Chapter 733

As Beric stepped out of the tent, he came face to face with the cluster of Imperial Guards who had been gathered there.

Startled, they took a step back, but soon crept forward again, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern as they assessed Beric’s condition.

“…Are you crying?”

“Get lost.”

“I, uh… I don’t really know what to say.”

“Like I said, if you don’t have anything to say, just leave.”

“Damn it, even if I’m worried!”

Despite their harsh words, faint smiles tugged at the corners of their mouths. This was the Beric they knew—no different from usual. Though inside he must have been burning with anguish, crumbling piece by piece, it was a relief that things had ended at least at this level.

The guards let out soft sighs and patted Beric on the shoulder.

“Captain Jarrett wants to see you. Go to His Majesty’s chambers.”

Beric said nothing, only running a hand through his hair in silence. He knew well what his hesitation in front of his sister must have meant to Jin.

He felt sorry, but at the same time, there was no other way. He’d either get scolded thoroughly, or be met with disappointment, or worst case, be kicked out of the Imperial Guards. Ah, what would he say to Ian?

“I’ll go ahead. Sorry, but give your sister something to eat.”

…Something tasty. That was the last gift Beric could offer his sister.

The guards urged him not to worry and gently pushed him forward. Beric took a long, heavy walk to the chambers, each step weighed down by the knowledge that he was walking into a scolding.

“Your Majesty, Imperial Guard Beric reporting.”

“Come in.”

A brief permission came from inside. The tone was as monotonous as ever, but to Beric, it felt different. He rubbed the uneasy flutter in his chest and stepped inside.

Inside sat Jin, Jarrett, Tweller, and Eirin. They looked like they had been in the middle of a conversation.

“You were called.”

“Yes, Beric.”

Jin pushed his teacup aside and rested his chin on his clasped hands. The Emperor said nothing more, maintaining silence.

That was only natural—the first to speak was Beric’s responsibility. He bowed his head and slowly knelt on one knee.

“…I apologize.”

For being part of the Imperial Guards yet not following the Emperor’s orders first. For siding with Ian even while standing beside the Emperor. In hindsight, he was truly a madman. If the future Emperor Ian had a guard like him by his side, how could he feel secure? Beric was certain: such a man should be removed immediately.

“‘I apologize,’ huh.”

Jin muttered softly, letting out a deep sigh as he looked down at the back of Beric’s head. The fierce spirit that once burned like a wildfire was now completely broken.

“Have you spoken with your sister?”

“…I believe it was meaningful to convey what I wanted to say.”

“That’s unfortunate, but it’s enough. Just because you face each other doesn’t mean you can always talk. Beric, stand and look at me. Then sit here. We will have a conversation now.”

Jin lightly tapped the table.

Beric carefully rose and glanced at Jarrett and Tweller. Both stared straight ahead, avoiding his gaze, while only Eirin watched him with a gentle smile.

“What kind of—”

“An Imperial Guard’s path is guided by the Emperor’s command. That should be the only focus, but Beric, you seem lost. So I ask you: where do you want to go?”

He had followed Ian to the center, volunteered for the Imperial Guards at Ian’s suggestion.

But what came next?

When Ian was gone, was the only reason Beric stayed in the palace to wait for him? That was certainly a major reason, but not the only one.

“I care for you, Beric. Since you were a prince, you saved me from many dangers. Ian’s will was surely part of that, but let’s set that aside. Ian is not here now.”

Jin smiled faintly. He wasn’t here to scold Beric, but genuinely wanted to help him find his path, so there was no need to be nervous.

“I ask again. Where do you want to go?”

“…I don’t know. I just want to stay as I am. The palace has good food, strong people, and steady pay…”

At Beric’s answer, Jarrett squeezed his eyes shut. Was that really the kind of answer expected in this situation?

But Beric stammered on without hesitation.

“I like the people I live with.”

Just like Ian.

Jin pondered his answer for a long moment, then nodded in understanding.

“Very well, Beric. The palace needs you, and you need the palace, so I won’t push you away. But remember this: there will be no next time. The palace’s rules are clear and absolute. Everyone must hold them firmly in their hearts.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

Beric bowed his head again.

“Have you made up your mind about your sister’s punishment?”

“…I think it can’t be helped.”

If he hadn’t, he wouldn’t be kneeling before the Emperor now. He would have immediately broken his sister’s chains and run away.

Jin’s tone softened as he asked again.

“I heard you have another sister.”

“I have a younger sister, not just the older one. But even she doesn’t seem to know where the older one is.”

“Still, like how you met her, you might meet again someday, right?”

“Of course. My sister said the same.”

Just like when Beric met Helna, perhaps by chance or fate, they would meet again someday.

For that reason alone, he wouldn’t live as if he were dead. He would live as if alive, and find her. And just as he apologized to Helna, he would apologize to his younger sister too. Maybe then, she would tell him it was okay.

“Good. Pull yourself together. If you want, you may be excused from future battles.”

“I don’t want that.”

Jin nodded with satisfaction and gave Beric a light pat on the shoulder. Tweller watched quietly, while Jarrett sighed in relief and unconsciously stroked his beard.

“What is it?”

Beric cautiously asked Tweller, who was looking at him. The question was brief but lacked the arrogance of before. Given the situation, he couldn’t help but maintain a respectful posture until he left the tent.

Tweller waved his hand dismissively.

“It’s fine. His Majesty has said everything. What more could I add? Beric, if you ever need me, come anytime. I will welcome you gladly.”

Damn it. Why would I go looking for you? Beric narrowed his eyes, thinking this silently.

“It’s because of Masantar’s merits, so don’t overinterpret it.”

“Overinterpret? What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Hahaha. Never mind. Well then, I’ll take my leave, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you for your efforts, Minister Tweller. The hill above is still full of conspirators from the Tolrun capital.”

“Don’t worry. I won’t trouble Your Majesty any further. Captain Jarrett, it seems the hostages from Bariel are no longer an issue. Please entrust the rest to the Imperial Defense Department.”

“Understood, Minister.”

Jarrett lightly placed his hand on his knee and bowed. He seemed apologetic for the trouble caused by his inadequate subordinate.

“Only Eirin remains. You may withdraw.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jarrett nodded toward Beric, signaling him to stand. Beric glanced at Eirin, who smiled faintly and nodded. See? She said it’s okay. You are one beloved by the gods.

At that smile, Beric quietly murmured,

“Eirin, thank you.”

“Yes, I owe you as well, so it’s settled.”

“When?”

At that, Eirin’s eyes went wide. Didn’t he save her from the priests chasing her when they arrived at the small village with Taoma?

‘Ah.’

She must have forgotten such trivial things. She helped so many people that she didn’t hold onto every single one. Eirin chuckled softly, and Jarrett tugged on Beric’s sleeve, urging him to leave.

The tent flap was raised and lowered, leaving only an awkward silence inside. Since His Majesty asked her to stay, she must have something to say… Eirin cautiously lifted her gaze to look at the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, is there something you wish to command?”

“Eirin.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor seemed to choose his words carefully. Then, gently, he spoke.

“…Like Beric, I also wanted to express my gratitude. I was so caught up in external matters that I failed to see the essence. Seeing Beric now, I realize that if you hadn’t been there then, things might have gone terribly wrong.”

“…You flatter me, Your Majesty. Even if it weren’t me, I’m sure you would have made the wisest decision. I’m just honored that you listened to the humble opinion of a mere soldier.”

“I heard from Ian. Paladins can read omens, right?”

At the sudden question, Eirin looked up at the Emperor.

“Perhaps, Your Majesty.”

Jin hesitated for a moment. As Eirin said, she was a paladin but a low-ranking soldier with no official rank. He wasn’t sure if it was appropriate for an Emperor to confide his worries to someone like her.

But somehow, in front of Eirin, his heart naturally eased—like when he met Roberside in a dream as a child.

“I have a feeling that one day Beric will face a dilemma between me and Ian. What do you think?”

“That will happen. Even I, who know nothing, can sense it.”

Unlike Jin, who hesitated for quite some time, Eirin’s answer came without a trace of doubt.

“So it is as I thought. But when that time comes, I don’t know what I should do.”

“Your Majesty, there is nothing more exhausting than worrying about a future that hasn’t arrived yet. I was taught that it’s as foolish as trying to fight and defeat shadows—”

She paused. Was it really appropriate to say such things to the Emperor? Eirin bit her lower lip, surprised at her own boldness. But since he wanted an answer, she had no choice but to give one.

“If that time does come, Beric will follow Your Majesty’s will.”

“Why is that?”

“Because Your Majesty’s will is the same as Lord Ian’s. And conversely, Lord Ian’s intentions are Your Majesty’s as well. I’ve heard the two of you share such a bond.”

Ian shapes Jin’s present, and Jin shapes Ian’s future. They are two halves of a whole. Naturally, their wills align.

Jin stroked his chin thoughtfully, as if something had just clicked.

“Your humility in seeking counsel from someone as insignificant as me is truly humbling, Your Majesty. But the only thing I can say is this: do not worry. Nothing will go wrong.”

Though, the process might be painful. Even the ripple caused by a sister separated for half a lifetime was enough to stir great turmoil. If new waves were to crash through the palace, surely everyone would suffer as if drowning.

Leaning forward deliberately toward Eirin, Jin asked bluntly, “Is that a revelation from a paladin, or comfort from a subject?”

Eirin lowered her gaze briefly, then smiled brightly and replied, “Whatever Your Majesty wishes to believe.”