Chapter 190
Knock knock.

“Prime Minister, Minister Ian Hielo has arrived.”

“Send him in at once, Quintana. The tax adjustment proposal from earlier today—I believe we had a similar case about five years ago. It would be good to compare the calculations with that precedent.”

“There’s also His Highness Jin’s attendance to consider.”

The Prime Minister and senior officials, who had been gathered around sharing reports, suddenly paused.

Jin’s attendance?

Of course, the prince attending the council was no issue at all. In fact, stepping forward to help stabilize the palace chaos was exemplary.

But Jin was still very young, and more importantly, the succession issue was looming.

‘Sir Ian is clearly drawing his sword with intent.’

Bringing Jin to the council was a clear signal of support for the Fifth Prince, and a subtle way to assert his political presence. Quintana ignored the murmuring officials and slammed his seal down.

“You’ve finished your cigarettes, haven’t you? What are you standing there for? Aren’t you going to receive him?”

The attendant bowed and stepped aside, and the massive doors slowly slid open. Ian was holding Jin’s hand. The Prime Minister and other officials rose to greet the prince.

Creak.

“Your Highness Jin, it’s a relief to see you unharmed.”

“The wounds on your face are grievous; it pains me deeply.”

“Please, come this way, Your Highness.”

Perhaps because of his pale skin, the deep scars running from his left temple down to his right jaw stood out starkly. It was almost a blessing that his eyes were unharmed—the wounds split his face in two, dark and deep.

Quintana frowned as he slipped his cigarette case back into his pocket.

‘Marib and Gale have truly done a number on him. What crime could a child have committed to deserve this?’

Still, aside from the scars, his complexion looked good, which was a relief. Compared to before the incident, his eyes seemed to have regained some spark. Sometimes, passing by, he had seemed more like a lifeless doll than a living boy—unlike Arsen.

“Thank you all for your hard work. You are the ones holding up this chaotic palace, and His Majesty the Emperor will be deeply pleased.”

“You flatter us, Your Highness. It is our duty.”

“Indeed. It is our obligation.”

“That is reassuring. I have come to offer what little strength I can. Please allow me to learn from the wisdom of the Prime Minister and ministers.”

Everyone bowed their heads at Jin’s request. Was he always this eloquent? No, in fact, few had ever heard his voice before.

The surprise at this unfamiliar side of him was brief. Ian pulled out a chair and guided Jin to sit—the seat closest to the Prime Minister, Ian’s own place.

“Please, Your Highness, have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Jin answered firmly and sat down. His expression was solemn and composed, but his hands trembled beneath the table. He had done well, following Ian’s instructions, but he was so nervous he couldn’t even recall what he had said.

“Are we the last to arrive?”

“Yes. Let’s begin the meeting.”

Ian glanced at the trembling boy’s hand and then addressed the Prime Minister. The stir caused by Jin’s presence was undeniable but soon settled. There was too much to discuss and countless matters to handle to be distracted by the prince.

Rustle.

Subordinates from each department circulated, distributing reports. Romandro blended in among them, conveying the opinions of the heads of the Magic Department.

“First, the administration, Quintana.”

At the Prime Minister’s prompt, Quintana raised his hand.

“This is the report on securing the national budget. The damage to the palace buildings is worse than expected, and we will need roughly half again of the budget allocated for this year.”

“The fire near the Third Palace was severe. The annex there will have to be completely rebuilt. Fortunately, it only houses the Minor Affairs Department, so operations haven’t been disrupted.”

“Why not downsize the reconstruction? The budget is tight, and there’s no need to rebuild exactly as before.”

“Honestly, the buildings were oversized for their functions.”

“There will be strong opposition. It’s not about efficiency; these buildings were destroyed in unfortunate circumstances. Restoring them fully has symbolic meaning.”

Minor Affairs Department? As the officials heatedly added their comments, Jin watched quietly, feigning calm. It was the first time he’d heard of that department, so he didn’t understand their conversation.

Slide.

—It’s the Department of Minority Races’ Diplomatic Support. They handle minority races officially entering Bariel. But the standards Bariel sets are so low that most cases get transferred to the General Diplomatic Department. Even those that remain are mostly illegal entries, which fall under different jurisdiction. It’s a dying department, and I believe they’ve already relocated their offices once.

Ian scribbled a note in the corner of the report and tapped it lightly. Everyone was so used to shorthand that newcomers would find it hard to follow. That’s why experience matters.

“Ah.”

Jin murmured softly, as if a lightbulb had gone off. His previously confused expression brightened. Now that he understood the reference, he could follow the officials’ points.

“What is Sir Ian’s opinion?”

“I believe downsizing is best. Regardless of tradition, the annex is too far from the main Third Palace building. I suggest removing the central garden and building there instead. That would create a new path connecting to the Second Palace.”

The question came suddenly, but Ian answered naturally. The sound of papers shuffling echoed as others checked the palace map to see how reasonable Ian’s suggestion was.

“That makes sense. To get from the Second Palace’s central annex to the Third Palace’s left annex, you have to pass through three buildings.”

‘Ah, so that’s the only way to get from here to there.’

Jin nodded, tracing the map with his finger. He rarely had reason to go there, so he hadn’t understood the daily struggles of officials who traveled by carriage. Everything they said felt fascinating and new, making his heart pound.

Rustle.

Ian flipped the report and raised his hand lightly. The Prime Minister gave a nod to allow him to speak.

“I have a question regarding repairs to the Magic Department.”

“…Thanks to the protective barrier, there was no damage, but we did confirm some minor wear. It’s slight and will be addressed last.”

Quintana answered with a suspicious look, as if wondering why Ian asked.

“We intend to proceed with annex construction alongside the Magic Department repairs.”

It wasn’t a proposal—it was a declaration.

Quintana’s brow furrowed deeply. Wasn’t this exactly what Wesley had pushed for? It had been repeatedly blocked due to fierce opposition from Marib.

“Annex construction?”

The Magic Department’s status in the palace was already sky-high, and it was clear it would only grow. Adding an annex would only increase their power. The more space they occupied, the more other departments would feel squeezed.

Quintana shot down the idea immediately.

“I oppose it. Compared to other departments, the Magic Department already has sufficient workspace for its personnel. Besides, we cannot allocate any more budget.”

“I agree. Minister Ian Hielo, while I acknowledge the Magic Department’s significant contributions, building an annex is a separate matter.”

Several officials stood up in protest, their opposition fiercer than expected. Jin glanced sideways at Ian, curious and a little worried about his thoughts on the backlash.

“Deputy Minister Quintana.”

Ian smiled calmly. Even as those across the table stiffened their expressions, he remained composed.

“I understand that when budgeting, you set aside funds not only for the current year but also for the next five years, correct?”

“Roughly, yes.”

In times of war, natural disasters, or sudden crises like this, they draw from future budgets. Ian flipped through the papers and asked,

“Then the budget listed here must include the installment payments from the sale of Luronite to the Magic Department.”

When Ian sold the Luronite to the Magic Department, the sum was so large it couldn’t be paid all at once. Instead, it was scheduled to be paid in installments over several years. That was what he was referring to.

Quintana stared at Ian, speechless. He seemed to understand what Ian was getting at.

“We will redirect the Luronite payments toward the annex construction. Our calculations show the payments exceed the construction costs.”

Rustle.

The sound of papers turning again.

If the scheduled payments disappear, the budget would actually have a slight surplus. The building wouldn’t be erected overnight, and construction costs would be paid in installments anyway. From a treasury perspective, Ian’s proposal was advantageous.

“Then there’s no need to pull two years’ worth of budget forward. Just one year in advance will suffice.”

“The Luronite payments exceed several years’ worth of the Magic Department’s budget. Construction can proceed without issue.”

“Hmm. Well, well.”

The Magic Department already took the second-largest share of the palace budget after the royal family. Quintana quickly scribbled some numbers, calculating simply. In the current situation, where every penny must be saved, if the Luronite payments vanish…

“Of course, all this is contingent on the palace stabilizing first. I only mention it now because reconstruction is being discussed.”

I’m telling you now so you won’t try to oppose it later. Since they say they’ll handle their own money, there’s not much ground to object anyway. In truth, Marib’s faction has effectively collapsed—there’s no one left willing to take the lead.

“And there are quite a few magical items, including the Silky Potion, that the Magic Department is preparing for commercialization. If we allocate a portion of the taxes from these, it would be of some help. Deputy Minister Quintana.”

Ian finished with a sly smile. She just twirled her pen and sighed quietly—there was nothing to argue about since no one was footing the bill. Quintana wasn’t in a position to blindly oppose just to block things.

“…Understood. We’ll review the details on our end and get back to you. Let’s move on to the next agenda.”

She stepped back. Seeing Quintana, who controlled the budget, respond like that, the other officials let out weary sighs.

Bang! Bang!

“The next item.”

The Prime Minister struck the gavel, deciding to downsize the Third Palace annex and consider building a new annex for the Magic Department.

This cycle repeated several times. The officials offered their best opinions from their perspectives, and through negotiation, a resolution emerged.

Dawn arrived, but Jin didn’t notice, only nodding repeatedly. Ian’s notes grew longer in the corner of the report.

“Shall we wrap this up, then?”

“Oh, I have one proposal.”

“Speak, Sir Hielo.”

Just as they were about to conclude, Ian looked at Jin and spoke.

“It concerns His Highness Jin’s residence.”

“Since his quarters were destroyed, isn’t he staying at the Second Palace annex for now? I believe Lady Dilaina moved there as well.”

Jin fidgeted under the table. It was about to come out—he was the abandoned child.

“For the time being, I would prefer to serve His Highness instead of Lady Dilaina. Also, I suggest assigning his residence closer to the Magic Department.”

“Why is that?”

“When Prince Marib stormed the quarters, I saw Lady Dilaina begging for her life, handing over His Highness’s custody. That’s when His Highness was injured.”

Ian’s words drew frowns from the officials. What exactly was he saying?

“My opinion is that Lady Dilaina cannot be trusted to fulfill her duties as protector.”

“Your Highness, is this true?”

The Prime Minister straightened and asked Jin directly. All eyes in the chamber turned to him—filled with pity, sympathy, shock, disbelief. A mix of emotions.

The boy hesitated briefly, then nodded with difficulty.

“It is true.”