Chapter 439

“Long time no see, Your Highness. And Ambassador Mei as well.”

Ian personally poured the black tea and gestured for the two to sit. Although they had spent a few days at the palace for Crown Prince Jin’s inauguration, this was the first time either of them had ventured so deep into the Ministry of Magic.

The ivory-colored building, adorned with golden patterns, was even more majestic and towering than they had imagined. Yet, alongside that grandeur, the chaotic atmosphere was equally striking.

“This is surprising. The palace looks a bit different from what I expected.”

“I find it unfamiliar as well. I believe everyone within the palace feels the same. But thanks to this, I was able to personally welcome Your Highness and serve you tea here. Perhaps that’s a charm of its own.”

“Is that so? The wizards outside the window seem to think otherwise.”

Noah took a sip of the tea Ian had poured and glanced out the window. In the Ministry’s rear garden, several wizards stood like statues—a kind of protest. The wooden placards they held bore drawings resembling Ian.

“Well, with the major crisis behind us, everyone should be on vacation, yet they’re guarding the palace. I can only welcome that.”

The war was over, public opinion praised the wizards, and no one inside the palace dared to condemn the Ministry. This was all thanks to Crown Prince Jin’s firm stance.

With no need for political posturing, the palace seemed to dismiss the wizards’ rebellion as a mere incident. Even the wizards themselves, lacking resolve, were still doing their jobs adequately despite the strike. It was a strange situation where no one seemed dissatisfied.

“Last time, they said they weren’t interested in a pay raise, so next year, it looks like negotiations won’t even happen. The administration has been complaining about the taxes per wizard, but this is a good thing.”

“Hmm.”

Prince Noah murmured, clearly puzzled, as he sipped his tea. Despite the majority striking, Ian seemed largely unaffected.

If anything, he looked merely “inconvenienced.”

“Beric, send whatever’s in the right box over to the administration.”

“Again? How many times are these papers going back and forth?”

“They’ll reply once they get it, so bring it back immediately.”

“Ugh, I’ve been running this route since morning. At this rate, I’ll memorize the palace corridors!”

“Well, if you’ve been running it that much, memorizing it is only natural.”

“What else do you want me to do? Might as well finish all the errands while I’m out!”

“Hmm, replace the blanket with a new one and refill the inkpot.”

Beric, who handled everything from start to finish, was clearly growing weary.

Mei glanced around and asked, knowing well that the wizards and Ian’s work were being disrupted, but where was Romandro?

Ian caught the meaning behind her gesture and smiled.

“Romandro had a baby a few days ago. He’s on extended leave, so he won’t be coming to the palace for a while.”

“I see. Please convey my congratulations. On another note, it must be harder for you to manage everything now, Ian.”

“Yes. This has made me realize just how many people have been working hard on my behalf. The wizards have even been persuading the servants, so this is how things have come to be.”

Ian chuckled playfully and set down his teacup. Then, with a click, he pulled out his pocket watch to check the time.

By now, news of Prince Noah’s arrival must have reached Jin. If they delayed too long, rumors might start—like the guest being received before the Crown Prince. Someone might seize on that as an excuse to accuse them of disrespect.

“You should go greet His Highness the Crown Prince, so I’ll get straight to the point. As you can see, the palace stands firm, and daily life continues smoothly—except for the minor disturbance at the Ministry.”

“I heard there was some trouble involving you as well, Ian.”

“That’s true. I can’t go into details, but I was planning to resign as minister and head to Cleaford to focus on investigating and repairing the rift.”

Mei clenched her fingers inside her sleeve. Was there ever a statement that brought so much hope and despair at once? Not just any wizard, but Ian himself was going to support Cleaford directly—and after stepping down from his ministerial post.

For Cleaford, this was a godsend. If Ian could be tied to Cleaford, even in a limited capacity, it could instantly fill the decades-long void left by the absence of wizards.

“That phrase, ‘planning to focus on repairs,’ suggests there’s been a problem. Ian.”

“Yes. Unfortunately, aside from Beric, no one is particularly welcoming of my going to Cleaford. Romandro respects my decision, but we haven’t met yet. With his wife just having given birth, how could he leave her side even if the world split in two?”

Clatter.

Noah and Mei exchanged glances. The moment when ‘maybe’ becomes ‘as expected.’ If they don’t support Ian now, Cleaford stands to suffer a huge loss.

“What about continuing the investigation while keeping your ministerial post?”

“Ambassador Mei, I appreciate the suggestion, but that’s impossible. The Minister of Magic is a key position in Bariel. I don’t know how long this will take, but I can’t hold onto the post for my own small desires.”

Small desires? Noah wanted to add that it was anything but small, and not mere desire at all.

But that would be a misstep. As someone who needed Ian to come to Cleaford, Noah had to choose his words carefully.

This was truly a matter of national importance—an enormous turning point in history, even more impactful than the war with Burgos.

“…Then, Ian, you intend to proceed with the rift investigation?”

“Yes.”

“…Why?”

Noah asked quietly.

It was a move that defied common sense. Ian could live out his days in comfort and satisfaction within the safe cradle of Bariel.

Even if it affected his homeland, this was more than necessary from the minister’s perspective.

So the ‘why’ was crucial. Not just for Noah’s understanding, but out of genuine curiosity. What was it that so strongly pulled Ian, that even palace opposition couldn’t shake him? Knowing that would help Noah offer stronger support.

Ian lowered his gaze slightly and smiled. That remark was sly indeed. The person who would be happiest and most welcoming of Ian’s move to Cleaford was acting as if he were helping him—almost coaxing him gently, as if they were in the same boat.

But there was a caution to be had. Something important enough to make Ian put aside state affairs could also become his weakness.

‘Given the nature of the Cleaford royal family, it’s unlikely, but…’

Unlikely, but exceptions exist.

Ian shook his head and trailed off.

“It truly is a sense of responsibility. And for my identity as a wizard. The rift itself is an unknown world. I believe it could be a gateway to understanding magic, monsters, and even the will of the gods.”

Sitting across from each other, Noah sensed Ian slipping away from the topic like a cunning snake. Judging by the palace’s unrest, it seemed that with just a little probing, they could uncover the truth.

“Right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

Noah and Mei exchanged glances again. With so many voices opposing his resignation, Ian would have to present a reason that could convince not just them, but the entire palace.

Better to watch closely. Hmm.

As Noah thought this, Ian spoke again.

“How is the rift containment progressing in Cleaford? I worry, since there are no wizards in the country. Soon, I will order the wizards I left behind to return.”

“We are truly grateful for the many who have come to help, including the wizards. But the damage caused by the rift remains uncontrolled. Like a broken vessel that leaves cracks even when mended, the dead land will not come back to life.”

“You must be deeply concerned. I wish I could come and offer my help, but I worry I might just be a burden given Clifford’s current situation. If I resign from my ministerial post, the Ministry will appoint a new minister who will likely propose a fresh plan to handle the rift. I’m not sure if the factions of the former and current ministers on the ground will be able to unite and work together effectively.”

Ian subtly tested Noah. His self-deprecation was more convincing than ever—he wanted to see just how much power a simple question like, ‘Should I not come?’ could hold.

The answer was obvious. Noah’s tightly pressed lips said it all.

“No. The more wizards, the better. Isn’t that obvious?”

“Of course. Then, Prince Noah, as you said, I’ll need your help.”

Ian’s tone carried a gentle warning: he knew Noah was cunning, but he wasn’t going to play fox-like word games just to seize control.

“His Highness Jin will surely order Clifford to deny me entry. It’s practically a command. Or he might even temporarily delegate jurisdiction over that territory to Bariel, trying to transfer authority over the rift investigation to him.”

“To stop you from resigning?”

“That’s just one of many benefits.”

“…Clifford is a problem. We’re all exhausted from the winds blowing through the palace.”

“That’s why I wanted to meet you first. No matter what, Clifford will have to relinquish that authority. The King is on his way, isn’t he? He’s already made a binding contract with the Ministry.”

Noah’s ears twitched irritably. The curse’s manifestation was creeping closer, hastened by his anguish and stress, though he hadn’t noticed yet—no symptoms had appeared. Only Ian caught the habitual gesture, storing it quietly in his mind.

“And one more thing—the royal family owes a debt not just to Bariel, but to me as well, doesn’t it?”

At Ian’s words, Noah leaned back against the sofa and sighed deeply. That Bariel—why was it that every time he set foot in the palace, he got shaken down from all sides?

“What now? What is it? What are you trying to say?”

Noah’s voice cracked with frustration just as the door suddenly swung open.

Screeeech! Bang!

“Since the guest wouldn’t come, I’ve come myself.”

“His Highness Jin.”

“Long time no see, Prince Noah.”

Jin entered, flanked by Xiaosi and attendants. Folding his arms tightly, he cast a sharp, triangular-eyed glare around the office.