Episode 319

The garden, which had been buzzing with debates over whether or not to eat meat, suddenly fell silent at the sight of the angelic figure before them. Even the pianist, who had been playing moments ago, seemed to forget the keys beneath their fingers.

Philia shyly clutched the hem of her dress, tilting her head in confusion.

“…Why is everyone acting like this?”

She knew she was beautiful, but the pure white dress and veil gave her an almost sacred aura that felt new and overwhelming. Feeling a bit awkward, Philia fidgeted with the lace and glanced around.

The first to break the silence was Berrick. With his mouth full of meat, he raised his hand high and clapped enthusiastically.

Clap clap clap!

“Wow, this is insane. You’re seriously stunning!”

“You jerk, even if you’re expressing yourself, come on!”

“Is ‘insane’ a bad thing? Okay, okay, I’m about to faint.”

The warriors approached Philia, showering her with unabashed praise and admiration.

“…Where’s Nersarn? I suddenly feel like punching him. Winning is all that matters, right?”

“Want to die on a good day? Hold it in.”

“Philia, that dress suits you perfectly. Like the Milky Way flowing through a clear desert sky.”

“Shut up. That’s Nersarn’s line to say.”

“Congratulations, Philia. You look absolutely amazing.”

Their greetings were rough but heartfelt. Philia smiled bashfully, brushing her hair back, and soon spotted Ian. He smiled brightly and nodded.

“Yes, it’s true. You’re truly beautiful, and it’s wonderful to see. Today, you are the star of the world.”

Tears welled up in the woman’s smiling eyes. When Philia reached out, Ian didn’t hesitate to embrace her.

A tight, unbreakable hug between mother and son. Philia thought back to when Ian was small enough to be held in one arm, and she gently stroked the back of his head over and over.

Honestly, her life hadn’t been whole. She had spent days breathing in darkness so thick she couldn’t see an inch ahead, barely allowed to live. Yet here was this happy day.

“Mother.”

“Hmm?”

Philia’s eyes shimmered with tears, and Ian carefully brushed them away. He wasn’t her biological son, so perfect understanding was difficult. But today, to the pure bride who was the center of the world, he had something to say—words he would have spoken if he were the legitimate Ian.

“In a world where it’s hard to live alone, thank you for taking me in. Now, please seek only your own happiness.”

Philia finally let the tears fall. She was expected to just nod, but instead, she wrapped her arm around Ian’s neck and drew close. The mother whispered to her son.

“You know, Nersarn told me that some tribes carry heavy stones every time they cross a raging river. To avoid being swept away.”

It was painful, the weight pressing down on their bodies, but without it, the current would surely drag them under. Philia hugged her son tighter, gratitude shining in her eyes.

“Ian, if it weren’t for you, I would have been swept away and drowned by the waves of this world. Thank you.”

Those eyes that looked at her as if she were everything—that was the weight Philia bore. A beloved stone she carried, unshaken even when fierce waves crashed from all sides.

“……”

Ian felt his chest tighten. He understood what it meant for a mother’s love to flow beyond flesh, straight from the heart.

Viviana handed them a handkerchief and gently pulled them apart. If they stayed like that any longer, it would surely turn into a flood of tears. Romandro, Philia’s husband, was already sniffling.

“Now, madam, please stop crying. It’s such a wonderful day.”

“I’m sorry. What if my makeup runs?”

“Even that is a trace of happiness, so it’s fine. Just don’t stall the ceremony, or that would be troublesome.”

Viviana teased, pinching her brow, and Philia burst into laughter.

At that moment, Nersarn appeared, dressed in the traditional attire of the Cheonryeo tribe. His hair was neatly swept back, and a red cloth draped over one shoulder. The moment he saw his beloved, he froze as if his mind had stopped.

“Oh, Nersarn?”

“Have you lost your mind? You can’t. There are plenty of people here ready to punch you in the ribs.”

Berrick sat beside the pianist, bobbing his body repeatedly, while the warriors busied themselves teasing Nersarn.

Ian walked over to him with Philia. Nersarn reached out his hand as if in a trance. Ian passed his mother’s hand to him.

“Please take good care of my mother.”

“Of course. I will love Philia more fiercely than the desert sun.”

“Wow, Nersarn must be crazy. Not even blinking.”

“Oh, come on! Save those words for the ceremony!”

“Hahaha! Exactly! If he’s like this now, what’s he going to say when he swears the oath? He’s definitely nervous.”

Though it was the kind of thing said when giving a ring, Nersarn, flustered, blurted it out in front of Ian. It was such a rare slip-up that everyone burst into laughter.

“Well then, let’s get this ceremony started. Looks like everyone’s hungry.”

“We’re hungry! Meat! Meat!”

“Berrick, you jerk! Stop bothering the pianist.”

Zing zing.

Ian lightly snapped his fingers, conjuring a shower of flower petals. Not long ago, they had fallen endlessly in the streets, but now this was a blessing reserved only for the small garden. After the grand festival, this was a moment just for them. Ian returned to his seat and nodded to Hale.

“Thank you for joining us.”

“Don’t mention it. Especially since you’re not fully recovered yet. If you collapse again, I’ll be the one in trouble.”

Hale adjusted his tie and strengthened Ian’s magic. The gentle breeze made the already sparkling garden even more radiant. From outside came gasps.

“Wow, flower petals! Only inside! He really is a magician.”

“See? Didn’t I tell you?”

“No, it’s just—too much for a magician—”

Swish.

Romandro, holding a wine glass, glanced toward the wall. Through the gaps, he saw round heads peeking in. Philia smiled and whispered.

“They’re neighborhood kids. Somehow rumors have spread oddly, so they sneak in to watch sometimes. They’re just curious, very kind and adorable children.”

“Are they close with you, Philia?”

“I want to believe so, but I’m not sure about the kids. Even when I give them snacks, they run away.”

“Is that so? Oh, you little rascals.”

Romandro playfully walked over to the wall and lifted the latch. The garden gate swung open, startling the children, who stepped back.

“What are you all doing here?”

“Ahhh! You scared us!”

“If you’re guests, come inside. If you’re troublemakers, get lost. The most beautiful person in the world’s engagement ceremony is about to begin.”

Romandro nodded mischievously, and the kids hesitated, glancing at each other. Could they go in? What if the magician cast a spell? And those strange foreigners?

When Romandro motioned as if to close the door, one child stepped forward.

“R-Really, can we come in?”

“Yes. As long as you’re quiet and respectful.”

“But we don’t have any gifts.”

“That’s okay. I came empty-handed too.”

Oh, such cuties. Romandro forced a smile and crossed his arms. The little ones hesitated, then slowly stepped inside, full of caution and curiosity.

“Then, I won’t refuse.”

“Hmm. Come on, hurry up.”

At that moment, Romandro noticed a child turning away. Clumsily, the child was moving both hands and feet awkwardly.

Though their face was hidden behind a mask, the silver hair sticking out was familiar.

‘That’s Prince Jin, isn’t it?’

And the man with him was none other than Xiaoshi.

What on earth were these esteemed guests doing here? Romandro was about to call out to Jin but remembered what Ian had said.

“If I stay by Prince Jin’s side, it won’t be good for either of us. I hope to become another pillar, so that the prince remains steady and an ideal Bariel can be built. Romandro, please understand. Things can’t be the same as before.”

It’s easy to get swept up in power, but hard to break free. His subordinate had chosen and was carrying out that difficult path. Romandro had a duty to support him accordingly.

But still…

“Hey, kid.”

Just this once, if only a little.

Romandro twirled his beard awkwardly and called out to Jin. The startled child stopped and grabbed Xiaoshi’s arm.

“Aren’t you coming in?”

“Ah, um…”

“All your friends went in. Are you going to go back?”

“Can I come in too? Is it okay?”

“…If you want to.”

Romandro beckoned him inside. Jin looked up at Xiaoshi, who nodded in approval.

Slowly, Jin walked into Romandro’s mansion. The neighborhood kids were already chattering around Philia.

“Actually, those snacks you gave us back then were really delicious.”

“Really? Glad to hear it. I’ll give you more next time you visit.”

“But is that guy your younger brother? He’s seriously handsome.”

“No, ma’am, he’s my son. Ian, the little one says you’re handsome.”

“Ah! Why would you say that?!”

Aside from Hale, they were practically the only outside guests. Everyone’s attention was fixed on the lively commotion of the children.

With a creak, the gate’s latch clicked shut, and Ian turned around. Standing there, gripping Romandro’s hand tightly, was a child.

“Looks like the last guest has arrived.”

“…Oh.”

Hesitantly, Jin stood up straight and faced forward. Though his expression was unreadable, the tension was clear. Philia covered her mouth in surprise, and Ian slowly tilted his head.

‘That’s Prince Jin.’

‘The Crown Prince, isn’t he?’

Everyone recognized him instantly—even the few Cheollyeo tribespeople who had only seen him a handful of times.

The child awkwardly raised a hand in greeting.

“Ni-nice to meet you. Congratulations, Philia…”

His neck flushed bright red like a beet. It was definitely Jin, but he seemed eager to keep his identity hidden, so no one dared greet him first.

Everyone glanced at Ian, silently wondering how to act. Ian rested his chin on his hand, staring at the child for a moment before casually patting the seat beside him.

Tap, tap.

“Mother, there are quite a few young guests today.”

“Mm, yes, it seems so.”

“Come here, child. Thank you for coming.”

With Ian’s permission, Jin took a few steps toward Philia. The two naturally embraced. The child’s voice trembled as he repeatedly congratulated her.

“Congratulations. I’ve missed you so much.”

“Your earrings are truly beautiful, aren’t they?”

“Yes. They suit you perfectly—they’re dazzling.”

At Jin’s murmured words, Philia gave a bittersweet smile. Whatever the reason, there must be some circumstance forcing Jin to behave this way. Romandro offered seats to the neighborhood children, signaling the official start of the engagement ceremony.

Sliding quietly, Jin sat down beside Ian. The boy pressed his mask further down over his face, staring straight ahead. He seemed to be silently repeating that he was a stranger here, that this was his first time at this place.

Ian reached out gently, their arms barely touching.