Letâs put Ruswena at the forefront.
In the carriage heading to Cliffordâs palace.
Romandro recalled their conversation from the reception room. Heâd never forget the silence that fell when Ian spoke those words, nor how he and Jin had exclaimed simultaneously:
You mean conduct the dragon abnormal reaction examination?
Yes. Didnât Your Highness already give Ruswena notice about this? It worked out perfectly. Iâll send people there immediately to order examinations. Then Clifford will have no grounds for refusal.
Sending palace physicians had been a suggestion. Since Clifford held the right to refuse, there was nothing to be done if they declined to let anyone in.
But the examination?
Heâs ill enough to postpone meeting His Highness. He wonât come out of the palace, so we should go in. This way we maintain some semblance of propriety.
If they kept refusing the examination, forceful implementation would be possible due to suspicion of the abnormal reaction â theyâd have to accept. Being dragged out would be unprecedented humiliation, but they couldnât even raise diplomatic objections over this matter.
In the Bariel Empireâs palace, being uncooperative while potentially harboring an epidemic was tantamount to threatening the Emperor.
Moreover, if Prince Noah is truly a beast-folk, it would be an extremely awkward situation. How touching if they think itâs because of Ruswena. Especially at this point when the alliance of three nations is just beginning.
Romandro kept muttering exclamations with his arms crossed. He couldnât get Ianâs gentle smile out of his head as heâd said those words.
Once again, he hoped his and Vivianaâs child would take after Ian. Since the baby had seen him often in the womb, it wasnât completely impossible.
As Romandro nodded seriously, Ian turned from the window. His smile asked what thoughts occupied him so deeply.
âStill worried? That problems might arise?â
âHm? No, no. Whatâs there to worry about with you here? When Viviana comes to the appointment ceremony, please give her lots of warm wishes. Add a word for the baby too. Iâm counting on you.â
Ian tilted his head. Such an unexpected request. Beric, sitting beside them, shot his hand up.
âI can do that too!â
ââ¦Beric. Youâre fine.â
âHuh? Why?â
âNo. Just⦠youâre fine.â
Just as Beric was about to protest, the carriage stopped. They could see mages whoâd arrived earlier laughing and chatting with the Clifford people.
Ian slightly pulled back the curtain to observe. If Prince Noah was a beast-folk, this was a critical moment. Yet the atmosphere was so relaxed?
Either heâs not a beast-folk, or only his closest confidants know.
Ian took out his pocket watch and clicked it. The examinations at Ruswenaâs detached palace should be wrapping up by now. Even if Clifford tried to verify, the timing was fine. Romandro too muttered while surveying the surroundings.
âDid we come too late? Maybe we shouldnât have stopped at Ruswena first. Shouldâve just sent the mages.â
âNo. The order is important for legitimacy. Itâs right to examine Ruswena first and thoroughly.â
Though unlikely, if Queen Eripony noticed this overall plan, there was no telling what tricks she might play.
So Ian had personally gone to Ruswenaâs detached palace to complete the examination of Queen Eripony and her close associates. Though heâd left the remaining cleanup to the mages.
âThat may be, but looking at this, they havenât gotten inside yet. Itâd be troublesome if they stall and try something.â
âNo need to worry about that either. If they could have tried something, they wouldnât have postponed meeting Prince Jin. It means they have an unavoidable issue worth sacrificing their first diplomatic button for. Well, shall we go?â
Creeak
Ian, Romandro, and Beric descended from the carriage and entered the detached palace. The mages and Clifford people greeted them with deep bows.
As they walked a bit further, the commotion grew louder. It was the sound of Delegate May confronting the mages with her guards.
ââ¦Perhaps you object because of who we are?â
âI-I apologize.â
âNo need for apologies.â
Ian approached while listening to their exchange. They were clearly cornered without any excuse to escape. To speak of status before mages who served divine power.
The possibility of beast-folk grew stronger. Even if not that, there was something they were desperately trying to hide.
If we discover that, Bariel will have room to intervene in the politics of the three nations.
Ian immediately cut in, pulling out his gloves.
âIâll conduct the examination personally. That would be acceptable, wouldnât it?â
He smiled broadly to show he meant no harm.
At the same time, Mayâs expression darkened.
âL-Lord Ian.â
âI apologize. We seem to have made a mistake. Since mages serve the imperial family in Bariel, we had no idea the Clifford royal family would be uncomfortable. Please understand this stems from cultural differences.â
Though lacking titles, they were Barielâs most precious talents. He meant it was surprising that a prince would dare refuse the mages who supported the imperial family.
When Akorella first broke out, most investigations were handled by lower-level administrative department staff. For mages to move personally during such busy times was itself a form of respect.
âNo! That absolutely wasnât our meaning! Please donât misunderstand. We well understand the magesâ nobility.â
May strongly denied it, waving her hands. It was just a gap sheâd reflexively tried to exploit. To protect Prince Noahâs secret, what words wouldnât she grasp at?
The problem was she hadnât known Ian would be waiting in that gap.
âMage. I merely meant that the prince is uncomfortable with strangers. It seems there was a miscommunication due to cultural differences. I apologize if weâve offended you.â
Cultural differences â truly useful words. Especially in how they could draw out tolerance even in sensitive matters like this.
The mage accepted the apology with a bow.
âNot at all. As you say, we understand there are cultural differences.â
Though he had honestly been displeased, with his superior Ian stepping in, nothing else mattered. Ian signaled the mage to withdraw, and he left with a trusting smile.
Ian placed his hand on his chest with a bright smile.
âSince the Clifford delegation has come to assist with His Highnessâs appointment ceremony, we wish to treat you accordingly. Let me personally conduct the examination while paying my respects to the prince.â
Ah. May felt darkness descend before her eyes.
This was clearly a warning to mind their behavior. The treatment would differ based on their attitude â if they didnât move aside now and caused trouble, appropriate measures would be taken. It was a statement implying force.
A prince dragged out by another countryâs soldiers?
And in beast-folk form at that?
If Iâd known this would happen, I shouldâve let that mage in earlier.
Avoiding a deer only to meet a tiger. Standing before Ian made that earlier mage seem so easy now. With him, they could have somehow managed to get through this.
âPardon me, Delegate May. Please introduce Prince Noah to me.â
Lead the way. Step aside and clear the path yourself.
Under Ianâs pressure, May unconsciously stepped back. The guards also retreated hesitantly, and she reluctantly grabbed the door handle.
Haah.
Though her mind felt distant, she had to try everything she could first. Wasnât this moment crucial for the Clifford royal familyâs fate? It was too early to give up.
She knocked on the door with all her might.
BANG BANG!
Is she trying to break it down? Romandro jumped enough to grab Bericâs arm.
âPrince Noah! Lord Ian Hielo, Head of the Ministry of Magic, has come! Currently, they say a dragon abnormal reaction originating from Ruswena has been discovered and needs testing! They say it wonât take long, and you just need to hold out your hand!â
Shouting at the top of her lungs. Clearly trying to warn those inside to prepare thoroughly. Seeing this, Romandro and Beric exchanged glances.
De-definitely somethingâs up.
This is serious, for real. Did they get scammed somewhere? Why canât they trust anyone?
While the two communicated with gestures, May pressed her forehead against the door, trying to gauge sounds from inside. It was anxiously quiet, damnably silent.
She bit her lip and slowly opened the door.
Creeak
ââ¦Your Highness?â
Prince Noah lay on the bed covered in every piece of cloth in the room. Like a thick hill had been erected.
Ian walked past May toward him.
âGreetings, Prince Noah. I am Ian Hielo, Head of the Ministry of Magic. We wish to conduct a simple examination to guard against Ruswenaâs epidemic. Though you must be tired, please extend your hand for a moment.â
Wiggle. One finger poked out from the edge of the blanket.
ââ¦More, please.â
Another squirm. The prince showed up to his wrist.
Ian stared at this for a moment before turning to May. The examination would be meaningless without confirming the subjectâs identity â how could they tell who was who with just a hand sticking out?
He started to request the blanket be removed but changed his mind. After all, itâs usually easier to ask forgiveness than permission.
âThen excuse me. The sensation may be a bit raw, but it wonât hurt, so donât worry.â
Whirr. Whirr.
As Ian released his magical power, a breeze stirred in the enclosed space.
May stopped biting her nails and drew a breath. Though this was somewhat suspicious, they might get through without major issues. Just as she prayed internallyâ
âAh. Right.â
Beric, standing close behind Ian, muttered as he realized something. Now that he was near, he could definitely tell. It was the smell of animal hide from the market. That pungent wet fur smell, especially on humid days.
âBeast smell.â
Flinch. Ian noticed Prince Noahâs reaction in his grip. Beric just picked his ear while muttering to himself.
âIs the wine country used to this? Everyone else seems clueless. Lord Romandro, canât you smell it?â
âI-I canât tellââ
FLUTTER!
âWine country?! Itâs Clifford!ân/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om
As the silent Prince Noah suddenly shouted in anger, Ian seized the opportunity to forcefully push his magic under the blanket.
WHIRR! WHIRR!
Like wind pulling them away, the coverings the prince had wrapped himself in were half stripped away. For an instant, they saw vertically slit pupils and pointed ears.
ââ¦â¦!â
ââ¦â¦!â
Romandro and May froze with mouths agape. Beric just waved his hands and laughed.
âAh. Sorry. Cream wine.â
âAAAAAH!â
Prince Noah roughly shook off Ianâs hand and pulled the disheveled blankets around himself to hide. He curled into a ball with his back turned.
âU-um, just a momentâ!â
âYes! Yes yes! Just a moment!â
âThat is, wellâ!â
Though May floundered in extreme panic, only Romandro responded sympathetically. Beric threw open the windows for ventilation and shouted loudly that heâd been right.
âMUHAHAHA! See! I told you I wasnât crazy!â
âTh-this person is actually Prince Noah! No, actually, thatâs notâ I mean, everyone please calm down!â
âWe-we should calm down. Yes yes! It-itâs my first time seeing a beast-folk, oh my.â
âHeâs not a beast-folk! What are you saying?!â
âMUHAHAHA! I was right, wasnât I? Wasnât I!â
CRASH BANG! Everyone was in chaos.
Ian looked down at the trembling Prince Noah and apologized carefully.
âYour Highness. I apologize. My magic control was inadequate and must have startled you.â
ââ¦â¦â
No answer. He seemed to just hope May would hurry and take everyone out.
Ian hesitated a moment and smiled.
ââ¦But Your Highness. Your tail is showing.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
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