Chapter 820
The atmosphere in the banquet hall had sunk into a heavy silence. It was hardly surprising—everyone left was locked in a desperate battle against the overwhelming drowsiness, trying to grasp the shifting power dynamics within the palace.
Occasionally, a few oblivious nobles would absentmindedly shovel cream pies into their mouths and toss out meaningless jokes, but it was nowhere near enough to lift the mood.
“Any news to report?” someone asked.
“All the mages have left the palace,” came the reply.
“And Minister Ian’s investigation…?”
Screeeech.
At that moment, the door creaked open slowly. Without much expectation, everyone instinctively turned toward it—and then froze in shock. Ian Hielo himself appeared, looking sharp and composed. The drowsiness that had been creeping in vanished instantly.
“Minister Ian?”
“So there are still those holding their ground here. More than I expected.”
“Are you sure it’s alright for you to be here?”
“Of course. This is still part of the palace, after all.”
With a soft clatter, Ian poured himself some wine. The nobles exchanged glances. There was definitely some intention behind this. No one would show up like this in the middle of an investigation without a reason.
“It’s truly regrettable that such an unfortunate incident has marred this glorious day. I offer my apologies to all of you. I know you were looking forward to the party… but, well.”
“Oh, no. That’s Rutherford’s fault, not yours, Minister Ian.”
The comment was a subtle probe. Ian smiled faintly and raised his glass toward the speaker. The clear chime of their glasses meeting was pleasant to hear.
“Minister Ian, are you really alright?”
Someone else asked cautiously. If the charge of treason against the royal family were to hold, simply sharing a drink with him now would be dangerous. Ian nodded firmly.
“Absolutely. His Majesty the Emperor has formed a special investigation team to uncover the truth behind this incident. As long as the unruly elements don’t interfere, the palace will soon return to normal.”
That is, assuming the disloyal faction within the investigation team doesn’t fabricate evidence or sabotage the process.
The nobles immediately understood who Ian meant by “those elements”—the Davion family, led by Minister Ravin. The Davion members present subtly avoided eye contact.
Ian deliberately greeted them and beckoned them closer.
“Ah, guests from the Davion family. A pleasure to see you.”
Clears throat.
“Why the long faces? Have a drink with me.”
As Ian lifted his glass, they reluctantly raised theirs in return.
“Do you know why this crisis has occurred?”
“…What do you mean?”
“The royal family is unstable. Since His Majesty is the only one carrying the Verosion name, even the slightest breeze is blown up into a storm.”
That storm, of course, was them. The nobles pressed their lips tightly, swallowing their words.
“The palace must be stabilized quickly to prevent such incidents.”
“Indeed, that is true, but…”
“When this crisis is resolved, I intend to propose something to His Majesty. Since the Davion family has agreed to join me, I’m confident it will be accepted.”
“Well, yes…”
Petitions were one thing, but royal affairs were another. The Davion members smiled awkwardly, covering their mouths with their wine glasses.
“But when His Majesty asked if I had a suitable candidate, I wasn’t sure how to answer.”
“…!”
Everyone’s eyes widened as they turned to Ian. What did that mean? Was he asking for a list of recommended candidates for Empress?
“I’ve heard the Davion family has many excellent young ladies besides Lady Chloe. Is that true?”
“Ah, ahem… well—”
“My daughter has come of age recently.”
“Ah, Lord Redol Davion, I’ve heard of you. Your daughter is said to have beautiful golden hair.”
“You flatter me. If I’d known this would come up, I might have told her not to leave the palace.”
“No, it’s quite late already.”
Because Chloe was the daughter of the Davion head, her recommendation was unquestioned. But in truth, the Davion family had many eligible young ladies of marriageable age.
Chloe’s engagement to Xiaoshi was already a done deal, but if the Davion family could place an Empress in the palace—even if not a direct blood relative—it would be an incredible advantage. It was just something no one had expected.
If my daughter becomes Empress…
If I become the Emperor’s father-in-law…
He could finally shed the bitterness of being a collateral branch and gain a new title.
The Davion members sipped their wine, exchanging glances that revealed their intentions.
If Ian Hielo is cleared and returns, his position in the palace will only grow stronger. Then, the unity of the ministers won’t matter.
Political clout was essential to claim the Empress’s seat. With someone like Ian Hielo backing them, they could easily pressure the Emperor to secure that position.
“In any case, I’ll have to wait until this crisis is fully resolved before speaking to His Majesty. I don’t know how long that will take.”
Ian smiled faintly and added:
“For this to end, the Davion family’s petition led by Minister Ravin must be withdrawn, and no dirty tricks must occur during the investigation. If you cooperate, I promise your children will become Empress. Who exactly will take that place is a matter for later.”
Let’s weigh the options.
The nobles pretended to drink as they measured the situation. Would Ian Hielo really fall because of this? He was the war’s greatest hero, a genius mage, and had the solid support of the Mage Department.
Besides, he had been the Emperor’s closest confidant since childhood. Even if rumors about “Ian Verosion” persisted, as long as he denied them actively, there was no way to prove otherwise.
And what if we side with the other faction?
What would they gain if Minister Ravin and his allies won? Whatever it was, it would be less than siding with Ian. Too many already supported him.
In a way, Ian Hielo is asking us for help. This is the real opportunity.
The nobles silently congratulated themselves for staying in the palace until the end. Yes, fortune favors the patient.
“But Minister Ian,”
“Yes, please.”
“I heard His Majesty has someone special in his heart.”
Someone asked about Eirin. Everyone already knew of her—the “Holy Knight awakened on the battlefield who stole the Emperor’s heart,” as the vague rumors went.
“He’s at an age full of passion. It’s natural he might have someone in mind. But that’s as far as it goes.”
How could the Empress’s seat be given to a commoner? And even if she somehow got it, how long could she hold it without political backing? The nobles, well-versed in palace politics, all nodded in agreement.
“This isn’t the right time to discuss that. The investigation isn’t over yet.”
“Right, we should focus on the immediate problem.”
“Still, that scoundrel will remain a criminal until the day he dies. How could anyone say such nonsense and make things difficult for Minister Ian?”
“His Majesty knows Ian’s heart. The misunderstanding will be cleared soon. The special investigation team was appointed by the Emperor himself—there’s no way for any foul play.”
“Has the petition… already been submitted?”
“Already? Oh dear.”
“As a member of the Davion family, I had no choice but to join the petition, but honestly, I don’t even know what it says.”
“The Count was so urgent in his request, haha.”
It would be best if the petition were withdrawn. Then Ian would be cleared without question.
They also needed to watch the investigation closely. Everyone knew Minister Ravin and his allies were ready to do whatever it took.
“Oh, by the way, how is your health?”
On the surface, it sounded like concern, but really, they were checking if Ian’s position remained strong. Ian shrugged as if it were no big deal.
“No problem. I don’t know where people got the idea I was about to die.”
“Ha… ha ha. Ridiculous.”
Romandro watched the lively scene with a tight smile. That man could really act, even in his fragile state.
Still, I succeeded in sowing discord within the Davion family. If Davion wavers, Minister Ravin’s faction will be shaken too. Foolish nobles! Our Ian is fervently supported by His Majesty!
What lengths had they gone to make Eirin Empress? They even adopted her into the Clifford royal family! Yet here they were, being tossed around without a clue. What fools.
No matter how cunning the nobles, how can they defeat a royal? Especially Eirin, who has the Emperor’s love? Now, all that’s left is to finish the investigation. After that, Ian might not even be in the Mage Department.
As Romandro’s thoughts settled, a wave of gloom washed over him. He pictured the Mage Department without Ian.
He wished the others would understand Ian’s condition, but if word got out now, it would only become a weakness. Romandro resolved to rush to the Emperor as soon as the investigation ended and inform him of Ian’s state.
“Romandro,” someone called.
“Hm?”
Ian snapped his fingers to catch Romandro’s attention. It was time to head back to the interrogation room.
Catching the hint, Romandro dashed outside to prepare the carriage. It had been a long time—far too long—since he’d taken such a light step.
Meanwhile, at the Ministry of Magic.
Though the evening was dark, the Ministry building shone brightly, as if determined to catch every last rat scurrying about. Just then, several carriages pulled up in front, and palace guards approached to inspect.
“Good evening.”
“Ah, thank you for your hard work.”
“What brings you here?”
“We have an investigation concerning the Eastern mages. The body of Rutherford is in the back; please escort it down to the underground prison.”
“Why the Eastern mages?” The guards frowned but quickly complied, lowering the coffin containing the corpse.
“We intend to examine the body for traces of magic.”
“Do you trust the Eastern mages?”
“Not at all. That’s why we’ll be using the truth serum. To investigate magic, we need a mage’s power—there’s no other way for now.”
“This is a directive from above.”
“Exactly. Hurry up. The prevailing theory is that Rutherford was rambling nonsense due to the hallucinations caused by Laromedia. If we add the testimony of the Eastern mages, the matter will be resolved swiftly.”
They were people who believed in the Ministry’s innocence. Waving their hands as if urging haste, they set things in motion.
As the soldiers moved the body, the palace guards headed upstairs to the second floor’s Mana Stone Management Department in search of the truth serum.
Click.
“Truth serum…”
It should be here somewhere… But since they weren’t Ministry staff, even finding a single vial wasn’t easy. The guards combed through the office, scanning the shelves and compartments—
Rustle.
“Hm?”
A faint sound came from somewhere. The guards exchanged puzzled glances, scanning the quiet office. Had they imagined it?
“Ah, found it. The truth serum.”
“But there are several.”
“Which one’s the newest?”
The guards stood there for a while, unable to decide on a single vial. Hidden beneath the desk, Akorella covered her mouth, glaring irritably.
‘Honestly, just hurry up and leave already.’
Why did they keep coming upstairs? She needed to secretly brew the memory recovery potion—the so-called recollection elixir! Her masterpiece was nearly complete.
“Hey, wait—”
One guard, about to leave with the potions, noticed the alcohol lamp burning on the lab table. A strange liquid bubbled away atop it.
“Why is this still lit?”
“No idea. Maybe the captain’s gone mad. I heard the guy who was sitting in the first-floor office got struck by lightning.”
“Crazy. Let’s get out of here before we catch hell too.”
With a huff, the guards didn’t hesitate to snuff out the lamp and hurriedly left the office.
Hidden beneath the desk, Akorella bit down hard, tears streaming again. They turned it off again, those bastards…