Episode 84

“First of all, the fact that it started with a drug party was already an advantage for Gale. Even if a slave is considered property, they’re still a person with thoughts and feelings. Since Gale sent him, there’s no way to know what kind of guy the slave really is.”

“But if we refuse, it would be like directly rejecting an apology from the palace. And more importantly, with manpower already reduced, it would only add more burden to the family.”

Is that all?

Not only did it effectively signal their opposition to drugs, but it also dealt a humiliating blow to the prince, who was left completely helpless. It was a sharp, reckless strike—no second thoughts, just a clean hit.

“If you’re uneasy about the prince’s gift, you could just sell the slave at the market and buy a new one.”

“The slave market isn’t open all the time in the capital. And as I said, it was a ‘gift’ directly from the prince—how could you possibly sell it? That would only give them a reason to come after you.”

Hearing Romandro’s explanation, Beric nodded, finally understanding a bit.

“So it was a move to check the nobles while asserting his own presence perfectly. Wesley, was it? The Minister of Magic.”

“That’s right. He’s got immense authority in magic circles. Nobody even knows his age. Other than his name, nothing much is known.”

When Ian goes up to the capital, he’ll definitely meet her. Ian is a magic user and destined to become a valuable asset to the Ministry of Magic. So naturally, Wesley will be his superior, and clashes between them are inevitable.

“Anyway, the more I think about it, the more impressive the move seems.”

“Honestly, His Highness Gale has a sharp temper and doesn’t get along with His Highness Marib, but if you look closely, he’s quite aggressive. I don’t understand why those two are so eager to get at each other.”

“It can’t be helped.”

The heir and the challenger threatening his position.

It’s a natural relationship. Even brothers born from the same mother would be expected to cross swords, let alone half-brothers with different mothers.

“You both know it, I’m sure. They each have qualities the other lacks. Maybe that’s why they sharpen their blades against each other even more.”

“And what kind of person is His Highness Marib?”

“Marib Highness…”

Romandro hesitated, searching for the right words. Marib was even more complicated and inscrutable than Gale.

As Romandro’s answer dragged on, Beric waved it off.

“Enough. No need to know everything. Better to prepare for the arrival of Count Merellof.”

“Right. Beric, since we’re talking about it, let’s get moving.”

“Ah, really! The doctor said I’m suffering from severe fatigue!”

“And he also said your wounds have healed remarkably well.”

Ian smiled and sent Beric out. Then, lost in thought about Gale’s incident, he asked quietly.

In the capital, there isn’t really a place officially called a slave market. When the slave caravans stay in the capital, it’s basically market day. Of course, secret deals happen, but mostly it’s about exchanging existing slaves.

“But about the slave caravans heading to the capital—do they pass through Merellof?”

“Hm? Well, they wander everywhere without much discrimination. They do pass through Merellof. If they come through the Kingdom of Hwan, that’s the only route.”

‘Makes sense. Lady Lien Merellof and that Clark fellow are both former slaves, so it’s natural for slave caravans to come and go through Merellof.’

Ian tapped his fingers on the table, lost in thought. Romandro glanced at him as usual, then carefully packed the gifts to send to his family.

---

Another day passed.

“When do you plan to go up to the capital?”

Hana poured warm tea and asked. It takes about two weeks by carriage from the border to the capital. Considering it’s winter, it’s about time to set a departure date.

That meant the year was winding down, with just over a month left.

“I don’t know yet. I should start preparing soon, though.”

“When you go, you’ll stay at Romandro’s place, right?”

“If the palace provides lodging, I’ll stay there. Otherwise, probably there. I’ll let you know when I go.”

Ian said this but felt a bit uneasy. Once he entered the palace, he was determined to rush straight to the Ministry of Magic’s annex without hesitation.

He planned to investigate Naum’s magical traces and find answers about this reincarnation. If he found a way to return to his original time, he wouldn’t hesitate to take it.

That meant leaving the Bratz territory would be his final farewell to these people. Ian bowed his head to the book, trying to hide the complicated thoughts swirling inside.

“The palace… just thinking about it makes my heart race. They say it’s the most beautiful palace in the world. The outdoor garden is covered by a glass dome, so when it snows, it feels like being inside a giant igloo.”

“Ah, yes. There is such a garden.”

“You know about it?”

“…No, I’ve just heard about it.”

Ian accidentally agreed, then realized his slip. Hana laughed and continued chatting.

“And there’s a room where it rains whenever it’s supposed to, and another where flowers bloom and the breeze blows all year round.”

“Romandro told you that, didn’t he?”

“Of course!”

Hana was probably talking about the Ministry of Magic’s place. Unlike ordinary rooms, many supernatural things happened there. Even the emperor, who was a mage himself, didn’t know every corner in detail.

“When will you return after you go?”

“Hmm, I don’t know.”

Ian smiled faintly. If Emperor Ian disappeared, would the original owner of the body—the illegitimate son Ian—return? He couldn’t guess, nor could he be sure.

Knock, knock.

“Come in.”

“Ian! There’s a visitor.”

At that moment, the door opened hurriedly with permission. Ian nodded calmly. There was only one place they could be headed.

“Is that Count Merellof?”

“Yes, sir. The count and his wife came together.”

“Good. Show them to the parlor. Call Romandro, too.”

Ian signaled, and Beric spat out the bay leaf he’d been chewing into the fireplace. He straightened his collar and checked the sword at his waist. Hana did the same, quickly adjusting Ian’s collar, buttons, and tie.

“Let’s go.”

“Right, let’s.”

“I-Ian, should we prepare anything else?”

“The tea should already be downstairs. Send someone to bring some light snacks from Gula.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Tap, tap.

With a swish, Ian drew the curtains and looked down. Behind the carriage that brought the Merellof count and countess, servants were waiting. For a sudden visit, the scale was large. They must be planning to finalize the deal ‘today.’

“Not bad.”

“What do you mean?”

“It means we’re halfway there.”

“What does that even mean?”

Beric tilted his head, but Ian had no intention of answering. As they went down to the parlor, servants lined the hallway, looking unsure of what to do.

“Sir Ian!”

“Romandro.”

Romandro, who came running at Hana’s call, looked like he had just woken up. He pressed down his messy hair and blinked.

“The Merellof count and countess have arrived?”

“Today’s the day we settle things.”

“Good. I’ll make sure to stir the pot properly.”

They exchanged determined looks. When the servant opened the door, they greeted the count and countess warmly.

“Count Merellof and lady, welcome! What brings you here without notice?”

“Ahem. I hope we’re not disturbing you during a busy time.”

“Not at all. What could be more important than your visit, count?”

Ian politely shook the count’s hand. The countess smiled brightly and extended her hand, which Ian kissed without hesitation.

“Sorry for the sudden visit. But the matter is urgent, and it seemed better to talk face to face. Especially since count, it’s been quite a while since you last visited Bratz.”

“I see. Please, have a seat.”

Ian led them to their seats. The count sat stiffly, trying to look confident. He was quite thin, but seemed to have gained some weight recently. Was it because of Gula?

“Did Gula eat it all by himself?”

“Shh! Beric!”

Beric whispered to Hana, who poked him in the ribs for the rude comment. The countess softened the mood, sensing the count’s hesitation.

“Gula was truly a delicacy.”

“You enjoyed it, then?”

“I’ve heard the locals here go crazy for it. Now I understand why—it tastes so different depending on how you eat it.”

The countess was very sly. There was no sign of any secret dealings between them.

“Count, did it suit your taste?”

“Yes, it wasn’t bad.”

Even if no thieves had come, they would have come anyway. Eating a little once or twice a day had finally led to unearthing the seeds they had buried.

“That’s a relief.”

Having roughly understood each other’s intentions, the rest was obvious.

Ian clasped his hands and leaned back. Compared to the stiff posture of the Merellof couple, he wanted to create a relaxed atmosphere.

“I assume your visit today is for the Gula deal. Am I correct?”

“That’s right, Sir Ian.”

As Countess Mereloff nodded in agreement, the Count lowered his voice and began.

“You did your calculations carefully, didn’t you?”

“What do you mean exactly?”

“The amount of gulla needed. After running the numbers, it’s clear we’ll need about a hundred bundles to manage both cultivation and daily use. So this will be a bulk purchase, but I was curious why the price is set as it is, so I came to ask in person.”

“Indeed, Lord Ian. This is technically our second transaction, and since it’s a large order, I agree the price should be lower. After all, isn’t that what good neighbors are for?”

Romandro cleared his throat, looking for an opening to interject, but it was no use. Ian gave him a subtle glance, signaling it was fine to hold back.

“The reason we can’t lower the price despite the bulk purchase,” Ian explained calmly, “is because gulla is a long-lasting ingredient. It’s not something we have to rush to sell before it spoils.”

“So you have plenty in stock, then.”

“Exactly. There’s no urgency to push sales. We simply store it until it’s needed.”

His measured tone left no room for negotiation—he was politely but firmly saying the price was non-negotiable.

Count Mereloff’s expression stiffened, while the Countess gave a slight nod, signaling her understanding.

“Furthermore, trading gulla with Mereloff means we’re giving up a portion of what we consume ourselves. It’s both a benefit and a loss.”

“A loss? You mean to say that these goods, which were gathered for free from the mountains and fields, have somehow turned into fifty gold coins, and now you call that a loss?”

“I’m sorry, but the goods gathered from the wild have already been consumed by our people. What we’re offering now are crops cultivated through their hard labor.”

Ian didn’t back down. The Count opened his mouth to respond, but Ian ignored him and continued.

“Did you know that gulla can grow in dry sand or underwater, but it dies if it’s exposed to snow?”

Judging by their expressions, they hadn’t known. Ian pointed with his finger to indicate the timing.

“The weather here can bring snow at any time. It’s obvious that snowfall limits the harvest. After this bulk sale, we’ll have to build greenhouses to make up for the shortfall, so we must charge accordingly. This is a decision made for the sake of our people, Count Mereloff—I trust you understand.”

When Ian had gone to procure crops for relief efforts, he hadn’t raised the price for these very reasons. He smiled faintly, acknowledging this was simply a reasonable middle ground dictated by the circumstances.

“So, I cannot agree to any deal below fifty gold coins. This is in keeping with the wishes of our people and, more broadly, the Emperor’s vision for rebuilding this land.”