Chapter 506
Jin’s expression shifted subtly. It seemed like something was lingering on the tip of his tongue, but he just couldn’t bring himself to speak. Seeing this, Berrick propped his chin on his hand and stared intently at Jin, a smirk barely held back on his lips.
Meanwhile, Ian appeared calm and relaxed. When Jin’s reply was delayed, he pushed the sandwich plate aside, signaling that this conversation needed to be taken seriously.
Jin raised his hand in mild embarrassment.
“Wait a moment, Lord Ian. Why are you suddenly asking something like that?”
“I apologize if it’s an uncomfortable question.”
But what could they do? The future of Bariel depended on the match Jin would make. It was only natural to be concerned—especially if he could even remember who the Empress was.
“No, no, it’s not like that.”
“Please, have a seat.”
“All right, Your Highness. Let’s sit here. Heh heh heh.”
“Berrick, your laugh is rather unbecoming.”
“Is it? I just find it amusing.”
Berrick kept winking at Ian, then sealed his lips. Yet those lips kept twitching, as if he had more to say than the two men exchanging questions.
Ian carefully poured tea for Jin and continued cautiously.
“The matter is this: Your Highness has now come of age. As the sole heir to the imperial line, it means only you can continue the royal bloodline. It’s only natural to consider a suitable match.”
Jin furrowed his brow and sipped his tea. He knew this well. Bringing someone new into the royal family was a grave responsibility, a duty he could not avoid. But since this was where public duty and private life intertwined, it inevitably required deep thought.
Shaking his head, Jin spoke.
“I do have a young lady in mind.”
“Oh? Who? Is she pretty?”
“Well, first, the second daughter of Duke Hollin.”
“First?”
“Is there more than one?”
Ignoring Berrick’s curious glance, Jin explained.
“Duke Hollin really profited from the Burgos civil war.”
“That family is well-known for weapons manufacturing.”
“Using that wealth, they aggressively bought up land in the capital. Now, about half of the outer districts bordering the palace belong to the Hollin family. Among the central nobility, they’re the most powerful. I heard their second daughter is my age.”
“Seems suitable in many ways, but…”
Jin hadn’t made a decision because it wasn’t perfect.
At Ian’s gentle inquiry, Jin pressed his temple.
“He has seven siblings, three of whom are currently on trial. They lack the dignity to be part of the royal household. More importantly, even if a marriage were arranged, the family insists on controlling the weapons business themselves.”
“Hm. That would be problematic.”
“No, I asked if she’s pretty.”
“Next is the youngest daughter of Count Davion. A prestigious family that has produced many high-ranking palace officials. They have a good reputation among the empire’s citizens and considerable influence among the nobility. No obvious flaws, but no particular advantage either if a marriage were arranged.”
Jin already had Davion’s talents among his own people.
He leaned back against the sofa, troubled.
“I’m also looking at Ruthwena, Hawan, even Burgos, but no one stands out. Unless it’s a concubine, there’s only one Empress.”
“I see. But, Your Highness…”
Ian nodded attentively and asked again.
“Setting aside family status and conditions, is there no one who has captured your heart?”
“…Is that important?”
Jin’s expression was unexpectedly surprised. His position was not the same as an ordinary partner. He knew all too well that love alone wasn’t enough to be together.
Ian must have understood this as well.
“Welcoming a noble or foreign royal certainly brings many benefits through marriage. But Your Highness’s reign will be long. Wouldn’t it be better if your partner also shared your heart? Bloodline aside, everything else can change. It’s better to look at future value rather than immediate gain. If there is someone you have feelings for.”
Jin’s Bariel would never waver again. Ian would make sure of that. So if Jin could find happiness in life, Ian wanted to help him.
“That’s surprising. I never expected you to say something like that, Lord Ian.”
“It means I respect Your Highness’s choice.”
“Ah, so just bring whoever you want, huh?”
Jin joked, and Ian smiled broadly. After all, he was the one born to weigh pros and cons. Even while carrying a great cause, if happiness could be found in the gaps, it was right to seek it—for Jin, for his future partner, and for their children.
“Understood. But I don’t have anyone in my heart yet. If I do, I’ll tell you first.”
“Yes, Your Highness. If you do, I will wholeheartedly do my best to assist.”
“So, if they’re unfit, you’ll just cut them loose, huh?”
Jin laughed slowly, swirling the half-empty teacup.
“Anyway, there’s no marriage plan for now. The competition among suitors hasn’t heated up yet.”
Becoming part of the royal family was a coveted opportunity, so many nobles would be eager to jump in. Jin planned to secure the best possible advantage for the crown during that process. Having just come of age, he felt this was only the beginning.
“Lord Ian, if you wish, you may meet the daughters of the Hollin and Davion families yourself. You never know—one of them might be my match. Matters of the heart are unpredictable.”
“That’s a wise suggestion.”
Jin suddenly recalled the past—the day Serro approached Ian with a marriage proposal in the greenhouse. Back then, this seemed like a distant future. Now, they were casually discussing marriage plans, and Jin was the one bringing it up before Ian.
Jin stood and poured himself a drink.
“By the way, Lord Ian, you might not know—Lady Alenara married a minor noble from the provinces and left the capital. There were rumors she was conspiring with King Ruthwena, but after Eriphoni’s death and your departure, the capital was in chaos. The Serro family was effectively ignored. Lord Serro still remains at the estate, though.”
They were practically on the brink of ruin. Jin dropped ice into his glass with a clink.
“But, Lord Ian, I have a question for you. Is there someone you have feelings for? Or have you ever had a match?”
Silence.
Jin turned his back again. Then, he caught Berrick sniffling and locking eyes with him. Huh? Normally, he should be looking at Ian.
At that moment, Berrick’s eyes slowly shifted to the right, pointing at the empty sofa.
“Ian’s passed out.”
“Huh?”
Ian, who had been sitting upright, suddenly slumped deep into the sofa.
“…?”
Impossible. How could someone who was just talking fine suddenly faint?
Jin stepped closer and, to his surprise, saw Ian completely out cold, head tilted to the side, eyes peacefully closed.
“Accorella! Ian’s fainted!”
Bang!
At Berrick’s shout, the door flew open and a group of mages rushed in. They gathered around the sofa, whispering excitedly as if they’d been waiting for this moment.
“Finally, Lord Ian is sleeping.”
“Sniff. How long has it been since we last saw that?”
“Not even in the North?”
“Don’t know. He had his own room. But whenever I knocked, he was always dressed and sitting at his desk. Didn’t look like he slept much.”
“Oh, his lips are slightly parted.”
“Shh. Quiet. Don’t wake him. Captain Accorella, how long does this effect last?”
“Usually about two days, but who knows? Seeing Ian eat that sandwich, it must be serious. Let’s move him to bed and keep watch.”
Berrick crouched to Ian’s level and sniffed.
“Ah, but the timing’s suspicious.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ian smells fishy. Maybe he’s pretending to sleep because he doesn’t want to answer. Hey, Ian? You awake?”
Then he poked Ian’s nostril with a finger.
The mages gasped and grabbed Berrick by the collar, pulling him away. They clung to his arms and neck, silently shouting as if to say, “How dare you put your finger there? You’re dead!”
“Okay, okay, I get it!”
“You crazy bastard, seriously disgusting. Hey, someone wipe Lord Ian’s nose.”
“Huh? Not my hand?”
“Get lost. You’re a walking germ factory.”
“But Berrick, what answer were you looking for?”
As a mage moved a blanket, Berrick glanced at Jin, seeking permission to speak. Jin nodded, finishing his drink, and Berrick stretched before explaining.
“Your Highness asked if Ian has ever been in love. But he just closed his eyes once and immediately fell asleep.”
At that, the mage holding the blanket dropped it. Others stopped what they were doing—gathering scattered papers, stepping toward the door, even breathing seemed to pause. The only sound was the crackling of the fire. Everyone’s eyes widened as they stammered.
“I-I-Ian… in love?”
“What is this feeling? It’s strangely heartwarming yet complicated—like I want to cheer them on but also get in their way.”
“I can’t even imagine it. Ian, our Ian….”
“If they start dating, does that mean we can finally leave work on time? Like, right on the dot?”
“No way. Absolutely not. It’s just not good enough.”
“Who the hell are you to decide what’s acceptable or not?”
Snap!
Acorella tapped the foreheads of the mages, whispering softly. The spell had knocked them out, but if the noise got too loud, they might wake up.
“Everyone, shut up. Just take the documents Ian was looking at and distribute them. Stop wasting time with pointless chatter. Your Highness, Hale and I will take turns submitting the reports.”
“Understood.”
The mages swallowed their sharp discomfort and tidied up the area. Beric lifted Ian in his arms and headed into the inner room.
As Jin stepped out, Xiao Xi, who had been waiting outside, handed over a coat and greeted him.
“Shall we head to the Crown Prince’s palace?”
“Yes. It’s best to finish the work there.”
Clack, clack!
At that moment, a servant came running up the stairs to the Ministry of Magic. Approaching with hurried footsteps, he whispered something to Xiao Xi, whose expression immediately darkened.
“What’s wrong?”
“…Damon has started again.”
“Doesn’t that man ever get tired?”
Jin clicked his tongue, about to dismiss it, but then changed his mind and gave an order.
“No. Not to the residence. Let’s go there.”
“You mean to Damon’s place?”
“Yes. We’re about to send an envoy to Burgos. As king, I want to hear directly if he has any advice.”
Unaware that Ian and Rutherford had returned, Damon’s world remained unchanged from ten years ago.
Jin climbed into the carriage. Xiao Xi nodded, and the horses’ heads turned toward the Mage Tower.
Hiiing!
Clack, clack!
Meanwhile, in the grand banquet hall.
Given the hour, more than half the nobles had already left. Some were flushed from drinking, others exhausted, and a few had found promising connections. Those who remained were mostly drunk or nodding off on the sofas.
Yet, amid the drowsiness, two young ladies sat upright, staring straight ahead.
“Miss Kyla Hollin, would you like some more tea?”
“Miss Chloe Davion, here’s something to keep you warm.”
Both politely declined the offers with a smile.
Their eyes briefly met, then both returned their gaze forward, each silently hoping to catch Jin’s eye first when he entered.