Chapter 25

Nersarn wet his throat with a drink as his eyes roamed over Ian from head to toe.

Pale skin, blonde hair, and green eyes—completely the opposite of them. And his build? It was as if he were observing an entirely different species, his gaze filled with curious interest.

“From the letter you sent, I expected you to be younger.”

The handwriting was so messy it was hard to tell. Though Ian had spoken quite politely, Nersarn understood what he was really getting at.

“There’s still much I lack. I’m doing my best not to bring shame to the Cheollyeo tribe, so I ask for your understanding.”

He must have thought Ian was an idiot. Nersarn raised an eyebrow and glanced at his own group, a smile playing on his lips that said, This is amusing.

“I heard your mother was the second wife. Is that true?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Derga had disguised Philia’s existence as death. The story was that Ian’s birth mother died when he was very young, and he had lived in the mansion ever since.

They would never guess that he was alive, let alone that he had been taken from his own son without even the status of a concubine.

“Looks like he takes after his wife quite a bit.”

“Indeed. To think the count would have such a face…”

“Su! Enough.”

“Ah, sorry.”

The youngest-looking woman in the group, Su, raised her hand awkwardly in apology. The way they addressed the count with such disrespect gave Ian a clear idea of how they viewed the Bratz family.

“That’s Su, my niece by marriage, and this is Gansha, a Mujurun.”

And no apologies from them. Nersarn introduced his companions briefly and shifted the conversation. If all went well—if they survived crossing the border—these would be the people Ian would spend the rest of his life with.

“It’s a shame you have to leave your homeland earlier than expected.”

“Well, if it’s to strengthen the alliance through peace, then I consider it an honor. Of course, it’s unfortunate about Chief Winchen’s illness.”

Nersarn started to comment but stopped himself. Ian’s straightforward addition left no room for unnecessary words. Nobles were nobles, even if young. The Empire’s characteristic diplomacy was on full display.

“But, did the chief fall ill suddenly?”

“He’s quite old, so I’m not sure ‘suddenly’ fits, but if you want to put it that way, yes.”

“I hope you don’t misunderstand. Since you’ve come all this way, if you wish, Nersarn, I can call for the chief physician.”

The Cheollyeo tribe must have their own medical system, but what could a tribal community really offer? Mostly folk remedies and herbal concoctions, no doubt. Though a borderland, the Bratz family’s doctors from the Empire were in a league of their own.

“Thanks for the offer, but we’ll decline. We have our own ways.”

That meant centuries-old traditions. Their bodies rarely suffered serious injury, and death was seen as the will of the gods.

“Or perhaps, Nersarn, you might consider this? The Red Herb…”

Gansha tried to interject but quickly shut up under Nersarn’s fierce glare.

Red Herb? Ian racked his brain but couldn’t recall anything by that name.

“Anyway, thank you for your warm hospitality despite the sudden visit. Please be sure to convey my thanks to the count.”

He gave a parting nod, signaling he wished to leave. But Ian didn’t back down—not yet. The most important matter was still to be addressed.

“Of course. Actually, the reason we came is because I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

If they hadn’t come, it would have been a hassle. To cross the border with Beric, Ian had no choice but to have him act as an informant and overseer to gain Derga’s trust.

But the problem was Beric himself.

He had no knack for scheming or persuasion, making it difficult to earn Derga’s confidence. If things went wrong, Ian might have to cross the great desert alone to reach the Cheollyeo tribe’s outpost.

“There’s a friend I want to take with me across the desert.”

“You mean the red-haired servant who was with you earlier?”

Mujurun had seen Ian with Hana and Beric. Ian shook his head at the suggestion.

“Only the red-haired one. He’s an orphan with no family.”

“Everyone loses their parents in time.”

“I don’t mean he’s pitiable. I mean he has no ties to Bratz, so he can work for the desert.”

Nersarn’s expression hardened.

The great desert was harsh—not just the climate, but the way of life itself. There was no room for idleness.

That was probably one reason Ian wasn’t welcomed there. A noble raised in luxury would have limited usefulness in such a place.

“Work for us? What do you mean? Can he swim through sand pits? Is he immune to scorpion venom? Or can he make plants sprout without water?”

A list that gave a glimpse of the Cheollyeo’s brutal lifestyle. From their perspective, just being a burden-free companion was already a favor.

But Ian didn’t back down.

“He’s skilled in combat and has great stamina.”

“Skilled in combat? Ha ha ha!”

For the first time, Nersarn laughed genuinely. To talk about individual fighting skills in front of the Cheollyeo tribe—without weapons or magic, they were unbeatable.

“Now I see. Ian, you enjoy joking.”

“It’s no joke.”

Ian met his gaze steadily, making it clear he wasn’t kidding. Nersarn’s smile faded as he looked Ian over again.

Small frame, but quite bold.

There was courtesy, too.

He took care of hospitality that even a count might neglect, and despite being unpleasant, offered to call a doctor for Winchen. It didn’t seem like flattery for survival—just fulfilling his duty without hostility.

But that was a separate matter.

One burden was enough: Ian Bratz himself.

“Ian Bratz, you may be a symbol of peace, but what use is that redhead to us? If he can’t pull his weight, we can’t take him.”

“That’s something we don’t know yet.”

“You can tell without seeing. That little one skilled in combat? What nonsense…”

“If you don’t believe me—”

Ian cut himself off. He was still too bold to back down easily.

“How can I prove it?”

Look at that.

Nersarn thought for a moment, then looked at Su. She was mid-chew on a mouthful of bread, eyes wide with the realization this was going to be a hassle.

“Fine. You say he’s skilled in combat. If he can beat Su in sparring, we’ll take him.”

“Why me? There’s Gansha and Mujurun too!”

“Size matches better.”

“Ugh, seriously!”

After days of travel with no rest, and now sparring? Su scowled in genuine annoyance. But Nersarn and the others acted as if this was routine.

“How about it? Are you up for it?”

“I’m grateful for the chance.”

“Be warned, Cheollyeo sparring often draws blood.”

“Beric likes bleeding, so he’ll be happy.”

Ian answered while watching Su carefully.

Though small, she was a warrior Nersarn had brought all the way into enemy territory. Not someone to be underestimated.

“Then we’ll meet after dinner. Rest up.”

“Meat! Lots of meat, please! No, I mean, I’m asking nicely!”

“Understood, Su.”

Ian bowed politely and left the room. As soon as he closed the door and turned the corner, he spotted the servants huddled together.

“Ian! Why are you so late?”

“We thought something had happened.”

They were pacing anxiously, worried. Ian just smiled, asked them to prepare dinner, and then roused Beric, who was curled up asleep on the sofa.

“Beric.”

“Uh…”

“We have to eat, then spar with the Cheollyeo tribe.”

At those words, Beric’s eyes snapped open like he’d been electrified. What? With who?

“There was a woman among them earlier, right? You have to beat her to come with us across the desert. Otherwise, you’ll have to go alone.”

Beric’s eyes sparkled. He didn’t seem to care about crossing the desert alone; just the fact he’d get to fight that Cheollyeo was exciting.

“With a woman?”

“Don’t underestimate her. She’s the chief’s sister, brought in when the Bratz family joined. She looked very agile.”

Gansha and Mujurun were clearly bodyguards. Their warrior spirit was palpable—sure to survive even if thrown into a lion’s den.

But given the urgency of this mission, they needed someone who could move fastest if trouble arose. Su’s light frame gave Ian confidence.

Beric rubbed his face on the cushion, muttering.

“Running fast doesn’t help if you get caught.”

“Lucky if you can catch her.”

“Huh?”

Ian stared out the window, lost in thought.

Right, if you can catch her…

“Beric, listen carefully. I’ll teach you how to win.”

Ian sat opposite him on the sofa, sharing every tactic he could think of. The sky darkened slowly, and the mansion’s torches illuminated the red flowers by the window.

---

After dinner, Nersarn and his group stayed in the room. The soldiers guarding the mansion kept them from moving about unnecessarily.

Of course, physical restrictions weren’t really a problem for them.

“How do you plan to slip out?”

In the backyard a little away from the annex, a shadow flickered in the lit window on the fourth floor. All the mansion’s soldiers were guarding the annex, leaving the backyard eerily quiet.

“Huh?”

The moment the window slid open, a human-shaped figure dropped straight down. Berrick froze in surprise, but Ian just lifted his head, as if he’d expected it.

Then he started counting the seconds. One… two… three…

“Hey there!”

Su popped his head out from the bushes. He’d covered quite a distance in just a few seconds—almost like an animal.

“Hmm. This is nice. It’s been a while since I smelled fresh grass.”

“What about the others?”

“They’re resting in the room. We have to leave early tomorrow. That’s why being the youngest sucks.”

With no one else around, Su spoke to Ian more casually. Crossing the border meant Ian would be in the same position—looked down on even by the youngest member of the group.

Berrick glanced at Su, then back at the annex.

“You jumped out of that window?”

“Yeah. Why?”

“How are you planning to get back up?”

“I’ll just go back the same way.”

He wore a look that said, “Got a problem with that?” Berrick chuckled softly, shaking his head with satisfaction. Yeah, this is definitely a Cheollyeo. This is the kind of thing they do!

“The time limit’s five minutes. If you can knock me out within that, I’ll admit it.”

“Five minutes? Isn’t that too short?”

“If you can’t do it in that time, you won’t manage it even if I give you a whole day.”

“Ha, ridiculous. You think you’re tough or something?”

Who do they think they are, talking so casually like that? Ian crossed his arms and took a step back.

The fact that no one else was watching was a clear sign they were being completely ignored. But that actually worked to Ian and Berrick’s advantage.

“Berrick. Come here.”

Ziiing.

Ian grabbed the back of Berrick’s head and poured in his magic. His golden eyes, glowing brightly, were hidden behind Berrick’s head.

Magic was relatively easy to activate like this, and more importantly—

“Remember what I told you earlier.”

Because now they could actually use tactics.

Su scratched his ear, as if wondering when they’d get started.