Chapter 972
After the Grand Council had adjourned.
The mages had left early, but the other officials lingered, pacing around the chamber. They puffed on their cigars, their brows furrowed in thought, clearly wrestling with which path to take at this crossroads.
“It seems the right choice is to side with the Ministry of Magic,” one said.
“I agree. These are the ones who have held the core of Bariel all this time. Even if Lord Crony truly did annihilate the Underworld God, he can’t go against the mages and seize the palace.”
“No, you’re wrong. The destruction of the Underworld God is the will of the gods. That puts him on a level above the mages.”
“Either way, the mages have already declared that Crony is not one of them.”
“That’s uncertain. His mana hasn’t even been verified yet. Isn’t that just their subjective opinion? Sixth sense or whatever—there’s no objective proof.”
“Besides, Ian Hadel said Lord Crony is connected to the deaths of the former Lord and Lady Hadel. If it’s just personal grudges driving them to reject him…”
“Ian Hadel? Whatever else, he’s not the type to act on personal feelings. Anyone who’s worked with him would agree.”
“That’s true. And honestly, what does it mean that His Majesty the Emperor entrusted Ian Hadel with the freezing spell? It’s basically a sign of legitimacy.”
“Good grief, this is complicated, really complicated.”
“At times like this, the best course is to wait and watch.”
Because Ian had thrown down the gauntlet, they were all caught in the eye of the storm. Normally, walking the middle path and playing both sides was best, but with things as they were, there was no choice. Showing hesitation now would only get them branded as enemies.
“Ahem. I’ll be going ahead then.”
“Where to?”
One by one, they made their decisions and rose.
“Anyone leaving the palace?”
Those heading to see Crony.
“I have too much work.”
Those staying behind to follow the Ministry’s lead.
“This is maddening. I think I’ll stay a bit longer.”
And those who couldn’t decide and sat back down.
The ashtrays on the tables were piled high with cigar ash.
Then, someone quietly asked,
“What about the Imperial Guard?”
Normally, that question wouldn’t even come up. The Imperial Guard answered only to the Emperor. But now, with the throne effectively vacant and talk of the next Emperor underway…
“They’ll side with Ian Hadel, of course. The House of Count Jacques has close ties with him.”
“Then their strength will naturally lean that way.”
“The Imperial Defense Department seemed firmly aligned with Crony during the meeting.”
“Exactly. So the balance is maintained.”
When Ian invited them to join him, Freddy said nothing. Even now, that silence felt like an eternity.
The officials had never seen Ian’s cold, bitter smile like that before—even though they’d known him since he was five.
“By the way, what about Minister Ian Hadel? Did he go straight to file the complaint?”
“The carriage is still at the main gate, I believe.”
Then where did he go? The officials flicked ash from their cigars and suddenly paused.
“The back garden?”
“So, everyone’s gathered here.”
Ian approached the nobles assembled in the back garden. They had been deep in serious discussion around Count Jacques, but when they saw Ian, they nodded in greeting.
“Oh, Ian—”
Count Jacques waved him over and called out proudly,
“Minister, the meeting must be over.”
“Yes, I was about to leave when I heard the central nobles were gathered here. Thought I’d stop by to say hello.”
Ian slipped naturally into their midst, the nobles making room and drawing close.
“Sir Ian, is it true that His Majesty the Emperor has passed?”
“I heard you used the freezing spell?”
“There’s not much I can say. The Prime Minister will make an official announcement soon, so please wait. However—”
However?
The nobles perked up. Ian paused, furrowing his brow with a hint of regret to capture their attention.
“The Mage Tower is investigating the Emperor’s assassin, and so far, they’ve been smoothly identifying those involved. I ask that you all remain calm and hold your positions.”
“Good heavens!”
It was practically an admission of everything.
A murmur rose instantly. Count Jacques puffed on his cigar, glancing at Ian’s profile. Not long ago, he’d seemed like a growing child, but now something was different.
‘The power of position,’ he thought.
Was it the authority of the Ministry’s ministerial seat, even if temporary? Or was it the inner strength Ian had always possessed, now awakened by the moment? In just a few days, Ian seemed to have grown up overnight.
‘Timing truly is everything.’
Ian had always been exceptional, carrying something different from others. Perhaps something dormant had blossomed at just the right time.
It was bitter to think that the chaos in the palace was what had triggered it.
“Please, calm yourselves. Didn’t the Minister say it? Regardless of the Emperor’s fate, we all must hold our places. Isn’t that right?”
Hold your place.
It was a strange phrase.
The nobles exchanged glances, sensing the hidden sting behind those words.
‘Don’t entertain foolish ideas.’
The Emperor died without an heir. The radiant crown lay alone—who wouldn’t covet it? Especially the central nobles.
‘Still, I think I could give it a shot.’
‘I can hear the sound of everyone’s eyes rolling. Ahem.’
‘There’s no suitable candidate anyway.’
There was no noble who could truly rival Ian or Crony, so they weren’t an immediate threat. But their unpredictable moves could create variables, so Ian planned to restrict their range of action as much as possible. He nodded in agreement with Count Jacques.
“Yes, that’s right. If you wait, we will resolve the palace’s turmoil and build Bariel back stronger than ever.”
“Oh…”
The nobles were left speechless, only able to utter sounds of awe. Was it just their imagination, or did Ian’s words carry a strange weight?
‘No, that was deliberate.’
“To build a stronger Bariel.” It was a statement worthy of an Emperor.
Sensing Ian’s resolve, the nobles wisely held their tongues. The first noble mage and a collateral member of the royal family ascending to the Ministry’s ministership and then the throne—who could object? Ian’s conduct had been impeccable.
‘He’s been in the palace over ten years, with plenty of experience, and above all, his contributions to the Empire through the Ministry have been significant.’
A flawless heir apparent.
As the nobles smiled awkwardly, Ian beamed even brighter.
“And one more thing—”
With a smooth motion, Ian pulled out a complaint document from his sleeve. The nobles narrowed their eyes, reading the name clearly written: Crony Alphat.
“I intend to submit this complaint immediately after this meeting. I plan to make public Crony Alphat’s involvement in my parents’ deaths. If anyone knows anything or wishes to come forward, you are welcome to join me.”
Ian was openly targeting Crony. This meant his first step toward the throne would be to remove his rival. It was the highest mountain the child had to climb—and a bold stride.
“I was too young at the time, but you all have interacted with Crony Alphat in the capital. Anything you know or have heard is welcome. I won’t forget those who help.”
“Ah…”
The nobles broke into a sweat internally. The promise to not forget was especially sharp. Ian’s words carried two meanings:
‘Decide whether you stand with Crony or with me.’
And if you stand with me, I will stand with you to the end. But if you side with Crony, I will not forget.
“Well then, enjoy your conversations and depart. The palace is quite unsettled.”
“Leaving first, or just get lost.”
Count Jacques sipped his tea and chuckled. Since when had he been so sharp-tongued? They’d lived together for years, but this cold Ian was new to him. Jacques stood firmly and looked around at the nobles.
“Ha! Since the Minister said so, I’ll be the first to leave. No use sitting in the middle of the palace and having people say the old man can’t read the room.”
“Count Jacques, what are you saying?”
“Well then, Minister Ian, shall we go together?”
“Of course, I’ll accompany you.”
As Jacques patted Ian’s shoulder and stepped out into the garden, the friendly nobles quickly followed.
At the carriage, Jacques leaned in and asked quietly,
“How was the meeting, Minister?”
“Don’t say much when it’s just us.”
“They say even the portraits in the palace have eyes and ears. Do you think things are moving smoothly?”
Ian shrugged and gave a faint smile. He opened the carriage door for Jacques and bowed.
“What can we do if it’s not? We have to get it done.”
“Excellent attitude. We’ll talk more when we get back to the manor.”
Count Jacques leaned in close, whispering into Ian’s ear.
“Regardless, the palace belongs to the Minister. Don’t underestimate the past ten years. Holding your ground inside is far harder than fending off attacks from outside.”
While the Ministry of Magic was important, the years spent working alongside bureaucrats from every department hadn’t been in vain. It gave them an edge over Crony when it came to swaying palace opinion.
“But the attackers have their own strength—the support of the empire’s people.”
For anyone outside the official line of succession to claim the throne, the backing of the populace was essential. That was why Crony pushed so hard to brand himself the hero who had vanquished the underground god.
“That’s why, more than anyone, the nobles need your help, Count.”
Ian gently squeezed Jacques’s hand. After all, he was the bridge between the palace and the people.
Jacques nodded with a kindly smile.
“We’ll discuss the details later, Minister. For now, focus on what you need to do. This old man thinks of you like a grandson.”
“…Thank you.”
“But be careful.”
Once inside the carriage, Count Jacques added quietly,
“We’ve made the first move—”
Alongside Ian’s personal complaint, there were the Soif handwriting documents and the Ministry’s official statements. A blade aimed straight at Crony was already in flight.
“They’ll strike back just as hard. Every single move could decide the outcome, so stay sharp and watch closely. Understood?”