Chapter 517

“Oh my, so that’s what happened?”

Viviana brought out some warm black tea for the suddenly arrived group of crown princes. They looked utterly exhausted—must have been through quite a lot during their covert mission.

Romandro sipped his tea, waving his hand as if to say, “Don’t even mention it.”

“Yeah. A puppet show like that, right out in broad daylight on the main street—reckless, to say the least. I can’t even talk about it. Be careful when you go out with Vivi, too.”

He didn’t bring up the puppets made from human skin, not wanting to shock his wife and daughter.

Viviana gently placed a teacup in front of Jin, the true crown prince, offering some comfort.

“Your Highness, please don’t worry. Truly, I’ve never seen anyone so disloyal around here. I pass through the commercial district several times a day, and even then, everyone is cheering for your coronation and departure ceremony. I don’t think it’s the Bariel people. Could it be someone from Burgos?”

That made sense. Using Infi puppets was a cruelty unimaginable in Bariel, but among the northern shamans, some tribes might employ such methods.

Ian set down his teacup and looked at Jin.

“I agree, that seems the most likely. I’ll investigate immediately and submit a report.”

“Right. Some blame the gods, but who am I to avoid that? It doesn’t bother me much.”

“Doesn’t?” Viviana caught a subtle, unspoken emotion in Jin’s words. It sounded like there was something else troubling him.

Vivi, who had been quietly munching on cookies nearby, must have sensed it too, because she boldly asked the crown prince.

“Then, is there something else bothering you?”

“Vivi, which lady starts a conversation while eating cookies?”

“I’m not a lady, I’m a kid.”

“Can’t argue with that.”

That was Vivi for you. Viviana threw up her hands and touched her forehead, then shot Jin an apologetic glance.

Just as Jin was about to respond with a smile, Beric snatched a cookie from Vivi’s hand and cut in.

“Is it because of that woman from earlier?”

“Woman?”

Vivi’s eyes sparkled instantly.

Could the crown prince have a lover? Was she about to learn the latest gossip everyone in the world was dying to hear? Vivi accidentally dropped crumbs from her mouth and rubbed her lips with the back of her hand.

“Oh dear, definitely a kid.”

“Woman? What happened?”

“You don’t need to know.”

“I’m not that kid!”

“See? Doing whatever she wants—that’s exactly a kid.”

Vivi and Beric bickered back and forth, while Romandro pretended not to notice and sipped his tea.

Amid the noisy commotion, Jin casually recounted what had happened. He said he’d been dreaming of a woman he’d met in those dreams for some time.

Viviana and Philia exchanged meaningful glances, sharing a silent signal.

‘Isn’t this fate?’

‘Yes, since His Highness has been dreaming of her repeatedly, it must be a sign from heaven.’

‘What wonderful news!’

‘Let’s pretend we don’t know. He’d be embarrassed otherwise.’

“But, Mother—”

“Yes?”

Philia smiled awkwardly and nodded. Ian had returned to the center, and this was one of the first times they were sitting face to face. Usually, they only saw each other briefly at the Ministry of Magic or during mealtimes.

“When do you plan to go down to Hielo?”

“Oh, nothing concrete yet. Why?”

Was it a problem if they stayed in the capital? Philia asked cautiously, and Ian shook his head with a smile.

“If possible, I’d like you to take your time going down to Hielo.”

Ian’s gaze landed on Roel, who was quietly munching on cookies. Roel caught his look and simply stared back.

“Brother, sorry, but there’s nothing to see right now.”

In other words, don’t ask.

Ian shrugged and turned his attention back to Philia.

“Roel’s abilities will be a great help to Bariel. We might even find clues about Silask during the war. I’m not forcing you—just a suggestion. If you plan to stay long, I’ll arrange a house for you. I feel like you’re doing too much for Romandro’s family already.”

“Oh no, Ian.”

“Yeah, Ian. You help with living expenses and so much else, so don’t say you’re a burden. It’s embarrassing.”

“Thank you for saying that.”

“No, no. Let’s leave it at that. Please, make yourself comfortable, madam. Roel, you too.”

Philia nodded slightly and added,

“The coronation is coming up soon, so I’ll be in the capital until then. It’s an honor, so I must attend. But, Ian—”

“Yes, Mother?”

“Do you have any connection to the Davion family?”

The Davion count’s house.

That was unexpected from Philia. Ian, Jin, Romandro, and even Xiaoshi, who had been quietly listening, all paused and turned their heads.

Surprised by their reaction, Philia waved her hands nervously and leaned back.

“It’s nothing, really. I recently received an invitation to a tea party. Since I came up from the border to the capital, they said I might be lonely alone. Roel and Mrs. Viviana were also welcome to come along.”

“Did you attend?”

“No, absolutely not. I sent a polite refusal. I don’t know much about that family, and their intentions were too obvious. But then I got another invitation recently, asking if my refusal was a mistake.”

Ian and Jin exchanged glances. The intention was so transparent that even Philia could see right through it. Since the Ministry of Magic had refused a meeting, they were trying to approach Ian’s mother instead.

And ultimately, to reach Jin.

“You did well. From now on, whether it’s the Davions or any other family, please avoid private meetings. If you get bored, just let me know. I can arrange suitable social gatherings anytime. You don’t have to move around yourself—just call the guests.”

“I’m not bored. When I’m with Mrs. Viviana doing this and that, the day ends too quickly.”

“Yes. It’s best to be cautious.”

Beric, his hair a mess, scratched his ear and muttered,

“Wow, they’re really working hard over there.”

“Yeah. The Davions are more aggressive than I thought. I figured they’d stay quiet until the Holin dukes were settled.”

“Your Highness, have you checked the report?”

Oh no, the word “report” came up.

Viviana picked up the empty cookie plate and stood, with Philia following naturally. It was a polite way to continue their work conversation. The two girls remained seated on the sofa.

“I have. The Holin family asked to have the Davions dealt with. It’s a clear overreach, so I wonder if they didn’t realize that.”

“I think so too. It seemed more like a ‘would be nice but not necessary’ kind of offer, not a genuine desire. There’s something else going on. We should watch carefully.”

“Lately, there’s been someone annoying the Davions, so I’ve thought about using that as an excuse to get rid of them. The Holins are pushing forward, so it looks like they’re getting anxious.”

Ah, grown-up talk. Vivi couldn’t understand half of it but snorted and focused on their conversation.

The only ones uninterested were Beric and Roel. They absentmindedly munched on the remaining cookies, then both looked toward the door.

Knock, knock.

“Yes? Who is it?”

“I’m from the palace.”

The familiar voice silenced the room. Mini, the estate’s only servant, wiped her hands on her apron and went to the door. It was Barsabe. She took off her hat and bowed, then delivered a message to Jin and Ian.

“Your Highness, Minister Ian. There’s been a problem. You need to return to the palace immediately.”

“A problem? What kind?”

“The Davions, having heard the Holin family’s proposal, are filing a complaint about overstepping their authority, so work has come to a halt. The Holins are reportedly moving to sell their territory.”

“Ugh, what a mess.”

Beric stretched and grumbled, while Jin leaned back against the sofa, looking troubled. Ian set down his teacup and grabbed his jacket.

“Let’s go, Your Highness.”

“Nothing ever just passes by in a day.”

“That’s the palace for you.”

With their two superiors leaving first, Romandro and Xiaoshi gathered their things and stood.

Their shoulders brushed briefly. Xiaoshi kept signaling that it was nothing, but Romandro felt awkward and just twitched his nose.

“Romandro.”

“Hm? Yes? What is it?”

“If you’re going to use honorifics, stick to them. If not, then don’t. It’s uncomfortable.”

Then she abruptly turned and left.

Romandro hurried after her, teasing.

“Come on, you’re an officer and a noble. I can’t just drop formalities! We’ve known each other for over ten years, right? Sometimes when things get urgent, you cut the front and back hair off—that’s normal, right?”

“I don’t know.”

“Aw, come on, you do know.”

“What are you two doing? Hurry up and get on!”

“Got it, you rascal!”

Romandro answered Beric’s call and loaded their luggage into the back of the carriage. Viviana and Philia rushed out to see them off.

“Going in so suddenly?”

“Dad, when will you come again?”

“On a day off.”

“Dad doesn’t have days off.”

Romandro pretended to wipe away tears again, and Viviana laughed, holding her daughter close.

“See you again. If you need anything, I’ll bring it in for you.”

“Yeah. I’ll be back soon. Big Vivi. And our little Vivi.”

Light kisses were exchanged on the cheeks, and Ian waved goodbye to Filia and Roel through the window.

“We’ll meet again, Mother. If anyone sends an invitation, please let me know.”

“Alright. Take care of yourself, and make sure you eat well.”

“Let’s get going.”

Screeeech!

Clatter!

Following Ian’s command, the carriage slowly started moving.

Vivi stood by the road, waving. Romandro stuck his head out the window, while Jin rested his chin on his hand, silent and clearly displeased.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. This can be handled easily.”

“It’s not just that. I’m disappointed we couldn’t finish the stealth mission.”

Though it had only been a short time for Ian, for Jin and the others, it was their first outing in ten years. Jin narrowed his eyes, staring out the window, and Ian added gently, as if to comfort him.

“Brother, we can always come out again next time, right?”

At the teasing tone, Jin just rolled his eyes and looked at Ian. There was no obvious change, but the softening around his eyes showed his mood had lightened.

Beric, who had been listening nearby, leaned forward and pointed at himself with his finger, a hint of excitement in his voice.

“Ian! Me too! Let me call you ‘Brother’ as well.”

“Beric, quiet.”

“Why not? Just say ‘Brother’!”

“Do you want to walk here?”

“Ah, sorry.”

Beric raised his hand in apology, and silence fell over the carriage once more. The only sound was the steady clip-clop of hooves racing toward the palace.

In front of the palace gates, carriages lined up as if to announce the commotion inside.

“Are they all from Davion’s faction?”

“Looks like it.”

The Davion group looked determined.

They were fiercely condemning the Holin family’s overreach, hauling in every last piece of equipment as if ready to strike back with a strike or worse if their demands weren’t met.

And it made sense.

Just like the Holins, this was Davion’s chance—the perfect moment to cut off their rivals completely.