Episode 126

As he climbed the stairs to the second floor, Ian sensed a surge of magical energy. Since this was where the entire royal family had gathered, a protective barrier had been set up for security. The raucous noise from the first floor—now fully transformed into a lively social gathering—gradually began to subside.

Thud.

“This way, please.”

Ian followed the chief steward closely, moving deeper inside. Though the layout had changed somewhat, Ian was starting to get a feel for the place. At the end of a dimly lit corridor stood knights clad in the ceremonial armor of the Imperial Palace Guard.

“By the Emperor’s command, we have the honor of escorting Viscount Ian Hiel.”

Each of them radiated an extraordinary presence—solid, unwavering, the aura of men who would die and live for honor.

“Welcome, Viscount Ian Hiel. I am Baelos, Captain of the Third Division of the Imperial Guard. If you don’t mind, may we conduct a search?”

“By all means.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

Ian raised his arm lightly. The captain ran his hands over Ian’s waist and legs, then bowed respectfully. When facing such esteemed guests up close, this level of effort was naturally expected.

“Please, proceed.”

Creaaak.

With the captain’s permission, the massive doors swung open. The members of the royal family, who had been lounging on sofas whispering among themselves, all turned their heads in unison. They were likely collateral branches, not direct heirs.

“Oh my, you’ve arrived.”

“Your Majesty, Viscount Ian Hiel has come.”

“Seeing him up close is even more remarkable.”

Curious gazes poured down on Ian all at once. He smiled and approached the Emperor, bowing according to protocol. When he lifted his head, he met the eyes of the Emperor and other key figures directly.

These are the very core of power in the current Bariel Empire—and the clues to its future.

Beside the Emperor stood Delaina, a silver-haired woman who served closely. Then Marib, Gale, and the young princes Arsen and Jin.

In the unpredictable palace, understanding these people perfectly was crucial to guessing the path ahead.

“Jin, look at that. He must have struggled using magic earlier—he’s sweating, isn’t he?”

Arsen whispered to his younger brother Jin with a giggle, while Jin looked down at Ian with an expressionless gaze. As Romandro had said, telling the two apart wasn’t difficult. They were like mirror images, but their personalities were polar opposites.

“Viscount Ian Hiel, I bestow my blessings upon you once again. Your display today will serve as an example to the nobility.”

The Emperor slowly motioned for Ian to come closer.

Ian knelt and stretched out his body toward him. The Emperor personally handed him a glass of wine.

“It is the greatest honor of my life. For Your Majesty, I will do my utmost in the Magic Department.”

“Pleasant to hear.”

The steward seated Ian on a sofa, and Marib was the first to speak.

“Viscount Ian Hiel has already shown his abilities on the frontier. I’m sure he will achieve great things in the Magic Department as well. Isn’t that right, Gale?”

Marib’s question was laced with a smile. Ian’s magical power had exceeded expectations. Just retaining the right to join the department without Wesley taking it away was half the battle won. Gale smirked lightly and shrugged as if it didn’t matter.

“Why ask me? The Magic Department is under Minister Wesley’s jurisdiction. He will decide what to do.”

He drew a clear line. It was common knowledge that Gale and Wesley were lovers, but no one dared speak of it openly for that very reason.

Since the parties involved denied it, what could anyone say?

“Viscount Ian Hiel, if you were to join the Magic Department, which division would you prefer?”

Delaina asked gently. Marib and Gale’s eyebrows furrowed simultaneously. It was as if a test had been thrown out to gauge each other’s intentions.

Marib wanted Ian in the Magic Stone Management Division, while Gale was firmly opposed to anything Marib desired.

The Magic Support Division, perhaps?

Gale studied Marib’s expression, trying to guess. Since he hadn’t expected Ian to be involved with the Magic Stone Division, he assumed Ian would be placed in the Support Division, the core faction.

“My own opinion is just that—an opinion. I will follow Minister Wesley’s wishes. As head of the Magic Department, I trust he knows best where I fit.”

Ian answered vaguely, leaving room for maneuver. Of course, if he openly said Magic Stone Management, he couldn’t predict what kind of reaction Gale’s side might have.

“I see. A wise choice.”

“You flatter me.”

More importantly, Ian had little intention of joining the Magic Stone Management Division. If he had, he wouldn’t have exerted so much effort during the magic verification ceremony. Now that he knew one of the twin princes would be the next Emperor, he had decided he couldn’t stay aligned with Marib until the end.

If I join the Magic Stone Division, I’ll be distanced from the center of power. That would make preparing for the future difficult. I’ll start in another division, then secretly inform Marib of Gale’s counterproposal as a ruse. Conversely, I’ll tell Gale I accept his offer, showing I’m diverging from Marib’s path.

Like glassblowing, he had to carefully balance between the two. Whatever chaos this was, it was a choice he had no alternative but to make.

“Hey, Viscount Ian.”

It was then that Arsen, unable to contain his curiosity, spoke to Ian. Gale and Marib glanced over, and Delaina flinched slightly.

“Yes, Your Highness Arsen.”

“You know me?”

“Of course. You are the fourth prince of the palace.”

“That magic earlier—could you show me once more?”

He looked like an innocent child. While his mother anxiously worried for his safety, Arsen seemed lost in a dream.

“Hm? Just once?”

“Yeah. I want to see it up close too.”

“Your Majesty, is that all right? Please grant permission.”

Other royal children gathered, adding their voices. The Emperor, who had been sitting quietly like a decoration, nodded in approval. The children’s eyes lit up as they approached Ian.

“One, Your Highness Arsen, the magic you showed earlier requires the light of prophecy.”

“That’s fine. Show me quickly.”

Ian glanced at Marib and Gale, seeking their final approval. Then he opened his palm and released his magic.

Ziiing. Ziiing.

Arsen watched as his green pupils turned golden. Even royal children were still children. Laughter rang out here and there, and the tense atmosphere softened.

“Wow, amazing! Can I touch it?”

“Of course, Your Highness Arsen.”

“I’m still young and haven’t had much to do with the Magic Department. This is the first time I’ve seen it outside of ceremonies—it’s truly fascinating.”

“Arsen.”

Delaina called him, unable to bear it any longer. Did the child really not understand why he couldn’t join the Magic Department? After all, its head, Wesley, was Gale’s puppet.

“Mind your manners. Viscount Ian is no jester. No more disrespect.”

Arsen finally seemed to realize and let out a short “Ah.” But Ian waved his hand to deny it.

“No, Ma’am. Today is a truly joyful day for me, and I want to give the prince happy memories as well.”

If not for this excuse, when else would he get to see the twin princes up close? Arsen smiled brightly, relieved, and clung to him.

“Thank you for saying that!”

He was certainly carefree—like a collateral branch child who knew nothing of the power struggles for the throne. Ian carefully examined Arsen’s face from forehead to chin, checking for any signs of injury.

No omens.

“Khh!”

Suddenly, the Emperor, who had been sitting quietly, coughed harshly. His breath came in ragged gasps. Marib rushed over first, gently patting his father’s back.

“Your Majesty, are you all right?”

“Hmm…”

“Escort the Emperor inside first.”

“Yes, Your Highness Marib.”

Following Marib’s command, the steward supported the Emperor, and Delaina followed closely. Meanwhile, Gale remained seated on the sofa, calmly blowing air from his fingertips, maintaining his composed posture.

“Arsen, don’t trouble Viscount Ian. Come here.”

Delaina called her son as she headed out. Arsen kicked the floor irritably but followed his mother outside. Yet, wasn’t there another name Delaina should have called?

“Jin, Your Highness.”

Ian quietly called Jin, who sat alone in a corner. Silver hair, blue eyes. The boy’s face showed no expression.

“Jin, shouldn’t you be going as well?”

Gale asked softly. Jin rose from his chair without a word. Not that he had any particular place to be.

“Your Highness.”

Ian called to Jin cautiously. His own eyes had returned to their green hue.

“If it’s all right, may I accompany you? The corridor was rather dark when we came in with the steward.”

As the children of the royal family gradually gathered, Ian noticed that Jin remained steadfast in his place. He simply turned his head toward them, as if unwilling to join, without moving an inch.

“Do as you wish.”

“Thank you.”

“Ian.”

When Ian stood up, Gale called out to him. Then, with a nod that seemed to say “come back soon,” he gestured. Ian smiled softly, bowed, and soon stepped out the door accompanied by two of Jin’s attendants.

Ziiing. Ziiing.

“Look, this is brighter than a lantern.”

Ian released his magic as he walked alongside Jin. Though Jin appeared to be looking straight ahead, he kept glancing sideways. If Arsen was seeing magic for the first time, then this was likely Jin’s first experience as well.

‘No signs of any scar-forming skin conditions on Jin.’

Ian’s careful scrutiny of Jin’s face was meant to be considerate, but it seemed to affect Jin differently. Just as they were walking smoothly, Jin suddenly stopped and turned to face Ian.

“Sir Ian.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“…May I touch it?”

“Magic? Of course.”

Ian knelt down to meet Jin’s gaze and then conjured an even warmer magic. The child’s face brightened with the soft, glowing light that gently bubbled up.

“Ah.”

So this was what Arsen had seen earlier.

Jin couldn’t help but marvel as he wove the magic between his fingers. The gentle sensation brushing through his fingertips brought a smile to his face. Even the attendants, seeing Jin’s smile after such a long time, were taken aback.

‘Huh?’

Ian, watching closely, hesitated. Jin and Arsen were like mirror images of each other. But when Jin smiled, Ian noticed the dimple that appeared on the left cheek—something Arsen didn’t have.