Chapter 849

“The departure from the palace is so grand—I truly feel blessed. Why didn’t I realize this before?”

Ian lowered his hand and smiled, and the mages stepped forward to embrace him.

Cradled in their arms, Ian gazed up at the night sky. The green glow reflected on the moon shimmered beautifully.

“Lord Ian, I will definitely see you again.”

“Travel safely.”

“Thank you, Lord Ian. Just your very existence has been a blessing.”

Ian nodded at their whispered words. Yes, someday we will meet again. Our bond transcends time itself; nothing can sever it easily.

Hale, Nakina, and Tomi also bid Ian farewell.

“Hale, take good care of Akorella with Lord Romandro. Palace life will be quite enjoyable.”

“Just thinking about it excites me. I’ll do my best for your future, Lord Ian.”

“Nakina, Tomi, take care of your health.”

“That’s what I should say. You’re in your prime—enjoy it.”

“Lord Ian, I, I, I—”

Tomi stammered, trying to hold back tears, but Akorella pushed his face away and cut in.

“Just in case, I packed some magic amplifiers. Carry them like emergency medicine. Be careful—they’re fragile and can break if the carriage jolts.”

“Thank you.”

Ian accepted the medicine from Akorella and tucked it into his inner pocket. Then he glanced at Xiaoshi and Barsabe. Xiaoshi frowned, clearly reluctant.

“…Lord Ian.”

“Worried you won’t see the wedding?”

“I’ll never forget it. It’s a major milestone in my life.”

“Bear fruit for me. If you do, I’ll want nothing more. Please send my regards to Lady Chloe. Live happily.”

Barsabe bowed again, showing her respect. Ian gently tapped her shoulder and whispered,

“Take good care of Beric.”

For Beric, who was reckless by nature, Barsabe’s support was crucial to fulfilling his role as captain of the royal guard. Barsabe gave a determined look and assured him not to worry.

“Lord Ian.”

“Your Majesty.”

Ian turned to Jin. The two exchanged a silent look, then simultaneously reached out and embraced.

Two hearts beating as one. No words were needed now. Ian said his farewell to Jin.

“May Bariel prosper.”

“I promise, for your sake.”

“Thank you truly for everything.”

“Lord Ian, the feeling is mutual.”

The day his face was torn by Marib’s sword, the day his mother Dilaina turned her back on him, the day he entered the main palace alone to attend the council… and countless other moments throughout his life—he was sincerely grateful for the hands that had held his.

“I won’t forget anymore.”

Even if someday you forget us, we will remind you. Of how magnificent and beautiful Bariel was, the place you once called home.

“Ian, you’re going to be late.”

Beric opened the carriage door and urged him. Ian turned around. Beric helped steady him as he climbed in, then checked the luggage one last time.

Ian called Beric for a final word.

“Beric.”

“No need.”

But Beric refused outright, then added casually,

“We’ll meet again, right?”

“…I suppose so?”

“Yeah.”

His expression held no doubt—he truly believed it.

Ian leaned against the window and smiled. Beric furrowed his brow, as if to say, “You’re serious?”

“Barsabe will escort you beyond the city limits. There’s a mercenary group heading west. They’re trustworthy—travel with them. They’ll help you settle once you reach the village.”

“Understood.”

“Contact them when you arrive.”

“Will do.”

Beric’s eyes snapped wide open, and Ian laughed heartily.

The carriage began to move slowly. The time to part had truly come. Ian looked around and spoke his final words.

“I’m leaving now. Farewell, everyone.”

Romandro and the mages followed the carriage, waving their hands. In the quiet night, they whispered his name over and over, holding back tears.

“Ian, Ian!”

“Lord Ian!”

Ian poked his head out to greet them. The night breeze tousled his hair—just like the first time he entered the capital.

Jin, who had watched over him until the end, quietly gave an order.

“Barsabe.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’ll return safely.”

She mounted her horse and followed behind the carriage. The palace’s back gate was discreetly opened. The guards turned their backs, ears and eyes closed, unaware of who was leaving. They only grumbled quietly about the strange orders they’d received.

Clatter, clatter!

Whinny!

The carriage thundered down the main road. The capital was completely asleep—no passersby, no lit buildings.

Ian leaned against the window frame, watching the passing scenery. When he first arrived, it had been broad daylight. Now, it was night. Back then, Beric and Romandro had been with him. Now, he was alone.

“…Ah.”

Was he really alone? Ian shifted his gaze, scanning his surroundings. He thought he heard the faint sound of hooves following. The coachman was deaf, so he probably hadn’t noticed.

Then, what about Barsabe?

“She’s too far to see.”

The distance and darkness made it hard to read her expression. But if Ian could sense her presence, she surely felt his as well.

Ian leaned back on the carriage seat and sighed. Who could they be? Probably nobles from the capital? Or ministers on the verge of dismissal?

Clatter, clatter!

The carriage rolled over the uneven cobblestones, jolting sharply. Ian pondered for a moment.

“How many are there?”

It wasn’t just worry over Barsabe being alone. Even if hundreds came, could they truly stand against a single magic swordsman?

The problem was knowing the exact number—only then could he ensure none slipped through. If word got out that he had secretly left the palace, it would be disastrous.

Ian glanced back again. Barsabe maintained her distance, showing no reaction.

“She plans to deal with them after we leave the city.”

Causing trouble inside the capital would complicate cleanup. If guards and citizens gathered, his identity would be exposed on the enemy’s terms.

On the other hand, the enemy would try to strike before they left the city. Ian gripped his dagger tightly and pressed close to the carriage, bracing for the jostling.

Screeeech!

Suddenly, the carriage accelerated sharply, as if on command. Probably a prearranged signal between Barsabe and the coachman.

The carriage passed through the city gates and entered a forest path. Barsabe, who had been keeping her distance, quickened her pace and approached Ian.

“There are pursuers.”

“I know. Can you estimate their numbers?”

Rustle! Rustle!

Sounds came continuously from the bushes. Barsabe frowned, unable to tell for sure.

“Roughly ten to thirty, I’d say.”

“That’s a wide margin.”

“They must have been lying in wait outside the city as well. I don’t sense any magic, but their movements are swift—likely skilled mercenaries.”

“Where do we meet the next escort?”

“At the western valley, where the river splits. We need to ride for about two more hours. The code phrase is ‘Black Lion.’”

Then—

Pew!

An arrow flew from somewhere.

Barsabe caught it lightly and snapped the shaft in two. She tossed it behind her and gripped her sword.

“Lord Ian, close the window and brace for the jostling.”

“Minimize magic use. We can’t give any clue that the royal guard is escorting the carriage.”

“Understood. I’ll do my best.”

One by one, the pursuers emerged from the bushes. Burly men wielding axes and swords pulled their reins, their heavy horses moving swiftly toward the carriage.

“Hey, stop right there!”

“We want a look at the royal’s face!”

Whizz!

Thwack! Thwack!

More arrows flew. Barsabe responded with sword swings, slowing to move behind the carriage. Then she threw daggers at those who appeared on either side.

Thud! Thud!

Fwoosh!

The daggers pierced the pursuers’ necks and backs. They staggered and fell, disappearing into the darkness—but only briefly—

“We knew you’d come!”

More pursuers poured in behind them.

Ian hastily pulled his robe over his face to hide his identity.

Crash!

One of them smashed the carriage window with a hammer, forcing Ian to lift his head.

“Now’s the time!”

One pursuer leapt from his horse, trying to climb inside. Ian stabbed his shoulder with a dagger.

Shing!

“Argh!”

“Get close to the window! Grab him!”

“We only need the body!”

As the pursuers swarmed, Barsabe reluctantly unleashed her magic. In the darkness, her golden eyes flashed, illuminating the area. The pursuers shouted in alarm.

“A magic swordsman! Definitely royal guard!”

“Proof! We need proof! Tear off a piece of their cloak!”

“If you can do it—!”

“You have to! Just think about how much money’s at stake!”

Barsabe jumped off her horse and charged straight into the fray. It was actually easier to move that way—faster and more powerful.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Like the wind, she weaved through the pursuers, swinging her sword. There were quite a few of them, but this was nothing she couldn’t handle…

“Hey!”

Suddenly, her eyes caught sight of a rope strung across the path ahead—a trap set to overturn the carriage.

Barsabe shouted a warning immediately, but the coachman was too busy fending off attackers rushing from the side to notice.

“Straight ahead! Damn it!”

Panicked, the coachman struggled, and seeing this, Barsabe condensed her magic into her foot and struck the rope, cutting it with a sharp burst.

Shraaak!

“It’s coming!”

“…!”

“Stop the carriage! Use your body to block it, whatever it takes!”

Hiiiiiing!

But just then, a new group of pursuers hiding near the rope appeared in force, blocking her path.

In that split second, Barsabe hesitated. The coachman yanked the reins in surprise, and the already spooked horse bolted off the path, tumbling wildly.

Kraaaang!

Bang! Crash! Clatter!

“Ian!”

The carriage flipped over after rolling a couple of times. Barsabe, shocked, tried to rush to Ian’s side—but someone stepped in her way.

“Did you just say Ian?”

“…Minister Rayburn?”

Rayburn’s haggard face was twisted into a cruel sneer as he panted heavily. When he finally noticed Barsabe’s bloodied sword, his body trembled, but he shouted as if unfazed.

“Barsabe of the Imperial Palace Guard! What on earth are you doing here?”

“That’s what I should be asking you.”

Sssrk.

At that moment, Barsabe made up her mind—no matter who he was, Rayburn had to die.

With all his might, Rayburn hurled the scroll into the air.

Fshhhk!

“Do you know what that’s carrying?”

A small green magic stone was attached to the scroll’s leg. Barsabe frowned in confusion, then quickly realized Rayburn’s intent.

“Exactly! It’s all recorded! Proof that you and I were here!”

“Minister Rayburn, you really have no limits.”

She thought to herself that before chasing the scroll, she’d have to clean up this mess first.

Barsabe glanced at the overturned carriage. One of the pursuers rummaging inside screamed suddenly.

“Gyaaah!”

Ian had crawled out through the wreckage and stabbed the man’s neck with his sword.

Rayburn pointed at Ian and shouted.

“Ian Hielo! Of course! Seize him!”

“Waaah!”

Ian staggered, clutching a tree for support. The horse and coachman lay dead, and the carriage wheels were completely shattered.

There was no way out.

Barsabe made a swift decision.

Thunk! Thunk!

Shraaak!

Without hesitation, she cut down Rayburn’s throat, then slaughtered the entire group of pursuers.

“…”

A few minutes later—

Barsabe, panting heavily, straightened her disheveled posture. Dozens of bodies lay scattered across the dirt road. Apart from her ragged breathing, there was only silence.

“Haa, haa… Ian, are you alright?”

“I’m fine. You did well.”

Ian pulled a few coins from the carriage wreckage and slipped them into his pocket. Under the moonlight, it was chaos like no other.

“Quickly, follow the scroll.”

“What? But—”

“Though we lost some time, you can still catch up. Do you know whose hands it might fall into?”

Rayburn was dead, eyes wide open in shock. Behind him were the central nobles and other ministers, so finding and destroying the magic stone was the top priority.

“The western valley, where the river splits. The code phrase is ‘Black Lion.’ That should be enough. You can handle it alone, so leave at once.”

“Ian.”

“Thanks for seeing me off.”

Ian waved his hand as if urging her to go.

Barsabe gave him a final salute and took off in the direction the scroll had flown.

Thud!

As Barsabe disappeared into the distance, the nearby sounds of life faded completely. Ian let out a low sigh and stood up. From now on, it was truly just him alone.