Chapter 277

Beric came to his senses that afternoon, just as dusk was settling in. Suddenly, as if struck by lightning, he jerked upright, causing Romandro to spill the tea he’d been sipping.

“Goodness, you scared me.”

“What… what’s going on? Where am I?”

“What do you mean? You passed out and just woke up. You feeling okay? Any pain anywhere? The doctor came by earlier—said luckily, no new injuries.”

Beric didn’t feel any particular pain, but his memory was completely blank. He was sure he’d been on a winning streak, climbing up the ranks, had taken down that annoying Hamp guy, and… and Sia…

“Oh. Sia!”

His mind flashed with fragmented memories: Sia beating him up, that filthy old man Jaret, endless sparring sessions, Ian’s encouragement…

Feeling his own body, Beric muttered seriously, “Damn it. Sia must’ve spiked my drink.”

“Hey, hey, you’re still half asleep.”

“This feels exactly like the morning after a blackout.”

“Usually, that means you got hit right in the vital spot and passed out.”

Beric blinked in disbelief. Me? Knocked out with one hit? No way! Honestly, if there was one thing he was confident in, it was his endurance!

As Beric kicked off the blanket and tried to get up, Romandro gently pushed him back down.

“You’re done for the day. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be fighting nonstop. Rest up. The opponents will only get tougher—everyone climbing the ranks like you did.”

“Did I win?”

“Yes. You won.”

It was a victory by decision, but a win nonetheless.

Siaozi would only have a couple more sparring matches to finalize rankings, while Beric would be pushing himself to the limit for nearly two weeks.

Beric flopped back onto the bed and asked, “Is Sia badly hurt?”

“Covered in blood.”

Beric hugged his pillow, groaning as if something didn’t sit right with him.

Romandro, gathering medicine, glanced at him. This was the first time Beric had looked like this after a fight.

Captain Jaret’s methods might be harsh and questionable, but they seemed effective. He’d drawn out emotions Beric never thought he had. Romandro recalled what Ian had told him:

“Beric’s skills are excellent. There’s no problem with him joining the Imperial Guard, so Captain Jaret will keep testing him. The Emperor can’t afford to have dangerous Athan tribesmen close by. But if Beric keeps showing this side of himself, he’ll be recognized eventually. It’s tough, but that’s how everyone survives. Beric will understand that in time.”

The calm yet somewhat sympathetic tone left an impression. Romandro handed Beric some lukewarm water and medicine, then stood.

“Take this and get some more rest. The doctor said your wounds are fine, but you’re severely fatigued. Remember, you have a long schedule ahead. When you wake, I’ll have your meal ready.”

“Do you hate me for beating Sia?”

“You’re still not fully awake, huh? What kind of question is that?”

“Then why are you being so nice? Like you won’t see me again or something. Creepy.”

“Cancel that! Eat your food yourself.”

“Ahhh, sorry! Romandro, I’m sorry!”

Beric slid off the bed and grabbed Romandro’s pant leg. Playfully dragged along, he finally mumbled cautiously, “Is Ian okay too?”

“He’s fine. Now let go of me!”

“Yay! Beef!”

Once assured everything was fine, Beric relaxed back onto the bed. Romandro ignored him but didn’t mind—he wasn’t stingy when it came to food. Besides, Ian was the one paying for all the meals, so Romandro had no say.

“Take your medicine properly!”

“Okay, okay! Look, I’m taking my medicine!”

Squeak!

Bang!

Beric slammed the water down his throat, but the door was firmly shut.

Romandro sighed and headed toward the room where Siaozi lay. The hallway was quiet now that work was done for the day.

“Romandro.”

“Your Highness. What brings you out here?”

“The doctor said he’d examine him.”

Jin was perched by the hallway window, gazing outside. The sunset was so red it tinted his silver hair pink. He nodded as if asking after Beric.

“He’s a sturdy one, your Highness. He’s fine. I even saw him get up earlier. Tomorrow’s sparring should be no problem.”

“That’s a relief.”

“But I worry about Sia.”

From the crack in the door came faint, unconscious groans—instinctive sounds of pain despite being out cold.

Unlike Beric, Siaozi’s body couldn’t be healed by the mages. He had to endure everything alone.

“But Your Highness, wasn’t Ian with him?”

“Ah, Ian….”

Jin gave a weak smile. He’d gone to report on the first day of the talent selection but hadn’t returned yet.

Romandro clicked his pocket watch in confusion. It should have been over by now. The delay meant the meeting was running long, and most likely, Ian was negotiating with the Imperial Guard and the Empire’s Defense Department.

“Your Highness, I think I should go meet him.”

“Do so. Don’t worry about Beric or Sia—they’re safe.”

Jin, trailing behind Romandro, suddenly stopped and asked quietly, “By the way, doesn’t Ian seem angry?”

“Huh? What did he say?”

“Nothing specific, just a feeling.”

“Probably—”

Romandro knelt to meet Jin’s eyes.

“Beric and Sia are the closest protectors of Your Highness. Whatever the intention, acting without consultation hasn’t ended well. It’s left a gap in your safety.”

If both rise to the top and shine in their departments, it would be a great help to Jin in the future. But now, they’d stirred up trouble.

On a micro level, it was just injuries to bodyguards, but on a macro scale, it could be seen as a check on Ian and a challenge to imperial authority.

“Don’t worry. Ian will handle it well. Beric will win all his remaining matches for Your Highness.”

“What’s there to worry about? I’m just curious if I can help.”

“Then we must hurry to bring Ian back. There’s a report to deliver, too. The invitations to your appointment ceremony sent to each country have been returned to the capital. They’re being reviewed now and should reach you by tonight.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yes. You should check them with Ian.”

Jin smiled and nodded. Romandro signaled the attendants to escort His Highness and headed toward the entrance of the Mage Department. Though always followed by a retinue, Jin felt awkward—no one was walking beside him.

“I’ll take a walk before the sun fully sets.”

The doctor hadn’t come out yet. He didn’t want to see Sia suffering through treatment, and Sia probably didn’t want to be seen like that either.

But why was there no word at all?

Jin looked back in puzzlement.

The attendants just bowed their heads and waited silently. If it were Siaozi, he would have given some instruction—“Do as you please” or “No, don’t.” Jin felt awkward and turned toward the garden, clutching his sleeve.

Tap tap tap.

Because of the talent selection event, the Mage Department was nearly empty. Probably the same in most departments. Jin felt the silence as he strolled slowly.

Then, in the distance, he saw someone standing.

‘A mage?’

The robe was definitely from the Mage Department, but the face was hidden. As Jin approached, the mage bowed and greeted the young lord.

“Your Highness, out for a walk?”

“Yes. And you?”

“Do you remember me? I mentioned my name a couple of times before…”

Jin vaguely recalled seeing the mage a few times but didn’t know the name. Since he’d been told before, it felt awkward to ask again.

As Jin hesitated, the mage cautiously offered, “I was just about to leave. If it’s not rude, may I walk with you?”

“There’s only one path. How could I refuse? Let’s go.”

“It’s an honor, Your Highness. Actually, I’ve wanted to hear your thoughts at least once.”

“I always want to hear from you all. I still have much to learn, so don’t hesitate to come to me.”

Behind them, the attendants followed as they walked inside the Mage Department. Talking briefly with a mage was no big deal—just as natural as having a meal.

Jin walked with the mage, carrying only the discomfort of not knowing the name. A trivial moment that wouldn’t even be remembered.

Certainly.

---

Outside the palace, the talent selection had turned the area into a festival. Those who failed consoled each other, those who passed celebrated together. Orders for meat and alcohol flooded in.

This wouldn’t end in a day. As time passed, more would arrive from the provinces to fill the empty spots. The laughter of tavern owners echoed endlessly through the streets that evening.

But only outside the palace.

‘This is driving me crazy.’

The main hall of the imperial palace, where the grand assembly was being held, felt like a different world altogether—thick with an icy tension that made the air feel frozen. Not a few held their breath cautiously, as if even the slightest sound might betray them.

They glanced at the Prime Minister, then at Captain Jarrett, then swept their eyes over the Imperial Defense Department officers. But ultimately, their gaze settled on Ian Hielo, seated to the right of the Prime Minister—the boy minister.

Tap. Tap tap.

Ian tapped leisurely on the desk as he scanned the report before him. His lips were tightly sealed, showing no sign of opening. If anything, he furrowed his brow intermittently, stretching the silence even longer.

“Why, why is he acting like that? On a day like today.”

“Exactly. The number of participants far exceeded expectations, and it’s been a successful start in every way. I just don’t get it.”

“Shh. They can hear everything. Quiet now.”

“Did you hear? The palace guard and the Imperial Defense Department assigned two bodyguards to Lord Ian.”

“What? That swordmaster and the former slave?”

“They’re His Highness’s guards now. But why would they do that?”

“If Captain Jarrett ordered it, there must be a reason. Still… it’s a bit awkward.”

Whispers spread as the officials quietly exchanged information, trying to piece together the situation. The more they talked, the clearer it became that there was nothing they could do.

Ian finally lowered the report and spoke in a low voice.

“…Captain Jarrett.”

“Yes, Minister.”

Ian broke the silence at last. Everyone perked up, hanging on his words.

“There was a dispute over the outcome of the second promotion match conducted by the palace guard. Explain the situation in detail. For your reference, the complaint came not from inside but from observers, so your explanation must be convincing.”

The sound of pens scratching on paper erupted simultaneously around the room. Ian’s mood was clearly grim, so the answers had to be precise, without a single mistake.

“Also, Acting Minister of the Imperial Defense Department.”

“Yes, Minister of Magic.”

“I’ve heard that the Imperial Defense Department added their own opinions regarding the match arrangements. That authority clearly belongs to the organizing committee. Explain what happened.”

“W-well—”

“And the organizing committee must transparently disclose the criteria used for the match arrangements and explain today’s matches.”

Ah, damn it. The officials forced calm expressions but were despairing inside. Didn’t it look like this wouldn’t end anytime soon? They shot sharp glances at Jarrett and the officers, as if silently asking why they had to stir up trouble.

Jarrett stroked his beard thoughtfully and flipped through the papers with a troubled look.

“…Shall I start?”

“Please do. Then we’ll discuss the issues and debate solutions together. It’s the first day, so we need to catch as many problems as possible. The candidates selected over the next two weeks will be the palace’s strength—the very foundation of the empire.”

Creak.

At that moment, the firmly closed door opened. Heads naturally turned. Please, let it be their aide. Let them have urgent business and leave early!

“Um—”

‘Oh no, damn it.’

‘It’s Lord Ian’s aide.’

But the one who entered was Romandro. He scratched the back of his neck, looking embarrassed under the sudden flood of gazes.

“Ian, I have an urgent report.”

“…!”

“…!”

Everyone’s jaws dropped, silently questioning if they’d heard correctly. Ian frowned at Romandro, as if asking whether this was really urgent—the meeting wasn’t over yet.

“What is it?”

“We’ve received a reply to His Highness’s appointment ceremony invitation.”

“…”

Ian glanced briefly at the officials, who quickly composed themselves and lowered their eyes.

“Prime Minister.”

“Yes?”

“Regarding the agenda, let Captain Jarrett and the officers submit individual reports separately.”

“Agreed! Let’s conclude today’s meeting here.”

Bang! Bang bang!

As the Prime Minister agreed immediately, a collective breath of relief swept through the room. They were saved! The meeting was finally over!

Ian stood and left the chamber first, and simultaneous sighs of relief echoed. Meanwhile, all eyes turned accusingly toward Jarrett.

Jarrett raised both hands in a gesture of surrender. But he didn’t regret it. Nor would he going forward. Of course, he hadn’t bothered to inform the exhausted officials of that.