Chapter 770
It was about ten minutes later when Ian stepped into the emperor’s tent.
At the news that Ian Hielo, Minister of the Magic Department, had come to report in person, Jin leaned forward slightly. He said nothing, but his body language clearly showed his pleasure at the visit.
“Bring him in at once,” the emperor ordered.
With a soft rustle, the curtain was drawn aside, and Ian appeared.
The atmosphere inside the tent shifted instantly. Everyone present had witnessed Ian’s fierce battle firsthand. There was a mix of respect for the warrior, relief that he was unharmed, and a hint of fear—as if facing something unknown.
Ian stepped forward and bowed respectfully before the emperor.
“Your Majesty, Ian Hielo, reporting.”
“Good, Sir Ian. How are you feeling? Are you able to move without strain?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Thanks to your concern, I have recovered well. I apologize for keeping you waiting.”
“Don’t mention it. Your well-being is important to us all.”
Ian smiled faintly, expressing his gratitude, then handed over a report through his attendants.
Jin glanced between the thick report and Ian with surprise. When had he prepared this…?
‘Unstoppable. I’m nowhere near keeping up,’ Jin thought, genuinely impressed.
As Jin opened the report, Ian began his explanation.
“Your Majesty, first, I will update you on the current status of the Magic Department. Thanks to Captain Akorella’s magical power amplifiers, individuals are recovering their magic, but the physical toll is accumulating, so the recovery is no longer as rapid as before.”
“Hm. I see. Everyone has worked hard.”
“Therefore, I propose that we remain in the capital to focus on recovery until supplies run low, then open a portal to return home.”
“You say you can open a portal all the way to Bariel, beyond Bargos?”
“Yes, that is correct.”
“Is that feasible?” Jin asked, surprised. Traveling from Bargos here was already difficult enough, and Bariel was even farther. Besides the distance, the condition of the mages was a concern.
Ian nodded calmly.
“It is possible.”
Since he would lead the portal opening himself, there was no need to hold back. After all, they had defeated the Shadow God and ended the war. Who would dare to rise again—Bargos? Luswena? The victor was clear.
“I suggest sending an advance envoy to Bariel first. If we coordinate the schedule, Bariel can send the necessary supplies here, and the main force can cross over afterward.”
The supplies would be for the garrison left behind in Toorun to handle cleanup. They needed provisions until the situation stabilized enough for self-sufficiency.
“Speaking of which, I want to discuss who would be suitable to command the garrison. Also, we need someone to serve as the temporary leader of Toorun.”
Ian answered as if he had been waiting for the question.
“I recommend Minister Maxim Tweller.”
“Minister Tweller?” The officers’ gazes immediately focused on him. The Minister of Imperial Defense as garrison commander? It seemed excessive, but not impossible. There was no resistance faction to worry about.
“Minister Tweller said this war would be his final mission. He has devoted himself to the Bariel Empire for a long time, so it would be meaningful to let him complete this last task properly.”
“But—” one officer began.
The reason was too subjective, and it didn’t consider Tweller’s own wishes.
Before the officer could continue, Ian cut him off without giving room to speak. His gaze silently told him to be quiet.
Tweller himself shot a warning look at the officer, as if to say, “Don’t make a fuss.” After all, Ian was the Minister of Magic. He must have a reason for this.
“Besides, there is the matter of Vanusa.”
“What about Vanusa?”
“She has aided the imperial army since the Masantar Temple incident. Considering her family’s status, her sorcerous abilities, and her ties to Bariel, she is a suitable candidate for the next leader of Toorun. However…”
“What is the issue?”
“During the final battle, she discovered that we had purged her followers.”
“Ah.” Jin sighed softly. Vanusa’s cooperation with Bariel was aimed at overthrowing the royal palace, which aligned with protecting Toorun. But learning that even the children were mercilessly slaughtered would naturally enrage her.
“Fortunately, she understood it was an unavoidable necessity. But she set a condition.”
That condition was—
“That Minister Tweller, who was responsible for the mission, remain behind to oversee Toorun’s reconstruction. This would honor the dead and show respect for Toorun.”
And if they refused?
“Vanusa would rally the remaining forces outside the capital and continue resistance. Of course, predicting the outcome of that fight is trivial and not a concern.”
Bariel’s forces had already suffered heavy losses. The number of mages and magic swordsmen had been halved, and even survivors were far from whole.
Moreover, the soldiers were intoxicated by victory, eagerly awaiting their return home. Asking them to prepare for another war would surely crush morale. And supplies? Weren’t there only enough for two weeks left?
“I believe it would be best to appease her and settle things here.”
They weren’t asking Vanusa to admit to or apologize for the massacre of Toorun’s people. They only wanted someone with enough authority to stay behind and manage the aftermath. It was better to avoid stirring up resistance and complicating the situation.
Jin rubbed his chin and nodded.
“Minister Tweller, what is your decision?”
“…I agree with Minister Ian’s proposal. If I can resolve the situation alone, I will gladly stay.”
Tweller bowed his head and accepted. There was no reason to oppose—it was a rational and reasonable plan.
Though something felt off, Tweller pushed the thought aside. His nerves were probably frayed by the rumors surrounding Ian. Ian added in a gentle voice.
“There’s no need to set a long reconstruction period. What matters is the justification and appearance. Once things are somewhat settled, send the envoy. The Magic Department will open the portal again, and you can return home comfortably.”
“Thank you for your consideration, Minister Ian.”
“Not at all. It’s only natural to ease your burden after all you’ve been through.”
Ian’s smile was subtle, as if relieved the agreement had gone smoothly.
As Tweller pondered the work ahead with Vanusa, a thought suddenly struck him.
‘Wait a moment.’
The origin of the strange rumors—the ‘woman who appeared in the water’—wasn’t a hallucination. She must be a rare talent, someone who manipulates water like Vanusa.
Tweller’s gaze naturally shifted to Ian.
“Why do you ask?”
The child’s green eyes made Tweller’s thoughts even more tangled. Was Vanusa truly the source of the rumors? Ian seemed to have already met with her—did he know the truth?
Questions piled up, but this was not the place to ask. Not with everyone watching.
“No reason.”
“If you have any thoughts, please share them freely. Vanusa said she would appear in two days. It seems she intends to stay hidden until the empire makes a decision.”
“When did you meet Vanusa?”
Tweller asked cautiously, hoping to compare timelines with the rumors.
Perhaps sensing the hidden meaning, Ian smiled quietly and answered vaguely.
“I’m not exactly sure. I’ve been waking and sleeping repeatedly. But don’t worry—the message is clear.”
“Of course. Why would I doubt you, Minister Ian?”
“Then what worries you?”
Ian’s sudden question was sharp.
Tweller fell silent for a moment. The officers exchanged uneasy glances at the sudden tension. Jin, sensing the mood, lightly turned the page of the report.
Rustle.
“Sir Ian, any further reports?”
“No, Your Majesty. This is all I have for now.”
“Very well. Then return and rest. According to Captain Akorella’s report, there may be side effects you are not yet aware of.”
“Akorella mentioned that?”
Clever. Ian had reviewed the report himself and found no such mention. It must have been deliberately omitted. He firmly denied it.
“I understand the significance and weight of my condition. And I am well now. Akorella’s concerns are excessive, so please do not worry, Your Majesty.”
“If that’s the case, then I’m relieved.”
“Very well, I shall take my leave first.”
Ian gave a brief nod to those gathered and stepped out of the tent.
As soon as he disappeared, Jin shot a sharp glare at Tweller.
“Tweller, that was excessive.”
“…My apologies.”
He had long been concerned about Ian’s presence. Yet Jin knew, didn’t he? Ian wasn’t someone dangerous…
‘Hmm?’
Why had he always considered Ian ‘not dangerous’? Because he was the one who held his hand when they were young? Because he risked his life to protect him whenever danger arose?
That alone wasn’t enough. Ian remained someone Jin trusted completely, but there was a nagging feeling that something absolute to back up that trust was missing.
‘What could it be?’
Frowning in confusion, Jin struggled to recall the undeniable reason that no one could argue against—but it just wouldn’t come to him.
“Sir Ian sacrificed himself to protect Bariel.”
He loved Bariel more than anyone—
“And he faced the underground god without fear of death.”
A man strong enough to stand against the shadow of a god.
That’s why… without loyalty, he could be more dangerous than anyone else.
Thud.
Without realizing it, Jin slammed his hand down on the table, trying to shake off the unsettling thoughts invading his mind.
After a long pause, he finally found his voice and completed his sentence.
“…In other words, treat him with trust. Understood?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind.”
“Everyone, withdraw.”
Led by Tweller, the officers left the tent. Left alone, Jin pressed his palms to his forehead, frozen in a complex tangle of thoughts.
…I just don’t understand.
Where does my trust in him truly come from?
Ian stepped out of the barracks, his expression calm as he walked ahead. The mages inside, unaware of the conversation that had just taken place, blinked curiously.
He stopped.
Ian’s footsteps finally came to a halt. Would he turn around for them? The mages’ eyes sparkled with anticipation, but Ian didn’t look back.
“Wait here for a moment.”
“Excuse me? Where are you going?”
The one who caught Ian’s attention was Eirin. She sat on a small stool, polishing her combat boots, her focused profile striking. Ian left the mages behind and approached her.
“Are you busy?”
“Ah!”
Startled, Eirin flinched sharply, but upon recognizing Ian, she quickly stood and saluted crisply.
“Not at all, Minister Ian.”
“Please, have a seat. Make yourself comfortable.”
“Th-thank you.”
Though grateful for the invitation, Eirin’s eyes silently asked why. She smiled awkwardly and placed her hands politely on her knees.
Ian whispered as if it were nothing.
“I have something I’m curious about.”
“Yes, please ask.”
“May I ask a personal question?”
“Of course.”
What was this? A growing unease crept over her. As Ian’s voice lowered, Eirin tensed.
But then, the unexpected question made her eyes widen.
“What does His Majesty the Emperor think?”