurpose room on the first floor, second multipurpose room Ian quickly found the bundle for the main buildings office. Here it is. The office, themissioners bedroom, . And then, a strange key inserted between the others caught his attention. It was bulky, as if it had a bead attached at the end. Its purpose wasnt written, and more than that, it was noticeably heavier, suggesting a different material from the regr keys. Knock Knock. At that moment, Hannah knocked hastily from outside. It indicated that someone wasing up to this floor. Ian opened a box under the wardrobe. It was filled with misceneous documents, IDs, and a free pass to the estate. Knock, knock! The knocking grew more urgent. Having no choice, Ian tidied up the wardrobe and left the room. As the door closed, he locked eyes with a maid who hade up the stairs. Ian-nim? Hannah? What brings you out here? How are you feeling? Hannahs eyes were darting around nervously. Ian naturally followed her gaze as he responded. I felt ufortable lying down all day. I thought Id go for a quick walk. Thats not possible! The doctor has strictly instructed not to move. The servants scrambled to carry Ians back, and Hannah followed closely behind. They exchanged signals with their eyes. Did you find what you were looking for? Im not sure. All that was memorable was a strangely shaped key and the free pass to the estate. There were no books, so if the teacher wanted to get something out of him, it would have been one or the other. If master Ian does not recover soon, we will get in trouble. Hannah. Dont bother master Ian ande out. Um, my sisters! Just a moment Bang! The maids, after admonishing, dragged Hannah out. Once again, the space grew quiet. Ian sat by the window, staring at the pot of flowers, lost in thought. The blunt key, the pass, and the tutor. He would have to subtly probe what the tutor wanted during the next ss. Maybe theres no key at all. Derga obviously didnt do much more than put his hand in as he pulled out the brooch. Although there were magical devices like fingerprint recognition, it wasnt something Dergha would have in this era. Then, a loud noise was heard from outside the door. Thud! Thud! The echo of footsteps filled the corridor, heading towards his direction. Only then did Ian turn his head to look at the door. Could it be Dergha? He could be angry because he thought I was faking illness. Thud! A presence stopped in front of the door. Soon, it pounded on the door as if to break it down. Ian frowned and cocked his head. Who is it? It must mean I can enter, right? As soon as he recognized the familiar voice, the door swung wide open. A glimpse of red hair and eyes could be seen through the gap. Hello there? There stood Beric, looking as cheerful as ever. Chapter 21 Chapter 21 What.. Ian, who seldom lost hisposure, was stumbling over his words. Beric strolled in, casually blowing a whistle. His behavior was as natural as water flowing down a stream. You, I clearly told you to wait, didnt I? I was waiting just fine. I came when I was called. Who called you? The butler. What? He came to the tavern and said I could enter the mansion anytime. As soon as he said that, I came right over. Is there a problem? Ians expression became a littleplicated. It didnt seem like Beric was lying. Given his character, he wouldnt have sneaked in. The very fact that he passed the main gate safely was proof. Beric stood still, looking down at Ian. . Ians gaze subtly shifted to the left. Beric nced at the fruits and bread ced on the table. Noticing this, Ian sighed and nodded his head. Just eat. Nice. I wont refuse. Beric greedily shoved food into his mouth with both hands. Watching him, Ian began to grasp the turn of events. Is that all he said? He said to keep an eye on you and report. You dont n to take that seriously, do you? Chewing noisily, Beric stared intently at Ian. What does he think of me? The one who held the sword never spoke twice, and the direction of the sword was invariably singr. Anyway, tell me quickly. What was that thing that day? Oh. Right. He was so curious about whether it was magic or something else, he could hardly breathe. But what can be done? Ian spent the time as if dead when he told him to wait. Of course, the fact that there was no one around who could know about it, so it didnt help him either. Alright. Listen. Ian began to exin the astonishing power that Beric possessed. An unknown energy daringly presumed to be the origin of the world and the existence of God. Berics red eyes sparkled brightly like sunlight. Ridiculous. Therefore, since the magic was blocking the vitality of your body, it couldnt be helped that you weregging behind others. No matter how much you trained, you would have stayed the same. So, youre saying you can break through it. Dont you know what honorifics are? Woah, thats really something. Beric fidgeted, repeatedly clenching and unclenching his hands. His face was a mix of joy and excitement. The strange power he had felt in the training field was truly his own. He leaned his head against the wall and burst outughing. Youre impossible tomunicate with. Do we start now? Tell me what I need to do. Ian stared at him in silence. He wished to give him the power right away, but it would be a problem if the boy caused amotion here. Whether he knew Ians concerns or not, Beric impatiently tapped his foot. Hand. Hand! Berics hand was ced on Ians palm. Ian tightly gripped it and warned, Learn to control yourself. Otherwise, Ill only train you to death for a few days. Dont worry, hurry up! Ziiing. As soon as he heard Berics reply, Ian activated his power. His green eyes turned golden, his hair fluttering softly. Energy flowed through them where they touched. And a momentter. Boom! Thud! Whoa. What was that noise? The servants attending to their tasks downstairs halted at the strange noise. It sounded like it came from Ians room Knock, knock. Master Ian? Is something wrong? The answer was a bitte. Just as the servant was about to turn the doorknob, Ians irritated voice was heard. Its fine. The table just broke. What? How did that happen? How on earth did a perfectly fine table break? Creak! When the startled servant opened the door, the scene before him was a spectacle. Shattered furniture, Ian stretching out, and a man with red hair sprawling on the floor. His face was upside down, but he was definitely smiling. Excuse me. Thats it. Clean up after yourself. What in the world was this situation? When Ian gestured as if to shoo him away, the servant backed away, sputtering like a broken machine. Ian. *** The next mornings breakfast. Ian stopped his knife work and looked at Dergha. At the same time, the countess and Chel also watched them. Seems like youve made a new friend. What did he mean, asking again when everyone already knows? Ian smiled as he set his knife aside. Yes, Father. His name is Berick. We met at the training grounds, and we seemed to hit it off well. Brother Chel would also recognize him if he saw his face. He wondered how detailed and transparent his answer should be. Dergha raised his eyebrows as if encouraging him to continue. I thought I wouldnt see him at the training grounds anymore after he got expelled. Thanks to you, Father, I had a great time. Expelled? Why? Countess Mary, who had been quietly listening, asked. Unlike Dergha, she seemed unaware that Beric had even entered the mansion yesterday. He assaulted hisrade. My goodness. How terrible. And to think youd keep such a person close. You must be quite a character yourself, arent you? Despite the sarcastic undertone, Ian only smiled. He had seeded in keeping Beric by his side anyway. When the time came, this boy would be the one to slit their throats. If he cant remove the shackles within a month, Ill consider his ytime over and Ill twist his neck myself. Yes, Father. Hes nning to use it quite wisely. As if hed use the whip when shackles arent enough. To show his submission, Ian lowered his gaze. All he could see were Derghas thick fingers. Fortunately, he didnt seem to know about the furniture I broke. The servant must have covered for him. Although dividing food was one thing, because he got along well with Hannah, his standing among the lower ranks wasnt bad. Hmm? Suddenly, the diamond ring shining on his finger caught Ians eye. A thick gem with a shy gold design. Dergha never seemed particrly interested in jewelry, yet strangely, he always wore that ring. Is it a wedding ring? Ian checked the countesss hand. However, there was no diamond on her left hand. There were opal, pearl, and ruby, but no diamond. The cut is too crude. Observing further, he noticed that the diamond cut was peculiar. A gems purpose is to reflect light and shine brightly, but Derghas was rounded in a way that seemed distant from that purpose. Its almost as if its meant to be worn rather than disyed. tter. Tsk, tsk. If you still make such mistakes, what will be of you? Oh. I deeply apologize. Ian had unwittingly dropped his fork. Faced with the stern gazes of the count and countess, he quickly apologized and turned his head. Soon, the icy dining time ended and everyone left the dining room, but Ian didnt move. The servants approached with hesitation and asked. Master Ian, was the meal insufficient? The tutor will be here soon, well make sure to prepare a hearty snack. They needed to clear the dishes, but since Ian was still lingering, they couldnt move. He looked out silently before murmuring. The ring that father wears, its not a wedding ring, is it? Such a random question. But the servants answered as much as they knew. As far as we know, its not. The countesss ruby ring is said to be the wedding ring. Thats why her magical brooch was red. Ian propped his chin and tapped on the table. The more he thought, the more certain he became. The gestures of reaching under the desk, the mystery key the butler had, and this diamond ring. It seemed not the type to insert and turn, but to press somewhere. Does the safe react only to the diamond? No, then the butlers key should also have a gem embedded. The difference between the two would be Material. Dergha would never entrust the master key to anyone else. The key the butler carried was more a piece of a test than a symbol of trust. The only thing thates to mind considering its direct connection to security is that there might be electricity running inside. Ha. What a wicked and clever lock. The servants nced at each other and Ian, but he didnt move. It wasnt until muchter, when the tutor was about to arrive, that he stirred. Squeak. Ian, who had opened the door, gave an instruction to Beric. Get out. Huh? Why? Thump! Beric, who was in the middle of doing push-ups, suddenly fell forward. Whether he fell or not, Ian began to tidy up his desk. The private tutor will be here soon. So what? Cant I stay a little longer? The room is so big. I have important matters to discuss. When the servant brings snacks, you take them and go back. If thats the case, fine! Beric, who was hungry, grabbed his jacket and left the room. Shortly after, the tutor arrived on time. He peeked towards the door and asked Ian. Young maste, who is that person just now? Please, take a seat first. Theres something important I need to discuss. The unusually serious Ian felt strange. The tutor sat on the sofa without even taking off his coat. Now that I have found the key to the safe, all that remains is the n. He needed more people to help him, after Hannah and Beric. Someone close to Dergha, someone he could spend a long time with. Whats the matter? Sir. Are you perhaps acquainted with Sir Molrin? The tutor stiffened at the sudden question. Ah, ah, no? I thought there would be a connection just because you graduated from Bariel University, but it turns out you were also close with Dergha. I didnt know a normally calm person could make such an expression. Ian leaned back in his chair with a slight smile in his heart. That, that cant be! Such a coincidence! Then I can report this to my father, right? No! Thats, thats not what it is! A strong denial is often a confirmation. The tutor grimaced as he chewed his lips. If Dergha learned of this, it would be truly difficult. His life might not be at risk, but he would certainly lose his job, and he would certainly be kicked out of the Bratz domain in no time. There was no better ce to study than the Great Desert. It seems you have some misunderstanding, young master. No. Its just that Im almost certain my father is spying on me through you, and behind the scenes, you spied for Sir Molrin. Is this the same Ian who was always so slow and seemed uninterested in everything? The tutor could feel himself growing speechless in astonishment. Moreover, you tried to break into the butlers room on Sir Molrins orders. Wait! Thats not true! Ill exin everything, just calm down, calm down. Sir, you are the one who needs to calm down. Ian showed him a cup of tea and smiled faintly. The tutor began to defend himself, stumbling over his words, carefully choosing each one. It all started from the very beginning, when he first met Molrin in Bratz. I did indeed discuss matters about Count Derga and you. But, thats a process every parent does. Initially, when I was in charge of young master Chel, I used to talk about him. Hmm. Is that so? He decided not to mention the letter. There was no need to reveal that much. Then, you also started attending, and I found out that the centralmittees officials wereing. I really expect that Sir Molrin toe. He is my rtive, but this was the first time Ive seen him since I left my hometown. It must have been a while. Its been almost 10 years. Its as if he had been immersed in his studies for 10 years. He ruffled his hair as if something was wrong. So, we exchanged greetings, and I couldnt help it. Research requires more money than youd think he said he would subsidize my living expenses if I ryed what happened in the house. There was no way for me to refuse, and I didnt really talk about anything important. If it wasnt important, then it wouldnt matter if my father knew about it. M-Master! He felt dizzy. It was just a bluff to gain the upper hand, but the reaction was more intense than expected. Perhaps its because his research, to which he dedicated his life, is at stake. Ian sighed and smiled. You seem like youre about to copse if I say another word. Please. Keep it a secret from the Count. Sir, do you know why I didnt tell my father directly and brought this up to you The tutors faded pupils trembled. He wasnt too sharp when it came to these matters. Dont you understand it yet? Chapter 22 Chapter 22 I have a favor to ask. At Ians words, the tutor was taken aback. He had nothing to his name; he was destitute. Even Ian, merely an adopted child, had a higher standing than him. What could Ian possibly expect from him? What kind? Have a meeting with my father within the next week. The topic doesnt matter, but the location should be the garden, not his office. And the meeting shouldst about 30 minutes. It was a generous amount of time, enough for him to sneak into the office. This also included the time it would take to melt the wax for the seal. The tutor wore an expression of utter confusion. You dont need to know the details. So, youre going to keep my overbearing situation a secret in exchange for this? Of course. Including the fact that you tried to ransack the butlers room. No, thats not it! Its a misunderstanding! The tutor jumped up, waving his hands in denial. Seeing his reaction in this already-exposed situation, it seemed he had a different intention all along. So? I wasnt trying to steal valuables He choked on his words, the confession almost made it to his throat, but he couldnt spit it out. As Ian shot him a pressuring gaze, he let out a sigh and blurted it out reluctantly. I needed a pass. A pass? The frontline of the Bratz territory is off-limits to civilians. From my perspective, its a ce where I can see the desert, so I absolutely needed it. I especially need to observe between Tower 3 and Tower 4, but the Count wont allow it due to security reasons. But if it were the butlers pass? It had no restrictions because it was issued by Dergha himself. If something were to happen to the count, the butler would have to act as a representative. The tutor had intended to steal the butlers pass for the sake of his research. Is that so? Ian contemted with his chin rested on his hand. He had seen many people obsessed with a single topic before. Even if their lives take a wrong turn, their will to research rarely ever wavers. How far along are you in your research? Ive been here for quite some time now. Ive almost finished measuring the climate change in the Bratz region, and I n to move on to ster to continue my research. His thesis topic was The Corrtion between Climate Change in the Desert and the Sun of ster. Naturally, he would have to spend more unpredictable time over there. A sudden interesting thought crossed Ians mind. Is that so? Then, let me ask you something. What would you like to know I will have to migrate to the desert, the stronghold of the Cheonrye tribe, inte spring. Would you be able to calcte the climate during that time? The desert isnt always hot, day and night, throughout the year. In the extreme temperature, how often do sandstorms blow? At Ians question, the tutor mumbled in confusion, Its difficult to be precise. It will also take some time. Thats fine. I only need to know until the time I leave. I suppose there would be a map of the desert as well. I have one from 10 years ago. Please prepare them separately. Then, Ill get you the pass. The pass? The pass needed a seal, so while making one for Dergha, he could just make another. The tutor blinked in surprise at Ians confident attitude. He had heard Ian, but he didnt seem to fully understand. How about it? If you can teach me everything about the desert, I think I can give you everything in return. If you could do just that, I would be grateful. Ian smiled brightly and reached out his hand. Great. Then lets make a deal. The tutor stared at the boys outstretched hand. Should he take it? Could there be another hidden agenda? Ians life was in Derghas hands. If he were to cooperate with Ian recklessly, wouldnt he risk being executed instead of banished? As a schr, he was clueless about these matters. I just want to live my life, and you want to live yours. Youre going to cross the border as soon as you use the pass, arent you? Yes. Then theres even less reason to hesitate. Even if a problem were to arise, hed be crossing the desert. The tutor, with a determined look in his eyes, took Ians hand. Who would have thought that a deal between a middle-aged man and a child could be so serious? Ian smiled faintly and pointed towards the desk. Well then, tutor. Shall we discuss the details while studying? *** The pretext for calling Dergha was settled. The sudden resignation of the home tutor. Since he was going to leave Bratz as soon as he received the pass, it was not entirely a lie. Ian carefully packed a wet handkerchief into his pocket, ncing at Hannah. The thick leather gloves were also essential. Hannah. Did you get what I asked for? Here it is. Hannahs voice was hushed and cautious, despite Beric being the only one there. She produced a small wooden key that fit perfectly in her hand. One was for the office, and the other for the drawer safe. I told the carpenter toe and collect the payment sometime next week. He said even if it gets dyed, a bottle of alcohol would be enough. After that day, Hannah snuck into the butlers room again. She then made a mold of the key with y, and requested its production from a wooden material. The surface was even coated with rubber resin. Good job. Well, Ill go now. Creak. Hannah left, and Ian checked the time. It was almost the time he had arranged with the tutor. During the time Derghas office was empty, he had to quickly make two seals. Are you ready? Sigh. Why am I doing this? Click, click! Beric, grumbling all the while, followed behind Ian. His skills at staying unnoticed were quite admirable. They didnt run into anyone as they left the outbuilding and went up to the main building. Part of it was due to their circuitous route, but it was also thanks to Hannah informing them of the servants schedules. Hes there. Beyond the window, the familiar back of a mans head could be seen. Leading the way was Derkha and next to him was the teacher. Even the butler had gathered perfectly. When the teacher stuttered something, Derkha showed difort in an instant. Now, you stay put here. You cant let anyonee up until Ie out. Jiiing- And the magic he sent flowing towards him. As Ians golden eyes lit up, his hair fluttered. Beric chuckled as he felt the fast flowing blood within him. You look like youre hoping someonees. Do I look like that? Youre observant. Its an important task, Beric. If something goes wrong, we wont be able to handle it. Well, youre going to cut me down if we get caught anyway. Beric waved his hand in a bored manner. If things went awry and someone approached, it was his role to create a scene and draw attention. The natural assumption would be that he was trying to steal gold coins from Chels room on the lower floor. Ill be out soon. For that reason, Ian infused Berics body with the maximum amount of magic he could handle. So he could escape easily or even if he was whipped, his recovery would be faster than before. Tap-tap! Creak. Ian used the prepared key to unlock the office and enter. Though he hadnt been there in a while, nothing had changed. Thump! Without any hesitation, he headed straight to Derkhas desk and started inspecting the inside of the biggest drawer. There it is. There was a hole in the slot. A hole that was just in reach, where he could easily push a diamond in. Ian carefully pulled out the wooden key he had prepared. Jiiing And just in case, he gathered all the magic within him. Even if the wood was covered in rubber, it could be dangerous if the voltage was high. The idea was to reflexively cast a shield if he felt any other energy from his fingertips. He didnt know if it would work with his own body though Click The feeling of the key going inside the hole was clean. When he pushed it in all the way, a secret drawer appeared. Ah. Inside, there was a seal, a magic brooch, two gold bars, and some old letters. Ian knelt and inspected the contents. He ced a wax holder on the candle. While the spoon was heating up, Ian decided to look over the letters. Is this correspondence exchanged with the Cheonrye tribe? Damn it, everything was written in Cheonrye tribenguage, so it was impossible to decode. There were some words he knew, but it was too fragmentary. Next female king afterwards? What on earth is it saying? It was beyond Ians ability to understand any other foreignnguage, let alone thenguage of a barbarian tribe on the outskirts. Instead, he copied the words onto parchment to figure it outter. Swoosh swoosh! The spoon mustve been heated enough because the chunk of wax melted into a liquid. Ian poured the wax and stamped the seal. Kwang! Kang! Once on the letter to be sent to the center, and once on the pass for the teacher. After that, he proceeded with cleaning the wax with skill. The point was to wipe it off with a wet cloth before it hardened. Chiiik. The heated iron spoon cooled rapidly, emitting a faint smoke. Derkha shouldnt feel the heat when he came back, so Ian cooled the iron with his breath. Done. Everything went smoothly. He put the things back in their ces, checked that the seals were stamped well. Now he just needed to leave Thud- A noise from somewhere. Ians body automatically froze. Was it a noise from outside the door? No, if that was the case, it shouldve been louder and more rowdy. That would mean Beric was causing amotion. Then the only ce left was Count, are you in? The secretarys office attached to the study. Ian killed his presence as much as he could and hid behind the curtains. He didnt know why the secretary was here. There shouldnt be a case where he stays in the room without Dergha. Count? Creak The door to the small inner office opened, revealing the figure of a plump aide. Thankfully, it was a ckout curtain. Had it been chiffon, he might have been spotted immediately. Thats odd. I thought I heard something Eyes puffy as if he just woke up. He must have fallen asleep here after workingtest night, of all times. ? The aide, feeling something amiss, stared at the curtain where Ian was hiding. Then, carefully and cautiously, he took a step forward. Rustle. The parchment in Ians hand was too thin and even his breath made a sound. This put the aide on high alert and put Ian in a difficult situation. Is anyone there? Ian turned his head to look out the window. The sky was bright. Sunlight was pouring brilliantly. Strangely, everything was quiet. That was his habit and attitude. Calmness instead of tension. Action instead of worry. Mistakes can be corrected, but failures cannot be fixed. Zzzing- Ugh! As soon as the aide grabbed the curtain, Ian struck him with magic. The condensed air exploded, swirling energy around them. At the same time, the aide fell backward with a nosebleed, the curtain he let go of flew behind him, but he couldnt see who was standing there. Thump! Falling back, hey sprawled out with his eyes rolled back. Ian neatly gathered the curtain, quietly left the office. Done? Beric, who had been sitting on the stairs, sprung up at the sight of Ian. Ian only shook his head slightly, leading the way as he sprinted down the stairs. Through the window, the backs of three men were still visible. ncing up, the tutor met eyes with Ian. The cid expression on the boys face was an answer that told him everything had gone well. Chapter 23 Chapter 23 Those from the central regionck tenacity. Dergha frowned as he ascended the stairs to his office. It seemed as if the long hours he had spent diligently working had been erased from his memory. The butler, too,ughed as if he found the situation tricky. Exactly. Its surprising that he quit so suddenly. Do we have any schrs from Barriel University in Bratz? Ill look into it. Otherwise, we might have to find someone from elsewhere. Unnecessarily troublesome. Where else could one find someone from Barriel University who could be employed as a teacher at such a cheap price? He regretted having frozen the mans sry for several years. If he had known this would happen, he would have raised it subtly to coax him. Well, it wasnt a money issue since he left for research in another country. Will it be expensive? Im afraid so. You would probably have to pay at least ten times more than the tuition he had received so far. But the question is whether he will agree Damn it! Dergha rolled his eyes, brimming with irritation. Almost arriving at his office, he suddenly remembered his aide, who hadnt shown his face yet. Is the aide still sleeping? He fell asleeptest night, so he must be exhausted. What a life! Wake him up and send him home. Squeak. Upon opening the door, Dergha stopped short. The butlers puzzled look didnt matter. The usually same view had changed in some peculiar way. Whats this? It wasnt just his imagination. His aide, lying sprawled out on the floor, and the slightly disheveled stack of documents. The butler who rushed in behind Dergha was too shocked to close his mouth. My goodness! Whats this! Are you alright? Unlike the butler who immediately checked on the aide, Dergha went straight to open his drawer. He checked the secret safe inside to ensure the seals and various valuables were still intact. Master! Should I call a doctor? Is he dead? Derghas voice was sharp. If he had copsed in front of his desk, only one assumption could be made. He must have been caught like the previous butler in a mouse trap. Hes still breathing. Call the doctor. And report to me the moment he opens his eyes. Have someone guard him to prevent escape. Yes, understood. Everyone! Is there anyone out there! Whats the matter? There was a hugemotion. While the servants ran to move the aide, Dergha carefully inspected the items in his office. Luckily, nothing seemed to be missing or changed. Was it because he found no losses? His mind became calm. However, this calmness was soon reced by a surge of betrayal. Despicable! Ah, master. You shouldnt be like this! How could I have nurtured you to do this! Thud! Frustrated, Dergha pped the unconscious aides face, venting his rage. Meanwhile, Beric, who had returned to the annex, bit into an apple and asked, Its loud. Did we get caught? All the servants who had been leisurely resting were gathered and rushed into the main building. A carriage crossed the garden, probably carrying the doctor. Ian leaned against the window, watching the scene with interest. We were caught. There was an aide inside. Were screwed. I guess its the end. Are you scared? If I die like this, Ill be the only one who loses. He wasnt wrong. Ian burst intoughter at Berics words. Ian snapped the wooden key and handed a small pouch to Beric. Inside, a confidential document was neatly rolled up. Burn the key when you get out so that nobody knows. And deliver this to Duke Morlin. It must be delivered directly. You know the address, right? It was the final step. Beric pocketed the item and nodded. Ill deliver it to Sir Morlin and bring back the gold coins. And on the way back, Ill stop by the house and pass a message to Philea. Well done. He meant delivering the message to Philia, Ians birth mother. Its about time. If preparations to hide areplete, disappear without anyone noticing. Only Ian will know where she lives, through Beric. Now, even if they cross the border, theres nothing to catch. Lets start training properly from tomorrow. Once the mission is safelypleted. Yeah? Great. Dont back outter. He looked determined toplete it by any means necessary if there was any chance of getting caught. Ian threw him an apple and smiled. See you tomorrow. Squeak. Now the words had flown away. All that was left was to observe the responses from the other side. Upon reflection, getting caught by the aide wasnt entirely a bad thing. Even though Ive collected a lot, I might have missed something in the urgent situation. Dergha must have noticed that. Ill be able to divert his attention to the aide. Once the aide wakes up and testifies, it would lead to another phase, but whether Dergha would believe him was another issue. Meanwhile, the count would draw his own conclusion in preserving his position, and that wouldnt change even if the sky split in two. Knock knock. At the sound of knocking, Ian turned his head. Ian, sir. Iming in. Oh. Teacher. The tutor entered the room, dripping with sweat. He seemed drained from his conversation with Dergha. The dialogue between an employer who didnt want to let him go and an employee who wanted to quit was tantly obvious. Did you have a good talk with my father? Yes Its a shame that today is ourst ss. I am sincerely grateful for your excellent teachings over the years. To express my gratitude, Ive prepared a small gift. Ian, feigning ignorance, took out a folded piece of paper. It was a pass with the Bratz seal. The tutor breathed a sigh of relief and hastily washed his hands. Oh, thank goodness. Are you not pleased? No, were you just looking at me with a smile earlier! I was so nervous thinking there was some problem. The tutor clutched the pass as if it were a lifeline. Go to ster and continue your great research. Even though not many people are interested, in the end, its people like you who change the world. Ian sincerely encouraged him. The knowledge umted over a lifetime bes the foundation of Bariel. And someday, it will serve as a driving force for Ian. The tutor, not knowing what to say, fumbled in his bag. This is the data you mentioned. It was a map of the desert and the estimated climate. Everything from the notation of the oasis to the altitude of the sand mountains was meticulously written. Based on the date you mentioned, theres a high probability that a sandstorm will be formed to the northeast, around here. Im not sure about the exact path of the Cheonrye tribe, but if theyre lucky, they should avoid it. The diurnal temperature difference was extreme, enough to be called a hell of fire and cold. Ian sighed at the hardship that can be measured in numbers. You dont look happy. I feel like giving up. But still, its where people live. Was that a response to his earlierfort? Ian folded the paper carefully and put it in the drawer. Are you leaving today? Yes. I cant wait a moment longer. As if to decorate theirst meeting, Ian extended his hand, and the teacher hesitated before grabbing it. A smile wishing each others fortune hung on their lips. Oops. Before you go. Yes? His expression suggested he wondered what was left to be done. Ian took out a Cheonrye tribal letter he had copied from Derghas office yesterday. It was a transcription mostly of sparse words, notplete sentences. Could you interpret this for me? The tutor peered quietly at the paper, then cocked his head. Whos next in line after the tribal chief? Though he read it as asked, the tutor smiled, seemingly not understanding its meaning. Ian was the same. However, it was clear that this letter, which had been stored in a secret safe, was incredibly important. * * * Have you heard? Are you talking about the aide? Oh boy, the world is terrifying. Indeed. Ive heard this kind of thing happened before. People are unpredictable, but its truly surprising. The atmosphere in the mansion was chaotic. The butler enforced order fervently, but was it an easy task? When two or more servants gathered, they brought up the incident with the aide. So, he still hasnt woken up? Yes, young master. Ian asked Hannah as he moved away from the chattering servants. The girl followed him with a coat in her hand. Behind them, Beric followed reluctantly, carrying a bag full of sand. The Count locked him in the inner office and even put a lock on it. He ced two guards in the corridor and one at the door. Its strictly off-limits to servants. Hannah whispered, reciting what she had overheard. It was natural that he wouldnt wake up easily, as he was hit with all the magic Ian had. Hannah asked back, seemingly curious. How exactly did you do it? She was asking how he had managed to take down the aide. Hannah did not know that Ian was a magic user, so she was bending over backward with curiosity. Here. Take this. Gasp! A gold coin! Instead of answering, Ian handed her a gold coin from his pocket. It was something Beric had brought, a token proving that the secret message had been sessfully delivered to Molrin. This is for your trouble and the carpenters share. Deliver it properly. Thats too much. Wow. Really? Then give it back. No way. Hehe. What a scary thing to say. Saying it was too much wasnt a rejection. Hannah chewed the gold coin with her front teeth whileughing, then quickly put it in her pocket and pretended nothing had happened. Beric. Come on. No, you said we would have proper training If this isnt proper, should I add more weight? Ill shut up. Youre impatient, so this style suits you. Were gradually increasing your limits. Lets grab the sword after two moreps. Im so lucky to have found a master like you! Thanks for thepliment. Im also lucky to have found a useful attendant. Beric red at Ian with burning eyes and then took a difficult step forward. Now that there were no more private tutoring sses, he could devote all day to exercising with Beric. Dergha, too, had note out of his office since yesterdays incident. But then. Clip-clop-! Sounds of hooves echoed from the front gate. It seemed like the doctor was back, but strangely, it was quite noisy. Ian stood dumbfounded under the tree and fixed his gaze. Then, at that moment. Ah. He thought it was a ck horse, but no. It was a Kusilre, an essential mode of transportation for crossing the desert. Kusilre, an animal somewhere between a horse and a camel, was a representative pet of the Cheonrye n. In other words Who could it be? At Hannahs question, Ian hesitated. The robust warriors seated on the saddle. With red pigment smeared on their faces and golden ornaments signaling their presence, they were The Cheonrye n. Chapter 24 Chapter 24 Wha-what on earth! What brings the Cheonrye Tribe here? That was something Ian also wondered. Why in the world had the Cheonrye Tribee all the way here? From their base to the Bratz territory was not a journey you could make without three days of hard riding. Surely, they wouldnt have pushed the Kusilre here without a substantial reason. It seems like an unexpected visit. If it had been a pre-arranged meeting, Hannah would have known about it. She would have been busy preparing for the guests since the day before. Ian noticed the gaze of the Cheonrye Tribe directed towards him. They, theyre looking this way. Urgh Beric could only groan with effort from behind. They murmured something amongst themselves, then split up. The one who seemed to be the leader went through the front gate towards the mansion, while the subordinates approached Ian. Th-theyreing! Theyreing this way! For a resident of the Bratz Territory like Hannah, such a reaction was only natural. The eternal enemy with whom they had held a vague ceasefire for a long time, the mysterious beings, the barbarians with transcendental power. She couldnt hide her feelings of confusion, fear, and excitement. Hannah. Theres no need to make a fuss. But its the Cheonrye Tribe! And why is that bird so big? Theyve made it all the way here without any obstruction. They mean no harm. While assuring Hanna, Ian noticed one of the Cheonrye tribesmen scanning their surroundings. Excuse me. The man approached close and looked down at Ian from his perch on the Kusilre. His double eyelid-less sharp eyes were intimidating. They meticulously examined Ians hair and facial features. Are you Ian Bratz, the second sessor of Count Bratz? Thats correct. And who might you be? Hannah stealthily hid behind Ian. Despite being a tribesman from the border, his use of Barielnguage was quite fluent. We have an urgent message from the Cheonrye Tribe, which brought us here. It seems we should meet with the count, would you apany us now? A hastily delivered letter. Considering they requested Ians presence, it certainly had something to do with the marriage alliance. Ian nodded at Hannah, giving her a signal. Once training is finished, make sure to give Beric some fruit and cool water. At the same time, Berics face crumpled. Even in his absence, the training would continue. Master Ian! Master Ian! Just as expected, the servants burst out from the main building, calling for Ian. He left the Cheonrye man behind and headed up to Derghas office. Amidst the hustle and bustle, the butler held his hands together in dismay. Father, you called for me? Come closer. The leader who had entered the main building earlier was sitting on the sofa. He had countless big scars below his neck. Dergha held Ians shoulder with a warm smile. Ian, greet him. This is Nersarn, the envoy from the Cheonrye Tribe. He is the younger brother of Chieftain Kakantir. The counts grip tightened. It was a reminder for Ian to keep his wits about him. Wasnt everything he had done so far a practice for showing off to these people? Its an honor to meet you. I am Ian Bratz. Nersarns dark eyes scanned Ian from head to toe. He then put his hands together as if in prayer. It was the custom of the Cheonrye Tribe. I am Nersarn, son of Bmay. And what brings you here? Not waiting for Ians response, Dergha interjected. Even though the tea hadnt been served yet, Nersarn replied without concern. We need to adjust the schedule of the marriage alliance. His words were straight to the point. It might have been their nature, but it also suggested the situation was urgent. Chieftain Winchens health has suddenly deteriorated. Although shes old and was never free of illness, this is the first time shes bedridden. Only God knows her fate now, so were trying to make all possible preparations. It was due to the Cheonrye Tribes funeral customs. When a family member died, they would stay at home for a year to pray to God for rest. When the leader died, all the tribe members had to do so. So far, the deaths of the chieftains had been due to rebellion. Those who were ousted couldnt receive the traditional rites and had to conduct the ceremony with their families. But what about Chieftain Winchen? Even Dergha couldnt tell when she, the root of the Cheonrye Tribe, had started her reign. If the tribe mourned collectively, the marriage alliance ceremony would naturally be impossible. Thats why they rushed here to adjust the schedule. Its quite significant for the chieftains brother toe, considering this is enemy territory. So youre suggesting we move up the schedule? Thats right. Chieftain Winchen was a gypsy who could discern lies. Given that a new marriage prospective sacrificial candidate was entering themunity, she would want to use her power to screen for any impurity in Ian. Thus, we ask for your understanding, Count and Master Ian. If you could consider it apromise for peace, we would be grateful. Although he used polite words as he was asking for a favor, the nuance was quite vague. If they refused, there would be no marriage alliance, and instead of peace, they would once again smell the stench of blood. Wasnt that a veiled threat? Covering his difort with a cough, Dergha asked,Theres only a little more than a month left. How much sooner are you suggesting? Wed like to proceed as simply as possible. Nersarn added that even thising weekend would be feasible. The Count chose silence rather than an immediate response. It was quite troublesome since he had to quickly dispatch the summoned nobility to the central city to proceed with the investiture. If we cant align the timing, it cant be helped The only choice is to establish the alliance first. After all, the investiture was a bureaucratic procedure, an issue unrted to the Cheonrye n. They would be curious if Ian had Derghas blood mixed in him, and they would rather listen to Winchens words than to hundreds of documents. Wont it be exhausting to rush back within a few days? Its alright. I can handle this much. But it might not be the case for Kusilre, right? If they were to return to the desert, theyd have to run through another sandstorm. It would be quite a strenuous journey for Kusilre who has umted fatigue. Stay for the day and leave tomorrow morning. How about that? It meant that he would have his answer then. It was only right for Dergha, to discuss the matter with Sir Molrin, and then set a date. Why dont you stay for today and leave tomorrow morning. Nersarns brow furrowed slightly at the slightly wavering response, but that was it. I appreciate your kindness. What are you saying? Its only natural for a friend to treat his fellow friends right. Butler! Show our guests to their rooms! The butler who had been waiting outside promptly came in to guide the guests. After Nersarn and his subordinates left the office, Ian turned to look at Dergha, who was deeply immersed in thought, chewing on his fingernails. Is it such a worrying matter? How unexpected. The investiture certificate can only be issued by the Imperial Pce, which would take time even if they applied right now. Since the Cheonrye n had first changed the date, it would be okay to give it to themter. Preparations for the alliance ceremony had just begun too. The most important thing is the agreement itself, so if the intention is right, as Nersarn said, it could have been possible even thising weekend. It doesnt seem like theyre trying to gain anything. Theres no room for that. The exchange list has already been decided, and if Winchen dies, who knows what will happen to the alliance. From Derghas point of view, it would be beneficial to cooperate as much as possible in this matter. That way, he can gain the upper hand in future trades. Father? Ian called out to him. His nail biting was bing increasingly severe. It was a question of curiosity rather than concern. At the sound of his sons voice, the Count suddenly snapped out of his thoughts. Havent you left yet? Should I also attend to the guests? Should he leave unless theres a reason not to? At Ians words, Dergha waved his hand dismissively. It meant staying in the room without causing unnecessary fuss. Nersarn is the younger brother cherished by the chieftain. He is unusually perceptive, so dont n on dealing with him awkwardly. Ill keep that in mind. Is there anyone outside? Yes. My lord. Prepare the carriage! Now! Dergha shouted, picking up his coat. It seemed like he was nning to rush straight to wherever Sir Molrin is to share the current situation. Ian turned and nced at the office door. The room was still firmly locked. With his aide absent, he must be feeling quite unsettled in many ways. The timing is really something. If the man had wasted any more time, Sir Molrin might have already returned to the capital untipped. Somehow, Ian felt as though the situation now was a godsend. When Ian emerged with a faint smile, Beric was seen sprawled out. Hannah was busy fanning him vigorously at his side. Master! Have you seen everything? What on earth is happening? Nothing much. It seems the wedding date might be moved. Have you already roamed the entire garden? Cant you see? Im dying, damn it! Ugh The Cheonrye n, they wont stay long in the main building, will they? They were guided by the butler over to the detached house earlier. Hannah grumbled without stopping her fanning. They couldnt keep foreigners in the main building, and there were some unpleasant incidents in the office recently. On the other hand, the detached house was full of guest rooms. They must have been assigned to a room on Ians floor. The surveince will be intense. The soldiers would surround the building and stand guard all night. But if Ian made up his mind, he could contact them easily. After all, they were he was their target of marriage alliance. They couldnt possibly set up a guard right in front of the door. Master. Should I ask the butler to change your room for today? Hannah asked worriedly. She seemed quite uneasy about sharing a building with the Cheonrye tribe. Ian chuckled and shook his head. Thats fine. They are the ones I will be spending time in the future. Beric, get a hold of yourself and follow me. Hannah, do what you have to do for now. At his firmmand, Beric staggered to his feet. Ian, who had been watching him quietly, grabbed his forehead and injected his power. Ziing Get a hold of yourself. Damn it. Giving the disease and the cure Think of it as a carrot and a stick. Ptui! Beric spat out his bitter saliva and barely lifted his feet. Gradually, his walk became steady. As they entered the detached house, they could hear the anxious chatter of the servants. Did you see? Hes much bigger than I thought! Thats why they say even ten soldiers couldnt handle him. Ugh, hes like a beast. What kind of food will we serve? The butler didnt say anything, did he? Since theyre barbarians, wont they eat raw meat if we give it to them? Is it ignorance or malice? Ian clicked his tongue and made his presence known. The servants greeted Ian without showing much surprise. Ignorance it is. The guest has arrived, correct? Due to theck of appropriate rooms, we moved them to the upstairs room aligned with your room. You should sleep in the main house tonight. Or should I have someone keep watch all night? You must lock your door when you sleep! Ian tried to let it slide through one ear and out the other as he instructed them. Alright, prepare some simple snacks and wine and bring them. This is not a meal, so theres no need to tell the butler. The guest who had arrived like a gust of wind, wasnt even served tea in the office earlier. It was a breach of etiquette for a nobleman to leave a guest, who had been traveling for several days, unattended. Dergha had strictly warned him, but Ian had no intention ofplying. Knock, knock. This is Ian Bratz. I hope you dont mind my intrusion. Come in. He entered the room with the servants carrying trays. They all stood in their ces like animals trapped in a cage. The servants trembled as they set the food on the table. Your excellency and the group mustve beeen hungry after a long journey. Please help yourself to some food. Our preparation was dyed due to your sudden visit. Please understand. At Ians greeting, Nersarn came closer. He then looked down at him as if he was an interesting creature. They looked at each other as if each was a strange animal. When I saw you earlier, I found it odd because you dont resemble the Count at all. I was wondering how the bloodlines of the Empires nobles could differ so much. The subordinates burst intoughter at their own leaders crude joke. Nersarn gracefully turned his head and signaled them. It was a sign to start eating. But looking at you now, you are indeed a noble. Seeming like apliment, but not. Sounding respectful, but not. The subtle nuances continued. Nersarn added with a beaming smile. Consider it apliment, Sir Ian. If Dergha held the leash, these people were holding swords to his neck. But Your swords will soon be mine. Ian responded with a bright smile and calmly approached. Chapter 25 Chapter 25 Nersarn wet his throat with liquor, his gaze sweeping over Ian from head to toe. His features stood in stark contrast to theirs white skin, blond hair, and green eyes. And what about the bone structure? It was as if he was looking at a different species, his eyes filled with fascination. From the letter you sent, I thought youd be younger. This misunderstanding was caused by the childlike handwriting of the letter. Although the man before him couched his words in politeness, Ian could decode the implied message. I still have much to learn. Im striving not to be a burden to the Cheonrye tribe, so please bear with me. Nersarn had initially deemed Ian insignificant. He raised an eyebrow and exchanged nces with hisrades, a bemused smile dancing on his lips. Your mother was the second wife, wasnt she? Yes, thats correct. Dergha had crafted a narrative to mask Phileas existence, iming she had died. The backstory depicted that Ians birth mother had passed away when he was a toddler, and he had been residing in the mansion ever since. But they were oblivious to the fact that she was very much alive, deprived of her child, without the title of a concubine. It seems like youve inherited a lot from your mother. Yes, its quite astonishing how the count produced such a face Soo! Hold your tongue. Oh, Im sorry. The youngest-looking woman in the group, Soo, awkwardly raised her hand in apology. From their disparaging remarks about the count, it was evident how they perceived the Bratz family. Thats Soo, my niece, and this is Gansha, and Mujurun. No apologies were offered. Nersarn casually introduced hispanions, steering the conversation elsewhere. Unless any unforeseen circumstances arose, if Ian managed to cross the border alive, these would be the individuals apanying him for the rest of his journey. I bet its disappointing having to leave your homnd sooner than anticipated. Considering it from a celebratory perspective, hastening our union through marriage would indeed be an honour. It is regrettable, though, that Chief Winchen is unwell. Nersarn failed to append his thoughts to the tail end of Ians statement, due to Ians crisp and tactful choice of words. Despite his tender years, Ian exuded the typical elegance of the nobility, the distinctive eloquence of the empire ringly evident. But, did Chief Winchens ailment struck abruptly? Given the chiefs advanced age, abrupt might not be the most fitting description, but it certainly is all-epassing. I hope theres no misunderstanding. Since youvee all this way, if you wish, I can call the attending physician. Surely, the Cheonrye tribe must possess their own medicinal practices. Yet, what could they possibly aplish within their tribal unit? At most, their methods might epass folk remedies and herbal concoctions. Even though remotely located, they could not match a physician of the Bratz family, which was part of an imperial family. Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. We have our own way of doing things. It meant they had traditions that had been carried on for hundreds of years. Initially, they had bodies that wouldnt easily be injured, and underlying their perspective was the belief that even death was part of Gods will. Or, lord Nersarn. What about asking for that? The Red Grass. A man named Gansha interjected, only to be silenced by Nersarns stern nce. Red Grass? What is that? Ian pondered over the term with aposed look but drew a nk. Anyway, I am grateful for your hospitality in light of my unexpected visit. Please extend my gratitude to the Count as well, Nersarn expressed his thankfulness with an underlying suggestion of wanting to depart. But Ian did not recede. After all, there was still a pressing matter at hand. Certainly. The reason for my visit, in fact, involves a request. A request? In fact, if these people hadnte, it would have been somewhat annoying. To cross the border with Beric, he had to take on the role of an informant and watchman to win Derghas trust. But the main problem was with Beric himself. With his limited understanding of manipting people, earning Derghas trust was a daunting task. It almost seemed as though he would have to traverse the desert alone and instruct Beric to head to the Cheonrye tribes garrison. I have a friend who wants to go across the desert with me. Do you mean the servant and the redhead who were with you earlier? The one who saw Ian with Hannah and Beric was Mujurun. At the mans words, Ian shook his head,Just the redhead. Hes an orphan with no family. Everyone loses their parents as time goes on. I didnt mean hes pitiable. I meant that since he has no lingering attachment to Bratz, he could work for the desert. Nersarns face turned cold. Desert life was not merely challenging climate-wise but also demanded a harsh way of life. Mere survival and enjoyment were unattainable tasks. Probably one of the reasons why Ian would not be weed there. There would be limited things that a nobleman, who had lived luxuriously all his life, could do there. Work for us? In what manner? Can he navigate through sand dunes? Is he immune to scorpion venom? Or can he grow sprouts without water? The litany gave a fragmentary sense of what life was like for the Cheonrye tribe. From their perspective, it would be a nuisance to bring along someone who could contribute nothing. Nheless, Ian remained undeterred. Hes proficient inbat and has good stamina. Proficient inbat? Hahaha! Hearing this, Nersarnughed purely for the first time. The audacity to tout individualbat prowess before the Cheonrye tribe! They were, after all, a tribe against which no confrontation was possible without magic or weaponry. I see now. You, sir Ian, enjoy making jokes. Its not a joke.Ian faced him with a cid expression, indicating his seriousness. Nersarn gradually wiped away hisughter and looked Ian up and down.This small guy is quite bold. Theres a certain thing called courtesy. The young boy in his presence had catered to a guest, not even of noble birth, and even proposed to summon a physician for Winchen despite the inconvenience. To Nersarn, the boy was merely fulfilling his duty, devoid of any malice. However, this was a separate issue. A single Ian Bratz was enough luggage. Ian Bratz, you are a token of friendship, but what use is your redhead to us? If he cant earn his keep, we cant take him. Thats something we dont know yet. We can tell without seeing. The small guy being proficient inbat. What nonsense. If you find it hard to believeIan interjected. His determination to stand his ground was evident.How can he prove it? Look at this. After a moment of hesitation, Nersarn looked at Soo. Soo, who was chewing on a mouthful of bread, widened her eyes. She sensed an annoying tasking her way. Fine. You say hes proficient inbat. If he can outmatch Soo in a duel, well take him along with us. Why must it be me? Gansha is here, and so is Mujurun! Youre about the same size. Ugh. Seriously! After traveling for several days, not having a chance to rest, and now a duel? Soo furrowed her brows, clearly irritated. However, Nersarn and his party seemed indifferent, as if this was amon urrence. How about it? Can you manage? Since youve given me an opportunity, I ought to be grateful. In a Cheonrye tribes duel, theres always bloodshed. Bear that in mind. Beric enjoys shedding blood too. Hell be pleased. With that, Ian scrutinized Soo. Despite her small stature, she was an asset that Nersarn had painstakingly recruited and brought to an enemy camp. She was not one to be underestimated. Then, well see you after dinner. Rest up. Meat! Please give us lots of meat. No, I mean, please! Understood, Miss Soo. With a polite bow, Ian exited the room. As soon as he closed the door and rounded the corner, he was met by a group of anxious servants. Master Ian! Why are you sote? We thought something happened. They were all worried about him, hovering nervously. Instead, Ian simply smiled, made dinner arrangements, and woke up Beric, who was curled up and asleep on the sofa. Beric. Uh huh We need to have dinner and then duel with the Cheonrye tribe. At these words, Beric opened his eyes wide as if electrified. What now? With whom? Remember the woman among the people we saw earlier? We need to defeat her to go to the desert together. Otherwise, youll have to follow alone. Berics eyes sparkled. He seemed more thrilled by the prospect of facing off against that Cheonrye tribeswoman than the possibility of crossing the desert alone. But with a woman? If you underestimate her, youre in big trouble. Shes the person who came to Bratz with the Chiefs brother. She looked quite strong. It was clear that Gansha and Mujurun were intended as escorts. Their martial aura was palpable, and theyd probably survive even if they were thrown into a lions den. However, due to the nature of this mission which required as rapid movement as possible, if there was a problem, they needed to move faster than anyone. It was the certainty that a light physique could give. Rubbing his face on the cushion, Beric mumbled,Its not a race, what does speed have to do with anything? If caught, its over. It would be a relief if we could catch her. Huh? Ian looked out the window and thought for a moment. Yeah, if we could catch her Beric, listen closely. Ill teach you how to win. Ian sat opposite the sofa and shared all possible tactics. Until the sky turned a little darker, and the torch of the mansion lit the red flowers by the window. * * * After having their meal in the room, Nersarn and hispanions continued to stay there. They couldnt move recklessly due to the soldiers guarding outside the mansion. Of course, physical limitations were not a problem for them. *** How is she going to escape? In the backyard, a little away from the annex, human figures flickered in the lit window of the fourth floor. As all the soldiers of the mansion were guarding the annex, the backyard was eerily quiet. Huh? At the opening of the window, a figure abruptly plunged down. Beric was caught off guard, but Ian raised his head as if he had anticipated it. Then he began counting. One, two, three Hello! The figure popped out from the bushes. She had covered a fairly long distance in about ten seconds. It was almost beast-level speed. Hmm. Its nice here. Its been a while since Ive smelled grass. The others? Resting in the room. We have to leave early tomorrow. This is why being the youngest sucks. With no one else listening, she started talking freely to Ian. This was exactly what Ian would face when they crossed the border. The position where even the youngest of the group would lightly treat him. Beric stole a nce at Soo before turning his gaze back to the annex. Did you jump from that window? Yes. Why? How will you climb back? Same way, I suppose? Soo stared back as if there wasnt a problem. Bericughed lightly and nodded in satisfaction. Yes, as expected of the Cheonrye tribe.They should be capable of this! Youve got 5 minutes. If you knock me down within that, I ept my defeat. 5 minutes? Isnt that too short? If you cant do it within that time, you wouldnt be able to do it even if given a day. Hah, ridiculous. Can you even fight? It was absurd that they were talking so casually without having seen each other fight. Ian crossed his arms and slightly stepped back. In fact, the absence of other spectators meant that they werepletely ignoring them. Yet, this created distinct advantages for Ian and Beric. Beric. Come here. Swoosh. Ian grabbed the back of Berics head and infused him with his power. The golden radiance of his eyes would be hidden by Berics head. Magic activation was rtively simple here, and most importantly Remember what I told you earlier. It allowed them to employ strategic maneuvers. Soo flicked her ears as if asking when they were going to start. Chapter 26 Chapter 26 Soo dusted herself off on the spot. Then, as if it was only natural that the beginning should start from his side, she gazed vacantly at Beric. So, should I start the timing? Click. Soo set the pocket watch hanging on her waist. Simultaneously, Beric lunged in, hurling his fist at Soo. Get ready for a cry when you get hit! No mercy! Bring it on! Whoosh! Whoosh! The chill sound of fists cutting through the air echoed. Beric, exuding vitality in every move, seemed quite desperate. In contrast, Soo was remarkably calm, dodging all attacks just by retreating step by step. There we go. 1 minute passed. Crazy! How long are you going to run away? What if I dont run away? Can you handle it? What nonsense! F*ck! Fight properly! Emotion seeped into his punches, throwing off his rhythm. Ian, who seemed to understand the meaning of Soos words well, sat on a neatly cut rock and watched. See what happens when I attack! Smack! Soo, who seemed to enjoy it, smacked Berics chin. Her punchnded squarely. Berics bnce wavered significantly, but he barely maintained it by putting strength into his thighs. He looked up at Soo, slightly startled. To be honest, it seemed that the shock was less from the physical impact, and more from surprise. You Isnt it a bit frustrating? Not being able toy a finger on your opponent and just getting beaten up. Well, I dont mind if youre okay with it. This crazy, assh*le. Smack! Before he could even finish swearing, Berics head spun to the left again. Soo pressed Beric continuously with swift attacks. All Ian could do was sigh, with his chin propped up. Hes met his match. Given Soos temperament, its doubtful if the duel will conclude neatly. Beric could do nothing but stand still and take the onught of blowsing from all directions. It was as if dozens of bees were stinging him, Soos strikes exploded from all sides. Smack! Beric. Are you okay? F*ck. Dont talk to me. d youre okay. Beric red at Ian with narrowed eyes. If his focus was disturbed even slightly, his opponent would strike his vital points. For now, defense was the best strategy. Ian also nced at the annex while checking the pocket watch. There was a man, presumably Nersarn, standing by the window. 2 minutes left. Smack! Smack! Soos footwork became even more intense in response to Ians announcement. She seemed to be having a great time, almost sorry that the time was about to end. Although there wasnt much time left, one thing became clear from the 3-minute duel. Soo. You are really fast. Of course. Do you think his lordship Nersarn brought me along for nothing? No one in the tribe can keep up with me. But did you know? Was it because Ians voice was tinged withughter? Unconsciously, Soo turned her head back. For a moment, she had the illusion that Ians eyes were golden in the darkness. Despite your tens of unidirectional attacks, Beric is still fine. You are fast, but theres not much substance. No matter how much magical power was suppressed and no matter how good Berics stamina was, it had been a one-sided fight. Despite constantly being hit, Beric hadnt fallen. Soos darkplexion flushed red when the bulls eye was hit. It seemed to be a problem she was aware of. You! Normally, one should be severely injured by now. Hah! Because I was going easy on you, you guys! Soo screamed in excitement. Simultaneously, her kick lost its finesse and gave birth to ws in her attack. Beric, who was gripping the back of her neck, seized the opportunity and grabbed her ankle. It hurts like hell even if it doesnt bleed. Hey! Let go! Wont you let go? Would you let go if you were in my ce? Awkwardly, with her leg caught, Soo tried to cling her body and support her torso. But Beric was faster. He quickly hit her abdomen and pushed Soo to the ground. Thud! Argh! I told you clearly before we started, didnt I? Dont cry when you get hit. Whos crying? Have you gone mad? And spat! Her spitting skill was truly an art. Beric straddled her body and pinned her face down. Im going to show you what a mess really is. Look forward to it. Get lost! Get out of here, you redhead! Stop fussing. Ill make you the same. Rummaging around in his pocket, he pulled out a red pigment. For a moment, Soo, not knowing his intentions, was taken aback. Ian checked the window and slowly approached the two, crouching down. The shadow by the window had increased to three. It seemed Nersarn, Gansha, and Mujurun were all curious. Soo. Dont feel too bad. Ian calmed Soo down, who was struggling while being restrained. It may be a consensual duel, but isnt it a rtionship where its not good for both to shed blood? The fact that Nersarn sent you, the youngest, and not Gansha or Mujurun, is a sign of his grace, intending to avoid inflicting serious harm on the opponent. Thats not true! Shut up! Well. epting the truth is your business, I wont say anything. But the important thing is, youre lying on the ground by Berics hand now, and if this had been a real battle, you would be dead. Soo gritted her teeth in anger. Beric, intoxicated with victory, smeared red pigment on Soos face. It became a mess in an instant, as if she had been flipped over in blood. Tell them when you go back, that we didnt knock you down for diplomatic reasons, but if you acknowledge our victory, well give you a cleaning solution to clean yourself up. If you leave the mansion as you are, the Cheonrye tribe will be remembered by the Bratz estate residents in a quite funny state. Beep, beep, beep! As Ian finished speaking, the pocket rm rang. Beric loosened up and Soo, taking the chance, kicked his stomach and got up. She rubbed vigorously to wipe it off, but of course, it didnt erase. Ugh! What is this! Its a special pigment my mother uses. She loved it because it doesnt wash off with water or sweat. Soo looked up at Ian with a despairing look. Everything except her white eyeballs was red. She bit her lips and hit Berics head onest time before fleeing to the annex. p! Ouch! You! Maybe she had caused a bump. Beric rubbed the back of his head and cursed at Soos retreating figure. Ianforted him, adding more magic power. You did well. But can we let her go like that? Dont we need to beat her as we want so she wont talk back? Your words are crude. Arent we supposed to mess with her, master? Enough. If Soos condition is bad, surely Dergha will notice. Its not certain whether the count will interfere even if they epted it on their side. More importantly, isnt the Cheonrye tribe known for their strong family bonds? After all, if they had really beaten her down to near death, they wouldnt know what kind of retaliation they might receive across the border. He needed a way to get their permission with as little bloodshed as possible. But she really does stand out as you said. Ian had mentioned just two things before the duel. First, if the opponent only dodges instead of attacking, provoke her to draw out an attack. Instead of chasing a target they cant keep up with, they change the direction of power to make here at them. Second, endure. The Cheonrye tribe is a warlike race. If their group can endure until the tribe is intoxicated with the pleasure of one-sidedbat, a gap will definitely emerge. The gap was created by Ian, but catching it was Berics role. Its not because shes a natural, its just the way it is. Agile ones are usually weaker than you think. Soo had already returned to the room through the window. There were red marks left on the wall ivy, but no one would probably care. Ian signaled that he was going to leave, flicking his head. Master Ian? Where are you going? Just to the main building for a bit. Security is strict tonight, so please dont go outside. And theres an order not to let outsiders in. The guard reported to Beric, blocking him. It was inevitable. When Ian nodded, Beric said hede back tomorrow and left the mansion. Ian passed his room and went up one more floor. Knock knock. This is Ian. Come in. No! Donte in! Soo. Youre being noisy. Opening the door and entering, a scene of pandemonium registered in Ians eyes. Gansha and Mujurun were wiping Soos face with a cloth. However, it was only getting more stained, with no progress being made. If you wish, I can offer you a cleaning solution to erase it. Are you joking? Offering a disease and a cure! Nersarn raised his finger, indicating for silence. Then he turned towards Ian. I certainly allowed a duel, but this is absurd. I feel insulted. Do you? If so, I apologize, but surely this is better than appearing in front of Bratz with a bruised and swollen face? In a contest, there are no ifs. However, Soos face makes ifs possible. Considering how much paint has been applied, what more is there to say. Nersarns eyes narrowed. Soo seemed ready to explode in fury, while Gansha and Mujurun exchanged unreadable looks. Ahaha! Haha! Breaking the silence was Nersarnsughter. Along with him, Gansha and Mujurun also burst intoughter, leaving Soo the only one with a glum face. Fine. I lost. Theres nothing as vulgar as not epting a loss. Beric, was it? Soo was gritting her teeth quite a bit. Ill have to take the boy to the desert and make him work like a ve. Even though he said that, there is no very among the Cheonrye people. Everyone is family, Ian added politely, Please forgive the rudeness, but I hope you understand my intentions well, Nersarn. A wound on someone along with Dergha noticing it could call for unpredictable variables in a mutual rtionship. If unlucky, both Ian and the Cheonrye people might find themselves in a difficult situation. Nersarnughed, with a long pipe in his mouth. Very well. Bring one more Kusilre during the reconciliation ceremony. This meant he would bring transportation for Beric. Ian expressed gratitude and took out a small bottle from his pocket. If you mix this with water and use it while washing, it should work. Ta-da! Soo grabbed the solution without a word and ran into the bathroom. Gansha and Mujurun chuckled while Nersarn offered a ss of wine to Ian. Would you like a ss? There were no restrictions for children among the Cheonrye. All were free under their own responsibility. Ian felt a thrill from sipping the wine after a long time. * * * Nersarn. Yes, Your Lordship. The dawn was breaking. The city was still asleep, but the Bratz mansion was as busy as midday. Preparations were being made for the guests who came like the wind to depart. They all gathered in the main dining room and had a hearty meal. They had a long journey ahead. I will ept your request. The reconciliation ceremony will be one week from today. Its urgent, so we will carry out the schedule with minimal preparations. On behalf of the Cheonrye tribe, I thank you for your understanding, Your Lordship. Please convey my wishes for safe travels to the chief. Dergha had returned home a few hours ago, when it was still very dark. He must have had a deep conversation about the situation with Sir Molrin. Probably, within today or tomorrow, Sir Molrin will probably be heading to the capital very soon. For the sake of Ians admission, theyre likely to present the emperor with the whistleblowers seal instead of an admission application. Then, until we meet again, Demosha (God Bless You). The Cheonrye tribe left their greetings and climbed onto Kusilre. Soo, who had freshened up overnight, wore a hood and looked at Ian. When Ian smiled slightly, she gritted her teeth in annoyance, out of sight. Lets go! Open the gate! Neigh With the sound of Kusilres cry and the loud tter of hooves, they quickly left the mansion just as they had arrived. Dergha, the Countess, Chel, and most of the servants watched their departure. They seemed not yet awakened from the drowsiness of dawn. The reconciliation ceremony is in a week. Well need to keep it simple, but well need to be prepared. Yes, understood. Then, the one urging them on was the butler. The servants snapped back to their senses and looked at Ian. They couldnt read the childs expression. Chapter 27 Chapter 27 Finally, the day hade. Sitting on the bed, Ian watched the sunrise from outside. Ever since he woke up in the Bratz territory, he had been eagerly waiting for this moment. Knock, knock. Master Ian. Hannah cautiously entered, calling out to Ian. It was clear she had cried the previous day. Her already small eyes were swollen, making it impossible to maintain eye contact. Hannah, oh my. Have you packed everything? While he seemed on the verge of chuckling, Ian simply nodded in response to the childs serious question. There wasnt much to pack a few articles of clothing, some misceneous books, and the only nt in the room which was distinctly Ians. It might have been better if I had more belongings. That way, those left behind in the mansion would have something to remember him by. Ian adjusted his cor with a smile. A single shirt of his was worth more than a couple of gold coins. The fine white embroidery and gold foil made him appear valuable. Wheres father? He just had a coughing fit. Hes asked for you in the dining room. I see. Ill head out. As Ian moved to step past Hannah and leave, he paused and turned to her with a soft request. Hannah, if possible, Id like you to quit working at the mansion after I leave. Why? What do you mean It might be tough, but it would be better for you. Inform the others as well. Of course, make sure the Count, no, make sure the Count doesnt know. Hannah looked at him, puzzled. Without offering further exnation, Ian walked away. From here on, Hannahs choice was what mattered. In the dining room, a fully dressed Count Dergha, Countess Mary, and Chel awaited. Sit. Yes, father. This was theirst meal together. Yet, the atmosphere wasnt much different from usual. To them, Ian had never truly been a part of the family. Youre familiar with the procedure of the Reconciliation Ceremony? There wont be any issues. Always remember the reason you live. Of course, for the honor and glory of the Bratz. Ian seemed to be in a better mood than usual. Crossing the border, he faced an uncertain future, potentially even death. Where was he drawing suchposure from? When I return on my next birthday Ian paused, cutting a piece of meat and eating it. Assuming he remained alive, he would have a brief opportunity to visit during his birthday. Count Dergha hesitated in his chewing. May I see mother? Ian. Leaving without seeing Sir Molrin or mother doesnt feel right. Molrin had hastily packed and traveled to the center after leaving the Bratz mansion on the morning of the Cheonrye Tribes departure. The mans dealings with Ian had gone so well that it was only a matter of finalizing them, so there was no point in saying goodbye. Hmmph. Mother, you say Count Dergha muttered, stroking his beard. Dergha had asked Ian, to smuggle the forbidden gureut leaves in return for the child seeing his mother. At Ians request, Countess Marys eyes shed with anger, but Count Dergha paid her no mind. Fine. I might allow you to see her once. Thank you. Didnt Ian know yet that his mother, Philea had disappeared? Rumors suggested shed eloped with the stable keeper next door while others said she was sold off to repay gambling debts. My lord, the carriage is ready. As their meal neared its end, a servant announced thepletion of the preparations. The Count wiped his mouth and stood. Lets go. Leading the way, everyone moved outside. A small toon of armed soldiers and knights stood tall. It was the first time Ian had seen them sinceing here. Ten in total. It was then that Hannah and the other servants approached Ian, their eyes teary. They tightly held his hands, unable to hide their sorrow. Please,e back safely. Ill prepare something delicious for your birthday. Master Ian, take care. Ian had developed a deeper bond with them in a few months than he had with the Bratz family. All he could do was smile, offering no other response. As Hannah broke down crying louder, the Count gave a stern look. Wailing on such an auspicious day! Servant! I apologize, my Lord. Ill caution them. Lets set off now! Given that most of the mansions servants surrounded Ian, the Count couldnt single anyone out for punishment. Ian took Hannahs hand and thanked her. I truly appreciate everything, Hannah. Master! Sniff Well meet again. With the promise of a future meeting, Hannah wiped her tears. Count Derghas sharp gaze urged them to move, and Ian quickly boarded the carriage. In secret, Dergha grumbled, feeling clearly unhappy with the mansions atmosphere. Lets go! With the drivers whip, the mansion grew distant. Through the small carriage window, the Bratzndscape rushed by. Ian sneaked a nce at Count Dergha. The seal would surely be in his possession very soon. And is the aide still unconscious? It had been over a week since Derghas aide had fallen into aa. The chances of waking up were getting slimmer. Regardless, by the time he awoke, Ian would be in the desert. * * * Thud-thud-thud! After about three hours of riding, the lushnd had turned deste. They had reached the edge of the great desert. Weve arrived, Count. Creeeak. As the door opened, the coachmans voice, mixed with the wind, rustled roughly. A blue sky and golden sand dunes. In the distance, dozens of creatures called Kusilre and the Cheonrye tribe who owned them. Over there Two massive rocks marking the border were ced. Dergha and his group passed between them and approached the Cheonrye tribe. Weve crossed the border. God. Had he ever crossed a border for anything other than war? Ian tried hard to hide his excitement. Nearby stood a small temple made of white stone. Devoid of any adornments, it merely existed as space. The wear of time, eroded by wind and sand, was evident on its surface. Wee, guests. The voice was deep and powerful. Though no one explicitly stated he was the chieftain, Ian instinctively knew. The aura of a man with absolute power was as immense and hefty as nature itself. Chieftain of the Cheonrye tribe in the great desert, Kakantir. I am Count Dergha Bratz of the Bariel Empire. Then, these people slowly sped their hands together. Following them, their wives and children also greeted and showed their respects. The main figures sat around the temple table, while their soldiers stood under the sun, watching each other. Firstly, we thank you for your hospitality. Isnt this a ce where your troubles be ours? Think nothing of it. As the formalities continued, Derghas words flowed smoothly, as if lubricated. Kakantirs gazended on Ian. This must be Bratzs offering. Its an honor to meet you. The treaty. Dergha quickly motioned. Two pieces of parchment with the same treaty details wereid on the table. They detailed the terms of the agreement, the list of traded items, and specifics about Ians position. Upon receiving a token of friendship from Bratz, Cheonrye will send their token within 3 years Cheonrye and Bratz shall not vite each others territories from the moment the friendship treaty is signed It spanned almost ten pages. After thoroughly checking the documents, Dergha nodded. Ive confirmed it. While the seal is being melted for imprinting, verify it. Agreed. However What Bratz had prepared was a homogeneity potion. The most definitive way they knew to confirm if Derghas blood was genuine. It might not make sense to the Cheonrye tribe. Im afraid Chief Yunchen is not feeling well enough to apany us, so well have to do our part of the verification when we get back. As you wish. However, the entry permit from the pce hasnt arrived yet. Once received, Ill send someone immediately. Dergha dropped his blood into the potion. Ian did the same. The clear liquid soon turned blue. The people of Bratz gave a look of Is it acknowledged? But the Cheonrye tribe remained unimpressed. Now, lets proceed with the handwriting verification. Ian picked up the pen in front of him and clumsily wrote the content of the letter he had sent. The handwriting was a mess for an official asion. Is it confirmed? Nersarn. The chieftain nodded and called his younger brother standing behind him. Bending forward, the young man presented a dagger and, without hesitation, cut his palm, drawing blood. Swoosh! Drops of blood fell off the des edge. Kakantir inscribed his name with his blood as a pledge. Derghas face paled upon seeing this. Such barbarians. Instead of using a seal, they use their own blood! The count stamped the seal and waited for the wax to dry. They exchanged documents and shook hands. To the evesting glory of Bratz. Demosha, Gurun Tu (Happiness under blessing of God). They wished each other good fortune, concluding the simple agreement ceremony. As people emerged unscathed from the temple, the soldiers rxed their guard. Farewell, then. Ian looked at Dergha. They would be heading back in carriages, but Ian had to cross the desert with the Cheonrye tribe. Dergha gave Ian a perfunctory hug. Ian. Be well. Yes, Father. The hand on his shoulder was rough, but Ian reciprocated the gesture. Dergha and his entourage swiftly turned and headed back to the border rock. Ian. It was Soo. She stood with her arms crossed, looking at the remaining luggage. Kakantir, Nersarn, and a few warriors were discussing something, ncing at the sky. Is this all we have? What? Is something missing? No, its not that, but Im joking. Not everything hase yet. Ah, here hees now. Before Ian could finish, someone was rushing from the direction Dergha disappeared. Through the coarse, dusty sandstorm, a red-haired figure emerged. He dismounted and dashed through the sinking desert sand. When the horse tried to follow, he kicked its hind and sent it back. Just in time. Ian, are you ready to leave? At Nersarns shout, Soo gathered Ians belongings. What took two soldiers to carry, she lifted with ease. Yes, Im ready. Chieftain, thats the guy I was talking about. We can use him as our ve! Soo told the chieftain, grinding her teeth. He chuckled and gently patted Soos head, then turned to Ian. He had heard rumors that the chieftain was barbaric and aggressive. He doesnt seem as bad as they say. It must have been a monstrous image created by the citizens of the Bratz territory. To Ian, he just looked like a trustworthy leader of a small tribe. Well, he would find out more as they spent time together. We need to hurry. If were not careful, well run into a sandstorm. From here to the Great Desert, their base, they had to travel for several days. If they encounter a sandstorm, they could suffer a loss of strength and prolong the journey. Iaaan! From a distance, Beric shouted. Kakantir handed over two Kusilre to Ian and silently turned away. Chapter 28 Chapter 28 This is what true serenity feels like. The zing sun and the incessant wind. The sound of Kusilres hooves faded as they were buried in the sand. Ian felt an inexplicable peace as he gazed at the horizon that seemed to rise like a mirage. Ugh Every now and then, Berics voice, sounding as though he was on the brink of death, reached Ians ears, but nobody paid any mind. In the desert, those who are to die should die swiftly, and those who are to live must find a way to survive at all costs. Holding out half of the remaining water bottle, Ian asked, Are you okay? I feel like dying From just this? Well, not exactly It had been only a day since they had entered the desert from the border. If there was a variable in their journey, it was Berics tolerance to the heat. His red hair, which seemed to absorb the heat directly, clung damply to his forehead, soaked in sweat. The guide who had been leading them came up from behind. If youre going to die, get off here. I pity your Kusilre. Upon hearing the guides sarcastic remark, Beric merely scowled. This ce waswless territory beyond the border. The guide was a member of the Cheonrye tribe, and damnably, his apanying master was deemed as a reconciliation sacrifice. Yet, Beric contemted making a rude gesture even as he panted. Hold on. Whooosh-! The winds direction changed. The guide at the front halted, causing the procession to stop as well. The guide checked the wind direction by waving a dried branch. Whats happening? A sandstorm is approaching. Its moving faster than I anticipated. How close is it? We should encounter it in a few hours. The leaders, including the chieftain, looked up at the sky. Unfortunately, as it was daytime, no stars were visible. Well set up the tents for a while. It meant a long meeting was about to ensue. Upon Kakantirs order, arge shade was spread, and everyone rested and gave their Kusilres water. Ian did the same. After taking care of his Kusilre, he offered water to Berics parched lips. You did say youd be my escort, but youre pretty impressive. You didnt say itd be this hot. I didnt expect you to be unfamiliar with the desert. I know what a desert is! I do! Geez. Give me more water. Ian handed Beric the water bottle and then rummaged through a small bag. Inside, there was a map of the desert and a list of weather forecasts that he had received from the tutor. How far have wee? He marked their route on the map whenever their path changed. Their progress seemed urate. Although Bericined, the Cheonrye tribe pushed their Kusilres without any concessions. They probably did so out of concern for the health of Chief Winchen. A sandstorm. Ian pointed to a spot on the map. Their current location ovepped with a storm routebeled A12. Considering they started their journey the previous day, the estimated time difference for the storms arrival was about four hours, aligning with the guides prediction. What are you looking at? Soo, you havent even broken a sweat. The guide chuckled as she chewed on dried dates. I was born in the heat and raised facing the desert sands. I am a warrior. I see. How long is the break? Around 10 minutes. We should start packing soon. She seemed pleased that Ian acknowledged her warrior status. She handed him a couple of dates and moved on. Attention! Well depart in 5 minutes. We need to move swiftly to avoid the storm! Which direction should we position the Kusilres heads? To the east. Understood. Following the chieftains instructions, everyone adjusted their Kusilres heads to face the right direction. Amidst the hustle, only two remained motionless: Ian and Beric. Though, considering Beric looked half-fallen, it made sense. Is there an issue? Did you just mention heading east? Yes. Not south? The unexpectedment made the tribe pause and turn to Ian. What was this outsider is saying? The guide, responsible for the tribes safety, inherited the wisdom of his ancestors. In matters rted to the desert, even the chieftain deferred to his knowledge. What are you bbering about? Someone whos never stepped on desert sands sure has a lot to say. Leave him be. Its typical of those aristocrats. Haha! Indeed! Hes from the great empire, after all! Since they were speaking in theirnguage, Ian could only infer the content by the tone, excluding the first statement. The chieftain also seemed perturbed. It felt as if things could escte, possibly leading to a form of tribal punishment. The chieftain approached. Why mention south? The central location of the Cheonrye tribe, Cheonrye, was to the north. Going south would mean taking a detour, consuming more time and effort. There was a desert researcher at my residence. ording to the information I obtained from him, a storm is currently descending from the northeast. Considering itsrge size, shouldnt we avoid it? Since we cant backtrack, I suggest we go south. They crossed a massive sand dune yesterday. The slope was so steep that, while descending, two Kusilre almost rolled off by ident. Chieftain? In the pressing situation, the chieftain just stared at Ian. Yielding to the tribes urgency, he extended his hand. That information, hand it over. Here it is. Ian seemed surprisinglypliant, which caught the chieftain off guard. If the child wanted something in return for this, the chieftain was ready to abandon him. However, he instead took a look at the paper and called for Nersarn. Nersarn, interpret this. It was written in Bariel script. Kakantir, Nersarn, and the guide came together, heads close. By the looks of it, they had something to discuss. Why are they doing that? Ian whispered to Soo, who was nearby. She nced briefly at the tribe and replied quietly, The storm from the north was expected. But one of the Kusilre yesterday was the guides, and it seems to have gotten weakened due to damage from tree branches. The world of the gypsies is truly mysterious. How could they predict the weather with just a simple stick? Ian wanted to interrupt and ask, but he just nodded patiently. Heading south would be safer, but it would be a harder journey. On the other hand, the east is a shorter detour. Its uncertain whether theyll encounter the storm or not. The urgency from Chief Winchen, injuries to two Kusilre, stacked trading goods, and outsiders unfamiliar with the desert. As the chieftain, Kakantir finally made the most efficient choice, especially not knowing the storm conditions to the east. Alright. Lets proceed that way. After a long discussion, a decision was reached. Kakantir scanned the surroundings, searching for suitable individuals. Jangyarung, Tan, Turom! You three will detour to the east and enter Cheonrye first. Inform them we might be dyed due to the storm, and return if you get news from the Chief. They were the three with the strongest physiques in the group, able to brave a sandstorm. Upon hearing the orders, they quickly mounted their Kusilre with minimal luggage. While the remaining members could withstand the storm, they couldnt be sure about the rest of the Kusilres and the goods they carried. Spread out as much as possible. Dont pass the Eternal Cactus and the Praying Rock. The storm is fierce within that area. Yes, understood. Were heading out first! See you in Cheonrye! With a short neigh, they sped off, and in moments, they disappeared into dots in the distance. As for us The chieftain turned to Ian and then folded and stored the map. We move south. Moving south! Everyone adjusted the direction of their Kusilres. Ian helped up Beric, and the chieftain assisted in getting him on one. Who is he? The one who made the map? Hes my teacher. Kakantir kept a neutral face, but inwardly, he felt the vast difference between practical experience and academic knowledge. They had personally traveled the desert and made the map, discovering some oases just a few years ago. Yet on the map, they were marked with probabilities like 85% chance of existence. Conserve and drink water. He nced at the sweaty, waterlogged face of Beric and advised. With the journey now extended, water would be scarce. Yes, Chieftain. Ian decided he would have to infuse magic instead of water and nodded. The wind started to blow again, different from before a lower, shorter gust. * * * Huh? Several days passed like that. Just as they were getting ustomed to the harsh heat of the desert day and the coldness of the night, the guide who was leading the way broke the silence. The guide was someone who seldom made a sound. Taking that as a signal, Kakantir, who was behind, raised his head, followed by Nersarn, and soon the entire group focused forward. Trees? Ian thought the same. On the horizon, something green was visible. Soon, the horn sounds of the Cheonrye tribe echoed, and they shouted in tion. Weve arrived! Its Cheonrye! Youve all worked hard. Thank you for your efforts! Demosha! Demosha! Beric, who was half-asleep atop the Kusile, also rubbed his eyes and got up. His already tanned skin seemed even darker. Have we arrived? Yes. As they neared their destination, the sand became firmer. The Kusilre walked more energetically, and within an hour, they reached their destination. Its Chieftain Kakantir! Ian surveyed thend of the Cheonrye tribe. For a remote tribe, their architectural skills were quite advanced. Tents stood packed within white stone walls. Palm trees on the sand looked lush and vibrant, and various colored fabrics fluttered, fading in the golden sand. The road conditions were also good. They seemed to have their own sewage system Kakan! Come over! Youve had a long journey. This way! Prepare water and meals for everyone! Is that Ian? Or that one? Obviously, the blonde one. The one next to him looks feisty. Amidst the bustling wee crowd, everyone exchanged joyous greetings. The three who had departed earlier to inform the group were also relieved and returned to their routines. Where is Chief Winchen? She is said to be recovering. Thats a relief. Kakantir gave a nod to Ian, signaling him to follow. As he dismounted from the Kusilre, all the tribespeople curiously stared. Beric, still half-asleep, followed Ian. Creak As they pulled back the canopy adorned with beads, a scent of cinnamon wafted in. Inside was cool and dark. In the middle, an old persony on a bed. Her skin, deeply marked by time, seemed saggy and frail. Winchen. Kakantir has returned. Ah Chieftain. My apologies. How do you feel? That person was the chief of the Cheonrye, the so-called root of the tribe, a gypsy named Winchen who discerns truth from lies. The old woman slowly sat up. This is Ian, who is with us due to the agreement with Bratz. When Winchen stood up, a ray of light lit her face. Her pupils were cloudy, like they had mold. The rumors that she was blind were true. I wish to confirm if Ian is the suitable one. Ian. Answer my question. Yes, Chief. The old woman moved her lips ponderously, thinking of something. Soon, she posed a somewhat unexpected question. Did Ian Bratze here by the will of the gods? In the desert, Ian realized that unexpected events, like this, always ur. Chapter 29 Chapter 29 When his response was dyed, Kakantir turned to look at Ian. Ian lowered his head slightly to respond. Yes. Was it because they were a tribe that served the heavens that she asked such a question? Or did this woman ask because she knew that another Ian existed within Ians body? Winchen seemed to savor Ians clear and concise answer, smacking her lips. You were born from Dergha Bratzs blood, correct? Certainly. Does your existence signify peace? I swear, peace is the sole reason for my existence. A smile crept onto the corners of Winchens mouth. Kakantir nodded and silently motioned to his attendants, who thenid Winchen back in her resting ce. I will take my leave. Rest well, chieftain. The desert storms have been harshtely. It mustve been because the sky has be hotter. The old womans weak muttering echoed within the tent. As Ian stepped out, the tense Cheonrye tribe keenly observed Kakantirs expression. Provide a tent for Ian Bratz and his group. This was the indirect announcement that Ian was indeed a child of the Bratz family. And also that the cumbersome formalities had officially concluded. Soo let out a sigh of relief and called out to Ian. Ian. Over here. Me? Do we share the same tent? Why? You think your precious self deserves a separate room? As Soo teased, Beric whispered to Ian, She really has a short fuse for a warrior. Why is she treating me like that? After all, werent you the one who started mocking her that day? Come on, Beric. Youre the one who threw the punch. What? Youre going to back out like this? The tent assigned to Ian was better than expected. It wasnt luxurious, but it didnt feel like they were being belittled as offerings from a rival nation. Odd. Wasnt their rtionship quite cold after Derghas second brother crossed the border and died? Of course, the chieftain back then and the present Kakantir were different people. Considering how easily leaders can change, he could be quite an ancient figure in their history. Shouldnt their perception and rtionship change even more, then? They werent as ruthless as Ian had heard in the Bratz mansion. Cold but not cold-blooded, free but not barbaric. This was Ians assessment. As Beric unpacked their sandy belongings, he inquired, So, whats the n now? First, we need to wash. Not that. Were not going to live here forever, right? True. However, for Ian to return to Bariel, he would need Molrin to lead the inspectors from the central capital to slit Derghas throat. The man had probably just reached the central capital by now. It would take anywhere from half a month to a month for him toe down here and finalize the affairs. Think of it as a trip. This ce is filled with those you cant defeat, so if you challenge one person a day, a year will fly by. A year? Youre joking, right? Im just joking. Half a month, maybe a month at most. Grumbling, Beric sprawled onto the bed. He wouldnt have minded the wandering life as long as there was a bed, but the desert heat was just unbearable to him. Ian. Soo rolled up the tent entrance and came in. She ced some clothes and simple provisions inside, ncing around the room, seemingly checking if theycked anything. Eat first. Everyones busy recovering their strength. Well have a homing ceremony when the sun sets. Ille to call you then. Oh, and As she was about to leave hurriedly, Soo paused and turned back. Jangyarung1 said the storm was really fierce. The most massive and menacing hes ever encountered. Since he went through it unarmed, nothing was lost, but if your group had faced it, it wouldve been troublesome. I see. Is that a thank-you? Ian smiled, returning the favor to Kakantir. The chieftains judgment was truly wise. Hearing the praise for their leader, Soos face brightened, and she slipped out of the tent. Watching her, Beric muttered annoyedly,She really does act like that only towards me. Jealous? Drop it! Beric flopped onto the bed without even brushing off the sand and immediately seemed to fall asleep. After days in the open air, he was exhausted. After some contemtion, Ian too unknowingly drifted into sleep. * * * Thud! Thud! Thud! Awakened by the resonating drum sounds from somewhere, Ian opened his eyes. The outside was dark. It was nighttime. The only source of illumination in the room was the Milky Way, shining like milk. Just as Ian tried to shake Beric awake, Soo pulled back the tent p. Ian? Beric? Uh. Would you like toe out? Everyone is waiting. Still groggy, as if just awoken from a dream, Ian and Beric wobbled as they followed Soo. Within the garrison, there stood a white building. When Soo opened the door, an unbelievable sight awaited them. Hahaha! Once more! Hey, arent you getting tired too soon? Remember what I mentionedst time? I was right! People adorned with red and gold danced and celebrated. Enormous amounts of meat and wine were piled up between them. There was a faint smoky atmosphere, perhaps from burning incense. A dancer brushed past with a smile, and the musicians yed their songs even faster. Unbelievable. Neither had ever seen nor heard of such a feast. Everything looked free and unrestrained under the glow of the orangenterns. Berics eyes sparkled, fully awake. Ian. Beric. Seated in a prominent position, Kakantir called them over. A dried leaf was hanging from his mouth, burning like a torch. Thats a Gureut leaf. As that realization hit, Ian took a deep breath. The scent was simr to what he had smelled in Winchens tent. It wasnt cinnamon, but instead a Gureut leaf. Ah. Why do I feel like this? What do you mean? I feel like I want to punch someone. Keep your mouth shut. The two whispered to each other as they approached Kakantir. Nearby, high-ranking tribe members, including Nersarn, were indulging in the feast. Have you recovered from the fatigue? Thanks to your generosity, Chieftain. Good. Take a seat. Ian felt all eyes on him. But that feeling was fleeting. The crowd returned to their revelries,ughing and chatting. Kakantir poured wine into Ians cup. Just to be sure, does anyone in Bratz, including the Count, know about the map you gave? No. The tutor secretly handed it to me and then immediately left Bratz, heading to ster through the northern countries. Kakantirughed in satisfaction and with a friendly gesture, offered Ian some meat. He must have heard a report about the storm. Everything you possess is a gift from Bratz for the Cheonrye tribe. So, may we use this map for the tribes benefit? Of course. The Cheonrye tribe would apany them when they returned to Bratz. After that, there would be no need to cross the desert. It made more sense to give up the map and focus on the bigger picture. Count Dergha sure has raised a fine son. My father will be delighted to hear that. Their conversation ended there, drowned out by the growing intensity of the music. As Ian pondered about the Gureut leaf, he felt a strange gaze on him. Hmm? In a seat second to Nersarns, a man was staring intently at him. Their eyes met, and the man smirked, signaling something. Soo, who is that man? When the surrounding area blurred momentarily, Ian nodded toward the man and asked. Soo, in return, responded while sipping wine. Bumat? Hes Nersarns rtive, and also my second stepmothers cousin. Hes in charge of food management. While Ian didnt entirely understand, it seemed that in their culture, they were considered family. Given his proximity to the high seats, he held a significant position. But is the man staring at him? Unsettling. Ian deliberately shifted his gaze and asked Soo, doing his best to sound innocently curious, as though no other emotion was involved. Is everyone chewing on something called Gureut leaves? Soo nodded. Ian wondered if he, too, might be able to sample it. However, his inquiry was interrupted as Kakantir extended a drink toward him. Ian, there are some rules you must follow if you wish to stay here safely. Please tell me. One of them is to show no interest in the Gureut leaves whatsoever. You are not allowed to ask questions about them. Inhaling the leafs smoke is inevitable in daily life, but everything else is forbidden. This meant that there was a significant difference between inhaling its scent and chewing it directly. The festive atmosphere that had been heating up cooled down slightly. The people around, upon hearing Kakantirs words, instinctively became more guarded. I will keep that in mind. Ian nodded in acknowledgment. Beric, sitting next to him, was preupied with the food, ignoring everyone else. Then, enjoy. To our return. Aye, Chieftain Kakantir. Right. This gathering was a homing ceremony, not a wee party for outsiders. Ian got a general sense of the atmosphere and thought of wrapping up his presence. However Chieftain! One of the tribesmen hurried over, whispering something into Kakantirs ear. Kakantir immediately put down what he was eating and signaled to Nersarn. Most of the merry-making guests were too intoxicated to notice their leaders leaving. Whats happening? Soo mumbled, gazing at the ground. Seems Chief Winchen had another fit. I think a council member just followed behind Chieftain Kakantir. Really? She must be in a bad state then. They might be worried if they see the chief reacting like that. Is there no cure? Soo gave a faint smile and shrugged. Everything was at the mercy of the gods; even the council couldnt stop it. They could only hope that Winchen wouldnt suffer too much. Beric, we should leave. Eh? Why? I want to eat more Come on. If something happened to Winchen, itd be less awkward if they werent present. Soo might not be able to look out for them then. Its important to know when to leave a gathering. After all, they werent the main guests; their presence for this long was enough. The decision proved to be correct. The next morning, amotion outside woke Ian. The atmosphere felt as tense as if a war was about to break out. Chief Winchen is in an unconscious state now? Oh, my god. What should we do about this? What about the chieftain? Did he say what we should do now? He said hell send someone out again. Now that the illness is too evident, it seems he has no other choice. Send someone out? Perhaps to find a cure for Winchens ailment. Ian leaned against the window, closing his eyes. His mind drifted between wakefulness and sleep. Theyre looking for Ssque, right? But the ones who went earlier havent returned yet Where could there be a flower that blooms forever? I doubt its existence. Hearing this, Ians eyes snapped open. What are they talking about? A flower that blooms forever? Ssque? Thats the flowerpot you bought at the park. Its a strange flower. It seems tost a long time in full bloom. Do the people in the mansion not know what it is? Yes, they all say its the first time theyve seen such a nt. We were worried it might be hazardous, but luckily, it seems that its not. [T/N: Chapter 13, when the flower was first mentioned, Chapter 18 The dialogue excerpt above] Ian recalled a conversation from the mansion he had been evicted from. He then took out the well-wrapped pot from a box and opened the paper. A red flower he hadnt watered since he got it from the park. What? Could it be? Ian carefully ced the pot on the ground. Then, instinctively, he understood why he had reincarnated into the body of a boy named Ian. Everything was unfolding ording to the gods ns.
  1. Kakantirs subordinate[]
Chapter 30 Chapter 30 Ian stared at the red flower inside the tent. Beric was still snoring, fast asleep, and outside was noisy. To summarize the situation, Winchens illness required a nt called Ssque, and several expeditions had apparently been sent out to find it. But none had returned. But is this really it? Ssque. The identity of a potted nt that nobody in the Bratz mansion knew about. Ian frowned as he gently brushed the petals. How on earth did this Ian obtain this during his lifetime? Im sure Ian said he grew it himself. If Philea were nearby, I could have asked. Could it be a panacea only found in a hidden corner of the bazaar? Like gr . If someone were to discover it, it could lead humanity to a new leap. With that thought, Ian could feel his heart pounding. Hmm. Then, Beric woke up. His face was swollen from the meat and alcohol he had consumed the previous night. Ian hastily threw a towel at him, signaling him to get ready, and Beric, still half-asleep, left the tent. Ah. Its the foreigner. Shush. Hes a foreigner. Werent you at the feast yesterday? Hey! Did you have a good dream? What went into your bellies was top-notch! Pushing through the murmuring crowd, Ian found a somewhat familiar street. It was Winchens tent, where they had gone immediately upon arrival yesterday. With a stronger lingering smell of gureut leaves in the air, Nersarn turned his head quizzically when he spotted Ian. What business do you have? Good morning. I followed themotion and ended up here. This matter doesnt concern you. Stay in the tent until theres a message from Kakantir. Now, Ian would earn his keep here. Given his position, hed likely be tasked with spreading Barieleannguage and culture to the higher-ranking officials. As for Beric, who knows? Maybe hed be treated like a ve, as Soo had said, or perhaps hed be recognized as Ians assistant. Chief Winchen seems to be in critical condition. Ian Bratz. You talk too much now. The mere mention of Chief Winchens name silenced the surroundings in an instant. Some clicked their tongues in disbelief, others sent angry nces. If Ian had been dealing with someone other than Nersarn, a fight might have broken out right then and there. I couldnt help but hear, given all the noise this morning. Sorry, but you They call it the flower that never withers once it blooms, Ssque. Is that all it takes for Chief Winchens health to be restored? Nersarn, who knew Ian not to be one to miss the mood, looked at him for a long time. Ian nced around and whispered quietly. I have something to discuss; please let me speak to the chieftain. This much attention should be enough. If what he had was indeed Ssque, then credit would surely seep into the rtionship between them like the wind. It was a situation where he needed to elicit friendly feelings, so a little attention was necessary. Creak Nersarn took Ian not to Winchens room but to the next tent, where the leaders, including Kakantir, were discussing an expedition. But he just had a son. His fifth. With four grown children, the remaining family should have no problems, I believe. And hes particrly good at shooting arrows Kakan1. At Nersarns call, Kakantir turned his head. A rolled-up leaf still hung from his mouth. What is it? Ian Bratz has something to say about Ssque. To be precise, Id like to ask about it. Sit. Ian took his seat amid the thick smoke. The elderly men sitting next to him looked at him with various expressions. Please exin what the nt Ssque is. I have a guess, and Id like to see if its correct. A guess? Ahh. You dont know about Ssque? Ian answered with silence. Kakantir exhaled a puff of smoke and gestured to a councilor, who took out a piece of paper. It looked like part of a botanical guide, written in an unfamiliarnguage. Ssque is what we call the disease that afflicts those, like Chief Winchen, who directly receive the will of the gods. Its as if their lifelong energy shatters when they grow old and can no longer contain it. The councilor continued: There are records that long ago, merchantsing up from the South were rescued from the desert by our people, and we obtained Ssque seeds but it has be difficult to see these days. The depth of long ago that they spoke of was hard to gauge, as nobody in the present Cheonrye tribe knew about Winchens younger days. While she had endured for a long time, the records about Ssque had faded, and they had only now managed to grasp a thread of it. Ian offered a consoling word, It seems that in Bariel, there are not many who receive the will of the gods. He almost slipped and called them gypsy. To them, Winchen was an important figure, but in the Bariel Empire, she was just one of many old gypsies. At least she was talented among those swindlers. That much is true. Moreover, gypsies wandered their entire lives, so no one knew what happened to them in theirter years. It would be more urate to say that there was no interest in them The councilor furrowed his brow. somehow, the Ssque has disappeared, and well, now you see the situation. Is Ssque by any chance the red flower that never wilts once it blooms? If theres no mistake in the records. Then, Kakantir frowned slightly. I can smell the scent of Ssque in your words. What a keen nose. Ian smiled and nodded. Actually, I have seen a flower that was suspected to be Ssque in the Bratz territory. It was red, and it never seemed to wither once it bloomed. Even the sun sets once a day, let alone a mere flower that doesnt wither. Surely a special case. Kakantir was taken aback by Ians words. Is that true? I was surprised as well. Thats why Ivee here as soon as I heard about Ssque. Lets see. What should I do? If the timing was right, there could be a way for him to lure them to Bratz. When the Emperors central army is devouring Bratz, the power of wisdom can not only save ones life, but also acquire territory. But The problem is Winchens current situation. Will she able to endure until the central army arrived in Bratz? I doubt it. Since the chieftain left the banquetst night, it wouldnt be strange if the old woman stops breathing immediately. Tell me more. Before that, I have a favor to ask first. In that case, theres no choice for me but to use a different approach. Kakantir didnt hide his displeasure at Ians words. Especially, at Ians attitude of bargaining with their tribal Chiefs life at stake. A favor? Before Winchens breath stops, your neck will fall too? Please treat me not as a hostage but as a guest of the Bariel Empire. Since there was no imperial decree, words like envoy or representative couldnt be used. But the intention of his arrival was not much different. Ian wanted assurance of his groups life and respect. Bratz is one piece of the grand Bariel. The imperial court knows of Bratzs alliance, and my presence here is also, in a way, the will of the imperial court. Kakantir slowly lifted the corners of his mouth at Ians honeyed assertion. With a look that said, Look at this, of course. Really? In that case, let me ask you: if your neck were seized, would the imperial court deploy an army here? If what youre saying holds true, that would be the fitting response, wouldnt it? I may be uncertain about them deploying an army here, but it will undeniably pose a problem. After all, the enduring essence of the imperial pce is embodied within me. Crash! As soon as the words were spoken, an elder mmed the table. They were speaking theirnguage, so what he was saying wasnt clear. Something about a snakes tongue or the like Others remained silent, but they seemed to believe Ians words were empty. The essence of the imperial pce? Is Ian asserting that he belongs to the imperial lineage? Isnt Dergha Bratz his father? I cant exin in detail. What I can say is that while I inherited my physical body from Dergha Bratz, my essence is that of the imperial pce. I dont think this is a matter the chieftain should be concerned about. Fine. Alright, good. Its because of people like you that the gods gave us Winchen-nim. Anyone! At Kakantirs shout, two warriors grabbed Ians arm. Beric, who was waiting outside the tent, started to rush over, but Ian raised his hand to stop him. Its done. They were taking Ian to Winchen. Ian nced at Beric, signaling him to wait, and then reentered the chiefs tent. Winchen-nim. Ah Her breath was ragged, but her consciousness had returned. The attendants slowly helped her up, and her clouded eyes were still fixed on the sky. This guy said that he knows something about Ssque. Exactly, he said he has a guess. He had a guess? Is it true? Saliva trickled down the corner of Winchens mouth. Instead of speaking, she answered by nodding her head. At the same time, the attendants burst into joyful cheers, and the following Nersarn also brightened as if they had found a ray of light. And this guys essence is also said to be that of the Bariel Imperial Pce. Kakantir looked down at Ian, his voice trailing off. In this situation, if Winchens head bowed, the n was to cut off Ians legs. Since the brat had talked about Ssque, Kakantir thought he must make sure of the execution, if needed. Ah. Then, Winchen inhaled sharply. Her body trembled, and she closed her eyes, something she had never done while lying. ! And soon, everyone fell silent. Winchen, with hands as dry as twigs, ced them on her chest to show respect, and she bowed forward as much as she could. To anyone watching, it was clearly a salute to someone noble. Winchen? Ugh. And the chief copsed to the side. A councilor rushed to check her pulse, and attendants ran to fetch warm water. Ian stared at her and murmured, Ssque is in my tent. At his words, Kakantir was taken aback. When the chieftain did not give an order, Nersarn, who had been listening, ran out and yelled, Go to the foreigners tent! Find the red flower! What? Why? Hurry! Theres no time! Ian! What now? How do we do this? Should we grab our stuff and run? At Berics cry, Ian smiled softly. Its done. This is my first gift to them, as Bariels guest. Ian informed Beric with a dignified voice. In Winchens tent, filled with the scent of gout leaves, Ian stood on equal footing with Kakantir for the first time.
  1. It seems that those who are close with Kakantir calls him Kakan here.[]
Chapter 31 Chapter 31 While the councilor examined the flowerpot, the tribe members anxiously watched from behind. They were obviously waiting for the male elder to confirm that it was indeed Ssque. The councilor, who had been rummaging through the leaves and examining them from all sides, finally dered after careful consideration. It is indeed Ssque. Darn it! What in the world! OLord, thank you! Then hurry, lets brew it! Huh? Winchen-nim is running out of breath! A short cheer burst out at the councilors words. They hugged each other and offered prayers of thanks to the god. The only one keeping his focus in the center was the chieftain, Kakantir. Are you certain? Yes. Comparing with the existing records, Ssque is confirmed. The number, thickness, color, fragrance, and shape of the leaves are all as expected. And most importantly, did you not say that it hasnt withered after flowering, ording to this outsiders testimony? The most important characteristic had already been verified through Winchen, so there was nothing more to add. The chieftain nodded his head in agreement. Then hurry and make it into medicine. However A very slight hesitation. But it was enough to freeze the atmosphere inside the tent. The quantity is a problem. The quantity? The records state that three roots must be boiled to effectively cure. Winchen-nim has already lost much strength, and there are only two roots in this flowerpot. It might only suffice to put out the suppress the disease, so to speak. They werecking in quantity. However, they chose to focus on the positive reality. Suppressing the disease is a grateful thing in itself. Hurry and prepare the brew. Just one root for now. Yes, Kakan. As for Ian outside The chieftain faltered in hismand. Everyone looked at him in wonder. Kakantir, after a moment of thought, corrected his address. Bring Sir Ian Bratz here. Anyway, Ian had voluntarily brought Ssque to help their tribal chief. While they didnt know what his intentions were, but as the chieftain and as a person, this was a clear favor. He and the rest were obligated to keep their promise. *nk-* Ian entered the tent calmly. It seemed he had already heard themotion inside. Looking at the flowerpot on the table, he smiled. It looks particrly red today, perhaps knowing its thest one. Sir Ian Bratz. Kakantir raised his hand to his chest and offered a salute. It was the same courtesy Nersarn had shown previously in Ians estate. When Kakantir offered the greeting, his followers also bowed their heads. I sincerely thank you for your help. I hear that the quantity iscking. The fact that it helped does not change. In that regard, I have something Id like to ask. Will you please take a seat? His demeanor shifted noticeably. While notpletely deferential, as befitting his status as the chief of the Cheonrye tribe, there was an unmistakable element of respect in his speech. Please speak. Can you obtain more Ssque in Bratz? If Winchen dies, someone in the tribe will take her ce. This was an unchanging truth. In the long run, growing the red flower was essential for the Cheonrye tribe. I cannot be certain. Please exin in more detail, in a way I can understand. The flowerpot is indeed mine. But to be exact Ian hesitated for a moment. To exin the exact origin of the flowerpot, he would have to mention Phileas existence, which would imply that his identity would be half-revealed. The truth was destined toe out eventually, but whether the present moment was the right time remained uncertain. As Ian fell into silence, all eyes in the tent were fixed on his lips, each person appearing as if they were on the verge of suffocation. Sir Ian? I apologize. Ive had it since I was young, but I dont know how it came to me. There is someone who knows, but I cant meet that person right away. Contact will only be possible in about a fortnight to a month. Obtaining Ssque in Bratz, a few more days away, seemed more advantageous than an uncertain journey to the southern country. Does this mean that Count Dergha also doesnt know about Ssque? Nobody in the Bratz estate knew of the flower. I too only found out aftering here. If not, he had intended to officially request it as a trade item, but it was awkward if it was not even distributed in Bratz. Kakantir drummed the table, lost in thought. But why does it take a fortnight to a month to contact? It was a distance reachable within three days if one wanted to. Was the person who knew about Ssque in another ce? As if confirming Kakantirs suspicion, Ian nodded. I have some difficulties in seeing that person in Bratz. Can I ask in detail? Actually, I would like to share the details as well, but then I need one more favor from you. Everyone wondered what it could be. Perhaps Ian would request to be sent back to Bratz. That would be a bit difficult. Please give me the priority negotiation rights over Count Bratz. Priority negotiation rights? A stir urred at Ians words from the back. Werent they all bound by the Bratz family? Priority negotiation rights between a father and a son? The implication was that internal strife might erupt. Kakantir frowned and asked, So, young master, you intend to overpower your father? Is it not the same with the Cheonrye Tribe? The strong sit at the head. True, he really couldnt say anything against that. The Cheonrye Tribe themselves practiced thew of survival of the fittest. Kakantir realized that this conversation was getting increasingly interesting. Im sorry, but I cannot agree to the priority negotiation rights. You cant even move the Bratz soldiers right now, and you cant increase the amount of grain to hand over to us, can you? The meaning was clear: Why would I trust such a promise from someone like you who has nothing? However, contrary to his rejecting words, Ian noticed a smile ying at the corner of Kakantirs mouth. An expectation for Ian to clear his curiosity was evident. Very well. Let me tell you first. But if you think this information is enough to determine priority negotiation rights, swear to the gods that you will honor our agreement. I swear. There was nothing to lose. Kakantir leaned back in his soft woolen chair as if urging Ian to speak. But his body stiffened instantly at Ians next words. The imperial pce will send down the army with the inspection team. The charge will be treason due to tax evasion. Perhaps the name Bratz will be entirely wiped out within a month. What? Treason? What did the youngster say just now? An army wille down from the imperial pce? A roar erupted, and everyone began to mor as if they couldnt believe the bombshell. Kakantirs deep brown eyes stared sharply at Ian. Even without the abilities of a gypsy like Winchen, he knew Ians words were true. Is it the truth? I swear to the heavens, its true. How did youe to know this? Representatives from the central government arrived to prepare for the alliance ceremony, evaluating whether I was fit for the alliance. I learned this information from them. If Bratz is annihted, wont you be in danger too? Thats the reason Ivee here. If Bratz were to be destroyed, wouldnt the Cheonrye Tribe also be in danger? The Bratz family and the Cheonrye Tribe. They had been maintaining a delicate rtionship as they bordered each other. Though not friendly, they respected each others territories. But what if Bratz disappears, and the emperors central army is stationed there? Would the empires emperor care for barbarian tribes in the outskirts like Dergha does? Would they have to interact with a newly appointed count? It would be a tremendous event thatpletely changes the politicalndscape. What about Count Dergha? Does he know? I dont know. Even if he does, it will just lead to unnecessary bloodshed. Treason means decapitation, regardless of the emperors mercy. Ivee through the desert road to at least keep the territory. What do you mean? My father is destined to pass away, leaving the territory unimed. I wish for you to join me in leading the warriors into the Bratz territory. Thats absurd! Kakantir! A listening old man eximed in shock. However, unlike him, the eyes of Kakantir and Nersarn sparkled sharply. They sensed that Ian had something more to hide. Kakantir said as if calcting, If Dergha dies, the emperors central army will be in the territory. It will be difficult for us to oppose them. I know. But they will want to avoid conflict with you. Because they are currently preparing for a real rebellion. They absolutely would not want to fight needlessly with the barbarians of the bordends, especially an unverified enemy. Why? The chieftain is demanding quite a lot from me. That was the answer Ian could not reveal. The sound of Kakantir tapping the table became faster. It meant his thoughts were bing moreplicated. The Cheonrye tribe simply needs to stand behind me. It would be nice if you could add a word like this, From the standpoint of an alliance that has been with Bratz for a long time, I stand united with Ian Bratz, who has be a family of Cheonrye.'' Then, the Empire might brandish its sword at us, right? With the vast desert and the mightiest warriors of Cheonrye? I doubt it. Rather, it would be the other way around. From the central perspective, Ian would have to manage the fief in order to effectively handle the Cheonrye tribe. It could also imply that, depending on Ians intention, he could go as far as a full-scale war for the fiefs independence. If the fief were to be independent, all the efforts to suppress Dergha would have been in vain. The war of the Empire doesnt necessarily have to be fought with swords. The Empire will choose an easy and cheap way. Even if a military situation arises, if you do not wish it, you can simply return to the desert. Sir Ian, you are saying something tremendous. Ive been thinking about this since before crossing the desert. If you help me, and thus protect Bratz, or precisely the fief, I will show you the power of a true alliance that the Cheonrye tribe has never experienced before. It was not a lie, after all. With peace reducing military provisions, the fiefs storerooms would certainly be filled. As a result, everyone could be well-fed. Wait. Nersarn, who had been quietly listening, raised his hand. He had an expression that said something didnt make sense. Speak. You, no. young master, you said that rebellion is a capital offense, corresponding to extinction. Your name is Ian Bratz, the son of a traitor. Isnt returning to the fief itself difficult? Even if we shield you. Youre right, Nersarn-nim. Youre correct. Thats a very important point. Ian pped lightly and smiled. And he emphasized once again, I am indeed Derghas biological son. He first rified that there was no issue with him being of the same blood. But legally, Im not. I havent been recognized yet, so my name is not Ian Bratz, but simply Ian.'' What? The room was buzzing. However, Ians following words were enough to silence everyone. -Therefore, the Empire cannot legally apply the charge of rebellion to me. Thats why I can be the new lord of Bratz. Of course, if he made a misstep, he could end up as a ve. But it was information that didnt need to be shared with the Cheonrye tribe. Chapter 32 Chapter 32 Sending a son who hasnt even been legitimized yet! This is deception! Exactly! How could they stab us in the back like this! Ian sat back leisurely, watching the elders explode in anger. They seemed to find it unbelievable that they were treated this way during a formal event called, an alliance ceremony. Let me emphasize again, I am indeed my fathers son. That part is clear. What about your biological mother? I wonder. Ian gave a bitter smile to Kakantirs question. It was a silent answer that said interpret it as you will. There was no need to mention that she was from the red-light district in this already tense situation. It wasnt important information. I really want to break your neck right now. But you are the leader of the Cheonrye tribe. You will surely make a wise decision. Kakantir snarled with a ridiculousugh. Since he had dered to treat Ian as a guest of the empire, he couldnt kill him now. It was a matter of principle. Can we attack Bratz? No. Its reckless now that the central army ising down. You. Kakantir chewed on a rolled-up leaf, bewildered. The formal address, Sir, had long fallen from his lips, whether it was intentional or not. Regardless, the fact that Ians neck was still attached was proof that he was still being respected. Keep babbling on. Have anything more to say? If the chieftain desires, certainly. The elders behind him grew louder. Ian smiled and continued speaking, Ah, yes. More specifically, what tasks are to be done and how they will be carried out. I hope they are interesting. Enough to clear up the noise in my head at once. Kakantirs gaze fixated on Ians throat, seeming to suppress a surge of impulse. Lets assume. If I be the Count Bratz with the help of the Cheonrye tribe, I will turn Bratz into the most powerful territory in Bariel. Why? Because thats the only thing that can support me, are you all, people from the borders. And then? Once I gather enough power, Ill head to the central capital, specifically to the imperial pce. Kakantirs brown eyes flickered. What was this little thing saying? Going to the central capital? That meant voluntarily walking into the mouth of the empire. Even if one set aside what he would do there, what would happen to a territory left vacant by its lord? It would fall into decay, either due to internal corruption or outside invasion. Thats the reason why I crossed the desert without fleeing, even though I havent been legitimized. Kakantir. We need to change now. True alliance and peace. Not simply exchanging trade goods and being tied by numbers and letters. Someone a lord could trust. It meant seeing the Cheonrye n not as barbarians on the frontier but as allies. Im not sure if its interesting, but at least they cleared my thoughts. d to hear it. As Kakantir began to chew on another rolled leaf, Nersarn raised his hand. Sir Ian, there is one thing to point out. Please speak. Will there be time for Dergha when the central army arrives? Time to send a message, I mean. Wow. Ian almost felt like apuding. Kakantir, you have a quite remarkable person at your side. The chieftains secretary had a deep thought, mentioning a point no one else had considered. Probably. The investigation will be carried out, so the time will be roughly two weeks. Essentially, the central forces will definitely be deployed. Then, its all more problematic. Nersarn, what is it? Neither Kakantir nor the other elders could figure out what the man meant. A cornered rat will even bite a cat. If there is no chance for him to escape, the only thing left for Dergha is execution, and annihtion. If given the opportunity, he would certainly raise an army to oppose. And then hell ask for help from the Cheonrye tribe. They had just formed an alliance through an official ceremony a few days ago. Kakantir nodded as if he finally realized. We cannot refuse. Indeed. Especially just after the ceremony. Politically, it was an action that shouldnt be taken. Breaking the alliance without a reason would be like proiming the Cheonrye tribe as barbarians. This couldter provide an excuse to the empire. Kakantir found this situation unpleasant. Either way, it looked like they were being yed by the empire. The alliance is the problem. Because of the alliance, our position is difficult. We need to solve this first. Isnt there a way? Nersarn shook his head. Its not easy. Why not? They deceived us. They sent a child who hasnt even been legitimized. Kakantir, although he hasnt been legitimized, Ian is still Derghas son. Thats right. Thats a valid argument, Ian chimed in with Nersarns words. Besides, my father dered that I was his adopted son before the alliance ceremony. Plus, they dont know that I colluded with the central to dy the investment, so even if we raise an objection, it will be useless. It sounds like youre urging us to kill you. Keep talking. I have a way. The hall fell silent at Ians promation. Kakantir also firmly shut his mouth, waiting for what was to be said next. All history is built upon justification. And all justifications are made by people. I will create it for you. What do you mean? The justification to sever the alliance, the peace pact. Also, the justification to refuse help when Dergha requests it. Then, Ian picked up the gureut leaf ced at the corner of the table, his eyes strongly stating that this was the answer. My father secretly instructed me. When I briefly return to Bratz on my birthday next year, to smuggle in the gureut leaves. Unbelievable. Haha! At Ians rapid responses, Kakantir burst into realughter. It seemed his determination to cross the desert was indeed no lie. Its the lord himself whomanded smuggling. Even the gureut leaves, an absolutely prohibited item, through the alliance ceremony, which is a symbol of peace. Isnt this enough? Yes, its more than enough. A backstabbing that doesnt feel good even when avenged. Do you have proof? Unfortunately, theres nothing immediately visible. But this can also be confirmed through Chief Winchen. With this action, they could vehemently object, even leveling usations of bribery. Objecting? No, simply nullifying their agreement without discussion, leaving the other party with no say in the matter. Of course, I never intended to do so (breaking the alliance). What you said today is something you should swear to God, not just to Chief Winchen. If you wish, I will do so. Im going mad. These Bratz people He believed he couldnt be deceived by Ian, a descendant of lesser significance, much like the foolish Chel, another offspring of Dergha. Furthermore, Ians personal handwritten letter had only strengthened this conviction. But look at the atmosphere now. Isnt this blond foreigner with green eyes leading the leaders of Cheonrye right now? Is that all you want? A deration that the Cheonrye tribe stands behind you? Thatd be enough. Ill take care of the rest. No matter how they looked at it, it was a faultless deal. On closer inspection, it could even be seen as somewhat favorable for them. In the worst case, Ian would lose his life, but the Cheonrye tribe would just return to the desert. If the central powers invaded, they would just have to fight with the desert on their backs. He added a final thought, tapping the table. We have no intention of shedding blood for you. Neither do I want that. Arent you afraid of death? Not at all. Ians confident attitude. Kakantir asked out of pure curiosity. The young ones demeanor even overwhelmed the warriors of Cheonrye. I woke up once after dying. What a noble resolve. It was not a metaphorical expression, but Kakantir did not realize it. Anyway, how could the man have known? That Ian was living a second life and that this meant he was under divine protection. And there was still a hidden card. That he was in fact, a magic user. Write down everything the Cheonrye desires, including the pursuit of Ssque, on paper. We have ample time. Coordinating will be an enjoyable task. Ian smiled warmly, expressing his thanks, and then looked at the council member who was still standing, nkly observing the situation. Arent you going to prepare the medicine? Huh? Ah, yes! Lets go! We must go! The council member jumped up, startled, grabbing the pot. They were going to first give one root to observe the effect. They could decideter how to use the rest. Whether to cultivate the Ssque for future generations, or to present to Winchen depended on the current war situation. Then I shall leave as well. Ian also approached the tent entrance. Kakantir caught him and asked, half without expectation. His rough tone had also softened significantly. Sir Ian. Is your intent going to the central capital rted to the imperials essence? From Kakantirs standpoint, Ian was a truly curiousity. While Ians father was a noble of the frontier, but his essence was rted to the imperial pce? It seemed that clues were on the mothers side, but Ian just smiled, knowing he didnt expect an answer. When he stepped outside, the whole tribe had gathered, their ears pricked. Hes out! I heard a loud noise inside, but he didnt die. Wow, its true. As Ian and Beric approached, the crowd parted like a red sea. Among them, he saw a familiar face. It was Soo. Ian approached her and asked for a favor. Soo. Huh? Uh. If you have time, will you help us? What ? Her eyes, bewildered at first, soon shone like stars at Ians words. Berics training. * * * Idiot! Slowpoke! Will you shut up? Even a desert ant would be faster than you! Really, f*ck! If I catch you, Ill really break your nose! Swish! Ian watched from the shade, eating fruit, as the sandstorm blew. There was a trail made by Berics clumsy steps and Soos movements. The two had been running under the zing sun for two hours, yet neither showed signs of fatigue. Beric! You okay? What? Never mind. Dont talk to me! Damn it! Swish! Hes certainly quick to adapt and ept. Hes already adjusted to the heat after only a few days. He seemed to have limated to the heat in just a few days. Furthermore, being in this environment, the sand made the training even more intense. Beric. Youre really something. Its because my foot keeps getting stuck! Ah-ha? Really? Im not having any trouble? How much fat must be on your legs for only you to get stuck? This is muscle! Damn it! Yeah, yeah. Sure. Shrik! Shh! While the two kept exchanging blows, Ian relished in the sweet and refreshing fruit. He had nned to carefully trap the Cheonrye tribe, but thanks to Ssque, the situation was resolved quickly and easily. Until they returned to Bratz, all Ian had to do was enjoy the desert. Ah! What a real gift from God to rx like this after so long. Sir Ian. Then, one of the tribesmen approached Ian, holding a tray with new wine and Ians pot. Winchen-nim has finally opened her eyes. Oh. Is that so? Winchen had fainted while extending a greeting to Ian. A small amount of Ssques concentrated liquid was dribbled into her mouth, and though recovery was gradual, it was definite. Her pulse returned to normal, her convulsions stopped, and herplexion began to improve. Thats a relief. Thank you. The nameless tribesman cautiously conveyed his thanks. The celebratory atmosphere was unmistakable and seemed to surpass that of any ordinary festival. Ian simply acknowledged it by taking a hearty gulp of his wine. Well, we will hold a formal wee party for you soon. Really? It doesnt seem much different from a feast right now. Anyway, thank you so much. Everyone is grateful to you, sir. Dont mention it. Oh, and by the way, we found this when we were moving the soil. He handed over the pot. Inside the empty pot was a ne, silver with a pumpkin-colored gem. This is yours, right, sir Ian? Did you hide it? Chapter 33 Chapter 33 The ne was imbued with sunlight. Other than describing it as pumpkin-colored, Ian couldnt define it in any way. Even for Ian, who had spent his entire life surrounded by treasures, this was a gem he had never seen before. Ian, what on Earth is this?1 Why was a bast*rd from the red-light district raising Ssque, and keeping something like this inside it? No, if we build our assumptions from the beginning, Ian might not have known about it. Not only his status, but this guys behavior is odd, isnt it? Knowing the hardships of his mother Philea, if he knew it was valuable, he would have sold it to help the family. And above all, the ne hidden in the soil. It was clear that whoever nted the Ssque had buried it. Did he receive a request from someone? To take good care of this? Right now, that was the only usible spection. If so, wouldnt it make some sense? The original Ian took care of it preciously, but it wasnt something to bring when entering the Bratz mansion. Jingle I cant figure it out. Really. Opening his eyes, the most puzzling thing was his own existence as Ian. As always, the only thing that perplexed him was this little child. What cant you figure out? Did it break? Who broke it! It just rattled! Oh, I see, Ian responded while wearing the ne. While he didnt know what it was, since he found it, he had no intention of letting it leave his body. The nameless Cheonrye tribe member, who brought the pot, added ament. And after you rest, the tribal chief wants to see you. Really? Then lets go now. Its all broken anyway. It didnt break! I didnt break it! Wipe the sand from your mouth and talk. Beric. Ian left the tent, giggling. Since Winchen had regained consciousness, that persons purpose must have been to verify if Ians words were false. And more than anything, the detailed adjustment of the pre-negotiation rights between the Cheonrye tribe and Ian was needed. ? Oh! Ian, who was walking away, stopped in his tracks. Before his eyes, all the Cheonrye tribe members were gathered at the entrance. Beric, who followed him, also peeked around. After an awkward silence, they ced down what they were holding. From the soft Kusilres covers to the sturdy basket, etc. These were items that enriched life. What are all these? Things necessary to survive in the desert. Weve prepared them. Compared to what was given to Chief Winchen, these are trivial, but we, the Cheonrye warriors, never forget favors owed or enmity until death. Perhaps there was an order to treat Ian as a guest, but this was the first time he was addressed with an honorific. Ian smiled and nodded. Thank you. I will use them well. S-sure. They scattered, as if embarrassed, and Ian couldnt help butugh. Whats so funny? Arent they cute? Although the world regards them as barbaric, when looked at closely, they have integrity. So, theyre humans too. Acting like a gentleman. Beric, organize these things until Ie back. Darn it! Ian, revoking Bericsment of him being a gentleman, looked for Winchens tent, leaving Beric hopping in anger. Inside, the old woman was lying, looking no different from the first day. Swoosh-! Sir Ian, wee. Kakantir was kneeling beside her, whispering something. Seeing them like this, Seeing her like this, it was clear that the elder held a significant status. Someone who could make the chieftain of the tribe kneel without hesitation. Chief Winchen, Im truly relieved youre recovering. The old woman smiled faintly, looking towards the entrance. The smile of a sage who had been to the brink of death was calming in itself. I called you here to conclude our previous conversation. Very well. Everything I told chieftain Kakantir is true, and I swore by the heavens to uphold it. Of course, there are still a few things I havent mentioned, but they are irrelevant to the Cheonrye tribe. Ian took the initiative, smiling openly. Kakantir also seemed satisfied with his unreserved attitude. Winchen brought her hands together and greeted Ian again. The gods. A voice squeezed out with difficulty. She seemed too unwell to speak again. Those around her pricked up their ears so as not to miss the old womans prophecy. havemanded you to change everything. Pardon? even if it means your existence. Ian looked at Kakantir in surprise. Now, Winchen was delivering a divine message. Hearing the word of God outside the temple was impossible, but Kakantir nodded as if familiar. The Imperials might not understand. Your people only believe you can interpret the will of the gods inside a sanctuary. Its true. Only those who reside within the sanctuary can convey the will of the gods. If the papacy knew, they might brand this as heresy. Either way, Ian bowed in gratitude, receiving the word of God. But the prophecy is not particrly pleasant. It shouldnt be. Its always meaningful. The gods Ian tly denied it. Just because humans dont know something doesnt mean that the truth disappears. Kakantir realized that he was starting to like this blonde stranger more and more. Didnt this guy possess all the qualities that a warrior should have? Daring, courageous, and as calm as deep flowing water. I heard the brothers have brought gifts for you. Thankfully, they were well received. Now well adjust the details of the priority negotiation rights, but speak up if theres anything you need before that. It was a roundabout way of saying that once negotiations began, he would not yield even the smallest point. However, at the same time, it was quite a friendly proposal. Ian pondered for a moment and then replied. The Cheonrye tribe is a tribe of warriors, is it not? Yes. We are the rulers of the Great Desert. I would like you to teach everything about being a warrior to the redhead I brought. Hes someone who wants to think of himself as the strongest in the world, but hes stillcking in many ways. Beric, was it? Valuing ones subordinates is a virtue of a leader. Since it was not a difficult task, Kakantir willingly answered. Ill see to it. Thank you. Bring the paper. Creak-! Upon Kakantirs call, the attendants outside brought paper and brushes. They started to create a genuine contract, leaving out Winchen. * * * Thud! Thud thud! Crash! An unexpected noise caused Derghas pen to go astray. He almost finished, but now he had to start all over. Count! Count! Whats all the fuss about! Smash! Dergha threw the ink bottle reflexively as the door opened. How could this happen out of the blue? He was already tearing his hair out over tax calctions! The servant, who caught the bottle right in the face, looked startled as he wiped his trousers. A-Apologies, sir. But you muste and see this. Someone has arrived from the capital. The confirmation certificate is expected to arrive, isnt it? But something seemed off about the servants behavior. Dergha looked out of the window while hiding behind the curtain. ?! Usually, if it were just for the delivery of documents, two people would havee. But from the main gate to the entrance, there were numerous carriages, and at the forefront, a familiar g was fluttering. Isnt that the Imperial Investigation Team? The butler is receiving the guests for now, but Something didnt feel right. Dergha frantically gathered the documents on his desk and shouted, Move these documents to the aides office right now! And lock the door from inside and wait. Theres plenty of ink in the left drawer. If anything seems strange, spill it all. Got it? Wha? Yes, yes. Uh, understood. Damn it! Dergha sternly instructed and then went down the stairs. All the servants were gathered at the central entrance, looking anxious. Mas, master. What is this exactly? Move aside! He stepped forward, straightening his disheveled clothing. The butler withdrew with a troubled look, and Dergha faced the imperial investigation team leader. Are you Count Dergha Bratz? That I am. But I fail to see the reason for this. I am Erica Berti, captain of the Imperial Investigation Team, dispatched from the Imperial Pce. Here is the permit personally stamped by the Emperor. I havee to investigate treason under grounds of tax evasion, and I swear an honest and truthful process. Treason due to tax evasion. The moment he heard the reason for the dispatch, Dergha felt his heart drop. How did these bastards find out? How, indeed? But the words he spat out were brazen and confident. What a farce. Im holding back the barbarians at the border for the sake of Bariel! And what? Treason due to tax evasion? This is absurd! It was an immediate denial. Until the guilt was confirmed. Dergha was still a count, and this was his domain. Although dozens of carriages had arrived, he was still superior in terms of military strength. Erica with a familiar air, took another document from her possession. Is this the Bratz familys seal? There were clear stamps of a leopard and yew pattern on a tightly-written note. I am advocating for an inquiry into the Bratz familys tax evasion. Your Majesty, please conduct the investigation without any reservations or doubts. As Dergha tried to grab the letter, Erica firmly pped his hand away. The sealed letter, even stamped, meant that they could turn his mansion upside down, and he couldnt say a thing. We will manage the mansion for the time being. All servants, including the count, must follow the vicemanders instructions. Make way for the soldiers arriving soon in the garden. The warning was that additional forces would be arriving soon, so dont act hastily. Ericas men, with swords drawn, pushed into the mansion. Thump, thump! Bang! Aargh! Wait a minute! Everyone, shut up and follow! Ma, master! Master! You! The one going up the stairs! Aaahhh! They couldnt tie up the noble count himself, so they first suppressed his hands and feet, which were the servants. Erica stomped on the carpet with the heel of her boot as she entered. Quite a splendid mansion, I must say. You Young master Chel and Countess Mary will also return home soon. You have nothing to worry about. Just stay still and follow instructions. Everyone, sweep from the top floor! At Ericas shout, Derghas head rang. How did they know that his office is on the top floor? There was no information of it written in the sealed letter. That meant it wasnt just a paper tip-off. Morlin! This damned wretched, who he had treated with kindness but being feasted upon! Furious, Derghas face turned red. Erica passed by him, smiling faintly, and all that could be heard was the servants screams. My lord! The one running up the stairs was apparently the butler. He was dragged down, but Dergha did not move, lost in thought. Morlin, how did that bastard stamp the seal? Is he rted to that aide? But that guy hasnt awakened yet. Hes still under surveince Dergha let out a disbelievingugh. If he had to name someone close to Morlin in Bratz Iaaaaan! At the sudden scream, the soldiers flinched but no one stopped him. It looked like he might copse from high blood pressure at any moment. Dying sooner rather thanter might not be such a bad choice. After all, he was going to die anyway.
  1. Hes talking to himself here. Basically, hes addressing the OG Ian.[]
Chapter 34 Chapter 34 Erica, the leader of the imperial investigation team, looked around the messy office filled with stacks of documents. Even the small drawers had been turned over and emptied, so the mess was expected. Inside the inner office, her subordinates were gathered, drying papers soaked in ink. Is it recoverable? Well have to check what type of ink was used. Still, were lucky to salvage at least half of it. The rest is no problem! Anyway, that guy. He sure moves quickly. That guy did not refer to the servant lying dead with his neck severed in a corner. She was talking about Dergha, who had ordered the disposal of documents in such a short time. Although his guilt was not yet confirmed and he maintained the title of Count, they did not care. The woman before their eyes, Erica Berti, was going to be the next lord of this ce. What about the tax returns submitted to the central office? They are here. Philip and Sarien will calcte the production quantity and the tax rate for the territorys people. The rest will extract the mine and trade records. Roughly three years worth will do. Can you do it within a week? The subordinates smiled faintly at their bosss instruction. Ericas question was not a question but amand. It meant to get it done within a week. Yes, Commander. Good. Delrix is responsible for managing the annex. Move! Lets go! Lets shake this ce down properly! Ahhhhh! They cheered with high spirits, shouting that they would find evidence of tax evasion. If sessful, this ce would be their territory! Their boss would be a noble, and they would all have a ce in the central government! This ce, Derghas office, was the starting point for the career advancement they had dreamed of. Darn, damn it. Meanwhile, in the annex, where Dergha had been confined to the room Ian used to use, he muttered curses, furiously tugging at his beard. Mary and Chel had not yet returned. My lord, what will happen now? What do you mean, what will happen?! Shut your mouth! The loud scream made the butler flinch, but he couldnt help it. Depending on the Counts behavior, his life was hanging by a thread. He paced the room, trying to sort out hisplicated thoughts. The Emperor has sent an investigation team directly. But the one who pushed me to this is that Molrin. If I lose my head here, it will benefit the second prince. Then Dergha rummaged through his desk, finding parchment and a pen. Heposed his thoughts and then wrote without stopping. There was no time to correct typos. Every second was crucial. Scribbles. Butler, there are two things you must do. Sp-speak, sir. Send these letters. One to the Cheonrye tribe, and the other to the 1st Prince in the capital. Prepare the soldiers after you send them, fully armed, ready to depart at any time. The one sent to the Cheonrye tribe was a request for military support and Ians beheading. The central support army was soon to arrive, so they needed to suppress them with force before that. But this would truly be a rebellion within a rebellion. The counterbnce was the letter to the 1st Prince. If the 1st Prince knew that this was part of the 2nd Princes scheme, he would undoubtedly take action. Whether it was a countercheck or posed an obstacle, it would be an opportunity for Dergha. He sealed the letter, and since he was unable to stamp it, he ced one of his rings inside. Right. First, survive. Survive and rebuild for the future. That will do As he franticallyposed himself, the butler made a bewildering remark. You want me to leave here? How? Dergha jutted his chin toward the door, Wasnt the door guarded by the investigation team?. The butlers face turned pale, and he shook his head as if he couldnt do it. My lord! Im already fifty years old. So? You want to die like this? Fifty will be yourst age. If you say so The butler tearfully looked down from the window. It was a three-story drop. Unluckily, he could die, and even with good luck, something would break. Dergha tore the curtain and threw it to the butler. Make a rope. You bastard. We could at least do this together. The butler, swallowing his rising anger, tightly tied the curtain as if it were his lifeline itself. * * * A single horse crossing the desert at dawn. Perhaps it had been running night and day through the sandstorm, for steam was rising off the beasts skin. A warrior on the lookout of Cheonrye noticed its presence. And soon, he recognized the banner being waved as that of Bratz. A messenger! A messenger from Bratz hase! Sound the water buffalo horn. Sound the water buffalo horn, he says! Boooo- Boooo- The tribe, peacefully preparing for the start of the day, all looked up at the sky at once. It was the sound announcing a visitors arrival. It also reached Ian, signaling that the time had finallye. A knight from Bratz knocked on the outer wall, gasping for breath. Ive brought a message from Bratz! Its urgent! Heeiiing! At the same moment, the horse copsed to the side. The exertion of relentless running was palpable. The tribespeople brought water to pour over the horses body, and the warriors guided the knight inside, as if they had been waiting. Creak A message from Count Dergha? Upon opening the tent, Kakantir of Ba rose from his bed. The knight suddenly realized he had not dered his affiliation at the entrance. He had merely mentioned himself as a messenger, but he was let in without any questions, as if it were expected Are you going to faint standing up? When the knight stood there nkly, Kakantir chided him with an irritated voice. My apologies. I am a knight from the Bratz estate, Bel. The Count urgently requests your assistance. The knight quickly regained hisposure and handed over the paper he had brought. Scrappy and uneven, Kakantir chuckled at the crude handwriting. It must have been a real hurry. Lets see, weve run into danger due to a misunderstanding with the central government. Since we are allies, we cannot ignore each others troubles. I beg you as a friend to lend us the power of Cheonrye and fight with us. Also, as for my son Ian Bratz. I want you to behead him. If you think this stains your honor, the knight I have sent can take your ce. Kakantir hummed a tune and nodded. Whats this misunderstanding with the central government? The Count is being investigated for the charge of rebellion. This is clearly false, and there will be a military sh to resist it soon. The evidence that the charge of rebellion is false? If we participate in a true charge, well be enemies with the pce. The evidence is Ian Bratz himself. The Count has decided to prove his innocence through the death of his beloved son. Ahahahaha! The sudden burst ofughter caused the knight to stop panting. He wore an expression of not understanding what was going on. Kakantir leisurely tilted his head and lightly chewed a betel leaf. What a crafty and viinous man. Without lifting a finger, he was plotting to use Ians death to his advantage, indicating what he thought of Ians existence. A tool. Nothing more, nothing less. Chieftain? Oh, thats just me, not quite awake yet. Ive also sent a letter to the pce. Exactly two weeks, just two weeks until help arrives from the pce. We are allies, arent we? Ive heard that a warriors loyalty is like a promise to a god and will not waver in anything. Kakantir exhaled a puff of smoke in agreement and made a gesture to wait. He began to write a reply, loosely dressed. Indeed. And we are warriors among warriors. Take this reply to your master. Well follow soon. Thank you! Kakantir wrapped the letter tightly with leather straps, ensuring the knight couldnt sneak a peek. The knight nced outside. As for the disposing of Ian Bratz. Kakantir fell silent. As the silence stretched on, the knight swallowed hard. He had expected a quick answer, but the unexpected pause raised his tension. Ah. About that. As the Count mightve guessed, Ian is a token of friendship but also a family member who has spent time with Cheonrye. I dont want to stain our hands with his blood. I fully understand. So, you can handle this yourself. Is there anyone outside? Did you call me, Kakan? Take this person to Sir Ian. The knight felt uneasy. Perhaps he was just too exhausted to notice the difference between Ian and Sir Ian. Kakantir and his subordinates stood in front of Ians tent. As they bowed their heads, the door was drawn back. Sir Ian. Are you awake? Kakan. Still shimmering golden hair and green eyes. Ian looked much healthier, perhaps due to his slightly tanned skin. The knight reached for the hilt of his sword. This one wants to kill you. Of course. Just as I expected. But he soon hesitated. The chieftains words once again missed the knights expectations. He had thought that the chieftain would order Ian to be pulled out immediately. The knight looked back at Kakantir in confusion, but the chieftain was only watching Ian and Beric next to him. Didnt we make a promise then? To teach you everything about a warrior. To your, that red-haired subordinate. Oh, yes. Thats right. A warrior is an entity that survives by walking the path of death. There are limits to battling with us if you dont hold any hostility. A trigger was needed forbat power. To reach a higher dimension, one must burn everything. That included life and death. The conditions are perfect. Theres enmity, and above all, since this ones a knight of Dergha, isnt his skills are well recognized, even in Bariel? To Kakantir, it may have seemed trivial, but it was the truth. The title of knight meant that one was recognized to some extent. He had survived in both small andrge battles against monsters and had been active in wars against external forces. Chieftain. What exactly is this? You want to kill Ian, so Im personally setting the stage for you. There was something the knight didnt know. Despite that, they were treating him like a fool. He tightly gripped the sword handle and red at Ian. His neck was exposed, perfect for cutting. Ha. I see. Then, excuse me. The knight let out a short, hollowugh and charged at Ian. There was no time to waste. Dergha was imprisoned, and he had to go back and assist his lord as soon as possible. ng! At that moment, Beric swung his sword to block the knights sword. A momentary, illusion-like spark flew, and Beric lowered his body into a defensive stance. Ah. Ian blinked his eyes. After scratching his cheek, he looked up at the knight. Then he slowly turned his gaze towards Beric. Even from the back of his head, one could see his face, and it must have been an expression eager to fight. It seems youll have to kill Beric first if you want to kill me. ?! Even though Beric had been training with the desert tribe and rolled in sand dunes, Ian wasnt sure if the man could face a knight. Many of the knights in the Imperial Pce were mage-swordsmen like Beric. He himself didnt know either. Who knows what kind of abilities he might have? Im looking forward to this. Well, please do your best. Chapter 35 Chapter 35 The knight looked around, his sword in hand. No matter how hard he thought, he couldnt understand the current situation. The current atmosphere was natural, as if Ian and hisckey had already assimted among the Cheonrye people, who were nothing more than mere sacrifices for the alliance. Beric. You think you can handle it? Youre not going to die today, right? Yeah, buzz off. You go die. You seem to be in good condition, judging by the way youre running your mouth. Hey, Bratzs knight Give Beric a good thrashing! Wake him up properly. Otherwise, Ill kill you. Ha ha ha! So the knight dies one way or another? Thats quite unfair. Ah, true. Thats right. Surrounded by those watching Beric and the knight, it felt like they had be dogs in an arena. The knight nced at Ian, who was sitting beside Kakantir, and became certain something had gone wrong. He knew he must report this to Dergha. Ptui! Beric spat, then tightly gripped the handle of his sword. He had deflected the knights earlier attack with ease, but that was because the man had been off-guard. Beric looked back at Ian and asked, But Ian! How will we send a message if he dies? There are many sturdy Kusilre. Dont worry and take care of your neck. If you die, I die too. Yes, yes. Got it. Is delivering the message a problem? They could ride a Kulsire and rush directly. At Ians words, Beric grinned and assumed his stance. As Kakantir had said, a fight without stakes was boring. Go easy on me. Ill fu*k you up with all Ive got. Such crudenguage! Thats my charm! ng! sh! Beric leaped in a single bound, his de cutting through the wind, too fast for the eye to see. The knight carefully blocked Berics attack. Aaaaargh! Screeeech! The sound of the des entwining was spine-chilling. The Cheonrye people watched with interest, asionally chiming in. Kill him, Knight! Kill Beric! Ha ha ha! Look at him, he seems tired already. Im not! Although it seemed like they were cheering for the knight, Ian and Beric knew that wasnt the case. Hadnt Kakantir told them himself? Go, Beric! Try and beat me if you can! The true path of a warrior leads to death. They all wished for Beric to be reborn as a true warrior. Youre like a mad dog, running relentlessly. Apliment, right? Thud! Cough! The knight, who had been fending off the attacks, seized an opportunity to elbow Beric in the sr plexus. Berics face smashed into a pile of sand, his hands clutching at his chest as he gasped for breath. Looks like he hit him pretty hard. Beric! Get up! Tsk, tsk. I knew he was all talk. Ian grinned. Seeing Beric fall like that, the Cheonryes reactions turned hostile. The knight, thinking it a waste of time, immediately grabbed his sword. The neck of the fallen target was clearly exposed. Swish! As the knights sword was about to touch Berics neck, Beric twisted his body to dodge and threw sand at the knight, following up with a punch. Thud! Damn, that hurts! Thud! Thwack! As the fight seemed to be degenerating into a brawl, the knight nced at the sky. The sun had fully risen. Every second counted, and he had no reason to y along with Beric. Stop messing around! ng! sh! But the problem was, Beric was no pushover. Each time the knight thought he had the decisive advantage, Beric woulde back, causing frustration and surprise. Aaaaargh! Haah! Their battle cries erupted simultaneously, swords shing as each aimed for the others heart. Whoosh! Finally, blood stained the sword. The knights attack urately pierced Berics nk, and blood dripped down the de. Not stopping there, the knight twisted the handle, a sly smile ying on his lips. Aaaaargh! Hmph. Youre skilled, but this is the end. Ugh! Ahhhhhhh! Im busy. The de was digging into his organs. When Beric caught the de with his bare hand, blood dripped in multiple streams. The moment Ian involuntarily scowled, the people of the Cheonrye tribe grimly muttered. Crazy bastard, if youre going to kill him, do it elegantly. A fight without respect is nothing but ridicule. And it was a situation they despised most. Beric shook his head as if he was dizzy and looked down at his wound. Ha. Damn it. He then clenched his teeth, attempting to draw his sword. The more he tried, the more the knight exerted force. The tip of the de eventually pierced through Berics body and emerged on the other side. Thud! The knight brutally kicked Berics body away. Stepping over the tumbling body, he approached Ian. Kakantir just continued to gaze with a stoic expression. Ian Bratz. Theres no time left. He drew the short sword at his waist. Unlike Beric, his short sword would be enough to handle Ian. With each step he took, silence enveloped the surroundings. Only the cold wind rustled. Honor your death by proving the innocence of Count Dergha Bratz. Consider it a glory to fulfill your duty and die. The knight raised his short sword. Ians eyes moved from the des tip to behind the knight. Since it wasnt the reaction of someone facing death, the knight unconsciously hesitated and looked back. Ha. Beric was standing still. His head was twisted back as if possessed by a demon, but he was still standing on his legs. He pulled the sword from his side in one go. Swish! Blood spurted out like a fountain. From head to toe, there was no ce not soaked in blood. Beric slowly lowered his head and muttered with difficulty. Im, not, done yet, you d*ckhead. Just stop now Shiiing. Thats when it happened. The knight stopped speaking, sensing a familiar yet unfamiliar energy. It was the same feeling hed seen in the demon battle from the other knights. Swoooosh. Berics fluttering hair began to whip wildly. The lines drawn in the sand by it resembled waves. I return two blows for every one I receive. F*ck! Youre so damn annoying! Knight, use this. Then, Kakantir smiled and offered his own sword. The knights sword had fallen to the ground when Beric had taken it. The knight epted it without hesitation and lunged at Beric. Swiiish! I wont die alone! You fu*ker! Im going to die when I watch you die! Shut up! Beric explosively leaped forward. Ian noticed that his eyes were shining as they had when filled with magic. Despite his blood-soaked face, only his pupils glowed brightly. ng! ng! Ahhhhh! What are you, bastard Beric relentlessly pressed the attack. Even the knight, who had barely avoided it earlier, was now wounded. His power was iparably heavier than before. Blood sshed in the wake of the passing de. Whether it was Berics or the knights, no one knew. Dieee! Whoosh! Berics attack that prated the knights shoulder in one go. Time seemed to stop. The knight staggered and pushed the de with his other hand, but Ughhhhh! Like the knight had done, Beric too put his weight into it, and leaned the handle downwards towards his heart. As a long and deep wound opened, the knights breath and blood gushed out together. Ah, this Ha ha Beric clenched his teeth tightly and pressed his knee against the knights throat. The de slipped out from the shoulder, pointing upward as if to pierce the sun, and without hesitation, it pierced the knights throat. Whoosh! Ah, shit, really And then a thud on the sand. Beric crouched down, clutching his aching side. Cheers and encouragement erupted simultaneously from the once quiet surroundings. Beric! Well done! This impudent guy! Thats right, you have to fight to the end! Hes better with a sword than I thought. Beric, can you pull yourself together? Oh, dont talk to me. It hurts too much Stop being a baby! Its just a little blood. Hey! Someone move this guy. Wheres the doctor? Kakantir merely watched themotion with a faint smile, and quietly whispered to Ian. For some reason, he looked quite satisfied. I see why Sir Ian brought him here. Its not that I brought him, he joined me. Hahaha. Yes. You truly embody the virtue of a warrior. This Beric, hes quite the character. Where else would you find someone as insufferably obnoxious as him? The sandstorm was stirring, and the glint in the eyes was questioning ability, but Ian brushed off Kakantirs words with a jest. He then approached Beric and squatted down. Beric, get a hold of yourself. As he snapped his fingers in front of Berics face, Beric frowned and tried to bite Ians fingers. Hey, stop that. This really hurts like hell. It looks like it does. Youve worked hard. Thetent power of the magic swordsman began to awaken on its own. Ians stimtion of the magic was gradually awakening it. Beric made onest attempt to bite Ians finger and then fainted. Please move him. Yes, yes. We must stop the bleeding too. Oh my, is he asleep or unconscious? Hes got a hole in his belly, how could he sleep? Hes unconscious. The tribesmen of Cheonrye chatted as they moved Beric to the tent. A cloth was ced over the knights corpse. Nersarn took out a reply from his pocket and called for Soo. Soo. Get ready. Ah, please no. Instinctively realizing that she was being sent on an errand, Soo made an X with her hands to express her refusal, but was firmly ignored. Nersarn instructed his subordinate. Cut off the knights head and put it in a box. Argh! Ill just take the paper! Right? Lord Nersarn. No, it has to be the head. There was nothing better than that for a response to Dergha. Soo clung to Nersarn, jumping up and down, but in vain, and soon the knights body was cut to pieces. Nersarn turned to Ian and asked. Do we just have to watch from now on? Thats right. Since Dergha knows that we want to break the truce, he will go up against the central army right away. Theres no point in stalling since reinforcements are on the way. He will try to clean up the investigation team first. The best scenario was for Dergha to resist fiercely, causing manpower loss to both the investigation team and the central army, and then be eradicated. With that situation, when Ian enters with the Cheonrye tribe on his back, he can ensure victory. Demosha! The warrior carrying the knights corpse thrust his fist towards Ian. It was a salute, praying for divine blessing, congratting Berics growth, and reinforcing their determination. Ian lightly bumped his fist in response. Demosha. The warriors fiery spirit would surely heat the desert even more. Like trying to capture the rising sunlight, Ians fist was resolute. Chapter 36 Chapter 36 Night and day, Soo relentlessly traveled until she arrived at the Bratz territory. At the break of dawn, using the cover of darkness, she infiltrated the mansion and carefully observed the guards movements from a tree. Those guys are the imperial investigative team. It looks like theyre using the main building as a base, and the security is tight around the outbuildings. Isnt that the building Ian and I used? Soon, she spotted Derghas figure bustling by the window. Finally, it was time to put down the annoying severed head she was carrying on her back. Soo quickly climbed down the tree and circled around to the back of the outbuilding. Swish! Just like the day she shed with Beric. She nimbly climbed through the window to the floor where Dergha was staying. A firmly locked bolt. It wasnt locked from the inside, but hammered in from the outside. Soo drew her dagger and smashed the wooden nk. Crash! Oh my! Hearing the noise, Mrs. Mary, who was drawing the curtains, jumped back in surprise. Then Dergha, the Count, rushed over. He looked terrible, having been confined for days. Creak. Soo effortlessly opened the window. Dergha frantically gestured for her toe inside, but she just dangled precariously on the railing. Arent you one of Nersarns subordinates? The knight? Where has Knight Bel gone? Whats happened to you? They didnt even allow you to open the window? Soo, chewing on jerky, untied her bundle. The investigative team had locked the window after realizing that the butler had escaped. Dergha, not knowing what it was, took the small box Soo handed him. Take this too. Its a reply from Kakan. What did the chieftain say? What about Ian? Ians dead, isnt he? But Soo didnt answer. She nced at Chel, who was trembling in the corner, gave a slight nod, and then dropped down. Kyah! Countess Mary closed her eyes and screamed, but that was all. There was no sound or vibration of a crash. Soo, who hade like the wind, disappeared like the wind. What on earth? Honey, read the reply quickly. Ill open the box. Mom, the Cheonrye Tribe is helping us, right? They must be, right? Hush, Chel. Theres nothing to worry about. Something seemed to have happened to Bel, but the messenger from the Cheonrye Tribe hade in person, even breaking the window. Mary wrapped her sons head in her arms and offered a prayer of thanks to God. If the Count hadnt thrown the dish, the prayer would have continued. ng! Damn, damn it! Honey? Father, why, why are you doing this? Ill kill them! Ill kill them myself! Ill tear their throats out with my bare hands! Argghhhhh! Dergha violently swept the table. Terrified, Chel began to cry as he hid in Marys arms. The Count began smashing everything he could get his hands on. Breaking the alliance? Breaking? Those filthy, despicable barbarians! I, with my rotten bloodline, am the same as those beasts that know only to take. Yes. Lets try this! Once things here are settled, well go to war immediately! Tear them apart, kill them and feed them to the animals! Honey! Blood was flowing from Derghas hand. Amid his incoherent screams, Mary finally managed to restrain her husband. The wound was a concern, but any more noise might arouse suspicion from the investigative team. Please calm down. Breaking the alliance? That cant be. If they act like this, wont they themselves just make things difficult for themter? I understand this much, but why would the chieftain make this decision? There must be a reason. A reason. This kind of behavior was tantamount to dering themselves barbarians. Mary quickly checked the torn reply, her hands trembling, and then covered her mouth in utter shock. Is this true? Smuggling Gureut leaves? Damn it! Damn it! Bang! There were two reasons given for breaking the alliance. Ians treachery and the attempted smuggling of Gureut leaves. Thetter was treated as a serious matter. Since the Count had bribed Ian, a person close to the chieftain, to steal the banned goods, it was a grave breach of trust that made it impossible to continue the alliance, ording to the letter. What the hell has Ian? How did this happen? Wasnt he supposed to think it was under the pretense of his mothers request, Philea? Even if caught, they had taken measures to cut him loose. How did he know that he was behind it? Dergha ground his teeth and cursed. Open that box. Oh, right! At Derghasmand, Mary quickly untied the string, still hoping for something. Kyaaaaaak! Aaaah! But what was inside was the horrifyingly dead head of the knight, Bel. Whether it had been opened upside down or not, the horribly severed neck surface was facing up. Knock, knock. Count, is there a problem? Just then, an investigator knocked on the door from outside. The atmosphere was such that all the tension suddenly broke. If it were known that he had been in contact with the Choenrye tribe to overthrow the government, summary execution was possible. He would be in a position to beg for his life, appealing to the leaders magnanimity. No, nothing. May Ie in? At the investigators words, Mary quickly turned her head. The torn window showed signs of damage. She screamed in refusal. A-A-Ah, no! Im undressing! Excuse me? If youre not thinking of insulting me, never, never open the door! Madam, please give me a moment. Wait! Wait! Please! Mary shouted like that, closing the window. She not only picked up the scattered wooden debris from the floor and tossed it under the bed but also neatly arranged the curtain. Meanwhile, Dergha was enveloped in anger, and Chel was engulfed in fear, standing nkly. Hngh. With her trembling hands, she covered the box and shoved it into the corner of the wardrobe. Iming in now. W-Wait! Squeak. The investigatorid a hand on his sword sheath and opened the door. Two awkwardly standing people, and Chel crouched in the corner sobbing. What were you doing? What do you mean? The investigator nced at the broken chair and the scattered debris. It looked like a mess made in anger. After slowly looking around the room, he bowed politely. My apologies. Misunderstandings can lead to conflicts, so please be mindful. Get lost. Youre worthless. Please calm down. Despite Derghas tant insult, the investigator didnt bat an eye and smiled. After all, Derghas life was soon to end, and the investigator had nothing left but to rise with his master. Squeak. Damn it. Dergha leaned on the table, desperately wishing reality was a nightmare. Mary and Chel simply sat, maintaining a heavy silence. Suddenly, Dergha ground his teeth and muttered. Fine, lets do this. Lets try it then. With this, the only path left for him to choose was clear. To stand up on his own. With or without the help of the Choenrye tribe, he had to make full use of his territory to drive away the investigators and central army. And thus, dere independence from Bariel. He was already used of treason. What had he to lose? If sessful, he wouldnt have to send exorbitant taxes to the center, and how wonderful that would be. Honey? Wife, stay at the mansion with Chel. You know about the secret storeroom, right? Go and hide there, and nevere out until Ie to find you. What about you, darling? Lets go together. Yes. Father. Quiet! He had finished calcting in his mind. Without the help of the Cheonrye tribe, the only card left for him was time. Before the central support troops arrived, he had to deal with the investigation team to create a chance for a counterattack. Rip! Dergha ripped the curtains to make a rope. Mary and Chel, bewildered, stood back and swallowed hard. They were about to go outside. Ah However, the very thought of leaving made realitye crashing in, and it was more nerve-wracking than he thought. Dergha quickly tied the curtains and dropped them out the window. Go. Go down. Hide in the basement. Darling, you Hurry up! At Derghasmand, Mary and Chel climbed onto the window sill, sobbing and hesitating, before clinging to the cloth. While they were going out, Dergha gathered papers and lit thentern. Whoosh. The fire began to ze. Dergha fanned the mes to help them spread. When the smoke began to rise, he looked down from the window. His wife and Chel were gone. They must have moved to the secret storeroom. Thud! Ugh. Damn it. Dergha too, grabbed the curtain and fell down. He hobbled toward the stable with a sprained ankle, while the smoke darkened the sky and filled the air. Thump! Thump! Thump! Something terrible has happened! Erica, who was sorting documents in the main house, frowned at the unexpectedmotion. But seeing the panic on her subordinates face, she had no choice but to jump up. The Count seems to have set fire to the annex and escaped. Hes trying to stall for time. Take up your swords! It doesnt matter if he dies. Just dont let him escape from the mansion. Philip! Inform the central support troops of the situation. Yes! Understood! The rest of you, move with me. Erica tied her hair tightly and ran down the stairs. If everything went well, this mansion would be hers. But he dared to set fire to it? Ah, save me! Save me, please! Fire! Fire! Put some water on it! Sand too! Find Dergha! He cant have gone far! Rip! The lower floor of the annex was the servants rooms. Since they were imprisoned like Dergha, they couldnt escape easily when the fire broke out. Save me! Please, please! Ah! There are people trapped here! Here! Ill do whatever you tell me to do! Ill tell you everything! Cries came from everywhere, but Erica couldnt easily give themand. Dergha was gone, and the investigators were scattered. If the rescued servants caused a riot, the situation might get worse. What should we do, Commander? Between her subordinates trying to put out the fire with water and sand, the mes surged even higher. Erica bit her lip, mulling it over. They are lives destined to die with Dergha. Whether sold to the ve market to make up for the missing taxes, it all seemed the same. Erica turned to look at the front gate. Just contain the fire. Since its an annex, there shouldnt be any important documents. If we have the power to save, catching Dergha is the priority. Yes, Commander. Everyone, chase Dergha! Leave a few in the mansion, the rest outside! Hurry up! Erica turned her head coldly. Behind her, hot, sticky, desperate cries rose with the fire and smoke. Chapter 37 Chapter 37 Arggghh! Dergha kicked the horses nk quickly and rushed toward the forest. It was the forest adjacent to Merellof territory, opposite the bordering desert. There was a temporary training camp set up there to stake im in the previous generation. Deo would be there with the mercenaries. No, he must be there! Though the soldiers who had been at the mansion were dismissed due to the investigative teams pressure, the mercenary group centered around Deo was still there. Deoooo! Dergha jumped off his horse and sprinted towards the temporary training camp. Crying out with an almost spitting rage, his shout soon echoed back to him. The surroundings were silent. There was absolutely no sign of life. Impossible, impossible Was there another worst-case scenario beyond the worst? All sorts of horrific assumptions passed through Derghas mind. Had the fleeing servant informed Deo? Even if he had, had Deo fled? Count! It was then. A voice was heard, and the training camps g fluttered. Dergha ran in breathlessly and soon found the hidden soldiers. Deo! My lord. Are you alright? What about the Cheonrye tribe? Originally, the n of Cheonrye tribes arrival was to shake up the investigative team, with the intention of providing support from the rear. A full-scale battle with the central army was of greater significance than resistance; thus, the Cheonrye were intended as a buffer. It fell through. Theyve betrayed us. We must quickly recapture the mansion before the central army arrives. We have to hold out until we receive a reply from Prince Mariv. Although this humiliation was inflicted for the sake of change, change was worth enduring. Bratz territory had two or three times the number of soldierspared to other territories, and the unique terrain created many variables. Was that all? Thanks to the presence of the Cheonrye tribe, they were always ready to enter into a state of emergency. The fact that they could rally the troops even under the sudden attack of the investigation team was proof. For the first time in his life, Dergha felt proud of his territory and soldiers. I will follow yourmand. The investigative teams troops are not that formidable. Lets go. Lets kill them all. Ill tear them to pieces and turn them into food for the beasts. Deo bowed his head with a smile. Those who always seek war do exist. And now, Deo was one of them. If we win this battle, militarymand will surelye to me. Then, in Bratz territory, Dergha would be the next most powerful figure. Chel? Even if that fool became Counts heir, the blood and sweat Deo shed this day would be remembered forever. As a man who started from the bottom and now had the pinnacle of life in sight, his heart began to race. Lets go! To reim our daily lives! Uaaaaaaa! When Deo shouted, the soldiers cheers echoed like waves. The formerly quiet mountain resounded with intense battle cries. Startled birds took flight, and among them, a giant hawk leisurely circled. Swoosh. Far away, the long line of the central armys procession was captured in the hawks eyes. The Bratz territory had endured for generations. A domestic blood battle, unprecedented and unlikely to happen again, was rapidly approaching. The hawk reached out to grab the bird, and Kusile fixed his head toward the desert direction. * * * Berics body was soaked in cold sweat. The frail physician stuffed herbs into his punctured side and kept pouring an unknown ck liquid into his mouth. Kakantir leaned against the entrance of the tent, watching, and casually asked, How long will it take for him to get up? A month? My lord Kakantir. Non-Cheonrye people have slow recovery. If he were an ordinary person, he might have died instantly. But seeing his feisty spirit, it may take three or four months. Three or four months, huh? Sir Ian, thats a bit troublesome. The battle between Dergha and the central army was imminent. Even if Ian takes the Cheonrye tribe under his wing, his personal power is limited to Beric. Without him in this chaotic situation Ian faintly smiled, brushing Berics matted hair, a mixture of sweat and sand. Its alright. You seem to have another n. Theres always a way, whether Beric gets up or not. Well do what we can. Kakantir left at the call of Nersarn from outside. The physician also continued to grind blood-soaked herbs to treat Beric. His sallow skin seemed to pale with time. I must go out and see for a moment. I need to grind fresh herbs. The physician left Ian with this and went outside with his crushed remains. The space was now silent. Ian inhaled deeply and ced his hand on Berics forehead. Im not sure if it will work, Beric. But its better than doing nothing. Like before, he continued to infuse energy. But unlike gently pushing before, now it was continuous, relentless. It felt like he was exhaling without ever pausing to breathe. Ah How many minutes had passed? The sweat that had built up began to pour out, and his vision began to blur. But Beric had not reacted yet. Unable to bear it any longer, Ian let go of his hand. Click. What are you doing, Sir Ian? Are you alright? A physician who was justing in stopped and asked. Ian leaned on the bedpost, swaying as if about to fall. Im fine. Why, why all of a sudden I felt dizzy. Dont worry about it. Just wait a moment, Ill grind my herbs and bring something good for dizziness right away. Huh? Well, well. Will you look at this? The physician who was grinding herbs stopped at the sight of Berics face. The one who had been moaning and fainting was now breathing quite steadily. He mashed the soggy herbs with his hand. There was much less blood smeared. What on earth is this? Beric? I didnt see the battle myself, but everyone was making a fuss about it. The physician mumbled as he continued the treatment, ncing at Ian as if expecting an answer, but Ian turned his head away, feeling drained. Kakan? Kakantir entered with something in his hand, and he smiled in surprise at Ians state. Oh my. Is it not enough? What are you talking about? Without a word, Kakantir ced a leaf on a round candlestick. With a crackling sound, it burned, and thick smoke filled the tent. The chief cut the leaf well and held it to Berics nose, and soon passed it to Ian. Cheonrye has a way to avoid death. Will it work for Beric? I dont know. Ive never seen an outsider use it. But at the banquet, it seemed to have some effect. A tribal secret that eases pain and instantly boosts the bodys energy. Although they were strong by themselves, they couldnt ignore the effect of the leaf. So, in trade with Bratz, they never designated the leaf as a prohibited item. But to share it with an outsider. The meaning was special, and the emotion was fresh. Thank you. Ian chewed the leaf thoroughly. It had a bitter taste, followed by a sour and tangy vor. Kakantir looked down at Ian and continued speaking. Ryul, whom I sent with Soo, returned first. Soo decided to wait at the border. You mean that giant horse? Yes. ording to the scout, Dergha was in a tight spot. It seems like theyve gathered soldiers. Bratzs power was somewhat predictable. He had seen and heard it while living in the mansion. More than anything, he had seen how much was spent on maintaining mercenaries, so that wasnt the problem. What about the central army? No report on that yet. The problem was the size of the central army and the investigation team. Knowing that, they could anticipate the generalbat situation and respond ordingly. Ian noticed his heart pounding a little faster and spat out a chewed leaf. You have a few days, so take some rest. Ian copsed to his side as soon as Kakantir left, curling his body. A physician nced over and pulled a nket up to his shoulders. How long had passed? Swoosh. Ian opened his eyes to a sudden gust of cold wind. The night was dark. The physician was nowhere to be seen, and themp was out. Only a faint smell of the chewed leaf lingered. Beric? Beric was no longer sweating, but he was still unconscious. Ian leaned against the bed and rubbed his face to shake off the lingering sleep. Swish. Then, he heard a presence outside. It seemed that the wind was not the only thing that had awakened Ian. He nced at the entrance, groping for the floor. A dagger was attached to the leather belt Beric had taken off. Who is it? No answer. Ian, with the pouring moonlight behind him, slowly walked toward the entrance. His shadow stretched out long. He instinctively felt that someone was at the door. Damn it. I dont understand. Surely, the presence outside must be one of the Cheonrye people. They were the only ones living in the desert as a tribe, and even if Dergha sent a spy, they couldnt have prated Cheonryes defenses to reach here. Thats why Ian couldnt guess at all. They had shown enough goodwill to let them chew the gureut leaf in the daytime, so why did the presence outside seem so hostile? Chaak! The door was lifted from the outside. Realizing Ians hesitation, the person acted first. A mask made of fur and feathers hiding the shoulders, the man attacked Ian with a sword. Chang! Ugh! It was more luck than skill that fended off the attack. Ians reflexively swung dagger broke in half and tumbled to the floor. The assant did not hesitate; he violently grabbed Ians face with one hand and choked his neck with the other. Thump! Ugh! Blocking his mouth entirely, preventing any cry for help. Ians feet iled in the air. It was his first time feeling the pain of suffocation. It was natural; who would dare grab Emperor Ians throat? Die quietly like a royal should, why y tricks? You know how messed up things are now because of you and that red-headed fool? Just like your father, the empire guys are no help. Mentioning Dergha? Ian pushed his face away. The fur mask might neutralize the magic, but Ziiing. Zing. Even now, die quietly-! Swoosh! Bang! Ian exploded his magic, pushing the assant back, and he too floated and fell. Thump! Damn. Ian coughed, lying on the ground. His wrist ached from the fall. At the same time, lights were turning on outside the barracks. The Cheonrye people, with their light sleep, had sensed themotion and were waking up. Chapter 38 Chapter 38 Did you hear that? It was Sir Ians voice near the barracks, right? A couple of members of the Cheonrye tribe who had awakened from sleep came out, hastily putting on their clothes. They had clearly sensed something amiss. They hurriedly ran to where Ian and Beric were and soon found the half-open entrance. Sir Ian? Are you all right? Is there a problem? Beric, youre not dead, are you? The moment they stepped inside, the sight that met them was a stranger sprawled on the floor, and Ian holding his reddened neck, coughing. Cough! Si, Sir Ian? What happened? He, he attacked me He tried to kill me all of a sudden Only then did they notice the broken dagger on the floor. They immediately went outside to alert others and tied the mans arms and legs. What happened? I dont know. I woke up, and he was trying to kill me. No, not just that, but how did you knock him out? You didnt even have any training, Sir Ian. Somehow. Ian pretended to have a hard time answering, simply rubbing his neck. Soon, the entire tribe was awake, including Kakantir, who was lightly dressed. Whats themotion? Who attacked Sir Ian? Kakantir! Its this man. Hes been lying like this since he entered. What an idiot! What is he doing? Exactly Who is he? I cant see his face. It was a pure question, without malicious intent. To be honest, even a child from the Cheonrye tribe could have easily subdued Ian. What had this hulking figure done to be knocked out? Take off his mask. Kakantir looked closely at Ians condition in confusion at this unprecedented event. Fortunately, he didnt seem to be hurt. From now on, not only will they be on alert, but they had sworn to treat Ian as a guest. If something disgraceful were to happen, it would be utterly dishonorable. Swish. Gasp! As a subordinate took off the mask, everyone gasped. It was Bumart, Nersarns second stepmothers cousin and the man in charge of food management. Ian recognized him instantly. Wasnt he the one who had red at him during the return ceremony? The memory had lingered, leaving him uneasy. Move Bumart. We will interrogate him at daybreak. At Kakantirsmand, three subordinates rushed to drag Bumart away. The chieftain, about to leave, looked back at Ian. It was none other than Bumart, one of the strongest warriors in the tribe. To face him without a scratch, only to have him copse? Sir Ian. Is it true that you subdued Bumart? It seems so. Somehow. In the empire Kakantirs eyes flicked toward Beric. He seemed to have an idea now. They call those who perform miracles magicians. I have no intention of lying in the desert. So youre talking in riddles. I will tell you when we return to Bariel at the appropriate time. What my existence means, it may be hard for you to understand now, as weve lived at different times. Ian didnt know the social standing of magic users, or magicians, in the empire. Regardless of his humble lineage, the ability to manage the pces main affairs that was the societal power of magic. Alright. Right now, our internal affairs are more important. Rest. If theres anything, feel free to ask. Thank you. Kakantir smiled lightly, as if expecting, and left the barracks. As themotion settled, Beric was still agape, asleep. Snore. Sigh. Judging by the loud snoring, he seemed to be recovering. Considering a hole was pierced in his side, his condition looked remarkably good. Only then did Ian notice the new gureut leaves on the table. He burned a few of them in themp and carefully dried others, cing them under Berics nose. * * * Shaaah! As the darkness lifted, Kakantirs subordinates heaped sand onto Bumarts face. Usually, sprinkling water would be the norm, but they were in the middle of a great desert. Ian felt a stinging sensation on his cheek for no reason. Pour until hees to his senses. Yes, Kakan. The sand poured endlessly, rising up to Bumarts chest. Only then did the man twitch and regain consciousness. Kakantir scrutinized him with a sharp gaze. Bumart. Ah He was bound hand and foot, propped up by a pole. Bumart writhed this way and that, soon raising his head with an expression of injustice. Bumart, did you attack Ian during the dawn? Bumart hesitated to answer. A human tongue could lie, but they had a Winchen, a truth detector. Kakantir would certainly distinguish truth from falsehood based on the interrogation. Kakan, first, loosen this Answer. If you talk nonsense, I will cut your fingers off. It was an unhesitating cold-heartedness. Bumart could neither resist nor yield, only biting his lips, and finally bowed his head to the ground. Choosing silence? Damn it. He could kill his opponent with one hand, but he had no idea how things had turned out this way. But there was still hope. If the motive remained undisclosed, he would only be punished for attacking Ian. Even if it cost Bumart his right arm, it was better than dying. Is it true? Kakan. If you still consider me family, dont ask anymore and take my arm. Ian used a strange power. His eyes turned golden, and the air condensed and burst instantly; he is undoubtedly a suspicious character. Kakantir looked down at Bumart. A murmuring sound was heard, but only for an instant. You talk about things I did not ask, Bumart. Do you know how disgraceful you look now? In front of the whole tribe, buried in sand, babbling. If he were a warrior who prioritized honor and glory, he would have bitten his tongue and died. Bumarts face flushed with humiliation. Ian, who had been silently watching, raised his hand. May I testify? Speak. He certainly mentioned Dergha. If he was willing to give an arm to hide a secret, then something more was hidden behind. Ians words caused everyone to stir. I propose to Kakan that it was his scheme, and seemed to prevent him saying as such, so probably theres some connection with Dergha and. Ian seemed to remember something but didnt continue. Kakantir patiently waited, and Bumart only swallowed his saliva. Did you send a letter to Dergha, Bumart? The day Ian snuck into the office to stamp the seal, he found a letter written in Chonryeo in the drawer. He didnt remember it clearly, but Who will seed the chief next? I saw a letter on Derghas desk. Bumart, was it you? Everyones eyes fell on Bumart, kneeling. He red hard at Ian, took a deep breath, and bit his tongue. Stop him! After Derghas name was mentioned, the time to choose an honorable warriors death had passed. The subordinates quickly pressed his tongue and stuffed cloth into his mouth. Ugh! Ugh ugh! Bumart! Is this true? Dont make him talk! Stuff more cloth in! Damn, what is all this The tribespeople distorted their faces in shock and betrayal. Ian spected carefully but confidently. He had seen these things haphazardly at the Imperial Pce. The deterioration of Chief Winchens health might be rted to Bumart. He was the food manager, wasnt he? Killing Winchen and taking over the tribal leaders position If that had happened, Bumart would have been a strong candidate indeed. Im not sure what kind of collusion Dergha has done, but probably, Bumart was promised the honor of being the chief, and Dergha was promised economic gains. Kakantir stared at Bumart in silence, seeming to organize his thoughts for a moment. Then he rose, grabbed Bumarts hair, and dragged him along. No one follow. He headed for Winchens tent. His subordinates watched tensely as the two men disappeared inside. The wait that felt like an hour for just a minute continued. When Kakantir came out, he was covered in blood, and Bumarts head was in his hand. Throw it in the desert and bring Bumarts family as well. Yes, Kakan. To throw the body away without holding a funeral, and leaving it to be eaten by beasts, was to dere that he was a traitor. As Kakantir threw Bumarts head, the tribesmen spat at it as they passed. Sir Ian. Come here. Upon Kakantirs call, Ian changed his position. He muttered while wiping his face and hands with a water towel that Nersarn handed him. We need to revise our n a bit. What do you mean? All we had to do was help you safely enter Bratz and establish a foothold there. It was risky to confront the central army directly. But now that the situation hade to this, the Cheonrye tribe had to fully engage in their fight. Derghas hidden profits are ours to reap. Ah. Daring to deceive Kakantir by pretending to be an ally while conspiring with their family to kill Winchen, their spiritual pir, was a far more significant misdeed than smuggling gureut leaves. Ian nodded after some consideration. I understand, but it might be difficult. Why? Because Derghas crime is treason. The royal investigative team had to travel for fifteen days to execute him, so it would be a bit ridiculous if the remote tribes take care of him first. The execution of a traitor was usually grand, cruel, and solemn. If the highlight of the festival was Derghas death, they couldnt just hand it over to a remote tribe. Even so, we, or rather, I must kill Dergha myself. Its not that theres no way. Kakantirs will seemed very firm. As originally intended, all I need to do is take the Bratz territory. To be precise, officially. Then I can participate in the execution and receive the will of the Cheonrye tribe to help. Anyway, we have to help the you. You overstate it. I am the one asking for help. Kakantir smiled at Ians congenial words. It was not a smile of joy but a smile of anticipation for whaty ahead. Good. Lets do it. Demosha. Demosha. Ian and Kakantir exchanged fist bumps. Then, a councilor approached and called Ian. Beric has regained consciousness. Already? Just consciousness, somehow. Ah. Ian acknowledged with a slight smile, noticing the subtle irony. Chapter 39 Chapter 39 Ugh. Beric jolted awake, retching in pain. Ian, who was reading a book beside him, watched over Beric, offering him some water. When he returned to the barracks, he had just barelye to his senses, as the physician said. For someone who had a hole in his body, his recovery was quite remarkable. Are you okay? My stomach feels queasy Why so? I dont know. Did the physician mix alcohol with the medicine? As time went on, his physical condition improved at an rming rate. He still couldnt get out of bed, but from his speech and demeanor, it was clear that his life was out of danger. Can you move your waist a little? I really dont have any strength. Should I try it once? No. The wound could rupture. Ugh. What kind of herb did they boil so much of? Beric grumbled, feeling the gritty remains of the herbs with his fingertips. Ian looked him over thoughtfully, holding an empty cup. He knew that magic swordsmen had far superiorbat capabilities and recovery ratespared to ordinary people. But he knew that, and yet Was it always this much? The speed of his recovery was not just surprising, but downright astonishing. Even the physician was shocked, so this must be something not even typical among the Cheonrye tribe. Beric, do you remember your parents faces? Huh? I do. Theyre all dead, but I remember them. Since he was not an orphan from birth, he clearly remembered the faces of his mother and father. He even vividly retained some unpleasant memories. Ian felt even more puzzled by Berics answer. If he didnt know, Ian might have suspected that Beric had the blood of a foreign race. I see. Huh? As Ian pondered deeply, Beric grumbled. Should have stabbed him both the left and right sides. That bastard made a hole in my side and then calmly closed his eyes. What was his name? Bel? Beric looked resentful as they had exchanged blows. Bell was dead, and he had survived. When Ian nodded slightly, Beric gritted his teeth even more. Those knight bastards, they didnt show their noses before. I guess they did train. By the way, when are we going back to Bratz? Soon. It might even be tomorrow. Yeah. Thats good news. The central army ising, and Dergha has rallied his soldiers. Soo is sending information from the border, but since its not real-time, I dont know the details. So, well leave as soon as possible. Good, good. Its too hot here. Beric, I dont think I can take you with me. What?! Why?! Beric turned his head sharply and reflexively clenched his side. That was exactly the reason. With such a deep wound, an ordinary person would have died. You cant even walk. I think Ill be able to walk by tomorrow. Walking is not enough. You have to wield a sword. Focus on your treatment here until the matter in Bratz is settled. I dont want to! Beric shouted as soon as Ian finished speaking, but he soon fell back, writhing in pain. Ouch, shit You have no choice. What? Youre using and abandoning me. Ruthless, traitor, piece of shit. Ian smiled faintly, and Beric bit his lip, looking every bit the stubborn child. If youre worried about the innkeeper of the tavern where you stayed, Ill look into it separately. Though he had told them to quit the mansion when he left, Ian was unsure if Hannah and the servants had done so. They would surely take refuge near the bank, a tacitly neutral area, in the event of a battle. Beric clicked his tongue at Ians constion. Thats not it. Then what? The central army! The Counts soldiers! And even the Cheonrye tribe getting involved in a proper battle while I suck my thumb here. Isnt that too much? The thrill of running through the battlefield, shing with his sword, the electrifying feeling of life and death he had been waiting for it all. Absolutely not. No objections. Carry me if you have to. Honestly, arent we like master and disciple, huh? How can a master abandon his disciple! Beric. Quite surprising. To treat a master like this. Strictly speaking, its a master-servant rtionship. Well, thats surprising too. You said you would let me use magic! Every day is precious to me! Dont you remember? What? Dont change the subject, or else, ugh, shit When you fought with Bel, you used magic yourself. Who did? You did. Beric blinked at Ians words. From his expression of utter disbelief, it was clear that something had momentarily snapped inside him. Ian smiled and tidied his nket, soon spotting Nersarn entering the barracks. Sir Ian. Lord Nersarn. Come outside for a moment. As they hurriedly went outside, they found Kakantir with his face buried in the eagles neck, taking a deep breath. The acrid smell of blood was overpowering. The timing is perfect. Lord Kakantir? Sir Ian, Dergha has seeded in surrounding the mansion with soldiers. The investigation team seems to be holding out, but theyre likely waiting for central support, looking for an opportunity. The investigation team is, as the name implies, an advance team sent down first for investigation. It would be too much for them to respond to a full-scale battle. The central army must have arrived by now. The problem is the attitude of the territorys citizens. The citizens of the territory? At Ians question, Kakantir gave a short nod. They have gathered at the center of the territory and taken up arms. Ahh, thats because theres a bank there. A bank? Ian, who had also been tense, let out a sigh of relief. If internal strife were to break out amongst them, it would make the political situation harder to read. If it turns into a battle of four factions instead of three, the uncertainty would increase all the more. Its Hayman Bank, which handles Bariels financial infrastructure. Its located in at least one area everywhere, probably in Dion. We dont know much about the area behind Bratz. There was a rebellion in Dion, and in the chaos, the bank was utterly destroyed. Consequently, Hayman Bank refused to do business with anyone associated with the Dion rebellion. The rebels did not only lose their deposited assets but had to use only cash for all economic activities. They were reduced to carrying hundreds of kilograms of coins or losing them without traceability. In Bariel, thats the only family running a bank. The rebels had no other way. Thanks to that, the momentum of the rebel army declined within a few years, and Bariel seeded in suppressing the rebellion. So the bank is a sanctuary. Thats right. Along with the temple, its an invible area. The reason why the territorys people are flocking there must be precisely that. That meant the smell of blood permeating Bratzs territory was far from insignificant. Ian spoke with an unintentionally serious expression. We must hurry. The territorys people who dont receive the protection of the bank will increasingly turn to Derghas side over time. The center of Bariel was the royal pce, but the center of Bratz was Dergha. The counts soldiers were family, neighbors, and friends. The desire to return to their previous lives would grow stronger as the homnd crumbled. Well head into Bariel. We will return to Bariel. As Kakantir and Ian spoke simultaneously, Nersarn and the subordinates broke intoughter. The two exchanged nces again and uttered the same words. First thing tomorrow. * * * What about Merellof? They even refused to deliver the letter. Damn merchants. This is why we cant associate with those types. Dergha gnashed his teeth, thinking of the neighboring territorys Count of Merellof, who, like him, was responsible for border defense. However, unlike Bratz, who is in opposition to the Cheonrye tribe, Merellof had been fulfilling its mission as a trade hub for the exotic kingdom of Hwan. The soldiers on that side are never any good anyway. Since theyre all engaged inmerce, theborers arent much better. It might be better to push them aside and dere independence after stepping on the central army this time. Deo muttered while wiping the blood off his sword. If they dered independence, they would inevitably have to annex the neighboring territories to expand theirnd. As the Count of Merellof, who knew this well, it was a natural choice, but Dergha had audaciously felt betrayed. Even if they didnt send soldiers, they could intervene, but Merellof was turning a blind eye to this situation, perhaps fearing even a spark. Break it! Bring a bigger tree! Dip the arrowhead in oil! Light it on fire! Shoot! Keep shooting! Waaaah! Come out, you bastards! Move on! Keep moving on! Aaaagh! Thud! Thud thud! They had only thought of facing the Cheonrye tribe; they hadnt expected to have to capture the estate like this. Dergha was incredulous at the situation without even a single siege engine, and yet he continued to shoot ming arrows. Whooosh. Whooosh. Then it happened. The heavy sound of a horn reached Bratz. Everyone froze and looked back. On the distant horizon, something was swarming up like ants. It was the central support army, holding the g of the Imperial Pce. Dergha scowled and pushed his soldiers even harder. Hurry up! Hurry! Dig the trench deeper from that end to this end! Block the bridgeing this way! Quick, quick! Even the people inside the estate seemed to have realized that the central army had arrived, and finally, there was a reaction. Bratzs g was lowered, and the g of the Imperial Pces investigation team was raised. Those bastards Dergha felt like his reason was going to break in his boiling rage. He wanted to kill them all, to burn the outsiders who had forced their way into his territory. Lets go! Kill them all! Move while sticking to this high ground as much as possible! Killllllll! He knew the terrain like the back of his hand after living there all his life. Even if they were the central army, in battle, they were half-conquered already. Screeeech. Giant birds circled above the Bratz territory. But the soldiers, watching the death-bringing enemy, didnt notice; only the territorys people, who were praying to the gods, confirmed the presence of the birds. Let us in! Open the bank doors! Ah! Dont push! Hey! Im an employee here! Damn you all! What nonsense is this person talking about? Move! Save me! The central bastards killed everyone in the estate! Burned them alive! They said theyll tear off our limbs if the armyes! Aaaah! Dont step on me! Fortloga, where Hayman Bank is located. The desperate cries of the territory people trying to enter the impregnable sanctuary echoed everywhere. Those who couldnt leave their homes just locked up tightly and prayed. Sister. Yes? Hannah, who was praying with her hands sped, slowly opened her eyes at her younger sisters call. A light beam as wide as her palm was leaking out. Her innocent younger sister mumbled in wonder. Its a really big bird. A bird. Hannah also looked up at the sky. A familiar sensation. Hana quickly realized that it was a bird of Cheonrye she had seen in the estate. Chapter 40 Chapter 40 In Cheonrye, those who called themselves warriors were all galloping across the desert. With Kakantir at the forefront, a fierce sandstorm arose. Ian, too, closely pursued him with his hood drawn over his head. Beric was Uhe. Uhehehek. Quiet. Shut your mouth. Beric kept bursting intoughter, tightly stuck behind the warrior escorting Ian. He seemed pleased that they didnt leave him behind. Though he was wrapped in a cloth like a piece of luggage and secured with a rope. Sir Ian, are you sure we can carry this? What can we do? If we leave it behind, itll cause trouble. What a madman. Even when told to rest, he refuses. Is that called resting? Its called being ostracized! Though Beric was miraculously able to lift his upper body, walking was too much for him. While everyone was debating whether it would be better to leave him, he made a bombshell deration. He would bite his tongue and die if left behind. Though it was absurd, everyone felt that Beric might actually do it, so there was no choice. Then will you participate in the battle? Youll only be hanging on to Kusilre and being carried around. Well, if an arrowes flying, you can act as a shield. Nope. I dont want to. I think this will heal in two days. Youve lost your mind. Really. I can feel it. Ian, overhearing Berics conversation with the warrior, shook his head. Surely that guy, the magic swordsman, must have some hidden secrets. Even the Cheonrye tribe, who were known for their natural healing abilities, didnt show that level of recovery. Ian kept an eye on Beric, and Beric, noticing this, chuckled smugly. He seemed to be in high spirits. Clip, clop. Kakan! Bariel is in sight! Lets go! One of the warriors ahead yelled. A small shrine, where they had made a friendly pact, began to appear. Upon Kakans call, they all increased Kusilres speed. Hiing! In a sh, they passed the shrine and two rocks considered as the border. Beric chewed on a leaf and shouted jubntly. Weve returned! Happy, Beric? Hell yeah! It feels so awesome! The warriors allughed together. Kakantir, who was ncing back, did the same. He gently pulled Kusilres reins to slow down. It was the agreed meeting ce with Soo. Everyone! Over here! Soo! Greeted by Soos appearance, everyone joyfully approached. She hugged her colleagues for a moment, then immediately briefed them on the situation. The Bratz soldiers are quite useful. Despite losing ground, they utilized terrain well to hold back. Of course, thats all they have, so the tide inevitably turned. If they had abandoned the mansion and retreated into the forest, wouldnt that have been the end? They fought desperately, almost bursting with rage. What about Dergha? The most crucial point for the Cheonrye tribe. Kakantirs question, filled with anger, was met with a smile from Soo. Hes still alive. The central army hasnt stopped pursuing, and it doesnt look like they n to enter the mansion. Good, Soo. Join us. Were heading into Bratz. At Kakantirsmand, everyone nodded. They galloped closer to the center of Bratz. The river cutting through Bratz was stained with blood, and unrecognizable corpses littered the surroundings. And that wasnt all. Fields awaiting autumn harvest were a mess, strewn with the debris of destroyed houses. Screams and wails mixed, creating the most horrifying sound a human could make. It was indiscernible where it wasing from. Aaahhh! Someone help me! Help! Wait, wait! A thief! Thief! You bastard! Give back my bread! Thump! Whack! Where swords sliced, the depths of humanity flowed. Stepping on someone else to survive seemed natural, and the weak oppressed the weak in a continuous chain of events. Its more horrific than I thought. Is it? I think its just as horrific as I thought. At Kakantirs words, Ian replied. Though familiar to Ian, who had experienced countless wars, it was still unsettling. Even if it was an unavoidable part of historys flow. Nersarn muttered as he gazed at the rising smoke in the distance. This seems like a fatal blow to both sides. Yes. Its exactly so. The soldiers of the Central Army and Dergha. The best oue for Ian and the Cheonrye tribe was for both forces to annihte each other to the brink of copse. Only then would the existence of the Cheonrye tribe be more prominent, and lend power to Ian. Gasp! Look, look over there! That was when it happened. The local civilians who were clearing the streets pointed and yelled. They had noticed the procession of the Cheonrye tribe. Its the barbarians! The barbarians have invaded! Oh, my God! Why, why this! Everyone run! Run! Aaah! Everyone began to flee, holding their children. Some were so terrified that they gave up everything and simply prayed. That was understandable, as the area was already devastated due to the battle with the Central Army. To make matters worse, now the barbarians were joining in. All that remained for them was despair. You heartless creatures! You think this is the time to attack? You animal-like brutes! Get lost! I said go away! Honey! Dont do that! Please! Yeah, kill them! Kill them all! Lets see them judged by God! Kill them! The Cheonrye tribe has invaded! Its the Cheonrye tribe! Those bastards even rob banks; hurry, keep running! Run! It wasplete chaos. Kakantirs expression remained calm, but the warriors couldnt hide their difort. They were not here to help, but they werent exactly attacking either. They were slowly driving the Kusilre towards the mansion. Uwahh! Thump! In the midst of the fleeing civilians, a child fell. The parents who had let go of the child were nowhere to be seen. Kakantir stopped the Kusilre and looked down at the child. Sniffle. The childs eyes welled up with tears, but as they quivered and sobbed, Kakantir simply looked down in silence. The fleeing civilians also watched the situation from a distance. Theres a child in front. Drive the Kusilres carefully. Yes, lord Kakantir. Clopping. There was no kindness in offering to help the child up or asking about their condition. However, they guided the Kusilre around the small child, leaving them unharmed. The child simply stared in shock. Come on. Get up. The ground is cold. Ian extended his hand as he passed by. The face under the hood was not that of a Cheonrye, but the familiar sight of blonde hair and green eyes. The child instinctively grabbed Ians hand. Youre a good kid. Ian carried the child and slowly drove the Kusilre. Then he gestured to the bewildered local civilians in the distance. Come and take your child. Is the parent there? I, I, I am! Im the father! A father would not just stand there. At Ians call, a man rushed over, trembling, and took the child. The glimpse of the face under the slightly lifted hood seemed familiar. Young master Ian? You know me? I, Im the stable keeper. Dont you remember? Ah, yes. You. Ian couldnt remember the name but recognized the face. Covered in dirt and grime, he was hard to recognize. Ian patted the stable keepers shoulder and smiled. Its been a while. Im d youre alive. Wha, whats going on? Later. Im a little busy right now. Just tell your neighbors not to fear the Cheonrye tribe; were here to help Bratz. Now, take care. Turning his head, Ian saw the Cheonrye tribe waiting for him, including Beric, who was bound and hanging in their midst. Ian drove the Kusile as if returning to his original spot. Hey, hey, what did he say? Do you know him? Who? The one who went to the desert? What did the young master say? Huh? He spoke for so long. Everyone who had forgotten about the young masters existence gasped in realization. The stable keeper held his child tightly, following Ians disappearing figure with his eyes. Before crossing the desert, he had asked him to quit his job at the mansion as if knowing the future, had he not? Its not just because of that, but Anyway, those who left the mansion mostly avoided disaster, and those who remained were killed by the investigation team. In a situation where the life and death of the countess and the young master were uncertain, the servants flimsy lives were so insignificant they were rolling on the ground. They said the Cheonrye Tribe will help The Cheonrye Tribe will help? What? The local people snorted with incredulous expressions, but no one dared to openly object because the reality was that desperate. Where else was there a force that could stop the nation of Bariel and their own lord Dergha in this situation? Get out of the way. You have nothing to do with this. Charge, keep moving forward! Its the barbarians! The barbarians have invaded! Ah, those bastards keep calling us barbarians, barbarians. Cant we just kill them and go? Kyaaa! Its the beastmen! Save me! Shut up. Dont get distracted. The mansion is in sight! Meanwhile, the Cheonrye Tribe, which had been crossing the vige, finally arrived at the Bratz mansion. Instead of the familys g, the scorched g of the investigation team was fluttering, clearly indicating who was the winner of the battle. Hee-ying! Kakantir pulled the reins of Kusile, stoppingpletely. The soldiers guarding the mansion hastily brandished their spears. Their helmets and armor were covered with blood, and there were no intact ces. Who, who are you? Are you barbarians from the bordends? How did you get here? Crunch! Lookingme as he hobbled and shouted. One of the worn-out warriors tried to draw his sword and step forward, but Ian stopped him and stepped forward with an apologetic look. I am Ian, the second son of Count Bratz. This is the Cheonrye Tribe, the great warriors of the desert. We are not here to oppose you, so tell your master of our presence. The soldiers paused at the sight of Ians blonde hair and green eyes. Clearly, those features belonged to a person from Bariel. Their eyes then shifted to the warriors standing firmly behind Ian. They were beings that captured the wild essence of nature, with an untamable aura of predators. The soldiers muttered and hesitated. Pl, please wait a mo, moment. If told to back off, he seemed ready to squeeze his own head. The soldier staggered back and soon ran inside to report. His remaining colleagues held their swords in an awkward stance. Hee-ying! Although they flinched at Kusilres cry and broke out in cold sweats, they still held their ground. Chapter 41 Chapter 41 The soldiers outside the main gate still held their swords, maintaining a defensive stance, waiting for themand from inside. The atmosphere between the two opposing forces was stark. On one side were those barely standing with trembling hands and feet, and on the other, the Cheonrye tribe, casually chewing on mulberry leaves, waiting leisurely. Creak The gate soon opened. They parted on either side, allowing entrance to the strangers. Only Ian and the Chieftain may enter! Enter? Thats some good f***ingnguage youve got. The soldier belonged to the central army of Bariel, and they were considered barbarians of the frontier. His attitude and words were expected, but a warrior provocatively mocked and picked a quarrel with him. Other warriors joined in,ughing and creating a coborative atmosphere. It was an overwhelmingly rough disy, but this time Ian didnt stop them. Allow the escort toe in. That cannot be done. Are you themander, the general? An order has alreadye from above. You may want to ask again. Your lords mind might change, as ours might. Ians calm words turned the soldiers face pale. Though they had no intention to oppose, his tone implied that things might turn bad if provoked. The central army had already suffered substantial loss in the battle with Dergha, so they had to avoid further conflict at all costs. Moreover, their opponent was the warlike barbarian Cheonrye, threatening Bratz. Who knows what the future might hold, but for now, pushing down this mansion seemed a simple task. Ian turned to Kakantir and suggested, Lord Kakantir. Sir Nersarn, Soo and I, the four of us should go in. I am here! Ian, I am here too! You see Beric here? Fine. Do as the gentleman wishes. Come on. Hurry and ask again. IAAAAN! Are you deaf? Beric clung to him like a pack mule, wriggling and begging to be taken along, but the decision was made. Under Ians pressure, the soldier went back inside and soon returned with satisfying news. Pleasee in. Well be back. Everyone, wait here. Yes. Kakan! *Creak.* The gate closed slowly. Returning to the Bratz mansion after a couple of months, it had changed significantly from Ians memory. The once serene and refreshing aura was gone, reced by a heavy sense of defeat. In the distance, an outbuilding seemed charred as if burned entirely. Ian looked at the shapeless objects piled beside it. What could those things be? Are you Ian Bratz? Then, a woman, escorted by subordinates, walked out from the main building. Judging by her attire, she was the head of the investigation team. Her pink hair was tied in one ce, and her body was wrapped with bandages everywhere. It looked like there had been fierce fighting within the mansion too. She grinned, holding a cigarette. Ah. Since you are not yet a subject, I should just call you Ian. Ive heard from Sir Molrin. Im themander, Erica. Are you Sir Molrins subordinate? Subordinate? Well. Technically, you could say that. Now,e inside. Though shabby, its better than the ground, no? Erica led the way, behaving as if the mansion was hers. Ian guessed from her behavior that she was Molrins designated next lord. Her position as the investigation team captain and handling matters directly here made the next lords position a reasonable reward. What happened here? Upon arriving in the reception room, Ian feigned ignorance to gauge the situation. The inside of the mansion was filled with the lingering smell of blood. As you can see, there was some bloodshed, but its almost cleared up. Tax evasion charges have been confirmed, and evidence has been found. We just need to cut off Derghas arms and legs, then itll be done. Ian raised an eyebrow. The execution of rebels was usually by hanging. Death by a de was an honor for the nobility, so most used a rope. The shameful sight of dangling and struggling in the air was a hard-to-see disgrace. Ericaughed as if it were a joke. Since the entrance gate, she hadnt given a single nce to Kakantir. Arrogantly so. Well, thats just a metaphor. There are some knights and a captain with him, Dergha was it? Quite skilled. Continuously running away with various followers, cutting off his arms and legs is only natural. Whew, Erica blew cigarette smoke in Ians face. She then nced at Kakantir, looking perplexed, and asked, So what? What brings you all the way here? I heard you have a lot of grudges against Dergha. Are you curious about the execution? This ce was not safe for Ian to be in. Right before the Bratz family disappeared, even if they were not in conflict, everyone knew that Derghas blood was flowing in Ian. Or are you waiting for a letter from Sir Molrin? Simply by cooperating with Sir Molrin by sending a secret letter, he was receiving such friendly treatment. It was also the tolerance of those who held the victory. Erica smacked her lips. What do you want? I dont have any specific instructions. I would love to hear about Sir Molrins well-being, but I have other business. Really? Erica seemed not to think much of it. As if to say, what business could a son sold into very have? Arent the barbarian tribes on bad terms with Bratz? At her words, Ian burst into a sneer. An overtly dismissiveugh. Ericas face turned serious, and she rubbed out her cigarette on the table, and her subordinates standing behind immediately grasped their sword handles. The Bratz and the barbarian tribes have been in a friendly exchange for a long time. A rtionship even more profound than brothers. Brothers? Ha. The sound of dogs foraging grass and dying. Its a well-known fact in the central administration that Bratz and the barbarians cant stand not devouring each other. Arent you the evidence? A wretched body sold alive into the desert. Yournguage is impressive. Unexpected. Nowadays, they seem to appoint amoner as the head of the investigation team. What!? At Iansposed words, Erica screamed. It was almost as if his derogatory words had been turned back on her. Kakan also showed his agreement with Ians words throughughter. Look here, Commander. Look here, Commander? I am the center of the desert. Stop spewing crude words and quickly confirm Derghas tax evasion charges, hold the execution, and leave. We will take care of the aftermath in Bratz territory. What are you saying, you crazy fools!? Commander Erica! Theres no more to listen to! Ching! Ching! Ericas subordinates drew their swords. Kakantir, Nersarn, and others just looked on nkly. Unlike the agitated ones, it was a truly calm atmosphere. Where do you beasts think you are! Shiieek! A man close to a dog ran at Kakantir, swinging his sword. Kakantir caught his wrist very lightly with one hand and began to exert force calmly. Uh? Crack Aaaaah! He twisted a mans wrist with just one hand. Not stopping there, Kakantir grabbed the fellows hair and mmed his head down on the table. The ash from Ericas discarded cigarette stuck to the mans face. Thud! Thump! Thud! Once, twice, three times. Thick blood spurted with each heavy blow, and soon the carpet beneath the table became soaked. Erica, who had stumbled back, screamed in rage. Are you mad? Im an envoy of the Imperial Pce! This is an insult to the Imperial Pce! Insulting? It might be wise to speak properly. Its an honor and mercy in itself to be alive after facing my hand. It didnt seem wrong. In his rise to the chieftains position, Kakantir had not experienced a single defeat, and all those who faced him had met death. Ericas eyes looked like they would roll back any moment. She red at Ian and warned, Do you want to be beheaded with your father? Everyone knows that Derghas blood flows in you! If I kill you, no one can me me! As you said, I may have Derghas blood, but Im not of the Bratz family, am I? Why not try babbling that in the imperial pce? See if such trickery works! Well, its typical to be reduced to imperials ve, but one must read the situation carefully. Above all, am I not the only on the behalf of the empire interacting with the bordering Cheonrye tribe? This ce was the frontier, a fortnight away from the imperial pce. Whoever became the next lord, defending Bariels border from outside forces was a virtue of the lord. In this urgent situation, who was the one bearing the Cheonrye on his back? Ian lifted his head slightly, as if to say, look properly. Also, because of the alliance, I belong to Cheonrye of the desert, not Bratz of Bariel. Ah. It would be nice if you lower your sword. For your safety. Monsters who could easily defeat dozens. Werent their sizes very different? With Kakantirs light movement, Ericas servant fainted. If they held weapons, no one could guess what storm of blood would blow. And most of all, your mission, Commander Erica, is to investigate and punish Derghas tax evasion, not clean up Bratzs territory. Isnt it unpleasant to not go back after finishing your work? I am here to catch Dergha! You turned the territory into a ruin. Its too much. Just spill Derghas blood; the cries of the territorys people are filling the air. The one whos excessive is you! Face your status! Derghas bloodline, amoner, and a sacrificialmb in the desert. It was a foregone conclusion that Ian would be sold as a ve when the Counts formal trial was held. Somehow, the consumed tax from Dergha must be replenished. I understand. The status. At Ians words, Kakantir took out a letter from his pocket and threw it on the blood-smeared table. This is the stance of Cheonrye, our ally. Derghas matter is an internal affair of the empire, but we are allied with Bratz nheless. We want Bratzs peace more than anyone else. Ha! How shameless. Youd do well to be polite. Wouldnt you regret it most if you died here? A simple but certain warning. Erica bit her lips tightly and gripped her sword again. Then, she suddenly realized that the Cheonrye people hadnt even drawn their weapons. They considered their bare hands enough. ording to the alliance oath, we must support Dergha. But Dergha is a criminal, and Bratz is a part of Bariel. So, we intend to help you but Kakantir nced at Ian. Everything was as they had prearranged. I think Ian is the appropriate person to connect you and us, and Id like to entrust all authority of Bratz to him. What do you think? Did I mishear? It sounds like youre saying he should be the lord? Ian and the Cheonrye tribe just looked at Erica without answering. She felt as if her words were stuck, but it seemed too early for that. Ian smiled brightly. Chapter 42 Chapter 42 Youre thoroughly no, disgustingly insane. Erica couldnt hold back and lit another cigarette. But at the same time, her mind was racing, sensing that the situation was far from ordinary. What could be the meaning of leading the Cheonrye tribe? It implied that they would not hesitate to use force if necessary. Unlike the Central Army, which was half-dispersed due to the aftermath of battle, the warriors of Cheonrye were heated with fighting spirit. More than anything, the damn thing is, apart from Ians lineage, the situation is wless. As soon as they stepped out of the mansions main gate, the screams of the territorys people cursing the Central Army resonated. Facing them were Derghas soldiers, but to the people, they were family, friends, and neighbors. The resentment and hatred of the people of the territory will be deep for a while. However, if a descendant inheriting Bratzs blood takes the lead, efficientmand will be possible. And most importantly, since the border barbarians, who are the most important in the frontier, havee out in support. Ah, f*ck. Her head throbbed. If the Central Army had been additionally deployed, they could have undoubtedly driven out Cheonrye and achieved aplete victory in Bratz. But whether Erica and her troops would be part of that glorious moment was uncertain. They would probably end up receiving fadedmemorations as sacrifices. Ericas lips twisted. The appointment of the lord is the Emperors jurisdiction. I know that. Before the Emperors appointment, no one has the authority. No one has it, and everyone has it. Erica could do it, but that meant Ian could do it too. She chewed her cigarette grimly, ring at Kakantir, who continued to prattle on about Ians necessity. Ian was born and raised in Bratz territory, so he will be of great help in rebuilding. If its not Ian, Cheonrye will not give priority negotiation rights to any of Bariels forces, and for peace, well have to go through the initial stages of understanding. It was tantamount to breaking off rtions. And this was not much different from meaning war. The words,ing from the chief of Cheonrye, carried weight. Cheap talk. F*cking hell. It seems the this knight is indeed amoner. Cant you shut that mouth? You shitheads are really Kakantir red at Erica with cold eyes. But she did not flinch, lifting her head. She had struggled like hell to climb up from the bottom to this point. The goal of her life, being a lord, was about to be snatched away entirely. Just to let you know, if you kill me, its as good as dering war on Bariel, you know? Oh, thank you for telling me that. Otherwise, I might have cut your throat right away. Grrr Crunch. Kakantir stepped on the neck of a fallen man,ughing. The subordinate instinctively gasped for breath, trembling. Erica felt cold sweat run down her back. Alright. I think I roughly know what you want. Erica pretended to back off, folding her arms and deflecting the conversation. She had been the internal candidate for this territory since she was offered the role of investigation team leader by Molrin. It was clear that her name was on the lords appointment letter Ian was eyeing. So she couldnt back down here. But I havent secured Dergha or Countess Mary and Chels bodies yet. I also have a duty to arrest all the rebellious soldiers and establish the majesty of the royalmand. You are right. Beforepleting my mission, I cannot leave the mansion. If you truly want to ease Bratzs pain, do as you wish. But I hope you act only for peace. Otherwise, the imperial sword will fly here from the center. Until the revtion from the center appointing Erica as the lord of this ce arrived. Until then, she had to endure. Once she receives the authority, shell smash those arrogant mouths that babble on. Fine. Then well help in arresting Dergha. Ian nodded as if satisfied with the conversation. Sneaking the foot in had been sessful. ording to Erica, capturing Dergha and other key people in the mansion would be tantamount to giving the Central Army a reason to garrison here. We will also take the lead in the reconstruction. The investigation team and Central Army have incurred the wrath of the people of the territory. Step aside for efficient progress. Perhaps, is it an ulterior motive to save Dergha? Ericas eyes narrowed at the suddenly urring assumption. She flicked the cigarette butt she had just smoked and signaled to her subordinates. Youd better be prepared if you try anything funny. Lady Erica, it doesnt seem like youre that close to Sir Molrin or know much about the situation? What? I mean, you seem not to know much about the rtionship between Dergha and me. You dont have to worry about that. Lets bring Dergha here and prove how sincere I am to the central power. This moment wouldter y a crucial role in solidifying Ians position. Though of Derghas bloodline, he strongly denied his lineage. Havingid the foundation by passing a secret message to Molrn, a further step was needed to solidify it. Ha. Bring Dergha? If you can, then go ahead and try. Even the central army is struggling to track him and wandering in the mountains. As the situation started to clear up, Kakantir buttoned his clothes and turned around, then asserted with a voice full of amusement. Hunting is our specialty, so you all just stay here holding that soldiers hair. Kakantir gestured toward Ericas subordinate, whose neck had been broken. Ian also followed the Cheonrye tribe, nodding his head lightly. Then, Ill see you again soon. Bang! As soon as the door closed, Erica spat out a cigarette and rushed to her subordinate, grinding her teeth fiercely. Bring the official document right now! Yes, Commander Erica. The subordinates hustled in response to their lords urgentmand. They had to send a message to the central authority promptly. The only thing protecting Erica here was the Emperors seal on her domain appointment. Molrin had to handle the documents properly and promptly. * * * The next day, in a forest not far from Bratz. Soldiers crouched in the cracks between rocks, gripping their swords, only swallowing saliva. Rustling sounds came from all around, whether from beasts or enemies, no one knew. Perhaps it was the tension of not knowing when the enemys attack would pour down. Dergha was unknowingly trembling all over, soaked in sweat. Count, over here. Deo, covered in blood, led the way. Because he was crawling, his face was marked with thick grass stains. Haa, haa, how much further do we have to go down? Since they locked the castle gates in Merellof, it seems well have to go around to the Hwan Kingdom. It was a journey to Hwan Kingdom, but no different from exile. They would have to hide their identities there for safety and live in secret. Everything, including thend hed lived on his whole life and the pride and honor of being a noble, was shattered. Damn it. The Count nced back, checking on the soldiers following him. More than half of the original force was gone, and what remained were men with missing limbs. The color of defeat was too strong to consider this a good fight. Creak. The Count fumbled with the bundle on his back. He could feel the emergency funds hidden away. Small andrge jewels and gold coins, significant assets that would take responsibility for everything about Dergha from now on. If God helped, he could use this as a stepping stone to return to Bratz. Rustle. Wait. Stop. Stop. Stop at the back! Deo sensed a presence and paused. At the same time, the soldiers trailing like a string of sausages also lowered their stance, keeping a lookout. Screech! It was a noise from the nearby chestnut tree. Dergha and Deo simultaneously raised their heads. A hawk as big as a deer was ring at them. Haah. Thats what it was. Dergha, clutching his trembling heart, let out a sigh of relief. Thats when it happened. Whack! The head of the soldier escorting him twisted to the left and fell. It was because a dagger had flown and stuck in his temple. Huh? It was instant death. The deceased wouldnt even know he had died, and the same went for Dergha watching from the side. Literally, it had happened in a split second. Eh, eh, eh. Aaaah! Its the enemy! The enemy! Everyone calm down! Calm down and raise your shields! Deo yelled, but the soldiers, who had once tasted the fear of death, were scattered, screaming. Only a few knights with their wits about them grabbed their bows and swords. Its from the right! It flew from the right! Protect the count! Bow your head! The fear that a sword might fly in again at any moment. Dergha trembled and hid behind the knights. Hey, Dergha. Shiik! Chang! A flying arrow aimed at Dergha. A knight swiftly deflected it with his sword to protect his master. Between the leaves, beams of light began to rain down like rain. Above the thud, figures with sand-colored hoods started to appear. Its been a while, youve changed a lot. Ka, Kakantir! Its the Cheonrye! Cheonrye tribe! The red dye made it look like they were wearing blood. Dergha couldnt understand what was happening. Hadnt he defeated me in one blow? Even sending the head of the knight Bell. Why, why are you here? Curious? F*ck it! Count, run! Alex! Form a defensive line! The knights shouted, pulling Derghas arm. All the warriors standing next to Kakantir had drawn their bows. Kakantir smirked at Derghas back. If youre curious, ask your son. At that moment, Dergha and the soldiers felt a sudden release in tension. They turned their heads towards the direction of the strong wind. Father. Swoooosh. Like a sprite living in the forest. Each strand of shining golden hair fluttered in the wind, and his green eyes were beautifully curved. It was Ian. His son, whom he had sold to the Cheonrye. Ive, returned. Ian! You! You bastard! His surprise only momentary, Dergha remembered that Ian, in collusion with Molrin, had made him like this. The one who had dragged him, living honorably as a lord, down to the ground, that cursed piece of his flesh and blood. Past humiliation and future hatred were all Ian. Ill kill you, Ian! Dismember you and feed your meat to your mother! Then, throw you both into a burning pit alive! Ill make you feel like youre living in hell! Derghas roaring rage filled the forest. Ians expression did not change. In that rxed smile, Dergha felt his blood pressure rise even more. You bastard! Count! Tadadadak! Without knowing it, Dergha grabbed a sword and rushed at Ian. Though his body was tired and injured, Dergha leaped up and aimed at Ians neck. And Deo, escorting him like a shadow. ng, ng! ng! Soo deflected Derghas sword, and Beric blocked Deosing right after. Ah. Wincing as if slightly hurt by the recoil, Beric looked down at his stomach. But that was only for a moment. He grinned and waved at Deo. Hi. Doggy. Dog, doggy? Dont you remember me? I remember you. Beric swung his sword widely and charged at Deo. At the training ground. You beat the hell out of me, didnt you? Chapter 43 Chapter 43 ng! Berics swinging sword was barely blocked by Deo. Even though Berics skills had grown tremendously, due to a gaping hole opened in his side, the injury greatly affected the bnce of his skills. Ow. Beric, are you okay? At Ians call, Beric turned around. His grin was exceedingly joyful. Yeah-yeah. Dont talk to me. Master. He spat out blood-mixed saliva, but who would argue with him saying that hes fine? He lunged at Deo once again like a sh of lightning, his sword drawing arge arc, aiming persistently for Deos vitals. ng! Shiing! My lord! Deo narrowly avoided it but had no time to tend to his master. Perhaps this was quite displeasing, as the smile on Berics face slowly disappeared. Dergha lunged at Ian again without a care. Die, Ian! Fwing! Shee-eek! The Counts curse became a re. The warriors of Cheonrye shot their arrows in unison, and those with swords instead of bows jumped over the mossy rocks and ran. They were unmistakable predators in front of prey. Each step was powerful, precise, and destructive. The atmosphere was almost alien, as if they were feeling the sheer pleasure of ughter. Chyaaak! Fwook! Aaah! Save me! Good. You run well. Now run away more. Drive them, drive them that way! Gendalo! I said I would take that one! The warriors easily took down the scattering soldiers. Derghas men might be exceptions, but these were just expendable people to them. The damp earth soaked up the blood. Ahh, should we take the corpses? Just the heads. We cant carry the bodies. Too much trouble. Cheng! Cheng! That side looks a bit useful. Did you say Bel? Seems like youre a friend of that knight. The remnants were quickly dealt with. The warriors of Cheonrye gathered menacingly around the elite knights, like a pack of wolves eyeing their prey. Meanwhile, Dergha staggered and drooled, drawing ragged breaths. Soo simply deflected Derghas attacks, offering no retaliation. He was simply exhausted. Ian! Ueek. You are being troublesome, Father. You, how the hell did you Soo then grabbed Derghas hair and pinned him to the ground. Dergha struggled in vain beneath Ians feet, his face contorted. Ian muttered as he knelt on one knee. I dont know if its bravery or greed. How did you coborate with Bumart in the desert that even Winchen is holding out against? Either way, it doesnt concern me, but its hard to watch as a son. Scritch. The chilling sound of the de made Derghas eyes bulge. Soo was calmly cutting off Derghas hair. An enemy who attempted to kill a spiritual pir and lure her own family to the ground. A betrayer who sharpened his sword behind their back after forming an alliance. What, what are you doing! What are you doing! Cutting (this) instead of the neck. Its not the time yet. For perfect revenge and strategy, there are times when one must endure. To soothe boiling rage, something had to be cut. This, lowly, do you think youll be safe after this! Youre noisy. It feels like Im skinning a pig. What, what did you say? You vulgar thing! If you dont like your hair, can I cut your neck next? Soo muttered, holding a dagger to Derghas throat. Hot, fierce anger dripped from him. Dergha swallowed hard, his eyes wide with despair, and at that moment, witnessed blood spurting from Deos neck. Ugh. De, De, Deo.! As if ying a game, Beric slowly circled around Deo. Like practicing, he mercilessly jabbed at vital points. Deo hunched forward, eyes wide open. Thump! Argh! Then to the left. The knights surrounded by the Cheonrye were the same. The moment they showed weakness, they were ferociously bitten at the nape. Even the knights, thought to be elites, fell helplessly. Sigh Do not worry. This is not the ce where my father will die. Ian warmly smiled while gently touching Derghas cheek. Then, Soo flipped a ck cover onto Derghas head and tightened it with a string. Whack! Whack! Aaargh! Then mercilessly came the thrashing. Even the warriors cleaning up the corpses stepped on Derghas back and spat out curses at him. Whack! Thump! You son of a b*tch, daring to harm Chief Winchen When will he die, Sir Ian? Cant we just finish him off now? Dergha had either fainted long ago or was just trembling his hands, wetting himself. He was a spitting image of Chel back then. Ian nced at Kakantir and answered, First, hand him over to the central authority, then well create an opportunityter. If they had control, Derghas execution could be conducted as Cheonrye desired. However, first, Ian had to win trust byplying with the wishes of the imperial pce, not Erica, but the central figures in Bariel, a fortnights journey away. Unlike the warriors that were ready to eat again, Kakantir nodded from a distance. It meant they all understood. Everyone, clean up. Yes, Kakan. Kakan! I see signs of the central army in the distance. Theyre a step toote! Beric chuckled, wiping the blood on his sword with his pants. Perhaps it was a satisfying warm-up, as he looked much more rxed. Beric. Your wounds? Its hard to treat them here. Medical supplies were limited, and there were many injured local people from the battle. Adding Beric to that would be problematic. However, Beric casually shrugged, showing his bandaged wound that a Cheonrye doctor had wrapped. Im really okay? How in the world? I dont know. Maybe every time I swing the sword, the stress goes away, and that makes me heal faster? The root of all evil is stress! Shiik, shing! Despite swinging his sword with finesse, his words were lighthearted. Ian looked carefully at Berics wound but couldnt figure it out. Lets go down! Lets quietly mess with the central army! Youre the noisiest one. Ahahaha. A warrior carrying Dergha in a sack shouted. Ian passed the beheaded corpses and headed towards Bratzs mansion. Over them, the Cheonryes hawks continued to circle. * * * Commander Erica, Commander Erica! The Cheonrye tribe has returned! tter! Erica immediately went to the window and pulled back the curtain at her subordinates call. The tribesmen entering the main gate with pride, all covered in blood, and holding an unidentifiable sack. The central army? A messenger has flown from the west, it seems they will camp in the forest. They found traces of Dergha and his soldiers. Click. Erica gnawed at her nail, frowning. She had a bad feeling. The smiles of those who had returned to the same forest seemed unusually bright. Ian, who had dismounted from Kusilre, entered the office with a few warriors. Wait, you need to ask for Commander Ericas permission! Quiet. Are you renting this mansion? Mind your manners! We are the imperial pces investigation team! Oh? Were the center of the Great Desert. Get lost. From the noise in the corridor, it seemed that Ericas subordinates had stopped Ians group. Erica sighed and opened the door to her office. The spacious corridor was crowded with men. Whats all themotion? E-Erica-nim. Ian lightly fixed his sweat-soaked hair and bowed his head. It was undoubtedly a polite gesture, but itcked any respect or reverence. Whats themotion? I asked. Ian. Weve juste back after following Derghas trail, so what else could it be? At Ians gesture, a warrior threw a sack on the ground. The hallway resounded with a dull thud. Heeek! What rolled out from inside were the heads of soldiers. Some were torn off, while others were cleanly cut. Erica turned pale and covered her mouth, and the warrior grinned smugly. My apologies. Since youve made a bloodbath out of Bratz, I thought you would be used to this. Shut up! They said they wanted to see, so Ah, the real one is here. Thud! Another sack was thrown, sounding different. This time, Erica opened the entrance herself and looked inside. Dergha, who had worn a mask, was meticulously packed inside. De, Dergha? Is it really him? It seems so. He seemed unconscious but apparently unharmed. The investigators looked at Erica hesitantly, unsure of what to do. Do you believe me now? Hmph. Its not like you didnt have any skill. Move Dergha to the underground prison! Ah, yes! The members tried to drag Dergha but struggled due to his hefty body. They barely managed to hoist him onto their shoulders, only to stagger forward precariously. Careful, careful! Ahh! Thud! How could they notugh at the sight? The Cheonrye tribe snickered and jeered. Do you need our help? If you continue like this, youll roll along with him down to the basement. You might die before Dergha. Ha ha ha ha! We did well to catch him. How else would you have brought him? Maybe after you take care of him, hell be able to walk on his own. Even Kakantir couldnt hide hisughter. Ericas face turned red with rage, and Ian deftly changed the subject. So, now that weve caught Dergha, what do you n to do? If possible, Id like you to carry out the execution quickly and leave. Youre quite audacious, Ian. My task here is not yet finished. I have to punish all those with the Bratz name. Does that mean? I still havent found Countess Mary and Chel, the main figures. If you have some free time, go down to the vige and look for them. You can stay there if you want. Is there a possibility that they went outside? Unlikely. I can pinpoint the day they disappeared. There were no women leaving the walls that day. With that, Erica swept back to her office, her tied hair swinging, as if iming the space as her own. Only the confused subordinates remained in the corridor, not knowing what to do with Dergha. Help them move Dergha. Yes, Kakant. After giving orders to his subordinate, Kakantir turned to Ian, his gaze asking for a moment to talk. Ian readily followed him, then hesitated. Why? Beric had thoughtlessly followed them. Ian pretended to scan the surroundings for a moment, then instructed: Dont follow me, but go see Philea. Ahhh! Right! Your mother? Yes. Beric, you helped her hide, so you know the way, dont you? I do, of course. Despite his confident answer, his expression seemed confused. This man hadnt forgotten, had he? Before Ian could say more, Beric ran out of the mansion. Sir Ian. Yes, Kakan. Ian left Beric alone and faced Kakantir. The mans expression felt unusually stiff. Chapter 44 Chapter 44 In the history of Bratz, there may never have been a day as confusing and awkward as this one. As if it was not enough that the people who were once thought of as one nation drew swords against each other, the servant who was expected to die had returned. And he did so while being carried by the Cheonrye tribe, whom he had considered enemies for life, on their back. Is the world about to end? An old, decrepit man muttered, looking up at the Bratz mansion. Was this not a bizarre sight? The soldiers carrying the Imperial g and the warriors of Cheonrye were stationed together. All in one ce, in the mansions main building. Shaking his head, the old man cleaned up a headless corpse and put it on a cart. Squeak. Inside the mansion was an even moreplicated situation than what it looked like from the outside. There were the ipatible presences that mixed like oil and water, but the biggest problem was there. I cant find Lady Countess Mary and Chels corpses. Did you look at the mangled bodies properly? I checked the clothing and even the tips of the nails, but there was nothing that seemed to belong to the nobility. The bodies that were washed down the river have not been retrieved yet, so perhaps they are mixed in there. Erica bit her nails at her subordinates report. She had secured Derghas body, but there was no trace of his wife and child, Mary and Chel. Check the ones that were torn apart. Understood. We must find the bodies. Search the mansion thoroughly. If they were dead, she could finally im to havepleted her mission if the bodies were confirmed. Whats more, hadnt she turned the territory upside down? If the clean-up wasnt neat, the central governments trust in her could be shaken. And if you find the bodies, you know? Until the appointment letteres from the Imperial Pce, well hide it well. If Mary and Chel were dead, there would be no reason to dy Derghas execution. Then there would be no reason for her to stay in Bratz. It was uncertain whether she could re-enter the territory upied by the Cheonrye tribe. Damn it! Erica bit her nails again. The finely chewed nail fragments rolled around in her mouth. Meanwhile, in a small room behind the corridor. Kakantir, Nersarn, and Ian sat in a circle. Nersarn was the first to speak. Ian, its about Erica. Doesnt it look like shes waiting for a ceremonial appointment? I feel the same way. Considering the forced march all the way to the edge of the border, it must have been internally decided when she was appointed as the head of the investigation. Its almost been two weeks since Erica came down here. The appointment letter will arrive soon, and then it will be difficult for us to be stationed here. Nersarns words made Ian shake his head. As Erica said, ceremonial appointments are the Emperors jurisdiction. No matter how much 2nd Prince Gale supports Erica, shouldnt there be results? Dergha was just arrested today, and even if they sent a letter of appointment today, it would take almost two weeks. You dont have to worry about that part. The Emperorsmand is weighty and valuable, so it cannot be sent by courier but only by horse rider. Nersarn calcted the dates in his head, looking slightly relieved. In any case, its a foregone conclusion that Erica will be the lord. Cheonrye has already invested a lot. And now were going to throw it all away? By supporting Ian, they sought future benefits and the direct punishment of Dergha, among others. Cheonrye had conceded much in this n. No, Kakantir, the flow of the situation is good. Will you exin? First, Mary and Chels corpses have not been secured. Thats good? Thanks to that, were stuck here in this mansion. Didnt Erica herself blow this? Her mission is to annihte the Bratz family, and to secure their corpses. At this point, Nersarn, who had realized it first, eximed. Ah then? The investigation troop, remaining here, was predicated on the proposition that Mary and Chel were still within the territory. However, if Mary and Chel were confirmed to have left, they were duty-bound to pursue them. It was a trap. Furthermore, the central government will never be able to drive me out. On what basis? Because of the very reason Kakan is curious about. That Ian is a magic wielder. Though hes inexperienced, he confidently imed that he could push back Erica. Okay. Good. Weve only just caught Dergha, so Ill watch a bit longer. Thank you, Kakan. So what should we do now? Do we have to go to the vige and search for the corpses, as themander said? No, instead, you can help the injured. The battle is already concluded for now, so the focus will be on reconstruction for a while. The support of the territorys people is also one of the essential foundations during the ownership transition, so please do so. Kakantirs eyes narrowed slightly. The more he looked at him, the cuter the brat before him seemed. Without lifting a finger, didnt Ian use the power of Cheonrye to pour all sorts of help into Bariel? Did they say he was just sixteen? Its hard to believe. But like a child of that age, Ian smiled and caught Kakantirs gaze. Why are you looking at me like that? I didnt say anything wrong. Yes, he didnt say anything wrong. From the central standpoint, the ownership change to thend was indifferent as long as its people paid taxes and guarded the borders well. This means it was independent from the Imperial influence. So, to manage the territory well, a capable and recognized head of the family would be needed. This case could be seen as an act for thetter. What about the ceremony? I have some business to attend to. I heard that Dergha set fire to the annex and fled. That must have been the time of Mary and Chels disappearance that Commander Erica mentioned. If theyre not inside the territory and havent gone outside, then Theres a possibility that theyre hiding somewhere in the mansion. Itsmon for there to be a secret passage in a grand mansion. The problem is that all the servants who could provide clues have died. When Beric finishes his errand and returns, well move. Kakan, you should rest with the warriors and then go down. Kakan looked back at Ian while gulping down a bottle of wine. There was no other way since they hade this far. Time passed, and in the afternoon, Beric arrived to see Ian leading two Kusilre horses. Youre here? What are you doing? Going out again? You know where I lived, right? The ce where Ians mother lived. Ian only knew it was in the red-light district, but he didnt know the exact address. I know. But why? Philea is living well in the forest. Ive just seen her eating, sleeping, and looking well. Shh. Be careful, I warned you. Its okay, its okay. No one heard. Even the Cheonrye tribe didnt know Ians biological mother was alive. It wasnt his weak point by now, but it was still difficult for him to reveal first. Anyway, why there? Were going to look for Hannah from now on. Mary and Chel, no matter how he thought about it, he was suspicious of the existence of secret passages in the mansion. How could a woman and a child escape that chaos? If they were dead, the bodies would have been discovered long ago. It could have been Ericas superficial deception, but Ian had to verify it until he could confirm it so. Clip-clop. Is it this way? Uh-huh. Probably. Beric led the way with a light cover of his nose. The alleys were tangled like a maze in the backstreets. Even if one was not weak, anyone shabby would immediately get pickpocketed considering the area was so isted from the outside. Here. Here? Good heavens. Ian managed to keep his expression as best he could and clicked his tongue. As they headed down to the semi-basement, the rooms were branching out like an anthill. Among them, one seemed to have been the dwelling of Ian and Philea. A ce where rats were teeming, and the foul stench overwhelmed the smell of battle. Why? Dont tell me youre talking about the ce where you used to live? I dont even know about that. Ian must have moved when he entered the Bratz mansion. There had been Derghas disy of power to financially oppress Philea, and this ce was the result. Tsk. After clicking his tongue once, Ian turned his back without regret. The masterless dwelling seemed to have nothing worth taking. He went to the crossroads and gestured to Beric. Investigate wheres Hannah. Me? Who else? Should I do it? Hey, you passerby over there! Can I ask you something? As Beric wandered around, stopping people to ask them questions, Ian also carefully looked around. But since it was such a chaotic and miserable sight, nothing caught his eye other than the pity. However. Ian! Over here! Hannahs family, who had five siblings, was quite famous. Moreover, Hannah was a servant who worked at the mansion, so she seemed to stand out among the neighbors. Go up the stairs to the 2nd floor. As soon as he stepped on the stairs, the cry of a baby reached his ears. Waaah! Oh dear, why are you crying again? Hannah? Hannah, who was holding and soothing the newborn baby, turned around in surprise and then recognized Ian and Beric with a surprised smile. Young master! Beric! Im relieved to see you safe. Youre back! Im so d youre alive, Master Ian! Is your family affected? No, we dont have any family members who went off as soldiers Every night my parents are so thankful that they left the mansion. But her slightly gaunt face seemed to have endured hardship. The wooden boards nailed to the windows, including the door Ian pushed open, had been prepared to prevent intruders during the heat of battle. Ian smiled slightly and touched the babys hand. This must be the sibling Ive heard so much about. Yes. There are more besides this one. But Hannah poured out words like a flood. Are you here to find me? Is it okay for you to be back here? Arent you Count Derghas son, young master Ian? I thought the talk abouting back with the Cheonrye tribe was a lie Yes. Its fine. I have something more important to ask you. Hannah offered a chair to Ian while soothing the baby. I wonder if there are any eerie tales or rumors secretly going around the mansion. What? All of a sudden? Im asking if theres a hidden passage or something. For example, a ghost appearing at the end of the corridor or hearing voices from a forbidden room by the master. Most of these tales were derived from rumors of secret passages. Hmm. I dont know. Ive never heard of such ghost stories. Especially about secret passages or rooms. Of course. If you knew, would it still be a secret space? Youre still the same, Beric. Beric and Hannah exchanged yful nces, while Ian leaned back, looking puzzled with his arms crossed. It would have been nice if the butler was here. Sadly, he was found with his arm cut off. It wasnt by the Central Army but by a soldier from the neighboring territory of Merellof. He seemed to have entered the border by mistake while fleeing, and the Merellof side requested the body to ascertain the situation and then left. Did the butler also pass away? Ah. Yes. Hannah smiled awkwardly, looking down at her sibling. Ian didnt miss that subtle change. Why is that? No? Isnt it just unfortunate? They said most of the people living in the mansion died Was that really all there was to it? Ian fixed Hannah with a sharp gaze, and she sighed as if she couldnt deceive him. Chapter 45 Chapter 45 I feel a bit guilty toward thete butler, you see. What? I borrowed something on my way out of the mansion. She beautifully phrased that she had stolen something. Ian let out a hollowugh, looking at her as if asking her to continue speaking. His reaction was less a sly reaction than one of sheer incredulity. It couldnt be helped. You were the one who told me to quit, werent you? Yes, yes, I did. I have to leave the mansion, and Ill need money until I find a new job. Ive been in the housekeepers room a few times at your request. She was saying that she took something shed had her eye on while resigning. Seriously, how naive. Wouldnt the first person they suspect when something goes missing be the one who just quit? At that time, about ten other people also quit, for different reasons. Thedy of the house became extremely sensitive. The atmosphere in the mansion was terrible due to increasing corporal punishments. Lady Mary? Why all of a sudden? Ive never been beaten, so I wouldnt know. But it seems she was under a lot of stress. There were many strange spots on her arms and legs. I thought I might die from corporal punishment if I continued to stay there. Figuring that since she was going to quit anyway, she might as well blend in with the crowd and make her exit, she had taken something that was the only item in the housekeepers room with a lock on it, guessing it was valuable. Ian then asked what she was thinking. Your expression doesnt look good. Was it disappointing? Yes. They were just letters and drawings that I had collected. It felt like stealing memories. I would have preferred it if it was money. Hannah confessed that she had even lost sleep over her guilt. Then, after putting her younger sibling down, she opened the bottom drawer and pulled out a stack of paper envelopes. If you are going to hold a funeral, would you take these and burn them with him? I feel like I would be cursed if I kept them. Ian nodded and naturally passed them to Beric, who habitually opened an envelope to peek inside. He didnt seem to find anything useful. Beric. Huh? What? Cant I look? Dont bother. Put it back. Just as Ian was about to express his impatience, a piece of paper fell out between Berics fingers. It was a map of the mansion that the newly hired housekeeper had used to efficiently understand his duties. Give it to me. Let me put it back. Just a moment. You told me not to look. Youre noisy. Be quiet and look here. It was ayout of the Bratz mansion that Ian was already familiar with. It was detailed, divided by floors, even down to the locations of windows and doors in each room. But why Why does it feel off? Off? What do you mean? It feels disharmonious. Let me see. Hmm. Upon Ians words, Beric and Hannah leaned in, squinting their eyes. Hannah thoroughlypared it based on her memories of working in the mansion, but couldnt find anything significantly different. Theres nothing strange. Its the same as it is now. If theres something different, its this. The garden was sparse back then? The garden was sparse? What Beric pointed out was a single tree drawn on the map. Though simply sketched, Ian recognized it as a birch tree, the closest to the annex. Usually, such maps omit thendscaping details. If you start drawing bushes and trees in detail, it will never end Ian trailed off. Yes, its typical for such maps not to includendscaping details. But why was this tree drawn here? It could be a meaningless drawing by the creator, but this was a document for the house manager. It would be more natural to ascribe some meaning to it. Beric. Lets hurry back to the mansion. Why! Tell me too. Hannah, Ill contact you again. Well need people to help once the mansion is sorted out. Ideally, Id like the servants who quit toe back. Ill spread the word. Im more than happy to help. I was wondering how Id make a living now. Ian gave a bright smile at Hannahs words and unbuttoned one of his cuffs. It was a shirt he wore for a formal ceremony. A single button could satiate immediate hunger, although where to pawn off the jewel in this situation was another question. Its a sort of advance payment. Th-thank you. Its amazing how you always appear to help when were starving. Maybe thats why I met you. Then Ill also find a reason for meeting you, Master Ian. I think the stableman seems to be okay. I think I saw him yesterday. Ah, yes. Ive seen him too. Please go in. I will contact you right away. Okay. Take care. Ian finished his greetings with Hannah and hurried back to the mansion. Without thinking of dismounting his horse, he went straight back to the annex to find the tree in the aerial view. That must be it. It was peculiar that the branches seemed to droop down. Beneath it, the Cheonrye tribe were gathered in small groups, eating by burning the gureut leaves. Sir Ian? What is it? Could you look at the for a moment? The? You, you go see. The charred annex and pits here and there. Surely, the bodies of the servants killed in the fire would be buried there. Was it because of the ominous energy? The Central Army and the investigation team didnt even nce at the annex, but one never knows. Make sure the Central Army and the investigation team dont see it. Hmm. Got it. Will you be working here? Yes. Just step aside for a moment. The Cheonrye moved aside without asking further questions. Then, they stood against the wall and entered a defensive position. Beric continued topare theyout and the drawing, holding it upside-down. Is this the ce? Yes. So dont just stand there, start digging. Oh boy, really digging, digging. Lucky me to meet such a master! Though they had just pinpointed the tree, that was it. There seemed to be something hidden, but there were no traces whatsoever. Beric took out his dagger and meticulously scraped the ground. Are you going to kill Mary and Chel yourself when you find them? I cant do that. I cant actually kill them. Ian responded as he touched the grass with his fingertips. The grass felt somehow different. Rather, it would be better to keep them alive for now. What do you mean? So that they can run far, far away. Its fake grass. Ian took the dagger from Beric and jammed it into a crevice. The ground lifted like a lever. Even the Cheonrye tribesmen, who were just chewing gureut leaves from afar, looked puzzled. *Squeak*. A staircase leading to a secret space appeared. A basement made of a spiral stone staircase. When he brushed the floor with his hand, it was damp. Meaning that the seam between the door and the ground hadnt been created too long ago. In other words, someone had used this ce recently. We found it. Beric. Get ready. Got it. Why the rush? Pathetic. Were not the only ones after Bratz, are we? Who else? Erica? Yeah. Bring thentern without anyone noticing. * * * Mary stared intently at the flickering wick. Echoes resonating along the ceilings and walls. It was likely the outsiders who had recently taken over the mansion. Otherwise, her husband Dergha would havee to pick her and their son up. In a dugout where not a single streak of light or breath of wind entered, Lady Mary felt the worst despair of her life. Mom, Im hungry. Eat some jerky. Is this all we have? Chel pouted while sitting on the makeshift bed. At his age, how could he only say such things! For the first time, Mary felt that her son was pathetic. Shall we try moving to the back door? Theyve sealed it with molten metal. Dont risk hurting yourself; just sit. We need to conserve energy. The space resembled an underground dungeon. The secret door leading outside had been sealed by Derghas father to prevent intruders. Though it was understandable at a time when rtions with the Cheonrye n were poor, it was a self-inflicted wound like no other. How long do we have to stay like this? Just wait a little longer. An opportunity wille in a few days. Once we get back to Fontrol, we can rest well, so endure. Mary nned to pass through Mereloff territory and return to her maternal home. Even if she had to live in hiding due to being a traitor, she believed she could receive some help from her family. Mary scraped off the jewels embedded in her nails one by one and rubbed them against her dress. The gems she once deemed cheap would now serve as precious money. Thud-thud. It was then. Suddenly, she heard footsteps as if she were hallucinating. Mary instinctively turned off thentern, and Chel hid behind the bed. In the pitch-dark space, a dim light flickered in the distance. Gasp! Someone hade! They had discovered the mansions secret space and were tracking their movements! Mary, with trembling hands, tightly gripped the dagger and even stopped breathing. Dergha, is that you? Hurry, hurry If its you, please send a signal. However, despite Marys fervent wishes, the voice that came was both unfamiliar and familiar. A shadow stretched up over the stone wall. Are you there? Mother, Chel-hyungnim. How, how did you find this ce! Though she had not heard it in a couple of months, she recognized it instantly. It was Ian. Ian looked around the secret space and raised his eyebrows as if astonished. The men who followed him in had their faces painted with red dye They were from the Cheonrye n! How, how on earth. Wow, they dug out a tunnel. Dergha is really something. Dont the noble families of the Empire usually dig out at least one hole like this? Theyre the sort to run away if theyre going to die in battle. But it doesnt look like theres a way out in the back? Hmm. Yeah, thats true. Mary felt as if her thoughts hade to a halt. She had assumed that the ones stationed at the mansion were the investigation team and the central army. How had Ian and the Cheonrye tribe appeared? But that was only for a moment. Iiaaann! Shiiiik! Mary instinctively let out a shrill scream and charged at Ian. She believed it was Ian who had made contact with Molrin and exposed Dergha, and it was also Ian who had tricked the Cheonrye tribe into breaking their alliance. In response to her sudden attack, a Cheonrye warrior hastily grabbed her wrist. Ah! It hurts! She iled, trying to break free, but she couldnt escape the vice-like grip of the fearsome warrior. The warrior easily snatched away her dagger and threw it aside, pinning Mary against the wall. Thud! What is this insolence! You lowly people! People without any roots! Mother. I heard you had be more aggressive, but this is beyond what I expected. Shut up! Shut up! Its all your fault! Its because of you! Ian lifted antern to get a closer look at Marys face. Dark circles under her eyes, mottled skin, yellowish pupils filled with blood vessels. Even her lips were a mess, covered in dead skin. Not a single part of her was intact. On the other hand, aside from losing some weight and wearing ragged clothes, Chel didnt appear to have changed much. Why is this happening? Ian noticed that there was something unusually wrong with Lady Mary and frowned. Chapter 46 Chapter 46 I wish you were dead. Lady Mary continued to murmur almost hysterically. Chel stood frozen at the back of the bed, clearly shocked by the sight of his mother. Ian nced at her briefly before instructing one of the warriors. Summon Chief Kakantir and Lord Nersarn. Yes, Sir Ian. I wish you were torn to pieces. I wish no one remembered you were ever born. Mother, you should stop talking like that. The investigation team is still in the mansion. If they hear you, wed have no choice but to hand you over. Mary paused at his words. Was it because blood was rushing to her head? It seemed like Ian was suggesting he would save her. Ian, are you going to save us? What about father? Chel-hyungnim, this is not the time for such talk. Father is already captured by the central army and is beyond our reach. Do you have any belongings to take? Upon hearing that Dergha was captured by the central army, Lady Mary seemed to lose strength in her legs and slumped down. Chel was simrly affected. It was dark, but it was obvious that he was shocked and close to tears. I, I will save Father. What? His trembling voice and the outrageous im did not match. The Cheonrye warriors only let out faint chuckles. Who was going to save whom, really? Chel-hyungnim, get a grip. Do you not understand the situation? Deo is dead, the steward is dead, and most of the mansions servants are dead. And thats not all. On top of that, the people of the fief me Count Dergha for the casualties in the battle.Theres no ce for you and mother in Bratz, except this hidden space. The harsh reality seemed unbelievable. Chel kept flinching and looking around the dark room and at his mother. To live in a ce like this for the rest of his life? Never, he couldnt live like that. Ian turned his head to the noiseing from outside. Sir Ian, Chieftain Kakantir and Lord Nersarn are here. Alright, Ill be right out. Mother and Chel-hyungnim, Ian paused, seemingly deciding on their destination, and snapped his fingers. It seems you have no ce to go but to your maternal home. Prepare to leave with the warriors. Well depart as soon as it gets deep into dawn. Sir Ian, where is this womans maternal home? Im not sure, actually. Lady Mary was shocked once by being referred to as this woman, and again by Ians indifferent attitude. Chel spoke on behalf of his tongue-tied mother. Fo, Fontrol. Fontrol? Ah, its to the north of Bratz. We have to go around Merellof, so it will take about two weeks. There are not just the distances but dangerous mountains as well. Why go around Merellof? Cant we stop by to get some food or clothes Merellof haspletely shut its gates. They are the ones who killed the steward. Theyve imposed a self-lockdown until the situation clears. Upon hearing Ians words, Lady Mary swung her head in disbelief. It was understandable that Merellof did not help during the standoff with the central army; they didnt want to be implicated as traitors. But the fact that they killed the steward was beyond belief. Merellof killed the steward? Why are you surprised, Mother? That woman, she shouldnt have done that to me. She cant do that to me She bit her nails frantically, her behavior chilling. The warriors looked at Ian with uneasy expressions, but he had no clue either. I will go to Merellof. Mary nodded her head as if she had made up her mind. Ian, before leaving Bratz, we should stop by the main house. Have you lost your mind, Mother? His tone carried a nuance of telling her to stop spouting nonsense. But the Lady was undeterred and forcefully expressed her will. If we go, Merellof wont be able to easily drive us away. We can borrow some money there, get some help It was impossible to know what was going on in her mind, but it was clearly a mess. Ian crossed his arms as if challenging her to continue her nonsensical talk. Lady Mary suddenly stopped and asked. My husband, Dergha, hes not dead yet, right? Thats correct. The execution has been postponed thanks to you and Chel. At these words, color returned to Lady Marys face. Only Dergha and Mary knew that they had sent a letter to 1st Prince Mariv. As long as they stayed alive until the pces response came, there was still a chance. Yes. Yes, yes, yes Hurry and prepare if you understand. Then please hurry and prepare. Ian, lets go to Merellof! To Merellof! Mother, if you dont shut up, Ill gag you. Ian turned his back on her, seemingly done listening. The investigation teams were set up in the main house. How could Lady Mary go in and out there? Chel seemed tock situational awareness, but it appeared he too had taken after his mother. Guard this ce. Ill go see Kakan for a moment. Yes, yes. Take your time with your work. Hey, kid over there. Do you really have nothing? Uh, no, I dont And I am Chel Bratz! Listening to the pathetic conversation in the back, Ian walked up the stairs. Kakantir and Nersarn, who had rushed over after hearing from him, greeted him at the camouged entrance. Is everyone inside? Theyre all well. The entire group had been moved here to avoid the investigators attention. The stable was cramped, but thankfully, the investigation team didnt care too much. We can send them out as early as dawn today. Fine, lets do that. Who can ride a horse best? At Kakantirs words, the warriors mored to take on the task. I am. Kakan. Just entrust it to me. They had to escape from the central army while taking women and children with them. Not just horse-riding skills, but they needed someone with good situational awareness as well. Schul and Naru. You two handle it. Dont worry, Kakan! Wow. Are we finally going to wield our swords? Stop fooling around, and get as far away as possible with Mary and Chel. Bury them so deeply between heaven and earth that no one can find them. They couldnt hand the two over to the central army. That would be Ericas achievement, and it could affect the positive evaluation from the imperial pce. But what if Mary and Chel were dealt with discreetly? Central army bastards, wander the frontier for a few years. Let those Central Army bastards wander around the outskirts for a few years. Until they find the corpses, they wont be able to return. Mary and Chel were rebels, targets too vital to give up on with the mere excuse of having lost them. Even if the operation was halted, their trust would hit rock bottomtwo birds with one stone. The sun will set soon. Kakantir looked at the sky, aze with red, and nodded. Warriors assigned to Mary and Chel gathered water and food, changing into Bariel clothes. This is so ufortable. Why do we have to wear this? Exactly, I feel like its going to rip. Although their bulging figures made the tight fit evident, there was no choice. Their identity as Cheonryeok warriors had to be hidden. If word got out that the Cheonrye tribe was involved, everything could spiral into chaos under charges of treason. Bring Mary and Chel here. Yes, understood. The warriors went underground and emerged with the two individuals. The faces of both showed shock at the drastically changed surroundings of the mansiona crumbling detached building and Cheonrye tribespeople everywhere. It seemed they were bewildered, wondering if this was indeed Bratzs ce. Its been a while, Lady Mary and Chel. At Kakantirs greeting, the two suddenly turned their heads. Lady Marys eyes narrowed suspiciously as she hugged her son. I regret how things have turned out. The Cheonrye is! Just as Mary was about to hurl insults, she swallowed her anger. After all, Dergha was still alive. They had to survive until 1st Prince Marivs reply arrived. She knew that these people werent helping them with pure intentions, but she had no choice but to thrust her head into the mouth of the tiger. I trust you will understand, as we each have our circumstances. It would be good to know that this is ourst favor to you. Lady Mary gnawed at her lips. Was this what it felt like to knowingly step into a trap? She firmly grasped her sons hand and nodded. Alright. Cover your face with the hood. Come this way. Hurry up! Ian moved closer to Mary and Chel, who were heading toward the horses, and whispered. The warriors will guide you to Fontrol, but they wont risk their lives for you. Meaning, cooperate and stay low. If they felt their safety waspromised, they could abandon the two at any time. As Mary red at him, Ian simply smiled. If you dislike it, you can quit now. If they dont leave, they only had two options: either live wretchedly hidden in a secret storage, or get captured by the investigation team and be executed alongside Derka. Chel quickly pulled on his mothers arm as if urging her to move. Ian, you bastard I wont forget your warm love during this time, Madam. Thank you. But I dont particrly want to see you again. Mary regretted it. She should have just killed him when she learned of his existence. Or maybe she should have severed his arms and legs, burned out his eyes and ears, and sent him off as a beggar. She had so many regrets in the many missed opportunities that had passed. Now. Leave. Um, Ian, about my father Chel! Mary red at her son, as if telling him not to speak with Ian any further. Mary and Chel put on their ck hoods and mounted their horses. The investigation team has started their dinner and meeting. Good timing. Keep the front gate open. Yes, understood! Hee-yiing! The horses carrying the two galloped through the center of the mansion. A few soldiers turned their heads reflexively at the sound of the horses, but that was it. Horses came and went dozens, if not hundreds, of times a day, after all. Tadak-tadak! The two horses quickly entered the quiet vige and sped down a deserted road. A few of the territorial residents nced at them from the shadows, but paid no mind. What are they so busy with? Exactly, and its getting dark too. Public interest was quickly buried in the darkness, leaving no trace. The servants who were left in the mansion saw that the horses were running smoothly and hurriedly focused on cleaning up. Make the grass look natural. Should we put some rocks on it? No, that would only arouse suspicion. Restore it as it was. Yes, understood. Meanwhile, Ian looked towards the lit annex. He was wondering what could possibly be the reason for Madam Mary to return to her room even in such a situation. What was it that made her think Merellof would help her? However, that ce was currently being used by Commander Erica. Soon after Countess Mary left along with the investigation team, he would have to search there. Chapter 47 Chapter 47 Commander Erica! At the call of her subordinate, Erica put down her documents. It was rare for anymotion from her subordinates to be good news since she came here Countess Mary and her son Chel have been found! What? But this time, it was different. A most unexpected piece of excellent news! Ericas eyes shone with tion. Where?! Well, its at the northern gate. They dashed past the soldiers who were going to check them, riding two horses. There were four of them in total, and they split into two groups as soon as they left the gate. Four people? Are you sure its Mary and Chel? They had their hoods on, so I couldnt see clearly, but one of them had the reddish hair of a boy who hasnt reached adulthood yet. The woman also resembled Countess Mary and looked middle-aged. We suspect that the riders may be surviving knights. Erica briskly walked to the table and spread out a map. If they passed through the northern gate and then split into two directions, those directions werepletely opposite: east and west. Mary and Chel would not want to separate from each other. What about the chase? The soldiers at the gate are currently chasing them, but it looks like we need to send reinforcements quickly. Reported location? They are suspected to have reached this point so far. Wait a minute Erica traced the traces of Mary and Chel slowly with both hands. The two seemed to be heading continuously north after splitting to the left and right. North? North, then A sharp thought shed through Ericas eyes. Exclude Merellof. They walked to the gate to avoid entanglement, so Next was Shailon, a city famous formerce. Though next made it sound close, it was a ce that would take more than ten days to reach bynd. Considering that it takes a fortnight from Bratz to the central region, it was a ridiculous estimated time. This was because they had to cross the Denba Mountains. Theyre likely to go through Shailon. Shailon connects to various other territories. If they ride, they could reach Fontrol, the maternal home of Countess Mary, within a day. Fontrol, good. Send a message. How many should we send for the pursuit? For now Erica hesitated for a moment. The appearance of allies bothered her. While Dergha was imprisoned in the dungeon, it was strange to have surviving knights. She had little knowledge about this remote foreignnd. What if they had hidden troops? Mary and Chel could also be leading them into the mountains. Send about twenty people. Erica nced out the window as shemanded. Some unfamiliar beast cubsKusilre or whatever they werewere frolicking in the garden. If she exhausted all her forces, the beast tribe could seize control of her mansion. For now, this was the limit. Even if theyre knights, itll be hard for a woman and a child to face twenty men. If theres a problem, tell them to continue the pursuit and send another letter. Yes. Understood. Capture them alive if possible, or if not, bring back their corpses. No, even their heads will do. You understand? I will make it clear. Her subordinate hurriedly left after receiving Ericas order. They couldnt run far, not for long at least. Erica looked at the map and smiled contentedly. As long as she captured Mary and Chel, she could easily crush the annoying Ian and the beast tribe. What she didnt know was That theughter would onlyst for three days. * * * Over here! This way! Split up and run in both directions! Tadak-tadak! Two horses darted between the enormous trees, which stood like pirs holding up the world. Pursuing them were the central armys chasing unit. The warriors of the Cheonrye tribe effortlessly weaved through the trees, making it look like they were the ones being chased. Damn it! Observing this, the central army increasingly suspected that these warriors were knights from Dergha. It appeared that unlike the inexperienced chasing unit, they knew the roads well. Shiiiiik. The reason the Cheonrye warriors could find their way so effectively was due to the hawk in the sky continually sending signals. Unlike the disordered ground cluttered with rocks, moss, and all sorts of tenacious weeds, the sky waspletely unobstructed. Should we stop here? It looks like there are about twenty of them in total. Hwiiik. One of the warriors blew a whistle, signaling a change in tactics. They directed their horses into the bushes and leaped down,nding effortlessly. Their agility was almost superhuman. The targets have stopped! Stop! Surround them! Hiing! The only sounds heard in the dense forest were unidentifiable animal cries. Every member of the chasing unit aimed their bows and yelled. Drop your weapons and surrender! Reveal your identities, show your faces! But the only response from the two men was to draw their swords. Seeing their intent to fight, the chasing unit swallowed dryly and tightened their bowstrings even more. Whos themander here? What, what did you say? Im asking who themander is. The chasing unit hesitated momentarily; something about the way they spoke felt awkward. However, before they could ponder it any further, the two men rushed forward as the chasemander unsheathed his sword. Kill all who run! Shoot, shoot! Fire the arrows! We will spare only one who fights back! You fools! Chang! Chaeng! Both warriors leapt into the air, signaling the start of the battle. Arrows rained down upon them, but they swatted them away with their swords as they charged forward. One of the warriors had two arrows embedded in his forearm. Pwooook! Chyaaaak! Aaaaaah! Simultaneously, the head of the chasingmander flew off. Blood spurted out like a fountain, but nobody could quite grasp the reality of the situation. Was that a human? An animal? That question floated into themanders mind just then. Cheo Chyak! The word Cheonrye was never fully uttered. The warriors were like wolves rampaging in a chicken coop. They wiped the dripping blood from their des onto their sleeves and dered. We are knights of Dergha. If you n on defeating us, bring at least a hundred men. Heeek! Chyaaaak! Twenty menthis should be enough, they had thought. But their forces were scattered uselessly. Before long, the surrounding noises shifted from animal cries to the increasingly loud sounds of humans dying. The warriors looked down with contempt at a trembling member of the pursuit team whoy prostrate before them. The two exchanged signals with their eyes. Didnt we say we should let one go? Yes. That way, the second pursuit team will engage. Swoosh! Ah! Spare me, please spare me! The warriors called their horses, confirmed their location, and left without hesitation. The panicked soldier continued to plea for his life, unaware of their departure. By the time he finally raised his head, the men had long vanished like the wind. Huh Are there monsters even among monsters? It felt like he had been dreaming. If it werent for the corpses of hisrades strewn around him, the soldier wouldve thought so too. * * * Erica asked incredulously. The dirt-streaked, blood-spattered soldier continued to stutter through the days battle ount. The pursuit team has been annihted. How on earth It was knights from Dergha. They seemed to have some special abilities; their movements were extraordinary. They seemed like dark sorcerers or something. We couldnt identify their faces, and we couldnt recover the bodies of ourrades either. She could only let out a sarcasticugh as her lips tightened. There were twenty of them, after all. Even if the opponent was a knight, they should have gathered some kind of clue. It was unbelievable that they were so utterly defeated. The location? I remember it. Are you sure it was Mary and Chel? Yes, certain. Their hoods were knocked off a couple of times during the chase. Its definitely Chel and Countess Mary. Damn it. Form a second pursuit team. Erica-nim, if I may, it seems like sending another team wont do. Were barely able to move with our current force Erica blinked at the soldiers words. Who didnt know that? Obviously, a full-scale assault would be easier and better. However, they had superiors who couldnt afford to vacate their estates. IIm sorry. You may leave. As soon as the soldier left, Erica angrily swept the table clear. It was fortunate that they had identified Mary and Chel, but it was problematic that the conflict was dragging on. Damn it, really! Why are the responses from the center so slow? Its probably because theyreing bynd For reports and simplemands, they could use messenger birds, but a letter bearing the Emperors seal had to be hand-delivered by an official in a carriage. And of all the things, it had to be an appointment letter that was considered important, likely arriving in a shy golden carriage forsaking all efficiency. Any word from Ian and his group? How are they doing? Theres nothing particrly suspicious. Theyre preupied with rebuilding the vige. Those dog-like bastards. They should take better care of their ownnd. Unlike the Central Army, which was frantically chasing after Mary and Chel, they were focused on erasing the traces of battle in their domain. They were rebuilding copsed walls, fixing roofs, and moving the injured, among other things. How ridiculous. Erica was mentally berating Ian but then hesitated. She had an odd, uneasy feeling. Mary and Chel broke through the wall on horseback? Yes. Where were they before that then? They had scoured their domain as if hunting for a mouse, but couldnt find them. And suddenly they escaped on horseback, carrying an aplice? Given the current situation in Bratz, the number of people who couldmand horses was limited, wasnt it? Surely not. Is Ian involved? Summon the stable manager immediately. Yes, understood. Besides the horses managed by the Central Army, there were other privately-owned horses in Bratz. Why hadnt they checked that before? Annoyed at her own negligence, Erica ruffled her hair. Knock, knock. Erica-nim. However, the person who entered the room first was not the stable manager but Ian. He hade up after confirming that his subordinate was heading to the stable. Whats going on? Piles of documents were scattered all over Lady Marys room,pletely out of ce. Ian entered the room with a grin. Any progress in the pursuit of Lady Mary and Chel? Why do you ask? Would you look at this? Erica leaned her arm on the back of her chair and tilted her head back. Neither were her legs numb, nor was this the time for such a question, was it? Of course Im curious. If by any chance Lady Mary and Chel survive and plot something, I wont be safe either. Erica nodded her head, as if to say continue. Both were smiling and assessing each other, but it was Erica whose expression hardened first. Things r getting more n more interesting Chapter 48 Chapter 48 Are those people really knights? What? Erica reflexively retorted at Ians words. It was a question that Ian, of all people, should not be asking. Now, of all times, when they were doubting the Cheonrye Tribe! Wasnt Ians statement almost like a confession? You, do you even know what youre saying? Of course. When we captured Dergha, I thought we had dealt with all of his knights in the forest. But now a knight has suddenly appeared. Ha! Do you see this? Erica let out a hollowugh, filled with disbelief. But that was only momentary. Could there be a traitor among your subordinates, Lady Erica? For a moment, Erica felt as if shed been struck with a hammer on the head. Not because she believed there was a traitor, but because she understood what Ians words implied. The rumors that Mary and Chel survived and fled outside the territory have spread like wildfire, and since theres a supporter, everyone will think theyve escaped safely. You, you! But what if, by chance, those known as supporters are traitors trying to trap Lady Erica, wouldnt they hide the two without anyone knowing? Being under themand of the imperial pce, Erica had a duty to faithfully pursue the two. But what if they vanished in the process? She would have to submit a report on whether the two were alive or dead, with convincing evidence, like a piece of their corpses, for example. We should hurry and chase them with all our might. Who knows what will happen to them? To an outsider, it would sound like Ian was concerned for Ericas safety, but it sounded entirely different to her. If you dont pull the soldiers out of the mansion right now, Ill kill Mary and Chel and hide them. Then youll have to search the mountains for their traces for years. This XX bastard Swoosh. Erica drew her sword, cursing. But excitement leads to defeat, as they say. She instinctively realized that she had fallen perfectly into Ians trap. Why are you so agitated? I only gave you advice out of concern for you, Lady Erica. Where did you find Mary and Chel? I dont know what you mean. Ian, do you think youll get away with this? Im the leader of the investigation team appointed by the imperial pce. Interfering with me is the same as interfering with the imperial pces solemn decision! Erica blustered, but soon realized her mistake, her face contorting in anger. She had reiterated it with her own mouth: that she was appointed by the imperial pce. Hence, running outside the territory to chase Mary and Chel right away was her inherent duty, and by doing so, she admitted that her current situation was dereliction of duty. Yes. I understand. So you must hurry and capture those who helped Countess Mary and Chel escape. There was no other way to prove the connection between Ian and the others. As Erica red at Ian, biting her lip, one of her subordinates who had been sent on an errand returned. Lady Erica, the stable manager says two horses owned by Bratz are missing He hurriedly trailed off upon seeing Ian, but it was toote; hed already heard everything. Ian smiled brightly as if to say, See? Thats right. Theyre horses from the mansion. Its confirmed that there are traitors. Stop talking nonsense. Do you think I dont know that youve colluded with the Cheonrye tribe? How can you be so shameless, ying innocent? Me? With the Cheonrye tribe? Would you like to kill an innocent person? Just looking at their extraordinary skills, I can see that! If you wish, you can check the Cheonrye tribes forces that entered here. Youll see whether two are actually missing or otherwise. You, you Did you even check the Cheonrye tribes forces? It seems the leader of the imperial pces investigation team is morex in handling matters than I thought. Ians words were a clear insult, but there was nothing to refute. Even if she had checked, how would she know if someone had joined them from outside? You, I will kill you. Please dont. Im scared. Im serious. I will kill you. It was a deration that was almost a curse. She would personally behead that insolent peasant boy someday. Erica gnashed her teeth and grabbed her coat, storming out. Left alone, Ian nced over his shoulder at Countess Marys room. She surely said she had something to take from here, but Creak. The inside of the drawer was half empty. Valuables like jewelry and ornaments had apparently been confiscated by the investigators. Since the unpaid taxes were not trivial, all the precious goods of the mansion were to be forfeited to the imperial pce. What could it be? Really As Ian clicked his tongue in frustration, Erica rushed out into the corridor with her subordinate. He felt the curious nces of the Cheonrye people, but there was no time to respond to each one. Summon the soldiers. H-how many? Leave only the minimum, the rest will be organized as a pursuit team. B-but then, Knowing they were Cheonrye, they couldnt be dealt with by ordinary forces. They needed tounch a full-scale attack on them to prove that Ian and Cheonrye had snatched the Bratz family. Yes, Ill step into your trap. Keep an eye on Ian and Kakantir. Y-yes, understood. If you notice anything suspicious, report to me immediately. Whatever happens, it wont go their way. The moment they catch those two Cheonrye brats who called themselves knights of Dergha, they will wipe out all the foreigners in the mansion, including Ian. Depart! As Erica and the central army got busy, the Cheonrye who were just sensing the atmosphere also began to move stealthily. One warrior reported to Nersarn. Lord Nersarn, theyve begun to move just as Sir Ian said. Its time to release the hawk. Do so. Nersarn nodded in satisfaction at the warriors report. Since they had drawn the pursuit teams strength to the maximum, it was a signal to deal with Mary and Chel. He wrote a short note in Cheonrye and handed it to his subordinate. Its a perilous mountain range; Im not sure how well theyre doing. Theyre only used to sandstorms. Dont you trust your family? Of course not. They are warriors. Im just worried. Defeat was not in a warriors vocabry. Defeat was death, and after death, theres no consciousness of having been defeated. Even in crisis, they were those who feared not sacrifice. They would tear out their own hearts before giving an excuse to the enemies. Send the hawk. Yes. Oh, the remaining hawk belongs to Kakantir. The warrior nced at Kakantirs bed behind Nersarn. Kakantir was tasting a peach in light clothing. He nodded his head in approval. Then, Ill send Zeno. Before you send him, feed him some fruit. Hes been acting strangetely. Understood. Rest easy. Squeak. As the subordinate left, Nersarn looked back. Kakantir was still staring nkly out the window, enjoying his rest. Though they were in the midst of summer, nothing could feel coolerpared to the desert. Kakan, once the central army leaves the domain, you should start killing Dergha and clean up. We cant leave Cheonrye unattended for too long. Yes, thats right. The same was true for the work at Bumat, and now there was a shortage of troops to guard the garrisons in the desert. Though they had the protection of the great desert and thus little to worry about, leaving home unattended for long was never a good thing. But, Nersarn. Ian is a magic user and will inevitably be brought to the center once he catches the imperial pces eye. Who will manage this ce then? I guess Beric will go with us. Even if we leave him behind, it will be too much for him. Kakantir nced at Nersarn. Having been around him for a long time, he could understand what he meant just from a look. Nersarns eyebrows furrowed. I dont like that. What? Youre telling me to stay here, arent you? Oh, did you feel that way? It would benefit Cheonrye in many ways if I stayed. But whether Ian would allow it is uncertain, and more than anything More than anything? Nersarn nced at Kakantir and then turned his head away. I hate it because this ce is cold. Aha. Thats important. Its a ce where it snows. Its extremely cold. Kakantir chuckled and finished off the remaining peach. There was no need to wait until winter. In a couple of months, the autumn wind would chill, and the nostalgia of the Cheonrye warriors would deepen. Everything had to be tied up before then. The decree of appointment must being down by now? Thats likely. Do you truly trust Ian, Kakan? Trust him? You mean because hes a magic user? Youve seen it too. The way Beric fought with the knight. I mean, is being a magic user enough to overturn the decree of appointment? They had heard about the empires reverence for magic. Just as they trusted and followed Winchen, the people of Bariel revolved around the wizards. But they had never experienced it firsthand and thus could not be certain. Moreover, this was a remote region. The people here, who knew nothing of magic, were everywhere. Im not sure. He doesnt seem to be lying. If someonees down from the imperial pce, we can verify it right away. By the way, its definitely getting a bitte. Nersarn counted the dates with his fingers and muttered to himself. It was time for them to arrive, but still, there was no sign. What on earth is the imperial pce doing? * * * Knock knock. The office of the First Prince, Mariv Verocion, never went dark, even at midnight. The prince, dressed lightly with his long hair tied back, set down his sses. Come in. Your Highness Mariv, there is something you must see. What is it? At this hour? Mariv asked, wetting his lips with cold tea. What his aide presented was a crumpled and dirty letter. The envelope was open, either checked first or not sealed at all. Its a secret letter sent by Count Bratz of Dergha in the bordends. It deliberately came to me instead of Your Highness. Count Bratz? Mariv blinked lightly. Wasnt Bratz the ce where the emperor had recently sent an investigation team for tax evasion? Dergha was also someone he had seen a few times at state events, but there was no personal rtionship between them. So why a letter from there? Theres no seal. Instead, a ring with engraved words proving Bratzs heraldry was inside. Its a diamond ring, estimated to be 10 carats. Hmm. Mariv eximed as he looked at the ring on the table. He was not surprised by the jewel but realized how desperate the counts situation was to have offered it. If he wanted mercy, he should have sent it to my father, but he didnt. It must be something else. Correct. The aide ced the neatly folded paper down. A momentter, Mariv, who was reading the text with interest, sharply narrowed his eyes. Is this right now Chapter 49 Chapter 49 To First Prince Mariv, Your Highness, I am Count Dergha Bratz, and I must be concise in mymunication. Sir Molrin from the administrative office, dispatched from the capital to assess the heirs qualifications, once informed me of Second Prince Gales ns. He extended an offer for me to join a coalition between the Second Prince and the nobility. Out of my unwavering loyalty to the Imperial Pce and my recognition of the implications this would have on you, First Prince Mariv, I declined. Subsequently, I faced grave threats. Upon my return to the Imperial Pce, Sir Molrin and his associates wrongly used me of tax evasion. The downfall of the Bratz lineage would likely result in Sir Molrin and his group, who are familiar with Bratz, assuming power in our domain. This situation would undoubtedly disadvantage Your Highness. I beseech you to showpassion to the Bratz lineage, who have tirelessly defended our borders against barbarians for generations. Warm regards. Mariv slowly put down the letter after reading it and fumbled with his spectacles on the table. This was unexpected content. His aide was also watching the outside with an unusual expression. The Imperial Pce was such a ce where even a small breath was noisy. Aide, read this. The aides face grew heavy as he read the letter handed to him. What do you think is true, and what do you think is false? Its difficult to discern his words intentions, theyre mixed in too well. First, lets go through it one by one. Its certain that Gale is maintaining a friendly rtionship with the local nobles. Although its not mentioned, they seem to have a gathering of their own. The central and local governments are mutually restraining rtionships. As the 1st Crown Prince and heir to the throne, Mariv naturally wanted to suppress the nobles, while Gale, having been pushed out of session, was more free to associate with them. But I cant believe that Count Bratz refused for my sake. We dont have a special rtionship. I agree. From the Counts position, it would be natural to wee Gales proposal. But in the end, it appears he refused. Then, we must see that theres a reason to distance himself from Gale. usations of tax evasion have been brought forward, and an investigation team has been dispatched. It must be because of that issue. As they quietly organized the situation, they insightfully pieced together the inner workings of Bratzs remote territory, based on limited information and a letter. Then, its right to reject his im of innocence, and its also correct that Molrin will oversee the aftermath if the Bratz family falls. Whos the investigation team leader? The aide hesitated at Marivs question, as there were hundreds of names mentioned daily in the pce. How could he remember them all? But soon he recalled and responded. A person named Erica. Rtionship? None as far as I know. There was a cousin of Molrin who was used of illegalnd development, and Erica testified not guilty. Ill check on this. Thats fine. Its not important. It also lends credibility to the idea that Gale is plotting a rebellion. Molrin is on Gales side. Mariv yfully shrugged at the aides words, as if he could not be entirely sure. But it was better to act in advance when things were ambiguous. In the Imperial Pce, where one small mistake could lead to downfall. Tell them I will attend the ministers conference tomorrow, no, this morning. Mariv instructed softly, wearing his sses. It was a state meeting where the ministers gathered in the morning to discuss and vote on issues. Since Mariv usually received reports with the Emperor in the afternoon, he rarely attended. Theyll be surprised if they hear about it in the morning. Yes, Your Highness. And since youre back, take care of some work. I came prepared. Thank you. The aide, who hade to work in the middle of the night, smiled faintly and bowed. Mariv put Derghas letter in the drawer carefully and then instructed. Bring all the recent data rted to Bratz territory, especially focusing on the reports submitted by Molrin. Yes, Your Highness. Please wait a moment. Creak. The door closed slowly. Mariv returned to his documents, but he couldnt help but be bothered by Derghas letter in the drawer. Gale You shouldnt be doing anything foolish. And when the sun rose, in the Imperial Pce conference room. One by one, the heads of each department gathered, finding their seats. And unlike usual, they discovered a new seat had been prepared. Who ising today? The 1st Crown Prince, Mariv, will be attending. Mariv, His Highness? Didnt you hear the news? No! Why wasnt I informed? A servant was sent this morning. The Cab General Assembly was held every morning. It was a ce where Mariv could attend, but since it was an asion for the ministers to coordinate opinions before submitting matters to the Emperor, it was undoubtedly an awkward situation. Does anyone know whats going on? I dont know. I havent heard anything either. Even those closely rted to Mariv shook their heads in confusion. Let alone those who had turned to Gales side, they felt blocked up from the early morning breeze. They thought about contacting Gale right away, but there wasnt much time left until the meeting. Its driving me crazy. I already feel suffocated. Me too. What on earth is todays agenda that hesing in person? Well see him again in the afternoon anyway. Come to think of it, we see him twice a day now. I had a bad dream His Highness Crown Prince Mariv is here. At the servants words, the chattering ministers sprang to their feet and bowed. Mariv also bowed his head and entered the conference room. Im d to see your faces this morning. Your Highness, what brings you What indeed? Hahaha. His sudden behavior itself was evidence of ulterior motives. He neither spoke indirectly nor showed his real intentions. The chairperson struck the gavel to signal the beginning of the meeting. Bang! Bang! Bang! Ahem. Lets begin the meeting. Yes. First of all, from me. Though it was a hot summer morning, everyone felt like they were walking on thin ice. Ministers from a few unrted departments hastily took turns speaking. Everyone asionally nced at Mariv, but he merely smiled. Then, during the meetings climax: Oh, by the way. Last night, a message arrived from Bratz. Its from Commander Erica. At the Minister of Justices words, Mariv looked up. Dergha found evidence to prove the tax evasion charges, and some of the mansions property has been confiscated. However, there was resistance from the Count. Resistance? It seems there was a battle between the investigation team and central support troops with Derghas mercenaries and local citizens. Now they have won and imprisoned Dergha, and they are in the process of recovery. However, they are still pursuing the Counts direct family, his wife, and son. Resistance with soldiers on top of tax evasion! A beheading execution would be appropriate. Well present the matter to the Emperor. As the secretaries frantically wrote down the ministers words, Marivs voice made them stop abruptly. Hold. Yes, Your Highness. Please speak. Does the execution target include the Count, his wife, and one son? Is there not a second son named Ian? That one was deemed ineligible due to the report on the driven situation. Besides, he has already crossed the national border by forming a friendly rtionship with the Cheonrye tribe. Of course, if we follow the letter of thew, demoting him to very might be appropriate, but Ive heard the second son was the one who issued the fake documents. Shouldnt it be taken into regr consideration? Is there any mention of the second son in themanders report? Ah. There was. Show me the report. Mariv was handed documents sorted out by the Minister of Justices assistant at his words. As Mariv quickly skimmed through, the Minister added, ording to the nationalw, only those who are qualified to be executed will be executed. For this case, the ve penalty is appropriate. Minister, I trust you too. Its not that I dont believe you, I just wanted to confirm. If Molrin and the younger son conspired against Dergha, could it be that the younger son also aligned himself with Gale? What implications would this have on ties with the Cheonrye tribe? It would be aplex predicament if the barbarian tribes rallied behind Gales banner Mariv tapped on the table and remained silent. The ministers naturally kept their mouths shut, their eyes darting around. After some time, Marivs mouth opened. What shall we do with the management of Bratzs territory if we execute him? Since tax evasion has been revealed, the amount of taxing from Bratz will increase. How about sending someone from the Imperial Pce? The remote regions are already highly autonomous, and if absorbed by neighboring territories, their power will grow too much. Thats right. The Imperial Pce must manage it. Then we can collect more taxes. We can also demand the taxes that havent been collected so far. But considering the situation, the umted taxes should be paid when a new lord is established, setting a period for it then Didnt the administrations backlog of administrators take charge of Bratz? It would be good for the Minister to consult with that person and select a suitable one. Opinions flowed like running water. What stopped them was Marivs expression. Im a little worried. What are Your Highness worried about? The report shows the battle seems to have been quite fierce. Moreover, even the territorial people joinedter. Apart from Derghas guilt, the central army has devastated the home ground, and how will the territorial people react if the next lord is from that side? Do we need to consider the farmers reactions? Its not a matter of reaction, but a problem directly rted to production. Especially since Bratz borders the great desert. Everyone here must be aware of the characteristics of Bratzs territory. It was a bit tricky. Barren and vast, touching the desert, but also full of steep mountains towards the direction of the Empire. And the Cheonrye tribe. They have been dealing with Bratz. Is there anyone here who can speak Cheonrye? Apparently, the barbarians speak themonnguage well. Then the initiative goes to them. It seemed like the opinion would be concluded with Lets establish a new lord, but digging into it revealed moreplexity. So, what would be the solution? Then, a melodious voice rang out. It was the Minister of Magic, Wesleigh, who had been sitting in a corner. A woman rumored to be the hidden lover of the 2nd Prince Gale, and the only woman here who could meet Marivs eyes. At this, Mariv smiled faintly. Lets postpone the appointment of the lord. Chapter 50 Chapter 50 If the lords position is vacant, the chaos will intensify. Mariv presented an alternative to the Prime Ministers cautious objection. Instead, we can dispatch a temporary consultant. We can monitor the results and take care of public sentiment, andter appoint a lord. Erica, the head of the investigation team, is already there. Shes probably handling the situation right now. Mariv burst intoughter at Wesleighs opinion, as if telling her not to talk nonsense. Wesleighs face hardened at the tant disregard. The head of the investigation team is the one who killed their families from the territorys citizens standpoint. Moreover, she was ordered to capture three and hasnt even found the other two. Thump. He threw the documents without bothering to hide his dissatisfaction with the investigation team leader. Since everything was true, there was no room for rebuttal. The ministers nodded their heads in agreement. This happened under the royalmand, so a quick recovery is needed at the national level. That would be an honor to my father, the Emperor, and Bariel. I have no objection. Your words are fair. There was not a single incorrect statement. Besides,pared to othernds, Bratzs territory has significantly lower production. The ministers,cking foresight, saw the management of such a ce as inconsequential. We will observe the progress after dispatching the consultant. Well discuss the appointment of the lordter. Its best to send a letter to Bratz as soon as the meeting ends. Lets send a messenger bird, as quickly as possible. I agree. Mariv decided not to give Gale a chance to interfere. As everything was a rational suggestion, the Prime Minister lifted the seal to finalize the matter. Wesleighs words hung in the air, but then If you mention a consultant for reconstruction She quickly interjected. Who do you have in mind? Well, Romandro seems to be the most suitable candidate. He recently showed his abilities in the earthquake-affected area near the White Temple. We will also send Sir Molrin with him. Sir Molrin? The womans determination was unwavering. Mariv rubbed his chin, muttering, Sir Molrin has only just returned here. But he certainly knows the most about that territory in the imperial pce. Its best to ask him if its alright, then send them both together. The ministers nced at each other under Wesleighs gaze. Was this matter really worth dragging out? There were piles of national issues to attend to. Sensing the mood, the Prime Minister brought down the seal, replying, I have no objection. Bang, bang, bang! Now, the next issue is The waterway leading to ster Sea Damn it. Whats going on? She lowered her eyes to her documents, feigning indifference, but she couldnt clear herplicated thoughts. If Mariv insisted on attending the morning meeting, there must be something more. Ive stopped him from sending the consultant alone, but Wesleigh nced at him, and Mariv raised his eyebrows and smiled. The problem was, whenever he smiled, something bad happened to them. So, lets conclude todays general meeting. Thank you for your hard work. I will see His Majesty in the afternoon. As the meeting ended, Mariv left the conference room without a second thought. The ministers bowed behind him, and the tension in the room rose. Mariv quietly instructed his waiting subordinate outside. Call Romandro. Romandro? His subordinate asked, slightly perplexed. Romandro had just returned to the center after managing the White Temple. He had been separated from his newlywed wife for several months. If he knew Mariv was calling him again, he might even resign. Seriously. Why are you standing there like that? No, Your Highness. I, um. Understood. But what could he do? If ordered, he had to obey. Persuading Romandro and bringing him was also within his subordinates capabilities. Mariv, knowing or not knowing his subordinates inner turmoil, nced at Wesleigh and turned away. * * * Will you be alright? Even if were not here. Stop worrying about me and hurry on your way. Erica reassured the Central Armys captain by waving her hand dismissively. She was included in the minimum force required to remain in the mansion. It feels like leaving you in a beasts den. If the investigation team is harmed, its like raising a rebellion against the Central. Ian may be unlucky, but hes quick-witted, so he wont do anything clumsy. They decided to leave only Erica and five elite soldiers in the mansion. Having one Erica guarding was much more efficient than a hundred unknown soldiers. In actualbat, shes not even a central figure, so this is the best strategy. All other forces are about to leave Bratz, chasing after Mary and Chel. Well be back soon. Please, make sure to retrieve the bodies at least. Yes, I understand. Move out! Move out! The soldiers aligned themselves and left the mansion. Children ran around the streets in curiosity, and the locals gathered in groups, talking about the Central Armys not-so-retreat. Are they going to find thedy and young master Chel? It must be true that they left the castle gates alive a while ago. Watch your mouth, arent they traitors? Ah, I feel so relieved! Go and never return! Go straight to the Central, all the way to your homes! Go away! Nevere back! Get lost! The locals, who had lost their homes andnd in the battle, threw stones and made a fuss, but the Central Army soldiers just looked displeased and did nothing, thanks to the Cheonrye tribe standing amongst them. Go far away. Dont even get close. Lets pour molten iron on the castle gate when they leave! How do we leave then, you fool? Lets feast and call those sons of b*tches. Hey, listen. They couldnt create a disturbance just as they were leaving, and not even before leaving the territory. They had indeed taken the locals food during their stay. Unlike the excited ones, there were those who ran with pure joy. It was the children. Wooow! The Central Army is leaving! Mom, Mom! The soldiers are all leaving! They were like defeated foreign soldiers. The perception of the locals was like that, and so was the reality. Geographically, the Cheonrye tribe or the Hawan Kingdom was much closer than the Central. Everyone seems excited. Erica watched the scene from the mansion and clicked her tongue. She turned towards the main gate to return to her room, but the Cheonrye warriors blocked her way. What, whats going on? Well use the main building from now on. Since you have fewer people, youll use tents. Have you gone mad! Who do you think youre talking to! If you have aint, talk to Kakantir. Erica opened her mouth in disbelief. The Central Army hadnt even left the territory, and now this? Until a moment ago, they freely roamed the main building, but now she couldnt understand the situation. Fine, lets see. Your leader. I need to talk to him. Follow me. Erica followed the warrior into the reception room where Kakantir and Ian were. Bang! Are you kidding me? Huh? Whats the matter? The Central Army has left, hasnt it? Shut up. Its none of your business. Youll use the main building? Dont make meugh. Arent you the ones who should be outside in tents? Screaming and raging, she looked ridiculous. Ian sighed and stared at Erica. Kakantir also looked at her up and down as if he was grinding his teeth, a look that said he wasnt getting used to her despite their long cohabitation. Hey, if you want to use the main building, reduce the number of your members. If you want, I can provide a room just for you. Theres a storeroom left at the end of the corridor. Hey, you? By the way, if reducing the number of your members is difficult, I can help. It seems that the de has rusted, so its time to cut the meat. Ericas face turned pale at the tant threat. Barbarians are truly barbarians. Realizing anew that he was someone she should never associate with, as his attitude changed as soon as he left the central army. Ian intervened between the two, changing the subject. Anyway, wee back. The report and materials to be sent to the Imperial Pce by the investigation team are bundled together, so you can take them with you. Now, Im nning to proceed with Derghas execution. Suddenly, the subject of Derghas execution was brought up. Erica made an X sign with her hand, indicating she would never allow it. Theres a procedure for everything. Derghas execution will proceed after the new pursuit team secures Mary and Chels bodies. What if both Mary and Chels bodies are nowhere to be found? Will you sit here forever? He was trying to drive a nail in the coffin. A week would be a week, a month would be a month, and if they didnt show results within a set period of time, they would definitely leave the estate. Erica bit her lip. Thats too much. I apologize. I thought it would be less offensive than calling you a parasite. At Ians words, just as Erica was about to shout something, Kakantir naturally intervened, snapping his dagger. One week. If the execution is not carried out within that time, we will seize Derghas life ourselves. There were two intentions here. One was to dere the position of those sent to the Imperial Pce. They had driven out the investigation team and the central army, but this was not to save Dergha against the emperors orders; it was to prove it was for the territory. And the second was a warning to Erica. If she continued to resist, her life would be taken along with Derghas, whatever the way. Sigh. As Erica was grinding her teeth, pondering what to respond with, amotion was heard outside. Erica-nim! Erica-nim! It was one of the investigators. He flung open the reception room door without a knock, flinching at the fierce aura. Erica-nim, they have finally arrived, gasp! Arrived? What? At the same time, Ian and Kakantir also turned their heads. Everyones attention was focused on the subordinate. The youngest one, his face flushed with joy. Erica felt a bubble of hope welling up in her heart. Could it be, perhaps, damn it, finally? A letter has arrived from the central court. ! ! These motherfu*kers, theyre all dead! Erica-nim, congrattions! Congrattions! Erica cried out in joy, clenching her fist. Her subordinates, who had been standing behind her, also triumphantly raised their hands to the hilt of their swords. It was the greatest of great news, the one card that could instantly drive away Ian and the barbarians! Once appointed as the Lord, she would officially be the owner of this ce. She would easily crush those lowly and unluckymoners and beastmen. The central letter! Where, go down right away! Ah, no! Theres no need to go down. Itse through the telegraph office. The atmosphere, which had been highly charged, seemed to dete at those words. She knew exactly what it meant for the centrals letter toe through the telegraph office. Only Kakantir and the investigators subordinate were puzzled by this iprehensible atmosphere. Chapter 51 Chapter 51 The investigation team member looked around nervously. The faces of his colleagues, including Erica, had frozen solid. In an instant, the heat that had been boiling seemed to have cooled and shriveled away. Swallowing her dry saliva, Erica hesitated and asked, You came from the Western Region? Is it true? Ah, yes, yes. Its here. Thwack! Erica swiftly caught the letter. Since it came by pigeon, there was naturally no imperial seal. Instead, there was the distinct seal of the General Assembly. She felt a throbbing headache. Why is that womans reaction like this, Kakantir mumbled slowly. At this, Ian threw a nce and smiled. Though he didnt know what was happening, the situation was clearly turning in his favor. You cant send an imperial edict through the Western Region. So even if it came from the central administration, its likely to be some other form of order, not an official appointment, Ian spected. No matter how much he calcted, it seemed like the appointment was either dyed or canceled. The more Erica was in a tight spot, the better it was for Ian. Sure enough, Ericas expression while reading the letter was priceless. What theno way, this is insane Ian swiftly snatched the letter from Ericas hand. Though the investigation team members reflexively rushed towards him, the Cheonrye warriors were a step faster. Stay back, warned one of them. You wont hand it back? I warned you to stay back. Armed or not, the investigation team could not deter the bare-handed Cheonrye warriors. The murderous intent was palpable; one more step and heads would roll. Now that she had verified the centrals letter, Erica had crossed a line she could not return from. Holding his ss leisurely, Kakantir requested, Read it, Ian. Of course, Kakantir. Ian cleared his throat and began reading the letter slowly. Due to the rebellion led by Dergha Bratz, we estimate significant damage to the territory. This will likely impact next years production and taxes. Therefore, the pce will send a temporary advisor responsible for reconstruction. The delegates are Romandro, Molrin, Mack, and Dgor. Authority lies with Romandro, who is also responsible for dealing with Dergha Bratz. Appointment of a new lord will take ce after stabilization. It is crucial for the entirety of the Bratz territory to cooperate. Additionally, investigative team leader Erica is to promptlyplete the annihtion of Bratz. The end. An advisor ising, Ian noted. What role will this advisor y? Kakantir asked. As the letter indicates, he will be responsible for the overall reconstruction of the territory. The evaluation for myself and the Cheonrye tribe heading to the pce will also depend on him. Hmm, more important than the person standing right here, then, Kakantir pointed at Erica with his chin and chuckled. The warriors joined in with softughter, while Erica felt suffocated. While she was angry, she felt more bewildered at the situation. This cant be happening She repetitively stared at the letter on the table, as if the words would change. Investigation team leader Erica. Ian called her with a graceful tone. Do you understand what it means for the authority to handle Dergha to be transferred to the advisor Romandro? Though the appointment of a new lord was dyed, it essentially meant she was no longer a candidate. To put it bluntly, she was like a dog chasing the tail of a traitor without even the authority to execute him. Theres a saying that the real protagonist of an execution is not the prisoner but the investigator. Its unfortunate how this turned out. Disying a beheaded prisoner to the world only serves to heighten the Emperors glory and thepetence of the investigatora sort of show. Erica stood stiffly, her face momentarily drained of color. Now, shall we talk? I may not know much, but when ites to the execution, I can help you, Commander Erica, to carry it out. What? Isnt it just a matter of keeping our mouths shut since weve read the letter? Its not the emperors order but a directive from the Assembly, so we can handle it flexibly in this remote area. How? There are about two weeks left before Romandroes. It was simple. Hang Derghas head in a short time, and when Romandroes, just say the job was done before receiving the letter. There shouldnt be a significant issue. However, leave the actual execution of Dergha to the Cheonrye tribe. Were currently short-staffed and will need their help to prepare. From what I see, its a good opportunity for both parties. Right, Erica. We can ease your burden. Hang Dergha in the air, then pierce his heart with a spear. There wont be a more impressive execution. This wasnt a suggestion. How could you call an option that couldnt be refused a suggestion? Erica hesitated for a moment before responding. Knock, knock. Soon after, the voice of a Cheonrye warrior was heard from outside. Kakan. Sir Ian. There seems to be a problem. Hold on. Yes. Understood. What could it be? There shouldnt be any factors that could cause a problem at this time. If one had to pick something, it might be a problem regarding Mary and Chel, but the central army has not been gone long, so that cannot be it. Ian casually wrapped things up with Erica. Anyway, Commander Erica. Please prepare for Derghas execution ceremony quickly. We will prepare the rest while you write the public announcement. Has that bastard ever even witnessed an execution? How does he know a public announcement is needed? Erica looked at Ian as if perplexed, but retreated under the overtly dismissive atmosphere. Let me think about it. The longer it takes, the more tiring it will be for both of us. Lets go. Bang! Though she said that, as soon as she returned to her room, she took out a pen and paper reluctantly. She would first need to write a letter ofint to Molrin. Kakantir, who was drinking wine, called the warrior who was waiting outside. Come in. Kakan, what should we do? Whats the matter? The warrior hesitated before pulling out the body of a dead bird from his back pocket. The white cloth tied around its neck was soaked with the birds blood. Is this a messenger bird sent from the central region? It seems so. Ah. Damn it. I killed it without knowing. What should we do? I threw a stone, and it hit the bird directly. Let me see. Judging from the way the cloth was tied, it was indeed a messenger pigeon. But it wasnt from the imperial pce. Kakantir mildly scolded the warrior at that sight, Why are you throwing stones at a poor bird? Im sorry. It kept pecking at the window, and it was noisy, so I just The window? The head investigators room. 4th floor, the room that used to be Countess Marys. I didnt really think it would hit. Ah, am I really that good at throwing? Enough with the nonsense. Im sorry. Then it must have been a messenger pigeon for Erica. Ian quickly found the letter inside a well-stitched pocket in the pigeons clothing. Rustle. May I read it first? As you wish. Today is just that kind of day. The central army is gone, and sparrows and pigeons are flying around. Kakantir mumbled iprehensibly and took another swig of wine. Quickly skimming through the letter, Ian eximed, Ha, ha, with an indescribable chuckle. Commander Berti Erica, listen. Theres a problem. Dergha has written a letter to Crown Prince Mariv. I can guess the content, but Im not sure. I can only guess what it says, but nothing is certain. Thanks to this, Crown Prince Marib suddenly attended the meeting and revoked the appointment of the lord. Dont get too upset and wait, Im also watching for an opportunity to fix this. I will be heading down to Bratz with my advisors soon. Whats written there? Now I understand why Commander Ericas lord appointment was unexpectedly revoked. Indeed, it was strange for them to change ns so suddenly They had raced for two weeks to get to the change, risking their lives in battle. All of that was done toy the foundation for rebellion. If the promised reward to Erica were not given, they might not be able to handle the repercussions. Kakantir, who received the letter, clicked his tongue. I thought as much, its a power struggle. But Dergha wrote a letter? When did he? Im not sure, but its amusing. The perceptive Crown Prince took advantage of everyone. We benefit from this, while Dergha essentially caused his own downfall. Ian ced the letter on a candle and burned it. Either way, the more Ericas and Morins rtionship became strained, the easier things would be for him. When Advisor Romandro arrives, we must treat him well. Crown Prince Marib may suspect that I am colluding with Molrin, and might think of us as part of the second princes faction. But wont Molrin be annoyed with us? Especially with Ian. Even if we overlook Derghas denouncement, Ian bringing in the Cheonrye Tribe was not in Molrins ns. Because of this, it made it difficult to upy the territory. Thats why Im saying, we should rify our position. Otherwise, well be caught between the crossfires. You seem to favor the first prince. Hes both an enemy and the heir. Also, hes the person formally authorized by the pce to oversee the reestablishment of the territory. Depending on his decision, the Cheonrye Tribes withdrawal timing may also be decided. Ian was of imperial descent. Even though it was a short tenure, he had legitimately ascended to the throne. He understood the pces ecology better than anyone else. I was about to bring that up. If Dergha dies, we have already aplished our goal. Well slowly send back the warriors to the desert before autumn. Understood. Securing the lordship by cunningly attracting the Central [party] is entirely up to you, Sir Ian. Do well, otherwise, the assistance from the warriors will all be in vain, Kakantir implied. Ian nodded with a slight smile. Then, we shall hastily prepare for Derghas execution. As soon as the execution is over, we will expel Commander Erica and the remaining forces from Bratz. As for the authority to handle the corpse Forget it, whats the point in taking a rotten piece of meat. All we want is to take Derghas life with our own hands. The eyes of Kakantir, who was usually yful yet rxed, turned cold. *** And that evening, dyed in violet hues, Kakantirs hawk Zeno safely returned to Bratz. Upon confirming the red and blond hairs entangled in the talons, Kakantir contentedly scratched Zenos neck. Mary and Chel are dead. Oh, is that so? Good then. Since shadows loomed, it was impossible to discern what expression Ian wore at those words. The warriors exchanged congrattory fists, celebrating thepletion of a step further in their mission. We will return tonight. Demo-sha! Demo-sha! Kakantir shook his hands in the wind, sending their hair flying. Like corpses never to be found, the hairs dispersed and disappeared as well. A cheer erupted from the warriors who were delighted at theirrades safe return, while Ian turned his head away, staring at the half-broken gpole of Bratz. In a few days, that symbol would fade into history. Chapter 52 Chapter 52 The people of the fiefdom gathered in the square, murmuring as they stared at the gallows. Having lived their entire lives in the remote areas, this was the first time they had seen such a grotesque and terrifying execution device. Behind it, the Bratz mansion stood as serene as ever on the hill. Execution? Tax evasion is a serious crime, and he even resisted. My goodness, how did ite to this? So, he collected taxes from us but didnt send them upward? Then where did the money go? It must have gone into his belly, making it bulge. Crazy bastard, really! We had to sell our house to pay the taxes. My daughters back is bent from learning farm work as soon as she can walk! Hey, keep your voice down. Do you want to cause trouble? What does it matter! Hes no longer a noble, just a criminal now. He should die quietly on his own! Why did the soldiers stir up trouble? If only I knew this would happen, I wouldnt have sent my children to the mansion If the count hadnt done such a thing, everything would have been fine. We suffered all the damage. Our money was stolen, and our house was destroyed in the battle For them, execution was indeed a disgraceful death. As a nobleman, especially one who faced barbarians in the bordends, it was fitting to end life by the sword. Especially the prospect of being hanged in front ofmoners, struggling and writhing. Execution was a punishment that killed dignity along with life. But the barbarians are building the gallows? Who else could move such a huge log? Ironically, those preparing Derghas execution stage were not the people of Bariel, but the barbarians from the border. Of course, they had never made gallows before, so they were following the instructions of the investigation team, but the atmosphere didnt seem to belong to those who weremanding. Ah, tell me all at once. Dont make me go back and forth. Sorry, but after setting up the pir, tie it tightly with a rope to secure it. On a high tform with a clear view of the gallows, Kakantir watched the people in the square and the gallows slowly taking shape, feeling a strange emotion. Just a few months ago, Dergha was maintaining a delicate rtionship between ally and enemy. Now, however, his counterpart was going to be hanged in front of themoners, and he was going to watch it from a high ce. Life is truly iprehensible. Meanwhile, at the mansion, Erica was writing a public announcement, clutching her head. It was an essential task to exin Derghas crimes in a way that themoners could understand, and to announce the dignity of the imperial pce and her own achievements to the world. Thud. Below, Ian was visiting the underground dungeon. Dergha, imprisoned in thest cell, was blindfolded and biting a pebble. His swollen limbs were shackled, hanging limply. He looked as if he could die at any moment. Open the door. Click. Upon Iansmand, the barbarian opened the door without question. Dergha seemed to perk up his ears at the sound of Ians voice. The foul smell of excrement and blood emanated from him. Count Dergha. Its Ian. Ugh The titles of father and son had long been removed, even in address. As Dergha seemed to respond, the shackles rattled eerily. Squeak. The date of your execution has been set. ! You sent a letter to the imperial pce in that short time, probably scheming something with Crown Prince Mariv, right? Dergha looked up at Ian, but his eyes were covered, so his expression was unseen. Ian, however, guessed that his eyes beneath the cloth were shaking intensely. Thanks for that. It helped. Erica didnt get the appointment letter. That gave us a reason for them to leave Bratz in a hurry, and your execution date was moved up. Dergha tried to reach out with all his might, but he couldnt touch Ian. He regretted it. When he first picked him up at the brothel, he should have done as Mary said and disabled him in some way. What was he thinking, worrying about external appearances! Uhuh! Mary and Chel are also dead. Among those bearing the name Bratz, you are thest survivor. Congrattions. Youve attained an honor that not everyone can have. Derghas face turned red. His blood seemed to rush to his head. Ian grabbed his hair and left his final words. Dont feel too wronged. Its all the result of your deeds. A child born from a prostitute after being harassed. If that was not enough, he separated the child from its birth mother to sell it as a sacrifice, and abused him as if it was a mere meal. His greed went so far as to secretly deceive the Cheonrye tribe, resulting in him being shunned by both the central authorities and the local citizens due to excessive tax games, and others. From one to ten, there was nothing he didnt bring upon himself. Ian-nim. Kakan is looking for you. Lets go. Ian left the underground dungeon, leaving behind Dergha, who was letting out a silent scream. Outside, spears much taller than an average man were lined up in a row. Oh, Sir Ian. Take a look at this. What is it? Do you think the length of the spears is fine? Ian nced over the spears that would pierce Derghas heart. He then briefly nced at the window where Erica, the leader of the investigation team, was. Since its the focus point of the execution ceremony, it might be good to discuss with Commander Erica and highlight it in the public announcement. Um. Yes. That would be good. He had only nced casually, but Erica was looking down at them with a surprised face. Their eyes met, and she nervously closed the curtain. Swoosh! What a shitty situation. Erica muttered a curse, holding her head. There wasnt even an exnatory letter from Molrin. Since the decision of the assembly was known, a correspondence letter should have arrived around the same time. F*ck you, old man! Meeting Molrin directly would solve the problem somewhat, but after Derghas execution, she certainly had to leave Bratzs domain. Ian and the Cheonrye tribe would not hesitate, even for a moment. Even if they left with the letter, they were probably halfway there now It wont work. Ill have toe up with a n as well. Erica thought hard and then started writing a letter. It was to Molrin, demanding an exnation, and also to Crown Prince Mariv. As the saying goes, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, it wouldnt be bad to pave the way to them, to avoid bing a dog chasing a chicken. Swoosh. Instead of using her seal, Erica cut her thumb and put the blood in it. It could be identified through magic potions. Commander Erica. I found the documents you asked for. Ian really went all out, didnt he? Its thorough enough that we can proceed immediately. Unlucky bastard. Tsk! Just leave it there. A member of the investigation team handed over important documents that could use Dergha of tax evasion to Erica, and she detailed the contents in the public announcement. To exin the meaning of Derghas death to the domains citizens on the day he died. * * * The day finally arrived. It was the day after the gallows were made. All the people of the mansion gathered outside, at the entrance of the underground dungeon. Bring out Dergha. Yes, Sir Ian. At Iansmand, two Heavenly warriors went down and dragged Dergha up. Dergha Bratz. The time hase to execute you. Derghas body trembled at Ericas words. Besides his limbs being untied, his eyes and mouth were still covered. Erika signaled her subordinates to lead him to the square. Hurry up. What? Dragging your feet, huh? He had to walk barefoot on thend of Bratz, showing an act of atonement. Each time he stumbled, the sound of chains nged. Slowly, like livestock being led to ughter, he kept his head low. Dergha Bratz, move. Snap! Eugh! The investigator reluctantly whipped, and Dergha groaned, taking one step at a time. It was almost as if he was being forced to move. Its Count Dergha Bratz What on Earth, whats with that appearance? He looks even worse than us after being stripped of his skin! Die! Die! You sucked our blood, and in the end, our families died too! Because of you! Really? Is that really Dergha? Along the way to the square, the cries of the domains people were heard from all around. A first glimpse of the lords miserable sight. It was so shocking that almost the same words were heard until they arrived at the square. Is that really Dergha? Get up there. Huk Swoosh! Thump! Dergha! Is this truly your best? You wicked child! So, do it right then! Die in agony! Please! The moment when the umted resentment exploded hade. A stone was thrown at Dergha as he stumbled up the stairs. Someone burst into rage, iming his wife had been insulted by Dergha, while someone else pleaded that they had beme from being beaten for not paying taxes. The names of Mary and Chel were also briefly heard. Have Countess Mary and young master Chel been caught? Im not sure. But if the two are alive, isnt it not aplete extermination? I heard rumors that the remaining investigators will join the pursuit squad after the execution. Really? Then the foreigners will really leave. The Cheonrye tribe remains, but they also wont be able to survive the winter. Ah! Finally, normal daily life returns. Woo-oo- The investigating officer blew the ox horn. The buzzing crowd gradually quieted down. Soon after, Commander Erica stood next to Dergha and raised the public announcement. I am Berti Erica, themander of the Imperial Investigation Squad. On behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, I will now announce the crimes of Count Dergha Bratz. She then read each of the allegations against Derga and the evidence supporting them. To be honest, themoners had no idea what she was talking about, but as the content grew longer, their anger at Dergha for his misconduct deepened. They also realized that this was the price for sucking their blood and sweat. Especially, the production of the Monne coal mine reached 60,000 tons, but the central report was only half, and the profit amounts to no less than 8,000 gold coins. This is only a fraction of the property that has been missing for the past few years What? 8,000 gold coins? Did I hear that wrong? Ian, who had been listening from below, could physically feel the rising heat. How much was harvested and what percentage of the profits meant nothing to them. To themoners, what was clear was how many gold coins were involved. Hey, you bastard! How could you? Kill him! Kill him right now! Stones and trash began to fly again from below. Commander Erica ignored the umting items at her feet and read the final sentence. Henceforth, only eternal death awaits those bearing the Bratz surname in the Bariel Empire. By the Emperorsmand, the Bratz family will be exterminated. Crack! At that moment, a stone struck Derghas temple violently. Erica signaled her officers to proceed with the execution. Remove the blindfold. Chapter 53 Chapter 53 However, a gag was still tied around his mouth. It was a punishment that left him witnessing the end of his world in shame, unable to utter ast word. Dergha blinked his bloodshot eyes and wore an indescribable expression. Die! Countless people chanted for his death. Stripped of his clothes, he was merely a pathetic human. It was unclear what exactly had made him so repugnant. Hang the rope. Hang the rope! The rope was ced around Derghas neck. Below, five soldiers began to pull on the thick rope. Dergas body slowly began to rise. Ughh Anyone who has grievances against him, throw a stone. The stones you throw will be the cornerstone of Bariel and will fortify the stature of the imperial pce. He struggled and shook his body, but that only tightened the noose further. As he was lifted into the air, he resembled a skinned pig. Laughter erupted from the crowd. Kakantir and the other Cheonrye warriors emotionlessly stood up for his final moments. Waaaah! Throw! Kill him! Thud! Thwack! Dozens of stones flew towards the execution tform all at once. Erika retreated, protected by the investigation team, and watched as Dergha, hanging in the air, was pelted by rocks. It was then. Shhhhk! Whoosh! A spear flew like lightning and lodged itself into Derghas side. It had been thrown by one of the Cheonrye warriors. The crowd was momentarily stunned, but the once-boiling fervor cooled down not one bit. Dergha! Shhhk! Shhk! Dozens of spears flew into the shaking body of Dergha. It symbolized the Cheonrye warriors revenge, a punishment. Most of them stuck into his thighs or back, and soon blood began to drip down the shafts of the spears. Shhhhkkk! And finally, Kakantir, who had been carefully watching the trajectory, narrowed his brows. Derghas body began to slump. Without hesitation, Kakantir threw his spear, and with a sound iparable to the others, it pierced through the chest. Precisely the heart, Ian thought. Aghhk Derghas eyes rolled back as he coughed up his breath. Soon, the trembling of the rope ceasedpletely, and everyone witnessed Derghas death. Dergha Bratz is dead. Dergha Bratz is dead! Boo-boo- The horn that signaled the end sounded. People cheered, hurling insults at the dead Derghas corpse. They celebrated, taking the horns deration as their battle cry. Ian just stared at the spectacle strangely. Is Sir Ian alright? Huh? What are you talking about? You didnt throw anything. In fact, shouldnt your hands have been the ones to strangle Derghas neck instead of that rope? Kakantir discreetly nced at Ian. To strangle someone in ce of a rope is not a pleasant act. Well, its strange how I feel now that hes dead. I think of words I couldnt say. Words you couldnt say? Ask Crown Prince Ian for forgiveness. Not Emperor Ian, but Crown Prince Ian. In this lifetime, history has changed, but had things gone as they originally would have, Ian would have crossed the border and be nothing but a handful of sand. At a young age, just for having the blood of a mere count. After Ians death, Philea, the childs biological mother, would have died as well. Lady Mary wouldnt have left her be. Dont you feel relieved now that its over? I do, but I know this is just the beginning. Ian stared at Derghas body swaying in the wind. From this moment on, the name Bratz was decimated forever from the world. * * * Derghas corpse was to be hung in the square for several days. There was a need to clearly convey the fate of those who opposed Bariel. As she cleaned up the execution ground, Erica asked her subordinate. Any contact from the Central support troops? We got it. But What, what now? Mary and Chel have disappeared. Ah, dammit. From where? It looks like they couldnt find any trace of them entering the forest. They are still searching based on traces like fire, but it dropped off near the valley. They say its tough. And also And also? Please, let it not be more bad news. Reading Ericas eyes, her subordinate answered rather awkwardly. They also received a letter of protest from the general assembly. What? If Mary and Chels pursuit is dyed, the soldiers are to head toward the central. I hear theres an order to recall all the soldiers dispatched to the provinces. Im not sure if this is a decision from the General Assembly. It was Prince Mariv, the first prince. It was a natural countermeasure since he had discovered that Prince Gale, the second prince, had stationed soldiers in provincial territories. However, Erica, who was unaware of this, clenched her eyes and muttered. What a nuisance. Even if they dispatched the central reserve troops, how could they chase Mary and Chel with just the investigation team? Even if they did catch up, it was certain that they would be torn apart by the two Cheonrye tribesmen. But, Commander Erica. Have you not received a letter from Sir Molrin? What letter? The captain of the support troops says that there was an order from the assembly to follow Sir Molrins decision for now. He asked what we were nning to doter, but I couldnt answer since I hadnt heard anything. There was a contact from Molrin? Erica turned her head in surprise. It was unthinkable that Morin would send a message to the central armys captain and not to her. Only then did Erica realize that there had been a problem with the messenger pigeon. Theres a magic stone, so it couldnt have lost its way. Operating under the same principle as a brooch, the magic stones led the pigeon more urately to its target. It would havee to the window and waited without moving. One of her subordinates hesitatingly offered a suggestion. There are many hawks in the mansion. Could it have been caught and eaten It made sense. Erica frowned and immediately left. Her subordinates, who were cleaning up the square, called out to her, but Erica rushed straight into the mansion. Crash! Ian! Ian! Whats going on? We need to slit open the bellies of all the hawk chicks here. Suddenly appearing and talking about slitting the bellies of the hawks, Ian put down the documents, and the Cheonrye tribe warriors also wore incredulous expressions. But they soon realized she was serious and put up a fuss. Dont talk nonsense. Before the hawks bellies are slit open, Ill slit yours. If even a single feather is plucked, handle it yourself. Do you want to be hung next to Derghas? The hawks seem to have eaten the messenger pigeon! Ah, the messenger pigeon. Only then did Ian nod, as if he understood. He had been wondering what she was talking about. Seeing that, Erica hesitated, her expression saying surely not. You knew? Technically, the hawk didnt eat it. There was an ident. The messenger pigeon has been properly buried, and the magic stone has been separately stored. How dare you steal the imperial pces messenger pigeon? This is a serious crime, Ian! It wasnt the pces. It was personally sent by Morlin. Upon hearing that, Erica felt as if her heart dropped. What could Molrin have written? Hes not a fool, so he wouldnt leave their ns in writing. But it could serve as evidence of rebellionter on. Ericas attitude softened. Return it to me. Of course. I intended to gift it to you when you leave Bratz. You should deal with Derghas corpse as a filial sign within three days. Leaving in three days, then he would return the letter. Even though she was going to be driven out regardless, Ian had kindly created an excuse for Erica to choose. It seems like Sir Molrin sent the letter in quite a hurry. Wed be even more grateful if you could leave immediately, not just in three days. Ericas pupils quivered as she spected about the contents of the letter. In reality, the issue was with her lordship appointment and that he would being down with the advisers soon, but Erica had no way of knowing that. The letter was essentially written to console her more than anything else. Erica recited each word with trembling hands. Fine. Ill retrieve the corpses and leave first thing tomorrow. That sounds like a weed decision. Ian, just like I have to leave before the advisers arrive, so do you. Dont think youll be free just because you didnt inherit the name of Bratz. The tone was almost like a curse, filled with desperation and wishes. But Ian waspletely unfazed. Seeing no reaction from Ian, Erica turned her re towards the Cheonrye warriors. The adviser is officially appointed to manage the fiefdom. Dont think you can pretend to be a noble just because youve lifted some barbarians off the ground. It might be best to retract the word barbarian, Commander Erica. If the adviseres and inquires about you, it could be troublesome for me. Such an elegant way of saying I will kill you if you mess up. But Erica, who was already stripped of her position and had no choice but to chase after Mary and Chel, was not particrly moved. I will be back. And you should be prepared when that happens. Ill turn the sands of the desert upside down. I doubt that will happen. Dont indulge in futile dreams, Ian. Its disgraceful. At Ericas words, Ian ced a hand over his chest and exhibited a noble gesture. Then, an overflowing aura of magical energy. His eyes changed from green to gold, and an inexplicable flow of power was felt. Erica could only look on with a dumbfounded expression. Ziing. As for you, Erica, dont harbor futile hopes of returning. Just find Mary and Chels bodies and think about going back to the central. Otherwise, you might meet an unfortunate fate. A magic user? Then go. I wont be able to see you off far. Even the warriors, seeing this for the first time, looked at Ian with interest. But that was brief. As they watched Ian return to his original state, their enthusiasm quickly waned. So thats what magic is? Thats it? Ah, thats what Beric showed us before. Being a mage changes you, huh? What is that? How did he do that? I dont know, I just heard it, you jerk. Leaving the jovially chatting Cheonrye behind, Erica walked out the door, dazed. A magic user. She now finally understood how Ian had enticed the Cheonrye and gained the confidence to be a lord. Commander Erica, are you alright? What did you say? A magic user. Rather than Ian being relegated to a ve, he would be called to the central instead. Erica realized for the first time in Bratz that she had beenpletely defeated. A subordinate approached to check on herplexion, but she had no mind to respond. Commander Erica? Pack our things. What? We will leave the territory. Go and hand over Derghas corpse to the central army, and we will chase after Mary and Chel. Could there be anything more desperate than chasing after the dead? Since they were going to suffer anyway, it was better to start as soon as possible and show some sincerity to the imperial pce. Meanwhile, Ian, who was checking documents while listening to the jokes of the warriors, looked far off into the blue forest, thinking of someone. Its about time. It was time to see Philea, Ians biological mother hiding somewhere in the forest. With the death of Dergha and his family, and the return of her son, there was no need for her to continue hiding. However, what was even more important existed separately. How did Iane to possess the flowerpot? Only she who knew that clue. Chapter 54 Chapter 54 Thud thud With each step Ian took, the sound of dry branches snapping underfoot filled the air. Amidst the cacophony of summer insects announcing their presence, Ian wiped away his sweat and called out to Beric. Beric, are you sure this is the right way? Probably? Probably? Is that what you call an answer? Yes, yes. Theres a ck stone here. Ah, yes. The secluded forest didnt even have proper trails. Since it was impossible to ride horses, they had been walking for what felt like hours. They seemed to have crossed the territorial boundary by now. Although Beric had recently suffered a side wound, he looked as if he had fully recovered. The several days of rest and treatment, under the guise of healing, appeared to have done him good. We really should be hiding, right? No one would find us here, would they? Among the natural hues surrounding them, Ian spotted a foreign color: a light purple skirt hanging from a branch in the distance. Beric waved his hand excitedly, shouting, Found it! Here it is. Good! Leading the way by hacking through the bushes with his sword, Beric eventually came to t terrain. An old, rundown cabin stood before them, with a small garden plot in front of it. You managed to find a ce like this? Its an old home where a lumberjack used to live alone. He came to sell wood but lost his way due to mental illness. If its true, there might be other homes nearby. The tavern owner once mentioned it. I dont have a home anyway. The cabin looked as if it would copse with the slightest wind, but a palpable warmth told them someone was living there. Is anyone home? Beric looked around for Philea. Since the kettle was boiling, she couldnt be far off. Ian also examined the cabin, searching for any signs of red herbs or Ssque. Nothing. The belongings they had brought from the vige didnt seem like much. But what could Philea have taken with her, anyway? Whowhos there? Just then, a trembling voice sounded from outside the door. Ian opened it and found himself facing a green-eyed blonde woman who resembled him closely. Ah! Philea, apparently caught by surprise, dropped the flowers she was holding and hugged Ian tightly. With extraordinary strength emanating from her small, frail frame. Ian! Ian! Have you been well? Ian! Ahhhh! Thank you! Thank you! Clutching Ians face with both hands, Philea sobbed as if she were mad. Her reaction was only natural, seeing her son, whom she had feared she might never see again. Ian what on Earth happened? Huh? Philea was as beautiful as ever. Looking more like Ians sister than his mother, he lovingly brushed aside her disheveled hair. Its a long story, Mother. Why dont we sit down and talk? Did you eat well? From the looks of it, youre doing fine, arent you? Beric pulled out a chair with an incredulous look. Philea, too, seemed to be in good health. Ian muttered as he observed the simple and neat home. Im d youve adapted to life in the mountains. It was tough at first, but just being in the semi-basement waking up to the morning sun is nice, and the cool valley is also pleasant. If you forage a little, there are plenty of fruits. Ianforted Philea by patting the back of her hand. She burst into tears again, ovee with emotion at being able to see her son, who she had met only through disguise. Ian. Tell me about you now. What happened? Ian briefly exined the events that had transpired. His dealings with Molin, crossing the desert to spend time with the Heavenly Tribe, the judgment and battles with Dergha, and finally the execution. Philea couldnt hide her surprise when she heard that Count Bratz had been executed. Count Bratz is dead? Mary and Chel had likely met the same fate. My God, Ian. We must offer prayers to the gods. She looked genuinely happy and seemed to understand why Ian was safely here. Mother, theres something I need to tell you. Anything, my child. Ian smiled sadly. She didnt know that her angelic son was Emperor Ian. He felt a strange emotion at her innocence. Derghas g has been broken, but there are still many tasks ahead. People areing down from the central regions. I see. Okay. I n to go up to the central regionster, following them. Tsk. Beric clicked his tongue as he poured tea. A shadow of despair descended upon Phileas face once again. Her eyes moistened, but she waited, knowing her son had not yet finished speaking. I cant be sure whether or not youll be able to apany me. Even so What does it mean, even so? Philea looked at Ian with teary eyes. If you still want to, you can see me, right? Of course. Its not dangerous? It wont be. Then its settled. Im content. I dont even want to go down to the vige. Im very satisfied with living in the forest. If you can live through the same time without dying, then thats enough for me. As a mother, how could she harbor any other feelings when her child has chosen this path? She was grateful enough that he had returned alive. Once the situation clears up, youll be free to live as you wish. It wont take long. Ill arrange a ce in the vige before I leave. Its alright, Ian. Im really okay. After Dergha died, Ian had returned alive. To wish for more would be to invite divine punishment. Theres something else Id like to ask. Hmm. What is it? About the red potted nt you gave me at the park. The Ssque, a never-wilting red flower. As extraordinary as that was, there was even a jewel ne buried beneath it. Do you remember where you got it? Of course. Isnt it the payment I received for running an errand for a merchant? A merchant? When Ian asked, Philea seemed to get flustered as if she should remember such a not-so-distant event. It was a pretty big merchant. I dont remember the name, but they were short on hands so even you had to go. But the merchant was generous enough to give even a potted nt. Is there anything more you remember? Um Ah! There was someone really valuable in the merchant group. Ma, Ma. Philea frowned as if she were choking. She tilted her head, trying to dredge up the memories of that day. All I remember is that you were very happy that day. I see. There were no certainties, but it was clear that the mysterious merchant had something to do with both the Ssque and the jewel. Considering itsrge scale, there should be someone in the vige who remembers. Feeling that this was enough, Ian stood up. Leaving already? I have some things piled up. Philea couldnt hide her disappointment. The tea hadnt even cooled yet. Ian felt a bit regretful and added, Ill send some chickens through Beric. It might be lonely in the forest; you can raise them. Oh, that would be great! If theres anything you need, please feel free to tell me. Ah! Ian, do you need any gr seeds? Caught off guard by the unexpected question, Ian paused. Philea lightly walked into the inner storage room and brought out tworge sacks. You said to collect gr seeds if I had time. There are two more bags outside. The sacks were filled with tiny seeds, about the size of cherry tomatoes. There must have been hundreds. It was as if she had harvested all the gr in the vicinity. Where are the grs, from which the seeds were removed? I took them to the cliff. Beric, too, upon sweeping his hand over the seeds, was astonished. He couldnt believe Philea had collected so many useless gr seeds all by herself. It seems you have a talent in horticulture. Times all I have after three meals a day, so I did it as a pastime, and here we are. Indeed, Philea had hidden herself since before Ian crossed the border. He hadnt noticed because of the whirlwind of events, but several peaceful yet lonely months had passed here. Dont you need them? Philea cautiously observed her sons expression as she asked. Despite having gathered the seeds as instructed, the response seemed less enthusiastic than she had expected. No, Mother. Youve really done a great job. Smiling towards Philea, Ian tied the mouth of the sack. He was impressed that she remembered his casual request and acted on it. Feeling as if she had received some sort of reward, Philea smiled warmly back. The timing is perfect. Is it? Thats really fortunate. It was a summer when farmers would normally be sweating in the fields. However, they were busy with the reconstruction of the vige. Moreover, the crops that had sprouted in spring had been trampled by military boots, hadnt they? Mother, actually, these seeds are edible. Huh? What are you talking about? The poison is not in the seeds. They can be stir-fried, grilled, or boiled. Is her son joking? Philea scrutinized Ians face but saw no signs of jest. Beric also narrowed his eyes and questioned Ian. Have you gone mad? Actually, they taste good even when eaten raw. Instead of answering, Ian popped one of the seeds into his mouth. Beric and Philea simultaneously rushed toward him in rm. Oh my, Ia, Ian! Spit it out! Quick, what are you doing? Crunch crunch However, unfazed, Ian savored the nutty vor as he chewed the seed. He looked into the sack and assessed the number of seeds before giving instructions. Beric, looks like youll have to do some hard work. What, what is it? Given that youre using honorifics, it seems youve caught on. Do you want to move this below? Yes. Secretly, discreetly. Hide it in the manors storage. Ah. Crunch Once more, Ian grabbed another seed and popped it into his mouth. Stuck in a situation where she could do neither this nor that, Philea panicked. Meanwhile, Bericy down, cursing and swallowing his words. Smirking, Ian looked far off below the ridge, confirming the clear view of what used to be the Bratz territory. *** Meanwhile, Romandro, dispatched as a reconstruction expert and adviser, had a frown as he looked out of the carriage. He was so frustrated that he wanted to jump out and run back to the capital right now. Im going insane, really. Given that he was in a remote area, that was one thing, but the situation at the site was unusual. The most problematic thing was his travelpanion, a high-ranking member of the administration. Seriously, His Highness 1st Prince Mariv is too much. I just came back after restoring the temple from the earthquake, and now hes sending me here I want to go home. And as if that was not enough, Mariv had secretly ordered to keep tabs on him. He hadnt even arrived yet, but already he wanted to go back. What do you think the situation is in the former Bratz territory? Well, ording to the report from Commander Erica, its quite severe. I dont know how its being handled, but it would be fortunate if I dont get stoned when I get there. Romandro muttered under his breath, barely audibly. Only Sir Molrin knew that Ian was stationed in Bratz territory with Cheonrye. If this got out, the imperial pce might send arge force, making any n for rebellion futile. I hope nothing surprising happens when we get there. Molrin recalled the old days in the Bratz territory as he turned his head. Then he fondly fingered the letter from Erica that he had kept in his possession. Chapter 55 Chapter 55 Sir Ian hase, iming his rights, carrying the members of the Cheonrye tribe. Hes upying the territory under the pretext of the tribes alliance with Bratz Im at a loss as to what to do. Molrin clenched his teeth tightly. Originally, he had no reason to be involved in this matter. Wasnt it a simple and clear n for Erica to tidy up the territory and have the mercenaries move in? However, the lordship appointment was indefinitely postponed, and Ian, who should have been in the desert, was brazenly present. By now, the letter should have reached Erica. It was unsettling that the 1st Prince Mariv was ying tricks with him. Molrin suspected Ian had some sort of strategy and was on his way to personally punish him. Since Derghas blood flows in him, its fitting to make him a ve. Even if hes exceptional, if he misbehaves without knowing his ce, he should be made to understand the consequences. I dont know why the Cheonrye tribe is siding with Ian, but hes not worth it. How far had his sweet tongue charmed the beast tribes? Does his mother know hes alive? Or is it because of his lowly origin? Molrin continued to grind his teeth, shing a sharp gaze, unaware that his letter had crossed paths with Ericas. tter, tter Were almost there, said the coachman. Romandro brought his face close to the window. Far away, he saw a building presumed to be the Bratz mansion. It looked too peaceful to believe that a battle had urred less than a month ago. More lively than I thought. Thats true. Filled with hope, Romandro mumbled. With this atmosphere, they might be able to return to the capital much faster than expected. He reminded Molrin of his position. As an advisor, is there anything about the former Bratz territorys customs that I should be cautious of? Well, lets see. They are barbaric and coarse as they are at the border with the barbarians. Also, its a barrennd, and food is always scarce, Molrin muttered, lost in fragments of memory. His displeasure was evident, and his words were far from courteous. Halt! Identify yourselves! The carriage came to a stop at the entrance to the territory. The coachman informed the gatekeeper that they hade from the imperial pce, and the gate opened as if they had been waiting. Creak. As they drove through the town, Romandro rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was seeing things. Arent there people dressed in exotic clothing blending in right now? Not Bariel people, but foreigners? Who else could be here other than the barbarian tribes at the border? That, that, isnt that the Cheonrye tribe? Yes. It seems the Cheonrye tribe is stationed here. What! Shouldnt we be notified about this? I never received such a report! Romandro was agitated, but Molrin remained calm. It was a matter of time; they just needed to resolve it before Mariv found out. Where are the investigation team and the central army? It seems weve arrived at the mansion. Sh, should I open the door? As Romandro firmly gripped the carriage door, the coachman asked, puzzled. The door opened just a crack, and Romandro found himself facing a young man. You are? Ian Bratz, Molrin answered, opening the door wide, muttering each word as if chewing them. The descendant of Dergha. Greetings, Sir Molrin. Oh, Sir Mac and Sir Dgor are also with you. I was quite disappointed that you returned to the central without a proper goodbyest time. Ian raised his hand to his chest, giving a formal greeting, and then corrected himself. Be cautious. No one here uses the name Bratz.'' Molrin frowned as if displeased, but Romandro felt a sense of relief. At least there was someone who maintained some formality among the barbarians, and he seemed to hold a somewhat important position among them. The distance is long, so the timing for letters must have been significantly off. Pleasee in. Ill exin everything. Hmm. In that case Ian took the lead in guiding the guests. The mansion, quieter with fewer people, still maintained its warm atmosphere. Ian, Romandro, and the group with Molrin entered the reception room. Thud thud Lord Kakantir, guests have arrived from the pce. Youvee a long way. Ah. Yes. So This is Chieftain Kakantir of the Cheonrye tribe, and his younger brother, Nersarn. Romandro casually shook hands with them, but Molrin threw himself onto the sofa without replying. It was audacious enough that these marginalized nobodies were in the same room as central government officials. Romandro had crossed many wars and borders, so he didnt have much of an aversion to differences in social standing. Bratz and the Cheonrye tribe are friendly neighbors. When I was in the desert, I heard news of a difficult battle in the territory. The Cheonryeo tribe stepped in to honor their obligation, and we learned of the crimes of the former Count of Bratz. While he was exining this to Romandro, Ians gaze was fixed on Molrin as if to suggest that he should pay close attention. Though his punishment was inevitable, the suffering of the territory is another matter, isnt it? The investigation team could only fulfill their mission, so there was no authority to rectify the situation. Therefore, the Cheonrye tribe helped as neighbors. Indeed its certainly far from the central regions. Such details are not in the reports. Is that so? I thought Commander Erica would have reported this important matter right away. Ah. Commander Erica is She has acquired information that Derghas wife and son have fled, and is in pursuit. nk At that moment, Molrin took out a document from his belongings. It was an order directing Ians disposal. It was not stamped by the emperor but issued by the responsible department. Arent you also a child of Dergha? Why did Commander Erica leave you untouched? By empiresw, you should have been reduced to very. And yet here you are, treated hospitably. Unless themander is out of her mind, theres no other way to interpret this except that you used force. Ian nced at the order and casually tossed it onto the table. Seeing this, Mac and Dgor automatically furrowed their brows. I am one who has crossed the border. While my heart is in Bariel, officially, I reside in the desert. If you intend to execute me, I have no choice but to return to the desert. Return? At whose discretion? At the discretion of the master of the desert. Life in the territory has somewhat stabilized, and the Cheonrye tribe is gradually returning to their base, leaving behind only a minimum number of people. A minimum number of peoplefor what exactly? It was the manpower needed to bring Ian safely into their area. If youre going to follow, you could reach there in no more than three days. But the desert isnt a ce for those whove only seen it in pictures to follow. Look, theres no need to make decisions hastily. Romandro then intervened between them. With Commander Erica absent, they needed the assistance of Romandro, acting as an advisor, to manage the territory. And above all, he didnt know what Molrins intentions were, so it was wise to oppose for now. His Highness 1st Prince Mariv advised me to be wary of Molrin. A person like Ian, whom Molrin is wary of, must have some uses. If the advisor says so. Ian smiled lightly and gave a slight bow. In this group, the pivot was undeniably Romandroan acknowledgement that moved the conversation along. I have been looking forward to the reconstruction experts you said would be sent from the pce. From what I saw on the way, the situation is better than I thought. Everyone rallied with hope and prevailed. Listen, Sir Romandro! Kwaang! Unable to contain his anger, Molrin mmed the table. At that moment, Ian realized that Molrin and Romandro stood on opposite sides. Is this a matter to be calmly discussed right now? Just bringing the Cheonrye tribe into Bariel is grounds for rebellion! How could you think of leaving the territory under the influence of foreigners, let alone a barbaric tribe? Rebellion, you say? At Molrins words, Ian burst into a stifledugh. Though he didnt say it aloud, he sent a look that said, Arent you all the ones preparing for treason? Romondro interrupted. People live and die. What does it matter if we receive aid from the Cheonrye tribe or not? There should be no issue. What the advisor says is correct. Let me reiterate, the Cheonrye tribe were allies with the previous Count Bratz. Offering goodwill due to a friendly rtionship is not something to criticize. It would be a clear diplomatic faux pas. At Ians words, the two men turned their attention to Kakantir. His expression didnt change, but it was clear that he was ufortable. Romondro hesitated before speaking again. Uh, well, thank you for your help. But may I ask, are you, Romondro, the next lordship candidate? Ians question prompted him to shake his head. He then took out a sealed letter hed been holding onto for a month. It was a letter of appointment with the Assemblys seal. The main mission is territory reconstruction. Including winning public sentiment, the goal is to matchst years tax amount by this winter. I anticipated difficulty, but it now seems possible. Winning public sentiment. It was clear that the pce recognized the unique circumstances of this remote area. If this area had been closer to the capital, they would have immediately appointed someonepetent, public sentiment be damned. The key was to console the people with the perception of being citizens of Bariel since they couldnt immediately suppress foreign invasions or revolts. Mariv has put off the lordship appointment, and Gale has sent Molrin Pretending to be ignorant, Ian asked, Is this the will of His Highness 1st Prince? Oh. How did you know? It seems 1st Prince Mariv has a great interest in this ce. 1st Prince Mariv; a mountain 2nd Prince Gale must climb. For Ian, this was truly fortunate. After all, all forces must be bnced for harmony. Indeed. Its an honor. I had sincerely hoped that the pces grace would descend to this ce. We will wholeheartedly assist you, Sir Romondro. No. The immediate negation came from Molrin. Seeing that Ian was no slouch in cunning, it was important to drive Ian out, even if it made territory management a bit more difficult. Wasnt that necessary for Erica to return? Ian. If you wish to remain in Bariel, you must follow Barielsws. Even if you return to the desert right now, I must follow the nationalws scrupulously. Sir Molrin. Sir Romondro! You do your job! I will do mine! Ian folded his arms and firmly closed his mouth. After a moment of thoughtful silence, he smiled. It would be problematic if I returned to the desert. Kakantir, was it? I will certainly report the aid from the Cheonrye tribe to the pce. Dont fall for the cunning schemes of this wretched bastard and back off. As Romondro said, the reconstruction is mostlyplete! Theres no reason for you all to stay any longer! Molrins excited words were abruptly cut off. It was because he met eyes with Ian sitting across from him. Zing. A golden hue slowly spread from his pupils. Ian unfolded his arms and reiterated. Ive told you clearly that it would be problematic if I returned to the desert. Chapter 56 Chapter 56 They were not ignorant about magic like Beric. Werent they the people who worked with the Magic Department in the capital? It was impossible not to know what those shining eyes meant. Molrin and his group stared at Ian with their mouths slightly agape, and the silence was broken by Romandros hup. Hic, s-so, you are People call me a magic user. Since when, exactly? I dont know. It has been a power that naturally apanied me for a very long time. It was a debacle. Molrin pressed his forehead with his dry, stick-like hands. What he had seen before was clearly not an illusion. Mack and Dgor also covered their mouths in astonishment. Currently, I can only feel and release the flow of mana, but someday, I want to be the strength of Bariel. O-of course! Of course! My God! To think Id see a magic user outside the Magic Department! Ha ha! And that too, the son of an executed count! Romandro instinctively sensed that Ian was the center of all eventsfrom the denouncement and execution to his aplishments after entering the city. He seemed extraordinary for his age, and now it made sense why. May I shake your hand? Eh? Ha ha. It would be an honor. It was a mere superstition that one would get lucky if they met a magic user before earning the title of a wizard. Romandro and Ian shook hands again, and Molrins expression only worsened. What now? It didnt matter anymore that Ians mother was amoner. Looking at Kakantir, he already knew. Judging by his demeanor in front of Romandro He was making it clear that he had no intention of ever returning to the Great Desert. Now that he knew Ian was a magic user, all controly with Ian. Look, Romandros face is so flushed with excitement. Lets discuss the details over dinner. You must be tired from your long journey. It would be best to rest. Ah, is that okay? Ill prepare rooms for your subordinates. Thank you. Riding in a carriage for half a month isnt easy. Having gotten an overall understanding of the situation, Romandro lifted his somewhat heavy body. The schedule and disposition of the son could be discussed slowlyter. Is there even anything to discuss? Rather, hed receive updates on the reconstruction. You,e see me for a moment. As he was about to leave, Molrin mumbled quietly. Ian gestured to Kakantir and sat back down. Ill see you at dinner, Sir Romandro. Eh, yes. Sure This way Squeak. Only Molrin and his group remained in the reception room. An oppressive silence filled the room. Molrin wished Ian would rify things and show a friendly attitude now, but he showed no sign of doing so. Unable to watch any longer, Mack intervened. You. What are you doing? What do you mean? What do you mean? Why are youplicating things? Whats soplicated? I had given Sir Molrin the seal, and in return, hes given me freedom, didnt he? Theres nothing agreed upon for anything after that. tter. Molrin mmed his teacup down harshly as he retorted. Didnt I explicitly ask you back then! Whether you knew anything about mana maniption. You imed to know nothing at all. Now it seems you have eyes on the Bratz territory. If you had been honest then, we wouldnt be in this mess now. Had he known that Ian was a magic user, he would naturally have sought to install him as the lord, in ce of Erica. Even though Ian was a secondary heir, he had the merit of having provided military aid. Moreover, while his lineage was not the first choice, his rare skills could pave his way to lordship. Do I have an obligation to bepletely honest? Ian, who had been quietly listening, interjected. It mighte off as impudent, but it was a question borne from pure curiosity. My previous decision was the best choice at the time. Whatever you might say now, Sir Molrin, is irrelevant to me. Besides, arent they followers of Prince Gale, second in line? They aim to use rebellion as a stepping stone; theres no way Ian, who has led Bariel with a legitimate bloodline, would cooperate with them. They wouldnt understand. The implications of nning a rebellion. But Ian didnt expect them to. What do you want? I should be the one asking that. What do you want? The conversation was starting to skew. It was a dialogue between two parties, each thinking they had the upper hand. We n to install Commander Erica as the lord. If you truly cant give up your position as lord, lets find a middle ground Installing lordships position is the Emperors prerogative. How dare you discuss it so lightly? Furthermore, you should look for someone else. Commander Erica has a rather negative reputation within the territory. Knock knock. Ian-nim. A letter has arrived from Merellof. Alright. Dismissed. Ian decided that further conversation with Molrin was unproductive. Hearing his servant call from outside, he stood up without hesitation. You three must be tired, go ahead and rest. Since youre visitors from the imperial pce, Ill make sure youre well taken care of. Squeak, bang! Ha! Molrin and his groupughed incredulously as they stared at the door Ian had just exited through. Yet no one had a suggestion that could salvage the situation. That was how solidly Ian had set up his defenses. * * * To His Highness Prince Mariv. This is Romandro. I have just arrived and surveyed the territory. Surprisingly, its condition is good. While some areas still need reconstruction, there are hardly any homeless people, and the popce seems happy. Strangely enough, in the territory, instead of Commander Erica, there is Ian, who is a secondary heir of Dergha, stationed here alongside with the Cheonrye tribe. Though shocked, he appears to be sympathetic to the imperial pce and genuinelymitted to reconstruction. I will attach more details in a separate report. Overall, progress seems smooth. Also worth mentioning, this Ian is a magic user. While Molrin is advocating for the boys status demotion to a ve ording to nationalw, what kind of nonsensical talk is that? I will first Knock knock. Romandro stopped writing as the door opened. A servant entered, and the smell of food filled the room. Dinner is ready. Very well. Ille down. Romandro descended to the dining hall below. The simple yet carefully prepared food was presented on a silver tter. While there were hardly any fresh vegetables or fruits, it mainly consisted of preserved low-grade meat. Seems like the food supply hasnt stabilized yet. It was a scorching summer. The territorysbor force was much needed, yet many had died and those who remained were aimless as they looked at the ruined fields. Whats more? The central army and the investigation team probably depleted the stockpiled food supplies quickly. Does everyone in the mansion eat like this? Ah is there something else you would like? The same food was served to your subordinates as well. No, I was just curious. What about Sir Ian? He said to go ahead and eat. There was a letter from a neighboring territory. Judging by the reactions, it seems like everyone is having their meals here. Romandro picked up a fork to satiate his hunger. If the situation was at its worst, he could have been eating off the floor. That was the norm in a war-torn area. But a hot dinner on a table like this! Im lucky. Hmm, good! As he was about to finish his meal, Ian entered the room. Sir Romandro, does the meal suit your taste? Oh, wee. How is Sir Molrin? Hes also dining in his room. Romandro pretended not to notice the thick documents Ian was holding and greeted him. Ian sat down near him with a smile. The servants quickly cleared away the empty dishes. You might find this helpful for the next steps. Ah, a map and a situation report. We have meticulouslypiled a list ofpleted repairs and detailed local information. The advisor scanned the map once and then asked. Didnt a servant mention earlier that there was a letter from a neighboring territory? Do we have any interactions with the neighbors? During the heat of battle, its one incident after another, so we kept our outer gates firmly shut. But now were gradually exchanging letters. More than anything, it would be good to secure crops before winteres. How is the food supply? The central support troops have been stationed here, so consumption has been high. For now, were emptying out the mansions storehouse, but soon well see the bottom, Ian said as he extended another document. Therefore, I suggest that we collect only about 30% of the normal taxes this winter. As I said earlier, my goal is to keep it at the normal level. Romandro was a bit surprised. He didnt expect Ian, who was only taking care of the mansions affairs, to discuss taxation at such a mature level. Ian was just a sixteen-year-old son of a serf; it was not a concept he should be familiar with. When I reviewed the property lists reported by the people of the territory, it was half as productive asst year. Moreover, we needpensation for a small number of servants in the mansion, aside from their sries. By my calctions, 30% would be appropriate. Ian exined as he flipped to the back pages. A decision based on clear evidence. Dozens of sentences and equations were saying so. Nevertheless, I cant adjust the final target. Thats unfortunate. If the central government could exempt taxes just for this year, up to 50% could be possible Did you calcte all this? Yes, I did. Werent you amoner-born servant? Before crossing the desert, I had a designated teacher appropriate for my adopted status. Even so, this is hespetent enough to be immediately put to practical work. Romandro couldnt help but admire as Ian continued to meticulously review the documents. It was then that he took a sip of the wine brought by the servant. No choice then. There is an alternative. I have brought a letter from Merellof. Would you mind reading it? Hmm? Receiving the letter, Romandro couldnt help but chuckle. It was a method of procuring food from the neighboring domain. Romandro was extremely pleased with Ians efficient and refreshing handling of matters. If things went well, he even thought they could see the first snow of Bariel in the capital this year. We asked Count Merellof to sell us food, and he said he would send us a list of avable items and their prices. Essential items like wheat and corn might not be abundant on their end, so the prices are expected to be higher than usual Listening to Ians exnation, Romandro unknowingly nodded his head. Anyway, we need to trade with them. Since the household funds have run out, it seems we can only afford enough tost the territorys residents about a week. Ah, dont worry about that. He is an advisor sent from the central government to improve public sentiment. While he cant adjust the tax fairness, he came prepared with discretionary funds. He tapped the table lightly. We should be able to manage for two months. That should normalize things by winter, right? How much money are we talking about? In response to Ians question, Romandro simply sipped his wine. It was a silent answer implying he couldnt disclose it. Given that this is the only power Romandro holds, its not something iprehensible. Then Ill convey our intentions to Merellof. Please do. Just give me a moment to organize Ian signaled to a servant and left the dining room. As he turned the corner, Kakantir, Nersarn, and his subordinates were waiting. Beric was there as well. Ian opened his mouth. We have a problem. Chapter 57 Chapter 57 Whats the problem? Its hard to adjust the target figures. Isnt that what we expected? I was hoping otherwise. It seems we have to opt for a second-best solution. Everyone, led by Kakantir, nodded their heads. Beric inquired, Is there a subsidy? Yes, there is. They havent confirmed for sure, but there should be around 3,000 gold coins. Wow, sh*t. Thats insane! Considering its enough to support for two months, thats a ballpark figure. Even though the pce is helping with the reconstruction, a solid operating budget is essential for regr operations. We probably have to contact Merellof sooner rather thanter, so we should prepare well. Hmm, agreed. Romandros gold coins, Merellofs supplies. And Ian acts as the mediator between them. If they catch a glimpse of an opportunity, a satisfactory deal can be made. Kakantir nodded as if to say he understands. Speaking of the advisor Romandro, he seems quite friendly towards us, dont you think? Yes, he was sent by Prince Mariv to deal with the situation, so hes likely opposite in temperament to the Gale side. Moreover, the initial hostility shown by Molrin seemed to y a big role. Since the push from Dergha was a joint effort with Molrin and Ian, Romandro probably assumed they were on the same side. But judging from the atmosphere, Romandro seemed to guess that Ian wasnt from Gales side. If we can get Romandro on our side, everything will go ording to n. True. I was frankly a little surprised. About what At Ians iprehensible question, Kakantir jokingly grabbed his hand, mimicking the reaction Romandro had shown earlier. I didnt expect that a magic user would receive such treatment in the empire. Well, they do say we are the beings most resembling gods. People from the frontier often consider magic as something mythical. Kakantir and Nersarn were no different. Even after seeing Beric, they didnt realize how powerful it could be. The flow of magical energy is like a river flowing into a vast sea. Bing a lord isnt an impossible task, it seems. Ian simply smiled at Kakantirs words. Only after seeing Romandros reaction did he be certain. We should hurry and secure our position before autumnes. I will make preparations. Keep a close eye on Mollin and his group. Yes, Kakan. Beric, you did as I asked, right? You mean hiding the magic stones? Of course, of course. Good. Lets get moving. Kakantirs subordinates stealthily descended the stairs upon hismand. Ian, too, returned to Romandros room with Beric, leaving the corridor enveloped in its usual darkness. Meanwhile, on the floor below, Master, what should we do? After finishing dinner, Mack and Dgor looked at Molrin. Their mentor sat by the window, lost in thought. Mack lit a cigarette and roughly pulled at his hair, saying, I cant think of a way out. Mack, calm down for now. Im not asposed as you, Dgor. Erica, or, well, it doesnt matter who it is, but the lord must be someone cooperative with us. Didnt you see Ians attitude earlier? Upon hearing Macks outcry, Dgor also sighed deeply. How were they going to deal with a magic user who had joined forces with the Cheonrye tribe, and that too, not in the centralnds but in their own stronghold? It wouldve been a different story if they had been friendly towards us That seems unlikely. Hes sticking close to Romandro, holding his chin up high. Is the boys intuition that keen? He seemed to have quickly caught on to the tension between Molrins group and Romandro since arriving at the mansion. Whether he knew that Mariv and Gale were also behind this was uncertain. In my opinion, it might be better to appoint someone else other than Erica as the lord. Who? Didnt Mage Hale from the Magic Department contribute significantly in the recent Roxan battle? Its likely the emperor will reward him; how about rmending him for this territory? Hale is a major force in the Imperial Pce. Why would the Emperor grant him this remotend when he even rejects his leaves? The Emperor wont give him a reason to leave the capital. With that, Mack dismissively waved his hand. The smoke from his cigarette swirled chaotically. And Dgor, you know Ericas character, dont you? Yes, too well, in fact. I cant even begin to predict what she would do if things went south. Dgor remained silent, fully agreeing. Erica, who was the very embodiment of tenacity, who had risen frommoner origins to the position of an investigation team leader. More than being loyal to Gale, she was more interested in the tangible wealth and honor that came with it. That was probably why she volunteered for this Bratz expedition. Swoosh. Continuing to look out the window, Molrin walked over to the table and poured some wine. He spoke in a voice as heavy as the night air. What would you do if the one blocking your path has no intent to yield, and you can neither go back nor find another way? With eyes that carried the weight of lifes experiences, he took a sip of wine and mumbled, One can only remove the obstacle and proceed. Master. Theres always a way. Lets kill Ian. For now, that was the most certain and cleanest solution. This ce being remote does have its drawbacks, but looking at it another way, thats also a good thing. If this were the central region, or if Ian had achieved the title of a mage, it would be even more difficult to handle him. If a magic user is hostile towards us, its only right to cut them off before they grow further. Indeed, Master. If he bes a mage and grows uncontrobly, he will soon be a burden to Prince Gale. Eliminating Ian would solve everything. Without Ian, the Cheonrye tribe wouldnt have a reason to be here, and Romandro wouldnt have any faction to rely on, hence would be powerless. Erica might be afraid for her life, but what Molrin feared more than death was failure. He couldnt tolerate the grand achievements of his own lord, Prince Gale being jeopardized by a mere bastard from the lower ss. Letsy low and observe the situation for a few days. Yes, Master. Theyll wait for an opportunity. That had been Molrin and his teams n as soon as they arrived at the mansion. They washed their mouths with wine, as if wanting the words theyd spoken to disappear. Unbeknownst to them, a red brooch made of a magic stone was hanging under the bed. *** On a cloudless and clear morning. A long procession from the Bratz estate was passing through the forest. The caravan included not only Ian and Beric, but also Romandro and his subordinates, as well as the escort warriors from the Cheonrye tribe. Romandro mumbled as he looked out the window. Its farther than I thought. Well be there soon once we get out of the forest. Does that ce also border the desert? Merellof does border the desert in some parts, but its mostly unaffected. Instead, its closest to the Hawan Kingdom to the east. Ah, right. The Hawan Kingdom is in this direction. Thanks to its friendly rtions and active trade with Bariel, Merellof reaped many benefits as a trade hub between the two nations. Even the fabric for Marys clothing from the East came through Contess Merellof. Stop. Where have youe from? I havee from the Bratz domain as an advisor. The gatekeeper who was guarding the outer wall checked the coachmans pass and opened the way. The interior resembled Bratz but also carried exotic traces. Just as Bratz was influenced by the desert and the Cheonrye tribe, they were also influenced by the Hawan Kingdom. Have you been trading continuously? I dont know about Derghas lifetime, but since the investigation team came, weve locked the doors. It would have beenplicated for them to get involved, given the situation. But after Commander Erica had left and Ian began managing the estate in earnest, a letter had arrived. It was for a routine situation checkwhether Dergha had really died, whether the Cheonrye tribe had seized the estate, and so on. These were matters they should rightfully know as neighbors, but Maybe if an advisor hadnte down from the imperial pce, these people would have been a hassle. Wasnt it a basic method to expand ones influence by taking over neighboring territories? They must have been eagerly waiting for an opportunity. The advisoring down from the imperial pce had definitely caught them off guard. Squeak. The procession of carriages arrived at the mansion after much travel. As the coachman opened the door, the advisor stepped down first to survey the surroundings. Unlike the tranquil Bratz, thendscape exuded a more refined and luxurious feel. Are you Advisor Romandro-nim? Yes. Pleasee inside. The Count is waiting for you. An elderly butler courteously guided them in. He nced at the Cheonrye warriors who followed, but that was it. Advisor Romondro? Greetings. You must be Count Carlo Merellof. Wee. Sitting in the reception room was an extremely gaunt middle-aged man. He had a lifeless and rigid impression, like a piece of wood. Exhaling a puff of cigarette smoke, he looked at Ian. So youre Ian. His gaze was cold, as if he were peering through Ians very core, subtly exuding arrogance. I am honored to meet Count Merellof. You dont look like Dergha at all. Thank you for thepliment. Please, have a seat. Around therge round table sat Merellof, Romandro, and Ian. The Count began to get to the point as he offered them tea. I heard youre in need of food supplies. Yes, thats correct. Our territory is already barren, and the food situation for the next month is uncertain. Thats why we want to ask for help from our neighboring territory, Merellof. Seems like everything else is fine then. Our recovery is better than expected. If we can solve the problem for the next couple of months, we should be able to normalize by the start or end of winter. Count Merellof tapped the table with his fingers, clearly deep in thought. Eventually, he nodded and gave an order to his servant. Bring the prepared documents. Yes, my lord. Ive given it some thought since receiving your letter. While I cant ignore the suffering of my neighbors, neither can I cut my own flesh to save others. If it hadnt been for the presence of an imperial advisor, he probably wouldnt have even given Ian the opportunity for this trade. Besides with his ownck of funds, his priority had been his own territory, not his neighbors. This is the list of what we can offer and the prices weve set. Romandro frowned as he slowly went through the characters. Essential items like wheat and corn were omitted, and the remaining auxiliary ingredients were priced at more than five times the market value. Pardon me, Count Merellof. Yes, Advisor? Romandro, with an imposing aura, called for the Count, but thetter remained unfazed. He had agreed to deal with the imperial advisor but not without subtly expressing his reluctance. Romandro, who had been idly touching the edge of the documents, reluctantly sought permission as his eyes met with Ians. Could we have a moment to discuss among ourselves? Oh! Hahaha! You say among ourselves? The ourselves Romandro referred to included Ian. Count Merellof burst into loudughter for the first time. The idea of an imperial advisor from the pce holding a meeting together with a lowborn bastard seemed ridiculous to him. People from the central capital really are different. It was a tant act of disdain, but Ian didnt even blink. He was solely preupied with the numbers presented before him. Merellop, too, was a count of the newly-formed Empire but was well-fed from sweet trade deals. It meant he was in a position to act this brazen. This was also entirely within expectations. Thank you for the courtesy. Ian turned his head away with a smirk. After all, no matter how loud theughter, it eventuallyes to an end. Chapter 58 Chapter 58 Then lets prepare a meal while we discuss. You wont be able to eat properly once you leave, so make sure to fill up here. Squeak, m! A-a-aristocrats As soon as the door closed, Romandro clenched his neck and grumbled. This kind of behavior might actually give rise to prejudice against the real frontier counts. Ian started to go through the documents Romandro had been reading, one by one. The prices are one thing, but the list doesnt sit well with me. Exactly. There are hardly any staple crops. In anticipation of a harsh winter, what they needed were staple crops with short harvest cycles and rtively abundant yields. But what Merellof offered were high-end ingredients that only nobles would consume. Ridiculous. Could it be that rtions with Dergha arent good? I cant say for sure about that. But apart from that, the trade itself will likely be unpleasant. They were hard-pressed for food, and now an advisor from the Imperial Pce had arrived, further depleting their resources. Furthermore, due to the battle in Bratz territory, they had unknowingly suffered losses. Some had tried to flee to Merellof during the battle. A steward from the Bratz estate was beheaded here too. The people here couldnt leave during that time Unable to gather firewood in the forest, unable to hunt, unable to gather fruits. Trade would have been affected as well. While they couldnt know exactly what difficulties they faced during their istion, they could guess. Romandro let out a grumbling, pained noise as he massaged his head. Advisor. Hmm? Ian tapped the table gently and then slowly called Romandro. In fact, Ian had other options even if they didnt procure food here. It may be presumptuous, but I estimate the subsidy to be about 3,000 gold coins. Is that correct? Well, I cant disclose that, as its a sensitive matter. I know of a much more valuable way to use that money than buying dairies and olives here. If you trust and follow me, that is. Ian had four bags of seeds from the gr nt, known as a divine blessing for eradicating famine. Compared to other staple crops, it had an overwhelmingly short cultivation period, abundant yields, and nutritional value. Why would they spend this money buying such items here when they have ess to such a perfect food source? What are you talking about? We cant waste precious subsidies sent from the Imperial Pce like this. This is wasteful and, beyond that, its extravagant. I agree, but what other options do we have? Ian threw the documents aside as if they were worthless and pushed them away. He then asked Romandros subordinates to check if anyone was eavesdropping. As they stepped into the corridor, Ian whispered softly. I intend to buy something else here. Something else? What? People. Romandros eyes widened in surprise. ve markets are only held centrally. Is Count Merellof actually hosting one here? No, thats not it. I mean to buybor. Even if they dont spend all 3,000 gold coins, it would be more than enough, Ian whispered. Completely clueless about what Ian meant, Romandro alternated his gaze between Ian and the proposed transaction documents, contemting deeply. Lend me your ear for a moment. With a sly grin, Ian whispered into Romandros ear about grs existence. Romandrosplexion changed gradually, as if he couldnt believe it, but only for a moment. * * * Are you simply leaving? Yes, my Lord. Lets consider the deal null and void. Count Merellof nced at the food spread out on the table. Contrary to his earlier statement that they would prepare something extravagant, the table was filled mostly with meat stewa mealmonly enjoyed bymoners that left no room for waste. The count twirled his mustache and grimaced slightly, I guess youve had your fill. Shall we escort you out? Its settled. Just be casual about it. Publicly, he didnt turn away from helping them. Its just that they chose not to ept it. Count Merellof was worrying about what to do if they agreed to trade for that price. Soon, the Cheonrye tribe, who cant withstand the cold weather, will leave, and theres no way to avoid everyone starving to death. The reason why Merellof ruled like a king in the frontiers was primarily because the domain was far removed from the imperial pces attention. Physical and psychological distance meant that whatever happened, the imperial pce would remain unaware. But what if someone from the imperial pce took over the lordship of Bratz? Damn it. Just thinking about it For the neighboring domain of Merellof, being in sight of the imperial pce would be the same. Rather, it would be better for Merellof to upy Bratz. Geographically, theres the burden of dealing with barbarians, but thats much better than having the imperial pce as a neighbor. The Count walked briskly to check below the window. Near the front gate, Ian and the advisor were seen standing in front of the carriage. The two were facing each other, engaged in conversation. * * * Perhaps they dont like the mere presence of someone from the imperial pce in Bratz. It would be burdensome to have them as neighbors. Ethically, there are problems, but thats not really an issue, right? Once you die, ethics dont matter. Due to the distance, Count Merellof did not realize that he had been precisely read by Ian. After pondering for a bit, Romandro nodded his head in agreement, finding the statements reasonable. Right. That makes sense. I hadnt thought that far. By the way, isnt the butler runningte? The count must be busy wrapping up some matters. Well, from what Ive seen, he probably wont see us off. Ian murmured as he fidgeted with his pocket watch. Having confirmed Merellofs stance, all that was left was to return to the fiefdom and introduce gr to Romandro. Oh my. At that moment, a woman emerged through the gardens back door. She was a noblewoman with tinum blonde hair, tied up and adorned with all sorts of fancy decorations. Countess Merellof? Ian! So you are Ian? Pleasure to meet you. Hiding his disconcerted expression, Ian greeted her by touching her hand lightly. Unlike Count Merellof, she was a vibrant woman. He had presumed her to be a middle-aged peer like Mary, but she was considerably younger. Im Rien Merellof. So, youre leaving already? Why not stay for a meal? Thedy was younger but in every way outranked Ian and Romandro. It was an obvious hierarchy, and Ian didnt mind. Though he felt her manners were somewhatcking. Were grateful for the Counts invitation, but we have a mountain of work and cant stay. Maybe another time. Chwaak Countess Merellof fanned herself gracefully, offering an inscrutable smile. Ian and Romandro exchanged puzzled nces. Why is the Countess acting like this? Something about the atmosphere seemed off. A dress out of season, and some misaligned gazes It was the kind of impression one should avoid if met in an alleyway. An impression not easily obtained from a graceful countess. Advisor? Ah, its Romandro. Its an honor. I thought I never heard your name. My apologies. Is this all your party? She asked, twirling her fan with a gentle motion. Half of theirpany had already left for the city center to recruit the people Ian had mentioned. We sent them ahead as we might be dyed. We are waiting for the butler. Ah, I see. How is the Bratz territory faring? My husband never tells me anything about it. Yes, thanks to your husband. Ho ho ho. And theres something Im curious about. Please speak, mydy. Countess Merellof approached with her fan hiding the lower part of her face. The servants seemed to close both their eyes and ears, bowing their heads. Who is using Lady Marys room? Lady Marys room? You see, theres something I couldnt return to her. Softly. As if telling him to lower his voice, the tone of Countess Merellof dropped. Ian recalled Marys final moments and sighed. Ah. Countess Mary, who had said that there was something helpful if taken to Merellof, did not specify what it was. Considering she mentioned it until the moment she left the house, it mustnt be something easily lost. Countess Merellofs eyes sparkled as she looked at Ian. Hm? Is the room still intact? It should be. No one really goes in there. Feel free to visit anytime. Is that alright? Of course. The room has lost its owner, so who would say otherwise? Countess Merellofs eyes curved in satisfaction at Ians words. Just then, the butler came out carrying a small box, and thedy turned her head as if nothing had happened. Mydy? What about the Count? Satisfied with Ians answer, the Countesss eyes crinkled. At that moment, the butler emerged holding a small box, and the Countess turned her head as if nothing had happened. Mydy? The guests are leaving. Where is the Count? Ah. He finds it difficult to leave due to sudden business. He sends his apologies to the guests, and this is a small token of goodwill from Merellof. He also said that if theres anything we can help with as a neighboring estate, to let him know. As the butler gave a polished bow, the Countess chuckled, covering her mouth with her fan. The butler has a knack for smoothing over the Counts blunt words. Ian nodded as he received the box. Please convey my thanks. Very well, then. Ahem. Romandro briefly greeted everyone and climbed onto the carriage. As they left through the main gate, the Countess couldnt take her eyes off them until the very end. Clip Clop So, whats this token of goodwill? Judging by the smell, it seems like dried meat. Good heavens, it seems the rumors about the frontier have some basis. The rumors they refer to are societal prejudices that border nobles are crude and barbaric. Noticing that Ian understood the meaning, Romandro checked that they had distanced themselves from the mansion. The Countess is quite peculiar too. I didnt expect her to be so young. I thought shed be around the same age as Countess Mary. The Count seemed a bit older; is this his first marriage? Im not quite sure about that Never mind. Now, tell me in detail. You said there is a crop thats about a month away from harvest? Romandro eagerly leaned in closer to Ian. To think that there was such an extraordinary crop here that he had never heard or seen of before! So, theres a saying that to see the center of the world, go to the capital, and to see the changes in the world, go to the frontier. Where did ite from? The desert? Ah, it must be resilient if it grows in the desert. Whats its name? What do you call it? You, Advisor-nim, should also know. Huh? Know what? Gr. Gr? The weed Gr that I know of? Ian gave a subtle smile, but disappointment was clearly written all over Romandros face. The thought that hed been fooled seemed to fill his mind. Chapter 59 Chapter 59 Gr, you His expression conveyed that he had much to say, but chose not to say it. Even if Ian was amoners son, Gr was notorious for being so toxic that not even a passing dog would bother to bite. Who would have thought he would audaciously exit through the front gate? It would have been better to propose a price negotiation with Count Merellof instead. But its true. Gr seeds are edible. You can roast them, boil them, or even eat them raw. Considering nutrients, satiety, and efficiency, it could even be called a divine blessing. What nonsense. How could nobody have known about such a miraculous crop till now? It was a little shameful considering how the Bariel Empire had schrs working every day on solutions for famine. And now, Gr, which is asmon as dirt, is a divine blessing? Ive been eating it recently. You have? Yes. The taste is quite good. Im sure you, Sir Romandro, will also find it irresistible once you try it. The growing period is about a month, so there are no issues with food during the winter. Squeak. The smoothly running carriage came to a stop midway. Once at the vige square, then in the alley where the entertainment district is located, and again in the residential area. Each time the carriage stopped, the subordinates who had set off first climbed aboard. But something seemed off about Beric. Not only did his face seem flushed, but there was also a smell of wine whenever he faintly smiled. Ian gave him a sidelong nce and lightly scolded him. Beric, youre not doing what youre supposed to. Eh? No, no. The barkeeper kept insisting. Beric, who climbed in at the entertainment district, sniffled. How much had he drunk in such a short time? Before Ian could frown, Beric quickly began reporting the situation. They said theyll put up the notice. Dozens heard my announcement. Its the most popr tavern around here. If you dig Gr, we will pay. This was what Ian meant by hiring people. The peasants near Bratz will dig Gr in their forests, and those near Merellof will do the same. Did you specify thepensation and the time frame? Of course. One copper coin for every threerge bags. Only valid for one month. One copper coin was what a low-ssborer could earn in a month. Filling three bags with Gr wouldnt be easy, but someone with good stamina could do it within half a month. Isnt that too generous? One copper coin? We need them to scour the forest with enthusiasm. If you think about the abundant winter that one bag of Gr will bring, its not that expensive. And most importantly, the time period. If they dont set a time limit of a month, there will certainly be people who will cultivate and bring in more. Sorry, but thats something that absolutely cannot happen. What Ian wants is not just the Gr itself, but also for all the shoots in the surrounding area to wither away. How is the Merellof farming situation this year? It doesnt seem that great. Its originally not a ce for farming, and didnt the central army Bratzs battle make the river dirty? Theyre saying among themselves that its a poor harvest. What usually happens in Merellof during a poor harvest? In the winter, trade delegations from the Hawan Kingdome in. Thats when economic activity starts thriving. Trade delegations. Yes, those are groups that have almost everything. The really big ones even carry around several years worth of dried meat. The people of the Merellof territory provide them with lodging and convenience in exchange for buying food. So even if theres a poor harvest, it doesnt have much of an impact. Actually, it would probably be easier to find a year thats not a poor harvest in Merellof. In response to Ians continued questioning, Romandros subordinate gave an excellent answer. He seems to have gathered information well beforeing down. In any case, its unknown how the harvest will turn out this autumn. If we can secure as much Gr as possible Did he perhaps already know? Merellof might even propose a trade from their side. While Ian was mentally sorting out ns for the winter, Romandro was groaning while scratching his jawbone. Gr? Graa? He wanted to return to the territory immediately and verify if Ians im was true. Otherwise, hed give the boy a good piece of his mind, mage or not. And first thing when the day breaks, he would go look for Count Merellof again. Cant you go any faster? Is something urgent? Ah, you talk too much! Understood. Itll be a bit bumpy. Lets go! Zzak! Hiing! Ian, whether he knew of Romandros worries or not, only firmly swatted away Berics hand that was reaching for the dried meat in the box. Ah, youre being too much, my Lord. Stop talking nonsense and wake up. Your speech has changed like youre drunk. My mouth is bitter. Just one? Huh? Just one. In the end, when they arrived at the mansion, only an empty box was left. The moment Romandro got off the carriage, all the servants, starting from the kitchen, were thrown into chaos. What did you just say? Make food with this? This is Gr. Your jokes are really bad today. No, its true. Sir Ian said to make food with Gr. Any weed-based recipes can be used, but make sure to check if there are seeds with pulp on the surface. The kitchen staff all crossed their arms and stared down at the box of Gr. No matter how they thought about it, this was a waste of ingredients, fuel, and manpower. Who in the world would cook with roadside weeds? Having no choice, the head chef went up to Ians room to confirm the order. Sir Ian. About tonights dinner. Ah, yes. You heard, right? I personally like to boil the Gr until its well-cooked and then use it. Its nice when its cold, but its artistic when swallowed warm. It wasnt a joke. It was real. The head chef, in bewilderment, took off his hat and bowed. The kitchen staff gathered around and bombarded him with questions. So were really cooking with Gr? Yes, everyone turn on the stoves. I dont get it, really. Ah! I get it! Maybe its to poison that official Molrin and his group. Dont be foolish. Have you ever seen someone die from eating Gr? Of course not! Who would eat such a thing? No, if you have a weak body, you might ingest the poison and die. Remember the old man who used to shine shoes? He got sick and died after eating Gr. *Cha-ah-ak!* When had the kitchen ever been so noisy? The head chef couldnt even bring himself to quell the uproar, instead busily stirring pans. It felt like all the sauces and spices being sprinkled over were going down the drain. For the first time in his life, he felt guilty while cooking. And then, a few hourster. Romandro donned a napkin around his neck with a face full of tension. Then, the dining room door opened, and the servants lined up, pulling in trolleys. The smell was both familiar and strange. One thing was certain; it stimted the salivary nds. Is, is all of this made from Gr? Head Chef, please introduce. Specifically, these are Gr seeds. This is a dessert made by frying Gr seeds and soaking them in honey. And this is stewed. When cooked, it grows in size. I cant give you a name since there isnt one. Even Ian didnt know the specifics of the recipes. He had never set foot in a kitchen; he was an emperor and was served, not the one cooking. But touch. These were people who had spent their lives in front of fire; their cooking stimted the visual and olfactory senses even if it was made on a whim. Clink-nk Hmm. Ian didnt hesitate in tasting the food. He sampled this and that, and thoroughly enjoyed the Gr. Romandro cautiously prodded at the Gr. Is the doctor waiting outside? No, its the middle of the night, so hes probably at home? Tell him to be on standby! Hahaha. Just kidding. Dont worry and try some. As Ian let out a heartyugh, Romandro sighed deeply and closed his eyes. Then, he took a spoonful of Gr and put it into his mouth. Heeek! Romandro made an unexpected sound, surprising even himself. Ian couldnt help butugh as he saw Romandros eyes slowly widen. Instead of speaking, he took another spoonful of the stew and fed it to him. Does it suit your taste? This, this. Why is it so delicious? Romandro seemed utterly captivated by the new taste. Ian gestured to the servants standing at the back of the dining room. You alle over here too. Us, you mean? Dont just stand there,e and try the food. Arent you curious? The servants hesitated, ncing cautiously at Romandro. He was so engrossed in the food that he lifted the soup bowl to drink directly from it. The servants felt awkward due to the informal behavior at the owners table and the prejudices about wild weeds. Thank you. What would you like to eat? Ill have something honey-zed. The first among them to step forward was Hannah. Hannah took some food with a cheerful disposition and soon seemed surprised as she covered her mouth. Its delicious. Isnt it? Hannah, is it really good? Sis, you should try it too. Then, if youll excuse me, Ian-nim Seeing both the owner and the royal advisor eating like this, the servants thought there shouldnt be any problem. Encouraged by Hannah, they gathered around one by one and took bites of the gr dish. Eh? Um is this what Gr is? This is unbelievable. Its really delicious. Ian watched his family with a faint smile. While it might be due to their basic needs being met, it was the farmers who connected Ian and the people of the estate. They were the starting point for the distribution of gu. One person leads to two, and two to four. As with all great endeavors, the beginning is always modest. Ha, this is amazing. How did you even find this? Romandro seemed to have finally regained hisposure, wiping the corner of his mouth. The bowl in front of him waspletely empty. It was by chance. Did Dergha not feed you at all? Thats not it. Anyway, we should rely on Gr for this winter. Well build a greenhouse in the garden starting tomorrow. It roots well in both dry sand and water but is weak to cold. While constructing the greenhouse, they could mobilize the people from Merellof and Bratzs estates to collect all the Gr in the area. As long as the demand is certain, controlling the supply in the area would give them an advantageous position in the market. What about when it snows? Ah, true, its hard toe by in winter. Romandro, forgetting all formalities, licked his spoon clean and mumbled. Then, he casually asked Ian. After observing for a few days and seeing that there are no adverse effects, I should include this in my report to the imperial pce. Is that alright? Of course. You must also include how it was discovered. The implication was not to leave out Ians name. After all, it was imusible to say that Romandro, who had recentlye to the estate, had unterally discovered the edibility of Gr. Romandro gestured as if to say, dont worry about it. Ill only write the truth in the report, even if a knife is on my throat. By the way, can we eat more of this? You cant. We still have a limited amount. Remember, one seed yields more than ten Gr. As Ian refused with a smile, Romandro put down his spoon, licking his lips. If he knew it woulde to this, he would have stopped the servants from taking the Gr. And everyone, maintain strict silence until weve gathered enough Gr seeds. At Iansmand, the servants, including Hannah, made a show of sealing their lips solemnly. Chapter 60 Chapter 60 As he grew older, the Emperor increasingly yearned for things that were fresh and rejuvenating. His bedrooms renovation was part of that context; one wall had been reced with ss so he could constantly view the lush garden. There were moments when he seemed so still that Mariv wondered if he might have passed away. Father? The Emperor turned his head at the sound of his sons voice, a smile spreading across his face, warmth shining through the deep wrinkles. Did you call for me? Yes, Mariv. You seem quite busy these days. As always. Its summer, after all. Mariv naturally took a seat in front of the Emperor. This was a private space, and a personal summon. Mariv nced at his fathersplexion as he asked, Is something the matter? No I just realized it has been too long since Ist saw your face. Thats a bit sudden. Mariv. Yes, Father? Is there something going on with Gale? It was public knowledge that the Emperor held great affection for Gale. While Mariv knew this, the Emperor had strictly refrained from mentioning Gales name in front of him. It was a discretion for the sake of session, as well as for his children. No, there isnt. Why do you ask? I had a dream yesterday. Carolina appeared. Unlike Mariv, who was born to the Queen, Gale was the son of the first concubine. Carolina came from some obscure noble background and was a woman who had climbed the socialdder solely through her beauty. A person who normally never appears in my dreams showed up and then The Emperors voice was tinged with emotion. Internally, Mariv sighed. Had he known it woulde to this, he would have used his work as an excuse to avoid the meeting. Striving to hide his expression, he looked off into the distance. A lone peach tree stood majestically. She handed me a peach, and then tearfully asked for Gale. Father. If theres no issue, then so be it. Its settled. The Emperor lightly tapped Marivs hand, unterally concluding the conversation. Even though he was smiling warmly, the Emperors arrogance remained unchanged. Mariv nodded and left his fathers chamber. *Screech.* Prince Mariv? As Mariv stepped out of the door and stood still, his aide called out to him with a puzzled look. Mariv approached the row of servants standing in line. Is there any issue with His Majestys bedroom management? Eh? No, no, Your Highness Mariv. Then why does my fathers bedside seem so chaotic? What? The servant seemed puzzled, as if hearing this for the first time. Just as he unconsciously raised his head to question back, Mariv swiftly pped his cheek. *p!* If I hear such talk from you again, I will cut the throats of all those under your supervision. II will keep that in mind, Your Highness. Both father and son might be unaware, but they were strikingly simrwarm as spring yet suddenly chilling without warning. The servants exhaled a sigh of relief as Marivs shadow disappeared from sight. Is todays schedule over? Yes, Your Highness. But it seems you need to go to your office rather than your bedroom. I thought the schedule was over? As Mariv frowned, the aide hastily added, A letter has arrived from Romandro. Ill check it tomorrow. Im tired today. But the report seems quite shocking One could only imagine how the subordinate felt after being scolded by the Prince. But in the party that had gone with him was a spy. It wasnt just Mariv who would find out; Gale would also learn of it. Summarize it briefly. It was an answer that indicated he would listen first and decideter. The aide, as the subordinate wanted, summarized the report concisely. The younger son of Dergja, Ian, has joined forces with the Cheonrye tribe to rebuild and control Bratz. Commander Erica has gone outside of the territory. What? And this Ian is a magic user. Mariv stopped walking and turned to look at his aide. The aide asserted his innocence through his expression, insisting that the report was truthful. Things have gone awry. Indeed, Your Highness. Head to the office. Yes, preparing it right away. Mariv clenched his teeth and tied his hair back into a single bundle. It was a night when the full moon was out. *** The day after the full moon. In the back alley of a tavern in the Merellof domain, it wasnt hard toe across some strange information. What? Theyre saying theyll give you money if you bring Gr to Bratz? Ah, keep it down! Someone might hear. Why on earth? What are they going to do with weeds? Who knows? Barbarians, I can never understand them. Even Logan from the red-brick house took six bags and received two coins of gold. Theres a time limit though. And the nearby forest has already been picked clean. Well have to go deeper to collect Gr. I cant believe Im hearing about buying weeds in my lifetime. This is crazy. What do we care? Its good for us, isnt it? My wife has been craving meat recently anyway. While everyone was hushing about who would gather Gr, there was no one among the lower ss of Merellof who didnt know about it. The same was true for the citizens of the Bratz domain. What? Gr? Theres a notice. Theyre offering one gold coin for three bags. Isnt that a waste of money? They wont tell us the reason! While puzzled, they certainly met Ians requirements. They scoured the mountains and fields and brought the Gr, which they usually would have stepped on, to the mansion in bags. In no time at all, the Gr seeds piled up in the warehouse almost reached the ceiling. How many bags do we have today? Forty-nine bags. The speed is faster than I thought. Ian looked at this satisfyingly and moved on. In the back, where entry was restricted, research on Gr cultivation was in full swing. It is said to grow well in all harsh conditions except for the cold, but there must be an optimal way to cultivate it. Ian, having never personally grown it, had no choice but to research. The growth speed is almost the same whether we water it more or less. We probably have to try different soils. Then we should scoop up some soil from the riverbank over there. Ian-nim! Look at this. The shoots have alreadye out. Covered in dirt, Hannah and Romandros subordinates stood up when they saw Ian. They were very small, about the size of a finger joint. Ian smiled and patted Hannah on the shoulder. Good job. By the way, Sir Romandro ate Gr again earlier. Ian-nim, could you please say something? Again? I already warned him yesterday. He probably thought nobody would see. After that day, Romandro indiscriminately ate Gr for every meal. It got to the point where Ian had to intervene and tell him to take better care of himself. Since a single seed could grow more than ten other Gr, it was almost preferable to eat meat instead. Alright, Ill talk to him again. Ian said this and left the garden. He nned to prepare as many Gr as possible for theing winter. This would probably be the most abundant end-of-year celebration for the citizens of Bratz domain. What are you thinking? Following behind, Beric asked Ian as he walked ahead. Before Ian could answer, Beric snapped his fingers and began answering his own question. Let me guess. You were thinking about the official, werent you? Youve been unusually quiet, almost eerily so. Ah, yes. Thats right. Ian paused for a moment, wondering who the official referred to, before realizing it meant Molrin. He hasnt been out? Two of his subordinates have been running around, but I havent seen the official himself for quite a while. But hes eating well, they say. They had attached a magical stone brooch to the bed in their room. The n was to take it while cleaning, but since the room was never empty, it had been postponed. It was now time to personally retrieve it. Tell Sir Romandro that well all have dinner together tonight. All of us? What if he refuses? Add that its mandatory because well also be having a meeting. Ill find the magical stone in the meantime. Beric nodded and stepped back. They might have heard rumors about the Gr. Even if they knew, Ian needed to formally inform the imperial envoysspecifically, Molrins groupof his ns. It seemed that Romandro and Molrin were each writing their own reports. Knock knock. This is Ianing in. Come in, Sir Ian. It seemed to be lunchtime, so everyone gathered quickly. Unlike Romandro, who rose slightly from his seat to greet him, Molrins party held their heads high as if quite displeased. The weather is fine today. Whats the matter? As for the matter, its just that I havent seen your faces in a long time. I wanted to check if everythings alright, and theres something Id like to discuss. By calling Molrins group guests, Ian clearly established the context. This was Ians domain. Mack muttered sarcastically. You seemed busy. Very likely. Ah, did you hear that from Sir Romandro? At Ians question, Mack and Dgors expressions instantly soured. If Romandro considered them equal colleagues, he would naturally have shared the news about the discovery of the Gr. However, they had heard nothing. As if they were unwee guests, they had been left in the dark. The ban that Ian had imposed applied to his household, not Romandro. Hmm. Not yet. In that case, I apologize. Romandro squinted his left eye and made an awkward cough. Just as Mack was about to say something, the dining room door opened and the food arrived. I should mention Sir Molrin, that weve discovered a new crop for the winter. Its nothing grand, he said. Nothing grand? Beric chuckled to himself, overhearing from the corner. He had clearly noticed how Romandro was boasting about his ventures in Bariel. While Ian was talking to the three men, Beric signaled the servants with his eyes. A new crop? You dont mean Gr, do you? Mack questioned. You knew already, Romandro affirmed. Of course. The word is out that youre buying this worthless weed for money. If even Merellof is talking about it, surely everyone in Bratz knows, Mack raised his voice, visibly agitated. However, noticing Molrins subtle signal for him to restrain himself, Mack clenched his lips and fell silent. So, you are aware? Dgor interjected. His voice was low andposed, but he couldntpletely hide his hostility. Aware of what? What people are saying about why youre buying this weed in Bratz, Dgor pressed. Curious, what are they saying? That Ian is taking subsidies to sell his territory to the Cheonrye tribe, Dgor exined. How interesting, Ian chuckled lightly. It wasnt entirely baseless. After all, pushing aside advisors and the pce influence, if Bratz were to fall, the Cheonrye tribe would be the biggest beneficiary. Yet if that was my intent, I would have shown my hand as soon as Your Excellencies arrived. Why would I leave the food stockpile untouched? Ian questioned. What? Stockpile? Mack, lower your voice. And I wouldnt have worked so hard on reconstruction. Whoever is spreading these rumors will be severely punished for insulting my allies and me, Ian nced sharply at Mack and Dgor. The people of the territory, who were busy with their own survival, wouldnt harbor any resentment. Firstly, the perception of the Cheonrye tribe and Ian was fairly positive, and the territorys downfall wouldnt necessarily mean their own. What has changed just because Dergha is dead? It was clear that Mack and Dgor were the source of these rumors. In response to Ians warning, the previously silent Molrin spoke up. Do you have any idea about the public perception of Gr? Molrin finally broke his silence. Its considered toxic, somoners usually pull it out wherever they see it. As a result, you could only find Gr in heaps of trash, sewers, and ces untouched by human hands in the city. I am well aware, but since Sir Romandro enjoys it, everyone will probablye to appreciate it, Ian responded, adding a slightly regretful smile. But Sir Molrin, dont you remember? Weve discussed this issue before. Chapter 61 Chapter 61 Did we talk about this? Dont you remember? The part about utilizing rumors.'' At Ians meaningful words, Molrin recalled their conversation during their second luncheon together. They had talked about how any kind of food would be wee if it could solve the famine problem and had shared ideas about improving public perception through distribution methods. ! Could it be that Ian had been nning for this moment since then? Ian continued calmly. The one gathering the Gr is Lord Romandro, who has direct orders from the imperial pce. All eyes turned toward Romandro. These were people working closely with the Emperor in the imperial pce. If they were to personally recognize Gr as a legitimate food source, then improving public perception wouldnt be a problem. Lets draft a scenario. The imperial pce has long been involved in researching alternative crops. During that time, they discover that while Gr is toxic, its seeds are nutritionally rich and delicious. Sir Romandro seizes this information and gathers Gr. Is that really okay to do? What do you mean? No, never mind. Whats the issue? After all, its just words. The rumors in Bratz wont reach the imperial pce. Theyll only be spread through the two of you, using your influence. You understand, dont you? Romandro scratched his chin awkwardly, smiling. As they had discussed that day, the rumor should match Ians political views but should be spread among themoners. So, spreading the rumor is all we need to do? No, of course not. We should also add some research findings. What would be good? How about it improves skin and hair, and is effective for longevity? Hahaha! Thats too far-fetched. So what? Normally, one exaggerates to attract a mate. And, both Sir Romandro and Sir Molrin should frequently dine out together, conspicuously eating dishes made from Gr. Then, Ill tie up the loose ends. At Ians words, Molrin mmed the table lightly, showing a gesture of refusal, one that meant he couldnt agree. Thats absurd! Using the imperial pce in a rumor is not eptable. Its a matter involving His Majestys dignity. If problems arise after falsely iming that Gr is being distributed due to research, wouldnt people me the imperial pce? It was a reasonable concern, but Ian was not convinced. Clearly, Sir Molrin at that time seemed to think solving the famine was a leaders duty. I didnt think youd object for such petty reasons. Petty, you say? Petty! Is the honor of the Imperial Pce something petty? In the face of imminent death, everything is trivial! It was almost a first. Ian raising his voice like this in confrontation. He always just chuckled and let things go. While Molrin hesitated, his lips trembling, Ian put down his napkin. Sir Molrin, it seems theres some misunderstanding. I am not asking for permission right now. What he means to reject is to reject, a unteral announcement. If youre going to oppose and interfere, leave my territory immediately. Order the soldiers to guide you out. What rudeness is this! Sir Mack, make it clear whos being rude here. Who is the one being disrespectful? Ian, who put forth a n to save the people and the territory, versus Molrin and his group, opposing him simply because they are envoys from the Imperial Pce. At Ians insulting remark to make it clear, Macks face turned bright red. They may not be a match for a duke or an earl, but they were also of noble birth. Meaning, theyve never been treated like this before. Listening quietly, Romandro interjected to lighten the atmosphere. Ahem. Calm yourselves. Sir Molrin, I have tasted it, and the taste is quite substantial. The variety of recipes means that the dining table will be diverse. At that moment, Beric quietly entered the dining room. He winked with his left eye, subtly signaling. It meant he had retrieved the magic stone. My intentions are clear. I will not tolerate any interference, as this is an important matter. Ian, how dare you act so arrogant! Well, then, everyone, please enjoy your meal. Ill take my leave. With that, Ian left the rest to Romandro. As he exited, Beric handed him the magic stone. But Ian, you sure have a way with words. What do you mean? You expressed the idea of killing them if they interfere as will not tolerate. How refined. Very refined. Beric marveled, clicking his tongue, and Ian chuckled. The two headed to the office Dergha had used. The investigation team had swept away every paper, but they left the magical liquid. Ian poured the liquid into a ss bottle as Dergha had done and dropped the magic stone in. Plop! The red gem began to glow and emit a sound. Ian read the report that hade up, while Bericid down on the sofa, chewing on a clove. It could be considered a somewhat peaceful rest time. [I have no idea how she will react to this I cant even dare to predict it.] The subtle sound of Ians pencil scratching could be heard in between the loud voices of the three men. [If the one blocking your way has no intention of stepping aside, and you cant turn back, and theres no other path, then what will you do?] At that moment, Ian stopped writing, obviously bothered by what he had just written. Beric, who had been half-closing his eyes, did the same. He stopped chewing and subtly lifted his head. What the heck did you just write? Shush. [Clear the obstacle and youll have no choice but to go.] [Teacher.] [Theres always a way.] Ian tapped the table with the tip of his pencil as if amused. At that, Beric, who hade closer, made a throat-slitting gesture by flipping his thumb. Is this a threat to kill me? Ah, well. Its not a bad option. Even if Ian were in their shoes, it wouldve been an option worth considering. The best thing would be to give up on the Bratz estate, but it would be easier and more convenient to cut off Ians lifeline than to give up the ce they had invested in for months. More than anything, it would be the safer option in the long run. What should we do? Shall we proceed? Beric held his sword indifferently, as if he were picking a wildflower. It seems like hes been waiting for a chance Regrettably, he had hardly spent any time alone due to work. Not only was he always with Beric, but his irregr sleep pattern meant he could only catch short naps during the day. Shall we? Or not? Dont. Wait. This is too embarrassing to even serve as evidence. I shouldve put more pressure on them earlier. Ian chuckled and pulled out a magical stone. The faces of the entourage from the restaurant became clearer in his mindnoble lords filled with humiliation and rage. They might even send an assassin tonight. Whats so funny? Ah, well, I was just reminded of the past. Even though it had been a brief time, an emperor was still an emperor. Daring to say so, he could confidently im to know better than anyone how dark a night hideout could be, the sound of poison-darted arrows rising along the curtain, and the look in the eyes of someone rushing in with a dagger. Beric, you need to get your head straight. Im always sane, you know? A little more. Be extra vignt. Ian patted Berics cheek lightly and asked him to be thoroughly vignt. Of course, he didnt neglect to keep an eye and ear out for the group they were in. * * * Not far from the mansion, in a vige area, Romandro was overseeing the construction progress with his subordinates. Since the sun was high in the sky, a subordinate casually brought up lunch. Shall we call it a mornings work here? Should we? Sir Romandro! What shall we do with the remaining oak? Line it up and move it to the entrance of Gilsaem Vige. Didnt they say the suspension bridge there was broken? Were going to build an elevated bridge there, so use it for that. Understood. Sir Romandro! Hold on a minute. Cant we eat first? I apologize. But its a bit urgent. Its about the giant boulder you asked to be moved. Turns out, its someones fathers tomb. What? Youve got to be kidding me. Romandro grabbed his head in frustration and gestured to his subordinate. The meaning was to guide him quickly. He felt like he was going to miss lunch. He put his hand into his pocket and soon took out something, putting it into his mouth. Did you just see that? The young overseers who had been watching whispered among themselves. He always takes something out of his pocket to eat when hes working. True. And he wont even tell us what it is. Tsk tsk. Havent you heard? Nodding, a man interjected with a knowing air. Its Gr seeds. Gr seeds. Ew, what? That sounds ridiculous. Why would a government official eat that? Dont you know? Why do you think he bought all that Gr from the mansion? Thats true. Even if they could collect more, there was no room. Gr seeds had dried up around the area. Even if one went deep into the forest, not a single Gr leaf could be found. That, in fact, is for Sir Romandro to eat! Come on, youve got to make sense to back up your ims! No, its true. The news is slow here because its the countryside. People in the center already eat Gr seeds like peanuts. Is that why hes eating Gr? Looks like its affecting his head due to its poison. Although Gr is poisonous on the outside, its seeds taste really good. And they make your skin firm and bright. They say you cant eat it in the central area because its not avable! At that point, the crowd who had gathered tilted their heads in wonder. Really? If you cant trust it, go ask the advisor yourself. What is it that hes putting in your pocket and eating? Theyll never tell you. Theyre too busy eating, why would they share? So youre saying that money was spent to gather the Grs? Is there another reason? Have you ever seen the higher-ups frivolously spend money? At the mans words, everyone shook their heads horizontally. When ites to money, arent these people sucking it up like theyre draining blood? Of course there must be a valid reason. Are you saying young master Ian wasnt nning to sell it to the Cheonrye tribe? Are you kidding? Soon the Cheonrye tribe wont be able to stay here because of the cold. Most of them have already left, only the tribal chief and that Neru. Neru whats-his-name, and a few others are remaining. You think their chief has time to deal with this now? As rumors passed from mouth to mouth, they inted exponentially with each telling. Ian, who had discreetly nted eyes and ears everywhere, finally nodded his head when that rumor started to circte. Did you know? The Emperor eats it for eternal life. This, you see, is a farce. Haha! Sure. What does it matter if its talk or a farce? Enough. Lets prepare for the next step. Having judged that the curiosity about Gr had reached its peak, Ian moved on to the next phase. Chapter 62 Chapter 62 Things seem unusually busy at the mansion today. Is something going on? The woodcutter, who hade to sell wood, asked as he nced around. In the midst of calcting money, the steward briefly looked up to eye him. No, its the same as always. Is that so? Ha ha A lie. The woodcutter scratched his nose with an awkward smile. Ever since the former Count passed away, the number of servants had drastically decreased, making the mansion usually quiet. Even after the advisor and his entourage joined, it had been rare for all the lights in the mansion to be on. But today felt different. Is this a bit damp? Its just dew from the morning. It will dry up as soon as the sun rises. Thatll be three copper coins in total. Thank you. The steward scribbled something as if issuing a receipt and took out three copper coins from his pocket to give to the woodcutter. Just as the woodcutter was about to bow and leave, Hold on. Yes? Do you have some time? Were currently doing some garden maintenance, and theres a tree standing smack dab in the middle. Were thinking of felling it unless its an old one. Ah, I see. Just leave it to me! Follow me. At the stewards words, the woodcutter slung his bag across his shoulder. He was nning to go straight down and have a drink, but well, it wouldnt hurt. Perhaps they might even give him an extra tip. So thats why the mansion was bustling. Somehow, the servants, who were almost invisible on regr days, were bustling about here and there. The woodcutter followed the steward around the mansion. The ground changed from weeds to grass. He had lived in Bratz all his life, but crossing this boundary was a first for him. Over here. Gasp! As soon as the woodcutter turned the corner, he took in a deep breath at the sight of the garden. His expectation that flowers, bushes, and trees would beautifully harmonize shattered instantly. Rows of nts were nted in a straight line as if it were a farm. Having profited quite well during the Gr harvest season, the woodcutter instantly recognized what it was. Theyre growing Gr, arent they? Even with a greenhouse. It was real. The rumors that were circting were actually true. The steward lightly tapped his shoulder with a sheet of paper. What are you looking at? Ah, I apologize. What kind of tree is this? Gelse. The woodcutter answered his subordinates question in detail, but his attention was elsewhereon the fields of Gr behind him. Meanwhile, Ian, who had been looking down from a window in the corridor, asked, How many people are there? Five merchants bringing food supplies, a second woodcutter, some tailors, and then somewhere else? Anyway, I think I saw at least ten. What about the food supplies? Weve reduced them, as nned. By half. Good job. Ian had proposed two methods for rationing at dinner. To spread rumors. And to maintainx security. The key was to stimte human greed for something precious. Now that they had even cut down on their regr supplies, the desire for Gr would only intensify. Should we set up a decoy or something now? No. Instruct the men under Romandro to keep a close watch. Fully armed. It was a slightly different directive from before. Beric, who had been looking down at the garden, turned his head to look, but Ian only felt his gaze and smiled. It may work in other territories or in the central area, but this is still an empty territory without an official ruler. If theft and looting be rampant, it will directly affect public security and significantly lower their quality of life. That, in turn, devalues the territory. Once is hard, but twice is easy. Especially if the mansion is burrized, the residents will easily consider looting their neighbors as well. So what should we do? Just let them watch? Beric. Worry about yourself. You will have to get up early for a while. Eh? Me? Why? In response to Berics question, Ian just smiled and closed his mouth. Then, tap tap, he knocked on the window and went up to his office. *** This the right way? I said its correct! Lower your voice, man. The guards will hear us! Two men approaching the mansion under the cover of predawn darkness. As food supplies dwindled, rumors had spread that the mansion was filled with Gr. Left with no choice, they had to sneak in under the cover of darkness to survive. Ugh. Ah, its so heavy. Quickly, lift it up. Thieves who had just barely managed to climb over the towering walls of the mansion. Rumor had it that within the outer garden of the building, not inside, there was a garden of Gr. Even if they stole just a few and took them to the city center, they could shake off this incessant poverty. Hey, is this it? The thieves cautiously peered over at the garden. It was all dark, but it was clear that something was nted in abundance on the ground. Imagining a rosy future, they carefully began picking. Who wouldve known that these are worth their weight in gold, and yet they offer them to the mansion. Tsk, tsk. Shut your mouth and keep picking. Shouldve brought another bag. As the thieves whispered and giggled while plucking Gr, Romandros minions sighed and watched them. They had just captured one guy and were on their way back from locking him up in the underground prison, and now there were more? Hey-! Eek! Aaargh! When a minion lit a lighter and yelled, the thieves startled and jumped. They threw the Gr into the air and ran through the garden. Where are you going? Youll wake everyone up. Pl-please spare us! Spare us! If anyone hears, theyll think Im the intruder. But what could they do? The thieves, caught within a short distance, fell to their knees and pleaded wildly. The two minions were tying the thieves arms with rope at that moment. You all had it tough. Ah, Master Ian. Ian appeared with Beric, both hooded. The thieves looked up at him, gulping. What were those golden eyes, even undiminished in the darkness? Did youe to steal? Uh, well thats We did wrong! Were struggling so much just to eat that we Ian looked at the thieves and clicked his tongue slightly. You shouldve waited a bit. Why did you have to do this? Eh? Lock them up in the underground prison. Yes, Master Ian. Will you not require any additional escort today? Thats right. Beric alone is enough. Ian and the mansions minions exchanged some iprehensible conversation. As the bewildered thieves were led away to the underground prison, Ian and Beric exited through the main gates of the mansion. It was their second day in a row going out. Haah. Take a nap or something. Instead of responding, Beric tapped the sack of Gr seeds on his back. The gesture indicated that he was as busy as Ian. Soon after, they arrived at a civilian residence on the outskirts. That house over there has twins, they say. Really? Then lets go there first. Since it waste, the lights were out. Ian cautiously knocked on the door handle as he stepped into the yard. Knock, knock. Is anyone there? No response. So, once again, Knock, knock. Could you pleasee out? A faint light then turned on from the window. Shortly after, a man with a deep, sleepy voice asked, Who is it? Its Ian. Who? Ian. Creak. Perhaps because he was still half-asleep, he seemed to be slow in understanding the situation. The door opened slowly. Blink, blink. Upon seeing Ian, the mans eyes widened and he recoiled. Master Ian? Shh. Youll wake the children. What brings you here? He knew Ian, but he had never thought Ian would know him. And why should he? The man was just an ordinary subject. It was shocking to hear someone he had no personal connection to mention his children. Did I do something wrong? Given the situation, it was natural for him to feel uneasy. As a look of fear momentarily crossed the mans face, Ian silently unsheathed the hilt from Berics sack. Swish. What is this? Gr seeds. Excuse me? It was a sack of Gr seeds. It may not be a miracle drug as rumored, but it is true that the imperial advisor enjoys it, and it is both delicious and nutritious. Right now, its strictly controlled in my residence, but I n to distribute it freely throughout the territory soon. Ive been continuously suggesting this to the advisor. So hold on until then, and if any neighbors want some, feel free to share generously. Master Ian! Since you have multiple children, Ill give you some first. I cant stay for long; the number of houses I have to visit is huge. You know that these are just seeds, right? Ah, of course. Everyone in the territory knows that now. Just have a little taste, and nt the rest. One seed can yield more than ten Gr. What kind of midnight gift is this! The man nodded repeatedly, deeply moved. As Ian patted him on the shoulder and left the yard, the man bowed repeatedly as he followed. Thank you! Everyone in the next house will wake up. Hmph! At Ians words, the man quickly covered his mouth. When Ian disappeared into the darkness, he cautiously returned home. The dimntern lit up brightly. Ian, youre really iprehensible sometimes. I understand you quite well. You look like you want to lie down right now. Beric squinted his eyes, as if tired. Distributing Gr in the middle of the night, and doing so personally. Ian understood that Beric could not understand this. While the pces emissaries monopolize and cultivate Gr, supplies will decrease. On a night where people are worrying about the harshness of theing winter, how would it look to them if I share these Gr? Theyd likely feel its a grace sent by God. They would then feel grateful, and that would soon bring support for Ian. Ah, Im so tired. Lets get moving. The next stop is where the children are. Kids are usually good at spreading rumors. There were households like the one with many children but also areas where the boundaries were blurred, like the red-light district where Ians mother, Philea, used to live. Whats going on? Not sleeping at this time of night? Mom, Mom. They say Master Ians here? What? Why is Master Ian here? Hes sharing Gr! Grs! As many people were active during the night, it was much noisier herepared to other ces. Ian, while handing out the Gr, warned the children in a whisper. Bratz people barely have enough for themselves, so never give it to outsiders. Understand? Yes! Can I eat it now? Me too! Alright, line up. Ill give you more. Ian exchanged greetings while patting the heads of children riding Gr. Following Ian and Beric stealthily was a man. Swish. The man confirmed that they returned to the mansion as dawn approached. After a time dy, he also entered the mansion, and the ce he arrived at was the guest room in the annex where Molrins group was staying. Creak. Youve arrived? Yes. The man was Dgor. He tossed his hood onto the bed and let out a baffledugh. Mack, who had been waiting all night without sleeping, sighed deeply. What were they doing going out in the middle of the night? Distributing Gr, and very openly at that. What? At Dgors words, Mack took a swig of wine. Molrin, who was sitting by the window, also chuckled. That guy really has a naive side. Surely, in Romandro, Ians name wouldnt be excluded from the discovery of the Gr. The pces operations were managed meticulously, and the support from the citizens of the territories was also perfectly managed. It looks like he will continue to go out only with Beric for a while in the early morning. At Dgors words, Molrin turned his deeply sunken eyes. It was an excellent opportunity to aim for Ians neck under the cover of darkness. Chapter 63 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. Of course, it hasnt proceeded to that extent yet. 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. That is, through death. 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. Screech 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. Shuffle, shuffle. 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. Chapter 64 Chapter 64 Hey. As the end of the alley came into view, the assassins initiated their move. They stopped quietly trailing and made their presence known. Just a few more steps and it would be a main road, so a narrow and dark ce was more advantageous for killing someone. Ian? Do you know me? Swoosh! The moment they confirmed their target, the conspirators drew their swords and rushed in. They were wrapped up in ck hoods, covering their faces and bodies so thoroughly that it seemed as if shadows themselves were attacking. ng! sh! Beric reflexively drew his sword to confront them. The des met with such sharpness that sparks flew instantly. It was proof that the opponent had put in all their strength. Swoosh! And that meant they already knew of Berics abilities. They understood that if they couldnt take him down with one strike, they had no chance. Several kept Beric in check while another would try to thrust their sword. Cheeks, nape of the neck, and ribs the attacks on him were relentless. Oh really? Sword shed against sword in a pushing match. The sorcerer hadnt unleashed his full power, but his opponent was pushing back quite forcefully. Ian watched from a distance, retreating to keep an eye on the situation. The way they held their swords and maintained distance from their opponent was far from ordinary. These were not raw skills learned in back alleys, but those of someone who had received systematic training. Given the circumstances, it was highly likely that they were directly associated with Molrin. Beric! That guy! Right, dont kill that one! Dont kill him? Maybe just chop off an arm? Do what you must Aaaargh! While asking, Beric shoved his sword into the thigh of one of the underlings. But this is strange. If they know of Berics skills, they should also be aware that I am a magic user. There was no one attacking Ian. If Molrin knew the power of magic more than anyone else, he wouldnt leave Ian alone, a clear target and obstacle. Swoosh. At that moment, numerous shadows stretched out behind Ian. Over a dozen armed thugs from the main road were entering the alley. Hah. Of course. There were more than expected. They had prepared thoroughly. Ian tried to size up his enemies by eye, but it was challenging in the dark. As they drew their swords, Ian simply stepped back and smiled. You all must have a tough time at night. Stop the nonsense. Youre Ian, right? Yes. Im Ian. He seemed to understand why the assassination n had taken some time to go from nning to execution. Not only had there been no opportunity, but it also took time to gather this many people. Ziiing. Ian opened his golden eyes. Magic swirled, creating a subtle temperature change in the wind, and those who had never seen a sorcerer before were taken aback, hesitating. However, that was only for a moment. Believing in the overwhelming disadvantage, they approached closer. Are you all not afraid? Why do you do such things? Shut up! Just give up your life without fuss. Do you know how much money is on your head? In fact, throughout his training to be called a mage, a mana-user hardly had any useful magic. There was only the resonance of mana, still far from the glory that was once revered enough to turn the world upside down. Die! Swoosh! ng! The man at the very front charged first. Ian also drew his sword and, swinging his arm widely, parried the attack to the side. At the same time, he grabbed the mans face directly with his left hand. What- Buzzing! And then he poured out his mana with all his might. Like what he did to Beric at the training ground, an invisible force flooded into the mans inner being. Co, cough As the man staggered back, the assants also hesitated for a moment. Blood was flowing from every orifice: eyes, nose, mouth, ears. The man, wiping his face, shook his hands in panic. This isnt working. Ian frowned slightly as he looked down at his own hand. It wasnt often used, but it was among the simpler attack spells. Normally, the mans head should have exploded. What on earth is this Idiot. You should have just struck without hesitation, why the hell are you faltering! It seems you all know each other quite well. Someone about to die doesnt need to worry about that! Given the crude and roughnguage, it didnt seem like they were from the imperial pce. Perhapsmoners, from Bratz? While Ian was pondering, the assants, leaving the blood-soaked man behind, charged at him simultaneously. Yaaaah! Swoosh! In an instant, the shing des appeared before them. It was Beric. He had knocked down those who were clinging to him and rushed over. Drops of blood dripped from Berics hair. Looking back, the ground had be a flood of bloodall from the assants. Im so sleepy, these fu*kers make us exercise in the middle of the night? Beric, did you kill them? Dont know. Just stabbed. Beric. Just in case, keep one alive. I beg you. If they were not from the Bratz territory, it was necessary to find out where they were from. Cooperating with Molrin meant they were an obstacle for Ian. Buzzing. With thatmand, Ian grabbed Berics shoulder. His blood-soaked hair fluttered in the night breeze, and Berics vitality began to return. The clouds that had been covering the moon dispersed, and the surroundings gradually brightened. Ah Is it because Im tired? Today, the drugs really hit differently. Even when you speak, must you talk like that? Move it!! Fu*k!! Wham! Berics fatigued voice ripped through the air. At the same time, someones head went flying. Swoosh! It happened so quickly that, even as blood spurted from the mans neck, the assants just stood there dumbfounded. The speed was so unreal, it couldnt be felt as reality. Ugh, ugh, aghhh! Kill him! Forward, forward! Dont push, damn it! Beric, leaning against the wall, surged up and swung his sword. Indistinguishable screams scattered in every direction along the trajectory of his de. There were those who tried to bypass him to reach Ian, but Ian, who was in a defensive stance, parried them with his sword. Swish! It didnt seem like the movement of a human being. He effortlessly parried the rain of des from all sides, not giving them the slightest chance. Reflexively deflecting, stabbing, cutting Arghhh! Damn it! Aaagh! In the narrow alleyway, the conditions seemed decidedly unfavorable for Beric, but in reality, the opposite was true. With just a little swing, someones vital spot was within reach; to Beric, the alleyway meant just that. Haah And a momentter. A mountain of bodies and a pool of blood. Beric, too, was drenched in crimson, except for his eyes. I told you to leave one alive. Theres one alive here. Twitching. Beric tapped the back of someones head with the tip of his sword. And soon after, he smirked and clenched his fist tightly. Ah! This feels so good! It was a different kind of pleasure from defeating a strong opponent. The feeling of ughter that came from an overwhelming difference in strength. asionally, it seemed that instead of a fierce and desperate battle, this kind of thing wasnt too bad. Like junk food, Beric savored just that amount of pleasure. Delightful! Refreshing! Satisfying! Hahaha! The mans lost his mind. Ian, leaving the frenzied Beric behind, approached the group that had approached first. He started to remove their hoods one by one to check their faces. Among them, a groaning man. The one Ian had ordered to be spared. Feeling the mans torso, the well-defined muscles gave him assurance. A man who lived by his physical strength. He looks somewhat familiar Really? Let me see. Dont you think weve seen him passing by? Hmm. I dont know. But definitely not good-looking. The man grunted and twitched his left hand. Then, he brought his palm to his face as if to cover his cheek. Ian thought it was just the meaningless thrashing of a dying man. He assumed it was just a ploy to cover his face Aaaagh! What, whats wrong with him? Damn! There was a ring fitted on the mans left middle finger. It appeared to be a device with a built-in poison needle for suicide. The man convulsed violently, screaming in agony. Ian reflexively tried to restrain him, but it was toote. As a makeshift measure, all he could do was stuff cloth into the mans mouth. Gurgle Oh, has the face really lost its color? Beric muttered, stepping backward in a rare disy of agitation. This was because necrosis was rapidly progressing around the area where he had been pricked by a poisoned needle. The flesh dripped off, and his form turned gruesomely. Even if this persons parents were toe, they would likely not recognize him. There is one survivor and this person that need to be moved to the mansion. Go and call some people. It was a deliberate attempt to destroy his face topletely conceal his identity. That meant, the man had actively orchestrated this incident. If the mans identity plunged into an abyss, it implied safety for Molrin. At that moment, Beric nonchntly kicked the mans side. Should I carry him? But its heavy, so maybe Ill cut some parts off. Beric. Its a joke. Just a joke. The way to the main street was impassable with piles of bodies. Beric casually pushed through the corpses, and soon, the lights of the guardhouse that had been intentionally off for several days flickered on. *** Do you think hes been taken care of? Mack drank his wine anxiously, not caring as it dribbled down his chin. Over ten of them. In that narrow alley, youd get over a dozen injuries just by getting brushed once. Its impossible for him to be unharmed. Dgor sat on the sofa in silence, replying. Even if they failed, their subordinate Petreio was not one to botch the clean-up. Possessing a poison needle that could melt faces, the connection between them and Molrins party would forever be silenced in obscurity. What if it fails? Mack. You tend to worry too much. Its called being prepared! Bang! Mack hit the table nervously. Molrin red at him as if to tell him to control himself. Are you nning to wake up all the servants? Im, Im sorry, teacher. Petreio is an exceptionally skilled man. Though hes aged, he was once the captain of the imperial guard directly serving under the prince in the royal pce, and most importantly, he is a man of his word, so there will be no betrayal. You know this as well as I do. Just a couple of youngsters. While rumors of Berics exceptional skills weremon, Molrin had only ever heard them in passing. Ian was also a practitioner of magic, but he was only sixteen. His limitations were clear. One can only unleash magic so many times. Hed copse before taking down over a dozen strong men. And even if, by some chance, they truly fail, could they easily implicate us without any evidence? If we die, another investigation team will be sent. That was thest scenario they wanted. Finally calming down a bit, Mack apologized, shaking his head. Sorry. I think, I got a bit carried away. That was when it happened. Thump thump! Thump thump thump! Someone banged on the door roughly. All three men tensed up and swallowed hard. In the dead of night, there were only two people who could be looking for them. Petreio, who had seeded in his mission. Or Who, who is it Creeeak. Red hair visible through the crack of the door. It was hard to tell if it was drenched in blood or if the skin had been peeled away, but the entire body was a bright red. Beric wiped his face and smiled. Were you waiting for someone named Petreio? What on earth Molrin was also startled and stood up without realizing it. Everyone follow me as you are. This, what kind of rudeness is this! Shiiing. Beric responded to their outcry by drawing his sword. Then he pointed it at Dgors throat, approaching so close as if he were about to strike at any moment. Ian said to cut if you want to cut. You lowlife! We are from the imperial pce I know. But this is the frontier. The frontier. A ce that opens up many possibilities. The frontier doesnt care about that sort of thing. Ian. Chapter 65 Chapter 65 Oh my, what in the world is all this? Theres been amotion in the middle of the night? Why exactly? Who did? Master Ian was attacked on his way back to the mansion. What?! How did that happen? Thats what theyre investigating right now. Its a bolt from the blue for someone who just went out to distribute gruel. Master Ian? Is one of those corpses Master Ian? As dawn broke, people became aware of the incident that had urred at daybreak. The mountain of corpses piled up in the alley was blocking it, making it impossible to keep as a secret. And what about the blood that flowed out to the main road? The guards lined up the bodies in a row for identification, while everyone kept their distance, whispering among themselves. Meanwhile, the mansion was no less noisy, especially the basement of the main building. Arghhh! There were two survivors among the attackers. One was known as Petreio, presumably by conjecture, and the other was an unidentified man. Of them, Petreio, with a gag in his mouth, was screaming. He was soaked through with sweat, tears, and blood. Do you know how terrible your situation looks right now? Ugh Youll die if this goes on. As soon as we confirm your identity, Ill assign a physician to you. In fact, during his faint, a physician had already seen him. But the wounds were so bizarre and severe that the prognosis was that it would be difficult for him to survive more than a few days. Beric pressed a cloth to his face, annoyed. Shut your mouth already! Arghhh! Stop making noise! Damn it, if someone saw us, theyd think I was torturing you! Although tied to a chair and gagged, what they were doing seemed closer to nursing rather than torture. They cleaned off the filth with lukewarm water, but even that was painful due to the skin peeling off. Ugh Beric. Thats enough. Strip him. Strip? Everything? Dont leave a single cloth. Hng. Reluctantly, Beric followed Ians order. Petreio was from the military. It wasnt clear exactly what kind of work he did, but it seemed certain he worked under the orders of the imperial pce. Judging by his age, he appeared to have been involved in several battles, both big and small, and in such cases, it wasmon to mark ones body with their identity. Even if they were torn to pieces on the battlefield, the markings were to ensure they could return to their homnd. Ah, whats this? Beric, while stripping off the shirt, discovered a tattoo on the left side of the ribcage. However, someone had deliberately made wounds over it, scratching away the flesh. It was meticulously prepared. Tsk tsk. Ian slightly bent down to examine the wound and met the mans eyes. Even with a stomach pierced and face melting away, the eyes had not lost their light. These kinds of men rarely opened their mouths easily. Molrin knew this very well too. I have no desire to torture a man whos about to die. But a true warrior never forgets vengeance. I hope for your sake that you have no one dear to you. For anyone who bears the name Petreio will meet the same death as you. It was a calm statement, yet incredibly cruel. In truth, he had no such intentions, but he threw out the threat to probe for any weakness in Petreio. As expected, the man showed no reaction. Keep an eye close on him. Okay. Phew. The smell of blood is nauseating. Really. Ian had no choice but to leave the cleanup to Beric and escape into the basement corridor. Creak. Aaaaagh! Petreios scream leaked through the closing door before abruptly stopping. As he intended to move to the opposite end of the corridor, the sound of someone tumbling down the stairs reached his ears. Thud! Tumble! Thump! I, I, Ian! Ah, Sir Romandro. Are you up? This! This! Oh my He had rushed over just after getting up, and he seemed to be wearing remarkably light attire. He grabbed Ians shoulder and looked him up and down, apparently flustered by how unharmed Ian appeared to be. They say that more than a dozen warriors have died As you can see, Im quite unscathed. Indeed, indeed! A magic wielder is different! Indeed! Please, try to calm down a bit. Beric would have been horrified if he heard this. He would not understand why Ian was receiving such praise when he, Beric, was the one who had fought till he was nearly bursting. A man named Petreio conspired and caused this mess. He seems to be a subordinate of Molrin, but we couldnt confirm his identity because he disfigured his face with poison the moment he was caught. Were investigating, but he kept mentioning some strange names. Molrin and his party? Theyre not much different. At Romandros question, Ian gestured with his chin towards thest room in the corridor where Molrin and two men were locked up. What will you do now? Romandro paced in front of Ian, then asked as if he could not find an answer. Even if it was true that Molrin had attempted to kill Ian here, by custom, there would be no particr issue for him. Molrin was an administrative officer of the imperial pce, and Ian was, ording to his im, amoner with the desert as his garrison. Although Ian was a magic wielder and the owner of the mansion, none of it was an official position. Will you kill him? No. We refuse to have more investigators sent down from the imperial pce. If Ian were to kill Molrin, the pce would undoubtedly send more people down. If they were unlucky, Galels side might even send an army to execute Ian. So, what then? I dont think its my ce to decide. Hmm? Didnt I tell you? I said I would prove it. So please ry a message to Prince Mariv. I willply. It was the cleanest and most straightforward method other than proving that he wasnt on Gales side. He could guess the situation in the imperial pce to some extent, but that was merely spection. He couldnt be certain of the oue Moirins death would bring, so it was best to pass the responsibility to Mariv. Then, until we get a response Let it be. That will be fine. Understood. Ill send the message straight away. Ah. Wait a moment. Romandro-nim. He caught him just as he was about to hurry up the stairs. Ian had sent a ring wrapped in cloth. It was a simple silver design, but inside there was a small needle and the area around it was discolored with poison. Have you heard of this? When pricked, it causes the face to melt away. Hmm. Let me see Romandro pulled his face back and narrowed his eyes. Are you nning to use this again? Is it possible to? Well, you would need to refill the needle, so a technician is necessary, but its not impossible to use. The poison seems to be tevarphin. Its what assassins use to conceal their identities, or, you know, human traffickers use it frequently for their crimes that sort of thing. Human trafficking or organ trading and such. It was a poison actively used in crimes where the identity of the corpse should not be discovered. In Ians time, it wasnt used at all, so the fact that it existed was quite shocking. Theres such a thing? Its possible you didnt know, why so surprised? He realized that such a potent poison was used 100 years ago. Ian felt chills run down his spine. Just how many crimes involving body muttion had urred and been covered up? It was definitely a poison that was not recognized in Ians time. It must have been banned for some reason, but he had no way of knowing that. Romandro nced at Ian and then went up to the ground level, saying he would write the letter. Ill send it as soon as I can. Thank you. I will see youter. Ian wrapped the ring back in cloth and put it in his pocket. Then he approached the end of the corridor where Moirins party was being held captive. Has there been any trouble inside? No. There wasnt any. Open the door. With a nk, the gatekeeper unlocked a lock as big as an adults fist. Inside, like feeding animals, only wooden utensils were carelessly ced on the floor. At the sound of the door opening, Macks pulse reflexively quickened. Ian, you bastard! But he was soon stopped by the guard. Ian, putting a fallen wooden bowl back on the table, asked, Did you get some sleep? How dare you, a lowly creature, act out of line! Do you not realize who we are? Open the door immediately! Or else I will kill you! The imperial pce will not let you off for this! This time, Dgor could not hide his agitation either. He seemed ready to grab by the cor and began to argue on the spot. We are here on the orders of the imperial pce! Treating us like this is an insult to the capital! Youre acting just line in a way befitting of the bordends! The Choenrye tribesmen! Straighten out your behavior! Ian is currently affiliated with the Cheonrye tribe! Do you not understand what it means to treat an imperial administrative officer this way? Isnt that why you are still alive? What, what did you say? If it werent for the imperial banner, you would not be eating right now but sitting in the ce of Petreio. Ian said this and pulled out a ring. Holding the cloth-wrapped ring part, he thrust it close to Macks face. Mack instinctively recoiled, recognizing the item. Petreio! The investigation is underway. Even if a face is necrotized, it does not mean the person ceases to exist. Havent you already heard? The red brooch that Beric had shown them. Their secret conversation had been recorded on it. However, Molrins party was not intimidated. Instead, they shouted defiantly, protesting the injustice. This is unknown to us! If you are so confident, then hold a formal trial! What kind of sham process is this, beggarly obtained? How dare a nameless one How could a person have a name when even a territory has lost its own? Dgor, this is the frontier, not the central regions youre used to. Ian muttered as he dusted off Macks disheveled cor. A subordinates mistake is a superiors mistake. Above all, the warriors of the great desert do not take vengeance lightly. There is a natural conclusion that arises from the brooch, and I do not intend to simply let this pass. It was precisely Marivs directive to punish Molrins group. Ian, looking at the spilled barley porridge on the floor, warned, Food is precious. It was a warning that next time, they might have to eat off the floor. Ian gestured to the guard to keep a good watch and stepped outside. Click. Master Ianr! M-Master Ian! It was then. Hanbah came running down to the cer, calling out to Ian. Whats the matter? The people of the territory, theyve alle in droves! Why had the territorys peoplee? For what reason? But Hannah, apparently in a hurry, just kept running ahead. Ian, chasing after her, pondered a few hypotheses. To plunder Gr? Or was it an armed force that Molrin had prepared? Master Ian! Emerging from the basement, the sunlight poured down brilliantly. The local residents below had gathered. Each held wildflowers or small fruits in their hands. They too seemed surprised to see Ian. Look at you, all in one piece! Oh, thank goodness. Thats a relief! Who was it, huh? Who spread the nonsense? They said Master Ian got a massive stabbing in the stomach? We were so worried. Hearing about the tremendous attack you faced in the middle of the night The alleys were drenched with blood. Youre okay, right? Its so worrying that you went out in the middle of the night, oh dear. Shh! Keep it down! The central bastards might hear. Master Ian. Please take this. Its small but substantial. The local residents surrounding Ian continuously poured out their worries. They checked him for any possible injuries with their eyes and ced gifts into his hands. In no time, his arms were filled with an abundance of flowers and fruits. All of this Ian paused, unable to continue his sentence, quietly looking down at the flowers. It was btedly that he remembered what had helped him bear the weight of the crown for a mere three years. Such small smiles. This was everything. Good timing, everyones here. Sir Romandro has finally granted permission. Permission? If its been granted then The cultivation, distribution, and consumption of Gr. Wow! Incredible! Thank you! Thank you! The unexpected good news had everyone hugging and jumping for joy. Ian gestured for them to calm down, and they all looked at him with sparkling eyes. But theres a condition. Just tell us! They all became noisy, inwardly picturing a prosperous winter. Ian handed the flowers and fruits to Hannah, and conveyed his message. Tell all the local residents to gather at the square in the afternoon. I will announce and exin then. Chapter 66 Chapter 66 Ian and the mansions servants had moved all the Gr seeds they had gathered over time to the za. What had been only four bags had now far exceeded a hundred. The seedlings they had been growing for research were carefully wrapped in paper and loaded onto a cart, which had to make five or six trips back and forth. My goodness, what is all this? Weve scoured the nearby mountains and fields to gather them. Are you giving all these away for free? As Ian gestured for them to line up, everyone began to move, albeit awkwardly, in an orderly fashion. By his side, a subordinate of Romandro was shuffling through papers. Distributing the Gr would be a task that would take some time. Listen well. The Gr seeds will be distributed ording to the size of the fields you are tending. Families with many members will receive additional seedlings, and I hope youll actively share cultivation and cooking methods to reduce the workload of the mansion. Theyre giving away seedlings too! Shh, be quiet. I cant hear. I cant hear from the back! Ian raised a finger and shouted. While the Gr is being distributed for free now, next year at harvest time, the tax will increase by ten percent. Also, any trade of Gr with outsiders must go through the mansion. Vitors will be fined 50 gold coins. 50 coins! Oh my, thats shocking. Really. For an average tenant farmer, earning one gold coin in a month was the norm. The strict penalty was surprising, but on second thought, it didnt seem to be a problem. What about trading among ourselves? Thats fine. The important thing is outsiders. You cannot trade even a single root or seed with outsiders. That should be alright, right? Yeah. By outsiders, he means desert tribes and maybe Merellof, hard to find anyone else. Right. No, no problem at all! You, you owe me a debt, right? Pay it off with some Gr. Ian continued to shout louder, guiding them. And if anyone reports a vitor, they will receive a reward. If youre unhappy with the additional tax, you dont have to receive the Gr. How much is ten percent? Think of it as adding one more sack for every ten sacks of wheat. What about fifty sacks? Five sacks. Those who cant calcte should ask the staff. Everyone worried about the increased taxes for next year, counting on their fingers. But they needed to survive the present to see the next year. As the distribution of Gr began, the first man in line applied. My name is Aolden Parma. Ah, youre in charge of the farnd by the river. How much do I get? Here. Five scoops. It was only five scoops, but considering the reproductive capacity, it was sufficient. Those who arrivedte were stomping their feet, trying to move forward, but Ian pushed them back, saying, Dont worry if you dont receive Gr now. There will be a second distribution. Since external trade was prohibited, whatever was cultivated would eventually return to the mansion. It was only a matter of time before all the vassals in Bratzs territory cultivated Gr. Next! While helping with the distribution, Beric whispered from behind. Ian. You need toe to the mansion for a moment. One of the conspirators has regained consciousness. Ill be right there. Ian signaled the subordinates of Romandro with a nce, asking them to take over, and left the za. The mansion, emptied of both Gr and people, seemed much quieter and emptier than usual. Tap, tap! Have you arrived? Someone woke up? What about Petreio? Sweating profusely, the doctor wiped his face with the back of his hand and sighed heavily. It was his first time seeing a patient in such a horrendous condition. Theres no chance. At most, he has till today. Madman. Beric nced through the door at Petreio, a man barely breathing, turned into a bloody mess. The fact that he still wouldnt confess, even in such a state, meant he wasnt going to open his mouth, even in death. Swish. What about the other mans consciousness? Bright as a button. As soon as he opened his eyes, he started crying and begging Begging for his life, pleading so desperately. It was Ian and Beric who had nearly died, but to an outsider, it might have seemed like they had kidnapped the wrong person. As Ian entered the room, the man who had been eating barley porridge stopped his actions. Ah Im Ian. Happy to see me again in the daylight? Please, save me! Save me! Crash! The barley porridge flew as the man threw himself to the ground, begging and wailing, almost having a fit. Ian sighed and asked. Your name? Co, Collin. Go on. Ian sat down and nodded his head. The man, wiping the barley porridge off his mouth, cleared his throat. Well, my name is Collin, Im twenty, with two older and three younger siblings. Thats maddening. Im not interested in that. Hey, want your head smashed with this porridge bowl? Eek! As Beric threatened him, Collin started pleading again. So, Im a runner for the gambling dens, and I overheard the guards talking. Someone was offering a bundle of money for a job. Where are you from? I, Im from Merellof Just as expected. If they were recruiting from nearby, it had to be from there. Ians smile caused Beric to kick Collin hard in the shin. Thwack! Aaagh! So? Who is this someone? I dont know! We dont ask those things, just take the money and do the job. I didnt even meet them personally. I got the money from the guards. Beric nced at Ian. What should we do? Kill him? Please! Save me! Ill do whatever you ask! Aaah! Oh dear. The screams are fantastic, even though hes unharmed. Beric kicked off the man clinging to Ians feet. The man didnt seem like he would take his own life to keep silent. Ian tapped his fingers, thinking. Merellof Ian? Keep this man imprisoned. And is there no one else outside? No? Sir Ian. Im here. Just say the word. I need to send a letter to Merellof. Prepare a horse. Ian instructed the servant as he emerged above ground and then headed straight to the reception room, knocking on the door. Romandro, who had been writing a report inside, was startled and greeted him. Whats the matter? Is Petreio dead? No, hes still breathing. One of the conspirators woke up and confessed hes from Merellof. Most of them are likely from there, having worked as guards in the gambling dens. Id like to write a letter; could you help me? Romandro put down his pen and tried to understand Ians intentions. Why was he asking for help with a letter? Romandro raised his eyebrows in spection. Are you trying to create a pretext? Thats one way to see it. Heh, indeed. Ian sat opposite Romandro, who handed him the report he had been working on. It was a rmendation for the position of a lord, filled with praises for the discovery of Gr, the alliance with the desert, and the reconstruction of the territory. Do you like it? I hope it pleases His Highness Mariv, and the Emperor. Just in case, include one of Molrins possessions when you send it. Do you have a ring? Yes. So, what should we write to Merellof? Romandro took out a new piece of paper and dipped his pen in ink. Start with The rmended sessor for the lordship, Ian, was attacked.'' This was precisely why Romandro, an imperial advisor, was writing the letter. Ians current status was too low to make such a im credible. However, mentioning that the sessor to the lordship was injured and that the advisor had to write on his behalf would be something Merellof couldnt ignore easily. Assants from Merellof attacked the lords sessor. One of the conspirators is alive and confessed. I believe this is a matter that could easily lead to misunderstandings between us. Scribble, scribble. What if Ian had been the lord? It would have been a matter grave enough to raise an army, but since that was not the case, they had to rely on Romandros authority. There was a risk that Merellof could brazenly im they had killed one of their own citizens. It seemed entirely usible for the Count of Merellof. Well send someone to confirm and take custody of the body, requesting active cooperation in the investigation. Good. The ink flows well, and it looks fine. And it would be good to add apensation. Upon hearing Ians suggestion, Romandro scratched his nose with the feather of his pen. How much? Would 100 gold coins be appropriate? Thats reasonable, but you might want to raise it more. They wont intend to pay anyway. Considering the humanitarian request for food trade they had rudely refused, it seemed appropriate to start with 200 gold coins, expecting to negotiate down to maybe 20. Lets see Romandro pondered for a moment, then elegantly concluded the letter. He sealed it with his ring and handed it to Ian. Is everything ready outside? Yes, Sir Ian. The horse is prepared. Deliver this to Count Merellof. Be careful. The servant carefully tucked the letter away and left the reception room. It would likely take some time to receive a proper response. If its for the sake of creating a pretext, it would be best if they didnt respond at all. Ian smiled at Romandros words. That was exactly what Ian had in mind. Maybe well receive a response by winter? By then, their Gr seeds will have dried up, and it will be hard to cultivate, so theyll surely want Gr soon. If they made an issue of this incident, it would provide a pretext to refuse them initially and, secondarily, a reason to raise the price of Gr. It would be a fitting payback for what the Count of Merellof had done. The thought of them paying dearly for weeds makes me smile. Their expression will be worth seeing. However, Ians situation differed from theirs. He didnt need to buy their food, but they had no alternatives to Gr. Romandro then finished the report to be sent to the central government. But tell me, bing a lord is one thing, but wont you have to stay in the capital for a long time, given that youre a magic user? Once appointed, there would still be issues to consider. It was unlikely that they would send a magic user like Ian to a remote area. Who will look after this ce if youre in the capital for an extended period? Its not umon for lords to spend extended periods in the capital. Thats true, but usually only when they have a steward. Ian responded only with a smile. For now, he would think about it after returning to the pce. If this unbelievable return was rted to Naums magic, he could make ns ordingly. I dont know. Lets think about it once I be a lord. The title ceremony will be held during the New Years celebration anyway. Hopefully, His Highness Mariv will be of help. Ians mention of Marivs help elicited a peculiar expression from Romandro. It was neither confirmation nor denial, a vague reaction. Chapter 67 Chapter 67 Mariv drew the bowstring to its maximum, pressing it close to his body. He felt the wind blowing but didnt pay it much attention as he released the arrow. His intention wasnt to hunt an animal. Whoosh! The arrow, tracing an arc in the air, struck an unintended target and fell. A deer, startled, ran far away, and the ministers watching from the side let out sympathetic chuckles. Oh, thats a pity. Indeed. The wind just had to pick up now. Well then, currently in first ce is Lord Derencio. Your Highness, let me have a shot. It was an informal event held once a month. The imperial family, key ministers, and a few nobles gathered under the guise of socializing but in reality, it was a tedious yet important venue for political maneuvering. But today, I dont see His Highness Gale? Mariv, about to pick up his bow, paused. Everyone in the royal pce, even the lowliest ves, knew about the discord between him and Gale. Yet, his name was mentioned so nonchntly. Some nced surreptitiously at the 1st Prince, but Mariv calmly responded. Indeed. Wonder whats keeping him so busy. After the lordship appointment fell through and he was sent to the bordends, one thing struck him as odd. Gale had been conspicuously absent from Marivs presence. It wasnt that there were any particr rumors, and his father seemed to visit Gale frequently. It meant Gale was intentionally avoiding Mariv. The minister, unaware of Marivs furrowing brows, mumbled as he pulled the bowstring. His Majesty too has been absent due to poor health, which is quite regrettable. Regrettable, you say? Yes, indeed. Back when you and the others were younger, it was so lively and enjoyable. There were many times when themotion caused us to lose our prey. Whoosh! Just as he was about to release the bowstring, an arrow shot out from the side. Mariv had fired his bow carelessly. Another deer ran away into the distance. Like now? Your, Your Highness? I too find it regrettable. It seems I cant satisfy the minister with my hunting skills. Perhaps mine was too poor. Oh no, Your Highness, not at all. Thats not the case. The minister, in an attempt to argue, broke out in nervous sweat. But Mariv just smiled and turned away. Please continue. I need to rest for a bit. Yes, yes, of course, Your Highness. Mariv took off his gloves and left his spot, while the ministers chided the one who had erred and urged others to take their turn with the bow. Mariv, lying under a tent, rubbed his forehead tiredly. Are you alright? He hadnt slept for several days due to umted work. It was natural to feel overburdened, especially aftering out for archery. His aide offered him cool water, looking after him. A message hase from the bordends. From Romandro? Seems like it might be a gift for you, Your Highness Mariv. Mariv looked at his aide in surprise. The aide checked that they were alone and lowered his voice. Romandro reports that theyve found a crop that could solve the famine. Led by Ian, its currently being supplied in Bratz, and they expect to see its effects by this winter. The taxes will be at the level of a barony. This winter? It was the time of year when green leaves turned yellow. Mariv wondered what kind of crop could show effects within the winter, as its cultivation period had to be less than two months to make sense. Its called Gr, his aide informed him. Gr? The poisonous weed I know of? Mariv retorted incredulously. It seemed to him that Romandro had gone mad in the bordends. Gr was a noxious weed that grew in filthy ces and was toxic. Yet, this was the solution to the famine? The fatigue suddenly seemed overwhelming. He must have lost his mind. I thought the same initially, the aide continued, but the details below are quite extraordinary. Gr seeds are edible. They are tastier than expected, and provide a satisfying fullness. There has already been significant progress in culinary research. Reluctantly, Mariv gestured with his hand, and the aide quickly presented a letter to him. Cultivation methods? Ha! How different can it be from growing weeds? It has a very short cultivation period of one month, and one seed can produce more than ten seeds. Its also not particr about soil or water quality. Mariv read through Romandros report carefully. Indeed, if what was written was true, solving the famine might not be impossible. Among existing famine-relief crops, it seemed to have the best conditions. But the thought of eating Gr was distasteful. Whats next? Is this all? Quite ackluster gift. Oh, and The aide leaned forward, lowering his voice further. Theres a rmendation letter for Ian to be the next lord Despite being a descendant of a criminal, if he was truly a magic user, that didnt matter. In fact, it might be beneficial to gently persuade him to stay. Judging by Romandros report and the trust of the locals, there shouldnt be any issue with the rmendation. The real problem for Mariv was The ring of Sir Molrin is enclosed. What? Marivs voice was louder than he intended, causing one of the distant ministers to nce over. He quickly drew the tent curtain and asked in surprise. Molrins ring? Yes. ording to Romandro, Molrin attempted to kill Ian. His subordinate, Petreio, led mercenaries in an attack but failed. They are all currently detained. As Mariv listened to the aide and flipped to the back of the report, he saw an elegant ring on the table. He noticed the inscription inside confirming it belonged to Molrins family. He leaves the disposal to Your Highness. Ha. Mariv felt his mind clearing. He had suspected as much when he heard that Ian had taken control of the territory with the Cheonrye tribe. His actions weremendable. Ian must have realized that his connection with Molrin was a hindrance to his lordship rmendation. And he acted on it. By showing that he had no ties with Molrin, or more precisely, Gales side, he was essentially pleading to be made a lord. There couldnt be a clearer request. Marivs fingers tapped rapidly on the table as he thought. Tap, tap. Your Highness? Does Ian have any other family members? Not that we know of. His birth mother existed but was reported missing before the battle. Write a letter. If hes a magic user, it would be better for him toe to the central regions. What was he nning to do? The primary concern was keeping Bratz out of Gales hands, but considering Ians actions, Mariv thought he might gain even more from him. Its perfect timing. He could be useful in the Magic Department. The scarcity of magicians, coupled with their significant influence,rgely contributed to their allegiance to Gale. Mariv felt genuinely grateful for this unexpected gift. He cheerfully stood up and picked up his bow again. While the Emperors approval was crucial for appointing a lord, it was the continuous pleas of these ministers that would really sway the decision. Did you catch anything? Oh, Your Highness. The deer seem particrly lucky today. As Mariv smiled and lifted his bow: Whoosh! An arrow with a long tail whooshed past him, leaving only a shadow of the ck cloth tied to it. The ministers, startled, contrasted with Mariv, who turned around with a stern face. Gale. With his ck hair and eyes blue like the sky, Gales sharp, haughty gaze was as usual. He held his bow aloft on his horse. I apologize, brother. I was in a hurry to shoot. Your skills have deteriorated. But it hit the mark, didnt it? Following Gales gaze, Mariv turned to see a deer lying on the ground, an arrow piercing its neck, the ck cloth fluttering in the wind. Gale approached the ministers, nodding and greeting them casually. Sorry Imte. I was caught up with work. No worries, Your Highness. Its been a while since weve seen you. Have you been well? Gales ease among the ministers belied the shared blood between him and Mariv, something that would be unbelievable to anyone not privy to the inner workings of the imperial family. Brother, youre not upset that I caught the deer, are you? Gale raised his eyebrows yfully, a mischievous look on his face. The ministers, knowing the rivalry between the two, subtly backed away. Lets, uh, quench our thirst. Shall we? Brother. Its hot. Yes. The weather is hot. Your Highness, perhaps you should rest a while. Hey! Refill the quivers here. Leaving the noisy elders behind, Mariv smiled subtly. Gales presence here clearly indicated he had a purpose. While it might have been hard to guess under normal circumstances, Mariv had just read the letter from Bratz. So, even in your busy schedule, you came to show yourself. Should I thank my brother? As if I am as busy as you, brother. With the state affairs and all, I am sure youre overwhelmed, yet you consistently attend these trivial hunting gatherings As the official sessor and direct descendant, Mariv was the busiest in the royal pce, especially since the Emperor fell ill. Gale nced at a ministerughing idly in the back and continued. You even pay attention to the bordends. If you were to copse from overwork, no one would be surprised. But everyone would be surprised to know your recent interest in that area. Do you still receive reports from the advisor? Their conversation,ced with undertones of political maneuvering and veiled references to their respective roles and interests, continued amidst the backdrop of the hunting event. Do you have a reason to know? Gale scanned Marivs face slowly. At some point, the reports from Molrin had ceased abruptly. However, it seemed that Romandros reports were stilling in regrly. This indicated that something had transpired in the Bratz territory. Mariv smiled and issued a veiled warning to Gale. Im not sure what youre up to. Gale internally scoffed. He had been aware of Marivs suspicions since he unexpectedly attended and disrupted the council meeting. It was clear that Mariv had noticed something too. It would be wise for you to lose interest in the Bratz territory. A rmendation for the next lord has arrived, and I have no objections. I n to proceed with it promptly. Gales face visibly soured at this news, while Mariv, in contrast, smiled brightly and pulled the bowstring taut. The arrow he released soared gracefully and embedded itself in the neck of a dead animal. Chapter 68 Chapter 68 The atmosphere among the ministers heading to the assembly was unusually tense. The reason was the expected attendance of both princes, who had sharpened their rivalry at the hunting ground the day before. Suddenly, both His Highness Mariv and His Highness Gale are attending together. They usually onlye to the afternoon meetings I heard they are at odds over the lordship rights of the Bratz territory. Whats so special about that worthlessnd? I dont understand their obsession with it. Have you heard anything? Well, I heard a rmendation for the lordship came in, and its a bastard son of Dergha. Perhaps His Highness Gale is interested because hes a mana user. A magic user, you say? Just something I overheard. Lets head in; were going to bete. With heavy steps, the ministers entered the conference room. Usually lively and rxed, today the atmosphere was distinctly different. Creak. His Highness Gale has arrived. Your Highness, wee. Gale entered, casually brushing back his disheveled ck hair, and smiled. Youre all quite diligent this morning. You tter us, Your Highness. For Gale, lower in the session order, his active involvement in politics was an unspoken threat to Mariv. Moreover, the assembly was usually managed by the ministers, so there was no special reason for their participation. That was, until a few days ago. His Highness Mariv has arrived. Your Highness. Good morning. Please take a seat. Mariv nced at Gale before sitting at the head of the table. The assembly began in heavy silence. As various issues were discussed, the two princes remained silent. Now, the next item is Everyone sensed the hesitation of the speaker. Here ites. The issue of the Bratz territory. Romandro, our advisor there, has sent a rmendation for Ian, the bastard son of the executed Dergha. A criminals son as a lord? Wouldnt that negate the meaning of their familys disgrace? Yet, it was Ian who reported Dergha to the pce. Hes already severed ties with Bratz. Moreover, hes never officially been a Bratz by registry. The ministers, after reviewing the reports, offered their varied opinions. Gale started, By principle, he should be a ve. A lord is out of the question. Hes the only Bratz capable of forming an alliance with the neighboring Great Desert. Reducing military size will cut costs, and taxes will increase. Isnt he inviting foreign forces? That could be seen as treason. But the local people seem to support him greatly. He fulfills all the conditions we considered when we first postponed the lordship. Besides, he is a mana user. Ah, right. I heard about that. The ministers buzzed with discussion. Mariv, anticipating this, handed a paper to a servant. The paper was passed to the speaker. For these reasons, I also rmend him. Normally, hed be a count, but given the circumstances, a baron would be more appropriate. With Romandro and now Marivs rmendation, there seemed no reason to object. The ministers shared unspoken looks, keeping an eye on Gale. It seems he came to oppose, but why is he silent? Once appointed as lord, what about his duties as a magic user? If he is to be busy rebuilding his family, can a lord afford to be away from his territory? Thats for the lord to decide. Once we grant the territory, its not our ce to interfere. Right. The issue here is whether Ian is qualified to be a lord. As long as he pays his taxes, we shouldnt worry. Especially in border regions, autonomy must be respected. The cultural differences due to distance and, most importantly, the strength it provides to maintain the nations borders were crucial. Bang! Taxation, well said. What do you mean? Gale, snapping his fingers, caught onto something, causing Mariv to frown. It was a signal to maintain decorum in a public setting. Originally, a bastard should be a ve. Since he is a mana user, enving him and keeping him at the pce would be beneficial in many ways. Right, Minister Wesleigh? That could be seen that way. The average ie for the Magic Department is 200 gold coins annually. Even those not long in service earn at least 100. If Ian were to be appointed as a mage, he would cost that much. But as a ve, it would be a gain. Theres never been a case of a mage being enved! How can you say that, being the Magic Department Minister? The ministers raised their voices in shock. Mages, considered close to divine power, were held in high reverence. The Magic Department had the smallest staff but received one of thergest budgets from the pce. Wesleigh smiled lightly, signaling for calm. I was merely mentioning the economic cost Ian would bring. I never suggested demoting him to a ve. Your Highness Gale, what do you want to say? The Prime Minister intervened, lifting his gavel. Gale looked towards Mariv and began, I hear the taxes evaded by Dergha are substantial. And the central government even provided subsidies to the bordends, right? Thats a matter of humanitarian concern. If Ian repays the economic opportunity cost and the missing taxes,bining to a certain amount, it would be eptable to everyone. Mariv almost burst intoughter. Surrounded and with the appointment not going as nned, they were now trying to push through with money. If a lord cannot pay public debts, including taxes, within a certain period, its customary for the pce to confiscate thend to recover losses. Wealthy individuals often eagerly await such opportunities. Likely, Wesleigh would be the high bidder. The Magic Department always Being thergest recipient of the pce budget, Wesleighs wealth was immeasurable. Someone even joked she had mastered alchemy, hoarding gold like sand. Honestly, its only fair for a criminals descendant to face such conditions. If he fails to pay within a year of his appointment, it would be right to demote him to a ve. How much would the cost be? 10,000 gold coins. Good heavens. I think thats a fair amount. The confidence in his request suggested a thoroughly calcted figure. But 10,000 gold coins. It was an amount the Bratz territory could barely cover without spending any collected taxes. The lordship would likely require selling mines ornd. This would weaken the familys position, creating an opportunity for Gale to interver. What do you all think? I dont think its a bad idea. Such a cost would justify the decision externally and calm the nobles opposition. I agree. Despite being a magic user, his lineage is questionable. Isnt one year too short? A lord faces many initial challenges. Three years seems more appropriate. Hes already acting as lord in Bratz. After this winter, and then next, its two years. Thats sufficient. The ministers sought consensus, looking to Mariv for agreement. He seemed thoughtful, tilting his head, but Gales proposal didnt seem too bad. Fine. Lets first proceed with appointing Ian as lord. That way, he can generate revenue through management. Agreed. I have no objections. Mariv nodded in agreement, and the ministers internally sighed in relief, grateful that the afternoon tea time would proceed without further disturbance. Meanwhile, Gale and Wesleigh exchanged surprised nces. I thought he would protect [Ian] more aggressively. At least by extending the period or reducing the amount. Or even outright opposing Gales suggestion as absurd. Mariv, seemingly unaware or indifferent to their thoughts, urged the Prime Minister to proceed. It seems weve reached a consensus. Lets move on to the next item. Ah, yes. We will present a proposal to the Emperor to conditionally appoint Ian as the lord of the Bratz territory. Agreed. No objections. Bang, bang, bang! With the gavels final strike, the matter was settled. Mariv flipped through the reports with a smile. Whether Ian incurred debt was irrelevant to him. His primary goal was to prevent a supporter of Gale from bing the lord. And moreover Somehow, I think hell manage. Though he had never met Ian, Mariv had a strange confidence in him. It was a baseless and unrealistic feeling, but it seemed usible from a third-party perspective. But if Ian really managed to raise 10,000 gold coins That would be interesting. Lets move on to the next item. What seemed like a stormy assembly had found a small peace. Wesleigh whispered something to Gale, who nodded in understanding. Mariv simply watched them, unfazed. * * * Two weekster. Romandro developed a habit of checking the window first thing in the morning. For some reason, the courier bird he sent to the pce had not returned. If the rmendation letter had safely arrived, a response should have been received by now Hm? Thats when he saw it. Far off in the distance, a strange carriage ascended the hill. A dazzling golden carriage, its gpole gleaming in the sunlight. Romandro rubbed his eyes in disbelief and then, realizing what it meant, dashed outside in panic. Ah! S-sir Romandro! Whats happening? Ian, quickly get Ian! Huh? Sir Ian is in the garden In his pajamas, Romandro shouted excitedly. A carriage from the pce is descending here! Huh? Worried it might be punishment rted to the imprisoned Morlin and his group, or recalling the nightmare of the previous investigation team, the servants turned pale. But Romandros expression was the exact opposite. Its a golden carriage! A carriage bearing the Emperors decree! What could the Emperors decree be, following the lordship rmendation? Romandro ran to the garden and found Ian crouching, covering something with soil. Ian! Sir Romandro? Ian, looking puzzled, dusted off his hands and slowly stood up. He couldnt see the approaching carriage due to the mansions walls, but he could fully sense Romandros excitement. The lordship appointment letter is on its way! Chapter 69 Chapter 69 A carriage entered the mansions gate with an imposing presence. It was simr to when the investigative team had previously arrived, yet distinctly different. Even from a distance, it was clear that it carried positive news, obvious enough for even a blind person to discern. Following the path of the carriage, the local residents curiously tagged along. Whats this? Another carriage from the central government? Could it be! Has the investigative team returned? The g is different fromst time. And doesnt the carriage look too expensive? What could it be, hmm. Carriages are always expensive, you fool. Huh? Its going up to the mansion! All the servants working at the mansion rushed outside, and Ian, dusting off dirt, walked towards the front gate. Creak. A grand and splendid carriage followed by a long procession. Imperial guards stood in formation, wielding ceremonial swords, their imposing stance preventing the onlookers from murmuring too loudly. And then, an elderly man descended from the carriage. Ah. Its Administrator Chielonia. Only Romandro recognized her, seemingly a figure simr in status to MolRin. Despite her deep wrinkles, her eyes shone sharply. She elegantly surveyed her surroundings and quickly identified Ian. Are you Ian? Yes, I am. I bring a message from His Majesty the Emperor. Everyone, kneel. Ian carefully knelt, and soon, everyone at the mansion followed suit. The woman, with a dignified and heavy voice, read the letter. -Prince MariV VerocIon the First and Advisor Romandros rmendation has been approved by the council. In recognition of Ians contributions to the reconstruction and defense of the territory, Ian is hereby appointed as the new Baron of the Bratz territory. However Upon hearing the announcement of the appointment as a lord, the servants, forgetting decorum, lifted their heads eagerly. The crowd outside did the same, straining their ears to catch the words from the imperial envoy. -Your status as the illegitimate son of DergHa Bratz will remain an unchangeable stigma in any circumstance. Hence, a conditional proposal is made. If you contribute the unpaid taxes of DergHa Bratz and the opportunity cost of improving your treatment to the Imperial Court, the glory of your new house will continue for generations. Oh my. Ian slightly raised his eyebrows and smiled. In other words, a provisional lordship. If heplies within the timeframe, he could continue his position without issues; however, failure would ce everything under the control of the Imperial Court. Including Ians status and all the estates assets. That concludes His Majestys message. The official lordship ceremony will be at the Imperial Court at years end. If you agree,e on the appointed day. Attending the lordship ceremony meant receiving a new family name and officially dering things like the familys seal. Ian nodded lightly. Was there any mention of the duration for the contribution? It will be one year from the ceremony date, and the total amount due is 10,000 gold coins. Gasp! A cry of astonishment erupted from an unidentified servant. It was the first time they had ever heard of such an amount as 10,000 gold coins, and they wondered how they could possibly raise it, especially in addition to the regr taxes. Chielonia rolled up the letter and handed it to Ian. You do have the right to refuse, of course. That would be preposterous. Its the Emperors word, after all. It truly was preposterous. The letter mentioned the opportunity cost of improving treatment, probably referring to demoting Ian, a magic user, to a ve. Refusing the appointment would essentially be asking to be made a ve. Even if he fled to the Great Desert, if the Imperial Court decided to pursue him, there would be no chance of escape. I will humbly ept this great honor. The appointment ceremony will be held along with the New Years party. Details of the schedule will be conveyedter, and you should prepare the emblem of your new house. His surname would be bestowed by the Emperor, so Ian had no choice in the matter. Yes, I understand. Congrattions, Sir Ian. Though not officially proimed yet, the Emperors decree had reached him. Chielonia nodded slightly to Ian in congrattions. Thank you. Oh, and one more thing. She hesitated for a moment before continuing. Yes? Is Sir Molrin safe? As members of the same administrative department and simr in age, they were surely long-time colleagues. Romandros report had mentioned a conflict between Ian and Molrin, but there was no mention of Molrins wellbeing, causing considerable concern. He is safe. I will now deliver amand not from His Majesty the Emperor, but from Prince Gale, the Second Prince. She stepped forward from the carriage and pulled out another letter from her inner pocket. -Secure the persons of Molrin, Mack, and Dgor and return with them. Snap! Chielonia straightened up, gesturing with her eyes as if to urge immediatepliance. Ian simply crossed his arms and looked at her. What are you waiting for? I should be asking you that. What are you doing? Surprised by his unexpected response, her eyebrows twitched slightly. Even bowing in eptance would have been insufficient, yet he dared to question her? But Ians next words were even more shocking, enough to surprise even Romandro. The Emperor is like the sun. Just as the sun never stops moving, we should minimize the halting of the carriage, and as there is only one sun in the sky, only the Emperors decree should be conveyed. Surely, the Administrator knows this. ! An Emperors decree cannot have add-ons. It must be conveyed solely as it is, without any extraneous branches. This was an old protocol of the Imperial Court. Yet, why was she adding Prince Gales words to it? Its a grave disrespect. Surely, you know, Administrator, that you could be dismissed if the Emperor finds out? Romandro, beside her, looked panicked and started to shift his eyes around. Is that true, Ian? Its the very basics. Didnt you know, Lord Romandro? One would have to have received a direct decree from His Majesty to know It was generally the case that unless it was a particrly special matter, the transmission of imperial decrees was mostly finalized at the council, and it was rare for them to be delivered to such remote locations. This was a kind of unspoken rule that Ian knew because he was once the Emperor. Chielonias face grew increasingly rigid. How could a low-born illegitimate child from a remote area know this Even nobles who werent particrly interested wouldnt know this, and she hadnt expected him to counter her so effectively. Her moment of indecision was short-lived, as Ian spoke up first. It seems highly disrespectful to His Majesty the Emperor and Prince Mariv. Administrator Chielonia, I can assure you of the safety of Molrin and his party, but anything beyond that is impossible. While protocol was one thing, Molrinand hispanions were loyal henchmen of his enemies. They could turn into daggers aimed at him at any time. Is the Department of Magic and the Administration on Gales side? Or is it just Molrin and Chielonia? Regardless, Im sorry, but I cant hand over those three. Ian, with a resolute face, observed Chielonias expression. It seemed Gale was trying to take responsibility and retrieve them, but until Marivs orders came, nobody could touch them. Sir Ian, this case is special. Special how? Just so you know, everything you say here will be heard by everyone present. Please, be cautious. Lies breed lies. Ian nodded, as if to invite her to speak. Knowing the protocol for delivering imperial decrees so well, it was unlikely he didnt know more. Chielonia, biting her lower lip slightly, managed a troubled expression. Lets first ensure the safety of Molrin and his party. This will be reported to the Imperial Court. Very well. Ill guide you. Beric! Understood! Since the carriage has been waiting for a long time, it would be best to hurry, Administrator Chielonia. Ignoring Ian, Chielonia entered the main building. Ian, about to follow her, suddenly locked eyes with the servants lined up and looking at him. Their eyes sparkled like stars. They whispered quietly, biting their lips as if performing ventriloquism. Congrattions, Lord Ian! My goodness, youve be a noble. This is unbelievable Lord Ian will receive the title of baron! A baron, thats above a knight, isnt it? They unanimously celebrated Ians rise in status. It meant that Bratz, their homnd, would be normalized, and the employment security at the mansion would be even more solid. Ian showed his gratitude with a smile and followed Chielonia into the underground prison. This way. As Beric guided them, Chielonias steps quickened. But Ian, holding her back, cautioned her. Please refrain from any hasty discussions. What? Molrin is used of conspiring with outsiders to kill me. Now that I have been appointed as a lord, I have the authority to detain him for my safety. This was a warning with an undertone of threat, implying he could turn them into corpses if they acted recklessly. Chielonia felt increasingly frustrated as her predictions kept going awry. The n she had envisioned over the past fortnight was not unfolding as she had expected. It feels like hes been countering me at every turn In such situations, there was a good strategy: to speak as little as possible. Chielonia maintained silence, looking straight ahead, and Ianmanded the Cheonrye tribe to open the door. Creak. As the door opened, a strange, musty smell wafted out. Despite daily cleaning, theck of windows made it an unavoidable issue. Molrin! Chielonia? Lady Chielonia! What brings you here? No, more importantly, please get us out! This despicable man has locked us up Mack, who had been shouting about being imprisoned, trailed off upon seeing Chielonias attire. It wasnt the formal attire worn when delivering imperial decrees. If it was an imperial decree at this time, there could only be one. Dont tell me, Ian received the appointment decree to be a lord? Macks question was met with silence. Molrin sat in a chair, pressing his eyelids tightly. For them, it was the worst of the worst situations. Things kept getting more tangled without resolution. Is Prince Gale doing well? Hahaha. Ian burst outughing at Molrins question. Hisughter was so clear and bright that Chielonia could only look at him in confusion. Look at you, worrying about others. Youre eating well, sleeping well, doing what you must, except for theck of windows. Its quite a luxury for someone who orchestrated an assassination. Where else would you find such treatment? Chielonia couldnt refute Ians words. Despite their disheveled appearance, there were no signs of torture or abuse. The prison was surprisingly spacious, and it was furnished. Feel free to discuss any matters. And Sir Mack, as you pointed out, I am now Baron Ian. Please address me properly. There was a significant difference between being a noble family member and holding a noble title. Ian, now responsible for a territory, was warning them to ensure proper respect was given. Otherwise, they could be used of insulting a noble. Lord Ian. I would like to have a word with you. Chielonia, who had been observing the situation, interjected with a plea. However, Ians response was already determined. Oh, I refuse. Chapter 70 Chapter 70 The atmosphere outside was lively. Ian is bing the new lord! Congrattions, Ian! Lets have a drink,e on! Hey, Cheonrye tribesmen, join us! Now we must call him Baron. Ha ha! The news of Ians appointment as the lord spread quickly, bringing the local residents rushing to celebrate. The mood was festive, and the night seemed to stretch longer with joy. Ian watched the scene from the window, smiling faintly. Chielonia, unable to have a deep conversation with Mollin, had to leave. Only meaningful nces, interpretable through years of shared experiences, were exchanged. Huh, really! While everyone, including Ian, was in a celebratory mood, Romandro alone couldnt quite join in, uncorking a bottle of wine. Pop! With that sound, he shook the bottle. Baron, I can understand. Given the size of the territory, a count would have been too much, and a viscount not enough. Furthermore, in reality, the border regions, regardless of their official titles, often held powers akin to those of a count. Just below the ranks of dukes and marquesses in the royal family. The minimum threshold for autonomous governance. A border baron, quite an unfamiliar term. But to pay 10,000 gold coins within a year? Anyone whos seen the tax reports from Bratz would know its an impossible calction. It was a deliberate move. The intentions of the Emperor who approved it were unclear, but the person who initially suggested it likely assumed a failure to repay. And that person is likely Gale. Isnt the annual tax collection from Bratz 10,000 coins? To add another 10,000! With the situation as it is, how can they demand double the taxes? Even the Emperor seems indifferent, ignoring the plight of the Bratzs residents amidst the power struggles. Romandro vented his frustration. On one hand, he looked at Ian sympathetically. The local residents might be oblivious, but this seemed like a fate of enjoying sweetness for a year only to fall back into very. Better to live as a lord with no regrets! But that wasnt all. Surely, when he goes to the capital for the appointment ceremony, he will also have to register as a magic user and undergo management as a magician. Its been what, three or four months? Thats all the peaceful time he has in the territory. There are still a few months until the new year. No, what three or four months? Hes been busy rebuilding the territory! Maybe hell get a month to rx after the snowfall! Why are you getting so heated, Lord Romandro? Ian tried to calm him down by refilling his wine. Anyway, Ive achieved my goal of bing the lord here. Its time to enjoy when we can. Boom! Ian! Just then, Beric burst through the door, shouting. His flushed face could be from excitement or alcohol. Beric, along with a few from the Cheonrye tribe, stumbled in. Pigs! Lets catch pigs! You said you wouldnt allow it, Beric! Ah,e on! Just asking! Alright. Its a mood. Go ahead and try. Yay! Look at this! What a day! The room erupted into noisy excitement. As Beric rushed out shouting, Kakantir and Nersarn appeared. They approached Ian with bright smiles. Congrattions, Lord Ian. Thank you. Its all thanks to the help of the Cheonrye people. Ah, it really worked out. Unexpectedly? Yes, if I must say so. Ha ha ha! It was a day of confirmation that supporting Ian over Dergha was the perfect choice. They were no longer just barbarians from the bordends but would now be treated as a friendly nation, expected to achieve economic and cultural growth. This ce was like a gateway to Bariel. May I take a look at the Emperors letter? Of course. Ian unfolded the mantle given by Chielonia, revealing the current Emperors name, i Verocion, at the bottom. Im not sure. Ian pondered over the name of his predecessor several times, but nothing significant came to mind. It was a time of chaos. In a century, numerous emperors hade and gone; even Ian himself had only held the throne for three years. Hmm? What is it? Nothing. What caught Ians attention was the Emperors seal. It was subtly different in size from what he used to use. He rubbed it with his fingertip, and the more he did, the more vividly he recalled the familiar sensation. He had used that seal daily. So familiar with it, Ian found this subtle difference increasingly bothersome. Is the seal different? But that seemed impossible. The Emperors seal had been the same for over a thousand years since the founding of the empire. He had never heard of it being lost, and if it had been I would have known. Ian continued to examine the seal, torn between certainty and doubt. There was only one conclusion. The seal had been changed at some point. But why? What could have prompted such a change? Romandro, watching from the side, chimed in. It must have worn out. Is something bothering you? Well, uh. Now that youre appointed a baron, I suppose I should address you Romandro muttered, ncing at Kakantir. He hadnt realized it when they were alone, but with outsiders present, the reality set in. Baron Ian was, in many ways, above Romandro now. Its not official yet, so please be at ease. Is that really alright? Of course. I dont even have a surname yet. Ha, ha! I cant wait for winter. I never thought Id go to the capital before the New Years party. I need to write a letter to my wife. Romandros voice was filled with excitement at just the thought. He had expected to return only after the year ended, so the prospect ofpleting his mission earlier was naturally thrilling. Kakantir also expressed his intention to return. We n to gradually reduce the number of Cheonrye warriors here. The cold weather is setting in, and our warriors long for the Great Desert. Ah, so youre saying youll be returning. I will return soon, but Nersarn will stay here longer. However, this seemed to be news to Nersarn. His expression stiffened as if he was about to faint, likely due to his aversion to cold weather and the concept of snow. By the way, I heard the central government demanded 10,000 gold coins. Yes, thats correct. Can you manage it? Wed like to help, but thats beyond our capabilities. Unless it was the heads of 10,000 enemies, maybe. It sounded like a joke, but also not. It seemed entirely within their capabilities. Ian, not wanting them to worry, raised his wine ss. Theres no problem. Theyve given me a year, and it only took me a couple of months to rise to a lordship in the Great Desert. Life can change overnight, so a mere 10,000 gold coins in a year seemed entirely feasible. More importantly, Ians goal was to go to the Imperial Court. Whatever happened next was uncertain, which meant there was no reason to worry now. Indeed, the gods dont pose unsolvable problems. Once youre at the central government, there will be opportunities to seize. I believe so too. Ian emptied his ss and nced out the window. The festivities of the residents were still ongoing, showing no signs of tiring despite thete hour. It seemed the beleaguered territory needed such an event to rejuvenate its spirits. The joy of the people was palpable. Now that youve received the lordship decree, shouldnt we spread the good news to the neighboring areas? The neighboring areas. Ian looked at Kakantir, thinking. The closest was here, and next Ah, yes. That left Merellof. They had sent a letter of protest regarding the assassination attempt but received no response. The silence was soplete it bordered on ignorance. I should write to Merellof. Now that the official lordship decree has arrived, I expect theyll respond this time. * * * What? He received a title? The letter just arrived. Merellof almost snatched the letter from his butlers hand. He read the handwritten letter stating that Ian would be officially appointed at the end of the year and bestowed the title of baron. At the bottom was a disingenuous thank-you note saying, Thanks to the esteemed Count Merellof. Really, the worlds gone mad. A low-born from the brothels now parading as a noble. Should we send a congrattory response? We still havent replied to the previous letter about the attack he reported What should we do? He was referring to the letter sent by Romandro about Ians attack. Merellof had scoffed at it then. If Ian had sent it directly, using Merellof of killing his people, he would have reacted immediately, but since Romandro was the sender, he chose to ignore it. Why bother? Just tell the servant to send a message. Its a waste of paper and ink. Yes, my lord. Merellofs disregard was absolute. Even though Ian had been officially appointed as a noble, the appropriate neighborly acknowledgment wascking. While they were rivals, in times of trouble in the bordends, they only had each other to rely on. The butler resigned himself to writing and sending a cheap response. Merellof threw the letter aside and continued reviewing documents, nning for the winter revenues of his territory. Butler. Merellof suddenly seemed puzzled. Has there been no word from Bratz about food supplies? No, sir. We havent received any correspondence on that matter. Strange. With a worse harvest thanst year, even Merellof faced challenges. Fortunately, foreign trade would bring some relief in the colder months, but Merellof wondered about Iansck of response. nning to feed on corpses, perhaps? Tsk, tsk. Merellof scoffed, flipping through the papers. As the butler bowed and left, Merellofs wife signaled him with her fan from the end of the hallway. Lady. What can I do for you? A letter from Bratz? Yes, from Lord Ian. Hes been officially appointed as a baron. Oh! The Countess uttered a small exmation of surprise. What did the Count say? About? The response. The butler hesitated, knowing he nned to draft a basic reply himself. The Countess, realizing his intention, smiled and nodded. Please do. And separately, I think we should send a gift. Have the treasure vault opened. Mydy, the Counts permission for She snapped her fan shut abruptly, her previously airyughter turning serious. Im on my way to get his permission. Theres no need to go that far, mydy. The butler hurriedly tried to dissuade her. The Count had already given up on replying to a man he considered unworthy of a gift. But the Countess firmly dismissed his concerns. Nevertheless, it must be done. Leaving these meaningful words behind, the Countess entered the study. Chapter 71 Chapter 71 Ian stretched his hand out the window, feeling the change in the air. The once humid breeze was bing dry and chilly, a sign that the intense heat of summer was giving way to autumn. Knock knock. My lord, have you awoken? Yes. Your breakfast is ready. Since the arrival of the lordship appointment from the Imperial Court, Ians status had solidified. Life hadnt changed much, but small details revealed his newfound power. Like the title Lord now used to address him. Interesting. Once a duke and even an emperor, Ian now felt a sense of achievement from the title of baron. Sitting opposite Romandro, Ian began his meal. Good morning, Sir Romandro. Ah, Lord Ian. Did you sleep well? Thanks to you. Could I have some lukewarm water? Certainly, my lord. As the servants bustled around, Romandro started the conversation while nibbling on Gr seeds. Theres something we need to sort out, Ian. What would that be? The support funds we brought from the Imperial Court. Ah. The amount was around 3,000 gold coins. However, with expenditures for territory restoration and Gr purchases, a significant portion had already been spent. Isnt it customary to return any remaining funds? Technically, yes. But its more of a convention. Romandro implied that he had the discretion to manage these funds freely. Essentially, he suggested allocating the remaining funds to Ians use. Ian raised his eyebrows in surprise. I would be grateful for that. No, its fitting. Youve made a significant contribution. If it werent for discovering the Gr, those 3,000 coins wouldve been a one-time expense. I trust youll use the remaining funds more meaningfully. Thank you. Ill use them wisely. And Im grateful for the chance to return to the capital this winter. Hmm. You mentioned youre newly married, right? Yes, I just received news that shes expecting. Ian pped his hands in surprise. The servants, overhearing, offered their congrattions. Congrattions, Sir Romandro. Youre going to be a father, thats wonderful. When is the baby due? Next summer, they say. Oh, congrattions! Romanndro awkwardly stroked his beard and smiled, his face brightening with genuine happiness. It seemed to be a true depiction of joy. Are the support funds and the ledger in the office? Yes, they are. Ill hand them over after breakfast. Understood. Ian nodded, calcting the finances in his mind. If his estimates were right, about 1,200 gold coins should remain. Most valuable items in the Bratz estate had been confiscated by the inspection team. What about Kakantir and Nersarn? They went to the border observation post yesterday and havent returned yet. They mentioned something about observing the stars, but Im not certain of the details. Ian quickly grasped their intention. His tutor who studied the Great Desert also desired to visit there. It seemed they had their own method of understanding the desert through celestial observation. Tell them I wish to see them when they return. Will do, sir. Lord Ian, theres a letter from Merellof. Should I ask them to wait until youve finished your meal? News came in early. Ian paused, halving a boiled Gr. Romandro stopped mid-bite too. No, let them in. At Iansmand, the door opened again. A neatly dressed servant bowed respectfully. Good day. I bring congrattions on your appointment from Count and Countess Merellof. Really? Was there anything else? Its a bit unusual, considering the order. He referred to the protest letter about the assassination attempt that had been sent first, but now they were sending congrattions instead. The servant, looking ufortable, searched for words. Ian gestured with his hand to bring the letter over. A luxurious letter was ced in his hand. Thank you for the congrattions. And the Countess sent a gift as well. Ian looked skeptically at the box behind the servant. The Countess, an unusual woman, might have sent something unexpected as a gift. As the servant opened the lid, Ian instinctively stood up. This is a recording device from a foreignnd. A recording device? The question came from Romandro. Ian slowly approached to examine the device closely. Inside the small wooden box, there were intricately arranged gears. Below was a space to insert paper, and on the side, a handle to operate it. What is this? How is it used? The exact usage is not known, and the name is Ian muttered to himself. Dripper. Ye-yes, thats correct. Its called a Dripper. Oh, Lord Ian, do you know what this is? Indeed, he did. The Dripper was a kind of automatic recording device. When the handle was pulled at timed intervals, it automatically made a mark. While it seemed useless, itter became the foundation for automated processing machines. It was part of a major national project Ian was involved in before his death, a future revolutionary technology that was expected to bring about significant societal changes. Ah, Lord Ian, you are truly knowledgeable! Theres nothing you dont know! Ian lightly brushed off the servants somewhat awkward ttery. Countess Merellof sent this? Ye-yes, thats correct. What did she say when she sent it? She said it would be helpful to you and, um, although its valuable, you shouldnt feel burdened by it. The servant swallowed nervously while saying this. In truth, when it was first taken out of the storage, it was so dusty that several people struggled to clean it. In the Merellof estate, it was nothing more than a piece of junk metal that no one cared about. Is this a gift meant to mock me? It seemed pointless, just a device that made marks at regr intervals. But Ians reaction suggested something unusual. Ha! Ian let out a sarcasticugh. Or was it really a mocking gift? Unable to guess what was going on, the servant bowed deeper, fearing Ians reaction. Ian stared dryly at the device, then circled around it, releasing a subtle sigh. Sit down, Lord Ian. Lets think this through. Romandro, unable to bear it, got up and tried tofort Ian, assuming it was an insulting gift. To anyones eye, that would have been the right conclusion. In the current era, about 100 years before Ians time, the design of the Dripper was unimpressive, its functionality simple, and it was virtually unknown. Even the current Emperor wouldnt recognize its value. This Dripper, do you know its from the Raza Mountains? What? What do you mean? Never mind. Wait a moment. I need to write a response to thedy. Muttering, Ian folded his napkin, signaling he was done with his meal. Romandro looked between the device and Ian, bewildered. They were about to start serious Gr cultivation in Merellof, and such provocations and responses were not part of the n. What are you going to write? Ill say that I received the gift well and that it seems it will be useful as she mentioned. And that I would like to meet her someday. Romandro rubbed his chin, seemingly in pain. To him, it looked like they were exchanging veiled attacks, but the reality was quite different. What in the world is going on? Ian touched the cracked wooden seams of the Dripper as if assessing its value and future potential. I need to check. Whether Countess Merellof genuinely sent a worthless gift or if she too understood the significance of the Dripper. Ian signaled to Hannah. Finish up the meal. Keep this well-preserved. No one else should touch it. Ah, yes, master. Sir Romandro, please continue your meal. I will write a response and then go for a short inspection. Ah, uh, okay. Ian left the dining room, and soon after, the servant from Merellof also departed Bratz. Ian went for his inspection a few hourster. Your Excellency, the weather is very nice today. Yes, its getting cooler day by day. He was in the midst of inspecting the thriving Gr nts. Unlike the falling leaves, the estate was full of fresh greenery. We n to harvest Gr today. Is it already time? Megan from next door started sorting seeds yesterday. Gr grows very well here, its astonishing. It seems to grow a span overnight. Thats good news. With the storehouses of the residents bing fuller, hunger within the estate was disappearing. Smoke rose from every chimney hourly, and children ran around with pockets full of steamed Gr. My lord! My lord! The pig really is pregnant, isnt it? Yes? Right, isnt it? I thought she was moody this morning. Oink oink! The livestock were also thriving, quickly gaining weight and bearing young. If things continued like this, no one would die or go cold in the winter, and everyone would wee the New Year well-fed and warm. Ah, Sir Kakantir. In the distance, he saw the Cheonrye tribe returning from their outing. Kusilre slowed down to stand next to Ian. Youre out again today. Good timing. I have something to tell you. I have something to share as well. Lets walk together. Their followers gradually herded Kusilre along as they walked. Beric also followed suit, joking around with a fellow warrior while leading his horse. I will return to Cheonrye tomorrow. Tomorrow? Thats quite sudden. Nersarn will stay here, so dont worry. Has something happened in Cheonrye? Thats not the case. ording to the star readings, tomorrow seems like the right time to leave, so Ive decided to go then. With Kakantirs departure, more than half of the warriors would leave. However, the estate had developed a degree of self-sufficiency, and aside from Gr cultivation, there wasnt much need forbor, so things should be fine. Then I should prepare to see you off. As the leader of their alliance, it was only proper to give him a respectful send-off. Besides, Ian intended to provide a gratuity to the Cheonrye as a token of appreciation. What was it you wanted to talk about? Oh. A servant from Merellofs estate came to the mansion earlier. I think its time to start preparing for some behind-the-scenes work. Ah, right. The behind-the-scenes work Ian referred to was maneuvering Merellof into a situation where they would have no choice but to buy Gr. At Kakantirs question, Ian stopped walking. The only leverage Merellof has is the trade caravans thate during the cold weather, but if we handle them, the situation should be easier for us. Hmm. Those are traders from the Hawan Kingdom, right? Ive never been to the mountainous area, so its geographically disadvantageous. Its not impossible, though. The size of the caravan and the number of mercenaries they had for protection were unknown, but using force seemed inefficient. No, we cant resort tobat. It must not be discovered that Cheonrye is involved. Otherwise, we might give Merellof an excuse to retaliate. If Merellof, responsible for the caravans safety, felt threatened by the Cheonrye, they would naturally try to counterattack. This could be a burden for Ian, who had formed an alliance with the Cheonrye. Do you have a n in mind? At Kakantirs question, Ian smiled and nodded confidently, his eyes sparkling with assurance as always. Chapter 72 Chapter 72 Meanwhile, Chielonia, havingpleted the task of delivering the imperialmand, immediately headed to the office of the Second Prince, Gale. Despite the sunlight pouring through therge windows, there was an inexplicably cold feeling in his office. Did he only imprison Molrin and his group in the underground dungeon? Yes. There was no torture, just confinement without any special treatment. Gale, with his arms crossed, tapped his fingers lightly, a habit that surfaced when he was deep in thought. His sharp eyes, inherited from his mother, shifted behind Chielonia, towards Wesleigh, who was reading a report. Did he also seem well-versed in imperial etiquette? Yes. As soon as your highnesss name was mentioned, his expressions changed instantly. Even Sir Romandro, the advisor, seemed unaware of it. Then, Wesleigh, who had been reading the documents, swiftly turned her head. Her beautiful ck hair and red lips were, as always, perfect. Its clear. He must have had a connection with Mariv. Dont be so sure, Wesleigh. Its the only exnation. A child from the brothels, barely educated, crosses the desert in such a short time. He must have barely learned the basics, let alone royal etiquette. Wesleighs words were logical from beginning to end. From the start, it was clear when Mariv rmended Ian as a lord. How many are there who would pay tribute to Mariv to curry favor? And yet, Ian was chosen over them. Wasnt he said to be a magic user? Still, its excessive. Mariv was the empires next emperor. People fawned over him to the extent that they could line up and encircle Bariel. Especially, the appointment of a lord was an opportunity for social reversal. Mariv could have easily handed it to someone more influential. The nature of the estate is a big factor. It has many restrictions due to its unique characteristics. Carefully joining the conversation, Chielonia was suddenly presented with a report by Wesleigh. Despite their age difference, Wesleigh was the Minister of Magic, and Chielonia was one of many administrators. Youve worked hard. You may leave now. I shall take my leave then. Chielonia bowed respectfully and left Gales quarters. Wesleigh, with a cigarette holder in her mouth, muttered, Should we kill Ian? Galeughed and propped his chin, finding it funny because it was not a joke. How? When hees up for the New Years lordship ceremony, hell be under the Magic Department. There will be many opportunities and methods. Smoke filled the room as Wesleigh exhaled. Gale took the cigarette holder from her mouth. Wesleigh continued in an annoyed tone. I dont like how he suddenly appeared and disrupted everything. Hell be a ve of the Magic Department if he cant repay the 10,000 coins tribute. It would be better to get rid of him before that. Wesleigh whispered, embracing Gales neck, her eyes dangerous, but Gale turned his head without a word. You really dont suit the role of Minister of Magic. Me? Gale was literal, but Wesleigh misunderstood. She seemed to fit better as the empress beside Emperor Gale. If His Highness Gale says so, it must be so. Gale looked out the window with a bitter smile. Wesleigh was perfect as a woman but not as a colleague in national affairs. As the Minister of Magic, how could she so easily suggest killing Ian, especially when the number of mages was dwindling? A true Minister of Magic would persuade Gale to find another way, even if he, himself suggested killing. Gale, look at me. Did this beautiful woman not understand that the empress is also a political colleague of the emperor? Even if Gale pushed Mariv aside and became emperor, he wasnt sure Wesleigh would be by his side. Gale stood up, shaking off the seductive touch of the woman. Where are you going? To my brother. Are you referring to His Highness Mariv? As Gale fastened his cuffs, he fixed his gaze intently on Wesleigh. Again. That look in her eyes, as if testing him at times. Wesleigh maintained herposure and did not lose her smile. Why do you think Ian didnt kill Molrin and just left him be? Well, because he is an administrator of the imperial pce, and if something went wrong, it would be troublesome for us if an investigative team was sent from our side. It hasnt been long since Erica, the team leader, spoke with him. Hmm. I see. That makes sense. Gale did not ask further. He simply concluded that Wesleighs understanding of the situation went only that far. There was no second chance for discussion or shared opinions. Wesleigh then followed Gale. Or why else? Why else? I asked because I dont know either. With a kiss of farewell to Wesleigh, Gale turned away without any lingering attachment. His subordinates followed him like shadows, while the woman stood there as if in a daze. She, too, was the acimed head of the Magic Department, born amoner, who had grasped both wealth and power, leaving her name in the pages of history. Yet, in front of Gale, she always felt incredibly small. Damn it Her curse was uttered softly, but it didnt reach even the foot of Gale, let alone his following attendants. It felt as if an invisible aura was swirling chaotically around. Click-ck! Your Highness, where shall I escort you? To Marivs pce. Understood. Gale responded briefly, and his subordinates hurried ahead to clear the way, ensuring that Gales pace was uninterrupted. Ian is keeping Molrin alive because of Mariv. Wesleighs words were half right. If Molrin died in a situation involving the Cheonrye tribe, the seriousness of the matter in the central government would escte drastically. It could lead to the deployment of regr troops, not just an investigative team. Therefore, the decision-making was handed over to Mariv. It was a choice that showed a perfect understanding of the power dynamics between Mariv and Gale, and a clear strategy. In any case, Molrins life was in Marivs hands, and to Gale, his life was precious. There werent many in the administration as recruited as Molrin, nor with his wealth of experience and old age. The carriage moved forward with the loud neighing of the horses. Looking up at the sky and deep in thought, Gale opened the window andmanded, Wait. Change the course. Pardon? Were not going to Mariv, but to my father. To His Imperial Majestys pce? Yes. Hurry. Upon the sovereignsmand, the horses slowly turned the corner, retracing their path. Their heads were now set towards the east, to the Emperors residence, instead of north, towards Marivs pce. * * * The mansion was bustling from dawn. It was the day when Kakantir and fifty-four other warriors were returning to the Great Desert. Although they could meet anytime if they wished, it was not easy, so everyone couldnt hide their regret. When will we see you again? Thank you for everything. Here, take this Weve packed dried meat and water for you. Travel safely. Kakan! What should we use for the seal of Kusilre? The mansions main gate was as busy as a marketce. Ian was also in a hurry to prepare for his outing, as he nned to apany them to the border. While checking gifts, rewards, and food onest time, he noticed Hannah, her eyes unusually red. Farewell. Ille back again. The lightly sped hands of the man and woman were dripping with affection, making it clear what emotion they harbored. Unintentionally, Ian turned his head away, pretending not to notice. Seeing this, Beric fiddled with his ear. What did you see to make you react like that? Beric. Come here. Look at that, huh! Ha-! Beric! Shut up, you tactless fool! Thwack! It was Sir Romandro who hit Beric on the head. Ian also red at him as a warning. Beric, rubbing the back of his head as if wronged, grumbled continuously. My head must be the towns drum, damn it. It seems there are more people attached than I thought. Its natural to form connections even in passing moments. The Cheonrye dont theye and go with the seasons? Connections thate in the hot summer and leave in the autumn. Ian pondered for a moment and nodded. It wasnt a bad phenomenon. Strengthening the alliance with the Cheonrye tribe or achieving cultural integration, the peace alliance was the best option. Was that too political a decision? Ian watched Hannah, who was on the verge of tears, and checked himself. Ian-nim, listen to the voice beneath the letters of your decisions, for they will change someones life. Dont just check the issues thate up; feel them with your heart. Suddenly, he remembered the advice given by Naum before his regression. Naum, his only friend and mentor who had stayed by the side of the doomed emperor to the end. Ian clenched his teeth and turned his head away. Ian, were ready to go. Alright. Lets leave. Open the gates! Lets return! To our Great Desert! Woahhh! Stay well, everyone! Hey, lets meet in Cheonrye! The Cheonrye people remaining at the mansion waved their hands heartily andughed. Among them was Nersarn as well. Kakantir left the mansion with a dignified posture. The vigers, who heard the news, came out to see them off. Thank you! Travel safely! We are truly grateful for everything! What would we have done without you, really! Swishhh! Flowers and fallen leaves fluttered around from all directions. The sight of them swirling in line with the wind up to the Gr was magnificent. Kakantir came to the front and gazed down at a child handing him a bouquet. It was the same child who had fallen and cried at his feet when he first entered Bratz. The child had remembered that brief encounter. Thank you. The childs hand was trembling. Kakantir received the bouquet and was about to leave when he paused, turning back around. Demosha. Ian didnt bother to look at the childs face. Kusilre began to move again. The journey to the bordends would be quick. Soon enough, the real time for parting arrived. This is as far as we go. Ian. Kakan. You have worked hard. This was the ce where Ian was sold as a peace offering. Two giant rocks marking the border and a small, abandoned temple. I will start working on the Merellof case as soon as I return to Cheonrye. I would be grateful for that. Do well in the central region. Otherwise, this day might be ourst meeting. I will do my best. Here are the Gr seeds and your reward. Kakantir looked at Ian for a moment before taking only the Gr seeds. In his right hand, he prominently held the bouquet that had been given to him. My hands are full. That will be enough. Oh. Lets go! To Cheonrye! Demosha! Demosha! Farewell! With the warriors leading the chant, Beric also shouted loudly. They galloped powerfully into the desert and disappeared. Their movements were faster than the wind and lighter than the sand. Ian and Beric watched their departing figures for a long time. Lets return as well. Alright. What shall we do back there? Do what? With Iansughter, Beric also smiled and grabbed the reins of his horse. The tasks ahead were clear. Cultivating Gr and Starting the Merellof fermentation process. I have no idea what Ian meant by ''Merellof fermentation process.'' Prob some sort of euphemism Chapter 73 Chapter 73 The day of the Merellof butler always began the same way. He would wake up, tidy the beddings, supervise the servants to ensure the division of morning tasks, and organize various correspondences to be taken to the office while breakfast was being prepared. All these tasks had to bepleted before sunrise. Knock, knock. Are you awake, Count? Upon hearing the Count Merellofs response, the butler entered the bedroom. The room was divided into three sections, and deep inside, the Count was already neatly dressed, leaving his still-sleeping wife behind. The weather is certainly getting colder. Ill clean the firece. Count Merellof checked the correspondencesid on the tray. Most were formal letters for maintaining social rtions. Whats this? Oh. My apologies. What the Count held was a reply from Ian. Since the Count showed no interest in the celebration, it was part of the butlers role to manage his public reputation. Youre unnecessarily diligent, the Count muttered dismissively. Suddenly, the Counts motion halted. Ian had sent a reply not just to the Count, but also to the Countess. Without hesitation, the Count broke the sealing wax to read its contents. This is His expression showed utter confusion, with his protruding eyebrow bones bing more prominent. The butler sensed alertness in the Counts fiercely narrowed eyes. A letter for Lien? That knowing that you had no ns to send a congrattory message, Her Ladyship had sent it instead. Since Her Ladyship takes great care in supporting you from behind the scenes. Count Merellof stared at the letterid on the table. The butler felt cold sweat running down his back, unable to believe that the day was starting this way. It seems she also sent a gift. Yes, she selected unused items from the storeroom. Personally? Yes. She personally selected them and sent a congrattory message? And Ian was quite pleased with it? Have they met separately? The butler nodded lightly but with certainty. It was just a pile of unused scrap metal. The Count, being a noble, knew better that the exchange of courteous words did not always signify sincerity. Rustle. The sound of the Countess stirring in the innermost bedroom was unusually loud. It seemed not only the butler, but also the day was ill-omened for others. They have not, Count. Not even when Ian was at the central mansion? Well, they did briefly encounter each other when he was leaving, but it was very brief, and they hardly exchanged any words. The butler added desperately, almost like making excuses, but it seemed not to reach the Counts ears. His already sallowplexion turned even more pallid, as if his blood pressure was visibly rising. Good morning. Just then, the Countess, dressed lightly, emerged from the inner bedroom. Yawningnguidly like a cat, she snatched the letter from the Counts hand. Why are you reading a letter addressed to me? Look, Lien. Lets see what it says. Hmm. He genuinely likes it. Should I be happy or not? Hahaha. The Countessughed off her husbands visibly disturbed mood as if it didnt concern her at all. The butler, determined not to witness any more, turned his head away, while the atmosphere in the bedroom twisted even further. It was a contrast between the utterly light-hearted and the heavily serious. Prepare the meal. Yes, Count. I feel like having venison steak today. Understood, Madame. I will have it prepared. But you said the samest time and didnt bring it up, did you? I apologize. Ill make sure its corrected. It was a fall season where the joy of harvest couldnt be felt. Therge estate always had an abundance of food, so there was no problem with kitchen operations, but ingredients that needed to be sourced from outside sometimes took more than a day to procure. Especially something like venison, as was the case now. Lady Merellof, sitting at the table, casually asked her husband, Darling, I heard that the people in Bratz are all growing Gr and eating it. They say it tastes surprisingly good? Mixing with those beastly folks has turned them into beasts themselves. Is it because they have nothing else to eat? We might be fine, but its different for those below us. Sir Ian suggested that we visit to express our gratitude. Should I go and see for myself? To Bratz? Count Merellofs eyes narrowed suspiciously, but his wife just nodded, as if it was no big deal. What else would I be going to? Useless talk. Every year at this time, you start with the sameints. No food, this and that. Soon, the caravan from Hawan Kingdom will arrive. Just wait until then. Why cant everyone learn? Tsk, tsk. Why would they learn? The number of farmers decreased each year, and the number of vigers opening entertainment and lodging businesses only grew. Many relied solely on the caravan and did not prepare for winter. There are problems inside and out. The butler bowed his head and left the bedroom. Countess Merellof watched him go and smiled faintly, but said nothing more. Darling. Once the door was fully closed, Lien ced her hand on her husbands shoulder and asked. The Counts mood was still at rock bottom. When is the caravan from Hawan supposed to arrive? Why do you ask? Cant I ask? I received word that they will depart in a month. In a month. So, it would take them a month and a half to cross the mountains? No, maybe a month and a week The Counts eyes grew more fierce at his wifes mutterings. She was always unpredictable, but recently it had be more extreme. I hope they arrive soon. With that, she quickly left the bedroom. A man wiping the windows in the corridor paused and looked towards the door. The woman gave him a look that was colder and more menacing than the cold. rk. Make sure the windows are sparkling clean. Well have guests from Hawan Kingdom in a month. Yes, I understand. The man named rk nodded and continued to clean the windows, repeating to himself. In a month, Hawan Kingdom departs. In a month, Hawan Kingdom departs * * After Kakantirs departure, Ian intensified his investigation into the Merellof family in his office. Knowing your enemy in battle was crucial. It was advantageous to know as much as possible about the Merellofs before making contact. But about Lady Merellof Thedy? Romandros subordinate, flipping through reports, looked puzzled. We confirmed her name is Lien Merellof, but her origins are unclear. You mean her family background? Exactly, and also her social status before marriage. Theyve been married for three years now, but the wedding was so modest that many locals learned about it onlyter. Listening to Romandro and his subordinates conversation, Ian lifted his head. Even if it was modest for a count, It implies a significant disparity in status. Thats what I think too. Perhaps she was amoner? Hmm. Maybe. Ian, recalling Countess Merellofs enigmatic smile, shrugged his shoulders. It was clear that she was an outsider. And most importantly, knowing about the dripper meant she wasnt from an ordinary background. Have we identified the caravan departing from the Hawan Kingdom? Its the Ilrak caravan, operating on a 5-year cycle. The caravan, including the caravan master, consists of about 100 people. Thats not asrge as I expected. However, its a fixed route, so many rely on it for safety. Individual travelers or smaller caravans paid to join for safe passage. With their numbers exceeding fifty, the total count could be estimated between 150 to 200. Ilrak caravan will lead, followed by other caravans at intervals of two weeks. Then its crucial to intercept them at the start. If we offer protection, it would be quite easy for us. Nersarnmented. He slowly went through the documents, reading them meticulously as they were in Barielnguage, which took him longer than the others. They will be a burden if they cant respond to emergencies. I agree. We should start aligning the dates. Theyll want to arrive before winter, so at thetest Ah, I know the date. Romandros subordinate excitedly raised his hand. In a month, departing from the Hawan Kingdom. Rumors say theyll arrive after crossing the mountains. Spread rumors? From where? From Merellof. With the exact date known, Romandro and his subordinates cheered, encouraging each other. Only Ian remained silent and unsmiling. Is there a problem? It takes only ten days to travel from here to the Hawan Kingdom. No, no. Thats not the problem. I was wondering if there are any bandits around. Especially mountain bandits. A caravan means many mercenaries, but also many valuables. Informing them ahead could make them a target for bandits. If bandits interfere, it could disrupt the n. It would be better to cross quietly and quickly. Hmm. Bandits. Maybe there arent any due to the aftermath of the battle? And letting them know the expected arrival time is necessary for the estate to prepare. Ian nodded reluctantly. Right. It was important for both the caravan and Merellof, but irrelevant from Ians perspective. Alright. Lets start preparing Thud, thud, thud! Thud, thud! Thud! Suddenly, there was a resounding vibration from the end of the hallway. Someone was approaching quickly, too loud to be a normal person. While Romandro and his subordinates quickly reached for their swords, Ian, Nersarn, and Berrick calmly covered the documents. Bang! Have you arrived? The first to greet was Beric. Youck manners. Nersarn lightly scolded her. Soo. Ah, no! Why me! She trembled with clenched fists, her face flushed red. As soon as Kakantir returned to Cheonrye, Soo had been sent here. Quite the entrance upon arrival. Beric! It was you, wasnt it? You rmended me? What power do I have to do that? Cant you see? While everyones working at the table, Im just lounging on the sofa. Why! Why me? Huh? Its already cold enough outside the desert, and now you want me to climb mountains? I dont even know what those mountains look like! Youre exaggerating. Shut it, Beric! Im not in my right mind right now! Ian stood up to greet Soo. Gasping for breath, her eyes, looking up at him, were filled with reproach. Why do I have to go all the way to the Hawan Kingdom and infiltrate the caravan! Are there no other capable people here? Sheined, as if to say, you called me, who was idly enjoying life, for this? I should have known when Kakantir passed the meat to me on my te. Hawan Kingdom, of all ces! Ian smiled and nodded. Yes. Weck capable people. I couldnt think of anyone more suitable than you. Sit down and catch your breath. Ill exin the n in detail. You must have heard the basics from Kakantir? At that, Soo pressed her forehead, unable to suppress her frustration. Ha, the basics. Very basic. Infiltrate the caravan and release the Gr poison. Chapter 75 Chapter 75 The scene was chaotic. Bodies, half-conscious, were strewn among the dense foliage, each clutching their stomachs and groaning in pain. Soo darted around, helping tend to the sick. When are the doctors supposed to arrive? Ugh, who knows. They left empty-handed, so maybe by tomorrow? As long as they dont get lost. Soo listened intently to the conversations around her. If the doctors arrived by tomorrow and provided treatment, the caravan would likely resume its journey to Merellof, albeit more slowly due to the weakened state of its members. Hmm. She gazed down the ridge extending from the mountainside and mumbled. Which is closer from here, Merellof or the Hawan Kingdom? A man, sweating profusely, replied, trying to forget his pain with idle talk. We havent traveled far from our departure, so Hawan is closer. And the route to Merellof is rougher, while the way to Hawan is mostly t, at least until we reach the mountains. Then the doctors from Hawan might arrive first. But there are many quacks in that area. Cant trust them. True, there are many Gypsies, but its still a kingdom. They wouldnt let a decent person die, right? Ah I just want to go back. Rather than lying here in the dew, I need to rest in bed for days. Everyonemented, exhausted. Regardless, Soo busied herself around the boiling pot of water, pretending to add more firewood. She then subtly added yellow scorpion poison. Just enough to make them sick, not to kill. Confusing the mind, but sadly necessary. The venom of the yellow scorpion could cause abdominal pain. A lethal dose would be fatal, but spread among the huge pot of water shared by many, it should be safe. Hey, can I get some warm water? Sure, just a moment. Ill cool it down for you. Responding to a request, Soo shed a bright smile and turned around. She moved among the patients, creating an aura reminiscent of a saintly nurse. Is she the traveler who joined us? Lucky we have someone whos still well. Yeah. If it werent for those who didnt eat that night, wed all be in worse shape. Soo wiped her sweat,ughing lightly. When I get back, I swear, Im never leaving the desert again. Despite her inner turmoil, she diligently fulfilled her role. Now, once the doctors from Hawan arrived, she just needed to subtly influence them to head back. Hey, wait a minute. As Soo reached out to hand out water, someone grabbed her wrist. It was the caravans second-inmand. He examined Soos hand, then started feeling the bones and calluses. What the She was so shocked that she couldnt evenplete her curse. Regardless, the man grimaced as if he had expected this. Your hands arent ordinary, are they? What do you mean? My hands arent even that big! Not that, the bones on the back and the calluses. These are typical of someone who often uses their fists. Hearing this, Soos initial panic was reced by a re directed at the man. He nced at her pocket and warned her in a low voice. Better take out what you just put in your pocket now. Got nothing better to do? Spying on me. They were behind a wagon that blocked them from view. A loud noise would surely attract attention. Soo clenched her jaw and muttered, Ruining the mood of someone trying to help. His smirking demeanor was unsettling. The second-inmand reached for a dagger at his waist. What the hell are you? Thump! Suddenly, Soos fist connected squarely with his face, knocking him out cold. Several people, clutching their aching stomachs, came around the wagon. Whats going on? I heard something break No The people alternated nces between the unconscious second-inmand and Soo, blinking in confusion. Thats when it happened. Rustle! From beyond the bushes, there was a noise, and a person emerged suddenly. The stranger, wearing a hood and gasping for breath, looked like they had been wandering the forest for a long time. Whats going on here? Where am I? Damn it! The hooded woman slightly lifted her cover. Soo, startled, screamed out loud. Ah! Bandits! What? Bandits? Damn it! Grab your weapons! Wait, hold on. Look! Themotion stirred the caravans guards, who weakly grasped their swords. They could barely stand, but faced with the threat of bandits, they had no choice. The woman who emerged from the bushes stepped back in disbelief. Wait. Just calling me a bandit? Im an investigator from the pce- Their identity was part of a central investigation team, searching for the bodies of Mary and Chel. Soo, recognizing Ericas face, preempted their introduction. Simultaneously, she knocked over a jug of water, extinguishing the fire. Shhh! ng! ng! Ah! Kill them! Kill them! Whats happening? Shit! Wheres the fire? Light a fire! In the darkness of the mountains, a battle ensued. Swords shed without clear sides or leaders. Soo climbed up a tree to watch the bloody skirmish unfold below. Half dead, half fled. Whether its Hawan or Merellof, looks like everything will be sorted before any doctor arrives. Moreover, spreading the rumor of a bandit attack wouldnt require much effort. Soo admired her own quick thinking and patted herself on the back. She might be able to return to the desert as early as tomorrow. * * * Count Merellof was speechless. The situation was beyond his wildest expectations. The doctors he had sent out a week ago returned with only three patients. The grand, majestic caravan that the people of the Merellof estate had been eagerly awaiting was nowhere to be seen. The Count looked around in confusion. Where are the others? My lord, it seems there were bandits. What kind of nonsense is that! When we arrived following the guide, we found bodies strewn about, already attacked. Fortunately, we found some survivors further towards Hawan. They had scattered in the chaos of the surprise attack. So, what happened then? The caravan master was seriously injured, so they decided to return to Hawan. It was closer. We brought back only those who had sought our help. The caravans proximity to Hawan was the problem. It was a familiar route, being the way they hade. Merellof might be a bordend to Barriel, but Hawan Kingdom was a major city, better suited for reorganizing the caravan. Count Merellof couldnt help but scream. It was not typical for him to make much noise, but this was a severe blow. Damn it all! This is what happens when you eat slop like pigs! Fools! He furiously swept items off the table. The doctors who had endured the arduous journey back were drenched in cold sweat as they hastily retreated. They knew the Counts situation all too well. The people of the estate were about to resort to sucking their fingers, with nothing to eat or trade. Well, I suppose thats all. Excuse us, my lord. The doctors left the room in a rush, not bothering about the order of exit. Count Merellof leaned on his desk, lost in silence. Butler. Yes, my lord. How much is the market price in Sherion? Sherion was a city to the northwest of Merellof. Unlike Merellof, which relied on trade from the bordends, Sherion had flourished as amercial center. However, the problem was A few days ago, a sack of wheat was trading for six silver coins. The economic disparity was too great. In Merellof, a sack of wheat could be bought for three silver coins, but in Sherion, it cost twice as much. And that was before the rumors of bandit attacks had worsened the situation. How long would it take to get there now? Roughly about a day, I suppose. It was due to the mountain range the caravan traversed. The range, curling around Merellof and stretching northwest, provided excellent defense for the estate but required a steep price to traverse. Although it only took a fortnight to reach the capital from here We have no choice but to send people. How much should we budget? Collect applications from those who need supplies. Well form a trade delegation based on the list. Of course, these supplies werent free. A decrease in estate poption would have a long-term impact on the estates productivity. Each head was as good as a unit of production. The usual method was to help them avoid starvation now and then increase taxes during the harvest season. Excuse me, Count. What is it? The Count irritably furrowed his brows. Going to Sherion is one thing, but the return journey is problematic. The temperature there is lower than here, so its likely to snow earlier. Crossing snow-covered gorges with all that luggage might be too much. And? Whats your point? Even a seasoned caravan had been devastated by unexpected food poisoning and bandits. It was uncertain whether the locals, born and raised here, could endure such hardships. Maybe we should ask Bratz for help? What? The route to the Hawan Kingdom is likely inessible for a while due to bandit activity. At least until theres word of a kingdom-led cleanup. Listen, butler. I know that. Thats why were considering going to Sherion, right? Bratz has been developing Gr for food consumption. They say its satisfying even in small amounts, maybe we could get some in the meantime The butler couldnt finish his suggestion, meeting Count Merellofs fierce gaze. One more word and he was sure to be dismissed. Buy weeds with money? The price will be reasonable, too. Forget it. I thought you were wise, but youre a fool. How can I serve something even pigs and dogs wont eat! My apologies. Go and find out the current market prices in Sherion. The butler left the room, head bowed. The Counts reaction wasnt entirely iprehensible, given the dire circumstances. Creak. No choice then. If the master wouldnt act, it was up to the butler. He returned to his room, took out parchment and a pen, and after much deliberation, began to write. Chapter 76 Chapter 76 Ian-nim, Ian-nim! Hannah shouted as she crossed the garden. Ian, who had been cutting Gr sprouts, turned his head, and she, panting, presented him with a letter. The seal was not stamped, but the envelope was of high quality due to its durability. A letter has arrived from Merellof! Oh, is that so. Ian took off his gloves and epted the letter. It seemed unlikely to be from the count In that case, the one capable of writing at the mansion was obvious. It seems to be from the butler. What? Not from the count? If theres no seal, its unlikely. If it were from the count, he wouldnt have passed it through you. Probably, the count would havee out to the front gate himself and ordered Ian to receive it directly. Regardless of the situation, the disparity between a count and a baron without an official title ceremony was clear. Ian elegantly tore open the envelope and read the contents on the spot. Hannah, who was illiterate, rolled her eyes, trying to gauge Ians expression. Is it the content you were waiting for, Ian-nim? Not what I was waiting for, but its wee news. Ian lightly folded the paper and patted Hannahs shoulder. Then he instructed Beric, who waszing under a tree shade. Beric, stop ying around and go downstairs. Downstairs? Why there? Bring Sir Romandro too. Contact the kitchen to mix a little flour and appropriate ingredients to make a lump. The butler was inquiring whether it was possible to trade Gr on behalf of the count. Greetings, Lord Ian. Please forgive me for addressing you simply and for writing in ce of the count. Currently, Count Merellof is not in a position to respond. The simple address was due to Ian not yet receiving a surname. The counts inability to respond was an obvious lie. The initial message sent to Merellof was about an assassination plot, yet there was still no formal reply. Probably, the butler wrote the congrattory message regarding the title award too. Regarding the conspirators you informed us about, Merellof is conducting thorough investigations. Please wait a little longer. The reason for writing this letter is to inquire if you could open up Gr trade. Its heard that you strictly prohibit trading Gr with outsiders. We respect that decision, but considering the uing winter, I took up the pen. This is my personal proposal, unrted to the count. However, if you permit, Lord Ian, I will ensure a satisfactory trade for both parties. I hope for your generous understanding, and I conclude this letter. Butler of Merellof Mansion, Samon. Ian slowly waved the letter, pondering the butlers name, Samon. Bariel is and of diversity, but each territory has its distinct characteristics. It seems unlikely that Samon is a native of Merellof. What are you nning to use this for? Youre quick to act, Beric. Making a flour lump isnt hard. In just a moment, Beric held a dough lump the size of a thumb. The color was odd, and it was unclear what he had mixed in it. Not that he particrly wanted to know. Bang bang! Ah! Ian! Sir Romandro, be careful not to fall. Oh, my. It hurts. A letter from Merellof, you say? A proposal for Gr trade? I came running as soon as I heard. No, unfortunately, its not from the count but his butler. It seems the count isnt hungry yet. Ian handed the letter to Romandro and smiled. Romandro quickly scanned the letter with his eyes moving fast. If there was still a slope to leverage, it meant that there was a ce to procure food, excluding Bratz. Is it Sherion? Ians eyes changed to golden, faintly emitting mana. In a windowless space, his hair fluttered, and Collins body stiffened, feeling the power of mana for the first time. What you just swallowed will dissolve into your body, bing blood and flesh. As soon as I confirm that my n has gone awry, Ill release this energy without restraint. Then, your blood will turn to poison, and your body will melt away into the ground. Ugh, ugh! Ians voice, whispering softly like a warning, was chilling. Collin started to retch, but Beric quickly gagged him and bound his body. However, if things go well, I promise you freedom. I will personally revoke the magic Ive cast on you. Compared to yourrades who have already departed to the other world, youre quite fortunate, arent you? It was a warning not to harbor any foolish thoughts. Collin nodded vigorously, his expression filled with fear, feeling as if what he swallowed was choking him right then. Creak. Come on out. Ian opened the door and turned his body. Through the half-opened crack, stairs and the bright light pouring from above were visible. It was daylight, something he hadnt seen in a long time. You cant go home looking like that, can you? Beric, tidy him up. Im not just a swordsman, my shaving skills are also killer. Just dont cut off his head. Yikes! Its a joke, just a joke. Collin sped his neck at Ians jest. Beric, chuckling, dragged him out, and Collin was intoxicated by the outside air he hadnt breathed in nearly a month. It felt like he was sensing life again after standing on the brink of death. Romandro, who was observing, suggested to Ian. Should we assign someone to watch him, just in case? Yes. Please provide a suitable person. Hmm. Lets see, Ill find someone. It was obvious. The thing fed to Collin was just a crude lump of flour, so it was proper to ce another real precaution. If youve decided to go to Sherion, it must be nearly the end. The guy who calctes everything so precisely Hm, no. If that meticulous count is willing to pay extra to go to Sherion, then yes, it must be quite desperate. We should start gathering Gr. Crows flew across the sky. Against the high, blue sky, their ckness seemed especially stark. It appeared to be time to wrap up thest hope and prepare for winter. If we do strike a deal, would one sack of Gr for one gold coin be appropriate? Romandro, leading the way, turned back to ask. Ian was curious about the price they nned to sell the Gr for if the trade was sessful. Though it felt extravagant to put a price on things that grow in the mountains and fields, they had already set a standard price of one gold coin for three sacks. One coin? Ian waved his hand dismissively, as if the idea was absurd. Im thinking, at the very least, really the minimum, to receive ten gold coins for each sack. The opportunity was one-time only. He had already reported to Prince Mariv that Gr was edible. In the central regions, rumors were spreading that Gr was a health food, and for all he knew, this might already be happening at the top levels. After this winter, especially after the New Years celebration, the value of Gr would be known throughout Bariel. By then, there will be too much supply to sell, so I need to make a big profit this time. Honestly, if possible, he wanted topletely empty the Merellofs storehouses. The trade guild woulde back to Merellof anytime, and spring would return as well. Just because Merellofs mansion storehouse might be a bit empty this winter, would it stay that way forever? That seems like an excessive amount. Do you think its possible given the counts nature? If hes on the brink of death, Count Merellof will realize it. No matter how abundant, one cannot eat gold coins. Ian smiled broadly and turned his gaze to a pile of boxes on one side of the garden. They were lumps of Gr collected as taxes. Romandro felt an indescribable sense of intimidation from Ians bright smile, thinking that life would be tough if he ever crossed this man. Chapter 77 Chapter 77 Are these the people? Yes, Count. It was the kind of weather where it seemed that if God breathed just a little, snow would fall. Count Merellof scanned the people standing in front of the mansion. Besides the conscripted soldiers, there were residents who volunteered to go to Sherion, standing awkwardly grouped together. The butler covered the list and exined briefly. They are of good conduct and haverge families. The road to and from Sherion was isted. Like a sea on the vast ocean, if a problem arose, it would certainly be troublesome. As survival was directly involved, the members were selected based on their morality and responsibility. Additionally, as a reward for enduring hardships, they were to be given a modest remuneration and permitted to trade food individually. Count Merellof was inspecting everything when suddenly: Count! Count! Swoosh! Someone evaded the guards and ran from the main gate towards them. The man threw himself at Count Merellofs feet and began pleading desperately. The sudden situation furrowed the counts brow. Whats this? Since when has the mansions gate been so easily breached? Im Collin from Hyfentown below! Please include me in the temporary trade delegation! I beg of you! Collins groveling posture, with his head touching the ground, made Count Merellof look at the butler questioningly, wondering what this was all about. Sorry, Count. Guards! Take him away! Count, Im really useful, youve seen. Im confident in running, and, and my strength is better than it looks. If you add even one young man like me, you can bring several more sacks of grain. No, perhaps even seven. Please, please Count Merellof crossed his arms and looked down at the back of Collins head, who was prostrated on the ground. The man seemed eager and young, so why was he excluded? The butler frantically added while searching through the list. He has arge family but no credibility due to frequenting illegal gambling dens. Hes a small-time criminal with a record. That was just foolishness in my youth. I have four siblings, and my parents chop wood and sell it daily. Honestly, Im the only one not pulling my weight at home. If given the chance, Ill work hard! Count Merellof pondered for a moment before asking. Have you always lived in Merellofs territory? Yes. Fine. Include him. Count! That might be What trouble can he cause, trembling and begging for work? Soldiers will be with them, so theres no need to worry. However, his remuneration will be halved. You have no objections, right? No, none. Thank you! It was a time when every person was needed. Adding one more person like him would increase the number of sacks they could bring, so there was no reason to refuse. Plus, the cost of his remuneration was halved. It was a win-win! Thank you! Thank you! Thats enough. Butler, finish up and lets go inside. Yes, Count. Collin, relieved as if he had been saved, bowed his head to the ground again. Count Merellof mistook his actions as mere desperation born of hunger. I survived. F*ck, I survived. If I hadnt gotten in here, those bastards wouldve Watching him sp his hands in apparent gratitude, the count felt a bit of contempt. What kind of family situation must it be for someone to be so happy about getting a job? Looking at him, he seems capable of doing the job. Right? Well train him well. At the counts words, the butler replied reluctantly. No matter that it was his masters decision, he couldnt understand why things were being handled this way. It must be folly born of greed. He was frustrated by the inability to calcte which was more valuable: the benefits of including this person or the stability of not doing so. You there. Collin, was it? Yes, thats right. Come this way. Yes! The butler sighed deeply, leading the cheering Collin. Collin followed, genuinely happy about the chance to fulfill Ians orders and the extension of his own life. Ill call you one by one to write a contract. We will pay part of the remuneration in advance. The butler gestured to the temporary trade delegation while opening the list again. Collin awkwardly smiled as he wrote the contract and received his advance payment, then quickly left the mansion. Just seeing his back, the butler thought he didnt seem reliable at all. Hemented as he tucked away the contract with Collins palm print on it. Wadadada! Collin passed two men smoking cigarettes by the roadside. The men exchanged a wordless nce and then smirked, exhaling smoke. Hes extended his lifeline. Seems so. From the relief on his face, it looked like he had joined the temporary trade delegation. If he had failed even in that, tonight would have been Collinsst. But look here, the atmospheres quite different from thest time we were here, isnt it? The men extinguished their cigarettes, muttering. They were Romandros subordinates, assigned to monitor Collin. In just a couple of months, the once lively spirit of the territory had wilted. Its because of the rumors that the trade guild wonte. Its not just rumors, is it? Ah, right. As high as their hopes had risen, disappointment and anxiety had grown uncontrobly. The subordinates followed Collin into the dark back alleys, and a man who had been watching the two also turned around. He was rk, a servant working at the Merellof mansion. Knock, knock. Back at the mansion, rk knocked on Lady Merellofs study. There was no response from inside. He nced left and right in the corridor, then quickly entered. Madam, a suspicious person has been mixed into the trade delegation. Is that so? Good. Lady Merellof did not appear, only answering with her clear voice as always. rk, have a safe trip. Yes. I trust youll do well. Dont worry. rk hoped to see thedy onest time, but she never came out. * * * The delegation had patched up torn cloth several times, inserting wood pieces under the soles of their shoes. Four days had passed since leaving Merellof. In the face of the biting wind, the delegation only sniffled, pulling along empty carts. How much further do we have to go? Hard to say. The distance is simr to the Hawan Kingdom, but the path is rough. Judging by the weather, it seems itll snow soon. Still, Im not cold inside, maybe because of the sweat. Sigh. Ah, why does my nose keep running? Feels like itll fall off. The mood was still somewhat good. After all, even the soldiers were residents of Merellofs territory and neighbors. Whether from the house in front or behind, werent they all familiar with each other? asionally,ughter could be heard. Collin, where were you all this time? Just had some things to deal with. Thats not rted to what we heard, is it? Whats that? Well, those big guys from the green-roofed gambling house in Bratz tried to kill someone. Theres a rumor it was Ian. The bastard son of the Count of Bratz? At the mens words, Collin flinched and averted his gaze. It felt as if Ian was still watching him through his eyes and ears, with some unknown power dissolved in his stomach. No, its nothing to do with me. Right? Otherwise, you wouldnt be alive and here. Right, hes now the new head of the family. Really, what a fate. Born and raised in the red-light district and now hes even received a title. The red-light district? Yeah, wasnt his mother a prostitute? This is why one must have abilities. A prostitute? I dont think so. From what I heard, he just lived there because of debts. Whatever. What does it matter what he did? Its all about luck, not ability or anything else. His luck started when he crossed the great desert and the counts head was chopped off. Now that hes back alive, hes used up all his luck! Sounds like youre hoping for that. Hehe. Collin tuned out the idle chatter. These were new revtions to him. He had joined without knowing the full story, just hearing that he would be paid Lets stop here for today. That cave looks suitable. Yeah, if we go any further, itll be dark. Tsk. Short days in winter. Cant move much. They set up sleeping bags in a small cave, blocking the entrance with carts. Though it was inconvenient to have the entrance blocked, it did stop the cold wind. Once the fire was lit and wood piled in the middle, everyone, exhausted, sprawled out around it. What if it snows during the night? What can we do? Just bear it Ah, move over a bit. Theres no space here. You want me to get burned by the fire? Ill move back a bit. Thump, thump. Collin moved away from the crowded area towards the entrance. It was cold, but this was the best spot for his n. And a few hourster Snore Grunt, snore As the sounds of snoring filled the air, Collin stealthily got up, picked up a torch, and stepped outside. The night was pitch ck. Sorry, everyone. But if I dont do this, Ill die. He took an oil pouch from his pocket and threw it onto the empty cart. Hesitating, he contemted whether to throw the torch onto the oil when suddenly What are you doing there? Eeek! He was startled by a sudden noise from behind. Though Collin was surprised, he didnt drop the torch. A man approached him with a calm expression, looking alternately at the cart, the torch, and Collin. I, I wasnt doing anything. Not doing anything? Collin, you! Were you trying to start a fire for the gold? Despicable! Unbelievable! What? It seemed like a performance. The man shouted loudly as if he was in a y, then snatched the torch from Collin and threw it without hesitation. The fire engulfed Collin. What, what, whats happening Whoosh! In an instant, a de shed across Collins neck. His vision slowly lifted, then all he saw was the murky night sky. Stirred by themotion, people rose one by one and rushed out of the cave. Whats happening, rk? Ah! Fire! Theres a fire! Is there no water? Damn it! Throw dirt on it! Fire! Fire! Everyone, wake up! Ahh! Crazy! He started the fire! Even amidst the chaos, Collins eyes just blinked. He couldnt speak. The sky, sprinkled with white spots, was filled with snowkes falling amongst the stars. Who is that? A stranger, but they know my name. Blood spurted from Collins throat, soaking the soil. The mysterious man who looked down at the twitching Collin. Collin met death with his eyes wide open. Meanwhile, Romandros subordinate was hidden in the nearby bushes, witnessing the entire scene. No, damn it. Whats happening here? Who the hell is that guy? It wasnt a hallucination from the cold, was it? The mysterious man who suddenly appeared, killed Collin, and set the cart on fire. There was nothing more to see. Romandros subordinate cautiously turned around and retraced his steps. rk nced briefly at the rustling bushes, then calmly continued to shovel dirt. Save the cart! Damn, this crazy bastard! Ah, its all burning! Its burning! In the dead of night, the peoples screams echoed more fiercely than the wind. Chapter 78 Chapter 78 Count Merellof, reviewing documents, heard the sound of hurried footsteps. As he looked up, the butler burst in with a panicked expression. A man who normally regarded formality likew, he always knocked Whats the matter? Co Count. Theres been a terrible incident. The trembling voice of the butler made Count Merellof put down his pen, something he rarely saw from his butler. The trade delegation sent a message All the carts have burned down. What?! Count Merellof stood up abruptly, incredulous. How could the carts have burned? A man named Collin set the carts on fire and tried to kill the others. It seems he was after the gold coins the soldiers had, but he died in the scuffle. How much gold was there? Most transactions were done through the Hayman Bank1 with checks and bills of exchange, meaning the gold with the soldiers was just pocket money for the journey. Formoners, its a significant amount. But what do you suggest we do? All the carts are burned, and some inhaled smoke in the cave, causing injuries. They sent a pigeon to say they would continue to Sherion, but its unclear how long it will take. And that wasnt all. With the carts burned, they would need new ones to transport food. Even setting aside the cost, it was uncertain whether they could find any in this winter, when all avable wood was used as fuel. Ha. Hahaha. Ha! Collin was always suspicious. The delegation will need more money in Sherion, maybe we should just have them return? They couldnt sleep on the ground or survive on water alone, and with injured people, they would need a doctor. Count Merellof groaned, pressing his forehead at the butlers words. This is the worst. Indeed, Count Merellof was certain this was the worst winter he had ever faced. Why the fire! Whoosh! Unable to contain his anger, Count Merellof started throwing whatever he could get his hands on. It was unbelievable that among so many people, no one could stop the incident. Were the people under the name of Merellof all such ipetents? Yes. Under the guise of peace, ipetency had been hidden, now rearing its head amidst the crisis. The state of the Merellof mansion was deplorable. Kill Collins family. Yes, Count. Rid that wretched household. Scrape out whatever you can. Hang everyone, young and old. Kill them all, just kill them all Ovepping disasters were suffocating. Forgetting the burned carts, the immediate concern was now the Counts own table. If food couldnt be secured from Sherion or the Hawan Kingdom, there was only one option left. Bang! Crash! Damn it. How did ite to this? Do I need an oracle or what? Huh? Aaaargghh! Count Merellof mmed his hand on the table and, out of habit, grabbed the hair of a servant standing beside him. He vented his anger physically, shaking the servants emaciated body. The servant swayed back and forth, but the butler could only bow his head in silence. Im sorry, Count. Im so sorry. Ha. Really, Butler. Thats why. I told you to choose people more carefully! Please spare me! Snap! The butler bowed deeply, biting his lip hard. He had to somehow appease the Counts anger, or else an innocent child might face consequences today. Leave. But, Count Go and kill all of Collins blood rtives! Creak. The servants hair was still tangled in Count Merellofs grip. Reluctantly, the butler backed out of the office, and the waiting servants looked up at him with distressed faces. Bu Butler. Everyone, step back. Sparks might fly. What about him? Shh. Do you want to draw the Counts wrath? Fear filled the eyes of the servants at the butlers words. Their eyes, moist with unshed tears, became deeper with despair. They hesitated, pretending not to hear the screamsing from inside the office. Click. The sound of shoes echoed crisply. The atmosphere felt as if it was cracking like ice. The butler and the servants simultaneously turned their heads. Countess Merellof stood there with a calm expression. Whats going on? My Mdy Crash! Bang! Instead of responding, the Countess nced briefly at the noisy office. She then looked at the butler and sighed faintly. Open the door. Mdy. Now is not the Its alright. Open it. The Countess brushed aside the servants attempts to dissuade her. Her eyes were determined yet infinitely calm, leaving the servants unable to guess her intentions. Such scenes of servants being punished had urred several times before. Sob Do I have to open it myself? One of the servants couldnt hold back tears, prompting a sharp nce from the Countess. Eventually, the butler reached for the doorknob. Creak. The door slowly opened. A beaten servanty on the floor, blood spattered around the wooden furniture. Countess Merellof boldly lifted her head and stepped inside. Darling. Upon her call, Count Merellof, panting, turned around. Sweat dripped from his forehead, indicating how fiercely he had vented his anger on the servant. The servant, in turn, kept rubbing his palms together desperately. Let that child go. Sob please spare me Come y with me. Countess Merellofs face, previously devoid of emotion, now carried a radiant smile. She tilted her head slightly to lock eyes with the butler at the door. The servant seized the opportunity to quickly crawl away. Close the door. Creak. Light seeped through the slowly closing door. The butler, as always, felt a heaviness in his heart as he shut it. Countess Merellof, taking her husbands hand gently, suggested kindly. Darling, why dont we ask for help from Bratz? But the counts rage, shing with madness, was not easily quelled. She whispered again, quietly. If its too difficult for you, I can go and talk. Im of simr age, and it might be better for me to go than for you. You would? Yes. Leave it to me. Count Merellof, still seething, grabbed his wifes flowing hair. She remained calm, as usual. Youre not nning to escape, are you? Of course not. How could I? At herposed response, Count Merellof roughly shook her hair. Her gaze was fixed beyond her husband, on the bright full moon. * * * Countess Merellof arrived in Bratz four dayster. Having received prior notice, Ian was waiting at the mansions main gate. As the carriage door opened, the Countess, dressed for an outing, extended her hand with a smile. Wee, Countess Merellof. Its a pleasure to have you here. Ian, oh no, I almost made a mistake. Now I should call you Lord Ian, shouldnt I? Was your journey herefortable? Not at all. Are we so distant from each other? Countess Merellof subtly hinted at their neighborly rtionship. Ian, without a word, just smiled and led her to the drawing room. I was honestly a bit surprised to hear of your visit. I felt guilty for not properly congratting you on your title, both the Count and I. The Countess handed her thick coat to a servant. Her nose was slightly red, possibly from the cold carriage ride. No worries at all. I understand youre busy with your duties. Thank you, Sir Ian. The Count wished to join, but as you said, he couldnt find the time. You even sent a gift, didnt you? Ian subtly mentioned the Dripper. Its such a precious item, Im not sure if it was appropriate to give it to me. Was the Countess aware of the Drippers value when she gave it, or was it a ploy that inadvertently yed into Ians hands? Ian observed the Countesss facial expressions carefully, but she only maintained a vague smile. Was it a bit perplexing? I suggested something else, but the Count insisted that it would be of great help to you, Sir Ian. What do I know? If the Count says so Its clear shes a noble now, no matter her origin. It was a masterful way of speaking. Saying the Count insisted on it implied it had value, but if Ian didnt appreciate it, it suggested ack of discernment on his part. No, not at all. I love it. Its quite an extraordinary gift. He genuinely liked it, not just for the sake of politeness. Considering its state, it seemed newly developed, and where else could one find such an item? The Countess smiled and nodded. Im d to hear that. The Count will be pleased. We have prepared other gifts as well, so you can look forward to them. Thats very kind of you, Madam. But, Sir Ian. The reason for my visit today is Countess Merellof trailed off. Ian naturally expected the conversation to turn to the trade of Gr, but what she said next waspletely unexpected. I would like to see Lady Marys room. Didnt I mention itst time? Theres something I lent her that hasnt been returned. Oh. Ian paused, surprised. The Countesss eyes sparkled with hope, as if pleading for permission. It seemed she also hoped Ian hadnt cleared out Marys room. Normally, one might havepletely redone a stepmothers room who was a criminal Please, feel free. Its something you need to find, so how can I stop you? Ive been too busy to touch that area. If Lady Mary had it, it should still be there. He had preserved it due to the unusual behavior of the twodies. More precisely, he hadnt really paid much attention to it. With Ians permission, Countess Merellof quickly stood up, urging the servant. Then, I should attend to that first. Ill show you the way. Will you join us, Sir Ian? Yes, of course. I will assist in the search. Just let me know what it is. At Ians words, Countess Merellofs expression stiffened slightly, but so subtly that it seemed like an illusion, prompting Ian to observe her more closely. Her posture as she walked was the epitome of grace. This way, Countess. The servant led Countess Merellof and Ian respectfully. They headed to thest room on the floor below the study, a room long unupied. As the door opened, the distinct scent of an old mansion wafted out. We did clean it, but the room has been unused, so it smells strongly of wood. Ill open the windows for venttion. Swoosh. The cold air entered through the windows, but Countess Merellof seemed unbothered. She began carefully searching through drawers and closets. Ian watched her from a short distance. Madam, if you tell me, I can have the servants look for it. No, its something that shouldnt be handled by others. Swoosh. Countess Merellof rifled through the garments. Delicate and ornate fabrics moved swiftly as she pushed them aside, but it seemed she couldnt find what she was looking for. Sir Ian. Yes, Countess. Would you mind stepping out for a moment? I need to check the inner parts. Ill let you know once I find the item. The Countess indicated a drawer typically used for intimate apparel. Ian gave the servant a look to keep watch and quietly left the room. Countess Merellof continued searching after ensuring the door was fully closed. Countess, is there anything I can help with? Leave all the drawers open. I will search them myself. Countess Merellof paused abruptly while rummaging through a drawer, then muttered to herself. The servant flinched at the reflection of her cold, fierce expression in the mirror. She seemed deep in thought for a moment, then resumed searching through the drawers frantically.
  1. First mentioned in Chp.39[]
Chapter 79 Chapter 79 Ian. Meanwhile, Ian, who had stepped out into the central garden, turned at the call of Romandro. Her Ladyship Countess of Merellof is here, isnt she? Where might she be? I suspect the Count must be embarrassed toe forward himself, haha! Quite the situation. I thought the same, but the Countess is currently in Lady Marys room. Huh? Lady Mary Bratzs room? Whys she there? I heard they were close friends, but perhaps shes paying her respects btedly? Im not sure. She said shes looking for something she lent to Lady Mary. What might that be? I dont know. She didnt answer when I asked. At Ians words, Romandro tilted his head in curiosity. What could be exchanged between noblewomen that was so important? The Countesss visit, expected to be brief, continued until past lunchtime. Creak. The Countesss expression was inscrutable as she emerged from Marys room. It was hard to tell if she had achieved what she wanted or not Ian noticed the servants pale face following her, suggesting that the Countess had failed to find the item. Countess? Oh, Sir Ian. It took longer than I expected. Did you find what you were looking for? No. It seems to have been lost amid the chaos. It wasnt in the room. The Countess flicked her hair and smiled. To an outsider, she would have seemed radiant and charming. It was clear from her manner that she had no intention of revealing what she was looking for, both earlier and now. There was no need to pry further. Shall we head to the drawing room then? I was just thinking about having some tea. That would be nice. Countess Merellof, good to see you. Oh my! Hello. How have you been? Your name was Romandro, right? Yes, Countess. Countess Merellof graciously received a hand kiss from Romandro, chatting pleasantly as they headed back to the drawing room. Watching them descend the stairs, Beric muttered. Theres a whiff of an unusual lunatic there. Beric. Its true, though. Whys she like that? Check the room once more, then tidy it up. Yeah, yeah. Got it. Beric responded casually and entered Marys room. By the time Ian reached the drawing room, Romandro and Countess Merellof were already sharing tea. Sir Ian, I apologize for the inconvenience today. Not at all, Countess. Please dont worry about it. And I mentioned earlier that I have another gift, didnt I? Yes, you did. Ian sat opposite Countess Merellof, responding to her. I hear you have to make a donation to the central authority. Oh. How did you know? Word gets around. But the amount seems ratherrge, so we were thinking of helping you out. The Count is offering? Yes. We cant provide the full amount you desire, but we might be able to lend about 5,000 gold coins. Lend them? Yes, interest-free. In exchange, we would like some Gr seeds. What do you think? Ian smiled as he spoke. It doesnt sound very appealing. Romandro, caught off guard, choked on his tea. It was bold to reject an offer so openly, but the Countess seemed unfazed, merely shrugging her shoulders. Is that so? First, thank you for your concern, Count and Countess. However, the donation should be something we handle ourselves, and we have the means to do so. You have the means? Are you serious? Absolutely. Therefore, we cannot ept your offer. Besides, considering the value of 5,000 gold coins versus Gr, thetter is overwhelmingly more valuable. Gr seeds, once nted, multiply tenfold, effectively solving hunger during the winter. Its true that Gr was previously considered worthless. That was in the past. You can always earn more gold, but a human life, once lost, is gone forever. It was a statement that clearly understood the Merellofs situation rich in money but with nowhere to spend it. The Countess sipped her tea, smiling subtly. If you wish to buy Gr, we are willing to engage in that transaction. That would be cleaner and look better for both parties. After all, solving things with money is the easiest thing in the world, isnt it? How much are you thinking of selling it for? Fifty coins per sack. Fifty coins? Gold coins. Romandro, who had been listening, coughed and spilled his tea. Previously, hadnt it been said to be ten gold coins per sack? But Ian was clear. He had said at least ten coins. Incredible. Selling such weeds for fifty gold coins each. Shall I show you their size? Ian, unfazed, called a servant. The servant brought an empty sack, fluttering it open to demonstrate its size. It was a small sack, reaching up to ones calf. Countess Merellof raised her eyebrows, showing an amused yet nonmittal reaction. Wow. As if it wasnt her concern. Are you mocking me? Of course not, Countess. Youre here representing the Count, arent you? To insult you would be to insult the Count. That would be unthinkable. Ian, seeing her attitude, was certain. She seemed uninterested in the trade of Gr. It appeared her sole purpose was finding something she had lent to Lady Mary Each sack holds about thirty to forty Gr seeds. If all are nted, in a month, they will multiply into hundreds, and in another month, into thousands. This was under the assumption that none were consumed and all were nted, which was unlikely at this point in winter. In two months, the amount would be sufficient to save everyone in Merellofs territory. I trust you understand the importance of poption in maintaining a territory. Hmm. I see. Many factors contribute to pricing. We are just prioritizing our people, just like Count Merellof did How much did you sell grains for again? Romandro joined in, making his point clear. Excluding essential wheat and corn, secondary ingredients were priced more than double. Potatoes, in particr, were impressive. Half a gold coin per sack, wasnt it? His point was clear they were facing the consequences of their own actions. The Countess twisted her hair and stared nkly out the window, then murmured quietly. Since the Count holds the purse strings, my opinion isnt significant. If fifty gold coins are what it takes to survive, why not? We might as well give upnd at this rate. Thank you for understanding. Meanwhile, in Lady Marys room. While Ian, Countess Merellof, and Romandro were engaged in their delicate negotiation, Beric, who had been casually looking around Marys room, turned around at a sound. Creak. Beric? What are you doing here? It was Hannah. She wiped her wet hands on her apron, looking puzzled. Ah. Countess Merellof was here earlier, rummaging through the room. She asked me to check it and lock up after. Rummaging through the room? Why? Dont know. Something about an item Lady Mary borrowed and didnt return. Ian thinks its still in here, but I cant find anything. She was referring to Lady Marys behavior while fleeing. Hadnt she avoided entering her room even during those critical moments? And you dont know what it is? Would I be here if I did? Hmm. Not an easy situation, is it? Hannah ced her hands on her hips and quickly scanned the room. She then kneeled and pushed a broom under the bed. What are you doing? Looking for hiding spots. There arent many ces in a room like this. Under the bed, or behind or under wardrobes and drawers Ive checked all those. Then it might be in the floor or ceiling. The floor and ceiling? Hannah tapped the floor with the broom handle, walking around. She was trying to detect any hollow spaces by sound. Thump! Thump, thump! Yes, the wooden floor can sometimes be pulled up. The ceiling is too high to reach by hand Oh! Hannah suddenly looked up at the chandelier. The chandelier, spreading from the center like a disheveled tree, had fabric draped over various parts. Wait a second. A chair wont be enough. Adder? Yes, yes. Ill go get one. Keep tapping the floor. Beric stopped short as he was about to dash out, puzzled by Hannahs adeptness. But what are you, exactly? You can pick locks, youre skilled with your hands, and youre good at hiding and finding things. Everyone in my neighborhood can do at least this much. That doesnt sound quite right It was a skill born of necessity. Hannahs home was rtively better off, but he had heard of houses copsing due to hidden contraband in the ceiling. Hannah motioned for him to hurry, and Beric, shaking his head in disbelief,plied dutifully. Hold it steady. Shouldnt I go up? You cant even find clothes in a drawer, Beric. Just hold it steady. Creak. Hannah climbed thedder and reached inside the chandelier. The warmth of the light bulbs made the dust stick to her fingers. A little more to the left Ah! What? What? Did you find it? Uh Hannah pulled out a round object. It was a ckcquered powder case. This must be what Lady Mary and Countess Merellof exchanged Why would she hide cosmetics here? Exactly. Its nothing special! Shall we open it? As Hannah handed the powder case to Beric and descended thedder, he couldnt resist and opened it first. It was filled with fine powder. Just some powder Eh? Whats wrong? This smell Hannah asked curiously, but Beric was too busy sniffing the powder. Something about the smell seemed off. After a couple of sniffs, Berics eyes rolled back, and he suddenly copsed forward. Thud! Huh! Beric! As Beric copsed, the powder scattered all over the floor. Hannah shook his stiffening body, but he showed no signs of waking up. Ugh Ah, Ian-nim! Ian-nim! Hannah, panicking, ran back to the drawing room, flinging the door open without knocking. Romandro, Ian, and Countess Merellof turned towards her with surprised expressions. Ian-nim! Something terrible has happened! Whats themotion, Hannah? Beric found something. Its a ck, round powder case. He smelled the powder and just copsed! What on earth While Ian was confused, Countess Merellof reacted instinctively and rushed out. Hannah stumbled backwards, and Ian, startled, followed her. Countess? Countess! Hustle! Countess Merellofs frantic running, dress hem in hand, was desperate. Ian quickly caught up with her, grabbing her arm to halt her. Countess, please calm down for a moment Let go of me! Just wait Amidst their light scuffle, the Countess slipped on the stairs and both she and Ian tumbled down. Romandro and Hannah, who had followed, called out to Ian. Lord Ian! Are you alright? Sir Ian! Are you okay? Yes, Im fine. Countess, are you injured? Ah In her haste, Countess Merellof climbed the stairs, using the railing for support. Her ankle, revealed under the slightly lifted dress, was an unnatural shade of purple, not a color typically found on human skin. Ian was momentarily taken aback, but then realized it was a bruise. Chapter 80 Chapter 80 Ian, with his arms crossed, paced around the room, perplexed by the unfolding situation. Bericy half-unconscious on the floor, while an agitated Countess Merellof was restrained on a sofa, maintaining her dignified posture despite the circumstances. What on earth is this Romandro, squatting down, inspected the covered powder case and its contents. Given that Beric had fainted immediately upon smelling the powder, Hannah had promptly covered it with a ss lid. Countess, it seems we have a lot to discuss. We need an exnation from you that makes sense from start to finish. Otherwise, we both might find ourselves in a difficult position. Its just a drug. Nothing serious, why all this fuss? Countess Merellof questioned, showing her bound wrists. Indeed, Hannah had tied them neatly and securely. In truth, if it were genuinely just a drug, it wouldnt have been a major issue. Drugs were amon indulgence among the decadent nobility, especially at parties, and even more so in remote areas. This isnt a drug. However, Hannah, crouched beside Romandro, immediately refuted. While drugse in various types, they usually have a yellowish hue or are coarser. But this one, at first nce, could be mistaken for fine powder because of its white and delicate appearance. Moreover, Ive never heard of anyone fainting just from smelling a drug. That was Hannahs assertion. Ian turned to Countess Merellof, prompting her to exin. She looked at Hannah incredulously. Who is she? As you can see, someone who knows a lot about many things in our household. At Ians description of her as family, Hannah beamed with pride. Countess Merellof then fell silent again. Ian signaled Romandro and Hannah to leave the room for a moment. It seemed impossible to have an open conversation with too many people around. Ill go get a wet cloth for Beric. Oh? Oh, okay. Ill also step out for a bit The perceptive pair quickly exited Lady Marys room. With the door closed, only Bericsbored breathing could be heard. Ian pulled a chair in front of the Countess and sat down. Countess Merellof. The more I think about it, the more irregrities I find. Thats because its just Lets talk openly. Ill go through everything thates to mind. It seems youre aware of the Dripper. Am I correct? Specifically, its value. Countess Merellof bit her lip and sighed deeply, clearly hiding something. Ian carefully studied her face, then decided to take a guess. Are you by any chance from Raza Mountain? What did you say? Raza Mountain was spected to be the origin of the Drippers creation. She stared at Ian incredulously, as the implication of being from Raza Mountain meant Im asking you if youre from the Dera tribe. Youre insane. Do I look like a mole? Given your knowledge of the Dera tribes appearance, it seems you are indeed from that region. Raza Mountain was located directly opposite Bratz, rtive to the central region. Before inventions like the Dripper gained attention, even locals werent aware of such a mountain. It was a ce unknown and unreachable to those outside the nearby area. I am, I am The Countess stuttered as she red at Ian. I am their friend. Friend with whom? The Dera tribe? Thats impossible. The Dera tribe was known for being reclusive, avoiding external contact. They spent their lives underground, constantly inventing and breaking down inventions. Its true. I was born and raised nearby. My mother was a dryad. Ians mouth fell open slightly at this unexpected confession. A dryad? As in the same dryads Im familiar with? Yes. The ones bound to trees by fate. Countess Merellof spoke calmly about her lineage from a tree nymph. Her unblinking eyes suggested she wasnt joking. But I chose not to follow my mothers destiny. Its a blessing. The idea of consuming the body of a loved one and being rooted in one ce for life is horrifying. Dryads were known among the fae as dangerous beings. Famous for their capricious and cruel nature, they absorbed their human lovers to keep them forever, a testament to their extreme behavior. I could never understand my mother. So, I cut down the tree and escaped. I didnt even have time to tend to my fathers petrified corpse. The Countess reminisced, looking out the window. As she chopped the tree, the forest echoed, the ground shook, birds flew off, and animals howled. Perhaps it was her mothers screams. Is that how you ended up here? Yes. Theres more to it, though. I was captured by a merchant guild and sold. Ironically, the first people I met after leaving the forest were ve traders. Looking back, it might have been my mothers final curse. Could I have a cigarette, please? The Countess gestured with her fingers. Ian, a non-smoker, opened the door and looked for Romandro. He hadnt gone far and quickly approached, startled. Romandro, a cigarette, please. Oh? Here, wait, I have one. Thank you. Bang! The door closed harshly behind Ian. Romandro scratched his head awkwardly, though Ian was unaware of his difort. Here you are. Thank you, Lord Ian. Countess Merellof exhaled a cloud of smoke with a sigh. So, to answer your earlier question, yes. I was aware of the Drippers value. I didnt know its purpose, but the Dera tribe doesnt make useless things. But how did you know about it, Sir Ian? I picked up bits and pieces here and there. You seem to know too much for just bits and pieces. Her decision to gift the Dripper was half impulsive, half intentional. The moment she saw it in the warehouse, she instinctively reached for it, knowing that if it was made by the Dera tribe, it must be useful. Countess, were you also behind spreading the guilds arrival schedule throughout the territory? Why? Is that important? I suspect youre trying to help me. Funny, Sir Ian. Thats not something to be suspicious of, but to be grateful for. It depends on your intention. At Ians words, Countess Merellof slightly lifted her skirt, revealing bruised ankles, scraped calves, and scabbed knees. Ian frowned and looked away. Shall I show you more? No, thank you. Count Merellof, or rather my husband, is not sane. Marrying a woman bought from a ve guild to be a Countess, says it all. Hence, the marriage was kept a secret. Marys disdainful behavior towards her now made sense. Does the Count know you have Dryad blood? No. I resemble my father more. Still, blood doesnt lie. Her ethereal beauty, slower biological clock, longer lifespan, and enhanced physical abilities all proved her Dryad heritage. I cant divorce my husband, and I dont want to spend decades here. The ce I end up after fleeing my mothers forest is here. So? Instead of answering, Countess Merellof looked at the lying Berrick. So, she needed that. Ians expression changed as he grasped her wrist. Is it poison? No, its a new sleep-inducing hallucinogen circting in the Hawan Kingdom. Taken continuously for a month, it causes apnea during sleep. But I never heard of someone reacting like that just from the smell. Youre sure about this? I am, and so was Lady Mary. She must be having a good dream by now. A new drug that induces hallucinogenic effects and gradually consumes the body from within. It was clear why she needed to acquire the drug secretly. If Count Merellofs death became suspicious, she needed to avoid autopsy potions. This is insane. Lady Mary was using this too? Im not sure if she used it. Initially, it seemed intended for Dergha. But she must have realized its better to use it on herself. Why? Why? Sir Ian, your very existence is the reason. Ian, an illegitimate child brought from outside. A result of Derghas numerous indiscretions. Ian suddenly remembered Marys haggard appearance in the secret underground room. It was undoubtedly withdrawal symptoms from the drug. Countess Merellof exhaled deeply, along with a plume of smoke. Sir Ian, I detest the name Merellof. How is my current situation any different from my mother, who was bound to one ce? Her action of trying to kill her husband was ironically simr to her mothers. Was this the inescapable fate she couldnt turn away from? I just want the freedom to choose my own destiny. But the Count has a brother, doesnt he? If Count Merellof were to die, the next heir to the estate wouldnt be her but his brother. It doesnt matter. As long as I can choose where I belong. Besides, at this rate, she would likely die before the Count. Ian stared at her silently, contemting. Their territories were neighbors, but they were essentially rivals, each eyeing the others throat for territorial expansion. I have a proposition. Countess Merellof made the first move, extending her bound wrists as if asking to be untied. An enemys enemy is a friend, so theres no reason for Sir Ian and me not to join forces. If you help me, or rather, turn a blind eye, I will support you as much as I can with the tribute. As much as you can? How much? Its difficult to say exactly. Outside, the day had turned to night. The time for Countess Merellof to return home had long passed, and now the question was whether sending her back would be to Ians advantage. Bang! Crash! At that moment, amotion erupted outside. Ian slowly opened the door to assess the situation. A strange man was having a dispute with the servants. Are you joking? Why cant I see the madam? Because shes having an important discussion with His Lordship Ian right now I have something to say to her. Its suspicious that you wont even ry a message. Move aside. No, you cant! Move! What have you done to the Countess?! Youre calling that a conversation? If anyone did something, it was yourdy to us! It was Countess Merellofs attendant causing trouble. Overdue for her return and with no word from inside the mansion, he had barged in. Hey. Ian called out to him quietly. The Countess is busy right now. Please wait a bit longer. But the attendant, heedless of the situation, charged towards where Ian was. Then, spotting the Countess with her wrists tied, his eyes flipped in rage. What on earth is this! rk! Wait a moment! rk, rushing towards Ian. The servants tried to stop him in shock, but they were toote. Ian grabbed rks wrist as it reached for him and released his magic. Zing! Boom! Huff! rk! Countess Merellof hurried to the fallen rk, crying out in rm. She held the trembling rk in her arms, worried. Everyone looked down at her in disbelief, and then Beric, still in a semi-conscious state, mumbled in his sleep. Making a fuss and copsing Chapter 81 Chapter 81 That man is Among those who rushed over upon hearing the servants screams was one of Romandros men. Wasnt he the one who killed Collin in the Merellof trade delegation on the way to the Sherion mountains? Lord Ian. That man is the one who caused trouble in the Sherion mountains. That man did? Are you sure? I saw it with my own eyes. I even saw him kill Collin. Ian looked back at Countess Merellof again. She was momentarily startled by Ians golden eyes, but soon she was fussing with a sharp voice. Yet, her hand did not leave rks shoulder. I told you, I hate everything about Merellof! So you interfered with the trade delegation? Youre thankful for that, but what is this? You were the one who rushed first. Hes alive, so stop making a fuss. At those words, the countess confirmed rks faint breath. Gradually, her own breathing also steadied. How did you know that Collin was our nted man? There was a mass disappearance from an illegal gambling house. It coincided with the news of your attack. A man who worked there disappeared and then reappeared, naturally raising suspicions. What about the count? How would I know? That old fool of a count. He didnt issue a single order regarding the investigation of the incident. He probably doesnt even know that Collin worked there. As expected, it was a more absurd situation than Ian had anticipated. Count Merellof hadpletely ignored Ians ambush. Despite being an incident caused by his own citizens, he showed no concern. Are you lovers? Its not like that. Really? Given their interaction, nobody would believe otherwise. Romandro was just looking around curiously. Ian nodded, indicating he had made his decision. Move this man to an empty room. Yes, Lord Ian. Following Ians order, the soldiers lifted and supported rk. Countess Merellof looked rmed but couldnt argue. If her servant returned unconscious from an outing, it would certainly raise suspicions in the mansion. I cant say I knocked him out, can I? I didnt say anything. Good. Countess, lets then discuss and align our stories in detail. Ian smiled and extended his hand to her. The countess watched rk being taken away, then grasped Ians hand and stood up. Ian slowly untied the bindings on her wrist. You want freedom, and I want the tribute. But as long as the counts brother stands in the way, theres no guarantee Ill bepensatedter. If Countess Merellofs actions were to be exposed in any way, it would onlyplicate matters for Ian. He could be used of neglecting or even abetting the counts murder. She understood what Ian was implying. Youre talking about the Gr trade, right? Countess Merellofs words were met with an affirmative smile from Ian. He had noticed her quick wit and sharp mind, perhaps honed by a life of hardship. She was, in fact, remarkably intelligent. Yes. Id like to maximize the profits from the Gr trade as soon as possible. Ill act as a decoy then. Its more than being a decoy. I need you to persuade the count. Frankly, Merellof has no real solutions at the moment, right? The way to Hawan Kingdom is blocked, and so is Sheyron. Its the perfect situation for a famine. By the way, was the Hawan Kingdom robbery also your doing? If so, I must say it was a bit excessive. No, that wasnt our doing. Then it must be a divine blessing. I envy you. The countess yed with her bruised wrist and opened her eyes wide. Then she instructed the servant standing behind her. Bring me two dry cloths. Make sure theyre clean. Uh Oh. As Ian signaled with a flick of his eyebrow, the servant quickly bowed and retreated. It seemed she nned to collect the drug powder again. So, I expect your full cooperation until the deal ispleted. Dont worry about that. Ive waited through several winters already. A few more days wont make a difference. Waited for winters? Yes. Ian suddenly felt the depth of her hatred. Winter was the season of death, a time when many died, and funeral processes were hindered by snow and wind. Take good care of rk. Of course. Oh, when you leave, Ill give you some Gr as well. We can say we traded rk for Gr. That should work. While not entirely satisfying, it was the most usible n for the moment. Having paid the price and acquired the Gr, Count Merellof would likely utilize it to its fullest, experiencing its true value firsthand. It was akin to a taste test, using thenguage of the marketce. And if any problem arises, Countess Merellof could serve as a useful hostage. With this thought, Ian hurriedly instructed Hannah. The day was growing darker. Even if she left now, the countess would only reach the mansion by midnight. Any further dy might arouse suspicion. Hannah. Bring a small bag of Gr to the front gate. Yes, sir. Prepare the carriage! The countess is returning home. Yes! Prepare the carriage! As everyone went outside to prepare the carriage, a servant hesitantly tried to cover the ss lid over the drug powder, but the Countess Merellof firmly stopped him. Ill handle it. With one hand covering her nose and mouth and the other carefully transferring the powder, her caution was evident. Given that Beric had fainted just from the smell, the potency of the drugsponents was rming. But if he dies too soon, it would raise a lot of suspicions. Ive told you, one time wont kill. It neutralizes with liquidponents, preventing a reaction like Berics. Instead, it would induce a dreamlike state, making it difficult to distinguish between dreams and reality. The side effect was a gradual sapping of vitality during sleep a purposeful design for the Countess. Click. After securely closing the box, the Countess slipped it into her pocket and quickly walked down the corridor. Ian followed her toplete the farewell. Will you not see rk before leaving? It might be a while before you see him again. Ill manage. And were not in that kind of rtionship, remember? Ian merely nodded in response. Our family will escort you to the mansion. Please, have a safe journey. Look forward to good news, Sir Ian. After receiving a light kiss on the back of her hand, the Countess closed the carriage door. As she left, Ian thought of the bruises spreading from her ankle. Would she be safe returning to Merellof tonight? Countess? Its alright. For now. Before Ian could say more, the Countess gently shook her head. Despite not resembling her mother in any apparent way, enduring her husbands beatings often reminded her unintentionally of her Dryad lineage. For now, I can bear it. Departing now. Wheeze! Creak! The Countess looked back through the small window, exchanging final nces with Ian. Romandro wiped his face with a handkerchief, watching the carriage leave the estate. Whats going on here? Todays events with the box will be overlooked in exchange for the Countesss support in the Gr trade. The box, thats not poison, is it? Hows Beric? One time wont kill, Im told. He should be dreaming right now. Eh? Really? He was cursing so much earlier. With Beric, I can guess what his good dreams might entail. Ianughed as he re-entered the mansion, only to hear loud thumping upstairs. At this hour, there was only one person who would cause such amotion. Open up! What are you trying to do! Bang! Crash! The cries of a man named rk seeped through the door. The situation seemed on the verge of getting out of hand, causing the servants to back away anxiously. Ultimately, it was the Cheonrye tribe warriors who stepped forward. Should we knock him out again? Its really loud in the middle of the night, seriously. Leave it. Ill talk to him. Ian gestured for them to stop and approached the door. He tried to inform rk of the situation during a brief moment of silence. Your names rk, right? Lord Ian? Thud! But rks frantic cries came first. Desperately grasping the doorknob, he almost wept, begging. Thest image he remembered of the Countess was her being tied up, so his reaction was understandable. Lord Ian, please, please save her. Everything Countess Lien did was for us. If it werent for her, over a dozen of us would have been killed by the Count by now Each time the Count was about to beat a servant to death, the Countess willingly took their ce. It was a well-known fact in the mansion. Despite her usually unsociable nature, everyone was grateful to her. So, the Countess did that. Yes, yes I swear to God. So please, Im begging you, just open the door to let me see that shes safe The Countess just left the mansion to return home. Is that true? Yes. Since your life is now a bargaining chip in our mutual interests, just wait quietly. Anymotion you cause will only burden the Countess. Only the sound of sniffling came from inside. Ian didnt expect an answer and simply instructed the servants to keep a close watch on the door. * * * The atmosphere at the Merellof Mansion was unusual. The Countess, who rarely went out, had not returned even after sunset. The Count didnt mention the Countess, but his silent and deadly aura was palpable. Ah, there! In the distance, a faint light emerged from the darkness. The silhouette of a carriage pulled by two horses became visible. The servants quickly ran out to greet the Countess, who appeared somewhat weary. Why are you sote? Wheres rk? Have you had your dinner? Madam, the, the master The servants, clearly on edge, tried to speak, but the sudden appearance of the master forced them to remain silent. Lien. Im sorry. Imte, arent I? I really dont understand whats going on here. Theres a lot I need to discuss with you. Tell me now! Exin everything. The Counts bellowing voice made the servants shrink in fear. However, the Countess, unaffected, smiled and shook her pocket as if to show something. I traded rk for some Gr. Sir Ian was stubborn about the price, so it took some time. The Count, who had been furious up to his head, paused for a moment. The Countesss visit was a precursor to the Gr trade, not the main deal itself. Yet, she managed to acquire Gr so quickly. My dear? The Countess beamed with a bright smile. She was well aware of what the first step in being an effective intermediary, as mentioned by Ian, entailed. Shall we taste some of this? I have a lot to tell you, and it might be good to discuss over a taste of Gr. Chapter 82: Welcome Chapter 82: Wee Count Merellof frowned as he eyed the table. The small, worn-out bag was wide open, revealing therge Gr seeds inside. In total, there were barely fifty seeds. These are worth fifteen gold coins each? The Count automatically started calcting in his head. rk was a ve like Lien, bought when the ve caravan passed through the territory. At that time, he paid fifteen gold coins for a young and strong ve. Over time, the value of a ve diminishes, so in the long run, trading for Gr seeds was definitely more profitable, especially in times of famine like now. They said they wouldnt trade for less than fifty coins per bag. But out of humanitarian concern, they gave us these to help with the urgent situation. Ridiculous. It was unclear if the Counts exasperation was due to the small quantity or the fact that they had bought Gr in the first ce. The butler couldnt decipher his masters thoughts and just nodded along. Whatever it was, the Count valued money above all. The Countess Merellof lifted the edge of the bag with her pipe. Did you get a ve certificate? I just signed it. It was urgent, so we agreed to formalize itter. Ha, so naive. Who postpones a certificate transfer? What were they thinking? Thats why we got Gr so easily. The Count looked over the Gr seeds without responding. He had only ever acknowledged their existence before, never examining them so closely despite decades of life. So, how do we eat these? You can eat them raw, boiled, roasted, steamed, or fried. The possibilities are endless. Should I send them to the kitchen? These seeds were worth fifteen gold coins each. Even if they were mere weeds, they couldnt just end up in the mouths of mere servants, not after paying such a price. Have two cooked and nt the rest in the garden. Yes, my lord. The Count probably meant two for himself and the Countess. The steward bowed and took the bag, and the Countess, exhaling smoke from her cigarette, moved closer to her husband. I hear they eat a lot of Gr in the central regions? Just rumors. Spread by that Ian to feed his people. Are you sure? I heard Romandro didnt seem too averse to it either. Rumors were rife in the territory, but one certain thing was the great taste of Gr. Otherwise, why would the people of Bratz be so obsessed with farming it and eating it three times a day? Tap, tap. Weve prepared a simple Gr dish. Come in. Hmm, whats this smell? We followed a recipe from Bratz. I hope it suits your taste. If it doesnt, you will. Despite the stewards polite words, the Counts response was as cold as ever. The retreating steward swallowed nervously, tense and uneasy. It looks quite good. Indeed. You wouldnt know its just a weed if you didnt say it. The fragrance of the sugar sauce wafted from the crisply grilled Gr, sweet and inviting, with the edges cooked to a golden, crunchy perfection. The boiled Gr was another story like a firm pudding, it seemed to melt in the mouth. The servant sliced the Gr into pieces and presented them to the Count and Countess. Though the seeds were smaller than an egg, making slicing somewhat unnecessary. Here, try it. The Count hesitated but cautiously took a bite. Despite his preconceived notions about Gr, he tried it after all, it cost fifteen gold coins, and he had to at least taste what he bought. Hmm? The Count paused mid-chew, surprised by the unfamiliar vor that pleasantly dissolved on his tongue. The Countess smiled knowingly at his reaction. Quite good, isnt it? Better than I expected. Now that I think about it, the trend in the central regions doesnt seem so far-fetched. Im looking forward to trying more borate dishes once the month passes. The Countess elegantly ate her piece with a fork, causing the Count to stroke his mustache thoughtfully. He didnt want to admit it, but there was no denying the unique delicacy he had just tasted. He cleared his throat a few times before turning to the steward. Ensure no rumors spread about this. And set up a guard rotation in the garden. Yes, my lord. With such a valuable crop, undoubtedly others would covet it. The Countess had been fooled by rumors, so it was clear how the less educated might regard Gr. After all, each seed was worth fifteen gold coins, deserving meticulous care. And butler, the Count added, wiping his mouth. Yes, my lord? Bring up two more Gr for dinner. What would you like, my lord? Gr, of course. Ah, understood. The butler looked pale, concerned about running out of Gr seeds and fearful of failing to please the Counts pte. Creak. The butler sighed and exited to the corridor, and the other servants retreated. A heavy silence hung between the Count and Countess. Shall I pour some wine? What did you discuss on your visit? As you can see, a very beneficial conversation. The Countess stood and fetched her husbands empty ss. As she opened the wine cork, a servant approached, but she indicated with her gaze that she would pour it herself. She detailed her visit to Bratz while refilling his ss. So, I also checked Lady Marys room. As expected, nothing. It must have been lost in themotion. Why bring back belongings of a deceased traitor? Well, it was originally mine. The Count seemed more rxed than usual, perhaps influenced by the acquisition of the Gr. Before her return, he was filled with the urge to strangle her, but now he was calmly savoring his wine. Click. Oh, my apologies. Tsk. As the servants cleared the table, one of them apologized and stepped back, noticing the closeness between the Count and Countess. Seizing the moment when the Counts attention was diverted, the Countess swiftly sprinkled powder into his wine. Lien. Yes, what is it? But this is thest time. If you return home after dark again, Ill break your ankle. Is there going to be a next time? I wont need to go to Bratz anymore. And if I do, youll be with me. And by then, youll be a corpse. Answer me. Understood. The Count nodded, seemingly satisfied, and picked up his wine ss. The Countess did the same, clinking sses lightly with a faint smile. * * * Hmm How is his condition? Ian called a doctor to examine Beric, who hadnt woken up despite asional sleep talking. Beric remained unconscious even when shaken. The doctor assessed Beric and replied, Hes definitely asleep. He might be so deeply asleep due to extreme fatigue. What kind of drug did you say it was? A newly circted drug from Hawan, itsponents are unclear, but it seems to be a sleep-inducing hallucinogen. Taking it for about a month can lead to death by apnea, but Beric just smelled the powder and fainted. Some people have a strong resistance to drugs, though this seems severe. Since he didnt ingest it, theres probably no need to worry. However, considering its a hallucinogen, you should be cautious The doctor muttered as he set up an IV for Beric. It has anesthetic effects. What exactly does that mean? It means until he fully regains consciousness, he might sleep talk, act out, or even behave like a sleepwalker. Romandro, who had been quietly listening, suddenly stood up in rm. Knowing Berics temperament and physical capabilities, the possibility of sleepwalking could be quite problematic. Ian, maybe we should get some chains to restrain him? Thats a good idea, but Im not sure how effective itll be. Better than doing nothing. And how much can Beric really do, even if he goes wild? He cant break metal chains with his hands. Romandro rushed out to find the servants, calling for strong and sturdy chains. The sounds of his instructions echoed into the room. Hehehe Oblivious to his impending restraint, Beric continued tough and smack his lips in his dream. The doctor finished applying a bandage where the IV was inserted and stood up. This IV will boost his strength. If he doesnt wake up by tomorrow noon, please call me again. What about the wound on his side? Oh, the injury? At Ians question, the doctor chuckled and shook his head. Its healed very nicely. Still, he should be careful since the deeperyers might not be fully healed yet. Hes not one to heed caution. Still, please let me know if theres any issue. Thank you for your help. You can go now. Creak. After the doctor left, Ian returned to his desk and spread out his documents. The room was quiet, filled only with the sound of the firece and Berics breathing. Ian, deeply engrossed in his work, suddenly felt an odd presence and looked over at Beric. Ah! Startled, Ian saw Beric wide-eyed and staring right at him. Ian grimaced in surprise. The IV seems to be effective. Why am I lying here? You fainted after smelling the powder from Countess Lienspact. I might need to call the doctor again. Do you feel unwell anywhere? Beric slowly got up and walked to the window, muttering curses under his breath. Damn it Beric? Am I dreaming right now? No, it seems youre awake. Beric, moving slowly and appearing unfocused, pressed his forehead against the cold window, trying to clear his head. Beric, whats wrong? Is there a problem? I see something strange. Strange? It could be a hallucination from the drug. Try to rx and take deep breaths. Just then, Romandro, who had gone to fetch chains, hadnt returned yet. Ian approached Beric, worried he might be agitated, and held his arm. If its hard to distinguish between reality and hallucination, it might be better to sleep more. Ill call the doctor No, I can tell the difference. Beric pressed his temples in irritation. In truth, there wasnt a big issue. He just saw his long-dead family standing there, just like in his memories, silent and unmoving. Beric sighed and muttered. This feels gross. Click. Just then, Romandro entered with a servant, carrying chains. Seeing Beric standing normally, Romandro stumbled back in surprise. Youre awake? Whats this? Beric, asking about the chains, was met with a stuttering response from Romandro. Cant you recognize me? What? Ian, do something about this! Calm down, Sir Romandro. Ian tried to exin that Beric seemed fine, but Berics sly smile and yful approach towards Romandro suggested he was indeed recovering quickly. Herees a rolling pig. Yikes! Ian! Ian! Im hungry! Lets roast it! Warriors, where are you? Warriors! Berics recovery seemed rapid as he yfully chased Romandro, who threw down the chains and fled. Come here, piggy! Where are you going? Ahhhh! The warriors Thud! Thump! Lord Ian, is Beric really alright? Hm? Seems so. Despite seeing hallucinations, Beric was aware they were not real, indicating no serious issue. His mental strength was certainly exceptional. No wonder hes fit to be a magic swordsman. Unaware of the full situation, the servant could only futilely fiddle with the now unnecessary chains. Chapter 83: Welcome Chapter 83: Wee Several dayster. Ian-nim! Ian-nim! Ian was reading a book in front of the firece when he heard Hannahs call. Turning his head, he immediately saw a letter in her hand. The familiar design and seal indicated it was from Merellof. Another message from Merellof? Yes. They insist on an immediate reply and have a servant waiting downstairs. Its only been a week. Beric, who had been lounging, got up groggily. After causing a ruckus that day, he had miraculously returned to normal life. Fortunately, there were no aftereffects. Ian took the letter, ncing at Beric. Beric, oblivious to Ians gaze, jumped down and approached him eagerly. What are you waiting for? Read it. The letter bore a seal and handwriting unfamiliar to Ian, suggesting it was written by Merellof himself. Beric leaned in, curious, but could only make out the yellow paper and ck ink. What does it say? They want to purchase more Gr. I knew it. Who would be satisfied with just one small bag? Did the messenger say anything else? It seems there was a robbery at the mansion. A robbery? Given their conversation with Lady Merellof, Ian suspected it might be her ploy rather than an actual theft. And the messengers? They went to the kitchen, asking about recipes. Beric snorted at Hannahs addition. Once dismissed as worthless weeds, Gr was now in high demand. Ian folded the letter and ced it on the table. Well, if they want more, we shall provide. Should I prepare a bag? Yes, but this time, tell them a single servants worth isnt enough. We wont sell for less than fifty gold coins per bag. Make sure to include that well providerger ones, especially considering the winter season. We have no choice, right? Understood, Ian. Draft a detailed reply. Where is Sir Romandro? He left this morning. Should be back soon. Ian rummaged through his drawer with his left hand, looking for documents previously discussed with Romandro about Merellof. They had calcted how much Gr the Merellof estate would need, considering its size and overall situation. What was the agreed quantity for a repeat transaction? Romandro, an expert in reconstruction, had calcted the necessary amount of Gr, considering the needs of the Merellof estate. 100 bags would mean, after nting half and cultivating for a month, the estate canfortably consume the rest. The nted half should proliferate enough to be evenly distributed among the estates people after a month. I wonder if anyone in Merellof knows that Gr dies when exposed to snow. Probably not. After all, they would need to have an interest in it in the first ce. Ian recalled Romandros words as he unfolded a new sheet of paper and drafted a proposal for 100 bags at fifty gold coins each, totaling 5,000 gold coins. 100 bags, thats a lot. When will we ever transport all of them? If a bulk transaction happens, it will be thest. Merellof will then have the capability to cultivate and consume Gr on their own. Of course, after this winter, Gr will overflow throughout Bariel. So, for thest transaction, should we increase the quantity or the price? We must grab at least one of those, right? Yes. And considering Count Merellofs nature, hed psychologically prefer to buy in bulk at a lower price. Moreover, Romandros calctions werent just empty talk; they were based on solid reasoning. With Countess Merellof subtly influencing from the side, the transaction seemed promising. Ian carefullypleted the proposal and handed it to Hannah. Here it is. Understood, Ian. Ill deliver it right away. And give the messenger some Gr to snack on during the journey. Few in Merellof, apart from the Count and Countess, knew the taste of Gr. Those whove tasted it often crave more. Hannah nodded at Ians instruction and then asked: Will you continue to prohibit trades among the estates people? Why do you ask? Well, its not a big deal, but it seems many from Merellof keep requesting trades, and its causing some dilemma on our side. Now that theyre well-fed andfortable, they naturally want to fill their pockets, not just their storerooms. Its regrettable not to sell when offered money, especially with springing and plenty of opportunities to spend it. Hmm. Ian nodded, understanding. Once the contract with the Count of Merellof is settled, they might open up the trade. After all, the initial prohibition was just for this asion. Or, how about selling only roasted Gr? Roasted Gr? Yes. If we sell roasted Gr seeds, they cant be cultivated, only consumed. Ians eyes widened at Hannahs suggestion, realizing a significant hint in her words. He patted her shoulder affectionately. Good thinking. Well discuss it with Sir Romandro once he returns. Okay. Ill deliver the letter now! As Hannah left, Beric tilted his head, asking with a serious expression: But Ian, what if Merellof reacts badly to the fifty gold coins per bag and decides to march soldiers over here? People can get crazy over food, right? Are we heading into another battle? His eyes sparkled with excitement, as if eager for another wound as soon as the previous one healed. You seem rather thrilled about it. Of course not! Im so scared! My hearts racing with fear. Or should I say pounding? Bericughed lowly, deeply inhaling the smoke from his burnt leaf. He looked like a well-fed, content predator. Both beasts and humans have their differences, but there are definitemonalities too. Do you know what the biggest one is? Guess well find out. Even when they attack, they instinctively know their limits. They understand theres a line they shouldnt cross because their lives are precious, just like ours. Ha ha ha! True! Im standing my ground here. They wouldnt dare toe at us. We still have some of the Cheonrye warriors left. Ha ha ha! Bericughed heartily, thinking Ian was praising him. He kicked cushions around in self-satisfaction. His mood seemed good, so Ian decided not to correct him. My point was about the central kingdom, Beric. Ians actual reference was the imperial pce. Nobles waiting for the emperor and advisors to bestow a surname. Attacking Bratz at this time would be perfect for causing misunderstandings. It might look like Merellof is trying to increase its influence by attacking the central kingdom and absorbing Bratz. Well be an easy target if we provoke them. After watching Dergha and the Bratz family being crushed by the central army, theyd consciously avoid such a confrontation. Thump! Ian closed the drawer with a loud sound and picked up his book again. He expected a reply from Merellof soon, probably by tomorrow. He anticipated that the Count of Merellof might personally get involved this time. Knock, knock. Ah! Lord Ian, Im back. Wee back. I heard you went out. Yeah, I was buying gifts for my wife and child. Romandro entered cheerfully, armsden with bags. He looked a bit wary of Beric, probably due to his recent pranks. Romandro, Im fine, really. Who said anything? Its just your usual nk stare. Eh? Really? Ian, do my eyes look like that? Sometimes you do seem a bit off. Do you think Count Merellofs terrible personality could be due to drugs? Thats unlikely. The countess was waiting for winter. Shes probably starting her n now. A hallucinogenic anesthetic that slowly consumes a person over a month, leading to hyperventtion and death. Romandro shuddered at the thought. What a bold woman. That just shows how desperate she is. Beric fiddled with Romandros gifts, asking, Do they not do such things in the central kingdom? In the central? Even more! But why bordends? The central kingdom, where more than half of the nobility resided, was the epicenter of scandals, erupting with new ones every other day. Romandro twirled his mustache, grumbling. Still, these days, theyre more discreet, keeping things to private vis or masked balls. I remember Prince Gale mentioning Gale. Ian hadnt expected the Second Princes name toe up in Romandros conversation. Encouraging him to continue, Romandroughed awkwardly. It startles me every time. In the pce, we dare not even mention his name. Too many ears around, and things can easily be misconstrued. I understand. The pce is the most intense ce for taking sides, isnt it? Its no surprise that Sir Romandro, a subordinate of the First Prince Mariv, wouldnt casually mention the name of Prince Gale. Anyway, His Highness Prince Gale, I remember, when was it? Last year? He caused a bloodbath at a party held by the nephew of a duke. A bloodbath? For a non-heir prince like Gale, maintaining power was crucial, which involved building awork among nobles. But to cause a disturbance at a dukes nephews party? A man who wouldter even instigate a rebellion for power? He killed all the ves of those who were so high on drugs they couldnt distinguish reality. Is that possible? Really? It happened because he did it. Dont you know? Even in the bordends, you must have heard stories. In any world, there are always those who live life detached from reality. That was Ian back then. What did it matter if the emperor changed? He was too busy trying to survive. Of course, it caused an uproar among the families. After all, those were their assets. Drugs might be a crime, but it was amon practice, especially since it was an act of the imperial family against the nobility, almost like a show of force. How did they handle the aftermath? Money. Huh? He reced all the killed ves with new ones. Crazy bast*rd. Beric muttered in disgust, but Ian was genuinely shocked. Romandro sighed and faintly smiled, realizing Ians astonishment. Actually, even though Im serving His Highness Prince Mariv, Prince Gale is no ordinary person either. ves, after all, aremodities that can be bought and sold. If properpensation is made, there should be no problem. But the crux was that these ves were gifts from Gale. Truly remarkable in many ways. Actually, after that incident, Prince Gales followers significantly increased. Rumors spread that Wesleigh, head of the Magic Department, funded the recements, further solidifying Gales power base. Why would that increase his followers? If it were me, Id think hes insane and confront him. Beric, be thankful were in the bordends. In the imperial pce, even portraits have ears. So exin it to me. As Beric fiddled with his ear, Ian sighed and began to exin. It was a move so brilliantly executed that even Ian, who had been an emperor, could dare say it was a stunningly perfect political maneuver. Chapter 84: Welcome Chapter 84: Wee First of all, the starting point of the drug party was an advantageous situation for His Highenss Gale, and even if a ve is considered a mere item, they are still people with thoughts and feelings. Since it was him who sent it, we cant know what kind of person the ve will be. However, refusing would mean directly rejecting an apology from the imperial pce, and most importantly, it would be a burden on the family since were already short on manpower. Was that all? Not only did it effectively convey an anti-drug stance, but it also allowed for a reduction of the shame of being helplessly outyed by the prince. It was truly a sharp and relentless move. If what the prince gave is troublesome, why not sell the ve in the market and buy a new one? In the central regions, the ve market doesnt always open. And as I said, its a gift directly from the prince. How could we sell it? It would surely provide a pretext to be caught outter. Listening to Romandros exnation, Beric nodded his head, somewhat understanding. Its a check on the nobility while perfectly disying his presence. The Minister of Magic, Wesleigh, was it? Exactly. Her authority in the magic field is enormous. I dont even know how old she is. Apart from her name, nothing much is known. Ian would surely meet her when he went to the central regions. As a mana user, he was destined to be a valuable asset to the Ministry of Magic. Naturally, his superior would be Wesleigh, and it was certain they would sh. Anyway, the more you think about it, the more impressive the move seems. In fact, His Highness Gale is a bit sharp and doesnt get along with His Highness Mariv, but if you think about it, hes quite aggressive. I dont understand why those two are at each others throats. It cant be helped. The sessor and the challenger threatening his position. It was a natural rtionship. Even brothers born from the same mother should rightfully cross swords, not to mention they have different mothers. They both must be aware of it. They have what the othercks. Perhaps thats why theyre even more on edge with each other. What kind of person is Mariv? His Highness Mariv is Romandro carefully chose his words, but he couldnt find the right way to express it. Mariv was that much more perplexing and inscrutablepared to Gale. As Romandros response grew longer, Beric leaned back, shaking his head. Never mind. Whats the use of knowing? We better prepare for Count Merellofs arrival. Alright. Beric, since its brought up, go and get moving. Ah, seriously! The doctor said I have severe fatigue umtion! He also said its surprising how cleanly your wounds have healed. Ianughed and sent Beric outside. Then, suddenly pondering over Gales incident, he asked a question. In the central region, there wasnt a market specifically named ve market, but the times when ve traders stayed in the central region were practically market days. Of course, there were secret trades happening, but those were mainly exchanges of existing ves. But about the ve traders going to the central region. Are they passing through Merellof? Hmm? Maybe. They wander around everywhere without discrimination. Theyll probably pass through Merellof. If theyreing through the Hawan Kingdom, theres no other way. Indeed, since Lady Lien Merellof and someone named rk are also said to be of ve origin, it makes sense for ve traders to pass through Merellof. Ian tapped the table with his fingertips, lost in thought. Romandro, as always, nced at him and then meticulously arranged gifts to send to his family. *** Another day passed. When do you n to go up to the central region? Clink. Hannah asked while pouring warm tea. It was a fortnight by carriage from the border to the central region. Considering it was winter, it would be better to start nning the departure date soon. That meant, the end of the year was just over a month away. Im not sure yet. I should start preparing soon. Will you be staying at Lord Romandros ce when you go up? If the imperial pce provides amodation, Ill stay there, but otherwise, I think so. Ill let you know when I go up. Ian said so, feeling a bit uneasy. He had resolved to rush to the Ministry of Magics annex without hesitation once he entered the imperial pce. If there, he would investigate Naums magical traces and find answers about this reincarnation. If he found a way back to his original time, Ian would do so without hesitation. That meant leaving the Bratz territory would be thest time with these people. Ian bowed his head over a book, trying to hide hisplex thoughts. The imperial pce, huh. Just thinking about it makes my heart flutter. They say its the most beautiful pce in the world. The outdoor garden is covered with a ss dome, so when it snows, it feels like being inside a giant igloo. Ah, yes. There is such a garden. You know? No. Ive just heard about it. Ian unknowingly yed along and then realized he had misspoken. Hanaughed and continued her excited chatter. And when it rains, theres a room where rain pours down, and another where flowers and wind whirl around all year long. Did Lord Romandro tell you that? Yes! Of course. What Hannah was talking about must be the Ministry of Magic. Unlike ordinary rooms, that ce had many spaces where supernatural events frequently urred. Even he, the Emperor and a magician, couldnt im to know every nook and cranny of it. When will you return if you go? Hmm. Im not sure. Ian smiled faintly. If Emperor Ian disappeared, would the original bodys owner, the bastard Ian, return? He dared not guess anything, nor could he conclude. Knock knock. Come in. Lord Ian! Theres a guest. Then, the door opened urgently upon permission. Ian simply nodded his head calmly. There was only one ce they could being from. Is it Count Merellof? Yes. Thats right. The Count and his wife havee together. Alright. Escort them to the reception room. Call Sir Romandro too. As Ian signaled, Beric spat out the chewing tobo leaf into the firece. He then straightened his cor and checked the sword at his waist. Hana did the same, swiftly ensuring Ians cor, buttons, and knots were properly arranged. Lets go. Yes, sir. Lets proceed. Ian, sir. Is there anything else to prepare? The tea should have already been served. Bring some light snacks with the Gr. Yes, my lord. Tak tak. Swoosh! Ian drew the curtains and looked downstairs. The Merellof couples carriage was followed by servants standing by. It was arge entourage for an unexpected visit. They must be nning to finalize todays deal. Not bad. What is? It means theyvee more than halfway. What do you mean by that? Beric asked, tilting his head in confusion, but Ian didnt seem inclined to exin. As they descended to the reception room, the servants were lined up in the corridor, looking unsure of what to do. Ian, sir! Lord Romandro. Responding to Hanas call, Romandro, who had clearly been asleep, rushed in. His hair was a mess, and he blinked sleepily as he pressed it down. Count and Countess Merellof are here? Todays the day of reckoning. Good. Ill y my part well. The two exchanged a determined look. As the servant opened the door, they casually greeted the count and his wife. Count Merellof and madam! How are you? What brings you here without notice? Ahem. I hope Im not interrupting anything important. Not at all. What could be more important than the counts visit? Ian courteously shook hands with the count. Lady Merellof extended her hand with a radiant smile, and Ian kissed it without hesitation. I apologize for the sudden visit. But there was an urgent matter, and I thought it better to discuss it face-to-face. Especially since its been quite a while since you visited Bratz, count. Thats true. Please, take a seat. Guided by Ian, Count Merellof awkwardly took his seat, puffing up with importance. He seemed to have gained a bit of weight sincest time. Was it due to the Gr? Did you eat all the Gr by yourself? Shh! Sir Beric! Beric whispered this to Hannah, despite the crudeness of his words. The countess, noticing the counts reluctance to start the conversation, smoothly broke the ice. The Gr really is a delicacy. It seems you found the taste to your liking. I heard that the locals here are crazy about it, and now I understand why. The taste varies so much depending on how its prepared. The countess was quite sly. There was no trace of any secretive deals between them. And you, count, did it suit your taste? Yes, it was not bad. They would havee even if there hadnt been a robbery. What they said about eating a little once or twice a day ultimately led to digging up the buried seed. Thats good to hear. With a rough understanding of each others intentions, the rest was obvious. Ian interlocked his fingers and leaned back, trying to create a rxed atmosphere in contrast to the Merellofs, who sat up straight. I presume todays visit is about the Gr trade. Am I correct? Yes, thats right, Sir Ian. The countess agreed, and then the count spoke in a low voice. You did the calctions well? Which calctions are you referring to? The amount of Gr needed. Based on my estimates, well indeed need about 100 bags to bnce cultivation and living. So, it seems this will be arge transaction. I was curious about the pricing, which is why I came in person. Thats right, Sir Ian. As this is our second transaction and its a bulk purchase, I believe a price reduction is fair. What else would be neighborly? Romandro tried to interject with a cough, but it wasnt easy. Ian signaled with his eyes that it was okay for Romandro to stay quiet. The reason we cant lower the price, despite it being a bulk purchase, is that Gr can be stored for a long time. Its not a crop that needs to be sold quickly for fear of spoge. So, you must have plenty of stock. Thats exactly why we dont have to actively sell it. We can just store it and use it as needed. His firm rebuttal was like an indirect way of saying there would be no negotiation on the price. Count Merellofs face grew stiff, and the countess nodded subtly, indicating she understood. Also, trading Gr with Merellof means were sharing part of our consumption, which is both a benefit and a loss for us. A loss? Youre turning things found for free in the woods and fields into fifty gold coins, and now you say its a loss? Sorry, but what was obtained from the woods and fields has already gone into the bellies of our people. What were offering now is the result of their hardbor. Ian didnt yield an inch. The count tried to add something, but Ian ignored him and continued. And did you know? Gr grows in dry sand or water, but dies if it gets snowed on. It seemed they didnt know that. Ian estimated the timing with his fingers. Snow could fall any day now, making it obvious that Gr harvesting will be limited. After arge sale, we must build a greenhouse topensate for the harvest, so we must maintain that price. Its a decision for the people, and I trust Count Merellof understands. When Ian had gone to obtain crops for relief, he hadnt raised the price for simr reasons. It was the same for him now, a reasonable line created by circumstances, and he smiled lightly. Therefore, I cannot trade for less than fifty gold coins. This is in line with the wishes of thete Emperor, who sought to rebuild this ce and its people. Chapter 85: Welcome Chapter 85: Wee Ha! You! Was it necessary for him to mention thete Emperor? But since Ian had already made such a move, Count Merellof found himself without a proper response. He just kept tugging at his beard, groaning in frustration. And to think, it dies if it touches snow? I seem to recall seeing Gr in winter, what a tricky crop. It grows in water and sand, but snow is its bane. There were no greenhouses in Merellofs territory. They hadnt focused on farming, so there was no preparation for winter crops. If Ians words were true, they needed to buy Gr immediately and start greenhouse operations while cultivating it. Thirty coins. I apologize. Thirty-one coins! Count. Consider the days ahead. How much time do we have to live as lords? Lets stop here. Burying each others faults is the true posture of a noble. Thirty-two coins. He even made threats with elegance. Ian had set a somewhat high price of fifty coins because he knew the count would try to halve it. Just as Romandro seemed to be waiting for the right moment, he coughed, signaling his subordinate outside to interject. Knock knock. Lord Ian, Lord Romandro. I have a report for you. Oh? Is it urgent? We have guests. Sorry. Itll just take a moment. Oh, excuse us then. This was a strategy to diffuse the heated atmosphere and give the countess a chance to persuade the count. She whispered to the count, her expression showing deep concern. Creak. As Ian and Romandro stepped out of the reception room, the countess raised her voice slightly and frowned. Fifty coins each would total 5,000 gold coins. Madness. 5,000 gold coins for weeds. But this year is a bit unusual. We have to save our territory as soon as possible. I heard that Bratz is temporarily rationing and then nning to collect higher taxes next year. The dead cant be brought back to life. That was one thing she was certain of. The countess subtly prodded the count. Whats the maximum youre thinking per bag? Ideally, not even a single gold coin. No, I mean realistically. Realistically, she was asking what would be an eptablepromise between Ian and the count. The count twisted his beard, clearly displeased with the situation. About thirty-five coins. Hmm. Thirty-five coins. The countess echoed his words, pretending to ponder. Her next move was predictable. Do you think Ian would agree to that? He seemed determined to hold his ground. That boy, getting greedy. Tsk tsk. Living like that wont get him far. In my opinion, settling around forty coins might be better. As you said, if it snows, the price could rise even more. Then it wont just be about the price but the avability itself The countesss concerns were valid. Things had be increasinglyplicated, leading to this point. They might have thought there was no way back, but theres always a deeper bottom. Between forty and thirty-five coins. If the negotiation goes in that range, it would be best to seal the deal immediately. Hmm. Perhaps ask for half of the Gr to be small seeds for cultivation and the other half to berger for consumption? Half would be for nting, so it made sense to fill the bags with as many small seeds as possible. The other half, meant for eating, would be better if they wererger. The count sipped his now lukewarm tea, murmuring in contemtion. Hmm. The countess continued her persuasion. The focus wasnt just on getting the Gr as cheaply as possible, but on ensuring a deal within a reasonable range. After a while, Ian and Romandro returned to the reception room. Sorry, the work took longer than expected. Ahem. The tea has gone cold. Oh, apologies for that. Hannah! Yes, my lord. Count Merellof, trying to take control of the situation, kept coughing conspicuously, while his wife yed with her earlobe, looking embarrassed. Clink. The sound of her morous earrings shing with her fingernails caught Ians attention. She spread three fingers, then caressed them with all five, signaling subtly. Ian, recognizing the signal, sat on the sofa. Starting from fifty but settling for thirty-five at most. It was hard to tell if this was just tough bargaining or the best Merellof could offer. However, Ian decided to trust the countesss cooperation. Better to sell than not at all. Besides, there are other deals to be made with the people of Merellof, apart from the count. With 100 bags, it would total 3,500 gold coins, almost a third of the taxes due to the central government. Ian nced at Romandro and broached the subject. Have you discussed the amount? Sir Ian, fifty coins is just too much. We have the market in our estate, and at this price, it seems like youre refusing to trade with us openly. The countess sharply criticized, and the count nodded solemnly. Ian feigned contemtion and then proposed a condition. Alright. Lets add a condition then. A condition? What kind? Ill agree to forty coins per bag. In return, youll sign a pledge not to interfere with any economic activities in this territory in the future. Not interfere with economic activities? The counts eyes narrowed suspiciously at the unexpected condition, and the countess was simrly surprised. They couldnt fathom the intent behind such a condition. Isnt that too much? No, its not that its too much, but It was a very meaningful condition. The count guessed, looking at the warriors in the corridor, that Ian was nning to deal with the border tribes. Was he trying to divert something their way? Such a foolish condition. Even if we dont interfere, the central authorities will intervene if we report it. Tsk tsk. However, Ian saw through the counts thoughts. The meticulous count might be good at hoarding money, but not at seeing the deeper picture. He seems to suspect the Cheonrye tribe. Hes barking up the wrong tree. A long silence, feigned as contemtion, followed. Romandro watched them both, and the countess broke the silence by picking up her teacup. Sir Ian, as a head appointed by the Emperor, you already have autonomy over the economic rights of your territory. Its strange that youre setting such an obvious condition. Is that so? If its obvious, then theres no need to adjust the price. At her words, the count widened his eyes and red at her. It was an unspoken warning to stay silent if she didnt understand. The countess looked down, feigning embarrassment, but Ian realized it was her intention. Alright. I dont know how you view Merellof, but ensuring each others rights is only fair. However, you must also promise not to object to Merellofs economic activities and settle at thirty coins. Count, I told you it was forty coins. Fine, thirty-one then. Changing the leading digit twice is a bit much, isnt it? Count? The negotiation, fluctuating between going down from the top and up from the bottom, was bound to meet in the middle. After a few rounds, Count Merellof finally reached his limit. Thirty-five! I cant go any higher. Thirty-five coins, the price the countess had secretly indicated. Ian crossed his arms and signaled to Romandro. It was a show to make the deal satisfying for both parties. Hah~. Alright. This was it. A sigh, conceding as if there was no other choice. Ian smiled lightly, as if to say he waspletely yielding. Thirty-five gold coins per bag, for 100 bags. A total of 3,500 gold coins. Good. Youve made the right decision. Lets draft the contract. As Ian and the count shook hands, Romandro brought out the pre-drafted standard contract. It was ten pages long, but most of it was standard uses used among nobility, with key points only on the first andst pages. Clink. The count meticulously examined each word of the contract. Unbuttoning his overcoat indicated that this process would take some time. Here where it says fresh, lets change it to one week after harvest. Is that okay? Yes, but please add that this may vary depending on the harvest schedule. Understood. Bring me a new sheet of paper. Here it is, Count. Rip! Modifications continued in this fashion. Torn drafts of the contract littered the floor at his feet. Ian and Romandro took turns dealing with him. The countess, unable to hold back any longer, tapped her waist impatiently. Are you tired, madam? Oh. Sorry. That was rude of me. Not at all. Since this might take longer, perhaps you would prefer to rest in another room? Ian asked, ncing at the count, who remained fixated on the contract. Honey. Are you listening? Do what you like. Just dont bother me. The countess didnt seem offended; rather, she appeared grateful for his indifference. Ian, leaving the count to Romandro, stood up to apany her. Madam, allow me to show you out. I could use some fresh air myself. At his words, the counts eyes followed Ians back. Why is he personally escorting her instead of a servant? His jealousy surged like reverse-flowing blood, but he was a nobleman. He couldnt disgrace himself in front of an imperial advisor. Count? Ah, sorry. Say that again? If we modify use 3.3, we also need to adjust use 5.1 at the back for consistency. Shall we do that? Um, yes. Lets do that. Creak. The countess leaned against the wall in the corridor and sighed deeply. Youve worked hard, madam. And rk? Hes probably the luckiest in the mansion. Just staying in his room, eating whats brought to him. Although they said they werent in a rtionship, the first person she asked about after escaping the counts radar was rk. Ian gestured for her to follow him. If you wish, I could offer my arm for support. Thats alright. Its just my waist thats sore from the corset, my legs are fine. She walked gracefully, holding the hem of her dress with poise. Ian wondered if she had more bruises from that night but chose not to ask. Bringing up wounds, in any form, can be painful just by the mere mention. Instead, he subtly shifted the conversation. Have you ever seen Count Merellofs brother? Chapter 86: Welcome Chapter 86: Wee The counts brother, and the countesss uncle by marriage, was brought up in the conversation. She dredged up a memory she had almost forgotten and responded. Yes, just twice. If you go east of the territory, theres a small manor. He practically lived in seclusion there. Blood doesnt lie, they say; his character is as despicable as the counts. Hmm. Ian visualized the counts brother in his mind and frowned. A proper family member wouldnt have let a ve woman be the countess without a proper wedding ceremony. Considering theck of a wedding, it was easy to guess how dysfunctional the family might be. Both the Bratzs and the Merellofs. He hoped that not all nobles from 100 years ago were like this. If the count dies, his brother would be the only one to raise questions, wouldnt he? Thats right. They say he has two sisters, but they married abroad, so Ive never seen them. If hes living in seclusion without much contact, there doesnt seem to be anything particrly worrying. Even if the count dies, who would suspect the countess? At his words, the countess stopped and looked intently at Ian. Under the bright sunlight, it was clear that her ck irises were flecked with green, a sign of her Dryad heritage. Theres a saying that those who betray their kin are also forsaken by the gods. She had cut down a tree, but in the end, wasnt it akin to severing the lifeline of her mother? No matter that it was done to save her father, the reality didnt change. The countess often felt the scars on her palms as a mark of her sin. Do you think my life would be peaceful after killing a guardian of the forest? Is it just my imagination that the counts brother might rise up, question me, suspect me, expose me, and then sell me back to the vers? Countess Merellof knew. Even if she gained freedom, she might not find happiness. Thats why she was stirring up this turmoil, to avoid the worst possible scenario. Im preparing for everything I can. Thats the only way to survive. The curse of betraying kin will end only with my death. Well, Im not sure about that. About what? Those who betray their kin dont even realize what theyve forsaken. The gods always tend to the wounds of those who chastise themselves. I might not know the details, but countess, one thing is clear. You are as nave as a fairys child. Ian was brought down by the man who called him uncle. In the imperial pce, power struggles among rtives were rampant, with parents even keeping their children in check. In such a life where even those in love couldnt turn their backs on each other, it said it all. Nave, me? If Ive offended you, I apologize. My point is, dont drown in self-pity. Whatever you think is right, is right. If she believed herself cursed, then it would be so; if not, then it wouldnt. This is why viins often go unperturbed; they dont think what theyre doing is wrong. This perspective seemed new to Lady Lien, as she paused briefly. I am cursed. If you believe so, then it is so. Ian didnt argue. He had neither seen her cut the fairy tree nor knew the tribtions she had endured. The countess stood still, feeling strangely as if her life was being invalidated. My mother always talked about the fairys curse. Ah, yes. Ive heard about it too. Dryads and other nature fairies existed between promises and their fulfillment. If one made a promise, it had to be kept, and in return, the fairy would grant a wish. People who cant rely on temples or mages often do that, dont they? Hearing rumors about fairies, they head to mountains, seas, and the unknown. But what puzzled him Ian stopped walking and turned around. Did you make a promise with your mother? If not, it doesnt seem like there should be a problem. If Im not cursed, then why am I like this? As I said, you think youre cursed, and thats why. Lady Lien felt like someone had struck her head with a hammer. She was too confused to think straight. Ian left her and approached the room where rk was confined. Open the door. At Iansmand, a soldier nodded curtly. The lock, tightly secured, fell open, creating a gap. It was misaligned due to rks constant jostling. Creak. Ah, rk. Lady Lien. The two looked at each other but nothing more. It was as if an invisible line had been drawn, and they stayed rooted in ce. Once Lady Merellof confirmed rk was unharmed, she turned to leave. Leaving just like that? Of course. What else do I have to see here? Ive received and sold the Gr from Ian-nim. Its enough to know hes alive. rk didnt follow her either. Beric swung his head back and forth, watching them curiously. He expected an emotional embrace, but their reaction was too matter-of-fact. What are they doing? They really need to make more of a fuss. You, your attitude has always been too disrespectful. Must be a brain freeze from your end. Cant move my tongue right. So~rry. What an insolent! Lady Lien shouted in displeasure, but it had no effect on Beric. He already knew about her past as a ve and her ns to kill her husband. Beric stuck out his tongue in mockery, prompting her to close her eyes as if she couldnt bear to see more. Beric. Show some respect to thedy. Respect? After all the trouble Ive been through? Werent you just sleeping soundly? Thats one thing, but it was still a mental shock. While Ian and Beric bickered, Lady Lien quickly retreated to another reception room as if to escape. Lord Ian, what should we do about the door? The soldier nced awkwardly at the open door. rk seemed to have lost the will toe out after seeing the countesss attitude. He had no intention of meddling in others love affairs. Close the door and keep watch. Yes, my lord. rk. Count Merellof is in the mansion. Ill returnter to decide what to do with you. Its best if you dont cause any trouble. Creak. Despite Ians words, rk gave no response. Ian saw Lady Lien sitting nkly on the reception room sofa, then instructed Hannah to keep watch and serve refreshments. She looks lost in thought. Is she alright? She must have a lot on her mind. Bring her some snacks and keep an eye on her. I need to help Sir Romandro. Romandro seemed exhausted from dealing with Count Merellof alone. When Ian returned, Romandro perked up like a wilted leaf revived. Scattered around his feet were several torn pieces of paper. Sorry for the interruption. Where did you get up to? Just in time. Were on thest page. The amended parts are in dark brown ink for easy identification. Ian read the freshly inked document and apologized to the count for the dy. The count, too, looked weary from revising the contract. Count Merellof, I apologize, but as we dont have an official seal yet, I will substitute it with my signature. Thats fine. Ive just finished making amendments regarding that matter. Where did thedy go? Shes resting in another reception room, having some snacks. At Ians words, the count silently got up and headed out. As soon as the count was out of sight, Romandro slumped down on the sofa. Such a fussy old man. Was it difficult? Dont even mention it. Its my first time dealing with someone like him. Thank you for your hard work. But I defended our price well. I anticipated a significant cut, so I allowed him some leeway with the size of the Gr packages. Pleased with Romandros satisfactory assessment, Ian smiled. Finally, the moment to sell 100 bags of Gr for 3,500 gold coins was approaching, pending just their signatures. But why is he taking so long? After a while, Count Merellof returned, adjusting his disheveled sleeves. Unbeknownst to others, Ian noticed a strand of a womans hair caught in the counts button. It seemed he couldnt resist and had taken liberties in someone elses mansion. So much for dignity Hmm. Alright. Is everything in order? Ian handed the pen to the count to finalize the contract. Yes, there are no issues. Ill sign now, Count. Alright. Well take the Gr today itself. Have you brought the gold coins? I can give you 1,000 gold coins right now, and the rest will be transferred through Hayman Bank. Ill go to the bank while the Gr is being sorted. Count Merellof muttered as he checked his watch. 1,000 gold coins. He must have estimated ten coins per bag and brought that amount. Ian quickly signed the document, and the count, taking out a seal from his pocket,pleted the transaction. Thank you, Count. Todays trade will be a meaningful moment for both our territories. Hmm. Lets start the Gr sorting process. Call the workers outside. We need to pack 100 bags. Bring the bags! Strong ones that stretch well! And bring the boxes from the carriage! As the contract was finalized, the mansions servants bustled about. Following the counts orders, his servants unloaded crate after crate from the carriage. Three men struggled to carry a chest containing 1,000 gold coins, divided among four carriages. Gasp! Upon opening a box, gleaming gold spilled out, and the servants froze in awe. Then, looking perplexed, they turned to Ian. In all my years, Ive never seen so much yellow gold gathered together, except for corn kernels. Wow What do we do with all this? Ian also checked his watch and issued instructions. The count seemed preupied with managing his servants as they rummaged through the Gr storage. Load the chests back onto the carriage. Were heading to the bank immediately. Everyone else, assist Count Merellof and his men in moving the 100 bags of Gr. Yikes! 100 bags? Did I hear that correctly? They will pack as much as they want, so it shouldnt be too much trouble. The task of selecting the right size and quality of Gr fell to the people of Merellofs territory. The servants of the mansion only needed to supervise and guide them. If were going to the bank Is there another bank in Bariel besides Hayman Bank? At Ians assertive response, the servants began loading the chests back onto the carriage. Soon after, they left the bustling mansion and headed out through the main gate. Chapter 87: Welcome Chapter 87: Wee Ian, apanied by Romandro, visited the central bank in Portloga, near the official residence where Molrin and his party had stayed and the park where he had met with Philia. As soon as Ian alighted from the carriage, the waiting bank manager bowed deeply. Lord Ian, wee. Good to see you again. Have you been well? I heard about the Gr trade with Count Merellof, but is all of this gold coins? The bank manager adjusted his monocle, clearly bewildered. Therge chests divided into smaller containers did look rather crude and bulky. Yes, its 1,000 gold coins. Werent they given as a cheque? Exactly. Its surprising how someone who handles moneycks such manners. Tsk tsk. Romandro grumbled, clicking his tongue. If they had used gold certificates, they wouldnt have needed to go through such hassle. Ian entered the bank with his servants. The scratched sign of Hayman Bank was evident. The marks were made by the refugees who used the bank as a shelter during the outbreak of the conflict between the central and Dergha regions. Im managing well enough. Thanks to you, Lord, weve had no problems. Click. Behind the bank manager, guards in ck armor approached. These were the symbol and security of Hayman Bank. The armor, crafted with magic stones, was practically a weapon in itself. Should we move it? Yes, please. Thank you. Its no trouble at all. Each of the four chests contained 250 gold coins, usually requiring two men to move. However, the guards in armor effortlessly lifted two at a time, one in each hand. !? The most astonished reaction came from Beric. He froze on the spot, eyes rolling around in disbelief. He seemed to wonder what kind of strength this was; even the Cheonrye tribe probably couldnt match it. What is that? Ah, Beric, is this your first time seeing it? Romandro exined on behalf of Ian. Its armor made from magic stones. In the central region, Hayman Banks headquarters and their response time is quick, but its not the same in these remote branches. Not just anyone could handle such a task. It was a sort of disy of financial power, exclusive to those who monopolized Bariels financial sector. Just one set of that armor So thats why. What is? I knew Portloga had the best public safety in Bratz, but even the thieves wouldnt dare near the bank. The power of the armor could crush a human skull. It was not only formidable against physical and low-level magical attacks but also resilient to fire and other impacts. Beric, if someone threatened the bank, before these guards moved, Dergha would have killed the perpetrator. And if, during the fight between the Central Army and Dergha, a third party threatened the bank, both sides would have ceased their battle to jointly protect this ce. What, is the bank manager like the emperor here or something? Its treated as a sanctuary, almost like a temple, within Bariel. It was Bariels third, neutral territory. If a mistake was made and transactions were refused, it meant managing and moving massive wealth personally, effectively being excluded from economic power circles. Of course, this applied mainly to nobles and merchants. So if someone had really tried to rob the bank during all that chaos, there wouldve been less fighting. Beric spoke bluntly, causing the guards to pause momentarily, but they soon resumed moving the chests, realizing hisment wasnt malicious. Who would risk their life for such a thing? Besides, it was used as a shelter, so the ce was swarming with people right up to the entrance. Anyone trying to rob it would have been caught and dealt with first. The bank manager jovially brushed off thement and brought them tea. The sofa and table were old but well-maintained. Being on the frontier, Bratzs bank paled inparison to those in the central regions, resembling a rural tavern. You said a total of 1,000 gold coins, right? Thats correct. Well need a moment to count them. Please have a seat and wait. Romandro sipped his tea, surveying the bank. With a revenue of about 3,500 gold coins, weve covered part of the tribute. The taxes will be higher than usual, but the amount will still be insufficient. Overall, theres no immediate problem, but next year is concerning. The issue was the numerous expenses thaty ahead. Firstly, traveling to the capital for the New Years meeting would be costly from the moment of departure, and maintaining a dignified presence among the central nobility would require additional expenditure. Do you know that before bing a wizard, a magic user is only guaranteed a minimum living expense? Yes, Im aware. If its alright with you, you could live with us. Ha ha ha, but arent you newlyweds? Its not like well be sharing a room. What do you think? Thank you for the offer, even if its just words. But look, weve already managed to gather about 40% of the tribute before heading to the capital. Everything will be fine, so dont worry. While Ian and Romandro conversed, Beric was busy devouring the snacks. His attitude clearly showed that he wasnt concerned about money matters. Raising taxes seems to be the easiest and most convenient way. It might be easy and convenient for me, but for the people of the territory, theres nothing harder. Weve already slightly raised the taxes for next year while distributing the Gr. Why not just collect a little more from everyone? If we extend the deadline, they can prepare ordingly. Its not like were asking for it by tomorrow. Romandro, who had been advising non-stop, looked at Ians expression andughed resignedly. Youre not even listening, are you? What do you mean? Ive been agreeing with you. No, no, I mean, you dont n to raise taxes. Ian just smiled. Indeed, raising taxes was the easiest and most certain solution. But they had just managed to recover from the aftermath of the battle and had barelypleted their winter preparations with the Gr. Moreover, and most importantly, Ians ns were uncertain once he went to the imperial pce Theres no need to add to their burdens. You know Ill be away from the territory for a long time, dont you, Sir Romandro? Yes, but still With wintering, everyones preupied with immediate survival. Bute spring, theyll start harboring negative thoughts. Amoner who rose to nobility and doesnt even stay in the territory, just raises taxes. Humansmit sins even under the watchful eye of the gods. How much more so for a lord far away It was certain that the life of the mansions servants would get harder. I really appreciate your concern, Sir Romandro. I know what you say makes sense, but please dont worry too much about my stubbornness. After Ian insisted, Romandro resignedly sipped his tea. As the gold coin counting continued, Ian suddenly thought of something and turned to Beric. Beric. Count Merellof has a brother whos living in seclusion in some manor within the territory. And? I mean, find out more about him. Ughhh. Another task. Beric grimaced and continued to munch on Gr. No matter how one looked at it, it was strange. He seemed passionate but also incrediblyzy. Click. Lord Ian, weve finished sorting, but were now checking for counterfeit coins. Would you like to write the certificate first? At that moment, the bank manager, who had been counting the gold coins inside, reappeared. He had been using a magic tool to check for counterfeits and was drying his wet hands with a towel. Alright. Any problems? No, none at all. Counting 1,000 gold coins is something I havent done in a long time. Our vault will be full until the collection team arrives. And the certificate? Please sign here. Ian, sitting on the sofa, took the pen and quickly signed the document contained in a leather case, depositing the 1,000 gold coins in his name. Have I ever done bank transactions before? Both Romandro and the bank manager harbored this question, but they quickly resolved it with an exchange of nces, assuming the other would have informed him. Yes, its all done. Thank you. I should be the one thanking you. Youve been of great help. Count Merellof will transfer an additional 2,500 gold coins within three days. It would be good to prepare the cheque in advance. Ah, right. Understood. Oh! Heres a notice. Due to winter, many transport routes are blocked. Especially, the Karenna, Longin, and Zailkup branches are currently inessible. Karenna, in particr, has terrible security, with thieves robbing each other frequently. Im not sure if Ill need to go there, but thanks anyway. Thank you. The branch manager bowed deeply at Ians words, indicating that all transactions had been sessfullypleted. Ian returned to the mansion with a light heart. Indeed, packing 100 bags was no small task, and everyone was still busy at work. Lord Ian, have you returned? How far along are we? The servant wiped off sweat and nced towards the back where Count Merellofs party was busy. Fortunately, we had thirty bags pre-packed, but then, believe it or not, they started checking every single one before taking them. The meticulous selection process by the counts party was time-consuming. Ian navigated through his subordinates, observing Count Merellofs interference in every detail and shook his head. Theyre going to have a hard time. Yes. But it looks like well finish before dinner. Alright. Ille back down after I sort some things out. Ian entered the mansion and proposed an idea to Romandro. It was about the roasted Gr that Hana had mentioned. Even if Count Merellof starts nting Gr today, it will take at least a month. Thats likely. What Im thinking is, we should allow Gr trade with Merellof. Initially, we could sell only the roasted Gr, and when their harvest season arrives, start selling fresh Gr as well. For now, since Merellofs estate wouldnt have its own Gr, the people of the territory wanting to consume it would have to buy from Ians side. The count might n to distribute Gr seeds like Ian did and raise next years tax rate Count, wont this make your blood pressure rise? But, when Ian also starts selling fresh Gr, the people wont have a reason to ept higher tax rates in exchange for Gr distribution. Dont worry, Lady Lien will take care of things before that happens. At Ians response, Romandro gave an awkwardugh, unsure whether it was a situation tough about or not. As soon as Count Merellof leaves the territory, inform the people. Tell them that we will soon lift the trade restrictions on roasted Gr. Understood. Ill do that. And another thing. Ian suddenly paused as he was about to head up to his office. Have we received any instructions regarding what to do with Sir Molrin? It had been a while since he received the news of his title appointment. Surely, if Prince Mariv had any specific intentions, a message should have arrived by courier by now. Yet, strangely, there had been no word about their disposition. I checked again recently, and they just told us to wait. It seems they are quite busy. Could something have gone wrong? Ian frowned and tilted his head, pondering the situation. Chapter 88 Chapter 88 Mariv showed no surprise at the sudden visit from Gale. He had anticipated it, merely reacting with calm indifference. What brings you here? You couldnt have lost your way. Would some fool instruct a servant to notify his presence and then enter the wrong ce? Mariv, who had been focused on documents, finally looked up. As always, Gales blue eyes shone like a beasts. The attendant who had been standing behind Gale announcing his arrival shrank back, shoulders hunched. Just get to the point, Im busy. Have you decided what to do about Ian being pushed for a territory lord position? How interesting. What does it matter to me what bes of Ian? Without permission, Gale sprawled out on the sofa. Legs crossed arrogantly, he red at his half-brother. Even the lowest clerks know you n to back that wretched whelp. Dont pretend you dont know what Im talking about. Theres no way Iaan would be offered a lordship otherwise. Tens, hundreds were moring for that spot. Yet all those were pushed aside for a nobody Mariv had never even met. So? It would be best if Molrin and his party apany him fully when hees up to the capital. Your words are quite forceful. They sound almost like a threat to my ears. Would I do that? It must be what you want to hear, brother. When Ian is appointed his territory, he will immediately fall under the Magic Departments jurisdiction. Im sure you know what that means. Ah, yes. It means hell be under the control of your lover, Wesleigh, right? It was a kind of warning that if Molrin and his party died on their way up, Ian would end up in the same unknown fate. However, this warning would bepletely useless if Mariv didnt fully recognize Ian as his own. Mariv removed his sses and lightly pressed his nose bridge, then wore a greatly amused smile. Surprising. Gale, I didnt know you cared so much for Molrn and his party. To be honest, I didnt think much of it before, but now youve piqued my interest. I have to kill them, Mariv decided as soon as the words left his mouth. He really hadnt cared, too busy with work and since Molrins group werent that important in the imperial pce. But if Gale was kicking up a fuss about it, that changed things. I suggest you drop it. And why is that? Because I just visited Fathers pce on my way here. Gale had gone to the Emperors pce first beforeing here. That name, Father. It always made Mariv instinctively frown. Whenever the Emperor met with Gale, something unpleasant always happened to him without fail. Just like right now. Im sure you know the New Years assembly will discuss appointing the Attorney General. Of course. While the Magic Department and part of the Administration were under Gales influence, the Judiciary and Legitive were backing Mariv. The position of Attorney General, the head of the Judiciary and the fourth most authoritative position in the pce, excluding the royal family. I dont understand what youre trying to say. Im not sure if youve seen the list of potions recently developed by the Magic Department. Theres one called the Truth Potion, derived from extracting abilitiesmonly seen in gypsies. When consumed, it makes the person speak only the truth. Mariv, who had been sitting until now, finally stood up. Gale, you bastard When I asked if it could be used as a demonstration during the Attorney General hearings, Father said that was a wonderful idea. Since so many snakes spew lies with their forked tongues, it would be quite the spectacle to have them take oaths of honesty and good faith under its effects. The issue wasnt distinguishing truth from lies. The problem was that the department creating it was the Magic Department. Who could guarantee that the potion would not be manipted to make people speak lies or dere whatever the creator desired? Ideally it seemed like something the empire desperately needed, but the timing was off. At the very least, the Magic Departments ill intentions had to be weeded out first before implementing something like this. I heard Helrot is tapped to be the next Attorney General. If you want that to happen, it would be best if Molrin and his party attend the New Years assembly. Otherwise, well have to find another candidate. Gale. What youre doing is dragging the empire backwards. Are you really oblivious to that? No, I dont know that. Fire is dangerous but indispensable if you consider its uses. The truth serum is the same. There may be chaos in the beginning, but in time, its value will solidify. And Helrot will probably be at the center of that chaotic genesis. As Gales mouth twisted up at the corners, Marib was overwhelmed with the urge to grab everything in sight and hurl it all at him. What made this provocation worse than the others was the involvement of the Magic Department. As an overly independent agency, there were no means left to rein them in. Theres no way to verify if the potion even works as imed. Dammit. Gale, this bastard, he always, always. Mariv and Gales expressions were always inversely rted. If one smiled, the others face soured. Mariv took a deep breath, maintaining his calm. You think itll pass? Some ministers will strongly oppose it. For various reasons. There would be those like Mariv, pointing out fundamental issues, and others opposing simply because they didnt want their dark secrets exposed. However, the overall decision regarding the checks on the judiciary will be made by the Administration. It means fathers opinion is the most important. As much as he hated admitting it, the Emperor had always favored Gale over Mariv. An imbnce of affection stemming from their different mothers. Hrious. If that potion is implemented, wont you be in the most trouble? Me? Hmm. Is that what you think? I figured brother would find it more awkward. Mariv felt at a loss for words at Gales sly response. It was also a natural confidence, given that he had Wesleigh, the head of the Magic Department, on his side. Anyway, think carefully. Stop pretending I have options. Whether I kill Molrin or not, Helrot will have to drink that ill-intentioned truth serum during his hearing. If so, it was better to just kill Molyne. There was still time before the potion issue, so he could look for ways around that. Gale donned his coat and chuckled. This is why you and I are so different, brother. What? Youd do it like that. Regardless of Helrots character, if you intend to take him down, you will. Helrot was exceptionallypetent and had outstanding external reputation and achievements, a rarity. Breaking someone like that out of spite made no business sense. At least not for Bariels future. I really dont like how you think that way. Is it because everything was handed to you from birth? You have no concept of whats precious. Whether people or things. At Gales words, Mariv could no longer hold back and shouted. Everything was given to me from birth? What nonsense! I dont have to humor your loose tongue. Well, Ill take my leave. Hopefully, no bad news wille your way. Bang. m. Gale left Marivs office just like that. At the same time, an aide cautiously entered, while Marib sat with his head in his hands, face downturned. Your Highness, are you alright? Im fine. From Gales behavior, if Molrin died, he could probably send additional investigators too. Grinding his mrs, Mariv ordered, Convene a general assembly immediately. Yes, Your Highness. The aide ced a letter from the border on the corner of the desk and left. It was a pile of reports consistentlying from Romandro. Requests for decisions on Molrins fate were repeated, but Mariv could only reply with hold. Damn it. A deep frown formed on Marivs handsome brow. He felt like plunging a sword into Gales neck right then and there. *** Why, are you concerned about Molrin? Since hes underground all the time, I sometimes forget hes even there. At Romandrosment, Ian shook his head in denial. He was merely trying to gauge why a decision on the administrators disposition was still pending. It seems like amand to hold off has been issued, probably due to some maniption by Gales side. Surprising. In other words, is Gale trying to save Molrin? Was Molrin that important? Ian wasnt sure. Though the man was in charge of Bratz, it seemed like he had been pushed out of the Administration. And while his loyalty was excellent, his overall job performance had too many limitations due to his age. Whether Molrin had hidden value or Gale had the tendency to properly look after his own menor something else Is it about Bratz? The reason it had to be Bratz among the many border areas. Ian suddenly realized something he had overlooked. He had assumed that covert operations for troop deployment were being conducted in other border areas too. But there was no way to know for sure. It doesnt seem like theres any reaction from Merellofs side. It seemed Romando visiting from the capital was a rarity these days. As Ian sank into thought, they had arrived at the parlor where Lady Lien was without him realizing. Mydy? Oh, are you done with work? She was half-lying on the sofa, looking bored and restless. Her hair was slightly disheveled, whether from her posture or the counts doing was unclear. No, were still in the process of moving. It seems it will take all night. If you wish, I could show you around the estate. If I do that, my dear husband will probably throw a fit again, so I must politely decline. After blowing on and scrutinizing her nails, thedy murmured excitedly about her glorious ns ahead. You should start counting down the days from today. In one month, youll be able to meet your expectations. One month? What are you talking about? Oh, darling. Lady Lien greeted her husband with a nonchnt smile, radiating charm. Count Merellof looked at Ian and his wife suspiciously, alternately scanning them. The presence of a young man near his wifes age, especially one as objectively handsome as Ian, was precisely the kind of situation to set off the Counts nerves. I meant in a month we can start harvesting gr. Thats what we were talking about. Are we done? Im exhausted and cant wait any longer. In a month. That was precisely when the side effects of the hallucinogenic sleeping pills would appear. The day the Count would stop breathing in his sleep. Ian understood thedys intention but pretended ignorance, nodding along. When I saw earlier, it looked like there was still some time. Oh, Sir Ian. Actually, I received a call from the Hayman Bank in Merellof just now. I see. Please go ahead. Well, there has been an increase in robberies in other regionstely. And I dont know if you knew, but with winter here, its be very difficult to cross the mountain range. And? Hmm, something smelled fishy about this sob story introduction. Romando snorted out wisps of breath, bracing to p him down. The bank asks if we could postpone the payment processing date by just one day because theyve run out of check stock. But Count, this puts us in a difficult position. The ink on the contract hasnt even dried yet. Then what, should wee to your estate and transport the remaining gold by carriage? The remaining 2,500 gold coins. It was hard enough transporting 1,000, and now theyre asking to move 2,500 more. Romandro twitched at this, and Ian stepped forward to address the situation. But Count, this clearly constitutes a breach of contract. We were expecting the remainder of the payment in cheques, as outlined in our agreement, werent we? The contract states that the remaining amount would be paid in the agreed manner. Cough. Thats why Im seeking your understanding. Im not interested in a losing deal. At Ians words, Count Merellof grimaced noticeably. He had tried to slyly smooth it over but Ian was being firmer than expected. The Count turned to his wife and said, Darling, quit being stubborn and put up some coteral instead. Your ne, earrings, rings. Roughly enough to match the amount. Caught off guard by the Counts demand, the Lady barely suppressed a scoff. Oh well, if he wants to pick a fight, might as well go at it. She removed the jewelry adorning her body one by one andid them on the table. Huh? Then, a ring caught Ians attention. It was on the Ladys left index finger and the jewel in it was strikingly familiar. Is that a topaz? Or The same type of gemstone as the ne found in Ians flowerpot? He moved closer and picked up the ring for a closer inspection. Chapter 89 Chapter 89 Unbelievable. It was this close all along yet I never knew. Ian chuckled in disbelief as he looked at the ring. Naturally, he had no reason to scrutinize thedys fingers or jewelry. The hand she had signaled with earlier was the opposite one. And there were already over seven pieces of jewelryid out on the table apart from the suspicious ring. Why do you ask? Do you know what gem is set in this ring? Thedy looked at Ian with a puzzled expression, as if wondering why he would ask such a question. But since she didnt know either, her questioning nce went straight to Count Merellof instead. No. You see, it was a gift from the Count The more he inspected it, the more certain he became. Ian was still wearing a ne under his outer garment, simr to the one hidden beneath the Ssque flowerpot. The yellow gemstone, which seemed to capture sunlight, was finely crafted. Count? Hmm, dont remember well but I think I got it as a gift from a merchant on his way up to the capital. It was the spring of our first year married so probably The Count tapped his temple, trying to recall the name of the merchant group, but he only managed to let out frustrated sighs, unable to articte it. Ugh. Anyway, it was a gift from a merchant, thats for sure. I remember there was an alchemist there too. An alchemist? Yes. He was trying to make gold, and produced all sorts of strange stuff whether it was a failure or intentional, I really couldnt tell. But I was told that such things are quite popr in countries beyond the Hawan Kingdom. Iaan was struck speechless by the unexpected information. An alchemist not once had he ever imagined that possibility. Those who sought to turn iron into gold through the study of natural principles rather than magic. Some saw them as frauds, lunatics or even heretics mimicking magicians at worst. For a merchant to have an alchemist, how fascinating. Probably not that unusual abroad. Isnt an alchemist like a living, breathing precious metals factory? While I havent seen any outstanding alchemists, its interesting seeing their almost-finished products. Merchants strike so many deals on the move, the inventory turnover is amazing. Dont you know? How would I know that? Right, of course. Those types wouldnt be visiting the brothels of Bratz, I suppose. Count Merellof inadvertently let out an insulting remark and then flinched, realizing his mistake. Wasnt he the one requesting to dy the payment and offering coteral? His tongue had made a real blunder. Cough. The Count cleared his throat and nced at Ian, who seemed too absorbed in examining the ring to notice. I see. A creation of an alchemist. But why was it hidden in Ians flowerpot? The puzzle pieces were starting to fit together. If what Philea said was true, Ian had acquired the flowerpot after running an errand for the caravan. It must have been the same group the Count mentioned. I see. Thank you for exining. The ring Ian and the Ladys gazes locked. Ian would have liked to buy it, and the Lady seemed willing to give it as a gift, if not for Count Merellofs presence. Is this sufficient for coteral? Of course, My Lady. I will return your valuables before tomorrows sunset if a check is sent. I hope this doesnt shake our mutual trust. Hmph. I dont know what you take Merellof for. If you took offense, please know that was not my intention. Knock knock. Count. Weve moved all the sacks. Just then, a servant from outside, sounding nearly out of breath, informed them. There were a total of 100 sacks. Now, all that was left was to transport them back and forth several times by carriage. Good. Go out. Dear, head to the estate first. Ian and I will wrap up here then join you. Yes, I understand. The Lady picked up her coat and gave Ian a slight nod. Though unintended, a sort of unspoken understanding passed between them, a shared secret. It was brief and subtle. Lord Ian, thank you for today. Youve made an excellent choice for the boundless future of Merellof and this estate. Not at all. It was a satisfying transaction for me as well. Though these were seemingly normal words of parting, the Count felt an uneasy intuition. Was it because of the brief silence earlier about the ring? The Count followed his wife out, casting a wary nce at Ian. *** Bang! Why the hell was he making that face? As soon as the door closed, Beric grumbled irritably. Ian just shrugged with a bewildered smile and began to gather the Ladys jewelry into a small pouch. Besides, those arent even real gems. Do gems matter? If theyre shiny and valuable to the public, theyre gems. What if the Count doesnt send the check tomorrow like he said? Stop worrying over nothing. Well be grateful if he does. Ian chuckled and handed the pouch to Beric, implying that he should take good care of it. Weve drawn up a contract, so if its not fulfilled, we can officially file aint with the royal court. Like most border counts, he hates getting entangled with the court, so hell pay up just to avoid that. And if he doesnt pay? They could take it to court and receive not only the principal amount but alsopensation. It was almost like trading Gr for more than their worth of 3,500 gold coins. And as soon as Count Merellof and his party leave the estate, spread the news that were allowing the trade of Gr. Start with only the roasted ones. Just the roasted kind? Yes. Timing and sequence were crucial. If we sell fresh Gr now, no one will buy the roasted ones. People would rather buy and prepare them themselves. They can just buy and cook it themselves. Plus in a month when our crops sprout, no one will want to buy raw anymore. However, if they sold roasted first, those who wanted to eat it would have no choice but to keep buying. And a monthter, when Count Merellof starts distributing Gr, selling them at a slightly lower price will provide another round of profit. Most of all, contract or not, its obvious the Count will kick up a fuss. So we need justification lined up as a precaution. While they agreed not to interfere with business activities, there was no telling how hed react if they flooded the market immediately after the deal. Based on his personality, it would be extremely tiring. For now, since its just roasted Gr, its unrted to the Counts profit, butter on Later on? Beric asked curiously, but Ian just smiled and shook his head, indicating he had no intention of exining further. Never mind. Come on, why not tell me! Go help with the work. We need to hurry and leave. Also, tell the estates residents that 10% of the profits from the sale of the roasted Gr will be taxed. Okay. 10%. One in ten. I get that much now! It was uncertain how much they would make. The additional ie would depend on the selling skills of the residents. Following Ians instructions, Beric started to leave but then paused. What about that rk guy? Ah, keep him for now. He has connections to thedy so he may prove useful somehow. Can I mess with him? At Bericsment, Ian turned his head. It seemed that Beric was unhappy about rk idly enjoying his day in the room. rk probably felt like he was imprisoned. Go ahead if you want to use him. Just dont physically harm him. Yes! Thud, thud, thud! What was he nning to do with that excitement? With Ians permission, Beric quickly ran out. As Ian drew the curtain, he could see that the sorting of the Gr was nearly finished. * * * Lord Ian! Yes, Hannah. Lively as ever I see. The Merellof steward hase directly. He said he brought the payment. Ah, I see. With Ians permission, the steward from Merellof entered the office. His demeanor and the way he handled his gaze seemed even more refined than the Counts. Creak. Wee. Greetings to you, Lord Ian. Here is the payment for the Gr that we failed to deliver yesterday. Excluding the 1,000 gold coins already prepaid, this is a cheque guaranteeing the remaining 2,500 coins. Please verify it. The steward ced an envelope on a silver tray at the edge of Ians desk. Ian checked the cheque paper, marked with the emblem of Hayman Bank, and then examined the Counts seal and handwritten signature. Theres no issue. Thats a relief. Ill have someone bring the valuables the Lady left as coteral. Hannah, tell Beric to bring the items. Yes, Lord Ian. Why dont you take a seat and wait? Is there anything urgent? No, theres nothing. I will take a seat then, thank you. The steward sat down, somewhat flustered. He had mentioned his business before being offered tea, which could be considered impolite. But the awkwardness of the situation was unavoidable. Previously, the steward had sent a request for Gr trading in his own name. Ian had not responded, but upon reflection, it seemed like an act of disclosing Merellofs circumstances externally, effectively ceding the upper hand in negotiations. If the Count ever found out about this Your name is Simon, right? Yes, thats correct. Im d you remember. The steward managed to shake off his distracting thoughts and answered. Of course. Ive read the letter you sent several times. Crap. His weakness has been exposed. The steward felt his heart sink but maintained an expressionless face. Judging by your name, you dont seem toe from a lineage of stewards. Where are you from? Have you been working long? The steward silently gauged Ians intention instead of answering. He didnt know why he was asking such things. Its just that were in need of a steward ourselves. I n to serve the Merellof house until my end. Hmm. Well, thats your decision. I was thinking more about providing tutge. Tutge? He wondered if it was a scouting attempt. Stewards were key figures in noble houses, and it wasnt umon for nobles to entice them away. Of course, it would require the Counts permission, but I wanted to express our interest in advance. I will consult with the Count. Good. You seem capable and intelligent. Naturally I wont skimp on pay. And I could give rk, who you worked with before, back to you. With your experience running that estate, it would help greatly. The answer was predictable. The Count would vehemently refuse. However, this wasnt about seeking permission from the Count; it was a message specifically for the Lady. After causing trouble, if they wanted rk, they would have to lend their steward. Yes, I understand. I will ry your message as is. Knock, knock. Lord Ian, Beric has brought the pouch. Ah, good. Hannah,e here. Yes? Hanah ced the pouch on the table, and Ian introduced her to the steward with a smile. This is Hannah. Hello? I see. Understood. It seemed Hannah would be the future caretaker of this estate. Unaware of the full context, Hannah awkwardly fidgeted with her fingers while greeting. The steward checked the valuables in the pouch and then stood up to leave. Then, Ill take my leave. Thank you for your efforts. Oh, Ill see you out! Creak! Ian watched through the window as the steward left the mansion. He then nced at the cheque for 2,500 gold coins on the tray and smirked. Tap, tap! Meanwhile, steward Simons carriage couldnt speed up and started moving slowly due to the crowded streets. He peered out of the carriage window, muttering to himself. Why is everyone out when its so cold Curious about what was happening. The steward frowned, wondering if what he saw was urate. Chapter 90 Chapter 90 Count Merellof dumped the reimed valuables on the table. Lady Lien, seated before him, began to re-adorn herself with the jewelry, just as she had the day before, including the pumpkin-colored ring in question. Look closely. He seemed to fancy it, so he might have taken it. Thats absurd. The Count was subtly probing, watching the Ladys reaction. Was the suspicious atmosphere he had felt before a mere misconception? Just then, the steward cleared his throat to speak. Cough. My lord, theres a problem. A problem? What kind of problem? Upon leaving the Bratz estate, I noticed an unusual number of locals around. It seems Lord Ian has opened up Gr trading to the vigers. Gr trading? So, hes been controlling the share meant for my estates vigers as well? The Count failed to grasp the crux of the issue. He couldnt have imagined that Gr trading would have been opened to the vigers within just a day. The steward bit his upper lip in a troubled manner, which gradually turned the Counts face pale. No, surely not. The vigers from Bratz were selling Gr to those from Merellof estate. The word spread quickly, and it was quite a bustling scene. That wretched, despicable scoundrel! ng! Involuntarily, the Count threw a teacup onto the table. The Countess, the steward, and the attending servants all flinched, their attention fixed on the Count. Please calm down, my lord. Calm down? Youre telling me to calm down now? The vigers were selling roasted Gr, which are only edible and cant be used for cultivation. It shouldnt significantly affect the operation of the estate. For each sack, thirty-five gold coins were needed. To break even, the Count had no choice but to sell the Gr cultivated from these seeds to his estates vigers. He could use the increased yield as a pretext for raising the next years taxes or sell them in exchange for money. Currently, theres a food shortage within the estate, so its not entirely bad. The issue is the suddenness of it all, without any discussion Indeed, when looked at objectively, the Count should be grateful to Ian. The Gr would help keep the vigers sustained until their own crops could be cultivated. However, the Count couldnt help feeling strong displeasure and even a sense of threat from Ians unteral action. What if we release raw Gr after the cultivating season when supply stabilizes? It seemed like a clear intention to sabotage. The Count kept tapping the desk, frowning deeply. He should have been wary from the moment Ian started talking about freedom of economic activities. This bastard, I swear For now, I suggest calming down like Simon said. Theres still time and we cant confidently guess Lord Ians motives. Lady Lien, who had been listening quietly, signaled a servant to clear the broken teacup. It was dangerous to have sharp objects around when tempers were high. And he, um, made a personal proposition to me. What? Ian did? Yes. He asked if I could help with the training of his mansions stewards during my personal time. I indirectly declined, saying I needed your permission, but he then offered to pay me separately and even return rk if I wanted. Absurd. As if I care about getting some ve back. The Count dismissed the idea as ludicrous, but Lady Lien took it seriously. So I can have rk back if I send over the steward? Or after its all done? Its hard to tell, really. In the past, Count Merellof had be extremely sensitive about sending letters to Ian, especially after sending him gifts and congrattions. He had many questions he wanted to ask, but couldnt act rashly. Send another letter. To Lord Ian? Invite him to dinner at the mansion. It was a guise of expressing gratitude for the gourd trade, but internally, it was a n to issue a proper warning. The Count was uneasy about Ians behavior, which seemed too bold, considering he had the central government backing him. Understood. You should prepare as well, dear. Of course. As the Count stood up, the servant cleaning up the broken pieces hesitated. Fortunately, the Count went outside to check on the gourd cultivation, bringing a sigh of relief to the room. Sigh. The Countess and servants simultaneously exhaled, relieved. They exchanged nces and awkwardly looked away. *** Unbelievable. Beric rubbed his eyes, mumbling in disbelief. It had been just one day since Ian allowed gourd trading in Merellof. He had sensed the vige outside the mansion was bustling but hadnt expected this extent. This is what we earned in just one day? It seems everyone is quite adept at business, dealing with those who live offmerce. Ianughed, looking at the chest full of coins. Most were silver and copper, but there were also some gold coins, likely taxes from the wealthier vigers. So this is why people go on about easy money. The nature ofnd and home owners getting it all. Not that I can talk. The revenue generated by the vigers trading had turned into tax revenue. Being the first day of implementation, there might have been some omissions or hups. However, as a side ie, it was more than satisfactory. And since its the first day, its this much, but it will decrease gradually. Many vigers bought in bulk, and the surplus will eventually run out. The Bratz vigers had set aside their share for the winter and were now making a profit. Not many had greenhouses. To prevent a shortage of Gr, Romandros men were constantly patrolling the vige, monitoring the trade. How much is all this? Good question. Beric, what do you think? Hmm, wouldnt I have to count it? I suppose so. Go ahead and count it then. Uh, sir? Separate the gold, silver and copper coins. Ask for help if you need more hands. From who? Youve been taking rk around like a servanttely, right? Oh, him? Its no fun. Hes not entertaining. Beric had quickly lost interest in handling people, as he had never really had anyone under him before. The biggest problem was that rk wasnt suitable as a sparring partner for sword practice. But Ian. Yeah? When you go up to the capital, will you take me with you? Beric crouched down, starting to sort the coins in the chest one by one. Ian sat opposite him and helped divide the coins, finding Berics actions both amusing and pitiful. Thats up to you. The deal between Ian and Beric was simple. Ian would awaken Berics potential as a demon swordsman. Beric would ensure Ians safety. Realistically, now that Bratz had fallen and an alliance was formed with Cheonrye, there was almost no threat to Ians life. Going to the central, his status as a magic practitioner would also serve as a shield. Theres no need to take many people with me, especially if I end up at the Magic Departments vi. Who knows what will happen there. What could I learn there? Obviously. Beric, its the imperial pce. The pce. All those who im to protect Bariel will be there. How do theypare to the Cheonrye n? How strong are they? Hmm Ian pondered for a moment. There were too many factors to consider in measuring strength. Magic practitioners directly involved inbat from the Magic Department would be almost unrivaled without control stones, and physically, there would be the Imperial Guard. Theres noparison. When was it, there was that incident up north Up north? Whyd you stop mid-sentence? He almost slipped. He had almost confused an event that hadnt happened yet with one that had. Beric asked again, annoyed, but Ian remained silent, not wanting to reveal more. Whyyy?! Tell meee! They say even northern warriors are powerless before the imperial guards captains. Wow, nice bluff. That obvious? Id have to be an idiot not to notice. Sorry, I actually forgot. The incident in the northern part of the Bariel Empire. It was a shocking event for an empire almost free from monster attacks. Ian remembered studying that a descendant of the blood n, the Atan tribe, had gained considerable power, but was ultimately defeated and killed by a captain of the Royal Guard. Right. Thats going to happen soon. There were also several significant wars, fights, and rebellions. Instead of counting coins, Ian began counting the years. As he counted, Berics eyes shone with curiosity. That many? Hmm? Many what? Captains. Theres that many? Ah. Three is the standard number of imperial guards captains. Excluding the chaotic situations like the Emperor being overthrown. The captains of the ImperialGuard in Ians memory were all remembered by their backs, either leaving him or dying in battle to protect him. The pce is freaking huge. Its not because its the pce itself, the capital brims with talented people. Bordends are bordends for a reason. You talk like youve actually been to the capital. I picked up bits here and there. Then I wanna go too. Beric decisively made up his mind. Going to the capital felt like an opportunity to level up, to get stronger. Swordsmanship, like physical strength, grows only with stronger stimuli. Ill go! Take me! Alright, fine. It seemed like Beric hadnt thought much about what he would do once he got to the central, but for Ian, it was a favorable turn of events. The journey would be safer with Berics presence. If there was one thing he could trust, it was Bericsbat skills, proven in an unexpected attack where he took down dozens. Enlisting him in the army might not be a bad idea. As a demon swordsman, Beric would be a highly valuable asset for the empire. It seemed like a good choice for Bariels future and for securing a stable life for Beric. Knock, knock. Lord Ian. A letter has arrived from Merellof. Again? That old man sure has a lot of time. It must be about the Gr trading. I thought he woulde storming in, but this is unexpected. Ianughed as he took the letter. It was an invitation for dinner either today or tomorrow. What does it say? Hes inviting us for dinner. Ian handed the letter to Beric and stood up. If we finish sorting the coins by the afternoon, Ill take you to the dinner. Beric, since its a formal invitation, there should be plenty of good food. Woah, leave it to me. Beric quickly got back to work, but his enthusiasm waned when Hana brought in two more heavy pouches, iming them as additional ie. Lord Ian, are you going out this evening? Yes, I received a dinner invitation from Merellof. Ill prepare your change of clothes. Hana promptly took out a neat outfit andid it on the bed. While changing, Ian suddenly remembered he was wearing the ne. Since he seldom took it off, he often forgot about it. Will you wear the ne too? Yes, itll nag at me if I leave it out. Then please change into something with a high cor. Why? Hannah answered as she rummaged through the wardrobe. Didnt you say that Count Merellof has someodd tendencies? Like jealousy issues. I did. It would be awkward if hements on you wearing the same type of jewelry as Lady Lien. Surely not. Ian smiled faintly, finding it hard to believe. Even if someone was unhinged, it seemed unlikely they would make a fuss over such a trivial matter. However, Hannah spoke matter-of-factly. Youd be surprised. People with mental instabilities often exceed what youd consider surely not. Wear this one. Ian changed his clothes as Hannah suggested, pondering her words. Hannah. Yes, Lord Ian. I think we should take rk with us. Get him ready. Ill prepare him right away. Creak. To Ian, rk was a means to keep the Countess in check, but to her, he was perhaps the only ally in the mansion. It seemed right to send him back for safety reasons. Ian! Im done! Thump! Thump, thump! Berics shouts of triumph echoed down the hallway. Ian chuckled softly and neatly buttoned up his shirt. Chapter 91 Chapter 91 The atmosphere was so frigid that one would think there were no guests invited over for a meal. The steward only nced at his master while pouring water into Ians cup. Everyone residing in the Merellof estate was attentive only to their masters mood, yet Ian and the man he brought along, Beric, werepletely at ease. Wow. The smell really hits you. Beric sniffed and relished the scent of meat to his hearts content. Count Merellof asked in an irritated tone. Sir Ian. Why on earth did you bring that guy along? You must have seen him before, my lord. Beric is the man I rely on the most recently to take care of things. Since you were kind enough to invite me for a meal, I brought him along to introduce him. I didnt get any word toe alone, so this is why I brought him.Is there a problem? Ian smiled innocently as if nothing was amiss, further stoking the Counts irritation. If I had known this would happen, I should have told the servant to spit in his soup, the Count internally grumbled. Serve the meal. Yes, my lord. At the Countsmand, the steward began carrying dishes in earnest. They say a rich n can sustain itself for three generations even if ruined, and the estate itself was faring well enough even on the brink of destitution. As Ian looked at the Gr dish, he smiled brightly. Im very d to see you have developed a taste for Gr. Indeed. Ill admit its my favorite. I heard that Sir Ian has permitted the serfs to trade in Gr. Now even those lowlifes get to taste this? Good things ought to be shared. No need to thank me. Thanks to you, my lord, I was also able to secure part of my tribute. As soon as Ian took a sip of water, Beric began to attack the food as if a signal had dropped, as Ian put it. He was eating as if he would clean out Merellofs entire storehouse. The ttering of Berics cutlery continuously echoed in the room. There should still be limits even to vulgarity. Hmph. Although the Count openly jeered at him, Beric didnt seem to care at all. His attitude was one of you can bark all you want, Ill just keep eating. As Ian passed his own bowl to Beric as well, he broke the silence. Since you were so kind to invite me for a meal, I have also prepared a gift of gratitude. rk, was it? The servant you gave mest time. At Ians words, the wifes knife froze in ce. It was only a very brief moment that no one but Ian noticed, however. I was thinking of returning him. If I had known a transaction of this scale was forting from the beginning, I would not have epted him in the first ce. Hrmm. Well, I wont stop you if thats what you want. Since there was no contract drawn up, you can just take him back as is. And, I have a proposal I wish to make. I hope that you, my lord, strongly encourage your serfs to actively consume the Gr cuisine of our estate. The Counts expression soured. Wouldnt that amount to his money flowing into the neighboring estate? Sensing his chance, he set down his cutlery and shot back. Sir Ian, unless the ground splits open, you and I will remain neighbors for life. How could you make such a major decision regarding the Gr trade permit on your own? And right after trading with us! I dont quite understand. We didnt go into Merellof and sell anything, and the serfs here said they wanted toe buy it themselves, how could I stop them? So he was reaffirming their economic autonomy once more? Ian replied with his arms crossed. It was to give the impression that he too was displeased. Of course he didnt actually feel that way, but he had to put on a bit of an act to make it seem like proper negotiations. And because we engaged in trade with you, my lord, I was also able to permit the transactions. It signified the thawing of the frozen rtions between Merellof and us. I thought you would see the significance as well, but it appears I was mistaken. That insolent mouth of his The Count barely held down the rage boiling up inside him and regained hisposure. So I understand it has meaning, but isnt the timing a bit off? My mistake, I nearly misunderstood. Since right after I purchased Gr, you also permitted trade with the serfs. That is precisely why I am making this request. Please encourage consumption among your serfs, my lord, but forbid the trading of live Gr. We will crack down on it as well but to be honest, we are short on manpower. Supply and demand have an intricate rtionship, so caution on one side alone will not suffice. This was why Ian had epted the dinner invitation. Rather than focusing on the selling of live Gr, he wasying the groundwork centered around buying it instead. If the Count were to die a monthter, who knows, but preparing for the possibility that he lives on was the safest course. Of course, filling Berics stomach was killing two birds with one stone, but with his immense activity level, food expenses had be too great to handle. asionally getting a free meal like this didnt seem so bad. As long as the Count doesnt keel over from high blood pressure, that is. Another bowl over here! Please wait a moment. Fill it right to the brim. Dont skimp on the slices. Beric held up an empty bowl, requesting a refill from the steward. The Count ground his teeth in frustration but couldnt bring himself to stop him, only downing more wine. Youre drinking quite heavily. Fine. Ill inform the estate then. Live Gr is a prohibited item. That should suffice, no? Im sure you understand fully what I mean? Ignoring his wifes wordspletely, the Count warned Ian. He was signaling his maximum cooperationbefore cultivation of Gr began in the estate, if Ian sold off any live Gr, there would be hell to pay. ncing sideways at the wife, Ian nodded. Of course, my lord. Then I shall take my leave for now. Sorry, but work has piled up for me. Dear, please entertain Sir Ian. It seemed he could no longer endure this meal because of his temper. It was extremely rude behavior, but Ian didnt mind at all. On the contrary, the meal was bound to be much more pleasant without the Counts presence. The wife nodded as if to say please leave it to me, and the Count stormed off. Caw! Phew As the door closed, the wife let out a sigh and rubbed her forehead without realizing it. She didnt act this way when there were external guests present, so it must have been due to the medicine making her more sensitive recently. Are you alright, mydy? Yes, of course. Youre enjoying the food after all, no? However, contradicting her words, she set down her cutlery as if her appetite hadpletely vanished. With her eyes, she dismissed all the servants including the steward from the dining room. Creak. As the door closed, Beric continued to vigorously devour the food with even more vigor. Ian subtly asked about the situation. How are things? Have you been using the cosmetics I sent over well? There was a chance Merellofs wife also had a magical brooch like Dergha. Understanding his implication, the wife smiled faintly and nodded. Yes. I used it today too. Dont I look better? It does seem that way. Though to be honest I cant really tell. You mentioned bringing rk. He should be outside. His value exceeds that of gold coins after all. The implication that he was being sent for the wifes sake was clear. With Merellofs death, the family would certainly fall. From Ians position as the neighboring lord, it was an opportunity he could not miss. Though their interests aligned, this was still a definite favor. The wife lifted her head slightly and greeted him. I see. Thank you. Just my duty. Still, receiving something for free doesnt seem right. Andst time, you showed quite a bit of interest in my ring. The mysterious alchemists pumpkin-colored gemstone creation. As she nced up at the ceiling, she murmured. Id like to at least give you that, if you dont mind. It would be my honor. Will you tell me if I ask? Why do you pay such attention to the alchemists failed gemstone. It was simple curiosity. Ian took out the ne around his neck nonchntly, as if it were no big deal. Actually, I have something simr. Oh my. A ne. It seems to be from the same alchemist. Ive had it since I was very young so Im quite curious about it in many ways. Interest piqued, the wife leaned in closely to examine the ne. It was definitely the same as her ring. Just then, Creak. A servant walked in, then froze in ce in front of the door. Because Ian and the wifes distance was too close. No one inside the dining room was doing anything suspicious, yet the servant unconsciously cast his eyes downward. Pardon me, Ivee to change out the tableware. Ah yes. I was about to call for that. Change out his dishes over there. The wife gestured as if to say perfect timing. It was because Beric had gotten sauce all over the ce while eating. The servant bustled about, clearing the table, then bowed deeply again before exiting outside. Are the guests still dining inside? That man seems like he hasnt eaten for days, is that why hes eating so much? So thats why. Huh, seems like therell be meat scraps everywhere, hmm. Activity grew busy in the prep room adjoining the dining hall. The servant who had brought in the new dishes stood there absentmindedly as if finding something odd. His impatient colleague nudged her shoulder. Whatre you spacing out for? Get moving. Huh? Oh, right, I should move. You saw a monster in there or something? No monster, but, um, were thedy and Lord Ian always that close with each other? I thought they hadnt seen each other much. Why, did something happen? When I went in thedy was touching Sir Ians neck. Crash! Apparently shocked at her words, her colleague dropped and broke a te. At the same time, all the servants in the kitchen stopped what they were doing and looked over. Unable to get a word out, they surrounded the gossiping servant and warned her. Watch your mouth! That girl mustve lost her mind. If the master ever finds out about this, were all dead for sure. It wouldnt just be Lady Lien facing death, if they were unlucky the servants would not escape bloodshed either. Besides, was there anyone here who hadnt received thedys help at least once while being beaten? Stop spouting nonsense and close your eyes and ears. A-alright. Forget it from your memory. Remember when the Count hit youst time and thedy took your ce? He wouldve crippled your arms and legs and kicked you out if not for her. Everyone silently resolved themselves, calming their pounding hearts. Frankly, with a husband like that, it was only natural for thedys eyes to wander. And Ian was around her age, plus he was amoner who had risen to lord status, not to mention exceptionally good looking. It was bound to happen. Seriously. It felt like a silent storm was brewing inside the estate. Everyone was murmuring as they dispersed, and the steward who had been waiting outside also gave up on going back inside, turning away. Creak. Tap tap. The stewards heavy footsteps crawled into the darkness of the corridor. It was the direction of the Counts office. It seems Ian is seducing thedy to plot something against Merellof. But was there no way to convey this to her without causing maximum harm? The steward heaved a deep sigh, leaning his forehead against the wall. Far away, a thin ray of light leaked out from the crack of the dining room door. Steward? Just then, a servant called out to him. Being addressed as steward sshed cold water on him, waking his senses. These were unnecessary worries. Are you not feeling well? No, Im fine. Go assist in the dining hall. Yes, sir. Passing by the servant, the steward hardened his resolve. He certainly held grateful feelings and human affection for thedy, but before that, he was the loyal steward of House Merellof. Knock knock. My lord. Iming in. As the door opened, the Count who had been smoking a cigarette looked over curiously. His gaze seemed to ask if Ian had left. *** And the next day. Ian greeted the morning as usual and left his bedroom. Everything was the same peaceful daily life. Despite winter, the weather felt a bit warmer. Wheres Beric? Hes lying down with an upset stomach. That guy really is something. Tsk. Sipping his tea in the dining room, Ian clicked his tongue. Was it because Beric wasnt here? The estate itself felt quieter. Romandro was still asleep while most of the Nersairn and Cheonrye tribe tribesmen could often be found at the observation post by the border on clear days. To perform astrological divinations and such. Tap tap! Thud! Woof! Whats that? I wonder. Hannah who had been pouring tea also flinched at themotion audible from outside. A servant came rushing in as if he would trip and fall while making a fuss. Lord Ian! Lord Ian! You look lively so early in the morning. Me-me-Merellof sent a letter! As expected, those guys really The-the lord is dead! Ian knitted his brows at the servants broken speech. Gasping for breath, the servant stammered on. Count Merellof has passed away! What? I just had dinner with him yesterday though. Could the drug have progressed faster than he had expected? But that was not the servants answer. It seems rk stabbed and killed the Count! Chapter 92 Chapter 92 It happened right after Ian left the Merellof estate. The steward blocked the wifes path as she dragged her tired body to return to her bedroom. Lady Lien wrinkled her brows as she looked at him. What is it? The Count requests your presence. Why? There was something uneasy and ominous about it. It wasnt amon summon. Was it because of the stewards stiff expression? Thedy remained fixed in ce, unmoving. As wax dripped down the candlestick, the steward urged her on. Mydy. Wait. Let me think. Does even the steward not know why Im being called? After a brief moment of silence, the steward heaved a sigh. That breath echoing in the unusually quiet corridor felt colder than the frigid wind outside. Steward. Tell me. Master is aware of the rtionship between Sir Ian and mydy. How? The wifes face turned white as a sheet. It was such an unexpected response. As he looked upon her not denying it, the stewards heart burned pitch ck. If only she had said no, in her usual confident tone. Her attitude indicated what the servants had seen was correct. Why would you do that, mydy. No, this makes no sense. Knowing the masters personality. Youve made a mistake. No, thats not it! Its not! However, Lady Lienpletely misunderstood, taking his words to mean that the assassination attempt had been discovered rather than an affair. Her body shook violently as her mind went nk. What to do? If the Count doesnt die? What would happen to me? If the Count didnt die, she would. Even if she didnt stop breathing, she would be bound here for life. This was a clear fact. And the only one who could help her now was Ian. Lady Lien immediately dashed down the corridor. Woof! Thud! Mydy! Damn it, Ian! Ian! Wha-whats the matter? A carriage, no, ready a horse! Sir Ian! Mydy! You must not! The wife tumbled down the stairs as she shouted. Drawn by the sudden chaos, the servants who had been tidying up swarmed over. One moved to help thedy up but she violently shook off his hand, yelling. Bring me a horse! Mydy, you cant do this! Shut up! Its do or die, what choice do I have Get out of my way! Crash! Smash! Decorative objects in the corridor fell and shattered as the wife desperately ran for the main gate. Pain shot through her bloodied knees as if they would give out. But she knew. If she stopped now, it would truly be the end. Swish! Mydy. Further disorder would be troubling. Just then, a knight grabbed the wifes arm. He was one of the three knights residing in the estate. The wife had no color in her face as she panted for breath. So-someone, please. Good gracious. Mydy, are you alright? Everyone return to your quarters. No one is to leave until given permission. Disperse! The servants worried about thedy yet retreated before the steward and knights shouts. Everyone lowered their heads as much as possible as they exited the corridor. Let go! I said let go! You darey your hands on me? Forgive me, mydy. But if you continue like this, things will only get worse. Nooooo! I hate this! I hate it! At the stewards signal, the knight slung her over his shoulder. Her bare legs peeked out from under her skirt, unavoidably. Lady Lien kicked and screamed murderously, her shrieks echoing throughout the estate and reaching rks ears. Mydy? Ian may have brought him as a means to send him back, but rk had not received any message. He had simply been sitting in the old servants storage in the Merellof estate, eating porridge. With Ian already gone, no one paid any attention to rk amidst Lady Liens chaos. Creak. rk walked the familiar corridors and looked up the stairs. He had lived here for years. Even with his eyes closed, the estates structure was clear to him. He also knew very well that most of Lady Liens screams originated from her bedroom. Creak. With every heavy step, the wooden floor ominously groaned. He eventually reached the floor where the Counts bedroom was located. There he met the steward and knight standing guard. rk? Return to your quarters. Thedy. Go back. Woof! Thud! At the same time, muffled sounds could be heard from inside. rk impulsively tried to rush in but was blocked by the knights light gesture. Lien! Bang! Was it because he heard that sound? The previously noisy bedroom briefly fell silent. Soon the door opened to reveal the Count with bloodshot eyes. rk? Ah. There was no greater devil than his sweat-drenched appearance. Hearing the wife shriek rks name, the Count felt like the blood waspletely draining from his body. You whorish woman, just how many men have you been whoring around with Ian? rk? Both of them, what on earth. Its not! Ive told you so many times! Then why mention rks name! Smack! The Count mercilessly grabbed the woman by her hair. He grinned cruelly, alternating nces between her and rk. He then turned to leave the door open in an obvious gesture for rk to enter. Lady Lien shed tears as she was dragged along, looking at rk. Run. That was what she was saying. But, but. Creak. As if drawn in, rk followed her into the bedroom. The worried steward and aloof knight. As he took a cigarette between his lips, the Countmanded. Behead anyone who leaves this room without my consent. Understood. Do not let anyone interfere. Caw! The bedroom door mmed shut. Neither the woman nor the ve would leave this room alive tonight. When the sun rose, the blood of either staining the wooden floor. The Count swung his whip ferociously until both were drenched in sweat. The more rk tried to shield the wife, the harder the Count brought the whip down upon his arms. Crack! Crack! Ah! The moment the long whip wrapped around the wifes neck and struck her cheek, rk experienced his reason snapping. His body moved on its own ord against his will. With the letter knife on the table he stabbed the Counts throat. Argh! Outside, the steward and knight turned their heads at the unfamiliar scream. rk? Though confused, the Counts order not to interfere guarded the door firmly. Between the gaps, the wifes sobs could be faintly heard. And finally, the time arrived for darkness to recede and the sun to rise. The door that seemed as though it would remain shut forever opened, and the first to emerge was Lady Lien. Covered in blood, the origin unclear whether the Counts or her own. The wife slowly shuffled on, fingers tracing along the wall. Her traces lingered indistinctly. *** Creak. Upon alighting from his carriage, Ian immediately looked over the estate. The shocking atmosphere from the Counts assassination still lingered strongly. Perhaps Ian felt so himself. It seemed the news hadnt yet spread to the vige. Lord Ian? Pleasee in. An antsy servant led the way in front. Quietly avoiding the shattered decorative objects along the corridor, Ian headed upstairs. In front of the room in question, three knights as well as the steward and some servants had gathered, awkwardly discussing something. Lord Ian has arrived. Ah. The steward appeared to be quite out of sorts. He couldnt even properly greet Ian. But exchange of pleasantries was needless anyway so Ian simply nodded and entered. Youvee? My word. Mydy. The scene was madness. The plush, soft ivory rug was thoroughly soaked in blood while barely any intact object remained in the room. But what was more stunning was Lady Lien sitting on the sofa. Have a seat. Sorry about my state. What happened here? How on earth did it. Lady Lien was still wearing the dress fromst nights dinner. To Ians eyes, he could see the blood seemingly hastily wiped away, leaving splotches on her fair skin. As you can see, its been chaotic. And the Count? Is he dead? A doctor is examining the corpse in the bedroom. It seems rk grabbed a letter knife and stabbed the Counts throat while he was being beaten by him. Phew, she breathed out cigarette smoke with a murmur. In just a single night, just the time it took for the moon to cross the sky, the world had changed. Ian pressed his palm to his forehead as he peered inside. Good grief, how preposterous. What was the reason she sourced the secret drugs from the Hawan Kingdom, and schemed all this? It was solely to evade legal punishment. Greetings, Lord Ian. I am one of the three Merellof knights, Fuhler. Ian turned his head at this unfamiliar mans greeting. He had curly brown hair, but the look in thedys eyes as she gazed upon him was less than kind. Were you the one who sent the letter? Yes. There are some things I must verify. Verify? With me? Ian furrowed his brows as if clueless. Thedy merely stubbed out her cigarette on the table with a tired expression. We are men who swore our loyalty to Count Merellof. Revealing the circumstances of our lords death thoroughly is our responsibility and duty. As the three knights, it shall be our final mission to execute all those responsible for the Counts demise. Will you look at these guys. With his arms crossed, Ian raised his chin. So? What is your rtionship with Lady Lien Merellof? Huh? It should make sense, yet Ian felt his thoughts grind to a halt. They said rk killed him, so were they suspecting Ians involvement? But why on earth are they asking something so absurd? Theyre suspecting an affair between us, Sir Ian. Specifically you and me. Pfft! At thedys words, Beric burst intoughter. But the knights didnt so much as blink, seeming perfectly serious. Ian rubbed his forehead with an awkward smile. Bullsh*t. What about rk? Hes being imprisoned in the underground dungeon. Have him brought here. I cannot allow that. The knight firmly refused Ians order. His brows knotted on their own. Thedy who had been listening beside himmanded once more in a sluggish voice. Bring rk. Until the circumstances behind this incident are made clear, I cannot obey even thedysmand. And that is our situation as of now, Sir Ian. With the Count dead, she should have taken over as head of the estate until the next heir was decided. But the knights defiance hadplicated matters. Ian nced the knights up and down with a murmur. What circumstances? Its retribution for your masters f*cked up personality. While he was dying you useless men could do nothing but chatter. He could guess why they were kicking up a fuss like this. Even in Bratzs case, countless factions had jumped in to try and take Derghas ce. Morlin, Erica, followed by Gale, Ian, Cheonrye tribe, the adversarial Mariv and Romandro. Not only that, treating a concerned neighbor who rushed over this way so discourteously, I cannot find a shred of propriety. As it happens, there is an imperial advisor on our side, so I shall request to draw up a deposition regarding this incident. Ian immediately signaled Lady Lien with his eyes. Mydy, I sincerely hope you dismiss those fools when tidying up the estate. Theyve been performing poorly. Lord Ian! Swish! As one knight protested loudly, it was Beric who stepped up. Rather than answering with words, his reply came swinging his sword. Gazing upon the Counts corpse, wife, and knights, Ian contemted. If they were to shove aside thedy and Counts younger brother, upying the estate instead, things could be quite tricky. Beric. Hmm? It was as if Ians presence was an eyesore to the imperial pce. I suppose we ought to tidy things up here. Here? Beric pointed his sword tip at the knights. Should we tidy up those three bastards heads? Chapter 93 Chapter 93 Ian pushed aside Berics sword with the back of his hand, dumbfounded. The guy who put a hole in his gut fighting one knight in the desert, what confidence made him think he could take on three at once? The knights also red as if to say, Are you insane?, yet they seemed to be holding back for now since Ian was standing in the way. Knock off the bullsh*t and go bring Romandro instead. Ah, so thats what you meant? My bad. There was not a speck of apology in his words but it felt better to admonish him at least. Ian signaled the wife with his eyes. All of you out. Go help bring the advisor or take care of things that need doing. Dont just stand around dazed. Shoo. .. Perhaps determining it would get them nowhere staying put, the knights obediently left the room. Seeing the confused steward ncing left and right trapped between them, the wife took out a new cigarette and ordered. Steward, go make some tea at least. We have a guest and though the situation is chaotic, manners must be upheld. Yes, mydy. One knight stood stubbornly with his arms crossed in the corridor. The way he held his chin high even as the door closed, as if to keep thedy detained by force, betrayed his intentions. Creak. As the door shutpletely, she breathed out smoke vacantly. Then looking at Ian, she murmured. I feelpletely out of sorts. Pull yourself together, even by force. We need to secure the estates rights before those knights do anything drastic. I havent yet. Then you should inform the Counts brother quickly. Dont those knights hold militarymand over Merellof? Unlike the Bratz estate, Merellof didnt require arge force. The estate functioned stably with just the handful of guards that could be maintained from the estate and the three knights as the core of a private army system. There were no threatening enemies like the Cheonrye tribe. Probably? I suppose so? From your reply, now I understand why theyre kicking up such a fuss. If you dont hurry, mydy, you may meet the same fate as the Count. Ian tilted his chin toward the bedroom where the corpsey. Would now not be the perfect timing topletely wipe out Merellofs line and write a new history? If the same happens to me, wouldnt that trouble you too, Sir Ian? It would trouble me, yes, but more of a nuisance than anything fatal like with you. How annoying indeed. For the imperial pce to take interest in Merellof now because of this. But by then, Ian would be closer to the capital. And most of all, Ian truly had no involvement whatsoever in this incident. She could threaten me if she wanted. For instance, if he didnt help her now, she could make false confessions about their inappropriate rtionship, dragging him into the mud with her. I see. Indeed. Firstly, the wife didnt seem to hold any such intentions. Perhaps the previous nights shock was too immense, or since her position left her simply desiring freedom, she had no wish toplicate matters. Or perhaps shes clever. She probably thought that provoking Ian now would leave her unable to recoup her losses. It would be different if she asked for his help. She nibbled numbly on her cigarette,pletely deted. Mydy, have the steward bring you the seal from the office before Romandro arrives. Whoever holds that represents the estate. Ah, that. You can then just handle things systematically. If the knights betray you midway, we can provide military support from our side. With Beric present and warriors who had yet to return to Cheonrye tribe still remaining, they would probably subdue those three knights and soldiers easily. What is it that you want? The wife simply blinked and smiled. That there was no such thing as unconditional favor was something she seemed to have grasped early on. Ian merely shrugged his shoulders at her words. I cant seem to think of anything in particr right now. How about tributary payments? That should suffice. Though other than money, Id prefer something more what the knights can offer. A connection through money could just as easilye loose. The wife wanted a contract only she could fulfill for him. There isnt much I can offer right now since I came barehanded into the estate. The wife moved to stand before her vanity. At a light gesture, the drawer opened for her to take out the ring made by the mysterious alchemist. The very one like Ians ne. You did say you were quite curious about it. Do you happen to know if this ring and your ne were crafted at the same time? Considering both the timeline and distance between estates, if they came from the same upper-tier alchemist, the possibility was high. Stroking his chin, Ian replied. Id happily ept the ring, but as for the item next to it. It was the new anesthetic secretly traded from the Hawan Kingdom. The round, ck jar was tidily polished as before. The wife merely made a shrugging motion, as if to say do as you please. Refuse it if you dont want it. I simply presented the most valuable item in my possession. The choice is yours, Sir Ian. Seeing Ian hesitate, Beric behind decided there was no need to ponder as he took both items himself. Why not take what shes giving? Beric. Havent you left yet? Was just about to. Huh, whys this noting off? Quite incredible indeed. He had absentmindedly put his finger into the ring and it seemed to be properly stuck. As Ian shot him an exasperated look, he fumbled awkwardly with an embarrassed grin. Can I just grease it off? Itd be faster to cut your finger off. Mydy, may I borrow a knife? I shall bring Romandro immediately, my lord. Please wait. At Ians jest, Beric promptly made himself scarce. Even so, he didnt forget to take the jar with him. You can rece the jar when its used up. Men wear cosmetics nowadays too but its still awkward for many. Where exactly would I use it? Youll soon rise to the capital, no? While there are things that can be picked up anywhere, I imagine there would be ample use for it in a ce like that? No idea where she got the notion but she was quite spot on. As the center of Bariel, it was morous and chaotic, with a tense undercurrent of cruelty. Staying up countless nights unable to sleep would surely bemon among those at the hub of power struggles. Whether due to work or fear of death. The lethal dose is over 2 grams a day, taken continuously for a month. Just follow that properly and there shouldnt be issues. So this would produce side effects yearster, not months. Anyway, are you certain about this? No matter how I think about it, I cant understand Beric copsing just from a whiff. How should I know? I had no problems myself. Something must be off with your subordinates constitution. The wife stated decisively she was sincere. Granted, Beric walking around perfectly fine with a hole in his gut was not exactly a normal physique. Ian turned his head to nce back. The doctor was packing up his medical kit. Truly, more so than these trivial things, the tribute is most important. I could prepare it by selling gems if need be. Though I wonder if there are any gem buyers nearby whod ept goods. Id likely need to go as far as Sherion for cash trade. It seemed only the family head held financial authority in Merellof. At least in the Bratz, Lady Mary was in charge of household affairs yet an overbearing Count certainly wouldnt share his power with his wife. Anyway mydy, make haste with things. Its best to move before those knights take action. As Ian turned to leave the room, the wife grabbed and asked him. Though her expression remainedposed and dull, her voice unexpectedly quivered unlike her demeanor. The more he looked at her the stranger she seemed. What will happen to rk? How can it be otherwise? Its the death penalty, without exception. Except for legal executions by the imperial pce, like those by Dergha, the murder of nobles could only happen on the battlefield. Killing a noble was a serious crime, and if the perpetrator was a ve, there was no need for a trial. I was surprised to hear that rk is still alive. The fact that the knights did not execute him on the spot suggests that there is a different intention at y. Is there really no exception? A ve surviving after killing a noble? Its possible, but Ive never heard of it. Oh, I did hear about a former ve who became a king in another country Ian paused for a moment, trying to align this information with the history he remembered, to see if it matched the current events. Thinking about the years, it seemed to roughly fit the timeline. I heard the first person he killed was his noble master. Maybe rk could survive if he bes a king too. Thedy seemed to be pondering something, idly flicking the tips of her nails. It appeared she was keen on saving rks life at least. Cant you help us? Lady, Im sorry, but I need to go to the capital soon. I cant afford to get involved in more trouble. It seems like Sir Ian could do it. By what means could I save a ve who killed a noble? Havent you already done the same? You, amoner who had crossed the border and survived to be lord. Ian frowned. The conversation seemed to be going off track. Thedy murmured to herself, and Ian responded in his own way. Mydy. I will be the lord. What? Is that not possible? Ian hesitated at her assertive question. Theres now restricting lordship to men. But mydy, you are not of Merellof blood, no? It would be different if you had a legal heir, but with the Count dead, you are an outsider to the Merellof family. Was that all? The only one holding the keys of support and opposition, the Counts brother, certainly wouldnt agree. Which meant, in order to be lord. The only way is to change the ruling family here. Like Bratz, erasing the name of Merellof. It was no different from what the knights were trying to do. Thedy sat back down in her chair, seemingly lost in thought, staring out the window. If I be the lord, the head of this house, I cannot leave this ce, can I? One might be able to leave their seat temporarily, but essentially, it meant being tied to one ce. It was no improvement from the situation Lady Lien desperately wanted to escape. No. With the Count gone shes better off. Freedom and love. Ian could guess the two tangled concerns in thedys mind. Frankly, it was more beneficial for Ian if thedy became the lord than the Counts unfamiliar brother. They had some rtionship, he knew her secrets, and she seemed uninterested in expanding her territory. If the knights or the Counts brother became the lord, who knew what theyd do while Ian was away in the capital? But the presence of the Counts brother makes it tricky to step forward hastily. It was a kind of a strategic standoff. If Ian absorbed Merellofs coutndom, it might give Gale an excuse to intervene again, citing excessive expansion of power on the border. But on the other hand, it could firmly impress his worth on Mariv. First, it would be good to meet the Counts brother. Ian straightened his coat and looked back at thedy. She still seemed lost in her own thoughts. Ill inform the Counts brother about the situation and return. He lives in a mansion on the outskirts of the vige, whats his name? Dive Merellof. Ill be back soon. Ian muttered, checking his pocket watch. If he hurried, he could return before Beric brought Romandro. Chapter 94 Chapter 94 Dives residence wasnt far from the estate. The steward, who apanied her on thedys orders, seemed lost in thought, staring outside the carriage. The death of his master must have been a significant shock. Lord Ian. Ian responded by turning his head. Now that we are alone, I would like you to tell me the truth. What are you referring to? Do you truly have no rtion with thedy? Ah, really. Its an important issue for me. Is that so? To me, its a pointless question. The steward was puzzled. If Ian and thedy werent involved, why did she seem so terrified, refusing to return to her bedroom? Her frightened behavior seemed like that of someone whose secret had been exposed. If the two of you really arent involved, it feels like all this tragedy started with my misunderstanding. If he had ignored the whispers of the servants, perhaps the Count, thedy, and rk would not have had such a tragic night. Ian chuckled softly to himself. Your name was Simon, right? Yes. Simon, who said it was a tragedy? Sir? Is someones death always a tragedy? To the Count himself, certainly, but to those who wished for his death, what greater blessing could there be? I believe even you, as a steward, would understand. He had seen servants beaten to the point of writhing in pain and thedy bearing the bruises in their ce, suffering beside them. Simon covered his eyes with his hand and sighed softly. He couldnt figure out what would be the right thing to do. And even if it is a tragedy, its not because of your misjudgment, but because of the Counts damn character. Ian drew a clear line. As they spoke, the carriage slowed down. They had arrived at Dives residence. Being far on the outskirts, there were few houses around. Hmm. Quainter and nicer than I expected. A three-story mansion with a low roof. It could be called a pcepared to the homes ofmoners, but it was quite modest for a nobles dwelling. There was only a single willow tree nted in the small garden. Isnt that Steward Simon? A servant, who came out at the sound, recognized Simon and bowed deeply. It was unusual for Simon to visit personally, especially with a stranger in tow. Is Lord Dive inside? Yes. Hes in the middle of prayer. Theres bad news. Lead the way. Ah, yes. This way At the mention of bad news, the servant led them inside. The interior of the mansion seemed unremarkable, except for the dark-themed paintings on the walls. Prayer, huh? It was unexpected. In the bordends, it was rare to find devout believers. In the central regions, near the Papacy and closer to magic, there was more reverence for the divine. But here, where the power of a lord was almost equal to that of the emperor, everything revolved around the Count. There was no ce for faith as a source of power. Please wait here for a moment. Creak. The servant led Ian and Simon to the drawing room. It seemed there were no others to attend to the mansion, as it was silent and devoid of any noise. Ian fiddled with the back of his neck, feeling slightly uneasy, and asked Simon. By the way, what kind of person is Lord Dive? Lord Dive? Didnt you know? How would I know about the counts brothers affairs? Simon seemed to ponder how to describe him. While waiting for his response, Ian looked around the drawing room more closely. A red-painted mahogany cross, a tablecloth with geometric patterns, dry leaves, colorful beads strung together as decorations, books piled up to the ceiling without any shelves Except for his unique aesthetic sense, I really dont know much about Lord Dive. Simon nced at the firmly shut door and cleared his throat. Actually, I dont know much about his childhood either, but I heard that Lord Dive was extremely passionate about his studies. Passionate about studies? Simon, not being from the Merellof lineage and a settler, didnt know the details of their childhood. He only knew snippets that had trickled down like rumors. The Count didnt seem interested in anything academic except for money calctions. Simon wanted to argue but didnt since it wasnt entirely wrong and chose to ignore it lightly. The Count thought his passion for learning was a blessing, butter said it turned out to be a curse. He read a banned book from a foreignnd. A banned book? About what? It was about the Undergod. Ah, the Undergod. Do you know of it? Ian gasped softly. The religion was dressed up in grandiose terms, but its essence was simple. It was a new religion that had emerged among the lower sses in another country. At that time, it was just one of many heresies, but over time, it grew in size and influence. Bariel may be outside its influence, but other countries have suffered greatly from it. Religious wars have erupted due to it. Since Merellof handled the trade of new goodsing into Barriel, it was natural that they woulde into contact with such things. Ian crossed his arms and rubbed his chin. Good grief, what a state this fiefdom is in It was aplete mess. The Count, who was the lord, had severe paranoia and was mentally unstable, and his only heir was a heretic. It was aplete disaster. In this case, it might be better to change the family head, as thedy suggested. No one could guarantee what would happen if power was given to a heretic. In the long run, it could be a threat not only to Ians fiefdom but also to Barriel itself. Creak. Simon. Ah, Lord Dive. At that moment, the door to the drawing room opened, and Dive entered. Ian had expected him to be close in age to the Count, but he looked surprisingly young, in histe thirties. While he definitely resembled the Count, the overall atmosphere was quite different. He had the aura of someone who would be in seclusion, devoted to prayer. I have received a response from the Undergod. I have some bad news. Who has died? Simon was startled by his intuition and just nodded, but Ian snorted in disbelief. Its obvious that bad news would mean someones death. He found it ridiculous how Dive behaved as if he had guessed something extraordinary. Last night, the Count was attacked by a lower member of the house. The physician is currently stitching up his wounds for the funeral. Haa. Dive let out a meaningless sigh. He seemed both distressed and relieved. He ovepped his fingers, touching his forehead, and murmured something. Serious case, definitely a serious case. Who is this gentleman? Oh, this is baron Ian, the new lord of the neighboring fiefdom. Upon Simons introduction, Ian offered his hand. Im Ian. I havent received an official family name from the Emperor yet, so please feel free to address me informally. A royal advisor is currently at our ce, and Lady Lien Merellof asked for help, so I came here. Dive nced at his hand and reluctantly shook it, responding. He seemed to have heard of Ian. Rumors that a bastard son ofmoner origin had overthrown his father and be the new lord. What kind of help? Starting with delivering this news to Mr. Dive, handling various matters at the mansion. Lady Lien seems quite out of sorts, so she needed someone to watch over things. Really, my sister-inw. Leaving family aside to bring in an outsider. Ill prepare soon and return to the mansion. Ian smiled and nodded. However, there were several concerning points in their brief conversation. Despite Ian being young and from a humble background, he held a title, while Dive had none. There was an underlying condescension, as if Dive was looking down on him just because of his noble birth. And he says hes going back? It could be an overreaction, but Ian found Dives attitude, as if the mansion inherently belonged to him, particrly irksome. Dive left the drawing room to change his clothes, and Ian turned to Simon. Steward, do you wish for Mr. Dive to be the new family head? Simon hesitated for a moment, struggling to answer the sudden question. The Count might not have been a good master, but he had decent business acumen. But Dive? Since reaching adulthood, he had never been involved in business, preupied with heresy and spending half his days in prayer. If he enters the mansion, you might lose your ce, right? Youre not from the familys previous lines of servants, after all. A steward is someone the family head entrusts with the management of the house. Since Dive already had a servant, if he returned to the mansion, it was natural he would appoint his own butler. I have no right toment. I served the Count, and I only wish to honor the legacy of the Merellof family. Hmm, really? Really? Ian raised his eyebrows and asked again, but he couldnt get an answer. They followed Dive back to the mansion. Approaching the entrance, Ian noticed a familiar carriage Isnt that your carriage, Lord Ian? Yes, it seems Beric moved quickly. Beric had returned from fetching Romandro. The officials arriving at the mansion made the knights visibly tense and defensive. Lord Ian, what is happening here? Lets go inside first. This is Mr. Dive, the only blood rtive of the Count. A royal advisor from the pce? Yes. Please ept my condolences. Condolences? Thats fine. Dive straightened up and led the way. He already acted like the owner of the mansion. Ian watched him and his butler rush in, then signaled Romandro with his eyes, indicating he wanted a word. Ian, Im not sure exactly whats going on. A ve stabbed and killed his master. But the mansions knights seem to be up to something. They might be nning to seize the mansion. Seize the mansion? Does that mean theyre after the lordship? Ian briefly exined the mornings events, suggesting that they were nning to depose Lady Lien and deal with Dive as well. Moreover, Dive believes in the Undergod. What? What kind of day is this? One disaster after another. Whats the Undergod? Beric, Ill exinter. Just listen for now. Romandro scoffed in frustration. The Undergod! Among heresies, it was the one Bariel detested and found most troublesome. Any noble from the central regions would know it well. Chapter 95 Chapter 95 Lord Romandro? Where has Lord Ian gone? Steward Simon asked with curiosity as he saw Romandro walking alone down the hallway. Romandro waved his hand dismissively as if it was nothing significant and promptly requested some items as he entered. Bring me parchment, a pen, and ink. Yes, I understand. Upon entering the bedroom, a strong smell of blood and thick cigarette smoke hit him. Inside, the sobbing of Dive could be heard continuously, and Countess Lien sat indifferently on the sofa. Have you arrived? Where is lord Ian? He had some urgent matters to attend to but will return shortly, Madam. Romandro looked around and sat opposite her. It was evident that there were things to be discussed, and Countess Lien, too, nced at Romandro while being mindful of the inner bedroom. What is it? Madam, Ian has asked me to convey a message. He suggests that it would be best if you kept the seal once secured. Ah. Countess Lien eximed in surprise. This was a sign from Ian. If she decided, he was willing to support her in overthrowing the Merellof family. Romandro quietly muttered while pouring some cooled tea. I will submit a report, but depending on the discussions above, another investigator might be dispatched. By that time, both I and Ian wont be able to assist you by your side, as we will be on our way to the central region. I have to do this alone, then. The detailed n will be discussed once things are somewhat settled. So, will you continue to keep the seal? It was a question of whether she intended to be the head of the family. Countess Lien nced briefly at the inner bedroom. Dive hade in bluntly, not even bothering to greet her. Considering her a ve-born sister-inw was degrading enough, but if that man became the next Earl, not only rkes safety but also hers could not be guaranteed. In fact, no matter who it was, the only way to ensure her safety was for her to rise to the top. Yes. I will manage the seal. Good. Then, theres one thing you must do. Start by dismissing the knights as your first step. Dismiss, the three knights? Didnt Ian mention that? Earlier, he did say so. Something about cost-effectiveness, saying to fire the knights first when managing the mansion. At Countess Liens words, Romandro gave a faint smile. Well, thats not entirely without reason. But procedure is important. If those men die holding the position of knights of the Merellof family, we must report their names to the pce. But if not, theres no need to explicitly mention them. As a knight of the Merellof family. Countess Liens greenish eyes sparkled. Romandro was essentially suggesting the elimination of those men. Ah, I see. I trust you understand the meaning. Yes, Ipletely understand. Ian was under scrutiny and observation by the royal pce. In such a situation, if it became known that he was involved in the session by killing Merellofs knights, it would certainlyplicate things. Countess Lien nodded and nced again towards the bedroom. Dives hypocritical sobbing was gradually subsiding. What about him? Ian will handle him personally, so you can leave that to him. However, Madam, you must promise the following. It was a condition that would firmly bind Ian and the Madam. 5,000 gold coins. Thats no problem. Ill sellnd if necessary. Keep the number of soldiers to less than half of the current number. It was meant to keep a check on Merellof. A treaty for mutual peace, especially in Ians absence. Naturally, this posed no problem for the countess. Agreed. Give Ian the right of first negotiation in all your dealings. Of course, you have the right to reject his proposals. Since Ians domain was the closest, it was natural to discuss trade or interactions with his territory first. Madam nodded, indicating no issue with this condition too. Once things are settled, well draw up a formal contract. I have no room to back down. Im fine with all of it. Yes. Oh, and about rke Countess Liens expression stiffened slightly. Despite her thoughts, she could not see a way out for rke. The only option seemed to be her bing the lord and granting him a pardon. But whether Dive and the knights would spare rke until then was uncertain. His situation was so precarious that it was a miracle he was still alive, as Ian had said. What torture he had endured in the dungeon, whether he was already dead the Countess could know nothing while confined to her bedroom. Is there a way? There might be, but Just as Romandro was about to continue, Dive appeared, dabbing his eyes with a handkerchief. He had been sobbing profusely just by sound, yet his face was not swollen at all, indicating he had only raised his voice. Sister-inw. I regret that things havee to this. So now you notice me. Earlier, you ignored me without even a greeting. Is it because youre with Lord Romandro? It was the right answer. As a consultant officially dispatched from the imperial pce and the one to submit a notarized report, maintaining a certain image was essential. However, Dive responded without batting an eye. Of course not. I was so shocked by my brothers death that I rushed straight to the bedroom. Sister-inw, youre as youve always been. Of course. And you are the same, sir Dive. Sparks seemed to fly between the two. Romandro coughed awkwardly, trying to intervene. Please, lets calm down and sit. Yes, lets. Lord Romandro. Its sad, but we must take care of things. I heard that the cruel ve who did this to my brother is still breathing in the dungeon. His name is rke. Please include a detailed ount of the incident in the report to the royal pce, and also a request regarding the session of the title. Unlike Ian, who was newly granted a family and title, this was a session within the family. It wasnt about getting permission from the Emperor but merely notifying the central authority. Dives steward brought parchment and writing tools. Romandro dipped his pen in ink and nodded. Of course. Where else in the world would you find such a tragedy? A ve killing their master and a noble at that. But, sir Dive, do you have any family? I do not. Ah, I heard you are a follower of the Undergods. Me? No, who said that? Did sister-inw say that? Dive quickly denied it. In Bariel, where freedom of religion was respected, this freedom was generally understood as the freedom to be non-religious. In an empire where the papacy officially recognized certain deities, beingbeled a heretic was significant. Although there might not be direct sanctions for heresy, disadvantages were certain. Mentioning Undergods at home or making prayer gestures would have been avoided if he had known Ian was a neighboring lord. Or was it that Ian who said that? It doesnt matter who said it. Whats important is the truth of the matter, right? Absolutely not. That never happened. I see. Understood. Dive swiftly denied his faith for the sake of a title. He was in pain over thismentable situation and wanted nothing more than to offer a prayer of repentance. But outwardly, he casually changed the subject. Given the unfortunate circumstances, we wont be able to have a grand ceremony for the session. We should proceed with it simply, perhaps tomorrow, and then hold my deceased brothers funeral. No, the funerales first. Thats the proper etiquette. Romandro firmly rejected the idea. Dying was necessary for the Countess to reorganize the knights. Dive, about to object, mped his mouth shut at the mention of etiquette. After all, wasnt it the foremost thing to uphold as a noble? Id like to ask you a few questions to detail them in the report. Is that alright? Please proceed. If you seed, which generation will you be? My brother was the 8th, so Ill be the 9th. Romandro diligently scribbled, asking various questions. Meanwhile, Countess Liens mind was boiling with urgency. She wanted to sever all ties with her husband as quickly as possible, to start anew. Survival was key, even if it meant discarding everything again in the future. rke My Lady? Yes? Were you listening? Oh, sorry, I missed that. What did you say? Countess Lien smiled faintly, turning to Romandro. Dive seemed displeased even with her demeanor, his clicking of the tongue bing increasingly obvious. I asked to announce the matter to the domains people today and requested to arrange the mansion. Ah, arrange the mansion. Of course. She understood it as the dismissal of the knights. As the Countess nodded to proceed, Dive interjected with a distinctly displeased expression. No, theres no need for that. What do you mean? Why should someone whos leaving manage the mansion? I will handle it from now on. You should step back and take care of yourself. The implication in his words, someone whos leaving, was cutting. It was a message not to even think about acting as part of the family, given her ve origins. It was also a worry that she might pilfer the household in her brief tenure. As Romandro tried to mediate, Countess Lien sharply countered. Youve been away from the mansion for quite some time, havent you? Even if you start managing now, it seems like you wouldnt know where to begin. Sister-inw. Your words are rather presumptuous, arent they? Are they? Im not sorry if thats how you feel. You seem too eager to im the title, even before your deceased brothers funeral. I understand you were exiled from the family for following a heretical faith, but theres something called decency. Each of her sharp words was an attack. Dive raised his hand as if to strike her, but Romandro and the steward, startled, intervened. What are you doing, sir Dive! Lord Dive! This is uneptable! Even if you were exiled, your Mereloff bloodline is clear. Quick to violence. Countess Lien, unfazed, delivered another blow. Her venom, as a woman with nothing left to lose, was fierce. Dive, insulted by being rebuked by someone of ve origin, trembled with rage. Ignorant and lowly creature! Exactly. To think that this lowly creature sat as the Countess, your brother must have been out of his mind. Not in his right senses. Just like your bloodline, right? Insanity runs in the family, after all. Dive, enraged, swung his arms more violently but couldnt overpower both Romandro and the steward. Indeed, the brothers shared a strikingly thin build, as the Countess pointed out. The Countess then sipped her tea, ncing towards the door. A knight, alerted by themotion, peeked inside. Look here. At the Countesss call, the knight raised an eyebrow. She gestured towards Dive with an incredulous tone. Werent you one of the Counts knights? Shouldnt protecting me be part of your duty? Madam, until the truth about the Counts death is revealed, we cannot protect you. rke is locked in the dungeon, what more truth do you need? If thats your stance, I have no choice. It was a challenging gaze, questioning their next move. Lord Romandro has just proven that the responsibility of the mansion lies with me until the funeral. I hereby dismiss all three knights of the Merellof family. Dismissed? The knightughed, seemingly finding the idea of being dismissed amusing. What significance would it have anyway? But in that instant Boom! A strange, loud noise erupted from downstairs. It wasnt an explosion, but more like the sound of something being forcibly bent and crushed. Puzzled, the knight shifted his gaze towards the end of the hallway. Someone wasing up the stairs with ferocious speed. Chapter 96 Chapter 96 Hello? It was Beric, with his distinct red hair. Following him were the fabled warriors of Cheonrye, known only in rumors. The knights were flustered by this sudden appearance and stumbled backwards. Dive, observing from the bedroom, slowly lowered his hand and frowned. Whats this about? Creak. Dive and the steward fully opened the door, peering into the hallway. Five warriors of Cheonrye, each said to be worth a hundred men, were present. The Countess seemed curious too but deliberately stayed seated. Has Beric arrived? Romandro, organizing papers, asked. The steward stammered in confusion. No, Lord Romandro. What is this? Its nothing. Madam Lien expressed concerns about her safety, so were offering a little help. Theres a lot to handle with the funeral preparations, and it would be a problem if something happened to the Madam in the meantime. Something happening in the mansion? A something already happened, resulting in the Counts death. Romandro spoke calmly, tucking the parchment into his pocket. The knight, who had been retreating, stopped and asked. What was that loud noise just now? I had colleagues down there. Colleagues? Ah, yes. There were. There were? Madam, have you dismissed the knights? Berics words left Dive, the dismissed knights, and the steward in confusion. Romandro answered for the Countess. Yes. She just dered it verbally. Those men are no longer associated with Merellof. Ah, good timing then. Good timing? For what? Then, from afar, two more men ascended the stairs. It was Ian and another warrior, with a familiar figure slung over the warriors shoulder. Kel! Damn it, in the world! One of the Merellofs three knights, recognizable only as a body. The reason was clear: his head was so bloodied that his features were indiscernible. ng! The other knight panicked and drew his sword, but the atmosphere didnt change. It felt like a futile struggle, highlighting the stark difference in power. No, he just wouldnt get out of the way and refused to let us in, even if it meant his death. So, it happened. It was over in an instant. A Cheonrye warrior, unable to contain his temper, had grabbed the head and smashed it against the door. Whether it was due to carelessness, the door was breached with a single blow. Ah, it wasnt because he was off guard. Im just that strong, see? Yeah, right. Even I could have broken through. Beric, your guts are whats broken. Remember that guy in the Great Desert? He was almost as tough as this one, wasnt he? Again with that story? Really sick of hearing it. Ill just have to show you! Fine, fine. You talk too much. Not believing me, thats why! Boom! The warrior bantering with Beric dropped the body onto the floor. Ian nced into the bedroom, confirming with Romandro and Countess Lien. No trouble here, I see. Ah! You, Ian! Do you even realize what youre doing? Ah, ah, do you understand?! Startled by the lifeless body, Dive screamed and fled into the bedroom. The knight holding the sword was sweating profusely. Ian wasnt supposed to intervene directly. Damn it. That was the thought of the leader among the three knights. Ian was being monitored by the imperial pce and was soon to head to the central government, so it was assumed he wouldnt interfere in Merellofs internal affairs. Though this seemed a logical and believable assumption, variables always existed. Yes, sir Dive. Im aware, but I suffered a great insult at the hands of those three knightly brutes. Insult? Dives voice trembled thinly. He had expected a smooth funeral and his session to the title, but not this bloodbath. The steward must have heard. When I hurried here concerned about the Counts death, they asked if I was in an inappropriate rtionship with the Madam. Having never been so insulted in my life, I intend to prove my innocence through their deaths. Isnt innocence usually proved with ones own life? Is that so? Not in my case. Ian looked at the knight with the sword. To prove innocence, one must be alive to witness it. On the other hand, disrespectful thoughts only cease with the death of their bearer. Beric. Okay. Beric slowly grabbed the doorknob with both hands. The steward and one of the three knights involuntarily stepped back, and soon the bedroom door closedpletely. Creak. What on earth You, you lowly creature! While the overwhelmed steward struggled to grasp the situation, Dive quickly understood it. Ian had brought these barbaric men for the Countesss safety. Youre trying to ruin this family! Dive, grabbing a decorative item, lunged at the Countess. It was clear to him: it was adultery. Otherwise, why would Ian help his sister-inw? Even the knights had suspected it, fitting all the pieces of the puzzle together. No, Dive-nim. Let go! You, bastards. Youre in league with Ian and her, arent you? Divine retribution will befall you! Calm down. Think about what will happen once that door opens if you harm the Countess. At that moment, a vibration like the floor dropping resonated. Boom! Crash! Thud! ng! Without seeing, one could feel it the body of the knight thrown, hitting the floor, windows breaking, and continuous impacts against the wall. Dives face turned pale and soon froze like a statue. Damn it. He then shook off Romandros hand and began to pray on his knees. Muttering unintelligibly, he implored her Undergod for mercy. Huh, seriously. Though Romandro knew of the religion of the Undergod, this was his first time seeing an actual follower. He watched Dive, half amazed and half incredulous. Let him pray. Its better than him attacking us. Its unpleasant to watch, though. Shut up! Evil demon! Nonsense. Countess Lien, now with nothing to lose, even raised her middle finger in defiance. Dive, his lips turning white from biting, chose to focus on praying over spewing more sphemy. He almost prostrated himself in his fervent pleas. Boom! Crash! Aaaah! Hey, hey! You shouldnt do that! The sounds of prayer and the dull thuds and screams outside matched in intensity. It was not an even fight; the disparity in power was too evident. After some time, themotion gradually subsided, eventually ceasing altogether. Everyone except Romandro stared at the firmly shut door, apprehensive about what would happen if it opened. Creak. As the door slowly opened, a glimpse of the hallway wall was visible, marked with a bloodied handprint and a trail of blood no need to ask whose it was. Romandro, crunching a candy, asked, Is it over? Theres one more knight left, but he doesnt seem to be in the mansion. nning to send Beric to track him down, Ian replied, indicating that some of the Cheonrye warriors would apany Beric. Dive, fearing the sight of another body, turned her head away. Ian sat opposite the countess and gestured, Please sit here. I have something to discuss. It felt like being summoned by parents for a serious talk in childhood. Reluctantly, with no escape and a heart pounding with anxiety, Dive managed to sit downposedly. First, I apologize for the disturbance. But as youve heard, those men are no longer affiliated with Merellof. Thats your justification right now?! Sir Dive. I have a few suggestions for you. Please consider them carefully and make a wise decision. Madam, the same goes for you. Ian smoothly ignored Dives interjection, pressing on with what he had to say. Countess Lien just sipped her cold tea with a calm expression. It seems you both have no intention of coexisting. Is that correct? Yes. Theres no intention. Honestly, who do you think you are to say that! The most peaceful solution would have been for Dive to inherit the title as per custom, but delegate all authority to the Countess. This would have allowed them to bypass reporting to the royal pce. However, given their current stance Its best for the safety of both parties that one of you leaves Merellof, or rather, Bariel. Personally, I would prefer it if that person were you, sir Dive. What kind of scheming is this! Is there no one outside! Anyone! In a fit of rage, Dive shouted at the top of his lungs. Then the door opened, revealing a couple of Cheonrye warriors peering in. Creak. Did you call, Ian-ssi? No need. Continue with the cleanup. Nobody was there to help Dive, a pseudo-heretical sessor who only prayed in an isted mansion. Boom! As the door firmly closed, Dive clenched his eyes shut and began mumbling an unintelligible prayer. The cleanest solution would be for all those bearing the Merellof name to disappear, but that would be too much for the Madam to handle. The imperial investigators woulde down, and like me, he would have to be appointed a new title by the Emperor, proving his worth, which is no easy feat. Even if she could prove her worth, it was uncertain if she would be chosen. More likely, a rival faction, like Gale or another, would try to install their person, much like Erica. By that time, I will be heading to the central government, unable to actively help you. Then what? The ideal situation is for sir Dive to leave the domain for a long, very long time. The origin of your Undergod is in the northern hemisphere, in the Toorlun Kingdom, isnt it? How about a pilgrimage there? It was a suggestion in name only; it was an indirect way of telling him to leave. A thousand gold coins should be enough for your pilgrimage. Do you have any idea how far that is? They say its a three-month walk. This would create a vacancy. With the Count dead and Dive leaving before session, the lordship would be up in the air. However, this also meant the imperial pce would have no reason to interfere, sparing the Countess theplexity of getting redited and fighting her way through. What if he leaves and thenes back after youre gone? What if he secretly informs the imperial family about these events? He? Did you just say he? Now? Countess Lien didnt even nce at Dive. He blustered, ready to explode, but restrained himself in the presence of Ian and Romandro. You neednt worry about that. Do you have a n in mind? Yes. It will require the Madam to spend some money, but I believe that wont be an issue. The important thing now is sir Dives decision. Ian smiled slightly as he looked at Dive, who felt cornered under the simultaneous gazes of Romandro and Madam Lien. He nervously chewed on his dry lips. Even without divine insight, it was evident to him what would happen if he refused Ians proposal. Chapter 97 Chapter 97 The path was set. Romandro kept his pen scratching until the wax was nearly melted away. He was meticulously drafting the document, detailing the usual behaviors of the Earl of Merellof and the entire course of events, without lies but as favorably as possible, to the point where his eyes nearly popped out. Rustle. Lord Romandro, should I leave this here? Ah, Hannah. Yes, please. Thank you. It was the testimony of the servants of the Merellof mansion. Most of them were illiterate, so it only contained their thumbprints, but these would serve as documents proving the countesss innocence and Dives pilgrimage. But this is going to surprise capital as well. Of course. The Count was killed overnight by a ve, and his only sessor, his brother, is a heretic who believes in the Underground God. Not just that, but theyll also be surprised that you nted Gr seeds in Merellof. The response to your report didnt mention anything about the poprity of Gr yet. Has there been a response from the central? At Ians question, Romandro hesitated for a moment. His demeanor suggested that the response wasnt very positive. Well, the prince has asked to send Lord Molrin to the capital first. His Highness Mariv? Yes, thats right. Oh dear. Ian genuinely clicked his tongue. It was a clear indication of who was winning and losing in the power struggle between Mariv and Gale. Its regrettable, but not too difficult. They arent people we need to treat with high regard. Ill have a carriage prepared immediately. Are you sure? If we do this, well meet again in Central. What can we do? When we meet again, our positions will be clearly defined. Ian was a noble and a mage. Molrin was a high-ranking official in the administration. The difference was apparent. Anyway, since Gr hasnt been approved for consumption in Central, many people will struggle this winter. What about the Gr crops in Merellof? The Count had traded for the Gr seeds intending to distribute them, but they were still stored in the warehouse, the ink on the contract hardly dry when the trouble started. Well, weve already received payment, so it would be best to follow the countesss wishes. The countess seemed keen on distributing them quickly and cultivating them for a bountiful harvest. Then lets do that. Also, fully liberalize the trade of Gr with our people. This meant including not only roasted Gr but also the seeds for cultivation in the trade. Romandro put down his pen and nced at a chest in a corner of the office. Two chests have already arrived. Looks like Ill need to visit the bank again soon. How much would it be? About 200 gold coins per chest, I suppose. As Romandro murmured, Ian also began calcting. With these small earnings, the 3,500 gold coins from Gr sales, and the 5,000 gold coins gratuity from the countess, he had almost gathered the entire amount for the payment fees. Congrattions. At this rate, youll reach the goal by next summer. Then youll be a true noble. Ah, Ill be sure to address you respectfully when that timees. Please be at ease. Your assistance alone is a great favor to me. Romandros cheeks lifted in a smile as Ian genuinely praised him. He meticulously wrote the report to be sent to the royal pce, each letter crafted with care. Well, once things with Merellof are wrapped up, we should start packing for our departure. Leaving in a fortnight should give us ample time to reach Central. Lets do that. I dont have much to pack anyway. Not many family members to bring along. It wasnt a relocation but merely Ian and a fewpanions moving. All his belongings would fit in one carriage. In Central, he nned to stay at Romandros residence, so taking too much would only be a burden. Beric was the only family he would bring. Lets see, is this everything I need to organize? Romandro asked, sorting through a thick stack of documents. Given the volume, it seemed impossible to manage with just one carrier pigeon. By the way, hows your mother? My mother? Philea, right? Is she still living in the forest? Ah, I told her toe down to the vige, but she seems to have no intention of doing so. She only ns toe down if the cold bes unbearable. For now, Ive asked the vige woodsmen to check on her from time to time. Bratz had disappeared, and the vige had changed a lot due to the remnants of battle. But for Philea, it seemed she was fully immersed in her life in the forest, which was not just a beloved and nostalgic hometown. Its a pity we wont see her for a long time once we head to Central. Even if she came along, I wouldnt see her often. True. The Magic Department wont let you be idle, will they? Ah, sorry. Thats just my personal spection. Romandro muttered casually and then smiled awkwardly. But Ian understood his meaning immediately. I think so too. Minister Wesleigh, was it? Whether a remedy or a poison, shell be right there. I might be torn apart. Right. Those mages who go out at dawn to watch the stars ande back in. Even if we bring you mother, we wont be able to take proper care of her. This implied that the workload and training at the Magic Department were enormous. But Ian, having experienced it before, didnt think too deeply about it. There was a chance he might be reassigned before being ced in the Magic Department. But Beric is still not back, and I have no idea what hes doing. Romandro muttered, looking at the darkening outside. It had been half a day since Beric went to chase Puulu, the leader of the Merellofs three knights. It was natural to be worried since there was no sign of his return. The warriors went with him, didnt they? Yes. If something happened, a hawk would have been sent. Lets wait until tonight. Sir Romandro, once youre done with the report, please check the tradingpany in Hawan Kingdom next. Oh, right. I will. The aftermath of Dives situation was to be handled by the Hawan Kingdom. More precisely, it was the tradingpany going through Hawan to Toorlun Kingdom. I wonder if theres a suitable one. It doesnt matter the cost; we need someone reliable and responsible. Probably best to look at older, establishedpanies. What about the mode of travel? Romandros eyes narrowed. There were various methods of travel for those in need. Traveling inconspicuously with the tradingpany, moving under strict escort, or Something certain would be best. Yes. I agree. Or moving securely like transporting a prisoner. It seemed thetter method would suit Dive best. A pilgrim should be apanied hardship and adversity, shouldnt they? Ians joke elicited a heartyugh from Romandro, a sound he hadnt made in a while. And the investor? The cost will be covered by selling Dives mansion in Merellof. It should be finalized soon, ideally before we leave. Ill make the decision tomorrow with my subordinates. Tell Countess Lien to decide who will take responsibility for Dive up to Hawan and then to Toorlun. Hmm. Anotheryer of assurance would be good. Personally, I think rke would be the right choice, but thats for the Madam to decide. It was timely that many soldiers were stationed on the way to Hawan due to Ericas appearance. The misunderstanding of them being thieves due to Erika and her investigation team had yet to be resolved. There had been no news of where Erica and her team ended up after all the chaos. And Hannah. Yes? Hannah had been busily moving misceneous items around and eavesdropping on their conversation. Ian gestured for her toe closer. Have you been listening closely? Uh It wasnt meant to be a secret, was it? Right. So remember it well. Learn thoroughly while you sort out things together over the next fortnight. Learn thoroughly? Just ask the steward at Merellof to teach you about the work from tomorrow. Hannahh looking confused, blinked and tilted her head. Romandro, watching from the side, let out a chuckle. Me, doing the stewards work? Yes. Me? Me? Am I managing the mansion? Youre really slow on the uptake. Hannah covered her mouth with her hands, but her gaping mouth was still visible. It was evident she had never even considered the idea. The position of a steward required thorough knowledge of noble etiquette and systems, literacy, and the ability to perfectly manage the mansion in the owners absence. I dont think I can do it. Why not? I havent learned anything Thats why Im telling you to learn. His name is Simon. Hespetent, and youll learn a lot from him. Anything else? It was a firm response, implying that if there were no other reasons, she should ept the role. Hannah stood still for a moment and then murmured. May I run in the corridor a bit? Yes. No one is sleeping yet. Excuse me. Click. Hannah left a formal goodbye, unusual for her, and exited the office. Immediately, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed. Hannah, overwhelmed with joy, was running down the corridor. Romandro shook off hisughter. Really, I wonder if she can handle it. Hannah is trustworthy. There are many who canpensate for herck of work experience. Theres Lord Nersarn, and didnt you say two of your subordinates are staying? I intended to leave only one originally, but with the situation in Merellof, the pce will surely send various verification orders. Ive told them to report back after seeing to that. I hear the ones staying are bachelors. Thats their fate. Who told them not to marry? Ian smiled slightly at Romandros yful remark. With that, the office was filled once again with the nice sound of pens scratching paper. Tap, tap. Tap. As the night deepened, something tapped at the window. A ck hawk with golden eyes seemed to be summoning Ian. Oh. Is that a warriors hawk? They had joked that if there was a problem with Beric, a hawk woulde, but it wasnt a joke anymore. Ian immediately opened the window to let the hawk in. A small note was tied to its ankle. Rustle. What does it say? Beric isnt dead, is he? Romandro stood up from his seat, but Ian just made a strange expression without answering. He showed the note and shrugged. Apparently, the warriors who went with him arent proficient in Barielian. Beric. Knight. Monne. Pursuit. Forever. The note only conveyed the situation with a list of words, making it hard to understand the meaning. Even for two people as perceptive as them, it was impossible to guess. Anyway, it seems to be a problem. Thats the only thing we can be sure of. Monne, thats the mines, right? Correct. It seems the pursuit has led there. The mine was not within the domain but deep in the mountain range bordering Merellof and this territory. Should we go there? Romandro asked in a somewhat weary voice. A mountain of parchment was piled up beside him, the smell of ink strong enough to mask the fireces aroma. Ian, grabbing a thick coat, shook his head. Sir Romandro, please continue with your work. We have only a fortnight left, and we need to be diligent. Ill go see Beric. Is anyone there? Yes, lord Ian. Did you call for me? Prepare a carriage and an escort. At this hour? Where are you going? The servant asked in surprise, but Ian just smiled and adjusted his clothing. To Monne. To fetch Beric. Chapter 98 Chapter 98 The vigor of the Monne Coal Mine was half dead. The main reason was the miners had all set down their picks during the summers turmoil in the domain. They went down to the viges to protect their families and secure food, and before they knew it, winter had arrived. Although working in the winter was easier than in summer, there was no need to return as the storehouses were full thanks to Grs rations. Coal revenue isnt that significant, and mining only depletes the resource. Its better to hold onto it and exert strength at the right time. Clip-clop, clip-clop. The carriage rattled harshly as it was night. Mae, sitting quietly beside Ian, tilted her head, seemingly wondering why she had to be in this carriage. Im sorry. But I cant follow you, normunicate with you. Ill send you off at the mine. If he let her fly from the mansion, hed undoubtedly lose track of her. The pocket watch showed that it had been an hour since departure. It seemed about time to arrive Creak. Ian-nim, from here, the road is too rough for the wheels. Its dangerous. We need to walk up. Is that so? Understood. As Ians carriage stopped, the soldiers following him also stopped and dismounted their horses. While everyone was preparingnterns, Ian released his warriors hawk into the sky. Lets hurry. We just need to follow the hawk. Into the forest! Follow me! Stay close to thenterns! It was a strangemotion in the moonlit night. Fortunately, the sky was cloudless, so it wasnt pitch ck. Ian and the soldiers followed a path that existed in form only. Is that the coal mine over there? Yes, it seems we have arrived. Ah, there! Whistle! A figure standing at the entrance of the mine whistled, stretching out his arm. The hawk, soaring in the sky, gentlynded, spreading its wings. Ian-nim, youve arrived. Wheres Beric? Ian looked around for Beric first. None of the other warriors were visible. It seemed urgent, but the expression of the warrior who came to greet him was simply astonished, nothing more or less. Hes inside, busy hammering away Hammering? At what? A knight? Im not sure either. Youll understand when you see. As they entered, the air quality noticeably changed. Ian covered his lower face with his sleeve and followed the warrior. Have you been here before? Its my first time. Ive only heard reports. This is my first time inside too. He was surprised at how spacious the mine was. The ceiling seemed highpared to simr-sized mines. It looked like there wouldnt be any problem for the workers to move around. But why are they doing that inside? If it gets too hot, it could be dangerous. Given Berics temperament, Im worried he might even bring down the ceiling of the mine. Ians yful question made the warriorugh heartily. The sound ofughter echoing through the mine relieved the following soldiers. Entering the mine at night was no ordinary feat, filled with dread. At least now, they felt reassured that they wouldnt meet their end. As they moved further in, where the cold winter wind was no longer felt, the warrior pointed towards one side. Here it is. The entrance was as narrow as a dog hole. It looked more like a crack formed by a copsed wall than a normal passage. Boom! Bang! ng! Haa, haa Beric. Stop it ande out. Let me try. Ah, seriously! What is this! Come out, will you? It seems like you exert more force when youre shouting and pulling. Conversations between Beric and another warrior he was with echoed from inside. The light was so dim it seemed like it might go out any moment. They must havee in with just one emergencyntern. Beric. Ah! Ian! ng! Beric was striking at something with his sword. As the soldier holding thentern moved forward, Ian grabbed his arm and pulled him back. Ian-nim? Give thentern to me and the warrior, and the rest of you go back and guard the entrance of the mine. Beric must be just a bit further inside. It seemed right to send the soldiers back in case of any unforeseen situations. They wouldnt be much help if something went wrong. Uh, okay, understood. Although the situation didnt seem dangerous from the sound of their voices, the order was sudden. However, the air was foul and smoky, so the soldiers werent exactly reluctant to leave. Hey, lets start heading back, from the rear! Leaving? Really? Its an order! Hurry up, move! The soldiers retraced their steps back the way they came, while Ian and the warrior ventured deeper. Thump, thump. Ian felt his heart beating. It wasnt a physical reaction from tension, but a kind of external stimtion from a strong magical force. It doesnt make sense. Why would I feel such energy here. ng! ng! Argh! Damn it! The sword will break at this rate, Beric. Oh? Ian! What Beric was striking with his sword was a semi-transparent, glowing purple object. It appeared to have a liquid nature due to the bubbles inside, but the sword couldnt make even a scratch on it. Ian, what is this? You think I know everything, dont you? So, do you know or not? I do. The lower half of a man, who seemed to be the leader of Merellofs Three Knights, was half-engulfed inside it. Judging by theck of wounds, it was clear that the cause of death was rted to this strange ore. It appears to be a type of Magic Stone. Couldnt Beric sense the magical energy? Ian held thentern up to Berics face, but couldnt tell if his flushed cheeks were from the exertion of wielding his sword or something else. Magic Stone? Remember the brooch we used in Bratz? Like that, its a type of ore that resonates with magic and possesses special abilities. But this isnt just a stone. There are bubbles inside it. What we see isnt everything. We would know more if we could cut it open, but anyway, its definitely a Magic Stone. There are many types of Magic Stones. From the Sealing Stones that sealed Emperor Ians power, to those capable of recording voice or tracking location, creating extra-dimensional spaces for storage, or even enhancing magical waves. Like the endless possibilities of magic, so were the varieties of Magic Stones. How did the knight end up like this? Ian gestured for Beric to stop and back off, indicating that enough damage had been done to the Magic Stone. Beric, wiping the beads of sweat from his forehead, answered. We pursued him here. The hawk is really good at tracking prey. The trail broke off midway, so I thought he might have hidden here, and sure enough Was he still alive when you found him? Yeah. At first, I thought he was unconscious, but he died quickly. So, we dont know how he got stuck in it. There are traces of something having flowed down below. It seems like this was liquid before and solidified due to some stimulus. As Beric crouched down and murmured, Ian pulled his neck back and lightly flicked his head. Thwack! Ouch! Stop pretending it hurts. You all are fearless. What if you had ended up engulfed like that man? Come on. Its so hard. It could suddenly melt and engulf you, or keep emerging from somewhere. Tsk tsk. Anyway As Ian turned sharply, the warriors awkwardly averted their eyes. He wondered how they could all be so simrly reckless and fearless. You will report this to Lord Nersarn. Ah, Ian-nim. We did say we should go back. It was Beric who was stubborn and wouldnt budge. Beric rubbed his forehead, frowning. But if thats a Magic Stone, its worth a lot, right? Its priceless. So if more keep appearing, this mine is a jackpot? We need to investigate Ians response trailed off. To assess the extent and probability of Magic Stone deposits, assistance from the Department of Magic was essential. Which meant, only the Department of Magic could estimate the extent of the Magic Stone deposits. Ian? Ian felt like he had been hit on the back of his head as he looked at the Magic Stone with the knights corpse embedded in it. Right. Somehow it makes sense. What does? What does? Were going back to the mansion immediately. Close the mine. Dont let anyone in and seal the entrancepletely. What about the body? Theres nothing we can do for now. We need to return. Ian turned swiftly, indicating they should hurry. Beric, who had been crouching, looked bewildered, ncing between Ian and the knights corpse. But soon, he lit the way for Ian and the other warriors. Are you scared all of a sudden? One of Prince Gales main supporters is Minister Wesleigh of the Magic Department, isnt it? Somehow, it all makes sense now! I had a feeling they were overly interested in this region among many others, and now I know why! Clip-clop, clip-clop! They knew. Or at least, they had a strong suspicion. They targeted the Bratz domain, presumably guessing the presence of Magic Stones in the vicinity. The stakes were too high for them to ignore. It all makes sense now. The conditions couldnt have been more perfect for them. The umted forces due to the bordering barbarians, the needed intervention of the royal pce under the guise of peace, Derghas tax evasion, and the Magic Stones buried nearby! It also exined their desperation to save Molrin. With Bratzs value being so high, losing Molrin, who was in charge of the area, was not an option for them. Return to the mansion! Close this ce immediately, and some stay back to inform the miners nearby about the situation. Ian shouted as they left the mine shaft. There was a temporary residence not far away, where miners who had moved away from the vige were living. The guards, who had been chatting in groups, were startled into action. Yes, understood! Its dark and difficult, but lets move quickly. Ah, yes, yes. Please, get on. The quiet forest suddenly became bustling. Thentern lights, which had been concentrated in one ce, scattered in different directions. Ian, his mind clouded withplex thoughts, pressed his forehead. Beric, sitting opposite him, nced at him slyly. Thinking hard? About what? The swordy. Never mind. But didnt you feel the magic? I sensed it as soon as we entered. Huh? No, I was fine. Even as a magic swordsman, his essence was that of a warrior. Plus, there were still immature aspects to his abilities, so it made sense. Creak. They arrived back at the mansion, having ridden as fast as they came. Hanah, who hadnt gone to bed, weed Ian. She handed him his outerwear and asked. Will you be heading to the bath? Lord Romanndro is still in the office, though he did doze off after having some soup earlier. No. Im going to the basement. The basement? It was a path long untraveled. Ian, without hesitation, descended the basement stairs and soon stood in front of the dungeon at the end of the corridor. Open it. Click. The dungeon, always lit byntern light due to itsck of windows, buzzed with sudden activity as Mack and Dgor jolted awake. Molrin was sitting on the sofa, reading a book. Whats going on? Macks face was marked with confusion. Their continued existence in this state had been due to Ians indecision on how to deal with Molrin and hispany. Sir Molrin, a letter has arrived from the imperial pce. Dont you dare touch the teacher! You brute! It was regarding the disposition of sir Molrin. Ian stared intently at him, tossing out a lie. The elderly mans eyes, usually pale, seemed to shine with a particrly ashen hue. What does it say? It said that since youll soon be moved to the capital, I should make arrangements. Molrin calmly fiddled with his book, seemingly deep in thought. While one could never truly know whats in anothers heart, Ian felt he could read Molrins expression. Impossible. That attitude of utter disbelief. Ian was certain. Molrin knew the true nature of the Magic Stone. Chapter 102: Formatting Chapter 102: Formatting Lord Ian. As soon as the carriage door opened, Madam Lien weed Ian. Wearing a dress more morous and abundant than usual, she was shing the most perfect smile Ian had ever seen on her. Thedy confidently extended her wrist, and Ian lightly kissed it. Its been a while, mydy. I hope youve been well? Yes, thanks to you. Sir Romandro has been well too, I assume? Of course. Pleasee inside, its chilly out here. Look forward to tonights feast. Its a blessed Merellof day today, so Ive prepared diligently. Lady Lien led the way inside the mansion. The hallway was so bright it was unbelievablepared to when Ian had rushed over after hearing news of the Counts death. Ian entered the parlor, exchanging greetings with the servants. Lets get down to business first, shall we? Thedy smiled, cing a leather document stand down. Here is the certificate for 5,000 gold coins you requested. The number of soldiers has also been reduced by more than half of the current amount, with a written oath to continue maintaining this level. May I see the budget estimates? Certainly. You can check on the next page. Ian slowly looked over Merellofs annual budget. It seemed Sir Romandros aides and staff had worked hard on it. Indeed, next years allocated budget for maintaining mercenaries was cleanly halved. I wonder what tricks his aide has been up to? Oh my. Are you worried hes selling off the territory piece by piece? Not worried, just curious. Hearing Ian and thedys casual conversation, the people present stiffened. Sir Romandros men awkwardly nced at each other thinking, we shouldnt have stuck around. Its not like were skimming off the budget for Sir Ian or deceiving the territory residents. We n to use that money to pay off the loans we took out for the mine purchases. I see, very well then. If the 5,000 gold coinspensation is ufortable, think of it as my personal funds. I didnt say that. Its fair payment for services rendered. At Ians words, Romandro took out the correspondence for reporting to the Imperial Pce from his pocket. He elegantly picked it up and sharply read every word. Rustle. No lies, nothing that needs to be kept secret. I like it. Submit the report as is. The imperial pce wont be sending any separate investigators, correct? It detailed how and why the Count had died, as well as the session process, but cleanly omitted anything unnecessary. Such as the ve anddys rtionship, the ves punishment, when the sessor Dive had left Merellof, and so on. If there are no particr issues, Ill stamp my seal now. Yes, could you prepare for me? As if to show off, Romandro filled in his signature and dripped wax. His official seal indicating it was his formal report was stamped. Im very happy to have gained a good neighbor. The Merellof territory residents have also gained a lot of Gr and other food from BratzAck! Not long until it gets a new name. Pardon me. I should watch my words. Anyway, the Merellof residents are thankful to be getting much produce like Gr from your side. Im d to hear. We must gather warmth for the winter. Now then, for the finishing touch. Ian and Lady Lien wrapped things up by entering an exclusivity negotiation use applying to all their trade agreements. Having coordinated the details in advance, the process went very quickly. As she set down the ink-stained pen Lady Lien muttered, With it being this easy, just what was my husband doing agonizing over parchments all day? What she had once thought was just diligent turned out to be an extremely strict and inefficient personality. And Dive? Hes in the annex. I should tell him to start heading out soon. Lady Liens smile didnt have a speck of pretense. It was time topletely drive Dive out of Merellof, so how ted she must feel. Ian likewise checked his pocket watch. Youve chosen a caravan, correct? Xial caravan. Definitely for big things there is always a tendency to match up well. Not just the prices but we chose it because of the caravan itselfs excellent credibility and capabilities. Who will Merellof send as the representative? At Ians question, Lady Liens eyes narrowed further. Her gaze held inscrutable intentionsseeming indifferent yet slightly amused, and also somewhat sorrowful on the other hand Five soldiers and two assistant aides, as well as rke, are scheduled to go. Aside from rke, they will return after seeing Dive leave in the Hawan Kingdom. As expected. It was a clever way to protect rke while still making frugal use of him. Ian nodded approvingly at the good thinking. Since you have chosen, mydy, Im sure they will serve excellently. However, just to double check there will be no hups with workwe are taking considerable risks here, to be frank. You neednt worry about that. They are all highly capable. Especially rke, who was bound by blind faith and love. The moment traces were created that Dive had arrived in Toorlun, rke would surely be ready to snuff out his life. Very well. Shall we go greet Dive then? Servant. Is the carriage prepared? Yes, you may head right out, servant Simon replied. Everyone got up and headed to the front gate. Seeing Ian and thedy, Dive, wearing a winter robe inside out, became agitated and started shouting. Y-you evil creatures! His ankles were shackled beneath the robethe arrangement to convey him out in the most civil manner possible, considering external eyes. Sir Dive. Before your long journey, I wish you blessings. You b*tch! Do you think youll get away with this unscathed? I will be eating well and living nicely, so I hope the same for you, Sir Dive. It would be good if we never cross paths again. Lady Lien smiled elegantly as she unleashed very inelegant wordscrazy bitch, screwed up bitch, bitch missing screws in her head. Dive recklessly spewed vulgar curses before ring at Ian. And you, Ian! How dare you provoke the Merellof House, thinking youll survive! The curse of the underground gods wille raining down directly! Ian ignored him as he surveyed the mercenaries and aides preparing for departure, checking if theycked any necessities and telling them not to worry about thieves when crossing the mountain ranges. Creak. That moment, there was a presence approaching from behind. It was rke with his shackles removed, now wearing dry clothes. Rubbing his bruised wrists, he shouldered arge backpack. Ready? Yes. Without even meeting his gaze, thedy asked. To an outsider they would seem like total strangers, such was the frigidity. Then lets get going. That backpack probably contained ample travel funds prepared by Lady Lien. Everyone boarded the carriage, and when rke moved to close the door Ill be back. rke said that to thedy before shutting the door. She turned away wordlessly while Dive spewed vicious curses from inside. Have a good trip. See you in hell. Hyaah! Lets go! Hieeng! The carriage vigorously departed the Merellof estate, apanied by the horses cries. Thedy watched its rear for a long while before turning herself around. Now then. She smiled at Ian, Sir Romandro, and especially his men, meeting their gazes. Shall we go have a meal? Sir Romandros men will be seeing much more of Merellof going forward, no? Yes, well be in your care. Mydy. Im the one deeply grateful for your assistance. Ian nkly watched the ck ribbons fluttering all over the territory. It was because he wondered if simr things would have adorned Bariel if his previous self had died. Lady Lien called to Ian as she ushered the guests inside. Sir Ian? Wont youe inside? Its cold out. Mydy. How was the Counts funeral carried out? Thedy smiled brightly without answering. As if saying he already knew, so why ask. * Whinny! On the way back from the territory to Merellof. Ians head spun from the grape wine served at the feast. Ian, you alright? You look tipsier, Sir Romandro. Ahaha! Actually your face looks doubled to me too. Thats already the third time youve said that. Is that so? Guess youre sloshed. But heylemme tell you something funny. Im seeing two of your faces. In high spirits, Sir Romandro jested lightly. Having drunk together, he seemed fine while Lady Lien had a liquor barrel for a stomach, seeing them off perfectly sober. Creak! Sir Ian. Weve arrived. Ah, good work. Go rest. As the coachman opened the door, Ian staggered out of the carriage. Then a bloodcurdling scream erupted from behind. Goodness, Lord Ian! Huh? When Ian looked back, workers moving leather sack bundles came over worriedly. We heard you were unwell but didnt think you couldnt even walk. Are you alright? You must be running a fever. Yourplexion is all flushed. Hurry inside on this cold night. Unwell? Who? As Ian blinked nkly the workers bowed deeply and disappeared after bidding him well. They seemed to be finishingte night duty. Rubbing the back of his neck puzzled, Ian mumbled. What are they on about When he walked by, he wondered what the pile of misceneous things at the entrance was for. As Ian entered the mansion, servants came up to retrieve his coat. Youve returned? Yes. But what are those things? After hearing rumors of your frail health, the residents sent them over. All afternoon offerings kept stacking up. Just like back thenwhen the residents hade tofort him after hearing he was ambushed. Though he didnt know what talk was spreading now, their feelings seemed unchanged as a smile crept up his face. Thought they wouldnt have much to spare in winter, but it seems everyone somehow gathered a bit. Dried flowers, eggs painted with cute colors, dried meat, generations-old family jam jars Small yet somehow heartwarmingly thoughtful gifts. Ian smiled asking the servant, Store them nicely in my bedroom. Yes, Lord Ian. Also, youve a guest waiting. A guest? Who? No one was supposed to visit at this hour. The moment Ian voiced his puzzlement, Beric called down from the railing above. Ian, yourete? Beric. Had dinner? Yeah. Phileas here. Huh? A face peeked out next to himgolden hair and green eyes matching Ians. Mountain living seemed to have toughened her as she now exuded a robust, healthy beauty unlike before. Ian. She smiled brightly, yet emotions seemed to choke up seeing her sons face after so long. Tear drops plopped down Ians cheeks. Ian. Whos this? Romandro, rubbing his cold hands, followed inside inquisitively. When they had first entered Brazz, Philias existence was kept hidden from everyone. So their alliance with the Tenrey wouldnt getplicated. But Romandro from the imperial pce already knew Ians circumstances. The days for concealment were over. Sir Romandro. Please give your greetings. Ian silently decided to convey his gratitude to the woman who had gathered Gr in the mountains awaiting his return. She is my mother. Chapter 103: Formatting Chapter 103: Formatting Iaaaan! Thud thud! Whether from the delight of being introduced as the mother of her son, Philea charged down the stairs and threw her arms around Ian. Fiercely, and very warmly. Have you been well? Ian. I missed you so much. It mustve been hard in this cold weather. Ian smiled patting her back. No matter how nice mountain living was, it couldnt have been easy for a woman alone out therebattling loneliness amid the silence in the days and fear of beasts howling in the nights. Youve had it hard, Ian. Im very proud of you. What did I do to deserve that? Beric told me everything. About helping people with Gr, not only in Bratz but Merellof too. Mother. There is no one here by the name Bratz. At Ians words, Phileas smile grew even brighter. As if that was very nice to hear. Whether from the tears, her eyes shone exceptionally bright. With golden hair, she had an aura like the moon incarnate in the night sky. Im realizing once again what trash Dergha was. Just what did that bastard do to a woman like her? Ian beamed holding Phileas hand. Mother. I could only help people with the Gr because you had gathered them for me in the mountains ahead of time. What? She was the one who collected them? Romandro cut in, surprised. Youve aplished great things, mydy. M-mydy? Please talk casually. How could I? Though Sir Ian was granted his title, I was interacting informally considering the circumstances. But I cant do so to you, mydy. Let me introduce myself again. I am Romandro, imperial advisor. Though flustered by Romandros polite greeting, Philea seemed happy as she chuckled. She smiled blissfully as she continuously patted Ians back. Ah. Ive no lingering attachments now even if I die. Ian. Dont say that. Pleasee live in the annex from now on. The mountain is cold and dangerous, isnt it? Even if Im not here, Sir Romandros men and the estate servants will take good care He said youd be leaving in a few days? Phileas smile held subtle sorrow. It was a bit disappointing. Seemed like Ian had distanced himself after she was taken by Count Dergha. But it cant be helped. Its my faultfor failing to protect my child from the Earl. Stroking Ians hair, Philea engraved every detail of her sons face into her memory. Come back safely. Ill always wait here for you. Please take care. I beg you. Alright. If the going gets tough, return to your mother anytime. I swear Ill protect you then. Ian couldnt promise he woulde back. Philea embraced her son once more before carefully asking, Just for today, would you spend the evening with me? Theres so much I want to talk about. Its been a while since we ate together. Having just finished a feast at Merellof, Ian readily nodded. Of course, mother. Shall I make you barley porridge? His favorite food as a childbarley porridge. Philea gently caressed the back of Ians hand with a sorrowful smile. Please do. Let me change myself first, Ill be right back. Hannah, please get my mother anything she needs. Yes! Mydy, you remember me right? Of course, you ryed Ians words to me. Heehee! Ill be in your care from now on! Around the time their reunion in the lobby wrapped up Creak. The door opened and some warriors including Nersarn entered, faces hardened as if they still werent limated to Bariels winter. Ah, Sir Ian. Off to the observation post again? Yes. I heard you went to Merellof? Got all the work sorted out? Thanks to you. Nersarn naturally shifted his gaze to Philea standing behind Ian. Everyone seemed out of sorts from the cold. One warrior absentmindedly murmured. Sir Ianyou had a sister? Shes not my sister but my mother. Huh? The bbergasted warrior repeated. Honestly, Id believe it if you said she was your wife. Right. Actually, shes my wife. You cant be serious? If you wont believe me, why ask? Ian joked ncing back at Nersarn. Ian couldnt readily discern his expression from his frostbitten face. But it surely wasnt a positive reaction. Since the Cheonrye tribe had been told Ians birth mother died. There were circumstances, Sir Nersarn. If you dont mind, Id like to exin in detail. At Ians words, Philea anxiously bit her lower lip. Was she worried her presence would cause Ian trouble? Clearly she was concerned. Go ahead. But Nersarn showed no particr response, removing his overcoat as if he already knew everything. I deduced your mother was alive. You deduced? Soon as we entered this ce, you bonded with the residents in barely a day. Word spreads fastthe lion who crossed the Great Desert has returned alive. Along with all kinds of talk. It wasnt just that he returned alive. He led the Cheonrye tribe, dedication himself to restoring the territory, driving out his abusive father Dergha, even rising to take the lords seat with imperial approval. To an astounding figure. The residents delighted in gossiping every little thing about Ian down to minute details. The notion your mother disappeared before the reconciliation feast was also mentioned. Having nned everything and crossed the desert, I took it as Sir Ians preparation. Does Chief Kakantir know too? Of course. Theres no way he wouldnt know what I do. Ian simply nodded. Then smiling brightly, he conveyed his gratitude to Nersarnfor not prying despite knowing it was a lie. It was proof of the trust they had ced in him. Thank you. Ill be heading central soon. I wondered if I might see you once But to run into you like this. Having overheard Ian and Nersarns conversation, Philea hurriedly bowed introducing herself. Unsure of the circumstances, there was a set greeting she had to give. Th-thank you for helping my son Ian. I deeply apologize but please continue caring for him. Youve no need to honor me so, mydy. Philea smiled shyly at Nersarns words. A woman who bloomed like a wildflower wherever she went in lifeeven if it was a cesspool. Nersarn unconsciously couldnt tear his gaze from Phileas glittering hair. Dont be like that and go rest inside where its warm. I n to catch up with my mother. Ah, wait. The collected Nersarn called Ians name with a small gasp. Might I offer you some advice? By all means, go ahead. The stars have been moving oddlytely. Today in particr, I witnessed dozens plunging to earth single file. Shooting stars? Seeming to read Ians mind, Nersarn promptly added. Different from shooting stars. They didnt fall in a blink but moved slowly. Having not seen it himself, Ian couldnt grasp what astronomical phenomenon Nersarn described. But hearing it from one raised gazing upon the Milky Way across the desert, it was surely out of the ordinary. Be careful going central. As stars brighten this world, Sir Ian does too. I appreciate the counsel. However Sir Nersarn. Ian etched his words in mind and slyly rejoined. I aspire to be the sun, not a star. Emperor Ianthe paramount of Bariel. He demonstrated the will to regain that body. Looking somewhat surprised, Nersarn moistened his lips then faintly smiled. Then to the desert, Sir Ian will be a very important figure. Swish. As if not expecting a response, he went right upstairs with the warriors. Watching Nersarns back, Philea whispered carefully. Who was that? Chief Kakantirs younger brother and scribe, Sir Nersarn. Hell be helping manage the territory affairs while Im away. He wants to return to the desert yet theres no one quite like him. Understanding, Philea looked upstairs again. Then grinning, she gently grasped Ians arm. Ian. Instead of changing, lets head to the kitchen together. As the porridge cooks, sit and tell me whats been happeningtely. Seeming unwilling to waste a second, Philea took Ians overcoat to hand to Hana before heading to the kitchen. The head chef had tidied up expecting them. Use these bowls and pots. What else do you need besides the barley? Ah, there. Salt. Seasonings are in the bottom cupboard over there. Ian sat at the servants break table watching Philea. Though she seemed clumsy at first, she began cooking the porridge more adeptly. Was it lonely in the forest? Now that Derghas gone and the territory prosperous,e live down here. You could stay in the mansion if you want or I could get you a house. Let me think on it a bit. I didnt feel that lonely out there butmeeting people like this, maybe it was. The savory aroma of the barley porridge wafted up. Philea elegantly stirred the pot, smiling. Sometimes lost travelerse by. Shockingly a while ago, some injured people appeared together. Injured people? Mm. About three of them? They told me their names Lets see. Ricardo, Nave, andErica! Thats rightErica. The imperial investigator searching for Mary and Chels corpses. Her whereabouts were unknown after getting caught up fighting the Hawan caravan. How unexpected. Badly hurt? No, but she said she lost manyrades. Poor things. They were having a hard time, unable to return home. Where were they headed next? Hmm, not sure but I think she said Hawan? I see. Stroking his chin, Ian let out a meaningful chuckle. Philea beamed, stroking her sons hair. Doesnt the porridge smell nice? It does, mother. Ian, by the waywould it be alright if I wrote you letters? On sleepless nights sick with worry, it might soothe me some. Philea hesitantly sought his understanding, extremely careful not to impose one bit. Ian readily granted permission. Please do. But I may be too busy to reply so please understand that. Of course. Ian, my son Philea embraced Ian again, nestling her face against his shoulder. Ian patted his fidgeting mothers back. Juste back safelyIan. Chapter 99: Formatting Chapter 99: Formatting My child, listen to the sound of the falling snow. Prince Mariv suddenly recalled his mothers words and looked out the window. As always, it was snowing. Every year, peculiarly at the moment the first snow fell, the voice of the Empress inevitably echoed in his head. Ah, the first snow. The aide smiled as he handed some documents over to Marivs desk. Winter was cold and tough, but it was also the season for the end and the beginning of a year. Mariv, without much emotion, turned his head and muttered. The New Years celebration must be approaching. Yes. The main pce has been in chaos. The finance minister in charge has been butting heads with Madam Dinas chief attendant every day. Something about the budget Dina was the Emperors only concubine attending to him. The position of the Empress had been implicitly vacant since the deaths of Marivs biological mother and Gales. Its already been over 10 years. Several times there had been talk of inaugurating a new Empress, but it never even made it to the meeting agenda. It was the one point where Mariv and Gale agreed. Until their own mothers returned alive, no one else could ascend to the position of Empress. If not their mothers, then no one else can call themselves their mother. Should I say they have no shame? I wonder why they make such a fuss over the New Years celebration. Isnt the New Years celebration originally the Emperors responsibility? Since His Majesty is in poor health, it makes sense for his closest concubine to handle it. Its an honor, no? A word of encouragement from Father? Mariv deliberately tried to wipe his mothers face from his mind as he continued speaking. He hoped his aide would ramble on about something irrelevant to distract his concentration. Well, it is nice to have Madam Dina. If not for her, we wouldve had to prepare for the New Years celebration. Having to prepare on top of not even being able to leave work on time The aide,menting his fate, lightly smacked his lips and organized the documents. It was the excitement from the snowfall. His mouth couldnt discern time or ce and just babbled. When is Romandro expected to arrive? With sir Ian, I presume? No special couriers have arrived at the pce yet, but based on the schedule, they should be departing soon. What about Molrin? He seems likely to arrive in the capital before lord Ian. It seems he might be put on administrative leave by the administration, but its not certain. We will have someone follow him as soon as he arrives. That b*stard really lives a tenacious life. Mariv muttered irritably, and the aide nced around cautiously. Due to the unresolved tension between the appointment of the new Chief Justice at the New Years celebration and the checks from the Department of Magic, they had no choice but to dy Mollins judgment. And thats how it had been up until now. The first snowfall, and the day before the New Years ceremony. Pharrel. Yes, Your Highness. Mariv lightly kneaded his eyebrows and called for his aide. Pharrels shoulders stiffened, as questions would unfailingly fly his way whenever his name was called so abruptly. Is there no way? A way to kill Molrin and overwhelm the Department of Magics interference. If not for that Truth Potion, there wouldnt have been such headaches. The main obstacle is how the Department of Magics nature does not allow any other department to intervene. How far along was the potions development, whether it was effective, whether there were any physical side effects he could not trust the written reports that only provided updates. After a brief hesitation, Aide Pharrel answered. Since the matter is quite serious, other ces are jointly voicing opposition as well. Isnt the Ministry of Administration just being contradictory? Silence means consent. Though proposals rted to this matter kept being submitted to the Emperor day after day, not a single one was properly approved. Since we have control over sir Molrins condition, it would be best to wait and see until the New Years celebration. Also, once lord Ian is dispatched to the Department of Magic, it should be easier to verify information from that side. ncing at his superior, Aide Pharrel hesitantly voiced his opinion. But judging by Marivs expression, he didnt seem very satisfied. It merely reiterated what they already knew. Bring me the reports submitted by the Department of Magic. Yes, my apologies. Mariv leafed through the Department of Magics reports on the Truth Potion once more. Though they had meticulously documented the details, the content waspletely iprehensible to ayperson. Far from understanding, some terms were even difficult to read. To interpret this, well have to ask the Department of Magic for help again. Things werent always like this in the past. Though they were regarded as the inheritors of sacred power, just a few years ago, the neutral Department of Magic firmly supported the imperial courts center. But ever since Wesleigh became its Minister, that bnce had inevitably copsed. What about theparative report with Homogeneous Potions? Here it is. At the very least, he could check what had newly been added and removed from the Truth Potion inparison to the moremonce Homogeneous Potion. As Mariv scrutinized the documents closely for some time, he stiffened. Luron? Luron. It was a term he had never heard before in his life. Judging by the notation beside it, it seemed to be some kind of magic stone Pharrel. It says a magic stone called Luron is used in the Truth Potion, so find me the rted information. Ah, coincidentally I had requested it from the Department of Magic. The aide abruptly stood up and rummaged through the pile of files stacked on the trolley. Then he took out a bundle of papers about a foot thick and flipped through them. Shall I read it for you? Go on. Mariv returned his gaze to the report as he waited for his aides exnation. In total, there were five special ingredients that were only used in the Truth Potion. Luron, an extremely rare high-grade magic stone. Extremely rare? Indeed, as the name literally implied, it meant that it was so rare that it was also highly valuable, and rted information was insufficient. The first sentence already properly provoked Marivs attention. If it has extreme rarity, wouldnt there have been insufficient samples for research? Yet human trials and efficacy tests were carried out? Thats what the report says. Despite its rarity, only trace amounts are used, so there are no issues with supply. Well, theyll only use it on candidates up for appointment anyway. The Department of Magic had 15 kilograms of managed Luron, 5 kilograms of which was used during the research process. It said about 10 grams goes into each Truth Potion brew. Dont they usually keep hundreds of kilograms ofmonly used low-grade magic stones? Luron was only first reported to academiast year. Tap tap. Mariv continued tapping the desk as if to say keep reading. Though it was his first time hearing of the magic stone,paring it to other ingredients clearly showed its rarity. The mine is unknown. Its said to usually exist near ordinary mineral veins but there are few samples. However, there is something quite peculiar about it And whats that? The aide tilted his head as if seeing such a magic stone for the first time. It exists in liquid form, then solidifies into stone when responding to external magical power. There was an incident where as soon as a magician entered the reported mine, the miners standing on Luron had their feet trapped as it instantly hardened. It was ankle-deep, but with it hardening on the spot, there was no way out. The constricting force was so severe that the intact ankle had to be severed before the entire leg underwent necrosis. Good thing it was just the ankle. There are no reports yet about it being deep enough for the body to sink in. It was almost disastrous. If both legs had been trapped Eek! What else? Ah, its color is purplish, and the more bubbles that rise when it hardens indicates better magical responsiveness. I dont know what that means to magicians though. That was where the exnation provided through the Department of Magics cooperation ended. They surely had more detailed internal data but More information seems necessary regarding Luron. Ill look into it. The aide nodded as if to say leave it to me, gathering up the documents. In the meantime, Mariv looked out the window once more. The snowfall from earlier had stopped. I see. The hardened magic stone is used as is for production, not as a liquid or a powder. The report doesnt say theres a method to dissolve it. It just says the hardness is extremely high, so ordinary means cant even scratch it. Then how do they process it? The aide swiftly flipped through the report, reading out the information Mariv wanted. It seems magicians break it with their magic power. The stronger the magic powerpression, the more easily it can be handled, ording to the research. Mariv rubbed his chin and tapped the table. In other words It could potentially be a gauge for selecting magicians with strong magic power. *** Wait! Romandro reached out and shouted. Unlike indifferent Ian and seemingly careless Beric, all the holes on his face were stretched wide. Eyes round, nostrils ring, mouth gaping with no sign of closing. Wait just a moment. What did I just hear? Theres magical power in Mount Monne Mine. Magic stone? In Mount Monne? That magic stone? Are we talking about the same thing? He felt dizzyheaded. Even getting hit by a windfall on the street wouldnt make him feel this way. To think there was magic stone in that small mine he only knew as a coal mine! Ian! Ian! Whoa whoa! Good gracious! Sir Romandro. Youre wide awake now. How could I still be asleep after hearing this? I must be going crazy, you definitely did something momentous in your past life! Magic stone! Did something momentous in my past life? Ian chuckled and raised both hands, signaling for him to calm down. The problem is, we cant identify what kind of magic stone it is. Theres no information. And judging by the knights corpse trapped in it, it seems dangerous yet also harmless Ianughed awkwardly, looking as if he wasnt sure. The magic stones Ian had seen until now had all gone through the refining process dozens of times. Checking it in its raw form, he waspletely confused and couldnt be certain. Is there a problem? We should contact the Department of Magic right away and! Romandros rising excitement froze over in an instant. He realized exactly what the issue was. It seems Prince Gale targeted this ce for that reason. He probably guessed to some degree, if notpletely confident, which is why he aimed for here. If the Department of Magic finds out about this, therell definitely be more chaos. I concur. Fortunately, no one knows about this except us. Ian was suddenly reminded of Mack and Dgor, who had wandered outside the mansion without rest. He had thought they were just scheming something regarding Gr, bute to think of it, they had gone to the mines as well. How, how big is it? Big enough to trap an adult man up to his waist. Good gracious! Youre truly monumental! Its value was beyond estimation. Even low-grade magic stones had worth rivaling the same volume in diamonds. What if it was mid-grade? No. What if it was high-grade? As Romandro continued his fantasies, he came to his senses and gripped Ians shoulders tightly. You could build a whole country with that! Bwahahaha! Would an imperial advisor make such remarks? Oh, dont take it so literally! Ian chuckled. For now, I dont n on reporting to the capital. Anyway, the mine is owned by this territory, and I think it best to enter the Department of Magic first to grasp the atmosphere before dealing with this. Yes, I agree. We should consult with Prince Mariv as well. Please leave that to me. I will inform him. Oh, of course, of course. The master should do it. Ill head to the mine at first light tomorrow. He needed to examine the magic stone more closely there. Hearing Ians words, Romandro immediately turned to check the clock. One in the morning. It felt like time was crawling by excruciatingly slowly. Chapter 100: Formatting Chapter 100: Formatting As day broke, Ian led his subordinates to Mount Monne Mine along with Romandro. As ordered yesterday, the entrance was half blocked off, and the mine manager on duty was talking to some soldiers. Aww, I left my ledger inside! Tsk, you never learn. Just a sec, cmon! Ill zip in and right back out, kay? Sir Ian, youve arrived. Huh? Ah, hello. As Ian appeared, the soldiers straightened up and saluted left and right. The mine manager also bowed in half to greet Ian. Um, follow me. I have some questions. Ah, yes, ask away. The manager nervously swallowed his dry spit and trailed behind him. It felt like he had been struck by lightning first thing in the morning. The mine was ordered closed overnight, and now the lord himself was entering the tunnel? Something clearly out of the ordinary had happened. Any unusual activity in the mine? If you mean unusual incidents, Im not quite sure what There was nothing in particr to report. Theres a new vein about 200 meters in. You didnt know? A, a vein? The managers footsteps faltered. His reaction made it obvious it was his first time hearing about it. When Ian nced back with a faint smile, the man turned deathly pale and prostrated on the ground, yelling. I apologize! That wasnt my intent. Im sorry! Im so sorry! Though Ian was sincere, the manager could not ept it that way. You knew a new vein appeared but didnt report it? That would arouse suspicions of embezzlement. And if he truly did not know, wouldnt that demonstrate ipetence as a manager? I, I had absolutely no idea a new vein existed. If its around the tunnel intersection you mentioned, the miners pass through there five or six times a day. But since there was no talk, it seems none of them noticed either Since Ian personally came, it clearly wasnt something that could easily be dismissed. As the manager kept pounding his head against the ground, Ian sighed and nced at Beric. Beric slipped his foot underneath and stopped the man from harming himself. Whack! Dont do that, youll get a hole in your forehead. Huh? The managers forehead was already pitch ck with coal dust. Ian went back ahead and continued speaking as he walked. Im not trying to assign responsibility, I just need information. If nobody in the mine knew, then it probably appeared quite recently. Y, you know what kind of vein it is? It couldnt possibly be gold or something Nothing like that would be found in this dusty pit that only produced coal. But unconsciously, the manager activated his happiness circuit and observed Ians expression. Yes, I do. Its truly tremendous. Oh! The manager unconsciously gasped. So this is how a reversal of fate feels! As long as Ian did not press to assign him responsibility for confirming the vein, he would remain manager here. If new resources were discovered, the bountiful benefits would trickle down to him as well. You probably know Ill soon be vacating the mansion. Yes. Congrattions on the conferral of your title. I will run the mine without issue even in your absence. I appreciate that. However, the mine will have to be shut down for the time being. Come again? Indefinite temporary closure. Despite it being morning, not a single ray of sunlight prated deep into the mine. The only light visible was from thenterns in hand, but the deeper they went, a faint purplish glow seemed to emanate from the distance. From here on, you must keep confidential everything you see. If you want, you may turn back now. The manager hesitated briefly at Ians offer. Wasnt this an exceedingly generous proposal for him? Even as the mine shuts down, reducing what he has to manage, his wages will continue to be paid in full! Plop. As water dripped from the ceiling, the manager sharply pulled himself together and craned his neck. His crisp answer echoed through the mine. I, I will keep my lips sealed no matter what! Im grateful to hear that. Moreover, if he turned back now, he had no idea how Ian might handle him. Would he just send him home or sever his tongue for having heard such a proposal? Have you heard of magic stones? Magic stones? No, never. Is that right? Id have thought youd know since you work in a mine. News is slow to reach us out here. Is it a newly discovered mineral? Simr. Its value probably exceeds gold. Following Ians chin gesture, the manager reflexively turned his gaze. Oh! What on earth is! He doubted his own eyes. Good heavens! Just what was that thing? Never seen anything like it in his life! A faintly glowing, purplish mineral deposit! But this, this is a mineral vein, right? Whats with the corpse? There are quite a few bubbles inside, but its definitelypletely solid. Ignore the corpse. In a way, we have it to thank for finding this. With his lower half buried underneath, the corpses face was ghastly white from pressure. The manager, flustered, hesitated briefly before lying prone on the ground, carefully examining the crevices in the rock to locate where the vein originated from. Aim thentern here. Beric. Yes sir! Tracing the starting point with probing fingers, the manager soon seemed to notice something. He pulled up his work clothes, took out a small pickaxe from within, and swung. ng! nk! That wont work. Swords of all kinds didnt leave a single nick either. Looks to me like we need to set off a bomb to crack this open. Are you suggesting we blow up the mine? Can it be done? Anyway, no. Just a waste of effort. Despite Berics dissuasion, the manager kept striking with his pick. But rather than putting his full strength behind the blows, it would be more urate to describe it as lightly tapping with the point. Im trying to break the surrounding rock its embedded in. Here it seems like theyre connected, and theres more moisture seeping throughpared to other spots. ng! Suddenly, the shards of broken rock scattered with a sharp noise. As the managery prone, Beric also rushed forward, trying to peer in. Huh? What is it? What is it? But the manager shook his head, as if unworthy of seeing it. Despite Beric bustling around annoyingly nearby, he didnt budge an inch. Whats wrong? Well, something definitely originated from underneath here. There was a lot of liquid umted here, the same color as that. But as soon as Sir Beric drew near As soon as I approached? It hardened. Theres no more surrounding rock deeper inside to dig out. Unless we break that itself. As Ian and Romandro turned questioning looks on Beric in unison, he held up both hands defensively. It was as if the situation pinned the me on him for the magic stone solidifying. I didnt do anything though! Beric. Really, truly! I swear! Step back over here for now. Before Ians words even fully left his lips, Beric had retreated from the manager again. Still the same? Yes, unchanged. Ian, do you know something about this? Romandro nced at Ian, unable toprehend it. Unless under special circumstances, ordinary people wouldnt even have cursory knowledge in this area. Even if Dergha possessed that brooch with magic stones, he probably only knew how to use it. Clearly, he wouldnt have known the exact names, effects, and mechanisms behind magic stones. Ian seemed to grasp something. Magic stones fundamentally react to magical power. React to magical power? As the name suggests. Their basic function is to respond to external magic. Just like Derghas brooch. It absolutely required a special solution to rey voices. Depending on the amount of magic invested during production, the products grade varied. This one probably Probably? Solidifies when external magic draws near. Beric. Yesterday, when you chased that knight, didnt you say it hardened as you approached? Yeah. At first I thought I had sunk into a mud pit. It got harder and harder to wiggle free. As a magician knight, Beric possessed magic within his body, albeit faint traces. So when he drew closer, it could have triggered the gradual hardening reaction. His uncertain recollection transformed into conviction. Its highly likely to be Luron. A high-grade magic stone. What was it used for again? Managing magic stones alone warranted a dedicated division in the Ministry of Magic. It truly was knowledge on a different dimension. Ian waved his hand, signaling them to make way. Step back. What? What for? Ill try breaking it. With your bare hands? Are you insane? Berics eyes widened with shock as he seized Ians arm and dragged him back. He then pushed a sword into his hand and nodded proudly. People should use tools after all. Mm-hmm. Whatever. You pick it up then. Eeh? Having second thoughts? Feel like eating rice with your toes? Lightly brushing him off, Ianid his hand upon the magic stone. The corpses gaze pierced through the void, waist bent in half. Jeeeeng. Crackle crackle! As he slowly gathered his magic power, the magic stones purple glow intensified. It seemed to heat up, with bubbles inside rapidly drying out. In rm, Beric and Romandro retreated further while the managery prone, shielding his head. Ian, Ian! Its gonna blow! Be careful! Yeow! If we get sted here, were all screwed! Have mercy, have mercy! Sir Ian! Ian, its dangerous! I just got married! Aah! Cant you do that after I leave first? With all three yelling simultaneously, it was deafening. Yet Ian did not retreat, slowly concentrating his magic power Huh? Huh? Ian, did you just say huh? Only silence descended following Ians soft exmation. Though it seemed to stretch for an eternity in the blink of an eye. BOOM! CRASH! RUMBLE! Aah! Madman! In a sh, the magic stone exploded, shards scattering everywhere. Romandro and the manager crouched down shrieking. Beric immediately drew his sword, deflecting the debris raining toward his face, then looked to Ian. Ian! You okay? Huh? Ah, yeah. Im fine. Ians hair was faintly tousled. Whether due to the magic stones eruption or the explosive force, he wasnt sure. It blew up right in your face and youre fine? I seem to have unconsciously summoned a defense shield. Good job on that. Ian merely smiled, brushing the dust and grit off his clothes. Strange. Tentatively unleashing the faintest wisp of magic after so long, yet it reacted so intensely, blowing apart. Swish. The knights corpse spilled onto the ground as the mineral split in two. Ian nced down at his own hand, tilting his head. Odd. Had his magic be more sensitive? He had no clue whatsoever. Drawing close, Beric showed a fist-sized piece of magic stone in his hand and bit into it experimentally. It wouldnt budge an inch no matter what crap got thrown at it, but now it cracked. Is magic really that amazing? ncing around, Romandro spotted magic stone fragments scattered all over. Forgetting everything else, he started sweeping the floor with his sleeves. Hurry up and gather them, Beric! What a chore Cant we just take the big pieces? Think of each bean-sized piece as a gold coin. Are there brooms outside? As Beric dashed out calling for people, Ianid his palm on a still intact portion and murmured. Everyone stand back farther. Ah, Ian! Wait wait! Jeeeeng. Jing! BOOM! Yeow! The soldiers waiting outside simultaneously turned their heads toward the tunnel entrance. Curious gazes wondering what was happening inside. Chapter 101: Formatting Chapter 101: Formatting The streets of Mereloff were adorned with ck ribbons fluttering in the wind, mourning the death of their count. Since word was that he was murdered by a ve, the atmosphere felt more ominous than sorrowful. Its my first time hearing a nobleman got stabbed to death by his ve. Theres no clue what happened at all. I heard the count was about to beat his wife, and the ve tried to stop him which led to the scuffle. Wait, where do I start pointing out whats wrong with that? The count beating his wife? He doted on her like his precious treasure. It seemed the exact opposite. Thats why no one knows what really goes on between a married couple. What about the ve then? Is he dead? Since there was no separate execution, he probably got summarily judged. Crazy bastard, how could he kill his master? This is just a rumor floating around but apparently the wife and that ve were intimate. Pfft, thats hrious! Hahaha! Im serious! My friend who works at the estate heard it from his friend there. Otherwise why would a ve protect thedy? Some friend your friend is. What next, friends with the Emperor too? Whether gathered in groups of three or five, talks never failed to involve thete count, his wife, and the ve rk. With no official statement from the estate, imaginations ran free. *** Lady Lien had spent whole days unmoving in her dark bedroom, rendered listless by feelings of powerlessness and deprivation. Mdy, shall I bring up a meal? No, thats fine. You skipped dinnerst night as well. Simon, isnt this strange? At thedys question, Simon turned her head. Staring vacantly into space, she held her jaw. Simon couldnt bring herself to deny it. Wasnt Lady Lien perfectlymanding Mereloff after Sir Zegas death and Dives imprisonment? However Rather than strange, you dont exactly look happy. Lady Lien faintly smiled at Simons reply. Indeed. That was exactly why it felt strange. Her husband whom she got beaten by day after day was dead, yet her mood remained unsettled. It felt like when she had chopped down her mothers tree to run away. Has the decision been made to send Dive to Tuloon? The leader Cheol heading out this time chose Toorlun. Its the ideal time. He said if you send Dive right away, theyll depart immediately via carrier pigeon. Lady Lien groped the side table for cigarettes. After her husband died that day, she acquired the severe habit of smoking up to ten per day. Hows the payment? A 100-gold advance payment, another 100 gold onmencement. Better than I expected. I thought it would exceed 1000. Thedy nodded, satisfied. Then exhaled cigarette smoke with a huff, murmuring. Simon, tell Cheol I ept his offer. Yes, Mdy. Except not one but two people will be going. Two people? With Lady Liens silence, Simon realized the second person was rk. It was to appoint the overseer Ian had suggested. She desperately wanted to believe it was the best option. Anyway if imperial investigatorse, he should avoid them. Itll be better for him to disappear to Toorlun and take care of Dive, thene back quietly and Come back and live together? Thedy felt like she was walking an obscured path. While the next step ahead was visible, the distant destination remainedpletely out of sight. Dives servant will remain at the estate? Yes, Mdy. Getting rid of an abandoned servant was childs y. Thedyy in bed for a long while, inhaling cigarette smoke. When does Sir Ian depart for the capital? Next week. And hell visit today to finalize the contract. That was today? How time flies. Shall I bring a meal? Though she hadin in bed until the sun nearly set in the afternoon, thedy had been tidying affairs in her own way. From preparing the gratuity promised to Ian to overall budget cuts for the territory, and more. Is Dive still praying in the annex? Yes. Well, he seems to live quite a regted life. Waking, eating, praying, eating again, praying. It appeared he considered his inability to return home and confinement in the annex itself as an ordeal. He cried out night and day to whatever god he believed in to save him. Idiotic crap. She exited the bedroom wearing only a loosely draped robe. The servants roaming the halls pretended not to notice, turning their heads away. With a cigarette between her lips, thedy headed for the underground prison. Creak. Though rk bore clear traces of torture from the knights, the wounds had scabbed over and he looked fairly healthy. Vacantly sitting, rk recognized thedy as she entered and rose to his feet. Separated by the bars, the two merely stood gazing at each other. Some timeter. Thedy was the first to break the silence. Go to Hawan with Dive. Then head for Toorlun with Cheol. Toorlun Do you know where Toorlun is? Yes, I do. Meaning he also knew it was an extremely distant location. Thedy held back the surge of countless words welling up and remained silent. In preparation for any future imperial investigation, testimony of Dives safe arrival is necessary. So make sure to bring him there and then Lady Lienid her palm over rks hands clinging onto the bars. It was the very first contact between them. Swallowing a sigh, she murmured her order. Return. Instead of replying, rk merely smiled. Though thedy told him toe back, he knew what burden it would ce on her should he do so. rk lightly kissed the back of thedys hand then took a step back. It was theirst moment together. *** Wont the carriage axles buckle? Beric mumbled as he stared at the boxes piled high. They were filled with fragments of Luron, broken off and shaped down to suitable sizes after Ian had blown up quite a few chunks. Theres only five boxes but they seem heavier than boulders. Im nning on securing about ten carriages to distribute the load. Hows it going with the mine cleanup? Fastening a coat, Ian inquired as he exited. He was more formally dressed than usual in a suit. Since today he was crossing over to Mereloff to wrap up lingering issues involving Dive as well as finalizing the contract. The manager is still overseeing it. He asked what to do with the dirt and powder. Tell him to store it all separately. The magic stone dust that had crumbled away hadnt lost its innate power either. Saving it bit by bit would surely prove usefulter. Ian slyly nced at Beric and instructed. Beric, dont follow me today. Go to the forest instead. The forest? Ah, Philea? The intent was for him to meet Ians mother, Philea. Ian would soon be departing this ce. While he might return someday, the likelihood of that not happening was far greater. From Phileas position as his sole parent, this could be her final chance. Right. Let her know Im leaving. Bring her down with you if she wants. Got it. But youre going to Mereloff alone? Sir Romandro and my subordinates will apany me. The ones remaining here will interact often with Lady Lien, so its best if they build rapport in advance. Though the time to depart this territory drew near, Ian didnt feel it at all. Neitherpletely letting go nor tying up all loose ends perfectly was feasible. Haa. Staring at the towering pile of documents, Ian unconsciously sighed. For the territory to operate without issues for a while in his absence, he had to thoroughly review and process those before leaving. Chewing a Gr seed, Beric silently observed the scene. Knock knock. Sir Ian, the carriages are ready. And Sir Romandro? Hes waiting downstairs. Ill head right down. At Hannahs summons, Ian hurriedly exited the room. As Hannah also turned to leave, her eyes met Berics head-on. Sir Beric? Whats the matter? Youre going to Mereloff too? Yes, we probably wont be back untilte tonight. For a while now Hannah had been crossing over to Mereloff for various lessons from Lady Liens head attendant. While book learning could be done here, she absolutely required someone to teach her basic etiquette and estate management skills properly. Did something happen? Nah, its nothing much. Just, doesnt Ian seem more tiredtely? The unexpected remark made Hannahs eyes grow round. There certainly had been more work than usual these days. Felt like there were several nights in a row he didnt get to sleep. Youre right, he does. And he keeps leaving food uneaten. Hannah furrowed her brow, mulling it over, then wed at her hair in shock. Despite Berics bewildered gaze, she only mumbled to herself. Oh my gosh! A head attendants fundamental virtue is vignce over her masters health andfort! Heavens. Have I been neglecting that? Hannah, you okay? No matter how busy I am, could I be busier than Sir Ian?! Than me?! Whoa, why are you like this. Its creepy. I need to start taking better care of him from tonights dinner on! Thank you Sir Beric! Ill work hard until the day I be a perfect head attendant! Eyes zing with fighting spirit, Hannah raised her fist. Beric awkwardly returned her vigor. Then as he watched her dart off swiftly, he flopped down on his back. When they get busy, they definitely start losing it, huh. Before heading out the main gate, Hannah made a beeline straight for the dining hall instead. Chef Mandar! Im going to Mereloff but please, please prepare very nutritious dishes starting tomorrow until Sir Ianes up for meals! Hannah? What happened all of a sudden? Sir Ian seems worn downtely. He looks tired, anyway, pork, duck, beef! You know? Im heading out! Whoosh! The kitchen was left spinning as if swept by a typhoon. A maid doing the dishes inside cautiously peeked out. Whats Hannah saying? She gotta secure some meat from the vige. For Sir Ians health. Huh? Sir Ian? Is he sick somewhere? Sir Ian is sick? Where? Rumors swirled in moments. Ian looks tired soon transformed into Ian is sick or even is severely ill. What a servant mentioned while out in the vige drove the nail in. Lately Sir Ian has been overexerting himself so Whaaat?! Stomp stomp stomp! At that moment, in the carriage bound for Mereloff. Ian suddenly couldnt stand the irritation in his ears. Beric, are you badmouthing me? He wrinkled his brow for no reason, rubbing his ears. Across from him, Romandro worriedly asked. Whats the matter? No, it just feels a bit ufortable. Oh thats right. Other things were roughly settled by letter, but there was no decision regarding the counts funeral. While the overall schedule was easily aligned, the counts funeral arrangements still remained undecided. Staring out the window, Ian rubbed his chin. In the distance, Mereloff came into view. The skies were overcast, seeming ready to pour snow at any moment. They probably intend a quiet service with no one the wiser. Huh? No one the wiser? Just like thedys secret wedding. Thats why they waited for winter, no? A funeral that no one woulde to or even know about. Chapter 104: Formatting Chapter 104: Formatting Chapter 104. A Small Beast Time trickled by slowly yet steadily. In the winter dawn with the crescent moon still out, Ian breathed out puffs of air surveying the lined up carriages. Perhaps because it was snowing, the weather was severely cold. Brrr, of all days to go when its this cold. They say it gets warmer the more central you go so that works out. Wheels rollin! Rock there in front! Good morning Sir Ian, and seasons greetings. Iaaan! I wanna take this too! Master Beric, stop bothering Leave it be! Nooo, I dont wanna! While less than ten people were departing the territory, nearly tens of people were preparing for itestate servants as well as residents who came to see his face onest time. Lord Ian, check again nothings missing please. Last call, the coachman says theyll depart soon. At Hannahs words, Ian looked over the luggage carriage. Luron magic stone chunks, the Dripper machine from Lady Lien, the jeweled box holding the alchemists ne and ring, identification papers, and so on. He brought more than expected foring empty-handed. Im fine. And Beric? Me too, all good! Beric showed off the one sword he held. Aside from the shabby clothes, that lone item was all he was taking along apparently. Ian chuckled as if it was most impressive. Then the rest must be Sir Romandros stuff. Nothing I can do when the mening along total five! Ahaha! At Hannahs remark, Romandro guffawed a response. Ecstatic to be returning home. After checking the carriages, Ian looked for Nersarn. Sir Nersarn. I shall get going. May fortune smile upon you and guard yourself well on the journey. As Ian gained his title and yed a bigger role at court, the Tenrey allied to him would likewise gain standing. Despite weighing gains and losses, his encouragement seemed genuinely caring. Demosha. Demosha. Under divine blessings, they grasped hands shaking firmly. Ian slowly bid the estate servants farewell too. You have all worked hard. Thank you. Kind sir, what hardship are you referring to? Travel safely. Dont worry about things here. The imperial pce! Make sure to tell us all about it when you return! With the kid gone the food bill will fall for now! Haha! The servants clustered around Ian bidding sad farewells. Ian patted each ones shoulder parting, Look after the estate well in my stead. I hope you endure the winter well with Hannah here leading you all. The head servantHannah. Understanding, the servants sighed and Hana grinned, her cheeks flushing. Looking happy yet embarrassed. Lord Ian. I will protect the estate! Entrust the estate to me. Ill devote my all! Dont overexert yourself. Still, Im grateful for those words. She wasnt the perfect head servant yet but had ample room to grow. And with Nersarn and Romandros mens aid, there was no cause for concern. Shall we set off then? Ian signaled the coachmen to prepare for departure. Philea who had stood stiffly came over, embracing her son. Ian hugged her saying gently, Mother. Take care and live wherever you desire, be it the estate or elsewhere. With tears falling, Philea bit her trembling lips. Even if it was theirst meeting, Ian wished only to leave her with the brightest smile. Lets embark on our journey! Embaaark! Off we go for the month! ck! Ian boarded the carriage, waving out the window. Beric and Romandro in the one ahead did the same. Their lead carriage left the estate first. Goodbye! Travel safely! Lord Iaaan! Hearing the estate folks calls, Beric pouted indignantly from the window. They only call for Ianwhat about me? Chuckling, Ian was about to close his window. It was early morning yet the residents were all in the streets, having heard of his departure. Congrattions Lord Ian! Our best wishes Lord Baron Ian! Please bring back the territorys new name for us! Wahhhhh! Children ran after the carriage as if to chase it. The brilliant morning sun rose in the distancea most splendid send off. Ian likewise waved bidding his final farewells. *** Clip-clop-clip-clop The carriage jolted down the unpaved road. Beric sullenly red out the window, looking bored. All that was visible night and day was the snow-covered haggard tree branches. Im so boooored I feel like losing my mind. If youre bored then switch with the coachman. Doubt youll have time to be boreditll really sharpen your senses too. Romandros words made Ian smirk. Nearly four days already since departing the territory. Aside from asional stops for the horses and coachmen to rest, they were cooped up in the jostling carriage all day longmore than a little annoying. Given Berics highly energetic disposition, he was enduring rather well. How much longer til we get there? If there was nice scenery I could bear it but all there is is damn snowy forest after forest! Its been four days already so about ten more should do it. Barring issues of course. Im seriously going insane. Though the umted snow slowed their pace, the coachmens expertise kept them advancing steadily without stopping. Three passengers upied the lead carriage with luggage ones trailing them single file. We should reach a town to spend the night today. You can bathe in warm water and rest in soft beds so bear with it a little longer. Really, a big city? Not to the extent youre hoping for. What am I hoping for? Hmm, dont expect stuff like multi-level bars and gambling dens, or luxury lodging costing dozens of silver coins a night, orrge diator rings. From the utterly devastated look on Berics face, he seemed to have expected all of the above. Romandro retrieved a small map from his coat. We will soon arrive atCarrena. Carrena? Never heard of it. No reason for an insignificant small city to be well-known. The issue is, Carrena lies at the center of ins to the west. As Romandro spoke, Ian turned his head curiously. About to ask what he meant when seeing the Hayman Bank seal stamped on the map, he understood. Carrena, Longuin, Jalicoveyou refer to those three cities? Thats right. When dealing with Count Merellof and depositing funds, didnt the bank president mention thieves emerging there? At the word thieves, Berics eyes instantly livened, sparkling pupils brimming with anticipation. Thieves?! Awesome, my first time seeing them. Still havent yet? Were about to real soon right? Arent those three areas all neighboring for them to mention at once? Scooting next to Romandro, Beric nudged up, wearing the re of pure annoyance that truly screamed get lost ghost! As Beric said, the three were close enough to reach in a day by horseback. Currently were entering from this way so to reach Carrena, we cross these ins right? Enough to probably meet thievesHehehe. Though Ian wanted to retort, for once there was no counterargument. The danger frequented by thieves was factual as was this night being particrly risky. Theres much cargo for the escorts. Best to pass through as quietly and quickly as possible. Right. Thats what I want too. Wet your pants or lie if you must. At least control your expression. Actually more than material losses from thieves, the bigger worry for Ian was time dys. Who knew what variables might pop up however leisurely they leftno one could tell. Not just beingte for the New Year court assembly but once festivities began, the imperial pce would be flooded with outside guests. Meaning no convenient ess for investigating the magic divisions annex. ck. Swish! Beric opened the small window leaning out. The cold wind gusted in wildly fluttering Romandros map. Beric! Say something before opening! Uncle coachman! When will we reach Carrena? Should be before sunset! Alright! Hurry it up more! Ill give it a go. If the horses can take it. The coachman grinned yanking the reins harder. As their pace quickened slightly, Beric shed a thumbs up conveying thanks. Clip clop clip clop! Who knows for how long the rhythmic hoofbeats continuedBeric dozed off, cheek stered against the window while Romandro scribbled gift messages on slips of paper. Ian amused himself watching them, killing time. Neigh! Lord Ian! Hm? Whats the matter? At the coachmans call, Ian opened the window. From the forest we left this morning between there and Carrena, is there another vige? A vige? One moment please. Sir Romandro, may I borrow the map? Ah yes, take therge one. Mmgh! Why, weve arrived already? Wiping his drool, Beric sat up as the trotting horses began walking. Unreservedly he leaned his torso out the round window. Were heeere! As if excited spotting the vige, Beric rapped the carriage ceiling. But checking the map, Ian and Romandro could only exchange puzzled looks. Strange, there arent any viges nearby. When was that map made? Last year. Referred to it when heading down so there shouldnt be any inuracies. Try as they might on the map, their location was smack in the middle of a forest. Beric impatiently beckoned the coachman to just go. Whats the difference between Carrena or here if we can just take a hot bath either way? Lets check it out! No can do Beric, dont act up. Aw cmon, why?! Beric mbered down from the window rounding on Ian. His expression seemed to ask for permission but Ian stood firm, Romandro also rather against it. Dont you know what an unmarked vige on the imperial map means? Clearly its an unregisteredmunity. Plus theres word of thieves emerging nearby. High probability. Very high. Likely a den of thief gangs. Better judgment said to withdraw than get tangled in pointless hassles. Ian pulled Beric to sit, ordering the coachman. Turn the horses around this instant and head back. Tell the rear to exit one by one. Ah yes, understood. Hey back there! Last one, turn and exit first! We passed an intersection 30 minutes ago right? Gotta go back to there. Shouldve gone right, not left. Turning, slowly turn! Ian, Romandro, and Beric alighted, helping maneuver the procession. The narrow mountain path made it quite an arduous task turning the carriages one by one. Brr, ah its cold. Whether sniffling from the cold or regret, Beric kept sneaking glimpses back at the vige, listlessly scuffing his feet. Its freeezing! Beric, pipe down would you. Sir Ian, well have to detach and rotate the carriages separately from the horses to make space here. Trying to organize ten orderly carriages was pure chaos. Everyone moved in smooth coordination while Beric sulked, eyes roving around before slyly heading down the sloped path since they stopped anywaymay as well use the chance to relieve himself. Rustle. That moment, he heard leaves crunch behind him. Though he looked back expecting a rabbit or such, nothing was visible. Beric blinked peering all around at the entirely white terrain nketed in snow. Then in that instant. Woof! From the bushes, a white dog appeared with a boom. Meeting its calm gaze, the mutt eyed Beric right back. ck pupils and nose, with a pink tongue No doubt just a random mixed breed. The hell? Woof! What the Did it belong to the vige folks over there? Beric briefly considered what to do but decided to ignore it, turning away. He had more pressing business. -Pssst. ?? pping his ears puzzled, Beric incredulously surveyed his surroundings. The only living thing was this damn pup Chapter 105: Formatting Chapter 105: Formatting Excuse me but are you busy at the moment? ?? Beric kept blinking nkly. At the mutt sitting obediently yet panting with a wide grin looking up at him. Did this bastard just talk? Pfft, preposterous. Ive gone mental. So damn bored my brains gone whack. Dammit. It popped, I swear. Beric snickered patting his head. But on hearing the voice again, he snapped to and whipped around. I was addressing you sir. Spare me a moment if it suits you. Ahem uniquely featured gentleman. The dog still peered up at Beric seated calmly. This punks calling me ugly? Beric rolled his eyeballs seeking where the voice emanated from. But surrounded by nothing but snowscapes and ample terrain to conceal oneself, it was difficult. Ta-tak! The once amiable pup seemed to detect something off in Berics gaze. It carefully backpedaled before breaking out into a mad dash. Beric reflexively gave chase. Woof woof! Hey I heard you bark! Whatre you?! Woof! Having trouble backing a carriage, Ian frowned hearing the ruckus, unsure what idents he was getting into now. The ming redhead frantically sprinting around stood out conspicuously. Beric! Ian! Help me catch this mutt! Why is that?! The punk can talk! But hes got a smartass mouth! Wildly scampering all over, he looked more a mess than the dog. Ian signaled Romandro and his men to ignore it, arching his brows. Ive no idea why he acts like that. Leave him be. How much hot blood could he have? Romandro chuckled defending Ian. By the time Beric finished ying tag with the dog, his men had finished preparations to depart after turning all the carriages around. Lord Ian, since weve stopped anyway, may we check the wheels thoroughly? The snowy path seems more slippery than expected. Letting the horses rest some more would be good too. Ian readily consented checking his watch. Even considering earlier sunsets in winter, they had ample leeway. They would reach Carrena by evening, even heading back a bit. Right. No need to go too far. By the way, do you really think thats the bandits hideout? Its too close to Carenna, isnt it? Its so tantly visible, I doubt the local guards would just ignore it. The coachman, lighting a cigarette, nced toward the vige and asked. His point was valid. However, prioritizing the avoidance of the worst-case scenario, Ian decided not to change their course. Thats something well figure out in Carenna. Caught you! Muttface! Squeak. Just then Beric shouted, lugging a white furball in one hand. Ian! Look at this, this guy can talk! The rest of the group, resting nearby, paid no attention, and Ian was no different. That is, until Beric shoved the dog right in front of his face. It fearfully met Ians gaze. Beric. Make sense, would you? Why? Magic and crap makes sense but a talking dog doesnt seem likely? It totally asked if I got time! Hmm. He seems quite adamant about it. Maybe he heard something wrong, or perhaps its actually true Talk. Go on. Squeak. Ian murmured earnestly, holding the dogs eyes. Watching beside him, Romandro then burst outughing, unable to restrain himself. Given Beric and now Ian too, what a sight it must have been. Sorry, ahem. Yo, hey. Over thereMmm, give me a smoke too. Romandro faked a cough fleeing to his men when Ian looked his way. The dog merely wagged his tail panting. Stop wasting time and let it go already. Maybe its aedian? Ill just gobble him up in case. As Beric muttered puzzled, the dog wore a shocked expression. The moment Ian noticed, it promptly bit Berics hand. Yip! Ow! The dog bolted at full speed up the hillside. As Beric crouched writhing in pain, Ian calmly watched the creatures rear vanish from sight. How impolite you brutes are! You misunderstand whom youre facing! You felt like godly presences yet behold! Tcht tcht! *ptui* See that! It talked! Ian also gaped slightly surprised. How adorable the tiny creature seemed shouting imperiously. Though Romandro and his men snuck peeks at themotion, by then the dogs form had vanished. What happened just now? A dog seriously talked? Ahaha! Really Sir Romandro, your jokes go too far. Now now, shall we set off? Mmmnngh, wanna hurry and rest well. As all busily prepared to depart, Ian and Beric dumbfoundedly squinted, scrutinizing each other before shaking their heads. How bizarre If you dont know then how should I? Damn it, it bit my hand properly. My my. How perplexing. A foreign species? Or a divine beast? But its too shabby for thetter. If neither, then maybe a monster, yet encountering such a deep ind of Bariel in this age was unlikely. I cant figure it out. The moment Ian moved to board the carriage, he felt a presence behind them again gazing back up the hill. Beric wiped his hands following Ians sight. What is it? Feels like someones there You dont sense it? That damn mutt still not gone?! Alright, lets get on quickly. The winds are getting fierce. Ian hustled Beric aboard, shoving his back. As their procession traced back their entrada route, Ian remained vignt. Noticing, a worried Romandro asked. Whats the matter? Are you feeling unwell? No, its not that. Just tense, knowing this area is prone to bandit attacks. Neigh! Clip-clop-clip-clop! As the long line of carriages gradually disappeared, shadowy figures emerged from the forest, following in the carriages wake. * Just as the coachman had predicted, they arrived in Carenna at dusk. A quiet little town with nothing much to see. The locals, wrapping up their day, paused to watch Ians procession of carriages. If this were Bratz, thered be an uproar about whos invaded now. Its quiet here. Were close to the ind, so we dont worry about foreign invasions. And bandits wouldnt be dragging carriages into town. Romandro nced at Berics hand and clicked his tongue. Anyway, are you alright? My hand? Its nothing. So why did you grab some passing stray like that? It wasnt some stray! Im telling you it talked! Beric was right. However much one thought about it, preposterous didnt cut it. Not only his first time witnessing a beast speak human tongue, but its soft appearance contrasted shockingly with the voice and manner. Could it have been some sorcery? Maybebut for a mere small town to have a sorcerer No. It was possible. If magic wielders like Ian existed on vtile national frontiers, then all the more sorcerers. Squeak! Weve arrived Lord Ian. Good work everyone. Lets unpack and rest well tonight. Ah, what a relief. Huh! Are you nning to stay at the inn tonight? Are you the innkeeper? Weve got quite a lot of carriages and luggage. Pleasee in! Just a moment! A woman sweeping the inn entrance hurried inside fetching workers. The horses are a bit sensitive, so it would be best if they arent mixed. We currently have no guests, so we should be able to amodate you. Pleasee this way. While his men stabled the horses and carriages, Ian entered the inn signing the ledger. The paper looked unused for days prior. Business mustve been quite slow this winter? Yes, indeed. Though truthfully even nice weather doesnt bring that many guests Theres nothing much to see or eat here. We only get asional passersby like yourselves, but ever since the rumors of bandits, even thats stopped. Are you staying just for one night? Thats right. The innkeeper gave a forced smile as he checked the register. With twenty horses, ten carriages, nearly a dozen people, and plenty of luggage to store The total, including meals and bathwater,es to one gold coin. Though feeling somewhat overpriced, there was nowhere else that could amodate their entire party simultaneously. Unless they scatteredwhich would be more trouble than it was worth paying the gold. Besides having agreed to lodge, they may as well receive the finest care for various benefits. nk. Ian obligingly took out two gold coins extending them. Delighted, the innkeeper bowed deeply, thanking him. Oh splendid! We shall serve you our utmost! Its cold, so make sure theres plenty of firewood. Of course! Shall I heat the bathwater now? That would be great. Im starving! Food! Food! Yes, yes. Just wait a moment, and well have it ready. This way, please. Oh, just to let you know, we only have two rooms with attached bathrooms. How would you like to arrange that? At the innkeepers words climbing the stairs, Ian looked to Romandro nodding. Ill share with Beric. Please restfortably, sir Romandro. Are you sure? Thank you. Dont I get a say? I want a room to myself. Really? Well, theres always the stable. Its empty. Here we are! Mind your step on the stairs! Creak. The room was old but neatly kept. The smell of dry wood and cheap soap filled the air, and the lighting was dim, with only half of the bulbs working. Yet it was cozy, warm, and most importantly, the existence of beds was a blessing. They had all been sleeping on the cold, snowy ground for the past few days. Yay! Beric also catapulted into bed rolling all over. Once they hastily unpacked, the innkeeper swiftly brought light snacks. If its alright with you, please have these to tide over your hunger before the meal. Thank you. No, we are the ones who are thankful. We were worried we might have to sit twiddling our thumbs this month. Ian took the tray and inquired. Has Hayman shut down by chance? The bank you mean? Yes. I heard theyve stopped operating at Carrena, Longuin, and Jalicove but Im not sure of the current state. They closed altogether then reopened Longuin for abbreviated hours it seems. Folks here and Jalicove also have to go there to conduct business. Its nearby and bandits still havent been suppressed yet. Still? What exactly are the guards doing? Even though its a small town, the affected areas span three ces. It would seem urgent enough to eradicate the source of the problem immediately. We saw an unmarked vige on the way here. We thought it was the bandits base. The innkeeper stiffened at Ians words. As if the first time recalling it in forever. Ah, you must mean Danil. Danil? Yes. It wouldnt be marked on recent maps. A few years ago, all the vigers died, and the ce was abandoned. Demolishing it is a task in itself, so its been left as is. Since it was a map for travelers, there was no reason to mark an abandoned vige. Ian frowned, deep in thought. Everyone died? What happened? I dont know the exact cause, but they were all found lying down as if they had fallen asleep and died. It was a huge mess. The people from our vige had to go there and drag the bodies out. Investigators from the royal pce came, and, um, what did they say? Was it mass food poisoning? Beric, who had been lying down, sat up abruptly at the innkeepers words. Does that make sense? If the royal pce says so, it must be true. The Magic Department would have conducted a thorough investigation. Chapter 106: Formatting Chapter 106: Formatting The innkeeper merely shrugged. It was an attitude that showed neither the means nor the will to verify. Department of Magic? Yes. An entire vige was devastated, you know. A mage came in person to lead the investigation. You do know what a mage is, dont you? It would be unlikely for someone who could haul a carriage as big as his not to know, but the innkeeper asked just in case. Yeah, Im aware. Ahaha. Right, right. It would have been embarrassing for me if you didnt know. Actually, I only found out what a wizard was myself back then. Theyre said to be individuals with tremendous power. They can even conjure lightning and thunder Anyway, they conducted a thorough investigation and left, so it must be true. Ever since then, we make sure to cook our food thoroughly. Ian nodded as if he was listening intently, but his mind was racing. If an entire vige had been wiped out as the innkeeper said, it was indeed a significant matter. But They dispatched the already understaffed Department of Magic to investigate a local town? Mages are those who wield magic, not ones to be bothered with investigations. Usually, special investigation teams are under the jurisdiction of the Administrative Department, not the Department of Magic. Like Berti Erica, for instance. Molrin might also fall into that category. It was a fact that those dispatched to various local areas were somewhat predetermined if they belonged to the Administrative Department. Let me know if you need anything else. Sure, thanks for the soup. Ill call you when dinner is ready. Screech. As the innkeeper bowed and left, Beric immediately grabbed the bread with both hands and stuffed it into his mouth as if hed been waiting for this moment. It seemed he had learned to maintain some semnce of dignity by now. So, is that dog living in Danil alone? If thats the only household, then yes. But you said all the vigers are dead. What about the dogs food? Ian nced sideways at Berics nagging, catching thest piece of bread disappearing into his mouth. Beric, sensing Ians gaze, reluctantly pulled out the half-eaten piece from his mouth. Here, its yours. What am I supposed to do with something thats been in and out of your mouth? Just eat it. I was surprised you were so worried about a dog. Its not, dont worry. Its for gathering information. That damn mutt. It dared to bite my hand? Next time we meet, its dead. Next time? When is that? Ian smiled faintly. It was suspicious that the Department of Magic was involved, but the journey to the capital was long. He had no intention of going back that way. Knock knock. Ian. Its me. Ah,e in, sir Romandro. Romandro, who had settled in the next room, entered dressed for an outing. Beric wiped his mouth and looked up at him curiously. Going out so close to nightfall? They only sell beer here. Good heavens. I thought Id take the opportunity to pick up a few necessities. Ahem. Ille with you! No, thanks. If I go with you, a 10-minute errand will turn into an ordeal. Anyway, Im heading out. Need anything? Beric, tly rejected, clicked his tongue and licked his soup bowl clean. Ian shook his head and scanned the old menu on the wall. The selection was decent, but nothing seemed particrly rejuvenating. As you head out, tell everyone not to hesitate to order whatever they want to eat. Drinking is fine, but remind the coachmen that were setting off early tomorrow. Right, will do. With those words, Ian handed Romandro a purse filled with travel expenses. And lets take the route through Longuin tomorrow. Its the only ce where the bank is open. Is that so? Understood. See youter then. Yes, dont overdo it. Got it! Romandro left the room with a chuckle, as if excited by the adventure ahead. Despite the challenging winter journey, Romandros demeanor somehow made it feel like a leisurely trip. Thump! Ian, Im full and warm, no need to go to the imperial pce Guhh! Did he just fall asleep talking? Beric, who had been joking around, suddenly fell into a deep sleep. Ian was reminded of a saying about pigs in a certain region that fall asleep while eating. There must be some affinity with those creatures. Ian chuckled at the absurdity and began to clear the dishes. Then, he too surrendered to the bed, seeking a brief respite in sleep. *** How much time had passed? Thump! Thud! Ian was slightly awakened by the vibrationing from downstairs. Judging by the candle on the table, which had burned down to about half its size, it seemed a couple of hours had passed. Beric was passed out, mouth agape. Ian rubbed his face against the pillow, frowning. Why is it so noisy downstairs? Crash! ng! In his half-asleep state, Ian couldnt quite make out the noises. It sounded like something breaking, or maybe not Uaaaah! But when a scream pierced the air, his eyes snapped open, and he reflexively sat up. Beric. Why Get up. Somethings happening outside. Its about time to eat, isnt it? Yaaawn. No, not that Tiptoeing footsteps approached. Bang! Crash! The sound of someone moving from the first floor to the second was unmistakable. Doors along the corridor seemed to be flung open one after another. Beric, finally sensing something was off, blinked in confusion. Still lying in bed, he fumbled for his sword. Bang! Beric threw the nket towards the opening door and lunged forward, thrusting his sword through it. The figure seemed human, but Thud! Huh? Berics eyes widened at the unfamiliar sensation. It wasnt the feeling of piercing skin, slicing through organs, and the spurt of warm blood he was expecting. Whoosh. As the nket fell, the assant was revealed. What the? Although the face was covered with a mask, the eyes behind it were unfocused. More disturbing were the ck skin and the foul stench wafting through the air. Ian, covering his nose with his sleeve, muttered, Beric, step back for a moment. Huh? Oh, okay. Despite being attacked by Beric, the assant showed no reaction. There was no trace of blood on the sword as it was withdrawn. Confused, Beric inspected his sword, and as he did, the assant contorted its body unnaturally, twisting its head from side to side. Why the hell is there an undead here Undead, a term for corpses that do not die. Did this mean there was a necromancer nearby? The undead staggered and then started mumbling something iprehensible as it banged its head against the wall. -er. What the hell is it saying? Shh. Outside, the chaos continued with screams, roars, and the sounds of intense fighting. Ian and Beric listened intently, trying to make out the undeads mumbling. -Uuurrgh. ? It was just meaningless noise. Yet, the voice sounded eerily familiar, reminiscent of the dog they had seen during the day. Crash! Just as Ian realized this, noise came from outside the door. This time, it was real people, not undeadbandits, to be precise. Aha, here you are. The guys with the horse and carriage downstairs? What the f*ck is going on here? Beric, annoyed, flicked his sword as the bandits chuckled and moved to enter. The undead, however, stood firm, blocking their path. Whats this? Why is it doing that? The bandit tried to push it aside, but the undead wouldnt budge, as if it were protecting Ian and Beric from getting any closer. Without hesitation, the bandit shed its limbs off and shoved it aside. sh! Thud! The undead fell forward lifelessly. As it looked up at Ian and Beric, a flicker of life seemed to pass through its eyes before fading away. The bandits then advanced, swords drawn. Where might you be heading? With a convoy that size, your purses must be quite heavy. Mind if we take a look? Thrust! No sooner had the words left the bandits mouth than Beric, lightning-fast, plunged his sword into the mans belly. Unlike the undead, warm blood dripped from the wound. Didnt you ask how this was going down? You piece of shit. Gah! Ah, right. This feels more like it. Finally, it feels like Im actually stabbing something. Beric smiled contentedly at the sight of the dripping blood. The bandit, in shock, could only blink, staring at his pierced abdomen, before letting out a scream that burst forth as if tomunicate the extent of his pain. Aaaargh! As if to demonstrate his agony, he lunged at Beric, who effortlessly grabbed his face and mmed it against the wall. Crack! Kuuurgh Once more. Crash! The first impact broke the mans nose, and the second shattered the door, leaving him crumpled. Ian, leaving the still-gazing undead behind, stepped into the corridor. Please, spare us! Spare us! Arrrggghhh! Is this all the food youve got? Wheres the rest of the storage? Th-th-theres nothing else, just beside the stable! Looking down from the railing, Ian saw a gang of bandits holding the inns staff hostage while looting. They filled moldy sacks with whatever they could find, leaving a trail of blood in their wake. sh! Aaargh! Ian massaged his forehead, trying to make sense of the situation. It seemed the feeling of being watched earlier in the day was indeed due to these bandits. They must have been waiting for nightfall after seeing the carriage enter the vige. Beric. Yeah? Beric was nonchntly stepping on the head of the fallen bandit. Ian grasped his forehead, channeling magical energy into him. Zzzing. There are bandits downstairs. It seems weve inadvertently drawn them here. So, you want them all dead? Keep some alive if they might be useful for questioning. Beric, wiping his sword on his upper garment, leaped downstairs with the lightness of a child rushing to receive a present. Thump! What the? While Beric was clearing the way on the first floor, Ian hastily grabbed only the essential belongings. Then, he turned to the undead. Hey. Were you that dog earlier? - No response. The undeads severed head could only twitch its mouth, its eyes darting up and down, beginning to lose their vitalitya sign that whatever connection it had to the undead was slowly severing. -Uuurgh With a groan, pus oozed from every orifice in the undeads face. It was the death of death itself. A viscous green liquid seeped into the floor, and Ian, with a heavy sigh, stepped over the corpse. Crash! Ah,e on! Bring it! Bring it, you f*cks! Beric was thoroughly enjoying himself, wreaking havoc on the first floor. Aside from a dozen bandits turned into bloody messes, all the small items in the store were utterly destroyed. Beric! Huh? Enough, lets hurry to the stables! Ian rushed out the back door. Not far off, he spotted a wooden gate leading to the stables. Stepping outside, the gravity of the situation became unmistakably clear. Crash! Screams and mes were rampant everywhere. Women clutching their children fled barefoot, while men armed with makeshift weapons confronted the bandits. Lord Ian, whats happening here? Ah, you! He was one of Romandros subordinates, apparently having been out drinking, his face flushed and struggling to grasp the situation. Our carriage is gone. What did you say? As Ian entered, the agitated horses shook their heads wildly. True to the subordinates words, the spot where the carriage should have been was eerily empty. All our stuff was in that damn carriage. Not just their belongings, but important items including magic stones were loaded in it. Ian massaged his forehead, murmuring. You need to find sir Romandro immediately. Hurry and gather everyone. Yes, understood. Ian, what about me? Beric, you Thats when they heard it. The distinct sound of rallying cries from the townsfolk, possibly the guards from Karenna responding. Reinforcements from other regions would likely arrive soon if they could just hold out a bit longer. Whistles! The rampaging bandits started whistling, signaling each other. It was clear they were calling for a retreat. Catch those running away. Can we kill them? Even better. Oh yeah! Berics going in~! With Ians approval, Beric dashed outside like an arrow. Chapter 107: Formatting Chapter 107: Formatting Hadnt the vige been raided by bandits before? How did the residents not notice the undead among the bandits? In the chaos between life and death, where the sword did not discriminate between foe and neighbor, the ground was littered with bodies soaked in blood and dirt. Even as daylight approached, how could one distinguish between the remnants of a neighbor and the decay of a corpse? Moreover, the aged innkeeper had mentioned seeing a mage only once in his life. If the existence of beings that do not die even in death was unknown, how could one even specte? Or perhaps, the bandits brought the undead for the first time. Thats something to verifyter. Ratatatat! Run and you die!! Berics booming voice echoed from beyond the wooden fence. Ill kill you all!! Aaargh! F*ck! Lie t if you want to live! sh! The sound of a clean beheading mingled with screams. Although partially obscured by the fence, the situation was clear. Beric was as free and fierce as an eagle soaring across the sky. Thats when it happened. Crash! A bandit, barely escaping from Berics wrath, stumbled into the stable, his teeth all but shattered. Startled, Romandros subordinate drew his sword but hesitated at the menacing presence of the bandit. After all, the subordinate was a scribe, not a fighter. Ugh! F*ck off! Move! You, you bastard! How dare youe here! Thud! Chasing the bandit, an undead tripped and mmed its head against the wall. The scribe was so startled he dropped his sword point to the ground, especially upon seeing the abnormal condition of the figure in the dark. What in the world is that Its an undead, you must have heard of them before. Undead? Oh! As the subordinate gasped in shock, the emboldened bandit lunged forward, aiming his sword at the subordinates neck. sh! In truth, this was only the second time Ian had encountered an undead. Necromancy was moremonly practiced in the East than in Bariel. It was especially prevalent in regions gued by frequent wars, where the abundance of corpses made necromancy all the more effective. Aaaargh! Before the bandits sword could pierce the subordinates neck, Ian extended his hand and unleashed a burst of condensed magical energy. Boom! Bang! The force of the magic snapped the mans head at a right angle. The following undead, moving like a malfunctioning machine, staggered towards Ian. Boom! One final blow. Ian obliterated the creatures head, then covered his nose with his sleeve as the stench of rotten brain matter filled the air. Lord Ian, are you alright? Thats what I should be asking you. Oh, Im fine. Th-thank you! Go find sir Romandro, quickly. Yes! Understood! As Ian watched Romandros subordinate run off, he crouched down, albeit reluctantly, wondering if there might be any clues on the bodies. He started with the bandit. Swoosh. The bandit, unable to even groan,y unconscious with his mouth agape. Ian searched through every pocket he could find. Hmm? Something caught his fingertips. It was unpleasant to the touch Damn. It was human hair, ck and curly, wrapped tightly around a t wooden token. Ian grimaced at the sight of the strange object. It didnt take long for him to realize that the hair, ck and curly, matched that of the undead with its burst open skull. *** Dammit, they cleaned us out. Beric, drenched in blood, slung an arm around his waist and muttered under his breath. The bandits had raided the inns storeroom, leaving nothing to eat. Those bastards have no sense of decency. Beric, staring at empty spaces wont conjure up food. Lets hurry and leave. The subordinate we sent to find sir Romandro hasnt shown up yet. Yeah, yeah, I got it. Beric sheathed his sword about two hours after the chaos began. The guards had flooded the streets, driving the bandits away, with Beric unwittingly taking a lead role in the cleanup. The chaos was too much, made it hard to move around. What if sir Romandro was killed? Try saying that in front of him. Ah, okay. Cancel that. He holds grudges, and I dont like that. Guards were busy extinguishing fires and clearing bodies in the street. The harsh winter night made their efforts seem all the more arduous. Please dont cry. Its okay. Those who are injured,e this way! I cant move on my own. Please help. What a bunch of scumbags. What is all this in the middle of a winter night? Are they trying to take us all down with them? Check for any remaining embers! Beric had somehow found a piece of bread and followed Ian, chewing as he looked around. Where to now? Lets head towards themercial district. Hey, you two! Just then, a voice called out from behind them. Youre outsiders, right? Travelers? Thats right. And you must be the captain of the guard. Ians informal address caused the guard captains lips to tighten. How dare these young upstarts speak so casually? However, the guard captain held his tongue, partly due to the formidable redhead standing behind Ian. He had witnessed with his own eyes how that man had ughtered the bandits. Hes definitely a skilled fighter. If they were mercenaries wandering without a cause, it might be wise to offer a small reward and ask for their assistance. Cough. I am n, the captain of Karennas guard. While we appreciate your help, we need to verify your identities due to procedural requirements. Responding to the captains request, Ian pulled out an identification document from his inner pocket. Were on our way to the central region to attend the New Years gathering. My name is Ian, this is Beric, and were currently looking for Romandro, who is an advisor to the imperial court. The unexpected revtion caused the guard captains face to turn pale. Attending the New Years gathering? An imperial advisor? They must be either royalty or nobility, or at the very least, associated with high status. He had assumed them to be wandering mercenaries He promptly removed his cap and bowed. My apologies. Please forgive my rudeness. How is it that the guard failed to take any action while these bandits made their way here? I heard there was already one raid before. I apologize. Our town is small and part of a tri-city alliance. Unfortunately, there were issues in the other areas as well, which led to the reassignment of our guards. And now Ive lost my carriage. It contained items that needed to be delivered to the royal court, whichplicates matters. Granting an operating license to this inn implies, at the very least, a guarantee of safety for travelers, doesnt it? As Ian calmlyid out his grievances, the guard captain felt overwhelmed. The loss to Karenna was one thing, but the disappearance of royal court items was another matter entirely. The phrase Were screwed kept echoing in his head. Where is the mayor? In ces without a lord, operations fell under a mayor appointed by the central government. They received treatment akin to that of junior nobility, but ultimately, they were sried officials. The mayors absence in such a crisis suggested dereliction of duty. The mayor is, well Iaaan! Romandros voice cut through the captains exnation, booming from around the corner. He appeared in a state barely distinguishable from a beggar, with his hair a mess of hay and dust and his clothes torn in various ces. Sir Romandro, are you alright? What in the world is going on, seriously. I thought I was on my way to the underworld and barely made it back. Goodness, Ive seen a lot while out drinking, but this this is really something else. You sound fine to me, though. Romandro managed to catch his breath and rambled on, despite Bericsment. Ian faintly smiled in agreement. Though Romandro looked a mess, he was unscathed. Im fine? You have no idea, I thought I was a goner! Well, youre not dead. Ah, seriously, my ears could fall off. Excuse me, are you the imperial advisor? Oh? Ah, yes, thats me. Pleased to meet you! Im n, the captain of the guard! The guard captain, who had been standing awkwardly, bowed again in greeting. However, Romandro seemed uninterested and waved him off, heading towards the inn. Change into some fresh clothes first, yeah. Then we can talk. Sir Romandro, our carriage has been stolen. Eh? Romandro blinked in confusion at Ians words, seemingly unable toprehend the situation. How could it be, with Beric standing right there? It seems they took it while attacking the inn. They must have targeted us after seeing us in the forest. By the time we got down, it was already gone. No, thats, no! His mouth fell open in shock. They had loads of documents, and more importantly, high-grade magic stones were inside. Beric nonchntly propped up Romandros jaw, muttering, Do you need to borrow some clothes? Is clothing the issue here!? Ah, there goes the left ear. Ian! Ian! What do we do? This is madness! Do you think those bastards knew what was inside the carriage? Romandros panic also made the watching guard captain break out in a cold sweat. It was real. Valuable items must have indeed been inside. I dont think they knew. If they had known what was inside, they would also know who we are, but they brazenly entered anyway. Gulp. Oh dear. It meant they were simply unlucky victims of the theft. Romandro slumped down, supported by his men with difficulty. Are the others alright? Our folks are fine. Not sure about the coachmen, they went off to drink separately. Ian nodded, somewhat relieved, and then gestured towards the inn to the guard captain. First, take care of the bandits and the bodies inside the inn. I have some business to attend to for a while. And have a word with the mayor too. Ah, yes. Understood. Ian, where are you nning to go? At Romandros inquiry, Ian fiddled with apass and murmured, recalling the path they had taken during the day. Im heading to Danil. Danil? That abandoned vige we saw earlier today, its called Danil. Contrary to what we expected, it doesnt seem to be the bandits base. Beric! Fetch two horses from the stable. If it wasnt the bandits hideout, why go there? Faced with Romandros puzzled expression, Ian calmly exined. Were going to look for the dog. Right. Its my turn to get wet, huh. Sure, sure. Beric seemed pleased, his shoulders bouncing with enthusiasm. Everything about the situation seemed oddly intertwined, and it felt like that dog might hold the key to unraveling it all. The band of bandits, necromancy, a talking dog, a decimated vige, and even the Department of Magic. To find the carriage, we need aprehensive understanding of the situation first. Neigh! Iaaan! Lets go! Sir Romandro, well be back. Please take care of things here. Without hesitation, Ian and Beric mounted their horses and spurred them into a gallop. As they raced down the chaotic streets, Romandro yelled after their departing figures. Please!! Bring back the carriage!! Chapter 108: Formatting Chapter 108: Formatting Brrr, its cold. Beric barely stopped his body from shivering violently as he muttered. Riding out so boldly on horseback had seemed nice, but the winter night winds were more vicious than he expected. It probably wouldnt have been this bad if they had walked instead. If we catch those bastards who stole our stuff, Im gonna beat them to a pulp. Brrr. If we had a carriage, huh? Then it wouldnt be this frickin cold! If we had a carriage, we wouldnt havee out here in the first ce. Ah, right. Beric sniffed his running nose again and again, as if he hadnt considered that. Ian looked around the intersection where they had left the carriage. The only thing illuminating the surroundings was the bright moonlight. Beric. Where did you first see that dog? Just up that way a bit. I went over there to take a leak. Oh yeah, why didnt we bring antern? At his words, Ian blinked as if to say, what are you worried about when you have a mage with you? Zzziing. Dont let go and stay close. Its dark. You can even do things like that? Its basic skills. Condensing mana and holding it. Wow, then why the hell have you been using antern all this time?! When theres antern, you use thentern. I thought you were only weak to heat, but it turns out youre also weak to cold judging by all the useless chatter. With the condensed mana, Ian walked ahead to light the way. Wherever his footstepsnded, a bright light lingered for a moment before disappearing. The slumbering forest was silent, without even the usual sounds of frogs. Here! This is the ce. Hmm. Once they arrived at the familiar location, Beric brought both hands to his mouth and shouted. You damn mutt! Come out here! I gotta talk to ya about earlier! But all that returned was a powerless echo. Ian looked down at the other side of the slope they had climbed and gestured. Looks like we should head into the vige. The vige? Yeah, lets get out of this wind. A small deer trail directly connected to the vige. If the dog was staying in the vige, it could havee up this way without taking the carriage road. Ian headed down without hesitation, and Beric quickly stuck to him as well. Swish. As they entered the vige, Ian and Beric held their breath for a moment at the strange atmosphere. It felt like even the slightest stir of activity might awaken the vigers at any moment. Despite looking abandoned for a long time, the vige was oddly well-maintained. Didnt you say no one lives here anymore? Yes. It was left as is since demolition is difficult. By the way, why are you speaking so softly? Dunno. Feels like were trespassing or something. The Department of Magic had dered the cause of the mass deaths here as food poisoning. Perhaps that was why there were no signs of battle or assault damage anywhere in the vige. Beric. Hmm? After circling about half the vige, Ian stopped in front of a tiered cottage. It was a cozy little house that gave off a lovely vibe. Ian cocked his head towards it. Go inside and take a look. Me? Go inside there? Who else? Well, hes not wrong. Gotta check it out if something seems fishy. Gripping his sword, Beric entered the yard. As he grabbed the doorknob, he looked back at Ian. But why this ce specifically? Can I at least get a reason? Ian elegantly cocked his head and looked down at Berics feet. There was an additional small door that would allow animals to freelye and go. This is the first house that has an animal door. Okay, I get it. Just the right size for that mutt. Should I open it? Best to be cautious. Could be suspicious. Creak! Despite Ians warning, Beric threw the door wide open with all his might. He stuck his sword forward and took a guard stance, but it was empty as a mirror. Theres nothing here? Lets take a look. Might find something if we search around. Beric plopped down on the sofa and nced around the interior. There was no dust, but it was certainly clean. Then he suddenly noticed a photo hanging on the wall an old white-haired man and a young boy with light blue hair, smiling brightly. Ian, look at this. Seems to be the people who lived here. Ian narrowed his eyes and frowned. Aside from the unusual light blue hair, werent the ears oddly not pointy? Based on their clothing and overall looks You fiends! Wahhh! At the sudden strange yet familiar voice, Beric was so shocked he shrieked and leapt to his feet. Ian calmly turned around. A single dog sat dignified before them. How rude to trespass into anothers home! Can you try making some sound before showing up out of nowhere? Such impudence from intrusive rogues! Ian noticed the voice was somewhat high-pitched. cing the photo back on the table, he called to the dog. Are you the guardian spirit of this ce? The people in this photo seem to be the owners. They look quite lovely. The dog kept a stern expression and did not budge. But he couldnt hide his wagging tail. Please ept my apology for the discourtesy earlier today. Im the one who got bitten, why are you apologizing? Didnt you ask for some time to talk earlier? Perhaps you have a request? I also have something to ask you. I believe this could be a meaningful time for both of us. Ian casually ignored Berics words and made a proposal. As the dog who had been silently listening slowly moved, his shadow stretched in the moonlight. Human shadow. Though in the form of a dog, the shadow was human. Ian realized things were bing moreplicated than he had thought. It meant there was a soul residing within this creature rather than it being a spirit itself or simple magic cast on a dog. First, I must ask. What business do you have with the Department of Magic? Hostile feelings could be sensed in the tone as the Department of Magic was mentioned. Before Beric could say anything, Ian took the lead in responding. I am a mage, but not affiliated with them. Rather, I walk a different path from theirs, you could say. The dogs eyes narrowed, seemingly bothered by the fact Ian was a mage. So Ian intentionally showed the photo again to bring back the topic. Were your masters perhaps from Astana by any chance? When hostility was overt, it was important to find cracks. He hadnt missed how the tail wagged earlier when the owners were brought up. You know of Astana!? When Astana itself was directly referenced, the dogs eyes widened. He seemed surprised that someone in Baryel knew of Astana. Yes. Seeing the light blue hair and clothing, I could guess. Rumors of its beauty made me want to visit at least once. The tail wagged even more furiously. Looks like he wont be too difficult to handle. Is it true that those who live in the seemingly endless abyss known as the edge of the world are more carefree than the clouds and more natural than the winds? Its true! You do know some things! Unable to conceal his excitement, the dog bounced up and down repeatedly. Before he knew it, he had leapt onto Iansp. Ian firmly held the dogs body and smiled thinly. And your people inherit beast mastery as a tradition. Ah. Lets talk in more detail. Im Ian, and this is Beric. Unsure of how to properly handshake a dog, Ian ended up taking his front paw and shaking it lightly. He had worried the dog might dislike it, but surprisingly, the courteous gesture seemed to satisfy him. Hasharan Togundai. Call me Hasha. Nice to meet you, Hasha. Let me ask first. Why did you guess I was associated with the Department of Magic? Did you see me using magic? Yes. Through the eyes of the undead. As I thought, that was yours. So are you a bandit then? Nonsense! So then your masters a bandit? Its not! The boy in the photo is me! Looking again at Berics photo, he slowly dragged out the dogs cheeks in disbelief. Then why are you talking like some old geezer? How old even are you? Like ten? Unhand me! Do you count and log every day you live!? This punks crazy. Little f*cker. Remember when you bit me earlier? Come here. You got four legs so Ill let three go for now. Got it? Beric. Time flows differently in Astana. With average lifespans of 300 years, his appearance should make him around 30 years old. At Ians words, Beric immediately stopped pulling the dogs cheeks. The dog growled resentfully, baring his fangs, and once more bit down on Berics knuckles. Thwack! O sh*t! As you can see, my fangs match even a tigers! Ian barely managed to separate the two rowdy beasts and immediately switched topics. So then Hasha, how did someone from Astana end up all the way here? And whats with your current form? Hearing the questions, Hashas growls quieted down. As if recollecting his memories in detail, the ck pupils shimmered in the moonlight. Looks like it would be quite a long story. Its because of that Wesleigh. Lady Wesleigh of the Department of Magic? The name undoubtedly belonged to the lover of 2nd Prince Gale and current head of the Department of Magic. Surprised by the sudden yet clear reference, Ian couldnt hide his shock. An invitation for cultural and academic exchange came to Astana. My grandma led the greatest faction in Astana, and we came to Bariel by royal decree. At first, everything was so novel and fun. I knew buildings could be as tall as the sheer cliffs, and sounds could be drowned by the winds howling along the rocks. But the enjoyment did notst long. It was because Wesleigh suggested trying beast mastery on a living person. She kept insisting on something that could never happen to my grandma. I still dont get it. Exin, Ian or dog boy. Beric flicked his ears and asked, seemingly hearing words like beast mastery and undead for the first time in his life. Organizing his thoughts, Ian mumbled. The principle is that it should only be used on corpses. Using it on the living risks not just their life but defies the order of things, so who knows what might happen. Itys the cornerstone of misfortune and bes the source of ruin. Ahem! Unlike other shamans, my grandmother was wise. When Wesleigh made her unreasonable suggestion, it was as if they had fled. I dont know why they came to the provinces instead of returning to Astana, but they must have had their reasons. Stroking the scruff of Hashas neck, Ian asked, I see. So thats generally why youre here. When you mentioned other shamans, you meant Wesleigh is still researching beast mastery? Those obsessed with it have always brought bloodshed and war. Quite perceptive. Since she was preparing a rebellion, it aligned reasonably well with my guess. But in the history of Bariel I remember, there were no records detailing the use of undead in Gales rebellion specifically. So what happened afterwards then? At Ians question, the swaying tail abruptly stopped. He clearly recalled that day when all the vigers started dying. Wesleigh eventually found us. From the brief response, Ian could infer a lot. Traces of the past flickered in Hashas glittering eyes. And in the end, she confirmed what happens when beast mastery is used on the living. Im the evidence. Chapter 109: Formatting Chapter 109: Formatting Wesleigh sat with her legs crossed, staring up at the tall domed ceiling. Hundreds of spirits were emitting a glow as they moved about the lofty space. Set against the dark background, it looked almost like a miniature universe. She caressed her long nails for a while before calling for her aide. Baretto. Yes, Lady Wesleigh. Take those reports away, will you? At her words, the aide didnt budge an inch despite the documents in hand. If anything, he approached her with an expression like hed just heard an amusing joke. Werent you waiting for them? On the surface, they detailed inviting beast mastery shamans from various countries and carrying out all kinds of academic experiments. Since countries skilled in beast mastery did not get along well, it also stated the intention to prepare a peaceful negotiation setting. Those shamans sure are funny. When theyre back home barely stopping themselves from killing each other out of frustration, bringing them together means the research results keep steadilying in. This is the Bariel Empire. They know causing trouble in a ce created for peace would be problematic. Wesleigh mumbled sullenly as shezily flipped through the report. Not to mention those eggheads sold their souls for academic pursuit. Being together, theyre probably having a grand old time. As she spoke, she pointed out a section which researched results of beast mastery used on nts, dead beasts, and live beasts. The details filled up hundreds of dense pages. Her watching aide supplemented an exnation. Since mastery differs significantly between races, properly facilitating cooperation may produce mastery of a higher dimension. It likely wont take long for that. Shall we submit an official report to the general assembly? Yeah. The old coots must be getting antsy by now. It was fundamentally an official project undertaken by the Department of Magic. Stamping her seal of approval for Wesleigh to permit it, another document was ced on the desk. Additionally, here are the research results from using it on the living. Thwap. It was paperwork treated with top confidentiality, even within the Department of Magic. A personal matter of Wesleigh as the head. Brushing the seal aside, she solemnly turned each page with reverence. Disappointment flooded into Wesleighs eyes as she rapidly read through the sentences. Wham! Its no different from years ago. My apologies. While there is a clear difference between the dead and the living, the techniques distort the moment spells are incorporated. Isnt that why Im pouring money into figuring that out? As Wesleigh irritably tossed the report aside, her aide carefully suggested an alternative. Rather than pouring water into a leaking bucket, changing the bucket itself might be better. Lady Wesleigh, might it be better to delve deeper into domination magic rather than beast mastery? However outstanding Second Prince Gale may be, he could not have fully received the pces blessings as the son of a concubine rather than the legal wife. Baretto! Consider what you just said. The pces blessings it was the mysterious power originating from Baryels founding. It was even recorded in the empires mythos, and those known to exhibit its effects were noted in history. One shouldering the glory of royalty will be unaffected by magical domination of the mind. It was the blessing god granted Bariel so the fate of the nation would not be shaken by magical tricks. There was much room for interpretation around glory of royalty, but it wasrgely taken to mean the Emperor and imperial family. And you dont know His Highness Gale knows that? My apologies. Wesleigh knew. That while she believed in, followed, and loved Gale, he did not think nearly as deeply about her. She had felt quite acutely countless times that her love for him far exceeded his for her. One day, Wesleighs sharp intuition said this If Gale ascends to the throne, would he even marry me? Hes such a prudent man that even in the bedroom, he doesnt remove the mana seals from his body. Surely he would have barrier spells in ce to simrly resist domination magic. Not just Gale, but Mariv and even the aged Emperor could not sumb to domination magic either. Thats why she had to find roundabout methods, even leading her to beast mastery. While quite simr to domination spells, it could be seen as even more suitable for a blindly obedient rtionship. Anyway, enough nonsense. Squeeze those shamans harder. An uprising is just around the corner yet there hasnt been an ounce of progress. I will correct the situation. When I say fork over money, theye to their senses and work harder. Tsk. Pathetic. To soothe her irritable mood, Wesleigh took out a cigarette. The spirits drifting along the ceiling approached and created a small me for her. Phew. Appreciatively caressing the spirit, she turned her head. It wasughable that she would go to such lengths to keep hold of Gale, and infuriating that Gale had made her into this. What about His Highness Gale? I will attempt to contact him. No need. If she didnt initiate contact first, it took quite a while for him to call her. Wesleigh tapped off the cigarette ashes as shezily flipped through the remaining report. By the way, that guy Ian. Yes, Lady Wesleigh? Hell be arriving in the capital soon for the new years celebrations, right? With his attendance confirmed, yes he will. Doesnt the route from Bratz go through the Karenna region? Karenna where the Astana n that rejected her experiment proposal and fled had hidden themselves. Beast mastery shamans tended to have these shady, sinister sides to them, so most had readily epted her suggestion and research had been steadily progressing, yet those people opposed her to the bitter end. So she made it so they could never return home. The Astana King is quite pathetic too. To secretly grant asylum and take their story at face value. There was a major earthquake then, so he likelycked the capacity to care. Gnawing on her cigarette, Wesleigh recalled events from years ago. Though the memories had faded considerably now, the chaos itself helped them linger still. Gales so perceptive though. Hearing about using it on the living, Im sure hed be suspicious. So what should I do? They have to die. They have to shut their mouths forever in death, and be dealt with before the secret leaks out. As his superior wandered off into thought, the aide roused her and continued presenting documents. Lady Wesleigh. Here is the next report. Ugh, ruining my cigarette taste. It cant be helped. With the new year celebrations nearing, you have much to review and sign off. This one covers truth serums, and this is an internal Department of Magic meeting report about Ian. Somewhere they want to take him? The mood is to avoid him. I see. Him being Marivs pup would make things difficult. Within the Department of Magic too there were countless divisions and subgroups. Determining if Ian really was a mage took priority, but Tell them to prepare to take in new recruits anyway. Ive forgotten how long its been. Wesleigh gave a self-deprecatingugh as she closed the paperwork. At the same time, the spirits floating about the ceiling also dimmed their glows and slowly seeped back into the darkness. *** Haah?! Wesleigh killed them all? At some point wholly absorbed, Beric hadid his upper body across the table. Hasha knocked the floor sharply with his tail as he retorted angrily. It wasnt that woman, but her subordinates who came and ransacked everything! At first, even some beast mastery shamans she was somewhat associated came to persuade grandma and Hasha. Saying how much money she was offering, how the research progressing further would ultimately raise the status and power of shamans, how that much money could help poor Astana tremendously, and so on. Her being part of the Bariel Empires central power helped incentivize them too of course. In the end, grandma paid the price for rejecting, and I paid the price for defying principles. This brats still a child? Kid, wannae with us instead? There arent any kids among the test subjects yet right? Should we try beast mastery on him? Seems pretty obedient. Silently listening, Beric rustled through his pocket, ncing vaguely at Ian as if to say hmm. Just the leftover crumbs of bread he had scraped together from the warehouse. Beric flicked his tongue before throwing the food over to Hasha. Plop! Poor bastard. Here, eat up and regain your strength. How dare you treat me like some dog! When Hasha bit him once more, Beric blinked at him in disbelief. No matter how he thought about it, the two of them seemed like oil and water in personality. Ian broke off pieces of the bread and handed them over to Hasha. Arent you hungry? Wait, how can this pipsqueak not know gratitude or decency or anything at all? Are you nuts? Beric. For you to lecture on decency, truly shocking. Hey! At least Im human! As the bread drew closer, Hashas nostrils red. Having run wildly over the mountains and forests, scavenging all sorts of things, it obviously didnt suit the human Hashas pte. Seeing Ian gesture it was alright, he gulped it down without hesitation. Was this dog raised as a pet? Yes. On that day, the only living thing in the house was my dog Lucky. But the technique went wrong, turning me into this. Fortunately for me, the shamans assumed I was an empty vessel without power who died. I escaped into some unknown source at the bottom of a well. They had killed all the foreigners associated with Astana. Since they were the perpetrators, the investigation should have naturally fallen to them as well. Realizing the Department of Magics actions were far more serious than he thought, Ian lightly clicked his tongue. My body became undead due to the beast mastery. From the day I wed out of my grave unable to leave, one day I met some thieves in the forest. Then my body started moving on its own against my will. No matter how much I barked or pulled at their clothes, it was futile. Ian furrowed his brows and asked back. Were they intentionally seizing control of your body? It didnt seem that way. They were confused at first too since guards woulde if the vige noticed. So they killed me twice. There was no emotion in Hashas testimony. He had watched his lifeless corpse be punched and stabbed with a sword. Realizing I wouldnt die no matter how much they killed me, they took the body. After some time passed, somehow they figured out how to use techniques through my body. Each time more undead were created, my inner eyes would open. Thats how he could see the situation through that undead back at the inn too. Things were far moreplicated than I expected, with everything going awry. With a damp nose, Hasha nuzzled up into Ians side. Chapter 110 Chapter 110 The huge moon rising over the hill behind them. The winter moon was especially clear and massive tonight. So much so that the silhouettes of the two galloping horses were backlit against it. Rather than climbing up the forest, they looked as if they were leaping towards the moon. Clip clop! Clip clop! Ian held Hasha in his arms as he rode his horse, while Beric followed close behind without falling back. He frantically shook the reins and spurred his horse on impatiently. Come on, faster! The moon is setting! At this point, even without Hashas input, Beric seemed to have a good idea of where the bandits hideout was located. Over the edge of the hilltop. Instinctively, he felt theirir must be down below. Neigh! Oh my, arent they well hidden. Beric looked down the steep slope below them. Among the bushes, there were worn tents clustered together to form a vige of sorts. Ian, who had caught up, clicked his tongue as he surveyed the overall terrain. For being wandering bandits moving from ce to ce, they sure have a good eye fornd. The geographical conditions were almost perfectly suited for remaining hidden. Having passed through an abandoned forest and a concealed in, one would have to ride all the way to this spot to discover them. Good. Now that weve confirmed their base, lets go back to Karenna to gather men. The stolen goods the bandits had pilfered were piled up together in one spot. And next to it was Ians overturned carriage, as if there was a separate path wide enough for it to ess this ce. Huh? Gather men? And waste all that time? Beric twinkled his eyes as he gripped his sword hilt, clearly raring to draw it at a moments notice. Ian shook his head sideways at his battle lust. We dont know their numbers or strength. Who cares? Im gonna kill them all anyway. And what if they decide to burn all the documents about the magic stones while they rummage through the stuff? Dont you feel bad for sir Romandro?! Beric. Id appreciate it if you could hold your tongue. Putting Romandros worries aside, he seems eager to spring into action, Ian remarked with a chuckle, then turned to Hasha. Can you tell where your body is? The main tent at the center. Hashas dark pupils red fixedly at one spot. Just then, as Beric had imed, some of the bandits approached the carriage, visible from where they stood. Look at that! Sir Romandro is doomed now! Hes about to get fired, newlywed and with a newborn in tow! Beric. We cannot lose sight of their leader. Aye aye, Master. You circle around the side carefully on foot. Ill go plow open a path for you. Make sure everything goes smoothly. Swish! The moment Ian gave his consent, Beric spurred his horses nks and shot forward like lightning. Or rather, he half tumbled and half slid down the steep slope. Neigh! Contrary to the startled cries of the horse, Bericsughter rang out clear and strong in the night air. Ahahahaha! The unusualughter under the moonlight made the bandits, who were sorting through their loot, look around in confusion. From a distance, they could see a horse seemingly scaling down the wall. Huh? Initially, they were puzzled by the sight. Even those resting in the tents came out one by one, craning their necks to see. Whats going on? That? Is that guy crazy? Did he follow us from the vige? No kingdom banners on him. Although they picked up their weapons just in case, they werent truly on edge. They anticipated that the rider would crash uponnding and meet his demise. Crash! Sure enough, the horse, unable to handle the momentum, mmed directly into a nearby tent. The objects around were scattered, and a cloud of dust rose, blurring the vision. Despite themselves, the bandits snickered softly. Tsk tsk. Reckless fools should die young for the greater good. You still alive in there, idiot? Shut it. Anyway, what the hell is this about all of a sud- Neigh! Apparently rattled out of its wits, the horse stumbled about drunkenly before bolting away. Just as a bandit cautiously approached to nudge away the pile of debris with his foot Swish! With a fluid motion, Berics sword traced a cool half-circle through the air, stealing the breath from a man. The movement was so smooth that the thieves watching from behind took seconds to register what had happened. This bastard, hes f***ing insane As the hem of their fallenrades clothes soaked with blood, they realized that this red-haired figure was not a madman but a mysterious intruder. The nearby thieves charged at Berrick, swinging their axes. Who the hell are you?! Swish! Thud! The thickness of an ordinary de would shatter in one strike, but Beric effortlessly parried the axe, causing the bewildered bandits to step back and mutter. That feeling just now It felt strange, a counterattack that seemed to defy gravity with its smooth and slow motion. The bandits noticed Berics red eyes shining, not from the moonlight. Come on now. Hands up, everyone. Beric grinned and pointed his sword at each thief in turn. Who among you sacked Karenna vige earlier? I knew it, you followed us from that vige! What, here for revenge? Was it you? Did you go to the vige? So what if I did? Whoosh! A sharp, refreshing burst of wind. It was the power of a magic swordsman that Beric had unleashed, still holding onto the mana Ian had transferred to him in the vige. Pisses me off that some escaped me over there. Swish! Muttering to himself, Beric plunged amidst the thieves. His sword danced about as fast as light itself. The crimson glow in his eyes were akin to a night beast on the prowl for prey. Argh! Die, haha! I saw your face back there! Shit, everyone out! Emergency! Whats the damn ruckus?! Gah, help, spare me plea-! Just as the merciless ughter began From atop the hill, Ian watched the scene unfold, holding Hasha in his arms. Hasha looked up curiously at Ians face Why are you so calm? Hasha. Does anythinge to mind when you see Beric down there? Seems unhinged. Hard to get by like that, even in Astana. Bariels much the same. Very well. Lets head down. Beric imed hed clear a path for us. Ian led his horse away from the mor ringing by his ears. Ian rode down, leaving the chaos behind him. Even for a magic swordsman, Berics behavior is extreme. He has no fear and seems to revel in blind ughter. Quite peculiar. In the central region, where all things converge, Ian hoped to learn more about Beric. Ian descended the hill and reached the entrance of the encampment, finding it unguarded due to themotion caused by Beric. Lets go. Hasha tensed up as if nervous. They entered, but there was hardly any sign of life inside. It seemed everyone had rushed out to catch the intruder. Crash! Thud! A confirming explosion sounded in the distance. Guided by Hasha, Ian moved towards the heart of the encampment. Finding Hashas body was important, but more crucial was checking on the carriage. Hasha, I can let you down if you want. I need to check on the carriage first. Theres not much I can do in this form. Im fine. Ian dismounted and approached where the carriages were parked. When a bandit appeared from behind a wagon, Ian didnt hesitate to shoot a burst of magical energy. Zap! A sh of light sent the bandit tumbling backward. One, two, three Everything that had been looted was still there. Ian nodded in satisfaction after confirming that the storage boxes containing the magic stones and documents were intact. Looks secure. As soon as he heard Ians mutter, Hasha took the lead, sprinting towards the central tent visible in the distance. With each leap forward, the cold air rushed into his lungs, chilling his mind. Hashas focus was entirely fixed on the tent. Swish. Hm? Upon reaching the tent, Hasha encountered a massive man emerging from inside. He was so tall that he seemed nearly to touch the ceiling, exacerbated by Hashas upward gaze. What the The bandit leader froze, dumbfounded by the bizarre spectacle before him. Hasha shrank away, legs leaden. With a scoff, he grabbed him by the scruff and dangled him midair. You damn mutt? Whine. With no other choice but to save himself, Hasha feigned ignorance and struggled vigorously, hoping to catch the man off guard. Just then Blockhead! Beric, covered in blood, shouted robustly. He was dragging a corpse along, and the leader, caught off guard by this surreal scene, seemed to be in shock. You the boss here?! Why you little! Whoosh! The leader threw Hasha aside and drew his axe. He had thought it was just a minor disturbance, as it wasmon for his men to be restless with pleasure and alcohol after a sessful raid. Your men were quite something. Cutting them down was a delight. Crazy son of a! ng! sh! Without hesitation, the two charged at each other, weapons colliding with a piercing metallic sound. Hasha, having regained his senses, stumbled into the tent. Arrggh!! Whoosh! A fleeting expression of amusement passed across Berics face as he faced the leader. The mans strength in swinging the ax was evidently superior to that of the other bandits. Hahhah The leader, having dropped his ax, was drenched in sweat and gasping for breath. Beric, noticing this, casually threw his sword to the ground. ? I think youll find being beaten more to your taste than being cut. Look at you, all high and mighty, what an insolent bastard. How painful it must be to be put in your ce by such a man! Thud! The two charged at each other, fists flying. As the fight dragged on, the leader instinctively felt a sense of defeat, realizing Beric was deliberately taking hits. Thwack! p! Gradually Berics number of strikes increased. Though there was blood on Berics fists, whose blood exactly was unclear. Hahaha! Just as I thought! Your flesh has just the right amount of resistance. Cough-! Pant! Boom! Bang! The final blow. The leaders face was crushed, and he staggered before losing consciousness. Beric dusted off his hands, about to pick up his sword again. Beric. Ians voice came from behind. Turning around, he saw Ian gesturing for him to stop. Hes someone with a lot we need to ask. Dont kill him. Ah, master, youve arrived? Swish . Beric wiped his nose with his bloody hand and smiled brightly. Quite refreshing indeed. Ive cleared the way for you. The path is quite red. Nobles love walking red carpets, dont they? The ground, drenched in the blood of the fallen thieves, conveyed the soggy texture of the mud under the horses hooves. Ian dismounted to examine Beric, covered in blood to the point of being unrecognizable. Wheres Hasha? Didnt he go inside? In case anything happens, watch that bandit leader. Eh? But Im curious about the inside too. Swish. Ignoring Beric, Ian walked towards the tent entrance. The interior was as unsettling as the exterior, filled with an unpleasant odor. He followed Hashas tracks inside. Hasha? Inside a small annex of the tent, Ian found Hasha sitting quietly. Youvee. A childs corpse with blue hair sat in a chair, half-slumped due to the ropes that were meant to hold it upright, with advanced signs of dposition. So this is death. Hasha reminisced about his reflection, his lively eyes, pale cheeks, and the dimples that appeared when he smiled. He cleared his throat, choked with emotion. It seems I must return to nature, as it should have been. Is it truly alright to do so? Theres no guarantee your soul will remain. I cannot say why the control of the necromancy passed. It must be destroyed before someone more greedy sets their eyes on it. Arent there still living bandits outside? It would be troublesome if they woke up and started casting spells immediately. There was logic to it, but making such a rational decision and acting on it required immense courage. It meant willingly destroying the chance to live in a human body again. Hasha. Imend your decision. - Hasha didnt respond. He didnt even look at Ian. He just kept his gaze fixed on hisst remnants until the very end. Zzzing. Ian condensed his mana to burst the head of the corpse. Brain matter spilled out, and the intact form of the child was distorted. Unknowingly, a single tear rolled down Hashas cheek. Now, they had truly crossed the point of no return. Though dead, he remained an entity that hadnt fully passed on. Chapter 111 Chapter 111 Unable to wait any longer, Beric entered despite being told to stand guard outside. He still seemed intent on following orders, dragging the unconscious boss by the ankle. He blinked at the sight of Hashas mangled corpse. What happened here? For future considerations, Hasha wanted the body disposed of. Really? The guy had more guts than I thought. Boom! Beric carelessly tossed the bandits body aside and approached Hasha. The sorrow in a dogs eyessuch aplex emotion that no one could truly understand. Beric snorted, wiping away the dripping blood. Look on the bright side. A few more times like this and youll live a long life. If you call that constion Hashas annoyed expression was evident, but it seemed to provide some sce from his grief. He regained hisposure, pawing at his eyes and snout. You didnt kill the leader, did you? Master ordered to keep him alive, so I just crippled him to prevent escape. But this ce is bigger than I thought? Beric opened doors, looking around. Ian did the same, not just to check the stolen goods, but also to see if there were any kidnapped victims. Click! Look at this! Seems like a storage for their loot. Wow, these guys were loaded! Indeed. They were more skilled than I thought. Gold coins, various jewels, and treasures piled up, evidencing their crimes. Ian clicked his tongue lightly and entered. It seemed there was more gold scattered around than expected, given that the surrounding areas were all small towns. While rummaging through, Beric called Ian over, holding something peculiar. Ian, I found a strange sword. The de was pitch ck, almost as if it had been scorched by fire, devoid of any sheen. It seemed like ash could ke off it. Beric ran his fingers along the edge of the de, surprised, and muttered, Its not just something on it. This is an unusual sword. Ian, you dont know what this is either? How would I know everything? It might be a unique mark of the craftsman, or perhaps its purely decorative. Not all swords are made solely for cutting. Oh, and sometimes swords mixed with magic stones can also have a color. Ian had never closely examined a swordsmans sword. During his audience with the Emperor, for dignity and safety reasons, everyone had toy down their swords. He had only ever witnessed the power of magic swordsmen from afar in the training grounds during sparring sessions. You know quite a bit after all. Beric chuckled and carelessly swung the sword. It was a habitual motion, but the sword felt surprisingly light and agile, fitting perfectly to the length of his arm, which was astonishinglyfortable. Eh? Whats wrong? Swoosh! He liked the ck trail the sword left behind with each swing, like an afterimage. The de was on the duller side, but that was something a cksmith could easily sharpen. Ian! I want to keep this! This sword? Yeah, yeah. Is that okay? He was jabbing and swinging it around, causing amotion. Ian paused to consider, looking at the sword Beric was holding. It was in a rough state, with the des edgepletely worn down. The leather handle, patched with cloth, was a mess with someones blood. As a guard, you should have a sword you like. Well settle the price when we get back to the vige. Yess! How much? I dont know. Itlle out of your meal expenses, so just be aware of that. Wait! Youre taking it out of my meals? The items plundered by the bandits, including this sword, were to be returned to Karenna and other small towns to find their original owners or be allocated to the citys budget. Beric, shocked by the notion of having his meals reduced, kept ncing between Ian and the sword. Oh no But he couldnt bring himself to give up the sword, indicating how much he liked it. How easily his thoughts were revealed. Ian smiled wryly and moved to inspect the rest of the loot, with Beric, unusually serious, following close behind, sighing deeply. Weapon wielders asionally feel a fate-like connection at first meeting. By his reaction, it seems hes quite taken with it. Do you like it that much? I like that it wont show bloodstains. To obtain what you desire, a price must be paid. Think of it as training for now. Ian didnt actually n to restrict his meals, but Beric seemed to need various tensions to regte his behavior. After thoroughly checking the interior and finding no captives, Ian concluded their search. Were done here. Beric, go and call sir Romandro and the vigers. Tell them we found the carriage too. As they stepped outside, Hasha was seen growling against the wall. The boss, who had awakened, was attempting to crawl away using his arms since both Achilles tendons were properly cut, rendering his legs powerless. Woke up early, didnt you? Urgh! As Beric strode over, the bandit leader paled and sucked in a breath. He had been the leader of a rough bunch, but had never met someone as overwhelmingly strong as Beric. And it wasnt just strength, was it? Piss off! You lunatic, go away! The bandit, clearly out of his mind, was left with a deep trauma. He waved his hands and yelled at Beric, but Beric paid no mind and grabbed the bandit leader by the hair. Crack. There there. No need to panic, lets just have a nice chat. That, thats my sword Beric pressed the newly found ck sword against the mans neck. A faint cut appeared, soon beading with drops of blood. Despite its dulled edge, the de was lethally sharp. It must be a sword of renown. You bastard, answer the questions I ask you now without a single lie. Otherwise your head will roll into the afterlife and your men wont even recognize you. Ian stood in front, looking down at the bandit with calm indifference. The unusual tone made the bandit attempt to lift his head, but Beric pinned it down with his foot, thwarting any movement. How did you use necromancy with the necromancers corpse? What? I dont understand what youre Thinking of ying dumb, are you? Swoosh. At Ians words, Beric held the de right up against his throat. Startled by the increasing pain of it slowly digging in, the bandit screamed. Gyaaah! F*ck, spare me, spare me! Theres no second chance. Ill ask again. How did you perform necromancy with the necromancers corpse? The bandit squeezed his eyes shut, then stammered out an answer. I didnt steal it, it followed me! So why? That, thats The bandit leader frowned at Berics ck sword. It seemed to be a tricky matter to exin, so he casually feigned ignorance and moved past it. I dont really know. At first, it wouldnt die no matter what, so I thought it was valuable. I took the corpse to a ve trader, intending to sell it ve trader. The word made Ian frown, sensing a clue to the unfolding events. It made sense for these plunderers and kidnappers to have a ve trader backing them. Could those guys have helped? Yes! The ve trader said that if I used the brats corpse well, I could make a bunch more of those things. But he needed a lot of corpses, and killing people is, uh, our job, so So, you struck a deal. The ve trading syndicate taught you the spell, and in return, youd create and sell the undead. I dont know what they did with the bodies, I swear! We just thought to sell one, but they promised gold every time we returned to Karenna if we brought more, so why refuse? ve traders didnt only operate in Bariel. Due to the nature of their business, they needed to procure goods epassing various races and tribes. Also, unlike Bariel where ve markets werent a constant urrence, the underground economies of neighboring countries were highly active. Whats the name of the merchant group? The Fakens ve. Fakens. The name was familiar even to Ian, who lived a centuryter, indicating the syndicates significant scale and reputation. Suddenly, Beric struck the bandit leaders face multiple times with the t of the de. Boom! Bam! Are you short on words? Ugh! Its the Fakens ve Syndicate! Good, good. Beric seemed to consider this as part of earning his keep, proudly showing off the sword to Ian. Ian, with a slight smile, continued his interrogation. So, some of the gold was received from the syndicate? Yes, thats right! Exactly! And how did you utilize the spell? Youd need about ten intact bodies to get one in decent shape. And, we couldnt use bald ones because the spell required hair. Hasha, who was listening, twitched his ears. That matches the method I use for my spells. Each necromancer has a unique style, and mine requires hair. The bandits eyes bulged in disbelief. A talking dog? And judging by the voice, it seemed like the soul of a child was inside. Bald ones are lucky, then? Theyre immune to your spell. Ignoring Berics nonsense, Ian nced at Hasha just in case. Do you want to continue listening? Of course. I am the rightful owner of this body. Fine. Tell us how the necromancy was conducted. The bandit bit his lower lip as if going mad. The evil deeds hed usuallymit without a second thought now felt unforgivable as he confessed them out loud. We just delivered the bodies, and they took care of the rest. But theyre uncontroble normally, so we had to tie them up when not in use. Hasha listened intently to the bandits words. As the testimony lengthened, Ian signaled Beric with a nce to hurry back to the vige. After cleaning the bodies, wed pick flowers to mask the smell Clip-clop, clip-clop! As Beric headed to the vige, the bandits ount continued. Hasha soon realized that the spell used on the bodies matched his own perfectly. *** Sir Roman~dro! Oh! Its Beric! Beric! What about Ian? Arent you gonna ask if I flipped my stomach inside out? Oh my! Would that even be strange for you? So what about Ian? Hes with us. We found the carriage. And bring the guards too. We need to clean up this mess. At Berics words, Romandro and his partys expressions lit up. They immediately called the garrison captain to request support, and followed Beric as he led the horses. The moon had nearly set and the dawn sky was turning purple. Clip-clop, clip-clop! Numerous horses galloped towards the bandits den, and soon, the devastated state of the vige came into full view. Ian! Youve arrived? Ian weed Romandro with Hasha at his side. He immediately ran to the carriage, confirmed the documents and mana stones were safe, and knelt down. Phew Thank you. OLord. No, sir Romandro. Shouldnt you be thanking me? Yes, yes. Beric,e here, atta boy! Uwagghh! Gross! Beric recoiled in horror as Romandro attempted to express his gratitude personally. The captain of the guard who arrived shortly was shocked and quickly issued orders to his men. My goodness, all this Theyre all dead. Just bodies. Ah, theres one alive. The leader. First, collect the bodies! Check for anyone hiding inside! Take down every tent! Yes, understood. As the moon set, so did the fate of the bandits. Ian, holding Hasha, watched as the guards organized the scene. But why did the bandit leader seem to know so much about the spell, yet imed ignorance about why the undead initially followed them? It didnt add up. Ian, arms crossed, locked eyes with the shivering bandit leader being escorted away and gave him a reassuring smile, implying they would meet again in the vige. Chapter 112 Chapter 112 Fate doesnt require much time to change, just as Karenna, having tasted hell from the bandits attack, could look forward to peace by the time the dawn faded. Bandits? You mean their hideout was raided? Im not sure. I heard it from a friend in the guard. Apparently, thats what happened. So, a pursuit team was on their tail when they retreated! That doesnt seem to be the case. From what Ive heard, it was a mercenary who came separately. A mercenary? Did we even have the funds to hire one? Whatever the case, arent all the bandits dead now? Huh? Except for that one leader! Right. Thats what matters! Ah, those wretched scoundrels. If they were going to die, they shouldve done so without causing trouble tonight! Let it be. Whats done is done. It means were safe now. The guard has finally done something useful for a change. Thats not it. It wasnt the guard, it was an outsider. An outsider? If theres such a person in Karenna right now Groups of residents, chewing overst nights nightmare, trailed off their conversation. They probably all remembered the same procession of carriages. How thrilled the innkeeper was, boasting about the generous guests who had arrived. Could it be them? They did seem extraordinary, but to take down a band of bandits Slowly, they turned their heads towards the center of the small city, looking in the direction of the inn where the outsiders had stayed. Meanwhile, as the guards were moving the bodies, Ians group reimed their carriage and brought it back to the inn. They were a couple of horses short, but they felt lucky to have that much. Sir Romandro, have you checked all the luggage? Yes, everythings ounted for, including the documents. Phew what a relief. Romandro had thoroughly checked each box, turning everything inside out. He gave a thumbs-up, his face radiating satisfaction. Its a relief. We didnt get dyed more than a day. They were supposed to leave Karenna early in the morning, but it seemed they would departte in the morning due to needing new horses and a coachman. Ian asked Romandro and his men to finish up and entered the inn. The floor, stained with blood, was being mopped by the staff. Hey, Ian. Arent you hungry? Among them, Beric sat proudly, tearing into meat and bread. Hasha was seated opposite him, sharing a te in a remarkably natural manner. You should eat up. Youve used a lot of energy. Ah, if you say it like that, I cant refuse. Thud! Lord Ian, the captain of the guard has brought the mayor. That was quick. Let them in. No sooner had Ian spoken than the mayor, revealing his crown, rushed into the inn. He bent over, unsure of what to do with himself. The employees, who had been mopping, also paused in confusion. Ah, greetings. Im Onyx, the mayor of Karenna. He was a stout, short man with disheveled clothes, a flushed face, and an overly excited voice. Ian quietly sized him up from head to toe. Shall we introduce ourselves separately? No need. Ive been informed. Youre the noble attending the New Years celebration, and I hear youre apanied by an imperial advisor as well. Ian fell silent for a moment. Only Beric, who was diligently continuing his meal, looked around curiously, while the others felt their minds clutter under the intense pressure. While the bandits were wreaking havoc in the city, what exactly were you doing as its mayor? Ah, Im sorry. As I mentioned, there were issues in another city that Come closer. At Iansmand, the mayor hesitantly stepped forward. This much? Or a little more? Unsure of the proper distance, the mayor looked up only to find himself caught in Ians green gaze. The rarity of such fine features was surprising enough, but his youthful appearance rendered the mayor speechless. To think someone of his age held a noble title seemed profoundly unfair. You smell of alcohol. That is This was a disaster. If luck could be shed, he had shed it in spades. As if being attacked while deeply intoxicated wasnt bad enough, now he had been caught by a noble and a central official. The mayor, hoping perhaps the smell of blood might mask it, pretended to apologize while repeatedly rubbing his forehead on the ground. I, I, I had a drink at an important family gathering, and this happened. My deepest apologies. Ian shifted his gaze from the mayor to the captain of the guard. Truth be told, when discerning lies, it was more effective to observe the expressions of those around the speaker. While the speaker might desperately craft a false face to hide the truth, those listening nearby tended to be less tense and thus more revealing. A lie. There was something peculiar about the captains mouth. It was neither a smile nor a frown but a bitten lip that screamed difort. Ian crossed his arms and clicked his tongue in disapproval. Enough. The smell of alcohol reaches here. ording to Karennasws, what happens to a captured bandit? Startled by the mention of alcohol smell, the mayor covered his mouth and cautiously recited Karennasws. Death is certain, but ording to our citysws, those whomit robbery and murder, especially in groups, are punished with flogging. Thew in Karenna involved whipping the back until the person passed out, then reviving them only to repeat the process until the flesh was torn, showcasing a living hell. When the culprits breath turned as thin as a thread, the gallows would be erected. Good. I have business with the bandit leader, so Ill have this ce cleaned up and head to the prison. To the prison? Is there a problem? Uh The mayors face twisted with difort, but he quickly shook it off and waved his hand dismissively. No, not at all! In the meantime, I will prepare a coachman and horses for your departure. His attitude wasnt bad. Ian turned his back, indicating he could leave, and the mayor retreated, maintaining his tension to the very end. Swoosh! Phew. It felt as if his heart had plummeted to the floor and then snapped back into ce. The captain of the guard handed him a drink, offering some constion. At least you seem busy with the New Years celebration. Its a relief youre leaving this morning. Exactly. It wouldve been troublesome if we were heading down, not up. He seems quite temperamental for his age. Hes going to receive a title, isnt he? I think they might be those who distinguished themselves in the war. The captain still couldnt believe Berics capabilities. It was inconceivable for a single person to annihte so many bandits. The mayor, muttering to himself, wiped away his cold sweat. If they wield magic, that could exin it. Are you referring to those who were investigated by Danil before? Yes. Anyway, I cant deny that I have nothing to say to them. It would be quite awkward if the advisor decides to report this. He wants to see the bandit leader but do you know why? The mayor asked, but the captain had no idea. Ian hadnt mentioned anything specifically about the undead, to avoidplicating a simple bandit incident and to prevent Wesleigh from discovering Hashas existence, which could lead to variousplications. It seems theres only one matter hed be concerned with. That must be it, right? They had lost their words, their coachman, and a night of restful sleep. The conclusion was that the noble lord wouldnt let the bandit leader off easily. We cant let this go. Ill personally oversee the flogging. Ill make the arrangements. Make sure the flesh tears well. Yes, lets do that. It might appease some of the anger. It was an attempt to score points after a failing in security, albeit apletely misguided one, but no one realized it. *** Beric rubbed his full stomach, smiling contentedly. It was natural to be hungry after moving around without dinner. Once the inn was somewhat in order, Ian turned to Hasha to start a conversation. So, what are your ns now, Hasha? With no grandmother left and the bodies taken care of, it seems I must return to Astana. Theres really no other option at this point. Your grandmother was the head of the faction. Ian recalled the elderly woman in the photograph, trying to gauge the situation. If she was the head of a faction, there would be many allies but also significant opposition. There seemed to be another reason why she hadnt returned to Astana to avoid Wesleigh. So, could you possibly take me to the Central? To get to Astana, Id have to pass through there anyway. What do you n to do in the Central, in your current state? Faced with Ians soft inquiry, Hasha mped his mouth shut. It was a truly desperate and awkward situation. Ian lightly caressed his nape, offering a proposal. Ill take you to the Central, and from there, help you on your way to Astana. In return, Id like to officially record everything youve experienced. Youreing too? Ah, but the carriage is so cramped. Beric. It wont be an issue as long as you dont lie down the whole time. Hashas eyes sparkled, while Beric, belching loudly, couldnt hide his displeasure. Also, I want you to remember my name forever. It was a wish for Hasha to remember who was by his side on the day of his true demise, to remember that persons name. Hasha murmured as if engraving it in his heart. Ian. Good. Ian!! Hasha whirled his tail around as if about to take off, hitting Berics arm repeatedly, but to no avail; it wouldnt budge. We dont have much time left. Make sure youve gathered everything you need. Morning had arrived. The goal was to depart before noon. As soon as Ian finished speaking, Hasha darted outside. Thump! Woof woof! It seems natural dog soundse with a dogs body. Belch . Beric. Stop eating and follow. That was just making up for the missed dinner, and now its time for breakfast! Oh? Breakfast! Ian ignored him and stepped outside into the street. As the view brightened, the chaotic state of Karenna seemed even more tragic. Residents awkwardly approached the two heading to the prison. Excuse me A man covered in dirt and dust scratched his nose and bowed his head. We heard what you did. You caught those bandits. You saved us even in the dead of night. How can we ever repay you? Thank you! Here, its not much, but Ah, thats alr- The residents bypassed Ian, who was trying to refuse, and approached Beric. Surprised by the unexpected warm reception, he kept nodding his head. Thank you! Thank you for saving us! Yep, yep. I did save you. Saved you indeed. Haha! I used more strength than my master. Huh? You have a master? Ah. Hes got a master? That blonde gentleman over there! So hes the one who saved us! Thank you! Berics remark quickly redirected the gratitude towards him. Flustered, Beric could only open his mouth in disbelief, while Ian smiled kindly and continued towards the prison. Ian! Hurry up. Cmon, seriously! I did everything but they Beric grumbled as he scurried after Ian. Upon reaching the prison, Ian was greeted by the guard, who had been forewarned of his arrival, and was led inside. Ah! Youve arrived! The mayor, drenched in sweat and holding a blood-stained whip, was bending over backward to show off the battered body of the bandit. It seemed he had given him a thorough beating. Ive given him a good thrashing. Hes passed out, but if you wish, you can beat him more! Ian looked at the unconscious bandit leader and asked incredulously. I needed to ask him something, whats the use if youve knocked him out like this? Huh? What do you It seems you eat all subtle cues when you drink alcohol. No, thats not Is this not it? The mayors expression soured as he rolled his eyes in frustration. Ian, looking at the rising sun outside and the unconscious bandit, clicked his tongue. They were pressed for time Bring me some paper. Yes? Yes, yes! He wrote down Romandros mansion address on the paper and instructed, Once he wakes up, interrogate the bandit and send a reply. Ask him how the blue-haired child ended up following him. You have a fortnight. It might have been a stroke of luck, after all. Given that Beric had threatened with a sword and still the bandit hid the information, extracting the truth wouldnt be easy. But with several torture experts here, they would surely elicit a confession somehow. If I dont receive a letter within that time, I will report your negligence of duty to the imperial pce. Also, if you prattle about instead of staying silent, I will return here personally. Ian handed over the paper with a nod, implying that if he were toe back, it would mean the end for the mayor. The mayor could only tremble as he received the paper in both hands. Chapter 113 Chapter 113 Alright! If everyone is ready, lets set off! Did we forget anything? Do we have enough water and food? Weve loaded another carriage full of supplies. The higher we go, the more snow well encounter. We wont be able to travel fast, so we must keep moving constantly, except at night. Right. We cant afford to bete. Lets get going. Romandro urged the coachmen on, wrapping his coat tightly around him. The workforce prepared in just a few hours was quite impressive for such short notice, a testament to the marketces efficiency. The coachmen looked robust, and the horses coats gleamed, indicating they were well-cared for. It was a silent bribe, pleading for a favorable view of their situation. Ian. Has Hasha note yet? Hasha? Whos Hasha? You saw him earlier. The dog. A dog? Romandro tilted his head in confusion at Berics words. Indeed, he had only seen Hasha share a meal with Beric, not heard him speak. Ian, closing the carriages back door, added, Ill exin on the way. There are too many eyes and ears here. Ah, I see. Lets do that then. There hees. Beric smirked, spotting Hasha bounding down a hill in the distance, a family photo clenched in his mouth, panting as if worried he might bete. Were all here now. Lets depart. Understood. Coachmen, take your positions! The lead carriage will move out slowly! Hasha managed to climb into the slightly ajar carriage door and nestled into Ians embrace. The carriage procession slowly made its way out of the still unsettled street, with residents gathering on either side to wave lightly. Clip-clop! Take care! Safe travels, my lord! Please, go inside! The market overseer followed alongside, bowing his head until the very end. Ian sent a warning nce to be cautious and then closed the curtain. Snap! Romandro sat opposite Hasha, unable to hide his tension. Are you afraid of animals? No? Its not that. Yet, your neck seemed to retract. Romandro swallowed hard, managing only a forcedugh. He might not be scared, but he was clearly ufortable. Hasha, having caught his breath, gracefully offered a greeting. Pleased to meet you. I am Hasha Togundai. Ah, my apologies. To be honest, I thought I was hearing things because you were magic users. Sometimes those with heightened senses seem almost madno offense intended. Ahem. Upon hearing Hashas voice, Romandro confessed immediately, then hesitated before taking Hashas paw, mirroring Ians earlier gesture. Pleased to meet you as well. I am Romandro, an advisor to the imperial court. During the carriage ride, Ian shared the events of the night, starting with Wesleighs atrocities, the tragedy of the Astanians, the massacre of the vigers, and the mysterious band of thieves. Romandro frowned as he listened. Necromancy? The Ministry of Magic did gather necromancers from various races a few years back. Was it an official decision? As far as I know, it was approved by the assembly. There was no nominal reason to object. The undead legions created by necromancy were incredibly useful in warfare, so the practice wasnt seen as problematic despite ethical concerns. Politics undoubtedly yed a role. If a powerful force capable of unifying conflict zones emerges, it bes a threat to Bariel. Pretending to seek peace while maintaining bnce is far more advantageous for overall control. Im not sure what Wesleigh had in mind, but from the empires perspective, it wasnt a bad move. Ian pondered deeply. However, Wesleigh was a magician before a politician. As someone who revered mystical powers, the woman would know better than anyone the dangers of breaking taboos. Why go to such lengths? It couldnt be a rebellion. There was no mention of undead involvement in the history Ian remembered. As Ian furrowed his brows in thought, Hasha rested his chin on Ians knee. It was too soon to shake off the weariness of the previous night. Ian understood Hashas meaning and simply stroked his head in response. * * * Clip-clop. The carriage ride smoothed out, indicating a change in the road. Ian, who had been attempting to rest in a seated position, opened his eyes to this change. The road had been paved. As he drew back the curtain, Ian couldnt help but take a deep breath, feeling something stir within him. The capital of Bariel, in all its grandeur,y ahead in the distance. Even from a high vantage point, the citys vastness and prosperity were evident, far surpassing Bratz, which was on the border. It waste spring when I crossed the great desert, so Ive returned after four seasons. The irony wasnt lost on Ian. His personal journey had advanced merely four seasons, yet the worlds timeline had shifted back over a century. He reminisced about his life in the pce as he took in the metropolitan view, a life that, despite its tragic end, wasnt devoid of happiness, as evidenced by the smile that unknowingly graced his lips. Ian? Beric. Look ahead. Thats the capital. Wow! Finally! Stirred by the mention of the capital, Beric shook off his drowsiness and got up. Their journey, which had been relentless during the daytime over ten days, was nearing its end. Were almost there? Oh! We should arrive in a couple of hours then. Romandro too peered out the window, his hair still tousled from sleep, eagerly anticipating the reunion with his wife and child, his excitement palpable. Driver! Can we go a bit faster? Im dying to get there! At Berics request, the coachman cracked his whip with vigor. Ian, too, felt an unusual flutter of excitement. After all, it was his homnd where he was born, grew up, and died,den with the essence of his life. Among the myriad buildings, he instantly located the pce. The pce. The pce of a century ago stood as solemn, magnificent, and steadfast as ever, anchoring the worlds center. Were passing the city walls! Wow! As they went under the towering city walls, Hasha and Beric leaned out the window to gaze upwards, awed by the impossibly high gates that opened and closed rhythmically. Romandro, with a hint of pride, began to exin the sights one by one to hispanions. Thats the power of magic. Things that cannot possibly be done by human strength alone. Thanks to it, life in the capital is much morefortable. Thats why the capital collects a bit more in taxespared to other territories. Amazing. Berics reaction was like that of a child encountering new wonders. Among the carriages entering in a line, many, like Beric and Hasha, had their heads out, likely their first time entering the capital. Lord Romandro! Theyre asking for your identification! Ah, right. Here it is! Thank you. Romandros advisor ID significantly simplified the entry process, allowing them to enter the city much faster than the other waiting entrants, speeding up the carriage once again. Beric, do you see that road over there? Where, where? The golden road? Thats reserved for the imperial family, so be careful not to venture onto it. And over there is the Skyway where the mail is delivered by flying. Wow! There are shining lines in the sky! Thats the Skyway, made with magic. Simrly, when youre up high, be careful not to throw anything or such. Am I a child? Worse than a child, thats why Im saying this. Remember what Ive told you on our way here, Beric? Yeah, yeah. Dont pick up anything with your hands when eating except for bread. Also, in the capital, its polite to smile with your eyes when you make eye contact with someone. And if you need to speak or pass by someone, its good to start with a greeting, like Dear or Good morning.'' Ah, thats quite strict. Commoners are exempt, but those of some repute should adhere to these manners. If Ian receives a barcy, you, as his escort, must also maintain decorum. Throughout the journey, Beric had to endure Romandros crash course in etiquette, his expression souring as if his ears were bleeding, but Romandros lecturing showed no signs of stopping. Shall we head straight to the pce? At Ians question, Romandro, who had been firing off instructions, paused. He then looked out the window and shouted to the coachman. Driver! Turn towards the mansion! Though protocol dictated that they report to their superiors immediately upon entering the capital, the nearly fortnight-long journey through harsh winter conditions had taken its toll on everyone. Not just in terms of fatigue, but their attire and cleanliness were not up to the standards of the pces dignity. Lucky we arrived in the morning. We can wash up and take a break before heading out in the afternoon. That seems wise. You must be eager to see your wife. Heh, its not particrly that, ahem. At Ians words, Romandros knees began to tremble with anticipation. How long had it been since hest saw his wife, whom he had dreamt of so fervently? Romandros residence was located in a high-end residential area, not far from the pce. Lets be especially mindful of our conduct from here on. This is where the pce officials reside. Understood. Okay~! Its not okay, you! Understood. Romandros stern look prompted Beric to reluctantly correct his response. His expression clearly showed his annoyance, but he had no choice. Screech! Weve arrived, Lord Romandro. Ah, thank you for your efforts. Romandro hurriedly alighted from the carriage and entered the courtyard. The mansion, while not huge, was spacious enough to be perfect for a newlywed couple. Viviana! Romandros voice cracked as he called out his wifes name. Soon after, a rustle came from inside, and a servant emerged to greet him. My lord, Romandro! Youve returned! Yes, wheres Viviana? Shes inside. Just a moment! Madam! Lord Romandro is here! Pleasee out! At the servants call, a woman in her thirties hurried out, carefully cradling her prominently swollen belly. Darling! Viviana! The wife joyously embraced her husband, and Romandro, too, gently patted his weeping wifes back, sharing in the emotional reunion. Ian, should we unload the luggage? Yes, lets do that. While the attendants were organizing the carriage, Romandro and his wife continued to embrace each other, whispering words of love. Once their emotions had settled, Romandro, wiping the corners of his eyes, called Ian and Beric over. Ian, Beric! Allow me to introduce you. This is my wife, Viviana. Hello, dear Baron, and Sir Knight. I am Viviana. Ive heard so much about you through letters. Thank you for being so kind to my husband. As Viviana extended her hand, Ian kissed the back of it and nodded in greeting. Its nothing. I, too, have received much help from Lord Romandro. Pleasee inside! I heard youd be staying with us for a while, so Ive prepared a room. Thank you, madam. Oh, and weve had an addition to our party along the way. Oh my! What a splendid dog. We should share the tales of our fifteen-day journey with the madam as well. Please,e in. Minnie! Lets prepare some warm tea. Right away! As Romandro motioned to guide them inside, he signaled to the attendants unloading the document boxes. Youve all worked hard. Go home and rest now, and wait for my call. Lord Romandro, what should we do with these? Leave them as they are for now. Well have to go to the pce in the afternoon anyway. Understood. Youve had a long journey. Thank you for your hard work! With a smile that seemed to hurry his subordinates home, Romandro entered the house, thinking they had half a day of leisure ahead. He hadpletely forgotten about the regr pce social gathering attended by Mariv and Prince Gale scheduled for that day. Chapter 114 Chapter 114 Ah, this hot water is divine. Indeed. I had no idea our home bath was this delightful. Ha-ha-ha! After a long-awaited bath in hot water, Romandro and Beric leaned back on the sofa, muttering in bliss. It had been a journey where, without civilian homes, they could barely wash off the dirt with melted snow. Viviana gently smiled as she ced tea on the table. Id advise further rxation to ease the travel fatigue, but its nearly afternoon. It would be best to return early and rest. Yes, I think so too. After all, theres nothing special until the New Years party once we submit our report. Ah! But why cant I seem to move? My dear, you wouldnt want your child to hear you exaggerating like this. Eh? That wont do! Ugh, lets get moving! Romandro sprang up, briskly dusting off his clothes. On the other hand, Beric just sniffled with half-closed eyes, not hiding his reluctance to follow. Madame, may I also request some water? Of course, Hasha. Viviana epted Hashas presence more gracefully than expected, probably because of their shared experiences in reconstruction areas before her marriage, broadening her perspective. Hasha, refreshed and dry, trembled slightly as he sipped the warm water. Hasha, stay and rest in the mansion. On our way back, Ill look into arrangements for traveling to Astana. Me too? Beric murmured in a drowsy tone, barely keeping awake. Its you, Beric. Stay here with Hasha. What does that mean, master? Youre being considerate, right? Why? You think Im leaving you behind because Im worried youll cause trouble? Never mind then. Im all for it! Haha! Beric let out a heartyugh and then slumped into a semi-conscious state. Romandro clicked his tongue in disapproval and whispered quietly. Remember, on our way back, we need to buy a magic stone to check the recording on the brooch. While staying at the mansion, make sure to get whatever personal items you need. They had recorded Hashas testimony on Derghas brooch during their journey, which required a magic stone to y back. Ian nodded, picking up his coat. Alright. Well stop by themercial district then. ? Themercial district, Romandro mumbled, seemingly surprised by the term. It wasmonly used by central bureaucrats, but the nobles usually referred to it as the center, town, or shopping district. Formoners, it might simply be the market. Ian, have you been studying in secret? Studying? What kind? No, never mind. Lets go. Make sure to dress properly, were going to meet His Highness Mariv. Mini! Is the carriage ready? Its ready. Ive also transferred the documents. Alright, lets go. Romandro left a kiss on Vivianas cheek and stepped outside. A clean and stylishly designed carriage awaited at the front gate, recing the worn one used for the journey. Neigh! While the carriage sped down the road, Ian absorbed every detail of the streets, noticing both the unchanged essence and the nuanced differences from a century ago. It looks like thats where Hayman Bank used to be. They mustve constructed the building right from the start. From the man tossing newspapers while on the run to the stalls disying fresh vegetables and meat, and even the children earning tips for lighting cigarettes, Ian felt an inexplicable surge of emotion. Screech. The carriage didnt travel far before being halted by the Central Guard of the Imperial Pce, who peered inside. Romandro presented his ID and greeted them. Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for your cooperation. The massive gates, akin to the outer city walls, opened on their own. The city within a city. The Imperial Pce remained unchanged in Ians memory. Instinctively, his gaze turned towards where the Ministry of Magic was located. Sir Romandro, when were done with our business and heading back, could we stop by the Ministry of Magic? Of course. The Ministry is located in the Central Main Building of the Second Imperial Pce. We might not be able to go inside, but you can get a feel for the atmosphere from the outside. To rify, the First Imperial Pce houses the imperial familys residences and the bureaucrats offices, while the Second Imperial Pce contains the various departments. Considering Ians background as a magic user, it was natural for him to be interested. Romandro pointed out directions and meticulously exined theyout. Over there is the Third Imperial Pce, used by the staff, servants, and ves, and the Fourth Imperial Pce is where the central departments interact with outsiders and conduct their business Ian responded with a smile, but his thoughts were solely on the Ministry of Magic. Naum had mentioned it before: when he cast a forbidden spell, the Ministry had promised an opportunity if he reported to their direct annex. If I go there, I should be able to learn everything. Why he ended up in the body of the illegitimate son Ian, what became of Naum in the world where Emperor Ian lived, and whether he truly died or not, among other things. It felt like spotting a faint light through the dense fog of uncertainty that obscured everything ahead. Weve arrived. Thank you for your efforts. Lets alight here. This is the eastern building of the First Imperial Pce. May I know the purpose of your visit? The central guards at the entrance approached with authority, inquiring about their business. Romandro leaned towards the guards, while Ian nced outside through the opposite window. This was that Cronys pce. Having never walked the path of a prince, nor having any siblings, Ian naturally used the Emperors pce from the moment he entered the pce, making this ce, his nephew Cronys domain. Ah! Its been a while! Lord Romandro! Wee back. Ivee to report my entrance to the pce. Could you help with the luggage? They were at the building housing His Highness Marivs office within the First Imperial Pce. The guards recognized Romandro and greeted him warmly, taking the boxes of documents. Will you be seeking an audience with His Highness Mariv? Yes, I have many matters to discuss directly. Please,e inside. From what Ive heard during the shift change, he might be out. Out? Wait a moment. What day is it today? Romandro counted the days on his fingers and clicked his tongue. It just had to be the afternoon of the pces social gathering. Cant be helped. Ill have to wait a bit. It seems like itll be over soon. Very well. Ill call an attendant. Well put the documents in the office beforehand. Guided by the servants, they entered a reception room. True to the reputation of the Imperial Pce, everything was elegant and harmonious. Ian observed the rooms atmosphere, pondering about Prince Mariv. The decorations bear the influence of neighboring kingdoms, and the books seem to have been left mid-read The sun-faded marks on them are quite distinct. Moreover, there are no fresh flowers, which are usually present in reception rooms. Isnt this interesting? The deliberate cement of artifacts from neighboring kingdoms was likely a tactic to foster a more intimate atmosphere with foreign guests, indicating a certain level of diplomatic skill on his part. The sun-faded books were also a part of this extension. The image he pursued and the political roles he pushed forward were subtly visible. Especially cing harmonious elements where the sunlight is strong Theres a saying that those who like animals and children are usually of good character. The same goes for a nature-friendly approach. It made him think that the personality could be somewhat cool-headed and demanding. Unless there was an allergy, of course. Knock knock. Lord Romandro, Ive sent a message to the social gatherings location. Thank you. Much appreciated. The servant bowed slightly, casting a sidelong nce at Ian, presumably wondering if this was the infamous illegitimate son of the Bratz family. A hot topic in social circles, he was known for ousting his noble father and seizing the lordship with his lowly blood. He looks younger than expected? Given the rumors of him subduing the barbarians at the frontier, one would expect a more aggressive man. However, Ian appeared more delicate and gentle at first nce. Creak. As the reception room door closedpletely, Ian gazed down at his tea and inquired. The pce social gathering involves high-ranking officials, correct? Indeed. It often involves hunting, but sometimes we appreciate art. The value of an artist can skyrocket after such events. Its all intertwined with various interests, isnt it? Romandro, sipping his tea, smiled blissfully. As if to say theres nothing quite like tea in the pce. Then His Highness Gale must also be present. Eh? If the message reaches His Highness Mariv, His Highness Gale would likely know of our arrival in the capital early on. What he meant was that the troublesome and thorn-in-the-side Ian, who had disrupted their grand ns, had arrived. Romandro cleared his throat before responding, a light Italian ent in his voice. Well, His Highness Gale doesnt often attend these gatherings. Is that so? Really? Sincerely? Being the Second Prince, he might be exercising caution to avoid being seen as a threat. However, knowing that he had plunged into open conflict with His Highness Mariv by choosing to save Molin, it was uncertain if he would maintain such restraint, especially now that their grand rebellion faced an unforeseen variable. Perhaps? Maybe? Romandro mumbled uncertainly, catching the implication in Ians query, then started gulping down his tea as if his lips were parched. Why so tense? There are no secrets once you enter the pce. The Ministry of Magic must have been informed as well since the city gates open with magic. Whether today or tomorrow, what does it matter? The issue is, well, theres no issue per se. Its more about the psychological burden, perhaps? Romandro cleared his throat again. Having served as an advisor in Bratz, he was likely worried about when Gale would summon him. Ian looked at the rustling artificial flowers and smiled faintly. If its a hunt, they would have gone to the outskirts, so the servant couldnt have ryed the message so quickly. It seems theyre appreciating art today. Ian gestured towards a wing of the First Imperial Pce, his direction precise without a hint of error. * * * Ah, is this the statue you mentionedst time? Yes, yes. I thought Id have to wait due to the backlog of orders, but luckily, I received it immediately. That sculptor is quite popr these days. This is art. This is what art is all about. Oh, would you like to see this as well? Groups of bureaucrats from various departments gathered in small clusters, sharing their own pieces of art. Though it appeared to be a casual social gathering, clear lines were drawn. Between Marivs imperialist faction and Gales opposition. Of course, being noble, everyone pretended not to notice these divisions. Yet, a subtly tense atmosphere settled as quietly as the first snow. Your Highness Mariv. At that moment, Marivs aide approached, whispering despite the risk of rudeness. Romandro and Ian have entered the pce. They are currently waiting in the office reception room. Oh . Marivs eyebrows twitched in amusement at the unexpected news, while Gale, observing the scene with a wine ss in hand, also received a whisper from Wesleigh. The sharp gazes of the two princes intertwined in the air. Ian Bratz and the advisor have entered the pce. Chapter 15-2 Chapter 15-2 Shall I prepare the carriage? It was a question asking whether it was time to conclude the social gathering and return. Mariv, without the slightest change in expression, merely smiled and covered his mouth with the wine ss. Gale was still watching this way, so it was to obscure his response. Its settled. Since they are on standby, let it be so. Yes, I understand. And be vignt. I will heed themand. Although the instructioncked a direct object, the aide understood its meaning. He immediately bowed and went outside, and Gales gaze also shifted away. Other bureaucrats who had been engaged in conversation quietly inquired about the situation. Is it an urgent matter, Your Highness? Not at all. What could be more urgent than sharing such a meaningful asion with you gentlemen? Please continue with the description of the artwork. Of course, it was natural to be more intrigued by a young bastard who had conquered the great desert from humble beginnings than by the tedious old nobles before him. Gale must have also heard about the twos entrance to the pce. Yes, Your Highness. The next piece was painted with pigments mixed with powdered magic stones. It actually emits light at night. Oh, powdered magic stones? It seems mixing various things into pigments is the trend these days. Pretending to listen to the bureaucrats exnation, Mariv nodded and nced surreptitiously at Gale. Gale was enjoying the social gathering, his arm around Wesleigh. In any case, taking the initiative would mean exposing ones back. Marivs aide would have been keenly observing the movements of Gale and Wesleighs subordinates. What are you nning to do, Gale? When Gale proposed a donation of 10,000 gold coins, Mariv did not object. On the contrary, he showed an attitude of finding it agreeable and hurriedly moving on to the next agenda. It was indeed not a concern, and there was a desire to test Ians abilities. But more so, it was because the Ministry of Magic was a ce where Ian could be utilized in the future. It was not bad to leave some subtle hints. While it might be difficult for Gale, but some of the dim-witted ones in the Ministry of Magic might be deceived. The same held true now. There was no need to wee Ian to the point of breaking up the social gathering. They maintained their positions as if unaware of Ians existence until the very end. * * Ah Romandro quietly stretched, feeling a bit stiff. It was the time when the once clear and bright sunlight gradually deepened into dusk. It was natural for the body to rx after waiting for so long. However, Ian sitting next to him showed not a hint of disarray. Ian, are you alright? About what? Your back, your back. Perhaps its because youre young. Im dying to lie down. At Romandros grumbling, Ian gave a faint smile. It wasnt intentional, but being in the imperial pce seemed to make him maintain his posture even more strictly. Ian, looking down at his now cold tea, guessed, It seems to be taking much longer than expected, he must really be with Gale. Thats when it happened. Knock, knock. His Highness Mariv has arrived. Ah! Startled by the sudden presence, Romandro jumped up. Ian also naturally straightened his crumpled shirt, looking towards the door. This was the first member of the imperial family he was seeing, crossing over a hundred years of time. Technically, the man he would be seeing was his ancestor, a member of the bloodline that had shared in the glory of the imperial pce. Though, in terms of rtion, they were as distant as strangers. Creak. The door opened. A man with long golden hair tied back entered. His gently curving eyes were particrly striking. Even without smiling, he seemed to be smiling. Romandro, its been a while. I am honored to see Your Highness Mariv. Romandro immediately bowed, cing his hand on his chest following the royal etiquette. Ian, standing a step behind, also made a graceful gesture. Truth be told, he was more ustomed to receiving greetings than giving them, but this didnt feel too awkward either. Youve worked hard. It must have been tough leaving your family anding down here. Not at all, Your Highness. It is an honor to add to the glory of Bariel and Your Highness. Ian barely managed to suppress a chuckle from escaping. For Romandro, this was quite the oratory feat. He went on and on about how much he enjoyed life in Bratz without missing a beat. After a few rounds of formal conversation, So, you are Ian. Marivs gaze moved past Romandro to Ian. Ian slowly lifted his head. The deep orange hue of the dusk poured over his face, making his left eye shimmer with a golden light, reminiscent of when magic was unleashed. I am honored to meet Your Highness Mariv. My name is Ian. His gaze was confident but not arrogant, his voice strong but not grating. The raised chin, the straight shoulders, and the neat posture were all reminiscent of the nobility he had seen countless times. In truth, speaking frankly Unexpected indeed. Mariv sensed a dignity beyond the ordinary in Ian. With a gesture for them to sit, heplimented Romandro. It seems Romandro has taught you the royal etiquette quite well. Not at all, Your Highness. Sir Ian is so exceptional that there was hardly anything for me to teach. It was better than expected. Its not easy to make such a favorable impression with just a first impression. As the three men took their seats, the servants reced the cold teacups with warm ones. So, Sir Ian. He had not yet received a title, but he was, after all, to be a noble. Mariv used a title of respect to ask, How do you find it,ing to the central? Just as I had heard. Theres a reason why Bariel, the support of the world, is so praised. It was sincere. Even if he wasnt seeing the central region for the first time, Emperor Ian held the capital in high regard. Perhaps pleased with the answer, the prince burst into a satisfiedugh. Romandro might not have noticed, but it was the first time the prince hadughed genuinely since entering the drawing room. I have been informed about the events in the bordends through Romandros report. Romandro, process the report you brought within this week and issue the approval. Yes, Your Highness. Romandro has returned home, but Sir Ian, you have left your home. It seems like many would have seen you off. Ian smiled. Mariv knew better than anyone that Ian had no family. Yet, the question was phrased as such, clearly implying something more. Indeed, Your Highness. From the servants of the manor to the vigers, they held farewell ceremonies day and night. The bordering Cheonrye were no exception. They couldnt see me for a while as I was heading to the center, so they expressed their regret in this way. The question was about the extent of Ians influence in his domain, and the answer seemed quite satisfactory. The support of the people and the alliance with the Cheonrye tribe were the biggest factors that enabled him to seize the lordship. I see. Ian, you will be a trustworthy lord. That is too kind of you. Everyone knows that it was with Your Highness Marivs help. Mariv was impressed that Ian had deciphered his intentions. He is indeed useful. Apart from his ability to use magic, his astuteness in understanding the context is extraordinary. Is it the influence of Count Dergha? For a bastard who lived in the pleasure districts, Ians presence was remarkably strong. Perhaps he had learned through harsh experiences under the count, and his time traversing the great desert had further toughened him. Even when facing the prince, there wasnt a hint of trembling. You are aware of the New Years celebration schedule, arent you? The imperial New Years celebration is always special, but this year it is even more so. This year was particrly notable due to the nobility title awarding ceremony for Ian, who came from humble beginnings. In addition, several events, including the verification of magic users, were scheduled back-to-back. Romandro cautiously interjected, I regret to say, having just arrived today, I have not been informed. Is that so? The schedule is almost finalized. I will instruct my aide to pass it on to you before you leave the pce. Yes, Your Highness. I will prepare with care. After the New Years celebration, there will be an event organized by the Ministry of Magic. We will assess your magical power and proceed with departmental assignments, but Mariv nced at Ians left eye, which had returned to its normal green hue as the sunset faded. He then sharply posed a question that was as pointed as a de. Before that, Ian. Do you believe you are suited for the role of a lord? The question was delicate and potentially awkward, fraught with ambiguity over whether it pertained to his background or his capabilities. Romandro, who had been listening quietly, involuntarily inhaled sharply and bit his lip. Its a question that can be twisted whether he answers no or yes. A lord who doesnt see himself as fit is of no use, and excessive confidence is as bad as ipetence. However, Ian seemed to have a clear answer in mind and nodded without much hesitation. Of course, I do. His response was bold and confident. Romandro felt the breath he had held catch in his throat. Marivs eyebrow raised in a manner that suggested intrigue or displeasure, a look Romandro recognized. Ian, on the other hand, continued calmly, Since it is a decision made and established by Your Highness Mariv, who would dare say otherwise? My only duty is to fulfill everything perfectly, as per your wishes. Its too simplistic, does he think that because Im amon-born bastard? The intention behind her question was transparent, almost simplistic to the point of beingughable, mentioning the Ministry of Magic and posing such a question. The act of cing Ian in the lordship was a reconfirmation of his allegiance to Mariv, with the expectation of loyalty and the implication that he should serve dutifully as a spy within the Ministry of Magic. Confidence in ones words is something I appreciate. It is an honor, Your Highness. Mariv smiled contentedly, savoring a sip of his tea. Romandro, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, also took a timely sip of his tea. Yet, as Ian continued to scrutinize Marivs face, he felt an odd sensation. Blonde hair and pale eyes. Of course, these aremon traits in the imperial family, but Had Ian ever seen Mariv in the portraits of the past emperors? In the corridor leading to the emperors bedroom in the secondary pce, the portraits of the past emperors were hung chronologically. Ian had passed by them once or twice a day, so it was unlikely he had missed them. However, I dont recall seeing this person in any portrait. Gales failure in his rebellion seemed certain. Thus, naturally, Ian had assumed that Mariv, being the direct heir and apetitor, would seed the throne. That was until this face-to-face meeting. Could there be another heir? But it seemed there were no notable candidates. Ian concealed his expression, burying hisplex thoughts. For now, it was crucial to focus on the present and gain the princes trust. Regardless of what might happen, Mariv seemed to be the only oneparable to Gale at the moment. Sir Ian. Yes, Your Highness. How is the preparation of the tribute money that must be sent to the center going? There was gold from the sale of ghouls and plenty of high-grade magic stones, so there shouldnt have been any issues. However, Ian lightly shook his head. He couldnt reveal his hand to someone who might or might not be the emperor. No, Your Highness. Hmm, that is regrettable. Then, I would like to make a favorable proposal. Mariv, unaware of Ians inner thoughts, set down his teacup. Only Romandro, who had noticed Ians lie, sipped his tea restlessly with his head bowed low, thinking that his expression must not give anything away. Chapter 116 Chapter 116 With a slide, Mariv opened the drawer of the tea table to retrieve his sses. Then, he gestured to his aide to bring the documents. Like a shadow, a man waiting nearby ced a report covered with a leather case before them. Do you know of the magic stones? Yes, I am aware. Gulp! Ian nodded politely with a proper seated bow, but Romandro, with his feet numb, ended up causing amotion with his choking. It seemed Ian wanted to keep something about the magic stones hidden, yet the word had juste from the princes mouth. Oh, Romandro. My apologies. As Mariv frowned, the aide approached with a handkerchief and gently suggested stepping outside. Coughing and spluttering in front of the prince was surely inappropriate. Lord Romandro, perhaps you should get some fresh air outside. Yes, indeed. Excuse me. Romandro nced worriedly at Ian as he rose, wondering if he could manage alone. But it was an unnecessary worry. Ian, undisturbed, continued to examine Marivs face. Creak. With Romandro gone, Mariv put on his sses and gestured. It was a sign that Ian could check the documents. When the Ministry of Magic assigns a division, theyll likely consult your preferences first. Ian smiled inwardly as he flipped through the pages. The first page was filled with information and illustrations of the high-grade magic stone, Luron. Had Romandro been there, choking would have been the least of his problems. The Magic Stone Management Division is always short-staffed. Magicians only seem interested in their magical training and mental exploration, not so much in auxiliary research like magic stones. It might be simr to how knights prefer wielding swords over researching weapons. Seeing Sir Ian, it seems you have a deep talent for schrly pursuit. It was an order to join the Magic Stone Management Division. Ian smiled and nodded. He would have to consider the overall situation, but in front of the prince, he had no choice but to agree. Yes, Your Highness. I always feel a thirst for more knowledge due to myck of learning. Moreover, this was a significant gain, if nothing else. To have the information about magic stones, which remained only in scattered, faint memories, organized and provided like this! Judging by the thickness of the report, it was clear that it was directly extracted from the Ministry of Magics information. Thats fortunate. If you are assigned to the Magic Stone Management Division and inform us of the magic stone deposits, I will actively support your donation matter. Especially focus on the Luron mentioned on the very first page. It wasnt an offer of ten thousand gold coins but a promise of assistance. It seemed to imply that he might convene the council again to reverse the decision Ian momentarily lost his words and slightly opened his mouth. Setting aside the unfair proposal, he was trying to gauge Marivs intentions. Ian was already aware of Gales intention to acquire the Luron magic stones. Since his main support was the Ministry of Magic, it was somewhat understandable. But the involvement of Mariv, who was entirely unrted, suggested that moreplex political maneuvers were at y. And speaking of Luron deposits, doesnt that mean Bratz? Although there might be other ces, Bratz is undoubtedly one of the major deposits. What then, after its discovery? If the intent was to monopolize Luron before Gale, things could be simpler. But on the contrary What if the n is to eliminate Luron so Gale cant use it? Like Gale, Ian would find Mariv a challenging figure to deal with. Not to mention the mines of Bratz, the Luron Ian had brought could evaporate in an instant. Ian bowed his head for now, showing his intention to obey themand. Thank you for your words. I will do my best. Mariv, seemingly satisfied, smiled and removed his sses. From experience, those who didnt question why when given orders usually performed well. Curiosity piqued, Mariv continued with a question. By the way, Sir Ian, are you always sopliant in your responses? We havent known each other for long, yet all your responses are so positive, it makes me wonder. Ian met Marivs blue eyes. It was hard to read the expression of a prince, but he could sense a subtle yfulness. It was a question that would have been deemed highly threatening by someone else. Ian promptly averted his gaze and responded. Ever since Lord Romandro was dispatched to the frontier, I considered myself in the presence of Your Highness Mariv. Although it was their first actual meeting, Ian had been receiving orders from the prince for a long time. Marivughed out loud and lightly tapped the armrest of the sofa. I see. That makes sense. Lately, painting with pigments mixed with magic stones has be trendy, so I was thinking of supporting the artists I sponsor. Mariv added this to lighten the mood. The report also mentioned the use of realgar in potions, but interpreting this in a political context was entirely up to Ians ability. If he understood, it would prove his capability; if not, he just needed to follow orders. Lets stand up then. Hmm, it seems Romandro has been carried straight to the infirmary, so theres no need to visit him. Just leave the pce. Yes, Your Highness. If you have something to convey in the future, dont go through Romandro but directly to my aide. While it wasnt yet time to fully trust each other, it implied a recognition of a shared direction. Ian once again ced his hand on his chest and offered his respects. It was an honor to meet you. The pleasure was mine. Then, I shall take my leave. Creak. As Ian stepped out of the drawing-room, his gaze immediately met Romandros, who was lingering at the end of the corridor. Romandro hurried over without making a sound and grasped Ians arm. Is it over? Why didnt youe in? Lets go. Well, it felt a bit awkward to go back in. But dont I need to say goodbye? His Highness Mariv said theres no need for you to return and that we should leave. Goodness gracious, thank goodness. Lets hurry! Leaving the superiors room felt like a breath of fresh air. Unable to muster the energy to return, Romandro quietly grumbled his embarrassedints. So, what did he say? And what about the report? Lord Romandro, you know as well as I do that even the portraits in the pce have ears. Hush , Ian whispered, covering his mouth with a finger and faintly smiling. It was a signal that he would discuss it once they were outside the pce. We should stop by the Ministry of Magic on our way out. It would be best to leave the pce before it getspletely dark. Indeed. The guards in charge of entry and exit be more meticulous after dark, which can be troublesome. The two hastened their steps and descended the grand staircase of the main building. In a space where hundreds could ascend simultaneously, only their small footsteps echoed softly. Clip-clop! Take a detour by the Ministry of Magic before leaving. At Romandros word, the coachman gripped the reins tightly. The carriage carrying the two swiftly exited the main building of the Imperial Pce. Romandro, relieved of tension, groaned and moaned, rxing in his seat. Oh, its so exhausting to have a face-to-face report after such a long time. Youve worked hard. But, Lord Romandro, are there more princes? Huh? More princes? Romandro turned around, wiping the sweat off his brow at Ians question. There are quite a few, indeed. Ian eximed in surprise upon hearing that there were about a dozen princes, including Mariv, the First Prince, and Gale, the Second Prince. But in reality, aside from those two, its urate to say that the others have no standing in the pce. The Third Prince passed away a few years ago due to a fall, and the Fourth and Fifth Princes are too young. In terms of the session order, it was as if there were no others. The princes below them were far down the line, even if they were older, and none had the capabilities to surpass Mariv and Gale. Theres only one concubine currently by His Majesty the Emperors side. Her name is Dina, and she is the mother of the Fourth and Fifth Princes. She has His Majestysplete trust, even preparing the New Years celebration on his behalf. The Empresss position was vacant, and the many concubines dared not step into the power struggle. How could theypete with Mariv and Gale, with the Emperor, flickering like a candle about to go out, as their backdrop? But Dina had no choice but to make a stand. To protect the princes, she can only truly rely on the Emperor himself. If either Mariv or Gale ascended to the throne, it was certain that the other potential heirs would be purged in the name of consolidation. His Highness Mariv especially seems to have some reservations about Lady Dina Dislikes her, it seems. It would be more urate to say he disregards her. Romandro, as if each word weighed heavily upon him, coughed unnecessarily and looked around, even though it was just him and Ian in the carriage. It seems likely that the next Emperor wille from among the other princes. It was just a corridor he passed through every day out of habit. A definitive catalyst was needed to bring forth unconsciously ingrained information, something as direct as the current Emperors face, for example. We shall see them all at the New Years celebration. Unless something extraordinary happens, that is. Its the most important and grand event in the Empire. The New Years celebration. Even setting aside the title conferment ceremony, it was bound to be a significant asion. Ian noticed the scenery changing in the darkness as they neared the central main building of the Second Imperial Pce. Were almost there. Unconsciously, Ian pressed his face against the window. Please, let me off here. Here? If Lord Romandro is spotted near the Ministry of Magic, it could lead to unwanted rumors. My face isnt well-known yet, so it should be fine for me. But Its alright. I just n to step out and take a look around. It was a logical argument. If Romandro, known as Marivs subordinate, was seen loitering, who knows what rumors might spread? In the Imperial Pce, even ones breathing had to be cautious. Creak. Ian. If something happens,e running. What could possibly happen in the Imperial Pce, Lord Romandro? Ian nced back at him as he stepped out of the carriage. Just in case. What if he found traces of Naums magic in the annex? And what if he could return to his original form, his original time? This could be thest moment Ian shared with Romandro. Ah, yes. I should have properly said goodbye to Beric. That was a bit regrettable. But what could be done? After all, I was never meant to be here. Ian patted Romandros shoulder and smiled bitterly. I truly thank you. And for taking good care of Beric too. Why all of a sudden? Hurry back. Beric will throw a fit if yourete. Ian didnt respond to the encouragement to return quickly. He just left a smile behind and followed the familiar path. At some point, he realized he was running as his breath became heavier. Back to the original world, and to find Naum- To save him . Naum, Ians sole mentor and friend. A small building made of salmon-colored bricks came into view. It was a rest area used by the Ministry of Magics guards. Turning here would lead directly to the annex. Thud! His heart pounded, but his steps came to an abrupt halt. The annex is gone. Gone . Instead of the expected Ministry of Magics annex, dozens of majestic trees stood in its ce. It was too unkempt to be a garden, yet too structured with randomly ced gpoles to be a natural space. Thud. Ian walked between the trees, unable to hide his dismay. Moonlight filtered brightly through the swaying branches. The colorful gs fluttered in the wind as well. The sense of wonder was fleeting, as Ian turned at the sound of someone approaching from behind. Aha. You must be Ian? Swoosh. The man had ck hair and piercing eyes, hisrge and sturdy physique coupled with sharply cut features giving off a decidedly cold impression. Despite the entirely different aura, Ian immediately recognized him as Marivs brother. What a pleasure. I am Gale. Chapter 117 Chapter 117 I knew he was waiting. As soon as Ian faced Gale, this thought crossed his mind. After all, they could not have met unless his movements were being closely watched, especially near the Ministry of Magic. There was definitely surveince that had started from the fellowship. I am called Ian. It is an honor to meet you. Oh? You know of me, I see? Just as Your Highness Gale knows of me, I too am aware of you. As he slightly bowed his head, the wind blew even more fiercely. The sound of leaves crunching underfoot matched the slow approach of Gales footsteps. How did youe this way? The exit from the pce is in theplete opposite direction. Gale murmured as he scrutinized Ian from head to toe. A small pebble thrown into the calm progress of his ambitionsthat was Ian. Small, yet the ripples he created seemed to never cease, continuously making waves. Why? Did Mariv tell you this was the way out? Ian quietly lowered his head and nced at the tips of Gales fingers. Unlike Marivs, they were rough with calluses. No, I simply took the wrong path. For someone who took a wrong path, your steps seemed certain. As if youve been here before. It seemed Gale had been watching him all along. It would be one thing if he were outside, but in the pce, especially near the Ministry of Magic, it seemed impossible to evade his surveince. He would need to be extremely cautious in his actions. I apologize. Today is my first time entering the pce. Is that so? Then let me ask you. How do you find the scenery here? Pardon? Gale lightly circled around Ian. In that moment, the lights of the Ministry of Magics main building began to turn on one by one, signaling the onset of full night. In my opinion, if we clear all these trees and erect a splendid building of coral hue, it would look quite magnificent. Ah. Ian hesitated at the mention of a splendid building of coral hue. The image of the Ministry of Magics annex naturally came to mind. Gale smirked slyly, observing Ians expression. However, it greatly distresses me that your master insists on not cutting down any trees, contrary to his nature. Fragmented pieces of information tangledplexly in Ians mind. A hundred years ago, a time before the annex of the Ministry of Magic was constructed. Using Gales words as a clue It seems Mariv and Gale are in conflict over the construction of the Ministry of Magics annex! Naturally, Gale would be in favor of the construction for the sake of the Ministry of Magic, while Mariv, fearing the threatening expansion of the Ministry of Magics influence, would stand firmly against it. Do you share that view? It was a question asking if Ian aligned with Marivs stance. It was an absurd situation. Without realizing, Ian swallowed a hollowugh and responded. Your Highness, I may not grasp the full extent of your words, but I serve only one master, His Majesty the Emperor. The path I must follow is solely for the glory of Bariel. If cutting down trees signifies a better tomorrow, then it must be done. Apart from knights sworn in fealty, everyone residing in Bariel ought to serve the Emperor as their master. Mariv and Gale were no exceptions. Of course, Ian knew all too well that this was an impossible ideal. Hmm. I thought a fresh arrival from the frontier would be unsophisticated in speech, but it seems you might fit in well with the nobility. It was unclear whether Gales words were an insult or apliment, but given the amiable tone, it appeared to lean more towards thetter. Ians mention of the Emperor had created an opening, signaling that he was not fully aligned with Mariv. Gale was more than willing to delve into that opening. Ian. My expectations for you are high. Whether this opening was meant for Ian to y the role of a spy within the Ministry of Magic was uncertain, but at that moment, it was not his main concern. I expect you to discern the essence well. Remember, before being a lord, you are Ian, and before being Ian, you are a mage. Away from the manpower of the Ministry of Magic, the number of mages in the world was as scarce as dust. For the sake of progress, they inevitably had to rely on each other, and Gales words carried a warning that siding with Mariv could iste Ian for a lifetime. I will bear that in mind. Good. We shall meet again. There seemed to be a desire for further conversation, but the time and ce were not suitable. Gale turned his back and vanished like the wind. Sigh. Left alone, Ian incredulously touched his forehead. To oppose Gales rebellion and reduce his influence, Ian naturally had to side with Mariv against the construction of the annex. However, this situation might force him to inadvertently support Gale. If the annex is built, Naums magic could manifest. Whoosh. Ziiing. Ziiiing. With a sense of curiosity, Ian dispersed his magical energy. The power of magic rose differently, riding on the wind. His golden eyes shone like stars in the darkness, but he could sense nothing. Ian! Then, from the entrance, Romandros call came. Holding antern, he hurried over and looked around anxiously. Ian! Are you alright? What is it? I just saw His Highness Gales carriage leaving from behind the Ministry of Magic. It would be troublesome if you encountered him, so lets hurry out. Its better to explore more during the day. Ah, Ive already met him. Wha-?! Romandro froze like a statue at Ians calm admission, his mouth opening and closing in confusion, clearly at a loss for how to respond. Ian took thentern from Romandros hand and led the way. Lets head out. It seems well have to visit themercial district tomorrow. I didnt expect it to get thiste. Wait! What did he say? Nothing of particr importance. Lets just leave the pce for now. Urged by Ian, Romandro hurriedly scrambled to the carriage. As soon as he squeezed himself in, he drew the curtains and whispered urgently. Come on, tell me what he said! There was no mention of you, Lord Romandro, so theres no need to worry. Had he hit a sore spot? Given Romandro had executed Marivs orders against Erica and Molrin with precision, it was natural for him as a family man to fear retribution. He cleared his throat with a forced cough, trailing off his words. Do you think Im curious because of that? What about the garden? Is the construction of the annex underway? Eh? Oh, so he mentioned that. The proposal has been around for quite some time. I dont understand why the Ministry of Magic, with its few members, insists on expanding the annex. They should rather expand the amodations for the pce staff! His Highness Mariv opposes it, doesnt he? Of course. The trees in the garden are ancient. Its not officially recorded, but its believed they are imbued with fairy blessings, so theyve been left untouched. This was one among many reasons for opposition. The trees, blessed and not in any urgent need to be cleared, couldnt be sacrificed just for the expansion of the Ministry of Magic. Of course, the Ministry of Magic argued that it was just a rumor without any proof. It was proposedst year, or the year before Its been quite a while. In fact, theres a lot of power struggles between both His Highnesses, Mariv and Gale beyond just this issue. If we were to count them all, wed run out of fingers and toes. Tsk. Romandro kept peeking out, opening and closing the curtain to check their progress. Once they hadpletely left the pce, he breathed a sigh of relief and rxedpletely. Phew. Safe for another day. How do you manage your dailymute? Im more field-based, so I donte in unless I have to report something. Every time I do, I feel like Im suffocating, ugh. Romandroughed and loosened his outer garment forfort. It wasnt just about physical stamina; there were countless concerns to manage. As they neared the mansion, Romandros face began to brighten. Creak. Weve arrived. Oh! Thank you! Viviana! As Romandro hurriedly alighted, Ian followed, turning towards the mansion. In the distance, Hasha ran to greet him. And then tter! Little rascal! Catch him! Ian! Iaaann! Hasha trembled in Ians arms, seemingly more scared than excited to greet him. It appeared it wasnt a weing party. Beric, brandishing a skewer, was fuming with anger. Ian! That Hasha, hes aplete scoundrel! -I am a person! If youre a person, act like one and eat your own food, why steal others! Alright, alright. Lets go inside. Ian! You must scold him! Hasha, Im sorry, but I couldnt look into going to Astana today. Work endedte, and more importantly, it seems well need to keep a watch on the situation from the mansion for a while. Knowing that Gale was keeping an eye on Ian in the pce, they needed to cautiously check if the same was happening outside. Moreover, Hasha was evidence of the crimesmitted by Wesley, and revealing his existence could be significantly dangerous. -I get it, but please do something about that brute! Crack. Berics eyes flipped at being called a brute. Amidst the noisymotion, they entered the mansion. Viviana, who was taking their coats, asked curiously. Are you nning to go to themercial district tomorrow? Yes, madam. Then, may I join you? It would be nice to shop together while youre out. Ian had intended to ask for herpany. Despite being familiar with the area, the changes brought by a century and, more importantly, selecting attire for the New Years gathering were challenging. I would be grateful. Im not familiar with the current trends in the capital, so Id appreciate it if you could help me choose suitable attire. Leave that to me! With your grace, anything you wear will look splendid. Has the schedule for the New Years gathering been released? At thedys question, Ian pulled out a small note tucked between the magic stone reports. The New Years gathering was set to start in four days, with the title appointment ceremony and magic verification ceremony Ian needed to attend scheduled consecutively a weekter. Thedy, ncing over the note with him, frowned slightly. It might be a bit tight to tailor the attire, especially since there are many orders around the New Year. Ill introduce you to the tailor I frequently visit. Me too? Can Ie too? Beric interjected with sparkling eyes, excited at the thought of getting tailored clothes for the first time instead of his usual dirt-stained attire. Yes. Lets rest early today and start early tomorrow. Well visit the tailor and also, lets leave the sword with the cksmith. Yay! Awesome! I love it! Suddenly, Hasha, who had settled on the floor, started sniffing around. It seemed like a familiar scent was wafting in from outside. Hasha? Whats wrong? -Its nothing. Being in a dogs body has made my nose too sensitive; sometimes, the smells blend and be overwhelming. Dont mind it. Ian nced at Hasha, then peered outside the window. Only the lit buildings nearby were visible. Ian murmured towards Beric, who was jumping around in excitement. Beric. Its nice to see you so happy. Did you have a good nap earlier? Huh? Oh, yeah. Super refreshing-! Then you can stand guard tonight. Eh? How did the conversation turn to this? Beric, who had been frolicking, abruptly stopped and looked back at Ian, but Ians gaze was still fixed outside the window. He smiled and added firmly. Just until sunrise. Okay? Im counting on you. Chapter 118 Chapter 118 Beric. Ugh! At Ians call, Beric sprang up. His eyes shone intensely without a hint of disarray, but the saliva mark on the side of his cheek clearly indicated he had spent a blissful night. Beric frowned yfully and muttered. Ah, staying up all night really drained me. Should I go out for some meat today? Beric. I just heard you snoring. You must have heard wrong? Ahem. Beric rubbed his philtrum, gauging Ians reaction. Despite having stood guard till dawn with his senses fully alert, he had lost consciousness the moment the maid Minnie coughed. Worried about Ians reprimand, Beric kept looking around nervously. Was everything quietst night? Yeah. Absolutely nothing happened. Then, go wash up before breakfast. You look a bit unkempt. Breakfast! Lets have breakfast! tter! With Ians permission, Beric quickly dashed upstairs. Minnie, who was bringing warm soup, paused. Did he already go up? He said he wanted soup in the early morning, so I prepared it. Hes so impatient. Just set it down with the meal. Understood. Minnie said, when she came out in the dawn, there he was, eyes wide open, standing in front of the main gate. Seeing that he generally does his tasks well, Ian entered the dining room satisfied. Lady Viviana and Sir Romandro were also dressed lightly, ready for the day. Good morning, Lord Ian. Thanks to thedy, I had a veryfortable sleep. Theres much to do today, so please get ready quickly. Viviana seemed to have meticulously prepared the shopping list overnight. She slowly recited the route through themercial district they needed to follow that day, unfolding the neatly folded paper. Under the buttery scent and warm sunshine piercing the cold air, Ian felt a sense of peace for the first time in a while. Hasha seemed to feel the same, sitting quietly in his chair, sipping milk. Hasha. The smell? Is it much different from yesterday? -It seems not. Above all, the smell of butter is too strong right now. Hashas eyes were dreamy as he sniffed around. Was I worried for nothing? After making enemies in the change, it was almost like entering their den. It seemed he had be sensitive after consecutive encounters with Mariv and Gale. Food! Food! It seems Beric was unfairly caught in the middle. Ian, feeling a bit sorry for him, personally made him some tea. Whether Beric knew this or not, he began to devour the food on the table. Ha-ha! Delicious! Im sorry, mydy. I dont think this scene will be a good prenatal education for the baby. Oh, I dont mind. I saw it yesterday when you two went out. Its nice to see him eat heartily. Minnie! Prepare the carriage so it stays warm inside. Yes, Lord Romandro! Just stepping out of the upscale residential area, the streets beplicated. Not only does pedestrian traffic increase, but congestion worsens due to illegal flyers zipping between carriages and children on bicycles. To avoid shivering in the cold, it was essential to preheat the carriage. So, where are we going first? As Beric asked while munching on bread, Viviana answered in his stead. Were going to drop off the knights sword. Theres a very old forge nearby. They sharpen des wonderfully. Well drop it off, then go buy some clothes, and after eating, well pick it up. Thats the n. Beric nodded, finishing his meal. His sword was so blunt that it was better used for hitting than cutting. Lets go! *Burp* My goodness, Beric! I apologize. Hasha made an extremely annoyed face and growled softly. Thus, their peaceful morning began. * * * Here is the forge. Sir Ian, Viviana and I will wait here, so please hurry back. Understood. Beric, follow me. Yes, sir. Lets go sharpen our little sword~! Not far from Romandros mansion was the forge. Ian and Beric entered with the sword in hand. The stifling smell of sweat mixed with the ear-splitting ng of metal resonated continuously. Whirrr! Bang! ng! Bang! Beric was shouting something next to Ian while covering his ears, but it was too loud to hear anything. Ian looked around and spotted a yellow bell. Click. Pressing the button,nterns lit up in a ce visible to the cksmiths, a kind of doorbell indicating a customers arrival. They immediately stopped hammering and turned towards the entrance. Master! A customers here! Oh, alright. What brings you here, sir? Sir, right? The cksmith nced at Beric and trailed off. The de of this sword has be too blunt; we seek to have it sharpened. Just a moment. Hm? Is this supposed to be a sword? Indeed. How much would it cost? Five copper coins should suffice, but thats not the issue. Do you know what this is made of? I do not, as I am no expert. Ian had merely thought its color a bit dark. As the cksmith examined the sword with an unusual intensity, others began to gather around, curious. Whats the matter? Why is it this color? Could it be infused with Mementium post-creation? It seems darker than that. Its not a monster stone, is it? Dont jinx it! Howmon do you think monster stones are? Sir, if youre unsure of what this is, we cant be held responsible if it gets damaged during sharpening. Faced with the cksmiths question, Ian looked at Beric. It was a look that asked what to do. Beric, nonchntly shrugging while fiddling with his ear, seemed unconcerned. It cant get much worse. Even if it breaks in half, that might be better. It would at least make it easier to stab with. Do as you see fit. Please take good care of it. Even as Ian paid, the cksmiths kept examining Berics sword, seemingly convinced the thieves had stolen something quite remarkable. Welle back for it by this evening. Yes! Thank you! Well sharpen it with utmost care! Screech! Bang! Stepping outside, the heat from the forge had turned Berics face a rosy red. Ian likely wasnt looking much different. Swoosh. Ian paused as he was about to climb into the carriage, hearing the stealthy sound of footsteps behind them. Beric tilted his head, wondering why Ian wasnt getting in, while Viviana tried the door handle, thinking it might be locked. Ian tapped the window lightly, signaling her not to. Tap tap. Sir Romandro, please go ahead to the tailors. Eh? What about you, Ian? Ill cool off from the forges heat by walking. Ive memorized the way, so no need to worry. Its just past the crosswalk and then to the left, right? Had he been here before? It was surprising how well he knew the central area. Though puzzled, Romandro urged the coachman without further question. Hee-haw! As the carriage departed, Beric gaped in disbelief. Ian! What about me? Sir Romandro! Take me with you! Youreing with me. But, its really cold? Lets go. Just follow slowly. Ian turned into an alley in the opposite direction of the carriage, with Beric grumbling but having no choice but to follow due to his unfamiliarity with the area. The two continued deeper into the quiet and intricate backstreets, where even at midday, the sunlight couldnt prate due to the shadows cast by the buildings, reaching the very underbelly of the city. Clip-clop! By then, Beric had also noticed that someone was following them. He rubbed his bare hands against his outerwear, muttering to himself. Shouldve bought a new one while leaving the sword. You seem to have some money, Beric. Werent you going to buy me one, master? This way. Tap! Pitter-patter! The peculiar chase continued, with the mysterious pursuer moving agilely, trying not to lose sight of Ian and Beric. But then Whoosh! Ah. The moment they turned a corner, the two vanished without a trace. The pursuer gasped for breath, looking around bewilderedly, but there didnt seem to be any side alleys they could have taken. Just as she was about to turn back, grinding her teeth Hello~? Wham! Beric leaped out and threw a punch. The sudden attack was deftly blocked by the pursuer, who not only absorbed the force but also used it to counter, her movements fluid as a wave. The robe she wore fluttered dramatically. Thud! Huh. Beric, barely blocking the counter, blinked in genuine surprise. But that moment was brief; his eyes soon sparkled, and he grinned as if he had found worthy prey. Hey! Youve got some moves! Quiet! Are you Ian? Yep. Im Ian~. Wham! Thump! Crash! A series of blows were exchanged without a moments gap. From her voice, she seemed to be a woman, but herbat stance was far from ordinary. Unlike Berics raw aggression, she held the poise of a well-trained warrior, matching him in strength, which was astonishing. Beric. She seems to be left-handed. Her left fist was predominantly in use, indicating her right side might be rtively unguarded. With Ians subtle hint, Beric immediately exploited this, diving to her right and delivering a blow with his head to her chin. Ah, youve got spirit. Shall we introduce ourselves? I am! The woman, with a fierce shout like a battle cry, lunged at Beric with her fist extended. The daughter of Petreio1; the proud former deputymander of the Imperial Guard! Petreio. Ian immediately recognized the name, familiar to his ears. The man who had been ordered by Molrin to kill Ian, and who ultimately took his own life to uphold his honor. Barsabe Bruteda! Ah, nice to meet you! Ive got no proud parents to speak of! Just call me Beric, damn it! The enemy of my father! Youve got the wrong guy,dy! Crash! Their fists collided with each others faces simultaneously. Ian, watching, closed his eyes slightly as if it hurt him to watch the scene any longer.
  1. First mentioned in Chp.64[]
Chapter 119 Chapter 119 When Ian opened his eyes again, the two were sprawled out on the ground in a cross shape. Despite the mess of snow and mud, what was worse was their condition. The nosebleed that wouldnt stop was proof enough. Beric. Are you alright? Wow, damn, this hurts. It hurts! Good. You seem to be okay. It hurts, I said! But at least Beric could express his pain, whereas Barsabe could only curl up and groan. The mishandling of her magical powers was a critical mistake. The most significant issue was the rapid depletion of her strength, making it impossible to continue the fight properly. Ian approached her to subtly check on her condition. Are you crying? Who? Whos crying! She was indeed crying. Barsabe was shedding tears in frustration. Her lips chewed furiously, as if trying to hold back her sobs, but it didnt seem to be working. Ian frowned slightly and asked, The daughter of Petreio? You were the one lurking around the mansion since yesterday. Yes. So kill me now. If not, I wille back for you someday Barsabe couldnt finish her sentence. The shock of her fathers sudden death was enough to drive her mad, and to be defeated in such a manner before she could exact her revenge was the ultimate humiliation. She was supposed to be a knight of the Royal Guard, albeit still in training. So did Morlin say it? That I killed Petreio. Ian immediately realized who had leaked the information to Barsabe. Morlin, the old man from the administration who had survived the turmoil in Gale thanks to the protection of the gods. Perhaps they would see him at the New Years celebration. Morlin? That old geezer? Let me make this clear, we did not kill Petreio. In fact, the opposite was true. They had brought him to the mansion after he had tried to kill himself by crushing his face with poison and had not treated him. The act was intended to extract a confession, but in the end, they bore no responsibility for Petreios death. It was your father who tried to kill us first, and it was also your father who chose death to protect his lord and his honor. Lies! Why do you think its a lie? My father, my father would never You thought he wouldnt leave you behind? His words seemed to have hit a nerve. Barsabe started to sob, tears rolling down her cheeks. It appeared he had been a decent subordinate and not a bad father either. Barsabe. Be clear. If you swear toplete the mission your father could not, then it is right for you to kill me. But if you seek to avenge your father, you are mistaken. Petreio acted on his convictions and made his decisions ordingly. What could be a more honorable death for a knight than fighting fiercely in their appointed role? The grief felt by the family is another matter entirely. If you are a knight, then you should be able to understand Petreios final actions. As a knight, or in the spirit of one. Barsabe stared nkly at the ground, sniffling. The saliva she swallowed tasted strongly of blood. Ian, sensing that Barsabe had calmed down, continued, Do you trust and follow Morlin? No. On the honor of a knight? Yes. If she had affirmed trust in Morlin, she would have been deemed an enemy. It would mean that Morlin sent a spy to kill him, confirming the intention toplete Petreios unfinished mission. But since she ims to walk a different path Maybe theres some use for her after all. Ian checked his pocket watch and looked back at Beric. He was dusting off his dirtied clothes and wiping off blood, just as Ian was. With the noise they made, it was only a matter of time before the guards arrived. But it is true that Morlin told me that Ian, who came from the border, killed my father. Barsabe staggered to her feet, still ring at Ian. However, her gaze was no longer filled solely with the intent to kill. It was a look that hovered between suspicion and distrust, melting into something less hostile. At least, the will to kill Ian seemed to have dissipated. I see why Petreio would have said such a thing. What? What are you talking about? What did my father say? Ian deliberately mumbled, causing Barsabe to step closer and ask again, but he simply stepped back and smiled. Curious? He had once probed Petreio, asking if he wasnt afraid of the repercussions for his family. Petreio had responded with silence. Now, seeing the spirited nature of his daughter, Ian understood that Petreio had no worries in that regard. Is that supposed to mean something? Then dont sneak around. Come to the mansion formally, with all due respect, and I will hand over your fathers ring along with it. Petreios ring, coated with poison on a silver needle, had been sealed for investigation. Barsabe might be able to distinguish whether it was indeed her fathers or provided by Morlin for suicide. This could serve as critical evidence that Morlin had intended to kill her. Lets go, Beric. Huh? Were not killing her? Its settled. Killing her here would onlyplicate matters. With the New Years celebration approaching and various factions in the central region hostile to Ian, it was a delicate time. Not just Gale and Morlin, but also the noble sses who resented Ian, amoner who had risen to their ranks, would be looking for any excuse to target him. In such a time, even the falling leaves need to be treaded upon carefully, let alone dealing with a spy without giving them any leverage. Barsabe, you have chosen your timing well. What if she tries to kill us again? By then, youll have your weapon too, Beric. Itll be fine. Ah? Ahaha! Right. With a sword in my hand, its a different story. Ideally, if Barsabe truly intended to kill Ian, she should have made her move stealthily in the night to cause trouble. But she didnt. At least, she showed the intention not to involve those who were uninvolved, a noteworthy point. Besides, if I were killed, you wouldnt know where your fathers only remaining keepsake is, would you? Wouldnt that be troubling, Barsabe? Ian made sure to rify, in case she hadnt understood, and quickly left the alley without waiting for a response. The nearest patrol was almost upon them. Tap-tap-tap! This way! Over here! As expected, upon exiting the alley, Ian and Beric saw the back of the guards running into the opposite direction. They wouldb the area to find the source of the noise. Beric, youve done well. Lets hurry and get out of here. Ian, Im cold. Hungry. Sleepy. Youve got all the essentials of a beggar. Whose fault is that! Ian nodded for Beric to hurry up. Passersby momentarily flinched at the sight of the blood-soaked Beric but quickly made way, sidestepping to avoid them. Beric scooped up snow from a corner of the alley and scrubbed his face vigorously. Just wiping off the blood? You owe me a meat dinnerter. Got it? Understood. Lets get you changed into new clothes too. Its best to discard those. Their clothes, already ragged, were in a sorry state from the fight. Ian quickly headed towards Romandros tailor shop, and in about ten minutes, they arrived. Ding-a-ling. The clear sound of a bell weed them along with a rush of warm air mixed with the sweet scent of perfume. Romandro, who had been sipping tea at a table, turned around unconsciously and nearly choked in shock. My word! Sorry for the dy. Good heavens, Beric. Did you roll in a sewer? You look absolutely wretched! While Ians hair was merely disheveled from the run, Beric looked exactly like he had emerged from a sewer, as Romandro put it. Even Viviana couldnt hide her astonishment, her mouth agape. The boutiques madam was questioning with her eyes if Beric was indeed a customer, looking back at Romandro for confirmation. We had someplications. Madam Viviana, have you looked at the clothes? Ah, yes. We just finished selecting the designs. The current trend in mens fashion is a slightly rxed fit with bright-colored formal wear, embellished with a light touch of tassels, right, Madam? Ah, yes. Excuse me for a moment. Prompted by thedys urging, the tailor quickly gathered her wits and brought out a lineup of mannequins. To Beric, they all looked the same, but Ian meticulously examined each outfit. Bright is in fashion, but Beric is hard on clothes, so lets go with something darker for him. Ill take white. I like this design here. Your eye for style is impable, the madamplimented, bowing slightly with a satisfied smile. It wasnt just ttery; Ian had chosen the most popr design in the boutique, which also happened to be made from the most expensive fabric. And for the dinner? You might want to consider this line here. And what about the other options? Viviana sipped her tea, observing Ians selections. It wasnt that she was prejudiced, but Ians behavior was undeniably unusual given the context. It was peculiar how naturally Ian, who had primarily operated in the changing deserts, selected clothespared to the seasoned young nobles of the social circles. This one and this one? Whats the difference? Berics reaction seemed more natural, questioning the difference between button shapes or linings. Ians skill inparing such details was remarkable. Although Viviana had offered her assistance, it turned out to be unnecessary. Lets go with these. Ian chose aplete set, including a top, trousers, coat, shoes, and gloves, ncing at Beric. It might not have been the perfect fit for Beric, but it seemed sufficient for an appearance at the royal court. Thank you. The totales to five gold coins. Considering the monthly ie of an averagemoner was around one gold coin, the price was astonishing. Berics mouth fell open in shock, but Ian gracefully wrote a cheque and nodded in agreement. Romandro, who had been quietly observing, stood up to add something when Ian made his move. Swiftly, Ian wrote down eight gold coins. It was a tip for the tailor who had assisted with the fitting, a kind of showmanship. Given that this boutique was frequented by the central nobility, the tailor would surely share tales of Ians generosity after they left. Please ensure a fine finish on these. Absolutely. Leave it to us. It was essential to leave a favorable impression while also showcasing the wealth and generosity characteristic of nobility. Better to be seen as a nouveau riche than just another country bumpkin from the bordends. Well done. Romandro had risen to convey just that. Seeing Ian handle the payment so smoothly, he subtly gave a thumbs up in approval. Ian, constantly checking the mirror, noticed Beric feeling awkward in his new outfit. Beric, give that back to the madam and change into the new clothes. Well take a stroll around the shops and then go retrieve your sword. Do I have to wear this now, Master? Yes, you do. Ahhh. Whens the New Years celebration again? This is really nice. I like it. Beric, glued to the mirror and continuously admiring himself, prompted nothing butughter from Ian and Romandro as they exchanged amused nces. Thats when it happened. Boom! What? Again? Something exploded again! At the sound of a loud bang outside, Beric instinctively peered out the window. However, Romandro and Viviana remained calm, recognizing it as the fireworks from the pce signaling the uing New Years celebration. Ladies and gentlemen, please dont be rmed. This is the pce signaling the start of the New Years celebration period. Look up at the sky. Soon, it will be as if snowkes of pollen are falling, creating a beautiful spectacle. Prompted by Vivianas words, Ian joined Beric at the window to look outside, intrigued by the notion of such an opening ceremony from a century ago in Bariel. Wow, its true! The blue sky was embroidered with countless particles of pollen, glittering in gold, pale pink, and white, cascading down like stars. It was then that Ian realized why this spectacle was absent in his own era. This is magic too. With the decline of magicians, such disys had be impossible. It was a light signaling the true beginning of the New Years celebration. Boom! Oh! There it goes again! Beric hopped excitedly, turning towards the source of the sound. But that direction was Isnt that towards the forge? Yes, thats the direction. I see ck smoke. Do you see it too, Ian? Smoke? Ian turned his head, puzzled, and then noticed the wisps of ck smoke rising. Chapter 120 Chapter 120 As pollen signaling the start of the New Years Eve celebration nketed the entirety of Bariel, Barsabe returned to the pce in a sorry state. The small downtown mansion without her father had lost its meaning, so now her only abode was the lodging prepared for soldiers next to the training ground. Bang! Barsabe, what the hell! Shut up. Be quiet. Did you get into an ident somewhere? No. Mind your business. Barsabe roughly took off her tattered clothes and searched for her uniform. The Guard Corps tattoo on her left shoulder was still clear, despite the heat rash that had erupted all over her body due to her mishandling of magic. I dont have gloves. Lend me yours. Uniform? Why are you suddenly taking out your uniform? The New Years Eve event hasnt started yet. The pollen signal has only just gone off. Although she didnt know what Ians intentions were, there was only one thing she could do right now. Go along with him. Since he said he would hand over her fathers belongings if she came formally dressed, she had no choice but toply. With the body not even recovered yet, it was truly thest trace of her father. You didnt go looking for that guy Ian, did you? I did. And I came back empty-handed. Her colleague facepalmed at her response. The news of Petreios death had spread rapidly within the Imperial Guard. Although he was a retired senior, Barsabe had joined the same order after him, and since the knights actively interacted with each other, it was natural that everyone would find out. It probably started when Morlin returned to the administrative office in a near-dead state. That Ian guy chopped off Morlins arms and legs in the process of usurping the lordship. Of course, while the gossips mostly talked about Erica, it was clear that Petreios name was also mixed in. What about my father? Im sorry, Barsabe. Petreio fulfilled his knightly duty to protect me from Ian. But why? Sir Morlin is clearly the administrative officer of the pce To that despicable traitor, that didnt matter. Barsabe, while I was imprisoned in the dungeon, I heard your fathers agonizing screams day and night. Barsabe grimaced as she recalled her conversation with Morlin. Morlin had clearly told her that Ian had killed her father in a painful manner. However, the problem was that after meeting him, he didnt seem like the kind of person who would do such a thing at all. I know you shouldnt judge people by their appearance, but still, the feeling is a bit Barsabe! Are you listening to me? Her rambling thoughts came to an abrupt halt. Her colleague was holding her arm with a worried expression. To be precise, he was holding her left shoulder, where the tattoo was. If you get hurt during training, youll be expelled without warning. You know that, right? I understand your feelings, but that man is going to be a noble by order of His Majesty the Emperor. It means hes not someone we should point our swords at. Except for Marivs faction, it was natural that no one in the pce weed Ian. After all, even the neutral Imperial Guard had negativelybeled Ians first impression with Petreios death. I understand. But even if I get expelled, dont I have no father to scold me? T-thats not important! And why did you recklessly attack a magic user? Hes the man who pacified the savages in the bordends! Even Sir Morlin and Ericas central army were defeated by him, what were you thinking? The pce was a hotbed of rumors. Those who had heard of Ians exploits focused on different aspects depending on their own perspectives. The Ministry of Magic was particrly interested in Ians status as a magic user, while the Imperial Guard was particrly interested in the fact that Ian had driven out the central army. Thats right. And that one escort Ian always brings with him is crazy. Whats different about the food in the bordends? Hes just a brute with no brains. Barsabe muttered nonchntly, but she meant it. The fact that she had unknowingly released her magic was proof of that. Even taking into ount the tension of the situation, where she was about to avenge her fathers death, it was a clear mistake. Ill let it go for now. Ill let it go and take a good look at him. Whether Ian was responsible for her fathers death or not. Since she had already fought him once, she would be able to approach the next battle with more ease. It was at that moment that Barsabe picked up her sword case. Weeeeeeng. A loud assembly call rang out from outside. It was a signal for all the knights in the barracks, except those who had gone out on duty, to put on their uniforms ande out. Her colleague nced outside and then looked back at Barsabe with a sly smile. The knights who had remained in the pce werezily wandering back to their rooms. Take off your gloves. Ah. I only have one pair too. If she had known this would happen, she would have just grabbed her clothes and left. Barsabe frowned and put down the sword case. *** Wow. Beric eximed as he looked around the devastated cksmiths workshop. It was already a mess with dirty dust and ashes, but the floor was now charred ck from the traces of an unknown explosion. The cksmiths long beard also appeared to be scorched and ckened. My lord! You didnt tell me about this! Calm down and let me exin the situation. No, how could you not tell me about this when you entrusted me with this? Its just a silver coin for a special sword! Its much cheaper than the cost of the damage! Ian came here thinking that someone might be pulling a fast one, but it turned out to be true. Ian kept telling him to calm down, but the cksmith didnt lower his voice easily. No wonder, because the sword exploded! To be precise. I heated it up, but the heat wouldnt go away. I heated the de to tten the curved de. I thought it was heated enough to start hammering, but the temperature didnt drop over time. I was embarrassed and quenched it, but it exploded with tremendous heat and ruined everything! The cksmithined. Hehe, its my sword. Its so sharp! I almost got blown away because of that! But a craftsman is a craftsman. Despite the shock, he finished the job perfectly. The client is guilty, but the sword is not. Beric quickly ran over to grab the sword and swung it. His eyes widened and he smiled in satisfaction. Its gotten lighter. This is crazy! The de is even straighter now! Youll have to pay me for thepensation and the life insurance! Oh my, what are you doing carrying something like this around? Excuse me, but did you by any chance steal it? I stole it, what els-! I apologize. He didnt steal it, but in fact, he received it secretly from his family, right? Please understand the situation. Romandro quickly covered Berics mouth, and Ian fumbled to get a checkbook. It was a situation that he understood all too well. How much do you want? Give me at least one gold coin. Thats too little for life insurance. I heard from Lady Viviana that you are the best cksmith in the capital. Ian asked innocently as he picked up the pen. The cksmiths raised eyebrows softened slightly. The craftsmen of the rough cksmiths workshop were men of great pride. It seemed that Ianspliment had hit the spot quite well. Ill give you two gold coins. Think of it as a reward for a result that is even better than expected. Ahem. No, well, if you say so, Ill gratefully ept it. Im d nothing was seriously injured or broken. Thank you for saying so. Beric. Do you like it? Absolutely! I love it! Its the best! Beric continued to swing the sword around here and there, testing it out. Romandro clicked his tongue as he watched him. Tsk tsk. That means theres no dinner tonight, you brat! Huh? What are you talking about? Ian said he would buy me meat. That guy, that guy! Hes a pig who gobbles up money. Romandro whispered to Ian, but his voice was too loud. Beric, who had overheard him, jumped up and ran towards Romandro, and Ian calmly finished the calction. Youve worked hard. Yes. Next time, please leave it to an ordinary guy. Ill do it better. Beric! Stop pestering Sir Romandro ande out. Squeak. As they went outside, Viviana, who had been waiting in the carriage, leaned out her head with a worried look. Whats wrong? Are you okay? Yes, mydy. Its nothing. Its cold, so please stay inside. It would be better to finish here today and go home. Ian looked around again as he spoke. He didnt know if it was because he knew that the pursuer was Barsabe, or if it was just his imagination, but he couldnt feel any more strange energy around him. Beric. That thing will explode if it gets hot, so handle it carefully. Okay? Dont just put it in a firece for no reason. Romandro pulled Beric aside and warned him again and again. After all, this was no longer the bordends where Ian was the ruler, but the capital. It was difficult to predict the consequences of even a single incident. Do you think Im an idiot? Why would I put this in a firece? You put food in a firece! Ian nced at the smelted sword. It was definitely not an ordinary sword. Whether it was made from magic stones, dragons teeth, or even meteorite fragments, there were too many possibilities to guess. But one thing was for sure, it was no ordinary object. Beric, swear to me that you will take good care of it. Otherwise, I will have no choice but to confiscate the sword for everyones safety. Master? What are you talking about? We came here all the way from Karenna without any problems. I just have to not let it get hot. Seriously! Just dont let it get hot? Ians gaze suddenly lingered on Berics red hair and eyes. Come to think of it, magic is also a kind of heat and energy. What if he releases his magic through the sword? It would be the same as applying heat. Beric, you mustnt let your magic flow through the sword when youre holding it. Yes, yes. Ill do whatever you say. Dont I always listen to you? It was something he could try at any time, but now was not the time. The location was not ideal, and he didnt have the capacity to deal with the situation if something went wrong. Ian. What are you thinking? When Ian didnt answer, Beric asked him cautiously. Ian got into the carriage and threw out a yful joke. It wouldnt feel like a joke to Beric at all, though. I was calcting how much meat I can buy with two gold coins. No, is this my fault? You brat, if you hadnt picked up that thing, would this have happened? And what are you going to say when you tell them how you picked it up? Do you have something to investigate? Romandro also threw in a word and got into the carriage. Beric, who felt wronged, hurriedly followed up the steps, and their noisy outing came to an end. *** And finally. Ian woke up earlier than usual and watched the sun rise. A luxurious uniform and new shoes hung on the wall. Gloves and essories were also perfectly set up. The servant, Minnie, had been preparing since dawn. Knock knock. Lord Ian. Are you awake? Yes. Just now. You have a lot to prepare. Hurry up and get dressed ande out. At Minnies urging, Ian got out of bed. Today was a special day, and the day when the pollen that covered Bariel was in full bloom. Today is the day to attend the New Years party. The day Ian meets the emperor of this era. And it was the day he would start a new family and rise to the position of head of the family. Chapter 121 Chapter 121 Ian slid his hands all the way into the leather gloves, epting Minnies help. Minnie was slicking back every strand of Ians hair perfectly. Ian attached the tassel that came with the uniform to his chest and nced back. Ahaha. Dont I look totally good? Yeah. I guess thats why they say clothes are wings. Even Sir Romandro looks better than usual. Hey? When you get apliment, you should return it in full, why are you only giving me half? Beric also tied up his usually disheveled hair neatly and buttoned up his cor. The old scabbard hanging from his waist looked out of ce, but it didnt matter since they had to leave all their weapons at the entrance of the hall anyway. With even Romandro dressed properly, it really felt real. Today is really the day. Minnie turned around, seemingly finished, and smiled broadly. Lady Viviana, who had been fussing around next to her, also nodded her head in satisfaction. My, you look so splendid. Youre exaggerating, Madam. Im being sincere. Youll probably be the most dazzling one at the hall. I heard that the son of Marquis Ralton is also handsome, but he cantpare. Oh my. Viviana smiled, admiring Ians upright posture as if he were her own nephew. Beric suddenly poked his head in and asked. Lady Vivian! What about me? Oh, and Sir Beric too. You look very handsome. Oh. Those words have no soul Come on. Lets stop now and hurry up and leave. There will be a line of carriages going into the pce. Its going to be more crowded than usual, so its better to go early. Besides, isnt Ian the main character of the New Years party? There will be a lot of things to be instructed on once you get there. Romandro waved his hands, separating Beric and Viviana. Hasha, who was lying on the sofa,ughed sloppily. Have a safe trip. Yeah. Ill bete, so you rest too, Hasha. Beric! Lets go. Walk with a straight posture so your clothes dont wrinkle. The three men got into the carriage, seeing off Viviana and Mini. Unlike usual, the inside of the carriage even seemed to smell fragrant. Creak! Ill be back! Viviana, Ill be back. Be careful ande back safely. Sir Ian. Congrattions again. Neigh! As Ian waved his hand lightly, the carriage set off. There seemed to be more luxurious carriages on the road to the pce than usual. Beric stuck his face to the window and his eyes sparkled as he saw the pce for the first time. This is crazy. Youre going to lose your saliva, Beric. The carriages running alongside them all waved the gs with the seals of their respective families. It was the majestic aura of the nobles, who were proud of nothing more than who they were and where they came from. tter tter! But Ian was the special protagonist of the New Years party. While the other nobles followed the procedures for entering the pce one by one, Ians carriage followed the guidance of the pce staff and turned into a side road, heading straight for the main hall of the 1st Imperial Pce. Creak. Wee. Lord Ian. Sir Romandro. I am Carl, the official in charge of the title appointment ceremony for the New Years Party. As they got out of the carriage, the pce official greeted Ian with a respectful bow. Shouldnt the protagonist always appearst? The n was to wait in a separate room inside the main hall and make a grand entrance when the atmosphere was ripe. There seem to be more carriages than I thought. It seems that there are many nobles who are looking forward to this New Years party. The fact that amoner from the bordends was not only a magic user but also caught the eye of Mariv and immediately became the lord of a family was enough to make everyone want to see Ian and hasten their steps. As Im sure Sir Romandro has already told you, I will say it again. When the New Years party begins, the light of the oracle will be lit. At that time, please enter, wait for a moment, receive the title and family name, and then proceed with the magic verification ceremony. The instructions were simple. Simple, but the key was whether he could get along well with the nobles during the breaks in between. In a way, wasnt that the most important time at the New Years party? Unlike Romandro, who seemed to be nervous, Ian sat down on the sofa and rxed his shoulders. Do you also verify magic with the light of the oracle? Yes. It was a grandiose name, but in fact it was just a magic illusion made for decoration. It reacted like waves ording to the strength of the magic user, but its characteristic was that it spread gorgeously in a performance-like manner to raise the status of the Ministry of Magic. In a word, it was an event meant to be shown. Hmm. If you think youre going to be embarrassed, thats probably the time to do it. Theyll probably make sure it doesnt react to any magic. If the light spread out magnificently in response to the magic, it would be able to capture the atmosphere, but on the other hand, if it flowed quietly and indistinctly, there would be nothing as funny as that. Ian. Can you do it? You dont have to worry about etiquette. Im not the one whos going out there, so why is my heart beating so fast? Oh my. Really. Romandro bit his nails and shook his body. Beric, on the other hand, just looked around as if everything was new. The official, who seemed to be an oddbination, just watched them from a distance. Knock knock. How much time had passed? When it seemed like the sun was slowly setting, a noise was heard from outside. It meant it was the best time to make an appearance. The counselor opened the door respectfully and guided Ian. Come this way. Beric. You follow Sir Romandro. Beric smiled, raising his thumb as if to tell him to trust him. It was his usual yful smile. As they walked down the long hallway, the murmur seemed to grow louder. Far away, below the central staircase, a line of carriages could be seen. This way. You will enter now. Phew. It was Romandro who exhaled. Ian nodded, adjusting his cor. The servants opened the huge doors on either side. Creak. Oh, hello. Madam. Its the first time since the tea partyst week. Oh. You are Lady Charlotte. Its an honor to meet you. I heard you recently returned from the military. Thedys dress is truly beautiful today. The gap gradually opened. The conversations of the nobles leaked through the cracks. In contrast to the dim lighting of the hallway, the inside of the main hall was bright and splendid like daylight. Hundreds of fairies raised by magic floated in the sky, providing a spectacle, and the perfect and mncholy melody of the orchestra seemed to fill everything wlessly. sh. The moment Ian stepped into the banquet hall. The nobles who were closest stopped their conversation and turned their heads. The eyes of thedies who covered their faces with fans widened, and the men moved their jaws slightly, saying, Look at that. Like falling dominoes, the strange atmosphere of the banquet hall spread out with Ian at the center. Beric. This way. What? Already? As soon as they entered, Romandro slipped away to the side with Beric. Romandro was just an ordinary counselor here. He was not in a position to introduce the nobles to Ian. Look at that. Thats him. Oh. The illegitimate son of Count Bratz? Oh my. Hes younger than I thought. Ian stood alone on the red velvet carpet and looked over the nobles. He stood still, his gaze moving slowly and leisurely. Thats right. How dare a child Im scared of my father Really. And they say hes close to the bordends barbarians, so you can tell one by looking at ten. Sister. Isnt he a little too much? Are you crazy? Come to your senses. Hes amoner. But hes a magic user? And yet how did he get Marivs favor They were not subtle, but rather harsh. They didnt hide their condescending eyes, as if a strange spectacle had appeared. Romandro, who had turned to a corner, saw this and bit his lower lip. I knew it would be like this, but its even worse when I see it with my own eyes. How could he break the momentum of the vested interests alone? All Romandro could do was wish that His Majesty the Emperor would appear and introduce Ian as the protagonist. Swish. But at that moment. Ian raised his chin and smiled. It was an elegant and confident smile, as if he was born with it. Smile, Your Majesty. Along with the words of encouragement, Ian recalled the first banquet he attended as Emperor. It wasnt much different then. Compared to the snake-like people who were trying to devour the young Emperor, this situation could be considered quite mild. Your inner strength is tremendous, and it will be conveyed to others without you having to say anything. Think of yourself as the center. Then others wille to you as the center. Ian started walking on the carpet. His straight back, soft jawline, and leisurely gaze were not something that could be considered amoner from bordends. And always smile. When Your Majesty smiles, the world smiles. But when Your Majesty cries, the world willugh even louder. Swish. Ians eyes met head-on with a nobleman who was stepping on the carpet. He was blocking the path Ian was supposed to take. When Ian smiled silently, the man was embarrassed and took a step back. Oh, my. I apologize. No. Are you by any chance the eldest son of the Seruo family? Ian nced at the seal on his chest and spoke. It was a subtle jab, but it was a familiar pattern that he had seen 100 years ago. The embarrassed man nodded his head involuntarily and said his name. My name is Marlon Hope Seruo. Its nice to meet you. Im Ian. Since Im receiving my family name today, its a shame that the name I can tell you is short. Ah. Yes. Thats right. Youre Ian. Hello. Its a beautiful day, isnt it? Im Alena Seruo. At that moment, the woman next to him introduced herself. It was a very brief moment, but the womans gaze swept up and down Ian. Ian greeted her with a smile as well. Although they were not influential people, they were not bad as first-time conversation partners. Ian knew well that approaching his peers first, rather than the older nobles who were stiff and old, was one way to break the ice. I heard youre a magic user. Yes. Im receiving my title today, and then Ill have a magic verification ceremony. Then would you shake my hand? They say its good luck to meet a magic user. Before you get the title of magician, that is. Of course, Lady. Oh, me too Ian sessfully managed to infiltrate their midst. In addition to the people of the Seruo family who were chatting noisily, other groups were also listening in on their conversation. Seruo, why dont you introduce us too? Ah. This person is from the Hayman family Hello, its been a while. This is Ian? As a few curious and sociable nobles approached, the atmosphere quickly reversed. It was a reaction that was difficult to start, but once it got going, it progressed very naturally. Boooooom. While Ian was chatting with the nobles, a heavy trumpet sounded and the orchestra stopped ying. At the same time, the women held up the hems of their dresses and bowed slightly, while the men put their hands on their chests and lowered their heads. Ian did the same. Its the Emperors entrance. His Majesty the Emperor enters! Everyone, pay your respects! Ian focused his senses on the sound of footsteps entering the banquet hall and ascending the tform. Emperor, who are you? If he only saw his face, and if his vague memories became clear, Ian would be able to remember the next emperor as well. One by one, the nobles raised their heads, greeting him. Ah. The moment he raised his head, Ian stopped and let out a small gasp. Chapter 122 Chapter 122 The magnificent gold thread was wlessly woven into the precious fabric. The crown was adorned with extravagant jewels that would put a king to shame, but the emperor himself looked like a withered old tree. Deep wrinkles etched by time and half-faded pupils. His ashen skin tone made it seem like he could die at any moment. Looking at his face, I can vaguely remember him. Ian had no trouble remembering him. He immediately recalled the portrait of the emperor hanging in the left end of the hallway. He had a particrly badplexion, which made him memorable, but Ian also remembered hearing that he had lived a long life despite his appearance. Then, the next one after him . Ians head involuntarily turned to look behind the emperor. The princes Mariv and Gale were entering one after the other. They were dressed in full regalia, unlike before, and looked magnificent. The other princes seemed to have no intention of ascending the tform and turned back. The next emperor has silver hair and blue eyes. And a scar that runs from his left forehead to his right jaw. But I dont see any other princes here. Its definitely not Mariv or Gale. Their facial features are different, let alone the scar. Ian kept ncing around as he tried to recall the face of the next emperor. Just in case, just in case. It was unlikely, but if all the princes had died and they had brought in an outsider, he would have to check the dukes as well. Silver hair, silver hair . Silver hair is not amon hair color, though. If I see him, Ill recognize him right away. The moment Ian turned his gaze slowly, feeling relieved, he realized that Mariv and Gale, who were standing on either side of the emperor, were watching him. Their gazes were filled with curiosity, or perhaps vignce and caution. Hmm. Looking at them side by side, they do look like brothers. The two were standing some distance apart and facing each other, so they seemed unaware that they were both looking down at Ian. Ian pretended not to notice and kept his head turned towards the emperor. The nobles next to him were just looking at the princes, confused. Why, why are they looking like that? Theyre not looking at us, theyre looking at this Ian guy. Theres definitely a different protagonist today. I have no idea what theyre thinking. Its scary. Shhh. Be quiet. His Majesty is about to speak. The nobles gossiping, which had been going on quietly, stoppedpletely. This was because the emperor had taken a step forward. He pursed his dry lips a few times and then smiled kindly. Thus passes another year in the great empire of Bariel. His words were squeezed out quietly, but the emperors voice resonated throughout therge banquet hall. This was also the power of magic. A voice that seemed to resonate in ones head, without any sense of space. Beric flinched and shook his body. I personally offer my encouragement to those of you who have worked hard for the empire this year. Surely the flowers that bloom next year will be even more beautiful, the fields will be golden, and the returning winds will be warm. It was the emperors New Years greeting. The nobles listened to the emperor, looking up at him with polite smiles and nodding their heads slightly. He spoke slowly about the past year, touching on the major and minor events that had taken ce in the empire this year. The restoration of the temple after the great earthquake in the spring To be honest, the emperors speech, which went on and on endlessly, was boring. Ian nced back and met eyes with Romandro and Beric. So! Boring! No! Beric mouthed the words to Ian, while Romandro just sighed as if he had lost half his soul. Ian smiled and looked back to the front, just as his name was called. The rebellious house of Bratz of the bordends has been exterminated. If those who oppose the great empire of Bariel wish to see their future, let them look that way. p, p, p. The nobles apuded lightly in response. This was a part of the speech that firmly reminded any houses that were evading taxes and embezzling money that they would meet the same fate as the Bratz. As the emperor spoke these words, Mariv nced at Gale and smiled. On the other hand, Gale remained expressionless and did not react. Swooosh. Ian now knew that it was his turn to be called. This was because the chancellor approached with a pedestal decorated with flowers. The emperor nodded slightly and continued speaking. I will forever erase the name of Bratz from history, and by imperial decree, I will establish a new house. The nobles gazes turned to Ian one by one. This was the moment he would officially enter their world. Ian. As the emperor called his name, the nobles parted to the left and right, creating a path. The apuse was apanied by the music of the pce orchestra, and Ian stepped forward with a smile on his face. As he ascended the tform, he could see the emperors face in more detail. How old is he? I know hes lived a long time, but he looks really sick. Ian knelt on one knee and bowed, and the emperor patted him on the shoulder with his own hand. Ian. Its good to see you here. It is an honor, Your Majesty. You inherited the blood of Dergha Bratz, but I acknowledge your merits in suppressing the rebels for the sake of the empire. You are also a talent that is essential for the development of the Bariel Empire. At the emperors gesture, Ian stood up and straightened his posture. The brooch on his chest was a design of a white flower in full bloom behind an X-shaped sword. This would be the emblem of Ians house from now on. What is that supposed to be? I wonder. It doesnt look very good, but it seems to be a white flower? Who would use a white color when they could have something more shy . Some of the nobles snickered, but Ian paid them no mind. Unlike his surname, Ian had chosen the emblem of his house himself. They probably dont even know what a G flower is. In the bordends, Gr had already be an indispensable crop. Gr would soon bemercialized throughout Bariel, which would mean the end of the famine. To make sure that everyone knew he was the one who led this achievement, Ian had made the Gr flower the emblem of his house. In the future, this white flower would be the most prestigious symbol in the empire. Thus, I grant you the title of Baron of Hielo. Ian Hielo. That was Ians new name. Ian bowed his head willingly and greeted him with dignity. Hielo? I feel like Ive heard that name before. But the name seemed familiar. Judging from the fact that he couldnt remember it right away, it didnt seem to be the name of a noble house It felt like he had heard it somewhere. Hielo, Hielo. Ian continued to chew on his new surname as he received his title. For the glory of Bariel. For the glory of Bariel. Ian put his hand on his chest and swore allegiance to the emperor. Mariv, who was watching him from behind, smiled broadly and apuded. Gale did the same, but in a more formal manner. The spirit lights that filled the banquet hall created a beautiful flow, scattering like flower petals. p, p. Congrattions, Baron Ian Hielo. Thank you, Viscount Hawkman. Oh, you know me? To be precise, I know your son, Sir Fuhlen. I was greatly helped by his book on humanism. Its a pleasure to meet you. I am Marquis Hines. Your Grace. It is an honor to meet you. As Ian came down, the nobles reactions became a little more flexible. Just because he had received a name from the emperor. Nothing had changed between the Ian before and the Ian now. Of course, there were still many factions who were hesitant to approach him, but it was clear that Ian was now the center of attention in the social world. Next, I would like to congratte you on your achievements in the Battle of Roxanne. Heyl, Tommy, Nakina, of the Ministry of Magic. Ians turn was over, but the New Years party continued. There were many knights who had distinguished themselves in major and minor battles, and there were also a few nobles who were being promoted. As the voices congratting Ian gradually diminished, he cautiously took a step back. Ian! Over here! Hey! Lord Ian Hielo~? Youre really a baron now. Youre a noble! Congrattions! Romandro and Beric were also looking for him, and they met him right away. They were whispering and couldnt hide their joy, which was quite a sight to see. Ian smiled and nodded. It will take a while for the magic power verification ceremony to begin. Yeah. Now we can just stand and watch, which is a real relief. It seemed that there were no promotions like Ians, where his status changedpletely, so everyone was going up the stairs next to the tform instead of the red carpet in the center. But sir Romandro. Hmm? He hadnt noticed because he had just walked straight in through the entrance. There were women sitting in groups on the second floor above the door, watching the New Years party. Are the women sitting upstairs the emperors concubines? Yes, they are. A clear line had been drawn. Except for the emperor, empress, and princes, all other family rtions were one step behind the center of power. Ah. Silver hair. Ian spotted a woman sitting among them. She had her hair tied up in a single bun, and she seemed to be of quite high rank even among the concubines. Ian called out to Romandro again. Do you know who that silver-haired concubine is? Who? Silver hair? Oh. Romandro nced around and whispered quietly. Even though they were in a secluded spot, and everyone seemed to be enjoying their own private conversations rather than the emperors speech, this was the pce. It was a ce where you had to be careful with every word you spoke. That would be Lady Dina. Dina. The mother of the fourth and fifth princes, and currently the only concubine who actively assists the emperor by his side. The other concubines had only married for political reasons and did not have much interaction with the old and dying emperor. However, Dina, who had sons to protect, had to cling to whatever power she could, so she actively took charge of the pce events by directly assisting the emperor. Lady Dina must have also prepared the New Years party on behalf of His Majesty. She takes care of all sorts of internal affairs and fills the void left by the empress. Dina has silver hair. Then Do her sons also have silver hair? Hmm? Yes, they do. They inherited their mothers hair color and their fathers eye color. Which means they have blue eyes. Ian was now certain that the next emperor would be one of Dinas sons. The question then was, which one was it, the fourth prince or the fifth prince? With the first and second princes both being pushed out of the throne, the order of the fourth and fifth princes doesnt matter. Ian continued to look up, hoping to see the princes. Thats when it happened. ! A boy who looked about fifteen years old appeared next to Dina. Ian immediately recognized him as the man he had seen in the emperors portrait. That boy would grow up to be the man in the portrait. Sir Romandro. By any chance, is that Just as he was about to ask if that boy was the fourth or fifth prince. Another boy, who looked exactly the same, appeared. Romandro nced up casually and answered. Oh, yes. Those are the fourth and fifth princes. Theyre twins. Chapter 123 Chapter 123 Ian was rarely flustered, but he couldnt help but be speechless. Twins? If they had been of different genders, or even if they had only had the same surname, things wouldnt have been like this. Even from a distance, the two princes looked exactly alike, as if they were looking in a mirror. Arent they amazing? Rumor has it that even their mother, Lady Dina, sometimes gets them confused. But their personalities are so different that its not a big problem. Even I can tell whos who just by looking at them. What are their names? Ian continued to search his memory and asked. Was there an emperor with twin brothers 100 years ago? He couldnt remember. This was because the emperors brothers were often the losers in the power struggle and were intentionally excluded from history. The fourth prince is named Arsen. The fifth prince is named Jin. Ian frowned at Romandros muttering. Usually, twins had names that had some kind of unity, but to anyones eyes, the fourth prince had a noble name, while the fifth prince had a name thatmoners would use. I know what youre curious about. But I dont think this is the ce Lets step outside for a moment. This was not something to be heardter. It was clear that one of these two would be the emperor, and there was no need to beat around the bush. At Ians gesture, Romandro nodded and quickly stepped back. Beric did the same. Excuse us. They walked out of the huge arched entrance and into the hallway opposite. Unlike the grand banquet hall, the atmosphere here was filled with young and debauched nobles who were not interested in the emperors New Years speech. A few of them nced at Ian, but that was all. They were focused on enjoying themselves by teasing each other. Ooh. Theyre kissing over there. Beric. Stop talking nonsense ande here. Lord Romandro. I know this is a disrespectful question, but is the current emperor really the 13th emperor? If Ians memory was correct, then that should be the case. He clearly remembered the words Verocion XIII written below the portrait. However, Romandro turned his head around awkwardly and looked around. Be more careful with your words. It hasnt been long since that matter was concluded. The current emperor is the 14th. Ian sighed softly. He immediately understood what Romandro meant. There was such a big difference between looking at history from the distant future and living in it. Thete emperors father, who was overthrown by the previous rebellion, was recognized as legitimate. Therefore, he was the 13th emperor untilst year, but now he is the 14th. Once in power, it is not umon to rewrite previous history in order to legitimize it. Especially as branches diverge, there is a desire to be recognized as the rightful lineage for political standing, but since one cannot change the blood that flows in their veins, the only option is to change history. What are you talking about? Did they find some hidden parents? Beric scratched his ears in confusion. It didnt make sense to him. How could one be the 13th and then suddenly be the 14th without the Emperor dying and being reborn? Ian, holding his forehead, murmured in response. History changes its meaning depending on who writes it. Its about dethroning predecessors or restoring them. Though the current Emperor is the 14th, just as he was the 13th untilst year, who knows what will happen next year. This suggested that in the midst of historys flow, one cannot gauge the depth of the storm. One can only navigate forward by what is immediately visible. When I received the appointment letter as a lord in the bordends, I had heard the emperors name but I didnt know him. The next generation will probably be the same . But why are the names of the twin princes so different? Ian asked, trying to organize theplexities in his mind. Arsen and Jin. There seemed to be a clue in the significant difference in the atmosphere of their names. A prophecy was made when the twins were born. A prophecy? Officially? Yes. The details will be in the records. Its been ten years since then, though. It was a big deal at the time. The princes are ten years old. Ian nodded as he thought about this and asked to hear more. Romandro lowered his voice as much as possible and whispered. The firstborn will suffer a great misfortune because of the child bornter. ! Ians eyes widened. Although there was much room for interpretation, as befitting a prophecy, it felt like a huge signpost to Ian. Romandro stroked his beard and made a hmm sound. Thats why the two of them didnt even share the same bedroom when they were babies. Some people thought it might be a fight for power in the future, but since their older brothers, His Highness Mariv and His Highness Gale, are already holding their ground, that shouldnt be the case anymore. Anyway, they probably gave them ordinary names to prevent the devil from ying tricks. It was because of the superstition that if they lived among ordinary names, they could avoid the devils tricks. Anyway, if one of Mariv and Gale became the next emperor, Arsen and Jin would have to live as if they were dead. But as always, prophecies arent always right, are they? After observing them for 10 years, it seems like its aplete failure. Is that so? Since they were young, they have been thoroughly educated, and Prince Jin has been extremely kind and caring towards Prince Arsen. He doesnt hesitate to respect and cherish him. Sometimes I feel like the older and younger brothers have changed ces. As a result, the older brother, Arsen, had a bright and lively personality and always had a smile on his face, while the younger brother, Jin, had a calm and dignified atmosphere. Even though they looked exactly the same, everyone in the imperial family had no trouble distinguishing between the two. I see. Ian turned around with the thought that he should meet the two princes once. The sound of the imperial orchestra graduallying from inside was getting louder. It was possible to guess that the ceremony of awarding titles was over with the emperors speech, and that there was a short break. Lets go in. We can talk about the details when we get to the mansion. Details? Isnt what weve talked about so far the details? What else is he curious about? Romandro scratched his chin, but Ian just nodded and took the lead. Beric followed right next to him andughed. Tap tap! Ian. But- Master. Ah. Master. But what about dinner? Its still a long way off. We have to finish the magic power verification ceremony before we can move on to the dinner party. Beric made a shocked expression, as if the fact that dinner was still far away was more important than the title correction. He should have eaten more dinner if he had known this. It was a mistake to listen to the advice to eat lightly because he was wearing a tight-fitting outfit. Swoosh. As Ian returned to the banquet hall, the atmosphere had definitely changed. The emperor and the princes had gone up to the second floor to watch the rest of the program, the music was more lively, and the spirits were even busier. Baron Ian Hielo, Your Grace. At that moment, a voice called him from behind. He turned around and saw a man in a mages uniform bowing politely. He seemed to be a clerical officer in charge of the event at the Ministry of Magic. I would like to give you a brief exnation of the uing mana verification ceremony. Pleasee this way. Minister Wesleigh will exin it herself. Wesleigh. Gales lover and the head of the Ministry of Magic. As far as Ian knew, all the current evil deeds were centered around Wesleigh. Ian gestured to Beric to follow him. Sure. Lets go. Lead the way. Yes. This way. He walked around the back of the stage and immediately recognized the woman named Wesleigh. ck hair tied in a bun, pale skin, and lips red as blood. She was wearing a cape that only a minister could wear. Good evening, Minister Wesleigh. She was leading the verification ceremony when she turned around. And as soon as she saw Ian, she twisted her lips and made a strange smile. She was beautiful, but she also had a tremendous sense of oppression. Perhaps it was because Ian knew Wesleighs true colors that he felt that way. Oh! Who is this? You must be the noble lord from the humble illegitimate line of bordends, Baron Ian Hielo? Wesleigh pped her hands and raised her voice. The surrounding mages also nced around and tried to hide their snickers. Beric frowned irritably, but when he met Ians eyes, he patiently looked at the distant mountains. Nice to meet you, Minister Wesleigh. If you dont mind, may I ask your family name? Ian smiled and offered Wesleigh a handshake, pretending to be indifferent. It was an attack that most mages were ofmoner origin. No matter how much she wore a cor in the pce, Wesleigh would not have anything that could be called a family name. At the same time as her lips hardened, theughter around her also stopped instantly. Baron Ian Hielo. As a minister, I am in the same position as a court mage. It was not an actual title, but it meant that she had the corresponding honor and authority. Ian smiled, pulling his hand back awkwardly. Ah. I apologize. I thought I hadnt heard Minister Wesleighs family name because I was ignorant. The nuance was that she was talking too long about not having a family name. Ian did not avoid the tant and hostile gazes of the mages, but met them one by one. There was no reason for Ian to back down. It would be quite a sight to see you reduced to very after being so arrogant. Thank you for your concern. Contrary to rumors, the Minister of Magic seems to be very kind. He had no worries about being demoted for not being able to pay the 10,000 gold coins. On the contrary, since it made his status free, wasnt it something to be grateful for? In that case, joining the Ministry of Magic would be almost like Ians choice. Leaving aside Marivs orders, or, well, the construction of the annex and all that. Wesleigh stared at Ian and sharpened her gaze. She hated to see that little thing, who had just received a noble title, act so arrogantly. Ian. Soon, we will proceed with the mana verification ceremony. Therefore, if it is confirmed that you have mana flowing through your body, you will receive an official request for admission to the Ministry of Magic within tomorrow. Oh. It is an honor, Minister. Its a cliche greeting. Do you have a department you prefer? Wesleighs lips twisted into a smile. It was clear that she was up to something. Ian chose silence instead of answering and looked down at the atmosphere of the surrounding mages, including Wesleigh. Theyre definitely up to something. Could it be what I expected? Yes. What would a country bumpkin who just came up know? Youll have to have someone next to you tell you before you can answer. That meant Mariv. It meant that she knew Mariv was sending Ian as a spy. But the Ministry of Magic needs performance based on ability above all else. We dont treat those who just sit around and collect taxes like parasites. I dont know how much mana you have, but youll be assigned to a department that suits you. Ian couldnt help but smirk. It was what he had expected when he first entered the New Years party. To bet on the light of the prophecy and not react at all. Oh. Is that so? Ian answered as if he were ignorant, but Beric, who was standing next to him, could tell that there was a hint ofughter in his voice. Chapter 124 Chapter 124 Minister Wesleigh, the main body of the Oracles Light has arrived. Pleasee and verify it. Wesleighs gaze, which had been unfavorably looking down at Ian, turned back. The surrounding mages who had been ridiculing him did the same. They hurriedly moved and prepared to receive the main body. You wait here. Ian nodded, meaning that he would be in trouble if he said anything, and Wesleigh frowned even more and went outside. Shiny ck velvet curtains separated the outside from here. Judging by the way the music and the din of peoples voices were getting louder, it was clear that they were enjoying a sociable pleasure. Ian, you justughed, didnt you? Hmm? Me? As Beric looked around the deserted surroundings, he realized that there were many magic circles drawn on the floor. Should he not step on them? He quickly lifted his toes, but Ian walked over them without any concern. What if they get erased? Magic circles dont disappear easily just because you step on them. Not unless you cover them with something else. The main body of the Oracles Light will probably be set up here. Ian muttered as he examined the magic circles. It was a part where intricate forms and curves written in flying letters were chaoticallyyered. What do you think that Wesleigh is going to do? She feels so creepy. Shes probably already done it. The Ministry of Magic would want the magic power I possess to be useless. First and foremost, it was to humiliate the arrogant illegitimate child, and secondly, it was to give external legitimacy to the act of putting Ian in a lower department. Since I am considered Marivs subordinate, it would naturally be a burden to put me in a core department. Isnt the minister the head there? Cant you just do what you want? Who would dare to say anything? Or should you just keep your head down and stick to menial tasks? Although it was an independent and exclusive department, it was ultimately just one of the giant cogs in the imperial pce. There were too many factors involved to simply push Ian to the ground without justification. Do you know what kind of criticism youll receive if you mistreat a noble who has received the Emperors favor without justification? The nobles wont be happy either. No matter how different our backgrounds are, if there is no respect for those who have received titles, there will surely be resistance. It was clear that they didnt want to give Prince Mariv even the slightest opening. So, you mean theres nothing to worry about? Not necessarily. Ah, this is giving me a headache. Beric, I appreciate you worrying about me, but you dont have to. The answer is already set. Ian discovered a magic circle that caught his eye and muttered. The form was slightly different from the Oracles Light activation spell he remembered. There were still many people walking around here and there. They were too busy to pay attention to him, but if he were to disy his magic power, he would immediately attract their attention. Its easy to look down from above, but its hard to look up from below. The Magic Stone Department, which Prince Mariv wanted, was rtively less preferred, so it wasnt difficult to approach. Therefore, it was important to preemptively take the upper hand and widen the range of choices avable. In short, he intended to make his presence felt as much as possible in this ce. And above all, rumors will spread among the nobles that I am ofmoner origin. He needed to show them clearly. That even though he was a bastard, he had the qualifications to be a noble like them. And that he had even more noble and precious abilities than them. In order to strike a bnce between both Princes Mariv and Gale, I need a third force. Of course, it could be the 4th and 5th Princes who were the candidates for the Emperor, but for now, the power of the crowd was just right. The leaders of Bariel who were united under the name of nobles. Swoosh. After confirming the incorrect magic circle form, Ian approached Beric and beckoned him. Beric. Lend me your finger. My finger? As if ordering him to bite and draw blood, Beric bit the tip of his index finger. Ian crouched down and pointed to the parts that needed to be erased. Cover here and here. No, if you knew youd need this, you should have brought something useful! Youre right. Its my fault. Fine. A weeks worth of meat dishes. As Ian nodded, Beric rubbed one side of the magic circle, muttering to himself. Since it was only a small part about the size of a fingertip joint, it wasnt very noticeable. Whirrrr. Ian was visually inspecting the magic circle when he heard the soft sound of wheels rolling behind him. Beric, who turned around without thinking, opened his mouth wide and hesitated. Ian, thats Its the Oracles Light. The Oracles Light. It resembled a giant harp made of gold. The smoothly connecting curves, the frame that firmly supported the bottom, and the delicate decorative sculptures made it look like a heavenly instrument bestowed by God. But there are no strings that make the sound, right? Do you see a faint light instead of strings? Berics eyes widened at Ians exnation. The surrounding area was crowded with mages and officials, making it impossible to approach. No. I cant see it. Lookter. Its quite a sight. The New Years Eve party. It was a ce to provide spectacr entertainment at the most important imperial banquet of the year. And it was for the nobles and royalty. It had to show a beauty as beautiful as the pollen that falls all over Bariel. Baron Ian Hiello. Yes, Minister Wesleigh. Ian slowly approached at Wesleighs call. The Oracles Light was ced in the center of the magic circle and was finishing its preparation for activation. Berics small bloodstain was hidden under the Oracles Light. Do you know how to do it? You never told me, so how would I? Once the Ministry of Magic starts the Oracles Light, you simply put your hand on this surface and activate your mana. It would be good to remember that the atmosphere of the banquet hall will change depending on the wavelength and intensity. Ian clicked his tongue inwardly. Even if they had ulterior motives, they were giving him such a rough exnation. Ian just nodded and said he understood. Everyone, get ready to finish! Yes, Minister. Wheeeeeeng. Wheeeeeeng. Wesleigh turned her back, indicating that she had nothing more to say. The mages opened their mana one by one and poured mana into the magic circle on the floor. The magic circle sparkled like fire. Beric watched with sparkling eyes, amazed. The gold color shines brighter! The flow of mana created a breeze in the enclosed space. The velvet curtains fluttered slightly, and the excited murmurs of the people grew louder. The orchestras performance also elerated. You, are you the escort of Baron Ian? Step back. Huh? Ian? Go away, Beric. Im fine. The moment Ian waved his hand lightly, saying not to worry, a mage who passed by him turned back, biting his lips. Over there. It was a woman with pink hair cut short like a mans. Ian immediately recognized who she was. She was Nakina from the Ministry of Magic, who had been praised for her contribution in the Battle of Roxanne right after Ian. Hale, Tommy, Nakina. Theres only one womans name out of these three. What is it? She looked around and sighed inwardly. Then she quickly whispered the method of mana verification that Wesleigh had not told him. Are you right-handed? Yes. Then hold therge pole with your left hand and output mana with your right hand. It is important to put your palm on the entire surface of the light, and your hand movements must be smooth to create a beautiful and natural illusion. Nakina! Alright! Iming! The one calling her was also a man who had received credit for the Battle of Roxanne. Nakina nced past Ian, careful to avoid Wesleighs gaze. Fortunately, a few mages were watching, but it seemed to be out of Wesleighs sight. Nakina, I told you not to get involved in this mess. But, even so Isnt it better to not let someone who knows nothing be made a fool of? Nakina grumbled, full of annoyance, because she didnt know that Wesleigh had tampered with the magic circle. It makes me feel bad, like Im eating a child. Anyway, youre really something. Whatever, lets go down. I dont want to see this. That sounds good. Shall we have some beer for a change? Is Hale paying? They chose to open a keg in the bustling back alley after leaving the pce rather than watch the disgusting mana verification process. Ian watched them and recalled the names of the three people. The Battle of Roxanne. Hale, Tommy, Nakina. Ian had seen mana verification countless times in the past. Of course, he knew the method, but their thoughtfulness left a deep impression on him. Swoosh. At that moment, a bright light poured down next to Ian. The velvet curtains that had been dividing the banquet hall were drawn back. The atmosphere of the hall, which was much more rxed than before, came into view at a nce. Oh! Its Baron Ian Hiello! It looks like theyre finally going to start. It must be hard to run around twice a day. Haha. No, its not. Think about it. What could be so difficult for someone who used to barely scrape by in the back alleys? Its my first time seeing this mana verification process. Im excited! But sister, hes still handsome no matter how you look at him. To be honest, I dont think it matters that hes ofmoner origin if you just look at his appearance. Shhh! Stop making such reckless noises. All sorts of noisy voices filled the air. Someonesughter, scorn, interest, and goodwill were mixed together to create a huge wall. An invisible wall between the tform where Ian was standing and the nobles watching him. Ian! Do your best! Romandro, who was raising his two fists behind him, was also visible. Raising his gaze slightly, he could see that the imperial family, including the emperor, was watching him. The gazes of Gale and Mariv were particrly sharp, but Ian ignored them and approached the Oracles Light. This is Minister Wesleigh of the Ministry of Magic. Wesleigh hid the coldness she had shown Ian and smiled like a minister. Her gaze tried to reach Gale on the second floor. Whether it reached him or not, only Gale would know. Everyone knows that magic power is truly important to uphold the Great Empire of Bariel. However, it is truly regrettable that there have been no new talents in recent years. But I am truly d that on thest day of this year, a new blessing seems to be descending upon the Ministry of Magic, and even more so, upon Bariel. Wesleigh smiled, her eyes crinkling. The Ministry of Magic had a particrlyrge budgetpared to other departments. Where did all that budgete from? It came from the taxes of the nobles. I swear that the mana that Baron Ian Hiello shows will be used gloriously for the Great Empire of Bariel in the future. p, p, p. As Wesleigh pped and stepped aside, the nobles also pped reflexively. It was not out of a desire to cheer, but rather a habit that was ingrained in their bodies. Hmm. Ians expression remained unchanged. Despite the harsh gazes of the nobles, he grasped the Oracles Light without any wavering. ng. At that moment, Wesleighs lips almost curled into a smirk at his hesitation. However, Ian leaned his shoulder against the Oracles Light as if it were the most natural thing in the world, adjusting his posture as if he were about to y a harp without strings. Is this how it was done? Memories of being an emperor and a magician long ago guided his body into familiar movements. Wheeeeeeng. Wheeeeeeng. Oooh. My word. Look at that. His eye color changed! And at the same time, his mana was released. His green eyes turned gold, and the wind swirled around him. Ian raised his right hand and ced it on the surface of the light, then began to gently rub it. Swoosh! Paht! Ah. Thousands of colors swirled around Ians touch. The nobles minds were wiped clean, as if they were witnessing heavenly music with their own eyes. Chapter 125 Chapter 125 Thedies of the royal family, including Dina, simultaneously took out their opera sses. Although the magic confirmation ceremony was a rare event, they were always the ones who kept the Ministry of Magic close. They were the ones who had always seen the sights of great magicians like Wesleigh at important events Look at that. Its ridiculous. My goodness, its so beautiful. Thats the real light of the oracle! Everyone, forgetting their manners, stared at Ians gestures with their mouths half open. Every time his right hand traced a path, light filled the surroundings as if blessings were descending. Its truly sacred. Dina muttered unknowingly. Everyone there could feel it. That it was a fantasy that would never happen twice in a lifetime. And so they knew they had met a true fantasy. Swoosh! Ian calmly continued to create the light of the oracle. From the podium, it overflowed and reached the ground where the nobles stood, and then it seemed to engulf the pce. Boom! Bang! Recoretio! At that moment, the surprised conductor of the pce orchestra, who had stopped, snapped his baton and gave the signal toe to his senses. The pianist reflexively pressed the keys and resumed ying, and the cellist and violinist immediately focused on the ensemble. It was unclear whether the music followed Ians waves or whether the magic came to life in response to the music. Whoosh! Cuckoong! Boom! Recore-ti-o! The conductor led the music more passionately than usual due to the visual stimtion, and the musicians were also feeling ecstatic for the first time in a long time. The banquet hall seemed to be showing exactly what a perfectly beautiful moment was. Oh ho! This is ridiculous. This is magic! Its amazing, amazing! The nobles reacted to the magic permeating their midst in various ways. Some reached out their hands to touch it, others moved lightly to avoid it, and still others turned their heads around in wonder. As the music from the orchestra swelled, a deep flush appeared on peoples faces. Your Majesty, can you see well? Hmm. Dina suddenly came to her senses and handed the opera sses to the emperor. The emperor didnt seem to be able to see well, and he kept mumbling without responding. Dina took back the sses and nced at the princes next to her. Sigh. Marivs reaction was no different from that of the nobles below. He had his hands on the railing and couldnt take his eyes off the light of the oracle and its beauty. On the other hand, Gale. Wesleigh. His gaze was fixed on Wesleigh, who was standing next to Ian, looking embarrassed. Dina just covered her face with a fan and kept ncing at Gale. How can that be the look of a man looking at his lover? Although it was not her ce to say so, as she was the wife of the emperor, Dina always found herself tongue-tied at Gales ruthlessness. Sometimes, she was even overwhelmed by the anxiety that his sharp aura might harm her own sons. Mother. Yes? Just then, the fifth prince, Jin, who was sitting on the opposite side, tugged lightly on his mothers arm. His silver hair sparkled white in the light of the magic in the banquet hall. Arsens opera sses dont work well. Dina turned around briefly. The fourth prince, Arsen, was using Jins sses to get a good view of the first floor. She smiled as she gently stroked Jins hair. I see. You gave it to Arsen. Thats very kind of you. And then he turned back to focus on supporting the emperor. That was not what he meant to say, but his mother ended the conversation by praising his younger brother Jins sacrifice, as always. This Ian fellow is really amazing. While Arsen kept muttering admiring exmations, Jin stared nkly into space. He felt like he was in a different world all by himself. *** Meanwhile, Ian felt a slight sweat running down his back. Opening his magic was like opening up all the energy in his body. He slowly closed his magic and nced at Wesleigh. This. The look on her face that said she didnt know what was going on was really good to see. Her bewildered and confused expression was truly raw. Ian smiled as he pushed his slightly sweaty hair back. As if to say, this should be enough. Swoosh. Ian took his hand off the surface of the light and straightened out the light of the oracle. The magic lost its power, but it left traces behind like a slowly disappearing fog. Seeing this, the conductor slowed down the music to match the beat. Boom! The moment the excited pianist struck the keys, Ian began to sing. For the glory of Bariel. For the glory of Bariel! As Ian raised his hand to his chest in salute, the nobles cheered and apuded without waiting for anyone else. The hospitality was warm, even for the nobles. It was praise that was filled with soul, iparable to what Wesleigh had led earlier. p, p, p! Ian approached Wesleigh and held out his hand. She pressed her lips tightly together and barely suppressed the urge to grab Ian by the cor right then and there. She wanted to scream and ask him how he was able to break the magic circles spell, but Baron, Ian Hielo. It was truly a magnificent magic. What could she do? Everyone in the banquet hall, including the emperor, was watching them. She held out the back of her hand to Ian. I will be waiting for your application to join the Ministry of Magic. Ian kissed her hand and descended from the podium without hesitation. As soon as he came down, the young nobles surrounded Ian and could not hide their excitement. Baron Hielo. That was a truly amazing illusion! Lets shake hands first, okay? Youre not a magician yet, are you? Youre not a magician until youre assigned to a department. So, where are you going to go? With that kind of power, you should be able to choose. Lets make a bet! The Magic Support Department is the best, so Ill bet on that! Baron Ian Hielo, lets see each other often in the future! Aha! If this goes on, wont you be the first noble magician? Thepliments poured in like a wave. Ian just smiled and epted their cheers. However, when the crowd continued to gather and he couldnt even take a step, he looked around in embarrassment. Baron Ian Hielo. I have a message for you. Just then, a familiar voice came from the crowd. It was Romandro. Ian nodded, knowing that this was his chance. Excuse me. Ill be right back. Oh! You have toe back soon! Ian held up a ss of wine that a waiter was carrying and walked through the crowd. By holding the ss, he showed his intention that people should note close. Thanks to this, the two were able to meet dramatically, and Romandro quickly led the way out. Ian sighed and took a sip of wine to quench his thirst. Sir Romandro. That was a timely call. Ian, you! Sob! Haha. Are you crying? Wow, Ive never seen such a magnificent sight in my life. My Vivian should have seen that too, sigh. It was truly amazing! Romandro shook his fist, unable to believe it. When Ian looked for a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, Romandro handed him his own instead. Oh, thank you. Oh! And do you know that? What is it? You have be the first noble magician of the Bariel Empire! You will go down in history! Congrattions! The first noble magician. Ian didnt find the title awkward. Because it was the same in his previous life. And it was that which eventually put Ian on the throne of the emperor. I see. Huh? Why are you reacting like this? I cant believe it. The timing was perfect. I would have been very sorry if I hade in without the New Years party. There were many magicians who were recognized for their magical abilities and rose to the position of court mage, or minister, like Wesleigh, or received titles for their merits, but Ian was the first to be a noble from the time of admission. Of course, I was the first even 100 yearster. He was the first, and now he was the first again. As Ian smiled faintly at the strange feeling, Romandro scratched his beard awkwardly. Was I too excited? No. Its a good thing youre so happy for me. By the way, what about Beric? Huh? Beric? The two men stared at each other nkly. An awkward silence filled the air. Romandro thought that Ian had taken him with him, so he would naturally be with him, and Ian thought that he would be with Romandro since he had gone down before the verification ceremony. Im going crazy. Romandro muttered, chattering his teeth as if he were terrified. The mere fact that a madman was alone among those noble people was terrifying in itself. Come on, lets find him-! Ian~! Just as Romandro was about to run into the banquet hall. Beric came running lightly from the opposite corridor. His face was unusually red, as if he had been drinking wine. Im right here! Hey, where do you think you are, wandering around by yourself? Eh? Did I do that because I wanted to? Did you get into any trouble? And whats with your finger? This? Its worth a weeks worth of meat side dishes. Romandro, not understanding the context, fidgeted anxiously, worried that it might be an injury from some trouble caused. Beric boldly extended his index finger to Ian as if to make him remember. Snap! So earning ones keep is like this? Not bad at all. I wont forget the meat side dish. Where have you been? They took me through the corridor where the light of the oracle shone. I waited there until it was over. And guess what? I saw something really fun. Something fun? It seemed that Ian, being in the back passage, had missed the illusion. At Ians question, Beric flipped his eyes and imitated the voice of a frustrateddy with surprising naturalness, perhaps helped by the alcohol. Call out all those who have inscribed the magic circle! I have no idea what theyve done! This and that, h h h! They all want to die!? Are you imitating Minister Wesleigh? Ahaha. Exactly alike, right? She was catching her subordinates like mice. Even watching from hiding made my skin crawl. Not alike at all. Eh? Really? Should I try again? Romandro, just in case, looked around and covered Berics mouth, while Ian fell silent in thought. Judging by the style of the letters in the magic circle of the oracles light, it was clear that it was created by several mages working together. It seems I thought Wesleigh had secretly interfered, but maybe not. It means more people than I thought are aware of the irregrities in the magic circle. However, the person named Nakina clearly intended to help Ian. If he had known there was a problem with the magic circle itself, he wouldnt have acted that way. This means, there are factions within the Ministry of Magic itself. There are those whom Wesleigh leads directly and assigns tasks, and those who, although affiliated, are merely coasting along. After all, its natural for any department to have political factions divided. Indeed. If it werent for Naum, I too would have struggled to adapt when I first entered the Ministry of Magic. Ians thoughts spiraled, taking him back to the past, over 100 years ago. It was a moment when Romandro and Beric were making a fuss. Baron Ian Hielo. The emperors chambein, bowing his head deeply, called out to Ian. Ian knew what his appearance meant. Could you spare us a moment? I will escort you to the second floor. It was an honor to be able to meet the emperor and his family up close. It suggested that Ians magic had made a great impression on them. Ian nodded, handing the empty wine ss to Beric. Chapter 126 Chapter 126 On the stairs leading to the second floor, the aura of magic could be felt. As expected, there was a protective barrier in ce for security purposes, since it was the ce where all the members of the imperial family gathered. The noise from the first floor, which had transformed into a bustling ce of social interaction, gradually subsided. Tap, tap. This way. Ian followed the chambein familiarly. Although the structure was slightly different, the more he went inside, the more Ian got a sense of it. At the end of the long, dimly lit corridor stood knights dressed in the uniforms of the Imperial Guard. By order of His Majesty the Emperor, we have brought Baron Ian Hielo. They all had an extraordinary aura. They were dignified and firm, exuding the aura of those who lived and died for honor. It is an honor to meet you, Baron Ian Hielo. I am Beols, the Third Captain of the Imperial Guard. If you dont mind, may I proceed with a body search? As you wish. Thank you for your cooperation. As Ian raised his arms slightly, the captain ran his hands over Ians waist and legs before bowing his head. It was only natural that he should endure this much inconvenience, as he was about to meet the imperial members up close. You may enter. Creak. The huge door opened as the captain gave his permission. The members of the imperial family, who had been leaning freely on the sofas and chatting quietly, all turned their heads. They must be the coteral rtives, not the direct line. Oh my. Hes here. Your Majesty, Baron Ian Hielo has arrived. He looks even more amazing up close. Curious eyes rained down on him all at once. Ian smiled and approached the emperor, greeting him in ordance with etiquette. The moment he raised his head, he was able to face the emperor and the other important figures directly. These people are the center of power in the current Bariel Empire, and they are the clues to the future. The silver-haired woman, Dina, who stood close to the emperor and assisted him. And Mariv and Gale, followed by the young princes, Arsen and Jin. In the unpredictable imperial pce, it was important to understand them perfectly in order to figure out the way forward. Jin. Look at that. He must have had a hard time using magic earlier. Hes soaked in sweat, isnt he? Arsen whispered and snickered to his younger brother, Jin. Jin, however, stared at Ian nkly, with no expression on his face. As Romandro had said, it didnt seem too difficult to tell the two apart. They looked like twins in the mirror, but their personalities were definitely the opposite. Baron Ian Hielo. I once again bless you. What you have shown today will be an example for the nobles. The emperor slowly beckoned him closer. Ian extended his body to him while kneeling, and the emperor personally handed him a ss of wine. It is the greatest honor of my life. For your majesty, I will do my best in the Ministry of Magic as well. Thats good to hear. As the chambein seated Ian on the sofa, Mariv took the lead in speaking. Now that I think about it, this is the first time Ive seen the two princes together. Ian took a step back and observed the overall atmosphere. Baron Ian Hielo has shown his abilities well since his whereabouts in the frontier. Im sure he will be sessful in the Ministry of Magic as well. Dont you think so, Gale? Marivs question was full ofughter. This was because Ians magic was much more powerful than expected. The fact that he had not lost the authority to enter the department to Wesleigh was almost half a sess. Gale shrugged his shoulders, pretending not to care. Why are you asking me? Its up to Wesleigh, the Minister of Magic, to take care of the Ministry of Magic. He was thoroughly drawing the line. It was a public fact that Gale and Wesleigh were lovers, but the reason no one could bring it up openly was because of this. What could they say when the person involved pretended not to know? Baron Ian Hielo. If you enter the Ministry of Magic, where are you thinking of going? As Dina asked slyly, Mariv and Gales eyebrows furrowed at the same time. This was because a topic that allowed them to see each others intentions had been thrown out. Mariv wanted Ian to go to the Magic Stone Management Department, and Gale was against anything Mariv wanted. Is it the Magic Support Department? Gale pondered, looking at Marivs expression. He hadnt expected Ian to be digging into the magic stones, so he assumed that he would naturally put Ian in the support department, which was the central force. My opinion is my opinion, but I will follow the will of Minister Wesleigh. She is the head of the Ministry of Magic, so I believe she knows the right ce for me. Ian cleverly avoided giving a direct answer and left room for maneuver. Of course, he couldnt predict how Gale would react if he said he was going to the Magic Stone Management Department here. I see. Thats a wise decision. Youre overpraising me. And above all, Ian had no intention of going to the Magic Stone Management Department. If that was the case, he wouldnt have worked so hard in the magic verification ceremony in the first ce. Knowing that the next emperor would be one of the twin princes, he decided that he could not be with Mariv until the end. If I go to the Magic Stone Management Department, I will be away from the center of power. It will be difficult to prepare for the future. Ill go to another department for now, and tell Mariv that it was Gales counter-proposal and call it a bluff. On the other hand, I need to show Gale that I will ept the counter-proposal and that I am going to go a different route than Mariv. He had to walk a tightrope between the two men, as if he were doing sswork. He didnt know what the hell was going on, but it was a choice he had to make for now. Excuse me. Sir Ian. Just then, Arsen couldnt hold back his burning curiosity and spoke to Ian. As Gale and Mariv nced back at him, Dina unconsciously flinched. Yes, Your Highness Arsen. You know me? Of course, since you are the fourth prince of the imperial pce. That magic from earlier. Can you show it to me one more time? He looked like a very innocent child. Although his mother was worried about him and was holding her breath, Arsen seemed unable toe out of his fantasy. Huh? Just one more time? Yes. I want to see it up close too. Your Majesty, would that be okay? Please grant your permission. The other children of the imperial family also gathered around one by one and added a word. The emperor, who had been sitting quietly like an ornament, nodded his head in permission, and the children soon approached Ian with their eyes shining brightly. Your Highness Arsen, the same magic from earlier requires the light of the oracle. Thats okay. Just show me. Ian nced at Mariv and Gale, asking for their final permission, and then opened his palm and released his magic. Ziiing. Ziiing. Arsen watched his green pupils turn gold. Even the children of the imperial family were children after all. The sound of them gasping in admiration rang out here and there, and the strangely tense atmosphere also subsided a little. Wow. Thats amazing. Can I touch it? Your Highness Arsen. Of course you can. I havent had much to do with the Ministry of Magic yet. Its my first time seeing it here outside of an event, so its really amazing. Arsen. Dina, who couldnt bear to watch any longer, called out to Arsen. Did the child really not know why he couldnt go to the Ministry of Magic? It was because the head of the department, Wesleigh, was Galesckey. Mind your manners. Sir Ian is not a jester, so refrain from any further rudeness. Arsen let out a short exmation, as if he had just realized something. But Ian denied it, waving his hand. No, its not like that. Your Highness. Today is a very happy day for me, and I want to give His Highness a happy memory too. If not for this excuse, when would he ever be able to see the faces of the twin princes up close? Arsen smiled brightly at Ians words and clung to him. Thank you for saying that! He was certainly innocent. He was like a child of the coteral line who grew uppletely unaware of the power struggle for the throne. Ian examined Arsens face from forehead to chin, checking for any injuries. There is no sign. Cough! Just then, the emperor, who had been sitting quietly, let out a rough cough. His breathing became ragged, and Mariv was the first to rush over and gently pat his fathers back. Your Majesty, are you alright? Hmm Lets take Imperial Father inside first. Yes, Your Highness Mariv. The chambein, following Marivs orders, supported the emperor, and Dina soon followed him. Regardless, Gale remained calm, sitting on the sofa and blowing on his fingertips. Arsen,e here and stop bothering Sir Ian. Dina, who was going outside, called out to her son. Arsen stomped his feet impatiently, but followed his mother out. However, there was one more name that should havee out of Dinas mouth. Your Highness Jin. Ian called out to Jin, who was sitting quietly in the corner. Silver hair and blue eyes. The childs face showed no emotion. Jin. Shouldnt you go too? At Gales soft question, Jin stood up from his chair without saying a word. Not that he particrly wanted to be anywhere. Your Highness. Ian called out to Jin cautiously. Ians eyes had returned to green in the meantime. If youre okay with it, would it be okay for me to show you around? When I came in with the chambein, the corridor was a bit dark. Ian noticed that Jin was the only one who stayed put when the children of the imperial family gathered one by one. He just turned his head this way, as if he didnt feel like he could join in, and didnt move a muscle. Do as you wish. Thank you. Ian. As Ian rose from his seat, Gale called out to him. Then he nodded his head as if to tell him toe back. Ian bowed with a smile and soon walked out the door with Jins two attendants. Ziiing. Ziiing. Look at this. Its brighter than antern. Ian opened his magic and walked with Jin. Jin pretended to look ahead, but kept ncing sideways. If Arsen was seeing magic for the first time, then Jin must be seeing it for the first time too. There is no skin sign that Jin could have a scar either. Ian was trying to be careful to examine his face in detail, but it seemed toe across differently to Jin. He was walking well when he suddenly stopped and turned to Ian. Sir Ian. Yes, Your Highness. Can I touch it? My magic? Of course you can. Ian knelt down and met Jins eyes, and soon created an even warmer magic. The childs face was lit up by the warm light that rose up softly. Ah. So this is what Arsen saw earlier. Jin involuntarily eximed and manipted the magic. A smile appeared on the childs face at the soft touch that passed between his fingers. The attendants were also seeing Jins smile for the first time in a long time. Oh? Ian, who was watching it up close, stopped. He noticed that Jins left cheek dimpled when he smiled, even though he looked exactly like Arsen. Chapter 127 Chapter 127 Arsen. Sighing, Dina looked down at her son after having helped the Emperor to his bedchamber. Her stern gaze was unlike her usual demeanor, but Arsen simply rolled his eyes and grinned. Yes, Mother. What was that reckless behavior just now? Are you very angry? When Mariv and Gale were present, she had warned him not to even breathe loudly, yet he had not only disobeyed but also demanded to see Ian Hiellows magic. If it hadnt been for the presence of the other imperial children, it could have been a truly disastrous situation. Arsen, I truly dont understand you. I apologize. But you saw it too, Mother. How beautiful Sir Ians magic is. I couldnt help but want to see it up close. Arsen rubbed his face against his mothers arm, smiling coquettishly. Dina had resolved to scold him severely, but whenever Arsen acted like this, she always found herself relenting. Haah. Ever since the moment she received the oracle, he had been a thorn in her side. Born with a fortune of misfortune, she had always kept him close by her side during his infancy. Perhaps that was why Arsen did not fear his mother, Dina, and the same was true for the aging and feeble Emperor. Knock knock. Lady Dina, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has arrived. Dina sighed and turned around at the attendants announcement. Jin, entering the room with dignity, was as upright as ever. He was theplete opposite of Arsen, who was sprawled out on the sofa. If only it werent for the oracle. Dina bit her lower lip and barely managed to muster words of encouragement. Jin, youve worked hard today. No, Mother. It is you who have worked hard preparing for the New Years banquet. Jin took off his gloves and ced them on the corner of the table. This was a sign that all of his official duties for the day were over. Arsen munched on candy with amusement, looking back and forth between his mother and Jin. And Jin, please remind your brother Arsen once again. What we mean to Mariv and Gale. I was so frightened just now. I cant live with this anxiety. Dina hugged Jin lightly and let out a sigh. How could two brothers born from the same womb be so different? If Arsen had even half of Jins personality, she wouldnt have a single worry or concern. Knock knock. Lady Dina, His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence momentarily. His Majesty? Very well. I will be there shortly. At the attendants summons, Dina straightened her dress and left the drawing room. As the door closed, the only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the clock in the silent night. Arsen tilted his chin and nced at Jin. Brother, are you going to nag me like Mother just did? Jin simply stared at Arsen. Unable to bear the brief silence, Arsen fidgeted and muttered sullenly. Youre not going to say anything? Why, dont you want to talk to me? Thats not it. You know very well that you were in the wrong this time, Arsen. Was the third princes fall really an ident? Jin knew very well that it was because the third prince had met Mariv and Gales gazes head-on that he had met his demise. Its only a matter of time before the older brothers start looking after us when were young. As Jin spoke cautiously, Arsens expression became openly irritated. The boy cupped his chin and red at Jin with a venomous gaze. Its thanks to Fathers grace as Emperor, but its entirely because Their Highnesses Mariv and Gale dont care about us that were able to enjoy such luxury, didnt Mother say that over and over again? Arsen stood up abruptly and leaned his head towards Jin. Just like he had done with his mother, the boy buried his head in his brothers neck and whispered softly. Jin, you have to be honest. Its not because were young, its because of the oracle. For there was one more hidden oracle besides the one that was publicly known, the one that said, The one who is bornter will harm the one who is born first. And if the one among the brothers who is closest to the throne dies, the imperial line will bepletely severed. Arsen spoke proudly, as if it were a magic spell protecting him. Jin could only stare at his brother. Although it did not specify which of the brothers, everyone more or less assumed it was Arsen. The younger brother will harm the older brother, and if that happens, the imperial line will be severed. Jin barely managed to reply, as if to refute him. Arsen, oracles are not always right. But theyre not always wrong either. The sweet smell of candy wafted from his approaching brother. Arsen kept nuzzling against Jin, and Jin, as always, patted his brother on the head. Jin, I really like you. I like you too. Only a very small number of people knew about the oracle concerning the imperial line: Dina, the Emperor, and a few of the princes. How could I ever harm you? Jin had no such thoughts at all, but whenever those around him treated him that way, he felt a suffocating feeling. Even though he had done nothing, he felt like he was already a criminal. Jin, so, dont kill me. Dont joke like that. Ahahaha, I got it, I got it. Arsen chuckled and picked up another candy to eat, and Jin naturally took the glove off his brothers hand. For some reason, today felt particrly long. *** Returning to the second-floor banquet hall, Ian found himself face-to-face with Gale, who had been waiting for him. His face was flushed red, perhaps from drinking too much wine. Most of the imperial family had already moved to the first floor to socialize with the nobles, leaving only the two of them here. Ian, is my Father well? Yes, he is. Hmm, is that so? Ian sat down across from Gale and observed him. He had seen his father being carried out coughing violently, so how could he not be worried? As if he had noticed that gaze, Gale smiled and shrugged. Father has been like this for a while now. He often has trouble breathing even when hes sleeping, but he always wakes up perfectly fine the next day. Im not the only one whos surprised, Mariv is even more puzzled. Why is he so anxious? Its as if he thinks Father will die this time. No matter how used to it you are, its not easy to let go of your worries. At least, from what he heard, the Emperor favored Gale more than Mariv. He seemed to respect the fact that he was the Empresss child, but he seemed to care for Gale more behind closed doors. Then isnt that the power thats being given to him? If the Emperor dies, he should be sad, but why is he so calm? I wonder. Ian clicked his tongue inwardly and simply lowered his head. He had a rough idea of why Gale had asked him to stay. Speaking of the magic verification ceremony earlier. Yes, Your Highness. It was truly impressive. Have you ever seen a magician in the bordends before? Gale knew that Wesleigh had tampered with the magic circle. Even though he knew that, Ian had still disyed the light of the oracle so perfectly, which meant one of two things. Either Wesleigh made a mistake, or Ian fixed the magic circle. Although Wesleigh had a fiery temper, she was a woman who was unmatched in her knowledge of magic. Even without Ian, she would have been able to carry out the New Years banquet, a major event, without any problems. No, Your Highness. There are many in the bordends who have never even heard of magic. I have seen people simr to gypsies, but I have never seen a magician. Is that so? Then whose blood is that on the floor, Sir Ian? He must have found the traces that Berics blood had left behind. Since he had erased the exact part of the magic circle that had been modified, he must have assumed that Ian had done it. If not, then. Then there is a force within the Ministry of Magic that is helping Ian. No, Your Highness. I have never bled. Ian looked down at his palm and answered nonchntly. If a blood test was conducted, it would be possible to confirm whether the blood belonged to him. Is that so? Yes, Your Highness. It seems that there was a problem with the magic circle, but I am truly relieved that the ceremony waspleted safely. Gale scanned Ians hands thoroughly, but there were definitely no wounds to be seen. Ian, who was smiling brightly, thought to himself. I need to hurry back home with Beric. It will be troublesome if they look at Beric as well. What do you think about the proposition I made earlier? You mean bing a pir of the Ministry of Magic? Gale silently nodded at Ians words. The joyfulmotion from below seeped in, creating a strange atmosphere. Perhaps it was because he was drunk, but Gales speech felt more direct than usual. It would be an honor for me. Of course, I will do so. Is that so? How will you prove it? Gales lips curled up in amusement. Are you going to twist your masters neck and bring it to me? Your Highness, I apologize, but there are many nobles in the banquet hall. But what is said here will not leak outside. The magical power he had felt while climbing the stairs. It seemed to be blocking not only the barrier, but also any leaks of secrets. This was all being done under the leadership of Wesleigh, who was in charge of magic, so it would be safe in terms of secrecy, as Gale wished. I will prove it if you wish, Your Highness. However Ian carefully met Gales gaze and replied. Should he try it? Since he was drunk, it wouldnt be a problem to try it to some extent, right? I would also like you to prove something to me, Your Highness. That the path I am about to take is the right one. Gales eyes narrowed, then he burst outughing. It was clear that he was pleasantly drunk. Although Ians magic verification ceremony had been sessful due to some unknown reason, if he wanted to be a true magician, it was rather a refreshing signal to Gale. Alright, good. But we need to rify the order. You first, prove it. The moment Ian lowered his head, a sound of footsteps was heard from behind. Ah, over there. It was Romandro. He had watched until His Majesty the Emperor left, and hade up because he was worried when Ian didnt return. He was blocked by the knights scabbard and couldnte inside, but they could see each other. Excuse me, I have a message for Sir Ian Hielo. Romandro! Oh ho, Romandro! Oh, oh, its been a long time, Your Highness Gale. Yes, you must have had a hard time in the bordends. You were impressive to me. Why dont youe this way? He clearly had a look on his face that said he had made a mistake. After all, Romandro was Marivs subordinate in the bordends who hadpletely obstructed Gales work. Thank you for your words, but I have an urgent message for Sir Ian Hielo. Didnt you do that on the first floor and take Ian away? So he had heard everything. Ian nced back at Gale, slightly surprised. That knight that Sir Ian brought, no, the knight. Beric? Ian felt a sudden pain at the back of his neck. He politely greeted Gale and stood up from his seat. Excuse me, Your Highness. The knight came up from the bordends and is not familiar with this ce. I am worried that he might make a mistake and ruin the atmosphere of the New Years banquet. Please allow me to leave. Gale clicked his tongue and picked up his wine ss again. It was a sign of permission. Ian nodded and followed Romandro down the corridor. Sir Romandro, whats wrong with Beric? What happened? No, theres nothing to be surprised about. Hes here to pick you up. Shhh. Everything we say here can be heard by His Highness Gale. Oh, damn. W, well, thats half true! Romandro gasped and covered his mouth. The banquet hall garden that they had just left. Beric was crouched in a corner of the grass, digging at the ground. Puff! Puff! Woohoo. Hoo. Beric is really drunk. Stop digging before you start digging a tunnel. Lets go home. Oing! Ian! Ian~! Ian felt the tension drain from his body and rubbed his forehead. Then he grabbed Berics hand and looked around. The wounds were not easily visible because they were covered in dirt. Alright, lets go home. Yay! Lets go! Theres only alcohol here and no meat! Shut up, you idiot! You ate everything! That was enough, Ian thought, and he pulled Beric away, leaving behind the morous atmosphere of the New Years banquet. He didnt want to be caught by Gale at any time. Then it will be a real headache. Romandro also hurriedly kicked the dirt tunnel and followed Ian. Chapter 128 Chapter 128 Hehe, hehehe. It seemed like Beric was having a pleasant dream. Lying sprawled on the living room sofa, he kept chuckling. Minnie, who was moving the teacups, shook her head in disbelief. If anyone saw this, they would think Lord Beric was the main character of the New Years banquet. How could hee back so drunk? It was the time when the moon was at its brightest. Ian and Romandro had returned to the mansion with the intoxicated Beric. Vivian and Minnie, who couldnt fall asleep, along with the coachman, had tried to carry Beric up, but they couldnt even get him to the top of the stairs. And hes not even that fat, so how could he be so heavy! Minnie grumbled, recalling the hardships of the previous night, ncing at Beric repeatedly. Romandro just muttered while sipping his tea. Hes a knight, you see. Hes muscr, so hes heavy. But yeah, I think its a bit too much. Dont you think so, Ian? Ian, who was sitting across from him, also smiled and nodded. Did he know that all the household members gathered in the kitchen were gossiping about him? Beric unconsciously scratched his ear while smacking his lips. I think Ill impose a drinking ban on Beric. That sounds like a good idea. That that guy, he hasnt even had hising-of-age ceremony yet, but I heard he has a terrible drinking habit. Romandro put down the newspaper and looked out the window. It was a gloomy morning, as the sunrise was dyed due to winter. When the day broke, the official request for admission woulde from the Ministry of Magic, but before that, there was something he had to confirm with Ian. By the way, Ian, I have a question. Yes, please go ahead. Romandros voice was slightly more serious than usual. Ian, who noticed the change, stopped stirring his teacup, and Minnie also naturally went into the kitchen to leave them alone. Its about when you had an audience with His Highness Mariv. Didnt His Highness ask about thepensation money? Yes, he did. Ian nodded. He had wondered why he hadnt asked, but it seemed he was just waiting for the right time. But why didnt you tell him that the money was ready? And the same with the Luron magic stone. I know youre its owner, so its not my ce to meddle. But Im curious, so Im asking your intentions. Are you by any chance . Ahem. Romandro coughed again and continued. Unlike himself, a civil servant, Ian was going to have to face the turmoil of the imperial pce alone as a magician. He was prepared to respect whatever choice he made. If you are looking for your identity as a magician, tell me. I will help you in my own way. He was saying that he would help him personally, even if it meant siding with Gale. Ian sipped his tea and listened to Romandros words. Through his slightly tremblingrynx, there was no doubt that he was speaking from the heart. If he knew that Gale was preparing for a rebellion, he wouldnt be able to say that. As a smile formed on Ians lips, the tense Romandro opened his eyes wide. As if to ask why he was smiling. Arent you His Highness Marivs man, Sir Romandro? Well, you could say that. Im a sried man. His Highness Mariv is my superior, but . He was the kind of person who wouldnt look at a resignation letter. But Ian wasnt going to stay like this forever. It would be a pity if his superior changed, but if that was the fate of a magician, there was nothing he could do. First of all, let me make it clear. I have no intention of working for His Highness Gale. R, really? Hahaha! Oh my, I was so nervous! He had misunderstood because he had met Gale on the first day he entered the pce and seen them talking alone at the New Years banquet. Romandro kept bursting into awkwardughter and waving his hands. However, I will not tell His Highness Mariv about my circumstances, including the Luron magic stone. W, why . Because there is no reason to. Isnt there nothing more dangerous in the imperial pce than showing all your cards too early? You said so yourself, Sir Romandro. I did? Did I say that? Of course it was a lie. But at Ians nonchnt attitude, Romandro just tilted his head and soon nodded. I guess my past self gave some pretty good advice. Yes, thats right. There will hardly be such a thing, but if His Highness Mariv asks, you can answer ording to your beliefs, Sir Romandro. You dont need to protect me. Dont you have a family, Sir Romandro? Romandros expression became strange at Ians words. It was true. What was most important to Romandro now was Vivian and the child who was about to be born. Live for the two of them. I will live for myself. Even so, you dont have to worry too much. Dont you know that? If were talking about resourcefulness, hes unrivaled. Not only did he cross the desert with nothing, but he also managed to establish a new family. Romandro muttered, sipping his tea. I see what you mean. I worry about you, but I dont underestimate you. If you ever have something to discuss, let me know. I have an idea for the Luron magic stone, so Ill start looking for a ce to store it long-term. Thank you very much for saying that. Weve spent quite a few days together. Ian just smiled at Romandros words. Perhaps it was true that Romandro being sent to the bordends was a real stroke of luck. Just as the two of them were about to resume their breakfast, Ding-dong! Ding-dong! The doorbell at the front door rang. Minnie, who was in the kitchen, poked her head out curiously. Is the Ministry of Magic already here? I wonder. Its still early. Wait a moment. Ill go check. Minnie ran to the hallway and opened the door slightly. Ian and Romandro also half-heartedly stood up and listened for the sound outside. My lord, theres a guest looking for you? A guest? At this hour? Its a woman named Barseba Petreio. Ah. The Imperial Guard? Ian finally let out a small gasp of understanding. Then he put on his coat and followed Minnie to the hallway. Only Romandro, who didnt know who it was, hurriedly woke Beric up and urged him. You, get up now. Ugh. A pig, a pig is talking . Are you crazy! You idiot! Who are you calling a pig! Smack! Even though Romandro gave him a good smack, Beric only reacted dully, perhaps because he was still asleep. He just rubbed his forehead with his eyes closed and yawned loudly. The Imperial Guard came looking for Ian. I dont know what it is, so hurry up and get ready ande out. Ians escort, of all people! Ugh. The Guard? Hurry up! Leaving behind themotioning from inside, Ian approached the front door. Barseba, dressed neatly in his uniform, pursed his lips and saluted. Click. Greetings, Baron Ian Hielo. I am Barseba Petreio of the Imperial Guard. Yeah, its been a while. Everything from her beret and gloves to the decorations on her scabbard was perfect. Ian folded his arms and looked at Barseba with interest. Its not much different from the Guard uniform of 100 years ago. I came to find my fathers artifact. She hade here believing Ians words and hoping that he would give her her fathers artifact. It was also her only choice, as she had no other way to find it. Its early for a formal visit. I apologize. Well, its better thaning at night. Thump! Thump! Ian! Iaaan! Just then, Beric, who was still half asleep, came running out with his scabbard in hand. Romandro, who had been pushing him from behind, stopped short when he saw Barseba. A, alone? Yes. Then its a personal matter? Huh? Her? The one I knocked out in the alley? Her teeth were all broken. Her nose was bleeding too. Nice to see you again! Beric greeted Barseba, but she only red at him. It seemed that her teeth were still missing, judging from the sound of her lisping. How insulting. You told me to take a bath? Sir Romandro, did I throw up yesterday? He was still half asleep and half drunk. He was a mess. Ian pushed Beric back and invited Barseba inside. Ignore him ande into the living room. Sir Romandro, are you okay? Ah, of course. Of course I am. Beric, go upstairs and bring down the small wooden box with my belongings. At Ians nod, Minnie led Barseba inside. Romandro followed her, and Beric grumbled but obediently went up the stairs. Thisdy is Petreios daughter. Petreio? Thats right, huh? What?! Romandro, who had been listening with one ear, jumped up in surprise. She was the daughter of Morlins henchman, the man who had tried to kill them! While Ian exined the situation, Beric brought down the box. Ian, is this it? Put it down. Click. Barseba, who had been standing stiffly and looking only straight ahead, involuntarily lowered her head. Ian rummaged through the box and took out a small ring wrapped in stic. This should be Petreios ring. Ah. This . Do you know? Its poisoned, so be careful. It causes necrosis and death if it touches your skin. You will die in agony. You mean my father used this? I think it was a very appropriate response to hide his identity after the assassination attempt failed. Barseba put the ring on her palm and looked at it slowly. As if she was trying to find her fathersst moments there. Her lips were tightly pursed and her eyebrows were furrowed. It is my fathers ring. But I didnt know it had a suicide function. When asked why he wore it when it wasnt even a wedding ring, and if he had met someone new, the bitter smile her father had made came to mind. That was what it meant. When she learned the meaning of the ring, her father would no longer be in this world. When did your father start wearing it? After he retired from the position of Captain of the Imperial Guard and found a new job. It must have been given to him by Morlin, since he started wearing the ring after he started serving him. Since it was a poison often used in human trafficking, he thought that if he investigated this, he would be able to prove the connection between Morlin and the incident. If so, then it would be directly connected to Gale. Yes. Take it carefully. The poison has hardened, so it wont be easy to touch. Minnie, who had been listening from the corner, took out a small wooden box the size of her palm. It was a case she had received when she bought jewelry, and it was perfect for holding a single ring. This will be safer than wrapping it in cloth. Thank you. And it seems that your father trusted you very much. When asked if he wasnt worried about his remaining family, he was unwavering and firm. As if he trusted his daughter. This is all I can tell you. At Ians words, Barseba sped the box with both hands. Then she stood up, saluted in gratitude, and bowed down to her waist. It felt more sincere than a thousand words. Then, goodbye. Oh, if you see us in the pce, please take good care of us. To be exact, he was talking about that Beric guy who was yawning loudly on the opposite side. When Barseba frowned without understanding, Ian smiled and added. Im thinking of sending Beric to the Imperial Training Center soon. If theres anything hecks, please help him. Me? Me? To the training center? I dont know what youre talking about all of a sudden, but okay! The pce is amazing! Beric didnt understand either. It was a ce where he could fight stronger people and grow, wasnt it? Barseba left the mansion without answering, and Beric chased after her and shouted. Hey! Lets meet again at the training center! Ill knock out your other mrs! Shut up! Your front teeth are fine~! ng! Barsebas visit, which swept through like a storm, left Romandro feeling exhausted even though he had done nothing. While he was lying on the sofa like Beric just now, gasping for breath. Ding-dong! Ding-dong! The doorbell rang again. Romandro, who had no other thoughts because he thought it was Barseba again. This time, he really jumped up after hearing Minnies words. Gasp! The Ministry of Magic is here! The admission request form is here! Chapter 129 Chapter 129 The moonlight streamed through the window, casting a soft glow on Wesleigh as she stood motionless, her forehead resting on her hand. The carefullyid ns for the New Years party had beenpletely derailed. She should have suppressed Ians magic to the fullest extent to break his momentum, but Lady Wesleigh. Bareto. Wesleigh turned at her assistants approach. After dismissing the light of the oracle, she confirmed the presence of bloodstains on the magic circle. It seemed the error had urred because of that, but a thorough investigation was impossible amidst the ongoing banquet. She had no choice but to wait patiently until the nobles had their fill of revelry and departed. The banquet hall has been cleaned, and the remaining nobles have moved on to other party venues. I see. And Gale? His Highness Gale has also joined the festivities. Following the conclusion of the Imperial familys gathering, Gale had swiftly immersed himself in the social scene. Unlike 1st Prince Mariv, who was tasked with directly keeping the nobles in check, Gale could approach them more organically. This would once again be his strength and foundation. Any other messages? There were none. Even after mentioning the bloodstain? Yes, precisely. Wesleigh frowned, nervously chewing on her nails. She had expected some form of reprimand or instructions, but there was no reaction. With each click of her shoes, her ck hair fluttered roughly. Kwang! Boom! The servants cleaning the banquet hall were startled by the sudden opening of the back door, but upon seeing Wesleighs fierce expression, they quickly lowered their heads. Zing. Ziiing. Wesleigh ced her palm on the magic circle where she had positioned the light of the oracle and unleashed her magic power. Sparks flew from the purple aura surrounding her with each blink. A servant, witnessing magic for the first time, stood transfixed until Bareto intervened, nodding. Continue with your tasks. Ah, yes, of course. My apologies. Zing! Wesleighs gaze meticulously traced each form of the magic circle. No matter how I look at it, the cement of the bloodstain is too precise. It expertly covered the key part of the control without any need for further maniption. Bareto, observing from the side, casually offered his opinion. But this Ian is no rookie fresh from the frontier, is he? He ate and slept outside the pce, seeing the magic circle for the first time upon entering. Its impossible for him to modify your and the Support Departments creation instantly. So you believe this to be mere coincidence? Bareto shook his head. The modification was wless, and the oue equally perfect. Coincidence was out of the question. Upon investigation, it was mentioned that Nakina had contact with Ian. Nakina? Wesleighs eyes narrowed further. If memory served, Nakina was a magician under Commander Hail of the Magic Operations Department. Unlike the Magic Support Department, which primarily operated indoors, the Operations Department ventured far afield. There should be no point of contact between them. Was this the cause due to the subtle, never-ending rivalry between the two departments? As head of the Ministry of Magic, Wesleigh was superior to all, but her reliance on the Support Department inevitably tilted the bnce of power. Assign someone to monitor that side. Understood. Could it be that Nakina had assisted Ian to keep the Support Department, and moreover, Wesleigh herself, in check? The meaningless favor brought about tangled misunderstandings in Wesleighs mind. Swish. Ill go to Gale. Head, that may not be wise. We must send Ian an application to join the ministry at sunrise. Dont we need to discuss countermeasures? Wesleigh moved through the cleaning servants without hesitation. The southern annex housing the detached pce was brightly lit, theughter of nobles partying as if there was no tomorrow amidst music, dancing, and alcohol filling the air. Oh my, Your Highness Gale. What do you mean by that? Does it sound like a jest? Of course! Everyone here would consider it nonsense! Your Highness truly adores Lady Mnia. Haha. Gale chattered at the center of the nobles, a constant smile on his face. As Bareto carefully approached and whispered in his ear, Gales slightly unfocused eyes sought out Wesleigh. Please excuse me for a moment. Ah. Where are you going? You have toe back soon. Ill bring the wine I saved when Ieter. Click. The two individuals who stepped out onto the terrace simultaneously reached for their cigarettes without a word. Gales hearty expression from mingling with the nobles vanished, reced by a bored look as he lit one for her, rubbing his chin. The magic circle? I just rechecked it on my way here. The bloodstain did indeed distort it, and someone intentionally modified it. It seems Ian has an aplice. Gale frowned, the cool night air chilling his head. That seems unlikely. Why? Because of Mariv. Doesnt it diminish the significance of Mariv loudly pushing Ian? If someone from the Ministry assisted Ian, it would be a personal favor or an order from Mariv. In the former case, we can attribute it to unfavorable circumstances and move on without much issue. But in thetter case Wesleigh, exhaling smoke, brushed her hair back. She understood Gales implication. Indeed. If a magician shares Marivs intentions, instructing them not to involve themselves with Ian would be prudent. Exposing the hidden card would be unwise. Deceiving Ian with official words while maneuvering other magicians behind the scenes would be the most stable approach. If an alternative existed, what did it matter if Ians magical power disy humiliated him or not? The best course of action was to avoid arousing suspicion in Gale and Wesleigh, as was currently the case. I believe its the former, or Ian actually fixed it himself. Galeughed lightly, chewing on his cigarette, recalling Ians appearance on the banquet halls 2nd floor. The more he observed him, the more innocent and bold he seemed, no ordinary fellow. Thats impossible. How could someone fresh from the frontier So even you would find it difficult? Honestly, even Wesleigh would struggle to instantly prate and fix a magic circle with so many magicians techniques interwoven, like the light of the oracle. However, she quickly corrected her gaze and shook her head. Your Highness. This is Wesleigh you speak of. Haha. Indeed. I misspoke. She refused to have her value diminished in Gales eyes. Gently stroking Wesleighs neck, Gale inquired. The light of the oracle Ian disyed. What degree of magical power would you estimate it to be? Quite impressive for his young age. Better than expected. Wesleigh answered, avoiding Gales gaze. Like all Imperial Pce departments, especially ability-focused ones like the Ministry of Magic and the Guard, there was a strong emphasis on new talent. Is that so? Gale responded without borating, lowering his hand. Silence followed, the faint music from the inner party hall barely audible. If Ian did indeed fix the magic circle and his magical power is outstanding, hes all the more a card that mustnt be given to Mariv. A woman then appeared through the windowMnia, a noblewoman who had beenughing and chatting with Gale earlier. The youngest daughter of the Hayman family, renowned for their banking business, with royal blood from a neighboring country mixed in. We need to send Ian an application to join the ministry at sunrise. Gale had told Wesleigh he would follow the will of the Ministry of Magics head. Even so, who knew what Mariv would say behind the scenes once the application was confirmed and delivered to Ian. Including a few departments to gauge the reaction, such as the Magic Support Department, would be wise. Gale said this while extinguishing his cigarette on the railing. Leaving a light kiss on Wesleighs cheek, he tilted his head, signaling his return to the party. Gale. Wesleigh tried calling his name, but he only frowned as he nced back, as if demanding the proper title. Your Highness Gale. I will see youter. Good work. Kwang! As the terrace door closed, the shadows of the twopletely vanished. Wesleigh leaned her elbow on the railing, clutching her head. The dizziness was unbearable. Haa. Shall I give you another? the assistant who had been observing from the side offered a new cigarette. Wesleigh simply turned her head without answering, cing it between her lips. The moment it was lit, sparks seemed to dance in her ck eyes. *** Greetings, Baron Ian Hielo. The public affairs officer from the Ministry of Magic politely addressed him. Ian noticed the parchment in his hand was quite thick. The magic confirmation ceremony you disyed at yesterdays New Years party was truly impressive. Thank you for allowing us to witness such a beautiful sight. Furthermore, with the intention of requesting Baron Ian Hielo to utilize your magical power for the Great Empire of Bariel and His Majesty the Emperor, I have brought an application for your grace to join the Ministry of Magic. ck! He confidently unfolded the parchment, reading the preface in an elegant tone. It primarily introduced the Ministry of Magics history, and by the time Beric, who had been listening with interest, let out a big yawn, it finally concluded. As such, the Ministry of Magic is currently the most honorable department in the Imperial Pce. These are the treatment conditions offered to Baron Ian Hielo, and below are the departments Head Wesleigh has selected and rmended. Please consider deeply and provide a response promptly. I see. Youve worked hard since morning. Dont mention it. Ah, if its not rude, may I request a handshake? Its thest chance before joining the Ministry of Magic. At the officers request, Ian happily obliged, and the officer once again paid his respects and bid farewell. I look forward to a favorable response. Thank you. ck! With disciplined footsteps, he boarded the Imperial Pce carriage and departed. Ian, unfolding the parchment, smiled slightly at the unexpected contents. Theyre kinder than I thought. No matter how much they keep you in check, arent you the first new recruit to join the Ministry of Magic in a long time? They should at least do this much out of courtesy. And Im sure this kind of work isnt handled by the Magic Support Department, right? The sry and benefits allocated to Ian were detailed first. A whopping 10 gold coins per month. Enormouspared tomoners, but rtive to other Ministry of Magic members, it was nearly starting from the bottom. Anyway, the departments rmended by Wesleigh are as follows: Magic Support Department, Magic Operations Department, Magic Research Department It wasnt very different from the departmental structure Ian was familiar with. I clearly told Head Wesleigh at the 2nd floor banquet hall yesterday that I would review the options. Since Prince Gale heard it, Wesleigh would naturally know too, but shes defining the list and handing it back like this? Isnt it a bit strange? The right to choose was given, but its being returned? It was the opposite of trying to seize the initiative at the magic confirmation ceremony. Then, it seems to mean that she wants to see what I choose What could she be specting? Ian? What are you thinking so deeply about? Im pondering what this signifies. Ah, right. You probably dont know well. The Magic Support Department is While Romandro enthusiastically exined, Ian tapped the edge of the parchment, deep in thought. Soon, by the time Romandros words wereing to an end, a smile graced his lips. A smile that roughly meant he understood. Chapter 130 Chapter 130 It seems Wesleigh suspects I have a coborator within the Ministry of Magic. Given the sessful execution of the magic confirmation ceremony, it was a possibility. However, it was highly improbable that Ian, freshly arrived from the frontier, had established a power base. Wouldnt they then be unable to overlook the chance he was connected to Mariv? So, before choosing, I should inquire with His Highness Mariv. Whether he has other eyes and ears nted besides me, as Wesleigh suspects. Minnie, prepare to send a letter immediately. ck! As Ian instructed with a flick of his hand, Minnie swiftly procured pen and paper from the study. Romandro, who had been listening quietly, moved to Ians side, surprised. What are you thinking of doing then? If His Highness confirms there is someone nted, entering that department would attract less suspicion for us both. What? You should pretend not to know and enter separate departments! How could we ce people in another department? If we enter the same ce, all eyes there will be fixed on me. Also, just in case. To monitor and keep Ian in check, a spy from the same department may approach him. However, this was ast resort, and the priority was to confirm if Mariv was using someone other than Ian. I dont know if His Highness will tell me properly. Anyway, it seems right that they gave me these options to test me. In fact, he intuitively knew Mariv had no other cards, but thought it prudent to send a letter exining going to a department other than Magic Stone Management. So if there happens to be His Highness Marivs pawn, you will go there If not, I will go to the Magic Operations Department. Isnt the workload high there due to the abundance of tasks? But its likely the only department where loyalty to theirmander exceeds that to Head Wesleigh. Isnt that how all field work positions are? No matter how many superiors there were, there couldnt be as much trust as themander who leads through hardships while working outside. Moreover, from what he saw in passing, the departments atmosphere itself would be quite good. The Magic Support Department isnt bad either, but thats like putting your head in the lions mouth. Especially if they were mostly involved in the magic circles malfunction, it would be very difficult for Ian to work there. How could he do other things while spending all day with people monitoring and trapping him from all sides? The rtively bnced Magic Operations Department is better. This is all based on the assumption His Highness Mariv doesnt have a spy, though. Swish swish. Ian wrote the letter in an elegant style, soon receiving a reply from Mariv that afternoon. It contained the message that there was no one in the Ministry of Magic who could assist Ian. *** Knock knock. Enter. Head Wesleigh. Baron Ian Hielo has sent an application to join. At the assistants report, Wesleigh turned his head. It was expected he would join, but she was truly curious about which department he would choose. Which department? He says its the Magic Operations Department. Haha. The Magic Operations Department? Well well, Wesleigh chewed her lips, arms crossed. It was where Nakina, who had acted suspiciously at the magic confirmation ceremony, was located, and themander there, Hail, was a very difficult person to deal with. An old-fashioned man who stuck to principles, he often had minor conflicts with Wesleigh. This is really a headache when it turns out like this. How annoying. Is it true he has a connection with Nakina? Then he wouldnt have gone to the same department. Could there be a traitor somewhere else It felt like it kept twisting without an answer. Since a perfectly clear result was not visible, Wesleigh suddenly recalled Gales words. Its true that Ian fixed it. That Ian, that rascal like frontier chaff, fixed the magic circle in a short moment. Then wouldnt everything be clear without having to engage in such a dizzying game of wits? But Wesleigh couldnt bring herself to admit it. No way. Theres no way he can do what even I cant This was a problem for herself, putting Gale aside. Wasnt Wesleigh the youngest head in the Empires history? That meant her magical ability was second to none, but with Ians appearance, everything could disappear into the back alleys of history. Ian definitely, definitely has an aplice. At the sight of the superior muttering as if half out of her mind, the assistant let out a soft sigh. Wesleigh abruptly turned to the assistant and asked. When did he say he would enter the pce? He didnt specify in detail, but it seemed he was thinking of sending the his escort knight to the Imperial training grounds soon. Escort knight? The redhead? Yes. He said he would enter the pce on the free training day during the week, so he asked to send a letter before then. If you just give permission, after taking care of business at the training grounds, he would formally greet the members and start working the next day. Wesleighs brows furrowed. Somehow, it seemed like he had a clear grasp of the joining process. From here to the Imperial training grounds, each and every movement was concise, wasnt it? Anyway, Romandro. She didnt like how he was sticking close and helping with this and that. She got up and grabbed her outer garment, leaving the office. Kwang! The Magic Support Department, not far from the office. As Wesleigh roughly threw open the door, the magicians buried in documents flinched and looked up. H-Head? Wh-What brings you here? It was the first day of work after getting scolded for the magic circle malfunction at the magic confirmation ceremony. The tense atmosphere clearly showed how nervous they were. Wesleigh clicked her tongue inwardly and instructed. Prepare to wee Baron Ian Hielo. Is, is he joining? Where? Their expressions were strange. It was an expression created by a mixture of not wanting him toe to the Magic Support Department and, conversely, wanting him toe. They had a grand n to work him to death from overwork if he came. Since he said hes going to the Magic Operations Department, inform them as well. Ah, yes, yes. Understood. Get your act together properly. Although it was a new recruiting in after several years, he was no ordinary person. Moreover, he was a guy with Mariv himself trailing behind him. At Wesleighs request, everyone blinked their eyes and nodded. Of course. Dont worry. Im really looking forward to it. Hahaha! Youre kidding Just do your work. Oh, yes, yes. Screech! Bang! At Wesleighs scolding, the magicians once again buried their noses in the documents. After the superior left, they all sighed in relief and looked at each other. A new recruit ising. Right. Its been a really long time. How many years has it been? We need to give him a proper wee. And check if the light of the oracle was real or not. They were suspicious that the magical power might have been further amplified due to the malfunction of the magic circle. The magicians started moving busily again to prepare for the new recruit. Did you hear? Baron Hielo is going to the Magic Operations Department. What? Really? Then are they the ones who really got shafted? Since he made great contributions in the Roxane Battle, I thought he would really establish himself this time. Probably not? Head Wesleigh handed over the right to choose, and Sir Ian directly chose it. Anyway, it will be difficult for the Magic Operations Department. Suddenly having to take charge of Ian. Theyllpletely fall out of favor with Minister Wesleigh. Think about it carefully. This might actually be an opportunity. Wouldnt it be a chance to score points if they just discipline Ian well in ce of Minister Wesleigh? Shh. Watch your words! No matter how much of a runt he is, a noble is still a noble. Hahaha! The rumor that Ian would join the Magic Operations Department spread quickly. The Ministry of Magic had a small number of people to begin with, but since it was a matter that was being watched from the outside, there was no one in the Imperial Pce who didnt know about this. Huh? Except for the Magic Operations Department, the actual party involved. Hail, themander of the Magic Operations Department, who was eating in the cafeteria, dropped his spoon and looked back. When the people who had been chattering made eye contact with Hail, they hurriedly moved their seats. What is this about? Nakina. Did you hear that? Just now. Since theyre talking about it everywhere, I heard it well. Youre saying you didnt know either. Tomi, who had been burying his face in the food tray, asked Hail while gulping it down. Is there a problem? A new recruit is joining. No. There isnt. Then just eat. At Tomis words, Hail sniffed and picked up his spoon again. Well, does it matter? They just needed to keep working as they were now. The three of them ignored the sharp gazes piercing the back of their heads and kept shoveling food into their mouths. Ian! Iaaaan! Youre noisy, Beric. Hurry up and get ready. Why are you so slow? Ian looked at Beric, who was hanging on the doorknob and whining, in disbelief. Today was the free training day at the Imperial Pce as well as the day of Ians wee ceremony to the Ministry of Magic. The person who usually preparedst was now urging him like this, so it was just funny. Are you that excited? I heard its teeming with guys like the Cheonryeo n, right? Yeah. Your nose will probably be smashed by the time youe back today. Ian muttered while fastening his cuffs. The free training day was literally a day when the training grounds were open. People who could enter the Imperial Pce gathered together to gauge each others skills and build friendships, a kind of day to take a break. What do I need to do when I get there? Its not difficult. When you go, everyone will probably be chatting or training, so you just politely greet the person you want and request a match. Normally, a swordsman who made a name for himself outside the pce would meet a sponsor and get help to even enter the pce, but Ian and Beric had already built that rtionship over a long time. You fool, consider it an honor. Do you think you get a chance topete with the Imperial Knights often? Sir Romandro. Ha, this is really absurd. Watch carefully. It will be an honor for the knights. Where else would they get the experience of being smashed like that? The one getting smashed will be you. Tsk tsk. Should I call the doctor in advance? Whether he knew of Romandros concern or not, Beric just fondled his sword, puffing out breaths and absorbed in himself. Ian, who had finished preparing, turned to him and asked. Bring a different sword. Why? No! The mysterious ck sword that absorbs energy and explodes. Ian lightly frowned and advised. Almost half of them there will be swordmages, so wouldnt it be troublesome if something happens to the sword? Are you worried the sword will break? Your neck bones. Ahh. If its that, its fine! Everyone will fight with their own weapons when they go, so I cant be the only one holding a practice wooden sword. Right? Isnt that right, Master? Do as you wish. Beric bounced around, swinging his sword excitedly, and Romandro tried to stop him, looking disgusted. The coachman outside honked, signaling that he was ready. Lets go. Ah, and Sir Romandro. Hmm? Ian reached out his hand to him and smiled. Romandro, who unconsciously sped it, just smiled back, not knowing why. This is thest greeting. They say shaking hands with a magic user brings luck, and by the time I return from the pce, I will have already be a magician. Ah, right! Lets do it one more time! Of course. Me too, shake hands with me too! Okay. Move that sword away. The three of them shared luck while firmly grasping each others hands. Without even gauging what would happen in the future. Chapter 131 Chapter 131 Excuse me. Is this your first visit? Please show your identification. Snap! The guard at the entrance of the Imperial Pce training grounds saluted and halted Ians group. As Ian produced his ID, a few knights passed by them nonchntly. Most of them were burly. When Beric unconsciously tried to follow them in, Ian grabbed him by the back of his neck. You are Baron Ian Hielo. Thank you for the confirmation. Good work. Ian, did you see the size of those guys who just passed by? Lets go. There will be even more extreme ones inside. It was so luxurious and imposing that it was iparable to the old training grounds he had been rolling around in at the frontier. The space was spacious enough to amodate hundreds of people at once, and everything was pleasant and perfect. This lighting, temperature, and humidity! Wow, its real. They all look really strong. Even in a ce like this, there are guards. That guard over there looks the weakest here. Ooh. Crazy. Look at that mans muscles. I want to hit them. Whoa. Ordinary soldiers mainly trained at the central outer training grounds, and most of those who gathered here were knights guarding nobles. It was the same for the Imperial Pce Central Guards. Since it was a ce where extraordinary people gathered to train, naturally the atmosphere itself was different. Theres a second floor too. Its a ce for nobles to watch the knights train. Sometimes if theres a knight they have their eye on, the nobles give extra money and make a deal, and there are times when the captain of the Imperial Guards sees them and proposes to recruit them. Everywhere in the Imperial Pce had a structure that allowed the upper floor to clearly overlook the lower floor. Beric nced at the nobles chattering above, then quickly ran after Ian. So, were going to the first floor now? Yeah. Go watch how skilled people hold their swords and naturally blend in. Ah, Im really shy around strangers. Your jokes have gotten better. Not very pleasant to hear, though. Creak. As Ian smiled and nodded, the guards opened the door to the training ground entrance. At the same time, the warriors who had gathered in groups of three or five nced over and focused on the two of them. Who are they? Ive never seen them before. Ah. That one is Baron Ian Hielo. The first noble magician whos joining the Ministry of Magic this time. Then is the redhead next to him his escort? Oh my, heavens. He came up from the frontier, and he brought some country bumpkin Perhaps because they made a living with their bodies, the atmosphere was rough and crude. Beric pricked up his ears and looked in their direction, but they didnt avoid his gaze and only flowed with tant ridicule. Those bastards are calling me a bumpkin right now, arent they? Beric. Those guys are external knights brought by nobles. Theyre vulgar, so theres no need to deal with them. The ones you should take as your teachers and examples are over there. As Beric rolled his eyes back and red like crazy, Ian used his hand to turn his head in another direction. Far away, those wearing the uniforms of the Imperial Pce Central Guards were aiming their swords at each other while checking each others form. They say that a spear thrown towards the sun flies the farthest. They are the ones who serve His Majesty the Emperor in the Imperial Pce, so there will be a lot for you to learn, Beric. Barsabe was also among them. Even though he was still in the position of receiving instruction as an apprentice, his posture in learning swordsmanship was serious and different. The Gold Tooth is here too. I will be up on the second floor, so work hard. You havent forgotten what I told you, right? At Ians words, Beric just sniffed andughed. He didnt seem very trustworthy, but the gazes of the other nobles looking down at them from the second floor were sharp. For the sake of appearances, Ian could no longer stay on the first floor. Watch carefully, Master. Just dont get beaten up too badly. I wont be able to take you to the Ministry of Magic then. Today would probably be a meaningful day for Beric in many ways. He was someone who grew every time he met strong people, so he would learn a lot by shing with those who were known to be the best in Variel. I especially hope he learns some humility and self-control. Whether he knew Ians thoughts or not, Beric winked one eyebrow slyly and headed to the training ground. Ian, who went up to the second floor, immediately exchanged greetings with other nobles. Ooh. Baron Ian Hielo. Hello. I thought the weather was really nice today, but to meet you again like this. Hello. The Serro familys I am Mallon Hoff Serro. It was the noble Ian had first greeted when entering the New Years party. He requested a handshake as if he was happy to meet again like this. I heard you are joining the Ministry of Magic today. Yes, thats right. Before that, my escort knight is such a belligerent fellow that I ended uping here. Indeed, it seems so. Indeed it seems so? At Mallons meaningful words, Ian turned his head and looked down. Beric was striding up to the man who had been badmouthing him earlier and shoving his head forward. A greeting recited at a distance where their noses were almost touching. Hello? Im Beric, ah, damn. Looking closely, you seem to have f*cking great skills. Im so amazed that my jaw is hanging open and wont close. You seem to have a lot of time too, so would you like to have a match with me? I politely request a round. Yes, if you refuse, Ill just consider it my win. Ian closed his eyes without realizing it. It was definitely the greeting he had taught, but it had been modified bit by bit to the point of being distorted. Mallon pointed at Beric with his finger as if he found it interesting. Hahaha. How cute. Where did you pick him up? I dont remember either. Where I picked him up. His master is probably Ah. There he is. Thats Baron Tabienna. I dont know if you know him. I dont remember seeing him at the New Years party. Yes. You remembered correctly. Mallon grinned at Ians answer. If it was a noble who couldnt enter the main banquet hall, it meant that not only was his title low, but he had no influence at all. He was probably someone who recently bought a title with money. He seems to have quite a few knights with him. There were more than a few people gathering and watching around Beric. However, Beric didnt stop at the momentum and kept rubbing his head against the forehead of the man he had picked a fight with. He rolled his eyes back like before, so he must have really gone crazy. Thats his main business. They say he was originally a ruffian hoodlum from the back alleys, but hes quite sessful at his mercenary referral agency with his skillful way. He probably got the title just to gain ess to the Imperial Pce training grounds. If the word Imperial Pce is included in a knights career, their value jumps more than double. Ian moistened his mouth with the drink Mallon handed him and watched Beric. This tiny bastard is fearlessly Damn. So are you going to fight or not? Scared? Scared? In the Imperial Pce training grounds, especially in a ce like this where everyone gathered topete in skill, mutual agreement was more important than anything else. The mans face turned red with humiliation as he looked up at his master, Baron Tabienna. Is it okay if I fight him? Tabienna nced at Ian, then twirled his mustache. Originally, the purpose was to showcase ones skills while maintaining dignity as much as possible, but the opponent was none other than Ian Hielo, the center of attention. There would be no greater premium than the rumor spreading that he had defeated a magicians escort. Will it be alright, Baron Ian Hielo? Do as you wish. When Tabienna asked as a formality, Ian made a casual gesture. It was a demeanor that conveyed a difference in status despite being the same rank of viscount. With the masters permission granted, the man took off his upper garment and shoved Berics head. Fine. Dont regret bringing this upon yourself. Your head is so red, the blood wont even be noticeable. Fluffy chest hair, bam! Pecs the size of a human head, bam! As the man ground his teeth, Beric spat on his palm andughed. Ill learn a thing or two from you. You learn two things from me. Shut up! Lets see how long you can keep bbering! Dont stretch! If you do, Ill pluck out all your chest hair! Swish! The man swung his fist first. With so many belligerent people gathered, bare-handed matches that started with provocation often urred. However Isnt the difference in physique too extreme? Still, that redhead is said to be the magicians escort. Really? Then it might be worth a try. Oh my, look at those nimble movements. Hes pretty good. He must be from the streets, right? His footwork is raw. Since there were so many notable aspects, everyone nearby stopped what they were doing and watched the fight between the two. Far away, the Imperial Pce Central Guards were the same. They wiped their sweat andughed, telling each other to take a look at that. Theyre so vulgar. They call themselves warriors too, tsk tsk. This is why I hateing on free training days. But that guy is pretty good, right? Barsabe, take a look. Puhahp! Barsabe spat out the water she was drinking. He said he woulde to the Imperial Pce training grounds, but to think he would reallye this quickly. She wiped her mouth and looked at Beric with a shocked gaze. Ya hoo! Ahahaha! Bam! Bam! Thwack! Thud! He was throwing punches as if ying a game, shouting with each strike. Attacks that didnt match his lighthearted demeanor. The dull impact sound that rang out every time the man struggled to receive them hinted at their strength. Whats up, mister? Cat got your tongue after all that bbering earlier? Y-You little Thats why! People should! Be humble! Like My! Master! Bam! Who is he preaching humility to right now? While Ian shook his head in disbelief, Mallonughed heartily. Even pping his hands. Originally, a match was supposed to be for the participants to test their skills and for the spectators to be entertained. It was a perfect match in every way. Hahaha! Sir Ian, hes truly useful! How much did you buy that fellow for? Just the price of meat dishes should suffice. What? Ahaha! Good cost-effectiveness too! If they knew how much he ate, they would faint. Bam! The air time alone clearly showed the difference in skill between the two. Beric kept flying around as if his feet never touched the ground, striking the man. As blood dripped from his nose onto the floor, the opponent covered his nose and panted heavily. Y-You crazy bastard, really! ng! In the end, a sword was drawn. The atmosphere of the spectators, who had been watching it as light entertainment, was instantly reversed. Drawing a sword in the training grounds, and not even a wooden one at that. This was practically a tacit signal re that he was truly going all the way. Good. Ill show you too. I just went to the cksmith recently and had the de sharpened. If it even grazes, paper gets cut? Beric also drew his sword, his eyes shining as if he had been waiting for this. And he muttered, dripping with madness. I wonder if human arms will get cut well too? A, a psycho ng! ng! While the two shed again, Barsabe just kept gulping dry saliva. Then, a mans voice was heard from behind her. Barsabe. Ah, Captain. Jeirutt, one of the captains of the Imperial Pce Central Guards, Barsabes superior, and Petreios close friend. Those are sir Ian and his subordinate. Uhm, Captain. Swish. He straightened his uniform jacket and approached them. In that short moment, Beric had sliced up the man. The mans painful groans flowed out along with blood. Beric squatted in front of him and tapped his neck with his sword. Ah, tsk. If I saw this outside, Id chop chop right away. Ugh, spare, spare me Nah! Of course. This is the Imperial Pce. Ahaha. Instead, let me cut some of your chest hair? Dont thoughtlessly go topless from now on. Because it looks like shit. Snip. Beric turned his head at the presence he felt from behind. It was a middle-aged man who looked well over fifty, but his imposing manner was firm and solid, with exceptional dignity. Are you sir Ians subordinate? Subordinate? Mmm. Thats right! Ian is my master! Beric nced upwards and then shouted confidently. Upon hearing the answer, Jeirutt grabbed the hilt of his sword. I am Jeirutt, captain of the Imperial Pce Guards. From what I see, you seem to have quite outstanding skills, so Id like to have a match with you. What do you say? What do I say? Beric sought out Ian with his gaze, just as the man had done earlier. As if asking for permission. Ian leaned halfway over the railing and looked down at the two of them. With a smile on his face. Chapter 132 Chapter 132 It is truly a meaningful honor for Beric that the Captain of the Guard personally requests a match, Ian remarked. At his words, Captain Jeirutt lightly bowed his head in courtesy. Beric wiped his bloodied palm on his outer garment, then extended it to Jeirutt. Hehe. Then shall we have a round? Hmm? Perhaps it was because he took the praise at face value. He seemed genuinely delighted. Or it could be that he was satisfied with turning the man he had picked a fight with into minced meat. Jeirutt merely nced down at Berics hand with a stiff expression, not shaking it. You wont shake hands? Do you permit the match? Baron Ian Hielo. Ian gazed down at him, his chin lightly resting on his hand. Wasnt there murderous intent in his expression? Unlike starting with a bare-handed match, he was gripping the sword hilt as if he had made up his mind. Hes trying to kill him. The reason this fellow was acting this way was misunderstanding stemming from Petreio, just as it had been with Barsabe. They seemed to be simr in age to Petreio, and as a former deputymander, they must have beenrades-in-arms for quite a long time. Old man, youck manners. I held out my hand! Beric iled his hand, throwing a fit in irritation. His impudent attitude and choice of words He needed to be put in his ce at least once. Just like in the desert, after experiencing an intense crisis, Beric would grow a step further. Moreover, if he realized there were numerous skilled people above him, wouldnt he learn humility and manners firsthand? Very well. However, I have a condition. Condition? Jeirutt frowned deeply. There was nothing more dishonorable than betting on a match. But Ian, as if reading his thoughts, gently added. Its not a bet, but do you perhaps want it? How could that be. Its clear that theres a definite difference in skill between you and my swordsman, so whoever wants it can end the match. Ian No, Master! What difference in skill! How about it, will you ept in the name of the Captain of the Guard? Although Beric was raving like crazy below, Ian lightly ignored him. Unlike in the desert, there was no one here who could stop Beric even if he was panting for breath. So he had no choice but to use a trick in advance. Jeirutt stared at Ian with a calm gaze, then soon nodded. Alright. Ill just cut off that impudent fellows tongue first, Jeirutt vowed as he tried to draw his sword. However, when Beric, tired of waiting, pounced on him with his bare hands, he reflexively caught his fist. Thud! Oho, Old man! Good reaction. Huh? Beric tried to pull his hand out, but it didnt budge at all. Jeirutts grip strength was tightening more and more. It was as if he would crush Berics hand itself. The flustered Beric iled and threw a punch with his other fist. Thud! Let go! Wont you let go? Dont act up. But in the end, he ended up with both hands caught. Along with the cracking sound of bones twisting, Beric screamed. Aaargh! Crazy! When having a match, basic manners and respect are fundamental. Your reckless behavior is no different from a beast. Bullshit. Get lost! Crack! Beric immediately changed the direction of the force trying to pull away and got close to Jeirutts neck. And without hesitation, he bit as if to tear off the flesh. The usually unppable Jeirutt was startled and let go of Berics hands. Did he just bite Captain Jeirutts neck? Really? Wow, that bastard is insane. Hes the real deal. He looked a bit rough, but that was a good move. If not, he wouldnt have been able to free his hands at all. They wouldve been crushed and he wouldnt even be able to hold a sword, right? Heavens. Not all street rats are like that, right? It would be tricky to face him in realbat. Now there was no one in the training grounds who wasnt paying attention to them. A match between the Captain of the Guard and the escort of Viscount Ian Hielo! Where else could you find such a spectacle? While Jeirutt rubbed his neck, Bericughed and touched his lips. Aha. As expected, the captain is different. I was really surprised! Your actions are exactly like a stray dog. Yes, thanks for thepliment! Beric shook off his hands and pounced again. If there was one thing he was quick to learn aboutbat, it was his fighting instincts. In a short moment, through a brief sh, he realized how he should deal with Jeirutt. If I get caught, Im screwed! Then I just need to not get caught! Good! Beric focused his attacks on the lower body rather than the upper body. Lowering his body as much as possible and digging in from below made it difficult for Jeirutt to grab him one-sidedly like before. Hes more clever than I thought. Thud! Thud! Jeirutt effortlessly received the attacks while observing his opponent. It could be called a kind of upational habit. The habitual analysis that developed while leading subordinates. Hes also vulgar but has innate talent. His strength and speed are impable. Above all, he has excellent guts. This is something thats hard to gain even through training. Then suddenly, Petreios face came to mind. Right. Even if its a waste, this fellow Lets stop now. Huh? Beric, who had been kicking with gusto, faltered. He thought he hadnt given an opening to attack, but with a single word from Jeirutt, it felt like the flow was changing. Upon realizing it, it was as if he was in the palm of his hand. Bam! Kwang! At the same time, Jeirutts fist, like a boulder, mmed into Berics face. Along with the pain that felt like his skull would shatter, his vision turned pitch ck. He felt his body floating up, and then the world turned upside down. Damn, shit. He was knocked down in one hit. Beric wiped the blood flowing from his nose and made a shocked expression. In all his life, this was the first time he had encountered such a fast and strong fist. It was iparable to the Cheonryeo n. Wow, he took a solid hit but didnt lose consciousness. Isnt he unconscious with his eyes open? Or maybe it grazed him. No, his body flew, so how could it have grazed him. Gasp. That, that, bastard. Hes getting up. The feeling of the world spinning. Beric staggered to his feet and started giggling. Ian was quietly watching that sight while leaning on the railing. Ahaha. Haha. Wow, old man, youre really Bam! Thud! Before he could even finish his words, Jeirutts merciless attacks poured down. Jeirutt grabbed Berics neck with his left hand and pressed his sr plexus with one foot. Every time his right hand struck Berics face, blunt blood sttered up. Sir Ian, isnt it okay to stop that? In a little while, hell stop breathing, you know? Ah, no matter how much hes worth just the price of meat dishes, he seems like a waste. Ahem. Unable to watch any longer, Mallon sneakily nced at Ian. But Ian, who had seen Berics lowest in the desert, knew that he hadnt been driven to the edge yet. Iaaaan! Beric, who had been beaten to a pulp, called out to Ian, wheezing. It was a gap where he had barely blocked one of Jeirutts attacks with both fists. At his voice that sounded like it would tear, everyone in the training grounds held their breath. It was like the scream of someone on the verge of death. I, Ill kill this bastard! Yeah. Do as you wish. Uwaaaaah! Ziiing! Bang! Boom! As soon as Ian gave permission, Beric opened up his magical power. In an instant, de-like winds swirled around. Captain Jeirutt and the Imperial Pce guards were startled and hesitated. A swordmage? Thud! Beric barely shook off Jeirutt with the power of his magic and panted while lowering his body. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. The eyes of a predator whose pride had been wounded. Ah, shit! That really f*cking hurts. Whats going on? Is he a swordmage? Why! Are you going to beat me less because Im a swordmage? Dont look down on me, damn it! I just got hit a total of forty-five times, you know? Ill return it right back. Wow, this is fun after a long time! Right? Its fun! Ahahaha! Tap tap tap! Thud! His movements were iparable to before. The spectators could barely follow his afterimages and gauge his trajectory, and Jeirutt, who was facing him, constantly retreated backward to gain distance. Wherever Beric stepped, an explosive flow of energy erupted. Ziiing! Die! Ugh! Boom! Jeirutt, who caught Berics fist, unconsciously let out a groan. The level was different. No matter how much it was the power of magic, wasnt this the level of being reborn? And he was rampaging and pouncing as if he had lost his mind Damn it. Ziiing. Captain! The captain is using magical power! No way! Jeirutt also opened up his magical power. The guards who were watching covered their mouths in disbelief. It was something that would only happen in battles against magic beasts for him to open up his magical power. Everyone was so shocked and astonished that they couldnt utter a word. In the vast training grounds, only the shouts of Beric and Jeirutt resounded fiercely. This bastard Thud! It felt like fighting a beast with his bare hands. Jeirutt pushed Beric far away, then drew his sword. A cold energy as chilling as the frost of midwinter spread along the swords trajectory. In the end, you bring this upon yourself. Aha. Using swords? Good, good. Swish. Beric also drew his sword with a grin. His red eyes glowing with magical power gave the illusion thatva was boiling in them. I only cut chest hair earlier. Didnt get to see how well flesh gets sliced. Ah, Im so excited! Crazy bastard. Youre out of your mind. Didnt you know? You cant live in this world in your right mind! Ziiing! Zing! Crackle! The sword reacting to Berics magical power ignited with a purple glow. In an instant, a hot heat filled the surroundings, and a thick smoke that seemed to invade even the lungs settled. Small sparks shing in the smoke. As it was a sword never seen or heard of before, Jeirutt faltered. What in the world is that sword? I dont know either! I picked it up on the way! Beric! Huh? The moment he was about to swing his sword with all his might and charge in, Ian shouted loudly. Then Beric reflexively stopped and looked back. Didnt I tell you not to put magical power into the sword? Aaah. Right. But cant you let it slide just once? No. At least until the identity of the sword was revealed. While Beric looked back and pleaded, Ian and Jeirutt exchanged nces secretly. No, since I dont know what it is, let me just swing it first and- Bam! Jeirutt thought this was the moment and immediately struck Berics neck. As he had even wrapped magical power around his fist, an ordinary persons neck bones might have been broken. Ugh! But who was the opponent? Beric just let out a short scream and fainted on the spot. At the same time, the sword that had been reacting to the magical power also returned to its original ck color. An awkward silence filled the training grounds. The guards all rushed over to check on their captains well-being. Captain. Are you al- alright? What should we do with this bastard? Should we arrest him? Wasnt it a match? What arrest? Oh no, Captain. Youre bleeding! Barsabe hurriedly took out a handkerchief and supported the captains neck. And very softly, as if reciting, she muttered. Captain. And Ill tell you this while treating you. I, I already received my fathers keepsake. At the unexpected words, Jeirutts eyes widened. But it didnt seem like a conversation to have here, true to her word. He left the training grounds while receiving concerns from his subordinates, and Ian also came down to the first floor. Beric. Are you alright? Mmm Tsk tsk. And he squatted down and touched Berics forehead. Just like in the desert, wasnt magical power the best for restoring stamina? Ziiing. As Ians eyes turned into golden pupils, Berics furrowed brows gradually rxed bit by bit. Mallon, who had followed him down, couldnt even step on the floor stained with blood. Is, is he dead? No. Hes not someone who dies easily. That, that sword earlier, what is it? Ian also shrugged as if he didnt know well either. The heat from earlier was gone without a trace, and only the coldly cooled sword was lying on the floor. Meanwhile, at Romandros residence. Lady Viviana, who had been spending a peaceful time embroidering, felt a presence outside. Minnie was the same. She ran out in a hurry and opened the door, and wasnt it a postman standing there? Hello. Is this the residence of Sir Romandro? Yes, it is. Is there mail? Yes. Its from Mayor Karenna, can I deliver it here? The recipient is listed as Sir Ian. Yes, yes. Sir Ian is staying here. Please give it to me. Please sign here Minnie received the letter and firmly stamped the residence managers seal. It was quite a thick letter. Bibianna put down her embroidery and asked. Minnie. What letter is it? The postman said its from Mayor Karenna. Lets see. Unlike the illiterate Minnie, Viviana could read the words written on the envelope. Bandit interrogation report? Chapter 115 Chapter 115 Shall I prepare the carriage? It was a question asking whether it was time to conclude the social gathering and return. Mariv, without the slightest change in expression, merely smiled and covered his mouth with the wine ss. Gale was still watching this way, so it was to obscure his response. Its settled. Since they are on standby, let it be so. Yes, I understand. And be vignt. I will heed themand. Although the instructioncked a direct object, the aide understood its meaning. He immediately bowed and went outside, and Gales gaze also shifted away. Other bureaucrats who had been engaged in conversation quietly inquired about the situation. Is it an urgent matter, Your Highness? Not at all. What could be more urgent than sharing such a meaningful asion with you gentlemen? Please continue with the description of the artwork. Of course, it was natural to be more intrigued by a young bastard who had conquered the great desert from humble beginnings than by the tedious old nobles before him. Gale must have also heard about the twos entrance to the pce. Yes, Your Highness. The next piece was painted with pigments mixed with powdered magic stones. It actually emits light at night. Oh, powdered magic stones? It seems mixing various things into pigments is the trend these days. Pretending to listen to the bureaucrats exnation, Mariv nodded and nced surreptitiously at Gale. Gale was enjoying the social gathering, his arm around Wesleigh. In any case, taking the initiative would mean exposing ones back. Marivs aide would have been keenly observing the movements of Gale and Wesleighs subordinates. What are you nning to do, Gale? When Gale proposed a donation of 10,000 gold coins, Mariv did not object. On the contrary, he showed an attitude of finding it agreeable and hurriedly moving on to the next agenda. It was indeed not a concern, and there was a desire to test Ians abilities. But more so, it was because the Ministry of Magic was a ce where Ian could be utilized in the future. It was not bad to leave some subtle hints. While it might be difficult for Gale, but some of the dim-witted ones in the Ministry of Magic might be deceived. The same held true now. There was no need to wee Ian to the point of breaking up the social gathering. They maintained their positions as if unaware of Ians existence until the very end. * * Ah Romandro quietly stretched, feeling a bit stiff. It was the time when the once clear and bright sunlight gradually deepened into dusk. It was natural for the body to rx after waiting for so long. However, Ian sitting next to him showed not a hint of disarray. Ian, are you alright? About what? Your back, your back. Perhaps its because youre young. Im dying to lie down. At Romandros grumbling, Ian gave a faint smile. It wasnt intentional, but being in the imperial pce seemed to make him maintain his posture even more strictly. Ian, looking down at his now cold tea, guessed, It seems to be taking much longer than expected, he must really be with Gale. Thats when it happened. Knock, knock. His Highness Mariv has arrived. Ah! Startled by the sudden presence, Romandro jumped up. Ian also naturally straightened his crumpled shirt, looking towards the door. This was the first member of the imperial family he was seeing, crossing over a hundred years of time. Technically, the man he would be seeing was his ancestor, a member of the bloodline that had shared in the glory of the imperial pce. Though, in terms of rtion, they were as distant as strangers. Creak. The door opened. A man with long golden hair tied back entered. His gently curving eyes were particrly striking. Even without smiling, he seemed to be smiling. Romandro, its been a while. I am honored to see Your Highness Mariv. Romandro immediately bowed, cing his hand on his chest following the royal etiquette. Ian, standing a step behind, also made a graceful gesture. Truth be told, he was more ustomed to receiving greetings than giving them, but this didnt feel too awkward either. Youve worked hard. It must have been tough leaving your family anding down here. Not at all, Your Highness. It is an honor to add to the glory of Bariel and Your Highness. Ian barely managed to suppress a chuckle from escaping. For Romandro, this was quite the oratory feat. He went on and on about how much he enjoyed life in Bratz without missing a beat. After a few rounds of formal conversation, So, you are Ian. Marivs gaze moved past Romandro to Ian. Ian slowly lifted his head. The deep orange hue of the dusk poured over his face, making his left eye shimmer with a golden light, reminiscent of when magic was unleashed. I am honored to meet Your Highness Mariv. My name is Ian. His gaze was confident but not arrogant, his voice strong but not grating. The raised chin, the straight shoulders, and the neat posture were all reminiscent of the nobility he had seen countless times. In truth, speaking frankly Unexpected indeed. Mariv sensed a dignity beyond the ordinary in Ian. With a gesture for them to sit, heplimented Romandro. It seems Romandro has taught you the royal etiquette quite well. Not at all, Your Highness. Sir Ian is so exceptional that there was hardly anything for me to teach. It was better than expected. Its not easy to make such a favorable impression with just a first impression. As the three men took their seats, the servants reced the cold teacups with warm ones. So, Sir Ian. He had not yet received a title, but he was, after all, to be a noble. Mariv used a title of respect to ask, How do you find it,ing to the central? Just as I had heard. Theres a reason why Bariel, the support of the world, is so praised. It was sincere. Even if he wasnt seeing the central region for the first time, Emperor Ian held the capital in high regard. Perhaps pleased with the answer, the prince burst into a satisfiedugh. Romandro might not have noticed, but it was the first time the prince hadughed genuinely since entering the drawing room. I have been informed about the events in the bordends through Romandros report. Romandro, process the report you brought within this week and issue the approval. Yes, Your Highness. Romandro has returned home, but Sir Ian, you have left your home. It seems like many would have seen you off. Ian smiled. Mariv knew better than anyone that Ian had no family. Yet, the question was phrased as such, clearly implying something more. Indeed, Your Highness. From the servants of the manor to the vigers, they held farewell ceremonies day and night. The bordering Cheonrye were no exception. They couldnt see me for a while as I was heading to the center, so they expressed their regret in this way. The question was about the extent of Ians influence in his domain, and the answer seemed quite satisfactory. The support of the people and the alliance with the Cheonrye tribe were the biggest factors that enabled him to seize the lordship. I see. Ian, you will be a trustworthy lord. That is too kind of you. Everyone knows that it was with Your Highness Marivs help. Mariv was impressed that Ian had deciphered his intentions. He is indeed useful. Apart from his ability to use magic, his astuteness in understanding the context is extraordinary. Is it the influence of Count Dergha? For a bastard who lived in the pleasure districts, Ians presence was remarkably strong. Perhaps he had learned through harsh experiences under the count, and his time traversing the great desert had further toughened him. Even when facing the prince, there wasnt a hint of trembling. You are aware of the New Years celebration schedule, arent you? The imperial New Years celebration is always special, but this year it is even more so. This year was particrly notable due to the nobility title awarding ceremony for Ian, who came from humble beginnings. In addition, several events, including the verification of magic users, were scheduled back-to-back. Romandro cautiously interjected, I regret to say, having just arrived today, I have not been informed. Is that so? The schedule is almost finalized. I will instruct my aide to pass it on to you before you leave the pce. Yes, Your Highness. I will prepare with care. After the New Years celebration, there will be an event organized by the Ministry of Magic. We will assess your magical power and proceed with departmental assignments, but Mariv nced at Ians left eye, which had returned to its normal green hue as the sunset faded. He then sharply posed a question that was as pointed as a de. Before that, Ian. Do you believe you are suited for the role of a lord? The question was delicate and potentially awkward, fraught with ambiguity over whether it pertained to his background or his capabilities. Romandro, who had been listening quietly, involuntarily inhaled sharply and bit his lip. Its a question that can be twisted whether he answers no or yes. A lord who doesnt see himself as fit is of no use, and excessive confidence is as bad as ipetence. However, Ian seemed to have a clear answer in mind and nodded without much hesitation. Of course, I do. His response was bold and confident. Romandro felt the breath he had held catch in his throat. Marivs eyebrow raised in a manner that suggested intrigue or displeasure, a look Romandro recognized. Ian, on the other hand, continued calmly, Since it is a decision made and established by Your Highness Mariv, who would dare say otherwise? My only duty is to fulfill everything perfectly, as per your wishes. Its too simplistic, does he think that because Im amon-born bastard? The intention behind her question was transparent, almost simplistic to the point of beingughable, mentioning the Ministry of Magic and posing such a question. The act of cing Ian in the lordship was a reconfirmation of his allegiance to Mariv, with the expectation of loyalty and the implication that he should serve dutifully as a spy within the Ministry of Magic. Confidence in ones words is something I appreciate. It is an honor, Your Highness. Mariv smiled contentedly, savoring a sip of his tea. Romandro, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, also took a timely sip of his tea. Yet, as Ian continued to scrutinize Marivs face, he felt an odd sensation. Blonde hair and pale eyes. Of course, these aremon traits in the imperial family, but Had Ian ever seen Mariv in the portraits of the past emperors? In the corridor leading to the emperors bedroom in the secondary pce, the portraits of the past emperors were hung chronologically. Ian had passed by them once or twice a day, so it was unlikely he had missed them. However, I dont recall seeing this person in any portrait. Gales failure in his rebellion seemed certain. Thus, naturally, Ian had assumed that Mariv, being the direct heir and apetitor, would seed the throne. That was until this face-to-face meeting. Could there be another heir? But it seemed there were no notable candidates. Ian concealed his expression, burying hisplex thoughts. For now, it was crucial to focus on the present and gain the princes trust. Regardless of what might happen, Mariv seemed to be the only oneparable to Gale at the moment. Sir Ian. Yes, Your Highness. How is the preparation of the tribute money that must be sent to the center going? There was gold from the sale of ghouls and plenty of high-grade magic stones, so there shouldnt have been any issues. However, Ian lightly shook his head. He couldnt reveal his hand to someone who might or might not be the emperor. No, Your Highness. Hmm, that is regrettable. Then, I would like to make a favorable proposal. Mariv, unaware of Ians inner thoughts, set down his teacup. Only Romandro, who had noticed Ians lie, sipped his tea restlessly with his head bowed low, thinking that his expression must not give anything away. Chapter 133 Chapter 133 sh! Beric, who had been unconscious, opened his eyes and got up all at once. Hisst memory was of the Imperial Pce training grounds and Ian. But when he came to his senses, he was on an unfamiliar bed. Ah. Even a slight twist of his body brought a pain that felt like his muscles were being torn apart. And what about his skull? Since Jeirutt had mainly focused his attacks on his face, it was impressive that he could even open his eyes. Beric carefully touched his nose. Phew, fortunately. My nose is properly attached. Just as Beric was about to go look for Ian, he heard murmuring voicesing from the curtain next to the bed. Peeking his head through the gap, he realized that the ce he was lying in was the infirmary. The several empty white beds, warm sunlight, and smell of alcohol were oddly reassuring. Are your injuries alright? That would be a question better directed at the Barons swordsman. As a rule, the one who is hit hurts as much as the one who hits. Jeirutt fell silent, tapping his bandaged hand on his knee. Then soon, he brought up the name of his friend from his memories. Petreio said. Barsabe told me. That you watched over hisst moments. It seems the rumor has already spread within the Imperial Pce Guards. He fulfilled his duty, and I also acted ording to my position. Petty revenge is out of the question. tter. Ian lightly scolded as he picked up his teacup. Despite the appearance of a middle-aged man and a boy, it was clear from their words and actions who was the superior. So, how were his skills? Are you referring to the Barons swordsman? Beric, who had been peeking through the curtain, pricked up his ears while hiding his presence. Honestly, he was curious about how he would be evaluated, as he was among the best of the countless warriors he had seen so far. If it was unfavorable, he would immediately pounce again to change their minds, Berics eyes sparkled. For having a terrible foundation, he was quite useful. He has innate talent in many ways. Except for his ability to hide his presence, which is dismal. As Jeirutt muttered while turning his head, Beric pulled the curtain open. His face turned bright red, seemingly flustered. Swoosh! Hey, why were you peeking? Youre the one whos absurd. You were the one peeking. Beric, Im d you came to your senses. If you had been a littleter, I was going to leave you behind. Its almost time for the joining ceremony. Ian smiled brightly and clicked his pocket watch. It had already been three hours since he passed out at the training grounds. It was admirable how he had woken up at just the right time. Leave who behind, how am I supposed to find my way home? Youre not a child, surely you can find your way home. And its not over yet! Since it was interrupted by this old mans cowardly attack from behind, we have to go at it again. Beric. Thats what you call losing. No its not? I didnt lose? Beric insisted stubbornly, but Ians expression remained gentle and unwavering. Jeirutt only swallowed a sigh while looking at Beric like that. It was unpleasant, but wasnt it the duty of the Captain of the Guard to recruit even someone like him for the sake of the imperial familys safety? Beric. As the Captain of the Imperial Pce Guards, I have a proposal for you. Join the Imperial Pce Guards and for His Majesty the Emperor Nope. The meat dishes are also good. Still nope. Why? He even threw out the tempting bait he had heard from Ian, but the reaction was very lukewarm. Beric wiped his face with a wet towel on the table and replied. What would I learn under a captain who cowardly attacks from behind? This impudent Thish impyoodent~ If it hadnt been for that earlier, I would have won. Really. Beric stuck out his tongue mockingly and rolled his eyes back. Jeirutt had a look of having seen something he shouldnt have at the childish insult. As sparks flew between the two again, Ian intervened to stop them. Now now, enough of that. Beric, think about joining slowly, but I also rmend going to the training grounds to train. Its not easy to do that at Romandros residence. It was not easy to train stamina in the small front yard. Moreover, there was a pregnant woman in the house, so violent actions were also forbidden. Beric seemed to be slowly persuaded, scratching his chin and nodding. Plus, although not as skilled as Captain Jeirutt, there are several experts there who will be good for you. I will also have tomute to the pce regrly once I join, so we can go together. Really? Then thats good. You know Im very shy. As Beric grinned brightly, Jeirutt looked at him with eyes that said nonsense was abundant. Ian stood up from his seat and nodded to Beric. Then, act with manners from now on. While youre at the training grounds, Captain Jeirutt will help you. Manners? It was a matter that could be negotiated because the captain had seen Berics potential. To guide Beric and make him a talent of the pce. On the other hand, it would bring personal growth for Beric, so there couldnt be a better deal than this. Manners. Mmm. Berics eyes narrowed. In fact, it was questionable whether he could even open them properly with his eyes swollen, but he nced at Captain Jeirutt and then bowed his head deeply. It was clearly a greeting, but there was no sense of respect at all. Theres a long way to go. As the captain held his forehead, Ian also stood up. Lets discuss the details another time, well leave it at this for today. Dont forget what I asked of you. Understood. The mysterious ck sword and Berics existence, which was too bizarre to be called a swordmage. As the Captain of the Imperial Pce Guards, it would be easy for him to ess information. As Ian left the infirmary, Beric also quickly followed after him. Request? What request? You dont need to know. Is your nose bone intact? Yep yep. No problem breathing. Rattle! Thud! Jeirutt clicked his tongue at the closed door. Just as the Baron said. Its questionable that he can get up and walk so energetically in that state. If he was a swordmage with advanced abilities, it was possible to heal his own wounds with magical power. But healing abilities were the most challenging even for magicians, so how much could a swordsman do? Clearly, there was something more than just being a swordmage. If we leave him as an enemy, he will be a burden to Bariel someday. That much is certain. So its best to grab him from the start for the sake of the empire. Thud. Huh? Did Baron Ian and the crazy guy leave? They left? In that condition? He can move? Barsabe entered with the doctor from the storage room inside the infirmary. Jeirutt just shook his head from side to side as if he didnt know the reason either. *** At that time, in the main conference room of the Ministry of Magic. It was rarely used except for irregr meetings, but it was the perfect ce to hold a joining ceremony to introduce a new recruit. Did you hear that? I heard Captain Jeirutt opened up his magical power at the Imperial Pce training grounds today. What? How? Did a magic beast appear? No, what was it? They said he ended up like that after a match with an external knight, and it was really worth watching. An outsider? Haha. That guys days are numbered. If he did that much against Jeirutt, isnt he eligible to join right away? I dont know if his master will readily sell him. The Ministry of Magic has been getting a lot of budget allocations these days, so the Guards are alwaysining. Those swordmages, not even thinking about how much they eat. By the way, Baron Ian Hielo is joining today, right? Its almost time Kwang! It was the moment the magicians gathered and looked outside. The door swung open and the people from the Magic Operations Department entered. The core members were Hail, themander, along with Tomi and Nakina. As they entered, whispers could be heard from the surroundings again. What did they say about Baron Ian Hielo being assigned? Not much? You know Commander Hails personality. Skilled but doesnt know how to grab the real power. Tomi frowned and looked back at them, but the magicians didnt stop muttering. Hail nonchntly chewed on his cigarette and checked his watch. Commander Hail. Have you seen the new recruits face? Yeah. At the New Years party. Pretty. Tomi! I thought Id escape being the youngest, but a noble joined. How will you properly act as a senior? Better than how you do it. Sharp jokes were exchanged between the Magic Support Department and the Magic Operations Department. Other departments just observed from a step away. As time passed, the front door of the conference room opened wide. Creak! Head Wesleigh is entering. At the assistants announcement, everyone fell silent and looked forward. And following behind her was a blond-haired, green-eyed boy. Those who had seen him at the New Years party once again marveled inwardly, and those who saw him for the first time just rolled their eyes and showed awkward smiles. Why didnt anyone tell them he was this good-looking? Is everyone here? Yes. Head. As youve all heard, a new recruit has joined the Ministry of Magic today. Baron Ian Hielo. They say hes the first noble magician in the history of Bariel, but well have to see if he lives up to that reputation. It was a quite deting voice for introducing a new recruit in several years. The magicians tantly sneered, but Ian had an indifferent expression as if his ears were plugged. If you have any greetings, go ahead. At Wesleighs words, Ian stepped forward and nced around. And he easily found Hail, who would be his direct superior. Ian looked at him and slowly opened his mouth. Please dont feel ufortable thinking of me as a noble, and I ask for your generous guidance. No matter how many flowery words he attached, theck of response would be the same. At the concise greeting, everyone fell silent with absurd expressions. The first to apud was Nakina. p p p. Wee. It was a truly awkward atmosphere. Wesleigh also pped perfunctorily, and soon other magicians also sent obligatory apuse. Wesleigh gestured for him toe down from the tform, then instructed Hail. From now on, Hail from the Magic Operations Department will be in charge of Baron Ian Hielo. Do well as you see fit. Yes. Head. And she tried to add something, but left just like that. Tomi and Nakina approached and held out their hands. Nice to meet you. Im your superior, so speakfortably. Im Nakina. Nice to meet you too. Thanks for the other day. Im Tomi. Ask me if you dont know anything from now on. Yes. I will. Thank you. While exchanging greetings amicably, the magicians from the Magic Support Department approached and looked Ian up and down. They were clearly the ones who had tampered with the magic circle. Well see each other oftening and going? Hm? You seem to be from the Magic Support Department. Yeah. Shall we shake hands? A man grinned and reached out his hand. Ian reflexively tried to grab his hand, but faltered at the magical energy he felt from his fingertips. It was clear that a magic circle was drawn on his palm. What? You dont want to? Is it because youre a noble, you dont even want to shake hands with lowly beings? What, hes got a temper from the first day. I dont know if we can work together like that. The Magic Operations Department weirdos are already a pain in the ass. Commander. Commander Hail will hear you. Im saying it so he can hear. Whats with the new guy? It was a very ssic and childish prank, wasnt it? But for the sake of his external image, it was right to shake hands. Ian smiled, nning to open up his magical power and reflect it back instead of grabbing it. I look forward to working with you in the future. But at that moment. Sizzle. Argh! Hail put out the cigarette he had in his mouth directly on the back of the magicians hand. Despite the violent action, no emotion showed on his face. Your palm, is dirty. Chapter 134 Chapter 134 Commander Hail, what is the meaning of this! Theres a limit to being despicable! Argh! Quickly, do something about it immediately! Chaos erupted. Even Ian was surprised inwardly, let alone the direct victim. Clutching his burned hand, the man copsed, groaning in pain. His colleagues approached to assess his condition, and soon someone who seemed to be his superior grabbed Hail by the cor. The size difference made it appear more like he was hanging onto the cor rather than grasping it. Have you gone mad? Do you want to fight? Commander Sailo, please calm yourself! Release me at once! Themanders had simr magical power, but Hail was an exception. His physique spoke for itself. Furthermore, unlike the Magic Support Department that only handled pce paperwork, they were a field unit that hunted magic beasts nearly every day. Theirbat sense for killing and dealing with enemies was unmatchedpared to regr magicians. Sailo, those who attempt to kill others should be prepared to die themselves. What nonsense are you spouting! Your subordinate tried to burn our kids palm, so I extinguished it first. Any objections? Sailo gradually loosened his grip on the cor and nced at his writhing subordinate on the floor. A fire-type magic circle was drawn on his right hand. Had Ian grasped it, his entire palm would have been severely burned. Nevertheless, your actions are excessive! Excessive, you say? Then I apologize. I should have summoned the mes directly myself. Hail muttered again while taking out another cigarette to smoke. Despite recently gaining poprity due to the Roxane Battle, hisbat-type magic was renowned even before. Its heavy and deeply prating power left asting impression, irrespective of his political standing. If he were to use magic here Just my luck! Remember, the Ministry of Magic is amunal society! Properly manage the new recruit, and if something like this happens again, I wont stand idly by. Ill report it to Lord Wesleigh! Sailo shouted loudly as if boasting, then tended to his subordinates and departed. Without even awaiting a response. Other observing departments did the same. Take care then. Wee, newbie. Youre in for a tough time. Dont talk to him, you idiot. Alright, alright. Lets go. Time to work. Oh my, excuse me. Ill just pass through. Apart from expressing interest, they strongly implied not wanting to get involved. In an instant, only silence remained in the empty conference room. Haa. Tomi broke the silence with a deep sigh and red at Hail. What was he going to say? The moment Ian wondered that. I told you I dislike when you extinguish it with a cigarette. The ashes fall. Saying that, he took out a handkerchief from his pocket and began cleaning the floor. Nakina chuckled and lit a cigarette, just like Hail. Tomi has a bit of an odd cleanliness quirk. Anyway, be more cautious from now on. You need to develop your magic detection ability first. How can you act as the youngest when youre this dull? They seemed to misunderstand that Ian couldnt detect the prank and tried to shake hands. Well, no matter. He handled it well without their intervention, so he could only smile. Thank you. Yeah, yeah. Now that youve joined the Magic Operations Department, lets do well together no matter what. Feel at ease with us. People who could have each others backs in battle. As far as Ian recalled, that was the image of the Magic Operations Department. It made sense given how urgent and dangerous the field was. At that time, the goal seemed to be cultivating skilled individuals What about the other members? Ah. They didnte to work. Theyre all on vacation after returning from the Roxane Battle. Since they never know when theyll have to go out and use their bodies again, they donte unless theres something special. You can meet them gradually. The atmosphere of a department usually follows the leader. When Ian nced at Hail, he grinned and extended his hand. As if to do the handshake they couldnt earlier. Nice to meet you, newbie. Nice to meet you too. Commander. He had the physique of someone who would have seeded even as a warrior, not just a magician. He tapped Ians shoulder and then stretched with a yawn. As if signaling to end the boring joining ceremony. Well then, shall we go for a drink? What drink in broad daylight? Lets have beer. Ian, do you drink beer? Im not very familiar with noble tastes. Of course. But I have apanion. Companion? Who? Creak! As soon as he finished speaking, the front door of the conference room opened. Beric, face swollen, shouted in surprise. Iaaaan! Why arent youing out when everyone else is? I thought we missed each other! Even though instructed to wait at the entrance of the conference room building, it seemed he couldnt endure it after seeing the magicians leave and came inside. The Magic Operations Department members gaped at his condition. What on earth is that? His condition looks terrible, its impressive that hes walking. This is Beric, the swordmage I brought with me. Hes like that because he came from a match at the training grounds. Then could it be that hes the one who fought Captain Jeirutt? Thats right. Tomi and Nakinas gazes intertwined simultaneously. The Magic Operations Department, already short on manpower, was thrilled Ian had joined, but he had a swordmage as his subordinate? And that guy who was the talk of the town at that? This is aplete bonus, isnt it? A bonus, a bonus! Tomi and Nakinas eyes sparkled. And they approached as if weing him and put their arms around his shoulders. Berics expression frowned briefly at the sudden skinship. Oh ho, we are the ones who will be with Ian from now on. Well see you often too. Nice to meet you. Im Nakina. Im Tomi! Were going for a drink, want to join us? Drink? Will there be meat too? Yeah! What the hell, since the youngest joined, themander will treat us! Im in the red this month. Who cares~? Lets go! Eat rice, eat meat! Lets drink! Lets properly puncture themanders wallet! Yay! By the way, whos themander? Youre an idiot, arent you? Cant you tell at a nce that the guy over there who looks like a bandit is themander? Well, its fine. I like idiots. Because Ive noticed that no one smashes bodies as well as an idiot. The three of them hit it off and instantly stuck together. Ian and Hail, watching from behind, smiled absurdly. Hail nodded his head and suggested. Ill tell you the detailed work schedule while we drink. Lets just go. *** Click. Oh my. Minnie felt like she had returned to the day of the New Years party when she opened the door. Seeing Beric unable to properly support his body, the coachman sweating profusely while moving him, and Ian letting out abored sigh. At least that day it was the middle of the night, but she wondered what was happening in broad daylight. What happened? Gasp, Sir Beric! Are you alright? Just how badly were you beaten up to be in this state? Beric is here? Right, right! Hes totally smashed! I need to call a doctor. This way,y him down! Tsk tsk. You fool, I told you to be careful! Hmm? But why does it smell like alcohol? Minnie, who had been making a fuss, wrinkled her nose and sniffed. Romandro also hesitated and checked the soup stains on Berics clothes. He got dead drunk at the Magic Operations Department wee party. No, it was sir Ian who joined the Ministry of Magic, so how did he? Kikik Ah, I cant eat anymore. Stop! Stop, you rascal! Right, just stop it! Smack! Aaaah! Oh no, I hit a bruised spot. Sorry. When Beric screamed, Romandro floundered and soothed his injury. Ian plopped down on the sofa and roughly exined that this and that had happened. Beric having a match with Jeirutt at the training grounds, going through the joining ceremony, and even the wee party. Before the sun had even set, a lot had happened and he was very exhausted. Youve worked hard. Sir Ian, shall I bring you some warm tea? Please do, Minnie. Gosh, but its truly fortunate. That his neck is still properly attached even after a match with Commander Jeirutt. Romandro clicked his tongue and handed Ian the letter on the table. A letter came while I was out for a bit. Oh, its from Karenna. The mayor interrogated the bandits and sent a report, so take a look. Hasha! Hasha! Where did that kid go? Where did Hasha go? Ian tore off the sealing wax and looked around. Come to think of it, Hasha, who used to sit in the corner of the sofa every day, was nowhere to be seen. It seemed like he hadnt seen him in the morning either. Hes been going out a lot these days. I have no idea what hes doing anding back. Tell him to be careful. Wesleigh will be paying attention. Hashas personality itself was serious, so he wasnt very worried, but just in case. At Ians request, Romandro nodded and covered Beric with a nket. He also carefully removed the ck sword attached to his waist and ced it on the floor. Rustle. Ian rubbed his eyelids and opened the letter. The handwriting was surprisingly small and densely packed. -Greetings, Sir Ian. This is Mayor Onyx of Karenna. I hope you have safely arrived in the central region. Thanks to your help, this ce has returned to normal. So, I am delivering the news you have been waiting for. The answer to your question back then, How did the blue-haired child follow the bandits? It had remained a mystery as to why Hashas corpse, which had been under a spell, followed the bandits when it encountered them. Ian turned to the next page and read the letters, then frowned. -The bandit leader is also not certain, but based on his spection, it seems to be a phenomenon caused by the ck sword of the Atan tribe, he testified. The Atan tribe. They were a warlike race that mainly operated in the north of Variel, known as the Blood Tribe. In the future, they greatly expanded their power during the attack of magic beasts that shook the empire, but they were eventually defeated by themander of the Imperial Guards and perished. Right. Even if thats true, I had guessed it. -Regardless of whether its true or not, Im just conveying it as reported. The Atan tribe are those who survive by drinking the blood of magic beasts, so its questionable if they are really human. The ck sword they used to summon magic beasts is that very one, so perhaps thats why the blue-haired boy followed, he revealed. At that time, Hashas corpse was not human, but undead. If it reacted to the ck sword, it makes sense. -I have a question. Is the blue-haired boy you mentioned not human? The more I continued the interrogation, the bandit kept talking about ve traders and corpses, things I couldnt understand, so I judged that this was not something a local city could find out. Ian realized that the flow of the continuing text was strange. The veryst page. He unconsciously held his forehead. Why did he do something I didnt even order? That mayor? He looked ipetent at a nce! But why? What does it say? -So, I submitted a request to the Imperial Pce for detailed information, so please wait a little longer. I sincerely apologize for my negligent handling in the past. And please ry a message to Sir Romandro, the advisor who was with you. Then, I will report again. Thank you. It meant that if things went awry, the Imperial Pce, more precisely Wesleigh among them, could find out about what happened in Karenna. Chapter 135 Chapter 135 The general meeting held before bringing a matter to the Emperor. Since Mariv and Gale participated due to the frontier situation, the meeting had never proceeded smoothly even once. Everyone was trying to handle the matters with their minds sharp, fearing that if noise urred, the princes would participate again. Wesleigh was watching the discussion of the department heads with an indifferent expression. Well then, well decide that the administrative department will handle this matter. Next item. Yesterday, a report arrived from the mayor of Karenna. It says that the group of bandits causing trouble in the area has been eradicated. Is that so? Thats truly fortunate. They gave us headaches several times, so thats good. Did they directly eradicate them? We were about to form a punitive force otherwise. Oh my. As I recall, that mayor was not someone capable of that. Karenna. Although it was a city with deep ties to Wesleigh, there was not a hint of change in her expression. The Prime Minister gestured for silence and carefully read the report. Most of the bandits were annihted during the eradication process, and only the leader was captured alive and interrogated. However, during the interrogation, several questions arose, so they contacted us to seek advice from the Imperial Pce. Questions, you say? The bandits brought several peculiar items as they came down from the north. The details are not attached, but based on whats mentioned, it seems to be rted to undead Wesleighs eyes, who had been listening quietly, grew rapidly. Undead? Were they saying that undead were discovered in Karenna of all ces? What do you mean? Wesleigh unknowingly raised her voice and asked, but the atmosphere was that as the head of the Ministry of Magic, she would naturally be sensitive about undead. One department head smiled awkwardly and casually threw out a remark. Minister Wesleigh, dont be so agitated. You know we receive reports every time that the Ministry of Magic is managing necromancers well, dont you? Thats right. Did the mayor of Karenna say he has the corpse of an undead? Or did he mistake a vagabond for an undead? At the questions from the department heads, the Prime Minister lightly shook his head. There was no such mention, and it seems to be specified based on the interrogation of the bandit. Since there is no rted information in Karenna, they are requesting materials held by the Imperial Pce. Information about undead was under Wesleighs jurisdiction. As the Prime Minister gestured, the attendant brought the report to Wesleigh and offered it. Although she wanted to maintain herposure, her hand movements acted separately from her mind. She read the letters as if devouring them, and she couldnt help but frown more and more. The mayor of Karenna has urgently asked a few questions, so we should send the answers to those by express mail, and I think its proper to send the rted information by carriage. Questions. I see. Is it correct to view undead as magic beasts? Has a ve group that trades undead been formally permitted by the central government? Is there a way to be undead without necromancy? I will handle it. Wesleigh realized that the questions were quite specific. Surely there must have been a process to reach this point. As she bit her lips and flipped through the report, someone asked. But was the eradication of the bandits done by the mayor of Karenna? It was Taiha, the head of the Imperial Defense Department. If the bandits hade down from the north, the possibility of them crossing the border had to be considered. Then, naturally, there would be grounds to hold him ountable, wouldnt there? There was no noble lords directly in charge of guarding the northern border. Well, they say there were a couple of intrusions. It seems the guards of Karenna suppressed them. But they say they received some help from external mercenaries. Isnt that right, Minister Wesleigh? Yes. Thats whats written. External mercenaries? I guess even a small city like Karenna has mercenaries. Hahaha! While the ignorant fools burst intoughter, Wesleigh couldnt bring herself tough. The existence of these external mercenaries was truly irksome. If they were wanderers who just got tangled up by chance, there would be no problem, but If the mayor of a small rural city mentions them to this extent, it clearly means they yed a central role in suppressing the bandits. Wasnt it a position delegated by the Imperial Pce? More than anyone else, they were the ones who focused on empty formalities. Wesleigh thought that even the brief mention by the mayor was not something to be taken lightly. Anyway, I will take charge of this matter. We can move on to the next item. Thud. Wesleigh lightly closed the report and suggested. It was appropriate for her to handle it within her own sphere. However, Taiha, who had been listening quietly, interjected. Bandits fall under our jurisdiction. But they have already been suppressed, and what the mayor requested are answers to various questions regarding undead and other matters. It seems ve traders are involved, and that also falls under our purview. Also, the bandit leader is still alive. Head Wesleigh, you just need to neatly organize the answers to the questions and send them by express mail, right? Strictly speaking, its not a matter for the department head to step in. The meaning was to just answer the questions and back off. Wesleigh let out an absurd hollowugh and tapped the table with her finger. Silence fell over the conference room where they had been noisily discussing. Here they go again. The Prime Minister just stroked his white beard and sighed inwardly. It was obvious in cases where they were so sharp about insignificant things. Either it was the New Year, there were personal feelings involved, or there were separate circumstances. Taiha seems to be concerned about the reappointment of department heads since its the New Year. Unlike the Ministry of Magic, which was independent and rarely had power shifts, other ces used to be sharp about reappointments due to personnel evaluations. If nothing special happened, they would continue, but when was there a day without special events in the Empire? Especially the Imperial Defense Department, wasnt it a ce where the head changed a couple of times a year after going to war? Minister Taiha, why are you trying to take on work so diligently when its the New Year? That will only increase the burden on your sessor. Wesleigh pointed that out and made a very insulting remark. She was saying what if he took on the job and got dismissed. Taihas thick eyebrows twisted in a nice way. Why is Wesleigh acting like that? If she was less sharp, there would be no problem at all. As Taiha said, its not something she should directly intervene in. The Prime Minister alternately looked at the two and inwardly calcted the odds. Although she had a sky-high momentum, he wasnt sure if it was just a whim Tap tap tap! Minister Wesleigh. Please be quiet. I will if that fellow doesnt spout nonsense. Minister Taihas words also have a point. So I hope the two departments will work together to handle the matter regarding Karenna. I believe there will be no problem if you cooperate but only take responsibility for your own jurisdiction. Lets move on to the next item. The Prime Minister sided with Taiha. Wesleigh made an absurd expression, but most of the department heads checked the next report as if they had expected it. So you should have maintained the line well. The bnce due to proper checks had been broken since the New Years party. Because of the Truth Serum developed by the Ministry of Magic. Before appointing high-ranking officials, they would make them drink a magic potion that makes them tell the truth and be faithful. What were they thinking, making something like that? Yes, next is Continuing on Where in the world was there someone who didnt have a single speck of dust if you shook them out? And the Ministry of Magic made that? Based on what? The departments other than the administrative department ruled by the Emperor had banded together for once in a long time and were actively opposing this matter. I think the appointment of the Chief Justice of the Judicial Department will be the start of it, so what will they do? Sir Helrot, who was actively being pushed by 1st Prince Mariv, was the prospective candidate for Chief Justice. He was recognized as a talented person both externally and internally, but the problem was that he had a steadfast spirit and was not on good terms with the Ministry of Magic. Swish. Wesleigh gestured to her assistant. As he quietly approached while attending the meeting, Wesleigh covered her mouth with her hand and whispered something. Everyone pretended not to pay attention and didnt look, but they were all focusing on them with their senses heightened. Bareto, gather all the necromancers. Yes. Understood. And tell the Magic Stone Management Department to prepare as well. I will make sure there are no problems. After finishing her instructions, Wesleigh red at the department heads in the conference room with a sharp gaze. No one was looking, but they couldnt help but stiffen their necks for no reason. Everyone, as always, wished. They hoped the meeting would end quickly. *** Maybe I should have let him die then? Romandro muttered seriously while looking at the mayors letter. To hear such words from his mouth, not Berics. I think youve been influenced by Beric. Hmm? No, isnt that right? If Minister Wesleigh finds out, what could be more dangerous than that? Putting Hasha aside, we cant even guarantee the safety of us who know the secret. Shes a woman who massacred an entire vige. Saying it out loud seemed to bring a sense of reality. Romandrosplexion gradually turned pale, and soon he shouted again with a scream. Aaaah! Right! Were in a dangerous situation right now! Oh no! Should I inform His Highness Mariv? Calm down, Sir Romandro. If we move hastily, we might reveal our hand instead. First, we need to confirm whether the mayors report has entered the Imperial Pce. If it hasnt arrived yet, we can intercept it midway, and if it has already gone up, we need to see what the content is. In other words, it meant it was time for Romandro to act. Since each department was sharing matters in the general meeting, he could easily find out with just a little inquiry. Whats next? Romandro asked, rubbing his sweaty palms on his outer garment. Whats next was Ians part, wasnt it? Since I joined the Ministry of Magic, I will also gather information. Even if necromancy research was a public matter, there must be a clear difference between what was known externally and what was known within the Ministry of Magic. And above all Why they conducted research on casting necromancy on the living as a secret. Wesleighs role in the Imperial Pce seemed clear. The leading horse that goes at the forefront of Gales rebellion. However, in the history Ian remembered, there was no case of undead being used in the rebellion. Then, perhaps this matter is something Wesleigh is personally carrying out. Theres also a possibility that Gale doesnt know. The key will surelye out from this gap. Secret, in other words, the reason it became a secret. And if unraveled again, that would be the weakness. Wesleighs weakness Ian muttered unconsciously while pondering deeply. Romandro, who had regained hisposure, wiped his cold sweat and reflexively replied. Minister Wesleighs weakness? Thats a bit of a blunder. What? What do you mean by that? If youre talking about her weakness, its His Highness Gale, but the idea of His Highness Gale being a weakness itself doesnt make sense. Hes the second highest in the Empire. Well, thats what I mean. Ian quietly mulled over his words. Everything Wesleigh does is for Gale But if Gale doesnt know about the necromancy incident, that would be for Wesleighs sake. No way. An absurd hypothesis came to Ians mind. Making the living into undead and keeping them under oneself? Then could it be, targeting Gale? Unless shes crazy, theres no way In a way, Minister Wesleigh is the one whos crazy. They say love makes you crazy for a reason, right? Heavens. Romandro muttered to himself and kept reading the mayors letter. As Ian looked at him with a surprised expression, Romandro was rather flustered and blinked. Did, did I say something wrong? Chapter 136 Chapter 136 Objectively speaking, Wesleigh was truly an extraordinary person. No one knew her real name or age, which implied that she came from the lowest of the low origins. But in the end, she achieved the honor of being the youngest department head, the prestige of being the head of the Ministry of Magic, and even the position of being the lover of 2nd Prince Gale, the second most powerful figure in the Empire. There were only a few people in the Empire who had risen as high as her. Well, no way Ian, no matter what, isnt that a bit too much? To say that Minister Wesleigh is trying to turn His Highness Gale into an undead. Romandro made an expression of utter disbelief upon hearing Ians words. Even though it was his own house, his voice lowered secretively as if someone might hear. But with the current situation, we cant reallye up with any other hypothesis. I think she probably tried to find a detour due to the Imperial Pces blessing. Wh-when you say the Imperial Pces blessing, do you mean that mind control magic doesnt work on the Imperial family? Romandros eyes widened again. Even though it seemed like they were together all day, where did Ian pick up such information? Thinking that magicians were indeed different, he just let out a light exmation. Thats right. Undead are simr in result to mind control magic. Because you can control the target as you please. But the spells themselves are different, and if you go deeper, its closer to sorcery than magic. Im sorry, but Im an outsider when ites to that. Magic requires mana, while sorcery doesnt matter if you have mana or not. Its about exerting mysterious powers through bloodline, individual training, or various objects. That was the case with Hasha. He had no mana, but he had the bloodline of a sorcerer passed down through generations in his family, and he created undead with his own secret method. The more Ian exined, the more he felt like he was reading Wesleighs hidden intentions. So if someone wants to control an Imperial family member, they have to find a method other than mana. Its clear that the one who tried to turn the living into undead is Wesleigh, and the only one who would have such a motive is Gale, isnt it? O-or could it be that His Highness Gale ordered Wesleigh to do it? There was definitely a possibility of that too. Since he harbored a rebellion, he would naturally target the Emperor or Mariv. But No. Theres a higher possibility that Gale doesnt know. It was the historical record that necromancy was not used in the rebellion that gave Ian conviction. If Gale had known, he would have definitely tried to use necromancy without a shred of hesitation. History would have clearly changed. Then what do you n to do now? For His Highness Gale, Minister Wesleigh is a great force, and this is a threat to His Highness Mariv, so it seems like it could be a big opportunity. I also think the same. Wesleigh Romandro abruptly covered his mouth. It was a burdensome thing to say out loud, but Ian smiled brightly and lightly responded. Well have to cut her off. The current Ministry of Magic is rotten. If the top changes, the bottom will alsopletely change. This meant a better future for Bariel. Also, it would effectively stop Gale, who was trying to rebel with the Ministry of Magic backing him. But theres one thing that catches. Wesleigh is clearly the greatest force for Gale right now. But can Gale easily dispose of her? Using the justification of love, he might persuade her in a different way and keep her by his side instead. A situation where he had to use Gale to get rid of Wesleigh, and Wesleigh to get rid of Gale. Then he just needed to give Gale one choice. If theres no problem with the Ministry of Magic without Wesleigh, and furthermore, no problem with the rebellion Then hell be able to cut off Wesleigh. In other words, a magician is needed to rece her. Was there anyone Ian knew in the current Ministry of Magic who was capable of that? No. Hail from the Magic Operations Department seemed reliable, but it was still unclear, and judging from his conflict with Wesleigh, he would definitely not get along with Gale either. Then Ill have to do it. In terms of magical power, Im the only one who can rival her. The tangled threads in Ians mind unraveled one by one. As silence continued and the childs eyes kept shining, Romandro just quietly watched from the side. Ian, what are you thinking so deeply about? Ah, Sir Romandro. Hurry up and leave a message to Lady Viviana. To Viviana? Why? Because it seems you wont be able toe home for a while. At the shocking deration, Romandro made a shocked expression. Wh-why? If the mayor of Karennas letter reached Wesleigh, shell immediately know that we know about the undead. Its a matter of time. Three days at most, I expect. That means Shell definitely try to get rid of us. Boom! It felt like his heart was dropping. Then he should immediately run away- no. Where would he run away with his pregnant wife? I-I need to ask His Highness Mariv for help! No. I will personally inform His Highness at an appropriate timeter. Is that alright? Of course. Thats what we have to do. As Ian gave instructions to Romandro, he kept lightly flicking his fingertips. A non-habit that came out when organizingplex thoughts. Oh, before entering the pce, pick up some of the Luron mana stones you left behind. One piece should be enough. And as I requested, after working in the administrative department,e to where I am. Where? The Ministry of Magic? No. To His Highness Gales pce. What? Are you serious? Im serious. And by the way, do you know when the high-ranking appointment ceremony is held in the New Year? Hmm. Give me a moment. Romandro recalled while looking at the calendar. Not too far from now, a meeting would be held where major officials, including the Emperor, would gather to reorganize the countrys personnel. And based on the results, an appointment ceremony would follow within a few days. I expect it to be around next week. The timing is just right. I dont know how the issue of the Truth Serum will turn out. Find out about that in detail too. The power struggles between each department have intensified Whew, its a bit tough these days. Its a good thing for us. Hmm? Why? Because its aw that those who win in chaos prove their abilities. Ian lightly dusted off his hands and stood up from his seat. It meant that it was time to get moving. I will stop by the Ministry of Magic and then go to His Highness Gales pce. I will see you after sunset. Al-alright. But what about this fellow? Snooore. Beric, who had fallen asleep without a care in the world, scratched his chin. When a guard was needed to protect Viviana and Mini against Wesleigh, how could he have such ack of vignce? Leave him. Its probably one of the few times in his life hes been beaten up so badly. The key now is to act before Wesleigh, so lets move. Ah, I understand. Swish. Ian put the letter in his bosom and hurried to prepare to go out again. Romandro did the same. The two shared a nce that they would meet inside the Imperial Pce as they got into separate carriages. Oh my, where shall I take you two? Well go separately. Lets go to the Ministry of Magic. Ahem, were going to themercial district. Ah, yes. Understood! The two carriages dashed off in a straight line and split at the fork in the road. Ian was heading to the pce, while Romandro was heading to the hiding ce of the Luron mana stones. Hiiing! Clop clop! Romandro kept looking back at Ians carriage getting farther away due to worry. Ian himself was busy calcting numbers in his head with his head fixed upright. Sigh. This was why the Imperial Pce was chaotic. Romandro vowed and vowed again that he would definitely retire someday and go down to the countryside with Viviana. But where the hell did Hasha go? *** Meanwhile, Hasha was relentlessly running through the slushy back alleys where the snow had melted. How did it end up like this when he was just taking a lonely stroll around the neighborhood with a frustrated heart? Woof! Woof woof! The familiar scent of his hometown tickled his nose. His heart sank as if it would disappear with a single gust of wind. Hasha kept moving his four legs busily, following the gradually fading traces. Its the smell of Astanain! More precisely, the smell of spicesmonly used in Astana. The distinctive sour yet sweet scent was truly nostalgic, but it was clearly etched in Hashas memory. Thud! If they were from the same hometown, and if the heavens helped and they were from the same sect, they might take him back to Astana. Although necromancy was predominant in Astana, a minority of sects worshipped and traditionally preserved various sorceries, didnt they? Even if it wasnt his original body, he might find a way to be human again. Everything stemmed from the hope aroused by the faintly lingering scent of spices. Is it around here? No. I need to go further in! Please go a little slower! My fellow countryman! Oh my, whats with this dog? Go away, you beast! Oh dear, why is it suddenly rushing in and going crazy? Hasha used his small body to chase the scent as quickly and closely as possible. He tore through piles of boxes, dashed between old men drinking on the street, and was not afraid to step on cold puddles. Thud! And before he knew it, he was so close that he felt like he was inside the scent rather than chasing it. Hasha looked around, hiding his presence as much as possible. There was no sign of people in the damp, dirty, and dark alley. Hahaha! And then? Dont even say it, when I grabbed him by the cor, he started whining. It was the first time I saw a person cry like that. Youre exaggerating, really. Youre getting worse by the day. Hmm. Worse. No, Im telling the truth! At that moment, the sound of scruffy mening out of the building was heard. Judging by the cigarettes in their hands, they seemed to be taking a break in the middle of doing something inside. Hmm? Whats that? They looked rough and unusual at a nce. Their skin had scars here and there, their hair was in an unclean state, and their half-crazed eyes looked dangerous. Its a dog? Yeah, its a dog. Hasha was frozen in ce, unable to find a chance to turn back. He seemed to be gulping nervously, but they just kept smoking cigarettes, thinking of Hasha as an ordinary dog. What are you looking at, you mutt! Should we catch and eat it? Kahahaha! Ah, speaking of that, Im really hungry. When is Sir Paquinsing back? He needs to settle our wages so we can go to the tavern or not. Aah. Really. Paquins? Hashas ears perked up. It was a name he had heard many times before. He was just sniffing the ground, pretending not to understand, but he kept watching them with the whites of his eyes. So, youre saying the goods are quite lucrative this time? What was it? Uh, uh, un Undead, you idiot! No matter how many times you hear it, you cant process it. Right. Anyway, wont we get a lot of money for that? Gasp! Hasha couldnt help but exim. Paquins, he remembered. The ve traders in Karenna who made undead using his spells and sold them! The name of the ve traders was Paquins! Huh? Was that you just now? No, I didnt say anything? Huff huff! Huff! The men flicked the cigarette ash and slowly turned their heads. There was nothing here except a white dog? Hasha drooled as much as possible and made an expression that said, I dont know anything. Damn it. Chapter 137 Chapter 137 Ian returned to the Ministry of Magic again. Perhaps due to the aftermath of the joining ceremony, the main building itself was quiet, and there wasnt much presence felt. Although there was a 100-year time difference, not much had changed. Except for the fact that a garden had been built where an annex should have been, allowing more sunlight to enter. Thud. There would definitely be a difference in information. The depth of what was allowed to a minority belonging to the leadership within the Ministry of Magic, both inside and out, had to be different. Before meeting Gale, Ian was going to check if there was any information other than what was publicly known about mana stones and necromancy. Since Luron will probably arrive at the pce after sunset. Ian confirmed that he heard voices inside the Magic Support Department. A few people were keeping their seats, perhaps on duty. They took off their robes and kept twirling their pens with an annoyed expression. It was because of a sudden order from above. Gather the necromancers? All of a sudden? Right, some of them will be out of the pce. Wont they go crazy if theyre told to gather without notice? The funny thing is, they cant even make a sound to Minister Wesleigh. They only do that to us because were easy targets. What, are they discriminating against us because were foreigners every time something happens? Ignoring us? Whew. Im already tired. You do it. Nope, go away. I dont want to. I wont. Enough, hurry up and use the telegram magic. Minister Wesleigh looked like she was in a hurry. Otherwise, well get caught in the middle. Take charge of ten people each from the top in order. Ah, what did this guys face look like again? I cant remember. At someones words, everyone stretched and executed the telegram magic. Instead of sending sentences like a letter, it conveyed the situation by transmitting colored lights ording to predetermined signals. Ziiing. An orange light appeared in the magicians hands, then faintly disappeared as if diluted in water. The light would have passed on to the person the magician was thinking of. The recall signal is orange, basic. But Wesleigh told them to gather the necromancers? It was clear that the letter from the mayor of Karenna had gone up. He had told Romandro that it would take three days at thetest, but if he was unlucky, he might have to fight against Wesleigh right away. The route from the frontier to the central wasnt much different. If he specified the dates, it wouldnt be difficult to know that Ian had passed through Karenna during that period. I need to hurry. As Ian moved his steps to the archives, the surroundings were surprisingly quiet. And suddenly, it reminded him of the day he had been dragged down from the throne. It was truly peaceful that day, just like today. The smell of warm sunlight and the refreshingly blowing wind, followed by the low chirping of birds. The storm that divided fate came more quietly than expected, and by the time he realized it, it felt like the water had risen up to his chin. The moment fate changes is fleeting. It just takes a long time for it to approach me. Wesleigh, you might feel the same way. Youll think everything is a upheaval, but strictly speaking, it started the moment I woke up in the Bratz Mountains. Or maybe from my previous life. Creak! Ian entered the archives and looked around. A vast space with no end in sight. Only ck boxes that ordinary people would have no idea of their purpose were densely packed without gaps. Viscount Ian Hielo? Hello. You had your joining ceremony today, right? A magician who was organizing the archives recognized Ian and greeted him. But Ian had no time to spare. Yes. Commander Hail and the others have all gone home, and Ive returned to familiarize myself with the work. I dont know how this will sound, but oh my, youre diligent unlike a noble. Is this your first time in the archives? Do you know how to view them? Instead of answering, Ian ced his palm on the wall. And without hesitation, he opened up his magical power. The responsive light guided him to where the information he wanted was located. Ziiing! Excuse me. Im in a bit of a hurry. Huh? Uh He nodded awkwardly and watched Ians back. They said he had the backing of Prince Mariv and his magical power was quite useful, so it wasnt an exaggerated rumor. Although spells or forms were important in magic, the basic thing was the visualization caused by the magicians concentration. Imagining a target as specifically as possible. If that became blurry, it wouldnt function properly, and in the worst case, it could cause problems somewhere unexpected. No wonder the Magic Support Department was in an uproar. If a monstrous new recruit came in, the hierarchy within the department could be greatly shaken. It seemed like that was the reason Minister Wesleigh was specially keeping him in check. Im envious. Tsk. Life is unfair. Good-looking, noble blood even if half, granted a territory by the Emperor, and good at using magical power? The employeey down on the sofa and kept grumblingints. *** Clop clop! Around sunset. Romandro was hugging a small box containing Luron. Whenever the carriage shook violently, he flinched for no reason and checked if Luron was intact. Even if it was a mana stone, it was a lump of rock after all, but he couldnt help it because it was so expensive. Shall I go further in? Yes. Go to the entrance of His Highness Gales pce. Understood. The coachman slowed down the speed, probably because it was his first time going this far inside the pce. Romandro always went to the administrative department or Marivs office whenever he entered the pce. Hiiing! Weve arrived, Sir Romandro. Ah, right. Park the carriage over there. It would be a bit awkward if someone saw. Yes. Ill be waiting. Romandro checked if there was anyone around and entered Gales pce. He could see the guard watching him from afar. But before that Sir Romandro. Over here. Oh, Ian. I just came from the administrative department- Wesleigh received the letter from the mayor of Karenna. Gasp! Right. How did you know? Did shee looking for you? There was talk going around inside the Ministry of Magic. What about Luron? I have it here. Now, shall we go inside? Ian checked the faintly glowing Luron inside the box and nodded. Romandro tried to ignore the piercing gaze of the guard and whispered quietly. Ah, and I asked around in the administrative department, and what I said was correct. Theres exactly one week left until the high-ranking appointment ceremony. The meeting is usually held a day or two before, so keep that in mind. Yes. Thank you. Sir Romandro. Ill wait in the carriage until youe out. Alright. Ill be back soon. Ian lightly patted his shoulder, signaling him not to worry. Then he approached the guard, handed over his identification, and requested an audience. Im Viscount Ian Hielo from the Ministry of Magic. Id like to see His Highness Gale. Do you have an appointment? Not exactly, but its an urgent matter. It will be difficult if you dont have an appointment. Is worrying about visitors part of your job? I apologize. At Ians firm point, the guard slightly bowed his head and went inside. In fact, normally, it would be absurd for a mere viscount to bring up an audience request like this on the same day. But Ian knew that he was quite an irksome existence to Gale. Since he hade seeking him, he might tell him to wait but wouldnt turn him away. After a while, the head attendant appeared to guide Ian. Viscount Ian Hielo. This way, please. Swish. Perhaps because the sun had set, the pce was much darker than expected. Just like Gales hair. Even if it was decorated, Marivs pce felt bright and cozy, but Gales residence exuded the exact opposite energy. Knock knock. Viscount Ian Hielo requests an audience, Your Highness. Let him in. The head attendant opened the door after seeking permission and gestured to Ian. As Ian entered, Gale, dressedfortably, greeted him while lying on the bed. Unlike the indulgent atmosphere, piles of disorganized documents were stacked on both sides of the bed. Ian, I didnt expect you toe looking for me like this. Did youe to tell me your impressions of joining the Ministry of Magic? Or did Mariv tell you to deliver something? You said it was urgent, so Im curious. His tone was light and filled with yfulness. When Gale gestured, Ian finally sat on the sofa and put down the box. Gales sharp eyes turned to the box. I hope its a gift. Youre right. It will definitely be a gift for Your Highness. Gale kept reading the documents and gave a meaningful smile. A gift for himself, the second highest in the Empire. An ordinary thing wouldnt be satisfactory. Since I personally gave you my precious time, I hope you live up to my expectations. Ian took a moment to choose his words with a sigh. Judging by his behavior of not getting off the bed, it was clear that he hadnt heard any report from Wesleigh. Your Highness. Theres something Id like to humbly ask. I will allow it. Have you heard anything about performing necromancy on the living? At Ians question, Gale took his eyes off the documents. There was no emotion other than curiosity in his slowly raising head. I dont know what you mean. Necromancy is performed on the dead, but the target is a living person? Gales brows furrowed, and Ian continued. The reason I came here so urgently is because I have something to report to Your Highness. A few years ago, you would know that the Ministry of Magic invited necromancers to conduct research. Gale stood up as if he was getting interested, brushing aside the documents. His long robe slowly swept the floor as he moved. Minister Wesleigh secretly ordered the necromancers to conduct confidential research. The gist is to cast necromancy on the living, and I suspect the target is Your Highness. I told you to live up to my expectations, but its the exact opposite. How did you know about Wesleighs secret research? Im not merciful, so I tend to kill immediately if theres a blunder in the words. It was a very calm warning. A monotonous and t tone, as if having a casual conversation. But his gaze fell directly on Ian, showing that it wasnt an empty threat. I have a witness who was involved in the research, and I also personally saw the incident with my own eyes. You would know of a small city called Karenna. Ian summarized the events in Karenna as concisely as possible and ryed them to Gale. Gales brows furrowed more and more. Wesleigh conducted research separately without my knowledge? That Wesleigh? How dare she? It was unexpected. And honestly, quite surprising. He thought she would only do as she was told obediently, but she actually did some work on her own as a department head. It seems to have happened while seeking a way to avoid the Imperial Pces blessing. Whats the basis for saying Im the target? The basis is that Your Highness was unaware of the matter. It made sense. If Ian came directly like this and threw out bait, it was worth investigating. Gale asked questions suspiciously. Then why was he doing this? Why did he personallye and inform him of this? If Wesleigh was casting a spell on him, wouldnt Mariv be the beneficiary? It could be a scheme to drive a wedge between me and Wesleigh. But Ian read his thoughts and immediately added. Ill tell you in advance, His Highness Mariv knows nothing about this. I dare to swear that you can use the Truth Serum on me as soon as I leave here. And he held out the box. The real negotiation was starting now. Chapter 138 Chapter 138 I wonder if its because youre sincere or because youre too young and reckless. A peculiar smile lingered on Gales lips. Did he think he would be fed something in his own mouth under the name of the Truth Serum? Aside from the ability to make one tell the truth, it was one of the reasons high-ranking officials were extremely anxious. They didnt know what the Ministry of Magic might do to their bodies. I am sincere, and it is the truth. Well, lets hear it. Those who swear usually have something they want. It meant to try to persuade him. Ian ced his hand on the lid of the box and carefully chose his words. From now on, he had to speak without a single margin of error, exactly as he had molded in his mind. The likelihood of Gale using the Truth Serum had increased, so it was best to put up a protective shield with nuances that were different from a and different from b as much as possible. I became a lord with the help of His Highness Mariv, but I am not His Highness Marivs person. Of course, there are things I was instructed to do in return. Your Highness would probably guess that as well. Not only I, but the clerks in the Ministry of Magic would also know that. His Highness Mariv wanted me to go to the Magic Stone Management Department. Magic Stone Management Department? Gales brows furrowed slightly. It was a small clue, but it was enough to grasp Marivs intentions. He was trying to find out about the Truth Serum. I know its a topic that has risen to the forefront in the pce currently. But you didnt go to the Magic Stone Management Department. Why? Did you judge that it was easy to approach to that extent? Thats exactly right, as you said. Ian nodded in agreement and slowly held out the box. Gales gaze was filled with doubt but genuine curiosity. He nodded his head as if giving permission, and Ian opened the lid. Swish. I believe you will know what it is right away. Luron? Most of what Gale had seen so far was in powder form. At most, he had seen pieces the size of a fingernail, but this was the first time seeing it in such a lump. Just how many kilograms was that? ording to the data, the Ministry of Magic currently has about 10 kilograms of Luron stones stored. Since roughly 10 grams of Luron is used in one dose of the Truth Serum, it may seem like a very ample amount on the surface. But the problem was that the research was still in progress. About 5 kilograms had been used up in the research so far, and it was expected that about 1 kilogram more would be used to improve thepletion. Moreover, Luron is a mana stone with a high rarity. It would be useful not only for the Truth Serum but also in other areas, so if they conduct research a few times, it will definitely run out. It meant that even if 10 kilograms remained, it was by no means abundant. That was why they had been so persistently eyeing the Brats frontier, which was presumed to be a deposit. Gale picked up the lump of Luron and muttered while transmitting the light from the ceilingmp. As expected, it was in Bratz. Gales blue eyes flickered. The faint possibility not only showed its face but rolled in on its own feet. The deposits in the Hielo territory have all been mined and are currently managed by the central government. Ian deliberately emphasized the name Hielo. As if the owner of the frontier had changed long ago. It also meant to focus on him right in front, not to look elsewhere. Gale kept fiddling with the Luron stone and smiled. Things seemed to be getting really interesting. Thats only a very small part. I admit it. Honestly, Im very surprised. If Your Highness wishes, I will arrange for the Luron stones to be traded with the Ministry of Magic. Well supply them ording to the market price. Then, youll be able to easily dismiss the absurd argument that they oppose it because the mana stones are precious. It was one of the main arguments of the opposition. How could they consume precious high-grade mana stones for one-time use? Usually, it wasmon to use them as an auxiliary tool for magic, so naturally, there was resistance to the usage method of drinking and making them disappear. Are you trying to pay the tribute as the trade price? Sinceing to the central, there are many ces to use it here and there. When you throw out a hint, you should receive it with a hint. As Ian smiled, Gale fixed his gaze on the Luron stone glowing in a purple hue. It was not only beautiful but truly mysterious. So, what do you want? Now, tell me your true intentions, Gale askedzily, leaning on the back of the sofa. Please raise me as the next head of the Ministry of Magic. ! From one to ten, it was a series of shocks. Now he was curious about what thoughts were going through that small head. Gale slightly opened his mouth, then burst intoughter. Aha! Ahahaha! Youre crazy! No matter how much he supplied arge amount of mana stones with high rarity, wasnt the price he wanted too much? The head of the Ministry of Magic, no less! He must have gonepletely insane. Gale didnt hold back his heartyughter, and Ian patiently waited for his breath to subside. Its true that securing Luron stones will make things easier, but thats it. It will only block the nonsense about mana stones being precious. Ian, arent you being delusional? Supplying Luron stones is just a gesture of my goodwill towards Your Highness. Really? Then what else is there? Anyone who heard it would think it was a tone used to cate a child. Ian stared at him intently, and soonpletely erased theughter from Gales face. I will pass the Truth Serum bill. The jokes are getting too much, and its not funny anymore. It will be fun when it bes reality. By what means? Youre just a lowly noble viscount. He didnt even have the qualifications or requirements to attend the meeting. But he was so boldly saying he would do it, wasnt that an unprecedented deception? All the departments except the Ministry of Magic are flipping their eyes and pouncing on this issue, and youll handle that? So you want me to appoint you as the head? Not to appoint me, but to raise me. Please dismiss Minister Wesleigh at the next high-ranking personnel meeting to be held next week. Then there will be a power struggle within the Ministry of Magic, and I will take care of the rest. How impudent. But it was an attitude that came from definite confidence. Gale stared at Ian in silence with his chin resting on his hand. The child met Gales gaze without a hint of fear. Take care of it yourself? Is there any other department that operates based on ability as much as the Ministry of Magic? Gale suddenly recalled Ian at the magic confirmation ceremony. The magical power that had captivated everyone in the noble families and the Imperial family. Wesleighs flustered expression was particrly vivid. Did you modify the magic circle at the magic confirmation ceremony? Yes, I did. How on earth? Its not something that can be exined in words when ites to magic. I apologize, Your Highness. It was an answer telling him not to ask because he wouldnt understand even if he exined it to his ear for a hundred days. Ian just smiled, and Gales mind became a little moreplicated. Perhaps Ians magical power might be even greater than Wesleighs. Then, even if Wesleigh doesnt fall from the position of head of the Ministry of Magic this time, Ian will eventually catch up to Wesleigh someday. One by one, reasons were emerging for why it didnt have to be Wesleigh. Above all, if Ian was right and the target of the necromancy was Gale himself, it was correct to hurry and deal with it without weighing anything else. But Wesleigh loves me and is loyal to me. What will you be loyal to me for? You should know what it means to sit in the position of the head of the Ministry of Magic. It meant that he would soon be Galesplete subordinate. He would acknowledge that there was as much potential as Wesleigh, but was he prepared to be loyal to him as much as her? Your Highness Gale, I Ian finally brought up those words. I dont think His Highness Mariv is fit to be the Emperor. Ha! So, feel free to use me. Ian didnt lie. The next Emperor would be either Arsen or Jin. At the tant words, Gale flicked his hand, and soon a subordinate hidden in the shadows revealed himself. Did you call, Your Highness? Bring the Truth Serum. I will obey yourmand. Swish. Even as the subordinate moved, Gale didnt take his eyes off Ian. His momentum was as if he would devour him if he showed even the slightest disturbance. What if I refuse everything that was said here? If I may be so bold, I will go see His Highness Mariv as I am. I will report that Minister Wesleigh tried to harm Your Highness with the forbidden necromancy. Then Mariv would kill Wesleigh right away without weighing anything. For the crime of daring to try to harm the Imperial family. This was like cutting off Gales arms and legs without giving him any countermeasures. Swish. Gale took out a cigarette and drew his sword. Then he slowly brought the de close to Ians neck. Ian, this is how you survived in the desert. You tter me, Your Highness. In a case like this? You must have thought about this too, right? Tell me, because right now I cant think of any other way than killing you. Ian calmly looked down at the de. The dim lighting of the bedroom faintly shone along the sharp edge. I havent thought about it. Because I believe Your Highness will make a wise judgment. You must have honey smeared on your tongue. Whether Ian died or not, Wesleighs evil deeds would be reported to Mariv in some way. So rather than giving Mariv the sword of execution, it was much better to bring Ian on board. Swish. The tip of the sword slowly climbed up his neck and headed towards Ians mouth. As if to rip his mouth apart. Gale was warning Ian that he could kill him with just a little bit of force. Your Highness. I have brought the Truth Serum. At the sound of his subordinates presence behind him, Gale threw the sword to the floor. The transparent liquid contained in a crystal bottle. Gale personally opened the lid and shook it. If Wesleigh falls, the heads seat will remain vacant and a meeting will be held again. During that time, gathering support within the Ministry of Magic is solely up to you. I am confident. The repercussions would be huge. Wasnt she the head of the Ministry of Magic who was said to make even flying birds fall? From the moment her position was removed, all the magicians in the Ministry of Magic would fiercely sh. The department that produced the head would receive the benefits of power, just like the current Magic Support Department. During that chaotic period, Ian, or Ians faction, had to clearly show their presence. I like your concise answer. Thud. Gale ced the Truth Serum on the table. He even gestured to drink it quickly. His grinning face looked truly dangerous. Try it. What, do you think its poison? Thats not it. As I said, I believe that I will be of help to Your Highness. I havent tried it myself, so Im really curious about the taste. Tell me in detail. Ian carefully drank the Truth Serum. He felt like his throat was burning and his heart was beating fast, thump thump. The heat rising felt no different from strong alcohol. Ah- Ian slowly opened his mouth in time with Gales words. In an instant, ck blood gushed out. There was no pain at all, but the surprise was inevitable. Dont be surprised. Its normal. No wonder the other department heads are desperately trying not to drink it. Haha! Yeah, it doesnt look very good. Gale approached Ian and asked a question. Sir Ian, is there any falsehood in what you said to me? The moment Ian tried to wipe the blood with the back of his hand, he unconsciously blurted out an answer. I swear, there is not a single falsehood. Chapter 139 Chapter 139 Romandro anxiously watched outside the carriage. Darkness hadpletely fallen, and there was no sign of Ianing. It had been hours since he went in. Tap tap! Just then, he spotted a golden-haired boy descending the giant staircase in the distance. The surroundings were so quiet that his light footsteps seemed audible. Romandro woke up the dozing coachman and drove the carriage towards Ian. Ian. Hurry and get in, heuheung! I made you wait a long time, sir Romandro. Oh my, oh my! Ian! Shh, its nothing serious. N-nothing serious you say? Although wiped off, there were traces of blood on his chin and neck, and above all, his clothes were in disarray. What on earth happened inside? Romandro fidgeted restlessly with a dumbfounded expression, unable to grab hold of Ian or let go. In contrast, Ian nonchntly instructed the coachman while roughly tidying his cor. Lets depart. Sh-shall we find a medic? No. To His Highness Marivs pce. Yes, yes. Understood. Hiiing! The coachman also seemed startled, stammering heavily. Romandro, who had been gaping and checking Ians condition, soon realized there were no wounds. Ian. This isnt your blood, is it? It is my blood. I took a truth serum inside. Theres no physical pain, but the side effects are quite severe. This is why everyone gets scared and opposes it. As Ianughed, Romandro also smiled faintly. He seemed to be slightly relieved now. He noticed that the Luron box Ian had carried was gone. Can you tell me what happened? And why go to His Highness Marivs pce at thiste hour? I can tell you, but it would be better for your well-being not to know the details, Romandro. A big storm is about to hit soon. S-storm? Dont worry. We will always be at the center of it. Things went more smoothly than expected. When Romandro tried to wipe Ians face with a handkerchief slightly moistened with saliva, Ian refused with the back of his hand. The reason for going to Mariv now was to show him this state. Just go back. I will send word again after confirming if Wesleigh truly researched the forbidden necromancy. Even if it was a top secret within the Ministry of Magic, it wouldnt be difficult for the prince to find out if he wanted to. If everything was true, Wesleigh would surely be expelled at the high-ranking appointment meeting next week. Then this time, I should make use of Mariv. Going here and there in the moonlit night, what kind of act was this? But it was something that had to be done someday. Power was originally harder to maintain bnce than to push from one side. How does the administration currently perceive the truth serum issue? Since the real power in the administration lies with His Majesty the Emperor, we have no choice but to follow his will. But there are growing concerns from below. It is clearly an ideal potion, but the way itsing from Ministry of Magic is not ideal Ian recalled the departments within the Imperial Pce and counted them one by one. If it wasnt much different from 100 yearster, there would be about twenty departments in total. Among them, the ones close to real power would be narrowed down to about ten But Ian, isnt it a bit odd to go straight to His Highness Mariv after meeting with His Highness Gale? Its fine. His Highness Gale will know too. He knows? Its a kind of double agent. Even if Ian approached both sides, it wouldnt be greatly suspected. Romandro clutched his powerless hair, unable to fathom how the situation was unfolding. Just then, Thwack! Weve arrived, Viscount. Ah, yes. Romandro, please wait again. They arrived quickly as there was no traffic due to thete hour. Ian checked once more if the blood was properly stained and opened the carriage door. The guard who approached flinched upon seeing Ians condition. Did you perhapse to the wrong ce? This is His Highness Marivs pce. We havent received orders about a visitoring in the middle of the night. Youre right. I came urgently, so hurry and ry the message. Tell him Viscount Ian Hielo wishes for an audience. Please wait a moment. The guard nced at Ians blood-soaked clothes and went inside. Still, their attitude towards Ian and Romandro was gentlerpared to Gales side. Oh my, Viscount. Are you alright? No problem. The expression of the head butler who came out to greet them stiffened. With the instincts of someone who had lived their entire life in the Imperial Pce, it was clear that something unusual was happening. The head butler quickly led Ian to Marivs office. Knock knock. Your Highness. Come in. Mariv looked the same day and night. He was examining a mountain of reports with his hair neatly tied back and sses on. He turned his head and furrowed his brows. Viscount Ian Hielo. What in the world happened? My lord, I apologize for thete hour, but I have an urgent matter to discuss. I have juste from His Highness Gales pce. At the mention of Gales name, the head butler hurriedly left. The door closed, leaving only Mariv and Ian in the room. First, please forgive me for not informing you before meeting His Highness Gale. I needed to create the truth that you were unaware of my whereabouts, as it seemed certain he would make me use the truth serum. Then that blood is the side effect of the truth serum. Thats correct. Even though they said research wascking, it was truly a sight to behold. Talking aboutmercialization after this, they must be out of their minds. While examining the information about Luron stones that you mentioned before, it was revealed that the expected deposits are in the current Hielo territory. Ah, Mariv inwardly eximed. So thats why Gale coveted it so much. That was the reason he had been annoyingly persistent, even bringing up the truth serum issue. Ian continued, observing the princes expression. Therefore, His Highness Gale summoned me and ordered me to supply Luron stones to the Ministry of Magic. It seems difficult to refuse this. You mustnt do that. Supplying Luron stones will provide an excuse for the truth serum case. Your Highness. Isnt the Ministry of Magic the biggest reason for opposing the truth serum? Since its head, Wesleigh, is Gales subordinate, there is no trust in the potion itself. Even if they im to speak the truth, who knows when they might lie or how they might die from an unknown liquid. Mariv raised his sses and calmly asked. But? If Minister Wesleigh is removed and the owner of the Ministry of Magic changes, there will be no problem at all. Minister Wesleigh removed? It was an absurd idea, but if it happened, it would be the best news for Mariv. It would be like Gales main force disintegrating. But how? Wesleigh wont step down voluntarily, and the only way is for Gale to remove that woman, but why would that bastard abandon Wesleigh? At that moment, Mariv suddenly thought of the youngest daughter of the Hayman family. Recently, Gale had been putting in so much effort for her, so could there have been a fight with Wesleigh over that? The youngest daughter of a prominent family that monopolized the banking industry in Bariel, mixed with the blood of a neighboring royal family, and renowned for her beauty in social circles. Rumors were already rampant about how she had been attached to Gale at the New Years party. Ian slowly observed his expression and continued. It may be presumptuous, but do you know how the Ministry of Magic selects a new minister when the position bes vacant? The Ministry of Magic values ability above all else, so surely As Marivs words trailed off, Ian sat upright and simply nodded. He had thought Ian was extraordinary during the mana confirmation ceremony, but to this extent His Highness Gale seemed greatly impressed by my mana during the confirmation ceremony. Mariv also found it beautiful, but he didnt perceive it as to what extentpared to Wesleigh. He merely thought a luckily caught noble from the frontier would be useful. So it seems he is searching for potential candidates for the next minister one by one. Based on this, I predicted that His Highness Gale would remove Minister Wesleigh. There mustve been some kind hidden agenda behind it. Under normal circumstances, Gale absolutely, absolutely would not abandon Wesleigh. Im not sure about that, Your Highness. But if Minister Wesleigh is removed and an opportunity arises for me What is he saying now? A newly inducted magician mentioning the minister position. But Ian spoke without hesitation. I think it would be alright to proceed with the truth serum. To gather internal forces, an external collusion factor is necessary. If you allow the truth serum, I may be able to gather people with it. How many departments are involved with the truth serum? Mana Stone Management Department, Potion Research Department, Magic Experiment Department Can you do it? I will make it happen. If you assist me a little, Your Highness, it will surely be easy. Mariv thought. If Gale removes Wesleigh, he will definitely have a sessor in mind for the Ministry of Magic. But the opportunity will unexpectedly be given fairly to everyone. Even though Ian was a neer, he was still a magician belonging to the Ministry of Magic after all. It wasnt something he could boldly assert. Ian. Its all good. Its all good, but I still cant grasp the idea of Gale and Wesleigh splitting. It feels like a nonsensical delusion Im hearing in a dream. Will Gale really abandon Wesleigh? No, is Wesleigh even a woman to be abandoned in the first ce? Mariv narrowed his gentle eyes and red at Ian. Urging to proceed with the truth serum could he have sided with Gale? Ian noticed his gaze and bowed his head. This is why quick-witted people are tiresome. The reason I mentioned the truth serum is because I will be the mass supplier of Luron stones. Currently, the only major issue rted to Luron stones is that, and since all departments except the Ministry of Magic are opposing it, I judged that passing the bill would greatly establish my position in the Ministry of Magic. Its not entirely inconsistent. Mariv brought the pen to Ians chin, signaling him to raise his head. The younger brother pressed a de, and the older brother presses a pen. I understand. But first, Wesleighs being removedes first, and then you, Ian, have to show your abilities in the Ministry of Magic. Thats the condition. Dont worry, Your Highness. Zzing. Zing. Ian confidently answered while releasing his mana. As his green eyes turned golden, the light of mana swirled around him. If nothing else, this was unrivaled. I swear, this light is definitely for you, Your Highness. Yes. Ill look forward to it. Mariv lightly tapped Ians chin away and stood up from his seat. Whether it was a trick or not, removing Wesleigh from her position itself would be meaningful. Ian gently stroked the back of his neck and smiled faintly. Chapter 140 Chapter 140 In Marivs office, the assistant who had been called back at dawn hurriedly entered. His hair was still disheveled from being pressed. Knock knock. Your Highness, its Paal. Come in. Unlike usual, Mariv was sitting by the window. His gaze was fixed outside, as if he were trying to find a path in the darkness. Ian Hielo just came by. Ah, yes. He said that Gale would remove Wesleigh soon. What? Did he mishear something? Paal hurriedly rubbed his face as if trying to wake up. Gale removing Wesleigh? Wasnt that like cutting off his own wings? Thats absurd. Did this Ian say that? He said we would know after the personnel meeting next week. Its hard to believe, but if he says so, there must be something to it. The assistant understood why Mariv had urgently called for him. He was to find out what situation would force Gale to remove Wesleigh. What Gale had to protect even at the cost of abandoning Wesleigh could be his Achilles heel. And is there any way to obtain the truth serum? Its possible, but it will take time. Otherwise, for the truth serum, we could ask Ian The first andst time Mariv had seen the truth serum was at a report meeting to discussmercialization. Although some were still under research, the Ministry of Magic had been reluctant to show it. The assistant trailed off and let out a small exmation. Youre thinking of using it on Ian. No matter how I think about it, something doesnt sit right with me. How should I put it? Even though he bowed his head, it felt like he was looking at me as an equal. For example, not a single thing Mariv had instructed Ian to do had been properly handled. Like supporting the Mana Stone Management Department or not supplying Luron stones. His logic and reasoning made sense, so I let it slide, but it strangely bothers me. A piece on a chessboard. Of course, it shouldnt have a will or self, but every move felt like receiving unsolicited advice. If this continued, he would lose his own center and judgment. Pay special attention to the movements of Gale and Wesleigh. With the personnel meetinging up next week, if they make a move, it will be quick. Also, find out who in the Ministry of Magic contacts Gale the most after Wesleigh. That person would be Gales choice for the next minister and his second set of wings. The assistant bowed his head deeply at Marivs order, acknowledging it. Ah, and Your Highness, there was a message from the Rutherford Company. They said they would enter Bariel again through Hawan within this year. They seemed to expect sometime between summer and fall. Rutherford? Has that much time passed already? Mariv removed his sses and lightly rubbed the bridge of his nose. They were apany he unofficially sponsored, old acquaintances, and alchemists. There was nothing else in the letter. There was no apanying mana stone, so a reply would be difficult. Swish. The assistant handed Mariv a small letter and added. It was so shabby that it was hard to believe it was a report to the prince. Do you think theyve found it? It seems so. If they hadnt obtained it, they would have mentioned it in the letter. Its done. Anyway, this is something to worry about in the second half of the year. The basic job of apany was to buy, sell, and transport requested items. The fact that they wereing to central Bariel through Hawan like before was proof that they had carried out Marivs request. Theyll pass through Mereloff via Hawan likest time. Time had indeed passed. The owner of Mereloff had died, and the neighboring Bratz had be Hielo territory. Mariv chuckled and put the letter in a drawer. *** It was around dawn when Ian and Romandro arrived at the mansion. After changing clothes, Ian decided to return to the Ministry of Magic, while Romandro would go back to the administration to monitor the situation. As soon as Ian got out of the carriage, Beric, who had been waiting, roughly opened the door. Iaaaan! You idiot, youll wake up the whole neighborhood! Romandro covered his mouth with his finger, but it was no use for Beric. He abruptly stopped running and looked Ian up and down. It was due to the stained blood. Wh-what, whats wrong with you, Ian?! Enough. No need to make a fuss. This isnt your blood, right? Its the other persons, right? Its mine. Sheesh, why did you get hit outside? Which bastard! Thenterns on the second floor of the mansion also lit up. Themotion must have woken up Minnie and Viviana. Romandro frowned at Beric as if scolding him and hurried inside. Ian did the same. Beric spun around, trying to find Ians wounds. Which empty-headed bastard did this to you? Huh? Hey, dont you need to see a doctor? Oh my, lord Ian! Good heavens! Minnie, sorry for waking you up. I have to go out right away, so could you prepare some clothes for me? Minnie, in her sleepwear, also froze in shock. But she quickly came to her senses and went upstairs to prepare for Ians outing. Ian kept pushing away Beric, who was constantly shouting beside him. To our Ian Hielo, the Viscount! Huh? A Viscount! And a magician! The most precious person in the world! Should I kill that bastard? Or huh? Break all his bones!? Come on, I wont scold you for failing your guard duty, so stop it. My head hurts. Oh, yeah. Hehe. Beric scratched the back of his head andughed awkwardly. While he was passed out drunk, his master hade home covered in blood, so it was a ploy to get angry before being scolded. But apart from that, he was genuinely surprised and worried. But how did this really happen? Doesnt it hurt? Its a side effect of a magic potion. There was no pain, so its not a problem. By the way, wheres Hasha? He wasnt around during the day, and there was no sign of him at dawn either. Beric rubbed his ears and shrugged. Having just woken up at the sound of the carriage, there was no way he would know Hashas whereabouts. I dont know. What? Ian paused while unbuttoning his shirt. He had heard that Hasha went out often these days, but he hadnt heard about him being thiste. Above all, Hasha was a smart kid. It meant he knew well that he had to hide and avoid Wesleighs forces now that he was in the central. Sir Romandro! Minnie! Huh? Yeah. Romandro, who was exchanging greetings with Viviana, hurried downstairs. Minnie did the same. Ian took the new clothes and asked. Minnie, do you know where Hasha might go? Hasha, um, he kept going in and out of the neighborhood. Hes never been thiste before, right? Yes. But I thought he hade back while I was asleep, so I assumed the same today. Hasnt Hashae back yet? It would be troublesome if something happened to Hasha in the current situation. The child was the only surviving witness who could testify about the forbidden necromancy. Having met Gale and Mariv and lit the fuse, a summons would soone down to Hasha. The problem was that the timing couldnt be confirmed. Hasha disappeared? He didnt disappear, but it seems theres a problem. Oh no, this is crazy, crazy! Fortunately, we secured his testimony with the brooch, but it would be difficult for it to be epted as objective evidence. For now, it would be best to send out people as quickly as possible. Minnie, who had been listening quietly, covered her mouth in shock. The mention of the brooch reminded her of something. Why are you doing that? That Minnie, we dont have much time. Its about the brooch. Hasha has it. To be exact, its hanging on his ne. It was to record fragments of the past that suddenly came to mind even when staying still. As if painting over and over the testimony. Romandro frowned as if troubled, but on the contrary, Ians expression brightened. Hasha went out wearing that? Yes, probably. And here, in this upscale residential area where officials live, stray dogs without owners are caught. To wander around, you need a mark like that. Oh, could he have gone far beyond the neighborhood? That would make him an easier target. If a dog had a shiny ne around its neck, there was a possibility it had been threatened by vagrants or ruffians. As Romandro clutched his cheeks and screamed, Ian waved his hand. Go and bring the leather bag. The leather bag? Oh, wait a moment! The brooch Dergha had attached to Ians chest. It allowed recording and location tracking at the same time. Apass made of the same mana stone as the brooch, not a needle, would roughly indicate Hashas location. Click. H-how do you read this? Its a low-grade mana stone, so I dont know the details either. We can only estimate based on the direction and brightness. Thepasss mana needle was pointing north. The brightness was faint but not out yet. It meant he was quite far away. Beric. Huh? Swish! Ian tossed thepass to Beric, and he reflexively caught it. But then he threw it on the sofa as if he had touched something he shouldnt have. He understood Ians order. You want me to go? Then should I go? The distance isnt shown. How far do you expect me to go? It should be within the central anyway. If you end up going beyond the central, send word to the mansion and continue tracking. Its normal for kids to bete sometimes when theyre out ying! Youre the youngest one here. Thats ridiculous! Youre the youngest, arent you? Oh. Is that so? Thats right. Ian forgot he was living his second life. When Ians words didnt continue after a brief answer, Bericy sprawled on the sofa and whined. Go find Hasha, and if there are people who threatened Hasha, do as you please, Beric. As Ian muttered while tidying his changed clothes, Berics ears perked up. Whether you kill them, spare them, sh them, or stab them, do as you wish. Can I release mana? Of course not. It wont be at that level. Since Hasha had gone out and not returned before receiving Karennas letter, it probably wasnt Wesleighs doing. And above all, if it were her doing, Ian would have received a response long ago. It was more likely that he had unfortunately gotten involved in some trouble. Dont say otherwiseter. Do it sensibly, using something called thinking. Of course! Im so smart! As Beric grinned, Romandro held his forehead. That kid had no self-awareness at all. Ian hurried to get ready for work, watching the dawn break. Now, Beric. Bring Hasha back safely. Then Ill give you a reward. What kind? Have you ever eaten a whole pig? Thump thump! Kwang! As soon as Ian finished speaking, Beric dashed outside. He ran straight to the right, then realized it wasnt the right direction and turned left. Can we really trust him? Arent dogs originally the best at finding people? Ian nodded, watching the morning sun rise. Just as many things had happened to him during the night, perhaps many things had happened to Hasha as well. Chapter 141 Chapter 141 Say that again. Wesleigh unknowingly flicked cigarette ash as he listened to the report. It had been two days since Karennas letter was brought up in the meeting. The assistant put down the report and added. Theres a high possibility that Viscount Ian Hielo passed through the area during Karennas bandit subjugation. After all, the routes from Hielo territory to the central are limited, and the safest and fastest is through the triangle of Karenna, Rongin, and so on. If only there werent any bandits. Wesleigh hurriedly stubbed out his cigarette and frowned. If the mercenary who had eliminated them was Ian, he would surely have doubts about the undead. Did he notice traces of necromancy? Before that, why did the bandits have undead in the first ce? That bastard Ian might be investigating separately. Did he enter the archives after joining the Ministry of Magic? Her mind right now was a mess. Anything else was fine, but Gale absolutely must not find out about the forbidden necromancy. As she nervously chewed her nails, the assistant gently stopped her. Weve sent carrier pigeons to Karenna for details, so a reply should arrive soon. Check if Ian has essed the archives. Yes. I understand. Did hee to work? They say hes been at work since dawn. He probably has a lot to learn, going around various ces outside the Magic Operations Department. She felt like her stomach was turning and blood was rushing to her head. She felt like she had to call Ian right now and shout at him to calm down. Was he the one who eliminated the bandits in Karenna? What did he see there, and what did he find out? Just as Wesleigh couldnt hold back and was about to take out another cigarette with trembling hands, Knock knock. Wesleigh-nim. A message from His Highness Gale. From His Highness? Come in. She was unaware. That her hands had stopped shaking. The assistant silently watched and pushed the papers to one side. Whenever there was a message from Gale, work always took a backseat. He said toe to the pce whenever you have time. Really? Alright. Ill go right away. Wesleigh immediately grabbed her coat and stood up from her seat. There was not a moment of hesitation. How long had it been since he had called for her? When rumors started circting about him spending time with the Hayman familys daughter, contact naturally became infrequent. The Hyman daughter was someone who could definitely help Gales cause, so she had endured it, but she was slowly reaching her limit. Ah, and a few days ago, there was a witness who saw Viscount Ian Hielo entering Marivs pce covered in blood. The assistant followed her and verbally reported the rest of the minor details. Wesleighs footsteps echoing through the empty corridor seemed a bit rushed. To Marivs pce? I dont know the reason, but it waste at night. Since Gales pce wasnt a surveince area Wesleigh needed to keep an eye on, she hadnt noticed that Ian had seen Gale first. She frowned as she got into the carriage. What about the mansion? Hes currently staying at Viscount Romandros mansion in the administration, but theres no movement, including guards. It seems theres only a pregnant woman and a servant. Really? He rarely returns home due to work. Then reduce the surveince on the mansion to a minimum. Ill shift the rest to Ian. Wesleigh nodded, looking at Gales approaching pce. It had been a long time since she had seen her lover. Feeling her heart pounding, she ran up the stairs in one go. Knock knock. Your Highness Gale. Wesleigh, youre here. I was waiting for you. Its been a long time. Youve been busytely, so its hard to see you. I guess youre not going flower viewing with the Hyman daughter today. Gale satnguidly on the sofa and justughed. The cigarette smoke scattered with hisughter. He gestured for her toe closer. Come here. And he pulled her wrist and sat her on hisp. Wesleigh naturally nestled into his arms and hugged his neck. Wesleigh. Ive been truly thoughtless. Your Highness, why are you suddenly like this? A smile bloomed on Wesleighs face. It was hard to believe this was the same dignified head of the Ministry of Magic who usually exuded coldness. Gale opened a small jewelry box and whispered. Open it. Click. It was a pair of earrings densely studded with diamonds. Wesleigh slightly parted her lips at the brilliantly sparkling jewels that seemed to capture the light. It wasnt because they were precious. If it was about wealth, Wesleigh, as the head of the Ministry of Magic, was also one of the top in the empire. But this Your Highness, what have you done wrong to me? As if. Its the first gift. That youve given me, Your Highness. Instead of answering, Gale gently brushed her hair aside with his soft touch and put the earrings on for her. When he caressed her earlobe, Wesleigh felt like she was about to burst into tears. Yes. No matter how much the Hayman daughter was there, to Gale, she was still The one at fault is you, Wesleigh. It wasnt the voice filled with affection. In Gales gaze, which was close enough for their noses to touch, Wesleigh read unfamiliar emotions. Disgust and contempt. Where did the man who had just been caressing her earlobe a moment ago go? Your Highness? Ive been truly thoughtless towards you. Wh-what does that Gale held Wesleigh tightly in his arms and took out a document from the table. Wesleigh easily recognized what it was. A forbidden necromancy research report with the Ministry of Magics top-secret seal. Her spine tingled with a sinking feeling. I didnt know you were scheming behind my back like this. Gale buried his face in Wesleighs neck and let out a lowugh. She struggled to break free from his embrace, but she couldnt overpower the mans strength. Squeak. No, no, Your Highness. Its a misunderstanding- If it werent for the imperial blessing, I might have been devoured by your insanity long ago. There was a reason people called you a witch. Bring the shackles! A subordinate hiding in the shadows approached. In his hand, as if prepared, were thick iron chains. The terrified Wesleigh unknowingly screamed. Gale, listen to me first! Zzing! Zing! Her eyes turned golden, but no mana was emitted. The diamonds on her ears, reflected in the wine ss, were particrly dazzling. They were mana sealing stones. Shh. Wesleigh. Gale was still restraining her wrists. Not missing the moment she faltered in bewilderment, he put the shackles on and tied her to a ring on the wall. These also contained mana sealing stones. I want to snap your neck right now, but Im sparing your life for the sake of our past. So behave yourself. Past? Wesleighs mind went nk. At the same time, her tongue moved on its own. Werent she and Gale practically one body? But judging from how he was trying to cast her aside without even listening to an exnation, her existence had already been erased from his mind. Youre trying to appoint someone else as minister instead of me? If Wesleigh were to be killed as the Ministry of Magics minister, an investigation would be conducted, and the forbidden necromancy would surely be revealed. The crime of attempting to harm the prince, Mariv would call for reforming the monopolistic and unrivaled power structure of the Ministry of Magic. This was a permanent bad move for Gale and meant defeat. To keep me from attending the personnel meeting, to appoint someone else and k-kill me Tears unknowingly flowed down her face. Wesleigh bit her lip and looked up at him, but Gales expression was cold. I cant understand. Youre so perceptive, yet how could you attempt such a foolish thing? Wesleigh. Im truly disappointed. You were a good colleague in many ways. No! Gale, you know. I I would never betray you. I wanted to be with you and your future. Thats all it was. Really? Fine. Then Ill give you one chance. At Gales nod, the subordinate held out the truth serum. The man casually shook the bottle and grabbed Wesleighs chin. The bitter potion flowed into her mouth as she lifted her head. Cough! Wesleigh coughed up blood. An endless stream of blood. Gale knelt on one knee and met Wesleighs gaze. Ill ask you, Wesleigh. Please, ask the right question. Did you try to cast necromancy on me? Ask if I had the intention to betray you, or if not, if I can swear eternal loyalty. Wesleigh pressed down on her tongue that tried to move on its own. But in the end, the truth poured out with the blood. Yes. Gale frowned and stood up from his seat. After wiping the blood with a handkerchief, he instructed his subordinate. Watch her without a moments gap. Yes. Your Highness. What about Wesleighs assistant? Hes waiting outside. Dispose of him. And tell the Ministry of Magic that Wesleigh is on a business trip for the time being. Prepare the personnel to clean out the Magic Support Department as soon as the personnel meeting is over. After the subordinate acknowledged the order, he disappeared back into the shadows. Behind Gale, who was about to leave the bedroom, Wesleighs scream pierced through. You, youre always like this to me! Gale, I love you. Thats why I did it. Because I knew you would discard meter, I just wanted to keep you by my side! My future was always you! Gale nced back. Wesleigh, covered in blood, bit her lip as tears dripped down. But Gale only chuckled. If you wanted to be together, you should have known your ce. Wesleigh. Then I would have taken responsibility for you till the end. You crossed the line. His gaze shifted to Wesleighs lower jaw. Blood was no longer pouring out. The effect of the truth serum was said tost while the subject coughed up blood. And I cant believe your words without blood. Kwang! The door closed without hesitation. Inplete darkness, Wesleigh red at where Gale had been, swallowing her tears. Cant believe without blood? Fine. I understand. Crack. She tore her lips, her eyes zing with furious tears. How could he do this to her? How dare he Lets see it through to the end. Gale. She rubbed her face in the blood pooled on the floor and screamed in agony. Gales head butler locked the door, trying to ignore the faintly audible shrieks. *** Did you hear that? I heard Gale and Minister Wesleighs rtionship isnt good these days. Because of the Hyman daughter? I dont know. There were some rumors going around. But theyve been together for so long, you know? But Minister Wesleigh is on a business trip these days. I heard Gale personally ordered it, so if their rtionship was bad, he wouldnt trust her like that. Thats true. And is Minister Wesleigh someone to be trifled with? Shesparable to the Hyman daughter in every way except bloodline. Then Minister Wesleigh wont be attending the personnel meeting? She doesnt need toe. Shell be reappointed anyway. As the personnel meeting approached, whenever people gathered, they talked about high-ranking officials. It was a natural atmosphere, as it was a ce where the heads of the year were decided. Swish. Hm? Whats wrong? No, I thought I felt someones presence. Who else is here besides us? Stop talking nonsense and hurry up. Well bete. As the chattering group disappeared, a ripple appeared in the space. It was Bareto, Wesleighs assistant, who had hidden his appearance with magic. With a troubled expression, he looked towards Gales pce. Ill save you soon. Wesleigh-nim. Chapter 142 Chapter 142 Minister Wesleigh went on a business trip? Yeah. I wondered why she hadnt been seen for a few days, and thats what they said. Captain Hale rarely sees minister Wesleigh anyway. Well, its not like they have many reasons to meet often. Captain Hale replied indifferently, but Ian couldnt believe the story about a business trip. It was because he judged that she wouldnt rashly leave the pce at this particr time. Thats why its been quiet for the past few days. Gale, who definitely confirmed the forbidden necromancy, must be detaining her, or Escape? If not, she might have gone directly to Karenna. To clean up the mess with the undead. With no way of knowing how Gale was acting, only assumptions kept popping up in his mind. So Im scheduled to attend the personnel meeting today in ce of minister Wesleigh. Everyone, go home early. When Wesleigh was absent, her assistant would take her ce, but this time, he had also left with her, so the department heads had to gather. Nakina asked as she gathered the documents. The head of the Magic Support Department isnt going? All the department heads are going together. We have to sit there without any right to speak though. It was a kind of courtesy, but since they were all part of the Ministry of Magic, they gathered like this to show some sincerity at the personnel meeting. Then well go too. Those Magic Support Department guys will definitely follow if their head goes, right? We cant let Captain Hale stand there alone! Go home, you idiots. I dont mind. Nakina? I dont have any work either. Tommy and Nakina slowly turned to Ian. They were asking with their eyes what the youngest would do when all the seniors, including the head, were going. Ian smiled brightly and nodded. Id like to go as well. His mouth is smiling, but what about his eyes? No, his eyes are smiling too. Kid, when will you get to see a personnel meeting like this again? Is the atmosphere there quite fun? How could Ian not know? It was the first button of politics that would continue the year and the starting point that determined the trajectory. For those who seeded in securing their positions, it would be like a festival, and for those who would tightly pull the lifeline at the meeting, it was no different from a battlefield. Normally, the Ministry of Magic would also consider it a formal event, but This time would be a bit different. And it had to be different. Because there was bait thrown at Mariv. Then lets hurry. Its about time to leave. Hale checked his watch as he stubbed out his cigarette. It was time for everyone who had staked their lives on the meeting to head to the grand conference hall. *** Minister! This way! Oh, isnt that the next Minister of Internal Affairs? Haha, what are you saying? Youre embarrassing me. About the painting you showed mest time, a friend of mine who knows it well Its been a while. Why is it so hard to see you? How many more years until that persons retirement? Ah, shh. Be careful what you say. I heard they spent a huge amount of money to put Chirio in the Foreign Affairs Department. The area in front of the grand conference hall was filled with carriages. Less than half of them would be able to observe the meeting inside, but everyone was waiting to either escort their superiors for thest time or to congratte them as soon as they exited the hall. Ian! Ah, sir Romandro. Romandro was the same. As a member of the administration, he was drifting around the conference hall lobby, being pushed around by people. He nced around and whispered. Still no word from Beric? If there was any news, you would have known first, sir Romandro. Oh my, Im going crazy. Where the hell is that bastard and what is he doing? Theres been no news for so long! Could something have happened to him? He had dashed out at the break of dawn, and there had been no contact for nearly a week. They had released a dog to find a person, and now they needed to send another person to find that dog. Ian patted Romandros shoulder and muttered. Hes not the type to go somewhere and die, and even less likely to run away from home. Well, hell definitelye back to eat the pig. The question is when that will be. If I had known, I should have set a specific time for him. I forgot that Beric only knows one thing when you tell him one thing. Fortunately, there was no news of any incidents happening anywhere in the central. If Beric had swung his ck sword even once, there would have been a proper disaster. Clop clop! Just then, a huge carriage pulled up in front of the conference hall building. The g of Bariel was unting its majestic authority. Its His Majesty the Emperor. His Majesty the Emperor has arrived! Everyone, make way! Bow your heads! The Emperor slowly ascended the stairs on his own two feet, albeit unsteadily. Ian, Romandro, and all the officials bowed in respect. The two princes following behind. Mariv and Gale. Swish. As the two passed by, they looked down at the back of Ians head. Although their faces werent visible, their gazes were intently intertwined with each other. Kwang! As the three imperial family members entered the conference hall, the lobby regained its bustling atmosphere. With the Emperor and princes inside, the meeting would start immediately. Someone earnestly sped their hands in prayer, while others boasted loudly as if they had already been appointed. The subordinates were divided into ranks ording to the position of their superiors, making it another fiercely political scene. ? Zing! Just then, Ian, Nakina, and Tommy simultaneously looked to the north. And they werent the only ones. Magicians from other departments who had sent their heads inside also flinched at the same time. What was that just now? Huh? What are you talking about? Tommy, Nakina. Did you feel it? Yeah. You too, kid? Hey, I wasnt the only one who felt that, right? Its strange. If its north from here No, what is it? Ian, tell me too. Sir Romandro, stay close to me for now. The magicians continued to be on edge, but non-magicians had no way of knowing. It was like a stillness within themotion. Only the clueless Romandro stayed glued behind Ian, observing the reactions of others. Boom! At that moment, a rumble was heard. Something had exploded in the direction where they had felt the ominous mana. Only then did the others hesitate and raise their gazes to the sky. ck smoke billowing up. It was a scene they had never witnessed in the Imperial Pce, so it seemed like everyone was having trouble grasping the reality. Fire? No way. Due to the control of the Ministry of Magic, fires never broke out in the Imperial Pce. If a research department had identally detonated something, that would be a different story. But currently, all the key officials of the Imperial Pce were gathered here in the conference hall lobby. How could they conduct research without them? What is that? We should call the Imperial Guard. Wait a moment. The Imperial Guard was solely under the Emperors authority and was not on the agenda of the personnel meeting. Someone went to call the captain of the guard, and soon Jaylut, one of the three captains, appeared with his subordinates. Among them was Barsabe, although he was at the bottom of the hierarchy. Hey, it looks like the smoke is getting closer. Everyone, move to your respective posts and assess the situation. Yes. Captain. It wasnt just a feeling. Something with strong mana was approaching this way. Jaylut asked the magicians. Have all the department heads entered the conference room? Yes. Thats right. Just in case, please set up a barrier for everyone. Hey, dont dawdle and gather around! Draw the magic circle! Who are you to order us around? Magic Support Department, gather over here! Well draw the magic circle with us at the center! These crazy bastards, seriously. Even at a time like this, they were fighting over their rice bowls. Nakina raised her middle finger in anger, but Tommy covered it with his palm. With even the magicians moving, members of other departments were flustered and panicking. Shouldnt the meeting be suspended? Are you kidding? Who has the authority to do that? His Majesty the Emperor is also inside. Can you take responsibility if something happens? I know your line is going to fall this time. Dont try to use this as an excuse to stop the meeting. What are you saying? Listen carefully! Those who are trying to stop the meeting here probably wont be seen in the pce this year! Hahaha! Thats not my intention! Once a year, the most important meeting that bes the cornerstone of politics. Those who fall from grace here would try to push for the meeting to be suspended, dyed, or seek future opportunities no matter what. So those who were newly appointed couldnt stop, even if someone died. I wont tolerate any further disturbance. Everyone, please be quiet and cooperate. The Ministry of Magic will set up a defensive barrier, so for now, please wait here. At Jayluts dignified words, everyone settled down a bit. Unlike the Magic Support Department drawing magic circles on the floor, Tommy and Nakina slowly stretched their arms and legs while looking up at the ck smoke. Whats in the north again? Could something have gone wrong in the Monster Research Department? Thats north based on the Ministry of Magics main building. Not from here. Hmm. If you go straight this way the Administration, Support Department, Grand Garden, and His Highness Gales residence. The closest is the Support Department? Zzing. Zing. Tommy and Nakinas eyes glowed golden. They bent their bodies and lightly rubbed their Achilles tendons and hip bones. Following their gestures, mana bubbled up and filled their feet. Kid, stay here and watch closely. Well go and take a look. Swish! Whoosh! With a tremendous gust of wind, the two shot up into the sky. As if they were tied to an invisible string and being pulled. Romandro gaped at them, and Ian shielded himself from the wind with his arm. The streaks of mana light couldnt keep up with their speed and left afterimages. Like a monochromatic rainbow. Oho, I, I see. Magicians can fly. Havent you seen the Magic Operations Department fight in battle? Ian, those who have seen it are all dead. Ah. I see. The battles they were deployed to were when the tide was turning against their allies. Using the power of magic to turn that angle back in favor of their side. The ones deployed to aplish the impossible without divine intervention were none other than the Magic Operations Department. If Gales pce is in that direction- Ian could easily guess what the ck smoke infused with mana was. Is it Wesleigh? He didnt know what had happened, but if it really was Wesleigh, they had to be on high alert. She was a great magician who had risen to the position of the youngest court sorceress. Ian approached the magicians and nced at the floor. Dont get in the way and step aside. Your Excellency. The form is reversed. If you do this on the actual site, everyone will die. Senior. What? Ah, thats right. Hey! Who wrote this here? And this part and this part shouldnt be written in Alehaman, but in Barielian for better effect. Who will be in charge of this part when activating the magic circle? I was going to do it. Then rewrite it. The form goes like this. Ian naturally squeezed between them and started correcting the magic circle. It was a long magic circle stretching from one end of the vast lobby entrance to the other. While all the magicians were lying down, designing the barrier, Out of the way! The meeting must be suspended immediately! Who has the authority? Oh my, look at this, making ast-ditch struggle. Captain of the Imperial Guard, arrest them all for disrespect! Inform the inside right now! Absolutely not! Not before they stamp the seal inside! Those trying to stop the meeting and those trying to keep it going were entangled at the entrance, engaging in a physical struggle. Ian clicked his tongue and looked up at the sky, and soon realized that Tommy and Nakina were nkly standing in midair. Paat! Ian shot mana into the air. As if signaling them to indicate what they saw. But the two remained still, as if they had lost their minds upon seeing the true nature of the smoke, not moving at all. Chapter 143 Chapter 143 Why is it so chaotic outside? Ill go check. If its a disturbance, let me know which department is leading it. Yes, yes. Understood. Mr. Paal. Marivs assistant urged the attendant. It was an important meeting, yet noise wasing through the cracks of the door. Noticing Marivs gaze from the high podium, he bowed his head. With the Ministry of Magics fall expected at the meeting, there absolutely couldnt be any problems. Quiet down. We will now begin the personnel conference of the 1,101st year of the Imperial calendar. Everyone, stand up and make an oath of loyalty to His Majesty. Creak. At the prime ministers direction, all those seated stood up and ced their hands on their chests. Mariv and Gale, who were seated closest to the Emperor, did the same. The Emperor, seated at the highest position, only looked down at them with dignity. I swear by my faith that the purpose of the personnel meeting is to contribute to the proper development of the Great Empire Bariel by appointing the right talents. I swear. I swear. It wasnt even funny. They sought upright individuals only in words, but werent their hearts filled with their own self-interests? Those with voting rights led the pledge first, followed by those with only the right to propose below them. Then lets begin. First is the Legitive Department. Kartesro, the current minister of the Legitive Department, pleasee forward. The current minister needed to actively assert what he had done and what achievements he had made for Bariel over the past year. It could be for reappointment, but it was also a matter of honor as an official. Next, I will call the five candidates for the position of Legitive Minister. They are listed in Barielian alphabetical order. Stand up in order and introduce yourselves. The presumptive appointee had alreadyid the groundwork through behind-the-scenes work before the meeting. The other candidates were a kind of extras, and it was almost like building their careers for the future. Mariv was watching the proceedings with a solemn expression. Your Highness. Just then, assistant Paal, who had returned behind the podium, called for him. Mariv tilted his head to the side while keeping his gaze fixed. The magicians outside are setting up a magical defense barrier. Defense barrier? Arent all the department heads in the meeting? A mysterious smoke that started from the north is approaching this way. Outside, those trying to suspend the meeting and those trying to continue it are shing. Mariv frowned. He had no idea how things were unfolding. In the meantime, the prime minister announced that it was the Ministry of Magics turn. Next is the Ministry of Magic. Minister Wesleigh is absent, but since there are no registered candidates for the next term, reappointment is I object. It was Gale who cut off the prime ministers words. He raised his hand and stood up from his seat as if he had been waiting for this moment. Instantly, murmurs swiftly swept through the conference room. No way, it cant be? Is the rumors true? Gale and Minister Wesleigh? Shh, be quiet. The moment of confirming with their own eyes what they had only heard in rumors. Everyone in the room focused on Gale. The Emperor was no exception. Your Highness. If by chance the minister falls and an opportunityes to me. Mariv recalled what Ian had said in the middle of the night. Honestly, he had been skeptical and thought there must be a clear hidden motive. But was there any better news for Mariv than Wesleigh truly falling from grace? I oppose the reappointment of Minister Wesleigh. Oh my! Heavens! Your Highness Gale, what do you mean by that? Your Highness! Its Minister Wesleigh of the Ministry of Magic! That Wesleigh! Excuse me, lets suspend the meeting for a moment. We cant do that. Theres nothing problematic about the statement. Everyone, quiet down! Kwang! As the prime minister struck the gavel, themotion abruptly stopped. Because if they were to be expelled in this situation, there would be no greater disgrace. Gale slowly looked at his elder brother Mariv. This is what you wanted, Mariv? Doesnt it seem like hes saying that? Mariv let out a quiet exmation with a flushed expression. Just as Ian said, it was clear that something had happened between the two. Cutting it off before it became a bigger poison was the only exnation for Gales attitude. Your Highness Gale, please continue your statement. It has been quite a while since Minister Wesleigh was appointed to the Ministry of Magic. The minister ispetent, but she doesnt take the continuously raised issues seriously and shows no willingness to make progress. Excessive budget allocation. Opaque work processes. Personal personnel management. Extensive abuse of authority, and so on. As Gale pointed out each one, peoples expressions turned to shock. As if they had no idea why Gale was doing this. Wasnt he the beneficiary of all those corruptions? Therefore, I believe it would be beneficial for the Ministry of Magic to oppose Minister Wesleighs reappointment and appoint a new minister. What do those with voting rights think? At Gales question, themotion rose again with murmurs. If Wesleigh falls, what about the bacsh? Will the witch stay still? Yeah, judging from what we didnt know, it seems Wesleigh doesnt know either. Hey, dont you have eyes to see? Dont you know what it means that Minister Wesleigh didnte to the meeting? Has His Highness Gale already made a move? Heavens, what on earth is happening He must have someone in mind for the next Minister of Magic. It seems His Highness Gale wants to directly control the Ministry of Magic. Oh my, seriously. There was turmoil among Gales forces, precisely those relying on the Ministry of Magic. Although they served Gale, their clear link to him was undoubtedly Wesleigh. Brother. Please say something. Gale smiled and spoke to Mariv. Because nearly half of the people here were the First Princes forces. It was an attitude of lighting the fuse and letting them handle the rest. Swish. Your Highness Mariv, please speak. As Mariv raised his hand with a peculiar expression, the entire room fell silent again. He looked at Gale, not the audience, and emphasized. I also agree with Wesleighs demotion. At the same time, shouts of approval erupted instantly. Those following Mariv had heard the First Princes intention and lent their strength. I agree! I also agree! Thats right. The Ministry of Magic should also gradually seek change. I agree! Absolutely agree! No objections! Since the minister is absent, theres no need to hear any counter-arguments! Lets move on! We can receive candidates for the next minister again! Only the pro-Wesleigh forces, including the Ministry of Magic, closed their mouths in the storm of the conference room. Not only did they have no right to speak, but if the situation flowed this way, it was wise to let go of the Wesleigh lifeline immediately. If only she had been present, she might havee up with a countermeasure Oh my, this is What, what are you saying now? Minister Wesleigh has fallen? This cant be happening! Be quiet! The heads of the Ministry of Magics subsidiaries have no right to speak! Absurd! No! Something is wrong here! When the head of the Magic Support Department, in particr, shouted in a fit, the security escort took him away. The conference room turned into a mess in an instant. The prime minister repeatedly struck the gavel to restore order, but those who were already excited refused to lower their voices. Hale was also just stroking his beard in shock. Kwang! Just then. A tremendous roar and tremor were felt from outside. The security guards moved swiftly, and the prime minister struck the gavel again, ordering silence. Your Highness Gale. Gale noticed his assistants voice trembling. His frown was momentary. He soon bit his lip hard and red at the assistant with a murderous gaze. How exactly did you handle the situation? I, I apologize. Im certain I disposed of Wesleighs assistant, but as soon as we sent the corpse out of the pce, it turned into a wooden doll. So what about Wesleigh? It seems she broke free from the shackles with the help of her assistant. Youd better be prepared once this is over. Yes, Your Highness. This is why magicians! Gale clicked his tongue and stood up from his seat, and the prime minister gave him a puzzled look. Continue the meeting. My brother will cover for mycking presence. Brother, Ill go and handle the situation outside. Anyway, the biggest agenda hade up at this meeting. If the disturbance outside was Wesleighs doing, he had to go out and execute her himself. Before any unnecessary words came out of her pierced mouth. Gale made a preemptive move so Mariv couldnt leave his seat and turned his back. Your Highness Mariv, what should we do? The prime minister asked Marivs intention in a creeping voice. Even with the Emperor standing firmly behind, the fact that he was asking Mariv, not the Emperor, was proof of who held the real power in the pce. Mariv looked at Gales empty seat and nodded. Proceed. Yes. Your Highness. Anyway, even if he didnt go out, he had many eyes and ears. It woulde up in a reportter. Right now, finishing the matter of Wesleighs fall was the priority. This is almost the first time Gale and I have been of the same mind. Although they were hiding different intentions, Mariv believed that this would ultimately be Gales misstep. He had lost an important force in Wesleigh, and as a result, Mariv had discovered a critical weakness in him. Quiet! We will continue the meeting! Bang bang bang! Even if heaven and earth were to be overturned, even if the building were to copse, the meeting would continue. The determination of those on the verge of grasping power heated up the surroundings. Kwang! Another roar was heard, but this time no one paid attention. They were just desperately ignoring it. What they had to focus on was inside the conference room. *** Clop clop! Gale ran out to the lobby, escorted by his assistant and security guards. He unconsciously felt his waist, but it was empty. The assistant, noticing his touch, hurriedly instructed the attendant. Bring His Highnesss sword that was left when entering the meeting! Yes, understood. Bring the bow too. And the arrows with mana sealing stones embedded. As Gale added, the attendant turned around and ran out of breath. By the time they reached the end of the corridor, they could clearly see the full view of the lobby Zzing! Zing! Damn it! The magic circle! Were running out of strength! Aaaahh! Im at my limit! Get a hold of yourself! Minister Wesleigh! Please stop! Someone give me some mana! Minister Wesleigh! You cante in like that! The wall of opaque golden light where the magic circle was drawn. It was a defensive barrier created by the magicians. They all had their palms pressed against the wall, squeezing out every ounce of strength. Dozens of magicians against just one person. Please! What have you done?! Wesleigh. It was her. Her body was burning. As if mes were raging inside. The hot energy emanating from her skin along with ck smoke could be felt all the way here. What are you all doing? Ah, Your Highness Gale. Your Highness Gale! Everyones faces lit up and turned around at Gales appearance. Not knowing the situation of her demotion inside, they didnt know what to do with Wesleigh. But Ian could grasp the situation just from the fact that Gale had left his seat. Your Highness, Minister Wesleighs condition is This is the grand conference hall. Inside are His Majesty and all the high-ranking officials of Bariel. Yet trying to enter with such behavior. This threatens safety and, furthermore, is a grave crime. Your Highness? Is this really Gale, Wesleighs lover, speaking? Everyone looked at him in confusion, but Gale ordered without a hint of faltering. Kill her. Chapter 144 Chapter 144 The magicians couldnt say a word. No, it would be more urate to say they didnt because they felt like they would be swept up in this chaotic situation if they showed even the slightest reaction. Even if it was an order from the Second Prince, wasnt Wesleigh their direct superior? And if she was the head of the Ministry of Magic, she could be considered the representative of the current magicians. How and why were they being told to kill such a person Y-Your Highness. That is difficult. Why? Someone mustered up the courage to step forward. He looked a bit older and seemed to have the will to convey the position on behalf of the others. It would be an unpleasant statement for Gale, but The priority is to understand why Minister Wesleigh has be like this. It seems to be a side effect of magic, and that is the way to save Minister Wesleigh and, in the long run, the way to save the magicians. If you call the department heads inside, there will be a solution. State your identity. Im Shailot from the Mana Stone Management Department. Shailot, you will be brought to trial for disobedience of orders once the incident is resolved. It was a warning not to ept any nonsense. With that response, the magicians who were about to add something had no choice but to shut their mouths. If only the department heads who could handle the situation in the middle were there, it wouldnt havee to this. They nced at Wesleigh standing in front of the barrier. Bang! Boom! Both of her ears were torn off. Was that why she couldnt hear their pleas? Wesleigh kept pounding the golden wall with her fists as if trying to break the barrier. What are you doing? I said kill her! Do you all want to be dragged away for disobedience of orders?! Gales subordinates shouted, but the magicians didnt budge. Gale realized that it was truly thanks to Wesleigh that he had been able to put the Ministry of Magic under hismand and use them. Its the right time to rece them in many ways. Rather, it was a good thing. With this opportunity, he shouldpletely overhaul the department and imprint who their true master was. Gale slowly turned his head to look for Ian. It seemed he would have a way to advance the situation. Ian! Why was the Second Prince looking for Ian? Not only was he a neer who had just joined, but wasnt he also the First Princes man? Everyone turned to look at Ian standing behind them with puzzled expressions. Yes, Your Highness. Ian clicked his tongue inwardly but smiled brightly and bowed his head. It wasnt bad. Because when building his forces in the Ministry of Magic in the future, he could give the perception that he had the support of both princes. What do you think? Gales eyes didnt match his question at all. He was urging Ian to attack first. But Ian calmly used his head. First, wasnt justification the most important thing? Your Highness, before that, if I may be so bold, it would be great if you could tell me what decision was made regarding Minister Wesleighs agenda in the meeting inside. If the title of head of the Ministry of Magic attached to Wesleighs name was removed, it would be easier to handle the magicians. Since Gale had left his seat and rushed out here, she must have fallen from grace. As of now, Wesleigh has been dismissed from the position of minister. Candidates for the next Magic Minister will be received and re-elected soon. Although he didnt show it, Gale seemed to be a bit flustered too. He barely grasped Ians intention and provided a suitable answer. He filled it only with content that set the direction for future actions. Minister Wesleigh has been dismissed? Dismissal means shes not even a civil servant anymore. Does that mean shes been demoted to a civilian status? More importantly, theyre receiving candidates! There was a reason the department heads werenting out. If theyre going to elect a new Magic Minister Wait, theres no rule that only department heads can be candidates. Wesleigh was no longer their leader. Continuing to serve her was an act of defiance against the will of the Imperial Pce, and this was tantamount to treason. Moreover, candidates for the next minister? Didnt that mean anyone could be the second Wesleigh? Ive heard there are many skilled individuals in the Ministry of Magic. Im curious. Gale threw out a remark with a slow smile. Prove your loyalty and ability by killing Wesleigh. So, try to make a proper impression on him. Zzing! Zing! Boom! Elsie! One magician was the first to activate an attack spell. The blue light that burst from his palm aimed at Wesleighs body, but it sublimated and disappeared before getting close. Like an ice shard thrown intova. Damn it! Im sorry, Minister Wesleigh! Those who built the barrier, continue to maintain your mana! Wait, hey! Release your mana to the maximum! The opponent is Minister Wesleigh! Have you all gone mad? Come to your senses! Those who interfere, step back! Clop clop! The magicians quickly formed formations by gathering with their departments. Only those who still couldnt ept it, more precisely, the magicians of the Magic Support Department, stood dumbfounded. The others pushed their shoulders and roughly warned them. His Majesty the Emperor is inside. If we cant stop Minister Wesleigh here, well all be executed. If you intend to bring ruin to the Ministry of Magic, Ill kill you first. No, wait, calm down! The Magic Support Department couldnt understand the sudden change in attitude of the other departments. It was a difference in perspective brought about by the benefits of power. Zzing! Zing! Boom boom! Boom! Dont give her a chance! Keep going! Keep going! Damn it, use your strength properly! Once dominoes fall, theres no stopping them. The magicians released their respective mana and relentlessly fired attacks at Wesleigh. However, since they were all desk workers and few had honed their attack magic, the effect was minimal. Magic Operations Department! Why are you just standing there?! Yeah, do what you usually do! A magician shouted while wiping cold sweat. Everyone was on the verge of dying from using unfamiliar magic, but Tommy and Nakina were just nkly watching. With an attitude that perfectly fit the saying watching a fire from across the river. We dont attack without Captain Hales orders. What? Theyre talking nonsense, seriously. Yeah, get lost. Do you think its the first or second time weve been screwed over by rushing in without knowing anything? Just maintain the barrier well. It would be better for you to just stay out of the way and then rush in when the department headse out. What do you not know? Its Minister Wesleigh! Her body is burning. Does that look normal to you? That, thats disobedience of orders. Everyone, watch carefully! Look at what the Magic Operations Department is doing! The magician seemed to be shouting at his colleagues, but in reality, he was ncing at Gale. Tommy and Nakina burst into hollowughter and rubbed their ears. Idiots. Seriously. Regardless of the reason, Ian thought it was a rather wise move. Because the smoke Wesleigh was emitting was bing more and more toxic. Your Highness Gale, I have brought the bow and arrows. Gale took the bow from his subordinate and immediately took a stance. The bowstring stretched vigorously, and a ck cloth was tied to the arrow. Its tip was unflinchingly aimed at Wesleighs head. Magicians, theyre all useless. Everyone, step aside! Its a mana sealing stone arrow! A mana sealing stone is here! Get back! Kwaaak. Whoosh! Mana sealing stones had the power to nullify everything, to the point of being called the Achilles heel of magicians. It was the rarest of the rare, and only a few members of the imperial family could nominally possess it. The magicians hastily made way, and the arrow cut through the space between them. Boom! It pierced through the magically created barrier in an instant. At that moment, it flew towards Wesleigh. Sizzle. Just like other magical attacks, the arrow also disappeared, leaving only smoke. The magicians who witnessed it stiffened in unison and took a step back. Wait, didnt you say it was a mana sealing stone arrow just now? If that doesnt work, it means Minister Wesleigh! Dont tell me, dont tell me you mixed blood with magic? Damn it! Captain Jaylut! No! Dont get close! As the magicians fell into a panic, outsiders also flinched and huddled even more. Romandro, who had been clinging like a shell, trembled and tugged at Ians cor. W-Why are they doing that? Ian? It seems Wesleigh used forbidden magic. Whats that? The one who answered instead was Nakina. Contrary to what she had said about not participating, her palms were continuously condensing mana. So that she could immediately protect people if something suddenly happened. We havent actually seen it either. Its literally forbidden magic. Itsmonly said that blood is mixed with magic, but we dont even know if thats the real activation method. Its very existence shatters the bnce of power. Even Ian, who had stood at the center of magic as an emperor, had only seen it once. It was right before his death, due to Naums sacrifice. Anyway, forbidden magic makes it possible to transcend time and space or reverse life and death. It goes against thews of nature. Therefore, mana sealing stones dont work on it either. That was why Ian could transcend time and space without any problems even when he was captured in the underground prison. Ian rubbed the back of his neck as if puzzled by the unexpected development. Gale, your work is not very good either. If he was going to handle it, he should have done it properly. How could he let Wesleigh appear wearing forbidden magic? Ian turned to look at Gale. He also had a fairly flustered expression. Are you sure you brought the right arrows? O-Of course. Your Highness Gale. Then why doesnt it work? It was when Gale was urging his subordinates. Wesleigh, who had remained silent, opened her mouth. Gale. It wasnt the voice of a living being. It was filled with sharp malice, and the moment you heard it, your head would be dizzy due to the intense reverberation. People all ducked down and covered their ears, and Gale frowned while standing. Weve been together for so long, I came to find you because its too soon to end it like this. D-Damn it, why is she suddenly like this? Is it because of the mana sealing stone? The feeling of a mana sealing stone that a magician could never forget. Gales arrow had awakened Wesleighs mind that had been consumed. Gale let out a hollowugh and pulled the bowstring again. I didnt know you were such a clingy woman. Kwaaak! Swish! Ping! Arrows kept flying in, but they couldnt neutralize Wesleigh. She slowly approached Gale. The magicians who came to their senses rushed at her in unison, but they couldnt stop her even a single step. Protect His Highness Gale! Wesleigh! Are you crazy? Stoping closer! Captain Jaylut! Orders! Everyone, release your mana! Your Highness, take shelter inside! Back, back away! The security guards and subordinates continued to retreat while escorting Gale. Ian just patted the trembling Romandro and watched the situation. Was she trying to kill Gale? Or did she have another intention? Theres no need to help him. If Gale died here, the Ministry of Magics prestige would hit rock bottom, but that was it. Since he also had Marivs lifeline, it wouldnt have a significant impact on Ian. Ah, building the annex will definitely be more difficult. Even in a situation where the Ministry of Magic had the upper hand, they hadnt been able to push through the construction of the annex. Hmm. Even for the sake of keeping them in check, should he help? Romandro muttered as if he was about to faint. I-Ian. Is there no way to deal with forbidden magic? No. Thats not the case. If its a force stronger than the casters mana, it can be suppressed without any problems. Call the department heads! We need tobine everyones strength! And one more thing. Zzing. Zing. Ian released his mana, not knowing if it would work. Wasnt it thew that forbidden magic worked against forbidden magic? If he was a product of it, perhaps Boom! The mana sphere Ian had roughly shot up hit Wesleighs body. Unlike other magicians, it was the first time a physical attack had seeded without being neutralized. Huh? Uh-huh? Just now Ian looked down at his own palm in surprise without realizing it. The other magicians were the same. It was the first silence that hung in the air since the incident began. Chapter 145 Chapter 145 The people who were lying down slowly raised their heads at the sudden silence. It was because the magic that had been constantly exploding with shouts had abruptly stopped. Thinking it might be over, they looked around, but everything was still the same. Wh-why are you all doing that? Ians magic just stopped Wesleigh. Whats that? Thats great! Ian! Use your strength! P-Please stop the witch! Please! What are you all doing? What are you standing there looking at? Jaylut! Ministry of Magic! Protect His Highness Gale behind Ian! The outsiders who didnt know what was wrong started shouting. But despite that, the magicians and security guards were frozen like stones and couldnt move easily. Did Ians magic just work? He made a strong impression at the New Years party, but to that extent? No, the opponent right now is Minister Wesleigh. Could this also be Minister Wesleighs illusion magic? A neer magician who hadnt been in the department for long surpassing the Magic Minister who had risen to the position of the youngest court sorceress! This couldnt be. It was as absurd as a newborn knocking down a seasoned warrior crawling and flying in the training grounds. Ian, it worked well! Oh my, well done! Uh, sir Romandro. Huh? What, what? It would be better for you to step away from me. Romandro happily shook Ians arm and then hesitated. He was scared to death, but he was told to step away? Ian silently pointed his chin at Wesleigh. Her gaze hadpletely shifted from Gale to Ian. Eek! Oh my, heavens! Ian, be careful, be careful! Romandro, who had been at a loss, fell backward and ran away as if crawling. A security guard supported him, and Ian carefully surveyed his surroundings. Everyone was still staring at him as if their souls had left their bodies. Its clear that forbidden magic worked. Its too early to judge the strength of the mana. He had been contemting whether to help Gale or not, but now there was no choice. If he was the only one who could do it, he had no choice but to do it. Nothing would be as foolish as showing a passive attitude here. It would be good to take this as a stepping stone and firmly imprint his presence. Ian! Get a grip. The first to approach Ian was Nakina. She embraced Ians shoulders and slightly bent her body. She aligned her gaze with Ians and red at Wesleigh together. It seems youre the only one who cannd an effective hit here. The department heads will be here soon, so until then, prioritize the safety of His Highness Gale. Have you tried using attack magic? Or defensive magic? I havent, but Ill manage. Great answer. What techniques do you know? I dont know that either, but Ill manage if you help me. Even your posture is perfect. Okay. Countless magic techniques passed through his mind, but Ian lightly shook his head and said he didnt know. Ian. It was Wesleighs call. She was smiling brightly as if surprised. The blood vessels had risen on her snow-white skin, making it hard to tell she was smiling. Oh my, I see. So thats how it was. Everyone held their breath in tension at the sight of the woman muttering as if she had lost her mind. But Ian could grasp her intention. With the attack of the mana sphere just now, she had realized that Ian was a product of forbidden magic. That he was someone who didnt exist in this world, and thus had been constantly bothering her. Wesleigh. Your every word and step are creating sins. It was you in Karenna too, wasnt it? The flow of mana was getting more and more intense. The womans disheveled hair slowly unraveled, and soon mes erupted from her fingertips. Everyone held their breath, feeling like their throat and lungs would burn if they inhaled the heat. So Gale found out. Ah. Now I somewhat understand what happened. Ian. You were the problem all along. As Wesleighs momentum became unusual, Nakina released her mana. It was to show the technique with light. Zzing! Zing! Magic was like a kind of study, so until one became proficient, there was no choice but to go through the activation process one by one. If it was mastered and imprinted in the mind, it would be possible without any hassle. However, even so, the results varied greatly depending on how vividly one visualized the image, so it wasnt difficult to rank the talent of magicians. Nakina, no explosions! Nakina nodded at Tomis shout. This was the lobby of the grand conference hall. If they couldnt lure the target outside, a strong impact could backfire. So, they had to use magic that restrained the opponent by binding them. Binding It was considered one of the basic field-applicable magic, but aplex shape appeared in front of Nakinas body. The magic circle emitted light in concentric circles, and dozens of activation forms spun around frantically following it. Ian! Read it properly! Then it bes like this! A geometric figure emerged from the floor Nakina was stepping on. If lightning had shattered into pieces, it would surely look like that. The magic quickly climbed up the walls and spread to the ceiling. And soon, it found the targets location and mercilessly fell around it. Kwajik! Kwaaang! Pirs of light plunged down in front of, behind, and on both sides of Wesleigh. As a result, her hair fluttered again. No fear was felt on her fully visible face. She had already put her life on the line and summoned forbidden magic. Ian, can you see? Can you do it? It was a very short moment. It took only a few seconds for Nakina to release her mana and activate the magic. The other magicians who heard it beside her booed and shouted. Nakina, are you kidding? How can he do it after seeing it once! Thats right, its difficult for us too! Having strong mana and applying it are a bit different. Probably. Instead of that, tell him to keep shooting mana! Until the department headse out, at least hold her attention! She doesnt even consider the situation when talking nonsense. Come to your senses! Dont do useless things! You bastards, all of you shut your mouths! Youre out of your minds! Ill split your heads open! When Nakina couldnt take it anymore and shouted, the magicians bit their lips like mutes who had eaten honey. Evenbining their strength wasnt enough at this moment, so she didnt know why they were acting like that. Nakina calmly looked at Wesleigh walking through the pirs of light. As expected, its not working. Originally, the function of the binding magic was to limit the opponents radius with the mana flowing between the pirs. But Wesleigh was approaching this way without any restrictions. Nakina anxiously turned to Ian. I watched carefully, senior Nakina. Ah. Ian was smiling. More than any other words, his single smile was saying everything. That he was confident, that he could read all the techniques she had just shown. Before Nakina could say anything, Ian activated the magic. Zzing. Zing. Paaaat! Golden eyes like a lion. As his pupils expanded, the mana in his entire body exploded. Ian directly transferred the technique Nakina had shown into his mind and activated it without any process. Light began to leak through the cracks of the marble floor he was standing on. Th-this is Dodge! Everyone dodge! C-Crazy. Hes crazy. The force of mana pressing down on Ian like gravity. As cracks formed in the marble, the light intensified. Soon, everything in all directions centering around him, the walls and ceiling that were in contact, were engulfed in light. Kwaaang! Boom! Dozens and hundreds of light streaks falling from the ceiling. All things big and small enveloped Wesleigh without error. The ck smoke she was emitting disappeared helplessly whenever Ians magic struck. As the gaps were gradually filled, Wesleigh screamed, trying to break the magic with force. Ian, are you going to interfere until the end! Youre also a forbidden- Kwaang! It would be better for you to shut up, Wesleigh. Ill say it again, your every word is piling up as sin. Wouldnt it be better for your well-being to remain silent? As she tried to shout the forbidden secret, Ian dropped light on her head without hesitation. Although Wesleigh lightly blocked it with her hand. Nakina looked at the scene and pondered for a moment which part she should be surprised by. How many streaks of light are falling? And hes utilizing the binding magic as an attack magic. This is Is it possible? Even though magic is a transcendental realm, there should be a line ofmon sense within it, right? Not only Nakina but the other magicians also lost their minds and watched the streaks of light pouring towards Wesleigh. Kwaang! Boom! Its like a shooting star Ian didnt know who muttered that. But those around them felt it was a quite good analogy. In broad daylight, in a half-open lobby, it felt like watching a catastrophic meteor shower. B-But I say. Romandro was also t on the ground, watching it. He tugged at the security guards cor and whispered. Why is Wesleigh just staying still? From the moment she appeared until now, although she had threatened, she hadnt really counterattacked. She had only tried to go inside, more precisely, to meet Gale. Didnt she just ignore it when the magicians united and attacked? Theres no counterattack. Ian felt the same. Unlike the magic of others that was neutralized, Ians was showing an effect on Wesleigh. The proof was that she kept blocking the light with her hands. Hey, about Minister Wesleigh. Doesnt something feel strange? Thats right. And the heat is getting hotter and hotter. I dont know if this expression is correct, but It feels like the body is burning. Yeah. Yeah, thats right. It feels like that. The skin was peeling off due to the burning heat. To the point where it felt like she was burning her own life to move. She gasped for breath and then looked at Gale. The mans eyes were filled with disgust, but a smile rose on the womans face. Gale. Zzing! Zing! Boom! Bang! At that moment, Wesleigh called Gales name and released her mana to the maximum. Ians binding magic light streaks crumbled helplessly from the tremendous explosive power. She instantly pounced on Gale and embraced his neck with both arms. Your Highness Gale! Attack! Hurry! Get her off! Get that witch off! Everyones shock was momentary, and soon they reached a state of horror. Wesleigh had grabbed the back of the stunned Gales head and kissed him. Gale. Do you think I would kill you? Crazy You wont know my pain through death. Ian finally realized. Wesleigh wasnt trying to break through the Imperial Pces power with forbidden magic to see Gales blood, but to cast an eternal curse on him. Perhaps the reason she came here was to directly let him know about it. Gale, you will and , forever . ck smoke rose around Wesleigh. As his head became dizzy, her curse was heard intermittently. But Gale seemed to have heard it clearly, and his eyes widened as he spewed out curses that didnt fit his dignity. You crazy bitch! And he tried to pierce her neck with his sword at once. But Wesleighs form had already turned into smoke and disappeared, leaving only hot ashes swirling around. Chapter 146 Chapter 146 A horrible smell of ashes. Gale frowned and barely opened his eyes. Faint smoke was rising next to him. It was an incense that calms the mind and body, but to Gale, it was unspeakably revolting. ng! Oh my. Your Highness Gale! Hearing themotion from the bedroom, the attendant rushed in. As soon as Gale came to his senses, he asked while holding his forehead, How many days have passed? Not long, sir. A full day has passed. I will contact the infirmary. Please dont overexert yourself Despite the attendants dissuasion, Gale got out of bed. Then he naturally waved his hand to find the sword that should be ced on the table. However, he touched nothing. Only then did Gale realize that he was lying in an unfamiliar bedroom. Creak. Making a fuss as soon as you wake up, Gale. Mariv Have you given the title of brother to your lover? Marivughed brightly. It was a very cheerful smile that he had never seen before. As always, the moment one of them smiles is the worst situation for the other. Gale sighed, Ha, ha, while running his hand through his hair. Lover, you say. Thats an overstatement. Right, right. You even kissed in front of everyone, but you may not be lovers. I cant understand debauchery, but I thought you would deeply understand it. Gale clenched his teeth in annoyance. He had given a proper excuse. He was always on edge, ready to pounce on any gap. Gale first yed dumb. What happened to Minister Wesleigh? The personnel conference ended sessfully. Everyone couldnt focus while you were having a lovers quarrel outside, but it somehow wrapped up well. Please refrain from using that damn word lovers quarrel.'' So, Wesleigh is no longer the minister. Currently, the position of minister in the Ministry of Magic is vacant, and each department is continuing the investigation of this incident, including new personnel reorganization. Gale, you have no idea how long weve been waiting for you to wake up. Mariv slowly approached Gale and fiddled with his cor. Tap tap, he straightened the cor neatly and raised his eyebrows as if telling him to speak up. What curse did Wesleigh put on you? He looks excited. Very excited. Gale swatted Marivs hand away, but he grabbed the cor again, unperturbed. He had never approached so tantly before. Gale guessed that Mariv was fully convinced of his victory. Right now, the imperial pce is in an uproar because of that. Why you tried to oust Wesleigh, whether it led Wesleigh to use forbidden magic, and what curse she poured on you while she was dying. If even one secret hidden beneath the surface is revealed, I will immediately cut off your head. Mariv lightly stroked his brothers cheek and smiled brightly again. It would be best to quickly confess the truth. If its a curse that threatens the existence of the imperial family, your life should be used to break that curse. Gale faced Mariv with a calm gaze. They clearly had the same eyes within the same family, yet one was cold and the other was hot. Mariv stepped back slightly and straightened the fallen incense. Come immediately when His Majesty the Emperor summons you. Take care of yourself. Creak. Mariv left the bedroom with his neatly tied hair fluttering. It was a very dignified and confident step, as if the throne had fallen before him. Gales assistant, who was standing at the door, bowed and saw him off, then entered the bedroom. Gale just sighed and snapped his fingers. Cigarette. The assistant immediately lit a cigarette and handed it over. After taking a deep drag, he exhaled smoke along with an order. Bow down. Thud! Thud! At the same time, the assistant prostrated himself and banged his forehead on the floor. There was not a moments hesitation in punishing himself. As an assistant, sloppy work was a disgrace, and if there was no sincerity in the punishment, his head would be cut off. I apologize. Your Highness! Thud! He wailed and continued to bang his head. The attendants lowered their heads as if they couldnt bear to watch, but Gale clearly took in the sight. Soon, his head cracked and blood flowed down his nose and chin. It must have been with the help of her assistant that led her to escape. Gale could only remember that the assistant was always by Wesleighs side, but he couldnt recall his face. Thats how insignificant his presence was, and he wasnt someone to pay attention to. But to cause such a big incident His corpse was found in Your Highnesss bedroom. It seems he used forbidden magic along with Wesleigh. So, the Ministry of Magic is currently investigating and controlling the situation, which is why you were brought here. Gale threw a dry cloth to his subordinate who was prostrating and reporting. It meant to wipe the blood and to forgive and stop the punishment. Whats the atmosphere in the Ministry of Magic? Gale asked while getting dressed by the attendant. He had to be very alert. With one momentary mistake, he was pushed to the edge of a cliff, so if he showed even a little more gap here, it would be his downfall. Its a bit peculiar. Peculiar? Gale nodded his head and told him to report without interruption. The assistant pressed the cloth to his forehead and reported word for word. It was something he had repeated dozens or hundreds of times in his mind while Gale was lying down. Its because the Ministry of Magic is in a position to be investigated while also conducting the investigation. Trying to harm Your Highness is a clear rebellion and a felony. However, because the means was forbidden magic, other departments couldnt even proceed with the investigation. With each exhale of cigarette smoke, Gale felt his mind clearing. Then the situation was as clear as water. The factions will bepletely divided. Yes. Its divided into the Magic Support Department, which was directly under Wesleigh, and all other departments except him. With the minister position also vacant, a power struggle between the magicians is expected. Gale tapped his chin as if lost in thought. Since Mariv knew he was awake, being summoned and questioned was imminent. Not many people know about the forbidden magic? Yes. They are currently searching through ancient documents to grasp the situation. But Your Highness. That The assistant carefully continued. As if it was too unseemly to even say out loud. Is the curse real? No one knows? Even though I was right next to Your Highness at the time, I couldnt hear it. I think my mind was clouded by Wesleighs dark energy. No one, no one knows what Wesleighs curse is? Gale unknowingly smiled, delighted. He quickly racked his brain and got up from his seat. Wheres Ian? Pardon? Ian? Yes. I desperately need him right now. Ian has been attending an emergency meeting for half a day and hasnt been able toe out. Gale frowned while being dressed by the attendant. Could it be that Mariv noticed Ian knew about Wesleighs necromancy? And did he get caught trying to deceive Mariv? It would be troublesome if Ian was thrown away by Mariv. Among the weapons currently in his hands, there was nothing as certain and useful as Ian. The assistant sensed his intentions and immediately added. Wasnt Ian the only one who didnt confront Wesleigh? Because of that, he is participating in the meeting as a representative of the Ministry of Magic at the scene, so you dont have to worry. He was the one who stopped Wesleigh, who was the head of the Ministry of Magic. Putting aside the captains who werent there, it meant he had the strongest magical power among the magicians at the scene. Even more so, I need Ian. It felt as if the bnce was slowly tilting towards Ians side. Just a few days ago, Ian was in a position to entrust his forces to Gale, but now wasnt it Gale who was in a hurry? Is Father at the meeting? Its a continuous emergency meeting. Depending on his physical condition, he repeatedly enters and exits to keep his seat. The same goes for other officials. Mariv seemed to havee out in the middle to take a break. Gale quickly put on his uniform and sheathed his sword at his waist. Lets go. Everyone must be waiting for me. *** No, do you call that a proper statement now? Where are you raising your voice? When you look into it, arent they all valid points? From the sudden discussion of former Minister Wesleighs dismissal, something was strange. Clearly, the discord between His Highness Gale and former Minister Wesleigh is the beginning of this! That is His Highnesss personal life. Its not even a topic for discussion. What we need to investigate is why Wesleigh used forbidden magic! Thats exactly rted to His Highness, Im telling you! Ah, really. Youre so frustrating. It sounds like youre trying to cut off the tail, but please say something that makes sense! Frustrating? Have you finished talking? Have you finished? Have you finished!? Bang bang bang! The chaotic emergency meeting room. The papers were the only things not flying around, as Marivs faction and Gales faction were practically at war. Who knows how many hours this fight has been going on? The Prime Minister wearily hit the gavel, demanding silence. Please, everyone, stop. Exhausted to the limit. After finishing the long journey of the personnel meeting, now it was an emergency meeting. The Emperor, sitting at the head of the table, had closed his mouth at some point and was just observing. Sir Ian! Then, a minister called out to Ian. Ian, who was sitting upright, nodded and stood up from his seat. Testify again. How many times has it been? He was repeating like a parrot that what Wesleigh used was indeed forbidden magic and his testimony from the scene where he confronted him. In addition, he dered the Ministry of Magics position that it had nothing to do with this incident. Ian thought that if he were the Emperor, he would have dismissed all the ministers spouting nonsense, and parted his lips to testify. But then. Creak. I announce. His Highness Prince Gale has arrived. Prince Gale? Someone said he woke up, but is he already able to move? Quickly, quickly bring him in! The meeting room weed a new atmosphere with Gales appearance. Ian, who had awkwardly stood up, sat down and swallowed a sigh. Wesleigh did deal a big blow. His forces have fallen so much in just a day. There was no need to weigh between the 1st Prince and the 2nd Prince. At this rate, it was clear that Marivs influence would be stronger than Gales in appointing the next minister of the Ministry of Magic. There is one way for Gale, though No need to tell him. In the early stages of the battle, he thought Gale might be necessary to keep Mariv in check, but there was no reason to push him recklessly after receiving the forbidden curse. Your Highness Gale! Are you alright? Ahem, Your Highness. We were really worried. Your Highness, now that youvee, please tell us. Is it true that you were cursed by Wesleigh? What, you! He just arrived! Whether he just arrived or arrived earlier, what difference does it make? To be honest, Im worried about being in the same ce as His Majesty the Emperor. Who knows what kind of curse it is! Marivs faction fiercely argued. Even if the words were excessive, they were all true, so Gales faction just looked at the prince and remained silent. Swish. Curse, yes. It can be seen as a curse. Gale slowly stepped forward and looked at Mariv. Mariv just smirked as if telling him to go ahead and say it. But Ian could sense a strange confidence in Gales tone No way. Curse! You heard it now, right? His Highness Gale admitted it! Its a curse! You must immediately order him to leave the pce! Gale, who was carefully observing the boiling atmosphere of the meeting room, put his hand on his chest and knelt on one knee before his father, the Emperor. Father. I have been cursed. Gale. Speak up. I have always only desired the glory of Bariel and believed that proper development is the only reason for my life. I have no other meaning than that. Gale spoke in a very appealing voice, unlike his usual self. So, Wesleigh said this to me. Your death will be the beginning, and the shadow of death will fall upon countless imperial citizens of Bariel. Thus, it will head down the path of decline, which is the destruction of Bariel.'' Mariv, who was quietly listening, removed his chin from his hand and opened his eyes wide. Ian also let out a hollowugh inwardly. Thats a lie. But its the best move for now. Also, he said this. Gale looked up at his brother Mariv as if telling him to listen carefully. This time, it was Gale who was smiling. Chapter 147 Chapter 147 If I die, a curse of death will fall upon my father, who is the highest dignity and essence of Bariel, and my beloved- When Gale shouted beloved, everyone frowned in disgust. No matter how much they thought about it, it was an adjective that didnt suit him at all. And as soon as they realized the subject was Mariv, everyone started to stir. My brother, Mariv. Gale! Kwang! Mariv unknowingly mmed the table and jumped up. Theres a limit to ying tricks. tantly lying like that is the deception of deceptions. The opposing forces also joined in, dumbfounded. Your Highness Gale, does what youre saying even make sense now? Oh my, watch your words! He is His Highness Gale! No, isnt it true? Now he says that if he dies, a curse will fall upon His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness Mariv, which is clearly an attempt to secure his own safety! Thats right! Hes hiding the real curse! If it bes known, it must be an inconvenient curse, so thats why hes saying that. Your Majesty the Emperor, theres no need to hesitate. Quickly order him to leave the pce! What are you saying! What if something happens to His Highness Gales safety after leaving the pce? And if the curse is triggered, will you take responsibility? Its not only about His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness Mariv, but the existence of the entire Bariel is at stake! How can you so easily dismiss it as a lie? You dont want to believe it, do you? Then do you think those words are true? That such a heavy curse can be cast with the blood of just two people? Do you believe that? We can ask the magicians! Sir Ian! Ian, who was quietly watching, was called upon. The fiercely debating factions stopped shouting and simultaneously turned to Ian. He was staring straight ahead with a quite unperturbed expression. Ill ask Sir Ian. Forbidden magic, that is, do you think Minister Wesleigh and his assistant could cast a curse that could determine the fate of Bariel? Do you really believe His Highnesss curse is true? Say its not true! A minister from Marivs faction urged with a re. But Ians answer was utterly calm. Its possible. Mumble mumble, at Ians straightforward answer, Gales faction members put their heads together and whispered something. They probably also guessed that Gales testimony was false. But whatever the truth was, it was clear that Gales testimony was the only chance to turn the tide. Forbidden magic generally refers to all abilities that deviate from the principles of nature and fate. It enables magicians souls to do things that even God cannot easily touch, such as life and space-time. In particr, former Minister Wesleigh was a capable magician who became the youngest court magician, so its not impossible. No, can a single magician determine the existence of Bariel? Does that make sense? You can say that if you dont know what happens to those who use forbidden magic. They fall into the abyss. Commonly known as hell. Hell. A space where one is consumed by eternal suffering and devours oneself for eons. And to be precise, there were two magicians. Those who received Gods will have fallen into hell. It is considered a sufficiently possible curse. Marivs faction swallowed their saliva and looked at Gale. Isnt the one who received that terrible curse with his body right there? Even if what he just testified was a lie, there must be another curse sprouting inside him anyway. Then, lets use the truth potion on Gale. It was Marivs voice that broke the silence. He sat back down, maintaining hisposure again. A lie to avoid the moment would only hold back his own feet. Mariv smiled and looked Gale up and down. How about it? We can immediately find out if the curse Gale received is true or not. Thats a good idea! Th-thats right! Isnt the truth potion something the Ministry of Magic has been pushing for? They say the effect is very good, right? Please order it right now, Your Majesty! If His Highness Gales testimony is false, his imperial surname must be stripped! Its almost the same as threatening the safety of Bariel, Your Majesty, and His Highness Mariv! You are all being reckless! Watch your mouth! You are already assuming that Lord Gale gave false testimony! This amounts to the crime of insulting the imperial family! The Emperor slowly raised his hand. It meant for everyone to stop and be quiet. It was a pitifully thin hand, but it had sufficient authority. Gale, do you agree to use the truth potion? It is a question from the Emperor and father. Even now, if he spoke falsely, it would be best to quickly correct it and apologize, a kind of opportunity. But Gale put his hand on his chest and affirmed. I agree. You see that! Our Lord doesnt speak nonsense! I clearly saw those who insulted His Highness Gale here! Lets wait and see! Haha, you are truly amazing, Lord Gale! What on earth are you scheming? H-how disrespectful! Permission without a moments hesitation. If the curse was clearly a lie, there was no way he coulde out like that. If the truth potion from the Ministry of Magic was brought and poured down his throat right now, he would be caught. One of the ministers bowed his head to Mariv and whispered. Your Highness, what do you think His Highness Gales intentions are? Seeing how confident he is, I wonder if it might be true. Its not true, hes just being clever. Pardon? To the minister who raised his eyebrows as if asking what he meant, Mariv pointed out. Hes confident that even if he takes it, it wont be detected. Otherwise, theres no way he could confidently say he would use the truth potion. The biggest issue raised about the truth potion was trust. Although it is said to make one speak the truth, the most concerning part was that it could be manipted ording to the Ministry of Magics intentions. Its clear that the truth potion has been tampered with. Ah The minister nodded his head as he listened to Marivs words. Indeed, there was a possibility. Although Wesleigh was dead and gone, werent all the truth potions currently stored in the Ministry of Magic made ording to her instructions? It was the moment when the guess became a certainty. I have a proposal, Your Majesty the Emperor. Mariv sought the Emperors permission and took the right to speak. The truth potions currently in the Ministry of Magic were all made ording to the intentions of the treasonous Wesleigh, so they cannot be trusted. Therefore, it would be best to discard all magic potions and fairly manufacture a new truth potion for Gale to use. Your Highness Mariv! Do you know how much Luron stone was used to make the current truth potions? And you want to discard all of that? Arent you worried about Gale? I find it suspicious and worrying, so I believe we cant use the ones currently made. On the surface, he pretended to ensure Gales safety, but in the end, it was a ploy to uncover the truth of the curse. Gale, who was quietly listening, added a word. It will take some time to make a truth potion. If everyone in the Ministry of Magic rolls up their sleeves, we can shorten it as much as possible. Gale twisted his lips. Seeing that, Mariv clenched his fist with the thrill rising from below his chest. Do you think Ill fall for your scheme? Why are you trying to dy something that can be revealed right now? Gale. If your testimony is true, there will be no problem at all as long as you dont die right away. We will set up tight security, so dont worry and wait. Or do you still believe in Wesleigh? The atmosphere became unbearably heated at Marivs tant jab. Look at that, there must be some trick put into the truth potion, argued Marivs faction, and those who supported Gale for some unknown reason started a quarrel. Bang bang bang! The Prime Minister, unable to bear it, hit the gavel again. Alright. This is something I agree with, just like His Majesty the Emperor. We dont know what Wesleigh might have done, so I allow discarding all consumable ones and manufacturing new ones. What about the time frame? At someones question, everyone looked at Ian. They were only asking about magic-rted matters through Ians mouth. It made one guess how the Ministry of Magics unrivaled power was established. ording to the report, it will take about half a month, but we can push it a little earlier. The specifics need to be discussed with the department in charge. I understand. Then lets wrap up the meeting here. Its been a long time already. We will convene an emergency meeting again soon, so major rted parties, dont leave the pce and stay. Bang bang bang! The meeting was tentatively concluded. If Gale hadnt woken up, it would have been dyed even more. The ministers sighed in relief and paid their respects to the Emperor. Swish. Everyone, strive to restore the daily life of the pce. And Gale. Yes. Father. The Emperor silently ordered him to follow with a nod. As they stepped outside, Gales faction also disappeared like the receding tide. They would definitely continue the emergency meeting on this critical matter. Marivs remaining faction members were also gathering in groups of three or five and putting their heads together. Ian. Yes. Your Highness Mariv. Ian approached Marivs call and bowed his head. Are the captains of the departments rted to the truth potion among the candidates for the next Minister of Magic? No. They prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over the cultivation of magical power, so they will have no intention of being elected as the minister. Mariv looked around and gestured for Ian toe closer. Ian bowed to him, who was sitting, and brought his ear close. Then win them over first. His voice sounded quite cheerful. That was understandable. Wesleigh, the wing of the Ministry of Magic, was broken and dead, and dealing with Gale was also a matter of time. Furthermore, the one he would push as the next minister was his subordinate. How much more perfect could the situation be? Will it be possible? Of course. Your Highness. Good. I will send a more detailed messageter. Currently, the Ministry of Magic clearly recognized Ians existence. Although he had just joined, he had a solid connection with the prince and, above all, was a possessor of tremendous ability who could rival the former minister. It was not an atmosphere where being rmended as the minister was taken as a joke. Swish. Ian nodded and left a brief greeting, and Mariv encouraged him with a satisfied gesture. As he stepped outside, he saw a red magic circle cast on the building where the personnel meeting had taken ce. It was a sign not to approach as an investigation was being conducted, including Wesleighs death. Mariv Didnt he notice something strange? He recalled Mariv and Gale shing in the meeting room. It was true that Gale lied about the curse. But what about the truth potion? Did it really go ording to Marivs intentions? If Gale had truly tampered with the truth potion, he would have brought it himself to the meeting. And by drinking it simultaneously with his testimony, he would have pushed the matter through. This was all Gales calction. It can be seen as using the opposing factions distrust of the truth potion to buy time. Then, in the current Ministry of Magic without Wesleigh, the one who would work with him to Ian. Swoosh. It was when he was passing by the garden next to the Ministry of Magics main building. He turned around at the voice calling him. It was the same as that day. The day he faced Gale in the ce where there should have been a separate residence. The wind coolly prated between the two people. Did you speak with His Majesty the Emperor? Gale nodded and pointed deep into the garden. It meant, lets talk for a moment. Chapter 148 Chapter 148 Under the shade of the lush green foliage, two men stood facing each other. asional breezes whipped through, allowing brief shes of sunlight to seep in and dance slowly. Ian sensed that while no one was visible nearby, Gales aides and guards were hidden, concealing their presence. Sir Ian. First, I must express my gratitude for saving me that day. No one else could stand up to Wesleigh, but you seeded. Truly praiseworthy. It wasnt for Gales sake, nor because Ian needed him, that he rescued the man. He simply did what only he could do in that moment. With countless eyes watching the situation unfold, Ian had merely taken the natural course of action. However, his manner of speech has be significantly softer. It means he has a keen understanding of his current predicament. Though Ian hadnt observed him for long, Gale typically carried a hint of arrogance and confidence in his demeanor. But now, each word was uttered with great caution, as if he were treading on thin ice. With Wesleigh gone and his status drastically narrowed due to the curse, perhaps it was to be expected. After all, a single misstep could spell hisplete downfall. Do you have a matter to discuss, Your Highness? Sir Ian. I remember that night. Do you recall it as well? He was referring to the night they entered Gales pce. That very night marked the beginning of everything that had transpired thus far. Ian lowered his head, pausing briefly before responding. Frankly, he had little need for Gale at this point. If Your Highness remembers, then I, too, shall remember. A Gale unable to keep Mariv in check should simply fade into the annals of history. Why would Ian bring along one who had been defeated in the bnce of power? I particrly remember that you do not consider Mariv a suitable candidate for the throne. Gale approached slowly, lowering his voice, as if the words he spoke from this point on should never be allowed to escape on the winds. Wesleighs curse is real. However, it is not a threat to Bariel, but a trial imposed solely upon me. I will never, ever yield to Mariv. I would rather choose death than sumb to such a fate. The mere thought seemed to repulse him. In his lowly growling voice, Ian sensed a murderous intent. And suddenly, he realized that Gale was one who had instigated a rebellion in the past. He has a history of it. If he fails to ovee the current situation, he may not hesitate to rebel once more. It serves as a kind of trigger. A situational trigger thatpels one to directly act upon the grave crime of rebellion. Having continued to work behind the scenes, targeting the former Brats and courting the nobles, Gale could potentially set things in motion before everything unraveled. Just as you revealed Wesleighs forbiddenmand magic to me, I, too, shall share something beneficial with you. Gale snapped his fingers lightly, signaling for Ian to focus on his words. It was a gesture tomence a deal. Gale, backed into a corner, and Ian, contemting which path to take. The wind blew again, and the secret deal was drowned out by its howling. Swoosh. Before the current debacle, Mariv had sent someone to acquire the truth serum. The timing was the day after you entered Marivs pce and pledged your oath. Ian furrowed his brows and nodded. Despite his earnest acting and oath-taking, it seemed he had failed to sever the deep-seated distrust in Marivs heart. And for whom do you think it was intended? You believe it was for me. It doesnt appear to be solely my own thought. I concur. Having boldly dered his intention to act as a double agent, perhaps it was only natural. Gale smirked at Ians straightforward response. With that, what each of them needed from the other had beenid bare. To involve myself in the production of the truth serum? You have not only gained a foothold in the Ministry of Magic but also serve as a major supplier of Luron stones. I believe it would not be a difficult task for you. It was true. Moreover, if it proved inconvenient, Ian could even cast a spell to render the serum ineffective. It might take some time, but considering the duration needed for a new batch to be produced, there would undoubtedly be no issue. In the end, the only ones who must consume the truth serum before Mariv are the two of us. Sir Ian, you have clearly stated that you do not follow Mariv. Wouldnt this arrangement be mutually beneficial for us both? Dont you agree? However, Your Highness, the two of us will not simultaneously stand before His Highness Mariv. Ian also smiled back at him, indirectly implying that the justification for assisting Gale was too flimsy. But Gale continued as if he had anticipated such a response. While that may be so, if I were to be purged, there would be no one left to challenge Mariv. Not even my father would be an exception. You dont strike me as someone who would bow down for a lifetime under one unfit for the throne. In that scenario, do you believe you could defy Mariv? It would be easy to deal with Gale first. However, if this led to Mariv perfectly consolidating power, it could prove difficult in the future. After all, the one Ian truly sought to promote was one of the twin princes. There could be nothing more troublesome than his own misguided choice leading to a reversal in the imperial session. It would be best to eliminate both Gale and Mariv simultaneously. Ill tell you a secret about Mariv that I hold. ! Gale seemed to instinctively understand what the other party desired. He was drawing Ian in very carefully yet decisively. Ian raised an eyebrow, appearing slightly surprised and amused. A secret? While I havent revealed it due tock of definitive proof, the investigation has been ongoing for quite some time. I believe it will greatly pique your interest. Rustle. Gale pulled out a small piece of paper from his inner pocket. Unfolding the intricately folded paper revealed a powder inside, as white and fine as flour. Ian nced at Gale with a puzzled expression. What was he getting at? Do you know what this is? As Gale gestured for Ian to smell it, Ian lowered his head. The moment his nose drew close, he could retrieve a memory deeply etched in his mind. It was the sleeping hallucinogen Lady Rien of Mereloth had smuggled in from Hawan. A kind of drug and poison that reportedly induced death by sleep apnea. This is a new type of sleeping hallucinogen circted by merchant groups in foreignnds. If you take a closer sniff, youll notice its distinctive odor. Gale naturally assumed Ian would be unaware. And rightfully so, as he had not received any reports regarding the Mereloth incident. Ian looked up at him, feeling as if his words were caught in his throat. Why is this appearing here? He also possessed it. In the attic of Romandros house, the box gifted by Lady Rien for practical use in the capital remained stored intact. Your Highness, what on earth Have you lost the flow of the conversation? Gale chuckled softly, as if unsure whether Ian didnt understand or was feigning ignorance. But Ian stammered, inadvertently blurting out those words. Are you implying that this is rted to Mariv? Mariv, ah, what a pleasant way to address him. Please answer me. Yes. At some point, Fathers health began to rapidly deteriorate. In truth, for an elderly man, it could be attributed to the indifference of time, but I sensed something strange no more than a few months ago. Gale, too, had no inkling until Dina, the consort who attended to the Emperors bedchamber, frantically ransacked the imperial pharmacy. Only then did he btedly realize. Father had been frequently choking in his sleep, calling out the name of Gales birth mother, and even experiencing hallucinations while awake. Family hallucinations. Come to think of it, Berik had a simr experience. Although he had fainted immediately upon inhaling the scent, hadnt he clearly seen visions of his family? Ian leaned against a tree, unconsciously shaking his head. It was apletely unexpected move. For Ian himself, as well as for both Gale and Mariv. I propose this with certainty. If you involve yourself in the production of the truth serum, and should an opportunity arise for me once more, I will share with you everything I have investigated thus far. This means we shall jointly grasp the hilt of the de aimed at Mariv. Ian quickly gathered his thoughts and red at Gale. At this point, it was evident that Gale was a formidable foe. Even if Ian were to refuse now, Gale would undoubtedly target Mariv head-on through rebellion or fabrication of evidence. That, too, would be a clear act of rebellion. A storm of blood would sweep through the pce, and variables beyond Ians calctions could emerge. I can hardly believe it, Your Highness. Is that so? Galeughed, exhaling smoke from his cigarette. He raised both hands to the side, as if to show his intentions. In what sense? Thats right, precisely in that sense. The preconceived notion of rebellion and that indulgent attitude. If someone were to harm the Emperor, one would undoubtedly suspect Gale, not Mariv. Werent their dispositions vastly different? You may not know this, but Father favors me over Mariv. This is the foundation and source of my power, so why would I engage in such an act? Perhaps the only one who would rejoice at Fathers death in the pce would be Mariv. Because he would be the next Emperor. However, for Dina and the twin princes, who relied on the current Emperors influence, as well as for Gale, it would undeniably be a setback. Indeed. Without the Emperor, the others would have to live as if dead after leaving the pce. To avoid provoking Marivs temper. Ian sighed, brushing his hair back with a sense ofplexity. Gale then offered him a cigarette, as if urging him to take it. And I am one who may smoke cigarettes but stays far from drugs. I shall decline. I am one who stays far from cigarettes as well. Is that so? Youll live a long life then. As long as you tread carefully. Ian suddenly recalled Gale causing amotion at the nobles drug party. By killing all the ves at that time, he had solidified his power and effectively dered his stance on drugs. In this situation, I must proceed with utmost caution. Gale is formidable, but Mariv must not be allowed to grow beyond control. There was only one way. I have no choice but to deal with both of them simultaneously. Gain what I can, and cut what needs to be cut. Ian slowly raised his head to look up at Gale. Their eyes met, and the two men smiled faintly, remaining silent. The knowing nces that conveyed their inner thoughts were evident. Your Highness, theres one thing. Everything youve said thus far, can I truly believe it all? In truth, if it were all a lie, I would have no way of discerning it. I expected you to say that. Gale, with the cigarette still in his mouth, snapped his fingers. At that, one of Gales subordinates, hidden in the shadows of the trees, approached very discreetly. Ian briefly wondered what scheme was afoot. But he soon recognized the familiar potion in the subordinates hand. Isnt that the truth serum? Youve already experienced it, Sir Ian, so you know how urate it is. Its my turn to drink it this time. Without hesitation, Gale tossed the truth serum into his mouth. He then raised an eyebrow, inviting Ian to question him. After ncing at the empty bottle, Ian parted his lips. Your Highness, do you swear that everything youve told me is the absolute truth? Blood trickled down the corner of Gales mouth. He wiped it roughly with the back of his hand and grinned bitterly. The cigarette smoke grew thicker, filling the surroundings. Yes. I swear, it is my truth. Chapter 149 Chapter 149 The Ministry of Magic faced unprecedented chaos. It was the first time both the minister and the assistant positions were simultaneously vacant. Moreover, the fact that this situation arose in the wake of an unsavory incident left the entire Ministry of Magic in an awkward position. It was only natural for the gathered department heads to raise their voices in the meeting room. Mind your words and actions. No, how can you exclude the Magic Support Department from the investigation team!? I didnt say we would exclude them. I said we would prioritize other departments when forming the investigation team. Isnt that the same thing? When such an incident urs, it is the role of the Magic Support Department to allocate personnel. This is an overreach by other departments! Then, is it even conceivable for the direct subordinate department of Minister Wesleigh, who attempted to harm His Highness Gale, to continue the investigation? You lot should just shut your mouths and stay put. If you had properly served the minister, this wouldnt have happened! What was the Magic Support Department head doing until this incident urred? Ha! We are mages! We are one family! Watch your words! Wesleigh is practically a traitor! Kwang! Bang! The sound of document folders mming against tables echoed from various directions. Only Hale, the head of the Magic Operations Department, sniffled and rummaged through his pockets. As the meeting dragged on, he muttered about needing a smoke. nk! At that moment, the door opened, cutting through themotion. It was Ian. The department heads had been attending a personnel meeting at the time and had not witnessed the scene firsthand. Among those who had, only Ian had confronted Wesleigh. Thus, he had attended the Emperors emergency meeting as the Ministry of Magics representative and was now returning. Ian, youre here? Yes. Im a bitte. No, youve done well. Hale pulled out a chair, gesturing for Ian to sit, and tapped the backrest. Behind him, Tommy and Nakina were also half-dazed, clinging to each other. One could surmise that a fierce debate had taken ce here, just as intense as the Emperors emergency meeting. Theres blood on your sleeve. Ah, its fine. Its not mine. Ian responded to Hales question with a light smile. Everyone was closely observing their whispered exchange, not missing a single moment. They all wore expressions of dying curiosity about the disciplinary measures to be imposed on the Ministry of Magic. Ian, what did they all say? Convey it in detail. Dont leave out a single thing. Why did they only summon a newly entered recruit? Goodness. It means they dont trust the other mages. Thanks to Minister Wesleigh, our position has be truly, truly extraordinary! Dammit! The heads of each department couldnt resist interjecting, but Ian sat down and meticulously straightened his attire. Dont keep us in suspense! Do I appear to be deliberately keeping you in suspense? Ian furrowed his delicate brows at someones question. In an instant, the atmosphere froze. Everyone assumed that an unusual punishment had been handed down and fell silent. Interesting. Only Hale, who had seen through Ians deception, was an exception. He chuckled and chewed on his cigarette. He didnt know what the youngest member was thinking, but Ian had yfully wiggled his fingers under the table. Gale has regained consciousness. Did you know? What? You mean he hase to his senses? He hasnt suffered any major injuries? Yes. He appeared to have no issues with mobility. Then, the, the curse? Did it truly take hold? As everyone asked with tension, Ian simply nodded with a serious expression. Various exmations burst forth from those around him. Their worst fears had be reality. Without a doubt, this is a crisis threatening the very existence of the Ministry of Magic. What about the documents rted to the forbidden magic? Ian, keep talking. Include all the details if possible. This was precisely why Ian had deliberately put on a heavy air. Currently, Ian was the sole person conveying the imperial courts intentions, and he was also the only one connected to Mariv, who was rising to power. The imbnce of information would naturally trante into power, and this was a step closer to securing the position of the next minister. Its not a matter of the Ministry of Magics existence, but of Bariels existence. Therefore, the imperial court sought to confirm the truth through the truth serum administered to His Highness Gale. They have ordered that all currently stored serums be disposed of and freshly produced for submission. At his words, everyones gaze turned to the relevant department heads. A freckle-faced woman, startled, blinked her eyes. Uh, by when? It was Akore, the head of the Mana Stone Management Department. The sooner the better, of course. However, I have conveyed that I require at least a fortnight, so as long as you meet that deadline, it should suffice. Upon Ians response, she barely managed to release a trembling sigh. Given the gravity of the situation, she had been worried about being asked to produce it within a day or two. At that moment, one of the murmuring department heads raised his hand and asked Ian a question. What other sanctions are being imposed on the Ministry of Magic? Nothing specific has been handed down. After all, we must investigate the forbidden magic ourselves. Once His Highness Gales curse has been identified, rted matters will be brought up again. In any case, it is believed that the independent and exclusive authority enjoyed thus far will be significantly reduced. Then, wouldnt it be wise to hastily select the next minister amid this turmoil? Indeed. Even if its temporary, that would be best. Everyone may be in disarray, but times like these call for unity! Having a representative will make it easier to express our stance. I agree! However, lets exclude the Magic Support Department, which was directly under Wesleigh. In this situation, if a minister from the Magic Support Department emerges, it would be tantamount to supporting Wesleigh, wouldnt it? Under the scrutinizing gazes of the mages, the Magic Support Department head and its members simply bit their lips. Though frustrated, they had no words to refute. The department heads exchanged nces and cleared their throats. Chang, the head of the Magic Research Department, is willing to run as a candidate. I have no intention to do so. The Mana Stone Management Department also abstains. Is it alright even if the candidate isnt a department head? Why? Are you nning to run? If theres no issue with it. Since even the Research Department, known for burying their noses in books, is fielding a candidate, Im gaining confidence. Ha! Look at that insolent tone. Hey! Educate your subordinates properly! If I be the minister, youll be demoted immediately. Hahaha! Thats the funniest thing Ive heard today. Bang bang! The meeting room once again erupted into chaos. The chatter of those registering as candidates, those keeping them in check, and those uninterested mingled together, creating a cacophony. Hale belonged to thetter group. Shall we go grab a meal once this is over? Department Head Hale, arent you going to register as a candidate? Nah, I wont. I absolutely despise the idea of stamping documents. I cant evenmunicate properly with those high-ranking folks in the imperial pce. I have no desire to do so either. Tommy and Nakina seemed to share the sentiment. They exchanged cigarettes and stared at Ian with wide eyes. So? Our youngest seems to want to do it. After going head-to-head with Wesleigh, he must have found it worthwhile. Ah, the kids got talent. Seriously. I acknowledge it. May I do it? In truth, permission wasnt necessary. Regardless of what they said, Ian was determined to proceed. He was merely asking out of courtesy and formality. However, Hale responded indifferently, as if it didnt matter at all. Do it. The permission was granted without hesitation. Ian turned to look at Tommy and Nakina. The two of them simultaneously nodded, as if to say he was asking about trivial matters. It was theplete opposite atmospherepared to the other departments, where shouts and screams echoed. Yeah. If you want to do it, then do it. If you be the minister, allocate some budget to our department. No, dammit, were out in the field, but our equipment is toocking. Oh, thats a good idea. But what should we call you if you be the minister? Little Minister? Minister, you idiot. Ah. Gasp! Then I wont have a junior anymore? Thats right. Youre inevitably going to remain the youngest forever. Th-then I oppose! Tommy abruptly stood up but was forced to sit back down by Nakinas shin kick. Hale quickly raised his eyebrows, signaling Ian to register as a candidate. Swish. Ian Hielo from the Magic Operations Department. Im registering as a candidate. As Ian stood up and made his deration, the murmuring came to an abrupt halt. They had expected it, but the atmosphere suggested that what was bound to happen had finally arrived. The department heads exchanged nces and asked the Magic Operations Department. Not Department Head Hale, but you, Ian Hielo? Thats correct. Is there a problem? No, theres no problem. No problem, but Chang, the first to register as a candidate, stroked his beard, pretending to ponder deeply. Those exchanging nces with him were the department heads who had abstained. It was evident that they had already established their own factions and were firmly eyeing the position of the next minister. As Ians presence and stature grew, the existing department heads had no choice but to feel nervous. There was nothing more dreadful than having a neer as their superior. Please speak. Viscount Ian Hielo. You are undoubtedly a noble who has been granted a territory by His Majesty the Emperor. Moreover, you have made some notable achievements in the absence of us department heads. Ian slowly nodded, as if attentively listening. The groundworkid before pointing out a problem should not be used carelessly, but the speaker seemed unaware of that. This acknowledges that you have demonstrated clear capabilities among those present at the scene, excluding the department heads. He continued to subtly emphasize that Ian would not have been able to step forward if the department heads had been present. Hale sniffled and surveyed those exchanging nces with Chang. It was impressive how he had managed toy the foundation for his faction amidst the chaotic situation. Ian merely shrugged his shoulders and retorted. I fail to see the problem even more so. However, Ian. Your status has an expiration date, doesnt it? I believe I heard it was 1 year. Expiration date? What do you mean by that? Ah. Quite a few here are unaware. Ian Hielo is the illegitimate son of the former Brats Margrave. Everyone knows that the man was beheaded for treason. By reporting his fathers crimes, the Emperor was able to suppress the traitor, so naturally, both rewards and penance must be paid. The reward was the new surname Hielo and the position of a lord, while the penance was a tribute of 10,000 gold coins. And that, too, within a year. If he fails to pay the tribute of 10,000 gold coins within a year, he will be stripped of his title and be a ve of the imperial pce. Well, have you secured a means of livelihood? If not, it will be troublesome for many. We have never even heard of a mage who is a ve, let alone a minister-turned-ve. There is no dishonor quite like this. Indeed! If that happens, it will be a disgrace to the Ministry of Magic. A ve as the minister of the Ministry of Magic? My good man, its problematic for him to even be a candidate for minister, not just the minister itself. Imagine how ridiculous the Ministry of Magic will appear in the future. Those hearing about Ians predicament for the first time erupted into a fiercemotion. Hale, Tommy, and Nakina also turned to look at Ian, sighing inwardly. Ian? However, there was no hint of agitation on his face. Rather, he seemed to be enjoying the situation, wearing a faint smile. Ian Hielo, is everything Chang said true? Its all true. Then I will reject your candidacy. Me too! I also reject it! Let me affirm that there will be no issue in securing the tribute. Dont lie! Arent you currently relying on someone named Romandro from the administrative department for lodging? It seems you have quite an interest in me, Department Head Chang. Chang frowned in disbelief at Iansposed response. Ian turned to Akore, the head of the Mana Stone Management Department, and asked. I have a question. What is the current market price of Luron stones? Lu-Luron stones? I havent checked todays price. A rough estimate will suffice. Let me ask again. For approximately 80 kilograms of Luron stones, how much would it amount to? I cant calcte it right away, but, well, it would likely exceed the Ministry of Magics budget for several years. Akore tilted her head, wondering why he was asking about that. Then, she suddenly shouted in excitement. Her quiet voice was nowhere to be found, reced by the outcry of a mana stone-crazed scientist. No way! Are you saying you have that much Luron? A Luron deposit has been discovered in Hielo Territory. By officially supplying it to the Ministry of Magic, I will promptly settle the tribute. With this, there should be no issue at all. Th-Thats a lie! Ianughed at Changs one-dimensional denial. Why would I lie about that? I will settle the tribute within today or tomorrow. Then, I am a noble granted a territory by His Majesty the Emperor and the only mage who demonstrated prowess at the scene. Wouldnt that make me sufficiently qualified? Dont you agree? Of course! With 80 kilograms of Luron stones, I will dly cast my vote! Department Head Akore, calm down. Calm down? Do I look like I can calm down right now!? Akores eyes rolled back as she screamed like a madwoman, and Ian simply nodded. As you can see, there was no problem, so he meant for them to add his name to the list of candidates. I! I support him! Department Head Akore! Ian had already secured one vote. Chapter 150 Chapter 150 The initial candidate registration included a total of seven individuals, including Chang and Ian. Among them, three were not department heads. The challenge from the department heads was lower than expected, likely because taking over immediately after Minister Wesley was a daunting task in itself. Not only was her capability remarkable, but dealing with the aftermath of her actions was a problem in and of itself. The current flow is like a storm. Charging in recklessly will only result in being torn apart. Lets wait for an opportunity and aim for ater time. Such was the sentiment of the department heads. Of course, there were quite a few who had no interest at all, like Hale. Anyway, even if the Ministry of Magic were to select the next minister internally, they would still need to obtain approval from the imperial court in the end. No one knew when or how the situation might change. Well then, lets conclude the candidate registration for now, and well schedule the election for next week. The proceedings will be conducted fairly by the department heads who havent registered as candidates, united together. I swear on the honor of a mage. There will be simple procedures in between, including mana verification, so keep that in mind. Well notify the candidates separately and share the results as well. How about we adjourn for now? Since His Highness Gale has regained consciousness without issue, it would be good to rest a bit and reconvene to discuss countermeasures. While Ian attended the emergency meeting, the mages endured an equally arduous time. It was evident from the slouched postures of Tommy and Nakina. Ian nodded, signaling his agreement. Very well. For the mages currently conducting on-site investigations and those verifying the forbidden magic books, please have each department rotate shifts. Also, anymunication from the imperial pce will go through me, so keep the emergency summoning magic open at all times. Chang pursed his lips. The sight of a young and inexperienced fellow taking the lead like this was irksome. If they had been present at the scene, they could have subdued Wesley without issue. They might have even seeded before His Highness Gale was cursed. While there are no hypotheticals in the past, the human mind is always brimming with them. And Department Head Akore. Hm? Why do you say that!? Minister Ian! Are you crazy? Youve lost it, Akore! At Ians call, Akores eyes sparkled as she responded. Despite the other department heads requests for her to maintain decorum, she didnt budge an inch. She was also a force to be reckoned with in a different sense, and Ian thought as much with a grin. Department Head Akore, please have a word with me for a moment. I have something to discuss with you regarding the delivery of Luron stones. Great! Absolutely wonderful! Well then, ha, well be taking our leave first. Chang, you should also meet with us briefly. Ahem. Good work. If anythinges up, issue the summoning order immediately. All the mages rose in unison and exited the meeting room. Only Akore, her subordinates, and the Magic Operations Department remained in the empty space. Ian turned to Hale and asked. Department Head, if youre hungry, you can go ahead first. Its fine. Lets eat together. Were family, after all. Despite his words, Hales intention was to assist Ian during his negotiations with the Mana Stone Management Department. Judging from Akores reaction, it seemed she was already halfway won over. Unable to contain her excitement, Akore pressed close to Ian. Her crimson eyes sparkled dangerously. So, where are the Luron stones now? Since you mentioned relying on sir Romandros residence, are they there? No. They are being stored elsewhere. Lets go! Right now! Uh, Department Head Akore. But can you receive a delivery of 80 kilograms all at once? Huh? What do you mean by that? Ian lightly perched on the table and counted on his fingers, as if telling them to listen carefully to what he was about to say. As you said, 80 kilograms of Luron stones exceed the Ministry of Magics budget for several years, making it an extremely high-priced item. Given the Ministry of Magics current situation, its not ideal to carry it over to the next year for purchase. Now that the imperial court had realized that the mages abilities could sway the existence of Variel, disciplinary measures would undoubtedly be imposed under the pretext of keeping them in check. Among them, the most basic would be budget cuts. Akore reacted with astonishment and vehemence. Ah, no, that cant be! I was incredibly excited earlier! I havent been able to conduct any other research due to the truth serum research! Those higher-ups tell us to use each grain sparingly, but honestly, is that even a valid statement? Lets use a chunk of it for once! Please! Calm down. So, Id like to make a proposal. Ill deliver the entire 80 kilograms at once, at a slightly lower price than the market rate, and we can arrange for the payment to be made over an extended period. While it would be spread over a long time, given the enormous sum, 10,000 gold coins would be no issue right away. Akore heaved deep breaths, trying to quell her excitement. Really? Thats right. As expected of Minister Ian. p! She extended her hand with satisfaction. Tommy and Nakina gave sympathetic looks to Akores subordinates. Since the state of their department head was far from ideal, it was unimaginable how difficult it must be for those under her. But there will be something for me to do in return, right? Ian grasped Akores hand and smiled. I understand that while all departments in the Ministry of Magic are intricately connected, there are specific departments that frequently coborate with each other. Indeed. Especially for other departments in need of mana stones, we are very, very important to them! Ahahaha! Mana stones were used more extensively than one might think. They could be embedded in ce ofcking parts of defensive formations to enhance security, and they were used in magical tools and potions that supplemented depleted mana, among other things. It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say they were used in every aspect except for magic formations. Given the nature of mages who preferred magical training, the Mana Stone Management Department had low recognition, but its influence was by no means inferior. After all, there are no unnecessary departments in the Ministry of Magic. Akore, please inform them. If I be the minister, there will be no budget cuts for the Ministry of Magic, and we can push for themercialization of the truth serum. At Ians words, everyone flinched. Not only the members of the Mana Stone Management Department but also Hale, Tommy, and Nakina. Wasnt the truth serum agenda something that all departments except the Ministry of Magic had vehemently opposed? Yet he imed he could push it through? Ian, are you serious? This is a matter that has been fully discussed with His Highness. He didnt specify which prince. However, most of them were aware that Ian and Mariv were in cahoots. Indeed, it was Marivs faction that had strongly opposed the truth serum, so if Ian bes the minister, it might be possible. However, the entire Ministry of Magic would be tinted with Marivs colors. Akore didnt care. On the contrary, if one considered it carefully, it was only natural. With His Highness Gale even being cursed, if they continued to support him, they would be cleaned up together. The Ministry of Magic ultimately belonged to the imperial pce. Power shifts were inevitable, and that was the natural flow of history. I dont mind either way. As long as I can continue my research. If the truth serum ismercialized, additional ie can also be guaranteed for the mages. Furthermore, it will restore the shaken prestige of the Ministry of Magic due to the Wesley incident. This applies not only to the relevant departments but to everyone. Moreover, the mages support for Gale wasrgely influenced by Wesley. Without her, there was no reason for it to be Gale specifically. Okay! I understand! Snap! Akore excitedly snapped her fingers repeatedly. Then she shook her body from head to toe as if experiencing a shudder. If I vote for you, my research will prosper! Is that it? More or less. Got it. Then, before the mana verification, Ill contact the other departments and spread the word. Ill even arrange meetings. There are numerous fools who secretly received aphrodisiacs from us! I have it all recorded in the ledger! Ahahaha! If they dont vote, shell expose it! Since they received it secretly from their lovers, where would they have used it? It might cause quite a stir. Watching Akores sinisterughter, Ian realized he had unexpectedly drawn a dangerous individual to his side. Indeed, one should never carelessly provoke those obsessed with something. Thats a pleasant thing to hear. Hale, you have a very capable junior! If he bes the minister, he wont be a junior anymore. Akore then offered a handshake to Hale as well. The same went for the subordinates of the two departments standing guard in the back. Although they were colleagues who had shared joys and sorrows, it felt strange to form an alliance like this. Among the other candidates, there wont be anyone else backed by His Highness. And not just Mariv, but both Mariv and Gale simultaneously. Honestly, Ian didnt find it difficult to secure the ministers position. The real issue was what would happen after bing the minister, after establishing a separate residence for the Ministry of Magic in a stable situation. Since the investigation into forbidden magic is underway, well definitely find clues rted to Naums magic. In a way, Wesleys misdeeds were a boon for Ian. Not only did they lead to a rise in his status, but they also allowed him to uncover various clues. Suddenly, Ian recalled Naumsst words. -Sir Ian. Its alright. There are always, always opportunities. The gods do not give us problems without answers. If he went back, could he meet Naum while he was still alive? Or would he return after everything had ended? In that case, would it mean he had found the right answers? What if he couldnt go back? Ian. His thoughts stretched endlessly, but they were easily interrupted by Department Head Hales call. Ian immediatelyposed himself and turned to face him. Yes. Department Head. It seems you have a visitor. A visitor? Following Department Head Hales gaze, Ian turned his head. Through the slightly open gap, a round face peeked in. It was Romandro. He smiled awkwardly and cautiously called out to Ian. Um, are you all very busy? The office waspletely empty when I went there. No. Were all finished here. I see. Then lets wrap things up here. Ian. Ill be waiting for your contact. Ill, heheheh. Ill kill everything that gets in the way. Akore let out an evilugh and signaled to her subordinates. They bid a casual farewell and left the meeting room. Romandro nced at her retreating figure and wiped his sweat with a handkerchief. Are all mages like that? That one seems to be a bit unusual. But what brings you here? Arent you busy? After Wesleys incident, Romandro had also spent a hectic day. The upheaval in the imperial pce meant the administrative department was also in disarray. He had barely managed to find a moment amidst the nonstop work. I received a message from Vivianna. She said a vagrant came to the residence, handed over these items, and demandedpensation. He grinned at Department Head Hale and greeted him, then whispered to Ian. What Romandro was holding was a crumpled piece of paper and apass connected to a mana brooch. It was what Berik had taken with him. It seems Berik has left the capital. Im not sure about that. The vagrant apparently came from a nearby slum. Anyway, Vivianna immediately sent someone to deliver it to the administrative department. Take a look. Swish. While he wasnt the type to get beaten and killed somewhere, it was indeed worrisome that this was the only contact after a week. As Ian unfolded the paper, Romandro also stretched his neck to read it together. -Iann. Cometo me. Foundtea trapd! This is Was it written with charcoal lying around? Putting aside the sloppy handwriting and poor spelling, it was too faded to decipher. Romandro scratched his chin and muttered. Could it be written by Hasha? Romandro. Hasha is a dog. Ah, right. Indeed. Its more likely that he drew it as instructed by Hasha. What will you do? Will you go and fetch him? At Romandros question, Ian checked thepass. Something must have happened that prevented Berik froming alone, prompting him to contact them like this. Ian smiled faintly and nodded. I happen to have some time. Chapter 151 Chapter 151 Lugersfell. What a name I havent heard in a long time. Ian nced outside through the carriage window and surveyed the surroundings. Lugersfell, wasnt it one of the most notorious slums in the capital? It was said that being assigned to this neighborhood was a demotion for guards in the security force, and it wasmon for them to quit, unable to endure the grueling workload. Consequently, gaps naturally formed in security, which in turn exacerbated thew and order issues in Lugersfell, creating a vicious cycle. A breeding ground for all sorts of crimes, incidents, and idents. The rotten underbelly of Variel. And a world of their own, filthier and more hideous than the bottom of human depravity. I dont think Lugersfell used to be like this in the past. Is that so? Ah, Ian, youre from the frontier, so you may not be familiar. Originally, this ce was also a neighborhood where caravans temporarily stayed, like Mereloth. However, due to therge number of transients with unknown identities, as well as illegal immigrants, drug cartels, and ve caravans settling in, it has be like this. Romandro cleared his throat to maintain his dignity as he exined. It was because he had made eye contact with the drunkards persistently tailing them. The coachman cracked his whip and shouted at them to back off, but his words fell on deaf ears to those half out of their minds. Get away from there! Do you know whos riding in this carriage? It must be someone of high status! Just give us a single copper coin! The sound of the carriage has ruined our drinking mood! You bastards! Move aside! Crack! The Lugersfell I know hasnt been around for long. Ian clicked his tongue as he watched the vagrants. They were so ragged and unkempt that they could hardly be considered imperial citizens. If it were a true great nation, even these alleys should be touched by sunlight Well, have we arrived? Yes. The light on thepass is growing stronger. It seems they havent moved to another area but are in the vicinity. Romandro wiped his sweat with a handkerchief and sighed. Despite being midday, the densely packed old buildings made it gloomy. Was that all? Clotheslines and yellowed fabrics fluttered abundantly in the air, apanied by the stench of foul waste, the loud voices of drunkards, and people suddenly fighting. Everything that could be perceived by the five senses made one feel threatened. That fellow Beric, what kind of help does he need from us while hes even confronting the captain of the guards? I dont think its something that can be resolved with force. Above all, theres a high possibility that its Hashas judgment. If it were Beric, he would have definitely taken Hasha and returned as soon as he found her. Even if there was a problem ahead, he would have cleared a path by swinging his sword. However, since that wasnt the case, it was clear that Hasha had made a request. Stop for a moment and turn the carriage around. While Ian was talking with Romandro, the light on thepass turned in the opposite direction. It meant they had passed the target. The coachman awkwardly poked his head through the window. Uh, Viscount. The road is too narrow to turn around. We can stop here, but toe back, well have to take a rather long detour. Is that so? I understand. Lets get off. Ian, you mean get off? Romandro, if you wish, you may remain in the carriage. As soon as the door opened with a click, the stench of waste poured in. At the same time, the gazes of those observing them from the surroundings did the same. Romandro quickly surveyed left and right, pondering. Should he stay with the coachman in this brutal neighborhood? Or should he apany Ian, who was a mage? Ian, Ill go with you! Lets go! Swish. Ian continued to walk, following thepass and turning his body in various directions. He needed to find the spot where the light shone the brightest and the direction didnt flip. I think its here. An old building that seemed nothing special. Judging by the numerous chests piled up in front of the building, Ian presumed it was the nest of a caravan. A yellowed, stained g was stuck next to the door. Romandro stroked his beard and sniffed. Its in the Chelimnguage. Fa, Fa Fakens. Ah. Right. Fakens. Huh? You can speak the Chelimnguage too? Romandro, who had been nodding, opened his eyes wide and turned around. However, Ian didnt seem inclined to answer and turned to the door to examine the inside. Fakens Hasha and Beric must be here. Call someone from inside. Here? Why? Romandro had a genuinely confused expression. The ve caravan that dealt with the thief leader of Karenna and undead. Ian firmly remembered the name of that caravan. Following thepass led them here? It couldnt be a coincidence. Thump thump! Is anyone inside? Eek! Ian grabbed the door handle without hesitation and knocked. After a while, a half-awake bald man appeared, frowning. Creak. Judging by his attire, he seemed to be a high-ss young master who couldnt be seen in Lugersfell, so why was he visiting this ce in broad daylight? The man scanned Ian up and down and scoffed. Sorry, but its not a market day. It meant that the ve market wasnt open. If they came knocking like this on a non-market day, it was obvious. Either a lustful pervert with a sex addiction, an unlicensed doctor in need of experimental subjects, or a cold-blooded person who needed meat to throw to their pet magical beasts. Well, either way, they were certainly not normal. Please leave. Ian noticed that the interior space wasrger and deeper than expected. Men sprawled here and there were getting up one by one, looking toward the entrance. Theres something I want to buy. I told you its not a market day? Dont make me say it twice! He couldnt inquire about Hasha and Berics whereabouts here. While there were cases of people legally bing ves, nearly half of them ended up that way through kidnapping or illegal means in foreign countries. If he searched for Hasha and Berics whereabouts here, it would only raise the suspicion of the ve traders. Swish. Ian took out a gold coin from his pocket and showed it in front of the mans eyes. As the mans eyes widened and he was about to say something, Ian pushed the gold coin against his chin and whispered quietly. I said theres something I want to buy. Dont make me say it twice. Then, slowly, with a smile, he ced the gold coin in the mans mouth. The man bit down hard on it to confirm if it was a genuine gold coin, then twisted his body to grant them entry. Pleasee in. Ahem, ex-excuse us! Romandro coughed and stuck close behind Ian. The man led Ian and Romandro to the farthest room. One moment, please. Ill inform the leader and be right back. Knock knock. As the man disappeared, Romandro unconsciously exhaled deeply, and Ian checked thepass. Its definitely here. There were currently seven caravan members visible. With numerous spaces like an ant colony, it was impossible to estimate the exact number. When Ian looked at them, a few men grinned and shed sinister smiles. Romandro felt his neck stiffen. Why, why are they smiling like that? I think theyve taken a liking to you, Romandro. Gasp! Me? Creak. Oh my, what could this be? A guesting on a non-market day, oh dear, if were caught by the guards, itll be really scary. The fines are enormous! Hahaha! The man was quite young to be called the leader of the caravan. His jovial and sly-looking eyes were just like those of a merchant. The man extended his hand to Ian and greeted him. Wee. Im Fakens, the leader. I dont think I need to introduce myself. Of course. Im not curious either. Haha! Please have a seat, have a seat! Although he was packaging himself with a lightugh, a person running a ve caravan couldnt be sloppy. Ian sat down and looked around the office. There was not a single trace of someone residing and decorating the ce. This was a temporary residence they used when they arrived in the capital, and it was a space they could immediately abandon and flee if any issues arose. So, what are you looking for? There must be a special reason you sought out our caravan, right? To be honest, it sounds too much like a sales pitch, so I didnt want to say it, but we have everything except for what we dont have. If we dont have it, well quickly inquire elsewhere and connect you. Grinning, Fakens sped his hands and just smiled, urging him to speak. Ian nced at the men firmly standing behind him, raising an eyebrow. As if asking, will they continue to stand there like that? I apologize. A petty thief broke into the building yesterday. A petty thief? There doesnt seem to be any damage, but there are traces of someone intruding, so everyone is on edge. The one who opened the door isnt someone who would easily let others pass, but gold coins certainly have a way of enchanting people. Dont you agree? Ian was certain. That petty thief was Beric. He hade inside, met Hasha, and called Ian due to Hashas request. Ian tapped the table with his fingertips. How many goods do you have? Currently, we have a total of about thirty. Id like to take a look around. I apologize, but we dont readily show them to those who havent made a deal. If theres something you want, please tell me. Ill have them brought up here. Ian stared intently at Fakens. Do you also deal with beasts? Beasts? Ah, yes. Well, its not that we dont have them. Im looking for something to y with and something suitable for sword training. Rmend and bring them as you see fit, and Ill choose. Sword training! Thats a good one! When ites to sword training, its best to have thick subcutaneous fat. Please wait a moment. Fakens and his subordinates left the office, closing the door behind them. However, the footsteps heard belonged to only one person. The remaining two guards seemed to be guarding the door. Romandro, who had also noticed this, whispered to Ian. Do you think Hasha and Beric are being held here? Hasha might be. If they found out hes a talking dog. But the petty thief Its Beric, right? Probably. Since he said he was with Hasha, he must be hiding somewhere in the building. Then what should we do? Romandro shrugged and asked. Since they didnt know what Hasha and Beric wanted to be done, they couldnt recklessly take action. Should they bring the guards and turn this ce upside down? Ill let Beric know. That weve arrived. Zing. Zing. Ian slowly released his mana. His eyes turned golden, and his hair fluttered in the low-swaying wind. Romandro gulped and nced alternately at the door and Ian. To sense the mana? Will that insensitive Beric even notice? Kwang! Bang! At that moment. The loud noiseing from outside. Ian stopped releasing his mana and turned around. I think he noticed. *** Whats that sound? I wonder. Fakens, who was about to go down to the underground dungeon with his subordinates, hesitated. The sound came from the direction they were heading, so he was rather cautious. Patter patter! Fakens! Fakens! Themotion is loud! Quiet down! No, its just The subordinate crawling up the stairs blurted out iprehensible words. Thick smoke. Wondering if a fire had broken out, Fakens covered his mouth with his sleeve and went downstairs. Creak. The half-shattered door opened on its own. The torches in the corridor illuminated the inside of the underground dungeon, where a white dog and an unfamiliar man were sitting. With his red hair and the subordinates blood spattered on him. What the? Hello! Hey! Our master is here! You, you, how did you get here? Our master is here!? Beric stood up, infusing mana into his sword. Hasha did the same. Running toward the opposite corridor, she shouted loudly. -Astanians! Its time! The person to save us hase! Everyone, rise up! Chapter 152 Chapter 152 Boom! Rumble! As themotion grew increasingly intense, Romandro finally stood up from his seat. Then, pressing his ear against the door, his eyes darted around. It was clear from the curses and loud noises that the situation was chaotic. Romandro called out to Ian with a grimace. Th-This is definitely Beric, right? What if it wasnt Beric but some other problem that had arisen? What if the ves were escaping and fighting? Wouldnt even their own safety, as they sat in the office to purchase ves, be in jeopardy? However, Ian calmly rummaged through the office desk and drawers, nodding his head. It should be. The mana has disappeared now, but I definitely felt Berics presence. Th-Then thats a relief. Kwang! nk! Aaaaargh! At the same time, the door swung wide open. Romandro was startled and fell backward with a thud. The one who opened the door was Beric, his hair disheveled. He grinned broadly at the sight of Romandro and Ian. IanIanIan! Oh, Beric. Long time no see. Ah, I really went through hell! It waspletely exhausting! You bastard! Die! As soon as we get back, roast a whole pig for me. Sure. If you thoroughly clean up here, that is. Smack! Behind Beric, a member of the ve caravan swung his sword. However, Beric naturally dodged by tilting his head to the side and seamlessly created a rotational axis to drive his fist into the mans face. But Beric, why did you call for us? It doesnt seem like you have any trouble handling this on your own. Ah. Thats because of Hasha. -Sir Ian! Sir Ian! Thud! At that moment, a white dog dashed between Berics legs and leaped into Ians arms. Ian put down the documents he was reading and slowly stroked the dogs neck as he held her. Hasha. Are you unharmed? -Sir Ian, I apologize! I identally spoke humannguage in front of these morons! I thought they might overlook it if I panted like a dog, but guess what? I was caught right away! Grr, Im so furious! Easy. Calm down. As long as youre safe, thats all that matters. Hasha, I have a lot to tell you. -I do as well. Ian. But before that, the reason I asked Beric to call for you is Along with Hashas words, about five or six people appeared at the door. They had blue hair and pointed ears. Ian instantly recognized them as Astanians. Beric, quickly clean up this ce. You can kill them all, but keep the caravan leader Fakens alive. Do you know his face? Yep yep. I know. Good. Astanians, all of youe in. Ill be back! Ian! Creak. Kwang! At Ians gesture, the Astanians timidly entered the office. They all had shackles on their feet. Beric closed the door as if entrusting everything to them, and Romandro grabbed a broken wooden stick as a weapon, guarding the outside. The Astanians were captured here, so Hasha couldnt escape alone. Even if Beric killed everyone and unlocked the shackles, if these foreigners with ve status were caught by the guards, they could be handed over to another ve trader. Hasha, you did very well by calling for me. At Ians praise, Hashas tail wagged, tapping the floor. They needed an imperial citizen with authority who could handle the situation. And dont be too shocked to hear this. Wesleigh is dead. To be precise, its more urate to say she self-destructed. -What did you just say? Hashas tail abruptly stopped. The person who hadpletely upended Hasha and his grandmothers lives with the research on forbiddenmand magic was dead? It was unbelievable. The mayor of Karenna sent a letter. Ian slowly stroked Hashas back. Then, starting from the beginning of the incident, he exined in detail how Wesleigh had met her downfall. Although he had the appearance of a dog, it was evident what emotions he was feeling. The Astanians, who didnt understand the Barielnguage, grew restless at the ominous atmosphere and held each others hands. So, Hasha. From now on, youre safe. Theres no one in Bariel who can threaten you. Wesleigh is dead, so if you have any lingering resentment, use it as a driving force to move forward and live to the fullest. That is the final way for the living to take revenge on the dead. At Ians constion, Hasha lowered his head. Slowly, following Ians touch, he nuzzled his muzzle softly against his hand. Tears dripped down. Ian willingly wiped them away with his sleeve. -Thank you. If you wish, I can send you back to Astana soon. Will you go? Wesleighs death itself was evidence of the forbiddenmand magic. Otherwise, Gale would never have made such a decision. Now that things had turned out this way, there was no need for Hasha to directly intervene. -I was going to talk to you about that anyway. Do you remember? My grandmother was the leader of thergest faction in Astana. Hasha had been filled with questions about why his own grandmother didnt return to her homnd to escape from Wesleigh, and why her family in Astana didnt search for them. But he finally realized. -I heard there was a major earthquake in Astana while we were on the run from Wesleigh. These people were also disced by the disaster and captured by ve traders. Moreover, the power struggle between factions reached its peak, taking advantage of the chaos. I need to hurry back and pass on my grandmothers spirit. There have been more earthquakes across the continent in the past few years. I also went to the reconstruction work of the Great Temple due to an earthquake before going to Bratz, I mean, Hielo. Romandro, who had been quietly listening, added a remark. Hashas ck eyes were glistening with tears. -When I return, even if its not my original body, there should be a way to transfer my soul into a human form. Ian. I beg you onest time, please send me and the Astanians back to our homnd. Hasha bowed his head. When he conveyed something in the Astaniannguage, the other people also prostrated themselves, pleading with Ian in their respectivenguages. Hasha. I have already made a promise once before. Since that remains in your memory, how could I say anything different? Enough of that andpose yourself. -Theres something else I need to tell you. The Fakens Caravan is the one that traded undead to the Karenna thieves. But no matter how much I think about it, I couldnt understand why they used my corpse for necromancy. Listening to the Astanians here When the disced Astanians were captured by the ve caravan, they were repeatedly asked about their origins. And they emphasized whether they belonged to a faction capable of using necromancy. -It seems theres a necromancer who provided knowledge of necromancy to these people. That person is probably in the imperial pce. I dont know if their motive is simply to make money or something else, but it would be wise to find them and keep a close eye on them. Kwang! Bang! At that moment, a loud noise erupted. Then, silence. The sound of someone approaching could be heard, and the Astaniansy t on the floor, their hands trembling. Creak. Aaaaah! Aaaaargh! The Astanians screamed once at the sight of Beric, drenched in blood, and again at the sight of the scalp he was dragging. In contrast, Beric grinned broadly and threw Fakens forward. Ian, this is the leader, right? Yes. Well done. What about outside? I think theyre all dead. All? Yeah. It just happened. Judging by the way he was ncing around, it seemed he had done it deliberately, not by chance. When Ian narrowed his eyes and stared at him, Beric just chuckled. After all, it had been a week since theyst saw each other. He probably thought Ian wouldnt scold him. Alright. Good work. Wow, Ian. I had a really hard time, you know? When I followed thepass, I hit dead ends, and when I turned around, the path was cut off. I couldnt even eat properly for a week. Couldnt you have climbed over the walls or something? I did. Thats why I went further to shake off the guards. You told me not to kill the guards. Ah, it was really, really annoying! I can imagine. So thats why it took a whole week. Considering it took Ian only a few hours to get here by carriage from the imperial pce, it was an astonishingly impressive work performance. Ian thought he should never entrust Beric with pursuit-rted tasks in the future as he opened thest desk drawer. -The brooch! Its best for Hasha to always wear it before going to Astana. Ian fastened the brooch around Hashas neck, then looked at the unconscious Fakens. Since all the caravan members were dead, he was pondering how to deal with this man. Its the guards. Weve been dispatched after receiving a report of a disturbance, gasp! Hey! Is anyone inside? Whats going on here? Oh my god, theyre all dead. Is there anyone alive? If someone is there, respond! It was the guards. They were entering, stepping over the bloodied corpses. As Ian was about to step forward, this time Romandro stopped him. Ill handle it. Ian, arent you on the verge of bing the minister of the Ministry of Magic? If any noise gets mixed in, itll be troublesome. Leave it to me! I may not be able to wield a sword like Beric, but Im a man who has lived his entire life in the imperial pce with just a pen! Ooh, thats cool, Romandro! You, wipe off the blood! The guards might mistake you for a monster and charge at you. Beric giggled and rubbed his face. The bloodstains smeared, creating an even more bizarre atmosphere. Well discuss the details when we return to the residence. -Right. That would be best. What about Fakens? Were taking him with us. I have questions for him, and he might be useful. Beric, cover him with a cloth and carry him on your back. Will you roast the pig as soon as we get back, Master? Actually, Im really hungry right now. I think it would be better to just drag this guy. Beric deliberately staggered and groaned. The Astanians nced at each other and offered to help. They would carry him instead of Beric. Ill give alcohol to the one who carries him. Out of my way!! At Ians words, Beric instantly swatted away the Astanians hands. And as if he had never groaned before, he slung Fakens over his shoulder and stood up. Hasha, who was about to take the lead, paused and looked back. -Ian. But there are more ves in the basement. What will happen to them? ves? The Astanians were a tribal nation that lived in harmony with nature. Although they were aware of the ve system, it was their first time encountering it culturally. However, what was imprisoned behind bars was not just humans, but their dignity. Just as Ian was about to say something, Romandros voice came from outside. Hey, dont go inside! A highborn from the imperial pce is in there. If you see their face, youll be the ones in trouble, Im telling you. A guard who was about to enter the corridor leading to the office stopped. There were people who became ves illegally, and there was a dispute while verifying them. Are these people authorized ve traders in the country? It was highly unlikely that those who interacted with thieves would have permission. Moreover, if traces rted to undead were discovered, it wouldnt be a big issue even if a few caravan members died here. Above all, they all seemed to be foreigners. Uh, well have to investigate that separately. You call yourselves the guards of Bariel, yet how did you fail to notice until a nobles servant was kidnapped by an illegal ve trader? This is a clear mistake! Give me your names and affiliations. No, Advisor. With so many illegal immigrants here, how can we pay attention to every single one of them? I know, I know! And he slipped them some money. If they were demoted and assigned here, it meant they were guards who had caused quite a bit of trouble. Most of them were likely involved in bribery. The guards exchanged nces with each other while looking at Romandros identification and surveying the surroundings. Then, please submit a report to the guards as soon as possible. We will also verify the legitimacy of the caravan. You mentioned there were illegal ves? Thats what Im saying! And they were kidnapped too! Hmm. I understand. Even though people had died, their attitude changed after receiving a few coins. Romandros heart was pounding as he handed over the money. The guard scratched his head and asked, Were all the illegal ves members of the Advisors household? Huh? Y-Yes! They were! I understand. Well provide a carriage for you. Please take the victims and return home for now. Well report to you after the incident is resolved. All the ves? Romandro turned around in bewilderment, and Ian simply shrugged his shoulders. As if asking, what are you doing? Chapter 153 Chapter 153 Wow, did a beggar possess his stomach? In one corner of the garden, a whole pig was being roasted to a golden brown. Romandro muttered in disbelief as he watched Beric. It was clear what he meant by being possessed. The sight of him shoving fistfuls of meat into his mouth with both hands was undoubtedly that of a madman. Beric grinned happily and raised his ss. One more bottle! You rascal, stop it already! Did a beggar really possess your stomach? Have you no conscience for taking a week to cover a few hours distance? Dont you know that when alcohol goes in, it goes in indefinitely? Youre more likely to die from a ruptured stomach than from being stabbed. Oh my, Im speechless. Really. Although Berics throat was stuffed with meat, Romandros throat was stuffed with disbelief. Regardless, Beric continued to tear into the meat, half out of his mind. Ian, if you want to employ that fellow, the food expenses will be too high. The cost-effectiveness is aplete mess. Still, gulp, the money spent earlier is more than the cost of ughtering a pig, right? What were you thinking, saying all the ves belonged to Ian? Right? Wow, this meat is really delicious! At Berics words, Romandros face turned bright red. Yes, he admitted it. He had misspoken out of excessive panic and tension. Putting the Astanians aside, additional expenses were inevitable to bring along ves of unknown nationalities. Doctors were provided to those on the verge of death, clothing to those who were ragged, and food to those on the brink of starvation. Do you, do you understand the hardships of a civil servant!? Huh? Whats there to understand? And what does that have to do with your slip of the tongue? Ian, am I right? As Romandro clutched his neck and closed his eyes, Ian patted his shoulder. After enduring some hardship outside, the kid has be smarter. His voice was filled withughter. In other words, Ian also agreed with Berics words. Romandro apologized again, holding his forehead. Im sorry about that. Its fine. Thanks to you, they vacated the building, so itll be easier for the guards to handle the aftermath. And Beric, let me remind you, one of your meals is more expensive than what we spent on them. Eh, thats a lie! Even as he said that, Beric tore into a chunk of meat the size of his head and devoured it. The bowl was emptied in an instant. Mini, in a panic, flipped the firewood with a poker. Beric, please eat slowly! The Astanians have barely finished half a bowl! My stomach isnt even half full yet! The Astanians were chatting with Hasha and satisfying their hunger. Judging by the asionalughter, they seemed to be talking about their homnd. One of them made eye contact with Ian and bowed, smiling brightly. Seeing how the Lugersfell guards left, it wont turn into a big problem. After the investigation, if there are any who became ves illegally, restore their identities and wrap up the case. What about Fakens? After extracting information about the necromancer who assisted him, hand him over to the guards. He engaged in illegal ve activities, so punish him ording to the relevantws. Fakens was currently confined in the storage room of the residence. To be precise, he was unconscious and holding his ce. Hearing Ians instructions, Romandro moistened his lips with alcohol and nodded. I understand. Ill handle this matter myself. Ian, dont worry and focus on bing the next minister of the Ministry of Magic. As Romandro put down his ss with a determined expression, Beric openly scoffed. His gigglingughter was purely innocent. Will he make another mistake and bring back something strange? You shut up and eat, or this will be yourst meal! Ian is the one who feeds me, so I dont know why youre taking credit! If no ones home, Ill raid the kitchen! Do you think our Minnie is that easy? Once again, a childish argument erupted between the two. At first, the Astanians were startled by the loud voices, but now they seemed ustomed to it. Hasha, who had been sitting on a chair, leaped down and ran to Ian. A man staggered behind him. -Ian! Hasha, is there not enough to eat? -No, we are all well-fed. Thats not it, do you remember that there are numerous shamans in Astana? Yes. You told me, didnt you? That different factions have different shamanic practices. So, if you return, you might be able to obtain a new body with the help of another faction. I remember it clearly. Hasha tapped the knee of the man following him with his tail. The man then opened his mouth and stuck out his tongue. A strange pattern was drawn in the center. Beric and Romandro both had puzzled expressions, but Ian understood its meaning. -This person is a diviner, and he said he has something he wants to convey to Ian. He was a kind of prophet. To predict fate was like being lost at sea and counting the waves. It could easily change with a small breeze or the fluttering of a fish. Ian noticed the mans flushed expression and granted permission. If its good, Ill listen, and if not, Ill reject it. -Of course its good! If the divination for the benefactor turns out bad, it would be proper to cut off my tongue and seal it forever! With Ians permission, the man divined the future in an unknown Astaniannguage. His prophecy was conveyed through Hashas mouth in the Barielnguage. -Even if you stagger and lose direction, wandering here and there, in the end, there is only one path. Even if the path seems to have changed, everything is connected when viewed from the sky, so in the end, you will return to that ce again. As you wish. How is it? Good words, right? Hashaughed, panting, but Ian couldnt help but make a peculiar expression. For some reason, it felt as if that path represented history. Many things had already changed, but as the long span of 100 years passed, it seemed that everything would regain its destined course and create the world Ian knew. What is this? Its not a prophecy but a riddle. -Prophecies are originally open to interpretation. Hasha retorted to Berics words. The prophet bowed and returned to his ce, and Ian quietly moistened his lips with wine. Viviana offered him water instead and expressed concern. Sir Ian, didnt you say you have to enter the pce early in the morning? Honey, you should stop drinking too. Itll be hard to wake up. At Vivianas concern, Romandro reluctantly put down his ss. She added with a bright smile. And Sir Ian. I heard youre running for the next minister of the Ministry of Magic. Although your current attire is very stylish and cool, it doesnt quite suit the minister of a department. Madam, I was just about to ask you for that. Given the nature of the New Years party, the outfits he had tailored at the dressmakers had a youthful touch. They couldnt be the same as the clothes worn when taking public office. So, Ive prepared new ones. Please wear them when you enter the pce tomorrow. As expected of the person Romandro trusts and relies on, I also feel reassured. Thank you, Madam. As Ian kissed the back of her hand in gratitude, Romandro blushed andughed as if he had been praised. Regardless, Beric raised his empty te and shouted again. One more te! *** The next day, at the hour when the morning moon rose. Ian went straight to the Ministry of Magic without even a few hours of sleep. As it was a state of emergency, there were clear signs of overtime at the Ministry of Magic building. The administrative department where Romandro went was probably the same. As Ian entered the lobby, the mages walking sluggishly greeted him. Ian, has there been any separate contact from the pce? No. If there was, an emergency summons would have been issued magically. Is there a problem? We found out while investigating the forbidden magic documents. The ones from 300 years ago were separately entrusted to the administrative department. By her, Wesleigh. It seems to be because it was before the establishment of the Ministry of Magic, but we need a cooperation letter. Do you need cooperation letters from all the department heads? Yes. And it would be nice to have yours too. After all, you attended the pce meeting. I understand. Ill write it right away and submit it to you. nk. Ian said that and opened the door to the department. Inside, mages were sitting tightly in chairs. It was clearly the office of the Magic Operations Department, but he didnt know why they were all here. What are you all doing here? Oh? Oh oh! Ian, ahem. Youre here. The first to stand up was Akore. She wiped the saliva from the corner of her mouth and checked the time. Three in the morning. An odd time to start work and an abnormal time to finish. She pressed her forehead, trying to shake off the fatigue. Let me introduce you. These are the heads of the Potion Research Department, the Incantation Research Department, and the Magic Tool Production Department. Yawn. At Akores words, the others stood up from their seats. Their faces were already familiar from passing by. The people from the Magic Operations Department were all sleeping together in the duty room at the back of the department. I formally introduce myself. Im Ian. Ah, yes. We know. No need to be so formal. We already know each others faces, dont we? Theyre my close associates, so please get along with them. Close associates. It meant they were the ones Akore had lured to support Ian. They could also be considered regr customers of the aphrodisiac sales. Ian shook hands with them and took off his coat. If youre close with Akore, you can be close with me too. Hahaha. Thats right. First of all, the Potion Research Department is undoubtedly here for themercialization of the truth serum, and the Magic Tool Production Department is interested in therge-scale supply of Luron stones. And the Incantation Research Department. Their budget is too small. The reason is that they researchnguage, so theres no separate money invested. They said they hope the next minister will take that into consideration, hmm. Thats what they said. The three departments desires from Ian were clear. Ian nodded as if telling them to trust him. Akore wrote the name of each department on the chalkboard one by one. Swish swish. And theres Department Head Chang, right? Yes. Hes the head of the Magic Research Department. I didnt expect it, but hes quite popr. He united with the other departments that had registered as candidates. I dont know how he persuaded them yet, but if we only count the departments with a clear stance now, our numbers are a bitcking. Ian strongly agreed with Akores words that she hadnt expected it. Since he wasnt a particrly impressive person, Ian nodded while holding his chin. What about the other departments whose stances arent determined? There are quite a few. Those who dont care who bes the minister, those who are busy with the investigation, and those who say theyll decide on principle after the mana verification! As Akore shouted while tapping the chalkboard, Tommy, who was sleeping in the duty room, suddenly woke up and rubbed his eyes. But realizing it was nothing serious, he flopped back down. Ian scanned the department names and fixed his gaze on the very end. What do you think will happen with that one? The Magic Support Department. Wesleighs direct subordinate department, currently shunned by both the Ministry of Magic and the pce. Akore scratched her philtrum and answered. I think theyll abstain from voting. Theyre not even showing their faces. At least they know how to read the room. Tap tap, Ian counted the number of mages belonging to the Magic Support Department and calcted. Apart from the other departments, didnt they have thergest headcount? Does anyone know the contact information of the Magic Support Department head? As Ian elegantly asked after finishing his thought, the department heads unconsciously raised their hands. Then, Ian smiled with satisfaction and instructed. Lets summon them. Here, now. Summon? Ha, will theye even if we call? To the Incantation Research Department heads question, Ian answered without hesitation. If they donte, its their loss. They should be able to calcte that much. Try summoning them. I expect them to arrive within thirty minutes. Chapter 154 Chapter 154 As Wesleighs authority, which was said to be capable of bringing down even a bird, vanished, Seilro, the head of the Magic Support Department, found himself in an equally precarious situation. No, it would have been a relief if he had merely been driven to the edge of a cliff. The Imperial Pce seemed to view the Magic Support Department as an aplice to the heinous criminal Wesleigh, while the other magic departments, their supposed family, turned a blind eye and shunned them, preupied with the position of minister. Tap-tap! Thus, Seilro had been lying low, waiting for an opportunity to break through the situation once a minister was elected, when he unexpectedly received a summons. Moreover, it came from Ian, who was said to have gained the unwavering trust of the current prince. Creak! Huff, huff Twenty-one minutes and thirty-four seconds. He really made it in under thirty minutes? Did he use a portal? How could he use a portal by himself? Good job. It must have been a while since you ran, being an office worker. Gasping for breath, Seilro surveyed the Magic Operation Departments office. Five department heads, including Hale, had already gathered. Ian poured a cup of tea and gestured for him to sit down. Your eagerness is admirable. Please take a seat, Director Seilro. He noticed Ians gaze drop to his cor. In his haste, he hadnt realized his cor was flipped inside out. ncing at Hale, who was sprawled out smoking, Seilro sat across from him. Wh-whats this about? Haha. Indeed. What could it be? For Director Seilro toe running here at the crack of dawn, it must be a matter befitting such urgency. Ian smiled gently,ying the groundwork. Suddenly, Seilro realized that unlike the other department heads, such as Akore and Hale, who looked disheveled, Ian appeared neat and tidy. Surely, being at the center of the Ministry of Magics crisis management, he should be the most frazzled. Was it the value of being a nobleman? Or was it his pretty face? Director Seilro? Im listening. I want you to know that while I believe the Magic Support Department had no involvement in the recent Wesleigh incident, Im unsure if the Imperial Pce will be as convinced. Its only natural for opinions to be divided among our fellow mages. Thats not all. What if the Imperial Pce decides topletely overhaul the Magic Support Department to keep the Ministry of Magic in check? And if, at the same time, they review past work records and uncover problematic issues? Seilro would be unable to avoid punishment, separate from Wesleigh. As you know, the Imperial Pce is currently receiving reports on internal matters of the Ministry of Magic through me. Lets make sure to convey the Magic Support Departments innocence to the pce. That much is undoubtedly possible. Seilro immediately grasped Ians meaning. He would persuade his backer, Prince Mariv, to show leniency to the Magic Support Department. Stammering, Seilro cautiously offered a rebuttal. E-even if His Highness Mariv lets it slide, the direct victim is His Highness Gale. How he will react is His Highness Gale is not a problem either. At those words, Akore and Hale also turned their heads to look at Ian. While it was natural for His Highness Mariv to be Ians sponsor, what about His Highness Gale? However, instead of revealing his secret deal with Gale, Ian gave a vague response. Because it would be a misstep for His Highness Gale. A misstep? Hmm. I see. Hale, who had been smoking in the back, exhaled smoke at Ians words. If Mariv seized power, Gales position would undoubtedly be unstable. In such a situation, there was no reason for him to persistently go after the Magic Support Department. He would rather show leniency as much as possible. The enemy of an enemy is a friend. He would even absorb those cast out from the Ministry of Magic into his own forces. Thats right. No need to worry about His Highness Gale, Seilro. Even if that wasnt the case, if Ian became the Ministry of Magics minister, wouldnt his power and His Highness Marivs authority be sufficient to cover it up? As Hale flicked his cigarette, Seilro furrowed his brows. He clearly didnt understand. What do you mean? If you dont get it, just shut up and nod. Thats your path to survival. Akore tightly pressed her lips together at the tant rebuke. If even a hint ofughter escaped, it seemed Seilro would storm out of his seat. Dont worry and just gather the support of the Magic Support Department members for me. What do you think? I believe its worth rushing here at dawn without even noticing your cor flipped inside out. Ian tapped Seilros shoulder, asking. Surveying the department heads and Ian, Seilro slowly opened his mouth, painstakingly scraping up his self-esteem that had dried up on the floor. And if I refuse? Oh. If you do that As Ian chuckled softly, the sun rose outside the window. The dazzling sunlight painted his golden hair even more radiantly. The sunlight was so warm that it could be felt, yet it couldnt erase the coldness that seeped into his green eyes. I dont think anyone will be able to remember you, Mr. Seilro. Short but clear. It implied that Seilro could disappear, entangled with Wesleigh, on charges of treason. Thus, even as time passed, not a single letter of his name would remain here. When I asked what if I refuse, I was merely curious. I have, you know, a lot of curiosity. I was just wondering about the choice I wouldnt make. Mm-hmm. Seilro immediately corrected himself, mumbling excuses. At his appearance, Akore couldnt hold back herughter, and Hale also lit a new cigarette. Ahahaha! You were so pathetic just now, but its okay. Well keep it just between us. You made the right choice! Hey, were still family, arent we? Seilro, Id be so sad if you died. Then who would I experiment on with mana stones? Huh? Thankfully, he may be stupid, but hes not stubborn. Congrattions on your life extension. At the department heads words, Seilro could only clench his trembling fists. But what could he do? There was no other choice for him now. If he refused Ian, he would have to side with Zhang, but no matter who backed Zhang, he couldnt stand against Mariv. Then, tell them to release our kids who were summoned by the Imperial Guard. I need some leverage to persuade the members. Snap! Ian snapped his fingers, nodding in agreement. While securing the votes of the Magic Support Department was important, it was also crucial to ce as many of Ians forces as possible within the Ministry of Magic building to shape the atmosphere. Understood. Ill do my best to have them all return home by this afternoon. Director Seilro, while youre here, go to that corner and review some documents. Were so understaffed, we might have to borrow a dogs paw. A d-dogs paw? Come on, lets get to work now. What time did they say they were receiving the administrative report? Youll have to ask the department next door about that. I heard it came down separately in the middle. Leaving the dumbfounded Seilro behind, they all stretched and got up. How could the morning be so merciless despite not getting any sleep? Just as Akore opened the door wide to return to her department Creak! Ahhh! You startled me! She found herself face to face with an unfamiliar chief attendant standing right in front of the door. At hermotion, everyone turned their heads to look at the door. Who is it? Lord Ian Hielo. I am Lady Dinas chief attendant. Please spare a moment. The carriage is ready. Dina? The only concubine currently by the Emperors side and the birth mother of Arsen and Jin. Ian put down the bundle of documents and picked up his coat. Lets go. What could she want to see him for? He had a rough idea, but couldnt be certain. Arsen and Jin. For the sake of her sons safety, Dina would wish for a bnce between Mariv and Gale. At least until the childrene of age. But now that things had turned out this way, if Mariv seized the Ministry of Magic and firmly grasped power, there would be no one left to stop his dominance. And if Mariv ascended to the throne, Arsen and Jins safety could not be guaranteed either. Dina would rather help Gale now. In terms in the case of the Emperors future death being problematic, Gale and Dina could easily be in the same boat. Did Gale perhaps drop a hint to Dina in advance? That even though Ian appeared to stand by Marivs side, he was holding a knife behind his back. Its possible. Right now, maintaining forces to respond is important. She may try to gather strength by involving Arsen and Jin. If not, was she summoning him, someone considered Marivs talent, to keep him in check? As the carriage sped along, Ian continuously formed hypotheses. Neigh! The surroundings of Dinas pce were exceptionally quiet due to the early morning. A chilly breeze brushed past Ians hair, and the chief attendant led him with a half-bowed waist. This way, please. The sound of the chief attendants shoes echoed loudly. There was no one in the corridor. Although it was early, it was too extreme for a concubines pce. Surely, people had been deliberately cleared out. The chief attendant bowed her head in front of therge arched door leading to the drawing room. Excuse me. I will briefly announce your arrival inside. Creak. There was no servant to convey the message, so she entered herself. As she stepped through the door first, Ian stood upright, gazing straight ahead. How much time had passed? Swish. Ian turned his head down, feeling warmth on his right hand. Silver hair and blue eyes. A child was holding Ians hand. Lord Ian. Eyes conveying that it had been a long time. The tone was calm and subtly hushed. In that peculiar atmosphere, Ian unconsciously tried to utter the name Jin. However, he stopped due to the childs beaming face. Your Highness Arsen. Good morning. Arsen looked at Ian with wide eyes, as if surprised. Then, as if intrigued, his eyes narrowed. Ian felt that gaze was cunning. How did you know? Know what? That Im Arsen. Ians gaze rested on Arsens cheek. A smooth cheek without dimples. He lightly shook off the childs hand and smiled. Its a secret. Chapter 155 Chapter 155 Arsens demeanor shifted subtly at the mention of a secret. Though he was smiling, he made no attempt to conceal his displeasure. It was clear he thought, How dare a mere viscount respond in such a manner to a princes inquiry? Ian looked down at the child, his smile unwavering. The malice is strikingly palpable. A sense of wickedness surpassing mere cunning could be felt. They exchanged gazes in silence for a moment. Arsenughed yfully, swaying his body from side to side. Ahaha. Lord Ian seems like quite an amusing person. You tter me, Your Highness. Even if Arsen and Jins faces were identical, distinguishing between them posed no significant challenge. Their personalities were worlds apart. Arsen was always in full bloom, vibrant and lively, while Jin resembled ice that refused to melt in the shade. Calm, cold, and indifferent. I made a mistake. I was found out because I smiled. Had I not, I would have seeded. Arsen mumbled regretfully, caressing his cheeks. He seemed to think he had been caught not by the dimples, but by the absence ofughter in Jins behavioral traits. Creak! Lord Ian. Pleasee inside. Will Your Highness Arsen be joining us? Your Highness? Why did youe out in this cold? Come here. At Ians nod, the chief attendant gasped and draped her outer garment over Arsens shoulders. As if on cue, the child coughed briefly, Ahem. You were exposed to the cold wind in that short time. When I heard Lord Ian wasing, how could I not wait? Arsen smiled brightly, extending his hand. It was an invitation to hold hands and enter together. Ian politely declined the princes proposal. My hands are cold and will only make Your Highnesss hands cold as well. Does Lord Ian dislike me? Of course not. Then hold my hand. With your right hand. It was amand. At the childs resolute words, the chief attendant bowed her head, urgingpliance. Once he set his mind to something, he would not budge an inch. Ian carefully took Arsens hand, looking down at him. The child then beamed as if nothing had happened, pulling him along. Lets go in. Creak! Thud! As they stepped through the door, warmth enveloped them. Despite the early hour, Dina was seated on the sofa, sipping tea, impably dressed. She smiled quizzically upon seeing Ian and Arsen enter. Arsen, I wondered where you had gone. I went to greet Lord Ian. Across from Dina sat Jin. Upright, maintaining his poise, unwavering. As his gaze met Ians, Jin subtly lowered his eyes in greeting. The shadow of his eyshes, cast by the morning sunlight, elongated. Lord Ian, please sit. Knowing you are preupied with work-rted turmoil, this conversation will not be lengthy. At Dinas gesture, Ian sat down, arranging his coat. In contrast, Arsen scurried over to Jin, clinging tightly, and whispered quietly so no one could hear. I held a mages hand. Jin turned his eyes to look at Arsen. It wasnt particrly surprising. Arsen always enjoyed being one step ahead of others. He wouldnt have been satisfied with merely observing mana like the other imperial children. Thus, he had gone and directly touched the hand of a mage, one who had even executed Wesleigh. Next time, Im going to touch a mana sphere. What do you think? Impressive, right? At his boastful words, Jin recalled his own memory with Ian. The warm, fluffy sensation of mana flowing between his fingers. If Arsen found out Jin had touched it first, what expression would he make? Why arent you answering? Isnt it impressive? It is impressive. Arsen. With a temperament that insisted on receiving a response, Arsen beamed and showed Jin his palm. As if to let him at least see it, even if he couldnt touch it. At that moment, Dina cleared her throat, admonishing the two princes. Princes, behave yourselves. Yes, Mother! My apologies. Although they received the same reprimand, only Jins shoulders visibly shrank. In that sight, Ian could find fragments of his own past. A radiant childhood, precious yet unrecognized, allowed to slip away. A time when, had someone properly guided him, he wouldnt have suffered so needlessly. Mages are rare, but most are of lowborn origin. If discovered, youll be cast out from the estate, so conceal it. Cronie. A traitor, a nephew, and the only adult he could rely on when outside the pce. To young Ian, his every word was the world, the truth. Speaking as a family member who has watched over you, not as a nephew, I say this. Ian, do you think you have the qualities of an emperor? You are merely a mage born into a noble family. If you seize the throne through the fortune of circumstances, you will undoubtedly be harmed. So, refuse the proposal. In the end, those words proved true. Though he ascended to the emperors seat, Ian was brought down by rebellion, losing precious ones, including Naum. As much as he hated to admit it, Cronie was among them. Lord Ian? Yes. Lady Dina. Ian raised his head, smiling brightly. As if to show he hadnt missed any of Dinas words. She elegantly caressed the rim of her teacup, initiating the conversation. You appear unwell. I havent been able to sleep properly due to the heavy workload. I heard you are also involved in the selection of the Ministry of Magics minister. Thats correct. At times like these, someone needs to take the lead on-site. And how has His Highness Mariv been? Has he offered words of encouragement? Dina subtly cast her bait. She was asking if Mariv was Ians sponsor. This was to ascertain if Ian bing the Ministry of Magics minister would benefit Mariv. As it is an internal matter of the Ministry of Magic, no specific encouragement hase from the pce yet. It would be a great honor if Lady Dina were to be the first to do so. With the current situation suggesting an alliance between Mariv and Gale, who had joined forces with the lower princes, Ian answered, leaving room for interpretation. At this, Dina unconsciously ced a hand on her chest, sighing in relief. Phew. Are you all right? Why is she reacting like that? Ian looked at her quizzically, but Dina merely shook her head. Then, by any chance, has the head of the Mana Stone Management Department also joined your supporting forces? Lady Dina. You met with His Highness Gale. Silence is said to be affirmation. Instead of answering, Dina closed her eyes tightly, furrowing her brow. Judging from her demeanor, it was evident that Gale had approached Dina, proposing a temporary alliance. Come to think of it, I have no idea where Dinas family of origin is. Arsen and Jin were too young, and with older princes holding their ground, her internal pce forces were insignificant. However, Dina was a woman who had gained the emperors trust and fulfilled the role of empress. Moreover, the fact that there were no rumors about her background suggested that she was not only of noble birth but could also be royalty from a foreign country. Yes. To be precise, Gale came to see me. It was the first time since entering the pce. I thought the situation must be quite difficult for him, but upon reflection, it seemed it wasnt just his predicament. The more elders there are in the pce, the better. That way, Their Highnesses Arsen and Jin will have more to observe and learn from. If the bnce between Mariv and Gale is disturbed, the repercussions will fall upon the twin princes. Dina, even if she wants to remain a spectator, is in no position to do so. She realized that ultimately, siding with and supporting the rising power is the way to survive. Gale told me that someone who could rece Wesleigh is hiding within the Ministry of Magic. Thus, I thought it would be one of the candidates for minister, but no matter how much I pondered, there was no suitable person. She paused briefly to wet her throat before continuing. Most are mere pawns without backing, and the only candidate I considered worth supporting was Director Chang. Ah. The one backing Director Chang was Dina. Ian nodded slightly, as if grasping the situation. But if you are Gales hidden card, that changes things. Is there any need to split the pie? I, too, shall actively support you. I am honored. This would result in the birth of a Ministry of Magic minister simultaneously supported by the 1st Prince, 2nd Prince, 4th Prince, and 5th Prince. No one would dare voice any opposition. Ian suppressed a chuckle at Gales machinations. Youre busy pulling strings here and there, Gale. Still, if were in the same boat, it would be good to at least give me a hint about such matters. Without information sharing, there was no way to know the extent of Dinas knowledge. Moreover, he had no idea what they had negotiated in their temporary alliance. For Gale, it was likely a temporary gathering of forces, but what about Dina? What had she gained? She wouldnt have jumped in simply for the sake of maintaining bnce. So, did you summon me here to confirm that? Thats the most important thing. Right now. Dina smiled faintly. The words right now carried many implications. Ian also smiled ceremoniously, bowing his head. Once you be the Ministry of Magics minister, I will arrange another meeting. I will be waiting. When the timees, you should know that you will have ess to all the Ministry of Magics records. You should also know that once you learn, there will be no going back to a time of ignorance. The Ministry of Magics confidential records likely contained detailed information about Arsen and Jins prophecies. Did it mean there was more beyond the revealed prophecies? Well, he would find out when the time came. Ian stood up, leaving only a calm farewell. Whenever you require my assistance, please give the order. I will not forget Lady Dinas glorious aid either. Those are reassuring words to hear. Then, I shall take my leave. Ah, have you heard about that? Dina stopped Ian. This is something I overheard at a gathering of nobledies, not from Gale. I was curious if it was true or not. Please ask. Theres a rumor that Gale is engaged to a daughter of the Hayman family. Do you know anything about it? The Hyman family. A noble family holding the heart of Variels finance in their grasp. With royal blood from a foreign country flowing through their veins, they were the cream of the crop. They were the perfect candidate to fill the void left by Wesleighs death. I apologize. I am unaware of the matter. Is that so? Thats a pity. I understand. If it were true, Gale was indeed a man who would not die easily. He could deliver a proper blow to the back of Marivs head, who was letting his guard down after nearly killing him. Creak! As Ian stepped outside, Dina became lost in deep thought, caressing her hair. Amidst the bloody battle between Mariv and Gale, it was always she and her sons who trembled in anxiety. Even if the situation was quelled for now, wouldnt a timee when they would have to confront each other head-on? Before Arsen and Jin came of age, either Mariv or Gale would undoubtedly point their de. Mariv, Gale, and Ian. Ian felt like the point where the gears interlocked. It seemed he must hold the key to simultaneously keeping both Mariv and Gale in check. If only he could wield it properly Mother, what are you thinking so deeply about? Hmm? Its nothing, dear. Dina stroked the head of Arsen, who clung to her affectionately, and then turned to look at Jin. Jin was still sitting in his ce, gazing at his mother with indifferent eyes. Chapter 156 Chapter 156 Sir Ian. Are you busy? At someones call, Ian turned his head. His sleeves had been rolled up for a while, and his usually neat hair was slightly disheveled. It was the price of being buried in paperwork for days on end. As the sole link between the Ministry of Magic and the Imperial Pce, it was only natural. What is it? A carriage has arrived for you, Your Excellency. Ah. The Luron stones? Ill be right out. And you know you have a magic assessmenting up soon, right? Ian nodded. Very naturally, Ian was receiving honorifics from the other mages. Despite the general atmosphere where young neers, even if they were nobility, were looked down upon, as soon as he emerged as a strong candidate for the next minister, prestige followed suit. Hee-ying! In the distance, three or four carriages could be seen lined up and running. mages, including Ian, gathered to see the Luron stones, and among them was Chief Akore. Biting her nails, she quickly ran down the stairs. Come on! Come on in!! Chief Akore, its dangerous! Hee-ying! Whether the horses were startled or not, Akore hopped around and gestured to her subordinates. It was an order toe and unload the goods. From inside the carriage, Romandro and Beric peeked out their heads, looking for Ian. Ian, Ian! Can I unload this here? In response to the greeting waving hands, Ian smiled brightly and replied. As the guards and staff put the boxes on the ground, Akore snorted and carefully opened the lid. There was a plentiful amount of brilliantly sparkling purple Luron stones chunks. Oh my god! Oh my god! This is the first time Ive seen such big pieces. Wow, theyre huge. Each box must weigh several kilograms, right? We need to call more people. Trembling with excitement, Akore picked up the Luron stones. The mages watching from the stairs also buzzed with exmations. Even if it wasnt the Mana Stone Management Department, arge-scale supply of such precious mana stones was a positive thing for everyone. Chief Akore! Your nose Nosebleed! Nosebleed! The color is so brilliant and beautiful, hah, Im really going crazy. I want to polish it, burn it, mix it here and there, and study it right away. Can I lick it!? Minister Ian!? Are you crazy? Why would you lick that? Did I ask you? I asked the owner of the mana stone. She grinned with a half-crazed look, blood dripping from both nostrils. Since it seemed like there would be trouble if he didnt allow it, Ian nodded and gestured. Its your departments property now, so lick it or not, do as you wish. But it would be best to move it to the storage room quickly. Someone from the Imperial Treasury will being soon. Woohoo! Thank you! Yes. Understood. After confirming with a mage that the Luron stones had actually been received, the payment was scheduled to be made to Ian. For now, only a few tens of thousands of gold coins woulde in, but there was no problem with processing the tribute and rewarding Romandro. Ian! No, Master! Wanna eat? Dont be fooled. This guy emptied all the food at the Imperial training ground. Instead of doing the training he was told to do, he just lounged around. In terms of luck, he has the best. I went, but Jaylut and the others werent there. There were only small fries, so I took it easy. Due to the Wesleigh incident, security at the Imperial Pce had be even stricter. So, Jaylut and Bathsheba were also busy and couldnte to the training ground often. The mages immediately recognized who the young red-haired swordsman was. Ah, thats him. The one who made Captain Jaylut open up his mana. Hes younger than I thought. But hes Sir Ians guard? Impressive, to be on par with Captain Jaylut. I heard he was brought from the frontier, but its definitely an unknown ce. Not only Luron stones deposits but also crazy dogs like him A smile twitched at the corner of Berics mouth as he looked at Ian. His eyes sparkled, his ears perked up. As if being the center of attention was pleasant, whether it was praise or curse, he kept showing signs of joy. Ian patted Berics shoulder,ughing. Do you like it? Oho, this feels surprisingly good. Those who choose the sword as their destiny are usually like that. Ian, so what about the meal? At Berics words, Ian checked his watch. It was an awkward time for a meal, and above all, he had an important schedule ahead of him today. I dont think itll work. Its about time for the magic assessment. Magic assessment? Didnt we do that at the New Years party? That was to check if you had mana itself, and this time its to determine superiority. If youre going to be the leader of the mages, you need to have mana that everyone will acknowledge. Everyone would roughly estimate it, butpeting to rank was a different matter. Perhaps some of those who did not run for the chief position gave up because they didnt want their level to be revealed. Can Ie along? Do as you wish. With Ians permission, Beric hopped around excitedly, circling the surroundings. Romandro waved his hand, following Akore. Sir Ian, Ill take care of the rest here. When the Treasury writes a check, Ill process the tribute right away with that. Thank you. Sir Romandro. So. Well, you handle Beric. I almost took back my thanks. Rather than doing administrative work, it was better to have that rascal with him at the Imperial Pce, as it was a life-draining task, Romandro grimaced. Beric, regardless, tugged at Ians cor and whined. So? Where is that held? The mages fight! *** Although it has an official name, the Magic Training Room, all the mages called this ce the ss Dome. It was because a dome wall was built with defensive mana stones to prevent damage to the outside when practicing attack magic. Iaaaan! Master! Fighting! Lets kill them all! Drink them up! Crush them! Stomp on them, crunch crunch! Go! Go! Beric stood out among the calm mages. He even clenched his fists and shouted, supposedly cheering. When Ian nced at Nakina, asking her to take care of it, she grabbed Berics cor without hesitation and sat him down. Is everyone here? It was the chief of another department who would conduct the selection. He scanned the surroundings and then paused, looking at a certain point on the upper floor. Then he immediately bowed his head. Ian and the other candidates also turned around. Isnt that His Highness Mariv? The Minister of Justice is here too. Everyone is showing up through word of mouth. Why is His Highness the Prince here, ah. The mages muttered and nced at Ian. What other reason could there be? It must be to personally confirm the abilities of Ian, who Mariv was directly supporting. Swish. Ian and the other mages all put their hands on their chests and bowed in that direction. The chief cleared his throat and exined the procedure of the magic assessment. Face each other and shoot mana, confirming the side that pushes and the side that gets pushed. Magic is not allowed, and you must prove your ability with pure mana spheres. The time limit is a total of three minutes. Objections will not be epted, and anyone who wants to give up now may do so. Theres nothing more unsightly than being pushed down by the opponents mana. A moment of silence. A mage raised his hand. I will give up. Good. I will also give up. Anyone else? They nced at Ian as they dered their forfeit. In fact, the outline of the next minister had almost been decided. Internally, more than half of the department was with him, and externally, he was receiving the support of the Imperial Pces key figures. Moreover, judging by his confrontation with Wesleigh, his mana power itself was also not to be underestimated. I give up. Then the remaining ones are The chief raised his eyebrows at Chang. As if asking if he wasnt going to give up. Ian also turned to look at him, and his expression seemed trulyplex and troubled. If Dina withdraws her support, it would be utterly meaningless. Beyond the presence or absence of meaning, it could even be dangerous. Defeating the one pushed by Mariv, Gale, and Dina and taking the ministers seat? How long would that positionst? If the one who seizes the upper hand in the power struggle is not desired by anyone, its like drinking from a poisoned chalice. Chang? I, I wont give up. Chang pondered for a long time and then dered as if squeezing it out. He would have his pride, and on the other hand, it meant that he was that deeply attached to the ministers position. Whether he was dull or stubborn would be revealed in time. Chang? I, I wont give up. Chang pondered for a long time and then dered as if squeezing it out. He would have his pride, and on the other hand, it meant that he was that deeply attached to the ministers position. Whether he was dull or stubborn would be revealed in time. Yeah? Alright. Then only Ian and Chang will proceed with the magic assessment. It wont take long. It will be decided in just one round. Cheok! The chief tapped each endpoint with his hand. It was a signal to move far apart. While the two walked to the ends, the others all left the dome. Master! Lets win! If we win, I wont eat a whole pig today!! For us, there is only victory! My ears are falling off, you bastard. Shut up a bit. Ian! Show them once! Isnt it the skill that even defeated Wesleigh! He didnt defeat her, he just, uh, stood in the way! Chang! Be careful! What, Chang. You wont give up? Are you sure? The mages mor poured out all at once. The light of magic slowly spreading through the dome. Soon, numbers blossomedrgely on the ss. It was a countdown. Ian, I dont know what you did to Lady Dina, but its not over yet. -10. 9, 8 I, I will pro, prove it again with th, this. Chang stuttered, unable to ovee his nervousness. He judged that if he could defeat Ian here, he could turn Dinas heart around and further overturn the public opinion of the entire Ministry of Magic. Ian smiled genuinely and slowly released his mana. Zzing. Chang. Its good to see you doing your best until the end. Shut up. How long have I been waiting for this day since I joined the Ministry of Magic. What do you know, you who just barged in!? -7, 6, 5 Do I need to know? What? You dont know much about my situation either, do you? Listening to you is annoying. -4, 3 Consider this not an opportunity. Its the eternal truth that if you dont give up, you will reap the fruits someday. I highly regard that you did not give up. At those words, Chang bit his lip hard. The courage to take a step forward even knowing the way is blocked. The tenacity to hold on to even a small hope until the end. It may not be now, but someday a new opportunity will surelye to Chang. Shut up! -2, 1 Swaaa! As soon as the number disappeared, Chang exploded his mana. It swept through the short grass and reached Ians eyes in an instant. However, the moment he met Ians golden eyes. Pew! Boom! Kwajik! Changs power bounced back and was torn apart in all directions. The light endlessly pouring out of Ians body. The mana of the two intertwined in the air and entered into a battle of strength. No, they thought it had entered. Huh? Chang? Wh-what!? Chang! Hey! What are you doing? Aaaah! Damn it, this, what! Just a few seconds. It was only a few seconds that Chang blocked Ians mana. Unable to ovee the force pushing in, his feet began to be pushed back. Sweat dripped down, but no one noticed. Not even Chang himself. No! Pew! The moment his power slightly loosened. Changs body flew away and was stuck in the wall. A whileter, dust settled thickly, and all the mages stood up at the same time. Swish. Ian elegantly gestured to drive away the smoke and then looked up at the spectator seats. As if asking why they werent making a judgment. Then, a flower slowly falling in front of him. Well done. It was a flower thrown by Mariv. A white flower to congratte the winner. Then the mages around him also created flower petals with magic. The petals sent by them one by one piled up at Ians feet. Iaaaan! Thats my master! Great job, amazing, Ian! What was that just now? I didnt see it wrong, did I? Chang! Are you okay? Chang! Get a hold of yourself! He was extraordinary at the New Years party too, wow. Ian held up Marivs flower and saluted lightly. The mages awed apuse continued to burst out along with the flower petals. Chapter 157 Chapter 157 Next on the agenda. I heard there is only one candidate who put their name forward for the next Minister of Magic. In the grand council chamber where the prime minister and ministers of each department gathered, the sound of papers being flipped was heard simultaneously. There were plenty of letters of support for Ian from the mages, and just as many requests urging them to hurry for the stabilization of the Ministry of Magic. The prime minister lightly grasped his staff and looked around. Additionally, there is a report that Viscount Ian Hielos tribute has been paid in full. There seems to be no issue with his qualifications. Lets just hear the two opinions, for and against. Is there anything to oppose? We cant keep the minister position vacant, and above all, the support from the mages is also outstanding. Ahem, the ministers cleared their throats and studied each others reactions. In a situation where Mariv and Gales forces were intertwined, both sides wanted Ians inauguration. They couldnt reveal their true feelings, so they just watched. A very small minority, but Dinas close associates also added their tacit agreement through silence. Tap tap! Alright. If so, lets proceed right away. Those in favor of Viscount Ian Hielos inauguration as Minister of Magic, please raise your hands. Swish. Hands slowly going up. The prime minister frowned with a slightly surprised look. Regardless of this side or that side, didnt everyone cast a vote in favor? Marivs side and Gales side looked at each other suspiciously and remained silent. No opposing votes? It seems there are none. This is unprecedented. Passing the grand council without a single opposing vote. Is this really correct? If anyone made a mistake, please speak up now. However, everyone maintained their stance in silence. They believed that they supported Ian bing the Minister of Magic, and if so, it would undoubtedly help the lord they served. The prime minister let out a short exmation, Huh, and tapped his staff. Tap tap tap! I will pass the agenda for Viscount Ian Hielos inauguration as Minister of Magic. It will be delivered to His Majesty the Emperor in the afternoon, and considering the gravity of the matter, we will proceed to announce it as quickly as possible. Agreed. No objections. The ministers united their intentions with one heart. The more they mulled over it, the more remarkable it was, wasnt it? It was none other than the position of minister. No matter how much the Ministry of Magic was a department focused on ability, it hadnt been long since Ian entered the pce through the New Years party. It was just the time when the snow was about to melt and spring wasing Most of the ministers here have been serving for 10 years, no. Nearly 20 years. In many ways, he was writing a new history. Following the first noble mage, the youngest minister, and now the first unanimous inauguration without opposition. The ministers unknowingly shook their heads and lowered their gazes to the documents. It was clear that a truly formidable rising star was appearing in the Imperial Pce. *** Screech! Ian, who was filling out documents, flinched. Beric, who was lying on the sofa, poked his head out, and at the same time, the members of the Mana Operations Department also stopped what they were doing and turned around. Tommy, panting with an excited expression at the door. Everyone sensibly understood the meaning and slowly stood up. Is it here? It, its here! No, it has arrived! The golden carriage! Yes! This is it! Wow, its been a while since Ive seen the higher-ups work so quickly. Good, good. Congrattions, Minister Ian. Nakina clenched her fists and shouted with joy. Beric also danced merrily with an unknown dance behind Ian, and Hale reced his greeting with a handshake. Congrattions. Its all thanks to everyone. Thank you all. As Ian went outside, mages who had heard the news had already gathered in small groups. They expressed their respect with silent bows and parted ways for Ian as if the sea was splitting. Viscount Ian Hielo, kneel before the words of His Majesty the Emperor. It was Chielonia, an imperial administrator. The old man who hade to deliver the lords appointment letter to him when he was at the frontier, and Molins colleague. She had an expression that she couldnt understand this absurd situation. How long had it been since he became a lord, and now he was a minister? And of the Ministry of Magic, which held the fate of the empire in its hands? Its been a while. Administrator. Every time I see you, you bring me good news. Its an honor. As Ian knelt on one knee, the mages also prostrated themselves following him. The woman swallowed an embarrassed sigh and maintained a dignified voice. It is trulymentable that the position of the current Minister of Magic is vacant due to an unseemly situation. Therefore, to resolve this, I, as the Emperor of Bariel,mand. Viscount Ian Hielo. Based on the support of the Ministry of Magic and the unanimous approval of the General Council, I appoint you as the new Minister of Magic. What did she just say? Unanimous approval? Unanimous approval from the General Council? What on earth has he been doing behind the scenes? That Ian. Its absurd. Theres no faction to keep the Ministry of Magic in check. The mages flinched, wondering if they had misheard. Didnt it mean that he had garnered support by uniting all of Mariv, Gale, and even the third force? It also signified that the prestige of the Ministry of Magic, which had been shaken by the Wesleigh incident, was still intact. No. Rather, it could be seen as more than that. Previously, there was at least Marivs check, but now? Perhaps it would be difficult to get such a result even in an agenda brought up before His Majesty the Emperor. The mages marveled, constantly ncing at the golden hair fluttering in the wind. So this was the ability of someone who had crossed the Great Desert alone and survived. Above is the message from His Majesty the Emperor. Viscount Ian Hielo is now the 18th Minister of Magic and has inherited its authority. Dedicate yourself to the Bariel Empire and His Majesty. How could there be any objections. Congrattions. Hmm, then Ill take my leave. Ian bowed his head as he received the letter of appointment handed down by Chielonia, and she left the Ministry of Magics garden without hesitation, riding the carriage. The mages approached Ian one by one and offered their congrattions. Congrattions. Minister Ian. Congrattions. I look forward to working with you in the future. Yes. Thank you. Everyone, return to your posts and finish your work. Ian smiled lightly and encouraged the mages. Normally, there should have been an inauguration ceremony and a befitting party, but given the circumstances, he ended up being buried in paperwork to enjoy the honor. Screech. Ian, congrats congrats! Should I tell Viviana to throw a party today? The beef is so cheap these days! Beric, beef is still too early for you. Why? Im guarding you, Master, 24/7. Oh, really? I thought you were here because there were no people at the training ground and the mansion was ufortable with the Astanians. Well, it was a bit simr. He was chased out by the manager at the training ground for emptying the food container alone, and the amount of meat at the mansion decreased as more guests came. Mini even put a lock on the warehouse. Thud! Ian threw a stack of documents at Beric and nodded. As if telling him to use some strength instead of lying around idly. Were moving to the Ministers Office. All the luggage here. Ministers Office! Is the sofa there even softer? If Wesleighs taste was high-end. Lets go! Lets go, lets go! Beric showed enthusiasm, easily lifting a heavy box. Although he kept going back and forth in the corridor because he didnt know the way. And I have a request for the Mana Operations Department. Please speakfortably, Minister. Thank you. Go to the archive and bring out all the level 1 ssified documents that were inessible. Whether its forbidden magic or necromancy, its fine. Bring everything with ess restrictions to the Ministers Office without discrimination. Shall we bring them in document form? Yes. And allow the chiefs of each department to ess non-level 1 ssified documents. Yes. Understood. The Ministers first directive. And ess to ssified documents. This would breathe new life into the stalled investigation of the . Also, I know the department closest to the Ministers Office is the Magic Support Department. Thats correct. Change offices with them. This meant that as the minister changed, the line of power in the department also changed. Everyone had expected it, so the Magic Support Department had already packed their belongings in advance. Perhaps they wereing this way now with their luggage. Come on, lets get moving. Theres a lot to do. Hale flicked his fingers while putting out his cigarette. With the inauguration of the new minister, the Ministry of Magic building was bustling and chaotic all day long. It only barely regained stabilityte in the afternoon. Screech! Thud! Last one! Yeah. Good job. Beric rotated his shoulders and put down the box. It was packed tightly everywhere, with no room to step. However, he crammed himself onto the sofa and curled up. Wow. I dont know about the rest, but that Wesleigh guy seems to have had good taste. The sofa is really soft and fluffy. Rustle. Ian chuckled and slowly flipped through the documents. It would take quite some time to check everything. So for now, it was efficient to selectively verify the information. Ah, this is He noticed an eye-catching title in the gap. Dina had said. Once you know the truth, you can never go back. Ian hesitated for a moment but then flipped through the documents without hesitation. -Around three in the morning on the 00th day of the 00th month under the full moon. Thebor pains of Consort Dina began. Soon, all the lights in the pce were turned on, and His Majesty the Emperor also coughed and headed to the birthing room. It was a detailed report written in the style of a biography. It mainly consisted of testimonies from the midwife and doctor who assisted with the childbirth at the time. -Thebor pains continued, but there was no sign of the babying out, so Dina repeatedly lost and regained consciousness. Around dawn, at the doctors insistence, Dinas belly was finally cut open. ? -At the same time, a prophecy was given. The one bornter will kill the one born first., If the one closest to the throne dies, the imperial lineage will be severed. Ian frowned. The former prophecy was regarded as an open secret, but he had never heard of thetter. If the one closest to the throne dies, the imperial lineage will be severed? So this is why Arsen seems to be overprotected. The imperial lineage. It was a truly ambiguous term. If it referred to the imperial surname, Verocion had continued until the time of Emperor Ian, and if it meant bloodline, hadnt it already be faint over the past 100 years through repeated coteral descendants? He himself was an emperor who hade from outside. -When the belly was cut open, the cause of the difficult birth was revealed. One child was grasping the neck of the other, so the doctor pulled out the grasped child first and cleared its airway. The one who attacked the older brother was named Arsen, and the other was bestowed the name Jin. Ian chewed on that sentence and pictured the situation. From the moment of birth, he was a sinner. And so he grew up as a sinner. Oh, this is Why? Is there something interesting? Beric spoke, but Ian was too focused to hear. He continued flipping through the documents, approaching the truth of the pce. Swish. And soon, the report that Wesleigh was presumed to have received. About the forbidden necromancy. The quantity is indeed quite substantial. Iaaaan. Is there anything interesting, I asked. Ah, yes. Thats right. At Berics whining, Ian lightly tapped the documents. Meaning that it was about to get interesting from now on. Chapter 158 Chapter 158 -Viyas, an escapee from Astana, and his grandson Hasha were discovered in Danil Vige near Karenna. Despite attempts to persuade them, they were ultimately terminated. The vigers also confirmed the bodies, and in case an investigation team is dispatched from the pce, a poison with food poisoning properties was poured into the well. It matches Hashas testimony. Ian checked the names of those involved in the tragic incident in Danil. -Bareto. He is Wesleighs assistant. It seems he led the work, handling it with a few members of the Magic Support Department. There arent many people involved. Even within the Magic Support Department, its mainly the mages who were in charge of necromancy research. It means they recognized that it shouldnt leak out that much. Next, Ian flipped through a research report titled . Despite being a study conducted for several years, the progress was dismal. There seemed to be some sess with animals, but there were no properly sessful cases of the forbidden necromancy that Wesleigh wanted, which was casting on the living. -The results of using necromancy on the living are as follows. The targeted body rapidly decays, or even if intact, it soon leads to ego copse and loss of control, not much different from using necromancy on the dead. (PS) It is possible to transfer the soul of the person you want to bind to another body. However, this should be expanded and researched in the realm of forbidden magic, not necromancy. Ian frowned. It perfectly matched his current situation. Wasnt he in the body of a stranger, illegitimate child Ian, transcending time and space due to the forbidden magic cast by Naum? -However, it is unconfirmed whether the original abilities and ego are also transferred when the soul is moved. Especially if the target is a different race or a mana user (mage, mage knight, etc.), the results are unpredictable. The person who submitted the report seems unaware that Wesleighs target is Gale. Ians finger, which was examining the sentences one by one, flinched. Wait a minute. When a soul is transferred through forbidden magic, its unknown whether abilities are also transferred? Ian had been considering the mana he had been using as his own. Because he learned that magic resonates with the soul, not the body. However, he realized that it was only a theoretical academic view, and it hadnt been revealed whether it actually applied to forbidden magic. Then there are two possibilities. Either you can use abilities even if your soul is transferred, or- The illegitimate child Ian was originally a mana user. He rubbed his eyebrows, looking a bit surprised. And slowly, very slowly, he recalled the moment he opened his eyes in the backyard of the Bratz estate. Wasnt he only able to release mana at the beginning? Yes. If it resonates with the soul, I should have been able to use all the magic I know from the beginning. But as time passed, the more I released mana, the more my limit grew, until it reached this point At that moment. Berics face, frowning heavily, came into view. Wasnt he half-lying on the desk, flicking his fingers as if telling him toe to his senses? Minister Ian? Ah, Sir Romandro. Uh, if youre busy, should Ie backter? No. Not at all. Ian smiled brightly and closed the document. Beric was shouting from inside toe in, but Ian kept knocking because there was no answer. Romandro looked around the messy ministers office with shock, as if he was truly relieved that Ian wasnt his superior. What brings you here? Nothing else, but a message came from the mansion Hasha and the Astanians have found a mercenary group to send them back to their homnd. Up to the count, it was possible to speak casually due to friendship, but the minister position seemed to be a line that couldnt be crossed. As Romandro awkwardly spoke in honorifics, Beric snickered and mocked him. Why are you talking like that? Came Sir? Haha! Sh, shut up, you bastard. Sir Romandro. Please speak as you normally do when its just us. If you speak like that, its difficult for me to understand the content. Ahem, Romandro cleared his throat and cooled his flushed face. If theyre mercenaries, are they trustworthy? I was also worried about thatne. Arent mercenaries usually rough people? But they are people Viviana had acquainted with on-site, so they can be trusted. Then in many ways, it will be safer than a merchant group. Is it a main request or a side request? Of course its a side request. They said theyre going to the end of the continent to hunt monsters, and Astana is on the route, so they epted the request. Alright. When is the departure? Well, its a bit urgent. At the earliest tomorrow, at thetest within three days, they said. I know youre busy after the inauguration, but wouldnt it be good to make some time and say goodbye to Hasha? Come to think of it, it had already been several days since he had been to the mansion. Ian nodded, picking up his outer coat. What about you, Sir Romandro? Me? Im going now. Lets go together. Beric, will you stay here? Huh? Why me? Ian nced, as if telling him to hurry. Anyway, now that he had taken the minister position, the urgent fire had been put out. Until the new Truth Potion is made and Gales curse is brought to trial. There is only one thing he has to do. Making the Truth Potion favorable to me. That could soon be favorable to Gale as well. Anyway, for now, keeping Gale alive is the same as securing a safe zone for Ian. Screech. Minister Ian. Are you leaving? Wont you have a beer? Right, others might not, but we should drink! We cant end the day just organizing documents! Be quiet for a bit. Hey, you drink beer every day. On a day like this, we have to drink for free! Chief Hale, say something too! Minister Ian. Are you really going home? The line of power is definitely different. He had only taken a few steps out of the ministers office when he immediately passed the Mana Operations Department office. Ian smiled and straightened his cor. Next time. I have an urgent matter. Ah, what a pity. No tasks to leave behind? Tell Chief Akore to have the report on the newly manufactured Truth Potion submitted in real-time detail. Also, have the Magic Support Department gather and organize the personal information of all the mages in charge of necromancy. At Ians instruction, Nakina scribbled with a pen and answered that she understood. And you can have apany dinner today. Put it on my tab. At those words, Tommy dropped the documents he was holding. Nakina was the same. She dropped her pen and blinked, paused. Have a safe trip! Minister! Wow! Yes! Lets have the special set today! Thank you! I hope you wont be surprised by the receipt tomorrow! I love you! Well finish todays work within an hour. Chief! As expected, you know a thing or two! While the three noisily united, Ian walked to the entrance with a smile. Every mage he encountered bowed their heads and greeted him. Swish. Minister. Hello. Good work. Yes. Good work. Romandro smiled proudly behind him for no reason. Ian, who had taken over the position of Minister Wesleigh, who was ranked 4th in the Imperial Pce, was none other than his close friend! He kept bragging to himself. *** Minnie. I think this much food will be enough, dont you think? Thats true, but there are so many people. The food expenses are also included in the payment, so dont worry. Tell everyone to pack one more set of clothes each. The wind will be stronger once we cross the border. Romandros mansion was the epitome of chaos itself. It was an atmosphere created by Viviana and Mini running around frantically to take care of Hasha and the Astanians who were leaving on a long journey. Ian smiled, listening to the noise from downstairs through the crack in the door. Knock knock. Can Ie in, or not? Come in. Ian, what are you doing? The preparations downstairs are almost done. Beric had his mouth stuffed with food. Judging by the handprint on his shoulder, it seemed he had been caught stealing the Astanians lunchboxes and got hit. I was writing a letter to send to Hielo. To the frontier? Yes. If you have something you want to say too, tell me. I can add it. It was a letter to Philea, Ians biological mother in Hielo to be exact. Since there was a possibility that the illegitimate child Ian was originally a mana user, it was to ask her this and that about it. When buying a flowerpot in the park, she seemed to see golden eyes for the first time, but you never know. There might have been unusual behavior since childhood. Ian tapped the ink leaking from the tip of the pen nib. Feeling an intense gaze beside him, Ian unknowingly turned his head. Why are you looking at me like that? Contemting who to send it to. Beric was lying on the bed with a serious expression. He had no family, no friends to meet casually. The first person he had a rtionship with as a human being was Ian, wasnt it? If you have nothing to send, you dont have to send it. I want to send it, but I dont know who to send it to and what to send. Hana is fine, Lord Nersarn is fine, and Kakan is fine too. The reply may be slow, but arent all the warriors in the Great Desert your friends? At that moment. -Ian, are you inside? Hasha. -The preparations are finished. Were about to depart soon. Hashas call was heard. Ian put down his pen and went outside. The bustling house was empty. They had moved all the luggage to the garden. -Ian, Im so sad to part like this, my nose is getting stuffy. Hasha, dont cry. Ian wiped the dogs moist eyes himself and smiled. Although they hadnt known each other for long, seeing how regretful it was, it seemed they were truly a family. -I will return to Astana, stabilize the faction, and acquire a new body. Then I wille to meet you, Ian, again. Thats something to look forward to. -I was truly grateful. Truly grateful. Hasha! What about me? Say goodbye to me too. At Berics words, Hashaughed softly and hugged him as well. If only Beric hadnt hugged him to the point of being crushed, it would have been a truly moving farewell. -Ah, take off the brooch. If you want, you can take it with you. Use it as travel money if a problem arises. If the situation is good, return to Astana and send it back. The mana stone brooch around the dogs neck. As Hasha grinned gratefully, the sound of wailing was heard. Oh my, be careful on your way! Sob. Master. Please stop crying. Someone might think someone died. No, Im just sad. Sob! Hasha! Hasha! It was Romandro. His eyes were swollen, and he kept sniffling. As Hasha ran over, he knelt down and delivered his farewell speech again. Have a safe trip! Hasha! It was really nice to meet you! -I owe you a lot. Romandro, always be healthy, and may your wife have a safe delivery. I will pray to the Great Nature when I go to Astana. Hasha lightly shook off the fur soaked with Romandros tears. He also said his final goodbyes to Viviana and Mini, and then quickly jumped onto the mercenarys carriage. -See you again. Yes. See you again. Waaah. Sob! Sob! Hasha! Ah, Sir Romandro. Your snot is dirty. Sob! Hee-ying! The mercenaries bowed to Viviana and then drove the horses, and soon the carriages left Romandros mansion one by one in order. The Astanians hands waved from the windows. Everyone held the joy of returning to their homnd. Clop clop! Hasha showed his face through the window until the end, and Ian also stayed put until they disappeared into a dot. With this, all those who had to leave had left. Now, it was time to do the remaining work. Chapter 159 Chapter 159 Unlike the pleasant atmosphere of other departments, the entrance to the Mana Stone Management Department was different, starting from the air. The sticky walls, the powder and dust attached messily, the mana stone storage boxes shining in the darkness, this ce that contained heat and cold as they were reminded one of the back alleys of a marketce. Try lowering the fire. Strange. The threshold is much lower, isnt it? Dont do that, I said lower the fire? Boom! With every step, strange sounds echoed from all directions. They were traces of research crushing, grinding, and boiling mana stones. asionally, there were sounds of explosions, but no one there paid much attention. They only protected the sks with their bodies so that their research wouldnt be disturbed. Hehehe Its brilliant, brilliant. Ian leaned against the door and watched Akores back. A spacepletely cut off from the outside. Only the faint purple light from the Luron stones illuminated her face. It was truly the appearance of a madman. Akores subordinate knocked on the door to make his presence known. Knock knock. Chief Akore. Why!! I told you not to call me when Im researching! Minister Ian has arrived. Oh? Really? The shift in attitude was so fast it was scary. She took off her goggles and gloves and approached Ian. What brings you here? Minister? I submitted the report as you told me to. Ah, no. Thats not necessary. This is perfect timing. Come this way. When Luron stones is subjected to a gradual increase in pressure at ultra-low temperatures, the change in bubbles urs much more actively. But we only received it in powder form, so how could we have known? Ah, so what I mean is This bubble is practically the core of the mana stone- Chief Akore. Ian calmed Akore down, who was rambling excitedly. Then he ced a report an inch thick on the desk and smiled brightly. Thats what I came to ask about. Id appreciate it if you could write the reports in an easy-to-understand manner next time. From what I roughly understood, you can eliminate the side effects mentioned in the Truth Potion. Thats right. Vomiting blood after drinking it greatly contributed to the negative impact externally. It was a part that needed to be resolved formercialization, so I pondered over it. I think it will be no problem. Indeed, what changes the world is money and will. Research became much easier once the chunks of Luron stones came in. Ian continued flipping through the report and asked. There are no issues with the efficacy? It seems to vary depending on how much Luron stones is added. Originally, the function only worked at the moment of vomiting blood, but while resolving the side effects, it might be possible to adjust it by time. Since were focusing onmercialization, well discuss that with other departments first. Boom! Another explosion was heard from the end of the corridor. It was clear that someones research had failed. Ian nodded, indicating he understood, and tapped on the table. And this is a question based on a hunch. Yes, yes. Ask away! I dont know what it is, but when you start like that, its almost always correct. It will be a correct hunch. When Akores eyes sparkled, her subordinate left theb, looking like he couldnt stand it anymore. Once they were alone, Ian crossed his arms and smiled. There wasnt a single word about neutralizing the Truth Potion in the report. Are you nning to submit a separate report? Oho! Mr. Ian. Youre sharp. The research on the Truth Potion was being conducted withmercialization as the goal. Beingmercial meant being chosen by the market, and the easiest way to be chosen by the market was to aim for a trade-off. For example, if swords sell well, shields will also sell well, and if poisons sell well, antidotes will also be in high demand. It would be the same for the Truth Potion. Surely, there would be an explosive demand for neutralizing it. The Ministry of Magic, of course, has no ns to officially research neutralization. But who knows about foreign countries or unknown pharmacists in the marketce. Figuring out ways to neutralize the Truth Potion in advance is ultimately the method to maximize profits in the long run. Honestly, Im not good at such personal calctions, Im just curious about a spear that pierces everything and a shield that blocks everything. A few error cases that get neutralized when ingested have been discovered. I was nning to organize and give them to you separately. That information is confidential. Of course. You dont have to worry about our kids. They rarely go out because they only do research. Boom! Another explosion. When even the pungent smoke rose, Ian frowned. As if asking if this situation was really okay. But Akore rummaged through the drawer with familiarity. Dust fell between the stacked parchment papers. Uh, I put it here, but where did it go? Anyway, Ill organize it roughly and submit it today. Ill be in the ministers office for the time being, soe up directly. Yes. Understood. Minister Ian, loyalty, loyalty! Not only did he provide arge supply of Luron stones, but he was also someone who had an understanding of research. Akore yfully saluted, thinking it was truly a good thing that Ian had be the minister instead of Wesleigh. Good work. Ian constantly waved his hand in the air as he left the Mana Stone Management Department. Didnt he understand too well why the mages called that ce a den? It wasnt like this 100 yearster, it seemed the personality of the leader definitely influenced the atmosphere of the department. This side seems roughly prepared. Youre here? Minister. Someone from the Administration Department just came and left. The Administration Department? When Ian returned, Tommy followed him timidly and put down a stack of documents. What was that again, Beric frowned as if he was disgusted, lying on the sofa peeling a Gu. They came to check if the manufacturing of the Truth Potion was going well. A schedule has been set, and they asked if there were any setbacks. Just in case, I told them I would write a separate reply. It was a kind of trial. A trial to determine whether the curse Gale testified about was true or not. The direction in which the rapids of the Imperial Pce would swirl would be determined by the results of that day. From what he could guess, the path was roughly visible, but it was literally rapids, so it couldnt be perfectly traced. Who knows where the water droplets will ssh? Tell them there are no problems. Yes. Understood. Gale narrowly escapes death and gains a shield that no one can touch for the time being. Since his death would be the death of Bariel. It will be newly revealed someday, but until then, even Mariv wont be able to harm him easily. Then how will Mariv act? Hes the one trying to drop him, and Gale is the one holding on. Will he just watch him survive on the edge of a cliff? Absolutely not. Its also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Mariv. In order not to miss it, he will use all means and methods to push Gale away. So that he cant climb up, so that he falls into the abyss. Among them, the move with the biggest impact is Ian unknowingly bit his lip. It was something that was frightening to even think about as disrespectful and shocking, but it wasnt entirely unrealistic. Ian, your expression is bad again. Beric, who had been watching him quietly, remarked. Wasnt he often lost in deep thought like thattely? When Ian smiled brightly, Beric clenched his fist and spoke passionately. Everyone is doing it to make a living, you know? Lets not work! He just gave it to us roughly anyway. There are levels to making a living too. Beric, if youre going to live off just eating Gu, go ahead. Then will Ian work a little harder? Ah, did you smell it? Ian had Beric smell the drug Gale had given him. Since he passed out and had hallucinations as soon as he put his nose to it at the frontier, if it was the same thing, the reaction would be the same. At Ians words, Beric sniffed. I missed dinner because I passed out. Its the same thing, right? Did you also have hallucinations? Yeah. But its a bit less than before. Even if its the same drug, it varies greatly depending on the manufacturer and the method. Anyway, whats important is that its of the same nature. Ian nodded, twirling a pen with his hand. What kind of connection did the merchant group distributing this drug have with Mariv? I sent a letter to Hielo and also gave a heads-up to Mereloth. I asked them to find out where that drug Mrs. Lien gave me came from. But it would take a long time. Moreover, Mrs. Lien had only gotten her hands on the drug, and the possibility of her being connected to the central force was extremely low. Because at that time, she couldnt engage in much external activity under the counts fierce surveince. For now, the quickest and most definite method is to receive the data Gale has collected. A clue about the merchant group is Marivs Achilles heel. Its best to think about it after the meeting is held. Depending on the oue, or more precisely, Marivs actions, the response he would take would also differ, wouldnt it? Swish. Ian looked out the window, gauging where the messenger he had sent to Hielo might be flying. Thanks to the garden that reced the annex, the sunlight was pouring down without reservation. *** And finally, the day arrived. You cant enter the pce today? Why? Today is the delivery deadline. I dont know the details either. An order has been issued to block the entry of outsiders to the pce as much as possible until sunset today. The atmosphere in the Imperial Pce was quite different. They were fierce and solemn like those facing a battle, sharpening their des. Just in case, the guards minimized the entry and exit, and all the pce staff gathered in front of the grand council hall. Its the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry of Magic has arrived. Its Minister Ian Hielo, right? Ah, hes the new minister. Ian walked at the front, dressed in full uniform. His cape fluttered, and behind him followed Akore and the members of the Mana Operations Department. Until they reached the grand council hall, the murmurs around them didnt stop. I heard they newly manufactured the Truth Potion. Is that so? Haha, well then. At someones words, those gathered in small groups made strange expressions. As if Prince Gale was finished now. Since it was a potion made by the one who became the Minister of Magic riding on Marivs authority, the result was obvious. But recently, I havent seen Prince Gale at all. Isnt it because hes been cursed? Hes refraining from going out. Ian unknowingly nced in that direction. In fact, he was also very curious. Of course, he couldnt contact him alone due to the eyes of the public and Mariv, but he had been silent even to messages. I changed the Truth Potion and even sent him a way to neutralize it just in case, but there was no reply. Has he gone crazy? Well, if so, he had no intention of stopping him. At that moment. The sound of a carriage running loudly echoed behind Ian. It was a fine horse with such good momentum that the ground shook. Ah. And on the g attached to the carriage was the emblem of the Hayman family. Ian and the Ministry of Magic, as well as the staff of each department, all stopped and looked down at the carriage. Hee-ying! The man who got off with a light movement was Gale. He smiled leisurely and swept back his hair. At Gales sudden appearance, everyone bowed their waists and greeted him respectfully. Prince Gale, please take my hand. And then, the voice of a woman was heard. It was Mnia, the youngest daughter of the Hayman family. Gale naturally took her hand and then wrapped his arm around her waist. Be careful, Mnia. With you holding me, Your Highness, theres nothing to be careful about. Everyone noticed that the atmosphere between the two was unusual. As Gale climbed the stairs, his eyes met Ians, and he subtly raised his eyebrows. You were busy doing that. It was one of the ropes Gale could grab before falling off the cliff. Ian let out a fakeugh and met his eyes. As if saying, very impressive. Chapter 160 Chapter 160 In the dignified grand council hall, Gales appearance stood out, not just because he was the protagonist of the day. His carefree attitude was not at all what one would expect from someone facing a verdict. He was unting it, with his arm around Mnias waist, oozing with honey. Lady Mnia Hayman. Long time no see. Oh my, hello. Its been a while. This is the first time since the New Years party, right? When Father organizes letters, he sometimes mentions you. But what brings you here today? I apanied Prince Gale as its an important meeting for him. What? Ah, aha ha! I see. Hmm hmm. The Hayman family. The great family that held the economy of Bariel in their grasp. Although they had the blood of foreign royal families mixed in, their status was iparable to ordinary nobles. There was even a saying, The Haymans, between royalty and nobility. The very fact that banks were considered as sacred as temples was proof of that. Prince Gale, by the way, the atmosphere in the council hall is certainly heavy. I should have worn a more neat outfit. No. It suits you very well. No need to worry. Im d you say that. Unlike everyone else wearing monochrome uniforms, Mnias dress embodied spring. It was bright and sparkling, and each essory was eye-catching. Ian realized that it was a simple yet effective tactic of Gales. He made sure everyone entering the meeting room was aware of Mnias presence. Gale has captivated the daughter of the Hayman family. In other words, the Haymans support Gale. Not just any other noble, but the Haymans. It was understandable why he had been busy and secluded. Wasnt everyone in the meeting room watching them? At that moment, Gale put his arm around Mnias shoulder and nced back. As soon as his eyes met Ians, he grinned and gestured with his eyes, pointing at Mnia. Then he mouthed something. What do you think? Thats what he seemed to be saying. Ian remained expressionless and only slightly bowed his head without reacting. Then Gale just shrugged his shoulders and turned his head forward. Prince Gale is really amazing, seriously. It wasnt long ago that he was so close with minister Wesleigh then. How reckless. Watch your tongue. My apologies. Minister. Ian ordered his subordinates to keep their mouths shut and waited for the meeting to begin. Not long after, Mariv and his followers entered, and they easily spotted Gale and Mnia at the front. Mariv stopped in his tracks and let out an absurdugh. Gale. My goodness. Good morning. Brother. Gale left Mnia and approached to greet him. Instead of holding hands, Mariv slightly turned his head and muttered in a contemptuous voice. You cant teach an old dog new tricks, still the same. Well, who did you learn it from? He was referring to Gales birth mother, who was from a lowly noble family in the provinces. A woman who had achieved the highest position that beauty could attain. A woman the emperor could not forget even in his dreams, often calling out for her in his sleep talk. At Marivs tant insult, Gales jaw stiffened. Crunch. Gale grabbed Marivs arm as he tried to pass by and smiled brightly. His lips were clearly smiling, but his gaze was as cold as could be. Try saying that in front of Father. Tell him yourself. Youll soon be kicked out of the pce, so take the chance to ease His Majestys worries too. Father, dont worry about me, the bloodline that clings on is doing well, so theres no concern about making a living.'' Smack! Mariv lightly hit his hand away and walked forward. Amidst the atmosphere bing chaotic, Mnia stood with her back straight, staring at Gale. If he dies, Bariel will be ruined? His Majesty and I will also die? Even nonsense has its limits. Gale, today is thest day you live off the imperial familys name. Mariv looked at Ian. As if to confirm that he had prepared without any problems. Ian nodded, and then with the appearance of His Majesty the Emperor, the trial that was not a trial began. His Majesty the Emperor is entering! Everyone, rise! The emperor, supported by Dina, ascended to the highest podium. Every time one looked at him, hisplexion was the color of dirt, to the extent that it seemed difficult for him to move. Humans are powerless in the face of time, but an invisible hand is aiming for his life, so its only natural. Begin. Minister of Magic, Viscount Ian Hielo, step forward. Tap tap tap! As the prime ministers staff rang out vigorously, Ian stepped forward, holding the pre-prepared bottle on a cushion. I am Viscount Ian Hielo, the newly appointed Minister of Magic. By the order of the Imperial Family, all previous Truth Potions have been discarded, and this is newly manufactured. The transparent and clean liquid in the ss bottle. It was receiving the yellowish lighting of the meeting room as it was. The nobles leaned forward with interest and looked down at it. It would certainly be an important magical potion that would be incorporated into their daily lives if it becamemercialized. As a result of conducting research in various aspects due to therge-scale supply of Luron stones. We have resolved some side effects. Including the representative one that was mentioned, coughing up blood. Was the Luron supply carried out by Lord Ian Hielo? Yes, Your Highness. Mariv deliberately mentioned it once. While reinforcing Ians authority, it also implied that Ian would be fully responsible if a problem arose. The prime minister called Gale forward. Prince Gale. I will ask in the name of His Majesty. I will faithfully answer with a respectful heart. The prime minister straightened his sses and paused for a moment. Prince Gale, you were cursed by the former Minister of Magic, Wesleigh. Is that correct? Thats correct. So, is it also true that starting with Your Highnesss death, the shadow of death will fall upon countless imperial citizens of Bariel, and this is the curse of Bariels decline and destruction? Thats right. Gale raised his hand and took an oath. Those who firmly believed his words let out sighs of pity, while the opposition once again scoffed. Lastly, is it also true that the curse of death has been cast upon 1st Prince Mariv and His Majesty the Emperor? Everyone just swallowed their saliva. Mariv had his arms crossed and a contemptuous expression, while the emperors face was not easily readable due to his wrinkled skin. Dina gently closed her eyes, holding the emperors hand. Its true. Kwang! Prince Gale, youre going this far. Ah. The curse of destruction upon Bariel-! Be silent! Silence! It was as if someones indignant voice created a ripple. Themotion spread uncontrobly in all directions, and the prime minister kept tapping his staff. Despite ordering silence, the atmosphere did not easily subside. It was like that until Gale raised the Truth Potion. Swish. Why are you making such a fuss? Isnt it no different from before? This is a ce where we gathered to face the truth, so everyone, look straight. He took a sip of the Truth Potion and then defiantly raised his head. His Adams apple bobbed with his breath. It was to confirm that the potion had flowed down his esophagus. Gale wiped the corner of his mouth and gestured to the prime minister with his eyes. Prince Gale. Did you falsely testify to anything I asked here today? As Gale showed a faint smile, Mariv unknowingly sprang to his feet. But he couldnt be faster than the words. Everything was the truth. Tap tap! Tap! Prince Gale did not give false testimony! From now on, consider His Highnesss safety as Bariels safety and serve him with utmost respect. Anyone who brings harm to His Highness must be punished for treason! My goodness, this is absurd! Prince Mariv! How on earth- Marivs followers flocked to him in bewilderment. While everyone was chattering from the front and sides, Mariv was just ring at Gale expressionlessly. He slowly got up from his seat and took off his sses. Gale. That curse is real? Thats nonsense. As Mariv approached Gale with a murderous aura, his followers also tried to follow him excitedly. However, they were blocked by the dignified prime ministers warning. Anyone who disrupts the meetings atmosphere will be ejected without warning and used of contempt. Mariv faced Gale. After ring at him for a while, he turned to Ian. His anger could be sensed from his voiceing through his teeth. Ian, I heard the Truth Potion was definitely without problems. Yes. There are no problems. But, why-! Brother. Gale calmly blocked him. Although his voice was clearly t, why did it feel like there was a hint ofughter? Just because its not the truth you wanted, it doesnt disappear. Or, do you perhaps want to turn your wish into the truth? The veins on Marivs temples bulged. Seeing that, Ian approached him closely and whispered as if telling him to restrain himself. His Majesty the Emperor is watching. It is right to calm down and exercise self-control. And I stake my life on it, there are no problems with the potion. At Ians words, Mariv looked up at the podium. The emperor was slowly moving his pupils, looking down at the friction between his sons. Mariv, unable to take his eyes off the emperor, muttered. Really? Then we can check it. Is there anyone there!? Mariv turned around,ughing as if he had regained hisposure. However, there was an instinctively threatening atmosphere. Marivs followers hesitated, bewildered. Anyone,e forward and drink the potion. Pardon? Your Highness, what do you mean by that? I said anyone cane forward. Those who had been ttering as if they would give their liver and gall dder all froze in embarrassment. The Truth Potion, here at this ce? Your, Your Highness. Lord Kailot? Wont youe forward? Or Nohrenberg? What about you? Ah, yes. Beckerman! You drink it. Those who were called out stood there, their lips just moistened with saliva, their faces pale. Wasnt this a ce where everyone in the pce, including the emperor, was watching? Moreover, the opposing forces were ready to rip each other apart with their piercing eyes. Even a saint without a speck of dust would find it burdensome. Your Highness. I will drink it and prove it. No. I will exclude those rted to the Ministry of Magic. You dont trust me. Ian frowned as if he was upset. Pretending made chills run down his spine. He had felt it since he was at the frontier, but he really had neither the constitution nor the talent for acting. It seemed Mariv, who was excited, didnt notice much. He stood there for a moment, as if he was at a loss for words, just catching his breath. Damn it. Ian was the Minister of Magic and a useful person in many ways. He was a regrettable card to lose by getting excited like this. He immediately realized he had made a mistake. Then why dont you drink it, Brother? Gale slowly twirled the potion with his fingers. The half-remaining liquid made a sloshing sound. Since you cant trust anyone, isnt it best for you to drink it yourself? And then he raised the corners of his mouth. As if he only wanted Mariv to drink it quickly. I also have something to ask you, Brother. Do you know that Father has been unwell recently? Is there a useful merchant group to use abroad? Well, things like that. At his words, Marivs eyes widened. What do you think? Will you drink it? How can you force only your subordinates to do what you cant even eat yourself? Its unsightly. Gale Their whispers were so soft that only Ian could hear them. In the end, unable to endure the ambiguous silence, the emperor himself stepped in. Mariv. Thats enough. Your Majesty. As the emperors order fell, Marivs expression changed quite remarkably. The opposite of the triumphant Gale. Then, may I continue with the report? Minister Ian Hielo. What report do you mean? Rattle. Ian took the Truth Potion from Marivs hand and ced it on the table. Mariv gave Ian a peculiar look. Wasnt it proper to support the other side as well if he had supported one side? About the curse of forbidden magic. No matter how powerful the magic, a curse is a curse. Just as every problem has an answer, shouldnt there be a way to break the curse? Chapter 161 Chapter 161 There is a way to break the curse. There was no need to shout loudly or gesture to ask for attention. With just a single quiet statement from Ian, everyone inside focused on him. For the first time in her life, Nakina felt the atmospheree alive. It was as if a single, massive energy was swimming here and there ording to Ians intentions. Minister Ian Hielo. You say you can break the curse is that true? The curse was created by two mages burning their souls, so is that even possible? At a nobles outcry, Ian calmly looked in their direction. As if to say, why are you so surprised? There are no other options. If theres a possibility, then we must make it so. We cannot leave His Highness Gale like this, can we? As this is a matter of life and death for Bariel and the Imperial family, the Ministry of Magic will do its utmost to resolve this. His resolute answer was filled with strength. An unshakable conviction that only the curses resolution existed, unconditionally. Gale unknowingly smiled and brushed his hair back. He didnt even know what his real curse was, yet he was making quite an interesting move. Those are some reassuring words indeed. Your Highness Gale. It is my duty. Ian ced his hand on his chest and saluted. It seemed he had achieved everything he wanted today, so he was at ease despite the sudden situation. He had sessfully changed the curse into a protective barrier and had not announced the support of the Hayman family. He had sessfully pulled his lifeline out of Marivs grasp. Sir Ian Hielo. Then report to us. Why do you say you can break His Highness Gales curse? The Prime Minister lightly gestured and urged him. The Emperor and Dina were also watching Ian. Though it didnt feel real that the future of Bariel depended on that small, beautiful boy. First, I would like to inform you that the curse ced on His Highness Gale is forbidden magic. There will be many trials and errors. Ian snapped his fingers and created a small mana sphere. As the surroundings brightened, deep shadows fell on Ians features. This shadow is the curse itself. Like the inseparable two sides of a coin, magics yang and yin operate with the same mechanism. The casters mana, technique, target, and the results it will bring about. Even if its called a curse, its ultimately a subset of magic. Then how will you get rid of the shadow? To eliminate the shadow? Either shine a brighter light or- Correct. Using a force stronger than the forbidden magic cast by Wesleigh and her aide to neutralize the curse. Even the usual Wesleigh couldnt handle it, so how could they handle the amount from two mages who used forbidden magic? Its unreasonable even for Ian. No, to be precise, even if the entire Ministry of Magic were to pounce on it, they couldnt be certain. As the mages stirred, the audience also whispered anxiously. Or there is also the method of covering shadow with shadow. But leaving that aside I will ask, Your Highness Gale. Anything. Did Wesleigh attach any conditions? If its a conditional curse, theres also a way to resolve it by fulfilling that condition. Gale, if you then , you will forever. Gale suddenly recalled herst words. Even as day and night flowed by relentlessly, somehow each memory was vivid. He shook his head indifferently. There are none. I understand. It may be presumptuous of me, but Im quite relieved that Wesleigh was a mage. If she were a shaman, we wouldnt dare attempt this. Ian stepped forward in front of the Emperor and once again assumed proper etiquette. He humbly implored the Emperor to hear his opinion. Your Imperial Majesty. Pleasemand that the current matter be kept as an absolute secret within the pce and not leak to the outside. The citizens of the Bariel Empire, of course, and neighboring countries must not know of this. There are swarms of people just waiting for Bariel to decline. If rumors spread that Gales life was tied to that in this situation, it would lead to chaos. From assassination at the smallest to war at thergest. The Emperor nodded deeply to show he strongly agreed. Additionally, the Ministry of Magic will apply and adapt conventional curse resolution methods to find a way. For smooth investigation, please entrust full control andmand authority over the matter to the Ministry of Magic. As he had taken office in the middle of dealing with the situation, authority was dispersed. The Imperial Guards who were at the scene at the time, the administrative department that was signing documents on behalf of the previous Ministry of Magic head, and so on. Dina hid her extremely flustered expression behind her fan. Hes definitely not ordinary. Are all mages like that? Wesleigh too, how are they like beasts. It was a moment when the diminished prestige of the Ministry of Magic was revived as is. Making them realize what everyone tacitly acknowledged and forgot that without them, there would be no Bariel. The Emperor had no grounds to refuse. There was no reason to either. Your opinion is correct. As of now, I entrust allmand authority over the Wesleigh incident to the Minister of Magic, Ian Hielo. All who hear mymand shall cooperate with and follow the instructions of the Ministry of Magic to swiftly conclude the matter. At the Emperors order, all those seated stood up and ced their hands on their chests. At the same time, the Emperor bent forward, coughing violently. Dina supported the Emperors arm in rm. Your Majesty! Lets call it a day. That would be best. Prime Minister! At Dinas call, the Prime Minister struck his staff hard. It meant the end of all meetings. The Emperor left with the support of his retainers, and the conference room instantly became chaotic. Your Highness Gale! Just then, Mnia grabbed the hem of her voluminous dress and ran to Gale. For a moment, her tear-filled eyes seemed deeply pure. tter! ng! Oh my, heavens. Mnia staggered as if she had stepped on her dress hem and shattered the truth serum on the table. Mariv made a bbergasted expression with a stiff mouth. What should we do about this? Its fine. Youre not hurt, are you? Im alright. Minister Ian, I apologize. No, its fine. Lady Mnia. As long as youre unharmed, that will do. The bright smile was eerie. She had clearly shattered it on purpose so that there wouldnt be any trouble with the remaining truth serum. It was truly aristocratic conduct. Ian clicked his tongue inwardly but outwardly just smiled brightly along with Mnia. Sir Ian. Yes. Your Highness Mariv. Mariv frowned as if he couldnt stand the sight and called Ian. His gaze had softened a bit. Because he recognized his own emotional mistake earlier. Come to the pceter. Understood, Your Highness. Currently, what Marivcked was the Emperors trust. But now that Ian, the Minister of Magic, had even gained the Emperors support, he couldnt lose him over formless suspicion. Your Highness Mariv. Ill see you again. I suppose so. Lady Mnia. Mnia ostentatiously bowed to him, and Mariv had no choice but to nod. The revulsion felt in his actions. As soon as Mariv disappeared, she erased her smile and grabbed her dress hem. Your Highness Gale. Ill go wait in the carriage first. Ill follow shortly. In the back, Gales followers were fervently discussing their opinions on the current situation. As Mnia disappeared, Ian asked while organizing documents. Do you have something to say? At that question, Gale lowered his voice andughed. And he whispered so that no one could hear over themotion. Saying youll break my curse. It was truly amusing that youd find an answer without even knowing the problem. He was truly skilled at exploiting weaknesses. Since he knew the curse was false, there was no way to prove it even if he just verbally said it was lifted. Then the Ministry of Magics authority would rise greatly with the achievement of saving Bariel. Without any price or sacrifice. Im d I could provide you even a smallugh, Your Highness. Since you said its a curse limited to an individual, does it matter if I dont know the problem? On top of that, he could solve Marivs concerns, so it would be easy to gain trust. It was just a matter of lifting the curse with appropriate timing and acting at the right moment. Please keep your promise. The information on drugs and merchant groups rted to His Highness Mariv. If you hand it over, Ill amodate your convenience to the fullest. Gale took out a cigarette and raised an eyebrow. He seemed somehow amused. Of course. Ill hand it over shortly. Thank you. But I dont know how much it will actually help you. Gale exhaled smoke with a lowugh. As his followers couldnt hold back and called for him, Gale turned around, throwing a nce that said see youter. He disappeared along with his subordinates who were pondering how to conduct themselves going forward. Minister Ian. Lets go too. Yeah. Good work today. Not at all. We were just sitting. Nakina muttered while gently sweeping away the shattered ss shards with her foot. Ian walked out with them, mulling over Gales words. He doesnt know how helpful the information will be? Ian frowned. Because an increasingly troublesome hypothesis kepting to mind. Though it was covered up, the situation is still precarious. The proof is that Gale mentioned the merchant groups to Mariv. I thought that was almost ourst card, but since he revealed it. It meant they were entering an all-out war. The interlocking checks and bnces had tangled to the point of near explosion. Now was both an opportunity and a crisis for Mariv and Gale to deal with each other. The beginning of an irrevocable sh was palpable. We could also expose Marivs information. Then Ian wouldnt be the only one who knows, so Gales words that it wouldnt be of much help would make sense. Mariv was also sharpening his de behind the scenes. If Gale was acting like this, wasnt it obvious what would happen? Swish. Minister Ian. Whats the matter? Well need to rearrange the Ministry of Magics entire schedule. What? Why? Offensive magic or defensive magic. When the storm rages, it would be good to build strength to firmly grasp the center. Even if there arent significant results right away, its better than not doing it. As Ian continued walking without answering, Pit-a-pat! Footsteps running quickly toward Ian. Nakina and Tommy were startled and tried to block him but faltered. Because the face of the man running with fluttering red hair was familiar. Zzing! Thud! Ack! Why did you stop constructing the barrier halfway? Because its Beric. Beric, is your nose okay? Oww, oww! Damn it! XX! He had smashed his head properly into the barrier Hale created. Beric tumbled forward, clutching his nose, and Ian noticed a letter in his hand. Beric. I told you that if you rushed in like that at the pce, youd suffer. Dunno, dont care. Just read this quickly. Its a letter from Hielo territory, but the messenger pigeon was Vivianas so it was opened by mistake. The reply was quite fast. Ian recognized the neat handwriting on the envelope as Hannas. It seemed she hadnt neglected her writing studies. Beric rubbed his reddened nose and added, And she says she wants to get married. Married? Who? Oww, dammit. My nose hurts so I cant talk well. That, with the Cheonrye tribe. Marriage with the Cheonrye tribe? Ian recalled the image of Hanna crying sadly when the Cheonrye tribe left the border. She definitely seemed to have someone in her heart. Isnt Hanna too young to marry? He wasnt her parent, and if she wanted to, he wouldnt stop her, but still. At Ians muttering, Beric just sniffled. Not Hanna. ? Chapter 162 Chapter 162 Lady Hanna. A messenger pigeon has arrived. From where? Merellof? No. It seems to be from the central region. The letters seal is simr to the one the lord had sent previously. Hanna received the letter with gloved hands. Her hair was tightly tied without a strand out of ce, and her clothes were clean and neat. The appearance of the child who lived near the brothel and starved had long since vanished. Hanna smiled joyfully andmanded the servant. Give the messenger pigeon cool water and feed, and prepare afortable ce for it to rest. Yes. Lady Hanna. As the servant bowed and disappeared, she hurriedly went up to the study. She thought she had be quite dignified, but it seemed she still had a long way to go. Seeing how she couldnt control her steps out of joy from her masters correspondence. Is Lord Nersarn inside? He is. However, Madam Philea is with him as well. Please inform them immediately. I have brought a letter from Lord Ian. The Cheonrye warrior guarding the door nodded. Who would have known things would turn out this way between Nersarn and Philea? Moreover, not long after Ian left for the central region, Philea had returned to the forest again. Knock knock. Lord Nersarn. Its Hanna. A letter from Lord Ian has arrived. However, just a few dayster, Nersarn, who had only tread on desert sand, personally went up to the forest and brought her back. He let her use the newly furnished master bedroom and gave her pastimes like tending the garden to add weight to her life. A weight for a stable life, so she couldnt fly away anywhere. At first, Philea seemed burdened by it, but at some point, she perfectly blended into the mansion and became an indispensable presence. Both for them and for Nersarn. Come in. Excuse me. Nersarn was sitting at the desk flipping through documents. Indifferently, without a hint of dishevelment. It was a clear contrast to Phileas flushed face as she sat on the sofa. You said its a letter from Sir Ian? Yes. There are quite a few enclosed in one envelope. Theres one for Madam Merellof as well, but since the messenger pigeon seems tired, Ill deliver it personally. I hope nothing is wrong. Nersarn muttered worriedly. This was only the second contact they received since Ian left for the central region. The first was informing them that since he was bestowed the surname Hielo, the name of the territory had also changed. Since there wasnt a single line of personal message, Philea and Hanna couldnt hide their disappointment at the time. If somethings wrong, what As the color drained from Phileas face, Hanna calmly called her name and calmed her down. Madam Philea. Theres no need to worry. Theres also something sent by sir Beric. Its not a letter but a drawing, yet its colored quite diligently. If it were urgent, that wouldnt be the case. Yes, Philea. Dont worry. Theres one for you too. For me? Nersarn naturally called her name and pulled her arm. The sight of him having her sit on hisp and reading each letter for her was truly affectionate. Hanna stared at the distant mountains as if her eyes were open but she couldnt see anything. Hes asking if youve ever seen magical talent in himself when he was young. Other than his eyes turning gold. No. I I had no idea Ian had such talent. I just Phileas words gradually trailed off as she rummaged through her past. Something wasing to mind with the word talent. Nersarn gestured to Hanna to prepare pen and paper. When Ian was very young, I once went on an errand to a merchant group. At that time, he received a red flowerpot- Ssque. Ah. Yes. Thats right. As he brought it back, he said this. The person who gave him the flowerpot greatly praised him, saying he had talent. I naturally thought it was about doing chores well, but thinking about it now, the nuance seems to have been different. The woman furrowed her brows as if trying to squeeze out even a drop of withered memory. Thats all. It will likely be helpful to Sir Ian. Are there no other words, by any chance? Like greetings or such. There are. Philea, he says to please livefortably at the mansion. Though contact may be sparse due to affairs at the Imperial Pce, he asks you to consider his heart close by. At Nersarns words, Phileas face bloomed brightly. Whenever he saw her smile, Nersarn was reminded of the rainy season in the desert. The spectacr sight of white flowers covering the sand dunes from the downpour thates once every few decades. His eyes were drawn to her because she was like a wildflower, but now she was someone who devoured him like that flower. Would you like to write the reply yourself? Ill help you. Yes. Id love to. I really want to do that. And I want to inform him of our rtionship as well. Id like that too. Hanna raised her hand as if dazzled by her beaming smile. Philea was beautiful even when in the slums, but now that she had found love, she was radiance itself. But what if Ian opposes it? Philea asked cautiously while fiddling with the pen. Nersarn was wonderful, but if her son objected, she didnt have the confidence to go against him. At her words, Nersarn smiled and immediately shook his head. Theres absolutely no way that would happen. Sir Ian is a wise man. Nersarn was also relieved to see Philea reassured. However, he couldnt fully shake off the worry deeply embedded in his heart. Though he had deliberately said there was no way, strictly speaking, this was a matter unrted to wisdom. How will Ian think At the strange emotion he felt for the first time in his life, Nersarn tightly grasped Phileas small hand. *** Madam Philea is getting married? To Lord Nersarn? Romandros mouth was hanging open and didnt seem like it would close anytime soon. Well, thats understandable. What on earth was this Why? They look good together. Philea is pretty and Nersarn is cool. Of course,pared to Kakan, hes a bit small, but hes still a warrior among warriors! At Berics words, Romandros expression became even more peculiar. Small? No matter how much Nersarn held the position of a schr, how could the word small be appropriate for him? Just take care of your own tiny body. Whats wrong with me?! These are all practical muscles! Ian, by the way, how will you write the reply? Romandro ignored Beric and surreptitiously observed his expression. He couldnt sense any emotion from the way he flipped through the letters one by one. In the atmosphere where it felt like he had to be mindful, his heart grew restless for no reason. Ian? Its Nersarn. Well, its not my ce to interfere, but Phil, Philea has suffered a lot, so wouldnt it be nice if she met a good person and became happy? Were now close with the Cheonrye tribe, and um. I think its truly a joyous asion. Of course, there will be contemptuous eyes at the Imperial Pce. The father of Ian, the Minister of Magic and lord of Hielo territory, was a barbarian. Even when he first set foot in aristocratic society, he was despised for being lowborn. But if the new father he was bringing in was Nersarn? It was obvious what kind of gossip would spread. Ian and Romandro knew they were true warriors, but the nobles in the central region didnt know and didnt want to know. It is quite surprising. But Hielo territory is very far from here. If we keep quiet, I believe no one in the central region will know. You seem to cherish Philea, no, my mother very dearly, Sir Romandro. Of course! Hasnt she lived a difficult life? Romandro added while coughing awkwardly. And actually, I expected this. Eh? Liar! You were totally surprised earlier! No, back then at the mansion entrance when Madam Philea and Lord Nersarn met. I sensed that strange zzing! zzing energy between them. Ian! Thats a lie. He didnt know but is pretending he did. Hey you brat! Im serious! Ian pondered for a moment and then dipped his pen in ink. He had decided on the content to write for the reply. Romandro, who was bickering with Beric, poked his head out to check the content. If the nobles find out, it will certainly be a topic of gossip. But is there anything problematic about that? He was not the Ian who had just entered the pce, but Ian Hielo, the Minister of Magic. No matter how much talk circted behind his back, it would be nothing more than gossip. Rather, this is good. True alliances are sealed through marriage. Especially the Cheonrye tribe, arent they people who have exceptional affection for family? It will be a great happiness for my mother as well. Moreover, it wasnt just any warrior, but Nersarn, the Chiefs younger brother and a schr. It would be an unbreakable link of trust between Hielo and the Cheonrye tribe. It would be a stepping stone to make up for the previous loss of forces from Bratz and the central army. We must sincerely congratte them. Its a joyous asion. Yes, its a joyous asion! A celebration! Ill write a separate congrattory letter. Me too, me too! Ill draw another one! As soon as they heard Ians positive answer, Romandro grabbed Berics hand and cheered hooray. Honestly, when Hanna tearfully saw off the warrior, he had expected a union through marriage to happen someday. Though I never imagined it would be Philea. Anyway, it was a good thing. Yes. Setting aside political calctions, this was a humanly congrattory matter. Ian knew well how much hardship Philea had endured. He smiled softly while looking at the letter written in crooked handwriting. -Ian, my son. I love you. I miss you. Hanna, Lord Nersarn, everyone at the mansion is living happily. Thanks to that, I am happy too. Ian, what about you? Are you happy? Never forget that your mother is always here. I want to hold you, safe and sound. My child. I love you. A mothers love was this ardent. Ian honestly found it unfamiliar to the point of being a bit wondrous. Not only did she pass away when I was very young, but all the remaining memories are nothing special. Was it because it was a political marriage of the aristocracy? For Ian to recall the faces of his biological parents, he had to recall the faded family portrait hanging in a frame itself. There were no other memories. Ian, whats wrong? Did the ink harden? No. Im contemting how to begin the letter. And whats curious is that mothers letter makes no mention of marriage. I thought she would first ask for my permission before proposing. Perhaps Philea was thinking of it as just informing him of their rtionship? At Ians yful words, Romandro let out a foolishugh. Oh ho ho! Oh ho! My, my, no matter how much of a warrior one is, they be adorable in front of love. Ah, Sir Romandro. Did you look into that matter? Ah. About the Hayman family? Romandro pped his cheeks to calm his excited heart. Then he nodded, saying Ians words were correct. The Hayman family is in the process of an unofficial engagement. It has be a fait apli. There was a lot of gossip including the curse, so it seems theyll make it official once the situation stabilizes. Romandro furrowed his brows while twirling his beard. But theres a strange rumor circting these days. Are you referring to the Hayman family? They say they ced an unusuallyrge order for mana armor. Didnt you see them back then? Its the armor the bank guards wear, capable of fighting off a hundred men. Me! I totally want that! Beric shouted, raising his fist. He was so astonished to see them easily lifting heavy coffers filled with gold coins with one hand. Ian tilted his head while lightly twirling the pen. Isnt it for branch expansion? Usually the trend is to increase by only two or three per year, but theres talk that the order this time amounts to 100 sets. Thanks to that, I heard the order for the Imperial Guards was dyed. Its still just a rumor for now. I suppose the mana stone supply will be the same? Has Chief Akore not said anything? Shes too busy focusing on Luron stones these days. I heard herining that the medium-grade mana stones used for armor are nearly depleted. Please check on it. Yes. I will. Ian smiled brightly and thanked him for verifying it. He could roughly guess what it meant for the Hayman family to prepare mana armor. Ian finished the letter he was writing to Philea and took out a new sheet of paper. Swish. -Lord Nersarn. I received your letter well. Please take good care of my mother. Just as you pledge eternal love, I hope eternal alliance will be imbued in Hielo and Cheonrye. And in preparation for any unforeseen situation, he added: -Whenever the weather clears, the thin ice here will break. At that time, will you be able to assist me? In the name of our alliance, and in the name of my mother. Chapter 163 Chapter 163 Romandro clicked his tongue while sneakily peeking at the letter. In the name of my mother. Goodness, how foolish he was to have worried that Ian would oppose it. With Ians pragmatic nature, there was no way he would refuse. Ian finished the letter and properly stamped it with a seal. Sir Romandro. Please take care of this. Of course. Vivianas messenger pigeon is quite swift and useful. And theres one suggestion I have for you. What is it? Ian rested his chin on his interlocked hands and smiled. Though he had everything after bing Minister, one thing wascking. To perform his duties perfectly, he needed an attendant to assist him. Would you consider moving from the Administrative Department to the Ministry of Magic? To the Ministry of Magic? Me? Yes. Sir Romandro, you are well-versed in the flow of the Imperial Pce and have been in public service for a long time, so your work processing ability is also excellent. I know that well from seeing you at the frontier. Oh no. If you say that, Ill Haha! Ahaha! Ah, he looked pleased. Weak topliments. As Beric snickered, Romandro was about to rebuke him but stopped. He didnt want to interrupt the conversation flow. He cleared his throat and neatly adjusted his tie. When the hottest potato in the pce right now spoke of him that way, he didnt know where to put himself. First, well, Im truly grateful for your praise of my abilities. Its not praise but my honest opinion. But Im not a mage, so It doesnt matter. An advisor is ultimately for convenience, and Sir Romandro, you are helpful to me even if youre not a mage. Romandro scratched his head. He had a truly perplexed expression. Seeing that, Ian smiled brightly and handed him the choice. Of course, your opinion is important, Sir Romandro. Isnt being a dispatched advisor tiring with frequent business trips? Your child will be born soon, so you cant wander around forever. Thats true. The sry is also much higher. Well, ahem. And it will be safer by my side. At the unexpected words, Romandros eyes widened. What did that mean? He had just mentioned something about thin ice breaking in the letter earlier. Was that what it meant? Please think carefully and make your decision. The conditions and treatment will be set iparably better than before. The Administrative Department worked under the Emperors authority. However, the princes powers were slightly permeating under it as well. In Gales case, it was Molrin and Chelonia. Mariv surely had hidden forces too. Not to mention, wasnt Romandro dispatched to the frontier under his orders? If the princes sh, there will be division within the Administration too. If the Emperor tries to maintain his position on top of that, it will be uncontroble. Now that he knew Mariv was deeply involved in the Emperors health, it wasnt an unreasonable assumption at all. Ian looked up at the bewildered Romandro and just nodded. Scrutinizing his expression, Romandro shouted as if realizing something. Ill do it! Pardon? Suddenly? Beric also seemed surprised after listening silently. He stopped chewing Gu and turned to Romandro. Hanna said this. Ian, you told the servants to quit their mansion work before going to the desert. Ah, yes. I did. Those who listened then all survived, and those who didnt listen all died. Now that I think about it, I have a hunch. I feel like Ill die if I dont listen to you. The instinct of someone who had lived their whole life in the midst of a power struggle. He just casually mentioned it, but he caught on amazingly. Without even knowing the identity of the chaos. Thats an exaggeration. Wheres exaggeration in life and death? I have no intention of dying until our baby bes an adult. He seemed to pay even more attention to protecting himself now that he had someone to be responsible for. Either way, Ian nodded as if pleased. Then, please submit your job transfer request. Ill make sure its processed immediately. I look forward to your excellent work from now on. As you can see, theres too much of everything. At Ians words, Romandro looked around the office. Documents were piled up everywhere except for the chair Ian was sitting on and the sofa Beric was lying on. The Magical Operations Department did help, but the truth was theycked delicacy as field workers. Knock knock. Come in. Lord Ian. An attendant from His Highness Mariv hase. Ah, His Highness Mariv. Tell him Ill be there shortly. When the meeting was adjourned, Mariv had told him toe to his pce. Ian looked up at the void as if bothered. It would be more advantageous for him to doubt the reliability of the truth serum rather than believe Gales curse. Then it could be inferred that he would soon doubt and question Ian. And about rearranging the Ministry of Magic schedule. The chiefs are asking what training they should do. Ian pondered for a moment while changing his outer robe. Those who could be active in realbat, such as offensive magic, were limited to the Magic Operations Department. Then the others Are there any mages who can open portals? Hmm, I dont think so. The magics too high-level. Whats so great about portals? It connects one space to another. Isnt going against thews of nature forbidden magic? At Romandros question, Ian and the Ministry of Magic employee exchanged nces. It was a silence contemting how to exin it well. Reversing and turning space-time does indeed go against the principles of nature. So its also true that its forbidden magic. But a portal is, in a sense, a kind of road. Road? It connects one space to another and paves the way. However, the farther the distance, the mana required to maintain it increases exponentially, and if the portal breaks midway, the subject can be in danger, so its rarely attempted. Ian stopped further exnation, saying they would know if they saw it in reality. And he instructed them to conduct training rted to portals and stepped out the door. A carriage was waiting in front of the building. Perhaps due to Marivs urgent summons to bring Ian quickly, the attendant guided him restlessly. We must hurry, Minister. Ian, Ian! Should I go with you? Its fine. Ill be back, so stay put. Ian waved his hand and dissuaded Beric, who came running. Mariv, who had been defeated by Gale, would be quite irritated. Who knew what humiliation he would suffer if he took him along? The carriage left the Ministry of Magic garden, saying it could no longer dy, and Ian drew the window curtains. Swish! *** At sunset, Marivs pce was dyed in deep hues as always. Unlike the mild colors, the atmosphere was somehow cold and precarious. Ian realized that even the attendant guiding him was holding his breath. Seems like he threw a fit. Miserable. Mariv probably thought he could chase Gale out of the pce today. But his brother ostentatiously survived and even brought up the merchant group to Ian. He could guess how Mariv felt. And how Mariv vented his anger on his attendants. The announcement of Ians arrival quietly rang out like ants crawling. Your Highness Mariv, Minister Ian Hielo has arrived. Let him in. Creak. As the door opened, Mariv, with disheveled hair, turned to look at Ian. His form was raw itself, with no trace of a princes dignity to be found. The state of the room was even more of a mess. ss decorations were all shattered, and servants were prostrating themselves, taking the brunt of their masters anger. Clothes were torn and bruises marked their skin. Sir Ian, have a seat. Your Highness. Are you alright? Sit, sit. He smiled brightly and pointed to the sofa. Mariv tied his hair up and leaned his body on the opposite side. His narrowed eyes were definitely smiling, but no emotion could be felt. I expressed my regret at the meeting. No, Your Highness. I was surprised too. You can understand me, cant you? Gales trick is clear as day, yet the truth serum I had high hopes for couldnt detect it. Ian straightened his back and stared straight ahead. He realized that no matter what answer he gave now, it couldnt satisfy Marivs desire. Now, yes. Now. There was no problem with the potion, so I could prove it by drinking it myself. If you wish, I can bring a new potion right now and demonstrate. Hahaha! Haha! Mariv burst intoughter. The sound rang out clear and bright, but the prostrated servants trembled in fear instead. Sir Ian. I trust you. There mustve been no issue with the potion. But didnt Gale ostentatiously evade the effect of the truth serum? There was a discrepancy. Though he said he trusted Ian, he believed that Gale evading the truth serums effect itself meant Ians involvement. Regarding that, I will investigate again. No, theres no need. Gale has already been acknowledged to have a curse and has evaded the truth serum. How can we use a with a hole again? He was saying he wouldnt trust the truth serum going forward. But there was no notable change in Ians expression. He wanted to hear what Mariv desired, as the time hade for him to slowly reveal it. So, I will discern your sincerity through something else. Your? Ah, Ian couldnt help butugh inwardly. Because he recalled the humiliation Mariv suffered at the meeting. He had called his subordinates to prove the reliability of the truth serum, but none of them had stepped forward. It must have been quite embarrassing in front of Gale. Please give your orders. Minister Ian Hielo. You are the current head of the Ministry of Magic and have be the person in charge of resolving the situation by the Emperorsmand. That is correct. So break Gales curse as soon as possible. It doesnt matter whether its real or fake. Mariv didnt believe in Gales curse. So whether it was truly resolved was of no concern to him. It was the same for Ian, but if Mariv said that, he could guess what the following order would be. Ah, now youve set the date. The process of breaking the curse will be quite dangerous andplicated. Even if Gale dies as a result of that process, who would mourn? Your Highness Mariv. It will be regrettable. But rather, if the one who shackled Bariels existence dies, everyone will surely feel relieved. Kill Gale. No matter the method, announce that the curse has been lifted and deal with Gale at the same time. Then I wont doubt your loyalty regarding the truth serum. This was what Mariv was saying. Your Highness Mariv. But what if the curse turns out to be real? How will you handle the aftermath? It will cause problems not only for Bariel but also for you, Your Highness. No. Absolutely not, I dont believe it. That Wesleigh cast such a curse while dying from jealousy? One that works in Gales favor at that? Mariv slowly lowered his head to Ian. And he gnashed his teeth and warned him. That his faith was being shaken, so it would be best to grab hold of it quickly. You better handle the cleanup well, Ian. Just because its in your grasp doesnt mean its all yours. Remember who made you this way today? He seemed to think he made Ian what he was, but it was clearly wrong. Perhaps he would never know until he died. That Ian had created this position for himself. Chapter 164 Chapter 164 Screech. Ians expression was peculiar as he emerged from the reception room. The head servant, while escorting him, nced furtively at the tightly shut door. Until just before Ians arrival, Marivs frenzied shrieks had been erupting incessantly. However, how could it be so quiet now? This, in and of itself, was frightening. Lord Ian, are you alright? What do you mean? Its nothing. The head servant closely inspected Ians cheeks, hair, and the state of his clothes. Everything was exactly as it had been when he entered, without a single thing out of ce. Considering they had thought the servants would be carried out like living corpses, this was truly fortunate. Still, as the Minister of Magic, it seemed His Highness had properly discerned the situation. Excuse me, Lord Ian. I hope youll forgive my boldness, but may I ask you something? You may. As the head servant opened the carriage door and inquired, Ian lightly nodded. Hisposed tone was striking. It felt as though Marivs frenzy in this pce had absolutely nothing to do with him. The head servant promptly came to her senses and bowed. Its just that I was wondering about the condition of the servants inside. A doctor is on standby, but since His Highness is present, they cant receive treatment. Did His Highness seem fatigued or show any signs of drowsiness? Ian stared at the head servant intently. She had said it was a presumptuous question, and wasnt it truly brazen? Resolving issues between the lord and servants should be the head servants role. However, recalling the people trembling prostrate on the ground, Ian offhandedly gave her an answer. They didnt appear to be severely injured. Besides, isnt it nearly dusk now? Its not yet time for him to retire to his bedchamber, as he workste. His Highnesss sleep schedule is irregr, so he tries to get some rest whenever he can. Thank you for letting me know. Despite the polite thanks, her hands hastily closed the carriage door. As if urging him to leave this ce quickly. Ian watched her return to the pce, frowning. Irregr sleep schedule. Yes, I heard the rumors that the lights in Marivs office never go out because he has so much work to handle. Could this be how he was introduced to hallucinogenic sleeping pills? With sleep problems, he may have looked into solutions and gotten involved with a particr merchant group. Or, if he already had a connection, he could have obtained them through that. Where shall I take you, Minister? To the Ministry of Magic. Yes, understood. Ian smiled wryly, gazing at the darkening outdoors. The prideful Mariv, whose ego had been bruised, had made a very interesting move. In fact, the attempt to kill Gale had been somewhatckluster, but the fact that he had been the one to instigate it made the situation amusing. This is truly fortuitous for me. Currently, Mariv and Gale were sharpening their des, each aiming for the others throat. However, since they could lose everything with a single strike, they were biding their time, waiting for an opportunity. Waiting for an opportunityin other words, ack of justification, or the absence of a signal re. If a reason for them to sh was created One of them will die. And the other will also copse with a fatal wound. Watching for a chance and severing the survivors lifeline at the right moment will simplify matters. Gale had the reality of the curse and suspicions of treason, while Mariv had usations of attempted regicide. Ian tapped his knee in time with the rattling carriage wheels. Change of destination. Pardon? Where should I go? To His Highness Gales pce. Ian ordered the coachman to turn the horses around. The n that hade to mind was satisfactory, so it would be best to inform Gale before he exposed Marivs attempted regicide. Fortunately, the carriage didnt have to travel far. Neigh! The Hayman familys carriage. It seemed Mnia was with Gale at his pce. As Ian alighted from the carriage, the guard saluted crisply and greeted him. Isnt this Minister Ian Hielo? Yes, its been a while. I remember you. Previously, he had added a remark about being a viscounty riffraff, but now there were no superfluous questions. Since he had arrived, they would notify Gale and let him in, nothing more. Knock knock. Your Highness Gale, Minister Ian has arrived. Oh, I see. Let him in! Judging by the scent of alcohol wafting out as soon as the door opened, he must have been in the midst of a toast. Mnia was smoking a cigarette passed to her by Gale, her eyes half-closed. It was quite a sight. The older brother was smashing tableware in a rampage, while the younger brother was indulging in debauchery. Minister Ian Hielo! What brings you here? I have an urgent matter to discuss with you. If the timing is inappropriate, I can returnter. No, no. Its fine. Come, sit. The way he patted the sofa was full of delight. Ian, instead of taking a seat, nced at Mnia and bowed his head slightly. Lady Mnia, you seem flushed with heat. In other words, he was telling her to get some fresh airto vacate her seat. She smiled, gently arching her eyebrows. Despite being born out of wedlock and the subject of much gossip, his manner of speech was no different from any noble familys. Oh my, some fresh air would do me good. Please excuse me for a moment. Mnia readily yielded her seat, and Ian sat facing Gale. His fingers tapped the cigarette rather roughly. Ian noticed the change in his gaze. As soon as Mnia left. What is this about? The voice he had thought was intoxicated quickly sobered up, demonstrating his acting skills were quite advanced. He seemed to have his own difficulties in trying to keep up with Mnia. Ive just returned from meeting with His Highness Mariv. Youre always going back and forth between us brothers. Id rather not, but you two keep seeking me out. Gales lowughter burst out at Ians glib reply. He stubbed out his cigarette and asked. So, what did he say? My brother, Mariv? No matter how much he tries to put on airs of nobility and elegance to maintain his princely dignity, he cant hide his temper. Did he turn the pce upside down? Still, having observed each other closely for a lifetime, they seemed to have a good grasp of each others personalities to a certain extent. Ian affirmed with silence and brought up the main point. He ordered me to kill you, Your Highness Gale. Haha. How delightful to hear. Is that so? Externally, Im cursed in a way thats tied to Bariels very existence, and internally, Im the son who receives the Emperors favor. For him to try to kill me in this state proves that Mariv is also quite cornered, doesnt it? It must have been the attitude shown by Marivs faction at the council meeting that was the decisive factor. In front of Gale, of all people, they had revealed their abysmal unity as a faction, which undoubtedly came as a shock and crisis to Mariv. Thats right. Its proof. And for you, Your Highness Gale, its a justification that has fallen into yourp. Gale seemed to have somewhat grasped what Ian was implying. Smiling slyly, he opened a drawer and pulled out a thick stack of documents. It was the material rted to Marivs attempted regicide that he had promised to hand over to Ian. Justification. Im quite fond of it. In the pce, it holds more weight than thew. Even Fathers orders lose power without it. Ian received the documents with a respectful hand. Unexpectedly, they were quite hefty. He had thought it would only contain information about the source of the drugs, the suppliers, or the involved parties. Well, are you satisfied? Its a testament to the depths of His Majesty the Emperors shadow, so its quitementable. Hahaha! You, my friend, should have been born in the pce, I tell you. After carefully cing the documents beside the sofa, Ian faced Gale directly. He was grinning from ear to ear. With a look that said he knew everything going on in Ians mind. Since His Highness Mariv told me to prove the truth, I shall do so before long. It would be an honor if you handled it personally. He seemed to desire the side effects of magic, but as that would be a burden for me as well I happen to have a few ves at my disposal. An assassination attempt using ves. And he would consider that the signal re to enter an all-out war. The des that had been aiming only for each others throats woulde flying. Directly intervening with magic could be used against meter on, regardless of the oue. To Mariv, he had proven his truth through the assassination attempt, and to Gale, he had passed on the opportunity by informing him. Who would emerge victorious was uncertain, but regardless of the result, Ian had created a pretext to extricate himself. If Im defeated, you gain Marivs trust just by attempting the assassination, and if Mariv is defeated, youve handed over this information to show you wont side with his faction. Intentions are open to interpretation. Good. I have no reason to refuse. Above all, you hold the reins of the curse, so I dont have much of a choice. With a single word from Ian, one of Gales protective barriers could be shattered. In a situation where murderous attacks were exchanged, the value of a protective barrier was equal to the value of ones life. Ill adjust the announcement of lifting the curse to suit your intentions, Your Highness Gale. However, please use this material only as ast resort. I went to great lengths to obtain it, so it would be quite troublesome for me if it became useless. If Gale were to expose Marivs attempted regicide after Ian had gone to the trouble of helping him with the Truthful Dream Potion while under Marivs suspicion, Ian would gain nothing. What use would there be for information everyone already knew? If you had intended to use that as the signal re, please refrain from doing so and use me as a pretext instead. That would be mutually beneficial for us. He couldnt refuse. Refusing this would mean making an enemy of Ian. Gale wet his lips with the remaining alcohol and exposed his throat. Then, I have one request. Please give your orders. Schedule the assassination for after the full moon rises. May I ask the reason? Its Lady Mnias birthday. Theres a banquet with the Hayman family that day. Although he said that, Ian had figured it out. The mana stone armormissioned by the Hayman family would bepleted on that day. Ian nodded and rose from his seat. Then, I also have a request. Speak. Please return the ve I sent back in one piece. Hahaha! The one who tried to take a princes life? Forgive my impudence, but I dislike incurring losses. He was saying that he wouldnt lose anything in the fight between the two of them. Naturally, Ian didnt care who lived or died. As long as history and the natural order were followed, with one of the twin princes seeding the throne, that would suffice. Of course, that would be in the distant future. I also dislike incurring losses. If Your Highness has suffered a loss, that is a matter to take up with His Highness Mariv, not me. Well then, shall I just wait for the full moon to rise? If not, it would be troublesome for Gale himself. In the past, he would have ripped out Ians tongue for his impertinence. Gale shrugged, recognizing his own predicament once more. Fine. Ill be waiting with the doors wide open. Then, I shall take my leave. Sir Ian. Gale called out to Ian as he was about to leave. Filling his ss to the brim, he entreated. Go easy on me. Of course, I will instruct them to only make an attempt. Not that. I mean you. A meaningful statement. Was he asking for Ians help now? Ian bowed his head and exited the bedchamber. In that short span, it seemed the scent of alcohol had permeated his clothes. Swish. Now, I should return and select a suitable ve. Lord Ian. Lady Mnia. Have you finished your discussion? Yes. I hope you have a pleasant evening. Just as Ian was about to brush past her, Mnia grabbed his arm with a rough hand. The strengthing from her slender arm was unexpectedly fierce, making it hard to believe. Her expression was obscured by the backlit moonlight streaming in. Ian, I have something to tell you. Chapter 165 Chapter 165 Lady Mnia, this is a serious breach of etiquette. Never mind the informal speech, but to call him Ian? Although Mnia was the daughter of the Hayman family, the most influential among the aristocracy, Ian was one who governed the nation. Moreover, he was the Minister of the most important department, the Ministry of Magic. While he might be a lower-ranking noble, he could not bepared to someone who was merely treated preciously due to their bloodline. Not to mention, even the princes were currently in a position where they sought his assistance. Iaan? However, Lady Mnia called his name once more, seeming unconcerned. This time, she slightly raised the end of her sentence, making it a question. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, her expression became visible. It seemed perplexed, yet she was frowning in a peculiar manner. Lady Mnia, youre quite intoxicated. I suppose I am. Mnia smiled brightly and released Ians arm. However, her gaze remained sticky as she meticulously scrutinized his features. Could it be that weve met before? If you attended the New Years banquet, we would have seen each other there. No, I mean when we were young. No, we havent. I see. Im truly sorry. Actually, I was a bit doubtful. The name Ian is quitemon, and above all, I couldnt believe that such a dashing person could be the same one I knew. Im ttered by thepliment, but please be more cautious next time, Lady Mnia. It would have been troublesome if others were present. The social circle was a ce where even a small breeze could create a storm. Putting aside the fact that thedys outrageous behavior would be the talk of the town, there was a possibility that Ian could be entangled in an unsavory rumor with her. It was a well-known fact that she was Gales woman, so if that happened, it would be truly bothersome. I apologize. Mnia smiled and nodded her head. However, whenever she looked at Ian, she felt a sense of dj vu. Could it be because she had seen him at the New Years banquet or somewhere else? But at some point, when she recalled that child from her memories, it felt as though Ian was wearing a shell. Well then, take care on your way back. Lady Mnia. Yes, Minister Ian Hielo. Thus, it seemed that if she called him familiarly by his name, the appearance she knew would emerge. As if it were a magic spell to break a curse. She must be quite drunk to have such absurd thoughts. Mnia stood up straight and faced Ian. Are you aware of His Highness Gales curse? Of course. The personal hardship Gale was hiding, aside from the publicly known one. Mnia paused for a moment, then smiled broadly. Since its rted to the existence of Bariel, I will sincerely do my best to help. It seemed Mnia knew what Gales true curse was. But that was it. She bid farewell, saying she would really go in and see him, and left. Ian also left the pce without hesitation. *** Is this the ce? Yes. Since its a job that provides room and board, Ive entrusted the management of the ves to them for now. Before long, Ian arrived at a small ughterhouse in themercial district. The main tasks here were cutting meat, removing rotten entrails, and washing away blood. Starting with the foul odor, the work itself was highly demanding, so it was rare to find ordinary imperial citizens here. Come on! The next batch of meat ising in! We need to cut it quickly before the ice melts, so move swiftly! Most of them were either of ve origin or ves themselves. The pay was decent for the hard work, so it wasmon for their masters to send them here. As Ian slightly wrinkled his nose, Romandro called for the factory manager. Hey, where are our kids? Theyre packaging in the back. Ill take them for a bit. At Romandros words, the manager bowed his head. Even though they were all ves, their lives varied greatly depending on who their master was. Those who came here to die or be punished had to perform hardbor while covered in blood, while others could live rtivelyfortably, doing tasks like packaging indoors. Screech. Romandro opened the thick iron door and guided Ian inside. From afar, the sound of quiet chatter could be heard. It was the conversation the ves were having to alleviate their boredom while working. How far has the investigation into that man Fakens progressed? Thest report mentioned not only the circumstances of illegal very but also the seizure of smuggled goods. When it came to smuggled goods, it probably included looted spoils associated with thieves, like Berics ck Sword. Hell be referred to trial soon. When that happens, hell be executed without even showing his face. And theres been no word about the familiar necromancer? The security forces investigated, but they said they wouldnt talk about him specifically. Ill put in a bit more effort. Romandro rubbed his middle and index fingers together, mimicking the act of counting money. There was no better stimnt than that to get the security forces in the slums to act. Ian nodded and entered the packaging area. It was certainly more pleasant and cleanerpared to the other sections. The absence of a whip in the supervising managers hand alone revealed the atmosphere. Ah, hello. Its Lord Romandro. Over there. Lord Ian is here too. Hello. The ves put down what they were packaging and prostrated themselves to greet them. Ian walked slowly, examining the backs of their heads. Is it bearable living here? Yes, yes, sir! I feel like this ce is the heaven Ive only heard about. Its truly wonderful to live outside the prison bars. Th-thank you again. For letting us know the joy of working. No need to thank me. Just think of it as earning your own price. It would be more urate to say they were paying off the cost of bringing them here from Fakens. If they exceeded that, they would work to purchase their freedom asmoners next. It was already challenging to manage them, so they were currently being entrusted to the ughterhouse. It would be more beneficial for Ian to liberate them by paying money. B-but why are you here? Ignoring someones question, Ian only observed the ves. Those who were too old or too young were eliminated, as were those who were frail. Those with excessivelyrge physiques were also eliminated. He needed someone who was clearly suitable for assassination. Is there anyone among you who is good with their body? Good with their body? Xiaoshi is the best worker among us. They say its a waste for him to be packaging here, so hes sometimes called to do the ughtering. He was called earlier, so he must be working. Forgive me for speaking out of turn, but the factory manager overworks Xiaoshi. He came with us, but since they say its a waste for him to be packaging, they keep taking him away. Hes a ve, so theres nothing we can do, but isnt that ultimately disobeying Mr. Ians orders? Thats right! At the ves words, Romandro shouted vehemently. He had clearly told them to exclude their ves from the ughtering work! Ian calmed Romandro, who was raging about calling the manager, and ordered him to guide the way. This way, please. A barefoot ve took the lead. Squelch, squelch, the dry floor gradually became wet, making his footsteps more prominent. Ian realized it wasnt water but the blood of livestock. Its this one this time. Xiaoshi! Get to work! The manager pointed at the sleeping livestock, coiling his whip. Xiaoshis side profile could be seen standing there nkly. His hair and eyes were an ashen gray. As if refusing the order, he clenched his jaw tightly and kept his gaze fixed on the ground. His seemingly empty gaze was particrly hollow. Xiaoshi! Crack! Eventually, the whip struck his left arm. At that, Xiaoshi gripped the knife tightly and turned his head. His eye colors are different. His left eye was gray, but his right eye was a pale brown. That must have increased his value in the ve market. Xiaoshi swallowed a sigh and fumblingly felt the cows neck. To find the vital point. Moo. Then, with trembling hands, he firmly grasped the knife. The important part of the job was to minimize the suffering and end it with a single strike. Whenever unskilled individuals held the knife, the agonized cries of the livestock could always be heard. But ever since Xiaoshi was assigned, there had never been such an urrence. sh! Wait! Hey! Gasp, Sir Romandro. Well, well, you know this is a breach of contract, right? We entrusted the ves to you only for packaging work. Oh my, thats not it. It just so happens that we were short on manpower today, so we had no choice but to mobilize them. Aha! I came here knowing everything! Xiaoshis knife halted in midair. Judging by the managers flustered reaction, it was clear that his master hade. Xiaoshis odd-eye met Ians gaze head-on. He has a good physique but looks agile. Hes perfect for an assassin. Above all, he seems to have a serious demeanor, the kind who silently carries out the task given to them. Its really not true. Really! This is the first time! Right, Xiaoshi? The manager subtly pressured and urged him. The master would leave, but the manager would be with him all day. He had to act appropriately and discreetly to make his life easier. Its the seventeenth time. However, Xiaoshi solemnly revealed the truth. It was unclear whether he was loyal to Ian as his master or if that was his original disposition. But either way, it was a satisfactory answer for Ian. A ve is ultimately property. What will you do if there are issues with their stamina or health? No, thats not it, well, I apologize. For a breach of contract, you must bear the corresponding responsibility. Romandro. At Ians call, Romandro showed his front teeth from behind, making a displeased expression. It meant for the manager to follow him out. As the manager followed Romandro out in a fluster, the surroundings became quiet. Only the faint breathing of the sleeping livestock could be heard. Your name is Xiaoshi, right? Yes. Where are you from? I dont know. I was born in a ve traders prison. So he was a ve by birth. Ian nodded and nced at the sleeping livestock. You have a good physique. Have you ever engaged inbat? I have. Do you have talent? I dont think Im bad. Thats why Im still alive. When a ve said they had engaged inbat, nine times out of ten, it referred to diatorial fights for entertainment. The very fact that he had survived with all his limbs intact was proof of his talent. You dont enjoy it? No. He was calm, unlike Beric who would rave wildly. As if he knew the weight of his words well. Why? Seeing blood isnt pleasant for me. Ian smiled at Xiaoshis answer. Perfect. There was no one better suited as an assassin to be sent for show. Since it was literally for external use, if he even made a single guard bleed, Gale could find fault with it. It must have been tough working here. Then, Id like to assign you a different task. Can you do that well? At Ians question, Xiaoshi lifted his head. His eyes were truly peculiar for a man. Considering he said he was born in a prison, one could imagine the depths of the twists of his fate. Im not sure, but if you tell me to do it, I will. I like your answer. Perhaps it was because he had been a ve to the bone. His attitude was as if his master was the center of the world. Ian handed him a handkerchief and casually added. Youll be going to kill a noble person. He couldnt even kill livestock, and now he was being told to kill a person? A look of perplexity shed across Xiaoshis face. But then came Ians subsequent order. But you must not kill them. You just need to walk in on your own two feet and get caught as is. You wont even need to draw your sword from its sheath. Everything has already been arranged, so I will also guarantee your safety to the fullest extent possible. Well, will you do it? Putting aside the suspicious nature of the order, a master asking a ve if they would do it? Wasnt that truly strange? He bowed his head and replied. I will do it. If it is my mastersmand. Chapter 166 Chapter 166 Sniff sniff. Beric circled around Xiaoshi, constantly sniffing him. Was it the ragged clothes or the improperly washed body that was the problem? Xiaoshi silently looked down at his pitch-ck hands. At that moment, Ian entered the room and clicked his tongue. What are you, a dog? Why are you sniffing him like that? He smells like yukhoe. The scent of fresh meat. Its nice. Mini, who had followed behind, set down clean clothes and informed them. Both the top and bottom were a solid ck color without any patterns. It was the perfect outfit for taking advantage of the darkness. The bath is ready. Alright. Thank you. If you need anything else, just call for me again. Well then. If he were to be arrested as an assassin, he would certainly be stripped bare, so he couldnt look shabby and give away that he was a ve. Ian sat in front of him and unfolded a piece of paper. Can you read? No, I cant. Me too, me too! Then engrave it firmly in your memory. Ian sat in front of him and unfolded the paper. Even ordinary people often get lost when entering the pce for the first time. However, for someone who had spent half his life in a prison, reaching the Imperial Pce, and even Gales residence, was quite a difficult task. This is roughly the entrance. Youll be dropped off here, so keep the wall on your left and go straight in, passing through thergest door. After going through the garden, its the third room in the second corridor. Thats the reception room closest to the target. Beric, who had been listening beside them, wore a look of astonishment. As if he had heard aplex chemical form that he couldnt understand at all. At first, he had said he could go himself, but now he seemed utterly repulsed, as if he had given uppletely. This wont work. Its impossible. Beric, I know. Thats why I chose someone else. Xia, can you really do this? Seriously? Xiaoshi nced at Beric with an indifferent gaze, then nodded. I understand. Recite what I told you. He urately remembered what he had heard without a single discrepancy. A satisfied smile appeared on Ians lips, and Beric pped his hands as if in admiration. Getting such a reaction for something trivial. Xiaoshi just lowered his eyes, feeling unnecessarily embarrassed. Remember well what Im about to say now, too. *** Xiaoshi tightened his mask. On the night when the full moon rose and set again. The scenery of the unfamiliar pce was so beautiful that even the darkness couldnt conceal it. So this is the kind of world that exists, he marveled briefly. Recalling his masters words, he concealed his presence while keeping the wall on his left. Tap tap! The sound of footsteps seemed particrly loud, but it must be his imagination. He could instinctively tell. That he was now embroiled in something immense. Not only would his life change, but he was also standing at a turning point in history. But whats the problem with that? Know but dont care. Fulfilling the given orders was the only fate of a ve. Invisible shackles tend to be heavier. The imprint of very that had continued from his parents, no, even before that, seemed to be engraved on his soul. Although he himself wasnt aware of it. Creak. Xiaoshi slowly opened thergest door. There was atch, but it wasnt locked. In the vast space, the only presence he felt was his own. It waste at night, so the absence of servants was understandable, but not a single guard was in sight. Everything has been arranged, so walk in with confidence. His masters words made Xiaoshi take a step. While passing through the garden and entering the corridor. He simply walked without concealing his presence, but he couldnt encounter anyone. As if weing an intruder. Swoosh. Gasp! As he entered the corridor, a servant spotted him from afar. Xiaoshi reflexively grasped his sword, but she disappeared into the darkness, holding her breath as if she had seen something she shouldnt have. At this point, a chuckle escaped his lips. Although he had considered it a peculiar mission, to think it would be to this extent. He felt he understood why his master had chosen him. The third room. Open the door closest to the window in the reception room, and that will be the targets bedchamber. Go and stab the pillow with your sword. Xiaoshipletely let go of his murderous intent and simply walked towards his destination. Something glinted in the pitch-ck darkness. Xiaoshi unconsciously turned his head to the side and soon encountered a perplexed individual. A child? In a ce like this? Silver hair and blue eyes. The child was gazing at Xiaoshi in the darkness. Without any intention of fleeing like the servant earlier. What should he do in this situation? Could it be the targets son? Or could it possibly be the target himself? No, that couldnt be. He was told there would be a ck-haired man in the bedchamber. There must be absolutely no physical confrontation. Just avoid, ignore, and move forward. Even if you try to run away, no one will try to find you. Xiaoshi, your capture is already predetermined. The child staring intently at Xiaoshi. He tried his best to avert his gaze and turned his body. Somehow, it gave him goosebumps. He had seen all sorts of things while rolling around as a ve, but it was the first time he had seen a child with such eyes. Tap tap! Xiaoshi hurriedly tried to finish the task, entering the room without hesitation. The reception room, the door closest to the window, the bedchamber, and- Yourete. ! The ck-haired man leisurely lying on the bed, waiting for him. I almost fell asleep. Did Ian cut out your tongue? Well, a wise decision. He gestured for Xiaoshi toe closer. Xiaoshi slowly walked towards him, drawing his sword from its sheath. The pillow beside him. That was the target. Because we dont know what words mighte out of your mouth. Xiaoshi simply raised his sword without any response. It didnt matter whether the man lying in front of him was a prince or a noble. All that mattered was that stabbing the pillow would be the punctuation mark of this night. Swoosh. Ah, wait a moment. But the sword halted in midair once again. Just like when he aimed for the vital point of the livestock. Because Gale had raised his hand to grab the de. For an assassin, youre not even going to draw a single drop of blood? Thats disappointing. The people in the Imperial Pce arent so easy to deal with. A suitable sacrifice brings usibility. Come on, go ahead. This was different from his masters words. His master had told him not to draw a single drop of blood, but the target was telling him to do it. What are you doing? Are you going to stay like that? With your feet rudely on the bed? Galeughed yfully. As expected, it seemed Ian had instructed him not to inflict any physical harm on Gale. It was a signal re set off by agreement, but in the future, Gale could have a change of heart and use it as a weakness. Implicit deals were nonsense, and the fact that Ian had tried to kill Gale would remain true. Xiaoshi bit his lip and stared at Gale. What should he do in this situation? His master hadnt said anything about this. If you dont show blood, I wont call for anyone. Stay like that until dawn. At Gales words, Xiaoshi sighed and got off the bed. Then, without hesitation, he shed his own left arm. sh! A diagonal cut from his shoulder to his wrist. Soon, blood dripped, staining the marble floor. Xiaoshi felt nauseous at the sticky and mushy sensation, but he maintained hisposure by steadying his breathing. In that state, he slowly approached Gale. This is unbelievable. Why were all the ones Ian kept in such a state? Rumor had it that there was also a mad dog named Beric, and even the Magic Operations Department of the Ministry of Magic wasntposed of sane individuals. Swoosh. Xiaoshi slowly climbed over Gale, staining the bed with his blood. And without hesitation, he stabbed the pillow with his sword. As if the mission was nowplete. He sat nkly, waiting for the next step. Did he really cut out his tongue? Gale opened his jaw to examine the inside, but it was intact. It was an iprehensible situation. To wrap up the act, Gale fumbled on the table. Ding- Ding ding- The golden bedchamber bell rang pleasantly. Before long, Gales pce, which had been dark, lit up. The sound of servants and guards who had been concealing their presence could be heard running, and soon the door was roughly opened. Bang! Your Highness, are you alright? Its an intruder. Arrest this man. The servants hesitated at the sight of the blood pooling on the floor, but soon realized it wasnt Gales and felt relieved. The guards restrained Xiaoshi, and just as the servants were about to move in unison to tidy up the room. Your Highness? The head servant softly called out to Gale. As Gale turned his head with a puzzled frown, the other servants and guards also flinched in surprise. Your Highness! Your Highness Gale! How did this- Bring a doctor! A doctor! What was this fuss about? The moment Gale tried to speak. He could feel the unpleasant sensation of something flowing down his face. Eyes, nose, mouth, ears. Blood was flowing from every orifice. To the point where it would be more urate to say it was gushing out rather than flowing. Cough-! Your Highness! There was no pain. But it was agonizing to breathe due to the regurgitating blood. As Gale copsed forward, chaos erupted. Even the guards restraining Xiaoshi rushed to examine Gale. You! What have you done? I didnt do it. You demon! I didnt do it. p! The guard struck Xiaoshis cheek. His head violently turned to the side, but his posture remained unperturbed. Gale raised his hand to restrain his subordinates, but themand didnte out as a sound due to the blood constantly pouring from his throat. p! p! Xiaoshi silently endured the beating and observed Gale. So he was a prince. The Emperors son. Now that the lights were on, he didnt look old enough to have a child. Well, those in high positions were said to have political marriages from a young age. Your Highness Gale! The doctor is here! Oh my, heavens! What is going on? An assassin broke in. Hurry and stop the bleeding- Your Highness, please raise your head! Are there anycerations? It suddenly started pouring out. It could be poison. Just a moment, step aside! Head servant! Warm water and clean cloth! Gale seemed to be in his right mind, obediently raising his head as instructed by the doctor. Looking at the brilliantly sparkling chandelier, Ians golden hair came to mind. Is this Ians doing? Suddenly bleeding without any premonitory symptoms. This was impossible unless it was poison, some sort of sorcery, or magic. Moreover, he was only bleeding without any pain. It wasnt a typical case. Besides, in the current situation, if I were truly in danger, Ian would be the one in the most trouble. That couldnt be. Ian wasnt someone who would take risks even if he had to bear losses. How well did he walk the line between Mariv and Gale? There was nothing to gain from making Gale bleed in this situation. Your Highness, can you speak? Inform them. Pardon? He didnt know what had happened, but yes, it was good. He had wanted to draw blood, and it had turned out well. Whatever the case, a dramatic element was always necessary in a y. Inform them that an assassin has entered my residence. Let the entire Imperial Pce know. Ah, understood! He would figure out this strange phenomenon in due time. Before that, since the signal re had been set off, he would run first. The sooner he moved, the more he could stay ahead of his opponent. Also, inform them. To the faction that followed him. Tell them that there is someone in the Imperial Pce who seeks to harm me, so they should all enter the pce armed. Chapter 167 Chapter 167 The morning in Bariel Central was bustling as always. The tightly shut shop doors from the night before opened, and the Imperial citizens hurried here and there, rushing to work. The nobles¡¯ carriages were stuck, unable to move amidst the transport vehicles, while messenger pigeons flew noisily between them. ¡°Extra! Extra!¡± ¡°Oh my, what do we do if it¡¯s like this here?¡± ¡°Not moving forward!? What are you doing from the morning!¡± ¡°Wait a moment, please wait! Sorry, but could you help me out a bit!¡± It was the same for Ian¡¯s carriage. Ian, Romandro, and Beric had been waiting immobile on the road for several minutes. As luck would have it, the wheel of the carriage in front of them hade off, leaving them stranded indefinitely. ¡°Extra! Extra! It is said that His Highness Gale, the 2nd Prince, was attacked in the middle of the night!¡± Chak!A boy wearing a tcap scattered papers while weaving between the carriages. As the content was so shocking, people willingly stopped their busy steps to pick up the papers. ¡°What did he just say?¡± ¡°His Highness Gale, the 2nd Prince, was attacked!¡± ¡°Are you crazy? An attack on the Imperial Pce?¡± ¡°Oh my, what is this!¡± ¡°The bleeding is severe, but it is said there is no threat to his life!¡± At the addedment, Ian frowned. Before the boy passed, he opened the carriage window slightly and held out a copper coin. Like a bird spotting food, the boy¡¯s eyes sparkled as he ran over, stuffing in a newspaper, an extra edition, and an advertisement. ¡°Thank you, my lord!¡± ¡°But is that true? That the bleeding is severe?¡± ¡°I heard something at the newspaperpany, and it will be published after lunchtime. Do you have a separate newspaperpany you read, my lord?¡± At the boy¡¯s words, this time Romandro opened his wallet. A silver coin. The boy¡¯s chapped lips from the cold curved in satisfaction. ¡°It seems there was an intruder. The central nobles all entered the pce early, and there are rumors that they brought in knights. Things are progressing in an extraordinary manner.¡± Whispering, the boy kept his voice down as much as possible, lest the information leak out. The horse, bored with waiting, began tapping its hind legs. Judging by the slow movement of the carriage in front that had the ident, it was time to start moving gradually. ¡°But isn¡¯t His Highness Gale these days particrly close with Lady Mnia of Hayman? There are widespread rumors that people are moving assassins to keep this in check.¡± ¡°We¡¯re moving!¡± ¡°Put your strength into it! Push!¡± ¡°Exactly, it¡¯s His Highness Mariv!¡± Hee-ying! As the carriage wheel was freed, the coachman hastily whipped the horses to make up for the lost time. The boy bowed to the departing carriage and then ran through the streets again, shouting. ¡°Extra! Extra! His Highness Gale was attacked during the night!¡± As the window closed, the cold wind was cut off abruptly. Romandro muttered in puzzlement as he examined the extra edition. ¡°Ian, hey, isn¡¯t this a problem?¡± He had clearly instructed Xiaoshi that there should be no disturbance. To stick a dagger in the pillow, but not to confront anyone. ¡°If His Highness Gale has started bleeding, who knows how he will emerge in the future, even if not right now.¡± ¡°That Xia guy looked really smart. He¡¯s also useless!¡± ¡°Be quiet, you rascal. How many times have I told you not to pretend to know Xiaoshi!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it okay since it¡¯s just us here?¡± The signal re had been fired. It exploded so loudly that it brought about an unexpected situation, but anyway, the task was done. ¡®Xiaoshi seemed to have an aversion to blood. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t him, but Gale himself who inflicted the wound. To find an excuse against me.¡¯ The details could be found out by meeting Xiaoshi. ¡°But the newspaperpany is amazing. How did they know what happened in the pce overnight?¡± ¡°Gale personally leaked the information.¡± ¡°Oh? Really?¡± ¡°Yes. From Gale¡¯s standpoint, it¡¯s advantageous for people to know that he almost died and why he was almost killed.¡± Gale¡¯s curse is entangled with Bariel. And Bariel is soon the Imperial citizens. If it is revealed that Gale¡¯s life is tied to their existence and demise, public opinion will turn favorably for Gale. ¡°To the Imperial citizens, neither Mariv nor Gale is of great importance. They are figures they may not even know the appearance of. Whoever bes the next emperor, their tomorrows are guaranteed. But what will happen when they learn that Gale¡¯s death means the decline of Bariel?¡± ¡°They¡¯ll pray for him not to die!¡± ¡°That is ¡®support¡¯.¡± Oho! Beric¡¯s eyes widened as if he had realized something. Telling someone not to die is support! He grabbed Romandro¡¯s hand and muttered with determination. ¡°I support you, Romandro.¡± ¡°Oh my. I should say thank you.¡± ¡°I support you, Ian.¡± ¡°¡­I support you too.¡± Ian chuckled and yed along. Sometimes, Beric had such amusing aspects. Romandro patted the back of Beric¡¯s hand and sighed, as if telling the capricious child to stay put for a while. ¡°Since His Majesty the Emperor has issued a gag order regarding the curse, I suppose this is how they intend to break through.¡± ¡°Clever. I guess they have connections with the press as well.¡± ¡°After all, most of the newspaperpanies operate on funding from nobles, so there must be ties here and there.¡± With just the one sentence that Gale was attacked, countless curiosities could be aroused. Why? How? Who? In what way? Satisfying those and peeling off theyers one by one, mentions of the curse were bound to leak out. What else seeps through cracks as easily as words? ¡°Judging by the fact that they say the bleeding was severe, we can imagine the atmosphere in the Imperial Pce.¡± It would probably be iparable to the previous day of judgment to uncover the curse. Back then, it was tension based on despair, but this time, it would be tension based on the threat to survival that pervaded. ¡°Beric. When we enter, stay close by my side with restraint.¡± ¡°Master. When did I ever wander around?¡± ¡°You did not exercise restraint. Lord Romandro. When we enter, let¡¯s try to contact Xiaoshi right away.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± By estimation, the interrogation would have already ended hastily. In the process of creating the truth, those connected to Xiaoshi were predetermined. ¡°When it spreads that Mariv is implicated, rapid changes will ur in the Imperial Pce. Prohibit mages from external duties and outings, and recall all those who have left the pce as well.¡± ¡°Even those who have left the pce?¡± ¡°When the storm is raging, we must stick together to survive.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. The body must be solid so as not to crumble easily.¡± Romandro kept nodding as he jotted down the orders in a small notebook. But judging by his trembling hand holding the pen, he seemed quite nervous. On the other hand, Beric leisurely observed out the window, humming. ¡°Hmm, hmm hmm. Grabbing a sword is nice. It¡¯s fun. The pce people, snip snip. Hmm hmm.¡± ¡°What kind of bizarre lyrics are those!¡± ¡°Huh? Is it a bit much? Okay, okay. I¡¯ll change it to deng-gang deng-gang. Hmm hmm.¡± It would be better not to listen at all. Romandro tried to ignore Beric¡¯s humming and asked Ian. ¡°By the way, Ian. What do you mean by changes?¡± ¡°First, there will be immediate ones on Mariv¡¯s side.¡± If it spreads that the attack in the middle of the night was Mariv¡¯s doing, he will want to check on Xiaoshi right away. But Gale¡¯s side will likely refuse to show him. The first sh arising from there was anticipated. ¡°One side will demand that the investigation process be formally revealed, while the other side will insist that an investigation cannot be conducted under the supervision of the mastermind. If the confrontation continues, the more desperate one will make the first move.¡± That would be Mariv. Cornered, he will make a move somehow to escape. Whether that will be force or another card he has hidden, who knows. ¡°Gale¡¯s side will attach all sorts of serious crimes like treason and whatnot to trying to kill Gale, who shares the same fate as Bariel, and raise their voices. Mariv¡¯s side will be busy countering that.¡± ¡°That¡­ do you have no intention of informing His Highness Mariv?¡± ¡°That Xiaoshi is my ve?¡± ¡°Yes. After all, wasn¡¯t it done on His Highness Mariv¡¯s orders? You said to prove the truth.¡± ¡°Telling him at the appropriate time is best. The signal re has been fired, but what¡¯s the point if none of the yers run?¡± Since Gale had bled, Mariv also needed a process to follow that. ¡°From Mariv¡¯s perspective, I have failed. I was ordered to kill Gale, but the ve was captured for all to see, not even providing an excuse, right? Revealing it now would be poison, shattering trust beyond just diminishing it. Like letting it flow with the water, there will be a chance to inform him.¡± Ian looked up at the Imperial Pce, which was getting closer. As usual, Bariel¡¯s national g was flying majestically. As the boy spreading the extra edition had said, it was clear that the nobles had entered the pce with their knights. Compared to usual, the entry permission was being dyed by three to four times. ¡°And to be honest, there¡¯s something else bothering me right now-¡° Just as he was about to say something, the entry guard recognized Ian¡¯s carriage and approached first. Knock knock. ¡°Are you Minister Ian Hielo?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± When Ian showed his face and nodded, the guard ordered the coachman to turn the horse¡¯s head. ¡°There was an urgent order from above. When the Minister of Magic enters the pce, go straight to the 1st Imperial Pce. We will open the back door, so please enter through there.¡± The 1st Imperial Pce is where the residences of the imperial family and the offices of the officials are located. It was the same as saying an emergency meeting had been convened. Ian¡¯s carriage passed the long line and leisurely entered the pce under the guard¡¯s escort. ¡°Ian, what were you going to say earlier?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°You said there was something else bothering you.¡± ¡°Ah. Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± The carriage was now galloping as if flying. Ian straightened his jolting body and answered. ¡°It¡¯s about His Majesty the Emperor.¡± ¡°His Majesty the Emperor?¡± ¡°No matter how senile andcking in energy he may be, he is the center of the world and the dignity of the Imperial Pce. When such amotion urs, I can¡¯t grasp how he will emerge.¡± It was a kind of variable. Judging by the fact that Gale, who had the Emperor¡¯s favor, hade this far, he was likely implicitly agreeing to push Mariv aside. ¡®It¡¯s not aiming for the throne, but a struggle for the position of heir. Perhaps he thinks that much can be given to the one who seizes it?¡¯ The 3rd Prince had died from a fall. Whether that was the truth, only the gods knew. Although Gale was born from a concubine, if Mariv were gone, he would be the prince closest to the legitimate lineage among the surviving princes. ¡®All the more so if Gale informed the Emperor of the suspicion of Mariv¡¯s assassination attempt, the Emperor would support Gale.¡¯ Ian pressed his temples with his wrist. When the one who held everything in his hands is driven to the point of losing everything, what kind of act would hemit? ¡°Take a look at that, Ian.¡± ¡°Ooooh! They¡¯re going to kill!¡± At Romandro and Beric¡¯s words, Ian turned his head to look out the window. Armed knights were gathered like clouds. Each holding the gs of their affiliated families. The colorful cloths rippled on the pce ground. ¡°¡­It seems the real start is here.¡± The factions are confronting each other, holding their positions. A grim atmosphere as if they would hurl spears at each other the moment someone shouted. Ian¡¯s carriage passed between them and arrived at the 1st Imperial Pce. ¡°We, we¡¯ve arrived.¡± The coachman¡¯s voice was hoarse, perhaps from nervousness. Ian quickly alighted from the carriage and climbed the stairs, followed by Romandro and Beric. Tap tap tap! The 1st Imperial Pce. The ce where the residences of the imperial family and the offices of the officials were gathered. The crowd was so immense that the door to the grand conference room was half open. Those who recognized Ian twisted their bodies left and right, opening a path. ¡°What are you saying? His Highness Mariv!¡± Murmur murmur, the inside was not clearly visible due to the backs of the officials. Only voices could be heard. ¡°His Highness Mariv is managing His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s seal?¡± At the sudden remark, Ian¡¯s eyes widened. As he pushed through the crowd and stepped forward, Mariv, with his hair tightly tied up, was sitting in the Emperor¡¯s seat. Those who know, know. That hairstyle is what Mariv does when he goes hunting. ¡°Oh, Minister Ian Hielo!¡± Mariv grinned and waved his hand. The huge golden seal ced in front of him. ¡°Come on in.¡± It was the Emperor¡¯s seal. Ian hastened to process the situation in his mind. The Emperor¡¯s seal in Mariv¡¯s hands, clearly it was Gale who had gathered armed forcesst night, but¡­ ¡®Those confronting each other at the entrance were all armed.¡¯ Ian realized. Mariv had anticipated in advance that Gale would plot an assassination andunch a preemptive attack. How he himself had been used in that would depend on his actions from now on. Chapter 168 Chapter 168 Previously, In contrast to Gale¡¯s pce, which was dark to wee the intruder, Mariv¡¯s quarters were bright as always. That night was no exception. The only difference was that instead of sitting at his desk as usual, he was lying on the couch, merely counting time. Creak. ¡°Your Highness. Are you not sleeping tonight as well?¡± Mariv¡¯s aide, Paal, asked cautiously. It had already been several days. Although he never got enough sleep even normally, these days it had gone too far. His superior was bing increasingly irritable, sharp-tongued, and often lost in a daze. ¡°¡­I took a nap during the day.¡± ¡°It was only for a brief moment. Your judgment will be clouded.¡± ¡°Yes. It seems so. Since I want to chase you out right this instant.¡± Heh, the escapingughter held no strength at all. As Mariv gestured with his chin toward the tea cup that had grown cold, Paal sat across from him and took out a stimnt.¡°If something erupts in this state, you won¡¯t be able to handle it properly.¡± ¡°My patience is reaching its limit. Shut up and just report.¡± ¡°¡­I was told that all the lights in His Highness Gale¡¯s residence have been turned off.¡± ¡°¡­All of them?¡± ¡°Yes. Without a single one left on.¡± At the aide¡¯s report, the drowsiness that had been creeping in instantly vanished. Mariv held the stimnt in his mouth and lifted his head. He felt a chill run down the back of his neck. ¡°Anywhere else might be fine, but that shouldn¡¯t be happening in Gale¡¯s pce. Any movements?¡± ¡°None.¡± The Haman family hadpleted the mana armor, and the troop movements of the nobles who had been in contact with Gale were suspicious. Days filled with tension, as if they couldunch surprise attacks on each other at any moment. Gale, like Mariv, would also be cautious at night, so how could he have turned off all the lights? ¡°¡­If you close your eyes, you can¡¯t avoid a flying de. You won¡¯t even know who threw the knife. Give the order to assemble.¡± ¡°Will you be alright?¡± Paal did not move his feet despite the order. The lights in the residence had merely been turned off. If they moved hastily, it could put Mariv in a difficult position instead. If it was a signal re, they had to move faster than anyone else, but running out beforehand would be a false start. Moreover, wasn¡¯t his superior¡¯s judgment currently impaired due tock of sleep? ¡°What if it¡¯s a trapid by His Highness Gale?¡± ¡°Even if it¡¯s a trap, would it be a hole big enough for all in the pce to fall into?¡± Sensing movement, the head chambein approached and tidied up Mariv¡¯s majesty. Mariv willingly received the touch while muttering. His gaze toward Paal was growing increasingly murderous. A silent urging to carry out the order. ¡°If the departure is dyed because of you, will you take responsibility?¡± ¡°¡­My apologies.¡± Tadak tadak! The aide had no choice but to run out to gather their forces. In the quiet office, Mariv looked at his own eyes in the mirror and thought of Gale. They didn¡¯t resemble each other in the slightest, but this much proved that they were brothers. ¡®Gale. The day has finallye, hasn¡¯t it.¡¯ He couldn¡¯t even remember when it started. It was an ill fate inherited from their respective mothers, a destiny that had taken root from the womb. Mariv felt his heart pounding. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was due to the stimnt or the excitement of being able to end Gale. Or perhaps it was the tension before the operation. But what mattered was that this feeling wasn¡¯t so bad. ¡°Your Highness, everyone inside the pce has gathered, centered around Minister Taiha. The nobles from outside will enter the pce as soon as the message reaches them.¡± Mariv went out after receiving Paal¡¯s report. It was a time when the moon still shone brightly. Those who had been enduring the night with him on his orders had assembled and were waiting in front of the pce. Taiha, the Minister of Imperial Defense, approached Mariv and whispered. ¡°There was an intruder in His Highness Gale¡¯s residence.¡± Minister Taiha, who often engaged in arguments with Wesleigh. It was thought that he would not be able to serve consecutive terms, but after the New Year¡¯s greetings meeting, he miraculously managed to be reappointed. It was because the next Minister of Imperial Defense was particrly close to Wesleigh. ¡°I thought as much.¡± Turning off all the lights in the pce was probably to wee the intruder. A grim smile appeared on Mariv¡¯s lips. ¡°Our side offered to handle the intruder, but we were initially refused.¡± ¡°What is there to interrogate? They will call my name. It¡¯s Gale¡¯s own ploy. Minister Taiha. Focus on securing the intruder. Under the pretext of security, seal off Gale¡¯s pce.¡± ¡°But there¡¯s a strange aspect to this.¡± Mariv¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. As if urging him to quickly say what it was. ¡°His Highness Gale¡¯s condition is no joke. He was carried to the infirmary with severe bleeding, and I heard all the doctors on duty are currently gathered to stop the bleeding.¡± Mariv¡¯s steps, which had been striding along, came to a halt. Based on the situation or any other aspect, wasn¡¯t it clear that Gale had orchestrated this himself to secure justification? But his condition was like that? ¡°Are you certain?¡± ¡°My subordinate personally reported it.¡± Mariv stopped and looked up at the fluttering banners. The circumstances were certainly clear. Something must have gone wrong in the process. Mariv suddenly thought of a child. ¡®Ian.¡¯ A child whose intentions could not be guessed even an inch. He had ordered him to kill Gale, but he didn¡¯t think Ian would carry it out as instructed. In fact, back then at the tribunal when he couldn¡¯t finish off Gale. Mariv felt Ian was not a piece on the chessboard, but a participant sitting beside it. ¡®Was it Ian¡¯s doing? Did he approach Gale with a self-directed ploy as bait and attempt to eliminate him?¡¯ ¡°His Highness Mariv. What should we do?¡± As their lord, who should be moving quickly, remained still, Paal asked worriedly. At that moment, a cold wind blew fiercely. Mariv¡¯s long hair fluttered, and the thoughts that had been intricately entangled in his mind vanished with the wind. ¡°Follow me.¡± Chuk. Paal, Minister Taiha, high-ranking officials from each department, and even the knights and soldiers. They all followed closely behind Mariv, who took the lead, walking swiftly. The torches they held increased one by one. A huge stream of light dividing the Imperial Pce. A wave that changes history. ¡°We¡¯re going to His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s quarters.¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s quarters!¡± ¡°Seal off Gale¡¯s pce and prohibit the Haman family from entering the Imperial Pce.¡± Whenever Mariv gave an order, the subordinates following him on either side split off, and the regr guards were in a flurry, not knowing what to do, making way for them. Something unusual was happening, but they seemed utterly clueless about what was going on. Chuk. ¡°Your Highness Mariv. What is the meaning of this?¡± Mariv, who had arrived at the Emperor¡¯s pce. The one who stopped him was Beors, one of the captains of the Imperial Guard. Normally, he would not have interfered with Mariv¡¯s entry, but wasn¡¯t the atmosphere too menacing? What were those gathered behind him, and what was the sword firmly attached to Mariv¡¯s waist? ¡°I havee to see His Majesty the Emperor.¡± ¡°That is not possible. It is toote at night, and I absolutely cannot allow it in this situation.¡± He was resolute. Protecting the Emperor¡¯s well-being was his duty. Mariv muttered, feeling his anger gradually rising. ¡°Beors. If I can¡¯t see His Majesty the Emperor right now, his well-being will truly be in danger.¡± ¡°What do you mean by that¡­?¡± The ¡®seal¡¯ that symbolizes the Emperor¡¯s authority and decides all matters, big and small, in Bariel. If Mariv couldn¡¯t obtain it before sunrise, or more precisely, before the intruder and Mariv were officially connected, he would have no choice but to take truly drastic measures. ¡°Beors. Step aside.¡± ¡°Goodness, Riama!¡± A woman appeared from behind Mariv. It was Riama, one of the three captains. At the sudden appearance of his colleague, Beors reflexively grabbed the hilt of his sword. ¡°His Highness Mariv does not intend to harm His Majesty the Emperor. He merely has business to attend to. If you stand in the way now, we will have no choice but to behead you.¡± ¡°¡­We? Did you say ¡®we¡¯ just now?¡± ¡°Please step aside. No harm wille to His Majesty the Emperor at all. I guarantee it. His Highness Mariv, please speak.¡± The power of the three captains was known to everyone in the Imperial Pce. Jeirutt, who had shed with Beric, Beors, and Riama. No one could handle these three individuals alone. ¡°I swear. A son hase to see his father. If you wish, you may naturally apany us.¡± Mariv smiled and raised both hands. Although he couldn¡¯t overpower them, there was a will to break through if necessary. If the captains were to cross swords, the extent of the damage would be unimaginable. ¡®Above all, with Jeirutt absent now, if I¡¯m also gone¡­¡¯ It would be as if there was no one to protect His Majesty the Emperor right by his side. Having finished his calctions, Beors slowly released his grip on the sword. ¡°Only Your Highness Mariv should disarm and enter.¡± ¡°I will. If you promise not to harm me.¡± ¡°Look at the situation, Your Highness. Who would harm whom?¡± Mariv signaled everyone to wait and brushed past Beors. Beors red at Riama and then immediately followed the prince. Tadak tadak! The two disappeared into the darkness. Mariv¡¯s forces looked up at the fully brightened sky and frowned. A new history was being written on this morning. *** ¡°His Majesty the Emperor handed over the seal to His Highness Mariv? That¡¯s absurd!¡± ¡°Why do you think it¡¯s absurd? The evidence is right here.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know the significance of handing over the seal?¡± ¡°I am currently the only heir to His Majesty the Emperor. His Majesty¡¯s health has deteriorated to the point where he cannot oversee state affairs. It is regrettable, but I am saying that I will take the seal in his stead. I don¡¯t understand why you are raising your voice like this.¡± ¡°Your Highness Mariv!¡± The grand conference hall was in chaos. Naturally so, as Mariv had suddenly secured the Emperor¡¯s seal and dered that he would assume its authority. The officials were all shouting at the top of their lungs. ¡°Allow us to have an audience with His Majesty the Emperor!¡± ¡°I deny the request. His health is in a very precarious state.¡± ¡°Is that truly the case, Your Highness? Right now¡ª¡± ¡°Are you saying that I have imprisoned my father?¡± At Mariv¡¯s words, an official couldn¡¯t finish his sentence. If it was perceived as an insult to the Imperial Family, it would undoubtedly be a loss. Everyone murmured, feeling perplexed and not knowing what to do about this situation. ¡°An intruder infiltrated Gale¡¯s residence overnight. His Majesty has copsed, and this is an unprecedented crisis in Bariel¡¯s history. Those who amplify the chaos should be prepared for the consequences.¡± With Mariv¡¯s words, the atmosphere gradually subsided. This was a coup. Undoubtedly, it was treason and a plot against the throne. Mariv proudly caressed the seal and called Ian. ¡°Does the Minister of Magic agree with this?¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°The entry and security of the Imperial Pce fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Magic, but I don¡¯t understand how an intruder infiltrated Gale¡¯s residence. It seems the Minister of Magic would also have something to report regarding this matter.¡± It meant to exin the intruder. Ian felt a throbbing pain in his head as he looked at the glistening golden seal. Putting everything else aside¡­ ¡®Indeed, the seal is not the one I know.¡¯ It was definitely different from the one used when he was the Emperor. He had also felt it when receiving the lord¡¯s appointment letter at the border, but the seals from 100 years before and after were clearly different. ¡®Why?¡¯ As if urging Ian¡¯s answer, Mariv tapped the seal. That¡¯s when it happened. Kwang-! The roaring from outside. Everyone flinched and turned around. Gale was entering the conference hall with a sword in his hand. Covered in blood, not knowing whose it was. Chapter 169 Chapter 169 The moment Ian saw the blood on Gale¡¯s hands, he felt as if time had stopped. The sight of Gale approaching step by step seemed to stretch slowly, and it felt like all his senses were being cut off. But at the same time, his hair stood on end, and his brain was spinning rapidly. ¡®Think.¡¯ Gale had been attacked, and he would officially raise the issue to Mariv. Mariv had currently secured the seal, and the Emperor¡¯s well-being could not be confirmed. If that was the case¡­ ¡®It¡¯s as good as the Emperor¡¯s authority having been transferred to Mariv. If Gale officially raises the issue of the assassin to such a person¡ª¡¯ ¡°Gale. So you were alive. I thought you were dead.¡± Mariv smiled, not hiding his disappointment. Instead of answering, Gale looked at the Emperor¡¯s seal and then strode forward. Drops of blood dripped from his fingertips. Ian grabbed Romandro¡¯s arm and stepped back. ¡°Sir Romandro.¡±¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Go to the Ministry of Magic and order the mages to close all entrances to the Imperial Pce, and maintain a protective magic barrier around the Ministry of Magic building itself.¡± At Ian¡¯s whisper, Romandro backpedaled and left the grand conference hall. As Gale approached without stopping, Mariv¡¯s subordinates drew their swords. Shing! ¡°Stop right there, Your Highness Gale.¡± ¡°Soldiers had swarmed my residence.¡± ¡°Stop!¡± ¡°Shut up. How dare you, in front of whom.¡± sh! Without hesitation, Gale shed the chest of the person facing him. It was clear how the blood on his hands had gotten there. It must have been the traces of those who had been stationed near Gale¡¯s pce on Mariv¡¯s orders. The officials were surprised and covered their mouths, and all of Mariv¡¯s subordinates drew their swords. Shing! Shing! ¡°Your Highness Gale! This cannot be done!¡± ¡°What are you doing? Everyone, stop him, stop him!¡± ¡°Last night, there was an intruder in my residence. Sent by Mariv.¡± Gale¡¯s subordinates and Mariv¡¯s subordinates took stances as if they would sh at any moment. The officials were frozen, not knowing what was going on, merely rolling their eyes. ¡®This is no ordinary situation.¡¯ He had suspected it from the moment he heard Mariv¡¯s im to act on behalf of the Emperor¡¯s authority with the seal, but now it was a process of clearly epting it as reality. Look at the crimson blood flowing on the floor. If that wasn¡¯t reality, then what was? ¡°I am under a curse that is tied to the existence and demise of the Great Empire of Bariel. Trying to kill me, and even stealing my father¡¯s seal. How should this be interpreted? Hmm?¡± Galeughed grimly and looked around at the trembling officials. There was no room for interpretation. This was treason and, furthermore, a grave crime that would shatter the future of Bariel. ¡°Tsk, the intruder being the doing of His Highness Mariv?¡± ¡°Your Highness Mariv, please speak.¡± ¡°The death of His Highness Gale will also spell Your Highness¡¯s death!¡± ¡°No, wait! Everyone, calm down. The matter of the intruder can be investigated gradually. The problem is the seal!¡± Even with the momentum of the subordinates who seemed ready to rip each other¡¯s throats out at any moment, Mariv was still seated. He leisurely caressed the seal, as if he was detached from this ce. ¡°Gale, wasn¡¯t it you who attempted treason? Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know that you were building up forces by contacting the nobles of each border region? Above all, to even stage a ploy to nder me, this is truly disloyalty to His Majesty. Moreover, I know that your curse is a lie.¡± This time, the gazes of the officials poured onto Gale. The situation was divided on the interpretation of who had truly instigated the treason. At that moment, the man who had been shed by Gale and was rolling on the floor screamed and stood up. Simultaneously, Gale¡¯s subordinates rushed in, and the ce turned into chaos. ng! ng! ¡°Aaaaargh! Argh!¡± ¡°Everyone, outside! Outside!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do this, Your Highness! Your Highness!¡± ¡°Find His Majesty the Emperor! We need His Majesty to mediate¡ª¡± Zing! Boom! Beric, who had been glinting his eyes, contemting whether to slyly join the fight, came to his senses and stood at attention. Ian had released his mana. His eyes, shing with golden pupils, were clearly filled with murderous intent. ¡°¡­Everyone, calm down.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t interfere! We are in the midst of achieving a great cause!¡± ng! Someone who was excited swung a sword at Ian. Beric instinctively blocked the attack and counterattacked with a natural stance, as if water was flowing. ¡°You stay out of it too. My master is speaking.¡± ¡°You impudent bastard¡ª!¡± Bam! Beric grabbed the man¡¯s hair and mmed his head onto the table. The sound of a skull cracking against the marble b was heard. Continuously, without stopping, endlessly. ¡°Enough.¡± ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°Riama. You must be the mad dog who shed with Jeirutt.¡± ¡°You¡¯re Friends with Jeirutt?¡± It was Riama, one of the three captains. If she was friends with Jeirutt, she must be strong too! As Beric¡¯s eyes sparkled, ready to pounce, Ian released his mana once again. Boom! ¡°¡­I won¡¯t say it twice. From now on, anyone who causes a disturbance will face consequences.¡± A low warning voice. It was so majestic that one could never imagine iting from a child. Those who had been shouting to bring the Emperor all shrank back and covered their mouths. Who would know that the Emperor they wanted hade? ¡°Sir Ian Hielo. I am curious about your opinion. Who do you think is the one who plotted treason and caused chaos in the Imperial Pce?¡± Mariv tapped the seal suggestively and asked. As if telling him to properly choose his stance now. The intention was that he was sick and tired of walking a tightrope and to clearly take a position. ¡®It¡¯s a mess.¡¯ None of them were doing anything right. The situation was so twisted and tangled that it was impossible to know who was tied up first and who was being untangled. Ian looked at Mariv and Gale with an indifferent gaze. ¡°Both of you¡ª¡± If it came to this, there was no need to bother untangling the rope. ¡°Will not be engraved in history.¡± Just cut it and discard it. At Ian¡¯s words, Mariv and Gale¡¯s eyebrows twitched simultaneously. ¡°Until I can confirm His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s well-being with my own eyes, I cannot acknowledge His Highness Mariv¡¯s authority. The seizure of the seal is a clear act of treason. If you tried to harm His Highness Gale, that is also an act that would lead to the decline of Bariel.¡± ¡°Correct! If it was done before lifting the curse, it can only be seen as being instigated by a demon!¡± ¡°As for His Highness Gale¡­¡± Ian looked Gale up and down and swallowed a sigh. This side was even more hopeless. He had known Gale was the mastermind of the rebellion since his time at the border. Boom! At that moment, a roar was heard from outside. The forces confronting each other in front of the grand conference hall had shed. No one had given the order to attack, yet they shouted with bulging veins. ¡°Kill them!¡± ¡°Aaargh!¡± Like a fire ignited by a subtle spark. No one could tell what had started the battle. There was already swordy inside, and there was no guarantee it wouldn¡¯t happen outside as well. ng! ng! ¡°Hand over the seal! Prince Mariv!¡± ¡°How dare you! How dare you utter His Highness Mariv¡¯s name!¡± ¡°Oh no, dodge! Dodge!¡± Once again, without knowing who started it first, they began shing swords. The officials, judging that they absolutely could not remain here, all bowed their heads and evacuated. ¡°Ian, what should we do?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go too. There¡¯s no point in staying here, it¡¯ll only give us a headache.¡± Thest sight Ian saw as he left the grand conference hall was Gale pouncing on Mariv. As the soldiers, caught up in excitement, swung their swords without distinguishing between friend and foe, screams erupted from all around. ng! ng! ¡°Aaargh! It¡¯s not me! I have nothing to do with this!¡± ¡°Everyone, go to the Ministry of Magic building! For the safety of the citizens and to prevent chaos, all ess to the Imperial Pce has been sealed off. Those seeking safety, go to the Ministry of Magic building!¡± ¡°Come to the Ministry of Magic! Hahaha!¡± sh! Beric shouted constantly while clearing the way for Ian. The banners of each family that had been fluttering gloriously began to be driven into the ground one by one. Even though they were the most prominent figures in the central region, perhaps from today onward, only a very few families would be able to continue their lineage. ¡°Ian! This way!¡± sh! Beric effortlessly deflected the blind attacks and escorted Ian. Officials who hade to work without knowing anything and were humiliated trembled and followed behind Ian. With the words ¡°seek safety at the Ministry of Magic¡± ringing in their ears, it was like a survival instinct. ¡°L-L-Lord Ian, what should we do now?¡± ¡°We need to find the ministers who have not yet been involved in the power struggle between His Highness Mariv and His Highness Gale. And also the whereabouts of His Majesty the Emperor. Since the Imperial Pce will be sealed off, he must be inside.¡± ¡°Hik! Hiiik!¡± ng! ng! From dawn until morning. It was a short time for the Emperor to go outside. Regardless of what Mariv had done, if they wanted to find him, they had to search inside. ¡°Kill them! Kill anyone carrying a red g!¡± ¡°The fate of Bariel is in our hands! Will you hand over the future to someone who isn¡¯t even the legitimate heir?!¡± ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± As they left the First Imperial Pce, Ian suddenly looked back. The scenery felt familiar. ¡®Find the Emperor!¡¯ ¡®Kill! Only death awaits those who stand in our way!¡¯ ¡®Your Majesty, you must flee. Chrony is now¡ª!¡¯ ¡®sh!¡¯ ¡®Aaargh! Your Majesty! Your Majesty!¡¯ ¡®Set your sights straight. Will you pledge the future to that child who descended from the throne, or will you pledge the future to me, who will ascend to the throne? I, Chrony, oppose my uncle, no, Emperor Ian.¡¯ The shouts of the opposing forces that had simrly engulfed the Imperial Pce when he was the Emperor. The sight of chaos descending upon the Imperial Pce, which was always solemn, peaceful, and maintaining its center, evoked a truly strange sense of unfamiliarity. Even for the second time, it was so difficult to get used to. ¡°Lord Ian! Lord Ian has arrived!¡± ¡°What exactly happened?¡± At the Ministry of Magic building, all the mages hade out. Following the orders conveyed by Romandro, they had drawn magic circles at the entrance and nearby areas to create a protective barrier. It was the same defensive formation they had used to block Wesleigh. Zing. Zing! ¡°Lower the strength of the mana to its minimum value and instead expand the area. More and more people will likely seek this ce.¡± Ian ced his hand on the translucent glowing wall, gauging its sturdiness. It wasn¡¯t meant to block Wesleigh or magical beasts, but merely to deflect the swords and spears of humans. It didn¡¯t need to be this sturdy. ¡°I-Is it true that all the entrances to the Imperial Pce are being sealed off? We have temporarily prohibited passage, but¡­¡± The magic falling like an aurora at each entrance of the Imperial Pce. It was a device of the Ministry of Magic to identify individuals and filter out outsiders. As it stopped, the guards in charge of ess control also had their work paralyzed, so they locked the gatespletely. ¡°Even a short distance outside the Imperial Pce is the citizens¡¯ territory. Should the filth of a mud fight stter there? Strictly control it.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± In the distance, smoke began to rise from the ce where the grand conference hall had been. As if they were truly going to burn each other. When the chaos subsided, it would be known who would be standing on the blood. Whoever it was, they would clean the floor together. ¡°¡­Portal.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± Ian muttered to himself and entered the main building of the Ministry of Magic. And he was about to order Beric but hesitated. ¡®I need to check on Arsen and Jin¡¯s well-being, but Beric has no sense of direction, so it would be difficult for him.¡¯ ¡°Why, why? Why are you looking at me like that? You have something to order me to do?¡± ¡°No. Just protect the people here.¡± ¡°Huh? There is? There definitely is?¡± ¡°In a moment, go to Dina¡¯s pce. Bring Prince Arsen and Jin.¡± Ian remembered that near that area, there was a prison where Xiaoshi was being held. Boom! Another roar of unknown origin echoed, and smoke rose. ¡°Huh? Take a look at that. What the hell is that¡­?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on inside the pce?¡± ¡°I heard His Highness Gale was also injured.¡± ¡°They said entry is prohibited in the morning? Did the Ministry of Magic blow something up during an experiment?¡± The citizens of the Empire living near the Imperial Pce also saw the smoke. No one could guess what was happening inside. Chapter 170 Chapter 170 Ian and the chiefs of each department gathered around a giant round table. Outside, roars and screams continued to be heard. As the situation was extremely urgent, Ian only checked with a nce to see if everyone had gathered. Without even time to sit, they leaned their upper bodies on the round table and looked at Akore. She brought a ss box containing gray powder and poured it onto the table. Swish. It was mana stone powder as soft as fine sand particles. It reacted to mana like maism and had the ability to remember shapes. ¡°Someone pour mana into it. We¡¯re in a hurry.¡± As Akore spoke while tapping the powder, someone blew mana into it. The mana stone powder began to clump together on its own, soon forming the entire Imperial Pce. A three-dimensional blueprint, as if looking down at the pce from a god¡¯s perspective. Swish! Akore didn¡¯t stop there and sprinkled yellow and ck powder. As if given life, they tangled and clumped together, roaming the blueprint. It showed Mariv and Gale¡¯s forces in real-time by sensing them with mana. ¡°Why yellow and ck?¡±¡°Hmm, yellow head, ck head.¡± Akore answered a colleague¡¯s question without hesitation. It was an attitude that there was no respect for those who had messed up the pce like this, whether they were princes or whatever. The colleague bit his lip, about to refute. ¡°Currently, battles are continuously taking ce centered around the First Imperial Pce. It seems it won¡¯t end until one of the princes of each force dies.¡± Among the countless powder particles, Mariv and Gale were also certainly alive. Ian muttered while scanning the overall situation. ¡°No. The princes won¡¯t kill each other.¡± ¡°What? Aren¡¯t they making this fuss trying to kill each other right now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a process to drive out the other¡¯s forces. If they gain victory through the death of either Mariv or Gale, they won¡¯t be able to persuade Bariel.¡± ¡°When you say Bariel¡­¡± ¡°Me. You all. And the citizens of the Empire.¡± It meant Ian, the core of the third force that did not participate in the battle. You all, referring to the talented individuals of the pce, excluding the core members. The citizens, meaning the faith and support of the people. ¡°After officially referring it to the pce court and receiving ¡®everyone¡¯s acknowledgment¡¯ that the other partymitted treason. Only then, executing them will be the indulgence for the current situation.¡± It didn¡¯t matter what the truth was. The victor would be justice and righteousness, so whatever the defeated said would be a protest. ¡°For the legitimacy that will be recorded.¡± ¡°Then, then what do we do? What should we do?¡± The chiefs all turned to Ian. Ian muttered while continuously looking down at the terribly wriggling mana stone particles. Each of those represented a person and a life, but soon they would turn into corpses. ¡°¡­Does everyone remember the ¡®Mage¡¯s Oath¡¯?¡± The Mage¡¯s Oath. It referred to the words of the sage written in the Great Grimoire that had been passed down for a thousand years. Those who studied and coveted magic had no choice but to memorize it. Akore was the first to recite, pushing up her sses. ¡°To a mage, mana is another sense that transcends the five senses. See the truth, listen to what the soul speaks, and speak of the divine.¡± Hale, who had been chewing tobo, took up the oath. ¡°Smell the burning of greed and be cautious, taste the longing. Remember that what burns within you is a me, and don¡¯t let it be extinguished by the external wind.¡± The chiefs exchanged nces and slowly synchronized their breaths. The sage¡¯s words were still alive through the mages, transcending immeasurable time. ¡°Thus, let the inner me burn eternally. It is the light that illuminates the world¡ª¡± ¡®And it will keep you warm.¡¯ Naum was the same. As if he continued to live in Ian¡¯s memories, his voice seemed to echo in his ears. Isn¡¯t it truly strange? The mages of this era, ording to history, should have been those who participated in Gale¡¯s treason and were purged. However, right now, they didn¡¯t seem different from Naum. They were no different from the mages who had supported Ian. ¡®The difference in leadership.¡¯ The importance was newly felt. Ian drew a line in front of the blueprint of the Ministry of Magic on the round table. ¡°The Ministry of Magic will maintain neutrality without getting involved in the current situation.¡± ¡°I agree. What¡¯s the point of a person intervening in a dog fight?¡± ¡°Akore, shall we show some restraint?¡± ¡°Ah. I don¡¯t know! The mana stones were supposed toe in today, but they went across the water due to the lockdown.¡± The chiefs ignored Akore¡¯s words and turned their heads. They had thought she seemed more resentful than usual, and indeed, she was. ¡°Construct the defensive formation asrge as possible and provide space for all those seeking safety.¡± ¡°Even for the forces of Mariv or Gale?¡± ¡°Instead, if they cause a disturbance inside, expel them without mercy. There will be those who are unaware of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s existence in the chaos. Leave this to Nakina and Tommy. I know they are skilled in handling disaster victims due to their field experience.¡± Hale nodded in agreement. ¡°The Department of Magical Support will be in charge of the defensive formation. Hale, confirm the location of His Majesty the Emperor. It would also be good to find out where the Imperial Guard is. If nothing is amiss, they should be with His Majesty. Ah, the Imperial Guard Captain Riama has betrayed us and gone over to Mariv.¡± ¡°In that case, we just need to find Jeirutt or Beors. They are exceptional swordmages, so there won¡¯t be any problems.¡± ¡°And¡­¡± Ian tapped the table with his hand. The forces of Mariv and Gale were already raiding the pces of Arsen and Jin. ¡®Mariv will try to kill Arsen and Jin as well. Dina has joined hands with Gale, and they won¡¯t recognize the Emperor¡¯s authority. Above all, when amotion urs, it¡¯s right to cut them offpletely. From Mariv¡¯s standpoint.¡¯ Would Gale have the capacity to protect Dina and the twin princes? He wouldn¡¯t. He would be too busy just trying to preserve his own life. Looking at the frighteningly entangled mana stone powder, Ian swallowed a sigh. ¡°¡­Beric.¡± There was no other way. ¡°Here! Beric, here!!¡± Ian pressed his temples and called for Beric. As if he had been waiting, he poked his head through the door crack. His eyes were not only twinkling but also shing with light. He clearly wanted to jump into themotion outside. The cool pool of blood asrge as a puddle was waiting for him. ¡°¡­Prepare an escort. We¡¯re going to get Arsen and Jin.¡± ¡°Oh yeah! That¡¯s it! Wow!¡± ¡°I told you to show restraint.¡± ¡°How can I fight if I show restraint? Hmm? Let¡¯s go quickly! I¡¯m also incredibly good at clearing a path. Mmhmm! As expected, the minister¡¯s judgment is amazing.¡± He frolicked around, swinging his sword by himself. Indeed, could the escort be entrusted to him? No. The mages shook their heads and stood up before that. It was to stop Ian, who was about to leave. ¡°Minister, are you going personally?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it dangerous? We¡¯ll go instead.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. If something happens to you, it will be truly problematic. Not only for the Ministry of Magic but for the entire pce.¡± Ian looked at them while putting on his outer garment. A faint smile shed across his face. ¡°Is there anyone here who can go to the pce more safely than me?¡± It had a double meaning. It was asking if there was anyone with stronger mana than Ian and if they had political standing. No matter how bloody the battle was, they couldn¡¯t harm the Minister of Magic who had dered neutrality. ¡°Killing those who have dered neutrality is equivalent to shattering the justification that they rose up to prevent treason. If it¡¯s a mage, they can just pass it off as being unluckily involved. But I am a minister, so the problem will escte.¡± ¡°A moving Hayman Bank?¡± ¡°Oh. Beric. The metaphor was good.¡± ¡°Hehe. I also smell the scent of books next to you all the time!¡± Ianughed while patting Beric¡¯s shoulder. While straightening his clothes, he looked at each chief and urged them not to forget their duties. ¡°All departments except the one constructing the defensive barrier, create and maintain portals. High enough for everyone in the pce to see.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°We shall obey your orders.¡± ¡°Come on! Let¡¯s hurry, it¡¯s hectic from the morning!¡± ¡°Akore. You seem excited.¡± They couldn¡¯t understand why the portals were being created. If it was to inform that this ce was a safe zone in the pce, they could have shot up mes with less mana. However, the mages followed him, thinking that the minister had his intentions. As the conference room door opened, everyone gathered in the lobby looked at them. ¡°Minister Ian, what should we do now? The princes have surely gone mad. His Majesty the Emperor is also missing, and even the seal is rolling around in that mess!¡± ¡°This is a disgrace to Bariel. How could His Excellency Mariv and His Highness Gale do such a thing?¡± ¡°They, they say each othermitted treason, who, who is the real one?¡± ¡°Does that matter? Right now? In this situation?!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say that, and please allow us to leave. If we stay here like this, I think something terrible will happen.¡± Everyone loudly expressed their anxiety. They instinctively knew. Here in the pce, moments of the world turning upside down were unfolding. Ian lightly raised his hand to stop themotion. ¡°Since even the Department of Imperial Defense has joined the battle, there is no way to stop the danger inside the pce from leaking outside. Therefore, the pce entrances will be strongly sealed. Calm down and stay here. The mages will guarantee your safety, so trust and wait. Romandro!¡± Romandro was talking with colleagues he had worked with in the administrative department. About the current situation and the whereabouts of His Majesty the Emperor. ¡°We will bring Prince Arsen and Jin.¡± ¡°Ah, that, I just heard that Jeirutt is not in the pce because he¡¯s on duty. Last night, Captain Beors would have guarded His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s quarters.¡± Ian nodded at Hale. Things had be easier. They only needed to detect the mana of one person, Beors. Ian reassured him and made a request. ¡°I entrust this ce to you. We¡¯ll be back soon.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, yes. Well, be safe.¡± Romandro red at Beric. It meant to get his act together and escort Ian well. Beric smiled brightly and raised his sword. ¡°Of course! I support Ian!¡± At Beric¡¯s resounding voice, the officials¡¯ eyes widened. The mages as well. Haleughed and flicked his cigarette. ¡°Ah, yes. Our minister, we support him.¡± ¡°Minister Ian. We also support you. The more the situation is like this, the more we need to gather strength and will together. If you need my name, use it. I am Ashbuster of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!¡± ¡°I am Wyvern!¡± ¡°Mabe! Wellington Mabe!¡± The officials shouted their names and dered that they would unite their will with Ian. Beric excitedly waved his sword, and the mages ced their hands on their chests. Ian passed through the defensive barrier without answering, and Beric immediately followed. ¡°Bye! We¡¯ll be back!¡± ¡°Nakina, Tommy! Guide the nearby people to the safe zone.¡± ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go!¡± Zing! Zing! Nakina and Tommy soared into the sky once again. The two freely roamed the sky, guiding fleeing people toward the Ministry of Magic, and the mages created portals ording to Ian¡¯s orders. Swish! It would be appropriate to say that the sky was being split. A wound appeared in the blue sky. As if the night hidden in the bright daylight had been drawn out. A ck space where only darkness existed. ¡°Wow, Ian. Look at that! A ck crescent moon has risen!¡± ¡°That is the skeleton of the portal.¡± Beric eximed in admiration and beheaded a soldier rushing at them. Blood spurted, and a scream rang out. Ian and Beric ran toward the pces of Arsen and Jin. Chapter 171 Chapter 171 ng! ng! ¡°Aaaargh!¡± ¡°Stop, spare me!¡± ¡°Drive them all without exception! This way!¡± ¡°Kill them! For His Highness Gale!¡± ¡°His Excellency Mariv is watching over us!¡± The scene in broad daylight was riddled with madness. If only it were night, it would be hidden by darkness and unseen. It felt like hell had unfolded under the bright sky. Squish! A corpse falling through the window left a blood stain on the outer wall. Shards of broken ss fluttered like sleet, and Ian reflexively raised his sleeve to cover his eyes. Swish! Spears and arrows flew without a specific target. Beric urately deflected them with his sword and shouted at the top of his lungs. ¡°You shithead bastards! Look properly at the person before throwing!¡± ¡°Aaaah! Charge! Charge forward!¡± ¡°Kill them!¡± ¡°No, this is Ian Hielo, the minister! Our master! Huh? Ian, you said if you say your name, you¡¯ll be safe, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s useless to talk to those who won¡¯t listen.¡± ¡°Kill the traitors! Protect Bariel!¡± ¡°Argh! Really! If it¡¯s like this! There¡¯s no choice! Hahaha!¡± However, it was unlikely to be heard by those consumed by madness. Beric swung his sword without hesitation at those blocking the way. Blood spurted along the trajectory, screams were torn, and hisughter seeped out. ¡°Beric. That¡¯s too much. Let¡¯s move.¡± ¡°What do I do if they¡¯re asking to be killed?¡± ¡°Should I go first?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go.¡± It was the epitome of chaos. In the tension of life and death, it was impossible to distinguish whether the other party was an ally or an enemy. That momentary judgment could lead oneself to death. What could be more worthless than a war sustained only by excitement without conviction? Ian squeezed through themotion, keeping his shoulders as close to the wall as possible. ng! ng! ¡°One, two! Coming! Block! Okay!¡± ¡°Beric, be quiet. The gazes keep turning this way.¡± ¡°I¡¯m the quietest one here!¡± Despite his words, his escort was perfect. Although he couldn¡¯t prevent the blood from being spilled, he didn¡¯t allow even a small attack to reach Ian. ng! ¡°This way, Beric!¡± ¡°There? Really?¡± Ian, familiar with the pce¡¯s geography, found a passageway and turned his body. It was a shortcut mainly used by low-ranking officials. As they dashed through the gap, the roars of battle gradually subsided. They were moving away from that terrible hell. Tap tap tap! ¡°What¡¯s at the end of this path?¡± ¡°The back door of the Third Imperial Pce will appear. It¡¯s a bit far from Dina¡¯s residence, but it¡¯s better to first join forces with Xiaoshi and then search for them.¡± Ian didn¡¯t know if Dina and the twin princes had an escort, but if they didn¡¯t, the presence of Xiaoshi alone would be of great help. Securing the new recruits and immediately returning to the Ministry of Magic was the best course of action. ¡°Huh? Ian, it¡¯s a dead end.¡± ¡°Get down.¡± Thud! At Ian¡¯smand, Beric showed his back. Stepping on it and jumping over the wall, the entrance to the underground prison of the Third Imperial Pce was immediately visible. The gatekeepers, heavily armed with locked bars and shields, were on high alert and pointed their spears at Ian. ¡°Who goes there! This is the underground prison of the Imperial Pce, turn back!¡± ¡°I am Ian Hielo, the Minister of Magic. I havee to find the intruder who entered His Highness Gale¡¯s residence at dawn.¡± ¡°¡­I apologize, but I cannot allow it. The current security level is at 1, corresponding to a dangerous situation, and there is a concern that the inmates of the underground prison may escape.¡± They opened their helmets and showed a troubled expression. The roaring from far away seemed to be getting closer. It felt as if the battle, sweeping and spreading in all directions, was about to reach this ce. Zing. Ian released his mana and warned the gatekeeper. ¡°It ismendable to carry out your duties, but look at the situation urately. Who is the superior of you all?¡± ¡°It, it¡¯s Wyvern.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fortunate. He is currently seeking safety in the Ministry of Magic. He said he would unite his will with me, so who currently holds themand? I will only take one prisoner. If there is a problem because of this, report my name.¡± The gatekeepers nced at each other and fell silent. They seemed unable to make a judgment in the unpredictable situation of the Imperial Pce. ¡°He is an important person to sort out the chaos in the Imperial Pce. If you refuse, I will have no choice but to break through the iron door.¡± ¡°Break it all? Huh? Smash it to pieces?¡± ¡°Wait, wait a moment! Give us, give us proof.¡± Ian took off his uniform outer garment and handed it over. Although it was soaked with someone¡¯s blood, it was sufficient to leave as proof. nk! ¡°Please enter.¡± The tightly closed iron door opened. Ian and Beric went down to the underground, guided by the guards. A damp ce that didn¡¯t let in a single ray of sunshine and was filled with a musty smell. Completely cut off from the outside, it felt like a different world. Creak. Ian spotted a man lying in the darkness. Xiaoshi, crouched with his limbs bound. His eyes were covered, but he could be recognized by his gray hair. ¡°Untie him.¡± ¡°Yes. Please wait a moment.¡± Twitch. His ears, which had been still as if dead, twitched. As the guard untied the blindfold, his eyes of different colors immediately met Ian¡¯s gaze. ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Xiaoshi. Can you walk?¡± ¡°Oh, oh, oh. Hello, hello.¡± Ian raised thentern to illuminate Xiaoshi. Bruises on his cheeks and a cut across one arm. Xiaoshi squinted his eyes as if thentern light was too bright. ¡°¡­Why are you here?¡± ¡°What do you mean why? The master hase to find his ve. By the way, your wound is quite deep.¡± It was a suspicious order, but Ian had promised that there would be no problem with Xiaoshi¡¯s safety. But why did he look like this? He had also firmly instructed Gale. ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Speak.¡± ¡°The man wanted to see blood, so I inflicted it on myself.¡± The guess was correct. Gale wanted Xiaoshi to be injured so that Ian could find fault with itter. Then what about the bruise on the cheek? When Ian looked at the guard, he shook his head as if his own foot had gone numb. ¡°We, we didn¡¯t torture him. We just transported him and immediately imprisoned him here.¡± Boom! At that moment, a faint sound of an explosion. For it to be heard so loudly in the underground prison, the scale must be quiterge. Ian gestured to Beric to raise Xiaoshi. Swish. ¡°¡­What should I do now?¡± The absence of orders. While in prison, that was more difficult to endure than anything else. Because he had been a ve since birth, every moment of his life was an order. Eating, sleeping, resting, working¡ªhis entire life was directed by someone. But without that, didn¡¯t it feel like a signpost had been broken? ¡°What weapon do you mainly use?¡± ¡°¡­In the arena, we usually fight barehanded.¡± ¡°If you do that now, you will die meaninglessly. There are people outside that we need to bring back amidst the chaos.¡± ¡°¡­Dagger.¡± A dagger? Ian turned to the guard. Perhaps he had a dagger in his possession. The guard fumbled at his waist, startled. ¡°Well, I have something I asionally use to peel fruit.¡± It was a foldable knife that fit snugly in the palm of his hand. Xiaoshi silently epted it, and Beric waved his hands as if in disgust. ¡°How can you kill a person with that?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°If you stab deeply, it will smell like fruit! Xia, don¡¯t do that and take something long. Then, you know, you can roughly swing it and still go deng-gang deng-gang.¡± ¡°Enough. We don¡¯t have time to waste. Xiaoshi, report everything that happenedst night as we go.¡± ¡°¡­Yes.¡± Tap tap tap! Ian took Xiaoshi and left the underground prison. Xiaoshi¡¯s eyes, which had been gray in the darkness, distinctly differed in light. The gatekeepers who had been managing the entrance shouted in a fluster. ¡°Shall I open the door? If you¡¯re going out, hurry!¡± ¡°The battle has spread to this area as well. We willpletely seal off the entrance!¡± The battle that Ian and Beric had passed through had reached here. mes and smoke rose from everywhere, and the sound of things breaking and shattering could be heard. Ian gestured to open the door and ran. Thud! ¡°Aaaaargh! Kill them!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t spare a single one of them!¡± ¡°The blood of these bastards will be the nourishment of Bariel!¡± ¡°These cockroach-like bastards. How dare they mention Bariel!¡± Boom! Bang! ng! Crackle! The blood pooled on the floor was like the sparks burning those buildings. So that was the reason Ian¡¯s clothes were dirty. Xiaoshi was a bit startled but gripped the knife tightly without being shaken. ¡°You said you hate seeing blood.¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°Yahoo! Kill!¡± sh! ¡°Aaargh!¡± ¡°Yes. You have to be fine now. To survive.¡± Beric thrust his sword into the heart of a soldier charging at Ian. After pulling out the de that had pierced through the back in one go, he shed the side again. Xiaoshi frowned and looked down at the writhing soldier. If he had died instantly, it wouldn¡¯t have been painful. ¡°Die!¡± At that moment, another soldier charging at Ian. Beric tried to deflect it, but the corpse got caught on the tip of his sword. Ian condensed his mana while releasing his golden eyes. Zing. Zing. Squish! But faster than that, Xiaoshi blocked it. With one hand, he grabbed the hair, and with the other, he thrust the knife into the eye socket. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Like butchering, there was a will to end the life in one strike. There was no excess in the movement of urately knowing the vital points and attacking them. The soldier copsed forward without even screaming. Thud- ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­Ha.¡± Heavy, concise, and swift. The strength could be felt even in the motion of retrieving the knife. Beric stared at Xiaoshi with his mouth wide open, and even Ian was speechless, quite taken aback. Only Xiaoshi sighed as he wiped the knife on his outer garment. ¡°¡­Aren¡¯t you going?¡± ¡°¡­Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Yaaah! Xia! What are you! What the hell are you!¡± ¡°Be quiet, Beric. You¡¯ll go crazy if you get too excited.¡± ¡°No, Ian. You saw it too, right? Swish, squish! Ugh! What was that, how do you do that? Teach me too! No, let¡¯s have a round right now!¡± Zing! As Beric clung to Xiaoshi, unable to hide his excitement, Ian released his golden eyes. As if telling him to shut up and follow, or else he would be beaten to a pulp. Beric came to his senses and blinked his eyes, wide-eyed. ¡°I almost made a mistake. Right?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no second warning. Beric.¡± ¡°Hey, why are you being so scary? Then, shall we have a round after all this is over? Xiaoshi! Xiaoshi!¡± Squish! Xiaoshi ignored Beric and took the lead. And he neatly killed those blocking Ian¡¯s way. Seeing blood wasn¡¯t pleasant, but since there was an order from his master, he could endure this as well. Ian followed the path created by Beric and Xiaoshi and raised his head. Soon, they would reach Dina¡¯s pce. *** ¡°Lady Dina! Lady Dina!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a big problem! Lady Dina!¡± Dina woke up a littleter than usual. She had a restless sleep due to a somehow turbulent dream. While she was getting ready in front of the dressing table, the head chambein¡¯s shouts were heard. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± The person who normally wouldn¡¯t raise his voice unless it was quite serious was making such a fuss. The head chambein reported, panting heavily. ¡°Ma, Mariv, the prince, the prince has received His Majesty¡¯s seal. Haa, an intruder entered His Highness Gale¡¯s residence¡­¡± ¡°Speak properly!¡± The atmosphere was unusual. The sound of guards rushing in could be heard, and they seemed to be trying to block the entrance to her pce by dragging all sorts of heavy furniture. ¡°His Excellency Mariv and His Highness Gale are currently engaged in a battle over His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s seal. The knights and troops of each family have all entered the pce and are in a confrontation.¡± ¡°What, what does that mean¡­?¡± It felt like her mind was going nk. To obtain His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s seal? Then what about His Majesty? ¡°The Ministry of Magic has blocked the exit, so there¡¯s no way out. For now, hide yourself here and-¡° ¡°Arsen! Jin!¡± Dina immediately ran to the princes¡¯ bedrooms. If Mariv and Gale had crossed swords, the sparks would naturally spread to them as well. Bam! When she opened the door, Arsen and Jin were sitting on the sofa. Arsen was smiling brightly, looking particrly happy. Chapter 172 Chapter 172 Arsen was always a smiling child. His clearughter had the power to make listeners smile along with him. Even though he was such a child, even though he looked so lovable, Dina felt an eerie chill for some reason. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? So early in the morning.¡± It must be because of the current situation. The Emperor is missing, the princes are engaged in a power struggle dragging the nobles along. Unknown knights are ransacking the pce, so it¡¯s almost like wartime. ¡®No. It¡¯s more dangerous than wartime.¡¯ At least during a war, there would be soldiers to protect them. If even the Minister of Imperial Defense was involved in this situation, it was devastatingly hopeless. The crisis of a lifetime. As Dina nkly bit her lip, Arsen approached his mother with a tilt of his head. He softly nestled into her embrace and greeted her. ¡°Mother. What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°¡­Arsen, this is not the time.¡± ¡°What happened?¡±¡°Jin. Change your clothes.¡± Not intofortable clothes, but in preparation to flee outside at any moment. Dina knelt down and firmly grasped Arsen¡¯s shoulders. ¡°His Majesty the Emperor has gone missing. Mariv and Gale have rallied forces to secure the royal seal. I don¡¯t know if they¡¯lle all the way here, but-¡° ¡°Ah.¡± ¡°¡­Arsen?¡± Arsen smiled even more brightly and patted the back of his mother¡¯s hand. As if to say everything will be fine, so don¡¯t worry at all. ¡°Of course they¡¯lle all the way here. Even if brother Gale might not, His Highness Mariv will try to kill us. He knows full well that you sided with brother Gale, doesn¡¯t he?¡± However, the wordsing out of his mouth were brutal and urately grasped reality. Even if it was for the bnce between the two princes, from Mariv¡¯s perspective, it was as good as Dina taking Gale¡¯s side. It would be best for the future to kill and clean up everything on this asion. ¡°Arsen.¡± ¡°But don¡¯t worry. The factions that didn¡¯t support older brothers will help us. First, let me change clothes. Jin, what should we wear today?¡± Arsen turned to Jin with a bright smile. His actions didn¡¯t match the situation at all, even though he properly understood it. Jin bit his lip hard as he stared at Arsen. ¡°Arsen. This is noughing matter.¡± ¡°Why-y? I think it¡¯s not bad. Mother. Isn¡¯t there a saying that crisis is opportunity? Those who dared to impudently cause chaos in the Imperial Pce will surely be punished.¡± The one who survives between the two princes will be the victor. However, the word victory inherently implies the meaning of sacrifice. The more fiercely they sh, the more their forces will be shaved away. And if they handle it well, they may unintentionally seize an opportunity. ¡°What will happen if my older brothers are gone and even Father is absent?¡± Considering the order of session, Arsen and Jin had a high probability of bing the next Emperor. Jin grabbed Arsen¡¯s arm as if it made no sense. ¡°That¡¯s only if we survive. His Highness Mariv is trying to kill us to prevent that, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°¡­Us?¡± ¡°Lady Dina! A moment!¡± ¡°What is it?¡± As Dina went out the door at the head maid¡¯s call, Arsen hugged Jin and whispered. As if wondering why he thought of it as ¡®us¡¯. ¡°If the twin brother closer to the throne dies, the Imperial family¡¯s bloodline ispletely cut off.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°If I die, the Imperial family¡¯s bloodline is cut off, so would brother really kill me?¡± At Arsen¡¯s whisper, Jin felt like his breath was caught in his throat. ¡°Brother Gale¡¯s curse is also rted to Bariel.¡± ¡°I know. So they¡¯ll try to capture brother Gale alive. And then, whether it¡¯s true or not, they¡¯ll announce that the curse has been lifted and deal with him. The trial process for judging treason will be astonishingly short.¡± Arsen hugged Jin even tighter. Jin hesitantly ced his hands on his waist. He could push him away if he wanted to, but somehow he couldn¡¯t. ¡°Jin. My pitiful younger brother Jin.¡± ¡°Arsen.¡± ¡°Listen carefully to what I¡¯m about to say. This is for you. Furthermore, it¡¯s to save Mother, and beyond that, for Bariel.¡± Arsen carefully examined Jin¡¯s face that looked exactly like his own and muttered. His younger twin brother born with a fate to harm him. That¡¯s why he always lived in the shadows. ¡°Move for me.¡± So stay in the shadows like that. ¡°From now on, do everything you can to save me in the uing situation. When you look at the order of session or the prophecy, I¡¯m the only one who can turn the situation around once things settle down. If I live, you live too. And Mother lives as well.¡± Arsen stroked Jin¡¯s face and emphasized again in a low voice. ¡°The fact that brother Mariv seized the seal is proof that Father is still alive. Showing Father¡¯s corpse is a more definite way to solidify the position of session than the seal.¡± The bureaucrats won¡¯t needlessly argue over recognizing this or that. Skip to the next session and frame Gale for treason, and it¡¯s over. However, the fact that he got involved in this dogfight meant the situation had be quiteplex. And that was an opportunity for those other than Mariv and Gale. ¡°Jin. You have to prove it to everyone. That you¡¯re not one to harm me. Now is the time. If you don¡¯t do well, it¡¯s all over.¡± Arsen stroked Jin¡¯s hair and smiled. The intent was that if he¡¯s not trying to kill him, then he should do anything to save and serve him. Jin looked at his brother with a calm gaze. ¡°I won¡¯t harm you.¡± ¡°But others don¡¯t think that way, and that¡¯s the problem.¡± ¡°¡­Arsen. Do you happen to know something I don¡¯t? It sounds like that.¡± Kwaaang! Crash! He was about to say something again, but amotion was heard from outside. Arsen spun around as if to say let¡¯s stop, and entered the dressing room. ¡°Then shall we change clothes? Let¡¯s wear the same outfits today.¡± Usually they added slight differences, but today it would be best to look identical like a mold. Then, the des flying toward Arsen might get mixed up and go to Jin instead. Crash! Crash! As they were about to change clothes, the maids didn¡¯te even when called. It meant themotion outside was no ordinary matter. Arsen, who finished preparing first, grabbed Jin¡¯s shoulders and smiled brightly. ¡°Smile. Like me.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Hurry.¡± At Arsen¡¯s urging, Jin had no choice but to lift the corners of his mouth. His cheeks dimpled faintly, but Arsen didn¡¯t notice. He was just staring into his blue eyes. ¡°Good. You look cool like this.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t joke around. Arsen.¡± ¡°Ahaha.¡± Kwaaang! ¡°Your Highness Arsen! Your Highness Jin!¡± ¡°This way,e this way!¡± Then the maids rushed in and opened the door in a fluster. They turned pale, each picking up Arsen and Jin, and fled to an inner room in a panic. ¡°Where¡¯s Mother?¡± Jin noticed blood stained on the maid¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Where¡¯s Mother?!¡± ¡°Arsen! Jin!¡± Screech! Opening the door leading to the garden in the annex of the annex, Dina¡¯s voice was heard. She was running over, holding her cumbersome skirt. ¡°Hurry! Let¡¯s go out this way!¡± ¡°Over here! Dina and Arsen, Jin are here!¡± ¡°Control all exits leading outside!¡± ¡°We have to go to the Ministry of Magic. Ministry of Magic! Arsen! Jin!¡± ¡°Catch them! Those whomitted treason with Gale! Kill them!¡± ¡°Hurry, run!¡± Faint shouts of unfamiliar soldiers were heard from afar. The front gate must have been breached. Judging from it, they were probably Mariv¡¯s soldiers. Jin tightly closed his eyes as he clung to the neck of the maid carrying him. ¡®I never knew the garden was this vast.¡¯ It was the first time running without a horse. Someone¡¯s rough breathing, trampled grass, the asional refreshing breeze. Everything seemed like a dream. Because he never expected a situation like this even just yesterday. Crunch. That¡¯s when it happened. The maid who was running hard stopped. ¡°Where is everyone going in such a hurry?¡± It was Mariv. His tightly tied up hair was the same as always, but he was disheveled to a degree unimaginable normally. His face was covered in wounds, his clothes in blood and dust, a total mess. The maid held Jin tightly and took a step back. The pounding heartbeats felt between their chests were fierce. ¡°Mariv! What in the world are you doing?!¡± Dina walked forward, protecting the princes. Although she was a concubine, in terms of rtionship, Dina was his mother. Just as Arsen and Jin were Mariv¡¯s brothers. ¡°Not only did you bring harm to His Majesty the Emperor, but such recklessness! Have you no shame as the 1st Prince of Bariel?¡± Behind them, the soldiers chasing them came into view. They were surrounded on all sides. Mariv in front, and sword-wielding men behind. It seemed like whichever way they went, they couldn¡¯t avoid death. ¡°Recklessness. That refers to you taking Gale¡¯s side. Are you hiding Gale?¡± At Mariv¡¯s words, Dina¡¯s face turned pale. Hiding him, he said. Those words meant the tide of battle was turning in Mariv¡¯s favor, didn¡¯t it? ¡°No, we have nothing to do with it. We haven¡¯t seen Gale. Think of a prince¡¯s dignity and let us through. Take pity on these young ones¡­¡± ¡°Nothing to do with it?¡± As Mariv slowly approached, Dina reflexively stepped back. Jin pushed the maid away and stood in front of her. ¡°B-Brother, please don¡¯t do this.¡± Seeing that, Arsen also stood beside Jin. Expressionless twins. Mariv frowned as he tapped his sword. He couldn¡¯t tell who was Arsen and who was Jin. ¡°Arsen! Jin!¡± Dina hugged her two sons and crouched down. The maids were subdued by the soldiers and made to lie face down, and a cold wind cut between them. It felt like the presence of death. ¡°Which one is Arsen?¡± ¡°¡­Why do you ask, brother?¡± Mariv didn¡¯t answer Jin¡¯s question. An ominous silence followed. As if gauging, he pointed his sword at the children¡¯s necks. ¡°Dina. You¡¯ll have to pay the price for joining hands with Gale. Hand over one of your sons. If you do, I won¡¯t kill everyone, considering your family.¡± Her pupils dted. Her hands trembled, but her mind went so nk she couldn¡¯t even notice it. ¡°Or everyone dies here.¡± At Mariv¡¯s words, she looked down at her two sons in her arms. With her own hands? Her son? It made no sense, but didn¡¯t this situation itself already make no sense? ¡°Mother.¡± Then, Arsen carefully called her. He signaled with his eyes to think about why Mariv asked ¡®which one is Arsen¡¯. An existence that couldn¡¯t be easily killed due to the prophecy hanging over him. ¡°Mother.¡± Following that, Jin called her. Unlike Arsen, his eyes were moist. As if realizing the fate that would befall him, he called that name sorrowfully. ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯ Dina ended up letting go of Jin¡¯s hand. The child looked at his empty palm that no one held anymore and nced back. Dina, holding Arsen in her arms, was shedding tears. Arsen moved his eyebrows with the same expression as always. ¡®Hurry.¡¯ Jin bit his lip hard as he looked at Mariv. He was shedding tears just like his mother, but unlike his usually empty eyes, a clear emotion could be felt. ¡°So you¡¯re Jin.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Anger. For the first time, Mariv felt like Jin was alive. But what could he do? He had already gone past the point of no return, and in order to move forward, he had no choice but to keep swinging his sword. Shing! As Mariv drew his sword, Jin closed his eyes. When the tip of his de was about to strike down on the child¡¯s head. Bam! Boom! Suddenly, a thunderous noise erupted from the surroundings. Mariv hesitated and stopped his attack. When he turned his head to look, Ian was standing there. ¡°¡­Ian?¡± Ian checked the face of the child standing in front of Mariv. A scar running straight from forehead to chin. Blood flowed down, but it wouldn¡¯t be as dark as tears. ¡°¡­Sheathe your sword.¡± The moment the fate of the twins diverged. It was the birth of an emperor. Chapter 173 Chapter 173 Silver hair, blue eyes, and a scar shed from the left forehead to the right chin. The face of the next emperor that Ian remembers. The future of the twins who had always been together since birth diverged at this moment. As if dividing Jin¡¯s face. ¡°Your Highness Mariv, stand back.¡± Ian warned Mariv. That child was his own flesh and blood. Because of that child, his future self was born. In another sense, he was true family, a dignified being that the likes of Mariv could not harm. Swoosh- The natural wind and the flow of air created by Ian¡¯s mana pleasantly intertwined. Ian stretched out both hands toward Jin. As if telling him toe to him. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Jin, who had been shedding tears, looked back at Dina. In her arms, frozen in shock, Arsen was still nestled. In his mother¡¯s embrace, there was no ce for him. ng! ¡°¡­Jin!¡±¡°¡­¡­!¡± Leaving behind Dina¡¯s outcry, Jin ran past Mariv¡¯s sword. The sound of his fiercely pounding heart felt like it was shaking his mind. If he looked back, it seemed like someone would grab him, so the child bit down hard and ran with all his might. His vision was blurred by what might be blood or tears, but it was alright. Because the ce he would be embraced was firmly holding its position. Thud. Ian knelt down to greet Jin who came running. The deep embrace was desperate. Begging him to save his life, to help him who had been abandoned by his mother and siblings. ¡°Are you alright?¡± Ian carefully examined the child¡¯s face. The scar shed from the left forehead to the right chin was deep. Tears kept falling from his emerald eyes. ¡°¡­Sir Ian.¡± ¡°Wipe your tears. Your Highness is precious.¡± At the kindlyforting words, the child finally burst into tears. Ian¡¯s soothing touch was exceptionally gentle. Because he had been the same. Even as an emperor, how could there be no wounds in life? Just as Naum hadforted him when he hid and cried, all Ian could do was soothe Jin¡¯s tears. ¡°Ian. Hand over Jin.¡± At that moment, Mariv¡¯s sword pointed at Ian. Jin¡¯s life was the price Dina had paid. To raise the morale of his forces, and furthermore, to announce that there was no turning back, he had to cut off Jin¡¯s breath. Sensing the murderous intent pouring down on him, Jin flinched. ¡°I cannot do that.¡± ¡°Not only betrayal, but you¡¯ll obstruct me too?¡± ¡°That is a misunderstanding. Isn¡¯t the current situation a result of Your Highness seizing His Majesty¡¯s seal?¡± ¡°Shut up. If you hadn¡¯t conspired with Gale, I would have dealt with him long ago. I wouldn¡¯t have even needed toe here.¡± Shing. Ian picked up Jin. At the same time, fluttering hair. Blond and silver locks swayed together. As if showing they stood in the same ce. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for me, have you not considered that it would be you, Your Highness Mariv, who would have been dealt with instead?¡± ¡°Insolent!¡± ¡°Kyaaah!¡± ng! ng! At Mariv¡¯s shout, the soldiers drew their swords. Dinay down to protect Arsen, and Beric and Xiaoshi also took an offensive stance. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Xiaoshi nced at Jin and Arsen, a dagger in hand. Silver hair and blue eyes. Definitely the child he had seen at Gale¡¯s residence the day before. He was momentarily confused because they were twins, but their auras were clearly different, so there was no problem distinguishing them. ¡®Arsen, he said. That prince.¡¯ Vicious. Just meeting his gaze made one sense danger. Did Arsen also recognize Xiaoshi? His expression was strange for a moment. Though it might be a misunderstanding. Swish. Mariv, who had been holding the tense confrontation, suddenly sheathed his sword. Instead, aiming at the back of Dina¡¯s neck as shey prostrate, he shouted at Jin. ¡°I must end someone¡¯s life now. Jin, if you do note, I will kill your mother instead.¡± ¡°Kyaaaah!¡± Dina screamed as if she would faint. Jin¡¯s body flinched, but Ian covered the back of his head with his hand as if telling him not to listen. ¡°S-Sir I-Ian.¡± ¡°No one can rece Your Highness. Your safety is heavier and more precious than the screams of those lowly people.¡± At Ian¡¯s murmur, Jin¡¯s eyes widened. Wasn¡¯t it the first time he heard such words? He had lived regarded as the Imperial family¡¯s cursed existence. Mariv waved his sword, openly enticing Jin. ¡°If Arsen dies, Jin, it will be because of you. The prophecy wille true as it is.¡± What an absurd threat. When Ian chuckled, Jin strangely felt at ease. As if it felt there was no problem at all despite the urgency. ¡°The one holding the sword is you, Your Highness Mariv, so how can you say it¡¯s something His Highness Jin did? You intend to end all of Bariel¡¯s fate with your own hands. How grand, the people will truly sing your praises.¡± While saying that, Ian thought he should reinvestigate the prophecy. It was Jin who would carry on Bariel¡¯s lifeline, so it was iprehensible why the curse of the prophecy had descended upon him. Mariv let out a hollowugh and raised his sword without hesitation. ¡°Is that so? This is what you have chosen.¡± But at that moment. Boom! The nearby wall shattered and dirt and dust swirled. At the sudden impact, Mariv stepped back while being guarded. What appeared in the hazy view was a huge ck matte armor. Beric¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°That¡¯s it! That!¡± It was the magic stone armor symbolizing Hayman Bank, responsible for security. Guaranteeing more than a hundred men¡¯s worth of power, it was a secret weapon that could firmly seize victory in any battle. He didn¡¯t know who was inside, but it was definitely Gale¡¯s faction. ¡°Your Highness Mariv!¡± ¡°Take cover!¡± ¡°It¡¯s Gale! Confront him!¡± Just as Mariv was looking for Gale, he must have been looking for Mariv too. The attack poured straight at Mariv, and Riama, one of the three captains, opened her mana to construct a defensive formation. Boom! Crash! ng! ng! Each time swords shed, heaven and earth shook. Heavy shockwaves burst rapidly, resounding in all directions, and screams of fear were buried. Ian signaled to Beric and Xiaoshi with his eyes. ¡°Beric, Xiaoshi!¡± ¡°Okay!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ng! They had achieved their goal of securing the twin princes, or more precisely, the next emperor. Before getting caught up in battle again, it was an order to hurry back to the Ministry of Magic. The two ran over and dragged the arms of Dina, who had copsed. ¡°If you don¡¯t wanna die, don¡¯t resist!¡± ¡°Kyaaah!¡± Beric hoisted Dina on his back and ran, while Xiaoshi held Arsen. Meanwhile, Ian left the garden first with Jin. Mariv¡¯s soldiers blocked the way, but they couldn¡¯t stop them. ¡°Where are you going!¡± ¡°Your Highness, close your eyes.¡± Zing. Zing. Bang! In an instant, the soldiers¡¯ heads were knocked out. Jin tightly closed his eyes and buried his face in Ian¡¯s arms. It felt the same as when he touched the mana sphere before. Soft, warm, and somehow turning fluffy. ¡°Iaaaan! This is too heavy!¡± ¡°Beric! Come in front of me and run!¡± ¡°Argh, I said it¡¯s heavy!¡± It was to guard Jin front and back. Beric ran ahead of them with panting breaths, and Ian shot light into the sky. Ping! Pop! If Tommy and Nakina saw the signal, they woulde to meet them. After running like that for a while. Jin slightly opened his eyes at the unfamiliar energy. Tap tap tap! Over Ian¡¯s shoulder, his gaze met Arsen¡¯s, who was being carried in Xiaoshi¡¯s arms following behind. His brother was ring at Jin with a cold gaze, his thoughts impossible to fathom. It was so full of killing intent that it felt like his heart sank with a thud. Seeing Jin¡¯s expression, Xiaoshi could guess Arsen¡¯s gaze. ¡°¡­Excuse me.¡± So, he covered Arsen¡¯s face with his hand, pretending to protect him. The child whose vision was blocked twisted his lips, but that was it. ¡°Sir Ian!¡± ¡°Tommy, Nakina! Check if anyone is following behind!¡± Tommy and Nakina flew in the sky and approached Ian¡¯s group. They informed them there was no pursuit, then guided them to the Ministry of Magic¡¯s safe zone. ¡°Sir Ian has arrived!¡± ¡°Sir Ian! Over here! Oh my, even the princes!¡± ¡°Are you alright? The blood, there¡¯s so much blood¡­¡± ¡°Where did your outer robe go again?¡± ¡°His Highness¡¯s face! Doctor! Call a doctor!¡± ¡°No. Beric, you bastard! You carry Lady Dina like that?¡± ¡°What can I do, it¡¯s heavy?!¡± As soon as they entered the barrier, Beric practically threw Dina down and Ian exhaled a rough breath. And holding Jin, he went straight into the infirmary. The mages swarmed around them in a fluster, making amotion. ¡°Oh dear, on this delicate face¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s His Highness Jin. Disinfect the wound.¡± ¡°Which crazy bastard did this to His Highness¡¯s face!¡± ¡°It was the doing of His Highness Mariv.¡± ¡°Gasp. I see. Um,e this way. Your Highness Jin.¡± It was the first time. Being cared for before Arsen when a situation arose. Without realizing it, Jin tightly grasped Ian¡¯s sleeve. But soon he slowly loosened his grip after seeing his smile. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Your Highness. They are all trustworthy people, so I will wait outside.¡± Jin nodded and was led in by the mages¡¯ hands, and Ian came out while rotating his stiff shoulders. Romandro was pouring water on Beric¡¯s sprawled face. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m really dying!¡± ¡°The meat you devour in a day would be heavier.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already digested it. Ah, really. Crazy. It would be easier to kill a hundred people instead.¡± Ian scanned the inside of the Ministry of Magic. In the meantime, the number of refugees had increased even more. Amidst the chaotic situation, Arsen was standing alone nkly. He seemed to approach to say something, but was being blocked by Hale. ¡°Minister Ian. The mana flow of the three captains has been confirmed. Riama wasst sensed near Lady Dina¡¯s pce-¡° ¡°That¡¯s right, I just saw it there myself.¡± ¡°It¡¯s clear that Jeirutt did not enter the pce. The problem is Beors.¡± Hale frowned. As if he couldn¡¯t understand because the result was very strange. ¡°From His Majesty¡¯s residence, he suddenly went to the 3rd Prince¡¯s Pce, then back to the 2nd Prince¡¯s Pce, and so on. He moved extremely quickly. If he was attending to His Majesty, it¡¯s a path he couldn¡¯t take, so it¡¯s impossible to interpret.¡± Ian was just as puzzled. But only for a moment. As if he realized something, he let out a small exmation and turned around. ¡°Sir Ian?¡± Ignoring Hale¡¯s call, Ian looked around as if searching for something. The numerous paintings hung on the wall. He checked them one by one, rubbing them with his hand. ¡®A situation urgent enough for the Emperor to have his seal taken by his son. An emperor would naturally have a secret passage only he knows about. Just as I did.¡¯ Ian had also used his own secret passage when he was attacked by Crony. Since there was a gap of 100 years, it wouldn¡¯t be exactly the same method. But the principle and structure would be simr. ¡°What are you looking for?¡± ¡°¡­Beric!¡± ¡°Ah, what! Don¡¯t tell me!¡± ¡°Get up and snap out of it.¡± Beric rolled around on the floor, but it couldn¡¯t be helped. While Ian whispered something to him and gave orders, Arsen kept watching Ian while sitting to the side. ¡°¡­¡­¡± And Xiaoshi monitoring him. Intertwined gazes settled in the Ministry of Magic, but no one noticed. Because the din of battleing from outside was growing fiercer. Chapter 174 Chapter 174 A whileter, noticing that Ian¡¯s surroundings had quieted down, Xiaoshi entered the conference room. Ian was observing the magic stone powder on the round table while holding documents along with the mages. Among the countless grains, he couldn¡¯t tell which ones were Mariv and Gale, but it was sufficient to assess the state of the battle. Ian tapped two spots with a rolled-up piece of paper. ¡°Beors¡¯s mana was sensed here and here.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. The physical distance is considerable to move in a short period. It¡¯s too much even for the Imperial Swordsmen attending to His Majesty, let alone a mage.¡± ¡°If there¡¯s a secret passage used by His Majesty the Emperor, it¡¯s difficult for us to detect. We should announce that the Ministry of Magic is a neutral zone and wait for him toe.¡± ¡°Sir Ian, you have a hunch, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I told Romandro to bring the documents from Wesleigh¡¯s time. If we check those, we can make a more urate guess. What about Beric? Is he preparing well?¡± ¡°He went down to the cafeteria to eat. The area is full of His Highness Mariv¡¯s troops, so it seems some preparation is needed.¡± Mariv¡¯s troops, what a ridiculous phrase. Even the lowly beasts of Bariel are under the Emperor. How reckless it is for those so-called guards to step up and cause chaos.Ian chuckled and put down the documents. Akore, who was organizing the magic stone powder, noticed Xiaoshi¡¯s presence and signaled with her eyes. ¡°Minister. Your subordinate is here.¡± ¡°Xiaoshi?¡± ¡°¡­I have something to tell you.¡± Xiaoshi bowed his head stoically and nced at the mages. His gaze seemed to ask if it was alright for them to hear this. ¡°Oh my, I should go check the defensive formation!¡± ¡°Yes. I was just thinking the same. Mm-hmm.¡± The mages bustled about and left the room. They didn¡¯t know Xiaoshi was a ve and simply regarded him as Ian¡¯s right-hand man. Beric constantly singing about wanting to sh with him also had an influence. ¡°What is it?¡± Ian turned to Xiaoshi with crossed arms. He was so taciturn that it was impossible to guess what he would say. ¡°Last night, I think I saw His Highness Arsen at His Highness Gale¡¯s residence.¡± ¡­It was an astounding statement beyond doubt. Ian uncrossed his arms and frowned. Why was Arsen at Gale¡¯s residence? No, more than that, how in the world? ¡°Exin in detail.¡± ¡°In the darkness of the corridor, I saw distinctly shining blue eyes. I passed by thinking the child was the target¡¯s son, but seeing him earlier, it¡¯s clear it was His Highness Arsen, not him.¡± ¡°¡­His Highness Jin and His Highness Arsen have identical appearances. How can you be certain it was His Highness Arsen?¡± ¡°By instinct-¡° Xiaoshi hesitated. It was a brief passing moment, but it was etched in his mind and couldn¡¯t be forgotten. Cold and murderous, feeling like it didn¡¯t belong to a living being. Or the eerie sensation of a superior predator. Words that couldn¡¯t be defined were tangled up and didn¡¯te out properly. Would Ian understand this? He continued speaking. ¡°-I could tell.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Tap tap, Ian rhythmically tapped the leather of the chair with his fingertips. His eyes staring into the void as if contemting something. The green hue was particrly deep. ¡°¡­Please believe me.¡± ¡°Yes. I believe you.¡± Xiaoshi flinched at the answer that came out too easily. Ian looking up at him like that. Smiling as if asking why he was so flustered. ¡°Although His Highness Jin and His Highness Arsen look like mirrors, everyone in the pce could easily distinguish them due to their different dispositions. If you felt it was His Highness Arsen, then it was probably him.¡± More precisely, they regarded the one who smiled brightly and was lively as Arsen, and the one who was calm and quiet as Jin. ¡°What I¡¯m curious about is how and in what way His Highness Arsen was at His Highness Gale¡¯s residence that night.¡± While saying that, Ian nced at the magic stone powder map. Since the Imperial Pce was so vast, it couldn¡¯t be said that Gale¡¯s residence and Arsen¡¯s residence werepletely separate. But no matter how you think about it, isn¡¯t it beyondmon sense for a child to enter Gale¡¯s residence without a means of transportation, and on that particr night of all nights? ¡°Since you were greeted and the guards were dismissed, yes. Even if we somehow ept that he managed to enter. There are more than a couple of parts that don¡¯t make sense.¡± At Ian¡¯s murmur, Xiaoshi lowered his eyes. If he had known this would happen, he should have grabbed the child back then. Seize him, confirm for certain if it was Arsen, and provide more useful information to his master. ¡°Xiaoshi.¡± He raised his gaze at Ian¡¯s call. ¡°For the time being, take good care of the twin princes, and especially keep an eye on His Highness Arsen. Many things are suspicious in various ways.¡± ¡°I will keep that in mind.¡± The prophecy is also like that. The one bornter will harm the one born first. The one closest to the throne will die, and the Imperial family¡¯s bloodline will be cut off. ¡®Thetter is somewhat understandable.¡¯ From Ian¡¯s perspective, Jin, who was currently confirmed as the next emperor, was the one closest to the throne. Thus, it was only natural that if Jin died, the Imperial family¡¯s bloodline would be cut off. ¡°What about¡­His Highness Arsen?¡± ¡°Saying it¡¯s ufortable with peopleing and going, he went inside.¡± Ian stood up from his seat and took the lead. Along with the thought that from now on, Jin and Arsen needed to be separated a little. ¡°Inside where?¡± *** ¡°Please tell me right away if it hurts.¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s fine.¡± The doctor knelt down and examined Jin¡¯s wound. Wiping away the splotchy blood revealed the depth of the wound to be even greater. Fortunately, it missed his eyes and mouth, but it seemed impossible to erase the scar. The doctor let out an unintentional sigh and disinfected the gaping area. ¡°¡­What about Mother?¡± ¡°Lady Dina is resting. She merely fainted from shock. I¡¯m more concerned about Your Highness¡¯s injury.¡± Jin closed his eyes in silence. Did these people know he had been abandoned by his mother and siblings? There are no secrets in the Imperial Pce, so once the situation settles down, everyone will surely find out. ¡®Then, how should I live?¡¯ It was still vivid. Thest warmth of his mother letting go of his hand. Now that the rtionship was broken, even if it recovered, it couldn¡¯t return to how it was before. Just like the scar on his face, that mark would remain on their rtionship as well. ¡°Since the wound is diagonal, the bandage will be a bit ufortable. But please endure it for the time being. If it festers, it will hurt more and you¡¯ll suffer.¡± The doctor finished the treatment with a clean cloth and stood up. Next, those who could cast healing magic approached and bathed him in a warm energy. Zing. Zing. ¡°It will alleviate the pain. Since Your Highness is still young and in poor physical condition, we will monitor the situation and infuse mana.¡± ¡°Magic is your domain, so do as you see fit.¡± The mages beamed at Jin¡¯s kind words. Ah. Outside, the grown princes were causing amotion, but this young highness was behaving so maturely without crying that he was in pain. ¡°Please wait a moment. I will bring you a change of clothes.¡± ¡°What about Sir Ian?¡± ¡°His Excellency seems to be attending to some work at the moment. Should I call him?¡± ¡°No need. I was just curious.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡± The mage bowed his head, realizing Jin¡¯s clothes were in tatters. Jin, sitting on the edge of the bed, closed his eyes and slowly swung his legs. ¡®When I meet Sir Ian, I should first say thank you. For helping me and allowing me to live like this. For embracing me without hesitation, I was truly grateful. And for saving even Mother-¡® Creak. He was a prince, but before that, he was a child. Ever since he opened his eyes, things he couldn¡¯t handle kept happening one after another. Lost in his jumbled thoughts, Jin didn¡¯t sense the presence approaching. Tap. Footsteps drawing near. Jin turned his head with his eyes closed. Had the mage returned? ¡°Jin.¡± At the familiar voice, Jin¡¯s eyes snapped open. Arsen had approached right in front of him before he knew it and was peering at his face. Jin held his breath and froze. ¡°Jin. How¡¯s your wound? Are you okay?¡± ¡°¡­Arsen.¡± ¡°His Highness Mariv really went too far.¡± Arsen¡¯s eyes reddened as he touched his younger brother¡¯s wound. When Jin grimaced from the sting, Arsen rather made a fuss as if he was more surprised. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Does it hurt a lot?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Jin avoided his gaze and didn¡¯t answer. Even normally, it was difficult to face him, but it was iparable to now. He had no idea what expression to make when facing Arsen. ¡°Jin. Are you very angry about earlier?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I told you beforehand. That your role would be important. You know howplicated the situation in the pce is right now, don¡¯t you? We just encountered the crisis too quickly, that¡¯s all.¡± Arsen hugged Jin and gently whispered. Jin, who had been staring into the void, murmured. ¡°You¡­wish for me to die.¡± Arsen¡¯s hand that had been patting his back stopped. ¡°Before you die because of the prophecy, you wish for me to die first.¡± Arsen¡¯s lips, which had been looking at Jin indifferently, curved. And soon, as if unable to hold back, he burst intoughter and cackled. ¡°Jin! What are you saying? If someone heard, they¡¯d think I¡¯m the one who made the prophecy. I¡¯m the one living in fear of death? From the moment I was born, I¡¯ve been living with that fate because of your existence.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a lie. You-¡° ¡°Mother¡¯s choice is Mother¡¯s will. Don¡¯t take out your anger on me.¡± At Arsen¡¯s words, Jin¡¯s eyes widened. Are you saying it¡¯s my fault Mother abandoned you? You were abandoned simply for being you, so I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re raising your voice at me. Without realizing it, Jin felt tears welling up. ¡°Luckily, Sir Ian appeared and those armored men showed up. Because of you, Mother and I almost died.¡± Each and every word from Arsen made Jin¡¯s blood boil like poison. Jin didn¡¯t realize it was anger. ¡°From now on, I hope you¡¯ll be careful with your actions. Okay? I can¡¯t help it if you hate me, but you can¡¯t abandon Mother too.¡± Jin bit his lip. He wanted to refute somehow, but it felt like Arsen¡¯s dagger that had been pressing down on him his whole life was blocking his throat. At that moment, a shadow entered the doorway. Arsen, facing Jin, just giggled and nuzzled his cheek against his younger brother¡¯s shoulder. Swish. It was Ian. Ian leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, looking at them. Jin¡¯s heart leaped wildly. ¡°Jin, promise me. We¡¯re family, aren¡¯t we?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Ian¡¯s previousforting words to wipe away tears because he was precious erased Arsen¡¯s whisper. The statement that his breath was more valuable than their screams was so shocking that he could easily recall Ian¡¯s voice again. ¡°I, I-¡° Ian stroked his own lips with his hand. Don¡¯t cry, smile. The tears of the precious are heavy and will fill heaven and earth. ¡°I-¡° Ian nodded his head. Acknowledge your own worth, so believe and follow yourself. If you follow yourself, in the end, only you will remain. ¡°I refuse.¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± Arsen stopped nuzzling and lifted his head. Jin red at Arsen with tearful eyes. It seemed like they would overflow, but they never fell. ¡°I don¡¯t want to die. Arsen, please don¡¯t tell me to take responsibility for your fate anymore.¡± Chapter 176 Chapter 176 Liamay on the ground with her limbs twisted, a gaping hole the size of a head in her chest. Without even a chance to gasp for breath, she, one of the threemanders, was dead. Mariv picked up the spear that had pierced her heart. Swish. The mana sealing stone was sharpened to a keen edge, sharp enough to cut flesh with a mere touch. Mariv personally closed Liama¡¯s eyelids and turned around. ¡°Urgh¡­¡± ¡°Huff, hah!¡± ¡°Your Highness Mariv! Are you alright?¡± ¡°What in the world was that just now-¡° ¡°Ugh, the blood, it keeps flowing.¡±¡°Your Highness!¡± Dina¡¯s garden was in shambles. Not a single de of grass remained, a testament to the battle, and over half the pce had copsed. And the ck armors buried under the rubble. The traces left behind by Liama, who had sacrificed her life. ¡®Gale, your life as Wesleigh¡¯s lover was not in vain.¡¯ The mana sealing stone, virtually the only means to control mages. It was managed under the imperial family¡¯s initiative, but Gale, who had been Wesleigh¡¯s lover, wasrgely in charge of it. A sort of unspoken deal. From Wesleigh¡¯s perspective, she had handed the leash of the Ministry of Magic to the most trustworthy person in the imperial family. ¡®In the end, that¡¯s what strangled her.¡¯ ¡°What about Gale?¡± ¡°He escaped. Towards the Third Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic continues to block entry and exit. He won¡¯t be able to leave.¡± Mariv wiped his forehead with a handkerchief as he listened to his aides¡¯ reports. The blood wouldn¡¯t stop flowing. ¡°The Third Imperial Pce, huh.¡± ¡°We¡¯re in pursuit. Let¡¯s join them.¡± ¡°No. Half search for Gale, the other half go to the Ministry of Magic. If things continue like this, Gale will surely try to find Ian. There are troops there too. I also have plenty to take care of.¡± He could either ask Ian to grant entry to the pce or enter the neutral zone as ast resort by surrendering. As long as Mariv didn¡¯t stop, Ian would have to protect Gale to mediate between them. ¡°Minister of Imperial Defense, chase Gale! The rest, to the Ministry of Magic! You will face mages, so ready your arrows!¡± Buuu- The sound of a water buffalo horn reverberated as if to shake the entire pce. Not far away, Gale, who was fleeing to the Third Imperial Pce, nced back. Paal, his aide who had lost an arm, grabbed Gale¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t look back, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Your arm.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Gale bit his lip hard. He wasn¡¯t sure if it was a good thing that Bariel¡¯s soldiers were better than expected. The battle, initially in their favor, had gradually turned against them as time passed. The fact that less than half of the mana armors promised from Hyman Street had arrived was a steep blow. ck ck! ¡°The other half should be outside the pce. It would be best to meet Sir Ian.¡± ¡°Mariv will have troops waiting there.¡± ¡°What if we can¡¯t see His Majesty the Emperor?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Gale fell silent and quickened his pace. The situation was not good at all. They had tried to stab him in the back with an assassination plot, only to get heavily hit first. ¡°Your Highness, this way!¡± The empty Third Imperial Pce. Perhaps everyone had evacuated due to themotion, not a single soul was in sight. Stepping on the scattered documents and such on the floor, Gale slowly walked down the corridor. Swish. And at the very end of the corridor, he stood before a huge painting taller than a person. It depicted young angels flying in the sky, scattering flower petals. Gale lightly knelt down and brought his forehead to it. ¡°Father.¡± An earnest voice calling for the emperor. ¡°Father. Are you here? Can you hear me?¡± But there was no answer. The angels remained trapped in a still world, smiling brightly. Gale called out to the emperor again with desperation. ¡°Your Highness, it seems he is not here.¡± ¡°What about the other paintings?¡± ¡°There is one more at the end of the opposite corridor.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go there.¡± The emperor¡¯s secret passageway. If it was not a physical space passed down through generations but created in the current era, the power of magic was absolutely necessary. Wesleigh, who had been in charge of it, had even signed a confidentiality oath, but it was ineffective in the face of love. ck ck! Gale stood up to search for the emperor. Then, the eyes of one of the angels in the painting slowly moved, following Gale¡¯s back. The angel¡¯s eyes were a faded blue. *** Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Magic. Ian sighed, brushing back his hair. The mana sealing stone. Wasn¡¯t it the Achilles¡¯ heel of mages? Even a tiny piece of the raw stone could seal their power, dragging those close to gods down to the ends of the earth. Even the mighty Wesleigh had crumbled before an earring-sized raw stone. ¡°Sir Ian. What should we do?¡± ¡°It must have been His Highness Gale¡¯s side that used the mana sealing stone. Before the situation esctes out of control, we must intervene as well. With the purpose of retrieving the mana sealing stone.¡± ¡°Agreed. This is a good opportunity to clean up the sealing stones in the lords¡¯ possession. They could pierce our throats at any time.¡± ¡°Liama is dead! One of the three captains!¡± Everyone threw in urgent remarks, but Ian remained silent. Instead of answering, he muttered while looking down at the mana stone powder map. ¡°Everyone, stay calm and observe. Liama was the backbone of His Highness Mariv¡¯s forces. Her death means the battle has reached its climax, which in turn means the two princes¡¯ forces have split.¡± Hale nodded, taking out a new cigarette. He also seemed visibly startled, but appeared to maintainposure in contrast to Akore¡¯s flustered state. ¡°I agree. Liama was Bariel¡¯s strongest knight, responsible for His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s safety. The unusual mana detected at the end must mean her death was not in vain. To make His Highness Gale use the precious mana sealing stone, we can consider it the final stages.¡± The clock hands were barely pointing to afternoon. In less than a day, so much had changed again and again. Ian put down the documents he had received from Romand and instructed. ¡°Commander Akore.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°It says here that high-grade liqui-stone was taken out during former minister Wesleigh¡¯s time. Do you know anything about this?¡± ¡°Liqui-stone? Give me a moment. Let me take a look.¡± Akore furrowed her brow, adjusting her sses. She was well-informed about even the slightest mana stone exports, but she couldn¡¯t remember this. Only after flipping through the report did she exim. ¡°Ah, I see now. I remember. The imperial family bought this. They said it was to support the pce painters, so things got a bit out of hand. Using such a precious thing for paintings.¡± Pce painters. Ian snapped his fingers as if grasping a clue. ¡°And you know nothing of it?¡± ¡°Me? I¡¯m ayman when ites to art.¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking if Wesleigh was in charge at the time.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. That¡¯s right.¡± Why would the minister be curious about liqui-stone? Akore kept pressing between her brows, groaning. But that was brief. She soon realized that one of liqui-stone¡¯s main characteristics was ¡°absorption.¡± ¡°Hale, where did you say was thest ce Beols¡¯s presence was felt?¡± ¡°The Third Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Commander Akore, take Beric to the Third Imperial Pce and collect all the paintings made with liqui-stone.¡± ¡°Me? With that Beric fellow?¡± ¡°In terms of skill, he¡¯s trustworthy.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why he¡¯scking in other aspects!¡± The mages listening silently also bit their lips. The Ministry of Magic¡¯s mad dog and Ian¡¯s mad dog going on a mission together. They wondered if it would be alright. But Ian closed the documents, indicating he wouldn¡¯t reconsider. ¡°If collecting all of them is difficult, bringing even one is fine.¡± ¡°Ah, no. Just in case, please assign a few more people. They even used mana sealing stones in battle, it¡¯s too much of a disadvantage.¡± When Akore pleaded with sped hands, Ian nodded. If the two went alone, who knows what problems might arise. ¡°Alright. Have Tommy escort you.¡± ¡°Hah. Understood. What about Beric?¡± ¡°He¡¯s in the cafeteria, still stuffing his face-no, still eating.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go. Yes. Let¡¯s go.¡± Akore put on her sses and picked up her outer robe. When pulling out even a bull¡¯s horn, it was best to hurry and get it done. It was a task of bringing back just one painting anyway. ¡°Huh?¡± Just then, someone made a puzzled sound. Akore, her nerves on edge, shouted while making an X with her hands. ¡°No ¡®huh?¡¯ as if something happened!¡± ¡°No, take a look at this.¡± ¡°What is it? Gasp!¡± ¡°It seems Your Highness Mariv ising this way? His forces have split in two. One side is heading to the Third Imperial Pce.¡± The mage was right. They couldn¡¯t tell which side Mariv was leading, but the chances of himing to the Ministry of Magic rather than the Third Imperial Pce were much higher. Akore gaped at Ian, but Hale blocked her gaze with his hand. ¡°What are you doing? Not going?¡± ¡°M-Mariv¡¯s troops are going to the Third Imperial Pce right now?¡± ¡°Two mages and one mage knight. You think they¡¯ll die?¡± ¡°Damn it¡­!¡± ¡°Theter you are, the more disadvantageous it is for you.¡± ¡°Argh! Beric! Beric! Tommy!¡± ng! Akore hurried out, calling for Beric. The mages gathered in the lobby were unusually restless, perhaps having seen the banners approaching in the distance. Ian straightened his cor and nodded. ¡°The remainingmanders, follow me. Every department, participate in the barrier construction without a single absence.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± ng! Everyone went outside, moving to maintain order and handle the situation. They evacuated the civilians deep into the building, and all the mages stepped forward, gathering mana. The color of the barrier gradually deepened. Buuu- ¡°Sir Ian!¡± And before long, a voice calling for Ian. It was Mariv¡¯s aide. Ian looked down at them from atop the stairs with mages in tow. Mariv was looking up, holding a bow. ¡°¡­You don¡¯t look well, Your Highness Mariv.¡± ¡°Thanks to whom, I wonder.¡± ¡°If you¡¯vee to stop the chaos and restore the pce¡¯s dignity, you¡¯vee to the right ce. Drop your weapons and apologize to His Majesty the Emperor.¡± The corner of Mariv¡¯s mouth curled up slightly. As if he had heard a truly amusing joke. ¡°The pce¡¯s dignity, I must restore it. So, hand over Dina and the twin princes you took. They are in league with the treasonous Gale and have insulted me, so I will make them pay with blood.¡± Was the insult not being able to end Jin¡¯s life earlier? Ian raised his head with dignity, looking down on them. When there was no answer, Mariv¡¯s expression crumpled. ¡°¡­I will say it again, this is a neutral zone. Safetyes first, and we will maintain the order you have trampled on. Therefore, I refuse.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t hide behind the word ¡®neutral¡¯! Those who do not side with me are ultimately against me! Even if you survive here, I will make you pay the price someday!¡± It might seem like ck-and-white logic, but there was some truth to it. After this incident, whoever the victor was, Ian would clean them all up anyway. Mariv aimed the bowstring at Ian¡¯s head. Twang. ¡°Ian. I was quite fond of you.¡± Arrows cannot pierce a magical barrier. But the murderous aura was so intense that the mages gathered mana. Mariv shouted onest time. ¡°If you won¡¯t cooperate, I will destroy this ce too.¡± ¡°Again, I refuse.¡± Pang! Mariv released the bowstring. The arrow flew swiftly, stopping right in front of Ian¡¯s nose. The arrowhead in contact with the barrier began to burn, emitting sparks. Bzzt! Crackle! ¡°¡­?¡± The mages flinched in surprise upon seeing that. Normally, it should have just bounced off physically, but the arrowhead seemed to gradually pierce through the barrier. ¡°Step aside, Ian.¡± Swish! Kwaaang! As Hale struck the halted arrow with his sword, a tremendous boom resounded and mana swirled around the arrowhead. It was the mana of the mages who had constructed the barrier. ¡°Huh? Uh?¡± ¡°Wait, the mana is draining!¡± ¡°Maintain it! Keep putting in strength!¡± Crack- But eventually, the barrier cracked. As the mages gasped in shock, Ian unconsciously reached out his hand. ¡°This¡­¡± The arrowhead that had absorbed the mana had turned amber. A color that brilliantly captured the sunlight. It was the same as the mysterious raw stone Ian had found in the flowerpot. Chapter 177 Chapter 177 The amber arrowhead fell weakly to the floor. So insignificantly that one couldn¡¯t believe it had cracked the magical barrier. Thud. The mages felt cold sweat running down their backs as they stepped back. Stealing mana, this was unheard of. ¡°Just now, I wasn¡¯t the only one who felt that, right?¡± ¡°¡­It felt like it was being sucked in.¡± ¡°What is it, a sealing stone? It feels different from a sealing stone though?¡± ¡°Is everyone alright? Huh? Mana, check your mana!¡± At someone¡¯s shout, the mages simultaneously activated their mana without exception. Fortunately, they realized there was no problem with their inner strength and could maintainposure. Hale spat out his cigarette and brought his sword to the amber arrowhead. ¡°It seems a bit different from a mana sealing stone.¡±¡°Hale! Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t touch it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s be a lump of raw stone. It¡¯s not emitting light. If Akore saw this, she¡¯d faint in joy. Says she¡¯s never seen anything like it.¡± Ian knelt on one knee and looked down at the arrowhead. No matter how much he examined it, it was the same raw stone as the ne Ian was wearing. When it first flew over and was blocked in front of him, it was an ordinary lump of metal. ¡°Your Highness Mariv. What is this?¡± What in the world was it that it scattered mana without being a mana sealing stone, and was in servant Ian¡¯s flowerpot? And Madam Lien also had it. She said it was an alchemist¡¯s failed creation. Definitely. ¡°It¡¯s a human creation to stop mages who disrupt the pce and the great empire of Bariel, like Wesleigh and you. Do you like it?¡± Mariv took out another arrow as he answered. Looking closely, the shape of the fletching was clearly different from what the imperial family used. Mariv must have trimmed the fletching separately to distinguish them. As the bowstring was pulled taut, Ian shouted. ¡°Maintain the mana again!¡± Zing. Zing. At hismand, the mages reflexively poured strength into the barrier. It was already cracked, so if it took that strange attack twice in a row, it would shatter. The mages gritted their teeth and poured in mana to the maximum. ¡°Endure! Keep putting in mana, keep going!¡± ¡°Is this really, really alright?! Sir Ian!¡± ¡°Shut up! How would Sir Ian know that? Put in mana!¡± ¡°Aaargh! Aargh!¡± Mariv released the bowstring, drawing an elegant trajectory with his fingertips. The target of this attack was the crack in the barrier that hadn¡¯t been filled yet. Bzzt! Crackle! Sparks burst in a lightning pattern. Ian¡¯s golden eyes glowed even brighter in that light. The force of the mages trying to maintain the barrier and the arrows trying to steal that power fiercely intertwined, creating a whirlwind. At the same time, Ian had a realization. ¡®So this is it. The cause of Gale¡¯s failed rebellion recorded in history!¡¯ The feeling of a missing puzzle piece fitting into ce. In the original history, Gale had plotted a rebellion with Wesleigh, backed by the Ministry of Magic. Although he couldn¡¯t know the exact situation at that time, he should have found it strange that most of the mages were suppressed. The mana sealing stones managed by the imperial family couldn¡¯t handle them all. ¡®Mariv must have studied this to keep Gale in check.¡¯ Keeping Gale in check meant keeping the Ministry of Magic in check. Thus, when trouble arose, he could suppress the mages. The situation now wasn¡¯t much different from then. The only difference was whether it was Gale¡¯s Ministry of Magic or Ian¡¯s Ministry of Magic. Bzzt! Boom! The arrow began to steal mana again. Mariv grabbed a third arrow without giving them a chance. ¡°Damn it!¡± It felt like blood was rushing in reverse. Not due to anger, but because he had opened his mana without control. The amber raw stone came from a merchant group that had an alchemist, so the ones who researched and distributed it must have been that merchant group as well. But what was strange was why the amber raw stone wasn¡¯t passed down toter generations. ¡®The imperial family¡¯s only means to control mages was the mana sealing stone. It was the one and only, there was nothing else at all. If there was something like that, I would have known.¡¯ Because he was the emperor. And because he was a mage. Ian shouted, coughing up blood. He didn¡¯t know how many arrows there were, but just blocking them like this was like pouring water into a bottomless pot. ¡°Hale! Nakina!¡± ¡°At yourmand!¡± Ian red directly at Mariv, his golden eyes zing. Then, he called out the mages skilled in attack magic. ¡°Rolf, Ation, Kanna, Salvera!¡± ¡°Yes! Sir Ian!¡± ¡°Give us your orders!¡± Mariv calmly kept shooting arrows. Like stones being thrown into a deep pond, the arrows continuously caused cracks in the barrier. Bzzt! ¡®What a pity.¡¯ The mages were flustered, but Mariv was disappointed. If he had just a little more time, he could have used something moreplete to end their lives. Mariv¡¯s aide, Paal, raised his hand. As if to take an attacking stance. ¡°-From here on, I, Ian Hielo,mand in the name of the Ministry of Magic minister!¡± Kwaaang! Boom! ¡°Execute Your Highness Mariv.¡± ¡°Execute him!¡± The mages whose names were called jumped into the sky in unison. The barrier, drained of their strength, couldn¡¯t withstand the arrows¡¯ power and was destroyed, but Ian calmly directed the ranks. ¡°It¡¯s fine if it breaks! We can keep making it! Don¡¯t leave your positions and concentrate!¡± ¡°Kill the mages! Those treacherous traitors!¡± ¡°Demons wearing the mask of gods!¡± ¡°Kill them! Kill!¡± ¡°Bring out Prince Jin!¡± The soldiers shouted and ran up the stairs, determined topletely shatter the barrier. Looking down from above, they looked just like a swarm of ants. As the mages flinched and stepped back, Nakina blocked the soldiers¡¯ path. Swish! ¡°Gale Force¡± The wind that had been swirling with mana gradually narrowed and fiercely prated between the soldiers. A wind that cut through exposed necks, wrists, and Achilles¡¯ tendons above the armor, filling the air with the scent of blood. sh! ¡°Aaargh!¡± ¡°Push forward! More! Onward!¡± ¡°Urgh, urk!¡± ¡°Cover your mouth when you speak! Your tongue will be cut off!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a de wind! Close your eyes and charge!¡± But there were too many of them surging in like a tidal wave. Soldiers who had approached using theirrades¡¯ bodies as shields swung their swords at the barrier one by one. ng! ng! Kwaaang! Just then, Hale quickly jumped down, grabbed a soldier¡¯s hair, and mmed his head into the ground. His already thick fist was glowing red-hot like a tempered lump of iron. The soldier¡¯s skull shattered into pieces, losing its shape without even a chance to scream. Swish! An arrow grazing past him. It was Mariv. Hale threw the soldier¡¯s head down the stairs and stood up. ¡°Do you know the meaning of what you¡¯re doing right now?¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need to know. Because Sir Ian knows.¡± ¡°How foolish. Who would call you the product of wisdom?¡± Ping! Swish! Not only Mariv but also his aides and those taking up positions beside him seemed to possess amber raw stones. Arrows poured down like rain from a clear sky. Swish! Thud! Thump! ng! ¡°Sir Ian!¡± ¡°Wh-what do we do about this?!¡± ¡°Aaargh!¡± When the barrier broke, arrows began piercing through faster than new ones could be created. The mages who were ordered to attack cut through the soldiers and rushed at Mariv, but¡­ Thud! An overwhelming number of arrows flew in, shattering each individual¡¯s barriers. Nakina¡¯s left arm was also pierced by a blind attack. ¡°Aaargh!¡± With a pained curse, Nakina roughly pulled out the arrowhead. And at the moment she reflexively tried to activate an attack magic filled with rage¡­ ¡°¡­?!¡± Her mana was blocked as if her breath had been cut off. While Nakina hesitated, a soldier tried to cut her heart with his sword. ¡°Die!¡± ¡°Nakina!¡± Kwang! ¡°Get a grip! You brat!¡± ¡°Ha-Hale. My mana won¡¯te out.¡± ¡°What?¡± Nakina stood in a daze as if she had fallen into a disconnected world. Hale burst soldiers¡¯ heads and shouted. ¡°Nakina! Focus!¡± ¡°Ah, uh, Sir Ian!¡± Nakina flinched and shed a tear. She was so startled that it came out reflexively without her knowing. In a whirlpool of reason and emotion, Nakina cried out. ¡°Don¡¯t get hit by the arrows! The mana won¡¯te out!¡± ¡°What? Nakina, what did you say just now?¡± ¡°M-Mana won¡¯te out, she says.¡± ¡°Nakina! Nakina!¡± Rather than being lost in shock, informing herrades of the truth was the priority. Thus, winning and surviving was important first. Nakina shouted again in a loud voice. ¡°If you¡¯re hit by an arrow, you can¡¯t use mana! Everyone!¡± ¡°Damn it! Sir Ian!¡± Kwaaang! The mages constructing the barrier turned pale and looked back at Ian. Ian bit his lip hard, then stepped back. ¡°¡­Everyone gather.¡± ¡°Retreat! Come this way!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll activate the portal.¡± It was more troublesome than a mana sealing stone. Sealing stones simply lost their effect when physically distanced, but this seemed to steal mana itself by inflicting wounds. ¡®I hoped they wouldn¡¯t use this of all things.¡¯ ¡°Sir Ian!¡± ¡°The portal is operating! The location is the ce I mentioned before! Bring His Highness Jin.¡± The ce mentioned before, Hielo Territory. The only ce in Bariel¡¯snd where Ian could reliably hide. ck ck! Ian threw open the infirmary door, but there was no sign of anyone. Ian, catching his rough breath, called out to the child in a casual tone. ¡°Your Highness Jin. It¡¯s Ian. We need to flee urgently, so pleasee out.¡± Swish. Then, from under the bed, Jin, who had been hiding with the doctor, poked his head out. Unlike the trembling doctor, Jin emerged from the bed with a firm expression. ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll exinter. We¡¯re going to Hielo Territory. It¡¯s the safest ce.¡± When Ian reached out his hand, Jin hesitated for a moment. Hielo was the most remote of remote ces, and he was going there? Alone? ¡°¡­Are youing with me?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Doctor, youe with us too.¡± ¡°¡­Y-Yes, yes!¡± Jin quickly grabbed Ian¡¯s hand. Outside, the tide of battle was rapidly turning against them. The countless amber arrows on the ground and the transparent wall blocking the soldiers signified that the mages¡¯ mana was nearly exhausted. ¡°I¡¯ll open the portal!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll support you!¡± ¡°Support, aargh! Aaargh!¡± Jin looked up at the ck crescent moon with his head held high. As the mages chanted a spell in an unfamiliarnguage, dozens of concentric circles appeared at Ian¡¯s feet. As if standing on water. ¡®Wow.¡¯ The concentric circles emitted beautifully. Even more dazzling than Ian¡¯s golden hair, Jin unconsciously eximed in admiration. Ian reached out his hand. He couldn¡¯t cover the sky with his palm, but he could at least cover the ck crescent moon. Shaa. Was he chanting ¡°Grow, grow¡±? Every time Ian gestured elegantly, the moon waxed until it soon turned into a full moon. It hungrge and heavy as if it would drop onto the pce at any moment. ¡°Your Highness. If you¡¯re scared, hold my hand tightly.¡± Although he thought he wasn¡¯t scared, his grip on the hand tightened. The moment Ian tried to lift him and step onto the portal¡­ Paat! ¡°Huh? Sir Ian! Just a moment!¡± ¡°Something¡¯s falling from inside!¡± Meteors were raining down in the ck space. Ian frowned and looked up at it. What in the world was that? ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s connected to Hielo?¡± ¡°I-It¡¯s certain.¡± The meteors grewrger andrger. They left the ck moon and decorated the sky above the pce as they quickly fell. Ian unconsciously opened his mouth as he watched. ¡°Iaaan!¡± ¡°Is that rude Beric here too?!¡± ¡°Ahahahaa!¡± A rough, coarseughter that embodied the heat of the desert. Warriors poured down from the sky. Kwaaang! Boom! ¡°Demosha!¡± Chapter 178 Chapter 178 ¡°Lady Philea, shall I bring out some tea? Are your hands cold?¡± Philea, who had been squatting, raised her head at the servant¡¯s call. Her hastily tied-up hair and fair skin were covered in dirt. It was a mess, but her bright smile remained the same as ever. ¡°It¡¯s alright. The soil is cold, but the air is warm, spreading warmth throughout my body. I¡¯d appreciate lemon tea.¡± A greenhouse had been built behind the Hielo mansion. A space personally created by Nersarn for his lover, who grew Gu day after day in rain and wind. The servant squatted next to her and examined the thick g stems. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s already grown this much? Didn¡¯t you nt this just recently?¡± ¡°Amazing, isn¡¯t it? When I plucked off all the leaves four or five days ago, it grew so plump like this. I think the nutrients consumed by the leaves are concentrated in the roots.¡± Philea clumsily scribbled something. It was a journal observing and caring for all the nts in the mansion. Most of it was drawings rather than words, but the recorded information was surprisingly substantial, so even the territory¡¯s people asionally came to seek advice. ¡°I¡¯ll bring a warm wet towel too. Warm up your hands. Lord Nersarn will worry if he sees.¡± ¡°Mm. Thank you.¡±Nersarn fretted every night, worried that her delicate hands would get scratched. Philea smiled shyly and patted the soil. The warriors of Cheonrye passed by outside, bowing their heads in greeting. ¡°Lady Philea! Good morning!¡± ¡°Yes. Good morning.¡± Philea smiled faintly and clutched her apron tightly. The reason the warriors who had gone to the desert after forming an alliance had returned to Hielo was due to a single letter sent by her son. -When the weather clears, the thin ice here will break. At that time, could you help me? What did it mean for the thin ice to break? Since he asked for help, it must be a difficult task. Nersarn seemed to have an idea, but he didn¡¯t tell Philea. -In the name of the alliance, and in the name of Our Father. Philea blushed, recalling the words Ian had added at the end. Embarrassed and bashful, she just poked at the soil with a trowel. ¡®You¡¯re calling the warriors to Hielo?¡¯ ¡®We don¡¯t know when Sir Ian¡¯s request wille, so we¡¯re moving quickly to be ready.¡¯ ¡®But you might be making a futile effort. If so, I¡¯ll be really sorry.¡¯ ¡®Philea, then shall we hold a wedding? So the warriors¡¯ steps won¡¯t be in vain.¡¯ Again, her face flushed red! Philea felt dizzy recalling her conversation with Nersarn. She never knew such happiness woulde to her in life. Above all, it was a love blessed under Ian¡¯s permission, so Philea felt like she had the whole world for the first time. ¡°Lady Philea! Lady Philea!¡± Just then, the servant who had gone to fetch tea called out to Philea urgently. Thinking she might have broken a teacup, Philea stood up and saw the warriors also hurriedly crossing the garden. ck ck! ¡°Is it a signal?¡± ¡°Wait, bring Lord Nersarn!¡± ¡°Everyone, take plenty of Gureut leaves just in case!¡± Philea opened the greenhouse door and stepped outside. A ck crescent moon hanging in the blue sky. A surreal sight that made one wonder if they were dreaming with their eyes open. ¡°Lord Nersarn!¡± At the call of his subordinates, Nersarn also came out and looked up at the sky. An ominous ck moon. He wrapped his arm around Philea¡¯s shoulder and pressed his lips firmly against her forehead. ¡°Philea. Stop your garden work for today and stay in the mansion. It could be dangerous.¡± ¡°Lord Nersarn, what in the world is that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure. But in Bariel, those who make such things are usually mages.¡± Mages. It meant there was a high possibility it was Ian. Philea grabbed Nersarn¡¯s cor with a pale face. ¡°I, I¡¯ll stay here too. If something happened to Ian, I¡¯ll¡­¡± ¡°Stay calm, Philea. Sir Ian is strong because he¡¯s your son. First, it¡¯s best to find out the meaning of that ck moon.¡± But what could those on the ground do about something in the sky? The warriors released eagles to circle around it. With dozens ofrge eagles decorating the sky, even the territory¡¯s people stopped what they were doing one by one and just looked up. Swish! ¡°I don¡¯t smell anything alive.¡± ¡°It seems either something will pour out from there, or we¡¯ll go in. One of the two.¡± ¡°Jumping to conclusions is dangerous. For now, we keep watching.¡± The warriors of Cheonrye, the mansion¡¯s people, and all those under Hielo¡¯s protection waited in silence for the moon to change. Who knows how much time passed like that? ¡°Over there!¡± At Hannah¡¯s cry, the warriors lying on the grass raised their upper bodies. The moon was gradually waxing. Slowly, very slowly drawing a perfect round shape, wasn¡¯t it falling to the ground? Philea took off her apron and ran towards it. Perhaps Ian woulde. ¡°Ian!¡± ¡°Philea, step back! Warriors, grab me!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡± ¡°Noisy. The leader should be the first to set foot in uncharted territory.¡± Nersarn pushed Philea back and approached the huge darkness. Carefully putting his hand in, a cool sensation came over him. It didn¡¯t seem particrly dangerous. He stepped inside, inhaling a tense breath. ¡°Hold Lord Nersarn tightly!¡± ¡°D-Don¡¯t let go!¡± Philea also grabbed his left hand tightly with her feeble strength. After a moment, Nersarn emerged from the darkness and told the warriors. ¡°It seems to be connected to the pce.¡± ¡°What? Where? Do you mean the central pce?¡± ¡°I see a single light, very small in the distance. I¡¯m not certain, but it looks like the dome of Bariel¡¯s pce. Warriors, arm yourselves and follow me.¡± ¡°Demosha!¡± Just then, Philea grabbed Nersarn¡¯s arm and pleaded. ¡°I, me too!¡± ¡°Philea.¡± ¡°Please take me with you. I miss Ian so much. A-And if you go to the pce, it means I won¡¯t see you for at least a month. That month will be like decades to me.¡± A beautiful lover¡¯s confession. The warriors plugged their ears and finished their preparations for departure, and Nersarn smiled in a bind. Then Hannah draped a thick coat over Philea¡¯s shoulders and persuaded. ¡°Lord Nersarn. Wouldn¡¯t it be awkward if you saw Sir Ian? And I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening at the pce, but they¡¯ll be startled if border tribes suddenly barge in. There should be at least one imperial citizen mixed in. Lady Philea is Sir Ian¡¯s mother, so her identity is clear.¡± Philea nodded repeatedly, wrapping her outer robe tightly. Nersarnughed as if he couldn¡¯t resist and lifted her up. ¡°Alright. But stay close by my side.¡± ¡°Yes, yes! Absolutely! Hannah!¡± ¡°Take your time. I miss Sir Ian so much too, but who will manage the mansion if I go as well? Give him my regards and send a letter! May you be safe.¡± Philea left a kiss on Hannah¡¯s cheek and held tightly onto Nersarn¡¯s neck. As if to soothe her fear, Nersarn lightly patted her back. ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not scared. Just a bit nervous.¡± With Nersarn and Philea at the lead, the warriors also jumped into the darkness. ¡°Woohoo! Let¡¯s go!¡± ¡°The one who musters courage first is a true warrior!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go! Wherever it is, warriors survive!¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I smelled blood.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be back, my friends!¡± Hannah waved her hand and saw the warriors off. Once they had all disappeared into the darkness, the surroundings became surprisingly quiet. Hannah and the mansion¡¯s people sped their hands in front of it and prayed. Hoping their loved ones would return safely. *** ¡°Demosha!¡± The sudden appearance of the warriors startled the pce soldiers, making them step back. The mages were the same. They unconsciously released their mana and looked up at the sky in bewilderment. It was a strange spectacle that made everyone forget they were in the middle of a battle. ¡°Iaaan!¡± Just then, Ian immediately recognized who the long-haired blonde woman fluttering in the wind was. He reached out his hands in surprise. Philea also reached out her hands. The brilliantly shining blonde mother and son touched each other like a painting. Kwaaak! It seemed like they were falling as if defying gravity, but when they actually embraced, it must have been a fantastical illusion. Because he never imagined he would see Philea and the warriors here at the pce. Philea hugged Ian¡¯s neck and whispered pitifully. ¡°My son, I missed you so much.¡± ¡°Mother. It¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°¡­M-Mother?!¡± ¡°Did he just say mother?¡± The mages gaped and flinched at Ian¡¯s answer. ¡®Damn, blood ties are real after all. Can¡¯t fool them.¡¯ ¡®I thought an angel had descended. Seriously.¡¯ ¡®Sir Ian¡¯s mother? Oh shit, what do I do? I think I just fell for her.¡¯ Who knows what each of them was thinking, but Ian smiled faintly and detached her. Prince Jin opened his eyes wide in amazement and looked back and forth between the two. ¡°Wow¡­¡± A brief exmation. Due to that exmation, Ian realized the current situation. Every moment was urgent to evacuate Prince Jin. Shaa. ¡°The portal is closing!¡± ¡°Ah, damn it.¡± The portal disappeared as if it had fulfilled its role. Then the soldiers also came to their senses and gripped their swords and spears. ¡°S-Savages? What¡¯s with their outfits?¡± ¡°Hielo! Did you summon the savages with magic?¡± ¡°This is deceiving the great empire of Bariel and a disgrace to the pce!¡± Realizing the weapons were pointed at Ian and the mages, the warriors lowered their bodies and took an attacking stance. They all had grim smiles, clearly enjoying the situation. When else would they get to smash the arrogant imperial soldiers? They had formed a fateful alliance with Hielo, but the oppression of the empire passed down from previous generations still beat in the warriors¡¯ hearts. ¡°Absurd.¡± Mariv scoffed and picked up an arrow. As the mages screamed and backed away, the warriors drew their swords. ¡°The arrows, if you¡¯re hit by the arrows-!¡± Ping! An arrow pierced the forearm of the warrior at the very front. But he casually pulled it out and snapped the shaft. The amber gemstone was useless to those who didn¡¯t use mana. ¡°Sir Ian, long time no see! What should we do?¡± ¡°Do we just need to chop off these bastards¡¯ heads?¡± ¡°You little shit who called us savages, I¡¯ve got my eye on you. Your face looks more like a beast.¡± This wasn¡¯t a back-alley dogfight. A battle to be recorded in history, moving under thorough cause and justice. There was an order to follow, but the warriors seemed unable to hold back their boiling blood. The moment Ian tried to shout for them to wait a moment¡­ ¡°Everyone, restrain yourselves.¡± It was Nersarn. He wrapped his arm around Philea¡¯s shoulder and nodded at Ian. As if to tell him to quickly give appropriate orders, though he didn¡¯t know the situation. Ian stepped forward and kissed the back of Philea¡¯s hand. ¡°My mother Philea, and this is-¡° The first thing was to point out to everyone that there was no problem with them entering the pce. ¡°My new father, Nersarn. The warriors are Nersarn¡¯s family, so they are not enemies of the pce.¡± ¡°F-F-Father?!¡± The mages were stunned as if they had received too much shock at once. The mother was an angel, but the father was from the border tribes. What kind ofbination was this? ¡°A dog-like family tree.¡± As Mariv sneered and drew his sword, the soldiers also reorganized and shouted a war cry. Ian was the same. He opened his mana, shouting with all his might. Zing! Zing! ¡°Tear apart those who try to harm the mages!¡± ¡°Demosha!¡± ¡°Demosha!¡± Kwajik! Kwaaang! Thump! The warriors jumped into the enemy lines and swung their weapons like crazy. The necks of the soldiers crumbled helplessly in the warriors¡¯ grips, and their limbs were broken off like discarded dolls. Swords and spears tried to block the warriors, but to those who had spent their livespeting with nature¡¯s greatness, it was an attack no better than thorny vines. ¡°Aaargh! Aargh!¡± ¡°W-What are these bastards?¡± ¡°Wait! Spare, spare-!¡± ¡°Aaaaahh! Fuck!¡± Boom! Boom! The soldiers who had pushed in gradually retreated. In that gap, the mages used the warriors as shields to regenerate the barrier and soon lent them strength. Zing. Zing. ¡°Push forward!¡± ¡°Execute His Highness Mariv!¡± ¡°Kill! Kill all those fuckers!¡± ¡°You bastards! The mages, eh?! How much have we-!¡± ¡°If we don¡¯t kill them, we die! Release to the maximum!¡± Kwaaang! Boom! The entangled battle erupted again. Ian let go of Philea¡¯s hand and gritted his teeth. His gaze was fixed on Mariv. ¡°Mother. Please take care of His Highness Prince Jin for a moment.¡± ¡°Ian!¡± ng! The fiercely swirling flow of mana. Ian charged at him with lion-like golden eyes. Chapter 179 Chapter 179 Kwaang! The sound of an explosioning from the Ministry of Magic. Beric, who had been running ahead, abruptly stopped, causing Akore to m her nose into him. She straightened her sses and shouted in annoyance. ¡°That hurts! What is it?!¡± ¡°Seems something happened at the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°Of course, since Mariv took his soldiers there! The same shit will happen at the Third Imperial Pce soon, so hurry up and move.¡± ¡°Damn it. I shouldn¡¯t havee along. Will Ian be okay alone?¡± At Beric¡¯s mumbling, Akore let out a scoff. None other than the minister of the Ministry of Magic, Ian Hielo. Ian Hielo, who appeared like aet and secured the 4th rank in the great Bariel Empire! ¡°Who¡¯s worrying about whom? And what do you mean,ing along? A is A and B is B! You were ordered to be my escort.¡± ¡°By the way, you there. Do you know her? She¡¯s been getting on my nerves for a while now.¡±¡°Her? Herrr?! I am Akore! Themander of the Mana Stone Management Department!¡± ¡°Even so, isn¡¯t your master Ian? Same as me?¡± ¡°Both of you, please be quiet for a moment!¡± Tommy, who had been observing the front from the air, couldn¡¯t stand it and scolded them. Yap yap yap. He had expected it to some degree since it was abination of mad dogs, but it was more tiring than he thought. The thick smoke already made it difficult to secure visibility, and yet they were disturbing his mind like this. ¡°It seems there¡¯s a fire near the Third Imperial Pce. Even if we ignore the soldiers, didn¡¯t you say we¡¯re supposed to bring back a painting? We should hurry so the fire doesn¡¯t spread to it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not chatter, it¡¯s establishing discipline!¡± Akore shouted again, but Beric just stuck out his tongue and ran towards the Third Imperial Pce. To be precise, he was chasing Tommy¡¯s shadow. ck ck! ¡°Tommy! How¡¯s the Ministry of Magic side?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t see well from here.¡± Half of the Ministry of Magic was obscured by the portal slicing through the sky. Judging from the sound of the explosion, something had definitely happened, but Tommy barely swallowed a sigh and looked back at the devastated scene. ¡®Just one day.¡¯ In fact, the flow had started from midnight, so it hadn¡¯t even been 24 hours. How could he not have known that the product of hundreds of years of history could be destroyed so futilely? Did Mariv and Gale even realize what they were doing now? ¡°Beric. I see Mariv¡¯s soldiers over there.¡± ¡°Kill them and go?¡± ¡°No. I think we¡¯ll arrive first. You¡¯ll have a hard time leaving with the painting.¡± Tommy noticed the banners of Mariv¡¯s approaching soldiers and informed him. Instead of answering, Beric swung his ck sword and put more strength into his strides. ng! ¡°Come along! You beasts!¡± If it weren¡¯t for Akore¡¯s shout, he could have run even faster. As soon as she reached the Third Imperial Pce, she copsed on the floor and dryly heaved. Wasn¡¯t it too harsh an exercise for a researcher who mostly lived in ab? ¡°Urk.¡± ¡°Ah, gross. He said we only need to bring one painting, right? Come on, pick one. There¡¯s so many.¡± Building maps, geometric wall decorations, a portrait of someone who seemed to be in charge of the Third Imperial Pce, flower paintings lined up next torge windows, and others. Paintings produced by the hands of artists hung everywhere the eye could see. Akore wiped her mouth and muttered. ¡°It won¡¯t be something like that.¡± ¡°Then?¡± ¡°Not long after the liqui-stone was exported, paintings with mana stones became a trend among high-ranking nobles. The imperial family must have deliberately led the trend to hide His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s secret passageway.¡± Then it would be faster to find what the high-ranking nobles enjoyed. ¡°Probabilistically, it¡¯s likely to be a painting that¡¯s asrge, extravagant, and gives a sacred feeling as possible. For now, I¡¯ll go that way and check the paintings one by one, so Beric, you go the opposite way and bring back simr paintings. Tommy. You protect me.¡± It was an order to minimize time as much as possible. At Akore¡¯s words, Beric immediately ran to the left corridor and shouted. ¡°This way?!¡± ¡°Yeah. Tear them off and pile them up here.¡± ck ck! Watching his back disappear like the wind, Akore opened her mana. As her entire body¡¯s senses heated up sensitively, her expression naturally frowned. Her head felt dizzy, as if she would throw up again. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Will you be able to distinguish the liqui-stone? Even if it¡¯s mixed in, it¡¯ll be a tiny amount, and above all, it¡¯ll be troublesome if it¡¯s mixed with other low-grade mana stones.¡± She pushed up her sses, which had left marks due to Beric, and smiled slightly. She was curious about that too. ¡°Let¡¯s see. Hehe.¡± Mana stones that she touched, felt, and tasted every day. She even felt like she was testing her half-life ofboratory work. As she let out a lowugh, Tommy flinched and stepped back. ¡®¡­Thatugh, it¡¯s the one when experimenting potions on mages.¡¯ Just as he was contemting switching ces with Beric, Beric was running through the corridor, roughly scanning the paintings he passed by. Large, extravagant, and revered¡­ ¡°Huh?¡± At the end of the corridor, a painting that easily surpassed a person¡¯s height suddenly caught his eye. The sight of a dozen angels smiling brightly. Beric folded his arms and let out a groan of contemtion. ¡°Hmm. This one¡¯s too big.¡± How do I carry it? No, that¡¯s not it. I can carry it if I want to. I just have to work two or three times harder than when I carried Dina. ¡°Pass!¡± Anyway, I only need to bring one painting. Beric shouted decisively and turned his body. At the same time, the angel¡¯s eyes moved again. ¡°No!¡± As Beric suddenly turned around, it stopped right there. Whatever it was thinking, it had its mouth shut. ¡°If I bring back a huge one, they¡¯ll give me more meat for the hard work!¡± Beric approached the painting again, grinning. He reached out to tear it off, but felt something strange. ¡°¡­?¡± It was a very short time. Just a few seconds. But for some reason, he couldn¡¯t figure out why it seemed like something had changed. Beric frowned and took a step back. Was it because of his pure perspective that knew nothing? Rather than assigning meaning and interpreting, he simply saw things as they were. ¡°Oh!¡± All the angels were looking down at him, or more precisely, at the viewer, and smiling. Except for one angel on the left. As if he had an epiphany, Beric snapped his fingers. ¡°Why are this one¡¯s eyes like that?¡± Beric approached closely and examined the angel¡¯s face. Its eyes¡­ ¡®Blink?¡¯ Blinked! Short and fast, as if losing a staring contest! Beric, too startled, unconsciously shouted and struck the angel¡¯s face. ¡°Aaaaargh!¡± Kwaang! ¡°¡­Shit. Shit, what the, what¡¯s.¡± ¡°Beric! Beric! What happened?¡± Tommy, who heard themotion, came running first. Beric, who rarely turned pale, panted and looked at Tommy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°The painting, its eyes moved!¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°They moved, I¡¯m telling you! It just blinked!¡± ¡°That¡¯s nonsense¡­¡± ck ck! ¡°Tommy! I told you to protect me!¡± Akore came running after him, a work the size of her upper body tucked under her arm. As if to make her effort in bringing it pointless, she threw the small one away and approached the angel painting. Zing. Zing. And summoning her mana more strongly, she searched for traces of liqui-stone. The power of mana stones felt through a sixth sense beyond the five senses. Akore rubbed her face against the painting, not hiding her excitement. ¡°Ahahaha! This is it! This! Definitely liqui-stone!¡± ¡°Th-That one?¡± ¡°Absolutely. As told by my 10 years as a rookie in the Mana Stone Management Department, 3 years as a vice-captain, and 5 years as amander! 210 grams of liqui-stone, 15 grams of tum, 150 grams of coridosia¡­!¡± Tommy pushed Akore aside and took down the painting. The alloy frame alone would weigh at least a dozen kilograms, so he and Beric held it tightly from the front and back. ¡°If you¡¯re certain, let¡¯s go without wasting time. Beric, hold on tight.¡± ¡°Alright! Let¡¯s fickin¡¯ go!¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s pitching in.¡± The three carefully, but as quickly as possible, left the Third Imperial Pce. As they came outside, the nearby fire had spread in the meantime, and a pungent smell wafted over. Akore straightened her sses and looked up at the sky. ¡°Why isn¡¯t there a portal?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± At her question, the two men also raised their heads. The sky was clear and blue. There was no trace of a ck moon. Beric frowned as if he didn¡¯t understand. ¡°Where did the ck moon go? Does it usually disappear this fast?¡± ¡°¡­Either it was activated, or the magic circle disappeared.¡± The perplexity was thick in Tommy¡¯s voice as he said that. Whether it was the former or thetter, it was clear that something had happened to the mages. ¡°W-We can go back to the Ministry of Magic building, right? If the portal is operating, the mages have evacuated en masse, and if the magic circle is gone, they¡¯re all-¡° Akore covered her mouth, realizing how terrible her words were. In an instant, Beric let go of the painting he was holding and grabbed his sword. Shaa. Mana drawn from the lower abdomen without hesitation. A purple aura swirled around the ck sword. ¡°Beric! No! If something happened to the mages, we might be theirst chance!¡± Akore grabbed him urgently, but Beric calmly brushed off her hand. What use was knowing that? Thest chance or whatever, that value was also established under Ian¡¯s judgment. What Beric had to do was save his master. ¡°I¡¯m going ahead.¡± ng! ¡°There they are! Over there, the mages!¡± ¡°Catch them! You can kill them!¡± ck ck! Just then, Mariv¡¯s soldiers spotted the three and came running. In the brief moment Akore reflexively spread a barrier, Beric swung his sword and jumped into their ranks. sh! Kwajik! ¡°Aargh!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t back down! There¡¯s only one opponent!¡± ¡°Crazy, aargh! Spare me! My eyes! My eyes!¡± ¡°A mage knight? Maintain formation!¡± ¡°Attack simultaneously! All at once!¡± ¡°Waaargh!¡± It wasn¡¯t swordsmanship. It was just ughter. Indiscriminately stabbing his sword into the faces and necks not covered by armor, he unleashed attacks solely aimed at killing. If there was a slight difference from usual, it was that Beric wasn¡¯t enjoying it. ¡°I¡¯m busy, so-!¡± Thump! ¡°I¡¯ll kill you all.¡± Even Tommy and Akore couldn¡¯t get close to Beric. Regardless of friend or foe, he had the momentum of wanting to break everything that bothered him. sh! ¡°Haa, haa¡­¡± ¡°Urk!¡± The soldiers saw theirrades being torn to shreds and fled. Beric hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should chase after them, but he grabbed his ck sword and ran towards the Ministry of Magic again. ¡°Ah shit, what if Ian really died?¡± ¡°Why would Sir Ian die? He¡¯s practically the only person who can solve the current situation!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know! I¡¯m really going ahead first!¡± ¡°You bastard! Bring the painting! Argh!¡± Akore threw a punch at the back of Beric¡¯s head. But Beric vanished in an instant, and only the groans of dying soldiers filled the vicinity. ¡°As if a person with a crazy bastard like that as a subordinate would die. Ugh, idiot.¡± She had no choice but to grab the edge of the painting instead of Beric. Not only was itrge, but the weight was indeed tremendous. ¡°Tommy, any magic that could be used to move this?¡± ¡°Transportation is Nakina¡¯s responsibility. Shall I try it?¡± ¡°¡­Forget it. It¡¯ll be troublesome if the mana stone reacts and causes problems. Haa. I¡¯ll try lifting it. One, two, three! Oof!¡± Akore scowled and shook her hands. The Ministry of Magic looked particrly far today, even though the pce was already vast. The moment Akore took aborious step¡­ Tak. Someone grabbed her arm. ¡°Gasp!¡± ¡°Step away from Commander Akore, Your Highness!¡± In a state that perfectly suited the expression ¡®he survived,¡¯ quite a mess. It was Gale. Chapter 180 Chapter 180 ¡°Protect Sir Ian!¡± ¡°Iaaaan! Hahaha!¡± The warriors¡¯ heartyughter grazed Ian¡¯s ears. They willingly gave their bodies to the flying arrows and easily caught them with their hands, breaking the shafts. ¡°Sir Ian! Be careful!¡± The mages were the same. Without a moment to exchange greetings with the border tribe that had fallen from the sky, they immediately stood back-to-back with Ian, opening a path for him. The soldiers pushing forward were helplessly pushed back, trampled underfoot, and tumbled down the stairs. Kwaang! Kwajik! ck ck! ¡°For Sir Ian!¡± ¡°For Sir Ian!¡±¡°For Ian!¡± Everyone shouted simultaneously, volunteering themselves as Ian¡¯s shield. A ring light gathered in his hand and soon shot out like a stream of water through the gaps between his fingers. Ping! Mariv¡¯s arrow aimed at his neck. Nersarn deflected it with his hand and ran alongside Ian. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you toe.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask for help when the thin ice breaks? Spring ising, but a cold wind still blows fiercely in the pce.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not cold now that you¡¯re blocking the wind.¡± ¡°In the name of Our Father-¡° ng! Nersarn mumbled as he cut the necks of the attacking soldiers. Was it because of the leaping? His ears were unusually red. ¡°-I havee.¡± ¡°Aargh! They¡¯re not human, they¡¯re demons!¡± ¡°We are the warriors of the Great Desert!¡± ¡°How dare you beastse here of all ces!¡± ¡°Your Highness Mariv, retreat for now!¡± ¡°You must join forces with the Third Imperial Pce troops! Your Highness! Give the order to retreat!¡± ng! Mariv¡¯s aide shed with a warrior. They weren¡¯t the only ones. Swords shed with swords everywhere, asionally sending up sparks. Mariv stepped back but didn¡¯t let go of his bowstring. Swish! ng! Chang! This time, it was Hale who deflected the arrow. He also jumped down the stairs with Ian, personally fending off the bizarre objects flying at them. sh! A pool of blood, unknown whose it was, was abundant. As Ian lowered his body andnded, blood swirled along the flow of mana at his feet. ¡°Mariv!¡± Zing! Zing! His voice was full of authority. Like a lion¡¯s roar from a cliff, a force that easily suppressed the noisy battlefield. The ground cracked where Ian stepped. ¡°Man-yeop¡± For a moment, Hale thought he had misheard. But the ground¡¯s fissure came before the realization, shaking as if the world would split left and right. Rumble! Man-yeop, the eternal tree with leaves so dense that its end couldn¡¯t be fathomed. Wasn¡¯t it a spell that brought the power of the otherworldly magic tree as it was? Branches of an old tree beautifully stretched out from behind Ian. Shaa. As the branches stretched, green leaves sprouted, and Ian ran again. The sight created an illusion as if Ian was running through a forest alone. ¡°Move! Move with Sir Ian!¡± ck ck! Mirage-like tree trunks moved as if alive, binding the soldiers. The more they struggled, the more it mercilessly tightened around their limbs. Some died with broken necks, and some dropped their fingertips due to suffocation. ¡®Unlike binding, this is a magic that suppresses the enemy on a wide battlefield. But summoning an otherworldly magic tree must consume a tremendous amount of mana.¡¯ Hale worriedly watched Ian¡¯s back as he ran without hesitation. He seemed to be pouring out everything without reserve now that reliable people hade. Judging from the degree of bleeding, he already seemed to be enduring with willpower. Swish! Ping! ¡°Your Highness, he¡¯s getting close!¡± ¡°Your Highness Mariv, dodge!¡± ¡°Escort His Highness! Block that bastard!¡± ¡°Damn it.¡± Mariv muttered a curse after firing hisst arrow. It was regrettable to lose a fish that was almost caught, but for the tide of battle topletely turn¡­ He struck the approaching vines with his bow. Perhaps the bow also had the mysterious gemstone embedded in it, as it caused small explosions whenever it touched the magic tree. ¡°¡­!¡± Swish! ng! The wind blows. The sight of leaves scattering in all directions was spectacr. Mariv, who met Ian¡¯s golden eyes as he leaped into the air, involuntarily flinched. The gazes of the two intertwined in midair. It was a fleeting moment, but to Mariv, it somehow felt like an eternity. sh! As Ian gestured, the magic tree¡¯s vines lunged as if to pierce Mariv¡¯s torso. Mariv drew a new sword from his waist and confronted them. Ian noticed that the color of the de was slightly different. ¡°¡­Just how much of that mysterious gemstone do you have?¡± ¡°Not enough to kill all the lowly and filthy mages.¡± Lowly and filthy. It was like thew of nature that most mages had such origins. Because in Bariel, the number ofmoners was overwhelminglyrge. ¡°The lowly and filthy one is you, Mariv!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! You turned the pce into this mess overnight, and now you¡¯re spouting nonsense!¡± The mages who had crossed the boundary of death each threw in a remark. Nakina even raised her middle finger and was shouting curses that were hard to understand. ¡°Sir Ian! Quite a few mages besides me were hit by arrows! We need to crush that bastard, no, twist his neck and make him confess about the gemstone!¡± ¡°How insolent! How dare you call Your Highness Mariv-!¡± ¡°Shut your trap! The only ones calling Mariv ¡®Highness¡¯ here are you lot!¡± Veins bulged on Mariv¡¯s temples. He seemed properly provoked by the mages¡¯ crude remarks. He gripped his sword and red at Ian. ¡°The mistakes of subordinates are the responsibility of the leader. It¡¯s not this sword that will behead you, but the loose tongues of those bastards.¡± He charged forward and cleanly severed Ian¡¯s magic tree illusion. The magic turned into fine light dust and disappeared. But Ian continued to draw out mana and confronted him. As the warriors rushed to help, Ian shouted. ¡°No. I will handle Mariv.¡± Politically speaking. The Cheonrye tribe was already looked down upon in Bariel as a small minority of the border regions. Who knew what burden they would bear if they directly subdued the prince? Since there was no deration from the emperor regarding the current situation, Mariv had to be dealt with by Ian. sh! One side relentlessly attacked, while the other merely defended and held his ground. A heavy but static sh continued. Jin and Philea, Ian¡¯s colleagues from the Ministry of Magic, the warriors, and everyone who had evacuated from the pce silently watched their battle. ¡®The power the gemstone steals from mana is gradually decreasing.¡¯ The one swinging might not know, but Ian, who was confronting it with his body, could clearly feel it. It was a green light. If there was a limit to the gemstone, it was highly likely that the mages¡¯ disabled state was temporary. Crack. At that moment, a crack formed on the amber de. ¡°Ian!¡± Swish! The excited Mariv, unaware of it, delivered a blow, and as soon as it touched the magic tree, it shattered mercilessly. The shattered de tore Mariv¡¯s earlobe, and Ian coughed up blood severely. Philea sat down as if she couldn¡¯t bear to watch. ¡°Ah! Ian!¡± ¡°Madam, madam. It¡¯s alright.¡± Jinforted Philea like that. The child¡¯s hands were also trembling, but his gaze toward the battle was unwavering. ¡°Sir Ian smiled.¡± The moment the sword shattered, Ian smiled while coughing up blood. As if he had noticed an opening. Because he had drawn out all his strength with the thought of it being thest, blood surged. Swish! As Ian leaped into the air, the magic tree stretched out even more magnificently. It soon grabbed Mariv¡¯s limbs, lifted him up, and mercilessly mmed him into the ground. Kwaang! Kwajik! ¡°Kuh¡­!¡± Ian fell on top of Mariv. He suppressed Mariv¡¯s sr plexus with his knee and grabbed his cor at the same time. Mariv, who was pinned down, looked up at Ian with unfocused pupils. ¡°My lord!¡± ¡°Get him off! Get that bastard off His Highness!¡± ¡°Who gave you permission! Kill him!¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± As Mariv¡¯s subordinates rushed in, another smallmotion arose. Mariv, who was lying on the ground, realized that something damp and hot was flowing from his neck. It was the blood of his subordinates. It flowed and flowed, staining his golden hair. Ian¡¯s hair falling down was brilliant, but Mariv¡¯s hair was a mess with dirt and blood. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I told you, didn¡¯t I?¡± Ian¡¯s whisper tickled his ear. ¡°That you would not be engraved in history.¡± That line again. Mariv showed the whites of his eyes and asked. ¡°Then what about you?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Do you think you will be engraved in history?¡± ¡°That is not important to me.¡± Swish! Mariv took out a dagger hidden in his wrist and aimed for Ian¡¯s neck. But all he could cut were thick leaves. The weight of the giant old tree gradually increased. At this rate, he would die from being crushed. ¡°I, I am the First Prince of the Bariel Empire! Everyone, take a good look! See who is killing me now! This man sent an intruder into Gale¡¯s residence and deceived me, provoking a battle between brothers!¡± It was a desperate struggle, gasped out with difficulty. There was a stir from the evacuated pce people. As if telling him to continue, Ian tightened Mariv¡¯s breath even more. ¡°History will judge after it flows! Who was right and who was wrong! The Ministry of Magic intends to kill me and seize the pce!¡± ¡°No!¡± A clear voice directly refuting Mariv¡¯s words. It was Jin. Only then did Ian look back in surprise. The child was mustering courage with teary eyes. ¡°Everyone, listen carefully! Sir Ian and the Ministry of Magic saved me, Arsen, and my mother. And they saved you all too! Think without wavering about who caused thismotion to seize the pce. What you saw and experienced is the truth.¡± Then, after holding his breath for a moment, he made a decision. ¡°Brother Mariv. You know what it means that you tried to kill me, right?¡± A fight between princes. In the case of Mariv and Jin, it was more of a one-sided violence than a fight, but by convention, it would be interpreted as a fight. ¡°Since you tried to kill me first, I also have the right to kill you, brother. Sir Ian. Do as you wish. That is my will.¡± It was a deration of support, stating that there would be no problem even if Ian killed Mariv. Mariv frowned and let out an absurd scoff. It wasn¡¯t like the little ones were conspiring together. ¡°Surrender.¡± Mariv finally yed hisst card. ¡°I surrender in the neutral zone.¡± ¡°My lord!¡± ¡°Will you still kill me?¡± Before the emperor¡¯s deration and trial, it was impossible to judge who was guilty. As Ian, who advocated for a neutral zone, it would be difficult to execute someone who had surrendered in front of everyone. Mariv panted andughed. ¡°Will you kill me!?¡± Swish. Instead of answering, Ian tightened his breath even more with the vines. A distant consciousness. As if his breath would soon pass, Mariv heard Ian¡¯s voice stretch out. ¡°I refuse. Your Highness.¡± ¡°Kuh¡­¡± Mariv struggled and finally lost consciousness. Leaving his sprawled body behind, Ian instructed the mages. ¡°Is, is he dead?!¡± ¡°Bind Mariv and imprison him.¡± ¡°Oh, ohhh! Yes, yes! Understood!¡± ¡°Also, sort out the soldiers, separating the dead and the living. Mages, inform the pce of Mariv¡¯s surrender and secure Gale¡¯s location. And to the mages who lost their mana, it may be confusing, but for now, maintain formation and wait. It¡¯s likely a temporary phenomenon.¡± It was when Ian was leading the situation while wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth. Beric came running from afar, swinging his ck sword. ck ck! Thud! Thump! ¡°You bastards! What did you do to our Ian? Ian! Ian! Gasp!¡± Beric, who had been running in a daze, flinched upon seeing the warriors. And Mariv lying unconscious. Beric opened his eyes wide, looked left and right, and was bewildered. ¡°Wha, what?¡± ¡°Our rude Beric! Long time no see!¡± ¡°Ah, what is it, what is it! What¡¯s with everyone! Waaah!¡± ¡°Come here! Let¡¯s see how much you¡¯ve grown!¡± ¡°This guy, I think he¡¯s been cking off in training? He¡¯s all soft.¡± ¡°No, I haven¡¯t! How did you all get here? Huh? Did we win? It seems like we won?¡± Beric couldn¡¯t hide his joy, bouncing around, happy to see his old friends. Ian, who wasughing at the sight, staggered and copsed forward. ¡°Sir Ian!¡± ¡°Iaaan!¡± ¡°You¡¯re making a racket. Be quiet.¡± ¡°Sir Ian, are you alright?¡± Ian¡¯s colleagues from the Ministry of Magic, the warriors, and Beric surrounded him. Philea and Jin also came down the stairs and stepped on blood. Ian only smiled faintly, looking at the faces of the people gathered around him. The day was too long. The problem was that it wasn¡¯t over yet. Ian asked, mumbling with his eyes closed. ¡°Beric, the painting?¡± Chapter 181 Chapter 181 ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What about the painting?¡± Why was there no answer? When Ian slightly opened his eyes, he saw Beric¡¯s face with an awkward smile. His mission was to escort Akore and bring back the painting safely, but now his hands were empty. Beric supported Ian¡¯s back and mumbled. ¡°They¡¯re probably bringing it back well?¡± ¡°Beric.¡± ¡°No, I, uh?! I thought you were dead, uh?!¡± His voice trailed off with excuses. It was fortunate that Ian was fine, but if he had known this would happen, he should have run faster. All the enemies were annihted, so there was no achievement to boast about and no excuse to make.¡°It¡¯s fine, Beric. Go and bring the painting.¡± ¡°Ah! Right! You know, you¡¯ll be surprised when you see it? It¡¯s huge? And the eyeballs go like this, like this, round and round? I think in terms of value, it¡¯s worth about one pig. Mmhmm.¡± ¡°You¡¯re making me tell you twice.¡± ¡°Yep. I¡¯m going.¡± Beric flipped his eyes inside out and rotated them back and forth, giving an iprehensible exnation. But he stood up right away at Ian¡¯s scolding. Just then, Akore¡¯s shout was heard from afar. ¡°Hey, Beric, you idiot!¡± ¡°Oh? Right! They¡¯reing well on their own!¡± ¡°What am I supposed to do if you leave this behind? Huh?!¡± ¡°Is everyone alright? Why did the portal suddenly disappear- gasp! Bo-bo-border tribe, where did theye from?¡± Tommy, who was holding the front of the painting, flinched at the sight of the mess. The pile of corpses like a hill and the endlessly flowing blood. Not only the sudden appearance of the border tribe but also the presence of injured mages was out of ce. ¡°Wh-what happened?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a long story to exin. First, we¡¯ll sort out the situation. Warrior. Please move the painting to the inner building.¡± ¡°Yes. Sir Ian.¡± Swish. A nearby warrior took the painting. The moment Tommy was about to warn him to be careful, the warrior lightly lifted the painting with one hand and climbed the stairs. They had struggled with two people to move it, but to the warrior, it seemed no different from a newspaper. ¡°Commanders, check the personnel, reconstruct the barrier, and reorganize. Commander Akore, follow me.¡± As Ian ordered while passing through the central lobby, Akore trotted behind him and whispered. ck ck! ¡°Sir Ian, on the way to bring the painting, we met His Highness Gale. He was hiding in the Third Imperial Pce and approached us when he saw us.¡± At her words, Ian¡¯s steps abruptly stopped. Didn¡¯t it imply a lot of things? That Gale¡¯s forces were definitely defeated by Mariv, and the reason he was hiding in the Third Imperial Pce out of the many pces. ¡°It seems Gale also knows about the emperor¡¯s secret passageway.¡± ¡°Since he was the former minister Wesleigh¡¯s lover, he must have noticed even if he doesn¡¯t know the details.¡± ¡°But, didn¡¯t he stop you when he saw you moving the painting? There don¡¯t seem to be any traces of battle.¡± Although Akore¡¯s hair was soaked with sweat, it was frombor, not from battle. Akore lowered her voice a bit more and reported. ¡°His Highness Gale asked me to convey a message. He said he wishes to meet secretly if there¡¯s an opportunity. It seems to be a request regarding the pce entrance.¡± There wasn¡¯t even a half-penny¡¯s worth of possibility. The embers had barely died down, and he was saying to bring in outside forces to plunge the pce into chaos again? Ian smiled and asked back. ¡°It¡¯s not like him to make a hopeless request.¡± ¡°Yes. So, I set several conditions.¡± ¡°Tell me without leaving anything out.¡± Ian stopped in the corridor and leaned against the wall. It was because his leg strength had given out, but Akore didn¡¯t notice. His posture and movements were that natural. ¡°Information about His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s secret passageway. And-¡° ¡°Hmm.¡± It wasn¡¯t very appealing. Since it was a passageway built with magic, it was only a matter of time before the mages found out if they put in a little effort. Now that Mariv was captured, time was on their side. Above all, if the emperor learned of the situation, there was a high possibility he would appear on his own. ¡°The management, authority, and delegation of the mana sealing stones currently held by the pce. Honestly, when I heard this, I almost lost my mind.¡± Akore¡¯s voice sounded sincere, with suppressed emotions. Wasn¡¯t it a gemstone that held profound meaning for mages, to the point where it couldn¡¯t be categorized together with even the highest grade? ¡°As you know, His Highness Gale is the one who has the most mana sealing stones in the current pce. If he ys his cards right, he could take advantage of this situation to promote the glory of the Ministry of Magic.¡± Although she spoke calmly as if it was nothing, Ian could easily guess what thoughts were going through her head. ¡°Do you want to study the mana sealing stones?¡± ¡°Yes. To immediately bite, tear, taste, enjoy, and study the principles of the sealing stones¡­¡± She blurted out her true feelings without realizing it. As Akore trailed off and stared into the air at attention, Ian took out the amber gemstone from his pocket. ¡°Take it.¡± ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a new type of mana sealing stone created by Mariv.¡± ¡°Whaaat?! How?¡± Akore shouted, feeling her nose dripping. It was an exmation somewhere between shock, cheer, reverence, and curiosity. ¡°It seemed to have a different mechanism than the existing mana sealing stones, so you and the mages of the Mana Stone Management Department go underground and start researching right away. Several mages, including Nakina, were hit by arrows made with it and can¡¯t release mana, so be extra careful.¡± ¡°They can¡¯t release mana?¡± ¡°It seems to be a temporary phenomenon, but it¡¯s a conjecture. The amber arrow fragments scattered outside are all debris, so collect them and proceed.¡± ¡°I, yes, I¡¯ll look into it right away.¡± Akore swallowed and stammered. Then, as if it was the most precious thing in the world, she held the gemstone to her chest and bowed deeply. Her footsteps running outside were urgent. ck ck! ¡°Uh, Sir Ian! About the painting. It¡¯s definitely painted with liqui-stone, and ording to Beric, the angel¡¯s eyes were moving. It¡¯s probably what you were looking for.¡± ¡°I see. I¡¯ll take a look.¡± ¡°Yes. Then, Mana Stone Management Department! Asseeemble!¡± Leaving her shout behind, Ian entered the conference room. A quiet space with no one around. The painting was leaning diagonally to the left. ¡®Akore and Tommy transported the painting, but Gale didn¡¯t stop them. It means he already checked it. And he must have thought it was fine since it was just one of the many passageway entrances.¡¯ Ian took a small step back and scanned the painting. When he was the emperor, that is, when Croni¡¯s rebellion broke out, he had also used such passageways to escape the pce. ¡°Your Majesty. Are you listening?¡± There was no answer. But Ian knew it was a selective silence. The emperor was probably sitting in the dark. Thus, he must be simultaneously watching the ce where the painting was hung. ¡°I know you¡¯re in there. It¡¯s an ufortable position for Your Majesty to be in, so pleasee out. Is Beols there too?¡± Again, no answer. If someone who didn¡¯t know saw it, Ian would look like a crazy person. He thought for a moment and then brought up Mariv¡¯s name. ¡°I have captured Prince Mariv.¡± So, he was telling him to manifest himself and handle the situation. Just then, the eyes of the leftmost angel stared straight at Ian. -¡­Is that true? A chilling voice. The octave was so high that it was hard to believe it belonged to an old emperor. Ian lightly saluted and nodded. ¡°Yes, it is.¡± The Ministry of Magic had no paintings drawn with liqui-stone. Even if there were, only the opposite wall would be visible, so the visual information was extremely limited. The sounds that could be heard were probably mostly explosions and roars. The emperor didn¡¯t seem to grasp the situation in detail. ¡°Are you with Beols? Are you unharmed?¡± Thus, he must have sent Beols to look around. Hale had sensed those moments and tracked the trajectory. ¡°You cane out now. Everything is finished and safe.¡± But the emperor only blinked and looked down at Ian. -Show me both Mariv and Gale. I can¡¯t go out before then. Ian frowned involuntarily at the unexpected answer. He had never imagined it. As an emperor, wasn¡¯t it the right virtue to hurry and show himself to settle the situation? But now he was telling Ian to prove his safety. Even though he had no interactions with Ian until now. ¡°Your Majesty.¡± Ian suddenly recalled the record of his unusually long life. He had wondered how he lived so long, withered like an old tree, but it was because of such a temperament. A pitiful emperor who feared death like a heavenly punishment and prioritized his own safety over the pce¡¯s restoration. ¡°Doesn¡¯t Prince Gale follow Your Majesty¡¯s will? Your Majesty cane out directly and do as you please.¡± -I can¡¯t trust them. Mariv poisoned me, and Gale gathered the nobles¡¯ forces without consulting me. Both sons not only carved out their father¡¯s heart but shattered it into pieces. It must have been a condition of the ¡°deal¡± where the emperor decided to push Gale. Politically pushing out Mariv but forbidding forces that could disrupt the pce, in other words, threaten the emperor¡¯s safety. But the nobles¡¯ reinforcements were tantly scattered as corpses throughout the pce. ¡°¡­Thene out and dere the stripping of the two princes¡¯ titles. Your Majesty, there is nothing to fear.¡± It was absurd. An emperor who needed to be coaxed and persuaded like this. The angel in the painting asked again. -If Mariv and Gale are stripped of their prince titles, Arsen and Jin remain. Do you want Arsen to be the heir? Ian suddenly noticed that the emperor¡¯s nuance was strange. He spoke as if he knew well that Arsen was unfit for the position. Ian lowered his gaze for a moment. ¡°No. If Prince Mariv had been firm, I would have deprived the legitimacy by establishing another heir, but the situation is different now. For now, it¡¯s best to leave the position vacant until the chaos settles and then decide.¡± In his heart, he wanted to forcefully rmend Jin as the heir, but there was a procedure for everything. ¡®If I support Jin now, the emperor will doubt me even more and hide himself further. It¡¯s the right time. The right time when the emperor¡¯s assassination can be dismissed as the flow of history.¡¯ The emperor knew. He knew that right now, the one receiving situational support in the pce to a degree rivaling him was Ian. If he wanted to seize power, an act of treason like ying the emperor could easily happen. That¡¯s why he tried even harder to discern Ian¡¯s purpose. ¡®For Jin to be recognized as the true heir over Arsen, the emperor¡¯s support is absolutely necessary.¡¯ Thinking so, Ian knelt down gracefully. He was willing to do it for Jin¡¯s future and the future Ian remembered. ¡°Your Majesty. Please manifest yourself and take care of the pce. Everyone is waiting only for Your Majesty.¡± A long silence followed. Ian raised his head at the sudden presence he felt. It was Beols. He was still looking down at Ian with a wary gaze. ¡°Sir Ian. Please get up.¡± ¡°What about His Majesty?¡± A single letter held in his hand. It was covered in blood. ¡°¡­Is that His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s blood?¡± ¡°¡­Listen carefully to what I¡¯m about to say from now on. This is His Majesty¡¯s plea to me, and to Bariel, that he left behind.¡± Chapter 182 Chapter 182 ¡°Has His Majesty passed away?¡± Ian muttered in surprise as he looked down at the letter. Honestly, it was unexpected. Because Mariv had shown the seal, not the emperor¡¯s corpse, and considering the records of his longevity in the original history, Ian had assumed he was definitely alive. ¡°¡­He¡¯s alive.¡± Beols answered, ncing at the painting behind him with his chin. His gaze as he said ¡°alive¡± was dark. ¡°But he¡¯s not living.¡± ¡°Please exin in detail.¡± ¡°Last night, Prince Mariv entered His Majesty¡¯s quarters and harmed him while stealing the seal. I was beside him but couldn¡¯t stop it from happening in an instant. As the captain of the royal guard, it¡¯s shameful.¡± The traitorous Liama. The old emperor. The bedroom with no exit. And Mariv, aiming for his father¡¯s life. Ian could easily picture the situation that night. ¡°It was written inside the secret passageway. His Majesty considered numerous situations, calcting the possibilities, and one of them came to pass. Therefore, I convey this to Sir Ian ording to His Majesty¡¯smand.¡±Ian took the letter. The tightly tied string was thickly stained with blood. It was probably the trace of an aged person. ¡°The emperor has-¡° ¡°Frozen himself.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°His condition was already poor, and the bleeding was deep. It was His Majesty¡¯s own decision.¡± Come to think of it, Beols¡¯s clothes were also covered in blood. If an old man had bled that much, his condition was obvious. Before thest breath left his body, the emperor had put himself in eternal time. From the moment of birth to the moment of death, he was a person of significance. ¡°He was concerned that today¡¯s situation would be uncontroble. If His Majesty passed away, it would be a true upheaval.¡± ¡°I agree. If they learn that the throne is vacant, even the riffraff will show their greed, taking advantage of the chaos. Even the embers that can be extinguished maypletely engulf Bariel.¡± ¡°¡­He said to break the freeze when His Majesty¡¯s death no longer threatens Bariel.¡± ¡°There are those who use healing magic.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t guarantee it. The moment the freeze is broken, it¡¯s uncertain what will happen to him.¡± Ian thought for a moment and then held his forehead. For now, it seemed best to read the emperor¡¯s letter first. ¡°But he entrusted that to me?¡± ¡°To be precise, ¡®a third force that doesn¡¯t side with any prince¡¯.¡± They say the emperor was long-lived, but was the reality of the original history like this too? Until the moment his death is revered as death, the emperor does not die. That was thest duty the emperor bore. ¡®Right. Somehow, even when I saw him at the New Year¡¯s banquet, he looked like he would copse at any moment, so I was curious about how he lived so long.¡¯ Beols gestured for him to hurry and open the letter. ¡°I also don¡¯t know what¡¯s written in it.¡± ¡°Was it you who talked to me earlier?¡± ¡°Yes, it was. I unintentionally tested you, so I apologize for that. Please understand that it was His Majesty¡¯s will. He was especially concerned about Prince Arsen and Prince Jin getting caught up in the chaos.¡± Swish. Unlike the thickly rolled parchment, the content was concise. ? ¨C Thoroughly reveal the rights and wrongs of Mariv and Gale at the trial. In particr, additionally strip Mariv of the imperial family name permanently. ¨C Watch over Jin and Arsen carefully. One is light, and one is darkness. In the year theye of age, seek the Ga Temple again. ? It was no different from a will. Most of it was about dealing with the princes, and there were brief instructions to wrap up the various national projects he had been carrying out. Ian rolled up the parchment again and looked at Beols. ¡°How can you prove that this is His Majesty¡¯s letter?¡± ¡°The seal.¡± ¡°Mariv stole the seal.¡± ¡°There is a personal seal that His Majesty used when sending letters to kings of other countries. It can be verified byparing it.¡± ¡°What about Lady Dina? Will she be informed? If His Majesty is absent, the prime minister and Lady Dina will take his ce for the time being.¡± ¡°His Majesty said that the decision regarding the heir should be discussed and determined by Lady Dina and the third force.¡± ¡®Beols will guard and watch over that entire process.¡¯ Ian put the letter on the table and pondered deeply. Then, after this incident was wrapped up, the confrontation between Jin and Arsen, that is, between Ian and Dina, would divide the pce. Currently, more power and authority had shifted to Ian, who had saved their lives. Knock knock. Just then, there was a knock from outside. Ian hid the letter in his chest and nodded to Beols. ¡°For now, let¡¯s end the day¡¯s nightmare.¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a big deal just to sort things out. There¡¯s no time to waste. Once the pce is organized, I will move the frozen His Majesty.¡± Click! As Ian opened the door, Romandro was startled and stepped back. He clearly heard voices inside, so howe only one person came out? Ian wrapped his robe around him and passed by Romandro. ¡°I received His Majesty¡¯s letter. We will officially handle the pce affairs, so prepare yourself.¡± ¡°What? His Majesty¡¯s letter? Where is he now?¡± ¡°Romandro. Before that, there¡¯s one thing I want to ask you.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Please ask.¡± Romandro spoke respectfully, conscious of the gazes around him. He had been curious about it before but had let it slide since it wasn¡¯t particrly important. ¡°Where is Dina¡¯s family from?¡± Both Mariv and Gale had mentioned Dina¡¯s family once each. Although he could guess that their influence was not trivial since she had risen to the position of concubine, today was a day when all the nobles in the center were divided, wasn¡¯t it? But there was no mention of the forces supporting Dina. ¡°Lady Dina? She is the daughter of the Carbo family.¡± ¡°Carbo? Are you talking about the Carbo Temple?¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s right.¡± The Carbo Temple. A ce with a long history that was said to have conveyed the will of the gods to the emperor at the founding of Bariel. As a reward for bestowing blessings on the imperial family, it was still referred to as a synonym for holiness. ¡°Ah, it started when they adopted war orphans and gave them the surname Carbo. Among them, a man named Roberseid, who didn¡¯t be a clergyman, won a battle against monsters and received a title, and it has continued until now.¡± Romandro added an exnation, thinking that Ian, who was born and raised in the frontier, might not know well. A lineage with a long history and a clear symbolism. To the point where it was understandable that Mariv had said he would spare her life for the sake of her family. ¡°The Carbo family has its roots in the temple, but as generations pass, their identity is fading.¡± ¡°The prophecy about Prince Jin and Prince Arsen must have alsoe from Carbo.¡± ¡°Most likely. What¡¯s the use of having a good maternal family? It was a problem once we received it and found out it was a curse. By the way, did you say it was His Majesty¡¯s message?¡± What was so important about Dina¡¯s family? In this situation! ¡°And I heard that His Highness Gale is handing over the mana sealing stones. What do you n to do?¡± Ian¡¯s footsteps stopped as he was heading to the lobby. The mana sealing stones, the only means to keep the mages in check. If they brought them, there was nothing that could stop the Ministry of Magic. ¡®It¡¯ll be safe for now. But that¡¯s not ideal.¡¯ Checks and bnces create bnce, and bnce creates peace. Ian was a mage, but at the same time, he was an emperor. He knew well how much danger a one-sided power could cause. ¡®Let¡¯s distribute them-¡® For now, it was best to gather them all and then divide them appropriately. ¡®Especially to Jin.¡¯ ¡°Everyone, attention.¡± Ian called the mages. Those who were doing their own tasks all stopped and turned to Ian. ¡°A message from His Majesty has arrived.¡± ¡°What? A message from His Majesty?¡± ¡°Is he unharmed? Where is he now?¡± ¡°¡­There is no danger to his life. This is His Majesty¡¯s letter, proven by a seal other than the official seal.¡± tter. Ian held up the letter, covering the bloodstained part with his hand. Sensing the atmosphere of the mages, other officials also began to gather one by one and whisper. ¡°From now on, the Ministry of Magic will withdraw from the neutral zone and handle Mariv¡¯s forces that are disrupting the order of the pce. Prepare the amplification magic.¡± ¡°Yes, understood!¡± At Ian¡¯smand, the Magic Tool Production Department ran inside. To bring a magic tool that serves as an amplifier. Meanwhile, Ian continued to convey the instructions. ¡°Gale will also be captured and put on trial. Ministry of Magic, show no mercy to those who resist.¡± ¡°Sir Ian. We brought it here!¡± A round disc attached to a long stand. Condensed mana was rippling in the small hole. Zing. Zing. ¡°You can speak right away.¡± ¡°Make sure it¡¯s not heard outside, near the pce.¡± ¡°Yes. No problem!¡± Ian carefully opened his mouth. [I am Ian Hielo, the minister of the Ministry of Magic.] Wiiing- His voice echoed throughout the pce, carried by mana. Fallen soldiers, hidden officials, fleeing people, even unbridled beasts flinched at the unfamiliar sound ringing in their ears. [All those who are alive, pay attention. I wish to announce this as I have received a message from His Majesty.] Beric rubbed his ears every time Ian spoke. It sounded like he was speaking once in front and then again inside his cochlea. [First Prince Mariv is expelled from the imperial family as of this moment. Those who followed him, immediately drop your weapons and surrender. Otherwise, you will be judged as traitors and severely punished. Mariv, whom you trusted and followed, has been captured by the Ministry of Magic and will die before your eyes.] He speaks of death calmly. If Mariv had regained consciousness, he would probably be listening to this announcement now as well. [And Second Prince Gale.] Ian looked straight ahead as if facing Gale. [I, Ian Hielo, have lifted your curse on the honor of the Ministry of Magic minister. The destiny of Bariel has nothing to do with you. You will also have to take responsibility for this incident.] He dered. That the curse left by Wesleigh was gone. So there would be no more instances of Gale prolonging his life using that as an excuse. Regardless of the oue of the trial, he would have to bear it. [From now on, the Ministry of Magic and the mages will take the lead in restoring the pce. Those who sided with Gale, keep this in mind as well. It¡¯s either surrender or death.] ¡°It¡¯s either surrender or death!¡± ¡°It¡¯s either surrender or death!¡± As the mages chanted in unison, the sound gradually spread. They were the people of the pce who had sought safety in the neutral zone. It was now time for them to return to their positions and work towards normalization. ¡°Move. And bring Gale.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± ¡°Leave the disposal of the corpses to the mages. Romandro, assess the damaged buildings and submit a reconstruction n by tomorrow. Disarming the soldiers is the priority. Thus, urgently bring in the high-ranking officials who couldn¡¯t enter the pce from outside.¡± Peace was easy to break but difficult to rebuild. Ian would put his heads together with his staff for the peace of the current pce. [The chaos has ended. All those who survived, rejoice and let the present flow into the past. Tonight will be different fromst night.] Ian took a deep breath and looked at the corpses soaked in blood. A day, the day that Xiaoshi entered Gale¡¯s residence, set off a signal re, and came running breathlessly. [Congratte everyone on the end of the day¡¯s nightmare.] ¡°Demosha!¡± ¡°Demoshaa!¡± They didn¡¯t know what it was, but if it was something to celebrate, they should share the blessing of the gods. Starting with the resounding shouts of the warriors, the mages raised their fists. As the sunset descended on the half-destroyed pce, the gates of the pce opened. As if a new history was unfolding. Chapter 183 Chapter 183 The Emperor¡¯s physician carefully ced the stethoscope. The body, so cold that it could not be considered human skin. Despite being covered with warm wet towels, the stters of blood stains made the Emperor¡¯s condition appear even more miserable. Swish. The physician brought his hand under the nose. Faintly, very faintly, a breath escaped. Beneath the thickforter filled with warmth, the Emperor¡¯s breath was frigid. Ian and Beols were observing the scene from a distance. ¡°How is he?¡± ¡°He, he is alive, that much is certain.¡± ¡°If we thaw him out, can he be treated?¡± ¡°That is¡­¡± The wound on his side was prominent. It would not be a problem for someone young and healthy, but the Emperor was already feeble, with even a winter cold being fatal for him. The physician wiped the cold sweat and shook his head.¡°I cannot guarantee it. I apologize.¡± The physician gazed at the sleeping Emperor with teary eyes. Magic would be the same. The Emperor was in a state where he could not even receive healing magic. Ian swallowed a sigh and nodded. ¡°Strictly keep His Majesty¡¯s condition confidential. If rumors spread, you will be held responsible.¡± ¡°Do not worry. If this is His Majesty¡¯s will, I will also guard it to the end.¡± The Emperor cannot make public appearances from now on. In this chaotic time, the physician was brought in to prepare for any doubts that may arise about the Emperor¡¯s well-being. His testimony would quell the unease in the pce. Click. As the physician left, Beols ced a familiar seal in front of Ian. It was the one the Emperor had stamped on his final message. It was also the seal of the sessors that remained in Ian¡¯s memory. ¡°For the time being, I will handle official duties with my personal seal. Lord Ian, please inform the Prime Minister.¡± The one Ian used had nicks and scratches, but this one was smoothly gilded as if newly made. It was the one he had used for 3 years in the past, yet holding it in his hand felt awkward. ¡®I will continue using this, huh.¡¯ He would be using the seal for quite a long time until the Emperor officially dies. Even if a new emperor ascends the throne, it would be more positive for legitimacy to inherit the seal used by the previous emperor rather than casting a new one. It was clear that this was passed down to Ian¡¯s sessor in the future. ¡°Beols, what about you?¡± ¡°I will stay here and guard His Majesty today.¡± I will not leave even a single step. Themander¡¯s self-reproach for failing to protect his master was palpable. ¡°Unlike yesterday, definitely today.¡± ¡°¡­Let me know when the date for the sessor discussion is set.¡± Night had already fallen. The darkness was thick, but the lights of the magicians illuminated the surroundings. It was the light of burning corpses. Without the foul stench, the traces of those who participated in the rebellion were disappearing from Bariel. As if they never existed in the first ce. ¡°Wipe away the blood! Send some more people here!¡± ¡°Sorry, but we¡¯re also short on hands.¡± ¡°Beric, can you help? Let¡¯s move this together!¡± ¡°Nakina! Can you handle the escort magic?¡± Under the leadership of each department¡¯s captains, the magicians efficiently carried out the cleanup. Romandro also came running, waving reports here and there while shouting something, but seeing Ianing out, he rushed over. ¡°Currently, the captain of the Imperial Guard Jeirutt, the Prime Minister, the Vice Minister of the Legitive Department, the Chief Supervisor of the Executive Department, and the representative judge of the Judicial Department have entered the pce. You can go straight to the Grand Conference Room.¡± As Ian passed by, the magicians and pce servants bowed their heads in greeting. It would take at least three to four months to clean up the day¡¯s events. Above all, the copsed buildings were the problem. ¡°Are you still managing the entry to the pce?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. We are only allowing high-ranking officials to enter. There won¡¯t be any issues with food supplies, medical supplies, or subsidiary materials until tomorrow, so we can receive deliveries after that.¡± ¡°Notify them when receiving the deliveries. Tell them that once they enter, they cannot leave. Or dispatch personnel to send people directly to the city gates for transportation. You can entrust the escort to Nakina.¡± ¡°But Nakina is too busy running around. I¡¯ll observe the situation again tomorrow.¡± The city gates were opened, but for now, only officials were allowed in, and the entry of imperial citizens was still restricted. The Imperial Pce was an important ce that symbolized Bariel itself. It always had to be perceived as a perfect and noble ce in the memories of the imperial citizens. Not a ce where blood flows and corpses are strewn about. ¡°Be firm. Even those who survived here cannot leave until the pce is sorted out.¡± ¡°Of course. I¡¯ve already informed them.¡± ¡°¡­Should we send a messenger pigeon to Vivianna?¡± Tap tap. Ian asked casually as he descended the stairs. The woman who would be waiting for him while pregnant. Naturally, she would be worried since contact had been cut off after entering the pce. Romandro pondered for a moment but soon closed his eyes tightly and refused. ¡°No. We cannot make exceptions. Not even a single bird can leave the pce.¡± A satisfied smile shed across Ian¡¯s lips as he walked ahead. But no one saw it in the middle of the night. ¡°What about Gale?¡± ¡°Still searching.¡± Gale had hidden somewhere in the pce. The Emperor¡¯s message had been delivered, and he knew that Mariv had been captured, so there was nothing more he could do. Akore was confirming Gale¡¯s forces based on the magic stone powder map, so he would be caught before dawn at thetest. Neigh! Ian rode a horse to the Grand Conference Room. It was the ce where the first conflict between Mariv and Gale had urred. The carriages hastily set up by the officials were messily entangled. ¡°Oh, Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Lord Ian!¡± ¡°What in the world happened?¡± ¡°His Highness, no, no, His Majesty¡­?¡± It was not a refined atmosphere. Perhaps it was because the traces of Mariv and Gale¡¯s confrontation were still present. The officials were sitting on the tables instead of chairs, smoking cigarettes densely. It was an important meeting, but there were no reports or anything. ¡°Everyone, please sit down.¡± ¡°Uh, um, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°I heard that His Highness Gale hasn¡¯t been caught yet.¡± ¡°Maintain decorum and sit down. It will be a long discussion. At times like this, we need to be calm and gather our wits. Isn¡¯t that the reason His Majesty seated you in those positions?¡± It meant to earn their keep. If they enjoyed afortable life with their sries on normal days, shouldn¡¯t they demonstrate their true worth at times like this? As Ian sternly reprimanded and sat down first, the officials coughed awkwardly and stroked their beards. ¡°Sit down.¡± At that moment, someone took the lead and pulled out a chair. It was Quintana, the Vice Minister in charge of finance within the Executive Department. With her brown hair tied up, she surveyed the surroundings with sharp eyes. ¡°I said sit down.¡± ¡°Ahem. Yes, let¡¯s sit.¡± ¡°Sit down. Sit. Since you said it will be a long discussion.¡± The head of the Executive Department was the Emperor, but below him, Quintana¡¯s authority over finance was as unrivaled as a minister¡¯s. She was responsible for the annual budget as well as taxes. ¡°I believe you can roughly guess the situation, so I will only share the results. First, the Emperor is safe.¡± At Ian¡¯s words, some officials let out sighs of relief. Quintana was the same. A flicker of relief passed over her stiff and cold expression. ¡°However, the shock was too great, and he copsed. You won¡¯t be able to see him in person, so for the time being, the Prime Minister will handle the affairs.¡± Swish. Ian handed the seal Beols had given him to the Prime Minister. He looked at it questioningly and asked. ¡°What about the original seal?¡± ¡°It is missing due to Prince Mariv¡¯s usurpation. Currently, Prince Mariv is imprisoned in the underground prison of the Ministry of Magic. He is also unharmed and well, so there will be no problem in hastening the trial. Pce Judge.¡± At Ian¡¯s call, an elderly man slightly raised his head. ¡°Prepare for the trial to strip the prince of his title as soon as possible. Apart from the currently demolished buildings, the magicians will clean up the corpses before dawn. Romandro.¡± Romandro, who was standing behind, handed a piece of paper to Ian. It was densely filled with long names. Ian moistened his throat for a moment and slowly read it out. ¡°Casper, Reynerus, Aberkin from the Judiciary Department, Minister Castesro, Renert, Michel from the Legitive Department, Minister Taiha, Serano, Klein, Clemens from the Imperial Defense Department¡­¡± It was a list of those who had conspired with either Mariv or Gale to disrupt the pce. The names of the nobles who participated were also listed one after another. Thud. ¡°The above is the list of traitors in the pce.¡± A long silence descended. Wasn¡¯t it almost equivalent to cutting out more than half of Bariel¡¯s power? Ian lightly put down the paper and swallowed a sigh. ¡°Since there are too many to hold individual investigations and trials, each department will be responsible for identifying and executing the traitors. Vacancies will be filled by subordinates to ensure no disruption in the affairs, and for key positions such as ministerial posts, temporary authority will be granted.¡± ¡°Excuse me, Lord Ian. No matter what, isn¡¯t the number toorge? At this rate, there will be a paralysis in the affairs.¡± ¡°That, that¡¯s right. The current situation will continue immediately, so executing everyone is¡­¡± Kwang! It was Quintana. She roughly set down the ashtray and frowned deeply. ¡°Sparing traitors is like keeping worms that eat away at the country. If you spare the traitors, you are also traitors.¡± At the brutal warning, the officials shut their mouths. The smell of blood was still lingering outside. Even if their own blood were to mix in there, who would even care? Ian nodded and tapped the documents on the table. ¡°I agree. Prince Mariv directly harmed His Majesty the Emperor, and Prince Gale also gathered nobles and mobilized unauthorized troops, so there is no room for excuses.¡± ¡°Then, then our department, ugh, we don¡¯t have enough people.¡± ¡°Lord Ian¡¯s assistant. Can you provide more lists?¡± ¡°Yes. Here they are. I¡¯ve prepared plenty, so please share them.¡± Romandro quickly distributed the documents and nodded. Quintana raised her hand while stubbing out her cigarette. ¡°While you say the pce¡¯s system will be handled within the pce itself, what about the outside? If the nobles fall, we won¡¯t be able to cover the taxes for the next year. And above all, as far as I know, the Hayman family is also involved in this incident.¡± The Hayman family. The family responsible for Bariel¡¯s finance. Without them, all transactions in Bariel coulde to a halt immediately. Unlike people dying inside the pce, it could lead to another great chaos. But Ian was resolute. ¡°No exceptions. It was a life-risking rebellion, so they must face the consequences. However, considering the importance of the matter, I will personally take charge of it.¡± ¡°Personally?¡± Quintana¡¯s eyebrows arched as if surprised. If he said he would personally confront those troublesome people, it was a wee proposition with open arms. The officials also nodded their heads awkwardly, grinning. ¡°If, if it¡¯s Lord Ian, we can trust and leave it to him. Yes, yes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Aren¡¯t you the Minister of Magic?¡± It was troublesome, but solving it would solidify his position. There was no better way to secure it. For Jin¡¯s future, for the peaceful Bariel that a righteous and strong emperor would bring. It was also something Ian had to do. ¡°Then, let¡¯s see, there is no problem in preparing for the trial, but what about the next sessor? If His Majesty is bedridden to preserve his position, it would be more stable to fill the sessor¡¯s position quickly.¡± At an official¡¯s question, everyone just rolled their eyes. There weren¡¯t many options. Jin and Arsen, Arsen and Jin. No one dared to bring it up rashly, and a strange silence lingered. The moment their gazes naturally gathered on Ian. Screech! A woman urgently swung open the door to the conference room. It was Dina. Chapter 184 Chapter 184 Dina took a deep breath and looked around the conference room. Her silver hair was disheveled, as if she had rushed over as soon as she regained her senses. Ian stood up from his seat and pulled out a chair for her. ¡°You came in a hurry, I see.¡± As if there was no reason for that. As if he had figured out Ian¡¯s intention, Dina approached him and whispered quietly. ¡°I heard about His Majesty¡¯s condition from Commander Beols. But why, for what reason did you separate me from my sons?¡± Herbored breath trembled faintly at the end. It was a question mixed with doubt and fear. Romandro was whispering with the magician who had brought her from outside and nodding, then gave Ian a gesture. As if there was nomotion to worry about. ¡°What reason, you say? That¡¯s a hasty assumption.¡± Ian answered in a low voice after receiving Romandro¡¯s signal. At Ian¡¯s audacious act of directly meeting her gaze, Dina bit her lips tightly.¡°I tried to see Arsen and Jin, but your subordinates blocked the way and refused to let me through. Such an action in this situation¡­ How am I supposed to interpret it?¡± ¡°It is to protect the Twin Princes, Your Highnesses. In this chaotic time, I judged that someone might harm them to save their own life.¡± With a bright, radiant smile, but the meaning contained within was brutal and cruel. Wasn¡¯t she the mother who had driven her son into danger to beg for her life from Mariv? Having witnessed it with his own eyes, it meant that he could not entrust the princes¡¯ well-being to her. Dina¡¯s face turned pale as she squeezed her voice. As if it was unjust and infuriating, her eyes also became moist. ¡°I, I did it for Bariel.¡± ¡°Aha. Did Bariel tell you to do so?¡± ¡°How impertinent!¡± ¡°Or I¡¯d like to ask why you stood still when Mariv was luring the child with the mother¡¯s life.¡± Jin, who was held in Ian¡¯s arms. Mariv, who threatened to kill Dina if the child didn¡¯t return. Dina, who screamed while looking at such a child. Ian frowned as if it was atrocious. In the moment of losing humanity, he didn¡¯t see what expression Jin had made. ¡°You must know the prophecy that if Arsen dies, the Imperial lineage will be cut off? Arsen is still young. He needs someone to assist him from behind. Before being a mother, I am a member of the Imperial family. Who would me me for that?¡± Dina muttered as if she was filled with indignation, emphasizing each syble. She firmly believed it was an action out of necessity, without any doubt. Ian looked at her and retorted with a calm gaze. ¡°¡­You may avoid me, but it won¡¯t be easy to gain understanding. Isn¡¯t Prince Jin also a member of the Imperial family before being Lady Dina¡¯s son?¡± At that moment, Quintana approached Dina and rudely grabbed her shoulder. Startled, Dina turned around, and Quintana let out a faint sigh. A breath with the smell of cigarettes. ¡°Lady Dina. I don¡¯t know what happened, but please calm down and have a seat. We have much to discuss.¡± At Quintana¡¯s words, Dina came to her senses and took a step back. Then she sat on the chair Ian had pulled out for her and tried topose herself. ¡°Are you all right? I¡¯m d to see you¡¯re not injured.¡± ¡°We were just discussing the session.¡± ¡°It seems we have to choose between His Highness Arsen and His Highness Jin. We would like to hear Lady Dina¡¯s opinion.¡± The officials threw out remarks one by one while looking at Dina. She remained silent for a moment, then opened her mouth. ¡°In terms of seniority and being the firstborn, it seems right for Arsen to ascend to the position of sessor.¡± ¡°Actually, I also think so¡­¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he bright in nature and clever? And above all, there is the prophecy. ¡®If the one closest to the throne dies, the Imperial lineage will be cut off.¡¯ If Prince Mariv and Prince Gale are expelled from the Imperial family, wouldn¡¯t His Highness Arsen be the one closest to the throne?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s proceeding ording to the prophecy.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t Prince Mariv ultimately fail to harm His Highness Arsen because he was mindful of that?¡± As high-ranking officials of a department like Ian, everyone was aware of the hidden prophecy. Amidst the opinions supporting Arsen, the moment Ian was about to raise his hand. ¡°I object.¡± It was Quintana. She tapped the table with an unlit cigarette. As if she wanted to smoke but was holding back because of Dina. ¡°Don¡¯t you know how this situation urred? It¡¯s a mess caused by those without qualifications coveting power. Seniority no longer holds meaning. And above all, that order was given by a doctor. It¡¯s too trivial a standard to entrust Bariel¡¯s future.¡± ¡°Then you mean to support His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°No. I mean to elevate the qualified prince. It would be best to take some time to verify.¡± ¡°His Majesty is in critical condition. We don¡¯t have much time.¡± An official pointed out with concern, unaware that the Emperor was frozen, but Quintana remained unwavering. ¡°It¡¯s better to be a littlete but certain than to hastily make a mistake. If something like this happens again in the pce of all ces, next time even attacks from external forces will be mixed in.¡± When would there be another suitable time to prey on the Great Empire Bariel like now? The Emperor had copsed, the princes were imprisoned. The nobles had fallen, and the empire¡¯s military was in disarray. ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s fortunate that Lord Ian sealed off the entrance. I also found out after entering the pce.¡± Ian nodded at Quintana¡¯s words. It was to protect the people, but ultimately, it was to defend Bariel. He continued Quintana¡¯s words and dered. ¡°I, too, oppose His Highness Arsen.¡± Ian¡¯s deration was worth listening to deeply. He was at the center of the pce¡¯s cleanup, had received the Emperor¡¯s final message, and above all, he was the one who would concentrate power by executing the princes. ¡°Does Lord Ian also mean to verify the qualifications of the two princes?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯m saying that His Highness Jin should ascend to the position of the next emperor.¡± It was as if lightning had struck the conference room. At Ian¡¯s deration of support, everyone murmured and couldn¡¯t hide their bewilderment. Not Arsen, but Jin. The cursed child who was stigmatized as one who would kill his own brother and thus cut off the Imperial lineage! ¡°Uh, Lord Ian? Arsen is the older of the twins.¡± Someone blurted out an absurd remark. Instead of answering, Ian responded by frowning his elegant brows. ¡°I agree with the opinion that qualifications should be considered, so I support His Highness Jin.¡± Ian¡¯s gaze was fixed on Quintana. In this situation where everyone was calling for Arsen, those who reached the same conclusion, albeit with different purposes, needed to stick together. ¡°But isn¡¯t there a prophecy?¡± ¡°Prophecies are not always right.¡± ¡°Still, it¡¯s not something that can be ignored. The ce that gave the prophecy about the Twin Princes is none other than the Carbo Temple.¡± An official pressed, ncing at Dina. The maternal rtives of the current Twin Princes and the sacred family of the founding contributors. How could one deny a prophecy directly given by such a ce? ¡°I will reconfirm that matter.¡± ¡°Reconfirm? How?¡± Ian was convinced that Jin was the next emperor. The portrait he had passed by every day in the Imperial Pce corridor was vivid before his eyes. The adult Jin still carried wounds, and he had grown so magnificently that it was impossible to recall his young self now. History doesn¡¯t change, but prophecies circting through human words can change. ¡°Isn¡¯t the meaning of ¡®close to the throne¡¯ ambiguous? Do you know what it means, my lords? The order determined by a one-minute difference? Or could it possibly be¡­ physical distance?¡± The officials didn¡¯t answer. They acknowledged that there was ample room for interpretation. Above all, Ian¡¯s attitude was quite hostile, so they couldn¡¯t rashly refute him. ¡°Now that you have spoken His Highness Arsen¡¯s name, it is His Highness Arsen who has be close to the throne.¡± Everyone fell silent and took a deep breath. The next emperor is one who steps on the backs of his subjects to rise. Saying that the prince chosen by the subjects is the one close to the throne. Ian lightly put down the list of traitors and refreshed the atmosphere. ¡°As soon as the pce¡¯s maintenance is roughly finished, I will investigate the prophecy again. Let¡¯s take some time to discuss the next sessor. Although His Majesty is preserving his position, he is not in immediate danger.¡± Until death is needed, he will not die. At Ian¡¯s words, the officials stroked their beards and murmured in a disorderly manner. Amidst the confusion, another rift was forming. Dina, who supported Arsen, and Ian, who supported Jin. ¡°For now, let¡¯s put aside the matter of the sessor¡¯s position and discuss the urgent cleanup. The minister of the Imperial Defense Department sided with Mariv and died. We need to quickly establish discipline, assess the remaining troops, and restore order.¡± ¡°Ahem, ah, let¡¯s do that. Yes.¡± ¡°There¡¯s an order to things. Hmm.¡± ¡°What about Moreno, who was the vice minister?¡± ¡°I heard he left the capital on a business trip. Although a minoritypared to the whole, there are many disciplined soldiers, so let¡¯s order them to return quickly.¡± Depending on who bes the sessor, the power structure of the pce will be overturned once again. The officials were busy calcting and grasping the situation while holding the meeting. Dina was the same. ¡®Lord Ian, why on earth does he¡­?¡¯ She couldn¡¯t understand why he supported Jin. Regardless of which twin bes the emperor, Dina would stand at the center of power. But since he saw that she had abandoned Jin, could it be that he was pushing for Jin to use it as a pretext to keep her in check? ¡®Using the fact that Jin was abandoned, he intends to challenge the Imperial authority. With Mariv and Gale¡¯s downfall, a new one is trying to pounce.¡¯ Dina unconsciously chewed her lips and stared into the void. The thought of protecting Arsen was the only thing swirling in her mind. Ian continued the meeting, pretending not to notice, but he took in all of Dina¡¯s actions with his gaze. ¡°¡­Then, let¡¯s adjourn the meeting for now.¡± How many hours had passed? The sun was rising outside. The officials stood up from their seats, pressing their aching eyelids. ¡°When the Executive Department delivers the instructions, please send the personnel right away. To ensure there¡¯s no disruption in receiving the supplies.¡± ¡°The trial preparation will be led by the Judiciary Department, and all departments will share their information.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s each clean up the buildings and gather again in the afternoon.¡± ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s do that. We¡¯ll report the necessary materials.¡± Thud thud! The officials returned to their respective departments and scheduled the afternoon meeting. It was the moment Ian also got up from his chair. He staggered and grabbed his nose. It ached as if blood would flow at any moment. ¡°Are you all right? You kept using mana and couldn¡¯t sleep, that¡¯s why. For now, get some rest until lunch. I¡¯ll wrap things up.¡± Romandro worriedly supported Ian and stepped out of the building. Dina blocked their way. Ian frowned as if he was tired, but she didn¡¯t back down. ¡°Return Arsen and Jin to me.¡± ¡°If someone hears, they might think I did something terrible.¡± ¡°I couldn¡¯t even see them once aftering to my senses!¡± Ian passed by Dina and boarded the carriage. And before the door closed, he permitted. ¡°All right. But I won¡¯t remove the subordinate by His Highness Arsen¡¯s side, and you can see His Highness Jin when His Highness allows it.¡± ¡°Are you saying that Jin is rejecting me now?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say that though.¡± Ian closed the carriage door, trailing off his words. Then he waved his hand as if he was tired. Neigh! Thud thud! Romandro muttered while looking at Dina getting farther away through the rear window of the carriage. ¡°She keeps ring at us.¡± ¡°I must be getting on her nerves. Naturally.¡± ¡°But, but what can Lady Dina do? Huh? Isn¡¯t, isn¡¯t that right? There¡¯s no one as important as Ian in the pce right now.¡± Romandro kept ncing back and wiping his cold sweat, perhaps out of fear. Ian didn¡¯t answer, with the back of his hand resting on his eyes. ¡°Who knows.¡± ¡°Who, who knows, you say?¡± ¡°If I were Lady Dina, there is one way to resolve the situation¡­ But I don¡¯t know if she will do it.¡± Romandro blinked at Ian¡¯s cryptic words. It was surprising that Dina had a way to resolve it, but it also sounded like he hoped she would do it. ¡°Ian?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to where His Highness Jin is.¡± ¡°Tell me too.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m going to sleep.¡± ¡°Ugh.¡± The moment Ian said he was going to sleep, Romandro shut his mouth tightly and scratched his head. Soon, the sound of heavy breathing was heard, and he poked his head out the window and told the coachman. ¡°Let¡¯s go a little slower.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± Slower, so Ian could sleep a little more. The coachman slowly loosened the reins and slowed down the carriage. Following the movement of the swaying carriage, Ian¡¯s head also lightly nodded. Chapter 185 Chapter 185 Ian headed to the inner duty room next to the Ministry of Magic¡¯s main building. Magicians who had wrestled with corpses all night were sleeping curled up on the lobby sofas. Groans, snores, and teeth grinding sounds were incessant here and there. As Ian carefully opened the door to the duty room, Xiaoshi raised his head. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± ¡°What about His Highness Arsen?¡± ¡°He just fell asleep. He kept throwing tantrums and crying.¡± Xiaoshi wiped the cold sweat and smiled faintly. He had been making such a fuss, pounding on the walls, telling them to bring his mother, and demanding to see Jin. Even in the darkness, Ian could see the scratches on Xiaoshi¡¯s cheek. ¡°Xiaoshi, you should rest a bit. I¡¯ll go in.¡± Romandro patted his shoulder and entered the duty room where Arsen was. Ian opened the door to the room across from it, where Jin was.Creak. ¡°Dina wille looking for Arsen. If you can be with him, do so, but don¡¯t overdo it.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± For now, he had prevented the meeting under the pretext of chaos, but it was only temporary. Wasn¡¯t it the bond of nature? With just a little progress in the cleanup, Dina would be able to dismiss Xiaoshi and take Arsen away. A handful of cold dawn sunlight was settling in the dim room. ¡°Snore.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Beric, who was half-fallen from the sofa with his head buried, and Jin, who was neatly lying on the bed. They were sleeping so deeply that they didn¡¯t notice Ian entering and walking over. ¡°I can overlook Jin, but shouldn¡¯t Beric have sensed my presence? I told him to guard the bedroom, and he¡¯s sleeping so soundly.¡± As Ian muttered with a faint smile, Xiaoshi crept over and pulled Beric¡¯s nose. Beric frowned and groaned in pain. ¡°Ugh, ouch, Ian, a, a pig bit my nose¡­¡± ¡°¡­He¡¯s not waking up.¡± ¡°Leave him be. He¡¯ll be busy in the afternoon.¡± As soon as Xiaoshi let go of his nose, Beric smacked his lips again with a happy smile. He was so simple that it was evident what kind of dream he was having. Swish. Ian sat on the edge of the bed and examined Jin¡¯s wound. The bleeding had stopped, but it seemed like it would spread again with the slightest wrong touch. When he saw it in the portrait, it looked so natural as if he had it since birth. It was such a deep and painful wound. ¡°¡­Ian?¡± ¡°I apologize. Did you wake up?¡± Jin slowly opened his eyes. Although drowsy and unfocused, he immediately recognized Ian. ¡°Has the day passed?¡± ¡°Yes. It has passed. It¡¯s a new day.¡± Ian answered while arranging the child¡¯s nket. Following the gentle touch of pat-pat, Jin¡¯s eyes closed again. He wanted to let him sleep like that, but Ian had something to tell him. ¡°Your Highness. Lady Dina has regained her senses.¡± Jin sat up halfway and looked at Ian. A whirlwind of indescribablyplex emotions seemed to be swirling. Relief, reluctance, fear, and sadness. Jin stammered and asked Ian. ¡°What should I do?¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. No one ever told me. What should a child abandoned by his mother do when he meets his mother again?¡± Ian patted his back and answered in a low voice. ¡°There¡¯s nothing you need to do. Because you did nothing wrong, Your Highness. And before that, if Your Highness says you don¡¯t want to see Lady Dina, I will block her.¡± ¡°Can, can I not meet my mother?¡± ¡°Of course. Absolutely. You can do as you wish, Your Highness. Until you convince yourself that you did nothing wrong. Do as your heart tells you.¡± Jiny down again and pulled the nket up to his eyes. There was nothing wrong, it was Dina and Arsen¡¯s fault. The constion lingered like a luby, making him drowsy. ¡°Lord Ian. I have a request.¡± ¡°Pleasemand me.¡± ¡°Read, read me a book.¡± Jin peeked out and requested. The magicians were all busy, and Beric and Xiaoshi, who were close by, couldn¡¯t read. Ian nodded with a smallugh. ¡°I understand. dly. What would you like me to read?¡± ¡°Over there, the one closest to you.¡± The magicians must have brought a few books from the pce at Jin¡¯s request. Ian picked up the book on top of the table, seeing it was well-worn. The chronicle of the first head of the Carbo family, Roberside Carbo, who split from the temple. Ian lightly flipped through the pages, noticing the heavy fingerprints. ¡°Do you enjoy reading this?¡± ¡°Very, very interesting. Arsen says it¡¯s boring and doesn¡¯t even bother to look at it. Whenever I read it, Roberside always appears in my dreams and ys with me.¡± He was a genuine child. Ian smiled faintly and straightened his posture. Then he read the sentences in a clear voice. [¡°You won¡¯t be a priest?¡± Roberside nodded at the question from his brothers and sisters. ¡°My siblings, you serve God with a pure heart in my stead. I will go out and y those demons to pledge my love to God.¡± He was the one who followed God more than anyone else, but he couldn¡¯t turn a blind eye to the people currently suffering from demons.] Xiaoshi also leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. Ian¡¯s voice, with a consistent high and low pitch, was pleasant to listen to. Even the sound of flipping pages added to it. [Roberside was amazing. With a single swing of his sword, a hundred demon corpses piled up, and with two swings, a river of blood was formed. The people cheered, and Roberside continued to push forward.] ¡®It¡¯s a bit violent for a fairy tale.¡¯ Especially the illustrations were too explicit in depicting the demon corpses. Was it a record from that time? The appearance of the demons that confronted Roberside was detailed. [¡°Spare me!¡± Roberside finally had only one demon left. The devil, in the form of a small child, begged with sped hands. Roberside asked, ¡°What kind of creature are you?¡± The devil answered, ¡°I am the one who feeds on human evil.¡± Deserving to die, the moment Roberside raised his sword. The devil whispered cunningly, ¡°If you let me live, I will hide and live. But if you kill me, my brothers will take revenge. They will destroy everything you have gained.¡± The devil threatened, but Roberside was brave.] ¡°¡­sh. As Roberside killed the devil, the demons disappeared from the Bariel Empire. Someone asked, ¡®Lord Roberside, aren¡¯t you afraid of being stained with so much blood?¡¯ Roberside smiled and answered, ¡®If I can be afraid in your stead, that is enough.''¡± Thud. On the back, there was a full-body portrait of Roberside. A man swinging a sword with his silver short hair fluttering. It was from the time of the founding, so it was impossible to verify whether all of this was fiction or not. ¡®The devil¡¯s revenge.¡¯ Although it was a conclusion, the devil¡¯s curse seemed to have been cast. Comparing the Carbo family at the time of the founding and the present, their power had fallen to a pitiful extent. It was a presence that everyone recognized but ended there. ¡°Master.¡± Xiaoshi quietly called him. Ian looked back with his hand on the sleeping Jin¡¯s forehead, and then felt a nket being draped over his shoulders. ¡°You should also get some sleep, Master.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t look fine at all.¡± Creak. At that moment, Romandro crept in and looked around. It was a gaze checking if anything wascking. He squatted down, looking at Beric, who had slid off the sofa. ¡°He¡¯s sleeping the mostfortably. Tsk tsk.¡± ¡°Snore. Cough! The meat, ah, the meat is-¡° ¡°Always going on about meat, he must have maggots in his stomach. Ian, His Highness Arsen is also sound asleep. Don¡¯t do that and finish getting some shut-eye. It¡¯ll be troublesome if you copseter when you¡¯re busy. I¡¯ve assigned guards for His Highness Arsen.¡± At Romandro¡¯s insistence, Ian had no choice but to lie down on the sofa. Perhaps thanks to the child¡¯s heavy breathing, his eyelids immediately grew heavy. Romandro muttered while tidying up the floor. Rustle. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a drawing His Highness Jin made earlier.¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nice. Is it a banana and a tomato?¡± ¡°¡­He said it was you and Beric.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Pfft, Ian unknowingly let out augh. Romandro pushed the drawing aside, ncing at Jin. ¡°It¡¯s best to leave art to the artists. Yep.¡± ¡°Still, a banana and a tomato are a bit much.¡± ¡°But Ian, about what you said earlier regarding Lady Dina. Can¡¯t you tell me what it is?¡± A way to rival Ian, who had taken control of the pce. Ian opened his mouth with his eyes closed. Fatigue was dripping from his voice, indicating that he would soon fall asleep. ¡°Do you remember those who said at the meeting earlier that we couldn¡¯t deal with all the traitors?¡± ¡°Well, let¡¯s see. There were quite a few.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because there are no substitutes. It means they have that much value. It¡¯s the backbone that can¡¯t be easily cut out in any situation. Currently, who do you think has such an unrivaled position in Bariel?¡± The Emperor? No. The Emperor is lying there like that, but there¡¯s no problem with Bariel functioning. Then Ian? The position of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s minister had changed several times. Romandro pondered and suddenly recalled that name. ¡°Hayman?¡± A force that had clearly participated in the act of treason but no official dared to readily execute. The aristocrats among aristocrats who had been in charge of the empire¡¯s financial flow for nearly hundreds of years. Ian nodded. ¡°If it were me, I would propose to Hayman. If they lend their strength to Arsen, I would overlook their wrongdoings when he ascends to the throne.¡± ¡°But isn¡¯t the Hayman family a clear target for execution?¡± ¡°They can¡¯t be beheaded overnight like the corpses outside. If the Hayman family makes an excuse that it was the arbitrary act of their youngest daughter and apologizes, there will be many officials who will say to forgive them.¡± Above all, Prince Jin was going to prioritize Ian¡¯s support, and Ian was the one who directly subdued Mariv and Gale. His intention to execute the traitors was firm, so it would inevitably be burdensome for the Hayman family. On the other hand, for Dina, they were a force that could be her strength to oppose Ian. ¡®After colluding, if Arsen is pushed out, the Hayman family can naturally be pushed out as well. We have no choice but to seek such small gaps.¡¯ In short, it was about continuously increasing the justification to pressure them. At the same time, by keeping their financial power in check and dispersing the financial authority throughout Bariel, there woulde a day when there would be no problem even without them. That would be the true execution of the Hayman family. ¡°But Ian, as I¡¯m about to be a father soon, I understand a little bit of the heart of parents with children.¡± Romandro frowned, resting his chin. Abandoning a child was one thing, but he questioned whether selective love was really possible. Romandro spun his head and asked. ¡°But don¡¯t you think Lady Dina went a bit too far?!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Is he sleeping?¡± ¡°He¡¯s asleep.¡± But all that could be seen was Ian sleeping like an angel. Romandroy down with a thud and stretched. Xiaoshi dozed off while sitting. Muchter, Beric, who woke up first, mumbled while looking at the drawing in front of him. ¡°¡­Banana, tomato?¡± Knock knock-! Click! ¡°Lord Ian, Captain Akore says she has something to report regarding the amber gemstone. She asked to check on the progress of securing the magic sealing stone.¡± ¡°Oh my, he¡¯s sleeping like he passed out. Should I wake him up?¡± ¡°Uh, there¡¯s no choice. In this case.¡± ¡°Excuse me, Lord Ian. Will you listen to the report for a moment?¡± ¡°They say they found His Highness Gale as well. Lord Ian? Lord Ian? Wait, please wake up.¡± Chapter 186 Chapter 186 Two people were running on a vastwn. For some reason, Ian unknowingly smiled and approached them. Short silver hair. Ian easily recognized that it was Roberside. And in front of him- ¡°Lord Ian!¡± Jin? Ian knelt down and met eyes with the child who clung to him. It was a lively face. Roberside, who was running from afar, shouted something, but it was not clearly audible. ¡°You look like you¡¯re having fun.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fun. Fun.¡± ¡°What makes you so happy?¡± Jin didn¡¯t answer, just smiling brightly. Then suddenly, Ian realized that the child didn¡¯t have dimples on his cheeks. Moreover, the scar on his face, which was considered the proof of the Emperor, was also absent. Rumble!At that moment, a foul stench vibrated as heaven and earth split apart. Demons appeared on the peaceful field, and darkness descended as if to cover the world. Roberside, who hade closer, warned in a loud voice. ¡°Kill him!¡± The child stabbed Ian¡¯s heart with a dagger. He didn¡¯t feel any pain. Was it because he was too surprised? Roberside, who was right behind him, shed the child¡¯s back with his sword and shouted. ¡°A child who should never have been born! Kill him!¡± sh! The child with the shed back died in Ian¡¯s arms. But even in the midst of it, his ravingughter didn¡¯t stop. As Ian looked down at the child in bewilderment, he grabbed Ian¡¯s hair roughly and brought it to his ear. ¡°The child who should never have been born, wasn¡¯t it you?¡± *** ¡°Lord Ian?¡± Ian woke up, unknowingly breathing heavily. His whole body was shaking from the fierce heartbeat. A Ministry of Magic employee who was watching him from the side asked with concern. ¡°Lord Ian. Did you have a nightmare?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I was surprised because you were groaning terribly.¡± ¡°It¡¯s only natural to catch a cold after overexerting yourself yesterday.¡± ¡°¡­What did I say?¡± ¡°Pardon? No. You were just moaning.¡± Ian brushed back his damp hair and let out a sigh of relief. The dream was quite ominous, so it would have been awkward if he had uttered some nonsensical sleep talk. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Ah, it won¡¯t do. Sleep some more. I¡¯ll call a doctor.¡± Ministry of Magic subordinates backed away with a worried look, but Ian got up from his seat, straightening his clothes. Nothing had changed inside the duty room since hisst memory. Romandro, Xiaoshi, and Jin. Everyone was in a deep slumber as if they were on the verge of death. Except for Beric, who had paper in his mouth. ¡°Does anyone know the reason for Beric¡¯s behavior?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. He was mumbling something about bananas, then put paper in his mouth and went back to sleep.¡± ¡°¡­Let¡¯s leave quietly.¡± Ianforted his subordinates and stepped outside. The sun was already high in the sky. It was only a few hours, but his body felt refreshed after lying down and getting some sleep. Ian sat on a round table and received reports from his subordinates one by one. ¡°The Nerians, I mean, your father, Lord Ian, is working with the warriors to help with the reconstruction.¡± ¡°What kind of race are they? They were so energetic without even sleeping.¡± Like they had reconstructed Bratz, this time the warriors were roaming the pce. They spread out in all directions without hesitation, rescuing people buried under the rubble, clearing broken stone walls, and gathering scattered body parts. Ian smiled and urged. ¡°Cherish and respect them. They are helping us purely. What about my mother?¡± ¡°Well, she¡¯s the same. She seems to be moving with the warriors, acting as a trantor for those who can¡¯tmunicate among them.¡± No wonder she wasn¡¯t seen. But Ian knew it was Filia¡¯s way of helping him in her own way. ¡°Captain Akore said she would submit an interim report on the amber gemstone in the afternoon. Before that, I¡¯ll briefly convey the contents. First, they named the amber gemstone ¡®Idgal¡¯.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡± Idgal. Doesn¡¯t it sound like a person¡¯s name? Ian asked, thinking that way. ¡°Because the gemstone is artificial. When cut in half, a geometric pattern is visible, which is a trace of an alchemist.¡± Ian slightly lowered the report and twitched his eyebrows. Come to think of it, he had forgotten to hint that it might be rted to an alchemist because he had been moving around so frantically. ¡°¡­Their skills are better than expected.¡± In just one night, no. To be precise, in less than ten hours. Captain Akore had discovered the traces of an alchemist in the gemstone. The subordinate sniffled and replied proudly. ¡°That¡¯s why everyone puts up with her personality. Ah, please keep it a secret that I said this, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± ¡°As you well know, whether it¡¯s a magician, a sorcerer, or an alchemist, there are always traces left in supernatural powers. Especially those involved in manufacturing have clear traces, and when analyzing the geometric pattern, it could be read as ¡®Idgal¡¯ in the Barielmonnguage.¡± ¡°Is there a possibility that it¡¯s the name of the alchemist?¡± ¡°Highly likely. The alchemist himself would also know his unique geometric pattern, and it¡¯smon to assign meaning to it and use it as an alias.¡± Ian nodded and ordered. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ringter. Cut it open as well.¡± ¡°A ring?¡± The one that Madam Lien had handed over along with the drugs as a token of gratitude whening up from the frontier to the center. If Madam¡¯s jewel was also Idgal, they could narrow down the pursuit of the guild to which the alchemist in question belonged. ¡°And there¡¯s the most important thing.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s right. Fortunately, some magicians, including Nakina, are slowly regaining their mana. It¡¯s very faint, but it hasn¡¯tpletely disappeared.¡± It was a relief to hear that. The Ministry of Magic was already short on numbers, so it would be troublesome to lose talented individuals in this situation. Since Ian was the first new recruit in several years, who knows how long it would take to meet the next magician. The subordinates fell silent for a moment, then cautiously offered their opinions. ¡°Excuse me, Lord Ian. Although Idgal and the magic sealing stone are clearly different, don¡¯t they have simr functions?¡± ¡°We also felt it this time. Magic can never be absolute at any time.¡± Ian nodded, closing the report. It meant to continue. ¡°For the future and safety of our magicians, it would be best to eliminate either the magic sealing stone or Idgal.¡± ¡°Since the magic sealing stone is naturally urring, wouldn¡¯t it be better to track down and deal with the alchemist?¡± They thought it was the power of God, but they were helplessly shattered by a single arrow from Mariv. They had been arrogant, but in a way, it was fortunate. Because they survived even after going through this. ¡°It¡¯s easier to kill one alchemist than to kill nature.¡± Ian tapped the end of the report and fell silent for a moment. He wasn¡¯t unaware of their concerns. ¡°I agree. The existence of the magic sealing stone is God¡¯s will, but the existence of Idgal is the will of the alchemist.¡± Check and threat were words on entirely different levels. Ian handed over the report with the intention of telling them not to worry. ¡°It doesn¡¯t make sense for magicians to be in danger because of the will of a single person. I will thoroughly investigate Mariv. Once the situation is roughly under control, I will pursue and deal with the alchemist.¡± Perhaps the magicians who survived from the original era made the same decision as Ian. Is that why Idgal was not passed down to Ian¡¯s era? The magicians seemed satisfied with the words of Ian, their leader, and ced their hands on their chests. ¡°Next.¡± ¡°His Highness Gale was found in the 2nd Pce.¡± ¡°Found?¡± Ian hesitated for a moment. The nuance of the word felt a bit strange. As expected, the magician carefully reported in a slightly lower voice. ¡°In a state of self-harm. There is no risk to his life.¡± While Mariv surrendered and begged for his life, Gale attempted suicide to end the situation. As always, the decisions of the two were different. He wasn¡¯t sure which one was right. Ian rubbed his chin and frowned. ¡°Is he still unconscious?¡± ¡°Yes. But three magicians who can use healing magic have been dispatched along with a doctor. I think he¡¯ll wake up soon.¡± Ian sensed the presenceing from behind and turned around. Junior officials from other departments and individuals with unknown identities wereing with a mountain of reports. ¡°I understand. Keep a close watch on the ce where Prince Gale is lying, and if he tries tomit suicide again, restrain him and lock him up.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± ¡°Even if he dies, he must die in the courtroom.¡± That way, there will be no burden on Jin in the future. Because he was not the offspring of the Empress, his legitimacy would surely be pointed out by the opposing forces at any time. So wouldn¡¯t it be better to erase Mariv and Gale from the history of the Imperial family altogether? Thud thud! ¡°Excuse me, Lord Ian. Duke Hayman has arrived at the central entrance of the city gate.¡± The magician who had been closing and managing the entrance ran over and called Ian. At the unexpected name, everyone paused and looked at Ian. ¡°He says he wants to see His Majesty the Emperor. If that¡¯s not possible, he wants to attend the grand meeting to clear up the misunderstanding.¡± ¡°Misunderstanding.¡± At Ian¡¯s bitter smile, the magicians gulped. Isn¡¯t it truly bold and shameless? The force that had tried to overthrow the pce using Gale as a shield was directly walking in on their own feet, saying they would make excuses. ¡°Lord Ian, what should we do?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to kill them if I could.¡± ¡°No. I have money deposited there.¡± The murmuring grew louder. Ian twirled the pen holder and pondered for a moment. If he let them in, they would surely find out that the Emperor had copsed. Then there was no predicting how Duke Hayman would act. ¡°Lady Mnia is also with him.¡± ¡°¡­Allow them to enter, but immediately detain and escort them. Don¡¯t let them have contact with others, and I alone will meet them.¡± Could ¡®detain¡¯ and ¡®escort¡¯ coexist as words? But the magicians answered that they understood and ran back. Ian continued to process the work, meticulously examining the remaining documents. It seemed he nned to meet Duke Haymanst, after finishing all the urgent matters. ¡®A kind of battle of nerves.¡¯ The very act of His Grace the Duke waiting for several hours without a word was equivalent to Ian taking an advantageous position. ¡°Next report.¡± ¡°Yes. Here it is.¡± He¡¯s not ordinary indeed. The Hayman family is like that, but Ian, who handles them so calmly, is not ordinary either. The magicians pressed their lips tightly and kept handing over the reports. ¡°Ah, and about Prince Gale¡¯s curse.¡± Even at the magician¡¯s words, Ian didn¡¯t stop scribbling his signature. The sound of the pen tip scratching was refreshingly heard. ¡°Is it true that the curse has been lifted?¡± ¡°Why do you ask that?¡± Ian had dered that he had lifted the curse, but the magicians didn¡¯t believe it. Because all he had done all day was continuously pour out mana to save people and subdue Mariv. ¡°Well, um, they say His Highness Gale keeps mumbling something while unconscious. I thought it might be rted to the curse.¡± Chapter 187 Chapter 187 A small room in the detached pce where Gale was receiving treatment. A faint and warm light continuously flowed out through the crack of the door. Clothes and towels soaked in blood were strewn on the floor without distinction, and attendants brought warm water, centering around three magicians. ¡°Wipe this part more.¡± ¡°Yes. Magician.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no sign of the bleeding stopping. Try putting more mana into the hemostatic point. Just a little, a little more.¡± ¡°Putting more here will cause breathing problems.¡± ¡°Of all ces, he cut his neck¡­¡± ¡°Good, good. Just keep doing that.¡± Sweat trickled down the bridge of the magicians¡¯ noses. When ites to self-harm, it¡¯smon to cut the wrists, but Gale had stabbed the point where his neck and corbone met. ¡°Make more blood. More, more.¡±¡°Hey, go to Captain Akore and get the blood strengthening medicine. Don¡¯t be picky about the type, just ask for everything they have.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± While the three magicians were in charge of the bleeding and creating new flesh inside, the doctor meticulously sutured the torn parts and administered a sedative. Buzz. Buzz. The room was stuffy due to either the heat of mana or the heat of the medical staff. As Gale¡¯s condition stabilized, the magicians wiped their sweat with bloody towels and let out a sigh of relief. They had saved him, so they had done their part. ¡°This should be enough.¡± ¡°Inform us immediately if His Highness regains consciousness or shows any abnormal behavior. We¡¯ll be resting in the next room. Doctor, you can stop as well.¡± At the magicians¡¯mand, the attendants bowed and answered that they understood. They had heard about the greatness of magic, but they hadn¡¯t expected it to be at this level. Not only saving someone with a torn neck but also stabilizing them. It seemed that healing magic being the pinnacle of magic was not an exaggeration at all. Creak. ¡°Good work, everyone.¡± ¡°Lord Ian.¡± At that moment, Ian entered the room. The stench of blood and the smell of disinfectant were intense. Gale had bandages not only on his neck but also on his waist, arms, and shins. ¡°He¡¯s still unconscious.¡± ¡°Yes. But his natural physique is excellent, so there¡¯s no problem with him epting the magic. We believe he will recover quickly.¡± ¡°I heard he was mumbling in his sleep.¡± ¡°Ah, that.¡± The magicians smiled awkwardly and nced at Gale. Although he was a criminal, he was still a prince. As if they knew it was reckless, they reported in the lowest possible voice. ¡°He was calling out Lady Mnia¡¯s name and saying something. It was difficult to understand properly because of the wound on his neck, but roughly, it was about condemning betrayal. He also mentioned something about a curse.¡± Ian pulled over a chair and sat next to the bed. Then he checked his watch and instructed the magicians. ¡°Rest. I will leave here in a couple of hours.¡± It had already been three hours since Duke Hayman entered the pce and was detained, but not detained. Ian wanted to target the moment just before Duke Hayman¡¯s patience ran out and rebounded into resignation. If Gale regained consciousness during the remaining couple of hours and even spilled information about Lady Mnia, it would be the icing on the cake. ¡°Yawn.¡± ¡°Lord Romandro, the report.¡± Romandro, who had followed with swollen eyes, sorted out the reports to be processed and handed them over. The scratching sound of the pen tip quietly resounded in the bedroom again. p! ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Ha, haha. Don¡¯t mind it.¡± Apart from Romandro asionally pping his own cheeks to chase away sleep, it was so quiet that it was peaceful. How much time had passed like that? Ian noticed Gale¡¯s fingertips twitching. ¡°Prince Gale.¡± ¡°¡­Ah.¡± Gale frowned, making an unfamiliar metallic sound. His neck felt stuffy, so he tried to scratch it with his hand, but only the stitches of the bandage came loose. Ian lightly stopped it with his pen and spoke. ¡°I¡¯m d you woke up on time. We have a lot to talk about, but let¡¯s keep it short considering each other¡¯s circumstances. First, Your Highness¡¯s end will not be on a sickbed but in a courtroom.¡± In other words, don¡¯t even think about seeking an honorable death by suicide. Gale looked up at him with a frown, into the faded walls. ¡°Currently, Duke Hayman and Lady Mnia have entered the pce and are waiting. If Your Highness has anything to say, I will convey it on your behalf.¡± At Ian¡¯s words, Galeughed. The absence of the mana armor that the Hayman family had promised to support clearly divided the oue of victory and defeat. That was why he was lying here like this now. ¡°¡­You wish I had something to say.¡± The voice that was slowly and painstakingly linked was precarious. But Ian just nodded without any particr reaction. ¡°Of course. If you have nothing to say, I will convey it as I see fit.¡± Now that a third force had taken control of the pce, it was something everyone could guess that the Hayman family would deny their connection to the two princes, especially Gale. So Ian had no choice but to create an offensive right in the name of Gale¡¯s testimony. ¡°If you provide the collusion documents of the Hayman family, I promise you a more honorable death than Prince Mariv.¡± Galeughed softly at Ian¡¯s proposal. Now, the best situation left for him was just such a death. ¡°And one more thing.¡± ¡°¡­What is it?¡± ¡°I will protect the tree in His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s residence.¡± The peach tree that the Emperor had nkly stared at after dreaming of Gale¡¯s birth mother. The peach tree where his mother¡¯s remains were buried, which she had cherished so much during her lifetime. Gale covered his eyes with his arm and let out a sigh. ¡°You can find the collusion documents if you try.¡± ¡°Thanks to someone, I have a lot of work to process.¡± ¡°¡­Were your eyes always like that?¡± Gale suddenly asked, finding Ian¡¯s gaze strange. It was always unusual, but how should I put it? The current Ian was a bit more¡­ ¡°It seems like you¡¯re the master of the pce.¡± ¡°Your Highness¡¯s neck condition is not good enough to add unnecessary remarks.¡± It meant to shut up and only answer the questions asked. Gale giggled and let go of everything. ¡°I didn¡¯t directly exchange letters with the Hayman family. They and I both know the right people. They promised to support me in stopping Mariv, including providing mana stone armor, and in return, I would make Mnia the empress. Not only that, but tax benefits for the Hayman family, key positions for that person¡¯s nephews, and trade benefits for the kingdoms with blood ties.¡± ¡°You were trying to divide it up very meticulously.¡± Ian took a moment to organize his thoughts. Apart from the position of empress that Mnia would have, a considerable portion was promised to Hayman. But why didn¡¯t they help Gale in the end? ¡°It seems like the support from the Hayman family was insufficient.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you close the city gates?¡± ¡°Entering the pce and preparing before carrying out the n is the basics of the basics. ording to the testimonies of the survivors, you received about half of what was expected.¡± Gale avoided Ian¡¯s gaze. His appearance seemed to indicate that he knew the reason but couldn¡¯t say it. ¡°Moreover, Lady Mnia seemed to adore Your Highness.¡± ¡°Adore? Me? Have you never met a woman before?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ian frowned. There was no particr counterargument, so that was why. But if the appearance he saw at that time wasn¡¯t that of lovers, then what was it? Didn¡¯t it seem like they couldn¡¯t live without each other? ¡°Mnia doesn¡¯t adore me.¡± Gale muttered with conviction. ¡°Wesleigh made it that way.¡± ¡°How does Wesleigh¡¯s namee up here?¡± ¡°Were you curious about her curse?¡± Then he iled the table as if searching for a cigarette. He seemed to have no awareness that his neck was injured. Ian only handed over the cigarette and had Romandro take away the lighter. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you once? It¡¯s a personal curse.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. You proved it with the truth serum.¡± ¡°I will never receive someone¡¯s love in the future.¡± ¡®Gale, you arrogantly trampled on me, so you will never be loved like me forever.¡¯ ¡°So I knew from the beginning. What Mnia wanted was not me but the position of a prince. That¡¯s why I said I was preparing. So it turned out like this.¡± Gale chewed the cigarette between his teeth. If that was the case, it meant that the author himself couldn¡¯t clearly define the change of heart of the Hayman family. Ian got up from his chair, brushing off his seat, and then snatched the cigarette away. ¡°Get well soon. Actually, just the fact that Your Highness woke up is good news for me.¡± It meant that he had gained a move to directly suppress, keep in check, and pressure the Hayman family. Because there was no evidence as definitive as Gale¡¯s testimony. ¡°What about Mariv?¡± ¡°You will meet him soon.¡± In the courtroom. Ian turned his back without hesitation and went outside, and Gale closed his eyes with a sigh. Now that they knew he was awake, they would start 24-hour close surveince to prevent him from dying. Even if he wanted to end it, he was in a position where he couldn¡¯t easily do so. Click. As soon as he came out into the corridor, Ian firmly instructed the guard. ¡°Increase the personnel and guard him without any gaps. Contact the Imperial Pce Guard if possible.¡± ¡°Do you mean the Imperial Guard?¡± The guard asked back in puzzlement. They only needed to prevent Gale¡¯s self-harm, so why would they call the Imperial Guard? There was already a shortage of people for the reconstruction of the pce. ¡°Does an order need a reason?¡± ¡°Ah, I apologize. I will correct myself.¡± Instead of giving a long-winded exnation, Ian elicited an answer through a reprimand. As soon as Romandro followed him and got into the carriage, he asked back. ¡°Is it because of the Hayman family?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Now that the prince has safely woken up, there is a possibility that Hayman will make a move.¡± Since it hase to this, the prince who will die anyway. They can kill him before the trial to superficially sever ties with Hayman. And above all, if the princes die here from an external attack, the chaos that has barely subsided can swell up again. ¡°Go to where Duke Hayman is waiting.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± Neigh! Ian informed the destination and checked his watch. Seven hours and forty minutes. It was the time the duke had waited to meet someone after entering the pce. For the duke, who was noble and called the backbone of Bariel, it must have been quite a long wait to endure. ¡°Have you ever seen Duke Hayman? Lord Romandro?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t we see him once at the New Year¡¯s banquet? Or not?¡± ¡°I think I saw the ceremony at that time.¡± Duke Hayman didn¡¯t stand out in his memory. Ian remembered that the Duke Hayman he saw when he was the emperor was the 11th, but he became a little curious about what kind of person the current head of the family was. ¡®They say blood doesn¡¯t lie, so if anything, he¡¯ll be simr.¡¯ With that thought, Ian rushed to the building where the duke was detained. In the distance, the soldiers guarding the entrance gate could be seen. ¡°What¡¯s the atmosphere like outside the pce?¡± ¡°It seems like baseless rumors are spreading little by little. It¡¯s the first time that those who entered the pce don¡¯te out, isn¡¯t it? We¡¯ll have to make a position statement soon.¡± It was not something that could be prolonged. Ian vowed to finish the work roughly within three days, just three days, and looked out the window. The Hayman family¡¯s carriage was waiting. Creak. ¡°Is Duke Hayman inside?¡± ¡°Yes. Lord Ian. He¡¯s waiting.¡± ¡°Inform him.¡± Ian entered the building, guided by the soldier. The doors of the reception room opened to the left and right. Ian faced Duke Hayman, who was sitting upright. Chapter 188 Chapter 188 ¡°I am Ian Hielo, the Minister of the Ministry of Magic. Are you Duke Gaudino Hayman?¡± At Ian¡¯s call, Hayman¡¯s head slowly turned. Upon facing each other, Ian could be certain that he had never seen him at the New Year¡¯s banquet. It was an appearance that one could never forget if seen once. ¡°You are Minister Ian Hielo. I am Duke Gaudino Hayman.¡± He was a strange middle-aged man. Beneath his neatly swept-back hair, his forehead extended coolly, his eyebrows were angr, and his nose bridge was sharp, but what was even more unusual were his eyes in which the whites were barely visible. The overwhelming aura seemed toe not from the name of the Hayman family, but from his gaze. ¡°Have you been waiting long?¡± Ian didn¡¯t initiate a handshake first. Although in terms of title, it was a status that couldn¡¯t be looked down upon, in the current situation, the Haymans were those who had harmed the pce, and Ian was the one responsible for cleaning up the mess. Realizing this, Hayman smiled gently while maintaining etiquette. ¡°It¡¯s nothingpared to the hard work of Minister Hielo. Ah, this is my youngest daughter, Mnia. I believe it¡¯s your first time meeting her. Please take good care of her.¡± Hayman already knew that Mnia and Ian had met before. However, introducing them as if it were their first meeting was an act of lightly denying the connection between Mnia and Ian, which was Gale. Normally, even if there was an acquaintance in social circles, it was the epitome of modesty to act as if it were the first meeting in formal encounters.¡°Nice to meet you for the first time.¡± Lady Mnia greeted while lightly grasping her green-tinted dress. The eyes that met slightly were smiling. Her attitude of cunningly matching her father¡¯s tune was not just natural. ¡°Although it may be the first time for you, Lady Mnia, I have actually seen you before. When I went to report to His Highness Gale, from a distance.¡± Ian pressed his lips to the back of Mnia¡¯s hand and smiled. It was a remark that maintained propriety but immediately pointed out the connection with Gale. As if they had anticipated Ian¡¯s response, the Hayman father and daughter simultaneously showed an unnatural reluctance. ¡°Lord Hielo. Actually, that¡¯s why I urgently sought the pce. I heard that Their Highnesses Mariv and Gale had caused a very unpleasant incident. As a result, my position has also be awkward. I would like to directly plead my case to His Majesty the Emperor, but your magicians won¡¯t make way for me.¡± It was a request to meet the Emperor directly. Instead of answering, Ian looked into Hayman¡¯s ck eyes. Since the whites weren¡¯t visible, it was impossible to immediately discern where he was looking. ¡®How much does he know?¡¯ If he hadn¡¯t made contact with Dina yet, he wouldn¡¯t know that the Emperor was frozen. Since no one had left the pce, he wouldn¡¯t know that Mariv had stabbed the Emperor. The answer Ian gave now was information to him and would be his course of action the moment he stepped out the door. ¡°There has never been a history of a criminal of treason having an audience with His Majesty the Emperor, and there never will be in the future.¡± At Ian¡¯s answer, Hayman¡¯s jaw stiffened. While not revealing information about the Emperor¡¯s well-being, he let him know that the charges for the disturbance within the pce had been confirmed. ¡°So if you have something to say, please say it to me.¡± It was a remark subtly revealing that he was the one in charge of the current pce. Hayman raised his head stiffly and asked. ¡°Are both Their Highnesses Mariv and Gale safe?¡± ¡°I cannot tell you.¡± It was a matter of course that if Gale was alive, the Hayman family¡¯s excuse would lose its validity. Due to Ian not revealing any information, Duke Hayman¡¯s eyes narrowed. He then cautiously brought up a topic. ¡°¡­It¡¯s a misunderstanding. It¡¯s true that Mnia had a brief rtionship with His Highness Gale, but providing the mana stone armor was to assist in the research of the Imperial Army¡¯s forces. I never anticipated it would be used like this.¡± It could have been countered by saying that the Imperial Defense Department sided with Mariv, but saying that now would be equivalent to informing Hayman of the absence of pce forces. Sometimes silence could pierce the opponent¡¯s vitals deeper than rebuttal, and now was that moment. ¡°So soon, upon sensing suspicion, I took measures by retrieving half of it. I would like to directly inform His Majesty the Emperor about this.¡± ¡°As I said, it¡¯s not possible.¡± ¡°Is it His Majesty¡¯s will?¡± It was a question of whether there was an order from the Emperor. No one could say that something was ordered that the Emperor himself had not directly ordered. Didn¡¯t Ian drive away Chielonia, who had brought the title appointment when he was at the frontier, with that? ¡°It¡¯s the will of the Imperial family.¡± Ian evaded with an ambiguous but definite answer. Hayman covered the back of his daughter¡¯s hand with his leather-gloved hand. Mnia looked at Ian with a calm gaze. ¡°I deeply acknowledge it. Although it was not intentional, I admit that I was involved to a certain extent in this incident. I will respond with the bestpensation and do my utmost to follow any path that preserves the honor of the Haymans.¡± Compensation, not reparations? Reparations were rted to legal punishment, whilepensation was paid when taking moral responsibility in other cases. ¡®The use of words is cunningly sharp.¡¯ The audacious attitude of believing they would survive even after participating in the rebellion. It was because he was the one who knew the Hayman¡¯s status better than anyone else that he came out like this. Judging by the trick of trying to push his daughter into the position of empress, there was ample room for him to intervene in the Imperial authority as well. ¡®As expected, it would be best to keep him in check along with Arsen.¡¯ Ian frowned conspicuously and muttered. ¡°Duke, it seems you think you can buy the safety of the empire with money. No matter how abundant your treasury is, it¡¯s just a lump of stone in front of the centuries-old authority of Bariel.¡± ¡°Bariel¡¯s authority was built upon that very lump of stone.¡± ¡°I apologize, but soon there will be an investigation into the connection between the Hayman family and His Highness Gale. You will have to pay ¡®reparations¡¯mensurate with the results of the investigation, not pensation¡¯.¡± Reparations were always apanied by other punishments. At the least, it could be the revocation of titles or reduction of authority, and at most, it could be imprisonment and execution. At Ian¡¯s words, Duke Hayman flicked his hand. A subordinate approached and handed him a tobo pipe. ¡°¡­Are Lady Dina and Their Highnesses the Twin Princes safe?¡± The low-voiced question was spat out along with the cigarette smoke. The duke¡¯s ck eyes swiftly swept over Ian, trying to gauge the situation. ¡°They are safe.¡± ¡°If I can¡¯t have an audience with His Majesty, I¡¯d at least like to see Lady Dina.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not permitted.¡± ¡°Not permitted?¡± At Ian¡¯s words, Hayman¡¯s lips slightly twisted. As if he had caught the passing clue. Saying it was not permitted meant that it was not Dina¡¯s will, but entirely Ian¡¯s, didn¡¯t it? ¡°Why?¡± ¡°For the purpose of maintaining order within the pce.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. If an outsider were to see this now, they would misunderstand that it was not Prince Mariv and Prince Gale who caused the disturbance, but that you overthrew and took control.¡± ¡°Ahem! Hmph!¡± At Hayman¡¯s words, Romandro, who was listening from behind, let out a displeased cough. Hayman¡¯s guard knights also frowned, sensing the atmosphere. In the prevailing atmosphere, Hayman leisurely requested again. ¡°Tell Lady Dina. The Duke of Hayman requests an audience.¡± Otherwise, it would be regarded as if the misunderstanding was the truth. ¡°Very well. However, only the Duke will be allowed, excluding Lady Mnia, and the pce guards will apany you. The Duke cannot deny the suspicion of colluding with His Highness Gale.¡± Ian stood up from his seat and conveyed the remaining instructions. Coming in was at their discretion, but leaving was not. Even if it were the Emperor, no one could contact the outside until the pce was sorted out. ¡°Is there a group waiting for the Duke in front of the city gate?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± To be precise, it was the knight order waiting with orders toe to the rescue if there was no word even after a day had passed. It was like crawling into the lion¡¯s den while firmly securing a safety device at the waist. Ian continued, as if he had expected it. ¡°I willplete the initial cleanup within three days. Until then, no one can leave the pce, so have the gatekeeper convey this matter on your behalf. Then.¡± Creak. Ian said that and went outside. The footsteps gradually faded away, and then there wasplete silence. Mnia leaned against the backrest and let out a sigh. ¡°What should we do, Father? It seems His Highness Gale is alive. His Highness Mariv is also quite something. During the time he turned the pce into a wastnd, he couldn¡¯t even kill that one person.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Dina is the answer.¡± ¡°Lady Dina?¡± Hayman slowly reviewed his conversation with Ian and muttered. ¡°Think about it. If Mariv and Gale are expelled for treason, the next sessors are the Twin Princes. They will be strong enough to be called the next emperor. But they are still too young.¡± ¡°Lady Dina will step up as a proxy.¡± ¡°Yes. In that case, the real power in the pce will naturally be Dina. But judging from Ian¡¯s behavior, it¡¯s clear that the tide is leaning towards that side. For now, Dina will step back, saying it¡¯s for cleanup and whatnot, but if this momentum continues, it will inevitably be burdensome.¡± Above all, Ian¡¯s attitude towards Hayman was hostile. Some of the loose-minded officials in the pce would surely want to continue to draw on Hayman¡¯s value. ¡®Hayman is the perfect one to keep in check the person who subdued Mariv and Gale. It would be best to push in that direction and seek an opportunity.¡¯ He didn¡¯t know that Arsen and Jin had been separated, but Hayman sessfully drew a rough situational inference. Everything would be even more clear once he met Dina. ¡°Sigh. By the way, what kind of situation is this? Both Prince Mariv and Prince Gale ended up like this. It¡¯s a failed investment.¡± Mnia sipped her tea with a tired nuance. ¡°Would it have been a little different if we had known earlier that Prince Mariv was connected to the Rutherford Guild?¡± Rutherford, a mysterious guild consisting of alchemists. It was where Mariv had received the amber gemstone from, and it was also a ce that had long been dealing with Hayman. It was such an elusive and secretive organization that they had no idea it was even connected to the prince. ¡°No. Daughter, the process might have been different, but the oue would have been the same. The choice of history is absolute.¡± They found out toote. After colluding with Gale, they recognized the flow of Rutherford¡¯s processed gemstones. Upon tracking it, it was connected to Mariv, and Hayman could soon guess that Mariv was preparing something equivalent to the magic sealing stone. ¡®If Gale won, it would have been good either way, and if Mariv won, we could have joined that side through Rutherford as the medium. That¡¯s why we only sent half of the mana stone armor.¡¯ They had walked a tightrope, but it ended up being cut. Fortunately, the act of betraying Gale would bring them another opportunity. ¡°Go out and find out the schedule for a private meeting with Dina.¡± ¡°Yes. your Grace.¡± Thud. Along with the name Rutherford, Mnia recalled the child she had seen at the frontier. Ian Hielo¡¯s face was oveid on the fading memory. Since she found them simr, it didn¡¯t easily disappear. *** Meanwhile, Ian¡¯s group, who hade outside. Romandro opened the carriage door and asked worriedly. No matter what, he seemed really concerned about letting the Hayman family and Dina meet. ¡°I don¡¯t know if we should really let them meet in this situation. Aren¡¯t they troublesome individuals to deal with separately?¡± ¡°Boarding the same boat means sharing will and weakness. There¡¯s nothing to fear even if the size grows. The bigger it gets, the more it will be hit by an attack no matter where it¡¯s thrown. To create a pretext for checks and bnces, we need to attach those who have it.¡± ¡°That may be true, but¡­¡± ¡°And the earlier conversation was quite fruitful.¡± ¡°Huh? Was it fruitful? Really?¡± Romandro seemed to have no idea. That was natural since they were outsiders who had entered with a nk te. Ian was the one holding the information. No matter what conversation they had, it was natural to think that the Haymans were the ones benefiting from that imbnce, wasn¡¯t it? ¡°They directly revealed it themselves.¡± ¡°That¡¯s strange. I didn¡¯t leave my seat at all.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t he say that if seen from the outside, it would appear as if I had overthrown and taken control? The mere expression of thoughts. It means they have that in mind as a way to reverse the situation.¡± Romandro¡¯s mouth gaped open. It didn¡¯t make sense, but it made sense! If the imperial citizens outside who were unaware of the situation heard fabricated rumors, there would surely be an impact. Especially on Jin¡¯s session as the heir. ¡°Smile, Lord Romandro. The situation is not bad.¡± Ian leaned his head against the window and smiled brightly. ordingly, Romandro also awkwardly raised the corners of his mouth. tter-tter, the carriage carrying the two of them rushed towards the Ministry of Magic. Chapter 189 Chapter 189 As Ian¡¯s carriage arrived at the Ministry of Magic, mages who had been standing by in the building came rushing out one by one. With a mountain of reports and approvals to handle, they wasted no time in approaching him. They followed closely behind Ian as he strode forward, each throwing out ament. Tak-tak! ¡°In an hour, the Prime Minister will convene a grand council meeting.¡± ¡°Understood. Have each department forward their materials to Romandro.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. We havepleted the disposal of all the bodies in the pce. The identified individuals have had their names distributed to each department, and those who could not be identified have been disposed of. We should be able to investigate further based on the responses from the departments and the reportsing in after the opening of the city gates. Ah, and the necromancers are requesting a few intact corpses.¡± Ian received the report while walking, skimming through it but urately capturing all the important details. He signed off on it with a pen and handed it back. ¡°Denied.¡± ¡°Yes. Of course, given the circumstances.¡± ¡°Additionally, we have recovered 5 mana sealing stones from His Highness Gale¡¯s residence. They are all in 10-gram and 50-gram sizes, which is less than the officially registered amount of mana sealing stones. We suspect some were lost during the battle with His Highness Mariv, specifically when killing Commander Riama.¡±¡°Prince Mariv likely carried a small amount as well.¡± ¡°We are currently searching his residence and office, but there has been no news. Please grant permission to interrogate His Highness Mariv once he awakens. Here is the authorization form.¡± ¡°Very well. Also, request the Administrative Department to review their records. There must have been an adjustment of authority regarding the management of mana sealing stones during Wesley¡¯s tenure. It wasn¡¯t too long ago.¡± Since Wesley had handed over most of the mana sealing stones to Gale, it wouldn¡¯t be difficult to trace the flow. Ian signed the form, indicating his permission, and repeated the same actions until he reached his office. Click. As the sound of footsteps approached, Beric, Xiaoshi, and Jin, who had been waiting inside, simultaneously turned to look at Ian. The three of them were gathered around a drawing paper, sketching something. Unfortunately, it was still indecipherable. ¡°Did you not sleep?¡± Ian asked, looking at Xiaoshi. It was clear why she was here despite his order to stay with Arsen. Dina must have taken Arsen away while he was gone. ¡°Ah, I woke up.¡± Jin grinned, dimples forming on his cheeks. Behind him, Beric made a horn-like gesture with his fingers and made all sorts of grim expressions. It seemed Dina¡¯smotion had been quite loud. The child silently continued scribbling with colored pencils, the shapes bing even more indistinct. ¡°Are you leaving right away?¡± At Xiaoshi¡¯s question, Ian nodded. After a moment¡¯s thought, he changed into his robe and called for Jin. ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°If you are unable to sleep, would you apany me?¡± ¡°Outside?¡± ¡°I will be attending the grand council meeting. You may join me if you wish, or take a night stroll if you prefer. Beric and Xiaoshi will be with you, so you need not worry. Although it has only been two days, staying indoors all day disrupts sleep patterns and eventually disturbs the day-night cycle.¡± Jin blinked. Ian had suggested a night stroll, but it was clear what he truly wanted. He was inviting Jin to the grand council meeting. ¡°Isn¡¯t Mother there?¡± Jin had a vague idea. With Mariv and Gale distanced from the line of session, the next would be Arsen and himself. Thus, judging from Ian¡¯s attitude, he might one day have to directly confront Arsen. However, he had not expected to enter the political scene this quickly. ¡°No. She won¡¯t be there.¡± Dina would be preupied with meeting Duke Hayman. Moreover, the grand council meeting currently being held was to discuss the direct handling of the pce situation, so there wasn¡¯t much for Dina to be involved in. She would likely find it more efficient to gather her forces and align her intentions with Hayman rather than attend the meeting. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious? About how the pce officials discuss, resolve, and handle state affairs.¡± Although he had consistently received imperial education, most of it focused on etiquette, knowledge, or culture, with political aspects intentionally excluded. It was partly due to the twins¡¯ young age, butrgely because Mariv and Gale had a strong hold at the top. For them, state affairs were like a forbidden fruit, something they could only gaze upon. ¡°You will find it interesting.¡± As Ian smiled brightly, Jin abruptly stood up. His eyes sparkled with a rare liveliness. The child sped his small hands tightly and eximed. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m curious!¡± ¡°Change into your outdoor attire. Is anyone outside?¡± At Ian¡¯s call, an attendant entered and bowed. Jin hurriedly followed him out, and Xiaoshi naturally apanied them. Only Beric remained sprawled on the sofa, idling. He held the indistinguishable drawing up to the light. ¡°Ian, look at this. The prince drew me.¡± ¡°Beric, you should also prepare to go out.¡± ¡°Eh? Me too?¡± ¡°With your masters all leaving, how can you enjoy the luxury alone?¡± At Ian¡¯smand,ced withughter, Beric tilted his head back. Since the pce incident, he hadn¡¯t been able to eat properly. It was only natural, given the limited supplies and inability to leave. Knock knock. ¡°Ian, where are Jin and His Highness going at this hour?¡± Just then, Romandro tapped on the open door, announcing his presence. His arms were filled with reports received from outside. ¡°They will be apanying me to the grand council meeting. Please make the necessary arrangements.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s excellent. Seeing His Highness safe and sound will provide further reassurance to the officials.¡± The Hayman faction had fabricated rumors in mind, while Dina had been unable to meet her son. Their encounter would lend credence to the notion that Ian had forcefully seized control of the pce. It was necessary to take gradual actions to counter that. ¡°Not only that, but one day, His Highness Jin wille of age and personally lead state affairs. It would be beneficial for him to gain a sense of it beforehand. Such situations are rare, so it will undoubtedly be helpful.¡± It was a remark with the intention of formally educating the prince. With his father, the emperor, frozen and bedridden, and his mother solely focused on his brother, who else would teach him such things? In a way, it was an opportunity for Jin. The emperor himself would be by his side, guiding him step by step. What could be more certain than the path to bing an emperor, as taught by the emperor himself? ¡®Having been betrayed and nearly beheaded, I also know the worst path that should never be taken. I have much to teach Jin.¡¯ May Ian¡¯s experience be Jin¡¯s wisdom. He smiled faintly while organizing the documents. *** The carriage sped towards the grand council hall. Jin and Beric had their foreheads pressed against the window, admiring the night view of the pce. Having always led a regr life, it was their first time venturing outside at such ate hour. Fortunately, the partially destroyed pce appeared presentable in the darkness. ¡®How interesting. This hour is not as dark as I thought.¡¯ ¡°Your Highness.¡± At Ian¡¯s call, Jin turned his head. The silver hair shimmered with a bluish hue under the moonlight. ¡°There is something I need to tell you before we enter.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Romandro cleared his throat and lowered his gaze. Judging from the atmosphere, it didn¡¯t seem to be a pleasant message. However, Jin straightened his posture and firmly held his gaze. None of what Ian had said thus far had been detrimental. No matter what it was. ¡°Currently, Lady Dina is the sole guardian of Arsen and Your Highness Jin in the pce. No one can deny this, legally or morally.¡± ¡°But Lord Ian is also here, is he not?¡± At Jin¡¯s response, Ian smiled slightly. He had been a guardian deep in his heart, but to outsiders, it would appear far from the truth. He was vulnerable to tant attacks, used of exploiting a powerless prince to monopolize the pce¡¯s authority. ¡°On days like today, if Lady Dina wishes to see Your Highness Jin, I have no choice but to step aside.¡± Suddenly, a shadow fell across the window. The moon had hidden behind the clouds, but Ian felt as if Jin¡¯s expression had darkened. ¡°After all, Lady Dina is Your Highness Jin¡¯s mother. We will soonplete the restoration and open the pce, and by then, there will be no justification for protecting Your Highness Jin.¡± ¡°Then what should I¡­¡± ¡°There is one way. However, this may also be burdensome for Your Highness Jin, so I am seeking your opinion in advance.¡± Jin easily recalled the midday two days ago. Encountering Mariv in the chamber. The refreshing breeze. Someone¡¯s head rolling on the ground. Arsen¡¯s whispers. His mother releasing his hand. ¡°Are you saying that Mother handed me over to Brother Mariv?¡± Ian nodded briefly. Dina had begged for Jin¡¯s life from a traitor who would go down in history. Although it was to save Arsen, Jin was also of noble imperial blood. As a guardian, it was a choice that should never have been made. This was the only justification to separate Jin from Dina. ¡°If you permit it.¡± If Jin permitted it, he would reveal it and help him break free from Dina. As the child fell silent, only the sound of hoofbeats could be heard in the carriage. Ian waited for an answer but did not rush. He was to be the emperor. Each choice needed to be made independently. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°I want to live.¡± After a long pause, the child¡¯s answer was concise. He touched the still-unhealed wound and, through the window, touched that day as well. ¡°But if I stay with Mother now, I feel like I will die. Whether it¡¯s my breath or my soul.¡± He couldn¡¯tpletely abandon her. After all, she was his mother. The name ¡°mother,¡± to which countless people offered all the world¡¯s respect with just a mention. ¡°So when I feel strong enough to stand on my own, I will go see Mother. By then, even if Mother doesn¡¯t embrace me, perhaps I can embrace her instead.¡± Also, when Arsen¡¯s whispers no longer strangled his heart. He needed a little time. He could endure that much. Even if everyone whispered that he was an abandoned prince, he could endure it. ¡°That is an admirable resolve.¡± ¡°Please help me, Lord Ian.¡± Screech! The carriage came to a halt. As the door opened, Ian stepped out first and extended his hand to Jin. It was an answer through action. That he would always hold his hand like this. Tap! Jin lightly stepped onto the ground and tried to calm his pounding heart as he looked up at the grand council hall. The carriages of high-ranking officials were lined up, and mid-level managers from various departments had also gathered, exchanging information in a disorderly manner. ¡°Your Highness, remember this night.¡± Jin, holding Ian¡¯s hand, climbed the stairs one by one. People recognized Ian first, and then they noticed Jin beside him. The parting crowd bowed their heads and greeted Jin. ¡°Today is the day Your Highness Jin attends the grand council meeting for the first time.¡± Then, smiling, he whispered very softly. This was a ce even Arsen couldn¡¯t reach. A step ahead in the path to the emperor¡¯s throne. Chapter 190 ¡°Prime Minister. Minister Ian Hiello heard..¡± ¡°Hurry up and stop by. Quintana. I''m talking about the tax rate adjustment proposal I gave you earlier during the day. I think there was a simr case before. Was it 5 years ago? It would be good to calcte it byparing it to then..¡± ¡°Jin is also with you..¡± The prime minister and high-ranking officials who had gathered first to share reports paused.. Oh my god? Of course, it was no problem at all for the prince to attend the great meeting. On the contrary, taking the lead in sorting out the chaos in the imperial pce is an extremely exemry attitude.. But Jin was too young, and more than anything else, there was the issue of session.. ¡®Sir Ian drew his sword properly..¡¯ I can''t believe you brought Jin like that to the conference. His purpose was clear: to announce his support for the 5th Prince and at the same time gradually establish his political presence. Quintana stamped his stamp, ignoring the whispering officials.. ¡°I smoked all my cigarettes today. What are you doing? Won''t you serve me??¡± The servant bowed and turned around, and soon the huge door slowly swung to the side. Ian was holding Jin¡¯s hand. The Prime Minister and other officials stood up to greet Jin.. It''s good. ¡°Poor Jin. You''re safe..¡± ¡°The scars on my face are deep and I am truly saddened..¡± ¡°Come up this way, low..¡± Is it because my skin is so white? An ugly wound stood out from her left forehead to her right chin. Her wound was so deep and deep that it felt like it was a blessing from God that her eye wasn''t damaged, cutting her child''s face in half.. Quintana frowned as he put the cigarette case in his pocket.. ¡®Marib and Gail are also amazing. What crime did the young manmit to make you do that?.¡¯ But I''m d that hisplexion looks good, regardless of the scars. In fact,pared to four months ago, his eyes seemed to have be more vibrant. Sometimes, when I passed by her, I felt like she was a moving doll, unlike Arsene.. ¡°Thank you all for your hard work. Since you are the ones supporting the cluttered imperial pce, His Majesty the Emperor will be deeply pleased..¡± ¡°That''s too much praise, sir. It''s the right thing to do.¡± ¡°you''re right. It''s our duty.¡± ¡°I feel reassured. So, I came here to lend my strength. Please allow us to learn from the insights of the Prime Minister and Ministers..¡± Everyone bowed their heads at Jin¡¯s request. Was Jin always that kind of kid? No. In fact she almost never heard a voice. For a moment, everyone was surprised by thepletely different appearance from what they remembered. Ian pulled out a chair and guided her to Jin. The seat closest to the Prime Minister was his seat.. ¡°Please sit this way, sir..¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Jin answered firmly and sat down on the chair. She had a solemn expression, but her hands were shaking under her table. She did exactly as Ian told her, but Jean was so nervous that she couldn''t even remember what she said.. ¡°Are you and I thest ones to arrive??¡± ¡°exactly. start the meeting.¡± Ian nced at the child''s hand and asked the Prime Minister. The impact of Jin''s appearance was clear, but it soon subsided. There was a lot to discuss and countless issues to deal with before the prince was conscious of it.. Charak. Subordinates from each department walked around the conference room and distributed reports. Romandro also joined them and conveyed the opinions of the Ministry of Magic leaders.. ¡°First, the administration, Quintana..¡± Quintana raised his hand when nominated by the Prime Minister.. ¡°This is a report on measures to secure the national budget. The damage to the buildings of each imperial pce is more serious than expected, so an additional half of the budget set for this year is needed..¡± ¡°3The fire near the imperial pce was big. That annex would have to bepletely renovated. Fortunately, it is a ce where only Sojongbu is located, so there is no disruption to work..¡± ¡°How about downsizing and rebuilding? The budget is tight, so I don''t think there''s any need to build it the way it was originally built..¡± ¡°To be honest, the building was bigpared to the work I was doing..¡± ¡°The bacsh will be severe. I''m not talking about efficiency, but it''s a building that was destroyed due to an unfortunate incident. It is meaningful to fully find the way it was before..¡± Sojongbu? As the officials heatedly added one word after another, Jin just watched calmly. Since this is my first time hearing about this department, I have no idea what they are talking about.. Sigh. -This is the Minority Diplomatic Support Department. I am in charge of minority races that have officially entered Bariel. However, the standards set by Bariel are so low that most cases are transferred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Even if there is, most of it is illegal entry, so the jurisdiction is different. I understand that it has already moved to a new building because it is a department that is going out of business.. Ian wrote on the corner of the report and tapped it. Since everyone was so familiar with it, we used abbreviations for convenience, but it was natural that it would be difficult for someone who came to the meeting for the first time to understand. That''s why they say experience is important. ¡°ah.¡± Jin muttered softly as if he had realized something. The embarrassed face began to shine again. Now that she knows what she is referring to, she can follow the officials'' opinions.. ¡°What do you think Sir Ian??¡± ¡°I think it would be a good idea to downsize. Aside from orthodoxy, it is very far from the main building of the Third Imperial Pce. I suggest removing the middle garden and building there. Then you can take a new path that leads to the 2nd Imperial Pce..¡± The question came suddenly, but Ian answered naturally. The sound of paper being turned here and there could be heard at her unusual opinion. Examine the imperial pce map to see how valid Ian¡¯s words are.. ¡°That makes sense. To get from the central annex of the 2nd Imperial Pce to the left annex of the 3rd Imperial Pce, you had to pass by three buildings..¡± ¡®Ah, if you want to get from here to there, you have no choice but to go like this..¡¯ Jin nodded, tracing the map with his finger. Although he didn''t have much to go to, he didn''t know about the hardships of the officials who went to work every day by carriage. Everything they said was so amazing and new that Jin felt his heart pounding.. gone. Ian flipped through the report and lightly raised his hand. The Prime Minister gave permission to speak with a wink.. ¡°Ask about Ministry of Magicpensation.¡± ¡°¡­Thanks to the protective shield, no damage was done, but damage was confirmed. Since it is minor, it will be carried outst..¡± Quintana responded with a skeptical look. Like I don''t know why she''s asking that. ¡°Along with the renovation work at the Ministry of Magic, we n to proceed with the construction of an annex..¡± It was a notice, not a suggestion.. Quintana''s eyebrows naturally furrowed at Ian''s remarks. Isn¡¯t this what Wesley tried so hard to do during his lifetime? However, due to sharp conflict with Marib, it continued to fail.. ¡°Construction of an annex??¡± The status of the Ministry of Magic in the imperial pce was already sky-high, and it could be assumed that it would continue to be so. But wouldn''t his power be even stronger if he expanded the building? It was natural that therger the area they upied in the imperial pce, the more psychologically pressure other departments would feel.. Quintana retorted sharply.. ¡°I am against it. Compared to other departments, the Ministry of Magic has sufficient work space for its personnel. Plus I can''t budget anymore.¡± ¡°Well, I agree. Sir Ian Hiello, I acknowledge that the Ministry of Magic has done a great job this time, but the construction of the annex is a different matter..¡± Some officials also stood up and said that it would not be possible at once. The force was stronger than expected, so Jin unconsciously nced at Ian sitting next to him.. What was Ian thinking when he raised a topic that everyone was against? I was curious and worried. ¡°Deputy Minister Quintana.¡± Ian was smiling leisurely. Even while everyone sitting across from him stiffened their mouths, Ian remained undisturbed.. ¡°I heard that when setting a budget, you set aside 5 years'' worth in addition to that year''s budget. Is that correct??¡± ¡°Approximately.¡± This is because when additional budget is needed in the event of war, natural disaster, or such a sudden crisis, it is drawn from the future. Ian asked, flipping through the paper.. ¡°In that case, the budget written here reflects the Ruron Stone installments that the Ministry of Magic had set aside in advance..¡± When Ian sold the Luron Stone to the Ministry of Magic, the amount was so enormous that he could not pay for it all at once. Instead, it was supposed to be paid in installments over a number of years, and that''s what I''m talking about now.. Quintana looked at Ian, speechless. I think I know what he''s trying to say. ¡°I will redirect the money from Ruron Stone to the construction of an annex. ording to our calctions, the price is greater than the construction cost..¡± Charak. The sound of documents being turned over was heard again.. When the fixed price disappears, there is actually a little bit of budget left. Since buildings are not built overnight and construction costs are paid in installments anyway, Ian''s proposal is beneficial when considering the national treasury.. ¡°Well, if that happens, there is no need to pull 2 ??years worth of budget. All you have to do is pull one year¡¯s worth in advance..¡± ¡°The cost of the Ruron Stone exceeds the Ministry of Magic''s budget for several years. It seems that there will be no problem in proceeding with construction..¡± ¡°Huh. This is really great.¡± Even so, the Ministry of Magic was the ce that took the most budget in the imperial pce after the imperial family. Quintana quickly yed with her pen and did some simple calctions. Certainly, in the current situation where you need to save every penny of your budget, if only the cost of Ruron stone disappears,¡­¡­. ¡°Of course, this all happens after the imperial pce is stabilized. However, since there is talk about reconstruction, I am telling you this..¡± I told you in advance, so don''t even think about objectingter. They say they will use the money as they see fit, so there is no real reason to object. In fact, Marib''s power was disintegrated and there were no people to carry the guns.. ¡°And there are quite a few magic-rted items that the Ministry of Magic is preparing formercialization, including the Sildam potion. It would be more helpful if a certain portion was deducted as tax. Deputy Minister Quintana.¡± When Ian finished with a grin, she twirled her pen and sighed. Since I have nothing to pay, I have nothing to say. Quintana was in no position to engage in blind opposition to keep her in check.. ¡°¡­All right. We will check the details separately on our side. Please move on to the next item..¡± I took a step back. When Quintana, who holds her budget, came out, she swallowed a sigh that made other officials sigh as well.. Bang bang! ¡°Next item on the agenda.¡± The Prime Minister struck down his baton and decided to downsize the Third Imperial Pce Annex and consider building an Annex for the Ministry of Magic.. Simr situations have happened several times. Officials gave their best opinions from their positions, and the answer was reached through coordination.. Dawn came, but Jin didn''t notice and kept nodding. In the corners of the report, the exnation written by Ian increased.. ¡°Then can I just finish this??¡± ¡°Oh, I have a suggestion..¡± ¡°Speak up, Lord Hiello..¡± By the time it''s finished. Ian looked at his gin and opened his mouth.. ¡°It''s about the fate of Emperor Jin..¡± ¡°Since your residence has been destroyed, aren''t you staying in the second imperial pce annex for the time being? I know that Delina tranted it that way too..¡± Jin wiggled his fingers under the table. It turns out she was an abandoned child. ¡°For the time being, I would like to take care of you, not Delina. The location is also assigned to a location close to the Ministry of Magic..¡± ¡°Why??¡± ¡°When Prince Mariv stormed into the residence, he saw Dina begging for her life and handing over Emperor Jin''s recruits. That''s when the wounds of my deterioration urred..¡± The officials frowned at Ian¡¯s words. Now, what are you saying?? ¡°It is my opinion that we cannot expect Delina to fulfill her duties as a guardian..¡± ¡°Sir, is that true??¡± The Prime Minister straightened his back and asked Jin. Everyone in the conference room looked at Jin. Pity, sympathy, astonishment, and absurdity. All those eyes were mixed up. The child thought for a moment and nodded with difficulty.. ¡°It''s true.¡± Chapter 191 ¡°Oh my god, did I just hear that right??¡± ¡°Delina handed over the debt to His Majesty Mariv? In exchange for begging for his life.?¡± ¡°It''s a shame. It can''t be like this..¡± ¡°What about the wound? Did His Majesty Mariv pay it directly??¡± ¡°I''m going crazy. This is not something to overlook.¡± The atmosphere, which had been dampened by the prolonged meeting, instantly heated up. No matter how low his rank and how young he was, Jin was a child who inherited the emperor''s blood. Besides, weren''t Sadal''s masterminds Marib and Gayle? After them, the twin princes are the ones in charge of Bariel.. ¡°Calm down. Let¡¯s listen to Delina¡¯s position and make a decision. It seems like you are concerned about the trust..¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you all know this? I know that there is an oracle attached to His Majesty Arsene regarding the existence and demise of the imperial family..¡± Those who were friendly to Dina hinted at it. His life could not be weighed, but the weight of the oracle could be weighed. Some officials secretly supported Dina, saying that if only one of them was to survive, they would naturally choose Arsene. He couldn''t say it out loud because Ian was standing next to Jin.. ¡°Are you saying that now? In that case, instead of giving up Jin Hae-yeol, you should have given up yourself. Isn¡¯t that the guardian¡¯s duty?.¡± Quintana scolded him harshly, as if to stop making nonsense. As her conference room became increasingly noisy, Jin unconsciously squeezed her knee hard. She thought she could handle it, but it seems she was arrogant. The whispers flying about me hit my heart like a hammer.. ¡°They say Dina abandoned Emperor Jin.?¡± ¡°So, I took only Arsene with me.¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I get it now. Ian, Sir Jin,¡­¡­.¡± The officials shook their heads and cleared their doubts. Why did Dina support Arsene as the sessor without any hesitation, and why did Ian be confrontational? There was a rift between Delina and Jin, and Ian took over the gap.. Sigh. Without realizing it, Jin grabbed Ian''s sleeve. He said he would be there to help me at any time, so I ask him to help me now.. Ian smiled pitifully when he saw Jin''s eyes shaking violently. Ian held Jin''s hand tightly. It doesn''t hurt, but it doesn''t shake,pletely.. ¡°I know. But hold on.¡± The moment he whispered to Jin, Ian recalled Naum''s memory. That night when I passed from wizard to emperor. It was herst night as a close friend. Naum whispered to Ian:. ¡®My child, the child who will be emperor. This is the measles you will suffer from at least once, so you have no choice but to endure. But remember. It hurts now, but once it passes it won''te back. Even if ites, you won''t lose.¡¯ Naum''s constion continued to be passed down through time. Through Ian, he will say the same thing to Jin, and one day, Jin will say the same thing to his own child.. ¡°If you endure it and get over it, it will nevere back. Even if ites, I will win.¡± Jin''s grip on Ian tightened.. Actually, I know. From the moment she decided to take a different path from her mother, she had no choice but to know. The more the officials talk louder, the more difficult Dina''s position will be, which will soon help her.. ¡°Be quiet.!¡± Bang bang bang! The prime minister, who was worse off, struck down his baton and silenced themotion.. ¡°Sir Ian Hiello. The weight of what you just said is significant..¡± I couldn''t say whether I could take responsibility for it. Because Jin, the prince, said that he was the evidence and witness.. I wondered if they had done a trick using mind control magic, but since I had the royal family''s blessing, I guess I wouldn''t have to worry about that.. ¡°It will be lighter than the pain of losing Jin..¡± The Prime Minister sighed at Ian¡¯s response. okay. More than anyone else, the person involved is probably having the hardest time right now. The Prime Minister decided that it would be better to end the meeting quickly.. ¡°Hello, I have a question. Is it only your will to be with Sir Ian Hiello? The Prince is the second master of this ce after His Majesty the Emperor, so if you wish, you may take up residence somewhere other than the Ministry of Magic..¡± ¡°no. It''s my will.¡± It was a firm conviction. The Prime Minister swallowed dry saliva, and the officials gave a small exmation and looked around.. At this point, the outline of the rotating te was slowly starting to be visible. After leaving the conference room, I had to make a choice to n my future. Between Delina and Arsene, and Ian and Jean. ¡°Prime Minister. On behalf of His Majesty the Emperor, I ask that you restrict some of Dina''s parental rights. This is for Jin''s safety..¡± Ian made a demand to the Prime Minister in front of everyone. Some of the rights rted to protection and identity, property management, power of representation, etc. were representative. The Prime Minister, who knew that the Emperor was frozen, had no choice but to hesitate.. ¡®It is harder to take away than to give..¡¯ What if I restrict it and a problem arises? Will the Prime Minister, as the Minister of Magic, be able to take power again by defeating the current power of the Imperial Pce?? It wouldn''t matter if the emperor himself came forward. Hismands were heaven and earth in any situation. But the Prime Minister, who was an agent, was literally just an agent.. ¡°Prime Minister?¡± As the Prime Minister''s worries deepened, the excitement grew again. It was the sound made by those who did not know the emperor''s freeze.. ¡°What are you worried about? The prince was handed over to a traitor. It is right to temporarily limit parental authority, and when His Majesty the Emperor stands up, then formally bring him to trial to decide whether right or wrong is right..¡± ¡°you''re right. Please limit it for safety first..¡± ¡°Until His Majesty determines yourfort, that seems correct. Jin also seems to follow Sir Ian deeply..¡± ¡°Huh! Anyone who sees it will think Delina is trying to kill Emperor Jin. It''s embarrassing and painful to listen to..¡± ¡°If you think about it, it''s not that different.?¡± ¡°Hey, what did you just say? It''s frivolous!¡± ¡°Defend what you need! If your Majesty finds out, he will be proud.!¡± Those who did not know about the freeze were putting pressure on the Prime Minister without even realizing it. They said there is no health problem, so it will happen soon. Then what is the problem?? ¡°quiet, quiet!¡± Bang bang! Kwaang! The Prime Minister hit the baton nervously. Ian quietly watched their cries, and the Prime Minister stroked his gray beard and frowned.. ¡®Wow, how can you make this situation like this?.¡¯ It''s embarrassing. There is a clear justification for rejecting it, and those watching will not be able to understand it.. However, I was concerned that power had already shifted to the Ministry of Magic to ept it, and I could not know exactly what Ian was up to.. ¡°I don''t think it''s a matter to be decided like this..¡± ¡°When you leave the conference room, someone will run to Dina. And they will warn you of attempts to limit parental rights..¡± Ian muttered as he nced at the people who supported Dina one by one. The officials who encountered Green Eyes unconsciously looked away and cleared their throats.. ¡°I too will not be able to protect Jin..¡± The Prime Minister wanted to silence Ian. They all said things that seemed usible, so I felt like I didn''t have the power to make the decision.. Jin once again spoke to the Prime Minister with sincerity.. ¡°Awards. I swear to my father, the Emperor, that everything is a decision I have made myself. If you respect me, if I am also a valuable person in the pce, please follow Sir Ian and protect me..¡± ¡°Lowering.¡± ¡°please.¡± Thest sound was so quiet that only the Prime Minister could hear it. The plea that finally came out reached the Prime Minister. He held the baton and closed his eyes. But it is a decision that is not easy to make. Quintana, who was worse off, added:. ¡°Prime Minister. The Prime Minister must remain neutral more than anyone else. It''s only been two days since Sadal was born, so we shouldn''t add to the confusion..¡± ¡°Quintana, that statement is absurd.!¡± ¡°There is a reason to limit parental rights now, but there is no reason not to limit them! If anyone has any, please tell me.!¡± If the justification was clear but it was rejected, it would be the same as the Prime Minister taking Dina''s side. Those who supported Ian and those who felt sorry for the situation shouted together.. Tatang! Bang bang! Finally, the bong rang.. Lightly but surely, and with a little resignation. ¡°Following the wishes of Sir Ian Hiello and His Majesty Jin, Dina''s parental rights will be partially restricted. But keep in mind that this can be overturned at any time, Sir Hiello..¡± It won''t be easy once the initiative has been handed over, but it was a warning that if you do anything foolish at any time, you will be checked.. Ian smiled lightly and ced his hand on his chest. Her words of thanks were expressed from the bottom of her heart.. ¡°of course. I will serve Your Majesty Jin with all my heart. I swear in front of everyone.¡± ¡°Sir Ian Hiello. I request that you attend official gatherings periodically to check on Emperor Jin''s well-being..¡± At someone''s suggestion, Ian turned towards it as if it was natural. I already wanted it. I will take Jin with me to great conferences and wherever I can exert influence.. ¡°I will ept it.¡± ¡°Sir, if you have anything to say at any time, please feel free to do so. I am Quintana from the administration..¡± ¡°Quintana, thank you..¡± ¡°This is Griffith from the administration..¡± ¡°Judiciary Mattingly, Cyril Paulson, Harvey Bodkin..¡± Each person shouted his or her name to Jin. Some people were genuinely worried about Jin, while others showed their political support as if to show off. To be exact, I was informing Ian after he lost. In fact, at this point, the distinction between Ian and Jin disappears.. ¡°Oh, and the recovery of the corpses in the imperial pce is over. The gates will be opened tomorrow. ess to severely damaged areas will be prohibited, but the rest should be allowed to show daily life to the people of the empire. That is all.¡± ¡°¡­Let it happen.¡± ¡°Thank you for your effort See you at the next meeting..¡± ¡°Yes. Everyone worked hard. The sun is already rising.¡± With Ian¡¯s final delivery, the meeting waspletely concluded. The Prime Minister red at Ian again, and Ian smiled back.. ¡°Sir Hielo, it''s difficult if you do this..¡± Isn¡¯t the emperor¡¯s freeze a top secret matter that only Beols, Dina, the Prime Minister, and Ian are aware of? How can you use that to manipte public opinion like this?. ¡°sorry. But it had to be this way.¡± ¡°Take good care of His Majesty Jin. I will watch over you.¡± The Prime Minister muttered as he looked at Jin surrounded by officials. The wound looked particrly prominent. He couldn''t make a decision until the end, which was the reason he hit the bar.. ¡°Please go in.¡± Ian bowed to see the Prime Minister off and soon approached Jin. Quintana was continuously holding Jin''s hand and saying something.. ¡°If Sir Ian says something mean or offends you in the slightest, pleasee to the administration immediately. My office is in the right hallway on the 5th floor..¡± ¡°Quintana.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Quintana turned her head in response to Ian''s call. There was an awkward silence, but she didn''t withdraw her gaze. She took a step back as Quintana gave her a formal greeting.. ¡°Well then, that''s it.¡± ¡°Goodbye, Quintana!¡± ¡°yes. Lowering. Sir Ian, please rest..¡± It''s good. When the conference room became quiet, Romandro quickly ran over and put a coat on Jin. Ian smiled as he buttoned her own buttons.. ¡°Congrattions, sir. The first will reached everyone. And you did very well at the conference..¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Jin''s smile grew brighter. So much so that my teeth are clearly visible. ¡°It seemed like everyone thought about me more than I thought. I never expected it to be like this.¡± The only people Jin had met in the imperial pce so far were members of the imperial family, tutors, and servants. Officials used to feel like they were just from another country.. Ian responded by adjusting his clothes until the end.. ¡°Didn''t I tell you? I am a precious person..¡± In the distance, Beric and Xiaoxi stand next to the carriage. Jin waved her hand widely and called out to the two. Jin''s steps as he went down the stairs first were particrly lively. Ian looked at the scene and asked Romandro.. ¡°Dina''s side?¡± ¡°We''re still dealing with the Hymans..¡± ¡°Is there more to say than a meeting of bureaucrats? You''re amazing..¡± Soon, news will be delivered to Delina that her parental rights will be restricted. Ian smiled brightly as he watched Jin get on her carriage and gesture.. Chapter 192 Dina, who had been talking for a while, stopped. The same goes for Duke Hyman. He put down his cooled tea cup and nodded to the escort driver. It''s an important meeting, so I told you not to disturb anyone.. They walked to the door, holding their swords at their waists.. ¡°what''s going on?¡± ¡°This is Chielonia from the administration. I havee to deliver to Delina the order passed at the general meeting..¡± ¡°Command?¡± Dina muttered unconsciously and stood up. Wasn''t the Prime Minister''s meeting for the purpose of restoring the imperial pce? But he said it was an order given to him. Unable to guess, he was puzzled and anxious. Arsene nced at his mother''splexion and whispered:. ¡°It would be better if you move your seat and listen..¡± It was an opportunity to join forces with Duke Hyman and n for the future. However, if an order unfavorable to Dina suddenlyes from the imperial pce, problems may arise.. Dina nodded and asked Hyman and Mnia for understanding.. ¡°Excuse me for a moment.¡± ¡°no. Don''t mind it..¡± Arsene also smiled and followed his mother.. Cielonia, an administrative official who mainly conveys the emperor''s orders. She was bending over and holding a golden letter. The emperor is lying frozen, so it must have been made by the prime minister acting on his behalf.. This is an order that uses the authority of the emperor, not the authority of the prime minister. Dina took a lead, struggling to catch her breath.. ¡°Follow me. I will receive it in a separate room..¡± Squeak. Arriving in the separate room, Dina turned gracefully and looked at Cielonia. Well, it looks like he wants to hear what the orders were from the grand council.. ¡°This is an order restricting some of Jin¡¯s parental rights..¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± As Chielonia spoke carefully, Dina''s mouth suddenly hardened. Her chin dropped from her haughty lift, and the knuckles of her fingers stood out as she held the hem of her dress. Her embarrassment was clearly felt, but Cielonia read her letter regardless.. -Concubine Dina was able to recognize that the main culprits who disturbed the imperial family were Prince Marib and Gayle. It is also possible to judge that this is a crisis for the imperial family, and it is obvious that it was a mistake to hand over Prince Qin''s new recruit, whatever the reason, in this situation.. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± -ordingly, at the request of Prince Jin and the attendees of thepetition, some of the parental rights given to Delina are temporarily restricted indefinitely. The details are as follows. Right to protection and identity. Property management. Power of attorney, etc. These are the nine main provisions. Additionally, any authority that may affect the prince''s health will be immediately restricted.. gone. Chielonia bowed after reading the entire letter. She suddenly noticed that Arsene was staring at me, but it seemed like he was smiling, so it was difficult to face him.. Dina, who was shaking her hands, couldn''t hold back and screamed.. ¡°It can''t be like this.!¡± ¡°Please fix it. Dear Delina.¡± ¡°Jin, Jin is my son! Who, and by what authority, can take my parental rights away from me? It can''t be like this! Call a general meeting immediately! Order to regroup!¡± ¡°I''m sorry, but you cannot object..¡± ¡°Where is the Prime Minister now??!¡± Someone who knows that His Majesty is frozen makes this decision.?! Dina felt as if her senses were about to disappear due to the anger rising to the top of her head. This is my child who was born with a stomach ache. This is my son, whom I have embraced since the moment he was born.! ¡°Ugh¡­¡­.¡± Delina eventually sat down and covered her face. If possible, I would like to turn back time. Before I let go of Jin''s hand, before I met Mariv in the backyard, or even before, to the days when the emperor was healthy.. Sigh. Arsene gave Cielonia a look telling her to go out and hugged his mother. Although he is a child, he somehow looks very adult, which is strange. Cielonia quietly walked out the door, collecting her letters.. ¡°mother.¡± Despite Arsene''s calls, Delina continued to cry. Arsene''s voice is sweet as he hugs her tightly. The expression reflected in the window is extremely cold. Dina lowered her head and couldn''t tell.. ¡°Mother did nothing wrong. Who knew Jin would be like this? We thought we were her family, but I guess Jin didn''t..¡± As Arsene''sforting words reached her ears, Dina instantly felt like her head was spinning. Could it be that she suddenly burst into tears and felt dizzy? Her vision became blurry, but Arsene''s voice gradually became more clearly embedded in her mind. Each note seemed to seep into her blood and prate her whole body.. ¡°Arsene, I, I¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I know. mother. I know. Saving me was the way to save Jin. Foolish younger brother, unaware of his mother''s feelings.¡± ¡°Maybe it''s good. It seems that Jin has firmly fallen for Sir Ian. I can''t turn around like this in an instant. Jin Eun, Jin Eun¡­¡­.¡± ¡°You need toe to your senses from now on. Mother, we must win to save Jin. You know that if I strengthen my position, Jin will also be safer.?¡± Dina kept nodding as she felt the warmfort melting away. Arsene smiled slightly as he patted his mother.. ¡°And there are many who witnessed that moment. It was something that would be revealed at some point, and it was something that was going to happen. Don''t be heartbroken. Even if Jin abandons us, we will not abandon Jin. Someday the truth will reach me.¡± Dina wiped away her tears and hugged Arsene tightly.. There is no emperor, and there is no Jin. Now all that''s left is Arsene. Only Arsene can bring the peace that Dina seeks.. ¡°Sort out your tears. Lord Hyman needs to finish. Soon the gates will open, and when that happens, every moment will appear as a crisis, an opportunity, and a result..¡± Dina took a breath, dabbing her tears with a handkerchief. He wanted to run out right away and protest against the decision of the great council and meet Jin, but he needed to be patient.. ¡°Now, maybe it would be good. What did Hyman say??¡± Dina felt like an idiot for the n she had shared with the duke all night. Even if he tried to recall it, he couldn''t. I don''t know if it''s the shock that Jin left me, or the constant dizziness. Arsene held his mother''s trembling body and pointed it out.. ¡°Duke Hyman said that once the gates were opened, he would nt people among the people of the empire..¡± ¡°Ah, yes.¡± The truth isplete in itself, but it is easily tainted by lies. Isn¡¯t this a perfect situation to portray Ian as an opportunist who got mixed up in Marib and Gayle¡¯s rebellion? Now that Jin''s parental rights have been taken away, the rumors will gain even more weight.. ¡°First of all, you said you would drive public opinion and monitor the situation..¡± Dina didn''t seem to know that her teeth were chattering. Arsene, who was watching this calmly, quietly added to her words.. ¡°But mother. The duke''s suggestion isn''t bad, but I''m not sure..¡± ¡°Well, what does that mean??¡± While Dina and Hyman were talking, Arsene didn''t say a word. He just sits upright and watches. The duke also did not bother to ask for his opinion. He was also a child, and it seemed like all decisions were made by Delina.. ¡°Duke Hyman''s n works best when the castle gates are closed. Since you don''t know what''s going on inside, you''re touching the most provocative thing imaginable. However, judging by the progress of the settlement and Sir Ian''s will, won''t the castle gate be opened soon??¡± That way, those who entered the pce will have the ability to judge the situation by seeing and hearing it for themselves. In other words, just as the status of the Ministry of Magic increased in the imperial pce, it can also create a positive perception among the people of the empire.. ¡°No matter how many people shout out that Sir Ian lured Jin away, most people won''t care. I contributed to the restoration of the imperial pce, and in some ways, it can be seen as a deserved reward..¡± ¡°then?¡± Delina asked nkly. Little by little, her dizziness was subsiding. Arsene''s voice prated my ears even more clearly.. ¡°I have to cross the line.¡± ¡°What is a line? we?¡± ¡°No, Sir Ian..¡± Far outside the window, the Bariel g was waving majestically. Arsene saw that in his eyes and muttered while suppressing hisughter.. ¡°What if Sir Ian kills either Mariv or Gale??¡± It would be perfect before the trial opens.. Dina frowned as if she didn''t understand, but soon let out a small exmation and whispered.. ¡°Let''s kill him?¡± ¡°mother. Be careful what you say. I wonder what ¡®Kyung Ian¡¯ would do then..¡± Then there will be plenty of talk. He died because the interrogation was close to torture. In fact, the prince was innocent, but he was killed to cover it up. The princes fell for Ian''s trick and died, etc.. ¡°Hasn''t Sir Ian always been close to both Mariv and Gale? It''s perfect for lighting a fire..¡± If blood is mixed with lies to color the truth, it cannot be easily erased. Because it is a very strong paint that has caught someone''s breath.. Dina was silent as she looked at her son''s face shining in the sunlight.. ¡°And there is no greater acknowledgment of power than giving the power to dispose of Marib and Gale to Sir Ian. Let us kill him before he kills us..¡± ¡°Arsene.¡± ¡°yes. mother.¡± How on earth did youe up with such a thought?. I couldn''t bear to ask. How could the words of killing her brothere out of the mouth of a ten-year-old child so easily? It''s all a tragedy created by circumstances.. Dina hugged Arsene and made a promise.. ¡°Let''s finish. Let''s finish it quickly and save Jin..¡± ¡°of course. mother.¡± Arsene was smiling even brighter as he answered that. The warm sun shone down, but the inside of the wall sparkled coldly.. * * * ¡°Ian. A magic seal stone was found in the abode of Emperor Mariv. There are two of them, one of 3 grams and one of 5 grams each. It is consistent with theputer data registered with the administration. Next, we collected letters exchanged with the top. There is quite a lot of it so it will take some time to analyze it..¡± ¡°how much?¡± ¡°Since they were connected to caravans that traveled to and from Bariel, a list of about 50 names waspiled based on a rough guess. The acquisition route of the amber gemstone is still being tracked..¡± Ian nodded in satisfaction and made the payment. The office door had been wide open for several hours with no sign of closing. There was an endless number of peopleing in and out, so Ian sorted out a mountain of documents in the cold wind.. ¡°Where have I seen that before?.¡± Unlike Ian, who was distracted, Bericy on one side of the sofa and watched. Romandro, who had been ying with his pen so much that his arm was not visible, cried out loudly.. ¡°I''m so busy, please help me!¡± ¡°Ah, I remembered! Sometimes, when a famous traveling bandes by, everyone lines up to get their autographs. That''s it, that''s it. Kyakya.¡± ¡°That guy is really!¡± ¡°I can''t read. I justid down after carrying my luggage.?¡± ¡°What is baggage? Is a pile of paper a burden to you??¡± Beric stuck out his tongue and lied down. At that time, I heard a voice confirming with Ian from a distance in the hallway.. ¡°Ian! Is the gate opening at 5pm today??¡± ¡°okay. right.¡± Five o''clock. It''s just past ten in the morning, so I have some time. Ian pointed a pen at Beric, who was lying down, and gave an order.. ¡°Don''t lie down, try standing up. Berwick.¡± ¡°me? why?¡± ¡°The gates open at 5 o''clock, so go out first and say hello to Vivianna before then, and pass this on to her. Then she will ask Vivianna to go to the press office, and she will be escorted well so that there are no problems..¡± Ian threw a short note, and Beric caught it lightly with one hand. I don''t know what''s written because I can''t read the text.. ¡°What is this??¡± ¡°You don''t have to know. Go to Vivianna first..¡± ¡°Um, okay, okay. I was already bored, but it turned out well..¡± Romandro, who was listening next to me, frowned as if he was distrustful.. ¡°You know the way?¡± ¡°Ah, then! I may not know anything else, but I know home.!¡± ¡°Still, I''ll give you an expense..¡± Beric grinned, drawing circles with his fingers. Through the gaps between his hands, he caught a glimpse of the contents of the note Ian had written, but Romandro just rubbed his eyes as if he had made a mistake.. Chapter 193 A huge entrance that separates the inside and outside of the imperial pce.. ¡°Hey! Please say something!¡± ¡°I have to pay my taxes by today, but what will you do to me if I don¡¯t let you in? Will you take responsibility? I don''t know what will happenter, but please let me in first! Ah, I heard there are people who got in the middle.!¡± ¡°please! If my father goes in, he won''te out.!¡± ¡°Is it true that His Majesty passed away??¡± ¡°Didn''t you say that Gale was attacked right before the shutdown? Maybe it has something to do with it, hmm..¡± ¡°This is unusual, seeing as the central nobles who went in do note out. This has never happened before.¡± ¡°Don''t worry too much. Yesterday, officials, suppliers to the imperial pce, and several nobles entered. It hasn''te out, but isn''t something going on?.¡± The gatekeepers tried to ignore the crowd at their feet and just looked straight ahead. What happened inside must be kept secret. If you reveal anything, the magic light in the air will explode your head.. ¡°Release the lefttch.¡± At that time, an order from the superior was heard from behind. The left sp means that there is someone leaving the pce. The gatekeepers were startled, but quickly utched and unlocked thetch.. It''s good. Although it had only been closed for a few days, the gate made a loud nging sound as if it had been locked for a long time. The surroundings suddenly became quiet as if it was popr, and as the gap widened, people''s mouths also opened.. ¡°Who, whoes out?!¡± ¡°Come out! A person came out of the imperial pce!¡± It was an unprecedented closure of the imperial pce in history. Who on earth broke it and went out? At a moment when tension and anticipation were rising, a horse stuck out its face. On its back was a boy with red hair.. ¡°Eh? What is it? Everyone says why are you doing this here??¡± ¡°Does anyone know who this is??¡± ¡°He looks young, really, prosecutor.?¡± ¡°Get out of the way, I¡¯m busy! Even if I get hit by a horse, I don¡¯t know. It''s none of my business!¡± ¡°hey! What happened inside? let me know!¡± ¡°Is everyone safe? What happens to Bariel??¡± ¡°Huh? Get out of the way? Do you want to search??¡± Hehehe! The horse raised its front paws in surprise, but the crowd did not back down. The inferior gatekeepers blocked the path with their spears, and Beric and the guide guard kicked the horse''s side violently to escape the chaos.. crackling! ¡®Why is everyone like that? Why is it like this again??¡¯ The crowd chased after Beric, making a noise that was almost like a scream.. Only three days pass by. A lot had changed around the imperial pce. Many stores had suspended business due to anxiety about what would happen to the country, and the streets were full of trash and sewage.. asionally, people could be seen bleeding and copsing inexplicably. It happened because the guards, who had lost theirmand, were unable to do their job.. ¡°Beric, this way.!¡± ¡°uh? not here?¡± ¡°There is a way back!¡± Beric, who was running ahead, pulled the reins in the opposite direction at the guide''s shout. Surprisingly, it wasn''t long before Romandro''s house came into view! At this point, Beric was slowly forced to admit that he had a problem with his sense of direction.. ¡°Vivianna! mini!¡± As soon as there was a sign of presence in the yard, two people came running out. It looks like he was waiting for a call the whole time. Vivianna cried, covering her swollen belly.. ¡°Beric! What happened? What about my husband??¡± ¡°don''t worry. I''m busy working with Ian. Rather than that, Ian wants me to tell you this..¡± After hearing that Romandro was safe, Vivianna copsed without even realizing it. With Minnie supporting her, she hurriedly opened her note. The woman''s eyes widened in confusion as she scanned her text.. ¡°Is this the truth??¡± ¡°I do not know. Because I can''t read the letters.¡± ¡°Minnie, bring your ID and coat. I have to go to the press office..¡± ¡°Ah, yes! Just a moment, just a moment!¡± ¡°and!¡± Vivianna shouted fiercely. Unlike his boisterous voice, his eyes were full of determination.. ¡°¡­Self-defense items too.¡± ¡°Oh, I see..¡± It was an unexpected remark, and Mini flinched, but didn''t ask. Because I instinctively knew that the situation was urgent.. Vivianna read the crumpled note again.. -Vivianna, Romandro is safe, don¡¯t worry. In the imperial pce, Mariv and Prince Gale shed for supremacy, but under the leadership of the Ministry of Magic, they were subdued without problem. At 5 p.m., the gates will be opened, but before that, please let the media know the truth. Those who take advantage of the confusion and try to fabricate things are rampant, so we need to be clear.. Five o''clock in the afternoon. Before that, there must be an outpouring of publicity throughout Bariel. Vivianna checked her watch and recalled the location of her press office in her head. The route isplicated and time is running out.. -Also, looking at the current situation, it looks like we will once again sh with those who oppose the Ministry of Magic. Romandro is my close associate, and you are Romandro''s precious lover, so you are also precious to me. Be sure to keep in mind that there is a risk and be careful. I will provide security as soon as the situation calms down. Below is a sentence that must be attached to the report.. In the sh between Marib and Gail, Ian stood aside. But now it was time for him to collide head-on with the opposing forces, so Vivianna put her hands together earnestly and prayed.. -¡®Mariv and Prince Gale caused chaos in the imperial pce, but through the mediation of the Ministry of Magic, the new soldiers were safely secured. Until you are formally brought to trial, we will do our best to protect you from opposing forces..¡¯ It was a sentence announcing that there was a conflicting force targeting Marib and Prince Gale. It could be each person''s remaining illness that has not yet been resolved, or it could mean a third number.. Whatever it is, it''s aboutying the foundation for the future. The Ministry of Magic is there to protect the royal family, and if there is any problem with them, it is the work of opposing forces.. dy! Here, I got it all.!¡± ¡°Let''s go, Beric.!¡± ¡°can you ride a horse?¡± ¡°Of course. Let''s hurry!¡± Beric hoisted Vivianna onto the horse and took the reins. And he kicked vigorously and shouted. Vivianna was horrified and pointed behind her with her hand.. ¡°Hey! let''s go!¡± ¡°Beric, on the other side!¡± ¡°Opposite, opposite, let''s go in the opposite direction.!¡± Hehehe! The horse carrying Vivianna hurried away from the mansion.. and. ¡°¡­¡­.¡± A knight watching from afar. The seal of the Hyman family was engraved on the chest wappen. It was the duke''s attendant waiting in front of the castle gate, waiting for his master to enter the imperial pce.. crackling! His horse also quickly followed to where Beric and Vivianna had disappeared.. * * * Lunch as the morning sunlight gradually ripens. Jin barely opened his eyes and rubbed his forehead against the pillow. Xiaoxi sensed that you were popr and came closer to tidy up the nket.. ¡°Did you cough?.¡± ¡°¡­Ian Kyung-eun?¡± ¡°You are in the office.¡± Jin nodded without realizing it. I haven''t yete out ofst night, which was like a dream. She attended a general meeting for the first time in her life and met officials who were concerned about her. Her will also regarding her parental rights.¡­¡­. ¡°mother?¡± ¡°yes?¡± You must have received word that parental rights will be restricted. I wonder if her mother was hurt. Is she or is she angry and doesn''t she me me? I''m worried about her reaction and I feel like she''s losing sleep.. ¡°What did your mother do??¡± ¡°¡­I do not know.¡± ¡°Haven''t youe to see me or Sir Ian??¡± ¡°¡­I apologize..¡± Xiaoxi lowered his gaze and muttered. They say the opposite of love is indifference. Now, even if the bond between mother and child is broken, are you just epting it?. Jin buried his face in the pillow again.. ¡°Lowering.¡± ¡°Okay. Not crying. Just trying to wake up.¡± Let''s wake up. Let¡¯s break away from the dream-like attachment and ept reality. Dreams don''t move ording to their own will, but reality doesn''t. Let''s move ording to our will! Jump up! Jin bravely pulled up the nket and stood up. It must have been inconvenient due to theck of servantspared to the main pce, such as washing the face and dressing, but it was done without a singleint.. When he went outside, the wizards who were busying and going greeted Jin with smiles.. ¡°Hello, how are you??¡± ¡°good morning. I heard you went to the conference yesterday, right? You are amazing. Thanks to everyone, we are thankful that our agenda proceeded smoothly..¡± Of course, it was just a polite greeting. But Jin dly epted it, and the wizards praised her even more and embraced her child.. ¡°Nope. Everyone, have a hard day today..¡± ¡°thank you Oh my goodness! Ian is not in the office right now..¡± The wizard noticed that Jin and Xiaoxi were going to Ian''s office and turned around to stop them.. ¡°then?¡± ¡°Well, Prince Mariv came to his senses. I understand you went out for questioning. It''s a star tower, so it''s not that far. He''ll be here soon.¡± Star tower. Jin looked at the small tower to the west that the wizard pointed to. He can be reached within ten minutes on foot. The child tugged on Xiaoxi''s cor and nodded.. ¡°Go to the star tower.¡± ¡°Lowering.¡± ¡°I don''t want to see Sir Ian, I want to see Brother Mariv..¡± I was curious. Although we have different mothers, Marib and I are the Emperor''s children, so aren''t we blood rtives? Since he tried to kill me and inflicted permanent scars on me, I wanted to see for myself his attitude toward it. also¡­¡­. ¡°If it''s not now, I''ll see you at trial..¡± For the honor and dignity of the imperial family, he will stand before the court in clean and neat attire.. ¡°He will always remain in my memories as a perfect older brother, but I hate that..¡± The first prince who took charge of Bariel on behalf of his aging father. The eldest of eldest brothers that no one could easily disobey. Mariv was considered an example of the imperial family with her brilliant blonde hair and elegant gestures. Since such a brother had caused such a terrible tragedy, Jean wanted to erase Marib''s intact image from her memory.. Taat! As Jin ran down the stairs without hesitation, Xiaoxi followed him.. The gate will open soon. So, everyone was busy trying to show their previous appearance as much as possible. Even if the young prince seeps into their midst, they are too busy to notice.. It''s good. ¡°It''s you, Jin..¡± In response to Xiaoxi''s message, the Star Tower guard bowed and turned around. I see some familiar wizards. Gene felt an unfamiliar feeling and slowly approached where Ian and Marieb were.. ¡°¡­ah top?¡± ¡°¡­Where do you get the amber gemstone?¡­¡­.¡± Marib and Ian''s voices could be heard infrequently. It seems that interrogations are continuing regarding the mysterious gemstone that threatened the wizard. As Jin got closer, he suddenly heard Mariv''s voice clearly.. ¡°But it''s strange.¡± ¡°what do you mean.¡± ¡°Ian, I don''t know why you went with Gene and not Arsene. Even though I understand everything else, I don¡¯t know that one thing..¡± Jin held his breath without realizing it. The wizards tried to pretend to be popr, but they had no choice but to stop as the prince urgently grabbed the hem of his clothes.. ¡°I don''t know.¡± ¡°It''s not that I don''t know, it''s that there''s no reason.?¡± ¡°¡­Next question. Are the funds distributed above rted to the decline of Marib??¡± ¡°If your support for Jin is only superficial, then yes. There may be no reason. Since he was the one who yed a role in the rtionship between me and Gale, it wouldn''t be a problem to coax one like that. Do you think I don''t know what''s inside you??¡± percussion. ¡°Marib degradation.¡± As Maribughed softly, Ian closed the folder noisily. The child''s hand holding the hem of the wizard''s clothes trembled slightly. My breathing gradually became heavier as I waited for Ian¡¯s answer.. ¡°I wish you would just shut up.¡± Chapter 194 It''s good. When Ian opened the Star Tower interrogation room, Mariv was looking out the window. A single beam of light shining into a dark room. Even while the wizards were moving piles of documents, he kept his eyes fixed on the outside. It''s as if he can''t believe that the future he didn''t envision hase.. ¡°Sir, please sit down. Let the interrogation begin..¡± Unlike Gale, whose nape was torn, he was intact without any major injuries. Although it is asionally covered in dust, it looks noble for someone who was the main culprit who brought chaos to the imperial pce. Most of the main forces, including his aides, died with their limbs tattered.. ¡°you yourself?¡± Mariv looked back. She seemed to be smiling, but her disappointed eyes were calm. She wondered where Ian had seen that, and soon realized that it was the look in Gail''s eyes while she was lying on the bed. We''re anxious to kill each other, but our blood connection is certain.. ¡°That''s right. We will be courteous, so please cooperate..¡± ¡°Since it''s an interrogation, I tend to put a lot of effort into unnecessary things. If it were me, I would never do such a bothersome thing..¡± The victory has already been lost. He stabbed the father-inw emperor, robbed his servants, and tried to kill his brother. It is said that he will be deprived of even the imperial family name, and the end will be beheading. Why waste time on interrogations when the oue can be determined without a trial?. But Ian just flips through the documents indifferently.. ¡°If you were me, you would say that, but I''m not..¡± All procedures for the trial will be conducted urately and urately. That is the only way to straighten out the discipline of the imperial pce that the two princes had disrupted, and to establish the legitimacy and centralization of the next emperor, Jin.. ¡°First, it is about the attempt to assassinate His Majesty the Emperor. There is a record that His Majesty has been having trouble breathing while sleeping for several months now..¡± ¡°iced coffee. You must have had an ufortable sleep. Even seeing dead people. But what does that have to do with me??¡± percussion. Ian presented the material that Gail had handed over. What I received in return for turning a blind eye to the Wesley curse and neutralizing the Sildam potion.. Mariv slowly turned the pages of the paper with a look telling her to read it. Judging by the way he''sughing out loud, he seems to have realized something.. ¡°This is the reason I got along with Gale..¡± I realized why I hadn''t decided on a clear line between myself and Gale. Marib could not deny that the center of the whole situation was in his Ian''s hands.. ¡°Say something like this to a born-again bastard in the border, haha. under.¡± ¡°If you have something to argue about, do it..¡± As Ian said that, he leisurely scanned another piece of paper with his hands. It means that you are ready to refute the argument.. ¡°Since this is evidence that will be put up at trial, it would be better to do as much as you can..¡± Mariv leaned back and made eye contact with Ian. He was born as a prince and would die as an emperor, he promised himself every moment and believed so.. Is it the end? Is this really the end? Mariv muttered as she looked at the sunlight pouring in front of her. The victory has been broken, but my neck has not been broken yet.. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you ordered, Sir Ian?.¡± Stop. The wizard who was recording the interrogation in the corner flinched. The same goes for those who were observing. Everyone frowned at Mariv¡¯s sudden remark.. ¡°It''s me?¡± ¡°okay. Sir Ian, you urged me to do so..¡± ¡°Sir, I was in Hiello at that time..¡± ¡°You are a wizard, you had a way..¡± Ian realized Mariv''s intention and let out a bitterugh. It was a ploy to prolong the trial process by providing absurd testimony during the interrogation process, and it was intended to create an opening for any opposing forces in the imperial pce to confront Ian.. When the clerk put down his pen, Marib blurted out:. ¡°How do you tailor records to be used in history ording to your taste? Don¡¯t forget even a single tosi..¡± It was a trivial threat, saying that if you did that, you would behave badly in the trial.. With a light hand gesture, Ianmanded the recording to continue. Anyway, it''s enough to just cut out the things that don''t make sense and aren''t worth exining.. ¡°I''m just d I''m four months old now. If you ascended the throne, I think Bariel, not the imperial pce, would have been ruined..¡± Ian said that beyond not having any qualities, he was downright ugly.. Veins appeared on Mariv''s temples, but he just kept smiling. Because humiliation for an opportunity is nothing. He could do anything if he could live, if he could tell God of the crisis he was in.. ¡°The thirdmander, Beols, witnessed and testified that the sword was swung at His Majesty the Emperor. There is nothing to question about this. The journeyman you robbed is still missing. What did you do??¡± ¡°I handed it over to the Ministry of Magic. Isn¡¯t that why you saved me like this??¡± Kwaang! ¡°Ian. I can''t bear to listen!¡± The wizard, who had not heard anything, protested harshly and shouted. Mariv grinned, and Ian frowned as a sign of self-respect. As if there is nothing to be upset about by a trivial trick.. ¡°You know Rutherford.?¡± ¡°ah top?¡± ¡°How did you end up doing business with that ce??¡± ¡°When was it? It''s been a while, but I once crossed the Hawan Kingdom on my way back from a grand tour. That''s when I met Rutherford. Ian, weren¡¯t you together too? Since it was the time of the Bratz Territory, I guess that was enough..¡± The Grand Tour was a journey undertaken by children of the privileged ss. A short tripsting a few months to visit neighboring countries to learn about culture, economy, society, etc. and expand your knowledge. Since they are pulling dozens of carriages, it is more like a procession than a trip.. Mariv deftly measured the child''s height with the de of her hand.. ¡°Hmm. is not it? Was this enough??¡± ¡°The acting is excellent..¡± Mariv had truly gone on a grand tour, but no one in the interrogation room believed her. The prince must have kept this up to this day. The clerk sighed and wrote down each letter.. Sigh. It was then. Mariv saw silver hair passing through the window of the door where Ian was sitting with his back to her. If it''s that tall, it''s a child, but how many children in the imperial pce have silver hair and can fit into the interrogation room?? ¡®Arsene?¡¯ no. It must be Jin. At that time, I clearly saw Jin being hugged by Ian in Delina''s pce. And the Ministry of Magic, which went to kill Jin, also confirmed the bond between the two.. If it''s Ian, the Ian who yed with him and Gail, he''ll definitely be aiming for central control through Jin.. ¡°But it''s strange.¡± ¡°what do you mean.¡± ¡°Ian, I don''t know why you went with Gene and not Arsene. Even though I understand everything else, I don¡¯t know that one thing..¡± The wizard who had been standing still flinched.. Oh my, Jin pulled my cor. It seems that the child''s doubts have been pointed straight to the mark. Why is it Jin and not Arsene? Everyone will think of the same answer.. ¡®The remaining cards are at leastparable to the Arsene card that Dina won..¡¯ ¡°I don''t know.¡± Ian responded, suppressing his growing irritation. Things that were trivial were bing more and more excessive. There''s a lot of work to be done, so you''re interfering with meaningless arguments.. The wizards nced at the lowered voice and bit their lips while looking at each other.. ¡®Please shut up, my dear..¡¯ ¡®I think Ian is on the verge of getting angry..¡¯ ¡°If your support for Jin is only superficial, then yes. There may be no reason. Since he was the one who yed a role in the rtionship between me and Gale, it wouldn''t be a problem to coax one like that. Do you think I don''t know what''s inside you??¡± percussion! Finally, I saw the end. Ian roughly closed the document and crossed his arms. It''s the same again and again¡­¡­. ¡°Marib degraded. I wish you would just shut up.¡± Cooung! At the same time, something hit the door.. When Ian turned around, Jin was squatting down, rubbing his forehead. It was because I was nervous and pulled the doorknob too hard. Xiaoxi became thoughtful and looked at Jin''s forehead.. ¡°Lowering?¡± ¡°Well, ego, I mean, pretending to be popr..¡± Ian stood up immediately and winked at the wizards. It was an order to continue the interrogation of Marib on my behalf.. ¡°Sir, is your forehead okay??¡± ¡°That''s right¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Jin, the wound is deep..¡± Mariv clenched her chin and called out to her half-brother. The wound he inflicted was straight across her face. I don''t even know if it''s the emperor''s mark. ¡°Your eyes missed me, thank me.¡± ¡°Go out. It''s murky here.¡± It''s good! thud! A door that closes without the slightest hesitation. The way they treated it as if it were something dirty was remarkable. Jin rubbed her forehead and looked up at her Ian.. ¡°Sir Ian. I''m sorry for interrupting your work..¡± ¡°no. I was thinking about quitting because I had no ie..¡± ¡°¡­Well, you know.¡± ¡°yes. Lowering.¡± Jin, who was leaving the star tower, stopped.. ¡°I want you to know for sure.¡± ¡°What?¡± Ian made eye contact with Jin and bent his knees. She must have heard all of Marib''s nonsense earlier. She knew he was with Jin. Instead of listening to me scold you, she should have told you to shut up a long time ago.. ¡°the reason you follow me.¡± ¡°hmm.¡± Jin clenched his fists. It was something she would always point out. Whether now was the right time was another question, but anyway.. Why does Ian help him? Why does Ian consider himself precious? Are we really seeing it as just one ¡®card¡¯ to face Arsene?? then? What should I do?? ¡°Lowering.¡± Ianughed slightly. It was obvious that all kinds of thoughts were running around in her small head. He quietly told me one by one.. ¡°I know you might be confused. But in times like these, you need to stay calm, read the situation, and use it to your advantage..¡± A ce with no permanent enemies or friends. The imperial pce is that kind of ce.. ¡°ept the essence itself and do not discriminate between right and wrong..¡± Is it right if Ian held Jin''s hand out of sympathy, and is it wrong if he held Jin''s hand because he had a n? Whether you look at it this way or that way, both are beneficial and right for Jin.. ¡°Instead, if you know the essence, it will be easy to prepare for changing circumstances in the future..¡± ¡°That means, no matter what Sir Ian''s feelings were, he should use you first??¡± ¡°That''s right. And when your authority is stable, take a breath and look at me again. Then you will have a different perspective..¡± Xiaoxi, who was listening from the side, looked at his master curiously. I have a mindset that makes it easy to say ¡°use it and throw it away.¡± I know that Ian is sincere in his treatment of Jin, but does Jin really know?? ¡°¡­It''s too difficult.¡± ¡°it''s okay. You will learn firsthand.¡± ¡°I told you to know the essence.¡± Jin squeezed the hem of Ian¡¯s clothes. Then she boldly opened her eyes and made eye contact with Ian.. ¡°Then answer my question earlier..¡± ¡°It''s a reason to follow my descendants.?¡± Ian shook his head andughed.. ¡°Because you have a huge wound..¡± Emperor''s Mark. Curse of the Oracle. And the fate of being abandoned by your mother. Everything was a huge wound. Ian asked, removing Jin''s hand that was holding the hem of her dress.. ¡°How do you see it??¡± ¡°¡­I want to believe that I told the truth.¡± ¡°yes. Then you can just believe it. You are the center of the world, your faith is the truth..¡± Damn-! Deng! At that time, a huge clock bell was heard from afar. It was a sound that told me that there was not much time left until the gates were opened.. Chapter 195 Quang! Bang bang! ¡°! Please open the door!¡± Although she was pregnant, Vivianna was unstoppable.. She parked her horse and Beric at the entrance, then climbed the stairs a couple of times and shook the iron door. Minnie was restlessly circling around her, wondering if she might get hurt.. It''s good. ¡°Who are you??¡± A loud noise was heard behind the double lock. Since this is a ce where special information is vital, they keeppetitors in check to the extreme and are suspicious of visits from outsiders.. The faint sound of a typewriter could be heard from inside. It appears that publication is in progress. Vivianna responded quickly, handing her ID through her bars.. ¡°My name is Vivianna and I live at 2 West Ground. She is a former advisor to the reconstruction of the Imperial Pce and is currently on leave, and her husband is an aide to the Minister of Magic..¡± West Ground is a luxury residential area where imperial officials mainly live. The man checked Vivianna''s face with her ID card and then returned her head with a nod.. ¡°What''s going on??¡± ¡°I have something to report about the imperial pce..¡± ¡°You said your husband is an assistant at the Ministry of Magic, right? The name?¡± The man narrowed his eyes as if testing. She checked her ID, but it was a matter of course. ¡°Romandro.¡± This was exactly why Ian asked Vivianna. It was a matter of conveying the safety of Romandro, but more than anything, the belief was that since his identity was certain, the tip would not be easily dismissed.. The man put away his cigarette as he looked at her bulging stomach.. ¡°Hisst contact with the imperial pce was lost when His Majesty Gale was attacked during the night. I received a call from inside..¡± ¡°what kind of contact?¡± ¡°It is said that His Majesty Mariv stole the Emperor''s official seal and started a rebellion, and that His Majesty Gale also participated in the secret struggle, but both of them have now been stopped under the leadership of the Ministry of Magic..¡± The man dropped his cigarette and opened his mouth in surprise.. After a few seconds of silence, he unlocked the lock with an urgent hand and opened the door. In an instant, the smell of stale coffee and cigarettes wafted in from inside. It was the smell of people pounding away at typewriters, burning their souls in the distance.. ¡°Is that really true, ma''am??¡± ¡°Your Majesty is safe. We will finish cleaning up and open the castle gates at 5 PM today, so please leave before then..¡± Vivianna checked the time by clicking her pocket watch. There is no time to continue writing, publishing, and distributing. She looked up at her man and continued her words quietly.. ¡°This is all I know now. I''m going to go out right away and report this to Edo as well. It''s up to you who will send the special report first. And be sure to include this phrase in the extra.¡± ¡°Ah, wait! for a moment!¡± When Vivianna showed Ian''s note and tried to turn around, the man grabbed her shoulder urgently. Reflexively, Minnie rolled her eyes and pped the back of her hand roughly.. ¡°How can you catch me so carelessly?!?¡± ¡°Excuse me, excuse me. I''m so embarrassed. But are the things you just said really true? If not, our heads will fall off. really.¡± ¡°This is a handwritten letter from Ian Hiello, Minister of Magic. The door will open at five o''clock. After that, everyone will know, so it will have no value as a special report.?¡± The message was to stop talking nonsense and take pictures quickly. Then her man looked behind her and shouted to his colleagues.. ¡°Everyone, stop writing.!¡± ¡°what''s the matter? I almost wrote it all.¡± ¡°Another report came in. They say the instigators are Mariv and Gayle..¡± Vivianna frowned in puzzlement. What are they saying now? Her man awkwardly took out a new cigarette and checked Vivianna''s correspondence again.. ¡°Two days ago, didn''t a ck hole appear in the sky? There are a lot of rumors that the Ministry of Magic has closed down the imperial pce and has been plotting things inside. Well, the informant said something simr..¡± ¡°Informant? Which informant??¡± ¡°I can''t tell you that..¡± ¡°Is it for the protection of the informant, or is it because their identity is not honorable and they cannot be informed??¡± The man was chewing the end of his cigarette. It was thetter, it wasn''t said, but it was clear.. ¡°You are the ones who only tell the truth.¡± ¡°Madam, it¡¯s been three days. We, who print information sheets dozens of times a day, waited for three days. Since there is no news from the imperial pce, I will have to write at least something about the mystery. And especially if it''s true. Of course, I did not intend to officially print it now, but only circted it as a propaganda paper..¡± -Those who take advantage of the confusion and try to fabricate things run rampant. Vivianna read the afterimages of the people Ian had mentioned in the note. Her man and colleagues looked at the paper inserted into her typewriter, discussing something. When Minnie called for her master, not knowing what to do, Vivianna tore the paper from the typewriter without hesitation.. Well done! ¡°ma''am!¡± dy!¡± She threw the piece of paper cut in half on the floor. If was writing such an article, there is a high possibility that other ces are already in a simr situation.. ¡®In that case, rather than wasting time wandering around here and there, you should try to get the extras here first..¡¯ It was kind of a battle of wits.. Other media outlets are also writing articles with no confidence and are keeping a close eye on the pce''s movements. If you report the truth first, the fabricated article will naturally be discarded.. ¡°you guys are lucky.¡± ¡°Madam, what are you talking about??¡± ¡°Because they are the first to reach the truth. Since the two grown-up nobles shed and were overpowered, you probably know who is currently in power in the imperial pce..¡± The Ministry of Magic, of course, and their leader, Ian Hiello. They instinctively realized that they were getting caught up in something unusual, and they also recognized that it entailed opportunity.. ¡°You can''t see a piece of fabricated paper throwing Bariel into chaos. Please take extra pictures first. So when the doors open at 5 o''clock, I will personally convey your merits to Secretary Ian..¡± ¡°in what way¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I request exclusive priority ess to everything that happened in the imperial pce over the three days..¡± ¡°Is it possible, is it possible??¡± Vivianna nodded resolutely, and everyone in the office murmured again. Her husband is an aide to the Ministry of Magic, so it''s not like he''s a spirit. It''s outrageous how they y with each other.. dy.¡± ¡°Shh.¡± Minnie held her arm anxiously, but Vivianna did not hesitate. I think Ian would also understand this level of overstepping his authority. Isn¡¯t it important to tell the truth first?. ¡°But if you refuse-¡± Kwaang! At that time, an unknown noise erupted outside. The reporters flinched and looked back at Vivianna and her outside window. I wonder if it has something to do with her.. ¡°I cannot guarantee your safety..¡± ¡°What do you mean by that??¡± ¡°I showed my ID card, and Ian sent a letter in his own handwriting and had his retainer, a magic swordsman, apany him. Everything is proven and guaranteed! Nevertheless, refusing is an intention to confuse Bariel with false information. I will make that judgment and report it to Ian..¡± Vivianna deliberately added strength to the word magic swordsman. This implicitly made it known that if the situation were toe to an end, we would have no choice but to push back by force.. The man and his colleagues rolled their eyes and brought a piece of paper.. ¡°Please write the certificate. Exclusive publishing rights.¡± ¡°This is about the three days..¡± ¡°yes. If you write it, we will write it too..¡± As Vivianna wrote the certificate without hesitation, the man ruffled his hair and rolled up his arms. The same goes for her colleagues. She went back to her seat, discarded her old paper, and put in her new paper.. click. Crack! widely! ¡°1Write in wealth size! When cutting, I will take 100 photos at a time..¡± ¡°There was a sentence earlier that said you must include it, right? ma''am?¡± ¡°Ah, here it is. It''s written below the letter..¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see, read it! Everyone write it down! ''Princes Mariv and Gale caused chaos in the imperial pce, but through the mediation of the Ministry of Magic, new soldiers were safely secured.'' keep reading!¡± ¡°Wait, slow down! Once more!¡± Kwaang! Grumbling! I thought it was an idental loud noise, but it turns out it wasn''t. Vivianna threw open her window in surprise, and Beric''s eyes met hers. He was smiling brightly. He looked so bright that you wouldn''t think he was facing off against people wearing ck armor.. ¡°Berwick!¡± The guard who had followed as a guide was lying on the floor, bleeding. The identity of the roar was the sound that killed him.. ¡°Oh, I''m okay, I''m okay. When does it end?!¡± ¡°How long does it take?¡± Vivianna''s heart dropped. I don''t know where they came from, but their intentions are clear from the situation. These are people who are trying to spread fabricated rumors to stop Ian.. The man next to me was startled again and dropped his cigarette.. ¡°Well, one of the printers just broke down, so it takes about ten minutes to print 100 copies. Normally, extravaganza is sprinkled along the central road from the imperial pce to the outskirts, but that''s enough.¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Results only!¡± ¡°One hour!¡± ¡°It takes an hour! Berwick!¡± Bericughed and spat at Vivianna''s shout.. I had already seen the power of that armor in the imperial pce. It was 100 per day, and even though only half of it came in, it was so great that it temporarily revived the dying Gael forces.. Beric couldn''t hide his excitement andughed.. ¡°I know who you guys are~?¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°It''s Hyman, right? Hyman? Eh? Got caught?¡± ¡°¡­You are urging me to do so..¡± Shhh! The armored man mmed his thick fist down. Since we know their true identity, we can''t let them go alive, especially since they are so mean. It seems like Ian is trying to strike first.¡­¡­. ¡®This clearly goes against the duke''s n. Let''s organize it.¡¯ The enemies exchanged nces with each other and nodded. He kills this little red rat, and he also kills the woman who received Ian''s letter. And those who write nonsense articles inside will also be killed.. Kwaang! ¡°oh! X bar!¡± Beric, who barely received the punch, stumbled without realizing it. His weight was no joke. If it were normal, it would be so heavy and hard that it would not be possible to swing it urately.. ¡°This is why you use magic stones, magic stones?! Money is good, right? X-bar, a subject that is nothing without its shell! yes?!¡± ¡°Don''t whine.!¡± ¡°Nope? yes?!¡± Quang! bang! Chaeng! Beric focused his attention on every single sum. My intuition was right. If you show even one crack, your skull will be shattered. Beric swung his sword with all his might, and soon only made meaningless scratches.. Kwaaaaang! thud! Five pieces of armor. Vivianna quickly noticed that Beric was struggling and bit her lip. She held out her hand to Minnie.. ¡°self-defense equipment.¡± dy!¡± ¡°Everyone hurry! Bariel''s future depends on it!¡± Vivianna stood in front of the door holding a dagger. If Beric falls, he will be next. His hands were shaking and his heart was pounding. Probably because it isbined with the baby''s heartbeat.. ¡°Oh, please, please¡­¡­.¡± Please save me. Please let me live so I can see my husband and my child. Minnie also cried and stayed by Vivianna''s side, and the reporters who had left her hand ran out into the hallway carrying chairs.. Quang! bang! It was then. There was a sound different from the roar of the wall being destroyed. Beric, who was very good at dodging, was hit on the back. The pain of my ribs being crushed came with just one hit.. ¡°Ahhhhh!¡± Beric''s scream made Vivianna almost run down the stairs reflexively. That''s what I would have done if Minnie hadn''t caught it.. ¡°Sigh, ah! really! Vivianna!¡± ¡°Be, Beric.!¡± ¡°how much is left?¡± ¡°Now, now, five minutes have passed!¡± ¡°X, that''s it.¡± Beric crawled on the floor and muttered irritably. Can not help it. Ian didn''t allow it, but I really can''t help it.. Ji-ing! Jiing! Beric unleashed his magic power. As he stood up and touched the ground with his ck sword, his fist came flying again. The moment Beric gritted his teeth and tried to ept it.. Chaeng! Someone suddenly came in from the left, blocking Beric''s path and receiving a fist instead. Blue bob hair fluttered. ¡°mr!¡± ¡°Barsaveda, you idiot.!¡± Kwaaang! Ji-ing, ji-ing! Barsabe appears out of nowhere. She opened her magic without hesitation. Chapter 196 A blue dagger waved beneath Barsabe''s palm.. It is a weapon made with magical power. She pulled Beric toward me and brought her dagger down on his armor with all her might.. Chaeng! Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo! It was exactly where the corbone was. It was a powerful and unnecessary attack that would have killed an ordinary person instantly.. However, Barsabe''s magic sword hit the armor and was destroyed like sand. The fading rays of light were so surprising that Barsabe lowered himself without realizing it.. ¡°¡­what are those.¡± The blow only left scratches. An armor that can withstand attacks from magic swordsmen. Is it made of magic stones? Now that I think about it, I think I saw it somewhere.? ¡°Hyman, oh, you bastards to kill. It really hurts, really..¡± Beric chuckled a little and rubbed his side, as if he was having trouble breathing. Barsabe frowned at his muttering.. okay. It is an armor with a simr design to the guards that guard a bank. But why are they doing this? It also threatens Beric, to be exact.? ¡°Mr, where did youe from??¡± ¡°I''ve been following you since you left the castle gate..¡± ¡°It looks like you have a taste for following someone. low quality.¡± ¡°under.¡± Who is this idiot calling low quality now? Barsabe gritted his teeth and grabbed Beric by the cor. The armor group confronting them has long since passed out.. ¡°Crazy guy, I don''t know about other people, but I can''t hear that from you. I saved something from exploding, and then...?¡± ¡°aha. Thank you for that. But you have a record. Last time, Ian and I were following him and his mr came out.?¡± ¡°shut up! I was waiting at Jayrot''s order. But I guess I followed you because you were the one who came out.!¡± When the castle gate opened in the middle, Jayrot entered the pce and gave instructions to some of his subordinates. Just in case, wait outside to maintain security and assess the situation, and if contact is lost, make a n to regroup.. ¡°why and how did youe out?¡± ¡°Ian is running errands.¡± ¡°Everyone is safe?¡± ¡°Your friends? Well? Maybe so? Ah, Liama, we belong to the same organization, right? The woman is dead. I know they killed him..¡± When Beric nodded, Barsabe blinked as if he had heard wrong.. What is this guy saying now? Liama ??passed away? Liama, one of the three generals? To those armors? ¡°Those bastards in the imperial pce are making a mess of it. Ian is pissed about fixing that, really. Tsk!¡± The clues were fragmentary but clear. Beric grabbed his ck sword and rushed forward again, striking away the flying fist. Barsabe was just staring at his back nkly.. ¡®Liama ??suffered..¡¯ ¡°no!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Sigh.! As a sh of coolness appeared, Barsabe quickly grabbed Beric by the scruff of his neck. Beric, whose central axis had copsed, was zigzagging and shaking his legs like he was drunk.. ¡°What?! don''t disturb!¡± ¡°You idiot, I heard that Liama ??was harmed? Even if we attack at the same time, we will never win.¡± The title of three generals was not given for nothing. It was an honor bestowed only on the strongest knights who supported and guarded the emperor, who was called the dignity of the world.. If one of them, Liama, is defeated, there is no chance for the two of them to win.. ¡°Can''t you win? Who decides that??¡± ¡°There is nothing to decide. It''s already decided.¡± ¡°You''re good at talking about missing mrs..¡± ¡°hey!¡± ¡°i won!¡± ¡°Because I''m going to die?!¡± ¡°If you can''t protect Vivianna, Ian will scold you.!¡± Crack, crackle! Kwaang! Wow! In Beric''s mind, there seemed to be no superiority or inferiority between strength and weakness. Just win, kill, defeat. He rushed at me with his eyes shing as if that was the whole world.. Beric took advantage of the attacks pouring in at once and infiltrated them.. ¡°You''re as tall as me!¡± Suddenly, Barsabe gritted his teeth and jumped in together. Then he barely managed to block the fist aimed at the back of Beric''s neck.. Chaeng! ¡°i won!¡± ¡°Oh really!¡± ¡°Fuck, all I know is winning!¡± Kwaaaaang! bang! Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! The moment Beric flew into the air and struck the opponent''s helmet, the ck sword glowed purple and caused a huge impact.. The windows of nearby buildings were broken sequentially, and the floors were cracked. The person who was hit squarely stumbled and barely managed to straighten up.. ¡®Dangerous.¡¯ Ugh. I had incontinence in my helmet. The armored warrior met Beric''s sparkling eyes through the gap.. Are those human eyes?? The burning red color contained the prominence as it was.. ¡°It''s true that there''s a human inside. he.¡± ¡°This is crazy¡­¡­.¡± ¡°I changed my mind. Only one fan.¡± Quang! bang! What a joke! Every time it touched the ground and flew in, three or four attacks rained down. Bericughed out loud and aimed at just one point. A ce where you can check your opponent through cracks. ¡°If I kill this thing, I''ll be stronger than Liama, right? yes?¡± ¡°Even crazy dogs don''t behave like this..¡± Wow! thud! Another person grabbed Beric by the head and threw him against the wall. Beric flew a dozen meters andnded on his wall, then realized that his neck was not moving.. ¡°ah. iced coffee. C, rummage, ah oh.¡± ¡°There is a lot ofmotion. Let¡¯s get this sorted out quickly before the securityes..¡± ¡°I don''t think he''lle. It''s been a while since I''ve seen the guards since the pce was closed..¡± Crack. Far away. Beric bobbed his head to see if the bone was broken into pieces. Fortunately, it moves little by little.. When he finally managed to shake off the spinning sensation in front of his eyes. Bar Sabe aimed her sword, blocking the gap between her Beric and the armor.. Cheoeok! ¡°Does your owner know??¡± ¡°Get out of the way. I can''t help it if I want to die first.¡± ¡°My owner doesn''t know I''m doing this. In that case, I think the same goes for your master..¡± Those approaching Barsave''s Ilgal stopped.. Her mind wasplicated now. Thoughts and judgments were made simultaneously, and they were spit out without any filtering. Since every minute was urgent, this was natural. I just hope it fits in some way.. ¡°I don''t know what you want to say.¡± Since the imperial pce was closed, they probably did not receive orders directly from Hyman either. He just knows his master''s n and came out here to stop anyone going against it.. ¡°Beric, tell me now! Whose orders did youe here??¡± ¡°I''m Ian?¡± Suddenly, I wonder why I¡¯m asking that. Beric stood up, shaking off the dust, and soon realized that Barsabe, who was behind him, was sending a hand signal.. right? left? one? fist? earth? What? ¡°We are carrying out duties under the orders of Minister of Magic Ian Hiello. If you continue to interfere, I will report this to the imperial pce and raise the issue officially with your master..¡± ¡°¡­Dead people don''t talk.¡± ¡°But I''m alive. Did you know that the Ministry of Magic gives you a silkworm potion during investigations? No matter how much he didn''t know about it, it would be difficult for your master to avoid responsibility. Ah, that was rude. Should I have called you ¡®Duke Hyman¡¯??¡± Taat! Barsabe deliberately dispersed his magic power to block their view.. It was a very brief moment. A human figure blurring between beams of light. It is clear that there is only one Barsabe, but the shadows of the two people split to the left and right and disappeared.. ¡°Chase! It is clear that they are going to the imperial pce..¡± ¡°I thought he might be a magic swordsman, so I did some trick..¡± ¡°Two on the right, two on the left! catch and kill.¡± ¡°Catch it before ites in contact with the outside world.¡± ¡°One person clears the way!¡± Of the five pieces of armor, four split to the left and right and chased after Barsabe. is stuck in a corner and Barsabe runs through a spider web-like alley, so it is natural that there will be a lot of chase teams.. crackling! thud! thud! Beric, looking at the disappearing armor, smiled as if he understood now.. ¡®right, left, one, fist, ground.¡¯ They will split into left and right groups to lure you in, so take charge of one person and fight. Or it falls apart. ¡°Ahaha! crazy. Those mrs, even the front teeth are going to fall out..¡± ¡°A person who will die soonughs?¡± ¡°Of course it''s funny, you idiot. Now he is in charge of four people and I am in charge of one person. Ah, stupid. Who gets it? haha.¡± Tsk! Beric spit out blood-filled spit and tightened his grip on the ck sword. When I smiled, my teeth were clearly visible. Everything is soaked in blood and turns red.. The other person swallowed his saliva and clenched his fists.. The spirit of a madman that can be felt through armor. I know I have a power advantage, but the energy of my opponent is so hot that it doesn''t feel real.. ¡°Go Ian! whole pig-¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± ¡°He said he would buy it for me! I did it!!¡± Quaaaang! bang! The roar of a crash. Vivianna held the dagger tightly in both fists and dropped her shoulders. Inside the building, I could only hear sounds, but I couldn''t see anything.. p, p, whirring. widely! Crack! Jiik! While the printing press was running, employees were constantly tapping on the typewriter. The idea is to print the same sentence over and over again. To create even more extras. Quang! Powwow! p, p! Crackling! ¡°Argh! XGermination!¡± ¡°Turn over the paper and turn it over!¡± ¡°We''re out of ink! Get it from the warehouse inside.!¡± ¡°Search! Search! Wow!¡± ¡°Take pictures by hand while copying! continue!¡± The constant, monotonous noiseing from the office and the violent, intermittent roaring from outside created a harmonious disharmony. Vivianna continued to pray to God.. How long has it been like that?. someone grabbed her shoulder. ¡°ma''am!¡± ¡°ah!¡± Everyone had flushed faces. He is full of excitement and tension, and is even sweating. The employee shouted, pointing to the clock. It''s almost five o''clock now. ¡°It is done. Let''s go now!¡± ¡°Oh, please! I''ll help you!¡± ¡°If you go out the back door, there is our cart. Load the extra paper there and go out onto the main road! Let¡¯s spray as close as possible to the imperial pce.!¡± ¡°let''s go! Lock the door here and get out! Dangerous!¡± ¡°Uh huh, let''s hurry!¡± There were ten boxes of paper printed in one hour. Vivianna rolled up her sleeves and carried them into her carriage, soon taking a seat next to her coachman''s seat.. ¡°Those who can''t ride the carriage, get out of the way first! At five o''clock, the imperial pce gates open! See you again when it''s safe.!¡± ¡°Please, please.¡± ¡°yes. please.¡± Although they didn''t talk for long, they wished each other good-bye with their eyes. Minnie and one of her employees sat in the back of the wagon, clutching the bundles of boxes tightly.. Hehehe! crackling! ¡°This is it!¡± The horse, which had been anxious due to themotion, decided that this was the time and ran vigorously.. Vivianna, who soon returned to the building, looked towards the entrance and covered her mouth in horror. Isn''t Beric, soaked in blood and tattered, holding the entrance frame with both hands and bending it?. ¡°Berwick!¡± ¡°Ah, Mr.¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Berwick!¡± ¡°shit!¡± I tried to follow the carriage because I felt like I was missing a piece of armor, but I soon got stuck. It was Beric''s fault for rolling his body around and holding him tight.. ¡°¡­where are you going.¡± ¡°Get out of the way!¡± ¡°¡­Yeah, don''t stop there.¡± crackling! Vivianna turned her head back and looked at Beric. Everything except his pupils was red, so his face was unrecognizable. She bit her lip and screamed. ¡°I''ll be back soon!¡± ¡°Ian, bring me.¡± ¡°Stay alive! stay alive!¡± The carriage exited the alley in a familiar manner and ran along the main street.. Over the past three days, very few people have taken to the streets. When Minnie saw a person from far away, she cried and threw papers.. ¡°Extra! It''s outside the scope.!¡± ¡°Extra! Mariv and Gale shed in the imperial pce.!¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic intervened and resolved the matter.!¡± ¡°Extra! outside!¡± crackling! Small pieces of paper fluttered where the carriage passed. People on the side of the road picked it up one by one and read it, and then looked towards the imperial pce.. ¡°It''s outside the scope. I finally hear something!¡± ¡°Please give me some too!¡± ¡°Marib and Gail?¡± ¡°Your Majesty? Oh my, this is crazy! What on earth are the princes doing??¡± ¡°Extra! outside!¡± Damn-! Deng! The sound of a bell heard far away. It was the sound of five o''clock. Vivianna grabbed her flying hair and threw it away.. ¡°Extra! The pce gates will open soon.!¡± Deeng! Deng! At the same time, the tightly locked gate slowly opened. The crowd waiting in front moved forward little by little.. ¡°Extra!¡± Wow! A sharp wind passes quickly through the gap. Without a single error, it headed towards the carriage Vivianna was riding in.. ¡°The Ministry of Magic is repairing the imperial pce.!¡± ¡°uh? Uh oh?¡± The man holding the reins of the carriage stumbled to a halt as the cold energy approached him.. It was the wind. A very sharp and huge wind that could cut you.. ¡°Extra!¡± Dig, dig! flutter! Wow! The wind pierced the carriage.. The papers that had been piled up soared into the air, and soon spread in all directions with the air currents.. Like the pollen shown at the Ministry of Magic ahead of the New Year''s party, extravagance covered all of Bariel.. Chapter 197 The wind soared even further and higher.. Everyone reflexively stretched out their hands. I guessed that all the questions I had so far were contained in that white paper that fluttered like flower petals and fell like the first snow. The gate opened slowly, but each person was busy reading the extra letter.. It''s good. ¡°Vivianna!¡± ¡°Ian!¡± The castle gate, which had been tightly closed, was suddenly wide open. She had never felt the beginning of the wind in her life, but this time she felt different.. This wind, this wind that orthodoxly drove the carriage, originated from the imperial pce. Specifically, Ian and his Ministry of Magic.. ¡°The gates were opened.!¡± ¡°Mariv and Gale start an uprising?¡± ¡°What if this is true??¡± ¡°What''s going on? Both princes were beheaded. Tsk tsk.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t these people bright-eyed? What happened¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Come to think of it, the central nobles heard it the day before the closure. If they participated in the sh, they won''t be safe either..¡± ¡°Wait, our business partner¡¯s family also went to the pce the day before.!¡± ¡°The castle gate was opened? Everyone, stand in line.!¡± Ian nced at the disheveled scene and winked at the gatekeeper. This meant bringing in the carriage first. Five o''clock in the afternoon. Everything went ording to n. Vivianna, who was alone, was out of the n.. ¡°Get out of the way! will bring a carriage!¡± Cheaeng! visor! The gatekeepers raised their spears and opened the way. The carriage barely squeezed through the gap and entered the imperial pce. Ian asked as he helped Vivianna down.. ¡°Vivianna, are you okay??¡± ¡°Yes, yes, yes. I have no injuries whatsoever. Ian, are you okay? What about your husband? Beric said he was safe, but I was worried.¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Romandro is also safe with no injuries. 2 He ising this way from the imperial pce, so we will meet him soon..¡± ¡°ha. Good luck, good luck.¡± She pressed her chest and let out a sigh of relief. Ian frowned when he saw the blood stains on the wagon wheels.. ¡°What happened??¡± ¡°ah! Berwick!¡± Vivianna shouted as she wiped the sweat dripping from her chin. Thest time I saw her she looked miserable. If it weren''t for her magic swordsman, she would have died a long time ago, so she felt herself sinking and grabbed Ian''s sleeve.. ¡°As they were taking out the cover, they were attacked by assants in ck armor. Did you say Barsavera? At that time, the driver came to the mansion to pick up the ring. He helped me, but I don''t know whether he is alive or dead. Beric too,¡­¡­.¡± He might be dead. Vivianna bit her lip to hold back her tears.. A monster in ck armor. Ian immediately recognized it as a remnant of the Hyman family.. ¡®I thought the armor couldn''t move..¡¯ That is, if it is possible to judge rationally.. Gale, the deceiver, was still alive, and the duke was in an awkward situation in many ways. But then he brings his armor to the front and targets Ian''s men? This was a defeat that was eating away at my flesh, and I could see that it was definitely not Duke Hyman''s move.. ¡®Moreover, Duke Hyman''s instructions could not have been received separately due to the castle gate being closed. There is a possibility that the order given in advance was carried out without reading the situation..¡¯ It was a mistake to think that Beric would be able to stop it alone even if a few small pieces were attached. Ian kissed the back of her hand.. ¡°Vivianna.¡± It was a greeting full of gratitude and apology. Despite the fact that he had no injuries, he had long scratches. Ian hugged Vivianna and consoled her.. ¡°Well done.¡± ¡°I''m d it helped. Aren¡¯t I also a person of Bariel? And one day, I will work for the imperial pce again..¡± Vivianna smiled brightly and straightened her hair. She was sure she would be worried if Romandro saw her. She wanted to appear as casual as possible.. ¡°Hey, Minister Ian Hiello? Is that correct??¡± ¡°That''s right.¡± ¡°This is the president of thepany that made the extra money! I''m so crazy about business cards. Ah ha! Hey, ma''am?¡± Vivianna let out a small gasp at the man''s nce asking her to introduce herself. Something''sing, now it''s time to go. ¡°There were several circumstances. However, in the meantime, I took pictures of extras very quickly. As a tribute, how about publishing an exclusive inside report on the three days that took ce in the imperial pce??¡± Vivianna smiled slightly awkwardly. It may have been the best choice she could have made, she said, given the various circumstances. Ian smiled and nodded his head willingly.. ¡°We advise the imperial pce not to contact other media outlets. There''s a lot to take care of right now, so wait..¡± ¡°yes! thank you! thank you!¡± ¡°Vivianna! baboon!¡± crackling! As the man bowed his back, Romandro''s shout was heard from behind. He rushed over on his short legs and hugged his wife tightly.. ¡°Oh my, Bibi. I missed you!¡± ¡°Are you safe? I have a badplexion.¡± ¡°It''s because I work day and night. Vivi? Our baby?¡± ¡°It''s okay. I missed you so much.¡± The couple rubbed their noses to confirm their love and breath.. Ian turned around, leaving those two people behind. The imperial pce guards saluted politely and waited for Ian''smand.. ¡°In front of the magic tool.¡± ¡°In front of the magic tool!¡± ¡°Call the healing wizards at Gale''s quarters and give them a horse. will go out.¡± ¡°yes Please wait a moment!¡± This is a loudspeaker magic tool that Ian used to announce the end of the situation at the Ministry of Magic. Outside the wide open gate, a crowd of people gathered like a cloud, looking inward.. The door is open, so can I go in now? Will the people insidee out too? I heard that Marib and Gale shed, is that real? The loud voices were muffled, but each person''s doubts were clear.. ¡°Set it up so it can be heard as far away as possible.¡± ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± A wizard carrying magic tools carefully adjusted dozens of dials. Even though it may not reach all parts of the center, it will ring without a problem to all nearby ears.. Among them, there will be dying magic swordsmen, and there will also be those who run away wearing ck armor.. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Ian whispered slowly to the magic tool.. [I am Ian Hiello, Minister of Magic..] A clear and elegant voice spread through the magic tool to the son-inw. Those who were talking here and there stopped their movements for a moment and fell silent. I was embarrassed by the unfamiliar feeling of speaking directly into my ear.. ¡°Oh, is it magic??¡± ¡°Shh! Be quiet, say something.!¡± ¡°This sounds like it''s ringing inside my eardrums.?¡± Those who guard the stalls with flies flying away, children running around the empty streets, those who are drunk and lying around, and those who go about their daily lives at home. The imperial pce and her immediate neighbors could hear Ian''s voice.. [Three days ago, 1st Prince Mariv and 2nd Prince Gale shed and disrupted the imperial pce. The list of officials and central nobles who participated in this was not short, and His Majesty the Emperor felt very sorry. The imperial pce is the center of Bariel, that is, the center of the world. Those who confuse this will never die in peace..] ¡°That''s right, that''s right. The big-headed princes did a great job..¡± ¡°please be quiet!¡± [ordingly, the Ministry of Magic subdued the two princes under the orders of His Majesty the Emperor and His Majesty Jin to protect the safety of the imperial pce..] ¡°Who is Jin Hae-ja??¡± ¡°Aren''t you one of the twins? I know you''re still young. Uh huh.¡± [The ban on entering the imperial pce was to effectively deal with this, so the citizens of His Majesty''s empire can go about their daily lives with peace of mind. As of the current time, entry into the imperial pce is permitted. Those entering the pce must keep order. and-] Ian was silent for a moment. Those wondering what to say next also fell silent. A cold and chilling voice is heard soon. [Those who go against the will of the pce, listen..] Those who wish to harm Bariel will never be able to crawl out of the depths of hell.. [Put your neck on the line and ask for forgiveness. Otherwise, I will annihte you and show you what true death is. If you can hide, you can hide. So prove that there is no ce in Bariel that is not under His Majesty''s gaze..] Whether it is a noble holding the purse strings of a great empire or a noble bloodline of the imperial family, there are no exceptions for anyone. Those who stand against authority will die. It was also for the safety of the people of the empire. Ian knows countless countries that have copsed into civil war.. [On the other hand, those who bring glory to the imperial pce will also have glory in their lives. Let your own destiny shine. This was Ian Hiello, the Minister of Magic..] When Ian gestured to disconnect, the magic tool''s light faded. The gatekeepers organized the crowd in an orderly manner and began the process of granting entry.. Ian looked around and put on his robe. The horse was ready, but the healing wizards were nowhere to be seen.. ¡°healing wizards?¡± ¡°Looks like it''sing.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go out first. Tell them toe to.¡± Following him, several wizards and guards also grabbed the reins. Romandro asked, holding Vivianna''s hand tightly.. ¡°Ian! About me?¡± ¡°You and Vivianna are here to see the matter. I''m going to pick up Beric, but those without magic won''t be much help. Hurry up and get the healing wizards out..¡± ¡°Ah, I see. Please be careful! If Beric, that bastard, dies, please tell me that he dies.!¡± Hehehe! Instead of answering, Ian punched the horse''s side vigorously and soon ran out of the castle gate. Perhaps because the lockdown was lifted, the attention was not as focused as it was when Beric came out. Ian ran to where he was being guided by his escorts.. crackling! ¡°This way!¡± ¡°Get out of the way! get out of the way!¡± ¡°Oh my, what are you talking about??¡± How long did it run? As I entered the alley, the smell of blood hit me. The speed of speech gradually slowed down. Togakdae could not hear anything other than the sound of horses'' hooves.. ¡°Hey, wow!¡± A puddle of blood filled the front of the building. Although there were many shattered buildings here and there, there was not a single sign of poprity. Ian got off his horse and approached the fallen Beric.. ¡°Berwick.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± Even the expression ¡°horrible¡± is too moderate. The left arm was disfigured and the leg was bent beyond the range of joints. All of my skin was chafed and soaked in blood, so I couldn''t even tell where the wound was.. The guard covered his mouth at the gruesome sight and ced his finger under Beric''s nose.. ¡°Sue, I don''t think she''s breathing..¡± ¡°Move.¡± Ian pushed him away and pressed his ear to his chest. Beric''s tightly closed eyelids were torn.. ¡°Lee, Ian.¡± ¡°Everyone shut up. Don''t even make a sound.¡± I couldn''t hear properly due to the noise outside. You will hear the heartbeat. It will be heard clearly, clearly. Ian opened his magic and poured it into him. Thump thump, something rings. Ian recognized that it was my heartbeat.. ¡°Berwick.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Berwick.¡± Jiyiing. Jiing. Jiing. Ian lightly squeezed Beric''s chin and shook him. Yet, it gave endless, limitless magical power. He is the guy who survived being gutted in the desert. He doesn''t die like this.. ¡°Berwick.¡± Sweat dripped down the bridge of Ian''s nose. She felt dizzy, but she didn''t stop. A drop of sweat left a faint mark on Beric''s neck.. ¡°Berwick.¡± ¡°¡­¡­.¡± He winced, his eyelids moving slightly. Ian was surprised and focused his attention on his chest again. Thump thump, thump. I heard a heartbeat with a different beat.. e to your senses.¡± ¡°¡­it''s hard.¡± ¡°okay. Try talking and open your eyes.¡± ¡°Ian, oh, it really hurts..¡± ¡°Okay. wait.¡± Jiying. Other wizards also joined forces and infused magic power into Beric. Beric muttered with his eyes closed.. ¡°¡­it''s annoying. I lost.¡± ¡°It''s okay because I lived. Do you remember what the heavenly men said? If you don''t die, you haven''t lost. Since I live, I will always win..¡± ¡°right? Ah, but I''m hungry.¡± ¡°Good work.¡± ¡°¡­beef.¡± ¡°okay.¡± Beric chuckled, saying that he was finally qualified to eat beef. After saying thosest words, he fainted again and did note to his senses for a long time.. Chapter 198 Dina carefully set down the teacup. It was the moment when Ian''s voice opening the gate faded away in my ears.. The servants bowed their heads and looked at Delina and Arsene. This is because Arsene''s name was not mentioned when taking care of the imperial pce.. ¡°That''s tant..¡± ¡°That''s right.¡± When Duke Hyman raised his eyebrows and muttered, Delina gave an exasperated answer through clenched teeth. Aside from the position of session, this was an issue rted to honor. If Jin is mentioned like that, Arsene will ask himself what he was doing at that time.. Arsene sipped his tea andforted his mother.. ¡°I can''t help it. It happened within Sir Ian''s authority. It¡¯s not something you expected, is it?.¡± ¡°Even if it had been held a littleter, various media outlets would have raised questions about the Ministry of Magic''s reaction. It''s a pity.¡± The position was clearly stated, and entry into the imperial pce was immediately permitted. Since there is something to see and hear with your own eyes, fabricated rumors will take a backseat.. As Hyman stroked his beard andughed bitterly, Arseneughed along.. ¡°It''s not toote. Please continue..¡± ¡°Sir, everyone nearby heard Ian''s speech. Wouldn¡¯t it be right to be self-respecting? Since the nder stands out as a nder, it can have the opposite effect..¡± In the name of disrupting the order of the empire, Ian may be caught. But Arsene nodded his head gently as if telling him not to worry.. ¡°Aren¡¯t there several mediapanies supported by Hyman? Not right away, wait for some time and then start talking in the back alleys..¡± Fabricated rumors have no power on their own. The true purpose is to use it to incite and brainwash. ¡°No matter how absurd a statement may be, if you repeat it, you will believe it. First of all, I will deny it. But then there is doubt, and doubt is based on a certain amount of faith. Wouldn¡¯t it be beneficial for us if there were even one more person with a grudge against Ian??¡± It is difficult to determine the source of back alley rumors. It was a risk worth taking, and the possibilities of pping a butterfly''s wings through it are endless. It was beneficial to not stop agitating. ¡®If you repeat it, you will believe it..¡¯ Arsene knew the power of sentences. Didn''t his delicate brother show him the results throughout his life? Arsene smiled and warned Hyman.. ¡°And remember: We don''t have as much time as we think.¡± I have just heard information that Marib has entered the interrogation room. The process from interrogation to trial was entirely up to the parties involved. If we proceed quickly, Mariv could be brought to justice tomorrow.. If that happens, Gale will be punished quickly. It''s Hyman''s turn to be involved with Gayle.. ¡°yes. Sir, I am keeping this in mind..¡± Hyman lowered his white-less eyes and answered.. When they went out to receive the Great Council''s order and came back in, the moods of Dina and Arsene had strangely changed. She continued to talk, but chose silence, and Arsene began to give instructions.. ¡®Well, this is actually better. Because the prince who will push you is not stupid..¡¯ They nced at their watches. There must be a lot of people gathered at the castle gate by now. It was better to wait until it was free to leave the pce.. ¡°And that''s it. Don''t you need some venttion? I also think that Jersey, especially Duke Hyman, will be able to breathe easily..¡± ¡°Hmm. I think so too.¡± Let''s kill Gale. Hyman immediately understood what Arsene meant. It was living proof of collusion, and since Ian imed to be protecting him, the intention was to give him some breathing room by killing him.. Hyman said yes, but frowned because he couldn''t see the way.. ¡°First, I heard that two wizards are always on standby next to Gale. Security is also tight. The wounds of suicide are deep, but they are severe. I think that''s what Ian has in mind..¡± It took a lot of effort to stop the two wizards and kill Gale. But now, how can we make a road in the cluttered imperial pce with so many eyes watching?? Arsene also rested his chin and muttered.. ¡°Things might be easier if it weren''t for just two wizards..¡± ¡°Do you have a n in mind??¡± ¡°Yeah, whatever. Anything.¡± Arsene''s words were meaningful, but no one questioned them. Dina was staring nkly into space, and Duke Hyman had other priorities.. Sigh. Hyman ced the documents brought by his aide on the table. It was in front of Arsene, not Delina. The child familiarly turned over the paper with his small hands.. ¡°Once imperial pce affairs are normalized, legition to keep the Hyman family in check will be proposed in earnest. This is a list based on our expectations. The most likely one is multiple taxation, followed by foreign transaction restrictions..¡± Since Hyman was holding the purse strings, he couldn''t be taken down right away. Instead, I will slowly step on one foot, push on his back, and then quickly break his arm and pin him to the ground. This pile of papers was the attack Hyman had anticipated.. Charak. ¡°Aren''t you still paying twice as much tax as other nobles??¡± ¡°You know..¡± Once for the title of nobleman, and again for being in the financial business. Arsene clicked her tongue as if she felt truly sorry.. ¡°Of course I know, because the duke''s taxes were used to improve the imperial pce. Hmm. All right. We will discuss this with myself, my mother, and trustworthy public figures..¡± Arsene''s role was to prevent all kinds of regtions that would pour down on Hyman. Because they were already moving forward in the same boat.. ¡°By the way, mother.¡± ¡°huh?¡± Dina turned her head at Arsene''s call. Her reaction was so quick that it was hard to believe she had been nk all this time.. ¡°Let¡¯s ask our parents for help too..¡± ¡°Carboe?¡± ¡°Yes, isn''t that where my and Jean''s oracle began? I''m sure something will be said about this incident as well..¡± ¡°iced coffee. okay. Let me contact you.¡± smart. It was a moment when Arsene held the back of his mother''s hand in satisfaction. A shout of presence was heard outside, and soon Hyman''s subordinate rushed in.. ¡°Hey, duke. I received a call from outside..¡± And then he whispered something in the duke''s ear. Hyman''s eyebrows furrowed as he listened calmly, and then he looked at his subordinate in disbelief, and his neck turned red from the boiling heat.. Wow! ¡°oh.¡± He pped his subordinate without hesitation.. Dina looked surprised as she slightly covered her mouth, but that was all. Would it be such a big deal for a master to stab his subordinates? Rather, it was more surprising that he did not keep his courage in front of Dina and Arsene.. ¡°How on earth did you manage these things?!¡± ¡°I''m sorry.¡± The huge pupils without the whites seem to have gotten even bigger. Arsene asked Hyman as he picked up a cookie and ate it.. ¡°How can you do that??¡± ¡°¡­no. I was rude. Please excuse me..¡± ¡°Duke, you need to speak up so we can help. Aren¡¯t we on the same side? We told you everything. I feel a little sad when youe out here..¡± It was also shared that Delina had been deprived of Jin''s parental rights. It was something that would be public knowledge anyway, but sincerely sharing even trivial things is the cornerstone of a true alliance.. Hyman was pacing in front of the window with his hands on his hips.. ¡°Peacock.¡± ¡°¡­Outside, a subordinate had an ident.¡± ¡°If you say it was an ident?¡± ¡°It seems that Ian sent someone to take out the enemy, and it is said that his subordinates used magic stone armor in the process of stopping him..¡± It was understandable that he pped me on the spot. Arsene whistled to himself that he had hit it hard once.. ¡°The other person was a wizard? I don''t think he would have used that on a normal person. The judgment is unfortunate, but it''s better to assume that there were circumstances..¡± ¡°It''s called a magic swordsman..¡± ¡°A magic swordsman? red-haired?¡± ¡°Do you know??¡± ¡°This is Sir Ian''s closest aide. What happened to the magic swordsman? Did you die??¡± ¡°I''ve been living with a return note. If you''re going to kill it, kill it right. Tsk! They say all the wizards are working together to save it. They say there are other magic swordsmen too.-¡± ¡°Wait a minute, the wizards are all there.?¡± Arsene cut Hyman off and asked back.. The wizards are stuck, so that means the healing wizards are there too.. ¡°¡­¡­!¡± ¡°Duke, you had better leave the pce quickly..¡± Gale''s ce is empty. Arsene realized this and stood up, immediately supporting his mother and greeting her. After saying that they would see each other again soon, they were torn apart.. Cheek. Hyman lit a cigarette and looked back at his subordinate. Blood was flowing from the cheek torn by the ring.. ¡°So, what happened to the blue-haired swordsman??¡± ¡°That is¡­¡­.¡± The only people from the Hyman family were in the room, but the subordinate came closer again and whispered. In the imperial pce, even the ears on portraits y a role. I was very careful to recite it so as not to let my voice leak out.. * * * ¡°Oh my, oh my! Beric! Beric you bastard!¡± ¡°Lay down this way! warm water and a clean cloth!¡± ¡°The wizards take turns infusing magical power! Empower yourself with healing magic! Bring all the doctors! I will stitch up the torn wound.!¡± ¡°Bones, are these bones right??¡± ¡°Damn, this is driving me crazy. Make sure your fingers are still attached!¡± ¡°Beric, oh my, Beric¡­¡­.¡± ¡°Mr. Romandro. Please get out of the way. It''s disturbing.¡± ¡°Ugh, please save me. Our Beric is like that, howe.¡± The wizards frowned and continued to inject magic power. At first, I thought Ian had brought a torn body. It''s so shabby that you can''t even think of it being alive, and there isn''t a single ce that''s sound.. Romandro continued to move the bowl of hot water, wiping away tears and snot. Vivianna was given a restraining order for fear of going into shock.. ¡°Ha, you''re alive, right??¡± ¡°We also had a conversation.¡± ¡°Crazy, can it be possible to live like this? This isn''t him. This can''t be a person.¡± Jiyiing. Jiing. The healing wizards were sweating and looked at the overall injury. The inside of Beric''s body you can feel with your fingertips. All organs are damaged. ¡°omg! What the hell is this-¡± ¡°Please stitch up the wound! I don¡¯t know if this has any meaning! First, we will stop the bleeding. Acore! Tell Acore to hand over all the anesthetic potions.!¡± Ian looked at his blood-covered hands and looked back at Beric. I''m d I didn''t die, but it''s definitely weird. All I have to do is dig up the dirt and bury him right now, so how can Beric be alive?? ¡°Ian.¡± smart. It was Jayrot, one of the threemanders. He knocked on the open door and called for Ian. He nced at the messed-up Beric for a moment, then asked in embarrassment:. ¡°Do you know the whereabouts of Barsabe??¡± ¡°¡­I haven''t heard anything. Vivianna says she lured those wearing armor. She is currently wanted by the Imperial Guard. If you see the swordsman with her ck armor and blue hair, you will receive a report from her..¡± has disappeared. Both the armor and Barsabe disappeared without a trace. J. Rutt''s face darkened and she pressed into deep frown lines.. ¡°ha.¡± She was the daughter of a deceased friend and a trusted subordinate. She doesn''t doubt her skills, but she doesn''t think Beric was brought in like that. It''s inevitable to be worried. ¡°And Ian. Do you remember what I saidst time about finding out about that guy Beric??¡± When Beric and Jayrot first faced each other at the training ground, both had doubts about Beric''s identity. There were too many things that were unclear for him to be a simple magic swordsman.. ¡°I heard a few things, so I tried to narrow them down, but I wasn''t sure about anything. Looking at that, I have some doubts about it..¡± Ian looked at him, wiping away the blood with a handkerchief. As if telling me to hurry up and say it. ¡°Do you know that they are Atans??¡± Chapter 199 Numerous tree rings are depicted in Bariel. Some faded over time, but others were noticeably darker in color. The history of Bariel associated with the Athan people belonged to thetter.. ¡®attack of monsters.¡¯ It was an incident that had a great shock to Bariel, which considered itself a safe zone from monster attackspared to other countries and was said to have received God''s blessing.. I learned that the Atans rose to power due to the upheaval that urred in the north, and that the soldiers of the empire, including the Imperial Guard, subdued them.. ¡°Atans, you know.¡± Ian moved to the end of the hallway with Jayrot and lowered his voice.. The servants kept changing the dirty cloth, and the summoned medical staff could be seen running into Beric''s room. Ian looked at it and muttered calmly.. ¡°But how can you mention the Atans? Beric lost his family, but was born in the outskirts of Bariel. If you''re saying it''s because of the ck sword, it''s a misunderstanding. He happened to get it on his way up to the center.¡± I have a letter from the mayor of Karenna. It is the same as the result of interrogating the bandit leader, and it will prove that the ck sword was not Beric''s from the beginning. Ian was able to clearly recall the letters written in the letter.. -Regardless of whether it is true or not, please understand that I am reporting this as it was reported. The Atans live by drinking the blood of monsters, so it is questionable whether they are actually humans.. That is the reason why those who were only rumored to stand out in the cataclysm. Since they are the ones who eat monsters, Atan wanted more chaos, and the imperial army wanted to stop them and eradicate them.. ording to the records of history, the victory was brought by the empire. It was not revealed whether the cause of the cataclysm was atan, but it was clear that it was arge mark engraved on a tree ring.. ¡°Minister.¡± Jayrot carefully swallowed his dry saliva.. ¡°The Atan people are said to be a manifestation race. They say that you do not pass down generations through reproduction, but that you awaken at some point and realize your identity..¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± ¡°As long as he has Attan''s traits, it doesn''t matter where Beric was born or who his parents are. Even the race.¡± ¡°¡­List your habits.¡± ¡°He shows madness that goes beyond belligerence, is obsessed with winning and losing, and has no qualms about harming life, and has raw morality. Representative examples include recovery that goes beyondmon sense and amazing vitality..¡± Aren¡¯t they all Beric from start to finish? Ian opened the window to cool his busy head for a moment. The cool breeze seems to make the smell of blood go away.. ¡®It''s an awakening. In that case, when monsters appeared in Bariel due to the cataclysm, this would be another reason why the Atans gained prominence. The encounter with the monster served as a catalyst..¡¯ ¡°I''m not sure, but it''s true that I highly doubt it. Please be mindful and keep an eye on it. It''s not anywhere else, it''s the imperial pce, isn''t it? No one knows when things will awaken and change. We rmend that you throw it away as soon as possible..¡± ¡°Captain Jayrot, you are hasty..¡± ¡°Minister.¡± ¡°Since you are my subordinate, I will take care of it..¡± Jayrot is unaware that a cataclysm is about to ur. It is clear that monsters will overflow and the Atans will gain power, and if Beric stays by the empire''s side then.? ¡®It would be difficult if Beric were absorbed into the Atans. Isn''t he strong enough to embarrass Captain Jayrot? It would be better for him to persuade the empire to monopolize the monsters alone. And above all-¡¯ Ian looked back at Beric¡¯s room without realizing it. A faint moan was heard. It was the sound of a guy who had lost his mind grunting without realizing it.. It is a natural assumption to give faith to someone who has lost his form at his ownmand.. ¡°¡­I''ll wait and see..¡± ¡°I am the one who protects the safety of the imperial pce..¡± ¡°I am also someone who cares for the pce just as much as you do..¡± Don''t be arrogant and fussy. Jay Rut lowered her head at Ian''s mild remark. While he was wandering around outside the imperial pce without knowing why, Ian saved the emperor and suppressed the rebellion. He was the one who took the lead in leading the recovery and restoring the daily life as before.. Jayrot was quick to admit that he made a mistake.. ¡°I''m sorry.¡± ¡°I will think deeply, so don''t worry too much. Isn¡¯t it a priority to find Barsabe right now?.¡± Athan or not, Beric lies torn to pieces and Barsabe is missing. With work priorities clear, Jayrot saluted and bowed.. Cheoeok! ¡°To add to the rumor, the Atans are destined to return to their base. It may be a natural instinct since they are scattered all over the ce. It is said that they will meet traces of Atan at some point, so I don''t know if it was just a coincidence that Beric, who was on the outskirts, came up to the imperial pce and even took possession of Atan''s ck sword..¡± These words almost confirmed that Beric was Atan. Instead of answering, Ian saluted and sent him away, soon returning to Beric''s room.. The air was hot from the heat of the wizards. Ian walked closer to the bed and pretended to be friendly.. ¡°Ah, Ian..¡± ¡°Good job. don''t shift.¡± ¡°it''s okay. I slept a lot yesterday.¡± ¡°I''m fine too.¡± Jiyiing. Jiing. Ian bit the wizard who was injecting magic power into Beric and sat down instead. The gaping skin was roughly sewn together. The gold-stained eyes never left Beric.. ¡®It''s Atan.¡¯ Beric, what did you do in original history? Did you die rolling in the private army of Derga Brac? Or did he follow Atan''s fate and march north to his death?? ¡®Either way, he must have died while drawing Bariel''s tree rings..¡¯ Ian patted the back of his hand, but Beric continued to suffer unconsciously.. How long has it been? When all the wizards were gone and the doctors were arranging their needles because there was nothing left.. ¡°Ian, I think you need to look at the report for a moment..¡± Romandro brought the documents. The reason his eyes were swollen was because he kept crying when he saw Beric''s miserable state.. ¡°A trial date has been set for Marib. They say it will be in the next four days. The judiciary contacted me and asked me to submit all relevant evidence. Can I upload the interrogation results??¡± I was cautious because it vividly contained Marib''s nonsense. Didn''t you keep giving vague answers like Ian was telling you what to do and Ian was behind it?. But that doesn¡¯t mean you can cut only the necessary parts. Ian nodded and gave permission.. ¡°Four dayster. It could be a week at the earliest..¡± One week at the earliest until the trial ends and Marib is executed. That meant he only had a week left to live.. ¡°ording to thew, it is a public execution. Be sure to prepare the pce for the day. How many people are there in total??¡± ¡°There are six main characters, including Jeo Hae-ja. Marib would be beheaded, the others would be professors. No matter how much he was stripped of his imperial family name, he is the son of His Majesty the Emperor..¡± ¡®Derga was also hanged..¡¯ There is nothing more dishonorable than hanging and struggling in front of onlookers. To cut it off at once for the sake of dignity. The beheading was the final gift from the imperial pce to Mariv.. ¡°About Prince Gale?¡± ¡°A postponement was requested. There is no precedent for referring two princes at the same time. Gale, his physical condition is in such a mess, will he even be able to answer properly if we put him on trial? And, well, there are various interests involved. haha. Hehehe.¡± Romandro swallowed his words andughed awkwardly. The only people around were wizards who had turned to mush, but they seemed to be cautious just in case.. If Gayle was alive, it would be easy to catch the Hyman family, so the forces keeping Hyman in check worked together to postpone Gayle''s trial.. ¡°okay. i get it.¡± Ian signed the report and handed it to Romandro. The moment he receives the paper. Ian thought of something and asked firmly.. ¡°Prince Gale''s residence expenses are?¡± ¡°yes? I did exactly as you instructed..¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t two wizardse this way?.¡± Unexpectedly, the wizard who healed Beric was left out. A guard was set up in front, but the opponents were Arsene and Hyman. In particr, ording to Xiaoxi''s experience, Arsene was someone to be especially wary of.. ¡®He easily entered Gale''s residence during the night. I still don''t know what''s going on. It seems like there''s definitely something to hide..¡¯ Magic? No, then Ian would have found out first.. In his previous life, Ian was given the title ''The First Noble Wizard''. It implied that there was no one within the royal family with magical powers.. ¡®It can''t be magic.¡¯ Jiying. Is it because I poured out my magic power, or is it because I was worried? Ian¡¯s fine eyebrows furrowed slightly. Then Romandro quickly held the document to his chest and assured:. ¡°No need to worry!¡± Gale''s safety is their own safety! He seemed quite confident as he spoke loudly.. Beric muttered in annoyance at his shout.. ¡°Oh, it''s noisy¡­¡­.¡± ¡°omg! I''m sorry, I''m sorry. Berwick. But have youe to your senses??¡± When Romandro grabbed his hand, Beric wriggled it out. Although it was an unconscious action, Romandro seemed to be a little hurt, and his eyes filled with tears again.. Ian stood up, wiping away the blood with a handkerchief.. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go take a look. I wonder how strong the security is..¡± * * * There were guards standing in front of Gale''s residence, but it was difficult to find people even if they were just a short distance away from him. Since he is preupied with repairing the imperial pce, he has deployed only the minimum amount of manpower.. Sigh. Arsene entered the pce with his sturdy subordinate Cernutt. The steps were confident and without hesitation, so it felt like a ce I had visited many times before. Arsene waved his silver hair and gave instructions to his henchmen who were following him.. ¡°When I am in my brother''s bedroom, no one is allowed in..¡± ¡°yes. Lowering. However, Sir Ian banned all ess to His Majesty Gale''s residence. From the moment you enter,¡­¡­.¡± Arsene stopped and turned around at his subordinate''sment. Can the eyes of a small child be so harsh? The subordinate remained awkwardly silent and lowered her eyes.. ¡°Other than what I''m asking, please refrain from saying unnecessary things..¡± ¡°So, I apologize..¡± crackling! As I turned down the hallway, the sound of footsteps became increasingly louder due to the marble floor. As they got closer to the shelter, his subordinates became nervous and lowered themselves, but Arsene remained upright.. Strangely, there were no people everywhere the child went. Even though it is now time to meet again. ¡°wait here.¡± ¡°yes. Lowering.¡± Sigh. Arsene winked at his subordinates and went ahead. As soon as I turned the corner, I found myself at Gale''s residence, but I couldn''t hear anyone. One of his subordinates sticks his head out in doubt, but the two guards guarding the door are just looking straight ahead calmly.. Taat. It''s strange and surprising. This was when his men were in hiding waiting for Arsene''s return. An unfamiliar sound was heard from far away.. ¡°No, that''s why I heard it like this?¡± ¡°huh. It wasn''t heavy at all.¡± ¡°Do you want to try? Do it right once?¡± e in. Oh, let''s do it!¡± They were barbarian warriors wearing mats, and they were Cheonryeo. They held their breath even more and lowered their poprity. I don''t know why they are at Gale''s ce.. ¡°hungry. Everyone, let¡¯s stop and eat something..¡± ¡°By the way, where did Beric go? I can''t see this guy. Fall in love.¡± ¡°Oh, wait.¡± The warriors of Cheonryeo were talking to each other, but suddenly stopped for a moment. I sensed a strange energy with my animal-like senses.. They nodded and quietly lowered themselves.. ¡°¡­It smells like a rat..¡± Chapter 200 ¡°Wow¡­¡­.¡± Jinined a little and rubbed his face against the pillow. No matter how much she had learned the rules of the imperial pce, she was no different frommoner children in the morning.. The childy down, opened his eyes slightly, and looked around. Xiaoxi, who was always sitting on the sofa at his feet, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Ian was leaning against the wall, slowly reading something.. Jin knew right away that it was. ¡°Sir Ian?¡± ¡°Are you awake??¡± ¡°¡­Sia is?¡± Ian slightly turned his head at Jin''s call. Judging from the fact that he was putting his fingers between the cracks in the paper, it seemed like he was looking at it carefully rather than simply reading it.. Sir Ian, what on earth are you doing with this children¡¯s book? As Jin blinked dazedly, Ian rang the call bell all the time.. ¡°Xiaoxi had some business to attend to, so I sent him on a brief errand. It wille soon, don''t worry. Instead, how about having breakfast with me today??¡± ¡°I like it so much.¡± rattle- As the bell rang, Jin''s mind felt a little clearer. Soon a servant was called and came running.. ¡°Did you call me??¡± ¡°My uncle coughed. Get ready.¡± ¡°yes. I''ll order dinner soon..¡± Meanwhile, Ian did not let go of the children''s book. Jin was curious and approached Ian. He wondered if he had seen something wrong, but he was right. The portrait of Roberside, Jin''s ancestor and guardian of the Temple of Carbo, was faded from age.. ¡°But why is that?¡± ¡°Sir, you said that whenever you sleep after reading this fairy tale, Roverside always appears in your dreams. They say it''s fun to y with..¡± ¡°It did. Yesterday I went to sleep watching something else, but that''s the case without a single exception..¡± Jin smiled brightly and nodded. ying with Roverside was always fun. Especially when I was staying with Arsene, it felt like the only way out. Ian held up the book and asked. ¡°Can I borrow it for a few days? This is a book that is not even in the imperial library, so I would like to ask for it..¡± There were many books about Roverside, but I couldn''t find the children''s book that Jin had. This is because he published it as a special edition from the Temple of Carbo. Of course, Jin shook his head to give permission.. ¡°Did you like that book too? There''s nothing to ask for. Enjoy your time.¡± ¡°thank you.¡± ¡°Poor Jin. Please eat in the bathroom. We are ready.¡± ¡°huh. okay. Ian, I''ll be right back. eat breakfast together.¡± Jin followed the servants with light steps. The door soon closed, and Ian pulled up a chair and sat down to read the storybook in earnest.. ¡®It''s strange. Is it really a coincidence that Roverside appears in Jin''s dreams every time he reads the book? Isn''t that number too frequent for a fantasy created by a child''s joy??¡¯ And above all, Roverside appeared to me as I read the children''s book. It wasn''t a pleasant situation, with monsters flooding in and trying to kill Arsene.. Ian''s desperate screams were still vivid in his ears.. ¡®A child who should not have been born. kill it!¡¯ Knock knock, Ian patted Roberside¡¯s portrait and looked down. Lastly, Roverside, which sealed the monster, Arsene''s abilities not recorded in history, and the strangeness of the oracle.¡­¡­. A hypothesis popped into Ian''s head, but he couldn''t say it out loud until he had solid evidence.. ¡®If the guess is true, what happened to Arsene in original history? Since Jin is the emperor, there must have been an incident that caused Arsene to fall..¡¯ While Ian was pondering his thoughts, Jin, who had finished preparing breakfast, came running out looking neat. The child held onto Ian''s arm and urged her to eat.. ¡°Sir Ian. Hurry and go to the restaurant. The chef said he caught duck today. uh? But I can''t even see it as Roman..¡± ¡°I went with Xiaoxi..¡± ¡°okay?¡± Jin rolled his eyes left and right and motioned for Ian toe closer. As Ian bent down to listen, Jean whispered a very discreet secret.. ¡°I think Romandro and Vivianna''s child will be a girl. Fortunately, she looks exactly like Vivianna, so she is intelligent and pretty..¡± ¡°where did you hear this?¡± ¡°Roverside told me!¡± Jin''s cheek wells were gently dented. Ian seemed a little surprised, lightly holding her child''s shoulder and looking behind her. The servants quickly bowed their heads and retreated at a slow pace.. ¡°Does Roverside tell you about that??¡± ¡°Not often, very rarely.¡± ¡°Did you tell me anything else??¡± ¡°Umm. Ah, the monster Roberside dealt withst. It wasn''t in the book-¡± Jin fumbled through his memories and took Ian''s hand. Then, carefully, she traced something on the palm of her hand. She seemed to be a text message, but Ian couldn''t understand it because it was his first time seeing it.. ?????? ¡°He said he would write his name like this.¡± ¡°How do you read it?¡± ¡°well. Written on the ground with sticks.¡± As far as Ian knew, it was not a script from a nearby country. Roberside was a person from the beginning of the founding of the nation, so was it used in ancient times? Or is it an illusion created by Jin? While Ian stood still and familiarized himself with the letters, Jin exchanged greetings with passing wizards.. ¡°good morning.¡± ¡°How did you sleep? deterioration.¡± ¡°You have a very nice tie today..¡± ¡°You¡¯re cool too! thank you!¡± The two entered the restaurant. Seats for two prepared at a huge table. It was the moment when Ian was about to sit across from Jin.. Suddenly! Suddenly, the restaurant door opened roughly, and Romandro appeared, drenched in sweat. He was panting heavily and quickly made eye contact with Ian.. ¡°Romandro?¡± ¡°Ji, Jin is also with you..¡± ¡°You said you were going to work? Wee. I had a meal?¡± Unlike Jin, who greeted him warmly, Ian stopped unfolding his napkin and looked at Romandro. Even with Xiaoxi standing behind him. The two men shared theint and held it tightly in their arms.. ¡°Mr. Romandro.¡± ¡°Hey, Ian. Hey, you know.¡± ¡°Take a breather. Xiaoxi. you also.¡± When the people who went to file theint came in looking like that, Ian realized that his fears hade true. The reason the paper was shared was probably to prevent it from being lost all at once. It meant that Romandro felt that much of a threat.. ¡°Close the door, everyone get out..¡± It''s good. Following Ian''s instructions, the servants bowed deeply and left the restaurant. Jin opened his eyes wide and read the atmosphere in an iprehensible situation. Now, it looks like something''s wrong? ¡°what happened?¡± ¡°Huh, huh, huh, it looks like they''re trying to snatch me.¡± Romandro gasped and slumped down in his chair. It''s not a word to use in front of the prince, but there is nothing that adequately expresses this situation.. ¡°Duke Hyman, I haven''t seen him that much, but he''s very mean. I was afraid there might be a problem with the carriage, so I walked. If she hadn''t met Quintana in the middle, her knees would have copsed..¡± If you get kidnapped while riding a carriage, there''s no way. In the end, Romandro chose to walk, met Quintana along the way, separated the two wizards, and returned first.. ¡°The person in charge, Eric Se, was involved in a carriage ident. It probably won''te out sometime today or tomorrow, but the reception staff and the people gathered there are very suspicious..¡± ¡°It''s clunky..¡± Ian moistened his lips with lukewarm water. Although it is crude, it is a somewhat reliable method. It seemed that Hyman''s side was trying to arrange for the general meeting to be held after Arsene''s magic power confirmation ceremony. With only a few days left, direct physical events are most effective.. ¡°And Ian. I think there''s someone from the Hyman family at the Ministry of Magic. The two wizards who went with me earlier were also, ah, what should I say? Should I say it¡¯s cheap??¡± Jin''s eyes widened like a rabbit at Romandro''s whisper. The Ministry of Magic has far fewer personnel than other departments. In addition, the level of wealth is basically high, the self-esteem is strong, and the belief in solidarity is firm.. Nevertheless, if Hyman''s magic was present, how many would there be in the entire imperial pce? It was a part where I felt once again that Hyman was a nobleman above nobles.. ¡°is it so.¡± But Ian nodded slightly as if he had expected it.. ¡°Feeling is not something to be easily ignored. If Romandro feels that way, it''s worth investigating..¡± ¡°You knew that too, right? That''s why they added xiaoshi. If it wasn''t for me, I would have cried because I was scared. really. Vivianna''s face was so glimmering as she was running,!¡± Romandro grabbed Xiaoxi''s shoulder and shook it, groaning. Ian smiled bitterly at his appearance. It''s easy to doubt your opponent, but it''s always difficult to weed out your side.. ¡°Ian, how did you notice? huh?¡± ¡°¡­I just hoped not..¡± Saying that I hoped not. It assumed that reality was not like that. Regardless of the setting of the imperial pce, human life was like that. Ian lightly folded his napkin, remembering Naum¡¯s words.. ¡®your majesty. When three peoplee together, one of them is a traitor and one of them is likely to defect. All that remains is Your Majesty, so please trust only Your Majesty..¡¯ ¡®¡­you?¡¯ ¡®your majesty. Don''t trust me either. Always be skeptical, but keep it around and benefit from it. Trusting always hurts. I don''t want your Majesty to get hurt..¡¯ Why couldn''t I keep that in mind back then? Ian bit her lip lightly as she remembered her nephew Cronie together.. Romandro, Xiaoxi, and Jin watched Ian''s heavy silence. He has a grave expression, but his eyes are deep. I felt a lot of emotions swirling around me.. ¡°Sir Ian?¡± At Jin''s call, Ian raised his head and smiled brightly.. ¡°Are you okay??¡± ¡°it''s okay. It was something I would do at some point..¡± ¡°which¡­¡­?¡± Wizards should not be swayed by personal matters. The strong responsibility thates with strong power. Those who have taken the wizard''s oath should not do so.. Ian waved the bell lightly and ordered the meal to be served.. ring. ¡°Find out what the current status of Eric Se''s representative is. And we will send an official letter to the judiciary, so prepare the documents. When sending someone, send two wizards from different departments. Those who volunteer will not be epted..¡± ¡°yes? Ah, yes yes. All right.¡± ¡°And tell the two wizards who went with Romandro to wait in their respective rooms. We will meet face to face as soon as the meal is over..¡± The servant was taken aback by the sudden order, but itsted only for a moment. He soon went back to deliver Ian''s orders. Romandro asked, gulping down the remaining water.. ¡°Ian. Sildam potion, I guess I should use it?¡± ¡°The Magic Stone Management Department already knows how to neutralize it. If they know, that means other wizards will know too. no trust.¡± Ian held a knife with his right hand and a fork with his left. Then he cut the tomatoes very gracefully. What was one soon bes two, then three again.. ¡°We''ll weed it out in a different way. The Ministry of Magic is one body, so there is no need for anything else inside..¡± Chapter 201 ¡°¡­Mother?¡± Philea was sitting there nkly. Her hair was damp with sweat and tears, sticking to her cheeks, and her palms were soaked in blood. Nersarn, who had followed in from behind, rushed over in surprise. ¡°Philea!¡± The process of the warriors discovering and subduing the intruder wasn¡¯t very long. In that short time, what on earth had happened? Philea looked up at Ian, tears streaming down. She knew it wasn¡¯t her fault, but she feared what impact this would have on Ian. ¡°Ian, I-¡° ¡°Are you all right?¡± Ian knelt on one knee in front of her. Upon close examination of herplexion, her lip was torn. Either Gale or Arsen had struck Philea¡¯s cheek. Realizing this, Nersarn didn¡¯t hide his brutal aura. His sharp jaw became even more prominent, and veins bulged on his temples. He red at the two princes and stood up. His lover, whom he cherished like a wildflower, fearing she might fly away with a single breeze, yet they dared¡­ ¡°Wait, just a moment.¡± Philea grabbed Ian and Nersarn with both hands. What had just happened was so shocking that she had no time to feel the pain of her wound. ¡°I can¡¯t understand it, but His Highness Arsen ordered me to cut his face. Like His Highness Jin¡¯s scar.¡± Nersarn frowned as if it was unpleasant, but Ian quickly examined Arsen. It wasn¡¯t an ordinary scar. Wasn¡¯t it a mark symbolizing the next emperor? The child was slowly getting up, grasping the table. ¡®It¡¯s not there.¡¯ Fortunately, his face was clean. His earlobe was slightly torn from Gale¡¯s attack just now, but his smooth face remained intact. ¡°Ah, I tried not to, but my mind turned white, and I couldn¡¯t refuse. If I had been a littleter, I don¡¯t know. Ian. Ian, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Philea trembled and grabbed Ian¡¯s arm. Her gaze was vivid, hoping this wouldn¡¯t cause problems for him. ¡°Please don¡¯t apologize. You did nothing wrong. And mother. Your son is the Minister of Magic of the great Bariel Empire. Even a prince can¡¯t treat you recklessly. Hold your head high.¡± My mind turned white, and I couldn¡¯t refuse. Ian mulled over Philea¡¯s words as he stood up. He had thought Arsen¡¯s intrusion into Gale¡¯s residence was with the help of an aplice. But Philea¡¯s testimony sounded as if Arsen had used some ability. ¡®Arsen was already in the room. Even though one can¡¯t enter the residence without going through where the guards are stationed.¡¯ p! Just then, a pping sound erupted, and Ian¡¯s thoughts abruptly stopped. Gale had struck Arsen¡¯s cheek. The child, who had barely gotten up staggering, tumbled back again. ¡°Gasp! Your, Your Highness!¡± ¡°Your Highness Gale! You mustn¡¯t!¡± The guards, unable to bear it, rushed over in surprise, but Gale grabbed Arsen¡¯s hair, paying no heed. He may be a convict, but what did it matter? Yank! ¡°I thought you were arrogant and insolent, but I believed you knew your ce. Now I see that¡¯s not the case either. Inside you, sewage is not only rotten but overflowing.¡± ¡°Your Highness! Let go!¡± ¡°This is thest warning! You mustn¡¯t!¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t do this! I beg you!¡± Arsen¡¯s body shook from Gale¡¯s rough grip. The guards had no choice but to draw their swords and shout. Putting aside right and wrong, Arsen was the one closest to being the next heir. They couldn¡¯t let him be beaten like that by the rebel Gale. Arsen, his hair grabbed, giggled and narrowed his eyes. ¡°You should know your ce, brother. You, who lived in Mariv¡¯s shadow all your life! Even if you can¡¯t escape that and die soon! Who are you lecturing!¡± p! ng! As Gale struck his cheek again, the guards thrust their swords forward. That was it. Gale released Arsen¡¯s hair and sat on the edge of the bed. The sudden movement caused pain in his neck and lower back. ¡°Hehe, heh¡­¡± ¡°Yo-Your Highness, are you all right?¡± ¡°Call the doctor! The doctor!¡± As Gale rummaged through the table looking for a cigarette, a warrior approached and handed him a rolled leaf. What he needed now was a sedative, but no one recognized it. Because Arsen, with blood on his lips, had let out a scream. ¡°The kid has gone mad. If he¡¯s the emperor, I¡¯m the emperor¡¯s grandpa.¡± ¡°Shut your mouth.¡± ¡°Who cares? They don¡¯t understand Cheonrye anyway.¡± ¡°Look, look at him. Seems like he¡¯s lost his mind. He keeps grinning.¡± ¡°Did the kid hit Lady Philea? Tsk, damn, I want to smash his head. Only learned bad things.¡± The warriors rambled in Cheonrye. Those so-called princes of the great Bariel Empire were all in that state, so honestly, it was disappointing. Nersarn signaled them to restrain themselves with his eyes but didn¡¯t actively stop them. He, too, was upset by Philea¡¯s wound. ¡°Your Highness Arsen.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ian approached Arsen, waving away the smoke from the leaf. The child blinked and stared up at him intently. ¡°Is it true that youid hands on my mother?¡± ¡°Yes. She spoke insolently despite being amoner, so I did that.¡± What¡¯s the problem? Arsen grinned, but Ian¡¯s gaze was cold. He had seen the malice hidden behind the child¡¯s innocence several times. ¡®Arsen has an ability. Judging from the fact that he hasn¡¯t revealed it until now, it¡¯s not a card that¡¯s entirely beneficial to him. But if we leave it, it will definitely be troublesome, so let¡¯s get rid of it.¡¯ ¡°No one stands alone in the world. Your Highness Arsen. You¡¯ve made a mistake.¡± Swish. Ian turned and looked at Gale. Sitting on the edge of the bed, rolling and smoking the leaf, he exhaled the smoke. The two gazes interlocked. Ian subtly twitched his left eyebrow, signaling. ¡°Ha.¡± Gale let out a lowugh. He had immediately understood what Ian wanted. To kill Arsen, that the only one who could deal with Arsen without repercussions in this situation was Gale, him. ¡°¡­Sir Ian. Didn¡¯t you issue an order prohibiting outsiders from entering my residence?¡± ¡°That is correct.¡± ¡°There are those dying because I¡¯m alive. As the one in charge of handling the chaos in the pce, it¡¯s to eliminate all those conspiring. But I have no idea why Arsen is here.¡± Gale skillfully pointed out the justification. It was their fault for starting it first. His actions implied that the responsibility for the uing tragedyy entirely with Arsen. Ian yed along and slightly bowed his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know either, but¡­¡± ng! Gale snatched the sword from the guard standing beside him. The warriors watched with a whistle inwardly, and the guards stepped back, only ncing nervously. The intention was clear. ¡°Arsen, even if you die here, no one will know the reason.¡± Swish. Gale pointed the sword. His physical condition was a mess, but killing a young child was a piece of cake. The tip of the de followed the child¡¯s chin down to his neck. ¡°Sir Ian.¡± Gale suddenly called out to Ian and stopped. He needed to confirm what woulde to him if he killed Arsen here. First, what he needed most was a postponement of the revocation of the imperial family name. Even if he couldn¡¯t stay in the pce, it was important to at least live outside. If he lived, another opportunity woulde. ¡°Your Highness Gale Berosion, Second Prince. Ask me.¡± Ian called out his full name, understanding his intention. He was quick-witted to the point of being unpleasant. Galeughed irritably and gripped the sword. If you kill, you live. If you want to live, kill. Swish. ¡°Sir Ian.¡± At that moment. Arsen lightly pushed away the de with his fingertips. Blood spurted from the child¡¯s index and middle fingers. ¡°Right now, the rebel is trying to kill me, the 4th Prince, but why is there no stance to protect me at all? I am a body that Bariel cannot do without.¡± ¡°You, Your Highness?¡± Ian questioned as if he truly didn¡¯t know. In what way? Even if that bastard wasn¡¯t there, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem for Bariel¡¯s centuries of glory. Rather, the future Jin would forge would shine even brighter. Zing. Zing. ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°¡­!¡± As Arsen sighed, his blue eyes turned golden. Philea, Nersarn, and even the mere guards knew of that change in his eyes. ¡°I am the body destined to be the first mage emperor.¡± Beyond surprise, it was shocking. Gale unknowingly staggered back. Nersarn¡¯s arm tightly embracing Philea also tensed. They couldn¡¯t understand how the situation was unfolding. ¡°So killing me is killing the Bariel Empire. Ian, you know, right? The depth of the boundless glory a single mage brings.¡± Of course he knew. Wasn¡¯t it solely because he was a mage that a lowborn bastard from the frontier had risen to this position? But a prince in the line of session being a mage. It was a qualification to ascend to the throne, putting everything else aside. The power of a god that surpassed everything, as Ian had been in his previous life. Arsen burst intoughter, constantly giggling. ¡°Sir Ian, you said I made a mistake? Well. I think the mistake is yours. To side with the dull Jin, leaving me like this. Tsk tsk.¡± Everyone turned to Ian. Even Gale couldn¡¯t hide his startled expression. He had watched Arsen since birth until now, but he had never guessed that he possessed the qualities of a mage. ¡°¡­Is this an illusion?¡± ¡°Brother Gale, have you forgotten the blessing of the imperial family? Mind control magic and such don¡¯t work. If you try to kill me, I will also¡­ Cough!¡± Arsen, who had been speaking well, coughed up blood. The clumps of blood he spat out soaked the floor in an instant. In pain, Arsen widened his bloodshot eyes and screamed. Click! ¡°Your Highness! Are you alri- gasp! Are you all right?¡± ¡°Your Highness Arsen! Your Highness!¡± The medical staff rushed in, summoned by the guards. With Gale holding a sword and Arsen copsing while spitting blood, the guards who didn¡¯t know the situation subdued Gale and pressed him onto the bed. ng! Gale¡¯s sword ttered to the floor. Swallowing a painful groan, he stared destely at the door Arsen had left through. If Arsen was truly a mage, no matter what he or Mariv did, they couldn¡¯t have taken the throne. Gale buried his face in the bed as the guards pressed down, wondering what fate was to be so cruel. ¡°Sir Ian.¡± Nersarn cautiously called out to Ian. Asking what they should do now. ¡°¡­The first emperor mage.¡± ¡°Sir Ian?¡± ¡°Haha! Hahaha!¡± Nersarn flinched. Ian wasughing. It was a sincereugh that was too absurd. ¡°¡­This is driving me crazy.¡± In front of the true first emperor mage, he dared to mention that position. A few warriors grabbed the door frame and asked urgently. ¡°Shall we chase after him? If he goes out like that, won¡¯t it really cause problems?¡± Ian shook his head. If Arsen had decided to build the image of an emperor mage, there was a high possibility his close aides were also aware of this situation. If something happened to Arsen, it would be a misstep for Ian. Rather, it was fortunate he didn¡¯t die at Gale¡¯s hands. ¡®The first mage from the imperial family. Both propositions are wrong. History told me. That I was the first.¡¯ Based on the history Ian knew, it couldn¡¯t be. If what Arsen had shown just now was mana in many ways¡­ ¡®It means he¡¯s not a person of the imperial family.¡¯ Chapter 202 Chapter 202 ¡°Big trouble, big trouble!¡± Bang! The assistant, rushing into the Prime Minister¡¯s office, slipped and fell sideways. How could someone who usually didn¡¯t even breathe loudly make such a fuss? Not only the Prime Minister but also all the high-ranking officials gathered for the report turned their heads in astonishment. Among them was Quintana. ¡°Compose yourself.¡± The Prime Minister took off his sses and reprimanded him. The documents were already in a mess, and his mind was in turmoil. Unless the Imperial Pce had copsed, decorum had to be maintained. Those gathered here were the elite among the elite. ¡°Gale, His Highness Gale has harmed His Highness Arsen. Fortunately, his life is not in danger, but he is currently unconscious and has been carried away.¡± ¡°What? His Highness Gale harmed His Highness Arsen?¡± ¡°How? Isn¡¯t His Highness Gale currently undergoing treatment in his residence? Did he go outside?¡±Treatment disguised as confinement, not confinement. Even they couldn¡¯t approach him on Ian¡¯s orders, so they didn¡¯t know how Gale and Arsen had met. In response to Quintana¡¯s question, the assistant shook his head. ¡°No. It seems that His Highness Arsen entered His Highness Gale¡¯s pce. The request for medical personnel came from there.¡± ¡°Ahem. Oh my. Haha. Why would he do that?¡± ¡°Indeed. Well, let¡¯s wrap up the meeting and go check on them.¡± Some officials rolled their eyes and cleared their throats. They supported Arsen. Since Arsen had allied with Hayman, it was clear that he had tried to eliminate Gale for his sake. It was an incident with a clear cause and effect. As they were organizing their documents, the assistant stammered and delivered the most important matter. ¡°His Highness Arsen is a mana user.¡± Everyone froze. As if time had frozen, someone was bent over, someone had half-worn their coat. tter, someone¡¯s teacup overflowed as they were lost in thought. ¡°What, what did you just say?¡± ¡°His Highness Arsen used mana!¡± ¡°His Highness Arsen¡­¡­¡± ¡°Used mana¡­¡­¡± It was indeed a rare sight to see the Empire¡¯s leading figures with the same expression simultaneously. They muttered over and over that they couldn¡¯t understand, and then fell silent. But only for a moment. Bang! tter tter! ¡°Ouch, it hurts.¡± ¡°Excuse me, excuse me. Just a moment.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go out first. Take your timeing.¡± ¡°Prime Minister. Let¡¯s discuss this matter againter.¡± ¡°Outside! The carriage! Have the carriage ready! Hurry!¡± Those who had grasped the situation quickly got up. If Arsen was a mana user, it was a sure victory without evenpeting with Jin. In a situation where the authority of the Minister of Magic had already be excessive, this was like the sound of a trumpet on the battlefield. A trumpet heralding victory. ¡°If His Highness Arsen is a mage, this is!¡± ¡°It¡¯s God¡¯s will. It couldn¡¯t be more perfect. It will simultaneously keep the Ministry of Magic in check, so we¡¯re saved.¡± ¡°Go to Lady Dina right away. It¡¯s not His Highness Jin but His Highness Arsen who is the sessor. Damn it, damn it!¡± Those who had pledged their loyalty to Jin rushed to Dina, while those who had rallied around Hayman put their heads together and discussed their future path. ¡°Since they tried to harm His Highness Arsen, let¡¯s execute Gale immediately. There¡¯s no need to go to trial like Mariv. This is our opportunity.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. That would be best.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go! Hurry!¡± Somehow, they all seemed to be moving more urgently than when the rebellion broke out. Quintana swallowed a sigh and organized his documents. ¡°You¡¯re not going?¡± ¡°I am a person who calctes taxes. Even if His Highness Arsen is injured, what can I do?¡± ¡°You may not be able to do anything, but you can think about it. What do you think about His Highness Arsen being a mana user?¡± At the Prime Minister¡¯s question, Quintana let out a small sigh. She thought of Jin, who had attended the grand council. It was heartbreaking to think that the child who had been abandoned by his mother would now be abandoned by the officials. ¡°¡­If His Highness Arsen is a mana user, it is a blessing for the Empire and a joyous asion.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t understand well.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t understand?¡± Creak. The Prime Minister answered with silence and also left the office. He would go to Ian to grasp the exact situation. Quintana was left alone, holding his forehead. ¡°¡­Damn it.¡± For some reason, Jin¡¯s expression as he tightly held her hand was vivid. If Arsen ascended to the position of sessor, Jin would naturally be a target for elimination, wouldn¡¯t he? In the power struggle, defeat meant death. Jin would die by his mother, die by his subjects, and die by the throne. Quintana had to stay in her seat for quite a long time. *** ¡°Xiaoshi, this is your name.¡± ¡°Xiao, shi.¡± ¡°Yes. Try writing it once. You have a calm personality, so your handwriting is straight. I¡¯ll teach Beric too when he wakes up. You should keep your own name close to your heart as you live.¡± Jin was teaching Xiaoshi how to write his name. Although Xiaoshi had lived as a ve all his life, he was sharp and quick to grasp whatever he was taught. As the two were studying together, the outside became noisy. It was as if something had happened, and mages were running around here and there. Tap tap! ¡°Did I hear that right just now?¡± ¡°I heard Ian is leaving His Highness Gale¡¯s pce right now. Since he¡¯s finishing up there anding, he told the heads of each department to gather in advance. Get moving. Orders will be given as soon as he arrives.¡± ¡°In all my life, I¡¯ve never heard such news, oh!¡± ¡°Then what happens now?¡± When Ian¡¯s name was mentioned, Jin and Xiaoshi simultaneously pricked up their ears. The sound of mages running down the corridor faded, but thest conversation was clearly heard. ¡°If His Highness Arsen is a mana user, he will join this side. We can¡¯t be divided among the few mages.¡± ¡°Shit, really. Especially Ian will be in the most difficult position.¡± Thud, Jin felt his heart drop to the floor. Did he hear wrong? Arsen is a mana user? The child looked at Xiaoshi with a greatly shaken gaze. As if begging him to deny it. But Xiaoshi also had a clearly surprised expression. ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± ¡°Arsen, a mana user¡­¡­¡± The child muttered as he put down the pen. It was unbelievable. They were twins born on the same day, so how could Arsen have everything? He took their mother¡¯s love and also took God¡¯s glory. Is that all? Those who supported Jin, Ian¡¯s loyalty would also be taken. Everything, the brother who takes everything is now terrifying. Jin doesn¡¯t know why Arsen shakes his fate so much. ¡°Haa.¡± Jin covered his face with his hands. His heart ached as it tightened. When you realize that the opponent you have to face is an insurmountable existence, a terrible feeling of helplessness pervades your whole body. And at the end of it, there is sadness. Jin wept, tears streaming down. ¡°¡­Ian told me not to cry.¡± What should he do? Arsen might already make Ian doubt Jin¡¯s qualities, and if he sees Jin crying, it would be a disgrace. Jin kept wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, but his tears were like a never-ending sea. ¡°I will cover my eyes and ears.¡± It was Xiaoshi¡¯s constion that he wouldn¡¯t look or listen, so Jin could cry as much as he wanted. The child quietly shed tears, staring into the void. ¡®Now I want to win, I don¡¯t want anything more taken away from me.¡¯ Only that resolution echoed in Jin¡¯s mind like an echo in the void. He suddenly jumped up from his seat and ran out the door. Xiaoshi followed right behind him. Tap tap! ¡°Oh my, Your Highness Jin?¡± ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯ll fall.¡± ¡°Be careful!¡± Jin ran through the mages. Frantically, he ran only looking at the entrance of the main building of the Ministry of Magic. In the distance, Ian got out of the carriage and was climbing the stairs. He was discussing something with Romandro, no different than usual. The only difference would be that mages surrounded him, asking about Arsen. ¡°Ian!¡± ¡°Your Highness?¡± At Jin¡¯s sudden call, Ian looked up in surprise. The child seemed to have made up his mind, his mouth tightly shut. He then ran down, almost rolling, and grabbed Ian¡¯s sleeve. The mages standing around reached out their hands, worried that Jin might fall. Whoosh! ¡°Oh dear, Your Highness, it¡¯s dangerous!¡± ¡°What if you get hurt!¡± ¡°Ian, listen carefully.¡± But Jin didn¡¯t care and looked straight up into Ian¡¯s eyes. Due to the stairs, their eye levels roughly matched. ¡°I heard Arsen is a mana user.¡± ¡°The news reaches you very quickly, Your Highness.¡± Ian nodded slightly with a faint smile. He realized what Jin was trying to do. ¡°Arsen and I are twins who share everything. If that child is a mana user, I may also awaken at any time. So don¡¯t judge hastily.¡± It was a strategy of persuasion, enticement, and maintaining power. Although clumsy and crude, Jin¡¯s intention was clearly that. Ian held the child¡¯s hand as if telling him to keep trying. ¡°Mo-moreover, if Arsen joins the Ministry of Magic, your position will naturally be difficult. So, so¡­¡­¡± ¡°So?¡± ¡°It would be better to stick with me than Arsen.¡± ¡°Is that so? If His Highness Arsen is a mana user, it¡¯s a joyous asion for the Empire. Doesn¡¯t it mean God¡¯s will dwells in the Imperial Family?¡± At Ian¡¯s retort, Jin bit his lip hard. By then, Romandro and his subordinates also stepped back and observed Jin. Isn¡¯t the little Emperor now fighting for his position for the first time? ¡°That doesn¡¯t necessarily guarantee the best future. The former Emperors who led the Great Revival of Variel were not mages. And if Arsen is a mage, you will be as disappointed as I am.¡± ¡°It seems you have a way.¡± At Ian¡¯s question, Jin nced at the people around him. Then they all deliberately stepped back and lowered their heads. They wouldn¡¯t listen, so he could unfold his n as much as he wanted. Jin whispered softly so that only Ian could hear. ¡°Falsely announce that I am also a mana user. Since we are twins, everyone will easily believe it. As a result, I can rival Arsen, and you gain a weakness of mine, so no one loses.¡± Bold. That¡¯s why it seemed even more clear how desperate Jin was. Ian patted the child¡¯s shoulder andughed brightly. ¡°Excellent.¡± It was rough, immature, and still had a long way to go, but for a first attempt, it was a very high-level move. Jin blinked at Ian¡¯s praise. ¡°However, lies breed lies. If it bes too much to handle, it will strangle your own neck. It¡¯s better to deal with lies indirectly rather than directly.¡± ¡°¡­Ian?¡± ¡°It¡¯s better to see for yourself than to hear it. His Highness Arsen will probably show you personally. What is the end of those who evade with lies. For now, shall we go in? Your Highness. The wind is cold.¡± Ian held Jin¡¯s hand and jerked his head towards the top of the stairs. Arsen will show the end of those who evade with lies? That means¡­¡­ ¡®Arsen is lying?¡¯ Jin looked up at Ian in confusion but couldn¡¯t meet his gaze again. Arriving at the main building, they immediately entered the conference room. The heads of each department, including Akore and Captain Hale, were all waiting. Given the gravity of the matter, the atmosphere was heavy. Creak. ¡°Minister. You¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Everyone, sit down.¡± ¡°I heard His Highness Arsen used mana, is it true?¡± ¡°Well, aha, oh my. How did this happen¡­¡­¡± Everyone couldn¡¯t hold back and poured out questions, and Ian calmly took off his robe and nodded. ¡°His Highness Arsen did use mana.¡± ¡°Damn it, shit!¡± ¡°We will hold a mana confirmation ceremony soon, so prepare quickly. The Light of the Oracle? Is it currently in the Imperial Pce?¡± ¡°Ah. No. We returned it to the Neanil Temple after using it at the New Year¡¯s party. We will request it again.¡± ¡°No. This time, have it brought from the Carbo Temple.¡± ¡°What? Carbo?¡± The Carbo Temple was the temple on Jin and Arsen¡¯s maternal side. They didn¡¯t understand why he wanted it brought from there when there was a nearby temple. ¡°And order the priests who received the oracle when the twin Highnesses were born to bring it themselves. This is an official order from the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Understood.¡± ¡°And the doctor who was in charge of the delivery.¡± He probably resided in the center of Variel. A series of unrted investigation orders were given,pletely unrted to Arsen¡¯s disy of mana. ¡°Bring that doctor to me as well.¡± ¡°¡­Yes. Minister.¡± Ian smiled brightly at Jin, who looked puzzled. If Arsen¡¯s mana is real, he is destined topletely disappear from the Imperial Family¡¯s history. ¡®Please endure a little, Your Highness Jin. You can regain everything Arsen took away from you.¡¯ If the mana isn¡¯t real, he¡¯ll have to exin what he showed. Since most mana, not magic, has an unknown origin, it will copse in an instant. Chapter 203 Chapter 203 ¡°Arsen!¡± Dina embraced Arsen, aghast. The unconscious child¡¯s body swayed limply. She wiped his face, a mess from coughing up blood, with the back of her hand and sobbed continuously. His whole body was cold and stiff, like someone about to die. ¡°How, how is this? How is Arsen like this? Huh?¡± At the mother¡¯s wailing, the doctor wiped away cold sweat. Although he didn¡¯t know the reason, Arsen had gone to see Gale and had been harmed as a result. The guards reported that Gale had grabbed Arsen and thrown him. ¡°Gale?¡± ¡°Lady Dina, please step aside for a moment.¡± ¡°This, aaah! Gale, that bastard!¡± ¡°What are you all doing? Hurry and escort Lady Dina!¡± ¡°This way, pleasee this way, Lady Dina.¡±The attendants barely managed to support Dina and separate her from Arsen. Ever since entering the pce, she had lived watching the grown princes, fearing for her life. The days of surviving by the Emperor¡¯s side to protect her son shed by. But in the end, Mariv and Gale were harming her sons. Gale harmed Arsen, and Mariv harmed Jin¡­¡­ At that moment. Bang! ¡°Your Highness Arsen!¡± ¡°Is His Highness a little better?¡± ¡°Lady Dina, I heard the news. Is it true?¡± ¡°Oh my, oh, with that small body, what is there to find fault with. Tsk tsk. His Highness Gale is truly cruel.¡± Officials rushed in, causing amotion. They assessed the situation, seeing Arsen lying on the bed and Dina sitting on the floor. ¡°Lady Dina. Is it true?¡± ¡°¡­Yes. It¡¯s true.¡± Gale had harmed Arsen, and Dina had confirmed that, but the officials understood differently. They thought it was a definitive answer that Arsen was indeed a mana user. ¡°It¡¯s a joyous asion. Joyous. We¡¯re saved now!¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°We mustn¡¯t miss this opportunity. Let¡¯s execute His Highness Gale right away. He attacked Arsen, a mana user and a strong candidate for session, as a traitor. Isn¡¯t this equivalent to two rebellions?¡± ¡°Exactly! He has rebelled against Variel twice!¡± ¡°I agree. Let¡¯s kill him immediately.¡± ¡°I heard that Ian has stationed barbarians. It will be difficult to break through with force, so we must push with justification. Even Ian won¡¯t be able to easily refuse.¡± ¡°No, wait a moment. Everyone¡­¡­¡± Dina hesitated in confusion. Arsen is a mana user? She had always been with him, but she had never noticed any signs of it. She wished someone would exin it clearly, but the officials were only listing ns to behead Gale, getting carried away among themselves. ¡°By the way, isn¡¯t the Ministry of Magic even sending healing mages? His Highness Arsen has fainted like that, so this is not right.¡± ¡°They seem to be too busy protecting their own puppy. What was it called? Didn¡¯t that swordsman Berice half-dead and gather all the healing mages?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that he shed with Hayman outside.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I heard an arrest warrant was issued.¡± Creak. ¡°Ian Hiel, the Minister of Magic, is entering!¡± ¡°Eek!¡± The officials who were chattering about Ian were startled and covered their mouths. What if he heard? Although the attendant had given a signal, he was a mage. He was someone who could make his voice heard throughout Variel from where he sat, so one never knew. ¡°Ian, Ian.¡± ¡°Why are you all gathered here?¡± ¡°No, well, we were worried because we heard His Highness Arsen had copsed. Ahem.¡± There were familiar faces everywhere. With the same mouths that had pledged loyalty to Jin just a few days ago, they now worried about Arsen¡¯s well-being. Ian smiled and entered. The doctor recognized Ian, stood up, and greeted him. ¡°Ah, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°His Highness¡¯s condition?¡± ¡°In my opinion, there are no major issues. He did cough up blood, but, well, I don¡¯t know. In any case, it would be best to continue examinations over time. He seems a bit fatigued.¡± He coughed up blood, but there¡¯s no physical problem? Then it¡¯s definitely an abnormal reaction. At Ian¡¯s nod, the healing mages parted to the left and right and examined Arsen. They checked his pulse with their fingertips and muttered. ¡°If the body can¡¯t handle mana, it can bleed. Previously, you experienced that too, Lord Ian.¡± After confronting Mariv, Ian had also coughed up blood. What Arsen had shown was merely an ¡®opening¡¯, but given the child¡¯s fragile body, it was a sufficient possibility. ¡°We want to take a closer look by injecting mana into his body. Lady Dina. Please give us permission.¡± ¡°The, the healing mages?¡± At the officials¡¯ question from behind, Ian frowned. It was an unspoken warning not to add any nonsense. No matter how much he was up against Arsen, as the Minister of Magic, he had to do what needed to be done. ¡°I, I grant permission.¡± When Dina nodded, the healing mages exchanged nces with Ian. It meant they would carry out Ian¡¯s order. ¡®Inject mana and see how he reacts.¡¯ Those with mana react in some way. This was true not only for mages but also for swordsmen. Just as Ian had released mana to discern Beric¡¯s identity, this time the healing mages would do the same. Zzing. Zing. The moment the two were about to inject mana into Arsen. p! Arsen, with his eyes closed, caught the mage¡¯s wrist. It was like sleep-talking. The only difference was that his physical reaction was surprisingly fast. ¡°¡­Mother.¡± ¡°Arsen, Arsen! Are youing to your senses?¡± The child called out to his mother, squeezing his voice. Dina pushed the mage away and hugged Arsen. A lifeless gaze. Arsen stared nkly at the ceiling and muttered. ¡°When Gale was trying to harm me, Ian wasplicit. Give him to the beast. I¡¯m scared, Mother.¡± ¡°¡­Ian!¡± As soon as she heard those words, Dina raised her eyes and turned to Ian. Her momentum was considerable, as if she would rush at him at any moment, but Ian nonchntly countered. ¡°When His Highness Gale deliberately attacked, it was troublesome. That¡¯s why I issued the no-contact order, isn¡¯t it? I don¡¯t know for what reason you entered, so if you give me an answer, I will also have something to say.¡± Didn¡¯t he enter Gale¡¯s residence to kill him? From Gale¡¯s position, he only tried to kill someone who was trying to kill him, so there¡¯s no problem at all. And the one who vited the safety guidelines was Arsen, so Ian also had no responsibility for this incident. ¡°No, no matter what, His Highness Gale went too far! This cannot be overlooked, so I request his immediate execution!¡± ¡°That, that¡¯s right. His brutal nature is a disgrace to the Imperial Family!¡± ¡°Ian, dismiss the barbarians, no, the Cheonrye tribe you have stationed, and execute Gale at once.¡± The officials pressured Ian, thinking this was their chance. They attacked with bloodshot eyes, a pitiful sight. Dull people who think that if they rely on the power of numbers without considering the consequences, it will be enforced. What enlightened them was a very small refusal. ¡°I do not permit it.¡± ¡°What? Why?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re defending His Highness Gale?¡± Ian took out his pocket watch and checked the time. It had only been about four hours since the city gates had opened. While Beric was being disgracefully torn apart and Arsen was seeping through that gap, countless people hade and gone through the gates. ¡°The closed city gates have just opened. The people of the Empire, who were anxious about what might happen to the Imperial Pce and Variel, have just been reassured and are entering. And in the midst of this, we¡¯re going to execute His Highness Gale? Do you think it makes sense?¡± ¡°No, well, no matter what¡­¡­¡± ¡°No matter what, no means no. Given the current situation, all procedures must be respected. And above all, isn¡¯t the trial of His Highness Mariv scheduled four days from now? The execution will take ce at the same time, so we¡¯re going to execute His Highness Gale first? There¡¯s no such thing as rushing like this.¡± But if you really want to do it, go ahead. However, he would oppose it, and this would someday be a w in their administrative power. That¡¯s what Ian was saying. ¡°And a week from now, we will hold a simple mana confirmation ceremony. Lady Dina. Please keep that in mind and take good care of His Highness Arsen.¡± ¡°A week from now?¡± ¡°Since he ims to be a mana user, it is the Ministry of Magic¡¯s duty to respond. We have requested the Light of the Oracle. We will proceed simply as soon as it arrives.¡± As soon as he heard the words ¡°Light of the Oracle,¡± Arsen frowned. He clung to his mother and whined with a tearful voice. ¡°Mother. I don¡¯t want to do it.¡± ¡°Arsen?¡± ¡°It hurts when I use mana. That¡¯s why I couldn¡¯t tell anyone until now. It¡¯s not that I was trying to hide it. I was worried that this might be a burden to you, Mother.¡± If he¡¯s a mana user, it would instantly turn the tide, so why would he think that? When Dina stroked the back of the child¡¯s head in puzzlement, Arsen added. ¡°Look. Isn¡¯t Ian¡¯s attitude much sharper now that I¡¯m a mana user? Even Gale tried to kill me. Mother. I¡¯m scared.¡± Look at this? Ian slightly raised his eyebrows and looked down at Arsen. It would be advantageous to prove that he is a mana user right away and establish his position, so why is he acting like that? ¡°Unlike the New Year¡¯s party, only a few will attend. The Light of the Oracle reacts even to the smallest power, so there¡¯s no need to consider it a strain.¡± He¡¯s caught. The more Arsen tries to avoid it, the more Ian will push. When the priest arrives with the Light of the Oracle, Jin¡¯s misaligned fate will also be straightened out. Ian made sure Arsen couldn¡¯t escape. ¡°Or, Your Highness, did you perhaps use tricks with lies?¡± ¡°Reckless and impudent! Ian!¡± ¡°Watch your words! His Highness is a mana user!¡± ¡°Falsely iming to be a mana user is a grave crime of sphemy against the sacred, fraud, and given His Highness¡¯s status, deception against Variel. Your Highness, it¡¯s not toote, so if you have something to say, please do so. I will personally listen.¡± It was a mockery disguised as kindness, and Arsen red at Ian, keeping his mouth shut. Dina also frowned, finding it insulting. ¡°Your Highness?¡± The conviction that it¡¯s not mana. Even if it is mana, Arsen is a person who will disappear from history, so there¡¯s nothing to fear. Either way, there¡¯s nothing for Ian to be wary of. Instead of answering, Arsen hid in his mother¡¯s arms, and Dina stepped forward and dismissed Ian. ¡°For now, please leave. Arsen¡¯s physical condition is not very good, so rest is the priority. Take your mages with you as well.¡± Since Ian¡¯s intentions were unclear, even the healing mages couldn¡¯t be trusted. It was a resolute order of expulsion. The mages bowed at the waist and left the room. Ian was the same. He carefully observed the officials again and warned. ¡°It¡¯s a week from now. Your Highness.¡± So take good care of yourself. Ian bid farewell and disappeared. The officials also moved to the next reception room to discuss countermeasures. The bedroom that became quiet in an instant. Arsen, still in Dina¡¯s arms, asked. ¡°Mother. Were you surprised?¡± ¡°A little.¡± ¡°Actually, I found out not long ago. I wasn¡¯t trying to hide it. I was worried that this might be a burden to you, Mother.¡± If he¡¯s a mana user, it would instantly turn the tide, so why would he think that? When Dina stroked the back of the child¡¯s head in puzzlement, Arsen added. ¡°Look. Isn¡¯t Ian¡¯s attitude much sharper now that I¡¯m a mana user? Even Gale tried to kill me. Mother. I¡¯m scared.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. Arsen. I will protect you.¡± ¡°What if Galees to kill me?¡± What if? What if hees this way? Arsen¡¯s voice strongly echoed in Dina¡¯s mind. She was overwhelmed withpassion and couldn¡¯t hold back her tears. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Mother, Mother will take care of it. I¡¯ll make sure Gale can¡¯t harm you, I¡¯ll take care of it.¡± Dina whispered, hugging Arsen. Unlike the mother¡¯s affectionate expression, Arsen¡¯s eyes were devoid of light. He was gauging the week Ian had warned about. ¡®A week¡­¡­¡¯ If it¡¯s the nearest temple, it shouldn¡¯t take that long, so why did he say a week? Arsen frowned, tapping his fingernails. If this continues, things might get a little difficult. Chapter 204 Chapter 204 The Imperial Pce waspletely engulfed in sunset. Lights came on everywhere, and the footsteps of those who had been moving busily also became calmer. However, they never stopped. For them, the distinction between day and night was meaningless for the time being, and the opening of the city gates was one of the processes of returning to daily life. Now they had barely passed through one gate. Ian was the same. tter. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a list of policy measures to regte the Hayman family. Quintana, the Deputy Minister of Administration, and their subordinate departments actively cooperated to readjust it. They¡¯ll collect more taxes, no, I mean impose more. Since there¡¯s a lot to impose, they weed it with open arms.¡± ¡°What about other departments?¡± ¡°Hmm, surprisingly, the Ministry of Culture also shows a clear will. Apparently, the Hayman family owns quite a few cultural artifacts.¡± ¡°Have items 4 and 5 been supplemented as well?¡±Ian flipped through Romandro¡¯s report, pressing the bridge of his nose. In the corner of therge round table, Akore was sprawled out, sleeping as if she had passed out. Hale, sitting next to her, was also mechanically chewing on a sandwich, but it was clear from his expression that he had no appetite and was shoving it in to survive. After ncing at them, Ian habitually tapped the leather folder. It meant to get a grip. ¡°Ah, awo. Sswup.¡± ¡°Eat this and get a grip.¡± As Akore wiped her drool with her eyes closed, Hale shoved the sandwich into her mouth. She seemed quite physically exhausted. ¡°After the execution of Prince Mariv, we will formally propose it at the grand council. Prepare and send a summons for the Hayman family to attend. And the list of central nobles who were not involved in this incident?¡± ¡°Here it is.¡± The financial lifeline held by the Hayman family is a river flowing through Variel. How can they fill up the river just by keeping them in check? However, the first and quickest way was to change the owner. Ian carefully examined the list of nobles and muttered. ¡°Serro¡­¡­¡± The Serro family. Ian remembered the young Serro he had met at the New Year¡¯s party. He was the first noble Ian had a conversation with and was also with him when Beric exploded while dueling Jeirutt. The family itself was not a ce of high authority, but as far as Ian remembered, it was a family that remained unscathed and maintained its position without any issues even a hundred yearster. ¡®Just right to be used appropriately.¡¯ How many families are pushed from the center to the outskirts? The fact that they maintained that position for a hundred years itself proved a certain level of trust. Either they rode the tide well, or they kept their bnce well enough not to be swayed by the flow. It had to be one of the two, and in Ian¡¯s judgment, the Serro family belonged to the former. Because their power was too insignificant to maintain bnce. ¡°Captain Akore.¡± ¡°Hup, yes yes, I wasn¡¯t sleeping.¡± ¡°Please prepare a sample of the Siltam potion formercialization by tomorrow.¡± ¡°How, how many? I think five would be the maximum.¡± ¡°That should be enough.¡± Romandro nodded, meticulously recording Ian¡¯s instructions. It seemed he was thinking of bringing in Serro as a temporary shield against Hayman. Hale scratched his head and asked. ¡°¡­As a meat shield?¡± ¡°You could say that.¡± Ian smiled brightly and closed the folder. No matter how high and mighty, Hayman was a noble. To deal with a noble, he needed a piece in the right position. ¡°Fundamentally, it¡¯s a confrontation between His Highness Jin and His Highness Arsen. However, if the Imperial Pce directly pressures Hayman, there is a concern that this will spread into a conflict of interests between the Imperial Family and the nobility. It¡¯s to prevent other nobles who were observing from supporting Hayman just because of the name ¡®noble¡¯.¡± Although Arsen and Dina are also holding out, it was clear that Ian had seized the real power in the Imperial Pce. Oppressing a noble, especially the dominant Hayman among them, doesn¡¯t it imply that other nobles may also be treated the same way? That¡¯s why Serro is put in ce of the Imperial Pce as the subject. ¡°What if Serro refuses?¡± ¡°Hmm, then next we¡¯ll move on to Heiscanen and Deven in that order.¡± He had set up alternatives, but Ian thought Serro would ept the proposal. Because standing up to someone implied having equal power to them. It¡¯s an opportunity to expand the family with the help of the Imperial Pce, so there¡¯s no way they would give it up. At that moment, the sound of footsteps outside. Knock knock. ¡°Lord Ian. The doctor has arrived.¡± ¡°Doctor? Has Beric woken up?¡± Ian asked as he got up from his seat, but Romandro immediately shook his head. ¡°No. Well, it¡¯s probably the doctor who delivered the twin Highnesses. The doctor who came in from outside, right?¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°I heard he opened a small clinic and has been living there after leaving the pce. It seems he came as soon as he received the order to enter the pce. It¡¯s faster than expected.¡± ¡°Let him in.¡± Creak. With Ian¡¯s permission, the door opened. The doctor seemed to have difficulty moving and tried to enter with the support of his disciple. When Ian stood up as if to greet him, the doctor bowed his head with difficulty. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Gabid, the doctor.¡± ¡°Wee. Thank you foring all this way. I¡¯m Ian Hiel, the Minister of Magic. Please have a seat.¡± ¡°Lord Ian, then we¡¯ll be going.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll review the documents again. Call us.¡± With the arrival of the guest, Hale and Akore tidied up the documents and left the room, as if it was perfect timing since they wanted to lie down and sleep. Ian gestured to close the door tightly and looked at the doctor. ¡°Gabid?¡± ¡°Yes. Minister.¡± ¡°Is it true that you were in charge of Lady Dina¡¯s delivery? I¡¯m asking if you¡¯re the doctor who brought His Highness Jin and His Highness Arsen into the world. This is a crucial matter, so if there¡¯s even the slightest doubt, we will use the Siltam potion. Answer with this in mind.¡± Ian deliberately showed a slightly coercive attitude. For some reason, the doctor was tooposed. As if he had foreseen everything, from bringing up an incident that happened ten years ago to summoning him back to the pce. As he said that, Ian carefully observed the doctor¡¯splexion. ¡°Yes. I will answer with all my heart. You may use the Siltam potion. My memory is one, so what I can say is also one. I brought Arsen and His Highness Jin into the world. Please ask.¡± ¡°You must know about the oracle.¡± ¡°¡­Of course.¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s not always correct, but it does have a certain level of possibility. However, looking at it these days, it seems strange. Is it true that His Highness Arsen came out first? I¡¯m asking if the one you took out and named as the older brother is really Arsen. Speak as you remember the situation at that time.¡± He was silent for a moment, weighing his memories. Then slowly, he began to talk about that day. Although it had been ten years, the doctor seemed to remember everything, including the weather, atmosphere, and minor details of that day. ¡°So, I suddenly received a call in the middle of the night. The midwife was asking for help. She said the baby wasn¡¯ting out strangely.¡± It was raining. The wheels cutting through the muddy water, the sound of rain hitting the windows, the attendants busily moving back and forth in front of the bedroom. And Dina¡¯s screams of pain¡­¡­ Ian drew each image one by one while sipping tea. ¡°When I went to see for myself, the condition was serious, so Lady Dina¡¯s face was pale, and she gradually lost strength and even fainted. If left as it was, both the mother and the baby were in danger, so I finally decided to take up the knife. At that moment, a priest spoke.¡± ¡°Priest?¡± ¡°It was a priest dispatched from the Carbo Temple to attend to Lady Dina. He said an oracle had been given. He said the younger brother would kill the older brother, so we should hurry and take out the baby.¡± The mother¡¯s condition was critical, so there was no choice. The surgery was performed immediately, and the doctor couldn¡¯t forget the moment he took out the head of the baby he saw for the first time. ¡°One of the twins was tightly grasping the neck of the other. This will be recorded as well.¡± ¡°I saw that too. But is that possible?¡± ¡°It was the first time I saw it myself. They said it was a monoamniotic twin delivery. It¡¯s notmon, and there are hardly any cases even abroad. But¡­¡­¡± Even that was an amazing experience, but the doctor had an even more surprising experience. ¡°The baby whose neck was being held had its eyes open.¡± Usually, babies open their eyes about two dayster, but the baby had its eyes wide open and was looking at the doctor. That expressionless gaze was so eerie that the doctor shook his head and muttered. ¡°Without crying, it just kept, kept looking at me like that. Later, when I took out the second baby, it finally started crying. As if asking me to look at it. It cried so hard, as if¡­¡­¡± The words ¡®it didn¡¯t seem human¡¯ rose to the doctor¡¯s throat. But he restrained himself and continued. ¡°Everything is recorded as it is. Although their lives were in danger, both of them were born safely, and Lady Dina also recovered quickly.¡± ¡°Do you remember the name of the priest from the Carbo Temple who delivered the oracle?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know the name, but it was a woman with many freckles.¡± Why would the doctor know the name of the priest? It¡¯s unfortunate, but since he heard about the appearance, he could notice if the Carbo Temple sent someone else. As Ian was having tea, the doctor added. ¡°And that day, I¡­ almost made a big mistake.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°After taking out the first baby, I tried to take out the second baby, but I felt so dizzy. It was a bit humid and hot that day, but it was to the extent that it could be considered an abnormal reaction. So, by mistake, I almost burned the face of the second baby.¡± ¡°¡­¡­!¡± The doctor confessed to Ian with a repentant heart. Fortunately, the person assisting next to him held his hand, otherwise, it would have been a really big problem. He said he almost misused the knife due to the baby¡¯s cry that suddenly burst out in the silence. If it hadn¡¯t ended with just an injury, it would have given death to the baby. ¡®Perhaps, is it Jin¡¯s fate?¡¯ A fate that cannot avoid bearing the mark of the Emperor. A fate that seemed to have escaped due to Arsen¡¯s cry, but had to be scarred again. Ian tapped the table. ¡®Abnormal reaction¡­¡­¡¯ Perhaps, from that moment, Arsen? Didn¡¯t Philea also say she felt dizzy and her mind was hazy? The doctor sighed deeply, clenching both hands tightly. ¡°Because the incident at that time was a bit shocking, I left the pce and have been providing other treatments. I no longer assist in deliveries.¡± Silence fell with his words. Tap tap, Ian noticed a small noiseing from somewhere. It was raining. Just like the day Jin and Arsen were born. Bang bang! Boom! ¡°Lord Ian!¡± The urgent voice of someone running down the corridor. Romandro opened the door at the knock asking to be let in. He seemed to havee from the Imperial Guard. His desperate expression was drenched. With tears or rainwater, it was hard to tell. ¡°A, a body was found on the outskirts of the center. They¡¯re asking for identification, so Captain Jeirutt went first. He told me to inform Lord Ian just in case¡­¡­¡± Jeirutt went? Then that means¡­¡­ ¡°Are you saying Barsabe is dead?¡± ¡°I, I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s Barsabe or not. The body is too mutted. What should we do? I heard you were looking for evidence rted to the ck armor¡­¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go right away.¡± Ian got up, gathering his clothes. Barsabe is dead? Somehow it was hard to believe, so he felt like he had to see it with his own eyes. Chapter 205 Chapter 205 Hiiing! The carriage shook violently. In the already dark night, with heavy rain pouring down, the horse¡¯s gallop was unstable. Romandro muttered anxiously, looking out the window where he couldn¡¯t see an inch ahead. ¡°Is Barsabe really dead?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°Gosh. We¡¯re not even that close, but I don¡¯t feel good. It¡¯s probably because saving Vivianna was thest thing he did. Beric will be devastated when he wakes up. We should keep it a secret for now. Eesh, tsk tsk. Another young and promising talent gone.¡± ¡°¡­He probably has no family.¡± ¡°Ah. Yeah. He¡¯s been living alone since Petreio died.¡± The ce where the body was found was not far from the city center, on the outskirts. Judging from the route, it seems he couldn¡¯t get to the Imperial Pce from the building and took a detour. He probably ran away only through alleys to prevent innocent citizens from getting involved. Ian stared at the stream of rain flowing down, resting his chin on his hand. He died for the Empire. Isn¡¯t it quite gloomy for the final night dedicated to such a person?Ssh! The wheel rolled through a puddle, sshing water. It was a distance that would normally take less than an hour to reach, but due to various unfavorable conditions, it was dyed by thirty minutes. In the distance, a dim light could be seen. ¡°We¡¯re here!¡± ¡°Be careful! The road is slippery from the rain!¡± It was thentern light held by the guards. The coachman slowly tightened the reins, and Romandro got out first and opened an umbre. Even though it was no use against the rain, his hair and shoulders were instantly soaked. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m in charge of security for Chatur Zone 2.¡± ¡°I¡¯m Ian Hiel from the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an honor to meet you. Pleasee this way.¡± The guard politely greeted and walked ahead, holding the umbre. Familiar faces could be seen under the temporary tent. Knights of the Imperial Guard and Jeirutt. Some had their backs turned, smoking cigarettes, while others were lying next to the corpse. Jeirutt was just staring. ¡°Captain Jeirutt.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­.¡± The silence was heavy, cruel, and colder than the pouring rain. Jeirutt greeted Ian,pletely drenched. The guilt of having lost his friend and his daughter. That guilt seemed to be tearing him apart. ¡°Lift the cloth.¡± ¡°Well, um, it will be hard to look at.¡± ¡°¡­Lift it.¡± At Ian¡¯s firmmand, the guard lifted the wet cloth. Romandro closed his eyes tightly as if he couldn¡¯t bear to look, and Ian also frowned. ¡°This is¡­¡­¡± Terrible. The crushed parts, like rotten meat, particrly caught the eye. It was understandable why they said identification was impossible. There was no shape to the face. ¡°As you can see, identification is difficult. We only know that it¡¯s roughly a woman in her early twenties. If she wasn¡¯t wearing the Imperial Guard uniform, the body would have been treated as unidentified.¡± Drip, drip drop. The sound of rain filled the gaps in the guard¡¯s words. The sound of rain was so intense that it could even erase someone¡¯s crying. ¡°Beric was crushed like this too.¡± Jeirutt noticed that the external injuries on the corpse were not much different from Beric¡¯s. He eventually turned his back, covering his face. Romandro took out a gold coin and ced it on the corpse as a sign of condolence. ¡°Mr. Romandro.¡± ¡°Hic, huh?¡± Romandro was crying before he knew it. He sniffled and turned to Ian. ¡°Do you remember by any chance?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°When we interrogated Petreio at Hiel Estate.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t see it. Didn¡¯t you and Beric do it together then? Sniff! Knight, your sacrifice is supporting Variel. Thank you. Go well!¡± When Petreio¡¯s name was mentioned, Jeirutt reacted. He seemed to not know what Ian was trying to say. ¡®The face is crushed, but more than that¡­¡­¡¯ It would be more fitting to say it melted away. Like when Petreio wore the poisoned ring. Ian nodded to the guard. ¡°You.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Put your finger in the corpse¡¯s mouth.¡± The guard froze, making a disgusted face at the suddenmand. Even a whole corpse is unpleasant, but this gruesome corpse? However, Ian didn¡¯t withdraw the order, and gradually, the Imperial Guards also pressured him with their eyes, so he had no choice. He put on gloves tightly and screamed internally. ¡°Is this how I put it in?¡± ¡°Lord Ian. What are you trying to do? Please don¡¯t dishonor Barsabe any further. It¡¯s a matter of honor.¡± One of the Imperial Guards stepped forward and pleaded, but Ian firmly dismissed it. ¡°Put it in more.¡± ¡°Eugh. Like this?¡± ¡°Are all the teeth intact?¡± ¡°Hmm. Wait a moment.¡± The guard suppressed his urge to vomit and checked the corpse¡¯s teeth with his fingertips. Front teeth, lower teeth, canines, and even mrs. ¡°Yes. They¡¯re all fine.¡± ¡°The mrs are fine?¡± Romandro, who had been holding back tears, asked in surprise. At that unusual reaction, Jeirutt realized something was strange. Of course, he didn¡¯t know the reason. He didn¡¯t know that Barsabe had lost her mrs after being beaten by Beric. Only her roommate knew that fact, but he was on duty at the Emperor¡¯s residence and wasn¡¯t here. ¡°What does it matter if the mrs are fine?¡± At the Imperial Guard¡¯s question, Romandro shouted in agitation. ¡°You don¡¯t know? Well, it¡¯s not something to talk about everywhere! Be-before, Beric pulled out Barsabe¡¯s mrs! No. That¡¯s a bit weird, he smashed them! That¡¯s why Beric used to call Barsabe ¡®Mr¡¯.¡± ¡°Is that true?¡± ¡°I swear to God! My wife, whost saw Barsabe, would have heard about those mrs too.¡± ¡°Then, this corpse is¡­¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s not Barsabe.¡± Ian denied it firmly. Then her colleagues unknowingly let out a small cry of joy. Barsabe is still, still not dead! This corpse is not Barsabe! They patted each other¡¯s shoulders, sharing a small relief, looking like people who had momentarily died ande back to life. The guards who were listening on the side properly lifted the cloth and asked. ¡°Then who is this?¡± ¡°I think it was Barsabe who made the face like this. The poison from the ring Petreio used when hemitted suicide shows this kind of reaction. Moreover, isn¡¯t the uniform itself hers?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Barsabe¡¯s name is engraved on it.¡± ¡°She mutted the corpse and put the clothes on it.¡± One by one, Barsabe¡¯s tracks became clear. Jeirutt, who had been quietly pondering, muttered a question. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°To end the pursuit.¡± Ian looked around. It was a ce where manual factories were densely located, being on the outskirts. Houses were rare, and it was a suitable ce for storing goods. The Imperial Guards¡¯ gazes also moved, following Ian¡¯s gaze. ¡°There were four squads of the ck Armor. Barsabe must have known she couldn¡¯t face them and kept running away. To stop the pursuit, her death was necessary. Where was the corpse found?¡± ¡°Yes. It was buried in a pile of garbage over there.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not immediately visible, but it¡¯s a location that can be easily exposed. If the enemy had killed her, there¡¯s a high chance they would have hidden the body so it couldn¡¯t be found.¡± Boom! Boom! sh! The rain intensified even more. Thunder and lightning struck, and the dark surroundings momentarily brightened. Ian¡¯s smooth features glistened even more, soaked. ¡°But the corpse was found before a day passed, and we are here.¡± ¡°Are you saying Barsabe called us?¡± ¡°What is here that¡­¡­¡± It¡¯s Barsabe¡¯s signal. A signal implying that she can¡¯t move easily, that she¡¯s in a critical situation. Ian muttered, looking at the smoke rising from various ces. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ll find out from now on. Do you think Barsabe killed an innocent citizen and made them a corpse to escape danger?¡± ¡°No way!¡± She was a knight. A knight who pledged her sword to the Imperial Pce and her beliefs. She would rather be trampled by the enemy than kill an innocent person and dissect them to seize an opportunity. That was something everyone present could be certain of. ¡°Barsabe isn¡¯t someone who would do that!¡± ¡°Yeah? Then the answer is out. This corpse is someone who deserves to die by Barsabe¡¯s standards.¡± Someone who deserves to die. That would mean a subordinate of the opposing Hayman. Digging deeper, it can be seen as a subordinate within the ck Armor. One of the members was confused and kept wiping away the rainwater. ¡°I, I don¡¯t know. What on earth is this¡­¡­¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know either. How it turned out, until we hear directly from Barsabe. To roughly summarize-¡° Romandro coughed and slyly retrieved the gold coin he had ced on the corpse, wringing out his drenched handkerchief. The rain was now pouring so heavily that the umbre was meaningless. Swoosh. ¡°Barsabe is not far from here. And there¡¯s something here, in Chatur Zone 2.¡± Unlike the guards who swallowed their saliva in embarrassment, the expressions of the Imperial Guard hardened in an instant. They understood that their colleague was still alive. Jeirutt, who had been bowing his head, muttered in a low voice. ¡°Everyone.¡± ¡°Everyone!¡± Snap! The drenched Imperial Guards ced their hands on their chests and took the Imperial salute. They all felt their hearts pounding under their palms. The hopeful beating that Barsabe is alive. ¡°From now on, we will conduct a search from Chatur Zone 1 to Zone 4. The top priority is securing and rescuing Barsabe.¡± Snap! Ssh! Water sshed at their disciplined steps. The guards stepped back, holding spears, and covered their mouths, eximing. They are not just any Imperial Guards. They are the divine warriors who serve the Emperor most closely and are in charge of defending the Empire. Zzing. Zing. Even if there is a difference in abilities, they are all swordsmen. Jeirutt added an order, unofficially acknowledging that the ck Armor is associated with Hayman. ¡°If it¡¯s rted to the Hayman family, report even the smallest detail, and if anyone hinders the way forward, subdue them without hesitation. Keep in mind. We are the heart of Variel.¡± As much as they protect the Emperor, they are the Imperial Guard who add dignity to dignity. If they thought they could touch their family member Barsabe and get away with it easily, it¡¯s the height of arrogance. Those who pierced the heart will pay with that heart. Snap! Tap tap! Ssh! After the final salute, they dispersed as fast as light. Only the streaks of water drawn on the roadside proved their traces. The surroundings were instantly engulfed in silence. The guards awkwardly called out to Ian. ¡°Well, Minister. Shall we request support too?¡± ¡°¡­No. You stay here and guard the corpse.¡± If Hayman is using this ce as a hiding spot for the armor, even the security guards can¡¯t be trusted. Judging from their reactions, it doesn¡¯t seem so, but¡­ Anyway, isn¡¯t it best to move as secretly as possible? Ian brushed his wet hair back and turned to Jeirutt. ¡°I will send a request for support to the Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Please do.¡± Riama, one of the three captains, was also attacked. Of course, he smashed more than a dozen armors while dying, but anyway, it meant that the enemy¡¯s power was that strong. It would be safe for Beors to join as well. Shing. Jeirutt drew his sword and slowly walked into the dark alley. The sound of footsteps was drowned out by the sound of rain. It was like watching the back of an eerie ghost. Ding- Dong- Tap tap! Then, in the distance, the clock tower quietly rang. It was an rm signaling midnight. And so, on the night a day passed. The Imperial Guard ran through the rain. To save their colleague, Barsabe. Chapter 206 Chapter 206 ¡°Ugh.¡± Barsabe groaned, clutching her side with her right hand. Everything was sticky and wet from sweat, blood, and the relentlessly falling rain. She wrung out the blood-soaked upper body. Even when she tried to perform first aid with mana, she had used the doppelganger technique for too long to shake off the pursuers. With no strength left, this was no different from an ordinary person¡¯s body. Barsabe curled up, enduring the pain. ¡®I wonder if the idiot did well. Ah, this really hurts so much.¡¯ The ce she was hiding in was the corner of an abandoned warehouse. Tap tap, the sound of rain hitting the roof was particrly loud. To Barsabe, it sounded like the footsteps she had been making a few hours ago. That one step she had taken with all her might to live. Tap tap! She lured four squads of armor to the outskirts and escaped. If she had a little more ability, she would have sent the doppelganger in the opposite direction to create confusion over a wide area. But reality was not easy, and Barsabe, her doppelganger, and the armors continued the chase and escape, maintaining a constant distance. But at some point, something felt strange. Rather than a chase for ughter, it felt like they were luring and driving her. As if they hoped she would take a different path.¡®I don¡¯t consider it a mistake.¡¯ In a situation where she didn¡¯t know what had happened to the Imperial Pce. Whether to run away and protect herself or take the path they were wary of, Barsabe made a choice at the crossroads. To aim for the enemy¡¯s vital point, she had to get that close. The price was a body so battered that she couldn¡¯t move. Swish. She looked down at her left hand, which had no strength. Her father Petreio¡¯s ring was on it. Until recently, she couldn¡¯t understand her father¡¯s determination tomit suicide leaving her behind, but now she felt like she understood a little. A life that embraces death for the sake of struggle. That is the life of a knight. She kissed the ring and steeled herself. ¡®Let¡¯s endure a little longer. When the sun rises, people wille. If the corpse has been found, the Imperial Guard family will alsoe. It¡¯s okay.¡¯ Chatur. A region where handcrafted factories are densely located, and goods to be distributed to the center are stored. There were prominent clients such asrge manufacturing guilds, merchants, and cksmiths, but small groups also formed amunity in line with the characteristics of the district. One of them must have roots in Hayman. ¡®There is no Hayman Bank here. Nevertheless, the people in District 3 didn¡¯t find it strange to see the ck Armor. It means they must have been seen here often, and given the regional characteristics, it is rted to the manufacture of the ck Armor.¡¯ It is likely to be a ce where materials are stored. Even better if it¡¯s not the ck Armor. Because it reveals another variable that Hayman is hiding. Barsabe kept repeating the best-case scenario. The corpse disguised as her is quickly discovered, and the Imperial Pce uses this to conduct an investigation nearby. Thus, identifying the base and confiscating the supplies. All of that is carried out, and her survival is officially confirmed. ¡°Hey, did you check here too?¡± ¡°No. Not yet over there.¡± ¡°You go right first. I¡¯ll go.¡± ¡°This way! Move this way!¡± Ssh ssh! Then, faint sounds of people could be heard from afar. The sound of those chasing her. It seems the corpse hasn¡¯t been discovered yet. She curled up even tighter and held her breath. The night gets colder as it gets deeper. As her breath faintly leaked out, Barsabe closed her eyes altogether. ¡®Damn it.¡¯ Creak. Pass by, pass by, she prayed like chanting a spell, but to no avail. The warehouse door opened indifferently, and light entered. It was the light of thenterns held by the pursuers. They quickly looked around and roughly scattered the stored items. Thud! Boom! ¡°Be careful. It¡¯ll be troublesome if it breaks.¡± ¡°Yeah. Right.¡± Barsabe was so tense that she felt nauseous. It felt like all her senses were on edge. Perhaps to remember herst moments. Fortunately, the pursuers turned their backs without much gain. ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem to be here.¡± ¡°But is she really here?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. ording to the knights, they lost track of her nearby, and well, Annie hasn¡¯te back. We have no choice but to be suspicious.¡± ¡°Such a hassle, really. Come on. Let¡¯s go to the next warehouse.¡± ¡°Since there¡¯s no ce with intact limbs, she¡¯ll be stuck somewhere.¡± Annie. It must be the name of the woman Barsabe had taken care of. She was the one who attacked her as soon as they encountered each other in District 3. She bit her lip and listened intently. The footsteps were going outside. The moment they were about to leave the warehouse. ¡°Wait.¡± A man raised his hand. And slightly, he turned back along with his foot. A faint mix of red. She thought it might be a color reflected by thentern, but it didn¡¯t seem to be. ¡°Lift your foot.¡± ¡°Foot? Why?¡± ¡°Any wounds?¡± ¡°None. Why all of a sudden?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± Instead of answering, the man drew his sword. He had stepped on the stain of someone who had hidden while injured. At his response, hispanions were also surprised and took an attacking stance. Shing. A sound she had heard hundreds, thousands of times. The eerie cry of a sword being drawn from its sheath. Barsabe instinctively realized she had been caught. She bit her lip and opened her eyes. Now it was truly the end. Before they killed her, it was time to show a knight¡¯s pride onest time. She wouldn¡¯t die crouching. At least, she would decide her own death. ¡°Let¡¯s see, is she here?¡± Thud! ng! ¡°No, not here. Then here?¡± The pursuers swung their swords, smashingrge boxes in a single blow. They then cut and stabbed cloth-wrapped objects, searching every ce Barsabe could be hiding. Swish. sh! Crash! ¡°Aaaah!¡± Barsabe threw a dagger at the man who had his back turned to her. She aimed for the back of his neck, but her body was ufortable, so she missed. The dagger cut off the man¡¯s ear and stuck into the wall. Barsabe took advantage of that gap and quickly ran out of the warehouse. No, she wanted to run out. She was limping heavily on one leg, so it was almost like walking. ¡°Ha!¡± The pursuers were surprised and tried to rush out, but theyughed at the sight. With that state, isn¡¯t she worse than a trapped rat? ¡°Blood! Blood!¡± ¡°Hey kid, don¡¯t die. Just stop the bleeding.¡± ¡°Hey! One-leg! You might as well roll. That would be faster.¡± They slowly followed Barsabe, scraping the ground with their swords. Apart from the sound of rain, only the sound of stepping on wet soil,ughter, and her rough groans could be heard. It was a meaningless escape, but Barsabe kept walking. Because she thought that if she resisted outside rather than inside, someone might see her. Although it waste at night, no one was visible due to the bad weather. Ssh! Ssh! ¡°Hic, hic¡­¡­¡± ¡°Too fast. Let¡¯s go slowly!¡± A flickering figure can be seen in the distance. People. They were all holding umbres and smoking cigarettes. For a moment, Barsabe¡¯s eyes widened, filled with hope. Until she saw the ck Armor standing tall among the people. Ssh! The pursuing team shed her from behind as if mocking. Barsabe fell forward and copsed. She clenched her fists tightly to endure the pain. They were full of dirt. ¡°Leave the face. The head is worth 1 gold coin. We need to confirm the identity, you know.¡± ¡°These, fucking bastards¡­¡­¡± ¡°Can¡¯t hear you? What did you say?¡± ng! ng! The pursuer¡¯s sword fell perpendicrly, aiming for Barsabe¡¯s neck. She rolled to the side and barely deflected it, and at the same time, the man whose ear had been torn off ran and kicked her. ¡°This, how dare you!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± ¡°My ear!¡± Thud! Thud! Barsabe bit her teeth and held back her groans. She couldn¡¯t let out her pain while being beaten by these guys. Damn Beric. It¡¯s not easy to bite down without mrs. ¡°Die! Die!¡± Justnd onest blow. Let¡¯s take just one more with us. As Barsabe made that resolve and tightly grasped the sword hilt. Swoosh. Suddenly, all thentern lights went out. It was a night when the moon was also hidden by rain clouds. In an instant, the world seemed to be dyed in darkness. The pursuers hesitated and looked into thenterns. The ss cover was tightly closed, but they didn¡¯t know why it went out. ¡°Anyone got a light?¡± ¡°Why is this suddenly¡­¡­¡± Boom! Then, with a roar, a man was mercilessly crushed. As if he had been directly hit by a meteorite falling from the sky. Barsabe narrowed her eyes. Her vision was blurry, and she couldn¡¯t see properly. ¡°Wha-what!¡± ¡°Hey! Help here!¡± And once more. Boom! A wet cloak fluttered endlessly. Barsabe unknowinglyy down and let out a sigh of relief. Tears flowed with the sigh, but she would me it on the rainwater. ¡°Barsabe.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± ¡°Are you okay?¡± They were her colleagues. They released their mana to the fullest, making even the scattered raindrops bend their trajectory. The man whose ear was cut off died in one blow. So brutally that even the heavy rain couldn¡¯t wash away his blood at once. ¡°Ugh, eek! Hey!¡± p! p! One by one, Imperial Guards appeared from somewhere, piercing through the rain. Their expressions were not visible in the darkness, but they were relieved at Barsabe¡¯s survival. A colleague took off his robe and threw it to Barsabe. ¡°Barsabe. We were looking for you.¡± ¡°Ah, everyone. Really¡­¡­¡± ¡°We will die together on the battlefield. You too.¡± Barsabe hugged the red cloth andy down again. She no longer had the strength to even lift her waist. At the sudden appearance of enemies, the pursuing team shouted loudly. ¡°Here!¡± They were calling the ck Armor. But that soon became hisst struggle, and like his colleague, his limbs were torn apart and he fell to the ground. Swoosh. Snap. The Imperial Guards stood behind Barsabe and faced the ck Armor. Those who grasped the situation could be seen scattering here and there to request reinforcements. It seemed that a rather big battle would take ce in Chatur today. Zzing. Zing. It was the mana armor that had defeated Riama. The core force of the enemy that Barsabe and Beric couldn¡¯t defeat even when working together. The Imperial Guards endlessly released their mana and took an attacking stance. The light they emitted glowed hazily in the rain. ¡°We are members of the Imperial Guard. Are you really a knight belonging to the Hayman family? And did you make our Barsabe like this?¡± Someone shouted, but the armor gave no answer. Instead, it just rushed in, swinging its fists wildly. Boom! Crash! As his fist plunged into the ground, a stream of water shot up. A member grabbed Barsabe¡¯s arm and dodged, while the others simultaneously leaped into the air and swung their swords. ng! ng! ng! Five Imperial Guards struck the armor at the same time. Front, back, left, right, and even the top of the head. Strength was applied simultaneously, but instead of falling, the armor only staggered. The Imperial Guards stepped back, speechless. ¡°What the-¡° What is it made of¡­¡­ The armor cracked, but the knight inside seemed unharmed. Everyone was about to reaffirm their stance and pour out attacks again. In the distance, ck Armors could be seen running and pounding. A total of three squads. The ones that had been chasing Barsabe. ¡°Everyone!!¡± sh-! Boom! With a raging lightning and thunder. At the same time, Jeirutt¡¯s resounding order fell from the sky. He was standing on the roof of the abandoned warehouse, pointing the tip of his sword at the armor. ¡°Captain!¡± ¡°From now on, the objective of the operation is changed.¡± Zzing. Zing. Jeirutt¡¯s strength, which he only released when facing demons. An eerily dark energy swirled around him. ¡°Annihtion. We will annihte the enemies without leaving any survivors.¡± Chapter 207 Chapter 207 Boom! As the roar was heard, Ian and Romandro simultaneously turned their heads. They had parked the carriage next to the corpse and were waiting for support from the Imperial Pce inside. The temporary tent was too small to share with the guards, and above all, Romandro couldn¡¯t stand being next to the corpse. Ian drew the curtain on the window where the sound came from. The surroundings were still dark. ¡°It seems to havee from the west.¡± ¡°Could it be that they found Barsabe?¡± ¡°Either they found her, or they found the ck Armor. It will be one of the two. I strongly feel Captain Jeirutt¡¯s mana. It¡¯s a strength different in depth from when he dealt with Beric.¡± Ian muttered with his forehead against the cold window. It wasn¡¯t just Jeirutt. The mana that had been moving faintly but quickly from all directions was gathering in one ce. It seemed they were signaling each other to assemble. Romandro looked at Ian¡¯s paleplexion and asked worriedly.¡°You should really go back to the Imperial Pce first. Fatigue has umted, and now you¡¯re drenched in rain, so I¡¯m worried about your health.¡± ¡°Everyone is drenched in rain. If I feel tired, I will tell you, so don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Ian smiled and looked out the window again. Two guards were smoking cigarettes at the head of the corpse. The breath or smoke covered their expressions. Ian quietly called Romandro while looking at it. ¡°¡­I know there aren¡¯t many houses in Chatur, but is there usually so little human presence?¡± It was a ce whererge and small factories were densely located. As there are workers who work during the day, naturally there would be those who work at night. But Ian had only seen two or three people in the few hours since he arrived. Romandro answered quizzically, fiddling with his pocket watch. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to be usually this much, but the weather is harsh, isn¡¯t it? If you¡¯re unlucky, the basement can flood and the ceiling can leak. This ce is a mess every time they build and tear down warehouses ording to contracts.¡± What was stored in the warehouses changed frequently every season. The buildings themselves were built to be easily erected and demolished, so who would stay overtime on a bad day? The next day, it was amon sight in Chatur to have repairs going on everywhere in the buildings. ¡°It¡¯s truly inefficient.¡± ¡°But it can¡¯t be helped. The district is finely divided, and it¡¯s actually themercial backbone of the center, so the people who pay taxes on the warehouses change frantically every year.¡± Tap tap, Ian fell silent for a moment at the sound of rain hitting the window. Is that why it¡¯s so quiet? Even though there was a roar, not a single building turned on its lights. Did everyone mistake it for thunder? Click. As the carriage door opened, the wind and rain blew fiercely. Romandro covered his face with his cor and grabbed Ian¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Ian?¡± ¡°Mr. Romandro, please wait here for the Imperial Guard and guide them to the west.¡± ¡°What about you?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to check the roar.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t we go together?¡± ¡°¡­We can¡¯t trust those guards.¡± The guards standing under the tent were looking towards Ian. As if wondering why he wasing out of the carriage. Romandro frowned and asked quietly. The sound of wind and rain would drown it out anyway. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± ¡°To be precise, it¡¯s not them, but their superiors. Please stay and keep your ce, Mr. Romandro. I¡¯ll be right back.¡± p! While Romandro mulled over Ian¡¯s words, Ian got out of the carriage without an umbre. And without hesitation, he turned his body towards where the roar had erupted. The mana was strongly felt, so there was no difficulty finding the way. Tap tap! Swoosh- As he watched Ian¡¯s back disappear into the rain, Romandro slowly closed the carriage door. Then he began to watch the guards through the gap in the window curtain. If only the rain would stop a bit, but the sky was pouring down a tremendous amount of rain as if a hole had been punctured. *** One, two, three¡­¡­ Jeirutt counted the number of ck Armors by eye. It seemed to be roughly ten squads. That is, if there was no more support from the other side. The Imperial Guards who had struck once took a defensive stance, waiting for the captain¡¯s orders. Thud thud! ¡®It has a sturdiness that can withstand five men. If our strength is dispersed, there is no chance of winning. Did they say Riama alone faced ten squads and died? Then¡­¡­¡¯ Zzing. Zing. Mana exploded around Jeirutt. The violently swirling rain couldn¡¯t touch him and scattered upon impact. A deep stillness lingered around him. With the sense of alienation as if standing alone in a different world, the enemies hesitated and looked up at him. Jeirutt reached out his hand to the sky. Boom boom boom! Boom! Thunder roared as if it would tear the sky apart. A bright stream of light swirled at Jeirutt¡¯s fingertips, and the moment it transformed into the shape of a sword. sh! Lightning struck. It was as if lightning falling from the sky had entered his grasp. Jeirutt¡¯s eyes, briefly visible in the darkness. Determination and fighting spirit were imbued, and hot steam rose fiercely. ¡°Kopent.¡± It was the agreed-upon tactical name. Since there was no chance of winning in individualbat, the objective was to simultaneously destroy the target centered around Captain Jeirutt. They neatly arranged their ranks in unison and leaped into the air. Swoosh! It was instantaneous. The water stream split, following the trail of their charge. Jeirutt swung his huge sword with all his might and struck down on the armor¡¯s neck. To add strength to the central attack, the men swung their swords together, putting mana in the same direction. Boom! Bang! Crunch! ¡°Aaaah!¡± sh, sh! The wet streets shone helplessly, receiving the light directly. One by one, one at a time. But all together. The Imperial Guard struck down their swords again, chanting the tactical name Kopent. ng! ng! In the end, the helmet was shattered. The knight inside faced Jeirutt with a look of astonishment. A knight stripped of its shell is nothing but an ant in front of the swordsmen. Jeirutt beheaded him without hesitation. Drip. The head rolled and reached the feet of the others. The blood that had been gushing like a fountain was also diluted by the rain and gradually faded. Soon, your blood will disappear like that too. Jeirutt warned with silence, holding up his sword. Snap! ¡®When six of us strike two squads simultaneously, the helmet breaks.¡¯ Information umted through experience. He was a bit tense since they had defeated Captain Riama, but it might not be as difficult as he thought. Although threatening, Riama had no awareness of the enemy at all, and Jeirutt could grasp the enemy¡¯s strength with each strike. ¡®It means that when confronting them, at least six men per squad should be assumed. To wipe them outpletely, the entire Imperial Guard will need to be mobilized, but if we take them down one by one, we¡¯ll be sufficient.¡¯ ¡°Stick together! Don¡¯t let them attack all at once!¡± ¡°Watch each other¡¯s front and back!¡± ¡°Damn, it¡¯s the captain! Be careful of him!¡± ¡°Whether it¡¯s an arm or a leg, grab it first! If we grab it, we have the advantage!¡± But the other side also found a way to break through the situation, as they were also people facing life and death. Hasn¡¯t the flowpletely changed? Now the key is which side¡¯s teamwork will falter first in a group versus group battle. Jeirutt rushed in again with a shout. ¡°Yaaah!¡± ¡°Protect the captain!¡± ¡°Protect him! Kopent!¡± ¡°Three on the left, two on the right!¡± ¡°Stick together! If we stick together, we win!¡± ng! ng! As Jeirutt charged in, numerous attacks intertwined, prating and deflecting each other. When someone took Jeirutt¡¯s sword in his stead, the armor would prate through that gap, and again, an Imperial colleague would push it back, maintaining bnce while interlocking in a situation where they couldn¡¯t see an inch ahead. Swooosh! ¡°Ah, damn.¡± ¡°Shit. Captain!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t back down!¡± ¡°Keep pouring it on!¡± Boom boom boom. The thunder swallowed theirmotion. Roars, booms, and screams were rampant, but all that could be heard in the ears was the wailing of the sky. The Imperial Guard protecting Barsabe also ran to join the battle, and she watched it while lying down. Whenever lightning shed, the backs of her colleagues were intermittently visible. Their fierce and ferocious appearances looked like photographs, flickering on and off. ¡®If only I could move-¡® If only she could move, she would rush in there and bleed together with them. It¡¯s utterly regrettable to be lying here alone like this. ¡®If only I could bind those bastards-¡® She could subdue them faster than the wind and rain. Barsabe clenched her fists tightly with her wishes. Then, someone¡¯s calm, ringing voice. ¡°Manyeop (Many Leaves)¡± Gathered by the power of mana, Ian¡¯s voice rang out clearly even in the midst of anymotion. It was one of the binding magics he had used when subduing Mariv at the Imperial Pce. Boom boom boom! Swoosh. The otherworldly magic tree swiftly bound the armor legion. At the sudden intervention, everyone turned their heads, following the branches of the ancient tree. Ian smiled as he lifted Barsabe with one hand. ¡°How is there not a single person in the Imperial Guard who can use binding magic? Unless you all enjoy battles in the rain.¡± ¡°That¡¯s Captain Riama¡¯s specialty.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s not a specialty, no one can use it?¡± ¡°Lord Ian. Aren¡¯t you the Minister of Magic?¡± Barsabe retorted, squeezing her words. Isn¡¯t it the same context as a schr lecturing a student? They were swordsmen, not mages. When the highest authority in Variel, the Minister of Magic, spoke like that, they were dumbfounded and at a loss for words. Ian scanned her wounds and instructed Jeirutt. ¡°I can¡¯t hold them for long. As you can see, I haven¡¯t slept for days either. It would be best to wrap this up quickly.¡± Zzing! Ian¡¯s golden eyes deepened even more. It was proof that he was pouring out mana to maintain the magic tree. The armor legion moved around to escape the tree, but it wasn¡¯t easy. Jeirutt and the Imperial Guard took a step back to secure distance. p! ¡°Ah, and is there anyone among you who fought the red-haired knight at ?¡± It was an abrupt question. Instead of answering, the armor legion cut through the magic tree with fierce resistance. Crunch! ¡°What a pity. If there was, I was going to let them live.¡± Barsabe frowned, holding her side. As if asking what that meant. Ian met her eyes and grinned. ¡°Beric is the type who has to return what he suffered.¡± ¡°What does that have to do with anything?¡± ¡°It¡¯s obvious he¡¯ll cause a fuss looking for the armor as soon as he wakes up. There¡¯s no growth as definite as defeating someone you¡¯ve lost to before.¡± ¡°¡­Isn¡¯t he dead?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, he barely survived.¡± ¡°What about the extra edition or whatever?¡± ¡°That, fortunately, seeded. Thanks to you.¡± Barsabe felt relieved and rxed her body. Now, if she survives and returns with her colleagues here, everything will be over. Her role ends here. ¡°¡­Haa. Haha.¡± ¡°Jeirutt. Subdue them all. It¡¯s okay if some die.¡± Snap! The enemy is bound. Jeirutt and the Imperial Guards made a gesture of oath towards the sky, then simultaneously poured out their attacks. Boom! Bang! sh! ¡°Gasp. What the?¡± Romandro, who had been watching the west from the carriage, noticed that the sky had momentarily brightened. Like a sun rising and exploding in the western sky on a dark night. It was an explosion driving away the long night. Chapter 208 Chapter 208 ¡°Haa, haa¡­¡­¡± ¡°Oh my, I¡¯m dying.¡± ¡°What are you dying for? We¡¯re alive.¡± ¡°Is anyone injured? Is everyone okay?¡± The drenched Imperial Guards all gasped for breath, supporting themselves on their knees. As the rain subsided with the approaching dawn, everyone let out a sigh of relief as if they were going to live and shook their heads. In front of them, the fallen armor legion. A few who still had strength left dragged the enemy knights to the ground. ¡°This one is dead.¡± ¡°Here too. Dead.¡± ¡°Ah, damn it. This is unbelievable, really.¡±It was the harm of mana stone armor. Although it had almost absolute attack power and defense in battle, the moment it broke, the ordinary person couldn¡¯t withstand the swordsmen¡¯s attack and died. The Imperial Guards roughly kicked away the shattered armor with their feet and focused on confirming survivors. ¡°This one is alive, but the bleeding is severe.¡± ¡°Move him! By the way, why isn¡¯t supporting?¡± ¡°Usually when you say that, theye.¡± ¡°Right. It¡¯s their characteristic toe after everything is handled.¡± ¡°I hear the sound of horse hooves. Wow, there are no exceptions. None.¡± Clop clop clop. The sound of people rushing from afar was felt. The Imperial Guards waved their hands in that direction while making light jokes. ¡°Ian! Ian!¡± ¡°Mr. Romandro. Over here.¡± Romandro, riding together on Beors¡¯ horse. He kept waving his handkerchief to let Ian know he had arrived. Captain Jeirutt roughly wrung out the water from his outer coat and called out. ¡°Beors, what took you so long?¡± ¡°Sorry. The rain was so heavy that the bridge was submerged. We had to take a detour. Is everyone okay?¡± Since Riama¡¯s death, the only ones left to lead the Imperial Guard were Beors and Jeirutt. Although it was unlikely, Beors¡¯ expression was dark with worry. He noticed Jeirutt had not a single wound and handed him a cigarette. ¡°Whenever we sparred, Riama was the one who flew around the most.¡± ¡°He¡¯s young, you know. Tsk. And well, we had no information either.¡± ¡°Was it manageable?¡± ¡°Even five of our guys attacking together didn¡¯t work.¡± Jeirutt and Beors immediately shared the battle that had taken ce in the middle of the night as soon as they met. What kind of approach they used, how the men¡¯s formation was, and so on. It was to effectively respond even if the armor legion appeared again in the future. ¡°Please move the injured over here!¡± ¡°Can you walk?¡± ¡°It hurts. Just a little slower.¡± The emergency escort carriage that arrived next moved the injured in a line. Even so, there was only Barsabe on this side, and most of the rest were survivors of the enemy. To keep them alive, firmly alive, and extract testimony was the next task. ¡°Captain. And Minister Ian.¡± Barsabe, who was limping and being supported, called out to the two. The light of dawn began to fully break. The sky was still gray, but the afternoon of this day would have dazzling sunlight. ¡°It seems the pursuers were mainly mobilized from Zone 3. Please look into that side.¡± ¡°Okay. Got it.¡± ¡°Captain. Thank you foring.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± Jeirutt clenched his mouth tightly and turned his back. And over his shoulder, he just waved his hand as if telling her to hurry and go. ¡°If I hear about something like a corpse being found one more time, you¡¯ll be in trouble.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± ¡°Go in.¡± Barsabe also bowed to Ian and got on the carriage. In that way, those in a hurry left Chatur first. Ian signaled to Romandro, Jeirutt, and Beors with his eyes to have a brief talk. They left the chaotic scene and took out cigarettes. ¡°Mr. Romandro, would you like one?¡± ¡°No. Thank you, but my wife is expecting a child.¡± ¡°What about you, Minister Ian?¡± ¡°I¡¯m good too. More importantly, what do you expect to happen once the sun fully rises?¡± ¡°If you mean expect, Hayman?¡± ¡°Even though they revealed they were the Imperial Guard, they initiated an attack, so this is clearly a vition of national securityw. The same goes for the incident and the entanglement with His Highness Gale. Overall, there¡¯s not a single piece of good news for the Hayman family.¡± Except for the fact that Arsen is a mana user. Of course, that will also be useless within a few days. Ian nced at Beors. ¡®Jeirutt will take a negative stance towards Hayman due to Barsabe¡¯s matter and the battle in the middle of the night. The problem is Beors.¡¯ Beors is the one who directly received the Emperor¡¯s message. Whether it¡¯s Jin or Arsen, he would seek to select a suitable sessor without leaning to one side. It¡¯s fine if he¡¯s a passive neutral party, but if he helps Arsen under the pretext of maintaining bnce, it bes tricky. Perhaps reading Ian¡¯s eyes that were indifferent yet suspicious, Beors added as he put out his cigarette. ¡°The Emperor¡¯s well-being is my priority, and next is the Imperial Guard. Jeirutt¡¯s will is my will, so don¡¯t look at me like that.¡± Ian smiled and gestured lightly. It was a signal to gather closer. ¡°Soon, people going to work will flood in. Since you said the bridge is flooded, Beors, you should also put people to block the path you came from.¡± ¡°But this side is a private business area, so we have no justification.¡± ¡°You can say there¡¯s a risk of flooding and copse due to the heavy rain in the middle of the night. Just say it¡¯s a special measure equivalent to a disaster. I believe you know well that if people mix in, there will be difficulties in the search.¡± It made sense. Jeirutt and Beors nodded in agreement, and Romandro looked at Ian with an amazed gaze. Wasn¡¯t that exactly what he had told him in the middle of the night? Knowledge and wisdom are different. Applying what you know right away is surprising in itself, so Romandro cleared his throat and prayed inwardly. Please, let his child take after Ian. ¡°Romandro?¡± ¡°Yes? Yes yes? Ah, yes!¡± ¡°Although you must be tired, let¡¯s put in a little more effort and search Zone 3. Officially send aint to the Hayman family through the Imperial Pce and protect the identities of those arrested on the scene.¡± ¡°Looks like they¡¯ll be caught again within a day of leaving the pce.¡± ¡°No matter how big Hayman is, the situation is getting out of control. We need to quickly convene the grand council as well.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood. I will convey the message right away.¡± Now, it was time for a generational change not by restraint but by necessity. Since the issues entangled with the Hayman family are soplex and numerous, if they have a problem, doesn¡¯t it immediately be a problem for Variel as well? It would be safer to hastily unload goods from a sinking ship. ¡®Come to think of it,pared to the previous life, the Hayman family is walking apletely new history.¡¯ The Hayman family was a family that was still thriving even when Ian was the emperor. Their banks were still located throughout the market, and Variel¡¯s economy could not be discussed without them. ¡®¡­It¡¯s a bit concerning.¡¯ If Hayman falls unlike the original history, what will happen to the future Variel? Will Serro, which reces their position, continue the lineage positively or negatively? Isn¡¯t history a great flow? No matter how much one struggles within it, it only sshes the current violently, but the flow from top to bottom remains unchanged. Like a pin pushed down by God, it can never be pulled out. ¡°Lord Ian. Let¡¯s go.¡± This time, Romandro woke Ian up. In the meantime, the corpses and armor debris were quickly cleaned up, and the streets were clean. They decided to first focus on searching warehouses and buildings centered on Zone 3. Tap tap! ¡°Bring the manager! Check if there are any unreported items and take out anything even slightly suspicious!¡± ¡°There are people in this warehouse!¡± ¡°We, we were just working overtime all night.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t even know what¡¯s going on. Really.¡± ¡°We belong to Co&Co. Not Hayman.¡± ¡°We do receive financial support from Hayman, but¡­¡­¡± Those who had stayed the night without leaving the Chatur area were also dragged out one by one. They had to present their identification, and even if they were a family unit, they were ordered to undergo a brief confrontational interrogation at the security office. ¡°Come to think of it, I don¡¯t see the captain of the Chatur security force. Themotion is bigger than expected.¡± Beors muttered as he flipped through the pile of documents secured from the Zone 3 entry management office. All the regr soldiers except the guards guarding the corpse were dispatched to conduct the search, but they hadn¡¯t met the important security captain. ¡°I apologize. The security captain has left Chatur due to personal reasons. We have sent a message, so he should arrive soon.¡± Ian, who was rummaging through the report next to him, clicked his tongue. Wasn¡¯t it like this when they encountered bandits in Karenna as well? He had never seen the person in charge stay put when an incident urred. It¡¯s science at this point. Beep beep! Then, the sound of a whistle was heard from afar. It was a signal that someone had discovered suspicious items. Ian and Beors immediately ran out of the management office. Tap tap! The rain hadpletely stopped, but the ground was still wet. Wooden crates were stacked inyers on the wet road. They were all items that came out of the suspicious warehouse. ¡°What is all this?¡± ¡°Ah, these came out of the ¡®Co&Co¡¯ warehouse. Uh, so this side is iron, copper, tin, and such that they supply to cksmiths, and this side has no markings, so it might be non-merchandise.¡± ¡°But?¡± ¡°Look, isn¡¯t this ck color exactly the same as that armor? The matte finish is the same, and when I slightly injected mana, there was a reaction. I took a quick look in case it was an abnormal reaction.¡± Creak. An Imperial Guard opened the crate. At a nce, it could be mistaken for coal. Round objects the size of a fist were piled up. Ian grabbed one and examined it from various angles. ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°Do you have any idea?¡± It¡¯s a matte ck mana stone. There are a few things he could roughly guess, but Ian wasn¡¯t an expert in that field. They would have to do research to know for sure. He closed the lid and signaled to Romandro. ¡°Let¡¯s send it to Captain Akore.¡± ¡°Oh my, that captain will faint from joy again. I wonder if she won¡¯t be able to get up this time.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a new discovery, it will be truly meaningful.¡± A shout was heard from the inner warehouse that more had been found. The appearance of a new mana stone being revealed by confiscating the Hayman family¡¯s warehouse. Ian lightly tossed the mana stone to Romandro. ¡°Perhaps before sending theint to the Hayman family, they might contact us first. Seize everything! The mysterious ores discovered here will belong to the Imperial Pce!¡± ¡°Yes. Understood!¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s move.¡± ¡°Have a few people in charge of transportation, and the rest move to the next warehouse and continue the search. Although we¡¯re focusing on Zone 3, we¡¯ll inspect all zones before the day is over.¡± Snap! At Ian¡¯s words, the men saluted and dispersed. Romandro selected the mana stones to send to Akore, then suggested to Ian. Didn¡¯t he release his mana without rest after being drenched in rain? ¡°Instead of that, how about you take the ores and go in, Lord Ian? There will be documents in the office, so you can sleep a bit in a cozy ce. You can get to work right away.¡± ¡°Would you like me to go?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Go and see if that kid Beric is doing well. Also pay your respects to His Highness Jin. I¡¯ll be here.¡± As Romandro urged him, Ian¡¯s eyes curved yfully. The moment he tried to refuse, saying he was fine, a messenger pigeon swiftly flew to Ian¡¯s shoulder. It was from the Ministry of Magic. ¡°¡­Then I will take the ores. Mr. Romandro, please handle the work well and return.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Ian lightly waved the piece of paper. A clumsy ox was drawn on it. Beric had woken up. Chapter 209 Chapter 209 ¡°Excuse me, Lord Ian. We¡¯ve arrived.¡± At the coachman¡¯s guidance, Ian opened his eyes. Except for slightly leaning his head against the window, his posture was upright. Seeing the scenery outside the window had changed, he let out a faint sigh. He didn¡¯t even know when he had fallen asleep. There was a reason Romandro had strongly insisted on Ian¡¯s rest. ¡°Good work.¡± ¡°Not at all.¡± The coachman, who bowed deeply at the waist, nced back. In fact, it had been thirty minutes since they arrived at the Ministry of Magic, but they had been waiting due to instructions from the ministry staff. He had been wondering when he could go home, but fortunately, it didn¡¯t take long. As the carriage door opened, the mages who had been pacing nearby all approached closely. ¡°Lord Ian. You¡¯re back?¡± ¡°What about Mr. Romandro?¡± ¡°He¡¯s out on business. Is there an urgent matter?¡±¡°No. I think it can be handledter. The urgent documents are on the office desk. By the way, I heard the Imperial Guard engaged in a fierce battle in the middle of the night. Is it true?¡± As Ian climbed the stairs, someone draped a warm robe over him. Those who had quickly escorted Barsabe and the armor legion to the Imperial Pce had informed them. Ian dly epted the robe. Even though he had slept for a bit, his whole body was shivering. ¡°Lord Ian. You¡¯re here.¡± ¡°Just in time, Captain Akore.¡± ¡°Huh? Me? Why?¡± As he passed through the lobby, Akore was about to pass by Ian while greeting her subordinates. However, she immediately stopped at his call. Akore herself didn¡¯t seem to know, but the front of her hair was singed and curly. It was undoubtedly the traces of a failed experiment. p! ¡°Ooh?¡± ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± Ian took out a mysterious mana stone from his pocket and tossed it. Akore caught it lightly with both hands and immediately brought her nose close, examining it deeply. The subordinates standing behind her did the same. They crowded in so close that their breaths touched each other and scrutinized the mana stone. ¡°This ck thing¡­¡­¡± ¡°What in the world¡­¡­¡± ¡°¡­First time?¡± Akore¡¯s face gradually loosened. Her eyes widened, her jaw dropped, and her nostrils red uncontrobly, having lost their will. As if her breath was stuck, Akore couldn¡¯t form proper words. ¡°Wh-wh-what is this?¡± ¡°I¡¯m asking because I don¡¯t know either.¡± Akore doesn¡¯t know. The subordinates don¡¯t know either. Ian says he¡¯s asking because he doesn¡¯t know either. Doesn¡¯t this mean it¡¯s a newly discovered mana stone? Akore unknowingly screamed. ¡°¡­Kyaaaah!! Aaah! Aah!¡± ¡°Captain! Captain! Le-let¡¯s go together!¡± ¡°You¡¯ll fall. Wait a moment, slowly!¡± ¡°Quickly open theb door! You bastards!¡± Bang! Thud! Boom! As a researcher and a mage, she couldn¡¯t help but be excited. She practically rolled down to the basement, and her subordinates followed. ¡°The Mana Stone Management Department is okay, right? We don¡¯t need to stop them, right?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just a day or two. Lord Ian, if there are no more samples, it¡¯s better to say it in advance. Captain Akore always ends up smashing them at the end.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Soon, they wille in lines of boxes. When the Imperial Guard arrives, guide them to Captain Akore.¡± ¡°Why is the Imperial Guard bringing mana stones?¡± ¡°They were confiscated from the Chatur area. It¡¯s rted to the Hayman family. Fragments of the ck Armor will alsoe in, so everyone should focus on the Mana Stone Management Department and sincerely help.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± The ck Armor! The armor that had killed Captain Riama. The mages, who knew about the political rtionship between Ian and Hayman, grasped the importance of the situation. Ian flipped through the iing reports and asked again. ¡°What about Beric?¡± ¡°Ah! Oh! Right. Beric has woken up.¡± ¡°Woken up, but can¡¯t move.¡± ¡°If he can move in that state, that¡¯s a bit¡­¡­¡± Ian smiled faintly and turned the corner towards Beric¡¯s quarters. Numerous mages followed behind him. It was to request that he process their reports first after seeing Beric and going to the office. ¡°Is he speaking well?¡± ¡°I thought there was no one like him.¡± ¡°Haha. I see.¡± It seems he caused a bit of amotion. As the mage¡¯s expression frowned, Ian couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter. Something like this had happened before. When returning from the Great Desert to Bratz, he couldn¡¯t even walk, but his temper remained the same, so he was carried tied up like luggage behind Kusile. Tap tap. The door to the quarters was slightly open. What leaked through the gap wasn¡¯t just the sound of voices. There was a distinct smell of meat. ¡°No, this is really too much! Your Highness Jin!¡± ¡°Beric. Calm down. The stitches will all burst. The doctor said if you eat anything now, you¡¯ll really die.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll die like this too!¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay. You won¡¯t die.¡± ¡°Wow, I¡¯m going crazy. Sia! Try persuading His Highness Jin!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± ¡°That, that bastard, he¡¯s eating meat without even answering?¡± ¡°Now now, Beric. Just keep smelling it.¡± ¡°Aaaah! Ian!¡± Creak. It was quite a spectacle. Next to Beric, who was lying on the bed unable to move, were Xiaoshi and Jin, eating grilled meat. High-quality, scarlet beef was piled up on one side. When Beric wailed and called for Ian, Xiaoshi noticed him first. ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± ¡°Oh! Sir Ian! You¡¯re here?¡± ¡°Ian? Ian!¡± Greetings poured out simultaneously. Ian closed the door, pushing the mages behind him. Beric couldn¡¯t move at all below his neck, so he just blinked his eyes frantically to express his joy. ¡°Your Highness. Why are you having a meal here? Why not go to the dining hall? Although it¡¯s a bit chilly, the afternoon sun is warm, so it would be nice to have it in the garden.¡± ¡°Sir Ian! Listen to me. As soon as Beric woke up, he urged the attendants to eat meat, you know? Even though his intestines were all injured and I strictly ordered him to fast.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°He even threw a fit at the doctor, so it finally reached my ears. I ran right over and stopped Beric!¡± Jin looked up at Ian, his eyes sparkling. At the gaze asking for praise, Ian lightly patted Jin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Well done.¡± ¡°Well done? Huh? If you eat meat next to me, that¡¯s cheating! It¡¯s torture! Your Highness Jin! You¡¯re really too much!¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask to at least smell the meat?¡± ¡°No¡­. Ha, really. Ian. You understand my heart, right?¡± To at least let him smell it, he probably intended to snatch it as soon as it was brought close to his nose. Jin doesn¡¯t even know how to use a fan. Ian sat on the edge of the bed and carefully examined Beric¡¯s condition. ¡°¡­Your body.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. So just one bite.¡± ¡°Endure a little more. It¡¯s burdensome even for a healthy person to eat meat right after waking up, so how can you?¡± As soon as Ian spoke, Jin approached and kept nodding. Regardless, Xiaoshi just chewed indifferently with his mouth, but still. ¡°Ah. I, really. Ha.¡± ¡°Barsabe also returned alive.¡± ¡°What? Mr is alive?¡± Ian smiled as he changed the subject. How simple, the guy who was crying just a moment ago changed his mood as soon as Barsabe¡¯s survival was announced. In fact, I don¡¯t know if Barsabe considers Beric a close friend, but to Beric, she would be one of the few intimate acquaintances. Ian nodded. ¡°She¡¯s a bit injured, but she¡¯ll recover soon. So Beric, you also focus on treatment. Then I¡¯ll let you eat as much as you want.¡± ¡°Ah! Okay okay! Call the doctor! Tell them to treat me quickly! Apply the medicine!! Keep applying it!¡± As a form of constion, Jin kept fanning and wafting the smell of meat. Fortunately, he seems fine even though he can¡¯t move. Ian looked at the ck sword ced next to the bed and asked. ¡°Beric.¡± ¡°There was no choice! If I hadn¡¯t used mana, I would have really died.¡± Beric preemptively jumped to conclusions. He was told not to put mana into the ck sword, but he had properly released it and faced the enemy. It¡¯s a sword that summons demons, so it¡¯s fortunate there were no demons nearby, otherwise there would have been great secondary damage. ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m scolding you for.¡± ¡°Huh? Really? Never mind then.¡± Should he tell him that Beric might be an Atan? While Ian was contemting for a moment, a piece of meat was suddenly presented in front of him. It was Jin who offered it. ¡°Sir Ian. It¡¯s not lunchtime yet, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Have some. Beric ordered too much meat. I don¡¯t know why he did this to eat alone.¡± ¡°Ha! Your Highness Jin. I can eat all of that in one meal, you know?¡± ¡°Lies. How can a person eat meatrger than this? You¡¯re making fun of me, Beric.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll show you. Put it in my mouth.¡± Jin firmly closed his mouth and shook his head. Absolutely, absolutely, he couldn¡¯t give the meat, it was a firm attitude. Ian supported his hand and ate the meat Jin handed over. ¡°It¡¯s delicious, right?¡± ¡°¡­Beric. You ordered the expensive one.¡± ¡°Of course! Ian is rich! Premium grade! The most expensive one!¡± Ian called an attendant and pulled up a chair to sit. The moment he ate a piece of meat, it dawned on him. He couldn¡¯t remember thest time he had a meal. In between, he only satisfied his hunger with things like Gu, but it had been a long time since a proper meal like this had disappeared from his memory. Swish. As Xiaoshi got up from his seat, Ian gestured for him to sit down. ¡°The bedroom is small. It¡¯s fine, sit down.¡± ¡°Yes. Master.¡± ¡°Xiaoshi, try this again. It¡¯s very tender. Do I have to keep telling you to eat?¡± ¡°No. Your Highness.¡± Xiaoshi looked down at the meat Jin put on his te with a troubled expression. He had no choice but to eat it earlier, but he wondered if this was really right. A ve sharing a table with the master? And with a member of the imperial family? As he hesitantly grabbed the fork, Ian pointed out. ¡°Xiaoshi. When cutting meat, hold the knife in your right hand and the fork in your left. Lift your elbows to match the table so the de doesn¡¯t get too sharp.¡± Jin follows Xiaoshi well. Since his personality is trustworthy, unless something special happens, Xiaoshi will continue to serve Jin in the future. So it¡¯s good to learn basic table manners. ¡°Aaah! Xiaoshi! Even you!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡± Beric wailed in his own way, looking at the three people eating. It sounded even more pitiful because no one paid attention to him. ¡°Sir Ian, did you see the drawing?¡± ¡°Are you referring to the ox? The one Your Highness drew?¡± ¡°I drew it because Beric asked me to.¡± ¡°Your skills are improving day by day, it¡¯s amazing.¡± With a pleasant conversation and the delightful sound of clinking tableware, it was a good listen. Suddenly it became quiet, and when they looked back, Beric was sleeping with his mouth wide open. Even though he looked energetic, his condition was so bad that he quickly lost consciousness. ¡°By the way, Sir Ian. You know that tomorrow is my brother Mariv¡¯s trial, right?¡± ¡°Of course. The Ministry of Magic is thoroughly preparing for it. He will surely pay the price for trying to harm Your Highness Jin.¡± ¡°Mother and Arsen will alsoe.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. If you haven¡¯t made up your mind yet, you don¡¯t have to attend.¡± It was about the determination to face his mother. Jin shook his head vigorously after putting a piece of meat in his mouth at once. Instead of answering, he gave a short nod, in line with table manners. ¡°No. I realized one thing. Determination is not made in a moment, but built day by day. So I will also go to the trial.¡± Ian smiled and ced a piece of meat on Jin¡¯s te. If he had seen the session in his previous life and had a child, he would want a child like Jin. ¡°I understand. I will prepare without any issues.¡± ¡°Yes. I will do the same.¡± ¡°Have some more.¡± tter tter. Ian smiled as he watched Jin vigorously devour the meat. In between, Beric woke up and mumbled, but even that felt like a peaceful noise. The day after it rains is so cozy and warm. Without realizing it, Ian fell asleep after finishing his meal. Creak. ¡°Gasp. He¡¯s asleep.¡± ¡°Oh my, what to do?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s stay for one more hour and then go.¡± The bedroom, which had been filled with the smell of blood with Jin, Xiaoshi, and Beric, was now filled only with the smell of meat and the sound of snoring. Chapter 211 Chapter 211 n the dim dawn, the lights of the imperial pce came on early. Everyone prepared themselves in silence, put on their formal attire, and sat down for a solemn breakfast. Ian was no exception. He slowly buttoned up his coat with the help of his attendants. He pinned every badge and patch awarded to the Minister of Magic to his chest without missing a single one. Today was the day Mariv would disappear from history, and in another sense, a day that would go down in history. Knock knock. ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°Oh, Ian. You¡¯re almost ready, I see.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve arrived. You didn¡¯t wake me yesterday.¡± Romandro, too, looked unusually neat. His hair, which was always disheveled from being rushed here and there, was now neatly pressed down. It must be Viviana¡¯s handiwork. Romandro shook his leather folder and shook his head. ¡°There was nothing urgent, and people should rest when they can.¡±¡°Did you get some rest, Lord Romandro?¡± ¡°Of course! With Viviana by my side, I felt at ease even without going home and slept soundly for the first time in a while. I¡¯ve organized everything here that needs a final look, and all we need to do is attend the trial.¡± Ian sat cross-legged in front of the mirror. He dismissed the attendants for a moment and checked the report. It¡¯s fair to say thatst night was truly a peaceful night where Ian could sleep for the first time in a long while. It was thanks to everyone holding their breath in anticipation of the big event. ¡°How is His Highness Mariv?¡± ¡°I visited the prison early this morning. He seemed fine, so there¡¯s nothing to worry about. And the indictment to be sent to House Hayman will be approved by each department and delivered by tomorrow. I suppose everyone is busy, and they don¡¯t want to create an awkward situation since House Hayman will also attend the trial.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t they say House Sereau woulde to the trial too?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve arranged to have a meal together after it¡¯s over. I¡¯ve been informed that Marlon Hope Sereau, the eldest son, wille instead because Count Sereau¡¯s health is poor.¡± ¡°Ah. That¡¯s fine.¡± In many ways, isn¡¯t it better to have someone familiar than a stranger? We¡¯ve met Marlon Hope Sereau at the New Year¡¯s party, and we¡¯ve also seen him when Berik was sparring with Jeirutt. He¡¯s young and gentlemanly, so there should be no problem with the talks. As Ian flipped through the report again, the attendants approached to finish adjusting his clothes. ¡°Then please bring His Highness Jin.¡± ¡°I will. See you outside.¡± Romandro sniffled and replied that he understood. Dressed up so neatly, he truly looked like a young nobleman. There are rumors about how handsome some marquis¡¯s heir is, but he wouldn¡¯t dare topare himself to Ian. Creak. After Romandro left, Ian made a final check of his appearance and stood up. Unlike usual, robed mages were gathered throughout the lobby. They too were among the important observers of the trial and would move with Ian. Rustle. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Is everyone here?¡± ¡°Yes. Everyone except the Mana Stone Management Department is present.¡± ¡°And Commander Akore¡¯s research results are prepared too?¡± It was a question about the report on Idgal, the amber-colored raw stone that Mariv had used. The mages responded in turn, showing their documents. It was a petition to condemn Mariv as key witnesses to the scene and core personnel in handling the situation. ¡°No problem. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Ian!¡± It was Jin. The child walked briskly, guided by Romandro. He was wearing a small but dignified formal uniform. Xiaoshi also looked like she had taken care to style his hair. ¡°Your Highness. Good morning.¡± ¡°Yes. Good morning.¡± ¡°Are you all prepared?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m ready to go.¡± Preparations to meet his mother and Arsen, whom he had never seen before, after the situation was resolved. Ian held out his hand in response to Jin¡¯s answer, and the child grasped it without hesitation. The two led the way down the stairs of the Ministry of Magic building. Tap tap tap! Dozens of mages followed behind them. The cold morning wind ruffled their robes, but their expressions remained firm. Jin nced back slightly, taking in each of those apanying him. *** The procession of nobles entering the pce to attend the trial seemed endless. This included nobles suspected of treason, including Hayman, but Ian had insisted that all central nobles participate in the trial without exception. Thus, he made them see clearly with their own eyes what the consequences of treason would be. No matter how much of a prince one might be, this is what happens if they threaten Bariel. The nobles should forever remember Mariv¡¯s case and refrain from any foolish actions. It was essentially a warning. Tap tap tap! Neigh! ¡°Ah, Lord Charlotte. Hello.¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go in. What¡¯s the point of standing out here?¡± ¡°The trial will end in one day, right?¡± ¡°Well, what¡¯s there to drag out? His Majesty was injured, and the ruins of the pce are evidence of that. I¡¯m curious about what method of execution will be imposed on His Highness Mariv.¡± ¡°If he¡¯s expelled from the imperial family, I think it might be hanging.¡± The crowd was reminiscent of a New Year¡¯s gathering. Carriages were densely packed in front of the courthouse, and the nobles entered solemnly, whispering among themselves. All were dressed in achromatic colors. Viewed from above, the scene gave the illusion of a grand funeral rather than a trial. ¡°It¡¯s Lady Dina and His Highness Arsen.¡± ¡°Oh, they¡¯ve arrived. Have you heard that rumor?¡± ¡°You mean about His Highness Arsen being a mana user?¡± ¡°The world is truly interesting. How curious that His Highness Arsen showed his ability in a situation like this. By the way, I heard he was injured, but he seems to have recovered well.¡± ¡°It must be troublesome for His Highness Jin and Lord Ian now.¡± ¡°Shh. They¡¯reing this way.¡± Dina and Arsen stood out prominently among them. The two climbed the stairs hand in hand, leading their supporters. Even those who had thrown their support to Jin just a few days ago were mixed in. The nobles parted to the sides and bowed their heads, and Dina, recognizing Hayman, approached him. ¡°Duke Hayman.¡± ¡°Lady Dina.¡± The two exchanged greetings and whispered something secretly. Dina frowned and nodded, and seeing this, the nobles were convinced of what had only been a rumor. That Hayman, the financial backbone of Bariel, and Arsen, the mana user, had met. That the emperor of the next generation seemed to have already been decided. Creak! Tap tap tap! At that moment, carriages arrived one after another, making a harsh friction sound. They were carriages bearing the g of the Ministry of Magic. The nobles hurriedly retreated into the courthouse, fearing they might be caught in the crossfire, and Dina stopped in her tracks to look down. ¡°Your Highness, please step down carefully.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± It was Jin. The child stepping down from the carriage, escorted by Ian. He seemed to have grown a bit taller in just the short time they hadn¡¯t seen each other. Dina bit her lip hard, unable to take her eyes off Jin. Arsen merely looked up at Dina with a dry gaze. ¡°Ah.¡± Jin, who had been diligently climbing the stairs, spotted Dina. And then, Arsen beside her. Arsen greeted Jin on behalf of his mother. ¡°Jin. It¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Your wounds seem to have healed a lot. I missed you.¡± Jin felt very strange. These were people he had been with his entire life since birth. But after being apart for such a short time, how could it feel this awkward? He had thought they were indispensable people in his life, but now it didn¡¯t seem that way. Right now, Jin was standing firmly. He was looking straight ahead, and his heart didn¡¯t waver at Arsen¡¯s greeting. ¡°¡­Yes.¡± ¡®Yes¡¯? What kind of answer is that? Arsen raised an eyebrow slightly and met Jin¡¯s gaze. ¡®Well, well.¡¯ His gaze is sharp. Arsen inwardly sneered as he carefully examined the child. Hisplexion didn¡¯t look bad at all, suggesting that the Ministry of Magic was taking good care of him. ¡°Lord Ian. Are you serving ¡®our¡¯ Jin well?¡± Ian also smiled slightly in response to Arsen¡¯s glib greeting. ¡°Of course. ¡®Our¡¯ His Highness Jin is intelligent and thoughtful, so everyone in the Ministry of Magic praises and serves him. How is your physical condition, His Highness Arsen?¡± ¡°As you can see, I¡¯ve recovered, but the wounds in my heart haven¡¯t healed. As long as Brother Gale is alive, I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll heal easily.¡± It was a criticism of Ian, who was protecting Gale. Even if he was a prince, keeping alive someone who was clearly a criminal. It was a warning that Arsen was quite irritated. But Ian pretended not to understand and shook his head glibly. ¡°I understand your concerns must be great, but I hope you canpose yourself.¡± ¡°How could that be easy? How can I forget someone who tried to kill me? I absolutely cannot do that.¡± Arsen growled lowly. Those who had tried to kill him included not only Gale but also Ian. Even if he hadn¡¯t given the order directly, hadn¡¯t he urged for the matter to be dealt with? As Arsen roughly grabbed Ian¡¯s arm, Jin immediately pried his hand off. p! ¡°There are many eyes watching.¡± ¡°¡­Jin?¡± ¡°Ian, let¡¯s go in now. Arsen, take good care of Mother. Including my share.¡± Jin nodded slightly to his mother as a form of greeting. Ian did the same. He smoothed out his crumpled sleeve, tidying his appearance. ¡°Well then, we¡¯ll be going. His Highness Arsen. We¡¯ll see you again.¡± The mages who had been waiting a couple of steps away filed past Arsen and Dina. If Arsen was a mana user, he would likely have a close rtionship with the Ministry of Magic, but the overall atmosphere was cold, indicating hostility. Creak! ¡°The Ministry of Magic has arrived.¡± ¡°The time, it¡¯s about to start soon.¡± ¡°Tsk tsk. His Highness Mariv is truly something. Just look at His Highness Jin¡¯s face. To inflict such wounds on a young prince.¡± The ceiling of the courthouse was arge dome that curved down. On the tform, there were fifty-five seats prepared for the judges. Given the gravity of the matter, all the authoritative figures from the Judicial Department hade out to sign the verdict. ¡°The authority for the verdict is divided as follows: half to the Judicial Department, a quarter to the imperial family, and the remaining quarter to the high-ranking officials of the imperial pce. His Highness Jin can also cast one vote. However, this will be made public, so you must make your position clear.¡± It was a kind of participatory trial. The noble spectators observed from the second floor, while the imperial family and high-ranking officials were seated on the first floor. Behind the judges, arge imperial throne sat empty. If the Emperor hadn¡¯t been incapacitated, he would probably have sat there, looking down on the courtroom. ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous. The one who should be nervous today is someone else.¡± Is there anyone more fearful than someone facing death? Jin moistened his lips with his tongue and straightened his posture. Soon after, the doors opened and judges in velvet robes entered in a line. ¡°Please be quiet. We will now begin the trial regarding Prince Mariv¡¯s charges of treason and the attempted assassination of His Majesty the Emperor.¡± Bang bang! The sound of the chief judge¡¯s gavel immediately silenced themotion in the hall. All the judges sat in their ces, looking forward with dignity. ¡°Bring in the defendant.¡± Creak. Everyone turned their heads towards the sound. A man with blonde hair and blue eyes, surrounded by soldiers. His long hair was tied back, and he wore sses as usual. With even the chains removed for the sake of dignity, he maintained the princely authority he had always possessed. ¡°It¡¯s His Highness Prince Mariv.¡± ¡°How could he still¡­¡± ¡°Shh. Be quiet.¡± The murmuring subsided quickly. Mariv calmly took his seat and lifted his head to look around. All the central nobles were looking down at him. Those who had been busy licking his boots now gazed at him with looks of disgust, pity, sympathy, or anger. ¡®Ha.¡¯ Mariv then spotted Ian. He raised the corner of his mouth in a sardonic smile and whispered something silently. Ian frowned, unable to make it out, and Mariv smiled and straightened his head. ¡°State the defendant¡¯s name.¡± ¡°¡­I am Mariv Verocion, First Prince of Bariel.¡± Mariv¡¯s history began toe to an end. Chapter 212 Chapter 212 The charges against First Prince Mariv Verocion are as follows: Centered on treason and the attempted assassination of His Majesty the Emperor, they include rebellion, usurpation and loss of the imperial seal, assault on a member of the imperial family, vition of mana sealing stone management regtions, special property damage¡­¡± The list of crimes recited by the chief judge seemed endless. Even matters that would normally have been pardoned due to his status as a prince were now being applied in detail. It was also the will of the Judicial Department to make him bear all his sins as he falls into the abyss anyway. The paper was turned over halfway through, but the names of the crimes continued to ring out clearly in the courtroom. ¡°In total, there were thirty-two charges.¡± Ian clicked his pocket watch. Although they had started early in the morning, if Mariv didn¡¯t cooperate, there was a high possibility it would continue until night. Jin, seemingly surprised by the longer-than-expected list of charges, kept staring at the back of Mariv¡¯s head. ¡°Mariv Verocion, do you acknowledge these charges?¡± ¡°Some I acknowledge, some I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°¡­Let¡¯s proceed one by one then.¡±This is going to take a while. Sighs erupted here and there at Mariv¡¯s bold denial. The judges also briefly exchanged nces, looking perplexed. Since it was already public knowledge that Mariv had behaved disgracefully during the interrogation process, everyone had to be on edge, so to speak. ¡°First, the charge of treason. On the fifth night of this month, Mariv Verocion colluded with the Imperial Defense Department, uwfully invaded His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s quarters, injured the guards in the process, and inflicted harm on His Majesty the Emperor. Do you acknowledge this?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Commander Riama of the Imperial Guards was also with you, wasn¡¯t she? With her at the lead, you neutralized Beols, and then after usurping the imperial seal, you entered the conference hall in the morning. Is this correct?¡± ¡°What if I say it¡¯s not?¡± ¡°We will overrule it. Even without the defendant¡¯s admission of guilt, there is sufficient testimony and evidence to prove the crime.¡± ¡°Haha. Then why bother asking?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a sacred procedure of the empire.¡± ¡°Sacred procedure? Howughable. It¡¯s just an act to give legitimacy to those twin princes sitting over there. Only when I and Gale die through this trial can those fellows stand properly, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Jin, suddenly pointed out, flinched. The gazes of the nobles pouring down from the second floor shifted from Mariv to Jin and Arsen. Arsen was looking straight ahead with an impassive expression. ¡°Maintain your dignity!¡± ¡°What do you want? Do you want to know every detail about that day? Whatever is written in those documents, though I can¡¯t see from here, is probably mostly true. I confronted Gale, and I tried to kill Dina, who had colluded with that Gale.¡± The unfiltered statement amplified the murmuring sounds from here and there. Dina frowned and covered her face with a fan. Her jaw was tensing up, indicating she was quite ufortable. ¡°But I decided to show mercy and kill only one of the twins. Then Dina, seizing the moment, pushed one of them.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not true!¡± ¡°Lady Dina, be quiet!¡± The chief judge banged his gavel roughly at Dina¡¯s outcry. Although it had been mentioned in the grand council, hearing it firsthand was quite different from just hearing about it. The nobles whispered among themselves, questioning Dina¡¯s qualifications as a guardian. ¡°So I struck. Jin. That wound was not inflicted by me, but by your mother, so don¡¯t resent your older brother.¡± At Mariv¡¯s words, Jin bit his lip hard. It was truly pathetic to see him spewing such nonsensical sophistry in the sacred courtroom, without even a hint of remorse. Perhaps reading the child¡¯s mind? Mariv rose from his seat with a bitter smile. ¡°If you want to judge my crimes, go ahead. But before that, let me ask you first. If either I or Gale had emerged victorious here, what do you think you would have done? Would you have followed the aging emperor to the end and rebuked me?¡± Of course not. If either Mariv or Gale had firmly secured victory, they would have rushed to prostrate themselves, proiming the dawn of a new era. ¡°How can those who change their allegiance ording to the world judge me? It¡¯s absurd, so I¡¯d like you to stop this show trial.¡± ¡°No.¡± It was Ian who directly refuted Mariv¡¯s words. He raised his hand to the judge to gain the right to speak, then stood up. ¡°Condemnation should, by nature, be conducted as a show. That way, in the future, some fool won¡¯t follow in His Highness Mariv¡¯s footsteps. It¡¯s a powerful warning from Bariel that if you go down that path, this is the end that awaits you.¡± So, he meant that the judges should not get caught up in nonsense and proceed as they were. Mariv was testing the waters right now. He was quickly calcting what attitude to show in the trial to make it even slightly more favorable for himself. The worst-case scenario would be stripping him of his imperial family name and hanging, the next worst would be mere beheading, and if a miracle urred, they might postpone the trial. Bang! Bang! Bang! ¡°Mariv Verocion, next I will ask about the charges rted to the vition of mana sealing stone management. Is it true that you knew the unregistered amber-colored raw stone named ¡®Idgal¡¯ absorbed mana, and used it for treason?¡± Mariv merely nodded his head briefly instead of answering. ¡°Where did the funds to purchase thise from?¡± ¡°Hmm. Well¡­¡± Mariv dyed his answer for a moment, wiggling his crossed arms. Then he looked up at the second floor and smiled amusedly. ¡°There, Marquis Jalton¡¯s brother-inw gave me quite a precious gem for proceeding with the central repair constructionst year. Did I sell that to make it?¡± ¡°What? Me? Your Highness Mariv, this is Jalton you¡¯re talking about.¡± ¡°Right. Ah! No. Besides that, I did make a profit by officially approving the medicine made in Bisgard. You know, the one that was supposed to have pain-relieving effects.¡± Oh? See that? Ian unknowingly sneered and tilted his head. The parties Mariv mentioned stood up in surprise and protested. ¡°It¡¯s nder! Absolutely nothing like that happened!¡± ¡°Calm down, Marquis Jalton.¡± ¡°This concerns my honor, so please rify it clearly. His Highness Mariv. What are you trying to do now? Huh?¡± Vehement denials could be heard from the second floor, but Mariv just shrugged his shoulders as if uninterested. When he asked the chief judge for order, the judge had no choice but to dismiss Jalton. ¡°Marquis Jalton, leave the courtroom for an hour.¡± Bang bang! ¡°No, wait! Wait!¡± While the agitated man was being dragged away by the guards, the other nobles maintained silence and wore tense expressions. They had realized what Mariv was trying to do now. As he had been the most powerful person in Bariel after the emperor, he could recite the nobles¡¯ private shames even with his eyes closed. ¡°Shall we continue?¡± Mariv elegantly gestured, instructing the chief judge to proceed. By this point, some of the judges also had skeletons in their closets. They rolled their eyes at each other with a sense of ¡°surely not.¡± ¡°I understand that an opportunity for a final statement is given after the sentencing. That, more than anything else, will prove my innocence. I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡± It was a kind of threat, implying that after the judges, imperial family members, and pce officials impose punishment on Mariv, they would give him a chance to speak. ¡°Let¡¯s see. Many have changed due to the incident, but there are still quite a few faces I recognize.¡± ¡°Mariv Verocion, speak only about matters rted to the trial!¡± ¡°I answered sincerely when asked about the source of funds, so why are you like this? Or is there a different answer you want? You¡¯re the ones desecrating this sacred court by putting me, a prince, in this position.¡± His words flowed like water. The chief judge continued in a much more subdued tone. ¡°How did youe to collude with the Imperial Defense Department and Riama?¡± ¡°Colomo from the Administrative Department, are you here?¡± ¡°¡­Gasp.¡± ¡°Ah, there you are. It¡¯s been a while, nice to see you. It was thanks to that fellow, Colomo, that the three of us met in one ce. Colomo was on very good terms privately with the Minister of the Imperial Defense Department. And Riama was also Colomo¡¯s ex-lover, although he had a wife at the time-¡° ¡°It¡¯s not true! It¡¯s not!¡± ¡°Well, when I speak, everyone just denies everything. I wonder if my testimony even has any legal effect.¡± Romandro bit his lip hard and turned to look at Ian. Not just him. All the high-ranking officials of the pce were ncing at Ian, subtly hoping for help. It¡¯s said that those with nothing to lose are the most frightening, but isn¡¯t this going too far? Their expressions clearly showed their desire for someone to shut the mouth of that crazy prince. The mages whispered and added a word each. ¡°I-Ian. The situation is getting a bit awkward.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to take action? The pce is already in turmoil, and if it¡¯s shaken by all sorts of nonsense, that¡¯s also harmful to Bariel.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. Everyone is just staring at us.¡± ¡°This is driving me crazy. Is he going to be like this until the end? Has he thrown away all dignity and honor as a prince to the dogs?¡± Ian clicked his tongue as he watched the out-of-control Mariv. Some of the nobles on the second floor were hurriedly leaving their seats, afraid they might be mentioned. His cunning was truly supreme. Ian reluctantly raised his hand again. ¡°Oh, Lord Ian!¡± ¡°If I may, please look at the report prepared by the Ministry of Magic. Throughout the interrogation, Prince Mariv testified to things clearly different from the facts, and this is considered a strategy to disrupt the trial.¡± Rustle. At Ian¡¯s words, the sound of papers being turned could be heard here and there. It was written that everything was done on Ian¡¯s orders, that they had met Ian in Bratz territory before, and otherpletely unreliable things, along with objective data refuting these ims, all neatly attached. ¡°I ask that you take this into consideration when making your judgment.¡± It was a tacit agreement. Mariv was now doing all sorts of outrageous things to survive, so let¡¯s all agree not to take his words as truth. In other words, it was a signal to endure the humiliation together for a swift and urate trial proceeding, as whether Mariv¡¯s testimony was true or false wasn¡¯t immediately important. ¡°Hmm. I see. Indeed.¡± ¡°In this case, it might be good to change the form of questioning.¡± ¡°Understood. It¡¯s a reasonable suggestion, so we¡¯ll ept it. Prince Mariv, from now on, answer only with ¡®Yes¡¯ or ¡®No¡¯. Everything else will be overruled.¡± Bang! Bang bang! Although Mariv seemed a bit disappointed, he showed no signs of yielding. Everyone knows it¡¯s all true anyway. The anxiety about the revtions will continue to linger. ¡°Next is about the special property damage. The list of imperial pce properties destroyed due to the rebellion is as follows. The entire first pce and the right wing of the main building, second floor,¡­¡± It would be best to be thorough but quick. The judge made this decision and spoke rapidly. Whenever Mariv tried to say anything other than ¡°Yes¡± or ¡°No,¡± he quickly brought down his gavel to cut off his words. Perhaps this judge also had some weakness that Mariv could exploit. Bang bang! ¡°That concludes the thirty-two charges against Mariv Verocion. Following thews of the imperial pce and the instructions of His Majesty the Emperor, I propose to strip the prince of his imperial family name and sentence him to hanging. Everyone, show your will.¡± Stripping of the Verocion name and hanging, is it? Mariv closed his eyes tightly and sighed. He had struggled to the end, but was it futile? ¡°Show your will.¡± At the chief judge¡¯s words, Mariv opened his eyes and looked back. Strangely, no one was raising their hand first to agree. They were avoiding being the conspicuous first, afraid that Mariv might self-destruct to the very end. ¡°Haha. What are you all doing? Come on, show your agreement.¡± Mariv shouted, draping one arm over the chair as if he had caught them all perfectly. Dina, too, nced at Arsen while covering her face with a fan. ¡°¡­Arsen?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to go first. Why step in filth and get into trouble? Wait a bit.¡± Even Arsen didn¡¯t know as intimately as Mariv what his followers had been up to behind the scenes. Everyone tacitly knew that the revtions were true. Even if ignored in the courtroom, they would eventually return as a de. Swish. In a moment of truly heavy and strange silence. ¡°I am Jin Verocion, the Fifth Prince.¡± Jin raised his small hand to show his agreement. Ian, sitting to his left, had discreetly given him the signal that it was okay. When no one steps forward, being the first to do so is worth the risk in many ways. ¡°I agree with the court¡¯s judgment.¡± Especially for someone aiming for the imperial throne. Chapter 213 Chapter 213 Was it because Jin¡¯s voice rang out particrly clear? A deep silence fell over the courtroom. It was so quiet that someone¡¯s cough from the second floor could be distinctly heard. Everyone in the hall looked at Jin. Among them was Mariv¡¯s gaze, which held a rather peculiar expression. ¡°L-Lord Ian.¡± Is this right? Even though Ian had signaled it was okay to cast the vote, why were there no follow-up remarks? Jin rolled his eyes to look at Ian, but he was just smiling faintly. ¡°It¡¯s alright. You did well. Right now, we¡¯re the only ones who can take the lead here.¡± Ian whispered very softly and exchanged nces with Mariv. He had his chin raised high and was letting out an incredulousugh. ¡®This is the moment of regime change. By showing the most active will to punish the prince, one must gain an advantage in the nextpetition. And above all, wasn¡¯t Jin under Dina¡¯s protection until recently?¡¯ Not only was he a young prince without political weaknesses, but even if attacks were directed at Jin, they would essentially be aimed at Dina. No one would dare to touch him easily. ¡°I agree as well!¡±¡°Ahem. I am Ashbuster from the Foreign Affairs Department!¡± ¡°Wellinger Mave. I agree.¡± ¡°Wyvern will add his name too.¡± After Quintana took the lead and Mariv remained silent, opinions agreeing poured out like a flood. Those who dered stood up, ced their hands on their chests, and pledged honor to Bariel. Swish. A natural flow continued, like a stream rising. If individuals stood out, they would be Mariv¡¯s targets, but there was no problem if everyone united. Now, rather, those still sitting would catch the eyes of Ian and Dina. If they retreated out of awkwardness towards Mariv, they might face truly awkward situations due to the uing power yers. Bang! Bang bang! Even the nobles on the second floor without authority all stood up and agreed to punish Mariv. This was a political show of support for either Jin or Arsen. Mariv looked around at those who had stood up to kill him with an unreadable expression. ¡°Mariv Verocion, if you have any final defense, I¡¯ll allow it.¡± After the defense, the concluding statement of the verdict would be pronounced. This would be hisst official words he could deliver under the gallows. Mariv¡¯s lips quivered, then heposed himself as if resigned. Now, truly, there was nothing more he could do. ¡°I-¡° Calmly, but with a hint of resentment. Mariv frowned slightly and muttered. ¡°I just loved Bariel. That¡¯s why I had to be emperor. Because that was the right path for Bariel and for all of you. This day will remain a lifelong stain on Bariel. Watch how your mistake changes the future.¡± ¡°¡­I will now pronounce the verdict.¡± As his words didn¡¯t continue, the judge raised his gavel high. There was no need to count the pros and cons in this matter. ¡°First Prince Mariv Verocion, in the name of the Great Empire of Bariel, I order the stripping of your imperial family name and sentence you to hanging.¡± Bang! p p p! ¡°The execution department, prepare for the execution ceremony.¡± ¡°The execution department, prepare for the execution ceremony!¡± Along with the order, apuse erupted from everyone. They all stood with noble posture, celebrating Mariv¡¯s death. Jin felt this scene somehow strange and looked up at Ian. ¡°Ian.¡± Regardless of individual personalities, this is the habit of those who engage in politics. Yesterday¡¯s enemy bes today¡¯srade, and today¡¯s friend bes tomorrow¡¯s foe. Where the strongest light shines, the darkest shadow falls. The imperial pce was a ce where one could take someone¡¯s death as a profit under the name of gain. Of course, Ian, who was present here, was no different, but there was one thing he wanted to tell. ¡°Your Highness, observe. No matter how great Prince Mariv was, there¡¯s no way to avoid when the powerful officials pounce on a misstep. From now on, you must be extremely vignt and approach everything fiercely. There are people everywhere who will desperately cling to every breath and nce. Especially since what you hold in your hands is the future of Bariel.¡± Glory will be given to the victor, and death to the loser. The path Jin had stepped onto to survive would be more arduous than expected, and Ian knew this well. ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll make sure to do so.¡± Jin hardened his expression and kept his eyes on Mariv¡¯s back as he was escorted away. He would never end up like that. When the scar was carved across his face, the child had already died once, in a sense. ¡°I won¡¯t die twice.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Ian patted the child¡¯s shoulder at his small resolution. Just then, Romandro approached and informed them of the next schedule. With all the nobles and officials gathered now, the hanging was set to proceed immediately. ¡°The execution will take ce in about an hour, so how about we escort Jin to the Ministry of Magic? I think that would be better.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s ask Jin. By the way, what about the Administrative Department?¡± ¡°They left the courtroom as soon as the order was given.¡± Since Mariv had been expelled from the imperial family, it was natural that there would be no official history of him passed down to future generations. His biography would be downgraded and treated as a general record, and the numerous traces left by the prince would be quickly erased one by one. ¡°They¡¯ll be the busiest for the next few days.¡± ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I got all the approvals I needed in advance. And over there, Sereau.¡± At Romandro¡¯s gesture, Ian looked up at the second floor. A familiar young man took off his hat and greeted them. It was the eldest son of the Sereau family, to be used to keep the Hayman family in check. Ian nodded slightly in return. ¡°We agreed to meet at the Ministry of Magic after the execution.¡± ¡°Understood. Everyone¡¯s moving, so shall we go too? His Highness Jin. Will you join us? It¡¯s not a problem if you don¡¯t watch.¡± ¡°No. I¡¯ll go.¡± Jin spoke firmly. Seeing Arsen smiling, surrounded by ministers, it seemed he would attend the execution. If so, Jin had no choice but to go as well. Living up to his reputation as the first mana-using member of the imperial family, ministers and nobles were lingering around Arsen even after the trial had ended, showering him with all sorts of ttery. Of course, there were people approaching Jin¡¯s side as well. ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Quintana!¡± ¡°Have you been well?¡± ¡°Of course. You must be Ashbuster, Wellinger, and Wyvern. You all seem to be acquainted with each other.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. When the rebellion broke out, we were taking shelter in the Ministry of Magic. We briefly saw you then. And at the grand council too. Your Highness. The courage you showed earlier was truly admirable.¡± Quintana and others who had formed ties after several crises. Although their numbers had drastically decreased with rumors of Arsen being a mana user, Jin rather thought it was fine. ¡®Anyway, Ian doesn¡¯t believe in Arsen¡¯s mana, and I can appreciate the value of those who remain on my side.¡¯ ¡°Are you attending the execution?¡± ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s move to the venue.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go. We have much to discuss. Lord Ian?¡± To be precise, they had much to say to Ian rather than Jin. Ian smiled and excused himself in response to Quintana and his followers¡¯ inquiry. ¡°Excuse me. I have some things to wrap up. Xiaoshi, please escort Jin. I¡¯ll join you shortly. Your Highness.¡± ¡°Alright. Come quickly.¡± Xiaoshi, who had been hiding her presence like a shadow, appeared and followed close to Jin. It was the execution of none other than a member of the imperial family, the First Prince at that. As it wouldn¡¯t end with just hanging by a rope, there were many things to consider. Especially the dramatic effects that only the Ministry of Magic could produce. Tap tap tap! ¡°Where did the execution department¡¯s manager go? I told them to change the rope, but it¡¯s still the same?¡± ¡°Mage, please call the execution department¡¯s manager.¡± ¡°Make way! Coming through!¡± ¡°This is where the nobles will sit. Space them out more.¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be troublesome if blood or filth stters?¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic will take care of that. Ah, Lord Ian!¡± The execution was to be held at the central 1st garden of the imperial pce, in the outdoor opera theater. Spectator seats were prepared, a tform to read the verdict was ready, and the ce for Mariv, the main character, was also perfect. Ian helped finish setting up the scene and then entered the waiting room where Mariv was said to be. Creak. He was gagged and bound. It was a natural measure to prevent him frommitting suicide before the execution, which would tarnish the honor of the imperial pce. There was no need to consider the position of someone who was no longer even a member of the imperial family. ¡°No problems. Keep watching him well.¡± ¡°Yes, understood.¡± It was just a visit to check the condition of the subject. As Ian turned to leave, Mariv let out a groan and grabbed him. ¡°¡­Mariv, your right to speak has ended.¡± He¡¯s a man with a serpent¡¯s tongue. There¡¯s no reason to remove the gag. ¡°Mmph mmph!¡± ¡°You said earlier, didn¡¯t you? That this day would remain a lifelong stain on Bariel. That we should see how a mistake changes the future.¡± Ian bent down to meet his eyes, then smiled. ¡°You should watch from heaven. What this day means for Bariel. It¡¯s the first step towards finding its proper orbit, so I¡¯m sorry, but-¡° ¡°¡­¡± Mariv stopped resisting. He truly felt death approaching. Ian quietly whispered in his ear. ¡°There are too many people who love Bariel just as much as you do.¡± Chapter 214 Chapter 214 ¡°Your Highness?¡± Quintana bowed her head to draw Jin¡¯s attention. On the garden path leading to the outdoor opera theater where the execution was to take ce, nobles gathered in small groups, chatting on the pcewn. They pretended to shield themselves from the sun with fans and hats, but their nces kept darting towards Jin. ¡°Ah. Yes.¡± ¡°Are you alright? Shall I call for a carriage?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that far. And the weather is nice.¡± ¡°¡­If that¡¯s what Your Highness wishes.¡± It seemed that facing the nobles without Ian was quite burdensome. Until now, Jin had never met the central nobles privately, and most of them were older than him, so their interests didn¡¯t ovep. Without Ian to act as an intermediary, it was inevitable to feel more nervous. Quintana and the ministers matched their pace with Jin, watching his expression carefully.¡°By the way, Your Highness. Who is that person behind?¡± ¡°Xiaoshi?¡± ¡°Is he someone Lord Ian assigned?¡± Wasn¡¯t the red-haired swordsman famous as Ian¡¯s subordinate? They had never heard of a heterochromatic man called Xiaoshi. His proper demeanor suggested he might be a knight brought in from outside through Romandro. Quintana whispered to Jin, wary of the man. ¡°Could it be that he¡¯s monitoring Your Highness¡¯s every move?¡± ¡°Quintana. I truly appreciate your concern for me sincest time. But there¡¯s nothing like that. Xiaoshi is my guard. The same goes for Ian.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a relief, then.¡± Quintana finally rxed a bit and smiled gently. It was fortunate that Jin seemed as bright as ever, even though he might have been intimidated by Arsen being a mana user. ¡°This way, please.¡± ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s this way.¡± The opera theater was already half-filled with nobles. The atmosphere was one of barely contained excitement, as if they were about to witness a famous performance. As imperial power and religious authority were inversely proportional, the nobles weed the moderate downfall of the imperial family. Moreover, today¡¯s protagonist was none other than the First Prince Mariv. What could be a better spectacle than witnessing the death of the man who had ruled the empire for over a decade? ¡°The gallows is bigger than I thought.¡± ¡°This must be Your Highness¡¯s first time seeing it. The height of the stage tform makes it look that way. Also, the higher it is, the deeper the criminal¡¯s sins are supposed to be.¡± Jin, Quintana, Xiaoshi, and the ministers took their seats, leaning back in their chairs. It was the best of the best seats, closest to the stage. A momentter, Ian returned after finishing his on-site inspection. ¡°Did you enjoy your walk, Your Highness?¡± ¡°Ian! Come, sit here.¡± ¡°It will begin soon. If you wish, you may close your eyes.¡± Ian was considerate of Jin, implying that simply being present was enough to fulfill his duty. As soon as Jin nodded, the head of the execution department took the stage with the verdict in hand. ¡°Originally, His Majesty the Emperor should have written this, but due to his ill health, we¡¯re using the imperial family execution verdict from 21 years ago.¡± As Ian exined, the head of the execution department gave a polite bow. The chattering hall suddenly fell silent. It was finally the moment for the execution of First Prince Mariv to begin. Buuuu- The bull horn trumpet red, clear and resonant. The official solemnly unfolded the parchment and stood before a magical device that amplified sound. ¡°Now, in the name of His Majesty the Emperor, I shall announce the crimes of the convict Mariv.¡± This part had been repeated countless times in the courtroom. Though no one weed it, the nobles politely apuded. The atmosphere waspletely different from when Derga was executed in Bratz territory. Back then, they were busy controlling the surroundings as stones and filth flew about, but now it was calm, as if waiting for a performance. ¡®Is that why? It¡¯s rather grotesque.¡¯ An execution was supposed to be when a criminal pays for their crimes with death. Since crime inevitably involves victims, the anger of the crowd would be a natural phenomenon. But now? No one was showing anger. ¡°¡­Therefore, Mariv shall be eternally stripped of the honor and glory of the imperial family. By the Emperor¡¯s order, Mariv is sentenced to death by hanging.¡± The verdict, which had been only half-listened to, came to an end. Then, Mariv walked out from behind. He wore a blindfold and was gagged. He appeared calm, but the shackles on his feet rattled severely. Buuuu- The trumpet sounded again. The purpose of hanging was to humiliate until the very end. The execution department removed Mariv¡¯s blindfold, making him aware that he was kneeling before numerous nobles. ¡°Hang the rope.¡± ¡°Hang the rope!¡± Creeak. Creak. The executioner standing nearby lowered the rope. Mariv kept his gagged lips still. He seemed to have resigned himself to offering his neck without resistance. The thick rope tightly constricted his neck. ¡°Oh my. Goodness. How cruel.¡± ¡°I still can¡¯t quite believe it.¡± ¡°Oh dear, tsk tsk.¡± At the executioner¡¯s gesture, Mariv¡¯s body slowly rose into the air. But he didn¡¯t struggle, instead rxing his body with dignity. Though he swayed slightly in the wind, Mariv did not resist. ¡°Raise it higher!¡± ¡°Raise it higher!¡± Creeak! Creak! In his final moment, Mariv looked up at the sky. It was a clear blue sky without a speck of dust. Clearer and purer than his own blue eyes. It seemed like a silent revtion that even after his life ended, Bariel¡¯s time would continue to flow. ¡°Kugh¡­!¡± His long hair fluttered gently. And tears fell involuntarily. Who would even see them dripping below his chin? In his gradually blurring vision, Mariv thought of his mother. If he met her after death, he would first embrace her. Although he had failed, he would tell her that he truly loved Bariel and did his best. ¡®And if I¡¯m given another life, I won¡¯t end up like this.¡¯ It was hisst resolution. A will that could not be fulfilled, destined to vanish like a midsummer night¡¯s dream. Mariv finally let out hisst breath, and met his death in the skies of Bariel. ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡± ¡°Prince Mariv is dead.¡± ¡°Oh, he¡¯s dead! Mariv is dead!¡± As the head that had been lifted upward bowed down, the nobles eximed and apuded. Then, the mages waiting below the stage confirmed that Mariv¡¯s breath hadpletely ceased and activated a magic circle. Ziiing. Zing. Whoosh! ¡°It¡¯s magic!¡± ¡°Why magic, of all things?¡± ¡°I suppose they¡¯re disposing of the body.¡± ¡°Well, even if he was expelled from the imperial family, they could show him some final respect. Lord Ian, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so considerate.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not consideration, it¡¯s unavoidable.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± The nobles nced at Ian due to the sudden use of magic. But Ian kept his gaze fixed on Mariv¡¯s corpse, merely watching his final moments. ¡°His status is ambiguous, isn¡¯t it? He¡¯s not part of the imperial family, so we can¡¯t follow the proper protocols, but is he a titled noble or amoner? It¡¯s unclear, so it¡¯s better to get rid of him.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but if we build a tomb outside the pce, imperial citizens who don¡¯t know the circumstances might mourn him. Mourning for a criminal, how absurd. If the mourning unexpectedly intensifies, it could burden Your Highness as the next heir. We¡¯re cutting off that possibility at the root.¡± The nobles whispered, each adding their ownments. On the surface, it seemed like they were showing proper respect, but looking deeper, their intentions were clear. ¡°¡­As expected, he¡¯s an interesting fellow.¡± ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been half a year since he came up from the border. Look at where he¡¯s standing now. Isn¡¯t it frightening?¡± ¡°I hear he¡¯s trying to keep Duke Hayman in check.¡± ¡°If the Hayman family falls, whates next is clear as day. He¡¯ll be a threat to all of us central nobles.¡± ¡°Shh. Let¡¯s refrain from speaking for a moment. There¡¯s a rumor that mages¡¯ senses be sharper when they use mana.¡± Though it was barely louder than an ant¡¯s yawn, the nobles cleared their throats unnecessarily and watched Ian¡¯s expression. Not that there was much to see when they could only see the back of his head. Whoosh! A beautiful, aurora-like shimmer urred on the stage. It started enveloping Mariv¡¯s already cold corpse from the feet up, soon covering itpletely. ¡°Oh!¡± ¡°Butterflies!¡± Starting from Mariv¡¯s feet, his form blurred and then transformed into white butterflies. Hundreds of butterflies, softly fluttering their wings, rose towards the sky. In a brief moment, they scattered in all directions, flowing wherever the wind took them. Now, no one in the world would ever see Mariv¡¯s intact corpse again. ¡°Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Was this Ian¡¯s way of beautifully adorning Mariv¡¯s final moments, or a method to leave no trace of the corpse? Jin turned to look at him out of curiosity but didn¡¯t ask. Somehow, it felt like both might be the correct answer. Shhh. As the aurora faded, only the rope hung swaying in the wind. The head of the execution department, with the help of the mages, expanded the reception range of the magical device. Now, Mariv¡¯s death would be officially announced to all of Bariel. ¡°Hear ye! This is an announcement from the imperial pce. Mariv Verocion, who was the First Prince, has been stripped of his imperial surname and executed by hanging for the crime of rebellion. Anyone who threatens Bariel will meet the same fate. Citizens of the great empire, bear this in mind and erase Mariv from history. I repeat. Mariv Verocion, who was the First Prince¡­¡± As the execution official announced to the entire empire, the nobles rose from their seats, congratting each other on the end of the event. Their brief apuse and flushed expressions seemed to indicate that it had been a truly satisfying performance. ¡°Lady Dina, Your Highness Arsen, shall we have some tea?¡± ¡°That sounds good. May I request a handshake first? They say shaking hands with a mana user brings good fortune.¡± ¡°Of course. Come, let¡¯s move to another location.¡± ¡°The weather is nice, so it would be good to set up tables in the garden.¡± Arsen¡¯s group created amotion as they gathered their forces. Arsen left the theater with the ministers, smiling broadly as if to show off, while Jin nkly stared at the empty stage. ¡°Your Highness, are you alright?¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just, how should I put it¡­ My heart aches a little.¡± They may not have been close, but they were still blood brothers. Jin had a feeling he would forever remember thest words Mariv left in the courtroom. That he loved Bariel more than anyone else. ¡°Lord Ian, are you heading straight to the Ministry of Magic?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯m going to have a brief meeting with the Sereau family. Would Your Highness like to join us?¡± ¡°Is that allowed?¡± ¡°Of course, there¡¯s no reason why not. It¡¯s all for Your Highness¡¯s future. However, the meeting might be long, so feel free to say if you¡¯re tired.¡± ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll do that. Oh, the doctor said that as long as Beric doesn¡¯t swallow meat, we can let him hold it in his mouth little by little.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think Beric will be content with just holding it in his mouth.¡± Ian frowned skeptically but smiled. However, Jin clenched his fist, showing enthusiasm. Getting Beric to recover quickly was the child¡¯s closest goal. ¡°Quintana, what about you?¡± ¡°Your Highness. I apologize, but I need a moment with Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Ah. I see. Then I¡¯ll look at the flowers with Xiaoshi for a while. Everyone, please carry on with your discussions.¡± As Jin stepped back with Xiaoshi, Quintana gave a look suggesting they should move to another location. While Ian followed her around the garden, Jin crouched down in the flower bed, pointing out various things to Xiaoshi. ¡°When this blooms, it¡¯s a sign that spring hase, so everyone¡­ Huh?¡± Swish. At that moment, a white butterflynded simultaneously on Jin¡¯s fingertip and Ian¡¯s shoulder. Jin carefully cupped his hand and whispered- ¡®Farewell, brother.¡¯ Ian gently waved his hand, sending the butterfly into the sky. ¡®Goodbye, Mariv.¡¯ Behind the hundreds of butterflies that had risen from the imperial pce, thest two disappeared as well. They might be somewhere, but no one would know. Just like the traces of Mariv. Chapter 215 Chapter 215 Sunlight poured through the transparent ss ceiling. Though they sprouted from the same stem, each leaf had its own distinct color. Ian entered the greenhouse inside the imperial garden and looked back. Quintana and several officials who had followed him were seated around a table. ¡°The weather is truly splendid. Worthy of being recorded in history.¡± ¡°Indeed. You¡¯ve worked hard, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°What have I done? It¡¯s all His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s will.¡± Even as he made small talk, Ian carefully observed them. They wouldn¡¯t have asked to see him without a purpose. At his gesture urging them to speak up, they all wore awkward smiles. Quintana was the first to step forward. ¡°May I speak first?¡± ¡°Ah, y-yes. Go ahead, Deputy Minister Quintana.¡± Despite it being a request for permission, no one could refuse and they all nodded. Quintana called her attendant to bring a sheet of paper. It was a budget n, densely filled with dizzying numbers.¡°Is it true that His Highness Arsen is a mana user?¡± An official listening nearby involuntarily covered his mouth. Given Quintana¡¯s nature, this wasn¡¯t the first question expected. She was someone who went her own way regardless of political trends. Ian also replied with a surprised expression. It didn¡¯t seem like a question to ask with a budget n in front of them. ¡°Why do you ask such a thing, Deputy Minister Quintana?¡± ¡°If His Highness joins the Ministry of Magic, there will be a double charge for maintaining his dignity. Moreover, the budget allocated to Lady Dina for His Highness Arsen is only given when a prince is a minor or has no significant economic ie. If he bes part of the Ministry of Magic and receives an allowance, we¡¯ll need to recalcte everything.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°As you know, our current finances are tight. To reduce the burden on the country even a little, please tell me the Ministry of Magic¡¯s stance on His Highness Arsen.¡± It was a usible pretext, but only usible. Ian sat on a stump and smiled. Wasn¡¯t she using the budget as an excuse to gauge the truth? ¡°Does the Ministry of Magic¡¯s stance matter much? Everything will proceed ording to procedure.¡± Is Arsen truly a mana user? If so, what bes of Ian¡¯s position as head of the Ministry of Magic? What about Jin, whom Ian is supporting? Questions swirled on the tip of Quintana¡¯s tongue, but she patiently swallowed them. ¡°Soon, the light of prophecy wille from the Carbo Temple. At that time, we¡¯ll know for certain through the mana confirmation ceremony. The Ministry of Magic¡¯s official stance will be announced after that. It won¡¯t take long, so can you wait that much, Deputy Minister Quintana?¡± The officials exchanged nces. Wasn¡¯t the meaning of ¡°we¡¯ll know for certain¡± quite ambiguous? Ian seemed to be indirectly saying that there were doubts about Arsen being a mana user. ¡°And as you¡¯ve heard, there are confiscated items from the Chetur district. The Ministry of Magic is currently analyzing theirposition, and if they turn out to be mana stones, it will help our finances.¡± ¡°Ah, Chetur? You mean where you went with the Imperial Guard? Well, rumor has it that it¡¯s connected to the Hayman family¡­¡± Snap! Ian snapped his fingers as if to say they¡¯d spoken well. For a moment, whether it was magic or sunlight falling through the ss windows, a light sparkled in the air. ¡°That¡¯s right. It seems to be rted to the ck armor that Prince Gale brought in during the rebellion. We¡¯re currently treating those arrested at the scene, and as soon as they regain consciousness, we n to interrogate and gather evidence. Based on this, we¡¯ll formally file charges against the Hayman family.¡± The officials unknowingly clenched their fists. Is this what they mean when they say events snowball? Due to Mariv and Gale¡¯s rebellion, the next conflict was foreseen. This time, with Hayman involved, the winner would grasp the next imperial throne. ¡°When the charges are presented, they¡¯ll be formally addressed in the grand council. The Hayman family has more than they can handle. If that breaks, it will be a drought not just for Hayman but for all of Bariel, so I n to divert things little by little before that happens.¡± ¡°Are you saying you¡¯re starting full-scale regtion of the Hayman family? How exactly?¡± ¡°Taxes are still the most effective, but¡­¡± ¡°The Hayman family won¡¯t sit idle. The central nobles will unite to oppose this.¡± Worried concerns leaked out from here and there. Quintana lightly tapped the table, pondering something. If Hayman lost power, the taxes drawn from there could fill the national treasury. ¡®And surely His Highness Arsen too¡­¡¯ Ah. Quintana roughly mussed her hair. From her perspective, Jin and Arsen were both just princes, not much different. But why, for what reason! She couldn¡¯t understand why she had always been more drawn to Jin than Arsen. Even now, she naturally thought of keeping Hayman and Arsen in check. Ian nced at her as he continued speaking. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a n to dissolve the unity of the central nobles. So if you intend to participate, I hope you¡¯ll support me in the grand council.¡± It meant that the Ministry of Magic would take the lead, so they just needed to lend their strength. The glory that woulde in return for their efforts would be considerable. ¡°Lord Ian, what exactly are the details?¡± ¡°It would be good for us to prepare as well, so if we could know¡­¡± ¡°They say even paintings have ears in the pce. Please understand that I can¡¯t reveal all the regtory details here. However, I¡¯ve brought this up because of the sincerity I¡¯ve seen in you all from before.¡± Since the dynamics between Jin and Arsen were settled, these people had never wavered. They had shown their resolve one after another in the courtroom earlier, right after Quintana. Compared to those flitting about like bats now that Arsen was said to be a mana user, these could be considered substantial individuals. ¡®I don¡¯t know if they harbor different thoughts inside, but since they¡¯ve shown this much, this level of information should be fine.¡¯ And anyway, Hayman would expect Ian¡¯s attack. Just as these people were gathered in the greenhouse discussing, the other side would surely be sitting around discussing countermeasures. Swish. ¡°Lord Ian. Marlon Hope Sereau has arrived with His Highness Jin.¡± At that moment, Romandro whispered carefully, delivering a message. When Ian gave him a questioning look, he quietly opened a pocket watch to show him. Though he had thought it was a brief conversation, already thirty minutes had passed. Jin and Sereau, tired of waiting, must have met out front. ¡°I¡¯m worried about how the Hayman family will respond. I hope they won¡¯t try to incite another rebellion amidst the confusion¡­¡± ¡°They won¡¯t. Lady Dina and His Highness Arsen, whom they¡¯ve allied with, won¡¯t allow it. What¡¯s as important as legitimacy for an emperor¡¯s qualifications? If Hayman acts out because they¡¯re cornered, they¡¯ll be immediately abandoned. The Duke knows this well.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Besides, the reason His Highness Arsen sought out Hayman was, frankly, to counter Lord Ian, wasn¡¯t it? If I may be so bold, with the great merit of resolving the rebellion and the entire Ministry of Magic supporting His Highness Jin, Hayman was chosen as a substitute.¡± ¡°But now that His Highness Arsen is said to be a mana user, the dependence on Hayman has drastically decreased. The bnce has copsed, and now Hayman is in a somewhat disappointing position. If they can¡¯t secure the next power yer, they could be charged with treason immediately.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, diverting domestic funds overseas seems likely. The Kingdom of Ruswena is their maternal family, right?¡± ¡°Yes. Then let¡¯s keep an eye on the banking sector¡¯s business trends.¡± ¡°That¡¯s perfect. Deputy Minister Quintana is opening transactions with that side, it¡¯s a perfect fit!¡± While Ian received a report from Romandro, the officials conferred among themselves, guessing at Hayman¡¯s next moves. Though few in number, they were individuals who had cut their teeth in the imperial pce. They divided tasks swiftly and urately. ¡°Excuse me. I have a prior engagement.¡± Ian mediated their heated discussion. The officials who had been chattering away suddenly paused. Their faces were already red from the heat in the greenhouse. ¡°Oh. I see. Well, it was a sudden meeting after all.¡± ¡°Do you have any urgent matters to discuss? If not, let¡¯s meet again in the evening.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Understood. We know the Ministry of Magic¡¯s position now, so that¡¯s enough for now. We¡¯ll withdraw for now and meet again in the evening.¡± Swish. The officials left the greenhouse with a nod. They must have met Jin, as small greetings could be heard. ¡°Ian!¡± ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯ve been waiting long. I apologize.¡± ¡°No, I just naturally came here while walking with Xiaoshi. I also met Lord Sereau out front.¡± Jin ran over with a bright smile. Behind him, Marlon Hope Sereau slowly appeared. He removed his hat and greeted Ian. ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes. Have you been well?¡± ¡°Thanks to you. I know you¡¯ve been busytely, so it¡¯s an honor to see you like this.¡± Sereau looked the same as ever, except his hair was a bit longer. He still had the typical demeanor of a noble¡¯s son, affable and well-mannered. At Ian¡¯s gesture, Sereau took off his coat and handed it to an attendant. With Jin joining them, the three men sat around the table. ¡°My father earnestly wished toe himself, but his health didn¡¯t allow it, so only I came. Please understand.¡± ¡°Oh dear. I hope he recovers soon.¡± ¡°Well, given his age, haha.¡± Marlon is the eldest son of the Sereau family. The fact that he came to this meeting, which could determine the fate of his family, without anypanions meant that he was likely the next head of the family. Ian looked him over and smiled faintly. Jin, sitting beside him, imitated Ian¡¯s expression. Sunlight settled in his deep dimples. ¡°How is your business doing?¡± ¡°Thanks to Bariel¡¯s blessing, yes, we¡¯re managing.¡± ¡°Oh my, I¡¯ve always felt that it falls shortpared to the Sereau family¡¯s reputation. There aren¡¯t many families that started in the center and have maintained their position until now.¡± Sereau smiled slightly bitterly. Certainly, Ian¡¯s words were true. Despite their long history, their influence in the center wasn¡¯t very deep. For nobles to extend their power, they needed to either greatly seed in business, enter the pce bureaucracy and seize power, or achieve merit in war. However, the Sereau family didn¡¯t stand out in anything except the rental business. ¡°I understand you¡¯ve received word through my subordinate.¡± Ian sipped his tea. Since both their purposes and intentions were clear, there was no need to beat around the bush. ¡°The imperial pce will start taking measures against the Hayman family. I¡¯d like Sereau to take charge of that. If you do, it will likely be the greatest golden age in the history of the Sereau family.¡± A portion of the shares in the financial business run by Hayman, promotion to duke, tax reductions, and the blessing of the future emperor on top of that. Though Ian didn¡¯t say it, even just the visible benefits were enormous. If one had ambition, it was clearly an opportunity that couldn¡¯t be passed up. ¡°¡­We might have to fight not just Hayman, but all the central nobles.¡± ¡°But you¡¯ll have the imperial pce behind you. It will be worth oveing.¡± ¡°Worth, yes. I know. I can¡¯t miss this opportunity either, and I¡¯m grateful for your offer. But before that, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to ask.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Why our family?¡± Were there only one or two noble families in the center? Even if it wasn¡¯t Sereau, they could find others if they looked. That¡¯s why this was even more important to Sereau. The reason why it had to be them. Only then could he ept the proposal. ¡°Sereau is one of the families that didn¡¯t participate in the rebellion.¡± ¡°That¡¯s proof that we weren¡¯t notable enough for His Highness Gale to choose us.¡± How negative. Ian raised an eyebrow and put down his tea. In that case, whatever he said, Sereau would try to pinpoint the reason. At times like this, it¡¯s better to let things slip. ¡°Lord Sereau was the first to speak to me at the New Year¡¯s party. There¡¯s no other reason.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± It seems he had nothing to say to that. Sereau nodded slightly, his lips moving silently for a moment. ¡°I understand. And I have a proposal.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s hear it.¡± ¡°The Sereau family also needs a safety measure based on trust.¡± Ian hesitated. He seemed to know what Sereau was about to say. ¡°Lord Ian, please be engaged to my sister.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Pfft-!¡± The one who asked in surprise, eyes as wide as a rabbit¡¯s, was Jin, and the one who spat out his tea was Romandro, waiting behind them. Both eximed simultaneously: ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s a bit¡­¡± Chapter 216 Chapter 216 An awkward silence fell. If not for the chirping of birds from somewhere, one might have thought time had stopped. Sereau looked at Jin and Romandro in confusion. While Ian, the person in question, remained calm, why were these two reacting so strongly? Romandro,ing to his senses, cleared his throat and apologized politely. ¡°I apologize for my rudeness. I was just too surprised for a moment.¡± ¡°Me too, I was just too shocked.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± Sereau bowed his head at the prince¡¯s apology. In response, Ian elegantly set down his teacup. The clinking sound seemed especially loud at that moment. ¡°¡­When you say your sister, do you mean thedy I met at the New Year¡¯s party? I believe her name was Alenara.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right! You remember!¡± ¡°Of course. Like Lord Sereau, she was the firstdy I conversed with in the pce.¡±Ian remembers his sister! Sereau couldn¡¯t hide his excitement at this unexpected turn. Although Alenara was a bit scatterbrained, it was fortunate that her beauty was second to none. He tried to maintain hisposure, smoothing his cor. ¡°Do you know? Your name, Lord Ian, is mentioned very frequently among the nobles.¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m at the center of the storm in the pce.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it-¡° Sereau nced at Ian. His expression hadn¡¯t changed since earlier, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking. Instead of continuing, he just took arge sip of tea. ¡®Except for hismoner origins, he¡¯s a perfect marriage candidate. Handsome appearance, magician, wealth, and so on. It¡¯s a shame he¡¯s only a viscount, but if he serves His Highness Jin closely, a promotion is just a matter of time.¡¯ At that moment, Jin and Romandro¡¯s gazes met. What should we do? Jin¡¯s silent question was met with Romandro¡¯s nostrils ring. We should stop this. Jin furrowed his brows again. How? Romandro briefly rolled his eyes, sending an indecipherable signal. Finally, Jin summoned the courage to raise his hand. ¡°¡­Lord Sereau, there¡¯s something I¡¯d like to ask.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. Please inquire.¡± Sereau hastily put down his teacup and bowed his head respectfully. The prince, as if having made a decision, set his lips in a firm line and dered: ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Lord Ian hasn¡¯t had hising-of-age ceremony yet. He¡¯s still, still too young for this!¡± ¡°Pardon¡­?¡± ¡°He, he¡¯s too young!¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± Sereau blinked nkly. It didn¡¯t seem like something a ten-year-old prince should say, but he couldn¡¯t respond disrespectfully. Sereau calmly cleared his throat to steady his voice. ¡°Yes, Your Highness. I¡¯m aware. That¡¯s why I proposed an engagement. Among nobles, it¡¯smon for engagements to be arranged even for infants.¡± ¡°W-well, that may be true, but¡­¡± ¡°Actions speak louder than words. This is the best choice to show that Lord Ian is supporting the Sereau family. Even a time-limited engagement would be fine.¡± His intention was to bind Ian to the Sereau family name for now. By the time the contract was terminated, whenever that might be, Ian and his sister¡¯s rtionship would already be established as fact in high society. And by then, they would have be a prestigious family surpassing Hayman. Where else could there be such a perfect n? It was entirely Sereau¡¯s delusion, but it wasn¡¯t entirely impossible. ¡°Time-limited?¡± ¡°Yes. Until Hayman¡¯s influence has diminished as much as we desire. Even just until then would be fine. Of course, if I may speak from the heart, I truly wish for us to be family.¡± Jin nced at Romandro as if asking for help. He just fiddled with his beard, groaning. He wanted to politely refuse right away, but there was no justification. No justification. Swish. Ian smiled and made a light gesture. He was ordering Romandro to stop groaning. ¡°Lord Sereau. This is truly an honorable proposal for me. As an older brother, I understand the difficulty of easily parting with a sister raised with love.¡± Raised with love? That scatterbrain? Isn¡¯t that something out of a fairy tale? Sereau hesitated for a moment but quicklyposed his expression. ¡°However, I¡¯m concerned that Lady Alenara might be heartbroken when the contract is terminated.¡± A union between families based on a contract was essentially a kind of business. Whether it flourished or failed, there would surely be gossip in high society, so Ian pretended to worry about this, indirectly expressing his reluctance. ¡°That¡¯s something we all must endure, being born as nobles. By the way, I heard that Lord Ian¡¯s parents are also in the central region. If possible, I¡¯d like to arrange a meeting and offer a small wee.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand. I¡¯ll convey your message to my parents. I¡¯ll consider it deeply.¡± It¡¯s a refusal. Although he said he would consider it, Sereau instinctively understood Ian¡¯s answer. But with both sides facing important matters, it was more beneficial to leave some room for ambiguity rather than explicitly confirming it. He didn¡¯t expect it to be settled in one go anyway. Sereau ced his hand on his chest, expressing his gratitude. ¡°With the trust Lord Ian has shown, we will rebuild the Sereau family anew.¡± Though the family¡¯s survival was at stake, this was undoubtedly an opportunity for Sereau. He was answering that he would ept the proposal naturally and without desperation. It was a dignified way to bridge the gap between viscount and count, between the powerful and their followers. ¡°I look forward to it.¡± ¡°I heard rumors that a grand council will be held soon.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. It starts when the indictment is passed to Hayman. I¡¯ll send an attendant to Sereau today or tomorrow, so please prepare the requested documents well.¡± Ian briefly exined the situations that would unfold and the corresponding countermeasures. Sereau¡¯s fountain pen moved ceaselessly across the paper, as if recording a prophecy. Scribble scribble. Jin also paid close attention to Ian¡¯s words, focusing intently. He asked Romandro about anything he didn¡¯t understand, firmly imprinting Ian¡¯s prepared countermeasures in his mind. ¡°If there¡¯s any chance of armed conflict with Hayman, retreat unconditionally.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°I think that should be enough.¡± ¡°Hmm, yes. We¡¯ll have other opportunities to meet. Let¡¯s end here.¡± The sunlighting through the ceiling was gradually deepening. The sky was thick with sunset. Without a single cloud, it looked like a red sea. As Jin nkly raised his head, Ian gently pulled at his cor. ¡°¡­Your Highness.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Right, let¡¯s go together from now on.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. I¡¯ll serve you with all my heart.¡± When Jin offered a handshake, Sereau took it with both hands and bowed deeply to his waist. Then, guided by attendants, he left the greenhouse. Once he was out of sight, Romandro sat on the sofa and let out a sigh of relief. ¡°My goodness, today feels especially long.¡± ¡°Lord Ian, are you really going to get engaged? If, if you are, I¡¯ll meet her first! I¡¯ll see if she¡¯s a true person, and then it¡¯s not toote to proceed!¡± As Jin clenched his small fist determinedly, Ian burst intoughter. Romandro, wiping his forehead with a handkerchief as if he had fallen for Jin, muttered: ¡°By the way, I didn¡¯t expect Sereau to have such ambitious tendencies. A political marriage to Lord Ian, of all things.¡± ¡°Indeed. It was quite surprising.¡± He wouldn¡¯t have dared to ask Jin. He was royalty and close to being the next emperor. It wasn¡¯t a position that a mere count like Sereau could aspire to. But Ian? Although he held the official position of Minister of Magic, he was ultimately amoner-born viscount. He was approachable, and being the current power yer made him all the more suitable. ¡°It seems he¡¯ll do the job properly.¡± Ian turned to look at the two of them and tilted his head slightly. Honestly, he wasn¡¯t keen on the idea, but if he added various conditions, it wasn¡¯t a bad proposal for Ian. Sereau would probably agree to most of them. ¡°By the way, Romandro. Do you know Lady Alenara?¡± ¡°No? I¡¯ve never seen her. Why?¡± ¡°You seemed to object strongly earlier. His Highness Jin as well.¡± Could there be rumors circting in high society? If so, it would be good to know. In response to Ian¡¯s question, Romandro snorted and eximed: ¡°I don¡¯t know about rumors, but, ah, isn¡¯t it a bit much? Someone of Ian¡¯s caliber, hm? We should put out an announcement across all of Bariel for someone skilled in both literary and martial arts, diligent, frugal, hm? Wealth, beauty, family background, considering everything, you should meet the best woman, but Sereau is in many ways not good enough for you!!¡± As Romandro excitedly tapped the table lightly, Jin also nodded vigorously in agreement. ¡°That¡¯s right. Someone of Lord Ian¡¯s caliber could even meet a foreign king.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that so, Your Highness? As expected of Your Highness.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know how suitable Lady Alenara is, but epting right here and now is out of the question.¡± ¡°Correct! Your Highness, I feel so relieved! Unless it¡¯s someone as wonderful as our Viviana, we absolutely, absolutely cannot give him away. No way!¡± Romandro and Jin were in perfect sync as they took turns opposing Sereau. It¡¯s rare for a middle-aged man and a child to get along so well, but Ian nodded to Xiaoshi, who was standing quietly behind. ¡°You sit down too. All the guests have left.¡± ¡°¡­Yes, master.¡± Even as the servants brought out refreshments, Romandro and Jin continued to loudly proim their opposition to Sereau. Regardless, tap tap, Ian tapped the table, deep in thought about something. ¡°Master?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± When Xiaoshi asked worriedly, Ian looked up with a faint smile. He was recalling his past life as Emperor Ian. His fianc¨¦e, whom he had never even seen, was said to have died of illness before she could even walk, and after entering the pce, he had exhausted himself fending off attacks from power-hungry officials trying to im the empty empress¡¯s seat. While acknowledging that marriage was a political tool, still¡­ ¡°Xiaoshi, do you have any intention to marry?¡± ¡°¡­Even if I did, your permissiones first, master.¡± No matter how fine the clothes he wore or how he sat here, a ve was still a ve. The reality was that he couldn¡¯t start a family without his master¡¯s permission. At his answer, Ian seemed to realize something and looked at Romandro. ¡°Earlier, the officials spected that Hayman might transfer funds to foreign powers.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. What good is noble blood? It¡¯s all about building rtionships for times like these.¡± They might not dare to directly intervene in Bariel¡¯s political situation, but if Hayman made an active request, there could be external reactions. It would be good to set up a shield in preparation for that time. Just as Ian was about to give an order, a servant entered the greenhouse entrance with a message. Creeak. ¡°Lord Ian. A messenger bird has arrived from the Carbo Temple.¡± ¡°From Carbo? Let me see.¡± The servant ced a small note on a golden tray and held it out. It bore the official seal of the temple. Romandro craned his neck curiously, and Jin also looked interested at the news from his maternal family that he hadn¡¯t heard in a while. ¡°What does it say?¡± ¡°It says the light of prophecy has just departed from the Carbo Temple. As requested, the priests who received the prophecy at the time are also apanying it, but¡­¡± ¡°But?¡± Ian neatly folded the paper and passed it to Jin. ¡°It seems another prophecy came down at Carbo a few days ago. They say they¡¯ll convey that message as well.¡± A prophecy hase down. Jin was a child who had never witnessed such glory even once. His expression hardened reflexively. Could it be another curse about him? Jin carefully opened the note. Chapter 217 Chapter 217 ¡°Your Highness, are you alright?¡± Jin¡¯s pupils trembled as he finished reading the note. Romandro called out to him worriedly, but the child kept looking down at the note without responding. He kept rereading it, wondering if he had misread something, but nothing changed. Romandro turned to Ian. ¡°¡­¡­¡± But Ian just calmly sipped his tea. Faced with thepletely opposite reactions of the two, Romandro risked impropriety and requested: ¡°Your Highness, if it¡¯s alright, may I take a look as well?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Go ahead.¡± ¡°¡­Gasp.¡± Romandro hastily took the note and unknowingly held his breath. Given Jin¡¯s reaction, he thought it wouldn¡¯t be a good prophecy, but¡­-Cursed one, you cannot defy fate. Die for Bariel¡¯s sake. Then glory will descend upon the world. To anyone, this prophecy seemed to fit the situation of Jin and Arsen. Jin, the cursed child. And the fate foretold from birth. Romandro crumpled the note and looked around. The servant was still waiting, bowing. ¡°Has this message from the temple onlye to us?¡± If so, it might be better to bury it here. The political situation was already leaning towards Arsen, and if news of such a prophecy spread, it could be uncontroble. Although there¡¯s much debate about the credibility of prophecies, if two consistent onese down, even non-believers might start to believe. ¡°It was also delivered to the Administration Department. There was no special distinction, just the department name written, so I assume the content is the same.¡± ¡°Oh no! This is terrible!¡± Thwack! Romandromented, roughly hitting his forehead. The Administration Department of all ces? Within half a day, everyone in the pce would know about the new prophecy. He copsed onto the table, clutching his head. ¡°¡­¡­¡± Silence fell again. Finding it too quiet, Romandro slightly raised his head. Jin was staring intently at a corner of the greenhouse, as if thinking about something, while Ian was savoring the tea¡¯s aroma. One side was desperate, the other calm. Feeling puzzled, Romandro tapped Ian¡¯s arm. ¡°Ian. Say something.¡± But Ian just winked, signaling him to be quiet. As Romandro raised an eyebrow at this puzzling behavior, Jin spoke. ¡°¡­I¡¯m not the only cursed one in the pce.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Highness.¡± ¡°They will consider this as being given to my brother Gale, not to me.¡± Gale is also cursed. If you think about it, isn¡¯t his curse more certain than Jin¡¯s unverifiable prophecy? His curse was a clear ¡®fact¡¯ ¨C who cursed him, how, and why were all known. Romandro, who had forgotten about Gale¡¯s existence, eximed: ¡°That¡¯s right. That¡¯s it. This prophecy is for His Highness Gale, not His Highness Jin. Yes, yes. That¡¯s it.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s what I¡¯ll believe.¡± Although it wasn¡¯t clear exactly who the prophecy pointed to, Jin intended to believe it this way. He knew all too well how cruel and arduous the fate derived from belief could be. He had experienced more painfully than anyone that belief creates actualized fate. From now on, he would not ept any misguided words in his life. The child steeled his resolve, ring into the darkness. ¡°That¡¯s an admirable decision.¡± Ian praised Jin generously. In fact, Ian knew Jin would be emperor, so as soon as he saw the phrase ¡°cursed one,¡± he thought of Gale. But he waited for Jin to realize and act on his own. Jin needed to fully recognize that he was precious. ¡°But what about Hayman? If Hayman finds out about this, no, we don¡¯t even need to go that far. If Arsen¡¯s supporters find out, they¡¯ll seize the opportunity to try to kill brother Gale again.¡± Already, there were demands from all sides for Gale¡¯s immediate judgment due to his attack on Arsen. If the interpretation of the prophecy was twisted that way, they would surely seize the opportunity. Ian nodded at Jin¡¯s concern. ¡°You¡¯re right. In fact, all the evidence gathering for His Highness Gale isplete. We have proof that he colluded with Hayman to incite rebellion, and details of some rted transactions are prepared. The issue is the trial date.¡± Unlike Mariv¡¯s trial, which was handled swiftly with one mind and one will, Gale¡¯s case was moreplicated. Ian¡¯s side wanted to hold the trial as quickly as possible, but Hayman, or more precisely, Hayman¡¯s side, would likely take the stance that they couldn¡¯t proceed with the trial before dealing with Gale. They would keep finding various excuses to dy the trial. Eventually, the trial would be held when it reached its limit, but it was undeniable that time was being dragged out. ¡°It¡¯s best to observe the grand council first, then set the schedule again.¡± Ian gestured to Romandro, asking if the indictment was proceeding without any issues. Romandro confidently thumped his chest, as if to say ¡°just trust me.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± Jin muttered, slightly unfolding the crumpled note, as if to confirm once again that the cursed one wasn¡¯t himself. Ian snapped his fingers, releasing mana. A small spark was born at his fingertips. Ziiing. Zing. ¡°Your Highness. If you wish.¡± If you wish, burn it. If it goes against Your Highness¡¯s will, there¡¯s no reason for it to exist in this world. So, destroy it. ¡°Thank you.¡± Jin caught Ian¡¯s implied meaning and smiled faintly. Then, without hesitation, he burned the note at Ian¡¯s fingertips. The ashes fluttered briefly, but they were pitifully weak. The weight of the prophecy that had been pressing down on and oppressing Jin was that light. ¡°Your Highness. The sun will set soon. It would be best to return before the wind turns cold.¡± ¡°What about you, Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Of course, I¡¯lle too.¡± The Ministry of Magic was their workce and their resting ce. Jin dusted off his hands and stood up. He didn¡¯t know about outside, but inside the greenhouse was still warm. *** Perhaps it was because he had been preparing since early morning and had witnessed his brother¡¯s death. Jin fell asleep in the carriage and was carried in on Xiaoshi¡¯s back. Ian and Romandro wished they could lie down like him, but reality wasn¡¯t so amodating. Rustle. ¡°What¡¯s next?¡± ¡° requested an interview about the special edition. Remember? Viviana promised them an exclusive in return for printing the extra.¡± ¡°I remember. Schedule it in the remaining time. We¡¯ll be even busier once the mana confirmation ceremony starts, so it¡¯s better to do it before then.¡± A mountain of documents greeted Ian and Romandro. It certainly wasn¡¯t this much when they left in the morning; probably reports from ministers including Quintana had been mixed in. ¡°And here¡¯s the indictment to submit.¡± Romandro put down a thick stack of papers. All of these, about a hand¡¯s span thick, were lists of charges against the Hayman family for rebellion and felonies. Ian¡¯s eyebrows arched at the unexpected volume. ¡°Quality over quantity. If unnecessary things are mixed in, it will take time for the Judicial Department to sort through them, which is disadvantageous for us.¡± ¡°These are all based on facts. Or should we just submit the ck armor rebellion charge? Then it would be about twenty pages from here to here.¡± ¡°Just a moment.¡± This was the final check by Ian before it was officially submitted to the pce. After all, anything submitted in the name of the Ministry of Magic was essentially submitted in Ian¡¯s name. He slowly examined it, pointing out parts to be revised. ¡°Here, revise this. Change the order of the list. Although Hayman has shares in Chetur, nothing has been revealed yet. It¡¯s right to move it to the back.¡± ¡°Hmm, wait a moment. Yes. I understand.¡± Romandro¡¯s quill moved diligently. As they continued working like this for a while, there was a sound from outside. Knock! Knock knock! Ian nced at the clock. It was almost past midnight. He seemed to know who it was just from the knock, so he lightly gave permission to enter. ¡°Is that Captain Akore? Come in.¡± ¡°Oh?! How did you know?!¡± ¡°Only Beric or you knock like that.¡± ¡°Hahaha. Well, well. I heard you¡¯re submitting an indictment to Hayman tomorrow, so¡­¡± She waved a thick stack of documents in one hand, smiling. Romandro, who was at the point where he felt nauseous just seeing white paper, covered his mouth and gave a horrified look. ¡°Is this additional material? Ugh.¡± ¡°Oh my. Howe you¡¯re having morning sickness on behalf of Lady Viviana?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not morning sickness, it¡¯s just, I feel sick just seeing new paper now. Seriously.¡± ¡°It¡¯s the research results on the ck ore obtained from the Chetur district.¡± Ian received Akore¡¯s report, tilting his head in confusion. Research results? Already? It¡¯s physically impossible to understand in this timeframe. Ian pressed his brow as if he had a headache. ¡°Captain Akore. Please don¡¯t misunderstand. If you¡¯re concerned about attaching this to the indictment, I must politely decline.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not rushed work. Of course, it¡¯s still in progress, but it might be content that absolutely must be included in the indictment, so I¡¯m submitting it like this.¡± Content that must be included? Ian thought for a moment, then slowly began reading the report. As he did, cracks appeared in his usually calm expression, clearly showing ¡®surprise¡¯. ¡°From what I understand now¡­¡± Romandro recalled Akore¡¯s mention of organicpound something or other, waiting for Ian¡¯s question. Ian, can you understand this? ¡°Are you saying this is dragon scales?¡± ng. Romandro had picked up coffee to wake himself up but dropped it. That¡¯s because while dragon teeth and various bones could be seen umonly, scales were a different matter. ¡°S-scales? Scales? The scales I know?¡± ¡®This definitely could be problematic.¡¯ Ian sighed and rested his chin on his hand. Dragons were defined as invible divine beasts in the world. Regardless of their poption, the myths surrounding them made them so. Romandro wiped his face with trembling hands, then turned to Ian. ¡°Ian, do you know about the ¡®Dragon¡¯s Sacrifice¡¯?¡± In the chaotic beginning times. The powerful dragons became weapons for humans and swept across battlefields. The continents split from their mes, the gaps were filled again with their tears, and this repeated for hundreds of years, creating the current crust, ording to legend. The sight was so horrific to God that He took away the dragons¡¯ abilities and stopped the war. ¡°Isn¡¯t it about dragons losing their power due to human greed? There isn¡¯t a single country that calls itself a nation that hasn¡¯t signed the invibility treaty. Bariel is also one of the representative signatories of that treaty.¡± ¡°Y-you know it well?¡± In short, the whole world made an alliance not to catch dragons. However, as an exception, the corpses of ¡®naturally deceased¡¯ dragons could be used, so teeth or bones were sometimes made into swords. Akore tapped the report and added: ¡°That¡¯s why it was a bit confusing. There was definitely something simr to mana, but the crystals were different. Oh, and they say that when dragons die naturally, their scales decay and disappear first. It¡¯s extremely difficult to obtain them.¡± ¡°That means there¡¯s a high possibility they were obtained while the dragon was alive?¡± ¡°They¡¯ll likely respond by saying there¡¯s a separate supply factory. There are actually a fewrge ones near Bariel.¡± There are a few state-certified factories that raise dragons for a hundred years from the moment they¡¯re born until the day they die, waiting for their corpses. Ian handed Akore¡¯s report to Romandro and instructed: ¡°Let¡¯s attach this and submit it too.¡± Chapter 218 Chapter 218 Gale sat alone at the edge of the bed, listening to the ticking of the clock¡¯s second hand. A cigarette burned away at his fingertips, but he didn¡¯t seem to care much. A pile of barely-smoked cigarette butts had already umted at his feet. He leaned forward, staring at the rising smoke. ¡®Mariv is dead.¡¯ And he died hanging in the sky while Gale was asleep. At first, he couldn¡¯t believe it. Wasn¡¯t it ¡®that¡¯ Mariv? The object of contempt who seemed like he would oppress Gale forever. It felt strange to realize that even Mariv was ultimately human and could die. Mariv, who had always been ahead of him. To think that he was dead. ¡°Haha, ha.¡± It felt refreshing, but also irritating, and at the same time, everything felt pointless. And he felt aplete sense of defeat. As Ian had said, a clear sense of defeat that neither of them would be engraved in history. Knock knock. ¡°Your Highness Gale, it¡¯s the doctor.¡± ¡°Excuse me.¡±Though he hadn¡¯t given permission, the door opened. Having heard that Gale had woken up, the doctor had rushed over. One side of his hair was severely pressed down, as if he had been called while sleeping. He frowned at the smoke filling the room. ¡°Your Highness. You¡¯ve injured your throat. Why do you keep smoking¡­¡± ¡°Why? Did they order you to keep me in check so I can¡¯t testify at the trial? I¡¯m going to die anyway, so I might as well die after inhaling plenty of smoke.¡± A life that would naturally be trampled once it became useless. Neither Jin nor Arsen had any reason to leave him be. Gale defiantly inhaled the cigarette he had been merely holding and raised an eyebrow. The doctor couldn¡¯t bring himself to take it away and unpacked his bag to check Gale¡¯s pulse. ¡°So, what¡¯s Ian doing now? Is he having a celebratory drink since Mariv is dead?¡± ¡°The pce is generally solemn.¡± ¡°Hmm. Is that so? Well, I suppose the time hase for the twins to seriously sh. You¡¯d better choose your side wisely. It could be even more intense than it was with me and Mariv.¡± The doctor rolled up Gale¡¯s sleeve and prepared a syringe. Tap tap, he tapped the needle tip and muttered: ¡°Well, it seems the oue is already decided.¡± ¡°Mariv died too. No one knows.¡± ¡°His Highness Arsen is a mana user, isn¡¯t he? Then it¡¯s only a matter of time before he absorbs the Ministry of Magic, and it¡¯s a given that his overall position will rise above His Highness Jin¡¯s. Oh, and they say a new prophecy came down from Carbo.¡± ¡°A prophecy?¡± ¡°¡®Cursed one, you cannot defy fate, so die for Bariel¡¯s sake. Then glory will descend upon the world.¡¯ Something along those lines, I hear. It¡¯s driven the nail in the coffin. Telling His Highness Jin to step down¡­¡± The doctor¡¯s voice trailed off as he was giving the injection. Everyone in the pce was so focused on the twins. Yet the truly cursed one was right here! Cursed with a forbidden and eternal curse, cast by a magician who burned their very soul. Gale chuckled. ¡°It sounds like God¡¯s words to me.¡± ¡°W-well, I¡¯m not sure about that.¡± The doctor hastily packed up his medical bag and left. Gale was alone again. Hey down t and mulled over the prophecy. If he dies by his own hand, glory will descend upon the world? ¡®¡­Glory that will be remembered in history?¡¯ Even Mariv, who had been the First Prince, vanished without leaving even a handful of ashes. It was clear that the same would happen to him, so wouldn¡¯t it be better to have a glorious death, if he was going to die anyway? It felt like God had given him onest chance. A body that had once given up everything. He had luckily survived, but hadn¡¯t he already crossed the line? The second time was easier. ¡°¡­Is anyone there?¡± Gale murmured quietly, very quietly. The magicians must have done something to the bedroom. That¡¯s why they left him alone here without any soldiers. As if to prove this, a door on the left wall, not from the corridor, suddenly opened. ¡°Your Highness Gale, is something wrong?¡± It was Philea, Ian¡¯s mother. Nersarn followed behind her. The two hadn¡¯t been apart for a moment since the Arsen incident. As Philea started to make a fuss and call for servants, Gale gestured to stop her. ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Ah, I, I see.¡± Philea hastily let go of the doorknob. When she still didn¡¯t move for a while, Gale had no choice but to look at her. As if giving permission to speak if she had something to say. ¡°Your Highness, thank you for that time. I was in such a state that I couldn¡¯t properly thank you, and it¡¯s been weighing on my mind.¡± Philea prostrated herself in gratitude. Hadn¡¯t she almost scarred Arsen¡¯s face, led by some unknown force? The more she came to her senses, the more she realized what a great weakness this could have been for Ian. If Gale hadn¡¯t luckily woken up, she would have been devastated. He was practically her lifesaver. Swish. Nersarn, standing behind her, also bowed neatly. Perhaps because he was a person exuding a warrior¡¯s spirit, even when he lowered his body, it didn¡¯t feel like he was truly bowing. Gale waved his hand, dismissing them. ¡°It¡¯s bothersome. Leave.¡± He hadn¡¯t really intended to help Philea. He had just woken up and was confused, and had grabbed her because Arsen¡¯s energy felt ominous. ¡°If you need anything, please let us know anytime.¡± As Philea and Nersarn left the bedroom, Gale rummaged through the desk again. Another cigarette was in his hand. White smoke dissipated, seeming to invade the room, and Gale fell asleep pondering the prophecy. *** Thud! ¡°Huff, huff, urgh¡­¡± Romandro stood up abruptly, supporting himself on the desk with both arms. But suddenly, a wave of nausea hit him. He had said he would send the indictment when the sun rose, but then Ian¡¯s revisions and Akore¡¯s report hade in. Romandro rubbed his bloodshot eyes and whimpered. ¡°It¡¯s done. Oh my, it¡¯s finished.¡± ¡°Uh, um¡­ Did youplete it?¡± ¡°Captain Akore, you shouldn¡¯t sleep here. Go downstairs. I need to get some sleep too before submitting the indictment.¡± Akore, who had been curled up on the sofa in the corner of the office, barely opened her eyes. She had been standing by to immediately resolve any questions if Romandro had doubts whilepiling and understanding the report. Looking outside, the morning sun was already high in the sky. ¡°Then I¡¯ll head down. Let me know if there¡¯s any problem.¡± ¡°Yeah. Alright. Thanks.¡± ¡°Good work.¡± Even as Akore waved her hand and left, Romandro was busy organizing documents. I did it, I did it! It seemed impossible, but it¡¯s done. As they say, people can do anything if they try. Even this great pce was built by people, so an indictment is nothing! Creeak. ¡°Oh my. You¡¯re up?¡± ¡°Vivi. You¡¯re up early. How are you feeling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m always fine. How about you, Romandro?¡± At that moment, Viviana came in with a tray of breakfast. Romandro, who never easily tired even at disaster sites, seemed to be visibly losing weight as the chaos in the pce continued. Still, he was on the robust sidepared to the average person. ¡°Just give me the soup. I feel like I¡¯ll throw up if I eat anything else. Is there any magician outside with free hands?!¡± At Romandro¡¯s call, two magicians poked their heads in. They too were on duty, so their faces were steeped in fatigue. Romandro clicked his tongue sympathetically and instructed: ¡°Get ready. We¡¯re going to submit the indictment, so please escort us. I¡¯ll give you half a day off when we return.¡± The two magicians nodded, ncing at the thick stack of papers on the desk. ¡°Do you need any extra hands?¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s heavy, but we¡¯ll be taking a carriage, so what¡¯s the problem?¡± ¡°Yes, understood. We¡¯ll prepare to depart in two hours.¡± ¡°Yeah. Alright, alright.¡± Thinking he had finished a big task, Romandro smiled happily as he ate his soup. The submission itself was just the beginning, but wasn¡¯t it nice to enjoy such a small luxury? He might even be able to spend time with Viviana until the grand council schedule was announced. ¡°You¡¯re submitting the indictment to the Judicial Department, right? It¡¯s the farthest ce from the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll just submit it and observe the formal review process, so I think I¡¯ll be back around 3 PM.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll prepare a meal for when you return.¡± ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡± Romandro pressed his lips to Viviana¡¯s cheek and happily changed into his outdoor clothes. Soon, when the magicians informed him that the carriage was ready, he hurriedly scraped up the remaining soup and rushed out. Neigh! ¡°Please get in.¡± ¡°Thank you. Ugh.¡± Romandro boarded the carriage, tightly hugging the indictment to his chest. The seated magician also tapped the window as if to signal departure, but it was strangely quiet. The coachman called from the driver¡¯s seat, sounding perplexed. ¡°I apologize. There¡¯s something a bit off with the reins.¡± ¡°Take your time!¡± The mood is good, so what does it matter! Romandro smiled and waved at Viviana, who was watching him from the top of the stairs. Then the magician casually asked: ¡°If you¡¯re going to sleep for a while, I can hold it for you.¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s fine! I think I won¡¯t be able to focus during the review if I sleep.¡± ¡°¡­Is that so?¡± ¡°Yeah, yeah. Oh my, the weather is so nice today!¡± Romandro smiled, looking out the window. Behind him, the two magicians exchanged some kind of nce. Finally, the coachman had solved the problem and was about to depart. Tap tap. Xiaoshi, who had approached without notice, knocked on the window. ¡°Mr. Romandro. Are you going to submit the indictment?¡± ¡°Xiaoshi, what¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Lord Ian told me to apany you.¡± ¡°He¡¯s awake? But two magicians are alreadying with me.¡± ¡°¡­Lord Ian told me to apany you.¡± ¡°A-alright. If the master says so, it must be done. Get in!¡± Romandro opened the door and made room on the seat. As a result, the two magicians were pushed further inside, crumpling their bodies. ¡°Let¡¯s chat on the way. Keep talking to me so I don¡¯t fall asleep. No, it¡¯s better if I do the talking. Just yesterday, I thought this might not be possible, but haha! I did it!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Among the four, only Romandro was talking. Xiaoshi just asionally nodded while watching the two magicians. It was a strange atmosphere, but the drowsy Romandro couldn¡¯t notice. Clop clop! Neigh! The carriage sped along without stopping. Romandro, who had been humming a tune, saw the building of the Judicial Department in the distance. As the ce responsible for all central trials, its grandeur was impressive. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡± ¡°Good work. Please wait here.¡± Creeak! It was still early morning, so it was quiet. Was it because there were few people climbing up and down the massive stairs? The sound of shoes hitting the marble floor seemed particrly loud. Romandro found his way inside, familiar with the ce. ¡°Huh?¡± But why were there so many people here where indictments are submitted? Moreover¡­ ¡®Did everyone just stop talking when I came in?¡¯ As Romandro looked puzzled, the official in charge approached and asked: ¡°What business do you have?¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m from the Ministry of Magic. Here to submit an indictment.¡± ¡°Ah, I see? Just a moment please. As you can see, there are many people waiting. Please wait for a while.¡± ¡°Y-yeah. Alright.¡± He perched on the edge of a sofa in the corner, still tightly hugging the indictment to his chest. Xiaoshi also stood firmly by his side. The sound of quiet murmuring could be heard from all around. Romandro whispered to Xiaoshi, using his eyes: ¡°Something feels, a bit, off, doesn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Tsk.¡± The two magicians also sat down next to Xiaoshi and Romandro. Tick tock, Romandro kept checking the time on his pocket watch. For some reason, the waiting people just stood there without moving. No one seemed to be trying to conduct any business, and the staff appeared to be the same. Swish. As Romandro stood up, unable to wait any longer, toin, a new staff member approached from inside, smiling. ¡°You¡¯re from the Ministry of Magic, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°You can just give me the indictment.¡± The staff member held out both hands, asking for it. Romandro was about to hand over the indictment, but he hesitated and pulled it back. ¡°Before that, show me your ID. And isn¡¯t Erikse in charge here? I¡¯ll give it directly to Erikse.¡± ¡°Mr. Erikse hasn¡¯te in yet.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± As the employee smiled kindly and urged him again, Romandro took a step back. Chapter 219 Chapter 219 The evening of the day before, when Mariv¡¯s execution took ce. Dina stood at the reception room door, newly adorned in her dress. Her makeup, heavier than usual, and borate jewelry seemed to somewhat mask her diminished spirits. The servants nced furtively at Dina standing before the door. As she listened to the voices of the ministers leaking from inside, Dina resolutely kept her gaze fixed on the door. The servants had no way of knowing why she wasn¡¯t entering. ¡®Now it truly begins.¡¯ Mariv¡¯s death was not just a single event. It was the intersection point that everyone in the imperial pce, friend and foe alike, had been aiming for. Now that they had passed it, each would have to set off on their own path. The destination was singr: the imperial throne. Since victory belonged to whoever arrived first, even the slightest gap or carelessness could prove fatal. ¡°Mother.¡± Arsen, who stood by her side. Noticing his mother¡¯s tension, he quietlyforted her. Dina nodded, as if she had quicklyposed herself.¡°Announce me.¡± ¡°Lady Dina enters!¡± ¡°Lady Dina enters!¡± Creak. As the door slowly opened to the rtively dark corridor, the ministers¡¯ chatter died down, reced by the bright light streaming out. Dina took a step forward with an utterly rigid expression. ¡°Lady Dina. Wee.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for you.¡± ¡°His Highness Arsen is with you as well. It¡¯s an honor.¡± Men in formal attire were scattered freely around the reception room. The gazes that had been epassing the room all poured onto Dina and Arsen. Their eyes were loyal, as if they had met the future master of Bariel, the next emperor. Dina walked among them with her chin held high and sat on the sofa. Her thick dress rustled, creating a beautiful silhouette. ¡°Some of you I¡¯ve seen earlier, and some I haven¡¯t.¡± Dina looked around at the ministers. Duke Hayman, who was sitting nearby, called over a few people and introduced them. ¡°This person is helping with business in the House of Hayman. I ordered him to enter the pce, thinking he might be of help to Lady Dina and His Highness Arsen.¡± All gathered in one ce were the core nobility centered around Hayman, high-ranking officials from various departments, and renowned wealthy individuals from society. All for Dina, or more precisely, for Arsen. ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that Lord Ian will present an indictment to Hayman. From what I¡¯ve heard, all preparations are alreadyplete, and they were just waiting for the trial of former Prince Mariv.¡± Although he said he had heard it, no one believed him. Hayman¡¯s wealth was like water that seeped into everything. It was also like the air one breathed without realizing it. It was reasonable to assume that he had surely nted people in the Ministry of Magic as well. ¡°What¡¯s the content of the indictment?¡± ¡°As you know, the charge of treason due to collusion with Prince Gale will be at the center. There might be other minor things, but they¡¯re not important.¡± ¡°Duke, does it include the disturbance in the Chetur district?¡± ¡°Hmm, it seems Ian thinks I¡¯m the owner of that ce. So he¡¯ll probably try to make an issue out of even small matters.¡± Hayman deflected the question smoothly, without directly admitting anything. The bond between those entangled by greed should always be viewed with caution. Just as he had nted people, who¡¯s to say Ian hadn¡¯t done the same? ¡°There aren¡¯t many talented individuals in the judiciary¡­¡± Someone muttered. It meant that there weren¡¯t many of Arsen¡¯s forces within the judiciary. Although there were a few from the judiciary among those gathered here, none had enough authority to dismiss the indictment. Since thew was supposed to be a realm of fairness and justice, even the imperial pce carefully considered appointments to positions there. ¡°Once it¡¯s epted, won¡¯t a general assembly be convened and a trial date set immediately? In a few days, there¡¯s His Highness Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony. Shouldn¡¯t we try to block it until then?¡± ¡°I agree. If the Ministry of Magic officially recognizes His Highness¡¯s magic, there will be nothing to fear. We might even be able to pressure the judiciary.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t even need to go to trial. If we reach a majority, we can cut it off at the general assembly.¡± If Arsen could just be reborn as a mage, the next emperor would be as good as decided. The foolish followers clinging to Jin would fall away, and the head of the judiciary would lean towards Arsen¡¯s side for next year¡¯s reappointment. The nobles turned to Arsen and cautiously asked. ¡°Your Highness, are you feeling alright?¡± ¡°We were very worried when we heard you were attacked by Prince Gale.¡± In truth, while rumors were rampant, no one had seen it directly. Only the Ministry of Magic¡¯s preparation for the magic confirmation ceremony proved that it wasn¡¯t just a baseless rumor. Isn¡¯t it truly strange? That those who oppose Arsen are supporting his position. ¡°Your Highness, if it¡¯s not too presumptuous, could you show us your magic? It¡¯s the first blessing of the imperial family. Please grant us such an honor.¡± One noble pleaded as if he had honey on his tongue. While everyone else had been just watching, they brightened at his bold request. If they could see it directly, they would be even more certain and willing to side with Arsen. They silently waited for Arsen¡¯s response. ¡°I too wish to grant you this honor, but as you know, during the magic confirmation ceremony, the light of the oracle shines beautifully ording to one¡¯s power. For that day, whiches only once in a lifetime, I am keeping myself in strict discipline. Please understand.¡± ¡°¡­Of course, Your Highness.¡± It was a clear refusal. But since there was truly nothing they could do about it, the noble just smiled and bowed his head. Then, an official from the administrative department, trying to change the atmosphere, threw out a new topic. ¡°By the way, have you heard the news? They say there¡¯s been a message from the Carbo Temple. The light of the oracle has safely departed, and a new oracle has also been received.¡± A new oracle! Those hearing it for the first time were surprised and stirred, and Arsen¡¯s pupils also widened. When the child looked at Dina, she shook her head as if she didn¡¯t know either. ¡®How could she not know, when it¡¯s her own family?¡¯ The child¡¯s brow furrowed with irritation. Wasn¡¯t it entirely thanks to the oracle that he had been able to gain an advantage over Jin? That meant that Jin could also use the oracle to pull the political situation in his favor. Unaware of Arsen¡¯s concerns, the administrative employeeughed loudly and continued speaking. ¡°They say it told Jin that he can¡¯t go against fate, so he should kill himself. Hahaha!¡± ¡°Oh ho! Is that true? Now that¡¯s good news we haven¡¯t heard in a while.¡± ¡°I read the note myself. As expected of Carbo, who has been with us since the founding of the nation. They don¡¯t cling to bloodlines, but only convey the truth, don¡¯t they?¡± It was a cause aided by heaven and earth. While everyone in the reception room exhaled sighs of relief, only Dina and Arsen remained silent. ¡°Lady Dina?¡± At Duke Hayman¡¯s call, Dina suddenly came to her senses. Although he had left her, what kind of oracle could there be for a child just barely ten years old! She wanted to shout this, but what came out of Dina¡¯s mouth was the opposite, a brutal blessing. ¡°It seems the gods are watching over Bariel.¡± On the other hand, Arsen kept his expression unchanged and just fidgeted with his crossed arms. As he seemed to be deep in thought about something, Hayman quietly watched him. ¡°Is it certain it came to Jin?¡± ¡°Pardon? Ah, yes, yes. It came to the cursed one, and since it mentioned fate, everyone assumed it was for Jin.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. It¡¯s right to assume it¡¯s for Jin. It should be. Now, let¡¯s go back to discussing the indictment issue. I think it would be better to follow the earlier suggestion and buy some time so that the general assembly is convened after the magic confirmation ceremony. It¡¯s only four days, so I think we can manage it.¡± It was confidence that there would be no problem with the magic confirmation ceremony. Several people agreed with Arsen¡¯s opinion and added: ¡°Honestly, don¡¯t we just need to prevent the indictment from being stamped for eptance?¡± Until the seal is stamped or the document is sealed, it¡¯s not considered resolved, so they would block it even if they had to throw their bodies in the way. It would be more urate to see it as a demonstration rather than an armed struggle. ¡°That¡¯s true, but things are different from before. The atmosphere in the imperial pce is a bit sharp now. We need to handle this as quietly as possible and without giving them anything to grab onto.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an indictment rted to treason. If we get caught on any technicality, we might end up providing them with an excuse by being implicated.¡± ¡°I believe the person in charge there is Eric.¡± ¡°Hmm. Eric, you say. Where does he live?¡± ¡°Ah, then I¡¯ll take care of it. I have a suitable cousin. Finding someone is easy enough.¡± What need is there to distinguish between the main road and side paths in achieving a greater cause? What was important was to block it by any means necessary if they could. As people who had rolled around in noble society, in business, and in politics, their minds worked exceptionally well in these areas. ¡°Very well. Then let¡¯s start from tomorrow, no. Let¡¯s begin right as midnight passes.¡± ¡°Lady Dina.¡± The clock hands would soon announce the next day. Hayman called out to Dina as he wrapped up the situation that was roughly settled. She raised her wine ss, and soon everyone gathered in the room followed suit and picked up their sses. ¡°For the glory of Bariel.¡± ¡°For the glory of Bariel.¡± Dong- Dong! They all sipped their wine simultaneously. Their glossy lips curved like crescent moons. *** ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask to see your ID?¡± Romandro held up his hand, signaling not toe any closer. How could there be such a sense of difort here? This wasn¡¯t some nameless pawnshop in the market, this was the imperial pce. The judiciary where the emperor¡¯s dignified orders were implemented and Bariel¡¯sws were enforced! Everyone stared at Romandro with strange looks. Among them were the two mages who had apanied him. ¡°Here¡¯s my ID.¡± The employee, seeming a bit dumbfounded, pulled out her ID from her pocket. No matter how he looked at it, it was undoubtedly an imperial pce employee ID. She crossed her arms at her waist and reproached Romandro, appearing displeased. ¡°Can¡¯t you see we¡¯re busy? We were trying to amodate you because you came from the Ministry of Magic, but this is too much.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Romandro groaned inwardly and handed the ID back to the employee. She received it back but didn¡¯t lower her hand. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to file the indictment?¡± ¡°Lord Romandro. What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± ¡°We¡¯re tired, so let¡¯s just process this and go.¡± The mages who had been quietly observing from the side urged Romandro. They even let out a big yawn, as if to say that he was the only one feeling uneasy about the current situation. Romandro ignored the barrage of res and stumbled backward. ¡°When is Ericing?¡± ¡°We received a message this morning that he had a carriage ident. It doesn¡¯t seem to be a serious injury, but I¡¯m not sure.¡± ¡°Is that so? Then I¡¯lle backter.¡± ¡°Lord Romandro!¡± As one of the mages grabbed him, Xiaoshi reflexively pushed him away. He too had sensed that something was off, even if he didn¡¯t know what. Ignoring the dumbfounded mage, Xiaoshi whispered to Romandro. ¡°Should I draw my sword?¡± ¡°Are you crazy? Absolutely, absolutely not.¡± He had only felt something was suspicious, but in fact, nothing had been threatened. If Xiaoshi were to draw his sword here, it would only make us look strange. Romandro shook his head frantically from side to side, stopping Xiaoshi. Fortunately, he was different from Berik, who couldn¡¯t understand words. ¡°Then what should we do?¡± Romandro looked around and grabbed the doorknob leading outside. Ian had assigned Xiaoshi to him. If so, hadn¡¯t he anticipated this kind of situation to some extent? Whatever it was, it would be better to return to the Ministry of Magic. Romandro gritted his teeth and muttered as if ventriloquizing. ¡°Run, let¡¯s run.¡± Chapter 220 Chapter 220 ¡°Uung¡­¡± Jin whined softly, rubbing his face against the pillow. No matter how well-versed he was in imperial etiquette, when it came to mornings, he was no different from ordinary children. The childy face down, barely opening his eyes to look around. Xiaoshi, who usually sat on the sofa at the foot of the bed, was nowhere to be seen. Instead, Ian was leaning against the wall, slowly reading something. Jin immediately recognized it as ¡°The Chronicles of Roberside.¡± ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Are you awake?¡± ¡°¡­Where¡¯s Xia?¡± At Jin¡¯s call, Ian slightly turned his head. Judging by how he had his fingers inserted between the pages, it seemed he wasn¡¯t simply reading through, but carefully examining the book. Why is Lord Ian doing that with a children¡¯s book? As Jin blinked his drowsy eyes, Ian rang the servant¡¯s bell.¡°I sent Xiaoshi on a brief errand. He¡¯ll be back soon, so don¡¯t worry. Instead, how about having breakfast with me today?¡± ¡°I¡¯d love that.¡± Ding- As the bell rang, Jin felt his mind clearing a bit. Soon, a servant came running in response to the call. ¡°Did you call, sir?¡± ¡°His Highness coughed. Make preparations.¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll serve the meal shortly.¡± Even while this was happening, Ian didn¡¯t let go of the storybook. Jin, curious, approached Ian. Wondering if he had seen wrong, it was indeed ¡°The Chronicles of Roberside.¡± The portrait of Roberside, Jin¡¯s distant ancestor and the guardian of the Carbo Temple, was faded from handling. ¡°But why that book?¡± ¡°Your Highness, didn¡¯t you say that when you read this story before bed, Roberside always appears in your dreams? That he ys with you in fun ways?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Yesterday I looked at something else before sleeping, but without fail, it¡¯s always like that.¡± Jin nodded with a bright smile. ying with Roberside was always enjoyable. Especially when he was with Arsen, it felt like the only escape. Ian held up the book and asked, ¡°May I borrow this for a few days? It¡¯s not avable even in the imperial library, so I¡¯d be grateful.¡± While there were many books about Roberside, the storybook Jin had couldn¡¯t be found anywhere else. It was a special edition published by the Carbo Temple. Jin nodded, indicating his permission. ¡°You like the book too? There¡¯s no need to ask. Feel free to read it.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Prince Jin. The bath is ready for you. The preparations areplete.¡± ¡°Oh, yes. Ian, I¡¯ll be back soon. Let¡¯s eat breakfast together.¡± Jin followed the servants with light steps. As soon as the door closed, Ian pulled up a chair and began to thoroughly examine the storybook. ¡®It¡¯s strange. Is it really a coincidence that Roberside appears in Jin¡¯s dreams every time he reads this book? Isn¡¯t it too frequent to be just a child¡¯s fantasy born from enjoyment?¡¯ And above all, Roberside had appeared to him too when he read the storybook. Although it wasn¡¯t a pleasant situation, with magical beasts running rampant and trying to kill Arsen. Ian could still vividly hear his desperate cry: ¡®A child who should never have been born. Kill him!¡¯ Tap tap, Ian gently tapped Roberside¡¯s portrait as he gazed down at it. Roberside, whost sealed the magical beasts, Arsen¡¯s ability not recorded in history, the peculiarity of the oracle¡­ A hypothesis formed in Ian¡¯s mind, but he couldn¡¯t voice it carelessly before securing definitive evidence. ¡®If my guess is correct, what happened to Arsen in the original history? Since Jin bing emperor remains unchanged, there must have been an event that caused Arsen¡¯s downfall.¡¯ As Ian was deep in thought, Jin, having finished his morning preparations, came running out looking fresh. The child grabbed Ian¡¯s arm, urging him to have breakfast. ¡°Lord Ian. Let¡¯s go to the dining room. The chef said he prepared duck meat today. Oh? But I don¡¯t see Romandro either.¡± ¡°He went with Xiaoshi.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Jin rolled his eyes and gestured for Ian toe closer. As Ian bent down to lend his ear, Jin whispered a very careful secret. ¡°I think Romandro and Vivianna¡¯s child will be a girl. Fortunately, she¡¯ll look just like Vivianna, so she¡¯ll be intelligent and pretty.¡± ¡°Where did you hear that?¡± ¡°Lord Roberside told me!¡± Jin¡¯s dimples appeared softly. Ian, looking a bit surprised, gently grasped the child¡¯s shoulders and nced behind them. The servants quickly lowered their heads and retreated with small steps. ¡°Does Roberside tell you such things too?¡± ¡°Not often, very rarely.¡± ¡°Is there anything else he¡¯s told you?¡± ¡°Hmm. Ah, about thest magical beast that Lord Roberside dealt with. It¡¯s not in the book, but-¡° Jin searched his memory as he took Ian¡¯s hand. Then, very carefully, he drew something on Ian¡¯s palm, tracing lines. It seemed to be some kind of writing, but Ian had never seen it before and couldn¡¯t understand it. ?????? ¡°He said this is how to write the name.¡± ¡°How do you read it?¡± ¡°Well, he wrote it on the ground with a tree branch.¡± As far as Ian knew, it wasn¡¯t a script from any nearby country. Since Roberside was from the early days of the nation¡¯s founding, could it be an ancient script? Or was it a fantasy created by Jin? While Ian stood still, familiarizing himself with the letters, Jin exchanged greetings with passing mages. ¡°Good morning.¡± ¡°Did you sleep well, Prince Jin?¡± ¡°Your tie looks very nice today.¡± ¡°You look great too! Thank you!¡± The two entered the dining room. Two ce settings were prepared at therge table. Just as Ian was about to sit across from Jin- Bang! Suddenly, the dining room door burst open, and Romandro appeared, drenched in sweat. He was breathing heavily and quickly met Ian¡¯s eyes. ¡°Romandro?¡± ¡°P-Prince Jin is here too.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you go to take care of some business? Come in. Have you eaten?¡± Unlike Jin, who weed him warmly, Ian stopped unfolding his napkin and observed Romandro. And Xiaoshi standing behind him too. The two were holding the indictment documents, divided between them and clutched tightly to their chests. ¡°Lord Romandro.¡± ¡°I-Ian. Um, you see.¡± ¡°Catch your breath. Xiaoshi, you too.¡± Seeing those who went to file the indictment burst in looking like this, Ian realized that his concerns had be reality. They had divided the papers to prevent losing everything at once if an ident urred. It meant that Romandro had felt that level of threat. ¡°Close the door, and everyone withdraw.¡± Creak. At Ian¡¯s order, the servants bowed deeply and left the dining room. Jin, not understanding the situation, just widened his eyes and tried to read the atmosphere. Something seems to have gone wrong, right? ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°Huff, huff, it, it seems they were trying to snatch it.¡± Romandro copsed into a chair, panting. It wasn¡¯t a term to use in front of a prince, but there was nothing else that could appropriately express this situation. ¡°Duke Hayman, I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d stoop so low. Fearing there might be problems with the carriage too, I walked. If I hadn¡¯t met Quintana midway, my knees would have given out.¡± If he had taken a carriage and been kidnapped, there would have been no way out. In the end, Romandro chose to walk, and halfway through, he met Quintana, sent the two mages ahead, and came back first. ¡°They say Eric, the person in charge, had a carriage ident. It seems he won¡¯t being in for a day or two, and the staff there for receiving documents, and the people gathered around, all seemed very suspicious.¡± ¡°How crude.¡± Ian moistened his lips with lukewarm water. Crude, but a somewhat certain method. It seemed that Hayman¡¯s side was trying to adjust things so that the general assembly would be held after Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony. With only a few days left, direct physical intervention was indeed the most effective. ¡°And Ian. I think there are people from the Hayman family in the Ministry of Magic too. Even the two mages who went with me earlier, ah, how should I put it. They felt a bit¡­ off?¡± At Romandro¡¯s whisper, Jin¡¯s eyes widened like a rabbit¡¯s. The Ministry of Magic has far fewer peoplepared to other departments. Also, they generally have a high level of wealth and a lofty sense of pride, with a firm belief in their solidarity. Despite this, if Hayman¡¯s influence had reached there, how many could there be throughout the entire imperial pce? It was a point where one could truly feel that Hayman was a noble above nobles. ¡°I see.¡± But Ian nodded lightly, as if he had expected it. ¡°Intuition isn¡¯t something to be easily dismissed. If you felt that way, Lord Romandro, it¡¯s certainly worth investigating.¡± ¡°You knew about this too, didn¡¯t you? That¡¯s why you assigned Xiaoshi to me. I, without this kid, I might have cried out of fear. Really. As I was running, Vivianna¡¯s face kept shing before my eyes, oh my!¡± Romandro grabbed Xiaoshi¡¯s shoulders and shook them, groaning. Ian gave a bitter smile at his behavior. It¡¯s easy to suspect others, but weeding out one¡¯s own side is always difficult. ¡°Ian, how did you notice? Hm?¡± ¡°¡­I just hoped it wasn¡¯t so.¡± Hoping it wasn¡¯t so. That statement assumed that reality was not like that. Apart from the imperial pce setting, that¡¯s how human life was. Ian recalled Naum¡¯s words as he lightly folded his napkin. ¡®Your Majesty. When three people gather, one is a traitor, and one has the potential to defect. What remains is Your Majesty, so trust only yourself.¡¯ ¡®¡­And you?¡¯ ¡®Your Majesty. Don¡¯t trust me either. Always doubt me, but keep me close and take advantage. Trust always leads to injury. I don¡¯t want Your Majesty to get hurt.¡¯ Why couldn¡¯t he have taken those words to heart then? Ian bit his lip lightly, also remembering his nephew Crony. Romandro, Xiaoshi, and Jin watched Ian¡¯s heavy silence. His expression was impassive, but his eyes were deep. A whirlwind of countless emotions could be felt. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± At Jin¡¯s call, Ian raised his head and smiled brightly. ¡°Are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. It was something that had to be done sooner orter.¡± ¡°What kind of¡­?¡± mages, at least, must not be swayed by trivial matters. Great poweres with great responsibility. Those who have taken the mage¡¯s oath should not do such things. Ian lightly rang the bell, ordering the meal to be served. Ding. ¡°Find out about the current condition of Eric, the person in charge. And prepare documents to send an official letter to the judiciary. When sending people, attach two mages from different departments. I won¡¯t ept volunteers.¡± ¡°Pardon? Ah, yes, yes. Understood.¡± ¡°And tell the two mages who went with Romandro to wait in their respective rooms. I will meet with them as soon as the meal is over.¡± The servant was flustered by the sudden instructions, but only for a moment. He soon scurried off to ry Ian¡¯s orders. Romandro gulped down the remaining water and asked. ¡°Ian. We¡¯ll need to use the truth potion, right?¡± ¡°The Magic Stone Management Department already knows how to neutralize it. If they know, it means other mages can know too. There¡¯s no trust.¡± Ian picked up a knife with his right hand and a fork with his left. Then, very elegantly, he cut a tomato. What was once one soon became two, then three. ¡°We¡¯ll weed them out in a different way. The Ministry of Magic is one body and one mind; if there¡¯s something else inside, it¡¯s not needed.¡± Chapter 221 Chapter 221 ¡®Damn it.¡¯ The mage paced around the room, constantly biting his nails. No matter how he thought about it, he hadn¡¯t done anything to make Romandro suspicious, yet it was inexplicable why Romandro, who had gone all the way to the reception desk, suddenly turned back at thest moment. ¡®Sure, honestly, the reception staff could have been like that. If one were perceptive, the chaotic yet refined atmosphere could have been noticeable.¡¯ But why, why hadn¡¯t he trusted even the mages? He wouldn¡¯t even ride in the carriage, and when he met a colleague while walking, didn¡¯t he just take Xiaoshi and leave in a hurry, as if fleeing? The two mages were left at a loss, unsure if they should return to their department, and could only ponder for a long time. ¡°Ugh, really.¡± If he had known this would happen, he should have watched more carefully! Or he should have taken care of business inside the carriage on the way. To be suspected before doing anything, isn¡¯t it frustrating enough to drive one mad? Looking so indifferent, yet his intuition is so¡­ Creak.¡°Lord Ian.¡± At that moment, the door opened and Ian entered. The mage stood at attention, barely holding back his tense breath. Romandro must have said something was strange. Would they use the truth potion then? Or? The mage desperately tried to read Ian¡¯s expression. ¡°I hear you escorted Romandro to the judiciary.¡± But Ian spoke calmly as he sat down in a chair. He even gestured for the mage to sit as well. The mage hesitated at the unexpectedly gentle tone. He pulled up a chair, managing to give a response. ¡°¡­Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. Have you eaten?¡± ¡°Not yet, not yet.¡± ¡°The duck meat was quite good today. After your report, hurry to the dining hall. If you¡¯rete, the chef won¡¯t be pleased.¡± When Ian brought up this unexpected topic, the mage¡¯s eyes widened. Is he using the word ¡®report¡¯ now instead of interrogation? Does that mean Ian doesn¡¯t suspect him? He felt his mind racing. If he yed his cards right, he might be able to get through this without any issues. ¡®No, in fact, there was nothing wrong with the escort.¡¯ From a third-party perspective, it was as if Romandro alone had overreacted based on his assumptions. There¡¯s now saying I have to die, the mage thought, hiding a smile as he replied that he understood. ¡°But Romandro said that the attitude of the judiciary staff was strange. Did you observe this together?¡± ¡°Yes. I escorted him to the reception desk.¡± ¡°Report in detail.¡± Ian said this as he lightly grasped his pen. He rubbed his brow with that hand as if utterly confused, causing a faint red mark to appear on his fine skin. Ian muttered while writing something on the document. ¡°From what I hear, there was no physical coercion, and the staff member was also from the imperial pce. There was nothing problematic, yet I wonder why Romandro judged it that way. He says he just felt it intuitively, oh my.¡± ¡°I-Is that so?¡± The mage moistened his dry lips and quickly continued. ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t understand why Lord Romandro felt that way either. Latris, who went with me, probably feels the same. He ran out of the judiciary as if being chased by something. Until we met Lady Quintana¡¯s carriage midway, he kept ncing around nervously. When we got in the carriage, he even said there was no room and that he¡¯d go ahead.¡± ¡°Hmm. Is that so?¡± ¡°I think it might have been due to umted fatigue. That judiciary staff, I know them well. They¡¯re mechanical due to their heavy workload, but they¡¯re kind and decent.¡± Ian nodded repeatedly while scribbling with his pen. He even responded asionally, making the mage feel increasingly at ease. ¡°Asking for identification and such might have been a bit insulting for them. How about trying to have a good conversation again while bringing the indictment?¡± ck. With those words, Ian put down his pen. At his elegant yet firm gesture, the mage¡¯s words caught in his throat. Ian just smiled gently. ¡°I asked for the basis of Romandro¡¯s judgment. It¡¯s not for you to decide whether that judgment is right or wrong.¡± ¡°Ah, I-I apologize.¡± The mage unconsciously bit the inside of his cheek. He should have just said he didn¡¯t know and left it at that. Ian tapped his pen several times, then stood up. As the mage rose with him, he smiled and gestured. ¡°Stay seated. It¡¯s unfortunate. Today¡¯s meal was truly delicious.¡± As soon as those words fell, the door burst open. Soldiers rushed in carrying magic-sealing stone shackles. Before the mage could resist, they quickly restrained him and pinned him down on the bed. ¡°Lord Ian! Lord Ian! Why are you doing this?¡± ¡°Stay still.¡± ¡°Mmph! Mmph!¡± Bang! Ian nced briefly at the restrained mage, then left the room without hesitation. Romandro, who had been pacing in the office, approached with a start. ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°He¡¯s definitely suspicious, so it would be appropriate to proceed with a formal interrogation. Please do it discreetly, without any problems.¡± To the question about the circumstances, he answered without the slightest hesitation. If he knew nothing, he would have reconsidered and pondered Romandro¡¯s behavior before giving an answer. But he didn¡¯t. It was evidence that he knew from the beginning, and also testimony assuming that Romandro¡¯s judgment was erroneous. ¡°Oh, goodness.¡± Romandro pressed his forehead with both hands. It was true that there were Hayman¡¯s pawns even in the Ministry of Magic. It would be fierce enough if they fought with one heart and mind, but this division was truly fatal. To prevent potential internal confusion, and to avoid alerting those who would be weeded out in the future, Ian decided to hide the two mages. ¡°Process those two as being on a business trip.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. How many do you think are in the Ministry of Magic?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t know. Not until I see with my own eyes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the problem. It¡¯s fatal that we can¡¯t identify them immediately. With several major issues ahead of us, don¡¯t weck the physical leeway?¡± Typically, it¡¯s not easy to find traitors. Unless they¡¯re caught red-handed like today. Either infiltrating the other side to obtain clues, or the traitor revealing their identity as a result of their betrayal. It would be one of the two. ¡°If we try to find what¡¯s hidden, that¡¯s the case. But if we make them walk out on their own, it¡¯s rtively easy. We just have to wait.¡± ¡°What do you mean¡­¡± ¡°Shall we borrow Hayman¡¯s name for a moment?¡± It was a kind of entrapment investigation. Creating a trap by impersonating the opponent, and defining and punishing those who approach as traitors. Romandro shook his head, thinking it wouldn¡¯t be easy. ¡°We severelyck information about Hayman¡¯s internal affairs. The traitors already havemunicationworks with them, so we¡¯d be discovered immediately. It¡¯s not easy.¡± Ian smiled as if agreeing. His expression suggested he had already considered this as well. ¡°You¡¯re right. A trap should not be known as a trap. Then, it would be good to borrow the name of someone who opposes us but is neither Hayman nor Arsen.¡± ¡°Is there such a person in the imperial pce¡­¡± Romandro was about to say there couldn¡¯t be. Then, realizing something, he hesitated. Unable to speak, he kept pping his hands and eximed. ¡°Ah!¡± ¡°It¡¯s His Highness Gale.¡± ¡°Gale! I, I was just about to say that!¡± Ian rummaged through the reports piled on the desk. There were many opinions that Hayman would request help from the neighboring country, Ruswena. Supporting this, there was also a report that Hayman¡¯s knight had recently crossed the border into Ruswena. ¡°Let¡¯s spread this rumor.¡± He took out chess pieces one by one and ced them on the table. ¡°Based on the circumstances, it¡¯s certain that Ruswena is trying to intervene in Bariel using Hayman¡¯s request as an excuse. Their justification is that Hayman¡¯s wife is royalty from Ruswena, in other words, family. Do you understand up to this point?¡± ck. Romandro nodded, pulling the ck queen forward. Pieces were crowded in front of and behind the queen. ¡°Then, how should Bariel respond to Ruswena?¡± ck. ¡°While it would be possible to pressure them politically and economically, considering that His Majesty is bedridden and the imperial pce is in turmoil over the session, it seems that persuasion would be better than a hardline approach.¡± ¡°Everything you¡¯re saying now, it¡¯s all hypothetical, right?¡± ¡°Of course. But it¡¯s a hypothesis with a high possibility of realization.¡± Romandro pondered, holding his chin, then fiddled with the white king. Should he ce it here, or there? Using Gale for persuasion? Ian took the king from his hand and moved it forward. ¡°Although Hayman¡¯s wife is royalty from Ruswena, she¡¯s not in the current king¡¯s direct line. And the fact that the king is a woman also ys a part.¡± ¡°¡­Prince Gale is trying to survive by using these things?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not very different from the methods he usually employed.¡± ¡°W-Well, that¡¯s true.¡± Wesley, Mnia, and now even the king of Ruswena. Hasn¡¯t Gale always survived like this? Romandro awkwardly scratched his head. Whether his fate is good or bad, it¡¯s hard to tell. ¡°If we spread a rumor that Gale will seek asylum in Ruswena, many will react. The same goes for the Ministry of Magic. Since Ruswena doesn¡¯t have many mages, he could receive treatment equivalent to a minister there.¡± Ian moved five or six chess pieces to the opposite side simultaneously. The board instantly became chaotically disorganized. ¡°Of course, going to another country following one¡¯s beliefs is their choice. Neither I nor Bariel can stop them, but-¡° Here, an important turning point will arise. A very important turning point that can distinguish traitors. ¡°After hearing all this, do you think I, and Hayman, will sit idle?¡± If Gale goes to another country and gathers strength, it would be threatening to Ian, especially to Jin. The same goes for Hayman. Since the connection between Ruswena and Bariel would no longer be unique, his position would diminish. Ian and Hayman would try to prevent this by any means necessary. ¡°Gale will gather forces to check Ian Hiello and Hayman. He¡¯ll collect internal information on his enemies. This is the key.¡± The background is all set up. The reason for the actors¡¯ movements is also appropriate. If the trap operates based on this script, the defectors will flock to hear it. If they step in, they¡¯ll meet their death on the rotating de. Ian moved the pieces into checkmate. ¡°Meanwhile, we just need to do our job. If we find clues from interrogating the two mages, that would be even better.¡± ¡°But doesn¡¯t this entirely depend on Prince Gale¡¯s help? And what if he really changes his mind?¡± It would be troublesome if Gale, knowing there¡¯s a way to survive, actually seeks asylum in Ruswena. Ian drew up his magic and created light at his fingertips. ¡°We don¡¯t need much help from the prince. He¡¯ll be confined in the pce now and when the rumors spread. And if it¡¯s about asylum¡­¡± Zing. Zing. ¡°We¡¯ll set his death in stone.¡± ¡°Set it in stone?¡± ¡°With the power of magic.¡± Ian lightly flicked his hand, extinguishing the light. As if it were Gale¡¯s breath. Chapter 222 Chapter 222 While Ian and Romandro were refining the details of their n, a message came from outside. ¡°Lord Ian. A messenger bird has arrived from outside the pce. It¡¯s about Eric, the person in charge you inquired about. Shall I bring it in?¡± ¡°Bring it in.¡± It was a preliminary situation report from the subordinate who had gone to Eric¡¯s mansion. Ian unfolded the neatly folded note and read it. Romandro, curious, craned his neck from behind. ¡°What does it say? Was it really a carriage ident?¡± ¡°It was. ording to Eric¡¯s household servant, he had an ident on his way to work this morning and was moved to a nearby hospital. Fortunately, his life is not in danger, but the opinion is that he won¡¯t be able toe to work until tomorrow. It was a major ident, enough for a carriage wheel toe off.¡± ¡°Tsk tsk! How could they involve an innocent person like this, really!¡± ¡°It¡¯s Centra Hospital. They say they¡¯ll go there to directly confirm Eric¡¯s condition and then return.¡± Ian carefully folded the note and ced it on the table. At this rate, even if the indictment were to be epted somehow, it would take time for it to be referred to the general assembly. This was because it was Eric¡¯s role to review whether the indictment was appropriate and to submit it to the general assembly.Even if the employee Romandro suspected didn¡¯t divert it midway, it might be difficult to convene the general assembly before the magic confirmation ceremony. That is, if things went ording to the Hayman family¡¯s n. ¡°Hayman and Arsen¡¯s side will try to avoid a trial. Because they have no chance of winning. So they¡¯ll try to cut it off at the general assembly, preventing the trial from happening at all.¡± ¡°In fact, everyone in the imperial pce is waiting for that. There¡¯s nothing more important right now than whether His Highness Arsen is a mage or not.¡± Conversely, this meant that Ian needed to convene the general assembly before the magic confirmation ceremony. While not essential, it would be better to do so if it could make handling matters easier. He tapped the end of the note with his hand, then rang the call bell. ¡°Lord Ian, did you call?¡± ¡°Gather the mages, centered around Captain Hale.¡± ¡°Pardon? Ah, understood.¡± Centering around Captain Hale meant mainly gathering those who worked in field positions, didn¡¯t it? Instead of exining further, Ian took out the official seal for formal documents. Romandro cleared the desk and set out writing instruments. ¡°Are you going to send an official document? What will it say?¡± ¡°It would be good to inform the Minister of Justice about the current situation and make it public.¡± ¡°What if Hayman has already made moves on that side?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think so. If they had control over the top leadership, they wouldn¡¯t have resorted to these petty tricks. They wouldn¡¯t have feared going to trial either. I guess that Hayman¡¯s influence hasn¡¯t reached Bariel¡¯s judiciary, which is known for its exceptional fairness and justice.¡± ¡°Y-Yes. Well, if they had pulled in the higher-ups, they wouldn¡¯t have needed to go through all this trouble. But having Captain Hale deliver the official document seems like a waste of manpower.¡± ¡°Captain Hale will perform a different role.¡± Scribble scribble. Ian filled the paper with neat handwriting. Just as he was about to stamp the official seal of the Ministry of Magic at the end, new information came from outside. ¡°Lord Ian, um, they say both the Minister of Justice and the Vice Minister didn¡¯te to work today.¡± ck. The seal stopped in mid-air. How could both the Minister and Vice Minister note to work? As Ian frowned and put down the stamp, the servant bowed deeply and stammered. ¡°The, the Minister apparently went to Count Davion¡¯s party yesterday and couldn¡¯t get up due to a hangover. The Vice Minister went to the outskirts on business and is reportedly unable to move due to severe indigestion. They say if it¡¯s an urgent official document, they¡¯ll gather the department heads to handle it. How should I respond?¡± Unlike Ian, whoughed incredulously, Romandro was shocked and could only gape. Hadn¡¯t they deliberately chosen this day to empty out the judiciary? Romandro turned to Ian in confusion. ¡°Is this, is this even possible? Huh?¡± ¡°If they can block it, what can¡¯t they do?¡± ¡°Should we call for the department heads to gather?¡± ¡°No. That¡¯s enough. Looking at how things are unfolding, that doesn¡¯t seem easy either.¡± Ian burned the official document he had been writing and took out a new sheet of paper. He quickly scribbled something and handed it to the servant. ¡°Have the messenger bird tie this and send it to Centra Hospital. Another reply wille, so always wait by the window.¡± ¡°Yes, Lord Ian.¡± As the servant left, Ian changed into lighter outerwear. As if preparing to go out. Ian looked at Romandro¡¯splexion and asked. ¡°Lord Romandro, you should go and rest now.¡± ¡°My duty is until the indictment is filed, so I¡¯ll help until the end. But, what exactly are you nning to do?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to do it myself.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Romandro hesitated at Ian¡¯s resolute answer. For a minister to move directly to file an indictment. Where else could you find such a farce? Romandro shook his head and stubbornly insisted. ¡°If, if that¡¯s the case, no, absolutely not! I¡¯ll go with you!¡± ¡°You look tired though.¡± ¡°Am I in the way if I¡¯m there?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it, but¡­¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s see it through to the end! I¡¯m still full of energy!¡± As Romandro clenched his fist and shouted, Ian smiled while buttoning up. ¡°Well then, um, prepare some protective gear.¡± ¡°¡­Protective gear? Why?¡± Romandro hesitated, feeling ominous, but Ian just smiled. Sometimes, it¡¯s not bad to respond to petty tricks with petty actions. Several hourster, Clop clop! Knock knock! ¡°Lord Ian! A message has arrived from Centra Hospital!¡± Ian immediately stood up as if he had been waiting and received the letter. Then he woke up Romandro, who was half sprawled over the back of the sofa. Drooling as he slept, he looked at Ian with drowsy eyes. ¡°Huh, I, I wasn¡¯t sleeping, Ian.¡± ¡°I understand. Let¡¯s get going now.¡± Ian put on leather gloves and stepped out of the office. The mages waiting outside, including Captain Hale, all stood up at once to greet him. They clearly looked confused about what was going on. At Ian¡¯s gesture, Hale chewed on a cigarette and leaned in close. ¡°We¡¯re going to the judiciary.¡± ¡°But the judiciary¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to pick up Eric¡¯s seal. Get it and go to Centra Hospital. Get the indictment approved right there.¡± Although he didn¡¯t understand, Hale replied that he understood for now. Then he instructed the mages behind him. ¡°Follow Lord Ian. We¡¯re going to the judiciary.¡± ¡°We¡¯re going to the judiciary! Let¡¯s all go!¡± Dozens of mages ran down the building stairs, their robes fluttering. Ian, at the forefront, looked straight ahead to the west without the slightest disturbance. It was the direction of the judiciary. *** Although it was past noon, the judiciary was unusually quiet. More than half of the staff were absent, as if a gue had broken out. Especially since even high-ranking officials like the Minister had taken leave. It was a situation that could be called aplete work paralysis. ¡°Anyone would think today was a holiday.¡± ¡°I know, right? How could all the higher-ups be like this at the same time? The Vice Minister too. He told us to report by today, so I worked overtime yesterday, but he doesn¡¯t show up himself.¡± ¡°Still, I¡¯m enjoying life since the bosses aren¡¯t here.¡± ¡°Right. Plus, it¡¯s so nice that everyone¡¯s out. Imagine if only one or two were absent. We¡¯d be working overtime today covering for them.¡± The employees chatted while sharing small tasks within their capabilities. There was less working in from outside today as well. While peacefully sipping tea and shuffling through documents, someone made a curious sound. ¡°Huh? What¡¯s that over there?¡± ¡°What? What is it?¡± ¡°It looks like the Ministry of Magic¡¯s g. A group of carriages is entering the judiciary.¡± At the employee¡¯s words, others also got up to look down from the window. The horses¡¯ heads were turning towards the building where the reception desks were mainly located within the judiciary. ¡°Leave it be. It¡¯s not our business anyway.¡± ¡°Hmm. I suppose so?¡± ¡°Ignore it, ignore it. Let¡¯s just get through this one day quietly. It¡¯s almost time to go home anyway.¡± Three hours left until going home. At the person in charge¡¯s instruction, the employees just shrugged and returned to their ces. Not knowing what was happening in the building on the opposite side of the judiciary. Creak! Neigh! The guards retreated in confusion at the group of carriages that rushed in front of the reception building. The mages looked solemn, as if they hade for a fight. ¡°What, what¡¯s going on?¡± Ian, who got out of the carriage with the support of the mages. He took out a letter from his chest. It had Eric¡¯s personal signature on it. ¡°We¡¯re here from the Ministry of Magic to file an indictment, but we were told that Eric, the person in charge, didn¡¯te in today due to an ident. Since it¡¯s an urgent matter that needs to be handled, we contacted the hospital, and they said they¡¯d dly process it if we brought the seal. So, we¡¯vee to get it.¡± The guards couldn¡¯t distinguish Eric¡¯s personal signature. They just stood at their posts guarding the entrance at all times. The guards hesitated and looked at the mages. ¡°But why have so many peoplee?¡± ¡°Do I need to exin why a minister brings his subordinates? My time is as precious as yours, so step aside.¡± Clop clop! Just as the guards were about to lower their spears and turn their bodies, the reception staff inside ran out in surprise and then anxiously assessed the situation. ¡°It, it¡¯s that guy! Ian!¡± It was the employee who had asked Romandro for identification in the morning. The woman who was pointed out bit her lip hard and then shouted in a sharp voice. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I¡¯vee to get Eric¡¯s seal at his request.¡± ¡°You expect us to believe that now?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the emperor¡¯s seal, just an official stamp. Why are you being so aggressive? Here¡¯s Eric¡¯s personal signature. If there¡¯s someone who can verify it, let them do so.¡± Ian lightly waved the letter held between his index and middle fingers. But the staff just pressed their lips together and exchanged nces with each other. They showed the will to block it unconditionally, without even checking if it was real or fake. Hale finally realized the meaning of the order. ¡®This, it¡¯s been a while.¡¯ And he lightly loosened his hands and feet with a crack. Although the imperial pce was noble, there were frequent physical confrontations to assert opinions at times. Because not everyone follows principles and rules. Of course, most of these happened during meetings. ¡°It¡¯s not allowed. It¡¯s almost closing time for business.¡± ¡°We just need to take the seal.¡± ¡°Absolutely not until Erices in person! What are you all doing?¡± Crack! Whatever amount Hayman had given them, they seemed willing to even quit their jobs. The staff linked arms tightly and then firmly blocked the entrance. ¡°You, you, insolent! Hey! Do you think you can cover the sky with your palm? How can your work process be so simple, ignorant, and infuriating?¡± Romandro gestured angrily while panting, but they just snorted in response. ¡°If it¡¯s not allowed, then it¡¯s not allowed!¡± Hale swallowed a sigh inwardly as he rolled up his sleeves. If they used magic, Ian alone could subdue them. But bringing along these colleagues was to deny any unteral violence through magicter. Hale and the other mages realized this and lightly loosened their bodies. ¡°Now then.¡± Ian clicked his pocket watch. ¡°Ten minutes from now.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°Push.¡± Ian gave a brief hand signal. Then, with Hale in the lead, the mages charged forward. Romandro just flinched, at a loss for what to do. Thud! Clop clop! ¡°Yaaah!¡± ¡°Ugh! Ugh!¡± ¡°Get out of the way! Move!¡± ¡°What are you saying, get lost! We said it¡¯s not allowed!¡± ¡°Hold on! Don¡¯t let go of your arms! Resist!¡± Instead of punching, they pushed with their shoulders, and instead of pulling hair, they tore at cors. While the mages and judiciary reception staff tangled with each other, Ian watched from behind. And Romandro, standing awkwardly beside him. When Ian raised an eyebrow, Romandro closed his eyes tight and ran forward reluctantly, as if forced to eat mustard while crying. ¡°You, you, you lot! Let¡¯s just do our work!¡± Thud! He was immediately thrown back from the intense physical struggle, but Romandro got up again and shouted with all his might. ¡°Mo-move out of the waaay!¡± Chapter 223 Chapter 223 In a ward at Centra Hospital. As a ce where numerous patientse and go, it¡¯s usually the busiest and most hectic ce in the neighborhood. Yet it was especially noisy today due to Eric, who had been brought in this morning for emergency treatment. ¡°How does that make sense? You don¡¯t know what kind of carriage it was?¡± ¡°We¡¯re investigating the area, but it¡¯s difficult to find traces.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not like just anyone rides carriages, it was a private red oak carriage! Since our carriage wheel came off, the offender¡¯s back must have beenpletely smashed! Come on, this isn¡¯t near the border, how can you not find it? Huh? It must be somewhere nearby!¡± It was already frustrating enough to have had an ident in the morning, but the guard, who was supposed to be the investigator in charge, just kept saying they couldn¡¯t find the offender. Nonsense! Were all the numerous witnesses at the scene blind? Eric shouted at the top of his lungs, his face red. ¡°Find them immediately! Find the bastard who did this to me!¡± ¡°¡­We¡¯ll do our best.¡± ¡°How much tax do I pay for this, really, ha!¡±¡°Then I¡¯ll take my leave. We¡¯ll visit again if the investigation progresses. Get well soon.¡± Feeling ridiculous and dejected, Eric flopped down on the bed. A sharp pain shot up his waist. This wasn¡¯t an injury that would heal quickly. For someone who sits and works all day, such pain was fatal. Knock knock. ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°Master. A visitor from the Ministry of Magic is here.¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic? Not our department?¡± The servant peeked his head in. While there had been no contact from his own department, the judiciary, why suddenly the Ministry of Magic? Eric allowed them to enter with a puzzled expression. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m from the Ministry of Magic. Are you feeling a bit better? This is a get-well gift from Minister Ian.¡± A man wearing a mage¡¯s robe entered carrying a fruit basket. Eric was so bewildered he couldn¡¯t respond. It was surprising enough that a minister would send a gift to a mere staff member, but wasn¡¯t the timing too quick? He had arrived almost at the same time as the servants from his mansion. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll ept it gratefully. But how did you know?¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic went to file an indictment early this morning and confirmed your absence. Minister Ian wanted to entrust it directly to you.¡± ¡°It could have been left with the staff below me.¡± ¡°Well, there¡¯s a bit of a problem with that.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± The mage smiled gently and signaled the servant to leave. As Eric nodded, soon only the two of them remained in the ward. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange that there¡¯s been no contact from the judiciary when you¡¯re injured?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me, another rebellion? Is there a problem?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. It seems Hayman¡¯s side has moved organizedly to block the filing of the indictment. There are quite a few who couldn¡¯te to work at the judiciary today. Though it seems there are few cases of severe injuries like yours.¡± It was unbelievable. Quite a few couldn¡¯te to work at the judiciary? And due to Hayman¡¯s machinations? The mage handed over a letter from Ian to Eric, who was gaping in disbelief. ¡°In my opinion, I think the perpetrator of your carriage ident might also be connected to Hayman. If so, it would probably be difficult for the guard to find them.¡± ¡°Wait! I¡¯m confused right now, just give me a moment.¡± Eric hurriedly raised his hand to organize his thoughts. Then he quickly scanned Ian¡¯s neatly written message. The gist was as follows: There are many obstructive operations at the judiciary¡¯s reception, so he¡¯s requesting cooperation. And asking if the indictment could be processed at the hospital if he brings the seal. Eric rubbed his brow and looked back at the mage. ¡°Would there be a problem if it¡¯s dyed by a few days?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know, but there must be a reason, right? Especially considering how you¡¯ve been injured like this.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Could it really be Hayman? Was it Hayman¡¯s underlings who rammed into his carriage? Eric pondered, his head aching. But it didn¡¯t take long to reach a conclusion. ¡®I would have handled it anyway if I had gone to work.¡¯ Whether it¡¯s done there or here, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem, right? Rather, if this is Hayman¡¯s trick as the Ministry of Magic ims¡­ ¡°Let¡¯s do it.¡± He would definitely do it. He would make them pay dearly for daring to break his arm, whatever it was. Eric returned the letter and instructed: ¡°The seal is on my desk. Make sure to bring all the supporting documents to be attached to the indictment, and tell the person who will conduct the face-to-face review toe here. If it¡¯s past work hours, it¡¯ll be pushed to tomorrow, so they need to arrive before then.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± ¡°And let me tell you one thing. I¡¯m quite thorough in my reviews. I won¡¯t let things slide easily just because of the situation. Processing work here doesn¡¯t mean it¡¯ll be a rubber stamp approval.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ry that. Please write a brief handwritten reply.¡± ¡°Oh my. What on earth is all thismotion about, really. Ugh.¡± Scribble scribble! Eric wrote with his right hand while groaning in pain. He had a feeling his body aches would worsen after waking up from a nap. As the mage hurriedly left the room, the servant approached, ncing around. ¡°Master. That person was a mage, right?¡± ¡°Yes. Massage my legs a bit. It¡¯s killing me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s amazing. I¡¯ve never seen that mage before. But what¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°What do you need to know for? Just massage my legs, will you?¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± Eric clicked his tongue and looked up at the white ceiling. What on earth was happening in the imperial pce right now? If it was Hayman¡¯s machinations as the mage said, that was a problem in itself. ¡®I¡¯ll understand the overall flow when I see the indictment.¡¯ ¡°¡­And tell all the guards from the mansion toe here.¡± ¡°To the hospital room?¡± ¡°Yes, here. Tell them to guard me tightly.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Assuming everything he had heard was true. Just as Hayman seemed desperate to prevent the filing of the indictment, the Ministry of Magic seemed equally desperate to file it. So wouldn¡¯t it be troublesome if they brought the seal and pressured him? It was right to be extra cautious, especially being outside the imperial pce. *** ¡°Master, Master!¡± ¡°Huh.¡± When had he fallen asleep? Eric woke up startled by the servant¡¯s fuss. Then he frowned at the dull sensation in his ribs. He hadpletely forgotten about the ident. ¡°People from the Ministry of Magic are here.¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic? Ah. Tell them toe in.¡± ¡°Yes. But, um, one of them seems to be in a strange state.¡± ¡°State? Why?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. It looks like they could get treatment here right after finishing their business. Anyway, I¡¯ll show them in.¡± Eric couldn¡¯t understand what the servant was saying. Until the door opened. Creak. ¡°Hello. I¡¯m Hale, Captain of the Magic Operations Department. I¡¯vee here on the Minister¡¯s orders. I heard you had a big ident, are you feeling alright?¡± ¡°Ah, yes, yes. Well, I¡¯m managing.¡± Captain Hale, he¡¯s famous. Eric raised his upper body and looked him up and down. He knew he was usually a free-spirited person, but why were his clothes so torn? His hair was also quite disheveled. As he was inwardly muttering that he couldn¡¯t understand the entricities of mages, it happened. ¡°Nice to, meet you. I¡¯m, uh, sniff, Romandro, assistant to Minister Ian of the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°¡­Are you alright?¡± Romandro was in such a mess that even the bedridden patient had to ask. Both his nostrils were stuffed with blood-stained tissues, his eyes were bruised, and there were clear scratch marks all over. If Captain Hale¡¯s clothes were shabby, Romandro looked exactly like a beggar. Romandro kept sniffling. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not okay.¡± ¡°I, I can see that.¡± ¡°¡­Before I get even sadder, please hurry and take care of business.¡± Romandro pulled up a chair and sat in front of Eric as if he had given up on everything. Using the bedside table, a thick indictment was ced. And from his bosom, Eric¡¯s official seal was taken out as if it were the most precious thing in the world. ck. The round bead attached to the end of the seal handle was blinking, indicating the passage of time. This was the reason why Eric and the judiciary staff tried to strictly adhere to work hours. Once the set time passes, the seal¡¯s imprint would stamp tomorrow¡¯s date instead of today¡¯s. Then, of course, the processing of work would proceed based on tomorrow. ¡°Then, we¡¯ll begin. The Ministry of Magic is filing the indictment, and the target is not Duke Hayman but the entire Hayman family.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. I¡¯d appreciate it if you could speak a bit faster.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Romandro anxiously checked the time. If the face-to-face review was dyed, wouldn¡¯t bringing the seal here be in vain? It was a seal he had obtained through a physical struggle for the first time in his life. Whether he knew of Romandro¡¯s hardships or not, Eric carefully read through the indictment. ¡°Please exin this part. The research results on the ck ore confiscated from the Chetur district say it¡¯s dragon scales? Is this reliable?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a separate result sheet attached.¡± ¡°But the stated research period is unreasonably short. I judge it to be less credible.¡± Hale leaned against the door of the hospital room, watching the scene. Fortunately, Romandro seemed to have anticipated this question and answered without hesitation. If it weren¡¯t for the two tissue bundles in his nostrils, he might have looked quite handsome. ¡°I believe the period cannot determine the reliability of the result. There are researches where time is important, and others where it¡¯s not. Identifying the nature of a substance is obviously the former. And above all, to confirm this, a full-scale investigation of the Hayman family is necessary. That¡¯s only possible if the indictment is epted.¡± ¡°¡­So you¡¯re saying you¡¯ll exin about the dragon scales part at the trial. I see. I¡¯ll ept your im.¡± Rustle. Eric raised an eyebrow and turned the page. This kind of question and answer session happened several times. Tick tock, Hale kept checking his watch, conscious of the time. The work deadline was approaching soon. The seal would also change, but Eric, as he had warned, didn¡¯t let anything slide without thoroughly examining it. ¡®This is maddening.¡¯ He felt so nervous he wanted to chew on a cigarette. If it weren¡¯t for the hospital, cigarette butts would have piled up at his feet long ago. The servants also sensed the unusual atmosphere and held their breath. Scribble scribble. Eric kept scribbling something. Slowly but surely, the pages were turning. Finally, they reached thest page without any omissions. ¡°I¡¯ll confirm onest thing. This is one of the official procedures. It can be recognized as credible in future trials, including the general assembly, so please answer carefully.¡± Thest! It¡¯s thest! Romandro¡¯s eyes sparkled as he nodded vigorously, as if urging Eric to ask quickly. ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Is there any fabrication or intentional false statement in the above content where the Ministry of Magic is indicting the Hayman family?¡± ¡°I swear there is none. Absolutely not.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s revealed that there is fabrication or intentional false statement in the indictment, you can be held ountable for that crime. Do you agree to this?¡± ¡°Of course I agree!¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Eric lightly grasped the seal. The bead that reacted to the handler¡¯s fingerprint flickered slightly. He firmly pressed the seal on the front of the indictment. [No. 52398 Indictment Filing Complete.] Click. Simultaneously, today¡¯s date appeared clearly below. As soon as Eric lifted the seal, the time on the bead changed. They had barely made it within work hours. Romandro hugged Eric tightly in joy. The tissues stuffed in his nostrils flew out with a pop. ¡°We did it! Thank you! Oh, thank you so much! But you, why do you talk so slowly! I was sweating bullets the whole time!¡± ¡°Aaagh! It hurts! It hurts!¡± ¡°Oh, sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Hale ignored the two making a fuss and retrieved the indictment. Now that the seal had been stamped, anyone who damaged it would be severely punished. They just needed to return to the imperial pce. Probably, the head of the Ministry of Magic would be waiting. ¡°Lord Romandro, let¡¯s hurry back.¡± ¡°Huh? Ah, yes! We should. Eric, get well soon! And you need to clean house with those employees! Tsk tsk. They¡¯re all just brutes. They¡¯ve only learned bad things!¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± Romandro made a disgusted expression while drawing his hand across his throat. Eric, not understanding, could only watch their backs as they left, rubbing his aching arm. What on earth had happened in the imperial pce? Chapter 224 Chapter 224 ¡°I heard the Ministry of Magic and the Judiciary had a big fight?¡± ¡°A fight? What fight?¡± In Gale¡¯s quarters as the sunset was falling. The soldier who had been staring straight ahead like a ramrod muttered without realizing it. Realizing that his shift change was approaching, he had be unbearably bored. He responded, sensing movement in the distance. ¡°They say it was chaos. Everyone says they¡¯ve never seen mages brawling before, no one even thought to stop them. It seems it was over some seal or something.¡± ¡°Was it a legitimate transaction?¡± ¡°Well, the judiciary staff left work as soon as the office hours were over, right? Really, when you think about it, the imperial pce is quite funny. They fight like cats and dogs, but as soon as it¡¯s time, they just leave.¡± The soldiers were giggling when they spotted a carriage approaching from afar andposed themselves. The g was that of the Ministry of Magic. And usually, the mages who came to Gale¡¯s quarters were either healing mages or Ian. Creak! Neigh!¡°Lord Ian. Wee.¡± ¡°Good work. Any problems?¡± ¡°No. Everything is normal.¡± Ian nodded slightly and climbed the stairs alone. He usually came with Romandro, but for some reason, today he was with other mages. Ian tucked his leather gloves into his chest and crossed the pce with familiarity. Clop clop. The sun was gradually setting. The deep sunset had moved past orange and was now taking on a red hue. Warm breeze. Distant shadows. The beginning of darkness pouring through therge windows. The footsteps of Ian and the mages following him echoed through the empty corridor. ¡°Ah, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°It¡¯s Lord Ian. What brings you here?¡± The Cheonrye warriors lying on thewn in the garden greeted Ian. They were all chewing on des of grass, enjoying the leisurely greenery. Ian just returned their greetings with a small smile. Rustle. ¡°Is something going on? Where¡¯s Lord Romandro?¡± ¡°Yeah. But you know, the more I look at him, the more he resembles Lady Philea. This is why bloodline is important. If Lord Nersarn has a child, I should pray that it looks exactly like Lady Philea.¡± The warriors dismissed it as nothing and flopped back down on the grass. They didn¡¯t know when they would return to the desert, but this kind of luxury wasn¡¯t bad at all. Creak. ¡°Lord Ian. Hello.¡± ¡°Is His Highness Gale inside?¡± ¡°Yes. He¡¯s having his meal now.¡± ¡°Open the door.¡± At Ian¡¯smand, the middle door leading to the bedroom slowly opened. Gale, who was having his meal at the table beside the bed, frowned. Surprisingly, Philea and Nersarn were with him. ¡°Oh my, Ian!¡± ¡°Mother, you¡¯re here too.¡± ¡°Ah, this is, well¡­¡± Philea showed signs of distress, not knowing what to do. She was flustered, worried that she might be used of overstepping her bounds. Gale nced at Philea like that, then put down his fork with a tter. ck. ¡°I requested theirpany as dining alone was boring. But the soldier guarding the front is quite clumsy and rude. Letting in a guest without announcing that I¡¯m in the middle of a meal.¡± However, contrary to his words, Gale¡¯s knife was pointing at Ian. It was a protest that your behavior of entering knowing I was eating is truly rude. But Ian simply ignored it with a slight nce, then asked Philea: ¡°Please allow me to be alone with His Highness Gale for a moment.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, yes. Of course.¡± Philea hurriedly cleared her ce and disappeared into the adjacent room with Nersarn. Gale looked Ian up and down, then casually cut into his steak. ¡°Since you¡¯ve chased away my diningpanions, you might as well sit in their ce. For your reference, I like to be spoon-fed.¡± Seeing him joking in such a glib manner, it seems he¡¯s feeling a bit better. The mages ced a small ss vial in front of Ian and likewise left. Gale looked down at it while continuing his meal. Even without Ian saying anything, he could sense what it was. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t eat dessert.¡± It¡¯s a potion that brings death. By the power of magic, he wouldpletely surrender his breath to that man. He could now truly feel that the final chapter of his life was unfolding. ¡°Rumors will start circting soon.¡± ¡°Rumors. Rumors, you say.¡± Clink clink. The sound of dishes colliding rang out quietly. Gale silently pondered, then came up with an answer close to the truth. ¡°Rumors that I¡¯m seeking asylum somewhere?¡± ¡°¡­That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°How ridiculous. By whose permission are they using a prince¡¯s name? I didn¡¯t think you were so rash.¡± Ian was inwardly surprised but didn¡¯t respond. He didn¡¯t seem to want an answer anyway. ¡°Your Highness just needs to remain as you are now.¡± ¡°Ah. I see. Just stay still as I am now, then stand trial to prove Hayman¡¯s wrongdoing, and follow Mariv. If things go wrong in between, I just need to breathe myst without any problems.¡± Bang! Gale mmed the table hard, then pointed his knife at Ian¡¯s nape. He wanted to slice that white neck just like he was cutting the steak. ¡°I¡¯m already waiting for death anyway. Taking this potion is nothing. But what¡¯s this? Asylum? That I¡¯m abandoning Bariel and going to a foreign country? To save my life?¡± Where else is there such an insult? He was not a coward begging for his life even at the cost of abandoning his homnd. Gale gritted his teeth, but Ian ignored it and pushed the potion forward. ¡°It¡¯s just a rumor. A rumor that will disappear without a trace someday.¡± ¡°My honor will disappear along with it.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Your Highness. Your honor has already disappeared since the rebellion started.¡± Crash! ng! Gale knocked over all the dishes on the table. He didn¡¯t want to believe it, but it was reality. He was in a state where he couldn¡¯t take a single step outside the pce, and even if he did, he would meet a horrible end due to Hayman¡¯s assassination. The two stared at each other with cold gazes. ¡°Stay still and don¡¯t cause a disturbance. If you do so, at least you won¡¯t go like Mariv.¡± Stripped of his imperial surname, erased from history, and meeting his end dangling while receiving apuse from the nobles. Ian whispered quietly as if soothing him. ¡°I¡¯ll also protect your mother¡¯s tree in my name. Don¡¯t forget that all of this is my consideration for you.¡± It was a reminder of what he had promised Gale. After all, if Ian had wanted to, he could have made him drink the potion without anyone knowing. Gale frowned and snatched the potion. ¡°Ha. Consideration?¡± And without hesitation, he downed the potion in one gulp. A mellow and pungent taste enveloped the tip of his tongue. This is death, Gale thought as he roughly wiped his mouth and threw the ss vial against the wall. Crash! ¡°Right. This must be the consideration you want from me.¡± ¡°When mutual understanding reaches its peak, there¡¯s no better governance than this.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going to heaven either.¡± ¡°If I can make Bariel a heaven, then anywhere.¡± As Ian responded elegantly, Gale burst into a hollowugh. A hot sensation seeped through every part of his body. Now his breath was entirely dependent on that man. As his chest felt tight, soldiers outside reported: ¡°Lord Ian. Are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. Everyone withdraw.¡± ¡°Ah, yes, yes. Understood.¡± They must have wondered if there was a problem due to the loudmotion. Of course, but in this situation, there¡¯s no one who worries about me. As Gale nkly stared at the ceiling, Ian stood up from his seat. This should be enough to conclude the business. ¡°Apart from a slight fever, there won¡¯t be any problems with daily life. You can even forget the fact that you drank it.¡± ¡°When will I die?¡± ¡°¡­There will be a time that¡¯s most perfect in God¡¯s eyes.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking for a few days.¡± An abrupt introduction. Ian was about to ignore it but stopped and turned to look at Gale. If there¡¯s no listener, uttered words exist only as sound and scatter. It didn¡¯t seem bad to just listen to the finalment of a man facing death. ¡°When I first received Wesley¡¯s curse.¡± ¡°Wesley¡¯s curse?¡± ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t think much of it. Not being loved, what of it, I thought there wouldn¡¯t be much change from before.¡± Because that¡¯s how it had always been. Whispering sweetness, but always within strict rtionships of mutual benefit, and it was the same for the other party too. Wesley had gained countless things from meeting Gale. Is that really true love? It didn¡¯t seem different from before, so what was the curse and what was the problem? Gale clearly thought so at first. ¡°But as I ruminate on my current situation, I understand. The words that I won¡¯t be loved. That included Bariel too.¡± Gale himself had made passionate overtures to Bariel, but in the end, he wasn¡¯t chosen, wasn¡¯t loved. Ian looked down at him with his arms crossed. Like brother like brother, he¡¯s saying something quite simr to Mariv. ¡°Shall I record it for you? That His Highness Gale was rejected by Bariel.¡± ¡°I wish you¡¯d go and die, Ian.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t die, but I can leave. Enjoy. You don¡¯t have much time left.¡± Gale giggled and muttered a light curse. As Ian left the room, Philea and the soldiers who had been closely pressed against the door stepped back in surprise. They must have been worried about themotion. ¡°I-Ian! Are you alright? We heard the sound of dishes breaking.¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. But the floor will need cleaning. Send in a servant.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood!¡± ¡°¡­The swelling on your cheek has gone down a lot. That¡¯s good.¡± Ian nodded slightly while ncing at his mother¡¯s cheek. There were still traces of scratches from being struck by Arsen, but they had healed to the point where they weren¡¯t noticeable unless looked at closely. ¡°Um, Ian. If you have time, would you like to take a short walk in the garden? I have something to discuss with Lord Nersarn.¡± ¡°Hmm, yes. Let¡¯s do that. That much is fine.¡± Romandro and Hale hadn¡¯te in from outside yet. He believed they would have stamped the seal on time, but he couldn¡¯t do anything until he saw it with his own eyes. There was an awkwardly small amount of time left. ¡°How is life in the pce?¡± ¡°It¡¯s too, too much for me. I¡¯m grateful just to have had such an opportunity in my lifetime. But, you know. I think it¡¯s about time we start looking at dates for us to return.¡± Ian estimated the date. Come to think of it, quite a few days had passed since they came here. It must have been quite tough for a minority group with an established base to stay in a ce with an unsuitable climate. Ian ced his hand on his chest and conveyed his gratitude to Nersarn. ¡°If you wish, I¡¯ll prepare for your journey with carriages. The imperial pce has escaped crisis thanks to Cheonrye¡¯s help, and this will be deeply engraved in my heart.¡± ¡°What are you saying? We are allies. We have a duty to share both joys and difficulties.¡± ¡°I¡¯m truly grateful for your words.¡± ¡°And so¡­¡± And so? As Ian raised his head as if to say ¡®go on¡¯, Nersarn pressed his lips tightly, looking tense. It was unlike him. Nersarn requested very slowly, but with sincerity. ¡°Before we leave, I¡¯d like to hold a small engagement ceremony with Lord Ian. We¡¯ll have a separate wedding when we return to Hiello.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Philea¡¯s face turned as red as a radish. The sight of asking her child for permission was unbearably cute. Ian let out a short exmation and immediately gave his permission. ¡°Of course. However, there¡¯s too much work right now, so how about we do it after His Highness Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony and urgent matters are over? I¡¯ll make the preparations.¡± ¡°You, Ian? Prepare?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do it with all my heart and soul.¡± Philea was so happy she was about to jump up and down. Nersarn also seemed relieved, his expression bing much lighter. As they were discussing the engagement ceremony in the garden, a mage came running urgently and whispered to Ian. ¡°Lord Ian. We¡¯ve just received a message regarding the Carbo Temple. It seems you need to go out and check.¡± Chapter 225 Chapter 225 At the same time Ian was receiving the report from the mage, Dina¡¯s servant was also running through the dark corridor. Since it became known that Arsen was a magic user, guests had beening to her pce day and night. It was no different now. At the entrance to the reception room, besides Dina¡¯s servants, unfamiliar people were lined up waiting for their masters. ¡°What¡¯s all thismotion at this hour of night?¡± As he arrived hurriedly and panted, the head servant scolded him with dignity. But the servant paid no heed and quietly reported so that no one else could hear. ¡°It¡¯s urgent. Please announce it. They say the priest from the Carbo Temple has just entered the pce.¡± The priest entered the pce? At this hour? The head servant, flustered, let him in. As they opened the middle door and approached, thementations of the high-ranking people could be heard. ¡°In the end, Eric stamped the indictment.¡± ¡°If we had known it woulde to this, we should have killed him. Tsk tsk.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a dangerous thing to say. Everyone knows, more or less. From the Minister of Justice down, none of them coulde to work, so it¡¯s clear something unusual is going on. If someone had died, how would you handle the aftermath?¡±¡°That¡¯s right. If Lord Ian digs into that and raises an issue, it¡¯ll be uncontroble. We¡¯ve done all we could within our means.¡± ¡°I heard there was even a brawl at the judiciary?¡± ¡°If we had pretended not to know and just broken the mages¡¯ arms, it would have been satisfying.¡± ¡°Hmm. Since it was filed today, if they process it quickly, the general assembly will be held before the magic confirmation ceremony. How many are on our side now? Let¡¯s try to adjust the date to be pushed back by sending as many ¡®unable to attend¡¯ responses as possible. That¡¯s the only way.¡± Knock knock. Creak. As the servant made his presence known and opened the door simultaneously, the high-ranking people looked at him curiously, but he quickly approached Dina and whispered. ¡°The priest from the Carbo Temple has urgently entered the pce. It seems there was a problem while moving the light of the oracle, and they seem to be requesting help.¡± ¡°What?¡± Dina¡¯s eyes widened instantly. Wasn¡¯t this unexpected good news? With a few days left, if the priest personally entered the pce to request help, it meant they hade quite close. For them, who needed to hold the magic confirmation ceremony before the general assembly, this was a very wee message. ¡°Lady Dina? What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°I hear the priest from the Carbo Temple has entered the pce. It seems there was a problem on the way, which means they¡¯re close to the center.¡± Thementations of distress had suddenly changed to exmations of joy. The ministers reflexively pped their hands in delight. ¡°Oh! Is that so? That¡¯s fortunate.¡± ¡°Toe from Carbo to the center, they need to cross the eastern mountains. If there was a problem, it¡¯s likely to have happened there. It¡¯s such a steep and treacherous mountain that the path was only recently opened. If they hadn¡¯t known, the carriage might have broken down.¡± They had been expressing worriedments about Eric epting the indictment, but now the situation would change again. Didn¡¯t Ian himself say he would hold the magic confirmation ceremony as soon as the light of the oracle arrived? So they just needed to bring that in first, right? ¡°They must have gone to the Ministry of Magic, right?¡± ¡°The magic confirmation ceremony is under the Ministry of Magic¡¯s jurisdiction, after all.¡± ¡°Lady Dina. Send someone. The Ministry of Magic wants to hold the general assembly first, so they¡¯ll just waste time pretending to help. Use your connection to the Carbo family and offer to help directly. Let¡¯s bring in the light of the oracle as quickly as possible.¡± Dina nodded at the ministers¡¯ urging. There¡¯s now saying you have to die, and such an opportunity came right after the indictment was filed. She stood up as if to go herself. ¡°I¡¯ll go see the priest in person. If it¡¯s someone who helped with the postpartum care, they¡¯ll understand our position even more. You all wait here. I¡¯ll take care of this and return.¡± At Dina¡¯s deration of going out, the servants moved busily. They prepared her outer clothes, called for a carriage, and sent word to the Ministry of Magic. As she left the reception room, the ministers tilted their wine sses and added a few words each. ¡°By the way, the situation is strange. At first, Lord Ian wanted to hurry and hold the magic confirmation ceremony, but now it¡¯spletely reversed, hasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because Duke Hayman got in the middle.¡± ¡°Ah, speaking of Hayman, I heard a rumor that the Duke requested help from Ruswena.¡± ¡°Ah yes. I heard that too. Isn¡¯t it a fait apli?¡± ¡°Then, what about the rumor that His Highness Gale is trying to seek asylum in Ruswena?¡± ¡°Pardon? What¡¯s that about?¡± It was the moment the rumor took its first step. The one who opened his mouth raised an eyebrow and whispered as quietly as possible. ¡°To be precise, it¡¯s asylum based on an engagement.¡± ¡°Hahaha! An engagement? His Highness Gale is really something.¡± ¡°Hmm, but the move is exquisite. If he goes to Ruswena, he can not only save his life but also check both the Ministry of Magic and Hayman at the same time, can¡¯t he?¡± ¡°From Ruswena¡¯s standpoint, it¡¯s wee. By securing Prince Gale, they can exert influence on Bariel. In whatever way. As long as His Highness Gale is alive, it¡¯s a burden to Their Highnesses Arsen and Jin.¡± ¡°But is it true?¡± ¡°I¡¯m checking, but it doesn¡¯t seem to be apletely baseless rumor. I got information that Lord Ian entered His Highness Gale¡¯s pce earlier. Probably to warn him about the asylum.¡± The ministers sipped their wine and calcted what kind of wind Gale¡¯s asylum would bring. Would that wind bring the smell of blood, or would it bring sweetness? Since the smell they would encounter would differ depending on which side they were on, the ministers unknowingly fell silent. ¡°For now, it¡¯s best to watch and see.¡± Clink- They lightly clinked their wine sses and could only wait for Dina to return soon. *** Neigh! Screech! A carriage that stopped abruptly in front of the Ministry of Magic. Ian climbed the stairs with the mages. The Ministry of Magic was in a chaotic atmosphere due to the visit of unfamiliar guests. A servant who saw Ian approaching opened the office door wide. ¡°I see. You must have been in great pain.¡± ¡°No. It¡¯s healed as much as it can now, so it¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°I will sincerely pray for God¡¯s protection to be with you.¡± A woman wrapped in a robe was kneeling and conversing with Jin. Xiaoshi noticed Ian¡¯s arrival and stepped back. ¡°Oh, Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Your Highness Jin.¡± Jin approached at Ian¡¯s call. ¡°It¡¯s a priest from the Carbo Temple. She says she saw me when I was young, so I was exchanging pleasant greetings with her.¡± ¡°I see.¡± The priests bowed to show respect. Due to the semi-transparent veil covering their eyes and mouths under the white robes, their faces were not visible. Not a single finger was exposed outside their clothes, so one could only tell they were women by their voices. ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you. I am Abidel, a priest from the Carbo Temple. I apologize for visiting at such ate hour.¡± ¡°I am Makael.¡± ¡°I am Ian Hiello, Minister of the Ministry of Magic. What brings you here? I heard there was a problem with transporting the light of the oracle.¡± ¡°Yes. As you know, the Carbo Temple doesn¡¯t have much experience in extracting the light of the oracle. So, it seems our preparations were insufficient as we hurriedly departed due to the sudden request.¡± While the magic confirmation ceremony itself was rarely held, the Carbo Temple was also not rtively close to the center. Except for when Dina visited for childbirth, and asionally to deliver oracles, it was a ce with almost no interaction. Presumably, it must be quite a rare outing for the priests as well. ¡°Was there a problem with the carriage?¡± ¡°All the wheels were damaged while crossing the rocky mountains. There¡¯s no problem with the light of the oracle, but we couldn¡¯t move, so we came to request help like this.¡± It was a heavy and massive harp that would require three or four people to push even with wheels attached. It would be problematic for priests, who aren¡¯t specialized personnel, to move it. Ian brought out a map and spread it on the desk. ¡°Where are you located?¡± ¡°We crossed tworge rivers, so it should be around here. It took half a day on horseback from our current stopped position to here.¡± Ian hesitated as he gauged the route with his fingertip. They hade closer than expected. If support was sent like this, they could arrive at the imperial pce earlier than anticipated. This means they could hold Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony before the general assembly. Jin paced beside him, looking worried. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± What should be done? Romandro and the mages had gotten nosebleeds to push through the filing of the indictment, but wouldn¡¯t this make it all for nothing? Reading his anxious thoughts, Ian smiled gently. ¡°Let¡¯s send support.¡± Outwardly, they needed to send it first. But it would be better to choose what to do once there after observing the situation. Ian instructed the person standing behind him. ¡°Check what carriages are avable to send as support now. The light of the oracle is very heavy. It won¡¯t work with a regr carriage, so consider that.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± The priest put her hand on her chest and bowed in gratitude. Abidel¡¯s head tilted slightly towards Jin. Although her gaze couldn¡¯t be seen, she was clearly looking at the wound. ¡°If I may be so bold, what happened to Your Highness Jin¡¯s wound?¡± ¡°There has been muchmotion in the imperial pce. It would be too long to exin everything.¡± It was an answer indicating no particr willingness to tell. The Carbo Temple was, after all, deeply connected to Dina¡¯s family. In Ian¡¯s judgment, they had delivered an absurd oracle, and it was the ce where Jin¡¯s misfortunes had all begun. He couldn¡¯t trust them, so he couldn¡¯t give them information either. ¡°The Ministry of Magic requested that the person who was in charge of the oracles for Their Highnesses Jin and Arsen, besides the light of the oracle, apany us. Is there any problem with that?¡± Although it was phrased as a request, it was in fact an order with a seal. At this, Abidel lifted her veil. Below light brown eyes, her face was full of freckles. ¡°Yes. You called for me, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Priest Abidel, it¡¯s you?¡± ¡°Yes. And Makael is the priest in charge of the oracle that came down this time.¡± It matched the testimony of the doctor who performed the surgery at the time. He hadn¡¯t known the name, but hadn¡¯t he said it was a priest full of freckles? ¡°I¡¯ve always felt sorry for Your Highness Jin. Although it was God¡¯s message, I was the one who delivered it. Since it was almost like a curse, I can¡¯t even imagine how much it must have weighed on Your Highness.¡± Jin opened and closed his mouth in surprise. But soon, he shook his head while holding the priest¡¯s hand. If there was no disrespectful intention, she had simply done her part. ¡°It, it¡¯s not your fault.¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± But Ian was different. Knowing there was a problem with the oracle itself, hadn¡¯t Abidel clearly made a mistake or intentionally caused a problem in between? ¡°Abidel. When you received the oracle, how many years had you been a priest?¡± ¡°It was my third year.¡± While there¡¯s no high or low in the position of priest, among those who live their entire lives in the temple until death, three years is¡­ ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like you to tell me the situation at that time again, in detail.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it recorded?¡± ¡°Even so. There¡¯s something I want to confirm from your own words.¡± Abidel bowed her head and recalled that day ten years ago. Starting with ¡®It was a rainy day¡¯ was the same as what the doctor had said. ¡°At that time, I was praying with the other priests for a safe delivery. With only the hope that our intentions would reach God, we simply prostrated ourselves and prayed for hours.¡± She testified calmly. Then she recited that curse. ¡°I heard a voice saying that theter-born would harm the firstborn. And if the one closest to the throne among the brothers dies, the imperial line would bepletely cut off.¡± ¡°Voice. Yes. What was God¡¯s voice like?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± She asked back, surprised by the sudden question. How could one remember a voice heard once ten years ago? But soon she carefully offered her words. ¡°There was no particr characteristic. Just, clear and thin¡­¡± As Abidel exined thus, Makael, who had been listening quietly beside her, raised her head. There was a hint of doubt in her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Makael?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not nothing.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± She mumbled softly in confusion. ¡°In the oracle I heard, I thought God¡¯s voice was low and heavy.¡± Chapter 226 Chapter 226 A strange silence enveloped the office. While Ian and Jin were also surprised, the two priests themselves were no less shocked. The God they served was one, and His voice should be one as well. How could their descriptions be so different? Makael stammered as she added: ¡°Ah, Abidel¡¯s oracle was from a full ten years ago. There could be differences in memory. Besides, humans often perceive the same thing differently. It seems I¡¯ve caused concern due to a misunderstanding in expression.¡± Ten years. No matter how sacred an experience that resonated in one¡¯s mind, it would be difficult to perfectly remember a momentary voice. At Makael¡¯s attempt to smooth things over, Abidel also bowed her head. Although her face was hidden by the veil, her gestures were thick with embarrassment. ¡°That could happen if you were human. But aren¡¯t you priests? You dedicate your entire lives to hearing God¡¯s voice. I think I need to hear more details.¡± ¡°Please ask. We will answer sincerely.¡± ¡°Between the oracle for His Highness Jin ten years ago and the recent oracle, were there any other oracles?¡± ¡°There were two.¡±¡°Who heard them?¡± ¡°One remains at the temple, and the other is waiting in the rocky mountains.¡± ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s good.¡± How could two voicese from one being? If that person were brought here, they could have a three-way conversation and determine whose oracle was suspicious. Realizing Ian¡¯s intention, Makael prostrated herself again and added: ¡°Minister Ian. I speak out of concern that the honor of the Carbo Temple might be tarnished. When a messagees down, the light of the oracle shines beautifully, so everyone present can know. It was so on that rainy night ten years ago. And it was so a few days ago as well.¡± Ian felt something click in his mind. As if misaligned pieces were slowlying together. He muttered without realizing: ¡°Yes. The light of the oracle.¡± Why hadn¡¯t he realized it before? Why was it specifically the ¡®oracle¡¯s¡¯ light used to identify magic users? Ian hesitated as he turned to look at Jin. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Do you know what else mages are called?¡± ¡°Those close to God¡¯s power, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. If they are close to God¡¯s power, they can all activate the light of the oracle.¡± Abidel and Makael raised their heads simultaneously. Their looks suggested they had no idea what he was trying to say. A sh of horror colored their expressions, but they bit their lips with a thread of hope. No matter how high-ranking a Ministry of Magic official he might be, he couldn¡¯t insult God and the temple. ¡°There is one God, but there are many things close to God¡¯s power. It¡¯s not just mages.¡± ¡°Lord Ian! W-What are you trying to say?¡± The faces of the two priests turned pale. Something close to God¡¯s power that wasn¡¯t a mage? Only one thing came to mind. ¡®No. Please.¡¯ Their eyes pleaded desperately for him not to say it out loud. But Ian firmly and sharply concluded: ¡°Magical beasts.¡± ¡°Lord Ian! This is sphemy! This can¡¯t be!¡± ¡°Please stop! God is watching!¡± Abidel and Makael screamed and convulsed violently. It was understandable, as they were people who had dedicated not just their lives, but their very existence to God. And now Ian was saying that one of their oracles was from a magical beast? It was an insult that felt like it would tear their hearts and consume their souls. Thud! ¡°We¡¯re leaving! We¡¯ll formally request to sever ties from the Carbo Temple.¡± ¡°I¡¯m especially suspicious of your oracle, Abidel. If the doubt I¡¯ve raised is true, how will you take responsibility?¡± ¡°What you just said wasn¡¯t raising doubt, it was an irresponsible statement! You will be the one to take responsibility, Lord Ian.¡± Abidel seemed genuinely angry, grinding her teeth. Jin, who had been startled and flinching, saw this and rebuked with dignity: ¡°Who do you think you¡¯re raising your voice to!¡± It was a brief exmation, but enough to calm the excited priest. They seemed toe to their senses, firmly closing their mouths and ring at Ian. Another strange silence. Displeased, Abidel and Makael had begun a silent protest. ¡°You two wait in the Ministry of Magic. We¡¯ll bring the priest waiting in the rocky mountains for a three-way conversation.¡± ¡°The temple is not affected by magical beasts!¡± Unable to hold back any longer, Abidel burst out with a near-scream. As if begging him not to say such nonsense. ¡°Due to its sanctity, they can¡¯t take even a single step inside! How can you say they activated the light of the oracle and imitated God¡¯s voice?¡± ¡°Not even a single step inside?¡± ¡°There¡¯s only one entrance, and all ess is handled by holy knights. If there¡¯s anything improper, absolutely-!¡± ¡°What if it wasn¡¯t born?¡± ¡°¡­Pardon?¡± ¡°If it wasn¡¯t born, so even the holy knights couldn¡¯t detect it?¡± ¡°Lord Ian. What on earth are you saying¡­¡± Abidel shook her head and stepped back. Her gaze fell on Jin. Then, she remembered the image of Dina arriving at the temple with her heavily pregnant belly from long ago. What had the holy knight guarding the entrance said then? ¡®Just a moment.¡¯ ¡®What¡¯s the matter?¡¯ ¡®Did Lady Dina bring anything besides her servants?¡¯ ¡®No, she didn¡¯t. Why do you ask?¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s nothing. You know how they keep all sorts of strange things in the imperial pce sometimes. I just wanted to check. You may enter.¡¯ They hadn¡¯t asked in detail why the holy knight had stopped them then. The priests had seen Dina¡¯s bare body and confirmed that all she carried was the noble future of Bariel. ¡°Are you saying His Highness is a magical beast?¡± ¡°Mind your subject.¡± There were two in the womb at that time. Jin and Arsen. Judging from Ian¡¯s attitude, he was clearly suspecting Arsen. ¡°If not His Highness Jin, then His Highness Arsen? Impossible! If you didn¡¯t know because it wasn¡¯t born, what about afterward? While Lady Dina was recovering postpartum, both of them stayed at the temple. The holy knights couldn¡¯t have missed that!¡± The more Abidel refuted, the more Ian could be certain. It must have used power beyond its limits, such as delivering an oracle immediately after being born as a newborn. ¡°Do you know that His Highness Arsen will use the light of the oracle? He copsed right after showing his magic in Prince Gale¡¯s quarters. If it¡¯s hard to handle even with his current body, as a newborn, he must have lost even more strength. To the holy knights, he would have appeared no different from an ordinary human.¡± ¡°Listen here!¡± ¡°Now I understand. Yes.¡± Ian ignored Abidel¡¯s scream and tapped the armrest of the sofa. Based on the history he knew, hadn¡¯t he guessed that if Arsen was truly a magic user, he wouldn¡¯t be a person of the imperial family? ¡°¡­He wasn¡¯t a ¡®person¡¯ of the imperial family.¡± Setting aside the cruel aspects he had shown, there were many questionable things. But if he wasn¡¯t a person but a magical beast, everything could be exined. How he could enter Gale¡¯s quarters that night, how he could bind Philea, and so on. Rustle. Ian quickly rummaged through the desk. Soon, ¡°The Chronicles of Roberside¡± was in his hand. He flipped through the pages familiarly to find the desired part. His low voice calmly read out the words. [Roberside finally cornered thest magical beast. The devil in the form of a small child begged, rubbing its hands together.] ¡­¡­ [Just as Roberside raised his sword, dering it deserved to die, the devil whispered cunningly. ¡°If you let me live, I¡¯ll hide and live. But if you kill me, my brother will take revenge. He will destroy everything you¡¯ve gained.¡±] Jin, Abidel, and Makael watched nkly. Ian handed a pen to Jin. ¡°Your Highness. Would you write the characters that Roberside told you in your dream?¡± Roberside told him characters? The priests furrowed their brows and focused on the pen tip. Their eyes widened at the ancient script written without hesitation. ?????? ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a script that has been used in the Carbo Temple since ancient times. We don¡¯t use it much now, but we asionally use it to read old records.¡± Ian sat on the edge of the sofa as if he had expected this. Then he nodded for them to read it. Makael unconsciously sounded out each letter. ¡°a, r, s, ¨¨, n, e.¡± Jin unknowingly dropped the pen. The name of thest magical beast Roberside had spoken of in the dream was Arsen. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, Your Highness.¡± Jin embraced Ian, and Ian also firmly tightened his arms around the child, patting him. It was too confusing. If a magical beast dwelled in a brother of the same bloodline, what on earth should be done? The touch of the beast¡¯s hand, which had been there from the beginning of life, was too deep and sticky. ¡®It¡¯s deeply rted to the devil¡¯s curse. It must havee down in the name of the brother. Since it said it would destroy everything of Roberside¡¯s¡­¡¯ Ian suddenly realized that Arsen was involved in the start of the rebellion. When Xiaoshi tried to assassinate for show, didn¡¯t Mariv move unexpectedly because Gale truly coughed up blood? ¡®The intention is to lead Bariel to decline.¡¯ Squeeze. Ian¡¯s embrace of Jin grew stronger. The more he did so, Jin also squeezed his eyes shut as if trying to forget his fear. The priests still had vacant looks in their eyes, as if they couldn¡¯t believe that Arsen was a magical beast. Especially Abidel, feeling as if her very existence had been denied, looked so unwell she seemed about to copse at any moment. ¡°Your Highness. You are the one to carry on the glory of the imperial family.¡± ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why Arsen couldn¡¯t use his tricks and only moved his tongue viciously. Persistently, for that long time. Because Your Highness is truly the future of Bariel.¡± There was a reason he had endlessly whispered by your side that you were useless, cursed, and shouldn¡¯t exist. Ian murmured while caressing Jin¡¯s wounds. ¡°That¡¯s enough. I understand now.¡± ¡°If there¡¯s a problem with Arsen, what about Mother?¡± ¡°Lady Dina is¡­¡± During those ten years, Dina would have been the first person Arsen targeted whenever he had the chance. She was the woman who influenced him the most after the Emperor, and conversely, also influenced Jin. Bang! Boom! ¡°You can¡¯t!¡± ¡°Have you forgotten the order? His Highness Jin is inside!¡± ¡°Lady Dina cannot see His Highness without Jin¡¯s permission! Please calm down! Please!¡± ¡°Please wait a little. Inside, they¡¯re still-!¡± At that moment, amotion was heard from outside. Judging by the faint sounds, it seemed Dina hade to the Ministry of Magic. Forgetting even the no-approach order, to help the priests. More precisely, to hurry Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony. ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re touching!¡± Clunk! Dina threw open the office door with a shrill shout. Behind her, mages and Dina¡¯s servants could be seen tangled together. Jin very slowly blinked and looked up at his mother. It was the first time seeing her this close since Mariv¡¯s trial. ¡°Are you the priests from the Carbo Temple?¡± ¡°Yes. I am Abidel.¡± ¡°I-I¡¯m Makael.¡± ¡°I heard there was a problem moving the light of the oracle? What did Lord Ian say? Did he say he¡¯d provide support?¡± It was a frivolous and urgent manner unbefitting the Emperor¡¯s consort. She nced at Jin, who kept looking up at her, then nonchntly turned her head away. ¡°We¡¯ll supplement our manpower too. The mages are busy, so even if they say they¡¯ll help, I¡¯m not sure if they¡¯ll do the job properly. Lord Ian. Is that alright?¡± Dina proposed, putting force into her words. It was essentially no different from a notification. Ian turned over the paper with the devil¡¯s name written on it and readily epted. ¡°Do as you please. We¡¯d be d if you bring the light of the oracle quickly. Still, our mages will go along. It would be troublesome if any small creatures cause mischief.¡± Chapter 227 Chapter 227 ¡°Agh! Are you joking right now?¡± Romandro, who had just returned after stamping theint report, waved his hand dismissively andughed. It was as if he had heard an extremely audacious joke. In all his years, thebination of words seemed utterly insane. A prince as a demon? And not just any demon, but a devil? ¡°Haha! Oh my, seriously. Don¡¯t say such things outside. You¡¯ll be arrested for treason against the royal family! Even if you¡¯re a minister, they won¡¯t let it slide. No, no. Instead of that nonsense, just let me go home. Now that it¡¯s night, every part of me aches¡ªshoulders, knees, you name it. I¡¯ve already sent Heil back, and if we just finish this, we¡¯ll be done!¡± Ta-da! Romandro presented the final report with sparkling eyes. However, Ian didn¡¯t seem inclined to approve it. He merely sipped his tea calmly with a slight smile. Romandro¡¯s smile slowly faded. ¡°¡­Good heavens, surely not, it can¡¯t be?¡± ¡°Arsen is indeed a demon.¡± Romandro instinctively covered his mouth with both hands. The shock made the back of his neck stiffen. He reflexively nced around, fearing someone might overhear, even though only he and Ian were in the office. ¡°The circumstances make it certain. The name of the demon that Roberside imed to have dealt withst was Arsen. It seems he¡¯s borrowed that name.¡± Ian exined to Romandro what had transpired. From the oracle with a different voice to Dina¡¯s visit, he detailed everything. As he did so, Romandro¡¯s mouth gradually opened wider, eventually gaping enough to fit a fist.¡°If, if that¡¯s true, if that¡¯s really true, we shouldn¡¯t just be sitting here! This calls for immediate action¡ªwe should go chop off his head right now. A demon, you say. A demon has infiltrated to bring about Bariel¡¯s downfall!¡± Romandro whispered his flustered words through clenched teeth. It was enough to make one go mad and jump around. What a disastrous omen for the great empire of Bariel! In contrast to Romandro¡¯s frantic state, Ian calmly reced his pen nib. ¡°Of course, we will do that. But we can¡¯t do it now. Isn¡¯t Arsen¡¯s position in the imperial pce at its peak? We can¡¯t take him down based on circumstantial evidence alone.¡± A dream Jin imed Roberside had? A high priest¡¯s ten-year-old memory? A vague im that the voice of the deity was different? These were all things that couldn¡¯t be seen directly. It was far from enough to bring Arsen down. ¡°Then wh-what do we do?¡± Going home was no longer the issue. Romandro pulled up a chair in front of Ian and looked at what he was examining. They were documents about temples, oracles, and demons kept in the imperial pce. ¡°I have some ideas, but I need to confirm if they¡¯re feasible.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to go through all this alone?¡± ¡°If we had plenty of time, that would be fine, but unfortunately, it seems we can¡¯t. Dina¡¯s attendants left the pce with the mages. They¡¯ll arrive here tomorrow at the earliest, or within the day after at thetest.¡± Ian smiled and handed some documents to Romandro. It was an invitation to review them together. Since there were traitors mixed in with the Ministry of Magic, they couldn¡¯t carelessly request work support. ¡°I understand. What should I look for?¡± ¡°From here to here. Please sort out anything that seems even slightly rted to Arsen and pass it to me.¡± Romandro nodded, pressing his eyelids firmly. Well, it¡¯s not like he¡¯d die from missing one more night of sleep. Yeah! It¡¯s worth sacrificing for Bariel. His eyes felt a bit moist, but he sat down next to Ian withoutint and began flipping through the papers. Rustle. ¡°Ian. Listen to this. Does this apply to His Highness Arsen as well?¡± -If it¡¯s a demon capable of physical growth, growth of innate abilities and acquisition of new skills are also possible. Ian took the paper from Romandro. If this was true, now was definitely the right time to act. It would be best to nip it in the bud before it grew anyrger. Ian was about to put the paper down when he focused on ¡°acquisition of new skills.¡± ¡°Come to think of it¡­¡± ¡°Come to think of what? Why?¡± ¡°At the New Year¡¯s gathering. Arsen was incredibly fascinated by my mana orb. He even touched it. It could have been an act, but ording to His Highness Jin, he couldn¡¯t hide his excitement even after returning to his quarters.¡± Could he have touched the mage¡¯s mana then, remembered it, and replicated it? Ian tapped the paper with his fingertips. Bit by bit, the stage for Arsen was taking shape. ¡°¡­Sir Romandro?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. I get a little scared every time you address me so formally now.¡± ¡°I¡¯m talking about the rumor using His Highness Gale. Let¡¯s push it a bit harder. If His Highness Arsen¡¯s true identity is revealed, it will create cracks in the politicalndscape I¡¯ve predicted. Especially with the Hayman faction, we can¡¯t be certain how they¡¯ll react right away. So, if possible, it would be better to weed him out before that.¡± ¡°It won¡¯t be easy, but I¡¯ll try.¡± ¡°Good.¡± They focused on the documents again. As the night grewter, Romandro gritted his teeth to fight off sleep. One of the princes is a demon. And not just any demon, but one who came down to devour Bariel! He absolutely couldn¡¯t fall asleep. To be honest, it still didn¡¯t feel real, but since Ian said so, he was trying his best to ept it. After all, Ian¡¯s judgments had never been wrong before. Knock knock. ¡°It¡¯s Viviana. I brought fresh tea in case the previous one got cold.¡± ¡°Have some.¡± But Romandro had already stayed up the night before. Just as his head was about to fall back involuntarily, there was a stir outside. Startled, he swayed greatly as he tried to regain his posture. Creak. Viviana poked her head in worriedly, holding a tray. Right beside her, peering in as well, was Jin. Ian put down his pen in surprise. It was the dead of night, yet they were still awake? ¡°Your Highness?¡± ¡°I was waiting outside, worried I might be disturbing you. It seems you can¡¯t sleep. Your Highness should have some tea that¡¯s good for sleep¡­ Sir Romandro! What¡¯s wrong with your face?¡± ¡°Vivi! Sob, I fought with the judicial department folks today.¡± ¡°Oh my goodness. Oh dear.¡± Romandro took this opportunity to rush into Vivi¡¯s arms. He sought theforting pats of a lover to wash away all his sorrows at once. While the two embraced, Jin awkwardly looked at Ian. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± Ian examined the child¡¯s condition. The area under his eyes was red, and hisplexion wasn¡¯t good. When Ian nced at Xiaoshi, he lowered his gaze and shook his head. It meant that Jin absolutely wouldn¡¯t sleep. ¡°It¡¯s far toote, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Well, it¡¯s just¡­¡± ¡°Come here.¡± Ian moved to the sofa and patted the spot next to him. It must be the shock of learning that his brother is a demon. And not just any demon, but one that looks exactly like him. At Ian¡¯s call, Jin scurried over and sat next to the sofa. His once-neat fingertips were all bitten. Ian could guess how anxious he must be. ¡°What¡¯s troubling Your Highness?¡± ¡°I, I don¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°Why the demon happens to be Your Highness¡¯s twin brother?¡± Viviana, who had beenforting Romandro, paused. What on earth were they talking about? Like her, Xiaoshi also took a step back. He judged it wasn¡¯t something he should be hearing. ¡°It¡¯s done. For now, it¡¯s top secret, but it will be revealed in a few days. His Highness Arsen is a demon.¡± ¡°¡­Pardon? Did I hear that correctly, pardon?¡± ¡°Vivi. Surprised, right? Me too. Let me exin.¡± Romandro moved to the window with Viviana so as not to interrupt their conversation. Every time Romandro whispered something, Viviana shuddered in shock. In her ce, Xiaoshi poured water into the teacups. Gurgle. It was fragrant flower tea. Jin held the cup with both hands and took a deep breath to calm himself. ¡°Your Highness. The reason why the demon had to appear as Your Highness¡¯s twin is, in fact, very clear.¡± ¡°Because Carb¨®¡¯s blood flows in me?¡± If so, how is it any different from cursed blood? As Jin whimpered, Ian smiled gently and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s because Your Highness, not Mariv or Gale, is the future emperor.¡± Jin brought the tea to his lips but hesitated. It was a reason he hadn¡¯t considered at all. ¡°Just as the gods do, the demons too would have gauged the most opportune ce and time. Naturally, being close to Your Highness, the future emperor, rather than the princes who will fade into the annals of history, would have been better for achieving their wicked goals.¡± So, all the hardships you¡¯ve endured are proof that your future will be brilliant. All the painful, unjust moments when you wanted to give up everything were like signposts pointing to a perfectly determined future. Ian patted Jin and whispered. ¡°So don¡¯t be too upset. Your Highness¡¯s fate is intertwined with Bariel¡¯s. So close that even a demon judged it worth infiltrating.¡± Jin bit his lip hard and frowned, trying to hold back tears. But how could he stop the rising emotions? When the child burst into tears, Ianughed and wiped them away. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, Your Highness.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m not crying.¡± ¡°¡­Shall I read you a book? I borrowed ¡®The Chronicles of Roberside,¡¯ so you probably didn¡¯t have anything suitable to read. I¡¯m sorry. Let¡¯s go to the bed.¡± Jin nodded briefly at Ian¡¯s suggestion. Is Arsen aware that he¡¯s a demon? If he has awakened to it himself, what about mother? What should be done about mother? ¡®I should ask Lord Roberside.¡¯ If he falls asleep after reading a fairy tale, Lord Roberside will surelye to see him. He must ask about a way to save his mother. Jin returned to the bedroom with this resolve. Under the soft light, Ian¡¯s golden hair shone warmly. ¡°Once upon a time¡­¡± The voice reading to him, leaning against the headboard, was particrly affectionate. Before even a few pages of the fairy tale were turned, the child unknowingly drifted off to sleep. *** Meanwhile, at that time. ¡°Oh God. Oh God who weaves fate and stitches life. Here is a weak believer seeking wisdom and guidance. Please, please, if you hear my faint groans, soothe them. I, I¡­¡± Abidel kept calling out to God, her head bowed in the corner. Behind her, Makael watched anxiously. The two had been given the reception room of the Ministry of Magic at Ian¡¯s suggestion. They couldn¡¯t leave here until the light of the oracle descended on Stone Mountain, or at least until another high priest who had received the oracle arrived. ¡°Abidel.¡± ¡°Please, please¡­¡± Abidel wept copiously under her veil. One part of her mind denied Ian¡¯s conjecture, but on the other hand, she had to admit that it contained considerable possibility. That day, was what she heard really not an oracle? She had lived for ten years with the glory of hearing God¡¯s will engraved in her heart. But if it was from a demon? What should she do? ¡°Makael. I-!¡± Abidel curled up into a ball, lying face down. She felt defiled all over. She was on the verge of going mad with self-loathing for having worshipped a demon¡¯s voice as if it were God¡¯s. Makael patted her back tofort her. ¡°Nothing¡¯s certain yet. Let¡¯s stay calm and discuss the issue when everyone arrives.¡± The words ¡°It¡¯s not your fault¡± and ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡± couldn¡¯t leave his mouth. Regardless of Abidel¡¯s position, it didn¡¯t erase her responsibility. Unable to even lift her soaked veil, she mumbled. ¡°Why, why didn¡¯t God tell me?¡± ¡°Abidel. Please calm down.¡± ¡°That it was wrong, that it was the voice of an evil being! If He had pitied me even a little, He could have told me! But why! Why!¡± Creak. ¡°He did tell you.¡± A presence was heard behind her as she cried out. It was Ian, returning after reading a book to Jin. The night was so quiet that her prayers echoed loudly through the corridor. ¡°Today, through my mouth.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been ten years. It¡¯s toote.¡± ¡°Thinking ten years is a long time is a human perspective. To God, who oversees eternity, it may not be so. Believe that He pinpointed the most appropriate time in the long flow, and that time is now.¡± Makael paused while wiping Abidel¡¯s tears. It was because Ian had flung the door wide open. The cold wind from outside rushed in all at once. ¡°Won¡¯t youe with me to the office to seek the truth?¡± About ancient demons, about Roberside, about the temple, and about the oracle. Anything would do. Even a rebuttal that Arsen is not a demon would be wee. Whatever it may be, knowledge will surely be wisdom. ¡°The tragedy that began in the Carb¨® Temple.¡± There wasn¡¯t much time left. If Arsen sessfully passes the mana confirmation ceremony and gains absolute support, there would be no greater obstacle. ¡°It¡¯s not toote. There¡¯s still a chance to stop Arsen, which means if it¡¯s resolved, you¡¯ve taken responsibility, and conversely, if you can refute it, you¡¯re free from responsibility. It seems more effective than prayer right now, don¡¯t you think?¡± ck. Ian nodded, lightly shaking the fairy tale book. Abidel and Makael suddenly wondered if this might be God¡¯s response. A silent response telling them to go, help Ian, and save Bariel. Chapter 228 Chapter 228 ¡°Is he still not avable?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There are orders not to let anyone in.¡± ¡°Ugh, why is he suddenly doing this? It¡¯s driving me crazy.¡± ¡°What about Sir Romandro? Where is Sir Romandro?¡± As the sun reached its zenith and slowly began to descend, mages loitered in front of the office, each clutching their own reports. Just yesterday, they had been freelying and going, but now they had no idea why Ian had suddenly forbidden entry. Viviana, guarding the door, smiled apologetically. ¡°He¡¯s inside together with Ian. I can pass along your messages if you¡¯d like.¡± ¡°Can¡¯t we really see him for just a moment? The Judicial Department is in an uproar too. They say Hayman and his close associates have indicated they won¡¯t attend the general assembly regarding the filedint.¡± ¡°It might fall just short of a quorum. Then even if the meeting is held, no decisions can be made. You know how it is.¡±¡°What on earth are they doing in there?¡± ¡°Well¡­ I don¡¯t really know the details¡­¡± The mages clutched at Viviana¡¯s sleeve, nearly in tears. They had been running around to other departments, urging participation in the general assembly, but without the leadership of Ian and Romandro taking action, their efforts were essentially futile. ¡°Could they be sick?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! They¡¯ve been incredibly busy these past few days!¡± Ian had been working like a workaholic, not eating or sleeping. But suddenly, in just one day, he had secluded himself like this. And with Romandro joining him! When the top officials act like this simultaneously, what are the subordinates supposed to do? ¡°They¡¯re not sick. Actually, I went in earlier and got scolded too.¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± As Viviana replied awkwardly, rubbing her nape, the mages had no choice but to take a step back. If Ian was like that, and especially if Romandro, known for his love for his wife, wasn¡¯t budging, there was nothing they could do. They kept checking the time and biting their lips. ¡°The deadline for responses is 6 PM, so we¡¯ll be back shortly. Ma¡¯am, please, we¡¯re begging you.¡± ¡°Alright. Take care.¡± ¡°Please, tell them we want to see them even for just a moment.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Viviana smiled and waved lightly. The mages reluctantly turned away, adding words that betrayed their frustration. ¡°I can¡¯t understand why they¡¯re doing this right before such an important event.¡± ¡°I know. It seems the light of the oracle arrived earlier than expected. I heard all the staff on duty then were sent to Stone Mountain for support.¡± ¡°They say they rode in the carriage with Lady Dina¡¯s subordinates.¡± ¡°At that time of night? Ugh. Just hearing about it makes me ufortable.¡± ¡°If His Highness Arsen is a mage, Ian must be in the most difficult position, so he must have a lot on his mind. Let¡¯s try to understand.¡± ¡°But how can hepletely step away from work like this?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. Things with His Highness Gale don¡¯t look good these days either.¡± ¡°His Highness Gale? Why?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you know? There¡¯s a rumor spreading that he¡¯s seeking asylum in Ruswena.¡± ¡°How can he do that when he¡¯s confined?¡± Tap tap tap! As the mages disappeared around the corner, their murmuring voices faded. Viviana swallowed a sigh and let her hand drop. Then she opened the tightly closed office door and stepped inside. Creak. ck! ¡°Sir Romandro. Please hand me the book you were looking at earlier.¡± ¡°You mean this one, ¡®The Corrtion between Temples and Oral Traditions¡¯?¡± ¡°There¡¯s an abbreviation here too. How do you read this?¡± ¡°¡­k. a. r. v. o. It stands for Carb¨® Temple.¡± Inside the office, stacks of documents were piled up, leaving no room to step. Ian and Romandro, with their shirt sleeves rolled up, had been dedicating nearly a full day to information searching without sleep. The high priests Abidel and Makael were doing the same, having removed their robes to help the two men wholeheartedly. ¡°Lord Ian. It seems there are continuous inquiries about the general assembly. The mages are struggling.¡± Viviana spoke as she cleared away empty potion bottles from the desk. They were specially made by Captain Akore. A type of stimnt that could safely boost energy for up to three days, but after the fourth day, it would cause unbearable side effects with fatigue more than doubling. They had consumed two bottles at once, so Viviana couldn¡¯t hide her worried expression. ¡°Did Hayman¡¯s side say they won¡¯te to the general assembly?¡± ¡°They collectively said they couldn¡¯t make it and expressed their refusal. The mages seem to be trying hard to reach a quorum, but there¡¯s a limit, you know. Everyone is anxious.¡± Everyone is anxious, is it? Ian smiled slightly, as if pleased with Viviana¡¯s words. There was a hint of satisfaction at the end of that smile. ¡°What time did they ask for a response by?¡± ¡°Six o¡¯clock.¡± ¡°Then please inform them at exactly six o¡¯clock. Tell them we will attend the general assembly as scheduled. It doesn¡¯t matter whether there¡¯s a quorum or not, but don¡¯t specifically mention this to the mages.¡± Ian¡¯s behavior was intentional. Not only was there physically no time due to reviewing documents, but the main purpose was to create confusion throughout the Ministry of Magic. When everyone is united and rushing together, there¡¯s no room for personal thoughts. However, in such a chaotic atmosphere, with even the person in charge absent, causing a sense of crisis? Two types of behavior will emerge. Some will grit their teeth to save the Ministry of Magic until the end, while others will turn their gaze elsewhere to find a way to save themselves. ¡°Philea, no. Did you give Mother a hint?¡± Viviana nodded at Ian¡¯s question. Strengthen the security for Gale, but move the warriors to less visible ces to lower their guard. This was to help the bats thate after hearing the rumors to approach Gale more easily. Of course, they wouldn¡¯t allow direct contact. ¡°Yes. They said they would be on high alert on that side as well.¡± ¡°Good. What about the support that went to Stone Mountain?¡± ¡°A carrier pigeon arrived saying they¡¯vee down from Stone Mountain. If it doesn¡¯t rain, they should arrive tomorrow afternoon.¡± Ian kept nodding. As if everything was going ording to n. Viviana, who had been fiddling with the empty bottles, couldn¡¯t contain her curiosity and asked. ¡°But is there really a need for you to attend the general assembly? If it¡¯s to instill a sense of crisis in the Ministry of Magic, wouldn¡¯t not going at all be one way? After all, if it¡¯s below quorum, no decisions can be made anyway.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true, but the people gathering for the meeting are those not entangled with the Hayman family.¡± As time passed, the forces gathering around Arsen were growing. More urately, it would be correct to say that Jin¡¯s forces were scattering. With the news that the light of the oracle was approaching, the lukewarm response of the Ministry of Magic, and even Gale¡¯s asylum-seeking, Jin¡¯s position was like a fallen leaf barely holding on at the end of autumn. ¡°I want to see their faces in person. And I n to give them a gift that matches their beliefs.¡± ck. Ian said only that much and then focused back on reviewing documents. It meant he would unofficially reveal Arsen¡¯s true identity. Viviana felt the eye of the storm approaching right before her eyes and patted her chest near her heart. ¡°Vivi? Are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine. My body¡¯s been a bit offtely.¡± ¡°Go in and rest, please. Send Xiaoshi.¡± ¡°Stay here. I¡¯ll bring in some food.¡± ¡°Oh, really now.¡± Could it be because her due date was approaching? Viviana just said not to worry and left with the tray holding the bottles. No sooner had she left than the mages who couldn¡¯t wait any longer rushed back, crowding in front of the office. Viviana pretended not to see them and quickly turned her body to slip out of the corridor. *** Clop clop clop! Neigh! On a quiet night at the imperial pce. Two carriages raced to arrive at the general assembly hall. Despite being directly convened by the Prime Minister to review theint, the surroundings were unusually quiet. Romandro clicked his tongue and firmly grasped the documents tucked under his arm. ¡°Well, would you look at this.¡± ¡°It¡¯s pleasantly quiet.¡± ¡°This is going too far. No matter what, it¡¯s convened by the Prime Minister. How is this any different from tant disrespect? Tch, tch!¡± There didn¡¯t seem to be even twenty carriages standing. It was an attendance unworthy of the name ¡®general assembly.¡¯ Ian slowly climbed the stairs, his robe fluttering. The doors to the assembly hall weren¡¯t even closed, and the chatter of a few guards was the first thing to be heard. ¡°Minister Ian Hielo of the Ministry of Magic?¡± ¡°Please enter.¡± Creak. It was an invitation to push the already open door wider. The creaking sound was particrly amusing. The Prime Minister, seated in the center, greeted Ian with a frown. ¡°Lord Ian. You¡¯vee.¡± ¡°I apologize for beingte.¡± They were dyed trying to sneak out, avoiding the mages blocking the front of the office. Ian carefully observed those seated in the assembly hall. Including familiar faces like the Three Generals Beols and Jeirutt, as well as Quintana and Eriks, there were fewer than thirty heads in total. ¡°Is there any point in holding this meeting? The Hayman side absolutely refused toe during the day, so we scheduled it for night, but they still didn¡¯t show up. Look at this now. There are more empty seats than filled ones.¡± Someone expressed their dissatisfaction. It was aint about why the meeting wasn¡¯t canceled and why they were made toe and go in this situation. As Ian took his seat, Romandro distributed the prepared reports. There seemed to be far too many left overpared to what they had prepared. ¡°We don¡¯t have a quorum, so no decisions can be made. Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes. But despite that, you all have attended. Since those who uphold principles and beliefs should receive appropriate rewards, we inevitably proceeded with the meeting instead of canceling it.¡± ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± The Prime Minister frowned, twirling his beard. He looked like he wanted to quickly adjourn this meaningless gathering and go home, regardless of rewards or whatever. But Ian gestured as if asking them to check the report. ck. Quintana was the first to read through the report. After a moment of silence, she let out an incredulousugh. The paper contained a im that Arsen was a demon. It was the first time in her life that she felt paper could be such a waste. ¡°¡­You¡¯re insane, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. Is this some kind of joke?¡± ¡°This is too much, even for a joke. Now I understand why everyone is turning away from His Highness Jin and towards His Highness Arsen. No. How can the Minister of Magic be this absurd?¡± ¡°No matter how much you¡¯re on the defensive, wrong is wrong. You¡¯ve crossed a line, Lord Ian. Prime Minister, you should immediately punish him for insulting the royal family!¡± Intense reactions erupted. Starting from the fairy tale book ¡°The Chronicles of Roberside,¡± there wasn¡¯t a single piece of logical evidence to support the im. They looked at Ian with shocked eyes, as if truly seeing a madman. The situation had gone beyond shock to the point of instilling fear. ¡°I ampletely serious.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll leave first. This is a waste of time.¡± ¡°Sit down, Quintana. If you pass on this moment because you think it¡¯s a waste of time, there might not be a Bariel tomorrow.¡± Ian stood up. Then, making eye contact with each person, he continued speaking. ¡°I told you. It¡¯s a kind of reward. Just by knowing in advance that Arsen is a demon, your futures have changed.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. Please.¡± ¡°You said there¡¯s no visible evidence. Don¡¯t worry. On the day of the mana confirmation ceremony, you¡¯ll not only see it with your own eyes but feel it with all your senses. So, for now, please calm down and listen to my proposal.¡± Ian nodded for her to sit. Quintana tapped the desk with the report, then let out an audible sigh. But it was worth a try. She sat down with her arms crossed and shouted. ¡°So? What are you going to propose?¡± ¡°To be precise, it¡¯s not a proposal but a request for cooperation.¡± He muttered while turning to the veryst page of the report. ¡°On the day of the mana confirmation ceremony, we¡¯re going to kill Arsen.¡± Chapter 229 Chapter 229 Time seemed to stand still. Everyone stared at Ian, forgetting to breathe, shocked by his statement. Although it was a formal gathering rendered ineffective due to theck of a quorum, it was still an official asion, wasn¡¯t it? Ian must have gone mad. If not, then those who heard his words must be the ones who¡¯ve lost their minds. The ministers could only gape, their mouths opening and closing. Bang! ¡°Lord Ian!¡± Quintana was the first to shout. She mmed her hand on the table, seemingly genuinely angry. Beols, suddenly jolted to his senses, stood up as well. Jeirutt, a close friend of the Three Generals, simply tilted his head back and let out a groan. ¡°Lord Ian. You¡¯ve crossed a line just now. Anyone else might, but you can¡¯t do this!¡± Wasn¡¯t he one of the few who knew the Emperor was in stasis?Had he already forgotten the Emperor¡¯sst words? Beols had a duty to mediate the overheated session dispute. He meant that he couldn¡¯t allow Arsen to die because of such an absurd usation. ¡°You all seem quite tired. Fainting before even hearing someone outpletely.¡± Tap tap! Ian flicked his fingers, as if asking for a moment of calm. He was asposed and nonchnt as ever. Unbelievable. How could he remain so calm after turning the entire assembly upside down? Quintana twisted her lips and rummaged through her inner pocket. Hiss. ¡°¡­Excuse me.¡± It was an irresistible force. She lit a cigarette and roughly tossed the lighter onto the table. It was a signal that anyone who wanted to use it could do so. Jeirutt, seemingly unable to calm his bewilderment, lit his cigarette with Quintana¡¯s lighter. ¡°Go on. Even for the worst criminal, it¡¯s customary to hear out their defense to the end. But remember this. As soon as I leave here, I will report you. I can¡¯t entrust His Highness Jin to you anymore.¡± Ian just nodded slightly with a smile on his face. As if to say, do as you wish. Seeing this, the smoke Quintana exhaled grew deeper and thicker. ¡°I¡¯ll request cooperation again. On the day of the mana confirmation ceremony, we will kill Arsen. That is, if he¡¯s a demon. And if he¡¯s not a demon, I will die.¡± ¡°¡­Ha!¡± He was talking about the price for insulting and attempting to assassinate a member of the royal family. It was an unequivocal responsibility. Quintana added a word, not even noticing the cigarette ash falling. ¡°If His Highness Arsen turns out to be a mage, aren¡¯t you as good as dead anyway, Lord Ian? This is an obvious fact. If His Highness enters the Ministry of Magic, it¡¯s natural that the minister will change.¡± ¡°On that day, raise your sword against me. I won¡¯t dodge.¡± Ian replied, looking back at Beols and Jeirutt, two of the Three Generals. More than any other department, the role of these magic swordsmen was the most important. ¡°If something happens, please prevent the Imperial Guard, including Lady Dina and Hayman, from intervening. This is different from confronting Mariv. The opponent is a demon, so even the slightest disturbance could cause problems. I believe this is something worth doing for the safety of the pce.¡± ¡°You¡¯re asking us to evacuate them, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°In whatever way possible. And-¡° ¡°And?¡± Tap tap, Ian paused for a moment, looking around at the officials. His green eyes deepened. What was he gauging? Everyone held their breath, trying to guess Ian¡¯s iprehensible intentions. ¡°On the day of the confirmation ceremony, we¡¯ll divide an area to the left of the stage center with mana-sealing stones. I¡¯m not sure if it will neutralize Arsen¡¯s abilities, but I¡¯d like everyone here to watch the ceremony from that area.¡± These weren¡¯t difficult things. They weren¡¯t directly participating in the danger, and there was nothing burdensome about it. Quintana sighed, pressing her forehead as if deted. She felt foolish for getting so tense over nothing. ¡°Is that all?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s all.¡± ¡°But I have a question.¡± ¡°Who are you? Speak.¡± ¡°Um, I¡¯m Sabo from the Department of Culture. About revealing His Highness Arsen¡¯s true identity. How exactly do you n to do it? I think knowing the specific method would help with trust.¡± Sabo from the Department of Culture? Quintana frowned irritably at the words of this unknown person. Would they even understand if it was exined? If you could understand thenguage of mages, wouldn¡¯t that make you a mage rather than an ordinary person? But Ian smiled as if he had been waiting for this and exined very kindly, in a way that even a passing child could understand. ¡°You know how a magic circle is drawn under the light of the oracle, right? I too performed the ceremony on former minister Wesley¡¯s magic circle at the New Year¡¯s gathering. It helps activate the light of the oracle with even minimal mana.¡± ¡°Hmm. I suppose the main purpose is to provide a visual spectacle along with the mana confirmation.¡± Of course, in Ian¡¯s case, it had been the opposite. He still vividly remembered how Wesley had manipted things to break his morale. ¡°We¡¯ll modify the magic circle with the help of the high priests. So that it reacts differently if a demonic presence is embedded.¡± ¡°Oh, so can mana be activated without the magic circle?¡± ¡°It can be, but it requires that much stronger mana.¡± The person called Sabo nodded repeatedly while scribbling something down. Ian looked around as if asking if there were any more questions. Most details were written in the report, and the night was growingte. The troubled officials clearly wanted to adjourn the meeting quickly. ¡°Very well. Then let¡¯s adjourn. If you have any questions, please send word to the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°Come on, let¡¯s hurry out.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be leaving first. Ahem!¡± The Prime Minister also struck his gavel, signaling the end. Some people quickly rushed out of the meeting hall. These were gestures of trying to distance themselves from this whirlpool to gather their thoughts. Much like when they entered, the meeting dispersed in a somber atmosphere. Ian too was gathering and organizing the reports. ¡°By the way, Lord Ian. I have onest question.¡± It was Quintana, still rubbing her forehead in thought. Ian looked down at her while buttoning his robe. ¡°I¡¯ll answer sincerely, whatever it may be.¡± ¡°What gives you the confidence to disclose all this? Whether His Highness Arsen is a demon or not, it¡¯s quite dangerous for you, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°If Arsen isn¡¯t a demon, it doesn¡¯t matter. I¡¯ll be jumping for joy, in fact. Since I¡¯ll be dying by my own mistake. And if he is a demon-¡° If he is a demon¡­ ¡°He¡¯ll try to kill me, won¡¯t he? If I die before the mana confirmation ceremony, please protect His Highness Jin in my stead, Quintana.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t ask to hear a tasteless joke.¡± ¡°Was it tasteless? That¡¯s a shame.¡± Ian was about to turn away but hesitated. ¡°Let me ask one thing too.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Do you still intend to report me?¡± ¡°¡­¡± It was a question referring to how Quintana had furiously dered she would report Ian as soon as she left. Quintana let out a dryugh, and Ian nodded slightly as he passed by her. Romandro followed close behind, assisting him. ¡°You did well.¡± ¡°Did you see earlier? The one who said he was Sabo from the Department of Culture?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. I saw him too. Seemed a bit fishy.¡± Ian and Romandro whispered secretly as they descended the stairs. If Arsen was a demon, he would do anything to avoid having his identity revealed at the mana confirmation ceremony. For instance, nting someone in the general assembly that Ian had stubbornly refused to cancel. Or having a mage nted in the Ministry of Magic tamper with the magic circle, and so on. ¡®Now, let¡¯s see.¡¯ The two hurriedly got into the carriage and headed towards the Ministry of Magic. As the night deepened, it was almost time for dawn to break. After a long night, morning alwayses. Ian looked back at the imperial pce shrouded in darkness. *** Meanwhile, at that time. Jin tossed and turned, feeling somehow ufortable in his bed. He finally opened his eyes, but being so drowsy, he couldn¡¯t see clearly in front of him. A blurry glimpse of gray hair¡­ Was it Xiaoshi? ¡°Xiao?¡± But as moonlight settled through the window, Jin realized it was silver hair. He couldn¡¯t distinguish if this was a dream or reality. Jin felt his toes involuntarily stiffen as he gasped. ¡°Jin.¡± It was Arsen. Arsen was looking down at him. The more Jin tried to close his eyes, the more clearly Arsen¡¯s smile shone. ¡°Jin. Shh.¡± ¡°A-Arsen.¡± ¡°If you make noise, I¡¯ll leave, okay?¡± ¡°You, you¡­¡± Arsen affectionately rubbed his face against Jin¡¯s shoulder, just as he used to do. At that moment, Ian¡¯s voice echoed in his mind. That Arsen was a demon, an ancient curse that had descended to harm him and Bariel. Perhaps noticing Jin¡¯s expression turning pale, Arsen whispered in a very sweet voice. ¡°Jin. Soon, it will be revealed that I¡¯m a mage, and I¡¯ll receive the support of the entire imperial pce. Then, not only you but even Ian will die. Just like Mariv, you¡¯ll disappear from the world without a trace. Ah, my poor little brother.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°So I¡¯vee to give you onest chance.¡± ¡°Please, stop¡­¡± ¡°Will you kill Ian for me?¡± Pause. Noticing Jin¡¯s body flinch, Arsenughed softly. No matter how much heughed, Xiaoshi didn¡¯t move. Ah, this must be a dream. ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you back your mother. How about it? I¡¯ll make her love you. I¡¯ll return to you the embrace you couldn¡¯t have all this time.¡± A demon with a face identical to his own. Jin bit his lip hard and stared straight at him. The moonlight poured down even more brilliantly. ¡°¡­I¡¯d rather you die than Lord Ian.¡± Chapter 230 Chapter 230 ¨C D-1 ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°Your Highness Jin. Are you alright?¡± Jin¡¯s eyes snapped open. It felt as if he had been submerged in deep water and suddenly pulled to the surface. As the tight grip of pain in his chest loosened, tears that had pooled in his eyes rolled down. Xiaoshi was kneeling at the bedside, meeting Jin¡¯s eye level. He must have been calling Jin¡¯s name repeatedly. Unable to touch the prince¡¯s body carelessly, he was about to call for Ian if Jin didn¡¯t wake up this time. ¡°Haa, haa¡­¡± ¡°Are you feeling unwell? Should I call someone?¡± ¡°¡­No.¡± His entire body was drenched in sweat. As the child slightly raised his upper body, Xiaoshi propped up the pillow and poured lukewarm water. The sunlighting through the window was bright. It must be well past dawn. ¡°Did anything happenst night?¡± What a sudden and vague question. Xiaoshi carefully examined Jin¡¯splexion. Fear and anxiety were clearly visible. Well, it¡¯s understandable. Being told that your brother is a demon, and that he had been methodically withering you away for ten years ¨C who could maintain their sanity in such a situation? Whatever the case, Xiaoshi¡¯s answer was predetermined. ¡°Nothing happened.¡± ¡°¡­Really?¡± ¡°Yes. I was by Your Highness¡¯s side all night.¡± ¡°I see. So that¡¯s how it was.¡± Then it must have been a dream, Jin thought as he awkwardly rubbed his nape, shaking off the embarrassment. Still, it was fortunate. The fact that he had stood up to Arsen, even if he had been overwhelmed. It felt like his eroded sense of self was slowlying back to life. Jin buried his face in the pillow and let out a sigh of relief. ¡°I¡¯ll have the washbasin brought in.¡± ¡°Okay. It would be good to change the bedding too.¡± Just a simple nightmare. A vision that naturally appeared due to the tension in his body before the big event. Jin dismissed it as such, shaking off his worries. Knock knock. Soon, servants brought in the washbasin and clothes to assist with Jin¡¯s morning grooming. The child sat in the chair, quietly receiving their attention, but somehow something felt strange. ¡°Is something happening outside?¡± The servants¡¯ demeanor was off, and themotion seemed more than usual. The Ministry of Magic was always noisy, but this was notably different. The servants remained silent, exchanging nces as if unable to answer. ¡°I asked a question.¡± ¡°We apologize. Well, there¡¯s a rumor spreading in the imperial pce¡­¡± ¡°A rumor? What kind?¡± ¡°That His Highness Arsen is a d-demon¡­¡± Jin¡¯s eyes widened. Wasn¡¯t this supposed to be top secret known only to a few? If even a low-ranking servant knew about it, it meant everyone in the pce already knew. Everything had been fine when he went to sleepst night, but in just a few hours, the world had been turned upside down. Xiaoshi informed Jin as he helped him put on his shoes. ¡°I hear the master spoke about it at the general assemblyst night. It seems he didn¡¯t particrly try to keep it secret, so since dawn, people from other departments have been flooding in, making things a bit chaotic.¡± Some came out to directly ascertain the truth, while others strongly protested, demanding an immediate stop to the nder. It wasn¡¯t just outsiders who were confused. The mages too were debating whether Ian¡¯s statement was true or not. Tap! ¡°Oh my, Your Highness!¡± Jin rejected the servant¡¯s assistance and ran towards Ian¡¯s office. But he had to stop in his tracks, unable to get close due to the countless people crowding in front of it. Thump! Thump thump! ¡°Lord Ian. Are you in there?¡± ¡°We haven¡¯t seen you for days, and when did you go to the general assembly?¡± ¡°I heard it was held at night. They say he prepared the carriage quietly.¡± ¡°I¡¯m from the Administration Department. Let¡¯s talk!¡± ¡°Is what you said at the general assembly true, Lord Ian?¡± Murmur murmur, conversations with various intents filled the corridor. Xiaoshi, who had followed, draped a coat over Jin¡¯s shoulders. ¡°It seems like he¡¯s pulling tricks because he¡¯s afraid of losing his position as minister.¡± ¡°Of course. Twins born at the same time, but one¡¯s a demon and one¡¯s human? Who would believe that? He¡¯s clearly trying to create controversy to avoid the uing mana confirmation ceremony.¡± ¡°Still, this statement carries a different weight. If it¡¯s not true, he¡¯d face immediate execution. The fact that he openly revealed this suggests there might be some credibility to it.¡± ¡°Why, didn¡¯t the officials say before? That His Highness Arsen didn¡¯t show his mana in front of people. He used physical condition as an excuse, but don¡¯t you think there must be something off about it?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the reaction from His Highness Arsen¡¯s side?¡± As Arsen¡¯s name was mentioned, Jin hid himself deeper into the corner. What would Arsen do? Arsen¡­ Tap tap. ¡°Huh?¡± At that moment, there was a presence tapping Jin¡¯s shoulder ¨C it was Ian. He smiled, putting a finger to his lips, then nodded as if to say ¡°let¡¯s go out.¡± Behind him was Romandro, looking haggard. Tap tap tap! ¡°Did you cough? I heard your sleep wasn¡¯t good. You¡¯re not sick, are you?¡± ¡°N-no, it¡¯s not that. Don¡¯t worry.¡± While walking through a quiet corridor, Jin looked up at Ian. His expression was as calm as ever. Like a sea that embraces everything. Jin thought that the sea that had engulfed him this morning was both different and simr to Ian¡¯s sea. The clear difference was that being swallowed by Ian¡¯s sea wasn¡¯t frightening. ¡°I heard that you spoke at the general assembly.¡± ¡°That Arsen is a demon? Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°Why? With only one day left.¡± ¡°Because there¡¯s only one day left, it¡¯s the perfect timing. Even for the same phenomenon, conclusions differ based on known facts. There¡¯s a big difference between participating in the confirmation ceremony knowing Arsen is a demon and not knowing.¡± ¡°¡­I don¡¯t quite understand.¡± As Jin muttered in confusion, Ian pondered. At times like this, a simple analogy would be best. ¡°Well, Your Highness. Let¡¯s suppose Berik appeared severely injured. Those who don¡¯t know Berik would only ¡®guess¡¯ why he was hurt, but couldn¡¯t ¡®be certain.¡¯ Did he fall somewhere? If he¡¯s a ve, was he beaten by his master? If not that, then-¡° But someone who knows Berik well could reach ¡®certainty¡¯ without going through that process. Romandro, who had been listening from behind, answered instead. ¡°That rascal, where did he get into a fight again!¡± ¡°I want everyone to think like that when they see the injured Berik. That¡¯s why I revealed the information that Berik is aggressive and likes blood.¡± The mana confirmation ceremony won¡¯t proceed normally like the New Year¡¯s gathering. There will be numerous reactions revealing that Arsen is a demon, but if one sees it with a nk te, they might misjudge the effects of the magic. But if they watch with the information that ¡®Arsen is a demon¡¯? ¡°They¡¯ll be sensitive to even the slightest oddity. That¡¯s why it¡¯s better to inform them before the mana confirmation ceremony.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m worried.¡± ¡°You¡¯re concerned that Arsen and Hayman might cause trouble, aren¡¯t you?¡± At that moment, a rainbow appeared in the distance. It was because the gardener was spraying water generously. He recognized Ian and Jin and greeted them, taking off his hat. ¡°Arsen didn¡¯t refuse the mana confirmation ceremony and seemed confident. Whatever it is, it means he has the leeway to activate the light of the oracle. And with that, he gained the support of Hayman and his close associates. Even if Arsen himself doesn¡¯t know, those around him are probably celebrating.¡± The stakes were high. Didn¡¯t he say he would die if Arsen wasn¡¯t a demon? It¡¯s a kind of winner-takes-all match. From their perspective, dominating the political situation, there¡¯s no reason to refuse. They can officially and justifiably crush Ian. ¡°So you can assume there¡¯s no possibility of them causing trouble by overturning the mana confirmation ceremony with just one day left.¡± ¡°Um, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Actually, I had another dream about Lord Roberside.¡± He was referring to the night two days ago when Ian had read him a fairy tale, the night when his brother¡¯s identity was first revealed. Jin was curious. If Arsen was a demon, was he aware of it? Did he really understand the calling of the curse andmit evil acts consciously? ¡°Lord Roberside didn¡¯t answer.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because it¡¯s a question that can¡¯t be answered.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Evil people don¡¯t know they¡¯re evil. Likewise, good people don¡¯t think of themselves as good. If someone adorns themselves with flowery words about how good they are, remember this. That person is more arrogant and selfish than anyone else.¡± One¡¯s own standard bes justice. Therefore, there¡¯s no need to know, nor can one know, the other¡¯s self-awareness. Ian grasped Jin¡¯s hand tightly and urged. ¡°And even if Arsen is unaware that he¡¯s a demon and denies his own existence, don¡¯t waver. That in itself is pure evil. What dies that day is not Your Highness¡¯s brother, but the curse tormenting Bariel.¡± Jin nodded, looking straight into Ian¡¯s eyes. It was a promise that he wouldn¡¯t waver. Ian smiled with satisfaction and released the child¡¯s hand. ¡°Anyway, thanks to stirring things up, the Ministry of Magic is a bit chaotic. Please bear with it until tomorrow, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll personally overlook it.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± As the two engaged in yful conversation, mages came running from afar. It seemed the gardener had told them where to find Ian. Tap tap tap! ¡°Lord Ian! Oh, really! Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Why are you here? Everything¡¯s in chaos inside.¡± ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I escaped.¡± ¡°Why are you doing this, really! Please don¡¯t. You¡¯re the Minister of Magic!¡± As the mages pounced on him, nearly in tears, Ian cut them off with augh. They quickly gathered their wits and reported. ¡°They¡¯ve arrived!¡± ¡°They¡¯re just passing through the main gate of the imperial pce now.¡± ¡°The Carb¨® high priests and the light of the oracle!¡± *** ¡°Have you heard?¡± ¡°Yes. Lord Ian made a huge mistake. Calling His Highness Arsen a demon? How preposterous! What about His Highness Jin who was born with him? Hah. Ridiculous.¡± ¡°I thought my ears were deceiving me.¡± ¡°He¡¯s gone too far. It¡¯s a ploy to disparage His Highness Arsen¡¯s mana. We absolutely must not allow it.¡± tter! Clink! The ministers gathered in Dina¡¯s reception roomughed as they criticized Ian. They said he was resorting to all sorts of antics before the mana confirmation ceremony. But when Dina abruptly set down her teacup as if throwing it, they fell silent and only coughed awkwardly. Arsen, sitting next to her, was indifferently staring out the window. ¡°Is it amusing? Ian¡¯s statement implies that I gave birth to a demon. It¡¯s an insult to the Carb¨® family and a disgrace to me and His Majesty the Emperor. I¡¯m so furious I could wring his neck right now, yet you find itughable? All of you?¡± ¡°Lady Dina. That¡¯s not what we meant¡­¡± ¡°Ahem. We apologize.¡± Dina¡¯s eyes narrowed sharply. She looked ready to tear apart anyone who dared to displease her even slightly, in ce of Ian. The ministers repeatedly bit their innocent tongues, refraining from speaking. ¡°Lady Dina. Please calm your anger. Once the mana confirmation ceremony is over, you can wring his neck or quarter him as you wish. Then you can also reim guardianship of His Highness Jin, and from then on, only blessings will dwell in Bariel.¡± At someone¡¯s constion, Dina tightly grasped the hand of her son sitting beside her. How could this lovely, precious son be a demon? The more she dwelled on it, the more indignant she became, mes of anger rising within her. ¡°Arsen.¡± ¡°Yes, Mother.¡± ¡°If only His Majesty the Emperor were here at a time like this.¡± The mother embraced her son tightly, but the child merely stared at the ceiling without emotion. How foolish. Did she think there would have been an opportunity if the Emperor was well? Just as Arsen was about to pry off his mother¡¯s arms- Knock knock! ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Word just came in. The light of the oracle has just entered the pce.¡± ¡°Oh, finally!¡± ¡°What perfect timing! Yes! Hahaha!¡± The ministers pped their hands and rose from their seats. It was to wee the light of the oracle. Everyone wore bright expressions, but oddly enough, only Arsen didn¡¯t smile. Ian had bet his life. From what Arsen sensed, Ian was not someone who would take a losing bet. ¡®¡­What could it be?¡¯ As Arsen sank deep into thought, Dina grasped the child¡¯s shoulders and called out worriedly, as if asking what was troubling him. ¡°Arsen?¡± Arsen quickly changed his expression and smiled brightly. ¡°Let¡¯s go out too, Mother.¡± He had never used his ability on a mage before. But now that questions about his existence had been raised, there was nothing to lose by trying, right? Whether it would work on Ian, who was the minister, was uncertain. He couldn¡¯t let this day pass with such doubts lingering. Chapter 231 Chapter 231 ¨C What are You? The massive main gate of the imperial pce opened higher and wider than usual. While only the first locking mechanism needed to be released for people and carriages to pass through, the second mechanism had to be unlocked forrge and delicate objects like the light of the oracle. ¡°Clear the way in front! You might get hurt!¡± ¡°Move the horses slowly. More slowly!¡± ¡°My, the one from the Carb¨® Temple is muchrger than the others.¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t it smaller than this at the New Year¡¯s gathering?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Carb¨®, isn¡¯t it? Carb¨®. The temple that¡¯s been with us since the founding. It¡¯s fitting for its name. Keep pushing steadily! Mage, the left side is tilting. Apply force evenly, please.¡± Swish! Something covered in multipleyers of thick cloth and secured with ropes entered the pce, crawling like a creature. White-robed high priests surrounded and protected it. Despite their arduous journey, not a speck of dust was visible on them. They moved in perfect unison, making one wonder if there were really people under those veils. ¡°Those must be the high priests. They said Carb¨®, right?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s the Carb¨® Temple, isn¡¯t that Lady Dina¡¯s family?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to ask for their prayers. I wonder how long they¡¯ll stay in the capital?¡± ¡°We¡¯re lucky. We get to see the procession of high priests too.¡± The imperial citizens who had stepped aside whispered excitedly. It was truly a rare sight. Most temples were located in remote areas, and unless there was a special event like a war or disaster, they were sacred ces inessible to the public. Creak. ¡°Come now, those waiting to enter the pce, please step back and wait.¡± ¡°Please step back. Please wait!¡± ¡°Oh my, I take back what I said about being lucky. We¡¯re locked out! If I¡¯d known, I would havee earlier.¡± ¡°How long do we have to wait?¡± ¡°Until the Ministry of Magic receives the light of the oracle. They¡¯ll be here soon, so don¡¯t worry. It won¡¯t take long.¡± Boom! Creak! The gatekeepers said this and thenpletely closed the main gate. They began verifying the identities of each high priest and recording them on the entry list. The same went for Dina¡¯s subordinates and the mages. They handed over their identification cards with tired gestures, reporting their return. Clip-clop! At that moment, the sound of hooves was heard from afar. Sure enough, it was the g of the Ministry of Magic. The blonde boy galloping at the front skillfully pulled on the reins and looked down. Whoosh! ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± The mages who approached whispered quietly. They had tried to dy their arrival as much as possible, preferably after the general assembly, but they had failed. There was a limit to how much they could damage the carriage wheels, and above all, if the light of the oracle were to break in the process, wouldn¡¯t that be disastrous? Dina¡¯s subordinates gritting their teeth had also yed a part. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You¡¯ve done well. It must have been tough from Stone Mountain to here. All the mages who went out to support, go in and rest. We¡¯ll take over from here.¡± Ian patted their shoulders reassuringly. As he did so, the cart that had been floating about 3 centimeters in the air slowly touched the ground. It was a measure to make pulling the carriage easier and to prevent shaking and impacts. ¡°Lord Ian. How high should we lift it? Should we keep it at 3 centimeters?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s dangerous if we lift it too high. Four people should apply force simultaneously from all sides.¡± Whir. Whirr. At Ian¡¯s instruction, the mages moved in perfect coordination. A high priest approached them. Like Abidel and Makael, not even a fingertip was visible, but her bent back suggested her age. ¡°Greetings. I am Lily, the Grand High Priest of the Carb¨® Temple. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you like this. May God¡¯s blessings be upon you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nice to meet you. I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Ministry of Magic. You must be tired from your long journey. May God¡¯s blessings be upon you.¡± As Ian ced his hand on his chest, the Grand High Priest bowed her head slightly. Simultaneously, the high priests standing behind her also greeted in the same manner. ¡°But while I understand about the cart for the light of the oracle, why don¡¯t you have carriages?¡± ¡°While waiting at Stone Mountain, we thought about moving by carriage, but all their wheels broke down. If it weren¡¯t for the swift help from Lady Dina and the Ministry of Magic, we would have been in real trouble. Thank you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. We requested it, so it¡¯s only natural. Abidel and Makael, who arrived earlier, are currently waiting in the Ministry of Magic. Before that, who among you is the high priest who received the oracle here?¡± Of the two oracles that were said to have been between Abidel and Makael, one was guarding the temple, and the other hade along, so they must be among this group. The Grand High Priest asked curiously. ¡°Why do you ask that?¡± ¡°There¡¯s something I need to confirm with Abidel, Makael, and that person. Grand High Priest, you should join us as well. The rest of the high priests can rest from their journey in the prepared quarters.¡± ¡­It was strange, but there was no reason to hide it. The Grand High Priest nced back slightly, and the person standing in the middle stepped forward. ¡°I am Ranco. I received the oracle before High Priest Makael. It was about the earthquake in a nearby vige.¡± ¡°Nice to meet you. Now, we don¡¯t have much time, so let¡¯s move.¡± They didn¡¯t know what was going on. Why hadn¡¯t Abidel and Makaele out to greet them? There was much to ask, but the Grand High Priest and Ranco decided to follow Ian for now. ¡°Load the high priests¡¯ luggage onto the cart and move it to the Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°Please enter the carriage. High priests, this way.¡± ¡°Wee. Pleasee in.¡± Mages other than those in charge of the light of the oracle weed the high priests. They had to clear the area quickly so that the imperial pce gates could be reopened and citizens coulde and go. Everyone was bustling about, trying to tidy up the scene. Clip-clop! Neigh! Splendid carriages were racing excitedly towards them. Judging by the vigorous whip-cracking, it was clear that the owner inside the carriage was urging the coachman on. ¡°It seems to be Lady Dina.¡± ¡°Indeed. They¡¯re quite diligent over there too.¡± As Romandro whispered awkwardly, Ian just smiled. The Ministry of Magic, of course, could quickly know about pce entries as they were in charge of security, but them? Neigh! Thwack! As soon as the carriage stopped, Dina hurriedly alighted, holding her dress skirt. Although all the high priests wore the same clothes and had their faces covered, she somehow recognized the Grand High Priest and greeted her joyfully. ¡°Lily!¡± ¡°Oh, Lady Dina!¡± ¡°It¡¯s good to see you. It¡¯s been a long time. You must be tired from your journey.¡± Dina forgot her dignity and lightly embraced the Grand High Priest. Lily was the one who had personally taken care of Dina¡¯s postpartum recovery, and moreover, she held a piece of childhood memory. Although the rtionship between the Carb¨® Temple and the family was not what it used to be, their shared roots couldn¡¯t be denied. ¡°The light of the oracle?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been safely handed over to the Ministry of Magic, Lady Dina. But why have you be so thin?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve had a lot on my te. Arsen!¡± ¡°Oh, His Highness Arsen. You look very gant. God must be pleased to see you. I¡¯m truly delighted to meet you like this.¡± Dina pulled Arsen to her side and had him greet the Grand High Priest. The Grand High Priest merely bowed her head, but Arsen smiled brightly and offered her a handshake. ¡°Nice to meet you. I¡¯m Arsen.¡± As if to prove a point. Now that rumors of him being a demon had seeped to every corner of the pce, the child wanted to demonstrate his innocence by making contact with the Grand High Priest. The ministers who had alighted from the carriage behind watched the scene, inwardly eximing in admiration. ¡°I apologize, Your Highness. As a high priest, I cannot casually make physical contact with others. Please ept it in spirit.¡± The Grand High Priest politely declined. Arsen¡¯s attitude of having nothing to fear once again solidified the officials¡¯ belief. If he were a demon, wouldn¡¯t this be an extremely dangerous provocation? It was clear that there wasn¡¯t a shred of darkness in Arsen. ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s a shame.¡± Arsen shrugged and approached the light of the oracle. Then, with a clear smile, he ced his hand on the object. Nothing happened. Being the most sacred object from the temple, if he were a demon, it should have shown some unusual reaction. But the surroundings remained quiet. With the wind blowing gently, the whole world seemed peaceful. ¡°Is this the light of the oracle? It¡¯s much bigger than I thought. The one Ian used must have been nothing more than a toy inparison. Isn¡¯t that right?¡± The child looked straight at Ian as he asked, but Ian didn¡¯t answer. Rather, it would be more urate to say he ignored him. He wasn¡¯t leisurely enough to respond to such petty provocations. More precisely, it would be petty provocations from a ¡®demon¡¯. ¡°Ian.¡± Dina, who had been quietly observing, called out in a sharp voice. She was already twisted inside from the absurd rumors. And now he¡¯s tantly ignoring Arsen? ¡°Yes, Lady Dina.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard the rumors circting in the pce.¡± ¡°There are always many baseless rumors in the pce. I¡¯m not sure which one you¡¯re referring to.¡± Dina just let out a dryugh without continuing her words. In front of the high priests, she couldn¡¯t bring herself to mention that Arsen was a demon. Merely uttering it would be shameful and insulting, wouldn¡¯t it? She leaned in close to Ian and whispered. ¡°I¡¯d like to behead you right now, but I¡¯ll restrain myself for the sake of our guests who¡¯ve traveled from afar. Now that the light of the oracle has arrived, we can¡¯t dy the mana confirmation ceremony any longer. It would be best to proceed quickly. So, die crushed under the words you spat out.¡± ¡°I have no ill feelings towards you, Lady Dina. Rather, I¡¯m worried. Worried if you¡¯ll be able to endure once you know His Highness Arsen¡¯s true identity.¡± ¡°Until the end-!¡± The Grand High Priest remained silent, looking around as if she couldn¡¯t understand what was going on. It wasn¡¯t just Ian and Dina. Even the mages and unfamiliar ministers were all exuding a sharp aura. ¡®Why on earth?¡¯ If His Highness Arsen was a mana user, wouldn¡¯t this be a blessing for the empire? She had expected flower petals to be fluttering as if in celebration. But everything was so cold that it would be fortunate if they didn¡¯t freeze to death. The one who broke this thin ice was none other than Arsen. ¡°Now that the light of the oracle has arrived, we could proceed with the mana confirmation ceremony right away. I¡¯m ready anytime. What shall we do?¡± Arsen addressed Ian again with a bright smile. Ian looked down at him. His green eyes gleamed particrly brightly. ¡°We¡¯re drawing a magic circle under the light of the oracle. It¡¯s not possible today, but if we proceed quickly, it should be ready by tomorrow morning. Your ¡®Highness¡¯ Arsen?¡± The title ¡®Your Highness¡¯ ended with a question. It carried the nuance of questioning whether he was truly of royal blood. But the child continued to smile without showing any displeasure, staring intently into Ian¡¯s eyes. ¡®Well then¡­¡¯ It seemed like he was about to try using his ability. Ian calmly didn¡¯t avert his gaze. As the strange silence between the two lengthened, their respective subordinates rolled their eyes in confusion. ¡°Well then, excuse me. I¡¯ll notify you of the detailed schedule by this afternoon. What are you all doing? Not moving?¡± Ian turned his head abruptly as if it was a waste of time. At this, Arsen¡¯s brow immediately furrowed. Something felt off, didn¡¯t it? Whoosh! Arsen grabbed Ian¡¯s arm. Everyone paused in surprise at this sudden action. Ian was the same. He was about to shake off the hand in displeasure when he realized Arsen¡¯splexion looked strange and stopped. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°You¡­?¡± Was it not working because he was a mage, and because he was powerful enough to hold the position of minister? But the feeling was different. A strange sense of powerlessness where he couldn¡¯t even attempt it. Arsen stared at him nkly and then smiled oddly. ¡°You, what are you?¡± It felt just like when he had used it on a member of the royal family, didn¡¯t it? Ian bent down low and whispered to Arsen. In a very soft voice that only the two of them could hear. ¡°¡­And you, what exactly are you?¡± Chapter 232 Chapter 232 ¨C Of Royal Blood ¡°Arsen!¡± ¡°Let go of this!¡± As the two drew closer, a panicked Dina hurriedly tried to separate the child. But Arsen¡¯s gaze fiercely pursued Ian. Like a young predator who had found an interesting toy. He roughly shook off his mother¡¯s hand and grabbed Ian¡¯s cor, pulling him in. ¡°This is fun.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Arsen¡¯s eyes shed. He had opened his ability again. Ian could feel primordial power bursting from the edges of his senses, but it dissipated as soon as it touched him. Grip! The bones on the back of Arsen¡¯s hand, gripping Ian¡¯s cor, turned white. How could he forget this? The Emperor had been like this, as had Mariv, and Gale and Jin too. Their very existence proved God¡¯s absolute protection, and Arsen had no choice but to realize his limits. Right now, just like those white knuckles. ¡°You¡¯re of royal blood, aren¡¯t you? Hm? Strange. Where did thise from?¡± Arsen whispered softly too. His cheeks were flushed red. He had learned something incredible, so how could he best use this? The more he thought about it, the moreughter leaked out. As the child¡¯s shoulders shook with giggles, Dina watched her son anxiously. It was unfamiliar, and that unfamiliarity was frightening. ¡°¡­Your demonic behavior is quite a sight. Look at the eyes of those watching you.¡± Ian murmured calmly and firmly as he removed Arsen¡¯s hand. At that, Arsen¡¯s vision, which had been clouded by excitement, suddenly cleared. From Dina to the ministers, the high priests, and even the mages ¨C all were watching the two with shock and bewilderment. ¡°Ah.¡± But what did it matter? Arsen¡¯s ability had been nullified by Ian as soon as it was used, leaving no trace. His behavior might be strange, but so what? Couldn¡¯t it be dismissed as a show of force between two people before a big event? ¡°Mother. Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Hm? O-okay.¡± As Arsen smiled brightly, Dina reluctantly lifted the corners of her mouth too. This was her gentle son, as always. Surely, Ian must have said something nasty just now. ¡°Lord Ian. I¡¯m looking forward to tomorrow just as much as you are. Ah, it¡¯s truly amazing.¡± Shaking his head and clicking his tongue, his sincerity was palpable. Arsen boarded the carriage with Dina, and the officials who hade to their senses followed. The whirlwind procession of carriages disappeared one by one down the path they hade. Neigh! Dina and Arsen sat facing each other. The mother carefully grasped her son¡¯s hand. Arsen, who had been ring out the window ¨C or more precisely, at Ian outside the window ¨C until the end, turned his head with a smile. There was pure joy in his expression. ¡°Arsen. What did Ian say to you earlier?¡± ¡°Why? What good would it do you to know?¡± ¡°If it was something that might upset you-¡° ¡°How many children did Father have in total?¡± ¡°Hm?¡± Including the 3rd Prince who died from a fall, Jin was thest in the line of session. Those born after to women of no status in the pce would be meaningless, wouldn¡¯t they? ¡°About fourteen or so. But don¡¯t worry. They¡¯re all living as if dead outside the pce. If you just secure your position as sessor, no one can challenge you.¡± ¡°Hmm. Is that so?¡± Arsen responded without much interest. His mind was preupied with Philea, whom he had seen in Gale¡¯s quarters. She looked exactly like a carbon copy, so she must be his birth mother, but then is his father of royal blood? Hadn¡¯t he heard that he was the illegitimate son of the extinct Derga family? ¡®How should I connect this? Hm? Jin, do you know?¡¯ Whether he connected it this way or that, something interesting was sure to happen. Arsen couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter once again. ¡°Ahaha!¡± The blessing of royal blood or whatever, it was all meaningless now. Wasn¡¯t he just one step away from truly grasping the empire? And now Ian¡¯s secret had fallen into hisp too ¨C there couldn¡¯t be a better turn of events. Clip-clop! Meanwhile, Romandro approached Ian, turning his back on the departing carriages. Ian waved his hand dismissively, saying he was fine as he dusted off his disheveled clothes. There were bright red nail marks on his pale neck. It seemed he had been scratched when Arsen grabbed his cor. ¡°I-Ian. Are you alright?¡± ¡°What on earth happened? Why did His Highness Arsen act like that?¡± ¡°Gasp, there are scratch marks on your neck!¡± Everyone hovered anxiously around him, not daring to touch. After adjusting his clothes, Ian turned to look at the Grand High Priest and the other high priests. Although their expressions were hidden by their robes, their huddled whispering suggested they were quite flustered. They had realized the atmosphere was unusual as soon as they entered the pce. ¡°Come, let¡¯s move again. The citizens outside are waiting. Grand High Priest and Ranco, follow me.¡± As Ian snapped his fingers, the dazed gatekeepers jumped and started moving. They ran about, moving the high priests¡¯ luggage to the carriages and hurrying to clear the scene. Whatever was going on, when higher-ups fight, it¡¯s always the subordinates who suffer. It¡¯s best to clear out. ¡°Um, Minister Ian.¡± ¡°Speak.¡± Grand High Priest Lily cautiously called out to Ian as they walked. This wasn¡¯t the image of the imperial pce they had in mind. It was never exactly a ce overflowing with love and hope, but it certainly wasn¡¯t supposed to be this precarious and chaotic. The pce was supposed to be the center of the world, standing firm under its weight. ¡°Has something happened in the pce? Being cut off from the world, we¡¯re slow to hear outside news. Aside from the puzzling behavior of Lady Dina and His Highness Arsen, where is His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°His Highness Jin has made the Ministry of Magic¡¯s quarters his residence.¡± ¡°The Ministry of Magic?¡± ¡°Before that, High Priest Ranco.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Ian abruptly stopped walking. Before meeting Abidel and Makael, there was something he needed to check first. ¡°When you received the oracle, how was the voice of the deity?¡± ¡°The voice of the deity? My abilities are inadequate to express its greatness.¡± Judging by the faint emotion in his voice, Ranco seemed to be recalling the glory of that day once again. Ian pressed gently, asking again. ¡°I¡¯m asking about your memory. I know the deity is great. By the way, Abidel and Makael¡¯s descriptions were quite interesting.¡± ¡°¡­The resonance was deep and heavy, and I felt as if the ground I stood on was shaking. Every single word shook my heart with its powerful weight.¡± It was more in line with Makael¡¯s im of heaviness than Abidel¡¯s assertion of a thin voice. Ian nodded as if he had expected this. Then he recalled the sh in Arsen¡¯s eyes. ¡®He tried to use his power on me earlier.¡¯ Ian rubbed his neck. It was clear that Arsen had attempted to use ¡®brainwashing¡¯, a type of mental magic. It must be the most potent of his wicked tricks, and judging by his subsequent mention of royal blood, he must have been blocked by the ¡®nullification¡¯. ¡®The fact that the royal blessing is still intact means I¡¯m still Ian.¡¯ Not Ian the illegitimate son, but Ian the Emperor. He turned to Romandro and instructed: ¡°Deploy more personnel to His Highness Gale¡¯s quarters.¡± ¡°More personnel? Why?¡± Arsen had begun to doubt Ian¡¯s bloodline. If so, he would naturally dig into and provoke his birth mother, Philea. Less than a full day remained. There was almost no chance of Arsen exposing this to the pce. First, who would believe it, and even if they did, it wouldn¡¯t benefit Arsen. ¡®If I, the Minister of Magic, am of royal blood, it would negate Arsen¡¯s im of being the first royal mage. Rather than officially bringing it up, it¡¯s right to use it as a means to shake my surroundings.¡¯ Philea. ¡­Or Jin. Romandro stared nkly at Ian, who didn¡¯t answer his question. Realizing the gaze, Ian just smiled and walked ahead. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see Arsen¡¯s entric behavior earlier? I¡¯m just worried, just in case.¡± Philea has Nersaren and the warriors, and above all, her political options are limited. But Jin? The child is in the eye of the political storm, so Arsen will throw Ian¡¯s secret in any way to shake things up. ¡®I just need to protect Jin myself.¡¯ ¡°Please get in.¡± Ian personally opened the carriage door and guided Grand High Priest Lily and Ranco inside. As they entered the independent and enclosed space, Ian revealed the hidden main point. ¡°Abidel¡¯s oracle was wrong.¡± ¡°¡­Pardon? What are you saying?¡± ¡°Ten years ago, what she heard was not the voice of God, but the voice of a demon. It was the scheme of a demon who hated Roberside and wanted to bring Bariel to ruin. I am certain that demon is Arsen.¡± The Grand High Priest pulled back her robe instead of answering. As expected, sparse white hair and wrinkles like an old tree revealed the passage of time. The old woman frowned as if dumbfounded. ¡°¡­I wasn¡¯t this shocked even when I first received an oracle. Are you really Minister Ian of the Ministry of Magic? This is the Carb¨® Temple. Carb¨®, which has been with us since the founding.¡± On the other hand, Ranco, seemingly afraid, bowed his head deeply and sped his hands together. He seemed to be praying for forgiveness for those irreverent words. ¡°I know. I understand you can¡¯t believe it right away. But your understanding isn¡¯t important right now. The mana confirmation ceremony is right around the corner, and I will reveal it then.¡± ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°What I want is one thing.¡± Clip-clop! The carriage shook violently. The Grand High Priest stumbled and grabbed the armrest, but her bewildered gaze remained fixed on Ian. ¡°I want you, with your years of experience, to give a final confirmation on whether the mana confirmation ceremony I¡¯ve prepared is feasible. And if you see a demon¡­¡± Ssh! The carriage wheels cut through a puddle of water. The rainbow they had seen in the Ministry of Magic¡¯s garden appeared faintly. This moment, as Ian rushed forward, made the rainbow appear. ¡°Help me deal with the demon. And give His Highness Jin a new life. That is the only way to make amends for Carb¨®¡¯s mistake.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. What on earth-¡° Just as the Grand High Priest was about to object, the Ministry of Magic building came into view outside the window. Abidel and Makael were standing on the steps. The two, who had removed their robes and showed their faces, were running towards them with tears in their eyes. ¡®This can¡¯t be.¡¯ Though she couldn¡¯t believe it, Lily didn¡¯t utter those words. Ian had said he didn¡¯t want an answer. She remained silent for a moment, making the sign of the cross with her fingertips. Over and over again. *** tter. Gale stirred the soup with his spoon. Sure enough, something round caught on it again. It was a bead slightlyrger than a pill. He set it aside and lightly tapped it to break it open. With a clinking sound, a rolled-up piece of paper was revealed. ¡°Ridiculous.¡± The rumors about Gale seeking asylum must have spread faster than expected. Every mealtime, whether in soup or bread, there were scraps of paper inserted. All were attempts at contact from those wanting to go to Ruswena. Gale rubbed his forehead in irritation. Knock knock. ¡°Your Highness. I heard the sound of ss breaking. Are you alright?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Philea poked her head in. Instead of answering, Gale pushed away the bowl, signaling for the meal to be cleared. Five notes were already piled up in his drawer. Notes with the clear handwriting of the defectors Ian desired. ¡°I¡¯m worried because your meals have been poortely.¡± ¡°What is there to worry about? I¡¯m going to die anyway.¡± ¡°¡­Well, I won¡¯t be able to join you for meals tomorrow. Ian is holding the mana confirmation ceremony, and I think I should go¡­¡± Philea smiled awkwardly as she cleared away the dishes. But her fingertips were trembling ever so slightly, having heard the rumors circting in the pcete. On the day of the mana confirmation ceremony, either Arsen or Ian would die. ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Oh, you haven¡¯t heard, Your Highness.¡± Philea hesitantly ryed the pce rumors. The rumor that Arsen was a demon, and if not, Ian would die. Gale slowly turned his head, his eyes wide. ¡°What?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I want to go. Even if my going doesn¡¯t change much, I¡¯m worried.¡± ¡®¡­Arsen is a demon?¡¯ Gale bit his cigarette, pondering deeply. He wasn¡¯t sure how the situation was unfolding, but one thing was certain¡­ ¡°Philea.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°I have a favor to ask.¡± Philea tilted her head, holding the tes. A favor? How could a prince be asking her for a favor? ¡°Tomorrow, take me to the mana confirmation ceremony too.¡± Chapter 233 Chapter 233 ¨C D-Day The sun of that fateful day rose. Ian sat askew on the sofa, looking tired, as he received the attention of servants. They neatlybed his hair, fastened his buttons, and pinned the Ministry of Magic minister¡¯s badge, awarded by the imperial family, to his chest. As a servant presented leather gloves on a golden tray, there was a stir outside. ¡°Lord Ian. Are you ready?¡± It was Viviana. She too was dressed in a more formal gown than usual. Apart from being an important pce event, it was to be someone¡¯sst day. The other side believed it would be Ian, but Ian¡¯s close associates believed it would be Arsen. ¡°Viviana. Are you joining us too? I heard you weren¡¯t feeling well.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. If I can stand behind you, Lord Ian, I should go. Besides, Sir Romandro seems to be struggling, so I think it would be mentallyforting for him if I¡¯m there.¡± They would be on the defensive. The forces supporting Jin were visibly dwindlingpared to those supporting Arsen. So Viviana wanted to fill a spot, even if just one more person. Although she couldn¡¯t enter the inner area due to the danger. ¡°Are you feeling alright, Lord Ian? It seems the side effects of Captain Akore¡¯s stamina potion are slowly emerging. You look tired, and they say once you fall asleep, you¡¯ll sleep for days¡­¡± ¡°I can still endure. How is His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°He¡¯s finished.¡± ¡°Good. Let¡¯s go.¡± Grip. Ian put on his gloves with force. As he went outside, Jin, Xiaoshi, and Romandro were waiting for him along with the mages. Ian extended his hand to Jin, and the child silently grasped it. ¡°Did you have a good dream?¡± ¡°¡­Yes. What about you, Lord Ian?¡± ¡°I too had a very good dream.¡± Last night, Jin had another dream about Arsen while Ian hadn¡¯t slept at all. But the two smiled at each other as if to imply that today¡¯s luck was on their side. Clip-clop! ¡°The magic circle?¡± ¡°It¡¯spleted. You just need to give it a final check, Minister. We¡¯ve instructed to notify us when the mana confirmation ceremony attendees enter the main gate, and we¡¯ve requested troop deployment from the Imperial Guard just in case. There¡¯s been no response.¡± Unlike Ian¡¯s previous ceremony, this mana confirmation ceremony was to be held in the Ministry of Magic¡¯s conference hall. There were no additional events like the New Year¡¯s gathering, and it was to be conducted entirely under the Ministry of Magic¡¯s supervision. Moreover, the Ministry of Magic was far more useful than the main pce building for preparing various contingencies. Rustle. ¡°A little more to the right, to the right! Good!¡± ¡°What should we do with this curtain? Should we close it?¡± ¡°Is the wine preparationplete? Make sure there are enough sses.¡± ¡°Lend me a hand. Here, hold this here!¡± The light of the oracle, now uncovered, was truly beautiful. Although it took the shape of a harp, the densely embedded jewels under its milky curves made it look like a work of art. It was fitting for the reputation of Carb¨®, which had shared in the glory of the empire¡¯s founding. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Grand High Priest.¡± Grand High Priest Lily, who had been weaving through the mages, recognized Ian and approached. As she sighed, her bent back heaved greatly. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared as you instructed, but honestly, I¡¯m not sure. Whether this is truly the right path.¡± ¡°There is no right path. There are only paths each of us must walk. You just need to watch from behind and make your choice, Grand High Priest.¡± The Grand High Priest showed an attitude of epting doubt rather than epting the im that Arsen was a demon. She would help with the verification process but decide what to do after seeing the results. Behind her, Abidel and Makael could be seen cing their hands on the light of the oracle and praying. ¡°Lord Ian. Lady Quintana from the Administration Department has arrived.¡± ¡°Five carriages just passed through the main gate. Central nobles Leontis, Fileto, and Delma from the Culture Department.¡± Despite the early hour, it was clear the guests were hurrying, as everyone had been waiting for this day. Ian asked Romandro to greet the guests and climbed onto the tform. Under the light of the oracle, the massive magic circle drawn by the mages was gleaming with light. ¡°There are no issues, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Good. Well drawn.¡± His demeanor was meticulous as he examined each form with his fingertips. The mages surrounded him, watching intently as if their homework was being checked. As a smile appeared on his lips, the mages too smiled with relief. ¡°Bring in the orchestra. We shall begin the festival.¡± *** Several hourster. The hall, filled with rich melodies, was packed with people to the point where there was no room to step. Some without invitations might have mixed in, but the Ministry of Magic didn¡¯t particrly try to stop them. The more people, the merrier the festival, right? ¡°So this is what the Ministry of Magic looks like. To be honest, it¡¯s my first time here. My goodness. It¡¯s beautiful. Flower petals falling continuously.¡± ¡°I hear there¡¯s even a room in the Ministry of Magic where snow and rain fall constantly. It doesn¡¯t seem to be an exaggeration.¡± ¡°By the way, Minister Ian is nowhere to be seen.¡± ¡°Me? I thought I had misheard. His Highness Arsen being a demon, it¡¯s nonsense, isn¡¯t it? But because it¡¯s such a heavy statement, I can¡¯t help but wonder, just in case.¡± ¡°I hear there are differing opinions even within the Ministry of Magic. Minister Ian hasn¡¯t shown any particr stance since the general assembly.¡± ¡°He dered that one of the two would die. There will be much to see today.¡± The nobles and officials whispered among themselves, covering their mouths as they looked around. Although it was no different from the parties they had enjoyed all their lives, somehow a sharp tension pervaded the air. Today, now, soon. The future of Bariel would be determined. ¡°Lady Dina and His Highness Arsen have arrived!¡± ¡°Duke Hayman has arrived!¡± Creak. As the doors slowly opened, the surroundings instantly fell silent. As if time had stopped. If not for the slow music of the orchestra, everyone would have thought so. Dina, Arsen, and Duke Hayman entered the hall together. Behind them were their supporting factions, each taking up a position. ¡°Oh, wee, Your Highness Arsen.¡± ¡°Lady Dina. How have you been?¡± Some nobles quickly moved to greet Arsen. They were no different from a swarm of ants that had caught the scent of sugar, causing Romandro, who was guarding the door, to click his tongue and frown. Whir. Whir. At that moment, a small resonance arose in everyone¡¯s ears. It was the familiar ringing heard whenever the Ministry of Magic used magical devices to make announcements. The crowd immediately looked up at the tform and could see Ian shining more brightly than usual. ¡°I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Ministry of Magic. I extend my gratitude to all who have attended despite your busy schedules. We will now conduct the mana confirmation ceremony, earnestly hoping for the birth of the first royal mage in Bariel¡¯s history.¡± Ian smiled, looking straight down at Arsen. It was an ironic smile, as if saying he desperately hoped Arsen would be a mage. As he elegantly gestured towards the stage stairs, Arsen¡¯s head turned involuntarily. ¡°Your Highness Arsen, today¡¯s protagonist. Pleasee up.¡± ¡°Before that, Lord Ian. Isn¡¯t there something you should address?¡± It was a provocation, asking him to repeat what he had said at the general assembly. ¡°You called me a demon, disgracing His Majesty the Emperor, my father. Not only that, but you¡¯ve also inflicted an indelible disgrace upon my mother. You¡¯ve not just tarnished the honor of the royal family, you¡¯ve shattered it to pieces.¡± Insulting the royal family. ¡°You even said you would kill me.¡± Attempting to assassinate a royal. ¡°Your despicable attitude of using my cursed brother, Jin, as a shield to seize power is excessively vile. If I prove that I possess the qualities of a mage, can you kill yourself?¡± The crowd held their breath, looking back and forth between Ian and Arsen. Sharp gazes without an inch of retreat. Ian was the first to smile. ¡°¡­Let everyone hear. I will officially state once again. Arsen is the brother of thest demon that died in Bariel, a devil that will lead the country down the path of decline. He can use the ability of brainwashing and possesses a power simr to mana, making him adept at deceiving humans.¡± Gasps erupted from various corners. Having thrown down the gauntlet so tantly, there was now truly no room for retreat. ¡°It was he who manipted His Highness Jin¡¯s oracle, and it was he who stole maternal love from Lady Dina.¡± ¡°Lord Ian! You¡¯re being disrespectful!¡± ¡°If by chance I¡¯m wrong, I will kill myself. But if it¡¯s revealed that Arsen is a demon, I will personally kill him.¡± Hayman, Dina, and the ministers nodded, exchanging nces. This was what they had hoped for. An opportunity to effortlessly crush the heavyweight Minister of Magic had arrived. And by his own volition at that. Dina gripped Arsen¡¯s shoulder and proposed: ¡°Very well. I hope you keep that word, staking your honor on it. But before that! I cannot trust the magic circle you¡¯ve created. How can we know what tricks you¡¯ve employed to make Arsen appear as a demon?¡± ¡°The magic circle was drawn with thebined efforts of the entire Ministry of Magic.¡± ¡°Those who follow you!¡± Unease shed across the faces of mages who didn¡¯t deeply follow Ian. What if Ian fails? Wouldn¡¯t their heads roll too for having followed Ian? ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°The magic circle is meant to activate the light of the oracle even with minimal mana, correct?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. In general cases.¡± ¡°But the one drawn this time must be modified.¡± It was information Ian had revealed at the general assembly. That with the help of the high priests, it would show a different reaction if a demonic presence was embedded. ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°How can you prove that this modification is purely to detect demons? Let¡¯s remove the magic circle and conduct the ceremony with just the light of the oracle.¡± ¡°Without the amplification function, only a very faint light will appear. Is this how you want to mark the beginning of the first royal mage?¡± ¡°A faint light? No matter how dim, it¡¯s the first light originating from the royal family. It will be more brilliant than anything else. If you refuse this, I will consider that you¡¯ve ced other devices in the magic circle.¡± Dina raised her chin. It was an attitude showing she had no intention of backing down. Ian remained silent for a moment, and as he did, the murmuring of the nobles grew louder. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Lord Ian answering?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Tsk tsk. This is troubling.¡± ¡°Lady Dina¡¯s request is reasonable, isn¡¯t it? Well, the Carb¨® Temple is still trustworthy. The light of the oracle itself should be pure, shouldn¡¯t it?¡± Snap! Ian snapped his fingers to ask for silence, then once again pointed to the stairs. It was a resolute gesture indicating he would no longer tolerate any refusal. ¡°¡­Very well. Have it your way.¡± Rustle! Rustle! The mages and high priests pushed the light of the oracle backwards. When it was about three steps away from the magic circle, Arsen slowly walked through the nobles. The crowd parted, making way for the young prince. ¡°Make way. This is my stage.¡± Arsen whispered to Ian as he ced his hand on the light of the oracle. There was no unusual reaction despite touching it with bare hands. The nobles exchanged nces, assuming that Arsen indeed was not a demon. ¡°As you wish.¡± With even Ian stepping down, Arsen was alone on the stage. The child confidently raised his fingertips into the air. And then- Whir. Whir. Just as mages typically do, he burst forth with mana, his eyes glowing. A long, beautiful stream of light. The orchestra, which had been maintaining silence, also began to y, and streams of light spread in all directions to the intense melody. The crowd gasped in admiration, covering their mouths. ¡°Didn¡¯t they say there was no amplification device?¡± ¡°It¡¯s incredible! Incredible!¡± ¡°Wow. It¡¯s amazing. They say this represents the power of mana, right? Isn¡¯t it on par with Lord Ian? This truly is Bariel¡¯s blessing!¡± Without the magic circle, it¡¯s as brilliant and beautiful as Ian¡¯s time. With flower petals even scattering from the ceiling, it¡¯s as if heaven itself has been transnted here. Arsen looked at Ian, feeling tion. As if to say, look at this, this performance will be thest you hear, not hiding his joy. ¡°Huh¡­?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Look at that.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t something strange?¡± At that moment, someone muttered curiously. It was the moment Ian, watching Arsen from below, smiled. ¡°¡­His Highness Arsen has no shadow.¡± Chapter 234 Chapter 234 ¨C The Owner of the Voice The performance reached its climax, but the murmuring that had been eliciting exmationspletely died down. The long shadow stretched across the stage was clearly that of the light of the oracle. No matter how hard one looked, Arsen¡¯s shadow was nowhere to be seen. Isn¡¯t it strange? Anything that exists should naturally cast a shadow. Even a spider web, which is hard to spot, casts a shadow when the sun stretches out. But Arsen? He stood there under the intense light as if he didn¡¯t exist. ¡°I¡¯m not seeing things, am I?¡± ¡°I¡¯m seeing the same thing. There¡¯s no shadow.¡± ¡°I wonder if the Ministry of Magic has done something¡­¡± ¡°Only the light of the oracle is shining. The Carb¨® Temple would have no reason to do such a thing. If another mage had intervened, wouldn¡¯t His Highness Arsen know? They say mages can sense each other even from a distance.¡± ¡°Then, could it be¡­¡± ¡°Really¡­¡± It was as Ian had intended. The anomaly witnessed after raising doubts about Arsen being a demon turned their denial into suspicion, and even led some to certainty. ¡°Is this because he¡¯s a d-demon?¡± ¡°Goodness. A demon in the Bariel royal family.¡± ¡°¡­Oh God, are you watching? What should we do? Please, look after Bariel.¡± Boom! Arsen was intoxicated by the light of the oracle he had created, and the orchestra, facing away from the audience, couldn¡¯t read the atmosphere in the hall. The escting melody. The orchestra¡¯s hands moved passionately in sync with the conductor¡¯s direction. The soul of artists trying to breathe life into the light of the oracle was palpable. Thump! Boom! Everyone¡¯s hearts pounded simultaneously. However, it was unclear whether this was due to the majestic music or the impending truth. ¡°Lecore-! Tio!¡± The exhrated conductor shouted loudly, grasping at the air. The performers ended in perfect unison, and then silence fell over the hall. ¡°¡­?¡± There was no apuse. Arsen too stood up, dripping with sweat, but it was the same. Unlike their heated performance, the audience was cold, and there was a sense of shock. It was apletely unexpected reaction. p. p p. p! Someone¡¯s apuse cut through the silence. It was Ian. Ian slowly gave praise in an elegant manner, as if he had just watched a splendid performance. Arsen¡¯s brow furrowed involuntarily. He had a strong intuition that something, something was going wrong. ¡°It¡¯s a performance we might not see twice in a lifetime.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. What was that earlier?¡± ¡°Please tell us. Please.¡± Arsen flinched and looked down at his palms. They were still white and fair. He had directly activated the light of the oracle, but everything remained the same without any side effects. He suddenly met eyes with Dina, who was watching him. She was covering her mouth, her expression unreadable. ¡°The suspicion that Arsen is a demon began with the testimony of the Carb¨® high priests. The voices that came down in the oracles were different from each other. So, my close associates and the high priests sought to confirm this by looking through ancient records.¡± Rustle. Ian pulled out a sheet of paper from inside his uniform. The inside wasn¡¯t visible, but the administrative seal of the Administration Department stamped on the outside was clear. It meant this was information officially inherited by the imperial family. ¡°We found something very significant. It was a record of High Priest Raju, who was executed for sphemy at the Hamangmer Temple. It is said that he spoke like this at the time:¡± -Demons are rampaging everywhere. Though we live each day prepared for death, what is God doing? I suspect that God is unaware of the existence of demons. Did you see the light of the oracle when demons were rampaging through the temple? There wasn¡¯t even a shadow. It¡¯s clear that the Almighty One only looks at holiness and doesn¡¯t even recognize evil things. Can such a being be called omniscient and omnipotent? I wonder if the name ¡®God¡¯ truly suits them. ¡°High Priest Raju was summarily executed, and this was thest. There¡¯s one thing to note. That a demon standing before the light of the oracle cast no shadow.¡± Arsen lowered his gaze. A long shadow stretched out beside his feet. Hadn¡¯t this been absent during the light of the oracle? He couldn¡¯t remember. He only remembered feeling joy, nothing else was clear. ¡°The Carb¨® Temple earnestly hoped that the prince was not a demon. Therefore, they respectfully reject the im that there is a problem with the light of the oracle.¡± Ian smiled lightly, cing his hand on his chest. His gaze was fixed on Arsen, so the nobles naturally followed his lead and looked up at the stage. The child stood still, expressionless like a doll, just watching the situation. ¡°Ah, um, instead of that, since the Carb¨® high priests are here, why don¡¯t we conduct a more detailed verification?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. If His Highness Arsen is really, well, a d-demon! The high priests would know, wouldn¡¯t they? Isn¡¯t that right?¡± At someone¡¯s suggestion, agreements were added here and there. Once sown, doubt continues to grow until it¡¯s uprooted. They wanted to know Arsen¡¯s truth right here, right now. Whatever it might be. ¡°Duke Hayman. What should we do?¡± ¡°This seems to be a problem.¡± Hayman and his supporters awkwardly stroked their beards. The duke nced at Dina. Judging by her pale expression, even she, as the mother, didn¡¯t seem to know the full truth. If Arsen was really a demon? ¡®It¡¯s over.¡¯ After passing through Mariv and Gale¡¯s rebellion, to have taken the hand of a demon. Feeling a throbbing headache, Hayman whispered to Dina. ¡°It would be best to leave for now.¡± In this situation, there¡¯s no way out. The only option is to escape for now and somehow frame this as a plot by the Ministry of Magic. The truth doesn¡¯t matter. Whatever Arsen¡¯s identity is, he is not a demon. Absolutely not- Bang! At that moment, the door mmed shut. It was the Ministry of Magic¡¯s will that no one could leave before Arsen¡¯s demon status was officially confirmed. Romandro, firmly guarding the door, solemnly requested everyone to step back. In fact, the mages standing beside him were the main force. ¡°¡­L-Lily!¡± Dina, with a bewildered expression, called for the Grand High Priest. She had known her since childhood, had witnessed the birth of Arsen and Jin, and was in charge of Carb¨®. She would tell them that the light of the oracle was in error, in ce of the disrespectful Ian. Dina shrieked in a high-pitched voice, trembling: ¡°Grand High Priest, speak up about what on earth is going on here! Arsen just used mana! He clearly used it! Did you sense any wickedness? How can such a bright and warm light be the power of a demon? High priests, swear to God and tell the truth without lies!¡± Clink! In her agitated state, a nearby ss fell. The situation was not looking good. The crowd slowly backed away from Dina. Duke Hayman was among them. While everyone was retreating, only one person approached. ¡°Mother.¡± It was Jin. Jin looked up at his mother with concern. Hisrge eyes were filled with sympathy, but Dina, unaware, trembled her lips. Just as she was about to speak, Ian spoke first. ¡°Arsen has multiple abilities. The light of the oracle you just saw, wasn¡¯t it simr to what I showed at the New Year¡¯s gathering?¡± ¡°There was certainly that f-feeling.¡± ¡°I thought all mages were simr.¡± ¡°Me too. Isn¡¯t that how the light of the oracle usually is?¡± Arsen merely ¡®imitated¡¯ the power of a mage, so he could easily hide the disgusting aura of his wicked essence. At Ian¡¯s nod, the Grand High Priest and Abidel climbed the stairs. Arsen had been silently observing the situation until then. ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The Grand High Priest knelt before Arsen. And carefully offering holy water. It was evidence of holiness created through prayer. ¡°This is to prove Your Highness¡¯s innocence. Please drink this and take my hand.¡± If he were a demon, he would end his life with the agony of his insides burning up. If not a demon, this would quench any thirst. If there had been just a shadow from the light of the oracle, the Grand High Priest wouldn¡¯t have had to do this. Lily, not giving up hope until the end, kept bowing her head. Please, please¡­ Rustle. Arsen calmly took the holy water. Just as relief began to well up deep in the Grand High Priest¡¯s heart. Ssh! The child unhesitatingly poured it over the Grand High Priest¡¯s head. The transparent liquid soaked her robe and then the floor. ¡°Ridiculous. Your tricks to make me drink poison are quite varied. Do you all believe those words? I don¡¯t know when the Carb¨® Temple became so corrupt. I deny everything.¡± Although he said he denied everything, the atmosphere didn¡¯t easily reverse. That was because the high priests rushed to grab Arsen¡¯s arms. The Grand High Priest stood up, wiping off the moisture, and showed new holy water. Her voice was deeply lowered. The Grand High Priest too had sensed a truth she didn¡¯t want to acknowledge. ¡°¡­It¡¯s not poison. I¡¯ll prove it by drinking it myself.¡± And as if to demonstrate, she poured half of the holy water down her own throat. The high priests, risking rudeness, forced open Arsen¡¯s jaw, and the child convulsed in refusal. His harsh cries sounded like screams. ¡°Let go! Let go! Do you know who I am toy hands on me!¡± ¡°Arsen! Arsen!¡± ¡°Mother! Help me! Help me! Aaagh!¡± ¡°What are you all doing? Get those high priests off!¡± ¡°We can¡¯t! If His Highness Arsen is truly a demon, Carb¨® cannot leave this be! Lady Dina!¡± ¡°Now! Get them off now!¡± Like the other nobles, Dina¡¯s guards were all waiting outside the conference hall. Although Dina shouted for them to intervene, the guards just hesitated, and no one stepped forward. They were all people of the Ministry of Magic. The mother gritted her teeth and tried to rush to Arsen. ¡°Arsen!¡± ¡°Mother!¡± But this time, Jin blocked her with his whole body. As if he would never let go, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pleaded desperately. ¡°Please, please just watch.¡± ¡°Jin! Let go! Get out of the way!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t! I can¡¯t let go! I can¡¯t let go of you, Mother!¡± The space turned into pandemonium in an instant. Bewildered exmations erupted from here and there. Five high priests pinned down Arsen¡¯s limbs, and the Grand High Priest tilted the holy water towards his open mouth. Just as it was about to flow in. Whir! Whir! ¡°Ah¡­¡± The Grand High Priest staggered, clutching her head. Suddenly, wasn¡¯t the sky and ground mixing and shaking? It felt like her mind was turning nk and her consciousness was fading. The holy water she dropped shattered on the floor once again. Clink! ¡°Grand High Priest!¡± ¡°Suddenly, why¡­¡± ¡°Ah, this¡­¡± ¡°Ugh! Urgh!¡± The high priests near Arsen covered their mouths and retched. They too soon sumbed to dizziness and copsed to the side. Abidel, while holding the Grand High Priest, looked at Arsen. The child was sprawled out, looking up at the ceiling. ¡°¡­How annoying.¡± As Arsen muttered, there was a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. That clear and thin¡­ ¡°Ian. This isn¡¯t fun.¡± ¡­voice of the oracle. That voice she had heard directly ten years ago. Abidel covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face. ¡°His, His Highness¡¯s aura¡­¡± ¡°Why are the high priests like that? Suddenly?¡± Not only the high priests, but even the mages sensed something was amiss and hesitated. Arsen stood up, dusting off his clothes, and red straight at Ian. Ian signaled Romandro to evacuate the people, and then released his mana. Along with his golden eyes, a sharp flow of mana settled in. Whir! Whir. ¡°That¡¯s a shame. I find it very amusing.¡± Chapter 235 Chapter 235 ¨C The Last 1Bang! As the explosion went off, the hall turned into pandemonium. People rushed towards the exits to evacuate while mages entered in the opposite direction. The massive flow of intertwining crowds shook the surroundings dizzyingly. ¡°Kyaaah!¡± ¡°Hurry up and clear the way! Damn it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright. Please stay calm and exit slowly.¡± ¡°It¡¯s dangerous. One at a time, please!¡± ¡°Aaagh! It hurts! It hurts!¡± ¡°Careful, please be care- urgh!¡± People were falling helplessly all over, causing screams to erupt here and there. The chaos was extraordinary ¨C too raw and unfiltered for what should be the reaction of high-ranking individuals. Romandro let out a deep sigh and shouted: ¡°The Ministry of Magic will subdue this. Maintain yourposure and dignity!¡± ¡°They say it¡¯s a demon, a demon!¡± ¡°Everyone move aside! Exit in order of rank!¡± It was understandable. This was the Great Empire of Bariel. Compared to other countries, it had suffered almost no damage from demons, and these were people who had enjoyed the highest quality of life even in peacetime. It meant they had only consumed information about demons as mere gossip. Some may have subconsciously not even believed demons really existed. Swoosh! Boom! Bang! Ian¡¯s attack aimed precisely at Arsen¡¯s heart. But the child deflected it with a small gesture. The two colliding forces repelled each other and dissipated. Like golden sand scattering in the air. Arsen smiled meaningfully as he watched. ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Did he control his power? Because of the light of the oracle nearby? Or the priests? The priests were still breathing. If it¡¯s Ian, he might have hidden other intentions. Or maybe he¡¯s really struggling. Whatever it was, it wasn¡¯t advantageous to him. Ian smiled along as he observed the demon¡¯s face. ¡°How foolish. You¡¯re thinking about how to survive.¡± At Ian¡¯s signal, the mages began drawing magic circles. Incantation circles were being drawn in front of all exits leading outside, including windows and main gates. It was like setting up invisible walls. ¡°I¡¯ve told you myself several times. If you¡¯re a demon, I¡¯ll kill you. This ce will be thest where you step foot in a human body.¡± Zzzzing! Zing! The mages activated the magic circles, and the priests joined in to add divine power. This demon had been recorded since the founding of the nation. Simply piercing its heart wouldn¡¯t be enough. Above all, what if it left another curse when it died? It could allow demons to infiltrate the imperial family again someday. For now, the best course of action was topletely cut out and burn the rotten wood. ¡°Ah!¡± With each sh of light imbuing the incantation circles, Arsen felt his breath bing more and more restricted. As the demon tried to flee in surprise, Ian quickly created dozens of concentric circles. ¡°Restraint¡± As the activation form shed, the floor split apart. Magic power surged through the shattered cracks, then targeted Arsen¡¯s position from the ceiling to trap him. Bang! Boom! When Arsen tried to extinguish the light, Ian unleashed attacks relentlessly. Just like stealing one¡¯s gaze, moderately and slowly. Arsen quickly looked around and spotted Dina, who had fainted and was being supported by guards. They were just about to leave the hall. ¡°Mother!¡± Twang ¨C a ringing in the back of his head. Dina¡¯s head jerked back sharply. Jin turned around in surprise to see Arsen looking at them with tears in his eyes. The guards tried to pull away in confusion but were stuck as if bound by something. ¡°Mother. Are you going to abandon me? Just like you did with Jin, are you going to do the same to me, your only remaining child?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± ¡°Arsen! Please, stop!¡± As Dina writhed in agony, Jin shouted angrily. It was an anger that had be sticky from being suppressed for a lifetime. Ah, so that¡¯s it! Arsen cried out, filled with joy as if he had found his prey. ¡°Jin! Shall I tell you something interesting?¡± Swoosh! sh! Arsen¡¯s gaze was fixed on Jin. Just as Ian was about to condense his magic power to block the demon¡¯s whispers. From somewhere, the Three Commanders¡¯ Beols swiftly flew in and swung his sword at Arsen¡¯s face. Arsen dodged by twisting his head, but his right ear was torn off. ¡°Aaaagh!¡± ¡°You vile creature, how dare you! Disturbing the imperial pce and His Majesty the Emperor-!¡± ¡°Commander Beols! Get away! No!¡± Beols tried to stab his sword into Arsen as he tumbled backward. But the attack stopped mid-air. Arsen clutched his right ear, panting and shedding tears. ¡®ck tears?¡¯ ¡°How dare you! How dare you! This, this-! Uwaaaaah!¡± Zzzing! The demon¡¯s scream erupted instantaneously. Beols¡¯ entire body convulsed. It was the vibration created by his body moving on its own and his will trying to resist it. ¡°Beols!¡± Brainwashing is the erosion of one¡¯s self. Hence, it was one of the things Ian was most wary of. The only fortunate thing was that, since it was a child¡¯s body and not a fully grown one, the level of struggle was limited. It wouldn¡¯t be able to brainwash many people simultaneously before losing its life. That¡¯s why he tried to restrain it without deliberately provoking it, but¡­ Swish. The sword that had been pointed at Arsen suddenly turned towards Beols¡¯ nape. The child showed the whites of his eyes as he spewed out a curse filled with malice. ¡°I¡¯ll tear you to pieces!¡± Crunch! Beols stabbed his own neck. Covered in spurting blood, Arsenughed as if he was about to die. Despite the horrific and terrible scene, somehow his voice sounded too cheerful, creating a sense of dissonance. ¡°L-Lord Ian. What should we do?¡± ¡°¡­Everyone, don¡¯t stop. Keep drawing the incantation circles. Guards, escort His Highness Jin.¡± ¡°Your Highness, we must go. Please let go of Lady Dina.¡± ¡°L-Listen, listen to mother. You can do that, can¡¯t you.¡± ¡°We¡¯re bound by an unknown force. Come this way!¡± At Ian¡¯smand, the guards lifted Jin. The hem of the dress he had been clutching tightly finally slipped from Jin¡¯s hands. It was when Jin was shedding tears, taking in his mother¡¯s appearance until the veryst moment. Zing! Even the guards¡¯ footsteps stopped. They stumbled forward, feeling dizzy, and Jin also tumbled and fell to the floor. ¡°Jin! Listen carefully to what I¡¯m about to say! I¡¯ve never used my ability on your mother!¡± Jin, who was getting up, flinched. A flicker of fear appeared on his face. What is this demon with my face saying now? ¡°Your mother abandoning you was entirely her own choice. Even if it wasn¡¯t me, you would have been abandoned, so don¡¯t me me needlessly. My poor little brother.¡± ¡°¡­Lies.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a lie. Have you heard about Ian¡¯s mother, Philea? I used the same ability on her, but Philea resisted until the end, and I failed. If Dina had even a little love for you, she wouldn¡¯t have treated you like that.¡± Bang! As if telling him to shut up, Ian shot a beam of light into his crown. But Arsen, now emboldened, knocked it away with all his might and shouted again. As a bonus, he wore a pure expression of innocence, as if there wasn¡¯t a shred of lie in his words. ¡°One more thing!¡± ¡°Your Highness. It¡¯s all lies. Cover your ears and leave.¡± ¡°Ian, that one¡¯s a member of the imperial family! Hahaha!¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Isn¡¯t that too sudden and baseless? It was a well-known fact to everyone that Ian¡¯s father was Dergha and his mother was Philea. Even the mages who had been endlessly drawing incantation circles stopped in surprise. Ian was condensing his magic power to the maximum with an impassive gaze. As if thinking it would be best to blow off that thing¡¯s head. ¡°Jin. You didn¡¯t know? Why would Ian help someone like you? It¡¯s because he has his own agenda! Once he kills me and only you remain, he¡¯ll surely reveal it! He¡¯s more dangerous than me, so be careful! Ahahahaha!¡± Bang! Ian¡¯s attack pierced Arsen¡¯s nape. The child bent over, spewing ck blood, but didn¡¯t stopughing. Surprisingly, his voice remained clear and unchanged. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, shall I show you?¡± ¡°Huk! Urgh!¡± ¡°Uwaaaaah!¡± ¡°L-Lord Ian. This is, ugh.¡± ¡°Wait, step back! Kheuk!¡± Arsen melted. It was because he had used up all the power that had been maintaining his human form. Only his head and a palpitating heart remained on top of the viscous liquid. ¡°Only those of imperial blood are blessed to be immune to mind control! Look! Jin, my little brother! Who¡¯s standing here unaffected!¡± All the mages fell forward, crying out in pain. The priests, surrounded by divine power, had reacted even faster and had long since fainted. Jin looked around, stepping backward. Only Jin and Ian. Only the two of them were breathing in the face of that demon¡¯s breath. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°¡­Your Highness.¡± Instead of answering, Ian grabbed Jin¡¯s shoulder and pushed him back. Jin, who had been retreating slowly, step by step, suddenly realized he was outside the door. ¡°Lord Ian!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll see youter. Is there no one there!¡± ¡°Your Highness, this way!¡± ¡°Lord Ian! Wait!¡± Creeeeak. Thud! Jin tried to shake off the guards and approach Ian, but he couldn¡¯t. Because of the door that closed coldly. Or perhaps because of Ian¡¯s inscrutable gaze. ¡°Hahaha!¡± Every time Arsen, now reduced to just a head,ughed, his heart throbbed violently. Ian walked through the fallen people. With each step, ripples spread, creating new incantation circles. Unlike the mages who had drawn them one by one, he was creating new ones just by perceiving them. Zzzing. ¡°As expected of a demon, you¡¯re despicable to the end. I can¡¯t send you off gently. Feel all the pain you can feel before you go.¡± ¡°Ha, hahaha!¡± Arsen started panting. As Ian picked up a sword lying on the floor, even Arsen¡¯s face began to melt away. It was his own way of preparing for a desperatest stand. ¡°I thought I was fortunate to meet you now. Because as time passed, your evil would have grown stronger and be more troublesome. But no. You should have died ten years ago, right after you were born. No. Before that, you shouldn¡¯t have been born at all.¡± ¡°¡­Ian. I have something to tell you too.¡± A poisonous aura rose from the melting liquid. As the energy grew denser, Ian frowned. It was unbearably nauseating. ¡°You will never get what you want. Because I know. The next Bariel is calling for Jin.¡± That is why I came down as Jin¡¯s sibling. It¡¯s a warning that if you¡¯re coveting the imperial throne, it won¡¯t go as you wish. Ian gripped the sword again and walked as if it was only natural. ¡°That¡¯s good. I too think Jin should be in Bariel¡¯s future.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± At this, Arsen cried out urgently and surrounded himself with even more poisonous energy. It was too toxic to be repelled by magic power. This must be Arsen¡¯s origin. The bottom of the curse that had continued since the founding of the nation. ¡°G-Go ahead and stab me! If you kill me, you¡¯ll die too. And if you die, Jin won¡¯tst long either!¡± Ian looked down at the palpitating heart in silence. If he died, he could imagine what Jin¡¯s position in the imperial pce would be like afterward. Hayman and others, those hyena-like people would try to devour the young prince. But what if he couldn¡¯t deal with Arsen here? ¡®Time is on Arsen¡¯s side.¡¯ He would regenerate and ensnare Jin again. Furthermore, he would cause Bariel to decline. Beyond Arsen, other demons would seep into the imperial pce. ¡°¡­Demon. That¡¯s not even a choice worth considering.¡± Zzzing. Zing! Ian drew out all the power in his body. Then, the magic circles drawn all over the hall ignited simultaneously and rushed towards Ian¡¯s sword. Like the flow of the universe, countless lights moved distantly, enveloping Ian. ¡°This¡­!¡± At the moment Arsen¡¯s poisonous energy leaped up as if refusing its final moment. Creeeeak. Thud. The hall¡¯s door opened. Ian turned around, holding his sword raised in the air. ¡°Quite a heated party for broad daylight.¡± It was Gale. Despite Arsen¡¯s demonic energy permeating the hall, he walked in without issue. He flicked his cigarette and greeted. ¡°Mind if I join in?¡± Chapter 236 Chapter 236 ¨C Consider it an Honor ¡°Your Highness Gale, have you finished?¡± Philea murmured dejectedly. Despite the imperial chef putting his heart and soul into preparing the meal since dawn, its intended recipient refused it without so much as lifting a finger. By the looks of it, he hadn¡¯t even touched the knife and fork. It was clear that the doctor would be furious, unable to administer any medication. ¡°Yes.¡± Seemingly oblivious to the concern of those around him, Galey in bed, just smoking his cigarettes. With each exhale of ¡°hoo,¡± long wisps of white smoke dissipated. Since Philea entered the room, his gaze hadn¡¯t left her once. Philea was well aware of this and tried her best to pretend not to notice, but¡­ ¡°¡­Ah, I can¡¯t.¡± Due to his persistent and tenacious nature, she finally raised the white g. When Philea suddenly blurted this out, Gale shrugged his shoulders nonchntly. ¡°What? I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°You want me to go with you to the magic confirmation ceremony, don¡¯t you? I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t have the authority. I can¡¯t help until Ian gives permission. I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Philea. Do you consider your son to be above the prince? Impressive. Being the mother of such a person, you must be so precious that I can¡¯t even look at you.¡± ¡°Th-That¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡± As Philea stumbled over her words awkwardly, Gale let out a low chuckle. Could this woman, who couldn¡¯t even handle a mischievous joke, really have given birth to Ian? If it weren¡¯t for their strikingly simr appearances, he would never have believed it. Just then, there was a sound of movement, and Nersarn appeared. ¡°Philea.¡± ¡°Lord Nersarn.¡± It was a call to wrap things up and leave. Philea turned to look at Gale as she set down the dishes. As if it was time to go. In the meantime, he had lit a new cigarette. ¡°Hey. Desert warrior.¡± ¡°¡­Yes, Your Highness Gale.¡± It was rare for Gale to address Nersarn directly. Not only was there the difference in status between the empire¡¯s prince and a minority ethnic group from the frontier, but Philea also acted as an intermediary between them. ¡°Ian said my half-brother is a demon, didn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°And he dered that one of them would die today.¡± Philea felt her heart drop with a thud. It was truly a terrifying and frightening statement. She still couldn¡¯t believe that Ian had risked his life to kill someone. At times she wondered if the imperial pce had always been like this, but on the other hand, she felt sorry that he had something so precious that he was willing to risk his life for. Just as she regarded Ian in that way, Ian must also regard something in the same manner. ¡°That is also correct.¡± ¡°Arsen is my half-brother. If Ian doesn¡¯t die, Arsen will die. Don¡¯t I have the right to see thest moments of my family?¡± Nersarn pondered how to respond. The political situation in the imperial pce changed almost daily. There must be a reason why Gale was acting like this, but he couldn¡¯t figure it out. They had been cooped up in a separate pce under the pretext of protecting Gale and to avoid causing trouble if the empire¡¯s citizens saw him. Unless Ian informed them, their information was bound to be limited. ¡°I apologize.¡± So the conclusion was simple. Refusal. As Nersarn and Philea were about to leave the bedroom, they heard the sound of a drawer opening. Gale straightened his upper body and rummaged around as if looking for something. Rustle! ¡°I understand you¡¯re doing this for your son¡¯s safety.¡± ¡°Thank you for understanding.¡± ¡°And I understand that you¡¯ve drawn the line at ¡®no¡¯ for now, since the imperial pce isn¡¯t as easilyprehensible as the frontier.¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°I have business not only with Arsen but with Ian as well.¡± ¡°Then please tell me. I will convey every word without omission.¡± ¡°Hmm. That won¡¯t do. Do you know what these are?¡± Small pieces of paper wedged between the prince¡¯s index and middle fingers. Aside from being crumpled, they were covered in food stains. Nersarn looked back at Philea, but she shook her head, indicating she didn¡¯t know either. ¡°These are traces of the traitors Ian weeded out using my name.¡± As soon as rumors spread that he would seek asylum in Ruswena, the reactions were immediate. Notes were slipped between food items at every meal, and carrier pigeons tapped on the windows at all hours. ¡°Some revealed their names, while others didn¡¯t. But a handwriting analysis or an investigation by the Ministry of Magic could easily identify their owners.¡± Gale demonstratively burned one of the notes with his cigarette. The paper instantly zed up before crumbling into ashes. His smile was like that of a child ying with fire. ¡°If you don¡¯t take me with you, I¡¯ll burn all of these.¡± ¡°Your Highness, this is truly troublesome!¡± ¡°Philea, don¡¯t worry. Ian will be in the most trouble, having to trust his back torades who might be carrying hidden knives.¡± It was a threat involving his son. Even if Ian returned alive from the magic confirmation ceremony, what use would it be if traitors were lurking around him? He would soon face another crisis. Ting! Gale flicked a jewel towards Philea. Unable to react, Nersarn caught it in mid-air on her behalf. ¡°If you want, I¡¯ll give you jewels too. Even confined like this, I¡¯m still the empire¡¯s prince. Providing as much wealth as you two desire is no problem. Desert warrior, aren¡¯t you something of a tribal leader? I imagine you know well how much warmth a plentiful treasury can bring to spring.¡± ¡°We don¡¯t need such things. I just want what my son-¡° ¡°Hahaha! Your face is all red.¡± ¡°I want what my son wants.¡± ¡°Yes. This is what your son wants.¡± The scraps of paper fluttered at Gale¡¯s fingertips. Cogitation was, as far as God allowed, humanity¡¯s own wless sanctuary. Identifying traitors meant invading and thoroughly searching that ce. It was a task of having to read and doubt the hearts of allies, not enemies. Wasn¡¯t it truly difficult, arduous, and delicate work? ¡°Why do you think Ian did this? The Ministry of Magic knows how to neutralize truth potions. I benefited from that a bit. So without these papers, it seems they might have a hard time.¡± Nersarn inwardly heaved a sigh. It wasn¡¯t just about the notes; it didn¡¯t seem like the prince would give up even if they turned back now. What if he caused trouble once out of their sight? ¡°Please tell me one thing truthfully.¡± ¡°dly.¡± ¡°How do you intend to go?¡± ¡°¡­¡± It was almost as good as eptance. Gale tidied himself up and put on his outer garment. The bundle of notes went into an inner pocket. Finally, he checked his cigarette case with a faint smile. ¡°In my view, now is the most opportune time. Don¡¯t you think God would agree?¡± *** Due to Gale¡¯s participation, the schedule was slightly dyed. They changed to arger carriage, brought along warriors just in case, and dressed them in imperial attire. Gale realized it had been a very long time since he¡¯d been out. Although traces of his fierce battle with Mariv remained here and there, the imperial pce still looked as it had been ingrained in his memory throughout his life. Neigh! The carriage shook, but Gale¡¯s gaze remained steady. He simply gazed in awe at the peach-colored castle walls, golden patterns, and wellid red bricks. Ah. The imperial pce was this beautiful. Gale bit his lip hard, deliberately erasing the memories that surfaced. Memories sometimes create regrets, after all. ¡°We¡¯re almost there, Lord Nersarn.¡± ¡°Huh? But everyone there¡­¡± ¡°Just a moment. We should stop around here, shouldn¡¯t we? There are so many people that the carriage won¡¯t be able to enter.¡± A crowd swarmed in front of the Ministry of Magic. Carriages, guards, and disheveled nobles and officials were tangled up, creating amotion. It was a chaotic situation, but strangely, everyone was looking in one direction. Philea naturally turned her head to follow their gaze. ¡°What, what could that be?¡± An eerie ck energy descending the stairs of the Ministry of Magic. As if warning people not to approach, it drew a distinct boundary. Philea got out of the carriage with an ominous expression and looked around. ¡°Lord Ian! Lord Ian! Let go of this! I said let go!¡± ¡°Sir Romandro!¡± ¡°Let goooo! Mother and Ian are inside!¡± ¡°You can¡¯t, Your Highness. Please!¡± Not far away, Jin was struggling to shake off the guards. He kicked and shouted to be let go, to be left alone, but no one could do so. Jin was now the only remaining heir. Philea grabbed Romandro¡¯s arm and shouted. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Sir Romandro!¡± ¡°Lady Philea! Huk, you see¡­¡± ¡°Philea! Lord Ian is inside. Arsen will kill Lord Ian. Why is everyone just watching?¡± ¡°Oh my, Your Highness, please calm down.¡± Several soldiers who had tried to approach the building were already sprawled on the ground. They couldn¡¯t get close without their heads feeling like they were about to split open and bing dizzy, so there was no solution. The Ministry of Magic was trying toe up with countermeasures, but all the high-ranking officials were inside. It was truly a troublesome situation. ¡°Jin.¡± At that moment, Gale took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. At the quiet call, Jin turned around hesitantly. Why was Brother Gale here? ¡°It¡¯s noisy.¡± ¡°Wh-What?¡± ¡°Is Arsen really a demon?¡± ¡°¡­Brother.¡± ¡°I see. So he was.¡± Gale stared into space for a moment. Not just himself, but the fate of a child born alongside a demon was truly tragic. He took a breath, then without hesitation, stepped into the poisonous energy. ¡°Your Highness Gale!¡± ¡°Why is His Highness here?¡± ¡°He went into the poisonous energy!¡± ¡°My goodness, what on earth¡­¡± It was a bit suffocating, but not particrly dizzying or difficult. Gale climbed the stairs and nced back briefly. Then he threw the bundle of notes he had kept in his breast pocket to Philea and said goodbye. ¡°Philea. Thank you for dining with me all this time.¡± ¡°Your Highness?¡± ¡°When Ianes out, give these to him.¡± ¡°Your Highness!¡± With that, Gale ran up the stairs. People who hadn¡¯t managed to evacuate were copsed here and there. A quiet space. Gale bit down hard on his cigarette and walked slowly. -O cursed one, you cannot defy fate. Die for Bariel of your own ord. Then glory will descend upon the world. He had been waiting for this moment since the day he saw the oracle. He was a prince of Bariel, after all. Rather than returning to the wind like Mariv, it was better to face death under the glory of the world. Even if it wouldn¡¯t be recorded in history, the glory would remain. ¡°G-Go ahead and stab me! If you kill me, you¡¯ll die too. And if you die, Jin won¡¯tst long either!¡± ¡­Is that Arsen¡¯s voice? What a truly disgusting voice. He followed the sound and soon pushed open the door leading into the hall. Creeeeak. Thud. ¡°Quite a heated party for broad daylight. Mind if I join in?¡± Mysterious light filled the hall. For a moment, Gale thought he might be in heaven. Ian, who had been holding his sword aloft, turned around, and the palpitating heart in front of him burst with poisonous energy. ¡°What is this?¡± ¡°Do you remember the new oracle that came down?¡± ¡°¡­¡± The cigarette flicked. It would be thest smoke he exhaled. ¡°It might not be Your Highness¡¯s oracle.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. If I say it is, then it is.¡± Gale picked up a sword that had fallen to the floor and slowly approached Ian. ¡°If I die here, I leave behind glory.¡± And if he doesn¡¯t die? ¡°If I don¡¯t die, I will have dealt with the demon nestled in the imperial pce with my own hands, and that too is glory.¡± The blood vessels of the panting heart in the fluid became particrly prominent. Gale calmly aimed the sword at its end. Ian gently grabbed his arm. ¡°¡­No one will know.¡± Could they record in history that a demon had nestled in the imperial pce? Absolutely not. They would erase every tracepletely. The impious past decade would disappear into the light without leaving even a shadow. So even if Gale sacrificed himself through death, who would know? ¡°No. God knows.¡± Gale smiled as he ced the sword against Arsen¡¯s heart. He signaled Ian to activate his magic power and murmured. ¡°And you know.¡± Chapter 237 Chapter 237 ¨C Leaving Behind Ian said nothing. He simply gazed at the calmly swaying ck hair. He knew this was not a will that could be stopped by prevention, nor a fate that could be defied by resistance. As Gale forcefully pushed the sword towards the heart, Arsen spewed out his rage. ¡°You¡¯ll die! You¡¯ll die!¡± Swoosh! The sword¡¯s tip eroded due to the poisonous energy. Bit by bit, ever so slightly, it was being eaten away by Arsen¡¯s desperate struggle. Gale clicked his tongue and put his upper body weight into it. The sword stopped in mid-air and disappeared. It was the result of the bnce between the force trying to pierce the heart and the force pushing it away. ¡°Arsen. To be honest, now that we¡¯re here, I never liked you.¡± ¡°Aaaaargh!¡± ¡°For a child, you knew you were a child.¡± ¡°Gaaale! Fuck! Fuck!¡± How dare such a lowly creature hide here for ten years, carrying out its wicked schemes? To think this was the extent of its actions after living in suppression due to the grown Mariv and Gale. It was truly astounding. As he clenched his teeth, dark red blood poured from between them. ¡°Kuhek.¡± Gale instantly recalled what this sensation was. It was the feeling of coughing up blood when Ian¡¯s ve had infiltrated the pce to assassinate him. He smiled palely and shouted fiercely. ¡°Yes, go ahead and try!¡± Saaaah! ¡°I fear nothing!¡± Rather, he felt an inexplicable surge of euphoria. This is what he had lived for. He could fully preserve everything he had lived for as a prince of the Bariel Empire. His reputation, pride, and mission. Though they would wear away with time, Gale could clearly feel it. Everything was alive and breathing in his hands right now. Boom! Thud! Zzzzing! Ian raised his hand into the air. The incantation circles covering the floor, ceiling, and walls activated once again. One by one, warm and bright lights gathered and undted, creating day and night as they mingled with Arsen¡¯s dark energy. Majestic celestial bodies. Gale, standing between light and darkness, life and death, cried out powerfully. ¡°Perish! Perish and perish again, and let us meet at the bottom of the distant hell!¡± ¡°Uwaaaaah!¡± ¡°I will kill you again! dly!¡± Kwak-! Gale¡¯s sword, half-remaining, finally pierced Arsen¡¯s heart. The concentrated poison that had been pooled burst forth vigorously, and the evil energy it contained also exploded. Ian drew out his magic power with all his might. For a moment, he felt as if his head and nape were severed, but it was just for an instant. There was no time to even perceive it. Outside were Jin and other people. They were those who must not die. Ian gritted his mrs and held onto his consciousness. Pueok! Puk! Even covered in poison, Gale continued to hack at the heart. Once, twice, three times¡­ With each sh, dark red, sticky blood spurted out. He felt the pain of his flesh burning, but he couldn¡¯t stop either. A demon that had persisted since the nation¡¯s founding. Would its breath stop with just one or two cuts? ¡°To future generations-!¡± Arsen tried to leave a curse. Like the demon killed by Roberside, he too tried to postpone his defeat eternally by vowing revenge on future generations. But. ¡°No. You can leave nothing behind.¡± Ian immediately intervened and replied. Light gradually seeped in through the gap Gale had created. Like the dawn pushing away darkness, magic power condensed along his touch. It contained the divine power of the priests and the determination of the mages. A force granting Arsen an infinite abyss. Paaaah! It was so bright that nothing could be seen ahead. Ian covered his eyes with his sleeve and heard a clear scream fading in his ears. After some time passed, only the faint breathing of Ian and Gale remained in the hall. ¡°Haa, haa¡­¡± ¡°Heuuk¡­¡± Ian felt all his strength draining away. As he slumped against the wall, headache and chest pain hit him simultaneously. His physical condition had clearly copsed. He had been in a state of constant tension for days, taken Akore¡¯s potion, and expended his magic power without limit. ¡°¡­Ah.¡± A few coughs led to coughing up blood. This must be due to the demon¡¯s remaining poisonous energy in the hall. Though faint and weak, it was a sign that he didn¡¯t even have the strength to repel that. Ian turned his head to look at Gale lying down. ¡°¡­¡­¡± He was dying. Covered in the tough and sticky blood of the demon. The poison was spreading from his fingertips that had stabbed the heart, and his blue eyes that had witnessed it directly had lost their light. Can he see nothing now? Ian simply remained silent, contemting his state of mind. ¡°Haa, ha¡­. Ian.¡± His faded pupils were looking at the ceiling. As if asking, did you see, did God see all this from the far end of the sky? ¡°¡­Leave something behind.¡± Ian murmured as he wiped the blood from his mouth. This was thest. When Arsen¡¯s existence disappears from history, Gale¡¯s final moments, who died because of him, will also disappear. He said God knows, and he knows, but that remains an undeniable fact. So, it seemed appropriate to show this much kindness to someone who had given meaning to his death. ¡°I will listen.¡± He closed his eyes and consciously took a deep breath. Numerous thoughts and attachments lingered on the tip of his tongue. What should he convey? What should he leave behind to the only one in the world who would know hisst moments? ¡®Ah. This much is still a blessing.¡¯ The man who had been pondering suddenlyughed out loud. Born as a prince and dying as a prince, if Mariv were watching, he would be truly pleased. Also, even if it¡¯s not recorded, someone will remember. Perhaps that too is a small part of history. Tears flowed down his temples, but he didn¡¯t seem to notice due to his fading consciousness. ¡°¡­Just a little.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Haa, wait just a little longer before going out.¡± If Ian went out now, people would rush in. Then they would see him lying on the floor, dying. He didn¡¯t want that. At least, he wanted to show dignity in apletely dead state. Wouldn¡¯t that also be one of the glories? Swish. Ian responded by keeping his ce. As time passed little by little, the evil energy filling the hall faded, and Gale¡¯s breathing also grew fainter. The half-torn curtain fluttered in the wind. The partially destroyed debris gradually fell over, creating asional noises. Swish. How much time had passed? Ian realized that the surroundings were silent. Gale¡¯s breathing had stopped. He had his eyes closed with a peaceful expression. As if determined not to show his faded eyes. ¡°¡­A prince to the end.¡± Ian took off his formal uniform and covered Gale¡¯s face. Then slowly, with feet that didn¡¯t move well, he walked to open the hall door. Creeeeak. He saw people sprawled around. He couldn¡¯t tell if they were dead or alive. Some seemed like they might be alive, but his head hurt too much to even sense their energy. As Ian staggered out of the corridor, the crowd gathered at the bottom of the stairs immediately noticed. ¡°S-Something¡¯sing out!¡± ¡°Is it the demon? Everyone, take defensive positions!¡± ¡°R-Run away! Let¡¯s get out of the imperial pce!¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t there a loud noise earlier? Now¡¯s our chance. What is the Imperial Guard doing? Hurry and prepare-!¡± Was it due to fear? They sharpened their des before even distinguishing what it was. But soon, they recognized the brilliant golden hair revealed under the sunlight and the deep green eyes like a meadow. It was Ian. The Minister of Magic and the man of the empire who had targeted the demon nestled in the imperial pce. Tap tap tap! ¡°I-It¡¯s Minister Hielo!¡± ¡°Minister! Are you alright? Damn it, get a doctor!¡± ¡°His Highness Gale went inside.¡± ¡°What about the demon? What happened to the demon?¡± ¡°Wait, hold on! Didn¡¯t they say the demon had mind control abilities? Don¡¯t approach! Be careful!¡± Everyone was worried and climbing the stairs, but they hesitated at someone¡¯s shout. Right. Ian himself had said so. That Arsen had the ability to brainwash. So, what if he was controlling Hielo? Tat! ¡°Ian! Aaah! Ian!¡± But one person broke through the halted crowd and ran forward. It was Philea. Without a shred of doubt, she stretched out both hands and opened her arms to Ian. She grabbed her son¡¯s face with swollen eyes. ¡°Ian, are you alright? There¡¯s so much blood, so much blood.¡± ¡°¡­Mother.¡± ¡°You¡¯re alive, you¡¯re alive. Thank goodness. Really, really thank goodness.¡± In a short time, Philea had experienced several hells. Every time she heard a loud noise from inside, she wanted to scream for them to kill her instead, to take her breath away. But to have her son return alive like this. She shed tears and pressed her forehead against Ian¡¯s. ¡°Ian, thank you. Thank you so much for being alive.¡± Ian patted her back. He wanted to say some words offort, but he was truly at his limit now. It was the moment when Ian broke out in a cold sweat and tried to catch his breath. ¡°¡­Lord Ian.¡± Jin, who had run following Philea, called out to him. The child too had shed considerable tears, as his face was wet. Jin approached Ian with an indescribable expression. ¡°Your Highness. Are you alright?¡± The child¡¯s lips quivered. There was much he wanted to ask. What had happened to the demon, whether his mother was still alive, and everything about the ¡®royal family¡¯ Arsen had mentioned. But instead of questions, Jin vigorously ran up the stairs and rushed to Ian. ¡°¡­Your clothes are dirty.¡± ¡°I am dirty too. Everyone here is.¡± Jin murmured softly and finally embraced Ian. His small hands tightly gripped Ian¡¯s cor, expressing relief at his safe return. Ian patted him while breathing heavily. ¡°Ian, are you badly hurt? What happened inside? His Highness Gale went in too, did you see him? Oh my, the blood, just how¡­¡± As Romandro also anxiously inquired about his well-being, Ian straightened his body and looked down the stairs. The nobles and officials were focused solely on his words. Please, tell us the demon has perished, they seemed to plead. ¡°¡­The demon is dead.¡± At Ian¡¯s deration, everyone let out sighs of relief and felt reassured. Apuse erupted here and there, and close acquaintances lightly embraced each other, weing the peace. ¡°Haa! It¡¯s done, it¡¯s done.¡± ¡°As expected of Minister Hielo!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. No matter how much of a demon it was, it couldn¡¯t move an inch before a mage, especially the Minister! It¡¯s truly amazing! You¡¯ve done a great deed!¡± ¡°If we hadn¡¯t killed it today, ah, just imagining Bariel¡¯s future is terrifying.¡± Ian slowly raised his hand and waved it sideways. It was a signal for everyone to be quiet. As the noise gradually subsided ording to his gesture, Ian proceeded to announce his death as well. ¡°Also, the Second Prince of Bariel, Gale Verocion, has passed away.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°The Imperial Guard, escorts, and mages, enter the hall and manage the situation. If there are any survivors, quickly transport them and-¡° Ian paused for a moment. Like his breath was cut off, his instructions stopped abruptly. As Romandro looked at him quizzically, Ianposed himself and continued his instructions. ¡°Recover the bodies of the deceased, including His Highness Gale. That is all.¡± Tap tap tap! At hismand, soldiers rushed past Ian and up the stairs. While everyone was busy running around, Ian quietly slipped away behind the building. Despite Romandro, Jin, and Philea following and calling out to him in concern, he didn¡¯t stop. ¡°Ian!¡± ¡°Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Oh my, the blood!¡± And as soon as he turned a corner where there were few people, Ian copsed against the wall. He had an obligation to copse where no one could see him. With his white shirt soaking through with blood as thest thing he saw, Ian lost consciousness. Chapter 238 Chapter 238 ¨C Without Ian ¡°Everyone, make way!¡± ¡°Go get a doctor, call a doctor!¡± ¡°Lord Ian! Open your eyes. Lord Ian.¡± Xiaoshi carried Ian on his back and ran. The situation was already chaotic. His lord had intended to distance himself to avoid amplifying the anxiety with his copse. He ran to the office, circling around the building. As quickly and discreetly as possible. ¡°Ian! Please, oh, the blood keepsing out!¡± Philea, who had been desperately following, cried out in horror. At the same time, Xiaoshi felt his shoulder bing wet. His master was unconsciously coughing up blood. Nersarn caught Philea as she was about to fall, while Romandro and Jin cleared the way ahead, shedding tears. Bang! The main building was deserted. Most of the mages had been conducting the magic confirmation ceremony with Ian, half of them had fallen to Arsen, and the remaining half were dealing with the aftermath. Even though they burst through the main building¡¯s door roughly, apart from the servants, there was no one to ask for help. ¡°Huk, Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Where are the mages? Aren¡¯t there any mages left in the main building?¡± ¡°Th-There should be someone on duty.¡± ¡°Hurry and bring them! And a doctor too!¡± ¡°Y-Yes, understood!¡± ¡°Warm water and towels!¡± Tap tap tap! Xiaoshiid Ian down in the small bedroom next to the office. It was a space where he would asionally take short naps when tired from work. It was also a ce frequently used by Beric in the past, and recently by Romandro. ¡°Slowly, lower him slowly.¡± With his head tilted back, a red shirt with no trace of white, and a paleplexion, it was undeniable that his condition was serious. ¡°Where is something to cover him¡­¡± As Romandro looked around for something like a nket, he suddenly realized. Sinceing to the central area, Ian hadn¡¯t assigned any meaning to a ce of rest. When he copsed like this, the only nearby ce to rely on was this small room attached to the office. Moreover, the bed and small items were all things used by the former minister, Wesley. ¡°Here it is.¡± ¡°Ah, yes.¡± ¡°Lord Ian? Huk, what happened to his condition?¡± The servant brought a thick nket along with Akore. Judging by the protective goggles she was wearing, she seemed to have been secretly conducting experiments in the basement. She examined Ian in horror. There were no major external injuries, but the continuous coughing up of blood indicated an internal problem. ¡°Captain Akore! Do something for Ian.¡± ¡°J-Just a moment. You! Go downstairs and bring everything from the second shelf of the cab on the right in my office. And you, uh, send word to the storage room to bring out the magic amplifier! Ah! And syringes too!¡± Akore, who usually didn¡¯t get flustered easily, stumbled over her words as if her mind had stopped. While the servants bustled about following orders, Jin kept holding Ian¡¯s right arm and crying. ¡°Lord Ian, you must not die.¡± ¡°Your Highness. Don¡¯t worry. Minister Ian is¡­¡± Romandro, who was trying tofort Jin, grabbed his nose. Blood dripped through his fingers. It wasn¡¯t just Ian who had spent thest few days grinding away his stamina by staying up all night. Romandro too had been artificially boosting his stamina with magic potions. His body was now signaling that he had reached his limit. Viviana, who had enteredte, noticed this and immediately held up a towel. ¡°Darling!¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright, Vivi. Don¡¯t worry.¡± ¡°Oh my, haa. Really¡­¡± Romandro smiled and stroked Vivi¡¯s back. His gentle gesture tried to reassure his wife that it was just a nosebleed. Xiaoshi wiped away his sweat and turned to look at him. ¡°Sir Romandro. You should go rest too.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. With Ian lying down, how can I leave my post for the aftermath?¡± ¡°¡­If I may say so, we should consider that Lord Ian might not be able to get up for a few days. Since he ordered the cleanup, wouldn¡¯t those who were at the scene primarily take charge for the first few hours?¡± It would be truly troublesome if even Romandro, the assistant, was absent when the Ministry of Magic needed to make decisions. So it would be better to replenish his strength for even a few hours to manage the situation. As Romandro tried to refuse, waving his hand, blood gushed out again as if in defiance. ¡°Kyaaah! Darling!¡± ¡°Ah, alright. Vivi. Please don¡¯t be rmed. I¡¯m really fine.¡± ¡°Romandro. Xiaoshi¡¯s words are reasonable. There were many casualties, but the Prime Minister is safe. So is Captain Jeirat of the Imperial Guard. For just a few hours, a few hours, let¡¯s trust them.¡± Jin pushed Romandro¡¯s back. He looked back at Ian lying down several times before reluctantly stepping out. He kept muttering that he would be right back, that he would return after just one nap. ¡°Captain Akore. I¡¯ve brought what you asked for. The doctor will be here shortly as well.¡± ¡°Put them down here. Haa, as expected of the potion I made. The effects and side effects are so precise, my goodness. Hehehe. If I had known this would happen, I should have done some magic training. Your Highness, I¡¯m an indoor worker. I use my brain more than strength¡­¡± ¡°I understand, so hurry!¡± ¡°Yes. Minister Ian. Please pull yourself together. Here we go.¡± Akore injected the magic amplifier into her arm and gritted her teeth. It was still in the experimental stage, but what could she do? Her superior was dying. She opened her magic power and let it flow into Ian. Zzzing. Zing! Faintly, very faintly, Ian¡¯s breathing seemed to stabilize. But Jin couldn¡¯t be sure if it was real. Expectations always create illusions. The child pressed his ear close to Ian¡¯s chest and murmured. ¡°Keep going, keep¡­¡± When Ian suddenly coughed up blood, Jin, Xiaoshi, and the servants all reached out simultaneously to catch it. Jin looked at the blood-covered Ian with a face full of despair. Was death this close? As if he couldn¡¯t believe it. *** ¡°Iaaan. Ian.¡± ¡°¡­I said to watch quietly.¡± ¡°No, after having my insides turned over a few times, I know. You need to regain consciousness for faster recovery. Iaaan. Wake up. Master? Master?¡± A whispering voice was heard. Jin startled awake and sat up, realizing he was on the sofa in Ian¡¯s office. He seemed to have fainted and fallen asleep without realizing it. As Jin turned his head towards themotion, he met eyes with Beric, who was grinning widely. ¡°Beric?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the master who woke up, but Your Highness.¡± Was it a dream? Beric, wrapped up in a nket, was being carried by Xiaoshi. ¡°Can you move?¡± ¡°Eh. If I could, I wouldn¡¯t be like this.¡± Despite not being able to take a single step, he had an uncanny sense of smell for blood and came to ask what had happened. The servant had no reason to lie and told him the truth that Ian had copsed. Thanks to that, Xiaoshi was left with the trouble. ¡°Iaaan~. Shall we eat meat without you~? That thing we atest time, I¡¯m going to order twice as much this time~. If you don¡¯t wake up, I¡¯ll order three times as much~?¡± Beric kept chattering and calling for Ian. Ian¡¯s brow furrowed slightly at his calls. See, it¡¯s working, Beric rejoiced. ¡°How is Lord Ian?¡± ¡°They said his life is not in danger.¡± Xiaoshi answered as he turned around. Breaking the promise to just look, making such a ruckus. He seemed about to put Beric back in his ce. Realizing this, Beric twisted his body in resistance. ¡°Just a little, really, just a little more!¡± ¡°¡­Shh.¡± ¡°Shush! So put me down. Okay?¡± While Beric was whining, Jin observed Ian. Hisplexion had definitely improved. His clothes had been changed in the meantime, looking neat and tidy. At a nce, he might just look like he was in a deep sleep. Jin let out a sigh of relief and looked out the window. The sunset was falling. ¡°How long has it been?¡± ¡°Three hours, Your Highness.¡± Three hours. A world without Arsen had already passed that long. A demon who looked exactly like him and tried to kill his very soul. A brother who had inflicted countless wounds too numerous to count. Those days when he existed had been so burdensome and heavy that this moment felt truly unfamiliar. ¡®It¡¯s strange.¡¯ Arsen¡¯s shadow had been too deep. So, he thought the world would look different when he disappeared. But the sunset was still red, the wind still blew, and the clouds still drifted. Arsen, now that he looked back, was nothing. Clench. Jin tightened his grip on his knees and made a resolution. No matter what difficulties he might face in the future, he would not forget this moment. Even if it seems like an insurmountable burden, from afar it¡¯s truly trivial. Just as Arsen had been. Knock knock. ¡°Your Highness Jin. Have you awoken?¡± ¡°What is it?¡± At that moment, a servant carefully made his presence known. He stood at the door, as if waiting for Jin¡¯s voice. ¡°The Prime Minister has called an emergency meeting. We¡¯ve informed them that Lord Ian and Sir Romandro cannot attend due to their physical condition, and since the Ministry of Magic is still in the midst of cleanup, only Captain Hale will be going. The captain has already left, and Your Highness¡¯s carriage is waiting.¡± ¡°¡­I see.¡± Jin slowly got up and adjusted his clothes. This was no time to be idle. He was the only prince currently in the imperial pce. With even Ian copsed like that, he needed to pull himself together. Jin signaled to Xiaoshi. An order to follow. Thud. ¡°Ow! It hurts!¡± Xiaoshi roughly put Beric down under the bed and followed Jin. The Ministry of Magic was still quiet. Although mages could be seen asionally, they all looked busy, perhaps having stopped by briefly during the cleanup. ¡°This way, Your Highness.¡± ¡°What about Romandro?¡± ¡°Lady Viviana is nursing him.¡± Jin hesitated for a moment before getting into the carriage. It was the first major meeting he was attending without Ian. He felt anxious and nervous, but it was something he would have to do eventually. ¡®They probably want to confirm what happened inside the meeting hall. After all, I was thest one to walk out of there. Besides that, what else could I contribute? Is there anything I should be careful about?¡¯ Clop clop! He wasn¡¯t sure if it was the carriage making him nauseous or if it was due to nervousness. To avoid causing trouble when Ian wakes up, he couldn¡¯t make any mistakes¡­ ¡®You Ian, a member of the imperial family! Hahaha!¡¯ Arsen¡¯s final cry suddenly came to mind. Jin shook his head in surprise. But strangely, the words that followed wouldn¡¯t go away. ¡®Jin. Didn¡¯t you know? Why would Ian help someone like you? It¡¯s because he has his own agenda! ¡­Only those of imperial blood are blessed to be immune to mind control!¡¯ Jin had been the same. When the mages and priests were copsing, clutching their heads, he had faced Arsen unaffected. Gale too was the same. He had entered the poisonous energy that soldiers couldn¡¯t approach without any problem. But why did Ian¡­? ¡®That¡¯s impossible.¡¯ Ian, a member of the imperial family? Then what about Philea? The former Count Dergha? This demon Arsen must have been trying to deceive him until his dying moment. As Jin bit his lip gently, the carriage slowly came to a stop. They had arrived in front of the main conference room of the First Imperial Pce. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, Your Highness.¡± Xiaoshi, sitting in the back seat, opened the door and guided him. Jin carefully got out and climbed the stairs nervously. And then he slowly realized. Swish. The gazes of nobles who were not favorable to him, whispers full of sharp edges, and the gestures of those on guard were shing all around. Chapter 239 Chapter 239 ¨C Three Hours Ago It was when Ian dered the demon¡¯s annihtion. While most were focused on him, a considerable number were observing Duke Hayman¡¯s expression. The duke¡¯s unprecedented look of bewilderment. It was the rock bottom that humans could show when faced with the worst situation. Hayman, who was said to stand between the royal family and nobility, didn¡¯t hide his distress, even letting out small groans. ¡°Damn it.¡± ¡°D-Duke.¡± He had already turned the imperial pce upside down once by colluding with Gale. To ovee that, he had tried to push Arsen as the sessor, but now this bolt from the blue! A demon? And a product of a curse continuing since the nation¡¯s founding? It was maddening enough, but what made it even more bleak was that Ian, their adversary, had discovered and eliminated it. ¡®It would have been better if the demon hade out alive.¡¯ It would have been better if everyone died, killed, and copsed. Then their transgressions would have been mixed in the chaos, bing unrecognizable. Even now, even now, if only that bastard could somehow¡­! ¡°¡­The Second Prince of Bariel, Gale Verocion, has passed away.¡± Hayman, who had been chewing his lips, jerked his head up in surprise. Those around him also let out gasps of surprise simultaneously. In stark contrast to the fuss they had made trying to kill him before the trial, Gale was dead. And he had walked in of his own ord. ¡°Did you just hear that? My goodness!¡± ¡°His Highness Gale has passed away.¡± ¡°Something seemed off from when he was climbing the stairs earlier. Could he have sacrificed himself for Bariel?¡± ¡°What sacrifice? He probably tried to seize an opportunity and failed. He was bound by charges of treason. By dealing with the demon, he could at least restore some of his fallen prestige, making it easier for Ruswena to negotiate when he sought asylum.¡± ¡°Still, it¡¯s clear he had the look of someone prepared for death.¡± Voices drifted about without order. Chaotic and frivolous. But that was only for a moment; Hayman¡¯s faction, who had been waiting for a chance to resurface, exchanged nces in silence. As mages, the Imperial Guard, and escorts rushed into the building for cleanup, they naturally stepped back and gathered together. ¡°Duke. We need to devise a n.¡± ¡°F-First, let¡¯s leave the pce. Then it would be good to gather our private soldiers and discuss. Let¡¯s contact each estate and rally. As for Dina, no, it¡¯s tooplicated to worry about that right now.¡± ¡°Won¡¯t it be a problem?¡± ¡°If we continue like this, problem or not, we¡¯ll all die!¡± They had supported a demon that tried to bring down Bariel. The game was essentially over. The Ministry of Magic had already saved the imperial pce from crisis twice, and the prince they protected had now be the empire¡¯s only heir. Not just that. With the emperor unable to fulfill his role in preserving his position, it was clear that Ian would be the de facto master of the imperial pce. There seemed to be no way to survive. Not only were they blocked front and back, but it felt like defeat was rising to their chins. ¡°Let¡¯s leave the pce.¡± Whatever happened, it was better to go to their estates than to stay in the imperial pce. Ian¡¯s condition looked quite bad, so this might be their chance. If there truly was no other option, they would have to attempt asylum in Ruswena, just as Gale had done. Just as they were about to prepare their carriages. ¡°Wait.¡± The Prime Minister, who had been discussing something with the mages, hurriedly raised his hand. Hayman vaguely sensed the measure he was about to take. The mages had started running towards the main gate of the imperial pce. The Prime Minister cleared his throat loudly, as if to draw attention. ¡°Ahem! From now until the situation is resolved, all entrances and exits of the imperial pce will be sealed.¡± A demon had infiltrated the imperial pce pretending to be a prince. Moreover, another prince had died because of it. Where in Bariel¡¯s history was there such a disgrace? As this was a matter that could not be recorded in history, the cleanup had to be perfect. Control, erasure, and fabrication for future generations. Everything needed to be returned to the Bariel of before Arsen¡¯s birth. For that, the first step was to keep witnesses confined by prohibiting them from leaving the pce. ¡°Everyone, please follow the guidance to the main building of the First Imperial Pce.¡± Given that he didn¡¯t mention the schedule for the countermeasure meeting, it seemed some kind of investigation would take ce beforehand. They had said Arsen used brainwashing. It was the correct procedure to check if anyone else had fallen under the demon¡¯s influence. Though it was uncertain when they would receive it, given how busy the mages and priests were. ¡°Oh my, we were trapped like thisst time too.¡± ¡°Once you enter the imperial pce, you can never leave, I swear.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. The matter is what it is. One way or another, it was a foregone conclusion that we couldn¡¯t leave today. We should be grateful that the demon was dealt with.¡± ¡°This way, please! We will guide you!¡± The nobles boarded carriages, whispering among themselves. One by one, they disappeared towards the main building of the First Imperial Pce, following the gestures of the Imperial Guard. This was in the opposite direction of the exit. Hayman and his followers had no choice but to get into their carriages. Neigh! ¡®The pce gates must have been sealed with magic. It¡¯s absolutely impossible to break through physically.¡¯ Hayman twisted his beard as if he would tear it out. Let¡¯s think, and let¡¯s observe. Let¡¯s consider how we can survive, how we can ovee this crisis. Earlier, he had only thought of fleeing in panic, but now that he thought about it calmly, wasn¡¯t that the move of an amateur among amateurs! The duke remained silent, assessing the situation until his followers gathered around him after arriving at the First Imperial Pce. ¡°Duke.¡± After about two hours had passed like this. With the darkening sky as a backdrop, someone approached him. It was a mage wrapped in a robe. Someone connected more by gold veins than blood veins. The one who had sent a letter to Hayman with the pen of the Ministry of Magic. He carefully reported what had happened at the cleanup site. ¡°¡­Arsen¡¯s fluid remains. It seems it will be definitively proven that he was a demon. Ian annihted the demon with sacred incantation circles and copsed from the aftermath, now receiving treatment. Romandro is in the same condition. Dina is hovering between life and death, but it seems there¡¯s no hope.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± It was fortunate that Ian had copsed, but it was regrettable that there was no hope for Dina. Jin had seemed to deeply miss his mother. The excuse to seek forgiveness by putting his mother forward, for a mistake caused by the demon¡¯s machinations, had disappeared. ¡°And a survivor said something strange. Arsen said that Ian is a member of the royal family. He cited the royal family¡¯s blessing of immunity to brainwashing as evidence.¡± ¡°What did you say?¡± Hayman¡¯s voice rose loudly at this unexpected nonsense. Because of this, his followers who had been watching anxiously focused their attention even more. The mage, as if feeling burdened, pulled his robe tight and disappeared. ¡°Duke. What did that person say?¡± Hayman stared nkly ahead. In contrast to his calm face, his fingertips were constantly scratching and tearing at the sofa armrest. A way, a chance to survive, was beginning to appear. ¡°¡­Listen carefully from now on. Every moment could be the turning point between life and death. First, we too were under Arsen¡¯s brainwashing. Otherwise, how could we have tried to push a mere demon as Bariel¡¯s sessor? Right?¡± ¡°Y-Your words are absolutely correct!¡± ¡°Of course! The demon controlled us!¡± The truth or falsehood wasn¡¯t important. The Ministry of Magic has truth potions anyway. The truth and lies would be distinguished ording to Ian¡¯s will. The key was to establish and assert an outward justification. Even if it seemed as insignificant as a sand castle, justification has meaning just by its existence. ¡°And-¡° The biggest problem now was the bond between Ian and Jin. Ian had given Jin substantial power through the means of the Ministry of Magic, and Jin had added authority through the legitimacy of the royal family. They couldn¡¯t deal with both of them at once. ¡°Arsen apparently said Ian is of royal blood. His Highness Jin heard it too.¡± ¡°What? What does that mean¡­¡± Again, the truth or falsehood of this wasn¡¯t important. Rather, if Ian were of royal blood, it would truly be disconcerting. The honor of being the first royal mage would be given to Ian, and this would mean the birth of a new emperor. ¡°What do you intend to do?¡± ¡°¡­What else?¡± Ian is too solid to find any gaps. So we need to shake the rtively weaker Jin. Shake that young body until he doesn¡¯t know who is beside him. ¡°Ian being of royal blood, ha, it¡¯s ridiculous even saying it¡­ Anyway, it will be a topic with unpredictable repercussions. Wouldn¡¯t the Minister of Magic, who is about toe of age, be more suitable for the throne than the young and insignificant Jin?¡± There is always only one seat. Needless to say for the throne, even the position of heir is just one. When he realizes that the helper who was assisting him is actually the most threatening existence, their rtionship will inevitably be different from before. If we keep shaking him like this, a chance to survive will appear. Someone who had been chain-smoking added awkwardly: ¡°Um, Ian¡¯s mother is alive and well. It doesn¡¯t seem like we can drag this out for long.¡± ¡°In an imperial pce where even princes die, what¡¯s a meremoner!¡± Bang! ¡°Get your head straight. If we don¡¯t eat, we¡¯ll be eaten. Our necks are already halfway in their mouths.¡± Haymanshed out as if telling him to stop talking nonsense. The ashtray that flew to the wall shattered into pieces. When we¡¯re about to be torn apart and die, is that little thing a problem? Hayman gritted his teeth in the thick smoke. *** Jin entered the grand conference hall, pretending to be nonchnt. The nobles and officials who were out in the corridor recognized Jin and bowed their heads. But was it because they were looking up from below? Somehow, the respect they showed didn¡¯t seem to reach all the way down. ¡°His Highness Jin has arrived.¡± ¡°Oh, my goodness. Your Highness¡­¡± ¡°Lord Ian¡­¡± Whispers that couldn¡¯t quite reach Jin scattered. Jin sensed a faint fear in their eyes. They had the same looks as when they faced the demon who looked exactly like him. It was natural that seeing Jin would remind them of Arsen, and the fear of the demon they had encountered for the first time in their lives would naturallye to mind. It was natural, but- ¡®Showing it like this is not natural.¡¯ What is it? What could it be? Somehow, the atmosphere among the nobles didn¡¯t seem right. If it wasn¡¯t about their simr appearance, were they doubting his bloodline from the same womb? ¡°His Highness Jin enters.¡± Creeeeak. As the servants opened the conference hall entrance from both sides, themotion that had been leaking out suddenly subsided. Hundreds of eyes poured on him at once. Jin unconsciously put his left hand into his sleeve and clenched it tightly. Ian had always held it, and now it felt empty. ¡®Wipe away your tears. Your Highness is a precious person.¡¯ ¡®If you endure and ovee this, it won¡¯te again. Even if it does, Your Highness will win.¡¯ But thefort he had left behind was vividly engraved in his heart. Jin noticed that there was an empty seat near the Prime Minister and walked towards it. Hundreds of eyes slowly moved, following that movement. Tap. Jin sat straight in the chair that Xiaoshi pushed for him and straightened his back. He could see Duke Hayman directly opposite, but the child maintained a calm expression. ¡°Your Highness. Are you alright?¡± The Prime Minister¡¯s question and Quintana¡¯s concerned gaze. Jin replied without even giving them a nce. He was now the only one left to support the imperial pce. As a prince, as a prince¡­ ¡°Of course. Let¡¯s start the meeting.¡± It was his first step without Ian by his side. Chapter 240. Whispering The Prime Minister paused for a moment, holding the gavel. When was it? It wasn¡¯t that long ago. Before the New Year¡¯s meeting, officials from each department would gather every morning to discuss agenda items, and in the afternoon, it was routine to present them to His Majesty. But at some point, grand meetings for major issues began to be called at all hours. Ah. Was it since the rebellion of Mariv and Gale? Anyway, two princes were already dead, and things hade to this point. A grand meeting without a scribe! This had significant implications for Bariel. ¡°I¡¯ll inform you in advance. The grand meeting about to begin will have no scribe, which means we intend not to inform future generations. Do not leave any trace of any words exchanged, and the moment you turn around, cut out the memory.¡± The Ministry of Magic would help ensure this. The mages were looking for an appropriate method to seal secrets. A spell of silence or a potion, or if those weren¡¯t feasible, they would even resort to magical tools. In any case, Ian¡¯s approval was needed. Bang! Bang bang! The Prime Minister struck the gavel roughly to announce the opening. Simultaneously, the doors closed firmly. With not just officials but nobles present as well, the air felt more stuffy than usual. ¡°It would have been better if Lord Ian were here, but understanding his physical condition, we ept his absence. Instead, refer to the reports distributed previously.¡± He was referring to the meeting on the day when none of Hayman and Arsen¡¯s faction had attended. More precisely, the meeting where they had failed to obtain a grand meeting resolution regarding the filing of usations. The report detailed the curse and oracle that began at the Carbo Temple, ¡°The Biography of Roberside,¡± and testimonies from Jin and Abidel. Rustle. The sound of turning pages echoed softly here and there. Jin was doing the same. With each sentence he read, it felt like he was objectively retracing the traces of his dead brother. ¡°Of course, these were mere allegations at the time. But we all knew they were true. The Carbo Temple should receive appropriate punishment. Are there any relevantws regarding this? Judiciary?¡± ¡°Since oracles don¡¯t have legal effect, there are no cases or precedents yet. Above all, since it was the work of a demon, it¡¯s considered unintentional, so it seems difficult to charge them with deceiving the imperial family or other crimes.¡± ¡°How about letting the Carbo Temple handle it internally? There should be independent regtions within the temple.¡± The statements went around one by one and stopped at Jin. In fact, he was the biggest victim of the oracle. It was right to consider his opinion as the most important. ¡°¡­I too think it¡¯s right to leave it to the temple. Although Abidel received the oracle incorrectly, when she realized its true nature, she didn¡¯t turn away but helped Ian. Her attitude of trying to make amends was clearly seen.¡± The ten years had been painful, but he couldn¡¯t lose the future over what was already lost. Keep emotions as just emotions. Don¡¯t let them lead to decisions. Jin spoke thus, recalling Ian¡¯s teachings. ¡°And I heard her wailing. It was so heartrending that even God seemed to pity andfort her. She was already stuck in a swamp of pain, not knowing what to do, so further punishment would be excessive.¡± ¡°If His Highness Jin says so¡­¡± ¡°Understood. We will inform the Carbo Temple ordingly.¡± Bang bang! The Prime Minister quickly concluded the resolution. There wasn¡¯t much time. With the imperial pce closed off, they needed to handle matters quickly before harsh rumors spread outside. He adjusted his sses and brought up ¡®that¡¯ name. ¡°Next is about Prince Gale. Arsen¡¯s records only span ten years, so although difficult, we can cut them out.¡± Moreover, Arsen was just a child receiving prince education, overshadowed by Mariv and Gale. He had never put his name to official duties or external activities of the imperial family, so erasing the records wasn¡¯t entirely impossible. But what about Gale? ¡°However, Prince Gale¡¯s materials are vast. Since we can¡¯t deny his existence, I think it would be better to write anew about his death.¡± ¡°I agree. He still maintained his prince status before the trial, and it¡¯s easier to add than to erase, isn¡¯t it?¡± Although he had directly stabbed Arsen¡¯s heart, no one knew. Not even Jin. God and Ian, who had witnessed hisst moments, were silent. ¡°Then, since treason charges are involved anyway, why not say he was suppressed after starting a rebellion? It would serve as an example for future generations, and the flow would be natural.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± ¡°What about the mages who died at the scene?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t a big problem that external forces, such as the rarely admitted nobles, died or were injured. But the mages were the imperial family¡¯s talents and assets of the empire. They were people whose names were recorded in history, so their deaths couldn¡¯t be glossed over. ¡°Let¡¯s record that they died during the civil war.¡± ¡°That seems appropriate.¡± ¡°There were many casualties at the time, so let¡¯s include them among those.¡± As the officials were creating gaps in history by exchanging words, Jin slightly raised his hand to cut off their conversation. ¡°Unlike Brother Gale, the mages don¡¯t bear any crimes. They died fighting against a demon to protect Bariel, so I think it¡¯s right to honor them.¡± ¡°Ah, well. That is a valid point too.¡± An official replied awkwardly, smacking his lips. No matter how much of a prince he was, wasn¡¯t he just a ten-year-old child? Moreover, he hadn¡¯t been attending meetings formally for long. ¡°When Lord Ian wakes up, it would be good to coordinate with the entire Ministry of Magic¡¯s opinion before deciding. It¡¯s not an urgent matter, is it?¡± Everyone smiled awkwardly and remained silent. The intention to link the Ministry of Magic¡¯s victims to the rebellion was, in the long run, an attempt to check the Ministry of Magic¡¯s power. Although everyone now knew of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s achievements and had handed over real power, it would eventually fade, and in the future, their existence would only be gauged by records. By connecting the Ministry of Magic with civil war, someone from the imperial side, a future restrainer, could use it effectively. In whatever way. ¡°Your Highness.¡± A voice tinged withughter called out to Jin. It was Duke Hayman. He was smiling with just the corners of his mouth raised, and his intention was clear. ¡®Ah, look at this young and foolish prince. Perfect to devour.¡¯ ¡°¡­Speak.¡± ¡°Tying the deaths of mages to the rebellion is helpful to Your Highness. May I ask why you oppose it?¡± It was an urging to confess that there was no reason, and it was just due to poor calction. The nobles whispered behind their fans. One couldn¡¯t know what expressions they were making beyond what couldn¡¯t be seen. Instead of answering, Jin slowly looked around the conference hall and soon noticed the hidden intention. It was remarkable how they were trying to take maximum advantage of Ian¡¯s absence while having survived thanks to him. Was it because this was a meeting without a scribe, one that would dissipate immediately after ending? Were they doing this freely because there was no one to directly receive Ian¡¯s bacsh? ¡°Didn¡¯t you just state the reason? They are heroes who died fighting a demon, so let¡¯s respect them as much as possible.¡± As the prince¡¯s silence lengthened, Quintana stepped in to smooth over the atmosphere. But Hayman kept smiling, his gaze fixed on Jin. It was clear disregard and pressure. ¡°They are already dead. It¡¯s a death that won¡¯t be recorded in history, so it seems you¡¯re going to extremes to honor it.¡± ¡°¡­Lord Hayman.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± Jin called out to Hayman in a clear voice. It was so clear and distinct that the resonance was crisp. As he raised his chin, the light made his blue eyes sparkle even more. ¡°If the end of those who died for the empire is miserable, who will step forward in times of crisis? Don¡¯t insult those who sacrificed. They did so for a greater cause, and we have an obligation to be grateful for that. Respecting their honor. That¡¯s the least the living can do.¡± Moreover, isn¡¯t it not something for nobles, of all people, to say? When the empire faced danger, for example in wartime situations, nobles were the first to be drafted and sacrificed. How could they make such statements? ¡°Well, those who would just watch during an imperial crisis probably can¡¯tprehend the spirits of those who sacrificed. Hmm. If anyone has a different opinion, please feel free to share. I¡¯m still inexperienced, it was just a small personal view.¡± Wouldn¡¯t adding more here make one ¡°someone who would just watch during an imperial crisis¡±? As Jin smiled brightly as if he didn¡¯t understand anything, Quintana and the Prime Minister exchanged nces, hiding their surprise. Being young and inexperienced was Jin¡¯s absolute weakness. But instead of clumsily hiding or decorating it, wasn¡¯t he openly using it as a weapon? ¡®Lord Ian must have taught him well. Though the result is different, he¡¯s thoroughly imitated his demeanor.¡¯ This time, everyone¡¯s gaze turned to Hayman. He bit the inside of his cheek as if exasperated, but soonposed himself and continued his opinion. ¡°¡­No. I only brought it up out of concern for Your Highness. Please don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± ¡°Misunderstand? Not at all. Isn¡¯t this what meetings are for? To find the best option, the existence of second-best is also important. That¡¯s how we know the best is truly the best.¡± To imply that Hayman¡¯s statement waspletely useless like that. Quintana almost let out an exmation involuntarily. Isn¡¯t this truly interesting? His highness must have harbored a firm determination. And for good reason, the opponent was none other than Hayman. He was the core of Arsen¡¯s faction that had been in check, and the essence of the nobles who had been causing trouble since Mariv and Gale¡¯s rebellion. ¡°By the way, Duke Hayman.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Are you alright?¡± Hayman hesitated at the sudden question. But regardless, Jin feigned innocence and asked after his well-being. ¡°Except for my mother, you had the most contact with Arsen, who turned out to be a demon.¡± It was a move to point out his association with the demon. Most of the attendees were those who had turned their backs believing in Arsen¡¯s magic power, so everyone tensed up, repeatedly wetting their lips with saliva. ¡°Yes. I was brainwashed without realizing it and almostmitted a disgraceful act. But the mages and priests have double-checked, and they say there¡¯s no problem now.¡± ¡°Oh? It was brainwashing?¡± You¡¯re calmly telling a lie that will be exposed once Ian wakes up and time passes. But Jin just kept nodding his head, pretending to be pondering something. ¡°However, Your Highness¡­¡± Just as Hayman was about to speak, the Prime Minister¡¯s subordinate entered from outside and urgently conveyed something to him. The Prime Minister¡¯s brow instantly furrowed as he looked at Hayman. What could it be? Jin was about to ask curiously, but the Prime Minister struck his gavel to prevent it. Bang! Bang! ¡°Excuse me. We¡¯ll take about an hour¡¯s break.¡± Leaving behind the bewildered nobles, the Prime Minister whispered to Jin. With Mariv, Gale, and even the Emperor absent, he was the only one left in the imperial pce. ¡°Your Highness. I hear an official delegation from Ruswena has arrived. I¡¯ll meet them first at my level, so please stay in your seat for now.¡± Ruswena! Why now? Jin managed his expression and nced at Hayman. He too was urgently discussing something with other nobles. But, they probably don¡¯t know yet. As the Prime Minister left the conference hall, Hayman casually inquired after Jin¡¯s well-being. ¡°Your Highness. Are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°It must be thanks to the imperial family¡¯s blessing. That¡¯s a relief. But you know, there¡¯s an incredibly absurd rumor going around, could you confirm if it¡¯s true?¡± ¡°Which one?¡± ¡°They say that before the demon died, it said Lord Ian was of royal blood. Is that true?¡± Quintana, who had stood up to smoke, turned around in disbelief. What nonsense is this? It¡¯s a question far beyond the bounds ofmon sense. Hayman has gone too far, she thought, clicking her tongue involuntarily as she responded. ¡°Duke. Your statement is shocking. Even without a scribe, this is the imperial pce. What on earth are you-¡° ¡°Even the High Priest, full of divine power, fell helplessly. I¡¯m just asking out of curiosity about how Lord Ian was unharmed. Why are you reacting so sensitively?¡± As Quintana was about to retort, snapping her pipe in half, Jin stopped her with his hand. The child kept smiling. ¡°Duke. Ian is the Minister of the Ministry of Magic. Isn¡¯t it natural that a demon¡¯s tricks wouldn¡¯t work on him, given his extraordinary magical power?¡± Then he slowly stood up and approached the duke. Although it was break time and everyone seemed to be minding their own business, they were subtly paying attention to the two. ¡°And even if not, the demon might have excluded Ian when using its ability to cause confusion.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s possible.¡± ¡°Ian being of royal blood. Hahaha. You seem to be more conscious of the demon¡¯s words than of the person who saved the imperial pce twice. Perhaps your brainwashing hasn¡¯t fully worn off? You should go to the Ministry of Magic for additional examination.¡± As the child approached, Hayman also bent slightly at the waist to meet his eye level. Ian being of royal blood was just a tool to create repercussions. The essence was to shake the rtionship between Ian and Jin. He suggested very quietly. Like a demon, it was a tickling whisper. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about Your Highness. Didn¡¯t the demon say that Ian was hiding his true intentions?¡± ¡°So-¡° ¡°So why don¡¯t you test it?¡± The matter of Ian rising to the position of minister, actively appointing people despite external opposition. No matter how you look at it, it was an unnecessary thing, but he stubbornly refused to give it up, contrary to reason. ¡°The construction of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s annex would be appropriate. It¡¯s just to expand the Ministry of Magic¡¯s influence, so I¡¯m curious how Ian would react if Your Highness opposes it.¡± Chapter 240 Chapter 240 ¨C Whispering The Prime Minister paused for a moment, holding the gavel. When was it? It wasn¡¯t that long ago. Before the New Year¡¯s meeting, officials from each department would gather every morning to discuss agenda items, and in the afternoon, it was routine to present them to His Majesty. But at some point, grand meetings for major issues began to be called at all hours. Ah. Was it since the rebellion of Mariv and Gale? Anyway, two princes were already dead, and things hade to this point. A grand meeting without a scribe! This had significant implications for Bariel. ¡°I¡¯ll inform you in advance. The grand meeting about to begin will have no scribe, which means we intend not to inform future generations. Do not leave any trace of any words exchanged, and the moment you turn around, cut out the memory.¡± The Ministry of Magic would help ensure this. The mages were looking for an appropriate method to seal secrets. A spell of silence or a potion, or if those weren¡¯t feasible, they would even resort to magical tools. In any case, Ian¡¯s approval was needed. Bang! Bang bang! The Prime Minister struck the gavel roughly to announce the opening. Simultaneously, the doors closed firmly. With not just officials but nobles present as well, the air felt more stuffy than usual. ¡°It would have been better if Lord Ian were here, but understanding his physical condition, we ept his absence. Instead, refer to the reports distributed previously.¡± He was referring to the meeting on the day when none of Hayman and Arsen¡¯s faction had attended. More precisely, the meeting where they had failed to obtain a grand meeting resolution regarding the filing of usations. The report detailed the curse and oracle that began at the Carbo Temple, ¡°The Biography of Roberside,¡± and testimonies from Jin and Abidel. Rustle. The sound of turning pages echoed softly here and there. Jin was doing the same. With each sentence he read, it felt like he was objectively retracing the traces of his dead brother. ¡°Of course, these were mere allegations at the time. But we all knew they were true. The Carbo Temple should receive appropriate punishment. Are there any relevantws regarding this? Judiciary?¡± ¡°Since oracles don¡¯t have legal effect, there are no cases or precedents yet. Above all, since it was the work of a demon, it¡¯s considered unintentional, so it seems difficult to charge them with deceiving the imperial family or other crimes.¡± ¡°How about letting the Carbo Temple handle it internally? There should be independent regtions within the temple.¡± The statements went around one by one and stopped at Jin. In fact, he was the biggest victim of the oracle. It was right to consider his opinion as the most important. ¡°¡­I too think it¡¯s right to leave it to the temple. Although Abidel received the oracle incorrectly, when she realized its true nature, she didn¡¯t turn away but helped Ian. Her attitude of trying to make amends was clearly seen.¡± The ten years had been painful, but he couldn¡¯t lose the future over what was already lost. Keep emotions as just emotions. Don¡¯t let them lead to decisions. Jin spoke thus, recalling Ian¡¯s teachings. ¡°And I heard her wailing. It was so heartrending that even God seemed to pity andfort her. She was already stuck in a swamp of pain, not knowing what to do, so further punishment would be excessive.¡± ¡°If His Highness Jin says so¡­¡± ¡°Understood. We will inform the Carbo Temple ordingly.¡± Bang bang! The Prime Minister quickly concluded the resolution. There wasn¡¯t much time. With the imperial pce closed off, they needed to handle matters quickly before harsh rumors spread outside. He adjusted his sses and brought up ¡®that¡¯ name. ¡°Next is about Prince Gale. Arsen¡¯s records only span ten years, so although difficult, we can cut them out.¡± Moreover, Arsen was just a child receiving prince education, overshadowed by Mariv and Gale. He had never put his name to official duties or external activities of the imperial family, so erasing the records wasn¡¯t entirely impossible. But what about Gale? ¡°However, Prince Gale¡¯s materials are vast. Since we can¡¯t deny his existence, I think it would be better to write anew about his death.¡± ¡°I agree. He still maintained his prince status before the trial, and it¡¯s easier to add than to erase, isn¡¯t it?¡± Although he had directly stabbed Arsen¡¯s heart, no one knew. Not even Jin. God and Ian, who had witnessed hisst moments, were silent. ¡°Then, since treason charges are involved anyway, why not say he was suppressed after starting a rebellion? It would serve as an example for future generations, and the flow would be natural.¡± ¡°I agree.¡± ¡°What about the mages who died at the scene?¡± ¡°Hmm¡­¡± It wasn¡¯t a big problem that external forces, such as the rarely admitted nobles, died or were injured. But the mages were the imperial family¡¯s talents and assets of the empire. They were people whose names were recorded in history, so their deaths couldn¡¯t be glossed over. ¡°Let¡¯s record that they died during the civil war.¡± ¡°That seems appropriate.¡± ¡°There were many casualties at the time, so let¡¯s include them among those.¡± As the officials were creating gaps in history by exchanging words, Jin slightly raised his hand to cut off their conversation. ¡°Unlike Brother Gale, the mages don¡¯t bear any crimes. They died fighting against a demon to protect Bariel, so I think it¡¯s right to honor them.¡± ¡°Ah, well. That is a valid point too.¡± An official replied awkwardly, smacking his lips. No matter how much of a prince he was, wasn¡¯t he just a ten-year-old child? Moreover, he hadn¡¯t been attending meetings formally for long. ¡°When Lord Ian wakes up, it would be good to coordinate with the entire Ministry of Magic¡¯s opinion before deciding. It¡¯s not an urgent matter, is it?¡± Everyone smiled awkwardly and remained silent. The intention to link the Ministry of Magic¡¯s victims to the rebellion was, in the long run, an attempt to check the Ministry of Magic¡¯s power. Although everyone now knew of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s achievements and had handed over real power, it would eventually fade, and in the future, their existence would only be gauged by records. By connecting the Ministry of Magic with civil war, someone from the imperial side, a future restrainer, could use it effectively. In whatever way. ¡°Your Highness.¡± A voice tinged withughter called out to Jin. It was Duke Hayman. He was smiling with just the corners of his mouth raised, and his intention was clear. ¡®Ah, look at this young and foolish prince. Perfect to devour.¡¯ ¡°¡­Speak.¡± ¡°Tying the deaths of mages to the rebellion is helpful to Your Highness. May I ask why you oppose it?¡± It was an urging to confess that there was no reason, and it was just due to poor calction. The nobles whispered behind their fans. One couldn¡¯t know what expressions they were making beyond what couldn¡¯t be seen. Instead of answering, Jin slowly looked around the conference hall and soon noticed the hidden intention. It was remarkable how they were trying to take maximum advantage of Ian¡¯s absence while having survived thanks to him. Was it because this was a meeting without a scribe, one that would dissipate immediately after ending? Were they doing this freely because there was no one to directly receive Ian¡¯s bacsh? ¡°Didn¡¯t you just state the reason? They are heroes who died fighting a demon, so let¡¯s respect them as much as possible.¡± As the prince¡¯s silence lengthened, Quintana stepped in to smooth over the atmosphere. But Hayman kept smiling, his gaze fixed on Jin. It was clear disregard and pressure. ¡°They are already dead. It¡¯s a death that won¡¯t be recorded in history, so it seems you¡¯re going to extremes to honor it.¡± ¡°¡­Lord Hayman.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± Jin called out to Hayman in a clear voice. It was so clear and distinct that the resonance was crisp. As he raised his chin, the light made his blue eyes sparkle even more. ¡°If the end of those who died for the empire is miserable, who will step forward in times of crisis? Don¡¯t insult those who sacrificed. They did so for a greater cause, and we have an obligation to be grateful for that. Respecting their honor. That¡¯s the least the living can do.¡± Moreover, isn¡¯t it not something for nobles, of all people, to say? When the empire faced danger, for example in wartime situations, nobles were the first to be drafted and sacrificed. How could they make such statements? ¡°Well, those who would just watch during an imperial crisis probably can¡¯tprehend the spirits of those who sacrificed. Hmm. If anyone has a different opinion, please feel free to share. I¡¯m still inexperienced, it was just a small personal view.¡± Wouldn¡¯t adding more here make one ¡°someone who would just watch during an imperial crisis¡±? As Jin smiled brightly as if he didn¡¯t understand anything, Quintana and the Prime Minister exchanged nces, hiding their surprise. Being young and inexperienced was Jin¡¯s absolute weakness. But instead of clumsily hiding or decorating it, wasn¡¯t he openly using it as a weapon? ¡®Lord Ian must have taught him well. Though the result is different, he¡¯s thoroughly imitated his demeanor.¡¯ This time, everyone¡¯s gaze turned to Hayman. He bit the inside of his cheek as if exasperated, but soonposed himself and continued his opinion. ¡°¡­No. I only brought it up out of concern for Your Highness. Please don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± ¡°Misunderstand? Not at all. Isn¡¯t this what meetings are for? To find the best option, the existence of second-best is also important. That¡¯s how we know the best is truly the best.¡± To imply that Hayman¡¯s statement waspletely useless like that. Quintana almost let out an exmation involuntarily. Isn¡¯t this truly interesting? His highness must have harbored a firm determination. And for good reason, the opponent was none other than Hayman. He was the core of Arsen¡¯s faction that had been in check, and the essence of the nobles who had been causing trouble since Mariv and Gale¡¯s rebellion. ¡°By the way, Duke Hayman.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Are you alright?¡± Hayman hesitated at the sudden question. But regardless, Jin feigned innocence and asked after his well-being. ¡°Except for my mother, you had the most contact with Arsen, who turned out to be a demon.¡± It was a move to point out his association with the demon. Most of the attendees were those who had turned their backs believing in Arsen¡¯s magic power, so everyone tensed up, repeatedly wetting their lips with saliva. ¡°Yes. I was brainwashed without realizing it and almostmitted a disgraceful act. But the mages and priests have double-checked, and they say there¡¯s no problem now.¡± ¡°Oh? It was brainwashing?¡± You¡¯re calmly telling a lie that will be exposed once Ian wakes up and time passes. But Jin just kept nodding his head, pretending to be pondering something. ¡°However, Your Highness¡­¡± Just as Hayman was about to speak, the Prime Minister¡¯s subordinate entered from outside and urgently conveyed something to him. The Prime Minister¡¯s brow instantly furrowed as he looked at Hayman. What could it be? Jin was about to ask curiously, but the Prime Minister struck his gavel to prevent it. Bang! Bang! ¡°Excuse me. We¡¯ll take about an hour¡¯s break.¡± Leaving behind the bewildered nobles, the Prime Minister whispered to Jin. With Mariv, Gale, and even the Emperor absent, he was the only one left in the imperial pce. ¡°Your Highness. I hear an official delegation from Ruswena has arrived. I¡¯ll meet them first at my level, so please stay in your seat for now.¡± Ruswena! Why now? Jin managed his expression and nced at Hayman. He too was urgently discussing something with other nobles. But, they probably don¡¯t know yet. As the Prime Minister left the conference hall, Hayman casually inquired after Jin¡¯s well-being. ¡°Your Highness. Are you alright?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°It must be thanks to the imperial family¡¯s blessing. That¡¯s a relief. But you know, there¡¯s an incredibly absurd rumor going around, could you confirm if it¡¯s true?¡± ¡°Which one?¡± ¡°They say that before the demon died, it said Lord Ian was of royal blood. Is that true?¡± Quintana, who had stood up to smoke, turned around in disbelief. What nonsense is this? It¡¯s a question far beyond the bounds ofmon sense. Hayman has gone too far, she thought, clicking her tongue involuntarily as she responded. ¡°Duke. Your statement is shocking. Even without a scribe, this is the imperial pce. What on earth are you-¡° ¡°Even the High Priest, full of divine power, fell helplessly. I¡¯m just asking out of curiosity about how Lord Ian was unharmed. Why are you reacting so sensitively?¡± As Quintana was about to retort, snapping her pipe in half, Jin stopped her with his hand. The child kept smiling. ¡°Duke. Ian is the Minister of the Ministry of Magic. Isn¡¯t it natural that a demon¡¯s tricks wouldn¡¯t work on him, given his extraordinary magical power?¡± Then he slowly stood up and approached the duke. Although it was break time and everyone seemed to be minding their own business, they were subtly paying attention to the two. ¡°And even if not, the demon might have excluded Ian when using its ability to cause confusion.¡± ¡°Yes. That¡¯s possible.¡± ¡°Ian being of royal blood. Hahaha. You seem to be more conscious of the demon¡¯s words than of the person who saved the imperial pce twice. Perhaps your brainwashing hasn¡¯t fully worn off? You should go to the Ministry of Magic for additional examination.¡± As the child approached, Hayman also bent slightly at the waist to meet his eye level. Ian being of royal blood was just a tool to create repercussions. The essence was to shake the rtionship between Ian and Jin. He suggested very quietly. Like a demon, it was a tickling whisper. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about Your Highness. Didn¡¯t the demon say that Ian was hiding his true intentions?¡± ¡°So-¡° ¡°So why don¡¯t you test it?¡± The matter of Ian rising to the position of minister, actively appointing people despite external opposition. No matter how you look at it, it was an unnecessary thing, but he stubbornly refused to give it up, contrary to reason. ¡°The construction of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s annex would be appropriate. It¡¯s just to expand the Ministry of Magic¡¯s influence, so I¡¯m curious how Ian would react if Your Highness opposes it.¡± Chapter 241 Chapter 241 ¨C Calling Names ¡°¡­Reason to oppose?¡± Jin remembered how Hayman had looked at him earlier. Now it was his turn to provide a proper reason. As if telling him to try and persuade, he faced the duke more leisurely. The smile suggesting that if he couldn¡¯t, he should admit his own foolishness was a bonus. With the slight urging nod, Ian¡¯s image strongly ovepped. ¡°The reason depends on what Your Highnesses up with.¡± ¡°You throw out the topic, and I¡¯m to provide the reason?¡± Therger the Ministry of Magic¡¯s power grew, the more it primarily benefited Jin. With no blood rtives to rely on, including his father and mother, Ian had firmly stepped up as his protector. As long as he was the Minister of the Ministry of Magic, the department¡¯s strength would directly corrte to Jin¡¯s position. It might be a different story if it ever threatened the throne, but the Ian that Jin knew was too intelligent to allow such a problem to arise. ¡°I¡¯m not truly suggesting you oppose it. Aren¡¯t you curious about what fish live in the water? It¡¯s a kind of advice to use it like a stirring stick. Your Highness is still young and might not understand, but there¡¯s nothing as murky as people¡¯s hearts.¡± Jin erased his smile and red at Hayman. A very familiar feeling crept up. Wasn¡¯t it remarkably simr to the venomous words Arsen had used to torment his soul for ten years? ¡°I agree. It¡¯s not just murky, it¡¯s rotten.¡± He wouldn¡¯t be fooled anymore. He had heard it until his ears were numb and engraved it in his heart until it swelled. Those were nonsense pretending to be for his benefit, trying to control his potential and suppress his will. ¡®Your Highness is the center of the world, your belief is the truth.¡¯ Jin turned his body, following Ian¡¯s voice ringing in his ears. Then he sat in the chair with a resolute expression, waiting for the meeting to resume. With such an obvious demeanor refusing any kind of approach, Hayman made a subtle expression and was once again surrounded by his faction. ¡°¡­Xiao.¡± Xiaoshi, who had been waiting behind while concealing his presence, took a step closer. Jin quietly ordered, covering his mouth with the report: ¡°Go to the Ministry of Magic and have them bring the usation letter that Romandro wrote and filed. Can you do it?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Good. Let¡¯s hurry. If there¡¯s any problem, ask Viviana for help.¡± Jin fiddled with the thick edge of the report as he watched Xiaoshi leave. If Ian were here in this ce now, what would he have achieved? The more he pondered, the clearer one answer became. Creeeeak! An hourter. The Prime Minister entered the hall again, looking no different from before. To Jin¡¯s questioning gaze asking what had happened, he just nodded as if to say wait a moment. ¡°Excuse me. Let¡¯s continue the meeting. I ask everyone to be seated. And the Ministry of Magic has sent word that they will prioritize using a silencing spell, but¡­¡± The Prime Minister trailed off, awkwardly stroking his beard. His pale eyes very briefly scanned over Duke Hayman. ¡®Bringing in Ruswena. Really, do they have any awareness of being Bariel nobles, or not? Even if they¡¯ve formed a marriage alliance with them¡­¡¯ He couldn¡¯t gauge how much information Hayman had leaked to Ruswena. The variable, in particr, was Dina. Had she perhaps informed Hayman about the Emperor¡¯s suspension as well? No. No matter what, Dina wouldn¡¯t have shared that. The Emperor¡¯s incapacitation could act as a threatening move against her and Arsen. The Prime Minister naturally pressed his temples as he continued: ¡°There are no mages specializing in silencing spells, and above all, it consumes quite a lot of magic power, so they say five people at most can be done today.¡± It meant only five people could leave the pce tonight. The nobles unconsciously tried to exchange nces but hesitated. This was because Hayman¡¯s faction signaled them not to step forward. Hayman raised one hand elegantly and spoke: ¡°Prime Minister. As you know, the Hayman family runs various businesses, including banks. If I can¡¯t leave today, I¡¯m certain the damage won¡¯t be limited to just my family.¡± He was the one leading the empire¡¯s flow of wealth. It was a usible excuse, but one no one agreed with. The Prime Minister hesitated for a moment, holding the gavel. Considering the Ruswena matter and charges of rebellion and collusion with Arsen, it would be better to keep him in the pce. But¡­ ¡®Would it be alright to do so?¡¯ Hayman was the central axis of the central nobles, and if they tried to shake him, it was impossible to predict how others would react. Although there were restrictions on the number of private soldiers nobles could have, what if they all united? Moreover, wasn¡¯t Hayman the owner of the ck Armor? Could the imperial pce handle it? The Emperor was gone, and so were Mariv and Gale. The military forces had been dispersed due to the two princes¡¯ rebellion. The Ministry of Magic and Imperial Guard were short-staffed due to the Arsen incident. The Prime Minister personally felt that the imperial pce was in the worst situation now. The justification was clear and certain, yet he had no choice but to deliberate like this. ¡°I oppose.¡± It was when the Prime Minister was deep in thought. In contrast to his previous ailing appearance, Jin¡¯s resolute voice cut through. ¡°Duke Hayman. You are used of participating in the rebellion by colluding with my brother Gale. Then you immediately tried to ce Arsen, who turned out to be a demon, in the sessor¡¯s position. Whether intentional or not, your actions have continuously threatened Bariel. It would be best for you to remain in the pce for further investigation.¡± ¡°Your Highness. I have already provided an exnation regarding that matter.¡± ¡°Do you think an exnation can substitute for a judgment? A few days ago, the Ministry of Magic received an usation letter against Duke Hayman. However, the grand meeting to decide on referring it to trial failed because most didn¡¯t attend.¡± It was natural since a majority was needed, but the number of people gathered didn¡¯t even reach a majority. Jin smiled brightly and looked around at the officials. They just lowered their gazes slightly, hoping not to get caught in the crossfire. ¡°I suspect it might have been Arsen¡¯s machination. Otherwise, how could so many people be absent at once? Don¡¯t you think?¡± ¡°Th-That, Your Highness¡­¡± ¡°We¡¯ve all gathered now under the pretext of a grand meeting. There¡¯s no scribe, but everyone necessary for a resolution is here, so what¡¯s the problem? Let¡¯s discuss together about referring Hayman to trial.¡± At that moment, Xiaoshi handed over the original usation letter from behind. Jin threw it into the center of the round table, indicating that anyone who wanted to verify could do so. Arge seal indicating it was an official usation letter was stamped on the cover. ¡°While it¡¯s right to keep silent about matters rted to Arsen, this is separate. When Lord Ian wakes up, I will personally report the results to him.¡± If anyone opposes here, I will remember their names. The empire¡¯s only heir, myself, and Ian, who is at the center of the political situation, will remember and not let it slide. The child was smiling brightly while giving such a warning. ¡°Officials, remember all of this content.¡± ¡°Your Highness, that is¡­¡± ¡°Oh my. Is it hazy due to brainwashing? Shall I read it out loud for you?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that.¡± Those with voting rights looked at Hayman. When confronted so openly, there was no pretext to counter. Jin signaled the Prime Minister to proceed. The Prime Minister let out an inward sigh of relief as he gripped the gavel. No matter his role as the Emperor¡¯s proxy, he was just the Prime Minister. If Prince Jin stepped forward like this, it would be much easier. ¡°Well then, although sudden, this is rted to Duke Hayman¡¯s departure from the pce, so we¡¯ll address this first. The usation letter number is 52398.¡± Rustle. Quintana confirmed that the usation letter was the genuine original and reported no issues. The nobles¡¯ whispers grew louder. ¡°What happens after the trial date is set?¡± ¡°His Highness Gale is gone, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°The absence of one witness isn¡¯t a problem. I heard from a friend in the judiciary that there are many charges besides rebellion. It seems it won¡¯t be easy to overlook, even for Duke Hayman.¡± ¡°What happens to us if the Hayman family disappears?¡± ¡°Overall, we¡¯ll be demoted, but some among us will take Hayman¡¯s ce. Is there a family Lord Ian is trying to push? I haven¡¯t heard any rumors.¡± ¡°I heard the Sereau family proposed marriage.¡± ¡°Oh my. Goodness.¡± Hayman firmly set his lips and gripped the railing. He too, as a noble without an official position, had no voting rights. He red with a fierce gaze at the officials who had eaten his money. It was a warning that if they betrayed him here, he would show them true hell. ¡°¡­The usation content, corresponding ims, and evidence have already passed the qualifying line by Officer Ericse. Let¡¯s proceed directly to voting. Those who agree to refer usation letter number 52398 to trial, show your intention.¡± Bang bang! Jin raised his hand first. Then Quintana followed. The sound of clothes rustling as hands were raised flowed quietly. Then a few others joined in. But it was still far from a majority. Jin slowly and emphatically called out the names of those who had raised their hands. ¡°Those who have raised their hands now are Quintana from the Administration, Mattingly, Cyril Paulson, Harvey Bodkin from the Judiciary, and Ashbuster and Wyvern from Foreign Affairs. Is that correct?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°I was worried I might not have memorized your names since I haven¡¯t been participating in meetings for long. But it seems that was an unnecessary concern.¡± Calling names held a truly strong power. It informed that he remembered those who had voted and was aware of those who hadn¡¯t. Hands reluctantly rising here and there. ¡°Oh. Wellinger Mabe.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Right. You were from Foreign Affairs too.¡± Swish. It¡¯s difficult to push arge stone, but once it starts rolling, it¡¯s the principle that it runs on inertia. As it got closer to a majority, the possibility of passing the resolution grew closer, and those opposing flicked their fingertips. If they held out until the end and a trial was set, wouldn¡¯t they really be bound with Hayman and headed for hell? ¡®Even now?¡¯ ¡®Ah, if that one agrees too¡­¡¯ ¡®Three more, just three¡­¡¯ ¡°I, I agree too.¡± ¡°Right. Bayes. This is the first time we¡¯re facing each other like this. Is that a majority?¡± As the Prime Minister nodded, estimating the numbers, the remaining ones simultaneously agreed, cutting off their tails. Every single person with voting rights, without exception, agreed. The Prime Minister clicked his tongue in dismay at the sight. ¡°With a majority in favor, usation letter number 52398 is recognized as qualified. The Judiciary, prepare for the trial.¡± Bang! Bang bang! As the Prime Minister brought down the gavel, the nobles outside the railing fell into chaos. Even those unrted to Hayman reacted strongly, and those who were rted reacted even more intensely. ¡°Look here, weren¡¯t we in the middle of an emergency grand meeting about the Arsen incident! How can this be happening?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right! This is invalid!¡± ¡°Damn it, no, hey! You! Bayes! You shouldn¡¯t have done that!¡± ¡°Restrain yourselves, restrain! Where do you think you are to raise your voice!¡± ¡°This is nonsense. Isn¡¯t thispletely railroading?¡± Everyone was furious, but they couldn¡¯t cross the railing. This was because the pce guards had their spears at the ready. If it were their estates, if they could move their private soldiers at will, they would have overturned everything long ago with such force. The Prime Minister kept banging his gavel and shouted: ¡°How dare you! With the prince present, how can you use such insulting words? Do you want to be summarily punished?¡± Bang! Boom! But they were people who might soon lose their heads. Such warnings had no effect. As the atmosphere grew more heated, Quintana gestured to Xiaoshi to protect Jin. ¡°Your Highness. I will contact you again after we sort this out. Please go to the Ministry of Magic for a while.¡± There were many details to decide, starting with selecting who would leave the pce, but given the situation, it was impossible to proceed. Jin agreed and got into the carriage, soon returning to the Ministry of Magic. Clop clop! ¡°Your Highness?¡± ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯ll get hurt if you run.¡± Jin started running as soon as he got out of the carriage. The child looked excited. Without sparing a nce at his surroundings, he ran solely for one destination. Ian¡¯s office. Creeeeak! m! Ian was lying in the same neat posture as when he had left, and Jin approached and buried his head next to the bed. He wished Ian would wake up soon. So he could tell him what happened in the meeting hall. He would be praised, Ian would smile and say he did really well. The child whispered softly, consoling his regretful feelings. ¡°Lord Ian. You know. I think I did pretty well in the meeting hall today.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°It might not be so, but at least I think so. So, hurry and wake up to teach me. Whether I did well or not.¡± ¡°¡­What did you do?¡± ¡°Eh!?¡± Ian responded quietly. His eyes were still closed, but judging by the slight change in his lips, it was clear he had spoken. ¡°Lord Ian! How are you awake?¡± ¡°¡­Beric, that guy kept being noisy¡­¡± ¡°Ah,e to think of it, Beric isn¡¯t here!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± He seemed to have regained consciousness, but still couldn¡¯t ovee his fatigue. He was barely responding, just mumbling. Jin watched Ian¡¯s appearance quietly for a while and then asked softly. ¡°¡­But Lord Ian.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Why did Hayman¡¯s words suddenlye to mind? He wanted to ask. What would he do if Jin opposed the construction of the Ministry of Magic¡¯s annex? But Jin soon shook his head and smiled. ¡°Never mind. Have a good dream.¡± A littleter, when he would be fine with any answer he might receive. The child decided to ask then, putting the thought aside for now. Chapter 242 Chapter 242 ¨C Ruswena Delegation The Ruswena delegation was guided to the reception room farthest from the main building of the imperial pce. This was partly because it was an unannounced visit, and partly to hide themotion inside the pce as much as possible. The Prime Minister, leading his staff, hurried across the corridor. ¡°Did you say the delegation¡¯s representative is Eldert?¡± ¡°Yes. He¡¯s the cousin and closest confidant of Erifoni, the current 12th king of Ruswena. He¡¯s said to be serving as the king¡¯s advisor now. Before bing an advisor, he has a background as a professor of urban engineering at Ruswena National University.¡± ¡°¡­A professor? He looked quite young.¡± The Prime Minister marveled, recalling the man he had briefly seen during the break. The fact that the king¡¯s confidant hade meant that they weren¡¯t taking Hayman¡¯s request for help lightly. Well, if they had, they wouldn¡¯t havee directly to the imperial pce like this in the first ce. The Prime Minister furrowed his pale eyes as he entered the arched main door. The servants standing on both sides of the reception room noticed his presence and announced it inside. Creeeeak. ¡°The Prime Minister enters.¡± As the doors opened on both sides, those who were drinking tea on the sofa stood up simultaneously. Excluding the guards, there were five in the delegation. Among them, Eldert, the representative, was thest to put down his teacup. He was a man with long teal hair, nted eyes, and in contrast, prominently soft lips. ¡°Oh, Prime Minister.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve waited long.¡± ¡°Not at all. We¡¯re grateful for providing such a quiet reception room. It feels like our travel fatigue is melting away.¡± The staff flinched at Eldert¡¯s courteous remark. Wasn¡¯t he indirectly pointing out that they had been given the innermost, most secluded part of the imperial pce? Moreover, quite some time had passed as they were dealing with the chaos in the grand meeting. Normally, the delegation should have been assigned quarters to rest in by now, not still be in the reception room. Yet, they had been left here in the reception room without any attendants. Rather than melting away, their fatigue should rightfully be building up. Regardless of the rtionship between the empire and the kingdom, this was clearly a mistake, or rather, a non-mistake by the imperial pce. ¡®Well, look at this?¡¯ But what could they do? It was impossible for the Emperor toe out personally for a sudden visit, and he couldn¡¯t do so now anyway. Normally, receiving foreign delegations was Mariv¡¯s responsibility, but he was dead. The Foreign Affairs Department? Those with high enough status to receive the delegation were all tied up in the grand meeting. ¡°Everything in the imperial pce is the best. Whatever it is, it¡¯s sufficient to relieve your travel fatigue. Please, sit.¡± Using Hayman as an excuse to target cracks in the empire, how dare they sharpen their tongues? This much hospitality is more than you deserve, the Prime Minister responded with a smile. The staff and delegation subordinates sensed the chilled atmosphere and held their breath. ¡°Well. What business brings you here from far-off Ruswena? I heard you were looking for Duke Hayman.¡± Although they were immediate neighbors, the Prime Minister deliberately added the word ¡®far-off¡¯. This wasn¡¯t simply to create distance or a tactic for gaining the upper hand. After all, looking anywhere in the world, there were no examples of good rtions between bordering countries. ¡°We heard that Duke Hayman was in the pce and wanted to see him. Please don¡¯t read too much into it.¡± Wars and conflicts to gain even a little more of the drawn border, and the hatred, anger, and disgust sown because of it. Of course, Bariel was an empire and they were a kingdom, so naturally, Bariel had the upper hand throughout history. However, Ruswena was self-sufficient, centered around fertilend, andpared to other countries, the legitimacy of their royal family was maintained almost perfectly. It was a clear example of how distinct their national character was. ¡°And?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve heard there¡¯s been somemotion in the imperial pce. Concerned that His Majesty the Emperor might be worried, our king has sent a modest gift.¡± At Eldert¡¯s signal, his subordinate brought out a small box. It was full of ck jewels said to be found only in Ruswena and rare medicinal herbs. The Prime Minister stroked his beard and carefully observed Eldert. The jewels were one thing, but what was the meaning of the medicinal herbs? It seemed they knew the Emperor¡¯s condition was serious externally. Then, what about the suspension? Did this mean Hayman didn¡¯t know about that? ¡°If it¡¯s alright, please grant us the honor of presenting this to His Majesty directly.¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s not possible. His Majesty¡¯s workload is excessive, and he can¡¯t spare time for unscheduled meetings. I will certainly emphasize King Erifoni¡¯s sincerity when I convey this.¡± The Prime Minister shook his head, indicating refusal. His staff carefully took the box and carried it out of the reception room. Is there any other business? The Prime Minister asked with his eyes, and Eldert just smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s regrettable, but we¡¯re truly grateful that you¡¯ll do so.¡± ¡°It¡¯ste tonight, so rest well. The horses must be tired, I¡¯ll have new ones prepared.¡± One night. It meant he was allowing just one night. The delegation members¡¯ lips naturally hardened at this tant treatment. But this was, after all, unbnced diplomacy. And it was a unteral visit, so there was nothing to be done about it. Above all, for the Prime Minister¡­ ¡®I should have them given the innermost room of the separate pce. I need to make sure they¡¯re thoroughly silenced until they leave the pce. Of all days, toe today, tsk.¡¯ It was the day the demon Arsen incident urred. A day that would bepletely erased from Bariel¡¯s history. If outsiders stayed in the pce, variables couldn¡¯t be predicted. For the sake of appearances, just one day. No, ten hours until morning. That was the maximum courtesy he could extend. At that moment, Eldert casually said: ¡°We appreciate your words, but we will leave the pce with Duke Hayman. We heard he¡¯s in the main building.¡± The Prime Minister, who was about to turn around, hesitated and looked back at him. ¡°¡­With Duke Hayman?¡± ¡°Yes. As you know, the Duke¡¯s wife is a member of the Ruswena royal family. The king has a letter to deliver, so that would be best. We¡¯re grateful you¡¯ve made time for us despite our sudden visit, we can¡¯t impose further.¡± For a moment, he was at a loss for words. Leaving immediately was wee, but with Hayman? Telling them about the Duke¡¯s whereabouts would give clues about the situation in the imperial pce. If he didn¡¯t tell them? Hayman had disappeared from the imperial pce, so wouldn¡¯t they raise questions officially about this and use it as a pretext for arger delegation visit? Either way, it was a bit awkward. ¡°Prime Minister?¡± ¡°¡­Duke Hayman is currently in custody for insulting the imperial family and causing a disturbance. You must know about the rebellion of Mariv and Prince Gale.¡± This was a matter that Ian had announced throughout the central area with magical tools, starting with extra editions. This was information that not only neighboring kingdoms but anywhere that knew of the Bariel Empire¡¯s existence would have heard. ¡°The trial date for that will soon be announced. I think he won¡¯t be able to leave the pce for the time being. The delegation should rest and return alone.¡± ¡°Ah. Is that so?¡± Eldert let out an exmation with a rather surprised look. No matter if he was the son-inw of the royal family, he was still a duke of Bariel. If he was involved in treason charges and facing trial, there was no way out. Above all, if the Emperor wouldn¡¯t meet them, how could they negotiate? The Prime Minister left the reception room, fluttering his cor to indicate they should rest now. Bang! As the door closed, Eldert ran his hand through his long hair and sank into the sofa. His subordinates loosened their ties and sighed. ¡°We seem to bete.¡± ¡°If a trial date has been set, it looks like the situation has tilted towards the 5th Prince. What should we report to the king?¡± ¡°We should havee a little earlier.¡± They wanted the Hayman family¡¯s vast fortune more than saving Hayman himself. If the family was exterminated for treason, all their assets would revert to Bariel, so their goal was to have the Duke or Duchess seek asylum before that and transfer all their assets to Ruswena. Hayman seemed to hope they would push in with military force, citing his wife¡¯s royal status, but how could that be possible? To be honest, the king rather hoped Hayman would die ¡®without legal issues¡¯. ¡°If it¡¯s treason, there¡¯s a high chance the wife will be implicated too. Hmm.¡± If the wife remained alone, persuading her to return home and absorbing the Hayman family¡¯s assets was the best n. That way, they could stick their spoon into Bariel Empire¡¯s economic leadership without lifting a finger. ¡°Lord Eldert. What should we do?¡± ¡°Let me think for a moment.¡± He stared into space while brushing his silky hair back. But, isn¡¯t something strange? ¡°¡­Do you remember the front gate?¡± ¡°The front gate? Yes, yes. Well, there were quite a few people and carriages for such ate hour.¡± ¡°Entry to the pce is naturally restricted at night. But why were they gathered in front? Isn¡¯t it natural to see this as a continuation of waiting?¡± ¡°Are you saying they¡¯ve been like that since daytime? Why?¡± ¡°Well. Perhaps because the pce gates aren¡¯t opening?¡± At Eldert¡¯s guess, his subordinates shrugged. It¡¯s the imperial pce, not just anywhere, how could the main gate not open? Unless it was a lockdown. ¡°And originally, the reception room for delegations is on the main building floor. No matter how quietly we came, this seems like a rather special case.¡± Something has happened, or is happening, in the imperial pce. Eldert spected as he sipped the remaining tea. It felt too ufortable to leave right away tomorrow. ¡°Come on. Everyone, drink your tea without leaving any.¡± ¡°Huk. That¡­¡± ¡°Lord Eldert. Can¡¯t just one, just one of us sacrifice?¡± ¡°No. Everyone drink.¡± ¡°Oh my, this is driving me crazy.¡± Eldert smiled as he sprinkled a fine ck powder he had prepared into his subordinates¡¯ teacups. It was an excellent powder for causing stomach upset. *** Zzzing. Zing. Ian¡¯s fingertips twitched. And slowly, his eyelids opened. His gaze wandered here and there in a daze, but soon, after a few blinks, he regained clear vision. It was Hale. He was biting an unlit cigarette and infusing it with magic power. For Ian¡¯s recovery, the mages were taking turns injecting magic power without fail. ¡°¡­Hale.¡± Did his voicee out right? Ian wondered to himself as he wiggled his fingers a few times. Then Hale, who had been lost in thought, jumped up and shouted outside. It was a voice so loud it sounded like thunder tearing through the air. ¡°Lord Ian has woken uuuup!!¡± ¡°Lord Ian has woken up?¡± m! Bang! Boom! Crash! Bang! ¡°Hey, call a doctor!¡± ¡°Captain Hale, you couldn¡¯t wait and lit another cigarette!¡± ¡°No, I was just holding it in my mouth.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. Are you feeling a bit more conscious? Can you recognize me?¡± ¡°Oh my, move aside. Move. Lord Ian!¡± He couldn¡¯t tell who was who. Ian¡¯s head rang at the flood of various voices. He frowned and barely muttered. ¡°Everyone, please be quiet¡­¡± ¡°Hup. We¡¯re sorry.¡± ¡°Shut up, all of you shut up!!¡± ¡°You¡¯re the loudest, you bastard.¡± Ian let out a faint sigh and requested water. His upper body was raised, and lukewarm water slowly flowed into his mouth. This allowed him to speak a bit more easily. ¡°Can you get up?¡± ¡°¡­Not yet.¡± Ian pressed his forehead and remained silent for a moment. All the mages quieted down, waiting for him to stabilize. A few minutester, Ian raised his head and asked. ¡°¡­Where is His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°His Highness is sleeping. It¡¯s dawn now.¡± He seemed to have said something while half-asleep, but he couldn¡¯t remember. Hey back down on the bed and wiggled his hand. What could it mean? Hesitantly, Hale slipped a cigarette between his fingers, but Ian immediately dropped it and replied: ¡°Summarize what happened while I was asleep and bring it to me.¡± Chapter 243 Chapter 243 ¨C Purge While on Bed Vivianna, who had been nursing Romandro, heard the news about Ian and went to his office. The passing mages were murmuring with relief, saying that he had regained consciousness quite early for someone who had lost so much blood. She turned the corner carrying a tray with warm tea. Philea was standing in front of the half-open door. Vivianna called out to her in surprise. ¡°Mydy?¡± ¡°Oh, hello.¡± ¡°What are you doing here? Why don¡¯t you go in?¡± ¡°I heard he woke up, but when I peeked in, it seemed he was talking with the mages. I¡¯m waiting here in case I might disturb them.¡± Philea smiled sheepishly, fidgeting with her fingertips. A bowl of barley porridge sat on the windowsill in the corridor. Judging by how cold it had be, it was unclear how long she had been there. ¡°When Ian was little, he always asked for barley porridge when he was sick. But now that the imperial pce is full of delicacies, I suppose he won¡¯t eat this anymore.¡± ¡°The food we ate as children is what we remember during our toughest times, mydy. Don¡¯t worry, let¡¯s go in together.¡± ¡°Oh, shall we? Haha. It would be nice to go in together.¡± Oh, you wildflower of a person. Vivianna smiled sympathetically at the woman¡¯s joyful expression. How could someone with features so simr to Ian¡¯s have such a delicate nature? Vivianna opened the door and guided her in, and Philea nodded shyly. Creak. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± Vivianna announced her presence as she entered but hesitated. The small bedroom door of the office was wide open, giving a clear view of Ian. He was buried in soft pillows and cushions, flipping through reports. Rustle. ¡°Mydy, how is Sir Romandro doing?¡± ¡°Kyaaaah! What on earth are you doing?!¡± Vivianna couldn¡¯t hide her shock. After losing so much blood, to be working as soon as he regained consciousness! Either Ian had gone mad, or she was seeing things. Hale, who was infusing magic next to him, turned around startled. ¡°Mydy. Are you alright?¡± ¡°H-how could I be alright? What is going on here? Lord Ian, what kind of scene is this? Do you notprehend the word ¡®absolute rest¡¯? What cold-hearted person handed you reports as soon as you opened your eyes? Huh?¡± Gulp. Hale instantly became that cold-hearted person and kept his mouth shut. As Vivianna expressed her shock, Ian waved the report as if to show her and tried to calm her down. ¡°I am lying down, aren¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Just lying down isn¡¯t everything!¡± Why on earth did the Ministry of Magic even have a bed tray? Whether he knew Vivianna¡¯s inner thoughts or not, Ian tapped the wooden surface contentedly. Everything was soft and fixed at the perfect angle, so he only needed to move his wrist. As hezily raised his head, Vivianna ended up clutching her forehead. ¡°How is Romandro?¡± ¡°¡­He¡¯s still recovering, but he¡¯s improved enough to wake up and eat in between.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry about that.¡± ¡°How can you say that?¡± ¡°I can at least receive help from the mages, but your husband has to ovee it entirely on his own.¡± Rustle. Ian turned another page of the report. Though fatigue was still evident, his gaze was steady. He wiggled his fingertips, urging Hale not to stop infusing magic. ¡°Oh, right. Lady Philea. Pleasee in. It¡¯s alright.¡± Vivianna turned around startled. She had been so shocked upon entering the office that she had a fit, and Philea, startled as well, hadn¡¯t crossed the threshold. Ian turned his head slightly and called out to her. ¡°Mother?¡± ¡°Ian.¡± She appeared hesitantly, still holding the tray. Seeing this, Ian sank deeper into the cushions and smiled gently. This was her son who had been on the brink of death, covered in blood. Such a smile was a small gesture to ease her worries. ¡°You must have been worried, right?¡± ¡°I-I brought barley porridge.¡± ¡°Thank you. I was just feeling hungry.¡± Hale made a strange face. Hadn¡¯t Ian rejected all the food sent up from the kitchen, saying he had no appetite due to extreme fatigue? Moreover, Ian was currently replenishing his body¡¯s energy with magic alone, saying that if his stomach was full, he wouldn¡¯t be able to fight off sleep even more. ¡°However, my stomach still feels unsettled, so please leave it there and I¡¯ll eat itter.¡± Right. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t eat it. Hale nodded briefly and focused on transferring magic. Zing. Zing. ¡°Yes. It, it¡¯ll taste better if you warm it up.¡± ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ll have the servants do so.¡± Philea nced at Ian with eyes full of emotion. Seeing him buried in cushions reminded her vividly of her son as a child. Ah. He was truly adorable back then. He¡¯s still cute now, but back then, really¡­ ¡°Mother. What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Oh, no. I have something else to give you.¡± Philea snapped out of her reverie and waved her hand. Then, with urgent movements, she pulled out some notes from her pocket. They were crumpled and stained with food. At first, Ian didn¡¯t know what they were, but soon he let out a shortugh of realization. ¡°A gift from His Highness Gale, I see.¡± Contact from a turncoat using rumors of exile. He hadn¡¯t expected him to cooperate and gather traces like this. He had been wondering how to handle itter, but this would make things much easier. ¡°But His Highness burned one of the papers. I tried to save at least half of it, but it had turnedpletely to ashes.¡± ¡°That¡¯s alright. Thank you, Mother.¡± Philea beamed at Ian¡¯s thanks. A sense of satisfaction at being helpful radiated through her smile. This was likely more a gesture of kindness towards Philea, who had consistently shared meals with him, rather than a favor to Ian. ¡®Let¡¯s see what we have here.¡¯ Ian flipped through the papers one by one, checking their contents. Some had names written on them, while others didn¡¯t. The handwriting was so distinct that it shouldn¡¯t be difficult topare. ¡°¡­Hale.¡± ¡°Yes, Lord Ian. I¡¯m continuing to infuse magic.¡± ¡°Over there, from the left of the middle bookshelf to two shelves over, that¡¯s the important report storage. Check the list and bring one report submitted by each person. And summon Dainels, Brennan, and Patrick. Oh, and call for the handwriting analyst from the imperial pce. Usually, two or three are on duty, so at least one should be avable at the pce.¡± Hale hesitated at the barrage of orders. But without asking any questions, he immediately got up and called for subordinates outside the office. While he was busy moving about, Ian continued flipping through the reports without pause. ¡°Lord Ian. Are you really going to continue working?¡± ¡°Y-yes. Ian, you lost too much blood¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll just take care of the urgent matters first and then rest again. Everything has its time, you know.¡± By dealing with Arsen, the insects that had been clinging to his surroundings were now jumping around aimlessly, unable to find their bearings. If not caught now, they would escape. Then, they wouldy eggs and eat away in unseen ces, only to crawl out into the sun again someday. ¡®So this is what His Highness Jin meant.¡¯ The strategy meeting wasn¡¯t recorded, so it was passed on to Ian only through Captain Hale¡¯s face-to-face report. How to record Gale¡¯s death in history, and what to do with those who were sacrificed, and so on. However, the issue of determining the eligibility of the usation letter could be written in this report because it was separate from the Arsen matter. ¡®Yes. It¡¯s worthy of praise.¡¯ Ian unconsciously smiled. He had utilized the gathering of all officials excellently. With even the order of raising hands recorded, this showed a somewhat aggressive intention in building power. As Ian chuckled, Vivianna and Philea exchanged puzzled nces. How could he read reports as if they were some entertaining novel? Knock knock. At that moment, a mage outside ryed a message. ¡°Lord Ian. The Prime Minister has arrived.¡± ¡°The Prime Minister? Show him in.¡± The twodies urged Ian to rest and went outside, and soon after, the Prime Minister arrived at the office apanied by his aides. His graying hair seemed somehow whiter. His wrinkles seemed deeper too¡­ ¡®Looks like he had a tough time at the grand council.¡¯ ¡°Good day, Prime Minister.¡± The Prime Minister seemed momentarily flustered seeing Ian buried in cushions. But he gestured for Ian to keep lying down and pulled a chair close to the bed. ¡°Keep lying down. How are you feeling?¡± ¡°Thank you for asking. As you can see, I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Yes, it seems so. That¡¯s a relief.¡± He said this upon seeing the report in Ian¡¯s hand. Ian, as if this was a good opportunity, straightened his upper body more and adjusted his pen. He first wrote down the names of the mages. ¡°Currently, the Ministry of Magic is identifying traitors.¡± ¡°Traitors? What do you mean?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t give you the details, but there¡¯s a high possibility that a considerable number of them are connected to Hayman. Their collusion essentially contributed to causing the Arsen incident, so as the head of the Ministry of Magic, my position is that appropriate punishment should be meted out.¡± Even if it wasn¡¯t specifically the Ministry of Magic, no superior would stand idle if their subordinates were in cahoots with the opposing side. However, given the situation, the Prime Minister expressed concern. ¡°What kind of punishment? Isn¡¯t the Ministry of Magic short on manpower right now? Every single person seems crucial. This isn¡¯t just a problem for the Ministry of Magic, but for the entire empire.¡± ¡°If there are traitors among the deceased, we¡¯ll record them as guilty of treason, tying it to His Highness Gale¡¯s death. For those who aren¡¯t, we¡¯ll demote their positions and fix them there.¡± Killing them would be too extreme given the value of talented individuals, and sending them to the frontier or abroad would be too dangerous. Who knows what mischief mages might get up to in unseen ces, or with whom they might collude? The reason imperial mages were gathered in the capital, besides their small numbers, was ultimately the imperial pce¡¯s intention to control them effectively. ¡°Demotion, eh? Quintana will like that.¡± Pay cuts, revocation of various benefits, and the contempt of returning colleagues. Since people cannot be reformed, it¡¯s better to just throw them to the bottom of the barrel. ¡°And I heard in a report. Currently, Duke Hayman and his core members are in custody. Under charges of insulting the imperial family and causing a disturbance, it¡¯s three days at most, isn¡¯t it? Do you think the trial date will be set before then?¡± ¡°Hmm. The judiciary is trying to cooperate as much as possible. At that time, the judiciary¡¯s collective absence during the Ministry of Magic¡¯s filing of the usation is being publicized. It¡¯s almost certain that Hayman had a hand in it.¡± In reality, the judiciary was in a state of utter shock and rm. They were considered the epitome of integrity and impartiality, yet Hayman¡¯s influence had somehow crept in, and it had been quite effective, creating an atmosphere of wariness. Rustle. Ian slowly muttered, reciting the words. ¡°More than anything else¡­¡± ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°We need to focus on reverting the assets of central nobles, including the Hayman family, to the national treasury. That will be the driving force that moves everyone. Please be thorough with Duchess Hayman and her children as well.¡± Each department of the imperial pce was expecting support due to the securing of the national budget, and this was the main reason for their cooperation with the Ministry of Magic. The same goes for the nobles who opposed Hayman. Sereau, doesn¡¯t he aim to wedge himself in as Hayman family¡¯s assets are divided? ¡°If the charge of treason is established, it would naturally lead to the extermination of the entire family, so reverting assets to the national treasury would be natural. But it would be troublesome if variables arise before that. Wasn¡¯t the Duchess from Ruswena?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Lord Ian. I came here to tell you about that. An envoy from Ruswena has arrived, and it seems Hayman summoned them.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°They were originally scheduled to leave the pce this morning, but ah, they all came down with severe stomach aches and are bedridden.¡± The Prime Minister also knew this was intentional. However, the tea served at the imperial pce was at the center of the issue, and they weren¡¯t asking for anything else, just pleading to stay a few more days to rest. Since it¡¯s impossible to harshly drive out an envoy from another country, it¡¯s truly a predicament. Ian raised an eyebrow and muttered. ¡°¡­Hmm. They¡¯re making trouble for themselves.¡± Ian scribbled something with his pen. It was instructions for future actions. ¡°Prime Minister. Suppressing Hayman and the central nobility is the cornerstone of strengthening imperial power. This is the path to bing a great nation.¡± ¡°I agreepletely.¡± When imperial power is strengthened, the authority of the Prime Minister also diminishes. Yet he agrees without a moment¡¯s hesitation. It seems the Emperor has entrusted the position of Prime Minister to the right person, if nothing else. ¡°It¡¯s time for a purge.¡± Purge. The Prime Minister nodded as he received the report from Ian. ¡°And when this is finished, let¡¯s proceed with the official heir appointment ceremony for our Prince Jin.¡± Chapter 244 Chapter 244 ¨C This is the Bloodwind ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Mmm¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s time to wake up.¡± Xiaoshi quietly roused Jin from his sleep. As always, she knelt by the bedside, her voice careful and gentle. Jin buried his face in the pillow, putting up a sleepy protest. Even a child of the imperial family couldn¡¯t escape unconscious instincts. Xiaoshi watched him for a moment before adding: ¡°I heard Lord Ian woke up at dawn.¡± ¡°¡­Huh?¡± ¡°He requested that as soon as Prince Jin wakes up, he should get ready ande to the office. He said he has something to ask of you.¡± His half-closed eyes snapped open. It felt as if the drowsiness was washed away by cold water all at once. The child threw off the nket and quickly slipped on his slippers. ¡°Ian woke up? How is he?¡± ¡°He seemed fine. Your Highness, are you going in your pajamas?¡± ¡°Oh! Wait. Wash water! Bring me wash water.¡± Jin was unusually hurried and flustered. In contrast, Xiaoshi calmly prepared his clothes, checked the temperature of the wash water, and neatlyid out the child¡¯s hair essories. Jin sat at the edge of the bed, watching her. That brief wait calmed the child¡¯s excited heart. ¡°Did Ian say what he wanted to ask?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t hear the details, but it seemed there was something he needed Your Highness to handle.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Jin kept ncing towards the door as he was being dressed. Though he was trying his best to restrain himself, even the servants could tell the child was itching to go. Their hands became more urgent in response. ¡°Your Highness. We¡¯re finished.¡± ¡°Good work.¡± ¡°Xiao, let¡¯s go.¡± Jin dismissed the servants with a dignified gesture and left the bedroom. At first, his steps were just a patter, but they soon gained strength as he went. Pat-pat-pat! By the time they arrived at Ian¡¯s office, he was almost out of breath. Creak. The door was half-open, presumably because people wereing and going for work. Jin carefully announced his presence as he poked his head in. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± Ian was sitting at his desk with a nket draped over his shoulders. Though he still looked pale, he was certainly more stablepared to when he had been coughing up blood. Ian put down his documents and greeted Jin. ¡°Good morning, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Good, good morning!¡± ¡°Yes. I heard from Captain Hale¡¯s report. I hear you did great things at the grand council. You¡¯ve done what I couldn¡¯t, and I don¡¯t know how to express my gratitude.¡± Jin¡¯s dimples slowly appeared. It was like a fully bloomed flower bud bursting open, or the setting sun dyeing white clouds. Jin showed his neat teeth in a bright smile. ¡°What gratitude! How are you feeling?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine, thanks to you.¡± Ian¡¯s gaze briefly drifted to the corner sofa. There, Captain Haley sprawled, half-dazed. It was because he had been infusing magic for hours without a break, but the child wouldn¡¯t know that. ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter? You said you had something to ask?¡± ¡°There¡¯s much to do before the judiciary sets Hayman¡¯s trial date. As you well know, granting and revoking noble titles is the Emperor¡¯s unique authority.¡± In the early days of the empire, especially when the Emperor¡¯s power was strongest and the country¡¯s foundations weren¡¯t yet established, granting and revoking titles happened quite frequently. It was a means of demonstrating the Emperor¡¯s favor. ¡°As generations passed, the country stabilized, andnd, titles, and noble privileges were inherited and seeded. Unless tied to a serious crime, even His Majesty couldn¡¯t take away their benefits without justification.¡± Rustle. Ian handed Jin a few documents. . At the bottom were the official seals of the Prime Minister and Ian himself. ¡°With the trial approaching and Hayman and his nobles¡¯ charges being clear, the main opinion is that we should impose legal sanctions in advance. If Prince Jin permits, the Prime Minister will handle this. We can pressure the nobles on various fronts, including asset freezing, lifting the limit on detention periods, and forced reduction of private armies.¡± It wasn¡¯t limited to just Hayman. It was about suppressing all the forces tied to him at once. Especially the forced reduction of private armies would be effective in preventing potential armed conflicts. ¡°Is this possible?¡± It was a question of whether they, as proxies, could make a decision that even the Emperor couldn¡¯t easily make. Ian dipped his pen in ink, assuring him not to worry. ¡°Yes. I believe it¡¯s possible. But we need Your Highness¡¯s permission, as the sole heir to the imperial family.¡± Who would dare oppose the revocation of noble titles? This wasn¡¯t a power struggle between the imperial family and the nobility. It was a unteral purge by the imperial family, a part of consolidating power. Anyone who carelessly intervened would not keep their life. ¡°The Prime Minister and the administration are just waiting for Your Highness¡¯s decision.¡± ¡°The administration too?¡± ¡°The confiscation of nobles¡¯ assets will benefit the national treasury. The Imperial Defense Department is waiting for the nobles¡¯ private armies and weapons, and the Culture Department wants their artworks.¡± Everyone in the imperial pce is baring their teeth, eagerly waiting for the opportunity. What better example could there be than breaking a stiff neck when you¡¯ve got a hold of it? Jin took the pen from in front of Ian and was about to sign without hesitation. That¡¯s when Ian¡¯s hand lightly stopped him. ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± ¡°Signing is putting your name on the line, so you shouldn¡¯t do it lightly even if it¡¯s handed to you by someone trustworthy. Scrutinize each word, its meaning and nuance thoroughly.¡± Ah, Jin nodded, scratching his cheek with the pen tip. ¡°Read it slowly, and if there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand, please ask.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± The child sat down next to the sprawled Hale and started flipping through the documents. The little Emperor wouldn¡¯t know. This was the first official task he undertook as a prince, the part that would first appear when history mentioned ¡®Jin Verocion. And for it to be an . He would surely be recorded as the one who suppressed the central nobility at the age of ten. ¡°Um. Lord Ian?¡± Jin seemed to be stuck on the first page, raising his hand with an embarrassed smile. ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Could you exin this part?¡± Just as Ian was lowering his nket to stand up, the door suddenly swung open and a mage burst in. Bam! Crash! Jin flinched, and Hale, who had been sprawled out, reflexively took a defensive stance, putting the child behind him. But soon they realized the intruder was a ¡®former¡¯ colleague mage and breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Patrick. What¡¯s thismotion?¡± ¡°L-Lord Ian. There seems to be some misunderstanding.¡± He was one of the traitors written on Gale¡¯s note. The guards and mages who followed him in immediately subdued and dragged him out, but he struggled and clung to the doorknob. ¡°Lord Ian! Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Damn it, Patrick! You¡¯re only making things worse for yourself!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a traitor. Really, I¡¯m not!¡± ¡°The Prince is here! Are you trying tomit more crimes?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lord Ian. On the way to the interrogation room, I just¡­¡± ¡°Please listen to me! Please, please!¡± What on earth is going on? Jin was startled, covering his mouth with the documents and rolling his eyes. What was Ian thinking? There was no change in his expression. ¡°¡­Enough. Stop.¡± ¡°Lord Ian! Really, I¡¯m not¡­¡± ¡°Patrick. If you¡¯re not a traitor, you just need to sincerely cooperate with the investigation. You¡¯re part of the Ministry of Magic, so you know better than anyone how capable your colleagues are. And even if you were a traitor, I understand. It¡¯s human nature to pursue one¡¯s interests.¡± Ian thought of Crony and the betrayers. They must have been the same. Under their own judgment, they chose what they thought was a better path. But- ¡°So you should understand me too, and pay the price.¡± This was also Ian¡¯s judgment. ¡°Lord Ian, please, please¡­¡± ¡°Take responsibility for your choices. Are all those who keep their loyalty too dull to know how to pursue their interests? If you wanted to advance and gain, you should have been prepared to lose as well. That¡¯s the principle, Patrick.¡± Patrick prostrated himself and begged, but Ian added firmly. The watching mage colleagues could only draw difficult breaths. ¡°If you absolutely cannot remain in the Ministry of Magic, you may leave the pce. But you know well what that means.¡± He¡¯s a talented individual who knows the internal affairs of the imperial pce well and possesses magical abilities. If he¡¯s cast out due to loyalty issues, there¡¯s a high possibility he could grow into a threatening existence. It would be unavoidable to imnt tracking devices and magic-sealing stones. ¡°Take him away now.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. I¡¯m sorry. Patrick. Get up.¡± ¡°Hic, ugh¡­¡± Creak. Patrick was dragged away by his colleagues, and Hale just tilted his head back behind the sofa and clicked his tongue. Jin put down the documents and gently pressed his lips. ¡°Your Highness. I apologize.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s alright.¡± ¡°¡­Additional tax, ording to the national tax collectionw, refers to the amount added when obligations are vited. For nobles, it¡¯s generally 10%, and for others, it can be imposed up to 40%.¡± Ian pointed out the part Jin had questioned and exined. The child nodded repeatedly, but it was clear he couldn¡¯t concentrate. Ian knelt down and carefully examined his face. ¡°Were you very surprised?¡± ¡°I was surprised, but that¡¯s not it.¡± ¡°Then what is it?¡± Jin smiled awkwardly. ¡°Someday, I too will have to do as Lord Ian does.¡± The imperial pce, a ce beautiful and cruel just by its name. Where humanity withers before power, and obedience disguised as order rots overnight. ¡°Realizing that, I was a bit taken aback.¡± The day woulde when Jin too would have to cut down someone who was once his own, for survival. Whether by his own will or by force. Ian met the child¡¯s gaze and was silent for a moment. ¡°That¡¯s right. The time will surelye. When it does, don¡¯t forget, don¡¯t hesitate, cut them off.¡± ¡°I understand.¡± ¡°But before that, while I¡¯m here, I will do it in Your Highness¡¯s stead.¡± Ian smiled gently. This child had lived through one history. Ian existed because of Jin, so he would do his best to help as much as he could. Jin¡¯s dimples deepened again. The child gripped the pen and carefully read through the documents. Scribble. And then, he signed with his own judgment and will. When Jin handed the documents to Ian, Ian bowed his head as he received them. ¡°Thank you, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Do well.¡± ¡°Yes. How could I not? Is there anyone outside?¡± Knock knock. ¡°Yes, Lord Ian.¡± Ian tightly tied the leather strap wrapping the order. The rolled-up document was sealed in a wooden tube. ¡°Deliver this to the administration.¡± ¡°Yes, understood. Oh, and Sir Romandro has woken up. Lord Beric keeps crawling out into the corridor and rolling around too.¡± ¡°Finally feeling better, I see.¡± The mage just shrugged her shoulders as if in disbelief. What are they, animals, constantly trying to escape their rooms? Ian gestured for her to go, and she bowed and turned away. ¡°What should I do now?¡± ¡°Hmm. The administration and the Prime Minister will handle the execution, so we¡¯ll wait for news and then act. Before that¡­¡± ¡°Before that?¡± Ask me to do more. Jin¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°I hear the Ruswena delegation is here. As Your Highness is the heir apparent, it would be good for you to see them directly.¡± Since they¡¯re lying in bed iming stomach aches, we have no choice but to personally check on their condition. ¡°And Your Highness. Have you heard?¡± ¡°Heard what?¡± ¡°That Lady Dina¡¯s condition is not good at all.¡± ¡°I heard it¡¯s so critical that even the servants can¡¯t easily enter.¡± ¡°¡­It would be good to see her soon.¡± Jin hesitated at Ian¡¯s words. Wasn¡¯t this a roundabout way of saying her time hade? The child¡¯s breath trembled faintly, but Ian pretended not to notice. ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± Ian reached out his hand, saying let¡¯s go, and Jin grasped it. Firmly, so as not to waver in the bloodwind of the imperial pce. *** Pat-pat-pat! ¡°This is Prince Jin¡¯s approval signature.¡± ¡°Oh, it¡¯s here! The order has been approved!¡± ¡°Contact the Imperial Defense Department and the Imperial Guard.¡± ¡°From now on, we¡¯ll be going to the named houses to order the revocation of titles. Arm yourselves! Tell them to open the castle gates wide!¡± ¡°It would be best to send Captain Jeirutt to Hayman¡¯s side.¡± ¡°How many ces are affected in total?¡± ¡°Including Hayman, um, seven central houses.¡± Shortly after, the administration, having received Jin¡¯s signature, rushed about frantically to execute the orders. As this was shared and transmitted to each department, the imperial pce moved with one mind for the first time in a very long while. How long had it been since they pointed their swords outward, rather than inward! The pce soldiers marched out of the main gate in perfect order, their ranks and files aligned. Their destination: the mansions of the central nobles, the core of Hayman. Chapter 245 Chapter 245 ¨C Central Nobility The Hayman Grand Mansion, considered the small imperial pce of the center. It subtly implied that the Duke¡¯s power wasparable to that of the imperial family, but at the same time, it was also praise for therge and splendid exterior of the mansion that truly resembled the imperial pce. Thewn spanning thousands of acres, the garden beautifully maintained throughout the four seasons, the mansion walls that remained white even in rain and snow, and so on. The old gardener, as always, looked towards the main entrance and offered his thanks. But. ¡°Hm?¡± A procession of carriages entering through the distant main gate. The master hadn¡¯t returned yesterday, so is heing home now? And behind? Are those the master¡¯s friends? Somehow, the mansion¡¯s atmosphere seemed more subdued than usual. Clop clop! Neigh! The old man frowned, taking off his hat. Strange. Why do the carriages keeping without end? Behind them followed riders on horseback, and behind them, armed soldiers marched in step. The old man dropped his hat with a thud and hurriedly loaded his gardening tools onto a cart. ¡°Oh, hey! Hey!¡± ¡°Where are you going?¡± His gestures caught the attention of servants resting in the distant garden, and theirmotion summoned the butler. As the butler hurriedly descended the central staircase, the carriages had already stopped, waiting for a response from inside. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Where have youe from? Duke Hayman is currently away.¡± The butler asked this, ignoring the fluttering imperial banners. The main gate was several minutes away from here. Yet there had been no notification. This meant they had either pushed in without waiting or the guards had been subdued. Servants anxiously pressed against the windows. Even at a nce, their numbers were not small, giving the feeling of a war breaking out. ¡°I am Jeirutt, Captain of the Imperial Guard.¡± ¡°Ah, yes. It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡± ¡°Is the Duchess inside?¡± ¡°¡­Please tell us your business first.¡± The butler pretended to support his waist with his left hand while giving a hand signal. Understanding this, the servants quickly ran up the stairs to inform the Duchess Hayman and her children of the trouble. But there was one thing they overlooked: these messengers from the imperial pce prioritized notifying of title revocation over seizing and searching for anything. Rustle. Jeirutt took out an order from his breast pocket. ¡°This is an order from the imperial family. All those bearing the Hayman name,e out and follow the august will of the imperial family.¡± The butler¡¯s face instantly turned pale. When he caught a glimpse, he thought he saw the words ¡®title revocation¡¯ in it. Jeirutt checked his watch with a click. With mountains of tasks piled up, there wasn¡¯t much time. ¡°This is a Level 1 urgency. If there¡¯s no one toply, the effect will begin upon deration.¡± ¡°What is this about?¡± At that moment, Duchess Hayman and Lady Mnia, who had remained in the mansion, came out clutching their dress hems. The eldest son, brother to Mnia, was currently in the study checking if any problematic documents remained. ¡°Duchess Hayman and the Lady, I presume. I will now deliver the .¡± ¡°What? What did you say?¡± It was abination of words never heard before in their lives. Title revocation? Temporary? Order? But instead of exining, Jeirutt read out the full text. ¡°From this moment on, the ducal title, authority, and privileges bestowed upon the Hayman family are temporarily revoked. This is an order approved by the Prime Minister as the Emperor¡¯s proxy, the imperial representative, and the administration.¡± Is this what it feels like to be struck by lightning? The feeling of being so sudden and bewildering that one¡¯s words are choked off. Jeirutt gestured that it wasn¡¯t over yet and turned to the next page. ¡°The following will be implemented immediately.¡± First, asset freezing. For a smooth investigation of funds, not a single coin transaction is allowed from this moment. Thises with the disappearance of the nobles¡¯ right to ¡®not have their economic activities interfered with¡¯. ¡°¡­This includes not being able to pay even a single coin in wages to employees.¡± At Jeirutt¡¯s deration, the servants exchanged troubled nces. No wages? Then is there any reason to stay here? ¡°Second. Forced reduction of private armies. Dismiss all those employed for the purpose of mobilizing troops, whether they be knights, private soldiers, or even low-ranking guards.¡± Non-nobles could employ private soldiers up to three times the number of their direct family members. This was a policy to preemptively cut off the possibility of rebellion. Hence, those who wanted to build power tried their best to receive at least the lowest title of baron. Jeirutt added, estimating the numbers: ¡°Hayman¡¯s direct family totals five. You may keep fifteen and dismiss the rest.¡± ¡°What is this! Where is my husband now? How dare you bring such an absurd order here, of all ces!¡± ¡°Madam. Do not act rashly. This is insulting to the imperial family.¡± ¡°No. Wait. Just a moment!¡± As the executors tried to enter the mansion, the Duchess screamed shrilly and blocked their way. The servants and guards waiting behind joined in, clustering together. ¡°Step aside. You¡¯re obstructing official duties.¡± ¡°Wait! I am a royal of Ruswena before I am a Duchess! No one, no one can enter the mansion before meeting my husband! Where is he now? Is he detained in the imperial pce?¡± ¡°Not detained, but in custody. And¡­¡± ¡°Move aside! How dare you, insolent fools!¡± ¡°Madam, what should we do?¡± ¡°Block them! No! Everyone, hurry and-¡° Swoosh! The moment the Duchess tried to convey something. Without hesitation, Jeirutt shed the throat of the servant blocking the entrance. The white marble floor was instantly stained with blood. Mnia covered her mouth in shock, seeing the head rolling down the stairs. Jeirutt gritted his teeth and asked in a low voice. ¡°¡­Does this order seem like a joke to you, Madam?¡± If they didn¡¯t dismiss their private army, they would subdue them all. That was why the Captain of the Imperial Guard hade to Hayman. Among the nobles, their scale was thergest. After clearing the mansion, they nned to go to the private army training ground not far away. Jeirutt pointed his sword at the remaining servants. ¡°Well, does it look like a joke?¡± ¡°Eek!¡± ¡°Anyone who blocks or interferes will be cut down immediately. Those who value their lives, step back and cooperate.¡± The Duchess sensed that something was definitely going wrong. She could only think that either Prince Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony had failed, or even if it had seeded, some ploy from Jin and Ian¡¯s side had solidified the imperial pce situation. ¡°Mother! Mnia!¡± ¡°Brother!¡± ¡°What on earth is going on here!¡± ng! ng! At that moment, the eldest and second sons, who had been organizing the study upstairs, came running with swords drawn. Though they didn¡¯t know the situation, they were holding blood-stained swords in front of their mother. As the eldest son rushed forward, Mnia spread her arms to block him. ¡°No! Brother!¡± ¡°Mnia!¡± ¡°Really, don¡¯t. Please.¡± Let¡¯s stay still for now. First, we need to understand the movements of other nobles allied with father and the situation in the imperial pce. If the brothers oppose the imperial family here, it would undoubtedly provide justification. If things are more serious than we think, it could even lead to charges of treason. With father gone and the brothers too, we might walk a truly irreversible path. Swoosh. Jeirutt stepped over the corpse and entered the mansion. The two brothers could only step back hesitantly, seemingly not understanding what was happening at all. ¡°You¡¯re wise, Lady.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t damage the mansion. The right to personal property doesn¡¯t belong to nobles alone.¡± Jeirutt gestured for the executors to enter the mansion. They seemed to have already grasped the structure, scattering to various ces in an orderly manner without rushing. The servants, terrified, pressed themselves against the walls, letting out low gasps. ¡°And the Duchess and the eldest son wille with us to the imperial pce. There are things to investigate.¡± The Duchess and the eldest son. Mnia immediately understood why these two were selected. They were the ones with inheritance priority. If something happened to father, wouldn¡¯t the authority pass to mother next, and after mother, to the eldest brother? The talk of asset freezing wasn¡¯t just for investigation. ¡°I¡¯lle too.¡± ¡°Mnia, then I will as well.¡± ¡°Younger brother, you should stay here and guard the mansion.¡± Mnia stopped her younger brother and whispered softly. The fact that they had pushed into the Hayman mansion like this meant that other noble residences were likely in the same situation. Therefore, someone was needed to gather forces and n outside the imperial pce. ¡°We¡¯ll depart in five minutes.¡± ¡°This way! This is the study!¡± ¡°The door is locked!¡± ¡°Bring an axe!¡± ¡°Hurry! Just smash itpletely!¡± Crash! Bang! Bang! Crack-! Jeirutt was merciless. There was no need to give them an especially long preparation time. While they sealed off the private army training ground, others would move the carriages to escort the Hayman family to the imperial pce. Mnia nodded and then quickly ran up to her bedroom. Pat pat pat! ¡°Mydy! What should we do?¡± ¡°Shh. You keep the others in check. If anyone tries to smuggle mansion items out, immediately report and stop them. If we scatter, we all die.¡± Mnia told her maid this while taking out a small jewelry box from the bottom drawer. On the luxurious cloth, faint traces of dust and fingerprints remained. These were marks from when she had opened it after returning from Gale¡¯s quarters. Click. Inside were a half-broken amber raw stone, a red flower bookmark preserved by pressing, and a few notes that looked like they might crumble from age. Mnia bit her lip hard and carefully held them to her chest. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± ¡°Mydy!¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t cry.¡± If father was in danger, naturally that danger must be due to Ian on the opposing side. Mnia prayed that she could somehow stop Ian. ¡®No matter how I think about it, there are many things that don¡¯t add up.¡¯ On that moonlit night, when she had tried to test Ian in front of Gale¡¯s quarters, he hadn¡¯t shown any reaction. And judging by his subsequent actions, she had thought it was genuine. But in this situation, she had no choice but to bet on even the slimmest possibility. ¡°What is that?¡± ¡°A container with misceneous items. Would you like to see?¡± ¡°The box looks expensive.¡± ¡°Nothing in Hayman is inexpensive. If you want, I can just wrap it in cloth. It¡¯s just a bookmark and some notes from a friend.¡± Mother was already loaded into the carriage, and her elder brother was waiting for her. An imperial pce staff briefly inspected, but realizing there was no issue, opened the carriage door. Neigh! Clop clop! ¡°We¡¯ll go to the imperial pce first.¡± ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll join you soon.¡± The executor sitting next to the coachman¡¯s seat saluted Jeirutt. Mnia looked back at the grand mansion growing distant, biting her lips in despair. ¡°Ah, what is this¡­¡± ¡°Mother. It¡¯s alright. Please calm down.¡± The eldest brother soothed his mother, stroking her shoulder. The carriage soon left Hayman¡¯s private property and entered the central road. As they neared the imperial pce, pushing through the crowds, simr carriages became moremon. But. ¡°Ah.¡± Mnia saw bloodstains on various parts of the carriages and turned her head towards the window. They were all returning after visiting central noble mansions to execute orders. Someone sat half-dazed, covered in blood. It was the moment when Captain Jeirutt¡¯s question, asking if it seemed like a joke, echoed in her ears. ¡°What on earth¡­¡± Familiar faces visible outside the carriage. The heirs of the seven central noble families were all converging on the imperial pce. Chapter 246 Chapter 246 Eldert, the representative of the Ruswena delegation, nced at his incapacitated subordinates before moving closer to the window to observe outside. He saw the backs of several servants hurriedly gathering and running off. And that wasn¡¯t all. Doctors wereing and going with their house call bags, wearing out the threshold. No matter how he looked at it, this didn¡¯t seem like the usual scene in the imperial pce, but everyone was keeping tight-lipped, so he couldn¡¯t guess what was happening. ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m really dying here.¡± ¡°I chewed powder. I chewed it. Oh, I¡¯m going crazy.¡± ¡°Everyone, keep quiet.¡± By taking medicine that caused stomach pain, they were able to move their lodgings to a guest house near the infirmary instead of leaving the pce. Eldert examined the tightly closed door while keeping his subordinates in check. Cold sweat, paleplexions, trembling bodies. Even at a nce, their condition looked serious. ¡°You won¡¯t die. There¡¯s just pain.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m dying. When we return to Ruswena, you¡¯d better give us plenty of paid leave. What kind of unnecessary trouble is this? Oh, it¡¯s so hard to make a living.¡± ¡°Do you know anything while we¡¯re stuck here?¡± ¡°We should have chosen just one person to take it.¡± Instead of answering, Eldert sipped his tea and shook his head. Could they have stayed in the pce for one person¡¯s problem? It would surely have been dismissed as an individual issue. Because they didn¡¯t make any special protests, the imperial pce epted their request without making a big fuss. ¡®Still, this is really strange.¡¯ Eldert examined the imperial pce garden visible in the distance outside the window. Between the long-stretching branches and fresh leaves, a long bench could be seen. Sinceing here, he hadn¡¯t once seen people gathering to rest. Not only were there no people sitting and rxing, but there was no one entering the garden for that purpose at all. ¡°There aren¡¯t enough doctors, the servants and guards seem unusually busy, and the Prime Minister and officials even more so.¡± They were a diplomatic delegation. Even though there was a problem, no doctor was assigned to stay with them 24 hours. Instead, as they had seen, people were justing and going. ¡°Duke Hayman is said to be in custody, so isn¡¯t it because of that? It¡¯s Hayman. Hayman.¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it could also be ssified as a rebellion.¡± ¡°Two consecutive rebellions in the imperial pce. It¡¯s doomed. Haha! Oh, my stomach hurts.¡± ¡°The report said Arsen was a magic user. Just looking at that, there¡¯s no way the Duke would be in custody. Don¡¯t you think something¡¯s wrong? They say the force behind Prince Jin is the Ministry of Magic¡­¡± Knock knock. ¡°Representative Eldert of the delegation. Prince Jin and Minister Ian Hielo are here. Please move to the reception room next door.¡± It was perfect timing, as if they had heard their conversation and burst in. Eldert made a gesture with his finger to be cautious, then opened the door and stepped out. They couldn¡¯t meet in the room where his subordinates were lying down. Creak. ¡°Oh, wee, Representative Eldert.¡± ¡°Greetings, Prince Jin. It¡¯s an honor to meet you.¡± ¡°I am Minister Ian Hielo.¡± ¡°Pleased to meet you.¡± Eldert hesitated when he saw the scar cutting across the child¡¯s face. The young prince wouldn¡¯t have gone into battle, so it must be a trace of the rebellion. He could guess that the turmoil had been fiercer than expected. ¡°So, you drank the wrong tea in the imperial pce?¡± Jin¡¯s eyebrows were deeply furrowed. Though his concern seemed genuine, Ian beside him was scanning Eldert with a cold, unchanging expression. Faced with these two extreme gazes, Eldert cleared his throat briefly to regain hisposure. ¡°No, the tea was excellent, but I think our bodies couldn¡¯t handle the demanding schedule. Everyone is grateful for the kindness shown to us.¡± ¡°Oh my, I see. I see.¡± ¡°Representative Eldert.¡± Tap. Ian called his name in a low voice as he picked up his teacup. How old is he? He seemed to be before hising-of-age ceremony, but the rise and fall of his voice, the way he held the teacup, all exuded a well-practiced elegance. ¡®I only heard he was a noble from the frontier.¡¯ ¡°Yes, Minister Hielo.¡± ¡°I heard from the Prime Minister. You have experience as a professor at the national university at a young age, and currently serve as an advisor to King Eriponi. That¡¯s truly impressive.¡± ¡°Not at all. You tter me.¡± Are you joking? That¡¯s not something someone wearing the badge of Ministry of Magic Minister at that age should say. Ian continued to measure him, slowly lowering and raising his gaze. ¡°Well. Has your professor experience been helpful in your advisory work?¡± ¡°With my limited knowledge, I¡¯m helping with urban nning, reorganization, pce architecture, and construction.¡± ¡°Hmm. Right. The Ruswena pce buildings are famous for their beauty. By the way, you didn¡¯te because of a message from Hayman, but out of concern for His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s distress due to the rebellion, correct?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± A lie known to both the speaker and the listener. It was an abruptly changing question, but Eldert gave a concise answer without any unnecessary additions. At that moment. ¡®Wait a minute.¡¯ Eldert suddenly felt something strange about Ian¡¯s words. ¡®Hayman¡¯? Why was the title ¡®Duke¡¯ missing after that name? No matter how high-ranking a Ministry of Magic Minister might be, isn¡¯t there still a clear difference in status? As Eldert tried to connect his thoughts, Ian added: ¡°That¡¯s fortunate. Hayman is currently in custody for insulting the imperial family and causing a disturbance. His title has also been temporarily revoked, so he¡¯s not of noble status. He probably won¡¯t be able to leave the imperial pce until the trial for rebellion is held.¡± He knew about the custody. But title revocation? Duke Hayman? Perhaps because it was such an unrealisticbination of words, it was hard toprehend. What were the other nobles doing while this happened to him? Eldert could naturally draw a conclusion. ¡®The central nobles too-¡® They must have all been subdued. Title revocation was something all nobles would react sensitively to, even if they weren¡¯t part of Hayman¡¯s faction. But would those who could bring down Hayman leave the other nobles alone? It meant all the key figures had been subdued. ¡®How on earth? Is it indeed the power of the Ministry of Magic?¡¯ With the aging Emperor and the failure of the two grown princes, how different was the imperial pce from a toothless beast? If the nobles united, it wasn¡¯t impossible for even the imperial surname to change. He realized that the imperial situation was developing more strangely than expected. This would remain an eternal question mark if one didn¡¯t recognize the existence of the absolute evil ¡®demon¡¯, but¡­ ¡°So the delegation should not mention Hayman¡¯s name. I heard the King of Ruswena has a letter for his wife. You¡¯ll understand that it can¡¯t be delivered directly. What will you do, hand it over or take it back?¡± ¡°¡­We¡¯ll take it back.¡± Eldert declined Ian¡¯s offer, breaking out in a cold sweat. One can¡¯t board a ship with a hole in it. If they continued to be entangled with Hayman here, they would provide diplomatic grounds for trouble. ¡®My guess was right.¡¯ The reason for the imperial pce¡¯s confusion. It was because after suppressing the central nobles, they were in a lull. Just dealing with the aftermath must be keeping them busy. The intention behind mentioning Hayman like this was to minimize friction between them. In in words, it meant ¡®given the situation, please leave quietly¡¯. Let¡¯s not tire each other out. ¡°When Hayman¡¯s trial is over, Prince Jin¡¯s heir appointment ceremony will be held for the stability of the imperial family. We¡¯ll send an envoy to Ruswena as well, so pleasee again and grace the asion.¡± ¡°Of course, it would be an honor. Prince Jin, I offer my congrattions in advance.¡± ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± As Eldert bowed politely, Jin just smiled shyly. He wanted to ask where 4th Prince Arsen had gone, but he knew it wasn¡¯t appropriate. Above all, if Jin was ascending to the heir position, doesn¡¯t this mean the victor in the imperial pce had been clearly decided? More precisely, the man named Ian sitting next to Jin seemed extraordinary, but¡­ ¡°Is there any gift you desire, Your Highness? I¡¯ll convey your wishes to the King and have it selected with utmost sincerity.¡± As the future Emperor, Ruswena needed to pay special attention. Jin answered with a bright smile, as if he had been waiting for this. ¡°Nothing else matters, but I¡¯d like the King toe and enjoy it personally.¡± It wasn¡¯t even an Emperor¡¯s coronation, just an heir appointment ceremony. Yet he was asking for the king of a country toe personally. Eldert flinched momentarily in surprise. This must be an attempt to widely announce solid external support amid the internal turmoil caused by the purge of central nobles. Or it could be a stepping stone to exert influence over Ruswena in the future. Eldert managed his expression and bowed his head once more. ¡°I will surely convey Your Highness¡¯s words.¡± ¡°Good. Thank you for your hard work. If there¡¯s anything inconvenient, just tell the servants anytime.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. Thank you.¡± But contrary to his reply, Eldert decided to return to Ruswena immediately. Hayman¡¯s downfall was more serious than expected. He realized this was not something that could be resolved at the delegation level. ¡°Oh, and.¡± Ian gestured as if he had just remembered something. ¡°The charges against Hayman in the trial also include something about Dragon Scales. It seems there might be an illegal supply point among his connections, does Ruswena know anything about this?¡± ¡°Dragon? In Ruswena, we only operate dragons from one certified supply point. If it¡¯s rted to anything illegal, we have no knowledge of it.¡± ¡°I see. Understood. You may go first. It was good to meet you.¡± ¡°It was good to meet you!¡± ¡°It was an honor, Your Highness and Minister Hielo.¡± Ian and Jin shook hands briefly with Eldert before leaving the reception room. As Eldert returned to the room where his subordinates were lying down, he hurriedly searched his inner pocket. It was medicine to relieve stomach pain. ¡®If 5th Prince Jin and the Ministry of Magic Minister are the real powers, there will be pressure on Ruswena¡¯s side connected to Hayman one way or another. Let¡¯s hurry back.¡¯ Creak. Meanwhile, Jin, who hade out into the corridor, nced back. Seeing the door closepletely, he tightly grasped Ian¡¯s hand. ¡°He didn¡¯t bring up Arsen.¡± ¡°Indeed. The King of Ruswena chose his delegation representative well.¡± In a situation where it¡¯s unclear how things will unfold, the best strategy is to keep one¡¯s ears open and mouth shut. Ruswena was already in a slightly difficult position due to its connection with Duchess Hayman. If it was revealed that they had rushed here at the Duke¡¯s call, they would be directly linked to the rebellion and put at a great disadvantage. ¡°However, Arsen will surely be mentioned when they return to their country and share the situation.¡± Arsen¡¯s magic confirmation ceremony is a strictly guarded secret in the imperial pce. But they know about it? This could raise suspicions that they were inmunication with someone at the scene, and this would likely bring to mind Hayman, who is highly likely to be connected to Ruswena. ¡°This is why secrets are heavy. They¡¯re so heavy that the more you know, the more they suffocate you.¡± They will erase Arsen from Bariel¡¯s history, but they can¡¯t do anything about the facts known in the neighboring country. However, what¡¯sforting is that his recognition is faint because he was a young prince without achievements. On the other hand, what about Ruswena? They must have heard through Hayman¡¯s side that Arsen was a ¡®magic user¡¯. That¡¯s precisely the problem. ¡°If they mention Arsen, we can use that as a pretext to link it with Hayman¡¯s treason charges? And thus pressure their royal family?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. And while there won¡¯t be problems for a while due to the confiscation of family assets, seven noble families will fall. Until other nobles fill those positions, there will be a period of tax revenue shortage. It would be good to open up the kingdom.¡± They disguised the confusion caused by the Arsen incident as the revocation of noble titles. And at the same time, they threw out bait. Now they just need to wait for Ruswena to bite. ¡°Hmm. I see.¡± Jin carefully organized this information, wiggling the fingers of the hand not holding Ian¡¯s. At that moment, a servant following behind them received something and approached Ian¡¯s side. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°Duchess Hayman and her children have entered the pce.¡± ¡°Is that so? I understand.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± The servant trailed off, ncing at Jin. When Jin slightly furrowed his brow, the servant carefully conveyed: ¡°Lady Mnia insists on seeing you, Lord Ian. She says it¡¯s about Bratz.¡± Bratz? Ian raised an eyebrow at Mnia¡¯s choice of words. Chapter 247 Chapter 247 Ian recalled the day he had faced Mnia. In front of Gale¡¯s quarters, under the brilliant moonlight, her face flushed as she called his name familiarly. Wasn¡¯t it an intimate attitude, as if calling an old friend? He had thought it might have been a mistake due to alcohol, but it seemed that wasn¡¯t the case after all. To mention the surname of traitors, Bratz, again. ¡®Perhaps the illegitimate Ian had some connection in Bratz?¡¯ It¡¯s impossible to know. How could Emperor Ian possibly know the past of the illegitimate Ian? As Ian slightly furrowed his brow, the servant took a step back. He judged that Ian was displeased at being told to go back and forth with those facing title revocation and family extinction. ¡°I apologize. Shall I not mention it in the future?¡± ¡°No. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll see her after I¡¯ve finished my work. Isn¡¯t Mnia the youngest daughter of the Hayman family? Have all her brotherse in as well?¡± ¡°Only the Duchess and the eldest son have entered the pce.¡± ¡°Many families will likely leave the second son at home like them. Investigate and keep track of their numbers. To prevent them from uniting.¡± ¡°I will convey that.¡± The executors who went to the scene were those who earned their living from this work. Whether tying up carriages or whatever else, they would surely perform their roles well. But there¡¯s no harm in being cautious, is there? As Ian made a light gesture, the servant retreatedpletely out of sight. He bowed and met Jin¡¯s gaze. ¡°Your Highness. The pce soldiers are performing their roles well. They say the heirs of seven families have already entered the pce. I should go and greet them as well.¡± ¡°What if Ie along¡­¡± Jin trailed off, watching Ian¡¯s expression. Ian smiled yfully. It meant no. ¡°¡­I can¡¯t, can I?¡± ¡°Why do you think you can¡¯t?¡± He¡¯s being mischievous. He just told him so with a smile. Jin stopped, resting his chin on his hand in deep thought. Tick tock, time passed, and the footsteps of servants were heard and disappeared several times in the distance, but Ian waited for the child without showing any sign of rushing. Soon after, Jin spoke. ¡°I¡¯ve already shown a strong will to check the nobility with the title revocation matter. Although it¡¯s limited to Hayman and his forces, other nobles are also sensitively on alert. Isn¡¯t that why we brought in the Sereau family to prevent this?¡± It¡¯s more convenient to guide the situation as ¡®Pce¡¯ versus Hayman rather than ¡®Imperial Family¡¯ versus nobility. The pce not only has the imperial family, but also officials, and among them are those who have received titles. By putting nobles on the opposite side, like Sereau, at the forefront, the intention is to dilute the bacsh, checks, and wariness pouring towards the pce. ¡°I think it would be advantageous for that atmosphere if I show my face moderately and then step back. Also, I¡¯m still too young, and it doesn¡¯t feel right to be in the interrogation room-¡° As the only heir without need for checks. There¡¯s no risk of being pushed aside even if I don¡¯t step forward. Jin silently swallowed thesest words without uttering them. Ian raised his hand slightly to his chest, giving an imperial pce-style greeting. ¡°If that is Your Highness¡¯s intention and judgment, dly.¡± Ian gestured to the servants following at a distance to attend to Jin. Realizing that the two had different destinations, they slowly split into two groups. Xiaoshi, who had been mixed in among them, walked towards Jin. ¡°Please move only with Xiaoshi. I¡¯ll see you again soon.¡± ¡°Alright. Take care.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± Ian left first, turning the corner. Numerous servants and guards followed behind him. Jin watched this scene for a moment before looking out the window. ¡°¡­Xiao.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to where mother is.¡± Arsen¡¯s poison was so thick and strong that it threatened even the mages. Even snakes living in hiding can kill humans with their venom, but Arsen was a demon hundreds of years old. Moreover, a demon that had brazenly crept into the pce to bring Bariel to ruin. It was natural that an ordinary human body couldn¡¯t withstand it. ¡®If Ian mentioned mother, it means her condition has reached an extreme.¡¯ Jin took a light breath, held it, and then stepped forward bravely. It was in the direction of the separate pce where Dina was staying. The servants following the child, including Xiaoshi, walked further apart than usual. Perhaps fearing that the august and sole heir of the imperial family might show an unwanted side. *** Mnia unconsciously fiddled with the jewelry box on herp. Although her mother and eldest brother had moved for questioning, there had been no word for hours already. She bit her lip finely, staring at the tightly closed door. It felt like being thrown alone into a beast¡¯sir. Even when she asked about her family¡¯s whereabouts, the servants remained as silent as if their tongues had been cut out. ¡®Was saying Bratz has little impact?¡¯ What if Ian ignores her request for a meeting? Then what should she do? Trying to contact Gale wouldn¡¯t be a bad choice either. Unaware that Gale had died, she kept making and breaking thousands of ns, flicking the tips of her nails. ¡®The magic confirmation ceremony, that¡¯s when things went badly wrong. Surely something went wrong there. It¡¯s likely that Prince Arsen¡¯s magic was false. Enough to be rted to insulting the imperial family or its existence.¡¯ Knock knock. ¡°Minister Ian Hielo is here.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± The sudden announcement. Mnia almost let out an exmation without realizing it, but she immediately managed her expression and arranged her dress hem. Perfect with her straight jawline, upright posture, and unwavering gaze. The door opened, and Ian entered alone, dismissing the servants. ¡°Hello, Minister Hielo.¡± ¡°It¡¯s been a while. I¡¯mte due to the heavy workload at the pce. Please understand that I can¡¯t spare much time.¡± It wasn¡¯t just one or two, but seven families in total. They were simultaneously arresting and investigating them, so this wasn¡¯t just a formality but the truth. Ian crossed his legs on the sofa, not even bothering to remove his gloves, as if to show this. ¡°And Mnia, let me tell you in advance in case you don¡¯t know. Bratz was erased from the map of Bariel long ago for treason. How dare you mention that name in the pce. This is quite a dangerous move. Especially in the current situation.¡± Everyone in the pce was desperate to catch even one more weakness. Yet she directly mentions the name of a family annihted for treason to Ian, who survived from there? This was tantamount to Mnia handing her own noose to Ian. Although she had no other choice, still. ¡°But if I hadn¡¯t, would you have granted me an audience, Lord Ian?¡± Ian lowered his gaze to look at the jewelry box ced on the table. All of Hayman¡¯s assets should be under pressure, so what could it be? Judging from Mnia¡¯s attitude so far, it doesn¡¯t seem like a primary bribe, but¡­ Who knows? Errors in judgment created by final moments aremon. ¡°Well. Let¡¯s hear it then. What is this ¡®that territory¡¯ matter you want to tell me about.¡± Mnia swallowed dryly. Her heart seemed to be leaping greatly with tension. She was acutely feeling how important and precious this moment given to her was. An opportunity that would determine not just the lives of her family, but the fate of her house. Mnia knew that at times like this, she needed to be especially alert and act confidently. ¡°Let me say this first.¡± ¡°Anything.¡± ¡°I am here as a member of the Hayman family, to prevent the downfall of our house. I want nothing else.¡± Even if it meant paying any price, Mnia wanted to protect her family. Hayman, that great and noble name, was her foundation and origin. Ian raised an eyebrow and retorted steadily. ¡°Is that so? I am here to bring down your family. I want nothing else.¡± ¡°Lord Ian.¡± Mnia deliberately ignored Ian¡¯s words and threw out a topic. Her deep gaze examined his green eyes thoroughly. As if trying to read Ian¡¯s inner thoughts. ¡°Do you remember? Before, I was rude in front of His Highness Gale¡¯s quarters.¡± ¡°Of course. How could I forget?¡± ¡°I have a friend I formed a connection with in Bratz.¡± ¡°In Bratz? How did the youngest daughter of the Hayman family go to such a frontier? I¡¯m surprised. It sounds like a lie.¡± Ian smiled, pointing out the credibility. Isn¡¯t that right? Common sense-wise. ¡°I spent most of my childhood in Ruswena. And I returned to Bariel when I turned ten. Through Hawan Kingdom.¡± ¡°Hawan Kingdom. Hawan Kingdom. Was it because of a marriage alliance?¡± ¡°Yes. Like our mother. Those who lost in the Ruswena session were scattered to surrounding countries. My cousin brother married into the Hawan royal family. My schedule was to watch the wedding and then return to Bariel.¡± And naturally, the escort and cargo transport for this schedule were entrusted to Rutherford, who had regr dealings with Hayman. ¡°Rutherford, you know them, right?¡± ¡°Of course. They¡¯re the merchant group that supplied the amber raw stones Mariv used in the rebellion. I heard they have several alchemists.¡± ¡°Is that really all?¡± Mnia asked, slightly biting her lip, as if clinging to hope. Ian just slightly raised his head with a calm gaze. As if he didn¡¯t understand what her intention was. Her breathing became a bit rough. It seemed to be a reaction created by emotions such as excitement, frustration, and tension. ¡°I asked if that¡¯s really all.¡± ¡°Mnia. I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re saying.¡± ¡°I met a boy in Bratz with blonde hair, green eyes, and white skin. Honestly, it¡¯s an old memory so I¡¯m not certain about the face. But Lord Ian. The moment I saw you, it felt like the fog in my mind cleared.¡± Ian smiled palely. See? He wasn¡¯t sure if Mnia was now trying to y tricks or if the ¡®illegitimate Ian¡¯ actually had a connection with her. ¡°So I thought if I called your name like back then, Ian would recognize me too.¡± ¡°You seem to be mistaken about something, Lady.¡± ¡°I thought so too. But no matter how I think about it, isn¡¯t it too much of a coincidence? How many children with your appearance could there be in Bratz? And that ability.¡± Ability. Mnia looked down at Ian¡¯s gloved hand and muttered firmly. ¡°Who else could possibly have that?¡± Ian spread out his hand. Come to think of it, didn¡¯t Philea mention something in a letter? When the illegitimate Ian was very young, he went on an errand to a merchant group and brought back a red flowerpot. The person who gave him the flowerpot greatly praised Ian, saying he had ¡®talent¡¯. ¡°Did I ever show you my magic?¡± Certainly, the illegitimate Ian was also a magic user. As Ian was about to conclude this, Mnia opened the jewelry box to show him notes, pressed flowers, and an amber stone. Ian immediately recognized what the pressed flower was. Ssque. The flower said to never wither once it blooms. ¡°Why do you keep pretending not to know?¡± ¡°Lady.¡± ¡°¡­This, you made this, Ian.¡± Mnia whispered, pressing the amber raw stone in her hand into Ian¡¯s. Her tone was pleading, begging him to pretend to know. ¡°And Rutherford even praised you for it. Said you had talent. Why do you keep pretending not to remember? We even made a vow over the stone. Why¡­!¡± Mnia now seemed certain that the friend in her memory was Ian, and had decided to believe so. The amber raw stone cut in half. Ian found himself muttering without realizing. ¡°Ian, made this?¡± Chapter 248 Chapter 248 Important Announcement: Changes to Subscriptions Dear valuedmunity members, we have important updates regarding our tform¡¯s future. Please read carefully as this affects all users: ¨C New Subscriptions: Effective immediately starting from 1st October 2024, we will no longer offer new subscriptions. ¨C Current Subscribers: -> Your current subscription will remain active until the end of your current billing cycle. -> We have cancelled all ongoing subscriptions on our end to prevent future charges to your card. -> As we¡¯re discontinuing our subscription model, you¡¯ll receive 1-month of free ess to your previously subscribed series. -> Note: This does not apply to Lifetime Members. All Lifetime members can ess ALL series regardless of the subscription¡¯s cancetion. ¨C Advanced chapters are only essible by Blooms points. Click here to view methods of payment to purchase Blooms ¨C /blooms-wallet/ For any inquiries, open a subscription ticket in our Discord channel (HERE) Jin¡¯s RequestMargrave¡¯s Bastard Son was the Emperor Mnia¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. What was that question supposed to mean? To express himself as if he were a third party. But Ian paid no heed and kept examining the amber raw stone. It was very simr to the stone Mariv used during the rebellion, and the one under the Ssque flowerpot. ¡®On the surface, it looks like Idgal. I¡¯ll need to examine it more closely.¡¯ Didn¡¯t Akore say that? If you cut an artificial stone in half, you can see geometric patterns. That¡¯s the trace of an alchemist¡¯s production, their unique pattern. If this was indeed made by the illegitimate Ian, it would show apletely different texture from ¡®Idgal¡¯. ¡°Ian.¡± Ian turned his head at Mnia¡¯s call. Her eyes held considerable doubt. A gaze that clung persistently, and a distance that was gradually closing. Mnia carefully asked again. Havingposed her emotions, her tone became more formal. ¡°Lord Ian, do you really have no memory at all?¡± Though it was a question, it was essentially no different from probing. This was a very important variable for Mnia. If Ian had lost his memories, it would create an information imbnce about the past. This would be a great opportunity for Mnia, who held the information. ¡°You smiled, didn¡¯t you? You were so happy that the flush on your face wouldn¡¯t subside. So¡­¡± Mnia hesitated as she was about to say something. If Ian didn¡¯t remember, wouldn¡¯t it be more advantageous to throw out something abstract rather than a situational exnation that might directly provide clues? Ian noticed her intention and responded with silence. Admitting to remembering carried too many risks, and denying it wasn¡¯t a good move. Even ambiguously deflecting the question would be a form of admission. While Ian was at a disadvantage regarding the past, Mnia was the one in need when it came to the current situation in the pce. The longer he dragged out the silence, the more likely Mnia would speak first. Rustle. Without answering, Ian took the pressed flower. The Ssque, taking on a red hue in themplight. It had been difficult to find traces of it even in the center, yet here it appeared again with the amber raw stone. Just like in the desert. He could certainly guess that the Rutherford merchant group was rted to the flower, and that Mnia¡¯s im had some credibility. While Mariv had also used Idgal, only Ian, among all those he had met so far, had a connection to this flower. ¡°Say something. Please. Like this, it¡¯s as if¡­¡± As if you¡¯re a different person, as if you¡¯re treating it like someone else¡¯s business beyond just not remembering, Mnia barely swallowed these absurd words and continued. ¡°Doesn¡¯t it seem like I¡¯m lying? When the evidence proving that day is so clear.¡± ¡°Hmm.¡± Ting! Ian lightly responded while flicking the amber raw stone. He had caught quite a good lead. Idgal had an effectparable to magic-sealing stones, making it extremely threatening to mages. Therefore, tracking down the Rutherford merchant group, confiscating this, and destroying it would be one of the long-term goals the Ministry of Magic would pursue. But the illegitimate Ian, especially he who holds the position of Minister of Magic, is rted to the birth of Idgal? Moreover, a vow with Rutherford? ¡°What about this note? Don¡¯t you recognize the note either?¡± Rustle, Mnia unfolded the old note, pressing Ian. Just as he was about to answer that it was an unfamiliar script, Ian realized he had seen it somewhere before. The unfamiliar script he had seen when he first opened his eyes in the Bratz count¡¯s mansion and entered the illegitimate son¡¯s room. Likewise, he couldn¡¯t decipher it. ¡®It¡¯s a secret she¡¯s revealing to save the Hayman family. She must have judged it sufficiently threatening to me, with enough value to exchange for their salvation. Though it¡¯s cautious since I don¡¯t know what it is-¡® The Ministry of Magic Minister creating Idgal is almost a contradiction. It has no effect on non-mages, and it¡¯s creating something that only tightens their own noose. There would be extreme bacsh within the department. ¡®In the current situation, it¡¯s actually fine.¡¯ If used well, it¡¯s not bad. Prince Jin, the heir apparent, trusts Ian. From the imperial family¡¯s perspective, Ian would be judged as the right person for the power bnce of the Ministry of Magic, which would give Jin a sense of stability. Stability means strong cohesion. It will be a foundation for the Ministry of Magic to be more trusted within the empire. In other words, there might be some turbulence, but it means a virtuous cycle can be achieved. ¡°Mnia. I¡¯ve constantly told you that I have no connection with you. You say it¡¯s evidence, but aren¡¯t these all subjective ims? What kind of rtionship were we supposed to have? For such a rtionship, it seems we¡¯ve pointed swords at each other too sincerely.¡± If Arsen¡¯s true identity hadn¡¯t been a demon, Jin and Ian¡¯s position would have been precarious, on the verge of copse. And if this were truly a threat to Ian, she would have yed this card long ago. Especially when the corrtion between Mariv and Rutherford was mentioned in the trial, there was clearly an opportunity to implicate Ian. ¡°Even if we had some kind of rtionship, don¡¯t force memories you¡¯ve kept alone as shared reminiscence. I¡¯ll be confiscating these. As they can¡¯t be easily overlooked, wait for their disposal.¡± Click. Ian put the items in the jewelry box, then closed the lock. As if she had expected this, Mnia stared intently at Ian. There was no change in his expression even after seeing the note, so he must truly have lost his memories. Otherwise¡­ ¡°Before autumn, Rutherford will enter Bariel. When you meet him, Ian. You won¡¯t be able to go against fate.¡± As far as Mnia knew, vows were permanent and unique. They wouldn¡¯t disappear just because the subject doesn¡¯t remember. ¡°Mnia. For the dignity of Bariel, I¡¯d like to treat you in a more humane way.¡± It was a warning not to provoke needlessly. He could use torture to make her talk, but this was the final consideration in honor of Hayman¡¯s achievements. It was true that thanks to them, Bariel¡¯s currency cirction had been smooth. But Mnia didn¡¯t back down. ¡°Cut off my hands and feet as much as you like. But I will cut my own tongue.¡± It was a response saying she wouldn¡¯t easily talk no matter what was done to her. Mnia changed her expression, approached Ian closely, and pleaded pitifully. ¡°I¡¯ll hand over Hayman¡¯s bank note shares. And taxes too, we¡¯ll endure as much as we can bear. We humbly ept the demotion of our title. I don¡¯t want anything else. Continuation, that¡¯s all. Please, I beg you. If you do, I¡¯ll awaken all the memories of that day that Lord Ian doesn¡¯t remember. The extinction of Hayman might be meaningful to the imperial family, but it¡¯s not good for Lord Ian at all.¡± Ah. Ian looked at her and then turned his gaze to the side of his ear. Outside the window, tree branches were swaying refreshingly. Arsen had said simr things before he died. Meaningless words making him choose between Bariel and himself. Then as now, Ian¡¯s answer was always set, without hesitation. ¡°Mnia. What¡¯s meaningful to Bariel is meaningful to me. Wait quietly without causing a disturbance. If not, you¡¯ll miss the path with your family.¡± ¡°Lord Ian!¡± If you want to meet your family, stay quiet. Ian left those words and exited the reception room. The servants waiting outside nced at the jewelry box in Ian¡¯s hand. He handed over the amber raw stone from inside and instructed: ¡°¡­Send this to Captain Akore to check if it¡¯s the same as Idgal.¡± ¡°Yes, understood.¡± ¡°And-¡° Ian tapped the window frame, falling silent for a moment. The sudden influx of information left him with an overflow of thoughts to organize. First, there¡¯s a need to find out what the vow ced on the illegitimate Ian¡¯s body, which Mnia mentioned, is about. ¡®It¡¯s impossible to let those whomitted treason go unpunished. If a precedent is set, it surely won¡¯t be good for future generations. Without going far, the discipline in the pce would bex first.¡¯ ¡°Keep a particrly close watch on Mnia. In the evening, tell mother and Nersarn I¡¯d like to see them.¡± ¡°Yes, understood. Shall we escort you to the Ministry of Magic?¡± ¡°What about Prince Jin? Is he at the Ministry of Magic?¡± ¡°No. He¡¯s at Lady Dina¡¯s quarters.¡± Ian, who had started walking outside, checked his pocket watch. Quite some time had passed since they parted. He probably went straight to see his mother, but he¡¯s still there. Although there doesn¡¯t seem to be any problem given theck of special messages from Xiaoshi, it¡¯s still curious. ¡°Let¡¯s go there. I¡¯ll return to the Ministry of Magic with Prince Jin.¡± Rustle. At Ian¡¯s instruction, the servants split left and right and hurriedly walked ahead. They were preparing to ready a carriage. Ian briefly looked back at Mnia¡¯s tightly closed reception room before turning away without lingering. Even Gale¡¯s death, which will be erased from history, is known by God and himself. But would Mnia be the only one in the world who knows about the illegitimate son¡¯s vow? ¡®I hope it¡¯s not too troublesome.¡¯ Ian thought this as he unfolded the note and then carefully folded it back. The illegitimate Ian. What on earth was his identity? He had traces of magic, and even talent in alchemy. It¡¯s curious what kind of life he lived before eating in the backyard of the Bratz count¡¯s mansion. ¡®But I know one thing.¡¯ Emperor Ian waking up as the illegitimate Ian. There were more causes and effects mixed in than expected. Ian carefully held the jewelry box as he boarded the carriage. *** A dim bedroom. Faint light seeped through the thick curtains, but even that would soon be gone. Ian entered the small room leading to Dina¡¯s bedroom. Xiaoshi, who had been sitting in a chair, stood up to greet him. ¡°Where is His Highness?¡± ¡°He¡¯s inside.¡± ¡°Still?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Creak. Surprisingly, there was the smell of impending death. This was different from when Beric was brought in all battered. The pungent smell of blood rather reminds one of being alive, but this faint, drifting smell of medicine gives the feeling of barely prolonging life. ¡°¡­are you?¡± In the short space connecting Xiaoshi¡¯s room and the bedroom. Ian stopped upon hearing Jin¡¯s intermittent soliloquy. The child was lying down next to Dina¡¯s bed, speaking to her affectionately. ¡°When I first got a tutor. Actually. I was the one who was praised for literature then. I was too foolish to say it.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°What if I had caught those slightly misaligned moments earlier? Mother. At least you wouldn¡¯t be lying here like this, would you?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Though his mother gave no answer, the child didn¡¯t stop. He caressed her withered hand, sniffling, imagining his mother¡¯s responses alone. Then he buried his forehead in her shoulder again. Jin wiped away his tears and then affectionately spoke again when something else came to mind. ¡°When I see yellow flowers, I think of you, Mother. Do you know? Yellow suits you very well.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Like this, he seemed to be repeating and repeating conversations they couldn¡¯t have over the past ten years. Ian leaned against the wall and quietly waited for this. As the sobbing sounds intensified, Ian thought of his own birth mother. When she passed away, did he cry like this too? He couldn¡¯t remember. ¡°¡­Ah.¡± ¡°Mother.¡± Jin recognized his mother¡¯s call, which sounded like a groan, and listened closely. Ian couldn¡¯t hear it. Tears rolled down the child¡¯s blue eyes, and soon he frowned sadly and rubbed his lips against his mother¡¯s forehead. ¡°No. No. There¡¯s no need for that. I will live long. I will live so long that I won¡¯t even remember the memories of these ten years. So, please don¡¯t.¡± Dina weakly raised her hand and ced her finger on her son¡¯s scar. And then slowly, she moved along it. As if measuring the scar inflicted by Mariv and herself. Thud. And in an instant, she lost strength and dropped her hand. Surprised, Jin quickly grabbed her wrist, but by then he clearly felt it. ¡°Mother?¡± Dina had taken herst breath. Jin trembled, letting out choked screams. It was so heartrending that one might wonder if it was really the child making those sounds. And for good reason, as Jin was now truly alone. His father¡¯s presence had always been distant, and he had lived here with at least his mother and siblings¡­ ¡°No, no, don¡¯t! Mother, just a moment!¡± ¡°Your Highness.¡± ¡°Lord Ian! Lord Ian!¡± Jin, who was about to cry out for help, drew in a sharp breath. But despite his breath stopping, tears continued to flow endlessly. ¡°Your Highness. I¡¯ll call for people.¡± ¡°Hic¡­¡± I¡¯ll call for people. At Ian¡¯s words, the child wiped away his tears with his sleeve. He curled up, trying to cut off the unending sorrow. Precious ones shouldn¡¯t show their tears, Ian had told him so. ¡°Your Highness.¡± As Ian reached out his hand, Jin hid his face in his outer garment. Xiaoshi, hearing themotion, briefly checked inside. At his low call, the outside became bustling. ¡°Please call a doctor. We need a death deration.¡± ¡°Oh my! J-just a moment!¡± ¡°Wait. Is there no one outside?¡± Pat pat pat! ¡°¡­Cover for me, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. I will cover for you.¡± ¡°And, stay here like this.¡± ¡°Yes. I will stay like this.¡± ¡°Like this, continue¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Though servants and a doctor rushed in urgently, Ian put his finger to his lips as if telling them to handle it quietly. They passed by, pretending not to see Jin, and diagnosed Dina¡¯s condition. ¡°¡­We¡¯ll need to prepare a ck cloth.¡± Thus, Jin¡¯s mother passed away. Chapter 249 Chapter 249 That day, the wind in the imperial pce was particrly chilly. Though flowers were blooming on the trees and the wind scattering the clouds was warm, it felt cold. So, no one found it strange that Jin had pulled a thick nket over his head. ¡°Lady Dina has passed away?¡± ¡°Yes, in the middle of the night.¡± ¡°Tsk tsk. Our poor Prince Jin.¡± ¡°With His Majesty showing no signs of improvement, the young one will have a hard time. Instructions have been given to be especially careful, so refrain from careless words.¡± ¡°What about the funeral?¡± ¡°It seems it will be kept simple. The cause of death can¡¯t be revealed, after all.¡± Death due to exposure to the poison of the demon Arsen. This was Dina¡¯s direct cause of death, but everyone in the pce was working together to erase the events of that day. Her death would likely be recorded as due to illness or worsening of injuries sustained during the rebellion. The mage scratched his forehead with a file of documents and sighed. ¡°By the way, how many are left waiting for the sealing magic?¡± ¡°Only fifteen have gone out so far. Without Lord Ian¡¯s help, the progress is slow. We¡¯re already short-handed, and now some are being dragged to the interrogation room. Have you seen Patrick?¡± ¡°That madman. Who told him to have such foolish thoughts?¡± ¡°This is the first time it¡¯s been so chaotic since entering the pce.¡± While the loss of manpower due to Arsen was one thing, weeding out the traitors took two or three more rounds of effort. Those being investigated were mages, and those doing the investigating were also mages. As they passed through the corridor expressing their fatigue, there was someone eavesdropping secretly from a corner. ¡°Huh? Prince Jin¡¯s mother?¡± It was Beric. Not only were his cheeks full, but both hands were also clutching meat. For recovery, chewy, tender meat was absolutely essential, but these ignorant pce quacks only gave him thin porridge. He had no choice but to roam around the kitchen area from time to time, evading the servants¡¯ surveince in search of meat. It was still vivid in his memory how he had carried the unconscious woman on his back and ran when the rebellion was in full swing! Oh my, Beric pressed himself t against the corridor wall, constantly chewing on meat. ¡®¡­His mother died.¡¯ Beric was about to return to his room but changed direction. It was closer to rolling unsteadily than walking, but he didn¡¯t feel too ufortable. Every time the meat juice slid down his throat, he felt like his blood was circting. ¡°Lord Beric?¡± ¡°Ack!¡± But he didn¡¯t know. It wasn¡¯t that he was moving secretly without the mages knowing, but that the mages were gritting their teeth and pretending not to notice. This time, as if a report hade in that he was rolling around the corridors with his hands full of meat, Vivianna and Romandro personally showed up. ¡°Tsk tsk. Is that, is that a person or what?¡± ¡°Sir Romandro¡¯s face isn¡¯t much better.¡± ¡°I just woke up from sleep!¡± Romandro, who had just barely woken up after falling asleep as if fainting. His face was so swollen that half of his features had disappeared. Beric staggered and leaned against the wall to stand. ¡°Then why not just keep sleeping, why did youe out?¡± ¡°I heard Lady Dina passed away. I was worried about Prince Jin, and thinking about Ian handling work alone made me feel uneasy. I thought I¡¯d at least show my face.¡± Though he was recovering on his own without the help of mages, it seemed like exchanging a few words and returning would be his limit. Romandro gestured for Beric to follow, yawning widely. ¡°Prince Jin must be very heartbroken. Be careful with your behavior. At such a young age, he¡¯s all alone now. Oh my.¡± ¡°What do you mean alone when he has three siblings?¡± When Beric asked, scratching his nose, Romandro and Vivianna exchanged nces. Come to think of it, hadn¡¯t Beric been bedridden since the end of the rebellion? He was on the brink of death when Arsen used magic in Prince Gale¡¯s quarters. It was natural that he knew nothing. Romandro cleared his throat and carefully informed him. ¡°Mariv, that is, the First Prince, has been stripped of his title and even his execution is over.¡± ¡°¡­What did you say?¡± ¡°Prince Gale has also passed away.¡± ¡°Huh?!¡± ¡°As for Arsen, well¡­¡± Romandro nced around briefly before whispering in Beric¡¯s ear. Arsen¡¯s true identity and the consequences of it. And how the aftermath was being handled, and that he shouldn¡¯t speak carelessly about it, and so on. Beric was so shocked that his jaw dropped. The meat he was chewing was clearly visible. Vivianna carefully closed it for him. ¡°Huuuuh?!¡± ¡°Be quiet, you fool.¡± ¡°Crazy, what happened while I was gone? Why am I the only one left out?¡± ¡°What do you mean only you? That¡¯s nonsense.¡± ¡°Oh, if only I had been there!¡± ¡°If you had been there?¡± Beric couldn¡¯t hide his excitement, grinding his teeth roughly. Muttering that he really wasn¡¯t human, Romandro pulled on Vivianna¡¯s arm. She smiled gently and supported Beric. ¡°That¡¯s nothing! Huh? Like this and that, just, chomp! I would have bitten and bam! Cleanly! Somehow I felt that guy was really unlucky. He looked exactly like Prince Jin, but something was off. Hmm. As expected, my intuition is different. Wow. This is crazy.¡± You¡¯re ying around. Romandro thought it was fortunate that Beric had been lying down while themotion was happening. It was already chaotic and busy enough, and if this guy had caused trouble, it would have truly been a headache. They arrived near Jin¡¯s quarters, exchanging eye greetings with passing mages. As they turned the corner, familiar figures came into view. ¡°Oh my. Mydy.¡± ¡°Hello, Sir Romandro. You¡¯re up. Are you able to move around? Are you alright?¡± It was Philea and Nersarn. They had entered the Ministry of Magic after receiving Ian¡¯s summons and had just met at the entrance. She and Nersarn approached closer upon seeing Beric. ¡°Lord Beric. I heard you were rolling around.¡± ¡°You seem better than I thought.¡± ¡°Why would I be rolling around?¡± ¡°Is that so? Then that¡¯s good.¡± Beric made a puzzled expression, as if he didn¡¯t understand. Though his gait was a bit strange, he was walking well on two feet, so he couldn¡¯t understand why they were saying such things. In the meantime, Romandro gestured to a servant to announce their arrival, and soon the door opened from inside. Creak. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Your Highness, we¡¯ve heard.¡± As the two couples carefully entered, Ian, sitting at the bedside, greeted them with his hand to his mouth. Quietly, asking them to lower their voices. Something shapeless rolled up in a thick nket. It was Jin. The child had covered himself with the nket and was holding Ian¡¯s left hand with just one hand sticking out. ¡°You¡¯vee.¡± ¡°Is Prince Jin sleeping?¡± Ian shrugged as if he wasn¡¯t sure. Though his breathing was steady, the grip on his hand hadn¡¯t loosened. He had read twice, but Jin remained unmoved. Ian ced documents on his knee and turned the pages with his right hand alone. ¡°Sir Romandro, how are you feeling?¡± ¡°No problem. Though I feel like I could fall asleep as soon as my head hits the pillow. Ian, how are you? I¡¯m sorry. I couldn¡¯t get up easily.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. Captain Hale tried his best in his own way. Though I don¡¯t think he¡¯s cut out for office work at all.¡± As Ian smiled faintly, Romandro also breathed a sigh of relief. Beric poked his head in during that moment. Ian asked in surprise. ¡°Beric. I heard you were rolling around?¡± ¡°Damn it. What¡¯s this all about?¡± ¡°Never mind. Looking at you, there¡¯s no need to worry.¡± ¡°Master. Can I order that meat I couldn¡¯t eatst time again? I can eat meat now. Really! Look at this?¡± Chomp chomp, Beric devoured the meat ravenously as if to show he was healthy. Ian watched this curiously. He let out a short exmation of ¡°Oh,¡± but that was all. He focused on the documents and scribbled with his pen. ¡°Lord Nersarn.¡± ¡°Yes, Lord Ian.¡± Nersarn¡¯s tanned shoulders flinched. Ah. How to handle this awkward atmosphere between the new stepfather and son? Even the honorifics were ambiguous. Romandro rolled his eyes slightly, while Vivianna and Philea needlessly soothed Beric, who was putting on a meat show. ¡°I¡¯ve found a clue about Ssque.¡± ¡°Is that true?¡± ¡°The merchant group that gave me the flowerpot I had is Rutherford. They¡¯re also the source of the amber raw stone ¡®Idgal¡¯ that Mariv used in the rebellion.¡± Rutherford. Nersarn shook his head as if he had never heard of it. Weren¡¯t they a minority group that only traded with Bratz in the Great Desert? He didn¡¯t have any particr information to share with Ian. ¡°How is Chief Winchen¡¯s condition?¡± ¡°Though I can¡¯t say he¡¯s recovered as before, he¡¯s enduring well.¡± The gypsy¡¯s chronic illness symptoms were like that, but at the time, it must have been even more critical due to the betrayal of Bumart, the traitor of Cheonrye who had colluded with Count Dergha. He was the chief food manager and had worsened Winchen¡¯s health to take over the tribe. ¡°We expect Rutherford to enter Bariel around autumn. However, I¡¯m not sure if it will be through the Hawan Kingdom or another route.¡± ¡°Autumn¡­¡± ¡°Once they enter Bariel, we¡¯ll surely be able to make contact, so there¡¯s no need to worry about that.¡± Will it be alright? Can Winchen, who has withered like a bare branch, hold out until then? Worry suddenly took precedence, but there was no way around it. Nersarn nodded. ¡°You use carrier pigeons for Kakan, don¡¯t you? Since he¡¯s traveling slowly,bining it with a journey, won¡¯t it take a long time?¡± ¡°Yes. I understand.¡± ¡°Mother.¡± ¡°Yes?¡± Philea, who had been watching Beric eat meat while pping lightly, turned her head quickly at Ian¡¯s call. ¡°Do you remember in detail about when you said I was praised by the merchant group?¡± ¡°In detail?¡± ¡°Or if I seemed strange after that day, or different from usual, anything like that. Even if it¡¯s trivial, please tell me whateveres to mind.¡± ¡°Well¡­¡± Philea tried hard to recall the faint memory. But no matter how much she thought about it, what was strange wasn¡¯t Ian from that day, but Ian now. How could he be so mature and clever after experiencing a few near-death crises? Philea awkwardly smiled and smoothed her hair. ¡°I don¡¯t think this is very helpful.¡± ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± ¡°You had a fever flower for a few days.¡± ¡°A fever flower? Why?¡± When Ian asked about the cause, Philea became flustered. He was a child from the slums. How often would they know the reason for getting a fever flower? The environment was harsh, and there were no doctors to look after them. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I don¡¯t really know about that.¡± ¡°Ian. Well, you know, when foreign merchant groupse and go, unknown illnesses often spread. Things like fever flowers aremon in childhood. Yeah.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Usually, they bloom and wither quickly.¡± As Romandro chimed in, checking Philea¡¯s expression, Vivianna also added her words. Wondering if she might misunderstand and resent him? Ian gave a faint smile to his mother looking at him. Immediately, Philea¡¯s face brightened. ¡°¡­Lord Ian.¡± At that moment, Jin slightly lifted the nket and revealed his eyes. His pale, delicate eye area was swollen. Ian gently asked, shielding themp light with his hand. ¡°Your Highness. Are you awake? Should I tell Beric to leave?¡± ¡°No, what? I didn¡¯t say a word and just ate meat! Prince Jin. All the noise until now was Ian! I am innocent!¡± ¡°Oh, you fool. You¡¯re being noisy. Your manner of speech is strange too.¡± ¡°What? Sir Romandro is even noisier.¡± Romandro and Beric, who were bickering loudly. They forcibly regained peace under Vivianna¡¯s smile as she rolled up her sleeves. Jin looked around at the gathered people and asked. ¡°If you¡¯re busy with work, you can go.¡± ¡°It was noisy, wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°That¡¯s absolutely not the case.¡± ¡°If you say so, I¡¯m fine. And everyone is here partly because of work, but also because they were worried about you, Your Highness. Right, Beric?¡± ¡°Huh? Me? Yeah yeah! That¡¯s right! Here¡¯s some meat!¡± At Ian¡¯s call, Beric raised his hand high. Ah. There¡¯s no meat left. He had brought some to share with Jin, but he had eaten it all in the meantime. Jin inadvertently smiled slightly. ¡°Beric. I¡¯m d you¡¯re up. That meat you couldn¡¯t eat then, let¡¯s eat it togetherter. It was very delicious beef.¡± ¡°Oh. When? I¡¯m the type to set meal appointments firmly. Do you want to have breakfast together?¡± ¡°How dare this guy share a table with His Highness!¡± ¡°Ack! Xiao ate with Prince Jin too!¡± Smack! As Romandro and Beric started bickering again, even Vivianna raised her voice, and Philea tried to mediate between them, unable to do either. ¡°Is it noisy?¡± ¡°No. It¡¯s good.¡± Jin muttered in response to Ian¡¯s question. Rather than hearing the sound of sobbing alone, this was better. Jin stared nkly at them from under the nket, then suddenly asked. ¡°By the way, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Do you perhaps have a younger sibling?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± A younger sibling? Him? As Ian raised his eyebrows, Jin also made a puzzled expression. ¡°Lord Roberside told me. That your younger sister is very pretty.¡± Chapter 250 Chapter 250 A quiet office. It was the time when the sky was beginning to brighten dimly. Ian was examining documents with a steady gaze when he rubbed his forehead. It was because the conversation he had with Jin earlier came to mind. Perhaps he had reached his physical limit again, as he found it difficult to concentrate. ¡®Your Highness. Please keep this a secret between us for now. Mother is the type to share good news first. Since she doesn¡¯t seem to know, it¡¯s better if we pretend not to know as well.¡¯ ¡®Yes. I¡¯ll do that!¡¯ ¡®But, did he say she was pretty?¡¯ ¡®Very, very much so.¡¯ The Roberside that Jin met in his dreams was already proven not to be an illusion through the Arsen incident. With Vivianna¡¯s words too, and now a younger sister. Though he wasn¡¯t sure what kind of ancestor this was, it was natural that each piece of information couldn¡¯t be taken lightly. Perhaps Philea had given birth to another child besides the illegitimate Ian? Or was it another illegitimate child of Dergha in Bratz? Tap tap. No, that¡¯s not it. Ian lightly tapped the pen tip to remove excess ink. If Dergha had more illegitimate children, he would have known about it long ago. Was there much opportunity? Between the fall and rebuilding of a territory, rumors would surely have spread among the residents. The Philea and Nersarn side seems more likely. ¡®If so, it¡¯s only right to give my blessings.¡¯ Ian simply thought this as he signed. Philea wasn¡¯t his birth mother, and even if she was, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. Rather, it¡¯s something to wee. As there¡¯s almost no possibility of him going down to the Hielo territory in the future, the child of those two would be the first step towards cultural fusion and a cornerstone of a strong alliance. ¡®Above all, it¡¯s truly fortunate for Philea. Yes. Living happily. That¡¯s all there is to it, what else could there be?¡¯ The process of everyone in the imperial pce fiercelypeting, conflicting, and reaching agreements is all for such things. Aplete life that makes up a grand history. Sometimes when things get too hectic around you, you forget where you¡¯re heading. But at such times, Ian surprisingly always found his way in trivial everyday moments. ¡°Snore¡­¡± For instance, things like Beric¡¯s snoring as he¡¯s passed out in front of the magic stove. In a way, even that could be seen as oneplete life. Hmm. Ian watched that scene seriously for a moment before closing the file of documents. ¡­¡­ Unlike the peaceful atmosphere of the office, the titles he was looking at were all liable to cause a stir. Knock knock. ¡°Excuse me.¡± ¡°Come in. I¡¯ve just finished.¡± ¡°Ah. That¡¯s fortunate, Sereau has-¡° A mage entered with a haggard look, as if she had been waiting. She was carefully holding files of documents to her chest when she paused upon seeing Ian. Pale skin, deepened eyes, and¡­ ¡°Lord Ian. Your nose is bleeding.¡± ¡°Hm?¡± A hint of red slightly visible below his nose. Ian raised his head in surprise, and the mage quickly handed him a handkerchief. Beric, who had been snoring, noticed themotion and abruptly sat up. Saliva was stretched down the corner of his mouth. ¡°Whoa, what? What¡¯s going on!¡± ¡°You¡¯re being noisy, Beric.¡± ¡°You¡¯re bleeding, Ian! Crazy! It¡¯s a nosebleed!¡± ¡°Are you trying to wake everyone else up?¡± ¡°Should I? Shall I wake them?¡± ¡°¡­Go and bring Captain Hale here.¡± Ian lightly gestured, instructing Beric. He stumbled greatly and immediately rolled out the door. Seeing that sight, it¡¯s understandable why strange rumors were circting in the Ministry of Magic. Ian kept leaning his neck against the chair, holding the handkerchief to his nose. ¡°By the way, why Sereau?¡± Ian asked with his eyes closed, fatigued. The mage who had been quietly observing his appearance was startled and continued her report. ¡°The resistance from the seven families, including Hayman, is more severe than expected. It seems that since they were the ones supporting the center, the judiciary and administration are facing various difficulties in carrying out their work.¡± It¡¯s not just about lives, but the survival of their families is at stake. Moreover, it¡¯s seven families we¡¯re talking about. If you include all the members, employees, and even minor connections through regional and school ties, Bariel would be making a sacrifice not much different from cutting off its left arm. It was a sacrifice that could never have been made if a better future hadn¡¯t been envisioned. ¡°So?¡± ¡°As the schedule is being dyed, the Sereau family has gathered signatures from the opposition central nobles as a representative, they say.¡± ¡°Opposition central nobles?¡± See? Opposition? Ian finally raised an eyebrow and turned to look at the mage. As if it was somewhat unexpected. It was a very early stage. It had only been a few days since Hayman was cut out from the lump of central nobility. Isn¡¯t it surprising that in the meantime, the remaining ones have formed a group by naming its meaning? Especially the fact that it¡¯s called ¡®opposition¡¯ was even more significant. It was impossible to specify what they were opposing. ¡°Yes. It has already been submitted to the judiciary, and the matter has been made known throughout the streets. Of course, not about the ¡®magic confirmation ceremony¡¯ incident, but about the treason of the seven families.¡± Sereau was just a temporary measure. To fill the void left by Hayman, to dilute the tant checks from the imperial pce, and to provide a means to unite other nobles as desired. But to take the lead in gathering opposition signatures like this? Ian lightly waved the feather attached to the back of his pen. ¡®It¡¯s natural that Hayman and the seven families need to be purged quickly for their opportunity toe. They¡¯re probably waiting for Hayman¡¯s downfall as eagerly as the imperial family members. But to move like this without any notice¡­¡¯ How should I put it? It would be right to say it¡¯s irritating. Half of the central nobility is Hayman¡¯s force, and the other half are those condemning them, but if Sereau takes the center stage among them ¡°better than expected¡±? When the seven families disappear, how big can Sereau grow after receiving the scraps? Can we really guarantee that it won¡¯t be the birth of a second Hayman? ¡®Depending on the situation, showing too much enthusiasm can be troublesome in its own way, Lord Sereau.¡¯ Ian inwardly clicked his tongue. It¡¯s hard to know for certain what his intentions are. Whether it¡¯s to drive in a loyalty wedge to Jin and Ian, that is, to the imperial pce, or to open a new horizon in the noble world with future ns. Whatever it may be, he was now treading dangerously close to the line Ian had drawn. Without being given permission to cross it. ¡°I understand for now.¡± For now, it¡¯s what has happened. Regardless of the intention, it¡¯s wise to ept it. At that moment, Captain Hale burst into the office urgently. Bang bang bang! Crash! ¡°Minister! They say you¡¯re bleeding!¡± ¡°Oh, Captain Hale. Come here and give me some magic power.¡± ¡°M-Magic power?¡± As Ian casually waved his hand, Hale stopped in his tracks. What? He¡¯s asking for magic power? Again? Though he rarely felt physically strained, Hale could feel cold sweat running down. It was impossible to gauge the size of Ian¡¯s magic power container. It might be cleaner and easier to go to a demon battle and roll around a few times. Beric, who had followed, pushed Hale¡¯s back and urged him. ¡°What are you doing? The master is asking for magic power!¡± ¡°Hey. This isn¡¯t your business right now, is it?¡± ¡°Your business is your business! My business is your business!¡± The mage who had been quietly listening beside them offered a suggestion while changing the handkerchief. ¡°Lord Ian. Instead of that, why don¡¯t you get some sleep? Even for a mage, there¡¯s a limit to recovering physical strength with external magic power. It would be more effective to have a deep sleep. You¡¯ve only slept for one day and then continued working again.¡± It¡¯s contradictory to receive approval documents from dawn while expressing concern, but well, Ian considered it a reasonable advice. As he entered the inner room with the bed, he asked. ¡°Sereau has left the pce by now, right?¡± ¡°Yes. He received the sealing magic first and left.¡± A privilege obtained for wanting to be Ian¡¯s force. Ian sat on the bed and pondered something deeply. Right now, Sereau seems very excited at the thought of seeding Hayman, but if he openly rebukes this, it will create variables to calcte again. Then- ¡°After lunch, bring Lady Mnia here. Let¡¯s say we¡¯re having a meal together.¡± ¡°Here?¡± ¡°As you can see, I¡¯m busy and thedy is confined.¡± ¡°Understood. Then, I¡¯ll do that. Please sleep well. I¡¯lle to get the rest of the reports then.¡± The mage shrugged as if she didn¡¯t understand and left the office. Captain Hale also tried to sneak out behind her, but Beric clung to his arm with all his might. ¡°Where are you going! Ian said he wants magic power!¡± ¡°I think you¡¯d be better than me.¡± ¡°Oh? Is that so? Ian, is that true?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not. Captain Hale. Come here quickly.¡± Ian neatly arranged the pillows. Then hey down properly in a formal posture, only wiggling his fingers. Captain Hale stroked his rough beard and pulled a chair next to him. Rustle. ¡°I think I¡¯ll need to take a magic amplification shot for this.¡± ¡°I heard Captain Akore took it because of me. Did they say the side effects were okay? If there aren¡¯t many, I think it might be better if I take it directly.¡± ¡®Dragon Scales¡¯ was included in Hayman¡¯s list of charges. Akore¡¯s active cooperation was needed, but since taking the magic amplification shot, she had been staying underground and rarely showing herself. Some said it was due to side effects, while others seemed to think she was just researching as always. ¡°Well, yes. When I saw her yesterday, she looked exactly the same as usual except for sweating a bit. Since it¡¯s in the experimental stage, even she doesn¡¯t know what the side effects are. She was taking her temperature alone,ughing, writing something down¡­ I thought she had gone mad.¡± ¡°Captain Akore was already crazy.¡± Zing. Zing. Ian chuckled at Beric¡¯s retort. That¡¯s not something that shoulde out of Beric¡¯s mouth, of all people. Ian tapped the side of the bed as if to say be quiet now, and soon fell into a deep sleep. **** Neigh! Creak! Mnia stepped out of the carriage, perfectly wrapped in a robe. After Ian left like that, who knows how much she med herself and bit her lips. She should have said it differently then, should have tried approaching a little more in this way, if she had done so Ian would have reacted more strongly, and so on. Since everything around her was darkness, even a thread-like hope became all the more desperate. ¡°This way.¡± Ian had called for her again. This meant that, in some way, Ian had shown interest. Mnia calmly followed the mage¡¯s guidance to the office. ¡°No, wait! Sir Romandro. That¡¯s mine?¡± ¡°You fool, how is any of this yours? Ian bought it all.¡± ¡°It¡¯s mine because I eat the most here!¡± ¡°Xiao,e here and eat some too.¡± ¡°No, master. I¡¯m fine.¡± ¡°Tch. How can the efficiency be so different between servants, really. Beric, you need to reflect on yourself. Ow! Did you just bite me? Did you just bite?¡± The mage who was about to announce their presence nced at Mnia¡¯s expression. This doesn¡¯t seem like the kind ofmotion that shoulde from the office of the Minister of Magic, it¡¯s more like lunchtime at some frontier school. Just as the mage was clearing her throat to announce Mnia¡¯s arrival- ¡°But Ian, why are you calling the youngest daughter of Hayman?¡± At Beric¡¯s question, Mnia quickly grabbed the mage¡¯s wrist. It was a desperate plea to let her eavesdrop for just a moment, just a very short moment. As this behavior was inappropriate for her position, the mage hesitated in surprise. ¡°Hmm. Beric. Have you ever watched a fighting match?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve even participated in one. But why suddenly about fighting?¡± ¡°In those matches, there¡¯s a champion and a challenger. If we¡¯re topare, Hayman is the champion, and Sereau is the challenger.¡± ¡°What about us?¡± ¡°We¡¯re like the manager overseeing the match?¡± Ian spoke iprehensibly with a faint smile. Mnia, who was listening closely with her ear to the door, frowned at that moment. ¡°Well then, Lady Mnia. Stop eavesdropping ande in.¡± Chapter 251 Chapter 251 60Mnia, who had been at the center of social circles. The only daughter and youngest child of the Hayman family, a woman who had always been the focus of attention for her beautiful appearance and demeanor. She had endured and enjoyed countless gazes in many situations. But she had never experienced anything like this. Cold sweat seeped slightly onto the nape of her neck. ¡°¡­I didn¡¯t know you were in the middle of a meal.¡± It was because four individuals were looking at her candidly, each in their own way. Beric seemed to be ¡®watching¡¯ her without blinking an eye while gobbling meat, while Romandro was ¡®observing¡¯ her while assessing the overall atmosphere. Xiaoshi, standing in the back, was even more remarkable. Though her head was bowed, it was clear she was ¡®guarding¡¯ against her, employing all her senses instead of just sight. The problematic Ian- ¡°It¡¯s alright, Lady. We¡¯ve been so busytely that we don¡¯t set aside a separate time for meals.¡± -was ¡®surveying¡¯ her. Was it because she had heard Ian¡¯s words before entering? Mnia found Ian¡¯s leisurely cutting of food to be truly unreasonable. It reminded her of a manager at a gambling arena, enjoying delicacies while watching those who had bet their lives on death engage in bloody battles. Just a few days ago, Mnia herself had been of no different status. ¡°Eat up, Beric.¡± ¡°Yeah. Wow, this is really delicious.¡± Though the guest he had personally invited had arrived, Ian didn¡¯t stop eating. It was rude, but could rudeness even be established between them? Mnia realized what Ian¡¯s behavior meant. It was about understanding one¡¯s ce, realizing the absolute hierarchical rtionship, and a kind of preemptive strike. Rustle. Mnia looked down at the carpet ending at her feet. Though they were in the same ce, this clearly marked the different positions of them and Mnia. She was in the arena to survive, while Ian was one who enjoyed watching from above. There was a need to acknowledge this. ¡®¡­Even the sun doesn¡¯tst a day before setting. Human power is the same. There¡¯s a time to fall, and if you wait, it rises again. If you wait, it rises again. Surely, that is the truth.¡¯ She tightly clenched her fist hidden under the sleeve of her dress. Then she took a step back and bowed her head politely. Since Ian had called for her first, it was courteous to wait until he brought up his business. At least, in the current state where there was a hierarchical rtionship. ¡°Have you eaten?¡± ¡°Yes. Thanks to your consideration.¡± Ian¡¯s green eyes didn¡¯t miss a single one of her movements. The fork and knife were set down with a light question. It was a signal that the meal was over. Though Beric didn¡¯t understand and continued to scrape his te clean. ¡°Lady Mnia. About your proposal.¡± The proposal to save the Hayman family by giving up everything, and also to awaken Ian¡¯s past. Mnia swallowed dry saliva with a possible expectation. ¡°No matter how I think about it, it doesn¡¯t add up.¡± ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°It seems better to adjust the details.¡± ¡°¡­What do you mean?¡± Does it mean he can save Hayman if the details are adjusted? If so, she would do anything. There¡¯s nothing she couldn¡¯t do. As she made such a resolve, intoxicated with hope, suddenly her train of thought was broken. The name Sereau came to mind. That analogy of Hayman being the champion and Sereau the challenger. If so, wouldn¡¯t the adjustment of details surely include content about Sereau? ¡°First, the biggest part of your proposal was the bank note shares and tax burden. But these are parts that will naturally be absorbed by the imperial pce if the Hayman family falls. Rather than keeping Hayman alive, burning it down to the roots is more beneficial for us.¡± These are assets that would all be attributed if Hayman disappears. Of course, a certain portion would go to the remaining nobles, including Sereau, as privileges. Hayman¡¯s chance to fighty in this small portion. The benefits that would fall to other nobles, not the imperial pce¡¯s share. If they could protect this, the champion¡¯s defense would be sessful, and if they failed, the challenger would gain new honor. Mnia was deep in thought, to the point where her head felt hot. Now, that is¡­ ¡°You¡¯re saying to prove a value greater than the Sereau family, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Would you be satisfied with just being greater? You are traitors. Try to make us judge that your value is so excessively abundant that it wouldn¡¯t be bad to spare even one person like you, Mnia.¡± One person. Mnia mulled over that part. It meant he couldn¡¯t save her family, including her father, the Duke. She clenched her fist even tighter. The tips of her nails dug into her palm, but it seemed to awaken her mind rather than cause pain. ¡°Perhaps you have something else you want?¡± Sacrifice is inevitable to gain something. And it¡¯s none other than the crime of treason, isn¡¯t it? Mnia was well aware that even the fact that Ian had given her this opportunity was a remarkable situation. Apart from the external political situation, it could also be due to their past connection. Though she couldn¡¯t be certain. ¡°No, what could I possibly want from Hayman? Do as you see fit.¡± ¡°¡­Then, will you allow me to leave the pce?¡± ¡°Mnia. The imperial pce never spoke of your residence in the first ce. Wasn¡¯t leaving the mansion entirely your voluntary choice?¡± What does he mean, whether she leaves or not, it¡¯s none of his business? Anyway, her younger brother remained at the mansion. Though he would be under the surveince of the imperial guards, he could enjoy some freedom until his guilt was confirmed in the trial. ¡®He has nothing he wants, and tells me to do as I see fit?¡¯ Mnia¡¯s mind raced quickly. The opponent is Sereau. A family that supported Ian and would receive plenty of benefits. If we¡¯re topare, he¡¯s like a fighter who receives plenty of affection from the manager. Yet to prove value by surpassing such a person. ¡®To prove that I¡¯m better than Sereau, it¡¯s much easier and more certain to bring them down rather than showing something. Ian must know this. Is he trying to keep them in check?¡¯ If true, it¡¯s truly frightening. At a time when the seven families haven¡¯t been subdued yet. When they should be uniting to finish things off, they¡¯re sharpening knives against each other. But this was also proof that the seven families would fall without problem. Because they were certain of the opponent¡¯s end, they were checking their own allies. It was the way those in power lived. ¡°Lord Ian. But, there¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about.¡± Mnia carefully began, watching the reactions of Romandro and the others. It was a meager deal, like cutting off all limbs and barely leaving the windpipe open. In this situation, why wasn¡¯t Ian asking about the amber raw stone? ¡°Why aren¡¯t you asking?¡± Secrets exert power when only a few know them. Mnia knew this well, so she asked vaguely and subtly. Romandro and Beric looked at Ian, wondering what she meant. He was leisurely steeping tea leaves. ¡°Mnia. You have nothing left now.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°No honor, wealth, authority, nothing at all. So the past is your only bargaining chip, your right to attack, and at the same time, your right to defend.¡± It¡¯s an answer saying he didn¡¯t ask because he knew she wouldn¡¯t tell. As they say, let the thirsty person dig the well, Ian, who had perfectly established superiority, had no need to make the first move out of desperation. If Ian had added questions to the order to prove value, Mnia would surely have looked for an opening. ¡°Above all, honestly, I¡¯m not that curious.¡± Ian put down his teacup and smiled faintly. Half a lie, half the truth. Even if the illegitimate Ian was rted to Idgal, if the situation is used well, it¡¯s not a big problem. If it bes a problem? Given what Mnia has revealed now, it¡¯s likely to end with a problem that¡¯s not fatal. ¡°Well then, you may leave now. The imperial guards will guide you to the mansion.¡± Ian nodded slightly. It was the end of a one-sided conversation. Mnia couldn¡¯t bring herself to say more and elegantly grasped the hem of her dress. A curtsy with a slight bend of the knee. Knowingly or unknowingly, it¡¯s stiff. Creak. Bang! As Mnia left, Beric wiped his greasy mouth and excitedly cut into the remaining meat. He seemed to have eaten quietly because there was a guest. It¡¯s a shame no one noticed. ¡°Ian. Is there any meaning in sending Mnia away like that?¡± ¡°Are you worried she might escape to Ruswena?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. The imperial guards will be watching. And above all, wouldn¡¯t it be good for us if Ruswena epts her?¡± If they ept someone involved in treason, we would have no say even if we raise diplomatic issues. This wasn¡¯t a problem limited to Ruswena. No neighboring country could help the exile or escape of the seven families. This would be like a deration of war, making Bariel itself an enemy. ¡°I just wonder if it has any meaning, as you said. Their assets are frozen, and all the key figures have been brought to the imperial pce, so what can they do even if they go outside? It¡¯s no different from being thrown onto the streets with nothing.¡± ¡°Those who can survive will survive even if thrown out with nothing.¡± ¡°When you say it like that, it¡¯s quite credible.¡± He¡¯s someone who survived being sold to the desert as a lowly illegitimate child. He returned alive and gained a noble title in a short time, then became the center of the imperial pce. When someone who¡¯s writing a new myth says so, there¡¯s nothing to say. Romandro just shook his head, crunching on g seeds for no reason. ¡°I¡¯m absolutely not worried about Lady Mnia.¡± ¡°I know. How could Sir Romandro worry about someone involved in treason?¡± Even if they lose family and wealth, everything, those who can make it will make it. Was it just a coincidence that Hayman remained for a hundred years? The wish of just one person might survive tenaciously without dying, creating the Hayman of a hundred yearster. Whatever it bes, there should be no noise in Bariel under Jin. All of Hayman except Mnia, nobles who are carelessly excited and don¡¯t understand their ce, and even foreign powers trying to find gaps. tter. Ian smiled faintly and lightly swirled his teacup. *** ¡°Hahaha! As expected of the Sereau family.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. I knew it too, of course. When was it? On the day of the First Prince¡¯s execution, didn¡¯t you meet with Lord Ian in the greenhouse?¡± ¡°You knew about that?¡± ¡°Of course. Everyone knew about it through the grapevine.¡± ¡°Prince Jin was there too.¡± ¡°Oh! It will be recorded as the first family to be received by Prince Jin, the future Emperor.¡± ¡°Is that kind of thing recorded too? Hahahaha!¡± The Sereau family mansion, which had been tranquil at best and deste at worst, was now bustling with guests¡¯ footsteps it had never enjoyed before. The aged butler was about to lose his mind trying to take care of the coats of the endless stream of guests. Sereau, quite drunk, took out a cigarette. Immediately, everyone around him held out lighters. ¡®Ha.¡¯ What kind of luxury is this? Until recently, Sereau had been living as if he didn¡¯t exist. Now, everyone was trying to get on his good side, fawning over him. ¡°So, will Sereau take over the banking business of the Hayman family? You¡¯ll probably do so when bidding, right?¡± ¡°Ahem. I¡¯m not sure about the details yet¡­¡± Sereau started to trail off but then shook his head. He couldn¡¯t spoil the atmosphere here. ¡°Lord Sereau. If you have timeter, how about introducing your sister to me?¡± ¡°Oh my, you! He¡¯s about to be a Duke! At least it should be Lord Ian or, well, the imperial family, shouldn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°The imperial family?¡± ¡°Yes. Hayman was between nobility and royalty. It wouldn¡¯t be unreasonable for the Sereau family to be the same.¡± At someone¡¯s words, Sereau deeply inhaled his cigarette smoke. It¡¯s certainly not wrong. With Hayman gone, if the current atmosphere continues, Sereau will be the head family of the nobles. Then he could propose the marriage talk that Ian had rejected again. ¡°Hahaha! Haha!¡± Sereau couldn¡¯t hide his tickled expression and burst intoughter. Everyone watched awkwardly before joining in. False conversations of congrattions, ttery, and praise flowed endlessly. In the midst of this. Rustle. ¡°Oh, everyone was here.¡± ¡°Wee. Did you receive the sealing magic?¡± ¡°The order was dyed, so. Haha.¡± A noble who had left the imperial pceter joined. He took off his coat and handed it to a servant while rying information. ¡°But, they say Lady Mnia left the pce too. Lord Sereau. Do you know why by any chance?¡± ¡°Hm? Mnia?¡± ¡°Yes. I saw her carriage leaving.¡± Everyone turned to Sereau curiously. The youngest daughter of the Hayman family leaving the pce unscathed? But Sereau just tilted his head curiously and continued to smoke his cigarette. Chapter 252 Chapter 252 Mnia, having alighted from the carriage, gazed nkly at the mansion. It was truly strange. Despite being the home she had lived in her entire life, everything felt as awkward as if she were visiting someone else¡¯s house. The trampled grass, bloodstains on the marble floor, fallen and broken ornaments, torn curtains, and the entrance where not a soul weed her arrival. Mnia pushed open the half-open door and entered. Creeak. ¡°Hey. Who¡¯s there? You shouldn¡¯te in carelessly. Are you perhaps from the Hayman family?¡± At the end of the corridor, groups of imperial soldiers who had gathered called out, sensing her presence. They hadn¡¯t recognized Mnia. Just as she was about to respond, the soldier who had escorted her from the pce followed her in. ¡°This is Lady Mnia, the youngest daughter of the Hayman family. Don¡¯t mind her and continue with your duties.¡± ¡°Ah, I see. Carry on.¡± ¡°Where is Captain Jeirutt?¡± ¡°He said he was going to search the training grounds one more time, just in case.¡± Mnia bit her lip hard. The simple words of the soldiers, telling her not to mind, reminded her once again of her predicament. She resolutely turned and climbed the stairs. Creak creak. Since when had the stairs made such noises? All her senses awakened her to how everything had fallen into disarray. Boom! Crash! ¡°Mnia!¡± ¡°Brother!¡± Her younger brother, hearing themotion downstairs, came running out. Aside from his disheveled clothes and mussed hair, his eyes, steeped in despair, were particrly a mess. He embraced his sister tightly and poured out his worried greetings. ¡°Mnia, are you alright? Father and Mother? Big Brother?¡± ¡°Brother, let¡¯s go inside first. We¡¯ll talk inside.¡± ¡°Please, tell me first. Is everyone alright? What happened at the pce? Huh?¡± Mnia nced around. The upper floor was empty as well. She had surely instructed the servants to keep their posts¡­ She sat down on the stairs with her younger brother and ran her hand through her hair. A sigh, drenched in sweat, escaped her unknowingly. ¡°Before that, what happened to everyone here?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it. I¡¯ve only now realized the true nature of these people.¡± Half of the mansion¡¯s staff had left immediately after Mnia departed in the carriage. The imperial soldiers¡¯ hint that they wouldn¡¯t receive their wages had yed a significant role. No matter how long their loyalty had been cultivated, they had their own lives outside the mansion. Their families, lovers, and friends were waiting for them outside, not within these walls. ¡°Brother. That¡¯s how it is. When darkness falls, even my shadow abandons me, so how could we expect others to stay? Don¡¯t resent them. Weck the strength to move forward if we waste it on resentment.¡± ¡°The imperial soldiers counted and took away the ves. Somehow, they knew the exact number. The private soldiers were also disbanded. Some who resisted were severely beaten and taken to the hospital. The butler is paying for their treatment with his personal funds for now¡­¡± The younger brother rubbed his face vigorously with a dry hand. How on earth did ite to this? How is it that the Hayman family can¡¯t even afford to pay for their people¡¯s medical treatment and has to rely on the butler¡¯s pocket? Mniaforted her brother, who had witnessed and endured everything. Regrettably, this is just the beginning. Brother. We¡¯ve already left the starting point, and only death awaits us at the end. Mnia swallowed these words that wouldn¡¯te out. ¡°Brother. Don¡¯t you remember? The children of Hayman yed marbles with gemstones and cut silk for their scissor games. If we seize even a small opportunity, paying the staff¡¯s wages won¡¯t be a problem. The end of Hayman won¡¯t be so miserable.¡± ¡°Mnia, what do you mean by the end! Now, tell me. What exactly is happening inside? And you? How did you get out?¡± Mnia grasped his hands tightly. Then, in a very low voice, she informed him that the fate of Hayman was standing on the edge of a cliff. ¡°Father, Mother, and Big Brother will be executed. It seems this cannot be reversed. Lord Ian, the Minister of Magic, said he wouldn¡¯t back down.¡± ¡°Damn it! Damn it!¡± Bang! Thud! He let out an anguished cry and stomped his feet. Downstairs, a couple of soldiers slightly raised their heads, wondering what was going on. ¡°But there¡¯s still a chance.¡± ¡°A chance? Mother and Father are going to die! The family is in ruins and we¡¯re penniless! What chance?¡± ¡°We are-!¡± Mnia firmly grasped her brother¡¯s shoulders. The woman¡¯s eyes sparkled brightly. It was the resolute stance of someone walking into a massive storm. ¡°We are the very existence of Hayman. If we live, Hayman lives. You haven¡¯t forgotten, have you? Even the greatest of families started with just one person.¡± ¡°Me-Mnia¡­¡± Mnia couldn¡¯t guarantee her younger brother¡¯s life. No, rather, she knew that the possibility of it ending in tragedy was greater. After all, it was nearly miraculous for any direct descendants to survive from a family facing extinction for treason. If she hadn¡¯t met Ian in Brats, she wouldn¡¯t have dared to even imagine such a miracle. ¡°Sereau has been designated as the next family to rece Hayman. Lord Ian suggested it. If we prove our worth to be far superior to Sereau¡¯s, he might spare one or two of us.¡± Although Ian¡¯s proposal only included Mnia, she didn¡¯t reveal this fact to her younger brother. She knew his nature well. An opportunist, yet weak, and ultimately someone who would choose personal life over honor. Wouldn¡¯t unnecessary words breed misunderstandings and exnations? At this urgent and sensitive moment, Mnia didn¡¯t want that. ¡°Is, is that true?¡± ¡°Yes. So, please pull yourself together. There must be surviving children in the other seven families too, right? We need to work together to turn the tide.¡± With this small hope thrown to him, the younger brother¡¯s expression softened slightly. He fumbled in his pocket, searching for cigarettes. ¡°Well, uh¡­ There¡¯s no carriage avable right now.¡± ¡°I have the one I came in. And brother, let me caution you just in case, everything is a secret. If other families learn that we have a chance, it will be difficult to maneuver the situation. They might not cooperate out of opposition.¡± He nodded repeatedly, biting hard on his dry cigarette. Mnia gently caressed his cheek, her eyes reddening. Ah, brother. When we were young, we used to share secrets hiding by the stairs, but now we whisper prepared for death. ¡°Mnia. If the goal is to check Sereau-¡° Mnia raised an eyebrow as she carefully stroked her brother¡¯s face. ¡°So, Sereau is so arrogant now because they¡¯ve gained the trust of Lord Ian and His Highness Jin, right? If we let them know that trust has fallen, won¡¯t their momentum naturally subside?¡± ¡°That¡¯s a good opinion, but we shouldn¡¯t do that.¡± ¡°Why not?¡± ¡°That¡¯s something Lord Ian could do himself. He could directly invite another family for tea, discuss the current situation, and propose future business, naturally indicating that trust has shifted. But Lord Ian isn¡¯t doing that and is trying to use us instead.¡± What Ian desires. Or what Ian cannot do. It meant a mud-slinging fight among the nobles. Her brother frowned, breaking his cigarette. ¡°Could he be nning to use us and then discard us?¡± ¡°Of course he would.¡± Mnia smiled palely. As if she had heard something truly naive. ¡°But whether he¡¯ll throw us into an incinerator or onto the street depends entirely on his will. Our goal is simply to be discarded while still alive. Do you understand? To achieve that, we must prove our usefulness and satisfy him.¡± ¡°H-How¡­¡± ¡°Get ready ande out. I¡¯ll change into something easier to move in as well.¡± Mnia stood up, gathering her flowing dress with one hand. Then, with determined steps, she ran up to her bedroom. There¡¯s no time. Shouldn¡¯t we achieve results before the trial proceeds, before everythinges to an end? The brother watched his sister¡¯s retreating figure, then came to his senses and crushed out his cigarette. *** Ian and Jin were sitting side by side on the office sofa, reading books. His desk was upied by Romandro, who was sorting through the approval documents that he couldn¡¯t see while lying down. Thanks to this, Ian was turning pages while having tea time with Jin during a brief rest period. Rustle. ¡°Your Highness. Read this.¡± ¡°Ca-rderoni.¡± ¡°Your pronunciation is excellent.¡± ¡°Is it? Hehe.¡± Jin smiled broadly at Ian¡¯s praise. Beric, crunching on g across from them, stepped up to give it a try. ¡°What is it? Let me try too.¡± ¡°¡­Repeat after me. Ca-rderoni.¡± ¡°Caarderoni!¡± ¡°¡­Not bad.¡± ¡°But what does it mean?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a foreignnguage. ¡®From now on, I won¡¯t eat meat.¡¯¡± At Ian¡¯s words, Beric covered his mouth. He wondered if it was a joke, but Ian¡¯s face didn¡¯t change at all, so he couldn¡¯t be sure. As Beric rolled his eyes in confusion, Jin sitting next to him blinked hard. It must be a signal that it was a joke. ¡°Ian! Don¡¯t joke about food! Huh? You totally freaked me out!¡± ¡°Beric, I received the receipt yesterday. Are you sure you didn¡¯t joke with food? It was an amount that a human couldn¡¯t possibly have eaten. Just eat pork for a while.¡± ¡°Ah, shit. I shouldn¡¯t have butted in. Should¡¯ve kept my mouth shut.¡± Saying that, he grabbed a handful of g and stuffed it into his mouth. Romandro, watching this from behind, scratched his chin with his pen and asked Ian. ¡°By the way, Ian.¡± ¡°Yes. Is there a problem with the approval?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s not that, but after proceeding with His Highness Jin¡¯s sessor appointment ceremony, what will you do with Beric and Xiaoshi?¡± Beric was a magic swordsman but amoner, and Xiaoshi was a ve. If Jin and Ian continued to be together, it was obvious that they would remain by Jin¡¯s side. Commoners without positions next to royalty, and the future emperor at that. It wouldn¡¯t be a good look. Ian nodded, leaning back on the sofa. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about that. How about putting Beric in the Imperial Guards?¡± ¡°Me? Where are you sending me?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere, just in name.¡± The Imperial Guards arergelyposed of magic swordsmen. So if he¡¯s to remain in the pce, it¡¯s natural to join them. As Beric jumped up, Ian gestured for him to calm down. ¡°Just in name? Is that okay?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Training?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell Jeirutt. You¡¯ll be affiliated with them, but I¡¯ll have you dispatched to our side. They value each magic swordsman, so they won¡¯t reject the proposal. Now you¡¯ll earn your keep.¡± ¡°Ah, am I going to starve to death?¡± It was Ian¡¯s intention to exert influence on the Imperial Guards through Beric. In fact, given how much of a rascal he is, it¡¯s questionable how much help he¡¯ll be. But isn¡¯t it better to at least put his name on the roster than to let him y around like this? ¡°What about Xia?¡± ¡°Xia is¡­¡± Ian turned to look at Xiaoshi standing by the door. She was looking at Ian with an impassive face. ¡°Xia. What do you want to do? Since you¡¯re not a magic swordsman, the Imperial Defense Department would be suitable. Do you want to join there?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t mind either way.¡± ¡°Then, do you want to buy your ve certificate from me?¡± ¡°¡­Pardon?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the current market price, Romandro?¡± ¡°Well, I¡¯d have to check, but usually the owner sets the price.¡± If a ve can save money to reim their ve certificate, they can restore their status. However, since the owner sets the price and it¡¯s difficult for ves to umte private property, it¡¯s practically impossible. ¡°If you don¡¯t have money, I¡¯ll lend it to you. How about regaining your status and working here to pay it back?¡± In essence, she would continue to live much the same as now. But the person closest to the prince can¡¯t be a ve. Xiaoshi, understanding this intention, nodded. ¡°If you would do that, I would gratefully ept.¡± ¡°It¡¯s money you¡¯re paying back. No need for gratitude.¡± ¡°No, thank you.¡± She would likely be the only one among her ancestors to escape very. Xiaoshi recalled her mother dying in a cage, and strangely, her nose stung. She couldn¡¯t understand the source of this emotion. Knock knock. At that moment, there was a presence outside. ¡°Come in.¡± ¡°Lord Ian. We¡¯ve received a message from the Department of Justice. They say the trial date for the seven families has been finalized.¡± ¡°When did they say?¡± ¡°Ten days from now. And¡­¡± ¡°And?¡± ¡°Lord Sereau is outside.¡± Sereau? The gazes of Ian, Romandro, Jin, and Xiaoshi met in midair. Beric just yawned widely and scratched his ear. Chapter 253 Chapter 253 ¡°Greetings, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Wee.¡± Ian shook Sereau¡¯s hand while casually looking him over. His coat, tie pin, and shoes had all changed to considerably high-quality items. While previously his attire had been just enough to maintain the appearance of a nobleman, now it was clearly of the highest quality, seemingly intended to unt his wealth. For a family that had been maintaining its lineage through rental businesses, it¡¯s unlikely that a bundle of money suddenly fell from the sky¡­ ¡°You look quite dashing today.¡± ¡°To hear such words from Lord Ian, I¡¯m embarrassed. Haha. Thank you.¡± It must be one of two things. Either he¡¯s using future expected profits, or other nobles have offered tributes to curry favor. Whatever it was, it was certainly not a wee change. A truly good timber should be heavy enough to maintain its center even when circumstances change. Sereau, noticing Jin sitting on the sofa, looked surprised for a moment. ¡°Oh, Your Highness Jin. Hello. I am Marlon Hoff Sereau, at your service. I didn¡¯t know you were here. Have you been well?¡± ¡°Thanks to you. Please, sit.¡± Sereau politely nodded and took a seat opposite the sofa. Just as Ian had observed him, he too was examining Ian¡¯s office in his own way. ¡°Bring some tea.¡± ¡°Yes, Lord Ian.¡± The assistant named Romandro, the stack of documents next to him, and the red-haired guard with heterochromia who had been thoroughly beaten by Captain Jeirutt¡­ Including the rtionship between Jin and Ian, everything seemed unchanged. Is the prince still not moving his quarters? With Jining out without a guardian like this, it truly bes impossible to gauge Ian¡¯s authority. Sereau rubbed his palms together and smiled palely. ¡°I heard your health was quite poor.¡± ¡°Really? Where did you hear that?¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± When Ian suddenly asked back, Sereau was surprised and questioned in return. It¡¯s something one would hear everywhere if they had ears, so how should he answer when asked like this? There¡¯s a rumor that there¡¯s a traitor in the Magic Department. Is he suspecting that? As Sereau fumbled for words in confusion, Ian smiled slightly. ¡°It¡¯s embarrassing, as it¡¯s not a good image. Thanks to everyone¡¯s efforts, I¡¯ve improved considerably now.¡± ¡°I-I see. Tha-¡° He wanted to say it was fortunate there wasn¡¯t much damage considering the confrontation with the magical beast. But before he could even realize it himself, he burst into a fit of coughing, his throat suddenly constricted. ¡®Is this a gag spell?¡¯ Ian ignored Sereau¡¯s coughing and changed the subject. Is there any need to exchange unnecessary greetings? Instead of that, it would be more productive to attend to business or read books with Jin. ¡°So, what brings you here? I heard nobles are reluctant to enter and leave the pce.¡± There were even some who said they would leave the capital altogether, as every time they entered, something would happen and they¡¯d be locked in. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ve heard. The nobles who agree with me havee together to submit a petition. All of them, down to their subordinates.¡± Ian raised an eyebrow. Jin, who was watching him, simrly raised his eyebrow. Sereau, seeing this from across, hesitated for a moment but soon continued. ¡°We did so hoping it would be of some help in the Justice Department setting the trial date¡­¡± ¡°Yes, I heard.¡± ¡°But I heard that Lady Mnia of the Hayman family has left the pce. I was a bit concerned about that.¡± Jin turned to look at Ian. He seemed to be asking why Ian had let Mnia go when he himself was working hard everywhere to put an end to things. ¡°There¡¯s no need for concern. Thanks to Lord Sereau¡¯s help, we just received word from the Justice Department.¡± ¡°Has the trial date been set? Oh my. I didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°¡­Of course you wouldn¡¯t know. I just heard about it myself.¡± Flinch. Romandro, who had been quietly listening, stopped his pen and rolled his eyes. Did this Sereau fellow not understand what he was saying? His attitude suggested he should know as much about pce affairs as Ian himself. Slowly, imperceptibly, the tip of his foot was crossing an invisible line. ¡°And Lady Mnia was never a subject of investigation to begin with. She entered the pce of her own ord, so her departure wasn¡¯t considered a major issue. Lord Sereau. You should know this, right? That other direct family members of the seven families remain outside the pce.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. I know that.¡± ¡°What are they doing?¡± It was a question casually thrown out, but Sereau detected the hidden barb within it. Wasn¡¯t the pce¡¯s strength diminished after the civil unrest and the Arsen incident? So naturally, it should have been Sereau¡¯s role to monitor and pressure the remaining noble remnants, easing the burden on the pce. Not to gather forces and name themselves an ¡®opposition party¡¯ or such. Sereau habitually rubbed his palms again. Sweat was beginning to seep out. ¡°What could they do? They just send letters asking for help. I¡¯ve been gathering the nobles and keeping an eye on them. I¡¯ve been cutting things off well from the middle.¡± Rather than gathering to watch, it would be more urate to say he was enjoying the gatherings. So, when servants from the seven families in question came to make contact, he would openly read the messages and pass them around mockingly. He tore them up in front of others, ridiculed them, showed his refusal, and built strong bonds in the process. As Sereau made this usible exnation, Ian asked with wide eyes. ¡°Is that so? Which noble families were attempting to make contact? It seems the seven families are trying to grasp at straws before the cliff. We should keep an eye on them.¡± tter. The sound of the teacup was ominous. Sereau sensed that something was going awry. The ones the seven families tried to contact were those who had shared drinks and smokes at his mansion. He had built a fence as one force, invited them inside, and boasted about future glory, but now he¡¯s being asked to give up their names? And for the purpose of suspecting disloyalty? ¡®That¡¯s a bit¡­¡¯ How is this any different from nobles agreeing to work well together, then tattling to the royal family behind each other¡¯s backs? It¡¯s the same as Sereau selling out others to gain Ian¡¯s trust. But staying silent in this situation¡­ ¡°Lord Sereau?¡± ¡°Ah, yes, yes.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Isn¡¯t this directly going against Ian? His gaze, with nowhere to settle, shook roughly. No matter how much he thought, he couldn¡¯t figure out what words to use to escape the situation. Sereau finally selected a few suitable families and reported them to Ian. ¡°¡­It¡¯s Eijein and Baukman.¡± ¡°I see. Thank you. Based on Lord Sereau¡¯s advice, I will personally keep an eye on them.¡± At least for Eijein and Baukman, a check like ¡®Sereau said you were close enough to the seven families for them to ask for help?¡¯ would be effective. And the arrows from those two families would be aimed at Sereau. ¡®Oh my. Ian, you really¡­¡¯ Romandro clicked his tongue inwardly. His skill at manipting three families while just sitting there was quite something to behold. He was curious about what the child sitting right next to him, whose gaze never left Ian, was imprinting in his mind. ¡°¡­I¡¯m truly relieved to confirm that thedy¡¯s departure from the pce isn¡¯t an issue. In fact, I trusted Lord Ian and wasn¡¯t concerned, but I kept hearing worried voices from various ces.¡± ¡°That¡¯s unfortunate. There¡¯s so little faith in the pce.¡± ¡°Lord Ian, and this might be a bit premature, but when the sale of Hayman Bank proceeds after the trial, how much should we prepare?¡± Since Hayman would be wiped out due to treason, most of their vast wealth would revert to the royal family. The distribution and cement of physical assets like territories, mansions, paintings, and statues were rtively easy, but businesses like ¡®Hayman Bank¡¯ required a veryplicated process. Especially in the case of the bank, isn¡¯t it a massive trunk running through Bariel¡¯s economy? He thought the ownership would remain with the pce, but the operation might be entrusted to the nobles. ¡°The full scale of Hayman Bank hasn¡¯t been fully assessed yet. As you know, it¡¯s not just in the capital. Regarding that, I¡¯m also in a position of receiving reports, so you¡¯ll have to wait a bit.¡± ¡°Yes. Of course. Of course we can wait.¡± ¡°You seem excited.¡± ¡°Pardon? Ahaha!¡± He¡¯s not denying it. Ian smiled along with Sereau and wrapped up the conversation. ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll bring my sister Alenara as well.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± At the mention of his sister, Jin and Romandro jerked their heads up. Is he still holding onto the marriage proposal he had pushed in the greenhouse? The atmosphere changed noticeably, but Sereau didn¡¯t notice as he was adjusting his coat. ¡°Haha. In fact, when I said I was entering the pce today, my sister was so eager toe along. Lord Ian. Leave the nobles to me. Without a single worry, I¡¯ll handle them well. Your Highness Jin. You too, please set your worries aside!¡± Ian was the right hand attending to pce affairs on behalf of Jin. Then he would be the left hand governing on behalf of noble society. Sereau made this pledge as he ced his hat on his chest. ¡°Take care on your way back.¡± ¡°Your Highness Jin. I¡¯ll see you again.¡± ¡°¡­Go.¡± Creeak. As he left the office, Romandro and Jin simultaneously put down their pen and book. Their expressions clearly showed their displeasure. Ian told the servant to clear away his teacup, saying there was no need to worry about it. ¡°But why does that guy¡¯s sister want to see Ian?¡± Beric poured a handful of g into his mouth and chewed. Honestly, he only understood about half of what they were talking about. Romandro tapped his pen nib and exined. ¡°That fellow pushed a marriage proposal to Ianst time. It was politely refused, but he¡¯s subtly pushing it again. Tsk tsk.¡± ¡°What!? Marriage proposal? The one I know?¡± ¡°Is there another marriage proposal you know of?¡± ¡°Crazy. Does he have money?¡± ¡°And if he does?¡± ¡°Tell him not to get ahead of himself.¡± Romandro burst intoughter, apparently amused by Beric¡¯s blunt words. It wasn¡¯t just about the marriage proposal. Indeed, there were many attitudes that were a bit too daring. ¡°Ahem. I wonder if Lady Mnia will cut that fellow down to size a bit?¡± ¡°Well, that¡¯s what I¡¯m hoping for.¡± Thedy is clever and has spirit. As I desire, she will drag Sereau into the dirty mud fight that only nobles can engage in. Because she¡¯s someone who aims to survive, even if her whole body bes a mess. *** Meanwhile, Sereau left the pce and returned to his mansion. The street in front of the mansion was still lined with carriages. Traces of those waiting for Sereau, who had entered the pce. He had met Ian, who was not easily essible, and the prince was there too. When he tells them this news, his guests will be overjoyed. Sereau rushed inside as soon as the carriage stopped. Creeak. ¡°You¡¯ve returned, sir?¡± ¡°Ah, yes. Where are the guests?¡± ¡°They¡¯re inside, but¡­¡± ¡°Haha. Why are they waiting here? I would have contacted them properly.¡± ¡°Um, young master.¡± The butler held Sereau back. The old man furrowed his brow deeply, as if something was amiss. ¡°I overheard the guests¡¯ conversation by chance, and I¡¯m asking just in case. Do you have any dealings with the Hayman family?¡± ¡°Dealings with Hayman? What are you talking about?¡± ¡°I heard that we leased the Chetur district to Hayman. That it was initiated by the rtionship between their second young master and Lady Alena. They said that now we¡¯re pretending to have no connection with Hayman.¡± Chapter 254 Chapter 254 Margrave¡¯s Bastard Son was the Emperor So this is what it means to be at a loss for words. Sereau looked at the butler with a distorted face. His eyes were fierce, as if asking to repeat what he had just heard, sure that he must have misheard. The butler nced towards the reception room at the end of the corridor where the guests were gathered, and lowered his voice again. ¡°It¡¯s not true, is it, young master?¡± ¡°How can you call that a rumor?¡± Even rumors have their limits! Just as their fortunes were on the rise, to say they¡¯re connected with Hayman? Sereau was about to rush to the reception room but quickly turned and went upstairs instead. He instructed the butler, who was hurriedly following, to bring his sister Alenara. Tap tap tap! Bang! The office doors were roughly flung open to both sides. He strode in withrge steps. Bookshelves covered in white dust lined the walls. Every time he ran his fingers over the filed documents, clear traces were left. Chetur, Chetur, Chetur¡­ ¡°Ah. Found it.¡± Sereau confirmed the rental business certificate rted to the Chetur district and flipped through the papers. They were yellowed, edges frayed, and reeked of age. Judging by the deep traces of time, it was clearly a matter his father had handled when he was still in good health. ¡®Still, I¡¯ve managed all the recent ie. If any money hade in under Hayman¡¯s name, I would surely have known. What could it be? It¡¯s too specific for a baseless rumor, which is ominous.¡¯ Sereau frowned as he read through the text as if speed-reading. Currently, the family owned just one building in the Chetur district. A small to medium-sized tradingpany was upying it. But they had been under contract for ten years already, with three more years to go. It was a ce he had known for a long time. He was confident it had nothing to do with Hayman. Rustle. As he hastily flipped through the pages, one paper fell out. Sereau paused as he was about to pick it up. It wasn¡¯t a rental certificate, but a sales deed. He slowly unfolded the document. ¡°Ah, damn it.¡± A building in Chetur District 3. His father had sold that building to someone named Koaru Kobil a few years ago. He was from a famous cksmith family in the capital and also a cousin of the ¡®Ko&Ko¡¯ leader. The same ¡®Ko&Ko¡¯ whose ck armor materials were confiscated by the Imperial Guards. As Sereau let out an irritated groan, there was amotion behind him. ¡°I¡¯m really telling you, it¡¯s not true!¡± ¡°Lady Alenara. Please calm down.¡± ¡°Alenara!¡± ¡°Brother!¡± Sereau¡¯s sister, Alenara, was stomping her feet in anger. Judging by her reddened bare shoulders, she was quite heated. The fact that the subject of the rumor had heard it meant that everyone had already encountered the rumor. ¡°You, did you meet the second son of Hayman?¡± ¡°This is driving me crazy! No!¡± She showed both her palms, insisting on her innocence. Sereau stood up, carefully folding the sales deed and putting it away. ¡°Not even acquainted?¡± ¡°How could I not be acquainted! I¡¯m eighteen years old.¡± ¡°Tell me everything without hiding anything. I trust you understand how sensitive it is to be associated with Hayman right now.¡± ¡°I danced with him twice. We had a ss of wine afterwards. But you know, right? Everyone does that much at parties unless their nostrils are attached to their ears.¡± It wasmon for dance partners to change during line dances, and drinks and food were inseparable from parties. Alenara muttered in disbelief, holding her forehead. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even feel wronged if something had actually happened.¡± ¡°Alenara!¡± ¡°What! Why! Honestly, if we¡¯re being frank, there are far worse girls than me! Want me to name names?¡± Honestly, and certainly, that was true. The truth supporting the rumor was far too weak for it to have spread. Among the central nobility, who hadn¡¯t dealt with the Hayman family at least once? Who hadn¡¯t shown their face at a social gathering? Without a doubt, no one. ¡°I¡¯m really annoyed. From my perspective, this is clearly a test. It¡¯s obvious what will happen to the Sereau family once the situation calms down. They¡¯re trying to smear us with baseless rumors.¡± Alenara gritted her teeth, her face flushed with anger. She didn¡¯t forget to add that whoever was behind this wouldn¡¯t get away with it if she caught them. Sereaupletely agreed. The problem was, who could it be? If they traced back the rumor, they might find its source, but whether they had the time to do so was another matter. ¡°Haah.¡± Sereau tilted his head back and sighed. Suddenly, Mnia¡¯s departure from the pce came to mind. While the truth was trivial, the rumor had spread vastly and quickly. This was proof that those spreading the rumor held some implicit confidence. Confidence? There was no evidence, so it meant that the person involved had testified directly¡­ ¡®Mnia?¡¯ Why would a soon-to-be-extinct family want to check Sereau? ¡®Ah. Perhaps because we¡¯re the family to rece Hayman, they want to create a rift by tarnishing our reputation?¡¯ Sereau was daringly mentioned as Hayman¡¯s sessor, directly confronting them. He had even gathered signatures to finalize the trial date, so the justification was usible. Is this the shield that Ian spoke of? He reached into his inner pocket and pulled out a cigarette. Still, it¡¯s manageable, isn¡¯t it? Formless rumors are no different from cigarette smoke. Even if Hayman, deeply mired in the mud, tries to grab his trouser leg, he can just shake them off. ¡°Alenara. You look into it too.¡± ¡°What? The rumor?¡± ¡°Yes. You have more presence in social circles than I do.¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. I¡¯m more popr than you, brother. Alright. Wait. I¡¯ll go see the girls. But in return-!¡± Alenara told the butler to prepare a carriage as she turned her head sharply. ¡°Next time, make sure I get to meet Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Meeting him isn¡¯t the problem, right now-¡° ¡°I know! I get it! I understand what it means to be associated with a family facing extinction. Do you think I¡¯m stupid? I¡¯ll be back. Whoever it is, if I catch them, I¡¯ll deal with them first.¡± Alenara muttered that she¡¯d tear out all their hair. Including Hayman¡¯s second son. What¡¯s there to fear from someone who¡¯s going to die from loss of honor anyway? Alenara clicked her tongue and left the office. ¡°What should we do, young master?¡± The butler asked, ncing towards where Alenara had disappeared. Since Alenara would handle the outside matters, shouldn¡¯t he take care of the inside? Sereau stood in front of the mirror, straightening his cor. ¡°I¡¯m going to the reception room.¡± He would jump into the center of the rumors and scatter all the impurities. If there was a problem with Sereau, other nobles wouldn¡¯t be free from it either. But if they¡¯re going to corner him just because he gained Ian¡¯s favor, he couldn¡¯t sit still. His trouser legs were already stained with mud. Who could me him for smearing a bit on others? Creeak. Sereau stood in front of the corridor leading to the reception room. White smoke was seeping out from inside. It was a mixture of alcohol, music, hope, and gossip. ¡°Really? Dragon Scales? I¡¯m hearing this for the first time.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t seen it myself, but I heard they make the armor for Hayman Bank¡¯s guards with it. They say arge quantity was confiscated in the Chetur district recently. It was on a very rainy day. The bridge was flooded and impassable, and the servants were in an uproar since morning.¡± ¡°Ah. I remember that day. But that building belonged to Sereau? Then did Sereau not know about the Dragon Scales?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t he have known? He doesn¡¯t do much besides the rental business. Haha. Since it¡¯s material for ck armor, he probably pretended not to know even if he did. It¡¯s the armor used in the civil war, after all.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure if Lord Ian knows or not.¡± ¡°Surely he must have known and let it slide, right?¡± ¡°For that, there are too many questions. Why Sereau specifically? Why push so hard for an unremarkable family, even turning a blind eye? I think Lord Eijein here would be more suitable.¡± ¡°I vote that he doesn¡¯t know. If he knows, the rope breaks.¡± ¡°If he knows? Wouldn¡¯t that mean he trusts Sereau that much?¡± Various spections about the current situation rode on the music. Sereau clenched his mrs. There¡¯s a limit to how much they can disrespect a family. To have such conversations in the reception room¡­ If he had known it would be like this, he should have given Ian more noble names without hesitation. Yes. That would have been better. Click. ¡°Oh my. Everyone¡¯s gathered here.¡± ¡°Lord Sereau. You¡¯re back.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting for a while. Did you see Lord Ian?¡± As Sereau opened the door and entered, the vipers examined him with cunning eyes. They were curious if he had heard the rumors. Sereau took off his coat as if he had just arrived, smiling brightly for all to see. ¡°Yes, I did. He seemed to be in good health. I also had an audience with His Highness Jin.¡± ¡°His Highness Jin as well?¡± The current sole heir and likely next emperor. At the casual mention of seeing Jin, the nobles exchanged meaningful nces. ¡°He also appeared to be in good health.¡± ¡°Oh, that¡¯s a relief. As expected of Lord Sereau. If it weren¡¯t for you, how could we hear news from the pce?¡± ¡°Haha. It¡¯s nothing. I heard that the trial date for the seven families, including the Hayman family, has been set. Lord Ian is concerned about disloyal forces, so he ns to conduct more detailed investigations for the time being.¡± It meant that if there were any who opposed the pce besides the seven families, they would be filtered out. Sereau, without blinking an eye, advised Eijein sitting across from him. ¡°Lord Eijein. Come to think of it, didn¡¯t you receive ship investment support from Hayman Bank before? I heard Hayman conducted overseas business with the ships traded at that time. Is that correct?¡± ¡°¡­That¡¯s true, but.¡± It was a look that wondered why he was bringing up such an old story now. Although his brow was deeply furrowed, Sereau continued shamelessly, disregarding it. ¡°Oh, so it¡¯s true. I thought I might have misunderstood.¡± ¡°Why do you ask?¡± ¡°Just curious.¡± As Sereau smiled slightly, the nobles inwardly let out small exmations. This guy has heard. It was a warning not to spread false rumors specifically about Sereau, since everyone here was connected to Hayman. But this ultimately gave a clue to the skillful nobles. ¡®Lord Ian doesn¡¯t know? About the current rumors.¡¯ Isn¡¯t he acting like this because Lord Ian doesn¡¯t know? They rolled their heads, sipping wine. If Ian doesn¡¯t choose Sereau, don¡¯t they have a chance too? If ¡®that¡¯ Sereau can strut about saying he¡¯ll rece Hayman, there¡¯s nothing they can¡¯t do. Sereau, who pushed out Hayman, and another family who pushed out such a Sereau. Rustle. Yes. Why bother following Sereau so closely? A subject who barely maintained his lineage through the rental business. The nobles smiled unnecessarily and averted their gazes from each other. The more they did so, the more passionately the pianist¡¯s keystrokes escted. It was the sound of another branch sprouting within the opposition party. *** ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°I have a question.¡± ¡°Please ask.¡± Ian was still sitting at his desk, reviewing approval documents. Jin, who had pulled up a chair in front of him and was resting his chin on his hand, looked at the documents Ian was reviewing and asked. ¡°I¡¯m concerned that dividing the nobles might make the pce more chaotic. It¡¯s a time when everyone should unite and move forward. Aren¡¯t the nobles the pirs supporting Bariel?¡± His round eyes were particrly clear and sparkling. When reading books with Ian, drawing pictures, and learning like this, he was no different from a child his age. Ian smiled, gently putting down his pen. ¡°You just spoke the answer, Your Highness.¡± ¡°What answer?¡± ¡°The more pirs there are, and the more appropriately spaced they are, the more stable and solid they be. What we¡¯re doing now is exactly that kind of work. There¡¯s no need for them all to be gathered in one ce.¡± ¡°Hmm. That¡¯s true.¡± ¡°The number of pirs doesn¡¯t decrease. If one falls, surely another will be erected in its ce. You are the one who decides and permits that, Your Highness.¡± Jin pressed his lips together and smiled. As always, Ian¡¯s warm words were truly pleasant to hear. ¡°When the pirs are strong, the roof doesn¡¯t copse. When Your Highness doesn¡¯t fall, ultimately the people living below will be at peace. And besides all that, since the amount of pain everyone can endure is fixed, the more the nobles and officials suffer, the better it will be for the people.¡± ¡°Is that why Lord Ian workste into the night like this?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I too am one of Your Highness¡¯s pirs.¡± Ian smiled faintly and picked up his pen again. Then, with a crisp signature, he expressed his intention to participate in the trial of the Hayman family to be held in the Department of Justice. Chapter 255 Chapter 255 ¡°Ho-ho-home¡­¡± Romandro, stepping out of the carriage, teared up with emotion. Although it was amutable distance, it had been a long time since he¡¯d left the pce, due to nonstop incidents from the civil war until now. As he pushed open the gate and entered, Minnie came around from the back of the mansion, having heard themotion. She had been watering the nts, wondering what the fuss was about. ¡°Who¡¯s¡ªgasp. Master?¡± ¡°Minnie! Have you been well?¡± ¡°Y-yes, I¡¯ve been fine. But¡­¡± Ssh. Minnie couldn¡¯t control the water flowing from the hose and just stared straight ahead. For good reason¡ªan enormous crowd was bustling about, blocking the view across the street. Aside from the massive carriages numbering well over ten, what were these burly, bronze-skinned men all about? ¡°Wh-what¡¯s going on?¡± Minnie had also ridden the special edition carriage with Viviana to the pce. But since they couldn¡¯t leave the mansion empty, she had left the pce midway and had been managing the house alone ever since. She would asionally bring clothes and such when Viviana said she needed them. Romandro, delighted to see Minnie after so long, kept patting her shoulder. ¡°Mmm. These are the Cheonrye tribe! Didn¡¯t you see them at the pce?¡± ¡°The Ch-Cheonrye tribe? The frontier people?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve been connected with them since our time in Hielo Province. The tribe leader¡¯s advisor is Ian¡¯s stepfather.¡± ¡°Whaaaat?!¡± Minnie was so surprised that she turned her body towards Romandro, consequently soaking his pants with the water from the hose. Romandro whined and stepped back. ¡°Minnie!¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry!¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was going to change clothes anyway. You know about the seven central families facing trial for treason these days, right?¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s tomorrow, isn¡¯t it? There¡¯d be something wrong with any central resident who didn¡¯t know. Since it¡¯s being held at the pce¡­¡± Ah. Minnie, in the middle of her sentence, realized why the Cheonrye tribe hade here. It was the day when not just one or two, but seven families would be exterminated simultaneously for treason. Such a spectacle might happen once in a lifetime, if at all, so the imperial citizens were excited about entering the pce from the morning to watch. Moreover, with rumors circting about the deaths of Mariv, Gale, and Dina, voices of concern about the safety of the pce itself were not umon. ¡°We¡¯ll be moving our residence to our house for the time being. We might be a bit short on rooms, but if it¡¯s too ufortable, we can look for short-term rentals nearby. Also, some of the warriors will be heading down to Hielo first, so make sure to prepare thoroughly for the horses and other necessary items.¡± ¡°Yes, understood.¡± They had been staying at that pce under the pretext of monitoring and guarding Gale, but now he was dead. Anyway, foreign envoys would soon being and going for Jin¡¯s appointment ceremony. Before that, it was a convenient choice to move their residence entirely. Viviana called out to Minnie while unloading luggage. ¡°Minnie. Could youe over here?¡± ¡°Yes, madam!¡± As Minnie tossed aside the hose and ran to the carriage, a warrior appeared smoothly and lifted the luggage with ease. Eek, up close they¡¯re even bigger and more muscr. Minnie opened the gate wide and weed the guests. ¡°This is Lady Nersarn. And Lady Philea.¡± ¡°Wow, I can tell you¡¯re Lord Ian¡¯s mother even with my eyes closed.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll be in your care from now on. Please take good care of us.¡± ¡°Please speakfortably. I¡¯ll serve you with all my heart!¡± While they exchanged greetings, the warriors entered and looked around the mansion with interest. Decorations that were meticulous and cute, just like their nature, caught their eyes here and there. ¡°This is Lord Romandro¡¯s house? Oh ho. Excuse me.¡± ¡°This kid¡¯s be a real imperial citizen. Even using words like ¡®excuse me¡¯.¡± ¡°Hahaha! Where should we put the luggage?¡± ¡°Inside, go further inside! Yes! Put the luggage over there!¡± Minnie, small like her name, bustled about between the warriors, busy organizing the front yard. Even in this chaos, the bright blonde hair caught her eye. She must have recognized Ian¡¯s presence at once. ¡°Oh? Did Lord Iane along too?¡± Romandro just raised an eyebrow and ordered her to lower her voice. It was to move the Cheonrye tribe¡¯s residence and to make contact with Mnia. Isn¡¯t the trial tomorrow? The pce was on high alert, monitoring the main figures of the families. As soon as the verdict is announced, they would be arrested and executed. Externally, he was out on a personal inspection after receiving reports that Mnia¡¯s whereabouts were unclear, but internally, it was intended to secretly meet with Mnia. ¡°Lord Romandro. Can you go like that with your pants?¡± ¡°Ah, this, really. Just a moment.¡± ¡°Time is tight, so I¡¯ll go ahead. Please follow slowly.¡± ¡°I will. You know the way?¡± Instead of answering, Ian put on a robe. Then, concealing his presence as much as possible, he went across the street. Turning corner after corner, passing closed shops, he arrived at a nearby park. In front of the clock tower. Two chairs were ced with their backs touching. Swish. Ian chose a suitable spot among them and sat down. Then he looked up at the ticking second hand of the clock. Perhaps because of the big event tomorrow, the surroundings were as quiet as before a holiday. When was thest time he enjoyed such peaceful silence? Ian closed his eyes for a moment, letting out a sigh. ¡°Are you alone?¡± Just then, a familiar woman¡¯s voice was heard from behind. It was Mnia. For a precious daughter of a duke¡¯s family, her skill at concealing her presence was quite good. Had she learned it out of necessity to survive? Ian smiled faintly and responded. ¡°Yes. But Romandro will be here soon.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve heard, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Hmm. I¡¯m not sure what you mean. The rumor that Sereau cooperated with Hayman in the rebellion? Or that your second brother and Lady Alenara were in that kind of rtionship?¡± How could he not know? These days, Ian started his morning routine by checking the letters presented by servants on golden trays. The nobles were all busy denouncing each other. Like a snowball rolling downhill, the content deepened with each passing day. The letters grew thicker, and gossip about actual fistfights was not umon. Everyone should stop at once, but they can¡¯t, so this is truly a runaway of broken desires. Ian shook his head with a pale smile. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m surprised. The past they shared was quite intimate. They know things about each other that even the pce doesn¡¯t know.¡± Most of the information the nobles were tattling about was fabricated. But even among those, gems do exist. Unexpectedly, no. In this case, ¡°thanks to¡± might be more appropriate. Thanks to their nder, hidden assets could also be retrieved. ¡°¡­Is that so?¡± ¡°Especially in the case of Lord Eijein, it¡¯s a bit precarious. At the time, Hayman provided half of the investment in Ruswena currency. We confirmed that there was an omission in the reported amount due to exchange rate differences.¡± ¡°What about the punishment?¡± Mnia asked cautiously. In this situation where everyone was at each other¡¯s throats, the pce¡¯s stance was important. If the pce took a hard-line approach here¡­ ¡®There could be a bacsh effect. A cornered rat will bite the cat, and knowing that there¡¯s more than just one or two rats cornered like me. They might gather the courage to rush in.¡¯ If so, there would be at least some voices added to oppose the punishment of Hayman and the seven families. The nobles would realize that they are rats and understand that their opponent is a cat. Rather than trying to win the cat¡¯s heart, it might lead to the thought that it¡¯s better for the rats to stick together. Then, then¡­ Wouldn¡¯t they hope for the return of the great seven families? Mnia quietly crushed the tip of her fingernail hidden in her robe. It was a possibility and hope close to rock bottom, but the very existence of a chance was precious. ¡°Isn¡¯t the whole country¡¯s attention focused on the trial of the seven families? What punishment? What¡¯s missing can be filled in, and if there¡¯s no legal issue, we just note it down.¡± But the answer that came from Ian¡¯s mouth was airtight to the very end. Mnia lowered her head and held her forehead. Whoosh, a cool wind blew, but somehow she felt feverish. It might be a natural phenomenon, constantly keeping her senses on edge for survival. ¡°Do you wish for the pce to dance on a knife¡¯s edge here?¡± With everyone trying to kill each other, it was truly enjoyable for the pce watching them from above. Instead of punishment, embracing them with leniency and gaining psychological and practical superiority was already a sessful step. A step for Jin to advance to the throne. ¡°Showing their weaknesses, and the fact that the royal family knows about it. That¡¯s enough.¡± ¡°¡­I sense satisfaction in your words. Then, as per your proposal, will you spare my life?¡± ¡°Yes. But the trial results are solemn. It¡¯s a measure for past generations, future generations, and everyone. I will not leave any exceptions.¡± Ian was telling her to leave Bariel. Mnia, as if she had expected this, clenched her fist tightly and nodded. ¡°¡­Yes. I will leave.¡± ¡°Since you¡¯ve disappeared, there will be pursuers. That¡¯s beyond my jurisdiction, so do your best on your own.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t expect anything.¡± ¡°Good. I¡¯m d you don¡¯t expect anything.¡± ¡°Just, please help me cross the border smoothly.¡± Ian didn¡¯t ept, but he didn¡¯t refuse either. They remained silent for a while, their backs touching. Mnia was the first to break the silence. ¡°Ian. There¡¯s something I¡¯m curious about.¡± ¡°I allow it.¡± ¡°If I survive to the end, aren¡¯t you afraid?¡± A survivor of a family exterminated for treason. What if she seeded in making aeback and threatened Bariel? It was entirely possible, and Ian wouldn¡¯t have missed it. ¡°Why should I be afraid?¡± ¡°¡­Pardon?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve shown you favor. So why should I be afraid?¡± It¡¯s an answer telling her to realize properly. You shouldn¡¯t harbor ill feelings towards me, or more precisely, towards Bariel. Surviving aftermitting treason is a grace and miracle that won¡¯t happen twice. Gratitude, not revenge, is the right action. And above all¡ª ¡°Your goal was to save your family. If you had asked just to spare your life, I wouldn¡¯t have made this kind of proposal. Your life means nothing to me, but a powerful family has meaning to Bariel.¡± Family. It¡¯s the glory that exists below the country. Knowing that this was what Mnia ultimately wanted, Ian dly gave her the opportunity. Well, in fact, it was possible because various situations aligned well. ¡°¡­I see.¡± ¡°Mnia. Engrave this deeply. The fact that you¡¯re alive is thanks to Bariel.¡± The Hayman family that existed even a hundred yearster. Although the lineage was cut off in the middle, the future is unknowable because one breath survived. They say you can¡¯t go against fate no matter how much you struggle, so Ian could guess that Mnia¡¯s history wouldn¡¯t end here. Whoosh. Instead of an answer, only the sound of the wind was heard. Ian turned his head to look back, and soon confirmed that the chair was empty. She had disappeared. Ian tilted his head back and raised his hand. Swish. ¡°Follow her closely.¡± A man hidden in the shadow of the bushes. He was a special task agent specially selected by Romandro from the pce. Where would Mnia go if she survived alone, without wealth, without anyone to help her? Who would she seek out? ¡°Don¡¯t forget to submit reports every fortnight.¡± Swish. With a high probability, it¡¯s the Rutherford merchant group. If Mnia flows into that side, Ian just needs to follow those traces. At Ian¡¯s instruction, the knight disappeared like the wind. In an instant, just as Mnia had vanished. Chapter 256 Chapter 256 Although it was the time when the dawn moon was still out, an unusuallyrge crowd had gathered in front of the imperial pce. It was a procession of people wanting to witness the end of the seven families up close. The guards looking down from atop the castle gates realized that the morning of a special day had begun. ¡°It¡¯s almost time to open.¡± ¡°Get ready.¡± ¡°Are the nobles to be received through the side gate?¡± ¡°Yes. Open it wide enough for their carriages.¡± Even now the end of the line couldn¡¯t be seen, and when the sun rose, people would rush in like a tidal wave. The gatekeepers would likely die along with the seven families. Those who couldn¡¯t get in on time would probably press as close to the castle gates as possible to eavesdrop on the magical devices¡¯ echoes. At the time when they were donning their armor, lights were brightly lit in the buildings of various departments, including the main pce building. Especially in the Department of Justice, and¡ª ¡°Lord Ian.¡± The mage felt a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu watching Ian being groomed. His sprawled posture on the sofa, his neat hair, the badge, the formal uniform, and even the leather gloves. It seemed he had looked like this on the morning of the magic confirmation ceremony too. ¡®It seems someone always dies when the minister dresses up like this.¡¯ ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing. You look splendid today as well.¡± ¡°You didn¡¯te here to joke around.¡± ¡°Here are the questions and inquiries to be raised at the trial. I¡¯ve checked them onest time and there are no issues. I think you can proceed as nned.¡± Ian gestured for him to wait and not leave, as he flipped through the papers. It was an act closer to a ceremony than a trial, with the entire pce working together to break the necks of the families. It was a meticulously scripted y detailing what questions the judge would ask the Ministry of Magic that had filed the usations, how they would be answered, and how those answers would be received. Just as the beginning was predetermined, so was the end. Rustle. ¡°No problems.¡± Even though he said there were no issues, he still checks everything to the very end like this. The mage smiled resignedly as he received the documents back. ¡°Ah, and about Lady Mnia.¡± ¡°Have they found her?¡± Ian asked nonchntly. The Imperial Defense Department had even issued a wanted order to the guard, but they were in an uproar because they couldn¡¯t find any trace of her. This was because the surveince of the mansion and the subjects was an order that came down from the royal family. Due to the disappearance of just one person, Mnia, they could be held responsible in the worst case. ¡°No. It¡¯s quite strange. We used a truth potion on her second brother, but he genuinely seems not to know. Anyway, there¡¯s talk of transferring the responsibility to the Imperial Guards. We¡¯ve also requested help from the Ministry of Magic. Wouldn¡¯t we be able to catch her immediately if we use magic?¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough. Once the trial verdict is announced, a special pursuit team will be formed anyway, so why should we provide our manpower?¡± ¡°That¡¯s true. We¡¯re already short-handed as it is.¡± ¡°Tell them we refuse. The Imperial Guards will probably do the same.¡± Of course, this too is one of the many reins Ian is handing over to Jin. Just as having a noble¡¯s weakness in hand serves as a check, having a department¡¯s w makes it easier to control them. ¡°What about the others?¡± Whoo, Ian blew on his slightly disheveled bangs. A servant, noticing his signal, carefully rearranged his hair. ¡°I heard the second and third sons of the Kuwell family and their wivesmitted suicide by poison in the middle of the night. Other than that, everyone is waiting in their mansions without issue. They say they¡¯ll ry the message and carry out the execution as soon as the verdict is announced.¡± The heads of the seven families and their spouses, along with their heirs, would meet their deaths in the pce, but the other family members would have their final moments in their mansions. Are they holding onto hope? Or are they preparing for death? Ian touched the Ministry of Magic Minister badge that the servant had pinned on him, then stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± ¡°Yes. They¡¯re waiting outside.¡± As the mage had said, everyone seemed to have finished their preparations early. Akore, rarely seen in formal attire, particrly caught his eye. It was for her to personally testify about the Dragon Scales. Although her outfit didn¡¯t match, she was even wearing protective goggles and a mask. ¡°Captain Akore. I heard you¡¯re not feeling well.¡± ¡°Yes. Well, I can walk. And I can talk too.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a vacation after the trial ends today?¡± ¡°I might. The air in the basement must be stale or something, I feel like I¡¯m dying. Ughhhh.¡± The side effects of the magic amplifier she had taken for Ian seemed tost quite a long time. You could even feel the heat radiating from her if you stood close. Ian slowed his pace for her sake. ¡°And, um, about the Idgal you sentter.¡± The half-amber raw stone that Mnia had given him. Ian nodded, signaling her to speak quickly. ¡°There wasn¡¯t anything special about it? When I analyzed the crystal, I could confirm it was Idgal. Is there a particr part you want me to analyze?¡± ¡°¡­No. That¡¯s enough.¡± The crystal is said to be the trace of the alchemist who made it. If Ian had made it himself as Mnia said, shouldn¡¯t there be traces of a different form than Idgal? ¡®But it¡¯s unlikely that Mnia lied. She knows about the rtionship between the merchant group and the illegitimate Ian, and above all, it¡¯s unclear what memories the illegitimate Ian has. She couldn¡¯t have easily fabricated a lie. It was a move to prevent the family¡¯s extinction.¡¯ Then, it might be a natural inference that rather than Ian directly performing alchemy, he gave crucial help to the alchemist Idgal. Even now, isn¡¯t the illegitimate Ian considered a magic user? I¡¯m not sure how alchemy and magic influenced each other, but they¡¯re both transcendent abilities inmon. It didn¡¯t seem impossible. ¡°Let¡¯s depart. The rear guard, escort His Highness Jin.¡± ¡°Yes, Lord Ian. We¡¯ll see you soon.¡± Ian gave instructions for the aftermath as he boarded the carriage with Akore. Akore leaned against the window, constantly holding her head as if suffering from a hangover. ¡°Ugh, my skull is throbbing.¡± It¡¯s surprisingly she¡¯s been cooped up in the basement all this time, given how clearly unwell she looks. Akore shed her protective goggles and retorted unnecessarily. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t drink, you know.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± ¡°Give me paid leave for my vacation. This is all because I used up my lifespan to save you, Lord Ian.¡± Ian just raised an eyebrow as if to say do as you please. Clop clop, as the carriage drove vigorously, the crowds gathering in the distance came into view. Not just nobles, but imperial citizens were gathering in groups, flocking towards the vicinity of the courthouse. ¡°Everyone¡¯s so enthusiastic from the morning, really. They can¡¯t even enter the courtroom anyway, right?¡± ¡°Even if they¡¯re not nobles, those who bought admission tickets can enter.¡± ¡°Admission tickets? Wow. That was Deputy Minister Quintana¡¯s suggestion, right? I¡¯m crazy, but she¡¯s truly insane. Crazy about money. I can hear the sound of her excitedly tapping on her calctor from here. Someone who¡¯s sold their soul for securing tax revenue. How can poor people live with such sorrow? Tsk tsk. Go on, get rich!¡± ¡°¡­It was my suggestion.¡± ¡°¡­As they say, national poweres from the national treasury. As expected of you, Lord Ian. May you be rich too. Ah, you¡¯re already rich, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Even those who didn¡¯t buy admission tickets can see inside from the outside. Akore, I¡¯m pretty sure we had meetings about this together.¡± From the instation locations of the magical devices, several meetings were held regarding the Justice Department¡¯s request for cooperation from the Ministry of Magic. Captain Akore was present at each of those meetings, but she had been strangely quiet. It seems she hadn¡¯t been paying attention at all. She coughed awkwardly and groaned. ¡°¡­My body, cough, ugh, feels like someone stuck a syringe in my head. To save you, Lord Ian, I, kuheck! Cough!¡± Neigh! Screech! Ian narrowed his eyes incredulously and shook his head. Just then, the carriage arrived in front of the courthouse, and Ian climbed the stairs, receiving reports from his subordinates. ¡°How¡¯s the instation of the magical devices?¡± ¡°There¡¯s less space than expected next to the third pir on the left. We¡¯re just adjusting that part. Everything else is fine.¡± Akore immediately understood the meaning of Ian¡¯s words. The trial was scheduled to take ce not in the Department of Justice, but in the central banquet hall of the main building where the New Year¡¯s party had been held, after some modifications. The hall wasrge enough to amodate hundreds of people, could be viewed from the second floor, and above all, had perfect lighting to enhance the beauty of the banquet. ¡®They¡¯ve torn out all the windows connecting to the outside. It was already close to floor-to-ceiling windows, but without even that, you can see clearly inside even while climbing the stairs.¡¯ With sound amplification magical devices installed on top of this, those who want to watch should be able to enjoy it without difficulty. Akore sat down in her designated seat and ced her relevant documents. Then, absentmindedly, she stared into space while holding her forehead. ¡°¡­Captain.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Captain Akore!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± It wasn¡¯t until a mage grabbed her shoulder and shook it. She had been sitting with her eyes open the whole time, but it felt like her sense of time had been chopped off and disappeared. When did it get like this? Akore frowned as she looked around at her surroundings, filled with pce officials, nobles, and spectators. ¡°It¡¯s about to start. Is there anything you need?¡± ¡°¡­Bring me some cool water. With ice floating in it.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll bring you a wet towel too. You look worse than usual. You know how bad that means you look, right?¡± ¡°Damn it! Don¡¯t say unnecessary things.¡± Ian was whispering something with the ministers from other departments, and Prince Jin was doing the same with Xiaoshi. Romandro was going around checking if there were any problems, and the nobles were unusually quiet. Akore noticed that most of the noise wasing from outside the wide-open windows. ¡®Wow.¡¯ The garden, which had seemed endlessly vast, didn¡¯t show a speck of green. It was due to the countless crowd gathered, leaving no room to step. They couldn¡¯t hide their excitement at seeing the inside of the pce, the mages, and the prince for the first time. If it weren¡¯t for the guards maintaining order, they probably would have rushed right up to the windows. ¡®Hey, hey, hey. Pull yourself together.¡¯ This is an important moment. Why are you losing your mind at this historic page that will mark the end of the seven central families? Even if you make a mistake, it won¡¯t change the oue of the trial, but this is the first official event where Prince Jin appears before the imperial citizens. There must not be even the slightest mistake, right. Crunch. Akore reluctantly took out a pill from her pocket and bit into it. It was a medicine to alleviate the magic amplifier, which was also still in the experimental stage, but had been very effective over the past few days. Akore chewed the inside of her cheek, feeling the bitterness on the tip of her tongue. ¡®Damn it. I¡¯m really only looking forward to that paid leave. I should rest for a while, maybe do some specimen collection. Sigh. I want to lick some Luron stones.¡¯ Creeak. Thud! It was just as she had swallowed the iced water. The doors at the front of the banquet hall swung open wide, and a resounding announcement was heard. ¡°The Chief Judge is entering! Please be quiet!¡± Woong-! Woong! Simultaneously, the resonance of the magical devices rang in their ears. Ian had used it several times during the civil war. But it was clear that it was a sensation that one could never get used to. The noisy crowd, unable to ovee this strange sensation, involuntarily held their breath. Ian stood up, and following him, hundreds of spectators also rose. At this solemn phenomenon, the chief judge who was walking ahead smiled tightly, seemingly nervous. ¡°Is it because it¡¯s the seven families? All the judges from the Department of Justice havee out? It wasn¡¯t like this even for the First Prince.¡± ¡°Well, there are so many of them.¡± ¡°Shh. Quiet.¡± The judges wearing white wigs sat down in a row. The chief judge struck his gavel heavily, announcing the start of the trial. ¡°Case number 52398, the trial for treason and ten other charges against the seven families including the Hayman family is now in session. Will the subjects in question please enter.¡± Bang! Bang! Bang! With each strike of the gavel, the shoulders of the crowd also flinched slightly. As the back right door slowly opened, everyone¡¯s gaze turned in that direction. The twenty-one criminals from the seven families who were to stand trial appeared, bound in chains. Chapter 257 Chapter 257 ¡°It¡¯s Duke Hayman.¡± ¡°Oh my¡­¡± The nobles looking down from the upper floor whispered, covering their faces with fans. Though Hayman¡¯s eyes and posture remained fierce and unblemished, his shabby attire made him look every bit the criminal. It was said that half the gold coins circting in Bariel had passed through the duke¡¯s hands, and he had always maintained such a noble appearance. The nobles frowned, inwardly groaning. Even if they stood to gain from the downfall of these families, weren¡¯t they all bound by the identity of nobility? ¡®Duke Hayman has fallen to this state.¡¯ ¡®To think the mighty Hayman would end like this¡­¡¯ ¡®We must lie low for the time being, no matter what.¡¯ The same thoughts spread through dozens of minds. Even Hayman had fallen to this. Didn¡¯t this imply that they too could easily end up the same way? Who were they to think they could stand against the authority of Jin and Ian? The pitiful sight of the seven families¡¯ backs clearly showed that the era of nobles was setting. ¡°My, is that all for the defense counsel?¡± Though there were twenty-one bound individuals, only two defense attorneys stood beside them. They were children from the indicted Avalia and Chen families. The two stood at opposite ends, gently grasping their parents¡¯ hands. ¡°Both of them are direct descendants of the families. The young master is from Avalia, and the youngdy is from Chen. I heard they received a lot of help initially.¡± ¡°They¡¯re perceptive. What madman would argue for the family¡¯s innocence there? Since the verdict for the family will be their own verdict, no one but direct descendants would defend them.¡± When the central nobles were first arrested, there were efforts from various quarters to help them. It was seven families, after all. They had established dozens of schools, hospitals, and religious facilities through their patronage, and countless talents had passed through those institutions. But when the Sereau family united the opposition and submitted a petition with signatures to apply pressure, they cleanly broke away, reading the flow of the political situation. The nobles nced at Sereau¡¯s direction and whispered. ¡°Did you see earlier? He just greeted Lord Ian once. It seems there¡¯s still some misunderstanding about the Chetur district.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it more likely they¡¯re at odds over the marriage proposal?¡± ¡°You mean he proposed to Lord Ian, but it turned out he was involved with the second son of Hayman?¡± ¡°Shh. Be careful. It seems you only heard one part and not the other. I heard Lady Alenara tore out all the hair of the rumored second son.¡± ¡°Goodness, how violent.¡± ¡°They say she¡¯s also chasing after those who spread the rumors with fire in her eyes, so everyone is keeping quiet about that at least.¡± ¡°By the way, who¡¯s that gray-haired person next to His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°I heard it¡¯s a guard assigned by Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Lord Ian assigned one directly to His Highness? As expected¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not do this. After it¡¯s over, we should directly approach Lord Ian¡­¡± Akore¡¯s perception of the nobles¡¯ strange silence before the trial was not mistaken. They were engaged in subtle power struggles among themselves. Jin, watching the trial from the front row, nced back slightly. He clearly looked ufortable. Xiaoshi also shifted his gaze following Jin. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Your Highness?¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s nothing.¡± It¡¯s truly pathetic. Of course, changing one¡¯s stance was important for survival, but they were taking it to an extreme, without any sense of moderation. In the flow of political circumstances, how foolish do those who prioritize mere survival without principles or convictions appear? What little dignity they had left has all fallen to the ground. The inherent nature of humans that couldn¡¯t be disguised by fine fabrics and dazzling jewels was palpable. ¡°Xia, it might be better if you sat in those seats instead.¡± Xiaoshi was silent, unusually flustered. Though he was about to be freed from ve status, he was still a ve for now. How could he sit in a noble¡¯s seat? Fortunately, Jin didn¡¯t seem to expect an answer, as he immediately turned to focus on what was in front of him. ¡°State your name.¡± ¡°Gaudino Hayman. I am a duke.¡± ¡°The charges against Duke Hayman are as follows: Conspiracy in Prince Gale¡¯s rebellion and the assassination attempt on His Majesty the Emperor, assault on the royal family, special property damage, vition of the Dragon Sanctity Agreement¡­¡± Rustle. As the chief judge turned the pages, rustling sounds could be heard from various ces. The indictment was so thick that Romandro couldn¡¯t hold it with one hand. As it took quite a while just to list the charges, the crowd watching from outside started murmuring. ¡°Why are there so many? Are all of those really crimes?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s seven families, did they do those things seven more times? It¡¯ll be sunset by the time they finish reading.¡± ¡°Those, those bastards! So it was those nobles¡¯ fault that the pce was closed?¡± ¡°Hey, you there! Be quiet! Do you want to be thrown out?¡± ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I apologize.¡± There were broadly ten charges, but including the details under each, it was truly a long list. Moreover, there were seven families. The chief judge had to catch his breath a couple of times before he could strike his gavel. Bang! Bang! ¡®The matters rted to Arsen have been bundled into the treason charge and disappeared.¡¯ Jin, who had been listening quietly, nodded as he touched the scar on the tip of his chin. Wasn¡¯t the Arsen incident absolutely top secret? Of course, it couldn¡¯t be disclosed in front of so many imperial citizens. As the child naturally turned his head towards the window, his eyes met squarely with the imperial citizens who were pressed close. ¡®Gasp.¡¯ They were both surprised. The prince saw the imperial citizens for the first time, and the imperial citizens saw the prince for the first time. As Jin¡¯s face turned red and he quickly averted his eyes, the imperial citizens shared their excitement, whispering to each other. It was like watching adolescent boys and girls. Jin bit the inside of his cheek and barely regained hisposure as the chief judge¡¯s voice came through clearly. ¡°¡­Do you admit to all of the above charges?¡± ¡°I do not admit to them.¡± Duke Hayman immediately denied the charges, insisting on his innocence. His attitude showed not a hint of hesitation, to the extent that if an uninformed person saw it, they might truly misunderstand it as the truth. ¡°You do not admit¡­¡± The chief judge lightly pressed his temple as he repeated his words. Irrefutable testimonies and evidence had already been perfectly presented. Refusing to admit to this would only mean a waste of time. ¡°I understand. Let¡¯s review them one by one.¡± Sighs erupted from here and there. Still, everything had to follow procedure. If Hayman was going to respond like this, the Department of Justice had no choice but to take a different approach. They would have to go through each charge one by one, by the book. Bang! Bang! Ian sat with his back straight, leaning back, looking at Hayman. Below the desk, he could see the duke and duchess holding hands. They were still a married couple, after all. ¡°First, I refute the charge of conspiracy in Prince Gale¡¯s rebellion and the assassination attempt on His Majesty the Emperor. As already testified in previous investigations, the ck armor used by Hayman Bank has extremely powerful magical armor capabilities, able to withstand forces equal to a hundred men. At the time, Prince Gale requested that some of the armor be dedicated to strengthening the empire¡¯s defense, and Hayman responded with the intention of serving the empire.¡± Hayman¡¯s eyes did not waver. And his voice was even more solid. As if reading a memorized rebuttal in his head, the flow and coherence of his sentences were as natural as flowing water. It was befitting of a man who had tightly held the economic flow of Bariel. ¡°But I swear, I had no idea that Prince Gale would use it for rebellion. As proof of this, when I realized things were going wrong midway, I did not hand over the remaining half of the armor.¡± In court, in front of so many onlookers, in a fight whose end was predetermined, how many could defend themselves? Even the direct descendants of the families who volunteered as defense counsel stood quietly, having lost their enthusiasm. ¡°The duke testified as such. Yes, it¡¯s confirmed. However, ording to the letters, contracts, and testimonyter submitted by Prince Gale¡­ it is judged that the duke was already aware of Prince Gale¡¯s intentions.¡± Rustle. The chief judge turned the pages and pointed to one. The fact that Gale had promised Lady Mnia the position of ¡°empress¡± was particrly significant. ¡°Furthermore, while you said you didn¡¯t hand over half of the magic armor, the rebellion preparations werepleted the night before. There is evidence of Prince Gale inquiring by letter why only half was given. This contradicts your im that you realized the intention midway and didn¡¯t provide the rest. I reject Duke Hayman¡¯s im.¡± Bang! Bang! Gale was dead, but his traces still remained in the pce. In Ian¡¯s grasp, who had mediated between Mariv and Gale at the time. Did you think it would be even slightly advantageous at the trial if Gale died? That was assuming Arsen was a mage, not a magical beast. Hayman¡¯s rebuttal was immediately denied. ¡°Moving on to the next. Assault on the royal family.¡± Assault on the royal family. The charges rted to the Arsen incident were secretly included here. Whether they were deceived by a magical beast or not was not a particrly important point. They supported a magical beast, and as a result, Dina and Gale died. No excuse would be epted regarding this. ¡°Your Highness. Was Duke Hayman also under a gag spell?¡± ¡°Yes. It was sealed along with the interrogation.¡± Xiaoshi quietly asked with a worried heart. She was concerned that Hayman might mention Arsen to turn the situation around, with everyone¡¯s attention focused on him. ¡°¡­Therefore, there was no intent on my part in the deaths of Lady Dina and Prince Gale.¡± As Jin said, Hayman struggled toplete his defense, unable to connect his words smoothly, perhaps due to the gag spell. ¡°Rejected.¡± Bang! Although he put in a lot of effort, it was denied in an instant. The chief judge struck his gavel sharply and briefly, as if to hurry things along. ¡°Rejected.¡± Special property damage. Bang! ¡°Rejected.¡± Vition of the Dragon Sanctity Agreement. Bang! It must have felt like their hearts were being sliced with each strike of the gavel. Duchess Hayman finally burst into tears. The heir, their son, embraced his mother, and the other nobles waiting their turn covered their faces, looking deathly pale. The chief judge paused momentarily as he turned the pages. ¡°Here, His Highness Jin¡¯s testimony is requested.¡± Ian raised an eyebrow as if surprised. The chief judge, who didn¡¯t seem like it, had a talent for acting. This was something Ian had prepared to allow Jin to give his first speech in front of the imperial citizens. The chief judge lowered his sses slightly and called out to Jin. ¡°Your Highness. What would you like to do? Shall we proceed?¡± ¡°Of course.¡± Jin stood up boldly, as if he had been waiting for this. Ian also stood up and extended his hand to the child. Jin,ing down the stairs escorted, tightly held Ian¡¯s hand, nervous until he reached the witness stand. Ian also responded by squeezing lightly. ¡°Your Highness. This way.¡± ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± Only after confirming that the prince had properly taken the witness stand did Ian step back far away and signal the mages. It was a look that promised punishment if there was any problem with the magical devices amplifying His Highness¡¯s voice. The mages hurriedly concentrated and raised their magic power more grandly. Zing. Zing. ¡°Witness, please state your identity.¡± At the chief judge¡¯s kind request, Jin turned his head towards the window. An endless crowd. The people recognized the young prince, the future of Bariel, the little emperor, and their eyes were filled with excitement. The energy was palpable even to the child. Jin, as if entranced by that sparkle, stared nkly outside before stating his name. ¡°¡­I am Jin Verocion, the Fifth Prince of Bariel.¡± p p p! Ian raised his hands high and apuded as if to show off. The pce officials followed suit, then the nobles joined in, and the people cheered. It was the moment when Jin first witnessed his Bariel. Chapter 258 Chapter 258 Jin Verocion. The child realized it the moment he uttered that name. For the first time in his life, he had dered himself a member of the royal bloodline. He, who had lived in the shadow of his siblings, had ultimately survived and was now receiving the radiant gazes of the imperial citizens. And above all¡ª ¡®So this is what Brother Mariv and Brother Gale desired.¡¯ Honestly, in his young mind, he couldn¡¯t understand them. Why did those two, who had everything in the world,pete so fiercely, envy each other, and sh swords? Was there meaning in obtaining the crown by harming their father and cutting down their brothers? To Jin, being emperor was merely a destination for survival, and his position as told by Ian. But now he truly understands. He sincerelyprehends the hearts of his two brothers.¡®This is what they wanted to see.¡¯ Bariel¡¯s cheers shook his heart, and their smiles tickled his chest. Nothing was as precious and sparkling as the gazes they sent him. The lives they led would be his history, and their existence once again proves his own. ¡®Ah. I see.¡¯ His brothers knew this all along. That¡¯s why they were willing to sacrifice their blood and breath to obtain it. Even if they ultimately failed, it was something worth humbly epting death for. Even though he was merely standing to testify, it felt overwhelmingly grand, as if his whole body might shatter. He couldn¡¯t even imagine what it would be like to ascend to the emperor¡¯s throne. Jin lightly grasped the magical device and cleared his throat. ¡°Within a short period, the pce was sealed off twice. This was unprecedented in history, a source of anxiety for the imperial citizens, and a shame for the royal family.¡± The crowd embraced those next to them and looked up at Jin. The young prince¡¯s voice whispered in their ears through the magical device. A delicate yet powerful voice. The royal family¡¯s noble demeanor was clearly conveyed. ¡°The trouble centered around Brother Mariv and Brother Gale, but there were others who surrounded them and fueled the mes even more.¡± Jin slowly and carefully unraveled the events of that day, one by one. Although Ian had already announced it once and the press had reported it, it held a different meaning when delivered directly by the foundation of the royal family. To the imperial citizens, Bariel was the royal family, and to the royal family, Bariel was the imperial citizens. Confirming each other with their own eyes and solidifying their trust would create tremendous power. ¡°Those who were blinded by misguided glory and trampled their own honor. The seven families standing here are just that. We cannot pretend it didn¡¯t happen. The scar on my face is the truth of that day.¡± Hayman looked up at Jin without changing his expression. Facing imminent death, the child suddenly made him contemte the meaning of life. During the rebellion, he had been a child seemingly abandoned by his mother in ce of Arsen, but now he stood alone, having ousted allpetitors. His fate had changed from a clear loser to the sole victor. ¡°I vividly testify. Duke Hayman¡¯s ck armors shattered my mother¡¯s pce, killed those who fled, and confronted Prince Mariv to usurp the royal seal.¡± He immediately refuted the lie that there was no intention because they didn¡¯t know. ¡°And in that process, my mother and my siblings died.¡± This pointed out their attempt to support Arsen to escape the charge of treason. Although bundled under the term ¡®siblings¡¯, the result was not problematic at all. ¡°I swear on my name that all charges brought by the Ministry of Magic and the royal family are true. Therefore, I hope that just punishment will be meted out to the criminals for the stability of the royal family and the peace of the country. Chief Judge.¡± The chief judge responded by cing his hand on his chest and bowing his head slightly. ¡°For Bariel.¡± ¡°For Bariel.¡± The elderly chief judge and the young prince swore for a single value. The crowd watching this approached closer to the pce walls, murmuring. Soldiers blocked them with spears, but how could they stop the heightened fervor? They reached out their hands and called for Jin. ¡°Your Highness, have Lady Dina and Prince Arsen passed away?¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t know? It was in the newspapers.¡± ¡°Prince Jin! Please show us your face, your scar again!¡± ¡°You are the only hope left for Bariel. Please,e closer!¡± ¡°Your Highness! Your Highness! Prince Jin!¡± ¡°Chief Judge. For Bariel, please exterminate all the nobles who have disturbed the country.¡± ¡°Exterminate them! Exterminate them!¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t it because of their greed that precious royal lives were lost? Isn¡¯t it their role to stop the princes when they rebel and guide them on the right path?¡± ¡°His Majesty the Emperor is watching!¡± ¡°Conduct the trial properly!¡± ¡°Step back! If youe any closer, you¡¯ll be expelled!¡± ¡°Step back! Go back, go back!¡± It turned into chaos in an instant. They might have thought they were just throwing in a single word, but were there just too many people? It was no different from hundreds of shouts erupting at once. The nobles couldn¡¯t hide their bewilderment, startled by the tremendous uproar. How dare these lowly beings raise their voices here? Even the nobles were holding their breath. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t they all be charged with sphemy?¡± ¡°Tsk tsk. These uneducated people¡­¡± ¡°I knew this would happen. It was a problem from the start to open it up for the sake of securing tax revenue. I wonder if they even understand the meaning of solemnity.¡± ¡°What if theye through the windows? It might be good for the Imperial Guards to deploy some numbers in advance.¡± Everyone nced at Ian, hoping he would take some action. But he paid no attention and waited for Jin to finish. ¡°That concludes my statement.¡± ¡°Yes. We have heard you well.¡± p p p! Ian raised his hands again, as if to show off. This time, others reflexively apuded first. Amidst the resounding encouragement, Jin came down from the podium, supported by Ian. Their eyes met briefly. The child wanted to go closer to the window, and Ian read his mind. But they were in the middle of a trial determining the fate of the families, so Ian gently shook his head to discourage him. ¡°Well then¡­¡± Bang! Bang bang! The judge struck his gavel more forcefully, aware of the magical device. The crowd simultaneously covered their ears and flinched. ¡°Please be quiet. We will continue with the trial. I ask that the imperial citizens strictly maintain order as directed by the royal soldiers.¡± Jin, having returned to his seat, sat straight and looked only forward. He could feel the hot gazes of the imperial citizens beside him. Unable to resist any longer, he turned his gaze, and they were watching him with sparkling eyes. The trial had long been pushed to the background. ¡°Next is the Avalia family.¡± The trial continued. As with the Hayman family, procedures were not omitted to show respect for those about to disappear. The difference from Hayman was¡ª ¡°Yes. I admit to all charges.¡± ¡°I understand. We apply the charge of conspiracy.¡± Bang! ¡°I will not deny it.¡± ¡°We also apply the charge of conspiracy.¡± Bang! ¡°¡­I have nothing to say.¡± ¡°We ept that.¡± Most had lost their spirit and given up. Unlike Hayman, few denied everything to the end and defended themselves by going through each point. Some might consider this dignified, while others might see it as weak. Perhaps some might think it rational. Jin nced at Hayman while watching the trial proceed smoothly. Though he could only see the back of his head, his posture remained upright. His expression was probably the same. ¡°Any further defense?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Then please wait a moment.¡± The judges rose from their seats to coordinate the sentencing. Unlike Mariv, who was royalty, these were nobles. Without needing to follow a majority opinion, they could pass sentence under the judges¡¯ authority. ¡°We will recess for ten minutes.¡± It¡¯s still a death sentence, but this was to discuss the method, order, or subsequent handling of the bodies. As the judges left, the tense atmosphere rxed. Joy colored the faces of the imperial citizens whose eyes met Jin¡¯s. When else would they have the chance to face such a precious member of the royal family? It would be right to prostrate themselves in reverence, but the imperial citizens continued to want to reach Jin, and they took courage. ¡°Your Highness, this¡­¡± ¡°Hey now, step back.¡± ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± A single flower extended through the soldiers. Jin looked at Xiaoshi in surprise. Xiaoshi approached the window on behalf of the prince and called a soldier. The soldier received the flower, passed it to Xiaoshi, and it was soon handed to Jin. Jin carefully cradled the single yellow wildflower and murmured. ¡°¡­Thank you.¡± ¡°We are grateful that Your Highness is safe.¡± It was the first gift he had received from an imperial citizen. Jin smiled happily, repeatedly rubbing the petals against the tip of his nose. Romandro watched this contentedly, resting his chin on both hands. Ian also smiled faintly, but only for a moment. ¡°Xia.¡± Ian quietly called Xiaoshi and whispered. It was a very discreet reprimand, so quiet that even Romandro right next to him couldn¡¯t hear. ¡°How could you carelessly hand something to His Highness that was offered by a stranger? Be especially careful.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough. It¡¯s also my oversight for not instructing you in advance.¡± ¡°What should we do with the flower?¡± ¡°Leave it for now. His Highness is so pleased with it.¡± How could one stop that bright smile with dimples? At Ian¡¯s nod, Xiaoshi sat down next to Jin, and Jin kept showing him the flower and whispering something. He was clearly bragging. Romandro didn¡¯t hide his raised cheekbones. As if watching something lovely, his hands supporting his chin were cutely gathered. ¡°Come to think of it, His Highness has never been outside the pce, right? We must prepare the sessor appointment ceremony grandly and perfectly.¡± There¡¯s a golden road that stretches in a straight line from the capital¡¯s entrance to the pce. It was only for use by the royal family, typically used when royalty departed for or returned from battle, or for official events like coronations. By bing the sessor, Jin would meet Bariel for the first time, going outside the pce. ¡°Yes. We must do so. There will likely be many guests from foreign countries as well.¡± ¡°Will there be?¡± ¡°Of course. Isn¡¯t he the only prince?¡± Being the only prince had several meanings. Positively, it meant he was the next emperor, and negatively, it meant that the Bariel royal family had be vulnerable due to rebellion and turmoil. From the perspective of foreign powers, it was an opportunity to enter the pce directly to assess the political situation and make an impression on Jin. While kings might be too much, there was a high possibility that their heirs below them would visit. Creeak. At that moment, the judges re-entered. They held ck velvet sentencing documents. Everyone immediately fell silent, waiting for the verdict to be announced. ¡°Thank you for your patience. We acknowledge that the seven central families have dedicated themselves to Bariel in the past. However, the crime rted to rebellion is a serious offense that cannot be mitigated by any excuse. Therefore, the Royal Court pronounces the following sentence.¡± Rustle. The chief judge pointed to each of the family heads one by one and spoke. ¡°All tangible and intangible assets of the seven families, including Hayman, are confiscated and revert to the royal family. Furthermore, those bearing the family names will be hanged, and their bodies will be disyed in the streets for a week as a warning against treason.¡± Bang! Bang bang! Hayman, who had been expressionless, finally frowned and closed his eyes. Angry cheers erupted from outside, and the nobles let out groans ofplex emotions. All the officials stood up and offered handshakes to Ian and Jin. ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, Your Highness.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all over now. Your Highness, congrattions.¡± ¡°Lord Ian, well done. Well done!¡± ¡°Not at all. It¡¯s thanks to everyone¡¯s help.¡± ¡°Oh my, Romandro! You! Go get some rest now!¡± Ian responded to the congrattionsing from all around while keeping his arm around Jin¡¯s shoulders. Meanwhile, Hayman and the nobles were dragged away by the Imperial Guards, and the chief judge concluded the trial. ¡°This concludes the trial.¡± Bang! Bang! It was a perfect victory for the royal family that no one could dispute. At least until then. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
  • MBSE Chapter 28
  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
  • MBSE Chapter 31
  • MBSE Chapter 32
  • MBSE Chapter 33
  • MBSE Chapter 34
  • MBSE Chapter 35
  • MBSE Chapter 36
  • MBSE Chapter 37
  • MBSE Chapter 38
  • MBSE Chapter 39
  • MBSE Chapter 40
  • MBSE Chapter 41
  • MBSE Chapter 42
  • MBSE Chapter 43
  • MBSE Chapter 44
  • MBSE Chapter 45
  • MBSE Chapter 46
  • MBSE Chapter 47
  • MBSE Chapter 48
  • MBSE Chapter 49
  • MBSE Chapter 50
  • MBSE Chapter 51
  • MBSE Chapter 52
  • MBSE Chapter 53
  • MBSE Chapter 54
  • MBSE Chapter 55
  • MBSE Chapter 56
  • MBSE Chapter 57
  • MBSE Chapter 58
  • MBSE Chapter 59
  • MBSE Chapter 60
  • MBSE Chapter 61
  • MBSE Chapter 62
  • MBSE Chapter 63
  • MBSE Chapter 64
  • MBSE Chapter 65
  • MBSE Chapter 66
  • MBSE Chapter 67
  • MBSE Chapter 68
  • MBSE Chapter 69
  • MBSE Chapter 70
  • MBSE Chapter 71
  • MBSE Chapter 72
  • MBSE Chapter 73
  • MBSE Chapter 74
  • MBSE Chapter 75
  • MBSE Chapter 76
  • MBSE Chapter 77
  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
  • MBSE Chapter 80
  • MBSE Chapter 81
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 84
  • MBSE Chapter 85
  • MBSE Chapter 86
  • MBSE Chapter 87
  • MBSE Chapter 88
  • MBSE Chapter 89
  • MBSE Chapter 90
  • MBSE Chapter 91
  • MBSE Chapter 92
  • MBSE Chapter 93
  • MBSE Chapter 94
  • MBSE Chapter 95
  • MBSE Chapter 96
  • MBSE Chapter 97
  • MBSE Chapter 98
  • MBSE Chapter 99
  • MBSE Chapter 100
  • MBSE Chapter 101
  • MBSE Chapter 102
  • MBSE Chapter 103
  • MBSE Chapter 104
  • MBSE Chapter 105
  • MBSE Chapter 106
  • MBSE Chapter 107
  • MBSE Chapter 108
  • MBSE Chapter 109
  • MBSE Chapter 110
  • MBSE Chapter 111
  • MBSE Chapter 112
  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
Chapter 259 Chapter 259 1Those reveling in the victory of the trial shared their joy with loudughter. Having ovee a major hurdle, they approached Ian and Jin to offer congrattions and establish familiarity. With the cheers of the crowd added, it was a festival scene beyondpare. Except for the seven families facing their demise, and a few others. ¡°Your Highness Jin. Today¡¯s testimony was truly impressive. As expected of your brilliance, I¡¯ve never been so moved. I look forward to working with you in the future.¡± ¡°I suppose the next time we meet, you¡¯ll be the heir to the Empire.¡± ¡°Has the date for the appointment ceremony been set? By chance, do you know of the silk our family imports? Though it pales inparison to Your Highness¡¯s radiance, the harmony of gold and red threads is quite remarkable. If it pleases you, our family would like to offer Your Highness¡¯s ceremonial robes for the appointment.¡± ¡°You¡¯re getting ahead of everyone else, aren¡¯t you? Haha! Your Highness, our specialty is wine. Since it¡¯s a grand imperial celebration, we¡¯ll have wine flowing through the streets.¡± ¡°Thank you. I still can¡¯t drink, but those who enjoy it will be satisfied.¡± Centered around a single child, the central nobles formed a tight circle. They were engaged in subtle jostling to get closer or avoid being pushed out. If Ian hadn¡¯t been standing firmly beside him, even the faint semnce of order would have disappeared. ¡°Lord Ian.¡±At that moment, a mage barely squeezed through the crowd to call him. There were matters to report, including the uing execution schedule. The nobles nced around and subtly stepped back. ¡°We will escort the prisoners to Central Square, the execution site. Will Your Highness Jin be apanying us?¡± ¡°His Highness¡­¡± At Ian¡¯s murmur, Jin shook his head. Wasn¡¯t the imperial pce already at capacity with the crowds swarming like clouds? If he were to join, it would increase the burden on the guards and mobilized personnel. Confusion would be unavoidable when mixed with the crowds. Another reason was that while he might have watched Mariv¡¯s end as she was his sister, there was no need to do so for the final moments of the seven families. ¡°Only Lord Ian should go.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. A wise decision. I shall do so.¡± Twenty-one corpses would be swinging from high ces in Central Square. What good would it do to endure the trouble of going to see such an unpleasant sight? Jin had never left the imperial pce before. He didn¡¯t want to use his first outing to watch someone¡¯s death. ¡°I¡¯ll go alone. Prepare.¡± ¡°Yes, and Lord Ian. About Captain Akore¡­¡± ¡°Akore?¡± At the mage¡¯s words, Ian looked towards Akore¡¯s seat. An empty chair. From when she arrived by carriage until just before the trial began, she had looked quite unwell. She had disappeared amidst themotion. ¡°She left during the recess and still hasn¡¯t returned.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll look for her. You focus on preparing for the escort and execution.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s time for you to return.¡± ¡°Yes. Alright. Lords, it was a pleasure meeting you all. Until next time.¡± As Ian and Jin wrapped up, the nobles simultaneously ced their hands on their chests. Soon, the crowd parted like the sea, and Jin left the courtroom, preciously holding the yellow flower. ¡°I¡¯ll see you this evening.¡± ¡°I leave the rest to you.¡± ¡°Of course. Xiaoshi, take good care of His Highness.¡± ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Ian personally opened the carriage door for Jin and watched until he left the main building, surrounded by soldiers as escorts. The crowds slowly followed, calling out to Jin. The carriage window opened slightly. Fingertips wiggled, trying toe out, then retreated. Likely stopped by Xiaoshi. ¡°Ian, clean this up too.¡± ¡°Yes, Sir Romandro.¡± Ziiing. Ziing. Ian took off his gloves, savoring the relief of having ovee a great obstacle. Then, emitting a very faint magical energy, he sensed Akore¡¯s presence. Her aura was felt not too far away. Tak tak tak. He passed through the corridor, continuing deeper inside. As themotion faded, Akore¡¯s magical energy felt stronger. Just as he was about to turn a corner, he discovered bloodstains on the wall. They were stretched out long, with the end sharply cut off. It was a trace of someone copsing weakly and grasping the wall. ¡°¡­Akore?¡± ¡°Ah, shit¡­¡± Akore was crumpled at the end of the corridor. There were even drops of blood scattered on the floor. As Ian approached in surprise, she weakly tried to stop him. ¡°Don¡¯te closer.¡± ¡°Akore. What happened? First, let me give you some magic. As a temporary measure¡­¡± Akore turned her head with her forehead pressed to the floor. Her upper clothes werepletely soaked in blood, as if she had been coughing up blood severely. As Ian hesitated in shock, Akore chuckled. ¡°Ah, Lord Ian. I think I¡¯m fucked.¡± ¡°Akore.¡± ¡°It seems a bit too severe to just be a side effect of the magic amplification potion. I, right now, keep¡­¡± Akore stared nkly into space and then flinched. As if her consciousness had faded and then returned. ¡°¡­I keep losing my memories.¡± Losing memories? How could the side effects of a magic amplification potion cause such symptoms? Ian first helped Akore up, then poured as much magical energy as he could into her. Ziiing! Ziing! The wave was so explosive that the mages cleaning up the courtroom in the building all flinched simultaneously. It certainly seemed to be the Minister¡¯s magic, but why so suddenly? ¡°What was that just now?¡± ¡°Where is the Minister?¡± ¡°He went to look for Captain Akore.¡± The mages put down their magical tools with puzzled faces. Something must have happened. They all rushed out the door at once, following Ian¡¯s traces. Tak tak tak! Tat! ¡°Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Captain Akore!¡± ¡°I can feel Lord Ian¡¯s magic over there!¡± ¡°Lord Iaaaan! Huh? Blood?¡± ¡°Whose is it? Is it the Minister¡¯s?¡± ¡°It looks like Captain Akore¡¯s!¡± ¡°Aaaaah! Captain Akore, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you like this?¡± Her colleagues were shocked to see Akore sprawled out. Although her magic might have beenckingpared to other captains, wasn¡¯t she stronger than anyone as a person? She had been fine after inhaling all sorts of chemical fumes in the basement, unscathed from explosions, and would just cackle even after shaking beakers for three days and nights. Yet now she was in such a state. ¡°Ugh. I¡¯m one step away from kicking the bucket.¡± ¡°Get on my back, Captain. Pull yourself together.¡± ¡°Prepare a carriage! A carriage!¡± ¡°Control the people and clear the way! Hurry!¡± The subordinates from the Ministry of Magic, especially from Akore¡¯s Magic Stone Management Division, panicked and supported her. ¡°Hey. Are you crazy?¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Tat! But Akore lightly brushed off their hands. Her subordinates asked back, puzzled by her inexplicable action, and Ian put his hand to his forehead. He had understood Akore¡¯s intention. ¡°There are people gathered outside, and it would look great if a Ministry of Magic captain is carried out while spewing blood, right? Do you know what day it is? Want to light a candle, you little shits? Do you know what kind of rumors will spread with so many eyes watching? Fuck.¡± ¡°Are, are you crazy? What are you saying?¡± ¡°Wait, I said. I¡¯ll go out when there are fewer people.¡± ¡°Captain!¡± The mages turned to Ian. As if asking him to stop her. But Akore¡¯s argument had a point. It was an asion to show the Empire¡¯s citizens that the imperial pce was safe, but there a mage would be carried out while coughing up blood. Ian gestured for everyone to step back. ¡°¡­Only Romandro and Hale will stay.¡± ¡°Lord Ian! This isn¡¯t right!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. How did Akore end up like this!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t say it twice. Only those two stay, everyone else return to your positions.¡± At the Minister¡¯s firm order, the mages bit their lips and stepped back. Then hesitantly, with steps that could hardly leave, they turned back, leaving her behind. Ian rubbed his forehead and nodded to Hale. ¡°Hale, carry Akore on your back.¡± ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a secret underground passage from this main building to the back of the small garden. Turn right in the corridor and go to the second room, remove the still life painting. Sir Romandro, please have a carriage waiting in the small garden. It¡¯s in the bushes diagonally left below, with your back to the fountain. There should be fewer people in the small garden than here, so we¡¯ll put her in the carriage there and send her to the Ministry of Magic.¡± A secret underground passage in the main building? How does Ian know about that? Isn¡¯t that something only the imperial family knows? Perhaps His Highness Jin told him? Hale and Romandro were puzzled, but their thoughts scattered at Akore¡¯s coughing up blood. While Hale carried Akore on his back, Romandro ran outside to prepare the carriage. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll finish up the schedule and return.¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯ll see you soon.¡± ¡°Oh my, Lord Ian. Bye-bye!¡± ¡°Akore. Don¡¯t lose consciousness.¡± Tak tak tak! The quickly disappearing figure of Hale. Ian briefly looked down at the blood on his hands. But soon he put on the gloves he had tucked in his chest, hiding it. As he came out, turning the corridor, the mages greeted him with worried looks. ¡°¡­L-Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Hale took Akore out, so don¡¯t worry. We have our own tasks to do. Haven¡¯t wee a long way? We can¡¯t turn back when our destination is in sight.¡± Knowing this, Akore had also looked at the outside situation before herself. The mages breathed sighs of relief at Ian¡¯s message. It was truly fortunate. Perhaps she had used some concealment magic? However it was done, it was truly a relief that Akore could leave without dy. Ian patted his uniform sleeves and asked. ¡°The preparations.¡± ¡°Huh? Ah, yes, yes. No problems.¡± ¡°¡­We¡¯re heading to Central Square.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood!¡± Tak tak tak! The mages took the lead in escorting Ian. As they came out of the main building, the citizens waiting for the mages cheered. ¡°It¡¯s the mages! The mages!¡± ¡°Oh my, I¡¯m seeing them for the first time! Mr. Magician!¡± ¡°Is that Ian Hielo, the Minister, in the middle?¡± ¡°My, he¡¯s really young. Even younger than I thought.¡± Tat! ¡°Wooooah!¡± ¡°They flew! They flew into the sky!¡± Those walking at the very front leapt into the air in an instant. The heads of the numerous crowd tilted up to the sky, following them. Ian mounted a horse and slowly pulled the reins, following the path guidanceing down from the air. Neigh! ¡°Make way!¡± ¡°Clear the path! The execution will begin in Central Square! Everyone leave the pce and return!¡± ¡°Slowly, in single file!¡± The prisoner transport carriages, which had been waiting for the mages to join, slowly moved. A full twenty-one people. The procession stretched out long, creating quite a spectacle. Ian drew a beam of light next to it with magic, making the prisoner transport visible even from afar. They moved at almost walking speed. At this rate, it would take a full hour to reach the city gates. tter tter. Ian noticed the carriage curtain being slightly pulled back. It was Hayman. His hands were tied, and a soldier sat between him and his wife, but his eyes were as calm as if he were going on an outing. ¡°Close the curtain. If people know you¡¯re there, stones will fly.¡± ¡°Hahaha. Stones, you say.¡± ¡°¡­You think it¡¯s a joke?¡± Hayman silently looked at Ian. Even as the carriage shook and the horse swayed, his gaze remained steady. Although they were walking side by side, Ian noticed a smile spreading across his lips. Hayman gestured as if asking him toe closer. ¡°Hey, soldier. What are you doing? Close the curtain.¡± ¡°Yes sir! I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°I heard Mnia is missing. Is it true?¡± The soldier pulled on Hayman¡¯s shoulder, but he leaned in closer and asked back. ¡°They say the Imperial Defense Department is having a hard time finding Mnia.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see where your daughter is when you¡¯re dead.¡± ¡°Aha, hahaha! Ahaha!¡± Hayman burst into a heartyugh, truly for the first time in a long while. Mnia! His lovely and proud youngest daughter! He had always been satisfied with how she shone brighter than her brothers, and she proved herself to the very end. If even one person bearing the name Hayman survived, wouldn¡¯t that mean the continuation of the family line? ¡°It¡¯s Duke Hayman!¡± ¡°Kill him! Kill him!¡± Nevertheless, Hayman¡¯s satisfied smile did not easily fade. Even until the veryst moment ¨C When a thick rope was ced around his neck ¨C When the ground beneath his feet gave way ¨C When his whole body was dirtied by stones and filth thrown by the crowd. Screech! Thud! ¡°Die! Let all the other families die!¡± ¡°Waaaah! Kill them!¡± The curses of the angry and excited crowd. Ian, watching Hayman¡¯s swaying corpse, tightly clenched his palm. Under the leather gloves, he felt the sticky blood. As twilight seeped in, twenty-one corpses from the seven central families were hung in the square. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
  • MBSE Chapter 28
  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
  • MBSE Chapter 31
  • MBSE Chapter 32
  • MBSE Chapter 33
  • MBSE Chapter 34
  • MBSE Chapter 35
  • MBSE Chapter 36
  • MBSE Chapter 37
  • MBSE Chapter 38
  • MBSE Chapter 39
  • MBSE Chapter 40
  • MBSE Chapter 41
  • MBSE Chapter 42
  • MBSE Chapter 43
  • MBSE Chapter 44
  • MBSE Chapter 45
  • MBSE Chapter 46
  • MBSE Chapter 47
  • MBSE Chapter 48
  • MBSE Chapter 49
  • MBSE Chapter 50
  • MBSE Chapter 51
  • MBSE Chapter 52
  • MBSE Chapter 53
  • MBSE Chapter 54
  • MBSE Chapter 55
  • MBSE Chapter 56
  • MBSE Chapter 57
  • MBSE Chapter 58
  • MBSE Chapter 59
  • MBSE Chapter 60
  • MBSE Chapter 61
  • MBSE Chapter 62
  • MBSE Chapter 63
  • MBSE Chapter 64
  • MBSE Chapter 65
  • MBSE Chapter 66
  • MBSE Chapter 67
  • MBSE Chapter 68
  • MBSE Chapter 69
  • MBSE Chapter 70
  • MBSE Chapter 71
  • MBSE Chapter 72
  • MBSE Chapter 73
  • MBSE Chapter 74
  • MBSE Chapter 75
  • MBSE Chapter 76
  • MBSE Chapter 77
  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
  • MBSE Chapter 80
  • MBSE Chapter 81
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 84
  • MBSE Chapter 85
  • MBSE Chapter 86
  • MBSE Chapter 87
  • MBSE Chapter 88
  • MBSE Chapter 89
  • MBSE Chapter 90
  • MBSE Chapter 91
  • MBSE Chapter 92
  • MBSE Chapter 93
  • MBSE Chapter 94
  • MBSE Chapter 95
  • MBSE Chapter 96
  • MBSE Chapter 97
  • MBSE Chapter 98
  • MBSE Chapter 99
  • MBSE Chapter 100
  • MBSE Chapter 101
  • MBSE Chapter 102
  • MBSE Chapter 103
  • MBSE Chapter 104
  • MBSE Chapter 105
  • MBSE Chapter 106
  • MBSE Chapter 107
  • MBSE Chapter 108
  • MBSE Chapter 109
  • MBSE Chapter 110
  • MBSE Chapter 111
  • MBSE Chapter 112
  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
Chapter 260 Chapter 260 ¡°Is this something a person should do?¡± One of the two healing mages in the Ministry of Magic scolded Akore. The magical energy they felt from her fingertips was rming. Her heartbeat was irregr and unstable, faint as if it might stop at any moment, and above all, its warmth was cold. Her condition wasn¡¯t much different from Beric, whose internal organs had all been turned inside out. ¡°It¡¯s a side effect of the magic amplification potion¡­¡± ¡°You know it¡¯s not just that.¡± ¡°You¡¯re right. There¡¯s no way there are side effects I don¡¯t know about. It seems to be aplex reaction based on that, doesn¡¯t it?¡± The magic amplification potion had caused fissures in her body. Meanwhile, she had been researching and experimenting with Idgal, which absorbs magic, and even handled dragon scales, a sacred item. The healing mage grumbled as they lifted Akore¡¯s side. ¡°Ow, how embarrassing.¡± ¡°Stop bullshitting. Scales are growing on your skin.¡±¡°Huh. Really?¡± Scales growing along her waistline. Under the scales, her skin was torn and blood had congealed. Akore felt around with her hand, touching them, then frowned quizzically. ¡°This is that. Dragon antigen-antibody hypersensitivity reaction.¡± ¡°¡­Just call it an infectious disease. Do the scales hurt?¡± ¡°No, not yet.¡± ¡°¡­You should take painkillers in advance.¡± Rough and alien. Her immune system must have definitely weakened. She couldn¡¯t even remember being carried by Hale, and now these physical reactions were urring. It was the limit of limits. She flopped down on her back as if everything was bothersome. ¡°It¡¯ll probably hurt more in a bit, right?¡± ¡°What on earth have you been doing? During these days you¡¯ve been sick.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. You lose your sense of time when you¡¯re in the basement.¡± ¡°¡­Your condition is like this, and you kept taking those weird drugs you made yourself, didn¡¯t you?¡± The mage pulled out a small medicine bottle from Akore¡¯s pocket. They had told her to stop eating weird things, but this mad scientist seemed to think government-approved medicines were just for show. As the mages shot her fierce res, Akore put on her protective goggles to block their gaze. ¡°I felt like I¡¯d die if I didn¡¯t take that.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re dying now.¡± ¡°¡­But I¡¯m the captain.¡± ¡°Captain or not, you¡¯re nothing if you¡¯re dead.¡± At least she still had the energy to talk back. It must be thanks to Captain Hale continuously infusing her with magic while bringing her here. She kept wiping her mouth with the towel on the desk. The bitter, fishy taste of blood just wouldn¡¯t go away. Knock knock. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Akore, how¡¯s your condition?¡± He looked tired, but that was all. He didn¡¯t look like someone who had just hung twenty-one corpses in the square, allowed the crowd to stone them, and confirmed the heads of all the remaining bloodline descendants of the seven families. At Ian¡¯s question, Akore rolled her eyes as if she was about to die. ¡°How¡¯s the treatment going?¡± ¡°Well, this is aplete package deal.¡± ¡°This? Did you just call it ¡®this¡¯?¡± ¡°Since it¡¯s based on the side effects of the magic amplification potion, we¡¯ll treat it, but there are already many physicalplications. It would be better to leave that part to a doctor.¡± ¡°I heard her memory keeps cutting out.¡± ¡°Her memory haspletely disappeared from the middle of the trial. She seems fine now, but I don¡¯t know what will happen if her condition worsens again.¡± ¡°Oh ho, now I get it. You knew I¡¯d lose my memory, so you were talking shit?¡± ¡°Please, Captain.¡± ¡°Heh, just kidding.¡± Akore lifted her side to show the scales. Instead of coughing up blood, now that area was soaked in blood. Romandro, who had followed them in, was startled and covered his mouth. What were those things on human skin? ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never seen it before.¡± ¡°This is dragon scales. It used to be quitemon, but I guess you don¡¯t know. You can think of it as an endemic disease that usually urs near dragon habitats. When pathogens from dragons are transferred to humans, scales grow like this¡­¡± Ian tilted his head curiously. Dragon scales weren¡¯t this t. Weren¡¯t the ones confiscated from the Chetur district so three-dimensional that they could be mistaken for raw stones? Akore tapped her side and continued speaking. ¡°When this festers, it swells up and hardens. Like that ck ore.¡± ¡°Akore! Why are you talking as if it¡¯s someone else¡¯s problem?¡± ¡°Sir Romandro, it¡¯s okay. This was a disease attributed to unsanitary conditions or abnormal breeding when dragon farming was indiscriminate. Now everyone¡¯s management is so thorough that it hasn¡¯t been seen for quite a while. Of course, I¡¯m not sure if the cure is still kept in storage, but the manufacturing method definitely exists.¡± ¡°What about contagion? Is it okay for us to be talking like this?¡± ¡°Wow, I¡¯m hurt, but that¡¯s such a rational response that I have nothing to say. Kekek. Yes, yes. It¡¯s fine. It doesn¡¯t spread between people, and you need direct contact with the scales to get infected. Right now, I just unfortunately caught it because my condition was a bit¡­ meh.¡± ¡°If, if your condition is ¡®meh¡¯, it¡¯s easy to catch?¡± ¡°I guess so? Children and the elderly are vulnerable too.¡± ¡°We¡¯re all in bad condition right now!¡± ¡°Hahaha. Sir Romandro, you look fine though.¡± While Romandro was freaking out with worry, Ian stood quietly, rubbing his chin. ording to Akore¡¯s words, couldn¡¯t one guess that there was a problem with the scales confiscated from the Chetur district, and that their source was the hotbed of the problem? Ian brushed back his half-lowered hair and asked. After a busy day of schedules, his neat morning appearance had be slightly disheveled. ¡°Should we dispose of everything confiscated from Chetur?¡± ¡°That would be best, I think. I¡¯m not sure about the ck armor that¡¯s already been made. We¡¯ll investigate.¡± ¡°Captain!¡± ¡°Not me, my subordinates. Mmm. Yep.¡± Akore flopped back down, raising both hands as if surrendering. It¡¯s unfortunate, but there¡¯s no helping it. What if poor management leads to an epidemic? How would they deal with the aftermath? Especially if the source was the imperial pce, not somewhere else, it would make things even moreplicated. ¡°Sir Romandro.¡± ¡°Ah, right.¡± Romandro hurried out to carry out Ian¡¯s order to get rid of the scales immediately. Akore spat blood-tinged saliva into the bucket beside her and requested. ¡°Anyway, Lord Ian. Since I¡¯m in this state, give me paid leave. And a bonus too. I¡¯d appreciate it if you could pay me in Luron stones.¡± ¡°¡­What about the memory loss?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. What symptom it¡¯s caused by.¡± Her guess was that it was a phenomenon caused by the sh between the magic amplification potion and the absorption agent Idgal, but she couldn¡¯t be sure. Once her condition improves a bit, she¡¯ll research it right away. Who knows, she might even be able to create a potion that can erase memories! Akore giggled while hugging her pillow. Perhaps noticing this, her fellow mage¡¯s eyes shed as they roughly pped her protective goggles. ¡°Basement ess is forbidden.¡± ¡°What!? Are you crazy?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the crazy one, Captain. Don¡¯t you know what a vacation means? Pleasee to your senses and take care of yourself. Lord Ian too, we¡¯re already short-handed as it is, what are we supposed to do if the Captain is like this? Huh? Lord Ian. Lord Ian, I¡¯m sorry, but since we¡¯re on the topic, let me say something. You were bleeding the other day, but you didn¡¯t call us, did you?¡± Oh dear. Ian subtly stood up, looking for a way to escape. In the two consecutive incidents, these were the ones who had suffered more than other mages, running here and there. Moreover, there were only two of them. Of course they¡¯d be sensitive to the fatigue and injuries of their superiors. Creeak. ¡°Lord Ian! Lord Ian!¡± ¡°Akore. I¡¯ll process your leave.¡± ¡°Where are you going? Hey!¡± ¡°Rest well and get treatment.¡± Bang! Akore stretched out her hand and shouted for Ian to help her, but the door closed mercilessly. Akore¡¯s hand stopped in mid-air. She chuckled andy back down on the bed in a proper position. Then she frowned as if dizzy, and soon fumbled around for the bucket. ¡°Urp-¡° Akore vomited blood for quite a while. Tears reflexively formed in her eyes, but they weren¡¯t visible due to the reflection of her protective goggles. The healing mage sighed at the sight and continued patting her back while infusing her with magic. ¡°How is Captain Akore doing?¡± Meanwhile, Ian ran into Jin in the corridor. The child looked very worried, with his hands tightly sped. Ian knelt lightly to match his gaze. ¡°She didn¡¯t look too good.¡± Although she joked around as usual, herplexion, unstable breathing, and trembling voice were clearly noticeable. The bucket beside her was full of bloody water too. She had just barely passed a critical point. ¡°Is that so? Haah, what in the world is going on?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness. Isn¡¯t Akore strong? Rather than worrying, it would be better if you refrain froming this way for a while.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°It seems she doesn¡¯t want to show you her sick appearance. And although you need direct contact with the scales, which are the infection vector, I¡¯m still worried. They say it¡¯s dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.¡± ¡°Then Lord Ian should be careful too.¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± Soon, they¡¯ll investigate for infections among the Magic Stone Management Division members who had close contact with the scales, as well as the Imperial Guards and rted personnel. Judging by Akore¡¯s condition alone, it seems the amplification potion acted as a kind of trigger for the outbreak. Other people probably won¡¯t have any problems, but still, there¡¯s always that ¡°what if.¡± Tak tak tak! Jin, who had been walking ahead, spun around. He was worried about Akore, but there was something else bothering him just as much. Ian nodded as if to say ¡°go ahead and speak.¡± ¡°I heard it¡¯s customary for me to personally write the invitation letters for foreign guestsing to the heir¡¯s appointment ceremony.¡± ¡°Ah.¡± Usually, the heir¡¯s appointment ceremony is held aftering of age, so to give an example, around Mariv¡¯s age. By that time, one would have naturally built friendships with other countries¡¯ heirs or high-ranking officials, hence sending handwritten invitations. It was more of a natural urrence than a custom. ¡°By chance, Your Highness, do you maintain any separate friendships with foreign envoys?¡± Jin was young, had been a cursed child until now, and just a few days ago, Arsen had been in power. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t have any foreign connections. To this gently roundabout question, Jin shyly shook his head. ¡°No, I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Then there¡¯s no need to send them personally. If you happen to form connectionster, it would be good to write the invitations for your coronation ceremony yourself.¡± The coronation ceremony, the day he ascends to the Emperor¡¯s throne. By then, Jin will personally invite his guests. The child¡¯s pale eyes sparkled brightly. Since meeting the imperial citizens earlier in the day, he hade to truly cherish the Emperor¡¯s position even more. ¡°Okay. I understand.¡± ¡°Still, they are Your Highness¡¯s guests. Instead of handwritten letters, it would be sufficient to personally wee them, so how about familiarizing yourself with them before they arrive?¡± ¡°Of course! Lord Ian, please tell me!¡± Jin lightly hopped and grabbed Ian¡¯s sleeve. Unfortunately, however, Ian wasn¡¯t well-versed in foreign affairs either. Although he had major and minor historical events in his head, he knew next to nothing about who the current influential figures were, or their tendencies and characteristics. ¡°I apologize. I don¡¯t know much either, so¡­ um. Shall we study together when Sir Romandro returns?¡± ¡°Romandro? That sounds good.¡± To move the chess pieces, shouldn¡¯t one at least know what the pieces on the board are? How they move, in what way they move, when they can move, and so on. Ian gestured to Xiaoshi and instructed. ¡°Tell Sir Romandro to report with the relevant materials when he¡¯s finished with his work. And we¡¯ll start cleaning up the family matters and preparing for the appointment ceremony.¡± Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
  • MBSE Chapter 28
  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
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  • MBSE Chapter 48
  • MBSE Chapter 49
  • MBSE Chapter 50
  • MBSE Chapter 51
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  • MBSE Chapter 55
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  • MBSE Chapter 58
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  • MBSE Chapter 63
  • MBSE Chapter 64
  • MBSE Chapter 65
  • MBSE Chapter 66
  • MBSE Chapter 67
  • MBSE Chapter 68
  • MBSE Chapter 69
  • MBSE Chapter 70
  • MBSE Chapter 71
  • MBSE Chapter 72
  • MBSE Chapter 73
  • MBSE Chapter 74
  • MBSE Chapter 75
  • MBSE Chapter 76
  • MBSE Chapter 77
  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
  • MBSE Chapter 80
  • MBSE Chapter 81
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 84
  • MBSE Chapter 85
  • MBSE Chapter 86
  • MBSE Chapter 87
  • MBSE Chapter 88
  • MBSE Chapter 89
  • MBSE Chapter 90
  • MBSE Chapter 91
  • MBSE Chapter 92
  • MBSE Chapter 93
  • MBSE Chapter 94
  • MBSE Chapter 95
  • MBSE Chapter 96
  • MBSE Chapter 97
  • MBSE Chapter 98
  • MBSE Chapter 99
  • MBSE Chapter 100
  • MBSE Chapter 101
  • MBSE Chapter 102
  • MBSE Chapter 103
  • MBSE Chapter 104
  • MBSE Chapter 105
  • MBSE Chapter 106
  • MBSE Chapter 107
  • MBSE Chapter 108
  • MBSE Chapter 109
  • MBSE Chapter 110
  • MBSE Chapter 111
  • MBSE Chapter 112
  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
Chapter 261 Chapter 261 ¡°Ahem, ahem.¡± Romandro shook off the awkwardness with an unnecessary cough. Why was he so nervous and embarrassed? He stood in front of the ckboard, fidgeting with the pen handle. When dispatched to disaster sites, he used to recite reports in front of dozens of people two or three times a day, but strangely, he felt more nervous nowpared to then. Just four people. And they were all familiar faces. ¡°Romandro, I¡¯m counting on you.¡± Was it because Jin, the future Emperor of Bariel and the current sole heir to the imperial family, was looking at him with sparkling eyes full of expectation? ¡°Sir Romandro. Please begin.¡± Or maybe it was because he was in front of the boy who had risen to 4th in the imperial hierarchy with his bare hands, the Minister of Magic.Come to think of it, this was the first time he was presenting information to Ian in this way. He¡¯s a brilliant and meticulous superior. If he made even one mistake, he¡¯d likely be pointed out immediately. ¡°Come on, hurry up so we can go eat!¡± ¡°¡­¡± While Jin and Ian were sitting side by side with their desks pushed together, Beric was sprawled on the sofa, and Xiaoshi was standing near the door. Romandro coughed again and picked up the chalk. These were the two people leading the Bariel Empire. He had been tasked with introducing foreign affairs, which they knew nothing about, for the first time. How weighty was this responsibility? Excluding personal emotions, his primary goal was to convey just the facts inly. As he flipped over the map he had prepared in advance and began his introduction: ¡°The Great Empire of Ba-riel!¡± ¡°Wow, you¡¯ve got quite a voice there, Sir Romandro.¡± ¡°Located on the central continent of Gaia, it¡¯s difficult to see the sea except at the southernmost tip. Instead, it has achieved stable development due to its vast territory, abundant resources, and the mountain ranges surrounding its borders. Look at the mountain ranges. Don¡¯t they look like they¡¯re being embraced by the hands of a god? This is evidence that Bariel has received divine blessing.¡± ¡°Oh? Here! Ian, here¡¯s Hielo. Hielo.¡± Beric frowned as he red at the map, then spotted the Hielo territory and rushed over to point at it. Nearby, the Monne mountain range where Luron stones were discovered was colored in dark. Romandro waved his hand as if to say ¡°get out of the way,¡± but Beric just kept alternating between looking at the center and Hielo, marveling. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s really far from here to here.¡± ¡°It took fifteen days by carriage.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. This is Karenna! Where we met Hasha!¡± Who¡¯s Hasha? As Jin tilted his head, Ian pointed to the northwest of Bariel with his fingertip and exined. ¡°The northwest border is currently in chaos due to civil war, natural disasters, and so on. The country is divided, with manymunity units close to tribes, and even if not, looking inside, the conflict between factions is serious. Hasha is a necromancer from a country called Astana among those.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard of that. Former Minister Wesleigh invited necromancers from various regions for cultural and academic exchange purposes. But underneath, there was an intention to raise influence by creating a ce of peace among the conflicting countries.¡± He had volunteered to act as a kind of mediator. Aside from the grand cause of resolving conflicts, numerous intentions and desires were hidden underneath. In particr, it was a projectrgely based on Wesleigh¡¯s misguided love. ¡°Yes, Your Highness. That¡¯s correct. You know well.¡± ¡°Hmm. Just this much.¡± Jin smiled shyly as if embarrassed. Ian quickly sketched a central map at the edge of his notebook, then roughly pointed out the outlying areas. ¡°The necromancers are currently continuing their academic research in the outskirts of the central area. Most returned to their countries when Wesleigh died, but a few are still fulfilling their agreed study periods without canceling them.¡± Since their research requires corpses, they have no choice but to do it as secretly as possible. Jin nodded repeatedly, taking in Ian¡¯s words. Seeing this, Romandro pushed Beric aside and approached closer, almost in tears. He was going to exin that! He had lost the lead because of that damn Beric. ¡°Your Highness, please! I¡¯ll exin the rest!¡± The information and knowledge Jin gains now shapes him and willplete the future Bariel. Romandro, thinking he couldn¡¯t lose this glorious starting point, passionately pointed at the map. Bang! ¡°The Hielo territory is in the east of the country, and adjacent to it is the Kingdom of Hawan. Hawan shares borders with Bariel and Ruswena. The countries in the northwest are small and their internal affairs are chaotic, so you don¡¯t need to worry much about them. Your Highness, just focus on three countries. Three countries. I¡¯ll tell you in clockwise order.¡± Ruswena in the northeast. Clippoford in the south. Burgos in the west. ¡°Oh¡­¡± Jin murmured softly. He had learned about this in his prince education, but hearing it again like this felt unfamiliar. Ian also raised his eyebrows as if pleased to hear these country names after a long time. ¡°You must know Ruswena well. It has a deep history, excellent granary regions, and is where ck jewelse from. Currently, Queen Eriphony is ruling, and her cousin came as an envoy.¡± ¡°What kind of person is this Eriphony?¡± Swoosh! He had been waiting for that question! Romandro flipped the map to reveal a crude portrait. Long blue-green hair, white skin, and eyes sharply nted to the sides, especially the sanpaku eyes (showing white above or below the iris) that caught the eye. Overall, she was a woman with bold features. ¡°While judgment is for posterity to make, currently her reputation is not bad both internally and externally. I¡¯m not sure if you saw the Eldert delegation that came to the pce.¡± ¡°Yes. I saw them. With Lord Ian. He was handsome.¡± ¡°Blood doesn¡¯t lie, they look exactly alike. You could say they¡¯re almost the same, just different genders. Ah, I heard she enjoys hunting. They say she¡¯s incredibly skilled with a bow, but well, rumors about leaders tend to be exaggerated in every country. Ahem.¡± ¡°Will the queene herself for the appointment ceremony?¡± ¡°Since the letter hasn¡¯t been sent yet, it¡¯s difficult to gauge their response. It¡¯s most likely that Eldert wille again.¡± Ian, who had been quietly listening to Romandro¡¯s exnation, stared intently at the portrait of the Ruswena queen with his arms crossed. No matter how strong the power of bloodline is, could they really look that simr to the Eldert envoy? It¡¯s truly strange. ¡°Next is Clippoford. Their first prince has been confirmed as the sessor. Traditionally, the sessor has taken on the role of foreign envoy, so it will likely be the same this time. The first prince, Noah.¡± This is simr to Mariv. Mariv, as the first prince, also led the reception of foreign envoys. He intentionally visited foreign countries aftering of age. In that process, he met the Rutherford merchant group, the source of amber raw stones. While Ian was examining the portrait, Beric raised his hand as if something was bothering him. ¡°Ah, but Sir Romandro. Who the hell drew that?¡± ¡°¡­Why?¡± ¡°I could draw better than that with my feet. The eyes look like a beggar¡¯s. Isn¡¯t it just lines drawn randomly?¡± ¡°That¡¯s, well, because he¡¯s smiling, it¡¯s folded like this¡­¡± Romandro bit his lip with a hurt expression. It was clearly a reaction indicating he had drawn it himself. Jin hurriedlyforted Romandro. ¡°It, it looks very well drawn.¡± ¡°R-Really?¡± ¡°Of course. I think I¡¯ll be able to recognize him easily even when we meet at the appointment ceremony. Thank you, Romandro.¡± Prince Noah had tanned skin and orange hair. Unlike the Ruswena queen, he had squinting eyes with a broad smile. If Romandro had drawn the portrait like that, he must be someone who always wears a smile. Jin could roughly guess what his personality might be like. ¡°Clippoford ces great importance on song and dance. Not just Prince Noah, but it¡¯s a cultural phenomenon. It¡¯s rted to their founding myth, um. To put it simply, it¡¯s a story about how the gods were impressed by the dance of a red bat-eared fox and gave it a human body.¡± ¡°Your Highness. What can you infer from this myth?¡± At Ian¡¯s sudden question, Jin¡¯s eyes widened. But soon, he fumbled, folding his fingers as he listed what came to mind. ¡°That they like song and dance, and their symbolic animal is a fox? They probably have temples like Bariel. Um, ah! And their founding history must be deep as well.¡± ¡°Yes, correct. Having a founding myth means they have existed for so long that it¡¯s difficult to gauge their origins. It¡¯s also amon point among the three countries Romandro pointed out.¡± It means they¡¯re not powers that were born and disappeared betweenrge and small wars and conflicts, but have guarded a part of the continent for a long time along with Bariel. Beric flipped to thest page as if bored. Charak! ¡°Huh?¡± Thest one, Burgos in the west. Unlike the previously exined Queen Eriphony of Ruswena and Prince Noah, this page was filled to the brim with a drawing. As soon as Beric saw it, he muttered as if he had realized something. ¡°¡­Well, well, they¡¯re all that.¡± ¡°That what?¡± What nonsense is he going to spout now! Romandro tensed up and raised his hand, ready to chop down on his forehead if necessary. But Beric didn¡¯t even blink an eye as he picked his ear. ¡°Eriphony is a blue-green snake, Noah is a red fox, and this guy is a ck bear, right?¡± Ah. What should I do with this ignorant troublemaker? Romandro shook his head pitifully, holding his forehead. ¡°In my opinion, Beric you bastard, the gods must be watching over you. It was the same in Hielo. Your given lifespan is too longpared to your behavior. Instead of loafing around, you¡¯d better go out and offer some prayers.¡± ¡°Huh? Did I say something wrong? Try to refute it.¡± ¡°Never say such things in front of others! I¡¯ll really hit you!¡± Beric squawked that it was unfair, while Romandro grumbled for him to be quiet. While the two were causing amotion, Jin quietly looked up at the portrait. Due to its low quality, it was smudged here and there from fingerprints. ¡°¡­It¡¯s incredible. I can feel the spirit even from the drawing.¡± Scars haphazardly filling the face, the left ear half cut off with an ornament taking its ce, and a rugged, angr jaw that looked solid and firm. Truly an amazing man. Just as Jin let out an admiring exmation. ¡°¡­Timothy.¡± ¡°Do you know this person? Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Yes. I think I¡¯ve heard it somewhere. Sir Romandro. Is this man¡¯s name Timothy?¡± ¡°Yes! That¡¯s right, Timothy!¡± Ian¡¯s expression was somewhat subtle as he stared straight ahead with his arms crossed. He frowned as if trying to recall something, remaining silent for a while. Jin waited patiently, but Ian ultimately just smiled without saying anything. ¡°Your Highness. You should recognize these portraits well so you can greet the guests excellently at the appointment ceremony.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± ¡°Yes. I¡¯m not worried. Because I¡¯m sure Your Highness will do well.¡± Ian answered thus and stood up from his seat. Seeing him even remove the pen nib and put it down, it seemed he was about to go out. ¡°Sir Romandro. Please continue exining to His Highness Jin. I just remembered some unfinished business, so I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± ¡°Iaaaan! Where are you going?¡± ¡°I told you, I¡¯m going to take care of some work.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go together! Let¡¯s stop by the dining hall on the way back.¡± Bang! Beric, who had been grabbing Romandro¡¯s cor, immediately chased after Ian as he left. Surprised by the sudden action, Jin just stared at the half-open door. Creeak. Until Xiaoshipletely closed the door. Jin lightly shrugged his shoulders and picked up the pen Ian had put down. Then he looked at Romandro, his eyes asking him to continue exining. ¡°Ahem. Your Highness, then shall we continue just the two of us?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll ask a lot of questions!¡± ¡°I wee it. Um, ah, and Your Highness. It¡¯s just my concern, but may I speak¡­¡± What is it? Jin smiled and gave permission. ¡°When foreigners are present, you must never, ever speak about imperial secrets. Even if you be closeter. Lord Ian may be trustworthy, but in the future, you shouldn¡¯t tell even Lord Ian. A true servant would voluntarily block their ears the moment they hear imperial secrets.¡± The smile slowly faded from Jin¡¯s face. As if he didn¡¯t understand what the man was saying at all. ¡°Ah, of course, I¡¯m not saying Lord Ian did anything wrong. But for mutual trust and a better rtionship, it¡¯s better to keep what should be kept¡­ um. It¡¯s my small request.¡± Romandro smiled awkwardly and gripped the chalk. ¡°Then, shall we continue!¡± Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
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  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
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  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
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  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
Chapter 262 Chapter 262 ¡°Ian, let¡¯s walk a little slower! And just in case you don¡¯t know, I¡¯ll tell you. The dining hall, isn¡¯t it that way? It¡¯s theplete opposite direction? Have we reallye this far?¡± Ian turned to look at Beric, who was trotting along behind him, with a quizzical smile. This was Beric, who had sprawled on the sofa even with the prince present. His body was still in terrible condition, yet seeing him push himself like this meant he must have an ulterior motive. Ian asked back without slowing his pace. ¡°Did the person in charge ban you from the dining hall?¡± So why didn¡¯t you just steal meat in moderation, Ian didn¡¯t bother to add. Whether he said it or not, it probably wouldn¡¯t mean much to Beric. Instead of wasting time on regret and reflection, wasn¡¯t it more his style to look for another entrance to the dining hall? ¡°Huh, how did you know?¡± ¡°It¡¯s written all over your face.¡± ¡°My face?! Huh?!¡±When was thest time Ian had gone to the dining hall? Usually, he rarely had time for meals due to his heavy workload, andtely, he had been confined to his bed, not leaving his office. But with Beric constantly trying to lure him towards the dining hall, it was a natural suspicion. However, Beric seemed genuinely surprised, feeling his face while peering into a window. ¡°Where are you going? We¡¯re getting further and further from the dining hall!¡± ¡°The Imperial Pce Central Archives.¡± ¡°Why that boring ce?¡± ¡°Have you been there before? I¡¯m surprised.¡± ¡°Huh? What are you talking about? It¡¯s that ce, right? Where ck boxes are stacked up.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the Ministry of Magic archives. Where we¡¯re going now is the Imperial Pce, specifically the Administrative Department¡¯s archives.¡± There was something he needed to check. Timothy, the reason Ian remembered him across a span of a hundred years. As they got closer to the archives, more people recognized him. While exchanging quick nods of greeting, just as they were about to turn a corner¡ª ¡°Ah.¡± Ian stopped, recognizing a familiar figure approaching from the opposite direction. It was Quintana. She seemed to be in the process of moving boxes herself along with Administrative Department staff. She too spotted Ian and greeted him cheerfully. ¡°Isn¡¯t it Minister Ian? What brings you here?¡± She looks in an extremely good mood. Ian suddenly realized that most of the smiles Quintana had shown until now were not genuine. Except for the asional kindness she showed to Jin, she was always refuting, countering, and pushing her opinions in meetings. ¡°These are the property deeds of the seven families, including House Hayman. Impressive, isn¡¯t it? Just thend documents alone are this much, so their arrogance in calling their mansions ¡®second imperial pces¡¯ wasn¡¯t entirely unfounded.¡± Ownerless mansions,nds, and various jewels and assets would be transferred to the imperial pce, gaining new value. Whether to dispose of them or keep them under imperial ownership would be decided through discussions between the Administrative Department, the Prime Minister, and Jin. ¡°By the way, it seems you were heading somewhere.¡± ¡°I was on my way to the Imperial Pce Central Archives. I have something to check briefly.¡± ¡°Oh, I see. I heard some ancient books will be arriving soon too. If you have time, bring His Highness Jin to the Culture Department. The artworks should have arrived first. They¡¯re quite worth seeing.¡± This is one of Quintana¡¯s rare moments of leisure, happening only a few times a year. Following the securing of trial funds and the confiscation of central noble families¡¯ assets, the consecutive influx of revenue would not onlypletely cover the damages from the civil war but even create a surplus. For someone managing the national treasury, there could be no greater joy. ¡°Ah, and the Prime Minister said he¡¯ll convene a grand council by tomorrow. I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ve heard.¡± ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve heard.¡± ¡°Then do you know this too? Captain Jeirutt has proposed a reorganization of the Imperial Guards to the Administrative Department. The same goes for the Imperial Defense Department.¡± Two of the three captains of the Imperial Guards, who serve the Emperor closely, had died. One in the civil war, the other by monsters. Even if the Emperor was bedridden, they needed to maintain the number of people befitting the position of the three captains. ¡°It seems they¡¯ll be recruiting and selecting talent soon. I suppose all the magic swordsmen in the empire will have a chance?¡± Quintana said this while ncing at Beric standing behind. He was rough and crude, not fitting in with the imperial pce at all, but he was a man kept by Ian and Jin. Curious, she had inquired about him and was surprised to learn he was a magic swordsman. One skilled enough to draw out magic release from Captain Jeirutt. ¡°Is the Imperial Defense Department doing the same?¡± ¡°Yes. The approach is simr. My guess is that the Imperial Defense Department is aiming for the trickle-down effect of Imperial Guard applicants. Didn¡¯t the former head of the Imperial Defense Department participate in the civil war on the First Prince¡¯s side? Someone else is temporarily in charge, but it¡¯s certainly time for reorganization and troop replenishment.¡± With the purge of the central nobilitypleted, now was undoubtedly the best time. Moreover, wasn¡¯t Jin¡¯s appointment ceremony as the next heir also approaching? In many ways, it was appropriate now, at the starting point of a new era. ¡®Especially the Imperial Defense Department will want to wrap things up before Jin bes the official heir. From the civil war to the Mnia incident, their position hasn¡¯t been good at all. They¡¯re trying to consolidate internally before Jin forms his cab.¡¯ ¡°Everyone¡¯s busy with their own appointment ceremonies.¡± Quintana seemed to have noticed their intentions too, as she added casually. Ian smiled in agreement. ¡°Well then, I¡¯ll see you at tomorrow¡¯s grand council.¡± ¡°Indeed. Keep up the good work.¡± The staff bowed their heads and disappeared, following Quintana. Ian¡¯s mind becameplicated. There was a mountain of things to sort out, both administratively and procedurally. Although each department was sharing the workload, most of it would ultimately be reviewed by the Ministry of Magic, or more precisely, by Ian. Because he was Jin¡¯s guardian. Since he was reviewing each of Jin¡¯s signatures together, in the end, it was no different from Ian seeing everything himself. ¡®First, let¡¯s propose the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. 50% to the Emperor, 30% to the rest of the imperial family as a whole, 20% to the Ministry of Magic.¡¯ The important point is that it¡¯s ¡°authority over the total amount of magic sealing stones.¡± This way, even if the number of sealing stones increases or decreases, the power of checks and bnces will continue to be maintained ording to the ratio. ¡®The problem is Idgal¡­¡¯ A product of alchemy with abilities simr to magic sealing stones. To prevent confusion, a bill officially excluding Idgal would inevitably follow. The fact that the illegitimate son Ian was rted to it was currently the most concerning part. But it couldn¡¯t be helped. It was an area that had to be stepped into for the healthy bnce of the imperial family, the Ministry of Magic, and Bariel. ¡®And next is proceeding with the sale of Hayman Bank, and the Imperial Defense Department¡­¡¯ ¡°Ian! What are you thinking about so much?¡± ¡°Ah.¡± At that moment, Beric grabbed Ian¡¯s arm. Lost in thought, he had reached the end of the corridor. They had walked three or four steps past the archives. Ian smiled slightly and shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I was worried about whether you¡¯d be able to enter the Imperial Guards well. If skilled people from all over the country apply, Captain Jeirutt might reject your entry.¡± ¡°Come on! Don¡¯t worry about that, worry about what we¡¯re going to eat today. Those bastards whoe there, I¡¯ll, huh? I¡¯ll half-kill them all and eat the captain.¡± ¡°The captain? Hahaha.¡± Ian burst into genuineughter. And for good reason, it was abination he had never even considered. Beric and the Imperial Guards captain. Beric was briefly surprised at this reaction, but finding Ian¡¯s audibleughter curious, he followed suit and raised the corners of his mouth. ¡°You¡¯reughing. If I beat Jeirutt, don¡¯t I be the captain?¡± ¡°What would you do as captain?¡± ¡°Hmm. Should I make the subordinates offer me meat? What do you think if I be captain? Wouldn¡¯t that be good?¡± ¡°Well. I suppose so. Since the Imperial Guards captain is close to the Emperor, it would be easier to cooperate on various work matters.¡± ¡°With two positions open, it should be doable, right?¡± ¡°Well. I think Jeirutt might try to kill you before that.¡± Rattle! As they opened the door, the archives staff stood up to greet Ian. The atmosphere wasn¡¯t much different from a library. The musty yet strangely calming smell of paper, sunlight pouring in from the ceiling, and silence bordering on quietude. ¡°Isn¡¯t it Minister Ian Hielo?¡± ¡°I have some materials I want to check.¡± ¡°Yes. Please tell me.¡± ¡°All materials on Bariel¡¯s exchanges with the Kingdom of Burgos for the past ten years from the current point in time.¡± ¡°A-All of them? That would be quite a lot¡­¡± ¡°Then five years, or even three years is fine.¡± ¡°Just a moment. There was no separate loan application, so you¡¯re going to check them here directly, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± To take Administrative Department materials outside, it was only possible through a loan application form. The procedure was definite, only three or four staff were involved, and unless it was an urgent matter, it took a long time. Rustle. The staff member muttered while examining a thick document. ¡°Neighboring countries category 0423 ssification, Burgos¡­ Ah, pleasee this way.¡± The two followed the staff member¡¯s guidance deeper into the archives. The smell of yellowed paper books grew stronger. Beric wrinkled his nose, while Ian looked up at the ceiling edge that reached dozens of meters high. As it was a ce with more than ten floors, wooden stairs connecting the floors moved smoothly. That too was with the help of magic. ¡®The appearance hasn¡¯t changed much from a hundred years ago to now.¡¯ ¡°Lord Ian. These are five years¡¯ worth of records rted to Burgos¡¯s economy and politics. Culture and society are in the basement, so I¡¯ll bring them now. Please take your time looking.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Beric¡¯s mouth slowly opened. There were five bookshelves taller than himself. And they were filled to the brim with bundles of paper, without any empty spaces. He¡¯s going to look at all this here? And there¡¯s more on culture and society? ¡°Ian, are you crazy?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you toe along.¡± ¡°You¡¯re going to read this here? You¡¯ll definitely get a nosebleed again.¡± ¡°Beric. Reading isn¡¯t as difficult as you think. I told you to study a bit with Xiaoshi.¡± Ian skimmed through the covers and pulled out what he needed without hesitation. Then he satfortably in a chair and started flipping through the materials. Since he wasn¡¯t reading everything from beginning to end, but looking for necessary information, there was no need to strain himself. ¡°You¡¯re insane.¡± Ugh. Beric sat next to him, resting his chin on his hand and waiting. ¡°What are you looking for so intently? Are you looking for that Timothy guy, the prince from that country?¡± ¡°Timothy isn¡¯t royalty. He belongs to the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Burgos. A royaling to the heir¡¯s appointment ceremony is an exceptional case like Clippoford. Usually, it¡¯smon to send a delegation like Ruswena.¡± ¡°Really? But anyway, you are looking for Timothy, right? With that muscr build and strong body, he seemed like he could fight well. Does their country¡¯s Foreign Ministry fight well too? How about a friendly match when hees? Huh?¡± Ian ignored Beric¡¯s chatter and kept flipping through the documents. Timothy, Timothy, Timothy¡­ ¡®Ah. Found it.¡¯ Timothy had officially visited Bariel five times. Each time, he stayed for periods ranging from a week to half a year, so there were clear records. Ian examined his traces andpared them to see if there was anything different from what he knew. ¡®Promotion of Lorant in development, formation of cultural delegation. Hmm, he came to coincide with Gale¡¯sing-of-age ceremony at this time. A magic cooperation exchange group was created¡­¡¯ Flip. -¡­Timothy, the diplomat from the Kingdom of Burgos, showed intention to supply 25 types of magic stones (omitted below) needed for the construction of an annex to Minister of Magic Wesleigh at a price lower than the market price, and Minister Wesleigh showed intention to select five excellent mages and dispatch them for 3 years. No specific agreement was made regarding this. ¡°As expected.¡± Ian muttered without realizing. As far as he knew, Timothy was an immigrant ¡®from¡¯ a foreign delegation. It meant he was Timothy of Bariel, not Timothy of Burgos. There were numerous immigrants in the hundred years of history, but the one and only reason Ian remembered Timothy. ¡®¡­He¡¯s Naum¡¯s ancestor.¡¯ Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
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  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
Chapter 263 Chapter 263 ¡®You are the empire¡¯s blessing. The first noble mage! Pleased to meet you. I am Naum Ovia. Please call me Naum.¡¯ When the original Ian was fifteen, Naum was the first person he met and exchanged names with upon entering the imperial pce. It was a summer day meeting that everyone considered a blessing without doubt, and thus couldn¡¯t predict how it would sway both of their lives. ¡®I¡¯ll call you Ianfortably too. You don¡¯t know how long the Ministry of Magic has been waiting. It¡¯s been years since we had a new colleague! You haven¡¯t seen all of the Ministry of Magic yet, right? Let me introduce you.¡¯ Like his short, soft brown hair, his smile was also gentle. As Naum moved, the mages averted their gaze, pretending to be busy. Most of them were frommoner backgrounds, having experienced the depths of hardship. Their persistent gazes were mixed with antipathy towards nobility itself, concern that ss distinctions might form in the previously egalitarian Ministry of Magic, and wariness that Ian might harm the department by asserting his noble identity. Naum waved his hand at them with a smile. ¡®You¡¯re all dying to meet Ian, aren¡¯t you? Sorry, but I¡¯m in charge, so step back and get to work. Greet him at the induction ceremony.¡¯ Ian had never seen someone so naturally jovial as Naum before. Among nobles who were always lofty, pure, and measuring dignity, it felt like entering a new world. Of course, it was a natural sentiment since the Ministry of Magic was an unfamiliar ce to him. Anyway, was that why? Following him came naturally. Not just on the path through the Ministry of Magic, but also on the path of life. Naum was undeniably a trustworthy colleague, an excellent teacher, and an indispensable friend. The difference in years was merely a concept. Certainly.¡®Naum. I¡¯m deeply grateful to you.¡¯ In a modest study inside the Ministry of Magic¡¯s annex. Ian and Naum enjoyed visiting there to read whenever they had time. Ian, who had turned his gaze from the book to the window, suddenly said so. It was the season when the fresh summer leaves were turning to autumn colors. ¡®For what?¡¯ ¡®¡­¡¯ For what? Can one count them one by one? As it was an endless answer, Ian remained silent. Naum also observed the changing seasons. ¡®Ian, do you know? This window is thergest in the Ministry of Magic annex.¡¯ ¡®Why?¡¯ ¡®When the annex was first built, this space originally didn¡¯t exist. But the ancestor in charge of construction felt it was a shame and created it anew. Since it wasn¡¯t in the original n, they reced the wall with a window, they say.¡¯ ¡®Was his name Timothy?¡¯ ¡®Yes. You saw it when you came to our housest time, right?¡¯ Naum smiled proudly. Timothy, they said, was an immigrant from the Kingdom of Burgos. The Bariel Empire citizenship certificate he received upon naturalization was preciously kept by Naum¡¯s family. Tomemorate the gratitude for allowing them to live as citizens of Bariel, not the declining Kingdom of Burgos. ¡®Timothy probably didn¡¯t know. That you and I would cherish this ce so much in the future.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s not like we only use this study.¡¯ ¡®Hmm. Is that so? But there are things we can only do here.¡¯ Ian pretended not to know and slightly turned his head. Did he notice that I always came here when things were tough? Just as Naum was about to turn the page with a silent smile, footsteps loudly echoed from somewhere. Tap tap tap! This was the innermost space in the annex, where people rarely came. As it was unusual, Ian and Naum simultaneously looked towards the door. The door opened roughly, and a cold wind rushed in. Pages fluttering, a mage¡¯s flushed face, and a heart strangely pounding hard. ¡®Ian, Naum! Damn, how long have I been looking for you!¡¯ ¡®What¡¯s wrong?¡¯ ¡®His Majesty the Emperor has passed away.¡¯ Ian had an intuition that he would never forget that moment. He felt with all five senses what a turning point in life was. ¡®Ian. You¡¯re being mentioned as the next emperor.¡¯ ¡®¡­¡¯ ¡®Did you expect it?¡¯ It would be a lie to say he hadn¡¯t expected it. In fact, he had guessed from the moment he entered the pce. The emperor was on hisst legs, there was no heir, and Ian was a coteral bloodline of the imperial family and a sacred mage. Moreover, he was young. From the perspective of the powerful who couldn¡¯t directly ascend to the throne, it was a perfect condition. However, as it was such a solemn position, Ian intentionally tried not to be conscious of it. ¡®Krony is looking for you.¡¯ At the name Krony, Naum frowned. He was Ian¡¯s nephew, the vice minister of the Imperial Defense Department, the son of Ian¡¯s guardian who stood in for his parents. And the one who had urged Ian to hide his magical power. As Ian tried to stand up, Naum held him back. ¡®Just because he¡¯s looking doesn¡¯t mean you need to meet him, Ian.¡¯ I know you alwayse here after meeting Krony. Naum shook his head, forcibly swallowing his words. Who knows what nonsense he¡¯ll use to stab the child¡¯s heart this time. ¡®It¡¯s alright. As you said, I expected this moment. So now I¡¯m meeting him because I need to.¡¯ Ian stood up. As he did, his pale eyes and tinum blonde hair shone even brighter in the sunlight. Seeing this, Naum also felt he would never forget that moment. It was the moment Ian stepped forward on his own at a turning point in life, and he realized that its end was the beginning of the next emperor. ¡®Naum.¡¯ ¡®¡­Yes.¡¯ ¡®I tried not to think about it, but I kept thinking. I realized that what one truly wants can¡¯t be ignored even if you try to turn away from it.¡¯ Emperor, the pinnacle of Bariel, one who can support and change the world. The reason he couldn¡¯t easily extinguish the spark of thought was probably because of the smiles and tears of the imperial citizens he met while working as a mage. Ian lightly touched Naum¡¯s shoulder. ¡®And the position of Minister of Magic suits you.¡¯ ¡®Ian.¡¯ ¡®As always, I hope for your help in the future too.¡¯ The next minister, so if Ian bes emperor, it¡¯s as if even a kind of cab has been decided. The mage bowed his head, pretending not to hear, and walked out the door. Ian also had no hesitation. Left alone, Naum held his forehead and closed the book Ian had left open. Of course, he too would always stay by Ian¡¯s side if he could. Like this, it would be an unparalleled honor to help with the aftermath, like closing a book, and lead the empire¡¯s brilliant future together. But before that- ¡®Ian. Bing emperor means abandoning yourself.¡¯ It¡¯s just regrettable. What kind of ce is the imperial pce? It¡¯s a ce where blood storms lurk silently aiming for each other¡¯s necks, and where numerous desires gather to form a deep pool. Can a child standing alone really endure it? He probably can endure. He might break, but. ¡®Haah.¡¯ Swish. Naum also tidied up the book he was reading and stood up. When Ian returns here after meeting Krony, it might be better if he¡¯s not around. If he had decided to devote his life to Bariel, then he had no choice but to join him. Even one connection was a miracle, yet they had formed bonds as teacher and student, friends, and colleagues. ¡®May God¡¯s protection be with you¡¯ Naum unconsciously drew a small magic circle on the window. Hoping that when Ianes here to relieve his sorrows, it won¡¯t be too painful. *** The ministers and officials from each department gathered for the grand council exchanged awkward nces. With a mountain of matters to discuss, bundles of documents were ced at the back of the spacious conference room. Even if they proceeded urgently, it wouldn¡¯t be enough, yet two key figures were lost in thought. ¡°Well then, next item. It¡¯s from the Culture Department. Of the 105 paintings received from House Hayman, they propose exhibiting 30 at the Imperial Pce National Art Museum, 17 for the imperial family¡¯s private collection, and putting the rest up for auction. Your Highness Jin. Have you checked the list?¡± ¡°Huh? Ah, yes. I¡¯ve checked.¡± One was Jin- ¡°Then do you agree?¡± ¡°¡­As far as I know, not all the official appraisal reports have been submitted yet.¡± And the other was Ian. As Jin answered hurriedly, Ian added while flipping through documents. On the surface, he looked no different from usual, but Romandro and some other officials knew. That Ian was continuously lost in silent contemtion. Usually, he would have told Jin what to say before he answered like that. The Minister of Culture continued his report, watching the two carefully. ¡°House Hayman conducted separate art appraisals annually. We n to proceed based on that instead of official appraisal reports. But because there are so many, it¡¯s taking a long time.¡± ¡°I object. We can¡¯t trust House Hayman¡¯s appraisals. Some might have been intentionally undervalued to evade taxes, and others inted for profit.¡± ¡°Well, that¡­ The appraiser in question worked for the imperial pce until two years ago. We thought there wouldn¡¯t be an issue with trustworthiness, but.¡± ¡°Then it would be easier to appraise the appraisal reports rather than the artworks themselves. What do you think, Your Highness?¡± Ian turned his head to the side to ask Jin¡¯s opinion. Jin, who had been staring nkly at him, startled and turned his head. ¡°Oh, I think that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Then, that would be best.¡± What¡¯s this? Quintana tilted her head, fiddling with a dry cigarette. His Highness Jin¡¯s attitude was clearly strange. Wasn¡¯t he usually the one who would look at Ian with sparkling eyes and follow his every move? But now he seems ufortable, and there¡¯s an awkward feeling. As if he¡¯s suffering alone¡­ ¡®Lord Ian is definitely different too.¡¯ Wasn¡¯t his perception usually extraordinary? It¡¯s wrong from the start that he hasn¡¯t noticed Jin¡¯s obviously different attitude. ¡°Very well. Let¡¯s handle the matter of appraisals that way. Next item.¡± Bang bang! The Prime Minister tapped his gavel without dy, leading the meeting. Dealing with rtively less important matters quickly would help reduce the meeting time even a little. If Ian and Jin continue in this state, the meeting might go on until the next day. ¡°It¡¯s about the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. An agenda from the Ministry of Magic. Hmm, regarding the total known quantity, they propose 50% for His Majesty the Emperor, 30% for other imperial family members, and 20% for the Ministry of Magic.¡± As the Prime Minister recited, Jin startled and looked down at the documents. The same was true for officials from other departments. Weren¡¯t magic sealing stones the only means to check mages? It was a way to bring those close to divine power down to human level, yet they¡¯re handing over more than half the authority to the imperial family. This was something even Wesleigh, who had close ties with Gale, couldn¡¯t do. ¡°Are these ratios correct? Minister Ian Hielo?¡± ¡°Yes. As Minister of Magic, I felt many things while experiencing the civil war. First, aprehensive inventory and definite management of magic sealing stones is necessary, and bnced rtionships are always needed for absolute power. For the wellbeing of the imperial family and an unwavering center, I believe this is appropriate. Currently, besides His Majesty, Your Highness Jin is the only imperial family member, so it would be right to give Your Highness Jin 30% authority over magic sealing stones.¡± Jin¡¯s eyes grew wider and wider. It was no different from handing over a knife with the sharp part towards the Ministry of Magic. ¡°Hmm. What about Idgal?¡± ¡°¡­The Ministry of Magic is conducting its own investigation. It seems we¡¯ll settle on tracking and eliminating it as the way to reduce confusion.¡± ¡°I see. Your Highness Jin. What is your opinion?¡± ¡°Me?¡± Arsen¡¯s whispers, Hayman¡¯s instigation, and Ian knowing about passages only the imperial family should know. While his mind was confused andplicated, surprisingly, he felt like it was clearing up. Jin nodded dazedly. ¡°¡­I agree.¡± Ian, facing him, raised his eyebrows and smiled. As if asking what¡¯s wrong. He had finally noticed Jin¡¯s strangeness. Jin smiled to indicate it was nothing. Quintana watched the two quietly, then slipped the cigarette back into her pocket. It seemed this needed to be looked into more deeply. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
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  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
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  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
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  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • ??70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • ??75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • ??80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
Chapter 264 Chapter 264 As darkness settled, the officials¡¯ shoulders also slumped. It had been five hours since the grand council began. Those without proposals to make had been sneaking out to rest anding back intermittently, but key figures like the Prime Minister, Jin, and Ian had been sitting without moving, working the whole time. Jin was unaware that his body was leaning towards Ian. The child rubbed his forehead as if tired, fiddling with the edge of the documents. ¡°Your Highness. Are you very tired?¡± ¡°No, I can still manage.¡± Ian whispered softly, noticing Jin¡¯s condition. Five hours may not sound like much, but how burdensome must it have been for a child¡¯s body to continuously perceive, judge, and make decisions during that time? Ian himself knew, having experienced it when he first ascended the throne. Whoosh! Whish whish! Moreover, at the back of the conference room, Beric was standing with one leg crossed next to Romandro. As soon as he made eye contact with Ian, he made an X with his hands and silently screamed. It meant they should wrap this up and go in. He hade to fetch them because they hadn¡¯te for so long, but he couldn¡¯t understand what everyone was doing, half-dead. They were all doing this to make a living, but weren¡¯t they unable to even eat? ¡°Prime Minister. How about we finish after this item and wrap up?¡± Ian casually suggested to the Prime Minister while looking at Beric. Instantly, life returned to the eyes of the officials sitting around. Yes! Let¡¯s stop already! It¡¯s not like today is the only day, why have a meeting for five hours? ¡°Hmm. Let¡¯s do that. Time has already passed so much. Thest agenda item is about replenishing personnel for the Imperial Guards and Imperial Defense Department. Captain Jeirutt?¡± At the Prime Minister¡¯s call, Jeirutt stood up. He was properly dressed in his uniform. It was rare for him to participate in a grand council, so he had shown respect in his own way. ¡°Imperial Guards Captain Jeirutt. Currently, two captain positions out of three are vacant due to unfortunate events. We wish to select two new captains from within the Imperial Guards and recruit new members.¡± ¡°The method?¡± As Jeirutt stepped forward, Beric uncrossed his legs and leaned in close. Romandro grabbed his nape and told him to restrain himself, but. ¡°Half will be through duels, and half through peer evaluations, totaling to select the two most outstanding individuals.¡± ¡°Peer evaluations? Was that part of the original process?¡± ¡°No. Protecting His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s person is the top priority, but we realized that without loyalty, morality, and faithfulness, it could rather be a threat to His Majesty. This was proposed as a solution to that.¡± ¡°Hmm. Wasn¡¯t the title of the three captains meant to indicate they were the empire¡¯s top experts? If external evaluation factors are introduced, that honor might be distorted.¡± ¡°Skill is important. But without even minimal character, that¡¯s no different from a beast.¡± Jeirutt was looking at Beric as he said this. It was clearly a message and warning to Beric. Beric, who had been quietly listening, pointed to himself with an incredulous expression. ¡®Me? Are you talking to me now?¡¯ Since Ian had told him not to utter a word, he was expressing this with all his might through gestures. Jeirutt lightly ignored him and continued speaking. ¡°As we are selecting the captains of the Imperial Guards, please ensure autonomy.¡± ¡°Hmm. Yes. Autonomy, that is important indeed.¡± ¡°I have no objections either. I agree.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Me too. I concur.¡± Those tired in body and mind hurried to voice their agreement. The Prime Minister adjusted his sses and asked back. ¡°What about recruiting regr members? Are you looking for magic swordsmen?¡± ¡°Ah, that-¡° ¡°May we speak about that instead?¡± Someone cut off Jeirutt¡¯s words and interjected. It was Volb, the interim minister of the Imperial Defense Department. The previous minister had been removed for involvement in the civil war with Mariv, and this person had been temporarily appointed by the cab, but barring any major changes, he would likely be officially appointed. For something that assumed ¡®barring any major changes¡¯, he had already taken a hit with the Mnia incident. ¡°Captain Jeirutt?¡± ¡°Yes. It¡¯s fine.¡± Jeirutt gestured lightly, indicating he would yield his turn. ¡°Thank you. The Imperial Guards are the elite unit that serves His Majesty the Emperor up close. I believe the difference between ordinary soldiers and magic swordsmen doesn¡¯t need exnation. But what¡¯s clear is that the Imperial Guards didn¡¯t originally intend to select magic swordsmen, but rather, magic swordsmen gathered as they selected strong individuals. Isn¡¯t that right, Captain Jeirutt?¡± ¡°Yes. Being a magic swordsman is not a requirement for entry.¡± ¡°Due to several disturbances, the Imperial Defense Department is also currently short on personnel. So, I dare to propose. How about conducting tests at the Imperial Guards, establishing rankings, and distributing in order?¡± Ian tapped the documents with the tip of his pen. As Quintana had suggested, it seemed he had thought a bit about how to break the current atmosphere. It was an attempt to ride on the coattails of the Imperial Guards, which had a good position within the pce, simr to the Ministry of Magic, but handled security. ¡°When you say distribution, what method do you mean?¡± ¡°I think we can have the top performers decide whether they want to go to the Imperial Guards or the Imperial Defense Department. Once the Imperial Guards positions are filled, we¡¯ll take charge of the rest. Rather than recruiting twice separately, it seems better to save time and costs this way.¡± Externally, the treatment and recognition of the small number of Imperial Guards were far superior to the Imperial Defense Department. So there was no worry about losing talent from the start. Quintana mentally punched numbers into a calctor and was the first to cast a vote in favor. ¡°I strongly agree. Originally, cost reduction ording to the duration is the top priority for events. We can reduce the pce¡¯s expenditure by up to 30% excluding recruitment announcement costs and selection period expenses.¡± ¡°If the Imperial Guards allow it, we¡¯d like to do so. Of course, since we¡¯ll have more personnel, we¡¯ll bear the full responsibility for the process.¡± It was an intention to maintain initiative in troop replenishment while also riding on the image of the Imperial Guards. All the officials turned to look at Jeirutt. Would he allow it? Even if it wasn¡¯t a loss, shouldn¡¯t there be some benefit if they¡¯re letting them in like this? Everyone was curious and waited for Jeirutt¡¯s answer. ¡°Yes. I ept. If it can reduce the burden on the pce.¡± ¡°Thank you, Captain Jeirutt. It might be a bit much to call itpensation for your convenience, but it would be good to show our sincerity. We¡¯re thinking of handing over two sets of the ck armor that would be allocated to the Imperial Defense Department. Would that be alright?¡± So that was it. The officials let out small exmations as if they now understood. The ck armor confiscated from House Hayman was to be equally distributed between the two departments, and they were offering two sets aspensation. The Prime Minister tapped his gavel as if there was no problem. ¡°If the departments have agreed, it¡¯s not a matter for debate in the grand council. Then I¡¯ll conclude this agenda item. Please report in detailter about the troop recruitment announcement. That¡¯s all.¡± Tang! Tang tang! The sound of the gavel was like heavenly trumpets. Officials copsed forward and to the sides, groaning. It was finally over! Even if there would be a mountain of work waiting when they returned to their offices, what mattered was that it was over for now. Even Jin, lookingpletely drained, stretched out while lying down. ¡°Me, me, me!¡± Bang! tter! As the officials began to leave one by one, Beric quickly approached, jumping over the railing. He grinned widely as he blocked Captain Jeirutt¡¯s path. Wondering what nonsense he was about to spout now, the captain looked down at him with his arms crossed. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll apply!¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°My name¡¯s Beric. I¡¯d be grateful for high pay. If not, I¡¯ll reconsider. Straight to the captain position.¡± ¡°The captain position? Hahaha!¡± ¡°What the hell, you¡¯reughing too, old man. Did I say something funny!?¡± Why do both Ian and Jeirutt burst intoughter whenever the captain position is mentioned? Beric red and took a step closer to Jeirutt. ¡°I¡¯m not joking.¡± ¡°I¡¯m notughing as a joke either.¡± Saying this, Jeirutt put his hand on Beric¡¯s side. Was he going to tickle him? Beric, momentarily caught off guard, grabbed his arm in surprise. But it was toote. Jeirutt twisted Beric¡¯s wound and spoke in a low voice. ¡°How dare you mention the captain position with your body in this state? Does the empire¡¯s pinnacle look easy to you?¡± ¡°Aaaagh! It hurts! It hurts! You bastard!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll ept you. Because magic swordsmen are valuable. But, if you enter the Imperial Guards, I¡¯ll thoroughly fix that vulgar and impudent attitude of yours. Be prepared.¡± ¡°Let go! Let this go!¡± Tat! Beric copsed, clutching his side. His panting breath and defiant gaze remained the same. Unlike someone who had died ande back to life. Is he really a descendant of the Atan tribe? Jeirutt nodded to Ian as he wiped his hand with a handkerchief. ¡°Would that be alright, Minister Ian Hielo? I¡¯ll try to educate him to be fitting for the Imperial Guards.¡± ¡°Before that, he needs to rank high first.¡± ¡°Ian! Don¡¯t you know me? I¡¯m Beric! Beric!¡± ¡°I should thank you if you fix his temperament.¡± ¡°Wow, just you wait! Jeirutt, you bastard, you reopened my wound! Ah, it¡¯s bleeding again! I barely stopped it by stealing a lot of meat! I¡¯ll be captain and kill you. For real!¡± ¡°Try and kill me. It might be better than seeing you be captain.¡± Beric let out a groan of frustration, but Jeirutt left the conference room without hesitation. Those who had been watching the strange spectacle also continued on their way. The surroundings quickly became deserted. Ian looked around while organizing the thick stack of documents. ¡°Where is His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°His Highness? I think he was talking with Quintana for a moment.¡± Romandro answered while tending to Beric¡¯s side. On the outdoor terrace connected to the conference room, Quintana was kneeling on one knee, making eye contact with Jin. *** ¡°Your Highness, are you really alright?¡± ¡°Of course. Why do you ask so suddenly?¡± Jin tilted his head with a faint smile. Quintana often worried about him, but somehow today seemed different. Without realizing that he himself had been different from usual first. ¡°You couldn¡¯t focus at all at the beginning of the meeting, and you kept stealing nces at Lord Ian. I wondered if Lord Ian had done something disrespectful to Your Highness.¡± If not, that¡¯s fortunate, but if so, please tell me even now. Quintana¡¯s gaze on Jin was steady. Ah. It must have shown. Jin squeezed his cheeks with both hands, scattering his expression. ¡°No. It¡¯s definitely not that. Lord Ian is treating me well as always.¡± ¡°¡­Then, do you have any separate worries unrted to Lord Ian? Your Highness. Your Highness¡¯s concerns are Bariel¡¯s concerns, and thus our concerns.¡± Jin knew Quintana¡¯s intentions were pure. But he didn¡¯t speak rashly. Weaknesses exist as weaknesses the moment they¡¯re shown, and worries double in weight the moment they¡¯re spoken. Jin shook his head repeatedly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Nothing at all.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m d you say so. If there¡¯s anything you wish from me, please call for me anytime.¡± ¡°Thank you, Quintana.¡± Honestly, he was confused. ording to Romandro, Ian knew about the secret passages only the imperial family should know¡­. First of all, he hadn¡¯t told him, so that wasn¡¯t it. Then was it Brother Mariv or Brother Gale? Why would those two tell Ian? He was bewildered, unable to think of any reasonable exnation. In addition, Arsen¡¯s shout that Ian was royalty and Hayman¡¯s machinations echoed in his ears, making it difficult to look at Ian. ¡®But he distributed rights to the magic sealing stones. It¡¯s not an easy decision. It¡¯s not a price one would pay just to deceive me. Maybe he found out while investigating His Majesty¡¯s secret passages during the civil war?¡¯ It was hope and expectation he had set up himself. As he was afraid to ask Ian directly, Jin was just building up an exterior like building a sand castle. Creak. ¡°Your Highness. Shall we go?¡± At Ian¡¯s call, Jin smiled and approached. The warm hand that weed him as usual wasforting. Ian and Jin bid farewell to Quintana with a nod and left the conference room together. ¡°Your Highness, what did Quintana say?¡± Just like he had decided when he saw Ian copse, a littleter. When no answer could shake Jin, then he would muster the courage to ask. Jin yfully, for the first time, extended a side branch from Ian. ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s a secret.¡± Chapter 265 Chapter 265 ¡°Have you returned?¡± Xiaoshi, who had been guarding the Ministry of Magic alone, weed her masters. Although Ian and Jin looked a bit more tired than when they left, why was Beric in such a state? His side wound had reopened, and he was muttering curses that were hard to hear. ¡°Jeirutt, that son of a-¡° So it was Captain Jeirutt¡¯s doing. Then it must surely be the result of Beric¡¯s own rudeness. Xiaoshi skillfully took out a first aid kit from the cab. As Ian¡¯s nosebleeds had be more frequent, the doctor had prepared it in the office. ¡°Be quiet, you fool! Is Captain Jeirutt your friend?¡± ¡°He¡¯ll be my friend when I be captain!¡± ¡°Oh my, the captain should have pinched the other side too.¡± ¡°Does this look like a pinch to you? He tore at it! Aaagh! It hurts! Apply it gently, will you?¡± Romandro took the ointment from Xiaoshi and tended to the wound. Fortunately, it didn¡¯t seem to require calling the doctor again. While the two were bickering, Ian, as always, immediately checked the desk in his office. It was a gesture to see if any documents hade in while he was away. ¡°Nothing came in.¡± ¡°I see. Everyone was gathered at the grand council, so there wouldn¡¯t have been any reports processed.¡± That¡¯s good. Honestly, Ian was a bit tired too, so he felt relieved that he could rest until tomorrow morning. He rummaged in his inner pocket and gestured for Xiaoshi toe closer. Jin pulled a chair close and rested his chin on it, as if waiting for something interesting. ¡°Xiao, you can read, right?¡± ¡°Yes, thanks to Your Highness, I dare say.¡± ¡°Here. This is yours.¡± A crisp, high-quality paper was neatly folded. Ian motioned for Xiaoshi, who was hesitating, to hurry and take it. As he carefully received it, even Romandro stopped the treatment to watch Xiaoshi¡¯s reaction. ¡°Read it.¡± ¡°¡­Wee to bing a citizen of the Great Empire of Bariel.¡± For an official document, an extremely sentimental phrase adorned the beginning. It detailed the permission to live as a person, not someone¡¯s private property, and the rights and duties granted with it. But Xiaoshi was captivated by the first sentence and couldn¡¯t move on to the next. ¡°Xiao, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Aren¡¯t you happy? He had expected a bright smile, but instead, she looked like she was about to cry. Xiaoshi shook her head with a bitter smile. ¡°It¡¯s not that. It¡¯s just-¡° The lives of countless people flowing in his blood came to mind. Her mother and unknown father. And her mother¡¯s mothers and father¡¯s fathers. Possible siblings. All of them lived and died so miserably without obtaining this single sheet of paper. Isn¡¯t it truly ephemeral? She was no different before and after receiving this paper, yet by the permission of some formless entity, she had be apletely different being. A person. A person whose existence as an individual is acknowledged. And a citizen of the Great Empire of Bariel, at that. ¡°I¡¯m d I can cut it off at my generation. Thank you.¡± The bloodline of ves that had continued for eons was cut off at this moment. Xiaoshi read the certificate without missing a single word, repeatedly murmuring words of gratitude. ¡°That¡¯s enough thanks. As I said, I didn¡¯t do this out of mere kindness. Fifty gold coins. It would be a burdensome amount for a tenant farmer with arge family, but it should be appropriate for you, Xiaoshi.¡± It meant to pay it back slowly. Usually, amoner¡¯s monthly sry was one gold coin. Fifty coins meant an amount that would take nearly 4 years to save without spending a penny. But Xiaoshi was currently Jin¡¯s only attendant, and she would have opportunities to work in the pce in the future, so she could expect more ie. Above all, what expenses would there be when she was fed and housed? ¡°What happens when I pay it back?¡± Xiaoshi looked around at Jin and Ian as he asked. When she pays it back, does it mean she can no longer be with them? If both the master-servant rtionship and the debt disappear, where should Xiaoshi go? Having been bound by others¡¯ will all her life, anxiety suddenly washed over her. Ian seemed to understand her thoughts and answered while hanging his coat on the back of the chair. ¡°Xiao. Freedom will be sweeter than your worries. Let¡¯s meet again in a few years. Remember yourself now well. The future you will probably be very surprised at the current you.¡± It¡¯s like watching a child dipping into water for the first time. Now she¡¯s hesitating out of fear, but before long, she¡¯ll be spreading her wings unbound by anything. Xiaoshi carefully folded the certificate, then clutched it tightly with both hands. ¡°I hear that soon, the Imperial Guards and Imperial Defense Department will be selecting talents. Beric says he¡¯ll apply-¡° ¡°You bet I will! I¡¯m gonna kill them all, for real! Aaagh!¡± ¡°Xiao, will you do it too?¡± Xiaoshi knew that all of Ian¡¯s actions had intentions. Giving her the emancipation certificate now, not on any other day, was in preparation for the talent selection. After all, ves would probably be excluded from the recruitment. ¡°Yes. I will.¡± Having be a free person, she had no choice but to make her own living. It was time to show her value as a person, not as a ve. The only way was to perform well in the talent selection, as her masters wished. Ian nodded with satisfaction, and Romandro continued tending to Beric¡¯s wound while praising her. ¡°Good. You¡¯ve thought well. As you do various things one by one, you¡¯ll find what you truly want. Look at this guy Beric. Although he¡¯s rough and crude, isn¡¯t his life interesting because he has clear desires?¡± ¡°What are you saying to someone with a reopened side wound?¡± ¡°This too is something you got from doing what you wanted. ept it humbly.¡± Thunk! Romandro gave Beric a light tap on the head, as if telling him to stay still. ¡°It seems there will be a lot to prepare, like weapons and protective gear. Xia, let¡¯s go out together soon. It¡¯s been a long time since I went home, so we can visit Viviana too. Hmm.¡± ¡°Me too! I¡¯m going to apply too, why aren¡¯t you preparing for me?¡± ¡°You have the ck sword, don¡¯t you!¡± ¡°Iaaaan! Give me some pocket money too!¡± Hearing that the two were going out, Beric raised his hand high and shouted. Pocket money? Ian narrowed his eyes and looked at Beric carefully. ¡°What do you want to use it for?¡± ¡°I want to buy protective gear too-¡° ¡°You¡¯re going to buy meat, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Ah, well! Of course I¡¯ll buy meat too! Hup!¡± Beric covered his mouth and held his breath. Really, is there nothing but food in that head of yours? Romandro clicked his tongue as he tidied up the first aid kit. Jin, who had been listening quietly, carefully tugged at Ian¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Um, Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°I, I also¡­¡± Jin swallowed the end of his sentence hesitantly. Ask anything, Ian said kindly as he bent his waist, and Jin eximed. ¡°I want to go out sightseeing too!¡± ¡°Oh, His Highness Jin is asking Ian for pocket money too.¡± ¡°You fool, Bariel belongs to His Highness. Who¡¯s giving pocket money to whom¡­¡± Apart from being born in the temple and spending his infancy there, Jin had never once been outside the imperial pce. There was no reason to, nor was there a need. The pce was vast, had everything, and there were still plenty of unknown ces. ¡®Come to think of it, Mariv and Gale naturally went out to meet nobles and build their factions, and to gauge public sentiment throughout the central regions. But there¡¯s hardly any justification for a young prince to go out. Dina too had her connections with her family cut off.¡¯ Jin tightly gripped Ian¡¯s sleeve, his eyes sparkling. No different from how Xiaoshi had held the certificate, it was desperate. He had already met the imperial citizens at the trial and discovered that joy. If he didn¡¯t know, he wouldn¡¯t have wanted it, but how could he not desire it now that he knew? ¡°Lord Ian. Hm? Please. It¡¯s clear that I won¡¯t be able to go out even more once I be the heir. I¡¯ll be buried in studies and training every day. This must be the most leisurely time in my life!¡± For a ten-year-old child to discuss life, Ian smiled as he patted the back of Jin¡¯s hand. ¡°Your Highness. Romandro and Xiaoshi are going out for personal business. If you want to apany them, Your Highness will have to disguise yourself and hide your identity. If you want to go out officially, there¡¯s a lot to prepare.¡± ¡°Of course, I know that.¡± ¡°And if Your Highness goes, I will go too.¡± Even if elite knights were to apany him, Ian felt uneasy about sending Jin alone. He felt he needed to be by his side to be at ease. ¡°¡­That too, I want!¡± The possibility of permission is bing more visible! Jin unconsciously stood on his tiptoes and bounced up and down. Even when Ian told him to maintain his dignity, the flush didn¡¯t subside from his face. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll set a date within this week.¡± ¡°Wow! Lord Ian! Thank you!¡± ¡°Not at all. When Your Highness grows up, there will often be asions for secret inspections. You can think of this as practice in advance.¡± Prince Jin¡¯s first secret inspection. Romandro scratched his chin as he thought of things to prepare. First, they¡¯d need to inform the Imperial Guards to secretly select knights to follow, confirm the route, prepare fake identification, and so on. Although it was called a secret inspection, in reality, cooperation from various departments was essential even for this. ¡°Then are we all going together?¡± ¡°Beric, promise to behave outside. With His Highness Jin present, even small disturbances can¡¯t be tolerated.¡± ¡°Hooray! Ian is the best! Your Highness Jin, I heard from Captain Hale that there¡¯s a tavern that serves beer mixed with honey. He says it¡¯s amazing. Let¡¯s have fun and then have a drink there-¡° ¡°You fool!¡± Thwack! Romandro delivered a final tap on the head. How dare he mention a tavern to His Highness Jin! He red, telling him not to say such nonsense. ¡°Why! They said it¡¯s incredibly delicious because they grow the honey themselves! They sell milk too! His Highness Jin can drink that!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Beric. This is my first time going out, so tell me a lot. I¡¯m truly curious about what the imperial citizens like and enjoy.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll guide you! Yippee!¡± ¡°Your Highness, don¡¯t trust him. That guy has no sense of direction.¡± Beric jumping around excitedly and Romandro whispering. Jin burst intoughter, finding it all so exciting. Ian watched them while organizing documents. Jin¡¯s mood had seemed quite bad earlier, but it must have been just simple fatigue. ¡®He said he¡¯d keep his conversation with Quintana a secret.¡¯ Ian smiled slightly as he recalled his conversation with Jin. Keeping secrets is the beginning of establishing one¡¯s personality. It was a green light among green lights, wasn¡¯t it truly admirable? Above all, someone who would ascend to the emperor¡¯s throne needed to know how to stand alone even more. ¡°And be especially careful not to expose His Highness Jin¡¯s identity outside!¡± ¡°Geez, I said I got it! Really, your nagging is intense. Then what should we call His Highness Jin? Huh? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re revealing his identity!¡± At Beric¡¯s shout, Romandro hesitated. Then he slowly turned to look at Ian. That¡¯s right? Usually, we use a disguised identity when going out¡­ We¡¯ll need to decide on a new form of address, won¡¯t we? Ian raised his head, feeling the gaze of the three men looking at him. As if wondering what they were worrying about. ¡°We¡¯ll say His Highness Jin and I are brothers, and Xiaoshi and Beric are attendants. Sir Romandro would be good as an uncle or grand-uncle.¡± ¡°B-Brothers? Lord Ian and me?¡± Jin¡¯s eyes widened to the point of popping out. Doesn¡¯t that mean he¡¯ll have to call Ian ¡®brother¡¯ when addressing him outside? Goodness! ¡°I like it very much. I agree!¡± ¡°Wait, why am I an uncle or grand-uncle among all possible rtionships? Isn¡¯t that cumbersome? I think just uncle would be better.¡± At Romandro¡¯s words, Beric clutched his burst wound and giggled. ¡°Ah, Sir Romandro. For a non-blood-rted guardian, that¡¯s perfect. Our appearances are too different, right? Don¡¯t you think, Ian?¡± Aha! Romandro snapped his fingers as if he understood, but thenprehended thetter part and made a gloomy expression. Seeing this, Jin hurriedly took his hand andforted him. ¡°Romandro, don¡¯t worry. Your child will surely take after Viviana.¡± ¡°¡­Your Highness, thank you for the constion.¡± ¡°Are, are you crying?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯m just sad¡­¡± Jin continued tough whileforting Romandro. What would he see when he goes out, and what would he experience? Whatever it was, it would be enjoyable with these people. The child looked back at Ian, who was skimming through documents, and smiled with determination. A determination that believed without doubt that everything would turn out well. Chapter 266 Chapter 266 Spring hade to Bariel, but few noticed it right away. The eyes of the imperial citizens were fixed not on the appropriately blooming flower buds, but on the imperial pce. Hadn¡¯t the world changed in just a short while? They looked more often at the imperial g that might flutter away at any moment than at the trees nted in their yards. And gradually, as everything stabilized, they turned their heads to observe their own daily lives. ¡°¡­When did it be like this?¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°Has ite? I mean the weather. When I came to my senses, it¡¯s spring.¡± In a tavern that had just opened for business. Two men sat on the outdoor terrace watching the street. Perhaps because it was ate lunch, it was extremely quiet. Children could be seen weaving through the alleys, and a cat was sprawled on a roof sunbathing. Besides them, there was only one other group in the tavern, making it truly peaceful. The pleasant sound of the music box the owner had turned on went ting-tong ting-tong. ¡°At this rate, summer wille soon. And then autumn, and winter too. By the way, all the corpses in the central square have been cleared. It feels like the trial was just yesterday, but it¡¯s already been over a week.¡± ¡°It¡¯s better to clear away such things quickly. It¡¯s unsightly.¡± ¡°Shall we have a drink and go somewhere? How about ying some cards? It¡¯s that day today.¡± ¡°Hmm, can¡¯t. I have work.¡± At that moment, the tavern owner brought them beer with a thinyer of ice on top. Thick honey was spread abundantly on the bottom. One man picked up his ss and asked. ¡°Work? What kind of work?¡± ¡°They asked for help recing the Hayman Bank sign. I have to go after drinking this one ss.¡± Hayman¡¯s downfall left a tremendous mark in history, but in reality, it didn¡¯t have much impact on ordinary people. Most of them didn¡¯t even have bank ounts, and many of them saw Hayman for the first time in the central square. In such a mess that they couldn¡¯t distinguish who was who if it hadn¡¯t been written down. ¡°Bank sign? Ah, right. Other nobles are managing it separately, aren¡¯t they? Eijain or something? I heard they¡¯reunching a new product. Low-interest loans for small business owners. I¡¯m thinking of paying off what I borrowed from our owner and switching to that. Every winter, I feel like I¡¯m dying trying to pay the interest.¡± ¡°I heard the central area alone is divided into five banks.¡± ¡°Ugh, will just changing the sign be enough? Sounds like you¡¯ll have a tough time today?¡± ¡°The neighbor next door said he¡¯s going to the central area tomorrow.¡± ¡°The neighbor? Doesn¡¯t he work for the Capulu family?¡± ¡°They also received some shares in the banking sector this time. They say they¡¯re going to build a bank in the Capulu local territory, all the employees are packing up. Wonder if they¡¯lle up around summer.¡± The man who had been listening quietly hesitated as he was about to drink his beer. He felt like the group sitting diagonally across from them was eavesdropping on their conversation. Except for one person who kept gulping down beer, the other three were sitting nkly with their heads subtly turned in this direction. ¡®What¡¯s this?¡¯ Judging by their appearance, they seemed to be quite well-bred people, except for the red-haired boy who was drinking beer like a hippopotamus. ¡°Do you know them?¡± ¡°No. I don¡¯t.¡± ¡°They keep looking this way. It¡¯s unpleasant.¡± Isn¡¯t ¡°What are you looking at?¡± the mostmon cause of tavern fights? The peaceful atmosphere suddenly became tense. The two men also warily eyed the unfamiliar group with the whites of their eyes. ¡°¡­This doesn¡¯t look good.¡± ¡°Agreed. Especially that red-haired brat. He looks crazy from the way he¡¯s dressed.¡± It looks like he bought and put on everything he liked on the street. Is he a guard? He seems to be, given that he¡¯s carrying a sword, but I don¡¯t understand why he¡¯s wearing such a dazzlingly gaudy rag. ¡°The gray-haired one is no joke either. He¡¯s only drinking water even in a tavern. That¡¯s not normal.¡± ¡°They keep being conscious of us. Ugh. It¡¯s ruining the taste of the alcohol. Let¡¯s just finish this and leave.¡± ¡°Yeah. That¡¯d be better.¡± If they were just mediocre con artists it would be one thing, but there are two sword-bearers on that side. Plus, there¡¯s a child clutching milk with very stiff shoulders. It¡¯s surely an oddbination that would bring no benefit to get involved with. Just as the two men raised their sses to toast- Scrape. Didn¡¯t the child stand up holding his milk? Then, very timidly, he pattered over to them. At the same time, the four men who seemed to be his guardians watched the child¡¯s back as if cheering him on. The men tensed up for a moment, but soon realized there was no malice in the pale blue eyes. ¡°Um¡­¡± ¡°W-What is it? Kid?¡± He was too young to use honorifics with, but his aura was too unusual to speak down to. Up close, he was a child who seemed different from birth. ¡°T-Toast! With me!¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°W-Would you please toast with me?¡± ¡°Ah¡­¡± The child¡¯s cheeks were red as he held out his milk, as if he had made a big decision. It was absurd. The men looked back at the group behind the child. What in the world was this situation? ¡®Please.¡¯ Ian nodded elegantly. It was amazing how the meaning was conveyed without a single word. While they couldn¡¯t take their eyes off Ian¡¯s radiant smile for a moment, they soon realized that Beric was rolling his eyes and growling. ¡®Damn it, what are you doing? Aren¡¯t you going to clink sses?¡¯ ¡®The hand holding the milk is waiting.¡¯ The looks in Beric and Xiaoshi¡¯s eyes were also clear in what they were saying. Romandro was just silently cheering for Jin with his fists clenched. ¡°Ah, yes, yes. Well¡­¡± Clink! The two men clinked their sses against Jin¡¯s milk. Along with the clear sound, the child¡¯s pale eyes sparkled. His first toast with imperial citizens! As the child gulped down his milk, the men also hesitantly downed their beer. After all, it¡¯s natural to empty the ss after clinking, whether it¡¯s alcohol or milk. ¡°Thank you. Have a good day.¡± Jin wiped his mouth and returned to his seat. Ian pulled out the chair to wee him, then addressed the men. ¡°Thanks to you, my brother had an enjoyable experience. We¡¯ll pay for those sses. Owner, please put two beers on our tab.¡± ¡°Oh, th-that¡¯s not necessary.¡± ¡°Anyway, we enjoyed it. Ahem.¡± They had expected trouble, but this was too polite and elegant. The men awkwardly scratched the back of their necks and offered a casual greeting. ¡°Are you young nobles? I¡¯ve never had a drink with such people before. I¡¯m going to brag about thister.¡± ¡°Ah, we¡¯re not nobles, but our uncle runs a small business. He invited us because the spring in the central area is particrly beautiful.¡± So they were from a well-off family. No wonder they smelled of money. The men nodded as if understanding the rtionship of ¡°uncle¡±, looking at Romandro. Right, the father doesn¡¯t quite fit. Unless the mother was exceptionally beautiful, it would be impossible. Jin, fidgeting with his empty milk ss, added hesitantly. ¡°I¡¯m the younger brother!¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°I¡¯m the younger brother, and h-he¡¯s my older brother.¡± ¡°I see. Anyone can tell you¡¯re brothers.¡± ¡°Well then, we¡¯ll be going. It was a pleasure drinking with you.¡± ¡°Take care.¡± Ian nodded slightly to conclude the conversation. Then he naturally turned to Jin and asked. ¡°How was it, Jin?¡± ¡°It, it was very good. Brother.¡± ¡°I see. Next time, um¡­¡± What should we do? Romandro took out a memo from his inner pocket and whispered. ¡°Feed pigeons in the park.¡± ¡°Right. Let¡¯s finish this and head out too.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that. Brother. I want to have one more ss of milk.¡± ¡°Owner.¡± As the owner gestured as if taking an order, Beric quickly added. ¡°And three more portions of grilled meat here!¡± ¡°Oh my, tsk tsk. This is a tavern, not a restaurant. It¡¯s five copper coins for three or four pieces, why do you keep eating so much? Are you going to fill your stomach here?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not your money, Sir Romandro. What¡¯s it to you?¡± ¡°Ian, next time let¡¯s leave this guy behind. He stands out too much.¡± It was closer to an outing disguised as a secret inspection. Originally, the purpose was to observe the lives of imperial citizens and blend in to identify their difficulties. In fact, it was just one sheet of paper away from simply ying around. And wasn¡¯t the justification of Jin¡¯s first outing added to that? ¡°I don¡¯t know about anything else, but it would be better to take away his allowance.¡± ¡°You¡¯re taking it back after giving it? Wow, that¡¯s too much! Petty fart!¡± ¡°No. It means I won¡¯t give it anymore. You keep buying strange things from stalls and wearing them, so people can recognize you from far away.¡± ¡°But His Highness Jin chose this-¡° ng! As Beric was about to make a mistake, Romandro hit his face with a silver tray. The owner whistled in admiration, as if he had just seen a very interesting spectacle. ¡°We seem to have found fitting clothes and protective gear, but the problem is there¡¯s no suitable weapon for Xia. Perhaps we should have one made instead.¡± ¡°B-Brother! But isn¡¯t the talent selection proceeding earlier than expected? The second cksmith we visited was the fastest, but even that doesn¡¯t meet the schedule.¡± Jin seemed to have developed a taste for calling Ian ¡°brother¡±. He didn¡¯t miss that title whenever he said anything. And he seemed to secretly enjoy the reversal of his and Ian¡¯s hierarchical rtionship. ¡°Take onest look around, and if there¡¯s still nothing,e separately next time.¡± ¡°Yes, master.¡± ¡°Real fighting is best done with bare hands! Oh, the meat is here. Ooh. Why is there so much?¡± ¡°You ordered seven tes of grilled meat at once, didn¡¯t you? It¡¯s on the house. On the house.¡± Beric began to shovel meat into his mouth, holding forks in both hands. Ian paid in advance and looked around. ¡°As rumored, the taste of the alcohol and food is excellent. Owner.¡± However, he was indirectly asking why there were so few customers. The owner didn¡¯t understand at first, but soon he burst into a knowing chuckle. ¡°Ah, it¡¯s nothing special. For a few months now, this area gets quiet around this time. There¡¯s a big gambling den opening nearby. Everyone¡¯s busy ying and eating there, so they don¡¯te this way. Then around dawn, after they¡¯ve all been cleaned out, it starts to get busy here one by one.¡± ¡°A gambling den?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. They y cards, do odds and evens, and I hear there are many good things to see. I don¡¯t know since I haven¡¯t been there myself.¡± So there are such things. Ian looked at Romandro. Did you know about this? No, not at all. While the two exchanged brief signals, Beric emptied his second te. ¡°The period seems long for a temporary setup. Once a month.¡± It likely means there¡¯s a high possibility it¡¯s illegal. Romandro wrote a memo at Ian¡¯s murmur. They already had a full list of matters to handle like this from walking around all day. ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ll look into it.¡± ¡°Well then, shall we get up too?¡± ¡°Ugh, wait a moment. I¡¯m not done with this yet-¡° ¡°Owner. It was delicious.¡± Creak. Beric hurriedly stuffed meat into his mouth, but they didn¡¯t wait for him and cleared the table. Jin, in a good mood after two sses of milk, grabbed Ian¡¯s hand and shook it vigorously. ¡°Is the park far from here? Brother?¡± ¡°It should be close. Sir Romandro has nned our route very efficiently.¡± They had been walking continuously without taking a carriage. Passing by in a carriage was something they could do anytime, but walking like this, experiencing with all five senses, was something they could only do when deliberately going on a secret inspection. Tap tap tap. As they approached the park, the crowd gradually grew. The gambling den the tavern owner had mentioned seemed to be nearby. Ian held Jin¡¯s hand tightly and signaled Beric and Xiaoshi to raise their guard. There would be knights blended in like air around them, but in any case, these were the people closest to Jin right now. ¡°Kekek. I won that, you punk.¡± ¡°Aw, are you kidding me? I put up all the betting money!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll buy you a drink. A cheap one.¡± Subtle cigarette smoke leaked from the alleys stretching out around them. Rough, unrefined behavior, darkness that couldn¡¯t be seen into despite it being daytime and the smell of alcohol, someone¡¯s dry heaving sound. Ian smiled brightly and looked at Romandro. ¡®You really nned the route well.¡¯ ¡®I¡¯m sorry.¡¯ Jin, tightly holding Ian¡¯s hand, peeked into the alleys. It was threatening, but weren¡¯t those also part of Bariel? There was nothing to fear with the guards and Ian present. ¡°Hey, Ian.¡± ¡°No.¡± The tavern was the maximum deviation for a young child. We should hurry past this ce, Ian thought as he urged them to quicken their pace. ¡®¡­?¡¯ That was until he saw a familiar figure entering an alley. Jin, who was walking with Ian, saw the same thing and smiled softly. Then he whispered very quietly. ¡°The person who just went into the alley looks very much like Timothy. Don¡¯t you think so, brother?¡± Chapter 267 Chapter 267 ¡°J-Jin! Look at this!¡± Romandro awkwardly called out to Jin. The child sat on the park bench with an expressionless face, lips tightly pressed together. Anyone could tell he wasn¡¯t in a good mood. Romandro waved a loaf of bread, trying to lift the child¡¯s spirits. ¡°Wow, there are so many pigeons here!¡± ¡°Sir Romandro. They¡¯re tearing at your trouser cuffs.¡± ¡°Huh? Aack! Xiao, take this for a moment.¡± ¡°If you throw it, I¡¯ll catch it.¡± ¡°Pigeon, you rascal! Oh my, stop flying around!¡± p p! Flutter! Was it ever easy to make a living in the city? The pigeons eyed Romandro¡¯s bread greedily, pecking incessantly, pping their wings, and making cooing sounds. As they swarmed around him, not allowing him to take even a step, Romandro realized things were going wrong. ¡°Oh no, you little birds! This is- Xiao, help me!¡± ¡°I apologize. Lord Ian instructed me not to leave Your Highness¡¯s side under any circumstances.¡± ¡°You fool, how far is it from there to here?¡± ¡°Throw the bread far away, sir.¡± ¡°Aaah! Aaah!¡± Romandro was putting on a one-man show, getting pecked from all directions. It was quite aical sight, but Jin just hugged his knees and let out a deep sigh. Until just moments ago, he had been truly happy and enjoying himself, but how could his mood flip so suddenly? ¡°When will Lord Ian return?¡± ¡°He said he¡¯d just take a look around, so he should be back soon.¡± It was a mistake. He shouldn¡¯t have brought up Timothy¡¯s story there. He had mentioned it simply because the man had left such a strong impression, but that was all. Ian had said he¡¯d take a look around the inner area with Beric and left. ¡°¡­¡± ¡°Please cheer up.¡± ¡°I¡¯m in a great mood.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Xiaoshi scratched her chin awkwardly. Jin said he was fine, but since arriving at the park, he hadn¡¯t even nced at the pigeons. Lost in thought, Jin kept changing his expression while crossing his arms. He furrowed his brows, then pursed his lips tightly, then sighed again, repeating the cycle. ¡®Really. Lord Ian is too much.¡¯ Honestly, Jin knew that Ian¡¯s response was the proper one. Whether it was a misunderstanding or not, the subject was a key member of a foreign delegation, so a thorough check was necessary. He also understood that bringing him to an unfamiliar and busy ce would increase the burden of protection. But he couldn¡¯t help feeling disgruntled. It was a tantrum, but a justified one at that. Rustle. Jin got up from the bench to take a short walk. At the same time, the nearby bushes rustled slightly. The hidden knights had moved to follow Jin. ¡°Sir Romandro, His Highness Jin is moving.¡± ¡°Oh, Your Highness, where are you going? No, I mean, where are you going, Jin?¡± ¡°I just want to walk a bit.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s, let¡¯s go together. Aaaah! You rascals! Move aside!¡± ¡°Did you throw away the bread, sir?¡± ¡°I did, but the smell lingers. They keep sticking to me!¡± Xiaoshi looked back and forth between Romandro, who was under attack from the pigeons, and Jin, then followed behind Jin. She could hear Romandro¡¯s screams from behind. Rustle. The child looked around, letting his thoughts drift away. Lovers whispering sweet nothings while sitting side by side on a bench, a family napping on a pic nket, a dog chasing a ball frantically ¨C the peace of Bariel was protecting such diverse scenes. As Jin was walking along the flower bed, someone called out to him. ¡°Child.¡± An old woman in tattered robes had set up a small stand. Various objects of unknown purpose were neatlyid out, and behind her was a handcart full of misceneous goods. ¡°Are you calling me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but could you pick up that crystal ball over there?¡± A little distance from Jin, a crystal ball was slowly rolling away. At the old woman¡¯s request, Xiao moved first to grab it and hand it over. ¡°Thank you for your kindness.¡± ¡°¡­¡± Xiaoshi noticed that the old woman had no legs under her robes. Jin peered at the items on the stand and the crystal ball with curious eyes. It seemed as if the night sky was contained within it. ¡°Is this a decorative ball?¡± ¡°Hmm. That can¡¯t be. A gypsy having a mere decorative ball is unthinkable. We use this to see the past, read the present, and predict the future.¡± Wow, a gypsy. The very gypsy he had only heard about. There was talk of the Cheonrye tribe¡¯s chief being a gypsy, but other than that, they were people with whom Jin had no connection. ¡°Are you curious? Shall I show you?¡± ¡°Show me what?¡± ¡°Anything you wish.¡± Jin crouched down and smiled brightly. What could she divine with powers that couldn¡¯t even recognize the imperial prince? Moreover, he knew that nothing was as uncertain as predicting the future. Jin¡¯s life was proof of that. Even the oracle, which he had believed without doubt to be the voice of God, turned out to be false. How much more unreliable would the words of a street gypsy be? ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t have any money on me right now.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t take money.¡± ¡°Then?¡± As the wind gently blew, the old woman¡¯s face was briefly revealed under her robe. Although her features were sagging with wrinkles, her smile was warm. Upon closer inspection, it seemed there were gaps in her cheeks, almost like she had gills, like a human with fish-like features. ¡°I am a secret eater. Speak your secret aloud for me to hear. Once it¡¯s no longer a secret, I will eat it. Even the tiniest thing will do. Then, I will recite the past and future I¡¯ve seen of you.¡± How interesting. Is this how gypsies usually conduct their business? Jin asked calmly. ¡°Even something trivial?¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t reveal it to others, will you?¡± ¡°Of course not. Since I¡¯ve eaten it, you too won¡¯t be able to tell others. If it¡¯s something you¡¯ve shared with someone else, the same goes for them.¡± Hmm. What should he tell her? Jin wiggled his toes as he pondered, then came up with one. The old woman gestured for Xiaoshi to step back as if telling her not to listen, then leaned her upper body closer. Without legs, she supported herself on her elbows. ¡°Actually, when I read foreignnguages¡­¡± More precisely, when he read foreignnguages in front of Lord Ian. ¡°Hmm.¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t the first time I did it, I had practiced beforehand. I wanted to be praised.¡± ¡°Oho!¡± Now that¡¯s a delicious secret! The old woman chuckled with great delight. The more roughly she breathed, the more her gill-like features on her cheeks seemed to twitch. ¡°Good. This is a secret only you know. It¡¯s very tasty. Tasty indeed.¡± The old woman fondled the crystal ball with satisfaction. Then, the sparkles that filled the ball began to move slowly, as if they had gained consciousness. How fascinating. It¡¯s simr to the feeling he had when he first saw Lord Ian¡¯s magic. ¡°¡­That scar.¡± The old woman murmured softly. Jin nced around discreetly. Xiaoshi saw Romandro running towards them in the distance and signaled that they were here. It seems he still hadn¡¯t managed to chase away a few pigeons. ¡°It¡¯s fortunate, child. If it weren¡¯t for that, you would already be dead.¡± Xiaoshi turned her head in surprise. Setting aside how suspicious it was, what an impertinent thing to say. She tried to intervene, but Jin gently grabbed her arm to stop her. ¡°Remember that the scar is the beginning of all the questions you hold. And doubt. That will make you grow and protect you. You¡¯re a lonely child. Poor thing.¡± Jin unconsciously touched the scar on his chin. The scar is the beginning of all questions? Come to think of it¡­ ¡®That¡¯s when Lord Ian first reached out to me.¡¯ Since that day, he had whispered that Jin was precious andforted him, telling him not to cry. He thought it might just be consoling a child caught up in a civil war, but he could clearly remember the moment of change. ¡°And stay away from the light. You know well that you can¡¯t shine the brightest next to an even brighter light.¡± ¡°What exactly are you seeing?¡± ¡°What you¡¯re showing me.¡± The light in the crystal ball went out. Romandro, who had rushed over out of breath, brushed off pigeon feathers as he examined Jin and the gypsy woman. She seems suspicious? As Romandro¡¯s eyes narrowed, she smiled and fondled the crystal ball. ¡°Wee. Would you like your fortune told too?¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s alright. By the way, you shouldn¡¯t be here.¡± ¡°Hmm? Why not?¡± ¡°This is a no-vending zone. If you go around to the main entrance, there¡¯s a designated area. It would be best to move before the manager finds you.¡± ¡°Oh my, oh my. I haven¡¯t been here long, so I didn¡¯t know. Thank you for telling me.¡± The old woman slowly packed up her things with an embarrassed smile. As she did, her robe was fully lifted. Jin also realized that she had no legs. ¡°Shall I help you?¡± ¡°Child, you¡¯re kind. But it¡¯s fine. Wouldn¡¯t it be too sad if I couldn¡¯t handle even this much? Run along now.¡± Jin nodded and turned around with hispanions. What a peculiar person, he thought, continuously looking back even as they walked away. Romandro noticed this and asked the two: ¡°Did something happen?¡± ¡°She told my fortune. She said she was a secret eater.¡± ¡°Oh my, what a setup. How outdated.¡± ¡°Are there many people like that?¡± ¡°They¡¯re all over the marketce. From those who im to eat souls to fools babbling abouting from the future, well, it¡¯s just theatrical gimmicks to survive.¡± As Romandro and Jin whispered to each other, forgetting they were undercover and talking as usual, Xiaoshi gave them a subtle look. They had drawn a bit of attention while chatting at the stand, so it would be best to be careful. ¡°What time is it, Sir Romandro?¡± ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s just past four in the afternoon.¡± ¡°There¡¯s still some time before Brother Ian returns¡­¡± Feeding the pigeons in the park ended rather anticlimactically. Should they wrap up the schedule and head back? It still feels a bit disappointing though. ¡°How about we go to meet Brother Ian?¡± ¡°Ian told us not toe.¡± ¡°Not into the alleyways, just nearby.¡± ¡°Hmm. We can¡¯t just keep standing here anyway¡­ Shall we look for a suitable tea house to rest in?¡± ¡°That sounds good.¡± ¡°I wonder if that Beric fellow is behaving himself well.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Beric listens to Brother Ian quite well, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Once they meet up, the final itinerary was to stop by Romandro¡¯s mansion for dinner together before entering the pce. As Jin was about to leave the park, he suddenly looked back. The legless gypsy was nowhere to be seen, with only ttened grass leaves remaining as a trace of her stand. *** Meanwhile, in the back alley where Ian and Beric had entered. The group¡¯s worries were not entirely unfounded. Ian frowned and waved his hand to disperse the cigarette smoke wafting in from all directions. Mixed with the acrid smell were subtle sour and sweet scents. Surely, drugs and aphrodisiacs. He put down his card hand and tapped the remaining chips. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re quite good at this!¡± ¡°Wait, wait! I¡¯m not dead yet.¡± ¡°You idiot! Hurry up and die. He needs an ace to win this hand. But that came out earlier, remember?¡± ¡°Argh! Damn it! This is so frustrating!¡± ¡°Oh my, getting frustrated when you can¡¯t even count cards.¡± ¡°Hey, set up a spot here too. I want to join.¡± The number of onlookers surrounding Ian¡¯s table gradually increased. As the atmosphere heated up, the sound of clinking beer mugs could be heard from around, and someone¡¯s cheers and screams were also punctuated with music. ¡°But I haven¡¯t seen you before. Are you from around here?¡± ¡°From out of town.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like how he looks.¡± ¡°You always say that about good-looking guys.¡± It was absurd enough to be caught up in an unexpected gambling den, but to draw so much attention while undercover? Ian rubbed his brow and looked at the iron bars on the opposite side. Beric was locked inside, eagerly tearing into some meat. ¡°Iaaaan! Fighting! Hang in there, hang in!¡± ¡°You¡­¡± As their eyes met, Beric shook the iron bars vigorously, cheering him on. When the guard watching next to him jabbed him with a skewer,ining about the noise, Beric red and spat out curses. ¡°That hurts! You wanna die?¡± ¡°Hey now, keep your shit together.¡± ¡°Yeah, you. When I get out of here, you¡¯re the first one I¡¯m cutting down.¡± Ian thought that he really shouldn¡¯t bring Beric along in the future, as he revealed his cards. Exmations erupted from all around for the winner. Chapter 268 Chapter 268 Ian regretted it the moment he and Beric entered the alley entrance. All because of Beric, who was humming a tune as he walked ahead. Should he have brought Xiaoshi instead? Beric kept peering around with curious eyes and gratefully epted some dried leaves someone handed him. ¡°Ian, this ce is killer. Kekeke.¡± ¡°Beric. Throw that away.¡± ¡°Huh? But I got it for free?¡± ¡°Before I throw you away too.¡± As Ian muttered while pulling the hood of his robe over his head, Beric flicked his fingers without hesitation and tossed the leaves away. Immediately, those who had been watching them picked up the discarded leaves and stuffed them into their nostrils. Inhaling the drug with deep breaths. It was a ploy to get people addicted by giving out small free samples, making it impossible for them to escape. Ian clicked his tongue inwardly as he looked around. ¡®It¡¯s bigger than I thought.¡¯ He had assumed an illegal gambling den meant just one space. But this was a mess, as if the entire alley had turned into a slum. It seemed that when games weren¡¯t running, it was an abandoned ce, but on days like this, signs were hung up everywhere. Unlike regr shops, only gs with symbols were stuck in, which was evidence of this. ¡®But if you consider each one individually, the scale is small. It seems there¡¯s a central gambling den and a power backing this street.¡¯ As the tavern owner had said, there was plenty to see; this ce was a festival of sorts. People half-sprawled from drug use were shouting loudly, and the ground was sticky with spilled alcohol. Like children jumping in puddles, madmen were rolling around andughing hysterically on top of it. ¡®Jin and I simultaneously recognized Timothy. He even naturalized to Bariel. Even if there were some reasons, it would be difficult without a positive perception of Bariel. He might have been frequenting Bariel personally. But why on earth this ce?¡¯ Ian kept walking around the street, covering his nose and mouth with his sleeve. Timothy was huge, with quite a striking appearance. If he passed by again, Ian would recognize him instantly. ¡°Excuse me!¡± ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Ssh! Beric kept lifting the newspapers of soundly sleeping people to check their faces, drawing even more attention to their already conspicuous presence. Ian grabbed him by the nape and dragged him deeper into the alley. The atmosphere inside was quite different. The poption density was higher, and it was more refined. It wasn¡¯t so much walking as being pushed along by the crowd. As the two moved while maintaining a certain distance, Ian spotted a head suddenly popping out from among the people. ¡®It¡¯s Timothy.¡¯ It really is Timothy! He was chewing on a cigarette while constantly looking around. He looked exactly like the portraits Naum and Romandro had shown. Seeing him in person made his impression seem even more fierce, but anyway. Just as Ian was looking for him, Timothy also seemed to be searching for someone. Ian signaled to Beric with a hand gesture. ¡°Beric. Over there. Follow him.¡± ¡°Move aside, move aside. I¡¯ll kill you if you shoulder-check me!¡± ¡°Hey, where are you going in such a hurry?¡± ¡°Heheh. Why don¡¯t you y a round of cards with us instead?¡± ¡°I said move, you bastards!¡± ¡°Kyaaah! Where are you pushing!¡± Beric swam through the crowd, pushing his way towards Timothy. Ian saw him open a green door and go down to a basement. ¡°Beric, that way!¡± ¡°Yessir. Going now.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t approach, just keep an eye on him.¡± Beric took the lead, and Ian followed his path. Before going down the stairs, he asked a man sitting on a chair next to the building, chewing on jerky: ¡°Hey, are there any other entrances to this building?¡± ¡°Why? nning to make a run for it?¡± ¡°It would be in your best interest to just answer the question.¡± ¡°¡­There¡¯s only one. The back door is blocked by a pile of goods.¡± Tap tap tap! As soon as Ian heard his answer, he went down the stairs. A single old, dim light bulb illuminated the corridor. The smell of mold was overwhelming at first, but Ian soon realized there was also something fishy mixed in. It was quite unpleasant. ¡®Ah.¡¯ The source of the unpleasantness wasn¡¯t far away. Ian bit his lip as soon as he reached the corridor. The arena was filled with people engrossed in card games, and people were trapped in iron cages hanging from the ceiling. Some had their feet dangling between the bars, while othersy weakly inside. ¡®It¡¯s illegal ve trading.¡¯ The ve markets held in Bariel were strictly under the country¡¯s control, having to adhere to permitted periods and designated areas. However, the taxes on transactions were so high that both buyers and sellers tended to avoid them. But they couldn¡¯t allow a permanent market either, as there were concerns about exacerbating the already rampant human trafficking and illegal envement. Along with public safety instability, there were many other factors to consider. This was one of the problems in Bariel that Ian acknowledged. ¡°You crazy bastard! Don¡¯t you watch where you¡¯re going?¡± ¡°I said I was sorry, you fuck.¡± ¡°Is sorry enough? You knocked over my card hand because of you!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you before, where are you from?¡± ¡°Would you know if I told you? This is really pissing me off. Your breath stinks.¡± Whack! By the time Ian recognized Beric¡¯s voice and turned his head, it was already toote. A man was swinging a big punch at Beric. Beric was just backing away, dodging his attacks. Thwack! Crash! Rattle! ¡°Woah. Sorry, sorry.¡± ¡°What the hell? Go fight over there! We¡¯re in the middle of a game.¡± ¡°Where¡¯s the staff? Call the staff out!¡± ¡°The fucking atmosphere here is a total mess!¡± ¡°Hey, red head! Come over here and knock this over too!¡± ¡°Are you kidding? I¡¯m winning, what nonsense are you spouting!¡± Boom! Bang! How were all the surrounding tables getting overturned when he was just dodging without attacking? As themotion grew uncontroble, Ian rubbed his forehead. You idiot, you keep bumping into things because you¡¯re backing away, Beric. ¡®Where¡¯s Timothy?¡¯ Ian quickly scanned the arena, leaving Beric for now. Timothy had briefly observed themotion but didn¡¯t seem very interested, just staring at the ceiling. It was certain. He was looking for someone. ¡®But a ve?¡¯ Why would Timothy be looking for a ve in a foreign country, not even his homnd? He whispered something to an employee while covering his mouth, then pulled up a chair and lit a new cigarette. By then, he seemed to be taking an interest in Beric¡¯smotion. Then their gazes met squarely in mid-air. It was the first moment Ian truly felt he was in the same time and space as Naum¡¯s ancestor. ¡®Ah.¡¯ He hadn¡¯t noticed before, but he looks exactly like Naum¡¯s nose and lips. When Ian didn¡¯t avert his gaze, Timothy raised his thick eyebrows slightly. As if to ask what he was looking at. Timothy scratched his cut-off ear while exhaling thick smoke. ¡®Does he know me? I don¡¯t look like someone who should be in a ce like this. He doesn¡¯t seem to be a foreign nobleman¡­¡¯ Timothy knew that the new Minister of Magic in Bariel was young, blonde, and had green eyes, but he couldn¡¯t immediately make the connection. Not only was the situation and ce unusual, but he had never seen a portrait of Ian. In fact, Ian had only recently taken office as Minister, and right after that, the civil war and all sorts of turmoil had swept through the imperial pce. Forget foreign media, even the citizens of Bariel were unfamiliar with Ian¡¯s existence. Rattle! Rattle! Ian turned his head at the low scraping sound of iron bars. The venue¡¯s staff had surrounded Beric. They were cornering him with skewers stained with dried blood. ¡°Over there, over there!¡± ¡°Aah, these little punks aren¡¯t even worth a punch.¡± ¡°That bastard just keeps dodging without fighting back. Stab him freely! He must have taken some bad drugs ande here to cause trouble!¡± ¡°This is driving me crazy, really!¡± Beric sent a distress signal to Ian. Can¡¯t we just kill all these guys? If we kill them all, there won¡¯t be any witnesses, right? So it shouldn¡¯t be a problem? But Ian firmly shook his head. Besides the staff, there were over a hundred ordinary people watching them. Killing everyone? That¡¯s nonsense. As Beric was being driven into an empty space, his back hit the wall, and someone shouted. ¡°Got him! Bring it down!¡± Screech! Crash! An iron chain caught Beric¡¯s ankle like a noose, and his body was suddenly hoisted up to the ceiling. They skillfully pushed him into the cage with poles, as if hunting an animal. It was clear this wasn¡¯t their first time doing this. Only Beric¡¯s ck sword was left lying on the floor. ¡°Woah! What¡¯s this? Let me down! Release me, you bastards!¡± ¡°Shut up. As of today, your life is over. This will be yourst day as a human. If you¡¯ve taken drugs, you should just sleep it off quietly.¡± ¡°He looks lively, must be quite strong.¡± ¡°Indeed. Selling him should fetch a good price for some health supplements.¡± ¡°Alright, alright, now that this is settled, everyone continue with your gambling. Don¡¯t mind this, okay? Let¡¯s go for that one big win in life.¡± ¡°Clean this up here. I¡¯m going to have a smoke.¡± ¡­Should he pretend to know him? Ian pondered deeply with his arms crossed. Beric wasn¡¯t going to die just because he was caught, and he¡¯d probably find his way home on his own anyway. As if sensing Ian¡¯s deliberation, Beric startled and shook the iron bars with his hands. ¡°Iaaaan!!¡± ¡°Oh dear.¡± ¡°You were going to pretend you didn¡¯t know me! Hey! Ouch!¡± The staff who were cleaning up the tables turned their attention to Ian. As if they didn¡¯t know he had apanion. They looked Ian up and down with menacing expressions. ¡°Are you with him? This one looks normal at least. Guess he didn¡¯t do drugs. If you don¡¯t want to see an ugly sight, cut your losses and get out.¡± ¡°Or should we im damages? If you don¡¯t have money, you¡¯ll end up like him. Though you look pretty, it might be more profitable for us that way.¡± Ian nodded silently. He could feel Timothy watching him, so it seemed better to respond somewhat. ¡°My friend has caused offense. If you wantpensation, I¡¯ll pay it.¡± ¡°Compensation? How much do you have?¡± ¡°How much do you want?¡± ¡°100 gold coins.¡± ¡°Puhahaha!¡± They blurted out an amount equivalent to ten years¡¯ wages for aborer. It meant they had no intention of making a deal. Right now, Ian had two gold coins and five silver coins. If he gave them this here, those guys would just take the money and not back off. ¡°Hey, you idiots! You¡¯re all dead now. Ian is fucking pissed! Do you know how scary he is? Ian, you¡¯ll save me, right? Huh?¡± ¡°¡­¡± Beric shouted confidently, but Ian just smiled slightly instead of answering. If Timothy stayed here, he would stay to match him, but if he left, he would follow him. Beric went berserk, banging his head against the iron bars. Honestly, someone like Ian could clean up this ce as easily as eating cold porridge, couldn¡¯t he? Bang! Bang bang! ¡°Nooooo! Shit, if you leave me behind, I¡¯ll really-! Hey!¡± At that moment, Timothy received some guidance from an employee. It was the same employee he had been talking to earlier while covering his mouth. Timothy frowned and took out some gold coins from his inner pocket, then sat back down. It didn¡¯t look like he would be leaving anytime soon. ¡°¡­Alright, Beric. Be quiet.¡± Ian watched this and likewise took out a gold coin. Then he lightly flicked it to a nearby employee and instructed: Ting! ¡°Oh ho, looks like you¡¯ve got some money? A gold coines out just like that?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not enough, though! Hahaha!¡± ¡°¡­How tedious.¡± ¡°W-What?¡± ¡°Stop chattering and exchange this for chips. I¡¯ll try to make as much as you want.¡± Ian gestured as he sat down in an empty seat at a nearby table. The people enjoying the game nced at Ian, but that was all. Once seated here, nobles and vagrants alike were dealt cards equally. Ian tapped the table. ¡°I said I¡¯m going to be a customer now.¡± Having dered himself a ¡®customer¡¯ in front of everyone, they couldn¡¯t openly stop him. Instead, they were ready to bare their fangs the moment Ian stepped outside. They had discovered he had money withoutpanions, after all. How could they let him go just like that? *** ¡°The winning side is our side, Ian is on my side. Hang in there, hang in! Everyone else has shitty hands, please give Ian a good one!¡± This was the story behind Beric singing while hanging from the ceiling. A pile of chips five timesrger than at the start. Ian fiddled with them while repeatedly ncing towards where Timothy was. He kept watching the ceiling while sipping his drink. Presumably, it seemed he was looking for a specific ve. He had been repeating the pattern of talking with the staff and waiting several times. ¡°Come on, deal again! Until this guy runs out of steam!¡± ¡°Is this really your first time? Why are you so good?¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ve done it before. I said this ce was my first time.¡± Ian muttered as he tossed a couple of chips to the dealer as a tip. How long would he have to keep this up? Jin would be waiting in the park. Of course, if he waste, Romandro would take care of it, but still. The staff who had locked up Beric kept ring at Ian. They gave subtle smiles every time Ian won money. They firmly believed that Ian¡¯s money would soon be theirs. Another round of cards was dealt. Just as Ian was about to continue the game he found uninteresting: Swish. Timothy sat down in the seat next to him. Despite his enormous size, he made almost no sound. Ian surveyed him with an impassive gaze. Indeed, the more he looked, the more he resembled Naum. ¡°You said your name was Ian?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± It¡¯s over. Ian covered his cards, indicating he was folding. Fake ID or not, with Beric shouting the name Ian at the top of his lungs, what could he do? The only consoling factors were that Ian was amon name and that people drunk and high on drugs couldn¡¯t think straight. ¡°I¡¯m curious if you¡¯re the Ian I know.¡± Timothy chewed on his short cigarette and half-turned his body. It was a gesture asking Ian to take off his robe and show his hair. Ian declined but gave an acquiescing smile. ¡°I was also wondering if you¡¯re the Timothy I know. We should move to a different ce.¡± Chapter 269 Chapter 269 ¨C Each Other¡¯s Well-being The corridor connecting the arena to the entrance was a ce where those who had lost everything lingered, unable to leave. Those who could barely stand due to alcohol, drugs, and their bleak reality created a quietmotion, crying andughing. At the dead end of the corridor, thebination of a menacing,rge man and a blonde boy was clearly out of ce to anyone who saw them, but no one paid attention. Right now, they were overwhelmed just dealing with their own misfortunes that were rising to their throats. ¡°Would you like one?¡± When Timothy offered a cigarette, Ian politely declined. Strangely, an unexpectedlyfortable silence followed. Was it because of the situation where they knew each other? Tsssk, the lighter¡¯s me briefly illuminated his face before fading out. Until the smoke from one puff dispersed, the two gauged the ¡®now¡¯ in silence rather than exchanging information verbally. ¡®He called me Timothy. It means he was aware of my identity. Did he happen to see me and follow? What an incredible coincidence.¡¯ When the Kingdom of Burgos sent a delegation, Timothy usually took charge as the representative. So naturally, there would be quite a few people in the Bariel Imperial Pce who knew him. But it was surprising that the young Minister of Magic, who had been frantically cleaning up the pce right after his appointment, recognized him at a nce. ¡®I can¡¯t deny it.¡¯ They were both already certain of each other¡¯s identities. Nothing could be more ridiculous than pretending not to know at this point. He cleared his throat and began his opening. ¡°I¡¯m a bit surprised. I never expected to meet you in a ce like this.¡± ¡°The feeling is mutual. I doubt the Burgos Kingdom¡¯s delegation came early to congratte His Highness on his appointment ceremony.¡± Ian smiled brightly as he preemptively struck. Although rumors were rampant that he would be the heir, official invitations hadn¡¯t been sent out yet, so it was a warning not to make hasty excuses. Timothy pondered for a moment, then decided to start with proper introductions. It would be better if this unofficial meeting was remembered as an official one within that context. ¡°Let me introduce myself formally. I am Timothy Ovia, from the diplomatic delegation of the Kingdom of Burgos.¡± ¡°Ian Hielo, Minister of the Ministry of Magic of the Bariel Imperial Pce.¡± ¡°Did youe here after recognizing me?¡± ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t know about Delegate Timothy, but I don¡¯t have this kind of hobby.¡± Timothy was about to add that he didn¡¯t have such hobbies either, but there was no gap. Ian smiled while leaning against the wall, backing away to avoid the smoke. Ah. Right. Don¡¯t be fooled by that young appearance. This is the man who took over the Ministry of Magic and reorganized the Imperial Pce before evening of age. ¡°By the way, it¡¯s truly impressive. I¡¯ve only shown my face in official settings recently, yet you recognized me. I didn¡¯t know Burgos¡¯ intelligence was this outstanding. Of course, it must be thanks to Delegate Timothy¡¯s efforts in secretly entering the country.¡± It¡¯s not just magic that got him to that position. His way of speaking is exactly like the old bureaucrats I¡¯ve seen plenty of in Bariel. Isn¡¯t he attacking the fact that a delegation representative entered the country illegally and is struggling in a ce like this, so of course he would recognize him? Timothy swallowed with the smoke. This might be a bit more troublesome than he thought. ¡°I was also unsure at first.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Most people would find it difficult to even make eye contact with him. But Ian surprisingly looked at him straight on. Moreover, in a situation where it wouldn¡¯t be strange to die at any moment, there was not a hint of fear or confusion. He wasposed and carefree, as if he had something to rely on. This caught more attention than themotion caused by that Beric fellow. ¡°¡­Especially when hispanion called him Ian, that was decisive.¡± ¡°I see. Well, it¡¯s nice to meet you.¡± ¡°Yes. Nice to meet you.¡± The two shook hands lightly. They exchanged smiles, but in the darkness, they didn¡¯t reach each other meaningfully. Above all, weren¡¯t the sources of their emotions different? For Ian, this was the first time he met someone from a personal connection, not blood-rted, aftering to a hundred years ago. Although it was a strange rtionship of being his friend¡¯s ancestor. Living with Naum, he had heard praises and boasts about this man until he was sick of it. This is really fascinating and curious. He was in a good mood, with interest bubbling up unusually. ¡°Since you introduced yourself as part of the Burgos Kingdom¡¯s delegation, may I ask now? Why are you here?¡± On the other hand, Timothy¡¯s smile was a reflexive, public one. Although he hadn¡¯t entered the country illegally, his very presence here was a disadvantageous situation. If Ian were to report him immediately or subdue this ce using magic, he too would have to be investigated. To think that an official delegation from the Kingdom of Burgos would be caught in such a low-ss illegal gambling den! It would be problematic to make an issue of it, both in terms of prestige and position. ¡®Especially now, Bariel is in a period of power transition, both in the Imperial Pce and among the nobles. It¡¯s impossible to predict what policies Prince Jin will implement towards neighboring countries. I heard that many central noble leaders have been executed.¡¯ When a country is in turmoil, it¡¯s best to turn its gaze outward. Nothing is more suitable than war. The young prince, with clear reasons for war such as strengthening internal cohesion in the Imperial Pce and securing resources, right? So, it was natural for Timothy to be tense. Rather than daring to evade the mage, initiating conversation first was also a calcted move. ¡°First, let me say that I entered the country with official permission.¡± Swish. He showed his entry permit from his inner pocket, but Ian just smiled as if uninterested. Pressured to get to the point, setting everything else aside, Timothy finally confessed. ¡°¡­I¡¯m looking for someone.¡± From his examination of the iron cages on the ceiling, this was already expected. The question was, who was he looking for that he came all the way to Bariel? ¡°The people they deal with are ves. Illegal ves at that. Delegate Timothy, you¡¯re saying something quite significant.¡± When Ian spoke mischievously, half of Timothy¡¯s cigarette burned away at once. He had inhaled sharply in surprise. ¡°No. No. Of course not. There are ve markets in Burgos too. I¡­¡± He hesitated for a moment, but realizing there was no turning back, he said: ¡°I¡¯m looking for a gypsy.¡± Burgos was the one most vividly witnessing the conflicts among the countries in the northwest where Astana was located. Burgos, located to the west, was closer than Bariel. Ian raised his eyebrows as if greatly surprised. It didn¡¯t seem like he was lying, but the content was truly nonsensical. ¡°You came all this way to find one gypsy?¡± Due to refugees and immigrants from conflict areas, a new era had dawned in the Kingdom of Burgos as well. With the influx of gypsies, sorcerers, and others who had deviated from the power of magic, it triggered changes in new social culture. In particr, their king actively sought to employ those rted to ¡®prophecy¡¯. After all, the future was something as eternally unattainable as the truth of the universe. ¡°It¡¯s a gypsy with a deep story. Tracking that person led me here. I¡¯ve traveled through quite a few countries in the past few months. The most recent information I heard was that they were spotted in this vicinity, and given their condition and the presence of such a trading ce¡­¡± In ces with established systems like Bariel, it wouldn¡¯t matter much, but smaller countries would have easily adjusted entry and exit procedures, trusting Timothy¡¯s diplomatic credentials. ¡°You must have been traveling for a long time.¡± ¡°With Bariel as thest stop, I will return now. As you mentioned, the heir appointment ceremony for the 5th Prince is soon.¡± Timothy stubbed out his cigarette, which was now barely left, and blew out the remaining smoke with a ¡®hoo¡¯. His gaze passed over Ian¡¯s shoulder. An employee was approaching. ¡°Sir. We¡¯ve asked around the area, and they say the person doesn¡¯t have a scar on their cheek. Their limbs are also intact.¡± ¡°Are you sure?¡± ¡°Yes, yes. Other than that, the appearance is simr to what you described. Shall I arrange a connection for you? Just to note, since it¡¯s not our merchandise, you¡¯ll have to pay themission twice.¡± Timothy shook his head. ¡°No. That¡¯s fine.¡± He tried to conclude the transaction by flicking a coin as a tip. However, even after receiving the money, the employee didn¡¯t leave, so Timothy and Ian looked at him quizzically. ¡°Ah, um¡­ Are you acquainted with this person?¡± ¡°Why do you ask?¡± The employee gestured towards Ian with his eyes. Rumors had already spread among the staff. A rich sucker hade in, so they were preparing to fleece him of everything, down to the skin of his belly, once the game was over. They wouldn¡¯t know. Who Ian really was, that he had never been called a sucker in his life, and never would be. ¡°We have some business. If you¡¯re not acquainted, you should leave first, sir.¡± For various reasons, it would be awkward if Timothy was with him. He clearly had an impressive aura, and what if he helped Ian? They¡¯d have to bring in staff from the neighboring building too. Timothy, who had roughly figured out the situation, snorted softly. ¡°We are acquainted.¡± ¡°Pardon?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re done with your business, why don¡¯t you leave?¡± Timothy waved his hand dismissively, telling him to get lost. They were acquainted, alright. They had just be acquainted. ¡°Alright then¡­¡± The employee shuffled away with reluctant steps. This was Timothy¡¯s courtesy and consideration, even though he knew the mage would have no trouble. He checked his pocket watch and asked: ¡°We should probably leave here first. More craziese out at night.¡± ¡°Ah. I¡¯d like to, but I left something in the iron cage.¡± He wasn¡¯t worried. It was just annoying to think about thementations and whining Beric would pour out to him when he returnedter. Timothy hesitated for a moment as he realized Beric¡¯s existence. Ian was a power yer in the Imperial Pce, Timothy a dispatched delegate. With the power rtionship firmly established, their actions were also set. ¡°I¡¯ll try to negotiate. The one gold coin you were about to pay earlier is actually an excessive price, so it should be easily handled.¡± ¡°Oh. That would be much appreciated.¡± Ian responded glibly, as if he hadn¡¯t expected such a favor. Even though he knew. ¡°Then I should return the favor. Before you leave the capital,e see me. I¡¯ll treat you to some tea.¡± ¡°¡­Yes. Thank you.¡± Timothy clicked his tongue inwardly. He said he¡¯d treat him to tea, but what was the meaning behind it? He would officially acknowledge his visit to the capital, semi-forcibly share the results of the tracking, and unterally send a message to the King of Burgos. Whether aware of his concerns or not, Ian smiled inly and headed towards the arena. They would have probably continued walking like that. If it weren¡¯t for the sound of dozens of footstepsing down the stairs. Creak. Tap tap tap! Ian and Timothy turned around simultaneously. The employee who had gone to fetch his errand fee had returned with his colleagues. All were fully armed. ¡°Are those the ones?¡± ¡°Yeah. The blonde one won at least thirty gold coins in chips alone, and that big guy said he¡¯d pay five times the price for an old ve. If we fleece their pockets, we won¡¯t have to work for a while.¡± ¡°Who are these people to have so much money?¡± ¡°Brother. Honestly, we¡¯ll pretend we don¡¯t know about you. But that blonde one is friends with the guy who turned our ce upside down, so we can¡¯t let him go. Just leave your money pouch and go.¡± The man standing at the front giggled as he swung his sword. Footsteps continued to be heard. It seemed all the coborators from nearby had gathered. For the imposing Timothy. ¡°What will you do, Sir Timothy? They¡¯re telling us to leave our pouches and go.¡± When Ian asked casually, Timothy rolled up his sleeves. Is that even a question? If Ian gets hurt even a little here, who knows how it will boomerang back to Burgos. In the worst case, false rumors could spread that Timothy instigated harm to Ian. It might seem far-fetched, but in the world they lived in, such nder was trulymonce. ¡°You know my answer. If Ian dies or gets hurt here, it would be troublesome for me.¡± Ian looked at him as he stepped back. ¡°Actually, the same goes for me.¡± If Timothy dies or gets hurt here, it would be truly troublesome. Because Naum might disappear in the future. At Ian¡¯s murmur, Timothy hesitated for a moment, and the man standing close by threw his sword de like a spear. Whoosh! Zing! Ziing! Thwack! As Ian activated his magic, Timothy deflected the de with his armored forearm. Chapter 270 Chapter 270 ¨C Underground Brawl ng! The sword de hit the wall and rolled away. As expected, his skills were extraordinary, matching his appearance. The gang¡¯s eyes followed the sword, causing them to miss Ian¡¯s eyes turning golden. Timothy roughly rolled up his torn sleeve, then tried to pick up the fallen sword from the floor. ¡°F-fuck! Don¡¯t you know there¡¯s no defense against a group attack?¡± ¡°Go forward! Push! You bastards, he¡¯s picking up the sword!¡± ¡°You take the lead! G-go on!¡± ¡°Hurry!¡± A first strike with the gang. There¡¯s no greater truth in the world of ruffians. They all rushed in before Timothy could properly take his stance. Shouts erupted here and there to hide their tension and heighten their excitement. ¡°Uwaaaaah!¡± ¡°W-wait. The sucker¡¯s eyes¡­¡± ¡°Get him! Kill him!¡± The narrow, long corridor. In a sealed space without a single window, Timothy and Ian were cornered. Timothy advanced step by step, scraping the floor with the tip of his sword. Three steps before the sh, two steps, one step¡­ ¡°Wait! I¡¯m telling you, the sucker¡¯s eyes are strange!¡± ¡°Uwaaaah! Let¡¯s go!¡± Ian, who had been watching from behind, turned his head and opened his eyes wide. Sucker? For a moment, he thought he had misheard. It was the first time in his life he¡¯d been called that. Rather than anger, Ian smiled incredulously, finding it refreshingly absurd. Tap tap tap! ¡°Hyaah!¡± The man at the forefront swung his sword widely as he rushed at Timothy. Given itsrge surface area, it was bound to hit somewhere even if swung carelessly. Just as hecently thrust the sword tip forward- ¡°Huh?¡± ng! As Timothy deflected it with his sword, the overwhelming difference in strength could be felt through the locked des. The man¡¯s arms trembled. He tried to strike down, but it was futile. Timothy easily applied force and pushed the man against the wall. The de kept rising towards his neck. He turned his head to ask hispanions for help, but this caused his strength to falter, and his neck was cut. sh! ¡°Aaaaargh!¡± Once by his own sword, and once again by Timothy¡¯s. The man who was cut twice in an instant clutched his neck with both hands and fell forward. Timothy raised his sword and warned in a low voice. ¡°Clear the way.¡± But it was toote to turn back. Youthful bravado had rendered rational judgment impossible, and the sounds from the stairs above only fanned the mes. Their gang members were continuously rushing in to provide support. Those at the front simultaneously pounced on Timothy. ¡°Die!¡± sh! ng! Slowly, but surely. Even if it meant being pushed back, Timothy focused on each strike. As he gradually moved forward, the gang¡¯s momentum also surged. ¡°It¡¯s okay! Keep pushing!¡± ¡°Fuck! Uwaaaaah!¡± With five or six swordsing at him simultaneously in the narrow corridor, Timothy¡¯s breathing became slightlybored. At this rate, even if he cut down all of them, he wouldn¡¯t be able to leave due to the pile of corpses. At that moment, an unexpected attack came towards Timothy¡¯s ear. ¡®Ah.¡¯ The other ear will be cut off too. Just as Timothy thought this, Ian quickly condensed and released his magic. The strong impact sent the nearby enemies flying backwards. Boom! Bang! Crash! ¡°Aaaagh!¡± ¡°W-what was that just now?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s happening up front? Ah, I can¡¯t see.¡± ¡°Suddenly pushing and shit.¡± ¡°Shut up! It, it, it seems to be magic!¡± Those at the front all stopped at once. Those at the back were in an uproar, but they couldn¡¯t move carelessly. A mage, they said. Aside from having no chance, there was a high possibility of him being associated with the Imperial Pce. Timothy rxed his lowered stance and turned to look at Ian. ¡°¡­Thank you, but the building will copse.¡± ¡°I said I¡¯d be gentle, but it is a bit concerning. Still, it¡¯s better than having a diplomat¡¯s ear cut off. Wouldn¡¯t the king be curious when you return home?¡± Debris dust fell from the ceiling due to the recent impact. If the building were to copse underground rather than above ground, wouldn¡¯t that be even more troublesome? Boom! Thud! Sure enough. From the opposite end of the corridor, in the arena, the sound of something copsing could be heard. The floor they stood on and the walls shook violently. The gang members flinched and turned their gaze to the back. Crash! Bang! ng! Rattle! Thud! Something must have happened inside the arena. Intermittent screams of people could be heard, and inexplicable explosive sounds erupted. The gang members stood there, alternating their gaze between the back and front, not knowing what to do. Then, as the arena doors swung open on both sides, something burst out. ¡°Iaaaaan!¡± ¡°Ugh!¡± Boom! Running with his legs sticking out between the iron bars. He was supporting the cage with both hands raised high. An employee who tried to stop him seemed to have failed, tumbling down the corridor after being thrown off. Beric roared out a curse. ¡°You bastards! It¡¯s because of you that Ian left me behind! How am I supposed to go alone! Give me my carriage fare! How many times do I have to tell you to release this-!¡± ¡°¡­Beric?¡± ¡°Huh? You didn¡¯t leave?¡± Ian looked at him in bewilderment. The source of the loud noise from inside must have been the sound of him falling from the ceiling. His wounds haven¡¯t even fully healed yet, how is he carrying that thing? Beric spotted Ian and waved his hand cheerfully. As soon as he let go of one side, the iron cage tilted and fell to the floor. Boom! ¡°Ow, this is freaking heavy.¡± ¡°Beric, how did you get down?¡± ¡°When I jumped and shook it, it came off with the ceiling. But if I had known you hadn¡¯t left, I would have stayed still. My tailbone hurts like hell.¡± Ian had moved to talk with Timothy, but it seems Beric misunderstood and thought he had been left behind. It hadn¡¯t even been that long. He¡¯s always so impatient. ¡°What¡¯s everyone doing? Looks fun?¡± ¡°Well, it is kind of fun.¡± ¡°I want to join too. Someone lend me a sword! You there! You look so weak, you¡¯re clearly meant to be stepped on. A sword is too luxurious for you! Hand it over to me! Or bring me my ck sword!¡± The man singled out by Beric retorted in confusion. It was an almost reflexive response, having engaged in verbal sparring in back alleys every day. ¡°Who are you calling someone meant to be stepped on? You¡¯re the one who should be stepped on!¡± ¡°Huh? This bastard?¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one trapped in an iron cage! Hyaah!¡± Whack! The man thrust his sword through the gap, but Beric quickly grabbed the cage and twisted it. The sword snapped and flew off, and at the same time, the corner struck the man¡¯s chin. He covered his torn mouth and fell forward. Teeth falling out along with blood. Beric shouted triumphantly. ¡°I¡¯m not trapped, I just can¡¯t get out!¡± ¡­Isn¡¯t that the same thing? The gang members hesitated for a moment and looked around. In front was a superior fighter and a suspected mage. And behind was a red-haired madman. It would be better to run away first. If the blonde boy was truly a mage, there would be no way out. Neither physically nor legally. ¡°Get out of the way! Damn it!¡± ¡°Uwaaah! Get out! Get out!¡± As they turned their backs and ran towards the stairs, Ian instructed Beric. ¡°Beric. Block the stairs. Don¡¯t let anyone out.¡± ¡°Huh? Hey hey hey! Ian says don¡¯t go out! Stop!¡± ¡°Run faster, you bastards!¡± ¡°I said don¡¯t go out! Are your ears clogged?!¡± Beric lifted the iron cage with both hands and dashed forward. He then positioned himself at the entrance to the stairs before the gang members. They tried to push the cage away, but it didn¡¯t budge due to Beric¡¯s resistance. ¡°Stab him! Kill this crazy bastard!¡± ¡°Eh? Anyone want to put their hand in? I¡¯ll bite it for you.¡± ¡°Kill him!¡± Chomp! ¡°Aaargh!¡± ¡°Oh, a sword! Don¡¯t know whose it is, but thanks! Anyone else want to put their hand in? I¡¯ll cut it off for you!¡± sh! Stab! Beric grabbed a sword and swung it right away. While he dealt with the relentless barrage of swords and fists, dodging this way and that, Timothy also readied his stance and jumped in. There was already an overwhelming difference in skillpared to these back alley thugs. Now they were even showing their backs. Timothy advanced, cutting down enemies with ease. Even in the darkness, blood sshed about, and the smell of mold and blood grew stronger. And finally. sh! With Timothy¡¯s strike, a man fell, and he soon found himself face to face with the iron cage. Beric looked up at Timothy, covered in blood. He grinned and stretched out his hand. ¡°Oh, mister. You look even dirtier up close! Want to have a go when we get out of here?¡± ¡°¡­Lord Ian.¡± Timothy looked Beric up and down and turned to Ian. Ian was approaching them, stepping over corpses. ¡°Yes. What is it, Delegate Timothy?¡± ¡°¡­Is this person really your friend?¡± Didn¡¯t he refer to Beric as a friend earlier inside? No matter how he thought about it, he couldn¡¯t believe it. Setting aside the difference in ss, the worlds these two lived in seemedpletely different. ¡°Ah, why! You just don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m, you know, despite how I look, huh? I¡¯m quite something!¡± Despite how he looked, he wanted to boast about something, but there was nothing to say. That he eats well? Sleeps well? His fighting is extraordinary, but he¡¯s not the best yet. He lost to Jeirutt and was beaten by the ck armor, after all. In ce of the speechless Beric, Ian smiled brightly. ¡°I wish I could deny it too.¡± *** ¡°Why are there so many people? Was it like this earlier?¡± Jin, Romandro, and Xiaoshi sensed the markedly changed atmosphere of the street. When they parted with Ian, there wasn¡¯t such arge crowd, and above all, weren¡¯t they all in a half-dazed state? But now it was chaotic, instinctively making them sense that something had happened. ¡°That¡¯s right. There are many carriages too¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s the guard.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that the alley Brother Ian went into?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look. Xiao, guard him well.¡± ¡°Yes. Understood.¡± ¡°Excuse me for a moment. I¡¯m going forward. Oh, thank you.¡± As Romandro parted the crowd, Xiaoshi picked up Jin and followed behind. The closer they got to the inside, the more filled it was with bustlingmotion. At the center was a dpidated building. Guards were gathered inrge numbers, carrying out severely injured people. Jin, sitting on Xiaoshi¡¯s shoulder, spotted Ian. ¡°Brother Ian!¡± Ian, who had been talking about something with the guard captain, heard Jin¡¯s voice and turned his head. At Ian¡¯s direction, the guards controlled the crowd to make way. ¡°Jin, did you look around the park well?¡± ¡°Yes, Brother. The time was up, so we came to get you. But what is all this¡­¡± ¡°Young Master Jin! Do you have any bread left? I¡¯m hungry!¡± ¡°Beric?¡± Jin was startled to find Beric covered in blood while trapped in an iron cage. What on earth happened? Sensing his worry, Beric waved his hand with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s fine, it¡¯s fine. This isn¡¯t my blood.¡± ¡°Beric, you fool! Your stomach wound hasn¡¯t healed yet! What kind of trouble did you cause?!¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t cause any trouble! Wow, that¡¯s unfair. Do you have bread?¡± Romandro rubbed his forehead as if dizzy from Beric¡¯s words. Ian whispered something to the guard captain, who saluted formally before returning to the cleanup scene. To retrieve the key to Beric¡¯s cage and his ck sword. ¡°There are too many eyes and ears here, so I¡¯ll tell you when we get back. And¡­¡± ¡°Hello.¡± It was Timothy. Jin slowly opened his mouth and looked up at him. Up close, his aura was even more impressive. Timothy knelt on one knee to meet Jin¡¯s eyes. Among Ian¡¯spanions, there was only one person who came to mind when thinking of a silver-haired, blue-eyed child. ¡°I am Timothy Ovia. I¡¯m truly embarrassed to meet you like this. If you allow, I would like to formally pay my respects in the near future.¡± Jin nodded unconsciously. It was a brief greeting, but in the current situation with all eyes on them, it was the best courtesy he could offer. Ian took Jin¡¯s hand and addressed Timothy. ¡°Well then, Delegate Timothy. We¡¯ll meet again.¡± ¡°Yes, Lord Ian.¡± Ian gave a look suggesting he should hurry and leave. He had arranged for Timothy not to be questioned by the guards. Timothy put on his robe and disappeared into the crowd. Ian watched his retreating figure until the end, and Jin observed Ian. ¡°Brother Ian.¡± Ian turned his head with a smile as if asking what was wrong. At that moment, Jin¡¯s subtle senses stirred. Had there ever been a case where Lord Ian smiled like that at someone he was meeting for the first time? He wasn¡¯t sure. ¡°Have you met Timothy before?¡± ¡°¡­No. Why do you ask?¡± Ian was born and raised in the border region and had only recently arrived in the capital. Even Jin, a prince, was meeting him for the first time, so how could he have met Timothy before? Ian denied it, but Jin somehow felt uneasy. ¡°Just¡­ It seemed familiar.¡± ¡°It¡¯s probably because you¡¯ve seen his portrait.¡± ¡°¡­I see.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go back first. I¡¯ll exin when we get back.¡± Ian patted Jin¡¯s shoulder as he stood up, and Jin nodded in agreement. Suddenly, the child tugged on Ian¡¯s hand. ¡°Oh! Are you not hurt anywhere? Beric is covered in so much blood¡­¡± Suspicion is suspicion, but worry is another matter. Jin¡¯s question deepened Ian¡¯s smile. Ah, was it just a misunderstanding after all? Not goodwill towards Timothy, but just being in a good mood? Jin smiled along, making a slight dimple. Chapter 271 Chapter 271 ¨C The Best Banquet Romandro¡¯s mansion. From early lunch until sunset, Vivianna and her maid Minnie were carefully preparing food at the counter. Not only was Romandro dining at home after a long time, but an even more distinguished guest was joining them. ¡°Madam, should I cook this a bit more?¡± ¡°Hmm. It¡¯s moist and delicious. This should be enough. Minnie, go check if there¡¯s enough alcohol. I¡¯m worried the warriors might have emptied it in the meantime. Since His Highness Jin can¡¯t drink alcohol, we mustn¡¯t becking in beverages.¡± ¡°Of course, Madam. I¡¯ve prepared fresh milk at dawn. I¡¯ll prepare both chilled and warm versions in advance.¡± It was none other than Jin, His Highness the Prince, the sole heir and future Emperor. They had seen him at the Imperial Pce, and had the honor of dining with him during his stay at the Ministry of Magic. But now the situation waspletely different. To dare to invite him to the mansion for a banquet. If the Romandro couple were nobles, the social circles would have turned all their attention to them. ¡°The new tablecloth looks nice, it¡¯s clean. We¡¯ve changed the chairs to morefortable ones, and themps, decorative candles, pre-dinner sd bowls, paintings¡­¡± Vivianna examined every corner of the dining room with eagle eyes. Although she had already checked several times and found no issues, she couldn¡¯t help feeling anxious as the appointed time approached. At that moment, the dining room door slowly opened. Philea peeked in with a careful expression. She was wearing the coral-colored dress Ian had bought her, looking so radiant that it seemed impossible for greater beauty to exist in the world. ¡°Madam, is there anything I can help with?¡± ¡°Oh, my goodness. Philea, not at all. You¡¯ve been working in the garden since morning. Even a professional gardener would have left early, exhausted by now. Please rest a bit before everyone arrives.¡± ¡°Minnie looks busy. I thought it would be good if I could lend a hand.¡± ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ll just ept your kind thoughts. I¡¯d be heartbroken if your dress got wrinkled. Besides, today¡¯s banquet is ¡®my¡¯ treat for His Highness Jin, so I¡¯d like to handle it entirely on my own.¡± Where else would one get the honor of serving food to the Prince? It was a polite refusal, asking her to allow this privilege entirely to herself. Philea smiled softly and looked around the kitchen. The flowers she had picked from the garden were perfectly arranged, making it feel like being in a forest garden. ¡°Um, Madam.¡± ¡°Yes, Madam. Please speak.¡± Vivianna answered while repeatedly hanging and removing a painting. She didn¡¯t even notice Philea¡¯s awkward expression. ¡°I have something to discuss with you. Perhaps¡­¡± ¡°Madam! Madam! Kyaaah! They¡¯re here, the carriage has arrived!¡± Bang! tter! Minnie¡¯s cry cut off Philea¡¯s words. Vivianna tensed her shoulders as if nervous and grasped Philea¡¯s hands. The moment hade. ¡°Philea. Is it urgent?¡± ¡°No. Not at all. It¡¯s nothing.¡± ¡°Thank you. Let¡¯s greet the guests first, then we¡¯ll talk.¡± ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s go out together. Madam, and your hair ornament is really beautiful today. You¡¯re the perfect hostess.¡± Vivianna left a light kiss on Philea¡¯s cheek and rushed to the entrance. Nersarn and some warriors were also out in the garden. Creak! As the carriage stopped and the coachman opened the door, Romandro was the first to step out. He was d to see Vivianna, but like the experienced official he was, he maintained hisposure as he guided Jin. Jin¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity as he entered the garden. So this was Romandro¡¯s house, where Ian and Beric had stayed before entering the pce! Vivianna curtsied, holding the hem of her dress. ¡°Wee. It¡¯s an infinite honor that you¡¯ve graced us with your presence.¡± ¡°Vivianna, thank you for inviting me to this banquet. It¡¯s modest, but please ept it.¡± ¡°My goodness. The flowers are so beautiful! Thank you.¡± ¡°These are for Philea.¡± ¡°Your Highness, thank you. Ah, um, may I call you Your Highness? I heard you use a different identity during covert operations.¡± ¡°Of course. It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s just us, and this is thest event on today¡¯s schedule.¡± Jin handed bouquets to thedies and lightly embraced them. Although they were all faces he had seen morning and evening at the Ministry of Magic, just moving to this residence made it feel like he hadn¡¯t seen them in a long time. ¡°Wow. The smell of meat is killer!¡± ¡°Gasp, b-blood!¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t mine! It¡¯s fine!¡± ¡°Minnie, go fetch a towel soaked in warm water. What on earth happened? To think there was such bloodshed during Your Highness¡¯s covert operation.¡± And why does Beric alwayse to this house covered in blood like this! Oblivious to Vivianna¡¯s dizziness, Beric kept repeating that he was hungry as he rushed into the mansion. He was immediately caught by the warriors, his head squeezed between their armpits. ¡°Argh! Let go of this!¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t seen you in a while, and you don¡¯t even say hello? You ill-mannered brat!¡± ¡°Heard you nearly died? You look fine! Same as ever. Hmm hmm.¡± ¡°Ah, I said let go! I¡¯m on the verge of death from hunger right now!¡± The boisterousmotion filled the garden pleasantly. Jin walked following Beric, who was going ahead, and everyone naturally entered the mansion. Ian lightly nodded in greeting to Philea and Nersarn. ¡°Have you been well?¡± ¡°Yes. Thanks to you. How about Ian? I heard you bled again.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s less now. Your dress is beautiful. It suits you very well. Sir Nersarn, the imperial attire doesn¡¯t look awkward on you anymore.¡± ¡°It¡¯s about time I got used to it. I¡¯ll probably go back to my old ways once I leave the capital.¡± ¡°Shall we go in together?¡± Ian guided Philea, supporting her back. Philea smiled awkwardly. There was something strange about Ian¡¯spliment. She had clearly heard that Ian had personally chosen and sent the dress, so why did he speak as if he was seeing it for the first time? ¡°Oh, so this is Romandro¡¯s mansion. It¡¯s neat and exudes dignity.¡± ¡°The second floor is where Lord Ian used to stay. Would you like to take a look after the meal? The food is warm, so it would be best to eat now.¡± ¡°The room Brother Ian used?¡± ¡°Pardon? Brother?¡± Jin covered his mouth in surprise, and Vivianna¡¯s eyes widened. Brother! No matter how close they were, it was quite a problematic form of address. Romandro pulled out a chair for Jin and soothed him. ¡°He¡¯s been calling him that all day, so it¡¯s stuck on his tongue. It¡¯s alright. Just be careful when there are other officials besides us.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± They sat around the round table and unfolded their napkins. Since it wasn¡¯t a grand mansion, the entire dining room was filled to capacity. Jin, who always dined in spacious ces, unexpectedly liked this. He could easily converse with others as they were close. The act of reaching out to serve food and fill sses added another vor to the experience. As the meal got into full swing, Romandro wiped his mouth and asked. ¡°By the way, Ian. Tell us now. What exactly happened? Why was Delegate Timothy there?¡± Jin also nodded while chewing on his sd. Beric was too busy devouring meat at the far end of the table, in a special seat prepared by Vivianna, to even notice the ongoing conversation. ¡°He said he was looking for a gypsy. An old person with a scar on their cheek. He had approached the vicinity based on information, but given the location, he was investigating under the assumption of illegal envement.¡± ¡°A gypsy with a scar on their cheek?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. Why do you ask?¡± ¡°I saw her earlier in the park. I even talked to her.¡± Ian stopped cutting his meat. ¡°Rather than a scar on the cheek, it seemed like there was a gap. Like gills.¡± ¡°What did you talk about?¡± ¡°She looked at the past and future using a crystal ball.¡± There are many old gypsy fortune-tellers, and given their harsh lives, facial scars are not umon. But was Jin¡¯s encounter with this gypsy truly a coincidence? ¡°Seeing that Timothy went out to look for her himself, she seems to be a special gypsy. Did you notice anything peculiar?¡± ¡°She called herself a secret eater. In exchange, she read my fortune, but¡­¡± As Jin¡¯s words trailed off, everyone looked at him quizzically. He wanted to say that it was a trivial secret, that he had practiced foreignnguages behind the scenes to receive praise, but he couldn¡¯t. It felt like his throat was blocked and his tongue wouldn¡¯t move. Ian stood up in rm. ¡°Your Highness, are you alright? Is something stuck in your throat?¡± ¡°What?! Oh my, Your Highness! Try coughing, cough hard!¡± ¡°Minnie! Go and get a doctor-¡° ¡°No. I¡¯m fine.¡± As Jin waved his hand, blinking in confusion, sighs of relief erupted from all around. Jin shook his head while gulping down some milk. ¡°When I tried to speak about the secret I gave in exchange, my words were blocked. It seems very simr to the effect of a gag spell.¡± Ian carefully examined Jin. Indeed, what Jin described was simr to a gag spell. But how could a gypsy do that? He had a feeling it might be deeply rted to why Timothy had been wandering around for months looking for her. Ian patted Jin¡¯s back while pouring milk into his ss. ¡°Delegate Timothy will officially visit the Imperial Pce before leaving Bariel. We¡¯ll receive him then and find out more details.¡± ¡°Okay. Alright.¡± ¡°And regarding the illegal gambling we uncovered earlier, although we decided to have the guard handle it initially, given the seriousness of the situation, it would be better to form an independent investigation team from the Imperial Pce. There are also local public safety issues¡­¡± Ian stopped mid-bite of his meat. Everyone except Philea was ring at him. Even Beric had stopped eating to jeer at him. Ian acknowledged his mistake and smiled wryly. ¡°I apologize.¡± ¡°Yeah. That was a bit much just now.¡± ¡°Come on, shall we talk about something else? Ah, right. Lady Philea. You said you had something to say earlier, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Huh? Oh, well¡­¡± Vivianna remembered Philea¡¯s words, which she had said were trivial, and brought it up. There was nothing better than trivial matters to change the subject. While everyone was casually cutting meat or picking up noodles, Philea fidgeted with her fingers in embarrassment. Nersarn worriedly covered her hand. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°I-i-it¡¯s nothing much!¡± When Philea shouted loudly as if she had made up her mind, everyone paused in surprise. She was trembling as she faced Ian. What¡¯s this? Did Ian do something wrong? ¡°I-I-Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, Mother.¡± His calm gaze said, ¡°Please speak.¡± Philea bit her lip hard and muttered as if squeezing out the words. ¡°¡­H-how would you feel about having a sibling?¡± ¡°¡­¡± ¡°¡­¡± Everyone froze as if turned to ice. Forks stopped in mid-air, noodles slipped from chopsticks, and the silence was so deep that even breathing couldn¡¯t be heard. Several pairs of eyes rolled simultaneously. To Ian and then to Nersarn, then back to Ian. ¡®Ah.¡¯ It seems what Jin had told him before was correct. Ian alone continued cutting his meat with a tter. He wasn¡¯t particrly concerned. In fact, it wasn¡¯t really a matter for him toment on. ¡°Are you pregnant?¡± ¡°¡­P-p-probably.¡± ¡°I see. I don¡¯t mind.¡± Philea¡¯s eyes widened as if her thoughts had stopped. And tears started flowing. She had imagined Ian¡¯s reaction dozens, hundreds of times in her head, but this wasn¡¯t among her expectations. How could he be so calm andposed, as if it were someone else¡¯s business? Ian was like this because he already knew, but Philea had no way of knowing that. ¡°Why don¡¯t you mind? We¡¯re family¡­¡± ¡°Ah, what I meant was-¡° Ian realized there had been a misunderstanding and calmly rified. ¡°I meant I don¡¯t mind as long as Mother is okay with it.¡± ¡°I, I am so happy.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯m happy too.¡± ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Yes. Really. It will be very lovely. Congrattions, Mother.¡± As Philea stood up and reached out her arms to Ian, he embraced his mother affectionately. Romandro and Vivianna, who had been tense thinking he might object, let out sighs of relief. The frozen Beric was the same. He shook a meat-covered bone and shouted. ¡°Hey! You should react more enthusiastically when congratting! I was shocked thinking you didn¡¯t like it!¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, Beric is making sense for once! Oh my, my heart was pounding.¡± ¡°D-dear. Some water please.¡± ¡°Vivi, here. Drink it cool. Give me some after you drink. Whew, my throat got so dry in that short moment. Sir Nersarn. Congrattions! It¡¯s truly a joyous asion! Oh my? Sir Nersarn?¡± Romandro stood up and patted Nersarn¡¯s shoulder. His massive body swayed limply to the side. Thud. Only after falling to the floor did he seem toe to his senses, looking up at Philea. He appeared ecstatic, as if half out of his mind. ¡°Uh¡­¡± Ian extended his hand to help him up. ¡°Congrattions, Sir Nersarn. You¡¯ve be a father.¡± For the first time, Nersarn embraced Ian with tears in his eyes. Thank you, truly thank you. Thank you for turning the moment of confession into a blessing. Although the embrace was so tight it was almost suffocating, Ian smiled and patted his back. Seeing this, Beric rushed over with meat in his mouth. ¡°Me too! I want to congratte too!¡± ¡°You brat, know when to butt in and when to stay out!¡± ¡°Ugh! That¡¯s mean.¡± As always, he was stopped by Romandro grabbing him by the nape of his neck. Seeing this cheerful scene, Jin smiled and whispered his dream to Xiaoshi, while Vivianna gulped down cool water and sighed in relief again. Fortunately, it seems today will be the best banquet, one that will remain in everyone¡¯s memory. Chapter 272 Chapter 272 ¨C The King¡¯s Circumstances The weather was beautiful. So much so that Ian, who had been concentrating intensely on paperwork, was distracted by the swaying branches. He put down his pen and gazed at the garden where the Ministry of Magic¡¯s annex would be built. It had already been two weeks since Jin¡¯s covert operation, when he met Timothy. He had said he would visit before crossing the border, but there was still no sign of him. Given his status, it wasn¡¯t something that could be dismissed with empty words. ¡°Lord Ian. Please sign here as well.¡± When the mage standing beside him gently urged, Ian finished signing. Unlike the bright outdoors, the office was stuffy with piles of documents. Even Beric, who liked the sofa here best, had run outside. As Ian received the next report, he asked: ¡°What about Beric? Has he gone to the training ground again?¡± ¡°Probably? Judging by how quiet the dining hall is. The chef keeps praising Xiaoshi. He says the dining hall is peaceful because she goes to the training ground with him every day. He was praising Xiaoshi so much, saying she¡¯s doing great work.¡± Ian smiled wryly. The recruitment for the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department was about to open. Beric and Xiaoshi were diligently going to the training ground to build their physical strength and learn systematic swordsmanship, fully taking advantage of their position. Whichmoner could use the Imperial Pce training facilities and receive one-on-one instruction from General Jeirutt, the pinnacle of the empire? Click, Ian added as he turned the report page. ¡°I heard they eat twice as much when theye back after working out.¡± ¡°That¡¯s fine because it¡¯s after the chef¡¯s shift. He doesin every morning though. But isn¡¯t it better not to see their faces?¡± Knock knock. ¡°Come in.¡± Ian looked up at the sound. Romandro appeared, his hair slightly damp as if he had been running around. He nodded to the mage as if asking for understanding. ¡°I have something to report privately.¡± ¡°Ah, excuse me then. Please call me if you need me, Lord Ian.¡± Even as the mage was leaving, Ian didn¡¯t take his eyes off the documents, rubbing his temple. Although there were only two of them, Romandro approached Ian carefully, looking around. What he put down was a palm-sized note. It was crumpled here and there, as if it had been tied to a carrier pigeon. ¡°Ian, this is from the shadow.¡± ¡°¡­It¡¯s a bitte for the first report.¡± It was a report on Mnia¡¯s movements and situation from the shadow Ian had attached to her. As if anticipating Ian¡¯s reproach, the note¡¯s preface exined the reason for the dy. -Mnia crossed the forest in the remote northeast to avoid surveince by the border guard. I couldn¡¯t get a carrier pigeon, so it took this long. As I write this, I am in Ayen, a small town in northern Ruswena. Mnia doesn¡¯t seem to n on settling in Ruswena, as she continues to move while hiding her identity. She was caught in an identification card check by the guards once, but I helped her as instructed. The main reason for letting Mnia live and escape was to establish contact with the Rutherford tradingpany. The intention was to obtain information such as thepany¡¯s location, but wouldn¡¯t there be problems if she were caught by the border guard? The shadow was ¡®managing¡¯ her to an appropriate extent, as per Ian¡¯s orders. ¡°What does it say?¡± ¡°She¡¯s moving across Ruswena. Apart from her route, there doesn¡¯t seem to be anything special yet.¡± Ian burned the note with magic, destroying it. This was a matter known only to his close aides, not even the Prime Minister knew about it. Even if there were reasons, wasn¡¯t it essentially protecting the bloodline of a family destroyed for treason? It had to be maintained with absolute silence, with no possibility of leakage. ¡°Thank you for your hard work. Is there anything else to report?¡± ¡°About Akore, her condition is improving, but we¡¯ve used up all the infection treatment medication that was left in the pce, so we need to produce more.¡± Since it¡¯s a disease rarely seen these days, the amount of treatment stored in the pce was also small. If this was the case in the pce where nothing wascking, it was reasonable that it couldn¡¯t be found in the civilian sector. ¡°Is the current amount sufficient for a full recovery?¡± ¡°Fortunately, it¡¯s exactly right, without any margin. A few of the ingredients needed for production are difficult to obtain in Bariel, so it could have been a big problem if things had gone differently.¡± ¡°I see. Since the production isn¡¯t our responsibility, I¡¯ll just keep it in mind for now. Please continue to maintain Akore¡¯s sick leave.¡± Now it¡¯s really over, right? Just as Ian thought this and was about to pick up his pen again, Romandro smiled sheepishly. ¡°And word hase that Delegate Timothy has entered the pce. Shouldn¡¯t you see him with His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°Ah.¡± The expected hase. Ian stood up as if he had been waiting and adjusted his clothes. ¡°What about His Highness Jin?¡± ¡°He¡¯s in the main building, having a schrly discussion with the Prime Minister. They should have received word as well. But I don¡¯t think the Prime Minister wille. I heard he has a meeting scheduled for the afternoon.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine since he¡¯sing without prior arrangement. It¡¯s enough for His Highness and me to receive him.¡± ¡°If you greet him first, His Highness wille.¡± ¡°Understood. The weather is nice, let¡¯s meet in the garden.¡± ¡°I wholeheartedly agree with that. Ian, you need some sunlight. Everything thates from nature is directly connected to health! Is there anyone outside? Have refreshments prepared in the garden!¡± Ian smiled and sorted out a few documents. He couldn¡¯t waste even the time it would take Timothy to arrive from the main gate to here. Ian left his office and walked to the garden for the first time in a long while. The mages rushing through the corridors often stopped, wondering if they were seeing things. ¡°Lord Ian? Howe you¡¯re outside?¡± ¡°Am I not allowed to go outside?¡± ¡°Ah, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡± ¡°Oh? Lord Ian, I¡¯m carrying reports right now.¡± ¡°Leave them on the desk, I¡¯ll be receiving a delegate from the Kingdom of Burgos. I¡¯ll check and respond by this afternoon at thetest.¡± Even in the short walk, his name was called endlessly. Romandro suddenly remembered when Ian had copsed. How did the Ministry of Magic function then? Although Ian woke up quickly, judging by the current situation, it seemed that even half a day¡¯s absence could cause problems. The high dependence on one person. While it meant Ian¡¯s abilities were extraordinary, it also indicated an imbnce in the organization. Whoosh- As they entered the garden, a cool breeze blew. ¡°This is where I first met Prince Gale.¡± ¡°Ah, right. You said you encountered him when he came to look around the Ministry of Magic?¡± As soon as he entered the pce, following Naum¡¯sst words, he came here, but there was no annex, only Gale. Ian spotted a carriage approaching from afar. An outsider¡¯s carriage, it was Timothy. Creak! As Timothy got out of the carriage, Ian approached with a friendly greeting. It had only been two weeks, but he looked quite worn out from searching for the gypsy. The sleeve torn during the underground fight was still in a shabby state. ¡°Delegate Timothy. It¡¯s been a while.¡± ¡°Minister, I apologize for thete greeting.¡± ¡°No, we didn¡¯t actually set a specific time. Please, sit over here.¡± Timothy sat down naturally while looking around the garden. He had been to the pce several times, and when Wesley was here, he had thoroughly explored the inside as well. Especially this garden. Wasn¡¯t this the site where she said the Ministry of Magic annex would be built? Although it wasn¡¯t finalized, there had been discussions about exchanging magic stones and manpower rted to it. ¡°An annex for the Ministry of Magic will soon be built here.¡± Ian said this while picking up his teacup. Timothy, who was about to drink along, hesitated and frowned. From what he had heard, Wesley¡­ ¡°Former Minister Wesley was proceeding with the Ministry of Magic annex.¡± ¡°Yes. I will do so as well.¡± ¡°¡­If I may be so bold, is there something we don¡¯t know about her final moments?¡± The Wesley incident was hotly discussed in neighboring countries as well. The breakup of the two people who were openly in a rtionship was newsworthy in itself, but what drew attention was its final form. The greatest mage who had risen to the position of Imperial Minister fell into hell with an eternal curse, and the Prince was cursed because of it. Depending on what the curse was, it would determine the fate of the nation, so at the time, neighboring countries invested enormous efforts and costs to find out about the curse. Until Gale lied in court. ¡°No. What you know is probably all there is.¡± ¡°Then why are you trying to continue the former minister¡¯s work?¡± Wouldn¡¯t it be right to choose a path opposite to Wesley¡¯s, even intentionally? The construction of the Ministry of Magic annex that she had pushed for should have been abolished. ¡°Because I am also the Minister of the Ministry of Magic. It¡¯s a decision for the department¡¯s work efficiency, position, and other advantages.¡± tter. Timothy put down his teacup. This directly demonstrated Ian¡¯s authority. That even if he dared to follow Wesley¡¯s actions, there was no force in the Imperial Pce that could stop him. That even if he dared to speak of doing so, there would be no problem. Ian smiled brightly and invited him to have some refreshments. ¡°Isn¡¯t this something the Kingdom of Burgos would wee?¡± ¡°We always support the development of the Imperial Family.¡± If the annex construction proceeded, Burgos could sell a massive amount of magic stones, and furthermore, could receive support from mages in return. As Ian said, it was something Burgos would wee with open arms. ¡°I see. Thank you for your words. I assume your presence at the pce means you¡¯vepleted your schedule and are returning home. Well, did you achieve what you wanted?¡± He was asking if Timothy had found the gypsy. But Timothy shook his head with a hardened expression. Ian observed him and subtly probed. If the gypsy Jin saw in the park was that gypsy¡­ ¡°Since that day, the guard has been conducting intensive crackdowns on illegal ve trading. If there¡¯s any iing information, I¡¯ll let you know. Is it correct that it¡¯s an old woman, with scars on her face, and has difficulty moving?¡± ¡°Ah, thank you. But it¡¯s not certain whether she was caught as a ve or not.¡± ¡°¡­Seeing that the king is looking for her, she doesn¡¯t seem to be a simple gypsy.¡± ¡°As I mentioned, I¡¯m told there¡¯s a deep story.¡± I¡¯m told? This clearly means he¡¯s repeating what he¡¯s been told, doesn¡¯t it? ¡°You don¡¯t seem to know the details?¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± There was only one thing that clearly distinguished the gypsy he was looking for from other gypsies. That she eats secrets. Ian put down his teacup and stared at Timothy. Something seemed to sh in his mind. Even the person inquiring doesn¡¯t know the characteristics of the target well? ¡®Does the king not know either? No. The king must know. Despite the deep story, he had the delegation representative track her for such a long period. That shows how important it is¡­¡¯ ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Delegate Timothy.¡± Ian grinned. Timothy responded without understanding, but Romandro, who was watching from behind, recognized Ian¡¯s smile. Just as people died when he adorned himself, new developments tended to appear when he smiled like that. Romandro quickly refilled Timothy¡¯s teacup, diverting his attention. Hoping that he would show a weakness to Ian¡¯s questioning. ¡°By the way, how long has the current king been on the throne?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been just over two years now.¡± ¡°Ah¡­ Is that so?¡± There are two assumptions. If what the king needs is an urate prophecy, it means he¡¯s facing a matter significant enough to look into the future. However, Ian thought it would be best to minimize the possibility of this. Isn¡¯t Burgos a kingdom that has held its ce on the continent for a long time? No matter how urate a prophet might be, there must surely be people who could rece them. ¡®Would it be worth expending a resource like Timothy? I¡¯m not sure.¡¯ In that case, it might be better to focus on the fact that she eats secrets¡­ ¡®Among the secrets the gypsy has eaten, there must be something the king absolutely needs to know. Or, there¡¯s a secret that needs to be erased from the world with her help. Whatever it is, it means there¡¯s a problem with the King of Burgos.¡¯ Chapter 273 Chapter 273 ¨C What Only Ian Knows Timothy nced at Ian, who was deep in thought. Something seemed to be filling his mind, but there was no way to know what. Ian¡¯s gaze was locked tight. If not a pheasant, a chicken would do ¨C perhaps he could guess through Romandro, Ian¡¯s right-hand man? Timothy looked back, but Romandro also seemed to know nothing. The wind seeped through the inexplicable silence. Timothy gazed at the garden where he was sitting and added: ¡°¡­If the construction of the Ministry of Magic annex is almost certain to proceed, I will bring a contract rted to this for Prince Jin¡¯s heir appointment ceremony. It will be one of the congrattory gifts Burgos can offer.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. The details need to be discussed again.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you would build it here? Since the site is the same, the detailed specifications shouldn¡¯t be much different, should they?¡± He meant that the discussions had already been concluded during Minister Wesley¡¯s time. The Imperial Pce was the current identity of Bariel and its future legacy. As with the civil war recovery meetings, even building a single structure required discussions among numerous officials. Even if the minister had changed, the site was the same, and the building to be erected was also the same. The estimate for magic stones needed for construction had already been perfectly prepared by Wesley. The overall aesthetics shouldn¡¯t be marred, the distinction between the main building and the annex should be clear, and the standardized number of floors, area, and exterior decorations were certain. Even if discussed again, it wouldn¡¯t be much different from before. So what was there to discuss? Ian shook his head while sipping his tea. ¡°Haven¡¯t our positions changed? Especially, the minister has changed. As you wondered, I have no intention of simply continuing Wesley¡¯s legacy.¡± Especially because of the condition of dispatching mages, they couldn¡¯t contract under the same conditions as before. The Ministry of Magic was suffering from severe manpower shortage due to the Arsen incident and the execution of traitors. Moreover, with Akore¡¯s sick leave, the breaking point seemed to be bing increasingly visible. It was only because Ian was standing firm as the central pir that things were holding together; if more people left, it could affect the work itself. ¡°Are you saying you¡¯ll change the conditions?¡± ¡°Given how high-quality Burgos¡¯ magic stones are, I think it¡¯s right to pay the proper price.¡± It was a statement that rather than bringing in magic stones at a cheap price in exchange for providing mages, he would prefer to keep the mages and pay the full price. Money is good, sure. But what¡¯s even better are mages with divine power. Timothy stroked his chin, looking quite disappointed. ¡°¡­I¡¯ll report back after returning home first. To be honest, I didn¡¯t expect to have this conversation today. It doesn¡¯t seem like something I can speak about carelessly.¡± ¡°Of course, I understand. We have the appointment ceremony, so there¡¯s no need to rush.¡± It might not meet expectations, but isn¡¯t it something that the deal itself is being opened? After Wesley died like that, he had thought it waspletely canceled and felt regretful. He couldn¡¯t dare ask about the status of the deal using a criminal¡¯s death as an excuse to the Imperial Pce, and there was no opportunity due to all themotion. Timothy asked again, as if checking before reporting to the king: ¡°There won¡¯t be any changes to the construction of the Ministry of Magic annex itself, right?¡± ¡°No. It¡¯s already been discussed in the grand council, and as long as I have the will, there won¡¯t be any problems.¡± Since it was being funded by the payment Ian would receive for the Luron stones, none of the pce officials, including Quintana, would be able to easily oppose it. ¡°You¡¯re amazing. Is it because you¡¯re a mage?¡± Timothy muttered, constantly suppressing his admiration. Although notparable to the Empire, he too was at the center of politics in a kingdom. He knew how remarkable it was to be confident about the absence of checks in the process of expanding power. Ian smiled questioningly, as if wondering what on earth he was talking about. ¡°Just because one is a mage doesn¡¯t mean everything goes as they wish. Former Minister Wesley was also a mage.¡± It was something obtained through aplex, fierce process and sacrifice. If not, wouldn¡¯t it have already been approved at Wesley¡¯s level? Timothy realized his slip of the tongue and hastily apologized. ¡°I apologize.¡± ¡°I know that¡¯s not what you meant.¡± ¡°¡­I think of them as beings that lead the development of themunity. Honestly, I¡¯m quite disappointed. The Kingdom of Burgos was waiting for the dispatch of mages.¡± What they have in abundance are gypsies and sorcerers. From ayman¡¯s perspective, they too are extraordinary individuals, butpared to mages, their limitations were clear. Someone who asionally hits the truth? Someone who can control corpses with sorcery? What use are those? Magicians fly through the sky, walk on water, and touch mes. Timothy strongly expressed how desperate they were, trying to elicit support. ¡°You seem to hold magic in high regard.¡± ¡°Any country would think the same, without exception. Being chosen by the gods, how could it not be important and enviable?¡± ¡°You never know. Delegate Timothy might have a talent for magic as well.¡± ¡°I know that it usually manifests from childhood. If it were my child, that might be different.¡± Ian carefully examined Timothy¡¯s face. It was a very small part of him. The appearance that had been passed down to Naum after a hundred years. But that¡¯s why it¡¯s even more intense. That¡¯s why it¡¯s even deeper. In this ce where Naum doesn¡¯t exist, the meaning held by that small part is nostalgia itself. ¡°¡­Anyway, I¡¯ll think about it a bit.¡± When Ian said this, Romandro¡¯s eyes, who was standing behind, widened. Why on earth? Ian wasn¡¯t one to show a soft attitude to Timothy¡¯s simple plea? ¡°If the King of Burgoses in person, that is.¡± Ah, that¡¯s more like it. Romandro let out a relieved sigh. Timothy awkwardly picked up his teacup and remained silent, and Ian didn¡¯t push either. For a king of a country to personally attend the heir¡¯s appointment ceremony. That¡¯s tantamount to dering that they arepletely under Bariel. ¡®And above all, right now Bariel undeniablycks external power. The Emperor is frozen, all the grown princes are dead, and the only heir is a ten-year-old child. If three countries allied to check Bariel, it would surely be troublesome. It¡¯s right to meet the king or his followers in advance and establish countermeasures. And-¡® Ian raised an eyebrow as he observed Timothy. ¡®If I meet the king directly, I might find out something.¡¯ For now, it¡¯s almost an impossible invitation, but if I set a small trap? ¡°The invitations have already been sent out. If the King graces us with his presence, the rtionship between Bariel and the Kingdom of Burgos will be even more solid.¡± ¡°¡­I will certainly convey your message.¡± ¡°Burgos will prepare gifts, I¡¯m sure. We will prepare with all our sincerity as well. That gypsy the King desires and that Delegate Timothy has been pursuing for so long-¡° A trap saying he would find that person. If the gypsy is found, there¡¯s a slight possibility that the King of Burgos mighte in person. It would probably be proportional to his desperation. I¡¯m curious. I might be able to gauge the seriousness of the situation based on his reaction. ¡°Should we issue a wanted order across Bariel¡¯s borders and throughout the country?¡± ¡°Th-that¡¯s excessively kind of you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really.¡± It really was nothing, literally. It was what the border guards did anyway. ¡°By the way, His Highness is a bitte, isn¡¯t he?¡± He hasn¡¯t appeared even after finishing a cup of tea. From the main building to the Ministry of Magic, it¡¯s more than enough distance to arrive. ¡°Waiting for His Highness itself is an honor, so I¡¯ll continue to wait. But is Beric really alright? Even if the iron cage protected him, I think he must have been injured somewhere.¡± ¡°Oh, Beric?¡± Ianughed, saying not to even mention it. He seemed to have some wounds, but it was impossible to tell whether they were from this time or thest. ¡°He¡¯s absolutely fine. You should have seen how eagerly he was waiting when he heard you wereing. If he hadn¡¯t gone to the training ground, it could have been quite troublesome.¡± So he really is a true friend! And one who stays together in the Imperial Pce! Timothy seemed newly shocked, blinking his eyes and coughing awkwardly. ¡°He seemed quite belligerent. Rumors are spreading on the streets. I heard the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department are selecting talents, is he perhaps preparing for that?¡± ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡± ¡°If I may be so bold, I thought as much. I couldn¡¯t possibly think of him as someone who eats a government sry¡­¡± So he¡¯ll be one who eats it in the future, ahem. Timothy usually wouldn¡¯t bring up such a topic, but Beric was an exception. He was just curious how such an unruly colt had made it to the Imperial Pce. While Ian and Timothy were naturally engaging in casual conversation, Jin¡¯s carriage arrived at the Ministry of Magic. Creak! Tap! ¡°Your Highness, you¡¯ll fall.¡± ¡°If I fall, you catch me, Xiao.¡± Thanks to Timothy¡¯s visit, the schrly discussion ended early. Jin happily tried to climb the Ministry of Magic stairs, but upon hearing they were in the garden, he changed direction. In the distance, Ian and Timothy could be seen. ¡°Your Highness.¡± When his eyes met Ian¡¯s, Jin stopped running and started walking slowly. He had been scolded with a look to maintain his dignity. Nevertheless, a bit faster than usual and with a broad smile, he entered the garden. Timothy stood up abruptly, cing his hand on his chest in greeting. ¡°Greetings, Your Highness. I am Timothy Ovia from the Kingdom of Burgos, whom you met the other day.¡± ¡°Yes. Right. When we metst time, the situation was what it was, so we couldn¡¯t talk in depth. Please, sit down.¡± Ian pulled out a chair for Jin, smiling slightly. The child seemed to be in quite a good mood. The schrly discussion must have been quite uninteresting. They sat down in the sunlight and continued their conversation. Public matters had already been concluded with Ian. Most of the conversation was about what Jin had learned in the schrly discussion and Timothy¡¯s praise for it. ¡°By the way, Timothy. Do you have a family?¡± ¡°I have a son, Your Highness.¡± ¡°¡­You have a son?¡± ¡°Yes. He¡¯s five years old now.¡± Ian, who had been listening quietly, asked in surprise. Romandro¡¯s face waspletely shocked. He has a family! And a five-year-old son at that! To make him wander outside for months! The King of Burgos seems quite unreasonable. But Ian was surprised for an entirely different reason. Naum¡¯s boastful words seemed to echo in his ears. ¡®Sir Timothy came over to Bariel and established the foundation of the family alone. Isn¡¯t that amazing? There are plenty of people who ruin perfectly good families. Ah, of course, he said the person he met then helped a lot.¡¯ As Ian remembered, Timothy had naturalized alone. Without family, by himself. What on earth happened? Romandro kept expressing sympathetic exmations. ¡°Your wife must feel lonely. Five years old, that¡¯s such a cute age. Oh, by the way, I don¡¯t have children yet, but my wife is pregnant. Everyone around me says that around five years old, that¡¯s when they¡¯re really like angels.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be helped. This is the nature of my work.¡± ¡°Oh my, still¡­¡± So he ¡®still¡¯ has a wife too. Is it an illness? An ident? Or if not, some kind of incident? With such fragmentary information, it¡¯s hard to make inferences. So, Ian¡¯s words could only be fragmentary as well. He tried to add calmly: ¡°¡­When you return, spend a lot of time with your family.¡± Humans are beings who live on memories. Spend time together and be happy enough so that losing two people won¡¯t be too hard. Timothy looked surprised at Ian¡¯s advice, but soon showed a full smile. Although they hadn¡¯t met for long, it seemed like the first time. Seeing Timothy smile like that. ¡°I should do that. When I return, I¡¯ll be with them constantly until I have to leave as a delegate again. There¡¯s so much I couldn¡¯t do for them.¡± Chapter 274 Chapter 274 ¨C Selection Exam The Imperial Pce training ground was packed with soldiers from the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department. Ahead of the talent selection, they also had internal promotion exams. Especially for the Imperial Guard, two positions for captains were vacant. Everyone was focused on boosting their strength and honing their skills. Barsabe, severely injured, leaned on the second-floor railing, watching herrades train. ¡°Oh my, Miss Mr. You can¡¯t train but you¡¯re still attending regrly?¡± ¡°Ah, really.¡± Her roommate held a cold drink to her cheek, mourning the absence of her mr. Barsabe roughly took it and drank half in one gulp. Since that rainy day, the day Barsabe survived the ck armor, everyone had been like this. The first joke she heard while lying in the hospital bed was something like ¡®You really don¡¯t have a mr anymore.¡¯ ¡°Why do you keep calling me Mr when I don¡¯t have one?¡± ¡°Because you don¡¯t. We¡¯rememorating it.¡± ¡°Go finish yourps. I saw you skipping one. You know it¡¯ll be multiplied by ten if the captain catches you, right?¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t our Miss Mr know the word ¡®self-training¡¯?¡± ¡°I¡¯m really going to die!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± While herrades were training with sweat and screams, Barsabe could only watch listlessly. Her whole body was itching to move, but there was nothing she could do. She was told that if she overdid it now, she might never be able to hold a sword again. She frowned, ring at the center of the training ground. Her roommate followed her gaze. ¡°He¡¯s crazy, right? He¡¯s been like that for an hour.¡± ¡°We got beaten up together, but I don¡¯t know why that bastard is so fine. It¡¯s unfair.¡± It was Beric. He was covering the training ground with sandbags attached. Running, rolling, getting scolded by Captain Jeirutt, charging with a sword and getting beaten. He had been repeating this for an hour without rest, but showed no signs of fatigue. Her roommate shook her head, fumbling for a cigarette. ¡°You at least have the excuse of being injured, but I¡¯m perfectly healthy and still can¡¯t keep up with that guy¡¯s stamina. What would have happened if he hadn¡¯t been stabbed in the stomach?¡± Barsabe let out a sigh somewhere between envy, surprise, andmentation, dropping her head. Seeing this, her roommate patted her shoulder yfully tofort her. ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. If you feel bad, your wounds will heal slower. There are rumors that he¡¯s not human, you know.¡± It was a rumor that had spread from Captain Jeirutt¡¯s background check on Beric. Of course, the starting point was Beric¡¯s miraculous recovery ability and behavior that was unlike any normal person. Barsabe frowned and sneered. ¡°Not human? That¡¯s funny. I¡¯ll admit he¡¯s a dog, though.¡± ¡°I¡¯m leaning towards that too. The more I look at him, the less human he seems. Haha.¡± How many people must have seen Beric¡¯s naked body while treating his ruptured organs and mangled limbs? If he wasn¡¯t human, there should have been some peculiarities left on his body. Instead of vague rumors, more concrete and certain words would havee out. ¡°Is that why Captain Jeirutt is pushing him like that?¡± ¡°Pushing? He¡¯s been beating him up all day.¡± ¡°¡­Have you ever seen the captain move unnecessarily?¡± At Barsabe¡¯s question, her roommate just shrugged. Beric and Xiaoshi were almost the only outsiders apart from the Imperial Guard and Defense Department. Nevertheless, Captain Jeirutt was instructing them along with the Imperial Guard and made no effort to hide it. Thwack! ¡°Aaaah!¡± Sure enough, along with a clear striking sound, Beric¡¯s scream rang out. The troublemaker had been hit by Captain Jeirutt. Everyone had been sneaking nces at Beric while pretending not to, but now they openly turned to look. ¡°It hurts, old man! Look!¡± ¡°¡­What the fuck?¡± ¡°No, look! Look at this! Bump! Bump!¡± Thwack! Beric clutched his forehead and fell forward. His body was already soaked and limp with sweat, so this was a ploy to lie down and rest. Realizing this, Jeirutt clicked his pocket watch in warning. ¡°If you don¡¯t get up in 1 minute, you¡¯re banned from the training ground from now on.¡± ¡°Aaaaargh!¡± It was a scream mixed with annoyance, but his body was diligent. Beric jumped up and swung his fists in the air. Even without looking, it was clear who he was imagining. ¡°Oh, really. Just wait until I be captain!¡± ¡°¡­Haa, haa.¡± As Xiaoshi tried to pass by, breathing heavily, Beric rolled over to block her path. While Beric was swinging his sword and making a fuss, Xiaoshi was diligently carrying out the basic training as ordered by Jeirutt. Beric gripped his sword, sidling up to her. ¡°Xiao, finished yourps?¡± ¡°¡­Still, two more, left.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s say you¡¯ve done those, be my sparring partner. The other guys won¡¯t even look at me.¡± Xiaoshi wiped away her sweat and caught her breath for a moment. Isn¡¯t that obvious? Even if it¡¯s called sparring, it¡¯s still a small match where there¡¯s a winner and loser. What benefit is there inpeting with someone of no status? If you win, it¡¯s break-even; if you lose, it¡¯s a disaster of disasters. Most were facing promotions, so they had to be shrewd in choosing their opponents. And above all- ¡°Haa, haa, we¡¯re outsiders, aren¡¯t we?¡± There was underlying discontent. Who were these guys to use the Imperial Pce training ground, and why was Captain Jeirutt personally overseeing them? The preferential treatment was clear, and every time Beric caused amotion, the surrounding gazes became more aggressive. Well, the fact that Beric treated sparring like realbat was also one of the reasons they avoided him. ¡°So what if we¡¯re outsiders? We¡¯re going to be family soon anyway.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m going to finish myps.¡± ¡°No! Stop that boring running and spar with me! Spar! Let¡¯s swing swords properly! Xiao, I¡¯ll really go easy on you, it won¡¯t hurt. Okay?¡± Beric clung to Xiaoshi¡¯s trouser leg. Feeling troubled for a moment, Xiaoshi also stopped, thinking to rest a bit like this. Beric shook his body back and forth, shouting. ¡°Let¡¯s spar!¡± ¡°Hey. Why don¡¯t you shut your mouth?¡± ¡°Huh? Me?¡± ¡°Yeah. Who else is here besides you?¡± At that moment, a soldier from the Imperial Defense Department warned with a voice full of displeasure. Beric, still clinging to Xiaoshi¡¯s leg, turned his head to look at the person. ¡°Then will you spar with me?¡± ¡°¡­You? You ill-mannered bastard.¡± ¡°You called me ¡®you¡¯ first, idiot. One-second memory? If you¡¯re not going to spar, mind your own business and do what you were doing. Fucking bastard picking a fight.¡± As the tension rapidly escted, the surroundings became noisy. The Imperial Defense Department side vented their pent-up frustrations, saying that what they had been waiting for had finallye, while the Imperial Guard whispered and stepped back. ¡°Doesn¡¯t the Imperial Defense Department know about Beric?¡± ¡°If they were outside the pce at the time, they might not.¡± ¡°If they don¡¯t know, they should at least stay quiet. At least half-way decent.¡± Do they think the Imperial Guard is staying quiet because they¡¯re stupid? They know because they¡¯ve seen Beric spar with Captain Jeirutt. Not just his skills, but his strong obsession with winning makes the process quite unpredictable. It would only be their loss if they got injured before a promotion. And with Captain Jeirutt looking after him, they weren¡¯t in a position to say anything. ¡°¡­Ah, sparring? Is this what you want?¡± Smack! Unable to control his surging anger, the man struck Beric¡¯s face. It was too sudden. Beric had been chattering away, and Xiaoshi was cooling off, pping her upper garment. Beric¡¯s head waspletely thrown back by the man¡¯s attack. ¡°You little shit, who do you think you are to keep acting up here? You¡¯ve been annoying me for days, and now¡¯s a good chance. I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯te back here. Sparring? Let¡¯s do it.¡± ¡°¡­Ahaha.¡± Swish. Blood trickled down Beric¡¯s nose as he straightened his head. But in contrast, his eyes were sparkling. The joy of finally finding a worthy opponent was palpable. Tap! Just as Beric was about to charge with his ck sword with all his might- ¡°Beric.¡± Jeirutt¡¯s voice stopped him. ¡°It¡¯s not sparring time now. There will be disadvantages if you cause amotion. And you. State your affiliation.¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m Hemp from the 294th unit of the 4th army of the Imperial Defense Department.¡± ¡°Soldier Hemp, the Imperial Guard is not sparring now, so you should stop and step back as well.¡± He nced at the sword stopped in mid-air, then bowed his head. He had no regrets, havingnded one good hit. If anything, he was grateful for being stopped. The man dragged his feet as he reluctantly returned to hisrades. ¡°Ugh¡­¡± Meanwhile, Beric¡¯s hand holding the sword trembled as he dripped nose blood. He was trying to endure as told, but it was really tough. He wanted to immediately plunge his sword de into that man¡¯s flesh, cut it up, and make him bleed. Grind. The sound of grinding teeth was clearly audible. The Imperial Guard knights whispered again as they saw this. That beast-like guy was actually listening to Captain Jeirutt? Unbelievable. But his temperament seemed unchanged. Beric threw down his sword and shouted in frustration. ng! ¡°Ah, fuck! This is really fucking shit! I got hit once! My nose is bleeding!¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t handle it, quit. No one¡¯s forcing you to do this. The training ground would be more pleasant without you. I¡¯d wee it, actually.¡± ¡°Jeirutt! Damn it! Just you wait!¡± Bang! Boom boom! He kicks the ground several times as if filled with anger. Xiaoshi handed water to Beric, who poured it over his head to cool down instead of drinking it. ¡°Hah, shit.¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re doing well.¡± ¡°This is doing well?¡± Xiaoshi nodded. Jeirutt was now teaching Beric discipline, and Beric was epting it. For someone who lived like a ruffian to wear a uniform, isn¡¯t this process essential? Xiaoshi knew from experience. To obey something, suppressing one¡¯s instincts is the beginning. ¡°If I knew it would be like this, I wouldn¡¯t have said those things at the start.¡± When they first came to the training ground, Jeirutt was closer to coaxing Beric. Just being a magic swordsman made him valuable. But- ¡®I want to be number one.¡¯ ¡®Everyone wants that. But in the end, those who achieve it are those who desire it more desperately than others. You only want strength. No matter how deep that desire is, your driving force is just that one thing.¡¯ ¡®So? Is there anything else besides that?¡¯ ¡®Beric, create meaning. Decide what you want to do with your strength. If you don¡¯t, it¡¯ll be hard to reach your goal, and even if you do, it¡¯ll be difficult to fully enjoy that joy.¡¯ Jeirutt¡¯s advice reminded him of that day. Beyond his father¡¯s violence and the attacks of robbers, that recent day. When Timothy asked if he and Ian were truly friends, and he was at a loss for words, unable to boast about anything. ¡°After all that talk, who knew he¡¯dpletely change his attitude and push me like this? Fuck, I¡¯ve been conned, really. I shouldn¡¯t have let Ian bring it up!¡± Crunch! Beric crumpled the water bottle and threw it far away. Then he ran off as if to vent his frustration. Xiaoshi, who suddenly lost her water bottle, sighed. Tap! And without another word, she started running again. Both of them wanted the same thing. To be selected and prove their worth. It was the way to benefit themselves and theirrades. Jeirutt watched the two with a whistle in his mouth. The Imperial Guard knights were also watching. Jeirutt blew his whistle hard and shouted. ¡°I see some cking off with their swords. Keep moving!¡± ¡°Yes, sir!¡± ¡°If you haveints, rise to the captain position! No matter how much you shout from below, I can¡¯t hear you!¡± ¡°Hyaah!¡± Tweet! The Imperial Pce training ground faced its noisiest days ever. Day and night, the challengers¡¯ battle cries never ceased as they strove to achieve their goals. *** And on that long-awaited day. It was the start of the talent selection exam that would take ce over two weeks. People with number tags on their chests were lined up, waiting to enter the training ground. Beric and Xiaoshi were among them. ¡°Enter in single file. Keep your order and spacing!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll call names from the front row. Go over there for a simple physical examination, thene for the basic fitness test. Those below the standard will leave the pce immediately, and those who pass, bring your name tags. We¡¯ll make a sparring schedule.¡± ¡°Quiet! Don¡¯t cause amotion!¡± ¡°You there! Leave your weapons at the entrance!¡± It was noisy, very chaotic. Beric grabbed Xiaoshi¡¯s arm, who was standing right in front of him, shaking it to release his tension and excitement. ¡°Wow, there are so many fucking people.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Huh? Xiao, look over there!¡± Beric turned Xiaoshi¡¯s head upwards. Familiar people were standing in front of the second-floor railing. Ian, Romandro, and Jin were watching the two of them. As their eyes met, Romandro waved both hands in greeting. It was encouragement to do well without getting hurt. Jin also carefully raised one hand, and Ian was just smiling with his chin resting on his hand. ¡°Iaaaan!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Xiao, you shout too. Sir! Romaandroo!¡± Although the call was buried in the noise, it reached Ian. He smiled and nodded. As if to say, well, let¡¯s see how well you do. Chapter 275 Chapter 275 ¨C Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket? Beric sat slumped on the ground, ring intently at the paper. He paid no mind to the curious nces of passersby. He held the paper up to the light, squinting and frowning repeatedly. Though he could now read names and numbers, the examiner¡¯s messy scrawl made it nearly impossible to decipher. ¡°Beric. This is my name. The 180 written here is my height, right? Then what¡¯s this 177 below it?¡± It was the medical examination form from the first screening. Having to process hundreds of people quickly, the examiner¡¯s handwriting had degenerated into illegible scribbles. Already barely literate ¨C to him, white was paper and ck was writing. Xiaoshi, who had been quietly listening beside him, shook his head. ¡°¡­Number 180, Beric. Height 177.¡± ¡°My height is 177? That can¡¯t be right. What about yours?¡± Swhish! Beric snatched Xiaoshi¡¯s form andpared the same section. His height was marked as ¡®179.7¡¯, recorded down to the decimal point. Beric jumped to his feet, waving the paper in protest. ¡°Are you kidding me? There¡¯s no way the height difference between me and Xiao is this big! And why didn¡¯t they give me a decimal point? I want to be measured again!¡± The examiner mechanically moved his pen, not even bothering to look at Beric. After all, wasn¡¯t he quite infamous in the imperial pce? The department in charge of proceedings had warned several times to be wary of the red-haired man, so it was easy enough to ignore him. With hundreds of people waiting in line, was this guy really trying to cause trouble now? ¡°Next!¡± ¡°Hey!¡± ¡°There¡¯s a standard chart in front. Please check your examination form against it. Those with any disqualifying factors can exit through the door on the right. Thank you.¡± ¡°Listen here!¡± ¡°Mixed-race individuals with physical peculiarities should report separately and receive a new standard chart. Those without disqualifying factors can exit through the door on the left. Next!¡± Kwang! The examiner stamped the form forcefully, as if telling Beric to just fuck off. One more word and he was ready to disqualify him on the spot. Sensing that dangerous line, Xiaoshi tugged on Beric¡¯s shirt. Let¡¯s hurry out the left door, he urged. ¡°Those who havepleted the physical test, excluding those below standards, submit your name tags!¡± ¡°You can put them in here. Numbers 101 to 200 line up first. If you don¡¯t want to participate in the duels,e this way to submit an application! You¡¯ll be assigned to the Imperial Defense Department. The Imperial Guard requires dueling as a mandatory item!¡± ¡°Even if you participate in duels, those below the ranking will also be assigned to the Imperial Defense Department!¡± ¡°Think carefully! No changes after submission! The duel format is being exined outside!¡± The training hall, usually one vast open space, had been partitioned with temporary walls to create separate areas for different procedures. From the ground floor it seemed like a maze, but from above theyout would be clearly visible. The two men blended into the crowd moving towards the physical examination. ng! Cheng! As they moved, bottlenecks began forming here and there. One was in front of a makeshift arena where Imperial Guard mage-knights were dueling for promotions. This was why Ian had personally stepped in. Magical safety control. High-levelbat always captivated people¡¯s attention and made their blood boil ¨C and this was directly rted to morale. Among the pce staff, not a single person called for them to step back. Rather, they made way so the crowd could fully enjoy watching the mage-knights battle. ¡°Wow. Unbelievable.¡± ¡°So that¡¯s how mage-knights fight. It¡¯s beyond imagination.¡± ¡°Mages must be even stronger, right? I heard they can rend the sky.¡± ¡°Is that even possible? That¡¯s too much, even for them.¡± ¡°No, if mage-knights can fight like that, what can¡¯t mages do? It¡¯s amazing, truly amazing. The rumors that one of them is equal to an entire army weren¡¯t lies after all. Hahaha!¡± ¡°Well done! Woohoo!¡± These were mage-knights. Those who serve the Emperor, protect the Empire¡¯s safety, and safeguard the daily lives of imperial citizens. With them around, there was nothing to fear ¨C the imperial citizens could rest easy, and those bing soldiers could take pride. This was the pce¡¯s intention. Without uttering a single word of encouragement, the crowd was already feeling something stirring in their hearts. ¡°What if he goes inside from there?¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay! There¡¯s still a chance! Ray! Pull yourself together!¡± ¡°The honor of the Imperial Guard is right in front of you!¡± The other guardsmen waiting their turn joined in the excitement, shouting encouragements. Fight! Keep fighting! While it might be for the captain¡¯s position, the ultimate goal was to showcase the pride of the imperial pce. And to endlessly pursue strength for that purpose. ¡°It¡¯s so, so cool.¡± ¡°I know. How many did they say they¡¯re selecting for the Imperial Guard?¡± ¡°The number wasn¡¯t made public. I guess you¡¯d have to be in the top thirty at least?¡± ¡°Top thirty? That¡¯s pretty tough.¡± ¡°That ce is known for its elite few. Not just anyone can get in. If there aren¡¯t many duel applicants, we might have a chance. Hmm, it¡¯s tempting.¡± They were always objects of reverence, but dressed in their splendid uniforms, they stood out even more. Enough to sway the hearts of those who had decided not to duel ¨C quite spectacrly so. Boom! Bang! Kwaaaaang! As the mage-knights¡¯ swords shed, they created a massive explosion. Acrid smoke shot up in all directions and fierce winds whirled about, but it didn¡¯tst long. Before it could reach the spectators¡¯ feet, it vanished without a trace. It was as if an invisible wall separated the crowd from the mage-knights. ¡®Magic! Was that Ian¡¯s doing?¡¯ Ziiing. Zing. Bang! ng! It was thanks to the mages standing on the second floor, maintaining magical barriers and ensuring safety. Beric looked around for Ian but couldn¡¯t spot him. Had he gone somewhere else? After rolling his eyes a few times, instead of Ian, his gaze locked with Jeirutt¡¯s. Tch, what rotten luck. Swoosh. Beric made a throat-slitting gesture with his thumb and put on a menacing expression. Just you wait, Captain Jeirutt. If I be captain after this selection, I¡¯ll really kill you. But Jeirutt simply ignored Bericpletely, standing ramrod straight as he recorded something on his papers. He was probably scoring the duelists. ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Ah, yeah yeah.¡± Xiaoshi tugged on Beric¡¯s cor, urging him on. Leaving the mage-knights¡¯ battle behind, they headed outdoors. Now they just had to take the basic physical fitness test, then eat and rest while waiting for the tournament brackets to be announced. Peeeeep! It was Barsabe. Apparently, she had volunteered to help out since the staff was shorthanded. Beric tried to greet her cheerfully, but Barsabe firmly ignored him, separating public and private matters. ¡°Line up!¡± ¡°L-line up!¡± Peeeeep! ¡°The basic physical fitness test will focus on the following: strength, endurance, explosiveness, agility, and flexibility! First up are two types of running tests.¡± This was where it really began. From here on, the scores would actually count. Other participants started stripping off their shirts, showing off their intimidating physiques and engaging in subtle psychological warfare. In contrast, Xiaoshi simply bounced lightly in ce to warm up, while Beric didn¡¯t even do that much. ¡°Nyaaaaargh!¡± He just let out strange battle cries with his arms and legs raised. His antics were apparently quite amusing, asughter erupted here and there. Barsabe tongued the gap where her mr used to be as she put the whistle to her lips. Anyone else might be fine, but Beric, who had done this to her, absolutely must not fail. Peeeeep! ¡°Uwaaaaah!¡± With the whistle st, the young men surged forward with vigor. It was an unusually scorching midday at the imperial pce. *** Unlike usual, only officials were present on the second floor. Staff members moving through the upper level since they couldn¡¯t cross the chaotic ground floor, mages overseeing safety with protective barriers, and¡­ ¡°That one¡¯s skills are quite decent.¡± ¡°Indeed. Especially his endurance. Yes.¡± ¡°That technique just now was particrly good. I think it deserves bonus points. It¡¯s rarely used in actualbat, but it¡¯s worth preserving. Ahem.¡± The superiors of the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department were observing the duels. In reality, the Imperial Guard¡¯s higher-ups consisted only of Jeirutt and his right-hand man, while the Imperial Defense Department had as many heads as there were affiliated units, so the ratio difference was significant. Still, since the Imperial Guard had priority, everyone was busy adding theirments while watching Jeirutt¡¯s reactions. Someone among them frowned and pointed to one side. ¡°But that one over there¡­¡± ¡°Is that really a duel going on right now?¡± Despite the distance, something was particrly noisy. While other arenas resounded with battle cries, that one seemed filled with all sorts of cursing and random noise. It was the kind of uproar that could onlye from a one-sided beatdown due to an overwhelming difference in skill. Thwack! Thud! ¡°Duel? Yeah! This is what I¡¯ve been wanting! You bastard!¡± ¡°Ugh, urk¡­¡± ¡°Say what you saidst time!¡± ¡°Y-you son of a bitch-¡° ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m a son of a bitch! Why are you calling me?¡± Whack! The Imperial Defense Department officers clicked their tongues and called someone over. With blood pooling on the floor, if left unchecked, a corpse might be carried out of the examination hall. ¡°Hey, who¡¯s that? Left side, second arena.¡± ¡°Ah, it¡¯s Hamp from the Imperial Defense Department¡¯s 4th Army, 294th Unit, and Beric. Both have currently won 4 matches to advance.¡± ¡°Imperial Defense Department members?¡± They weren¡¯t civilians, but soldiers already belonging to the Imperial Defense Department. Worried about all the top performers being snatched up by the Imperial Guard, they had urged select talents to participate in the duels as a face-saving measure. It was a strategy to showcase that the Imperial Defense Department also had such strong individuals, or that strong individuals aspired to join the Defense Department as much as the Imperial Guard. The scene of someone getting beaten to a pulp wasn¡¯t part of the n, though. ¡°He¡¯s going to kill someone at this rate, let¡¯s stop it here. And didn¡¯t we say to go easy on the Imperial Defense Department participants? We asked to arrange the brackets carefully to avoid this. Who on earth-¡° The officer was about to ask who had arranged the brackets like this when he suddenly stopped. He had recalled the name Beric. The right-hand man of the Minister of Magic and the mage-knight who apanied Prince Jin. An attendant showed a troubled expression and nced to the other side. ¡°Ooooh! Beric¡¯s doing great! One-two, one-two punch! Ian, no! Sir Ian! Look at this! That¡¯s the bastard who bloodied Beric¡¯s nose!¡± ¡°Yes, I see. Sir Romandro. But before that, please look at this. Compared to two years ago, the number of participants has tripled. It¡¯s twice as many as we expected. Do you have any idea why?¡± ¡°Hmm. Well. I haven¡¯t heard anything specific. Could it be because we exceptionallybined the Imperial Guard selection this time? The Imperial Guard¡¯s sry is significantly higher than the Imperial Defense Department¡¯s, so that might have enticed people. It would be good to conduct a survey among the participants to find out. Knowing the reason could certainly help with future troop recruitment.¡± ¡°I think so too. Let¡¯s report this to the Prime Minister as well.¡± As Ian handed the report to a mage, Jin gently tugged on his sleeve. The snacks he had been holding were now empty. Jin smiled brightly, and Ian asked kindly. ¡°Your Highness. Did you enjoy them?¡± ¡°May I have some more?¡± ¡°Of course. Who would object?¡± ¡°Beric! Beric! Woohoo! You bastard, that was really cool! One more! Oh my, all that meat-feeding paid off! Well done!¡± Romandro punched the air, cheering loudly for Beric. Jin also pped his hands in surprise, while Ian continuously received reports from the Ministry of Magic and the management department. Swoosh. Ian flipped through the bracket, counting how many more duels Beric and Xiaoshi would have to fight. Based on the current scores given by the officials, Beric was definitely in the lead, with Xiaoshi hot on his heels. ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°What is it? Is there a problem?¡± When Ian asked with a questioning tone, Romandro leaned in to look at the documents. Then, he muttered in a shocked voice. ¡°Oh my, what¡¯s this? Who arranged the brackets like this? Doesn¡¯t this mean Beric and Xiaoshi will face each other? Why on earth?¡± ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be safer for both the Imperial Guard and the Defense Department to eliminate one of them before the top ranks are decided? And¡­¡± It was obvious who had arranged it without even looking. Ian raised his head to look at Captain Jeirutt. He must have been watching this side too, as their gazes easily met. ¡®Interesting.¡¯ As Ian waved the documents, Jeirutt ced his hand on his chest and gave a simple bow. As if to say he wouldn¡¯t deny it. Chapter 276 Chapter 276 ¨C Each Other¡¯s Purpose ¡°Uwaaaaargh!¡± Beric roared with one foot nted on the belly of hispletely knocked-out opponent. He savored his victory, giving yful winks to the spectators, then turned his head towards the second floor where Ian was. Romandro and Jin had risen to their feet, apuding. ¡°Beric! Well done! You rascal!¡± ¡°Good job, Beric.¡± Ian, however, seemed to be working, exchanging documents with a mage. Beric grinned broadly and winked at them too. Look here, I won! Romandroughed uproariously and waved his hand, as if telling him to stop that nonsense. Creeak. As he descended from the arena, Xiaoshi handed him a towel and a water bottle. While Beric had merely worked up a sweat without a single injury, Xiaoshi¡¯s body was covered in wounds. It was hard to believe he had actually won his matches. No, with injuries like that, wouldn¡¯t it be more urate to say he lost even if he won? Beric gulped down water and asked: ¡°Xiao, are you okay? I saw you taking hits constantly earlier. What¡¯s wrong with you? What if you get hurt somewhere and can¡¯t fight in the next match?¡± Minimal strikes. Xiaoshi had adhered to that rigorously. Even if it meant enduring more, he couldn¡¯t bring himself tounch unnecessary attacks. No, it would be more urate to say he didn¡¯t want to. He knew all too well how terrible the pain of violence was from his time as a ve. When Xiaoshi silently offered the towel, Beric shook his head. ¡°I just can¡¯t understand you at all!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Winners,e this way to sign the consent form for the next duel.¡± ¡°Oh, okay okay! Winner Beric,ing!¡± Beric eagerly ran to grab a pen at the staff member¡¯s call. When he had briefly asked Xiaoshi earlier, he¡¯d said there were injury-rted precautions written on it. Though he couldn¡¯t read, what mattered was that drawing a picture in the nk space below would allow him to participate in the next duel. No reason not to do it! Beric drew a picture of a cow and then his eyes sparkled. ¡°What¡¯s my current rank?¡± ¡°Just a moment. The evaluation scores haven¡¯te down yet. You were 47th earlier, so I think you might have entered the top 30 now.¡± Regardless of wins and losses, the evaluation scores from the officials watching from the second floor also affect the rankings. Beric turned towards Captain Jeirutt and shouted: ¡°Old man! Give me lots of points! I¡¯m on a winning streak!¡± ¡°Noisy. Deducting points for attitude.¡± ¡°Aaargh! Are you crazy, seriously. D-d-don¡¯t you know how to separate public and private matters?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know about ¡®public and private matters¡¯. But I do know about public and private.¡± Jeirutt clicked his tongue and noted under special remarks: ¡®Lacksmon sense, most thoughts rted to food.¡¯ And then¡­ ¡°Beric. Did you read the consent form for the next duel?¡± ¡°Huh? I can¡¯t read, you know?¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll have to add illiteracy as well.¡± ¡°No way, you¡¯re deducting points for that? It¡¯s fine if I can¡¯t read!¡± ¡°That¡¯s just your opinion. The problem with ignorance is that the ignorant don¡¯t know they¡¯re ignorant. And Beric, think about it. If your opponent knows you, but you don¡¯t know your opponent, wouldn¡¯t that make for a very difficult fight?¡± ¡°Huh? It¡¯s fine as long as I win, right?¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯ll have to addck ofprehension too.¡± ¡°I get it! I get iiit!¡± Just as Beric was jumping up and down in protest, an announcement came from behind. ¡°Participant Beric, please return to the arena you came down from. The duel will begin immediately.¡± ¡°Uncle Jeirutt! Watch closely! I¡¯ll show you that not knowing how to read isn¡¯t a problem! Then erase all those point deductions!¡± Tap tap tap! Beric bounded up the stairs, taking two at a time. Now that he¡¯d properly warmed up, he was going to crush his opponent this time! Beric swiveled his head around, keenly sensing the changes in his surroundings. Who could it be? That guy? Or that one? Ah, who is it? Creeak. He heard the sound of the door closing. Turning around, he saw Xiaoshi standing there. Beric tilted his head in confusion, then blinked. ¡°Xiao?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°Damn, who the hell made these brackets?!¡± Even as he shouted this, Beric looked up at Jeirutt. His expression was a strange mix of bewilderment, amusement, trouble, and wee. ¡°They made it real interesting.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°But it pisses me off.¡± Swoosh. Beric raised his fists and took a fighting stance. Hadn¡¯t he always been pestering Xiao for a duel? It was good to have the opportunity, but it was frustrating to think that one of them would have to lose. ¡°Xiao, you know me, right?¡± I won¡¯t go easy on you, so give it your all. As a gleam appeared in his red eyes, they seemed to spark with fire. Xiaoshi also took his stance and nced up at the second floor. ¡®Is this the Master¡¯s will?¡¯ No. That couldn¡¯t be. It would be beneficial for both Beric and himself to advance to the higher ranks in this situation. If that was the case, then this must be someone else¡¯s intention¡­ ¡®The goal might be to cut one of us off early, or to cause injuries and physical exhaustion through this process. Beric seems to think it¡¯s Captain Jeirutt¡¯s intention. Could that be true? If it¡¯s the Captain, it could also be part of another test. Specifically, to evaluate Beric rather than me¡­¡¯ Peeeeep! The whistle signaling the start of the duel pierced the air. Simultaneously, Beric charged in like a whirlwind. Xiaoshi instinctively stepped back, dodging the punch. ¡°Xiao! That one-hit stuff doesn¡¯t work on me! So!¡± The wind brushed past his ear. Was that truly a human¡¯s punch? Xiaoshi agreed with Beric¡¯s words. Unlike with others, he couldn¡¯t aim for a single decisive blow while taking hits like that. Even one solid hit could be fatal. Xiaoshi focused on constantly circling the arena, dodging Beric¡¯s attacks. ¡®If only one of us, Beric or me, can advance¡­¡¯ Ian was watching them. He had even stopped reading his documents. Xiaoshi gritted his teeth. If only one of them could advance, of course it should be Beric. His very existence as a mage-knight made him valuable. In contrast, he was just a worthless former ve. ¡®Should I forfeit so he can advance without either of us getting injured? What about Captain Jeirutt¡¯s evaluation? If it¡¯s Beric, he could make up points in other duels-¡® ¡°Xiao! You¡¯re not focusing!¡± ¡°¡­Ah.¡± Beric snapped with an irritated look. Even though their attacks hadn¡¯t connected, he could sense that Xiaoshi¡¯s mind was elsewhere. ¡°I¡¯m going to be number one! Then I¡¯ll kill Captain Jeirutt! And eat tons and tons of meat!¡± Everyone turned to Jeirutt in shock at the mention of killing the captain. But he remained unfazed, continuing to write something down. Beric got up on his tiptoes, getting closer to Xiaoshi. ¡°And with Ian-!¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Thwack! Bam! And with Ian, what? Just as Xiaoshi thought this, the attacknded. Taking a direct hit to the face, Xiaoshi tumbled backward. Romandro covered Jin¡¯s eyes, while he himself winced and let out a groan with his eyes tightly shut. It was truly hard to watch family members fighting like this. Though Beric, who was actually fighting, seemed unbothered. Swoosh. Jeirutt impassively scribbled with his pen. Beric¡¯s identity as a suspected descendant of the Atan tribe. His belligerence bordering on madness, disregard for life, raw morality, and so on. These were characteristics utterly uneptable for someone in the imperial pce. Though Ian was nurturing him and letting it slide for now, it couldn¡¯t be overlooked if he joined the Imperial Guard. Jeirutt watched Beric with a sharp gaze. ¡®The Imperial Guard serves close to His Majesty the Emperor. The Atan tribe¡¯s habits are too dangerous to keep nearby. Beric, it¡¯ll be trouble if you don¡¯t show a different side.¡¯ Thwack! Thud! Xiaoshi was family, living together with Ian at the center. Based on human emotions, the key was whether he showed potential. ¡®Ah, shit.¡¯ Beric could feel Jeirutt¡¯s gaze on the back of his head. Though he had interpreted the intention differently. ¡®It seems like he¡¯s watching to see if I can beat up even a friend. Shit, shit, shit¡­¡¯ Thwack! Thwack! He threw his punches with even more force. Xiaoshi¡¯s blood spurted thickly, but Beric felt like he was losing strength as he went on. It wasn¡¯t fun. It felt strange. Something, something¡­ ¡°This feels gross.¡± Realizing this, he felt his fighting spirit dete sharply. Beric turned towards Jeirutt, irritated. ¡°You bastard!¡± ¡°¡­What?¡± ¡°This is too disgusting, I can¡¯t do it. Don¡¯t live your life like that!¡± And he even showed his middle finger. It was a clear expression of how bad he felt. Jeirutt raised an eyebrow and hastened his pen movements. ¡°What¡¯s so unpleasant? You¡¯re winning, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know! I don¡¯t know, okay! You dirty old geezer. I¡¯ve been calling you ¡®uncle¡¯ all this time, but now you¡¯re not even an uncle anymore!¡± Personality defects, insolence, rough speech, and so on continued to be written down. But- ¡°How can I keep beating up Xiao? You crazy bastard! End it already!¡± When Beric shouted this, Jeirutt paused. After a moment¡¯s consideration, he crossed out ¡®raw morality¡¯ under Atan tribe habits. Beric kept yelling to ring the bell, but Jeirutt didn¡¯t allow it. ¡°Who says it ends on your whim? Your opponent hasn¡¯t forfeited or lost consciousness.¡± ¡°What kind of bullshit¡­¡± Beric frowned and turned around. Wasn¡¯t that Xiaoshi, beaten to a pulp, coughing as he stood up? Rustle. Jeirutt flipped the pages and pulled out Xiaoshi¡¯s evaluation sheet. His skills were decent, but he hadn¡¯t shown aggressiveness to a problematic degree. Is a soldier who gives his all for minimal attacks truly beneficial to the imperial pce? ¡®Well, if he can give his all, he¡¯d certainly be suitable as a guard. Lord Ian does have an eye for people. His skill in using them in the right ces is also impressive.¡¯ Xiaoshi wiped the blood trickling down his face and looked up at Ian. As if asking what he should do. But instead of an answer, Ian only offered encouragement. ¡°Xiao. Do as you wish.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± It was fine to forfeit. It was also fine to keep fighting. He was no longer a ve, so he needed to decide for himself. Xiaoshi spat out the blood that had burst in his mouth and muttered. ¡°¡­Beric.¡± ¡°What?¡± You fight for the reason of ¡®with Ian-¡®. I fight for the reason of ¡®to Ian-¡®. More precisely, to show Ian that the self he threw into freedom is living well. As Xiaoshi took a fighting stance, Beric scratched his head vigorously. You want me to keep beating you up in that state? Whoosh! But what could he do? He couldn¡¯t just let it go when his opponent hadn¡¯t given up. As Beric charged in, Xiaoshi focused all his nerves on following his trajectory. One strike. A single chance that wouldn¡¯te twice was the only way to win. ¡°Ah, really!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± As Beric closed in and threw a punch, Xiaoshi dodged once more. This time, he didn¡¯t step back. Instead, he dove into the opening, getting in close under Beric¡¯s body. Thwaaaack! Whack! Their fists connected simultaneously with each other¡¯s jaw and side. A tremendous impact sound echoed far and wide. The spectators frowned as if they had been hit themselves, slowly opening their mouths. The sound of impact was not just brutal, but awe-inspiring. How could it make such a noise? It was the sound that only urred when attacks connected perfectly without any error. Boom! Peeeeep! The whistle signaling the end of the duel. Romandro let out a regretful groan while tightly gripping Jin¡¯s arm, and Jin clicked his tongue as well. ¡°Oh dear, this is¡­¡± ¡°Who won? They both passed out.¡± ¡°Beric probably won. Even if they both lost consciousness, he had umted attack points before that. It¡¯ll likely be a decision victory.¡± Swoosh. Ian closed his file of documents and stood up, approaching Captain Jeirutt. He had been doing his job until the very end of the duel, assigning scores. ¡°Captain Jeirutt.¡± ¡°Yes, Minister.¡± ¡°Well, are you satisfied with the results you wanted?¡± ¡°¡­There was more to gain than I expected.¡± As he moistened his lips and spoke, Ian smiled faintly. If he had told him in advance, he could have shown him what he wanted in another way without losing manpower. It was a cute trick, but it couldn¡¯t be overlooked. Ian spoke in a low voice, as if warning: ¡°Be careful. The talents of the imperial pce belong to His Majesty the Emperor, not to you.¡± Chapter 277 Chapter 277 ¨C Criticism Beric regained consciousnesste that afternoon, as the day was waning. He suddenly sat bolt upright as if struck by lightning, causing Romandro to spill the tea he was drinking. ¡°Oh my, you startled me.¡± ¡°What? What¡¯s going on with me?¡± ¡°What do you mean ¡®what¡¯? You just woke up after passing out, you fool. Are you feeling alright? Anything hurting? The doctor came by and said fortunately there¡¯s no infection.¡± There wasn¡¯t anything particrly painful, but he couldn¡¯t remember a thing. He was sure he¡¯d been on a winning streak, pushing forward in the rankings, and he¡¯d crushed that bastard Hamp, and with Xiao¡­ ¡°Ah. Xiao!¡± His mind shed, bringing back fragmentary memories. Xiao getting beaten by him, that dirty old geezer Jeirutt, the non-stop duels, Ian¡¯s encouragement, and so on. Beric felt his body and muttered with a serious expression. ¡°Damn. I think Xiao spiked my water.¡± ¡°You¡¯re, you¡¯re still not fully awake, I see.¡± ¡°This feels exactly like the morning after gettingpletely wasted.¡± ¡°Usually, we call that getting knocked out cold after taking a hit to a vital spot.¡± Knocked out cold from one hit? Him? Beric blinked in disbelief. No way! Honestly, if there was one thing he was confident about, it was his ability to take a hit! As Beric tried to get up, kicking off the nket, Romandro pushed him back down by the chest. ¡°Today¡¯s schedule is over. You¡¯ll be fighting to your heart¡¯s content starting tomorrow, so take care of your body. As time goes on, you¡¯ll be facing more skilled opponents. They¡¯re all people who¡¯ve climbed up by stepping on others, just like you.¡± ¡°Did I win?¡± ¡°Yes. You won.¡± It was a decision victory, but a win is a win. Unlike Beric, Xiaoshi will only have a couple more duels to determine his final ranking, while Beric will be pushing for the top over the course of nearly two weeks. Beric flopped back down and asked: ¡°Is Xiao badly hurt?¡± ¡°He¡¯s been beaten to a pulp.¡± Beric hugged his pillow and groaned as if something didn¡¯t sit right with him. Romandro, who was preparing medicine, nced at him knowingly. Surely, this was the first time Beric had shown such a reaction after fighting someone? While Captain Jeirutt¡¯s methods might be arbitrary and questionable, they seemed incredibly effective. They had drawn out emotions no one thought Beric possessed. He recalled what Ian had told him. ¡®Beric¡¯s skills are excellent. He¡¯s more than qualified for the Imperial Guard, so Captain Jeirutt will likely continue to test him. After all, they can¡¯t keep a dangerous Atan tribesman close to the Emperor. But if Beric keeps showing this side of himself like today, he¡¯ll gain eptance eventually. It¡¯ll be tough, but that¡¯s how everyone has to live, and Beric wille to realize this someday too.¡¯ His voice had been calm but slightly regretful, as if he knew everything. Romandro handed over lukewarm water and medicine, then stood up. ¡°Take this quickly and get some more sleep. The doctor said your wounds are fine, but you¡¯re severely fatigued. Keep in mind you have a long schedule ahead, and I¡¯ll have food ready when you wake up.¡± ¡°¡­Do you dislike me for beating up Xiao?¡± ¡°What nonsense are you spouting? You really haven¡¯te to your senses yet.¡± ¡°Then why are you being so kind? It¡¯s creeping me out, like you¡¯ll never see me again.¡± ¡°Canceled! Canceled! Get your own damn food.¡± ¡°Uwaaah. Sorry. Sir Romandro, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Beric slid off the bed and grabbed Romandro¡¯s trouser cuffs. He yfully let himself be dragged along with Romandro¡¯s steps. Then, smacking his lips, he cautiously asked: ¡°Is Ian okay too?¡± ¡°Yeah. Now let go of this!¡± ¡°Yes! I want beef!¡± Reassured that everything was fine, Bericy back on the bed contentedly. Romandro pretended not to hear, but it was okay. Even if he acted like this, he wasn¡¯t stingy with food. In fact, since Ian covered all food expenses, he didn¡¯t have the authority to refuse anyway. ¡°Just take your medicine properly!¡± ¡°Okie-dokie. Look, I¡¯m taking my medicine!¡± Creeak! Bang! Though Beric gulped down the water, the door closed firmly. Romandro let out a small sigh as he walked towards the room where Xiaoshi was lying. Since it was after work hours, the corridor was quite deserted. ¡°Romandro.¡± ¡°Your Highness. Why are you out here?¡± ¡°I heard the doctor was examining him.¡± Jin was sitting on the corridor window sill, looking outside. The sunset was so red that it tinted his silver hair pink. Jin nodded, as if asking after Beric¡¯s condition. ¡°That guy¡¯s sturdy body is his greatest asset, so he¡¯s fine. I saw him waking up in the middle. He should have no problem with tomorrow¡¯s duels.¡± ¡°Is that so? That¡¯s a relief.¡± ¡°You¡¯re worried about Xiao, aren¡¯t you?¡± Faint, unconscious screams could be heard through the door crack. Though he had lost consciousness, it was an instinctive sound of pain. Unlike Beric, Xiaoshi¡¯s body couldn¡¯t receive healing from mages. He had no choice but to endure everything on his own. ¡°But Your Highness, weren¡¯t you with Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Ah, Lord Ian is¡­¡± Jin smiled awkwardly. He had gone to report on the first day of talent selection at the grand council, but he still hadn¡¯t returned. Romandro clicked his pocket watch in confusion. It was well past the time he should have finished ande back. Such a dy meant the meeting was running long, and there was a high probability that Ian was holding the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department ountable. ¡°Your Highness. I think I should go meet him.¡± ¡°Do so. Don¡¯t worry, both Beric and Xiao are safe.¡± Jin, who had been pitter-pattering behind Romandro, paused slightly and asked: ¡°But, does Lord Ian seem angry?¡± ¡°Pardon? What did he say?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that, just a feeling.¡± ¡°Well-¡° Romandro knelt down to meet Jin¡¯s eyes. ¡°Beric and Xiao are currently the closest protectors of Your Highness, aren¡¯t they? Regardless of the intention, for something done without consultation, the results are not good. A gap has formed in Your Highness¡¯s safety.¡± Moreover, if the two of them advanced to the top ranks and stood out in their respective departments, it would surely be a great help to Jin in the future. But now they¡¯ve been nipped in the bud, s. Microscopically, this might be seen as a simple injury to bodyguards, but macroscopically, it could be viewed as a check on Ian and an obstruction of imperial authority. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If it¡¯s Lord Ian, he¡¯ll surely handle it well. The same goes for Beric. He¡¯ll win all his remaining matches for Your Highness¡¯s sake.¡± ¡°What do I have to worry about? I¡¯m just curious if there¡¯s anything I can do to help.¡± ¡°In that case, I should hurry even more to bring Lord Ian back. I have something to report as well. The replies to Your Highness¡¯s inauguration ceremony invitations sent to various countries have arrived at the central office. They say they¡¯re checking for any issues, so you should be able to receive them by tonight.¡± ¡°Oh, really?¡± ¡°Yes. You can review them with Lord Ian.¡± As Jin nodded with a smile, Romandro signaled the attendants to escort His Highness and headed towards the entrance of the Ministry of Magic. Though they were the usual group that always followed him, Jin felt oddly awkward. Because there was no one walking beside him. ¡°I¡¯ll take a walk before the sun setspletely and then return.¡± The doctor hadn¡¯te out yet. He didn¡¯t want to see Xiao suffering through treatment, and he thought Xiao wouldn¡¯t want to be seen either. But why was there no response? Jin turned around quizzically. ¡°¡­¡­¡± The attendants were simply waiting for Jin¡¯s steps with their heads bowed low. If it were Xiaoshi, he would have given some sort of response like ¡°As you wish¡± or ¡°That is not advisable.¡± Jin felt awkward and grabbed the end of his sleeve as he turned back towards the garden. Tap tap tap. Perhaps because the big event of talent selection was in progress, there were hardly any people in the Ministry of Magic. Most departments would probably have a simr atmosphere. Jin slowly strolled, feeling the silence. At that moment, he saw someone standing in the distance. ¡®A mage?¡¯ The robe was indeed from the Ministry of Magic, but he couldn¡¯t see the face. As Jin approached, the mage bowed to the child and greeted him. ¡°Your Highness, are you taking a walk?¡± ¡°Indeed. And you? Ah.¡± ¡°Do you remember me? I mentioned my name a couple of times before¡­¡± It was clearly a mage he had seen in passing a few times. But he couldn¡¯t recall the name. Since the mage said he had told him before, it was awkward to ask again. As Jin was pondering what to say, the mage cautiously suggested: ¡°I was just about to leave work. If it¡¯s not too presumptuous, may I walk with you?¡± ¡°There is only one path, how could I refuse? Let¡¯s walk together.¡± ¡°It¡¯s an honor, Your Highness. Actually, I¡¯ve been wanting to hear Your Highness¡¯s words like this at least once.¡± ¡°I always want to hear from you all. I still have much to learn, so don¡¯t hesitate to approach me.¡± The attendants were following behind, and they were walking within the Ministry of Magic. Having a brief conversation with a single mage was nothing out of the ordinary. It was as natural as having a meal. Jin walked with the mage, carrying only the difort of not knowing his name. It was a trivial event that wouldn¡¯t even remain in his memory. Surely. *** Outside the imperial pce, the atmosphere was festive due to the talent selection. Those who failed the test consoled each other, while those who passed celebrated among themselves. Orders for alcohol and meat poured in like a flood. This wasn¡¯t going to end in just one day. As days went by, people from the provinces who heard the news woulde up and fill the empty spaces. It was an evening filled with the endlessughter of innkeepers on the verge of breathlessness. But only outside the imperial pce. ¡®This is maddening.¡¯ The main hall of the imperial pce where the grand council was being held was like a different world, covered in a thickyer of thin ice. More than a few were breathing carefully, afraid that even the sound of swallowing might be heard. They looked at the Prime Minister, then at Captain Jeirutt, then scanned the Imperial Defense Department officers. But ultimately, their eyes alwaysnded on Ian Hielo, sitting to the right of the Prime Minister. The boy minister. Tok. Tok tok. Ian tapped the desk leisurely while looking down at the report. His coldly closed lips showed no sign of opening. Instead, he only extended the long silence, furrowing his brow from time to time. ¡°W-why is he acting like this? On such a good day.¡± ¡°I know. The number of participants is far higher than expected, and it¡¯s been a sessful start in many ways. I just can¡¯t understand.¡± ¡°Shh. He can hear everything. Be quiet.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? They say the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department pitted Ian¡¯s two bodyguards against each other.¡± ¡°What? That mage-knight and the former ve?¡± ¡°They¡¯re His Highness¡¯s bodyguards now. Why on earth did they do that?¡± ¡°If Captain Jeirutt did it, there must be a reason, but, ahem. It is rather awkward.¡± Whisper whisper, the officials secretly shared information, trying to grasp the situation. But the more they did so, the more they realized there was nothing they could do. Ian lowered the report he had been reading in a low voice. ¡°¡­Captain Jeirutt.¡± ¡°Yes, Minister.¡± Ian finally spoke. Everyone perked up their ears and focused. ¡°I heard there was a dispute over the win-loss decision in the second promotion battle held by the Imperial Guard. Please exin this in detail. For reference, the controversy was reported not by insiders, but by spectators, so you¡¯ll need to provide a convincing exnation.¡± The sound of pens writing could be heard simultaneously from various corners. Since Ian¡¯s mood didn¡¯t seem good at all, the response needed to be precise without any margin for error. ¡°Also, Acting Minister of the Imperial Defense Department.¡± ¡°Y-yes, Minister of Magic.¡± ¡°I hear that the Imperial Defense Department added opinions regarding the creation of the tournament brackets. This is clearly the authority of the management department. Please exin how this came about.¡± ¡°W-well, that-¡° ¡°And the management department, please transparently disclose the criteria for creating the brackets and exin the matches that took ce today.¡± Ah. Damn it. The officials maintained their expressions while inwardly despairing. It didn¡¯t look like he was going to end this easily. Other officials nced at, or rather red at, Jeirutt and the officers, pressuring them. As if to say, why did you have to step up unnecessarily and cause this mess? Jeirutt stroked his beard and flipped through the papers awkwardly. ¡°¡­May I speak first?¡± ¡°Do so, and then we¡¯ll discuss the problems together and debate solutions. Since it¡¯s the first day, we need to identify as many issues as possible. To make the two-week test perfect, you see. The individuals selected during this period are the strength of the imperial pce, and thus the cornerstone of the empire.¡± Creeak. At that moment, the firmly closed door opened. The officials naturally turned their heads. They desperately hoped it would be their aides. Please, let some urgent matter havee up so they could leave early! ¡°Excuse me-¡° ¡®Oh god, shit.¡¯ ¡®It¡¯s Ian¡¯s aide.¡¯ But the protagonist was Romandro. He sheepishly scratched the back of his neck at the sudden flood of gazes. ¡°Lord Ian. I have something urgent to report.¡± ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°¡­!¡± Good heavens! Everyone gaped, trying to confirm if they had heard correctly. Ian frowned at Romandro. It seemed like he was asking if it was truly urgent, given that the meeting wasn¡¯t over yet. ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°The replies to His Highness Jin¡¯s inauguration ceremony invitations have arrived.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Ian briefly scanned the officials. They quickly managed their expressions and lowered their eyes. ¡°Prime Minister.¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± ¡°Regarding the agenda items, let¡¯s have Captain Jeirutt and each officer report individually and circte it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do that! We¡¯ll conclude today¡¯s meeting here.¡± Bang! Bang bang! As the Prime Minister readily agreed, the sound of breath catching could be heard from around the room. We¡¯re saved! The meeting is finally over! As Ian stood up first and left the conference room, sighs of relief burst out simultaneously. And then came the reproachful res directed at Jeirutt. Jeirutt raised both hands to indicate that he acknowledged his mistake. But he didn¡¯t regret it. And he wouldn¡¯t in the future either. Of course, he hadn¡¯t informed the officials who weren¡¯t in Jin¡¯s inner circle. Chapter 278 Chapter 278 ¨C Their Own Reasons The meeting had dragged on far too long. While everyone else hurried out, Captain Jeirutt remained seated. He endured the light reproaches from those passing by, only organizing the reports he needed to handle personally afterwards. He rummaged in his inner pocket, searching for a light to smoke his cigarette. A lighter appeared before him. It was Quintana. ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you going home? It¡¯ste.¡± ¡°What about you, Captain Jeirutt?¡± You must have something to say. Jeirutt bit down firmly on his cigarette and exhaled smoke. The Prime Minister hadn¡¯t left either. They seemed to be waiting for the conference room to empty, staying in their ces. Even the officials who had been throwing remarks at Jeirutt read the atmosphere and hushed as they exited. Creeak. Bang! Apart from the attendants waiting outside, only the Prime Minister, Quintana, and Jeirutt remained. Jeirutt tapped his half-smoked cigarette on the ashtray and asked: ¡°Do you have something to ask me, Prime Minister?¡± ¡°Captain Jeirutt. How long has it been since you entered the pce? If I remember correctly, it¡¯s been well over thirty years.¡± ¡°I entered when you were the Deputy Minister of Administration.¡± Jeirutt smiled slightly. Wasn¡¯t it such a long time ago? Back then, Barsabe¡¯s father Petraio was also around, and Riama and Beols trained together as peers. The days of striving hard for the honor of being the Empire¡¯s strongest and the glory of protecting the Emperor shed by in an instant. ¡°Thirty years. It¡¯s truly a long time. Jeirutt. I know you. You are a man of deep loyalty, intelligence, and strong will.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t scold me indirectly. I am a warrior.¡± The Prime Minister smiled, furrowing his brow slightly. Ian had already shown his difort and warned throughout the meeting, but the Prime Minister seemed to want to give one more admonition. Quintana watched the two of them and exhaled a faint wisp of smoke. ¡°It hasn¡¯t been long since the imperial pce settled down. I understand your intentions deeply, but this time it was a mistake. Why throw a stone into calm waters? Especially at a festive asion where the imperial citizens are gathered. Beric and Xiaoshi are His Highness Jin¡¯s right-hand men.¡± They are by the side of the lonely young prince. Yet to create such discord. The Prime Minister shook his head slightly and reprimanded. ¡°It¡¯s only natural that Lord Ian doesn¡¯t hide his displeasure.¡± ¡°Prime Minister. Regarding Beric and Xiaoshi. They are not His Highness Jin¡¯s right-hand men, but Lord Ian¡¯s. Please see clearly where their fundamental allegiance lies.¡± ¡°Jeirutt.¡± ¡°Beols-¡° Jeirutt brought up the name of Beols, one of the Three Great Captains, as if asking to hear him out. A knight who had protected the Emperor together, and a friend who had died pointlessly in the Arsen incident. ¡°Recently, I received a message from Beols¡¯ mansion. They said they found a small letter he left for me.¡± ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°I¡¯d like to ask you, Prime Minister. I really don¡¯t understand what Beols¡¯ intention was either.¡± Swoosh. Jeirutt took out a neatly folded letter from his breast pocket and ced it on the desk. A gesture to read it. Quintana unfolded the letter on behalf of the Prime Minister. -Jeirutt. If this has reached your hands, I must now be living in another world. This was written the night before His Highness Arsen¡¯s magical power confirmation ceremony. Jeirutt. I earnestly implore you, as a colleague and a friend. Please continue andplete the solemn duty entrusted to me. May only His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s authority stand firmly at the center of the world. Quintana paused briefly and nced at the Prime Minister. -No one in the imperial pce can arbitrarily increase their weight. Be it the ¡®Prime Minister,¡¯ the ¡®Minister of Magic,¡¯ or anyone else. Remember and guard this. If the horizon tilts, rocks will roll down. Those rocks will harm His Majesty the Emperor. The Prime Minister inwardly let out a small groan. Beols was the one who had been by the Emperor¡¯s side when he went into stasis. He was the one who had shouldered the Emperor¡¯sst concerns. In the Emperor¡¯s absence, he worried about potential rebellion taking advantage of the situation. Particrly, the Prime Minister and Ian, who didn¡¯t carry the royal bloodline, would have been the main subjects of concern. Dina was, after all, a member of the royal family. ¡°The role of the Three Great Captains is simply to ensure His Majesty the Emperor¡¯s safety, yet I don¡¯t understand why Beols had such concerns and passed them on to me.¡± ¡°Um, Jeirutt.¡± ¡°But surprisingly, I felt that the current situation in the imperial pce is flowing quite simrly to what Beols was worried about. You saw it earlier too.¡± When Ian showed his difort, everyone at the grand council prostrated themselves. This was certainly not normal. After going through civil unrest and the monster incident, Ian¡¯s presence in the imperial pce currently surpassed even the Emperor¡¯s. To say he surpassed the Emperor ultimately meant he had surpassed Jin as well. ¡°While I do feel somewhat sorry for making the meeting difficult, this is a self-inflicted wound. It¡¯s because other departments aren¡¯t fulfilling their roles properly that things havee to this.¡± Unlike other departments that were closely interconnected, the Imperial Guard was independent. The Imperial Guard was directly under the Emperor, and the appointment of the Three Great Captains wasn¡¯t even decided at the New Year¡¯s council. Only the Emperor¡¯s will. That alone was the core of the department and the guideline they had to protect and follow. Now, with the Emperor bedridden and the Prime Minister acting as his proxy, it was clear that this was still an area that couldn¡¯t be encroached upon. ¡°Beric and Xiaoshi are both skilled. But that¡¯s precisely the problem. Don¡¯t you know? The reason why Lord Ian sent those two to the selection.¡± It was to expand his influence by cing Beric in the Imperial Guard and Xiaoshi in the Imperial Defense Department. The Prime Minister couldn¡¯t reply and just kept fiddling with his beard. His head wasplicated with worries. The Emperor¡¯s stasis ¨C should he reveal this to Jeirutt as well, following Beols? Or should he maintain secrecy to the minimum? ¡°From my perspective, anything beyond this is dangerous. It¡¯s like a frog being boiled alive. No matter how much His Highness Jin follows Lord Ian, how can we know a person¡¯s heart? Think about the princes.¡± One of them swung a sword at his father, the Emperor, and another abandoned his lover himself. Really, I don¡¯t understand what a person¡¯s heart is. Quintana, who had been listening quietly, pulled the ashtray closer and tapped her cigarette. ¡°So Beric is worth the risk because he¡¯s a mage-knight, but Xiaoshi isn¡¯t?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not quite right, Deputy Minister Quintana. Have you ever observed Xiaoshi up close?¡± ¡°No. Only from afar when he¡¯s with His Highness Jin.¡± ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, Xiaoshi is particrly dangerous. Especially since his connection with His Highness Jin began on Lord Ian¡¯s orders.¡± Who does he truly consider his master? That was the crux of the matter, but unless you were the person in question, it was impossible to know for certain. And the less one knew, the more the potential for danger increased proportionally. The Prime Minister rested his sped hands on his forehead and muttered: ¡°I see. I understand your intention well, Jeirutt. Then, do you n to continue provoking Lord Ian bit by bit in the future?¡± ¡°Who else is there to do it? The other captains are no longer around.¡± Scattered forces gather for a single point. Currently, there was no force in opposition to Ian, so even if everyone else kept quiet and hid, if Jeirutt continued to step forward, they would ¡®recognize¡¯ it. That they could voice opposing opinions through him. And that they could keep him in check. Swoosh. Jeirutt ced his hand on his chest as if taking an oath. ¡°I will act solely for the royal family, or more precisely, for His Majesty the Emperor. It is predetermined that His Highness Jin will seed that position in the future. This is also for His Highness¡¯s sake.¡± Quintana smiled, both awkwardly and with interest. Both Lord Ian and Jeirutt im to be acting for His Highness Jin¡¯s sake, yet how can the results be so different? Their gaze may be fixed on the same point, but the paths they walk could be said to be exact opposites. The Prime Minister pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly. ¡®There¡¯s no need to reveal the Emperor¡¯s stasis. Whether Jeirutt knows or not, his stance doesn¡¯t seem like it would change. If he knew, he might be even more sensitive to Lord Ian¡¯s or my actions.¡¯ ¡°I understand. I get your intention for now.¡± Honestly, the Prime Minister had no reason to object. Jin¡¯s deep reliance on Ian was both too ideal and non-ideal. If even the tiniest gap were to form someday, could Jin endure it? Having someone step up to keep things in check and maintain tension was actually something to be grateful for from the Prime Minister¡¯s position. ¡°But I won¡¯t get involved. The path you¡¯ve chosen to walk, walk it alone.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t desirepanionship. If I were to stumble along the way, Prime Minister, you should take a different path.¡± ¡°Well, well. Then, what about Beric?¡± ¡°By my estimation, he¡¯ll likely ce around the top 10 and enter the Imperial Guard.¡± We need to handle this more carefully and closely. Jeirutt turned to the Prime Minister and ced his hand on Beols¡¯ message. It was as if asking if he had anything more to say about this. ¡°¡­I see. Let¡¯s adjourn.¡± ¡°¡­Yes. Please go ahead.¡± The Prime Minister pretended not to notice and stood up to leave the grand council chamber. Quintana, who was following behind him, turned back and added: ¡°Captain Jeirutt. Regardless of right or wrong, be cautious. When you focus too much on one thing, you might miss what¡¯s beside it. I¡¯m worried that in trying to peer into Lord Ian¡¯s heart, you might overlook His Highness Jin¡¯s tears.¡± I¡¯ll keep that in mind, Jeirutt nodded in response. As the two left, Imperial Guards waiting outside entered. As if saying it was time to leave. ¡°Captain. Shall we depart?¡± ¡°Yes. Take good care of this. As soon as we return to the office, I¡¯ll write up a report and distribute it.¡± Jeirutt handed over the documents to his subordinates with instructions. The selection festival wasn¡¯t over yet. He too had much work to do. *** Romandro followed behind Ian, along with an attendant carrying a golden tray. On the tray were letters from various countries. Responses to Jin¡¯s inauguration ceremony invitations. They were turning their steps, having heard that Jin was with Xiaoshi. ¡°How are Beric and Xiaoshi¡¯s physical conditions?¡± ¡°Hmm. Beric is fine as expected, but I¡¯m a bit worried about Xiao. After all, he can¡¯t receive mana except from healing mages.¡± ¡°Did they say it¡¯s very bad?¡± ¡°Not exactly. They say he¡¯ll struggle a bit. But from what I saw, that doctor seems quite serious. Ever since he saw Beric injured, he doesn¡¯t seem to consider anything short of that as a real injury.¡± Tap tap tap. The attendants standing in front of Xiaoshi¡¯s room quickly bowed as they noticed Ian and Romandro. The door opened as they announced their presence. Jin was sitting by Xiaoshi¡¯s bedside, reading a book. ¡°Lord Ian.¡± ¡°Your Highness. I heard you were here and came. The replies to the inauguration ceremony invitations have arrived. Let¡¯s read them together.¡± ¡°Ah. Yes. I was waiting for that too.¡± Ian carefully examined Jin. He thought Jin would be upset seeing Xiaoshi lying there like that, but he seemed better than expected. Jin sensed Ian¡¯s gaze and tilted his head. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Did everything go well? I thought you might have been ufortable without Xiaoshi.¡± ¡°Yes. It was fine. There are so many attendants following me.¡± ¡°¡­I see.¡± Romandro remembered Jin¡¯s expression as he watched the sunset by the window earlier. He seemed to be hurting more than anyone, but he never voiced it out loud. How admirable. Romandro opened the door, guiding Jin. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the office, Your Highness. It would be good to review the replies and briefly discuss what happened today and what¡¯s toe.¡± ¡°Yes. Let¡¯s do that.¡± Xiaoshi was lying straight, breathing evenly. Even when Beric was on the verge of death, his posture was a mess. Ian briefly looked at Xiaoshi¡¯s torn and bruised face, then moved the book from the bed to the desk. Swoosh. At that small sound, Xiaoshi opened his eyes. I wonder if he was pretending to sleep from the start. If he woke up at such a faint noise, he must have regained consciousness long ago at Jin¡¯s presence. Ian looked towards the door. Romandro and Jin were already out of sight. ¡°Master.¡± ¡°Yes, Xiao. How are you feeling?¡± ¡°¡­I¡¯m fine. Is everyone else alright?¡± What a meaningful and concise question. Ian pondered for a moment, then pulled up a chair and sat down beside him. Xiaoshi seemed not to know why he ended up like this. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about anything. You¡¯re the one who got hurt the most. Xiao. Do you have any idea how you ended up facing Beric?¡± ¡°For Captain Jeirutt to test us¡­¡± So you do know to some extent. Clever. Ian nodded in approval. Then, as if sharing a secret with Xiaoshi, he whispered softly: ¡°But, Xiao. There¡¯s a slightly more important reason.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because you called me ¡®Master.¡¯¡± Chapter 279 Chapter 279 ¡°I believe you¡¯ll understand what I¡¯m about to say well.¡± At Ian¡¯s words, Xiaoshi recalled. When he first wrote down his name, when he understood what the nobles were saying behind their fans, when he could distinguish the seals of different departments, and so on. Each instance had broadened his horizons and allowed him to see the world in more detail. Lying in bed, looking at Ian, he instinctively knew. Once again, his world was about to expand. ¡°An ideal imperial pce should have a strong emperor at its center, with a consistent distance between the powerful officials. But look at this ce now. Is there even one thing that matches what I just described?¡± The Emperor was bedridden, out of sight, and Ian stood at the center of all power. That power was overflowing, to the point where it wouldn¡¯t be strange if it engulfed someone. Even if that someone were Jin. ¡°As time passes, forces trying to keep me in check will band together. But you, while being by His Highness¡¯s side on my orders, call me your master. You¡¯re a dangerous figure to be cut off before even Beric.¡± ¡°¡­I understand.¡± ¡°So, Xiao. The time for you to choose is approaching.¡±Though he had already regained his freedom in status, Xiaoshi still seemed to stand between shadow and sunlight. Even when he resolved to move forward, he felt as if the shadow kept following him. He had overlooked that as time passed, the shadow grew longer. He needed to gather his strength and take a big step. Ian crossed his legs and instructed: ¡°If you want to be by His Highness Jin¡¯s side of your own will, it would be better to erase me from yourself. This is close to advice. His Highness Jin cares for you greatly, so having you around would be better in many ways. He¡¯s a lonely person, isn¡¯t he?¡± Xiaoshi raised his upper body. Ian¡¯s words were flowing like water. Too natural, yet seemingly slipping through his fingers, unable to grasp. Xiaoshi asked, as if tracing remnants. Ian was right in front of him, yet it felt like he wasn¡¯t there. ¡°¡­Why are you saying this?¡± ¡°Because the things that will happen in the future are issues that can¡¯t be proven, stopped, or confronted.¡± No matter how much one ims it¡¯s for Jin¡¯s sake, Ian will ultimately be kept in check. Once a flow is created, no one can stop it until new political results emerge. Then should one confront it? In Jin¡¯s Bariel, with whom? For what purpose? ¡°What should I do?¡± ¡°Nothing. Or anything.¡± ¡°¡­I don¡¯t understand why you¡¯re telling me this.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to think deeply about it. I know you, and you¡¯re someone close to His Highness, that¡¯s all. Also, I wanted you to know that your first attempt to step out on your own was thwarted because of the situation, not because of you.¡± At least someone who could be safely kept by Jin¡¯s side. That¡¯s what Ian thought of Xiaoshi. Isn¡¯t Jin a bit specialpared to other emperors? He has parents, yet doesn¡¯t, and the same goes for his power. Currently, if there¡¯s anyone who can support Jin, it¡¯s only Ian, but¡­ ¡®It would be truly precarious if he¡¯s left alone after the Ministry of Magic annex is built. Romandro is loyal to Bariel, but he has a precious family too. Beric is out of the question. In many ways, it¡¯s hard to find someone as suitable as Xiaoshi.¡¯ ¡°¡­Is it Captain Jeirutt? The one trying to check you, Master?¡± ¡°It¡¯s likely, but I¡¯m not certain yet.¡± At least, he hoped that those checking forces were truly thinking of the imperial pce and Jin¡¯s wellbeing. If they did, it would naturally distribute Jin¡¯s weight, currently focused on him, to others. Ian nodded once and smiled. ¡°Everything I¡¯ve said is based on the premise that you want to be by His Highness Jin¡¯s side. You have time to think.¡± The same goes for Ian. At least until the outline of the checking forces bes clear and the Ministry of Magic annex is built, he will stand firmly in front of Jin. Probably, the reaction of the opposition will be clear starting from the point of construction. ¡°Master.¡± You¡¯re calling me master again. Ian smiled as if scolding, but Xiaoshi didn¡¯t notice. ¡°¡­I wasn¡¯t frustrated.¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°I entered the selection because I wanted to find my usefulness as a human, not as a ve.¡± A ve has value just by existing. Because they have a definite price. But a human? They had to prove their existence and increase their value while living on their own. This was why Xiaoshi continued the duels despite his reluctance. If he won, and everyone wanted him, it would be the first time he stood in the world as a human. So, he wanted to show Ian. That he was enjoying the freedom Ian had spoken of. ¡°But you just told me again. There are many ways to show my value, so I¡¯m not frustrated.¡± ¡°As I said, it¡¯s premised on your choice.¡± ¡°Yes. I will choose.¡± Xiaoshi replied firmly. ¡°I have chosen.¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Ian nodded with a faint smile. He had found someone he could entrust Jin to with peace of mind, so it was something to wee. As Ian stood up, Xiaoshi quickly added: ¡°Lord Ian.¡± Not Master, but Lord Ian. Ian smiled as if he had heard something pleasant. ¡°So, Lord Ian, you should choose too.¡± ¡°Choose what?¡± ¡°Anything. Whatever you desire.¡± ¡°I¡­¡± Ian trailed off. What he wants to do? Reading books with Naum in the annex, hearing theughter of imperial citizens from inside a carriage, seeing sunlight and moonlight settle on Bariel. Ian murmured as he grabbed the doorknob. ¡°I have already chosen what I want, Xiao.¡± Creeak. As the door closed, Xiaoshi quietly stared at the wall and let out a small breath. ¡®Lord Ian had a different world.¡¯ Xiaoshi had glimpsed the world Ian was hiding, and because of that, his own world had expanded a little. He wasn¡¯t sure where Ian truly wanted to be. But one thing was certain: it wasn¡¯t here. *** ¡°In order, we have Ruswena, Clipoford, and the Kingdom of Burgos. The gift boxes were opened and checked below for any dangerous materials or unusual items.¡± Jin scrutinized the three letters ced on the golden tray. The texture was exquisite, befitting the dignity of kingdoms. And that¡¯s not all. The boxes that had contained each letter were filled with flowers and jewels. Jin impatiently tapped his foot. ¡°Why is Ian taking so long?¡± ¡°Indeed. Oh, here hees.¡± As Ian entered the office, Jin quickly gestured for him to sit. ¡°Lord Ian. Shall we read them now?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness. Bring a knife.¡± ¡°I want to open them myself.¡± ¡°That cannot be allowed. There have been cases of poison being applied to the paper.¡± Of course, if a kingdom dared to do such a thing to Bariel, it would immediately lead to war. But isn¡¯t it better to be cautious anyway? The waiting attendant carefully cut open the seal with a knife. Beneath it, a reply written in gold-infused ink was revealed. ¡°I will read it to you, Your Highness.¡± ¡°Yes, yes!¡± -To His Highness, 5th Prince Jin Verocion. We could see that spring has arrived in the great Bariel Empire, which shares our fate, through the invitation you sent. We sincerely congratte you on your official sessor appointment ceremony, and Ruswena is pleased to be able to join in this glorious asion. It¡¯s a formal reply. Probably not much different from the letters previous emperors had received. But for Jin, it was a first, and it would be a moment he wouldn¡¯t forget for a long time. The child¡¯s eyes sparkled as he urged to continue reading. ¡°Does it say the king ising?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I thought for sure he wouldn¡¯t-¡° Romandro, who was organizing things nearby, reflexively started to reply but stopped. ¡°¡­Lord Ian, did you say he¡¯sing?¡± ¡°Yes, Your Highness.¡± ¡°I-Ian. Did you just say he¡¯sing?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct, Sir Romandro.¡± Except for Ian, Romandro and Jin blinked with wide eyes. This waspletely unexpected. They had thought Elder¡¯s diplomatic mission would likely visit again! Romandro offered congrattions to Jin. ¡°Your Highness, congrattions. If the King of Ruswenaes in person, it will add significance to your appointment ceremony.¡± ¡°How, how strange. I didn¡¯t expect this at all.¡± ¡°Well, Your Highness is now the only prince, aren¡¯t you? It¡¯s better to move early and establish connections for the future. If the King of Ruswenaes, the scale will be enormous. We¡¯ll need to prepare more thoroughly than we thought.¡± Unlike the excited Romandro, Ian was just staring at the letter. He nodded to the attendant to open the remaining ones. Swoosh. The attendant ran his fingertip along the edge of the paper once before handing it to Ian. As Ian quickly read through the letter, his brow furrowed gradually, and even a sardonic smile appeared. ¡°Why, why do you look like that? Ian?¡± ¡°This has be interesting.¡± As expected, Clipoford had decided to send 1st Prince Noah to visit. The problem was Burgos. ¡°The king from Burgos is alsoing, it says. Ambassador Timothy will apany him.¡± ¡°From Burgos too? This is truly a festival! Your Highness, this is an unprecedented festival of grand unity!¡± As Romandro rejoiced sincerely, Jin also smiled slightly in response. But why did Lord Ian¡¯s expression look so unfavorable? Prince Noah is also a sessor, so if you think about it, all the leaders of each country are gathering to congratte Jin on his appointment. ¡°Lord Ian. Will you show me the letter?¡± ¡°Of course, Your Highness.¡± Jin received the letter, wanting to find out for himself rather than asking Ian why he looked that way. But he couldn¡¯t understand at all. Only the neat and elegant handwriting caught his eye, and content-wise, there was nothing particrly rming to be seen. ¡°Your Highness. Do you remember why I wanted to gather the leaders of each country in Bariel?¡± Ian, sensing Jin¡¯s intention, asked gently. The reason he had said it would be good if the king came personally instead of an envoy? ¡°It¡¯s not an emperor¡¯s coronation, but a prince¡¯s appointment ceremony. A king personally attending would lower their national prestige. Isn¡¯t it because they have no choice but to acknowledge being under Bariel¡¯s sphere of influence?¡± ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡± But on the other hand, it was because the current political situation in the imperial pce was chaotic. They must know that the pce had been locked down several times through civil unrest and the Arsen incident. It would be very troublesome if the countries surrounding Bariel on all sides harbored ill intentions. Ian wanted to prevent this by conducting solid diplomacy face-to-face and demonstrating that the imperial pce was still strong. ¡°It¡¯s not easy for the three kingdoms of Ruswena, Clipoford, and Burgos to gather in one ce. Even two countries sharing a border might be understandable, but this¡­ With our diplomats stationed in each country watching, how could they casually meet?¡± ¡°If the three countries formed an alliance, it would be somewhat burdensome even for Bariel. Maintaining an appropriate distance from each other is-¡° As Romandro was agreeing and adding an exnation for Jin, he realized it himself while exining. Ah, they¡¯re using Jin¡¯s appointment ceremony as an opportunity to gather all three countries at once. ¡°Their schedules ovep almost exactly, staying around the day of the appointment ceremony. Normally, if they were mindful of Bariel, this wouldn¡¯t be possible.¡± Even though he had given the invitation directly to the kings, it was a move made on the calction that it wouldn¡¯t be epted anyway. ¡°We¡¯ll have to keep a closer eye on the King of Burgos, though.¡± ¡°Why the King of Burgos?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a matter rted to the gypsies.¡± ¡°Ah. I heard. The one I saw in the park?¡± ¡°There¡¯s a possibility.¡± Burgos, right. Burgos was still somewhat uncertain, but Ruswena epting simultaneously? ¡°It seems they have some secretmunication among themselves. Just as we try to show the imperial pce¡¯s strength, they areing to see its gaps.¡± But if such a thing existed, they could have done it secretly as they¡¯ve always done. Showing themselves directly and giving such indications was a signal that they wanted to move to a different phase than before. After all, with the Emperor bedridden and the only sessor being a ten-year-old child, they must have thought there wouldn¡¯t be a better opportunity. The most likely scenario was a surprise alliance of the three countries. ¡°Then what should we do?¡± When Jin asked in a somewhat worried tone, Ian smiled slightly. It¡¯s actually a good thing. Even if theye to take advantage of the situation, the imperial pce is the one creating that situation. ¡°Your Highness, on the day of the appointment ceremony, you just need to smile more brightly than anyone else.¡± Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
  • MBSE Chapter 28
  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
  • MBSE Chapter 31
  • MBSE Chapter 32
  • MBSE Chapter 33
  • MBSE Chapter 34
  • MBSE Chapter 35
  • MBSE Chapter 36
  • MBSE Chapter 37
  • MBSE Chapter 38
  • MBSE Chapter 39
  • MBSE Chapter 40
  • MBSE Chapter 41
  • MBSE Chapter 42
  • MBSE Chapter 43
  • MBSE Chapter 44
  • MBSE Chapter 45
  • MBSE Chapter 46
  • MBSE Chapter 47
  • MBSE Chapter 48
  • MBSE Chapter 49
  • MBSE Chapter 50
  • MBSE Chapter 51
  • MBSE Chapter 52
  • MBSE Chapter 53
  • MBSE Chapter 54
  • MBSE Chapter 55
  • MBSE Chapter 56
  • MBSE Chapter 57
  • MBSE Chapter 58
  • MBSE Chapter 59
  • MBSE Chapter 60
  • MBSE Chapter 61
  • MBSE Chapter 62
  • MBSE Chapter 63
  • MBSE Chapter 64
  • MBSE Chapter 65
  • MBSE Chapter 66
  • MBSE Chapter 67
  • MBSE Chapter 68
  • MBSE Chapter 69
  • MBSE Chapter 70
  • MBSE Chapter 71
  • MBSE Chapter 72
  • MBSE Chapter 73
  • MBSE Chapter 74
  • MBSE Chapter 75
  • MBSE Chapter 76
  • MBSE Chapter 77
  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
  • MBSE Chapter 80
  • MBSE Chapter 81
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 84
  • MBSE Chapter 85
  • MBSE Chapter 86
  • MBSE Chapter 87
  • MBSE Chapter 88
  • MBSE Chapter 89
  • MBSE Chapter 90
  • MBSE Chapter 91
  • MBSE Chapter 92
  • MBSE Chapter 93
  • MBSE Chapter 94
  • MBSE Chapter 95
  • MBSE Chapter 96
  • MBSE Chapter 97
  • MBSE Chapter 98
  • MBSE Chapter 99
  • MBSE Chapter 100
  • MBSE Chapter 101
  • MBSE Chapter 102
  • MBSE Chapter 103
  • MBSE Chapter 104
  • MBSE Chapter 105
  • MBSE Chapter 106
  • MBSE Chapter 107
  • MBSE Chapter 108
  • MBSE Chapter 109
  • MBSE Chapter 110
  • MBSE Chapter 111
  • MBSE Chapter 112
  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
Chapter 280 Chapter 280 ¡°Excuse me. Where is the office of the Minister of Magic?¡± ¡°Go straight this way and then turn right once.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± ¡°But you¡¯re an Imperial Guard knight, aren¡¯t you? Is this about tomorrow¡¯s schedule? I¡¯m in charge, so if it is, we can go together.¡± Barsabe shook her head, arms full of reports. These were things that hadn¡¯t been wrapped up at the grand council earlier. It waste at night, but once dawn broke, things would be hectic. Honestly, it wasn¡¯t that important, but Captain Jeirutt had ordered to hurry and sort it out. ¡°No. These are reports from the grand council.¡± ¡°I see. Well then, good work.¡± ¡°Yes! Do your best tomorrow too!¡± The mage smiled and passed by at Barsabe¡¯s loud greeting. In truth, she was too tired to put much energy into it.Barsabe followed the mage¡¯s directions but then hesitated. ¡®Come to think of it, is the office even open now? It¡¯s my first timeing to another department thiste, so I¡¯m not sure. Usually, the duty officers receive these.¡¯ In the distance, at the end of the corridor, she could see an imposing door. A faint light seeped through the gap. Barsabe realized why the mage hadn¡¯t corrected her to go to the duty office. The Minister of Magic doesn¡¯t seem to know what leaving work means. It¡¯s a ce that¡¯s always open, without exception. How terrifying and surprising is that? Barsabe approached cautiously and made her presence known. Knock knock. ¡°Come in.¡± Not even asking who it is? Crazy. Were there reports he¡¯d been waiting for until now? Barsabe poked her head in and greeted him. ¡°Good evening, Minister. I¡¯ve brought the grand council reports.¡± Ian continued writing without even looking at Barsabe. It wasn¡¯t clear what work he was doing, but there were more old books than reports surrounding his desk. Ian gestured with his left hand for her to bring them over. ¡®A map?¡¯ Maps of different scales, foreign history books in their originalnguages, administrative department archives, official diplomatic correspondence from previous generations, and so on. Weren¡¯t these things outside the purview of the Minister of Magic? He didn¡¯t seem to be trying to hide anything, so Barsabe asked as she ced the reports down: ¡°It seems I¡¯vee at a busy time. Is this personal work?¡± ¡°It could be, if you say so.¡± Looking closely, they were maps of Burgos and the Kingdom of Ruswena. Sensing Barsabe¡¯s gaze, Ian looked up. ¡°¡­I apologize.¡± ¡°Curiosity shouldn¡¯t be a virtue for a knight.¡± ¡°Well, I, um¡­¡± Despite delivering the reports, she showed no signs of leaving. Ian put down his pen and raised an eyebrow. With much to do, his look said to hurry and say what she needed to say. ¡°Captain Jeirutt wishes to rectify what happened today.¡± ¡°Rectify? How?¡± ¡°I heard the biggest issue was His Highness Jin¡¯s guard, since Xiaoshi was injured. So, he asked if I might serve as His Highness¡¯s escort until he recovers.¡± ¡°You?¡± Ian asked back with a tone of disbelief. Barsabe ced her hand on her chest and gave the imperial pce bow. Swoosh! ¡°Though I¡¯m not in perfect condition myself, I¡¯m more than capable of substituting for Xiaoshi. I swear on everything I have, I will think only of His Highness¡¯s safety.¡± Ian tapped his fingers on the desk as he looked at her. The silence stretched longer than expected. Just as Barsabe, unable to bear the suspense, was about to add something¡ª ¡°Do so.¡± ¡°Pardon? Really?¡± ¡°¡­Was it a joke?¡± ¡°Of course not! How could I joke about such a thing!¡± ¡°We¡¯re short-handed due to the selection schedule. Since Captain Jeirutt said he would rectify it, I have no reason to object. But it¡¯s ultimately His Highness¡¯s guard. It would be better to get His Highness¡¯s permission rather than mine. It¡¯s toote now, so when the sun rises, go up to his chambers and ask.¡± ¡°Yes. I understand. Then¡ª¡± ¡°Barsabe.¡± She had started to leave but stopped and turned back. Unable to hide her expression of surprise at how easily she¡¯d received permission, she looked at Ian. Ian smiled slightly at her expression. ¡°Assisting with Beric¡¯s training will also be your responsibility.¡± Though he didn¡¯t duel, Xiaoshi had been doing everything he could for Beric. From the basics of providing water and towels, to participating in basic physical training like running and push-ups to help improve his records. Barsabe pursed her lips, clearly displeased, and muttered: ¡°I understaand¡­¡± Creeak. As the door closed, Ian closed his book and examined the report Barsabe had brought. It was faster than expected, better than expected, and as clear as expected. Ian smiled as he flipped through the pages. ¡®As I thought, Barsabe woulde. Rather than someone unfamiliar, you judged she would be more easily epted, Captain Jeirutt. But Barsabe might be a bit too clumsy to fulfill a role beyond just a guard.¡¯ Removing Xiaoshi from Jin¡¯s side and attaching an Imperial Guard member. This was clearly one method of keeping things in check. I told Xiaoshi it wasn¡¯t certain yet, but I¡¯ll have to correct that immediately. Jeirutt has made up his mind properly. ¡°But hecks a foundation.¡± Being able to respond to Ian meant being that much more independent from the imperial pce¡¯s circumstances. Standing alone, how could he have a foundation? Honor, power, and money. There¡¯s a reason these three are often bundled together. The Imperial Guard fits that description. They have honor, butcking power, they¡¯re still short. Scratch scratch. The sound of the pen tip moving across paper. Ian suddenly recalled the day he woke up in the Bratz mansion. He had organized his future ns then too, with indecipherable notes of Ian the illegitimate son. -Jin, Imperial Pce, Timothy¡¯s naturalization, Ministry of Magic annex, political situation of the three countries, appointment ceremony, Mnia and Rutherford merchant guild¡­ Like unraveling a tangled skein of thread, Ian made ns by pinpointing each fragmentary point one by one. Branches continued to spread out. The points where the fruits of cause and effect ripened and burst, and the points where new branches sprouted, were all calcted in Ian¡¯s palm. Cutting away, cutting away. And cutting away again¡­ ¡®No, this isn¡¯t right. If we do this, Burgos will¡ª¡¯ Swoosh. ¡®There¡¯s no precedent. It¡¯s too uncertain whether they¡¯ll ept the proposal or not. I¡¯m not sure how Jin would react then. Hmm. Rather than this¡ª¡¯ Swoosh. While there¡¯s nothing more foolish than trying to predict the future, building the future depends on will. With each stroke of his pen, dozens, hundreds of futures were created and disappeared. Until the best future was discerned, Ian continued to extend the branches of his thoughts. Knock knock. Creeak. As night faded and morning seeped in, the attendants lingered outside the office for a long time before making their presence known inside. Usually, Ian¡¯s order to bring in a meal would have been heard by now, but it was oddly quiet. They wondered if he might have copsed. ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Shh. He seems to be sleeping.¡± Ian was asleep, slumped over his desk. Whether he had dozed off without realizing it, he still held the pen in his right hand. The attendants scurried to bring a nket and cover him, cing the meal tray at the edge of the table. ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°No, why is there so much ash on the floor?¡± ¡°It seems he burned something.¡± ¡°In the middle of the night?¡± The hundreds of futures that had blossomed from Ian¡¯s hand. Those not chosen werepletely incinerated and disappeared. They had vanished again, without even knowing they had bloomed. And just one sheet. Only one sheet of paper remained under Ian¡¯s arm. It was the future he had decided upon. *** Days in the imperial pce flew by in a blur. Externally, the grand talent selection continued, while internally, preparations for Jin¡¯s appointment ceremony began. With the leaders of three countries all visiting, key departments, including the Administrative Department, were already on edge. ¡°Not there, over here! Are you not paying attention?¡± ¡°Gasp, I¡¯m sorry. There must have been some confusion in the transmission process.¡± ¡°How are the remaining matches for today? Can we finish before sunset? I heard there are two more promotion matches for Imperial Guard members scheduled.¡± ¡°The report I submitted takes that into ount.¡± ¡°Huh? Over there, why is the protective barrier so low? Ministry of Magic!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve gone to report to Lord Ian. Just a moment!¡± Jin munched on snacks, rolling his eyes continuously. Unlike the busy staff members, the child was leisurely watching the matches. It wasn¡¯t entirelyfortable having nothing to help with. To make matters worse, Barsabe was sitting beside him instead of Xiaoshi. ¡°Um, Your Highness. Would you like a drink?¡± ¡°No. I¡¯m fine.¡± Her posture, caught between discipline and tension, as she offered juice. Barsabe was doing her best to assist Jin, but the awkwardness and difort were unavoidable. This wasn¡¯t felt by just one side, but applied to both of them. Romandro gestured for Jin to look away. ¡°Your Highness. Over there, it¡¯s Xiao.¡± ¡°Oh. I see. It¡¯s starting.¡± ¡°Xiao! Do well! Don¡¯t get hurt!¡± ¡°If he wins here, he¡¯ll be 3rd grade, right?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right. Since there are too many below 100th ce, they¡¯re assigning separate grades. He showed good performance before facing Beric, so there¡¯s reason to expect good results.¡± ¡°Xiao! You must not get hurt! Be careful of injuries!¡± Jin stood up to cheer. The examination hall was bustling with noise. With shouts and battle cries erupting from all around, it was hard to even hear the person next to you, but all the officials on the second floor heard Jin¡¯s voice. They were watching closely. Among them were Jeirutt and Ian, who was working. Peeeep! The whistle signaled the start of the match. Jin, not taking his eyes off Xiaoshi, asked: ¡°What about Beric?¡± ¡°He has a match right after this.¡± It was Barsabe who answered. She nced furtively towards Jeirutt. Honestly, she thought Beric¡¯s skills were truly extraordinary, but she never imagined he would enter the top 10. Barsabe bit her cheek with a subtle sense of defeat. ¡°Didn¡¯t he already lose once to an Imperial Guard member?¡± ¡°The top 10 skilled individuals will continue to be verified over several rounds. Probably¡ª¡± ¡°Xiao! Well done! That¡¯s it!¡± Xiaoshi nted his fist into his opponent¡¯s jaw. Unlike before, it was a much more aggressive attack. Watching them exchange clean punches, Romandro¡¯s blood seemed to boil as he kept shouting. ¡°Xiaooo!¡± Thwack! Thud! Whack! Thick blood spurted. His movements were such that one could hardly believe he was an injured person. The spectators¡¯ cheers also gradually rose, noisily shaking the surroundings. As Xiaoshi drove his knee into his opponent¡¯s chest, the match ended. Xiaoshi, panting heavily, looked up to the second floor. On the left, Ian was looking down with the mages, and on the right, Jin was pping his hands. Swoosh. ¡°Xiao! Well done! You¡¯re not hurt, are you!¡± Xiaoshi ced his hand on his chest, looking towards Jin. Ian smiled faintly watching this scene. He then continued his discussion with the mage. Jeirutt, observing both him and Xiaoshi, spoke up. ¡°Every single one of your people is exceptional. Your eye for talent is remarkable, Minister.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to His Highness¡¯s virtues. Ah, Beric¡¯s match is next¡­¡± Ian muttered, flipping through the reports. Aren¡¯t the top 10 skilled individuals facing their final matches now? Once finished, it would mark a generational change in the Imperial Guard. Two new captains, and new members. And that means¡ª ¡®The lineup of captains that will be deeply etched in history will be determined.¡¯ Unless there were special circumstances, these would be the ones participating in the sh against the great monsters. Thus, they would bring about the downfall of the Atan tribe. The moment when new history is born. Ian smiled as if finding it interesting. ¡°Are you really going to step forward?¡± ¡°It¡¯s about selecting the captain position. If it¡¯s not someone I, as captain, acknowledge, it won¡¯t do. I¡¯ll examine them one by one starting from 10th ce¡­¡± Bang! Boom! Crash! At that moment, the training hall door was roughly flung open. Beric had kicked it open. He entered shouting a battle cry, with his ck sword slung over his shoulder. He was the first talent Jeirutt would personally verify. ¡°Uwaah! Beric is here!¡± ¡°¡­He¡¯s here.¡± ¡°¡­He¡¯s arrived.¡± Jeirutt and Ian muttered simultaneously. Beric pointed the tip of his sword at Jeirutt and grinned wickedly. As if thinking, what a great opportunity, especially after being pissed off by the recent incident. ¡°You dirty old geezer. I knew this day woulde.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t. You¡¯re tougher than I thought.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not about being tough, it¡¯s about being strong! I lost once, but shit, the weight ss difference was too big! Anyway, this is great. Come down quickly! I¡¯m going to examine you from head to toe. Let¡¯s go!¡± Even before stepping onto the arena, Beric was already releasing his magical power. The heat swirling from the ck sword instantly filled the training hall. Unlike previous matches, this was the first time the use of their own weapons was allowed. ¡°All thatplicated stuff about ranking methods, I can¡¯t understand it. If I beat you, old geezer, I be captain, right?¡± Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
  • MBSE Chapter 28
  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
  • MBSE Chapter 31
  • MBSE Chapter 32
  • MBSE Chapter 33
  • MBSE Chapter 34
  • MBSE Chapter 35
  • MBSE Chapter 36
  • MBSE Chapter 37
  • MBSE Chapter 38
  • MBSE Chapter 39
  • MBSE Chapter 40
  • MBSE Chapter 41
  • MBSE Chapter 42
  • MBSE Chapter 43
  • MBSE Chapter 44
  • MBSE Chapter 45
  • MBSE Chapter 46
  • MBSE Chapter 47
  • MBSE Chapter 48
  • MBSE Chapter 49
  • MBSE Chapter 50
  • MBSE Chapter 51
  • MBSE Chapter 52
  • MBSE Chapter 53
  • MBSE Chapter 54
  • MBSE Chapter 55
  • MBSE Chapter 56
  • MBSE Chapter 57
  • MBSE Chapter 58
  • MBSE Chapter 59
  • MBSE Chapter 60
  • MBSE Chapter 61
  • MBSE Chapter 62
  • MBSE Chapter 63
  • MBSE Chapter 64
  • MBSE Chapter 65
  • MBSE Chapter 66
  • MBSE Chapter 67
  • MBSE Chapter 68
  • MBSE Chapter 69
  • MBSE Chapter 70
  • MBSE Chapter 71
  • MBSE Chapter 72
  • MBSE Chapter 73
  • MBSE Chapter 74
  • MBSE Chapter 75
  • MBSE Chapter 76
  • MBSE Chapter 77
  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
  • MBSE Chapter 80
  • MBSE Chapter 81
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 84
  • MBSE Chapter 85
  • MBSE Chapter 86
  • MBSE Chapter 87
  • MBSE Chapter 88
  • MBSE Chapter 89
  • MBSE Chapter 90
  • MBSE Chapter 91
  • MBSE Chapter 92
  • MBSE Chapter 93
  • MBSE Chapter 94
  • MBSE Chapter 95
  • MBSE Chapter 96
  • MBSE Chapter 97
  • MBSE Chapter 98
  • MBSE Chapter 99
  • MBSE Chapter 100
  • MBSE Chapter 101
  • MBSE Chapter 102
  • MBSE Chapter 103
  • MBSE Chapter 104
  • MBSE Chapter 105
  • MBSE Chapter 106
  • MBSE Chapter 107
  • MBSE Chapter 108
  • MBSE Chapter 109
  • MBSE Chapter 110
  • MBSE Chapter 111
  • MBSE Chapter 112
  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
Chapter 281 Chapter 281 Jeirutt lightly vaulted over the railing to descend to the lower floor. Despite the height of several meters, his movements were light and precise. Imperial Guard members gradually gathered behind him. Each individual was imposing on their own, but collectively in their uniforms, they were overwhelming. Naturally, all eyes were drawn to them. This was such a natural flow of the scene that no one found it strange. Not even those conducting the examination. ¡°That¡¯s one of the Three Great Captains, right?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t we continuing the exam? He¡¯ll be disqualified.¡± ¡°Come on, just wait a moment. Everyone¡¯s stopped, haven¡¯t they? Do you know how rare it is to see something like this? We might only see it during monster battles, if we¡¯re lucky.¡± ¡°If we¡¯re lucky? What if we¡¯re unlucky?¡± ¡°If we¡¯re unlucky, we die as soon as we join the battle.¡± Whisper whisper, the murmurs grew louder. Isn¡¯t the position of the Three Great Captains an honor bestowed upon the strongest in the empire? Even the battles of ordinary mage-knights were eye-catching, so how much more impressive would a captain be? The anticipation was hard to contain. ¡°Beric.¡±¡°Why are you calling me? I won¡¯t go easy on you even if you ask.¡± Jeirutt rolled up his sleeves as he took off his uniform jacket. The way he rolled up each sleeve of his shirt was not just neat, but almost reverent. Though Beric was a ruffian, he was still an outside participant. Showing courtesy was the proper conduct for a host. ¡°I will go easy on you if you ask. Rein in your recklessness a bit, and try not to risk your life. Remember that you¡¯ve only recently risen from your sickbed.¡± ¡°Ugh. What¡¯s with the concern.¡± Beric waved his hand as if gagging. It was clearly a rejection and mockery. The Imperial Guard members frowned and were about to snap at him, but Jeirutt raised his hand to stop them. ¡°Were you so angry about being pitted against Xiaoshi?¡± ¡°Yeah! It felt like shit!¡± ¡°Do you know why I did that, and why you did it?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know. What good would knowing do? It¡¯s already happened.¡± Ziiiing! Ziiiing! Swoosh! Beric raised his ck sword as he dramatically increased his magical power. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly as his red hair began to flutter. Perhaps due to his slightly visible canines. He looked like a demon born from a pit of fire. ¡°Beric, move back further! There¡¯s no protective barrier there!¡± ¡°Damn it, is he even listening? Has he lost his mind? Expand the barrier!¡± ¡°L-Lord Ian!¡± The mages watching from above shouted in panic. Some quickly turned their heads towards Ian, as if asking him to stop Beric. But it was toote. Beric leapt into the air, swinging his sword. Once again, he shouted his determination. ¡°I¡¯ll be the captain-!¡± Bang! Kwaaang! It happened in an instant. Jeirutt grabbed Beric¡¯s face, released his magical power, and threw him backwards simultaneously. Beric, propelled by the explosion, tumbled and crashed into the protective barrier wall. A small cloud of dust rose. Jeirutt slowly walked towards him. ¡°This is supposed to be an exam. I¡¯d appreciate it if you followed the procedures, Participant Beric. Do not attack outside the boundaries, and unlike the duels so far, there are no restrictions on weapons. You can also forfeit, and if you be unable to fight, I¡¯ll stop the exam at my discretion.¡± ¡°Yeah. Mumbling to yourself. I can¡¯t hear a thing.¡± As Beric stood up, dusting off his clothes, an Imperial Guard member behind him couldn¡¯t hold back and berated him. Wasn¡¯t this behavior beyond insolent and bordering on brazen? It was utterly intolerable. ¡°Shut up! How dare you keep trying to climb above your station, not knowing your ce? You don¡¯t even understand the dignity of the captain¡¯s title, you ignorant fool!¡± ¡°Ignorant? If I¡¯m ignorant, then you¡¯re a blockhead.¡± ¡°W-what? B-block?¡± To think he¡¯d hear such words from Beric! Romandro and Jin burst outughing simultaneously. That man probably doesn¡¯t know. He has no idea how great an insult he just received in return. Beric pointed his sword at the Imperial Guard and shouted. ¡°You should be cheering for me! Think about it! If the old geezer dies here, the captain position bes vacant, right? Then three people can rise instead of two! Ah, you idiots, do I have to spell everything out for you? Tsk tsk.¡± A miraculous twist of logic. The Imperial Guard members gaped in shock. His way of thinking was truly unique. Judging by his performance, he¡¯d likely join the Imperial Guard, but do they really have to ept someone like him as a colleague? The Imperial Guard members all looked at Jeirutt at once. Their expressions of disgust were identical. ¡°This won¡¯t do. He¡¯s insane. That¡¯s grounds for disqualification.¡± ¡°Captain, please teach that bastard a lesson!¡± ¡°Yes, nothing else is needed. Just beat him half to death so he can¡¯t join. I¡¯ll work twice as hard to make up for his share. If possible, I¡¯ll even give up my sry. I¡¯m serious.¡± Beric whistled and winked at the members. He gave two or three consecutive winks especially to the one who said he¡¯d give up his sry. ¡°I¡¯ll remember you well. When I be captain, you¡¯ll work for free. I¡¯ll use that money to buy meat.¡± Peeeeep! The whistle blew piercingly. As if trying to cut off Beric¡¯s words. It was Romandro¡¯s action, judging that further argument wouldn¡¯t help either side with so many watching. Beric said he¡¯d been waiting, gripped his sword again, and charged at Jeirutt. Tap tap tap! ¡°You know what?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°The more holes in my belly, the stronger I get!?¡± Kwaaaang! Bang! Ziiing! Once again, Beric¡¯s attack stopped in mid-air. It was because Jeirutt had summoned his own sword. The lightning seen in the Chetur district bloomed again from all directions. shing streams of light swirled and gathered in his hand, quickly taking the form of a sword. Magical power dripping down. The drops that touched the ground bounced up sporadically. Crackle! Sizzle! ¡°Beric. Close your mouth. You¡¯ll bite your tongue.¡± ¡°The old geezer should be careful! Popcorn!¡± Jeirutt knows Beric well. Not just his skills, but his personality too. A spirit that won¡¯t be trampled even when stepped on, won¡¯t bend even when broken, and the talent to back it up. He was certainly talented. The fact that Jeirutt unleashed his magical power without hesitation was indirect proof of his acknowledgment of Beric. Kwaaaang! Bang! ng! Cheng! Every time their swords shed, it felt like heaven and earth were shaking. The transparent walls of the protective barrier vibrated, creating waves. Those watching from up close gradually stepped back. They thought they might die if the barrier broke. ¡°A-amazing.¡± ¡°The weight is different. It¡¯s, it¡¯s clearly different.¡± How is it that while they¡¯re making the impact sounds, a deep resonance forms in our hearts? The spectators watched their exchanges without even blinking. The inside was like a different world. Explosions of light and me bloomed, and smoke obscured the view. The figures of the two appeared and disappeared intermittently. Beric blocks, then Jeirutt blocks, Beric attacks, Jeirutt attacks¡­ ¡°Romandro. I can¡¯t keep up.¡± ¡°I-I can¡¯t either, Your Highness.¡± It¡¯s exhausting just trying to follow with our eyes. Yet they¡¯re exchanging blows multiple times in the blink of an eye. It¡¯s a connection of sword to sword without any excess. In a way, it could be seen as a form of art. ¡®No, damn it. How the hell is he enduring this?¡¯ Barsabe leaned her elbows on the railing and held her forehead. Hasn¡¯t it been a minute already? Having dueled with Jeirutt several times, she knew how long that time felt. She had barely managed to receive attacks while running away, but Beric was evenunching effective counterattacks. Ah, how could this be. ¡°Damn. What the hell is that bastard?¡± ¡°Captain! Don¡¯t go easy on him! You mustn¡¯t!¡± ¡°He¡¯s much lighter than when he first entered the pce. Is he really the type that gets stronger when he gets holes in his belly?¡± ¡°When he was injured, all the mages gathered to pour magic into him. That¡¯s why, why are you seriously believing such nonsense?¡± The fellow Imperial Guard members seemed to be wavering too. In hand-to-handbat, weight ss inevitably ys a big role, but hadn¡¯t Beric already recorded a high rank among them? It was enough to bring a subtle tension to those who had beencent about the top 10. Kwaaaang! Bang! That¡¯s when it happened. Beric¡¯s body flew out of the smoke and crashed into the barrier. Whether he was cut or not, he was tightly clutching his side where blood was gushing out. Blood trickled down, soaking the floor. ¡°¡­Ah, shit.¡± ¡°Beric!¡± ¡°Oh no, you fool! Your belly will split open again!¡± Jin and Romandro, noticing his injury, clung to the railing and shouted. But Beric only frowned, ring into the smoke. Damn that old geezer. If he was this strong in his old age, who knows how much stronger he was when he was young. Swoosh. Jeirutt appeared from the smoke. He walked steadily and stood in front of Beric. ¡°¡­!¡± ¡°Captain!¡± His left arm, the white shirt was soaked in blood. That wasn¡¯t Beric¡¯s blood. ¡°Just forfeit now, Beric.¡± ¡°Bullshit. Don¡¯t look down on me.¡± Do you want to take this to the end? Jeirutt clenched his fist and exhaled roughly. Though he was trying to maintain hisposure, it was clearly taxing. Beric was unpredictable yet reckless, quick, and on top of that, had good stamina. Swish! Jeirutt raised his sword as if cracking a whip. An attack swung down with all his might. Beric barely avoided it by rolling to the side, but the relentless pressure made him feel dizzy. A trail of blood smeared on the floor following his movements. ¡°Ah, shit!¡± ¡°Shut your mouth!¡± Every time Beric exerted force, blood gushed from his side. At this rate, he might end up rolling around the Ministry of Magic corridor for a while again. Just as Romandro was about to intervene and call for a stop¡ª Swoosh! ¡°Urgh!¡± The sword Beric swung properly cut Jeirutt¡¯s chin and ear. Not missing the chance as his opponent stepped back in surprise¡ª ¡°Huh?¡± ¡°What¡¯s he doing?¡± Beric also stepped back. Then he quickly looked up, ncing around, and upon spotting Ian, he jumped up. Everyone watched curiously, wondering what on earth he was trying to do. ¡°Ian!¡± ¡°¡­Beric?¡± Beric clung to the railing and stretched his other hand towards Ian. And very boldly¡ª ¡°Give me some magic power.¡± Was he actually asking for magical power? The Imperial Guard members were shocked and collectively protested. They even rushed forward as if to pull him down immediately. ¡°That¡¯s cheating! You, you coward!¡± ¡°Come down! Leaving the arena means disqualification!¡± ¡°Hey, disqualify him already! What are you all doing?¡± But Beric just picked his ear, pretending not to hear. If anything, he just sniffled as if ignoring them. ¡°Hey, blockheads.¡± ¡°B-block!? Block again? You bastard!¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what the old geezer said earlier? Don¡¯t attack from outside the arena, right? I¡¯m staying perfectly still. And he said to use any weapon we want without restrictions, right?¡± ¡°How is supplying magic power a weapon?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s not a weapon, is it meat? Even a stick rolling on the ground bes a weapon when you fight with it. If you¡¯re jealous, you do it too.¡± If only they could. Beric gestured for Ian toe closer. If he enters the Imperial Guard, or even more so if he takes the captain position, there¡¯s no need to mention how much Ian¡¯s influence would grow. That¡¯s tantamount to expanding the Ministry of Magic¡¯s power. In this situation, what mage would breathe magic power into the Imperial Guard? ¡°Ian, hurry. My side hurts.¡± ¡°Beric.¡± ¡°Come on. Hurry up. I¡¯m dying here. The old geezer is surprisingly spry for his age.¡± Even mimicking a solemn tone. Ian smiled wryly and shook his head. As if thinking he¡¯s utterly incorrigible. Swoosh. Ian approached Beric and grabbed his arm. The mages nearby also followed, flustered. ¡°Lord Ian. Is, is this okay?¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t vite the rules.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean¡­¡± This action not only announces to the world that Beric, who will enter the Imperial Guard, is Ian¡¯s subordinate, but also reaffirms it. Moreover, it¡¯s tantamount to a deration of war, saying he¡¯ll nt his influence in the Imperial Guard while risking controversy over preferential treatment. Even though the Ministry of Magic has been drawing attentiontely¡­ Ziiing. Ziing. Ian resolutely activated his magic and transferred it to Beric. His golden eyes shone as his hair fluttered slightly. This wasn¡¯t just for Beric¡¯s victory. It was a fuse to provoke a check. ¡°Go, Beric.¡± ¡°It feels good eating this after so long!¡± Whoosh! Beric jumped down with a satisfied grin. He could see the top of Jeirutt¡¯s head as he wiped away blood. Jeirutt reflexively raised his right hand to deflect the attack, but he could clearly feel that something was different. Crackle! Boom! Jeirutt¡¯s lightning-like magic sword was broken and shattered. Through the sparkling sparks, Jeirutt and Beric¡¯s gazes locked. Beric grinned and winked. ¡°Old geezer. I told you clearly earlier. I won¡¯t go easy on you.¡± Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
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  • MBSE Chapter 119
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  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
Chapter 282 Chapter 282 Kwaaang! Bang! Once again, shes of light flooded the arena. The tremors rising from the ground resonated even more heavily, and cracks began to form in the protective barrier due to the relentless attacks. The mages who noticed this shouted in shock. ¡°The barrier is breaking! Maintain it!¡± ¡°Everyone, please step back, it¡¯s dangerous. Hurry!¡± ¡°Focus on maintenance! Who¡¯s in charge of the left side?¡± Unlike the mages moving urgently, most people remained still, intently watching the match. This was especially true for the Imperial Defense Department executives on the second floor. They were leaning out over the railing. Wasn¡¯t this a crucial moment?If, just if, Jeirutt were to lose¡­ Kwaaang! At that moment, the two figures emerged from the smoke. Beric and Jeirutt were rolling on the ground, each gripping the other¡¯s neck with their left hand. Unlike Beric, whose sword was too long to effectively attack at close range, Jeirutt was unhindered. After all, his sword was pure magical energy without physical form. Jeirutt burst his magic at Beric¡¯s temple, sending Beric¡¯s head snapping at a right angle. It felt like a breath of fresh air. ¡°¡­Kuhak!¡± Jeirutt breathed roughly, massaging his own neck. They had both been strangling each other, yet why was he the only one on the verge of death? Jeirutt unconsciously thought that if he had been just a little slower, his neck might have been broken. It had been a while. This feeling. Bewildering, blood-boiling, and in a way, surprising. ¡°¡­Ha. Haha.¡± Beric was bleeding from his nose, mouth, and even ears. With everything below his eyes bright red, he looked like a monster that had just devoured a human. ¡°Ah, thought my head was gonnae off.¡± The Imperial Guard members remained silent, covering their mouths. Had they ever seen the captain bleed while dueling someone? Before that, had they ever seen him struggle like this? Certainly not. Perhaps the deceased Beols and Riama had experienced it, but at least in the current Imperial Guard, there was no one who could shake Jeirutt like this. ¡°Captain!¡± ¡°Beric. Don¡¯t you have any pride as a swordsman?!¡± ¡°This is cheating! Stop the match!¡± ¡°Lord Ian! We¡¯re disappointed. This is unfair!¡± The Imperial Guard members raised their voices in protest, but Ian remained calm and rxed. He deflected theints directed at him to the event organizer. ¡°Was there any unfair aspect to Beric¡¯s actions just now?¡± ¡°Ah, well¡­¡± It certainly couldn¡¯t be called fair, but it couldn¡¯t be called unfair either. After all, he had followed all the stated rules. There was a use prohibiting drugs, but magical power wasn¡¯t ssified as a drug. The organizers rushed to headquarters to confirm the protests from the Imperial Guard and other departments. Crackle! Crack! Bang! Kwaaang! At that moment, the continuous explosions suddenly stopped. Beric¡¯s sword was pressed tightly against Jeirutt¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple. And Jeirutt¡¯s sword had stopped mid-arc in the air. The two had simultaneously frozen, instinctively sensing that the match was over. As themotion that had been shaking the examination hall subsided, a surprisingly serene silence descended. ¡°What should we do? Continue? Or do you forfeit?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± Jeirutt sighed and raised his hand. It was a gesture of surrender. As he opened his palm, his magic sword disappeared, leaving only a faint trace. ¡°Woohoo! I won! I beat the old geezer!¡± ¡°B-Beric!¡± ¡°Sir Romandro! Did you see? Did you just see that? Amazing! Insane! Uwaaah! I love it! Ian! Did you see? I went like this, and I won! You bastards! I¡¯m the captain now!¡± Beric ran around wildly, shouting in celebration. The silence gradually broke. The crowd apuded and cheered enthusiastically, while the pce people murmured, sharing their bewilderment. In an instant, confusion swept in. ¡°Brother, wow, that was killer! You beat the captain! Your name¡¯s Beric, right? You¡¯re an unaffiliated mage-knight, right? My goodness!¡± ¡°That was incredible! Babam, bam! Wow, this is amazing.¡± ¡°Gasp. Is your side okay? The wound looks pretty deep.¡± ¡°It¡¯s fine! Now that I¡¯ve got a hole in my side, I¡¯ll get even stronger when this heals. Muhahaha!¡± ¡°Well, he¡¯s certainly not ordinary. Definitely not within normal parameters.¡± ¡°Captain! Captain! Are you alright?¡± ¡°Call a doctor! Captain!¡± ¡°We¡¯ve witnessed something rare. Someone surpassing the captain in a duel! Today, we absolutely, absolutely must have a drink!¡± The Imperial Guard members rushed to Jeirutt, supporting him. His arm was cut, and he had deep wounds in various ces. Jeirutt limped, refusing his subordinates¡¯ assistance. ¡°I can walk on my own.¡± ¡°Captain. This is your victory, Captain.¡± ¡°Yes. So please don¡¯t be too disheartened. We-¡° As his subordinates offered clumsy constions, Jeirutt¡¯s expression became genuinely displeased. He roughly wiped the blood trickling down his neck and replied: ¡°What are you all talking about? Have you forgotten the meaning of this match?¡± The main purpose of this selection was to choose two new captains. So naturally, Jeirutt had anticipated and even hoped for a match where he would struggle. After all, the Three Great Captains were ¡®colleagues¡¯ who would work together to protect His Majesty the Emperor and lead the Imperial Guard. He hadn¡¯t expected Beric to rise up like this at all. ¡°Hey, you! I remember your face clearly! Don¡¯t forget you¡¯ll be working for free when I be captain. Kuhahaha!¡± Beric stuck out his tongue at the Imperial Guard members, mocking them. A few of them, ovee with anger, put their hands on their swords, but their colleagues held them back. Was there any need to confront him? Even if there was, it was uncertain if they could. ¡°Enough. Ignore him.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s wrap this up and finish. Captain. Shall we move?¡± ¡°Imperial Guard Captain.¡± Ian called out to Jeirutt while leaning on the railing. In contrast to the staff running around behind him, he looked utterly rxed. It was easy to imagine how satisfied he must be, with his subordinate having bested the captain. ¡°Good work. I¡¯ll send healing mages to your department. There are still about nine left, so focus on managing them. If your physical condition isn¡¯t consistent, won¡¯t there be issues with fairness?¡± ¡°Look here, Minister! Are you giving us the disease and the cure?¡± Ian raised an eyebrow at someone¡¯s impulsive retort. His gaze instantly turned icy. It wasn¡¯tnguage fit for Ian to hear, whether by rank or status. Ian warned with a nod. His tone dripped with coldness. ¡°Be careful. I don¡¯t want to know your name.¡± ¡°I apologize, Minister. We¡¯ll receive treatment briefly and see you again.¡± Jeirutt stepped forward as if shielding his subordinate and greeted Ian in his stead. Then he hastened his steps to leave the training hall. The Imperial Guard members followed him, ncing back. More precisely, they were looking at Beric being carried on people¡¯s shoulders among the crowd. Their expressions unanimously showed deep concern for the future. ¡°Shall we get up too?¡± ¡°Yes, let¡¯s do that. Ahem.¡± The Imperial Defense Department officers exchanged nces and rose from their seats. They had formally congratted Ian, but that was all. Words without emotion evaporated and disappeared in an instant. ¡°This is maddening.¡± ¡°Shh. Lord Ian is still in sight.¡± ¡°What does it matter if he¡¯s in sight? He won¡¯t hear us anyway.¡± ¡°No, I could understand an Imperial Guard member, but a captain position? This has crossed the line. They¡¯re the ones guarding closest to His Majesty the Emperor. It¡¯s unthinkable.¡± The officers vented their worries and frustrations through clenched teeth. It was already undeniable that Ian was a power yer, having a firm grip on Jin, the future emperor, but now to extend his influence right next to His Majesty the Emperor? It was tantamount to cing the empire in Ian¡¯s palm. Those who didn¡¯t know about the Emperor¡¯s stasis kept shaking their heads, trying to deny the reality. ¡°This is too dangerous. Frankly speaking-¡° Frankly speaking, even if Ian were to assassinate the Emperor and the Prince, who could stop him? The imperial lineage could be cut off before anyone noticed. It was too close. They couldn¡¯t allow someone in the position right next to the Emperor. The officers exchanged nces, warning each other to be careful. ¡°Watch your words. There are still mages around.¡± ¡°Yes. I know. Haah, but still.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go see Captain Jeirutt first. We¡¯ll check on his injuries and sort out the schedule while we¡¯re at it. That would be best.¡± And let¡¯se up with a n. Isn¡¯t Jeirutt the only one who can stop this situation? He was the current captain of the Imperial Guard and had the authority to make decisions. The officers¡¯ boots all turned in unison towards one direction. Tap tap tap! The sound of their synchronized footsteps echoed through the corridor. People murmured but made way on both sides, intimidated by the officers¡¯ stern atmosphere. Though chaotic, everyone acted in their own way. ¡°Oh my, you rascal! Well done! Well done indeed, but that¡¯s enough,e up here! Your side is tearing open more! We need to treat it! Okay?¡± ¡°I got it! Sir Romandro, Xiao! Where¡¯s Xiao?! Oh, there he is!¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°I did well, right? Huh?¡± ¡°¡­¡­¡± ¡°This guy doesn¡¯t speak even at times like this. Maybe I should bite him.¡± As Beric showed his canines and yfully chided him, Xiaoshi just nodded briefly. Beric, hanging on Xiaoshi¡¯s back and continuing to make a fuss, prompted Romandro to step forward, deciding he needed to fetch him. ¡°Your Highness. Please wait a moment.¡± ¡°Very well.¡± Jin, who had been exchanging hand waves with Beric, suddenly turned towards Ian. He had expected him to be rejoicing, or at least smiling¡­ ¡®Lord Ian?¡¯ His calm gaze and expressionless lips were particrly striking. Perhaps because it was so noisy around, his solitary figure caught the eye even more. Ian was staring straight ahead. Though it wasn¡¯t clear what he was thinking¡ª Tap tap tap! ¡°Lord Ian?¡± ¡°Ah, Your Highness.¡± Jin approached and tugged on Ian¡¯s sleeve. As if the thoughts that had been freezing him solid suddenly shattered, Ian smiled. Ah, that¡¯s a relief. Though he didn¡¯t know what it was, it seemed like he had done well to interrupt Ian¡¯s thoughts. Jin urged him, pretending nothing was amiss. ¡°Let¡¯s treat Beric¡¯s wounds and return early today.¡± ¡°Yes. That would be best. It¡¯s quite chaotic, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°It must be in turmoil both inside and out. Since Captain Jeirutt lost to a neer.¡± Ian grasped Jin¡¯s hand in agreement. Then, meeting his gaze, he advised: ¡°Yes. There will probably be a lot of talk circting. Your Highness. You¡¯ll likely face somemotion too, so it would be good to steel yourself.¡± Though the meaning was ambiguous, Jin answered that he understood for now. Pleased by this, Ian yfully wrinkled his nose. Jin mimicked him, wrinkling his nose in return. *** ¡°Aha, it¡¯s true that people should earn their keep! This, this table might break! Huh? Eat before it breaks! I¡¯ll eat well! Yes, eat up!¡± Beric sat on the bed, shoveling meat into his mouth with both hands. The doctor wrapping bandages next to him frowned awkwardly, but Beric was not the type to care about such things. How could one stop someone who was ying both drum and gong, greeting himself? Romandro scolded him while picking up clothes strewn on the floor. ¡°If you knew you had to earn your keep, why didn¡¯t you do it earlier?¡± ¡°Sir Romandro. Come on, don¡¯t you know life can change in an instant? I just beat the captain, didn¡¯t I? If I be captain, huh? It¡¯s good for me, good for Ian, and good for you too!¡± ¡°How does your way of speaking be more and more like a street ruffian¡­¡± ¡°Kuaak. This is delicious! Ooh!¡± Ian watched this from the opposite table. Fortunately, the wounds don¡¯t seem too deep. ¡°Good job, Beric. I congratte you on your victory in advance.¡± ¡°Yeah. It was tough. But while you¡¯re at it, could you congratte me on bing captain instead?¡± Beric corrected him while tearing into the meat. But Ian declined with a slight smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that might be difficult.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? This time, when selecting for the captain position, they¡¯re including an internal evaluation from the Imperial Guard.¡± Thud. Beric dropped the meat he was eating. Romandro also remembered Jeirutt¡¯s statement at the grand council and let out a small exmation. Taking a lesson from Riama¡¯s betrayal, they said they would conduct a character evaluation within the Imperial Guard itself. ¡°W-what did you say?¡± ¡°Originally it was based primarily on ability, but this time it¡¯s a bit different. There were concerns at the time, but now everyone will probably be relieved. It could be called Captain Jeirutt¡¯s foresight.¡± ¡°No, damn it. How can there be such a thing?¡± Beric mmed the table while holding the meat. The doctor pinched his side, signaling him to please stay still. But Beric, regardless, clutched his head in frustration. ¡°Please, stay still!¡± ¡°Ah, if I had known this, I wouldn¡¯t have said I¡¯d confiscate their sries!¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem to be the problem, Beric.¡± ¡°Damn. I shouldn¡¯t have stuck out my tongue!¡± ¡°¡­Doctor, continue the treatment.¡± ¡°Aaaaargh!¡± The doctor pushed away Beric¡¯s iling arms above his head and tightly tied the bandage. His expression suggested he wasn¡¯t sure if he was treating a person or an animal. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
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  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
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  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 283 Chapter 283 On the road leading from the outskirts to the center, despite the dawn barely breaking, a long line of carriages stretched out. Each one was loaded with huge barrels of alcohol, dried meat, and cheese. Tavern owners came out to greet the coachmen. The aftermath of the previous night¡¯s festivities still lingered on the streets. People still sipping beer, those passed out and sprawled on the ground, and piles of garbage scattered about were evidence of this. ¡°This way. Thank you foring. We¡¯ve cleared out the inner warehouse, so please move everything there. Boys, the goods are here!¡± At the tavern owner¡¯s call, the staff began carrying the barrels. The coachman, sipping the soup handed to him, asked: ¡°But why did you order so much? It¡¯s at least five times more than usual. The horses had a hard time.¡± ¡°I know, I know. That¡¯s why I said I¡¯d give you a bigger share.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not for me to worry about, but will all this even sell? I heard the selection ended yesterday, and today¡¯s the wrap-up. People don¡¯t drink like this anymore. Even those who came up from the provinces seem to be heading back.¡± The owner clicked his tongue at the coachman¡¯s meddling. Neither the one selling the alcohol nor the one buying it had said anything, yet here was the delivery manining about the difficulty. ¡°Don¡¯t talk about things you don¡¯t understand. Haven¡¯t you heard the rumors? They say all the leaders from the three countries are gathering for His Highness Prince Jin¡¯s appointment ceremony, and everyone¡¯s in an uproar.¡±A prince¡¯s appointment ceremony itself was already a festival of festivals, but to have the leaders of three countries attend? It was impossible to even guess the scale of the diplomatic missions. ording to exaggerated rumors, it was said to be on the scale of an entire small country moving. And that¡¯s not all. Guests would be flooding in from all over Bariel, and this time, foreigners were expected to join the crowd as well. It would be a series of grand days iparable to the selection exam. ¡°When that timees, even if you want to buy alcohol, you won¡¯t be able to. That¡¯s why we¡¯re stocking up like this in advance. I¡¯ll be ordering about this much every day for a while, so brace yourself for some hard work.¡± ¡°You¡¯re making such a fuss when the selection just ended. The alcohol will go bad!¡± ¡°Why would the alcohol go bad? It gets better with age! Ah, if you keepining, don¡¯te! Should I ask them to send a different coachman?¡± At the owner¡¯s scolding, unable to bear it anymore, the coachman quietly got up and started carrying the barrels. How pathetic! The owner was inwardly snorting when he noticed someone half-sprawled on the tavern¡¯s threshold. ¡°Hey! Customer!¡± ¡°Uurgh¡­¡± ¡°Oh my, your face is a mess. Customer! The sun¡¯s up! Aren¡¯t you participating in the award ceremony today?¡± Beric half-opened his eyes and raised his head at the voice calling him. The owner frowned as if he had seen something he shouldn¡¯t have. ¡°¡­Award ceremony?¡± ¡°I remember you because you helped me make a lot of money yesterday. Shouldn¡¯t you hurry in? Didn¡¯t you say your master or whoever would scold you if you¡¯rete?¡± ¡°Ah! Aaaah! Ah!¡± ¡°What the.¡± He had been so sociable,ing into the tavern alone and sweeping through table after table in an extraordinary manner. From what he had overheard, it seemed he had achieved excellent results in the selection exam, and his master had rewarded him¡­ ¡°Horse! My horse!¡± ¡°Boy, bring out the customer¡¯s horse.¡± ¡°I¡¯m dead. Damn, I¡¯m screwed!¡± ¡°The customer says he¡¯s going to die. Hurry!¡± Beric sshed water from the table on his face as a makeshift wash. As soon as the horse came out from the stable, he frantically gripped the reins and kicked off. The horse, also seemingly not fully awake, staggered as it galloped down the street. The owner shook his head as he watched with his staff. ¡°My, whoever his master is, they must have a hard time.¡± ¡°He ate a ton too. He ounted for half of yesterday¡¯s sales.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I say, they must really have a hard time.¡± Clop clop clop! Thanks to the quiet dawn, Beric was able to ride unhindered. If he didn¡¯t get lost, he might be able to arrive before Ian noticed! Barely holding onto hope and expectation as he galloped, Beric spotted an old person crossing the road in the distance. If he kept going, it seemed he could just about pass by¡­ ¡°Huh? Huuh?!¡± The old person wasn¡¯t walking but crawling on the ground. Hunched over, even carrying a heavy bundle. Beric gripped the reins in surprise, and the horse leaped over. Neigh! ¡°Hey, shit. Wait a moment! Hey, are you alright?¡± ¡°Oh my, this old person¡¯s heart nearly stopped.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Really sorry. I was in such a hurry.¡± Beric dismounted and approached the old person. He didn¡¯t feel like he had hit them, but you never know, right? As he looked them over, checking for injuries, the old person just stared nkly at Beric. Feeling that gaze, Beric hesitated. The empty sensation at his fingertips. There were no legs. ¡°Gasp. That was close! Right, you weren¡¯t just crawling for no reason! Granny, I¡¯m really sorry.¡± Beric rummaged through his pockets, counting his remaining money. Ian had definitely given him a gold coin as pocket money and congrattory gift, but only a few copper coins remained. But since there hadn¡¯t been an ident, and it was just for startling them, wouldn¡¯t this be enough? ¡°It¡¯s not much, but go get some warm soup. It¡¯s the best for calming your nerves.¡± ¡°You fool, I don¡¯t take money like that!¡± ¡°Huh? Then?¡± The old person looked Beric up and down from under their robe. Then, as if satisfied, they clicked their tongue and started crawling away. ¡°That¡¯s enough. You have nothing to eat anyway.¡± ¡°¡­Damn, what the. Granny, do you eat people?!¡± ¡°Enough! Be on your way!¡± Beric grabbed the hem of the robe in shock, and the old person waved their hand to shoo him away. It was fortunate there was no one on the street. If there had been, it would have caused quite amotion. Beric clung to the old person, refusing to let go until the end. ¡°If it¡¯s not eating people, then what? What if you report meter after I leave? Ian will really scold me! At least take the money!¡± ¡°I said I don¡¯t take money! This old person, you brat!¡± ¡°Ah, really! Then what do you want me to do?¡± For someone without legs, they were annoyingly strong. Was it because he drank too much yesterday? Beric staggered, almost being dragged along. ¡°Okay. Okay, so let go of this and let me go.¡± ¡°Take the money and go.¡± Haah. The old person sighed and looked around. They wanted to hurry and hide before it got busy. ¡°I live on something other than money.¡± ¡°Shit, human flesh after all!?¡± ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± The old person snapped at him to shut up. They had seen countless people in their life, but never someone so stubborn. She snatched her robe from Beric¡¯s grasp and told him: ¡°But you have nothing to eat.¡± It was also the first time she¡¯d seen someone without secrets. Even children have secrets. In such cases, there are two possibilities. Either they¡¯re a being living without thought, or a being whose secrets are all exposed. Judging by his behavior, it was highly likely to be both. ¡°Secret? I have secrets!¡± ¡°¡­You probably think they¡¯re secrets only to yourself.¡± ¡°Damn, what, so, what do you want me to do?¡± ¡°If you really want topensate, bring someone else. Someone who seems deep in thought, speaks little, and whose inner thoughts you can¡¯t fathom would be ideal.¡± ¡°You¡¯re really a weird old person.¡± ¡°Who are you calling weird?¡± Beric moved the old person¡¯s bundle across the street and looked up at the sky. Dawn had not just broken, but fully brightened. If he got anyter, Ian might really scold him. ¡°Alright. Then where should I go?¡± ¡°Can you read a calendar?¡± ¡°No.¡± ¡°On the night when the half moon rises, meet me here.¡± ¡°Okay. Don¡¯t you dare report me before then!¡± The old person just waved their hand, as if begging him to leave. In the brief moment Beric mounted his horse and turned around, the old person¡¯s robe disappeared into an alley. How could they be so fast while crawling? Beric frowned, thinking he¡¯d seen the strangest old person ever. ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Neigh! And once again, he kicked off in a hurry. He¡¯d have to ride even faster to make up for the dy. As the imperial pce¡¯s main gate came into view in the distance, Beric waved his hand. The gatekeepers waiting for his entry immediately moved to open the gate. ¡°Thanks!¡± ¡°Hurry, Beric! Lord Ian just asked if you¡¯d arrived!¡± Gasp! Beric panicked and urged his horse on even more. In the blink of an eye, he reached the Ministry of Magic and practically flew up the stairs. The mages weed him, each throwing ament. ¡°Beric, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re justing in now?¡± ¡°Oh ho, you¡¯re crazy!¡± ¡°Shut up! Where¡¯s Ian?¡± ¡°Where else would the Minister be but his office?¡± Tap tap tap! Bang! Beric flung the door open without any warning. While Romandro was startled, Ian merely clicked his pocket watch. ¡°Am I, am Ite? Um, Ian. It¡¯s not that, there was an ident on the way-¡° ¡°Just barely. You made it with one minute to spare.¡± ¡°Whew. I thought I was dead.¡± As the tension dissipated, his hangover hit. Beric clutched his nauseated stomach and stumbled forward, and Romandro lifted him up, urging him on. ¡°Ugh, you reek of alcohol. How can the main character of the award ceremony look like this? Your hair¡¯s a mess, and your face is all puffy!¡± ¡°Someone of my caliber can handle this much.¡± ¡°And you¡¯re not even fully sober on top of that. Tsk tsk. Hurry up and get ready!¡± Romandro thrust a formal suit in front of Beric. It was the day of the year¡¯s winner and his official entry into the Imperial Guard! The attendants dragged Beric out, and Ian tapped the report. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead. Sir Romandro, pleasee with Beric once he¡¯s ready.¡± ¡°Alright.¡± How could there be an award ceremony without magical effects? Ian left for the main building, taking the waiting mages with him. *** The five hundred or so who had participated in the selection and achieved outstanding results were invited to fill the seats. Most had decided to join the Imperial Defense Department, while a few found meaning just in participating and looked forward to the next opportunity. Xiaoshi was one of them. He sat among the people, wearing clothes that Jin had personally gifted him. ¡°I heard the winner is quite young.¡± ¡°Yeah. They say he hasn¡¯t even had hising-of-age ceremony yet. Because he¡¯s a mage-knight.¡± ¡°He beat the captain, so he deserves to win. Then is he the youngest Imperial Guard captain ever?¡± ¡°No. I heard someone else is bing captain? I¡¯m not sure of the details, but it seems there¡¯s some disqualifying factor.¡± People murmured, bringing up Beric. Since that day, whenever two or more swordsmen gathered, Beric¡¯s story was always mentioned. It was a shocking event that shook the martial world. Xiaoshi looked up at where Jin and Ian were sitting. Jin was looking ahead with dignity, but Xiaoshi knew. The child was secretly ncing at Xiaoshi and smiling. ¡°Ah. It¡¯s starting.¡± Whirr. Whirr. The Prime Minister ascended the tform and grabbed the magical tool. His greeting softly spread to the ears of hundreds. ¡°¡­For the healthy national power and future of the great Bariel Empire, I extend praise to all who participated. The events that have continued over the past days were strong and powerful¡­¡± The Prime Minister¡¯s greeting. As always, it was utterly boring and old-fashioned. People inwardly swallowed yawns and let the words go in one ear and out the other. ¡°Therefore, we will bestow awards on those who have shown particr excellence in this selection test. Those whose names are called, pleasee forward.¡± Rustle. The Prime Minister briefly paused as he turned the page. ¡°Beric.¡± ¡°Yes! I¡¯m Beric!¡± ¡°Simon, Bonita, Higa¡­¡± A string of names followed. Those sitting in the front row all stood up and ascended the tform. At the forefront was Beric. Dressed in formal attire after a long time, he looked quite presentable. ¡°Is Beric the one with the red hair?¡± ¡°Then who are the captains?¡± ¡°There, Simon and Bonita.¡± ¡°Ah, I see.¡± Simon was the one who had defeated Beric in hand-to-handbat. They said there was a big difference in weight ss, and it¡¯s truly impressive. One might wonder if he has giant blood mixed in. ¡°Beric. Congrattions. Please continue to strive and firmly uphold the spirit of Bariel.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡± ¡°¡­Have you decided where you¡¯ll work for Bariel?¡± The Prime Minister asked as he handed him a bouquet and trophy. Beric, as if it were obvious, leaned close to the magical tool and shouted: ¡°The Imperial Guard!¡± Ah. Damn it. The Imperial Guard members watching from below squeezed their eyes shut. Regardless, Beric added loudly: ¡°Next time, I¡¯ll be the captain!¡± Simon and Bonita. Ian watched the two new captains and flicked his hand. They would be the ones leading the vanguard in the monster battles toe. Celebrating Beric¡¯s victory and the birth of a new generation, the Ministry of Magic set off flower petals. Swoosh! Rustle! Flower petals settled down beautifully. Beric waved his bouquet around and looked towards the Imperial Guard. And he quickly threw in a wink. It was a silent greeting, saying let¡¯s work well together from now on. Apuse erupted from all sides, led by Ian. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
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  • MBSE Chapter 111
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  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border
Chapter 284 Chapter 284 ¡°Ian, it¡¯s me.¡± ¡°Come in.¡± Romandro poked his head in, pulling a small handcart. It was piled high with papers, reaching up to a person¡¯s waist. Ian, who had been busily writing, turned his head curiously at the sound of wheels. Where did all this work keeping from? It had been several days since the selection ceremony ended, but somehow it felt like the workload was increasing even more. Ian nced at the reports filling his office and nodded. ¡°Put them over there.¡± ¡°I feel like I did this an hour ago too. Haha.¡± ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s surprising. I think there can¡¯t possibly be more, but when I open the reports, I understand. Please organize them in order of approval deadlines.¡± ¡°This one can be done a bit more slowly. It¡¯s a proposal regarding the Ministry of Magic¡¯s movements and role assignments on the day of His Highness Jin¡¯s appointment ceremony. We just need to decide and notify other departments.¡±¡°I see. Understood. This one has been approved, please take it out. We¡¯re running out of space.¡± Ian fixed his gaze back on the documents, and the sound of his pen resumed rhythmically. But it was only for a moment. Ian noticed that Romandro hadn¡¯t left and raised his head again. ¡°Is there something else to report?¡± ¡°Ah, well, about that.¡± As Romandro looked at the chair, Ian nodded, giving permission to sit. Sensing the conversation might be lengthy, Ian rested his pen on the inkwell. ¡°Barsabe¡¯s living situation is a bit ambiguous. Although Xiaoshi is still receiving treatment, he¡¯s recovered enough topete without issues. It seems her help is no longer needed.¡± Captain Jeirutt had ¡®naturally¡¯ not ordered Barsabe¡¯s return, and even Ian had given no indication about it, so Romandro was bringing it up directly. Was it because he was busy? But was Ian the type to overlook such things just because he was busy? He carefully asked, with a tone of utter bewilderment. ¡°Ian.¡± ¡°Yes, go on.¡± ¡°I¡¯m saying this just in case. The atmosphere in the pce seems to be a bit delicate these days.¡± ¡°In what way?¡± Ian feigned ignorance and asked back. ¡°The day Beric and Captain Jeirutt dueled. Since that day, the Imperial Guard has been particrly on edge. They don¡¯t seem pleased with Beric¡¯s victory, but the problem is that the Imperial Defense Department also seems to be riding the same wave of sentiment.¡± Everyone had seen Ian transfer magical power to Beric. It was as good as everyone knowing that the Minister of Magic intended to ce his own right-hand man next to His Majesty the Emperor. ¡°Of course, it was publicly known that an internal review was included in the captain selection, but rumors trying to gauge your intentions are running rampant.¡± ¡°My intentions? What are they saying?¡± Ian smiled as if genuinely curious. Seeing his harmless smile, Romandro couldn¡¯t help but smile back. Up close, he¡¯s such a radiant person, but those watching from afar don¡¯t seem to realize it. ¡°Well, there are various opinions. Some say you knew he had no chance in the internal review, so you had him defeat the captain to make up for it. Or that it¡¯s to show that while the Ministry of Magic¡¯s manpower has decreased, it¡¯s still solid in terms ofbat power, and so on. When five people gather, five different opinions emerge.¡± It was an event with such a huge impact, wasn¡¯t it? Not only pce officials were watching, but even ordinary participants witnessed it. One could imagine the excitement that wouldn¡¯t easily subside, and also understood it. Ian shrugged. ¡°Interesting. One action, but countless interpretations.¡± ¡°With His Highness Jin¡¯s appointment ceremonying up soon, it¡¯ll probably die down for a while due to everyone being busy. Beric¡¯s appointment also fell through. But it might be good to exercise some restraint in the future. As you know, it¡¯s a very sensitive matter. Hmm?¡± A young prince and the Minister of Magic standing behind him. If Jin bes the official sessor at the appointment ceremony, worries and vignce about this would intensify even more. Power is like a living thing; it growsrger as time passes. Those who know this is the starting point will surely try to gradually turn Jin¡¯s gaze towards themselves. ¡®It might have already started.¡¯ Anyway, it seemed better for Barsabe¡¯s living arrangements to be newly determined. She was the direct link between the Imperial Guard and Jin. But Ian just shook his head, indicating it was fine. ¡°Her skills and loyalty have been proven several times, and the more people serving His Highness, the better. Xiaoshi also has much to learn from her, so I¡¯ll keep observing for a bit longer.¡± ¡°Ian?¡± ¡°And in fact, since it¡¯s His Highness¡¯s guard, it¡¯s not for me to decide. It was entirely His Highness¡¯s will to ept her in the first ce.¡± Romandro blinked in surprise. Did Ian not understand what it meant to keep Barsabe by his side? ¡®That¡¯ Ian? That couldn¡¯t be. Then there must be another intention that Romandro himself hadn¡¯t grasped¡­ ¡°Um, Ian-¡° ¡°Aaaah! I¡¯m dying here!¡± Bang! Crash! Beric appeared, cutting off Romandro¡¯s words. Romandro frowned and scolded him, but he showed no signs of listening. ¡°Beric. I told you to announce yourself!¡± ¡°Ugh, I¡¯m too exhausted to do that. No, the Imperial Guard members must be crazy. Why did they run me ragged on the first day? Not even letting me drink a sip of water! Oh, really!¡± Today was Beric¡¯s first day training as an Imperial Guard member. He had certainly left in the morning neatly dressed in his uniform¡­ But by afternoon, he looked like a beggar. ¡°Oh my, they didn¡¯t even let you drink water?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m saying. But the funny thing is, only the neers couldn¡¯t drink. They told me if I wanted to drink, I had to run around the training ground for an hour.¡± Oh. My goodness. Beric, that¡¯s what they call hazing. Romandro covered his mouth and looked at Beric with pity. His scolding from earlier aboutck of manners had long since disappeared. ¡°S-so?¡± ¡°So what? I ran for an hour and emptied all the water barrels there. Kuhahaha!¡± Looking closely, he was still in his training clothes under his uniform. He must havee straight here without changing. The Imperial Guard probably wasn¡¯t pleased with Beric¡¯s presence in many ways, so they seemed to be trying to vent like this. Even so, there¡¯s the honor of the empire, how could they¡­ ¡°But then they told me to refill all the water barrels. If they want to drink, they should fetch it themselves. I got pissed and smashed them all beforeing here. They said tonight¡¯s dinner is beef. Sir Romandro. By the way, are water barrels expensive? They were a bit bigger than me.¡± ¡°You smashed all the water barrels? On your first day? My, why on earth?!¡± ¡°Ah, because I was annoyed!¡± Romandro inwardly crossed himself and mourned for the Imperial Guard. They¡¯re praying to make a person out of this ruffian-like fellow by treating him even more roughly. ¡°Beric.¡± ¡°Yeah?¡± ¡°What did I tell you this morning?¡± ¡°¡­Not to cause trouble.¡± ¡°So you did hear. I¡¯ll tell Captain Jeirutt to deduct the cost of the water barrels from your sry. You¡¯ll only be able to buy one beer with your first paycheck, you know?¡± It would be fortunate if he could buy even one beer. Causing such a ruckus on the first day, he might be in debt a monthter. As Beric gaped in shock, Ian suddenly remembered the day of the award ceremony. He seemed to have mentioned an ¡®ident¡¯ then too¡­ ¡°Beric, aboutst time. When you werete on the morning of the award ceremony, you mentioned something about an ident. What happened?¡± ¡°Last time? Hm? Ah! Ah!¡± Saying he hadpletely forgotten, Beric snapped his fingers. ¡°It was nothing much, I almost hit an old person while rushing there.¡± ¡°You crazy bastard!¡± Smack! ¡°Ow! I didn¡¯t hit them! Not even a hair touched them!¡± ¡°Why are you only telling us now? Did you handle it properly? Even a little shock can be too much for an elderly person!¡± ¡°They werepletely fine and healthy! And honestly, I¡¯m wronged too! The granny was crawling across the main road. It¡¯s hard to notice right away.¡± ¡°So what did you do?!¡± ¡°I tried to give them money, but they wouldn¡¯t take it. What did they say? Something about eating secrets or whatever. They did seem a bit strange. They told me to bring you, Ian.¡± At Beric¡¯s words, Romandro gasped. Even Ian, who rarely gets surprised, was the same. His eyes widened slightly, and he put down his pen. Both of them became strange at the same time. Beric backed away behind the sofa, looking perplexed. ¡°W-why are you all acting like this? Nothing really happened that day.¡± ¡°No, Beric. Tell me in detail. The old person was a woman? And she said she eats secrets? Was she a gypsy?¡± ¡°Gypsy? I can¡¯t tell the difference.¡± ¡°Ian. Judging by the fact that she was crawling on the main road, she must have been an old woman without legs.¡± ¡°Oh! That¡¯s right. She had no legs!¡± ¡°Good heavens!¡± Romandro almost convulsed, clutching his head and twisting his body. It was a gesture somewhere between joy, thrill, and shock. As per Timothy¡¯s request, they had issued a wanted notice throughout Bariel, but no news hade. And Beric? On that day when he came inte after drinking, Beric met her! ¡°Beric, what¡¯s this about bringing Ian?¡± ¡°Well, she said if I wanted topensate, I should bring someone who thinks a lot, talks little, and is strange. That¡¯s totally Ian, right?¡± ¡°Right. It is Ian.¡± ¡°¡­?¡± Ian tilted his head quizzically and looked at Romandro. As if saying he didn¡¯t understand what either of them was talking about. Romandro tried to maintain hisposure and asked again. ¡°W-where? When?¡± ¡°On the night when the half moon rises, where the ident happened. Ah, it was near the alley with the newspaper office, just a few corners from the intersection and you¡¯d reach the entrance of a big park.¡± The night when the half moon rises! Ian and Romandro simultaneously checked the calendar on the bookshelf. ¡°It¡¯s today.¡± ¡°It is today.¡± As Ian and Romandro muttered at the same time, Beric grinned sheepishly. He hadpletely forgotten about it. ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t know.¡± ¡°¡­We can¡¯t even scold him for this, honestly.¡± ¡°Sir Romandro. There¡¯s still time until nightfall, so please prepare. I¡¯ll just finish the paperwork I was looking at. Let¡¯s pinpoint the exact location and block all the routes leading there. It might be good to dispatch a few mages as well, just in case.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll do that.¡± ¡°Beric, go with Sir Romandro and help him.¡± Beric whined that he had juste in and was tired, but he was dragged out by Romandro pulling his ear. Ian picked up his pen to finish what he was doing, but put it down again. ¡®One who eats secrets, the gypsy the King of Burgos is desperately searching for.¡¯ The reason why the King of Burgos is looking for her will soon be revealed. Either there¡¯s a secret he wants to erase through her, or there¡¯s a secret she holds that he desperately wants to know. If it¡¯s thetter, Ian was genuinely curious too. And Ian truly needed to find out as well. ¡®It will surely be an important key in responding to the political situation of the three countries. Moreover, to naturally lead Timothy¡¯s naturalization, it¡¯s good to know anything about the King of Burgos.¡¯ Swoosh. Ian looked out the window, gathering his thoughts. The moon will rise soon. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
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  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
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  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
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  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
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  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border
Chapter 285 Chapter 285 On a night illuminated by moonlight, a small carriage racing through the streets came to a halt in the middle of the main road. Long shadows stretched across the polished stones. The only sign of life was the distant, staggering footsteps of a vagrant. Ian adjusted thentern light and gave instructions. ¡°We¡¯ll walk from here.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll prepare, sir.¡± ¡°This is no ordinary gypsy, so be on your guard.¡± While it would be ideal if they could persuade her toe along willingly, given the nature of gypsies, that was clearly going to be difficult. In that case, they had no choice but to use force to detain her. Her existence would give Bariel an advantage in its rtionship with Timothy, and by extension, the Kingdom of Burgos. Ian nodded lightly as he surveyed the alley. ¡°This area and that one are particrly maze-like. Block them offpletely with barriers.¡±¡°Yes, Lord Ian. Don¡¯t worry.¡± As their superior repeatedly emphasized caution, the subordinates became even more focused. They checked the map onest time before melting into their assigned alleys, disappearing. Their determination was clear ¨C not even a mouse would be allowed to pass without Ian¡¯s orders. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Ian, the moon is beautiful tonight.¡± In contrast, Beric was as carefree as if he were out for an evening stroll. He even started humming as he took the lead. He was trying to pinpoint the exact location based on his fragmented memories. ¡°Beric, are you sure it was the night of the half moon? Why is it so quiet? I don¡¯t see anyone.¡± ¡°Come on, I told you it¡¯s right. Sir Romandro, how do you live not trusting people like this?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust people, it¡¯s you that¡­¡± ¡°Shh.¡± The two stopped abruptly at Ian¡¯s sudden signal. Ian¡¯s gaze fell on the space between two buildings. There was a pile of objects of indeterminate purpose. Covered with cloth, its boundaries were difficult to discern in the darkness. Romandro, squinting, noticed something wriggling beside it. ¡°Gasp.¡± A faintly glimmering crystal ball. It was the one they had seen in the park! Romandro fidgeted nervously, whispering incessantly to Ian. ¡°It¡¯s her. It¡¯s the same gypsy we saw with His Highness. The crystal ball is so distinctive, it left an impression.¡± ¡°What are you all doing there? You¡¯re not expecting a legless old woman toe to you, are you?¡± Ian nodded, gripping thentern with his left hand. It was a signal. They had found the gypsy; everyone should be on alert. Beric squatted in front of her, giggling. ¡°Granny, hello. Have you been waiting long?¡± ¡°Waiting? It¡¯s just that you¡¯vee on my night.¡± ¡°Judging by how you¡¯re talking, you¡¯re really fine. See, Sir Romandro? I told you I didn¡¯t cause an ident.¡± Instead of replying, Romandro politely tipped his hat and nodded. Seeing this, the gypsy savored an exmation of great interest. ¡°Hmm. Aren¡¯t you the gentleman I saw in the park before?¡± ¡°We meet again.¡± ¡°Why are you being so formal? What¡¯s different between the gentleman from that day and me now?¡± Isn¡¯t there a saying that the first meeting is by chance, the second is by fate, and the third is by destiny? Moreover, gypsies are worshippers of fate. She instinctively knew that meeting Romandro again was no ordinary urrence. ¡°Interesting. Very interesting.¡± ¡°Granny. The really interesting one is who I brought separately. Fortunately or not, Ian also wanted to meet you.¡± The gypsy¡¯s gaze traveled slowly from bottom to top. Luxurious leather shoes, neat trouser cuffs and coat, gently swaying golden hair. And the moment she met Ian¡¯s absinthe eyes. Swoosh. The gypsy unconsciously hunched her body and moved. Very slowly, andnguidly. As if in a trance, barely aware she was moving. She tried to crawl out on her arms, approaching Ian. Is this how a blind ant feels when it finds something sweet? If after circling and circling, it finds something sticky and sweet right in front of it, wouldn¡¯t it want to burrow into it, swim in it, lose itself in it? The gypsy savored the joy rising deep in her chest as she reached out her hand. ¡°A pleasure to meet you.¡± ¡°Oh my, oh my goodness.¡± ¡°Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic.¡± ¡°Yes, yes. In all my life, I¡¯ve never seen someone like you. Even the King of Burgos doesn¡¯t have such a vor. How can this be? That good-for-nothing ruffian has actually done something praiseworthy.¡± Good-for-nothing ruffian? Beric, who had been quietly insulted out of nowhere, tried to add something, but Romandro quickly stopped him. The gypsy was showing tremendous interest in Ian. This should be enough for things to proceed smoothly. They couldn¡¯t afford to provoke her unnecessarily. Romandro, covering Beric¡¯s mouth, stepped back five paces. ¡°Ian Hielo, you say?¡± ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°My! You must have a real name, mustn¡¯t you? That too is a tremendous secret. Tell it to me. Hmm? Then I¡¯ll tell you what you want to know.¡± His real name, that would be Ian Verocion. But Ian just smiled gently and knelt on one knee in front of her. As he matched her gaze more closely, the gypsy felt a thrill running down to her nonexistent legs. ¡°Gypsy. What is your name?¡± ¡°I have none. I am the one who eats secrets.¡± ¡°I see. Then, do you perhaps know? That the King of Burgos is looking for you.¡± ¡°Is it only the King of Burgos? In this world, there are countless who want to cut open my belly. There are thousands of voices in here.¡± ¡­Do we need to cut open her belly? Ian hesitated momentarily at the gypsy¡¯s words. Noticing this, the old woman added yfully. ¡°You want to cut open my belly too, it seems. But remember why I¡¯m still alive.¡± If she were to die, thousands of voices would burst out and deafen the ears, and stale thoughts would drive one mad. Instead of returning to their owners, the secrets would spread into the world, creating chaos. Though he couldn¡¯t know the details, Ian understood the principles of the world. ¡°There¡¯s no need to remember. Things that tempt one to harm oneself are poisonous.¡± ¡°Correct principle! Hahaha!¡± ¡°Let me ask one thing. If I want to know someone¡¯s secret, is there no way? You ¡®eat¡¯ secrets to make them disappear, so does that mean they¡¯re gone forever once you do?¡± The old woman gestured for him toe closer. As Ian carefully leaned in, she grasped his sleeve and whispered. This was something special, told only to those with particrly delicious secrets. ¡°Old ones are digested and disappear. Smaller ones vanish even faster. Even I can¡¯t help it, but I can recall what remains. But doing so leaves me empty and in pain. If you can give me a secret to rece it, no, an even richer secret, I¡¯ll help you.¡± ¡°¡­You¡¯re quite a hungry one.¡± ¡°That¡¯s not for you to say. Those with many secrets are inevitably deficient. What are youcking? And thus, what are you trying to fill?¡± Ian fell silent at the gypsy¡¯s question. What Iancked, or rather, what he wanted to fill ¨C it was formless like the gypsy¡¯s secrets, more essential, and at the same time, definite. But¡­ ¡°It¡¯s a secret.¡± ¡°Ahaha! My mouth is watering, it¡¯s watering.¡± He couldn¡¯t tell the gypsy. After all, everything said from now on would be used as currency in their trade. As Ian smiled gently and replied, the old woman burst intoughter that almost made her convulse. It seemed as if the moonlight was brightly settling on the empty street. Ian gestured for Romandro to step back further. It was time to trade secrets. ¡°Well then, let me tell you one more thing before we begin.¡± The gypsy meaningfully rubbed her crystal ball. Following her hand movements, the universe inside the ball moved in a spiral. As if human fates were intertwining and swirling. ¡°When I recall and spit out a secret, its owner can speak it aloud, so they¡¯ll realize the secret has leaked. Also, it¡¯s not as intact as when I first ate it. The longer the time has passed, only the form remains. If you¡¯re still okay with that, let¡¯s try exchanging. Your secret for one in my belly.¡± The moment Ian nodded, indicating he would agree to the trade, he suddenly realized. Why the King of Burgos was searching for the gypsy. ¡®If a secret is leaked, the person involved bes aware. Is that why the King of Burgos is searching so desperately? To find out to whom it was leaked, and bury itpletely? Or perhaps to deal with it before it leaks? It would be better to hear everything I can first, then make an overall guess.¡¯ ¡°Why do you look like that?¡± ¡°I¡¯m amazed you¡¯ve lived so long.¡± Honestly, when he had only heard Jin¡¯s ount, he thought the secrets werepletely incinerated. But if it worked like this, wasn¡¯t her very existence precarious? The gypsy giggled and hugged her crystal ball. ¡°What nonsense. Of course, when you eat something, it takes time to digest. If it¡¯s solid andrge, it takes even longer. After that, it¡¯s true that it disappearspletely from the world. I didn¡¯t lie. And do you think I make this offer to just anyone?¡± It meant that Ian¡¯s secret was that tempting. A secretrge enough to fill her stomach after emptying it out. Ian carefully drew out a secret from the corner of his mind. Something he had forgotten at some point because it had been there for so long. ¡°¡­I¡¯m hiding a lot from those I¡¯m with.¡± ¡°I can see the bottom of the secret you¡¯re willing to give. Even if you just cut off the top, it won¡¯t fill my stomach, so please reveal everything.¡± The act of hiding itself was a secret, but savoring each thread of it was a meal for her. She couldn¡¯t just taste the side dishes knowing there was a feast. The gypsy gestured for him to wait. ¡°A hungry person can only be kind. I¡¯ll give you a little first. Now, what did you say you wanted? The Kings of Burgos?¡± ¡°First, let¡¯s start with the ¡®dead¡¯ former king¡¯s secrets.¡± To ensure no one would notice his trade with the gypsy, he first asked for the secrets of the dead. She flicked her finger lightly, as if doing him a favor. Rustle. The crystal ball glowed. At the same time, she pulled back her robe. There was a gap on the side of one cheek. It looked like gills, just as Jin had described. The old woman grinned, then tilted her head slightly and brought forth a secret. The gap on the side of her cheek moved slightly. That, it seemed, was the mouth that spewed out secrets. ¡°The previous¡­ king and queen of Burgos¡­ hated each other. It was so extraordinary that they would¡­ imagine each other¡¯s death at all times. It began¡­¡± The voice was faint and thin, making it difficult to understand. Ian frowned and leaned in closer, but there were still significant gaps. Being secrets from a previous generation, it was clear that more than half had already melted away. ¡®When checking past records, it was difficult to find any special mention of the rtionship between the king and queen. Outwardly, they must have managed to keep up appearances.¡¯ ¡°It started from the birth of the current king. He was an intelligent, wless child, but¡­ strangely, problems arose as the child grew. As time passed, the king and queen each had children with different lovers, and they¡­ secretly infiltrated various parts of Burgos. Their identities are as follows¡­¡± The hidden royal bloodlines of Burgos. Ian listened intently to every word the gypsy uttered, as if engraving it in his mind. Is this what the current king wants to know? To find his siblings hiding their fangs somewhere? Rustle. The gypsy suddenly looked up at the sky. Her pale eyes seemed to shake uncontrobly. Like those in the crystal ball. Like the universe itself. ¡°The King of Burgos knows this. And in exchange, he told me.¡± The gypsy moved close to Ian and merely pped her gills. Now it¡¯s your turn to pay the price. Ian drew out a secret hidden deep within. ¡°¡­I am not Ian Hielo. I am Ian Verocion from Bariel a hundred years in the future.¡± ¡°It was he who drove a wedge between the king and queen. The hatred between them was fanned by him.¡± ¡°¡­I was the Emperor.¡± ¡°He says he is living his second life.¡± Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
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  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
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  • MBSE Chapter 72
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  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
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  • MBSE Chapter 84
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  • MBSE Chapter 114
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  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
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  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border
Chapter 286 Chapter 286 Burgos was vast but barren. The year-round dryness had stolen away the verdant growth, and unknown beasts prowled the abandonednds under cover of darkness. Whoosh. Before entering the pce, Timothy turned around at the wind¡¯s beckoning. The steep incline offered a clear view of themon people¡¯s dwellings beyond the pce walls. ¡­It¡¯s too withered. Was this not the very sight the King witnessed two or three times each day on hisings and goings? Though he should only have to look upon prosperity, what Timothy now faced was an all too withered Burgos. Surely this couldn¡¯t be med on climate alone. The kingdom¡¯s daylight, which had been slowly dimming since the previous king¡¯s reign, had finally given way to night. ¡°I¡¯m here to see His Majesty Damon.¡± ¡°Please wait a moment.¡± Timothy showed his report to the attendant, requesting to be announced.Though perhaps not as busy as Bariel preparing for the inauguration ceremony, the Kingdom of Burgos was likewise in a flurry preparing for their king¡¯s uing departure. Creeak. ¡°This way, please.¡± Following the attendant inside, only the soft clicking of shoes echoed through the space. Though the room was grand enough to serve as a banquet hall, it stood empty. If not for the asional portraits of the previous king hanging on the walls, none would have guessed this to be the king¡¯s office. Timothy stood before the king, following the carpet¡¯s path. ¡°Your Majesty. This is Timothy reporting.¡± Damon Runkvis, King of Burgos, paused his pen and turned his head. His ck hair fell to his shoulders, and deep violet eyes gleamed piercingly even in the darkness, set against pale cheeks. Silently, he tapped his desk with his fingertips. Amand to bring the report forward. ¡°Is this regarding the visit to Bariel?¡± ¡°Yes. As you instructed, I¡¯vepiled a new list of delegation members. The added nobles will select tribute gifts by next week, which you can review then.¡± Rustle. Damon wordlessly flipped through the documents. As the silence stretched on, various thoughts bloomed in Timothy¡¯s mind. Among them was Minister Ian Hielo. The young Minister of Magic who hadn¡¯t yete of age, and the king who had only been on the throne for two years ¨C they seemed somehow simr. Though Ian was younger, was it because they were both so cold and meticulous in their work? ¡°I believe I said to exclude Count Garame.¡± ¡°Ah, about that¡­¡± ¡°Is there strong opposition?¡± ¡°My apologies. The motion isn¡¯t passing. Without the Count, we face issues with the promised transportation. Currently, there¡¯s no one else who can provide a hundred horses¡­¡± When Damon furrowed his brow and pressed his forehead, Timothy could only swallow dryly. All who served knew of the king¡¯s intelligence and capability. Yet asionally when he issued such problematic orders, it truly put them in a difficult position. ¡°This is thest time. If there¡¯s opposition, I¡¯ll attend the meeting personally. Tell them to handle it appropriately.¡± ¡°Yes, understood.¡± The reason Damon could push through his opinions wasn¡¯t simply because he was king ¨C rather, most of his orders, though unexpected, tended to yield surprisingly positive results. Damon muttered to himself as he gripped his pen again. ¡°If it¡¯s early, then so be it. What do they know?¡± Timothy gave an awkward smile and bowed deeply at the waist. His Majesty seemed to be in quite a foul mood, so it would be best to withdraw for today. Hadn¡¯t his family asked him toe home early anyway? Just as Timothy began to step back- ¡°Timothy.¡± ¡°Yes, Your Majesty?¡± ¡°Any news of the Gypsy?¡± Creeak. The king rose from his chair and approached Timothy. His already slim frame appeared even more diminutive next to Timothy¡¯srge build. Of course, the weight of royal dignity prevented Timothy from raising his head to look. ¡°My deepest apologies. Though we continue making inquiries, there¡¯s still no word. If you¡¯ll wait just a bit longer, I swear we¡¯ll bring her before Your Majesty.¡± Damon gazed down at Timothy¡¯s crown. His cool violet eyes keenly assessed the man. Though sharp emotion filled his gaze, Timothy had no way of noticing. ¡°Very well. I¡¯ll trust you this time as well.¡± ¡°¡­I will serve with all my heart.¡± This time as well. Timothy bowed repeatedly, understanding the weight of those words. It was a gesture filled with reverence ¨C for their king, for Burgos¡¯ future, and for the master he served. Though Damon had already turned his back, focusing only on the report before him. *** Beric and Romandro waited at a distance from the main road. Ian¡¯s conversation with the Gypsy seemed to be growing longer. Lantern lights flickered intermittently around them. Those lying in wait were asking what they should do, but Romandro had only one order to ry. Click. Click. Not yet. Though winter had passed, the night air remained cold. As Romandro looked around trying to shake off the chill, Beric suddenly moved. It was a reflexive motion. Startled, Romandro followed his gaze. The Gypsy was now shaking violently, different from before. ¡°Ian! Shit, something¡¯s wrong with the olddy! Be careful!¡± ¡°Stay back!¡± Something about secrets and whatnot ¨C what a strange old woman. Though Beric grabbed his sword in concern, Ian immediately stopped him. Without even looking back, he simply raised his hand. They couldn¡¯t even see Ian¡¯s profile. He kept the Gypsy where she was and gestured to Beric and Romandro. ¡°Step back further.¡± ¡°Oh,e on! At this rate we¡¯ll end up at the Imperial Pce!¡± ¡°Now, now, Beric. Let¡¯s do as he says.¡± Sensing something wasn¡¯t right, Romandro pulled Beric away. As Beric¡¯s protests faded, Ian carefully looked back. They had retreated to a distance where even shouting would be barely audible. He pressed his forehead as if brushing back his hair. The King of Burgos is living his second life? Just as Ian himself had done. Though quite surprised, he contained his emotion with merely a furrowed brow. The night was short. And wasn¡¯t the Gypsy like the wind? He needed to quickly extract all the secrets from her belly. ¡°Oh my, oh my¡­¡± Having consumed such an enormous secret, the Gypsy could only mutter in disbelief. The satisfaction welling up within her was even deeper than when she¡¯d learned the King of Burgos¡¯ secret. Was this not a divine secret that transcended time and space? If heaven had a taste, surely this would be it. Unable to contain herself, she trembled and wept. She felt she could die without regret now. Barely managing to grab Ian¡¯s arm, she whispered: ¡°Such dignity from a hundred years hence. How remarkable, how remarkable indeed. Even if I were to spew forth everything, how could I contain such fullness?¡± ¡°Hurry and continue.¡± How could I not? The Gypsy pressed her forehead to the ground, repeatedly expressing her reverence. ¡°The King of Burgos says his first life was a failure. Trampled by mother and¡­ father, devoured by his younger sibling, everything destroyed. In the end, the king bloodied his hands killing his sibling. And that one¡¯s blood too flowed down, erasing everything. Thus began his second life.¡± Living one¡¯s fate twice. How old was the King of Burgos now? Only in his second year since ascending the throne, so he couldn¡¯t be very old. Then, in his first life, was there a ¡®bastard Ian¡¯? Or was there an ¡®Ian Hielo¡¯ then too? This is a gap. The King of Burgos represented a kind of gap. Depending on Ian¡¯s existence in the king¡¯s first life, Ian¡¯s own existence would be newly established. What if he himself, who had been Emperor then, had ended up like this? Through this gap, he might be able to see that end. ¡°He wished his sibling¡­ would never be born. He made his mother and father, who had oppressed him, hate each other, and they produced many siblings.¡± ¡°What of the half-siblings?¡± Was this notpletely unhelpful for strengthening royal authority? Surely there must have been some reason. ¡°¡­for. For the possibility of a third life.¡± The Gypsy¡¯s once strong voice grew faint. Gaps began appearing again here and there. Ian firmly gripped the arm of the Gypsy who held onto him. ¡°The King of Burgos gave you his secret. So, you heard the previous king¡¯s secret. Yet why does he continue pursuing you? Do you have any idea?¡± The old woman cackled and shook her head. But of those who pursued her, eight or nine out of ten usually had simr purposes. Either rted to secrets, or rted to the future. ¡°This is all the secret I can give.¡± ¡°¡­¡± The Gypsy¡¯s crystal ball began losing its light. Her gills slowly closed as well. Now even her belly held no more secrets. She whispered softly, as if in warning: ¡°You should pray from now on. When the King of Burgos realizes he unconsciously revealed his secret, and that such revtion was possible, he¡¯ll know it has leaked.¡± ¡°You should pray too. You¡¯ll surely be killed.¡± ¡°Hahaha! This has been a thoroughly satisfying day in many ways. How about for you?¡± Was she asking if I was satisfied with our transaction? I discovered another¡¯s regression and thereby obtained clues about my own fate. In terms of gains and losses, this could be considered more of a gain. As Ian was about to nod, the Gypsy frowned as if in regret. Her gaze reached far away, to where Beric and Romandro stood. ¡°After this night, you will never be able to reveal the truth to anyone. To anyone at all.¡± ¡°¡­That¡¯s what I wanted.¡± He didn¡¯t want his existence to shine in True Bariel. Especially not having the truth used outside his control, like in the Arsen incident. Perhaps it would be safer to have it bound and buried like this. ¡°Then that¡¯s fortunate.¡± Ian slowly rose from his seat. He moved thentern to his right hand. This was the signal that business was concluded and everyone should prepare to surround the Gypsy. ¡°Secret-eater, I¡¯d like you toe with me.¡± ¡°Oh ho.¡± A deal was a deal, and regardless, this Gypsy was someone the King of Burgos was after. Keeping her in custody would be beneficial in many ways. The Gypsy carefully wrapped her crystal ball in cloth and waved her hand. ¡°I am a Gypsy. How could one who befriends clouds and follows the wind¡¯s path keep a residence? Even meeting at an appointed time and ce today was a big decision for me. Otherwise, that street ruffian wouldn¡¯t have let me be.¡± Beric, having noticed Ian¡¯sntern signal, was ring this way as if ready to pounce. Had he realized the Gypsy was insulting him? He wasining about something to Romandro. Whirrr. Whirr. Presences melting into darkness. As Ian reflexively opened his magical power, magicians who had been hiding throughout the alleyways revealed themselves. Whoosh! Bang! ¡°Sir Ian!¡± Ian shot up a magic sphere to catch her. Though the surroundings instantly brightened, the Gypsy was nowhere to be seen. The shocked magicians and soldiers immediately gave chase. tter tter! ¡°Dammit, where¡¯d the olddy go?¡± ¡°That way! Keep maintaining the barrier!¡± ¡°Drive her to the left! You take these alleys!¡± ¡°She must be captured alive! Run!¡± ¡°Damn it, how far could a legless old woman-!¡± Colleagues rushed past Ian, scattering in all directions, including Beric. As Ian was about to follow them, he hesitated, looking around at the now empty surroundings. And quietly whispered the truth to himself. ¡­I was an Emperor. Swallowing that truth which could not leave his lips, he gave a bitter smile. And so Ian stood there, alone. Navigate to Other Chapters
  • MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor''s End
  • MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
  • MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
  • MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
  • MBSE Chapter 05 - ns
  • MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
  • MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
  • MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
  • MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
  • MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
  • MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
  • MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
  • MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
  • MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
  • MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
  • MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
  • MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
  • MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
  • MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
  • MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
  • MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
  • MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
  • MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
  • MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
  • MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
  • MBSE Chapter 26
  • MBSE Chapter 27
  • MBSE Chapter 28
  • MBSE Chapter 29
  • MBSE Chapter 30
  • MBSE Chapter 31
  • MBSE Chapter 32
  • MBSE Chapter 33
  • MBSE Chapter 34
  • MBSE Chapter 35
  • MBSE Chapter 36
  • MBSE Chapter 37
  • MBSE Chapter 38
  • MBSE Chapter 39
  • MBSE Chapter 40
  • MBSE Chapter 41
  • MBSE Chapter 42
  • MBSE Chapter 43
  • MBSE Chapter 44
  • MBSE Chapter 45
  • MBSE Chapter 46
  • MBSE Chapter 47
  • MBSE Chapter 48
  • MBSE Chapter 49
  • MBSE Chapter 50
  • MBSE Chapter 51
  • MBSE Chapter 52
  • MBSE Chapter 53
  • MBSE Chapter 54
  • MBSE Chapter 55
  • MBSE Chapter 56
  • MBSE Chapter 57
  • MBSE Chapter 58
  • MBSE Chapter 59
  • MBSE Chapter 60
  • MBSE Chapter 61
  • MBSE Chapter 62
  • MBSE Chapter 63
  • MBSE Chapter 64
  • MBSE Chapter 65
  • MBSE Chapter 66
  • MBSE Chapter 67
  • MBSE Chapter 68
  • MBSE Chapter 69
  • MBSE Chapter 70
  • MBSE Chapter 71
  • MBSE Chapter 72
  • MBSE Chapter 73
  • MBSE Chapter 74
  • MBSE Chapter 75
  • MBSE Chapter 76
  • MBSE Chapter 77
  • MBSE Chapter 78
  • MBSE Chapter 79
  • MBSE Chapter 80
  • MBSE Chapter 81
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 82
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 83
  • MBSE Chapter 84
  • MBSE Chapter 85
  • MBSE Chapter 86
  • MBSE Chapter 87
  • MBSE Chapter 88
  • MBSE Chapter 89
  • MBSE Chapter 90
  • MBSE Chapter 91
  • MBSE Chapter 92
  • MBSE Chapter 93
  • MBSE Chapter 94
  • MBSE Chapter 95
  • MBSE Chapter 96
  • MBSE Chapter 97
  • MBSE Chapter 98
  • MBSE Chapter 99
  • MBSE Chapter 100
  • MBSE Chapter 101
  • MBSE Chapter 102
  • MBSE Chapter 103
  • MBSE Chapter 104
  • MBSE Chapter 105
  • MBSE Chapter 106
  • MBSE Chapter 107
  • MBSE Chapter 108
  • MBSE Chapter 109
  • MBSE Chapter 110
  • MBSE Chapter 111
  • MBSE Chapter 112
  • MBSE Chapter 113
  • MBSE Chapter 114
  • MBSE Chapter 115
  • MBSE Chapter 116
  • MBSE Chapter 117
  • MBSE Chapter 118
  • MBSE Chapter 119
  • MBSE Chapter 120
  • MBSE Chapter 121
  • MBSE Chapter 122
  • MBSE Chapter 123
  • MBSE Chapter 124
  • MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
  • MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
  • MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
  • MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
  • MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
  • MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Pce Training Grounds
  • MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
  • MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor''s Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
  • MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
  • MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
  • MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
  • MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
  • MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
  • MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
  • MBSE Chapter 142 - ck Smoke
  • MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
  • MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
  • MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
  • MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
  • MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
  • MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
  • MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
  • MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
  • MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens ve Caravan
  • MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal ves
  • MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
  • MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
  • MBSE Chapter 155 - Bnce Through Checks
  • MBSE Chapter 156
  • MBSE Chapter 157
  • MBSE Chapter 158
  • MBSE Chapter 159
  • MBSE Chapter 160
  • MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
  • MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
  • MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal re
  • MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
  • MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
  • MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor''s Seal
  • MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
  • MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
  • MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
  • MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
  • MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
  • MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
  • MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
  • MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
  • MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 177 - The ck Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
  • MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Pce, Now
  • MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
  • MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel''s Eyes
  • MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
  • MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
  • MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
  • MBSE Chapter 186
  • MBSE Chapter 187
  • MBSE Chapter 188
  • MBSE Chapter 189
  • MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
  • MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
  • MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
  • MBSE Chapter 193
  • MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
  • MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
  • MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
  • MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
  • MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
  • MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
  • MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
  • MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
  • MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
  • MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
  • MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
  • MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
  • MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the ck Armor
  • MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
  • MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
  • MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
  • MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
  • MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
  • MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
  • MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
  • MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
  • MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
  • MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
  • MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
  • MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
  • MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
  • MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
  • MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
  • MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
  • MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
  • MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
  • MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
  • MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
  • MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon''s Whisperer
  • MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
  • MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
  • MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
  • MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
  • MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
  • MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
  • MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
  • MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
  • MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
  • MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
  • MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
  • MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
  • MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
  • MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
  • MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
  • MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
  • MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
  • MBSE Chapter 247 - Mnia''s Plea
  • MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin''s Request
  • MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
  • MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble''s Signatures
  • MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Pce
  • MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
  • MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
  • MBSE Chapter 254 - Pirs
  • MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
  • MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
  • MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin''s Bariel
  • MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
  • MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
  • MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries'' Figures
  • MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
  • MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person''s Thoughts
  • MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
  • MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
  • MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
  • MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
  • MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
  • MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other''s Well-being
  • MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
  • MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
  • MBSE Chapter 272 - The King''s Circumstances
  • MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
  • MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
  • MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
  • MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other''s Purpose
  • MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
  • MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
  • MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
  • MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
  • MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
  • MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
  • MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
  • MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
  • MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
  • MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen''s Provocation
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 305 - ording to n
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don''t Look Down
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop
  • ??85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border
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