Chapter 781

“The Emperor is running late.”

“They’re having a private meeting with the Minister of Magic.”

“Oh dear, why not just hold it in the conference room?”

“Seems like they have something to discuss in private. It’s a bit unsettling, honestly.”

“Exactly. Who knows what shocking agenda they might bring up this time.”

The officials gathered in the meeting room rubbed their tired eyes and muttered among themselves. It wasn’t just the time; the overwhelming workload had drained them completely.

But the Emperor and the Minister of Magic having a private meeting? From experience, whenever those two got together, it was always the officials who ended up suffering. No matter what policies were proposed, they were the ones forced to silently endure and sacrifice.

Screech.

Just then, the meeting room door opened. Everyone expected both the Emperor and the Minister to enter together, but only Ian appeared. Confused, the officials glanced behind him.

“Minister, where is His Majesty?”

“He’ll be a little longer. Please wait.”

“Ah, yes, of course.”

The officials pressed their lips tightly and stole glances at Ian. Their curiosity was burning. What on earth could the Emperor and Ian have discussed alone, even at the expense of the meeting time?

“The conversation must have gone on longer than expected, Minister,” the Prime Minister said gently. Ian simply smiled in response, organizing his reports, and muttered casually, “It was a matter of great importance.”

“I see. Were you able to reach an agreement?”

Only then did Ian turn to face the Prime Minister. His smile remained, but there was a coldness beneath it. Romandro, standing behind, flinched and bit his lower lip.

“Why don’t you ask His Majesty directly?”

The atmosphere shifted abruptly. Nearby officials tensed. The once noisy room fell into a heavy silence, thick with tension.

The Prime Minister clasped his hands and leaned forward. It felt like the moment either of them spoke, disaster would strike. The officials, like Romandro, exchanged uneasy looks.

Then—

“His Majesty the Emperor is here.”

At just the right moment, the Emperor appeared.

The officials were about to cheer quietly to themselves, relieved. That was until they saw the Emperor’s stiff, grim expression.

“Apologies for the delay. Let’s begin immediately.”

A cold wind seemed to blow through the room, chilling everyone to the bone. Whatever happened during that private meeting with the Minister of Magic, it was clearly serious. There was no other explanation for such a demeanor.

The officials carefully flipped through their reports, casting cautious glances at the Emperor, the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Magic. They handled the papers delicately, afraid that even the sound of turning pages might offend their moods.

“Where shall we start?” Jin asked, pressing his forehead.

But in his mind, the conversation he’d just had with Ian lingered stubbornly.

“…Idgal is already circulating throughout Gaia. Wouldn’t it be beneficial to release a bit more and secure exclusive rights to the Firearms? I understand your concerns, but this is a clear opportunity.”

“That may be true, and there are some benefits, but as Minister of Magic, I cannot approve. In the long run, Idgal’s existence will ultimately weaken the strength of both mages and magic swordsmen. Beyond management and control issues, even the smallest variable could spell disaster for Bariel.”

“I know that, but didn’t you say you intended to buy it up and dispose of it? We can release some now and handle the rest later. Ian, think carefully about what this means for the palace. There’s an easier path—why not take it?”

If they just gave a little, everyone would be more comfortable. Ian, the Emperor himself.

Ian knew what Jin worried about, but if they gave in a bit, the officials would lower their guard and eventually benefit the Ministry of Magic. They’d see the risks of Idgal and the firearms without prejudice.

In fact, the Ministry could get what it wanted without giving up anything.

“No matter what you say, my position won’t change. Your Majesty, I’m sorry, but perhaps the aftermath of the war has left us too weak. Even generating Idgal itself is now a strain.”

A lie.

Jin frowned without realizing it. Didn’t they say Idgal required no magic power to create and could be produced infinitely? If they could open portals from Toorun to Bariel, surely Idgal could be made without issue. Ian was blatantly lying.

“Ian, I—”

“Your Majesty, if that’s the case, I have a proposal. If we release Idgal and gain exclusive rights to the firearms, could you entrust their management to the Ministry of Magic?”

“To the Ministry?”

“Idgal is a magical substance, and the firearms contain magical power. It only makes sense for the Ministry to oversee their control. If that’s possible, I will reconsider the production of Idgal.”

That won’t be allowed, of course. Ian’s eyes were sharp, as if reading Jin’s thoughts. He was pointing out the obvious intent behind the conversation.

Whoosh!

Jin’s face flushed again, and he bowed his head. The officials rifling through their reports glanced at the Emperor’s reaction with curiosity but wisely averted their eyes. Ian remained calm, staring straight ahead.

“Your Majesty, it’s too soon.”

Jin didn’t hear what exactly was too soon—whether it was the firearms reaching Bariel or the Emperor himself being too hasty.

He clenched his teeth tightly. Not only had his test of loyalty been exposed, but Ian hadn’t budged an inch.

Why? Had he truly never intended to back down from the start? Or was this just resistance to being tested?

“And even if we introduce mages from the East, the firearms import issue is separate. We don’t know if they have the authority—or even the will—to handle it.”

“…Very well. Ian, I understand your position. Then grant me one concession.”

“What is it?”

“The construction of the Ministry’s annex. I’m not saying don’t build it, but please wait until the appropriate time. Don’t you feel the uneasy gazes from others?”

The Prime Minister was already heated over the royal bloodline rumors. There was no need to pour fuel on the fire with the Ministry’s annex. Jin suggested that once the war was over and the palace stabilized, the Ministry would be ordered to build the annex whether they liked it or not.

But Ian refused even that.

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I cannot comply.”

“Ha! Ian, why are you like this? We have plenty of time.”

“…Perhaps. Your Majesty, I went to war not only for Bariel but also for the construction of the Ministry’s annex.”

“What on earth does that annex mean to you?”

“It’s the very reason I came to the palace.”

“This is maddening.”

Jin felt a sting of disappointment. All this time, Ian had risked everything in the war not just for Bariel, but for that annex? That was his purpose in coming to the palace?

Then what about him? What about all the conversations they’d shared about building Bariel together?

Roar.

An unexplainable fury swirled around Jin. The officials bowed their heads deeply, avoiding his gaze. Though discussions continued, no one was truly focused.

“The more Ian resists, the harder this becomes. Ian, you know this as well as I do.”

“I’m sorry, Your Majesty. I know, but I cannot back down. I will try to resolve this within my limits.”

He can’t back down. Even if the Emperor stands in his way, he won’t be stopped.

Jin felt confused. Something was different from when he was in Toorun.

“Your Majesty.”

“…”

“Your Majesty?”

The Prime Minister called him twice. Jin snapped out of it, lifting his head and nodding as if nothing was wrong.

“I want to discuss the invitation of Hawan we talked about earlier today. What are your thoughts?”

“Has anyone changed their mind?”

Those opposed remained opposed; those in favor stayed in favor. That meant Minister Ian of Magic was still against the invitation.

The officials silently guessed the Emperor’s decision. If the Minister of Magic opposed it, why would the Emperor insist?

“Send the invitation.”

“Pardon?”

“Send an official invitation to Hawan as well.”

The officials were taken aback by the unexpected decision and asked again in surprise. Then, almost instinctively, they shot a sidelong glance at Ian. Ian, as if he had anticipated this, appeared calm and composed.

“Can Hwan be absent from a discussion on Gaia’s peace? We will officially receive the delegation and have him observe the situation firsthand and respond accordingly. During that process, he will also make them pay for the attack on Bariel. I will not entertain further debate on this matter.”

“Y-yes, Your Majesty,” they stammered.

Jin had already set things in motion and now watched Ian’s reaction carefully. Ian showed no visible response. What he truly thought, Jin couldn’t say.

But what choice was there? The Magic Department’s annex, the fire muskets, Idgal—none of these could be surrendered. So at least one had to be secured by any means necessary.

If not, who knew what rumors might spread among the officials, including the Prime Minister. This was a decision made to protect the Emperor himself—and, ultimately, Lord Ian.

“This one is mine to handle, Lord Ian,” Jin silently conveyed.

Still, Ian didn’t meet his gaze. The officials, sensing the tension, quickly moved on to the next agenda item, trying to smooth over the uneasy atmosphere.

“My apologies, Your Majesty,” Ian muttered, fingers tracing the edge of a report. I understand your Majesty’s desire to maintain balance, but I cannot assist you in this now. Still, as Emperor, I know you must make these difficult, unavoidable decisions. However…

“Things will not go as you wish.”

Jin still trusted Ian, but if their wills continued to diverge little by little, the seemingly eternal bond between them would eventually come to an end.

And at that end, when Ian stepped aside, the Emperor would finally stand alone—untouchable by anyone—and look down upon Bariel from a place no one else could reach.

“Yes, the next item—”

The rustle of papers.

As the report was passed along, Romandro flipped through his own documents nervously, his eyes darting to Ian’s back.

Ian was the one who understood better than anyone the repercussions each of their actions could have within the palace. So why had he been stirring up trouble since earlier that afternoon? Was he in pain?

“This is maddening,” Romandro thought, rolling his eyes as he glanced toward the Emperor.

Hours of meetings stretched on. The sky outside darkened and then began to brighten with dawn, yet the two never exchanged a word or even a glance. Even the most oblivious would have noticed something was wrong between them.

“Well then, Lord Ian, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

“It is not my opinion that matters, but His Majesty’s intent.”

“Ah, yes, of course. Your Majesty, the Minister of Magic wishes to first convey your intentions…”

“Hm. I am not fully informed on this issue, so I believe further explanation is necessary. Instruct them to submit any reference materials within this week.”

“Y-yes, Your Majesty. Minister of Magic, can this be arranged within the week?”

“If it is the Emperor’s command, it shall be done. No problem.”

“Very well, proceed with that. Ahem.”

They weren’t exchanging letters from afar—they sat close enough to speak directly. Yet the officials found themselves awkwardly caught in the middle, merely passing messages back and forth. Little did they realize that compared to what was to come, this was nothing at all.