Chapter 269

The corridor connecting the arena to the entrance was a place where those who had lost everything lingered, unable to leave. Those who could barely stand due to alcohol, drugs, and their bleak reality created a quiet commotion, crying and laughing.

At the dead end of the corridor, the combination of a menacing, large man and a blonde boy was clearly out of place to anyone who saw them, but no one paid attention. Right now, they were overwhelmed just dealing with their own misfortunes that were rising to their throats.

“Would you like one?”

When Timothy offered a cigarette, Ian politely declined. Strangely, an unexpectedly comfortable silence followed. Was it because of the situation where they knew each other? Tsssk, the lighter’s flame briefly illuminated his face before fading out.

Until the smoke from one puff dispersed, the two gauged the ‘now’ in silence rather than exchanging information verbally.

‘He called me Timothy. It means he was aware of my identity. Did he happen to see me and follow? What an incredible coincidence.’

When the Kingdom of Burgos sent a delegation, Timothy usually took charge as the representative. So naturally, there would be quite a few people in the Bariel Imperial Palace who knew him.

But it was surprising that the young Minister of Magic, who had been frantically cleaning up the palace right after his appointment, recognized him at a glance.

‘I can’t deny it.’

They were both already certain of each other’s identities. Nothing could be more ridiculous than pretending not to know at this point. He cleared his throat and began his opening.

“I’m a bit surprised. I never expected to meet you in a place like this.”

“The feeling is mutual. I doubt the Burgos Kingdom’s delegation came early to congratulate His Highness on his appointment ceremony.”

Ian smiled brightly as he preemptively struck. Although rumors were rampant that he would become the heir, official invitations hadn’t been sent out yet, so it was a warning not to make hasty excuses.

Timothy pondered for a moment, then decided to start with proper introductions. It would be better if this unofficial meeting was remembered as an official one within that context.

“Let me introduce myself formally. I am Timothy Ovia, from the diplomatic delegation of the Kingdom of Burgos.”

“Ian Hielo, Minister of the Ministry of Magic of the Bariel Imperial Palace.”

“Did you come here after recognizing me?”

“Yes. I don’t know about Delegate Timothy, but I don’t have this kind of hobby.”

Timothy was about to add that he didn’t have such hobbies either, but there was no gap. Ian smiled while leaning against the wall, backing away to avoid the smoke.

Ah. Right. Don’t be fooled by that young appearance. This is the man who took over the Ministry of Magic and reorganized the Imperial Palace before even coming of age.

“By the way, it’s truly impressive. I’ve only shown my face in official settings recently, yet you recognized me. I didn’t know Burgos’ intelligence was this outstanding. Of course, it must be thanks to Delegate Timothy’s efforts in secretly entering the country.”

It’s not just magic that got him to that position. His way of speaking is exactly like the old bureaucrats I’ve seen plenty of in Bariel. Isn’t he attacking the fact that a delegation representative entered the country illegally and is struggling in a place like this, so of course he would recognize him?

Timothy swallowed with the smoke. This might be a bit more troublesome than he thought.

“I was also unsure at first.”

“Is that so?”

Most people would find it difficult to even make eye contact with him. But Ian surprisingly looked at him straight on.

Moreover, in a situation where it wouldn’t be strange to die at any moment, there was not a hint of fear or confusion. He was composed and carefree, as if he had something to rely on. This caught more attention than the commotion caused by that Beric fellow.

“…Especially when his companion called him Ian, that was decisive.”

“I see. Well, it’s nice to meet you.”

“Yes. Nice to meet you.”

The two shook hands lightly. They exchanged smiles, but in the darkness, they didn’t reach each other meaningfully. Above all, weren’t the sources of their emotions different?

For Ian, this was the first time he met someone from a personal connection, not blood-related, after coming to a hundred years ago. Although it was a strange relationship of being his friend’s ancestor.

Living with Naum, he had heard praises and boasts about this man until he was sick of it. This is really fascinating and curious. He was in a good mood, with interest bubbling up unusually.

“Since you introduced yourself as part of the Burgos Kingdom’s delegation, may I ask now? Why are you here?”

On the other hand, Timothy’s smile was a reflexive, public one. Although he hadn’t entered the country illegally, his very presence here was a disadvantageous situation.

If Ian were to report him immediately or subdue this place using magic, he too would have to be investigated.

To think that an official delegation from the Kingdom of Burgos would be caught in such a low-class illegal gambling den! It would be problematic to make an issue of it, both in terms of prestige and position.

‘Especially now, Bariel is in a period of power transition, both in the Imperial Palace and among the nobles. It’s impossible to predict what policies Prince Jin will implement towards neighboring countries. I heard that many central noble leaders have been executed.’

When a country is in turmoil, it’s best to turn its gaze outward. Nothing is more suitable than war. The young prince, with clear reasons for war such as strengthening internal cohesion in the Imperial Palace and securing resources, right?

So, it was natural for Timothy to be tense. Rather than daring to evade the mage, initiating conversation first was also a calculated move.

“First, let me say that I entered the country with official permission.”

Swish.

He showed his entry permit from his inner pocket, but Ian just smiled as if uninterested. Pressured to get to the point, setting everything else aside, Timothy finally confessed.

“…I’m looking for someone.”

From his examination of the iron cages on the ceiling, this was already expected. The question was, who was he looking for that he came all the way to Bariel?

“The people they deal with are slaves. Illegal slaves at that. Delegate Timothy, you’re saying something quite significant.”

When Ian spoke mischievously, half of Timothy’s cigarette burned away at once. He had inhaled sharply in surprise.

“No. No. Of course not. There are slave markets in Burgos too. I…”

He hesitated for a moment, but realizing there was no turning back, he said:

“I’m looking for a gypsy.”

Burgos was the one most vividly witnessing the conflicts among the countries in the northwest where Astana was located. Burgos, located to the west, was closer than Bariel.

Ian raised his eyebrows as if greatly surprised. It didn’t seem like he was lying, but the content was truly nonsensical.

“You came all this way to find one gypsy?”

Due to refugees and immigrants from conflict areas, a new era had dawned in the Kingdom of Burgos as well. With the influx of gypsies, sorcerers, and others who had deviated from the power of magic, it triggered changes in new social culture.

In particular, their king actively sought to employ those related to ‘prophecy’. After all, the future was something as eternally unattainable as the truth of the universe.

“It’s a gypsy with a deep story. Tracking that person led me here. I’ve traveled through quite a few countries in the past few months. The most recent information I heard was that they were spotted in this vicinity, and given their condition and the presence of such a trading place…”

In places with established systems like Bariel, it wouldn’t matter much, but smaller countries would have easily adjusted entry and exit procedures, trusting Timothy’s diplomatic credentials.

“You must have been traveling for a long time.”

“With Bariel as the last stop, I will return now. As you mentioned, the heir appointment ceremony for the 5th Prince is soon.”

Timothy stubbed out his cigarette, which was now barely left, and blew out the remaining smoke with a ‘hoo’. His gaze passed over Ian’s shoulder. An employee was approaching.

“Sir. We’ve asked around the area, and they say the person doesn’t have a scar on their cheek. Their limbs are also intact.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes, yes. Other than that, the appearance is similar to what you described. Shall I arrange a connection for you? Just to note, since it’s not our merchandise, you’ll have to pay the commission twice.”

Timothy shook his head.

“No. That’s fine.”

He tried to conclude the transaction by flicking a coin as a tip. However, even after receiving the money, the employee didn’t leave, so Timothy and Ian looked at him quizzically.

“Ah, um… Are you acquainted with this person?”

“Why do you ask?”

The employee gestured towards Ian with his eyes. Rumors had already spread among the staff. A rich sucker had come in, so they were preparing to fleece him of everything, down to the skin of his belly, once the game was over.

They wouldn’t know. Who Ian really was, that he had never been called a sucker in his life, and never would be.

“We have some business. If you’re not acquainted, you should leave first, sir.”

For various reasons, it would be awkward if Timothy was with him. He clearly had an impressive aura, and what if he helped Ian? They’d have to bring in staff from the neighboring building too.

Timothy, who had roughly figured out the situation, snorted softly.

“We are acquainted.”

“Pardon?”

“If you’re done with your business, why don’t you leave?”

Timothy waved his hand dismissively, telling him to get lost. They were acquainted, alright. They had just become acquainted.

“Alright then…”

The employee shuffled away with reluctant steps. This was Timothy’s courtesy and consideration, even though he knew the mage would have no trouble. He checked his pocket watch and asked:

“We should probably leave here first. More crazies come out at night.”

“Ah. I’d like to, but I left something in the iron cage.”

He wasn’t worried. It was just annoying to think about the lamentations and whining Beric would pour out to him when he returned later.

Timothy hesitated for a moment as he realized Beric’s existence. Ian was a power player in the Imperial Palace, Timothy a dispatched delegate. With the power relationship firmly established, their actions were also set.

“I’ll try to negotiate. The one gold coin you were about to pay earlier is actually an excessive price, so it should be easily handled.”

“Oh. That would be much appreciated.”

Ian responded glibly, as if he hadn’t expected such a favor. Even though he knew.

“Then I should return the favor. Before you leave the capital, come see me. I’ll treat you to some tea.”

“…Yes. Thank you.”

Timothy clicked his tongue inwardly. He said he’d treat him to tea, but what was the meaning behind it? He would officially acknowledge his visit to the capital, semi-forcibly share the results of the tracking, and unilaterally send a message to the King of Burgos.

Whether aware of his concerns or not, Ian smiled plainly and headed towards the arena.

They would have probably continued walking like that. If it weren’t for the sound of dozens of footsteps coming down the stairs.

Creak.

Tap tap tap!

Ian and Timothy turned around simultaneously. The employee who had gone to fetch his errand fee had returned with his colleagues. All were fully armed.

“Are those the ones?”

“Yeah. The blonde one won at least thirty gold coins in chips alone, and that big guy said he’d pay five times the price for an old slave. If we fleece their pockets, we won’t have to work for a while.”

“Who are these people to have so much money?”

“Brother. Honestly, we’ll pretend we don’t know about you. But that blonde one is friends with the guy who turned our place upside down, so we can’t let him go. Just leave your money pouch and go.”

The man standing at the front giggled as he swung his sword. Footsteps continued to be heard. It seemed all the collaborators from nearby had gathered. For the imposing Timothy.

“What will you do, Sir Timothy? They’re telling us to leave our pouches and go.”

When Ian asked casually, Timothy rolled up his sleeves. Is that even a question? If Ian gets hurt even a little here, who knows how it will boomerang back to Burgos.

In the worst case, false rumors could spread that Timothy instigated harm to Ian. It might seem far-fetched, but in the world they lived in, such slander was truly commonplace.

“You know my answer. If Ian dies or gets hurt here, it would be troublesome for me.”

Ian looked at him as he stepped back.

“Actually, the same goes for me.”

If Timothy dies or gets hurt here, it would be truly troublesome.

Because Naum might disappear in the future.

At Ian’s murmur, Timothy hesitated for a moment, and the man standing close by threw his sword blade like a spear.

Whoosh!

Zing! Ziing!

Thwack!

As Ian activated his magic, Timothy deflected the blade with his armored forearm.