Chapter 372

A soldier carrying Ian’s report set off from the barrier toward the royal palace.

Though the Clifford banner fluttered proudly, an uneasy feeling lingered in the air. An officer ran his hand through his hair and clenched a cigarette between his lips.

“I don’t know if this is really okay.”

“You mean Lord Ian?”

“More precisely, the mages.”

It seemed everyone shared the same concern.

The Bariel-born—just their very existence had reduced Clifford to a minor state. It was obvious their power was essential in this war. But if their influence only grew stronger because of that, what would they do then?

They’d realize too late—Clifford was already swallowed whole by Bariel.

“Samobo, why don’t you try giving the prince a heads-up?”

All eyes turned to one man. Samobo, a childhood friend of the prince, the closest among them personally, and of noble blood near the royal family.

Samobo chewed on his cigarette for a moment, then nodded with a sigh. This was a delicate matter, and he tread carefully as he spoke. The smoke from his cigarette trailed behind him as he walked toward the war room.

Knock knock.

“Your Highness.”

“Come in. Has the letter been sent?”

“Yes, just now. It’s in the hands of a capable messenger, so it should arrive quickly. But there’s something I must say.”

Noah looked up at Samobo, silently granting permission to speak. Samobo opened and closed his mouth several times before cautiously voicing his concerns.

“First, please know that I care for Clifford more than anyone else. And I respect and love Your Highness above all.”

“I know. You’re a warrior who’s shed blood for the country and offered your life. No one’s heart is truer.”

“Then, how about we keep a clear boundary with the mages on the front lines? Lord Ian isn’t just acting as Bariel’s minister—he’s stepping into the role of leader. While he’s helpful now, this could bring even greater danger to Clifford down the line.”

Noah’s face stiffened. It was as if Samobo was pointing out his own shortcomings. He’d been aware of it, but hearing it from a subordinate stung with twice the shock and humiliation.

Noticing this, Samobo placed a hand on Noah’s wrist.

“Noah, right now, I’m not speaking as an officer but as your friend and a citizen of Clifford. Please understand my worry.”

He understood. He knew all too well—he’d felt it himself, seeing Ian through the eyes of his people.

Noah closed his eyes briefly to gather his thoughts.

“…Samobo, I share your concerns. I have, and I still do.”

Samobo exhaled in relief. Noah patted his shoulder.

“But for now, Bariel’s help—no, Lord Ian’s help—is indispensable. There’s no other choice. Every time I see him, I’m reminded of my own limits. Still, Clifford’s safety comes first. Once the Burgos crisis settles, I believe he’ll have grown. Both I and all of Clifford.”

Breathing alongside someone who made you feel despair and defeat was painful.

Yet enduring that pain was Noah’s duty—a kind of trial to protect Clifford.

Samobo nodded, recognizing his resolve.

“Of course. You’ve never failed since childhood. I’m sure this opportunity will make you stronger.”

“You’re calling me ‘prince’ again.”

“I thought I’d get scolded if I didn’t call you Noah earlier.”

They shared a light laugh. With May gone, Noah felt he was facing the enemy alone. He believed it was his mission to stop them.

But somehow, talking with Samobo made him realize: he wasn’t standing in front of Clifford alone—he was standing within Clifford, together.

“Let’s think of it as a blessing. A blessing from the gods for Clifford. Honestly, if Lord Ian had sided with Burgos, I’d be in real trouble.”

“That would be terrible, I think.”

“Right? So let’s not worry about the future. Let’s deal with what’s in front of us. If we bring down Burgos, some of that power will flow into Clifford. We can use that as a stepping stone.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“No need to overthink it. We’re using Bariel, and we’re the ones who’ll benefit. Make sure the other officers understand that.”

“Of course.” Samobo shrugged with a smile. Then, glancing back to confirm the door was fully closed, he whispered,

“But honestly, Lord Ian is kind of a pain, isn’t he?”

With his striking looks, his magic, the youngest minister, and his sharp political savvy—he was flawless to the point you wondered if he was even human. Noah clenched his fist as if to affirm,

“He’s the most infuriating person I’ve ever met.”

“If I meet him twice, I’ll be dead for sure.”

“Tell me about it. So annoying.”

They both burst out laughing.

They’d never met anyone like him before. They didn’t know how the two late Bariel princes had been, but Ian was on another level.

Noah smiled, tracing the map with his fingertip. It showed the expected supply route Ian had described.

“The path through the Red Forest is closest to us. Let’s send a few soldiers to secure it.”

“Yes, understood.”

“The closer we get to Burgos, the harder it is to gauge the battle. If we spot them, we must annihilate immediately. If necessary, report and launch a surprise attack with reinforcements.”

Those reinforcements would likely include mages. Cutting off the supply line was critical.

The officer saluted and left the war room. Alone, Noah pressed his palm to his forehead and closed his eyes. “I’m doing well. I’m doing well,” he whispered like a mantra.

---

Eriphoni lay on the sofa, having her long hair arranged.

A gleaming amber jewel caught the light filtering through the ceiling. She turned it this way and that, muttering in confusion.

“How can this stone possibly counteract divine power?”

Did she want an answer? The attendants paused briefly but wisely continued their work. It was a smart choice—soon the king, clearly annoyed, tossed the idle comb aside toward the table.

Eriphoni tilted her head and stared at the ceiling, then closed her eyes to gauge how the world was turning beyond Ruthwena.

Knock knock.

“Your Majesty, Lord Eldert is here.”

“Send him in.”

Eriphoni kept her posture, turning only her head to greet Eldert. He carried a golden tray with letters atop it. She immediately recognized them and dismissed the attendants.

“Letters from Burgos?”

“Yes.”

“Bring them here.”

She picked up the papers herself, deeming it unnecessary to fuss. Her teal eyes scanned the text swiftly.

Eldert watched her expression closely, trying to guess the contents.

“The Burgos army has breached Clifford’s barrier and entered. They’ve set up camp before the city walls past Baki Village and are currently engaged in a standoff. Mages have intervened.”

“Send orders at once. We must mobilize on our side as well.”

War had broken out. The delicate balance of life and death had snapped, replaced by open weapons and bloodshed. Eriphoni read the letters with a smile.

“Good. Burgos is sending reinforcements to the front lines. Dispatch five hundred soldiers clad in black armor to the border with Clifford immediately.”

It was merely a show of force—to pressure Clifford from both front and rear, and to intimidate with the involvement of mages.

If they sent only a few mages, all the better. They could capture them alive and use them as fodder for Ruthwena’s experiments—forcing them to produce magic until death, researching and developing further. They would achieve glory as dazzling as Bariel’s, or even greater.

Eriphoni snapped her fingers and corrected herself.

“No, three hundred would be better. The fewer the number, the more complacent the enemy becomes.”

“Understood. We’ll prepare and move immediately.”

“And it’s time to send Dragon Gakrin to Burgos.”

Eriphoni waved her hand and ordered the map brought forward. Rumors of a Dragon Gakrin plague in Bariel had prompted an investigation upon her return. To her surprise, they’d uncovered an illegal farm that had traded with Haiman.

But what did that matter? The tide of history was about to turn.

The previous generation’s treaties wouldn’t stop her. After eliminating the operators, she ordered the farm placed under royal control.

“There are several routes south. This one is treacherous and unclaimed land, so choose whichever suits. Personally, I think it’s better to avoid the border with Clifford. It’ll take longer, but it’s safer.”

Eriphoni’s gaze followed Eldert’s finger on the map. She rested her chin on her hand, a displeased expression crossing her face.

“Lord Ian is in Clifford, right?”

“Yes. The involvement of mages suggests an alliance, but since the crown prince is in Bariel’s palace, it’s only temporary.”

“That won’t do. If it were your royal family, maybe. But Lord Ian surely knows about the supply lines. He was the one who purged Haiman, wasn’t he?”

“Then what shall we do…?”

Eriphoni tapped the map with a smile full of amusement. That place was Bariel itself.

“Through Bariel, of course.”

“Huh?”

“Why the surprise?”

Eldert hadn’t accounted for that route at all.

To get from Luswena to Burgos, the only options were either through the monster-infested northern region or via Clifford. Naturally, the north was too dangerous, so it was ruled out. That left only the southern path through Clifford.

But now, the king was suggesting cutting straight through the middle—Bariel itself.

“We won’t be sending anything through the Black Knights. Gather all the supplies needed for manufacturing, including the karkrin. Light and easy-to-transport items will be rerouted around the border guards, while anything requiring wagons should be packed separately. Then, request cooperation from the Luswena guild inside Bariel to handle distribution.”

“But won’t there be inspections for prohibited goods?”

“Listen, Eldert. Even Haiman, that petty noble, managed it. Why wouldn’t I be able to? Hm?”

She was right. Bariel didn’t have border guards stationed along every inch of its frontier, and none of the manufacturing materials were officially banned after careful review.

“So we just need to smuggle in the karkrin. I think if we skirt through the forest, it’ll be about the same speed as going south of Clifford—or maybe even faster.”

“That’s what I expect as well. I’ll contact Burgos and have them change the supply drop-off point.”

“Good. We should move quickly before Bariel’s palace catches wind of this. Don’t miss a single report coming up from Burgos.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

She smiled again, fanning herself lightly.

Even Ian wouldn’t have thought of this. The only involvement was from the mage, and Bariel hadn’t taken any official stance. Using that to our advantage—reckless, bold, and utterly unexpected—made her feel a thrill of satisfaction.

Just as Eriphoni was about to light a cigarette,

Tap tap tap!

“Your Majesty!”

“What’s all this commotion?”

“We’ve received a letter from Bariel—they’re halting all trade with Luswena.”

Eriphoni frowned, wondering if she’d misheard.

“Say that again.”

“To be precise, they’re refusing to import from Luswena.”

She tossed the cigarette aside in disbelief, while Eldert quietly turned his gaze toward the map.

Even if the palace lacked a mage, it wasn’t completely undefended.

Not long ago, the fierce Prince Jin Verosion had survived the bloody storm and been officially appointed heir.

“…Your Majesty, you’ll need to reconsider your supply routes.”