Chapter 802

“Hoho, so, Xia, looks like you’ve managed to save up some money, huh?”

Beric whistled as he looked up at the mansion. It was a modest two-story house, but to Beric—who still lived and ate in the Imperial Guard dormitory—it looked pretty impressive.

Romandro gave Beric a sharp look and rapped his knuckles loudly on the door.

“Does everyone blow their paychecks on booze and food like you? You’ve been in the service for ten years and you’re still living in the dorms? What’s the plan here?”

“What’s your problem? They’re letting me stay and feeding me for free. Why would I leave?”

“You should think about the people you live with.”

“I’m fine living alone.”

“Alone?”

“They say they can’t stand living with me. Even Cedric lasted only a few days before moving to another room.”

“Tsk, tsk.”

“Hey, but why isn’t this guy coming out? Xiaoshi!”

Bang! Crash!

Beric picked his nose and knocked on the door again, almost as if he was trying to break it down. Still, no sign of anyone inside.

While Beric kept shaking the door, Ian turned and peered through the window. On the table inside, he spotted a teacup—an elegant design, the kind women usually use. And faint steam seemed to be rising from it.

“Maybe they’re not in there?”

“No, they are. Try calling louder.”

“Alright—”

Following Ian’s cue, Beric took a deep breath and let out a booming shout loud enough to make passersby stop and stare.

“Ian! I’m sick as hell but I came to help you guys! Open the door, quick! And you, what the hell is this vacation request you wrote? You’re leaving me to take care of His Majesty alone!”

“Beric, if you shout like that, they’ll just refuse to come out. Ahem, ahem! Xia! It’s Romandro here. I brought flowers! Mind opening up?”

“Did they board up the windows or something?”

“Look, maybe we can see inside.”

Beric and Romandro flattened themselves against the door to peer through a hole, when suddenly the door opened. Xiaoshi looked down at them with a bewildered expression.

“…What are you doing?”

“Oh! Oh my, flowers! A bouquet!”

“Why so slow when you’re right here? Get me a glass of water.”

Beric stormed inside first, and Romandro followed awkwardly behind. Xiaoshi gave a small bow to Ian, who was standing quietly, then stepped aside. Ian took the chance to slip past him, muttering a quick excuse.

Creak.

Xiaoshi glanced outside briefly, then firmly locked the door. He seemed to be checking if anyone from the Davion family was nearby.

“Ugh!”

Beric flopped onto the sofa with a grunt. From the stairs above, Chloe peeked out and their eyes met.

“Hello there.”

“……”

“Why the sour face?”

“Don’t you have something to say to me?”

“Um… sorry?”

“Your apology’s a little late! Do you know how much of the elixir you stole was worth? That was all meant for Xiaoshi!”

“Oh, so that’s what this is about? I thought you were mad because we interrupted your alone time.”

Chloe’s eyes, which had been glaring at Beric, suddenly widened when she caught Xiaoshi’s gaze. The reaction was immediate and unmistakable.

Romandro wiped the cold sweat from his brow. Should he congratulate Xiaoshi for this turn of events, or warn him that trouble was just around the corner?

“So, what brings you here? Ian, you’re not feeling well, are you?”

Xiaoshi brought over a fresh teacup and asked. Though Ian had taken leave, word had spread that the Ministry of Magic was in chaos after he collapsed.

“The palace was already noisy because of the Ministry, and thanks to certain people, it’s gotten even more hectic.”

“Right. His Majesty is worried, and it’s best to wrap things up quickly. That’s why I came. Miss Chloe, if you don’t mind, please come over and listen.”

At Romandro’s invitation, Chloe hesitantly approached and sat at the edge of the sofa, cautiously turning toward Xiaoshi and the others, clearly on guard.

“What’s going on?”

“The youngest daughter of the Davion family disappeared from the palace recently, sparking all kinds of rumors. If you go against your family’s wishes like this, it won’t help anyone. It’d be better to contact the Count’s residence and reach a smooth agreement.”

“If that were possible, we would have done it already.”

Chloe glanced at Xiaoshi, not wanting her to hear directly that her family opposed her.

Ian sipped his tea and added, “Miss Chloe did not attempt any agreement.”

“Excuse me? What do you mean?”

“She ran away.”

“That’s not—”

“The Davion family’s prestige is undeniable. You know better than anyone what your marriage means to the family. You’ve been thoroughly educated on this since childhood.”

Chloe pressed her lips tightly shut.

Marriages between noble families were essentially contracts, cold agreements based on mutual benefit. They only happened when both sides saw clear advantages.

She wasn’t unaware of this. But—

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to say.”

Chloe feigned ignorance.

Ian cut in sharply.

“You know very well that the quickest and easiest way to get what you want is to give the other side what they want.”

“Huh?”

“There are several reasons the Davion family opposes Xiaoshi. Still, you need to show how marrying Xiaoshi benefits the Davions. Or—”

“Or?”

“Resolve the reasons for their opposition directly.”

First, the position.

“You know Minister Tweller is still in Tolrun, handling postwar affairs. It’s an open secret that this is his final mission. Once he finishes and returns to the capital, he will retire, leaving the Minister of Imperial Defense position vacant.”

“So?”

“His Majesty intends to appoint Xiaoshi as the next minister.”

“……!”

Xiaoshi and Chloe’s eyes both widened.

Chloe had always firmly believed Xiaoshi would become a minister someday, but she never expected it to happen so soon. Xiaoshi, on the other hand, had thought the position was irrelevant to him. Minister? A former slave with barely ten years of service?

“Ian, with all due respect, that’s—”

“It’s His Majesty’s will.”

The Minister of Imperial Defense was a key post traditionally held by the emperor’s closest confidants. Xiaoshi had been by the emperor’s side since childhood and would continue to be trusted. Such a position was essential for that.

“However, with this appointment, a noble title promotion won’t be possible.”

“That alone is more than enough.”

“Next, regarding the territory.”

Ian nodded briefly, as if the tea was better than expected.

“I plan to return the Hielo fief.”

“Excuse me?”

“Eh?”

Beric, hearing this for the first time, also made a puzzled sound. Only Chloe’s eyes rolled as she tried to grasp the situation.

“Why?”

“Why? Ian, do you need money urgently? Did you gamble?”

“…Being in the capital, I neglected managing the fief, which caused several problems. It’s better to appoint a new lord for Hielo.”

It made sense, but it was hard not to feel a pang of regret. Hielo held memories of Ian, Philia, and other precious people. He had hoped that when he grew old and retired, they could all return to Hielo and live peacefully.

“So, you’re handing it over to Xiaoshi?”

“Yes, miss. More precisely, lending it. Since Xiaoshi can’t leave the capital either, he’ll be listed as lord until the Davion family approves the marriage. Once things settle, a more suitable candidate can be found to take over.”

“Isn’t that a sham marriage?”

Beric sniffled and asked, and Ian chuckled.

“If you get into the details, yes. But as long as we don’t sign a revenue-sharing contract with the Davions, it’s no problem. No complications.”

Ian glanced around at the group, silently asking if they’d keep this plan under wraps.

Romandro and Beric nodded. Well, it wasn’t really an issue. It was just a way to save face for Xiaoshi.

Chloe thought it over and nodded in agreement.

“Alright. If any problems arise, I’ll take responsibility.”

“Miss, you’re brave, but that won’t be necessary.”

Chloe clenched her fists and trembled with excitement. Hope was finally dawning, and she could barely contain her emotions.

Xiaoshi watched her quietly and asked softly.

“Ian, thank you for your help, but may I ask what you hope to gain from this?”

Xiaoshi knew. Ian’s support wasn’t just out of kindness—there was a clear mutual interest. Whether it was stabilizing the palace or something Xiaoshi couldn’t yet guess, there was more at stake here than met the eye.

Ian smiled faintly, saying it was good timing.

“Xiaosi, there’s one more thing I’d like to ask of you before we proceed.”

“Please, go ahead.”

“You are His Majesty’s trusted aide, and the Davion family forms the backbone of the imperial court. Though your union began with love, it will undoubtedly bring unforeseen consequences. There are only two things I ask of you.”

The first:

“Xiaosi, every step you take must be guided solely by the will of His Majesty the Emperor, not by the Davion family.”

Ian then glanced at Chloe, signaling that this request applied to her as well. Just because she was connected to Xiaosi didn’t mean she should be seen as part of the Davion faction.

“Of course. Unity is my only concern. I have no intention of involving myself in anything else,” Chloe replied.

“Wise words. I hope you maintain that balance well. Now, the second request is something I’d like to ask Lady Chloe personally.”

“What is it?”

“You’re free to refuse, but I hope you’ll consider it favorably. There’s a matter I wish to bring forward, and I’ll need the Davion family’s assistance.”

“What kind of matter…?”

Chloe asked cautiously, but Ian only smiled. She noticed Barrick and Romandro pricking up their ears nearby. Pretending not to notice, she turned her head away.

“I’ll explain once things have settled.”

“Understood.”

Chloe nodded and held tightly to Xiaosi’s arm. She was a little worried, but surely Lord Ian wouldn’t do anything reckless. Xiaosi gently patted the back of her hand, as if to say, “Don’t worry.”

“Um, Lord Ian, there’s one more issue that might be problematic.”

“What is it?”

Xiaosi hesitated briefly before murmuring with some difficulty.

“It’s the fact that I was once a slave.”

“Ah, the past is the past!” Barrick waved his hand dismissively, but it was an undeniable truth. Ian nodded knowingly, as if he had anticipated it.

“Minister Tweller once gave me some advice on this matter. I’m hesitant to use it, but could you confirm if it’s acceptable?”

“What advice? Does it have something to do with your heterochromia?”

“…!” Xiaosi was taken aback, mouth slightly agape. Chloe, Barrick, and Romandro exchanged curious glances, unsure of what was going on.

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

“Minister Tweller does have some unexpected insights. If the Davion side is inflexible, you may use it. However, rather than you revealing it yourself, I will—”

Thud! Thud, thud!

At that moment, loud noises came from outside. Chloe instinctively flinched, and Xiaosi turned around, alert.

“We know everything inside, Lord Xiaosi!”

“It’s unacceptable to be harboring someone else’s daughter like this. Open the door at once.”

“Chloe! Are you really going to disgrace the Davion family’s honor? Stop this and show yourself.”

Members of the Davion family had come looking for Chloe. From the murmurs, it seemed the Count himself had arrived.

With the two frozen in place, Ian rose from his seat, as if this was exactly the moment he had been waiting for.