Chapter 116
Clack.

Marib opened the drawer of the tea table and took out his glasses. He then gestured to his aide to bring over some documents. The man who had been waiting silently like a shadow placed a leather-bound report in front of them.

“Are you familiar with mana stones?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Hmmph!”

Ian nodded politely in a formal sitting posture, but Romandro, clearly nervous, started coughing uncontrollably. It seemed Ian was trying to keep something about the mana stones under wraps, but the prince had just mentioned the word outright.

“Oh, Romandro.”

“I-I’m terribly sorry.”

Marib frowned, and the aide stepped forward, offering a handkerchief. Then, gently, he suggested Romandro step outside. Coughing and spitting in front of the prince was hardly appropriate.

“Romandro, why don’t you get some fresh air for a moment?”

“Yes, of course. Ahem. Excuse me.”

As Romandro rose, he glanced anxiously at Ian, wondering if he could manage alone. But it was a needless worry—Ian remained calm, his gaze fixed solely on Marib.

Squeak.

Once Romandro left, Marib put on his glasses and motioned for Ian to review the documents—an unspoken permission.

“When the Magic Department assigns you to a division, they’ll likely ask for your preference first.”

Ian flipped through the pages, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The first page was filled with detailed information and an illustration of a high-grade mana stone called Luron. Had Romandro been there, his coughing fit might have been far worse.

“The Mana Stone Management Division is always short-staffed. Most mages focus solely on their magical training and mental studies, showing little interest in secondary research like mana stones.”

“I suppose it’s like how swordsmen prefer swinging their blades over researching weaponry.”

“Judging by your demeanor, Ian, you seem to have a deep talent for scholarly pursuits.”

Marib was essentially ordering Ian to join the Mana Stone Management Division.

Ian smiled brightly and nodded. He’d have to consider the bigger picture later, but in front of the prince, there was no choice but to agree.

“Yes, Your Highness. I am always thirsty for knowledge, feeling my learning is insufficient.”

More than anything else, this was a significant gain.

To have such neatly compiled information on mana stones—something Ian only had faint memories of—was invaluable. Judging by the thickness of the report, it was clear the data had been directly sourced from within the Magic Department.

“That’s fortunate. If you’re assigned to the Mana Stone Management Division and can reveal the locations of mana stone deposits, I will actively support your petition for tribute. Especially focusing on that Luron stone on the first page.”

Marib wasn’t offering ten thousand gold coins but promising assistance—likely meaning he’d call another council meeting to overturn previous decisions.

Ian was momentarily speechless, mouth slightly agape. Setting aside the unfairness of the offer, he was trying to gauge Marib’s true intentions.

He already knew Gale sought to claim the Luron mana stone. Naturally, the Magic Department was his main support, so that made sense. But Marib’s involvement suggested a deeper political game.

And when it comes to Luron deposits, that must mean Bratz, right? Ian thought. There might be others, but Bratz is definitely one of the major sites.

If Ian found the deposits, what then?

If Marib intended to monopolize Luron before Gale, things might become easier. But conversely…

What if he plans to destroy all the Luron so Gale can’t use it?

That would make Marib just as troublesome an adversary as Gale. Not to mention, the Luron Ian had brought could vanish in an instant.

For now, Ian bowed his head, signaling his acceptance of the order.

“Thank you, Your Highness. I will do my utmost.”

Marib smiled, seemingly satisfied, and removed his glasses. From experience, those who didn’t question orders usually performed well. Marib, however, grew curious and pressed on.

“By the way, Ian, do you always answer so well? We haven’t known each other long, yet you respond so positively—it makes me suspicious.”

Ian met Marib’s blue eyes. Though difficult to read the expression of a prince, there was a subtle hint of mischief. If it had been anyone else, the question might have felt threatening.

Ian lowered his gaze and replied immediately.

“I considered that I had already met you when Romandro came down from the border.”

Though this was their first actual meeting, Ian had long been receiving orders from the prince. Marib laughed aloud and tapped the armrest of the sofa.

“I see. Lately, painting with pigments mixed with mana stones has become popular. I’m thinking of supporting some artists I sponsor.”

Marib added this to lighten the mood. The report also mentioned alchemical potions, but interpreting that politically was entirely up to Ian. If he understood, it would prove his skill; if not, he could simply follow orders.

“Well then, let’s conclude here. Hmm, Romandro seems to have been taken straight to the infirmary, so no need to stop by—just leave the palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“If you have anything to convey in the future, don’t go through Romandro—send it directly to the aide.”

Though Ian couldn’t yet be sure they were truly on the same side, this was a sign of trust. Ian placed his hand over his chest and bowed.

“It’s been an honor to meet you.”

“The pleasure was mine.”

“Then, until next time.”

Squeak.

As Ian stepped out of the reception room, his eyes met Romandro’s lingering at the end of the corridor. The man hurried over silently and grabbed Ian’s arm.

“Is it… over?”

“Why didn’t you come in? Let’s go.”

“No, I just… didn’t want to go back in. But I should have said goodbye, right?”

“Prince Marib said you can leave without stopping by.”

“Oh, thank goodness. Let’s get out of here!”

Escaping the superior’s room felt like a breath of fresh air. Romandro whispered embarrassedly, admitting he felt too weighed down to move back inside.

“So, what did he say? And what’s with the report?”

“Romandro, you know how it is—there are ears everywhere in the palace, even on portraits.”

“Shh,” Ian smiled faintly, putting a finger to his lips. He was signaling that he’d explain once they were out.

“We should stop by the Magic Department on the way out. It’s best to leave before nightfall, right?”

“Exactly. The guards get more vigilant after dark—it’s a hassle.”

They quickened their pace down the grand main staircase. Though the space could hold hundreds ascending at once, only their soft footsteps echoed quietly.

Tap tap tap!

“Let’s circle around the Magic Department and then leave.”

At Romandro’s words, the coachman tightened his grip on the reins. The carriage carrying the two swiftly exited the main palace building. Romandro, now completely relaxed, swayed and groaned.

“Ah, it’s tough having to do a face-to-face report after so long.”

“Thank you for your efforts. By the way, Romandro, are there more princes besides His Highness?”

“Huh? Princes?”

Romandro wiped cold sweat from his brow and glanced back.

“There are quite a few—over a dozen, including First Prince Marib and Second Prince Gale.”

Ian let out a small exclamation.

“But realistically, only those two have any standing in the palace. The Third Prince passed away years ago from a fall, and the Fourth and Fifth Princes are still very young.”

In terms of succession, the others were practically nonexistent. The younger princes were far down the line and lacked the capability to surpass Marib or Gale.

“There’s one concubine who’s the only one close to the Emperor now—Dilaina. She’s the mother of the Fourth and Fifth Princes. She’s so trusted she even prepares the New Year’s banquet on the Emperor’s behalf.”

The Empress’s position was vacant, and the many concubines dared not involve themselves in power struggles.

How could they fight Marib and Gale, backed by the fragile Emperor? But Dilaina had no choice.

To protect the princes, her only reliable ally is the Emperor himself.

If Marib or Gale ascended the throne, the others would surely be purged under the guise of political cleansing.

“Prince Marib especially… has a bit of an issue with Dilaina.”

“You don’t like her, then?”

“More like he ignores her.”

Romandro’s words came out heavy, as if each was a burden. He cleared his throat awkwardly, glancing around, though it was just the two of them in the carriage.

Looks like the next emperor will come from among the other princes.

The corridor they passed daily was just a habit now. To recall the information etched into his mind, Ian needed a clear trigger—something like the Emperor’s face.

“We’ll see everyone at the New Year’s banquet, then.”

“If nothing unusual happens, yes. It’s the most important and grand event in the empire.”

The New Year’s banquet would be a crucial occasion, even beyond the title conferment ceremony. Ian noticed the scenery shifting in the dark as they neared the central main building of the Second Palace.

Almost there.

Without realizing it, Ian pressed his face to the window.

“Please let me off here.”

“Huh? Here?”

“If Lord Romandro is seen near the Ministry of Magic, who knows what rumors might spread? I’m still unknown to most, so it should be fine for me.”

“But…”

“It’s alright. I’m only planning to take a quick look outside.”

His reasoning made sense. Romandro, known as Marib’s subordinate, lingering around could spark all kinds of gossip. The palace was a place where even a whisper had to be carefully guarded.

Screeeech.

“Ian. If anything happens, come running immediately.”

“What could possibly happen in the palace, Lord Romandro?”

Ian paused as he stepped down from the carriage and glanced back at him.

Just in case. What if, when he reached the annex, he found traces of Naum’s magic? What if that meant he could return to his original form, to his original time? This might be the last time he was with Romandro.

Ah, I should have said a proper goodbye to Beric.

A pang of regret, but what could he do?

He was never meant to be here in the first place.

Ian gave Romandro’s shoulder a bittersweet squeeze and smiled wryly.

“Truly, thank you. And please take good care of Beric.”

“Oh, don’t get all sentimental on me now. Hurry up and be back soon. That brat Beric will throw a fit if you’re late again.”

Ian didn’t reply to the send-off. He simply smiled and followed the familiar path. At some point, he realized his breath was growing heavier—he was running.

Back to the original world, and to Naum—

He wanted to save him. Naum, Ian’s only teacher and closest friend.

Ahead, a small building made of pale brick came into view—a resting spot for the Ministry’s guards. Turning there would lead straight to the annex.

Thud!

His heart pounded wildly, but his steps suddenly faltered.

“…The annex is gone.”

Gone. Instead of the Ministry’s annex, dozens of massive, ancient trees stood in its place. The area was too wild to be called a garden, yet too deliberately arranged to be purely natural—strange, meaningless flags were planted here and there.

Crunch.

Ian walked between the trees, his face a mask of disbelief. Moonlight filtered sharply through the swaying branches. The colorful flags fluttered in the breeze. The mysterious atmosphere was brief, though, as a presence behind him made him turn around.

“Ah, so you’re Ian?”

Whoosh.

A man with black hair and pale eyes appeared. His large, sturdy frame and sharply angled eyes gave off a chilling aura. Though his presence was completely different, Ian immediately recognized him as Marib’s brother.

“Well, this is a pleasant surprise. I’m Gale.”