Chapter 215

Sunlight poured in through the transparent glass ceiling. Though the leaves all sprouted from the same stem, each one displayed a distinct shade.

Ian stepped into the greenhouse nestled within the imperial palace gardens and glanced back. Quintana and several officials who had followed him were seated around a table.

“The weather is truly splendid today—worthy of being recorded in history,” one remarked.

“Indeed. You’ve done well, Lord Ian,” another added.

“Oh, I’ve done nothing. It’s all by His Majesty the Emperor’s will,” Ian replied modestly.

As they exchanged small talk, Ian carefully observed the group. They wouldn’t have summoned him without a purpose. When their eyes urged him to speak first, they all offered only awkward smiles. Quintana was the first to break the silence.

“May I speak first?”

“Ah, yes, please do, Deputy Minister Quintana.”

Though it was phrased politely, no one dared to refuse. Quintana summoned her attendant, who brought over a sheet of paper densely filled with numbers—the budget proposal.

“Is it true that His Highness Arsen is a magic user?”

One of the officials nearby instinctively covered his mouth. Given Quintana’s temperament, this wasn’t the question anyone expected to hear first. Arsen was someone who followed his own path, regardless of political tides.

Ian, too, looked surprised. This didn’t seem like the right moment to ask such a thing, especially with the budget proposal laid out before them.

“How can you ask that, Deputy Minister Quintana?”

“If His Highness joins the Magic Department, the maintenance expenses will be doubled. Moreover, the budget allocated to Arsen is currently assigned under Lady Dilaina’s name, which is only done when a prince is a minor or lacks independent income. If he becomes part of the Magic Department, he’ll receive allowances, so the entire budget needs recalculating.”

“Hmm.”

“As you know, our finances are tight. This is to ease the burden on the state, so please convey the Magic Department’s stance on His Highness Arsen.”

The reasoning sounded plausible, but only on the surface. Ian sat on a tree stump and chuckled. Wasn’t this just a pretext to verify the truth behind the rumors?

“Does the Magic Department’s stance really matter? Everything will proceed according to protocol.”

Is Arsen truly a magic user? If so, what would that mean for Ian’s position as head of the Magic Department? And what about Jin, whom Ian was backing? Quintana’s mind swirled with doubts, but she swallowed them patiently.

“Soon, the light of the oracle will shine at the Karbo Temple. Then, through the magic confirmation ceremony, we will know for certain. The official stance of the Magic Department will be announced afterward. It won’t take long—surely you can wait that long, Deputy Minister Quintana?”

The officials exchanged glances. The phrase “know for certain” carried a subtle implication. Ian was indirectly expressing his doubts about Arsen being a magic user.

“Also, as you may have heard, there are confiscated items from the Chetur district. The Magic Department is currently analyzing their components. If they turn out to be magic stones, it will help our finances.”

“Oh, Chetur—that’s the place you went with the Royal Guard, right? Rumor has it there’s a connection to the Haiman family…”

Snap!

Ian snapped his fingers, signaling that the topic was well introduced. Whether it was magic or sunlight reflecting off the glass, a sparkle flickered in the air.

“That’s right. It seems linked to the black armor Prince Gale brought in during the rebellion. We are currently treating those arrested at the scene and will interrogate and document them once they regain consciousness. Based on that, we will formally file charges against the Haiman family.”

The officials clenched their fists involuntarily. This was how things escalated, they thought. The rebellion between Marib and Gale had foreshadowed the next conflict. Now, with Haiman involved, the victor would claim the next throne.

“Once the charges are filed, the Grand Assembly will formally address the matter. The Haiman family holds too much power for their capacity. If that balance breaks, it won’t just affect Haiman but also Bariel. Before that happens, we intend to gradually loosen their grip and disperse their influence.”

“Are you saying you plan to start regulating the Haiman family in earnest? How exactly?”

“Taxation remains the most effective tool.”

“But the Haiman family won’t sit idly by. The central nobles will unite to oppose us.”

Worried murmurs spread around the table. Quintana lightly tapped the surface, deep in thought. If Haiman’s power waned, the treasury could be replenished through taxes drawn from them.

“And surely His Highness Arsen as well…”

Ah. Quintana ruffled her hair in frustration. From her perspective, Jin and Arsen were just princes—no real difference. Yet, for some reason, she found herself more drawn to Jin than Arsen. She couldn’t explain why.

Even now, her thoughts naturally turned to the rivalry between the Haiman family and Arsen. Ian caught her glance and continued.

“We have prepared measures to dissolve the unity among the central nobles. If you are willing to join us, I ask that you support me at the Grand Assembly.”

The Magic Department would lead the charge; they only needed to lend their strength. The glory returned would be well worth the effort.

“Lord Ian, could you be more specific?”

“We would like to prepare accordingly, so it’s good to know…”

“The palace has ears even in paintings, you know. I hope you understand why I cannot reveal all the details here. But I brought this up because of your sincere dedication.”

Since the power dynamic between Jin and Arsen was established, these officials had never wavered in their loyalty. After the trial, they lined up behind Quintana, showing their resolve. Compared to those who fluttered about like bats at the mention of Arsen’s magic abilities, these were the practical ones.

“Though they may harbor other intentions privately, this much openness is acceptable for now.”

Besides, Haiman would surely anticipate Ian’s moves. Just as they gathered here in the greenhouse to discuss, their opponents were likely doing the same.

A soft sound.

“Ian, Marlon Hoff Serro has arrived with His Highness Jin.”

At that moment, Romandro whispered cautiously, delivering the message. Ian gave him a questioning look, and Romandro quietly opened his pocket watch. What was thought to be a brief conversation had already stretched past thirty minutes. Jin and Serro must have met up ahead, growing impatient waiting.

“I worry about how they’ll emerge from Haiman. Could they exploit the chaos to spark another rebellion?”

“That won’t happen. Neither Lady Dilaina nor His Highness Arsen would allow it. What’s more important than the Emperor’s legitimacy? If Haiman lashes out in desperation, they’ll be abandoned immediately. The Duke knows this well.”

“Indeed. And honestly, Arsen’s visit to Haiman was largely because of your checks and balances, Lord Ian. The Magic Department’s support for His Highness Jin made Haiman the alternative.”

“But if Arsen is truly a magic user, Haiman’s dependence on him drops sharply. The balance shifts, and Haiman finds itself at a disadvantage. If they fail to secure the next power player, they risk being charged with treason.”

“In that case, it’s likely domestic funds will be funneled overseas. The Kingdom of Luswena is his maternal homeland, right?”

“Yes. We should keep a close eye on banking activities there.”

“That’s perfect. Deputy Minister Quintana has dealings there, so it fits perfectly!”

While Ian received Romandro’s report, the officials speculated quietly about Haiman’s moves. Though few in number, they were seasoned palace veterans. Their division of labor was swift and precise.

“Excuse me, I have a prior engagement.”

Ian interrupted their heated discussion. The officials, who had been talking rapidly, paused. The greenhouse was warm, and their faces flushed from the heat.

“Oh, I see. It was a sudden meeting, after all.”

“Is there anything urgent you wish to add? If not, we can reconvene this evening.”

“Yes, yes. That will suffice for now. We understand the Magic Department’s position. We’ll take our leave and meet again tonight.”

With nods, the officials filed out of the greenhouse. As they passed, a faint exchange of greetings was heard—likely encountering Jin.

“Ian!”

“Your Highness, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“No, I was just walking with Siara and happened to come this way. I also met Lord Serro ahead.”

Jin approached with a bright smile, his footsteps light. Behind him, Marlon Hoff Serro appeared slowly, doffing his hat in greeting.

“Long time no see, Lord Ian.”

“Yes. I hope you’ve been well.”

“Thanks to you. I know you’ve been busy lately, so it’s an honor to meet like this.”

Aside from his slightly longer hair, Serro looked much the same—gentle and embodying the typical noble heir’s demeanor.

Ian gestured, and Serro removed his coat, handing it to his attendant. Jin joined them, and the three men took their seats around the table.

“My father wished to come personally, but his health prevents it. I ask for your understanding.”

“Ah, I hope he recovers swiftly.”

“Well, he is advanced in years, after all,” Marlon said with a light laugh.

Marlon was the eldest son of the Serro family. That he came alone to such a pivotal meeting signaled he was the likely next head of the house.

Ian gave him a quick once-over and smiled slyly. Jin, sitting beside him, caught the expression and copied it. The sunlight settled into the deep dimples on their cheeks.

“So, how’s the business going?”

“Thanks to Bariel’s blessing, quite well. No issues to speak of.”

“Oh dear, I’ve always felt a bit envious compared to the prestige of the Serro family. There aren’t many noble houses that have stood their ground in the capital since its founding.”

Serro gave a faint, bitter smile. Ian wasn’t wrong. Despite their long history, their influence in the capital was limited. For a noble family to wield real power, they had to either build a massive business empire, secure a position as a court official, or earn glory on the battlefield. But the Serros? Aside from some rental properties, they hadn’t made any remarkable moves.

“I understand you’ve already heard some hints through my men.”

Ian took a sip of his tea. Since their goals and intentions were clear, there was no need to beat around the bush.

“The palace is planning sanctions against the Haiman family. We want the Serros to take charge of handling it. If you do, this could be the most prosperous era in Serro family history.”

A stake in Haiman’s financial ventures, a promotion to duke, tax breaks, and even the blessing of the next emperor.

Ian didn’t have to spell it all out—the benefits were enormous just on the surface. For anyone with ambition, this was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“…We might end up fighting not just Haiman, but all the noble families in the capital.”

“But you have the palace behind you. It will be worth the fight.”

“Worth it, yes. I understand. I can’t let this chance slip away, and I appreciate your offer. But before anything else, I have to ask.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why us? Why the Serro family?”

There were plenty of noble houses in the capital. If they wanted, they could have chosen another. That made this question all the more important. They needed to know why it had to be them, to accept the proposal.

“Because the Serros were one of the few who didn’t take part in the rebellion.”

“That means you weren’t flashy enough for Gale Jeoha to pick you.”

A bit of a backhanded compliment. Ian raised an eyebrow and set down his tea. No matter what he said, Serro would find a reason to poke holes in it. Sometimes, it was better to let things slide.

“You were the first to speak to me at the New Year’s gathering. Nothing more.”

“……”

Apparently, that left him speechless. Serro moved his lips for a moment, then nodded.

“Understood. I have a counterproposal.”

“I’m listening.”

“The Serro family needs a safeguard built on trust.”

Ian hesitated. He had a pretty good idea where this was going.

“Sir Ian, please become engaged to my sister.”

“What?”

“Pfft—!”

Jin’s eyes went as wide as a rabbit’s in shock, and Romandro, waiting behind them, nearly spat out his tea. Both shouted at once.

“That’s ridiculous!”

“No, that’s a bit much…”