Chapter 421
“Um, Lord Ian.”
Noah grabbed Ian the moment they stepped inside the barrier.
He acknowledged that Clifford had survived thanks to Bariel’s full support. Therefore, he had no involvement whatsoever in matters like war reparations or follow-up actions, leaving everything entirely to Ian’s—and Bariel’s—will.
However, when it came to the nation’s critical affairs, some questions remained.
“Why didn’t you place a binding contract spell on Queen Eriponi? She is the heart of Luswena. Wouldn’t it make sense to secure her first and foremost?”
Ian clicked his pocket watch as he listened to Noah. Evening was already approaching. At dawn, he would leave Clifford and head to Bariel—where his Bariel and Jin awaited him.
He took slow steps and began to explain. For those unfamiliar with the ‘Hyunyo’ spell that Zaira had cast on Queen Eriponi, Noah’s question was understandable.
“The queen is already under a spell. When certain conditions are met, she will take her own life.”
“A spell? Was it cast by Bariel’s mages?”
“Surprisingly and thankfully, it was done by a young mage from Luswena.”
A young mage from Luswena.
Noah immediately thought of Zaira—the fearless child who had charged into the barrier like a wild colt, screaming desperately about losing her family. That rage had driven her to stab her own lord in the back.
“What are the conditions?”
“They’re vague, so it’s hard to say. But one thing is certain: if the contract spell were officially cast and triggered, causing Eriponi’s death, Bariel’s position would become precarious. Every nation has those waiting for the established order to collapse. If Bariel leaves even a hint of doubt about Luswena’s queen’s death, it would give them justification. I do not want that—”
His first priority was Bariel.
His second was Zaira.
By using a curse-like ‘Hyunyo,’ the child had taken on a tremendous burden herself. Ian couldn’t just dismiss that sacrifice. When he trailed off, Noah shifted his gaze.
“Why do you hesitate?”
“Nothing. In any case, not placing the contract spell directly on Queen Eriponi was for Bariel’s sake—and, by extension, for Clifford’s. Please don’t worry too much.”
Ian gave a slight nod toward the Clifford king beside him, who returned the gesture.
Inside the barrier, the bustling sounds of people moving about could be heard—everyone preparing for Ian and the mages’ journey home.
“Once we report to the royal court, His Majesty will decide on the appropriate follow-up measures. At that time, it would be best for the king himself to come to Bariel and find common ground. It will be a gathering of Damon, Eriponi, and all those responsible for the current war. The king’s direct voice will be important.”
One by one, luggage began piling into the carriage. They had arrived empty-handed, dropped from the sky, but even after a short stay, there was much to pack. Half were Acrella’s research materials; the rest were gifts from the Clifford palace.
Though modest for a victory celebration, the king couldn’t send Ian away empty-handed. It was a matter of national courtesy. Treasures large and small were tied up and carefully loaded into the back seat.
“Of course, I will stay in the capital and await Crown Prince Jin’s summons. Noah, see to it that you escort the Bariel mages tomorrow.”
“Yes, Father.”
“And what about those authors, Lord Ian?”
The king’s gaze landed on the tall Serro family banner. They were stuck in an awkward position, unable to move forward or back. Even during the talks, Serro simply remained where he was, unsure what to do.
Ian muttered, glancing toward the Luswena side.
“The Serro family has a daughter.”
“A daughter?”
“She is close to Queen Eriponi, but since she hasn’t appeared yet…”
It was clear that after the talks, Eriponi had pulled Alenara aside for another strategy meeting.
Alenara, a woman of no official rank or status within the palace’s social circles, had little she could do for Eriponi.
Most likely, direct action was imminent, which meant she would probably stay out of sight for now.
“You needn’t worry. Since they’ve been conscripted, use them for recovery efforts. Don’t let them inside the barrier, but they’re suitable for transporting corpses outside.”
If they came but couldn’t move, the least they could do was give them something to do.
“Is that acceptable?”
“Yes, of course. They came voluntarily; how could we send them back? Send them back with the remaining Bariel soldiers and mages when they return home.”
“Then I won’t refuse. As you know, our people have died, and the land is crumbling. Every hand counts.”
The thoughtless Serro would have no choice but to help—and willingly so. Only by doing so could he have a say in the post-victory rewards and gain some influence in the palace. He moved through Alenara, who moved through Eriponi.
“Yes. Luswena is currently maintaining the victim stance, so they won’t start fighting immediately. That would contradict their claims during the talks. Until they meet with His Majesty, they will move quietly behind the scenes. Clifford should use this opportunity to stabilize the nation’s chaos.”
A gust of wind ruffled Ian’s hair.
Ian, who had been speaking firmly and decisively, paused and gazed at the blood-soaked land. This would be the last sunset he saw in Clifford. He smiled faintly, as if a little regretful.
“…It was beautiful.”
The long vineyards bathed in sunset light. The farmers’ sweat and laughter. The old man singing on the roof and the children dancing joyfully. The country itself had a profound beauty. That made the current devastation all the more painful to witness.
The Clifford king looked at Ian with a troubled expression.
“Clifford will remain beautiful.”
A wish like self-hypnosis. Even now, with monsters flooding to the brink, the king still saw his kingdom as truly beautiful.
If only the mountains of corpses and the stench of blood could be wiped away. Just days ago, those peaceful days felt like a dream.
“Focus on preparing for departure today, Lord Ian.”
The Clifford king extended his hand to Ian. By now, everything felt like fate. Unexpectedly, Ian’s presence had saved their kingdom. Soldiers, including Prince Noah, all knelt.
“I am truly grateful. It pains me that I have nothing more to say. Clifford will maintain a deep relationship with Bariel and firmly support you as the center of Gaia. Please convey my heartfelt feelings to His Majesty and Crown Prince Jin. I look forward to the day I can meet and greet you properly—as a small king of Clifford.”
“Under Bariel’s glory.”
“And under Clifford’s glory.”
With a firm grip, Ian naturally clasped the king’s hand and shook it lightly. At that moment, social rank meant nothing.
The king raised his hand in greeting to the mages watching from the stairs.
“Thank you, Bariel’s mages.”
“It was the will of the Magic Department, Your Majesty.”
The mages bowed slightly in return. Meanwhile, soldiers and mages who had grown close embraced each other, exchanging words of trust and gratitude.
“Thank you so much, mages.”
“Yes, it’s been a pleasure.”
“Hahaha. If fate allows, we shall meet again.”
“Please take care. I will pray for the prosperity and safety of the mages.”
“Come on, the carriage is still too light for farewells! Let’s finish what we need to! I can’t move this alone!”
“Who are the mages leaving first?”
“Me, this one, and that one…”
“If you say it like that, I won’t know your names.”
Suddenly, amidst the noisy commotion, Beric burst through the door and tumbled out. Entangled with him was Efdiram. For some reason, they were grabbing each other’s hair and falling down the stairs.
The Clifford people were wide-eyed in shock, but the Bariel side barely flinched, recognizing Beric.
“Are you crazy? Seriously!”
“You lunatic, I’m gonna kill you!”
“Yeah. Today, I’m sending one Atan tribe member to the gods. You’re going down in one hit.”
“I can see all your attacks now!”
Bang! Crash!
They rolled and tumbled until they landed at Ian’s feet, still clutching each other’s hair and looking up at him. Ian’s green eyes were calm but filled with a look of disbelief.
“Efdiram…”
Ian crouched down slightly and whispered to her. Beric perked up his ears, but Ian kept his voice as low as possible.
“Want me to tell you King Damon’s secret instead of mine?”
“That’s pointless. What good is knowing the secret of someone who’s about to die?”
“They say he’s living two lives at once.”
“…Huh?”
Startled, Efdiram lost her grip on Beric’s hair, and Beric shouted excitedly—though he was immediately kicked in the gut.
Thwack!
“I won, ugh!”
“What was that? What did you just say?”
She followed Ian closely, asking, but he gave no answer. He’d already given her what she wanted—what more was there to say? Ian smirked slyly and shrugged.
“Exactly. What could it mean? We’re taking King Damon to Bariel. If you’re curious, come to the palace for the next briefing. But be warned—you’ll need to show a very favorable attitude about the monster outbreak.”
“Why do you have to tease me like that? Hey!”
“Keep preparing. We leave at dawn. Time’s tight.”
“The Imperial Defense Department’s Minister Tweller has appointed a successor and delegated the cleanup. The palace guard is withdrawing entirely.”
“How many Bariel soldiers remain?”
“They’re still confirming the minimum number needed to disband Burgos forces. No updates yet. They’re closely monitoring the situation on the Cliffford side.”
“Excuse me, Minister Ian Hielo? What did you say about Damon?”
“It’s a secret. No leaks.”
“How can I leak something I don’t know?”
Judging by Efdiram’s behavior trailing after Ian, she was definitely one of Beric’s kind. The mages clicked their tongues and hurried their preparations to return home.
The sky was breaking into dawn.
In the bluish early morning, all kinds of colors mingled. The barrier gate opened, and carriages slowly rolled past the path of corpses. Ian and the mages followed behind. The sound of hooves was enough to rouse soldiers from both the Burgos and Luswena sides.
Among those many carriages was their king, bound and captive. The Burgos soldiers, feeling an inexplicable mix of emotions, clicked their tongues and watched the procession until the very end.
Clop clop clop!
Ian settled into the rhythm of his horse’s movement, eyes fixed straight ahead. It was a motion only someone with a set destination could make. Prince Noah, riding beside him, had the strange impression that Ian was throwing himself toward the rising sun.
They rode on in silence, only slowing as they neared the border. Bariel soldiers, previously alerted, waved the imperial flag in welcome. The triumphant mages of the empire had returned.
“Sir Ian.”
Prince Noah reached out his hand from horseback, and Ian grasped it without a word. They would see each other again soon—there was no need for lengthy farewells.
“Let’s go!”
With a sharp tug on the reins, Ian urged his horse forward. Forward—to Bariel, to Jin and Romandro, to Xiaoxi, and to the countless imperial citizens waiting for him.