Chapter 381

—Your Highness, I hope this message finds you well. This is Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Department reporting.

I have just met with Minister Maxim Tweller of the Imperial Defense Department and exchanged updates. Minister Tweller has successfully cut off part of the supply route from Luswena to Burgos, and is currently tracking the rest by shadowing their supply points. His calm confidence, born from years of battlefield experience, was palpable. Both Clifford and I drew strength from his resolve. Regarding the supply lines, I entrust everything to Minister Tweller’s capable hands. Rest assured, Your Highness, this should ease your mind and spirit.

As you know, Your Highness, blocking the supply routes gives Luswena a pretext. There’s a risk of fractures beneath Clifford’s leadership, so we cannot recklessly wield magical power. Therefore, I intend to prepare a decisive strike. I would be grateful if you could dispatch as many troops as possible from the Bariel Palace. The Burgos legion currently stationed in Clifford has set up camp and remains inactive. A fierce clash seems imminent, so please send reinforcements promptly. I will do my best to buy time; I only ask that you continue sending our proud soldiers without end. This is a matter that Minister Tweller, Clifford’s royal family, and I all earnestly desire. I hope the palace will proceed smoothly with this.

…Your Highness, may I ask again if you are well? It seems many things have happened at the palace in my absence. Even a slight breeze of trouble worries me—what if Your Highness has been hurt? Though hearing Minister Tweller’s report, perhaps my fears are unfounded. One thing I can say with certainty is that the Imperial Defense Department’s standing is finally being restored. I pray you will work hard so that Your Highness firmly takes root in Minister Tweller’s heart.

Your Highness, Beric sends his regards. He’s been tossing and turning, jealous over the news that Xiaosi received a title. Whether it’s simple envy or something else, I cannot say. Beric has always been a difficult person to understand. I also wonder how Romandro is faring.

I look forward to seeing you in Bariel. By then, you may look down upon us. When you do, I hope to look up at you and fill the empty spaces between us. With that, I dedicate this letter to the glorious Crown Prince of Bariel.

—Minister Ian Hielo

Xiaosi glanced at the clock. About thirty minutes had passed.

Jin read and reread Ian’s letter, savoring every word as if engraving it on his heart. Until now, only brief wartime reports had come through; this was the first time such a personal message had been sent. Jin didn’t dare touch the paper for fear of damaging it, instead gazing at the letter with reverence.

“Xiaosi.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Ian says I may now look down.”

Jin didn’t fully understand what that meant, but it was clearly good news—the child’s dimples deepened in a rare smile.

“Congratulations, Your Highness.”

“I thought we still had a long way to go, but it seems we’ve made some progress. It seems so.”

The proper distance needed to honor Bariel. Everything Ian did—leaving me, keeping me in check, provoking attacks—was all for that.

When I ascended as Crown Prince, Ian told me not to look down. But now he says it’s okay, meaning he believes he’s climbed quite high.

“Shall I prepare a reply?”

“Yes. Call a meeting. Minister Tweller also requested it, so there should be no problem. Following procedure is best for everyone. We will send additional troops—not to the Dead Lands this time, but toward the Clifford palace. The journey will be shorter, right?”

“Yes. The Dead Lands route passes through Clifford’s territory, but the palace is not far from the Bariel border. If we hurry, the troops will arrive at the right time.”

“Good. Gather the officials while I write the reply.”

Xiaosi bowed and left. Alone, Jin couldn’t even think of taking out pen and paper; he kept reading Ian’s letter over and over.

Once Ian returns to the palace, we won’t have to drift apart anymore. With the Imperial Defense Department, the palace guard, and even the administration under my influence, the Magic Department will be sufficiently checked by my mere presence.

I can return to the life I had before. No one will worry if I visit the Magic Department without ulterior motives, and no one will attack it out of fear of upsetting the balance.

Just like before. Just like before…

Swish.

Jin took up his pen with solemnity and began drafting the preface. But something felt off, and he crumpled several sheets. Taking a deep breath, he organized his thoughts.

“If Minister Ian safely defends Clifford and returns, the alliance’s benefits will follow. This is a merit not to be overlooked. Upon his return, his title will be elevated, and those who fought alongside him will receive appropriate rewards. If Beric wishes, he too may be granted a fitting title. However, the responsibilities that come with such titles must be made clear, so I will entrust that to Minister Ian…”

Just as Jin smiled and touched pen to paper—

Knock knock.

The sudden sound startled him, causing the pen tip to split and the ink to spill messily. He had thought this time he could write well. Frowning, he called for the attendant.

“What is it?”

“Your Highness, the Luswena diplomat has requested to return to his homeland.”

He was here to protest the trade suspension, but now suddenly wants to leave?

The palace had no intention of giving an answer, and the diplomat had been practically confined to a secondary palace since arrival. Now that he wants to leave, it’s highly suspicious.

But if we use force to stop him, it would give Luswena an undeniable pretext. When the supply route was attacked, we could at least blame Burgos, but this is purely a matter between Bariel and Luswena.

“When?”

“As soon as his belongings are packed. Also, our own diplomatic office has contacted us—this seems to be escalating.”

“You mean the Bariel diplomat in Luswena?”

“Yes. Military movements are unusual. It seems King Eriphoni may intervene personally. Perhaps you should discuss this in the meeting.”

If Eriphoni steps in, Damon might as well. Jin stared at the ink-stained letter, then rose.

“Very well. Let’s go immediately. Are all the officials gathered?”

“They are always on standby at the palace. If you leave now, it will be just right. Xiaosi has been instructed to escort you.”

Damon and Eriphoni. Jin was certain this was not a simple war over Clifford; there was a deeper, unspoken agenda.

Even if their king comes, Bariel is the empire. It would be unseemly—and unnecessary—for me to intervene. I am still a child. So Tweller and Ian must face the two nations on behalf of the Crown Prince.

Tap tap tap!

Creak.

“Your Highness, have you heard the news?”

“I don’t know what you’re trying to say with all these upheavals every day, but yes, I have.”

Jin took his seat at the head of the meeting room.

Xiaosi keenly noticed the child’s mood shift. Just moments ago, he had been pleased by Ian’s letter, but now he seemed subdued. Xiaosi didn’t realize that Jin was lamenting his youth and inability to lead the front like other kings.

“The diplomats from Luswena and Burgos are leaving. They’re packing now. What shall we do?”

“They’re returning home; how can we stop them? Using force here would tarnish Bariel’s reputation in Gaia.”

“Still, it’s unsettling to send back someone who entered the palace during these times. Shouldn’t we try to detain them by any means?”

“Touching diplomats is an unspoken taboo. Your Highness, let them proceed on their side, but we should support Ministers Ian and Tweller.”

The officials voiced their opinions freely, heating the room. Jin gestured for silence, and the room fell quiet instantly.

“I also believe it’s wrong to harm diplomats without cause. If anyone opposes their departure, they must present a ‘reasonable’ pretext to me. I will review and issue orders accordingly. Also, according to letters from Ministers Ian and Tweller, they request additional troops—”

At Jin’s glance, the deputy minister of the Imperial Defense Department bowed and met his gaze.

“Due to Clifford’s situation, a prolonged battle seems impossible. We will deploy available soldiers sequentially to finish this with a single strike.”

“Understood, Your Highness.”

“And Jaret.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“It might be wise to send some from the palace guard commanders as well. You are now a proper third commander, yes? You may go, or perhaps give the newer commanders a chance to gain experience. I leave that decision to you.”

“Yes, I will obey.”

Jaret would not leave the palace himself. Likely, one of the other two commanders would be sent. The palace guard exists solely for the emperor’s—my—protection, so only about five or six would be dispatched.

But they are as strong as a legion.

“And we’ve received reports that the kings of Burgos and Luswena may personally enter the battlefield. Can this be confirmed?”

Jin lightly set down the report and glanced around at the officials, silently hoping someone would offer a clear answer.

* * *

Clatter, clatter!

Wheee!

Soldiers of Luswena, marked by their yellow seals, pulled hard on their reins and charged toward the clifford barrier.

Ahead, the Luswena troops, already clad in black armor and standing guard, came into view. They waved their flags in signal, and the riders slowed their horses to join them.

“Any problems so far?”

“None yet, but—”

“But?”

“Since yesterday, we haven’t seen a single Clifford soldier atop the barrier. At first, we thought maybe only at night, but even now, not a trace.”

“What?”

The border gate was firmly shut. Normally, soldiers would be posted there on watch, but it stood empty, as if abandoned. Frowning, they scanned the area and muttered among themselves.

“In a few days, His Highness Eriphoni will arrive in person.”

“Your Highness?”

“Yes. So it’s best to clear the way beforehand. When the sun is at its peak, break through the barrier and enter. Lead with those in black armor.”

“Y-yes, understood.”

The soldier hurried back to report, and soon the black-armored men were bustling with activity. A warning sounded—a deep, bellowing horn like a buffalo’s call.

“Clifford, hear this! We come bearing news that Luswena’s military wagons were ambushed. We request entry for investigation. Should you refuse, we will use force, and any tragedy that befalls your land thereafter will be on your heads!”

But no answer came. It felt like shouting into an empty void.

Puzzled, the soldiers threw grappling hooks at the barrier and began climbing ladders and ropes.

Snap!

“Ah…”

“What is all this?”

“That’s what I’m saying. No matter how you look at it, this is suspicious.”

Before them lay a strange sight: scattered branches stuck into the empty fields, tied with colorful cloth strips fluttering in the breeze.

And a narrow path cut through them.

“Hey, you! Step forward and go first.”

“M-me?”

The path was obviously a trap, yet they were ordered to lead the way. Damn it. The soldier hesitated but took a cautious step forward—and then—

Boom! Boom!

“Ahhh!”

Something nearby exploded, shaking the ground. The soldiers scrambled back up the barrier, staring at the waving cloths and the open path, muttering grimly.

“Ah, we’re screwed.”

When His Highness Eriphoni arrives, they’ll be told to pass first, but this definitely looks like a wizard’s trap.

They exchanged uneasy glances and slowly climbed down from the wall.