Episode 330
How long had they been running?

The sky was painted with the colors of sunset. Beric frowned, growing restless from the endless gallop. All he could see was dense foliage stretching out before them, and he began to doubt whether they were even heading in the right direction. Though no one voiced it aloud, judging by Noah’s figure leading the way, everyone must have been thinking the same.

Felix, bound and slumped atop the carriage, showed no sign of waking.

“Hey, how much longer—”

Just as the mage was about to ask Mei, Noah pulled on the reins, slowing their pace. They had finally broken free from the thicket.

Below them stretched an endless vineyard. Trees lined up in perfect, straight rows as if measured by a ruler. Thick vines heavy with ripe grapes hung abundantly, promising a bountiful harvest.

The green leaves, bathed in the glow of the sunset, looked as if a crimson wave was washing over part of the field.

“This is Clifford,” Noah said.

His hair, catching the fading light, glowed a deeper shade of orange. Behind him stood the royal palace of Clifford. Tall, ivory domes shimmered beautifully, reflecting the last rays of the sun.

A distant bell tolled.

People appeared throughout the fields, offering prayers to the gods. Having completed their sacred and holy labor once again today, they hoped the gods would look upon their work with deep joy.

“Ah—oh ah—”

They hummed softly, raising their hands in greeting. Though the melody and lyrics repeated simply, there was something comforting about the sound.

As they walked along the main road cutting through the fields, Beric glanced around. Occasionally, farmers met his gaze and tipped their hats in greeting.

“But why is there nothing but fields? Where do the people live?”

“This is the outskirts,” Mei explained with a slight scowl. “In Bariel, there’s no clear division between residential and commercial areas around the palace, but Clifford is different. Outside the castle walls, all the land is used for agriculture. It’s to make efficient use of limited land.”

Despite her tone, Mei was careful to explain everything thoroughly—after all, they were honored guests, and not just any guests, but those who would decide Clifford’s fate. As she spoke, some farmers recognized Noah and bowed deeply with joyful smiles.

“Stop and identify yourselves.”

“This is a royal pass. Open the gates.”

“Prince? Without a carriage…?”

“There were circumstances.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment!”

The gatekeepers on the walls hurried to their posts. Soon, massive doors swung open to reveal life inside Clifford at a glance.

Creak.

Outside was quiet, sacred, and untouched nature, but just beyond the gate lay a completely different world.

Among groups dancing in circles on the streets, merchants carrying barrels of wine, elderly men smoking beneath arched roofs, bursts of laughter, and songs with mysterious lyrics filled the air. The walls of the buildings were covered in vines, and the fresh scent of grapes wafted everywhere.

“Wow, what is this?”

“Don’t get distracted. Keep up. Everyone’s finished their workday and is now resting. The streets are crowded, so newcomers often get lost.”

“Ian! Let’s finish our work and grab a drink here, okay?”

“Beric, hold the reins properly.”

A merchant, noticing they were strangers, gestured warmly and offered some wine. Beric was the only one who accepted.

Soon, they arrived at the royal palace. The court had been worried about the delayed arrival of the delegation. Their welcome was brief, as curious glances flicked toward the rear.

“Prince! What on earth is going on?”

“Where’s the carriage? What about the other envoys? Why are you here alone…?”

“And who are these people?”

“First, I want to see my father. These are Ian Hielo, Bariel’s Minister of Magic, and his subordinates.”

“A mage!”

“The minister, you say? That minister?”

The attendants stepped back in surprise. When Ian and the mages nodded in greeting, they busied themselves preparing to receive the guests.

“This way, please.”

As they were led toward the main hall, Beric chuckled quietly and whispered to Ian. He hadn’t noticed it before, but somehow all the people of Clifford looked very similar.

“Ian, everyone here really does look alike, doesn’t it? The hair color, the narrow eyes…”

“Shh, Beric.”

Just then, an attendant opened the door to the reception room. What they saw inside was…

“Noah, why are you here now?”

“Brother, why are you so late?”

“Sir, I heard you came without a carriage? What happened?”

Children who looked no older than ten, bearing an uncanny resemblance to Noah, ran up and clung to the prince. Soon after, the king and queen appeared.

“Whoa.”

Beric was about to say something in surprise, but Barsabe quickly covered his mouth.

With their small stature reaching only to the chest, round cheeks, narrow eyes, and smiling lips, the king looked far more approachable and warm than one would expect from a monarch. The queen was just as strikingly similar.

Would Noah look like that when he grew older? His younger siblings were quite adorable.

“This is Ian Hielo, Bariel’s Minister of Magic.”

“Your Majesty, it is an honor. I apologize for the abruptness, but the matter was urgent. Please forgive me.”

Ian placed his hand over his chest in greeting, and the mages followed suit. The king gestured toward the sofa, signaling for the guests to be seated.

“Minister, please take a seat. The others may rest from their journey.”

“We will escort you to the adjoining room.”

The mages followed the attendants out. Noah’s siblings, curious since Clifford had no mages of their own, quickly trailed after them.

“So, Noah, did you return safely? I don’t know the details, but you look a bit thin. I’m worried.”

“No, Father.”

“Well then, tell me everything. What brought Bariel’s minister all the way here?”

The king’s gentle tone matched his appearance—more like a caring father than a ruler. Judging by Noah’s siblings and the overall atmosphere, the royal family seemed quite harmonious.

Unlike Bariel, where brothers drew swords against each other, sons betrayed fathers, and mothers sought to kill their children.

“Actually…”

Noah recounted the events during the appointment ceremony one by one. The king nodded attentively, but when Noah mentioned the curse being exposed, he suddenly stood up in shock.

“Father.”

“So, Sir Ian knows about the royal curse?”

“More precisely, my close aides and I are aware, but the secret is still being kept for now. There’s no need to worry too much.”

Everyone present understood the weight behind the word “still.” Seeing the king’s troubled expression, Noah bowed his head apologetically.

“I’m sorry, Father.”

“No, no. This isn’t the time to dwell on that. So? What happened afterward?”

There was much to report: the failed alliance with Burgos, the fertilizer contract, the golden diamond gifted by Jin, the ambush, even Idgal. The king’s complexion shifted from dark to pale to white, providing a dramatic display.

When the report ended, silence filled the room. It was unclear whether they were contemplating solutions or simply stunned.

Finally, Ian broke the silence.

“Your Majesty.”

The king turned to him hesitantly. The more he considered the situation, the graver it seemed. If they severed ties with Burgos and then alienated Bariel, Clifford would be truly isolated.

“Speak.”

“This is truly regrettable. I do not mean to disregard the prince’s loyalty to his country, but as a servant of Bariel and the palace, I cannot overlook this matter.”

“I acknowledge your candor. Clifford will do its utmost to show Bariel our intentions.”

At the king’s words, Noah squeezed his eyes shut. He had tried so hard, yet here was his father speaking like that. It was heartbreaking, humiliating, and utterly frustrating.

“I do not wish for discord between Clifford and Bariel. We have just begun to take our first steps together. Must we be torn apart by such a small obstacle?”

“I am truly glad to hear you say that.”

“Therefore, I humbly propose that you enter into a binding contract of alliance with Bariel.”

A binding contract.

They say a single word can weigh heavier than gold. This magic embodies that weight, engraving it upon the heart, binding the parties to fulfill their promises until their last breath. The effect was powerful, but it required utmost caution. Only once could such a vow be made—one oath lasting a lifetime. Though it could be dissolved by mutual consent, breaking a magically sealed bond was no easy matter.

“What do you think? If you desire an alliance, this is a very reasonable proposal from Clifford’s perspective.”

It wasn’t wrong. If Clifford pledged friendship and cooperation, Bariel would naturally reciprocate.

“You mean, you and I?”

“Why would I ask the king to make such a contract? My lord remains in the palace. First, make a preliminary contract with me—an agreement to enter into the main contract. And Prince Noah will join as well.”

A contract for the sake of a contract. Ian smiled faintly and nodded toward Noah. In a little while, Noah would inherit the throne, so naturally, the author should be tied into this as well, shouldn’t he?

“…What’s the content?”

“May I have some paper and a pen for a moment?”

At Ian’s request, the king gave a subtle nod.

Ian brushed his hand over the crisp, high-quality paper and began writing without hesitation. It was the exact contract regarding fertilizer that he had previously discussed with Prince Noah. Not a single word out of place—perfectly precise.

“This was the original contract, but it needs to be revised. You’re aware of the reasons, so I won’t bother explaining.”

“…To what extent?”

“We’ll adjust the price. It will be exported at a rate lower than Burgos, but maintaining the previous price is impossible. The duration might also be subject to change, though I won’t go into details here.”

He stepped back, suggesting they discuss the specifics with the palace, but they all knew. Everything would unfold exactly as Ian intended.

“I’m simply informing you in advance that the main contract may be altered in this way. If His Royal Highness the Crown Prince shows mercy, much can be changed. Next, the section on military alliances. The states of emergency defined by each nation are as follows: foreign forces entering without permission…”

Every time Ian’s pen moved, the king and prince only moistened their dry lips. Eventually, Noah couldn’t hold back and raised his hand to stop him.

“Enough. Didn’t you say the main contract would be made with the Crown Prince? Don’t speak of the future—tell me what you intend to do with me now.”

Ian smiled faintly and set down his pen. Then his words were simple.

“Clifford will form a friendly alliance with Bariel.”

If this isn’t fulfilled, the safety of the King and Prince of Clifford will be at risk. An alliance is a mutual agreement, and during negotiations, there will inevitably be a dominant and a subordinate party.

But if they refuse this contract…

‘They will be isolated among neighboring countries, and especially Bariel will use the jewel incident as justification. In the event of a multi-nation war, there could be moves to seize Clifford first.’

Refusal would lead to endless chaos. Noah stepped forward again, pleading.

“Isn’t it enough to make the contract with me? Your Majesty is the King of Clifford, so it’s fitting to make it with the Crown Prince.”

“That won’t do. The prince is too responsible.”

So responsible that he would readily sacrifice his life without hesitation. If they signed the contract and he later took his own life, it would be a disaster.

“In return, Clifford must also benefit. After all, it’s a contract. If you swear to form a friendly alliance with Bariel, I promise absolute silence regarding the royal family’s curse.”

The king hesitated briefly, then nodded. Ian, as if pleased with his own reasoning, elegantly rolled up his sleeve and extended his hand.

“Will you entrust your hand to me?”

“Ah, does it hurt?”

“Of course not.”

Ziiing. Ziiing.

As Ian activated his magic, a bright light spilled from their clasped hands. Unlike the tense king, Ian kept smiling as he gently patted the back of his hand. Just as he was about to cast the spell—

“…!”

Kraak!

A searing pain stabbed his heart like thousands of needles.

Ian instinctively shook off the king’s hand and collapsed forward. The shock coursing through his body was so intense he could barely breathe.

“L-Lord Ian?”

“Huff, huff…”

“Wh-what’s wrong?”

“Outside! Is there no one outside?”

“Go fetch a mage! Why—why all of a sudden…?”

The pain felt as if his organs were being torn apart.

As his mind blurred, Ian realized the cause. He, Ian the illegitimate son, had already formed a contract magic with someone else before this.