Chapter 785
Melania stumbled forward, following the gentle pull of Eunrang’s hand. Was it just her imagination, or did the eyes of the rebel corpses—some with their throats slit—seem to be watching her as she moved?
Those men were dying without even realizing they were dead. That was how swift and precise Hohun’s attack had been.
Suddenly, Melania stopped in her tracks.
“Um—”
“Yes?”
“I’m sorry to say this, but it would be best to collect the firearms.”
Eunrang tilted her head in confusion. Her violet eyes flashed coldly, as if trying to read Melania’s true intent.
“The rebels were able to make an official offer to Bariel because they had firearms. As you know, firearms from the East are something Gaia has never seen before, so they greatly influence the course of the war. If you take them with you, they’ll be a huge help to the two Eastern mages as well. After all, the Minister of Magic is also a politician in Bariel.”
“Oh, I see. If that’s the case, then it’s fine.”
“Pardon?”
Eunrang’s eyes narrowed, as if suspecting some secret was hidden within the firearms.
“Curious, are you?”
Melania felt a surge of curiosity but clenched her teeth to hold it back. Instinctively, she sensed danger. If she stepped into that forbidden territory, she wouldn’t be able to handle the consequences.
To pry into that realm, safeguards were necessary. Perhaps that was why Ian Hielo kept coming to mind. Slowly, Melania shook her head.
“No, it’s nothing.”
The palace mages and these people were different. Though their sources of power might be the same, their paths were clearly opposed. Now she understood why the powers of mages and monsters were both called “magic power” (魔力)—yet they were fundamentally at odds.
“You’re quite likable. What was your name again?”
“Melania.”
“Right, Melania. If we go to Bariel, can we meet Ian Hielo right away?”
“Yes. He should be at the palace, but if that’s inconvenient, I can send a message and arrange a meeting.”
“Good. Let’s do that. Melania, hold on tight.”
“Jet Stream.”
Melania’s eyes widened. Though Eunrang’s incantation looked no different from that of Bariel’s mages, the magic circle was entirely unique.
A long, white scroll unfurled around Eunrang, covered densely with golden characters—the same as those inscribed on her body.
Zzzzz! Zzzzz!
The moonlight that had been seeping through brightened gradually, soon enveloping their bodies. Eunrang spun around with a joyful smile, her long robes fluttering beautifully.
“Let’s go, riding the moonlight.”
“Hey, it wasn’t us, right?”
Inside the carriage heading to the main palace—
Romandro clung to Ian, chattering nonstop. If the import of firearms was delayed, who would benefit the most? The Ministry of Magic, of course. And they had the power to easily deal with rebel leaders.
As Romandro raged like he was about to faint, Ian just laughed and told him to calm down.
“Why are you laughing like that? It’s not us, right?”
“I’m just curious who would believe that.”
“Come on, there’s no way anyone would believe it! We didn’t do it!”
Ian said nothing, gazing out the window. Watching the situation unfold without interference felt oddly satisfying, yet strange. The more he thought about it, the more determined he became to finish building the Ministry’s annex quickly.
‘At any moment, anything could happen.’
He knew that the more he was cut off from the palace, the heavier the burden on the Ministry of Magic. So once the foundation was set, he could act on his own…
Screech!
“Ian, we’ve arrived.”
The carriage stopped in front of the main palace. Perhaps already informed, the heads and staff of related departments were gathered, whispering among themselves. As Ian entered, the murmurs ceased abruptly, and they greeted him briefly.
Romandro pursed his lips in dissatisfaction and snorted. If they were so suspicious, they should just come out and say it. With his combat readiness at full, Romandro followed Ian.
“The Ministry of Magic’s Minister Ian Hielo has arrived.”
“Bring him in.”
It wasn’t the conference room but the emperor’s office. The emperor, prime minister, minister of administration, and foreign minister all turned to look at Ian. They must have been gathered long before his arrival; half-smoked cigars and half-full teacups sat on the table.
“You called for me?”
“Please, have a seat, Minister Ian.”
The prime minister guided him to a seat. The emperor remained silent, staring off in the opposite direction. As soon as Ian sat down, the prime minister handed him a report and began explaining.
“You may have heard some of this on the way, but I’ll repeat it. This is a summary of information confirmed by the Foreign Ministry.”
“Yes, Prime Minister.”
“The rebel leader and his group were wiped out by a mysterious attack, which sparked fierce battles anew. The location of the firearms is unknown.”
The prime minister watched Ian’s expression carefully. Ian was skilled at controlling his emotions, making it hard to read him, but the prime minister sharpened his gaze, determined not to miss the slightest change.
Ian caught the intent behind the scrutiny and smiled faintly. Wasn’t their suspicion a bit too intense?
“This is sudden. Quite troublesome.”
Ian said no more.
Silence filled the room. Everyone except the emperor seemed unsure how to respond. Finally, the foreign minister broke the silence.
“Ahem. Minister Ian, do you have any guesses?”
“Guesses?”
“The report says the rebel corpses are unusual. The cuts are so clean, it’s impossible by human strength alone.”
“And?”
“So, we’re asking if you know anything about this.”
Ian leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs. The more relaxed he appeared, the more tense the foreign minister became. It was just a question, but surely Ian knew the underlying implication.
“I am the Minister of Magic for Bariel, not for Hwan.”
“Yes, of course. But—”
“Isn’t it the Foreign Ministry’s job to know whether other countries have mages? How can you say the situation isn’t properly understood in front of His Majesty the Emperor?”
Mages were a nation’s key human resource. Their influence spanned economy, culture, and military, making them essential considerations in diplomacy. So why was the foreign minister asking the Minister of Magic about Hwan’s mage status? That was clearly the Foreign Ministry’s responsibility.
The foreign minister grimaced but added,
“There are no mages in Hwan. That’s certain. Not before the rebellion, nor after.”
Ah.
Ian’s eyes sparkled, as if he’d caught them red-handed.
“So, Minister of Foreign Affairs, you’re confident there are no mages in Hwan, yet you’re asking the Ministry of Magic why this incident happened. How should I interpret that?”
It was a clear accusation. Did they have confidence? If the Ministry of Magic wasn’t involved, could they take responsibility? Ian’s question hung in the air.
The foreign minister faltered, losing his words. Ian turned to the prime minister with a pointed look.
“You’re not bringing the bodies here for questioning, nor do you have detailed testimony about the mysterious light. I can’t guess what you want to ask.”
“Come in and see for yourself, Prime Minister.”
Ian smiled slyly. Quintana stepped in to ease the tension.
“There’s no other motive. It’s just a strange death, so we thought it might be related to magic and wanted your opinion.”
“Ah, I don’t know. It could be magic, a magic sword, or even a sorcerer.”
“Ian.”
The prime minister called him quietly.
“If you have no leads, I have a request. Form a team of mages to investigate and send them to Hwan.”
“Our people?”
“The rebellion is severe, so a regular investigation team isn’t suitable. And since the Foreign Ministry is convinced it’s related to magic—”
The foreign minister, who had been quietly listening, flinched and glanced at the prime minister, as if to say that was a difficult stance. But the prime minister ignored it and continued.
“To investigate properly, it’s best that mages go. I want you to go, see the situation firsthand, and find those firearms. What do you think?”
Ian hesitated for a moment, then took a sip of his tea as if pondering. His real plan was to reduce the number of wizards within the palace under the pretext of the investigation team. He would send the wizards to Hwan, while investigations proceeded separately on both sides.
Moreover, if they were also tasked with collecting the fire muskets, no one could say how long it would take to complete the mission.
“I want to do that too, but—”
The Prime Minister frowned at Ian’s hesitant opening. It was clear he was about to refuse.
“As you know, the aftermath of the war is still severe. Most wizards haven’t fully recovered. A wizard without full magical power is no different from an ordinary person, so they’re essentially the same as a regular investigation team.”
Everyone pressed their lips tight, their faces hardening. Was there something suspicious about the Minister of Magic’s attitude? What had started as doubt was now turning into certainty—that the Magic Department, or rather Ian himself, was involved in the massacre of the rebels.
“Besides, envoys from various countries will be arriving soon. To ensure their safety and to welcome our guests properly, it’s best for the wizards to remain in the palace. For now, the Foreign Ministry should dispatch the investigation team. When the time is right, we will provide support.”
“When exactly is this ‘right time’ supposed to be?”
“That’s uncertain. Just as the Minister didn’t foresee this crisis.”
“Oh, look at that,” the Foreign Minister’s eyes rolled in disbelief. Wasn’t this just another way of saying they wouldn’t send the wizards? Such a brazen attitude—this man must be the culprit behind the whole mess! The Foreign Minister suddenly stood up, raising his voice.
“Are you joking? In a situation where we don’t even know whose hands the fire muskets will fall into, how can the head of the Magic Department respond so complacently?”
“Which part of my proposal do you find complacent? I’m suggesting we give those who barely survived the battlefield and are still not fully recovered time to heal. Is that complacency to you?”
“Ian! Be honest. Is the Magic Department truly uninvolved in this incident? It can’t be otherwise.”
Ian nodded firmly.
“No.”
He met the gazes of the Prime Minister and Quintana one by one, answering as if declaring a verdict.
“The Hwan incident has nothing to do with the Magic Department.”
“Shameless—!”
“Enough.”
At that moment, Jin, who had been quietly listening, motioned to restrain the Foreign Minister. His low, steady voice carried an undeniable authority. Jin’s eyes, which had been looking elsewhere, now locked onto Ian.
“Sir Ian, is what you say true?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“…Then that settles it. Since Sir Ian denies involvement, there will be no further disturbances.”
“But Your Majesty—!”
“I said enough.”
The Foreign Minister grumbled in frustration, but Jin cut him off decisively.
There was trust in Jin’s gaze. Ian had seemed off these past few days, but he wasn’t the type to complicate matters like this. Even if he did, he wouldn’t leave traces.
That was the Ian Jin knew. And so, he believed him.
“Sir Ian, you may return. The administration and Foreign Ministry will handle the situation.”
“…Yes, Your Majesty.”
Ian bowed respectfully and quietly left the office. From a distance, Romandro, who had been waiting for him, spotted him and hurried over.
“Ian, what did they say—”
Ian stared blankly into space, as if dazed. He seemed to have heard shouting, but how could that be…
“Looks like things went well?”
Though Ian’s face was expressionless, Romandro could clearly read the mood. Ian passed by him without a word and gave an order.
“The Magic Department will need to conduct a separate investigation as well.”
“Huh? Oh, of course. What did His Majesty say?”
“His Majesty—” Ian added quietly, as if it were nothing.
“He said he trusts me.”