Chapter 808

After the grand assembly—

“Isn’t that guy completely insane?”

The officials gathered in the garden behind the main palace, each with a cigarette dangling from their lips, their faces a mix of disbelief and frustration.

“Exactly my thoughts.”

“What on earth is he scheming?”

They were all too stunned to speak clearly. Ian’s response had completely defied their expectations. The contingency plans they had painstakingly prepared were rendered useless in an instant.

“Maybe it’s because he’s young—doesn’t understand the value of money.”

“That’s what I’m saying. Even for a mage, burning through thousands of gold coins at once? Just over some magic crystals?”

At that, some from the Davion family chimed in to clarify—though only Ian Hiel himself could know the truth.

“He probably didn’t sell the territory just for the magic crystals. You all know Lord Xiaoshi, right? There’s a rumor that Ian Minister intended to transfer the land to secure a marriage alliance with the Davion family.”

“In my opinion, that’s all part of the plan. If I recall correctly, Lord Ian personally brought Lord Xiaoshi to the imperial palace some time ago.”

“Pfft, that was ages ago.”

“Still, forging ties with the Davion family would give him subtle influence. Look at his behavior—he just goes off and makes decisions without even reporting to His Majesty.”

“He didn’t used to be like this.”

“They miscalculated. No one expected him to act this way…”

They all sighed, stroking their beards and puffing away at their cigarettes in frustration.

No matter how much they debated, the answer was clear: before Ian met with the merchants, they had to intervene first.

They needed to either clamp down on those merchants’ tongues or handle the situation themselves before Ian did, to prevent any leaks. That was the only way to stay safe.

The problem was—who would take on that tedious, troublesome task?

“Minister Rayburn?”

Someone looked over at Rayburn, who had been silent and distracted since the assembly. He seemed half-absent, as if his mind was elsewhere. Slowly, he lifted his head and muttered quietly.

“What do you think of Ian Minister’s condition?”

“Can’t you tell? He’s young—still full of energy!”

“That’s what I’m saying. I heard he was on the brink of death, but if that’s the case, it sounds like he just took a few days off to rest.”

“He should’ve stayed in bed a few days longer, tsk.”

Rayburn shook his head lightly, a gesture that seemed to express both agreement and doubt.

“No, something’s off. Ian Minister is a mage of unparalleled skill in the Magic Department. That’s why he rose to minister at such a young age.”

“Why bring that up now? We all know that.”

“But the Eastern mage who even Ian couldn’t handle alone was subdued by others. Sure, it was a group effort, but from what I saw, Captain Hale and Captain Akorella were the main players.”

“So?”

“Even considering the aftermath of the war, it’s too generous to overlook this. Did the other mages just lounge around on the battlefield? They all fought together, so why is Ian the only one bedridden like this?”

“Maybe he had more responsibilities than the others?”

“Watch your words. If we jump to conclusions, it’ll only backfire on us.”

“Wait—”

Someone raised a hand to interrupt. Though their words circled around, the point was clear.

“So, you’re saying Ian’s strength isn’t what it used to be?”

“Yes. We need to verify this. If the minister of the Magic Department is weaker than a mere subordinate, how can he still be called a minister?”

“Well, that may be true, but…”

They had never doubted Ian’s abilities before, so this was unsettling. Still, it was the most plausible way forward. Magic or no magic, it was because he was minister that this whole mess had happened.

If they raised doubts that shook the foundation, Ian wouldn’t be able to easily look away. He’d have to focus on protecting his position first.

“We’ll need His Majesty’s help.”

In the past, ministers were elected internally, but now the emperor’s final approval was required. That meant dismissal was also the emperor’s prerogative.

They knew the emperor trusted the Magic Department minister, but since the empire’s reputation was at stake, they couldn’t just sweep this under the rug like before.

“He made some reckless remarks at the assembly, didn’t he? Let’s use that as a pretext to leak some information gradually.”

No one truly believed Ian would be removed. The goal was simply to remind him that he wasn’t untouchable, and if they could block the distribution of magic crystals, that alone would be a major win.

Honestly, since the war ended, how much had they tiptoed around the Magic Department?

‘The Hwan incident made things even more complicated.’

They had tried to clamp down on the Magic Department but ended up tying their own hands. They couldn’t afford to be dragged around any longer.

“Anyway, let’s split up. Some will report to His Majesty, others will handle the merchants.”

“I’ll go to His Majesty.”

“Me too.”

“Then I’ll meet with the merchants.”

They stubbed out their burnt cigarettes and stood up. With their tasks roughly assigned, it was time to move. One by one, they dispersed.

Among them, someone watched quietly.

“Ian!”

Romandro came running from afar, clutching some documents. He glanced toward where Ian was looking, but the garden was empty.

Ian nodded at Romandro as if to say thanks for his hard work, then turned around.

“Need a hand carrying that?”

“No, no! It’s not that heavy. But what were you looking at? There’s no one here.”

“Just something interesting.”

“Why? Did someone get into a scuffle in some dark corner?”

“Something like that.”

“Oh, what a shame! I wish I could’ve seen it!” Romandro tapped his foot in disappointment, and Ian gave a faint smile.

“Romandro.”

“Hm?”

“As the next Magic Department minister, who do you think is more suitable—Hale or Akorella?”

“What? Why ask me that?”

“After lying in bed for a few days, all sorts of thoughts come to mind.”

Romandro pursed his lips but then considered seriously. Both were capable and well-respected, but their personalities were polar opposites, each with pros and cons.

“Hale is steady and has the strongest magic—perfect as a captain—but he’s too rigid and lacks political savvy.”

“I agree.”

“Akorella is sharp and quick-witted, able to navigate the complex palace politics and handle himself well, but as you know, he’s a bit… unhinged. Only sane when he wants to be.”

“Yes, I agree with that too.”

No one is without flaws. Whoever takes the position will excel in some ways and fall short in others.

Romandro studied Ian’s impassive profile and cautiously offered a warning.

“But Ian.”

“Yes?”

“Your remarks at the assembly were a bit inappropriate.”

“You mean mentioning His Majesty?”

“Yes. You said some strange things in front of the emperor before, didn’t you? I know your heart isn’t in it, but not everyone will see it that way. Be careful. Those vipers are watching, waiting for a chance.”

He lowered his voice for the last part, wary of eavesdroppers. Of course, those vipers would call Ian a snake too.

Still, Romandro was uneasy. The Hwan incident had just been resolved and misunderstandings cleared. He understood Ian’s desire to push forward now that he had an opening, but rushing too much could provoke the enemy instead. Ian would know this, but lately…

‘He’s got no backup.’

It didn’t feel like careful probing or waiting for the right moment. It felt like he was charging headfirst into the enemy lines, daring them all to come at him. Romandro trusted Ian deeply, but he couldn’t help worrying.

“Ian.”

Ian, who had been walking ahead, stopped and looked back at him. A cold breeze swept through, ruffling Ian’s golden hair. Suddenly, Romandro felt an unfamiliar chill of fear.

“I have a problem.”

“A problem?”

“I want you to be the only one who knows. You’re the closest to me and see my work up close. I can’t keep it hidden, so I’m telling you.”

It was a partly impulsive decision, but a sincere one. He didn’t need to tell the Magic Department, but Romandro was an exception. He was Ian’s right hand. If Ian got hurt, Romandro would inevitably suffer too.

Romandro glanced around quickly, then stepped closer. No one was listening.

“What is it? Tell me.”

“I can no longer create Idgals.”

“What?”

“Moreover, I seem to have almost lost my magic. I’m alive, but I can’t use my power recklessly.”

Romandro’s face turned ashen. He parted his lips, searching for the right words.

Of course, this was shocking. The empire’s brightest light had dimmed. Probably…

“So, if you don’t use your power, you’re okay?”

Ian’s eyes widened—an unexpected reaction.

“Your health, you mean.”

“…”

“I understand what it means for a mage to lose their magic. Are you really okay? Please tell me you’re not… falling apart?”

Romandro’s voice trembled as he grasped Ian’s hand. The slight quiver at his fingertips laid bare his emotions.

“…Honestly, I don’t really know.”

He couldn’t lie. He couldn’t say that as long as he didn’t use magic, he’d be fine—that his health wasn’t at risk. He didn’t have the heart to deceive Romandro, who genuinely cared.

“…Yes. This is why you’ve been unwell all this time. You’ve been through so much. It would be strange if nothing had gone wrong. I’m sorry. I should have noticed sooner, but I was too dull, too ignorant—”

“I didn’t expect this either.”

“Of course not! Who really knows their own health inside and out?”

Romandro chided him lightly, dismissing his own words.

Ian leaned his shoulder and head against the window, a pale smile spreading across his face. It felt strangely comforting to know someone was crying for him. Maybe he was losing his mind, just like Akorella.

“Romandro, I am Bariel, Minister of the Magic Department. You understand well what it means for me to lose my power.”

“But—”

“There is no ‘but.’”

It was a simple, undeniable truth. This wasn’t just any department—it was the Magic Department.

Romandro immediately grasped the gravity of the situation.

“It won’t be long before the officials notice. The Magic Department holds a unique position within the palace. My health is the only thing keeping them in check.”

“So what will you do? Are you really stepping down?”

“I will step down, but there’s much to settle first. I intend to finish as much as I can before I go.”

Only then did Romandro understand why Ian had rushed to build the annex. Whoever succeeded him would be able to take over without any loose ends.

“Besides the annex, is there anything else? Of course, there’s a lot to wrap up for now, but you shouldn’t push yourself too hard.”

“There is.”

“Magic stone distribution—was that serious?”

“No, not that. Something else.”

Ian started walking again, motioning for Romandro to follow. This was something Romandro didn’t need to know.

‘Cutting off every seed of betrayal.’

There was only one way Ian could secure the future of Jin. He gestured for Romandro to hurry after him.

“This conversation stays between us. You must swear it.”

“Why? Should I cast a silence spell on you if you don’t?”

“Would you dare?”

“…You keep saying scary things. You’re the one who says using magic hurts. Don’t worry! I won’t tell a soul. But does Beric know? Or His Majesty?”

“No one.”

“Good grief.”

…He’d just learned a tremendous secret.

Romandro sniffled, then nodded solemnly as if swearing an oath, his eyes still glistening with tears.