Chapter 239

Chapter 239 – Three Hours Ago

It was when Ian declared the demon’s annihilation. While most were focused on him, a considerable number were observing Duke Hayman’s expression.

The duke’s unprecedented look of bewilderment. It was the rock bottom that humans could show when faced with the worst situation. Hayman, who was said to stand between the royal family and nobility, didn’t hide his distress, even letting out small groans.

“Damn it.”

“D-Duke.”

He had already turned the imperial palace upside down once by colluding with Gale. To overcome that, he had tried to push Arsen as the successor, but now this bolt from the blue!

A demon? And a product of a curse continuing since the nation’s founding? It was maddening enough, but what made it even more bleak was that Ian, their adversary, had discovered and eliminated it.

‘It would have been better if the demon had come out alive.’

It would have been better if everyone died, killed, and collapsed. Then their transgressions would have been mixed in the chaos, becoming unrecognizable.

Even now, even now, if only that bastard could somehow...!

“...The Second Prince of Bariel, Gale Verocion, has passed away.”

Hayman, who had been chewing his lips, jerked his head up in surprise. Those around him also let out gasps of surprise simultaneously.

In stark contrast to the fuss they had made trying to kill him before the trial, Gale was dead. And he had walked in of his own accord.

“Did you just hear that? My goodness!”

“His Highness Gale has passed away.”

“Something seemed off from when he was climbing the stairs earlier. Could he have sacrificed himself for Bariel?”

“What sacrifice? He probably tried to seize an opportunity and failed. He was bound by charges of treason. By dealing with the demon, he could at least restore some of his fallen prestige, making it easier for Ruswena to negotiate when he sought asylum.”

“Still, it’s clear he had the look of someone prepared for death.”

Voices drifted about without order. Chaotic and frivolous. But that was only for a moment; Hayman’s faction, who had been waiting for a chance to resurface, exchanged glances in silence.

As mages, the Imperial Guard, and escorts rushed into the building for cleanup, they naturally stepped back and gathered together.

“Duke. We need to devise a plan.”

“F-First, let’s leave the palace. Then it would be good to gather our private soldiers and discuss. Let’s contact each estate and rally. As for Dilaina, no, it’s too complicated to worry about that right now.”

“Won’t it be a problem?”

“If we continue like this, problem or not, we’ll all die!”

They had supported a demon that tried to bring down Bariel. The game was essentially over. The Ministry of Magic had already saved the imperial palace from crisis twice, and the prince they protected had now become the empire’s only heir.

Not just that. With the emperor unable to fulfill his role in preserving his position, it was clear that Ian would become the de facto master of the imperial palace.

There seemed to be no way to survive. Not only were they blocked front and back, but it felt like defeat was rising to their chins.

“Let’s leave the palace.”

Whatever happened, it was better to go to their estates than to stay in the imperial palace. Ian’s condition looked quite bad, so this might be their chance. If there truly was no other option, they would have to attempt asylum in Ruswena, just as Gale had done.

Just as they were about to prepare their carriages.

“Wait.”

The Prime Minister, who had been discussing something with the mages, hurriedly raised his hand. Hayman vaguely sensed the measure he was about to take. The mages had started running towards the main gate of the imperial palace. The Prime Minister cleared his throat loudly, as if to draw attention.

“Ahem! From now until the situation is resolved, all entrances and exits of the imperial palace will be sealed.”

A demon had infiltrated the imperial palace pretending to be a prince. Moreover, another prince had died because of it. Where in Bariel’s history was there such a disgrace?

As this was a matter that could not be recorded in history, the cleanup had to be perfect. Control, erasure, and fabrication for future generations. Everything needed to be returned to the Bariel of before Arsen’s birth.

For that, the first step was to keep witnesses confined by prohibiting them from leaving the palace.

“Everyone, please follow the guidance to the main building of the First Imperial Palace.”

Given that he didn’t mention the schedule for the countermeasure meeting, it seemed some kind of investigation would take place beforehand.

They had said Arsen used brainwashing. It was the correct procedure to check if anyone else had fallen under the demon’s influence. Though it was uncertain when they would receive it, given how busy the mages and priests were.

“Oh my, we were trapped like this last time too.”

“Once you enter the imperial palace, you can never leave, I swear.”

“It can’t be helped. The matter is what it is. One way or another, it was a foregone conclusion that we couldn’t leave today. We should be grateful that the demon was dealt with.”

“This way, please! We will guide you!”

The nobles boarded carriages, whispering among themselves. One by one, they disappeared towards the main building of the First Imperial Palace, following the gestures of the Imperial Guard. This was in the opposite direction of the exit. Hayman and his followers had no choice but to get into their carriages.

Neigh!

‘The palace gates must have been sealed with magic. It’s absolutely impossible to break through physically.’

Hayman twisted his beard as if he would tear it out. Let’s think, and let’s observe. Let’s consider how we can survive, how we can overcome this crisis.

Earlier, he had only thought of fleeing in panic, but now that he thought about it calmly, wasn’t that the move of an amateur among amateurs! The duke remained silent, assessing the situation until his followers gathered around him after arriving at the First Imperial Palace.

“Duke.”

After about two hours had passed like this. With the darkening sky as a backdrop, someone approached him.

It was a mage wrapped in a robe. Someone connected more by gold veins than blood veins. The one who had sent a letter to Hayman with the pen of the Ministry of Magic. He carefully reported what had happened at the cleanup site.

“...Arsen’s fluid remains. It seems it will be definitively proven that he was a demon. Ian annihilated the demon with sacred incantation circles and collapsed from the aftermath, now receiving treatment. Romandro is in the same condition. Dilaina is hovering between life and death, but it seems there’s no hope.”

“Hmm.”

It was fortunate that Ian had collapsed, but it was regrettable that there was no hope for Dilaina. Jin had seemed to deeply miss his mother.

The excuse to seek forgiveness by putting his mother forward, for a mistake caused by the demon’s machinations, had disappeared.

“And a survivor said something strange. Arsen said that Ian is a member of the royal family. He cited the royal family’s blessing of immunity to brainwashing as evidence.”

“What did you say?”

Hayman’s voice rose loudly at this unexpected nonsense. Because of this, his followers who had been watching anxiously focused their attention even more. The mage, as if feeling burdened, pulled his robe tight and disappeared.

“Duke. What did that person say?”

Hayman stared blankly ahead. In contrast to his calm face, his fingertips were constantly scratching and tearing at the sofa armrest. A way, a chance to survive, was beginning to appear.

“...Listen carefully from now on. Every moment could be the turning point between life and death. First, we too were under Arsen’s brainwashing. Otherwise, how could we have tried to push a mere demon as Bariel’s successor? Right?”

“Y-Your words are absolutely correct!”

“Of course! The demon controlled us!”

The truth or falsehood wasn’t important. The Ministry of Magic has truth potions anyway. The truth and lies would be distinguished according to Ian’s will. The key was to establish and assert an outward justification. Even if it seemed as insignificant as a sand castle, justification has meaning just by its existence.

“And-“

The biggest problem now was the bond between Ian and Jin. Ian had given Jin substantial power through the means of the Ministry of Magic, and Jin had added authority through the legitimacy of the royal family. They couldn’t deal with both of them at once.

“Arsen apparently said Ian is of royal blood. His Highness Jin heard it too.”

“What? What does that mean...”

Again, the truth or falsehood of this wasn’t important. Rather, if Ian were of royal blood, it would truly be disconcerting. The honor of being the first royal mage would be given to Ian, and this would mean the birth of a new emperor.

“What do you intend to do?”

“...What else?”

Ian is too solid to find any gaps. So we need to shake the relatively weaker Jin. Shake that young body until he doesn’t know who is beside him.

“Ian being of royal blood, ha, it’s ridiculous even saying it... Anyway, it will become a topic with unpredictable repercussions. Wouldn’t the Minister of Magic, who is about to come of age, be more suitable for the throne than the young and insignificant Jin?”

“Let’s record that they died during the civil war.”

“That seems appropriate.”

“There were many casualties at the time, so let’s include them among those.”

As the officials were creating gaps in history by exchanging words, Jin slightly raised his hand to cut off their conversation.

“Unlike Brother Gale, the mages don’t bear any crimes. They died fighting against a demon to protect Bariel, so I think it’s right to honor them.”

“Ah, well. That is a valid point too.”

An official replied awkwardly, smacking his lips. No matter how much of a prince he was, wasn’t he just a ten-year-old child? Moreover, he hadn’t been attending meetings formally for long.

“When Lord Ian wakes up, it would be good to coordinate with the entire Ministry of Magic’s opinion before deciding. It’s not an urgent matter, is it?”

Everyone smiled awkwardly and remained silent. The intention to link the Ministry of Magic’s victims to the rebellion was, in the long run, an attempt to check the Ministry of Magic’s power.

Although everyone now knew of the Ministry of Magic’s achievements and had handed over real power, it would eventually fade, and in the future, their existence would only be gauged by records.

By connecting the Ministry of Magic with civil war, someone from the imperial side, a future restrainer, could use it effectively. In whatever way.

“Your Highness.”

A voice tinged with laughter called out to Jin. It was Duke Hayman. He was smiling with just the corners of his mouth raised, and his intention was clear.

‘Ah, look at this young and foolish prince. Perfect to devour.’

“...Speak.”

“Tying the deaths of mages to the rebellion is helpful to Your Highness. May I ask why you oppose it?”

It was an urging to confess that there was no reason, and it was just due to poor calculation. The nobles whispered behind their fans. One couldn’t know what expressions they were making beyond what couldn’t be seen.

Instead of answering, Jin slowly looked around the conference hall and soon noticed the hidden intention. It was remarkable how they were trying to take maximum advantage of Ian’s absence while having survived thanks to him.

Was it because this was a meeting without a scribe, one that would dissipate immediately after ending? Were they doing this freely because there was no one to directly receive Ian’s backlash?

“Didn’t you just state the reason? They are heroes who died fighting a demon, so let’s respect them as much as possible.”

As the prince’s silence lengthened, Quintana stepped in to smooth over the atmosphere. But Hayman kept smiling, his gaze fixed on Jin. It was clear disregard and pressure.

“They are already dead. It’s a death that won’t be recorded in history, so it seems you’re going to extremes to honor it.”

“...Lord Hayman.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin called out to Hayman in a clear voice. It was so clear and distinct that the resonance was crisp. As he raised his chin, the light made his blue eyes sparkle even more.

“If the end of those who died for the empire is miserable, who will step forward in times of crisis? Don’t insult those who sacrificed. They did so for a greater cause, and we have an obligation to be grateful for that. Respecting their honor. That’s the least the living can do.”

Moreover, isn’t it not something for nobles, of all people, to say? When the empire faced danger, for example in wartime situations, nobles were the first to be drafted and sacrificed. How could they make such statements?

“Well, those who would just watch during an imperial crisis probably can’t comprehend the spirits of those who sacrificed. Hmm. If anyone has a different opinion, please feel free to share. I’m still inexperienced, it was just a small personal view.”

Wouldn’t adding more here make one “someone who would just watch during an imperial crisis”? As Jin smiled brightly as if he didn’t understand anything, Quintana and the Prime Minister exchanged glances, hiding their surprise. Being young and inexperienced was Jin’s absolute weakness. But instead of clumsily hiding or decorating it, wasn’t he openly using it as a weapon?

‘Lord Ian must have taught him well. Though the result is different, he’s thoroughly imitated his demeanor.’

This time, everyone’s gaze turned to Hayman. He bit the inside of his cheek as if exasperated, but soon composed himself and continued his opinion.

“...No. I only brought it up out of concern for Your Highness. Please don’t misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand? Not at all. Isn’t this what meetings are for? To find the best option, the existence of second-best is also important. That’s how we know the best is truly the best.”

To imply that Hayman’s statement was completely useless like that. Quintana almost let out an exclamation involuntarily. Isn’t this truly interesting? His highness must have harbored a firm determination.

And for good reason, the opponent was none other than Hayman. He was the core of Arsen’s faction that had been in check, and the essence of the nobles who had been causing trouble since Mariv and Gale’s rebellion.

“By the way, Duke Hayman.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Are you alright?”

Hayman hesitated at the sudden question. But regardless, Jin feigned innocence and asked after his well-being.

“Except for my mother, you had the most contact with Arsen, who turned out to be a demon.”

It was a move to point out his association with the demon. Most of the attendees were those who had turned their backs believing in Arsen’s magic power, so everyone tensed up, repeatedly wetting their lips with saliva.

“Yes. I was brainwashed without realizing it and almost committed a disgraceful act. But the mages and priests have double-checked, and they say there’s no problem now.”

“Oh? It was brainwashing?”

You’re calmly telling a lie that will be exposed once Ian wakes up and time passes. But Jin just kept nodding his head, pretending to be pondering something.

“However, Your Highness...”

Just as Hayman was about to speak, the Prime Minister’s subordinate entered from outside and urgently conveyed something to him. The Prime Minister’s brow instantly furrowed as he looked at Hayman.

What could it be? Jin was about to ask curiously, but the Prime Minister struck his gavel to prevent it.

Bang! Bang!

“Excuse me. We’ll take about an hour’s break.”

Leaving behind the bewildered nobles, the Prime Minister whispered to Jin. With Mariv, Gale, and even the Emperor absent, he was the only one left in the imperial palace.

“Your Highness. I hear an official delegation from Ruswena has arrived. I’ll meet them first at my level, so please stay in your seat for now.”

Ruswena! Why now? Jin managed his expression and glanced at Hayman. He too was urgently discussing something with other nobles. But, they probably don’t know yet.

As the Prime Minister left the conference hall, Hayman casually inquired after Jin’s well-being.

“Your Highness. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“It must be thanks to the imperial family’s blessing. That’s a relief. But you know, there’s an incredibly absurd rumor going around, could you confirm if it’s true?”

“Which one?”

“They say that before the demon died, it said Lord Ian was of royal blood. Is that true?”

Quintana, who had stood up to smoke, turned around in disbelief. What nonsense is this? It’s a question far beyond the bounds of common sense. Hayman has gone too far, she thought, clicking her tongue involuntarily as she responded.

“Duke. Your statement is shocking. Even without a scribe, this is the imperial palace. What on earth are you-“

“Even the High Priest, full of divine power, fell helplessly. I’m just asking out of curiosity about how Lord Ian was unharmed. Why are you reacting so sensitively?”

As Quintana was about to retort, snapping her pipe in half, Jin stopped her with his hand. The child kept smiling.

“Duke. Ian is the Minister of the Ministry of Magic. Isn’t it natural that a demon’s tricks wouldn’t work on him, given his extraordinary magical power?”

Then he slowly stood up and approached the duke. Although it was break time and everyone seemed to be minding their own business, they were subtly paying attention to the two.

“And even if not, the demon might have excluded Ian when using its ability to cause confusion.”

“Yes. That’s possible.”

“Ian being of royal blood. Hahaha. You seem to be more conscious of the demon’s words than of the person who saved the imperial palace twice. Perhaps your brainwashing hasn’t fully worn off? You should go to the Ministry of Magic for additional examination.”

As the child approached, Hayman also bent slightly at the waist to meet his eye level. Ian being of royal blood was just a tool to create repercussions. The essence was to shake the relationship between Ian and Jin. He suggested very quietly. Like a demon, it was a tickling whisper.

“I’m just worried about Your Highness. Didn’t the demon say that Ian was hiding his true intentions?”

“So-“

“So why don’t you test it?”

The matter of Ian rising to the position of minister, actively appointing people despite external opposition. No matter how you look at it, it was an unnecessary thing, but he stubbornly refused to give it up, contrary to reason.

“The construction of the Ministry of Magic’s annex would be appropriate. It’s just to expand the Ministry of Magic’s influence, so I’m curious how Ian would react if Your Highness opposes it.”