Chapter 123

Chapter 123

Ian was rarely flustered, but he couldnt help but be speechless.

Twins? If they had been of different genders, or even if they had only had the same surname, things wouldnt have been like this. Even from a distance, the two princes looked exactly alike, as if they were looking in a mirror.

Arent they amazing? Rumor has it that even their mother, Lady Dilaina, sometimes gets them confused. But their personalities are so different that its not a big problem. Even I can tell whos who just by looking at them.

What are their names?

Ian continued to search his memory and asked. Was there an emperor with twin brothers 100 years ago? He couldnt remember. This was because the emperors brothers were often the losers in the power struggle and were intentionally excluded from history.

The fourth prince is named Arsen. The fifth prince is named Jin.

Ian frowned at Romandros muttering. Usually, twins had names that had some kind of unity, but to anyones eyes, the fourth prince had a noble name, while the fifth prince had a name that commoners would use.

I know what youre curious about. But I dont think this is the place

Lets step outside for a moment.

This was not something to be heard later. It was clear that one of these two would become the emperor, and there was no need to beat around the bush.

At Ians gesture, Romandro nodded and quickly stepped back. Beric did the same.

Excuse us.

They walked out of the huge arched entrance and into the hallway opposite. Unlike the grand banquet hall, the atmosphere here was filled with young and debauched nobles who were not interested in the emperors New Years speech. A few of them glanced at Ian, but that was all. They were focused on enjoying themselves by teasing each other.

Ooh. Theyre kissing over there.

Beric. Stop talking nonsense and come here. Lord Romandro. I know this is a disrespectful question, but is the current emperor really the 13th emperor?

If Ians memory was correct, then that should be the case. He clearly remembered the words Verocion XIII written below the portrait. However, Romandro turned his head around awkwardly and looked around.

Be more careful with your words. It hasnt been long since that matter was concluded. The current emperor is the 14th.

Ian sighed softly. He immediately understood what Romandro meant. There was such a big difference between looking at history from the distant future and living in it.

The late emperors father, who was overthrown by the previous rebellion, was recognized as legitimate. Therefore, he was the 13th emperor until last year, but now he is the 14th.

Once in power, it is not uncommon to rewrite previous history in order to legitimize it. Especially as branches diverge, there is a desire to be recognized as the rightful lineage for political standing, but since one cannot change the blood that flows in their veins, the only option is to change history.

What are you talking about? Did they find some hidden parents?

Beric scratched his ears in confusion. It didnt make sense to him. How could one be the 13th and then suddenly become the 14th without the Emperor dying and being reborn? Ian, holding his forehead, murmured in response.

History changes its meaning depending on who writes it. Its about dethroning predecessors or restoring them. Though the current Emperor is the 14th, just as he was the 13th until last year, who knows what will happen next year.

This suggested that in the midst of historys flow, one cannot gauge the depth of the storm. One can only navigate forward by what is immediately visible.

When I received the appointment letter as a lord in the borderlands, I had heard the emperors name but I didnt know him. The next generation will probably be the same .

But why are the names of the twin princes so different?

Ian asked, trying to organize the complexities in his mind. Arsen and Jin. There seemed to be a clue in the significant difference in the atmosphere of their names.

A prophecy was made when the twins were born.

A prophecy? Officially?

He walked around the back of the stage and immediately recognized the woman named Wesleigh. Black hair tied in a bun, pale skin, and lips red as blood. She was wearing a cape that only a minister could wear.

Good evening, Minister Wesleigh.

She was leading the verification ceremony when she turned around. And as soon as she saw Ian, she twisted her lips and made a strange smile. She was beautiful, but she also had a tremendous sense of oppression. Perhaps it was because Ian knew Wesleighs true colors that he felt that way.

Oh! Who is this? You must be the noble lord from the humble illegitimate line of borderlands, Baron Ian Hielo?

Wesleigh clapped her hands and raised her voice. The surrounding mages also glanced around and tried to hide their snickers. Beric frowned irritably, but when he met Ians eyes, he patiently looked at the distant mountains.

Nice to meet you, Minister Wesleigh. If you dont mind, may I ask your family name?

Ian smiled and offered Wesleigh a handshake, pretending to be indifferent. It was an attack that most mages were of commoner origin. No matter how much she wore a coronet in the palace, Wesleigh would not have anything that could be called a family name.

At the same time as her lips hardened, the laughter around her also stopped instantly.

Baron Ian Hielo. As a minister, I am in the same position as a court mage.

It was not an actual title, but it meant that she had the corresponding honor and authority. Ian smiled, pulling his hand back awkwardly.

Ah. I apologize. I thought I hadnt heard Minister Wesleighs family name because I was ignorant.

The nuance was that she was talking too long about not having a family name. Ian did not avoid the blatant and hostile gazes of the mages, but met them one by one. There was no reason for Ian to back down.

It would be quite a sight to see you reduced to slavery after being so arrogant.

Thank you for your concern. Contrary to rumors, the Minister of Magic seems to be very kind.

He had no worries about being demoted for not being able to pay the 10,000 gold coins. On the contrary, since it made his status free, wasnt it something to be grateful for?

In that case, joining the Ministry of Magic would be almost like Ians choice.

Leaving aside Marivs orders, or, well, the construction of the annex and all that.

Wesleigh stared at Ian and sharpened her gaze. She hated to see that little thing, who had just received a noble title, act so arrogantly.

Ian. Soon, we will proceed with the mana verification ceremony. Therefore, if it is confirmed that you have mana flowing through your body, you will receive an official request for admission to the Ministry of Magic within tomorrow.

Oh. It is an honor, Minister.

Its a cliche greeting. Do you have a department you prefer?

Wesleighs lips twisted into a smile. It was clear that she was up to something. Ian chose silence instead of answering and looked down at the atmosphere of the surrounding mages, including Wesleigh.

Theyre definitely up to something. Could it be what I expected?

Yes. What would a country bumpkin who just came up know? Youll have to have someone next to you tell you before you can answer.

That meant Mariv. It meant that she knew Mariv was sending Ian as a spy.

But the Ministry of Magic needs performance based on ability above all else. We dont treat those who just sit around and collect taxes like parasites. I dont know how much mana you have, but youll be assigned to a department that suits you.

Ian couldnt help but smirk. It was what he had expected when he first entered the New Years party. To bet on the light of the prophecy and not react at all.

Oh. Is that so?

Ian answered as if he were ignorant, but Beric, who was standing next to him, could tell that there was a hint of laughter in his voice.