Episode 313
“…They’re here.”
One of the mages muttered under his breath.
In the distance, the carriage carrying the King of Burgos came into view. The guards straightened their posture and hurried to prepare for the arrival, while the mages on the stairs paused their activities and stood ready.
Creak.
“Welcome, Envoy Timothy. Have you met well with Captain Akorella?”
Timothy appeared first. A mage held the door open as he asked, and Timothy simply nodded sharply.
“Yes. Well, she didn’t look well, so I just checked the list of goods and quantities and left immediately.”
“Is that so? I heard she’s almost recovered. If not, the chief physician wouldn’t have allowed it. Although the risk of contagion to adults is low, it’s not impossible.”
“She seemed delirious from the fever—muttering to herself, shouting at times. It was hard to make sense of her.”
The concerned mage faltered, caught off guard. The words on the tip of his tongue—that it wasn’t illness but simply Akorella’s usual temperament—remained unspoken. Her confused state was her normal self. He wanted to clear up the misunderstanding but decided it wasn’t worth it.
“And what of Minister Ian Hielo?”
“Your Majesty, the King of Burgos. The minister is currently attending to his duties in his office. He sends his apologies for not being able to meet you in person.”
Soon after, Damon arrived. Rumors had spread of a commotion outside, and it seemed true. His already pale cheeks looked even paler, colder. Damon strode forward, his cloak billowing behind him, followed closely by Timothy and his men. Despite their small stature, they carried an impressive presence. The mages in the lobby, bowing as they stopped, felt a strange sense of déjà vu.
“Don’t you think he gives off a similar vibe to Ian?”
“Don’t get too close, or you might get yourself killed.”
“Come on, let me clean your eyeballs.”
“No, I mean the atmosphere, just the atmosphere.”
Though they teased each other lightly, they all shared the same impression. As the King of Burgos and his retinue rounded the corner and disappeared, the mages quietly followed, craning their necks to catch a glimpse.
“But why did the King want to see Ian?”
“No idea. It was a sudden request.”
With Jin’s promotion to Crown Prince and orders to relocate his residence issued before the day was out, the political winds were swirling fast enough for even the dullest to notice. Naturally, everyone was curious about the King of Burgos’s intentions in wanting to meet Ian.
Knock, knock.
“Minister, King Damon of Burgos has arrived.”
“Show him in.”
As the attendant cleared the way, Damon took a steadying breath and entered. Timothy’s face darkened behind him. Not knowing his lord’s intentions, he was understandably worried, but Damon shook his head and dismissed him.
“Timothy, wait here.”
“…Yes, understood.”
If Timothy harbored any other thoughts, he might interfere with the private meeting. Damon adjusted his collar lightly and stepped into the office. From the opposite corridor, Romandro, who had been waiting, appeared.
“Envoy Timothy.”
“Romandro, what brings you here?”
“Ha ha. I was kicked out. Seems our lords have some secret dealings.”
Romandro grinned cheekily, glancing at the Burgos entourage standing awkwardly without any hospitality. Timothy caught the meaning and checked his pocket watch before asking.
“Any idea how long this will take?”
“Well, that’s for the requesting king to know.”
“Oh, what a foolish question.”
“Not at all. If you don’t mind, why don’t you all move to the reception room? Standing here blocks the mages from coming and going.”
Everyone was already tired from traveling outside the palace. They silently asked Timothy what to do.
“Right. There’s no need for everyone to stand here. I’ll keep watch. You all may leave.”
“Please, this way. It’s the room right next door.”
As the attendants led the others away, only Timothy and Romandro remained alone in the corridor.
The silence spoke volumes. Timothy leaned against the wall, and Romandro glanced around cautiously.
“Do you have something to say, Romandro?”
“Not from me, but a message from Ian.”
With a smooth motion, Romandro pulled a small letter from his pocket. It looked like some kind of proposal related to the mana stones. Timothy didn’t want to accept it if he could avoid it, but since the minister had instructed him to deliver it personally, refusal wasn’t an option. He read it carefully, on high alert.
“This is…?”
“A travel permit. One of the minister’s privileges. Showing this allows you to cross the Bariel border without any other identification—whether entering or leaving.”
“I’m aware of that. What I’m curious about is why this is being given to me…”
“First of all—”
First of all?
Timothy raised an eyebrow and looked at Romandro.
Surprisingly, Romandro’s expression was just as puzzled. He was following Ian’s orders but didn’t know the exact reason either.
“The minister expressed regret that Bariel couldn’t assist in the gypsy pursuit. Although it’s assumed the gypsies crossed the border, they could be moving back and forth at any time. So, this is a gift to facilitate investigations along the Bariel border…”
Romandro’s voice trailed off. In truth, it wouldn’t be difficult for a diplomat like Timothy to enter Bariel officially. That’s why he had been sneaking into the palace to investigate the gypsies before.
Still, a travel permit for such an urgent investigation? Usually, these are issued to knights on border duty…
“Romandro?”
“No matter. It’s a gift from our minister, so please accept it. Even with this permit, the border guards will keep a record. You understand, right?”
Should I accept it?
Timothy hesitated. The king seemed unable to let go of the gypsy matter, so he might be ordered to pursue them again upon returning home. This permit would certainly be useful then. How long does it take to enter and exit the country anyway?
Better to accept it for now. It might come in handy.
“Yes, I understand.”
“And there’s a limit on usage.”
“A limit?”
“Three times total. If you have companions, it counts for them as well.”
“…I will use it carefully. Your concern is appreciated, and I’m sure King Damon will be pleased.”
Full of questions.
Timothy pocketed the permit, still pondering. Then Romandro lowered his voice and spoke cautiously.
“This is only for you, Envoy Timothy. Please be careful not to let this leak elsewhere. It could put the minister in a difficult position.”
“Of course. We will also send the mana stones back with utmost care—only flawless, radiant ones. They will be used for the construction of the magic department’s annex.”
After answering, Timothy realized why the situation felt so awkward and unfamiliar. He was used to being treated as a diplomatic envoy, but this was Bariel.
‘The oddness comes from the roles being reversed. I should be the one worrying about Romandro. Is this some kind of subtle jab? Should I offer something in return? But I don’t have any spare resources right now…’
As Timothy pressed his temples, Romandro tilted his head in concern. He wondered why Timothy wasn’t pleased to receive the gift.
“Are you alright?”
“Yes, yes. It’s nothing.”
Just as Romandro was about to offer to escort him to the infirmary, a sharp sound rang out.
Clink!
Something glass had shattered.
Startled, Romandro and Timothy exchanged glances before rushing toward the office.
Knock, knock.
“Ian, is something wrong?”
“Timothy, stand by. His Majesty Damon.”
But there was no answer. The two men who had been laughing and exchanging permits moments ago instantly tensed up. Timothy placed a hand on his waist, and Romandro nervously fiddled with the whistle in his pocket.
“Your Majesty, if there’s no response—”
Timothy silently counted to three. If no voice came from his lord by then, they would have to force the door open. Just as he was about to finish counting—
Damon’s voice came through.
“It’s fine. Nothing serious.”
“Are you truly alright?”
“Even if I say I’m fine, step back.”
A clear command from his lord. Timothy reluctantly stepped back, unable to shake his unease.
Inside the office, Ian was staring down at the shattered pieces of a flower vase. The carpet was damp, petals scattered across the floor. The only light in the dim room came from a single ray of sunlight slipping through the window crack.
“Your Majesty, are you hurt?”
“…”
“If you were to get injured, it would be troublesome for me.”
“Is that so? I like that. If bleeding can make you like this.”
Ian smiled faintly, stepping past the glass shards and sitting opposite Damon.
“Welcome, Your Majesty.”
As Damon entered the office, he saw Ian seated at the desk. Dressed casually rather than in uniform, Ian had just closed some documents. Despite the king’s arrival, he showed no intention of standing.
“Excuse me. Since this meeting is so sudden, please forgive my lack of formalities.”
“I heard a few mages had fallen, and it turns out one of them was you, Minister.”
To remain seated in the presence of the king—that’s either a sign of illness or an insult. Ian offered a faint smile that was neither a clear yes nor no.
“This event has been long in preparation; perhaps my strength has waned. Please forgive my rudeness and make yourself comfortable. Shall I have some tea brought?”
“No.”
Damon settled into the sofa, crossing his legs. As he pondered how to begin, Ian spoke first.
“Is there anything that needs to be revised or supplemented in the mana crystal trade? I apologize, but since the administration has already approved it, any changes would mean starting the agreement over from scratch, Your Majesty.”
Ian knew that wasn’t the real reason for his visit. His question was a prompt: don’t beat around the bush—say what you came to say.
Leaning back on the sofa, Damon propped his pale cheek on his hand. What he needed to find out was clear.
‘Does the palace know the true identity of the gypsies? If so, have they traded secrets to gain an advantage? And beyond that, is there any truth to Timothy’s betrayal?’
But where to start—that was the problem.
Ian patiently waited for Damon to take the lead. This was a delicate matter; speaking first could put one at a disadvantage. They had to tread carefully.
“Minister Ian Hielo.”
“Please, Your Majesty.”
“I’ve heard rumors circulating in the palace. With His Majesty the Emperor’s condition as it is, I imagine there’s much worry and concern. You’re the only one the Crown Prince can truly trust and lean on, so I wish to speak with you at length.”
“There are many ministers serving in the palace. What could I possibly offer? And more importantly, though young, His Highness Jin is the one who will carry Bariel forward. Wouldn’t it be better for you to speak directly with him rather than with me?”
“That’s true. But don’t deny that you are the Crown Prince’s sole pillar, especially since he has no in-laws to rely on. Even Vargas from a foreign land has heard this. How can you cover the sky with your palm?”
“His Majesty the Emperor is still holding strong. What do you mean by that?”
“Holding strong?”
Damon tilted his head with a curious smile.
In his previous life, the current emperor was a seasoned general, but that doesn’t mean he’s still capable now, does it? He’s lying there, barely visible.
“Minister, it seems you’re confident the Emperor will live for a long time.”
With a probing tone, their gazes locked, the conversation finally entering its true depth.