Chapter 447

The Prime Minister’s call for calm amid the rising shouts. Delegations from various countries whispered in their native tongues rather than Bariel’s common language, while officials busily shuffled papers, caught up in the chaos.

Whose harsh words carried such resentment and anger? The Vargas delegation, at the center of the controversy, bore the uproar with stoic composure.

A subtle movement.

At that moment, Ian gracefully caught his sleeve and raised his hand. Though his gesture was quiet, it drew all eyes. The room fell into a sudden hush, and Ian patiently waited until everyone’s gaze was fixed on him.

The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses, struck his gavel, and granted Ian the floor.

“Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Department, you may speak.”

“A new piece of information has just come to light.”

“Information? What kind?”

Just as Timothy had recognized Vania, she seemed to recognize Timothy in return.

The delegates standing behind her were no different. Among them were those who had worked closely with Timothy, some who had stabbed him in the back, and others who had stood by and let his family be buried in the ground.

Eriphoni subtly flicked her finger, signaling her subordinates to keep quiet.

“Representative Vania, are you perhaps a descendant of the Vargas royal family?”

“Ian, what are you implying?”

“Are you saying that Representative Vania is blood-related to King Damon?”

Officials unaware of Timothy’s ledger existence recoiled, shocked to overhear such words.

It was Ian, no less. By using the term “descendant” instead of “royal,” he implied she was a direct offspring of the late king and queen. The seasoned officials, confident in their own knowledge, were visibly unsettled by this sudden gap in information.

Vania hid her fingertips inside her sleeve and lifted her chin with a hint of pride.

“…I don’t believe this is the place to discuss such matters.”

She spoke with some dignity, but before Ian, she was powerless. He shook his head firmly.

“If you share blood with King Damon, you have the right to challenge the throne. That means you could become the king of Vargas. Yet, before even ascending, you come here under the false pretense of a delegate, attempting to decide Vargas’s fate. Bariel cannot overlook this. How can we trust someone with no credibility? It would be cleaner to proceed without the Vargas delegation altogether.”

His clear, commanding voice echoed through the chamber.

Vania tilted her head slightly, glancing at Damon and the other delegates sitting quietly. She wished for some sign, some hint of support, but all eyes remained fixed on Ian.

“Your Highness.”

But Ian’s gaze was on Crown Prince Jin. Placing a hand over his chest, Ian pleaded.

“Representative Vania of Vargas, it is only right to verify your qualifications before continuing negotiations. Please permit the use of the Truth Serum.”

Ian and Jin’s eyes locked instantly. Timothy slipped between them. The three, knowing the ledger’s secret, exchanged unspoken signals with clear meaning.

Jin rubbed the scar near his chin, frowning. Lately, he had many grievances with Ian, but seeing him act like this made it hard to stay upset.

Nodding, Jin addressed Vania.

“Vania, as Crown Prince of the Great Empire of Bariel, I command you: if you wish to negotiate, reveal your truth through the Truth Serum. If you refuse, the Vargas delegation must leave immediately, and Bariel’s soldiers will personally escort you out.”

A warning: refuse, and military sanctions would follow instead of talks.

The young prince’s words, powerful enough to shake history, silenced even Clifford and Ruthwen, who held their breath in concentration.

Surprisingly, Vargas remained calm. Vania raised both hands in compliance.

“As Bariel wishes.”

“Ian, prepare the Truth Serum.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Akorella!”

“Eh? Ah, yes, yes! Just a moment! I’ll bring it right away. Five minutes—no, three minutes at most!”

Akorella dashed out, and the chamber buzzed with uncontrollable commotion.

The unexpected appearance of a Vargas heir. Yet why was Damon so nonchalant? It was astonishing, puzzling, and suspicious. And here was a rare chance to see the Magic Department’s Truth Serum firsthand.

Until Akorella returned, hair flying, the tension refused to ease. Even the Prime Minister hadn’t anticipated this.

Screech!

Bang!

“Here it is!”

Akorella placed the entire vial of Truth Serum in the center of the massive table. The liquid shimmered brilliantly. Small enough to fit in the palm, yet it promised to reveal secrets buried deep beneath the ocean of mystery.

Ian gestured to Vania, inviting her to drink.

“The taste isn’t pleasant. Drink it all at once.”

“Just one thing—please confirm one thing for me.”

“What is it?”

“That what comes out of my mouth isn’t manipulated, but pure truth.”

Vania’s words made Ian hesitate. He detected a subtle barb in her statement. Logically, the serum would force her to spill the truth involuntarily. Why would she agree so readily, knowing Bariel’s side would ask probing questions?

If any damaging secrets surfaced, she could claim it was a trick by the Magic Department.

‘But she’s blocking her own escape route?’

It felt unnatural. Such a move was out of character for her. Why?

Before Ian could ponder further, Akorella spoke up.

“Of course! The Truth Serum is one of my life’s greatest achievements! I swear on the names of Crown Prince Jin and Ian Hielo, my superior, that there is no tampering whatsoever. I guarantee it as a mage.”

Akorella placed her hand over her chest and bowed to Jin and Ian.

Jin faintly noticed Ian’s discomfort but had to shift his gaze as Vania reached for the serum.

“Only ask about my existence. That is why I drink this, Your Highness.”

“…Very well.”

Without hesitation, Vania opened the vial and drank it down. The gulping sounds seemed unusually loud. She drained the glass in one go, wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, and the officials urged Ian to start questioning.

“Ian, why no questions?”

“Doesn’t this have a limited effect time?”

“It’s still working. Calm down. Ian surely has a plan.”

Ian rested his elbows on the table, clasped his hands under his chin. He felt as if one wrong move would cause everything to collapse. It was a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time—facing a formidable political rival.

“Representative Vania, are you here as a blood relative of King Damon?”

Before the question finished, Vania answered.

“No.”

“……?!”

What nonsense was that? Everyone’s eyes widened in shock, but the next words left them speechless.

“I am blood of King Damon, but I am not here because of that. Ian, I am here by the will of Rutherford, just as you are.”

Vania looked bewildered by her own tongue’s involuntary confession, then quickly clamped her hand over her mouth.

A heavy silence fell over the chamber. If the sound of spinning eyes could be heard, it would have been deafening, but there was nothing—only Vania’s muffled breathing.

“What… does that mean?”

“You said ‘Rutherford,’ right? Representative Vania? Rutherford is the one who manufactures and distributes Idgal, isn’t he? Ian mentioned it last time…”

“But wasn’t it said that making Idgal wasn’t Ian’s will? Bring the previous meeting records!”

“What does it mean to be here by Rutherford’s will? Representative Vania, clarify your intentions!”

“Yes! If you’re spreading false information, stop it. The fate of Vargas rests on your shoulders!”

“Rutherford, Rutherford…”

“Your Highness, what should we do? Do you have any suspicions?”

“Those cunning Vargas! It must be a lie. Even if Idgal is true, ‘Ian is here by Rutherford’s will’? Ian is here by the Emperor’s will and Crown Prince Jin’s decision! Insolence! Seal that woman’s mouth immediately!”

“Calm yourselves! Please!”

“Ian, say something.”

“Is the Truth Serum really working? I’m not so sure.”

“Didn’t Captain Akorella swear on her own lips? The serum’s effect is accurate.”

As the officials erupted in argument, a flustered Akorella stepped back.

This was different from when Damon was interrogated. Kings and delegations from other nations were watching in real time. This would be recorded not only in Bariel’s history but theirs as well.

“Captain Akorella!”

“Yes?”

“Can you reaffirm that there is no problem with the Truth Serum?”

If Acrella admitted there had been a problem, Bania’s response would lose credibility—and with it, the entire Ministry of Magic’s reputation would take a hit. Above all, there was no escaping the reprimand for making such a mistake in such an important position.

This was an official event attended by the Crown Prince. The thought of what punishment might come was unbearable, and Acrella bit down hard on the inside of her lip.

“Why do you ask the same question twice? Answer clearly.”

There was no choice—whether she wanted to or not, she had to admit it. Just as Acrella was about to nod, a hand slid up to stop her.

Ian raised his hand to intervene, shooting a warning glance at the official who had repeated the question, and murmured,

“The Ministry of Magic, the captain, and I guarantee there is nothing wrong with the Sil-dam potion.”

“Sir Ian, do you understand the weight of your words right now?”

It was as if he was saying, “I’m trying to help you—how can you refuse?”

But if one person had to take the fall, it was better than letting the Ministry’s entire reputation be dragged down. Ian looked Bania squarely in the eyes. His fingertips, peeking out from his sleeve, trembled slightly.

‘So this is what you wanted.’

To reveal Ian’s true identity as a bastard son in front of everyone. From the signs, it seemed that Bania’s entire process of drinking the Sil-dam potion and speaking was all part of Rutherford’s plan.

Despite his hands shaking, Bania continued with his final words. This wasn’t because of the potion—it was what he truly wanted to say.

“Just as I serve Lord Rutherford, Sir Ian, I’ve heard you do the same.”

Suddenly, Ian felt a tightness clamp down on the back of his neck. The contract magic between Rutherford and the bastard Ian felt like a leash tightening around his throat.

Frowning, Ian rubbed the back of his neck, and Bania added,

“We move according to our master’s will.”