Chapter 833

Charlotte climbed into the carriage, nervously smoothing the corners of her mouth as if unsure what to say.

The situation was far beyond anything they had anticipated. Ian, staring out the window, seemed lost in thought, while the eldest son sitting opposite him tilted his head in confusion.

“Did you meet Ian Hielo?”

“Yes, I did.”

“Then why—?”

Though they wanted to maintain ties with Minister Ian, who was politically cornered, the palace’s watchful eyes made it impossible for the eldest son to enter the hotel himself. So Charlotte, the second son, had gone instead.

Charlotte ran a hand through his hair, clearly unsure how to handle the current predicament.

“Listen, brother.”

“Anything.”

“It’s true—Ian Hielo gathered the Idgal and destroyed it.”

“Hmm. So he’s determined to go all the way.”

“It seems the palace is systematically dismantling the Ministry of Magic’s power. And Ian’s loyalty runs deeper toward the high officials than even the emperor.”

“That makes sense. He was close to His Majesty originally.”

“I think something big is about to happen.”

Charlotte’s muttering silenced his brother. They both knew exactly what kind of ‘something’ he meant—a terrifying prospect that demanded caution.

“The emperor isn’t a ten-year-old child anymore. It won’t be easy.”

“But Minister Tweller is gone. The only one left close to the emperor is Xiao Xi from the Imperial Defense Department, and even he’s… Chloe.”

At the mention of Chloe, Charlotte’s neck stiffened.

She was originally meant to become empress. Charlotte had been disappointed but had let her go without regret. And now? She was replaced by Xiao Xi, a low-ranking noble born a slave? Ridiculous.

“Anyone would think they were lovers,” he scoffed, glancing at his brother with disdain. But that wasn’t the point.

“I heard Xiao Xi could marry Chloe only because of Ian’s help. No wonder he can’t be ignored.”

The emperor was isolated. That had been inevitable the moment he turned his back on the Minister of Magic. Charlotte pulled out a handkerchief and pressed it to his forehead.

“And the rumors about his health? Complete nonsense. He looked perfectly fine—enjoying cake and tea.”

“Does he deny it himself?”

“Of course. He’s outraged. Honestly, I’d feel the same. He’s incredibly powerful but has faced endless slander. Seems like he’s reached his limit and is now fighting a public relations battle.”

Appealing to the people for support and exposing the palace’s misdeeds.

If it were anyone else, it would be impossible. But Ian, a war hero and Minister of Magic, commanded absolute loyalty from the people. That’s why the palace was so eager to keep him in check.

“What do you think will happen?”

Charlotte whispered cautiously.

“If Ian really decides to act…”

“…”

His brother hesitated, but the answer was clear enough.

If the minister who sealed the underground god and holds the people’s unwavering support truly draws his sword, no one will be safe. Not even the emperor, whose royal blood alone won’t be enough to stop him.

“Don’t act rashly. If things go wrong, we’ll be the first to fall.”

“Ian asked me to tell the nobles about his grievances.”

You know what that means, right? He’s calling like-minded people to gather. Once the fuse is lit, no one could predict what would come next.

His brother clicked his tongue, troubled. Since Ian had asked, they had to inform the nobles…

“But should we really?”

If the palace found out, they wouldn’t stay quiet.

This was a critical moment. The two brooded deeply until the carriage arrived at the estate, where they spotted a line of unfamiliar carriages.

“What’s going on?”

“Looks like guests have arrived.”

As the brothers stepped out, the butler led them inside. The room was packed with visitors—practically every scion of the central nobility.

“Hey, everyone.”

“Charlotte! I heard you went to see Minister Ian Hielo?”

“News travels fast.”

Charlotte smiled awkwardly and shrugged off his coat. The butler took it, and he settled into the center of the sofa, crossing his legs.

“Is that why you’re here?”

“Have you not heard the palace rumors?”

“What kind? Something about Haiman Gawa?”

They already knew the palace planned to issue a statement denying the claims. Charlotte pulled out a cigarette with a confident grin, but the others shook their heads.

“No, something else. The captain of the Ministry’s Acorella unit was arrested for disobeying the emperor’s orders and abusing magic.”

“Acorella? Ian’s right hand.”

“Exactly!”

“Still at the palace?”

“That’s not the issue. She was arrested! Apparently, she made a strange potion and gave it to some low-ranking officials. Crazy, right? It implanted memories of ‘Ian Verosion’ in their heads!”

Charlotte gasped, dropping his cigarette. Now he understood why everyone was so worked up.

“That’s insane.”

“Acorella is Ian’s trusted aide. And she made a potion convincing people he’s ‘Ian Verosion’? What do you make of that?”

“Plus, she called him ‘Verosion’ in front of the emperor himself. No denying it now. That’s treason.”

“Ha! This is driving me mad.”

“But why would you meet with Ian now, in this situation? Want to get caught up in it too?”

Charlotte jumped up and paced the room as worried voices flew at him. None of it was genuine concern—they were all testing the waters, trying to provoke him.

“The fuse is lit.”

Charlotte made his decision.

“I was debating whether to say anything, but—”

“What is it?”

“If things have come this far, there’s no turning back.”

“Spit it out. Don’t beat around the bush.”

“Ian is planning a coup.”

“What?”

Those who had been watching from a distance jumped up in shock. A coup? Really?

“I met him myself. It’s certain. He’s ready to rise at the slightest trigger. With Acorella’s arrest, it’s only a matter of time.”

The noisy parlor fell silent.

Then someone suddenly stood and took a step back.

“We have to tell the palace.”

“Hey, John!”

Charlotte grabbed him.

“Think carefully.”

“Are you crazy? What’s there to think about?”

“I mean, calm down. Ian is unmatched in Gaia. He has the Ministry’s full support. And if Acorella really made that potion, you can guess how it might be used.”

“Right! Remember the wizards who shower flowers at the New Year’s gala? If they used potions to make it rain, everyone would be helpless. Well, ‘helpless’ isn’t quite right—they’d be influenced.”

If used on the people, it would justify rebellion. The hidden Verosion bloodline would be restored, and who could object? Public opinion might even favor Ian’s rise over the current emperor.

“When the emperor changes, the era changes.”

Not just the officials below, but even the central nobles who had only tenuous power would feel the impact. The new emperor would govern based on those who supported him.

For some families, it would be an opportunity; for others, a crisis. Staying neutral might save their lives, but they’d have to endure a shifting tide.

“You’re all out of your minds. No matter what, he’s an illegitimate child from the borderlands. Do you really want him as emperor?”

“Honestly, Ian isn’t lacking in qualifications. Objectively speaking.”

“Enough with the reckless talk!”

Several upright men stormed out of the estate. But they were the minority. Most stayed, trying to gauge the situation.

When no consensus emerged, someone suggested:

“Why not invite Minister Ian here?”

“Here?”

To Charlotte’s estate? Everyone looked at him, reading his thoughts. It would attract less attention than all of them going to the hotel.

Since he had started this, Charlotte reluctantly agreed.

“I’ll send word. If Ian accepts the invitation, we’ll understand his intentions better. Agreed?”

The nobles tried to keep calm, lighting cigarettes. Perhaps sensing that this would usher in upheaval across the realm.

---

Knock, knock.

“Who is it?”

“Is Lord Romandro home?”

Romandro cautiously opened the door, which was secured with multiple locks. Seeing it was a delivery man, he opened it wide.

“Miss Melania sent this.”

“Oh, good. She’s made it inside the palace. Thank you.”

“And this, too.”

“Hm? What’s this?”

“They said it came from Captain Acorella.”

“Also from the palace?”

“Yes.”

Gasp. Something’s wrong. Why is a letter from Akorella coming from the royal palace? Romandro hurriedly took the letter, tore open the envelope, and the delivery boy, having done his job, quietly disappeared.

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

“I got a letter from the palace, but something feels off.”

“Why? What is it? You’re making me nervous.”

“Let me see…”

—Lord Romandro, I’m currently imprisoned in the royal palace’s underground dungeon. Don’t ask any questions—just write a petition and send it. Also, Ian said he’s delegating the next ministerial position to me. From this moment on, all decision-making authority lies with me, so keep that in mind. Go to Ian immediately. Tie him up tight and keep him under watch—who knows what he might do. I hope Ian wouldn’t dare harm you, Lord Romandro.

Ah, damn it. This is so frustrating. The guard watching me is right next to me, watching what I’m writing. So, I’m cutting this short. This is an order! Capture Ian and lock him up immediately.

Romandro nearly fainted as he read the letter. Viviana, who was reading alongside him, caught him and muttered softly.

“What is this nonsense? What’s going on in the palace?”

The more reports he received, the deeper his confusion grew. Trying to clear his head, Romandro shook it and staggered into the bedroom.

“Clothes… I need clothes.”

“Are you really going? Ian told you not to come.”

“The person in charge has changed. I need to confirm if this is true. But seriously, how on earth did Akorella end up in the dungeon? I’m losing my mind!”

While Viviana gathered his clothes, Vivi, who had noticed the commotion, peeked in cautiously. She hesitated before quietly asking,

“Dad.”

“Not now, honey. I’m busy.”

“Is this because of Ian Verosion?”

“Whoa! Vivi!”

Where did she hear that? Romandro and Viviana both jumped, grabbing their daughter’s shoulders in surprise.

Vivi glanced at the newspaper on the table and confessed in a small voice.

“Dad… actually, I knew Ian was Verosion.”

“…What?”

“It was written in my novel. I don’t know since when, though.”

Tearing up, Vivi handed Romandro a book.

“Dad, am I going to get arrested now? Sniff.”

Flustered but trying to play it cool, Romandro opened the book.

“What on earth is this…”

From start to finish, the book was filled with every detail about Ian. Romandro lost track of time as he flipped through the pages, standing there in stunned silence.