Chapter 835

“Lord Ian?”

Without realizing it, Ian’s gaze had drifted out the window, replaying over and over the fact that Romandro had come all this way.

But only for a moment. He turned back with a smile when the nobles called him, then shook his head as if to say, “Don’t worry about it.”

“Why would Advisor Romandro come all the way here?”

“Hmm. I’m not sure.”

Ian was just as curious. He was certain he hadn’t given any orders before leaving the palace—he had explicitly said not to come unless he summoned them.

Romandro wasn’t the type to disobey orders lightly. So that must mean—

‘The person in command has changed.’

Ian’s previous orders were null and void. In other words, the letter sent to Akorella had reached her properly. Though she was said to be imprisoned in the underground dungeon, it seemed the president of Mailidaily had quite the skill.

‘If Akorella is now acting as Minister of Magic, that means she’s got connections inside the palace. Good. This way, the Ministry of Magic won’t suffer because of my actions.’

“Ian Minister, may I ask—”

“Yes, go ahead.”

Ian responded as if he had been listening all along.

“Do you have a specific plan in mind? Will the Ministry of Magic be involved in this as well…?”

Since it was Ian, they knew well enough that no troops were needed for the uprising. With his magic alone, he could level the palace or take thousands of lives with a mere gesture. What could possibly stand in his way?

Of course, this was only because the nobles didn’t realize they currently lacked even the power to cast a simple spell on Ian. It made sense—they saw the calm, composed figure before them.

The rumors about his health were dismissed as mere hysteria caused by the war’s aftermath. Ian himself, the very center of the uprising, had denied any such issues, leaving no room for doubt.

So this question came from curiosity, not suspicion. What exactly was Ian’s plan?

Ian answered simply.

“The Ministry of Magic will not participate in the uprising.”

“What? Aren’t they your loyal followers? Is there some other reason…?”

“Everyone has their own circumstances. It’s true they followed me, but during this uprising, the Ministry will remain on standby at their homes. I gave that order before leaving the palace, so that’s how it will be.”

“I see.”

Whether the Ministry joined or not didn’t really matter. Ian was the Ministry of Magic. What startled the nobles was Ian’s unwavering resolve.

‘He’s been planning this since before he left the palace. Or maybe even earlier.’

The nobles tensed slightly at Ian’s demeanor. None of them had expected this before meeting him here.

Is that why they say you can never truly know a person’s heart? Who would have guessed that the emperor’s closest confidant—the most loyal of all—would rise up in rebellion? Maybe not even the gods knew. That’s why this uprising was even possible.

But as they tried to sort through their complicated thoughts, they missed Ian’s phrase: “It’s true they followed me.”

Ian caught it again.

“Even if the Ministry finds out about this, they won’t move easily. We know each other too well.”

Because they understood just how strong Ian was, and what kind of man he was, they could pretend not to see it—or even cooperate.

But whatever happened, it wouldn’t interfere with the uprising, Ian assured the nobles.

“If possible, I intend to finish this without harming the people. It will be hard for them to accept the reality of the last Verosion. For the sake of public sentiment, we must end this as quietly and swiftly as possible.”

The last Verosion.

The nobles felt a chill run down their spines at that phrase. They could feel with their whole bodies what they were about to do.

“Your roles are simple. Just enter the palace with me and face His Majesty. Then support the legitimacy of my claim.”

“Is that enough? The palace is guarded by the royal guards.”

“That’s fine. I know Beric, the only current captain of the royal guard, very well. I can subdue him easily.”

Ian smiled faintly as he said this. The nobles’ smiles stiffened at his cold expression, but Ian’s mind was elsewhere. If Beric had heard those words to his face, he would have argued desperately. He wouldn’t lose easily, even if he couldn’t win.

‘What is Beric doing right now?’

Probably busy guarding His Majesty in the palace. Hopefully he’s eating well.

“What about the date…?”

Ian checked his watch. It was nearly midnight. Most people had gathered, the palace was in chaos, and Ian himself was exhausted. He just wanted to finish this quickly. No need to drag it out.

“Tomorrow would be a good day to enter the palace.”

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes. Is there a problem?”

Ian raised an eyebrow.

Though this meeting was arranged under Ian’s will and Charlotte’s leadership, those gathered still didn’t fully trust him.

They also knew well that if Ian truly intended rebellion, he wouldn’t rush things like this.

But—

“Very well.”

“Then let’s draw our swords at once. Since we’re all here, let’s do it.”

“I trust only the minister.”

The nobles agreed unanimously.

They hadn’t even realized how swept away they were by Ian’s relentless moves. Convincing themselves that swift action was the best way to prevent leaks, they spoke in unison.

“What do you think?”

Ian turned his head toward Charlotte. The atmosphere was charged. After some thought, Charlotte nodded.

“No problem. We don’t need anything immediately, and no one will stop Minister Ian from entering the palace. All we have to do is show our resolve. Why hesitate? If we wait, the palace might come up with new schemes to suppress Lord Ian.”

For Ian, the most important thing was public sentiment. Now, as a war hero with a soaring reputation, it was best to act before the palace could interfere.

Ian nodded slightly in agreement.

“My thoughts exactly, Lady Charlotte.”

He meant it sincerely.

Ian had tried to keep his guard up, wary of these people as a would-be traitor. Who knew if another betrayer might emerge among them if they delayed? If anyone reported to the palace, things would get complicated.

‘Well, even if they do, it doesn’t matter. But since I’ve raised the flag, I have to wave it. So everyone in the empire can see.’

Maybe smashing a palace building would be enough. Given my current condition, that might be the best I can do.

If I use up all my magic, I might not be able to stand again. Then I’ll just close my eyes and go to the future. Probably.

‘If not, I’ll go see Naum.’

Ian found this experience somewhat refreshing. He’d faced rebellion as the emperor before, but this was the first time he’d started one himself. Probably the first and last time in his life.

By now, he could almost understand the traitors’ mindset.

‘They’re tough. They constantly worry about whether a betrayer will emerge among their conspirators, risking everything. It takes a strong will. That means there’s something binding them together.’

Ian suddenly thought of Crony. Looking at how he controlled the Imperial Defense Department and the Ministry of Magic, it made sense. Without perfect alignment of interests, rebellion can’t happen.

‘If I ever face that situation again…’

If I return to the future and face rebellion again, I won’t be so easily defeated.

“Ah.”

Ian suddenly realized something. His memories? Even if he goes to the future, will he remember what happened here?

“…”

Just as his traces here were erased, his memories in the future might be wiped too.

“Is something wrong, Minister Ian?”

“…Nothing.”

He had been arrogant. He assumed he would remember them all, but that was a great arrogance.

‘Maybe because only I knew. The fragments of Ian Verosion from the war.’

He remembered, but everyone else had forgotten. Because of this gap in memory, he had made a wrong judgment. Even the things he alone remembered would someday be erased, and he didn’t realize it.

Ian composed himself and addressed everyone.

“We will enter the palace at 4 a.m., when the day begins. The ministers won’t be there then, so if I plead with His Majesty, I should be able to meet him alone. Please be punctual.”

“Understood, Minister Ian.”

“I’ve made my decision. If anyone’s heart wavers out of fear, don’t try to stop me. Better to stay home like the other mages, blocking your eyes and ears.”

If anyone tried to block him, he would shatter them to pieces. The nobles nodded at Ian’s grim warning.

The tide of victory was clear without even looking. The current emperor had no way to win against Ian—the war hero, Gaia’s protector, and a powerful mage.

“Rest assured, Minister Ian. We will stand with you.”

“Yes, it’s the rightful course of history.”

“The emperor’s lack of virtue is his downfall.”

They raised their glasses, pledging to stand with Ian.

“To a new beginning in history.”

“To that.”

Ian raised his glass in return, and everyone drank together.

Ian flicked his tongue, tasting the bitterness. The chocolate cake he had at the hotel would have been perfect with this.

‘If I wake up again after using my magic, I’ll have to ask for that.’

He had been sick for days after just sparking a flame. If he went on a rampage destroying a palace building, he knew exactly what would happen.

Ian clenched and unclenched his fist lightly.

“I hope it doesn’t hurt too much.”

If only the pain would just stop and my breath would fade away instantly.

It’s a shame I won’t even be able to say a final goodbye to those I hold dear… but no matter who I am, I refuse to end my life as Hiel on the guillotine.

---

The sky was still dim at four in the morning.

As the low bell tolled, the palace attendants hurried into motion. Officially, the day’s work at the imperial palace was beginning. For those who had stayed up all night with too much to do, it hardly mattered.

Clatter, clatter!

At the palace’s main gate, guards raised their spears and signaled the approaching carriages to halt. What could be happening so early? Lately, things had been so chaotic and noisy that everyone assumed another department must be in trouble.

“Oh? Minister Ian?”

But when they recognized the visitor as the Minister of Magic, the guards exchanged puzzled looks and turned away. Behind him, a line of unfamiliar carriages waited—each belonging to the central nobility.

“They’ve come to see His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Ah, yes, yes. We’ll open the gates for them.”

Since their identities and purpose were clear, there was no need for further questions. Two guards pushed open the gates, and the carriages slowly rolled inside.

Clatter, clatter!

Screeeech!

Unlike the nobles, who were tense and hunched over, Ian’s expression was remarkably calm. A faint trace of regret lingered in his eyes, as if acknowledging that this was truly the end. Everything was unfolding exactly as planned, just as he had intended.

“We’ve arrived, Minister Ian.”

“Thank you for your efforts.”

Ian stepped down first and climbed the palace steps, followed by dozens of nobles.

Reaching the central hall of the main palace, Ian walked with familiar ease toward the emperor’s chambers. The courtyard was silent except for the hurried footsteps echoing around him.

“…?”

Suddenly, as Ian rounded a corner, he glanced around. The nobles noticed his reaction and looked at him with puzzled eyes.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, nothing.”

Something felt off. Ian strained to detect what was different from usual—and then he realized.

‘The guards…’

They weren’t watching him. Not a single one. It was as if they had been given explicit orders beforehand.

Just as Ian registered this, he hesitated.

Bang!

Bang!

“Gah!”

“W-What is this—!”

Doors all around burst open, and armed soldiers stormed in, surrounding Ian and the nobles. The spear tips, tipped with magic-sealing stones, gleamed sharply in the light.

“Sir Ian!”

A thunderous shout rang out.

Ian turned to see who had called his name. It was Jin Verosion—the Emperor. He seemed to have forgotten to put on his full regalia; his trembling hands caused the white shirring of his robe to trail behind him. Ian’s eyes widened.

“Sir Ian!”

Jin called his name again and again, his voice strong and commanding, but his face was twisted with anguish. Following him came Romandro, Akorella, and the other magicians…

Ian thought once more: Ah, something is definitely wrong.