Chapter 300

Damon Runkvis, King of Burgos. He watched outside the window with his black shoulder-length hair tied down.

Unlike his barren country, this was a land flowing with milk and honey, where people knew how to enjoy festivals. To see them so delighted over a mere appointment ceremony of a prince – not even an emperor – who’d had such a faint presence.

As he tilted his head with a sigh, his loosely tied hair slipped down.

“Looks like Burgos just arrived.”

“Never seen such stylish black carriages before.”

“Hello! Burgos!”

“Welcome! We’ve been waiting! His Highness Jin must be too!”

“Burgos! Wave to us!”

Since Clifford had just passed through, the people’s enthusiasm was particularly hot.

Having seen their horse acrobatics, winking attitudes whenever eyes met, and chest-thumping band performance, their expectations were thoroughly inflated.

Timothy, sitting behind the coachman’s seat in front of the king’s carriage, awkwardly averted his gaze.

Clip-clop!

Crack!

Burgos’s guards and knights, even down to the lowest servants, walked in dignified formation. No room to accept even a single flower offered by a child through the gaps.

Except for the occasional buffalo horn sounds marking their rhythm, Burgos’s march was utterly silent.

The tension felt more like an enemy nation entering during wartime than coming to celebrate an appointment ceremony. Those who’d been tossing flower petals from the railings stopped as if deflated, propping their chins.

“Why are they like that? Smile! Don’t ruin the mood!”

“That country never changes either. Leave them be. They’ve always been like this. Cold and frigid. To put it badly, just unpleasant. Though I thought they might’ve changed since the king changed.”

“What about the king?”

“He’s young. Probably just a bit older than our Ministry of Magic head? Well, there’s so much talk about their royal family, figured he wouldn’t be ordinary.”

“What kind of talk?”

“They say bastards are running around claiming royal blood.”

“What? Hahaha!”

Though Burgos’s march was silent, the central district was filled with thousands of people’s chatter and songs. Even if drunk people spouted unfriendly words, they wouldn’t reach the carriage.

Rustle

“Your Majesty. We’ll reach the palace shortly.”

In the distance, Bariel’s soldiers could be seen at the end of the central road. When Timothy reported through the window connecting to the carriage interior, Damon straightened his posture and gaze.

Is he not here?

The secret-eating gypsy.

Just because he knew the past and future, he acted so impudently as if he knew the truth. If he knew he was being hunted, he’d surely be mixed in the crowd, watching mockingly.

Damon bit his inner cheek while looking up at the window connected to the coachman’s seat. Timothy’s profile was visible through the opaque glass.

…How will it go this time?

Honestly, Damon still couldn’t be certain. Whether this Timothy was truly the same person as the Timothy from his previous life.

As he regressed and Burgos’s history twisted, many people’s fates changed. Timothy must have been affected too.

Then, would the end be different as well?

Though there were big and small changes, some things remained unaffected except for direct derivatives.

If this were his third life, he would have known everything without wavering.

Damon closed his eyes briefly. He could feel the carriage gradually slowing. Entering the palace would be like throwing himself into a storm.

Click, as the carriage door opened, he opened his eyes. His violet pupils, hidden in shadow, became dyed in Bariel’s sunlight. In his previous life, his father had come here instead.

Creeak

“Welcome, King of Burgos.”

Someone who appeared to be Bariel’s Prime Minister greeted politely with his hand on his chest. Palace officials stood in a fan formation behind him.

As Damon descended from the carriage, they too simultaneously raised their hands in courtesy. The wind particularly whirled at that moment.

“Was your journey not too taxing? His Highness considers how you’ve traveled this long way for Bariel. This way, please.”

As the Prime Minister turned while guiding them, golden hair behind him caught Damon’s eye.

An astonishingly young boy.

Damon recognized him as Ian Hielo, who had been in Timothy’s reports. The Head of the Ministry of Magic and allegedly a border region bastard.

***

Pale.

If the officials’ first impression of Damon had to be defined in one word, that would be it.

He seemed to have a sensitive temperament. Though the Prime Minister paused briefly indicating him to follow, he stood still, just staring at Ian.

“King Damon, is there any problem?”

“…No. Let’s go.”

Ian kept his gaze lowered until Damon passed. There was no need to hastily exchange words with that person.

Even if it were just simple greetings, all interactions contain information. The other’s breathing, tone, gestures, frequently used words, and so on.

If Ian’s existence was something Damon was seeing for the first time, there was even more reason to be careful.

Rustle

Damon brushed past Ian. Led by the Prime Minister and Damon, Burgos’s delegation and palace officials followed in line.

When Timothy’s eyes met Ian’s, he nodded slightly in greeting. Ian returned the nod with a smile, as if saying “good work coming here.”

“Ah, welcome, King Damon.”

“This is our first meeting, Your Highness Jin. I sincerely congratulate your appointment ceremony, and truly hope that flower petals will rain down on Bariel’s future as they do today.”

When Jin rose from the sofa extending his hand, Damon gripped it respectfully while offering praise. Despite his sharp atmosphere, his greeting was quite gentle.

Jin smiled brightly and gestured for him to sit.

“You are our final guests.”

“Oh my. I apologize. We’re not late, I hope?”

“Not at all! Anytime the central road is open, you’re not late. Come, everyone please sit.”

At Jin’s invitation, Damon took a seat across from him.

The Prime Minister and Jin did likewise.

Trickle

Jin unconsciously smiled awkwardly watching the rising black tea. How many cups was this today? Queen Eripony, Delegate May, and snack time… This was already the fourth tea time.

Xiaoshi, standing behind, noticed this and frowned worriedly. With the three nations gathering, they couldn’t easily change even a teacup without showing discrimination.

“Your Highness.”

“Hmm?”

“If it’s not discourteous, might we delay the tea? Having just left the carriage, my stomach isn’t feeling well.”

Just then, a very timely request came. Had he read his mind? Though Jin was inwardly surprised, he quickly contained his emotions and expressed that he didn’t mind.

“Of course.”

“Thank you for your understanding.”

Damon merely touched his lips out of courtesy and placed his teaspoon on the saucer. Indicating he wouldn’t drink anymore.

Since the guest wasn’t drinking, Jin had no need to match him. The boy responded with a light smile.

“I’ll send a physician to your detached palace. Spending long hours on the road must be quite taxing on the body.”

“…Thank you.”

While Timothy placed the tribute gift boxes on the table, Damon slightly lowered his gaze. The young prince would never have left the palace. How could he empathize with travel fatigue?

Perhaps there was an issue with one of the nations that arrived first?

That would be troublesome.

And Ian watching him like this. Unlike with Ruswena or Clifford, this time he stood shoulder to shoulder with other officials. Some officials who noticed this difference in attitude exchanged awkward glances.

Click

“These are the tribute gifts. The nobles of Burgos specially selected them from across the territory, so please consider their sincerity.”

“Tell me about them.”

“This is dried legume leaves. We’ve prepared fifty bundles of ten kilograms each. It’s a representative crop produced in the dry lands of Burgos.”

“Ah, I’ve heard of this. Mainly used as an anesthetic, I believe. Usually called Burdo legume leaves rather than just legume leaves.”

“Burdo is the family leading maximum crop production. Legume is the official name. And next is the golden diamond from House Kakel. It’s been a family treasure passed down from the head of the house, but they offered their heirloom to celebrate Your Highness’s appointment ceremony. Over there.”

When Damon gestured, a man mixed among the delegation bowed his head. Jin peered at the small jewel with curiosity. Given that only one was presented, its rarity was self-evident.

“I see. I accept with joy.”

“And next is…”

How many samples they had prepared in the small boxes. The tribute gifts were incomparably more abundant than the previous two countries. Jin and the officials listened to the introduction with interested exclamations.

“Ooh, I see. So that’s what grows there.”

“Yes. Though Burgos is barren and dry, we have diverse crops that are born and grow adapted to those conditions.”

Click. Ian quickly checked his pocket watch and signaled the Prime Minister. The man who had been laughing “haha” caught Ian’s signal and cleared his throat. With the banquet time set, it meant to wrap things up here.

“Your Highness.”

“…Hmm?”

“Since we seem to have confirmed all the tribute gifts, how about concluding here? King Damon recovering from his journey fatigue will make the upcoming banquet even more abundant.”

“Right. That’s true. I was momentarily caught up in my delight with the tribute gifts. The Burgos delegation needs time to unpack too.”

They’d talked too much, especially with someone who said they weren’t feeling well.

“Not at all, Your Highness. Seeing Your Highness’s joy makes our long journey worthwhile.”

“You’ll be guided to the detached palace. Separate notice will come regarding the banquet. Prime Minister.”

“Yes, Your Highness. King of Burgos, let me guide you.”

“Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll see you at the banquet.”

Damon paid his respects as formally as when they first met, then left the reception room.

Though his exterior suggested someone who didn’t know how to bow, his attitude toward Jin was quite the reversal. The officials too left the reception room sequentially following the delegation.

Creeak

Bang!

After the last official left, only close associates including Ian remained in the reception room.

Jin stretched his legs with satisfaction. Both the quality of tribute gifts and the king seemed better than expected. Above all, the official daytime schedule was complete. Now just get through the banquet and he could rest properly!

“Ian? What’s wrong?”

But Jin turned his head at Romandro’s question. Though smiling, Ian was rubbing his chin with something off about his expression.

“Lord Ian?”

“…Your Highness.”

What was wrong?

Ian sat close to Jin and gripped his hands tightly. Though traces of the afternoon’s awkwardness remained faintly, Ian’s smile was too savage to remember it.

“Listen carefully. Among the three nations, you must be most wary of Burgos.”

“Hm? What do you mean? Is it because he’s shrewd?”

He immediately noticed Jin didn’t want to drink tea. Though he was certainly quick-witted, looking at overall attitude, wasn’t Eripony the most dangerous?

“Your Highness. Please examine the tribute gifts received so far carefully. Isn’t something different?”

At Ian’s words, Jin and Romandro searched their memories. With such variety in types and quantities, they couldn’t pinpoint what was different.

“…The other kingdoms prepared tribute gifts with the kingdom as the main body. But for Burgos, everything was offered by the nobles. Do you not understand what this means?”

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

MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable

MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts

MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning

MBSE 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

🔒85MBSE Chapter 335 - We're Going Too

🔒85MBSE Chapter 336 - Those Mages in the Vineyard

🔒85MBSE Chapter 337 - Laughter Gathered in One Place

🔒85MBSE Chapter 338 - An Unexpected Target