Episode 804
“Very well.”
Unlike Ian, who looked quite satisfied, Count Davion appeared as if he might collapse at any moment, his complexion pale and drawn. Even when Chloe subtly nudged her father, he remained dazed and unresponsive.
Then, with a clink, Ian set down his teacup, and the count blinked slowly, finally coming back to himself. Both the count and the young lady looked up at Ian as he rose from his seat.
“Shall we conclude today’s meeting here? It would be better to arrange another time and place to discuss this precious alliance in detail.”
“Ah.”
Damn it, damn it, damn it. That phrase—wasn’t it a formal betrothal meeting? While the count’s face twisted in distress, Chloe’s expression blossomed into a radiant smile. She couldn’t contain her joy, bouncing excitedly as she playfully patted Beric and Romandro on the shoulders.
“Yay! Oh my gosh, this is wonderful!”
“Ah, yes, congratulations.”
Beric responded quietly, but Romandro winced, clearly in pain. Still, as both applauded, Ian made a small gesture, signaling everyone to keep their composure.
“Miss Chloe, please gather your belongings if you have any.”
“Belongings? Why?”
“You will return to the estate with the count and wait for further contact.”
“Return? You mean leave now?”
“Did you intend to stay here any longer?”
No matter what, there were plenty of eyes and ears around. Stirring up more gossip here would do no one any favors.
Chloe hesitated, glancing at her father. With Ian present, she could let it slide for now, but she looked worried—afraid she might be confined again once they returned to the estate.
Still, Ian extended his hand to her, signaling for her to follow.
“It’s alright, Miss Chloe.”
He would handle any problems that arose.
Judging by appearances, she hadn’t brought any luggage—understandable for a runaway love affair. Ian smiled softly and led Chloe and the count outside.
“I will visit you personally soon, Miss Chloe. There’s still much to discuss.”
If Ian could help seal the marriage with Xiaoshi, Chloe had promised to grant him a favor in return.
Since it wasn’t a favor given without expectation, Ian found himself liking her all the more. She grasped his hand firmly and murmured with determination.
“Of course. Whatever it is, yes, please come.”
“I appreciate your willingness.”
“Xiaoshi!”
Chloe clenched her fist resolutely and called out. Beric, sprawled on the sofa, muttered about the noisy crowd finally leaving.
“I will return!”
“…Please travel safely. We will be in touch.”
“Yes. I’ll wait. Father, come here! Why are you staggering like that? You’re getting exactly what you wanted.”
Count Davion shuffled out as if half his mind had left him. The anxious members of the Davion household rushed over, startled by his condition. Ignoring it all, Chloe snapped sharply.
“Let’s go!”
“Miss, where to this time?”
“Where else? The estate. Hurry and get Father into the carriage.”
“F-Finally, you’ve come to your senses!”
“Yes. I was foolish not to act sooner. Let’s call the dressmaker immediately and commission a gown.”
“A gown?”
“Hurry! Move!”
Squeals of surprise echoed.
Though some sensed something was off, they quickly escorted the count away from Xiaoshi’s estate as if fleeing. Once the carriage disappeared, the surroundings fell silent, as if a storm had passed.
“C-Congratulations, Xiaoshi.”
Romandro was the first to pat Xiaoshi on the back. As the only married man among them, he genuinely celebrated this new chapter in his life.
Xiaoshi nodded slightly in response.
“Thank you. And Ian—”
Ian, having confirmed everyone had left, looked at Xiaoshi.
“Thank you very much.”
From the slave market to this moment, without him, Xiaoshi’s life would still be trapped behind bars. Meeting Ian had opened a new world for him—an unspoken debt of gratitude. Ian smiled lightly, as if brushing it off.
“No need for thanks. It’s His Majesty’s kindness.”
If Xiaoshi wished to repay anyone, it should be the emperor, not Ian.
Meanwhile, Beric approached Xiaoshi, scrutinizing his eyes once more.
“Ian, do you really think Xiaoshi is from that noble family? I’ve met all sorts of people, but I’ve never seen an odd-eyed person except Xiaoshi.”
“Who knows? The Laali family was wiped out long ago. That’s why it was convenient.”
“Convenient?” Beric scratched his head, but Ian just smiled faintly and took another sip of the tea. It was excellent—top-quality tea Xiaoshi had procured for Chloe, and even Ian’s discerning palate approved.
Romandro glanced at the tea label and thought it might be worth stocking at the Ministry of Magic. It felt good to have something worthwhile to do after a long time.
“Neither the claimant nor the verifier can prove anything. Since it’s come to this, Xiaoshi, you might as well enjoy it.”
“Enjoy? I don’t feel that way.”
“If I were you, I’d have used the Laali family’s name as soon as I found out. Be honest.”
It was a positive assessment, but if taken negatively, it implied Xiaoshi was inexperienced in intrigue. Someone working close to the emperor needed a certain flexibility. Ian didn’t elaborate but raised his eyebrows lightly, as if offering gentle advice.
“When Minister Tweller returns, he’ll likely support the theory that you’re a Laali descendant. So don’t worry and focus on preparing for the wedding, Romandro.”
“Huh?”
“Romandro, you’ll help, won’t you?”
“Ah, yes! That’s my specialty.”
“You’ve only been married once.”
“Are you crazy? One time is enough, why do it twice?”
“Ah! I’m just saying, don’t pretend to be an expert after only one marriage!”
Since Xiaoshi had no family, there would be many challenges. Romandro promised to look after him and Viviana, then playfully tugged on Beric’s hair.
Ian watched this and lightly raised his teacup, as if toasting.
“And who knows? Maybe Xiaoshi really is a Laali descendant.”
“……”
Xiaoshi recalled his mother’s faint face. It had been so long ago, and their time together was brief. Was she odd-eyed too? He wasn’t sure.
“Anyway… thank you.”
Ian let Xiaoshi’s curt gratitude slide. It didn’t seem directed at him but was more like a blessing from someone so happy in the moment that they thanked their very existence.
Ian smiled warmly, thinking Xiaoshi’s parents would have been even more grateful if they had heard it.
“By the way, Ian.”
Beric, now with his hair tousled, turned around and asked.
“Earlier, were you going to ask Chloe for something?”
“Miss Chloe! How can you forget titles in the middle of a conversation?”
“Didn’t you see Chloe punching us earlier? We’re already friends. That punch packed a serious wallop. I still feel the effects of the Accorella potion. Xiaoshi, you better treat her well after you marry her. If you get smacked, you’re done for.”
“Hey! Beric, watch your mouth!”
Romandro grabbed Beric’s cheeks and squeezed them from both sides. Yet, even as he did, he glanced at Ian, clearly curious about the answer.
“Ah.”
Ian replied casually.
“I’m thinking of a proposal. It’ll be easier to get approval if we present a united front. Xiaoshi, the Davion family will decide based on their own interests, so don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried. Because it’s Ian.”
Xiaoshi’s nonchalant answer made Ian pause. Why did “I trust you because it’s Ian” weigh so heavily on his mind?
Ian drained his teacup and stood again.
“Well then, we should be going.”
“You’re not feeling well. Thank you for coming.”
“As long as I don’t use magic, I’m fine.”
Romandro puckered his lips, clearly unconvinced. Ian said it was no problem, but no one really knew—not even the imperial physicians.
Beric tidied his hair and warned Xiaoshi.
“Things went well, so get back immediately. The imperial guards are already short two captains. Because of someone, I’m stuck doing everything alone! Ugh, just rub it in.”
“Beric, you should find your own match soon.”
“Ah, can you just find one like that?”
“That’s true. It’s not easy for you.”
“Why not? I’m handsome, have a good personality, and make good money.”
Ian, Xiaoshi, and Romandro stopped dead in their tracks, all wearing expressions of disbelief. Turning around, they saw Beric looking sheepish.
Romandro put on his jacket and fired back one by one.
“You’re ugly, have a terrible personality, and though you make good money, you blow it all on food. When you find someone, you better treat them right.”
“Hmph. Lots of people say I’m cute.”
“Who? Who says that? Are you all cross-eyed?”
They all burst out laughing.
“Do you understand if I say it? Eh-hey, pbbt.”
“Hey, hey—look!”
Beric dashed out and climbed into the carriage first. Then Ian and Romandro got in, and the coachman cracked his whip sharply.
“Well, anyway, congrats again! Keep in touch!”
“Get back here soon!”
Even as they pulled away, they leaned out the windows, shouting loudly enough to startle passersby.
Xiaosi smiled faintly and waved back at them.
Screeeech!
Beric got off in front of the main palace, while the carriage carrying only Ian and Romandro stopped before the Ministry of Magic. Waiting mages hurried over and opened the door for them.
“Ian, sir. Welcome back.”
“Thanks. Have you all been waiting long?”
“Of course. Is there anything uncomfortable? Any trouble?”
“Don’t worry about it.”
Ian replied casually, but everyone knew the truth. His steps up the stairs were noticeably slower. It was clear his condition wasn’t what it used to be.
Damn these stairs—should we just knock them all down? The mages bit their lips, holding back their concern. Ian glanced back at them, puzzled.
“Report.”
If they’d come all this way to wait, it must be for a report, right? At Ian’s command, the mages straightened up and answered.
“Ah, yes. A prophecy came down from the Carbo Temple.”
“What did it say?”
“The verdict on the execution was interpreted positively. We can proceed as scheduled. The delegation from Burgos is expected to arrive sometime next week. The other envoys likely won’t differ much. However—”
One mage flipped through the report and added,
“There’s another prophecy as well.”
“Another one?”
“Yes. But its meaning is unclear, so we haven’t been able to interpret it.”
Ian stopped halfway up the stairs and took the report. His eyes widened instantly.
—Do not fear the rain, for all is known.
“Looks like heavy rains might be coming this year. Hmph.”
“This matter will also be addressed at the upcoming council meeting.”
“…Understood.”
“Oh, and one more thing.”
Just as Ian was about to continue up the stairs, a mage glanced toward the annex ruins and said,
“Timothy has arrived. He’s here to begin the Ministry’s annex construction. He’s waiting in the minister’s office.”