Chapter 242

The Ruswena delegation was guided to the reception room farthest from the main building of the imperial palace. This was partly because it was an unannounced visit, and partly to hide the commotion inside the palace as much as possible.

The Prime Minister, leading his staff, hurried across the corridor.

“Did you say the delegation’s representative is Eldert?”

“Yes. He’s the cousin and closest confidant of Erifoni, the current 12th king of Ruswena. He’s said to be serving as the king’s advisor now. Before becoming an advisor, he has a background as a professor of urban engineering at Ruswena National University.”

“…A professor? He looked quite young.”

The Prime Minister marveled, recalling the man he had briefly seen during the break. The fact that the king’s confidant had come meant that they weren’t taking Hayman’s request for help lightly. Well, if they had, they wouldn’t have come directly to the imperial palace like this in the first place.

The Prime Minister furrowed his pale eyes as he entered the arched main door. The servants standing on both sides of the reception room noticed his presence and announced it inside.

Creeeeak.

“The Prime Minister enters.”

As the doors opened on both sides, those who were drinking tea on the sofa stood up simultaneously.

Excluding the guards, there were five in the delegation. Among them, Eldert, the representative, was the last to put down his teacup. He was a man with long teal hair, slanted eyes, and in contrast, prominently soft lips.

“Oh, Prime Minister.”

“You’ve waited long.”

“Not at all. We’re grateful for providing such a quiet reception room. It feels like our travel fatigue is melting away.”

The staff flinched at Eldert’s courteous remark. Wasn’t he indirectly pointing out that they had been given the innermost, most secluded part of the imperial palace?

Moreover, quite some time had passed as they were dealing with the chaos in the grand meeting. Normally, the delegation should have been assigned quarters to rest in by now, not still be in the reception room. Yet, they had been left here in the reception room without any attendants. Rather than melting away, their fatigue should rightfully be building up.

Regardless of the relationship between the empire and the kingdom, this was clearly a mistake, or rather, a non-mistake by the imperial palace.

‘Well, look at this?’

But what could they do? It was impossible for the Emperor to come out personally for a sudden visit, and he couldn’t do so now anyway. Normally, receiving foreign delegations was Mariv’s responsibility, but he was dead. The Foreign Affairs Department? Those with high enough status to receive the delegation were all tied up in the grand meeting.

“Everything in the imperial palace is the best. Whatever it is, it’s sufficient to relieve your travel fatigue. Please, sit.”

Using Hayman as an excuse to target cracks in the empire, how dare they sharpen their tongues? This much hospitality is more than you deserve, the Prime Minister responded with a smile. The staff and delegation subordinates sensed the chilled atmosphere and held their breath.

“Well. What business brings you here from far-off Ruswena? I heard you were looking for Duke Hayman.”

Although they were immediate neighbors, the Prime Minister deliberately added the word ‘far-off’. This wasn’t simply to create distance or a tactic for gaining the upper hand. After all, looking anywhere in the world, there were no examples of good relations between bordering countries.

“We heard that Duke Hayman was in the palace and wanted to see him. Please don’t read too much into it.”

Wars and conflicts to gain even a little more of the drawn border, and the hatred, anger, and disgust sown because of it. Of course, Bariel was an empire and they were a kingdom, so naturally, Bariel had the upper hand throughout history.

However, Ruswena was self-sufficient, centered around fertile land, and compared to other countries, the legitimacy of their royal family was maintained almost perfectly. It was a clear example of how distinct their national character was.

“And?”

“We’ve heard there’s been some commotion in the imperial palace. Concerned that His Majesty the Emperor might be worried, our king has sent a modest gift.”

At Eldert’s signal, his subordinate brought out a small box. It was full of black jewels said to be found only in Ruswena and rare medicinal herbs.

The Prime Minister stroked his beard and carefully observed Eldert. The jewels were one thing, but what was the meaning of the medicinal herbs? It seemed they knew the Emperor’s condition was serious externally. Then, what about the suspension? Did this mean Hayman didn’t know about that?

“If it’s alright, please grant us the honor of presenting this to His Majesty directly.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. His Majesty’s workload is excessive, and he can’t spare time for unscheduled meetings. I will certainly emphasize King Erifoni’s sincerity when I convey this.”

The Prime Minister shook his head, indicating refusal. His staff carefully took the box and carried it out of the reception room.

Is there any other business? The Prime Minister asked with his eyes, and Eldert just smiled slightly.

“It’s regrettable, but we’re truly grateful that you’ll do so.”

“It’s late tonight, so rest well. The horses must be tired, I’ll have new ones prepared.”

One night. It meant he was allowing just one night. The delegation members’ lips naturally hardened at this blatant treatment.

But this was, after all, unbalanced diplomacy. And it was a unilateral visit, so there was nothing to be done about it. Above all, for the Prime Minister…

‘I should have them given the innermost room of the separate palace. I need to make sure they’re thoroughly silenced until they leave the palace. Of all days, to come today, tsk.’

It was the day the demon Arsen incident occurred. A day that would be completely erased from Bariel’s history.

If outsiders stayed in the palace, variables couldn’t be predicted. For the sake of appearances, just one day. No, ten hours until morning. That was the maximum courtesy he could extend.

At that moment, Eldert casually said:

“We appreciate your words, but we will leave the palace with Duke Hayman. We heard he’s in the main building.”

The Prime Minister, who was about to turn around, hesitated and looked back at him.

“…With Duke Hayman?”

“Yes. As you know, the Duke’s wife is a member of the Ruswena royal family. The king has a letter to deliver, so that would be best. We’re grateful you’ve made time for us despite our sudden visit, we can’t impose further.”

For a moment, he was at a loss for words. Leaving immediately was welcome, but with Hayman? Telling them about the Duke’s whereabouts would give clues about the situation in the imperial palace.

If he didn’t tell them? Hayman had disappeared from the imperial palace, so wouldn’t they raise questions officially about this and use it as a pretext for a larger delegation visit?

Either way, it was a bit awkward.

“Prime Minister?”

“…Duke Hayman is currently in custody for insulting the imperial family and causing a disturbance. You must know about the rebellion of Mariv and Prince Gale.”

This was a matter that Ian had announced throughout the central area with magical tools, starting with extra editions. This was information that not only neighboring kingdoms but anywhere that knew of the Bariel Empire’s existence would have heard.

“The trial date for that will soon be announced. I think he won’t be able to leave the palace for the time being. The delegation should rest and return alone.”

“Ah. Is that so?”

Eldert let out an exclamation with a rather surprised look. No matter if he was the son-in-law of the royal family, he was still a duke of Bariel. If he was involved in treason charges and facing trial, there was no way out. Above all, if the Emperor wouldn’t meet them, how could they negotiate?

The Prime Minister left the reception room, fluttering his collar to indicate they should rest now.

Bang!

As the door closed, Eldert ran his hand through his long hair and sank into the sofa. His subordinates loosened their ties and sighed.

“We seem to be late.”

“If a trial date has been set, it looks like the situation has tilted towards the 5th Prince. What should we report to the king?”

“We should have come a little earlier.”

They wanted the Hayman family’s vast fortune more than saving Hayman himself. If the family was exterminated for treason, all their assets would revert to Bariel, so their goal was to have the Duke or Duchess seek asylum before that and transfer all their assets to Ruswena.

Hayman seemed to hope they would push in with military force, citing his wife’s royal status, but how could that be possible? To be honest, the king rather hoped Hayman would die ‘without legal issues’.

“If it’s treason, there’s a high chance the wife will be implicated too. Hmm.”

If the wife remained alone, persuading her to return home and absorbing the Hayman family’s assets was the best plan. That way, they could stick their spoon into Bariel Empire’s economic leadership without lifting a finger.

“Lord Eldert. What should we do?”

“Let me think for a moment.”

He stared into space while brushing his silky hair back. But, isn’t something strange?

“…Do you remember the front gate?”

“The front gate? Yes, yes. Well, there were quite a few people and carriages for such a late hour.”

“Entry to the palace is naturally restricted at night. But why were they gathered in front? Isn’t it natural to see this as a continuation of waiting?”

“Are you saying they’ve been like that since daytime? Why?”

“Well. Perhaps because the palace gates aren’t opening?”

At Eldert’s guess, his subordinates shrugged. It’s the imperial palace, not just anywhere, how could the main gate not open? Unless it was a lockdown.

“And originally, the reception room for delegations is on the main building floor. No matter how quietly we came, this seems like a rather special case.”

Something has happened, or is happening, in the imperial palace. Eldert speculated as he sipped the remaining tea. It felt too uncomfortable to leave right away tomorrow.

“Come on. Everyone, drink your tea without leaving any.”

“Huk. That…”

“Lord Eldert. Can’t just one, just one of us sacrifice?”

“No. Everyone drink.”

“Oh my, this is driving me crazy.”

Eldert smiled as he sprinkled a fine black powder he had prepared into his subordinates’ teacups. It was an excellent powder for causing stomach upset.

***

Zzzing. Zing.

Ian’s fingertips twitched.

And slowly, his eyelids opened.

His gaze wandered here and there in a daze, but soon, after a few blinks, he regained clear vision.

It was Hale. He was biting an unlit cigarette and infusing it with magic power. For Ian’s recovery, the mages were taking turns injecting magic power without fail.

“…Hale.”

Did his voice come out right? Ian wondered to himself as he wiggled his fingers a few times. Then Hale, who had been lost in thought, jumped up and shouted outside. It was a voice so loud it sounded like thunder tearing through the air.

“Lord Ian has woken uuuup!!”

“Lord Ian has woken up?”

Slam!

Bang! Boom!

Crash! Bang!

“Hey, call a doctor!”

“Captain Hale, you couldn’t wait and lit another cigarette!”

“No, I was just holding it in my mouth.”

“Lord Ian. Are you feeling a bit more conscious? Can you recognize me?”

“Oh my, move aside. Move. Lord Ian!”

He couldn’t tell who was who. Ian’s head rang at the flood of various voices. He frowned and barely muttered.

“Everyone, please be quiet…”

“Hup. We’re sorry.”

“Shut up, all of you shut up!!”

“You’re the loudest, you bastard.”

Ian let out a faint sigh and requested water. His upper body was raised, and lukewarm water slowly flowed into his mouth. This allowed him to speak a bit more easily.

“Can you get up?”

“…Not yet.”

Ian pressed his forehead and remained silent for a moment. All the mages quieted down, waiting for him to stabilize.

A few minutes later, Ian raised his head and asked.

“…Where is His Highness Jin?”

“His Highness is sleeping. It’s dawn now.”

He seemed to have said something while half-asleep, but he couldn’t remember. He lay back down on the bed and wiggled his hand. What could it mean?

Hesitantly, Hale slipped a cigarette between his fingers, but Ian immediately dropped it and replied:

“Summarize what happened while I was asleep and bring it to me.”