Chapter 834

“Bibi…”

Romandro closed the book and muttered with a deeply serious expression.

The book Bibi had written detailed Ian’s movements from his time in Bratz up until recently. Most of it was information Romandro already knew. Of course—it was all stories he had told her.

But what was this? Ian Verosion? And from the future, no less—the Emperor from the future?

“I don’t know, Dad. I really didn’t write this. Please believe me.”

“Wait a moment, Bibi.”

Though he sensed her frustration, the handwriting was undeniably hers. And astonishingly, the content was consistent. It wasn’t just a child’s fantasy; much of it was grounded in reality, and the explanations about Ian made sense.

Romandro stood there for a long while, lost in thought, until Vivianna cautiously called out to him.

“Honey?”

“Vivianna, I think there’s something I don’t know. There’s a truth out there I haven’t realized yet. After all, the world keeps calling him Ian Verosion.”

The rumors from Toorun and even Rutherford were unreliable, but Bibi was not. His daughter had never been to war, nor had she ever set foot in the palace. Yet even she had written Ian as Verosion…

Something was definitely going on.

“Bibi, can I take this with me?”

“Huh?”

“I’ll make sure it’s returned safely.”

A father’s promise to protect the carefully written novel from being lost. Bibi’s eyes welled with tears as she replied,

“It’s okay. You’re more important than this.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m sorry… I don’t know why I wrote this—”

“It’s alright, Bibi. This might actually be a clue.”

Romandro gently stroked her hair and gathered his coat. Vivianna asked worriedly,

“Are you going to the palace?”

“No.”

The title ‘Ian Verosion’ was still taboo within the palace. If he took the book there, instead of investigating the truth, they’d likely punish him to make a firm statement. That would put Bibi in danger.

Still, Romandro gripped the book tightly and left the mansion.

“First, I must carry out the new minister’s orders. I’ll go ask Ian myself.”

What on earth was going on? Ian had been said to be unwell—was it related? If he truly came from the future, wouldn’t that mean he’d eventually return?

Inside the carriage, Romandro pulled out his notebook and tried to piece things together.

‘Think, think. Let’s assume Ian really is the Emperor Verosion from the future…’

So far, so good.

That would explain all the suspicions: his occasional mutterings as if he knew the future, his immunity to mind-control magic, his knowledge of secret palace passages, and why so many called him Verosion.

‘Then why is Ian acting like this?’

Suddenly, a lightning bolt flashed through Romandro’s mind.

‘…He’s trying to erase everything.’

Ian was trying to wipe out every trace he had left here.

And the surest way to erase any trace in this world was—

“Go to Ian immediately. Tie him up tight and keep watch. We don’t know what he might do. Hopefully, he won’t harm you, Romandro.”

“Aah!”

Treason.

The name of a traitor was completely erased from history, never to be spoken again. Ian was trying to exploit that.

He also intended to weed out any dissidents who might one day rebel against the Emperor.

“Damn it!”

Romandro pounded his forehead repeatedly, urging the coachman.

“Faster! Hurry up! I said faster!”

“Yes, sir.”

Acorella seemed to fully understand Ian’s intentions. That meant she, too, knew Ian was the Emperor from the future. The letter’s ending had made it clear.

Romandro gripped his trembling heart as he spotted the hotel building in the distance.

Before the carriage even stopped, he jumped out and rushed into the hotel lobby. The manager approached, startled.

“What’s the matter?”

“I—I came to see Ian! Minister Ian!”

“Oh, Minister Ian? I’m sorry, but he’s not here right now.”

“What? Then where?”

“Just a moment. He left earlier in a carriage. The coachman should know where he went. Oh, here he comes. Hey, Hardin!”

“Yes?”

The coachman, carrying luggage, turned and nodded reflexively.

“You took Minister Ian out earlier, right?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Where did you take him?”

Romandro nervously fidgeted with his fingers. Hopefully, it was just a casual outing.

“To the Count of Charlotte’s estate.”

“…!”

“He said he’d return on his own.”

Romandro staggered, clutching his head. Contact with the nobility in times like these was obviously suspicious. Waving his hand, he climbed back into the carriage.

“To Charlotte’s estate! To Charlotte’s estate!”

Would it be alright to go without permission? The coachman sniffled in confusion but cracked his whip sharply.

The horses pawed the ground and galloped forward. The manager checked his watch and instructed a staff member.

“Listen.”

“Yes, sir.”

“If Minister Ian doesn’t return by tomorrow, check him out. Charge the Magic Department for the bill.”

“Yes, sir.”

A storm was brewing. The manager muttered as he firmly closed the hotel doors.

---

“Welcome, Minister Ian.”

Charlotte herself came out to greet Ian. Behind her stood young nobles of similar age, all looking a bit surprised that Ian had actually come.

Ian entered with a polite smile.

“I didn’t expect to see you all so soon.”

“Yes, indeed. If we’d known, we would have brought you here from the start.”

“It’s comforting to see familiar faces.”

Ian scanned each person’s face as if determined not to forget a single one.

Was it just my imagination? They smiled awkwardly and greeted him.

“Please, this way.”

“Though we’ve met before, allow me to properly introduce myself. This is our first formal conversation. I am Reihah, second son of the Baiega family.”

“Pleased to meet you, Minister Ian. I have always respected you.”

“I am Paar, third son of Desido.”

“Ah, the Count Desido’s son?”

“Yes.”

Ian shook hands with each of them, imprinting their names in his mind. Most were second or third sons, or youngest children—those sidelined in the family succession, desperate for opportunity.

Ian sat among them, crossing his legs.

“Thank you for inviting me to such a distinguished gathering. As you know, my position in the empire is precarious, so I appreciate you not turning your backs on me.”

“The Emperor has made a grave mistake. To cast aside such a loyal and capable minister is unforgivable.”

“Indeed. It’s proof that the palace’s schemers are clouding His Majesty’s judgment.”

Ian frowned, muttering softly, clearly troubled.

The nobles exchanged glances before cautiously speaking.

“Have you heard?”

“Heard what?”

“That Captain Acorella has been imprisoned in the underground dungeon…”

Ian froze, hand hovering over his teacup. He knew she was in the palace, but the dungeon? That was unexpected. Had she been caught? Acorella… if she was going to hide, she should have stayed hidden.

Meanwhile—

‘Do they know that Acorella shouted “Ian Verosion” before the Emperor? If they do, this must be Ian’s doing. The perfect seed of treason.’

The nobles were caught in a maze. They asked to gauge Ian’s true intentions.

But Ian didn’t know the full story. He assumed she was imprisoned underground simply for defying the Emperor’s orders and hiding in the Magic Department.

Ian smiled faintly and nodded.

“Yes, I know. I didn’t expect her to be sent to the dungeon, but yes.”

The nobles exchanged quiet gasps and glanced at each other. The ship was ready to set sail; now it was just a matter of deciding whether to board.

“The Emperor refuses to listen to me now, so I ask for your help.”

“Of course, Minister. You are the Empire’s Magic Department head; we must support you.”

“Thank you. I have a good memory—I never forget a favor.”

Ian paused, considering whether to use these naive young nobles as stepping stones to reach the family heads.

But he quickly dismissed the idea.

If their children were implicated in treason, the family heads would become vulnerable to the Emperor’s control. He couldn’t overthrow all the central nobility, but gaining influence over the family heads would be a significant success.

“How can you help me?”

It was a cautious question. If reinforcements were needed, some time would be required to prepare. Nobles were limited in the number of mercenaries they could keep, so the only option was to use secret funds to hire outside soldiers. But since this involved a rebellion, it was uncertain whether they could even find reliable help…

“Just lend me your name,” Ian said, waving his hand as if to dismiss the complicated thoughts.

What he wanted was to weed out troublemakers and strengthen the emperor’s authority. He had no intention of dragging innocent citizens into a bloody conflict.

“Would it mean anything if a crowd just showed up?”

Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic for the Empire, was already there. What use was extra manpower? He only wanted them to show that they stood with him—no need for a mass gathering. In other words, it was a pretty cheap fare.

“I’ll choose the right moment to act. For now, just be willing to share my cause. Persuade the clan heads, or if that’s impossible, simply keep them from lending support to the palace. That alone will be enough.”

“C-cough,” the nobles coughed nervously.

With that, they had truly stepped into the fray. Though tense, there was an unmistakable excitement in the air as they cleared their throats repeatedly.

“Th-then—”

They needed to discuss the details. When would the uprising begin? Just as Ian was about to ask, a butler approached, announcing his presence.

Knock, knock.

“Pardon the interruption.”

“What is it?”

“A guest has arrived for Minister Ian.”

“What?”

The nobles glanced at Ian, but he seemed unaware of who it could be. The butler subtly looked out the window, prompting Ian to rise.

Swish.

Drawing back the curtain, Ian saw Romandro lingering by the main gate. He was shaking the iron bars and shouting.

“Ian! Iaaaan! It’s me, Romandro!”

The nobles exchanged glances, silently urging Ian to explain what was going on.

Ian fell silent for a moment, then closed the curtain again.

“He’s not my guest. I have no business with him. Please send him away.”

“…Understood.”

The ship had already set sail. Only a perilous journey lay ahead, and if Ian met Romandro now, it would put him in danger. Ian muttered a quiet apology to himself before turning back to the nobles, his gaze colder and more unfamiliar than ever before.

“Well then, shall we continue our discussion?”

“Y-yes, let’s.”

Creaaak.

The butler closed the reception room door and headed to the front gate. Outside, Romandro, tears and snot streaking his face, pressed it against the iron bars and asked the butler.

“What did he say? Did he want to see me right away?”

“I’m sorry, but he said you’re not a guest.”

“What?! I’m Romandro!”

“Yes, I know. But since he won’t allow it, you can’t come in. Please stop causing a scene and leave.”

“No!”

“If you don’t, I’ll have to call the guards.”

“Wait!”

Romandro reached out, but the butler left, leaving only those words behind.

This was bad. Romandro sensed that a massive boulder had already started rolling down the hill.

“Ian…”

He pressed his forehead against the bars and sobbed, then suddenly snapped upright. His eyes burned brighter than ever.

“Ian!”

If you’re going to act like that, I have my own plans! Wiping his tears on the back of his hand, Romandro climbed back into the carriage. The exhausted coachman asked where to go.

“Take me to the wizard’s mansion.”

“No?”

“Not the estate.”

“The wizard’s mansion?”

“Yes! Let’s go! It’ll take some time to circle around!”

Romandro pointed straight ahead and shouted.

The coachman muttered under his breath that there was no chance of leaving work early today.