Chapter 810

“Ugh, it’s so hot today.”

Even as Chloe fanned herself, she made sure the back of her hand faced outward. The attendant had brought her cool tea and a fan, but Chloe just blinked coyly, waving her hand so the ring gleamed clearly in front of Kyla.

By now, Kyla had no choice but to take a step back. This crazy woman seemed like she’d keep this up for hours until she got the response she wanted.

“What’s with the ring?”

“Oh my! Did you see it? Honestly, it sparkles so much, you can spot it from afar. I don’t know if you heard, but I’m marrying Lord Xiaoshi.”

Kyla wanted to shout, No wonder! The stone’s simple compared to Chloe’s usual taste! It suits Lord Xiaoshi’s character perfectly! But instead, she forced a tight smile, knowing she had to play along to uncover the deal between Lord Ian and Davion.

“…Congratulations.”

“Oh hoho! Thanks. So many things happened, but I overcame them all and found happiness. Honestly, Minister Ian helped a lot. You know how close Lord Xiaoshi is with him.”

“I was curious about that, actually—”

“Well, get this: he’s handing over the Hielo territory to Lord Xiaoshi. You know the mines in Monne? And it’s right next to Hawan, the Great Desert, and Luswena—super accessible. That prime land is now under Lord Xiaoshi’s management.”

It was hard to hold back, but the payoff was immediate. Kyla got a vivid update on how Ian had helped Chloe.

After sipping her tea, Chloe chattered happily, clearly in high spirits.

“But that doesn’t mean Minister Ian acts on emotion. You know that, right? He asked for one thing in return for his help.”

“What’s that?”

Chloe raised her eyebrows, clearly intrigued.

“He’s going to propose something. About the royal marriage.”

“The royal marriage? You mean, aiming for the empress’s position?”

“Yeah. You know the emperor has someone he cares for, right?”

“I’m not sure if she’s his lover, but I know there’s a woman he holds dear.”

Kyla vaguely knew of Eirin. A commoner-turned-paladin with great war achievements. And the fact that the emperor favored her was no secret. If even someone in Burgos knew, it was safe to say all of Bariel did.

“Anyway, my family has no reason to oppose the royal marriage Ian’s pushing. It’s actually better for the crown to have an empress quickly—it stabilizes the country. Honestly, it’s unsettling that the emperor is the only one carrying the royal bloodline. The war’s over, but no one knows what the future holds.”

“…That’s true.”

“I felt a bit like we were getting something for nothing, but if that’s what he wants, what can I do? Hahaha!”

Chloe burst into laughter, and Kyla rolled her eyes. She was so pleased, it was almost ridiculous. At least it wasn’t about the magic stone trade, so Kyla breathed a sigh of relief.

But will it really happen?

Had there ever been a commoner empress in Bariel’s history?

Kyla and Chloe had given up on that idea, but Bariel was full of noble ladies who would be perfect for the role. Surely they’d all be fighting tooth and nail for it. Could they really push them aside and put Eirin forward? After all, Eirin hadn’t fought the war alone.

“But Ian is strange. I can’t predict his moves. Trying to influence the empress’s position? That’s over the top.”

“They say he even gave up his territory. Guess he plans to spend his life in the palace now. If there’s a chance, of course he’d take it.”

For Eirin, a commoner, to become empress, the emperor’s favor alone wouldn’t be enough. She’d need backing—and from the looks of things, Ian might be that power.

The magic department’s influence was already sky-high, reaching far and wide. If they took control of the empress’s backing too…

“Impressive, really.”

Kyla clicked her tongue. Ian Hielo always pushed beyond limits. She was more convinced than ever that the magic stone monopoly couldn’t fall into the magic department’s hands. Once it tipped that way, there’d be no turning back.

“People tend to get restless after being sick, right? Maybe that’s why he’s pushing so hard.”

“You mean Lord Ian?”

“Yeah. There are rumors his magic isn’t what it used to be. When I saw him a few days ago, he seemed fine, but you and I both know how vital magic is to a mage. Maybe he’s trying to compensate—if the rumors are true.”

Chloe smiled slyly. Whatever the case, Ian’s strong grip on the palace was definitely good for her and Lord Xiaoshi’s marriage. What happened after that could wait.

“Magic, huh…”

Kyla murmured as she set down her teacup. Ian losing his power wasn’t a simple matter. It would shake up the tangled relations between nations. She thought it best to look into it once she entered the palace.

As their conversation wound down, Chloe resumed fanning herself, laughing.

“Ugh, it’s especially hot today! Oh hoho!”

“Chloe, are you sure the jewelry suits you? You keep saying you’re hot—I’m worried. Did Lord Xiaoshi maybe buy something strange? It’s hard for ordinary people to tell low-grade magic stones apart.”

“No way—”

“Wait, you didn’t buy it yourself, did you?”

“You’re unbelievable—!”

“Just saying. If you keep feeling this hot, you should ask Lord Xiaoshi to change the ring. You’ll wear it forever, so it can’t keep bothering you.”

Having heard all she needed, Kyla finally let out the words she’d been holding back. Chloe’s eyes flashed, and Kyla lifted her chin with a huff. Go ahead and brag all you want. Think you can blink and get away with it?

Just then, the butler entered the parlor carrying dessert but paused, sensing the tense atmosphere, and quietly backed away.

---

Prince Noah froze the moment he saw Ian smiling at him.

It was surely a gesture of welcome. After all, he was a foreign envoy and the prince of Cliford. A smile was the natural response.

Why does it feel so ominous?

Noah rubbed the back of his neck, glancing at Ian with unease.

“Long time no see, Prince Noah. Is something wrong?”

“No, just jet lag, I suppose.”

“I see. You must be tired from the journey.”

“Greetings, Minister Ian.”

“Envoy Mei, likewise. It’s been a while since Luswena Palace. Glad to see you well.”

Their carriage was packed with Cliford wine and treasures from Luswena Palace—gifts from an ally and tribute from a defeated nation.

As mages and palace staff unloaded and sorted the items, Noah gestured to someone.

“Lord Parais, please greet him. This is Lord Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic for Bariel.”

“Honored to meet you, Minister. I am Count Toolo Parais of eastern Luswena.”

A short, slender man in his mid-thirties bowed politely, waiting for Ian’s response.

Parais was Cliford’s carefully chosen ally, involved in Luswena’s administration and empowered to vote on the peace treaty. Ian extended his hand in welcome.

“You’ve traveled far.”

“Not at all. The honor is mine. I also wish to apologize for the previous dynasty’s mistakes. The tragedy in Hielo territory is deeply regretted. Though it can’t be undone, I hope this small consolation helps…”

At Parais’s signal, attendants flung open the carriage doors. Alongside the tribute for the emperor, there was a separate cache of gold and jewels prepared as compensation for Hielo territory. The treasures sparkled so brightly that passing mages gawked.

Quite something.

Such was the fate of a defeated nation—bowing to the one who toppled their palace, offering jewels and apologies. Parais knew Ian was a key power in the royal court and had emptied his coffers to curry favor.

“Whoa! What’s all this?”

Romandro glanced inside the carriage, surprised, then looked back at Ian. Some people just have luck. While some struggle to buy a house their whole lives, others sell their lands and still have money rolling in.

Romandro’s envious look earned a satisfied smile from Parais.

He’s known for his loyalty. Surely he’ll present this to His Majesty the Emperor—

“I’ll accept it.”

“Pardon?”

“I said I’ll accept it.”

Ian nodded, signaling he wouldn’t refuse, then instructed Romandro.

“That’s not a gift. Set it aside separately.”

“Understood.”

That works out well. Lately, I’ve had plenty of reasons to spend money anyway. Just as if he’d been thinking exactly that, Ian showed no hesitation at all.

Surprised by his unexpected reaction, Parise glanced at Prince Noah, as if sensing that things were already a bit off from the start.

“His Majesty the Emperor’s duties are overwhelming, so I will pay my respects at the evening banquet. Until then, please rest well and recover from your travels. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Ian escorted Prince Noah and Envoy Mei, while another mage took charge of Parise. The building was split apart, which seemed to throw them off a little, but there was no other way.

“This place—”

“This is the building where Prince Noah stayed before. It should bring back some memories.”

So many things had happened here. Noah chuckled softly and stepped inside. Yet Ian stood his ground, watching Noah without a hint of backing down.

“…Sir Ian?”

That’s right. From the moment Ian greeted him with that faint smile earlier, something felt off. It wasn’t just a chill running down his spine for nothing.

“I have something to discuss.”

“…That sounds ominous.”

“Why would you say that? What could I possibly say to frighten you?”

“Have a seat. Since you’re acting like this right the moment we arrived, it must be urgent.”

“More than urgent, it’s important that we’re on the same page.”

At Noah’s invitation, Ian smiled and took a seat at the table.

Seeing Noah’s face, Ian was taken aback. Back in Luswena, things had been so hectic he hadn’t had a proper look, but even now, Noah hadn’t changed much. His deep bronze skin and orange hair were just as before. The atmosphere around him had matured somewhat, though.

Ian got straight to the point.

“Currently, the only legitimate heir to the throne is His Majesty the Emperor.”

“That’s right.”

“The war has ended successfully, and soon the stability of the royal family will mean the stability of Bariel. To solidify this, it’s crucial that His Majesty hastens to take a consort.”

“Why would I—”

Noah suddenly jumped up, alarmed.

“My siblings?!”

“Your Highness, the princesses are far too young.”

“Exactly! That’s what I’m saying!”

They were barely thirteen now. Ten years ago, they were still riding on Beric’s back, playing around. The position of Empress of Bariel was a tremendous opportunity, but Noah could never accept it. How could he send off such little children?!

“That’s my point as well. And more importantly, His Majesty already has someone in his heart.”

“R-Really?”

“However, the situation is a bit complicated.”

Embarrassed by the vague explanation, Noah cleared his throat repeatedly. Complicated how? And why was Ian telling him this?

Ian smiled slyly and added,

“You’re not asking what the situation is.”

“Because I don’t want to get involved.”

“I appreciate your honesty. I’ll explain.”

“No, really, it’s fine.”

“I think it would be best to seek assistance from the Clifford royal family on this matter.”

“Our royal family? Why?”

Ian tilted his head as if surprised he didn’t remember.

“You owe me a favor. Don’t you recall?”