Chapter 842

“Hmm. No abnormalities on patrol.”

Late at night.

Groups of guards were patrolling various parts of the imperial palace. As one guard finished inspecting the area near the underground prison and was about to leave, a comrade pointed down the corridor and asked,

“Aren’t we checking inside?”

“There’s Ian Hiel in there.”

“So?”

“It’s dangerous to get close. He’s the ‘mage’ who led the rebellion. And he’s pretty clever—different from other mages, probably very cunning. Even though he’s wearing a sealing stone, the mages are on high alert. We just need to patrol up to this point.”

“Hmm. Still, maybe we should take a look…”

“The mages have it covered. Let’s go.”

Though it was their assigned area, the guards turned away. They had no idea that inside the dark, musty underground prison, there were fine tables, sofas, and even a bed.

Meanwhile—

“Ughh!”

Ian glanced at the mage sleeping in his bed. The mage had brought the bed for Ian’s comfort, but it seemed they were the ones making better use of it.

Rustle.

Ian sharpened his pen and reviewed the report Akorella had written. Having experience as a captain, the content wasn’t bad, but…

‘This is going to be a headache for a while.’

Ian smiled softly, imagining the scene in the minister’s office. Still, considering there was no handover, it was decent. Romandro would be nearby, too.

‘Just need to hand things over before I leave.’

Ian marked the report with his pen, correcting what was right and wrong.

At that moment, a long shadow stretched down the corridor. Since no guards were expected, Ian assumed it was a mage. But—

“Sir Ian.”

It was Jin.

He tilted his head, peering inside the barred cell. He seemed intrigued by how convincingly it was decorated. When Ian tried to wake the mage, Jin stopped him.

“Let him sleep. It’s everyone’s bedtime now. Anyone awake would be the odd one out.”

“Is that so.”

“Don’t you feel restless? How about a walk?”

“If someone sees us wandering outside, it could cause trouble.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve sent everyone nearby away. A stroll in the garden should be fine.”

Creak.

Jin opened the prison door himself. Though it was locked, it seemed to be for show—no key was needed.

Ian tidied up his documents and stood.

“You look tired.”

“Thanks to someone.”

“Beric is quite the troublemaker.”

Jin turned around, bewildered. ‘Someone’ must mean Beric, right? But Ian was the one who kept quiet and caused all the trouble.

Ian feigned ignorance, then let out a soft laugh.

“My apologies, Your Majesty.”

“…You’re worse than Beric.”

“Yes, I know.”

The garden was quiet. The sky was thick with stars, and the fresh green leaves hung limp as if in deep sleep. Ian closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the fresh breeze after a long time.

“It’s strange to say, Your Majesty, but lately, I feel freer than I ever have in my life.”

As a child, he was trapped in Crony’s mansion, and after entering the palace, he had mountains of responsibilities. Even since coming here, so much has happened.

Now, shedding it all and waiting for the end, he felt more at ease than ever. Honestly, he might even be a little happy.

Jin sat on a bench and replied,

“…I know you.”

Meaning, he understood who Ian was and the life he had lived.

“So there’s nothing strange about it. It’s understandable.”

“I’m glad you say that. It makes me feel my feelings aren’t in vain. If you ever feel burdened, Your Majesty, you should escape sometimes. It’s surprisingly nice.”

Only someone who understood the emperor’s loneliness and anguish could offer such comfort. Jin chuckled softly and shook his head.

“I’m not as burdened as you, Sir Ian.”

Jin would never face a rebellion, nor see a loyal subject die for him.

By divine arrangement, he wouldn’t wander borderlands across distant timelines, nor face a colossal enemy like the underground god after enduring countless hardships.

“Thanks to you, Sir Ian.”

Because Ian was there, every step he took was for Bariel’s sake—

Jin wouldn’t suffer as much, nor carry such a heavy burden. So he probably wouldn’t feel the urge to escape.

“Thank you.”

“No, Your Majesty. Your Bariel is my Bariel.”

“Gratitude is gratitude, but resentment is resentment. Isn’t that so?”

Jin frowned lightly and added, and Ian just smiled. Jin couldn’t bring himself to scold and muttered in a softened tone,

“Apologies are apologies.”

“No need for that. I’m the one who should apologize.”

A comfortable silence settled between them—not awkward or tense, but natural and easy.

“I received your gift well.”

Jin filled the silence.

“I’ve tightened the reins on the central nobles. This will strengthen the royal family, and you’ll be able to build the absolute authority you desire. We’re also preparing to establish a new cabinet.”

“Your Bariel has many capable people. Surely, the government will be run properly.”

“What should I give you?”

Jin looked at Ian and asked.

“You gave me a gift; I want to give you one in return.”

A cool breeze swept through, ruffling Ian’s hair. He tilted his head, enjoying the feeling.

“Your Majesty, just govern Bariel well. If you do, the Bariel I meet someday will shine even brighter. Isn’t that right? Both you and I live for that, after all.”

Jin nodded in agreement. Indeed, that was the only gift that would truly please Ian.

Another silence followed, this time a bit awkward. After a long pause, Jin asked,

“…Can’t I stay?”

Grow old here with me, spend a long time in this place, then return to your Bariel? It doesn’t have to be the capital—somewhere with good water and fresh air, living peacefully. We could meet whenever we have free time, share what’s happened, watch Bariel change together. Or…

Muttering as if upset, Jin trailed off. Ian frowned but smiled.

“I don’t think the gods would allow it.”

“Damn.”

“That’s blasphemy, Your Majesty.”

“If they’re listening, they’ll grant my wish. If not, then maybe it’s okay to grumble a little.”

Ian laughed at the joke, but Jin didn’t. He was serious.

“How much time do you think you have left?”

“Hard to say. Since I’m not using magic, my body isn’t strained.”

“There’s no need to use it anymore. Keep it sealed. Enjoy this peace while you can. You’ll miss it when you return to the future.”

The thought of missing this moment when returning to the future made Ian pause. Could that really happen? Would he remember these people then?

A sudden ache gripped his heart. These people remember him now, but in the future, he might not remember them.

But there was nothing to be done. Ian said nothing, only nodded quietly.

“One more thing.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“What about Eirin?”

“Oh.”

He’d almost forgotten. By now, she must have arrived at Clifford. Ian was about to tell Jin not to worry, but instead teased him.

“You’ll see her soon enough.”

A vague answer.

Ian’s little act of mischief—a small payback for the trouble caused by the mandatory magic sealing stone. Still, it was nice to see how much he cared for his lover, but that was one thing, and this was another.

Unaware of Ian’s thoughts, Jin let out a small sigh of relief.

“I was really worried, especially since Eirin disappeared.”

“Some things happened.”

“Yeah. I didn’t think Sir Ian would—”

Just as Jin seemed somewhat reassured, Ian stood up. He sensed someone approaching.

Since everyone nearby had been sent away by imperial order, it wouldn’t be a guard or servant.

Tap tap tap!

“Sir Iaaaan! Sniff! Sir Ian!”

One of the mages who had been sleeping woke up.

He was sobbing and running around the building. He’d woken up to find Ian gone! And no sign of anyone else, so it was natural to think something had happened.

“Looks like it’s time to go.”

“I’ll come back.”

“You have a heavy workload. Why bother?”

“To give you some fresh air.”

Ian hesitated for a moment, then thought something over. Jin and the magic department seemed to be doing their best to delay the execution.

Ian actually preferred that. Once he left the palace, he knew he’d never return.

But—

“It’s best to execute me before the nobles involved in the rebellion catch on.”

If word got out that they were protecting Ian, they’d immediately rebel and grow suspicious of the incident. They might even demand leniency for themselves, using the delay in Ian’s punishment as leverage. It was a warning: Ian must remain the traitor who deserved death above all else.

But Jin responded immediately.

“I’ll handle it myself.”

Then, staring quietly at Ian’s cheek, he murmured,

“You’re no longer a minister, are you?”

He suddenly remembered the time Beric had pulled on Ian’s cheek.

“So all the more reason to enjoy your freedom. Leave everything to us now.”

Was it really so painful to have no title or position? Ian smiled and nodded. Then, waving toward a passing mage in the distance, he called out.

“Ian-nim!”

The mage, who had been running straight ahead with tears streaming down his face, suddenly noticed Ian’s signal and stopped.

“Ian-nim!”

Seeing Jin, the mage was startled and sniffled loudly.

After a brief greeting to Jin, Ian casually approached the mage.

“Why are you crying like that?”

“W-well, the door was open, but you weren’t there. I thought you had gone somewhere.”

“Where would I go?”

“That’s just a habit—saying things you don’t really mean.”

“I’m serious. You’re the ones who decide where I stay.”

“Next time, at least leave a note.”

“Sorry about that. I didn’t have any decent paper. And I couldn’t just scribble on Akorella’s report.”

“Just write on it! It’s nonsense anyway. Might as well rewrite it properly. Why be so stingy?”

The mage chattered on, scolding as he followed Ian’s steps.

Jin watched them head back into the prison before stepping outside. Far off, he spotted Xiaoshi waiting for him.

“You’re here.”

“You should go next time. You didn’t look well enough for back-to-back night walks.”

Ian insisted he was fine, but Jin wasn’t convinced. His pale complexion, the strangely weak smile and gestures—it all told a different story.

Xiaoshi bowed slightly. Having just stopped by the Magic Department to drink Akorella’s potion, Xiaoshi must have had a lot on his mind as well.

“Let’s return.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

If Ian was to rest without worry, Jin knew he had to show a strong, reliable front.

Leaning his chin against the carriage window, Jin gazed at the approaching main palace building. The night sky sparkled unusually bright with starlight.