Chapter 174
A moment later, Xiaosi noticed that the area around Ian had quieted down and stepped into the conference room. Ian was standing by the round table, surrounded by mages and documents, observing the scattered magic stone powder.
Among the countless grains, it was impossible to tell which belonged to Marib or Gale, but it was enough to assess the situation. Ian tapped two points on the rolled-up paper with his fingers.
“I sensed Beols’ magic here and here.”
“That’s right. The physical distance is quite significant for rapid movement. Neither a mage nor a magic swordsman serving His Majesty could move that quickly.”
“If the Emperor has secret passages, it would be difficult for us to detect them. It’s best to announce that the Magic Department is a neutral zone and wait for their arrival.”
“Ian, you have a hunch, don’t you?”
“I ordered Romandro to retrieve the documents from the Wesley incident. Once we verify those, we can make a more accurate guess. What about Beric? Is he preparing well?”
“He’s downstairs eating. The area around here is swarming with Marib’s troops, so some preparation will be necessary.”
Marib’s forces—what a laughable notion. Even Bariel’s insignificant beasts serve under the Emperor. And yet, these so-called guards stir up chaos. How reckless.
Ian smirked and set the papers down. Akorella, who was tidying the magic stone powder, noticed Xiaosi’s presence and gave a subtle nod.
“Minister, your subordinate is here.”
“Xiaosi?”
“…I have something to report.”
Xiaosi bowed calmly and glanced around at the mages, unsure if this was something they should overhear.
“Oh dear, we need to check the defenses!”
“Yeah, I was just thinking the same. Hmm.”
The mages busied themselves and left the room. They didn’t know Xiaosi was a slave; they simply saw him as Ian’s right hand. Beric’s constant calls for a fight had also stirred things up.
“What’s going on?”
Ian crossed his arms and looked at Xiaosi, who was usually so taciturn that it was hard to guess what he’d say.
“Last night, I believe I saw His Highness Arsen at His Highness Gale’s quarters.”
That was more than suspicious—it was shocking. Ian uncrossed his arms and furrowed his brows. Why would Arsen be at Gale’s quarters? More importantly, how?
“Explain in detail.”
“In the darkness of the corridor, I saw bright blue eyes shining. At first, I thought it was the child, the son of the subject, and passed by. But upon closer look, it was definitely His Highness Arsen.”
“…His Highness Jin and His Highness Arsen look identical. How can you be so sure it was Arsen?”
“Instinct—”
Xiaosi hesitated. The moment was brief but etched into his mind, impossible to forget. There was a cold, fierce aura, as if the eyes belonged not to the living but something else. Or perhaps the chilling presence of a dominant predator. Words failed to capture the feeling.
Would Ian understand this?
He continued.
“I just knew.”
“……”
Ian tapped the leather of his chair rhythmically with his fingertips, staring into space as if deep in thought. His eyes glowed an unusually intense green.
“…I believe you.”
“Thank you.”
Xiaosi flinched at the ease of the reply. Ian looked up at him, smiling as if amused by his reaction.
“Though Jin and Arsen are mirror images, their temperaments differ, and everyone in the palace can easily tell them apart. If you felt it was Arsen, then it must have been Arsen.”
More precisely, the lively, smiling one was Arsen, and the calm, reserved one was Jin.
“What puzzles me is how and why Arsen was at Gale’s quarters that night.”
Ian glanced at the magic stone powder map. The palace was vast, so Gale’s and Arsen’s quarters weren’t exactly adjacent, but not completely isolated either.
Still, a child traveling without a mount, and of all nights, visiting Gale’s quarters—that defied all reason.
“Since the guards were pulled back to receive you, I suppose he managed to get in somehow. But there are more questions than answers.”
Ian muttered, and Xiaosi lowered his eyes. If only he had stopped the child then, confirmed it was Arsen, and brought back better information for his master.
“Xiaosi.”
Ian’s call made him look up.
“Keep a close watch on the twin princes, especially Arsen. There’s too much that doesn’t add up.”
“I will remember.”
The prophecy said the same.
The younger would harm the elder.
If the one closest to the throne dies, the royal line would end.
‘I can somewhat guess the latter.’
Ian believed Jin, who was currently the clear heir, was the closest to the throne. Naturally, if Jin died, the royal line would be broken.
“…What about Arsen?”
“He found the comings and goings uncomfortable and went inside.”
Ian stood and led the way, thinking it might be best to keep Jin and Arsen somewhat separated for now.
“Inside? Where exactly?”
“If you feel any pain, please tell me immediately.”
“…I’m fine.”
The doctor knelt and examined Jin’s wound. As he wiped away the dried blood, the depth of the injury became clearer. Thankfully, it missed his eyes and mouth, but the scar would never fully fade. The doctor sighed involuntarily and disinfected the open wound.
“…And your mother?”
“Lady Dilaina is resting. She fainted from shock, but she’s stable. I’m more worried about His Highness’s injury.”
Jin closed his eyes in silence. Did they know he had been abandoned by his mother and brother? There were no secrets in the palace; once the situation calmed, everyone would surely find out.
‘Then how am I supposed to live?’
He still vividly remembered the last warmth of his mother’s hand as she let go. The bond was broken, and even if it healed, it could never return to what it was. Like the scar on his face, the relationship bore its own mark.
“The wound is diagonal, so the bandage might be uncomfortable. But please endure it for now. If it worsens, it will hurt more and cause more trouble.”
The doctor finished the treatment with a clean cloth and stood. Then, those skilled in healing magic approached, radiating warm energy.
Ziiing. Ziiing.
“This will ease the pain. Since His Highness is still young and in poor condition, we will monitor and infuse magic as needed.”
“Magic is your domain; please do as you see fit.”
Jin’s gentle words brought smiles to the mages’ faces. Outside, the grown princes were causing a ruckus, but this young prince bore his pain without a sound.
“Please wait a moment. I’ll bring you some clothes.”
“And Ian?”
“The minister seems to be attending to some matters. Shall I call him?”
“No, I’m just curious.”
“I’ll be right back.”
The mage noticed Jin’s tattered clothes and bowed. Jin, sitting on the bed, closed his eyes and slowly moved his legs.
‘When I see Minister Ian, I’ll thank him first. For helping me survive this. For embracing me without hesitation—I’m truly grateful. And for saving Mother too—’
Creak.
Though a prince, he was still a child. Since opening his eyes, one unbearable event after another had unfolded. Lost in tangled thoughts, he didn’t notice the approaching footsteps.
Tap.
The footsteps drew near. Jin turned his head with eyes closed. Was it the mage returning?
“Jin.”
At the familiar voice, Jin’s eyes snapped open. Arsen was standing right in front of him, peering at his face. Jin froze, holding his breath.
“Jin, how’s the wound? Are you okay?”
“…Arsen.”
“Marib is really too much.”
Arsen’s eyes reddened as he touched his brother’s injury. Jin winced from the sting, and Arsen acted even more flustered.
“Sorry. Does it hurt a lot?”
“……”
Jin avoided his gaze and said nothing. It was always hard to face Arsen, but now it was even worse. He didn’t know what expression to wear when looking at him.
“Jin, were you angry about what happened earlier?”
“……”
“That’s why I told you beforehand. Your role is important. You know how complicated the palace situation is, right? We just met the crisis too soon.”
Arsen hugged Jin gently and whispered. Jin, staring into space, muttered,
“You want me dead.”
Arsen’s hand, which had been patting his back, stopped.
“Because of the prophecy, you want me to die before you.”
Arsen’s lips twisted as he looked at Jin calmly. Then, unable to hold back, he burst into loud laughter.
“Jin! What kind of nonsense is that? People might think I’m the one who gave the prophecy. I’m the one who lives in fear of death. From the moment I was born, your existence has meant I live with that fate.”
“Lies. You—”
“Mother’s choice was her own. Don’t take it out on me.”
Jin’s eyes widened at Arsen’s words. Was he saying that it was Jin’s fault their mother abandoned him? That he was simply himself and was rejected, so why was Jin raising his voice?
Jin felt tears welling up without realizing it.
“Luckily, Minister Ian appeared, and the armored men showed up just in time. Because of you, Mother and I almost died.”
Every word Arsen spoke felt like poison, igniting Jin’s veins with a fierce heat. Yet Jin didn’t realize it was anger stirring inside him.
“From now on, watch your actions, alright? I can’t stop you from hating me, but you can’t turn your back on Mother too.”
Jin bit his lip, desperate to argue, but Arsen’s words—like a dagger he’d carried his whole life—clogged his throat.
Then, a shadow appeared at the door. Arsen, facing Jin, chuckled softly and rubbed his cheek against his younger brother’s shoulder.
It was Ian. Leaning against the doorframe with his arms crossed, he watched them both. Jin’s heart pounded wildly.
“Jin, promise me. We’re family.”
“…”
Ian’s quiet comfort, urging him to hold back tears, drowned out Arsen’s whispers. The shock of hearing that his own breath mattered more than their screams was so profound that Jin could easily recall Ian’s voice again.
“I—I…”
Ian gently smoothed the corner of his mouth.
Don’t cry. Smile.
The tears of the precious are heavy enough to fill the world.
“I…”
Ian nodded.
Your worth is something only you can recognize. Trust yourself and follow your own path. When you do, only your true self will remain.
“I don’t want to.”
“…What?”
Arsen stopped rubbing his cheek and looked up. Jin glared at him, tears brimming but never falling.
“I don’t want to die. Arsen, please—don’t ask me to bear your fate anymore.”