Chapter 155

Chapter 155

Arsens demeanor shifted subtly at the mention of a secret. Though he was smiling, he made no attempt to conceal his displeasure. It was clear he thought, How dare a mere viscount respond in such a manner to a princes inquiry?

Ian looked down at the child, his smile unwavering.

The malice is strikingly palpable.

A sense of wickedness surpassing mere cunning could be felt. They exchanged gazes in silence for a moment. Arsen laughed playfully, swaying his body from side to side.n0ve(l)bi(n.)co/m

Ahaha. Lord Ian seems like quite an amusing person.

You flatter me, Your Highness.

Even if Arsen and Jins faces were identical, distinguishing between them posed no significant challenge. Their personalities were worlds apart. Arsen was always in full bloom, vibrant and lively, while Jin resembled ice that refused to melt in the shade. Calm, cold, and indifferent.

I made a mistake. I was found out because I smiled. Had I not, I would have succeeded.

Arsen mumbled regretfully, caressing his cheeks. He seemed to think he had been caught not by the dimples, but by the absence of laughter in Jins behavioral traits.

Creak!

Lord Ian. Please come inside.

Will Your Highness Arsen be joining us?

Your Highness? Why did you come out in this cold? Come here.

At Ians nod, the chief attendant gasped and draped her outer garment over Arsens shoulders. As if on cue, the child coughed briefly, Ahem.

You were exposed to the cold wind in that short time.

When I heard Lord Ian was coming, how could I not wait?

Arsen smiled brightly, extending his hand. It was an invitation to hold hands and enter together. Ian politely declined the princes proposal.

My hands are cold and will only make Your Highnesss hands cold as well.

Does Lord Ian dislike me?

Of course not.

Then hold my hand. With your right hand.

It was a command. At the childs resolute words, the chief attendant bowed her head, urging compliance. Once he set his mind to something, he would not budge an inch. Ian carefully took Arsens hand, looking down at him. The child then beamed as if nothing had happened, pulling him along.

Lets go in.

Creak! Thud!

As they stepped through the door, warmth enveloped them. Despite the early hour, Dilaina was seated on the sofa, sipping tea, impeccably dressed. She smiled quizzically upon seeing Ian and Arsen enter.

Arsen, I wondered where you had gone.

I went to greet Lord Ian.

Across from Dilaina sat Jin. Upright, maintaining his poise, unwavering. As his gaze met Ians, Jin subtly lowered his eyes in greeting. The shadow of his eyelashes, cast by the morning sunlight, elongated.

Lord Ian, please sit. Knowing you are preoccupied with work-related turmoil, this conversation will not be lengthy.

At Dilainas gesture, Ian sat down, arranging his coat. In contrast, Arsen scurried over to Jin, clinging tightly, and whispered quietly so no one could hear.

I held a mages hand.

Jin turned his eyes to look at Arsen. It wasnt particularly surprising. Arsen always enjoyed being one step ahead of others.

He wouldnt have been satisfied with merely observing mana like the other imperial children. Thus, he had gone and directly touched the hand of a mage, one who had even executed Wesleigh.

Next time, Im going to touch a mana sphere. What do you think? Impressive, right?

At his boastful words, Jin recalled his own memory with Ian. The warm, fluffy sensation of mana flowing between his fingers. If Arsen found out Jin had touched it first, what expression would he make?

Most are mere pawns without backing, and the only candidate I considered worth supporting was Director Chang.

Ah. The one backing Director Chang was Dilaina. Ian nodded slightly, as if grasping the situation.

But if you are Gales hidden card, that changes things. Is there any need to split the pie? I, too, shall actively support you.

I am honored.

This would result in the birth of a Ministry of Magic minister simultaneously supported by the 1st Prince, 2nd Prince, 4th Prince, and 5th Prince. No one would dare voice any opposition. Ian suppressed a chuckle at Gales machinations.

Youre busy pulling strings here and there, Gale. Still, if were in the same boat, it would be good to at least give me a hint about such matters.

Without information sharing, there was no way to know the extent of Dilainas knowledge. Moreover, he had no idea what they had negotiated in their temporary alliance.

For Gale, it was likely a temporary gathering of forces, but what about Dilaina? What had she gained? She wouldnt have jumped in simply for the sake of maintaining balance.

So, did you summon me here to confirm that?

Thats the most important thing. Right now.

Dilaina smiled faintly. The words right now carried many implications. Ian also smiled ceremoniously, bowing his head.

Once you become the Ministry of Magics minister, I will arrange another meeting.

I will be waiting.

When the time comes, you should know that you will have access to all the Ministry of Magics records. You should also know that once you learn, there will be no going back to a time of ignorance.

The Ministry of Magics confidential records likely contained detailed information about Arsen and Jins prophecies. Did it mean there was more beyond the revealed prophecies? Well, he would find out when the time came.

Ian stood up, leaving only a calm farewell.

Whenever you require my assistance, please give the order. I will not forget Lady Dilainas glorious aid either.

Those are reassuring words to hear.

Then, I shall take my leave.

Ah, have you heard about that?

Dilaina stopped Ian.

This is something I overheard at a gathering of noble ladies, not from Gale. I was curious if it was true or not.

Please ask.

Theres a rumor that Gale is engaged to a daughter of the Hayman family. Do you know anything about it?

The Hyman family. A noble family holding the heart of Variels finance in their grasp. With royal blood from a foreign country flowing through their veins, they were the cream of the crop. They were the perfect candidate to fill the void left by Wesleighs death.

I apologize. I am unaware of the matter.

Is that so? Thats a pity. I understand.

If it were true, Gale was indeed a man who would not die easily. He could deliver a proper blow to the back of Marivs head, who was letting his guard down after nearly killing him.

Creak!

As Ian stepped outside, Dilaina became lost in deep thought, caressing her hair. Amidst the bloody battle between Mariv and Gale, it was always she and her sons who trembled in anxiety. Even if the situation was quelled for now, wouldnt a time come when they would have to confront each other head-on?

Before Arsen and Jin came of age, either Mariv or Gale would undoubtedly point their blade.

Mariv, Gale, and Ian.

Ian felt like the point where the gears interlocked. It seemed he must hold the key to simultaneously keeping both Mariv and Gale in check. If only he could wield it properly

Mother, what are you thinking so deeply about?

Hmm? Its nothing, dear.

Dilaina stroked the head of Arsen, who clung to her affectionately, and then turned to look at Jin. Jin was still sitting in his place, gazing at his mother with indifferent eyes.