Episode 160

In the grand conference room, Gale stood out more than anyone else—not just because he was the center of attention that day. His demeanor was anything but relaxed or confident, as one might expect from someone about to face judgment. Instead, he boldly draped his arm around Melania’s waist, dripping with affection for all to see.

“Lady Melania Hyman. It’s been a while.”

“Oh my, hello. Yes, it has. This is the first time since the New Year’s gathering, isn’t it? My father often mentions you when he sorts through his letters.”

“And what brings you here today?”

“I’m accompanying His Highness Gale for an important meeting.”

“Ah, I see! Haha, well then.”

The Hyman family—a powerful noble house controlling Bariel’s economy. Their status was incomparable to ordinary nobles, partly due to their royal blood from a foreign kingdom. There was even a saying: “The Hymans stand between royalty and nobility.” The reverence they commanded was such that their bank was treated almost like a temple.

“His Highness Gale, the atmosphere in the meeting room is quite heavy. I should have dressed more formally.”

“No need. You look perfect. No worries.”

“I’m glad to hear you say that.”

While everyone else wore muted uniforms, Melania’s dress captured the essence of spring—bright, sparkling, and adorned with accessories that drew every eye.

Ian recognized this as a simple but clever move by Gale. He had made sure that everyone entering the room noticed Melania’s presence.

‘Gale has won the heart of the Hyman heiress. That means the Hyman family supports Gale.’

Not just any noble, but the Hymans. It explained why Gale had been so reclusive and busy lately. Everyone in the room was watching them closely.

Gale slipped his arm around Melania’s shoulder and glanced back. When his eyes met Ian’s, he smiled slyly and gestured toward Melania, silently asking, ‘How do you like that?’ Ian responded with a slight nod, expressionless. Gale shrugged and turned his gaze forward.

“Gale, you really are something.”

“It wasn’t long ago you were so close with Wesley.”

“Careful with your tongue.”

“…My apologies, Minister.”

Ian hushed his subordinates and waited for the meeting to begin. Soon, Marib and his followers entered, easily spotting Gale and Melania at the front. Marib stopped and let out a derisive laugh.

“…Gale. Unbelievable.”

“Good morning, brother.”

Gale released Melania and approached to greet him. Instead of shaking hands, Marib turned his head slightly and muttered with contempt.

“They say old habits die hard. Still the same. I wonder who you learned it from.”

He was referring to Gale’s birth mother, a woman of humble provincial noble origins who had risen to the highest status through her beauty—a woman the emperor himself often dreamt of and called out to in his sleep.

Gale’s jaw tightened at Marib’s blatant insult.

Clench.

Grabbing Marib’s arm as he tried to pass, Gale smiled sweetly, but his eyes were ice-cold.

“Try saying that in front of Father.”

“You do it yourself. You’ll soon be kicked out of the palace, so spare His Majesty the trouble. Tell him, ‘Father, don’t worry. The bloodline I cling to will take care of me. I have no worries about survival.’”

Smack!

Marib lightly brushed off Gale’s hand and walked on. Despite the tense atmosphere, Melania stood tall, watching Gale.

‘If he dies, Bariel falls? If the emperor and I die too? Such nonsense. Gale, today is the last day you live under the imperial name.’

Marib glanced at Ian, as if to confirm everything was in order. Ian nodded, and soon the emperor’s arrival marked the start of a trial disguised as a meeting.

“The Emperor approaches!”

“Everyone, rise!”

Supported by Delaina, the emperor ascended the highest platform. His complexion was ashen, and every movement seemed a struggle. Time had worn him down, and unseen forces threatened his very breath.

“Begin.”

“Minister of Magic, Viscount Ian Hielo, step forward.”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

As the chancellor’s gavel struck firmly, Ian stepped forward, holding a prepared vial on a cushion.

“I am Ian Hielo, newly appointed Minister of Magic. By imperial decree, all previous ‘truth serum’ potions have been discarded and replaced with a newly formulated version.”

The transparent, pristine liquid inside the glass bottle caught the yellowish light of the room. The nobles leaned forward, intrigued. If commercialized, this potion would surely become a vital part of their daily lives.

“Thanks to a large supply of Luron stones, extensive research has resolved several side effects, including the previously reported hemoptysis.”

“Was the Luron supply managed by Viscount Ian Hielo?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Marib deliberately emphasized this, both to bolster Ian’s authority and to place full responsibility on him should any problems arise.

The chancellor called Gale forward.

“His Highness Gale, by the emperor’s command, you will be questioned.”

“I shall answer faithfully and with respect.”

The chancellor adjusted his glasses and paused.

“His Highness Gale was cursed by the former Minister of Magic, Wesley. Is this true?”

“Yes.”

“Therefore, starting with His Highness’s death, a shadow of death will fall upon countless citizens of Bariel, leading to the empire’s decline and eventual ruin. Is this also true?”

“Yes.”

Gale raised his hand in oath. Those who believed him sighed in sorrow, while his opponents sneered.

“Finally, is it true that the First Prince Marib and His Majesty the Emperor are also under this death curse?”

Everyone swallowed hard. Marib crossed his arms, wearing a scornful expression. The emperor’s wrinkled face was unreadable. Delaina held the emperor’s hand and closed her eyes briefly.

“It is true.”

Boom!

“His Highness Gale, you persist in coming forward.”

“Ah, the curse of ruin upon Bariel—!”

“Silence!”

“Silence!”

A wave of angry voices erupted. The chancellor repeatedly struck his gavel, trying to restore order, but the uproar only grew—until Gale lifted the truth serum.

Swish.

“What’s the point of all this noise? Nothing has changed from before. We are gathered here to face the truth. Look carefully.”

“……”

He took a sip of the serum, then raised his head defiantly. His Adam’s apple bobbed, confirming the potion had gone down. Gale wiped his mouth and glanced at the chancellor.

“His Highness Gale, have you lied about anything I have asked today?”

Gale smiled faintly. Marib jumped to his feet, but words travel faster than actions.

“Everything is true.”

Bang! Bang!

“His Highness Gale has spoken no falsehoods!”

“From now on, we shall consider His Highness’s safety as Bariel’s safety and protect him strictly. Anyone who harms him shall be dealt with as a traitor!”

“This is outrageous!”

“Prince Marib! What is the meaning of this—”

Marib’s followers swarmed him in confusion. Amid the noise, Marib stared at Gale expressionlessly. Slowly, he stood and removed his glasses.

“Gale.”

…Is that curse really true? Impossible.

As Marib approached Gale, radiating hostility, his followers tried to follow, only to be stopped by the chancellor’s stern warning.

“Anyone disturbing the meeting will be removed without warning and charged with contempt.”

Marib faced Gale. After a long stare, he turned to Ian. The anger in his voice was unmistakable.

“Ian, I heard the truth serum has no problems.”

“Yes. None at all.”

“Then why—!”

“Brother.”

Gale calmly interrupted. His voice was even, yet there was a hint of amusement.

“Just because the truth isn’t what you want doesn’t mean it ceases to be true. Or do you wish to turn your wishes into truth?”

Veins bulged on Marib’s temple. Ian stepped closer, whispering as if to calm him.

“The Emperor is watching. It’s best to remain composed. And I swear on my life, there is nothing wrong with the potion.”

Marib looked up at the platform. The emperor’s eyes slowly scanned the room, observing the tension between his sons. Marib muttered without taking his eyes off the emperor.

“…Is that so? Then let’s put it to the test. Is there anyone here—?”

Marib feigned composure and turned with a smile. Yet, an instinctively threatening aura radiated from her. Marib’s followers faltered, caught off guard.

“Whoever dares, come forward and drink the potion.”

“…Your Highness, what do you mean by that?”

“I said, anyone who dares, step forward.”

Those who had been fawning and flattering her moments ago now froze awkwardly. The antidote potion—here, in front of everyone?

“…Your Highness…”

“Sir Kylot? Come forward. Or Norelveng? How about you? Ah, yes, Beckerman! You, drink it.”

The named individuals turned pale, nervously licking their lips. This was a public setting, with the emperor and the entire court watching. And opposing factions were glaring, ready to pounce. Even a saint with nothing to hide would feel the pressure.

“Your Highness, I will drink it to prove it.”

“No. Anyone connected to the Magic Department is exempt.”

“You don’t trust me, then?”

Ian frowned, clearly upset. Pretending was giving him chills down his spine. He’d felt this way since the border—acting just wasn’t his forte, nor did he have the talent for it. It seemed Marib hadn’t noticed his agitation too much.

He stood there, momentarily speechless, just catching his breath.

‘Damn it.’

Ian was the head of the Magic Department and a valuable asset in many ways. It would be a shame to lose him over this outburst. He immediately realized his mistake.

“Then, brother, you should drink it.”

Gale slowly swirled the potion in his hand. The half-full liquid sloshed softly.

“If no one trusts anyone else, wouldn’t the best way be for you to drink it yourself?”

He smiled slyly, as if silently urging Marib to take the potion.

“I also have questions for you, brother. Do you know Father has been unwell lately? Whether there are any reliable merchant guilds abroad? Things like that.”

Marib’s eyes widened at his words.

“Well? Will you drink it? How can you force your subordinates to drink something you won’t? It looks weak.”

“Gale…”

Their whispered exchange was so quiet only Ian could hear. Unable to bear the awkward silence any longer, the emperor stepped in.

“Marib. Enough.”

“…Your Majesty.”

At the emperor’s command, Marib’s expression shifted noticeably—quite a sight, especially compared to Gale’s triumphant grin.

“…If I may, shall we continue the report?”

“Ian Hielo, Minister. What report?”

Clink.

Ian took the antidote potion from Marib’s hand and placed it on the table. Marib watched him with a strange look. If you lend support to one side, isn’t it only fair to support the other as well?

“It’s about the forbidden magical curse. No matter how powerful a spell is, a curse is still a curse. Just as every problem has a solution, there must be a way to break a curse.”