Chapter 193
A massive gate stood between the inside and outside of the imperial palace.
“Hey! Say something, will you?”
“Taxes are due today! If you don’t let us in, what am I supposed to do? Are you going to take responsibility? I don’t care about later—just let me in now! I heard some people got inside already!”
“Please! My father went in and hasn’t come out!”
“Is it true the emperor has died?”
“Wasn’t it said that just before the lockdown, the Gale faction was attacked? This must be related.”
“Even the central nobles who went in aren’t coming out. This is serious. Nothing like this has ever happened before.”
“Don’t worry too much. Yesterday, some officials, palace suppliers, and a few nobles went in. They haven’t come out yet, but surely something is underway.”
The gatekeepers deliberately ignored the crowd pressed at their feet, staring straight ahead. Whatever was happening inside was strictly confidential. Any leak would be met with a burst of magical energy that would shatter the offender’s skull.
“Release the left latch.”
A superior’s order came from behind. Releasing the left latch meant someone was about to leave the palace. The gatekeepers jumped but quickly unlatched and slid the bolt.
Creak.
Though the gate had only been closed for a few days, it groaned loudly as if it had been sealed for ages. The crowd fell silent at the sound. As the gap widened, mouths opened in astonishment.
“Someone’s coming out!”
“Look! Someone’s coming out of the palace!”
The palace had never been closed like this before. Who could be breaking the lockdown? Tension and anticipation surged as a horse’s head poked through the opening. On its back sat a boy with fiery red hair.
“Huh? What’s going on here? Why is everyone acting like this?”
“Does anyone know who that is?”
“He looks young… a knight?”
“Move aside! I’m busy! If I get trampled by a horse, that’s on me. Not my problem!”
“Hey! What’s going on inside? Tell us!”
“Is everyone okay? What about Bariel?”
“Hey! Step back! Want to get hurt?”
The horse reared in surprise, but the crowd didn’t budge. The gatekeepers had to block the way with their spears to clear a path. Beric and the guide guards kicked the horse’s flanks sharply and escaped the chaos.
Clatter, clatter.
“What’s with everyone? And what’s going on here?”
The crowd chased after Beric, their voices almost desperate.
Only three days had passed, but much had changed near the palace. Many shops had closed, fearing the country’s uncertain future, and the streets were littered with trash and filth.
Here and there, people lay bleeding and collapsed, victims of the guard’s failure to maintain order after losing their chain of command.
“Beric, this way!”
“Huh? Not here?”
“That’s the way back!”
Beric pulled his horse’s reins sharply at the guide’s shout. Soon, Romandro’s residence came into view. At this point, Beric had to admit his sense of direction was off.
“Viviana! Mini!”
As soon as they sensed movement in the yard, two figures rushed out. They had clearly been waiting for news. Viviana clutched her swollen belly, tears welling up.
“Beric! What happened? And my husband?”
“Don’t worry. Ian’s busy working. More importantly, he asked me to give you this.”
Hearing Romandro was safe, Viviana sank to her knees without realizing it. Mini supported her as she hurriedly unfolded the crumpled note. Her eyes scanned the words, twisting in confusion.
“Is this… the truth?”
“I can’t read it.”
“Mini, get my ID and coat. We need to go to the press.”
“Y-yes! Just a moment!”
“And—”
Viviana’s voice sharpened. Though trembling, her eyes burned with determination.
“…Bring the self-defense items too.”
“Understood.”
Mini flinched at the unexpected request but didn’t ask why. She instinctively knew the urgency.
Viviana read the note again:
—Viviana, Romandro is safe, so don’t worry. Inside the palace, Prince Marib and Prince Gale clashed for power, but the Magic Department intervened and subdued the situation without issue. The gates will open at 5 p.m. Before then, please inform the press of the truth. Opportunists are spreading falsehoods amid the chaos, so clarity is essential.
Five o’clock. Before then, special editions must flood Bariel. Viviana checked her watch and mapped out the press office in her mind. The route was complicated, and time was tight.
—Also, judging by the situation, there will likely be further clashes against those opposing the Magic Department. Romandro is my trusted aide, and you are his beloved. You are precious to me as well. Be cautious and mindful of the dangers. Once things settle, I will assign guards. Below is a statement to include in the report:
During the clash between Princes Marib and Gale, Ian stayed aside. But now, he too must face the opposing forces head-on. Viviana clasped her hands in prayer.
—“Princes Marib and Gale caused turmoil in the palace, but under the Magic Department’s mediation, the new recruits were secured safely. Until the formal trial, we will do our utmost to protect them from opposing factions.”
This statement acknowledged the existence of factions targeting the princes. These could be lingering remnants of their enemies or a third party altogether.
Whatever the case, it was a strategic move to prepare for the future. The Magic Department was the protector of the royal family; any problems were the work of opposing forces.
“Ma’am! We’ve packed everything!”
“Let’s go, Beric!”
“Can you ride?”
“Of course. Let’s hurry!”
Beric helped Viviana onto the horse, grabbed the reins, and urged the horse forward.
“Go! Move out!”
Viviana pointed behind her in alarm.
“Beric, the other way!”
“No, no, the opposite way!”
The horse galloped swiftly out of the estate.
Meanwhile…
“…”
A knight watched from afar.
The emblem of the Haiman family was engraved on his chest plate. He was a vassal of the duke, waiting at the palace gates for his master who had entered inside.
Clatter, clatter.
His horse quickly followed the path where Beric and Viviana had disappeared.
The morning sun ripened into noon.
Jin barely opened her eyes and rubbed her forehead against the pillow. Siaoshi sensed her movement and came closer to straighten the blanket.
“Did you cough?”
“…Where is Lord Ian?”
“He’s in his office.”
Jin nodded without realizing it. She was still caught in the dreamlike haze of last night. She had attended the grand assembly for the first time and met officials concerned for her. She had also expressed her will regarding parental rights…
“And mother?”
“Hm?”
She was sure her mother had been informed about the restriction of parental rights. Had she been hurt? Or angry and blaming her? The worry made sleep flee.
“What about mother?”
“…I don’t know.”
“Didn’t she come to see you or Lord Ian?”
“…I’m sorry.”
Siaoshi lowered his gaze and muttered. They say the opposite of love is indifference. Now, even if the bond between mother and child is severed, she simply accepts it.
Jin buried her face in the pillow again.
“Your Highness.”
“It’s alright. You’re not crying. You’re just waking up.”
Wake up. Shake off the lingering illusions and face reality. Dreams don’t obey your will, but reality does. Move as you will!
With a determined breath, Jin threw off the blanket and rose. Though she lacked the servants of the main palace and would find it inconvenient, she washed and dressed without complaint.
Outside, busy magicians greeted her with smiles.
“Your Highness, did you sleep well?”
“Good morning. I heard you attended the assembly yesterday. That’s impressive. Thanks to you, our proposals passed smoothly, and everyone is grateful.”
Of course, it was polite flattery. But Jin accepted it gladly, and the magicians showered her with even more praise and affection.
“No need to thank me. Everyone, work hard today.”
“Thank you. Ah, Your Highness! Lord Ian isn’t in his office right now.”
A magician who noticed Jin and Siaoshi heading to Ian’s office spun around to stop them.
“Then where?”
“Well, Prince Marib has regained consciousness. I believe he’s out for interrogation. The Star Tower isn’t far. He should be back soon.”
The Star Tower. Jin looked toward the small tower to the west the magician pointed at. It was about a ten-minute walk. The child tugged on Siaoshi’s sleeve and nodded.
“Let’s go to the Star Tower.”
“Your Highness.”
“I want to see Prince Marib, not Lord Ian.”
She was curious. Though they had different mothers, Marib and she shared the blood of the emperor. He had tried to kill her and left scars that wouldn’t fade. She wanted to see his attitude firsthand. Also…
“If not now, I’ll only see him at the trial.”
For the honor and dignity of the royal family, he would stand before the court clean and composed.
“In my memory, you will always remain the perfect older brother—but I hate that.”
The first prince, who had taken responsibility for Bariel in place of their aging father. The eldest among eldest brothers, whose authority no one dared to challenge. Marib, with his radiant golden hair and graceful demeanor, was considered the very model of the royal family. But now, with such a devastating scandal caused by him, Jin wanted to erase the flawless image of Marib from his memories.
Thud!
Without hesitation, Jin dashed down the stairs, with Xiaosi following closely behind.
The castle gates would open soon. Everyone was rushing about, trying their best to maintain appearances. Even if the young prince slipped unnoticed among them, no one would be the wiser amid the chaos.
Creak.
“His Highness Jin,” a guard at the star tower greeted with a bow and stepped aside. Jin spotted a few familiar mages among the crowd. Feeling oddly out of place, he slowly approached the area where Ian and Marib were.
“…Ah, the merchant guild?”
“…Where did that pumpkin-colored gem come from…?”
Snatches of Marib and Ian’s voices floated through the air. It seemed they were being interrogated about the mysterious gem that had threatened the mages. As Jin drew closer, Marib’s voice suddenly rang out clearly.
“Strange, isn’t it?”
“What do you mean?”
“Ian, I still don’t understand why you sided with Jin instead of Arsen. I can make sense of everything else, but that one thing eludes me.”
Jin held his breath without realizing it. The mages were about to make a sound, but when the prince urgently gripped the hem of a robe, they hesitated.
“There’s nothing to understand.”
“Not that there’s nothing to understand, but that there’s no reason at all?”
“…Next question. Is the funding circulating through the merchant guild connected to His Highness Marib?”
“If Jin’s support is only superficial, then yes, there might be no reason. After all, the one who toyed with me and Gale—convincing someone like that is no problem. Do you think I don’t know what’s in your heart?”
Thud.
“His Highness Marib.”
Marib chuckled lowly, and Ian slammed the folder shut with a loud snap. The child clutching the mage’s robe trembled slightly. The air grew thick with anticipation as they waited for Ian’s answer.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d just be quiet for a moment.”