Chapter 544

Whoooosh—

Whoooosh—

“Hurry up! The palace gates are about to open!”

“Oh dear, let’s move quickly! We’re going to miss it at this rate!”

“To be heading into battle right after the coronation—such decisiveness! Our Majesty is truly remarkable. Ha ha ha!”

“We have high hopes for Bariel’s future, don’t we?”

“Long live the Emperor!”

“Long live! May Bariel be forever glorious!”

The area in front of the imperial palace was packed like a swarm of clouds. Everyone from the city center must have come out onto the streets. Soldiers clung to one another, holding the path clear for the march, while the crowd pushed forward, desperate to get as close as possible.

Above the palace gates, a wizard observing the scene clicked his tongue.

“How are we supposed to get through that?”

“Seriously. This is no joke. We’ll be exhausted before we even start.”

“Ian! We can’t afford any more delays! The crowd’s only growing. Forget the battle, we can’t guarantee their safety.”

“Understood. I’ll relay the message.”

Ian nodded at the wizard’s signal.

Preparations were already well underway. Soldiers stood ready to march, supply wagons piled high with munitions and provisions, and even the Emperor’s chariot was in place.

“Sir Ian, the Imperial Defense Department is fully prepared.”

“Yes, Minister Tweller. Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s only just beginning—how can you say that now?”

“The palace guard is also on standby.”

“Sir Xiaoshi! Deploy all your troops to the front lines immediately!”

“Yes, understood.”

Maxim Tweller and Xiaoshi of the Imperial Defense Department looked harried but focused. Ian left them behind and entered the main palace, where he found the delegation lined up, all recognizing him and stepping aside to let him pass.

Knock knock.

“Ian Hielo, Minister.”

“Come in.”

Creak.

Inside, the summit of leaders was holding their final meeting. King Cliford, King Hasha of Astana, Prime Minister Shatima of Hawan, and Emperor Jin of Bariel. They all turned to Ian at once, sensing the time had come.

“Your Majesty, all preparations are complete.”

“Good. Let us confirm our alliance with Bariel one last time. Astana—”

Hasha bowed respectfully.

“Bariel will advance north. You will march alongside us. Meet the main Astana forces at the border.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The dispatch has been sent ahead; they will be waiting.”

“Cliford.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You will also march with Bariel, but return midway to rally your forces and prepare for wartime. You will be responsible for Hawan and Ruswena, ready for any unforeseen events.”

“I will obey your command.”

With Bariel’s forces moving north, the south would inevitably be more vulnerable. Entrusting Cliford with that region would secure the rear to some extent.

“If Prime Minister Shatima survives, it will be easier. If not, it will be tough. Cliford, share all battle information with Bariel so you can support each other.”

If Shatima’s rebellion succeeded, they could pressure Ruswena together. If it failed, Cliford would have to handle both countries alone—at least until Bariel finished with Burgos and returned.

Shatima lifted the cloth tightly wrapped around her head and spoke.

“Your Majesty, do not worry. Hawan will stand with Cliford to hold back Ruswena. I will ensure it.”

“Strong words. Good to hear.”

Jin said this while glancing at King Cliford, silently warning him not to trust too easily. It was safer to assume Hawan was a card they didn’t have. Relying on Shatima’s rebellion could lead to disaster.

Jin tossed a rolled scroll toward Shatima.

Thud.

“This is an imperial decree bearing the Emperor’s seal. Shatima, remember that your return is by Bariel’s command, and the investigators accompanying you belong to Bariel.”

He was referring to Erika. Shatima bowed deeply, clutching the scroll with both hands.

“Now, let us rise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The final meeting adjourned. Each participant bowed to wish one another success.

The kings and Shatima withdrew first, and Ian waited for Jin to finish adjusting his armor. His wrists were tightly bound, and with the ornate golden belt over his gleaming armor, he looked invincible—no spear or arrow could leave a mark.

“How is the Magic Department?”

Jin had heard about yesterday’s commotion. Ian immediately understood he meant the wizards from Ruswena, not the department itself.

“They’re fine. Even if they weren’t, today they have no choice but to be.”

“If they wish, you may entrust the head of the Ruswena delegation to them. Whatever helps ease their minds is important.”

Anger. Resentment. A deep sense of injustice. If it could be soothed, the method didn’t matter. Ian shook his head briefly at Jin’s consolation.

“No. Two Ruswena wizards took Akorella’s oblivion potion yesterday.”

“Oblivion potion?”

“Yes. It’s still experimental, so we’re cautious. We feared side effects before the march, but they were suffering so badly we couldn’t stop them. I apologize.”

“Akorella is impressive to have created such a thing.”

“I don’t remember about an hour before and after the incident last night. Those who do remember are reluctant to speak of it. Please assign the delegation’s bodies to another department.”

Jin raised his eyebrows. The existence of an oblivion potion was surprising enough, but the fact that wizards used it was shocking. It must have been difficult.

At that moment, a sound came from outside.

Knock knock.

“Ian Hielo, Minister.”

“What is it?”

“A visitor has arrived.”

“A visitor? Now, before the march? Who could it be?” Ian blinked, and Jin immediately recognized who it was.

“Let them in. It must be Romandro’s courtesy.”

He gave the order in place of Ian, who stood puzzled.

Moments later, the door opened, and Filia entered cautiously, her thick golden hair tied back in a single braid. Roel, Viviana, and Vivi followed her.

“Mother.”

“Ian.”

Filia called Ian first but glanced nervously at Jin. She couldn’t afford to be disrespectful in the Emperor’s palace. Jin nodded reassuringly, and Filia’s eyes welled with tears as she embraced Ian tightly.

“Ian, I don’t know when I’ll see you again after today, so I came. I know you’re busy—sorry.”

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. There’s been no time since the coronation.”

“I know, I know. You’re amazing, Ian.”

Had he lost weight? Filia took in her son’s features with moist eyes. Just being alive was a blessing, and she was proud of him.

“Come back safely this time, okay?”

Ian smiled and placed his hand over hers. Jin answered for him.

“Lady Filia, do not worry. Sir Ian will return safely.”

“Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful. My husband couldn’t attend the coronation but sincerely congratulates Bariel’s prosperity. He also expressed his will to help Hielo against the dangers from Ruswena and Hawan. I wasn’t sure how to convey it, so thank you for this opportunity.”

While the central army advanced north, border regions like Hielo would serve as the empire’s shield, guarding the frontiers. Jin smiled gently and kissed Filia’s hand.

“Admirable. There are many ways to protect the nation. You must fulfill your duty and uphold Bariel’s pride.”

He was ordering her to maintain friendly relations with Cheonryeo.

Filia suddenly recalled a young Jin and smiled sadly. Though he had become distant, he was still precious to her.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Please return safely as well. The entire empire awaits you.”

Perhaps sensing her feelings, Jin kissed her hand again instead of replying. If he were to name women dear to him like a mother, it would be Quintana and Filia.

Ian added softly.

“Yes, Mother. I will return safely, escorting His Majesty.”

“Good. Roel, do you have anything to say to your brother?”

Roel looked up at Ian calmly, then gestured to speak privately. Whispering, the boy spoke to Ian while staring off into space.

“…?”

Ian tilted his head in confusion just as Minister Tweller’s call came from outside.

“Your Majesty.”

The time had truly come. No more delays were possible. Together, they left the Emperor’s palace.

Wheeeeee! Wheeeeee!

A chariot drawn by four white horses.

Armored Maxim Tweller, Xiaoshi, and magic department members waited beside Jin. Officials from other departments had also gathered to see him off.

“Your Majesty! Please take care and return victorious!”

The prime minister clasped his thin hands earnestly. Jin nodded without hesitation.

“Let’s go. The march begins!”

“The march begins!”

“Open the palace gates!”

“The Emperor is leaving!”

Whoooosh— Whoooosh—

Clang! Snap!

The cavalry bearing the Bariel flag moved first, followed slowly by Jin’s chariots advancing forward. Ian sent a silent gesture to the mages, signaling them to form a protective escort.

Clench!

“Ian!”

At that moment, Romandro grabbed Ian’s arm. His eyes glistened with tears, and he sniffled.

“Promise me you’ll come back. If that bastard Beric doesn’t listen, you handle him yourself. Serve His Majesty well, and make sure to return everything to that Rutherford guy. Then, we’ll have another delicious dinner. At my place.”

Romandro was going to stay behind to guard the magic department alone. Ian gave him a light hug and made a request.

“Please take good care of the palace.”

“Of course! You know I will!”

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Whoosh!

With a final nod, Ian soared into the sky, accompanied by the other mages. Romandro waved a large white cloth vigorously, seeing them off.

“Come back safe!”

Just then, Lady Chloe passed by.

She was riding a horse, blending in among the supply wagons. As a logistics officer supported by Davion, she was joining the war effort. She kept her gaze steady ahead, trying to remain composed, but the tension was clear on her face.

“Oh, Lady Chloe’s really going too.”

“Yeah, she’s impressive in so many ways.”

“Hey, isn’t that a dragon over there?”

“A dragon! You too, come back safe! But Romandro, what was her name again? She sure talks a lot.”

Khh! Romandro just sniffed in response to the other department heads’ questions.

“Perry Formance Ray Dragon—”

“Huh?”

“—that’s the new name Ian, or rather our minister, gave her, but sniff we just call her ‘Kyu.’”

“Yeah, ‘Kyu’ sounds better than Perry Formance or whatever.”

“Right? Ian’s naming skills aren’t that great after all.”

While everyone chattered away, Romandro wiped his tears and kept waving his handkerchief. Just as it seemed he was regaining his composure—

“Ro-Romandro!”

Sniff! “Beric! Waaah! Beric!”

“Crying makes you look super ugly!”

Far off, Beric, dressed in his uniform, was grinning and flashing a peace sign with his fingers. Romandro’s tears streamed down as he raised his fist.

“Shut up! Don’t cause any trouble, and you better come back alive too!”