Chapter 279

“I believe you’ll understand what I’m about to say well.”

At Ian’s words, Xiaoshi recalled.

When he first wrote down his name, when he understood what the nobles were saying behind their fans, when he could distinguish the seals of different departments, and so on. Each instance had broadened his horizons and allowed him to see the world in more detail.

Lying in bed, looking at Ian, he instinctively knew. Once again, his world was about to expand.

“An ideal imperial palace should have a strong emperor at its center, with a consistent distance between the powerful officials. But look at this place now. Is there even one thing that matches what I just described?”

The Emperor was bedridden, out of sight, and Ian stood at the center of all power. That power was overflowing, to the point where it wouldn’t be strange if it engulfed someone. Even if that someone were Jin.

“As time passes, forces trying to keep me in check will band together. But you, while being by His Highness’s side on my orders, call me your master. You’re a dangerous figure to be cut off before even Beric.”

“…I understand.”

“So, Xiao. The time for you to choose is approaching.”

Though he had already regained his freedom in status, Xiaoshi still seemed to stand between shadow and sunlight. Even when he resolved to move forward, he felt as if the shadow kept following him. He had overlooked that as time passed, the shadow grew longer. He needed to gather his strength and take a big step.

Ian crossed his legs and instructed:

“If you want to be by His Highness Jin’s side of your own will, it would be better to erase me from yourself. This is close to advice. His Highness Jin cares for you greatly, so having you around would be better in many ways. He’s a lonely person, isn’t he?”

Xiaoshi raised his upper body. Ian’s words were flowing like water. Too natural, yet seemingly slipping through his fingers, unable to grasp.

Xiaoshi asked, as if tracing remnants. Ian was right in front of him, yet it felt like he wasn’t there.

“…Why are you saying this?”

“Because the things that will happen in the future are issues that can’t be proven, stopped, or confronted.”

No matter how much one claims it’s for Jin’s sake, Ian will ultimately be kept in check. Once a flow is created, no one can stop it until new political results emerge.

Then should one confront it?

In Jin’s Bariel, with whom? For what purpose?

“What should I do?”

“Nothing. Or anything.”

“…I don’t understand why you’re telling me this.”

“There’s no need to think deeply about it. I know you, and you’re someone close to His Highness, that’s all. Also, I wanted you to know that your first attempt to step out on your own was thwarted because of the situation, not because of you.”

At least someone who could be safely kept by Jin’s side. That’s what Ian thought of Xiaoshi.

Isn’t Jin a bit special compared to other emperors? He has parents, yet doesn’t, and the same goes for his power. Currently, if there’s anyone who can support Jin, it’s only Ian, but…

‘It would be truly precarious if he’s left alone after the Ministry of Magic annex is built. Romandro is loyal to Bariel, but he has a precious family too. Beric is out of the question. In many ways, it’s hard to find someone as suitable as Xiaoshi.’

“…Is it Captain Jeirutt? The one trying to check you, Master?”

“It’s likely, but I’m not certain yet.”

At least, he hoped that those checking forces were truly thinking of the imperial palace and Jin’s wellbeing. If they did, it would naturally distribute Jin’s weight, currently focused on him, to others.

Ian nodded once and smiled.

“Everything I’ve said is based on the premise that you want to be by His Highness Jin’s side. You have time to think.”

The same goes for Ian. At least until the outline of the checking forces becomes clear and the Ministry of Magic annex is built, he will stand firmly in front of Jin.

Probably, the reaction of the opposition will become clear starting from the point of construction.

“Master.”

You’re calling me master again. Ian smiled as if scolding, but Xiaoshi didn’t notice.

“…I wasn’t frustrated.”

“Is that so?”

“I entered the selection because I wanted to find my usefulness as a human, not as a slave.”

A slave has value just by existing. Because they have a definite price. But a human? They had to prove their existence and increase their value while living on their own.

This was why Xiaoshi continued the duels despite his reluctance. If he won, and everyone wanted him, it would be the first time he stood in the world as a human.

So, he wanted to show Ian. That he was enjoying the freedom Ian had spoken of.

“But you just told me again. There are many ways to show my value, so I’m not frustrated.”

“As I said, it’s premised on your choice.”

“Yes. I will choose.”

Xiaoshi replied firmly.

“I have chosen.”

“……”

Ian nodded with a faint smile. He had found someone he could entrust Jin to with peace of mind, so it was something to welcome. As Ian stood up, Xiaoshi quickly added:

“Lord Ian.”

Not Master, but Lord Ian. Ian smiled as if he had heard something pleasant.

“So, Lord Ian, you should choose too.”

“Choose what?”

“Anything. Whatever you desire.”

“I…”

Ian trailed off. What he wants to do?

Reading books with Naum in the annex, hearing the laughter of imperial citizens from inside a carriage, seeing sunlight and moonlight settle on Bariel.

Ian murmured as he grabbed the doorknob.

“I have already chosen what I want, Xiao.”

Creeak.

As the door closed, Xiaoshi quietly stared at the wall and let out a small breath.

‘Lord Ian had a different world.’

Xiaoshi had glimpsed the world Ian was hiding, and because of that, his own world had expanded a little.

He wasn’t sure where Ian truly wanted to be.

But one thing was certain: it wasn’t here.

***

“In order, we have Ruswena, Clipoford, and the Kingdom of Burgos. The gift boxes were opened and checked below for any dangerous materials or unusual items.”

Jin scrutinized the three letters placed on the golden tray. The texture was exquisite, befitting the dignity of kingdoms. And that’s not all. The boxes that had contained each letter were filled with flowers and jewels.

Jin impatiently tapped his foot.

“Why is Ian taking so long?”

“Indeed. Oh, here he comes.”

As Ian entered the office, Jin quickly gestured for him to sit.

“Lord Ian. Shall we read them now?”

“Yes, Your Highness. Bring a knife.”

“I want to open them myself.”

“That cannot be allowed. There have been cases of poison being applied to the paper.”

Of course, if a kingdom dared to do such a thing to Bariel, it would immediately lead to war. But isn’t it better to be cautious anyway?

The waiting attendant carefully cut open the seal with a knife. Beneath it, a reply written in gold-infused ink was revealed.

“I will read it to you, Your Highness.”

“Yes, yes!”

-To His Highness, 5th Prince Jin Verocion. We could see that spring has arrived in the great Bariel Empire, which shares our fate, through the invitation you sent. We sincerely congratulate you on your official successor appointment ceremony, and Ruswena is pleased to be able to join in this glorious occasion.

It’s a formal reply. Probably not much different from the letters previous emperors had received. But for Jin, it was a first, and it would be a moment he wouldn’t forget for a long time.

The child’s eyes sparkled as he urged to continue reading.

“Does it say the king is coming?”

“Yes.”

“I thought for sure he wouldn’t-“

Romandro, who was organizing things nearby, reflexively started to reply but stopped.

“…Lord Ian, did you say he’s coming?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I-Ian. Did you just say he’s coming?”

“That’s correct, Sir Romandro.”

Except for Ian, Romandro and Jin blinked with wide eyes. This was completely unexpected. They had thought Elder’s diplomatic mission would likely visit again!

Romandro offered congratulations to Jin.

“Your Highness, congratulations. If the King of Ruswena comes in person, it will add significance to your appointment ceremony.”

“How, how strange. I didn’t expect this at all.”

“Well, Your Highness is now the only prince, aren’t you? It’s better to move early and establish connections for the future. If the King of Ruswena comes, the scale will be enormous. We’ll need to prepare more thoroughly than we thought.”

Unlike the excited Romandro, Ian was just staring at the letter. He nodded to the attendant to open the remaining ones.

Swoosh.

The attendant ran his fingertip along the edge of the paper once before handing it to Ian. As Ian quickly read through the letter, his brow furrowed gradually, and even a sardonic smile appeared.

“Why, why do you look like that? Ian?”

“This has become interesting.”

As expected, Clipoford had decided to send 1st Prince Noah to visit.

The problem was Burgos.

“The king from Burgos is also coming, it says. Ambassador Timothy will accompany him.”

“From Burgos too? This is truly a festival! Your Highness, this is an unprecedented festival of grand unity!”

As Romandro rejoiced sincerely, Jin also smiled slightly in response.

But why did Lord Ian’s expression look so unfavorable? Prince Noah is also a successor, so if you think about it, all the leaders of each country are gathering to congratulate Jin on his appointment.

“Lord Ian. Will you show me the letter?”

“Of course, Your Highness.”

Jin received the letter, wanting to find out for himself rather than asking Ian why he looked that way.

But he couldn’t understand at all. Only the neat and elegant handwriting caught his eye, and content-wise, there was nothing particularly alarming to be seen.

“Your Highness. Do you remember why I wanted to gather the leaders of each country in Bariel?”

Ian, sensing Jin’s intention, asked gently. The reason he had said it would be good if the king came personally instead of an envoy?

“It’s not an emperor’s coronation, but a prince’s appointment ceremony. A king personally attending would lower their national prestige. Isn’t it because they have no choice but to acknowledge being under Bariel’s sphere of influence?”

“That’s correct.”

But on the other hand, it was because the current political situation in the imperial palace was chaotic. They must know that the palace had been locked down several times through civil unrest and the Arsen incident.

It would be very troublesome if the countries surrounding Bariel on all sides harbored ill intentions. Ian wanted to prevent this by conducting solid diplomacy face-to-face and demonstrating that the imperial palace was still strong.

“It’s not easy for the three kingdoms of Ruswena, Clipoford, and Burgos to gather in one place. Even two countries sharing a border might be understandable, but this… With our diplomats stationed in each country watching, how could they casually meet?”

“If the three countries formed an alliance, it would be somewhat burdensome even for Bariel. Maintaining an appropriate distance from each other is-“

As Romandro was agreeing and adding an explanation for Jin, he realized it himself while explaining.

Ah, they’re using Jin’s appointment ceremony as an opportunity to gather all three countries at once.

“Their schedules overlap almost exactly, staying around the day of the appointment ceremony. Normally, if they were mindful of Bariel, this wouldn’t be possible.”

Even though he had given the invitation directly to the kings, it was a move made on the calculation that it wouldn’t be accepted anyway.

“We’ll have to keep a closer eye on the King of Burgos, though.”

“Why the King of Burgos?”

“There’s a matter related to the gypsies.”

“Ah. I heard. The one I saw in the park?”

“There’s a possibility.”

Burgos, right. Burgos was still somewhat uncertain, but Ruswena accepting simultaneously?

“It seems they have some secret communication among themselves. Just as we try to show the imperial palace’s strength, they are coming to see its gaps.”

But if such a thing existed, they could have done it secretly as they’ve always done. Showing themselves directly and giving such indications was a signal that they wanted to move to a different phase than before.

After all, with the Emperor bedridden and the only successor being a ten-year-old child, they must have thought there wouldn’t be a better opportunity. The most likely scenario was a surprise alliance of the three countries.

“Then what should we do?”

When Jin asked in a somewhat worried tone, Ian smiled slightly.

It’s actually a good thing. Even if they come to take advantage of the situation, the imperial palace is the one creating that situation.

“Your Highness, on the day of the appointment ceremony, you just need to smile more brightly than anyone else.”

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

MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation

MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection

MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater

MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know

MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being

MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl

MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet

MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances

MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows

MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam

MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?

MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose

MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism

MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons

MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World

MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on

MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth

MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory

🔒85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony

🔒85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises

🔒85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets

🔒85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis

🔒85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page

🔒85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming

🔒85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub

🔒85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen's Provocation

🔒85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste

🔒85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure

🔒85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt

🔒85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop

🔒85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears

🔒85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened

🔒85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination

🔒85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince

🔒85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable

🔒85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts

🔒85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning

🔒85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic

🔒85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings

🔒85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels

🔒85MBSE Chapter 305 - According to Plan

🔒85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity

🔒85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk

🔒85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony

🔒85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don't Look Down

🔒85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please

🔒85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets

🔒85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?

🔒85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes

🔒85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets

🔒85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma

🔒85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara

🔒85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go

🔒85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony