Chapter 634
The Tolrun royal palace was in disarray, as if a storm had just passed through. Chaos reigned both outside and within.
Thanks to the elemental mages, the floor was flooded, turning the entire hall into a watery expanse. The ivory-colored pillars bore scorch marks. Banusa strode forward, anger burning in her steps, ignoring the busy soldiers around her.
Bang!
She flung open the door to the grand assembly hall, disregarding the steward’s protests. The prime minister and ministers were gathered there, supposedly for an emergency meeting. And at the highest seat, veiled and silent, sat her king.
Banusa turned sharply to the prime minister and demanded, “Enough with the explanations! Tell me what’s really going on!”
“What is there to explain? How am I supposed to justify sending attackers from Bariel?”
“Philia!”
This time, she dared to call out the name while glaring at the king. The silhouette behind the veil remained motionless, as if unaware of the situation.
“The situation has spiraled out of control. What on earth was the palace’s purpose in abducting the Imperial Minister of Magic?”
“Abduction? Watch your words. That’s a one-sided claim. This is not a matter for the palace’s elemental mages to discuss.”
“Please! If we’re to fix this, you have to be honest. Rumors are running wild inside, so how do you expect us to face Bariel’s threat? Your Majesty!”
Just then, Ardo, the fire elemental mage, arrived late and assessed the scene. The ministers frowned, and Ardo raised his hands helplessly. Banusa’s anger was justified, and he too wanted to unite their efforts.
“Banusa.”
A clear, childlike voice rang out. Beneath its monotone, devoid of emotion, Banusa sensed the king’s anger. Understandably so—hadn’t the palace been toyed with by a mere handful of enemies?
Kumasha was unaware that Barsabe possessed the ability of doppelganger magic. Nor did he know how his own powers would manifest when combined with it.
“If you’re so curious, visit the Masantar Temple.”
“…The Masantar Temple?”
“Yes. It’s where Damon’s siblings were relocated by Rutherford. It’s within Tolrun, so the palace must know of it. Surely, there’s something there that threatens Bariel. Strengthening our forces means recruiting soldiers, but to win the war, we must delve into that.”
“And Ardo.”
“Yes, Your Majesty?”
“Firefighting is Banusa’s family’s responsibility, but your family leads the palace guard, do they not? Letting enemies breach the castle gates was a clear failure.”
Ardo bowed his head in acknowledgment. Of course, the palace had its defense division and many soldiers under its command.
But this time, the enemy was a mage and a magic swordsman. Only mages could counter them within Tolrun’s palace, so the responsibility naturally fell on Ardo.
“I apologize. I did not expect them to flee.”
“This incident has revealed how fragile Tolrun’s defenses are. Expand the defense division and increase the troops. Under your leadership, Ardo, the elemental mages must recruit mercenary mages.”
To counter mages, they needed mages. Yet, they feared the puppet masters who controlled their enemies like puppets—anyone entangled with them could lose their will at any moment.
So, rather than the palace taking the lead, the elemental mage families were to handle recruiting mercenary mages.
“The number doesn’t matter. You understand what this means.”
Ardo hesitated, unsure how to respond. But the order would not be rescinded. Kumasha shifted his gaze from behind the veil to glare at Banusa.
“Banusa. If you want to clear your doubts, you may leave at any time. Otherwise, return to your post. Your distraction of Beric has unsettled the situation outside.”
Everyone had seen and heard it all. The puppet master’s senses were godlike within their domain. As Ardo knew, Kumasha also realized Banusa had spoken out of turn.
Banusa bit her lower lip lightly. If she left, the fire defense system in Tolrun’s capital would falter, and the agricultural regions would suffer.
‘He’s asking if I can bear that cost.’
He still wouldn’t be straightforward. After a moment’s thought, Banusa gave a slight bow.
“Yes. Understood. I will go myself. I’ll prepare to leave immediately.”
“As you wish.”
Kumasha replied with a faint smile.
“Then, that is all.”
Without hesitation, Banusa turned and left. Though being away from the capital for several days was problematic, not knowing the palace’s true purpose could plunge Tolrun into even greater peril. Small sacrifices were necessary.
“Return promptly. Otherwise, I may be overcome with longing and seek a puppet that resembles you.”
Those who understood the meaning froze. It was a warning—if she caused trouble, they might do something to the puppet linked to the elemental mage.
Banusa forced down a chill running down her spine and answered calmly.
“That will not happen, Your Majesty.”
“The Masantar Temple?”
“Yes. It’s where Damon’s siblings were relocated by Rutherford. Since it’s within Tolrun, the palace must know. Surely, there’s something there threatening Bariel. Recruiting soldiers is a priority to strengthen our forces, but to win the war, we must investigate that place.”
Ian adjusted his glasses lightly as he reported. Before them sat palace officials gathered in a circle, a rare sight. From the looks of it, it was just another day before the war.
“Hmm. That makes sense, Minister.”
“Then, first, we must secure Katimako’s testimony regarding Lady Philia’s abduction. Send an official letter to Astana requesting it. Please report directly to His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Yes, of course. Once Astana’s testimony is secured, His Majesty will likely move to Tolrun immediately. The palace should keep a close watch on the eastern regions—Hawan and Ruswena.”
Rustle.
Ian passed the report, and the officials read along. With Philia’s testimony and the events in Tolrun shared at once, the matter became clear. Correspondence through the imperial courier was limited.
“I’m glad you returned safely, Lady.”
“I apologize for the trouble I caused.”
Philia lowered her gaze at the prime minister’s warm welcome. She felt ashamed, knowing how much effort had been spent searching for her after her disappearance.
“Not at all. Ian, have you grasped the overall situation? Will you return to Burgos immediately?”
“Yes, there’s no reason not to.”
Ian answered the prime minister’s question. Philia and Romandro looked a bit disappointed, but hadn’t they already shared a drink last night? Beric, Hale, and Barsabe seemed indifferent.
The prime minister tapped the documents and stood with a knowing look.
“Make the portal back to Burgos as small as possible. The capital was in chaos all day yesterday.”
“My apologies.”
“By the way, what about King Damon?”
He asked whether they would bring back King Damon, who was imprisoned in the mage tower.
There were internal divisions among the royalists in Burgos, centered around the possessed family. Damon’s presence could unite them. It was just a hypothesis, but since they were here, it was worth considering.
“The mage tower is under the Ministry of Magic’s jurisdiction. Minister, you may decide if you wish.”
“I believe Lady Kayla can manage without King Damon’s help. Moreover, I intend to follow His Majesty the Emperor’s wishes—not to let King Damon set foot on Burgos soil alive.”
“Hmm. Understood. It’s unfortunate about Lady Kayla’s condition. I’ll meet with the possessed duke soon to discuss.”
It was regrettable that she had lost the use of her legs. They didn’t even know Chloe was in a strange state.
“By the way, Prime Minister.”
“Yes?”
Ian, about to leave, added something as if it had just occurred to him.
“As you said, I will make the return portal as small and discreet as possible. Use it wisely in diplomacy when needed.”
The fierce battles in Hawan and Ruswena might spill over into Bariel. With the emperor absent and most mages in Burgos, the enemy would see no better time to strike. If necessary, Ian could pretend to remain in Bariel to deceive the enemy.
“The rumor that I’ve returned to the capital has already spread. Unless news of another expedition leaks, Ruswena won’t dare look toward Bariel.”
“I understand. The situation there is tense. There’s even news that the king of Hawan has died. Prime Minister Shatima seems to have held an execution. It’s unconfirmed, but if true, it’s enough to provoke Ruswena.”
The prime minister extended his hand, and Ian shook it respectfully. Now, all that remained was to gather their belongings at the Ministry of Magic and set out again.
In the Ministry’s hallway, Hale recalled the magic stone Akorella had sung about. It was probably in the mines by now, but if they secured it, they could use it whenever needed.
“Hale, pack your things and come out.”
“Ian, are you going to cast the portal formula?”
“Yes. It can’t be opened in the sky, so I’ll open it on the ground. The Ministry’s backyard should be good.”
“Understood. I’ll pack quickly and meet you there. Please start first.”
“Hale, need a hand?”
“Romandro, I’m fine. But I didn’t realize the Ministry of Magic was such a quiet place.”
“I think it’s been lively for a while now.”
Hale entered the Ministry of Magic with a faint smile. Ian scanned the flat floor, brushing his hand over it, then began tracing a magic circle with his fingertips.
“…?”
But only for a moment. Ian tilted his head, sensing something was off, then straightened up. Slowly, he looked left and right, searching for something.
“Ian, what’s wrong? Is there a problem?”
“Looks like it.”
“What?! Seriously? What is it?”
Beric, who had been lounging around, suddenly jumped up in surprise. But Ian didn’t even glance at him, continuing to examine the floor as he walked—one step to the right, two steps, then forward again…
Swish.
Ian stopped in front of a large willow tree. When Beric approached, Ian nodded toward it.
“Beric. Stab here.”
“Stab? What? The tree?”
“Ian, what’s going on? You’re scaring me.”
“Romandro, please step back with your mother for a moment. It would be best if you stand under the awning over there.”
Romandro, confused but obedient, helped Philia retreat to the back. Beric still looked puzzled, scratching his nose.
“What are you waiting for? Just stab it.”
“Uh, so… you mean the shadow here?”
“Exactly. On the count of three, stab. If your sword doesn’t pierce easily, you can release your magic.”
“Release magic too? Seriously? Fine! If you say so, I’ll do it!”
Beric rolled up his sleeves and gripped his sword with both hands.
“Here goes! One, two, th-”
Just as he was about to strike down with all his might—
“Waiiiit!”
A sudden, urgent shout rang out from somewhere. Startled, Beric blinked, but all he could see was the beautifully maintained, sprawling backyard.
Ian crouched down, frowning as if he had expected this.
“Show yourself. Shadow tribe, Natan. If you don’t, I will kill you.”