Episode 561
“So this is what the child looks like here.”

The words caught Hail’s attention immediately.

He silently watched Ian’s back as the man stood still, waiting for orders. The other soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, eyes fixed upward, ready to charge at a moment’s notice.

But Ian remained silent. Then, with a slight lift of his hand, he signaled a retreat.

“Until the sun rises tomorrow. Those who follow Rutherford must deliberate deeply and make their decision. This is Bariel’s final mercy.”

Rutherford narrowed his eyes and smiled, as if to say, “I knew this would happen.” It was clear they understood that once declared by the empire’s esteemed figures, their words could not be retracted.

The mages bared their teeth and growled in response, while Akorella and Beric raised their middle fingers, causing a ruckus.

“Ian?”

“It’s done.”

A faint scratch marked Ian’s cheek as he turned away. Everyone gasped, ready to fuss, but Ian stopped them firmly. His gaze was unusually solemn and dignified.

“Enough with idle talk.”

Whether as emperor or now, Ian was the same—fully aware of his position and the weight of his responsibilities. If word got out that he had bled first, it could shift morale among the troops. To keep spirits high, Ian lightly wiped his cheek and whispered,

“There’s something Rutherford is hiding.”

“You mean the attack just now?”

“We need to discuss this with everyone. Let’s return, Hail.”

“Yes, Lord Ian.”

“Select mages to accompany the sentries.”

Hail nodded in understanding and gestured to Nakina and Tommy. Without a word, they tightened their armor.

Looking up, they saw Rutherford’s subtle expression as he watched Ian until he disappeared behind the barrier, his hair whipping in the wind.

Tap tap!

“Minister Ian.”

“Minister Tweller. Did you see it?”

“We confirmed it through the mages’ magical instruments.”

“Though they gave us until dawn, given their nature, we can’t rule out a surprise attack during the night.”

As Ian returned to camp, Jin, Tweller, and the imperial defense officers approached. All eyes lingered on Ian’s small wound, but no one mentioned it. Jin was no exception.

“…What about their forces inside?”

“We haven’t confirmed. It seems possible to see inside the barrier from the sky, but flying there won’t be easy. It’s likely…”

Something Rutherford possessed. Until they figured out what it was, they remained cautious.

Ian hesitated briefly, then something fluttered in and landed gently on his outstretched finger.

“A messenger crow!”

Whish!

At Ian’s whistle, the crow settled slowly. It carried a letter sealed with the Magic Department’s insignia—Romandro’s report.

Ian gave Jin a brief apologetic look and unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning rapidly.

“Why, Ian?”

“…There was an intruder in the palace.”

“What?”

Unlike the startled Jin, Tweller closed his eyes knowingly. Ian handed the letter to Jin and added,

“No need to worry, Your Majesty. This was expected, and the Magic Department will handle it quietly. In fact, it’s a good sign. Rutherford’s side tried to sever the bond between Bariel and the royalists, which means their situation isn’t as stable as it seems.”

But the problem remained the unknown force. After sharing the details, Tweller muttered thoughtfully,

“The mage tower, especially where King Damon resides, is on the highest floor. An attack reaching the iron bars there… it’s hard to gauge.”

“Exactly, Minister Tweller. That’s why I have a proposal. I want to lead the battle myself.”

“You, Ian?”

“I believe it’s the easiest way to respond, to assess the situation, and to prevent unnecessary casualties. If Your Majesty permits, may I have the honor of leading the first battle?”

Tweller stroked his beard thoughtfully. This wasn’t just any war—it was the first battle of the war that began as soon as the emperor ascended.

Though there had been trouble in the north, symbolically, this was the first fight. And now Ian was asking to take the lead for the Magic Department.

“Of course, if Your Majesty consents.”

He paused briefly but accepted readily, recognizing it as a rational decision. Though a bit disappointed, he knew he wasn’t the war’s main figure.

“So this is what the child looks like here.”

In the past, such a remark might have sparked suspicion of a monster, but now they all knew better. Ian was trustworthy, indispensable to Bariel, and even if not human, a blessing bestowed by the gods.

Jin nodded immediately and gave Ian the order to take the lead.

“Very well. Follow Lord Ian’s wishes.”

“I will obey, Your Majesty. And Minister Tweller, your judgment was truly thoughtful. Once we confirm Rutherford’s weapon, we will hand the glory to the Imperial Defense.”

Tweller shook his head.

“Do you think Rutherford himself moved here through a portal?”

“I don’t think so. The report made no mention of the Black Moon, only that they’re searching for the intruder.”

“So it might not be Rutherford’s unique ability.”

Rutherford in Burgos and the palace intruder couldn’t be the same person. It was likely a weapon or multiple individuals with similar powers, like the northern tribes.

Ian instinctively touched his cheek.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, surprisingly so.”

It was just a scratch. Ian felt the sting but carefully checked for any deeper issues.

Just as he was about to shake his head,

“Your Majesty.”

Xiaoshi appeared, lifting the tent flap. He placed a wanted poster on the table, reporting,

“After inquiries, several residents claim to have seen these three.”

The paper showed simple portraits of the Secret-Eating Gypsy, Melania, and Clark.

“That’s right. This is the place. Where did they go?”

“The last sighting was entering the barrier.”

“The barrier? Toward Rutherford’s side?”

“Yes, exactly.”

Everyone turned their heads toward the barrier. Inside, Ian’s secret still lived.

“The Agiar stronghold lies within the barrier. It’s believed to have five or six times more civilians than the outskirts.”

“That’s true, Your Majesty. But the gypsy can freely traverse the Abyss, so physical threats mean nothing to her. She likely went in to handle something.”

“To handle something?”

Ian muttered softly in response to Jin’s question.

“To feed on secrets, probably searching for someone like me.”

The only person who had struggled alongside Ian in the Abyss. And the bait Melania likely threw to survive—the secret.

‘Rutherford.’

Surely, she entered the barrier to meet Rutherford.

---

“Move aside, move!”

Tap tap!

Hiiing!

Inside the Agiar barrier, dirty, narrow alleys bustled with wagons moving nonstop.

All supplies were being transported toward the barrier in preparation for the looming war. The residents of the stronghold were armed, locking their gates tightly and banding together to protect their families.

“What was that Black Moon earlier?”

“Seems like a path used by mages. Through it, the Luswena reinforcements arrived.”

“Magic really is something else.”

“Luswena’s strong, but Bariel has even more mages, they say. Back in the Clifpford-Burgos war, many Luswena mages defected.”

“The minister there is supposed to be a genius. Only about ten or so years old, but called a prodigy of the century. Everyone in Bariel knows him.”

Sigh “With a guy like that holding King Damon, no wonder the country’s in this state. I wish he’d just bite his tongue and die already. Then the southern regions could unite against them.”

“You don’t know? Damon’s tongue was cut off long ago. Tsk tsk. You don’t even know how the world works.”

“Seriously, who cares if it’s the tongue or an arm? The important thing is he’s alive! Even if the country’s a mess, the king’s alive! Got it?”

“Hey, are you drunk? Why are you yelling like that?”

An elderly man in a robe brushed past the drunken crowd. They didn’t recognize him and blocked his path with sticks.

“Hey, wait a minute.”

“What’s your business?”

“Are you an Agiar resident? We haven’t seen you around here. Everyone’s on edge because of the war. We just started guarding our zones—why are you wandering around? Show your pass. Let’s see where you live.”

“We’re not soldiers, why would we have passes…”

“Hmm? This old woman seems suspicious.”

Spit! The men spat and stood up, making the old man hesitate. Armed soldiers nearby noticed the commotion and turned their attention toward them.

Hmm. What to do? As the old man pondered, someone gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Mother, you shouldn’t be causing a scene here.”

“Excuse me. Here’s our identification. It’s our fault for not managing her properly; she’s not in her right mind.”

A young woman and man, who looked like a married couple, handed over a Burgos ID and flanked the old man protectively.

The guards checked their passes, rinsed their mouths with alcohol, and nodded—a clear signal to head home quickly.

“Take good care of the old man.”

“Yes, of course.”

“Mother, let’s go.”

Supported by the two, the old man began to walk slowly. As soon as they rounded a corner and reached a deserted spot, they parted ways.

The old man gaped, his gills flaring in disbelief as he snapped, “What’s the matter? Lost your mind?”

Melania, shrugging off her robe with irritation, shot back, “What do you expect? Who keeps telling me to run away?”

“Run away? What are you talking about?”

“Why would I stick around with a bunch of con artists?”

“That’s harsh.”

“You promised to bring me up from the Abyss and keep the secret! The contract between Ian and Rutherford! But it’s been days, and all I get are empty words!”

Melania tied her hair back tightly and glanced around. Clark’s sharp eyes scanned the area, wary of any eavesdroppers.

“When did I say I wouldn’t tell you? I just added some conditions. First—”

“You want to trade it for another secret? No way! I was supposed to get paid for the delivery. Why should I do that?”

“And second—”

“Nope! Whether you lot return properly to the palace or not is none of my business!”

Melania was a survivor of a rebellious noble family, and Clark was part of Rutherford’s faction, accused of murdering a noble. They had come looking for Ian but didn’t know what fate awaited them, so they were cautiously watching the situation unfold.

Clark, of course, wanted nothing more than to return to Merellop right away…

But now was not the time to help Lord Ian.

“By the way! How do you even know me well enough to keep chasing after me like this?”

The old man’s shout made Melania briefly avert her gaze.

Among the royal treasures that had fallen into the Abyss with them was a magic stone—something she hadn’t realized before—that allowed their location to be tracked. She had secretly sewn it into the lining of her robe without the old man knowing.

“This is the second time already, isn’t it?”

“I don’t know. I just followed the trail.”

“Damn it. Get lost! Let’s just go our separate ways, alright? I’m about to give up on that contract!”

“Don’t be like that. Come with us to meet Lord Ian. It’s the only way to untangle this mess.”

The old man fidgeted, touching his body as if sensing something, and it seemed like he’d be found out soon.

He muttered, brushing off his coat, hardened with dust and mud.

“I’ve taken care of what I needed there. Now, there’s only one secret left, right?”

“If you mean over there…?”

“We’re heading toward Rutherford’s side to feast.”