Episode 150

There were seven candidates who had registered first, including Jang and Ian. Among them, only three were not former captains.

The number of captains stepping up was lower than expected. It seemed the burden of directly succeeding Minister Wesley was too heavy to bear. Not just because of her abilities, but cleaning up the mess she left behind was a daunting task in itself.

“The current situation is like a storm. If we rush in recklessly, we’ll be torn apart. Better to wait for the right moment and aim for the future.”

That was the general sentiment among the captains. Of course, some, like Hale, seemed completely uninterested. Regardless, even if the Ministry of Magic chose the next minister internally, the final approval had to come from the royal court.

No one knew when or how the political winds might shift.

“Alright, that concludes the candidate registrations for now. We’ll set the election date sometime next week and proceed with the selection. The process will be fairly overseen by the captains who didn’t register as candidates. We swear on the honor of all wizards.”

“There will be some simple procedures, including a magic power verification test. Candidates will be informed separately, and the results will be shared with everyone.”

“Shall we adjourn for now? I hear Lord Gale has safely awakened. It’d be good to rest a bit before we reconvene to strategize.”

While Ian was attending the emergency meeting, the wizards were going through equally exhausting times. Just looking at Tommy and Nakina slumped over made that clear. Ian nodded in agreement.

“Very well. Let’s rotate the wizards currently out on field investigations and those examining the forbidden spellbooks, as well as all departments. Also, any communications from the palace will come through me, so keep the emergency summoning magic open at all times.”

Jang puckered his lips in disapproval. A young, inexperienced fellow stepping up like that—it was frustrating. Had they been on the scene back then, they might have subdued Wesley without issue. Maybe even before Lord Gale was cursed. Though there’s no use dwelling on ‘what ifs,’ the mind is always full of them.

“And Captain Acorella.”

“Hm? What is it, Minister Ian?”

“You’re crazy. Absolutely crazy, Acorella!”

Acorella’s eyes sparkled as she responded to Ian’s call. The other captains pleaded for some decorum, but Ian didn’t budge. He knew she was a force to be reckoned with in her own right and smiled wryly.

“Captain Acorella, please come speak with me for a moment. I want to discuss the delivery of the Luron Stones.”

“Excellent! Very well!”

“Alright then, we’ll be off for now.”

“Jang, you should stay with us for a bit.”

“Ahem. Thank you for your efforts. Call us immediately if anything comes up.”

The wizards rose en masse and left the conference room. Only Acorella, her subordinates, and the Magic Operations Department remained in the now-empty space.

Ian glanced at Hale and asked, “Captain, if you’re hungry, you can go ahead.”

“No, let’s eat together. We’re family, after all.”

Though he said that, Ian’s real reason was to have her by his side during negotiations with the Magic Stone Management Department. Judging by Acorella’s reaction, she was already halfway convinced.

Acorella pressed close to Ian, unable to hide her excitement. Her crimson eyes gleamed dangerously.

“So, where exactly are the Luron Stones now? You said they’re entrusted to the Romandro estate—is that where they’re kept?”

“No, they’re stored elsewhere.”

“Let’s go! Right now!”

“Captain Acorella, is it even possible to deliver 80 kilograms at once?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Ian casually perched on the edge of the table, counting on his fingers as if to emphasize his point.

“As you said, 80 kilograms of Luron Stones is an ultra-expensive item that far exceeds the Ministry’s budget for several years. Carrying the purchase over to the next year isn’t feasible given the Ministry’s current situation.”

Since the royal court realized that wizards’ abilities could influence Bariel’s fate, they would surely impose restrictions under the guise of checks and balances. The most basic of these would be budget cuts. Acorella’s face fell, and she reacted vehemently.

“No, no, that won’t do! I was so excited earlier! Because of the research on the real elixir, I haven’t been able to work on anything else! The higher-ups tell us to use every grain sparingly, but honestly, is that a joke? Let’s use it in chunks! Please!”

“Calm down. I have a proposal. I’ll arrange for the entire 80 kilograms to be delivered at a price slightly below market value, and we’ll pay over an extended period.”

Though the payment would be spread out, the sum was so large that an immediate payment of around 10,000 gold coins wouldn’t be a problem. Acorella exhaled sharply, calming her excitement.

“…Really?”

“Yes.”

“As expected of Minister Ian.”

With a snap, she extended her hand in satisfaction. Tommy and Nakina exchanged pitying looks as they watched Acorella’s subordinates. Their captain’s condition was far from good, so they could only imagine how tough things were for those under her command.

“Of course, I’ll have my duties, right?”

Ian smiled as he clasped Acorella’s hand.

“The Ministry is interconnected across all departments, but I understand there are specific departments that collaborate frequently.”

“Exactly. Especially for other departments that need magic stones, we’re very, very important! Ha ha!”

Magic stones were used far more widely than expected. They could be embedded in weak points of defensive barriers to reinforce them, used in magical tools, and in potions that supplement depleted magic power. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say they were used everywhere except in magic circles.

Given that many wizards preferred practical training, the Magic Stone Management Department was low-profile but wielded considerable influence.

‘Indeed, there’s no unnecessary department in the Ministry of Magic.’

“Captain Acorella, please inform them that if I become minister, there will be no budget cuts, and we will push for the commercialization of the real elixir.”

Everyone froze at Ian’s words—not just the Magic Stone Management Department, but Hale, Tommy, and Nakina as well. The real elixir project was something every department except the Ministry fiercely opposed.

And yet, Ian claimed he could make it happen?

“Ian, are you serious?”

“This has already been discussed with His Highness the prince.”

He didn’t specify which prince, but most knew Ian was allied with Marib.

‘It was Marib’s faction that opposed the real elixir. If Ian becomes minister, it might actually be possible. Though the Ministry’s entire character would be dyed in Marib’s colors.’

Acorella didn’t care. In fact, it was only natural. With Lord Gale cursed, staying aligned with his faction would only lead to ruin.

The Ministry belonged to the royal court. Power shifts were inevitable—that was the natural flow of history.

“I don’t care about anything else, as long as I can keep researching.”

“If the real elixir is commercialized, wizards will have additional income guaranteed. Also, it will restore the Ministry’s shaken reputation after the Wesley incident. This benefits not only the related departments but everyone.”

Besides, the wizards’ loyalty to Gale was largely due to Wesley’s influence. Without her, there was no reason to stick with Gale.

“Okay! I get it!”

Snap!

Acorella snapped her fingers excitedly and shook her whole body as if trembling from head to toe.

“So, if you get elected, research will flourish! Right?”

“More or less.”

“Got it. Before the magic power verification, I’ll reach out to other departments and leak some information. There are plenty of people secretly taking potions from us! I’ve recorded everything in the ledger! Ha ha ha!”

If they didn’t vote, she’d expose them! They took potions behind their lovers’ backs—imagine what they used them for. This could cause quite a scandal. Watching Acorella’s sly grin, Ian realized he’d unexpectedly brought a dangerous ally onto his side.

You really shouldn’t mess with someone obsessed with something.

“…That’s welcome news.”

“Hale, you’ve got a very capable junior.”

“If I become minister, I won’t be a junior anymore.”

Acorella then extended her hand to Hale. The two department members standing guard behind them did the same. Though they were comrades who had shared hardships, this alliance felt strange.

“Among the other candidates, none have the backing of a prince.”

Not Marib or Gale, both at the same time.

Honestly, Ian didn’t find winning the minister’s seat difficult. The real challenge would come after—once he was minister, after stabilizing the situation, and after establishing the Ministry’s annex.

“With the investigation into forbidden magic underway, we’ll surely find clues about Naum’s magic.”

In a way, Wesley’s misdeeds were a boon for Ian. They had elevated his status and opened doors to various leads.

Ian suddenly recalled Naum’s last words.

—Ian, it’s alright. There’s always, always a chance. The gods don’t give us problems without answers.

If he could go back, would he meet the living Naum? Or would he return only after everything was over? If so, had he truly found the right answer?

What if he couldn’t go back…?

“Ian.”

His endless thoughts were easily cut off by Captain Hale’s call. Ian quickly composed himself and turned.

“Yes, Captain.”

“It seems we have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

Ian turned his head, following Captain Hale’s gaze. Through a slightly open crack, he caught a glimpse of a round face. It was Romandro. He gave an awkward smile and cautiously called out to Ian.

“Uh, hey… is everyone really busy? I went to the office, but it was completely empty.”

“No, it’s all wrapped up.”

“Alright then. Let’s call it a day here. Ian, keep your phone close. I’m—heh heh—planning to wipe out all those nuisances causing trouble.”

Acorella let out a wicked laugh and gave a subtle nod to her subordinates. After exchanging brief greetings, they left the conference room. Romandro glanced at her retreating figure and wiped the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief.

“Are all mages like that?”

“Seems like she’s a bit of an exception. But what brings you here? Shouldn’t you be busy?”

Since the Wesley incident, Romandro had been having a hectic day himself. The palace upheaval meant the entire administration was in chaos. He’d barely had time to use the bathroom, but finally managed to steal a moment.

“Viviana got in touch. Apparently, some vagrant showed up at the mansion, handed over these, and demanded payment.”

He gave Captain Hale a sly grin before leaning in to whisper to Ian. In his hand was a crumpled piece of paper and a compass linked to a magical brooch—something Beric had brought back.

“Looks like Beric left the central district.”

“Not sure about that. The vagrant said he came from a nearby slum. Anyway, Viviana sent someone straight to the administration to report it. Let’s check it out.”

With a quick motion—

It wasn’t exactly a message from someone likely to get beaten to death, but after a week without word, this was worrying. Ian unfolded the paper, and Romandro craned his neck to read along.

—I an. Come pick me up. Found somethin’ togetha!

“This is…”

Was it written with a lump of charcoal? The scrawl was messy, barely legible, and smudged beyond recognition. Romandro scratched his chin, muttering.

“Could it be Hasha’s handwriting?”

“Romandro, Hasha is a dog.”

“Oh, right. Forgot about that.”

“Best to trust what Hasha indicated, then.”

“What should we do? Go pick them up?”

Romandro asked, and Ian checked the compass. Clearly, whoever sent the message couldn’t come alone.

Ian gave a faint smile and nodded.

“Looks like I have some time.”