Chapter 777

“Uh—”

Just as Jin was about to say something without fully realizing it, the Prime Minister, who had been quietly observing, politely interrupted with an objection.

“That simply cannot be allowed, Minister.”

So, the opposition finally surfaced.

The bureaucrats, as if a weight had been lifted, cautiously added their voices, seizing the moment. The funny thing was, not one of them dared to look Ian directly in the eye as they spoke.

“Yes, it’s a bit unreasonable. The mana stones imported from Burgos are classified as high-grade, aren’t they? They’re rare and barely enough for research, so how could you possibly use them for constructing an annex?”

“Exactly. There’s no urgent need to build an annex right now, so it feels even more wasteful. The Magic Department is responsible for managing mana stones, but I believe the ones we have were earned through the sacrifices and efforts of everyone who fought in the war.”

“Oh my, you speak well!”

“Ahem! Please restrain yourself.”

“I-I’m sorry. Anyway, I also oppose the annex construction. Well, I mean, I oppose it at this point in time. While the Magic Department did contribute greatly in this war, we can’t overlook the efforts of the Imperial Defense Department and the Palace Guard. If we pour massive funds into something to honor one department’s achievements, the others might feel… neglected.”

“Hmm, yes. That’s a valid concern.”

“Perhaps it would be better not to rush this decision and take some time to consider it. The Magic Department already has a mountain of work to handle; I worry you might be overextending yourselves. Ahem.”

Ian silently listened to the bureaucrats’ feeble objections. In the past, he might have let it slide gently by this point, but not now.

Just as their attitude toward the Magic Department had changed, so had he. Simply put, there was no time to waste.

“Thank you for your input—”

His voice was firm and clear. Despite the slight nods of reluctant agreement, Ian brushed aside all their concerns in one fell swoop.

“The decision to build or not build the annex rests solely with the Magic Department.”

The funding would come from the Magic Department’s budget or his personal funds. The site would be next to the Magic Department’s building. The department would coordinate the construction schedule and all related tasks. Once completed, the annex would be used by the mages.

From start to finish, there would be no room for outside interference.

“…”

The bureaucrats, who had been chattering away, suddenly sealed their lips as if they’d been given honey. In the past, they would have spoken up again without hesitation, but now it was difficult.

Everyone present knew exactly when to speak and when to stay silent. They had done so well that they were still sitting here.

“But don’t worry.”

Ian added, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere.

“I will ensure that nothing happens to bring shame upon the palace.”

“I-Ian Minister wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“Of course not. Well then, shall we discuss this again later?”

“Oh, that sounds good. There’s already so much to handle right now.”

“Next! Who has the next agenda item?”

Having confirmed the Magic Department’s stance, they chose to back down and avoid further confrontation for now.

“…”

The Prime Minister quietly watched Ian before slowly turning to gauge the Emperor’s expression.

The Emperor looked somewhat shocked. Not just because of Ian’s attitude, but because he realized the courtiers’ demeanor toward Ian had changed.

“Next is the Ministry of Culture’s agenda.”

The meeting dragged on. The already difficult atmosphere grew heavier, weighing heavily on everyone’s minds. Some were already rubbing their shoulders or arms in exhaustion, most leaning sideways in their seats.

‘This is maddening. What was that earlier? Ian Minister…’

‘No backing down. If this were before, he would have handled the conversation differently.’

‘After the meeting, let’s all gather. Meet me in the square.’

‘Absolutely! We need to come up with a plan.’

‘Honestly, even if he did great things, isn’t this a bit much? How impressive could it really be?’

‘Hey, let’s be fair. It was impressive.’

‘I hope His Majesty isn’t just following Ian Minister’s lead out of caution?’

‘No, it’s just…’

Whispers passed between those whose focus had wavered.

Time passed, though no one knew how long. There was no clock in the meeting room, and the Emperor’s face remained stern.

‘Ugh.’

On the surface, nothing seemed different, but the courtiers could clearly sense the Emperor’s unsettled mood. Pulling out a pocket watch now would only earn a glare—an awkward move indeed.

While everyone struggled, the very people who had stirred the meeting pressed on with their work.

“You should verify this separately.”

“Yes, understood. I will organize this matter and submit it again by next week.”

“Very well. Since it’s not urgent, you can take your time.”

“I will follow your instructions.”

Thud.

Jin set down his report as if to say, “Let’s stop here.” He, too, found it hard to concentrate. Ian seemed unfazed, so Jin tried to be as well, but it was impossible.

“Let’s end the meeting here for now.”

At the Emperor’s words, the courtiers clicked open their pocket watches. It was already two in the afternoon. They had gathered early in the morning, skipped lunch, and were still at it.

Jin stood first and added,

“There’s still much to discuss, but if we continue, we’ll ruin the afternoon’s work. Let’s reconvene tonight.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you all for your efforts.”

The bureaucrats bowed their heads, eyes glistening with unshed tears. It wasn’t a moment to rejoice; it felt like their hearts were breaking twice over.

Squeeeak!

The Emperor and Prime Minister exited, and the courtiers quickly turned their backs on Ian and disappeared.

Ian was left alone in an instant. Only Romandro called out to him with concern.

“Hey, Ian.”

It was unlike Ian to openly show his sharp edge during a meeting. Surely, he had other thoughts. He always exceeded everyone’s expectations.

But today, sitting quietly, Ian’s back looked lonely, and Romandro sensed something was wrong. He sat beside him and tried to comfort him.

“I know how much you want to build the Magic Department annex. You’ve wanted it for a long time. But don’t push yourself too hard. We don’t have to rush anymore.”

Ian was young and would spend many years in the palace ahead. Romandro himself wanted to stay by his side as long as his health allowed. The Magic Department and their little troublemakers? No need to say more—they’d be by Ian’s side for a long time, too. All that remained was to live peacefully in the palace, laughing and smiling.

Romandro was confident from experience: all that awaited them was peace, nothing else.

“Ian?”

“…Romandro.”

“Hmm? Speak.”

“Could you get me information from the Administration and Foreign Affairs Departments about the Hawan faction?”

“Hawan faction info?”

Romandro scratched his chin thoughtfully. Information not disclosed in the meeting would be considered departmental secrets and hard to obtain.

But Ian added with a pleading tone.

“Especially anything related to Eastern firearms. I need it regardless of the source.”

“Firearms? Got it. I’ll look into it.”

“And when you get to the Magic Department, please tell Hale and Akorella to come to the Minister’s office.”

“I’ll contact them right away. But Ian—”

“Yes?”

Ian turned back, half lost in thought. Romandro gently touched his forehead as if caring for a sick child.

No fever, so why this?

“…I’m fine.”

“Hmm. That’s a relief.”

“And one more thing.”

Ian lowered Romandro’s hand and whispered, very quietly and carefully.

“Could you give me your notebook?”

“Notebook? Mine?”

Romandro looked puzzled but silently pulled out his notebook from his pocket. Ian flipped through the pages for a long while until he stopped at a certain scribble.

—Vero, ?? ??

“What’s this?”

Ian muttered, recalling the news about Verosion. As he leaned in to get a better look, he conjured a small flame at his fingertip.

Flare!

In an instant, the notebook turned to ashes. Romandro blinked wide-eyed, staring at the pile of ash.

“Ah, no—!”

“Sorry. I’ll buy you a new one.”

“Because it’s Ministry property, that shouldn’t matter! No, wait—!”

“Shall we go?”

“Ian! This is tyranny! No, it’s harassment within the palace—!”

As Romandro chased after Ian, shouting, the boy simply smiled and turned away.

‘So the records still exist.’

Even if the shadow god’s rain had wiped his memories clean, it hadn’t erased the official records. Surely, the letters sent from the Bariel main force in Burgos to Bariel itself bore the name ‘Ian Verosion.’

‘The real question is how it’s described.’

Ian didn’t know the exact wording, since he hadn’t written it himself.

He told Romandro to wait a moment, then walked alone toward the central archives. Everyone he passed bowed respectfully, but their greetings barely registered in his mind.

Clack.

“Good day, Minister Ian.”

“Do you have the letters sent by the Bariel main force during the war?”

“Of course. They’re here in the archives.”

“I’d like to take a look.”

“Shall I bring them all out?”

“Please.”

The clerk disappeared inside and soon returned with a book—a kind of letter archive.

Ian opened it and carefully examined each letter, fixed to the pages one by one. They were arranged chronologically, and just reading them brought the past vividly back to life.

“Take your time.”

The letters gradually drew closer to Burgos and Agiar—the death of the gypsies, the chaos… and the day he reclaimed his own name.

Rustle.

A small sheet of paper caught his eye. Ian couldn’t help but let out a quiet chuckle.

—Ian Hielo is Ian Verosion. He carries the royal bloodline and is a gift sent by the ____ god to save Bariel. We will follow him.

The clerk, hidden behind a screen, rolled their eyes at Ian’s laughter. What could be so amusing? Perhaps a fond memory? The clerk found themselves smiling quietly in response to that clear, pure smile.

“Ah-ha—”

Meanwhile, Ian lightly wiped at the corner of his eye.

Was this the last curse of the underground god, or the cruel final touch of the divine? The name ‘Ian Verosion’ remained, but the words ‘100 years later’ had vanished.

‘Ridiculous. It’s laughable.’

If this were discovered, strange rumors would spread again. Since no one remembered, they might say a wizard had tampered with the records.

Whether it sparked a fire or justified a cause, this too was part of the process by which Ian was erased from the world.

Closing the book, Ian called the clerk over.

“Listen.”

“Yes! Are you finished?”

“Has the palace ever released the contents of these letters outside?”

“Officially, only the victory announcements.”

News of Ian Verosion was so shocking that it was handled with extreme caution. Only those inside the palace knew, and perhaps it had spread quietly by word of mouth.

“I understand the letters are organized twice a year.”

“That’s right. The records department compiles them biannually. There are about four months left this year.”

If no one else looked through them in the meantime, the records staff wouldn’t review them again for another four months.

Four months—long or short, depending on how you see it. Ian nodded and left the archives. The clerk watched his retreating figure, puzzled.

‘Strange.’

His smile had been full of happiness, yet his expression… well, it was hard to say. Oh, whatever. The clerk hummed a tune as they slid the letter archive back into place.