Chapter 811
“Damn, just like a true mage.”
Ian’s question hit like a magic spell, pulling back memories long buried.
Long ago, when the rift first appeared in the Cliford Monastery, the Empire had sent mages to help suppress it. In return, Ian had promised to grant a favor to Noah someday.
Noah was momentarily at a loss for words, but Ian just smiled slyly.
“It’s not that long ago, after all.”
No use denying it. Though the underground god had been sealed and the rift no longer appeared, Bariel’s help was still needed to manage the aftermath.
Putting aside all other reasons, Ian was the Minister of Magic—someone too dangerous to ignore. Noah nodded calmly, trying to steady himself. What favor could Ian be asking? It seemed related to the royal marriage, but honestly, Noah had no clue.
“Don’t be so tense. Didn’t I say before? This won’t be a burden to Cliford. They might even welcome it.”
“Well then, spit it out.”
“The woman His Majesty has his heart set on is a commoner.”
“…What?”
Noah’s eyes widened despite himself, still barely more than a squint.
“Did you say what I think you said?”
“It’s not an easy matter. In Bariel’s history, no commoner has ever become Empress. There’s no precedent, so regardless of right or wrong, it would change people’s perceptions.”
“The high officials won’t stand for it, and nobles especially will be furious.”
The position of Empress wasn’t just about love. Being closest to the Emperor, it carried political and economic weight.
A commoner would have no backing, so the criticism from officials would be fierce, and the nobles would scramble to claim the spot for themselves.
“Wait… are you suggesting—?”
Noah suddenly caught on to Ian’s proposal and hesitated. Ian smiled knowingly.
“You want her adopted into the Cliford royal family?”
“That’s right. Unlike Bariel, the Cliford royal family has many relatives. It shouldn’t be difficult.”
It was true. Noah had at least four younger siblings, and though their father had no concubines, the sheer number of relatives was enough to make one’s head spin.
As Noah calculated the situation in his mind, the envoy Mei’s eyes gleamed sharply. Ian noticed how much the two resembled each other.
“Not just a concubine, then?”
“That won’t do. Eirin is meant to be Empress.”
Otherwise, it would cause problems for his own future. Besides, Jin deserved to marry someone he loved and live a fulfilling life. Wouldn’t that be best for everyone? If only it were possible.
“Ugh.”
Ian’s resoluteness made Noah’s head throb. Seeing the Minister of Magic so firmly set on the Empress’s position stirred an inexplicable feeling within him.
Imagine if the Minister of Agriculture from Cliford tried to meddle in his own marriage—he’d go berserk and tear up the entire vineyard in his yard.
“So, you really have your heart set on her?”
“Absolutely. It’s fate.”
Mei gently tapped Noah’s arm. No matter how things played out in the palace, this would ultimately be a great advantage for Cliford.
“If Bariel’s Empress comes from the Cliford royal family, the alliance will strengthen, and the nation’s prestige will rise.”
It would be more than a simple alliance—it would be almost a blood bond. Even if the woman turned out to be a wild card like Beric, the benefits would far outweigh the risks.
“By the way, Eirin is a Paladin. She can use holy power to fight monsters, which will be a huge help in rebuilding the Cliford palace. Of course, Cliford must request her aid directly. Given the circumstances and her nature, she won’t refuse.”
“Wow, a Paladin? Impressive!”
“She’s also earned much respect for her war efforts, so public opinion is favorable.”
“Good, good.”
Passed! A woman chosen by Bariel’s Emperor and vetted by the Minister of Magic—there was no way she’d be like Beric. Noah nodded in relief without realizing it.
Then Mei cautiously asked, “So, all we have to do is proceed with the adoption?”
She worried Cliford might demand a hefty dowry or cover all the royal marriage expenses.
In the long run, that might be a tolerable price, but Cliford’s current situation was precarious.
“That’s right. We only ask to borrow the royal name. No other demands.”
“Collateral relatives are acceptable too?”
“Yes. It’s just for a change of status, so any suitable position will do.”
If she were a collateral relative, the burden would be lighter. If Eirin got involved in some palace incident, Cliford could easily draw a line and avoid trouble.
Plus, Cliford holding the secret of the Empress’s origins would serve as insurance.
“Not a bad proposal, right?”
“Yes. For now.”
Mei’s positive response made Noah look at Ian in agreement.
“I’ll relay this to my father and discuss it. When do you plan to send Eirin?”
“That’s uncertain.”
“Uncertain?”
“Eirin doesn’t know yet.”
In truth, no one knew how far Jin and Eirin’s relationship had progressed. Noah had heard they met at the tavern where Eirin worked…
“Wait, Ian. The Emperor and Eirin—they’re lovers, right?”
“That’s how it will be.”
“…This is maddening.”
Why start with such a statement? Unlike the stunned Noah, Ian was calm, as if it were a done deal. And it probably was—there was no stopping the progress of their relationship.
“If Eirin doesn’t form a bond with His Majesty, we’ll consider the proposal void since it was broken on their side.”
“That won’t happen.”
“Could happen, right?”
“The Emperor is young, handsome, kind, skilled in swordsmanship, and knowledgeable. Who could resist someone like that?”
Damn it. Noah pouted, sounding like an old man bragging about his late-in-life child. How could such a young boy exude that kind of sentiment?
While Noah was confused, Mei nodded repeatedly, convinced.
“That’s true.”
“Mei!”
“Ah.”
Noah scolded her, but Mei just smiled awkwardly and scratched her cheek.
With the conversation wrapping up, Ian stood.
“I’ll send more details later. For now, rest well. I’ll see you at dinner. Oh, and about Sir Parais, the envoy from Luswena…”
“He’s shrewd and ambitious.”
Since Cliford already had friendly ties with Luswena, Noah instinctively defended him. Who knew how Luswena’s interests would be settled under the peace treaty? They’d need to join forces to have any say in Bariel’s major decisions.
Ian gave a knowing smile.
“I was going to say he’s pleased with the generous compensation. The Ministry of Magic has had many expenses lately, so we welcome it.”
“Uh…”
“Well then, goodbye.”
Ian bowed and left swiftly.
Noah and Mei exchanged glances and shrugged. How could the Hielo domain’s compensation end up in the Ministry of Magic? It made no sense, but well—there must be a reason.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
Jin glanced at the conference records. Both the Administration and Magic Ministries had submitted their notes. Though the wording differed depending on the agenda, there was nothing particularly alarming.
He pressed his brows together in silence. At first, he thought the officials were just babbling nonsense, but Ian’s remarks were surprisingly blunt.
“Monopoly on magic stone distribution by the Ministry of Magic. Action taken before reporting…”
Though dryly written, Jin could easily imagine the conversation behind the records. Just then, Eun, the steward carrying a tray, entered.
“What is it?”
“The Cliford and Luswena envoys have arrived. The Ministry of Magic is escorting them. Also, here is Minister Maxim Tweller’s report, just arrived from Tolrun.”
“Minister Tweller’s? Give it here.”
Jin had been expecting their arrival soon. He’d been uneasy leaving a retiring official in Tolrun, especially since he had to work near the hostile Vanusa.
Thud.
Jin broke the seal and pulled out the letter. The dense report spanned five or six pages, detailing the progress of reconstruction, the current situation in Tolrun, supply logistics, upcoming schedules, and the expected return date.
“Your Majesty, I hope this message finds you well. I am Maxim Tweller, Minister of Imperial Defense. Our garrison has withdrawn from the capital and arrived at a small town on the outskirts. We are currently focusing on restoring the livelihoods of the people and regaining public trust, with the spirit mages leading these efforts. Given the deep historical significance of the capital, we cannot abandon it entirely, but for the time being, it seems unable to fulfill its role.”
“Banusa is a man of integrity. He knows how to separate public duty from personal matters and genuinely cares for our people. Moreover, his abilities as a spirit mage are exceptional. Barring any unforeseen events, Bariel will be able to communicate with Toorun through him.”
“There is one more thing I must add—regarding the strange rumors that spread throughout the Toorun capital.”
Jin hesitated. The rumors that had dogged Ian relentlessly for the past ten years—the claim that Ian was of imperial blood.
“The source of the rumors was indeed Banusa. However, what he says is that every part of it is true. He claims to have seen and heard everything firsthand.”
“What?”
Jin muttered under his breath, frowning. He couldn’t quite grasp what “seen and heard firsthand” meant in this context.
“I pressed her for details on what exactly she meant by ‘seen and heard firsthand,’ but she refused to elaborate. Still, I suspect that Lord Ian may have been involved to some extent. It is only right to hold him accountable for tarnishing the dignity of the imperial family, but given the current circumstances, I ask that you keep this letter as evidence and use it at an appropriate time. I also urge Your Majesty to investigate this matter carefully on your own.”
“Your Majesty, Minister Ian has arrived.”
The announcement from outside snapped Jin back to attention.
He hastily tucked the letter away in a drawer. He couldn’t burn it like before—perhaps because of Minister Tweller’s insistence to keep it as evidence.
“Send him in.”
“Your Majesty, I apologize for interrupting your busy schedule.”
“Not at all, Lord Ian. What brings you here?”
“All the envoys from the various nations have arrived. It seems Hawan will not be attending. Here is the peace agreement document for the signing ceremony. I have added and revised the sections related to magic. This is the final version; please review it.”
Jin smiled as he looked at Ian’s expression and returned the smile. Then, as if it were nothing, he took the report and began to read through it.
Meanwhile, Ian recalled what the chamberlain had said just moments ago:
“Please wait a moment, Minister Ian. His Majesty is currently reading a report from Toorun.”
But now, there was nothing on the desk.
Jin was reviewing the agreement, and Ian was staring at the empty desk. On the surface, everything seemed as usual, but beneath it all, quiet waves of tension stirred within them both.