Chapter 527
“Care for a hit?”

At Hale’s question, Kyla looked up. She studied him carefully, trying to gauge his intent, but soon realized there was nothing more to it and straightened her posture.

“No, thank you. I’m fine.”

“Minister Ian will be here shortly. Please wait a moment.”

She had come here once before, following her father, the Duke Holin, but she never expected the Ministry of Magic to have a place like this.

The office was bustling. Long desks lined with piles of reports, a makeshift cot tucked in a corner, and half-eaten food scattered about, abandoned and forgotten.

In a small room isolated by glass walls deeper inside, Kyla sat upright, deliberately ignoring the curious glances from passing mages.

Knock, knock.

“Hale, are you busy?”

“No, I’m fine. What’s up?”

“It’s about that doll Romandro brought last time.”

“The one the puppeteer used?”

“Yes. It turns out it’s made from human skin. The hair is human too, but it seems to be a mix from several people. The Spell Research Department wants to run some tests to see if there’s a curse involved. There might be some damage during the process. Should we proceed?”

“It’s best to report to Ian and get his approval.”

“Understood. Alternatively, we could ask for help from the northern tribes who specialize in curses. Didn’t Astana’s delegation attend the recent coronation? I can include that in the report.”

“Good. Leave it on my desk.”

“By the way, who is she?”

“Kyla, daughter of Duke Holin.”

“Kyla? Ah, that—”

The mage glanced at Kyla, then quickly slapped his own cheek with a small hand gesture. With the Davion family’s multiple simultaneous outings, rumors had already spread throughout the palace.

When Kyla shot him a sharp look, he turned his back and left as if nothing had happened. Hale lit his pipe and apologized on his behalf.

“My apologies.”

“No, it’s expected in the palace. The Davions’ presence is hard to ignore.”

“But Miss Kyla, what brings you here?”

“I’m not sure. Ian asked to speak with me.”

Hale exhaled smoke and scratched his forehead. This place was mostly used for interrogations.

Ian wouldn’t get involved in some minor disturbance outside. It seemed serious, but Hale hadn’t heard any details.

Click.

At that moment, Ian entered, dressed in his Ministry uniform. Behind him came Romandro, carrying a stack of documents. Kyla remained seated, looking up at them.

“Miss Kyla, please stand and show your respect.”

At Ian’s command, another figure entered.

Kyla didn’t immediately recognize him. Silver hair, a deep scar cutting across his face, and piercingly cold pale eyes. She was startled and stood up without thinking.

“…Your Highness, Crown Prince.”

“It’s a shame our first meeting isn’t more pleasant.”

With a swish, Romandro drew the curtains over the glass wall, preparing for the meeting. Kyla’s mind, which had been racing with questions about what would be discussed, what would be demanded, and how she would get home, suddenly felt as if a heavy curtain had fallen—because of the Crown Prince’s arrival.

“Apologies for the delay. I had to attend to urgent matters and change into proper attire.”

“No problem.”

Ian asked for understanding, and Kyla, glancing at Jin, spoke calmly. She had only observed him from afar before; this was the first time they met face to face.

Oddly, the person who came to mind was Lady Chloe Davion. No matter how strange things got, Kyla was the first of the two to meet Jin.

“So, there was a disturbance outside.”

“How embarrassing.”

“I hear you have blood ties to the Burgos royal family.”

Ah, so that was the disturbance. It was clear they hadn’t even considered the scuffle between Chloe and Kyla. Kyla bit her lower lip and remained silent.

“There’s also speculation that there are two duchesses.”

“Your Highness.”

“You’re a businesswoman, aren’t you? Why take the hard road when there’s an easier one? Before we test your and your siblings’ blood with the homogenous potion, it would be better to admit the truth for smoother negotiations.”

Ian lowered his gaze silently, organizing the documents. The matter was already decided among them; this was just a formality.

Kyla shrugged as if surrendering.

“Yes, that’s correct. My mother carries the Burgos royal bloodline. With the royalist faction’s help, she established a weapons distribution network. But that’s all. The problematic jewel was indeed sent by my mother, but I didn’t know it was a royal treasure. It was originally a necklace ornament, but I used it as a hair accessory. It has passed through so many hands that it lost its original form long ago.”

Kyla added hastily, but Jin’s interest lay elsewhere.

“The palace supplies official weapons to the royalists. Were there other transactions?”

“The royalists only provided minor support at the start. Since Burgos is in civil war, many need weapons. My mother now runs the business independently.”

“So, you could continue supplying weapons to the royalists if you wanted?”

“Yes, as long as no one interferes with our business.”

Kyla glanced at Ian as she answered. The one trying to take over their weapons business was right in front of her. Ian smiled as if unaware and made a suggestion.

“Miss Kyla, whether intentional or not, possessing a lost royal treasure is a serious crime. And since it was sent by a duchess, we must thoroughly investigate the process.”

“Ian.”

Kyla shook her head briefly. No need for unnecessary power plays—just get to the point. She was the head of her family, a businesswoman, and intelligent. If the palace had found a reason to trap her, it meant there would be consequences.

“It sounds like you’re being asked to supply faulty weapons to Burgos.”

“Oh, you have quite the ear.”

It would betray her family’s honor and the trust of their clients.

But what could she do? The palace of Bariel was pushing from behind. Unless she completely switched sides to Burgos, she had no choice but to accept their terms. She had been planning to quit the weapons business soon anyway, so this was an acceptable loss.

After weighing her options, Kyla nodded.

“Very well. If you provide more specific details, I will comply as ordered, Your Highness.”

“Simple. Fill Burgos with weapons they can neither break nor wield properly. Broken swords, shattered shields, armor that can’t even block the wind.”

At first, they would face the anti-royalist Rutherford directly, but that was just the beginning. They couldn’t predict how the royalists would act later, so it was wise to sow trouble in their forces early on.

“Understood. Then, will you keep silent about the royal treasure and my mother’s bloodline?”

“We’ll see how things proceed.”

“…The bloodline wasn’t our choice.”

“But you enjoyed its privileges.”

Jin appreciated Kyla’s cooperative attitude. With overwhelming evidence, dragging things out would only be exhausting. He stood and said:

“Coordinate the remaining matters with Ian. And—”

The jewel embedded in Kyla’s hairpiece, once a royal treasure, had long lost its original form and value. It could be seen as an insult to the palace, but—

“Consider the jewel a down payment. You may keep it.”

Jin let it slide.

He gave Ian a look that said “take good care of her” and nodded to suggest they have a meal together later. Ian, Romandro, and Hale stood and escorted him out with proper courtesy.

Meanwhile, Kyla sat lost in thought, staring blankly. Jin glanced back at her briefly before leaving the meeting room.

Creak.

“Miss Kyla, the remaining matters mean you will be the first to enter Burgos.”

“…What do you mean?”

“Take control of the weapons distribution rights in Burgos on behalf of the duchess. Of course, you will sign a contract with the Ministry of Magic before proceeding. Do you agree?”

Ian handed Kyla the contract. It stipulated that she would carry out the discussed terms and swear unwavering loyalty to Bariel.

But Kyla remained motionless, staring blankly at the door Jin had exited through. Was there a problem? Hale stubbed out his pipe and watched the door but saw nothing unusual.

“Miss Kyla?”

“About His Highness Jin… he’s even more impressive up close.”

Well, what was that supposed to mean?

Hale raised an eyebrow at Romandro, who sniffled and looked at Ian. The tension had completely vanished. Ian seemed puzzled and tilted his head.

“Miss Kyla?”

“…You’d know if you’d met him before, wouldn’t you?”

“That’s true, but…”

With a soft sigh, Kyla finally picked up the pen and began reading the contract. Her eyes shone with renewed sharpness, but for some reason, she seemed distracted, as if her mind was elsewhere.

Ian tapped the desk, and she turned to ask.

“Sir Ian, I understand full well that being of the Burgos royal bloodline is currently a major source of resentment. The political climate is what it is. But if Bariel succeeds in taking Burgos and manages to bring about harmony between the two nations, wouldn’t that bloodline become more valuable than ever before?”

“It seems you’ve already made up your mind.”

“I’m just asking. You’re quite a prominent figure both inside and outside the palace, after all.”

“Well, it’s not entirely impossible.”

“Exactly. What in this world is truly impossible? Especially with Sir Ian returning after ten years.”

Tap, tap. Kyla set down her pen after signing, as if a sudden realization had struck her.

Until now, the position of Empress had been nothing more than a desire—a pinnacle of power she could reach, a chance to elevate her family to the highest nobility.

But just now, that desire transformed into a dream.

“So, when should Burgos be handed over?”

“Preferably, the transition should be so seamless that Burgos doesn’t even notice. Has any information about the Dera tribe leaked over there?”

“No. It would only weaken the Holrin family’s competitiveness, so absolutely not.”

“Good. We’ll coordinate the schedule internally within the Magic Department and get back to you. The magical contract will likely be handled by Captain Hale on our side.”

“Understood. Oh, and one more favor.”

Kyla glanced at the empty seat where Jin had just been sitting.

“Before I depart for Burgos, please let me see His Highness one more time. There’s something I must say to him.”

“I will ask. If His Highness refuses, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Very well. Then, may I be excused?”

Since Kyla had been summoned into the palace, the Davion faction was probably already celebrating with fireworks. Kyla smiled softly and murmured to herself.

“I should go apologize to Lady Chloe. I’ve tarnished such a precious face.”

Wearing the hair ornament bestowed by His Highness, no less. It would be good to add a word of thanks along with the apology.

At Kyla’s smile, Romandro and Hale both felt a chill run down their spines and instinctively took a step back. No matter how you looked at it, she was definitely not ordinary.