âYou are the empireâs blessing. The first noble mage! Pleased to meet you. I am Naum Ovia. Please call me Naum.â
When the original Ian was fifteen, Naum was the first person he met and exchanged names with upon entering the imperial palace. It was a summer day meeting that everyone considered a blessing without doubt, and thus couldnât predict how it would sway both of their lives.
âIâll call you Ian comfortably too. You donât know how long the Ministry of Magic has been waiting. Itâs been years since we had a new colleague! You havenât seen all of the Ministry of Magic yet, right? Let me introduce you.â
Like his short, soft brown hair, his smile was also gentle. As Naum moved, the mages averted their gaze, pretending to be busy. Most of them were from commoner backgrounds, having experienced the depths of hardship. Their persistent gazes were mixed with antipathy towards nobility itself, concern that class distinctions might form in the previously egalitarian Ministry of Magic, and wariness that Ian might harm the department by asserting his noble identity.
Naum waved his hand at them with a smile.
âYouâre all dying to meet Ian, arenât you? Sorry, but Iâm in charge, so step back and get to work. Greet him at the induction ceremony.â
Ian had never seen someone so naturally jovial as Naum before. Among nobles who were always lofty, pure, and measuring dignity, it felt like entering a new world. Of course, it was a natural sentiment since the Ministry of Magic was an unfamiliar place to him.
Anyway, was that why? Following him came naturally. Not just on the path through the Ministry of Magic, but also on the path of life.
Naum was undeniably a trustworthy colleague, an excellent teacher, and an indispensable friend. The difference in years was merely a concept. Certainly.
âNaum. Iâm deeply grateful to you.â
In a modest study inside the Ministry of Magicâs annex. Ian and Naum enjoyed visiting there to read whenever they had time. Ian, who had turned his gaze from the book to the window, suddenly said so. It was the season when the fresh summer leaves were turning to autumn colors.
âFor what?â
ââ¦â
For what? Can one count them one by one?
As it was an endless answer, Ian remained silent. Naum also observed the changing seasons.
âIan, do you know? This window is the largest in the Ministry of Magic annex.â
âWhy?â
âWhen the annex was first built, this space originally didnât exist. But the ancestor in charge of construction felt it was a shame and created it anew. Since it wasnât in the original plan, they replaced the wall with a window, they say.â
âWas his name Timothy?â
âYes. You saw it when you came to our house last time, right?â
Naum smiled proudly.
Timothy, they said, was an immigrant from the Kingdom of Burgos. The Bariel Empire citizenship certificate he received upon naturalization was preciously kept by Naumâs family. To commemorate the gratitude for allowing them to live as citizens of Bariel, not the declining Kingdom of Burgos.
âTimothy probably didnât know. That you and I would cherish this place so much in the future.â
âItâs not like we only use this study.â
âHmm. Is that so? But there are things we can only do here.â
Ian pretended not to know and slightly turned his head.
Did he notice that I always came here when things were tough? Just as Naum was about to turn the page with a silent smile, footsteps loudly echoed from somewhere.
Tap tap tap!
This was the innermost space in the annex, where people rarely came. As it was unusual, Ian and Naum simultaneously looked towards the door.
The door opened roughly, and a cold wind rushed in. Pages fluttering, a mageâs flushed face, and a heart strangely pounding hard.
âIan, Naum! Damn, how long have I been looking for you!â
âWhatâs wrong?â
âHis Majesty the Emperor has passed away.â
Ian had an intuition that he would never forget that moment. He felt with all five senses what a turning point in life was.
âIan. Youâre being mentioned as the next emperor.â
ââ¦â
âDid you expect it?â
It would be a lie to say he hadnât expected it. In fact, he had guessed from the moment he entered the palace. The emperor was on his last legs, there was no heir, and Ian was a collateral bloodline of the imperial family and a sacred mage.
Moreover, he was young. From the perspective of the powerful who couldnât directly ascend to the throne, it was a perfect condition. However, as it was such a solemn position, Ian intentionally tried not to be conscious of it.
âKrony is looking for you.â
At the name Krony, Naum frowned. He was Ianâs nephew, the vice minister of the Imperial Defense Department, the son of Ianâs guardian who stood in for his parents. And the one who had urged Ian to hide his magical power.
As Ian tried to stand up, Naum held him back.
âJust because heâs looking doesnât mean you need to meet him, Ian.â
I know you always come here after meeting Krony. Naum shook his head, forcibly swallowing his words. Who knows what nonsense heâll use to stab the childâs heart this time.
âItâs alright. As you said, I expected this moment. So now Iâm meeting him because I need to.â
Ian stood up. As he did, his pale eyes and platinum blonde hair shone even brighter in the sunlight.
Seeing this, Naum also felt he would never forget that moment. It was the moment Ian stepped forward on his own at a turning point in life, and he realized that its end was the beginning of the next emperor.
âNaum.â
ââ¦Yes.â
âI tried not to think about it, but I kept thinking. I realized that what one truly wants canât be ignored even if you try to turn away from it.â
Emperor, the pinnacle of Bariel, one who can support and change the world.
The reason he couldnât easily extinguish the spark of thought was probably because of the smiles and tears of the imperial citizens he met while working as a mage.
Ian lightly touched Naumâs shoulder.
âAnd the position of Minister of Magic suits you.â
âIan.â
âAs always, I hope for your help in the future too.â
The next minister, so if Ian becomes emperor, itâs as if even a kind of cabinet has been decided. The mage bowed his head, pretending not to hear, and walked out the door. Ian also had no hesitation.
Left alone, Naum held his forehead and closed the book Ian had left open. Of course, he too would always stay by Ianâs side if he could.
Like this, it would be an unparalleled honor to help with the aftermath, like closing a book, and lead the empireâs brilliant future together.
But before that-
âIan. Becoming emperor means abandoning yourself.â
Itâs just regrettable.
What kind of place is the imperial palace? Itâs a place where blood storms lurk silently aiming for each otherâs necks, and where numerous desires gather to form a deep pool.
Can a child standing alone really endure it?
He probably can endure. He might break, but.
âHaah.â
Swish.
Naum also tidied up the book he was reading and stood up. When Ian returns here after meeting Krony, it might be better if heâs not around.
If he had decided to devote his life to Bariel, then he had no choice but to join him. Even one connection was a miracle, yet they had formed bonds as teacher and student, friends, and colleagues.
âMay Godâs protection be with youâ
Naum unconsciously drew a small magic circle on the window. Hoping that when Ian comes here to relieve his sorrows, it wonât be too painful.
***
The ministers and officials from each department gathered for the grand council exchanged awkward glances. With a mountain of matters to discuss, bundles of documents were placed at the back of the spacious conference room. Even if they proceeded urgently, it wouldnât be enough, yet two key figures were lost in thought.
âWell then, next item. Itâs from the Culture Department. Of the 105 paintings received from House Hayman, they propose exhibiting 30 at the Imperial Palace National Art Museum, 17 for the imperial familyâs private collection, and putting the rest up for auction. Your Highness Jin. Have you checked the list?â
âHuh? Ah, yes. Iâve checked.â
One was Jin-
âThen do you agree?â
ââ¦As far as I know, not all the official appraisal reports have been submitted yet.â
And the other was Ian.
As Jin answered hurriedly, Ian added while flipping through documents. On the surface, he looked no different from usual, but Romandro and some other officials knew. That Ian was continuously lost in silent contemplation. Usually, he would have told Jin what to say before he answered like that.
The Minister of Culture continued his report, watching the two carefully.
âHouse Hayman conducted separate art appraisals annually. We plan to proceed based on that instead of official appraisal reports. But because there are so many, itâs taking a long time.â
âI object. We canât trust House Haymanâs appraisals. Some might have been intentionally undervalued to evade taxes, and others inflated for profit.â
âWell, that⦠The appraiser in question worked for the imperial palace until two years ago. We thought there wouldnât be an issue with trustworthiness, but.â
âThen it would be easier to appraise the appraisal reports rather than the artworks themselves. What do you think, Your Highness?â
Ian turned his head to the side to ask Jinâs opinion. Jin, who had been staring blankly at him, startled and turned his head.
âOh, I think thatâs right.â
âThen, that would be best.â
Whatâs this?
Quintana tilted her head, fiddling with a dry cigarette. His Highness Jinâs attitude was clearly strange. Wasnât he usually the one who would look at Ian with sparkling eyes and follow his every move?
But now he seems uncomfortable, and thereâs an awkward feeling.
As if heâs suffering aloneâ¦
âLord Ian is definitely different too.â
Wasnât his perception usually extraordinary? Itâs wrong from the start that he hasnât noticed Jinâs obviously different attitude.
âVery well. Letâs handle the matter of appraisals that way. Next item.â
Bang bang!
The Prime Minister tapped his gavel without delay, leading the meeting. Dealing with relatively less important matters quickly would help reduce the meeting time even a little.
If Ian and Jin continue in this state, the meeting might go on until the next day.
âItâs about the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. An agenda from the Ministry of Magic. Hmm, regarding the total known quantity, they propose 50% for His Majesty the Emperor, 30% for other imperial family members, and 20% for the Ministry of Magic.â
As the Prime Minister recited, Jin startled and looked down at the documents. The same was true for officials from other departments. Werenât magic sealing stones the only means to check mages?
It was a way to bring those close to divine power down to human level, yet theyâre handing over more than half the authority to the imperial family. This was something even Wesleigh, who had close ties with Gale, couldnât do.
âAre these ratios correct? Minister Ian Hielo?â
âYes. As Minister of Magic, I felt many things while experiencing the civil war. First, a comprehensive inventory and definite management of magic sealing stones is necessary, and balanced relationships are always needed for absolute power. For the wellbeing of the imperial family and an unwavering center, I believe this is appropriate. Currently, besides His Majesty, Your Highness Jin is the only imperial family member, so it would be right to give Your Highness Jin 30% authority over magic sealing stones.â
Jinâs eyes grew wider and wider. It was no different from handing over a knife with the sharp part towards the Ministry of Magic.
âHmm. What about Idgal?â
ââ¦The Ministry of Magic is conducting its own investigation. It seems weâll settle on tracking and eliminating it as the way to reduce confusion.â
âI see. Your Highness Jin. What is your opinion?â
âMe?â
Arsenâs whispers, Haymanâs instigation, and Ian knowing about passages only the imperial family should know. While his mind was confused and complicated, surprisingly, he felt like it was clearing up. Jin nodded dazedly.
ââ¦I agree.â
Ian, facing him, raised his eyebrows and smiled. As if asking whatâs wrong. He had finally noticed Jinâs strangeness. Jin smiled to indicate it was nothing.
Quintana watched the two quietly, then slipped the cigarette back into her pocket. It seemed this needed to be looked into more deeply.
Navigate to Other Chapters
MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's End
MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
MBSE Chapter 05 - Plans
MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof
MBSE Chapter 26
MBSE Chapter 27
MBSE Chapter 28
MBSE Chapter 29
MBSE Chapter 30
MBSE Chapter 31
MBSE Chapter 32
MBSE Chapter 33
MBSE Chapter 34
MBSE Chapter 35
MBSE Chapter 36
MBSE Chapter 37
MBSE Chapter 38
MBSE Chapter 39
MBSE Chapter 40
MBSE Chapter 41
MBSE Chapter 42
MBSE Chapter 43
MBSE Chapter 44
MBSE Chapter 45
MBSE Chapter 46
MBSE Chapter 47
MBSE Chapter 48
MBSE Chapter 49
MBSE Chapter 50
MBSE Chapter 51
MBSE Chapter 52
MBSE Chapter 53
MBSE Chapter 54
MBSE Chapter 55
MBSE Chapter 56
MBSE Chapter 57
MBSE Chapter 58
MBSE Chapter 59
MBSE Chapter 60
MBSE Chapter 61
MBSE Chapter 62
MBSE Chapter 63
MBSE Chapter 64
MBSE Chapter 65
MBSE Chapter 66
MBSE Chapter 67
MBSE Chapter 68
MBSE Chapter 69
MBSE Chapter 70
MBSE Chapter 71
MBSE Chapter 72
MBSE Chapter 73
MBSE Chapter 74
MBSE Chapter 75
MBSE Chapter 76
MBSE Chapter 77
MBSE Chapter 78
MBSE Chapter 79
MBSE Chapter 80
MBSE Chapter 81
MBSE Chapter 82
MBSE Chapter 82
MBSE Chapter 83
MBSE Chapter 83
MBSE Chapter 84
MBSE Chapter 85
MBSE Chapter 86
MBSE Chapter 87
MBSE Chapter 88
MBSE Chapter 89
MBSE Chapter 90
MBSE Chapter 91
MBSE Chapter 92
MBSE Chapter 93
MBSE Chapter 94
MBSE Chapter 95
MBSE Chapter 96
MBSE Chapter 97
MBSE Chapter 98
MBSE Chapter 99
MBSE Chapter 100
MBSE Chapter 101
MBSE Chapter 102
MBSE Chapter 103
MBSE Chapter 104
MBSE Chapter 105
MBSE Chapter 106
MBSE Chapter 107
MBSE Chapter 108
MBSE Chapter 109
MBSE Chapter 110
MBSE Chapter 111
MBSE Chapter 112
MBSE Chapter 113
MBSE Chapter 114
MBSE Chapter 115
MBSE Chapter 116
MBSE Chapter 117
MBSE Chapter 118
MBSE Chapter 119
MBSE Chapter 120
MBSE Chapter 121
MBSE Chapter 122
MBSE Chapter 123
MBSE Chapter 124
MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training Grounds
MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's Letter
MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
MBSE Chapter 142 - Black Smoke
MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal
MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave Caravan
MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal Slaves
MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
MBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through Checks
MBSE Chapter 156
MBSE Chapter 157
MBSE Chapter 158
MBSE Chapter 159
MBSE Chapter 160
MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal Flare
MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's Seal
MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child
MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
MBSE Chapter 177 - The Black Moon
MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, Now
MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's Eyes
MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
MBSE Chapter 186
MBSE Chapter 187
MBSE Chapter 188
MBSE Chapter 189
MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
MBSE Chapter 193
MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions
MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black Armor
MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud
MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's Whisperer
MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
MBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's Plea
MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's Request
MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's Signatures
MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Palace
MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
MBSE Chapter 254 - Pillars
MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's Bariel
MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures
MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts
MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch
ð70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
ð75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
ð75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
ð75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
ð75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being
ð75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
ð75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
ð75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances
ð75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
ð75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
ð80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
ð80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose
ð80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
ð80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
ð85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
ð80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
ð80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
ð80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
ð85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
ð85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
ð85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
ð85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
ð85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
ð85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
ð85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub