Chapter 127
Arsen.
Sighing, Dilaina looked down at her son after having helped the Emperor to his bedchamber. Her stern gaze was unlike her usual demeanor, but Arsen simply rolled his eyes and grinned.
Yes, Mother.
What was that reckless behavior just now?
Are you very angry?
When Mariv and Gale were present, she had warned him not to even breathe loudly, yet he had not only disobeyed but also demanded to see Ian Hiellows magic. If it hadnt been for the presence of the other imperial children, it could have been a truly disastrous situation.
Arsen, I truly dont understand you.
I apologize. But you saw it too, Mother. How beautiful Sir Ians magic is. I couldnt help but want to see it up close.
Arsen rubbed his face against his mothers arm, smiling coquettishly. Dilaina had resolved to scold him severely, but whenever Arsen acted like this, she always found herself relenting.
Haah.
Ever since the moment she received the oracle, he had been a thorn in her side. Born with a fortune of misfortune, she had always kept him close by her side during his infancy. Perhaps that was why Arsen did not fear his mother, Dilaina, and the same was true for the aging and feeble Emperor.
Knock knock.
Lady Dilaina, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince has arrived.
Dilaina sighed and turned around at the attendants announcement. Jin, entering the room with dignity, was as upright as ever. He was the complete opposite of Arsen, who was sprawled out on the sofa.
If only it werent for the oracle.
Dilaina bit her lower lip and barely managed to muster words of encouragement.
Jin, youve worked hard today.
No, Mother. It is you who have worked hard preparing for the New Years banquet.
Jin took off his gloves and placed them on the corner of the table. This was a sign that all of his official duties for the day were over. Arsen munched on candy with amusement, looking back and forth between his mother and Jin.
And Jin, please remind your brother Arsen once again. What we mean to Mariv and Gale. I was so frightened just now. I cant live with this anxiety.
Dilaina hugged Jin lightly and let out a sigh. How could two brothers born from the same womb be so different? If Arsen had even half of Jins personality, she wouldnt have a single worry or concern.
Knock knock.
Lady Dilaina, His Majesty the Emperor requests your presence momentarily.
His Majesty? Very well. I will be there shortly.
At the attendants summons, Dilaina straightened her dress and left the drawing room.
As the door closed, the only sound that could be heard was the ticking of the clock in the silent night. Arsen tilted his chin and glanced at Jin.
Brother, are you going to nag me like Mother just did?
Jin simply stared at Arsen. Unable to bear the brief silence, Arsen fidgeted and muttered sullenly.
Youre not going to say anything? Why, dont you want to talk to me?
Thats not it. You know very well that you were in the wrong this time, Arsen.
Was the third princes fall really an accident? Jin knew very well that it was because the third prince had met Mariv and Gales gazes head-on that he had met his demise.
Its only a matter of time before the older brothers start looking after us when were young.
As Jin spoke cautiously, Arsens expression became openly irritated. The boy cupped his chin and glared at Jin with a venomous gaze.
Its thanks to Fathers grace as Emperor, but its entirely because Their Highnesses Mariv and Gale dont care about us that were able to enjoy such luxury, didnt Mother say that over and over again?
Arsen stood up abruptly and leaned his head towards Jin. Just like he had done with his mother, the boy buried his head in his brothers neck and whispered softly.
Jin, you have to be honest. Its not because were young, its because of the oracle.
For there was one more hidden oracle besides the one that was publicly known, the one that said, The one who is born later will harm the one who is born first.
And if the one among the brothers who is closest to the throne dies, the imperial line will be completely severed.
Arsen spoke proudly, as if it were a magic spell protecting him. Jin could only stare at his brother. Although it did not specify which of the brothers, everyone more or less assumed it was Arsen.
The younger brother will harm the older brother, and if that happens, the imperial line will be severed.
Jin barely managed to reply, as if to refute him.
Arsen, oracles are not always right.
But theyre not always wrong either.
The sweet smell of candy wafted from his approaching brother. Arsen kept nuzzling against Jin, and Jin, as always, patted his brother on the head.
Jin, I really like you.
I like you too.
Only a very small number of people knew about the oracle concerning the imperial line: Dilaina, the Emperor, and a few of the princes.
How could I ever harm you?
Jin had no such thoughts at all, but whenever those around him treated him that way, he felt a suffocating feeling. Even though he had done nothing, he felt like he was already a criminal.
Jin, so, dont kill me.
Dont joke like that.
Ahahaha, I got it, I got it.
Arsen chuckled and picked up another candy to eat, and Jin naturally took the glove off his brothers hand. For some reason, today felt particularly long.
***
Returning to the second-floor banquet hall, Ian found himself face-to-face with Gale, who had been waiting for him. His face was flushed red, perhaps from drinking too much wine. Most of the imperial family had already moved to the first floor to socialize with the nobles, leaving only the two of them here.
Ian, is my Father well?
Yes, he is.
Hmm, is that so?
Ian sat down across from Gale and observed him. He had seen his father being carried out coughing violently, so how could he not be worried? As if he had noticed that gaze, Gale smiled and shrugged.
Father has been like this for a while now. He often has trouble breathing even when hes sleeping, but he always wakes up perfectly fine the next day. Im not the only one whos surprised, Mariv is even more puzzled. Why is he so anxious? Its as if he thinks Father will die this time.
No matter how used to it you are, its not easy to let go of your worries.
At least, from what he heard, the Emperor favored Gale more than Mariv. He seemed to respect the fact that he was the Empresss child, but he seemed to care for Gale more behind closed doors.
Then isnt that the power thats being given to him? If the Emperor dies, he should be sad, but why is he so calm? I wonder.
Ian clicked his tongue inwardly and simply lowered his head. He had a rough idea of why Gale had asked him to stay.
Speaking of the magic verification ceremony earlier.
Yes, Your Highness.
It was truly impressive. Have you ever seen a magician in the borderlands before?
Gale knew that Wesleigh had tampered with the magic circle. Even though he knew that, Ian had still displayed the light of the oracle so perfectly, which meant one of two things.
Either Wesleigh made a mistake, or Ian fixed the magic circle.
Although Wesleigh had a fiery temper, she was a woman who was unmatched in her knowledge of magic. Even without Ian, she would have been able to carry out the New Years banquet, a major event, without any problems.
No, Your Highness. There are many in the borderlands who have never even heard of magic. I have seen people similar to gypsies, but I have never seen a magician.
Is that so? Then whose blood is that on the floor, Sir Ian?
He must have found the traces that Berics blood had left behind. Since he had erased the exact part of the magic circle that had been modified, he must have assumed that Ian had done it. If not, then.
Then there is a force within the Ministry of Magic that is helping Ian.
No, Your Highness. I have never bled.
Ian looked down at his palm and answered nonchalantly. If a blood test was conducted, it would be possible to confirm whether the blood belonged to him.
Is that so?
Yes, Your Highness. It seems that there was a problem with the magic circle, but I am truly relieved that the ceremony was completed safely.
Gale scanned Ians hands thoroughly, but there were definitely no wounds to be seen. Ian, who was smiling brightly, thought to himself.
I need to hurry back home with Beric. It will be troublesome if they look at Beric as well.
What do you think about the proposition I made earlier?
You mean becoming a pillar of the Ministry of Magic?
Gale silently nodded at Ians words. The joyful commotion from below seeped in, creating a strange atmosphere. Perhaps it was because he was drunk, but Gales speech felt more direct than usual.
It would be an honor for me. Of course, I will do so.
Is that so? How will you prove it?
Gales lips curled up in amusement.
Are you going to twist your masters neck and bring it to me?
Your Highness, I apologize, but there are many nobles in the banquet hall.
But what is said here will not leak outside.
The magical power he had felt while climbing the stairs. It seemed to be blocking not only the barrier, but also any leaks of secrets. This was all being done under the leadership of Wesleigh, who was in charge of magic, so it would be safe in terms of secrecy, as Gale wished.
I will prove it if you wish, Your Highness. However
Ian carefully met Gales gaze and replied. Should he try it? Since he was drunk, it wouldnt be a problem to try it to some extent, right?
I would also like you to prove something to me, Your Highness. That the path I am about to take is the right one.
Gales eyes narrowed, then he burst out laughing. It was clear that he was pleasantly drunk. Although Ians magic verification ceremony had been successful due to some unknown reason, if he wanted to become a true magician, it was rather a refreshing signal to Gale.
Alright, good. But we need to clarify the order. You first, prove it.
The moment Ian lowered his head, a sound of footsteps was heard from behind.
Ah, over there.
It was Romandro. He had watched until His Majesty the Emperor left, and had come up because he was worried when Ian didnt return. He was blocked by the knights scabbard and couldnt come inside, but they could see each other.
Excuse me, I have a message for Sir Ian Hielo.
Romandro! Oh ho, Romandro!
Oh, oh, its been a long time, Your Highness Gale.
Yes, you must have had a hard time in the borderlands. You were impressive to me. Why dont you come this way?
He clearly had a look on his face that said he had made a mistake. After all, Romandro was Marivs subordinate in the borderlands who had completely obstructed Gales work.
Thank you for your words, but I have an urgent message for Sir Ian Hielo.
Didnt you do that on the first floor and take Ian away?
So he had heard everything. Ian glanced back at Gale, slightly surprised.
That knight that Sir Ian brought, no, the knight.
Beric? Ian felt a sudden pain at the back of his neck. He politely greeted Gale and stood up from his seat.
Excuse me, Your Highness. The knight came up from the borderlands and is not familiar with this place. I am worried that he might make a mistake and ruin the atmosphere of the New Years banquet. Please allow me to leave.
Gale clicked his tongue and picked up his wine glass again. It was a sign of permission. Ian nodded and followed Romandro down the corridor.
Sir Romandro, whats wrong with Beric? What happened?
No, theres nothing to be surprised about. Hes here to pick you up.
Shhh. Everything we say here can be heard by His Highness Gale.
Oh, damn. W, well, thats half true!
Romandro gasped and covered his mouth. The banquet hall garden that they had just left. Beric was crouched in a corner of the grass, digging at the ground.
Puff! Puff!
Woohoo. Hoo.
Beric is really drunk. Stop digging before you start digging a tunnel. Lets go home.
Oing! Ian! Ian~!
Ian felt the tension drain from his body and rubbed his forehead. Then he grabbed Berics hand and looked around. The wounds were not easily visible because they were covered in dirt.
Alright, lets go home.
Yay! Lets go! Theres only alcohol here and no meat!
Shut up, you idiot! You ate everything!
That was enough, Ian thought, and he pulled Beric away, leaving behind the clamorous atmosphere of the New Years banquet. He didnt want to be caught by Gale at any time.
Then it will be a real headache.
Romandro also hurriedly kicked the dirt tunnel and followed Ian.
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