Chapter 261

Chapter 261

“Ahem, ahem.”

Romandro shook off the awkwardness with an unnecessary cough. Why was he so nervous and embarrassed? He stood in front of the blackboard, fidgeting with the pen handle.

When dispatched to disaster sites, he used to recite reports in front of dozens of people two or three times a day, but strangely, he felt more nervous now compared to then.

Just four people.

And they were all familiar faces.

“Romandro, I’m counting on you.”

Was it because Jin, the future Emperor of Bariel and the current sole heir to the imperial family, was looking at him with sparkling eyes full of expectation?

“Sir Romandro. Please begin.”

Or maybe it was because he was in front of the boy who had risen to 4th in the imperial hierarchy with his bare hands, the Minister of Magic.

Come to think of it, this was the first time he was presenting information to Ian in this way. He’s a brilliant and meticulous superior. If he made even one mistake, he’d likely be pointed out immediately.

“Come on, hurry up so we can go eat!”

“...”

While Jin and Ian were sitting side by side with their desks pushed together, Beric was sprawled on the sofa, and Xiaoshi was standing near the door.

Romandro coughed again and picked up the chalk. These were the two people leading the Bariel Empire. He had been tasked with introducing foreign affairs, which they knew nothing about, for the first time. How weighty was this responsibility? Excluding personal emotions, his primary goal was to convey just the facts plainly.

As he flipped over the map he had prepared in advance and began his introduction:

“The Great Empire of Ba-riel!”

“Wow, you’ve got quite a voice there, Sir Romandro.”

“Located on the central continent of Gaia, it’s difficult to see the sea except at the southernmost tip. Instead, it has achieved stable development due to its vast territory, abundant resources, and the mountain ranges surrounding its borders. Look at the mountain ranges. Don’t they look like they’re being embraced by the hands of a god? This is evidence that Bariel has received divine blessing.”

“Oh? Here! Ian, here’s Hielo. Hielo.”

Beric frowned as he glared at the map, then spotted the Hielo territory and rushed over to point at it. Nearby, the Monne mountain range where Luron stones were discovered was colored in dark.

Romandro waved his hand as if to say “get out of the way,” but Beric just kept alternating between looking at the center and Hielo, marveling.

“Wow, it’s really far from here to here.”

“It took fifteen days by carriage.”

“That’s right. This is Karenna! Where we met Hasha!”

Who’s Hasha? As Jin tilted his head, Ian pointed to the northwest of Bariel with his fingertip and explained.

“The northwest border is currently in chaos due to civil war, natural disasters, and so on. The country is divided, with many community units close to tribes, and even if not, looking inside, the conflict between factions is serious. Hasha is a necromancer from a country called Astana among those.”

“I’ve heard of that. Former Minister Wesleigh invited necromancers from various regions for cultural and academic exchange purposes. But underneath, there was an intention to raise influence by creating a place of peace among the conflicting countries.”

He had volunteered to act as a kind of mediator. Aside from the grand cause of resolving conflicts, numerous intentions and desires were hidden underneath. In particular, it was a project largely based on Wesleigh’s misguided love.

“Yes, Your Highness. That’s correct. You know well.”

“Hmm. Just this much.”

Jin smiled shyly as if embarrassed.

Ian quickly sketched a central map at the edge of his notebook, then roughly pointed out the outlying areas.

“The necromancers are currently continuing their academic research in the outskirts of the central area. Most returned to their countries when Wesleigh died, but a few are still fulfilling their agreed study periods without canceling them.”

Since their research requires corpses, they have no choice but to do it as secretly as possible. Jin nodded repeatedly, taking in Ian’s words.

Seeing this, Romandro pushed Beric aside and approached closer, almost in tears. He was going to explain that! He had lost the lead because of that damn Beric.

“Your Highness, please! I’ll explain the rest!”

The information and knowledge Jin gains now shapes him and will complete the future Bariel. Romandro, thinking he couldn’t lose this glorious starting point, passionately pointed at the map.

Bang!

“The Hielo territory is in the east of the country, and adjacent to it is the Kingdom of Hawan. Hawan shares borders with Bariel and Ruswena. The countries in the northwest are small and their internal affairs are chaotic, so you don’t need to worry much about them. Your Highness, just focus on three countries. Three countries. I’ll tell you in clockwise order.”

Ruswena in the northeast.

Clippoford in the south.

What nonsense is he going to spout now! Romandro tensed up and raised his hand, ready to chop down on his forehead if necessary. But Beric didn’t even blink an eye as he picked his ear.

“Eriphony is a blue-green snake, Noah is a red fox, and this guy is a black bear, right?”

Ah. What should I do with this ignorant troublemaker? Romandro shook his head pitifully, holding his forehead.

“In my opinion, Beric you bastard, the gods must be watching over you. It was the same in Hielo. Your given lifespan is too long compared to your behavior. Instead of loafing around, you’d better go out and offer some prayers.”

“Huh? Did I say something wrong? Try to refute it.”

“Never say such things in front of others! I’ll really hit you!”

Beric squawked that it was unfair, while Romandro grumbled for him to be quiet. While the two were causing a commotion, Jin quietly looked up at the portrait.

Due to its low quality, it was smudged here and there from fingerprints.

“...It’s incredible. I can feel the spirit even from the drawing.”

Scars haphazardly filling the face, the left ear half cut off with an ornament taking its place, and a rugged, angular jaw that looked solid and firm.

Truly an amazing man.

Just as Jin let out an admiring exclamation.

“...Timothy.”

“Do you know this person? Lord Ian?”

“Yes. I think I’ve heard it somewhere. Sir Romandro. Is this man’s name Timothy?”

“Yes! That’s right, Timothy!”

Ian’s expression was somewhat subtle as he stared straight ahead with his arms crossed. He frowned as if trying to recall something, remaining silent for a while.

Jin waited patiently, but Ian ultimately just smiled without saying anything.

“Your Highness. You should recognize these portraits well so you can greet the guests excellently at the appointment ceremony.”

“Don’t worry!”

“Yes. I’m not worried. Because I’m sure Your Highness will do well.”

Ian answered thus and stood up from his seat. Seeing him even remove the pen nib and put it down, it seemed he was about to go out.

“Sir Romandro. Please continue explaining to His Highness Jin. I just remembered some unfinished business, so I’ll be back soon.”

“Iaaaan! Where are you going?”

“I told you, I’m going to take care of some work.”

“Let’s go together! Let’s stop by the dining hall on the way back.”

Bang!

Beric, who had been grabbing Romandro’s collar, immediately chased after Ian as he left. Surprised by the sudden action, Jin just stared at the half-open door.

Creeak.

Until Xiaoshi completely closed the door. Jin lightly shrugged his shoulders and picked up the pen Ian had put down. Then he looked at Romandro, his eyes asking him to continue explaining.

“Ahem. Your Highness, then shall we continue just the two of us?”

“Yes, yes. Let’s do that. I’ll ask a lot of questions!”

“I welcome it. Um, ah, and Your Highness. It’s just my concern, but may I speak...”

What is it? Jin smiled and gave permission.

“When foreigners are present, you must never, ever speak about imperial secrets. Even if you become close later. Lord Ian may be trustworthy, but in the future, you shouldn’t tell even Lord Ian. A true servant would voluntarily block their ears the moment they hear imperial secrets.”

The smile slowly faded from Jin’s face. As if he didn’t understand what the man was saying at all.

“Ah, of course, I’m not saying Lord Ian did anything wrong. But for mutual trust and a better relationship, it’s better to keep what should be kept... um. It’s my small request.”

Romandro smiled awkwardly and gripped the chalk.

“Then, shall we continue!”

Navigate to Other Chapters

MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's EndMBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House BratzMBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis EstateMBSE Chapter 04 - ShacklesMBSE Chapter 05 - PlansMBSE Chapter 06 - A StrollMBSE Chapter 07 - IlliterateMBSE Chapter 08 - IntentionsMBSE Chapter 09 - The Second LuncheonMBSE Chapter 10 - The BroochMBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and WaterMBSE Chapter 12 - The ProposalMBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower PotMBSE Chapter 14 - The Training GroundMBSE Chapter 15 - BericMBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage KnightMBSE Chapter 17 - EnemyMBSE Chapter 18 - PreparationMBSE Chapter 19 - InformantMBSE Chapter 20 - The DoorMBSE Chapter 21 - DiamondMBSE Chapter 22 - The TutorMBSE Chapter 23 - The WarriorMBSE Chapter 24 - NersarnMBSE Chapter 25 - ProofMBSE Chapter 26MBSE Chapter 27MBSE Chapter 28MBSE Chapter 29MBSE Chapter 30MBSE Chapter 31MBSE Chapter 32MBSE Chapter 33MBSE Chapter 34MBSE Chapter 35MBSE Chapter 36MBSE Chapter 37MBSE Chapter 38MBSE Chapter 39MBSE Chapter 40MBSE Chapter 41MBSE Chapter 42MBSE Chapter 43MBSE Chapter 44MBSE Chapter 45MBSE Chapter 46MBSE Chapter 47MBSE Chapter 48MBSE Chapter 49MBSE Chapter 50MBSE Chapter 51MBSE Chapter 52MBSE Chapter 53MBSE Chapter 54MBSE Chapter 55MBSE Chapter 56MBSE Chapter 57MBSE Chapter 58MBSE Chapter 59MBSE Chapter 60MBSE Chapter 61MBSE Chapter 62MBSE Chapter 63MBSE Chapter 64MBSE Chapter 65MBSE Chapter 66MBSE Chapter 67MBSE Chapter 68MBSE Chapter 69MBSE Chapter 70MBSE Chapter 71MBSE Chapter 72MBSE Chapter 73MBSE Chapter 74MBSE Chapter 75MBSE Chapter 76MBSE Chapter 77MBSE Chapter 78MBSE Chapter 79MBSE Chapter 80MBSE Chapter 81MBSE Chapter 82MBSE Chapter 82MBSE Chapter 83MBSE Chapter 83MBSE Chapter 84MBSE Chapter 85MBSE Chapter 86MBSE Chapter 87MBSE Chapter 88MBSE Chapter 89MBSE Chapter 90MBSE Chapter 91MBSE Chapter 92MBSE Chapter 93MBSE Chapter 94MBSE Chapter 95MBSE Chapter 96MBSE Chapter 97MBSE Chapter 98MBSE Chapter 99MBSE Chapter 100MBSE Chapter 101MBSE Chapter 102MBSE Chapter 103MBSE Chapter 104MBSE Chapter 105MBSE Chapter 106MBSE Chapter 107MBSE Chapter 108MBSE Chapter 109MBSE Chapter 110MBSE Chapter 111MBSE Chapter 112MBSE Chapter 113MBSE Chapter 114MBSE Chapter 115MBSE Chapter 116MBSE Chapter 117MBSE Chapter 118MBSE Chapter 119MBSE Chapter 120MBSE Chapter 121MBSE Chapter 122MBSE Chapter 123MBSE Chapter 124MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble MageMBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and JinMBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden OracleMBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning GuestMBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the ScenesMBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New SwordsmanMBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training GroundsMBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy OpponentMBSE Chapter 133 - Joining CeremonyMBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's LetterMBSE Chapter 135 - Love is CrazyMBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of ChaosMBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale FirstMBSE Chapter 138 - I SwearMBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear AgainMBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding PeopleMBSE Chapter 141 - Love and WarMBSE Chapter 142 - Black SmokeMBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from GraceMBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden MagicMBSE Chapter 145 - AshesMBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a CurseMBSE Chapter 147 - Truth SerumMBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret DealMBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next MinisterMBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy LetterMBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave CaravanMBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal SlavesMBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig PartyMBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and NegotiationMBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through ChecksMBSE Chapter 156MBSE Chapter 157MBSE Chapter 158MBSE Chapter 159MBSE Chapter 160MBSE Chapter 161 - MotherMBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a WildflowerMBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the TruthMBSE Chapter 164 - Signal FlareMBSE Chapter 165 - XiaoshiMBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination AttemptMBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's SealMBSE Chapter 168 - That NightMBSE Chapter 169 - A MessMBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral ForcesMBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading SparkMBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the TwinsMBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious ChildMBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by BitMBSE Chapter 175 - VariableMBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing StoneMBSE Chapter 177 - The Black MoonMBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the MoonMBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, NowMBSE Chapter 180 - SurrenderMBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's EyesMBSE Chapter 182 - The Day EndsMBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency MeetingMBSE Chapter 184 - The Next EmperorMBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of RobersideMBSE Chapter 186MBSE Chapter 187MBSE Chapter 188MBSE Chapter 189MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council MeetingMBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental RightsMBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the TruthMBSE Chapter 193MBSE Chapter 194 - TrustMBSE Chapter 195 - Merry DailyMBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City GatesMBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the CommotionsMBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of BloodMBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me TooMBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor MageMBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of PositionMBSE Chapter 203 - D-7MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy DaysMBSE Chapter 205 - D-6MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial GuardMBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black ArmorMBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial BeginsMBSE Chapter 212 - The DefenseMBSE Chapter 213 - The VerdictMBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First PrinceMBSE Chapter 215 - In the GreenhouseMBSE Chapter 216 - I ObjectMBSE Chapter 217 - A New ProphecyMBSE Chapter 218 - D-4MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step BackMBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One MindMBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap ScriptMBSE Chapter 222 - PushMBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp ThudMBSE Chapter 224 - D-3MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of GodMBSE Chapter 226 - Little DevilMBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent ResponseMBSE Chapter 228 - D-2MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's WhispererMBSE Chapter 230 - D-1MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal BloodMBSE Chapter 233 - D-DayMBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the VoiceMBSE Chapter 235 - The LastMBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an HonorMBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving BehindMBSE Chapter 238 - Without IanMBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours AgoMBSE Chapter 240 - WhisperingMBSE Chapter 241 - Calling NamesMBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena DelegationMBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on BedMBSE Chapter 244 - This is the BloodwindMBSE Chapter 245 - Central NobilityMBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for RuswenaMBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's PleaMBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's RequestMBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backerMBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's SignaturesMBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the PalaceMBSE Chapter 252 - Mud PitMBSE Chapter 253 - RumorsMBSE Chapter 254 - PillarsMBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a TrapMBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families BeginMBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's BarielMBSE Chapter 258 - The VerdictMBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification StoneMBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment CeremonyMBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' FiguresMBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering TimothyMBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's ThoughtsMBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch????70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation????75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection????75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater????75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know????75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being????75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl????75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet????75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances????75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows????75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam????80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?????80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose????80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism????80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons????85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World????80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on????80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth????80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory????85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony????85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises????85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets????85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis????85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page????85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming????85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub