Episode 885
“You’re telling me the inheritance tax was paid in cash?”
Crony’s voice rose sharply at the unexpected report. He took the documents handed to him by his butler. The detailed record of the Hadel family’s tax payment was clearly laid out.
“…Paid in full? How is that even possible?”
There was no way it was forged—the original documents had come directly from the Central Tax Bureau chief’s ‘discreet favor.’
Rustle.
“They say it was fully paid at the Heyman Bank’s central branch. Doesn’t look like they sold any land, buildings, or mines.”
“…That’s physically impossible. And yet, the entire amount was paid in cash? Last I heard, their liquid cash was tight. How on earth?”
Hadn’t they even placed a provisional seizure on the assets?
To pay the inheritance tax, help from close relatives was essential. And to get that, they had to go through him. No matter what, Ian should have come to his mansion in person!
Crony pressed his brows together, his expression unreadable.
“Who on earth lent him the money?”
Since Ian was staying at Count Jacques’s estate, could it be from that side?
No. Even a prestigious military family couldn’t just hand over hundreds of gold coins in cash, especially not on such short notice.
‘Then, the Magic Department?’
The Magic Department had taken over Ian’s guardianship. They had plenty of motive.
But could he really be unaware? With that kind of sum, rumors would have spread throughout the palace. Maybe Minister Arena lent the money personally? Still, that seemed unlikely.
“So, the inheritance is already settled?”
“Yes, it is.”
“…What a waste.”
If Ian had died before inheriting, there’d be no tax to pay. Now, money was going out twice over.
Crony chewed his cigarette thoughtfully as the butler brought another message.
“Ian Hadel has joined the Magic Department.”
“What’s the big deal now?”
Crony frowned as he unfolded the letter. He had already seen it with his own eyes at the Hadel mansion—the golden illusion created by that child.
“What? The next Magic Department Minister?”
Crony rubbed his eyelids hard, wondering if he’d misread. He knew all too well what it meant for those esteemed magicians to be talking about a five-year-old as a future minister. A chill ran down his spine without him realizing it.
“…This is really bad.”
The inheritance was no longer the problem. Ian still seemed suspicious that he was involved in his parents’ deaths.
And that child growing up to become the Magic Department Minister? No amount of power or force could stop him. Even thousands of soldiers wouldn’t guarantee control over a mage.
‘This can’t be allowed to happen.’
If he had become Ian’s official guardian as originally planned, none of this would be an issue. In fact, it would have gone well—he could have easily swayed the ‘child’ destined to be the next minister to his side. Such an ally would be invaluable. But things had gone awry, and now it was a headache.
‘He must be killed.’
There was no time to hesitate. The child was growing every day; he had to be eliminated decisively to prevent future trouble.
“Will he continue staying at Count Jacques’s estate?”
The butler tilted his head in confusion. Of course, Crony wasn’t asking for an answer but rather organizing his own thoughts.
“As long as he stays at the mansion, there’s no way. We’ll have to wait for him to go out and seize the opportunity. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Bring someone here.”
Ian’s current shields were the Magic Department and Count Jacques. Crony considered his options.
‘First, the Magic Department.’
If they found out he was trying to harm Ian, it would backfire. No matter how much influence he had in the Imperial Defense Department or the palace, if the Magic Department intervened directly, neither he nor his allies would be safe.
‘Count Jacques’s side is just as tricky.’
One of Bariel’s most powerful noble families, and the home of Captain Herchi of the Imperial Guard. Not to be trifled with.
…Then, the only place to target Ian is where the influence of both is weakest.
“…That child attends Enerjes, right?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Bring him here by carriage. I have urgent matters to discuss.”
Ordering the carriage meant it had to be done discreetly. The butler nodded and left the office.
Alone, Crony tossed off his gloves and gazed out the window.
‘Between the Magic Department and Count Jacques, the latter is definitely more dangerous.’
They serve the emperor directly and recently even sent a butler to Onlyhall. Seeing them rummage through the guard office without official authority clearly meant they were hunting for clues.
‘That can’t be allowed.’
Just as the carefully prepared meal was about to be served, it would be ruined.
Crunch.
Crony clenched his teeth as he stared at his reflection in the window. A furious smile flashed his fangs.
Ian’s shield?
‘Shattering shields is always satisfying.’
“Enroura, Enrou…”
Meanwhile, after paying the inheritance tax, Ian, Romandro, and Haena went to a nearby government office to look up information on the Enrou family.
Ian stood on tiptoe, resting his chin on the table, and Haena lifted him up so he could see the documents.
“Oh, yes. Here it is.”
The clerk rifled through the papers and pulled out a sheet.
“The family began about a hundred years ago when a man named Xiao Xi Enrou was granted the title of Count.”
Ian’s eyes widened. Again, something from a hundred years ago was connected to him.
“During Emperor Jin Verosion’s reign?”
“That’s right, young master. You’re quite knowledgeable.”
Do nobles these days even teach five-year-olds ahead of time? The clerk thought to himself, impressed, and continued.
“Yes. He was born a commoner, served as an officer in the Imperial Defense Department, and rose to become a count. He served Emperor Jin Verosion when he was still a prince, and was rewarded for his service.”
“Where is their territory now? I heard there’s none in the central region.”
The clerk studied a map.
“There was a long period when they had the title but no land. Then, through marriage to Lady Chloe Davion of the Davion family, they purchased land on the eastern outskirts of Bariel.”
“The eastern region?”
“Here, take a look.”
Ian pointed at the map with a trembling finger. It was the outermost border area, adjacent to the national boundary. Next to it was the label ‘Great Desert.’
Haena recognized it and added,
“That must be the desert Lord Nersarn mentioned.”
“…Chillyo?”
If so, Nersarn must know the Enrou region well. Ian resolved to ask him about it when they met.
“So, the eastern land purchased by Xiao Xi Enrou—was that originally Hadel family land?”
“Hmm, I’m not sure. There’s no record of that. It’s also unclear if the sale price you mentioned came from that transaction.”
“Unclear? If a sale happened, the seller and buyer should be recorded.”
“The buyer is definitely Xiao Xi Enrou, but there’s no record of the seller.”
“That’s absurd. Are you joking?”
“Ha ha. Sorry, no. It seems the palace deleted the records. The government office only shows a blank.”
Deleted by the palace? Why? Ian frowned, and the clerk smiled awkwardly.
“It could be classified or restricted information. The bottom line is, we can’t confirm if that eastern land belonged to the Hadel family. It might be another estate entirely. You’d need to check the ledgers held by each family for details.”
They were already halfway through spending a thousand gold coins. If the Enrou side had made a mistake and sent the money by accident, they’d have to explain and ask for their understanding.
“So, the Enrou family still holds land in the east?”
“Yes, the family and their estate are still intact.”
“We should send a letter.”
“That’s recommended. This is all the information we can verify here.”
The three left the office and entered a nearby café. When two coffees and a chocolate milk arrived, they all sucked on their plant-stem straws simultaneously. It felt like the troubles just kept piling up.
“Young master, at least it’s a relief the inheritance tax was paid. Now that the inheritance is complete, we can breathe easier.”
“Yeah. Romandro, I want to send letters to both the Hadel and Enrou families.”
“Yes, yes. I’ll prepare them. I assume the purpose is to clarify and request ledger verification?”
They were perfectly in sync. Ian dabbed his mouth with a napkin.
“But I’m not sure if ledgers from a hundred years ago still exist.”
“That’s tricky. They might be found, or they might be lost forever…”
Romandro reassured the boy.
“Even if it’s not the Hadel family’s money, it should be fine. Since the inheritance is complete, they can sell assets to repay it. The other side will understand.”
“Right?”
“Of course.”
Haah. The three of them let out small sighs of relief, their tension easing just a bit. Under the warm sunlight, with delicious drinks in hand and the satisfaction of having wrapped up their work, a comforting calm settled over them.
“So, now—”
Hana, having regained her energy from the coffee, was the first to quietly lift her head.
“Shall we really go shopping now?”
“Shopping for real?”
“There’s so much we need to buy.”
First, the mansion where they’d be living in the center of town, the furniture, the carriage, and most importantly—
Hana pointed with her finger toward a group passing by in the distance. Ian and Romandro both turned their heads to look. A bunch of students laughing and running along.
“We need to get ready for school.”
Ian had never really had the chance to be around kids his own age before. As the only noble heir in the Hadel territory, he’d always been taught one-on-one by a private tutor.
“Get ready for school…” Ian murmured, unable to take his eyes off the students.
“Is that the Enerjes uniform?” he asked.
“Romandro, is that the Enerjes uniform?” Hana smiled brightly as she passed the question along.
Romandro took a long sip of his remaining coffee, then pressed his temples with his fingers—he’d gulped down the cold drink too quickly.
“…Ugh. No, it’s not. The Enerjes uniform is navy blue with a red stripe. Now, come on, let’s hurry up. It’s best to get everything done in one go once we’re out.”
Romandro glanced around, gauging the distance.
“…Walking all the way there would be too much. Let’s take a carriage, Ian.”
“There, where?”
“Oh, there’s this place—kind of like a department store—where they sell everything you need for enrolling, including the Enerjes uniforms. You can get almost everything there at once.”
Romandro answered, then looked at Ian for a moment. Surely they’d have sizes even for a five-year-old… right?
“Well, it’s a store that has everything except what they don’t. Ahem.”