Chapter 305

A distinct stillness hung in the air, unlike the bustle downstairs. The leaders of the three nations and their advisors sat in tense silence, desperately trying to gauge the shifting political landscape. Each side needed to fully understand and calculate the current flow of events.

There was no need to wait until the coronation ceremony. Tonight, right now, most of the gains and losses for each country would be decided—centered around Bariel.

“Prince Noah, won’t Your Highness address us?”

Eriphoni was the first to break the silence. She tested the waters, urging Noah forward, and the prince immediately sharpened his gaze.

This wasn’t a matter for Luswena to meddle in. After all, it was because of her that their true identities had been exposed.

“Is the weight of this responsibility too heavy?”

Since the prince was so precious, she asked if he found it burdensome to manage it all. Noah bristled and shot back without hesitation.

“King Eriphoni, Clephopod carries the fate of far more people than Luswena.”

He meant to say, “Don’t talk nonsense.” Clephopod’s population far exceeded Luswena’s. That didn’t necessarily translate to power, but still—he wouldn’t tolerate being dismissed like that.

“Hmm.”

Eriphoni let out a cryptic sigh and frowned. How foolish. She had only meant to help, sensing his discomfort, but his pride had shut the door on any assistance.

Well, if the roles were reversed and Luswena were in Clephopod’s position, she probably would have said the same. Whatever.

“Of course, Prince Noah. The strength of Clephopod’s walls is beyond doubt to all of Bariel. We will send you jewels on your way back. Please, deliver them with wine on His Majesty Jin’s coming-of-age ceremony.”

Just as expected. Eriphoni clicked her tongue inwardly and, as if tipsy, opened her fan to cover her mouth. Like a crocodile snatching its prey, Ian had swallowed Clephopod whole.

“…Sir Ian?”

“Yes, Prince Noah.”

Why on earth are you doing this to me?

Noah almost blurted it out, overwhelmed beyond mere embarrassment. If it weren’t for Mei standing by his side, his ears might have popped off. As Beric put it, he was completely out of it.

“Shall we toast, then?”

Ian smiled knowingly and picked up his wine glass. Knowing Noah’s secret, he couldn’t openly oppose Bariel.

If you can’t avoid it, enjoy it.

Filling the glass, Ian seemed to say just that.

“Excuse me for a moment.”

“What’s the matter, King Damon?”

“The flavor of Clephopod’s wine is so exquisite, I couldn’t help but indulge a little, Your Highness.”

King Damon rose from his seat. Eriphoni followed his gaze, fanning herself lightly as she trailed behind.

“I’ll step out for some fresh air as well.”

Noah glanced anxiously toward the entrance. The prince was there, but all three guests couldn’t leave at once. He wanted to send Mei out, but she was too unstable to be left alone.

So, while staying put, Noah couldn’t stop sneaking glances outside.

“Prince, are you alright?”

“Do I look alright?”

“The effects should wear off in a couple of hours.”

Ah, that.

Noah scowled and rubbed his head. Fortunately, he didn’t feel anything unusual, but his awkward posture caught Jin’s gaze.

The boy looked a little startled, as if suddenly realizing Noah was a beastman.

“I- I apologize.”

“No need. It’s hard to imagine. If you get the chance, don’t hesitate to show me.”

Was that pure kindness? Or was it a calculated move to secure a complete victory over Clephopod?

If this were before the banquet, Noah might have taken it as the former. But now, it could only be read as the latter. The skill with which the three-nation alliance was being torn apart was impressive.

“Your Highness, you are the future of Bariel. Even without any collateral, Clephopod will surely prepare precious wine. If you wish, we can send it to you immediately upon your return.”

Ian shook his head with a faint smile.

They still didn’t fully grasp the meaning of the jewels. The jewels symbolized the unity of King Burgos and the nobles. If they understood that, they wouldn’t react this way.

“Are you worried that a mage might have tampered with the jewels?”

“Not at all—”

Had Noah even considered that? Caught off guard, he waved his hands emphatically to deny it.

“Then there’s no need to feel burdened. Even if the jewels get scratched or broken, we won’t hold you responsible. Just make sure they don’t fall into foreign hands. That is the only obligation you owe Clephopod.”

Mei hesitated at Ian’s strange instruction. Something unknown was swirling beneath their feet.

“Your Highness, it will take a while for the guests to cool down. Let us have a drink among ourselves.”

Whether they understood or not, nothing would change.

Ian bowed gently and proposed a toast to Jin. The look in his eyes was warm and certain, as if praising him for handling everything so well in front of everyone.

Clink!

As Jin smiled awkwardly and raised his glass, Mei suddenly gasped and looked at Noah. She realized that whatever had been swirling had now caught Clephopod’s ankle.

---

“Your Highness.”

Timothy cautiously called to Damon. The noise from inside felt distant on the terrace. The chiffon curtains fluttered, and Damon’s short hair swayed with the breeze.

He stared blankly at a distant spire, unconsciously biting his lips.

“Your Highness, the tension is palpable.”

“More than expected, more than I thought. Isn’t that so?”

Leaning against the railing, Damon flicked his fingers. He usually avoided cigarettes to maintain a perfect image, but when he asked for one, it meant his mind was deeply troubled.

Ssshh.

Timothy lit the cigarette, and Damon exhaled deeply. The smoke was pale as a ghost. Pressing his temples, he muttered:

“What do you think the nobles will say if the tribute ends up in Clephopod?”

“They’ll be uneasy, but it won’t cause major problems. The three-nation alliance is still intact.”

“Timothy, I didn’t ask for your hopes.”

The nobles had reacted to the king’s will to carve up Bariel. Burgos was barren and stagnant; to develop, it had to look outward.

The king had told the nobles to create a path into Bariel as a ruse, promising they’d be the first to benefit from the division.

But now, the tribute was being sent to Clephopod?

“There must have been some incident between Clephopod and Bariel, mediated by more than just dragons. The palace where the aging emperor resides—we haven’t received any word about inspections.”

“That alone doesn’t confirm anything.”

“There’s no need to confirm. What matters is that I suspect it.”

If they hadn’t noticed the difference in inspections, there’d be no issue. They’d just think the young prince was scheming to avenge insults. Clephopod would receive the jewels and pass them to Burgos.

“Did you see how troubled Prince Noah looked? It proves he can’t break Bariel’s ten-year storage order.”

It wouldn’t be easy. Without uncovering what’s really going on between Bariel and Clephopod, reclaiming the tribute would be difficult. And predicting the nobles’ backlash would be even harder.

‘Was the original Bariel always like this?’

Damon bit his cigarette and frowned.

Though a great empire, rumors about the young prince rarely reached Burgos. The palace had been sealed multiple times, grown princes had died, and now this lone child sat at Bariel’s pinnacle.

The difference was that he’d made his mark not at the heir appointment ceremony, but at the coronation.

The scar across his face.

Surely the person hadn’t changed…

‘The main thread of history is the same, but the branches differ. Did my actions cause this?’

Damon had faced futures different from the ones he knew, more than once. But those were fluctuations caused by his own interference, and eventually, they settled.

So he kept stirring the waters—for Burgos’ change, and for his own new destiny. To ripple and ripple until a wave that moves on its own is born. Until the vast ocean called Burgos fills the world.

“The night breeze is truly refreshing tonight.”

At that moment, Eriphoni’s voice came from the terrace entrance. Sitting across from her, Damon hadn’t noticed her imposing height. Standing, she was slightly taller than Timothy, despite being a woman.

“When the wine hits, even a mild breeze feels cool.”

Damon put away his cigarette and replied. Timothy stepped back, sensing the king was willing to engage with Eriphoni. He exchanged a brief glance with Eldert and left the terrace.

Creak.

“You should have been more discreet with your gift. The prince is angry, and now you’re left out in the cold wind.”

“You’re out here with me, too.”

“Hmph. I just stepped outside, so I’m fine.”

Unlike Burgos, who was completely stripped of his duty-free privileges, Luswena could return home and, by producing bows quickly, still enjoy the remaining benefits during the period.

“Or perhaps you’ll go back and ask the prince for some warm tea? Since he’s young, I’m sure he’ll serve you something very sweet.”

It was a subtle way of asking whether she intended to bow her head and submit. Essentially, it was a veiled promise: if Luswena returned home and submitted a fresh tribute, she would be granted corresponding benefits—just like the others.

Damon glanced up at Eriphoni, furrowing his brows.

“There’s nothing more damaging than something sweet.”

“Hahaha. I couldn’t agree more.”

For centuries, the three kingdoms had never escaped Bariel’s watchful eye. The fact that they could gather now was entirely thanks to Burgos, who had taken the lead.

Turning their backs on Bariel and rallying new forces meant Burgos needed to show some silent but unmistakable sign of commitment.

That was exactly what he did today by submitting the noble tribute. It was one of the ways he strongly conveyed his sincerity to Luswena and Clifford.

“Things have been a bit chaotic from the very first day.”

“But isn’t that how all great histories begin?”

Yet, the very first day they gathered with such resolve, problems had already surfaced. Eriphoni lightly folded her fan and whispered.

“Is it the jewels causing trouble?”

“…”

“To think the tribute would end up in a foreign land on the very day it was sent. King Damon might not mind, but the nobles will surely be displeased.”

She was shrewd.

Damon merely shot a sharp glance and remained silent.

“Why not try talking calmly with Clifford? Haven’t those two kingdoms had many such incidents before?”

She was referring to the frequent skirmishes and battles between them. If Clifford refused to hand over the jewels, the suggestion was to deal with them first before provoking Bariel. Not only would this expand their influence, but it would also secure a share of Bariel’s power.

‘Right now, that’s the only path I can think of…’

But that was impossible.

Leading the three kingdoms into division was exactly what the other side wanted. If Burgos antagonized Clifford, it would play right into Bariel’s hands.

‘If I move according to their plan, I’ll be walking straight off a cliff.’

Damon brushed his unruly hair back and clenched his jaw. His violet eyes flared with fierce intensity.