It was strange. In just the ten or so minutes Ian had been absent, the reception room’s atmosphere had become so tense it seemed ready to collapse.
Of course, as newly arrived guests, the Ruswena party wasn’t meant to exchange lengthy greetings. It should have been enough to exchange formal courtesies, present tribute gifts, and discuss upcoming official schedules.
But this was too early.
Romandro whispered quietly enough that only Ian could hear.
“The, uh, Queen is more aggressive than expected.”
Though a very brief expression, it contained everything.
Particularly noteworthy was the phrase “than expected.”
Indeed, she was taller than expected, more imposing than expected, and sending more blatant looks than expected.
Ian brushed Romandro aside and approached Jin.
“Lord Ian.”
Color briefly rose to Jin’s face before fading. The meeting that had seemed about to fall apart continued with new energy after Ian’s appearance.
First was how Eripony leaned back against her chair. She simply smiled with her hands on her knees, as if waiting for Ian’s introduction.
“Was there no problem?”
“Yes, Your Highness. I apologize for causing you concern.”
“Not at all. Please greet Queen Eripony. This is Lord Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic of the Great Empire of Bariel.”
When Ian placed his hand on his chest and bowed, Eripony responded with a slight nod. Though she had heard about him from Eldert, well… To think the empire’s future rested with these youngsters. She praised Ian while covering her mouth with her fan.
“Praise of Lord Hielo reaches even to Ruswena. They say you’re a genius mage who serves the empire through hardship at such a young age.”
“You flatter me. I too have heard much of Ruswena’s reputation. They say it’s a land of opportunity for mages.”
The Prime Minister between them unconsciously lowered his gaze to hide his dismayed expression. This was like watching two people stabbing each other while shaking hands.
Eripony’s mention of “hardship” included the implication of his origins as a border region’s bastard, while Ian’s “land of opportunity” meant they were underdeveloped due to their lack of mages.
The various factions encircling the reception room exchanged glances with slight murmurs.
‘Even young, a mage is still a mage it seems.’
‘Isn’t he the real power in the current palace?’
‘I heard he’s of common birth.’
His unflinching and fearless responses demonstrated Ian’s presence and confidence.
Eldert subtly looked at Eripony and closed his eyes. Unlike the ten-year-old prince, Ian shouldn’t be taken lightly. The provocations should stop here.
“I briefly left my post due to an issue in the Ministry of Magic, and ended up interrupting your conversation. Please forgive my rudeness.”
Ian bowed to Jin with a subtle smile. This was like laying groundwork to let the child directly explain the current situation – what had happened and what difficulties he had faced.
For example, like this:
“No. Queen Eripony was just presenting a gift separate from the tribute.”
“Oh, I see.”
“Though regrettably, it seems it will take a long time to show proper sincerity.”
When Jin gestured, an attendant opened the case containing the bow. Wasn’t it a massive bow matching its recipient’s height? Ian quickly grasped the meaning and raised an eyebrow.
‘Hmm, would you look at this?’
But Eripony too was noticing the subtle emotions between Ian and Jin. The color of their relationship was too complex and subtle to pin down as just one thing.
Looking one way it seemed pink, another way purple, and for a moment even appeared blue. Truly meaningful.
“…I made a mistake using a standard bow. Your Highness, please don’t be angry and do let me know when the vine grass stretches.”
Eripony threw another stone to gauge Ian’s reaction.
Despite receiving the same insult twice, Jin still hesitated in contemplation. Though he held numerous options, he was being cautious lest one wrong decision lead to irreversible consequences.
Ian stroked his fingertips while looking down at the child’s round head.
‘Not a domestic noble but a foreign queen. Since the people suffer most when diplomatic relations sour, it must be burdensome for Jin. Though he met Eldert, it was just once. It’s true the opponent is overwhelming compared to his experience.’
Moreover, the Queen of Ruswena was so uninhibited it even surprised Romandro. It was natural for Jin to be flustered when no one told him how far she could push and where the line not to cross was.
The queen’s attitude was too sharp a variable to prepare for with just the filtered information within the palace.
“Your Highness.”
Ian called to Jin gently. The pale eyes seemed to look to Ian seeking answers.
But at the same time, his fine brow was slightly hardened. After the inauguration ceremony, the child would become the empire’s true heir – what could be more painful than facing one’s own inadequacies? Ian smiled brightly and suggested:
“Since the Queen prepared it personally, perhaps you might respond to the gift?”
“What do you…”
Jin trailed off, not understanding. If he was to respond to the gift, that meant shooting the bow…
“Is there anything to shoot at?”
Eripony added with a sardonic smile. In this setting, how and for what purpose could one possibly shoot? To her question, Ian politely replied:
“Oh my. Queen Eripony. Though I’m not sure about Ruswena, there are no unruly beasts in Bariel’s Imperial Palace.”
“…!”
“…!”
Everyone in the reception room held their breath. Though cold attacks had been exchanged precariously, this was the first such blatant statement.
The queen immediately straightened from her backrest and pressed her lips tightly together. Her gaze dripping with killing intent was that of a viper. Ian pretended not to notice as he took out the bow from its case and examined it.
“Though there are many ways to brace a bow, the arrow length is especially problematic. Your Highness. Right now, flower petals are dancing in Bariel to bless your inauguration ceremony. Shall we add to their force?”
Whirrr. Whirr.
When Ian released his magical power, all of Ruswena’s delegation members flinched and stepped back.
Magic. The famous Minister’s magic they had only heard about!
Though Ruswena did have mages, they were very few, and it would be stretching things to say they belonged to the royal palace. The difference in ability wasn’t even worth mentioning.
“Lord Ian.”
A long, thin light formed between Ian’s hands. Beautifully rippling with pink light, it gradually took the shape of an arrow.
‘Jin, there’s nothing to fear. If Ruswena’s queen provokes you, accept it without worry. You are allowed to do so. You are Bariel who is allowed to do so.’
Ian lightly moved his fingertips to refine the stream of light. Then he slowly handed it to the child and asked.
A rippling warmth. It felt just like when he had touched Ian’s magic sphere before. Jin looked down at the particles crackling within the light.
“…Open the bay window.”
Swoosh.
At Jin’s command, attendants busily moved to push open the huge window in the wall. As one side opened wide, the palace’s vast garden came into full view.
Wind rushed in refreshingly. Eripony crossed her legs while holding back her windblown hair with one hand. Daring to do so before the prince.
“I’ll hold the bow for you. Just pull back the string.”
Ian held the bow with one hand while the child took his stance and pulled the bowstring with all his might. The vine grass stretched smoothly into a flexible curve.
Then Ian’s magic arrow caught at the small fingertips. The vine grass wailed near their ears, creating a faint rhythm.
Wheeng. Whirr.
Jin aimed at the blue sky and released the bowstring. Though it was a tiny force, the arrow shot straight up into the sky as if possessed before bursting. The sparkling fragments dissolved into the flower petals floating all day.
Whoosh!
Bang! Bang!
Strong winds swirled following Jin’s release of the bowstring. At the same time, the bowstring snapped.
Ping!
No matter how many times the artisan had twisted it, it naturally couldn’t withstand magical power.
Jin looked at the bowstring stretched in the sunlight before turning to Eripony.
“Eripony, it seems vine grass doesn’t stretch only with time.”
Instead of answering, the queen stared at the flower petals continually falling behind the child.
Were falling stars in broad daylight like this? She thought she understood why poets praised and sang of magic’s beauty. She shrugged and held back a smile.
“My deepest apologies, Your Highness.”
“No need for apologies. However, I hope you’ll keep your promise to replace the vine grass. Take it back and return it after repairs.”
He would accept the gift, but it should be taken back and adjusted to the proper size. Now that they knew his body size, they couldn’t simply attach new vine grass.
Eripony gracefully nodded and answered that she would comply. Though she hadn’t expected to take back the gift exactly as brought, what could she do? They had shown sincerity, and now it was her turn to show sincerity.
“Then regarding the tribute gifts…”
Jin started to give an order but stopped. The child smiled broadly and asked the Queen’s understanding.
“First, it seems we need to conduct an inspection.”
“An inspection? What do you mean?”
“Recently, someone showing abnormal hypersensitivity to dragon antigens was reported and is being investigated by the palace, with findings suggesting Ruswena goods as the source. It’s a simple quarantine procedure, so it won’t take long. I would appreciate your cooperation.”
Eripony turned to Eldert, as if not understanding what this meant.
But how could Eldert know? The outbreak of Akorella was being kept quiet within the palace.
“For now, please rest well, and we’ll arrange a separate meeting regarding this matter. Thank you for your journey here.”
Jin gestured that they could withdraw, and attendants began carrying out the tribute gifts one by one.
Eripony arranged her hair, paid her respects to Jin, and left the reception room. The delegation members followed their queen in formation, exchanging puzzled whispers.
“Dragon antigen reaction?”
“Is he talking about that epidemic? That disappeared quite a while ago, why suddenly…?”
“Though Ruswena has dragon breeding grounds, does Bariel not have any?”
Patter patter!
Eripony boarded her carriage and just stared out the window. A palace official rode ahead on horseback to lead the way. They would guide them to the guest palace where they would stay during the inauguration period.
Eldert, sitting opposite her, carefully called to the queen.
“Your Highness.”
“A dragon epidemic? Have you heard anything about this?”
“No. Nothing.”
“It doesn’t seem like they made it up…”
“I’ll look into it separately when we reach the guest palace. But, Your Highness.”
Asking why he kept calling, Eripony whipped her head around.
“You seemed a bit excessive with Prince Jin.”
“Did I?”
“No matter how young, he is the future Emperor.”
Eripony just raised one corner of her mouth and muttered.
“…He was cute.”
“You have peculiar tastes.”
She gestured for Eldert to be quiet and continued watching the falling flower petals. She wasn’t sure if they were from Jin’s shot or if they had sparkled like this originally.
In any case, one thing was certain – this was quite a coveted palace indeed.
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