Episode 250
A quiet office. The sky was just beginning to lighten with the first hints of dawn.
Ian was scrutinizing some documents with a steady gaze, his brow furrowed. The conversation he’d had with Jin earlier kept replaying in his mind. Perhaps his body was hitting its limits again—his focus was slipping more easily than usual.
‘Jaha, please keep this between us for now. Mother is the first to hear any good news. Since she doesn’t seem to know, it’s best if we pretend we don’t either.’
‘Understood. We’ll keep it that way.’
‘By the way, did you say she’s beautiful?’
‘Very, very much so.’
It had already been proven through the Arsen incident that Roberside, whom Jin met in his dreams, was no mere illusion. Viviana’s hints, too, and now this mention of a younger sibling. Ian had no idea what kind of ancestor this was, but every clue was too significant to ignore.
Could it be that Philia had another child besides Ian? Or perhaps Derga Bratz had another illegitimate child?
Tap, tap.
No, Ian lightly brushed off his pen tip, wiping away some ink. If Derga had another illegitimate child, Jin would have known by now.
Had there been more opportunities? Surely, as a territory fell and was rebuilt, rumors would have spread among the residents. Philia and Nersarn’s side seemed the most likely.
‘Then it’s only right to offer a blessing.’
Ian thought simply as he signed the papers. Even if Philia wasn’t the biological mother—or even if she was—that wouldn’t be a problem.
On the contrary, it was something to welcome. Since he was unlikely to return to the Hielo territory, the child of those two would be the first step toward cultural integration and a solid foundation for a steadfast alliance.
‘Above all, it’s truly fortunate for Philia. Yes. To live happily—that’s all there is to it. What else could matter?’
The fierce disputes, conflicts, and negotiations within the royal palace were all for that very purpose.
A complete life that shapes great history. Sometimes, when the chaos around him swirled too violently, Ian would forget where he was headed. But in those moments, surprisingly, he always found his way back through the small, everyday things.
“Grrrkkk…”
For example, Beric snoring in front of the magical stove. Even something like that could be seen as part of a whole life.
Hmm. Ian watched the scene seriously for a moment before closing the file.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere in the office, every document he reviewed bore a title that promised turmoil.
Knock, knock.
“Excuse me.”
“Come in. I just finished.”
“Ah, good. I was just about to—”
A mage entered, looking exhausted. She carefully stacked the files in her arms but froze when she saw Ian. Pale skin, darkened eyes, and…
“Ian, you’re bleeding from your nose.”
“Hm?”
A faint red tint showed beneath his nose. Ian looked up in surprise, and the mage quickly handed him a handkerchief. Beric, who had been snoring loudly, stirred and sat up abruptly, saliva trailing from his mouth.
“Whoa, what’s going on? What’s going on?”
“Quiet down, Beric.”
“Blood! Ian, you’re bleeding! A double nosebleed!”
“Are you planning to wake everyone else?”
“Should I? Should I wake them?”
“Go fetch Captain Hale.”
Ian gestured lightly, giving Beric the order.
Beric staggered dramatically before tumbling out the door. Seeing this, Ian understood why strange rumors circulated in the Mage Department. He pressed the handkerchief to his nose and leaned back in his chair.
“By the way, why Serro?”
Ian closed his eyes, weary, and asked again. The mage, watching his face closely, suddenly looked alarmed and continued.
“The resistance from the seven houses, including Haiman, is stronger than expected. Since they support the central government, the judiciary and administration are having a hard time managing affairs.”
This wasn’t just a matter of life or death—it was about the survival of entire houses. And we’re talking about seven houses.
If you consider all their members, servants, and even minor connections like regional or academic ties, Bariel would be sacrificing his own left arm. Such a sacrifice could only be made if one envisioned a better future.
“So?”
“Since the schedule is delayed, the Serro family gathered signatures from the opposing central nobles.”
“Opposing central nobles?”
Opposition? Ian raised an eyebrow and looked at the mage, somewhat surprised.
It was still early. It had been only a few days since Haiman was cut out from the central nobility. Yet, the remaining nobles had already formed a faction—and calling it the ‘opposition’ was especially telling. But what exactly were they opposing?
“Yes. The signatures have been submitted to the judiciary, and the matter is known throughout the streets. Of course, it’s not about the ‘Mana Verification Incident,’ but about the rebellion of the seven houses.”
Serro was just a temporary measure—filling Haiman’s void, diluting the palace’s overt scrutiny, and uniting other nobles as needed.
But to take the lead in gathering opposition signatures so quickly? Ian flicked the feather attached to his pen.
‘It’s natural they’d seize the chance once Haiman and the seven houses are purged. They’re probably waiting for Haiman’s downfall as eagerly as the royal family. But moving without any warning…’
It was irritating, to say the least.
Half of the central nobles were Haiman’s faction, the other half condemned them, and if Serro unexpectedly took the center of that group…
If the seven houses disappeared and Serro gobbled up the leftovers, how big could they grow? Could anyone guarantee this wouldn’t be the birth of a second Haiman?
‘Showing too much enthusiasm depending on the situation is troublesome, Lord Serro.’
Ian clicked his tongue inwardly. He couldn’t be sure of Serro’s true intentions—whether to cement loyalty to the palace or to open a new chapter in the noble world.
Either way, Serro was dangerously close to crossing the line Ian had set. Without permission.
“Understood for now.”
For the time being, it was wise to accept what had happened, regardless of intent.
At that moment, Captain Hale burst into the office, urgency in his steps.
Bang bang bang!
Crash!
“Minister! You’re losing too much blood!”
“Oh, Captain Hale. Come here and lend me some mana.”
“Ma-mana?”
Ian waved his hand casually, and Hale stopped in his tracks.
What? He wanted mana? Again?
Hale, who had never found Ian physically weak before, now felt cold sweat trickling down. He couldn’t even guess how large Ian’s mana reserves were. It would be simpler and more comfortable to just roll around in a monster fight a few times.
Beric, following behind, pushed Hale’s back impatiently.
“What are you waiting for? The master’s asking for mana!”
“Hey, this isn’t your business, is it?”
“Your business is your business! My business is your business!”
The mage standing nearby swapped out the handkerchief and offered some advice.
“Ian, you should rest. No matter how skilled a mage you are, there’s a limit to recovering stamina with external mana. It’s more effective to get a deep sleep. You only rested for a day before jumping back into work.”
Though it was contradictory for her to be handing over approval documents at dawn, Ian found her advice reasonable. He headed toward the inner room with a bed and asked,
“Serro has already left the palace, right?”
“Yes. He was the first to receive the prohibition spell and left immediately.”
A privilege gained by aligning with Ian’s faction.
Ian sat on the bed, deep in thought. Serro seemed excited and eager to take Haiman’s place, but openly scolding him now would only create new variables to consider.
Then—
“After lunch, bring Miss Melania here. Let’s have a meal together.”
“Here?”
“As you can see, I’m busy, and she’s confined.”
“Understood. I’ll arrange it. Please rest well. I’ll bring the remaining reports then.”
The mage shrugged, clearly puzzled, and left the office. Captain Hale also tried to slip out, but Beric clung to his arm with all his might.
“Where are you going? Ian’s asking for mana!”
“I think you’re better suited for this.”
“Oh? Is that so? Ian?”
“It’s not. Captain Hale, come quickly.”
Ian tidied his pillow firmly, then lay down properly, moving only his fingers.
Captain Hale stroked his rough beard and pulled a chair beside him.
Slide.
“I might need to get a mana booster shot.”
“I heard Captain Accorella got one because of me. She said the side effects weren’t bad. If it’s not too serious, I’d rather get it myself.”
Among Haiman’s charges was the accusation of ‘Dragon Kakrin.’ Cooperation from Akorella was crucial, but ever since she received the magical power enhancer, she had secluded herself from the surface world, rarely showing her face. Some said it was due to side effects; others assumed, as always, that she was deep in research.
“Yeah, well… I saw her yesterday. Aside from sweating a bit, she seemed just like usual. Since it’s still experimental, even she doesn’t know what the side effects are. I was alone, measuring temperature, laughing, jotting down notes… I thought I was losing my mind.”
“Captain Akorella was crazy to begin with.”
Jiing. Jiing.
Ian chuckled softly at Beric’s remark. If it were anyone else, maybe, but coming from Beric, that was unexpected.
Ian tapped the side of the bed gently, signaling for quiet, and soon slipped into a deep sleep.
Hiiing!
Screech!
Melania stepped down from the carriage, her robe pulled tightly over her head.
After Ian left, she had no idea how much she had berated herself, biting her lips in frustration. She wished she hadn’t said what she did back then, or that she had tried a different approach—anything that might have gotten a stronger reaction from Ian. Surrounded by darkness, even the faintest glimmer of hope felt desperately precious.
“This way.”
Ian called her again. That meant, in some way, he was responding. Melania composed herself and followed the mage’s guidance toward the office.
“Wait a minute! Romandro, that’s mine!”
“You fool, where do you see that it’s yours? Ian bought all of it.”
“I eat the most here, so it’s mine!”
“Shia, come over here and have some too.”
“No, Master, I’m fine.”
“Tch. Seriously, even among the same retainers, your cost-effectiveness is so different. Beric, you should reflect on that. Ah! Did you just bite? Did you just bite?”
The mage, about to lower his presence, glanced nervously at Melania. This wasn’t the kind of ruckus you’d expect during lunch at some remote school, let alone in the Minister of Magic’s office. Clearing his throat, the mage was about to announce Melania’s arrival when—
“But Ian, why are you calling Haiman’s youngest daughter?”
At Beric’s question, Melania quickly grabbed the mage’s wrist. Just a moment—please let me overhear this, she silently begged. It was an unseemly move, and the mage hesitated, caught off guard.
“Um, Beric, have you ever watched a martial arts match?”
“I’ve even fought in one. But why the sudden talk about fighting?”
“You see, there’s a champion and a challenger. Haiman is the champion, Sero is the challenger.”
“And us?”
“We’re the referees, or the team leaders?”
Ian smiled faintly, speaking in riddles. Melania, pressing her ear to the door to eavesdrop, frowned deeply.
“Well then, Lady Melania, enough eavesdropping. Please come in.”