Chapter 307
A precarious glass of liquor, teetering as if it might spill with the slightest tremor.

Noah stared at it silently for a moment, then bit his lip hard. Seriously, what kind of game was this—pushing from the front, pushing from behind? Did they think Clifford, caught in the middle, was an easy target? Ugh.

Anger welled up with the alcohol, but perhaps because of the curse, his eyes reddened first. Prince Noah drained his glass in one gulp, then furrowed his brow with all his might.

“Prince Noah?”

His eyes were already narrow, almost slits, and now his pupils were barely visible. Damon tilted his head in confusion, and Mei, who had been watching nearby, poked the prince’s side.

“Wow, Your Highness. Please calm down.”

King Damon wouldn’t just hand over fertilizer as a gift. The tribute was meant to show goodwill to Bariel, but also to subtly demonstrate their own nation’s technological prowess.

But fertilizer? Of all things. What could be more humiliating to national dignity? Besides, Bariel didn’t even know that Burgos’s fertilizer was considered high quality.

That meant there was almost no trade between them to begin with. Even with tax exemptions, the benefits would be limited.

It’s like the tail wagging the dog—expecting people to consume unnecessary goods just because they’re tax-free is unrealistic.

“Since Clifford depends on Burgos’s fertilizer, most of Burgos’s exports go to Clifford. Mentioning this now means they’re willing to take some losses just to maintain relations with Clifford.”

It was a subtle probe into the alliance between the three nations. Not exactly pushing, but pretending to push while pulling.

But cursed and drunk, Prince Noah just kept pinching his nose. If he relaxed his facial muscles even a little, he might burst out in tears or lash out.

“…Prince Noah? Are you alright?”

Damon noticed something was off. He expected a sharp retort, but there was none.

‘Is he drunk?’

But it was well known that Cliffordians were heavy drinkers. Wasn’t alcohol cheaper than water there? There was even a saying that to kill a tree, it’s better to pour liquor than to cut off water. Noah wouldn’t lose his composure after just a little drink at this hour.

As Damon’s gaze lingered, Mei felt her lips drying up.

Then, a hand slid forward to clear Noah’s empty glass. Ian. He placed a hand over his chest and spoke politely—to both Noah and Mei.

“Your Highness still hasn’t recovered from your fatigue.”

“Ah, yes. It seems so.”

“His Majesty will understand this gesture. It would be best for you to retire and rest. Even with the same illness, nights are always harder than days.”

The medicine that suppressed the curse was wearing off. Jin nodded to Ian, and the waiting attendants helped support Noah.

“Very well. I am satisfied that the prince joined the banquet despite his condition. I will also retire soon, so please excuse me.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. Prince, please get up.”

“Uh…”

“Yes, yes. I understand. It must be difficult. Just hold on a little longer.”

Noah’s mouth drooped downward, looking as if he might break down in tears at any moment. Mei’s spine chilled. No, absolutely not. She quickly turned his chin side to side and grabbed his arm to pull him along.

Thud!

“Waaah.”

“Please don’t make that noise, Your Highness.”

“It hurts.”

He staggered, bumping into things, causing a commotion. Damon watched Noah’s retreating figure suspiciously, eyes fixed even after the door closed.

‘There’s definitely something going on.’

What was Noah’s secret?

If only the gypsy could help him figure it out easily. Damon swallowed his drink, trying to soothe his frustration. Hopefully, he’d find out before the coronation ceremony ended and they set off home.

“Um, Sir Ian.”

Perhaps sensing his lord’s thoughts, Timothy poured Ian a drink and asked,

“Any news on that matter?”

“Which matter do you mean?”

“The gypsy who’s wanted.”

“Ah.”

Officially, it was only known that the King of Burgos was searching for a gypsy with a special connection. Timothy had asked for ongoing investigations, and Ian had agreed, so there should be some results.

Damon turned his head toward Ian. Their eyes met directly.

“The border guards have tightened security, but there’s been no significant news. Rumor has it there’s a canyon in the north used mainly by illegal immigrants. It’s likely the gypsy used that route to leave the country.”

“Why do you think that? We were told the last sighting was in Bariel.”

Damon pointed out the inconsistency. Timothy and the pursuit team had last traced the gypsy to Bariel, yet Ian spoke as if it was almost certain the gypsy had left for another country.

Ian smiled as if the question was obvious.

“We searched in the name of the royal family but failed to find them, hence my conclusion.”

To think the royal power was dismissed so lightly in Bariel! His gentle smile belied the sharpness of his words.

Timothy tried to lighten the mood.

“This northern canyon—what areas does it connect to?”

“Partly to Ruswena, partly to the northern war zone. Since many gypsies live there, it’s more likely to be Ruswena. If you want to investigate, that would be the place to go.”

The war zone.

A fragmented community divided into small tribes, with rough terrain making travel and investigation difficult.

Just as you hide a tree in the forest, the gypsy probably went there to hide. Timothy nodded in understanding.

“Then I’ll take my leave. I’m still tired from arriving late.”

Instead of continuing the conversation, Damon stood. Eriphoni hadn’t shown up yet despite arriving late, and Jin said he’d be leaving soon. No reason to stay.

“King Damon.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin bowed politely when called. Ian raised an eyebrow and gave a subtle signal, and Jin’s expression turned serious as he gave orders.

“Burgos should leave the palace earlier than other countries after the coronation. Isn’t the time to prepare new tribute gifts shorter than others? Leaving early will save time, so that’s best.”

They assumed Burgos would send new tribute gifts to Bariel. This was an indirect way of showing they couldn’t defy the great power, while also blocking contact with other countries on the way home under the guise of convenience.

“…Such considerate thoughtfulness. I will obey.”

Damon ended the banquet with a formal, emotionless bow.

Jin stretched his neck back, looking tired. Xiao Xi supported him, but he felt his strength fading. It was no easy feat for a child to hold the center of attention at a drinking party this late.

“Your Highness, you should also retire. The downstairs will still be warm despite the early morning chill.”

“Is that alright? Eriphoni hasn’t returned.”

“Yes, it’s fine. Most guests have already left. And as for her…”

Ian patted Jin’s shoulder, who was stifling a yawn.

The mage had just reported that Alenara of the Serro family had gone into a small room in the main building’s annex with Eriphoni.

“She seems busy in her own way. Apparently, she’s spending a pleasant time with the Serro family’s daughter.”

“You mean Lady Alenara?”

“Yes. I’ll take care of the cleanup. Please rest first. You need to be in top form to show dignity during the procession.”

Everyone else was busy laughing and enjoying themselves, but the festival’s main participants were exhausted. Jin couldn’t hold back a yawn and decided to follow Ian’s advice.

“Your Highness, you did very well today. Thank you for your hard work.”

Jin smiled, then hesitated. Then, very carefully, he made a request.

“If you’re too tired to sleep—”

Could you read me a book like before?

Ian waited kindly for Jin’s unfinished words. When none came, he spoke first.

“If you can’t sleep, shall I read you a book?”

“Well, if you wish.”

“Yes, understood.”

Jin muttered as he looked away, then quietly left the banquet hall.

Squeak.

What a long day it had been.

They had welcomed and dealt with the leaders of the three nations and led the banquet. Jin vowed not to fall asleep right away, but that night passed without a single request for Ian to read to him.

Only the soft sound of his breathing, a sign that His Highness had washed up and gone to bed.

---

Flash!

A breath that had been held suddenly rushed in.

Noah blinked and stared up at the white ceiling. The ornate, delicate lighting—this was the bedroom in the guest quarters Bariel had provided.

Why was he here like this? Just moments ago, he was talking with the King of Burgos. Was it a dream? Where did it end?

“…Mei? Mei?”

Noah muttered.

A brutal hangover struck like lightning. His head pounded as if hammered, and when he twisted his body, his stomach churned violently.

Unable to move, yet too pained to stay still. I’ve never experienced anything like this before.

“…Ah, Mei!”

“Oh, you’re awake!”

Barrick suddenly appeared in Noah’s line of sight. His face was upside down, as if he’d been sitting by the bedside. When Noah frowned, Barrick frowned right back.

“Wow, the smell of booze is seriously intense. It’s still lingering.”

“…Why are you here? Where’s Mei?”

“Ian called her to eat, so she went out. Good timing—you’re awake now, so I’m heading out too. During the festival, I’m allowed to serve the meat myself.”

“Wait a second.”

Just as Barrick excitedly tried to dash toward the door, Noah grabbed him. He flicked his fingers toward the water bottle on the table.

“Water.”

“Oh, I don’t usually do this kind of thing.”

He said he didn’t usually do it, but there was only one reason he had to—because Ian had ordered him to take care of me.

“What happened yesterday?”

“Not yesterday, the day before yesterday.”

“Huh?”

“The day before yesterday. It’s been two nights.”

Noah blinked in surprise as he drank the water.

So, according to Barrick, he’d gotten completely wasted at the banquet and had been lying down for two full days.

This was a first for him—never had he experienced such a brutal hangover, or blacked out like this.

“What the hell…”

“Ian said it was probably side effects from the medicine, or something like that.”

“If two days have passed, what about the appointment ceremony?”

“Ta-da! Of course, it’s today!”

“Damn it.”

The conversation was utterly useless. Noah scowled and glared at Barrick, who met his gaze with a look of mild curiosity.

“It’s true.”

“What is?”

“They say the curse lifts and your personality changes a bit…”

The words “You’ve turned into a total mess” almost slipped out, but he held back. Ian had warned him to be careful—if he caused trouble, he might not get to eat for the entire festival.

Noah ran his hand over his head. Two days had passed, so the curse’s time must have ended while he was asleep. He let out a relieved breath and leaned back against the pillow.

“Hurry and call Mei.”

“Okay, okay. Got it. Do you remember anything?”

“Remember? What memory?”

At Noah’s question, Barrick raised his water cup.

“I am the prince of the Cream Grape Kingdom! How dare anyone mock the Grape Kingdom—wahhh!”

“…?”

“Tears, snot, and vomit—ugh.”

“This is no time for jokes.”

“Huh? I’m not joking.”

Noah gave him a cold look, and Barrick sheepishly scratched his nose. Just as he put the cup down—

Creak.

Mei and Ian entered together, having finished their meal. It really was the day of the appointment ceremony; both were dressed in their uniforms. Ian checked his watch and bowed to Noah.

“Good thing you woke up on time. It would’ve been a problem if you hadn’t shown any sign of life today. The official appointment ceremony is in a few hours, so please prepare quickly and review and seal the proposal.”

“Proposal?”

“…The prince was sadly crying because he felt pushed around here and there, so I drafted a proposal and submitted it. For details, ask the envoy Mei. Barrick, come out. Let’s go.”

Cried? Me? Damn it, damn it!

Though flustered, Noah kept his composure and took the documents. Whatever this proposal was, if it turned out to be nothing important, he’d just tear it up…