Chapter 247

Ian recalled the day he had faced Melania.

In front of Gale’s quarters, under the brilliant moonlight, her face flushed as she called his name familiarly. Wasn’t it an intimate attitude, as if calling an old friend?

He had thought it might have been a mistake due to alcohol, but it seemed that wasn’t the case after all. To mention the surname of traitors, Bratz, again.

‘Perhaps the illegitimate Ian had some connection in Bratz?’

It’s impossible to know. How could Emperor Ian possibly know the past of the illegitimate Ian?

As Ian slightly furrowed his brow, the servant took a step back. He judged that Ian was displeased at being told to go back and forth with those facing title revocation and family extinction.

“I apologize. Shall I not mention it in the future?”

“No. It’s fine. I’ll see her after I’ve finished my work. Isn’t Melania the youngest daughter of the Hayman family? Have all her brothers come in as well?”

“Only the Duchess and the eldest son have entered the palace.”

“Many families will likely leave the second son at home like them. Investigate and keep track of their numbers. To prevent them from uniting.”

“I will convey that.”

The executors who went to the scene were those who earned their living from this work. Whether tying up carriages or whatever else, they would surely perform their roles well. But there’s no harm in being cautious, is there?

As Ian made a light gesture, the servant retreated completely out of sight. He bowed and met Jin’s gaze.

“Your Highness. The palace soldiers are performing their roles well. They say the heirs of seven families have already entered the palace. I should go and greet them as well.”

“What if I come along…”

Jin trailed off, watching Ian’s expression. Ian smiled playfully. It meant no.

“…I can’t, can I?”

“Why do you think you can’t?”

He’s being mischievous. He just told him so with a smile.

Jin stopped, resting his chin on his hand in deep thought. Tick tock, time passed, and the footsteps of servants were heard and disappeared several times in the distance, but Ian waited for the child without showing any sign of rushing.

Soon after, Jin spoke.

“I’ve already shown a strong will to check the nobility with the title revocation matter. Although it’s limited to Hayman and his forces, other nobles are also sensitively on alert. Isn’t that why we brought in the Sereau family to prevent this?”

It’s more convenient to guide the situation as ‘Palace’ versus Hayman rather than ‘Imperial Family’ versus nobility.

The palace not only has the imperial family, but also officials, and among them are those who have received titles.

By putting nobles on the opposite side, like Sereau, at the forefront, the intention is to dilute the backlash, checks, and wariness pouring towards the palace.

“I think it would be advantageous for that atmosphere if I show my face moderately and then step back. Also, I’m still too young, and it doesn’t feel right to be in the interrogation room-“

As the only heir without need for checks. There’s no risk of being pushed aside even if I don’t step forward.

Jin silently swallowed these last words without uttering them. Ian raised his hand slightly to his chest, giving an imperial palace-style greeting.

“If that is Your Highness’s intention and judgment, gladly.”

Ian gestured to the servants following at a distance to attend to Jin. Realizing that the two had different destinations, they slowly split into two groups. Xiaoshi, who had been mixed in among them, walked towards Jin.

“Please move only with Xiaoshi. I’ll see you again soon.”

“Alright. Take care.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ian left first, turning the corner. Numerous servants and guards followed behind him. Jin watched this scene for a moment before looking out the window.

“…Xiao.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Let’s go to where mother is.”

Arsen’s poison was so thick and strong that it threatened even the mages. Even snakes living in hiding can kill humans with their venom, but Arsen was a demon hundreds of years old. Moreover, a demon that had brazenly crept into the palace to bring Bariel to ruin. It was natural that an ordinary human body couldn’t withstand it.

‘If Ian mentioned mother, it means her condition has reached an extreme.’

Jin took a light breath, held it, and then stepped forward bravely. It was in the direction of the separate palace where Dilaina was staying.

The servants following the child, including Xiaoshi, walked further apart than usual. Perhaps fearing that the august and sole heir of the imperial family might show an unwanted side.

***

Melania unconsciously fiddled with the jewelry box on her lap. Although her mother and eldest brother had moved for questioning, there had been no word for hours already.

She bit her lip finely, staring at the tightly closed door. It felt like being thrown alone into a beast’s lair. Even when she asked about her family’s whereabouts, the servants remained as silent as if their tongues had been cut out.

‘Was saying Bratz has little impact?’

What if Ian ignores her request for a meeting?

Then what should she do?

Trying to contact Gale wouldn’t be a bad choice either. Unaware that Gale had died, she kept making and breaking thousands of plans, flicking the tips of her nails.

‘The magic confirmation ceremony, that’s when things went badly wrong. Surely something went wrong there. It’s likely that Prince Arsen’s magic was false. Enough to be related to insulting the imperial family or its existence.’

Knock knock.

“Minister Ian Hielo is here.”

“…!”

The sudden announcement. Melania almost let out an exclamation without realizing it, but she immediately managed her expression and arranged her dress hem. Perfect with her straight jawline, upright posture, and unwavering gaze.

The door opened, and Ian entered alone, dismissing the servants.

“Hello, Minister Hielo.”

“It’s been a while. I’m late due to the heavy workload at the palace. Please understand that I can’t spare much time.”

It wasn’t just one or two, but seven families in total. They were simultaneously arresting and investigating them, so this wasn’t just a formality but the truth. Ian crossed his legs on the sofa, not even bothering to remove his gloves, as if to show this.

“And Melania, let me tell you in advance in case you don’t know. Bratz was erased from the map of Bariel long ago for treason. How dare you mention that name in the palace. This is quite a dangerous move. Especially in the current situation.”

Everyone in the palace was desperate to catch even one more weakness. Yet she directly mentions the name of a family annihilated for treason to Ian, who survived from there?

This was tantamount to Melania handing her own noose to Ian. Although she had no other choice, still.

“But if I hadn’t, would you have granted me an audience, Lord Ian?”

Ian lowered his gaze to look at the jewelry box placed on the table. All of Hayman’s assets should be under pressure, so what could it be? Judging from Melania’s attitude so far, it doesn’t seem like a primary bribe, but…

Who knows? Errors in judgment created by final moments are common.

“Well. Let’s hear it then. What is this ‘that territory’ matter you want to tell me about.”

Melania swallowed dryly. Her heart seemed to be leaping greatly with tension. She was acutely feeling how important and precious this moment given to her was.

An opportunity that would determine not just the lives of her family, but the fate of her house. Melania knew that at times like this, she needed to be especially alert and act confidently.

“Let me say this first.”

“Anything.”

“I am here as a member of the Hayman family, to prevent the downfall of our house. I want nothing else.”

Even if it meant paying any price, Melania wanted to protect her family. Hayman, that great and noble name, was her foundation and origin.

Ian raised an eyebrow and retorted steadily.

“Is that so? I am here to bring down your family. I want nothing else.”

“Lord Ian.”

Melania deliberately ignored Ian’s words and threw out a topic. Her deep gaze examined his green eyes thoroughly. As if trying to read Ian’s inner thoughts.

“Do you remember? Before, I was rude in front of His Highness Gale’s quarters.”

“Of course. How could I forget?”

“I have a friend I formed a connection with in Bratz.”

“In Bratz? How did the youngest daughter of the Hayman family go to such a frontier? I’m surprised. It sounds like a lie.”

Ian smiled, pointing out the credibility.

Isn’t that right? Common sense-wise.

“I spent most of my childhood in Ruswena. And I returned to Bariel when I turned ten. Through Hawan Kingdom.”

“Hawan Kingdom. Hawan Kingdom. Was it because of a marriage alliance?”

“Yes. Like our mother. Those who lost in the Ruswena succession were scattered to surrounding countries. My cousin brother married into the Hawan royal family. My schedule was to watch the wedding and then return to Bariel.”

And naturally, the escort and cargo transport for this schedule were entrusted to Rutherford, who had regular dealings with Hayman.

“Rutherford, you know them, right?”

“Of course. They’re the merchant group that supplied the amber raw stones Mariv used in the rebellion. I heard they have several alchemists.”

“Is that really all?”

Melania asked, slightly biting her lip, as if clinging to hope. Ian just slightly raised his head with a calm gaze. As if he didn’t understand what her intention was.

Her breathing became a bit rough. It seemed to be a reaction created by emotions such as excitement, frustration, and tension.

“I asked if that’s really all.”

“Melania. I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“I met a boy in Bratz with blonde hair, green eyes, and white skin. Honestly, it’s an old memory so I’m not certain about the face. But Lord Ian. The moment I saw you, it felt like the fog in my mind cleared.”

Ian smiled palely. See? He wasn’t sure if Melania was now trying to play tricks or if the ‘illegitimate Ian’ actually had a connection with her.

“So I thought if I called your name like back then, Ian would recognize me too.”

“You seem to be mistaken about something, Lady.”

“I thought so too. But no matter how I think about it, isn’t it too much of a coincidence? How many children with your appearance could there be in Bratz? And that ability.”

Ability. Melania looked down at Ian’s gloved hand and muttered firmly.

“Who else could possibly have that?”

Ian spread out his hand. Come to think of it, didn’t Philea mention something in a letter?

When the illegitimate Ian was very young, he went on an errand to a merchant group and brought back a red flowerpot. The person who gave him the flowerpot greatly praised Ian, saying he had ‘talent’.

“Did I ever show you my magic?”

Certainly, the illegitimate Ian was also a magic user. As Ian was about to conclude this, Melania opened the jewelry box to show him notes, pressed flowers, and an amber stone. Ian immediately recognized what the pressed flower was.

Silasque.

The flower said to never wither once it blooms.

“Why do you keep pretending not to know?”

“Lady.”

“…This, you made this, Ian.”

Melania whispered, pressing the amber raw stone in her hand into Ian’s. Her tone was pleading, begging him to pretend to know.

“And Rutherford even praised you for it. Said you had talent. Why do you keep pretending not to remember? We even made a vow over the stone. Why…!”

Melania now seemed certain that the friend in her memory was Ian, and had decided to believe so.

The amber raw stone cut in half. Ian found himself muttering without realizing.

“Ian, made this?”