Chapter 292

The reception room was quiet. Most palace officials had left along with Ruswena’s delegation.

Between inauguration preparations and tasks for receiving and hosting guests from each nation, there was a mountain of work. Ian nodded to the attendants while looking at the cold teacups. As if telling them to hurry and clean up.

“Your Highness, you did well.”

The child was just staring outside through the half-open bay window. Though flower petals continued falling, why did one corner of his heart feel so heavy? Jin smiled faintly and merely shrugged.

“What did I do well?”

If Ian hadn’t appeared at that moment to catch the queen’s attention? The meeting would have fallen apart long ago.

He wouldn’t have been able to tell them to take back their insulting gift, nor return their provocations in kind. It was all possible because of Ian. This was fortunate, yet disappointing.

‘Everyone was watching.’

Not just the Prime Minister, but ministers from each department, officials, even delegations from other countries. Jin furrowed his brow firmly and rested his chin in his hand.

Seeing His Highness’s clear discomfort, Romandro quickly noticed and approached to comfort him.

“Your Highness. No. Queen Eripony was beyond expected parameters. Who could have known she would dare speak such words before Your Highness? Please don’t regret too much. Just remember the queen’s expression as she left the reception room.”

“……”

Jin just stared at Romandro, blinking silently with pressed lips. Then he slightly turned his gaze to Ian. He wore a faint smile, his thoughts unknown.

“Why do you smile, Lord Ian?”

“Seeing Your Highness’s regret makes me think you will develop infinitely from here.”

Queen Eripony had been ruling a nation for some time. Beyond political experience, she was a leader with more life wisdom. When such a person shows unexpected attitude in a one-on-one meeting, it’s not easy to handle.

Ian muttered while looking at the child’s fingertips. Faint marks showed where he had gripped the bowstring with bare hands.

“Don’t be too disheartened. Your Highness hesitated ultimately because you love the empire too much.”

It was a meeting with a leader. Jin’s choices could determine peace or war, life or death for the empire’s people. Knowing this weight well, he couldn’t respond easily.

“This is far better than acting on impulse. You did well. Remember this is Your Highness’s first diplomatic encounter.”

Jin looked down at his right hand, following Ian’s gaze. Then he casually rubbed his fingertips, saying it was nothing. His expression had softened somewhat from before.

“Without Lord Ian, I would have been in serious trouble.”

“Why make suppositions about what’s passed?”

“…How far have Burgos and Clifford come?”

His words carried the determination not to make mistakes when facing the other two nations.

Ian naturally deflected the question by looking at the mage behind him, who bowed awkwardly.

“My apologies. We haven’t received any updates yet.”

“We’re maintaining contact with the outskirts and watching, so we’ll inform you as soon as news arrives. Why don’t you rest a bit before then?”

Though Romandro gestured and suggested returning to his quarters, Jin sat in place for a long while, contemplating something.

His round head, fidgeting fingertips, and constantly moving lips. Ian and Romandro just looked at each other in confusion.

‘Why, why is he acting like this?’

Romandro mouthed the question, but how could anyone know?

Just as Ian was about to speak-

“…Wasn’t it difficult?”

“What was?”

“Creating the magic.”

“Ah.”

Unable to directly say thank you – constrained by princely dignity, others’ gazes, and pride, it could only be expressed as concern.

But Ian immediately understood Jin’s intention and naturally knelt to meet his eyes.

“How could it be, Your Highness?”

Well done. A prince shouldn’t carelessly thank his subjects in such situations. Though the words kept dancing on his tongue, Ian too filtered his response.

“It wasn’t difficult at all.”

“Good. That’s fine then. I’ll go ahead. Xiao.”

When Jin called for Xiaoshi, the attendants bustled into motion. They rushed ahead to prepare for the prince’s movement, and the few remaining officials also disappeared as if they had no further business.

In the space left with only the Ministry of Magic, Romandro sat on the sofa and heaved a deep sigh of relief.

“Ah, all the tension just drains away. Though it’s a problem that we have two more such meetings ahead. Haha! No, it’s an imperial celebration, so I shouldn’t call it a problem. Ahem.”

He cleared his throat needlessly while crunching on candy.

Something seemed different in the relationship between Ian and Jin from before. The child who used to follow calling “Brother, brother” had drawn a boundary line, and Ian didn’t seem to even think of crossing it.

“Hey, Ian.”

Ian turned his head at Romandro’s call. Though his expression was the same as usual, somehow it was slightly different.

What was it? What was different?

“…Did you perhaps quarrel with His Highness Jin?”

After blurting this out unconsciously, Romandro covered his own mouth.

Ian was equally dumbfounded. How could such a description possibly apply to his relationship with Jin?

When Ian frowned, Romandro waved both hands and corrected himself:

“Sorry, I made a mistake!”

“Be careful. Even the portraits in the palace have ears, don’t they?”

“Right. I misspoke. Mm-hmm. It’s just that I wondered if there was something I didn’t know about.”

Ian indicated there was nothing to answer as he instructed the mages:

“…Send another message to the outskirts. After waiting one more hour, if there’s no sign, we’ll need to send people along the expected route.”

“Yes, understood.”

“Hey, Ian. I may not know much else, but I have excellent intuition. This is how I survived as Viviana’s husband!”

“Clifford’s delegation is larger than Ruswena’s. It will take three hours from when they’re spotted at the outskirts to reach the palace. Keep this in mind when proceeding with schedules.”

“Communication, it’s really important!”

While Ian gave various instructions as he left the reception room, Romandro buzzed around him chattering. Though Ian blatantly ignored him, so no answers were forthcoming.

“Why is Lord Romandro acting like that?”

“Don’t you know? Did you do something wrong?”

“Never mind that, just hurry and come! We need to switch shifts!”

Patter patter!

The mages’ curiosity sparkled briefly before they scattered, cutting off their attention after seeing Ian’s response.

Even as they walked along the outer corridor connecting to the garden, Romandro kept going on about the importance of communication and building trust in early marriage.

Ian, who had been half-listening and letting it slide, suddenly stopped walking.

Rustle.

“Queen Eripony was quite something earlier.”

“So arrogant, acting like this was her royal palace. Did you hear how she asked His Highness if he knew about black jewels?”

“Of course. She treated him like a commoner child.”

“This is all because the imperial family has no adults. The Emperor is frail, and the void left by the two princes is too large.”

“No. That’s not it – princes’ positions naturally become vacant, but the problem is His Highness Jin is too young to fill them.”

“Nothing can be done about it. The two princes, it wasn’t just anything – they ended up that way because of the civil unrest, didn’t they?”

Romandro opened his eyes wide and stuck his head out past the railing. Officials who had gone ahead were gathered in threes and fives, smoking cigarettes. Just as he was about to call out a warning, Ian grabbed his arm.

“Sir Romandro.”

“But still-“

It meant to leave them be. Ian lightly restrained him before continuing on his way.

Romandro looked back and forth between the people beyond the railing and Ian’s back before following his superior and starting to chatter again.

“Ian, why are you letting those people be?”

“When the master’s away, even the king gets criticized. Even if we cut off their conversation, we can’t cut off the facts. Though His Highness did well for his first time, we can’t help outside evaluations. These are things His Highness must endure.”

When you’re bitten, cut, and scratched, tough skin grows. Those people too were adding their words out of concern for the current situation.

“Endurance is a very good method for growth.”

Those were probably among the milder behind-the-scenes comments. The child’s inexperience, his momentarily flustered expression, and Eripony’s rude attitude would be talked about everywhere.

And his own name would be added to that as well.

‘Jin barely managed the situation because of me…’

If rumors spread like that, it would be fortunate. Hadn’t he even shot up that flashy magic arrow? It might get distorted to say he had put Eripony in her place.

That would put even more pressure on Jin and the opposition faction. The more stimulation given, the more intense the reaction, and the wider the range of possible advancement.

‘Perhaps from now on, I won’t be able to hear words of concern from Jin.’

The child had carefully whittled down even words of thanks before barely conveying them. It showed how much attention he paid to others’ eyes. This was what Ian wanted.

Not standing on the single leg of himself, but making his body take on another leg for balance. The more people there were to share the weight of the crown, the better.

“Ian.”

Romandro suddenly blocked Ian’s path.

“I’ve thought this before, but you’re too light.”

“…Me?”

“Light like you might fly away at any moment. When there are people around, try holding onto them. Don’t just think about enduring, share things, won’t you?”

A faint smile appeared on Ian’s previously expressionless lips. Then he brushed past Romandro, telling him to move aside quickly.

“I’m grateful just for you saying that, Lord Romandro.”

A carriage waiting for Ian and Romandro appeared at the bottom of the stairs. Ian gestured to the driver to prepare for departure.

But at that moment.

Patter patter!

“Iaaaan!”

A very familiar voice.

They could see Beric riding towards them on horseback from far away. Though he had rolled around, he was still Imperial Guard – his messily thrown-on uniform particularly fluttered about.

“Why is Beric coming here?”

“I thought the Imperial Guard had a separate schedule?”

“Yeah, that’s what I thought too. Gasp! Could he have been fired?”

Always breaking, tearing, and destroying things – could he have finally been kicked out! Romandro rushed down the stairs, pale-faced.

Neeeigh!

“Hey you, why are you here?”

“It’s an errand? Did the Ruswena Queen arrive safely?”

“Yes. We just finished arranging the tribute and guided her to the palace where she’ll stay. But why? What do you mean errand?”

Running errands when you’re Imperial Guard? Romandro grabbed Beric’s arm, feeling needlessly sympathetic. But regardless, Beric sniffled and nodded towards Ian.

“Ian. The old man wants to see you.”

“Captain Jeirutt?”

“Super urgent. So he told me to bring you quickly. What was it again? Popo! Something about the grape country!”

Ian lightly furrowed his brow.

Good heavens, grape country?

Surely not.

“…Clifford?”

“Yeah, that’s it. He said he’d feed me if I brought you within twenty minutes. Let’s hurry!”

It seems Jeirutt had figured out how to handle Beric.

Ian gestured to the driver to change their destination.

“We’ll go to the Imperial Guard building.”

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