Chapter 264

As darkness settled, the officials’ shoulders also slumped. It had been five hours since the grand council began. Those without proposals to make had been sneaking out to rest and coming back intermittently, but key figures like the Prime Minister, Jin, and Ian had been sitting without moving, working the whole time.

Jin was unaware that his body was leaning towards Ian. The child rubbed his forehead as if tired, fiddling with the edge of the documents.

“Your Highness. Are you very tired?”

“No, I can still manage.”

Ian whispered softly, noticing Jin’s condition. Five hours may not sound like much, but how burdensome must it have been for a child’s body to continuously perceive, judge, and make decisions during that time?

Ian himself knew, having experienced it when he first ascended the throne.

Whoosh! Whish whish!

Moreover, at the back of the conference room, Beric was standing with one leg crossed next to Romandro. As soon as he made eye contact with Ian, he made an X with his hands and silently screamed.

It meant they should wrap this up and go in. He had come to fetch them because they hadn’t come for so long, but he couldn’t understand what everyone was doing, half-dead. They were all doing this to make a living, but weren’t they unable to even eat?

“Prime Minister. How about we finish after this item and wrap up?”

Ian casually suggested to the Prime Minister while looking at Beric. Instantly, life returned to the eyes of the officials sitting around.

Yes! Let’s stop already! It’s not like today is the only day, why have a meeting for five hours?

“Hmm. Let’s do that. Time has already passed so much. The last agenda item is about replenishing personnel for the Imperial Guards and Imperial Defense Department. Captain Jeirutt?”

At the Prime Minister’s call, Jeirutt stood up. He was properly dressed in his uniform. It was rare for him to participate in a grand council, so he had shown respect in his own way.

“Imperial Guards Captain Jeirutt. Currently, two captain positions out of three are vacant due to unfortunate events. We wish to select two new captains from within the Imperial Guards and recruit new members.”

“The method?”

As Jeirutt stepped forward, Beric uncrossed his legs and leaned in close. Romandro grabbed his nape and told him to restrain himself, but.

“Half will be through duels, and half through peer evaluations, totaling to select the two most outstanding individuals.”

“Peer evaluations? Was that part of the original process?”

“No. Protecting His Majesty the Emperor’s person is the top priority, but we realized that without loyalty, morality, and faithfulness, it could rather become a threat to His Majesty. This was proposed as a solution to that.”

“Hmm. Wasn’t the title of the three captains meant to indicate they were the empire’s top experts? If external evaluation factors are introduced, that honor might be distorted.”

“Skill is important. But without even minimal character, that’s no different from a beast.”

Jeirutt was looking at Beric as he said this. It was clearly a message and warning to Beric. Beric, who had been quietly listening, pointed to himself with an incredulous expression.

‘Me? Are you talking to me now?’

Since Ian had told him not to utter a word, he was expressing this with all his might through gestures. Jeirutt lightly ignored him and continued speaking.

“As we are selecting the captains of the Imperial Guards, please ensure autonomy.”

“Hmm. Yes. Autonomy, that is important indeed.”

“I have no objections either. I agree.”

“Yes, yes. Me too. I concur.”

Those tired in body and mind hurried to voice their agreement. The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses and asked back.

“What about recruiting regular members? Are you looking for magic swordsmen?”

“Ah, that-“

“May we speak about that instead?”

Someone cut off Jeirutt’s words and interjected. It was Volb, the interim minister of the Imperial Defense Department.

The previous minister had been removed for involvement in the civil war with Mariv, and this person had been temporarily appointed by the cabinet, but barring any major changes, he would likely be officially appointed.

For something that assumed ‘barring any major changes’, he had already taken a hit with the Melania incident.

“Captain Jeirutt?”

“Yes. It’s fine.”

Jeirutt gestured lightly, indicating he would yield his turn.

“Thank you. The Imperial Guards are the elite unit that serves His Majesty the Emperor up close. I believe the difference between ordinary soldiers and magic swordsmen doesn’t need explanation. But what’s clear is that the Imperial Guards didn’t originally intend to select magic swordsmen, but rather, magic swordsmen gathered as they selected strong individuals. Isn’t that right, Captain Jeirutt?”

“Yes. Being a magic swordsman is not a requirement for entry.”

“Due to several disturbances, the Imperial Defense Department is also currently short on personnel. So, I dare to propose. How about conducting tests at the Imperial Guards, establishing rankings, and distributing in order?”

Ian tapped the documents with the tip of his pen. As Quintana had suggested, it seemed he had thought a bit about how to break the current atmosphere. It was an attempt to ride on the coattails of the Imperial Guards, which had a good position within the palace, similar to the Ministry of Magic, but handled security.

“When you say distribution, what method do you mean?”

“I think we can have the top performers decide whether they want to go to the Imperial Guards or the Imperial Defense Department. Once the Imperial Guards positions are filled, we’ll take charge of the rest. Rather than recruiting twice separately, it seems better to save time and costs this way.”

Externally, the treatment and recognition of the small number of Imperial Guards were far superior to the Imperial Defense Department. So there was no worry about losing talent from the start. Quintana mentally punched numbers into a calculator and was the first to cast a vote in favor.

“I strongly agree. Originally, cost reduction according to the duration is the top priority for events. We can reduce the palace’s expenditure by up to 30% excluding recruitment announcement costs and selection period expenses.”

“If the Imperial Guards allow it, we’d like to do so. Of course, since we’ll have more personnel, we’ll bear the full responsibility for the process.”

It was an intention to maintain initiative in troop replenishment while also riding on the image of the Imperial Guards.

All the officials turned to look at Jeirutt. Would he allow it? Even if it wasn’t a loss, shouldn’t there be some benefit if they’re letting them in like this? Everyone was curious and waited for Jeirutt’s answer.

“Yes. I accept. If it can reduce the burden on the palace.”

“Thank you, Captain Jeirutt. It might be a bit much to call it compensation for your convenience, but it would be good to show our sincerity. We’re thinking of handing over two sets of the black armor that would be allocated to the Imperial Defense Department. Would that be alright?”

So that was it.

The officials let out small exclamations as if they now understood. The black armor confiscated from House Hayman was to be equally distributed between the two departments, and they were offering two sets as compensation. The Prime Minister tapped his gavel as if there was no problem.

“If the departments have agreed, it’s not a matter for debate in the grand council. Then I’ll conclude this agenda item. Please report in detail later about the troop recruitment announcement. That’s all.”

Tang! Tang tang!

The sound of the gavel was like heavenly trumpets. Officials collapsed forward and to the sides, groaning. It was finally over!

Even if there would be a mountain of work waiting when they returned to their offices, what mattered was that it was over for now. Even Jin, looking completely drained, stretched out while lying down.

“Me, me, me!”

Bang! Clatter!

As the officials began to leave one by one, Beric quickly approached, jumping over the railing. He grinned widely as he blocked Captain Jeirutt’s path. Wondering what nonsense he was about to spout now, the captain looked down at him with his arms crossed.

“What is it?”

“I’ll apply!”

“…”

“My name’s Beric. I’d be grateful for high pay. If not, I’ll reconsider. Straight to the captain position.”

“The captain position? Hahaha!”

“What the hell, you’re laughing too, old man. Did I say something funny!?”

Why do both Ian and Jeirutt burst into laughter whenever the captain position is mentioned? Beric glared and took a step closer to Jeirutt.

“I’m not joking.”

“I’m not laughing as a joke either.”

Saying this, Jeirutt put his hand on Beric’s side. Was he going to tickle him? Beric, momentarily caught off guard, grabbed his arm in surprise.

But it was too late.

Jeirutt twisted Beric’s wound and spoke in a low voice.

“How dare you mention the captain position with your body in this state? Does the empire’s pinnacle look easy to you?”

“Aaaagh! It hurts! It hurts! You bastard!”

“I’ll accept you. Because magic swordsmen are valuable. But, if you enter the Imperial Guards, I’ll thoroughly fix that vulgar and impudent attitude of yours. Be prepared.”

“Let go! Let this go!”

Tat!

Beric collapsed, clutching his side. His panting breath and defiant gaze remained the same. Unlike someone who had died and come back to life. Is he really a descendant of the Atan tribe? Jeirutt nodded to Ian as he wiped his hand with a handkerchief.

“Would that be alright, Minister Ian Hielo? I’ll try to educate him to be fitting for the Imperial Guards.”

“Before that, he needs to rank high first.”

“Ian! Don’t you know me? I’m Beric! Beric!”

“I should thank you if you fix his temperament.”

“Wow, just you wait! Jeirutt, you bastard, you reopened my wound! Ah, it’s bleeding again! I barely stopped it by stealing a lot of meat! I’ll become captain and kill you. For real!”

“Try and kill me. It might be better than seeing you become captain.”

Beric let out a groan of frustration, but Jeirutt left the conference room without hesitation. Those who had been watching the strange spectacle also continued on their way.

The surroundings quickly became deserted. Ian looked around while organizing the thick stack of documents.

“Where is His Highness Jin?”

“His Highness? I think he was talking with Quintana for a moment.”

Romandro answered while tending to Beric’s side.

On the outdoor terrace connected to the conference room, Quintana was kneeling on one knee, making eye contact with Jin.

***

“Your Highness, are you really alright?”

“Of course. Why do you ask so suddenly?”

Jin tilted his head with a faint smile. Quintana often worried about him, but somehow today seemed different. Without realizing that he himself had been different from usual first.

“You couldn’t focus at all at the beginning of the meeting, and you kept stealing glances at Lord Ian. I wondered if Lord Ian had done something disrespectful to Your Highness.”

If not, that’s fortunate, but if so, please tell me even now. Quintana’s gaze on Jin was steady.

Ah. It must have shown. Jin squeezed his cheeks with both hands, scattering his expression.

“No. It’s definitely not that. Lord Ian is treating me well as always.”

“…Then, do you have any separate worries unrelated to Lord Ian? Your Highness. Your Highness’s concerns are Bariel’s concerns, and thus our concerns.”

Jin knew Quintana’s intentions were pure. But he didn’t speak rashly. Weaknesses exist as weaknesses the moment they’re shown, and worries double in weight the moment they’re spoken. Jin shook his head repeatedly.

“It’s nothing. Nothing at all.”

“…I’m glad you say so. If there’s anything you wish from me, please call for me anytime.”

“Thank you, Quintana.”

Honestly, he was confused. According to Romandro, Ian knew about the secret passages only the imperial family should know…. First of all, he hadn’t told him, so that wasn’t it.

Then was it Brother Mariv or Brother Gale? Why would those two tell Ian? He was bewildered, unable to think of any reasonable explanation.

In addition, Arsen’s shout that Ian was royalty and Hayman’s machinations echoed in his ears, making it difficult to look at Ian.

‘But he distributed rights to the magic sealing stones. It’s not an easy decision. It’s not a price one would pay just to deceive me. Maybe he found out while investigating His Majesty’s secret passages during the civil war?’

It was hope and expectation he had set up himself. As he was afraid to ask Ian directly, Jin was just building up an exterior like building a sand castle.

Creak.

“Your Highness. Shall we go?”

At Ian’s call, Jin smiled and approached. The warm hand that welcomed him as usual was comforting. Ian and Jin bid farewell to Quintana with a nod and left the conference room together.

“Your Highness, what did Quintana say?”

Just like he had decided when he saw Ian collapse, a little later. When no answer could shake Jin, then he would muster the courage to ask.

Jin playfully, for the first time, extended a side branch from Ian.

“Hmm. It’s a secret.”