Chapter 247

Chapter 247

Ian recalled the day he had faced Melania.

In front of Gale’s quarters, under the brilliant moonlight, her face flushed as she called his name familiarly. Wasn’t it an intimate attitude, as if calling an old friend?

He had thought it might have been a mistake due to alcohol, but it seemed that wasn’t the case after all. To mention the surname of traitors, Bratz, again.

‘Perhaps the illegitimate Ian had some connection in Bratz?’

It’s impossible to know. How could Emperor Ian possibly know the past of the illegitimate Ian?

As Ian slightly furrowed his brow, the servant took a step back. He judged that Ian was displeased at being told to go back and forth with those facing title revocation and family extinction.

“I apologize. Shall I not mention it in the future?”

“No. It’s fine. I’ll see her after I’ve finished my work. Isn’t Melania the youngest daughter of the Hayman family? Have all her brothers come in as well?”

“Only the Duchess and the eldest son have entered the palace.”

“Many families will likely leave the second son at home like them. Investigate and keep track of their numbers. To prevent them from uniting.”

“I will convey that.”

The executors who went to the scene were those who earned their living from this work. Whether tying up carriages or whatever else, they would surely perform their roles well. But there’s no harm in being cautious, is there?

As Ian made a light gesture, the servant retreated completely out of sight. He bowed and met Jin’s gaze.

“Your Highness. The palace soldiers are performing their roles well. They say the heirs of seven families have already entered the palace. I should go and greet them as well.”

“What if I come along...”

Jin trailed off, watching Ian’s expression. Ian smiled playfully. It meant no.

“...I can’t, can I?”

“Why do you think you can’t?”

He’s being mischievous. He just told him so with a smile.

Jin stopped, resting his chin on his hand in deep thought. Tick tock, time passed, and the footsteps of servants were heard and disappeared several times in the distance, but Ian waited for the child without showing any sign of rushing.

Soon after, Jin spoke.

“I’ve already shown a strong will to check the nobility with the title revocation matter. Although it’s limited to Hayman and his forces, other nobles are also sensitively on alert. Isn’t that why we brought in the Sereau family to prevent this?”

It’s more convenient to guide the situation as ‘Palace’ versus Hayman rather than ‘Imperial Family’ versus nobility.

The palace not only has the imperial family, but also officials, and among them are those who have received titles.

By putting nobles on the opposite side, like Sereau, at the forefront, the intention is to dilute the backlash, checks, and wariness pouring towards the palace.

“I think it would be advantageous for that atmosphere if I show my face moderately and then step back. Also, I’m still too young, and it doesn’t feel right to be in the interrogation room-“

As the only heir without need for checks. There’s no risk of being pushed aside even if I don’t step forward.

Jin silently swallowed these last words without uttering them. Ian raised his hand slightly to his chest, giving an imperial palace-style greeting.

“If that is Your Highness’s intention and judgment, gladly.”

Ian gestured to the servants following at a distance to attend to Jin. Realizing that the two had different destinations, they slowly split into two groups. Xiaoshi, who had been mixed in among them, walked towards Jin.

“Please move only with Xiaoshi. I’ll see you again soon.”

“Alright. Take care.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ian left first, turning the corner. Numerous servants and guards followed behind him. Jin watched this scene for a moment before looking out the window.

“...Xiao.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Do you remember? Before, I was rude in front of His Highness Gale’s quarters.”

“Of course. How could I forget?”

“I have a friend I formed a connection with in Bratz.”

“In Bratz? How did the youngest daughter of the Hayman family go to such a frontier? I’m surprised. It sounds like a lie.”

Ian smiled, pointing out the credibility.

Isn’t that right? Common sense-wise.

“I spent most of my childhood in Ruswena. And I returned to Bariel when I turned ten. Through Hawan Kingdom.”

“Hawan Kingdom. Hawan Kingdom. Was it because of a marriage alliance?”

“Yes. Like our mother. Those who lost in the Ruswena succession were scattered to surrounding countries. My cousin brother married into the Hawan royal family. My schedule was to watch the wedding and then return to Bariel.”

And naturally, the escort and cargo transport for this schedule were entrusted to Rutherford, who had regular dealings with Hayman.

“Rutherford, you know them, right?”

“Of course. They’re the merchant group that supplied the amber raw stones Mariv used in the rebellion. I heard they have several alchemists.”

“Is that really all?”

Melania asked, slightly biting her lip, as if clinging to hope. Ian just slightly raised his head with a calm gaze. As if he didn’t understand what her intention was.

Her breathing became a bit rough. It seemed to be a reaction created by emotions such as excitement, frustration, and tension.

“I asked if that’s really all.”

“Melania. I don’t understand what you’re saying.”

“I met a boy in Bratz with blonde hair, green eyes, and white skin. Honestly, it’s an old memory so I’m not certain about the face. But Lord Ian. The moment I saw you, it felt like the fog in my mind cleared.”

Ian smiled palely. See? He wasn’t sure if Melania was now trying to play tricks or if the ‘illegitimate Ian’ actually had a connection with her.

“So I thought if I called your name like back then, Ian would recognize me too.”

“You seem to be mistaken about something, Lady.”

“I thought so too. But no matter how I think about it, isn’t it too much of a coincidence? How many children with your appearance could there be in Bratz? And that ability.”

Ability. Melania looked down at Ian’s gloved hand and muttered firmly.

“Who else could possibly have that?”

Ian spread out his hand. Come to think of it, didn’t Philea mention something in a letter?

When the illegitimate Ian was very young, he went on an errand to a merchant group and brought back a red flowerpot. The person who gave him the flowerpot greatly praised Ian, saying he had ‘talent’.

“Did I ever show you my magic?”

Certainly, the illegitimate Ian was also a magic user. As Ian was about to conclude this, Melania opened the jewelry box to show him notes, pressed flowers, and an amber stone. Ian immediately recognized what the pressed flower was.

Silasque.

The flower said to never wither once it blooms.

“Why do you keep pretending not to know?”

“Lady.”

“...This, you made this, Ian.”

Melania whispered, pressing the amber raw stone in her hand into Ian’s. Her tone was pleading, begging him to pretend to know.

“And Rutherford even praised you for it. Said you had talent. Why do you keep pretending not to remember? We even made a vow over the stone. Why...!”

Melania now seemed certain that the friend in her memory was Ian, and had decided to believe so.

The amber raw stone cut in half. Ian found himself muttering without realizing.

“Ian, made this?”