Chapter 197
The wind soared even higher, reaching farther than ever before.

Everyone instinctively reached out their hands. Those white papers fluttered like flower petals, drifting down like the season’s first snow. It was clear to all that these leaflets held the answers to the lingering questions everyone had harbored. The castle gates slowly creaked open, but no one paid attention to that—they were too busy reading the breaking news.

Screeeech.

“Viviana!”

“Ian!”

The once firmly shut gates were now wide open. Viviana had never before sensed the origin of the wind, but this time was different.

This wind—the very one that pierced through the carriage—originated from the royal palace itself. More precisely, from Ian and his Magic Department.

“The gates have opened!”

“Prince Marib and Prince Gale have rebelled?”

“If this is true, what happens now?”

“What do you mean? Both princes will be beheaded. Tsk, tsk.”

“They’re supposed to be wise men. How did it come to this…?”

“Come to think of it, the central nobles were at the palace the day before the lockdown. If they were involved in the clash, they won’t be safe either.”

“Wait, our client family was at the palace that day too!”

“The gates are open! Everyone, line up!”

Ian surveyed the chaotic scene and gave a subtle nod to the gatekeepers—a signal to bring the carriage in first. It was five in the afternoon. Everything was going according to plan. Viviana alone was an unexpected variable.

“Clear the way! The carriage is coming through!”

Clang! Clang!

The gatekeepers raised their spears and parted the crowd. The carriage squeezed through the narrow opening into the palace grounds. Ian helped Viviana down and asked gently,

“Viviana, are you unharmed?”

“Yes, yes, I’m perfectly fine. And you, Ian? What about my husband? I heard Beric is safe, but I’m worried…”

“Romandro is also unharmed. He’s coming from the Second Palace this way. You’ll see him soon.”

“Ah, thank goodness.”

She pressed a hand to her chest, exhaling a breath of relief. Ian frowned as he noticed bloodstains on the carriage wheel.

“What happened here?”

“Ah! Beric!”

Viviana wiped the sweat dripping from her chin and called out. The last image she had of him was grim—if not for the swordmaster, he would have been dead long ago. A cold dread settled in her stomach as she clutched Ian’s sleeve.

“We printed extra editions of the Mail Daily, but black-armored assailants attacked. Was it Barsavera? The knight who came to retrieve the ring heirloom at the mansion? He tried to help, but we don’t know if he survived. Beric too…”

She choked back tears, biting her lip to hold them back.

Black-armored assailants. Ian immediately recognized them as remnants of the Haiman family.

‘I thought the armor would be immobile… if they had the sense to judge the situation.’

Gale, who had conspired, was still alive, and the duke was in a difficult position. But to bring armored soldiers directly to target Ian’s men? That was a blunder that would only harm themselves. It was clear this was not the duke’s move.

‘Besides, with the gates closed, there was no way the duke’s orders could have come through. It must have been a pre-set command blindly executed without reading the situation.’

Underestimating Beric’s ability to handle a few low-level thugs alone was a mistake. Ian kissed the back of Viviana’s hand.

“Viviana.”

His voice was full of gratitude and apology. Despite her claim of being uninjured, a long scratch marred her skin. Ian embraced her gently.

“You did well.”

“I’m glad I could help. After all, I’m Bariel’s person too. And someday, I’ll serve the palace again.”

Viviana smiled softly and tidied her hair. Romandro would surely worry if he saw her now, so she wanted to appear as composed as possible.

“Um, Minister Ian Hielo? Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m the editor-in-chief of the Mail Daily! I have my business card here, but it’s been so hectic. Haha! Ma’am?”

Viviana let out a small laugh at the man’s silent request for an introduction. Since something had arrived, it was time to leave.

“There were many circumstances. But amidst it all, the Mail Daily quickly printed the extra editions. How about granting them exclusive rights to report on the palace’s three-day turmoil?”

Viviana smiled awkwardly. Given the circumstances, this was likely the best she could do. Ian nodded with a smile.

“I’ll advise the palace to avoid contact with other media. There’s much to handle right now, so wait for further instructions.”

“Yes! Thank you! Thank you!”

“Viviana! Vivi!”

Clack, clack!

As the man bowed, Romandro’s voice called out from behind. He hurried over on short legs and embraced his wife tightly.

“Vivi, I missed you so much!”

“Are you alright? You look pale.”

“Been working day and night. How about you? Our little one?”

“All safe. I missed you terribly.”

The couple nuzzled each other, reaffirming their love and breath.

Ian turned away from them. The palace guards saluted crisply, awaiting his orders.

“To the magic communicator.”

“To the magic communicator!”

“Summon the healing mages from Prince Gale’s quarters, and bring the horses. We’re heading out.”

“Yes! Please wait a moment!”

Ian held the megaphone-like magic device he’d used to announce the end of the situation at the Magic Department. Outside the wide-open gates, a crowd had gathered like a swarm of clouds, all peering inside.

The gates are open—does that mean we can enter now? Will those inside come out? Did Marib and Gale really clash? The murmurs were muffled but the doubts clear.

“Set it so the message can be heard as far as possible.”

“Yes, understood.”

The mage adjusting the device carefully turned dozens of dials. Even if it couldn’t reach the very center, it would ring clearly in every nearby ear.

Among them were dying swordmasters and those who fled in black armor.

Wheeeeee.

Ian whispered slowly into the device.

[I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Magic Department.]

His clear, elegant voice spread through the device into the surroundings. The chattering crowd fell silent, startled by the strange sensation of hearing a voice as if spoken directly into their ears.

“Is that… magic?”

“Shh! Be quiet, listen!”

“It’s like it’s ringing inside my eardrum.”

From the hawkers guarding their stalls to children running through empty streets, from drunken drifters to families going about their day—everyone near the palace heard Ian’s voice.

[Three days ago, First Prince Marib and Second Prince Gale clashed, disturbing the palace. The list of officials and central nobles involved is not short, and His Majesty the Emperor is deeply saddened. The palace is the heart of Bariel, the center of the world. Those who disturb it shall not die peacefully.]

“That’s right. Those arrogant princes caused a big mess.”

“Quiet down!”

[Therefore, by order of His Majesty and Prince Jin, the Magic Department subdued the two princes and secured the palace.]

“Who’s Prince Jin?”

“Isn’t he one of the twins? I heard he’s still young. Hmm.”

[The palace lockdown was to manage the situation effectively. Citizens of the empire, rest assured and return to your daily lives. From this moment, palace access is permitted. Those entering must maintain order. And—]

Ian paused briefly. The crowd, curious about what would come next, fell silent. Then came his cold, chilling voice.

[Hear this, those who oppose the palace.]

Those who seek to harm Bariel shall never crawl out from the depths of hell.

[Surrender yourselves and beg for forgiveness. Otherwise, you will be annihilated, and I will show you what true death means. You may hide if you can. Prove that there is no place in Bariel beyond His Majesty’s gaze.]

Whether noble lords controlling the empire’s wealth or royal bloodlines, no one is exempt. Those who defy authority will die. This is for the safety of the empire’s people. Ian had seen countless nations fall to civil war.

[Conversely, those who honor the palace shall find glory in life. Shine your own fate. This concludes the message from Ian Hielo, Minister of the Magic Department.]

Ian signaled to end the transmission, and the device’s light dimmed. The gatekeepers orderly dispersed the crowd and began processing entry permissions.

Ian pulled his robe tighter around him and looked around. The horses were ready, but the healing mages were nowhere in sight.

“Where are the healing mages?”

“They’re on their way.”

“Then we’ll leave first. Tell the Mail Daily to come.”

Several mages and guards grasped the reins and followed him. Romandro held Viviana’s hand tightly and asked,

“Ian, what about me?”

“You stay here with Viviana and handle things. We’re going to fetch Beric, but those without magic won’t be much help. Hurry the healing mages and send them out.”

“Understood. Be careful! And please tell Beric—if he dies, I’ll kill him myself!”

Wheeeeee!

Instead of answering, Ian gave the horse’s flank a sharp smack, and soon they were out past the castle gates. Maybe because the lockdown had been lifted, the crowd didn’t fix their gaze on them like when Beric had stepped forward. Ian followed the escorts as they hurried toward the offices of the .

Tap tap tap!

“This way!”

“Move aside! Clear the way!”

“Goodness, why are they pushing like that?”

They must have run for some time. As they turned into a narrow alley, a sharp stench of blood hit Ian’s nose. The horse slowed down. Apart from the steady clatter of hooves, there was no other sound.

“Over there—huff!”

Before them lay a pool of blood, thick and dark, filling the space in front of a building. The structures around were smashed to pieces, yet not a single sign of life stirred. Ian dismounted and hurried to Beric, who had collapsed on the ground.

“Beric.”

“…”

The word ‘horrific’ didn’t even begin to cover it. His left arm was mangled beyond recognition, and his leg was twisted at an unnatural angle. His skin was scraped raw, soaked in blood to the point where it was impossible to tell where the wounds began or ended.

The guards covered their mouths in shock, and one cautiously pressed a finger beneath Beric’s nose.

“H-he doesn’t seem to be breathing.”

“Step back.”

Ian brushed him aside and pressed his ear to Beric’s chest. His eyelids were tightly shut, but the skin around them was torn.

“Ian…”

“Everyone, shut up. Don’t make a sound.”

The noise from outside made it hard to hear anything clearly. But the heartbeat—he would hear it. He had to.

Ian unleashed his magic, pouring it into Beric. Thump thump—something echoed faintly. Ian realized it was his own heartbeat.

“Beric.”

“…”

“Beric.”

Zzzzz… zzzzz…

A faint buzzing filled the air.

Ian gently gripped Beric’s jaw and shook him, all the while channeling endless magic into him. This was the same man who had survived his insides being turned inside out in the desert. He wasn’t going to die here.

“Beric.”

Sweat dripped down Ian’s nose. Dizziness threatened to overwhelm him, but he didn’t stop. A faint mark appeared where a drop of sweat fell on Beric’s neck.

“Beric.”

“…”

A slight twitch of his eyelids. Ian’s heart leapt. He pressed his ear harder against Beric’s chest. Thump thump, thump—there was a heartbeat, but the rhythm was off.

“Come on, snap out of it.”

“…It hurts.”

“I know. Try to speak, try to open your eyes.”

“Ian… it really hurts.”

“It’s okay. Just hold on.”

Zzzzz.

Other mages joined in, lending their magic to Beric. His lips moved in a faint murmur.

“…Annoying. I lost.”

“You’re alive, and that’s what matters. Remember what the elders said? If you don’t die, you haven’t lost. You’re alive, so you’ll win someday.”

“Right? Ah, but I’m hungry.”

“Good job.”

“…Beef.”

“Yeah.”

Finally, he had earned the right to eat beef. Beric let out a small, tired smile. Then he slipped back into unconsciousness, unable to regain his senses for a long while.