Chapter 164

Chapter 164

Screech.

Ians expression was peculiar as he emerged from the reception room. The head servant, while escorting him, glanced furtively at the tightly shut door. Until just before Ians arrival, Marivs frenzied shrieks had been erupting incessantly.

However, how could it be so quiet now?

This, in and of itself, was frightening.

Lord Ian, are you alright?

What do you mean?

Its nothing.

The head servant closely inspected Ians cheeks, hair, and the state of his clothes. Everything was exactly as it had been when he entered, without a single thing out of place. Considering they had thought the servants would be carried out like living corpses, this was truly fortunate. Still, as the Minister of Magic, it seemed His Highness had properly discerned the situation.

Excuse me, Lord Ian. I hope youll forgive my boldness, but may I ask you something?

You may.

As the head servant opened the carriage door and inquired, Ian lightly nodded. His composed tone was striking. It felt as though Marivs frenzy in this palace had absolutely nothing to do with him.

The head servant promptly came to her senses and bowed.

Its just that I was wondering about the condition of the servants inside. A doctor is on standby, but since His Highness is present, they cant receive treatment. Did His Highness seem fatigued or show any signs of drowsiness?

Ian stared at the head servant intently. She had said it was a presumptuous question, and wasnt it truly brazen? Resolving issues between the lord and servants should be the head servants role. However, recalling the people trembling prostrate on the ground, Ian offhandedly gave her an answer.Updated from n0velb(i)n.c(o)/m

They didnt appear to be severely injured. Besides, isnt it nearly dusk now? Its not yet time for him to retire to his bedchamber, as he works late.

His Highnesss sleep schedule is irregular, so he tries to get some rest whenever he can. Thank you for letting me know.

Despite the polite thanks, her hands hastily closed the carriage door. As if urging him to leave this place quickly. Ian watched her return to the palace, frowning.

Irregular sleep schedule. Yes, I heard the rumors that the lights in Marivs office never go out because he has so much work to handle.

Could this be how he was introduced to hallucinogenic sleeping pills? With sleep problems, he may have looked into solutions and gotten involved with a particular merchant group. Or, if he already had a connection, he could have obtained them through that.

Where shall I take you, Minister?

To the Ministry of Magic.

Yes, understood.

Ian smiled wryly, gazing at the darkening outdoors. The prideful Mariv, whose ego had been bruised, had made a very interesting move. In fact, the attempt to kill Gale had been somewhat lackluster, but the fact that he had been the one to instigate it made the situation amusing.

This is truly fortuitous for me.

Currently, Mariv and Gale were sharpening their blades, each aiming for the others throat. However, since they could lose everything with a single strike, they were biding their time, waiting for an opportunity.

Waiting for an opportunityin other words, a lack of justification, or the absence of a signal flare. If a reason for them to clash was created

One of them will die. And the other will also collapse with a fatal wound. Watching for a chance and severing the survivors lifeline at the right moment will simplify matters.

Gale had the reality of the curse and suspicions of treason, while Mariv had accusations of attempted regicide. Ian tapped his knee in time with the rattling carriage wheels.

Change of destination.

Pardon? Where should I go?

To His Highness Gales palace.

Ian ordered the coachman to turn the horses around. The plan that had come to mind was satisfactory, so it would be best to inform Gale before he exposed Marivs attempted regicide. Fortunately, the carriage didnt have to travel far.

Neigh!

The Hayman familys carriage.

It seemed Melania was with Gale at his palace. As Ian alighted from the carriage, the guard saluted crisply and greeted him.

Isnt this Minister Ian Hielo?

Yes, its been a while. I remember you.

Previously, he had added a remark about being a viscounty riffraff, but now there were no superfluous questions. Since he had arrived, they would notify Gale and let him in, nothing more.

If Im defeated, you gain Marivs trust just by attempting the assassination, and if Mariv is defeated, youve handed over this information to show you wont side with his faction.

Intentions are open to interpretation.

Good. I have no reason to refuse. Above all, you hold the reins of the curse, so I dont have much of a choice.

With a single word from Ian, one of Gales protective barriers could be shattered. In a situation where murderous attacks were exchanged, the value of a protective barrier was equal to the value of ones life.

Ill adjust the announcement of lifting the curse to suit your intentions, Your Highness Gale. However, please use this material only as a last resort. I went to great lengths to obtain it, so it would be quite troublesome for me if it became useless.

If Gale were to expose Marivs attempted regicide after Ian had gone to the trouble of helping him with the Truthful Dream Potion while under Marivs suspicion, Ian would gain nothing. What use would there be for information everyone already knew?

If you had intended to use that as the signal flare, please refrain from doing so and use me as a pretext instead. That would be mutually beneficial for us.

He couldnt refuse. Refusing this would mean making an enemy of Ian. Gale wet his lips with the remaining alcohol and exposed his throat.

Then, I have one request.

Please give your orders.

Schedule the assassination for after the full moon rises.

May I ask the reason?

Its Lady Melanias birthday. Theres a banquet with the Hayman family that day.

Although he said that, Ian had figured it out. The mana stone armor commissioned by the Hayman family would be completed on that day. Ian nodded and rose from his seat.

Then, I also have a request.

Speak.

Please return the slave I sent back in one piece.

Hahaha! The one who tried to take a princes life?

Forgive my impudence, but I dislike incurring losses.

He was saying that he wouldnt lose anything in the fight between the two of them. Naturally, Ian didnt care who lived or died. As long as history and the natural order were followed, with one of the twin princes succeeding the throne, that would suffice. Of course, that would be in the distant future.

I also dislike incurring losses.

If Your Highness has suffered a loss, that is a matter to take up with His Highness Mariv, not me. Well then, shall I just wait for the full moon to rise?

If not, it would be troublesome for Gale himself. In the past, he would have ripped out Ians tongue for his impertinence. Gale shrugged, recognizing his own predicament once more.

Fine. Ill be waiting with the doors wide open.

Then, I shall take my leave.

Sir Ian.

Gale called out to Ian as he was about to leave. Filling his glass to the brim, he entreated.

Go easy on me.

Of course, I will instruct them to only make an attempt.

Not that. I mean you.

A meaningful statement. Was he asking for Ians help now? Ian bowed his head and exited the bedchamber. In that short span, it seemed the scent of alcohol had permeated his clothes.

Swish.

Now, I should return and select a suitable slave.

Lord Ian.

Lady Melania.

Have you finished your discussion?

Yes. I hope you have a pleasant evening.

Just as Ian was about to brush past her, Melania grabbed his arm with a rough hand. The strength coming from her slender arm was unexpectedly fierce, making it hard to believe. Her expression was obscured by the backlit moonlight streaming in.

Ian, I have something to tell you.