Chapter 219
The evening of Marib’s execution the day before.
Delaina had just finished dressing and stood by the parlor door. Her makeup was heavier than usual, and her jewelry more extravagant—perhaps enough to mask the slight tremor in her demeanor.
The attendants glanced at her nervously as she stood there. From inside, the murmurs of the ministers filtered through the door. Delaina fixed her gaze steadily on the door, resolute. The servants below had no way of knowing whether their words were truly unheard.
“This is it. The real beginning.”
Marib’s death was more than just a signal. It was a crossroads where friend and foe alike in the palace converged. Now that it had passed, everyone had no choice but to set off on their own paths.
There was only one destination: the throne.
Because whoever arrived first would claim victory, even the smallest gap or moment of carelessness could prove fatal.
“Mother.”
Arsen stood beside her, sensing her tension and quietly offering comfort. Delaina nodded, as if gathering her resolve.
“Announce her arrival.”
“Lady Delaina has arrived!”
“Lady Delaina has arrived!”
Creak.
The door to the relatively dim hallway slowly opened, and the chatter of the ministers inside quieted. Only the soft glow of the chandeliers spilled out. Delaina stepped forward with a stiff expression.
“Lady Delaina, welcome.”
“We’ve been expecting you.”
“His Highness Arsen is with you as well. It’s an honor.”
Men in formal attire were scattered throughout the parlor, their eyes all drawn to Delaina and Arsen. As the future emperor, Arsen commanded their loyal gazes as if they were meeting the rightful heir of Bariel.
Delaina lifted her chin proudly and walked among them to take a seat on the sofa. Her voluminous dress rustled softly, outlining a graceful silhouette.
“Some familiar faces, and some new ones, I see.”
She scanned the ministers. The Duke of Hyman, seated nearby, beckoned a few others closer and introduced them.
“This gentleman assists the Hyman family’s business affairs. I ordered his presence here, believing he could be of help to Lady Delaina and His Highness Arsen.”
Gathered here were the central noble families around Hyman, high-ranking officials from various departments, and well-known wealthy figures—all assembled for Delaina, or more precisely, for Arsen.
“There’s talk that Sir Ian will present a formal accusation against Hyman. From what I’ve heard, everything is prepared; they’re just waiting for the trial of the late Crown Prince Marib.”
Though it was hearsay, no one fully trusted it. Hyman’s wealth was like water seeping everywhere—unseen but pervasive. It was reasonable to suspect he had planted agents even within the Magic Department.
“What’s the accusation about?”
“As you know, it centers on charges of treason in collusion with Prince Gale. There may be minor points, but they’re insignificant.”
“Duke, does it include the unrest in the Chetur district?”
“Hmm, I think Sir Ian considers that his territory. He’ll seize on any small thing to cause trouble.”
Hyman dodged the question with a sly smile, neither confirming nor denying. Alliances forged by greed were always to be watched carefully. Just as Hyman had planted his men, who could say Ian hadn’t done the same?
“There aren’t many capable people in the judiciary…”
Someone muttered. It meant Arsen’s influence was weak there. Though a few judiciary officials were present, none had the authority to dismiss the accusation outright. The law was a realm of fairness, and the palace appointed its representatives with great care.
“Once the accusation is filed, the Grand Assembly convenes and sets the trial date immediately, right? Arsen’s magic confirmation ceremony is in a few days—should we try to delay it until then?”
“I agree. Once the Magic Department officially recognizes His Highness’s power, there’ll be no obstacles. We can pressure the judiciary then.”
“There’s no need to go to trial. If we have the majority, the Assembly can dismiss it outright.”
Once Arsen became a mage, his position as the next emperor would be all but secured. The foolish followers clinging to Jin would fall away, and the Minister of Justice would lean toward Arsen to secure his reappointment next year.
The nobles glanced at Arsen cautiously.
“Your Highness, how is your health?”
“We were very worried when we heard you were attacked by Prince Gale.”
In truth, rumors had spread wildly, but no one had seen it firsthand. Only the Magic Department’s preparations for the confirmation ceremony proved it was no mere fantasy.
How strange it was—that those opposing Arsen were, paradoxically, supporting his position.
“Your Highness, if it’s not too much trouble, could you demonstrate your magic? It’s the first blessing of the royal family. Please grant us that honor.”
One noble pleaded as if honey dripped from his tongue. Everyone else was hesitant, but his bold request was met with eager approval.
Seeing it firsthand would only strengthen their loyalty to Arsen. They waited silently for his answer.
“I would be honored to grant that, but as you know, the magic confirmation ceremony reveals the beauty of the Oracle’s light according to one’s power. I am preparing myself carefully for that once-in-a-lifetime day. I ask for your understanding.”
“…Of course, Your Highness.”
A clear refusal. Yet, with no alternative, the noble smiled and bowed. Then, an official from the administration tried to lighten the mood with new news.
“By the way, have you heard? The Carbo Temple sent word that the Oracle’s light has safely departed, and a new oracle has been received.”
A new oracle!
Those hearing it for the first time murmured in surprise. Arsen’s pupils dilated. When the child looked at Delaina, she shook her head as if unaware.
‘How could the family not know this?’
The child’s brow furrowed in irritation. It was the oracle that had allowed him to surpass Jin. That meant Jin, too, could influence the political tides through the oracle.
Ignoring Arsen’s concern, the administrator laughed heartily.
“They told Prince Jin he cannot defy fate and must die by his own hand. Ha ha ha!”
“Oh? Is that true? That’s rare good news.”
“I read the note myself. Carbo has been with us since the founding. They don’t cling to bloodlines, only truth.”
A grand plan blessed by heaven and earth. While the room sighed in relief, only Delaina and Arsen remained silent.
“Lady Delaina?”
The Duke of Hyman’s call snapped her back to attention. Though she had left her family behind, what kind of oracle was this for a mere ten-year-old? She wanted to shout, but instead, a fierce blessing came from her lips.
“God must be watching over Bariel.”
Arsen, however, kept his arms crossed and expression unreadable. He seemed deep in thought, and Hyman quietly observed him.
“Is it certain the oracle was for Jin?”
“Ah, yes. It was for the cursed one, and since it mentioned fate, everyone assumed it was Jin.”
“Is that so?”
“Why do you ask?”
“No reason. It’s right to think it’s Jin. It must be. Then we should return to discussing the accusation. I think it’s best to buy some time and have the Assembly convene after the magic confirmation ceremony. Four days should be enough.”
Confidence that the ceremony would go smoothly. Some agreed and added:
“Honestly, as long as the accusation isn’t officially filed, it’s not decided.”
Until the seal is stamped or the document is formally accepted, it’s not binding. They would block it with all their might. It was more like a protest than a fight.
“That’s true, but things are different now. The palace atmosphere is tense. We must handle this quietly and avoid giving them any excuse.”
“It’s an accusation of treason. If we slip up, we risk being implicated.”
“I believe the person in charge is Ericsein.”
“Hmm. Ericsein? Where is he from?”
“Ah, then I’ll take care of it. I have a cousin who’s perfect for the job. Finding someone isn’t difficult.”
When it came to the greater cause, there was no need to distinguish between main roads and side paths. If it meant stopping this at all costs, they would.
These nobles, seasoned in politics and business, were sharp and resourceful in such matters.
“Very well. Then starting tomorrow—no, from midnight onward, we begin.”
“Lady Delaina.”
The clock was about to strike the next day. As Hyman wrapped up the meeting, he called to Delaina. She raised her wine glass, and everyone followed suit.
“To the glory of Bariel.”
“To the glory of Bariel.”
Clink.
They all sipped their wine simultaneously, their lips curving into crescent moons.
“What is the meaning of this?”
“Did I not ask to see your identification?”
Romandro raised his hand to signal the man to keep his distance. This wasn’t some nameless pawnshop—why did it feel so out of place? This was the palace, the judiciary where the emperor’s sacred authority and Bariel’s laws were enforced!
Everyone stared at Romandro with strange looks. Among them were the two accompanying mages.
“Here’s my ID,” Romandro said.
The employee, looking a bit exasperated, pulled out an ID card from her pocket. It was unmistakably a palace staff ID. Crossing her arms at her waist, she scolded Romandro with a displeased tone.
“Don’t you see how busy we are? We were trying to accommodate you since you said you were from the Magic Department, but this is too much.”
“…”
Romandro winced inwardly and handed over his ID. The woman took it but didn’t lower her hand.
“Aren’t you going to file a complaint?”
“Romandro, why are you making a fuss?”
“I’m tired. Let’s just get this over with.”
The mages standing nearby urged him on. Their loud yawns seemed to say that no one else was as tense about this situation as Romandro was. Ignoring the barrage of glares, he took a hesitant step back.
“When is Erikse coming?”
“We got word he had a carriage accident this morning. Doesn’t seem serious, but we’re not sure.”
“I see. Then I’ll come back later.”
“Romandro!”
One of the mages grabbed him, but Xiaosi reflexively brushed the hand away. Whatever was going on, he sensed something was off too. Ignoring the baffled mage, Xiaosi whispered to Romandro.
“Should I draw my sword?”
“Are you crazy? Absolutely not.”
Though they felt suspicious, they weren’t actually under threat. If Xiaosi drew his sword here, it would only make things worse.
Romandro shook his head frantically, trying to stop him. Fortunately, Xiaosi wasn’t like Beric, who couldn’t take a hint.
“So, what should we do?”
Romandro glanced around and grabbed the door handle to leave. Ian stayed close to Xiaosi. Maybe he had some idea of what was going on. Whatever it was, it was better to return to the Magic Department.
Clenching his teeth, Romandro whispered like a ventriloquist.
“Let’s get out of here. Now.”