Episode 501

Ian, who had lent his ear, tilted his head in surprise. The child standing before him met his gaze without a flicker of hesitation, as if silently asking, “Isn’t this what you wanted?”

Ian noticed something unusual about Roel’s eyes. If his own and Filia’s eyes resembled leaves bathed in sunlight, Roel’s were like the dense foliage of a jungle—vibrant, untamed life force. His gaze carried the raw essence of nature itself.

After a brief pause, Ian spoke.

“Roel, did you see something?”

“It’s not that I saw it—I can see it.”

See it? Like dreaming while standing awake? The boy’s eyes drifted into the air, and then he fell silent.

Ian placed a hand on Roel’s shoulder and looked toward Filia.

“Mother, did you know?”

That the child was special.

Filia fidgeted nervously, twisting her fingertips as she glanced at Nersarn. She loved everyone present, but Roel was the one destined to carry the future of the Cheonryeo tribe. Seeking guidance from her husband’s gaze, Nersarn nodded. They would tell the truth, everything.

“Yes. But it hasn’t been long since we found out ourselves. On the way up from Hielo to the center, I first heard such words. It seems that after Chief Winchen passed, Roel is fated to succeed him.”

“…Winchen has passed?”

“Yes, but she smiled in the end.”

That made sense. It was only natural. She had grown old, and the Silask Ian possessed was insufficient. To feel the void left by someone’s death—Ian met Roel’s unwavering gaze.

‘If Roel is to follow Winchen, then someday the child will need Silask too.’

Ian, the illegitimate son, or rather the god, had two artifacts: Idgal and Silask. While some secrets about Idgal had been uncovered, Silask remained a mystery.

“Roel, tell me what you see. It will help you as well.”

“When my brother fell into the Abyss, there were two humans with him—a man and a woman.”

Roel’s pupils lost focus, but his voice was clear, as if reciting the scene before his eyes.

“The sky is heavy with sunset hues, and black spears rise everywhere. To the west, there’s a low hill with blood-stained flowers that are strangely beautiful. People in black armor are burying bodies.”

Romandro, who had been quietly listening, suddenly gasped and hurriedly scribbled notes, as if not wanting to miss a single word.

Everyone held their breath, hoping Roel would continue, but he only moved his lips a few times before falling silent.

A brief stillness.

Beric ran a hand through his hair and muttered, “Fascinating. But he didn’t say where.”

“We can only guess,” Romandro replied thoughtfully.

“Since it’s something currently happening, it must be close in time to Bariel’s location.”

“And he mentioned a hill, so it’s not mountainous terrain.”

“Wait, wait. Who are these two humans who went into the Abyss with Ian? That’s important, isn’t it?”

All eyes turned to Ian. How many had fallen into the Abyss with him? Among them, a man and a woman. If they were part of Rutherford’s group, identifying them was nearly impossible.

But Beric, unconcerned, shook Ian’s shoulder impatiently.

“Ian, you know! Who could they be?”

“Beric, do you think Ian’s some kind of fortune teller? How would he know Rutherford’s lackeys?”

“Ian’s ignoring me. Ian! He’s ignoring you.”

“No, it’s just common sense—”

“…Melania and Clark?”

Ian’s quiet murmur stopped the argument dead in its tracks. Everyone froze for a moment before erupting into chatter.

“What? Who?”

“Melania? The daughter of the Haiman family?”

“Damn, no wonder she got tangled up with Rutherford’s side.”

“But who’s Clark?”

“Clark, Clark… sounds familiar.”

“Romandro, right? I think I’ve heard the name somewhere.”

“Only Beric and I seem to know. Maybe someone from Hielo?”

“No, everyone quiet! Let’s hear Ian’s explanation!”

Snap!

Acorella clapped her hands sharply, silencing the room. If they didn’t quiet down, the next sound wouldn’t be clapping—it would be a blow to their heads.

Like well-behaved children, everyone’s eyes sparkled as they fell silent. Ian tapped his cheek thoughtfully, gathering his thoughts.

“When we fought Rutherford, I caught a glimpse of Melania and Clark.”

“Melania was there, inside the exhibition hall. Our eyes met when my ankle was twisted. But I don’t know who Clark is.”

Acorella nodded firmly, and Ian added,

“Clark is Lady Lien Merellof’s trusted aide.”

“Oh! Now I remember! The man who went to Tolun!”

“I still don’t recall.”

As the fog in their memories lifted, Romandro grabbed Beric excitedly, shaking him, while Beric just scratched his ear, still clueless.

Ignoring them, Ian frowned in concentration.

“When I disappeared and the scene was cleaned up, if their bodies had been found, there would be records.”

“Yes, but there are none.”

“Melania was already famous in the palace, and Romandro knows Clark’s face. Since there’s no record, they must have gone into the Abyss with me.”

“Assuming they went into the Abyss is reasonable. But many followed Rutherford then. Why assume it’s Melania and Clark?”

“Most who followed Rutherford were mages. I eliminated all the mages in the Abyss.”

“Ah, I see.”

Romandro pursed his lips at Ian’s calm, matter-of-fact tone about having ‘eliminated’ them. It felt strange hearing such words from someone so young.

“Surviving the Abyss is nearly impossible for ordinary people. And escaping it is close to a miracle. Melania knows a secret from my childhood, so she might have made a deal with the Gypsies to survive.”

“A secret from your childhood?”

“The magical contract Rutherford and I made. I lost my memory, but she seemed to know.”

“Ah, that makes sense.”

“The woman is almost certainly Melania, but I’m not sure if the man is Clark. Though it doesn’t matter much.”

The Gypsies who devour secrets, those who move freely across Gaia and the Abyss—it had been overwhelming to know where to start looking. But thanks to Roel, the scope had narrowed considerably.

Jin, who had been quietly listening, ordered Xiaosi.

“Searching for Melania will be easier. Issue a wanted order across the Bariel region and neighboring countries.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Also, pass Roel’s testimony to each department and gather their analyses. The Magic Department as well—have them interpret and submit reports.”

“Uh—”

Romandro, about to respond, quickly clamped his mouth shut and looked at Ian. He realized he had unconsciously taken on some of the ministerial duties during the vacancy. But now, that was no longer necessary.

Ian caught Romandro’s thoughts and smiled.

“Understood, Your Majesty. I will submit the reports.”

“One more thing.”

Jin nodded toward Roel.

“What’s the answer to Roel’s question: ‘Have you seen God?’”

“Oh, right. I almost forgot. And Ian, your phrase ‘died many times’ is puzzling. I don’t quite understand.”

“Ah.”

Ian hesitated. He couldn’t reveal that his existence as an illegitimate son was divine intervention. The Gypsies had meddled with secrets in the Abyss, and now, with the royal bloodline under scrutiny, adding confusion was unwise.

Even though Jin had grown strong enough to handle half-siblings, there was no need to complicate matters.

And above all—

‘Filia is here.’

Not knowing how Filia would feel, Ian decided silence was best.

The boy smiled faintly and glanced around.

“I will speak to Your Majesty privately.”

With so many ears listening, he promised to answer later.

Jin shrugged in acknowledgment, then pulled a pocket watch from his robes and checked the time.

Click.

“The grand assembly will begin soon. Sir Ian, as head of the Magic Department, you must attend. I am aware of the overall situation and will ensure no issues arise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Thank you.”

“Acorella.”

“Yes?”

“You mentioned side effects from the remedy. You’re someone who carefully weighs pros and cons, so I trust you. But since Sir Ian just returned, I worry.”

“Oh my, Your Majesty!”

Acorella laughed and waved her hand. Did he really think she’d give Ian anything harmful? She had made it with care and love!

Though there were side effects, they were minor. More importantly, to prove Ian’s presence at the assembly, his magical power had to manifest. As a leader of all mages, no one should question the minister’s return.

“Don’t worry. It’s just the usual noise from those who didn’t take it. I had a bowl yesterday myself. See? I’m perfectly fine.”

“You don’t look fine, Captain.”

“Oh? Who’s mixing in the static noise?”

“That will do, Lord Ian. The choice is yours now. I shall take my leave first. We shall meet soon.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll see you at the assembly hall.”

“Are you leaving? Farewell, then.”

“Beric! How rude, just leaving without a proper goodbye!”

Smack!

Jin left the minister’s office, receiving the wizards’ farewells as he went, and in his place, Vivi wriggled in, settling down quietly.

Without a word, she adjusted her glasses and looked at Ian with a sense of wonder. Her eyes sparkled so brightly that Ian couldn’t help but smile.

“Wow, you look even cooler when you smile.”

“Vivi, what about me? Don’t I look handsome when I smile too?”

Beric grinned and leaned in, but Vivi pushed his face away as if to say, “Get lost.”

“Uncle Beric, you should smile more. Life’s easier that way.”

“Huh? What’s that supposed to mean? You should smile more too!”

“I’m smiling right now. Can’t you see?”

While Beric and Vivi bickered playfully, Ian gently tapped Roel’s shoulder, who was standing quietly nearby. The boy turned his head and raised an eyebrow.

“How far did you see?”

“……”

It seemed Roel had glimpsed Ian in the abyss, but since his first question was, “Did you see a god?” it was clear he didn’t know the details.

Ian tried to probe gently, but the boy said nothing and instead went to cling to his mother, clearly signaling he didn’t want to talk anymore.

“Roel.”

Philia patted Roel’s back awkwardly, and Ian shook his head as if to say, “That’s enough.”

“Good to see, Mother.”

“…Ian, you too.”

A brief exchange, but warm with concern for each other’s well-being.

Acorella quickly ordered the wizards to get moving, and Romandro barely managed to separate Vivi and Beric, like breaking up a fight between a dog and a cat.

“Well then, let’s get ready. Lord Ian, what should we do?”

“Gather all the reports from the wizards who came from the north and organize them. And bring me all the records from ten years ago, when I disappeared.”

“Yes, understood!”

“Wow, workin’ hard! I’ll head out first!”

“Oh, should we prepare the reports from the southern Clifford as well?”

“Yes. Bring everything to me. Before the meeting starts, I want to review every last detail.”

The wizards left the minister’s office grinning like they’d just won a prize. Ian brought an empty teacup over to Acorella, who poured a potion into it with a thoughtful look.

“By the way, what are the side effects?”

“Oh, that?”

Acorella held out the teacup to Ian as if urging him to drink it all in one go, then leaned close to whisper in his ear.

A moment later, apparently it wasn’t anything serious, Ian raised an eyebrow and brought the cup to his lips.