Chapter 133
Flash!
Beric, who had been unconscious, suddenly opened his eyes and sat up. His last memory was the imperial palace training grounds, and Ian—but now, he found himself lying on an unfamiliar bed.
“Ah.”
Even the slightest movement sent sharp pain tearing through his muscles. And his skull? Jarrett had focused his attacks on Beric’s face, so it was a miracle he could even open his eyes. Beric gingerly touched his nose.
“Thank goodness. My nose is still intact.”
Just as Beric was about to look for Ian, he heard voices murmuring behind the curtain beside his bed. Peeking through the gap, he realized he was in the infirmary. Rows of empty white beds, warm sunlight, and the faint scent of alcohol oddly comforted him.
“Are your wounds any better?”
“That’s a question for the Viscount’s physician.”
“Those who strike feel pain as much as those who are struck.”
Jarrett tapped his bandaged hand against his knee and fell silent. Then, he spoke the name of an old friend from his memories.
“…Petraeo. I heard from Barsabe that he witnessed the end.”
“Seems the palace guards have already heard the rumors. He fulfilled his duty, and I acted according to my position. There’s no place for petty revenge.”
Clink. Ian lifted his teacup and lightly scolded them. Though the two looked like a middle-aged man and a boy, their words and demeanor clearly showed who was in charge.
“So, how was his skill?”
“You mean the Viscount’s swordsman?”
Beric, hiding behind the curtain, perked up. Out of all the warriors he’d seen so far, this one was the best. He was curious how they’d evaluate him. If the judgment was harsh, he was ready to jump back in and prove them wrong, eyes gleaming.
“Considering his poor fundamentals, he was quite capable. He’s naturally gifted in many ways. Though his stealth is terrible.”
Jarrett muttered, turning his head, and Beric suddenly threw the curtain aside, his face flushed with embarrassment.
“Hey, why are you spying?”
“Look who’s talking. You’re the one spying.”
“Beric, good to see you’re awake. If you’d been any later, I was going to leave you behind. It’s almost time for roll call.”
Ian smiled warmly, clicking his pocket watch. It had been three hours since Beric collapsed at the training grounds. It was impressive he’d regained consciousness so promptly.
“Leave me behind? How am I supposed to find my way home?”
“You’re not a child. Surely you can find your way back.”
“And the fight’s not over! You cowardly stabbed me in the back and stopped it. We have to finish this.”
“Beric, that means you lost.”
“No, I didn’t!”
Beric stubbornly protested, but Ian’s expression remained calm and unshaken. Jarrett sighed, watching Beric’s antics. Though it annoyed him, it was the captain’s duty to manage even this unruly spirit for the palace’s safety.
“Beric, as captain of the palace guard, I have a proposal for you. Join the guard and serve His Majesty the Emperor…”
“No.”
“…We have good meat dishes, too.”
“…Still no.”
“Why not?”
Ian tried baiting him with a tempting offer, but Beric’s response was lukewarm. Wiping his face with a damp towel on the table, Beric answered.
“What can I learn under a captain who cowardly stabs me in the back?”
“You insolent brat…”
“Damn right. If it weren’t for that earlier, I would’ve won. For real.”
Beric stuck out his tongue and rolled his eyes mockingly. Jarrett looked like he’d just witnessed something he wished he hadn’t. As sparks flew between the two again, Ian stepped in to mediate.
“Alright, enough. Beric, take your time deciding about joining. But I do recommend you come to the training grounds regularly. It’s not easy to train at the Romandro estate.”
The small front yard wasn’t suitable for physical training, and with a pregnant woman at home, roughhousing was out of the question. Beric scratched his chin thoughtfully and nodded, slowly convinced.
“Besides, while not as skilled as Captain Jarrett, there are several strong fighters here who’ll be good for you. I’ll be commuting to the palace regularly once I join, so we can go together.”
“Really? That’s great. I’m pretty shy around new people.”
Beric smiled brightly, and Jarrett gave him a look that said, “What a pain.” Ian stood and nodded toward Beric.
“If you join, behave yourself. Captain Jarrett will be there to guide you during training.”
“Behave?”
Since the captain saw potential in Beric, this was a negotiable matter. Training Beric into a palace talent would benefit both sides. For Beric, personal growth; for the guard, a valuable asset.
“Behave. Mm-hmm.”
Beric’s eyes narrowed. His bruised eyes might not have been fully open, but he glanced at Captain Jarrett and gave a curt nod. It was a greeting, but there was no respect in it.
“This is going to be a long road.”
Jarrett rubbed his forehead as Ian stood as well.
“We’ll discuss the details later. That’s all for today. Don’t forget what I asked.”
“Understood.”
Beric’s existence was strange for a black sword-wielding magic swordsman. As captain of the palace guard, Ian would have easy access to information. As Ian left the infirmary, Beric hurried after him.
“Ask? What request?”
“You don’t need to know. Is your nose okay?”
“Yeah, yeah. No problem breathing.”
Clack! The door closed behind Jarrett, who clicked his tongue.
“Just as the Viscount said. It’s a mystery how he can get up and walk around in that condition.”
A magic swordsman with advanced abilities could heal wounds with magic. But healing was the most difficult magic even for mages, so what could a swordsman do? Clearly, there was something else before the magic swordsman.
“If he becomes an enemy, he’ll be a burden to Bariel someday. That’s certain. So it’s best to capture him early for the empire’s sake.”
Thud.
“Hey, did the Viscount and that madman leave?”
“They did? In that condition? They’re moving?”
Barsabe entered the storage room inside the infirmary with a doctor. Jarrett shook his head, clearly baffled.
Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Magic Department.
Rarely used except for irregular meetings, it was perfect for the atmosphere of an induction ceremony introducing a new recruit.
“Did you hear? Captain Jarrett unleashed his magic at the palace training grounds today.”
“What? How? Did a monster show up?”
“No, apparently it happened during a sparring match with an outsider. They say it was quite a sight.”
“An outsider? Haha. That guy’s got a bright future. If he held his own against Jarrett, he should be able to join immediately.”
“Maybe the master surrendered willingly. The Magic Department’s budget has increased lately, and the guards keep complaining about dying all the time. Those magic swordsmen eat like there’s no tomorrow.”
“By the way, isn’t Ian Hielo Viscount joining today?”
“Time’s almost up…”
Bang!
As the mages gathered and looked outside, the door suddenly swung open. The Magic Operations Department entered, led by Captain Hale, with key members Tommy and Nakina. Whispers spread again.
“They say Ian Hielo Viscount is being assigned?”
“No word yet. You know how Captain Hale is.”
“Skilled but clueless about gaining influence.”
Tommy frowned and glanced around, but the mages kept whispering. Hale calmly chewed on his cigarette and checked his watch.
“Captain Hale, have you seen the new recruit?”
“Yes. At the New Year’s party. Quite handsome.”
“Tommy! I thought the youngest might escape, but a noble joined. How can you mentor properly now?”
“Better than you, at least.”
Sharp banter flew between the Magic Support and Magic Operations Departments. Other departments watched from a distance. After a while, the main hall doors swung wide open.
Screeech!
“Minister Wesley is entering.”
At the aide’s announcement, everyone fell silent and looked ahead. Behind her came a blond-haired, green-eyed boy. Those who had seen him at the New Year’s party admired him silently again; those seeing him for the first time blinked nervously, unsure what to make of such striking looks. Why had no one told them he was this handsome?
“Is everyone here?”
“Yes, Minister.”
“As you’ve heard, a new recruit has joined the Magic Department today. Ian Hielo Viscount—the first noble mage in Bariel’s history. We’ll see if he lives up to the reputation.”
The tone was surprisingly flat for introducing the first new recruit in years. The mages openly sneered, but Ian remained expressionless, as if deaf to it all.
“If you have anything to say, now’s the time.”
At Wesley’s prompt, Ian stepped forward and scanned the room. He easily spotted Hale, his direct superior. Looking at him, Ian spoke slowly.
“Please don’t be uncomfortable just because I’m a noble. I look forward to your guidance.”
No matter how much he embellished his words, the response was the same—silence and disbelief. The first to applaud was Nakina.
Clap, clap, clap.
“Welcome.”
The atmosphere was painfully awkward. Wesley gave a perfunctory round of applause, and soon the other mages followed suit with their own polite clapping. Wesley motioned for Ian to step down from the podium, then gave him instructions.
“From now on, Hale of the Magic Operations Department will be in charge of the Earl of Ian Hale. Handle it well.”
“Yes, Minister.”
Ian was about to say something more but ended up leaving without another word. Tommy and Nakina approached him, extending their hands.
“Nice to meet you. Since I’m your senior, feel free to speak casually. I’m Nakina.”
“Pleasure to meet you. And thank you for your help the other day.”
“I’m Tommy. If you don’t know something, just ask me.”
“Will do. Thanks.”
As they exchanged greetings quietly, some mages from the Magic Support Department came over and eyed Ian up and down. They were clearly the ones who had tampered with the magic circle.
“So, Ogata, will we be seeing a lot of each other?”
“Looks like you’re from the Magic Support Department.”
“Yeah. How about a handshake?”
One man grinned slyly and reached out his hand. Ian instinctively moved to shake it but hesitated when he felt the magical energy radiating from the fingertips. There was definitely a magic circle drawn on the palm.
“What’s the matter? Don’t like it? Is it because you’re a noble and don’t want to touch commoners?”
“Wow, already got an attitude on your first day.”
“I don’t know if we can work with someone like that. The Magic Operations Department is already full of stubborn types.”
“Captain, Hale, your attention please.”
“This is for you to hear. What are we supposed to do with a rookie like this?”
It was a classic, childish power play. But for appearances’ sake, a handshake was expected. Instead of clasping the man’s hand, Ian smiled and immediately unleashed his magic to reflect the energy back.
“Looking forward to working with you.”
But at that moment—
Shhhhk.
“Ugh!”
Hale crushed the cigarette he’d been holding in his mouth against the mage’s hand. Despite the violent action, his face showed no emotion.
“Your palm’s filthy.”