Episode 316
“So, what happened next?”
“What else could there be? Embarrassed, he ran off to the provinces. Haven’t heard a thing since.”
Eriphony half-reclined on the plush sofa, flicking the long ash from her cigarette. A low chuckle escaped her lips as the smoke curled lazily into the air. The amusing story came courtesy of Alenara, who sat opposite her.
“Life’s the same everywhere,” Alenara had said. “Whether Bariel or Luswena, the noble social circles are all a mess.” When Eriphony swept her hair back, the quick-witted Alenara promptly stoked the ember on her cigarette.
“Alenara, you’re quite diligent for a noble lady.”
“Thank you.”
Eriphony blew smoke in her direction with a triumphant grin.
It wasn’t empty flattery—she genuinely liked how Alenara had struggled to rise during the banquet night. She was surprisingly useful in many ways. Though she chattered on like a gossip, her words were laced with information that a foreigner wouldn’t easily catch.
“So, I hear Hyman’s fortune was split up and turned into ten different banks. Which one’s the biggest player?”
“The Raksha family. The one I mentioned earlier.”
“Oh, the second son who tore his crotch riding a horse?”
“Yes. He took out his frustration on the horse because his legs were too short. A merchant bought the stallion, and those bastards went on to win first place in a string of major races.”
“Hahaha! So not only his crotch got torn, but his pride too.”
Every time Eriphony laughed out loud, Alenara felt a wave of relief. It was as if her worth had been validated.
Since the king seemed uninterested in her own brother, it was better for her to become someone meaningful to the king herself.
“Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
At that moment, Elderth, who had been waiting outside, appeared. A visitor had arrived. There weren’t many who would come looking for her at the palace…
“King Damon has come to see you.”
“Hmm. Is that so?”
Eriphony had heard that Damon had gone to the Magic Department yesterday, so she was curious about what had brought him to see Ian. She muttered something unintelligible and glanced at Alenara.
“I’ll take my leave now, Your Majesty.”
“No, wait. Bring King Damon inside.”
As Eriphony sat up, Alenara tidied her hair. Finally, she would face the King of Burgos. This was an opportunity not to be missed!
Alenara steadied herself and looked toward the door. Soon, Damon entered, guided by Elderth.
“Welcome, King Damon.”
“Am I disturbing your pleasant time?”
“Not at all. Today is our last day together.”
“I don’t intend to stay long.”
Burgos was the first to leave the palace by order of the Crown Prince. Likely, Damon had stopped by briefly before returning to his main residence after preparations were complete.
“Are you Lady Alenara?”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Alenara Sero.”
“Are you alright? The tobacco here seems quite strong.”
Though his tone was considerate, the underlying message was clear: step aside. Alenara, understanding immediately, was about to stand when Eriphony raised her cigarette holder to block her path. A clear command to stay put.
“I’m fine. We’ve been together all this time, no need to be so formal. Right, Lady?”
“…Yes. I’m fine.”
“By the way, King Damon, what brings you here? It’s an honor, especially with your tight schedule to see the Crown Prince.”
Eriphony pressed him to get to the point, and Damon frowned. Alenara was a fallen noble trying to cling to a foreign court—was it really appropriate for her to be here?
Damon considered ordering her out but realized time was short and let it go.
“I came to confirm the matter Burgos requested. Queen Eriphony.”
“Of course. It’s a matter between nations. Once I return home and the agreement is finalized, I’ll inform you of the progress.”
Alenara lowered her gaze awkwardly, listening intently. It seemed Burgos and Luswena were negotiating something, but the details were vague. It must be official, since it involved state affairs.
“And regarding Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Department—”
Damon mentioned Ian while keeping a close eye on Alenara. Would she remain silent hearing discussions about cutting up her homeland? She seemed like a dangerous element.
Eriphony just smiled mysteriously.
“—It’s best to focus on that first.”
“Hmm. The palace holds the real power, so that makes sense. Is there a particular reason you mention this? You said you visited the Magic Department yesterday.”
“After meeting him, I understand.”
“Understand what?”
“He’s easy.”
“Easy?” Eriphony paused, then caught Damon’s meaning. Rather than pounding on Bariel’s gates from the outside, it’s better to set fire from within.
“They say the Crown Prince has moved his residence from the Magic Department.”
“I heard. He repaired the palace damaged during the civil war.”
Damon raised an eyebrow. Surely that wasn’t all. This was about the imperial Crown Prince’s residence. The tangled interests behind such a decision were obvious.
“The palace will likely use the Crown Prince as a focal point to check the Magic Department’s power.”
It was clear. The political currents Eriphony had observed during the appointment festival showed it plainly. The Magic Department held sway over many matters, and other departments had no choice but to follow.
Alenara, who had been staring at the table, cautiously spoke up.
“Excuse me, but I heard the palace guard once clashed with the Magic Department. It was during a new talent recruitment period, and the Magic Department tried to influence both the guard and the defense forces. Since then, rumors say the guard’s status has been rising.”
As Alenara babbled on, Eriphony laughed. Look at that—quite useful, aren’t you? The pride of a noble crawling to survive. Nothing more entertaining.
She looked at Alenara with affection, like a trainer watching her pup.
“If the Crown Prince separated his residence, the opposing faction hiding in the shadows will likely react. I’m not sure how it will turn out. Ian is no pushover.”
The Crown Prince was young, and the Magic Department had no rivals. It seemed unlikely, but there would be those eager to support the Crown Prince—like the palace guard Alenara mentioned.
“Honestly, from Burgos and Luswena’s perspective, wouldn’t dealing with the Crown Prince be easier than facing Minister Ian?”
“Exactly. I find the Crown Prince cuter, too.”
If the power struggle intensifies, they’d back the Crown Prince.
Not as forcefully as the bureaucrats, but enough to influence the tide at critical moments. If Bariel helps sever Ian’s limbs, then devours him when he’s helpless…
“Seems easier than expected.”
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”
Eriphony tapped her nails thoughtfully. For example, the state could officially invite the Magic Department to disperse their personnel, or raise the price of mana stones.
Then the palace could justify adjusting Magic Department supplies under the pretense of maintaining balance. The possibilities were endless.
“But didn’t Burgos already sign a deal with the Magic Department for mana stones? Is it falling through?”
“No, that’s still in progress. It seems to be the trigger.”
She’d heard the ongoing conflict between the palace and the Magic Department centered around the construction of an annex. Naturally, they had to add fuel to the fire.
“Understood.”
The palace’s opposition aimed their swords at the Crown Prince, while foreign powers targeted Ian from behind.
What a pity. Eriphony smirked, recalling Ian’s proud silhouette.
“Right. If Ian loses his place in the palace, we can bring him to Luswena. He’s unlucky, but his skills are legendary—far surpassing the previous Minister Wesley.”
As days passed, more people wished for Ian’s downfall, both inside and outside the palace.
Click.
Damon checked his pocket watch and rose. His time was brief.
“Then, I’ll send a detailed letter after returning home.”
“Leaving so soon?”
“The Crown Prince is attending the grand assembly. I only have a short window, so I must leave promptly.”
A farewell before leaving the palace. Eriphony sighed as if disappointed but watched him go with eyes that said otherwise.
Go away quickly. I have gossip to share with Alenara.
“Well then.”
“Yes. Travel safely, and until we meet again.”
Timothy, standing guard by the door, bowed to Eriphony. After exchanging glances, the Burgos delegation disappeared.
Alenara sat back down and rekindled the ember on Eriphony’s cigarette. The king had left without so much as a glance her way—trouble was brewing.
“But, Your Majesty—”
“What is it?”
“What if the Crown Prince fails to check Minister Ian?”
Fail? What’s there to worry about then?
Thwack! Eriphony slammed her cigarette holder on the marble table and laughed.
“A truly new era is about to dawn. But with it, chaos.”
The fog brought by that chaos would pave the way for foreign powers, and either way, it would be to their advantage.
“Your Majesty, but won’t Luswena be leaving the palace soon as well?”
“That’s right. We’ll be the last to go.”
Alena hesitated, wondering how best to bring up her concern.
She had surely earned some trust during her brief encounter with King Damon—he hadn’t dismissed her outright. Yet, he hadn’t made any promises to her. No assurances that she would accompany him back home, or that once there, he would summon the Serro family.
“I’ve never been to Luswena before. I’ve heard it’s truly beautiful…”
Take me with you. Or at least give me some token, some sign. When Alena spoke up like that, Eriphoni let out a soft sigh.
“Ah, yes. I was just about to say the same.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
“You will remain here in the capital until we return. Send me letters every day.”
He needed a trusted presence planted firmly in the center.
Eriphoni smiled brightly as he gave the order, and Alena hesitated. Until when?
“You can do that, can’t you?”
“Of course, Your Majesty. It would be an honor.”
“Before you come, I’ll make sure there’s a place in Luswena worthy of you.”
A drop of unease spread through Alena’s hopeful heart. But she forced herself to ignore it, steadying her expression. She knew all too well there was nowhere left to fall.
‘Hmm. How cute.’
Now that he had a useful pair of eyes and ears, why would he send her back? No matter what, she had to stay here.
Eriphoni scanned Alena with his three-hued eyes, thinking just that. He seemed unaware that he resembled a snake toying with its prey.
Meanwhile, a carriage raced toward the main palace. The driver cracked his whip repeatedly, desperate to make up for lost time.
Inside, Ian remained composed despite the rough ride, continuing to sign document after document. The festival was over, and finally, the first guests were departing. Just as important as the beginning was the end, and Ian’s workload kept piling up.
“Romandro, hand me the next papers.”
“Here you go. By the way, Ian, the Serro daughter has also entered King Eriphoni’s private palace.”
“Is that so?”
“I don’t know if we should just let that slide. Doesn’t it seem a bit disrespectful?”
Unlike the worried Romandro, Ian only raised an eyebrow.
“They’re allowed to be disrespectful.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”
“King Eriphoni isn’t one to take kindly to hangers-on. He won’t truly welcome those who cling to him.”
If they’re only considered eyes and ears planted in the capital, then they should be treated the same way. Just as tools to watch and listen to Eriphoni.