Chapter 497

“Mom, when are we leaving? We’re going to be late at this rate.”

“Vivi, we just got ready to go. No rushing. What if you get your dress dirty? Your father told us to be on time, so let’s leave slowly and calmly.”

“But I heard the fun starts before the ceremony!”

“That’s because of the noble kids. In autumn, there’s a separate coming-of-age ceremony just for the aristocrats. They want to make a good impression on high society before that. Vivi, we don’t need to go.”

“Hmmm. Still, it sounds fun.”

“Then you want to go see it for yourself? But you can’t interrupt anyone’s conversations or break protocol. You have to be perfectly proper. People might gossip that someone not even noble is showing up backed by the Ministry of Magic. Are you sure you’re okay with that?”

Vivi’s eyes rolled dramatically at her mother’s strict warning. She was trying to think of a way to argue, but before long, she spotted Filia and Roel stepping out of the mansion and dashed off toward them. Vivianna smiled knowingly, resting her hands on her hips.

“Roel, you look so handsome! It suits you perfectly. And Lady Filia, you look like an angel. If anyone asks me what spring looks like, I’d tell them to look at you.”

“Oh my, Vivi, you speak so beautifully! Thank you. Your dress suits you too—so cute and lovely.”

“Your green earrings are stunning as well.”

“Oh, these?” Filia laughed softly, touching her earlobes. They were a gift from His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince on their wedding day—ten years ago now. Thinking back, it felt bittersweet.

Nersarn appeared next, dressed in his imperial uniform. He looked a bit stiff, but it suited him well enough.

“Ladies and children, please go ahead slowly. I’ll check on some things last and follow shortly.”

The gifts they brought were a token of gratitude for the central government’s leniency toward Hielo. Though the lord had disappeared, the imperial palace had turned a blind eye, allowing Hielo to remain intact. They even eased the taxes—a kindness beyond expectation.

Filia nodded and took Roel’s hand.

“Well then, we’ll go ahead. See you at the palace.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

“Yay! We’re leaving! Roel, sit next to me!”

Vivi pulled Roel close and pressed her face against the carriage window.

As the carriage rolled forward, the city center looked different than usual. People filled the streets, enjoying food and drink, while bands played and couples danced here and there.

“…In broad daylight?”

Roel’s dry comment made Vivi cringe.

“The coming-of-age ceremony only lasts one day! From the moment it starts, everyone’s busy having fun! Honestly, it’s my first time at a royal coming-of-age ceremony, so I didn’t know either, but it’s supposed to rain magical flower petals. Lately, though, there aren’t enough mages, so they hold back. You only see it once a year at the New Year’s gala.”

“Flower petals?”

“Well, at least the ceremony is in spring, so it’s lucky. Even without magical flower rain, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom—it’s beautiful!”

“Yeah, it is.”

Roel, who’d never seen so many flowers blooming in the desert, stuck close to Vivi, clearly captivated by the sight.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the imperial palace. The crowd gathered to celebrate Jin’s coming-of-age was enormous. Without the guards clearing a path, many would have surely been trampled on such a festive day.

“Romandro family and guests from Hielo! Open the gates!”

“Open the gates! Bring the carriage in!”

The carriage creaked open.

“Wow…”

Roel wasn’t one to show much emotion, so his brief exclamation spoke volumes. Vivianna and Filia exchanged amused glances.

The carriage entered the grand banquet hall of the First Imperial Palace, where the ceremony would take place. Carriages bearing the crests of noble families stretched endlessly.

“Honey, Vivi!”

“Dad!”

Romandro, who had come out ahead, spotted his family and ran over. Though dressed in his uniform, he looked exhausted from several sleepless nights. Vivianna cupped his cheek, murmuring sympathetically.

“Oh dear, you’ve worked so hard.”

“I’ll be able to breathe easier once today’s over.”

“Um, Lord Romandro, sorry to ask right away, but—”

“No news from Ian yet.”

“I see.”

“He’s coming down from the north with the mages, so it shouldn’t be long. Dear, it’s tough, but let’s wait a little longer.”

“Of course. Waiting isn’t hard—it’s the person coming who has it rough.”

“Now, this way. Today’s not just for imperial nobles; foreign royalty are attending too, so be careful. Especially you, little troublemaker Vivi! You!”

Romandro’s warning made Vivi salute playfully.

“Who’s here?”

“The Prince of Cliffford’s delegation and the Luswena delegation. Burgos only sent gifts, and Hwan and the smaller countries weren’t invited at all. The coronation is coming up soon.”

Aha. Vivi took a sip of the drink handed by a servant and looked around.

The elegantly dressed guests laughed and chatted in languages she couldn’t understand. The orchestra’s enchanting melodies filled the air, weaving seamlessly through the crowd.

This was the high society she’d only heard about in rumors.

“Wow.”

While Vivi’s eyes widened in awe, Roel followed Romandro’s gaze, scanning for mages and trying to spot the Luswena delegation. Since Luswena bordered the great desert, it naturally caught Roel’s attention.

“Oh, looks like it’s starting.”

As the orchestra’s music swelled, conversations quieted naturally. No one had to call for attention; the ceremony began with effortless grace.

A clear trumpet sounded, announcing the arrival of a noble. Applause broke out spontaneously.

Dressed in pristine white uniform, bearing the imperial crest on his chest, Jin stepped forward slowly. His neatly combed hair and impeccable collar radiated the dignity of the imperial family.

Shhhk.

At that moment, the eligible noblewomen all raised their fans to reveal their faces.

The day the sole heir of the imperial family came of age. Welcoming the empress and consorts was the crown prince’s crucial duty. A tense power struggle to rise from noble to royal played out all around.

“Thank you all for coming.”

Jin’s voice echoed softly, almost like a whisper in their ears. Vivi jumped, looking at Romandro, who waved his hands as if to say, “That’s magic.”

“Today, I celebrate my nineteenth birthday and my rebirth as an adult. As the sole bearer of the name Verosion, this day holds deep meaning.”

Jin paused briefly. Once a fragile child who had teetered on the edge of death, he had survived and come of age. More than that, he now held Bariel firmly in his grasp. The miracle wasn’t somewhere else—it was within himself.

“Many things will change from now on.”

He would take part in wars personally, and the old customs that had sidelined him for being young would be buried in the past.

Raising his glass of wine, Jin invited everyone to join. The crowd eagerly followed suit. Vivi and Roel, hearts pounding, lifted their drinks and looked up at him.

“But this is a process toward a better Bariel. Trust me. I trust you, and together we will endlessly pursue the glory of the Bariel Empire. Watch closely how brilliant the days ahead will be.”

As Jin lightly raised his glass, cheers erupted.

“For the glory of Bariel!”

“For the glory of Bariel!”

Clink!

Everyone toasted wholeheartedly. Vivi and Roel tapped gently, Vivianna and Filia more softly, and Romandro and the mages with hearty enthusiasm, celebrating the ceremony’s success.

“Laugh, dance, and drink to your heart’s content. Today, there must be no worries.”

With a gesture from Jin, the orchestra conductor raised his baton. The hall filled instantly with music. Couples parted the crowd and began to dance.

“Wow, Roel, let’s dance too!”

Excited, Vivi grabbed Roel’s arm. Vivianna and Filia just shrugged and watched the children’s backs.

“Look, Lord Nersarn is here.”

“Oh, excuse me, my lady.”

“Take your time chatting with His Highness. I’ll watch the kids. Honey, Lord Nersarn has arrived.”

“My lady, Lord Nersarn, this way.”

Romandro led Nersarn and Filia toward Crown Prince Jin.

Many nobles had already gathered, eager to speak with the crown prince. Jin nodded politely as they congratulated him, then caught Romandro’s glance and gave a willing nod.

“Guests from the Lordship of Hielo, welcome.”

Unlike Jin’s warm reception, the nobles whispered behind their hands. Hielo? The lord is missing, and they’re allied with barbarians—a disgrace to the empire. They didn’t openly oppose them, but the atmosphere was cold. Ten years was long enough to forget past glories.

Nersarn must have noticed as well, for he responded with a fluent imperial greeting.

“Your Highness, Jin Verosion. I am Nersarn of the Cheollyeo tribe.”

“I know. It’s been a while since we last met. How have you been?”

“Thanks to Your Highness, all is well. Please accept my heartfelt congratulations on your coming-of-age ceremony. The future of the Empire will shine as brightly as you do.”

“Thank you. Ah, Filia.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin motioned for Filia to come closer, then gently took both her hands and whispered.

“Have you heard?”

“About Ian returning alive? Yes, Your Highness. I have.”

Filia smiled through tears, and Jin smiled along with her. With a face so much like Ian’s, smiling that way almost felt unfair.

“Your Highness, though modest, I have prepared a small token on behalf of the Hielo Territory. It includes a portion of the tax relief you granted us, exquisite handcrafted goods made directly in Cheollyeo, and some Gurut leaves. I’ve also brought foreign silk from Hwan. I hope it pleases you.”

“Excellent. I shall accept it with great satisfaction.”

“Thank you.”

As the gift exchange proceeded warmly, some nobles watching quietly suddenly stepped forward. Unless the offerings were truly exceptional, it was advantageous to present them early. Otherwise, as similar gifts piled up, none would leave a strong impression.

“Your Highness, please grant us the next opportunity.”

“Oh, Count Rakiron, isn’t it? How is your health?”

“Much improved, thanks to your concern.”

Under the nobles’ pressure, the two bowed briefly and prepared to step back. Coming from the borderlands without a title, they had already received more favors than expected.

As they descended the stairs—

Boom!

A heavy sound echoed from somewhere. Several nobles turned their heads in confusion, searching for the source. But no matter how they looked around, they found nothing. It must have come from outside.

“…Check it out.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin gave the order to Xiaosi, and Romandro led the mages quietly toward the exit. Meanwhile, Romandro signaled the orchestra, and the conductor, eager to hold the distracted crowd’s attention, played louder and more boldly.

Rustle.

At that moment, a single flower petal drifted down in front of Jin, who had been listening to the nobles with little interest. There was no breeze indoors. Was it a decorative leaf?

“…?”

Before Jin could even touch it, the petal shimmered and vanished, causing his eyes to widen.

Creak.

Slowly, the grand banquet hall doors began to open.

A warm breeze swept in, carrying pollen that swirled through the air. The backlighting made it hard to see clearly, but the figure standing at the forefront was unmistakable. Golden hair glowing in the sunlight. And—

Fresh green eyes.

The entire hall fell silent, breath held, as they watched the boy’s arrival. Behind him followed dozens of mages, their robes swaying like a dance in time with the orchestra’s melody.

Tap tap tap!

Jin rose abruptly from his seat without realizing it. Ian stepped forward slowly and knelt on one knee before him. The mages lowered themselves in unison, following Ian’s lead. From the edge of their sleeves, a length of crimson cloth trailed down.

“Your Highness, it has been a long time.”

“Ian…”

The moment Jin met Ian’s gaze, the dust of the years lifted. The image of Ian, once blurred over the past decade, came into full, vivid focus—unchanged from before.

Ian smiled faintly, understanding the confusion, and greeted him with a white smile.

“Your Highness, it took a long time, but please tell everyone I am not late. That is my only wish now.”