On a bright day when flower petals rained from the sky.
Philea gazed absently at the heavens, wondering if this was what paradise might look like. Everything sparkled, laughter echoed from all directions, and vibrant music played without cease.
The world felt so beautiful that merely existing was intoxicating. And better still, wasnât she sharing it with the one she loved?
âLady Philea.â
âYes?â
âYouâre holding the needle backwards.â
âOh my, thank you.â
Watching this exchange, Viviana took a sip of tea and chuckled. Her belly had grown incomparably larger with her due date approaching.
âItâs a bit of a shame. It would have been wonderful if the baby was born on a day when flower petals are falling. Unlike the New Year, this isnât something that comes regularly. Children born during the festival will surely receive Barielâs greatest blessings.â
Besides New Year, when else could one witness such a rain of petals? It was a blessing reserved only for those whose lives intertwined with palace history, like appointment or coronation ceremonies.
During this period, many would mark significant life events to imbue them with meaning. Marriage, for instance.
âDonât feel disappointed. When your child is born, Iâll celebrate and bless them with all my heart.â
âThank you, my lady. I shall do the same.â
However, Philea couldnât do so as she had been invited to Jinâs appointment ceremony. Moreover, everyone she wanted to share the moment with, including Ian, was far too busy. If even the small taverns in the alley were swamped, one could only imagine the palaceâs state.
Creeak
Knock knock
âPardon me. Is Lady Viviana present?â
âYes. What is the matter?â
Hearing movement outside the fence, Viviana pushed aside her blanket and stood up. Philea did the same, setting aside her knitting to turn her head alongside Viviana.
âIâm from the Ministry of Magic. Lord Ian ordered me to deliver a letter to Lady Philea, and Lord Romandro one to Lady Viviana. They contain important details and precautions for entering the palace on the appointment ceremony day.â
âI see. Would you like to come in? Perhaps some tea?â
âI appreciate the offer, but the Clifford carriage is passing through nearby. I briefly stepped away while accompanying them and must return immediately. Then, Iâll take my leave.â
âThank you. Take care.â
Though puzzled about why they were traveling with Clifford, the letters were welcome news. The two women cleared away their teacups and unfolded their respective letters.
âIt says to show the letter and receive separate guidance when entering the palace. The guards will assist us. My goodness, why are there so many requirements? Minnie!â
âYes, madam!â
While Viviana called for her servant to discuss packing, Philea tenderly traced Ianâs neat handwriting. His tidy, proper script naturally brought his image to mind.
âWhat does Lord Ian say?â
âUmâ¦â
Mother, the weather has grown warmer. Are you not finding it taxing? After His Highness Jinâs appointment ceremony concludes, we should proceed quickly with the engagement ceremony. If we delay, we might miss the opportune timing. I will ask Lord Romandro to handle the preparations.
Viviana hugged Philea tightly, her heart clearly racing. The joyous day was truly drawing near. Though Philea returned her smile, she felt an inexplicable unease in one corner of her heart.
âCongratulations, Lady Philea! Letâs inform Sir Nersarn as well!â
âTh-thank you, my lady. But⦠what could he mean about missing the timing? Wouldnât things calm down after the appointment ceremony?â
When Philea questioned this peculiar phrasing, Viviana pondered briefly before dismissing it with a shake of her head.
âThough I worked at the palace for years, there was never a truly peaceful day. Wonât all the national leaders gather for the appointment ceremony? I imagine there will be more matters to handle regarding that. Besides, it absolutely cannot overlap with my delivery date.â
With a baby on the way, forget an engagement ceremony â even staying at the mansion as a guest would become difficult. So despite the disappointment, it was right to wrap things up and return to Hielo.
âThat must be what Lord Ian meant.â
âYou think so? Thatâs a relief then.â
âLetâs go look at dresses first. With the festival period, Iâm not sure what will still be available. Custom-made would give us more time, but Lord Ian said to hurry. My goodness⦠how beautiful will it be? I wonder if Lord Nersarn might faint standing up?â
Viviana giggled, recalling the banquet. The warriorâs dumbfounded face upon hearing of Phileaâs pregnancy! It remained amusing no matter how many times she thought of it.
âMinnie! Letâs prepare to go out!â
While the lady excitedly called out as she entered the mansion, Philea kept fidgeting with the edge of the paper. Her heart wouldnât stop racing for some strange reason.
What could be causing this? As Philea pressed both hands to her chest, she heard whispering from outside.
âHey, you know what? This is a mageâs house!â
âReally? But whyâs it so tiny?â
âThey say itâs completely different inside! Itâs an illusion!â
âWhatever, letâs hurry to the main street. I heard the Clifford performing troupe is amazing! They dance and sing on horseback standing on one leg! They say Burgos is coming soon too!â
Philea smiled gently as she carefully peered outside. A group of children, appearing about six or seven years old, were huddled together trying to peek inside. Their faces were covered in silly drawings, and they wore unidentifiable ornaments dangling all over.
âLetâs go!â
âYaaaaah!â
So Burgos is coming right away. Philea thought of Ian as she watched the childrenâs retreating figures. She hoped that Ian too could dash forward joyfully like them.
***
âCliffordâs tribute gifts are as follows: thirty barrels of hundred-year-old wine, ten barrels each of five different fruit wines, and three platinum bracui â the kingdomâs traditional instruments specially crafted to celebrate His Highness Jinâs appointment ceremony.â
Unlike Ruswenaâs, most of Cliffordâs carriages headed straight to the detached palace. Though the face-to-face meeting was postponed considering the princeâs condition, procedure was procedure. May, the delegationâs chief, personally presented the tribute gifts to Jin on behalf of Prince Noah.
âAnd these are silk fabrics. Fifteen rolls, with premium dyes prepared to match the quantity.â
âYou must be tired from your journey. How is the princeâs condition? Though he said a doctor wasnât necessary, Iâm somewhat concerned.â
Jin probed carefully after hearing the situation. It was strange â the prince was too ill to meet upon entering the palace, yet claimed no need for a doctor?
After experiencing Eripony, he couldnât easily dismiss even minor matters now.
âI deeply regret causing Your Highness such concern. However, the princeâs personal physician from the kingdom has accompanied us, and we felt it would be discourteous to impose immediately upon arrival, so please do not misunderstand.â
May seemed to grasp his meaning. They bowed deeply with hands clasped â their countryâs custom expressing gratitude for the consideration. Seeing Mayâs completely non-threatening demeanor, Jin backed down.
âI understand. I will discuss details with the prince later. You may withdraw.â
May bowed deeply once more before leaving the reception room.
Unlike earlier, the officials hadnât gathered since the prince wasnât present. Left alone with his people, the boy asked Ian with a suspicious look.
âLord Ian. What do you think?â
âThe long journey could have caused illnessâ¦â
Could have â these words meant Ian had detected something suspicious too. The servants who actually moved luggage were fine, yet the prince who only rode in the carriage was ill?
ââ¦Could this be a ploy to deceive me?â
Ian shook his head at Jinâs question. Romandro, exhausted from running back and forth, added from the side:
âThatâs unlikely, Your Highness. They couldnât even confirm attendance at the banquet. It would be difficult to skip such an occasion where Your Highness and the leaders of the three nations all gather, without serious cause.â
It was an extremely important occasion. Wasnât it essentially the reason the allied leaders had traveled such distances, under the pretext of celebrating Jinâs appointment ceremony?
âTheyâd drag themselves there even with broken limbs, so if theyâre hesitating, something must really be wrong.â
âHmm.â
Jin let out a small groan while deep in thought. But they couldnât just sit here examining the prince. Better to prepare for other possibilities instead.
âWhat would be the impact if something happened to Prince Noah in the palace?â
The boyâs gaze fell on Ian. Such thorough consideration of matters. Ian smiled with satisfaction as he answered:
âI had that in mind as well, and requested the Clifford delegation chief to prepare documentation regarding their refusal of palace physicians. Weâre also sorting out magic stones with recording capabilities from the Ministry of Magic, so there shouldnât be any major issues.â
Though things were moving a bit slower without Akorella.
Jin leaned back against the sofa, apparently relieved by Ianâs assurance.
âI donât see Beric.â
âHeâs been sent to investigate. He should return soon. Did you have something to command?â
âNo. Just curious.â
Jin hesitated, letting his words trail off. He clearly had something to say, but seemed to be struggling.
Watching from the side, Romandro mentally clicked his tongue while glaring at the back of Ianâs head. Look at that â they must have fought! Anyone can see His Highness is having difficulty!
âYour Highness, did you have something to say?â
Romandro gently placed his hand on Ianâs shoulder with a bright smile. He was indicating that he would help, so His Highness shouldnât worry and should speak freely.
Jin gestured to Xiaoshi to bring something.
Rustle
âItâs one of the tribute gifts from the provinces.â
A small jewel box, about the size of a palm. Opening it revealed a gem that exactly matched Ianâs green eyes.
âI invited Philea to my appointment ceremony as well. As thanks for that, along with various congratulatory gifts, Iâd like to give her this.â
It was impossible not to think of those absinthe-colored eyes upon seeing the jewel. With all the good news for Philea lately, he wanted to give this as congratulations. It was a kind of request for permission.
Romandro clapped his hands dramatically while shaking Ianâs shoulders.
âOh my, itâs so beautiful! Your Highness, Lady Philea will be overjoyed. Right, Ian?â
Gifts are best for reconciliation! As Romandro gave Jin an enthusiastic thumbs up while making a fuss, Ian smiled brightly. Their intentions were completely transparent â both Romandroâs and Jinâs.
âYes, Your Highness. Thank you very much. Mother will surely love it. A jewel received directly from His Highness â sheâll preserve it as our familyâs honor.â
Romandro wanted to give a standing ovation. Yes, now that theyâve made up like this, things can go back to how they were beforeâ¦
BANG! CRASH!
THUD THUD THUD!
âIAAAAAN!â
Romandro glared at the door with bulging eyes, his moment of joy cut short. Such a commotion, and in the main palaceâs reception room no less!
âBeric! How many times have I told you! This is-!â
âThe w-w-wine country prince is a fox!â
ââ¦What?â
âA fox prince, I tell you!â
ââ¦â¦â
It was Beric, his face red with excitement. Ian, Romandro, Jin, and Xiaoshi all stared at him expressionlessly. At Romandroâs gesture, Xiaoshi approached to sniff him.
ââ¦He doesnât smell of alcohol.â
Beric clutched his head and wailed in despair. They were speaking the same language, so why couldnât they understand!
âItâs true. I saw it! His ears, his ears went BOING! BOING!â
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
MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears
MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened
MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination
MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince
ð85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable
ð85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts
ð85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning
ð85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic
ð85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings
ð85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels
ð85MBSE Chapter 305 - According to Plan
ð85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity
ð85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk
ð85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony
ð85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don't Look Down
ð85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please
ð85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets
ð85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?
ð85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes
ð85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets
ð85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma
ð85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara
ð85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go
ð85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony
ð85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask
ð85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return
ð85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn
ð85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team
ð85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns
ð85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border
ð85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop
ð85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border
ð85MBSE Chapter 327 - Secret Contract
ð85MBSE Chapter 328 - Discovering Ian
ð85MBSE Chapter 329 - To Meet the King
ð85MBSE Chapter 330 - Entering Clifford
ð85MBSE Chapter 331 - Those Who Hold Idgal
ð85MBSE Chapter 332 - On the Brink of Explosion
ð85MBSE Chapter 333 - The Mages' Grand Council
ð85MBSE Chapter 334 - Magic Amplification Drug