Chapter 291

It was strange. In just the ten or so minutes Ian had been absent, the reception room’s atmosphere had become so tense it seemed ready to collapse.

Of course, as newly arrived guests, the Ruswena party wasn’t meant to exchange lengthy greetings. It should have been enough to exchange formal courtesies, present tribute gifts, and discuss upcoming official schedules.

But this was too early.

Romandro whispered quietly enough that only Ian could hear.

“The, uh, Queen is more aggressive than expected.”

Though a very brief expression, it contained everything.

Particularly noteworthy was the phrase “than expected.”

Indeed, she was taller than expected, more imposing than expected, and sending more blatant looks than expected.

Ian brushed Romandro aside and approached Jin.

“Lord Ian.”

Color briefly rose to Jin’s face before fading. The meeting that had seemed about to fall apart continued with new energy after Ian’s appearance.

First was how Eripony leaned back against her chair. She simply smiled with her hands on her knees, as if waiting for Ian’s introduction.

“Was there no problem?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I apologize for causing you concern.”

“Not at all. Please greet Queen Eripony. This is Lord Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic of the Great Empire of Bariel.”

When Ian placed his hand on his chest and bowed, Eripony responded with a slight nod. Though she had heard about him from Eldert, well… To think the empire’s future rested with these youngsters. She praised Ian while covering her mouth with her fan.

“Praise of Lord Hielo reaches even to Ruswena. They say you’re a genius mage who serves the empire through hardship at such a young age.”

“You flatter me. I too have heard much of Ruswena’s reputation. They say it’s a land of opportunity for mages.”

The Prime Minister between them unconsciously lowered his gaze to hide his dismayed expression. This was like watching two people stabbing each other while shaking hands.

Eripony’s mention of “hardship” included the implication of his origins as a border region’s bastard, while Ian’s “land of opportunity” meant they were underdeveloped due to their lack of mages.

The various factions encircling the reception room exchanged glances with slight murmurs.

‘Even young, a mage is still a mage it seems.’

‘Isn’t he the real power in the current palace?’

‘I heard he’s of common birth.’

His unflinching and fearless responses demonstrated Ian’s presence and confidence.

Eldert subtly looked at Eripony and closed his eyes. Unlike the ten-year-old prince, Ian shouldn’t be taken lightly. The provocations should stop here.

“I briefly left my post due to an issue in the Ministry of Magic, and ended up interrupting your conversation. Please forgive my rudeness.”

Ian bowed to Jin with a subtle smile. This was like laying groundwork to let the child directly explain the current situation – what had happened and what difficulties he had faced.

For example, like this:

“No. Queen Eripony was just presenting a gift separate from the tribute.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Though regrettably, it seems it will take a long time to show proper sincerity.”

When Jin gestured, an attendant opened the case containing the bow. Wasn’t it a massive bow matching its recipient’s height? Ian quickly grasped the meaning and raised an eyebrow.

‘Hmm, would you look at this?’

But Eripony too was noticing the subtle emotions between Ian and Jin. The color of their relationship was too complex and subtle to pin down as just one thing.

Looking one way it seemed pink, another way purple, and for a moment even appeared blue. Truly meaningful.

“…I made a mistake using a standard bow. Your Highness, please don’t be angry and do let me know when the vine grass stretches.”

Eripony threw another stone to gauge Ian’s reaction.

Despite receiving the same insult twice, Jin still hesitated in contemplation. Though he held numerous options, he was being cautious lest one wrong decision lead to irreversible consequences.

Ian stroked his fingertips while looking down at the child’s round head.

‘Not a domestic noble but a foreign queen. Since the people suffer most when diplomatic relations sour, it must be burdensome for Jin. Though he met Eldert, it was just once. It’s true the opponent is overwhelming compared to his experience.’

Moreover, the Queen of Ruswena was so uninhibited it even surprised Romandro. It was natural for Jin to be flustered when no one told him how far she could push and where the line not to cross was.

The queen’s attitude was too sharp a variable to prepare for with just the filtered information within the palace.

“Your Highness.”

Ian called to Jin gently. The pale eyes seemed to look to Ian seeking answers.

But at the same time, his fine brow was slightly hardened. After the inauguration ceremony, the child would become the empire’s true heir – what could be more painful than facing one’s own inadequacies? Ian smiled brightly and suggested:

“Since the Queen prepared it personally, perhaps you might respond to the gift?”

“What do you…”

Jin trailed off, not understanding. If he was to respond to the gift, that meant shooting the bow…

“Is there anything to shoot at?”

Eripony added with a sardonic smile. In this setting, how and for what purpose could one possibly shoot? To her question, Ian politely replied:

“Oh my. Queen Eripony. Though I’m not sure about Ruswena, there are no unruly beasts in Bariel’s Imperial Palace.”

“…!”

“…!”

Everyone in the reception room held their breath. Though cold attacks had been exchanged precariously, this was the first such blatant statement.

The queen immediately straightened from her backrest and pressed her lips tightly together. Her gaze dripping with killing intent was that of a viper. Ian pretended not to notice as he took out the bow from its case and examined it.

“Though there are many ways to brace a bow, the arrow length is especially problematic. Your Highness. Right now, flower petals are dancing in Bariel to bless your inauguration ceremony. Shall we add to their force?”

Whirrr. Whirr.

When Ian released his magical power, all of Ruswena’s delegation members flinched and stepped back.

Magic. The famous Minister’s magic they had only heard about!

Though Ruswena did have mages, they were very few, and it would be stretching things to say they belonged to the royal palace. The difference in ability wasn’t even worth mentioning.

“Lord Ian.”

A long, thin light formed between Ian’s hands. Beautifully rippling with pink light, it gradually took the shape of an arrow.

‘Jin, there’s nothing to fear. If Ruswena’s queen provokes you, accept it without worry. You are allowed to do so. You are Bariel who is allowed to do so.’

Ian lightly moved his fingertips to refine the stream of light. Then he slowly handed it to the child and asked.

A rippling warmth. It felt just like when he had touched Ian’s magic sphere before. Jin looked down at the particles crackling within the light.

“…Open the bay window.”

Swoosh.

At Jin’s command, attendants busily moved to push open the huge window in the wall. As one side opened wide, the palace’s vast garden came into full view.

Wind rushed in refreshingly. Eripony crossed her legs while holding back her windblown hair with one hand. Daring to do so before the prince.

“I’ll hold the bow for you. Just pull back the string.”

Ian held the bow with one hand while the child took his stance and pulled the bowstring with all his might. The vine grass stretched smoothly into a flexible curve.

Then Ian’s magic arrow caught at the small fingertips. The vine grass wailed near their ears, creating a faint rhythm.

Wheeng. Whirr.

Jin aimed at the blue sky and released the bowstring. Though it was a tiny force, the arrow shot straight up into the sky as if possessed before bursting. The sparkling fragments dissolved into the flower petals floating all day.

Whoosh!

Bang! Bang!

Strong winds swirled following Jin’s release of the bowstring. At the same time, the bowstring snapped.

Ping!

No matter how many times the artisan had twisted it, it naturally couldn’t withstand magical power.

Jin looked at the bowstring stretched in the sunlight before turning to Eripony.

“Eripony, it seems vine grass doesn’t stretch only with time.”

Instead of answering, the queen stared at the flower petals continually falling behind the child.

Were falling stars in broad daylight like this? She thought she understood why poets praised and sang of magic’s beauty. She shrugged and held back a smile.

“My deepest apologies, Your Highness.”

“No need for apologies. However, I hope you’ll keep your promise to replace the vine grass. Take it back and return it after repairs.”

He would accept the gift, but it should be taken back and adjusted to the proper size. Now that they knew his body size, they couldn’t simply attach new vine grass.

Eripony gracefully nodded and answered that she would comply. Though she hadn’t expected to take back the gift exactly as brought, what could she do? They had shown sincerity, and now it was her turn to show sincerity.

“Then regarding the tribute gifts…”

Jin started to give an order but stopped. The child smiled broadly and asked the Queen’s understanding.

“First, it seems we need to conduct an inspection.”

“An inspection? What do you mean?”

“Recently, someone showing abnormal hypersensitivity to dragon antigens was reported and is being investigated by the palace, with findings suggesting Ruswena goods as the source. It’s a simple quarantine procedure, so it won’t take long. I would appreciate your cooperation.”

Eripony turned to Eldert, as if not understanding what this meant.

But how could Eldert know? The outbreak of Akorella was being kept quiet within the palace.

“For now, please rest well, and we’ll arrange a separate meeting regarding this matter. Thank you for your journey here.”

Jin gestured that they could withdraw, and attendants began carrying out the tribute gifts one by one.

Eripony arranged her hair, paid her respects to Jin, and left the reception room. The delegation members followed their queen in formation, exchanging puzzled whispers.

“Dragon antigen reaction?”

“Is he talking about that epidemic? That disappeared quite a while ago, why suddenly…?”

“Though Ruswena has dragon breeding grounds, does Bariel not have any?”

Patter patter!

Eripony boarded her carriage and just stared out the window. A palace official rode ahead on horseback to lead the way. They would guide them to the guest palace where they would stay during the inauguration period.

Eldert, sitting opposite her, carefully called to the queen.

“Your Highness.”

“A dragon epidemic? Have you heard anything about this?”

“No. Nothing.”

“It doesn’t seem like they made it up…”

“I’ll look into it separately when we reach the guest palace. But, Your Highness.”

Asking why he kept calling, Eripony whipped her head around.

“You seemed a bit excessive with Prince Jin.”

“Did I?”

“No matter how young, he is the future Emperor.”

Eripony just raised one corner of her mouth and muttered.

“…He was cute.”

“You have peculiar tastes.”

She gestured for Eldert to be quiet and continued watching the falling flower petals. She wasn’t sure if they were from Jin’s shot or if they had sparkled like this originally.

In any case, one thing was certain – this was quite a coveted palace indeed.

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

🔒85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears

🔒85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened

🔒85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination

🔒85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince

🔒85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable

🔒85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts

🔒85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning

🔒85MBSE 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