Episode 505
The officials exchanged bewildered glances among themselves.
They had sensed from the start of the meeting that this man was no ordinary person, but this was beyond reason. How could someone who had spent ten years in the Abyss and just returned to the capital today know a justification that even the officials were unaware of?
Yet, judging by the child’s demeanor, it didn’t seem like nonsense, which only made it more baffling.
“You must be familiar with the Atan tribe.”
“The Atan in the north?”
“Yes. Beric of the Imperial Palace Guard held talks with the Atan tribe under His Highness’s orders. As you might expect, the purpose was to request their cooperation in preventing the spread of the rift in the north.”
“Oh, he’s talking about me!” Beric, who had been slouched in a corner of the meeting room, suddenly perked up and stood. The officials, initially unsure who he was, recognized his face and let out a collective gasp.
‘That guy’s crazy.’
The red-haired magic swordsman, the sworn enemy of the palace chefs and a constant source of trouble.
“And then?”
“Beric made it clear that he was part of the Imperial Palace Guard and acting under the Crown Prince’s orders. However, instead of cooperating in Bariel, the Atan chose to meet with Rutherford of Burgos. A battle broke out during that encounter.”
“Battle scars, right here! Look at this wound!”
Beric turned his face this way and that to show his injury. Though mostly healed and barely visible, the fact that he was hurt was enough.
Captain Jarrett gave a warning by lightly biting his lower lip, signaling Beric to stop showing off. Beric ignored it, absentmindedly scratching his ear.
“Wait a moment, Lord Ian. You said a meeting with Rutherford?”
“It’s similar to how Rashida from the Department of Technological Development wondered whether Rutherford and I possessed the Idgal manufacturing technology.”
Rutherford not only sought to expand the rift but also held the authority over Idgal, which could control it. Since the Atan tribe feeds on magical beasts, it was crucial to confirm whether Rutherford had truly appeared and what his intentions were.
“I’m not sure about the Atan’s stance, but it seems certain they crossed over to Burgos.”
The officials quickly grasped the situation. In short, they just needed to chase the Atan tribe into Burgos.
Murmurs erupted throughout the room, and Ian closed the report as if he had done all he needed to in this meeting.
“How did the battle conclude?”
“The Atan pursued Beric, but when the mages joined, they retreated and crossed the border.”
“Perfect. That’s settled.”
“But, Lord Ian, how did you—?”
“Beric was escorting me. I was present at the scene as well.”
Whether it was skill or sheer luck was hard to tell. Ian bowed his head to Jin and made a request.
“Therefore, Your Highness, I recommend sending a delegation not to the royalist faction but directly to the anti-royalist side. Use the Atan tribe’s suppression as a pretext to request entry permission for Bariel’s soldiers. If they refuse, I suggest handling it together. Should they agree, we can station troops and launch a joint attack with the royalists.”
Though the chances of compliance were slim.
“Very well. Let it be so.”
Jin nodded calmly, but there was a faint smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
“A wise decision.”
“Any objections?”
Jin asked, but the room remained silent. With no further agenda, it seemed the meeting was drawing to a close.
Checking the time, it was already two in the morning. Jin stood, signaling the end.
“All departments, organize today’s agenda and submit it by this afternoon.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Thank you all for your hard work. You may rise.”
As Jin left, the tense atmosphere in the room relaxed, turning chaotic. Officials gathered among themselves, and subordinates did the same, discussing the tasks ahead.
Ian did likewise, tidying the documents before standing.
“Lord Ian, welcome back. It’s truly good to see you.”
“Thank you. I’m glad to see you well.”
“I look forward to working with you.”
“Likewise.”
Those friendly to the Department of Magic approached to shake his hand, and Ian naturally clasped theirs. Eyes watched from all directions, but he casually ignored them and exited the meeting room.
The commotion only intensified.
“He’s insane. Just as the rumors said, the Minister of Magic.”
“When and how did he come up with that justification?”
“Now I understand why he was the empire’s power broker at such a young age. Ha.”
“If only we could wrap up the budget issue, but when will the Department of Magic demand repayment?”
“Lord Ian puts meaning into every gesture. He’ll probably ask at the most advantageous time for the Department of Magic, so we’d better prepare quickly.”
“This is going to be a headache. Why does it have to be the Department of Magic? If it were anyone else, the officials’ influence would make appointments manageable. But the Department of Magic is its own world—no chance.”
Meanwhile, the mages following Ian glanced back nervously. Though pretending not to notice, the stares from all around were unmistakably hostile.
“Those officials keep glaring at us. Bad luck.”
“Hey, keep your voice down. They might hear.”
“Let them hear. I think they glare back just as much.”
“Anyway, Lord Ian, you did well today. His Highness seemed pleased. He kept smiling even while pretending not to.”
“Oh? You noticed that too? Me too.”
“Lord Ian, will you be heading to the Department of Magic or leaving the palace? It’s late, so if you’re leaving, we can send a carriage this afternoon.”
“To the Department of Magic.”
Ian smiled, as if the question was obvious. Passing officials whispered among themselves.
“What are the nobles in the banquet hall doing?”
“Probably chatting and having fun. Honestly, I envy them. Some of us are in meetings until two in the morning while others just drink.”
“Don’t be so harsh. They have their own struggles, especially nobles with daughters of marriageable age. They can’t go anywhere at night, probably waiting anxiously for His Highness’s return.”
Now that Jin was grown and the sole heir of the royal family, it was only natural that marriage proposals would start coming his way. The position beside him would shine all the more brightly.
Ian briefly pondered who Jin’s empress was in this era but, regrettably, had almost no memory of her.
“Lord Ian?”
A mage opened the carriage door and urged him to get in. Ian smiled and was about to step inside, but then suddenly clutched his stomach, looking unwell.
“Are you alright? Feeling unwell?”
“Ah…”
Though asked lightly, Ian didn’t answer. Instead, he crouched slowly, clutching his abdomen. The startled mages lowered themselves alongside him, unsure what to do.
“Lord Ian, what’s wrong? Are you in pain?”
“…It seems to be a side effect.”
“Side effect? What kind?”
Ian’s face turned pale, and the mages’ complexions drained as well.
The child’s gaze landed on Akorella, who was slowly descending the stairs. She was chatting with someone she knew and, more notably, walking with difficulty, only halfway down. She paused, sensing the attention, and the mages hurried over to her in a group.
“You actually gave that to Lord Ian! Captain Akorella!”
“Huh? What? Me?”
“Lord Ian’s having side effects!”
“You gave it to someone who just arrived at the palace? Fool!”
“Side effects, yes. Let’s hurry.”
Akorella waved them off and pushed through, then called out to Romandro, who was standing by Ian’s side.
“Romandro, what are you doing? Get Lord Ian on the carriage quickly.”
“Should we call a doctor? But since it’s from the mana recovery potion, would that help?”
“No doctor. Just call the head chef.”
“The head chef? Why?”
Ian staggered, grabbing Romandro’s arm, sweating coldly with a pale face. Then, as if he couldn’t bear it any longer, he muttered softly.
“Please, let’s go quickly, Romandro.”
Creak!
Whirr!
Jin, dressed lightly, stepped down from the carriage and quickened his pace. Rumors had spread that Ian had collapsed clutching his stomach right after leaving the meeting. Though dawn was breaking, Jin paid it no mind and strode out of the Crown Prince’s palace.
Had Ian’s health deteriorated after returning from the Abyss? While others passed time normally, he had been alone there for so long that any problems would be natural.
Tap tap tap!
Despite the early hour, the entire palace was bustling with work. The Department of Magic was expected to be the same, but the lobby was surprisingly quiet. Jin frowned deeply, sensing the tension.
“Lord Ian!”
Bang!
“Ah! You startled me.”
“Who is it?”
“Your Highness, Your Highness!”
Before anyone could answer, Jin flung open the door himself. Inside, he met the eyes of the mages filling the minister’s office.
They were buried in documents on chairs, sofas, and the floor. Servants wheeled in carts piled high with dishes. Ian looked at Jin, holding a sandwich.
“Your Highness?”
“Lord Ian, are you all right? There were rumors you had collapsed.”
“Ah, yes. There was a bit of an issue due to the recovery potion from Akorella, but I’m fine now. I was just hungrier than expected—that’s all.”
Next to Ian sat a bowl taller than a person. The servants had just cleared it once, and this was what remained.
Jin approached, disbelief written all over his face. This wasn’t Beric we were talking about…
“Are you really okay?”
“They said it’s a reaction from the rapid recovery process. Honestly, I’m not objectively in perfect shape, but I’m fine. Your Highness, aren’t you hungry?”
Ian glanced at the towering pile of sandwiches stacked beside him. Surely, nothing beats these for eating while working.
“No, no, I’m fine.”
“You’re crazy. I’ve never seen Ian eat more than me.”
Beric, sprawled lazily among the busy mages, kept muttering the same thing. None of the mages, including Ian, responded—they were all focused on their documents. They probably wondered why a member of the Royal Guard was lounging around when they were so busy.
“I apologize for causing concern, Your Highness. I’m sorry.”
“No, no, it’s a relief if it was just a rumor.”
“According to Akorella, after eating like this, I might sleep for days straight. I’m glad I got to see you before that happened.”
“Why? Others can submit the reports. You only just returned to the palace yesterday. Honestly, I don’t like you sitting here doing nothing.”
“No, I’m at ease when I’m doing what I must. Everyone, take a short break.”
“Oh, thank goodness. Thank you.”
“Let’s go wake ourselves up a bit. Haah.”
“Excuse me. Ugh.”
They were asked to step aside briefly. The mages stretched and left the room, while Beric remained glued to the sofa’s backrest, rolling around lazily. Since he hadn’t done any work, he figured there was no need to leave.
“Beric. You too.”
“Huh? Why me?”
“I don’t know what it is, but is this something even Beric shouldn’t hear?”
Jin asked, puzzled. Ian lowered his pen and shook his head.
“No. It’s a matter related to His Highness’s private affairs.”
“…I don’t know what it is, but tell me. It’s all right.”
“Perhap—”
Beric’s ears perked up, and he suddenly sat bolt upright, eyes sparkling as if he’d just heard something very interesting.
“Is there someone special on your mind?”