Episode 403
“Watch your words. Ian’s really pissed off right now.”

Beric warned Zaira as he opened the door for her.

The girl lifted her bound hands with a sulky glare, then defiantly raised her chin. Her wrists were shackled with magic-sealing stones. Anyone with half a brain would know to keep quiet under these circumstances—her silent message was basically, “You should watch your own mouth.” Beric didn’t seem to catch the hint, but whatever.

Creak.

As the door swung open, a group of mages appeared, flanking Ian on both sides.

Their gazes locked onto Zaira, but the atmosphere was starkly different from the night before—more hostile, tense, and sharp. Yet beneath it all, there was a palpable sense of grim determination.

“Ian, sir. The Luswena mages have arrived.”

Barely had the bitterness from their earlier clash faded when news came that a comrade had been beheaded in Burgos. Naturally, Luswena, allied with Burgos, was now under a cloud of suspicion and sharp stares.

Zaira hesitated but stepped forward, then knelt before Ian, who sat by the window. Ian didn’t utter a word, his cold gaze fixed on her. The girl bowed her head carefully, showing respect.

“Minister Ian Hielo, I formally greet you again. I am Zaira, a mage of Luswena.”

“Next time, come properly prepared,” Ian’s unspoken command was carried out to the letter.

Ian’s eyes drifted down to her small, steady hands—no tremble, no hesitation. Whatever she proposed next, one thing was clear: her courage was undeniable. To remain calm in this situation meant she was no ordinary child.

“Very well, Zaira. I’ve heard you have something to report.”

“I wish to speak with Ian alone.”

“I refuse. All future operations will be carried out by the entire Magic Department as one. Your message will be heard by all.”

Ian knew his judgment wasn’t infallible and that he needed his comrades’ support. So Zaira’s message had to be shared.

Biting her lip, Zaira straightened her posture and cautiously spoke the thoughts she had mulled over all night.

“To be honest, I don’t care how this war ends. As long as the Luswena mages are safe, and the family members still in the palace remain unharmed.”

“Many are still held in the palace?”

“All those with Luswena blood, including my younger brother, have been captured. At first, we were invited under the pretense of a celebration for the mages’ deployment. We thought it was a warm welcome. But now, seeing this, I know better.”

When she left the palace, she was happy, believing that with the mages at war, their families would live comfortably inside. But it was nothing more than a gilded cage.

Zaira bowed deeply, almost pleading.

“If I don’t return, my brother in the palace will die.”

“That’s unfortunate. But it’s not my concern. You didn’t come alone, yet there’s no sign of the other reconnaissance mages. That means our intel has leaked to Luswena.”

“…If Luswena wants me back, then send me home.”

“I’m willing to trade you for Zhang. But what can I do? Your king is too busy; there’s still no word. Pray quietly. If anything happens to Zhang, we’ll use you as his guide.”

Zaira clenched her palm against the floor.

Though Luswena’s response was delayed, she still held onto hope. If the reconnaissance mages had returned, they must have reported her capture. Her fellow mages wouldn’t stand idly by—they’d do everything to petition the king for her rescue. It was only a matter of time. Surely.

“…War is not my concern, but forbidden magic has become deeply entwined with my life. If you help me, I want to dedicate my life to researching how to break the seals on forbidden magic.”

“That’s quite a change from your earlier tantrum. People’s hearts are hard to read; right now, I’m inclined to distrust you.”

What reason would he have to trust her?

Ian shifted the conversation toward something related to Eriponi, making it easier to talk. Zaira was smart—she seized the opportunity without hesitation. For now, just one thing.

“I cast a spell on Her Highness Eriponi.”

“Oh? What kind?”

“First, promise me this: no matter what happens, I must return to Luswena. You said you’d accept the mages and families there. And more than anything, I have research and accumulated knowledge stored at my residence in Luswena. I need to bring it back.”

Research results? Akorella’s ears perked up. She quickly ran calculations in her head, wondering if Luswena had unique mana stones.

Ian thought similarly. Luswena’s mages seemed talented but primitive compared to Bariel’s. Their magic felt different—cold and alien, focused on raw power rather than finesse. They didn’t even know the basics of mana acceleration. Their histories and development had diverged greatly.

“Where is this Luswena residence?”

“Northeast forest from the palace. It’s about a three-day ride on horseback, but magic can shorten the trip.”

“You want to bring all that to Bariel?”

“More precisely, I want to bring it for my research. If you think it’s for Bariel, that’s a lie to cover the current situation. I won’t answer that.”

Ian smiled with interest as he looked down at the girl.

She had potential—deep magical power, intelligence, and boldness. If nurtured well, she could become a key asset for Bariel’s future. What on earth was Luswena’s king doing with a child like this?

Ian tilted his head and asked Zaira,

“So, you want to be sent back first. But, little one, even if you return safely, King Eriponi will doubt you and prevent you from achieving your goals. A proper process is needed. We can create that for you. And if your current humility is genuine, we might help you.”

“Then tell me—what did you do to King Eriponi?”

Noticing Ian’s tone soften, Zaira took a tense breath and confessed.

“…I cast ‘Dazzling Radiance’.”

“Dazzling Radiance?” The mages exchanged curious glances, then all eyes settled on Ian.

His expression was unfamiliar—surprised yet intrigued.

“You used Dazzling Radiance?”

“Yes. Three arrows that were aimed at Ian—all of them took lives. The spell will surely activate.”

The mages raised their hands simultaneously, eager to join the conversation. Ian let out a small “Ah,” then kindly explained.

“Dazzling Radiance is a kind of trap magic. It has a delay and specific activation conditions. It triggers when the target feels intense joy or happiness.”

“Oh, so what does Dazzling Radiance mean?”

“It means ‘to shine,’ Beric. It’s practically the closest thing to a curse among existing magic.”

In this era, and even in the future.

Death at the most brilliant moment—when one feels accomplishment and envisions the future, only to realize there is no tomorrow.

“Eriponi will face the arrows she shot back at her during the brightest moments of her remaining life.”

If she pierced a soldier’s throat, her own throat will be pierced. If she pierced a heart, her heart will be pierced.

No matter how much they investigate the sudden arrows, they belong to her. By now, Luswena’s mages would have sought their own survival.

“A fitting punishment in every way.”

Ian murmured in admiration. A flawless revenge, considering all factors. The most astonishing part was that this little girl could wield such magic.

“Child, do you know the cost of Dazzling Radiance?”

“Yes. My grandmother told me. She—”

“What’s that about?” The mages blinked in curiosity, but Ian kept silent. Zaira seemed reluctant to say more, lowering her eyes slowly.

“…Hail. And Akorella.”

“Yes, Ian.”

“Why?”

Ian called the two over with a nod.

“Luswena’s magic development is definitely different from Bariel’s. What do you think? If we accept them and merge our knowledge, we could dream of a better future. What are your thoughts?”

“Your will is our will, Ian. We will follow.”

“Little one, have you researched mana stones too? I heard Luswena only has five types. Is that right?”

“Mana stones aren’t my concern. There is someone suitable for that, but they’re currently with Luswena’s forces.”

“Oh, I need to meet them soon. Ian, I’m all for this. Seems like there’s a lot we can use.”

Akorella’s blunt comment made Zaira frown, but it wasn’t wrong. Zaira was kneeling while they stood over her.

“Good. Zaira, in one hour, if no message comes from Luswena, we will launch an attack on Burgos and open the curtain on the second great battle.”

You’re going to rescue the mages, then. Zaira swallowed hard, listening intently. She prayed that the mage from Luswena was safe. If not, the process of integrating herself and the Luswena mages into Bariel would surely become far more difficult.

“I’ll create an opportunity for you to escape at the right moment. You can return to the camp afterward. But first, you must swear an oath to us.”

“An oath?”

“Who will take it?”

“I will. Don’t you know the oath magic?”

“…What’s that?”

Their magic was so different it was as if they were standing back to back. One of the mages stepped forward, raising a hand and then extending it toward the child, gently urging her to grasp it. Zaira glanced at Ian before taking his hand.

“It’s a magical oath. You swear it with your life—breaking it means death. Child, can you swear to the gods that everything we’ve discussed here is true and will come to pass?”

“Yes. But please, protect Bariel as well. And support the research to lift the forbidden magic.”

“I wholeheartedly welcome and promise my full support for that. Zaira, I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again—I believe in you.”

Ian’s voice was warm and kind, and Zaira couldn’t help but purse her lips slightly. Why had he been so cold earlier when he could have been like this all along?

One of the mages hesitated as they prepared to activate their magic.

“Ian, the magic-sealing stones are making it difficult.”

“Release them,” Ian said, closing his eyes briefly in consent. Soldiers approached, handing over the keys.

With the soft click of tumblers turning, the mages discreetly began to unlock their magic behind their backs. They were ready to respond the moment Zaira made a move—and Ian was no different.

Though their eyes hadn’t turned golden, all eyes were fixed on Zaira. The child grimaced, rubbing her aching wrist.

A low hum filled the air.

“Begin.”

Holding the mages’ hands firmly, Zaira proceeded with the oath ritual. A mix of solemnity and relief washed over her, as if they had just crossed a great mountain. Then, the noise from outside reached them.

Tap, tap, tap.

“Ian, excuse me. A message has arrived from Luswena.”

The hum continued.

The messenger had returned. Zaira tensed, waiting for Ian’s response.

“They’ve proposed an exchange between the Bariel mages and those from Luswena. They want you to come in person to discuss the details.”

“What will you do?”

“Ah—!”

“That’s enough, Ian. Jean is safe.”

“What do you mean? We have to bring him back immediately!”

“What about Prince Noah? Is he in the command room?”

“Yes, yes. He fully supports your decision, Your Highness.”

Ian stepped down from the window ledge and met Zaira’s gaze. A small, satisfied smile played on his lips.

“No need to wait an hour. Child, let’s go. I’ll tell you what to do when you face Eriphoni next.”

Zaira nodded, and Ian draped an arm around her shoulders as they headed out. He then gave orders to the mages.

“Prepare for battle and be ready to move. When we meet Luswena, the sun will be fully risen. We’ll be able to see Burgos clearly.”

“Yes, Ian!”

“Get ready! Let’s go bring the others back!”

“Move quickly!”

Bang! Crash!

Amid the commotion of the mages rushing about, Ian refilled the magic-sealing stone on Zaira’s wrist—this time more gently, less tightly. Zaira glanced between her rattling wrist and Ian.

He had said it—the balance of life was far away. But now, she felt it shift ever so slightly, just a tiny bit. Toward a new world called Bariel.