Episode 128

“Heheh. Hehehe.”

Was he dreaming something pleasant? Beric, sprawled out on the parlor sofa, kept chuckling softly to himself. Mini, who was moving the tea tray, shook her head in disbelief as she watched him.

“If someone saw this, they’d think Beric was the star of the New Year’s party. How does one come back so utterly drunk?”

It was the hour when the moon shone brightest. Ian and Romandro had brought the intoxicated Beric back to the mansion. Viviana and Mini, along with the coachman, had all tried to help carry him inside, but they couldn’t manage to drag him up the stairs.

“And he’s not exactly a heavyset man, either! How could he be so heavy?”

Mini kept muttering to herself, recalling the trouble from the previous night as she kept glancing at Beric. Romandro just sipped his tea quietly, mumbling under his breath.

“Well, he is a swordsman after all. His body’s solid, so it’s natural he’s heavy. Still, I thought it was a bit much. Don’t you agree, Ian?”

Ian, sitting across from him, nodded with a smile. Did Beric realize that everyone in the kitchen was quietly mocking him? He clicked his tongue and absentmindedly scratched behind his ear.

“I’m thinking of putting Beric on a drinking ban.”

“Not a bad idea. That kid hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony, and already he’s got terrible drinking habits.”

Romandro set down his newspaper and looked out the window. Since it was winter, the sunrise was late, and the morning was still dim. Once daylight came, the Ministry of Magic would send the official request for Ian’s induction. But before that, Romandro had something to ask.

“Hey, Ian. There’s something I’ve been curious about.”

“Yes? Please, go ahead.”

Romandro’s tone was more serious than usual. Noticing the change, Ian stopped stirring his tea, and Mini naturally stepped back into the kitchen to give them space.

“When you met with His Highness Marib the other day, he asked about the tribute money, didn’t he?”

“That’s right.”

Ian nodded. He had been wondering why no one had asked before, but it seemed they were just waiting for the right moment.

“But why didn’t you mention that the tribute money was ready? And about the Luron magic stone, too. I know you’re the rightful owner, so I’m not in a position to meddle. Still, I’m curious about your thoughts. Perhaps, if you…”

Romandro cleared his throat and continued. Unlike himself, a government official, Ian was a mage who had thrown himself alone into the palace’s whirlpool of politics. Whatever choice he made, Romandro was ready to respect it.

“If you want to find your identity as a mage, just tell me. I’ll help you as best I can.”

Even if Ian sided with Gale, Romandro was offering his personal support.

Ian listened carefully as he sipped his tea. The slight tremor in his throat betrayed the sincerity behind Romandro’s words.

‘If he knew Gale was preparing a rebellion, he wouldn’t say that.’

A smile tugged at Ian’s lips, and Romandro’s eyes widened in surprise, as if to ask why he was smiling.

“Romandro, you’re loyal to His Highness Marib, aren’t you?”

“That’s a bit unfair. I’m just a salaried man. Marib is my superior, but…”

He was the kind of man who wouldn’t even look if he handed in his resignation. But Ian wasn’t someone he’d stop seeing anytime soon. It would be a shame if his superior changed, but if that was the fate of a mage, so be it.

“Let me be clear. I have no intention of working for Gale.”

“Is that so? Haha! I was worried for nothing!”

Romandro laughed awkwardly, waving his hand. He had met Gale on Ian’s first day at court and had seen them talking alone at the New Year’s party, so he had misunderstood.

“But I won’t tell His Highness Marib everything—about the Luron magic stone or my own situation.”

“Why not?”

“There’s no reason to. Nothing is more dangerous in the palace than showing all your cards too soon. Didn’t you say that yourself, Romandro?”

“Me? Did I say that?”

Of course, it was a lie. But Romandro just tilted his head at Ian’s cheeky attitude and then nodded in agreement.

“Seems my past self gave some pretty sound advice. Yeah, that’s true.”

“Though it’s unlikely, if His Highness Marib questions you, just answer according to your convictions. No need to protect me. You have a family, don’t you?”

Romandro’s expression shifted subtly. Indeed, his top priority was Viviana and their soon-to-be-born child.

“Live for them. I’ll live for myself. But don’t worry too much. You know how to handle yourself.”

His tact was exceptional—he had crossed the great desert with nothing and even founded a new family. Romandro murmured as he sipped his tea.

“Alright, I understand. I worry about you, but I don’t distrust you. If you ever want to discuss anything, just come to me. The Luron magic stone seems to have some significance, so I’ll find a safe place to store it for now.”

“Thank you very much for that.”

“We’ve spent quite a few days together.”

Ian just smiled at Romandro’s words. Perhaps Romandro’s transfer to the frontier had truly been a stroke of luck. Just as they were about to resume breakfast—

Ding! Ding ding!

The doorbell at the front gate rang out. Mini, in the kitchen, peeked out in surprise.

“Has the Ministry of Magic arrived already?”

“I don’t know. It’s still early.”

“Wait a moment. I’ll go check.”

Mini hurried to the entrance and cracked the door open. Ian and Romandro half rose, listening for any sign outside.

“Ian, there’s a visitor.”

“A visitor? At this hour?”

“Someone named Barsabe Brute.”

“Oh. The palace’s direct security force?”

Ian finally understood and let out a small breath. He put on his jacket and followed Mini to the door. Romandro, unsure of who it was, hurried to wake Beric.

“Hey, you! Time to get up.”

“Ugh… a pig, a pig is talking…”

“What the hell! Who told you to call me a pig!”

Snap!

Romandro gave him a sharp flick on the forehead, but Beric, still half-asleep, barely reacted. He just rubbed his forehead and yawned widely.

“The palace guard is here for Ian. We don’t know why, so get ready and come out quickly. That escort of Ian’s, seriously!”

“Hmm. The guard?”

“Hurry!”

Ignoring the commotion behind him, Ian stepped toward the entrance. Barsabe, dressed impeccably in uniform, pressed his lips together and saluted.

“Greetings, Viscount Ian Hielo. I am Barsabe Brute of the palace’s direct security force.”

“Ah, it’s been a while.”

From his beret and gloves to the decorations on his scabbard, everything was by the book. Ian crossed his arms and studied Barsabe with interest.

“Not much different from the palace guard uniform from a hundred years ago.”

“I’ve come to retrieve His Highness Petreio’s belongings.”

They had come on the assumption that Ian would hand over Petreio’s possessions if formally requested. It was the only option.

“Quite early for such a formal visit.”

“My apologies.”

“Well, better than coming at night.”

Thud thud!

“Ian! Iaaaan!”

At that moment, a still groggy Beric dashed out, sword scabbard in hand. Romandro, pushing him forward, froze when he saw Barsabe.

“Alone?”

“Yes.”

“Then personal business?”

“Oh, those guys? They got knocked out in the alley. Broken molar, tons of nosebleed. Long time no see!”

Beric greeted Barsabe, but she only shot him a fierce glare. Judging by the lack of clattering, it seemed the broken molar was still missing.

“…How insulting.”

“Taking a bath? Romandro, I threw up last night, you know?”

Still half asleep and half drunk, he was a complete mess. Ian gently pushed Beric back and invited Barsabe inside.

“Ignore him and come into the parlor. Romandro, is that alright?”

“Ah, of course. Of course.”

“Beric, go upstairs and bring down the small wooden box with your belongings.”

Ian nodded, and Mini led Barsabe inside. Romandro followed, and Beric grumbled but obediently climbed the stairs.

“She is Petreio’s daughter.”

“Petreio? What?!”

Romandro, who had been half-listening, suddenly jumped up. The daughter of the man who was Mollin’s right hand and had tried to kill them! As Ian explained the situation, Beric returned with the box.

“Ian, is this it?”

“Put it down.”

Click.

Barsabe, who had been sitting upright and staring straight ahead, involuntarily lowered her head. Ian rummaged through the box and pulled out a small ring wrapped in plastic.

“This is Petreio’s ring.”

“Oh. This…”

“Do you know? The ring is coated with poison, so you’d better be careful. The moment it touches the skin, it causes necrosis and the flesh just melts away. It’s a painfully agonizing way to die.”

“You’re saying my father wore this?”

“After the assassination attempt failed, it was a fitting measure to conceal his identity, I’d say.”

Barsabe placed the ring on her palm and stared at it slowly, as if trying to find her father’s final moments reflected there. Her lips pressed tightly together, her brows furrowed deeply.

“It is definitely my father’s ring. But I never knew it had a built-in suicide function.”

She remembered the bitter smile her father used to wear whenever she asked why he wore a ring that wasn’t a wedding band, or if he had someone new in his life.

Now she understood what that smile meant. Once she knew the ring’s true purpose, her father would no longer be in this world.

“When did he start wearing it?”

“After he retired from his position as deputy commander of the palace’s direct security unit and took a new job.”

‘Since he started serving Morlin, it must have been given by that man.’

The poison was known to be commonly used in human trafficking circles. If they investigated this, it could prove a connection to Lord Morlin. And that would inevitably lead to Gale.

“Alright. Handle it carefully. The poison has solidified, so it won’t be easy to touch.”

From the corner, Mini pulled out a small wooden box about the size of a palm. It was a case she had received when buying jewelry, perfect for holding a single ring.

“This will be safer than wrapping it in cloth.”

“…Thank you.”

“And Petreyo seemed to trust you deeply.”

When asked if he worried about any remaining family, he remained steady and unwavering, as if placing his faith in his daughter.

“This is as far as I can help you.”

At Ian’s words, Petreyo clasped the box tightly with both hands. Then he stood, saluted in gratitude, and bowed deeply. His sincerity spoke louder than any words.

“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Oh, and if you happen to see us at the palace, please look after us.”

Specifically, that Beric over there yawning loudly across the room.

Barsabe frowned in confusion, and Ian chuckled before adding,

“I’m planning to send Beric to the palace training grounds soon. If you notice any shortcomings while he’s there, please lend a hand.”

“Me? At the training grounds? I don’t quite understand, but sure! I’ve heard the palace is incredible!”

Beric was just as clueless. A place to face stronger opponents and grow—that was all he cared about. Barsabe left the mansion without a word, and Beric chased after her, shouting,

“Hey! See you at training! I’ll knock out your molars next time!”

“Would you shut that mouth of yours!”

“Front teeth are off-limits, you know~!”

Crash!

After Barsabe’s whirlwind visit, Romandro felt completely drained, having done nothing but slump on the sofa, panting like Beric had earlier.

Ding dong! The doorbell rang again.

Thinking it was Barsabe once more, Romandro barely reacted. But when Mini spoke up, he jumped to his feet.

“Gasp! It’s from the Magic Department! They’ve sent an application for admission!”