Episode 303
As the dim evening light faded, night fully descended. Every building of the vast and majestic imperial palace was illuminated.
The lights reaching the tips of the spires looked like stars ascending to the heavens, and the Bariel flag hanging there remained visible even in the dark.
Surely, it could be seen clearly from outside the palace walls.
And so, the fervor of the empire’s people would not wane.
“…Queen Eriphoni.”
Queen Eriphoni of Luswena stepped down from her carriage, gazing at the sight before her. Truly magnificent, wasn’t it? That too must be the work of mages. Now she understood why Bariel had claimed the title of ‘victor’ throughout history.
“Let’s go in. No dawdling.”
“Apologies, Your Majesty. There’s a dinner schedule to keep.”
The official bowed awkwardly, urging her again. She had been told to enter, yet she lingered, admiring the view.
Grasping the hem of her dress, she gestured for them to lead the way. Behind Queen Eriphoni, the adorned Eldert and the Luswena delegation followed in orderly formation.
Clack.
The grand hall of the main palace.
She had heard this was where major events like the New Year’s banquet were held. The quality of the decorations and the enormous arched corridors were astonishing.
Just as the faint strains of the orchestra grew clearer, the official stopped.
“Queen Eriphoni, please proceed to the second floor. All other delegates, except one close aide, will enter the central hall.”
The leaders needed to dine upstairs, away from the noise and distractions. Every word exchanged there could decide the fate of nations.
The delegates bowed their heads in farewell to the queen. Only Eldert would remain by her side. Even in silence, supportive gazes were cast toward him.
Squeak.
“Am I the first guest?”
The banquet table was lavishly decorated with flowers and candles. The official silently showed her to her seat, and Eriphoni frowned slightly, clearly annoyed.
No matter the order of entry, Clifopod wasn’t even a king yet—only a prince. Was it right for him to arrive after her?
Looking down to the floor below, Bariel’s officials and nobles warmly welcomed the Luswena delegation.
“Prince Noah of Clifopod has arrived.”
“Oh, well.”
“Queen Eriphoni, I see.”
“Welcome, Prince Noah. It’s been a while.”
The prince appeared in traditional Clifopod attire, accompanied by the Mei delegation.
Eriphoni greeted him casually, but something about Noah’s eyes seemed off. She sipped her aperitif and asked with mild curiosity.
“I heard you were unwell. Are you feeling better?”
“You heard correctly. Thanks to the mages’ care.”
“The palace has been quite hectic; rumors spread easily. I appreciate your kind words despite having done nothing.”
“The mages personally came to examine the abnormal reactions from Luswena. So, I must say it’s thanks to them.”
Noah’s eyes narrowed further. The root cause of all today’s troubles was the dragon antibody abnormality. Had that not happened, the royal family’s secret would never have been exposed.
Eriphoni was about to respond in disbelief when—
“The abnormal dragon antigen-antibody reaction is something we—”
“King Damon of Burgos has arrived.”
Squeak.
Damon’s entrance cut off the conversation.
Noah glanced sharply toward the entrance, and Eriphoni frowned at Eldert, as if silently asking why he was acting that way.
“Welcome, Queen Eriphoni, Prince Noah. It’s the first time the three nations have gathered in one place.”
“Yes, indeed. I never expected to be here with Burgos and Iri. My father sends his regards.”
“Ah, yes. Please return my greetings as well.”
Burgos and Clifopod shared a tense history, so this meeting was both encouraging and significant. They exchanged light handshakes and took their seats.
A brief silence fell. The three leaders exchanged glances, all thinking the same thing.
‘Where is Crown Prince Jin?’
Normally, the host would appear first.
But Jin was Bariel’s heir apparent. Perhaps the status difference explained it, yet the fact that his attendants waited outside the door made Eriphoni suspicious.
She smiled wryly, sipping her aperitif.
‘They say mages can eavesdrop magically. This won’t be easy.’
It was a kind of game, a trap.
Watching what the three nations discussed.
Knowing this, the three remained selectively silent, waiting for Crown Prince Jin’s arrival. Below, the orchestra’s music swelled.
“His Highness, Crown Prince Jin, is entering.”
“Silence! His Highness the Crown Prince is entering!”
At that moment, announcements echoed simultaneously from upstairs and downstairs. The hall fell silent, the music fading as if holding its breath.
Squeak.
The doors slid open, and Jin entered with Ian. His hair was slicked back, styled with care. Eriphoni couldn’t help but smile.
‘The little one’s trying to look imposing. How cute.’
Eldert signaled her to compose herself, and she merely raised an eyebrow.
Before taking his seat at the head table, Jin stood at the railing, looking down at the vast hall filled with people from all corners.
Buzz, buzz.
Ian brought a magical device close, amplifying Jin’s voice clearly to all.
“Thank you all for taking your seats.”
The leaders of the three nations bowed their heads, as did the delegates below.
Ian received a cup from an attendant and handed it to Jin. The golden liquid melted softly inside. One of the tribute gifts from Clifopod. It was low in alcohol, more like a drink, but its color was unmatched for setting the mood.
“As we make history anew in Bariel, the three nations shall not be forgotten. Luswena, Clifopod, and Burgos may all enjoy Bariel’s grace.”
Raising his cup, Jin was followed by those gathered below. Even kings were no different. Though the toast’s content was delicate, what could they do?
“Enjoy the festival. Only those who smile will leave with everything. Let the banquet begin.”
Clink! Clink!
“An honor, Your Highness!”
“May only honor dwell here! Truly a joyous occasion!”
“Congratulations! Ha ha ha!”
Glasses clinked throughout the hall. Jin, Ian, and the three kings toasted quietly, moistening their lips with the drink.
Ian gestured to the orchestra below, and the music resumed.
“I haven’t met Prince Noah of Clifopod before. Are you feeling better?”
“Ah, yes, Your Highness. Thanks to your kindness, I am well. I am truly grateful and sorry for the trouble.”
Noah glanced at Ian as he replied. Jin must know he was a beastman, yet his attitude showed no special reaction. Well, that was mutually beneficial.
“Please, enjoy your meal.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
With Jin’s command, the banquet officially began—quieter and more cautious than downstairs.
Eriphoni was the first to break the silence. She felt Luswena was being unfairly blamed for the dragon abnormality and wanted to address it.
“Your Highness.”
“Speak.”
Jin lightly cut his appetizer and responded.
“This concerns the abnormal dragon reaction you mentioned. You said it originated in Luswena, but our homeland has no reported cases. I’ve heard Clifopod has completed its inspections as well. As you can see, no issues were found.”
At the mention of the dragon abnormality, Noah and Damon’s expressions diverged sharply—Noah annoyed, Damon skeptical.
Jin nodded as if acknowledging a timely topic.
“Therefore, I ask you to refrain from hastily implicating Luswena. It’s a sensitive matter.”
“There was a case of infection from someone who touched dragon scales brought from Luswena. It seems to be an illegal breeding facility, unknown to Your Highness. It would be wise to investigate thoroughly upon your return.”
“Dragon scales themselves are illegal goods. How do you know their source is Luswena?”
“Among neighboring countries, only Luswena officially operates breeding facilities. More importantly, the scales were found after seizing property belonging to someone you know well.”
Eriphoni hesitated. Someone she knew in Bariel? And their property was seized? Only one name came to mind.
‘Haiman?’
Jin smiled innocently and continued.
“I had many doubts myself. But since Your Majesty seems truly unaware, that’s a relief. If the investigation lacks anything, the palace will dispatch a team.”
…Let’s stop here for now. Haiman was from a family annihilated for treason. Even mentioning that name in conversation with the crown prince was a burden for Luswena.
Besides, I heard the infected person who left the palace was a mage. If they demand compensation, it would be exorbitant. How can one put a price on a mage’s worth?
Moreover, the offer to send an investigation team was essentially Bariel planting their own people in Luswena.
“No, we can handle it ourselves. I will order the investigation as soon as I return.”
“When might I hear good news?”
“…Before summer, I hope to see you again.”
Jin didn’t let the matter slide; he set a firm deadline and put a full stop on it. If there was no contact by then, it was a clear declaration that someone would be sent from Bariel to Luswena.
Damon, who had been watching all this unfold, quietly set down the fork in his hand.
‘That’s strange.’
They said they conducted tests to guard against the plague. But what about them? Vargas hadn’t received any treatment since entering the palace. This suggested that the imperial court’s attitude toward the plague was far less serious than expected.
Only Luswena and Clifopord had undergone testing. That was the extent of the ‘reasonable action’ taken between the two countries…
‘Luswena makes sense since it’s the source country, but Clifopord? Why did they test, and why didn’t we?’
Damon met Noah’s gaze. They exchanged the usual polite nods, but Damon kept his eyes on Noah a moment longer. At that moment, Ian slipped in beside him, arm brushing lightly against his, holding a wine bottle with a courteous smile.
“Your glass is empty. May I pour you another?”
“Of course, Minister Hielo.”
“Thank you. Timothy, would you like some as well?”
When Ian asked, Damon nodded. Taking that as permission, Timothy stepped forward to receive a glass.
“Your Majesty, it is truly an honor to meet you like this. I’ve heard much from Timothy before and have been waiting for this day to come.”
“Is that so? What did you say? You didn’t call me a lord who left his household behind to run errands outside, did you?”
“Your Highness! How could you say such a thing? Absolutely not!”
Timothy, who had been drinking, jumped in surprise and denied it outright. Ian chuckled in agreement, but Damon’s expression remained unreadable. From his cold gaze, Ian sensed something off.
“…Has Your Highness also heard about me from Timothy?”
Ian smiled slyly and tossed the question out casually. So, how is it, man living a second life? Did you have an Ian Hielo like me in your first life?
Damon’s sharp violet eyes locked onto Ian’s green ones.
“Yes. I have heard.”
Ian Hielo.
“But it’s somewhat different from what I expected.”
Damon’s cryptic remark hung in the air. Ian mulled over the meaning, then took a sip of wine and smiled. There was plenty of time during the meal. He could take it slow, let the wine loosen the layers, and dig deeper.
While the kings dined upstairs, below, among the nobles, one man kept his eyes fixed upward.
“Serro, won’t you have a drink?”
“Ah, yes.”
“No need to be so down on a day like this. It’s a celebration! Everyone’s enjoying themselves.”
“I know that. I’m enjoying it.”
“Then smile a little!”
Marlo Hope Serro, a noble fallen from grace, was unable to tear his gaze away from the upper floor where Ian was.