Chapter 150

Chapter 150

The initial candidate registration included a total of seven individuals, including Chang and Ian. Among them, three were not department heads.

The challenge from the department heads was lower than expected, likely because taking over immediately after Minister Wesley was a daunting task in itself. Not only was her capability remarkable, but dealing with the aftermath of her actions was a problem in and of itself.

The current flow is like a storm. Charging in recklessly will only result in being torn apart. Lets wait for an opportunity and aim for a later time.

Such was the sentiment of the department heads. Of course, there were quite a few who had no interest at all, like Hale. Anyway, even if the Ministry of Magic were to select the next minister internally, they would still need to obtain approval from the imperial court in the end.

No one knew when or how the situation might change.

Well then, lets conclude the candidate registration for now, and well schedule the election for next week. The proceedings will be conducted fairly by the department heads who havent registered as candidates, united together. I swear on the honor of a mage.

There will be simple procedures in between, including mana verification, so keep that in mind. Well notify the candidates separately and share the results as well.

How about we adjourn for now? Since His Highness Gale has regained consciousness without issue, it would be good to rest a bit and reconvene to discuss countermeasures.

While Ian attended the emergency meeting, the mages endured an equally arduous time. It was evident from the slouched postures of Tommy and Nakina. Ian nodded, signaling his agreement.

Very well. For the mages currently conducting on-site investigations and those verifying the forbidden magic books, please have each department rotate shifts. Also, any communication from the imperial palace will go through me, so keep the emergency summoning magic open at all times.

Chang pursed his lips. The sight of a young and inexperienced fellow taking the lead like this was irksome. If they had been present at the scene, they could have subdued Wesley without issue. They might have even succeeded before His Highness Gale was cursed. While there are no hypotheticals in the past, the human mind is always brimming with them.

And Department Head Akorella.

Hm? Why do you say that!? Minister Ian!

Are you crazy? Youve lost it, Akorella!

At Ians call, Akorellas eyes sparkled as she responded. Despite the other department heads requests for her to maintain decorum, she didnt budge an inch. She was also a force to be reckoned with in a different sense, and Ian thought as much with a grin.

Department Head Akorella, please have a word with me for a moment. I have something to discuss with you regarding the delivery of Luron stones.

Great! Absolutely wonderful!

Well then, ha, well be taking our leave first.

Chang, you should also meet with us briefly.

Ahem. Good work. If anything comes up, issue the summoning order immediately.

All the mages rose in unison and exited the meeting room. Only Akorella, her subordinates, and the Magic Operations Department remained in the empty space.

Ian turned to Hale and asked.

Department Head, if youre hungry, you can go ahead first.

Its fine. Lets eat together. Were family, after all.

Despite his words, Hales intention was to assist Ian during his negotiations with the Mana Stone Management Department. Judging from Akorellas reaction, it seemed she was already halfway won over.

Unable to contain her excitement, Akorella pressed close to Ian. Her crimson eyes sparkled dangerously.

So, where are the Luron stones now? Since you mentioned relying on sir Romandros residence, are they there?

No. They are being stored elsewhere.The source of this content no/v(el)bi((n))

Lets go! Right now!

Uh, Department Head Akorella. But can you receive a delivery of 80 kilograms all at once?

Huh? What do you mean by that?

Ian lightly perched on the table and counted on his fingers, as if telling them to listen carefully to what he was about to say.

As you said, 80 kilograms of Luron stones exceed the Ministry of Magics budget for several years, making it an extremely high-priced item. Given the Ministry of Magics current situation, its not ideal to carry it over to the next year for purchase.

Now that the imperial court had realized that the mages abilities could sway the existence of Variel, disciplinary measures would undoubtedly be imposed under the pretext of keeping them in check. Among them, the most basic would be budget cuts. Akorella reacted with astonishment and vehemence.

Ah, no, that cant be! I was incredibly excited earlier! I havent been able to conduct any other research due to the truth serum research! Those higher-ups tell us to use each grain sparingly, but honestly, is that even a valid statement? Lets use a chunk of it for once! Please!

Calm down. So, Id like to make a proposal. Ill deliver the entire 80 kilograms at once, at a slightly lower price than the market rate, and we can arrange for the payment to be made over an extended period.

While it would be spread over a long time, given the enormous sum, 10,000 gold coins would be no issue right away. Akorella heaved deep breaths, trying to quell her excitement.

Honestly, Ian didnt find it difficult to secure the ministers position. The real issue was what would happen after becoming the minister, after establishing a separate residence for the Ministry of Magic in a stable situation.

Since the investigation into forbidden magic is underway, well definitely find clues related to Naums magic.

In a way, Wesleys misdeeds were a boon for Ian. Not only did they lead to a rise in his status, but they also allowed him to uncover various clues.

Suddenly, Ian recalled Naums last words.

-Sir Ian. Its alright. There are always, always opportunities. The gods do not give us problems without answers.

If he went back, could he meet Naum while he was still alive? Or would he return after everything had ended? In that case, would it mean he had found the right answers?

What if he couldnt go back?

Ian.

His thoughts stretched endlessly, but they were easily interrupted by Department Head Hales call. Ian immediately composed himself and turned to face him.

Yes. Department Head.

It seems you have a visitor.

A visitor?

Following Department Head Hales gaze, Ian turned his head. Through the slightly open gap, a round face peeked in. It was Romandro. He smiled awkwardly and cautiously called out to Ian.

Um, are you all very busy? The office was completely empty when I went there.

No. Were all finished here.

I see. Then lets wrap things up here. Ian. Ill be waiting for your contact. Ill, heheheh. Ill kill everything that gets in the way.

Akorella let out an evil laugh and signaled to her subordinates. They bid a casual farewell and left the meeting room. Romandro glanced at her retreating figure and wiped his sweat with a handkerchief.

Are all mages like that?

That one seems to be a bit unusual. But what brings you here? Arent you busy?

After Wesleys incident, Romandro had also spent a hectic day. The upheaval in the imperial palace meant the administrative department was also in disarray. He had barely managed to find a moment amidst the nonstop work.

I received a message from Vivianna. She said a vagrant came to the residence, handed over these items, and demanded compensation.

He grinned at Department Head Hale and greeted him, then whispered to Ian. What Romandro was holding was a crumpled piece of paper and a compass connected to a mana brooch. It was what Berik had taken with him.

It seems Berik has left the capital.

Im not sure about that. The vagrant apparently came from a nearby slum. Anyway, Vivianna immediately sent someone to deliver it to the administrative department. Take a look.

Swish.

While he wasnt the type to get beaten and killed somewhere, it was indeed worrisome that this was the only contact after a week. As Ian unfolded the paper, Romandro also stretched his neck to read it together.

-Iann. Cometo me. Foundtea trapd!

This is

Was it written with charcoal lying around? Putting aside the sloppy handwriting and poor spelling, it was too faded to decipher. Romandro scratched his chin and muttered.

Could it be written by Hasha?

Romandro. Hasha is a dog.

Ah, right. Indeed.

Its more likely that he drew it as instructed by Hasha.

What will you do? Will you go and fetch him?

At Romandros question, Ian checked the compass. Something must have happened that prevented Berik from coming alone, prompting him to contact them like this.

Ian smiled faintly and nodded.

I happen to have some time.