“Your Highness, you’ll fall.”
Jin dashed forward, heedless of Xiaoshi’s worry. The child strode up the grand council chamber stairs, proceeding straight ahead without sparing even a glance at those who parted and bowed.
Seeing the Crown Prince running, attendants hurriedly opened the council chamber doors.
Creak.
With the chamber’s sunlight came the officials’ gazes. The Prime Minister, Defense Minister Volv, and several high-ranking officials were already gathered and seated.
The meeting had been urgently convened due to a response from Clifford. Romandro also sat at the far end, and in that brief moment, the child observed his expression and the letter in the Prime Minister’s hand.
“You’ve arrived, Your Highness.”
“You seem to have hurried. Please catch your breath.”
Jin seemed unaware of his own rough breathing. He walked briskly to his seat while asking. Before the worry deepened, before anxiety consumed him, knowing Ian’s fate was what mattered.
“What of Lord Ian?”
“He is safe, Your Highness.”
The Prime Minister removed his glasses and passed the letter to Jin. A small paper folded multiple times. Being Hale’s handwriting, it was so rough and crude that some words were illegible. But one thing was clear—Ian was alive.
“Hah.”
The child pressed his forehead and exhaled in relief. The officials likewise. They had truly worried how to handle the aftermath if something had happened to the Ministry of Magic Minister and Bariel’s core military strength.
Romandro cleared his throat and added explanation:
“However, the report states that Lord Ian’s injuries are extremely severe, and since the Ministry of Magic members’ magic power supporting him has limits, recovery and return will take time.”
Romandro secretly winked at Jin, signaling that despite such reports, someone like Ian would surely regain strength and return quickly.
As officials murmured, Volv raised objections with suspicious tone:
“What was reported as the cause of Lord Ian’s injuries?”
“That was not written.”
“Are we certain of the source?”
“Yes. Ministry of Magic Captain Hale’s handwriting is unmistakable.”
“This makes no sense. The great Lord Ian is bedridden, unable to even move—so incapacitated that even the entire Ministry of Magic’s power poured into him cannot heal him—yet the cause is unknown? This lacks credibility. Perhaps Clifford is playing tricks?”
“No. I guarantee it. It’s Captain Hale’s handwriting, and it included magic stones the Ministry of Magic members took when ascending through the black moon.”
“That’s exactly it. Perhaps Clifford subdued the mages and wrote this?”
“That’s speculation and a severe leap in logic.”
Volv was someone who hoped for conflict between Clifford and the mages. That would first cut away the Ministry of Magic’s strength, increasing the Imperial Defense Department’s influence proportionally.
Moreover, if they sent troops to Clifford to rescue the mages, war would break out, and if they could bring glory to the empire through victory, nothing would stand in the way of the generals’ advancement.
Knowing this well, Romandro countered point by point to stop Volv. While it’s commendable to try finding fault, the reality was that Clifford was caring for Ian.
“I agree with that. A number equivalent to all our mages went in. If there had been conflict, reports would have come from the border. The lack of mention regarding Lord Ian’s injury likely indicates it’s either personal or an internal Ministry of Magic matter…”
The Prime Minister glared at Romandro. Thanks to his cute little issuance of field duty permits for the entire Ministry of Magic, there would be no grounds to hold them accountable even after their return.
Romandro desperately rolled his eyes while avoiding the gaze. He looked into the distance as he continued his report.
“Clifford likely lacks sufficient resources to aid the mages. Therefore, might I suggest dispatching an envoy to help supply magic stones and assist their return?”
While detailed circumstances would be known when Ian returned, for now, there seemed to be no problematic issues with Clifford.
As the Prime Minister nodded in agreement, several officials also showed their support. Though Volv and the Imperial Defense Department generals appeared quite unsatisfied. Just as the generals exchanged glances—
Knock knock.
An Imperial Defense Department soldier entered the council chamber. He approached Minister Volv and whispered something.
Even while discussing the envoy with the Prime Minister, Romandro kept glancing and watching that direction. Wasn’t it suspicious how a smile rose to Minister Volv’s lips?
“One moment.”
Sure enough, Minister Volv raised his hand requesting the meeting be halted. The chamber instantly fell silent. The Prime Minister tapped his staff, granting permission to speak.
“What is it?”
“Information just came in. Clifford is mobilizing troops.”
“What?”
“Is this true, Minister Volv?”
Officials murmured and shared their bewilderment. If Ian was safe and there were no problems with the mages, why would Clifford show military movement?
Minister Volv laughed while striking the table decisively.
“Look at this. Not one proper sort among those sharing our borders. Our Bariel’s Imperial Defense Department has already completed mobilization, so if the council gives the order to dispatch, we’ll leave immediately. Rather than relying on such scraps of paper for our precious mages’ welfare, let’s go see! See with our own eyes! What was it Romandro said earlier?”
“…What did I say?”
“Something about magic stones being insufficient and sending envoys. No need for envoys—the Imperial Defense Department will go. Prime Minister, and Crown Prince, please grant permission.”
As the atmosphere was instantly swept up, Romandro jumped up in opposition. With Ian absent, they couldn’t place Bariel’s fate in the hands of this power-blind person.
“It cannot be done. Mobilizing troops itself would be invasion from Clifford’s perspective, the prelude to war. And Captain Hale’s message just arrived. How could you know of Clifford’s military movements so immediately?”
“Because that came from emergency border guard communications, while Clifford’s message took a detour around the magical anomaly. Does the Ministry of Magic Minister’s Assistant overlook such things?”
The generals snickered as they turned their gazes. How base. They’d known since someone who wasn’t even a mage took the position of Ministry of Magic Assistant.
As Romandro tried to counter again, Jin slammed the table and shouted.
Bang!
“Insulting remarks are forbidden in this sacred council chamber!”
“…My apologies, Your Highness.”
“Minister Volv, I shall question you.”
“Anything, Your Highness.”
“Assuming Clifford’s military actions are true, do you truly believe they intend to threaten Bariel?”
The generals glanced at Minister Volv. Truth be told, such things weren’t important to them. They didn’t care what Clifford was threatening. What they wanted was enemy lines falling to their swinging swords, redefining Bariel’s borders.
Minister Volv shrugged his shoulders, feigning composure as he asked in return:
“Then does Your Highness believe Clifford has other intentions?”
“You have the bad habit of answering questions with questions.”
“…”
Hup—his tone was sharp and ruthless enough to startle everyone present. Even the Prime Minister and Romandro bowed their heads in dismay. Jin frowned and wiggled his finger as if for the last time.
“I ask again. Do you judge Clifford’s military actions to be threatening to Bariel?”
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
“How unfortunate. You seem to have completely forgotten Burgos and Ruswena.”
What Jin had first told Romandro.
And what Ian too had worried about as soon as he opened his eyes.
Burgos’s movements.
“Currently Lord Ian and the Ministry of Magic have lost their strength and are dependent on Clifford. This isn’t speculative premise but something we know from Captain Hale’s message. Everyone knows the three-kingdom alliance centered on Burgos nearly formed during the appointment ceremony. But only Clifford broke away from that and turned to a cooperative stance with Bariel. Now then, I ask again. Minister Volv.”
While forbidding insulting remarks in council, the Crown Prince was publicly cornering Volv.
Officials’ eyes darted quickly in the suffocating tension. With Ian absent, Minister Volv, who controlled the military, was the only person of real power who could wield the sword.
Though the Crown Prince had legitimacy and authority, everyone present had experienced civil war. If Minister Volv were to harbor other thoughts, who could stop him? Ah, the Imperial Guard perhaps.
“What would you do if you were Burgos’s king?”
“…They would punish Clifford for rejecting the alliance offer, and moreover try to subdue the mages who have left the palace.”
“Indeed. Additionally, with Idgal distribution suspected in other countries, they would judge there could be no better opportunity. Thus Clifford has no choice but to mobilize troops in preparation for Burgos’s attack.”
He was pointing out that their intent was directed at Burgos, not Bariel. Though this too was close to Jin’s speculation, it certainly had more credibility than Volv’s claims.
The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses as he mediated.
“Has the Imperial Defense Department also confirmed movements from Burgos and Ruswena?”
“No. We have not.”
“We’ll discuss dispatch after assessing those as well.”
“Wait! Still nothing changes!”
Volv shouted in an agitated tone. They were within arm’s reach—they couldn’t be blocked here.
“If Clifford clashes with Burgos, shouldn’t Bariel naturally send reinforcements? It’s right to send troops, if only to safely rescue the mages.”
“Correct. Either way, dispatch is inevitable.”
“Please reconsider! Time is of the essence. In wartime, a moment can bring irreversible results.”
“No!”
As the generals each added their piece, Jin firmly refused.
“Bariel and Clifford have no formal alliance. When we don’t know Clifford and Burgos’s justification for war, our intervention could prompt Ruswena’s participation.”
“Then what are you suggesting? That we just sit and watch? If Clifford falls, it will be an unprecedented crisis for Bariel.”
“I’m saying we wait!”
Jin and Volv stood up glaring at each other. Though it was a confrontation between a large adult and a child, neither showed signs of backing down. The Prime Minister tapped his staff while pointing out Volv’s rudeness.
Bang! Bang!
“Volv. Take your seat. You’re excessive today.”
“…”
Volv sat down grinding his molars. They thought they were in the same boat, but this response was troublesome. The Crown Prince must be too young to remember checking the Ministry of Magic. Volv glared at the child while cursing internally.
“Lord Ian and the Ministry of Magic are in Clifford, having lost their strength. This isn’t speculative premise but something we can know from Captain Hale’s message. Everyone knows the three-kingdom alliance centered on Burgos nearly formed during the appointment ceremony. But only Clifford broke away from that and turned to a cooperative stance with Bariel. Now, I ask again. Minister Volv.”
In the council where insulting remarks were forbidden, the Crown Prince was publicly pressuring Volv.
Officials’ eyes rolled quickly in the suffocating tension. With Ian absent, Minister Volv who controlled the military was the only real power holder who could wield a sword.
Though the Crown Prince had legitimacy and authority, everyone present had experienced civil war. If Minister Volv harbored other thoughts, who could stop him? Ah, perhaps the Imperial Guard.
“If you were King of Burgos, what would you do?”
“…They would punish Clifford for rejecting the alliance offer and moreover try to subdue the mages who have left the palace.”
“Indeed. And they would judge there could be no better opportunity with Idgal distribution suspected in other countries. Thus Clifford has no choice but to mobilize troops preparing for Burgos’s attack.”
This pointed out their intent was directed at Burgos, not Bariel. Though this too was close to Jin’s speculation, it certainly had more credibility than Volv’s claims.
The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses as he mediated:
“Has the Imperial Defense Department also confirmed movements from Burgos and Ruswena?”
“No. We have not.”
“We’ll discuss deployment after assessing those as well.”
“One moment! Still nothing changes!”
Volv shouted in an agitated tone. They were within arm’s reach—they couldn’t be blocked here.
“If Clifford clashes with Burgos, shouldn’t Bariel naturally send reinforcements? Sending troops is right, if only to safely rescue the mages.”
“Correct. Either way, deployment is inevitable.”
“Please reconsider! Time is of the essence. In wartime, a moment can bring irreversible results.”
“No!”
As the generals each added their piece, Jin firmly refused.
“Bariel and Clifford have no formal alliance. When we don’t know Clifford and Burgos’s justification for war, our intervention could prompt Ruswena’s participation.”
“Then what are you suggesting? That we just sit and watch? If Clifford falls, it will be an unprecedented crisis for Bariel.”
“We wait!”
Jin and Volv stood glaring at each other. Though it was a large adult confronting a child, neither showed signs of yielding. The Prime Minister tapped his staff pointing out Volv’s rudeness.
Bang! Bang!
“Volv. Take your seat. You’re quite excessive today.”
“…”
Volv sat grinding his molars. He thought they were in the same boat, but this response was troublesome. The Crown Prince must be too young to remember checking the Ministry of Magic. Volv glared at the child while internally cursing.
“Lord Ian and the mages are in Clifford. Let’s stay put until those directly on scene can assess and inform us of the details.”
“Stay put? Haha!”
“Ah, I should correct myself. We should be checking Burgos and Ruswena, Minister Volv.”
The Prime Minister stroked his beard nodding. Several officials also voiced agreement with Jin’s opinion.
“I agree with His Highness’s opinion. No one can predict what pretense we might give Burgos by moving rashly.”
“Right. Besides, they’re mages—what could happen? Let’s wait for another message from them.”
“There seems no need to jump in first and muddy the waters in Clifford and Burgos’s war. I also respect His Highness’s opinion.”
Volv and the Imperial Defense Department generals exchanged glances with hollow laughter. Their expressions said this couldn’t be left as is. But Jin felt the same way.
‘Minister Volv. Don’t rush. You’re already in a high position—move hastily and you’ll slip.’
If Ian was struggling hard outside Bariel, Jin had no choice but to fight inside.
“…”
Watching this, Xiaoshi fingered the dagger hidden in his sleeve while staring at Minister Volv’s nape. If blood winds blow through the palace again, that would be their source.