Chapter 301

“Ah…”

As if struck by a hammer to the back of his head, Romandro let out a gasp. He had finally realized something was terribly wrong.

He scrutinized the still-unsorted tribute gifts below him, examining each item carefully.

Ian was right. Though they had been introduced as precious items like diamonds and other valuable treasures, looking at their sources revealed they all came from Burgos nobles. Hadn’t they even received separate greetings from each one?

“Good heavens, why didn’t we…”

Why hadn’t anyone noticed this? There had been countless officials in the reception room.

Jin’s expression hardened as well. While it was concerning that the officials hadn’t caught on, Ian had at least noticed and informed him. The real issue was that he hadn’t realized it himself.

“Though there were issues with her attitude and approach, even Ruswena presented a bow crafted in the royal palace. Since Your Highness returned it, she will likely create a new one fitted to your physique. Clifford, without question, specially crafted three sets of traditional royal instruments. But Burgos?”

Nothing.

They had made a grand show of bowing deeply and claiming to give their all, but the reality was far different. Ian crushed dried leaves in his hand.

“There’s no need to be too disheartened about not noticing. It was thoroughly calculated on their part.”

It hadn’t been King Damon acting alone. While the king faced the prince, the nobles who stood back had engaged with the officials.

“The sheer number of items and the significance and stories behind each were substantial. If they weren’t from the nobles, the quality would truly be remarkable. Moreover, they brought in a noble for each introduction, increasing the number of participants in the conversation, and above all, they showed perfect courtesy to Your Highness without any room for criticism. From breaking down barriers to every little detail – it was all a calculated move.”

And seeing through it was likely another test. How arrogant of them.

Ian’s lips curved upward as he dusted the powder from his hands. Though he was smiling, there was something genuinely deadly about it.

“Your Highness.”

Beyond mere disrespect, it was provocation, and beyond provocation, it was a declaration of war. Would they notice the significance of nobles presenting tribute gifts to the prince? As Ian posed the question with his eyes, Jin lowered his head and sighed. It was a self-deprecating, self-loathing breath.

“To think I smiled, not knowing any of this.”

“…Your Highness.”

“I smiled, thinking they had prepared well enough.”

“Your Highness. Please look at me.”

Ian knelt before Jin and met his gaze.

“Shall I tell you something interesting?”

“…Something interesting?”

“Mistakes, you see. We call them mistakes because they can be recovered from. While failures are unforgiving, mistakes allow for second chances. Your Highness has merely made a mistake, one that can be fully rectified. You said you didn’t know just now. That you smiled because you didn’t know? But King Damon won’t know either. The true meaning behind your smile.”

Just as King Damon’s exterior and interior differed, couldn’t Jin’s be different as well?

Catching Ian’s meaning, Romandro clapped his hands excessively and moved closer. He too knelt to match Jin’s eye level.

“Exactly, Your Highness! What does it matter if you didn’t know? What’s important is that you know now. Though you smiled like that earlier, we can say it was actually a calculated action to observe and seek an opportunity. Consider it that way. What would King Damon know of it?”

“So you’re saying the banquet is our opportunity?”

“Of course.”

A gathering of all three nations’ leaders. If he cleverly checks and attacks Burgos there, King Damon will interpret Jin’s earlier smile as calculated.

But if he shows no special behavior at the banquet? He’ll consider him a foolish young prince who couldn’t grasp the meaning behind the tribute gifts.

“How could we let a mistake remain a mistake when an opportunity presents itself?”

Jin rolled his eyes between Ian and the tribute gifts. Then suddenly, before he could stop himself, he asked:

“Has Lord Ian ever experienced something similar?”

“Something similar meaning…”

“Having to cover up a mistake as if it wasn’t one.”

From what he’d seen so far, Ian was someone who had navigated countless difficulties without making a single mistake.

Finding it quite an interesting question, Romandro too subtly turned his gaze toward Ian. The same went for Xiaoshi. Though no one said a word, they were all waiting for his answer.

“I have.”

Ian answered with a bright smile. When Romandro’s eyes sparkled as he tried to ask more, Ian shut him down immediately.

“But it’s a secret.”

“Ack. Why?”

“Now then, Your Highness. Let’s return to the beginning. The King of Burgos presented tribute gifts through his nobles. Please point out what this means.”

“Ah, if only Beric were here at a time like this.”

There was no doubt that if Beric were present, he would have persistently pressed Ian for answers. Pushing aside his regret, Romandro brought paper and pen to present before Jin.

“First, they’ve shown disrespect to me and degraded Bariel.”

By daring to entrust tribute gifts meant for the empire to nobles, it was tantamount to not recognizing the great nation as such.

But thinking further beyond this-

“Correct. Additionally, with an alliance of the three nations likely, we had anticipated there would be a force taking the lead. Initially, since Ruswena was connected to Hayman, we suspected their side, as they would know Bariel’s internal affairs better than the other two countries. Remember?”

There was no need to try to remember. It was a conversation they’d had before meeting Queen Eripony. Jin muttered thoughtfully:

“You mean Burgos is the driving force behind the alliance?”

“Yes. Not recognizing Bariel as a great nation – while this degrades us, it simultaneously elevates Burgos’s own status. Moreover, it sends a message to Ruswena and Clifford.”

Look here. The alliance of three nations can stand against Bariel, and Burgos is taking the lead. Having drawn the bowstring first, the two nations behind them should undoubtedly follow.

Romandro, who had been quietly listening, carefully added his thoughts.

“Ah, Your Highness. Come to think of it, the Burgos nobles are quite extraordinary as well. No matter what the king’s orders might be, these aren’t offerings to their own country but to another nation’s prince. Family heirlooms and crops so precious they themselves couldn’t use them – to send so many, so easily… Now that I realize it, I can see it clearly.”

Nobles are beings who calculate gains and losses like demons. For them to offer family treasures means they’ve anticipated equivalent profits, but there’s no apparent way to determine what those might be.

Just as Ian was about to add an explanation-

Xiaoshi, who had been quietly maintaining his position, raised his hand.

“…Xiao?”

“Your Highness, I apologize, but might I dare offer a word? Though it’s a humble experience, I truly wish to share it.”

“How can experience be divided into humble and noble? Tell me.”

Ian was somewhat surprised. He had never seen Xiaoshi offer commentary before. Given how natural Jin’s response was, this probably wasn’t the first time.

‘You’re doing far better than I thought.’

It seemed Xiaoshi had been fulfilling his role admirably at Jin’s side in Ian’s absence. Ian gestured for him to come closer, signaling his agreement.

Carefully taking a seat on the sofa with the three others, Xiaoshi began cautiously:

“It was long ago, when I was very young.”

“How young exactly?”

“As I don’t know my age, I can’t say precisely. But I was shorter than the reeds then, so quite some time ago.”

Hup. Romandro closed his mouth, wondering if he’d touched upon a painful memory. Though Xiaoshi didn’t seem particularly bothered.

“My master at the time was a loan shark. Even to my young eyes, he would readily lend large sums to those who clearly had no ability to repay, and would even help find and arrange property for them.”

He couldn’t remember which master this had been. But through the long years, certain words remained etched in his mind.

“One day, that master’s child must have harbored the same doubts as me, for they asked their father. Why he would lend money and goods even to such people. And the man answered thus.”

“…What did he say?”

“It will all return eventually.”

He had lent so freely because he was confident in recovering it all. This psychology would likely apply to the nobles of the Kingdom of Burgos as well.

“Could it be they presented these tribute gifts because they’re certain they can recover them? And before that, we can guess the king’s power must be strong enough to propose such matters.”

“Right. Even a king can’t easily raid the storehouses of nobles in distant provinces. I heard he hasn’t been on the throne long, but while demonstrating his considerable influence…”

“While demonstrating? What is it, Romandro?”

Jin urged Romandro to continue, but he only opened and closed his mouth without readily producing sound.

The confidence in recovery and strong royal authority.

For the correlation between the two to be established, there was only one assumption needed.

“Your Highness.”

Romandro seemed unable to speak, merely swallowing repeatedly. Ian spoke in his stead.

“The three nations haven’t formed an alliance until now because they were mindful of Bariel. Being mindful meant there was tension between nations, which in turn implies national sanctions across various fronts.”

“Then…”

“Political, economic, and cultural sanctions. Or war.”

War.

Assuming that made it much easier to guess the nobles’ calculations.

If the imperial palace falls, not only could they recover their family treasures, but wouldn’t they be granted wider territories and wealth in terms of contribution? Besides this, there was no proper profit worth an equal exchange.

“…War?”

“No need to be surprised. If the three nations form an alliance, physical conflict, large or small, is unavoidable.”

If war was being considered, everything about Burgos made sense. From their provocative attitude to not spending a single coin of the kingdom’s wealth.

“Hmm. Makes sense. The tribute gifts are too extravagant to say the king had no money and had to beg from his nobles. It’s not the kind of loyalty you’d show to a penniless king.”

Romandro clicked his tongue with his arms crossed. Various thoughts and calculations seemed to be mixing in his head. But how could they fathom King Damon’s true intentions while just sitting here?

Ian closed the lid of the tribute gift box and addressed Jin.

“Your Highness.”

The cold smile that had seemed to fade during their conversation returned to his lips.

“Rather than staying here, you should return. It would be best to prepare something to return to Burgos along with the banquet.”

To dare such an impudent act against the great empire of Bariel, and at Jin’s appointment ceremony no less – a historical turning point. Ian, stating this wasn’t something he could easily overlook, unconsciously took the child’s hand. Jin didn’t refuse. Suddenly, he realized it had been a while since they’d held hands like this.

“…Very well. We’ll do this properly.”

“Of course. You can do it, Your Highness. It’s time to change the meaning of that smile.”

That he would help. The mind of one who could see the future was as good as his own.

Ian nodded and rose from his seat.

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

MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears

MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened

MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination

MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince

MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable

MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts

MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning

MBSE 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

🔒85MBSE Chapter 335 - We're Going Too

🔒85MBSE Chapter 336 - Those Mages in the Vineyard

🔒85MBSE Chapter 337 - Laughter Gathered in One Place

🔒85MBSE Chapter 338 - An Unexpected Target