Chapter 444
“How many envoys did you say the Clifford delegation has?”
“Excluding Prince Noah and Envoy May, who arrived early, there are about twenty in total—not counting their bodyguards.”
“I heard each royal family is limited to five bodyguards inside the palace. Were you given instructions on that?”
“Yes, yes. I was. The rest of the guards will stay outside, in temporary lodgings we’ve arranged.”
“Good. Hello! Crown Prince Jin, I’ve just come out of the private chambers.”
“What is it? If you’re here to check the schedule, there’s an updated copy on that desk.”
“And the Clifford envoys?”
“There are fifteen of them. They’ve decided not to bring any bodyguards inside. Those entering will be thoroughly checked for weapons at the main gate, so the gatekeepers will be on high alert.”
“Ah, what a mess. Seriously.”
“What’s next? We need the list of Bariel officials attending the meeting. I had it here somewhere… where did it go?”
“That was just taken out. They’re sending servants to each mansion, so no need to worry.”
“But I’m the one in charge of that. Who took it?”
“Huh? Ah! This is driving me crazy. Maybe the papers got switched!”
Crash!
Amid the chaos, a faint order struggled to hold. Servants rushed back and forth, exchanging documents, and piles of papers toppled over in several places.
But the administration was too busy to clean up. Scattered sheets lay trampled underfoot. Understandable, since preparations for the guests, which had taken months, now had to be completed in just a few days.
This meeting was as important as Crown Prince Jin’s appointment ceremony. The entire Gaia continent was watching, with major powers like Clifford, Luswena, Burgos, and even smaller northern factions gathering. The agenda: addressing war damage and healing the fractures. The servants’ hands moved swiftly to match the gravity of the occasion.
Tap tap tap!
“Move aside! Clear the way!”
“Oh my, what a commotion.”
“Beric! What are you doing here?”
“Why? Ian sent me on an errand.”
“Ahhh! These magic department fools still wandering around with cloths wrapped around their heads? When will they ever grow up? We should be the ones striking!”
An administrative staff member wailed as he looked over the documents Beric brought, while Quintana’s sharp gaze flashed.
“Quiet. Do you think work gets done by shouting?”
“No, no, sorry.”
“I’m swamped. Don’t even mention the word ‘strike.’ Anyone caught stirring trouble will be held fully liable for damages. If you don’t like it, go join the magic department! No one will stop you!”
People often underestimated the mages, but they were invaluable. Each individual wielded immense power, practically independent within the magic department. They were irreplaceable—not the kind to worry about losing their place.
The staff member shut his mouth and took the papers Ian had given. Beric brushed away the fluttering sheets with one hand and said,
“By the way, the King of Luswena just arrived at the main gate.”
“What? Already?”
“Does that king have no sense of decorum? Why come so early? Yesterday at dawn, the Burgos envoys arrived; this morning, the Clifford king; and now Luswena right after?”
“Someone said he must be nervous.”
“Sounds like something General Akorella would say.”
“Oh! How did you know?”
“Quintana! I’m sending this up without middle approval. Please check immediately!”
“Pass it here.”
Bang! Crash!
Tap tap tap! Bang!
Quintana put on her glasses and pounded away at the calculator like a warrior. Each time she stamped approval, the subordinate beside her swiftly transcribed the report. The atmosphere was as intense as a forge.
Beric sniffled, waiting for a reply.
“Where’s the data on Clifford’s grape harvest from last year?”
“I gave it to you earlier.”
“That was the year before last! I told you to break it down by month and prepare detailed data. We need a five-year average to estimate the damage! Don’t think I’m just playing with the calculator for fun!”
“Sorry! I’ll find it and bring it right away.”
“Tsk. Beric!”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Quintana, already on edge over the numbers, snapped at Beric. Usually unflappable, he straightened up and lifted his chin.
“Take it directly to Ian.”
“Got it.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Quintana caught Beric as he tried to slip away, but he just opened and closed his mouth, making pitiful sounds. Looking into his round, innocent eyes, she realized it was pointless.
“What is it?”
“Nothing. Just hurry along.”
With a half-dismissive wave, Beric grinned and left the administration office.
Quintana sifted through the chaotic papers, recalling the Crown Prince’s summons from a few nights ago, when the schedule was just starting to get hectic.
“We’re going ahead with building the magic department annex immediately. We should secure some liquid funds right away.”
Not Minister Ian, but the Crown Prince himself was pushing the construction forward. What was going on?
The royal family had every reason to oppose it. That was why progress had stalled for so long. But since the Crown Prince had given the order directly to Quintana, it seemed the project would soon be a reality.
Rubbing her throbbing temples, Quintana closed her eyes.
Sigh.
Where to find the funds for the annex? With the negotiations coming up, it might be best to try and free up some resources there.
She circled something decisively with her pen.
“Father!”
“Noah?”
Prince Noah spotted his father approaching the main palace from afar and ran eagerly toward him.
The king’s eyes looked sunken from the grueling schedule, or maybe it was just Noah’s imagination. Noah’s bright gaze scanned his father carefully, and the king noticed something different about his son.
“Your Highness!”
“May!”
“Ah, Your Majesty! You’ve returned. I apologize for the trouble.”
The king embraced his much taller son from behind and gave May a knowing look. Though hidden beneath the traditional Clifford hat, it was unmistakable—strange ears poking out beneath the cloth. And instead of a sweet scent, there was an earthy aroma reminiscent of the forest.
Noah grinned and hugged his father’s shoulders tightly.
“…This is serious, Noah.”
“I’m still okay for now. I missed you. There’s a lot to discuss.”
“Let’s go inside. Not all the carriages have arrived yet. They won’t be cleared until after inspection, so it might take a while.”
“This way, Father. It’s been a while since you’ve been to Bariel Palace, hasn’t it?”
“Yes. Since you were very young. This is the first time since then.”
The king climbed the steps into the main palace, keeping the attendants at a distance. Noah bounced excitedly, while May watched him with concern.
Closing the reception room door himself, the king whispered to May.
“What’s going on, May?”
“The curse has manifested. We expected it soon, but didn’t think it would happen so suddenly. I’m sorry.”
“Has anyone in the palace found out?”
“Only Crown Prince Jin and Sir Ian know the secret. The information hasn’t leaked further. Clifford is already overwhelmed with reconstruction; we don’t want to add to their worries.”
“Right. Who would be happy to follow a royal who’s a beastman? Especially one who’s experienced monsters from the war and the fractures. This must never be revealed. I heard last time you got help from the mages?”
“Yes. We requested their aid again. But it only suppresses symptoms temporarily and has significant side effects. Since the prince is still stable and His Highness is arriving soon, he hasn’t taken the potion.”
Noah sat still, nodding repeatedly.
Watching him, the king smiled softly. Though grown, his son was still so young and innocent. The curse was both a mark of the royal family and a heavy burden—no easy emotions to express.
Knock knock.
“Your Highness, the carriages have passed inspection and entered. We’re moving the documents from Clifford and finishing preparations.”
“Good. I’ll be there soon.”
The bloody war fought with sword and shield had ended, but now they faced a battle with even greater consequences—a war of words, where each side wielded their positions and claims like weapons.
“May, what about the palace arrangements?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Just down the hall is the lodging and preparation room reserved for the envoys. The negotiations will last up to five days, continuing until a ‘satisfactory’ agreement is reached.”
Of course, the definition of ‘satisfactory’ lay with Bariel. They would set the standard, while Burgos and Luswena would try not to exceed it, and Clifford aimed to maximize their gains.
May handed the king the report she and Noah had prepared and explained.
“Your Highness, you should also be aware of the current palace atmosphere—especially regarding the magic department…”
Whispering, May relayed everything they had heard and seen: the red headbands of the strike, the Luswena mages seeking asylum, Ian’s position and attitude, and more. The king’s kind eyes narrowed thoughtfully, and he clicked his tongue in frustration.
“This is troublesome.”
“Now then, how about we propose this at the meeting? It’s just a small suggestion from the prince and me, so if Your Majesty finds any shortcomings, please do let us know.”
Rustle.
King Clifford folded the report from May as he turned down the corridor. The more he read, the more a satisfied sigh escaped him. This plan might just work, he thought, about to voice his approval.
But then, at the end of the hallway, a woman with striking teal hair appeared—Eriphoni, queen of Luswena.
“Ahem.”
The king straightened his shoulders and faced Eriphoni with confidence. If they had any conscience, shouldn’t they be here right now, apologizing to them?
Yet, perhaps thinking it unwise, they held their heads high and passed by the king without a word. Not even acknowledging his presence—if invisibility were an art, they’d be masters.
“Hey!”
“May, that’s enough.”
May, furious, was about to retort, but the king raised a hand to stop her. A chill settled over his usually gentle face.
“There’s no need to get worked up. Soon enough, their pride will be broken. We just need to wait for that moment.”
“…It’s infuriating, Your Majesty.”
“Ha ha. I know. The heat’s rising all the way to my head.”
Patting May’s shoulder, the king urged her to move on.
Eventually, they arrived at their quarters. The delegation was so absorbed in preparing for negotiations that they didn’t even notice the sky darkening outside. Only the summons from a palace attendant snapped them back to reality.
Knock, knock.
“Excuse me. It’s time for the conference.”
“Already?”
“Yes, it’s in the building right next door. You can walk there.”
“Everyone, let’s go. Be well prepared. And Noah!”
“Yes, Father!”
“You’re coming with us.”
The king grasped Noah’s hand firmly, as if drawing strength from the boy. Then, following the attendant, they entered the conference hall where the negotiations would take place.
The first thing that caught the king’s eye was the Vargas delegation. Beside Damon, who looked battered and bruised, sat a woman.
Is she the head of the delegation? The king wondered silently. Then Damon opened his mouth—and showed his tongue.
“…!”
The jagged, mutilated edge sent a shiver down the king’s spine. He stiffened, unsure what to make of it.
Seeing this, Damon grinned slyly and closed his mouth as if it were nothing.