Episode 508
“Your Highness, please have a seat.”
Noah froze at Mei’s call. He hadn’t even realized he’d been pacing the conference room since standing up.
But how could he help it? He’d waited a whole week. After catching a fleeting glimpse of the Minister of Magic—whom he’d thought dead for ten years—at the coming-of-age ceremony, he’d adjusted his return schedule just to wait for this meeting.
If he couldn’t meet today, he’d have no choice but to return home. So it was a relief that their schedules finally aligned.
Knock, knock.
“This is Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic.”
“Come in!”
A boy’s voice came from outside. Unlike Noah’s immediate permission, the door opened slowly, and Ian Hielo finally appeared. His blond hair and green eyes were exactly as Noah remembered.
“It’s been a while, Prince Noah. And Mei.”
“Sir Ian.”
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting while I was bedridden. Please, have a seat.”
At Ian’s gesture, attendants brought tea cups, and the boy smiled politely as he walked toward the sofa.
Noah and Mei’s eyes followed Ian intently. None of the rumors swirling around the palace were exaggerated—if anything, they were all true.
“Is the sunset over Clifford still as red as ever?”
“…Yes. Just like you, it remains unchanged.”
“That’s good to hear. I wanted to discuss the rift issue with you. I heard you spoke with Crown Prince Jin, but why haven’t the mages we sent south returned yet?”
“That’s due to unavoidable circumstances—”
“The carriage wheel broke down, the horses disappeared overnight, and while the king begged them to stay just one more day, even the royal treasures vanished. Those don’t sound like unavoidable circumstances; they’re petty and troublesome.”
Noah didn’t bother hiding the truth. It wasn’t about any official reason—it was just a stalling tactic. He shrugged in response.
“The Crown Prince said the Ministry of Magic is responsible for mage deployment and that he has no authority over it. Until I saw you, there was no solution.”
“Did you misunderstand?”
“Misunderstand what?”
“My return means Rutherford has come back. He still seeks to provoke and activate the rift. To catch Rutherford quickly and decisively, the Ministry of Magic must unite. Clifford is focusing on small matters and missing the bigger picture.”
“That small matter is exactly why Clifford is on the brink of collapse. You mentioned a war with Rutherford—or rather, Burgos—is imminent, right? I understand. But the Clifford rift can only hold without mages for about a month. After that? If any problems arise, will the mages come down to help? I’ve been waiting to hear a clear answer on this.”
Whether Burgos and Bariel went to war or not, Clifford was too busy trying to protect its own land. If monsters flooded the area after the mages left, it would be a path not just to decline, but to destruction.
Ian offered Noah a teacup, signaling calm.
“Honestly, I can’t give you a definite answer. If Clifford faces trouble, we’ll have to propose solutions based on Bariel’s situation at that time.”
“Sir Ian! That’s a breach of contract! The transfer of war reparations rights to Bariel after the Clifford-Burgos war was contingent on mage support!”
“Yes, yes, I know. Please don’t be so angry. I’m fully aware that Clifford is Bariel’s ally. For now, I promise to send as much mage support as possible if the Clifford rift worsens. However—”
However, however, that blasted ‘however’! Noah smiled tightly, clenching his teeth and muttering under his breath. Even after ten years, Ian was still Ian.
“May I ask a favor later?”
“A favor? What kind of favor?”
“I can’t say now, but just in case, I’m giving you a heads-up. It probably won’t be a heavy burden for the royal family. In fact, you might even welcome it.”
Noah and Mei exchanged suspicious glances, and Ian sipped his tea, smiling faintly.
“You can refuse if you want.”
“No, well… I can’t refuse before even hearing it. When the time comes, let’s talk about it. But—”
That blasted ‘but’! This time, I’ll say it! Noah raised his eyebrows and declared firmly.
“Don’t forget that we are your allies, and that we protect Bariel from Burgos and Luswena.”
“Of course. So, are you leaving now?”
“Feels like you’re kicking me out.”
“Not at all. You’re a valued guest, so I’m just asking. Please send a dispatch as you leave the palace. We want all the southern mages to return as soon as possible.”
“Hmph.”
Noah pouted and muttered quietly. Ian stood, signaling the end of their conversation, and Romandro opened the door.
“Well then, I’ll be going first. I’ve been bedridden too long, and there’s a mountain of work waiting.”
“Take care.”
“Safe travels.”
“Sir Ian.”
Noah stopped Ian as he was about to leave.
“Anyway, it’s good to see you. Later, tell me what’s beneath the rift.”
“Yes. If the opportunity arises.”
Ian bowed, then tapped Romandro on the shoulder as they left the room.
Walking down the corridor while checking his schedule, the Minister of Magic couldn’t help but spark Romandro’s curiosity.
“Ian, what’s this favor you mentioned? Just a little hint for me. I can’t figure out what Bariel would ask of Clifford.”
“Just what I said earlier. It’s something I threw out just in case, so don’t worry too much.”
“What is it? Huh? What is it?”
Romandro circled around, pestering him, and Ian suddenly stopped in his tracks. Uh-oh, is he about to get scolded? Romandro cleared his throat nervously, watching Ian’s expression.
But what came out of Ian’s mouth was unexpected.
“I’m borrowing the royal family’s name.”
“Huh? What do you mean by that?”
Ian just smiled at the puzzled Romandro. That was all he’d say.
“How’s the document I requested earlier? Has it been processed?”
“Oh, yes, yes. I was just about to confirm.”
Romandro handed over the papers he’d been holding at his side, and Ian flipped through them before asking again.
“And the letter sent to Duke Holin? No reply yet?”
A vast mansion stretching to the horizon. Once owned by the Haiman family, it now flew the Holin family’s banners everywhere.
As a servant hurried through the garden carrying a letter on a golden tray—
“Where are you rushing off to?”
“Ah, miss.”
It was Kayla, the second daughter of the Holin family. Her long black hair flowed like a river of stars, tied back in a single braid, and she held a longsword in one hand. She seemed to be returning from the training grounds behind the estate, where she’d been testing the weapon’s performance.
Kayla flicked her hand and immediately recognized the letter on the tray—it was from the royal palace. Her violet eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“…From the Ministry of Magic?”
“Yes, I’m about to deliver it to the duke.”
“I’ll take it. Go handle your tasks.”
“Eh? But—”
“I said I’ll do it.”
Before the servant could protest, Kayla grabbed the letter and headed to her father’s study. She knocked politely, and the duke immediately recognized her visit.
“Kayla. A letter from the palace has arrived.”
“A letter?”
“From the Ministry of Magic.”
Surrounded by countless blades displayed on the walls, Kayla handed her father the letter along with the sword she carried. Her expression clearly showed she wasn’t entirely satisfied.
Duke Baolrek Holin read the letter first. The unexpected message was unlikely to be welcome. How much trouble had the palace caused him, always trying to wrest control of nearby lands and the weapons trade?
Kayla slouched in her chair, nodding.
“I heard the Crown Prince trusts the Minister of Magic. It seems our family was chosen for his first task after returning.”
Baolrek carefully broke the seal and skimmed the contents before handing it to his daughter. Kayla read the letter aloud.
“Duke Baolrek Holin, greetings. This is Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic. With the war against Burgos looming, I write to discuss weapon production and supply with you. I am always at the palace, so please visit at your convenience. Alternatively, if you set a schedule, I will come to you. Apologies for the sudden contact. That is all.”
Kayla’s eyebrows twitched sharply. The letter’s tone was edged with steel—no matter the duke’s status, the cause demanded firmness.
Baolrek clenched his teeth and drummed his fingers on the desk.
“Kayla, I think you’re right.”
“Still, it’s a bit surprising. Why is the Ministry of Magic taking the reins instead of the Imperial Defense Department or another agency? Have you heard anything about this?”
“Other than the fact that the minister hasn’t shown up for work in days, there’s nothing unusual. Ian Hielo wouldn’t interfere without cause—that much is certain, given his nature.”
“Hmm. Then could it be that the Ministry of Magic has developed a weapon? A special weapon only they can manufacture. In the war against Burgos, there will definitely be non-human races involved, just like in the Clifopod-Burgos conflict. Having experienced that, it seems they’re preparing along those lines.”
That made sense. The duke stroked his beard thoughtfully, then after a long pause, he turned to his daughter.
“But, Kayla, are you really sure about this?”
“About what?”
“About not handing over the business rights to the crown. If you just give that up, our family can secure the empress’s position for sure. After all, you’d be part of the royal household. Honestly, I don’t mind if you hand it over.”
“Father, we agreed not to talk about that anymore.”
Kayla let out an exasperated laugh and pressed her palm to her forehead.
“Even if I become empress by giving up the business rights, if His Majesty and I part ways, I’ll just return to being a noble. Without blood ties, His Majesty and I will always be strangers.”
“That may be true, but as long as we hold our ground, do you think His Majesty would easily cast you aside? Giving up the business rights is—”
“What influence could the Hollen family, who gave up their power, possibly have on His Majesty? When my brother inherits the dukedom, do you think he’ll maintain his current status? He’s constantly dragged into court to swear oaths.”
“Kayla, don’t say things like that.”
“Please, Father, don’t. What’s the point of giving everything away just to gain something? That’s not progress—it’s standing still.”
And then there was Lady Davion. Not even foreign royalty, but from the Davion count’s family. It was a clear blow to their pride. And yet, they were supposed to bow their heads and surrender the business rights? All for the sake of the empress’s throne?
Kayla slowly raised a finely honed blade, letting it catch the light. Her violet eyes flashed coldly.
“Don’t worry. I’m confident I can claim what’s mine. Winning has always been my role.”
The crown prince Jin—perhaps not the best partner in love, but more than enough to spend a lifetime with. In fact, he was currently the most captivating match in Bariel.
Kayla looked back at her father.
“Let’s enter the palace. It would be good to see His Majesty while we’re at it. Please arrange a meeting.”