Chapter 253

Chapter 253

“Greetings, Lord Ian.”

“Welcome.”

Ian shook Sereau’s hand while casually looking him over. His coat, tie pin, and shoes had all changed to considerably high-quality items.

While previously his attire had been just enough to maintain the appearance of a nobleman, now it was clearly of the highest quality, seemingly intended to flaunt his wealth.

For a family that had been maintaining its lineage through rental businesses, it’s unlikely that a bundle of money suddenly fell from the sky...

“You look quite dashing today.”

“To hear such words from Lord Ian, I’m embarrassed. Haha. Thank you.”

It must be one of two things.

Either he’s using future expected profits, or other nobles have offered tributes to curry favor.

Whatever it was, it was certainly not a welcome change. A truly good timber should be heavy enough to maintain its center even when circumstances change.

Sereau, noticing Jin sitting on the sofa, looked surprised for a moment.

“Oh, Your Highness Jin. Hello. I am Marlon Hoff Sereau, at your service. I didn’t know you were here. Have you been well?”

“Thanks to you. Please, sit.”

Sereau politely nodded and took a seat opposite the sofa. Just as Ian had observed him, he too was examining Ian’s office in his own way.

“Bring some tea.”

“Yes, Lord Ian.”

The assistant named Romandro, the stack of documents next to him, and the red-haired guard with heterochromia who had been thoroughly beaten by Captain Jeirutt... Including the relationship between Jin and Ian, everything seemed unchanged.

Is the prince still not moving his quarters? With Jin coming out without a guardian like this, it truly becomes impossible to gauge Ian’s authority. Sereau rubbed his palms together and smiled palely.

“I heard your health was quite poor.”

“Really? Where did you hear that?”

“Pardon?”

When Ian suddenly asked back, Sereau was surprised and questioned in return. It’s something one would hear everywhere if they had ears, so how should he answer when asked like this? There’s a rumor that there’s a traitor in the Magic Department. Is he suspecting that?

As Sereau fumbled for words in confusion, Ian smiled slightly.

“It’s embarrassing, as it’s not a good image. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, I’ve improved considerably now.”

“I-I see. Tha-“

He wanted to say it was fortunate there wasn’t much damage considering the confrontation with the magical beast. But before he could even realize it himself, he burst into a fit of coughing, his throat suddenly constricted.

‘Is this a gag spell?’

Ian ignored Sereau’s coughing and changed the subject. Is there any need to exchange unnecessary greetings? Instead of that, it would be more productive to attend to business or read books with Jin.

“So, what brings you here? I heard nobles are reluctant to enter and leave the palace.”

There were even some who said they would leave the capital altogether, as every time they entered, something would happen and they’d be locked in.

“Well, I’m not sure if you’ve heard. The nobles who agree with me have come together to submit a petition. All of them, down to their subordinates.”

Ian raised an eyebrow. Jin, who was watching him, similarly raised his eyebrow. Sereau, seeing this from across, hesitated for a moment but soon continued.

“We did so hoping it would be of some help in the Justice Department setting the trial date...”

“Yes, I heard.”

“But I heard that Lady Melania of the Hayman family has left the palace. I was a bit concerned about that.”

Jin turned to look at Ian. He seemed to be asking why Ian had let Melania go when he himself was working hard everywhere to put an end to things.

“There’s no need for concern. Thanks to Lord Sereau’s help, we just received word from the Justice Department.”

“Has the trial date been set? Oh my. I didn’t know.”

“Pardon? Ahaha!”

He’s not denying it.

Ian smiled along with Sereau and wrapped up the conversation.

“Next time, I’ll bring my sister Alenara as well.”

“Ah.”

At the mention of his sister, Jin and Romandro jerked their heads up. Is he still holding onto the marriage proposal he had pushed in the greenhouse?

The atmosphere changed noticeably, but Sereau didn’t notice as he was adjusting his coat.

“Haha. In fact, when I said I was entering the palace today, my sister was so eager to come along. Lord Ian. Leave the nobles to me. Without a single worry, I’ll handle them well. Your Highness Jin. You too, please set your worries aside!”

Ian was the right hand attending to palace affairs on behalf of Jin. Then he would be the left hand governing on behalf of noble society. Sereau made this pledge as he placed his hat on his chest.

“Take care on your way back.”

“Your Highness Jin. I’ll see you again.”

“...Go.”

Creeak.

As he left the office, Romandro and Jin simultaneously put down their pen and book. Their expressions clearly showed their displeasure. Ian told the servant to clear away his teacup, saying there was no need to worry about it.

“But why does that guy’s sister want to see Ian?”

Beric poured a handful of gula into his mouth and chewed. Honestly, he only understood about half of what they were talking about. Romandro tapped his pen nib and explained.

“That fellow pushed a marriage proposal to Ian last time. It was politely refused, but he’s subtly pushing it again. Tsk tsk.”

“What!? Marriage proposal? The one I know?”

“Is there another marriage proposal you know of?”

“Crazy. Does he have money?”

“And if he does?”

“Tell him not to get ahead of himself.”

Romandro burst into laughter, apparently amused by Beric’s blunt words. It wasn’t just about the marriage proposal. Indeed, there were many attitudes that were a bit too daring.

“Ahem. I wonder if Lady Melania will cut that fellow down to size a bit?”

“Well, that’s what I’m hoping for.”

The lady is clever and has spirit. As I desire, she will drag Sereau into the dirty mud fight that only nobles can engage in. Because she’s someone who aims to survive, even if her whole body becomes a mess.

***

Meanwhile, Sereau left the palace and returned to his mansion. The street in front of the mansion was still lined with carriages. Traces of those waiting for Sereau, who had entered the palace.

He had met Ian, who was not easily accessible, and the prince was there too. When he tells them this news, his guests will be overjoyed. Sereau rushed inside as soon as the carriage stopped.

Creeak.

“You’ve returned, sir?”

“Ah, yes. Where are the guests?”

“They’re inside, but...”

“Haha. Why are they waiting here? I would have contacted them properly.”

“Um, young master.”

The butler held Sereau back. The old man furrowed his brow deeply, as if something was amiss.

“I overheard the guests’ conversation by chance, and I’m asking just in case. Do you have any dealings with the Hayman family?”

“Dealings with Hayman? What are you talking about?”

“I heard that we leased the Chetur district to Hayman. That it was initiated by the relationship between their second young master and Lady Alena. They said that now we’re pretending to have no connection with Hayman.”