Chapter 297

As soon as she left the reception room, May sighed while running her fingers through her hair. To think their royal family’s secret, hushed even in their homeland, would surface here in the Bariel Empire.

Fortunately, Prince Jin was still young and gentle-natured, and they’d come as festival guests. Otherwise, this would have been truly awkward.

What delegation enters a palace without showing their face? Even if illness struck, it was something that could easily be criticized if someone wanted to find fault.

Stay careful. Keep your wits about you.

As May stood in place rubbing her forehead, her subordinates expressed concern. They’d just arrived in Bariel, and both Prince Noah and May looked unwell. It would be disastrous if all their leaders collapsed.

“Lady May, are you alright? You don’t look well.”

“No need to worry too much. His Highness Jin understood us, so haven’t we passed one hurdle?”

“That’s right. Let’s hurry back and rest. Everyone should be done unpacking by now.”

The Clifford royal lineage was a kind of proof. It indicated their ancient founding began with foxes.

The royal family deeply celebrated when babies raised their ears and revealed their tails, considering them true bloodline children. A divine gift passed down through long ages. Surely they must have viewed it that way in the kingdom’s early days.

Not knowing it would later be called a curse.

She wasn’t sure when it had changed. Clearly there must have been no prejudice against beast-folk when Clifford was established, but now such a thing was utterly unimaginable.

“Let’s hurry. The prince is waiting.”

“Yes, understood.”

“They’re providing a coachman from the palace?”

“They said we can send him back once we’re familiar with the geography. Oh, here he comes. Hey! Please hurry and mount up!”

Though called a coachman, he was a servant under the palace administration. He was provided to assist with geography and general guest convenience. He bowed politely to the Clifford people while putting on his gloves.

“Please let me know if anything is lacking. Also, Lord Ian Hielo said he would send a letter to the detached palace. He specifically requested Prince Noah’s signature.”

It was essentially an agreement stating that they had refused medical support offered by the palace.

It must seem quite strange to them. The prince’s condition was supposedly too poor to pay respects upon entering, yet they refused a doctor. They might suspect some scheme.

“I understand. Tell them not to worry about that matter.”

“Yes. Please get in. We’ll depart immediately.”

Their diplomacy had already started on shaky ground. They couldn’t afford additional complications.

May boarded the carriage and counted days on her fingertips. One to two days – the curse would need at least that long to fade, but how could they manage?

Never mind it cutting close to the appointment ceremony – if we can’t meet the kings of Ruswena and Burgos, there’s no point in coming here. Starting with tonight’s banquet…

Unlike Ruswena, which was somewhat separated by the Great Desert, Burgos shared a border with them.

Like all neighboring countries, they had built and destroyed their histories through countless wars large and small. The Burgos people were utterly inscrutable, especially since King Damon’s ascension.

If Clifford is absent from a gathering of the three nations, no one knows how the other two might conspire. They might throw us to the wolves to oppose Bariel. We must somehow make it to that meeting…

Neigh!

Clop!

While May pondered, the carriage galloped refreshingly and arrived at the detached palace.

As her subordinates had said, unpacking was complete. People could be seen leaning on railings singing, gathering to dance, and sipping wine. The Clifford way of spending the afternoon.

“Lady May, you’ve returned?”

“How is the prince?”

“We sent in food, but the dishes haven’t come out yet. Otherwise, no problems.”

“Will he be alright? The food and drink here are different from Clifford. His recovery might be slow.”

The guard reported with some concern. The royal curse was known only to a select few families, after all. When they had to hide his appearance like this, others assumed he was having some kind of fit.

“Withdraw. I’ll call again later.”

May cut them off firmly, saying their words were unnecessary.

After the guards withdrew, she slowly opened the door. A wave of flower fragrance wafted up. The palace must have prepared it for them…

“My Prince? It’s May.”

The prince’s heightened sense of smell couldn’t possibly tolerate this. May found Noah sprawled out in the yard beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Noah too spotted May and happily wagged his tail.

“May, you’re back?”

“How can you lie on the bare ground like that?”

“The smell inside is too strong.”

The prince said this while sniffing the grass scent.

May sighed and went down to the yard. When the curse manifested, the prince’s senses became as keen as a beast’s while his reason dulled. It was sometimes troublesome.

But nothing could be done about it – recovering this way made him feel comfortable, which meant he healed faster.

“Are you feeling better?”

“Yes. It feels like being in a foreign country. The earth smells different from Clifford, the trees are different, even the sunlight feels different.”

Noah approached May and rubbed his forehead against her shoulder. The saying about foxes bewitching people didn’t come from nowhere. Though it was killing her inside.

But what could she do? May stroked the fox ears while reporting what happened at the audience.

“All tribute gifts have been presented. Though Prince Jin showed consideration, his bearing was sharper than expected. Perhaps because this is his first diplomatic event and the appointment ceremony approaches, his reactions were immediate. He seems somewhat suspicious too.”

She sensed that Jin thought Clifford was deliberately avoiding showing themselves to establish psychological dominance.

The more he thought this, the more May had humbly bowed her head and actively denied it, though whether Prince Jin properly understood remained uncertain.

“So when you meet him later, please be mindful and handle things carefully to avoid giving cause for criticism.”

“Right. You mean grovel flat on the ground?”

“That’s not what I meant.”

Noah grinned as if joking. His fangs stood out particularly sharp. Those usually marked the beginning of his gradual return to normal.

“…The curse seems to be passing.”

“Yeah. My teeth are like this, and my pupils have completely changed too. Look.”

Just as May turned her head to check, there was movement outside. Several people seemed to be talking, and from their raised voices, it appeared some problem had arisen.

Sure enough, a guard urgently knocked on the door.

Bang bang! Bang!

“Lady May! Prince Noah!”

“Such commotion. What’s happening?”

May called out while rushing over. Noah too couldn’t suppress his curiosity and poked his head through the floor-length window, though the thick smell immediately made him gag.

Creeak

“Lady May, ma-mages from the Ministry of Magic have come. It seems you need to come out for a moment.”

“Mages?”

Was it about the letter mentioned earlier? But that wouldn’t warrant such a fuss.

May turned and signaled to Noah, who immediately wrapped himself tightly in a blanket. Only his eyes peeked out, blinking. When his tail popped out conspicuously, he fidgeted to arrange it properly.

“I’ll return shortly, Your Highness.”

After saying this, May followed the guard outside.

At the corridor entrance, at the end of the passage connecting to the quarters, the guards were in a standoff with the mages. May hurriedly ran over to block their path.

“What’s the matter? You say you’re from the Ministry of Magic?”

“Are you May, the delegation chief?”

“Yes, but we were supposed to receive the letter separately.”

From the Ministry of Magic – wouldn’t that mean Ian sent them? The mages tilted their heads briefly, confused by May’s words.

“We haven’t received any such information. What do you mean?”

“The letter about refusing palace medical support.”

“Ah. That’s something different. Recently, an abnormal hypersensitivity reaction to dragon antigens and antibodies was reported in Bariel. Investigation suggests it came from Ruswena, so we’re conducting our own examinations of foreign visitors to the palace. It’s nothing complicated. We just need a moment of your time with the mages. The results come quickly too.”

As the mages looked outside, May’s gaze followed.

Clifford people gathered in small groups were holding out their hands to the mages. Those moderately drunk on wine were excitedly chattering about something, not knowing the situation.

“This isn’t just for Clifford – we applied it to Ruswena who entered earlier too. We request your cooperation, but the guards won’t let us through.”

The mage shrugged awkwardly with an uncomfortable smile. It meant the prince was no exception to the procedure.

May bit her lip unconsciously in panic.

“What are the symptoms of this abnormal reaction?”

“Chills, fever, seizures, hemoptysis, vomiting, dizziness, and so on. It’s complex, so I can’t explain it simply. The prince is unwell, correct?”

Damn it. How could things flow in this direction?

With the abnormal reaction reported, there was no proper way to avoid examining the prince. No, rather, the more they avoided it, the more awkward Clifford’s position would become.

Won’t see a doctor, won’t take the examination, but claims illness to avoid an audience? At worst, they could be accused of bringing an external epidemic into the palace.

“Is it truly fact that it started from Ruswena?”

“Yes, of course. How could we lie about such a thing? Even Queen Eripony received the examination.”

What kind of country was Ruswena to create and spread something like an epidemic?

Well, it could happen. It wasn’t their intention, after all.

But why now of all times!

Given they mentioned Queen Eripony, it seems certain. Haah.

While May hesitated, a mage stepped forward.

The guards stood firm against him, chests out. This was an appearance their prince wanted to hide. How could they give way?

The mage asked May with clear displeasure:

“Would you please withdraw your guards? We have much to do.”

“The prince’s condition is quite poor right now. Couldn’t we do the examination after he recovers somewhat? The day after tomorrow, no, even tomorrow…”

“……”

“This absolutely isn’t the dragon abnormal reaction you’re testing for. It’s just-“

She couldn’t say it was just a cold. Avoiding a palace examination for such a minor reason made no sense. They were stuck between a rock and a hard place.

The mage frowned and asked:

“…It takes just minutes, and we mages are the ones expending magic power. Perhaps you object because of who we are?”

Despite mages’ high status, they were commoners without titles. They thought the royalty was refusing to let commoners touch them.

Though a major misunderstanding, to May it felt like rain in a drought.

“I-I apologize.”

“No need for apologies.”

But then, a voice from behind:

“That could be the case.”

It was Ian.

Head of the Ministry of Magic and Viscount of the Empire.

Beric and Romandro tagged along behind Ian.

“In that case, I’ll conduct the examination personally. That would be acceptable, wouldn’t it, Delegate May?”

Ian smiled brightly while putting on his gloves.

As if saying to make way quickly.

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

🔒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