Chapter 318
The Vargas carriages lined up in a row, waiting for the signal to depart.
The cargo compartments, once packed with tribute gifts, were now completely empty, and the horses stamped their hooves eagerly, sensing how much lighter their load was. The coachmen clicked their tongues, oiling their whips in anticipation.
“Ah, after all that effort, we’re coming back empty-handed.”
“Yeah. I wonder if it’s the same in other countries.”
Normally, what you give out, you get back. They had delivered a trove of jewels as tribute for the coronation, yet all they were returning with was enough food to last the journey.
The porters grumbled as they emptied their pockets, equally dissatisfied.
“I heard they got duty-free gifts in return.”
“Really? Duty-free? Do we get any perks?”
“Not sure about that. But it seems only the higher-ups benefited. We’re the ones who did all the hard work. Hmph.”
“Look, here they come. Quiet!”
The attendants rushed out in front of the main palace, clearing the way. Soon, the king of Vargas appeared, walking shoulder to shoulder with the young Crown Prince Bariel. Behind them followed dozens of people, their cloaks billowing as they approached with imposing presence.
The coachmen gripped their whips tightly and prostrated themselves on the ground.
“Yes. We can depart immediately.”
“Your Majesty, once again, congratulations on your appointment as heir, and thank you for inviting us to this honorable occasion.”
Curious, one coachman glanced up at the Crown Prince. The boy looked no older than ten or twelve, yet his voice carried a surprising firmness.
No one noticed that Jin had been quietly sniffling just moments before. At least, no one among the Vargas people did.
“Before we go, a moment.”
At Jin’s gesture, Xiaoxi brought over a fine cloth pouch. The faint clinking sound from inside sharpened the coachmen’s attention. Having earned their wages in coins all their lives, they were quick to grasp the meaning.
“I’ve heard it’s customary to share gifts with the lower ranks in any situation. But since the cargo was unusually light this time, I want to offer a small token of appreciation.”
The coachmen and porters, still prostrated, cheered quietly. They had been grumbling about not receiving even a crumb, but here was the Crown Prince of a great empire showing generosity. They bit their lips to hide their excitement.
“No, Your Highness, please don’t trouble yourself. You’ve already given us the great gift of duty exemption. We couldn’t possibly accept more. Please keep it.”
Until Damon interrupted with a refusal. In truth, since nothing substantial had been delivered, they couldn’t even enjoy the duty-free benefits, but no one dared mention that.
“I’m sure the lower ranks will be disappointed.”
“Yes, very disappointed. We’re so disappointed we could jump up and down,” the porters exchanged glances, wearing forlorn expressions, silently pleading for the king’s permission.
“Come now, you there.”
“Yes? You mean me?”
“Yes. Come forward and accept it. It’s a celebration of the empire; everyone should leave with a happy heart.”
Jin reluctantly pointed to the nearest coachman and ordered him forward. The man hesitated under the cold gaze of his lord but stepped before the Crown Prince.
Clink.
“Well done. Take care on your journey.”
“Your Highness, I am deeply honored.”
“Distribute the rest fairly among yourselves.”
The coachman took the heavy pouch and hurried back to his place. The inside gleamed gold—enough for each to hold a gold coin.
“…Thank you. That will be all.”
Damon signaled to Timothy and climbed into the carriage. Whatever Jin’s intention, it was hard to accept it graciously. Was it mockery of those returning empty-handed, or a display of imperial prestige to their own people? No one could tell.
“Everyone, return to your places.”
“Prepare to depart!”
The horses whinnied sharply.
As Timothy organized the area and inspected the carriage, the nobles exchanged farewells with the officials.
The official diplomatic delegation Jin had welcomed for the first time was now leaving. Ian approached Timothy, nodding respectfully.
“Envoy Timothy.”
“Sir Ian. Thank you for your hospitality. It was a pleasure.”
“Anytime. I’m always happy to show kindness to you. Please travel safely and take care.”
Ian extended his hand first, and Timothy grasped it with both hands in respect. Though their time was brief, he had keenly felt Ian’s influence within the palace.
“Yes. Until we meet again.”
“…Indeed. Until next time. Just as you are today.”
Above all, Ian knew the relationship between Bariel and Vargas was far from smooth. That made Ian’s kindness both puzzling and precious.
For the kingdom, for his lord, Timothy wanted to live up to his title as envoy and be a bridge for communication with Bariel.
Swish.
Damon drew back the curtain inside the carriage and watched the scene. Then, tapping the window near the driver’s seat as if urging haste. When the coachman raised the flag, Timothy turned and climbed inside.
“We’re departing!”
Clatter, clatter!
The carriages began moving one by one, racing toward the palace gates. Damon’s gaze swept past. Ian placed a hand over his chest in response—a gentle smile meeting a cold stare.
“They’re gone. Ah, everyone worked hard.”
“Clifford and Luswena are still here.”
“Your Majesty, we will return to our duties now. Thank you for your efforts during today’s meeting.”
“Very well. Go on in. Well done.”
As the Vargas procession disappeared from sight, the officials dispersed. Ian and Jin locked eyes briefly. Ian bowed and praised the boy.
“Your Majesty, your gift of gold coins was truly wise.”
Even Ian hadn’t expected it, but it seemed to have a surprisingly good effect. It showed the empire’s generosity and, more importantly, embarrassed the Vargas leaders. It was almost a mockery that even the servants couldn’t benefit from the gift.
Though Ian praised him, Jin only narrowed his eyes slightly, offering no reply. Romandro, watching from behind, looked on in surprise.
“Indeed.”
“…Your Majesty?”
“Enough. Go inside. I have much to do. Hmph.”
Pouting, Jin turned away with a touch of petulance. The disappointment from being told not to attend Philia’s engagement still lingered. The boy stomped his feet defiantly as he entered the main palace.
Xiaoxi nodded politely but couldn’t finish the gesture, as Jin hurriedly tugged her arm, urging her to follow.
“He’s sulking.”
“…Make sure the Vargas carriages head straight through the center. If they take another route, don’t stop them—just report it.”
“He’s sulking, Ian.”
“…Is the alliance treaty with Clifford ready? They seem likely to leave the palace this morning as well.”
Ian ignored the comment and continued checking the paperwork.
Romandro frowned but dutifully took notes, glancing around as if to say he was letting it slide because of the many onlookers.
“Ian.”
“Romandro.”
As the carriage headed back to the magic department, the two were left alone. They called out to each other simultaneously. Romandro gestured for Ian to speak first, tucking his pen into his breast pocket.
“You mentioned before—did you have a quarrel with His Majesty?”
“I did. But after today, I think it was mostly your fault. I understand the Crown Prince needs a firm character, but he’s still so young.”
“…I’m sorry I didn’t warn you earlier.”
Ian rested his chin on his hand, staring out the window. After a moment’s thought, he shared his concerns and plans with Romandro.
From now on, Jin and he would be walking completely different paths. It was only right that Romandro, the closest confidant, knew this.
“Romandro, have you ever thought about the pillars that support the palace?”
The palace’s pillars are most stable when spaced at a proper distance. Right now, Jin and Ian were too close—if the wind blew, they’d surely collapse. For the first time, Ian voiced his thoughts and worries.
The carriage jolted sharply, but Romandro didn’t notice. The boy sitting opposite had captured all his attention.
On a particularly warm afternoon, Philia sat before the mirror, startled, turning her head. Her golden hair swayed, and Vivian frowned, smoothing it back.
“His Majesty won’t be coming?”
“Madam, please don’t move. I need to fix your hair again.”
“Oh, sorry. I was just so surprised.”
“He says he’s overwhelmed with work and can’t help it. I heard it earlier too.”
Now promoted from prince to Crown Prince, his duties were undoubtedly far greater than before.
Even with a personal friendship, Philia was a commoner without title. Moreover, her fiancé was from a minority tribe on the frontier. Perhaps it was strange for her to attend at all.
“I suppose I was foolish to expect too much. It’s not really a place for the empire’s Crown Prince to come.”
“Nonsense! His Majesty promised he would come. It’s only natural to be hopeful. Now, close your eyes. Your makeup looks especially good today. Oh, you look lovely.”
Vivian’s doting praise made Philia laugh.
The small engagement ceremony was to be held in the estate’s garden. There were few guests to invite, but more importantly, if it became public that the minister’s stepfather was from the Tianlyo tribe, it could cause complications.
Ian didn’t seem to care much, especially since the wedding ceremony was going to be held again in Lord Hielro’s territory anyway…
Bang! Crash!
Clatter! Clatter!
Viviana, who had been carefully drawing her eyebrows stitch by stitch, suddenly froze. Why was it so noisy outside? She opened the door and called out sharply, “Everyone, quiet! What’s going on?”
“Viviana! No, these brats keep trying to go upstairs. We told them not to!”
“Beric, kid, step aside. It’s tradition for the Cheonryeo tribe to visit the bride and congratulate her before the wedding.”
“Bariel said no! You’re not supposed to see the bride before the ceremony, idiots!”
“Have you ever been married? You’re just a kid who’s never even tried.”
“Oh yeah? What about you?”
“I’ve been married twice!”
Bang!
The commotion was between the Cheonryeo tribe trying to go up to see Philia and Beric trying to stop them. Viviana smiled but slammed her hand against the wall to warn them.
“Everyone, please calm down and go downstairs. Hoho.”
“Gah, Viviana’s smiling but her eyes say otherwise.”
“It’s so noisy I can’t even do my makeup. Hohoho.”
For some reason, the brush in her hand looked more like a weapon. Beric grabbed the warriors and led them down the stairs, and soon they spotted a carriage arriving in front of the garden.
“It’s Ian!”
Ian, Romandro, Hail, and a few other mages had come to celebrate the engagement.
Ian, dressed in a suit, looked around the garden with a smile. It was more like a meat feast than an engagement party. If it weren’t for the flowers decorating the place, it would have looked like any other day.
“Long time no see, everyone.”
“Lord Ian, I’m going to forget your face.”
“Where’s Nersarn?”
“Over there. He didn’t even blink during the battle, but I don’t know why he looks so nervous now.”
While Ian was greeting the Cheonryeo tribe, some kids from the village, wearing festival masks, pressed themselves against the wall. They were curious about the commotion at the mages’ house.
“Can you see?”
“No, I can’t.”
“There are so many people. Let’s see what’s going on.”
Just then, a child quietly joined them, pressing against the wall as well. Also masked, but the silver hair poking out beside the mask shimmered brightly.
“Huh?”
And standing firmly beside the child was a man with gray hair. The kids glanced at them with a “Who are you?” look, but the two said nothing, their eyes fixed on the inside.
“Oh, it must be the wedding! The bride’s coming out!”
“Look, where?”
A white dress appeared in the garden. The kids whispered excitedly, pressing their eyes even closer to the cracks in the wall. Then, they all gasped in unison.
“Wow. An angel. An angel.”
“She’s really beautiful.”
Jin, too, wriggled through the crowd, peeking inside. The absinthe-colored jewel hanging from Philia’s ear sparkled more than anything else.