Chapter 293

The Imperial Guard had two buildings. Due to the nature of their duties, one near the Emperor’s quarters and another by the training grounds. Beric led them to the one close to the Emperor’s quarters.

Romandro muttered while looking around curiously.

“Come to think of it, this might be my first time directly visiting this place.”

No one could deny that the Emperor’s quarters were the most noble and splendid place in Bariel.

“It’s shabby.”

Though Beric expressed it quite differently. He spun around to walk backward while leading the way.

“And there are too many things we’re not allowed to do.”

“That’s natural since it’s close to His Majesty the Emperor. But Beric, no guard member has better luck than you. Other members live in dormitories with strict lights-out and wake-up times. Hmm? But you…”

Boom!

Just as Romandro started nagging, backward-walking Beric hit his head on a door. The door suddenly opened at the presence – it was Barsabe. She glanced disdainfully at Beric who was crouching and clutching his head.

“…Welcome.”

“Ow, you did that on purpose, didn’t you Lord Romandro!”

“Did I tell you to walk backward? Doing that himself then complaining.”

Ian passed by Beric and followed Barsabe inside.

The first thing visible was the golden badges filling the wall. All belonged to warriors of the Imperial Guard. Those who met honorable deaths facing enemy forces or magical beasts for Bariel. In Ian’s time, these had overflowed to extend along the adjacent wall.

‘It feels strange anew.’

That this palace where he now stood was from a hundred years ago. As Ian paused in this gap of memory, Jeirutt stood beside him also looking at the badges. Deep reverence showed in his eyes.

“Do you know? The number of these badges matches the number of Imperial Guard members who have passed through history.”

“Captain Jeirutt.”

“Dying honorably. That is the true period at the end of an Imperial Guard member’s sentence.”

The badge of former Third Captain Riama who had betrayed them was not hung here. He had been stripped of his qualification entirely.

In the whirlpool of history where numerous emperors ascended and vanished. Naturally, the Imperial Guard members protecting them couldn’t expect peaceful deaths either.

“I ain’t got no badge though?”

Beric poking in between Ian and Jeirutt. Barsabe grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pulled him away, telling him not to interrupt.

“When you die. I’ll polish it well and hang it up.”

“Are you joking? What good is gold or silver when you’re dead? Give it while I’m alive! Already getting minus salary-“

“Please, just shut up and follow me.”

Ian smiled at Jeirutt while watching Beric being dragged away. Wasn’t this their first meeting since the recruitment tournament? As he had rapidly emerged as a center of opposition forces, meetings themselves weren’t easy.

“It seems it’s been a while, Captain Jeirutt. I wanted to apologize about Beric causing so much trouble, but hadn’t had the chance.”

“It’s fine. We accepted him knowing what to expect to some degree. I know you’re busy with the inauguration ceremony. But there’s something urgent to discuss. This way please.”

A large round table sat in the middle of the common office area, where the new captains Simon and Bonita were standing. They were carefully examining spread-out maps and letters, but noticed Ian and greeted him.

“Hello, Minister. Third Captain Simon.”

“Bonita.”

A light handshake. Though they maintained courtesy, it was utterly stiff. Understandable, as although they were equal rank captains, wasn’t Jeirutt, their senior and pillar, wary of Ian? They weren’t warriors to dress up their words with unnecessary pleasantries.

“Actually, we received contact from the southern border patrol. When checking the magical anomaly detection devices, they found the readings abnormally different from usual years.”

“By how much?”

“…They say it’s triple.”

Ian skimmed through the report stamped with the border patrol seal. He showed no signs of questioning.

Simon and Bonita exchanged slightly surprised glances. They had expected him to at least ask what a magical anomaly detection device was.

“Excuse me, but what is that?”

Just like this Romandro.

Simon handed over another report while explaining:

“It’s a kind of alarm device installed at regular intervals along the borders. Though Bariel is relatively safe from magical beast attacks, we can’t be careless. The north and west are so rough that yearly records fluctuate between 5 and 6.”

“Does it detect magical power?”

“Yes. Though it’s not actually limited to just magical beasts. However, they say this is the first time such readings have been recorded in the south, near Clifford.”

What was happening across all of Gaia, centered on Bariel? Ian tilted his head while flipping through the report.

“The reason for the unexpected inspection of magical anomaly detection devices was due to earthquake aftereffects.”

“We were thinking of dispatching our members and mages to investigate the entire border. Lord Romandro, didn’t you work as a reconstruction advisor examining earthquake-damaged areas before becoming an assistant?”

“Ah yes. That’s right. I was active in that role until just before going down to Brats- no, Hielo. It’s true that both small and large earthquakes have become more frequent.”

Thinking about it now brought tears to his eyes again. To be posted to the provinces right after returning. Romandro clenched his fist, vowing never to leave the central region again.

“How many personnel to dispatch?”

Then came Ian’s question cutting in. Having finished reading all the reports, he placed the stack on the table. Simon and Bonita carefully offered their opinion while watching Jeirutt’s reaction:

“The more the better.”

At those words, Romandro, who had been lost in memories, snapped to attention. When mages were already scarce, to split them up and send them on business trips to all four directions. The intention was too clear.

They were trying to divide them.

Whether influence or whatever else.

“The Imperial Guard? Wh-why do you say that about how many people?”

“We’re thinking to inspect based on set numbers from the Ministry of Magic. The Imperial Defense Department said they’ll support with escort forces where needed, so there’s no need to worry about safety.”

“Now see here.”

When Romandro bristled to object, Ian lightly raised his hand to stop him. It was a very slow and quiet gesture, but enough to silence the surroundings.

“Everyone leave except Captain Jeirutt.”

At his request, Romandro withdrew with a cough, and Simon and Bonita too disappeared after getting Jeirutt’s permission.

Ian traced the borders of Bariel marked on the map with his fingertips.

“Captain Jeirutt. I’ll answer first. I won’t send mages to the border. Even if I did send any, one is the maximum I could spare.”

What Ian wanted was to check himself, not the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry of Magic, specifically the mages, were practically Bariel’s central axis. If this wavered, Jin ultimately couldn’t move forward.

‘Is this the limitation of warriors? Though they seem to have aligned understanding with the Imperial Defense Department to some degree, still…’

They seemed to need someone to view the political situation on their behalf. A righteous heart was strong power. But if misdirected, it could be worse than having none at all.

Ian flicked the map and smiled brightly.

“It seems I’ve somehow earned Captain Jeirutt’s displeasure while I wasn’t aware. Perhaps because I left you with an unruly one like Beric?”

“Not at all.”

“There has been a lot of talk lately. Since I have ears, it keeps reaching me and truly bothers me. Though things are certainly unsettled with His Majesty the Emperor preserving his position as he is, aren’t all officials doing their best in their respective positions?”

They were the Emperor’s guard. For those with that as their foundation, it would be advantageous in many ways to be closer to the Administrative Department than the Imperial Defense Department.

“The Ministry of Magic too. There’s constant talk that our treatment is excessive, but if even palace mages are reduced, it’s clear as day there will be problems with department operations. I trust you anticipated I would refuse.”

Jeirutt simply nodded calmly. As Ian said, he hadn’t expected immediate approval at all.

“Yes. Then it seems unlikely you called me just to discuss this.”

Ian sat in a chair and clasped his hands. Then Jeirutt heaved a deep sigh and reached into his breast pocket. A bundle of letters in his hand. He handed them to Ian to read.

“What is this?”

“You’ll understand when you see.”

Jeirutt’s voice was unusual. Ian untied the string, and soon pressed his temple as if surprised.

***

“Where’s Ian?”

“Hey you, what are you doing?”

Romandro who had come out approached Beric with a highly displeased expression. For some unknown reason, Beric was doing a handstand against the wall. Romandro crouched down and grumbled incomprehensibly.

“What’s he saying? Where’s Ian?”

“He’s in there meeting with Captain Jeirutt.”

“Damn, I’m not gonna get scolded, right?”

“Did you do something wrong again?”

Whoosh! Beric got up with a light movement and strongly denied it, making an X with his hands. Did he not know that strong denial was affirmation?

“Absolutely! Absolutely not!”

“…Right. Sure.”

“By the way. When’s the inauguration ceremony actually happening? I heard outside is completely crazy right now. Like alcohol flowing through the sewers, strangers dancing and singing in the streets, everyone’s busy partying.”

He wanted to go out and play too. When Beric’s eyes sparkled and he drew close, Romandro pushed his face away.

“Don’t even dream about it until after the inauguration and the guests leave. How could someone eating imperial rice play around like common folk?”

Eripony had just arrived as the first guest, and he was saying this!

Beric clicked his tongue and lay right down on the floor. The Third Captains Simon and Bonita seemed used to it, discussing something among themselves while pretending not to see.

“Is Viviana coming for the inauguration?”

“Of course, since His Highness Jin invited her.”

At the mention of Viviana, Romandro’s expression softened slightly.

The inauguration itself would take place before nobles and a few invited guests, with the schedule concluding with walking the Emperor’s path while wearing the crown.

Creeak.

“Oh? Ian!”

“Ian! How did it go, did you coordinate well?”

Though Ian’s expression wasn’t particularly different from usual, Beric sniffed saying something seemed strange. Horrified at this sight, Romandro yanked Beric’s sideburns.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Beric! Whatever else, you can’t do that while wearing the uniform!”

“Our business is concluded. Shall we return to the Ministry of Magic?”

“Ah, yes. Alright.”

“Beric, what about you?”

“I wanna come too! I finished all today’s training!”

Though he seemed to have judged arbitrarily without asking his superiors Simon and Bonita. Ian nodded and left eye greetings with the two.

“Well then, goodbye.”

“Please go safely.”

The two bowed politely, and Ian set off without hesitation. He seemed somewhat hurried.

Romandro attached himself to the left side while running and asked:

“Ian, what’s wrong? What did Jeirutt say? What about the mages?”

“We won’t send any mages.”

“Right? Ah, yes. I said the Imperial Guard was being a bit much!”

And Beric running on the right side. Though he also pestered to be told, it was drowned out by the gesture of a mage standing beside the carriage. The mage shouted loudly upon spotting Ian:

“Lord Ian! They say Clifford’s carriages have started appearing!”

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