Jin unconsciously clenched his molars.
No matter how detailed a portrait might be, it could never fully capture the real person. Moreover, all Jin had previously seen was the portrait drawn by Romandro.
Though he’d expected some differences, the overwhelming presence of the real person was extraordinary. The queen’s massive height likely contributed significantly to this effect.
“…Please be seated.”
Eripony merely nodded slightly as she sat opposite Jin. Her attendants busily arranged her long hair and collar as they followed her movements.
She looked down at Jin while elegantly raising her chin. The angle came naturally from their physical difference. Jin reflexively realized anew just how young he was.
“A pleasure to meet you, Your Highness the Fifth Prince . I am Eripony Lasriel, the twelfth ruler of Ruswena. Though meeting His Majesty the Emperor should take priority, circumstances make that regrettably impossible.”
Her tri-colored eyes lightly swept Jin from head to toe. It was such a brief moment that anyone less perceptive might have mistaken it for simply lowering her gaze.
‘Your Highness the Fifth Prince.’
Romandro, listening quietly from behind, internally swallowed a cough.
All those above Jin in succession were already dead. And hadn’t they disappeared in various inappropriate ways? Particularly First Prince Mariv, who had even been stripped of his position.
Yet despite this, what was the meaning of specifically referring to him as ‘Fifth Prince’? Was Romandro the only one who found it strange? He turned his gaze sideways and met the eyes of several officials.
‘Deliberately?’
‘Indeed. Hmm.’
Fortunately or unfortunately, it seemed he wasn’t alone in his thoughts. Everyone focused on the back of Jin’s head. How would His Highness the Prince receive this greeting?
“His Majesty the Emperor will deeply appreciate your loyal heart, so please do not worry too much. You know how much my Father places his expectations on Ruswena, do you not?”
Though one might be like heaven in their kingdom, the Emperor was the heaven above that heaven. Jin reminded Eripony of her place while simultaneously emphasizing his own position as the Emperor’s son.
Eripony slowly raised an eyebrow. As a dry smile threatened to appear, she raised her fan to hide it.
How cute, yet quite sharp.
For a shadow prince whose presence in the palace was uncertain, his manner of speaking was quite convincing. Eripony composed her expression before adding:
“Your words put my heart at ease. We have prepared tribute gifts to show Ruswena’s sincerity…”
At Eripony’s gesture, Eldert nodded.
He placed an elegant jeweled box on the table. This was a preview of the tribute gifts they had brought in dozens of carriages.
Inside the jewelbox were neatly rolled papers, black jewels, and spices.
“First, forty fine horses raised on Ruswena’s plains. Five of them are pregnant, and their bloodlines are also recognized by the kingdom.”
“I have heard much of Ruswena’s famous horses.”
Horses raised running across vast, fertile lands. Jin knew of their excellence as well.
Eripony slightly twisted her lips and fell silent for a moment. This felt less like presenting tribute and more like giving gifts to a child. It was laughable, so laughable it was absurd.
“Your Highness, do you know of black jewels?”
“…Of course. I saw those that Delegate Eldert brought last time. They’re found only in Ruswena.”
“Yes. We have five boxes of the highest grade black jewels. Also, these are new spices being cultivated in Ruswena, which take five seasons to harvest – quite demanding. They provide an excellent combination of spicy and sour flavors. We’ve prepared twenty boxes of the highest grade.”
Eripony slightly pushed forward the box, saying he should take a closer look. With the already enormous height difference and her perfectly straight posture, it was impossible to tell who was giving tribute to whom.
She tilted her head and asked:
“Are they to your liking?”
“…Of course. I can well feel Ruswena’s sincerity.”
“I’m truly relieved. Since these are items that would satisfy His Majesty the Emperor, I was worried whether they would meet Your Highness’s expectations.”
As Jin personally closed the box lid, Eripony took a sip of the prepared tea and muttered:
“As expected of His Majesty’s son, you have inherited his excellent eye. I can understand why His Majesty kept Your Highness hidden away like a jewel.”
Romandro unconsciously raised his head to look at Eripony.
On the surface, it was nothing but praise without a single negative word, but peel away just one layer and the meaning changed completely.
From daring to evaluate His Majesty the Emperor’s eye as excellent, to the comment about being hidden like a jewel – all were jabs at his lack of presence as Fifth Prince. Saying they couldn’t know his preferences. Even if they wanted to match his taste, there was nothing known about him, so it wasn’t their fault.
“Queen Eripony.”
“Ah, I nearly forgot. Being fond of hunting, I have great interest in bows and arrows. So I brought something nice as a gift for Your Highness…”
Though the Prime Minister tried to intervene, Eripony stared at him directly and cut off his words.
Her tri-colored eyes moved sharply. Though this was the Imperial Palace, she was still a sovereign. It was a warning not to dare interrupt their conversation.
“Eldert.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Following her renewed command, Eldert brought forth a huge case. Actually, they had been debating whether to officially present this to the Prince. But her order was to bring it, clearly showing how their queen had evaluated Jin internally.
Creeak.
“…What is this?”
“My joy and Ruswena’s pride. I hope Your Highness will like it as well.”
Jin’s brow furrowed slightly.
Was this not an intricately carved silver bow? Though the item itself wasn’t problematic, what caught the eye was its size. Its length matched Jin’s height.
Eripony lightly plucked the bowstring with her long fingers as she explained:
“This was crafted over half a year by Ruswena’s royal artisan. The body is made of silver, and the bowstring is twisted from vine grass found only in the southern forests. Each draw produces a wind-like sound more beautiful than most instruments, adding to the joy of hunting.”
Wheeng. Whirr.
As the queen said, the bowstring’s sound was truly unique and extraordinary. She smiled brightly as she set down the case.
“I heard Your Highness might not enjoy hunting, so I didn’t include it in the official tribute, but seeing you in person, your spirit seems remarkable enough to suit it. Please accept it without too much surprise.”
Jin’s face flushed red. She was pointing out the child’s scar. Though rumors had suggested weakness, seeing him in person he bore a scar on his face like those carried by hunters.
Eldert cleared his throat repeatedly while moving the case to her side. Things were getting a bit excessive. As the queen’s advisor, it was a signal that she should stop.
“Ah yes.”
After plucking the bowstring several more times, she let out a small exclamation as if remembering something. Then, as if embarrassed, she added with a smile:
“The vine grass will stretch with time, so when that happens, please let me know. I’ll have it refitted for you.”
She must know Jin wasn’t old enough for hunting. And to present a bow far too large for its recipient!
This was an outright insult, looking down on Jin for his youth.
‘It will take as long for the vine grass to stretch as it will for you to grow old enough to go hunting.’
Yet they couldn’t openly object, as the item itself was flawless and of the highest quality.
“…Thank you.”
This was all Jin could say. Adding unnecessary words here would only emphasize his own vulnerabilities.
“Not at all. Your Highness’s joy is my joy as well.”
Eripony smiled broadly and bowed her head. Though she bowed, it was barely more than a slight tilt of her forehead. By now it was impossible to tell whether this was intentional disrespect or simply due to her physical size.
The Prime Minister awkwardly glanced at Jin while needlessly stroking his beard.
‘If Your Highness doesn’t speak up, I too cannot easily step forward…’
Jin only clenched his hands resting on his knees. Various words danced on the tip of his tongue. Though he recognized the Queen of Ruswena’s provocations, he was considering how best to respond.
This was unavoidable, knowing that each of his words would have complex ripple effects. Though there was a difference between empire and kingdom, didn’t Ruswena have the alliance of three nations behind it?
This could be intentional provocation. Trying to stimulate the young prince into a reflexive reaction against their country.
‘What should I say? What if I say…’
Would it bring the best results?
It needed to be a choice beneficial to both imperial dignity and the empire. But in that moment, Eripony raised her teacup again, and Jin’s chance to speak was awkwardly buried.
“The tea is truly delicious, Your Highness. It seems to instantly dissolve away the weariness of travel.”
“Ah. Yes. I’m glad then.”
Romandro signaled the officials. A sign suggesting they should wrap up the meeting soon.
His Highness Jin looked uncomfortable, and Ruswena’s attitude was extremely arrogant. When they should be discussing greater matters of state, they were insulting the prince with mere tribute gifts. They needed to confer again.
“…Um, Your Highness.”
But Jin frowned and showed his refusal. Wouldn’t retreating here mean he had truly been defeated? It would diminish Bariel’s dignity.
Jin took a moment to steady his breath and sipped his tea, as if telling them to stay still. Eripony simply continued studying the child’s face.
‘How cute. So cute.’
What could be going through that tiny head? Even if he was an imperial prince, what could a ten-year-old child possibly do?
Just as Eripony unconsciously smiled slightly.
The reception room door opened and the atmosphere instantly changed.
“Ah.”
“Pardon the interruption.”
A low, refined voice. Eripony reflexively turned her head. She saw people naturally stepping back to make way.
Golden hair and green eyes.
And a youthful appearance.
“Oh ho.”
Eripony couldn’t help but make an interested sound. Was this not the famous Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic?
Ian was entering with several mages, perhaps having finished some business. Romandro hurried over and muttered as if ventriloquizing:
“Did you handle the matter well, Lord Ian?”
Why did you come so late!
Ian somehow seemed to hear his inner voice. No wonder, as the reception room’s atmosphere was quite strange. It hadn’t been long since he’d urgently left his post.
Ian whispered to Romandro:
“There was an issue with a magical device, but it was nothing serious.”
Then, meeting Eripony’s gaze as she looked at him, he asked:
“What conversation were you having?”
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