Chapter 776

“Are the rebels aligned with Prime Minister Shatima’s faction?”

“That’s correct.”

“Ah, so their lineage has somehow persisted.”

“Indeed. We thought they’d collapse after losing their leader.”

The officials were genuinely astonished. After all, the rebels had already lost two leaders—Shatima and her successor, Erika. Yet they still survived, matching the government forces blow for blow. This spoke volumes about their resilience—and even more so about the sentiment among the people of Hwan.

“But you’re asking us to help end the civil war? Bariel has just finished a war. We can’t just raise an army again because of Hwan.”

“I agree. The mages and magic swordsmen have already exhausted their energy, and above all, there’s no justification for aiding Hwan. As Minister Ian said, they were the ones who attacked Bariel.”

“That’s right. Though there are some complicated circumstances, that fact remains unchanged.”

The Prime Minister nodded as if to acknowledge their understanding.

“True. But their request isn’t for direct military support. At the very least, they want the people of Hwan to believe they won without foreign intervention.”

“So, what exactly are they proposing?”

“First, for Bariel to officially recognize them.”

If a great empire like Bariel formally acknowledged the rebels as a legitimate government, it would provide undeniable legitimacy domestically. That brief statement might be more crucial than winning the civil war itself.

The officials hesitated, surprised by the unexpected proposal. They had assumed the rebels would ask for material aid.

“And the price for this?”

“There have been some proposals, but as I mentioned, they require careful review. I will organize them and present them to Your Majesty first.”

“Hmm. Understood.”

As the officials agreed, the Prime Minister turned to face the Emperor.

The administrative and diplomatic officials followed suit, subtly signaling their shared opinion.

“So, Your Majesty,” the Prime Minister began.

“Speak.”

“Why not convene the leaders of the various nations to sign a peace treaty, including discussions on reparations?”

A peace treaty. Timely and a power only the victorious great empire could wield. Outwardly, it was a diplomatic formality, but Jin and Ian immediately grasped the Prime Minister’s true intent.

“You mean to invite them to the signing ceremony, thereby indirectly recognizing their government?”

“Exactly.”

No need to fuss over them separately. Simply sending invitations as part of a broader international event would satisfy their demands.

The officials readily agreed it was a sound idea.

“Hmm. Appropriate. It would be wrong to exclude a major nation like Hwan from a peace gathering for Gaia.”

“But the order should be corrected. If they send a statement of apology first, then we send the invitation. And perhaps the reparations discussion should be handled separately.”

Though the process might differ, most seemed to agree on inviting Hwan to the treaty ceremony.

At that moment, the officials noticed Ian had remained silent. The Prime Minister subtly directed a question his way.

“What does the Minister of Magic think?”

Ian stopped tapping the edge of the report and paused, choosing his words carefully.

“I agree as well.”

‘For now,’ he thought, having no grounds to oppose.

“Clifford may object to the peace treaty, but I don’t see it as a major issue.”

“Why would Clifford object?”

At the question, Ian’s gaze cooled slightly, as if to say, ‘Don’t ask the obvious.’

“Because Luswena will be included in the treaty. Clifford is currently taking the lead on their behalf, but signing the treaty means relinquishing all claims. Naturally, he would resist.”

But that was all. Clifford could not defy Bariel. Instead, he would likely cooperate actively to secure rights over Luswena.

Still, this was just a façade. The international situation could shift in unexpected ways.

“There’s a war brewing within Luswena itself. Clifford’s side is probably covertly allying with pro-Clifford factions inside Luswena to weaken Bariel’s influence. Luswena might also prefer dealing with Clifford over Bariel.”

If they joined forces, it could create a situation unfavorable to Bariel.

Of course, this was a minor concern. No matter how much Clifford and Luswena bickered, they remained under Bariel’s overarching control.

“In any case, I support the peace treaty—”

“However?” The officials tensed, waiting for the catch.

“I believe we should be cautious about inviting Hwan, especially since I am the lord of the Hielo territory.”

Ian reminded them of his personal stake. The tragedy born from Luswena, Hwan, and the Eastern mages had unfolded in Hielo. Using his personal position, Ian firmly expressed his opposition to inviting Hwan.

He had his own reasons.

‘Something’s going on.’

The Prime Minister’s earlier intelligence contained clues. Ian couldn’t agree until he uncovered what exactly. The most likely possibility was—

‘Matchlocks.’

The only weapon humans had to stand against mages.

Why had the rebels survived despite two leadership changes? There was only one answer: matchlocks imported from the East. Such a powerful secret weapon could turn the tide of war.

‘They might have offered to hand over the matchlocks once the civil war ended.’

That alone made recognizing the rebels as a government highly advantageous. It would give the Magic Department a new check and even weaken the military power of neighboring countries. A deal with no downsides.

‘But no.’

Not now.

Matchlocks would only arrive in Gaia far in the future, during Ian’s era. There was no urgent need to rewrite history like Gula’s time, and Bariel was already firmly established at Gaia’s center. No need to alter the main course.

‘Their intentions are impure.’

If matchlocks were introduced now, they would be used not to strengthen national defense but to curb the Magic Department. That was unacceptable.

Ian was willing to bear the burden of being checked and criticized himself. If he could erase traces and pave the way for Jin, he would be content.

‘But not the Magic Department.’

According to his plan, the Magic Department wouldn’t be involved, but the sudden import of matchlocks complicated matters.

Ian snapped his fingers repeatedly, organizing his thoughts.

“Alright, I understand for now.”

Jin lightly tapped the desk, drawing everyone’s attention. Whether to accept Hwan’s proposal could be discussed again after seeing their demands. It was best to close this matter for now.

“Let us postpone this issue for the time being. Instead, we will proceed with peace treaties involving Burgos, Toolun, Luswena, and Clifford. Prime Minister, please take charge of the preparations.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Next.”

The reports flipped quickly, and someone introduced a new agenda—one that was somewhat intriguing.

“Your Majesty, next is the execution of King Damon and Rutherford.”

King Damon had been imprisoned in the Mage Tower for over ten years, living like a walking corpse. His tongue had been cut out, and he had attempted suicide dozens of times. But he was kept alive to sow discord in Burgos. Now, that was no longer necessary.

Rutherford was in the same situation. With the war over, it was time to make an example of them by displaying their bodies in the streets.

“Hmm.”

Jin pondered briefly before looking to Ian. Everyone in the chamber focused on Ian. Though it was a critical matter and a question for the Emperor, they all knew who truly held the decision-making power—even Jin himself.

“Please share your opinion, Lord Ian.”

Matters related to the underground gods fell under the Magic Department’s jurisdiction. Ian gathered his thoughts and replied quietly.

“I believe King Damon and Rutherford will have no next life. But this is only my personal speculation, so it’s not certain. If we act rashly and complications arise, it would be disastrous. I suggest we seek an oracle’s guidance first.”

“An oracle.”

“Oracles aren’t always right, but they provide enough guidance.”

“Then it would be wise to contact the Carbo Shrine.”

“It is Your Majesty’s maternal family’s shrine and has been part of Bariel’s history. It’s the perfect choice.”

They had already received help during the Arsen incident, so this place held a lot of significance in many ways.

Jin nodded in agreement.

“We will request an oracle from the Carbo Temple.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And if death is permitted, the Hollin family will take charge of King Damon’s remains. It will be useful when establishing the new dynasty in Burgos.”

If Kyra took care of King Damon’s body, it could help unite the royalist and anti-royalist factions within Burgos.

If her royal authority was strengthened as a result, it would ultimately benefit Bariel. Unlike before, when the political situation was deliberately stirred up, now was the time to seek stability in Burgos.

“A wise decision, Your Majesty.”

“Ah, pardon me for interrupting.”

At that moment, Quintana, who had been reviewing something, raised a hand to ask for a moment’s indulgence. Something was missing from the financial report.

“Minister Ian, will the Magic Department be purchasing the mana stones sent from Burgos to Bariel?”

He was referring to the mana stones mined by Akorella and Chloe near Kalamath. They had arrived at the palace some time ago and were awaiting disposition.

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Then I will include the payment for those stones in the budget.”

“Excuse me, Minister Ian?”

A nearby official, overhearing this, called out in confusion. Mana stones were normally handled by the Magic Department. But what did it mean to purchase them? It sounded like they were being used for something other than palace affairs.

Understanding their concern, Ian answered plainly.

“They will be used for the construction of the Magic Department annex.”

The room instantly froze.

This was a matter that had quietly caused conflict between the Magic Department and other factions for over ten years. Since Ian had descended into the Abyss, Jin had taken charge, but even then, the project had been temporarily halted due to a shortage of mana stones.

And now, Ian was bringing it up again. Fine, everything else was acceptable—except for one thing.

“The timing is inappropriate.”

“Inappropriate? How so?”

“The war just ended. There are far too many other matters to attend to besides building an annex.”

“That is the Magic Department’s concern. It is not your business.”

Ian’s statement was blunt and factual. Then, with a slightly provocative smile, he asked,

“Who would oppose it?”

The officials flinched in surprise. Ian’s voice was as monotone as ever, but there was an unmistakable edge of danger beneath it.

“This was a project Your Majesty initiated in my absence.”

He meant, who would dare oppose something the Emperor himself had started?

Jin hesitated briefly, then smiled.

‘That’s right. It was exactly like that.’

When Ian had disappeared into the Abyss, Jin had pushed through the project despite opposition, laying the groundwork for the annex.

But now? Ian had returned, and there was no pressing need to proceed with it—especially with the rumors swirling around Ian.

Just as Jin was about to call Ian aside to dissuade him, he sensed something was off.

“……”

The room was silent. There was no outcry from the officials insisting it was absurd, that there were far more urgent matters, or even questioning whether the Magic Department really needed an annex at all.

‘The status of the Magic Department—’

Jin glanced around. The officials were awkwardly clearing their throats and exchanging glances. The Magic Department had always been dominant, but now it was on an entirely different level. Opposition for the sake of opposition, checks for the sake of checks—nothing seemed permitted anymore.

‘Things have changed.’