Chapter 211
In the dim early dawn, the palace lights were lit earlier than usual. Everyone prepared themselves in silence, donning their uniforms and sitting down to a neat breakfast.
Ian was no different. With the help of his attendants, he buttoned his coat slowly. Every badge and patch awarded to the Minister of Magic was meticulously pinned to his chest.
Today was the day Marib would vanish from history—and in another sense, a day destined to be remembered forever.
Knock knock.
“Come in.”
“Oh, Ian. Almost ready, I see.”
“You came. And you didn’t wake me yesterday.”
Romandro looked unusually sharp. His hair, usually tousled from constant rushing about, was neatly pressed—no doubt Viviana’s handiwork. Romandro shook his head, flipping through his leather folder.
“No urgent matters, so I made sure to rest when I could.”
“Did you get some rest, Romandro?”
“Of course! With Viviana by my side, I didn’t even feel the need to go home. Slept soundly for the first time in ages. I’ve organized everything for the final review. All that’s left is to attend the trial.”
Ian crossed his legs in front of the mirror. After dismissing the attendants’ hands, he reviewed the report. He could say with confidence that last night was the first peaceful night he’d had in a long time—all thanks to everyone holding their breath before the big event.
“What about His Highness Marib?”
“I visited the prison early this morning. No issues to worry about. The indictment to be sent to the Haiman family will be approved by all departments and delivered by tomorrow. Everyone’s busy, and since the Haiman family will attend the trial, they probably want to avoid any awkward situations.”
“Isn’t Serro also coming to the trial?”
“Yes, we’ve arranged a meeting afterward—at least a meal together. The Count of Serro isn’t well, so his eldest son, Marlon Hope Serro, will attend in his place.”
“Ah, that’s good.”
Better to have a familiar face than a stranger. Marlon Hope Serro was someone Ian had met at the New Year’s gathering and seen when Beric sparred with Jarrett. Young and gentlemanly, he’d fit right in with the boldness required.
As Ian flipped through the report again, the attendants approached to finish adjusting his attire.
“Then, please bring His Highness Jin.”
“Right. Let’s meet outside.”
Romandro sniffled but nodded. Dressed neatly, Ian looked every bit the nobleman. Though rumors said the Marquis family was handsome, none could hold a candle to Ian.
Squeak.
After Romandro left, Ian gave one last glance at his reflection and stood. Unlike usual, wizards in robes gathered throughout the lobby. They were key witnesses and important attendees of the trial, moving alongside Ian.
Clack.
“Ian.”
“Is everyone assembled?”
“Yes. Everyone except the Mana Stone Management Department.”
“Is Captain Accorella’s research report ready?”
Ian asked about the amber-colored gem, Idgal, used by Marib. The wizards presented the documents one by one—signed statements condemning Marib, as eyewitnesses and key figures in managing the situation.
“No issues. Let’s go.”
“Sir Ian!”
It was Jin. The child strode confidently, guided by Romandro. Though small, Jin wore a dignified uniform, and even his hair showed signs of careful styling.
“Good morning, Your Highness.”
“Morning.”
“Are you ready?”
“Yes. Just need to step out.”
After the ordeal, it was time to meet the mother and Arsen—people Jin had never seen before. Ian reached out his hand, and without hesitation, Jin took it. Together, they led the way down the Ministry’s stairs.
Tap tap tap!
A dozen wizards followed. The cold morning breeze fluttered their robes, but their expressions remained resolute. Jin glanced back, taking in each person walking with him.
The procession of nobles entering the palace for the trial stretched endlessly. Among them were those accused of treason, including the Haiman family. Ian insisted that every noble from the capital attend without exception, ensuring they all witnessed the consequences of rebellion firsthand.
No matter how much of a prince one was, threatening Bariel would end like this. The nobles were to remember Marib’s fate forever and think twice before making any reckless moves. It was a clear warning.
Tap tap tap!
Screech!
“Ah, Lord Charlotte. Good day.”
“Come, come. Why stand here?”
“The trial ends today, right?”
“Well, what’s the point of dragging it out? His Majesty was injured, and the palace ruins are proof. I’m curious about the method of execution for His Highness Marib.”
“If expelled from the royal family, I suppose it’ll be hanging.”
The crowd resembled a New Year’s gathering. Carriages filled the area before the courtroom, and nobles whispered solemnly as they entered, all dressed in muted colors.
From above, the scene looked less like a trial and more like a grand funeral.
“Lady Dilaina and His Highness Arsen.”
“Oh, they’ve arrived. Have you heard?”
“That Arsen is a magic user?”
“The world is strange. How could His Highness Arsen have shown his power in a situation like this? I heard he was injured, but he seems recovered.”
“His Highness Jin and Sir Ian are in a bit of a bind.”
“Shh. They’re coming this way.”
Among them, Dilaina and Arsen stood out. Hand in hand, they led their supporters up the stairs. Some who had voted for Jin just days ago were mixed in. The nobles bowed as they parted, and Dilaina recognized Haiman, approaching him.
“Duke Haiman.”
“Lady Dilaina.”
They exchanged greetings and whispered secretly. Dilaina frowned and nodded, confirming what the nobles had only heard in rumors: Haiman, Bariel’s financial backer, had met with the magic user Arsen. It seemed the next emperor was already decided.
Squeak!
Tap tap tap!
At that moment, carriages bearing the Ministry of Magic’s flag arrived with harsh screeches. The nobles hurried inside, wary of any sparks flying. Dilaina stopped, looking down.
“Your Highness, please be careful stepping down.”
“Thank you.”
It was Jin, stepping out of the carriage with Ian’s escort. He seemed a bit taller than before. Dilaina bit her lip, unable to take her eyes off Jin. Arsen looked up at her with a dry gaze.
“Ah.”
Jin spotted Dilaina as he climbed the stairs—and then Arsen beside her. Arsen greeted Jin on behalf of his mother.
“Jin. It’s been a while.”
“…”
“Your wounds have healed well. I missed you.”
Jin felt strange. These were people he’d known all his life, yet after such a short separation, it felt awkward. He had thought they were indispensable to his life, but now he wasn’t so sure.
Still, Jin stood firm, looking straight ahead. Arsen’s greeting didn’t shake him.
“…Yes.”
“Yes?” Arsen raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with Jin.
‘Hmm.’
His gaze was sharp. Arsen smirked inwardly, studying the boy carefully. His appearance was good—clearly well cared for by the Ministry.
“Sir Ian, are you taking good care of ‘our’ Jin?”
Arsen’s teasing greeting made Ian smile in return.
“Of course. ‘Our’ His Highness Jin is intelligent and thoughtful, praised by all at the Ministry. How is Your Highness Arsen’s health?”
“As you see, I’ve recovered physically, but the wounds of the heart remain. As long as Gale lives, I doubt they’ll heal anytime soon.”
A pointed remark aimed at Ian, who was protecting Gale. No matter how much of a prince he was, sparing a known criminal was intolerable to Arsen. His mood was clearly sour. Ian feigned ignorance and shook his head with a sly smile.
“I understand your concern. I hope you find peace soon.”
“Do you think it’s that easy? How can I forget the one who tried to kill me? I never will.”
Arsen growled lowly. The one who tried to kill him wasn’t just Gale, but Ian as well. Though Ian hadn’t given the order directly, he hadn’t pushed for Arsen’s elimination either.
When Arsen grabbed Ian’s arm roughly, Jin quickly pulled his hand away.
Snap!
“Eyes are watching.”
“…Jin?”
“Ian, let’s go in. Arsen, please take good care of Mother. For me, too.”
Jin nodded to his mother in farewell. Ian did the same, brushing off his wrinkled sleeve and straightening his coat.
“Well then. Until next time, Your Highness Arsen.”
The wizards who had been waiting a few steps away passed by Arsen and Delaina in a line. If Arsen was a magic user, he would likely have close ties with the Ministry of Magic, but the overall atmosphere was cold and hostile.
Creak.
“The Ministry has arrived.”
“The time is near. It’s about to begin.”
“Tsk, tsk. Prince Marib’s condition is truly something. Just look at that face—such wounds on a young prince.”
The ceiling of the courtroom was a massive dome, curving overhead. On the dais, there were fifty-five seats prepared for the judges. Given the gravity of the case, all the high-ranking judicial authorities had gathered to sign the verdict.
“Authority over the verdict is split: half belongs to the judiciary, half is divided equally between the royal family and the senior palace officials. Prince Jin also has a vote. However, this is a public proceeding, so your stance must be clear.”
It was a kind of participatory trial. The nobles, mere spectators, watched from the second floor, while the royal family and high officials took their seats on the first. Behind the judges sat the enormous empty throne. Had the emperor not been frozen, he would likely be seated there, looking down on the courtroom.
“I understand what this means.”
“Don’t be nervous. The one who should be nervous today is someone else.”
Who could be more fearful than someone facing death? Jin moistened his lips and straightened his posture. The doors opened, and judges clad in velvet robes entered in a line.
“Everyone, please be silent. We will now begin the trial concerning Prince Marib’s charges of rebellion and the assassination of His Majesty the Emperor.”
Bang! Bang!
The sound of the judge’s gavel silenced the murmurs in the hall. The judges took their seats and stared forward with solemn authority.
“Bring in the defendant.”
Creak.
All heads turned toward the sound.
Surrounded by soldiers, a blond man with blue eyes entered. His long hair was tied back, and as always, he wore glasses. For the sake of appearances, he had even removed his chains, revealing the same princely dignity he had before.
“Prince Marib, the defendant.”
“How can he look so…”
“Shh. Be quiet.”
The whispers died down quickly. Marib sat calmly, then lifted his head to survey the room. The nobles in the center all looked down on him—those who had once fawned over him now gazed with disgust, pity, sympathy, or anger.
Sigh.
Marib’s eyes found Ian’s. He curled his lips into a bitter smile and whispered something silently. Ian frowned, unable to understand, and Marib smiled again, straightening his head.
“What is your name, defendant?”
“…I am Marib Verosion, first prince of Bariel.”
The story of Marib was beginning to reach its end.