Episode 468
Bariel was not without its crises. Throughout thousands of years, great and small hardships had always existed, and they were a people who learned from history. Thus, they fully understood that this very moment could be etched into history with a single sentence.
But that was precisely the problem. The unprecedented intrusion of an outsider into the royal palace. The consecutive controversies over the Minister of Magic’s qualifications and his sudden absence.
Standing at a crossroads in Bariel’s unfolding history, they felt the weight of the moment. The future of Bariel—and even the fate of Gaia itself—would hinge on the words spoken and choices made from here on out.
Creaaak.
As the conference room door swung open, all eyes turned simultaneously. Jin had just leapt to his feet, chair pushed back in haste. Yet, upon entering, he remained silent, having only read the damage report earlier—a fact that now seemed almost meaningless.
“Your Majesty, this is a dispatch from Clifford,” the attendant announced.
“What does it say?”
“Yes, Your Majesty… it states that…”
The attendant placed a note on a golden tray, glancing briefly at the King and Prince of Clifford seated to one side. It was impossible to tell whether the message was good news or bad—for them, and for Bariel alike.
“A black moon appeared briefly over the capital of Clifford, Frodhona, then vanished just as quickly.”
“Good heavens! So Sir Ian really did enter the Rift. They say there’s an Abyss beneath the Rift, don’t they?”
“Indeed. Sir Ian is reckless, to say the least.”
“What does this mean for us?”
“Isn’t that why we’ve gathered here? Quiet, please!”
It was confirmed that the black moon’s coordinates corresponded to the Rift near Clifford. This meant that Ian’s openly declared intention to enter the Abyss had come to pass. It also meant that he was no longer anywhere on the continent of Gaia.
Crunch.
Jin crushed the note with all his might, bowing his head. Hadn’t he seen it with his own eyes? Ian sinking into the black moon. The reality he refused to accept crashed down on him. The pressure to push forward and endure was dizzying.
The attendant, watching the prince’s expression, cautiously added, “Currently, the Clifford palace guards are searching nearby for any traces, but as you know, the Rift has spawned low-level monsters, and access to the palace center is impossible. It’s a difficult situation.”
“So you’re saying we need a mage to assist with the investigation?”
“If Bariel agrees—”
The King of Clifford, who had been sitting quietly, spoke up.
“The capital is already in chaos from war and the Rift. We came to Bariel seeking support from mages to help restore order. Ian was the strongest and wanted to enter the Rift himself, but given the circumstances, any capable mage would suffice.”
“We will do everything we can to assist, Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty, that cannot be allowed!”
One official jumped up, waving his hand emphatically.
“The intrusion by Rutherford implies many things, including that palace security is not foolproof. We cannot allow even a single mage to leave.”
“Agreed. And although it’s said Sir Ian entered the Rift with Rutherford, no one actually witnessed it. The black moon appearing over Clifford alone does not confirm Rutherford’s death. We must be cautious.”
Though going into the Abyss was assumed to be a death sentence, there was no certainty. The contradictory words both challenged and comforted Jin, leaving his expression unsettled.
“I support sending a team. I know Sir Ian was a great mage, but according to reports, he struggled greatly against Rutherford. The opponent is someone above Ian. If by chance he survived, we must confirm it.”
“Yes, that ruthless and audacious fiend could still be alive!”
“How dare he invade the palace! We must form an investigation team to prevent any repercussions.”
“I agree with that. We should pursue this.”
Jin shook his head, as if no further thought was needed. They had to search for any chance Ian was alive. If there was even a glimmer of hope, there was no reason not to act.
“Send a mage. Hale.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What is the current status of the Ministry of Magic?”
Hale wiped his mouth and fell silent for a moment. The fresh bloodstains on his sleeve seemed to answer for him. Thanks to the palace guard’s support, the battle had ended relatively smoothly, but the conclusion was regrettable.
“Attackers targeting the Ministry of Magic self-destructed, damaging over half of the main building. Restoration is urgent.”
“What about King Damon? Is he unharmed?”
“Yes, he is safe. However, one mage in command was seriously injured, two others sustained minor wounds. Nearly half of the other mages are recovering from moderate to severe injuries.”
“Aren’t there healing mages?”
“They have reached their limits, unable to recover mana since the war. We’re considering using mana amplifiers, but as Captain Akorella mentioned, she is seriously injured, so it’s difficult.”
“But mages can share their power with each other, right?”
At an official’s remark, Hale sighed deeply. He had suspected the higher-ups were out of touch, but the reality was worse than imagined. The urge to grab them by the collar and yell boiled up inside him.
“Sir, can you draw all their blood at once?”
“W-what?”
“All mages are already sharing their power to the fullest. If we push beyond that, the entire Ministry will be bedridden. If that happens, you may have to come personally to receive the report.”
“Hey, Captain Hale!”
“Quiet.”
As an official abruptly stood, Jin waved his hand to calm him. The words were not wrong, but the tone was inappropriate.
“Captain Hale, mind your manners.”
“My apologies. In any case, the Ministry is effectively incapacitated. More importantly—”
Hale cleared his throat heavily and mentioned Ian.
“Morale is at rock bottom after the Ian incident. Many mages have expressed intentions to resign.”
“Resign? At a time like this?”
“They are citizens of Bariel, not slaves. They have the freedom to go wherever and do whatever they choose.”
“But shouldn’t we try to stop them?”
“Who exactly would?”
Who? Who could possibly stop them? Without Ian, the head of the Ministry, who could?
The officials gaped, pointing fingers at Captain Hale.
“You should!”
“I’m only captain in name. I have no such authority.”
“Then why not take the minister’s position yourself?”
“…No.”
“What?”
Unlike the outraged officials, Jin barely shifted his gaze from the note. Hale’s eyes were steady, unwavering.
“I told Ian the same. I will not take the Minister of Magic position. Akorella likely feels the same, but if she wakes, I will ask her again.”
“So you intend to leave the minister’s seat vacant?”
“That’s absurd! We can’t allow that!”
“Even if we can’t, there’s no alternative.”
Unlike other departments, the Ministry of Magic’s minister was chosen through internal review due to its unique nature. Just as Ian had been.
Jin shook his head, signaling the discussion was over.
“Enough. The selection of the Minister of Magic is an internal matter. We will not discuss it here.”
“Your Majesty.”
“What matters more now is restoring order to the palace and making those who challenged Bariel’s authority pay. Am I wrong?”
Even without a minister, the mages belong to the palace. There is no problem proceeding with operations. Besides, is there anyone capable of filling Ian’s shoes?
Jin frowned as the scar across his face throbbed.
“Your Majesty, I’ve heard that Melania, daughter of the former Haiman, was also involved with Rutherford. Is that true?”
“Yes. But the nature of their relationship is unclear, and crucially, she was not involved in battles or moving treasures. According to Captain Akorella—”
Though it seemed she was caught up in the chaos, it was not something Jin could address publicly. He tapped the report lightly.
“…Regarding the lost palace treasures, a continent-wide search will be issued. Those who return them intact will be rewarded accordingly; those who hoard them out of greed will face severe punishment.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. It’s likely they flowed toward Burgos. We believe it was to fund their efforts there, so we will investigate thoroughly.”
“And what of King Damon’s fate?”
“King Damon—”
‘He is living a second life.’
Ian had confided Damon’s secret. Though defeated in war, Damon showed no regret or self-reproach as a ruler. Surely, he was looking forward to his next life. Having lived twice, what’s to stop him from living a third?
“Confine him to the tower, but ensure he cannot take his own life. This will give the royalists in Burgos a cause. We will actively support them against Rutherford’s faction, making treasure recovery easier through their channels.”
The officials exchanged glances. In other words, they planned to incite civil war in Burgos, splitting the kingdom and strengthening Bariel’s control.
“And what of Luswena?”
“King Eriphoni is dead, and with Rutherford’s intrusion, our focus has shifted entirely to Burgos. They will wage their own internal war without provoking Bariel. We will monitor but take no special action.”
The King of Clifford hesitated but said nothing more. Their right to war reparations had already been transferred to Bariel. Having accepted the mages, they had no choice but to be satisfied.
“Any more opinions to share?”
“…….”
The most important matter remained.
“…Your Highness.”
“Shh! Quiet, quiet!”
This was the final discussion about Ian.
As someone tried to bring up the topic, the officials seated on either side grabbed their arms to hush them. It was only right to hold Ian accountable for the creation of Idgal, but if that subject came up now, no one could predict how far Jin’s anger would flare.
Besides, he was already dead. What benefit would come from cutting down the honor of a deceased man?
“Any opinions?”
“…None. We will continue to report on any developments and convene meetings as necessary.”
“Good. Everyone, move out. The night is short.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
With a creak, Jin stood and slowly left.
Xiaoshi and Captain Jaret followed behind him. Though they headed in the opposite direction of the bedrooms, the two walked in silence, knowing exactly where Jin was going.
Tap.
“…Still here, huh?”
“Your Highness.”
“Beric. Get up.”
At the place where Ian had vanished—the spot where the black moon had descended and disappeared—Beric sat dazed, staring out the window at the rising white moon as if unable to believe it.
Romandro couldn’t leave Beric alone, so he sat beside him, keeping him company for hours.
“Get up, Beric.”
“…….”
“There’s much to be done.”
“What am I supposed to do? Without a master, what can I do?”
“…Damn it. I told you to take me with you. Seriously. You never listen and just do whatever you want. At times like this, I swear Derga’s right about you.”
“Beric. Look at me.”
Jin crouched before Beric, gazing into his faded eyes. Then, carefully but firmly, he took Beric’s hand in his.
“Sir Ian will return.”
Though they hadn’t said goodbye, Jin made a promise.
“He said he would come back someday, even if he went into the abyss. He told me himself. He said if we build a separate wing, he could come back even sooner.”
“…Really?”
“Really. I swear on everything I have.”
So don’t stay here like this. You have your own duties to fulfill. As Jin gently comforted him, Beric rubbed his eyes with all his might and shouted out.
“Kill me! Really, Ian Hiel, damn it!”
His cry echoed through the empty air, reaching the garden outside the building. Once, twice, three times. Though the sound of calling Ian faded, it never disappeared.
Until ten springs had passed.
“So, what happened in the end?”
Romandro walked down the palace corridor, holding the hand of a young girl wearing thick glasses. She looked about ten years old, her hair neatly braided, clutching a heavy book to her chest. Romandro tilted his head with a fond smile.
“Well… I think Vivi knows better than I do.”
“I learned a bit at school, but you know more, Dad. You never tell me the really important stuff.”
Romandro’s daughter, Vivi, blocked his path and stretched out her arm.
“So tell me—why is it that only the Magic Department has no minister? And why are you always so busy when it’s not even your concern?”
“Oh, young lady. Remember, I only agreed to show you around the palace on the condition you stay quiet, okay? Didn’t you say you wanted to meet His Highness?”
Vivi pushed up her glasses perched on the bridge of her nose and pursed her lips. Then she nudged her father’s side, urging him to lead the way.
“Lord Romandro!”
“Oh, yes.”
“So this is your daughter. Pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m Vivi. Is His Highness inside? I have something to discuss about the upcoming coming-of-age ceremony. Oh, and of course, you know my daughter is coming along.”
Vivi clung to her father’s side and peeked around the corner.
Unlike the bright palace exterior, the interior was surprisingly dim. Against one wall of the reception room lay a portrait of the crown prince commemorating the coming-of-age ceremony. Silver hair, a deep scar across his face. Just as they had heard.
“Romandro. You’ve come.”
“Your Highness.”
Creak.
At that moment, the central door opened, and the crown prince appeared. Jin Verosion—the empire’s sole heir and future emperor. He glanced down at Vivi and gave a faint smile.