novelraw Chapter 289
Chapter 289
Chapter 289“Try to focus. You keep making the same mistakes.”
“Easier said than done. Haven’t slept in days.”
“If you have complaints, take them directly to Lord Ian.”
“Who’s complaining? By the way, haven’t the ones who went to the Administrative Department returned yet? Send word – we’re dying here!”
“Move aside, geez! Has anyone seen this report?”
“Why are you asking us? Where’s the seal?”
“This is ridiculous, seriously!”
Boom! Bang!
The atmosphere inside the palace was just as chaotic as outside. The Administrative and Ministry of Magics in particular were filled with such commotion that they resembled a marketplace.
Order within disorder. The mages ran about in tangled paths.“Word from the outskirts!”
“Report to Lord Ian!”
Patter patter!
One mage instinctively dashed forward. As he made his presence known while catching his breath, Romandro poked his head out, as if suggesting the messenger couldn’t enter.
“Is this work-related?”
“Ruswena’s procession has reached the central district. They should enter the city streets in about two hours.”
“Understood. I’ll relay it immediately.”
“Please do.”
Creeak.
When the office door closed, the clamor was cut off and faded away.
The inside was truly quiet. Probably because Beric and Barsabe had been called to the Imperial Guard.
“Ian, did you hear?”
“Yes. About two hours. That’s tighter than expected.”
Ian closed the documents he’d been reading and stood.
His neatly styled hair, crisp uniform, and fine leather shoes – his already perfect appearance had become even more impressive.
He walked slowly to stand behind Jin, who was being dressed.
Their eyes met through the mirror.
“Your Highness. Let me remind you once more as you’re being dressed.”
“Go ahead. Sigh.”
“…The Queen of Ruswena is coming to pay respects to Your Highness. Keep your mind straight. Don’t let even the mirror reflect any wavering. Your Highness will know, and soon the world will know. You are Bariel, are you not?”
Don’t be nervous about merely facing another country’s king.
How could Your Dignity sigh like that?
Ian’s sharp reproach came with his hands firmly gripping the child’s shoulders. A touch both gentle and strong. Warmer than any words saying not to worry.
Though Jin seemed too tense to notice, Xiaoshi and Romandro clearly took in the sight.
“I understand. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Good.”
Ian lightly caressed the child’s shoulders as if playing piano keys. Jin smiled softly at his playfulness, and Ian smiled too, as if that was the expression he’d wanted.
“Do you remember the political situation in Ruswena?”
“The royal faction in Eripony has firmly secured power. Two years ago, when drought hit the eastern granary region, the opposition gathered strength, but things were resolved smoothly and they couldn’t gain much influence. The central noble of that opposition was Madam Hayman’s aunt’s husband – specifically, her second aunt’s husband.”
The child recited what he had studied in a monotone voice, without a single stutter or pause.
Didn’t this mean the information was perfectly embedded in Jin’s mind? Romandro’s eyes sparkled as he clasped his hands together in delight. He couldn’t be more proud!
“Then what about the relationships between Ruswena, Clifford, and Burgos?”
But Ian continued with the next question instead of praise.
Their eyes met again through the mirror. Though they looked at the same place, their points of focus were misaligned. Jin smiled brightly as he answered.
“Since nothing is certain, make conjectures but avoid hasty judgments. The only certainty is that the alliance of three nations that they ‘couldn’t’ form until now has been achieved.”
“Do you understand the reason?”
“Of course. Because I am lacking.”
From an outside perspective, it seemed achievable. The palace sealed off by civil unrest, an Emperor who kept his position, and a ten-year-old child who survived alone.
Literally, Jin was alone.
Though Ian was beside him…
How Ian’s existence is being interpreted is another unknown.
He was both an asset and a liability.
The presence of a strong and capable mage strengthened Bariel, but it equally diminished Jin’s standing.
Wouldn’t the leaders of the three nations prefer to speak with Ian standing behind rather than bow their heads to a ten-year-old child?
This was both an undeniable reality and the first hurdle Jin had to overcome.
“…Your Highness is not lacking.”
After a moment’s silence, Ian corrected him.
Rustle. The hair by the child’s ear swayed lightly at Ian’s fingertips. At his gesture to continue the grooming, the attendants moved busily.
Hair was combed, clothes were straightened, and small ornate jewels were pinned to his chest.
The scar on his face seemed especially prominent today. When Jin unconsciously touched the mark with his fingertips, Ian added:
“None of the leaders of the three nations has such a strong testament as Your Highness. Take pride. You look magnificent today.”
“Thank you, Lord Ian. You look handsome too.”
“Ian would look handsome even wearing clothes backwards! Your Highness, we should depart soon. Time is running out. Xiao, please make a final check that the carriage is ready.”
“Yes, understood.”
Romandro chimed in while checking his pocket watch.
Jin made a final check in the mirror before stepping down from the chair. Ian was about to ask if he should offer his hand, but there was no time. The child pushed open the office door and went ahead first.
“We depart. Everyone follow.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Patter patter!
The attendants, Ian, and Romandro followed the small footsteps. Xiaoshi stood by the prepared carriage. He bowed and opened the door upon seeing Jin.
Ian looked down at his own hand before casually taking out leather gloves.
“Ian, what’s wrong? Are your hands cold?”
“It’s nothing. Let’s go, Sir Romandro.”
Ian smiled as he put on the gloves and sat beside Jin. Soon after, the carriage began moving vigorously.
The path opened to meet Eripony, Queen of Ruswena.
***
“Look! The carriages are coming! Oh my, double-decker carriages?”
“As expected, a royal procession is different indeed.”
“Come up here! The view is better!”
“Mama! Mama! The carriages from Ruswena have arrived!”
“Come to our tavern. Perfect view of the royal procession! Beer for just one copper! First come, first served – only taking ten customers!”
“Kyaaah! Run! Let’s follow them all the way to the palace!”
Past lunchtime.
Ruswena’s royal procession had reached the city streets. Beside the central road that only royalty could walk on, the path was cleared for noble guests.
Soldiers held back the crowds with spears, while dispatched mages walked alongside to maintain safety, just in case.
The spectacular sight of dozens of double-decker carriages moving slowly. Citizens continuously exclaimed in awe, welcoming Eripony’s visit.
“Queen of Ruswena! Welcome!”
“Welcome! This is Bariel!”
“How dare you! Step back!”
“What’s wrong with it? It’s a good day, with good guests!”
“Yeah, don’t be so uptight!”
Clatter clatter!
Whoosh!
The sight of five or six man-high wheels moving simultaneously caught children’s curiosity, while the strange clothing caught young people’s attention.
The gold, silver, and tribute goods piled high behind the carriages drew adults’ interest, while the band’s music brought joy to blind elderly folk.
The procession was already massive and slow, but the carriages moved at barely walking pace.
“…Surprisingly lively.”
Eripony, Queen of Ruswena, muttered while slightly lifting the curtain with her fan. Though they had traveled for days over quite a distance, she looked no different than when she’d departed her palace.
Neatly combed blue-green hair, straight posture, and sharp eyes. Eripony glanced dismissively at the excited crowd before lowering the curtain again.
“The Emperor nearly died, and a ten-year-old child will succeed him. They seem less worried than I expected.”
“Though the palace did falter, it’s maintaining its center well now. There was even a talent recruitment examination for the Imperial Guard and Imperial Defense Department recently. Those effects likely continue.”
The response came from Eldert sitting opposite her. Her cousin brother and delegation member, he was identical to her from his long blue-green hair to his demeanor and features.
Eripony twisted her lips in a cynical smile.
“Seems they did suffer losses in the civil unrest. Even holding large-scale talent recruitment. I hear they even sold viewing tickets for the trials of Hayman and the central families?”
Quite understandable, no? Though temporary, it was clearly aimed at securing revenue. The more one interpreted the rumors, the more one could guess that Bariel had problems.
Eripony frowned while rolling her shoulders as if stiff. Truth be told, if not for the King of Burgos’s proposal, this wouldn’t have been worth the journey.
Just for a young prince’s inauguration ceremony.
“When are Burgos and Clifford supposed to arrive?”
“They said they’d match the schedule, so there shouldn’t be much difference. If there are no problems.”
Just then, the carriage began moving much more smoothly. They had passed the bumpy road and were nearing the palace.
Eripony was momentarily stunned by Bariel’s grandeur which she was seeing for the first time. Though her own kingdom was famous for its beauty, this was far beyond mere aesthetic comparison.
“Impressive.”
“Though not as much as Ruswena.”
“Nonsense.”
She firmly rebuked him while maintaining her dignity. By this point, she understood why the King of Burgos had suggested meeting at Bariel’s palace.
Though her father had seen the palace when attending the current Emperor’s inauguration ceremony, she hadn’t. After ascending as queen, she had only imagined Bariel through Eldert’s accounts. When only hearing descriptions, she had thought it must be quite magnificent, but…
Seeing it in person, it was truly remarkable.
“I see why the King of Burgos called me here.”
“Surprising, isn’t it? King Damon’s proposal must seem appealing.”
“Yes. Certainly.”
Eripony and Eldert exchanged glances while whispering quietly. Though no one else was in the carriage, who knew? Mages might be eavesdropping on them.
Creeak.
Neeeigh!
“Your Majesty Eripony. We’ve arrived.”
The carriage stopped in front of the main palace. A crowd waiting for them filled the surroundings. All the palace ministers and officials had come out to greet them. The carriage door opened and steps extended down.
Rustle.
Eripony gathered her long hair and slowly descended from the carriage. Officials seeing her for the first time started in surprise.
When they had only seen portraits, they had vaguely imagined an ordinary woman, but in reality…
“She’s incredibly tall.”
“Is there giant blood mixed in?”
“Shush! How could you say such things!”
Her overwhelming height was imposing. The Prime Minister stepped forward and bowed to Eripony.
“Queen of Ruswena. Though we know your heart must be weary from the long journey, our Prince awaits.”
“Of course. I must pay my respects.”
Though her tri-colored eyes showed no such desire, what could she do? She followed the Prime Minister with Eldert in tow.
Rustle.
“This way. Your Highness. Queen Eripony of Ruswena has arrived.”
“Let her enter.”
Eripony couldn’t help but smile slightly. The voice was unmistakably that of a young child. Soon the door opened, and she could face Jin sitting on the sofa.
“Welcome. You must be tired from your long journey.”
“…Not at all, Your Highness.”
Eripony had only one impression upon first seeing Jin.
How cute. A young lion indeed.
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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 VictoryMBSE Chapter 283 - The Award CeremonyMBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon RisesMBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade SecretsMBSE Chapter 286 - Damon RunkvisMBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten PageMBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are ComingMBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion CubMBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen's ProvocationMBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar TasteMBSE Chapter 292 - Things to EndureMBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with JeiruttMBSE 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🔒85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask🔒85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return🔒85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn🔒85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team🔒85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns🔒85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border🔒85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop🔒85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border🔒85MBSE Chapter 327 - Secret Contract🔒85MBSE Chapter 328 - Discovering Ian🔒85MBSE Chapter 329 - To Meet the King🔒85MBSE Chapter 330 - Entering Clifford🔒85MBSE Chapter 331 - Those Who Hold Idgal🔒85MBSE Chapter 332 - On the Brink of Explosion🔒85MBSE Chapter 333 - The Mages' Grand Council🔒85MBSE Chapter 334 - Magic Amplification Drug