Chapter 513
Bang!
The Duke Holrin flung the door open with a fierce force.
The cluster of officials gathered inside startled and turned around, but only for a moment. Then, they forced polite smiles and rose from their seats, reading the Duke’s icy glare.
Holrin stepped inside slowly, his eyes scanning each guest’s face with piercing intensity.
“What’s going on this early in the morning?”
Though he already knew the answer, the Duke’s tone dared them to speak up. Minister Philenerong greeted him cautiously.
“Good morning, Your Grace. The weather is—”
“Whether it’s good or bad, you all gathered here before I even glanced outside, so I have nothing to say. I’ll ask again: what’s the matter? Since you’re all from the palace, I’m deeply concerned. Is there a problem?”
As the Duke settled onto the sofa and crossed his legs, Kayla arrived in the reception room. Though it was morning, she was impeccably dressed. She nodded politely to the guests as she entered, and they returned the gesture, hand over heart. Holrin thought perhaps it would be more effective to speak with Kayla than to continue this standoff.
As Kayla passed through, the guests parted to welcome her.
“Good day, Lady Kayla.”
“Indeed, it’s been a while. What brings you here so early?”
“Oh, it’s about the Magic Department’s request to purchase your family’s territory and sell off the infrastructure.”
“We’ve already sent a reply.”
“I know, but if I may be so bold, could you reconsider the price?”
Kayla raised an eyebrow and gave the officials a quick once-over. What on earth was going on? These weren’t just any bureaucrats—they were close to the Holrin family, yet here they were, making such a request.
Sensing something serious, Kayla smoothed her dress and took a seat.
“The Magic Department has outstanding payments. They’ve been borrowing against the budget for the past decade, and the Minister says the contract amount with the Holrin family is so large that they have no choice but to press for payment.”
“Ah.”
A sound of realization. Kayla swept her glossy hair back and smirked slightly, amused.
“If the payment isn’t made, the matter will go to trial. Your Grace, for mutual benefit, wouldn’t it be better to accept the Magic Department’s proposed price? If you do, we’ll expedite customs procedures in Burgos from a week down to five days. I promise.”
“From a broader perspective, it benefits Bariel as well. Special weapons will reduce the Magic Department’s influence. In time, you can reclaim what’s yours.”
“Yes. And haven’t they already offered twice the purchase price for the territory? It’s not a loss.”
“Please, just once, bend a little. We’re all in the same boat.”
If these colluding officials were removed from their posts, it would be a fatal blow to the Holrin family. The rival Davion faction would rise, seize control of the palace, and then every project the Holrins pursued would face obstruction.
The Duke suppressed his irritation and searched for a cigarette, while Kayla tapped her toes silently.
“The payment is the issue?”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Then we’ll pay it. How much are we talking about?”
Better to raise funds from other nobles than lose the territory. Once it slips away, it’s gone forever.
The officials exchanged awkward smiles.
“Not just the amount, but have you not received the official notice?”
“Notice? What notice?”
“The palace sent a warning to the central nobles. For any official dealings, investigators will be dispatched to oversee transactions.”
“What?”
Holrin glanced at his steward, who shook his head—no such notice had arrived.
The Duke clenched his jaw. It wasn’t an oversight. It was just delayed, deliberately. The intent was blatant.
“Good grief.”
After all he’d done for the country, this was how they treated him? The taxes he paid, the number of imperial subjects under his command? He crushed the cigarette between his teeth, stifling his rising anger.
Kayla covered her mouth and whispered to her father.
“Father, first…”
The officials tried to eavesdrop, but the steward’s clattering of teacups made it difficult. Amid the noise, the Duke’s eyes narrowed, then he nodded in understanding.
“Ahem. I’m well aware of the problem. But before that, there’s one thing to clarify.”
“Yes? Please, speak.”
“If this is about crowning Lady Kayla as Empress, I support it without question.”
“Of course! Who would oppose Lady Kayla for that position?”
“Not that!”
The Duke slammed the table lightly, silencing the nonsense.
“Even if I accept the Magic Department’s price, will the deal really go through?”
“Pardon?”
Confused murmurs spread. Kayla spoke calmly, her voice chillingly cold.
“The Davion faction. They want you to fail in persuading us. If that happens, you’ll all be ousted, and Davion will take your places. With Davion controlling key palace posts, pressuring the Holrin family will be only a matter of time.”
“But what can they do if you agree to the price?”
“Exactly. It’s not their place to interfere.”
“And honestly, since the Duke is at odds with the Magic Department, Davion is likely to align with them to gain favor. It’s an opportunity.”
“Yes. That’s what bothers us.”
Whether the deal succeeds or not, Davion stands to gain. They’ll at least break even, but the Holrins risk losing everything in an instant.
That’s unacceptable. Kayla lifted her chin, frowning.
“I’m not asking you to crown me Empress immediately. That’s impossible, and I know the Lords don’t have much time left.”
The officials could push to elevate Kayla now, but it would be pointless—and reckless attempts would backfire.
The choice lies solely with the true Crown Prince. To override that authority, the officials’ influence must grow stronger. The backing behind them.
Swish.
Holrin picked up a blank sheet from the table and scribbled something quickly. Then, with a sharp toss, he threw it before them. The names of officials from the Davion family were written there.
“Let’s take them down.”
“You mean…?”
“If you remove these people from their posts, I’ll hand over the territory and infrastructure at the proposed price. And I’ll put the future crowning of Lady Kayla in writing.”
“These aren’t minor officials… they hold key positions.”
“Exactly why I’m offering this here. If you have no other way, take it to the Magic Department. Surely their esteemed Minister will have some sense.”
The Davion officials were already the Emperor’s power base. They wouldn’t willingly clip their own wings.
Though it was a conditional offer, it was clear the Magic Department pushed from behind, and the Holrin family from the front. The officials looked defeated, puffing their cigarettes in frustration.
“Well, my business here is done. I’ll be leaving.”
“Your Grace! Your Grace!”
“Excuse me.”
“Lady Kayla, may I have a word?”
Creak.
Kayla closed the door without hesitation and followed her father, whispering.
“That was appropriate. Whether it works or not, it’s a no-lose offer—perfect for buying time, Father.”
“Indeed. What a thunderclap to start the day.”
“They’ll come every day to complain. Best to wait and see. Should we prepare ‘that’ just in case?”
Kayla’s question was met with a nod from the Duke, who patted her shoulder. Noise rose behind them, but they didn’t glance back as they descended the stairs.
Meanwhile, Ian was walking toward the Magic Tower with Romandro. Despite the bright weather, the palace staff wore dark expressions. Noticing this, Romandro muttered quietly.
“Ian, the palace feels unsettled.”
“Besides the department responsible for payments, the Davion side must be in chaos too. If you visit other buildings, they’re either empty or too busy to speak. One or the other.”
“Should we avoid looking into Davion’s side?”
“They won’t act overtly. They’ll watch the flow between me and the officials and move to cooperate naturally.”
In the distance stood the Magic Tower—massive and towering, guarding the palace’s four corners. The Bariel Empire’s flag fluttered crisply in the breeze.
“What about Duke Holrin? Shouldn’t we press harder? He looks like he’s barely holding on. It’d help if we pushed alongside the officials.”
“There’s advantage in stepping back. Getting too close to a mud fight means losing your clothes.”
A guard who recognized Ian and Romandro saluted and drew his sword, then opened the path into the Magic Tower.
“We just need to watch from a step behind.”
“Watch? What do you mean?”
“A puppet of the Holrin family.”
“What are you talking about? Seriously.”
“I’m not entirely sure myself. The Holrin family only brings it up as a last resort.”
creak
“Ian, you’re here.”
“Is he inside?”
“Yes. You may enter. Following the doctor’s advice, we’ll keep the restraints on but remove the gag. We’ll stay close during the conversation, just in case. If there’s anything confidential, please let us know beforehand.”
Ian nodded, and a soldier pushed open the heavy iron door.
Inside was a dark room, with only a handful of sunlight filtering through a tiny, palm-sized window. Sparse furnishings: a bed and a desk. The man sitting on the bed sensed their presence and slowly turned his head.
“Long time no see.”
Damone’s eyes widened when he recognized Ian. His neat bob haircut was unchanged, but his skin looked paler, and his body thinner. Ian pulled up a chair and sat down in front of him, then smiled faintly.
“Did you miss me?”
“…”
“Your tongue’s cut off anyway. What’s the point of making a fuss and keeping that gag on?”
At Ian’s signal, a soldier loosened the restraints on Damone’s right arm. The pale arm dropped limply. He couldn’t even clench his fist; it barely moved.
Ian tossed a pen and paper onto the desk and asked,
“If you have questions, ask away. I have some of my own. Seems like a fair trade, doesn’t it?”
Damone stared at the pen quietly, then slowly took it. Scratching out words weakly, the paper was passed to Ian by Romandro, who was stroking his mustache.
“Ian. This…”
When exactly will I die?
Reading the words, Ian shrugged.
“Who knows? Maybe when you’ve lost every scrap of value and faded into nothing. Not long now. But you know, I have a rather interesting idea.”
Ian leaned closer, and Damone followed him with just his eyes.
“A way to deny you a next life. You know about the Abyss, don’t you?”