Chapter 117
‘So you’ve been waiting for me.’

The moment Ian faced Gale, that thought crossed his mind. Even though they were near the Ministry of Magic, meeting without being watched would have been impossible. It was clear that surveillance had been ongoing since the social gatherings.

“I am called Ian. It is an honor to meet you.”

“Oh? So you know me?”

“As Your Highness Gale knows me, I am likewise acquainted.”

Ian bowed lightly, and the wind picked up even more fiercely. The crunch of fallen leaves echoed in time with Gale’s slow footsteps approaching.

“But how did you come this way? The palace exit is in the opposite direction.”

Gale muttered as he scrutinized Ian from head to toe. Ian was a small pebble thrown into Gale’s carefully laid plans—a tiny ripple that refused to settle, continuously sending waves outward.

“Why? Did Marib tell you this was the way out?”

Ian lowered his head slightly, observing Gale’s rough, calloused hands—quite different from Marib’s.

“No, I took a wrong turn.”

“Yet your steps were confident, as if you’ve been here before.”

Gale’s gaze remained fixed on Ian. Outside the palace, perhaps Ian could evade such scrutiny, but near the Ministry of Magic, especially, it seemed impossible. He would have to be extremely cautious.

“My apologies. Today is my first time entering the palace.”

“Is that so? Then tell me—what do you think of the scenery here?”

“…Pardon?”

Gale circled Ian lightly. One by one, the lights in the Ministry’s main building flickered on, signaling the onset of night.

“I think it would be splendid if all the trees were cleared away and a grand building with a proper jade-green hue was erected.”

“Ah.”

Ian hesitated at the mention of a ‘jade-green building.’ Naturally, the image of the Ministry’s annex came to mind. Gale smirked, watching Ian’s expression carefully.

“But your master insists, contrary to his nature, that no trees be cut down. I find that deeply regrettable.”

Fragmented pieces of information tangled in Ian’s mind. A century ago, before the Ministry’s annex was built—using Gale’s words as a clue…

‘Marib and Gale are at odds over the annex’s construction!’

Gale, naturally, supported building it for the Ministry’s benefit, while Marib opposed it, fearing the expansion of the Ministry’s threatening influence.

“Do you share that view?”

Gale asked if Ian sided with Marib. It was a ridiculous situation. Ian swallowed a bitter laugh and replied.

“Your Highness, I do not understand your meaning, but my master is none other than His Majesty the Emperor. The path I must follow is only for Bariel’s glory. If cutting down trees leads to a better tomorrow, then it must be done.”

Except for sworn knights, everyone in Bariel’s domain served the Emperor as their master. Marib and Gale were no exception. Of course, Ian knew well that this was easier said than done.

“Hmm. I expected a newcomer from the frontier to speak with a rough edge, but you seem surprisingly suited to noble affairs.”

Whether it was an insult or a compliment was unclear, but Gale’s tone seemed more friendly than not.

Ian’s mention of the Emperor had revealed a crack—he was not fully aligned with Marib. Gale eagerly seized the opening.

“Ian, I have great expectations of you.”

Whether this opening was a stepping stone for espionage within the Ministry was uncertain, but that wasn’t important now.

“I expect you to discern the essence clearly. Remember, before you are a lord, you are Ian—and before that, a mage.”

Beyond the Ministry’s personnel, mages were as rare as dust in the world. For progress, they had no choice but to rely on one another. If Ian sided with Marib, he would forever remain on the fringes—a veiled warning.

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Good. Until we meet again.”

Gale seemed eager to continue the conversation, but the time and place were unsuitable. He turned his back and vanished like the wind.

“Hah.”

Left alone, Ian pressed his palm to his forehead in disbelief.

To prevent Gale’s rebellion and curb his power, he should have sided with Marib, who opposed the annex’s construction. But now, it seemed he had no choice but to support Gale.

‘If the annex is built, Naum’s magic might manifest.’

Whoosh—

Ziiing. Ziiing.

Ian released his magic, hoping to sense something. The power rose differently with the wind’s flow. His golden eyes shone like stars in the darkness, but he felt nothing.

“Ian!”

At that moment, Romandro’s voice called from the entrance. He came running, lantern in hand, glancing around anxiously.

“Ian! Are you alright?”

“What is it?”

“I just saw Your Highness Gale’s carriage leaving the back of the Ministry. It would be troublesome if you ran into him. Let’s hurry out. It’s better to do sightseeing during the day.”

“Ah, I’ve already met him.”

“Whaaat?!”

Romandro froze like stone at Ian’s calm confession. His mouth moved wordlessly, clearly unsure how to respond. Ian took the lantern from his hand and led the way.

“Let’s leave now. I didn’t expect it to be this late, so we’ll have to visit the market district tomorrow.”

“Wait! What did you say, what did you say?”

“Nothing particularly important. Let’s just exit the palace.”

At Ian’s urging, Romandro hurried to the carriage. Once inside, he drew the curtains and whispered.

Thwack!

“Tell me what you said!”

“There was no mention of Lord Romandro, so no need to worry.”

Had he hit a nerve?

Under Marib’s orders, Ian had thoroughly reprimanded Erika and Morin. As a family man, Romandro’s fear of retaliation was understandable. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he trailed off.

“Do you think I’m curious because of that?”

“I mean the garden. Is the annex construction underway?”

“Hm? Ah, yes. That’s been proposed for quite some time. The Ministry is small-staffed but keeps pushing for annex expansion. If that’s the case, it’d be better to just enlarge the palace staff’s quarters!”

“Your Highness Marib opposes it?”

“Of course. The garden’s trees are old. Not officially recorded, but they’re said to be blessed by fairies, so they’ve been left untouched.”

That was one of many reasons for opposition. The trees were believed to be blessed, so there was no urgency to expand the Ministry and remove them. The Ministry claimed it was just a rumor, but it couldn’t be proven.

“The proposal was made last year or the year before… It’s been a while. Actually, there are many other power struggles between Your Highness Marib and Your Highness Gale. If I listed them all, I’d run out of fingers and toes. Tch.”

Romandro kept opening and closing the curtain, checking their progress. Once they fully exited the palace, he sighed in relief and relaxed completely.

“Phew. Another safe day.”

“…How do you manage your comings and goings?”

“I’m more of a field worker. I rarely come in unless I have reports. Every time I do, I’m out of breath! Ugh.”

Romandro chuckled, loosening his jacket comfortably. It wasn’t just stamina; there were countless things to worry about. As they neared the mansion, Romandro’s face brightened noticeably.

Squeak.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Oh! Good work, Viviana!”

Following Romandro as he hurriedly jumped down, Ian circled the carriage and entered the mansion. In the distance, Hasha came running to greet Ian. And then—

Pat-pat-pat!

“You mutt! Get back here!”

“Ian! Iaaan!”

Hasha trembled as she clung to Ian’s arms. Ian had thought she was coming to greet him, but apparently not. Beric stomped over, brandishing a skewer and throwing a tantrum.

“Ian! That dog is a real bastard!”

“I’m a person!”

“If you’re a person, act like one and eat your own food! Why are you stealing mine?!”

“Alright, alright. That’s enough. Let’s go inside.”

“Ian! You have to teach her a lesson!”

“Hasha, I’m sorry, but I couldn’t find a way to Astana today. The work ran late, and more importantly, we need to keep an eye on things here at the mansion for now.”

Ian knew Gale was watching him from the palace, so he had to be cautious outside as well. Besides, Hasha was evidence of Wesley’s misdeeds. If their presence was discovered, it could be dangerous.

“Fine, but do something about that ignorant one!”

Snap. Beric’s eyes rolled wildly at the word ‘ignorant.’ Amid the noisy commotion, they entered the mansion. Viviana, taking their coats, asked curiously,

“You’re going to the market district tomorrow?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Then may I join you? It would be nice to shop together while you’re out.”

I was just about to ask for help. Though the streets were familiar, a hundred years had brought their changes, and more than anything, I was struggling to choose an outfit for the New Year’s gathering.

“I’d be grateful, of course. I’m not well-versed in the latest fashions from the capital, so I’d appreciate it if you could pick something suitable for me.”

“Leave that to me! You carry yourself with such grace, anything you wear will look fantastic. Has the schedule for the New Year’s event been announced yet?”

At her words, I pulled out a small note I’d tucked between the mana crystal reports. The New Year’s gathering was set for four days from now, and the title conferment and mana verification ceremonies I had to attend were scheduled back-to-back a week later.

She glanced at the note beside me and nodded thoughtfully.

“It might be a bit tight to get your outfit tailored in time. The New Year’s season is always busy with orders. I can introduce you to a tailor I trust.”

“Wait, me too? Me too?” Beric’s eyes lit up as he jumped in. Having worn nothing but dirt-stained clothes until now, the idea of a custom-made outfit clearly thrilled him.

“Alright then. Let’s take it easy today and start early tomorrow. We’ll visit the tailor, and, well, the blacksmith to get your sword fixed.”

“Awesome! Yes! I’m so excited!”

At that moment, Hasha, who had come down to the floor, sniffed the air. It seemed like a familiar scent was drifting in from outside.

“Hasha? What is it?”

“No, it’s just that my dog senses are too sharp now. Sometimes the smells get all mixed up and dizzying. Don’t worry about it.”

I looked down at Hasha quietly, then glanced out the window. Only the nearby buildings with their lights on were visible. I muttered to Beric, who was still bouncing around happily.

“Beric, it’s good to see you so cheerful. Did you get a good nap earlier?”

“Uh? Yeah, yeah. Felt really refreshed!”

“Then you’ll stand watch tonight.”

“Huh?”

How did that turn into a command?

Beric froze mid-bounce and looked at me, but my gaze was still fixed outside. I smiled gently and sealed the deal.

“Just until sunrise. Okay? I’m counting on you.”