Chapter 812
“By the way, Lord Ian.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Jin, who had been quietly reviewing the treaty, spoke softly. His gaze remained fixed downward, as if the matter were trivial—deliberately so.
“I heard you made a statement at the assembly about monopolizing the distribution of mana stones. Is that true?”
Ian smiled inwardly. A quick glance at the meeting minutes would easily confirm the truth. Jin probably already knew the full story.
Yet, despite that, the emperor asked, “Is that true?”—a question that revealed a clear, unmistakable kindness.
“Yes, it is.”
When Ian acknowledged it, Jin finally looked up, his eyes searching for sincerity.
“Mana stones are critical to the empire’s security. A stable supply is essential, but outside interference has muddied the waters with personal interests and emotions. Moreover, there are still unknowns and insufficient data about mana stones that require research. If ordinary people handle them carelessly, accidents are bound to happen. To prevent such incidents, the Ministry of Magic must intervene actively.”
Everything he said was true, but it wasn’t what Jin really wanted. He set the treaty aside and looked Ian squarely in the eyes.
“Lord Ian, but something as significant as monopolizing mana stone distribution is not a matter the Ministry of Magic can decide on its own.”
It required the emperor’s approval and careful negotiation with other departments and stakeholders.
More importantly, many merchants had already established their businesses around this trade. Suddenly restricting their interests would inevitably cause repercussions. How could the Ministry of Magic handle that alone? This was an empire-wide issue. Ian couldn’t possibly be unaware.
“My apologies, Your Majesty. I understand your concerns well. Since it was a proposal that came up naturally during the assembly, I admit it was somewhat rash.”
Jin hesitated as he tried to add more, but seeing Ian’s firm stance, he stopped himself. Just as Jin was about to wave off the matter—
“I would appreciate it if you could attend the next assembly in person to discuss the mana stone distribution rights.”
“…Lord Ian, I have no intention of granting that.”
Jin’s brow furrowed slightly. Ian raised his eyebrows in surprise, as if he hadn’t expected that. After a long silence, Ian spoke first.
“May I ask why?”
Ian had already explained the justification for the Ministry of Magic to manage the distribution rights. Cooperation from other departments? That was nothing. If the emperor approved and the Ministry took the lead, no one would dare oppose.
Jin stood and sighed softly.
“Lord Ian, from the Hawan incident to the construction of the annex, the Ministry of Magic has been under excessive scrutiny. No matter how strong the justification, sometimes you have to know when to hold back. And you—your health isn’t good right now. It’s better to rest and wait for the right moment.”
Jin’s words were partly genuine concern for Ian’s health, but also a subtle reminder that everyone was watching his condition closely.
Ian just smiled faintly, as if unaware of any of it.
“There is nothing beyond the justification, Your Majesty. I appreciate your concern, but—”
“It really won’t do. I said I will never allow it. This time, you must step back.”
Jin turned his head, signaling the end of the discussion.
Ian sensed the moment had come. Finally…
“Very well, Your Majesty.”
“You already have so many responsibilities at the Ministry—”
“I will handle it my way.”
“What did you say?”
Jin turned his head, wondering if he had misheard. Ian smiled politely, hands folded. Jin couldn’t fathom the meaning behind that smile.
“While I was bedridden, I realized just how lightly the Ministry was regarded, and how bureaucrats manipulated the mana stone market for their own games. The more I think about it, the more I see this as a problem that cannot be ignored. Since Your Majesty refuses to grant permission, I will have to resolve this on my own.”
“No, Lord Ian. I never said I was giving up. I only asked you to wait for the right time. Is that so difficult?”
“The right time is now. If we miss this chance, it will fizzle out, and another opportunity will be hard to come by.”
“Lord Ian!”
Jin couldn’t hold back and shouted for the first time. Surprised by his own outburst, he instinctively covered his mouth.
Ian frowned slightly—not at the shout, but at the gesture of covering his mouth. Though Jin misunderstood, Ian’s thoughts were clear.
‘He’s cornered. Minister Tweller must have secured testimony from Vanusa, blaming me as the source of the rumors.’
“Um, Lord Ian.”
“My apologies, Your Majesty. You have your position, and I have mine. There’s no avoiding this.”
“Let’s see who wins. You try to stop the Ministry’s monopoly on mana stones. I will take it.”
“By any means necessary, I recommend. If the Ministry succeeds again, it will mark the beginning of the palace’s decline in power.”
“Remember, Your Majesty, the bureaucrats are watching everything. I hope you succeed.”
“Oppose me, Your Majesty. I will proceed regardless.”
“Lord Ian!”
“Then, I take my leave. My apologies.”
Ian bowed slightly and left the office.
Jin was stunned, then exasperated, breathing heavily before slamming his desk. The servants waiting outside instinctively shrank their shoulders.
“Is anyone outside?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please command.”
“Summon Minister Quintana. Bring the ministers involved in the mana stone market issue. They’ll understand.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Damn it!”
With a loud bang, Jin struck the desk again in frustration.
Lord Ian was truly indifferent. How could he not understand Jin’s concern for him and the Ministry? And now, after Jin had even told him to step back, he declared open defiance. It was too much.
“Your Majesty, Minister Quintana and—”
“Bring them in!”
The command was almost a bark.
Quintana and the ministers trailing behind hesitated, taking a deep breath. Whatever was going on, the emperor’s mood was serious. Quintana led the group cautiously into the office.
“What on earth are you all—!”
“Ugh!”
Jin’s thunderous shout greeted them as soon as they entered. They knew they were doomed. Reflexively, they bowed deeply and apologized.
“We are sorry!”
“What kind of mess have you made that the Ministry is threatening to take over the mana stone distribution? If you were going to meddle, you shouldn’t have started at all! If you lack the ability, isn’t it basic to wait for the right opportunity?”
So it was about the mana stone distribution. But when they reported earlier, Jin hadn’t said a word. Why the sudden outburst?
Well, whatever the case…
‘Is he trying to clean this up?’
“Immediately, report everything—without leaving anything out! If I find out you’ve hidden even one detail, I will not forgive you. I will make Bariel crawl on all fours.”
“That’s an outrageous threat, Your Majesty!”
To block the Ministry, the emperor’s authority was essential. But if they reported everything in detail, it would be like handing the Ministry’s mistakes directly into the emperor’s hands.
Was this the moment to choose how they would die? The ministers hesitated briefly but snapped to attention under the emperor’s sharp gaze and prostrated themselves.
“We had no other intention!”
“Keep your mouth shut and stick to the facts! Who did what, and what were the consequences?”
“…!”
Quintana closed her eyes tightly, as if it was all over.
Ian gazed calmly out the carriage window.
He suddenly recalled the carriages rushing into the main palace as he left. They were probably high-ranking officials from other departments, hastily summoned by the emperor.
‘If Jin investigates, he’ll naturally hold the lives of these officials in his hands. That would instantly strengthen his power. Then everyone would unite to oppose the Ministry of Magic.’
Ian thought of Jin’s concern for his health. Judging by the tone, Minister Raven must have skillfully leaked Ian’s condition to the emperor.
And that would be a strong motivator for them to unite.
But—
‘This is a last resort, tied directly to my dismissal.’
Jin would never use that now.
But that was only ‘now.’ Later, who knew? If the Ministry failed to hold its ground, that was a separate matter from Ian’s special relationship with Jin.
What mattered more was how the bureaucrats watching this would judge the emperor. How could they respect a ruler who couldn’t even control the Ministry of Magic? If he kept retreating step by step, eventually the heart of the palace would be lost—to the Ministry or other officials.
And if that happened, honestly…
‘It would be a disappointment.’
Jin must not let that happen. He had taught him well. Restricting the Ministry’s monopoly on mana stones was a trial Ian had to overcome.
“Romandro.”
“Hm?”
Romandro looked up from his notebook, where he was jotting down the schedule.
“Send a letter to Davion. It’s time to get started.”
“You mean about the national marriage? But all the foreign delegations are here now. Is it really necessary to bring it up now?”
“Pointing out the empress’s empty seat at a grand victory ceremony is natural. We can start from there. Davion probably already knows.”
“Hmm. Understood for now.”
“And about Eirin.”
“Ah, don’t worry. I’ll have her brought to the palace immediately—”
“No.”
Ian cut Romandro off with a smile. What are you talking about? Have you ever seen someone out and about before their identity has been completely wiped clean? We need to erase every trace first.
“Please tell Eirin that I wish to see her discreetly. We’ll meet outside the palace.”
It would be best to send her to Clifford’s side until her identity reset is flawless, so she can start with basic royal etiquette and education.
‘Very quietly.’
If possible, without anyone noticing.
Tapping the leather armrest of the carriage with his fingertips, Ian wondered how Jin would react if he found out Ian was the one holding Eirin’s whereabouts.
‘Clifford’s side can be handled with some finesse. No one’s going to pry into the emperor’s love life, and besides, they said the two aren’t officially a couple yet, so they won’t interfere rashly.’
“Ian, you look amused.”
“Do I?”
Ian smiled faintly and rested his head against the window. He had a whole hand of cards strong enough to beat Jin, but he was curious how Jin planned to outplay him.
“Oh, and one more thing. When you go out, set up a fictitious identity and try to approach the magic stone traders.”
“…You’re planning to buy magic stones personally?”
“Since His Majesty can’t help, what choice do we have? Fortunately, Luswena’s side has provided a large sum, so money isn’t an issue. Let’s prioritize buying from Idgal.”
They would purchase as many as possible and destroy them all.
“Understood.”
Unaware of Ian’s true intentions, Romandro just licked his lips. If money was coming in, he’d rather see it saved up and buried in land or buildings. But with his health the way it was…
‘What’s he planning to live on after retirement? Well, Ian’s resourceful. Still, that’s a bit much!’
But soon, Romandro sighed and resigned himself, jotting down instructions in his notebook.
They say worrying about Ian is the most pointless thing in the world. He must have a plan.