Chapter 290

Jin unconsciously clenched his molars.

No matter how detailed a portrait might be, it could never fully capture the real person. Moreover, all Jin had previously seen was the portrait drawn by Romandro.

Though he’d expected some differences, the overwhelming presence of the real person was extraordinary. The queen’s massive height likely contributed significantly to this effect.

“…Please be seated.”

Eripony merely nodded slightly as she sat opposite Jin. Her attendants busily arranged her long hair and collar as they followed her movements.

She looked down at Jin while elegantly raising her chin. The angle came naturally from their physical difference. Jin reflexively realized anew just how young he was.

“A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness the Fifth Prince . I am Eripony Lasriel, the twelfth ruler of Ruswena. Though meeting His Majesty the Emperor should take priority, circumstances make that regrettably impossible.”

Her tri-colored eyes lightly swept Jin from head to toe. It was such a brief moment that anyone less perceptive might have mistaken it for simply lowering her gaze.

‘Your Highness the Fifth Prince.’

Romandro, listening quietly from behind, internally swallowed a cough.

All those above Jin in succession were already dead. And hadn’t they disappeared in various inappropriate ways? Particularly First Prince Mariv, who had even been stripped of his position.

Yet despite this, what was the meaning of specifically referring to him as ‘Fifth Prince’? Was Romandro the only one who found it strange? He turned his gaze sideways and met the eyes of several officials.

‘Deliberately?’

‘Indeed. Hmm.’

Fortunately or unfortunately, it seemed he wasn’t alone in his thoughts. Everyone focused on the back of Jin’s head. How would His Highness the Prince receive this greeting?

“His Majesty the Emperor will deeply appreciate your loyal heart, so please do not worry too much. You know how much my Father places his expectations on Ruswena, do you not?”

Though one might be like heaven in their kingdom, the Emperor was the heaven above that heaven. Jin reminded Eripony of her place while simultaneously emphasizing his own position as the Emperor’s son.

Eripony slowly raised an eyebrow. As a dry smile threatened to appear, she raised her fan to hide it.

How cute, yet quite sharp.

For a shadow prince whose presence in the palace was uncertain, his manner of speaking was quite convincing. Eripony composed her expression before adding:

“Your words put my heart at ease. We have prepared tribute gifts to show Ruswena’s sincerity…”

At Eripony’s gesture, Eldert nodded.

He placed an elegant jeweled box on the table. This was a preview of the tribute gifts they had brought in dozens of carriages.

Inside the jewelbox were neatly rolled papers, black jewels, and spices.

“First, forty fine horses raised on Ruswena’s plains. Five of them are pregnant, and their bloodlines are also recognized by the kingdom.”

“I have heard much of Ruswena’s famous horses.”

Horses raised running across vast, fertile lands. Jin knew of their excellence as well.

Eripony slightly twisted her lips and fell silent for a moment. This felt less like presenting tribute and more like giving gifts to a child. It was laughable, so laughable it was absurd.

“Your Highness, do you know of black jewels?”

“…Of course. I saw those that Delegate Eldert brought last time. They’re found only in Ruswena.”

“Yes. We have five boxes of the highest grade black jewels. Also, these are new spices being cultivated in Ruswena, which take five seasons to harvest – quite demanding. They provide an excellent combination of spicy and sour flavors. We’ve prepared twenty boxes of the highest grade.”

Eripony slightly pushed forward the box, saying he should take a closer look. With the already enormous height difference and her perfectly straight posture, it was impossible to tell who was giving tribute to whom.

She tilted her head and asked:

“Are they to your liking?”

“…Of course. I can well feel Ruswena’s sincerity.”

“I’m truly relieved. Since these are items that would satisfy His Majesty the Emperor, I was worried whether they would meet Your Highness’s expectations.”

As Jin personally closed the box lid, Eripony took a sip of the prepared tea and muttered:

“As expected of His Majesty’s son, you have inherited his excellent eye. I can understand why His Majesty kept Your Highness hidden away like a jewel.”

Romandro unconsciously raised his head to look at Eripony.

On the surface, it was nothing but praise without a single negative word, but peel away just one layer and the meaning changed completely.

From daring to evaluate His Majesty the Emperor’s eye as excellent, to the comment about being hidden like a jewel – all were jabs at his lack of presence as Fifth Prince. Saying they couldn’t know his preferences. Even if they wanted to match his taste, there was nothing known about him, so it wasn’t their fault.

“Queen Eripony.”

“Ah, I nearly forgot. Being fond of hunting, I have great interest in bows and arrows. So I brought something nice as a gift for Your Highness…”

Though the Prime Minister tried to intervene, Eripony stared at him directly and cut off his words.

Her tri-colored eyes moved sharply. Though this was the Imperial Palace, she was still a sovereign. It was a warning not to dare interrupt their conversation.

“Eldert.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Following her renewed command, Eldert brought forth a huge case. Actually, they had been debating whether to officially present this to the Prince. But her order was to bring it, clearly showing how their queen had evaluated Jin internally.

Creeak.

“…What is this?”

“My joy and Ruswena’s pride. I hope Your Highness will like it as well.”

Jin’s brow furrowed slightly.

Was this not an intricately carved silver bow? Though the item itself wasn’t problematic, what caught the eye was its size. Its length matched Jin’s height.

Eripony lightly plucked the bowstring with her long fingers as she explained:

“This was crafted over half a year by Ruswena’s royal artisan. The body is made of silver, and the bowstring is twisted from vine grass found only in the southern forests. Each draw produces a wind-like sound more beautiful than most instruments, adding to the joy of hunting.”

Wheeng. Whirr.

As the queen said, the bowstring’s sound was truly unique and extraordinary. She smiled brightly as she set down the case.

“I heard Your Highness might not enjoy hunting, so I didn’t include it in the official tribute, but seeing you in person, your spirit seems remarkable enough to suit it. Please accept it without too much surprise.”

Jin’s face flushed red. She was pointing out the child’s scar. Though rumors had suggested weakness, seeing him in person he bore a scar on his face like those carried by hunters.

Eldert cleared his throat repeatedly while moving the case to her side. Things were getting a bit excessive. As the queen’s advisor, it was a signal that she should stop.

“Ah yes.”

After plucking the bowstring several more times, she let out a small exclamation as if remembering something. Then, as if embarrassed, she added with a smile:

“The vine grass will stretch with time, so when that happens, please let me know. I’ll have it refitted for you.”

She must know Jin wasn’t old enough for hunting. And to present a bow far too large for its recipient!

This was an outright insult, looking down on Jin for his youth.

‘It will take as long for the vine grass to stretch as it will for you to grow old enough to go hunting.’

Yet they couldn’t openly object, as the item itself was flawless and of the highest quality.

“…Thank you.”

This was all Jin could say. Adding unnecessary words here would only emphasize his own vulnerabilities.

“Not at all. Your Highness’s joy is my joy as well.”

Eripony smiled broadly and bowed her head. Though she bowed, it was barely more than a slight tilt of her forehead. By now it was impossible to tell whether this was intentional disrespect or simply due to her physical size.

The Prime Minister awkwardly glanced at Jin while needlessly stroking his beard.

‘If Your Highness doesn’t speak up, I too cannot easily step forward…’

Jin only clenched his hands resting on his knees. Various words danced on the tip of his tongue. Though he recognized the Queen of Ruswena’s provocations, he was considering how best to respond.

This was unavoidable, knowing that each of his words would have complex ripple effects. Though there was a difference between empire and kingdom, didn’t Ruswena have the alliance of three nations behind it?

This could be intentional provocation. Trying to stimulate the young prince into a reflexive reaction against their country.

‘What should I say? What if I say…’

Would it bring the best results?

It needed to be a choice beneficial to both imperial dignity and the empire. But in that moment, Eripony raised her teacup again, and Jin’s chance to speak was awkwardly buried.

“The tea is truly delicious, Your Highness. It seems to instantly dissolve away the weariness of travel.”

“Ah. Yes. I’m glad then.”

Romandro signaled the officials. A sign suggesting they should wrap up the meeting soon.

His Highness Jin looked uncomfortable, and Ruswena’s attitude was extremely arrogant. When they should be discussing greater matters of state, they were insulting the prince with mere tribute gifts. They needed to confer again.

“…Um, Your Highness.”

But Jin frowned and showed his refusal. Wouldn’t retreating here mean he had truly been defeated? It would diminish Bariel’s dignity.

Jin took a moment to steady his breath and sipped his tea, as if telling them to stay still. Eripony simply continued studying the child’s face.

‘How cute. So cute.’

What could be going through that tiny head? Even if he was an imperial prince, what could a ten-year-old child possibly do?

Just as Eripony unconsciously smiled slightly.

The reception room door opened and the atmosphere instantly changed.

“Ah.”

“Pardon the interruption.”

A low, refined voice. Eripony reflexively turned her head. She saw people naturally stepping back to make way.

Golden hair and green eyes.

And a youthful appearance.

“Oh ho.”

Eripony couldn’t help but make an interested sound. Was this not the famous Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic?

Ian was entering with several mages, perhaps having finished some business. Romandro hurried over and muttered as if ventriloquizing:

“Did you handle the matter well, Lord Ian?”

Why did you come so late!

Ian somehow seemed to hear his inner voice. No wonder, as the reception room’s atmosphere was quite strange. It hadn’t been long since he’d urgently left his post.

Ian whispered to Romandro:

“There was an issue with a magical device, but it was nothing serious.”

Then, meeting Eripony’s gaze as she looked at him, he asked:

“What conversation were you having?”

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

MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page

MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming

MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub

MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen's Provocation

MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste

MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure

MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt

MBSE 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

🔒85MBSE Chapter 327 - Secret Contract

🔒85MBSE Chapter 328 - Discovering Ian

🔒85MBSE Chapter 329 - To Meet the King

🔒85MBSE Chapter 330 - Entering Clifford

🔒85MBSE Chapter 331 - Those Who Hold Idgal

🔒85MBSE Chapter 332 - On the Brink of Explosion

🔒85MBSE Chapter 333 - The Mages' Grand Council

🔒85MBSE Chapter 334 - Magic Amplification Drug