Chapter 424

Jin’s expression stiffened as he received Ian’s preliminary report. Behind the radiant victories of Bariel and Clifford loomed a massive shadow—something called the Rift.

Jin pressed his forehead with both hands, as if about to collapse, and muttered to himself.

“If the monsters flood in, how much damage should we expect?”

“No one knows for sure. That’s why the Magic Department returned early. There must be a guidebook in the palace archives. Don’t lose heart just yet.”

“I understand that the northern forces moving south isn’t as simple as it seems. Humans live intertwined with nature, but sadly, nature exists on its own, unaware of us. That means disaster can strike at any time. I know this well.”

The ecosystem was shifting, twisting Gaia’s balance and political landscape.

Bariel stood at the center of it all, but whether it could continue to stand tall like this was uncertain. Even if it were to walk upside down on its hands, those living in history would hardly notice the world had flipped.

The consequences would fall to future generations. The moment when someone, exhausted from trudging forward, finally collapses—that moment was already written in the future.

“For now, I will report this to Your Majesty and then return to the Magic Department to continue investigating the archives and interrogate King Damon. Later this afternoon, I will add more details at the grand assembly.”

“Can you uncover anything in such a short time?”

“It will be difficult, but not impossible. And ‘not impossible’ means we must succeed, Your Majesty. That is the duty of myself and the Magic Department.”

Ian bowed his head slightly, a gesture meant to ease Jin’s worries. His golden hair fell forward, framing the certainty in his tone.

Jin smiled faintly in acknowledgment, then glanced sideways at Beric. Beric sat close to Xiaosi, shooting Jin unfamiliar, almost hostile looks—as if harboring some grievance.

“When do you think the Atan tribe’s chieftain will arrive at the palace? They’re as fleeting as the wind; I wonder if the invitation will even reach them.”

“They’re quick in many ways. Whatever they do, they’ll come at the right time. Once Your Majesty sets a date with King Eriphoni, they’ll know instantly and join us.”

“Beric, how did it feel meeting the Atan tribe?”

“Efdiram? The bald one?”

“The bald one?”

Was that a curse or a slip of the tongue?

Jin looked puzzled, but Beric’s gaze remained fixed on Xiaosi, clearly displeased that he was the only one here without a title.

Romandro, a commoner who had served as a palace advisor his whole life, stood nearby, but Beric’s thoughts didn’t reach that far.

“He was unlucky, honestly.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I was honestly startled when Ian kept calling him ‘that bald guy.’ But Your Majesty, I want a title too.”

“Pfft!”

Romandro spat out his tea in surprise. He had never imagined someone would openly ask for a title like that—right before his eyes.

Wiping the tea from his hand, Romandro scolded Beric firmly.

“You fool! I told you to keep quiet if you can’t tell right from wrong! My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“No, it’s fine. It’s Beric after all.”

“Beric, listen carefully. Asking the royal family directly for a title is extremely rude. Titles are granted solely by the will of the crown, by His Majesty and Your Majesty. Any outside pressure threatens royal authority. So, no matter what, be careful. Consider yourself lucky that Your Majesty is lenient and that it’s just us here. Otherwise, you’d have been kicked out of the palace by now!”

“I fought alongside Xiaosi during the civil war! I was bedridden for days with a huge belly wound! And this time, I even went to war myself!”

“Why are you acting like you deserve a seat when you wouldn’t even hold it if given?”

Beric ignored Romandro’s glare and hummed a tune, clearly sulking and avoiding eye contact.

It was understandable—he might be jealous of Xiaosi’s rise. Jin seemed to understand perfectly and pushed some food toward Beric while explaining.

“Beric, I know well the contributions you’ve made to the palace. But this time, Xiaosi’s title wasn’t just to honor his achievements—it was to strengthen my own position. By appointing Maxim Tweller as minister and Xiaosi as officer, I set markers to measure my influence within the palace.”

Beric nibbled on a cookie, still scowling.

“The Imperial Defense Department was purged. Since Xiaosi belongs there, I had no choice but to use him. Beric, I know your merits in the civil war and the recent conflict. But we need a more fitting justification—a reason that allows me to raise you up among those who risked their lives.”

“…”

Jin’s words were persuasive and measured, soothing the restless spirit. Ian sipped his tea, quietly observing Jin’s profile.

Where had the young Jin gone? They say a year in a child’s life equals ten in an adult’s. His growth was truly dazzling—no trace of the darkness from his past remained.

“Is it something only I can do?”

“Yes. Let’s find out together what that is.”

Jin patted Beric’s hand, and Beric, as if sulking, straightened up. Something only he could do…

Atan tribe. That word dominated Beric’s mind. Since he was the only one in the palace connected to the Atan tribe, maybe he should focus there.

Romandro narrowed his eyes and asked Beric,

“I never thought you were so greedy for a title. For the sake of those who would call you ‘Lord,’ forget about it this lifetime.”

“But with a title comes land, right?”

“Hmm? That’s true.”

“Oh? So it’s not just honor you want, but material things too?” Romandro’s surprise was short-lived, shattered by Beric’s next words.

“I’ll raise cattle there.”

“…”

No need to hear more. Romandro shook his head and wiped the spilled tea with his handkerchief.

Ian smoothly shifted the topic.

“Your Majesty, about Minister Maxim Tweller.”

“Oh, yes. I saw him downstairs. What do you think? I learned of him through the Prime Minister’s recommendation.”

“He hasn’t been here long, but he retains the dignity of a warrior. He has qualities the previous minister lacked, so he fits well in Bariel Palace.”

He purged the Volves thoroughly and handled the process admirably. Filling the vacancy with a capable person and striving to correct the corrupt system deserves applause, Ian said.

Jin’s faint smile deepened until it blossomed fully.

“Seeing you smile like that, I know this is the Jin I once knew.”

“I too fought a war here.”

“Excellent, Your Majesty.”

“Just as you brought us news of victory, I want to show you the same. Ian, now everyone will recognize the sacredness of mages and hold them in awe.”

Jin was consolidating his power in the palace. Ian no longer needed to step back or look up from below. The checks and balances for growth were no longer necessary—he was doing well.

So, so…

“Let us continue as before.”

In other words, continue supporting me closely and focus solely on Bariel’s prosperity. My growth is Bariel’s growth, and precious talents like Ian are the pillars of Bariel.

His tone was firm, almost commanding, but his eyes were filled with longing. He still desperately needed Ian’s guidance.

Silently, Ian bowed his head in response, offering no answer. Just as Jin was about to press him again—

Knock, knock.

“Your Majesty.”

Not long after, footsteps sounded outside. These weren’t the ones who had been dismissed but others from a different building bringing new matters.

Jin bit his lip, glancing between the door and Ian. There was still so much he wanted to say, and the visitor’s presence suggested urgency, making it hard to decide.

Perhaps sensing this, Ian stood and straightened his jacket.

“Your Majesty, I will head to the Magic Department first. As I said, there’s still much to handle. I’ll see you at the assembly, and afterward as well.”

“Very well. Let them in.”

Beric sprang up from the sofa, stretching, and Romandro followed Ian, thinking to himself:

This is exactly what I wanted—the chance to return to the Magic Department with Ian! Romandro wiped tears of joy, overwhelmed, while Xiaosi stood firmly behind Jin, watching.

Squeeeak.

A brief exchange of glances said their goodbyes. As Ian stepped outside, a waiting official brushed past him, clutching a thick stack of reports.

Ian tilted his head, feeling oddly out of place. Back when he was at the Ministry of Magic, Jin’s usual spot had been the office sofa. Sitting there reading books was all his job entailed. But now, here he was—sitting upright at his desk, methodically handling paperwork. Ian smiled faintly to himself, then stepped outside and spotted the waiting wizards.

“Ian, half the group already headed to the Ministry. It’s been a while for them; I’m worried they might get lost.”

“Alright. Let’s go too. I’d like to tell them to rest and recover, but unfortunately, that’s not an option.”

“No worries. Those who went to the archives will gather all the documents related to the rift. Hopefully, we’ll get approval soon.”

“I’ll contact the administration myself.”

“Understood.”

As Ian climbed into the carriage, Romandro’s eyes lit up as he handed over some papers. He’d anticipated this and had already prepared a request for administrative cooperation. Ian nodded in approval and accepted the documents without hesitation.

The soft scratch of Ian’s pen on paper was a sound Romandro hadn’t heard in a long time—and it filled him with happiness. Ah, this must be his fate: to serve faithfully for life. Is it really this satisfying to see one’s superior at work?

Tap tap!

Screeeech!

The carriage hurried along until they reached the Ministry. Outside, the carriages they’d ridden since Clifford’s time were lined up. Everyone seemed busy moving Akorella’s materials deeper inside the Ministry.

“Akorella!”

“Who called? Oh! Ian, yes, yes, Akorella here!”

“Do we have any remaining venom potions with usable shelf life?”

“Just two that are barely holding on. Should I make more?”

“How long will it take?”

“I can make them blindfolded here. Just give me a couple of hours.”

“Good. Prepare for Damon’s interrogation.”

“Yaaay! This is my first time using venom potions on a king—I’m so excited!”

“Captain, the prince used them before.”

“Kids don’t need to know. Some things are just for adults.”

Ian shrugged off his robe and climbed the stairs. The familiar scene filled his vision and heart with a strange sense of calm.

As he crossed the hallway, Romandro and a few wizards exchanged documents, smoothly handling the backlog of work.

Click.

Finally, he arrived at his office. Standing by his desk was a familiar figure.

“Timothy?”

Timothy. His massive frame was the same, but there was something off—like his very heart was twisted. Timothy lightly brushed dust off the cluttered desk and turned toward Ian.

“Apologies for entering without permission. I arrived before anyone authorized could be present.”

“Long time no see. I heard you’ve been naturalized.”

“Yes, thanks to you.”

“…How unfortunate.”

“It couldn’t be helped.”

Ian had expected some of Timothy’s behavior, but this was truly unavoidable. Timothy shook his head, indicating there was nothing more to say about it.

There was only one reason he had come here.

“They say King Damon has been captured.”

“Yes. He’s likely been moved to the Ministry’s underground.”

“Please, let me see him.”

“……”

To meet the man who had shaken both his family and himself to their core in the past.

“I beg you, Sir Ian. Please allow me to see King Damon.”

Ian slowly approached his desk, brushing off the remaining dust. On the condition that Timothy wouldn’t confront him directly, Ian had secured Damon’s unfiltered words. It would be troublesome if he came out like this.

Ian tilted his head slowly and sat down in his chair. The perfect fit wrapped his entire body in comfort.

“…Why?”

“To ask him something important, no, to hear something—”

“No. That’s not it, Sir Timothy.”

Ian spoke slowly.

“This is a question about why I should show you Damon at all.”