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