Chapter 173

Silver hair, piercing blue eyes, and a deep scar running from the left temple down to the right jawline. This was the face Ian remembered as the next emperor. The future of the twins, who had been inseparable since birth, was now torn apart—just like the scar that split Jin’s face.

“Prince Marib, stand down.”

Ian warned Marib firmly. That child was his blood. Because of that child, his own future self would one day be born. In another sense, Jin was his true family—an existence so dignified that someone like Marib could never harm him.

Whoosh—

The natural wind mingled with Ian’s magic, creating a refreshing current of air. Ian reached out with both hands, silently beckoning Jin to come to him.

“…”

Tears streamed down Jin’s face as he glanced back at Delaina. She stood frozen in shock, still holding Arsen in her arms. There was no place for him in his mother’s embrace.

Snap!

“Jin!”

“…!”

Ignoring Delaina’s desperate shout, Jin dashed past Marib’s sword. His pounding heartbeat felt like it was shaking his very soul. He bit down hard, running with all his might, afraid someone might grab him if he looked back. His vision blurred with what could have been blood or tears, but it didn’t matter.

Because the place he could find refuge was steadfastly waiting.

Squeeze.

Ian knelt down to meet the running Jin, pulling him into a desperate embrace. It was a plea to be saved—help for the child abandoned by his mother and brother.

“Are you all right?”

Ian carefully examined the child’s face. The scar from the left temple to the right jaw was deep. Tears kept falling from those pale blue eyes.

“…Sir Ian.”

“Dry your tears. Your Highness, you are precious.”

Ian’s gentle words finally broke through Jin’s defenses, and he sobbed openly. Ian’s comforting touch was unusually soft—because he had been there too. Even an emperor’s life is not without wounds. Just as Naum had comforted Ian when he cried in secret, Ian could only soothe Jin’s tears now.

“Ian. Hand Jin over.”

At that moment, Marib’s sword was aimed at Ian. Jin’s life was the price Delaina had paid. To boost morale and, more importantly, to make sure there was no turning back, Jin’s breath had to be cut off.

Jin flinched, sensing the murderous intent directed at him.

“That won’t happen.”

“Not only betrayal, but you’ll interfere as well?”

“That’s a baseless accusation. Isn’t this all because Your Highness stole His Majesty’s seal?”

“Shut up. If you hadn’t conspired with Gale, I would have dealt with him long ago. We wouldn’t even be here.”

Swish.

Ian scooped Jin into his arms. At the same time, their hair—golden and silver—fluttered together, a silent testament that they stood united.

“Have you never considered that if it weren’t for me, Prince Marib would have been the one eliminated?”

“Arrogant!”

“Ahhh!”

Clang! Clang!

Marib’s shout rallied the soldiers, who drew their swords. Delaina shielded Arsen and dropped to the ground, while Beric and Xiaoshi took up defensive stances.

“…”

Xiaoshi, dagger in hand, glanced at Jin and Arsen. Silver hair, blue eyes—definitely the child he had seen at Gale’s quarters the day before. Though startled by the twins, their very different auras made it easy to tell them apart.

“Arsen, the prince,” Xiaoshi thought.

Cunning. Just meeting his gaze was enough to sense danger. Did Arsen recognize Xiaoshi too? His expression flickered strangely—perhaps just a trick of the mind.

Swish.

Suddenly, Marib lowered his sword. Instead, he aimed at Delaina’s neck and shouted at Jin.

“I must take someone’s life now. Jin, if you don’t come, I will kill your mother instead.”

“Ahhh!”

Delaina screamed as if about to faint. Jin flinched, but Ian covered his ears with his hand, as if to block out the words.

“Sir Ian.”

“No one can replace Your Highness. Your safety is more important than the screams of those villains.”

Ian’s murmured words made Jin’s eyes widen. He had never heard such words before. He had lived as if cursed by the royal family’s unspoken malediction.

Marib flicked his sword and openly taunted Jin.

“If Arsen dies, it will be because of you, Jin. The prophecy will come true.”

What an absurd threat. Ian chuckled softly, and Jin strangely felt a sense of calm wash over him. Despite the danger, it felt like nothing could truly harm him.

“Prince Marib holds the sword, so how can you say it’s Prince Jin’s doing? You intend to end Bariel’s fate with your own hands. Truly remarkable—no wonder the people praise you.”

Ian spoke, but inwardly resolved to investigate the prophecy again. Jin was the one carrying on Bariel’s legacy, yet why was the curse upon him?

Marib sneered and raised his sword without hesitation.

“Is that so? Then you have made your choice.”

But at that moment—

KRAK!

A nearby wall shattered, sending dust swirling. Startled, Marib retreated with his guards.

Out of the haze emerged a massive suit of matte black armor. Beric’s eyes sparkled with excitement.

“That’s it! That’s it!”

The symbol of Hyman Bank, a magical stone armor responsible for security. It guaranteed the strength of a hundred men or more, a secret weapon that could turn the tide of any battle. Whoever was inside, it was definitely Gale’s faction.

“Prince Marib!”

“Take cover!”

“It’s Gale! Stand your ground!”

As Marib searched for Gale, Gale was clearly seeking Marib. The attack rained down directly on Marib, and Riama, one of the three commanders, unleashed a magical barrier.

KRAAAANG! BANG!

Clang! Clang!

Swords clashed, shaking the heavens and earth. Heavy shockwaves rippled out, drowning out terrified screams.

Ian signaled to Beric and Xiaoshi.

“Beric, Xiaoshi!”

“Okay!”

“…”

Snap!

They had secured the twin princes—the future emperor’s precious bodyguard. Before being drawn back into battle, Ian ordered them to hurry back to the Magic Department.

The two dashed forward, grabbing Delaina’s arm as she collapsed.

“Stop struggling if you want to live!”

“Ahhh!”

Beric hoisted Delaina onto his back and ran, while Xiaoshi carried Arsen. Meanwhile, Ian slipped away with Jin through the garden. Marib’s soldiers tried to block their path, but they were no match.

“Where do you think you’re going!”

“Your Highness, close your eyes.”

Ziiing. Ziiing.

A soldier’s head dropped in an instant. Jin squeezed his eyes shut and buried his face in Ian’s chest. It was the same feeling as when he had touched the magic orb before—soft, warm, and somehow soothing.

“Ian! This is way too heavy!”

“Beric! Run ahead of me!”

“Ugh, it’s heavy, I’m telling you!”

They were escorting Jin from front and back. Beric ran up, panting, and Ian shot a beam of light into the sky.

Peeeeng! Boom!

If Tomi and Nakina saw the signal, they would come to meet them.

After running for some time—

Jin, sensing something unfamiliar, slowly opened his eyes.

Tap tap tap!

Over Ian’s shoulder, Jin met Arsen’s gaze as he was carried by Xiaoshi behind them. His brother’s cold, unreadable eyes glared at Jin with such intensity it felt like his heart dropped.

Seeing Jin’s expression, Xiaoshi guessed what Arsen was thinking.

“…Excuse me.”

Feigning protection, Xiaoshi covered Arsen’s face with his hand. The boy twisted his mouth but said nothing.

“Ian!”

“Tomi, Nakina! Check if anyone is following us!”

Tomi and Nakina flew over, informing Ian’s group that there was no pursuit and guiding them to the Magic Department’s safe zone.

“Ian is here!”

“Ian! This way! Oh my, the princes too!”

“Are you all right? There’s so much blood…”

“Where’s your shirt gone now?”

“The prince’s face! Doctor! Get a doctor!”

“No. Beric, you idiot! Don’t just drop Delaina like that!”

“What else can I do? She’s heavy!”

As soon as they entered the protective barrier, Beric practically threw Delaina down, and Ian exhaled deeply. Holding Jin, he headed straight to the infirmary. Mages swarmed around them, creating a commotion.

“Oh dear, how could such a fragile face be…”

“This is Prince Jin. Disinfect his wounds immediately.”

“Who the hell did this to His Highness’s face?”

“Prince Marib’s doing.”

“Ah. I see. Well then, please come this way, Prince Jin.”

It was the first time Jin had received care before Arsen after an incident like this. Without realizing it, Jin clutched Ian’s sleeve tightly. But seeing Ian’s smile, he slowly relaxed.

“It’s all right, Your Highness. These are trustworthy people. I’ll wait outside.”

Jin nodded as the wizards led her inside, while Ian rubbed his stiff shoulders and stepped out. Romandro was pouring water over Berrick’s sprawled-out face.

“Ugh, I’m seriously gonna die here!”

“You probably eat more meat in a day than that weighs.”

“My digestion’s done. Seriously. This is insane. Killing a hundred people would be easier.”

Ian scanned the interior of the Magic Department. The number of refugees had grown even more in the meantime. Amid the chaos, Arsen stood alone, looking lost. He seemed about to say something but was blocked by Hale.

“Minister Ian, we’ve confirmed the magical energy flow of the three commanders. Liama was last detected near Lady Dilaina’s palace—”

“I just saw it there myself. That’s correct.”

“Jaret definitely did not enter the palace. The problem is Beols.”

Hale frowned deeply, clearly baffled by the strange results.

“From His Majesty’s quarters, he suddenly moved to the Third Imperial Palace, then back to the Second, all at an incredible speed. If he were actually attending the Emperor, such a route would be impossible. We can’t make sense of it.”

Ian shared the confusion. But then, as if a realization struck him, he let out a small gasp and spun around.

“Ian?”

Ignoring Hale’s call, Ian began scanning the surroundings, as if searching for something.

Countless paintings hung on the walls.

He ran his hand over them one by one.

‘A crisis so dire that the son would seize the imperial seal. If I were the Emperor, there would definitely be a secret passage only I knew about. Just like I had.’

When Ian was attacked by Crony, he had used his own secret passage. Though a century had passed, so it wouldn’t be exactly the same, the principle and structure would likely be similar.

“What are you looking for?”

“…Berrick!”

“Ah, why! No way!”

“Get your head straight and get up.”

Berrick rolled around on the floor helplessly, but there was no choice. As Ian whispered instructions to him, Arsen sat off to the side, watching Ian intently.

“…”

And watching Arsen was Xiaoshi.

Their tangled gazes settled over the Magic Department, unnoticed by anyone. Outside, the sounds of battle grew louder and more intense by the moment.