Chapter 985
Before the curfew was declared.
Xiaosi was racing along the outskirts of the capital. Time was of the essence. The imperial defense soldiers in the center had all fallen under Crony’s control and were now acting on his behalf.
He checked the letter tucked inside his coat as he headed toward the outer garrison. This was the only gateway connecting the capital to the provincial territories, and it was a place where interference from the central Imperial Defense Department was minimal.
Thud!
Neigh!
Soldiers, alerted by the pounding hooves, raised their spears.
“Who goes there?”
Xiaosi dismounted and showed his identification. The soldiers lowered their weapons.
“I’m Officer Xiaosi of the Imperial Defense Department. I’m here to see the commander.”
He had heard the commander was an older man. Xiaosi couldn’t shake the worry that his youth might be a hindrance.
The soldiers saluted politely and led him inside the barracks.
“This way. Please wait a moment.”
The barracks were small and simple. It made sense—it wasn’t a border guard post but a unit overseeing the area between the capital and the provinces. Unless a rebellion broke out in the provinces, it was a quiet, uneventful post.
“Officer Xiaosi?”
“Ah, Commander Geller?”
“Sorry to keep you waiting.”
A dignified soldier appeared, rolling up the tent flap. When he saluted, Xiaosi extended his hand.
“No trouble at all. I imagine my sudden visit was a surprise.”
“Please, have a seat. I’ll have some tea brought out.”
“No need. I’m pressed for time.”
Commander Geller raised an eyebrow and sat opposite Xiaosi. Visiting alone, without any subordinates? That meant he was moving in secret—or the matter was urgent enough that he had to come personally.
“Speak freely.”
“Are you aware of the current situation in the capital?”
“The situation in the capital…”
Of course he knew. The emperor had been assassinated and was now incapacitated. The Magic Department and the Imperial Defense Department were locked in a power struggle, each backing their champions: Ian Hadel, the first noble mage, and Crony Alphat, the underground god of annihilation. Xiaosi had even heard soldiers casually betting on who would seize control.
“I’ve heard it’s chaotic.”
Geller answered curtly. Whatever was happening, it didn’t concern them here. Though part of the Imperial Defense Department, this post was detached from politics.
“There will be a civil war.”
Xiaosi looked Commander Geller straight in the eye and stated it firmly.
“If things continue as they are, it’s inevitable.”
“…What do you mean?”
“The palace is currently holding the assassin of the emperor for investigation and has compiled charges against Crony Alphat for various crimes. Cornered, Crony—or rather, the Imperial Defense Department—will likely use the soldiers to seize the palace.”
“Are you certain? Officer Xiaosi, that’s a dangerous claim.”
The commander drew a line, dismissing it as nonsense. Civil war? After a century of peace in Bariel, such a thing was unthinkable.
“I’m certain. The central soldiers are acting under Crony’s orders, like mercenaries. Minister Freddy has likely fallen victim to Crony’s mind control.”
“…”
Geller silently lit a cigarette. No news was good news, but a sudden visitor like this brought heavy tidings. Still, there was little he could say.
“So, what do you want?”
For now, these were just Xiaosi’s claims. There was no proof, and no civil war had broken out yet.
“If the Imperial Defense Department attempts to seize the palace, the Magic Department alone won’t be able to respond easily.”
Mages could strike them down in an instant, but the soldiers were also citizens of Bariel—innocent people just following orders. Even setting that aside, the Magic Department’s response would mark the start of civil war.
“Action from within the Imperial Defense Department is necessary.”
Only the Imperial Defense Department could stop them—by removing the internal leaders and rescinding the orders given to the soldiers to end the crisis.
Geller puffed on his cigarette and asked,
“What exactly are you suggesting?”
“My unit numbers only about 300. That’s not enough to stop thousands. I need the outer garrison to lend support.”
“Excuse me?”
Geller looked incredulous.
“Are you asking us to abandon our post?”
“Not abandon, but cooperate.”
That was practically the same thing. Geller was about to refuse outright.
Sensing the tension, Xiaosi added quickly,
“This garrison hasn’t seen battle in years. Would a few hours away to prevent a civil war really be such a problem?”
“Complacency is the greatest danger. Besides, this is still an Imperial Defense Department unit. We cannot act unilaterally.”
“If civil war breaks out, you’ll suffer the most.”
Would the provincial lords just sit idly by watching the capital crumble? Some would surely seize the opportunity to rise up, and this garrison would bear the brunt of the fallout.
“And above all, do you believe the Imperial Defense Department has any legitimacy?”
The moment they start a civil war, they cease to be part of the palace. That means Commander Geller has no obligation to obey their orders—and shouldn’t.
“Wisdom lies in distinguishing ambition from desire. I do not side with Minister Freddy. My priority is the safety and peace of the palace. That’s why I’m here on the outskirts.”
“Have you visited other units?”
“This is the first. There won’t be a second.”
A flicker of anxiety crossed Geller’s stubborn face.
Noticing the urgency, Xiaosi checked his pocket watch and added,
“Also, the Magic Department no longer recognizes Crony Alphat as a mage.”
“Excuse me?”
“If that’s true, then those of you who allowed such a corrupt influence into the capital cannot escape blame.”
“That’s absurd. How could we have known?”
“You may have your reasons, but there’s no excuse. Responsibility falls on the living.”
Does the Imperial Defense Department expect to win the civil war? Then they can sit back and watch the chaos unfold.
But if the Magic Department wins? The entire Imperial Defense Department will be purged—and the blame will run deep.
“Think carefully and act accordingly. If problems arise while you’re away, I will take responsibility.”
“You, officer?”
“Yes. In the name of Enlow.”
“Oh.”
Geller suddenly realized Xiaosi’s family name was Enlow—a powerful clan holding firm control over the eastern great desert and the provincial balance.
A scion of such a family was staking his name on this. Geller understood the weight of that promise.
“It means the clan’s backing. Who among the provincial lords would dare move soldiers against Enlow? They’d be fighting the central army in front and Enlow’s forces behind—no escape. Any lord with sense wouldn’t turn their back on Enlow.”
“And this is a message from Ian Hadel, the acting minister of the Magic Department.”
“From the Magic Department?”
So he truly sided with the Magic Department, not the Imperial Defense Department. Geller’s suspicion lingered, but Xiaosi denied it.
“Ian Minister stands with Bariel. He will do whatever it takes to prevent civil war.”
Thud.
Xiaosi placed the neatly folded letter on the table and stood.
“I have no time to stay. I sincerely hope you make the wise choice.”
Geller didn’t even see Xiaosi out. He unfolded the letter, which bore what appeared to be Ian’s own handwriting.
—Greetings. I am Ian Hadel, acting minister of the Magic Department. You have likely heard the gist from Officer Xiaosi, but I understand you may still have doubts and confusion. Therefore, I write this.
The Magic Department has gathered all evidence of Crony Alphat’s crimes and is only awaiting the trial date. However, Crony’s actions are troubling, and a violent conflict is inevitable soon. For the sake of Bariel and its people, I earnestly ask you, commander, to take courageous steps to protect the citizens. This is not a call to fight for the Magic Department, but for your family, friends, and precious daily life. If you fear acting, come to the palace and see the evidence with your own eyes. The Magic Department will always present it openly.
Due to the current situation, the palace cannot provide guidance or assistance. If you come alone, it may be inconvenient, so please bring your subordinates.
“…!”
Come see the evidence? And bring subordinates?
Geller felt his eyes open wide. Setting aside legitimacy and responsibility, as a member of the Imperial Defense Department, he had been at a loss. Like hitting a brick wall, unable to move forward or back. Ian’s letter was like a door opening.
‘Such wisdom—so subtle and profound.’
This letter was powerful proof and a guarantee. An official invitation from the Magic Department. It gave him the right to go to the palace without worrying about the Imperial Defense Department’s watchful eyes.
And since he could bring subordinates, if anything happened, they could respond immediately and gain entry.
“I thought the path was blocked on both sides, but all it took was a single sheet of paper to clear the way.”
Captain Geller sprang to his feet and dashed out of the barracks. He caught sight of Xiaoxi just mounting his horse.
“Officer! Wait! Please, just a moment!”
Xiaoxi glanced back as he tugged on the reins. Geller, panting, managed a grin.
“Come with me. To the center.”
“…I was told to circle around to another unit.”
“Yes, exactly. That’s why I’m saying we go together.”
If he went, persuading the other units would be easier. Geller barked orders.
“Leave only the minimum number behind! Prepare everyone else! We’re heading to the center!”
“Waaah!”
“Stop! Everyone, halt! I am Geller, captain of the Imperial Defense Outer Unit One!”
“Stop! Stop! Keep your wits about you and watch your backs!”
Xiaoxi and the outer unit soldiers charged forward, shields raised. Boom! Thud! They pushed and pressed back the oncoming troops, beating their war drums relentlessly. This was a fighting style only Imperial Defense soldiers could master—something even mages couldn’t replicate.
Boom! Thud!
“Stop! This is rebellion!”
“Don’t be fooled, everyone!”
Damn it! Crony clicked his tongue and turned around. Officers and Xiaoxi were charging straight at him on horseback.
Clang! Clang!
Despite facing multiple attackers at once, Xiaoxi skillfully blocked and held his ground.
“Traitors!”
“The traitors are you, not me!”
“Shut up, you green kid!”
Clang! Swish!
Then, a sword slipped through a gap in Xiaoxi’s defense.
‘…He’s been cut!’
Xiaoxi clenched his teeth, tensing up.
“Damn it! It’s cheating to gang up on one person!”
Bang!
Beric flew in, knocking the sword aside and rolling to the side. Rising immediately, he charged again, pulling the officers off their horses.
“Ugh!”
“C-Captain Baek!”
With the officers down, their soldiers faltered, and the formation began to crumble. Just as Crony was about to shout orders—
Ziiing! Ziiing!
Ian suddenly appeared nearby, throwing a punch into thin air.
In an instant, his fist flew straight toward Crony’s face. Watching it felt like time had stopped. But the thought didn’t last long.
“Where are you looking? I’m your opponent.”
Kraaaash!
Crony barely had time to dodge the explosion that followed.