Chapter 240

Chapter 240 – Whispering

The Prime Minister paused for a moment, holding the gavel.

When was it? It wasn’t that long ago.

Before the New Year’s meeting, officials from each department would gather every morning to discuss agenda items, and in the afternoon, it was routine to present them to His Majesty.

But at some point, grand meetings for major issues began to be called at all hours. Ah. Was it since the rebellion of Mariv and Gale?

Anyway, two princes were already dead, and things had come to this point. A grand meeting without a scribe! This had significant implications for Bariel.

“I’ll inform you in advance. The grand meeting about to begin will have no scribe, which means we intend not to inform future generations. Do not leave any trace of any words exchanged, and the moment you turn around, cut out the memory.”

The Ministry of Magic would help ensure this.

The mages were looking for an appropriate method to seal secrets. A spell of silence or a potion, or if those weren’t feasible, they would even resort to magical tools. In any case, Ian’s approval was needed.

Bang! Bang bang!

The Prime Minister struck the gavel roughly to announce the opening. Simultaneously, the doors closed firmly. With not just officials but nobles present as well, the air felt more stuffy than usual.

“It would have been better if Lord Ian were here, but understanding his physical condition, we accept his absence. Instead, refer to the reports distributed previously.”

He was referring to the meeting on the day when none of Hayman and Arsen’s faction had attended. More precisely, the meeting where they had failed to obtain a grand meeting resolution regarding the filing of accusations.

The report detailed the curse and oracle that began at the Carbo Temple, “The Biography of Roberside,” and testimonies from Jin and Abidel.

Rustle.

The sound of turning pages echoed softly here and there. Jin was doing the same. With each sentence he read, it felt like he was objectively retracing the traces of his dead brother.

“Of course, these were mere allegations at the time. But we all knew they were true. The Carbo Temple should receive appropriate punishment. Are there any relevant laws regarding this? Judiciary?”

“Since oracles don’t have legal effect, there are no cases or precedents yet. Above all, since it was the work of a demon, it’s considered unintentional, so it seems difficult to charge them with deceiving the imperial family or other crimes.”

“How about letting the Carbo Temple handle it internally? There should be independent regulations within the temple.”

The statements went around one by one and stopped at Jin. In fact, he was the biggest victim of the oracle. It was right to consider his opinion as the most important.

“...I too think it’s right to leave it to the temple. Although Abidel received the oracle incorrectly, when she realized its true nature, she didn’t turn away but helped Ian. Her attitude of trying to make amends was clearly seen.”

The ten years had been painful, but he couldn’t lose the future over what was already lost.

Keep emotions as just emotions.

Don’t let them lead to decisions.

Jin spoke thus, recalling Ian’s teachings.

“And I heard her wailing. It was so heartrending that even God seemed to pity and comfort her. She was already stuck in a swamp of pain, not knowing what to do, so further punishment would be excessive.”

“If His Highness Jin says so...”

“Understood. We will inform the Carbo Temple accordingly.”

Bang bang!

The Prime Minister quickly concluded the resolution. There wasn’t much time. With the imperial palace closed off, they needed to handle matters quickly before harsh rumors spread outside. He adjusted his glasses and brought up ‘that’ name.

“Next is about Prince Gale. Arsen’s records only span ten years, so although difficult, we can cut them out.”

Moreover, Arsen was just a child receiving prince education, overshadowed by Mariv and Gale. He had never put his name to official duties or external activities of the imperial family, so erasing the records wasn’t entirely impossible.

But what about Gale?

“However, Prince Gale’s materials are vast. Since we can’t deny his existence, I think it would be better to write anew about his death.”

“I agree. He still maintained his prince status before the trial, and it’s easier to add than to erase, isn’t it?”

Although he had directly stabbed Arsen’s heart, no one knew. Not even Jin. God and Ian, who had witnessed his last moments, were silent.

“Then, since treason charges are involved anyway, why not say he was suppressed after starting a rebellion? It would serve as an example for future generations, and the flow would be natural.”

“I agree.”

“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.”