Chapter 253
“Good day, Lord Ian.”
“Welcome.”
Ian shook Serro’s hand firmly, his gaze casually sweeping over him. The coat he wore, the tie pin, the shoes—all were unmistakably top-tier luxury items.
Where before his attire had been merely adequate to uphold a noble’s dignity, now it was clear he was flaunting his wealth.
There was no way the family, which had been barely surviving on rental income, suddenly came into a fortune…
“Looking quite sharp today.”
“To hear that from you, Lord Ian, I’m flattered. Ha ha. Thank you.”
One of two things was likely: either he’d borrowed against future earnings, hopeful for better days, or other nobles had offered him gifts under the pretense of alliance.
Either way, it was an unwelcome change. A truly capable person remains steady and grounded, no matter how circumstances shift.
Serro glanced at Jin, who was seated on the sofa, and for a moment looked surprised.
“Oh, Your Highness Jin. Greetings. I’m Marlon Hope Serro. I didn’t realize you were here. I hope you’ve been well?”
“Thanks to you. Please, have a seat.”
Serro nodded politely and took a seat opposite the sofa. Just as Ian had been observing him, Serro was quietly taking in Ian’s office.
“Bring some tea.”
“Yes, Lord Ian.”
Romandro, the aide, was nearby, along with piles of documents, the red-haired guard who had been scolded by Captain Jarrett, and the odd-eyed man… Everything about the relationship between Jin and Ian seemed unchanged.
Has the prince still not moved his residence? Without a protector, Jin’s presence here makes it hard to gauge Ian’s authority. Serro rubbed his palms together nervously, forcing a pale smile.
“I heard your health hasn’t been good.”
“Is that so? From where?”
“Pardon?”
Ian’s sudden question caught Serro off guard. Rumors like that spread everywhere—if you ask like that, how is one supposed to respond? There were whispers of traitors in the Magic Department. Was he being suspected?
Stammering, Serro faltered, but Ian just smiled faintly.
“Not a flattering picture, I admit. But thanks to everyone’s efforts, I’m much better now.”
“I see. Well—”
Serro wanted to say it was fortunate there was little damage after facing the monsters, but before he could, a sudden choking sensation seized his throat, forcing him to cough awkwardly.
‘A silencing spell?’
Ian ignored Serro’s cough and changed the subject. Was there any need for pointless pleasantries? Better to get down to business or read with Jin—far more productive.
“So, what brings you here? I heard nobles are reluctant to enter the palace these days.”
Many had vowed to leave the capital altogether, tired of constant lockdowns whenever trouble arose.
“Actually, I’m not sure if you’ve heard, but some nobles who share my views have come together and signed a petition. Even the lower ranks.”
Ian raised an eyebrow. Jin mirrored the gesture. Serro hesitated briefly but pressed on.
“We hoped it might help speed up the scheduling of court trials…”
“Yes, I heard.”
“But I also heard Lady Melania of the Hyman family has left the palace. That’s concerning.”
Jin glanced at Ian, silently asking why he had allowed Melania to go free when Jin himself was running around trying to put an end to this mess.
“There’s no cause for concern. Thanks to your help, Lord Serro, the judiciary has finally contacted us.”
“A trial date has been set? Oh, I wasn’t aware.”
“That’s understandable. I just found out myself.”
Romandro, who had been quietly listening, paused his pen and rolled his eyes. Did Serro not realize what he was saying? He seemed to expect Ian to be as well-informed about palace affairs as himself. Slowly, Romandro’s foot crept toward an invisible line.
“Besides, Lady Melania was never under investigation. She entered the palace voluntarily, so her departure wasn’t a big issue, Lord Serro. You know the other direct family members of the seven noble houses remain outside the palace, don’t you?”
“Yes, yes, I’m aware.”
“And what are they doing?”
Though the question sounded casual, Serro sensed the hidden sting.
After the civil war and the Arsen incident, the palace’s forces were depleted. It was Serro’s duty to monitor and pressure the remaining noble remnants to ease the palace’s burden—not to rally them into a so-called ‘opposition faction.’
Serro rubbed his palms again, sweat beginning to bead.
“What could they do? They just send letters asking for help. I gathered the nobles together to keep an eye on them. I cut off their attempts at contact.”
More than just watching, he was enjoying the gatherings. When envoys from those seven houses came to meet, Serro openly read their letters aloud, mocking and tearing them apart in front of everyone, showing his refusal and solidifying his own alliances.
Ian’s eyes widened. “Is that so? Which noble houses tried to make contact? The seven houses seem to be grasping at straws. We should keep a close watch.”
Clink.
The sound of the teacup was ominous. Serro sensed something was off.
Those seven houses had been the very ones who drank and smoked at his estate, building a united front and boasting of future glory. And now he was expected to name them?
To suspect their disloyalty?
‘That’s a bit much…’
It was no different from nobles pretending to cooperate while secretly snitching on palace affairs. Serro was essentially betraying others to gain Ian’s trust.
But staying silent wasn’t an option…
“Lord Serro?”
“Ah, yes, yes.”
“Why the hesitation?”
Was he openly defying Ian?
His restless gaze flickered wildly. No matter how he thought, he couldn’t find a way out. Finally, he named only the most suitable houses.
“…Eizen and Lord Bauckmann.”
“I see. Thank you. Based on your advice, I will personally keep an eye on them.”
At least with Eizen and Bauckmann, a warning like “Serro says the seven houses are close enough to be asking for help” would be effective.
And surely, their ire would turn toward Serro.
‘Oh, Ian…’
Romandro clicked his tongue inwardly. Watching Ian manage three noble houses from his seat was impressive. The child’s gaze never left Ian, and Romandro wondered what thoughts were brewing in that mind.
“I’m truly relieved to hear Lady Melania’s departure isn’t an issue. Honestly, I trusted you, Lord Ian, so I wasn’t worried, but there have been concerns from various quarters.”
“Such a shame. So little faith in the palace.”
“Lord Ian, and this may be premature, but once the trial concludes and the Hyman bank is sold, how much preparation should we make?”
Since the Hyman family was being wiped out by the civil war, most of their vast assets would revert to the crown.
While land, estates, paintings, and sculptures were relatively easy to distribute and store, businesses like the Hyman bank required a complicated process.
Especially the bank—it was a massive artery running through Bariel’s economy. Ownership would likely remain with the palace, but operations might be entrusted to the nobles.
“The full scale of the Hyman bank hasn’t been assessed yet. As you know, it’s not just centralized here. I’m also awaiting reports on that front, so you’ll have to be patient.”
“Of course. I can wait.”
“You seem eager.”
“Eh? Ha ha!”
He didn’t deny it.
Ian smiled brightly, wrapping up the conversation.
“Next time, I’ll bring my sister, Alena.”
“Ah.”
At the mention of his sister, Jin and Romandro both snapped their heads up. Still holding onto that marriage proposal from the greenhouse?
The atmosphere shifted noticeably, but Serro, busy adjusting his coat, didn’t notice.
“Ha ha. Actually, when I said I’d be coming to the palace today, my sister was so eager to tag along. Lord Ian, leave the nobles to me. You have nothing to worry about—I’ll handle them well. Your Highness Jin, please rest easy!”
Ian was Jin’s right hand in palace affairs. Then Serro vowed to be the left hand governing the noble society. He placed his hat over his chest with determination.
“Travel safely.”
“Your Highness Jin, until next time.”
“Go in peace.”
Squeak.
As Serro left the office, Romandro and Jin simultaneously set down their pens and books, their expressions clearly displeased. Ian waved it off, telling the attendants to clear Serro’s teacup.
“By the way, why is that man’s sister interested in Ian?”
Beric spat out a mouthful of gura and chewed thoughtfully. He only half understood what had been said. Romandro tapped his pen and explained.
“The author apparently proposed a marriage alliance to Ian last time. He politely declined, but they kept pushing it. Tsk tsk.”
“What!? A marriage proposal? You mean that proposal?”
“Is there any other kind you know of?”
“Crazy. Did they say they have money?”
“So what if they do?”
“Tell them to back off.”
“Back off,” Romandro echoed, clearly amused by Berrick’s straightforwardness, clutching his stomach as he laughed. It wasn’t just about the marriage proposal—there had definitely been a few borderline moments.
“Ahem. Do you think Lady Melania will be able to put a damper on the author’s momentum?”
“Who knows? If I had to guess…”
The lady was sharp and assertive. Just as the author wanted, she would drag Sero into the filthy mudslinging that only nobles could engage in. Even if it tore him apart, survival was his goal.
Meanwhile, Sero left the palace and returned to his estate. The street in front of the mansion was still lined with carriages—a clear sign of those waiting for him after his visit to the palace.
He had met Ian, who was hard to see, and even the prince had been there. If he shared this news, their guests would be overjoyed. As soon as the carriage stopped, Sero hurried inside.
Squeak.
“You’re back?”
“Yeah. And the guests?”
“They’re inside…”
“Haha. Why are they waiting out here? I would’ve contacted them myself.”
“Um, Master…”
The butler grabbed Sero’s arm. The old man’s brow furrowed deeply, sensing something was off.
“I happened to overhear the guests’ conversation as I passed by, so I wanted to ask just in case. Have you made any deals with the Hyman family?”
“Deals with Hyman? What are you talking about?”
“They said we leased the Chetur district to the Hymans. That it all started because your second son, Youngsik, and Lady Alenara formed a connection. But now, they’re pretending they have nothing to do with the Hymans.”