Episode 115

“Shall I prepare the carriage?”

It was a question about whether they were ready to conclude the social gathering and depart. Maribv showed no change in expression—just a smile, covering her mouth with her wine glass. Gale was still watching their side, so she hid her response.

“That will do. Since it’s on standby, have it ready.”

“Yes, understood.”

“And keep watch.”

“…At your command.”

Though the order lacked a direct object, the aide understood perfectly. He bowed his head and stepped outside, and Gale’s gaze finally shifted away. The other officials, who had been chatting casually, subtly inquired about what was going on.

“Is something urgent, Your Highness?”

“Not at all. We’re sharing a meaningful moment with the nobles here—what could be more pressing? Please continue explaining the artwork.”

Of course, it was natural to be more interested in the upstart bastard who had taken control of the Great Desert than in these stodgy old aristocrats. Gale must have heard about the two of them entering the palace.

“Yes, Your Highness. The next piece is painted with pigments mixed with magic stone powder. At night, it actually glows.”

“Oh? Magic stone powder?”

“Mixing various things into pigments is quite the trend these days.”

Maribv nodded as if listening to the official’s explanation, sneaking a glance toward Gale. Gale was enjoying the socializing, his arm around Wesley’s waist.

No matter what, if they made the first move, they’d be showing their backs. Maribv’s aide was surely on high alert, watching Gale and Wesley’s subordinates closely.

‘What will you do, Gale?’

When Gale proposed a donation of ten thousand gold coins, Maribv didn’t object. On the contrary, she seemed eager to move on to the next agenda item.

It was true that it didn’t really matter, and she wanted to test Ian’s abilities. But more importantly, since the place she intended to use Ian in the future was the Magic Department, that was a significant reason. Leaving a subtle opening wasn’t a bad idea.

‘Gale might be out of the question, but some of the dullards in the Magic Department might be fooled.’

Even now, there was no need to welcome Ian by extending the social gathering. They maintained their positions as if they didn’t even know Ian existed.

• ♟ *

“…Ugh.”

Romandro stretched quietly, feeling the stiffness in his body. The bright sunlight was gradually deepening into a sunset glow. It was natural to feel relaxed after such a long wait. But Ian, sitting beside him, showed not a hint of fatigue.

“Ian, are you alright?”

“What do you mean?”

“My back. Is it because you’re young? I’m dying to lie down.”

Ian smiled faintly at Romandro’s grumbling. It wasn’t intentional, but perhaps because they were in the imperial palace, he kept his posture perfectly straight. Ian looked down at his now-cold tea and guessed.

‘Judging by how late it’s gotten, he must really be with Gale.’

Then—

Knock, knock.

“His Highness Maribv has arrived.”

“Ah!”

Startled by the sudden sound, Romandro jumped up. Ian smoothed his wrinkled jacket and looked toward the door.

This was the first time in over a hundred years that he had seen a member of the royal family. Technically, an ancestor and a blood relative who had shared the palace’s glory. Though distant enough to be almost strangers by kinship.

Creak.

The door opened. A pale-eyed man with long golden hair tied back stepped inside. His gently curved eyes left a strong impression—he looked as if he were smiling even when he wasn’t.

“Romandro, it’s been a while.”

“Your Highness Maribv, I pay my respects.”

Romandro immediately bowed, placing his hand over his chest in accordance with royal etiquette. Ian, a step behind, gestured gracefully. Though he was more used to receiving greetings than giving them, it didn’t feel awkward.

“You’ve worked hard. Leaving your family behind to come here must have been difficult.”

“Not at all, Your Highness. I am honored to add to the glory of Bariel and Your Highness.”

Ian barely suppressed a smile. For Romandro, that was quite the eloquence. He had repeatedly said, without any polish, how wonderful life in Bratz had been.

After a few formal exchanges—

“…So you are Ian.”

Maribv’s gaze passed over Romandro and settled on Ian.

Ian slowly lifted his head. The deep orange sunset poured over his face. Like when he had first unleashed his magic, his left eye glowed golden.

“I am Ian, Your Highness.”

His eyes held confidence without arrogance, his voice was strong but not grating. His raised chin, straight shoulders, and upright posture were the very image of a noble.

Honestly…

‘Unexpected.’

There was a dignity beyond that. Maribv gestured for them to sit and praised Romandro.

“It seems Romandro has taught you the royal etiquette well.”

“Not at all, Your Highness. Ian is so outstanding that there was little for me to teach.”

It was beyond expectations. It would be hard to make such a good impression from just a first meeting. As the three men took their seats, servants replaced their cold tea with warm cups.

“Well then, Ian.”

Though he hadn’t yet been granted a title, he was to become a noble. Maribv used a respectful form of address and asked,

“How do you find life in the capital?”

“Just as I heard. It’s truly the heart of Bariel, the pillar of the world.”

He meant it. Even if he wasn’t the first to see the capital, Emperor Ian regarded the city as such.

Was Maribv satisfied with the answer? The prince smiled genuinely for the first time since entering the reception room. Romandro might not have noticed, but it was a rare moment.

“I have learned of the events at the border through your report, Romandro. Make sure the documents are processed and approved within the week.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Romandro has returned home, but Ian, you have left yours. I imagine many saw you off.”

Ian smiled brightly.

Maribv knew better than anyone that Ian had no family. Yet the question carried a hidden meaning.

“Yes. The servants of the manor and the vassals held farewell ceremonies day and night. The border tribes did the same. They knew that once I left for the capital, I wouldn’t be seen for a while. That was how they eased their regrets.”

Maribv was asking how well Ian had established his position in his domain. The answer was quite satisfactory. The loyalty of the people and the alliance with the border tribes were the two biggest factors in his seizure of the lordship.

“I see. Ian, you will be a trustworthy lord.”

“You flatter me. I know it is all thanks to Your Highness Maribv’s support.”

Maribv was impressed that Ian had read her intentions. He was certainly useful. Beyond his magic, his ability to understand context was exceptional.

‘Is this the influence of Count Derga?’

For a bastard who had lived in a brothel, his spirit was formidable. Probably, he had learned through hardship under the count’s humiliation. And having traveled the Great Desert, he had surely built up courage—there was no sign of trembling when facing the prince.

“You know the schedule for the New Year’s banquet, right? The imperial New Year’s banquet is always special, but this year even more so.”

Because it was the ceremony to grant noble titles to Ian, a commoner by birth. And immediately following were several events, including the verification of magic users.

Romandro cautiously interjected.

“Apologies, Your Highness, but we just arrived today and have not been informed.”

“Is that so? The schedule is nearly finalized. Before you leave the palace, have your aide brief you.”

“Yes, Your Highness. We will prepare carefully.”

“After the banquet, there will be an event hosted by the Magic Department. They will measure your magic and assign you to a department…”

Maribv looked at Ian’s left eye. The sunset glow had faded, returning to its natural green. Maribv then delivered a verbal blade.

“But before that, Ian, do you believe you are fit to be a lord?”

The question was delicate and awkward. It was ambiguous whether she was asking about his background or his ability. Romandro, listening quietly, unconsciously inhaled and bit his lip.

‘If he says no, it’s a problem. If he says yes, it’s also a problem.’

A lord who doubts his own qualifications is useless, but one who is overly confident is worse.

Yet Ian seemed to know the answer already. Without hesitation, he nodded.

“Of course I am.”

A bold and confident reply.

Romandro felt the breath he had taken get stuck in his throat. One of Maribv’s eyebrows rose—a look she wore when intrigued or displeased. Ian calmly continued.

“Since it is Your Highness Maribv who has decided and established this, who am I to say otherwise? I only have the duty to fulfill your will perfectly.”

‘…It’s simpler than I thought. Does she think I’m just a common-born bastard?’

The question was transparent to the point of being laughable. Mentioning the Magic Department and asking like that was so obvious it was almost naive.

Marib’s reminder that it was he who had appointed Ian to the lordship, and his expectation that Ian swear loyalty and diligently serve as a spy within the Ministry of Magic, was clear.

“You speak with confidence. I like that in a man.”

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

Marib smiled with satisfaction, taking a sip of his tea. Romand, who had been reading the atmosphere, seized the moment and took a sip as well.

But as Ian kept studying Marib’s face, an odd feeling crept over him.

“Blond hair, blue eyes… It’s certainly a common trait among the royal family…”

Had Ian ever seen Marib’s likeness in the portraits of past emperors?

The hallway leading from the palace’s annex to the emperor’s chambers was lined with portraits of previous rulers, arranged by era. Ian passed by them several times a day—there was no way he could have missed them.

Yet—

“I don’t recall seeing this man’s portrait.”

He was certain Gale would fail in his rebellion. Naturally, Ian had assumed that Marib, as the legitimate heir and rival, would inherit the throne. At least, that was his belief until now.

“Could there be another successor I don’t know about?”

But no other notable candidates seemed to exist.

Ian masked his expression, burying his tangled thoughts. For now, his priority was to focus on the present and earn the prince’s trust. Whatever might happen, Marib appeared to be the only one who could rival Gale.

“Sir Ian.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“How are the tribute payments due to the capital coming along?”

Ian had gold coins from the Gula trade and a stockpile of high-grade mana stones, so there was no problem there. Still, he shook his head lightly. He couldn’t reveal his hand to someone who might not even become emperor.

“No, Your Highness.”

“Hmm. That’s unfortunate. In that case, I have a good proposal for you.”

Unaware of Ian’s deception, Marib set down his teacup.

Only Romand, who had caught Ian’s lie, bowed his head deeply and nervously sipped his tea, thinking, I must not let my expression betray me.