Chapter 809
“What’s all this noise, barging in like that?”
Jin openly showed his irritation. Although the council was technically under the jurisdiction of the bureaucrats, with the prime minister absent, Jin made it a point to attend every meeting and take the lead.
But just look at the piles of documents—not only on the desk but spilling onto the floor. He was swamped with urgent paperwork, barely able to move, just stamping approvals one after another. And now, these people suddenly show up and say what?
“Minister Ian is planning a new initiative. The Ministry of Magic intends to take charge of the distribution of mana stones throughout the Bariel region.”
“I have heard nothing of this.”
“Yes, precisely why we came straight here after the council meeting. It seems the Ministry of Magic has already made decisions without consulting Your Majesty. This is a matter requiring your approval. We humbly request that you take strict action against Minister Ian’s insubordination.”
Only then did Jin set down his papers with a thud and glare at the officials. What a bunch of busybodies. Did they expect him to just take their word for it?
Jin’s cold stare made the bureaucrats lower their eyes sheepishly. But it was true…
“Leave now. I will verify this myself.”
“Your Majesty—”
“Is there anything else to report?”
“Yes, regarding Minister Ian’s health.”
“His health? Why?”
His tone softened slightly. Minister Ian always described his condition as fine, no problems. So hearing it from others might be more objective.
Rayburn, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, spoke cautiously.
“He didn’t look well. Have you heard anything about his condition?”
“Did something happen at the council meeting?”
“Nothing out of the ordinary, but—”
Rayburn trailed off, watching Jin’s reaction. The emperor seemed unaware of Ian’s health issues. Either there was truly nothing wrong, or Ian was keeping it secret.
“The Eastern mages continue to insist they never attacked. It’s puzzling. They wouldn’t lie after it’s all over, would they? I urge you to look into it.”
“Look into what?”
“There are widespread rumors that Minister Ian’s magical power isn’t what it used to be after the war.”
Though slightly exaggerated, the claim couldn’t be confirmed and was a useful tactic to provoke a reaction.
Sure enough, Jin twirled his pen and frowned.
The rumor that Ian’s magic had weakened carried many implications. It could mean a simple health issue—or that his political standing was shaky. At least, that’s how the bureaucrats saw it.
“Do you base your reports to me on rumors?”
“Of course not.”
“Leave now. I have no more time to spare. Unless one of you can stand in for me.”
Who could possibly replace the emperor? You? Or you? Jin’s warning glare made the officials back off quickly. That was enough for today. They had already leaked the information to the emperor, which was sufficient.
“Your Majesty, we apologize.”
“Apologies accepted. You may leave. Prepare the carriage!”
Jin personally ordered the escort outside. The office door opened, and the officials bowed politely before retreating carefully.
Once alone, Jin put down his pen and ran his hands through his hair. The chaos never seemed to end, not even for a day. If only Minister Ian would exercise some restraint—but that wasn’t his nature…
“He must still be recovering. It must be tough for him.”
No, if it was that hard, why did he keep pushing himself? Jin sighed, cycling through worry, anger, and resignation.
At that moment, footsteps approached from outside.
“Your Majesty.”
What now? Jin instinctively glared toward the door, half-expecting more foolish officials.
But the news was different.
“Kylea Holin, envoy from Burgos, and Prince Noah of Cliffford have arrived. The Burgos envoy will visit the Holin estate to rest, while Prince Noah is expected in the capital this afternoon, accompanied by a noble from Luswena.”
“Cliffford’s chosen representative from Luswena, then.”
“That’s the assumption.”
Finally.
Jin counted the days and nodded. As guests from various nations arrived one by one, the executions of Rutherford and Damon would soon proceed. This would truly mark the end of the war.
Jin refocused on his paperwork and gave orders.
“Bring me the Ministry of Magic’s report on this matter. Also, the council’s records.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
He resumed his stalled work, determined to finish quickly and check on Minister Ian’s condition.
“Kylea!”
The Duke of Holin, forgetting all decorum, rushed out and embraced his daughter. When she left for the battlefield, she had stood firm on her own two feet—a girl who wielded her sword with dazzling skill. Now, she couldn’t even walk properly.
Kylea gently hugged her father back as he secured the wheelchair’s brakes.
“Are you well?”
“I was worried when I heard the news.”
“You’ve changed a bit, haven’t you?”
“Don’t joke like that…”
Had he been wrong to send her? If only Chloe, who had been vying for the empress’s position, hadn’t caught Xiao Xi’s eye, he might have held back and waited for a better opportunity. It was a small regret that no one opposed Kylea’s deployment at the time.
Kylea noticed her father’s feelings and smiled lightly.
“Father, aren’t you glad I’ve returned?”
“Of course not.”
“Then smile. Your daughter has won the throne through war. What greater victory is there?”
This wasn’t some obscure border state. The Holin family was ushering in a new dynasty in Burgos—a glory and advantage perhaps even greater than becoming empress.
Kylea greeted her other siblings who had come to meet her.
“Let’s go inside. There’s much to discuss.”
“Right this way.”
“On the way here, I heard the price of mana stones has skyrocketed. Do you know why?”
Straight to business. The siblings exchanged impressed glances, but the Duke nodded calmly.
“I heard there’s trouble with the annex construction project overseen by the Ministry of Magic. Some faction seems to be playing games to disrupt it.”
“Such bold factions, risking their necks for a prank. Must be well-fed bureaucrats.”
Kylea immediately recognized the political rivals behind the scenes.
The Duke chuckled and pushed the wheelchair himself, refusing the steward’s offer.
“So Minister Ian made a strong move. The Ministry of Magic wants to control mana stone distribution across Bariel.”
“Really?”
“Who knows? Maybe just a warning. There have been many attempts to check the Ministry’s power since the war ended.”
“Check? That’s ridiculous.”
How could anyone challenge the Ministry after all Ian and his department had done during the war?
The Duke shook his head, saying no more. Rumors about Ian’s royal bloodline and other matters had been swirling since shortly after the war.
Kylea tapped the wheelchair handles thoughtfully.
“If the Ministry monopolizes distribution, it won’t be good for us.”
Prices rise when there are many buyers. But if the Ministry is the only buyer in the entire empire?
Besides, Burgos is a defeated nation, and the Holin family holds land in Bariel. If the Ministry ‘suggests’ price adjustments, there’s no way to refuse.
The Duke agreed.
“It’s the Ministry of Magic, after all.”
There was only one positive scenario if the Ministry monopolized distribution: they might deliberately set higher prices. That would be the only way to leverage their control.
But even that was a far-fetched assumption. Ian and the Ministry were too principled for such schemes—not like some shady backroom players.
“We should oppose it.”
“The palace has already contacted us.”
“Asking for help?”
“Yes. The news has reached the merchants too. Ian Hielo plans to buy up the entire stock with funds from selling his fief. They want everyone to unite.”
“Selling his fief? Why?”
“They say it’s hard to manage.”
“That’s insane.”
Kylea had never heard of a lord selling his land because it was ‘hard to manage.’ Management depends entirely on the livelihood of the tenants.
As long as they paid taxes and filled the treasury, what did it matter how things were run?
Kylea clicked her tongue in disbelief. Ian Hielo was beyond reason. People below common sense were troublesome enough, but someone completely off the charts was a first.
“What about King Damon’s body?”
“It will be retrieved and returned. Essential for the legitimacy of the new dynasty.”
“Good. Let’s rest for now and enter the palace tomorrow.”
“By the way, I heard some interesting news on the way—”
Kylea looked up at her father, eyes full of ‘please don’t be serious.’
“Chloe is getting married, apparently.”
“Ah.”
But when exactly did she stop using the title “Young Lady”? The Duke, still a bit puzzled, let it slide. Maybe sharing hardships on the battlefield had forged some kind of camaraderie between them.
“Hah! Honestly, it’s ridiculous,” she scoffed.
“Why are you the one who’s so shocked?”
“Exactly! It just feels… off somehow.”
“…Well, Minister Ian’s influence is definitely at play here. His relationship with Lord Xiaoxi is special, after all. There are even rumors about some secret deal involving House Davion’s cooperation.”
“What kind of cooperation?”
“That part’s still unknown.”
“This whole thing’s turning out pretty strange.”
If they were planning to use this to push the magic stone agenda, it could get dangerous. Just as Kayla thought it might be a good idea to meet Chloe, a servant approached quietly.
“Excuse me, my lady.”
“What is it?”
“A guest has arrived.”
“Who?”
“Chloe Davion, Young Lady.”
“Who?”
Kayla blinked in disbelief.
At that moment, Chloe appeared, every inch sparkling—from her hair and dangling ornaments to the fabric of her dress.
With a sharp little snort, Chloe waved at Kayla, hand turned outward in a delicate gesture.
“Oh my, Kayla! I heard you were back and just had to come see you.”
On her ring finger gleamed a large gemstone—probably the engagement ring from Lord Xiaoxi. That cute little laugh of hers? Kayla figured it was just the exhaustion playing tricks on her mind.
Not to be outdone, Kayla tucked her hair behind her ear, the diamonds on her own hand catching the light.
“Is that so? Thanks. You’re quick with both news and action.”
Had she really been that bored all this time?
“I’ve just been full of energy lately.”
Lots of happy things happening these days. Want to hear all about it?
“…”
“…”
For a moment, their eyes locked in a silent battle of wills.
But soon their expressions softened.
“That’s a relief. I was actually hoping to see you.”
“You’re turning into a politician. No lipstick, no charm.”
“Want to come in? I heard you have some business with Lord Ian?”
Kayla was curious about this so-called ‘cooperation’ between House Davion and Lord Ian. Chloe lifted her chin, signaling for some good tea to be brought.
“Well, yes. In fact, I just received a letter from the Ministry of Magic before coming here. Want to hear it?”
Damn them. Kayla gritted her teeth but kept her smile.
“Of course! I’m dying to know what’s been going on with you, Chloe.”
Watching this absurd exchange, the Duke and the servants quietly averted their gazes. But one thing was clear: whatever else, Kayla had definitely made a ‘friend’ on the battlefield.