Episode 147

“If I should die, to my father—the supreme sovereign of Bariel and its very embodiment—and to my beloved—”

The moment Gale uttered the word “beloved,” everyone recoiled, their brows knitting in disgust. No matter how you looked at it, that adjective didn’t suit him in the slightest. And as soon as they realized the subject was Marib, whispers rippled through the room.

“It is said that the curse of death will also befall my brother, Marib.”

“Gale!”

With a sudden bang, Marib slammed his hand down on the table and sprang to his feet. There are limits to deceit, and this blatant lie was the height of betrayal. Even the opposing factions, stunned by the audacity, joined in the outcry.

“Your Highness Gale, is that even a reasonable claim?”

“Now, now, mind your words! He is His Highness Gale!”

“Isn’t it obvious? Claiming that if he dies, a curse will fall upon His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness Marib—it’s clearly a ploy to protect himself!”

“Exactly! The real curse is being hidden!”

“Since it’s a curse that would cause great trouble if revealed, that’s why he speaks so! Your Majesty, there’s no time to waste. Order him to leave the palace at once!”

“What nonsense is this? And if His Highness Gale leaves the palace and something happens to him? If the curse activates, will you take responsibility?”

“This is a matter of utmost importance, concerning not only His Majesty and His Highness Marib but the very survival of Bariel! How can you dismiss it so easily as a lie? Surely you don’t want to believe that?”

“Do you truly believe such a heavy curse could be triggered by the blood of just two people?”

“Ask the mage! Sir Ian!”

Ian, who had been quietly observing, was called upon. The heated voices fell silent as all eyes turned to him. He met their gaze with a calm, composed expression.

“I ask you, Sir Ian. Forbidden magic—specifically, the kind wielded by Minister Wesley and his aide—could it truly cast a curse capable of deciding Bariel’s fate? Is His Highness’s curse believable?”

Say no! One of Marib’s ministers urged him with a sharp look, but Ian’s answer was as serene as ever.

“It is possible.”

Murmurs spread. Gale’s faction huddled, whispering among themselves. They likely suspected Gale’s testimony was false. Yet, whatever the truth, his words were the only chance to turn the tide.

“Forbidden magic encompasses all powers that defy the laws of nature and fate. It enables a mage’s soul to manipulate aspects even the gods dare not touch—life, space, time. Minister Wesley was an exceptionally talented mage, rising to become the youngest court count. So, I do not consider it impossible.”

“Are you saying a single mage can determine Bariel’s survival? That’s absurd!”

“Those who don’t understand what happens to those who use forbidden magic might say that. They fall into the abyss—what most call hell.”

Hell. A realm of eternal torment, where one devours oneself for countless eons.

“More precisely, there were two mages. Those who inherited the divine will and fell into hell. Such a curse is entirely plausible.”

Marib’s faction swallowed hard and glanced at Gale. Wasn’t he the one who had borne that dreadful curse? Even if his testimony was false, it was clear another curse was taking root within him.

“Then, let us have Gale take the truth serum.”

Breaking the silence, Marib spoke again.

He calmly resumed his seat. A lie told to evade the moment would only ensnare him further. Marib smiled faintly, eyeing Gale up and down.

“What say you? This will reveal whether Gale’s curse is true or not.”

“That’s a good idea!”

“Y-yes! The Ministry of Magic has been pushing the truth serum, hasn’t it? They say it’s very effective.”

“Order it at once, Your Majesty!”

“If His Highness Gale’s testimony is false, he must be stripped of his royal name! Threatening Bariel, Your Majesty, and His Highness Marib’s safety is nothing less than blackmail!”

“Everyone, control yourselves! Watch your tongues! You’re already assuming His Highness Gale is lying! That’s an insult to the royal family!”

The Emperor slowly raised his hand, signaling for silence. His hand was thin and frail, but his authority was undeniable.

“…Gale, do you consent to taking the truth serum?”

It was a question from the Emperor, his father. Even now, if Gale had lied, this was his chance to correct himself and apologize.

But Gale placed his hand over his chest and answered firmly.

“I consent.”

“See! Our lord does not speak falsehoods! I have taken note of those who insult His Highness Gale here today! We shall see how this unfolds!”

“Heh, truly impressive, Your Highness Gale! What are you scheming?”

“B-banish such impiety!”

Such unwavering consent. If the curse were false, he wouldn’t agree so readily. If the Ministry of Magic brought the truth serum now, the deception would be exposed immediately.

One minister bowed to Marib and whispered.

“Your Highness, what do you make of Gale’s true intentions? He seems so confident, perhaps it is the truth.”

“Not truth, but cunning.”

“…Excuse me?”

Raising his eyebrows in confusion, the minister was answered by Marib.

“He’s confident because he believes he won’t be caught. Otherwise, he wouldn’t so boldly agree to the truth serum.”

The biggest concern about the truth serum was trust. Though it supposedly compels truth, there was fear it could be manipulated by the Ministry’s will.

“He has definitely tampered with the truth serum.”

“Ah…”

The minister nodded slowly at Marib’s words.

It was a distinct possibility. Wesley was dead, but the truth serum currently held by the Ministry was all made under her instructions.

The suspicion was becoming certainty.

“I have a proposal, Your Majesty.”

Marib sought the Emperor’s permission before speaking.

“All the truth serum currently held by the Ministry was made according to the traitor Wesley’s designs and cannot be trusted. Therefore, I suggest we discard all existing potions and have a new batch fairly brewed for Gale’s use.”

“Your Highness Marib! Do you realize how much Luron stone was used to make the current serum? You want to discard it all?”

“Are you not concerned for Gale? I find it doubtful and unsafe to use what’s already made.”

Outwardly, it seemed he was protecting Gale’s safety, but in truth, it was a tactic to uncover the truth behind the curse. Gale, who had been quietly listening, added a word.

“Making the truth serum will take some time.”

“If the Ministry of Magic puts their full effort into it, the process can be shortened.”

Gale bit his lip. Seeing this, Marib clenched his fist, a surge of triumph rising in his chest.

‘Do you think I’ll fall for your trick?’

“Why delay what can be revealed immediately?”

“Gale, if your testimony is true, there’s no problem as long as you don’t die soon. We will tighten security, so don’t worry and wait. Or do you still trust Wesley?”

Marib’s blunt rebuke ignited the room. The factions supporting Gale argued fiercely with those backing Marib, insisting the truth serum had been tampered with.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The Prime Minister slammed his staff down again, unable to bear the chaos.

“Very well. I agree with His Majesty. We cannot know what Wesley has done. All existing potions must be discarded, and new ones brewed.”

“What about the time required?”

At someone’s question, all eyes turned to Ian. All inquiries about magic were directed to him, a testament to the Ministry’s unrivaled authority.

“The report says about two weeks, but it can be expedited somewhat. Details must be discussed with the responsible department.”

“Understood. Then, let us conclude this meeting. It has already gone on too long. We will convene again soon for urgent matters. Those involved must remain within the palace.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

The meeting adjourned. Had Gale not regained consciousness, it would have been delayed further. The ministers sighed in relief and bowed to the Emperor.

“…Everyone, strive to restore normalcy to the palace. And Gale.”

“Yes, Father.”

The Emperor silently gestured for them to follow. As they exited, Gale’s faction dispersed like a receding tide. It was clear they would hold urgent meetings about this critical matter. Marib’s remaining supporters gathered in small groups, heads bent in discussion.

“Ian.”

“Yes, Your Highness Marib.”

Ian approached and bowed at Marib’s summons.

“Will the heads of the truth serum department be candidates for the next Minister of Magic?”

“No. They prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over magical power refinement and have no intention of becoming ministers.”

Marib circled around and motioned Ian to come closer. Ian bent down toward him, bringing his ear near.

“Then recruit them first.”

His voice sounded quite pleased. It made sense—Wesley, the Ministry of Magic’s stronghold, had been broken and killed, and dealing with Gale was only a matter of time. On top of that, the man pushing for the next minister was one of his own subordinates. Could there be a more perfect situation?

“That should be possible.”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

“Good. I’ll relay the details later.”

The Ministry of Magic was now fully aware of Ian’s presence. Though newly appointed, he held the prince’s favor tightly and, above all, possessed power strong enough to rival the former minister.

The idea of him being promoted to minister was no laughing matter.

With a slight nod, Ian gave a brief greeting, and Marib encouraged him with a satisfied gesture.

Stepping outside, Ian noticed a red magic circle drawn around the building where the meeting had taken place. It was a warning not to approach, as investigations were ongoing following Wesley’s death.

‘Marib… has he noticed something strange?’

Ian recalled the clash between Marib and Gale in the meeting room. Gale had lied about the curse, that was true. But the truth about the truth serum? Had things really gone according to Marib’s plan?

‘If Gale had truly tampered with the truth serum, he would have brought it himself and drunk it during the meeting to push his agenda through.’

It was all part of Gale’s calculation—buying time by exploiting the opposition’s distrust of the serum.

So, now that Wesley was gone, who in the Ministry would assist him…

“Ian.”

A sudden voice called out as he passed the garden beside the Ministry’s main building. He turned around. It was just like that day—the day he had met Gale where the annex should have been. The breeze swept coolly between them.

“Have you spoken with His Majesty the Emperor?”

Gale nodded and pointed toward the depths of the garden. He wanted to talk—just for a moment.