Chapter 786

“Haa.”

After the prime minister and the ministers had all left, Jin let out a deep, unguarded sigh. He leaned his head back against the sofa, but the tightness in his chest refused to ease.

Could things really go this wrong? He had believed that once the war ended, everything would flow smoothly, like water. How arrogant that was.

Suddenly, Jin recalled the last night with Toorun.

“Your Majesty’s decisive battle is far from over. In fact, it’s only just beginning.”

Was that what he meant?

Perhaps Ian had known all along. He was the type who always thought several moves ahead. Surely, he had anticipated that his true battle wouldn’t be on the battlefield, but within the palace walls.

Jin pressed his palm to his forehead, trying to quell the headache.

‘It’s strange.’

It felt like Ian was struggling—fighting with all his might against an unstoppable current. Maybe it was just his imagination, but that’s how it seemed.

And that made it all the more painful. Jin had no intention of opposing Ian or the Ministry of Magic, so why was nothing going his way? People’s hearts, sudden incidents—they all shook him violently.

Finally, Jin poured himself a full glass of liquor.

‘The massacre of the rebels was not Lord Ian’s doing.’

Because Ian said it wasn’t. The circumstantial suspicions the prime minister and ministers threw around meant nothing. The only truth Jin could trust was Ian’s own words, spoken while looking him in the eye.

Jin clenched the glass tightly, frowning.

‘But judging by the condition of the bodies reported, it’s clear this wasn’t the work of ordinary humans. There’s something in Hwan. We just need to focus the investigation there and send out a team.’

The Minister of Foreign Affairs had insisted that only a magician could go, but Jin intended to ignore that.

They didn’t know the pain the magicians had endured on the battlefield for victory. They hadn’t seen the golden trails that lit up the sky, nor felt the helplessness of watching comrades vanish into ash.

And yet, they wanted to send them back to Hwan? Even if not Ian, Jin himself didn’t want that.

Clink.

Jin swirled the ice in his glass, lost in thought. When was it? That day long ago, when he and Ian had gone out to a tavern. Beric’s strange outfit had been hilarious. Romandro’s awkward acting and Xiaoshi’s shy joy had made it a truly happy night.

‘Something’s wrong.’

No matter how much he thought about it, that was the conclusion. Didn’t it seem so? They had won the war, yet things were worse than before. Something was definitely off. Whether he realized it or not, some subtle misalignment was somewhere.

With that thought, Jin grabbed his jacket.

“Is someone outside?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“I’m going to the Ministry of Magic. Inform Lord Ian.”

“I’ll prepare immediately.”

He would go to Ian. They needed to talk openly. Ian was wise and kind; surely he would ease Jin’s worries. Besides, their relationship had grown awkward since that day they’d raised their voices. It was time to mend that.

Jin’s spirits lifted as he gave another order.

“And bring a bottle of the wine Clifford gifted last year.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Though it was an unexpected late-night stroll, the palace officials moved quickly to prepare the carriage and the wine. Everyone in the palace knew about the recent chill between the emperor and the Minister of Magic. They had been expecting a reconciliation like this someday.

Whoosh!

The carriage sped through the night air, cooler than ever.

Jin held the wine close as the Ministry of Magic came into view. Though late, the minister’s office would surely still be lit. Ian would be there, waiting with a tired but expectant face.

“Huff. Your Majesty?”

“What brings you here?”

As Jin climbed the ministry steps, magicians were scattered about the lobby, probably taking a break for a late-night snack. With mouths full, they hurriedly stood up.

“Have your meal. Is Lord Ian inside?”

“Well, um—”

Jin stopped as the magician hesitated. They wiped their mouths, looking apologetic.

“The minister went out. With Romandro.”

“…He’s not here?”

“Yes. He’s been at the ministry all along, but today of all days, he stepped out. Probably went to Romandro’s house. I’ll send a message right away.”

“No—”

Jin shook his head urgently. This was a one-sided visit. And if he’d gone out with Romandro, as the magician said, it was almost certainly to his home.

“Very well.”

He must need a break too. Jin smiled regretfully and raised the bottle.

“Then this one’s for you all.”

“Oh! My goodness!”

“Is that allowed?”

“That’s the Clifford wine!”

“Crazy. Glad I stayed late tonight!”

The magicians’ eyes lit up as they edged closer, then gently took the wine from Jin as if cradling a baby.

“I know better than anyone how hard you’ve all worked during the war. Once the urgent tasks are done, I’ll make sure you’re properly rewarded. Just hang in there a little longer.”

“Oh, Your Majesty, you’re too kind.”

“Of course! Absolutely! This was all for Bariel, after all. Ah, the wine smells divine.”

“Go wake up the ones who are sleeping.”

“Oh, look at you! Are you crazy? Let them rest.”

“Your Majesty—”

Jin briefly considered inviting them to drink with him, but no—he was the emperor. That would be too familiar. So, there was no choice.

“We’ll drink well.”

“We’ll drink well!”

They bowed their heads in thanks, ending the conversation.

Jin watched the magicians rush down the hall, then turned away.

“…”

The night air felt unusually cold tonight. Jin glanced quietly around the dim surroundings, then muttered on impulse.

“I’m leaving the palace.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ll go out quietly and come back. Inform Beric.”

Telling the captain of the palace guard meant he wouldn’t have any other escort. The attendants hesitated briefly but bowed deeply, reading the emperor’s mood.

A faint light spilled from the Ministry of Magic behind him, settling at Jin’s back. The backlighting made his expression look even darker.

Clop!

Soon after, Beric appeared, leading a horse. His face was slightly swollen, as if he’d been woken from sleep.

“Your Majesty, you’re going out?”

“Yes. Sorry for the sudden summons.”

“Not at all. I was getting bored and eager to get outside myself. Where are you headed?”

“Hmm.”

Jin hesitated. Outside the palace, he only knew Romandro’s house.

He looked at Beric and smiled sheepishly. Since he couldn’t drink with Ian, he’d have to soothe his restless heart alone.

“That tavern we used to go to—do you think it’s still there?”

---

“This one! One order of grilled chicken!”

“Got it!”

“Ahh, this beer is so refreshing. Funny how the drinks here are sweet.”

“That’s because they mix honey in, you dummy.”

“Really?”

“You’ve been drinking without even knowing what’s in it.”

Near midnight, the small tavern in the alley was packed, even outside. The owner was busy frying meat inside, while the lone waitress bustled through the hall with sleeves rolled up.

“Hey, Eirin. You made it back alive?”

“Long time no see, sir. Here’s your beer.”

“Good to see you. No injuries?”

“None at all. I came back safe.”

“I heard you did great in the war, Eirin!”

“Really?”

“Yeah, that’s what they say!”

“Ah, no, that’s not true! Why do you keep saying that?”

Eirin, the tavern’s only waitress, laughed at the customers’ teasing greetings.

She was one of the soldiers who had shed her armor at the victory ceremony and returned to civilian life. The owner was so happy she was alive that he declared beer would be half-price for a while. Serving it was Eirin’s job.

“The word’s out, Eirin. You were a paladin, right?”

“Whaaat?! Really? But why are you here? Aren’t you supposed to be at the temple?”

“I figured it’d be tough to get in there now.”

“True. You must be craving the taste of beer here.”

“I’ve even heard you saved His Majesty the Emperor’s life?”

“Oh, who keeps spreading those rumors? Anyone who talks nonsense like that deserves a beer with salt in it.”

Ding!

“Welcome!”

Eirin took the opportunity to glance toward the door. The man was quite tall—and broad-shouldered, too.

“Huh.”

“Eh?”

Though he tried to disguise himself with a hat, his fiery red hair and defiant eyes gave him away instantly. Eirin recognized him at once—it was Berrick. And the person following him as well.

“Y-Your M-Majesty…!”

His Majesty?!

The three of them stood frozen at the entrance, and the owner called out to Eirin.

“Eirin, what’s with leaving the guests standing like that?”

“Ah, well, why are you here…?”

“We come to drink, don’t we? Two honey beers.”

Berrick settled into a corner and held up two fingers. Jin looked surprised but quickly sat down across from him as if nothing was unusual.

“Two honey beers, please.”

“And some chicken for snacks.”

Damn it. They even knew the tavern’s popular menu.

Eirin took the order, still wondering if this was really happening. The captain of the imperial guard and the emperor himself just casually showing up at a cheap alley tavern—it was surreal!

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Bowing her head, Eirin stepped back. Berrick covered his mouth and whispered.

“Your Majesty, did you come here on purpose knowing this place?”

“No, I didn’t.”

“Wow, I thought I was going to faint from surprise.”

“Me too.”

“Bariel’s surprisingly small, huh?”

They tried to keep their voices down, but Eirin was dying inside from the awkwardness.

“Oh, right, Eirin! You said you saw the Emperor up close, right?”

“Huh?”

Oh no, damn it!

“Tell us about it. You said you saw him up close.”

“I heard he’s very handsome.”

“Y-Yeah, he’s, uh, very handsome.”

Pouring the beer, Eirin fought back tears inside. She used to enjoy watching drunk customers make outrageous comments, but now she was the target.

She wanted to shout at them to shut up. The handsome emperor they were talking about just ordered two honey beers over there in the corner!

“You even saved His Majesty’s life, didn’t you?”

“M-Me? Who says that?”

“The owner.”

Wink! The owner gave Eirin a proud thumbs-up. Her face burned with embarrassment. She bit the inside of her cheek and carefully placed the two glasses on the corner table.

“Two honey beers… coming right up.”

“Thanks.”

Jin took his glass with a playful grin.

“For saving His Majesty’s life.”

“…!”

Eirin jumped back in shock, and Jin laughed as he looked at her. Berrick, caught in the middle, sniffed his nose.

‘Well, this is quite the commotion.’

Feigning ignorance, Berrick rested his chin on his hand and looked outside. It was late, so the streets were mostly empty. Then, suddenly, someone caught his eye—a figure in a robe hurrying past.

‘Hmm.’

Though it was just a passing glance, the figure felt strangely familiar, and Berrick couldn’t look away.

Soon after, a woman appeared, guiding the figure deeper into the alley. Berrick’s eyes widened.

‘That’s Melania.’

And the person with her was…

‘Isn’t that Ian?’