Chapter 298
“Let’s put Luswena front and center and move in.”

Inside the carriage heading toward Clifford’s palace.

Romandro recalled the conversation from the reception room. He would never forget the silence that fell the moment Ian spoke those words. Nor the simultaneous exclamations from himself and Jin that followed.

“So, we’re going ahead with the dragon anomaly test?”

“That’s right. Your Highness already hinted at this to Luswena earlier, didn’t you? Perfect. I’ll send someone there immediately to conduct the test. Once that’s done, Clifford won’t have any grounds to refuse.”

The offer to send doctors from the imperial palace was just that—an offer. The real authority to accept or reject lay with Clifford. Even if they refused outright, there was no way to force entry.

But the test itself?

“She’s unwell and postponed meeting Your Highness. There’s no chance she’ll come outside the palace, so it’s better if we go in. That way, we maintain some semblance of protocol and respect.”

If they kept refusing the test, suspicion of abnormal reactions would justify forced enforcement. They’d have no choice but to comply. Being dragged out against their will would be a historic humiliation, but it was not a matter open to diplomatic objection.

Refusing cooperation while harboring a contagious disease in the imperial palace of the great Bariel Empire was tantamount to threatening the emperor himself.

“Besides, if Prince Noah really is a beastman, it’s a very tricky situation. It’s almost as if it’s because of Luswena. If they think that way, it’s quite clever—especially now, just as the alliance between the three nations is about to begin.”

Romandro crossed his arms, muttering impressed sighs. Ian’s gentle smile from earlier lingered in his mind.

Once again, he hoped that Viviana and his child would resemble Ian. Having seen him often in the womb, it wasn’t entirely impossible.

As Romandro nodded seriously, Ian, who had been looking out the window, turned back with a curious smile.

“Still worried? Afraid something might go wrong?”

“Huh? No, no. With you here, there’s nothing to worry about. When Viviana comes to the appointment ceremony, please give her lots of kind words. And say something to the baby, too. I’m counting on you.”

Ian tilted his head in surprise at the unusual request. At that moment, Beric, sitting beside them, raised his hand eagerly.

“I can do that too!”

“…Beric, you’re fine.”

“Huh? Why not?”

“No reason. Just fine.”

Before Beric could say more, the carriage came to a stop. Outside, the wizards who had arrived earlier were chatting and laughing with Clifford’s people.

Ian gently pulled back the curtain to watch. If Prince Noah was a beastman, this was a critical moment. Yet the atmosphere was so relaxed?

“Either he’s not a beastman, or only his closest aides know.”

Ian clicked his pocket watch. By now, the inspection at Luswena’s secondary palace was probably nearing its end. Even if Clifford’s side confirmed the truth, there was still time. Romandro, scanning the surroundings, muttered as well.

“Did we come too late? Maybe we shouldn’t have stopped at Luswena first. Should’ve sent only the wizards from the start.”

“No, the order matters for legitimacy. It’s right to inspect Luswena first and thoroughly before moving on.”

Though unlikely, if King Eriphoni caught wind of this entire plan, who knew what mischief he might attempt.

That’s why Ian personally went to Luswena’s palace to complete the inspections of Eriphoni and his close aides. The rest of the cleanup was left to the wizards.

“Still, it looks like they haven’t let us inside yet. If they stall and try something, it could be a disaster.”

“No need to worry about that either. If they could have pulled a trick, they wouldn’t have postponed the meeting with Your Highness. It means there’s an unavoidable problem. Now, let’s go.”

Creak.

Ian, Romandro, and Beric stepped out of the carriage and entered the palace. The wizards and Clifford’s people bowed respectfully to greet them.

As they walked further, the noise grew louder. Envoy Mei was confronting the wizards, her guards at the front.

“…Is this because it’s us?”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize.”

Ian approached, listening to their conversation. It was clear they were completely cornered, with no way out. To bring up status in front of wizards empowered by divine power was futile.

The possibility of a beastman grew heavier. Even if not, they must have something desperate to cling to.

“If we find out, Bariel could intervene in the three-nation situation.”

Ian cut in immediately, pulling on his gloves.

“I will conduct the test myself. That’s acceptable, right?”

He smiled broadly to show he meant no harm.

At the same time, Mei’s expression darkened.

“D-Director Ian.”

“I apologize. It seems we made a mistake. In Bariel, wizards serve the royal family, so we didn’t expect the Clifford royal family to be reluctant. It’s a cultural difference—please understand.”

Even without titles, these were Bariel’s most precious talents. It was surprising that the prince himself refused the wizards who supported the royal family.

When the Akorella outbreak first occurred, most investigations were handled by lower-level administrative staff. The fact that wizards were personally involved now was a sign of respect.

“No! That’s not what I meant at all. Please don’t misunderstand. We fully recognize the wizards’ dignity.”

Mei strongly denied, waving her hands. It was just a reflexive gap she had squeezed through. She would say anything to protect Prince Noah’s secret.

The only problem was that she didn’t realize Ian was waiting in that gap.

“Wizard, what I mean is simply that the prince feels uncomfortable around strangers. It seems a cultural difference caused a misunderstanding. If we caused offense, I apologize.”

“Cultural difference” was such a useful phrase. Even in sensitive matters like this, it could buy some tolerance.

The wizard bowed and accepted the apology.

“No, you’re right. We understand there are cultural differences.”

Honestly, they were annoyed, but with Ian stepping in, it all became irrelevant. Ian signaled the wizard to step back, and the wizard smiled in trust and withdrew.

Ian smiled warmly, placing a hand on his chest.

“Since the Clifford envoy attended Your Highness’s appointment ceremony, we want to reciprocate accordingly. To pay respects to the prince, I will conduct the test personally.”

Mei felt the world darken before her eyes.

This was clearly a warning to behave properly. Their treatment would depend on their attitude. If they didn’t step aside now and caused a fuss, appropriate measures would follow—implying enforcement.

A prince dragged out by foreign soldiers?

And in beastman form?

“If only we had let that wizard in earlier.”

Trying to avoid a deer, they met a tiger. Standing before Ian, the earlier wizard seemed easy by comparison. That wizard might have found a way through somehow.

“Excuse me, Envoy Mei. Please introduce me to Prince Noah.”

Step aside. Make way yourself.

Under Ian’s pressure, Mei involuntarily stepped back. The guards hesitated and retreated, and she reluctantly grabbed the door handle.

Sigh.

Her mind felt faint, but she resolved to do all she could. The fate of the Clifford royal family depended on this moment. It was too early to give up.

She summoned all her strength and knocked on the door.

Bang bang!

Trying to break it down? Romandro flinched and grabbed Beric’s arm.

“Prince Noah! Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic, has arrived. There’s been a dragon anomaly detected near Luswena, and we’re here to conduct a test. It won’t take long. Please extend your hand for a moment!”

She shouted at the top of her lungs, clearly signaling those inside to prepare. Romandro and Beric exchanged glances.

“Looks like there really is something.”

“This is serious. Have you ever been scammed before? Why don’t you trust anyone?”

While they whispered, Mei pressed her forehead against the door, listening. It was unsettlingly quiet—damn near silent.

Biting her lip, she slowly opened the door.

Creak.

“…Prince?”

Prince Noah lay on the bed, covered head to toe in every blanket in the room. It looked like a thick hill had been built up.

Ian passed Mei and approached.

“Greetings, Prince Noah. I am Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic. We intend to conduct a simple test to guard against the Luswena contagion. It may be uncomfortable, but please extend your hand for a moment.”

A finger poked out from beneath the blankets.

“…Please.”

Then, slowly, the prince moved again, revealing his wrist.

Ian stared at it for a moment before turning to Mei. To make the test meaningful, they needed to confirm the subject’s identity. If he only extended his hand like this, how could they know who was who?

He considered asking to pull back the covers but changed his mind. It’s always easier to ask forgiveness than permission.

“Then, excuse me. It might feel a bit raw, but don’t worry—it won’t hurt.”

Whirrr… whirrr…

As Ian unleashed his magic, a breeze stirred within the confined space.

Mei stopped biting her nails and took a steady breath. This was suspicious, sure, but it seemed manageable. Just as she silently hoped for the best—

“Oh, right.”

Beric, standing close behind Ian, muttered as if he’d just realized something. Up close, the scent was unmistakable. The smell of animal hide, the kind he’d caught whiffs of in the market—especially on damp days, that sharp, musty odor from wet fur.

“Animal smell.”

Ian flinched, realizing that Prince Noah, whose hand he was holding, was reacting. Beric, meanwhile, was quietly scratching his ear, mumbling to himself.

“Is the Kingdom of Podo used to this? Seems like no one else knows. Romandro, do you smell it?”

“I-I don’t kno—”

Flap!

“Kingdom of Podo? It’s Clifford!”

Noah, who had been silent until now, suddenly snapped in anger. Seizing the moment, Ian pushed his magic forcefully beneath the blanket.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Like a gust pulling at fabric, the things draped over the prince slipped halfway off. For a brief instant, everyone caught sight of vertically slit pupils and pointed ears.

“…!”

“…!”

Romandro and Mei stood frozen, mouths agape. Beric just waved his hands and chuckled.

“Oh, sorry. Cream Podo.”

“Ahhh!”

Prince Noah yanked his hand away roughly, clutching the disheveled blanket around himself as he curled up, turning his back.

“Uh, um, wait—!”

“Yes! Yes, exactly! Just a moment!”

“So, that’s—!”

Mei panicked, flustered beyond words, but only Romandro seemed to respond. Beric threw open the window to air the room out and shouted loudly, confirming his earlier point.

“Ha ha ha! See! I’m not crazy!”

“Th-that’s actually Prince Noah! No, wait, that’s not it. I mean, everyone, please calm down!”

“C-c-calm down, yes! This is the first time I’ve seen a beastman, so, well, excuse me.”

“He’s not a beastman! What are you saying?!”

“Ha ha ha! I’m right, aren’t I? Right?”

Chaos erupted.

Ian looked down at the trembling prince and offered a gentle apology.

“Your Highness, I’m sorry. I didn’t control my magic well enough—I must have startled you.”

“…”

No response. Mei seemed eager to get everyone out of there as quickly as possible.

Ian hesitated for a moment, then smiled softly.

“…But Your Highness, your tail is showing.”