Chapter 260

“Is this something a person should do?”

One of the two healing mages in the Ministry of Magic scolded Akorella. The magical energy they felt from her fingertips was alarming.

Her heartbeat was irregular and unstable, faint as if it might stop at any moment, and above all, its warmth was cold. Her condition wasn’t much different from Beric, whose internal organs had all been turned inside out.

“It’s a side effect of the magic amplification potion…”

“You know it’s not just that.”

“You’re right. There’s no way there are side effects I don’t know about. It seems to be a complex reaction based on that, doesn’t it?”

The magic amplification potion had caused fissures in her body. Meanwhile, she had been researching and experimenting with Idgal, which absorbs magic, and even handled dragon scales, a sacred item. The healing mage grumbled as they lifted Akorella’s side.

“Ow, how embarrassing.”

“Stop bullshitting. Scales are growing on your skin.”

“Huh. Really?”

Scales growing along her waistline. Under the scales, her skin was torn and blood had congealed. Akorella felt around with her hand, touching them, then frowned quizzically.

“This is that. Dragon antigen-antibody hypersensitivity reaction.”

“…Just call it an infectious disease. Do the scales hurt?”

“No, not yet.”

“…You should take painkillers in advance.”

Rough and alien. Her immune system must have definitely weakened. She couldn’t even remember being carried by Hale, and now these physical reactions were occurring. It was the limit of limits.

She flopped down on her back as if everything was bothersome.

“It’ll probably hurt more in a bit, right?”

“What on earth have you been doing? During these days you’ve been sick.”

“I don’t know. You lose your sense of time when you’re in the basement.”

“…Your condition is like this, and you kept taking those weird drugs you made yourself, didn’t you?”

The mage pulled out a small medicine bottle from Akorella’s pocket. They had told her to stop eating weird things, but this mad scientist seemed to think government-approved medicines were just for show.

As the mages shot her fierce glares, Akorella put on her protective goggles to block their gaze.

“I felt like I’d die if I didn’t take that.”

“That’s why you’re dying now.”

“…But I’m the captain.”

“Captain or not, you’re nothing if you’re dead.”

At least she still had the energy to talk back. It must be thanks to Captain Hale continuously infusing her with magic while bringing her here.

She kept wiping her mouth with the towel on the desk. The bitter, fishy taste of blood just wouldn’t go away.

Knock knock.

“Lord Ian.”

“Akorella, how’s your condition?”

He looked tired, but that was all. He didn’t look like someone who had just hung twenty-one corpses in the square, allowed the crowd to stone them, and confirmed the heads of all the remaining bloodline descendants of the seven families.

At Ian’s question, Akorella rolled her eyes as if she was about to die.

“How’s the treatment going?”

“Well, this is a complete package deal.”

“This? Did you just call it ‘this’?”

“Since it’s based on the side effects of the magic amplification potion, we’ll treat it, but there are already many physical complications. It would be better to leave that part to a doctor.”

“I heard her memory keeps cutting out.”

“Her memory has completely disappeared from the middle of the trial. She seems fine now, but I don’t know what will happen if her condition worsens again.”

“Oh ho, now I get it. You knew I’d lose my memory, so you were talking shit?”

“Please, Captain.”

“Heh, just kidding.”

Akorella lifted her side to show the scales. Instead of coughing up blood, now that area was soaked in blood. Romandro, who had followed them in, was startled and covered his mouth. What were those things on human skin?

“Do you know what this is?”

“I’ve never seen it before.”

“This is dragon scales. It used to be quite common, but I guess you don’t know. You can think of it as an endemic disease that usually occurs near dragon habitats. When pathogens from dragons are transferred to humans, scales grow like this…”

Ian tilted his head curiously. Dragon scales weren’t this flat. Weren’t the ones confiscated from the Chetur district so three-dimensional that they could be mistaken for raw stones? Akorella tapped her side and continued speaking.

“When this festers, it swells up and hardens. Like that black ore.”

“Akorella! Why are you talking as if it’s someone else’s problem?”

“Sir Romandro, it’s okay. This was a disease attributed to unsanitary conditions or abnormal breeding when dragon farming was indiscriminate. Now everyone’s management is so thorough that it hasn’t been seen for quite a while. Of course, I’m not sure if the cure is still kept in storage, but the manufacturing method definitely exists.”

“What about contagion? Is it okay for us to be talking like this?”

“Wow, I’m hurt, but that’s such a rational response that I have nothing to say. Kekek. Yes, yes. It’s fine. It doesn’t spread between people, and you need direct contact with the scales to get infected. Right now, I just unfortunately caught it because my condition was a bit… meh.”

“If, if your condition is ‘meh’, it’s easy to catch?”

“I guess so? Children and the elderly are vulnerable too.”

“We’re all in bad condition right now!”

“Hahaha. Sir Romandro, you look fine though.”

While Romandro was freaking out with worry, Ian stood quietly, rubbing his chin.

According to Akorella’s words, couldn’t one guess that there was a problem with the scales confiscated from the Chetur district, and that their source was the hotbed of the problem?

Ian brushed back his half-lowered hair and asked. After a busy day of schedules, his neat morning appearance had become slightly disheveled.

“Should we dispose of everything confiscated from Chetur?”

“That would be best, I think. I’m not sure about the black armor that’s already been made. We’ll investigate.”

“Captain!”

“Not me, my subordinates. Mmm. Yep.”

Akorella flopped back down, raising both hands as if surrendering. It’s unfortunate, but there’s no helping it. What if poor management leads to an epidemic? How would they deal with the aftermath?

Especially if the source was the imperial palace, not somewhere else, it would make things even more complicated.

“Sir Romandro.”

“Ah, right.”

Romandro hurried out to carry out Ian’s order to get rid of the scales immediately.

Akorella spat blood-tinged saliva into the bucket beside her and requested.

“Anyway, Lord Ian. Since I’m in this state, give me paid leave. And a bonus too. I’d appreciate it if you could pay me in Luron stones.”

“…What about the memory loss?”

“I don’t know. What symptom it’s caused by.”

Her guess was that it was a phenomenon caused by the clash between the magic amplification potion and the absorption agent Idgal, but she couldn’t be sure. Once her condition improves a bit, she’ll research it right away. Who knows, she might even be able to create a potion that can erase memories!

Akorella giggled while hugging her pillow. Perhaps noticing this, her fellow mage’s eyes flashed as they roughly slapped her protective goggles.

“Basement access is forbidden.”

“What!? Are you crazy?”

“You’re the crazy one, Captain. Don’t you know what a vacation means? Please come to your senses and take care of yourself. Lord Ian too, we’re already short-handed as it is, what are we supposed to do if the Captain is like this? Huh? Lord Ian. Lord Ian, I’m sorry, but since we’re on the topic, let me say something. You were bleeding the other day, but you didn’t call us, did you?”

Oh dear. Ian subtly stood up, looking for a way to escape.

In the two consecutive incidents, these were the ones who had suffered more than other mages, running here and there. Moreover, there were only two of them. Of course they’d be sensitive to the fatigue and injuries of their superiors.

Creeak.

“Lord Ian! Lord Ian!”

“Akorella. I’ll process your leave.”

“Where are you going? Hey!”

“Rest well and get treatment.”

Bang!

Akorella stretched out her hand and shouted for Ian to help her, but the door closed mercilessly.

Akorella’s hand stopped in mid-air. She chuckled and lay back down on the bed in a proper position. Then she frowned as if dizzy, and soon fumbled around for the bucket.

“Urp-“

Akorella vomited blood for quite a while. Tears reflexively formed in her eyes, but they weren’t visible due to the reflection of her protective goggles. The healing mage sighed at the sight and continued patting her back while infusing her with magic.

“How is Captain Akorella doing?”

Meanwhile, Ian ran into Jin in the corridor. The child looked very worried, with his hands tightly clasped. Ian knelt lightly to match his gaze.

“She didn’t look too good.”

Although she joked around as usual, her complexion, unstable breathing, and trembling voice were clearly noticeable. The bucket beside her was full of bloody water too. She had just barely passed a critical point.

“Is that so? Haah, what in the world is going on?”

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. Isn’t Akorella strong? Rather than worrying, it would be better if you refrain from coming this way for a while.”

“Why?”

“It seems she doesn’t want to show you her sick appearance. And although you need direct contact with the scales, which are the infection vector, I’m still worried. They say it’s dangerous for children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.”

“Then Lord Ian should be careful too.”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Soon, they’ll investigate for infections among the Magic Stone Management Division members who had close contact with the scales, as well as the Imperial Guards and related personnel.

Judging by Akorella’s condition alone, it seems the amplification potion acted as a kind of trigger for the outbreak. Other people probably won’t have any problems, but still, there’s always that “what if.”

Tak tak tak!

Jin, who had been walking ahead, spun around. He was worried about Akorella, but there was something else bothering him just as much. Ian nodded as if to say “go ahead and speak.”

“I heard it’s customary for me to personally write the invitation letters for foreign guests coming to the heir’s appointment ceremony.”

“Ah.”

Usually, the heir’s appointment ceremony is held after coming of age, so to give an example, around Mariv’s age.

By that time, one would have naturally built friendships with other countries’ heirs or high-ranking officials, hence sending handwritten invitations. It was more of a natural occurrence than a custom.

“By chance, Your Highness, do you maintain any separate friendships with foreign envoys?”

Jin was young, had been a cursed child until now, and just a few days ago, Arsen had been in power. Of course, he wouldn’t have any foreign connections. To this gently roundabout question, Jin shyly shook his head.

“No, I don’t.”

“Then there’s no need to send them personally. If you happen to form connections later, it would be good to write the invitations for your coronation ceremony yourself.”

The coronation ceremony, the day he ascends to the Emperor’s throne. By then, Jin will personally invite his guests.

The child’s pale eyes sparkled brightly. Since meeting the imperial citizens earlier in the day, he had come to truly cherish the Emperor’s position even more.

“Okay. I understand.”

“Still, they are Your Highness’s guests. Instead of handwritten letters, it would be sufficient to personally welcome them, so how about familiarizing yourself with them before they arrive?”

“Of course! Lord Ian, please tell me!”

Jin lightly hopped and grabbed Ian’s sleeve.

Unfortunately, however, Ian wasn’t well-versed in foreign affairs either. Although he had major and minor historical events in his head, he knew next to nothing about who the current influential figures were, or their tendencies and characteristics.

“I apologize. I don’t know much either, so… um. Shall we study together when Sir Romandro returns?”

“Romandro? That sounds good.”

To move the chess pieces, shouldn’t one at least know what the pieces on the board are? How they move, in what way they move, when they can move, and so on.

Ian gestured to Xiaoshi and instructed.

“Tell Sir Romandro to report with the relevant materials when he’s finished with his work. And we’ll start cleaning up the family matters and preparing for the appointment ceremony.”

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

🔒70MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures

🔒70MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy

🔒70MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts

🔒70MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch

🔒70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation

🔒75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection

🔒75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater

🔒75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know

🔒75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being

🔒75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl

🔒75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet

🔒75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances

🔒75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows

🔒75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam

🔒80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?

🔒80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose

🔒80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism

🔒80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons

🔒85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World

🔒80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on

🔒80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth

🔒80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory

🔒85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony

🔒85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises

🔒85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets