Chapter 787
—Is it finally settled?

Romandro led Ian into the minister’s office, then rubbed his chest, still tense from the ordeal. He had no idea how anxious he’d been while Ian was inside the emperor’s study. Rumors were already swirling through the palace, and now, on top of everything, the rebel leaders had been wiped out.

“Ugh. I honestly thought we were done for.”

To be fair, the situation was one that could easily be misunderstood. But Ian—what kind of man was he? A patriot who locked himself away day and night, working tirelessly for the empire. No matter how important the magic department’s status was, Ian wasn’t the type to complicate things this much.

“Exactly! Even if it had been Ian, he’d have handled it way more cleanly. Those fools don’t know the half of it. Tch.”

“Romandro, you’re back early,” a voice called.

“What did you say? No one’s coming from Hawan?”

“Yeah. Looks like the rebel leadership was completely wiped out. Things got complicated. No new orders, so don’t worry—just keep handling your work. Nothing serious happened, right?”

“That’s a relief. If not, we’d be in for another round of clashes with the administration and foreign affairs departments. The kids were really fired up. Oh, by the way, there’s a message from your household.”

“A message?”

The mage handed over a letter and returned to his post. What could it be? Normally, they wouldn’t contact the office first.

Romandro’s worry made him open the letter immediately. Then, without hesitation, he stood up and opened the door with a sharp knock.

“Knock knock!”

“Ian!”

Ian, who had been covering his mouth with a handkerchief, froze in surprise. He quickly hid it and scolded Romandro.

“If you’re going to make noise, there’s no point in hiding it.”

“Sorry, sorry. It’s urgent. Ian, look at this—it’s from Vivianna.”

“From the lady? To me?”

Ian took the paper, puzzled.

—Dear, a guest has arrived at the mansion. They couldn’t contact the palace, so they came here instead. The woman looks shabby but carries herself with dignity. She said to introduce herself as ‘one who has returned from the Abyss.’ That should be enough for you to understand. I don’t know what it’s about, but I’m passing this along. The young lady said she’ll wait tonight at midnight in front of the building on the left side of Central Commercial District, Alley 23. She didn’t seem dangerous. Dear, I hope it’s nothing serious.
With love, Vivianna.

P.S. Please send my regards to Ian. Also, if possible, ask if I can send some food.

A woman who couldn’t contact the palace, shabby but dignified, claiming to have returned from the Abyss. Ian immediately recognized who she was.

“Melania, isn’t it?”

“Exactly! Melania! Hup!”

Romandro lowered his voice, worried someone outside might overhear. What on earth was the daughter of the Haiman family doing here? If she had survived by some miracle, she should be hiding quietly, erasing her existence.

Ian folded the letter and handed it back, calm.

“I know about Hail and Akorella.”

“What? Know what?”

“That Melania young lady went to Hawan.”

“Hawan? Why there?”

“To rebuild her family. War is an opportunity, isn’t it?”

“Wait! She went to Hawan? But she’s back now?”

Romandro’s face paled, sensing something ominous. Melania’s very existence was a stain on the palace and on Ian. It was intentional, but it still proved they hadn’t completely eradicated the rebel family.

And now, she had been in Hawan at this exact time—and returned? Just as the rebel leadership was wiped out and chaos erupted?

“No, the timing doesn’t quite add up.”

Romandro muttered as he calculated the dates of the foreign ministry’s letter, the incident, and Melania’s travel time. But Ian knew that wasn’t the real issue.

‘Melania coming back and seeking me means she succeeded. She brought the Eastern mage with her.’

For mages, traveling from Hawan to Bariel in an instant was no problem. This meant the rebel leadership’s death was likely connected to Melania or the Easterners. In fact, given the current circumstances, it was highly probable.

“I’ll have to go. Tonight.”

“Yeah. I’ll contact home too.”

“Will you come with me?”

“Of course. Isn’t that obvious?”

I’m your aide, after all. When Ian hesitated, Romandro looked even more flustered. After a moment’s thought, Ian shook his head.

“No, I’ll go alone.”

“Why? It’s dangerous!”

“…Romandro, you’re the one who’s more at risk.”

“Oh, right. Still, wouldn’t it be better to go together? I’m worried. Especially since Melania is from a rebel family—what if something goes wrong?”

If they met secretly and someone saw them? This time, it would be truly unmanageable. Melania’s survival was only allowed by the emperor’s permission, but if rumors spread uncontrollably, that wouldn’t matter.

‘Those who want to keep Ian in check will seize any excuse. That would be fatal!’

So, wouldn’t it be best for Romandro to watch over the situation and be ready for any emergencies? Romandro clenched his fists tightly, but Ian just watched quietly.

“Thanks for the offer, Romandro, but I suspect Melania is connected to the rebels’ deaths. It could cause problems. You shouldn’t come.”

“No, listen.”

“You have too much to protect.”

He meant Ian should avoid trouble and enjoy a long, peaceful career at the palace. Romandro was talented, a husband and father.

Still, Romandro replied, clearly frustrated.

“Fine! I’ll protect the magic department—and you!”

“You talk too much.” Romandro pulled out a brand-new notebook from his coat. Ian had burned the last one, so this was completely fresh.

“Just in case rumors start flying outside, let’s say you’re coming to my house with me today. If someone who always eats and sleeps at the magic department suddenly leaves, everyone will be curious.”

“……”

Ian was a little surprised but said nothing. Romandro knew the risks of being with Ian. After thinking for a while, Ian muttered softly.

“There’s no need to make excuses.”

“Huh?”

“Let’s just go. Could you ask your wife if tonight’s okay?”

“Gah!”

Romandro’s mouth dropped open, tears welling up. Then he threw his arms around Ian, nodding repeatedly.

“Of course! Absolutely! Vivianna will be so grateful. Thank you, Ian.”

“I’m the one who should be thankful for the invitation.”

“You don’t understand. Really… thank you.”

Every time he saw his wife struggling, Romandro’s heart broke. But if Ian came to the mansion, Vivianna might finally have some relief. Sniffling, Romandro hugged Ian tightly again.

---

The eight-person dining table was piled high with food. Not a single inch was left uncovered; the dishes were stacked in layers.

Ian held a fork and knife, glancing at Vivianna. She was still carrying a silver tray, so the meal wasn’t over yet.

“Madam?”

“Yes, Ian?”

“This is too much.”

“It’s fine. Please eat plenty.”

Vivianna smiled, saying this was the last of it.

Romandro and Vivianna were both frozen, mouths agape at the lavish spread—so alike it was clear they were father and daughter. Ian smiled softly and raised his fork and knife.

“Well then, let’s eat.”

“Yes, everyone, let’s eat.”

“Thank you for the meal!”

“I’ll enjoy it, dear.”

Ian gracefully cut a piece of chicken and popped it into his mouth. He tasted it carefully, then, with a satisfied smile, praised Viviana.

“It’s delicious, ma’am.”

“Really?”

“Absolutely. I wish the imperial chefs could see and learn from this. It’s remarkable.”

He took another bite.

Watching Ian eagerly dig in, Viviana suddenly broke down in tears. She laughed through her sobs, wiping them away repeatedly, then gestured apologetically toward Ian.

“Sorry for crying during the meal.”

“…It’s alright.”

She felt both sorry and grateful. Thoughts of her dear friend Philia, lost because of her own mistakes, kept surfacing. She felt proud, yet heartbroken; the world seemed unbearably cruel, but at the same time, she was relieved Ian was here. Her emotions were tangled and complex.

Romandro rose from his seat and stood beside Viviana, gently wiping her tears.

“Not at the dinner table, dear.”

“I know. I’ll be right back.”

“Madam.”

Ian set down his knife and called to Viviana.

“Please, lay down the burden in your heart. This is not your fault. I believe so, and my mother would agree as well.”

“…Yes. I understand.”

“The food is truly delicious. I hope you’ll come back before it gets cold.”

Viviana nodded repeatedly, then left the dining room to quietly wipe away her tears one last time. Romandro followed her, leaving only Ian and Vivi behind.

“How have you been, Vivi?”

“Oh, you know. Just the usual—going to school every day. I wonder if Roel is doing well?”

Vivi adjusted her glasses as she spoke. She had been sending letters to Hielo, but realistically, she didn’t expect a reply. Roel had ventured deep into the Great Desert.

“Probably.”

The truth that Roel had lost his sight was something Vivi didn’t know. Ian gave a bitter smile and took a sip of water.

Vivi fidgeted nervously, as if wanting to say something, glancing at Ian.

“Is something on your mind?”

“Well, you see…”

Just then, Romandro returned with a smile, having come back to comfort Viviana. From Vivi’s perspective, it felt like an intrusion, so she clamped her mouth shut.

“Ah, Ian! Why didn’t you just keep eating?”

“And the lady?”

“She said she’d wash up for a bit. She’s feeling better now, so don’t worry. Vivi, you weren’t eating either?”

“How could I eat when Mom was crying like that?”

“True enough. Ha ha ha. Well then, the food’s getting cold. Let’s eat.”

Ian glanced at Vivi with a puzzled look, but she seemed to have changed her mind and no longer showed the same expression. What was it? She seemed like she wanted to share a worry.

“Vivi, are you alright?”

“Huh? Oh, yes! Of course!”

Though Ian asked gently, Vivi waved it off as nothing important. Eventually, Ian dropped the subject and focused on his meal.

Soon, Viviana returned with some fine liquor—a rare accompaniment. As the adults’ glasses clinked and emptied, Vivi’s head slowly tilted back, growing drowsier.

Before long, it was nearly midnight. Romandro signaled to Ian that it was time to leave.

“Dear, we should be going.”

“Please take care of yourselves.”

“Thank you, ma’am. Tonight’s meal was truly wonderful.”

“Come again anytime. You’re always welcome. Really.”

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, Vivi said goodbye to Ian.

“See you again. And if you hear anything from Roel, please let me know. Haaahm.”

“Alright, Vivi. Take care. You’re always welcome at the Ministry of Magic.”

It was an unspoken invitation to share anything she wished without hesitation. Vivi sniffled and muttered quietly to herself.

“No, I can’t. It’s better to keep it a secret after all.”

“Well then, we’ll be off.”

“Dear, get some rest. You’ve worked hard. I love you.”

“Dad! What about me?”

“Oh, of course I love my little stinker.”

smack!

Vivi was utterly baffled. Why on earth did the opening of her autobiographical novel say something ridiculous like, “Ian Hielo was an emperor from the future”? She had never imagined such a thing, nor written it!

“If anyone finds out, I’ll be in big trouble, right?”

She decided it was best to keep it a secret and tell no one.

“Bye-bye.”

Ian and Romandro waved as they disappeared into the darkness.