Episode 632

Romandro stared blankly into the empty air. He wasn’t fully awake, nor was he asleep. A pen was still clutched in his hand, but for hours he hadn’t written a single sentence. He knew he shouldn’t be like this, but with so much work piling up, he couldn’t even lie down. Stretching his cheek, he rifled through the documents and finally pulled out the letter at the very bottom.

“…From Lord Hielo.”

A letter from Lord Hielo. More precisely, a message from Nersarn. Roel had replied a few times to buy some time, but something was clearly off. The letter was addressed not to Romandro’s home, but to the palace’s Department of Magic.

Romandro tapped the wax seal lightly with his fingertip, looking troubled.

“This is driving me crazy.”

The letter probably contained updates on the situation in Hawan and Luswena. And surely, it would ask after Philia’s wellbeing. Restless, Romandro stood up and stretched as if steeling himself.

“Yes. This is my responsibility. I was careless with my words that day, and it’s my fault we haven’t found Philia since she disappeared. I can’t keep asking Roel for help anymore. It’s unfair. I even let that child lie to his father right in front of me… Now it’s my burden to bear. Yes, I can do this…”

He muttered to himself, trying to calm his mind, but the unease wouldn’t fade. Nersarn… I’m truly sorry. Just as he was about to break the seal, a sudden explosion shook the room.

“Romandro!”

“Ah! You scared me.”

A pale-faced mage burst into Romandro’s office without a sound.

“It’s urgent! A black moon has risen outside the palace!”

“What? What did you say? The mage’s black moon?”

“Yes, reports keep coming in.”

Romandro’s breath caught in his throat. This was an emergency of the highest order. What if a mage from Luswena or another country was attacking Bariel? Only two mages remained in the palace—could they stop it? Even if the soldiers armed themselves with Idgallo weapons, the damage would be severe.

“Go. Go now.”

“Are you sure? I can go alone.”

“If the deputy of the Department of Magic doesn’t go, who will? Hurry!”

The mage nodded and firmly grabbed Romandro’s shoulder. As his body lifted off the ground, his head spun, but it was only for a moment. Romandro opened his eyes wide and stared straight ahead. Far off, the black moon was visible.

“How dare they attack Bariel—!”

“Wait.”

Just as he was about to shout with resolve, the mage suddenly stopped flying. Floating midair, Romandro’s face turned pale and his body began to tremble.

“W-what’s wrong? Move quickly!”

“This… energy…”

“Ahhh! Are we falling?! Snap out of it, man!”

“It’s Ian.”

“Huh? Who?”

The mage’s golden eyes gleamed brighter as they rapidly approached the black moon. The fierce wind made it hard to keep his eyes open, but Romandro focused on the name Ian and scanned his surroundings.

“Ah!”

In the distance, figures were descending—one, two, three, four! Beric appeared first, followed by Hale, Barsabe, and Ian. And—

“Philia!”

It was Philia! Romandro was so shocked he spread his arms wide. Noticing this, Beric responded by rushing into his embrace. They were practically falling from the sky, yet Romandro felt no fear.

“Oh, Romandro. Have you been well?”

“Beric! You scoundrel! Why is your face all bruised?”

“No, I’ve been eating and resting well lately.”

“How can you say that when you’ve been at war?”

“Since the gates of Karamat opened, it’s been like that. Haha. Romandro, you’ve lost weight! You must have been worried about Philia.”

Boom!

Romandro fell backward, dazed, staring up at them. He couldn’t believe it. They should have been in Burgos, yet here they were in Bariel. And on top of that, Philia—who had disappeared—was with them!

Ian lightly dusted off his clothes as if marking the end of a long journey, and Hale helped Romandro to his feet.

Only then did Romandro realize he had been lying in his estate’s garden. The black moon’s intended destination had been his home all along.

“W-what… how did this happen…?”

“I’m sorry, Romandro. The teleportation network must not have reached us yet.”

“That makes sense—we only stayed in Tolrun for a day.”

“Tolrun? You went to Tolrun? To look for Philia?”

“We planned to stay about a month, but things went well.”

“Romandro, I’m sorry. You must have been so worried.”

“Madam! Yes! I was beside myself with worry. I thought I’d lose my mind! Are you hurt anywhere? Your face has wounds—oh dear! Barsabe, why are you covering your eye?”

Everyone spoke at once, overwhelmed with surprise and relief—until Viviana, Vivi, and the maid Mini burst out, armed with all sorts of household items.

The three women squeezed their eyes shut and brandished brooms, shouting—

“Who’s there?! Get out of the estate immediately!”

“Viv! Calm down, it’s us.”

“Romandro? Oh my goodness!”

Viviana’s eyes went wide. Not only had her husband fallen from the sky, but Ian, who had gone to war, and the missing Philia were all here together.

Her daughter Vivi stammered.

“Ro-Roel! Ro-oel!”

Tap, tap, tap.

As if waiting for this moment, Roel came running out, panting. Philia, tears in her eyes, reached out to the child, who silently clung to her in a tight embrace. This was the moment they had longed for.

Ian watched the reunion between mother and child and glanced around. Residents who had seen them fall were gathering one by one.

“We considered opening a portal outside the palace walls, but that would have been troublesome for travel, so we came here instead. Romandro, inform the palace guards and nearby patrols. This is not an enemy invasion—just a brief, urgent visit from the Department of Magic.”

“Understood. Wait here a moment.”

Romandro called over a guard through the crowd and showed his identification. While he explained the situation, Ian asked Roel.

“Roel, did you receive any messages from Lord Hielo?”

“Yes. We were already at our limit.”

“Mother, please convey this well to Father. It’s better to summarize the facts rather than reveal everything.”

“Wait, Ian!”

Philia held onto Roel and lightly grabbed Ian’s jacket.

“Are you leaving so soon?”

“…Since our mission is complete, it’s best to return.”

Aside from stopping by the palace to check on Department of Magic affairs and wrap things up, Ian had no reason to stay in Bariel. Reporting to the emperor quickly was the right thing to do.

“But we just reunited…”

There’s so much to talk about.

About you, and about me.

Roel looked up at Ian from Philia’s arms. His gaze was calm but carried an unspoken urgency. Ian hesitated briefly, then Beric flopped down flat, urging them on.

“Come on, Ian. You finished what would take a month in just one day. Let’s take it easy. Since you’re here in Bariel, get some things done! At least stay one night. Opening two portals in a row will wear you out.”

Ian glanced at Hale, who nodded in agreement. Barsabe had long since relaxed and sat down.

“Ian! You’re leaving? No way! Stay right here. I’ll take care of things and be back soon, okay?”

Romandro, overhearing this, insisted they not leave just yet. What else could be done? Ian shrugged off his robe and asked Viviana.

“Could you prepare a room for me?”

“Of course. Please come inside. Change your clothes, too. Oh my, if I’d known, I would’ve done the shopping yesterday. Madam, you should come in as well. What’s this on your beautiful face?”

“First, the letter… I want to contact Lord Nersarn.”

“I’ll fetch the teleportation device. Stay inside. Vivi!”

“Yes, ma’am! Officer, please follow me! Shall I help you with your hand?”

“No, thank you.”

As Viviana busied herself, Vivi trailed behind, ready to welcome their guests.

Taking advantage of the moment, Ian changed into a clean shirt he’d left at the estate and came back downstairs.

“So, you went from Burgos to Tolrun looking for Philia? Hale, you disguised yourself as the head of the household?”

“Yes, luck was on our side. Beric didn’t cause any trouble, either. We couldn’t find a way to fix Barsabe’s eye, but it was effective for assessing Tolrun’s overall strength and situation.”

“Wow, magic is amazing. Traveling between three countries in a day. Hey, Ian, did you change your clothes?”

Ian nodded and looked outside. Something felt off—there was a huge crowd outside the curtain. These were the residents drawn by the black moon’s commotion, but why hadn’t they dispersed? Why were they still gathering?

“I knew you were here, Ian.”

“Romandro, this is your fault. You shouted ‘Ian!’ so loudly earlier and made a scene.”

“Yeah, yeah, you got me! My bad!”

Smack!

Romandro grabbed Beric’s forehead and gave it a sharp tap, then immediately started fiddling with his own hand, eyes shining with emotion. He’d missed this—the feeling of impact and the playful teasing! When Romandro rubbed his cheek against Beric’s in a hug, Beric grimaced and pushed him away.

Watching this, Ian turned his gaze back out the window. Balloons and flags were everywhere. It looked like a crowd welcoming the Minister of Magic, but there were just too many people.

“What should we do? Move to the palace?”

“We reported that we’d enter tomorrow, so no need to rush in now. Let’s rest well here tonight. You’ve all been through so much because of the war. This peace you’ve protected—just enjoy it without a care.”

Indeed, the scenery in Burgos and Bariel was completely different. Even the sunset felt warmer, the people more lively, and the air was filled with the delicious scent of food.

That was exactly why they had come to Burgos—to protect the beauty of everyday life. As Ian leaned back on the sofa, bouquets and gifts floated in from the garden.

“Minister Ian, we’ve heard the news of your victory!”

“Thank you! You’ve all worked so hard!”

“But why did you come back?”

“Must have had some business to attend to. Why ask that?”

“Is His Majesty the Emperor safe?”

Ian took a warm sip of tea and murmured, “I worry there might be some collateral damage nearby.”

“Everyone understands. It’s not just anyone coming back—it’s the Minister of Magic! And everyone will head home once the sun sets. Don’t worry too much. Now then, before Filia arrives—”

Romandro checked his watch. Before the deep conversation between the two of them, he had a mountain of things to say. He moistened his dry lips, but Beric beat him to it.

“Ian, are you really Ian Verosion?”

“You damn brat, how can you say the royal family name so casually?”

Ian smiled wryly and replied, “Yes, Romandro. I’ve actually been meaning to talk to you about that. But first—”

“First?”

“Don’t you have any reports that need approval? Let’s go over them while we talk.”

…Verosion or not, it’s definitely Ian.

Romandro, though exasperated, seemed to expect this and smoothly pulled a stack of documents from his bag. He completely ignored Hale and Beric shaking their heads in disbelief.