Chapter 280

“Excuse me. Where is the office of the Minister of Magic?”

“Go straight this way and then turn right once.”

“Thank you.”

“But you’re an Imperial Guard knight, aren’t you? Is this about tomorrow’s schedule? I’m in charge, so if it is, we can go together.”

Barsabe shook her head, arms full of reports. These were things that hadn’t been wrapped up at the grand council earlier. It was late at night, but once dawn broke, things would become hectic. Honestly, it wasn’t that important, but Captain Jeirutt had ordered to hurry and sort it out.

“No. These are reports from the grand council.”

“I see. Well then, good work.”

“Yes! Do your best tomorrow too!”

The mage smiled and passed by at Barsabe’s loud greeting. In truth, she was too tired to put much energy into it.

Barsabe followed the mage’s directions but then hesitated.

‘Come to think of it, is the office even open now? It’s my first time coming to another department this late, so I’m not sure. Usually, the duty officers receive these.’

In the distance, at the end of the corridor, she could see an imposing door. A faint light seeped through the gap. Barsabe realized why the mage hadn’t corrected her to go to the duty office.

The Minister of Magic doesn’t seem to know what leaving work means. It’s a place that’s always open, without exception. How terrifying and surprising is that?

Barsabe approached cautiously and made her presence known.

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

Not even asking who it is? Crazy. Were there reports he’d been waiting for until now? Barsabe poked her head in and greeted him.

“Good evening, Minister. I’ve brought the grand council reports.”

Ian continued writing without even looking at Barsabe. It wasn’t clear what work he was doing, but there were more old books than reports surrounding his desk.

Ian gestured with his left hand for her to bring them over.

‘A map?’

Maps of different scales, foreign history books in their original languages, administrative department archives, official diplomatic correspondence from previous generations, and so on. Weren’t these things outside the purview of the Minister of Magic? He didn’t seem to be trying to hide anything, so Barsabe asked as she placed the reports down:

“It seems I’ve come at a busy time. Is this personal work?”

“It could be, if you say so.”

Looking closely, they were maps of Burgos and the Kingdom of Ruswena. Sensing Barsabe’s gaze, Ian looked up.

“...I apologize.”

“Curiosity shouldn’t be a virtue for a knight.”

“Well, I, um...”

Despite delivering the reports, she showed no signs of leaving. Ian put down his pen and raised an eyebrow. With much to do, his look said to hurry and say what she needed to say.

“Captain Jeirutt wishes to rectify what happened today.”

“Rectify? How?”

“I heard the biggest issue was His Highness Jin’s guard, since Xiaoshi was injured. So, he asked if I might serve as His Highness’s escort until he recovers.”

“You?”

Ian asked back with a tone of disbelief. Barsabe placed her hand on her chest and gave the imperial palace bow.

Swoosh!

“Though I’m not in perfect condition myself, I’m more than capable of substituting for Xiaoshi. I swear on everything I have, I will think only of His Highness’s safety.”

Ian tapped his fingers on the desk as he looked at her. The silence stretched longer than expected. Just as Barsabe, unable to bear the suspense, was about to add something—

“Do so.”

“Pardon? Really?”

“...Was it a joke?”

“Of course not! How could I joke about such a thing!”

“We’re short-handed due to the selection schedule. Since Captain Jeirutt said he would rectify it, I have no reason to object. But it’s ultimately His Highness’s guard. It would be better to get His Highness’s permission rather than mine. It’s too late now, so when the sun rises, go up to his chambers and ask.”

“Yes. I understand. Then—”

“Barsabe.”

She had started to leave but stopped and turned back. Unable to hide her expression of surprise at how easily she’d received permission, she looked at Ian. Ian smiled slightly at her expression.

“Assisting with Beric’s training will also be your responsibility.”

Though he didn’t duel, Xiaoshi had been doing everything he could for Beric. From the basics of providing water and towels, to participating in basic physical training like running and push-ups to help improve his records.

Barsabe pursed her lips, clearly displeased, and muttered:

“I understaand...”

“Your Highness. Over there, it’s Xiao.”

“Oh. I see. It’s starting.”

“Xiao! Do well! Don’t get hurt!”

“If he wins here, he’ll be 3rd grade, right?”

“That’s right. Since there are too many below 100th place, they’re assigning separate grades. He showed good performance before facing Beric, so there’s reason to expect good results.”

“Xiao! You must not get hurt! Be careful of injuries!”

Jin stood up to cheer. The examination hall was bustling with noise. With shouts and battle cries erupting from all around, it was hard to even hear the person next to you, but all the officials on the second floor heard Jin’s voice. They were watching closely. Among them were Jeirutt and Ian, who was working.

Peeeep!

The whistle signaled the start of the match. Jin, not taking his eyes off Xiaoshi, asked:

“What about Beric?”

“He has a match right after this.”

It was Barsabe who answered. She glanced furtively towards Jeirutt.

Honestly, she thought Beric’s skills were truly extraordinary, but she never imagined he would enter the top 10. Barsabe bit her cheek with a subtle sense of defeat.

“Didn’t he already lose once to an Imperial Guard member?”

“The top 10 skilled individuals will continue to be verified over several rounds. Probably—”

“Xiao! Well done! That’s it!”

Xiaoshi planted his fist into his opponent’s jaw. Unlike before, it was a much more aggressive attack. Watching them exchange clean punches, Romandro’s blood seemed to boil as he kept shouting.

“Xiaooo!”

Thwack! Thud!

Whack!

Thick blood spurted. His movements were such that one could hardly believe he was an injured person. The spectators’ cheers also gradually rose, noisily shaking the surroundings.

As Xiaoshi drove his knee into his opponent’s chest, the match ended.

Xiaoshi, panting heavily, looked up to the second floor. On the left, Ian was looking down with the mages, and on the right, Jin was clapping his hands.

Swoosh.

“Xiao! Well done! You’re not hurt, are you!”

Xiaoshi placed his hand on his chest, looking towards Jin. Ian smiled faintly watching this scene. He then continued his discussion with the mage. Jeirutt, observing both him and Xiaoshi, spoke up.

“Every single one of your people is exceptional. Your eye for talent is remarkable, Minister.”

“It’s all thanks to His Highness’s virtues. Ah, Beric’s match is next...”

Ian muttered, flipping through the reports. Aren’t the top 10 skilled individuals facing their final matches now? Once finished, it would mark a generational change in the Imperial Guard.

Two new captains, and new members.

And that means—

‘The lineup of captains that will be deeply etched in history will be determined.’

Unless there were special circumstances, these would be the ones participating in the clash against the great monsters. Thus, they would bring about the downfall of the Atan tribe. The moment when new history is born. Ian smiled as if finding it interesting.

“Are you really going to step forward?”

“It’s about selecting the captain position. If it’s not someone I, as captain, acknowledge, it won’t do. I’ll examine them one by one starting from 10th place...”

Bang! Boom!

Crash!

At that moment, the training hall door was roughly flung open. Beric had kicked it open. He entered shouting a battle cry, with his black sword slung over his shoulder. He was the first talent Jeirutt would personally verify.

“Uwaah! Beric is here!”

“...He’s here.”

“...He’s arrived.”

Jeirutt and Ian muttered simultaneously. Beric pointed the tip of his sword at Jeirutt and grinned wickedly. As if thinking, what a great opportunity, especially after being pissed off by the recent incident.

“You dirty old geezer. I knew this day would come.”

“I didn’t. You’re tougher than I thought.”

“It’s not about being tough, it’s about being strong! I lost once, but shit, the weight class difference was too big! Anyway, this is great. Come down quickly! I’m going to examine you from head to toe. Let’s go!”

Even before stepping onto the arena, Beric was already releasing his magical power. The heat swirling from the black sword instantly filled the training hall. Unlike previous matches, this was the first time the use of their own weapons was allowed.

“All that complicated stuff about ranking methods, I can’t understand it. If I beat you, old geezer, I become captain, right?”

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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 BranchMBSE Chapter 265 - EmancipationMBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret InspectionMBSE Chapter 267 - Secret EaterMBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to KnowMBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-beingMBSE Chapter 270 - Underground BrawlMBSE Chapter 271 - The Best BanquetMBSE Chapter 272 - The King's CircumstancesMBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian KnowsMBSE Chapter 274 - Selection ExamMBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's PurposeMBSE Chapter 277 - CriticismMBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own ReasonsMBSE Chapter 279 - A Different WorldMBSE Chapter 280 - Head-onMBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes ForthMBSE 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????85MBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen's Provocation????85MBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar Taste????85MBSE Chapter 292 - Things to Endure????85MBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with Jeirutt????85MBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages Stop????85MBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy Ears????85MBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That Happened????85MBSE Chapter 297 - Examination????85MBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox Prince????85MBSE Chapter 299 - The Variable????85MBSE Chapter 300 - Inner Thoughts????85MBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the Meaning????85MBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of Magic????85MBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of Kings????85MBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the Jewels????85MBSE Chapter 305 - According to Plan????85MBSE Chapter 306 - This is an Opportunity????85MBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets Drunk????85MBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment Ceremony????85MBSE Chapter 309 - Don't Look Down????85MBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please????85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets????85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?????85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes????85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets????85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma????85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara????85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go????85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony