Chapter 284

“Ian, it’s me.”

“Come in.”

Romandro poked his head in, pulling a small handcart. It was piled high with papers, reaching up to a person’s waist.

Ian, who had been busily writing, turned his head curiously at the sound of wheels. Where did all this work keep coming from? It had been several days since the selection ceremony ended, but somehow it felt like the workload was increasing even more.

Ian glanced at the reports filling his office and nodded.

“Put them over there.”

“I feel like I did this an hour ago too. Haha.”

“Sometimes it’s surprising. I think there can’t possibly be more, but when I open the reports, I understand. Please organize them in order of approval deadlines.”

“This one can be done a bit more slowly. It’s a proposal regarding the Ministry of Magic’s movements and role assignments on the day of His Highness Jin’s appointment ceremony. We just need to decide and notify other departments.”

“I see. Understood. This one has been approved, please take it out. We’re running out of space.”

Ian fixed his gaze back on the documents, and the sound of his pen resumed rhythmically. But it was only for a moment. Ian noticed that Romandro hadn’t left and raised his head again.

“Is there something else to report?”

“Ah, well, about that.”

As Romandro looked at the chair, Ian nodded, giving permission to sit. Sensing the conversation might be lengthy, Ian rested his pen on the inkwell.

“Barsabe’s living situation is a bit ambiguous. Although Xiaoshi is still receiving treatment, he’s recovered enough to compete without issues. It seems her help is no longer needed.”

Captain Jeirutt had ‘naturally’ not ordered Barsabe’s return, and even Ian had given no indication about it, so Romandro was bringing it up directly.

Was it because he was busy? But was Ian the type to overlook such things just because he was busy? He carefully asked, with a tone of utter bewilderment.

“Ian.”

“Yes, go on.”

“I’m saying this just in case. The atmosphere in the palace seems to be a bit delicate these days.”

“In what way?”

Ian feigned ignorance and asked back.

“The day Beric and Captain Jeirutt dueled. Since that day, the Imperial Guard has been particularly on edge. They don’t seem pleased with Beric’s victory, but the problem is that the Imperial Defense Department also seems to be riding the same wave of sentiment.”

Everyone had seen Ian transfer magical power to Beric. It was as good as everyone knowing that the Minister of Magic intended to place his own right-hand man next to His Majesty the Emperor.

“Of course, it was publicly known that an internal review was included in the captain selection, but rumors trying to gauge your intentions are running rampant.”

“My intentions? What are they saying?”

Ian smiled as if genuinely curious. Seeing his harmless smile, Romandro couldn’t help but smile back. Up close, he’s such a radiant person, but those watching from afar don’t seem to realize it.

“Well, there are various opinions. Some say you knew he had no chance in the internal review, so you had him defeat the captain to make up for it. Or that it’s to show that while the Ministry of Magic’s manpower has decreased, it’s still solid in terms of combat power, and so on. When five people gather, five different opinions emerge.”

It was an event with such a huge impact, wasn’t it? Not only palace officials were watching, but even ordinary participants witnessed it. One could imagine the excitement that wouldn’t easily subside, and also understood it.

Ian shrugged.

“Interesting. One action, but countless interpretations.”

“With His Highness Jin’s appointment ceremony coming up soon, it’ll probably die down for a while due to everyone being busy. Beric’s appointment also fell through. But it might be good to exercise some restraint in the future. As you know, it’s a very sensitive matter. Hmm?”

A young prince and the Minister of Magic standing behind him. If Jin becomes the official successor at the appointment ceremony, worries and vigilance about this would intensify even more. Power is like a living thing; it grows larger as time passes.

Those who know this is the starting point will surely try to gradually turn Jin’s gaze towards themselves.

‘It might have already started.’

Anyway, it seemed better for Barsabe’s living arrangements to be newly determined. She was the direct link between the Imperial Guard and Jin.

But Ian just shook his head, indicating it was fine.

“Her skills and loyalty have been proven several times, and the more people serving His Highness, the better. Xiaoshi also has much to learn from her, so I’ll keep observing for a bit longer.”

“Ian?”

“And in fact, since it’s His Highness’s guard, it’s not for me to decide. It was entirely His Highness’s will to accept her in the first place.”

Romandro blinked in surprise. Did Ian not understand what it meant to keep Barsabe by his side? ‘That’ Ian?

That couldn’t be. Then there must be another intention that Romandro himself hadn’t grasped…

“Um, Ian-“

“Aaaah! I’m dying here!”

Bang! Crash!

Beric appeared, cutting off Romandro’s words. Romandro frowned and scolded him, but he showed no signs of listening.

“Beric. I told you to announce yourself!”

“Ugh, I’m too exhausted to do that. No, the Imperial Guard members must be crazy. Why did they run me ragged on the first day? Not even letting me drink a sip of water! Oh, really!”

Today was Beric’s first day training as an Imperial Guard member. He had certainly left in the morning neatly dressed in his uniform… But by afternoon, he looked like a beggar.

“Oh my, they didn’t even let you drink water?”

“That’s what I’m saying. But the funny thing is, only the newcomers couldn’t drink. They told me if I wanted to drink, I had to run around the training ground for an hour.”

Oh. My goodness. Beric, that’s what they call hazing.

Romandro covered his mouth and looked at Beric with pity. His scolding from earlier about lack of manners had long since disappeared.

“S-so?”

“So what? I ran for an hour and emptied all the water barrels there. Kuhahaha!”

Looking closely, he was still in his training clothes under his uniform. He must have come straight here without changing. The Imperial Guard probably wasn’t pleased with Beric’s presence in many ways, so they seemed to be trying to vent like this. Even so, there’s the honor of the empire, how could they…

“But then they told me to refill all the water barrels. If they want to drink, they should fetch it themselves. I got pissed and smashed them all before coming here. They said tonight’s dinner is beef. Sir Romandro. By the way, are water barrels expensive? They were a bit bigger than me.”

“You smashed all the water barrels? On your first day? My, why on earth?!”

“Ah, because I was annoyed!”

Romandro inwardly crossed himself and mourned for the Imperial Guard. They’re praying to make a person out of this ruffian-like fellow by treating him even more roughly.

“Beric.”

“Yeah?”

“What did I tell you this morning?”

“…Not to cause trouble.”

“So you did hear. I’ll tell Captain Jeirutt to deduct the cost of the water barrels from your salary. You’ll only be able to buy one beer with your first paycheck, you know?”

It would be fortunate if he could buy even one beer. Causing such a ruckus on the first day, he might be in debt a month later.

As Beric gaped in shock, Ian suddenly remembered the day of the award ceremony. He seemed to have mentioned an ‘accident’ then too…

“Beric, about last time. When you were late on the morning of the award ceremony, you mentioned something about an accident. What happened?”

“Last time? Hm? Ah! Ah!”

Saying he had completely forgotten, Beric snapped his fingers.

“It was nothing much, I almost hit an old person while rushing there.”

“You crazy bastard!”

Smack!

“Ow! I didn’t hit them! Not even a hair touched them!”

“Why are you only telling us now? Did you handle it properly? Even a little shock can be too much for an elderly person!”

“They were completely fine and healthy! And honestly, I’m wronged too! The granny was crawling across the main road. It’s hard to notice right away.”

“So what did you do?!”

“I tried to give them money, but they wouldn’t take it. What did they say? Something about eating secrets or whatever. They did seem a bit strange. They told me to bring you, Ian.”

At Beric’s words, Romandro gasped. Even Ian, who rarely gets surprised, was the same. His eyes widened slightly, and he put down his pen.

Both of them became strange at the same time. Beric backed away behind the sofa, looking perplexed.

“W-why are you all acting like this? Nothing really happened that day.”

“No, Beric. Tell me in detail. The old person was a woman? And she said she eats secrets? Was she a gypsy?”

“Gypsy? I can’t tell the difference.”

“Ian. Judging by the fact that she was crawling on the main road, she must have been an old woman without legs.”

“Oh! That’s right. She had no legs!”

“Good heavens!”

Romandro almost convulsed, clutching his head and twisting his body. It was a gesture somewhere between joy, thrill, and shock.

As per Timothy’s request, they had issued a wanted notice throughout Bariel, but no news had come.

And Beric?

On that day when he came in late after drinking, Beric met her!

“Beric, what’s this about bringing Ian?”

“Well, she said if I wanted to compensate, I should bring someone who thinks a lot, talks little, and is strange. That’s totally Ian, right?”

“Right. It is Ian.”

“…?”

Ian tilted his head quizzically and looked at Romandro. As if saying he didn’t understand what either of them was talking about.

Romandro tried to maintain his composure and asked again.

“W-where? When?”

“On the night when the half moon rises, where the accident happened. Ah, it was near the alley with the newspaper office, just a few corners from the intersection and you’d reach the entrance of a big park.”

The night when the half moon rises! Ian and Romandro simultaneously checked the calendar on the bookshelf.

“It’s today.”

“It is today.”

As Ian and Romandro muttered at the same time, Beric grinned sheepishly. He had completely forgotten about it.

“Really? I didn’t know.”

“…We can’t even scold him for this, honestly.”

“Sir Romandro. There’s still time until nightfall, so please prepare. I’ll just finish the paperwork I was looking at. Let’s pinpoint the exact location and block all the routes leading there. It might be good to dispatch a few mages as well, just in case.”

“I’ll do that.”

“Beric, go with Sir Romandro and help him.”

Beric whined that he had just come in and was tired, but he was dragged out by Romandro pulling his ear.

Ian picked up his pen to finish what he was doing, but put it down again.

‘One who eats secrets, the gypsy the King of Burgos is desperately searching for.’

The reason why the King of Burgos is looking for her will soon be revealed. Either there’s a secret he wants to erase through her, or there’s a secret she holds that he desperately wants to know.

If it’s the latter, Ian was genuinely curious too.

And Ian truly needed to find out as well.

‘It will surely be an important key in responding to the political situation of the three countries. Moreover, to naturally lead Timothy’s naturalization, it’s good to know anything about the King of Burgos.’

Swoosh.

Ian looked out the window, gathering his thoughts.

The moon will rise soon.

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

MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony

MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises

MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets

MBSE 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

🔒85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask

🔒85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return

🔒85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn

🔒85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team

🔒85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns

🔒85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border

🔒85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop

🔒85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border