Chapter 147
If I die, a curse of death will fall upon my father, who is the highest dignity and essence of Bariel, and my beloved-
When Gale shouted beloved, everyone frowned in disgust. No matter how much they thought about it, it was an adjective that didnt suit him at all. And as soon as they realized the subject was Mariv, everyone started to stir.
My brother, Mariv.
Gale!
Kwang!
Mariv unknowingly slammed the table and jumped up. Theres a limit to playing tricks. Blatantly lying like that is the deception of deceptions. The opposing forces also joined in, dumbfounded.
Your Highness Gale, does what youre saying even make sense now?
Oh my, watch your words! He is His Highness Gale!
No, isnt it true? Now he says that if he dies, a curse will fall upon His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness Mariv, which is clearly an attempt to secure his own safety!
Thats right! Hes hiding the real curse!
If it becomes known, it must be an inconvenient curse, so thats why hes saying that. Your Majesty the Emperor, theres no need to hesitate. Quickly order him to leave the palace!
What are you saying! What if something happens to His Highness Gales safety after leaving the palace? And if the curse is triggered, will you take responsibility?
Its not only about His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness Mariv, but the existence of the entire Bariel is at stake! How can you so easily dismiss it as a lie? You dont want to believe it, do you?
Then do you think those words are true? That such a heavy curse can be cast with the blood of just two people? Do you believe that?
We can ask the magicians! Sir Ian!
Ian, who was quietly watching, was called upon. The fiercely debating factions stopped shouting and simultaneously turned to Ian. He was staring straight ahead with a quite unperturbed expression.
Ill ask Sir Ian. Forbidden magic, that is, do you think Minister Wesleigh and his assistant could cast a curse that could determine the fate of Bariel? Do you really believe His Highnesss curse is true?
Say its not true! A minister from Marivs faction urged with a glare. But Ians answer was utterly calm.
Its possible.
Mumble mumble, at Ians straightforward answer, Gales faction members put their heads together and whispered something. They probably also guessed that Gales testimony was false. But whatever the truth was, it was clear that Gales testimony was the only chance to turn the tide.
Forbidden magic generally refers to all abilities that deviate from the principles of nature and fate. It enables magicians souls to do things that even God cannot easily touch, such as life and space-time. In particular, former Minister Wesleigh was a capable magician who became the youngest court magician, so its not impossible.
No, can a single magician determine the existence of Bariel? Does that make sense?
You can say that if you dont know what happens to those who use forbidden magic. They fall into the abyss. Commonly known as hell.
Hell. A space where one is consumed by eternal suffering and devours oneself for eons.
And to be precise, there were two magicians. Those who received Gods will have fallen into hell. It is considered a sufficiently possible curse.
Marivs faction swallowed their saliva and looked at Gale. Isnt the one who received that terrible curse with his body right there? Even if what he just testified was a lie, there must be another curse sprouting inside him anyway.
Then, lets use the truth potion on Gale.
It was Marivs voice that broke the silence.
He sat back down, maintaining his composure again. A lie to avoid the moment would only hold back his own feet. Mariv smiled and looked Gale up and down.
How about it? We can immediately find out if the curse Gale received is true or not.
Thats a good idea!
Th-thats right! Isnt the truth potion something the Ministry of Magic has been pushing for? They say the effect is very good, right?
Please order it right now, Your Majesty!
If His Highness Gales testimony is false, his imperial surname must be stripped! Its almost the same as threatening the safety of Bariel, Your Majesty, and His Highness Mariv!
You are all being reckless! Watch your mouth! You are already assuming that Lord Gale gave false testimony! This amounts to the crime of insulting the imperial family!
The Emperor slowly raised his hand. It meant for everyone to stop and be quiet. It was a pitifully thin hand, but it had sufficient authority.
What about the time frame?
At someones question, everyone looked at Ian. They were only asking about magic-related matters through Ians mouth. It made one guess how the Ministry of Magics unrivaled power was established.
According to the report, it will take about half a month, but we can push it a little earlier. The specifics need to be discussed with the department in charge.
I understand. Then lets wrap up the meeting here. Its been a long time already. We will convene an emergency meeting again soon, so major related parties, dont leave the palace and stay.
Bang bang bang!
The meeting was tentatively concluded. If Gale hadnt woken up, it would have been delayed even more. The ministers sighed in relief and paid their respects to the Emperor.
Swish.
Everyone, strive to restore the daily life of the palace. And Gale.
Yes. Father.
The Emperor silently ordered him to follow with a nod. As they stepped outside, Gales faction also disappeared like the receding tide. They would definitely continue the emergency meeting on this critical matter. Marivs remaining faction members were also gathering in groups of three or five and putting their heads together.
Ian.
Yes. Your Highness Mariv.
Ian approached Marivs call and bowed his head.
Are the captains of the departments related to the truth potion among the candidates for the next Minister of Magic?
No. They prioritize the pursuit of wisdom over the cultivation of magical power, so they will have no intention of being elected as the minister.
Mariv looked around and gestured for Ian to come closer. Ian bowed to him, who was sitting, and brought his ear close.
Then win them over first.
His voice sounded quite cheerful. That was understandable. Wesleigh, the wing of the Ministry of Magic, was broken and dead, and dealing with Gale was also a matter of time. Furthermore, the one he would push as the next minister was his subordinate. How much more perfect could the situation be?
Will it be possible?
Of course. Your Highness.
Good. I will send a more detailed message later.
Currently, the Ministry of Magic clearly recognized Ians existence. Although he had just joined, he had a solid connection with the prince and, above all, was a possessor of tremendous ability who could rival the former minister.
It was not an atmosphere where being recommended as the minister was taken as a joke.
Swish.
Ian nodded and left a brief greeting, and Mariv encouraged him with a satisfied gesture.
As he stepped outside, he saw a red magic circle cast on the building where the personnel meeting had taken place. It was a sign not to approach as an investigation was being conducted, including Wesleighs death.
Mariv Didnt he notice something strange?
He recalled Mariv and Gale clashing in the meeting room. It was true that Gale lied about the curse. But what about the truth potion? Did it really go according to Marivs intentions?
If Gale had truly tampered with the truth potion, he would have brought it himself to the meeting. And by drinking it simultaneously with his testimony, he would have pushed the matter through.
This was all Gales calculation. It can be seen as using the opposing factions distrust of the truth potion to buy time.
Then, in the current Ministry of Magic without Wesleigh, the one who would work with him to
Ian.
Swoosh.
It was when he was passing by the garden next to the Ministry of Magics main building. He turned around at the voice calling him. It was the same as that day. The day he faced Gale in the place where there should have been a separate residence. The wind coolly penetrated between the two people.
Did you speak with His Majesty the Emperor?
Gale nodded and pointed deep into the garden. It meant, lets talk for a moment.