Chapter 814

“Hmm.”

Ian tilted his head slightly as he perched on the edge of the table, clearly deep in thought. The sound of metal clinking echoed softly as the magical seal shackles on his wrists shifted with his movements.

Rutherford instinctively sensed something ominous. It was almost laughable to feel such dread when death was so near, yet this boy possessed that kind of power.

“Ah, wait. I’m still thinking,” Ian said, continuing to ponder.

Sure, a binding spell was the best option, but he simply didn’t have the strength for it. Just conjuring a burst of flames had left him bedridden for days, teetering between life and death. Using a more advanced binding spell could have unpredictable consequences.

And borrowing another mage’s power was out of the question. If word got out, the whole point of the binding spell would be lost.

‘Maybe cutting out the tongue is the only way,’ Ian mused.

But that wasn’t something the royal court would agree to. Acting unilaterally would surely trigger an investigation. And the problem wasn’t just that—Rutherford wasn’t illiterate. If they tried to piece things together through written communication, the truth would come out quickly.

Ian rubbed his chin, clearly frustrated. Then he stood and walked over to the door, pulling the handle open. The creak made the waiting mages outside react.

“What is it?”

“Go get me a glass of water.”

“Just water?”

“Yes.”

Soon, a glass of water was handed to Ian. He pressed lightly against Rutherford’s jaw, then poured the water into his open mouth. Rutherford struggled, but was powerless to resist.

“Hey—!”

“Shh.”

Ian carefully made sure not to spill any as he fed him the water, then checked the time.

‘If I remember the Barsabe incident correctly, he lost his memory not long after drinking water.’

Ian set the empty glass down on the table and sat back in his chair, calmly waiting for time to pass.

From Rutherford’s perspective, this was baffling behavior. Had Ian finally lost his mind? Suddenly forcing water down his throat, then sitting silently without a word, leaving him alone like this.

“Hmm.”

After about ten minutes, Ian turned to look at Rutherford, who was staring at the ceiling with his lips tightly sealed.

“Rutherford, let me ask you something. Do you know anything about me?”

“If you want something, say it. You’re going to die tomorrow anyway, so don’t do anything strange. Or is this some mercy from Emperor Bariel? How noble of you—I can’t possibly understand.”

He still remembered. Ian was once Emperor Bariel.

“…Damn.”

Ian muttered under his breath, frowning as if something had gone wrong. This confirmed it: the underground god’s blessing that had been in effect during the war was now completely powerless.

It was expected. The underground god had fallen into the abyss, so naturally, his remnants would lose influence over Gaia. Those who had already lost their memories were beyond help, but from now on, the blessing would have no effect.

‘Though, how many of those remain in Gaia anyway?’

More importantly, there was no way to erase Ian Verosion’s memories anymore—except through ‘artificial commands.’

“Ian!”

Rutherford called out, frustrated, but Ian’s expression remained blank as he stared into space. The child’s green eyes looked remarkably calm in the darkness, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.

Ian muttered softly.

“No matter what happens, this will be interesting.”

With about eleven hours left until Rutherford’s execution, who knew if Ian would reveal something about ‘Ian Verosion’ or stay silent until his head fell.

Either way, it wouldn’t change much. If ‘Ian Verosion’ was exposed to the world, it would be a bit earlier than expected, but not a problem.

No—

It might even help, like pouring fuel on a small flame. The preliminary battle with Jin had already begun.

“…What?”

“Rest. This is your true last night.”

“Ian!”

Bang!

Ian left without answering and firmly shut the door behind him. The mages waiting at the end of the hall hurried over.

“Ian, you took a while. Is there a problem?”

“He’s lost his mind.”

“Excuse me? Who? Rutherford?”

“Yes. He’s babbling nonsense. Restrict access. A condemned criminal about to die shouldn’t waste food or drink.”

“Understood. We’ll follow your orders.”

“Yeah, one day without food won’t kill him. Well, maybe it would be better if it did. Anyway, we’ll take good care of him until the execution. Don’t worry.”

Ian nodded and looked up the stairs. Kayla and Damon were still talking, it seemed. He wondered what they had so much to say.

“Wait until their conversation ends, then escort Lady Kayla safely back to her quarters. Remember, when the sun rises tomorrow, King Damon will be sentenced to death. We’ll need freezing magic to preserve the body, so those responsible should come early to prepare.”

“Yes, Ian.”

“And…”

Ian hesitated, wanting to warn them not to be surprised if something happened tomorrow, but decided against it. It was something they had to face sooner or later. Instead, he changed his instructions naturally.

“I’ll be stepping out briefly. It’ll be just Romandro and me, so report immediately if anything unusual happens.”

“Just the two of you? Are you sure that’s safe?”

“Last time you both went out, Ian collapsed and had to be carried back,” the mages whispered nervously as they trailed behind him.

Meanwhile, Romandro, who had been waiting by a carriage some distance away, spotted Ian’s group and hesitated.

“Why is everyone following? Aren’t you supposed to be working?”

“No, it’s not that…”

“Get inside and get back to work!”

“Romandro, you really need to take good care of Ian this time. If anything happens again, you might as well be the one who collapses and gets carried back!”

“You’re crazy!”

“Hey, I’m just saying!”

Romandro clenched his teeth and lunged forward, causing the mages to scatter with playful screams.

Shaking his head at the small commotion, Ian opened the carriage door himself and climbed in. Then he asked,

“Where are we meeting Eirin?”

---

“Eirin!”

“Yes?”

Eirin, who had been sweeping and cleaning in front of the tavern entrance, jumped and turned around. The owner looked at her with a puzzled expression. It was almost opening time, and he seemed to be silently asking if she wasn’t going to eat.

“I’m just finishing up here. You go ahead and eat first.”

“Still, let’s eat together.”

“I guess my lunch hasn’t settled yet. Don’t worry about me.”

Eirin smiled awkwardly, gripping her broom tightly. After all, she had only received the message from the Magic Department a few hours ago—a secret letter requesting a discreet meeting, signed neatly by ‘Ian Hielo.’

As the owner nodded and went inside, Eirin glanced around again.

‘He told me to come alone.’

What could it be? What did he want to talk about?

Eirin had ears and eyes everywhere, so she was well aware of the rumors swirling around her—speculations about her and the Emperor, and even absurd gossip that she would soon enter the royal palace.

‘He’s probably going to hold me responsible for this. Ugh, damn it.’

Screech!

Tap tap tap!

At that moment, a carriage squeezed through the narrow alley and stopped right in front of Eirin. The door opened.

“Eirin.”

“Minister Ian.”

“Long time no see. Get in.”

“G-get in?”

Just like that? Straight to the underground prison of the palace? Eirin hesitated, broom in hand, but Romandro chuckled and extended his hand.

“Just a quick ride. We don’t have much time with the execution tomorrow. Just ten minutes, I promise.”

“Ah, okay.”

Swallowing nervously, Eirin sat down beside Ian and Romandro. The carriage surged forward as if it had never stopped.

“Let’s get straight to the point, Eirin. Do you intend to be with His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Huh?”

…That was a bit too direct. Eirin gripped her broom tightly, unsure how to respond. But Ian didn’t wait.

“You’re a noble paladin, but you know there’s much opposition to you being with His Majesty. So, I thought it might be best to seek help from the Clifford family and arrange for you to join their royal household.”

“Whaaaat?!”

It was like a thunderclap. Eirin froze in shock, her body swaying slightly with the carriage’s movement.

“Simply put, it’s a change of status. It needs to be done quickly and discreetly, so even the tavern owner where you work won’t know. You’ll go to the Clifford royal family, receive basic education, and wait. When the time is right, a marriage proposal will be arranged, and you’ll return to Bariel. If your feelings change in the meantime, you can abandon everything and leave anytime.”

“Um, Minister Ian…”

“Royal education is a rare opportunity. Clifford is struggling these days, but being there will provide you with financial support. After all, you’ll be a member of the royal family.”

Clatter! Whether it was the carriage shaking or her heart trembling, Eirin couldn’t tell. She pressed herself against the back of the sofa, staring blankly as her gaze flickered between Ian and Romandro.

“Above all, Clipford is overrun with monsters that spilled out during the Rift Crisis. They’re just waiting for a paladin like you to step in. It’s a perfect opportunity for both sides, isn’t it? So, what do you say? Will you do it?”

“That’s… quite sudden.”

“Fateful crossroads always are.”

Eirin hesitated. Silence stretched between them, but Ian and Romandro didn’t rush her—they were giving her a moment to think, however brief.

“Are you really asking me to go to the royal court of Clipford?”

“Why? Do you think I’m stirring up trouble just to deal with a commoner caught up in the emperor’s scandal?”

“…I didn’t say that exactly.”

“If you want to be close to His Majesty, there’s no other way but to enter the royal household. In other words, if you want to become empress.”

If Eirin was content with relying solely on the emperor’s affection, she could remain a concubine. But knowing her nature, that didn’t seem likely—and Ian wouldn’t be satisfied either.

Didn’t Roberside appear in Jin’s dreams to anoint Eirin for a reason? With her, Jin’s Bariel would be complete—and in turn, Ian’s Bariel would be perfected as well.

“…Do you think I can do it?”

“Of course. I’ll help you.”

“…It feels like greed.”

“There’s nothing to fear. You’re worthy.”

“That’s right, Eirin. This is a challenge!”

With Romandro joining in beside him, Eirin’s grip tightened on the broomstick. Her eyes sparkled with newfound resolve, her face flushed a deep crimson—quite a sight.

“Then… I’ll go. To Clipford.”

Ian smiled knowingly, as if he’d expected this. He tapped the driver’s seat to signal. Eirin, still in disbelief, stammered repeatedly.

“Uh, um, when should we leave?”

“Now.”

“Pardon?”

Screeeech!

The carriage came to a halt. Startled, Eirin looked out the window—it was the palace gates. Romandro stepped down and turned to her with a serious expression.

“Remember this: you are royalty in Clipford. Carry yourself with pride wherever you go. If you encounter any discomfort or trouble, contact the Ministry of Magic. The driver will assist you first—he may look ordinary, but he’s an exceptionally skilled mercenary.”

“Excuse me?”

“You have no family here, so that’s settled. I’ll inform the tavern owner—I’ve already arranged for help there, so don’t worry. Oh, and this is a mana stone, a device for long-distance communication. I’ve written instructions for you—please refer to them—”

“Pardon?”

“Well then, travel safely.”

“Excuse me?”

“Until we meet again. It won’t be long.”

Bang!

Overwhelmed by Romandro’s rapid-fire briefing, Eirin could only respond with a dumbfounded “Yes?” over and over.

Ian just smiled softly, closed the carriage door, and waved goodbye. By now, Prince Noah must have sent a dispatch to the King of Clipford, so their timing was perfect.

Still struggling to grasp the situation, Eirin pressed her face against the carriage window, staring at Ian and Romandro with wide, bewildered eyes until they became nothing more than distant specks.