Episode 848

The atmosphere in the grand hall was different from usual. The ministers, united by a desperate need to survive, had gathered without concern for outward appearances, huddling together to strategize.

They all knew that any conversation within the palace would inevitably reach the emperor through the Ministry of Magic, so there was no point in hiding anything.

“Are you certain?” one asked.

“Yes. The Ministry of Magic has received a body.”

“Thank you for your efforts. This is clear evidence.”

“And next…”

Quintana sighed as she watched them. She couldn’t understand why the officials had come to this. She had thought that, as key figures of the palace, they would at least maintain some dignity. But somewhere along the way, they had completely lost their way, tossing aside all decorum and behaving like this.

“His Majesty the Emperor is here!”

At the announcement from outside, the ministers rose en masse.

Accompanying the emperor was Minister Akorella of the Ministry of Magic. She showed no effort to hide her discomfort. Quintana bowed her head, thinking this meeting was going to be intense.

“Please, be seated.”

As everyone sat, a heavy silence fell. The emperor didn’t even offer a formal greeting. Rayven and his group exchanged cautious glances before speaking first.

“Your Majesty, I apologize, but I believe we need to revisit the matter I previously raised.”

“Revisit?”

“It concerns allegations that the Ministry of Magic showed undue favor to Ian Hielo during the investigation, providing unnecessary conveniences, and even schemed to obstruct his punishment.”

“Schemed? That’s quite an accusation.”

Akorella frowned deeply, clearly displeased. But Rayven handed over the documents he had prepared to Jin and Akorella and asked,

“There are testimonies that the Ministry found the boy’s body in the central hospital and prison. One of the places contacted said they had already handed the body over to the Ministry. What exactly were you planning to do with it?”

“To use it for experiments. It’s magical research. I doubt explaining it would make any difference. The Ministry handles mountains of materials; do we have to explain every single one? Especially to unrelated departments? The Ministry—”

Akorella bit back the urge to say, ‘Do you take me for a fool?’ Instead, she smiled tightly, clenching her teeth.

“Sounds like you think it’s dog food.”

“Minister Akorella! Control yourself!”

“That’s not all.”

Jin crossed his arms and examined the documents Rayven’s side presented. He had heard rumors, but seeing their desperate intensity made it clear how much was at stake.

“This is a newspaper circulating in the streets. The majority of the empire’s citizens doubt Ian Hielo’s treason.”

The central nobles controlled vast and diverse businesses, meaning many livelihoods depended on them. Whether the emperor changed or not didn’t matter much to them, but the sudden upheaval had caused real confusion.

“What kind of doubts?”

“They question the process and intent. This is damaging to Your Majesty’s reputation, so it would be wise to address it quickly.”

Bringing in some unheard-of newspaper… Jin exchanged a glance with Akorella, signaling each other.

“Indeed. If there’s something to correct, it should be done. Minister Rayven, since you’re speaking, continue. What exactly do you propose?”

Jin’s tone was tinged with irritation, and Rayven nodded eagerly.

“I suggest making the investigation into Ian Hielo public or proceeding swiftly with his execution. Also, minimize the Ministry’s involvement during the execution to prove there’s no illicit interference in front of everyone.”

“Hmm.”

Jin stroked his chin, pretending to ponder. The longer he delayed, the more the ministers clenched their fists in anticipation.

“Is that really necessary?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Ian Hielo’s crime is treason.”

Judging by his hesitation, Rayven’s guess was right. They bore no resentment toward Ian’s treason. They believed that once Ian was in custody, they could bide their time and perhaps make a comeback.

“Well, then.”

“Pardon?”

Jin accepted it reluctantly. The ministers, who had been sharpening their knives, were taken aback, but he continued calmly.

“As the ministers wish, so it shall be. Set a date for Ian Hielo’s execution. Since he has confessed and admitted everything, I see no need for a separate trial.”

What about the nobles involved?

“The investigation into the nobles will continue, but for now, we should focus on Ian Hielo. Calming the empire’s doubts is the priority.”

“Your Majesty, please restrict magic at the execution site.”

They wanted to prevent any magician from swapping Ian’s body with another. If that happened, Ian would have to be killed for real. Were they really willing to go through with this?

“Very well. It’s not a difficult order. Minister Akorella, did you hear that?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Ian Hielo is already shackled with a magic-sealing stone, so he cannot use magic. The Ministry’s involvement during the execution will be strictly prohibited, and the body will be displayed publicly.”

What was going on? How was this unfolding? Rayven stood there, stunned, while the other ministers whispered behind their hands.

“We should hurry. Ian Hielo doesn’t look well—probably due to the war’s aftermath and other factors.”

“…!”

That subtle remark snapped Rayven back to attention. An execution without a trial. And Ian Hielo’s health was failing?

‘They plan to say he died in prison!’

If they announced it that way, what could anyone do? The body was probably already prepared, and they’d just cast a spell to display it outside the palace.

Jin nodded as if satisfied. His calm gaze fixed on Rayven.

“Is that acceptable?”

“Minister Rayven.”

“Say something.”

“I never realized how much you all cared for Bariel and me. Without you, I don’t know what I’d do.”

Jin smiled, furrowing his brow slightly.

As Rayven jumped to his feet, Akorella asked,

“Where are you going? The meeting isn’t over.”

“I—!”

“Oh, are you going to check on Ian Hielo? There’s no need.”

Akorella placed a hand on the shoulder of the magicians standing behind her.

“My subordinates are monitoring him 24/7. If anything happens, we’ll contact you immediately.”

It was a warning: the moment Rayven or anyone else tried to approach or check on Ian, they’d be informed of his death. Ian would be secretly removed from the palace.

A perfect dead end. Jin and the Ministry’s blade had effectively passed over their necks.

“Minister Rayven! What are you doing?”

“Wait! Wait, Your Majesty!”

Rayven, who had been confident moments ago, was now silent. The ministers rushed forward, urging him on. Jin watched and declared evenly,

“…Everyone understands. Let’s expedite the execution. If you want, it can be done immediately.”

---

“Then we’ll cancel the portal to Astana.”

“We’ll prepare the body accordingly. Yes, just get ready.”

The magicians muttered as they took notes on what Akorella relayed. Their voices lacked energy. The time for Ian’s departure was truly near.

Romandro clapped his hands repeatedly, trying to lift the mood.

“Come on, everyone, let’s finish this properly. Ian’s destination isn’t far. Just a three-day carriage ride.”

The estate where Ian would stay was a rural domain west of Bariel. It wasn’t owned by anyone else, so there was no one to watch over him, and it was known as a peaceful countryside with few incidents.

Ian would live there disguised as a scion of a fallen noble family, enjoying a peaceful life—eating well, sleeping when he wanted, doing whatever he pleased. It would be far better than being locked in the palace’s underground prison. His health could even improve!

“We’ve found workers for Ian’s estate. Everything’s perfect. No problems.”

“Yes, if it’s for Ian, that’s best.”

“Exactly. The underground prison is too moldy…”

Akorella handed the magicians related documents and cautioned them.

“Be careful with the magic you cast on the body. Those schemers like Rayven are persistent. They’ll try any trick to prove it’s not Ian, so stay alert.”

“Yes, understood.”

“What about the carriage Ian will take?”

“It’s ready.”

“Just need to pack his things.”

Akorella muttered. Though, what would he really need to bring?

“Romandro, escort Ian out.”

“Got it.”

“The rest, follow me.”

The magicians followed Akorella out to the Ministry’s backyard, while Romandro hurried to the underground prison where Ian was held. It was a dark night. Only the guards’ torches lit the surroundings.

Tap tap tap!

“Ian, are you awake?”

Romandro called softly. Ian, who had been reading, turned his head. He knew the time had come and stood up.

“I’m awake, Romandro.”

“Well, that’s the thing.”

When Romandro hesitated, struggling to speak, Ian smiled reassuringly. The child, clutching only the book he had been reading, opened the prison door himself and stepped out. Just as Akorella had predicted, there was nothing to take along.

“Shall we go?” Ian asked.

“The carriage is ready,” Romandro replied.

“I see.”

“I didn’t want to send you off like this—”

Romandro bit his lip tightly, as if at a loss for words. Then, forcing a smile, he offered a weak excuse.

“Isn’t that how things are in the royal palace?”

“Of course. I understand better than anyone.”

“Ian, um…”

Ian slowly reached out his hand to Romandro. Tears streamed down Romandro’s face as he embraced Ian, their heads resting on each other’s shoulders.

“Thank you. If only someone like you were in my Bariel, it would be perfect.”

“I’m the one who should be grateful. Take care of your health. I’ll come to see you, so live happily and joyfully. I don’t know how you’ll take this, but Ian… you felt like a son to me.”

Ian smiled brightly. “Thank you. I felt the same way, which makes me all the more grateful.”

“I’m truly thankful we could part like this.”

“Sniff… I’m really going to miss you.”

“Please give my regards to your wife and Vivi.”

Ian tugged Romandro’s hand gently. “It’s time to go.” As expected, there was no sign of anyone else around. They climbed into the carriage and headed toward the Ministry of Magic. Ian took one last look at the palace, shrouded in darkness.

“Take care,” he thought.

And may we meet again in the future. I hope nothing changes, so that I can easily recall these memories.

As Ian pressed his forehead against the window, savoring his final moments at the palace, Romandro dabbed at his tears with a handkerchief.

“We’ll switch carriages at the back gate. The coachman won’t hear or say a word, so bear with it.”

“Understood.”

“The funds for your journey and the mansion are in the luggage compartment.”

Romandro explained the details of Ian’s journey, and Ian listened quietly.

Passing the Ministry of Magic, the palace’s rear gate came into view. The carriage Ian was to transfer to—

“Oh.”

Wizards stood around the small carriage. Beric, Varsabe, and Xiaoshi were there too, all dressed in their uniforms, waiting for Ian.

Among them, Jin looked toward Ian with a faint smile.

The carriage came to a halt.

One by one, starting with Jin, they raised their fists to their chests in the palace’s formal salute.

Under the quiet moonlight, Ian hesitated before opening the carriage door. He stepped down and faced them.

With a steady breath, Ian raised his fist to his chest.

In response, everyone bowed deeply, lowering their posture as if to say it was an honor to welcome Ian Verosion.