Chapter 286

Burgos was vast but barren. The year-round dryness had stolen away the verdant growth, and unknown beasts prowled the abandoned lands under cover of darkness.

Whoosh.

Before entering the palace, Timothy turned around at the wind’s beckoning. The steep incline offered a clear view of the common people’s dwellings beyond the palace walls.

…It’s too withered.

Was this not the very sight the King witnessed two or three times each day on his comings and goings? Though he should only have to look upon prosperity, what Timothy now faced was an all too withered Burgos.

Surely this couldn’t be blamed on climate alone. The kingdom’s daylight, which had been slowly dimming since the previous king’s reign, had finally given way to night.

“I’m here to see His Majesty Damon.”

“Please wait a moment.”

Timothy showed his report to the attendant, requesting to be announced.

Though perhaps not as busy as Bariel preparing for the inauguration ceremony, the Kingdom of Burgos was likewise in a flurry preparing for their king’s upcoming departure.

Creeak.

“This way, please.”

Following the attendant inside, only the soft clicking of shoes echoed through the space. Though the room was grand enough to serve as a banquet hall, it stood empty. If not for the occasional portraits of the previous king hanging on the walls, none would have guessed this to be the king’s office.

Timothy stood before the king, following the carpet’s path.

“Your Majesty. This is Timothy reporting.”

Damon Runkvis, King of Burgos, paused his pen and turned his head.

His black hair fell to his shoulders, and deep violet eyes gleamed piercingly even in the darkness, set against pale cheeks.

Silently, he tapped his desk with his fingertips. A command to bring the report forward.

“Is this regarding the visit to Bariel?”

“Yes. As you instructed, I’ve compiled a new list of delegation members. The added nobles will select tribute gifts by next week, which you can review then.”

Rustle.

Damon wordlessly flipped through the documents.

As the silence stretched on, various thoughts bloomed in Timothy’s mind. Among them was Minister Ian Hielo.

The young Minister of Magic who hadn’t yet come of age, and the king who had only been on the throne for two years – they seemed somehow similar.

Though Ian was younger, was it because they were both so cold and meticulous in their work?

“I believe I said to exclude Count Garame.”

“Ah, about that…”

“Is there strong opposition?”

“My apologies. The motion isn’t passing. Without the Count, we face issues with the promised transportation. Currently, there’s no one else who can provide a hundred horses…”

When Damon furrowed his brow and pressed his forehead, Timothy could only swallow dryly. All who served knew of the king’s intelligence and capability. Yet occasionally when he issued such problematic orders, it truly put them in a difficult position.

“This is the last time. If there’s opposition, I’ll attend the meeting personally. Tell them to handle it appropriately.”

“Yes, understood.”

The reason Damon could push through his opinions wasn’t simply because he was king – rather, most of his orders, though unexpected, tended to yield surprisingly positive results.

Damon muttered to himself as he gripped his pen again.

“If it’s early, then so be it. What do they know?”

Timothy gave an awkward smile and bowed deeply at the waist. His Majesty seemed to be in quite a foul mood, so it would be best to withdraw for today. Hadn’t his family asked him to come home early anyway? Just as Timothy began to step back-

“Timothy.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Any news of the Gypsy?”

Creeak.

The king rose from his chair and approached Timothy. His already slim frame appeared even more diminutive next to Timothy’s large build. Of course, the weight of royal dignity prevented Timothy from raising his head to look.

“My deepest apologies. Though we continue making inquiries, there’s still no word. If you’ll wait just a bit longer, I swear we’ll bring her before Your Majesty.”

Damon gazed down at Timothy’s crown. His cool violet eyes keenly assessed the man. Though sharp emotion filled his gaze, Timothy had no way of noticing.

“Very well. I’ll trust you this time as well.”

“…I will serve with all my heart.”

This time as well.

Timothy bowed repeatedly, understanding the weight of those words. It was a gesture filled with reverence – for their king, for Burgos’ future, and for the master he served.

Though Damon had already turned his back, focusing only on the report before him.

***

Beric and Romandro waited at a distance from the main road. Ian’s conversation with the Gypsy seemed to be growing longer.

Lantern lights flickered intermittently around them. Those lying in wait were asking what they should do, but Romandro had only one order to relay.

Click. Click.

Not yet.

Though winter had passed, the night air remained cold. As Romandro looked around trying to shake off the chill, Beric suddenly moved. It was a reflexive motion.

Startled, Romandro followed his gaze. The Gypsy was now shaking violently, different from before.

“Ian! Shit, something’s wrong with the old lady! Be careful!”

“Stay back!”

Something about secrets and whatnot – what a strange old woman. Though Beric grabbed his sword in concern, Ian immediately stopped him. Without even looking back, he simply raised his hand. They couldn’t even see Ian’s profile. He kept the Gypsy where she was and gestured to Beric and Romandro.

“Step back further.”

“Oh, come on! At this rate we’ll end up at the Imperial Palace!”

“Now, now, Beric. Let’s do as he says.”

Sensing something wasn’t right, Romandro pulled Beric away. As Beric’s protests faded, Ian carefully looked back. They had retreated to a distance where even shouting would be barely audible. He pressed his forehead as if brushing back his hair.

The King of Burgos is living his second life?

Just as Ian himself had done. Though quite surprised, he contained his emotion with merely a furrowed brow.

The night was short. And wasn’t the Gypsy like the wind?

He needed to quickly extract all the secrets from her belly.

“Oh my, oh my…”

Having consumed such an enormous secret, the Gypsy could only mutter in disbelief. The satisfaction welling up within her was even deeper than when she’d learned the King of Burgos’ secret. Was this not a divine secret that transcended time and space? If heaven had a taste, surely this would be it.

Unable to contain herself, she trembled and wept. She felt she could die without regret now. Barely managing to grab Ian’s arm, she whispered:

“Such dignity from a hundred years hence. How remarkable, how remarkable indeed. Even if I were to spew forth everything, how could I contain such fullness?”

“Hurry and continue.”

How could I not?

The Gypsy pressed her forehead to the ground, repeatedly expressing her reverence.

“The King of Burgos says his first life was a failure. Trampled by mother and… father, devoured by his younger sibling, everything destroyed. In the end, the king bloodied his hands killing his sibling. And that one’s blood too flowed down, erasing everything. Thus began his second life.”

Living one’s fate twice.

How old was the King of Burgos now? Only in his second year since ascending the throne, so he couldn’t be very old.

Then, in his first life, was there a ‘bastard Ian’? Or was there an ‘Ian Hielo’ then too?

This is a gap.

The King of Burgos represented a kind of gap. Depending on Ian’s existence in the king’s first life, Ian’s own existence would be newly established.

What if he himself, who had been Emperor then, had ended up like this?

Through this gap, he might be able to see that end.

“He wished his sibling… would never be born. He made his mother and father, who had oppressed him, hate each other, and they produced many siblings.”

“What of the half-siblings?”

Was this not completely unhelpful for strengthening royal authority? Surely there must have been some reason.

“…for. For the possibility of a third life.”

The Gypsy’s once strong voice grew faint. Gaps began appearing again here and there. Ian firmly gripped the arm of the Gypsy who held onto him.

“The King of Burgos gave you his secret. So, you heard the previous king’s secret. Yet why does he continue pursuing you? Do you have any idea?”

The old woman cackled and shook her head. But of those who pursued her, eight or nine out of ten usually had similar purposes.

Either related to secrets, or related to the future.

“This is all the secret I can give.”

“…”

The Gypsy’s crystal ball began losing its light. Her gills slowly closed as well. Now even her belly held no more secrets.

She whispered softly, as if in warning:

“You should pray from now on. When the King of Burgos realizes he unconsciously revealed his secret, and that such revelation was possible, he’ll know it has leaked.”

“You should pray too. You’ll surely be killed.”

“Hahaha! This has been a thoroughly satisfying day in many ways. How about for you?”

Was she asking if I was satisfied with our transaction?

I discovered another’s regression and thereby obtained clues about my own fate. In terms of gains and losses, this could be considered more of a gain.

As Ian was about to nod, the Gypsy frowned as if in regret. Her gaze reached far away, to where Beric and Romandro stood.

“After this night, you will never be able to reveal the truth to anyone. To anyone at all.”

“…That’s what I wanted.”

He didn’t want his existence to shine in True Bariel. Especially not having the truth used outside his control, like in the Arsen incident.

Perhaps it would be safer to have it bound and buried like this.

“Then that’s fortunate.”

Ian slowly rose from his seat. He moved the lantern to his right hand. This was the signal that business was concluded and everyone should prepare to surround the Gypsy.

“Secret-eater, I’d like you to come with me.”

“Oh ho.”

A deal was a deal, and regardless, this Gypsy was someone the King of Burgos was after. Keeping her in custody would be beneficial in many ways.

The Gypsy carefully wrapped her crystal ball in cloth and waved her hand.

“I am a Gypsy. How could one who befriends clouds and follows the wind’s path keep a residence? Even meeting at an appointed time and place today was a big decision for me. Otherwise, that street ruffian wouldn’t have let me be.”

Beric, having noticed Ian’s lantern signal, was glaring this way as if ready to pounce. Had he realized the Gypsy was insulting him? He was complaining about something to Romandro.

Whirrr. Whirr.

Presences melting into darkness. As Ian reflexively opened his magical power, magicians who had been hiding throughout the alleyways revealed themselves.

Whoosh! Bang!

“Sir Ian!”

Ian shot up a magic sphere to catch her. Though the surroundings instantly brightened, the Gypsy was nowhere to be seen. The shocked magicians and soldiers immediately gave chase.

Clatter clatter!

“Dammit, where’d the old lady go?”

“That way! Keep maintaining the barrier!”

“Drive her to the left! You take these alleys!”

“She must be captured alive! Run!”

“Damn it, how far could a legless old woman-!”

Colleagues rushed past Ian, scattering in all directions, including Beric. As Ian was about to follow them, he hesitated, looking around at the now empty surroundings.

And quietly whispered the truth to himself.

…I was an Emperor.

Swallowing that truth which could not leave his lips, he gave a bitter smile.

And so Ian stood there, alone.

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