Chapter 262

“Ian, let’s walk a little slower! And just in case you don’t know, I’ll tell you. The dining hall, isn’t it that way? It’s the complete opposite direction? Have we really come this far?”

Ian turned to look at Beric, who was trotting along behind him, with a quizzical smile. This was Beric, who had sprawled on the sofa even with the prince present. His body was still in terrible condition, yet seeing him push himself like this meant he must have an ulterior motive.

Ian asked back without slowing his pace.

“Did the person in charge ban you from the dining hall?”

So why didn’t you just steal meat in moderation, Ian didn’t bother to add. Whether he said it or not, it probably wouldn’t mean much to Beric.

Instead of wasting time on regret and reflection, wasn’t it more his style to look for another entrance to the dining hall?

“Huh, how did you know?”

“It’s written all over your face.”

“My face?! Huh?!”

When was the last time Ian had gone to the dining hall? Usually, he rarely had time for meals due to his heavy workload, and lately, he had been confined to his bed, not leaving his office.

But with Beric constantly trying to lure him towards the dining hall, it was a natural suspicion. However, Beric seemed genuinely surprised, feeling his face while peering into a window.

“Where are you going? We’re getting further and further from the dining hall!”

“The Imperial Palace Central Archives.”

“Why that boring place?”

“Have you been there before? I’m surprised.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? It’s that place, right? Where black boxes are stacked up.”

“That’s the Ministry of Magic archives. Where we’re going now is the Imperial Palace, specifically the Administrative Department’s archives.”

There was something he needed to check. Timothy, the reason Ian remembered him across a span of a hundred years.

As they got closer to the archives, more people recognized him. While exchanging quick nods of greeting, just as they were about to turn a corner—

“Ah.”

Ian stopped, recognizing a familiar figure approaching from the opposite direction. It was Quintana. She seemed to be in the process of moving boxes herself along with Administrative Department staff. She too spotted Ian and greeted him cheerfully.

“Isn’t it Minister Ian? What brings you here?”

She looks in an extremely good mood. Ian suddenly realized that most of the smiles Quintana had shown until now were not genuine. Except for the occasional kindness she showed to Jin, she was always refuting, countering, and pushing her opinions in meetings.

“These are the property deeds of the seven families, including House Hayman. Impressive, isn’t it? Just the land documents alone are this much, so their arrogance in calling their mansions ‘second imperial palaces’ wasn’t entirely unfounded.”

Ownerless mansions, lands, and various jewels and assets would be transferred to the imperial palace, gaining new value. Whether to dispose of them or keep them under imperial ownership would be decided through discussions between the Administrative Department, the Prime Minister, and Jin.

“By the way, it seems you were heading somewhere.”

“I was on my way to the Imperial Palace Central Archives. I have something to check briefly.”

“Oh, I see. I heard some ancient books will be arriving soon too. If you have time, bring His Highness Jin to the Culture Department. The artworks should have arrived first. They’re quite worth seeing.”

This is one of Quintana’s rare moments of leisure, happening only a few times a year.

Following the securing of trial funds and the confiscation of central noble families’ assets, the consecutive influx of revenue would not only completely cover the damages from the civil war but even create a surplus. For someone managing the national treasury, there could be no greater joy.

“Ah, and the Prime Minister said he’ll convene a grand council by tomorrow. I’m not sure if you’ve heard.”

“Yes, I’ve heard.”

“Then do you know this too? Captain Jeirutt has proposed a reorganization of the Imperial Guards to the Administrative Department. The same goes for the Imperial Defense Department.”

Two of the three captains of the Imperial Guards, who serve the Emperor closely, had died. One in the civil war, the other by monsters. Even if the Emperor was bedridden, they needed to maintain the number of people befitting the position of the three captains.

“It seems they’ll be recruiting and selecting talent soon. I suppose all the magic swordsmen in the empire will have a chance?”

Quintana said this while glancing at Beric standing behind. He was rough and crude, not fitting in with the imperial palace at all, but he was a man kept by Ian and Jin. Curious, she had inquired about him and was surprised to learn he was a magic swordsman. One skilled enough to draw out magic release from Captain Jeirutt.

“Is the Imperial Defense Department doing the same?”

“Yes. The approach is similar. My guess is that the Imperial Defense Department is aiming for the trickle-down effect of Imperial Guard applicants. Didn’t the former head of the Imperial Defense Department participate in the civil war on the First Prince’s side? Someone else is temporarily in charge, but it’s certainly time for reorganization and troop replenishment.”

With the purge of the central nobility completed, now was undoubtedly the best time. Moreover, wasn’t Jin’s appointment ceremony as the next heir also approaching? In many ways, it was appropriate now, at the starting point of a new era.

‘Especially the Imperial Defense Department will want to wrap things up before Jin becomes the official heir. From the civil war to the Melania incident, their position hasn’t been good at all. They’re trying to consolidate internally before Jin forms his cabinet.’

“Everyone’s busy with their own appointment ceremonies.”

Quintana seemed to have noticed their intentions too, as she added casually. Ian smiled in agreement.

“Well then, I’ll see you at tomorrow’s grand council.”

“Indeed. Keep up the good work.”

The staff bowed their heads and disappeared, following Quintana.

Ian’s mind became complicated. There was a mountain of things to sort out, both administratively and procedurally. Although each department was sharing the workload, most of it would ultimately be reviewed by the Ministry of Magic, or more precisely, by Ian.

Because he was Jin’s guardian. Since he was reviewing each of Jin’s signatures together, in the end, it was no different from Ian seeing everything himself.

‘First, let’s propose the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. 50% to the Emperor, 30% to the rest of the imperial family as a whole, 20% to the Ministry of Magic.’

The important point is that it’s “authority over the total amount of magic sealing stones.” This way, even if the number of sealing stones increases or decreases, the power of checks and balances will continue to be maintained according to the ratio.

‘The problem is Idgal…’

A product of alchemy with abilities similar to magic sealing stones.

To prevent confusion, a bill officially excluding Idgal would inevitably follow. The fact that the illegitimate son Ian was related to it was currently the most concerning part.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

But it couldn’t be helped. It was an area that had to be stepped into for the healthy balance of the imperial family, the Ministry of Magic, and Bariel.

‘And next is proceeding with the sale of Hayman Bank, and the Imperial Defense Department…’

“Ian! What are you thinking about so much?”

“Ah.”

At that moment, Beric grabbed Ian’s arm. Lost in thought, he had reached the end of the corridor. They had walked three or four steps past the archives. Ian smiled slightly and shook his head.

“It’s nothing. I was worried about whether you’d be able to enter the Imperial Guards well. If skilled people from all over the country apply, Captain Jeirutt might reject your entry.”

“Come on! Don’t worry about that, worry about what we’re going to eat today. Those bastards who come there, I’ll, huh? I’ll half-kill them all and eat the captain.”

“The captain? Hahaha.”

Ian burst into genuine laughter. And for good reason, it was a combination he had never even considered. Beric and the Imperial Guards captain.

Beric was briefly surprised at this reaction, but finding Ian’s audible laughter curious, he followed suit and raised the corners of his mouth.

“You’re laughing. If I beat Jeirutt, don’t I become the captain?”

“What would you do as captain?”

“Hmm. Should I make the subordinates offer me meat? What do you think if I become captain? Wouldn’t that be good?”

“Well. I suppose so. Since the Imperial Guards captain is close to the Emperor, it would be easier to cooperate on various work matters.”

“With two positions open, it should be doable, right?”

“Well. I think Jeirutt might try to kill you before that.”

Rattle!

As they opened the door, the archives staff stood up to greet Ian. The atmosphere wasn’t much different from a library. The musty yet strangely calming smell of paper, sunlight pouring in from the ceiling, and silence bordering on quietude.

“Isn’t it Minister Ian Hielo?”

“I have some materials I want to check.”

“Yes. Please tell me.”

“All materials on Bariel’s exchanges with the Kingdom of Burgos for the past ten years from the current point in time.”

“A-All of them? That would be quite a lot…”

“Then five years, or even three years is fine.”

“Just a moment. There was no separate loan application, so you’re going to check them here directly, right?”

“That’s right.”

To take Administrative Department materials outside, it was only possible through a loan application form. The procedure was definite, only three or four staff were involved, and unless it was an urgent matter, it took a long time.

Rustle.

The staff member muttered while examining a thick document.

“Neighboring countries category 0423 classification, Burgos… Ah, please come this way.”

The two followed the staff member’s guidance deeper into the archives. The smell of yellowed paper books grew stronger. Beric wrinkled his nose, while Ian looked up at the ceiling edge that reached dozens of meters high.

As it was a place with more than ten floors, wooden stairs connecting the floors moved smoothly. That too was with the help of magic.

‘The appearance hasn’t changed much from a hundred years ago to now.’

“Lord Ian. These are five years’ worth of records related to Burgos’s economy and politics. Culture and society are in the basement, so I’ll bring them now. Please take your time looking.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

Beric’s mouth slowly opened. There were five bookshelves taller than himself. And they were filled to the brim with bundles of paper, without any empty spaces.

He’s going to look at all this here?

And there’s more on culture and society?

“Ian, are you crazy?”

“I didn’t tell you to come along.”

“You’re going to read this here? You’ll definitely get a nosebleed again.”

“Beric. Reading isn’t as difficult as you think. I told you to study a bit with Xiaoshi.”

Ian skimmed through the covers and pulled out what he needed without hesitation. Then he sat comfortably in a chair and started flipping through the materials. Since he wasn’t reading everything from beginning to end, but looking for necessary information, there was no need to strain himself.

“You’re insane.”

Ugh. Beric sat next to him, resting his chin on his hand and waiting.

“What are you looking for so intently? Are you looking for that Timothy guy, the prince from that country?”

“Timothy isn’t royalty. He belongs to the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Burgos. A royal coming to the heir’s appointment ceremony is an exceptional case like Clippoford. Usually, it’s common to send a delegation like Ruswena.”

“Really? But anyway, you are looking for Timothy, right? With that muscular build and strong body, he seemed like he could fight well. Does their country’s Foreign Ministry fight well too? How about a friendly match when he comes? Huh?”

Ian ignored Beric’s chatter and kept flipping through the documents. Timothy, Timothy, Timothy…

‘Ah. Found it.’

Timothy had officially visited Bariel five times. Each time, he stayed for periods ranging from a week to half a year, so there were clear records. Ian examined his traces and compared them to see if there was anything different from what he knew.

‘Promotion of Lorant Plain development, formation of cultural delegation. Hmm, he came to coincide with Gale’s coming-of-age ceremony at this time. A magic cooperation exchange group was created…’

Flip.

-…Timothy, the diplomat from the Kingdom of Burgos, showed intention to supply 25 types of magic stones (omitted below) needed for the construction of an annex to Minister of Magic Wesleigh at a price lower than the market price, and Minister Wesleigh showed intention to select five excellent mages and dispatch them for 3 years. No specific agreement was made regarding this.

“As expected.”

Ian muttered without realizing. As far as he knew, Timothy was an immigrant ‘from’ a foreign delegation. It meant he was Timothy of Bariel, not Timothy of Burgos.

There were numerous immigrants in the hundred years of history, but the one and only reason Ian remembered Timothy.

‘…He’s Naum’s ancestor.’

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

🔒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

🔒85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis

🔒85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page

🔒85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming

🔒85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub