Chapter 242

Chapter 242 – Ruswena Delegation

The Ruswena delegation was guided to the reception room farthest from the main building of the imperial palace. This was partly because it was an unannounced visit, and partly to hide the commotion inside the palace as much as possible.

The Prime Minister, leading his staff, hurried across the corridor.

“Did you say the delegation’s representative is Eldert?”

“Yes. He’s the cousin and closest confidant of Erifoni, the current 12th king of Ruswena. He’s said to be serving as the king’s advisor now. Before becoming an advisor, he has a background as a professor of urban engineering at Ruswena National University.”

“...A professor? He looked quite young.”

The Prime Minister marveled, recalling the man he had briefly seen during the break. The fact that the king’s confidant had come meant that they weren’t taking Hayman’s request for help lightly. Well, if they had, they wouldn’t have come directly to the imperial palace like this in the first place.

The Prime Minister furrowed his pale eyes as he entered the arched main door. The servants standing on both sides of the reception room noticed his presence and announced it inside.

Creeeeak.

“The Prime Minister enters.”

As the doors opened on both sides, those who were drinking tea on the sofa stood up simultaneously.

Excluding the guards, there were five in the delegation. Among them, Eldert, the representative, was the last to put down his teacup. He was a man with long teal hair, slanted eyes, and in contrast, prominently soft lips.

“Oh, Prime Minister.”

“You’ve waited long.”

“Not at all. We’re grateful for providing such a quiet reception room. It feels like our travel fatigue is melting away.”

The staff flinched at Eldert’s courteous remark. Wasn’t he indirectly pointing out that they had been given the innermost, most secluded part of the imperial palace?

Moreover, quite some time had passed as they were dealing with the chaos in the grand meeting. Normally, the delegation should have been assigned quarters to rest in by now, not still be in the reception room. Yet, they had been left here in the reception room without any attendants. Rather than melting away, their fatigue should rightfully be building up.

Regardless of the relationship between the empire and the kingdom, this was clearly a mistake, or rather, a non-mistake by the imperial palace.

‘Well, look at this?’

But what could they do? It was impossible for the Emperor to come out personally for a sudden visit, and he couldn’t do so now anyway. Normally, receiving foreign delegations was Mariv’s responsibility, but he was dead. The Foreign Affairs Department? Those with high enough status to receive the delegation were all tied up in the grand meeting.

“Everything in the imperial palace is the best. Whatever it is, it’s sufficient to relieve your travel fatigue. Please, sit.”

Using Hayman as an excuse to target cracks in the empire, how dare they sharpen their tongues? This much hospitality is more than you deserve, the Prime Minister responded with a smile. The staff and delegation subordinates sensed the chilled atmosphere and held their breath.

“Well. What business brings you here from far-off Ruswena? I heard you were looking for Duke Hayman.”

Although they were immediate neighbors, the Prime Minister deliberately added the word ‘far-off’. This wasn’t simply to create distance or a tactic for gaining the upper hand. After all, looking anywhere in the world, there were no examples of good relations between bordering countries.

“We heard that Duke Hayman was in the palace and wanted to see him. Please don’t read too much into it.”

Wars and conflicts to gain even a little more of the drawn border, and the hatred, anger, and disgust sown because of it. Of course, Bariel was an empire and they were a kingdom, so naturally, Bariel had the upper hand throughout history.

However, Ruswena was self-sufficient, centered around fertile land, and compared to other countries, the legitimacy of their royal family was maintained almost perfectly. It was a clear example of how distinct their national character was.

“And?”

“We’ve heard there’s been some commotion in the imperial palace. Concerned that His Majesty the Emperor might be worried, our king has sent a modest gift.”

At Eldert’s signal, his subordinate brought out a small box. It was full of black jewels said to be found only in Ruswena and rare medicinal herbs.

The Prime Minister stroked his beard and carefully observed Eldert. The jewels were one thing, but what was the meaning of the medicinal herbs? It seemed they knew the Emperor’s condition was serious externally. Then, what about the suspension? Did this mean Hayman didn’t know about that?

“If it’s alright, please grant us the honor of presenting this to His Majesty directly.”

“I’m afraid that’s not possible. His Majesty’s workload is excessive, and he can’t spare time for unscheduled meetings. I will certainly emphasize King Erifoni’s sincerity when I convey this.”

The Prime Minister shook his head, indicating refusal. His staff carefully took the box and carried it out of the reception room.

Is there any other business? The Prime Minister asked with his eyes, and Eldert just smiled slightly.

“It’s regrettable, but we’re truly grateful that you’ll do so.”

“It’s late tonight, so rest well. The horses must be tired, I’ll have new ones prepared.”

One night. It meant he was allowing just one night. The delegation members’ lips naturally hardened at this blatant treatment.

“Come on. Everyone, drink your tea without leaving any.”

“Huk. That...”

“Lord Eldert. Can’t just one, just one of us sacrifice?”

“No. Everyone drink.”

“Oh my, this is driving me crazy.”

Eldert smiled as he sprinkled a fine black powder he had prepared into his subordinates’ teacups. It was an excellent powder for causing stomach upset.

***

Zzzing. Zing.

Ian’s fingertips twitched.

And slowly, his eyelids opened.

His gaze wandered here and there in a daze, but soon, after a few blinks, he regained clear vision.

It was Hale. He was biting an unlit cigarette and infusing it with magic power. For Ian’s recovery, the mages were taking turns injecting magic power without fail.

“...Hale.”

Did his voice come out right? Ian wondered to himself as he wiggled his fingers a few times. Then Hale, who had been lost in thought, jumped up and shouted outside. It was a voice so loud it sounded like thunder tearing through the air.

“Lord Ian has woken uuuup!!”

“Lord Ian has woken up?”

Slam!

Bang! Boom!

Crash! Bang!

“Hey, call a doctor!”

“Captain Hale, you couldn’t wait and lit another cigarette!”

“No, I was just holding it in my mouth.”

“Lord Ian. Are you feeling a bit more conscious? Can you recognize me?”

“Oh my, move aside. Move. Lord Ian!”

He couldn’t tell who was who. Ian’s head rang at the flood of various voices. He frowned and barely muttered.

“Everyone, please be quiet...”

“Hup. We’re sorry.”

“Shut up, all of you shut up!!”

“You’re the loudest, you bastard.”

Ian let out a faint sigh and requested water. His upper body was raised, and lukewarm water slowly flowed into his mouth. This allowed him to speak a bit more easily.

“Can you get up?”

“...Not yet.”

Ian pressed his forehead and remained silent for a moment. All the mages quieted down, waiting for him to stabilize.

A few minutes later, Ian raised his head and asked.

“...Where is His Highness Jin?”

“His Highness is sleeping. It’s dawn now.”

He seemed to have said something while half-asleep, but he couldn’t remember. He lay back down on the bed and wiggled his hand. What could it mean?

Hesitantly, Hale slipped a cigarette between his fingers, but Ian immediately dropped it and replied:

“Summarize what happened while I was asleep and bring it to me.”