Chapter 499
Ian Hielo.

A single name carrying dozens of memories.

To some, he was the forgotten marquis of the borderlands; to others, the long-vacant Minister of Magic; to many, the hero who led the victory in the Cliford-Burgos war; and to a few, the saint who vanquished the demon haunting the royal family.

The fleeting image of Ian Hielo that passed through people’s minds was as varied and rich as history itself—impossible to unify into one. Though the past was singular, the memories recalled were as different as blind men touching an elephant.

“…”

The same was true for Jin Verosion. Facing the faded name Ian Hielo, his memories surged, overwhelming him.

The moment Marib swung her sword at him; the first time he entered the grand hall; the warning not to look down; the moment they set out on a secret mission together, calling each other brother and younger brother.

All those moments he thought he had forgotten, yet hadn’t, flooded in like breath itself, making it hard to breathe.

‘How—’

He had thought Ian was as vast and deep as the universe, but was he really just such a small child? The hand that guided him, the back that led the way, the voice that spoke of truth—were all those things really from such a small boy? It was strange, so strange, unbearably so.

Without realizing it, Jin held his breath and studied Ian carefully.

“Ian Hielo has returned.”

“But why does he look so young? He seems barely seventeen.”

“Exactly as he was when he disappeared.”

“Is that even possible? Incredible.”

“Could it be the power of a mage? Or a rift?”

“Unusual, certainly. Let’s observe first.”

“His Majesty hasn’t moved an inch, though.”

“Could he be a monster wearing a mask?”

“Watch your tongue! The Ministry of Magic is everywhere.”

The nobles’ chatter grew louder, but Jin said nothing. It felt as if only he and Ian remained in the banquet hall, the world turning white around them.

Finally, Ian lifted his head first. Jin’s eyes met his—those pale, familiar eyes held him completely. Though it hadn’t been long since they faced each other across the portrait, the depth in Ian’s gaze had grown remarkably.

‘Just as I saw in the painting.’

The deep scar across his face and the firm, strong set of his mouth drew Jin’s gaze. He had grown into a man. Ian smiled at his pride, and Jin’s brows furrowed deeply, as if the emotions he’d held back were rising up.

“Sir Ian.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“…How long has it been—”

Jin absentmindedly touched his jaw, muttering. His voice trembled slightly, words barely escaping between clenched teeth. His eyes reddened, but no one noticed amid the shower of flower petals filling the room.

In truth, everyone was too focused on Ian to pay attention to Jin’s reddened eyes. Ian hadn’t changed at all—just by existing, he breathed life back into Jin.

Jin cleared his throat and scolded gently.

“You said it wouldn’t take long. You said you’d be back soon.”

“I was arrogant, Your Majesty.”

“You left the Minister of Magic post without permission. That is a grave offense.”

“I am deeply sorry, Your Majesty.”

“A grave offense, indeed.”

Tears hovered on Jin’s tongue.

How could he abandon the palace like that? Without even a proper farewell, I chased only the memory of you for so many years. Chased and chased until you blurred, and with you, my past faded away too.

But Jin swallowed it down. It wasn’t the time to spit it out.

“…Did you see the Abyss?”

“I did. And I overcame it. It was far deeper and darker than I imagined, yet it held everything I desired.”

“If you found the answer, then the Abyss no longer matters.”

“That’s true, but I will report on that separately.”

Jin took a deep breath and nodded calmly. This was no place for a proper conversation. Nobles who only made noise, officials calculating political moves, and foreign envoys all watched him.

“Very well. A day not to be forgotten.”

Jin stood abruptly, and Ian’s head followed his movement. Curious about the grown Jin, Ian’s gaze lingered persistently.

It made sense—Beric and the others had always been older than Ian, but Jin? Ten years had passed, and Jin had surpassed him.

“The Ministry of Magic, come with me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“All departments, stand by.”

Damn it. The officials who had been enjoying their drinks set their glasses down with a sigh. An emergency meeting was likely called for the middle of the night. After all, the Minister of Magic had returned bearing secrets of the Abyss—it was impossible to ignore.

Unlike the cautious officials, the nobles whispered openly, faces close as they exchanged rumors.

Screech! Bang!

Without hesitation, Jin turned his back. He hurriedly cleared the way, wanting to speak with Ian alone. The banquet’s flow was no longer suitable for a coming-of-age ceremony.

As soon as the Crown Prince disappeared, nobles and officials swarmed Ian all at once.

“Sir Ian, is it really you?”

“I recognize you! I saw you in the administration!”

“You went to the Abyss, yet you look exactly the same?”

“Step back! Don’t crowd him!”

“Yeah, back off! Damn, Ian’s going to get crushed!”

“Who do you think you are, talking like that—”

“Beric! Palace Guard Beric here! Got a problem? Come at me!”

“Sir Ian, do you really intend to return? What about all the suspicions? You look unchanged, so that only adds to them.”

“What suspicions? What are you talking about?”

“Many. That you’re of royal blood, that you personally created Idgal, and above all, your ties to Rutherford… ahem.”

“Shut up! What did you say? Who the hell are you?”

“Y-you dare—”

“And who do you think you are!”

“Ian! Iaaaan!”

Through the chaotic crowd, a woman pushed her way forward. Philia. Nersarn blocked the people with his arm, clearing a path for her, and Ian, unintentionally, found himself embraced in her arms.

Squeeze.

“My goodness. Thank you. Thank you so much…”

“…Mother.”

“Ian, where have you been? I was so worried. Are you hurt anywhere? Any discomfort? Have you been well? Why do you look the same as before? Huh?”

Philia touched Ian’s cheek and shoulder repeatedly, as if in a dream. Ian placed his hand over hers and whispered softly, struggling to speak over the pressing crowd.

“Mother, I’m sorry.”

“Ian!”

“Please, just a little longer. Now that I’ve returned to the palace, I want to see His Majesty Jin first. Please don’t be too upset.”

Philia’s eyes widened slightly. Something felt different this time. How to explain? Ian had always been kind and gentle, but there was an unbridgeable wall between them before.

Now, it felt as if all of that had melted away.

“Okay. I’ll wait. I always can wait for you.”

It didn’t matter if he forgot their song, if he couldn’t reach her, or even see her. As long as he lived, that was enough. Slowly, Philia released Ian’s collar and was pushed back into the crowd.

“Step back! Move away!”

“Sir Ian, show us your face clearly!”

“Wow, truly unchanged.”

“This isn’t normal. How can such a child be Minister of Magic—!”

“Move! I said move! We’ll use magic if we have to!”

Ziiing! Ziiing!

The mages guarding Ian unleashed their power, finally clearing a path as people stepped back. Ian grabbed Romandro, who was shouting nearby, and gave a brief order.

“The commotion is too much. Please handle it properly.”

“Don’t worry. Just pour the drinks. They’ll be too busy drinking and talking to cause trouble. Go ahead, lead the way!”

“This way, everyone.”

“Yes, Sir Ian!”

The boy ascended to the second floor of the banquet hall with his mages. Only royalty could enter here, and even turning a single corner made the atmosphere feel completely different—quiet and still.

Ian stood before the door, signaling the mages to wait.

Knock knock.

“Your Majesty, Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic.”

“…Enter.”

Jin sat on the sofa, elbows on his thighs, face hidden in his hands. He looked as if he might suddenly stand or collapse forward at any moment.

Ian closed the door firmly and called to him.

“Your Majesty, are you alright?”

“…Is that mark a curse from the Abyss?”

“I don’t know if it’s a curse. Perhaps it’s because I didn’t realize the time streams on that side and this side were different.”

“I didn’t expect the ten days you mentioned to mean this.”

“You were surprised? So was I. When I returned, everyone had aged. Your Majesty, if I may be so bold, you have truly grown.”

“Sir Ian!”

Jin snapped angrily, staring at Ian. The Crown Prince’s eyes shone brightly in the darkness. Ian recognized the tears and frowned slightly, shaking his head firmly.

“No, Your Majesty. Have you forgotten?”

“Forgot what?”

“Don’t cry—remember, I asked you to smile.”

“You, you said that!”

Jin rose from his seat and stepped closer to Ian. The emerald eyes that once looked up to him now looked down. Unbelievably so.

With a wavering gaze, Jin asked, “How did you manage to hold my hand with those tiny hands?”

“Because Your Majesty’s hands were even smaller.”

“How could someone as young as you do such a thing for Bariel?”

“You stood alone at an even younger age, Your Majesty. Don’t you remember?”

“I… I—”

Jin’s frown deepened, and a single tear slipped down his cheek.

“It’s heartbreaking. The countless deaths and tragedies we endured… they were harsher than I ever imagined.”

“You endured, and that is enough. You overcame it… that is more than enough.”

Ian smiled brightly and gently patted Jin’s arm. You’ve grown well, Your Majesty. The day I told you not to look down is vivid in my mind. Now, wherever you look, the crown upon your head will never waver.

Seeing Ian’s proud gaze, Jin couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief.

“How strange. Now you’ve become smaller than me.”

“I always knew. That one day, Your Majesty would outgrow me.”

Unlike Bain before coming of age, Jin was an emperor destined to carve an endless future into history. Naturally, Ian expected that someday, he would surpass him and reach heights first.

Of course, he never imagined witnessing it with his own eyes. Especially not like this.

“Ian Hielo, return to your post as Minister of Magic.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. As you command.”

“Bariel needs you.”

With a sigh in his farewell, Jin spoke, and Ian smiled in response.

“I need Bariel too. Always, forever.”