Episode 701

Ian lifted his teacup, watching the carriage fade into the distance. He had no doubt that Berrick would handle things well, but the closer they got to the northern border, the more certain it was that unexpected dangers awaited.

Jin observed Ian quietly for a moment before gently asking, “Lord Ian, how are you feeling? Are you well enough?”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Ian’s reply was a bit slow, leaving Jin unsure whether he was referring to the recovery of his depleted mana after the Ruswena War or the lingering effects of his hangover. Probably both.

Ian smiled faintly, setting down his teacup as if to say he was fine after all that had happened the night before.

A soft knock came at the door.

“Your Majesty, Lady Danit of the Hollin family and Lady Kayla have arrived.”

“Show them in.”

With the departure date set, it was clear that Berrick’s main force would soon be on the move. The Hollin mother and daughter had come to receive updates on the situation.

Moments later, Lady Danit entered, her velvet gown trailing behind her, followed by Lady Kayla, who appeared seated in a wheelchair.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you both together.”

Lady Danit and Lady Kayla were nobles of Berrick and bore the bloodline of the Burgos royal family. Backed by Berrick’s support, they were working to purge the Burgos royalist faction and establish a new dynasty.

Kayla, now accustomed to her wheelchair, skillfully maneuvered herself closer.

“My apologies for the timing not aligning.”

“No need to apologize. As you’ve heard, the main force’s departure date has been set. The Berrick soldiers stationed in Kalamath will be withdrawing soon. Are you prepared to maintain control without their support?”

Jin was asking if they could hold Kalamath on their own.

The Hollin family had been distributing food and essentials to gain the trust of Kalamath’s residents, promoting themselves as the true legitimate heirs and the bridge to Berrick.

“Yes. It’s unfortunate to say ‘fortunately,’ but the Burgos milk supply has been completely contaminated, and the people harbor deep resentment toward Tolrun. Everyone knows that only Berrick can resolve this. Even after the soldiers withdraw, we can defend the palace ourselves.”

Kayla’s voice carried conviction, and the emperor nodded in approval.

“Good. Then Berrick will entrust the rear to you and advance north without worry. We will leave a mana stone connected directly to Minister Tweller for your use.”

“Ah, speaking of mana stones, I have another report to present.”

Lady Danit motioned to a subordinate, who brought over a stack of documents.

“When I was at the mining site with Captain Akorella, I heard a rumor—”

Since Kayla’s mobility was limited, Lady Danit had been handling most of the errands and reports.

Currently, she had just returned from the mining site with Akorella after the emperor’s withdrawal order. This was in preparation for Tolrun’s attack, but now that Berrick was advancing first, she planned to return to the mines.

“What is it?”

“An old man once said that eastern mages visited the mines long ago. I thought it was just hearsay, but I found official records.”

Jin flipped through the fragile, nearly crumbling papers with interest.

• …A great mage from the east appeared, leading disciples. They wore unusual robes tied at the waist, and all—men and women alike—had long black hair…

• …They arrived with the wind and were treated with great hospitality by the lord. While inspecting the mines, they believed the mana stones they needed were there. But for some reason, they left the territory shortly after, and the lord, unable to distinguish ordinary stones from mana stones, postponed the mine’s development…

“When was this recorded?”

“Seventy-eight years ago, if the date is accurate.”

Lady Danit placed another report on the table, detailing the types of mana stones mined by Akorella and the Magic Department before the withdrawal order.

Jin handed the documents to Ian.

“I suspect one of these is the material the eastern mages sought.”

Uronium, Awael, Stizaton, Crodium, Notar… The list included not only high-grade mana stones but also mid- and low-grade ones. It was unclear which exactly the eastern mages had been after, but statistically…

“There’s a chance it’s Crodium or Notar. These are rare, high-grade mana stones found only in Burgos, both now and in the future.”

“Does the palace have any of these?”

“No, none.”

These stones were essential for constructing the Magic Department’s annex. The biggest reason the project hadn’t progressed in the past decade was the absence of Ian. The civil war in Burgos had also disrupted the supply of key mana stones.

“It would be better to move these to the Berrick palace rather than keep them in Burgos. Since the eastern mages have had contact with Hwan, there’s a chance they might try to reach out to us if the opportunity arises.”

If they still needed these stones, they could serve as valuable bargaining chips.

Jin tapped the report approvingly.

“Hollin family, take responsibility for delivering these high-grade mana stones to the Berrick palace.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We will obey. And there is one more thing I wish to ask.”

“What is it?”

“What should we do about Lady Chloe?”

Chloe Davion had once been a strong candidate for empress alongside Kayla, but after Akorella’s magical experiments and various complications, she had become a completely different person—both inside and out.

“Chloe joined the war to earn the title of empress, but now that’s pointless. If you plan to send her back to Berrick, wouldn’t it be best to have her accompany the transport of the high-grade mana stones?”

Unlike Burgos, which was weakened by civil war, Tolrun posed a unique threat. Bringing Chloe along risked complications, potentially straining relations with the Davion family. Her participation had been a sort of agreed-upon trial.

“She’s been throwing tantrums, crying and refusing to go.”

Kayla added with a small laugh.

Life was strange indeed. When they were in Berrick, their sole goal had been the empress’s throne. Now, Kayla was obsessed with the Burgos crown, and Chloe was desperate to claim a place beside another man.

Jin leaned back against the sofa, pondering briefly.

“Hollin family, also deliver Lady Chloe Davion’s handwritten letter to the palace. It’s important to show that she remains by her own will.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. We will do so.”

Kayla bowed slightly, then glanced toward the door.

With that look, Jin and Ian realized Chloe was waiting outside. If they insisted on sending her to Berrick against her will, she was ready to rush in and prostrate herself, no matter the breach of etiquette.

“That concludes the reports requiring discussion. We will now redouble our efforts to prepare for departure. Your Majesty, I sincerely pray for your complete victory and safe return.”

“…Kayla, you as well. Take care.”

Once Jin left Kalamath, they would have no chance to meet again. If she ever ascended to the Burgos throne, perhaps there would be an opportunity. But would they be able to exchange more than formal greetings through envoys? Unlikely, especially with a king who had limited mobility.

Kayla met the emperor’s gaze and smiled faintly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The one who taught me what love truly is—I will never forget you. Meeting you in the past was a blessing. Because of you, I am who I am today.

Kayla extended the back of her hand, and the emperor’s lips touched it gently. She bowed respectfully.

The door creaked open.

After leaving the audience chamber, Kayla caught Chloe’s eyes as she stood pressed against the wall, hands clasped. Despite the desperate look in Chloe’s eyes, Kayla wheeled past her with a teasing thought.

“Prepare the handwritten letter. We’ll deliver it ourselves.”

“Y-yes.”

Chloe’s legs gave out, and she sank to the floor.

“Th-thank you.”

“More than thanks, you should understand how much we need the Davion family’s signed support.”

Chloe’s eyes narrowed sharply, recalling the times they had fought over trivial matters. Such insolence.

“Don’t worry. We’ll keep our promises.”

“That’s good. But Chloe, you’re something else. How could you think of going to war just to follow a man?”

“Oh? Have you gotten dumber? Are you talking about yourself? Who was it that threw a fit about going to war for the empress’s throne?”

Crackling tension filled the air as Kayla and Chloe glared at each other. If Lady Danit hadn’t stepped in with her fan, they might have come to blows.

“Anyway, Lady Chloe, I wish you luck. Please return safely, and may the Davion family and Burgos forge a strong alliance.”

The Davion family still held great influence in the palace bureaucracy, and if Chloe and Xiaosi formally married, their presence would shine even brighter—not as rivals, but as true allies sharing the emperor’s vision.

Everyone understood how valuable securing the Davion family’s support was for the Hollin family, who were just beginning to establish a new dynasty. No explanation was needed.

“Yes, ma’am. I promise I’ll come back alive. You’ll want to see it with your own eyes—just how far Kayla has risen.”

“You’d better see it now. By then, you won’t even be able to meet her gaze. Mother, let’s go. There’s no point wasting time here.”

‘What a miserable woman.’

‘Yeah, a crazy one at that.’

Even without speaking, they both seemed to know exactly what insults they were hurling at each other.

Mrs. Danit smiled faintly as she pushed Kayla’s wheelchair. They might not realize it themselves, but this was as close as you could call a ‘friendly relationship.’

*    *    *

Tap, tap, tap!

Wheee!

Inside Taoma’s carriage, racing toward the northern border of Burgos.

Berrick opened the window and stuck his head out. The cold wind helped settle his queasy stomach a bit. That madman Taoma had been pouring drinks like water ever since they left Kalamath, as if a ghost who died from never getting drunk in a past life had possessed him.

“Berrick, want a drink?”

“You go ahead and drink. Honestly, I don’t usually say this to anyone, but you’re unbearable.”

“Ha ha ha! What an honor!”

Taoma offered a cup to Cedric as well, but the boy politely and firmly declined.

Berrick, clearly bored, unfolded a map and studied it.

“So, where exactly is this magic stone that leads to the southern lands?”

“There’s a small village called Altar just past the Burgos border. Fewer than a hundred people live there. We only need to get that far. If we don’t stop, it should take about three days.”

“We’ve been riding all day already, so two days left, right?”

“…Sir.”

“What?”

“You’re holding the map upside down.”

Berrick froze at Cedric’s words. …Great, another annoying one. Just as Berrick was about to retort, a shout came from the coachman’s seat.

“There’s a group ahead flying the banner of the Bariel Empire! They look like soldiers. What should we do?”

“Uh, stop the carriage. Could be the water inspection team.”

Berrick handed the map to Cedric and leaned out the window to look ahead. Soldiers trudged along, tired and slow. One, two, three, four…

“Huh.”

They did look like the water inspection team, but why couldn’t he see Clark? Or the paladin His Majesty favors?