Chapter 871

“Jin Verosion…”

Ian muttered the unfamiliar name without realizing it. Yet somehow, the strange name felt oddly familiar and comforting on his tongue.

Romandro smiled faintly as he tucked the official document into his coat.

“He was the grandfather of the current emperor. Known as the Iron-Blooded Emperor, a truly remarkable man. During his reign, Bariel was led through countless wars to victory and became the heart of Gaia.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. You’ll learn all about it once you enter school. By the way, you’re Ian Hadel, right?”

“…Yes, that’s me.”

“Allow me to formally introduce myself again. I’m Romandro from the Magic Department. First, please accept my sincere condolences. His Majesty the Emperor is in poor health and was unable to send a representative in person.”

Chroni furrowed his brow. The excuse sounded plausible enough. To put it bluntly, the imperial court simply didn’t care about the death of a minor regional lord.

And with the added disgrace surrounding his wife’s death, it was no surprise the palace chose to remain silent—and indeed, that was exactly what happened.

What no one expected was the sudden involvement of the Magic Department.

“No, it’s quite alright.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

“So, what am I supposed to do now?”

“Oh!” Romandro scratched his head, as if trying to collect his thoughts.

“We just need to confirm whether you’re a magic user. It’s a simple, formal procedure—no need to be too nervous.”

“A magic user?”

“You know what a magician is, right?”

“Yes. A divine messenger who wields power through a sixth sense.”

“Very clever.” Romandro gave a knowing look to his subordinates, signaling them to prepare for the magic detection.

Ian glanced at Chroni, who looked thoroughly displeased, and asked again.

“If I am a magic user, what then?”

“Uncle Ian.” Chroni responded sharply.

“Don’t get your hopes up. In Bariel’s history, there has never been a single noble-born magician. Though the test has been conducted five times historically, none of those individuals were true magicians.”

It was unlikely Ian was a magic user, but if he were, things would get complicated. The palace—and especially the Magic Department—would inevitably intervene in the boy’s affairs.

Romandro shot a sidelong glance at the sharp-tongued Chroni. He’d heard the officer had a reputation for being difficult in the Imperial Defense Department, and it seemed the rumors were true.

“Um, Sir Romandro.”

“Please, just call me Romandro. My family has served in the Magic Department for generations.”

“Understood, Romandro. If there’s no precedent for noble-born magicians, then what exactly is the purpose of this law?”

Romandro crossed his arms and shrugged. Honestly, even he didn’t fully understand the late emperor’s intentions. The law was passed when the emperor and the Magic Department held immense power, so there was little opposition and scant documentation.

But one thing was certain.

“It was meant to protect young magicians. I’ve read that Emperor Jin Verosion himself said as much.”

“I see.”

“Romandro! Could you please come over here for a moment?”

“Huh? Isn’t it just a matter of bringing out the magic detector?”

“That’s true, but there’s a slight problem.”

“Oh dear. I can’t get anything done without me! Excuse me for a moment, young master Ian.”

“Take your time.”

As Romandro followed his subordinates out, Chroni turned away and muttered something to his group.

Meanwhile, Hana and Filia quietly approached Ian and whispered.

“Um, Ian.”

“Hm?”

“If you’re a magic user, you don’t have to go with Chroni.”

Her voice was low, careful not to be overheard.

Ian’s eyes widened slightly. Ignorant of the Magic Department’s workings, he hadn’t realized this was a faint glimmer of hope.

“Then?”

“All magicians in Bariel belong to the Magic Department. Since you’re young, there will be discussions about your residence, but Chroni won’t have any say in it.”

I see. There’s a way.

A chill ran down Ian’s neck.

“Ian, we need a little trick. Do you have any magic-related items at the mansion?”

He didn’t know how the magic detection worked, but he had to do something. Even if it meant going to the palace and proving he wasn’t a magician, the priority was to keep Chroni at bay.

Suddenly, a memory flashed through Ian’s mind.

“There’s a magic stone used for study in the library.”

“I’ll get it. Is it kept in a drawer?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

He recalled seeing it a few times. Hana hurried off down the corridor to fetch it, while Filia kept watch outside. They didn’t know what to do with the study magic stone, but they clung to it like a lifeline.

Meanwhile, Chroni and his group smoked cigars and talked.

“Chroni, you don’t need to worry so much.”

“Exactly. The palace has passed plenty of ridiculous laws. This one’s nearly a hundred years old—don’t give it any importance.”

“I was surprised it came from the palace, but the Magic Department? That’s a relief. They say it’ll be quick, so let’s just watch.”

Chroni flicked the ash from his cigar and fell silent. Though the chance Ian was a magic user was slim, he felt uneasy. Something was off—like a subtle crack was forming where it shouldn’t, a persistent sense of foreboding.

Thud.

“Oh dear, sorry to keep you waiting.”

“…A harp?”

“It’s called the Light of Prophecy.”

Romandro entered with his subordinates, carrying a small harp. It was unusual—no strings, and about the size of an adult torso. He carefully set it down in front of Ian and explained.

“It’s usually larger and more majestic, but this is a compact version. When someone suspected of being a magic user appears in the provinces, a magician usually goes to verify. But if that’s not possible, they send this.”

“So magicians usually come in person? Are you a magician, Romandro?”

Romandro twisted uncomfortably and replied shyly.

“Oh no! I’m just an office worker. I wish I were a magician, though. They’re the top catch for marriage in the capital!”

Ian glanced toward the end of the corridor, and Filia started a conversation to buy time. Hana still needed to bring the magic stone before they could begin.

“Oh, you’re not married yet?”

“I’m seeing someone. She works in the palace too.”

“Administration?”

“Gasp. Yes! Do you know her?”

“No, just a guess.”

As the chatter dragged on, Chroni frowned suspiciously. He’d always found Filia, the palace doctor from the capital, somewhat irritating—not because Ian favored her, but because he had a gut feeling she’d interfere with his affairs. He interrupted.

“Listen, Magic Department folks. You’ve come a long way from the capital. Shouldn’t you finish your business quickly and return? If you’re late, you’ll be running through the forest at night.”

A blunt reminder to stop wasting time and get on with it.

Filia’s smile vanished as she stared at Chroni. Romandro sensed the tension and focused on setting up the harp.

Just then, Hana came rushing back.

“Ian!”

The magic stone in her hand glowed faintly. How could they accept it now? Romandro, Chroni, and the others all stared intently.

“Ian, do you know how to play the harp?”

“Uh, I know the basics. Not very well, though.”

“That’s fine. Imagine the strings are here, and gently move your hands over them.”

Ian hesitated, unsure what to do. Closing his eyes tightly, he silently prayed. Please, please don’t let me miss this chance—Mother, Father! And if any gods are watching—

Swish!

Buzz!

He barely brushed the air, but a soft, warm sensation exploded from his fingertips.

Startled, Ian opened his eyes wide. Before him shimmered a radiant beam of light. His blue eyes were bathed in golden hues.

Zzzzzing!

“Whoa!”

“Ah…!”

“Incredible!”

“…!”

Romandro, standing close to the Light of Prophecy, was stunned. Hana, clutching the magic stone, froze. Filia covered her mouth in shock. And Chroni and his group wore expressions that were, frankly, quite something.

Everyone there held their breath, watching Ian in silence.

Zzzzzing! Zzzing!

The light was too strong and powerful to have been created by a child. It was a dazzling, multicolored beauty forged from pure light.

They were all entranced, lost in awe. Ian shivered with a sensation he’d never felt before.

What is this?

Feeling a fiery energy erupting from deep within his chest, Ian played the invisible strings with vigor.

Tears welled up in his eyes and rolled down his cheeks—an unconscious reaction. A silent emotion buried deep in his memory surfacing.

Swish!

As Ian withdrew his hands, the light gradually faded. The room fell silent. The boy was sweating and breathing heavily, still unable to look away from the Light of Prophecy.

“W-what in the world!”

The first to break the stunned silence was Romandro. He rushed over, gripping Ian’s hand tightly.

“This is incredible! Truly incredible!”

“Haah… ha… is it really done?”

Had he really passed the mana test? Was it true that he had used magic? Ian was still dazed, but Romandro was practically shouting with excitement.

“I’ve lived among countless mages, but I’ve never seen such a clear, brilliant light! Ian Hadel! From this moment on, your name will be etched in history! The youngest and first noble mage—and, in my eyes, the strongest mage yet!”

“I-Ian!”

Philia, equally shocked, ran over and embraced the boy. Hannah was about to join them when suddenly the mana stone she carried began to glow and emit a strange sound, causing her to hesitate.

Crackle.

—Let’s revise the schedule… Tonight… Yes? What did you say? Tonight, the lord’s… bedchamber…

‘Gasp!’

Worried that Crony’s group might catch on, Hannah quickly slipped the mana stone into her pocket and darted out the back door. Everyone else was so overwhelmed by Ian’s power that no one even noticed her.

“Excuse me, Romandro.”

“Yes, Lord Crony. This is truly wonderful news! Congratulations!”

“Are you absolutely certain about what just happened?”

“Huh?”

Romandro, still bouncing with excitement, blinked in confusion. Crony, unable to believe it, looked back and forth between Ian and Harp with a bewildered expression.

“So you’re saying this Ian Hadel boy is a mana user?”

“That’s right. You saw it with your own eyes. It’s truly remarkable!”

Crony was at a loss for words. He wanted to shout, asking if they’d done something to Harp, or if this was some kind of joke—but this was the Magic Department. A uniquely powerful branch within the royal palace, not to be trifled with. Losing his temper here would only raise suspicion.

“Oh, right! Ian, young master, may I have your hand? There’s a saying that shaking hands with a mana user brings good luck.”

Romandro extended his hand, and Ian cautiously took it.

“So, what happens now?”

“What do you mean, what happens? You’re going to the royal palace, of course!”

“The royal palace…”

Ian’s face brightened. He glanced carefully at Crony, meeting his sharp gaze. But then…

“Ian, I’ll send a letter to the palace right away. Until we get a reply from the central office, would it be alright if I stayed here with you?”

Instinctively, Ian sensed that Romandro standing by his side was a solid shield of protection. With a composed expression, he nodded.

“…Of course, Romandro.”