novelraw Chapter 293
Chapter 293
Chapter 293The Imperial Guard had two buildings. Due to the nature of their duties, one near the Emperor’s quarters and another by the training grounds. Beric led them to the one close to the Emperor’s quarters.
Romandro muttered while looking around curiously.
“Come to think of it, this might be my first time directly visiting this place.”
No one could deny that the Emperor’s quarters were the most noble and splendid place in Bariel.
“It’s shabby.”
Though Beric expressed it quite differently. He spun around to walk backward while leading the way.
“And there are too many things we’re not allowed to do.”
“That’s natural since it’s close to His Majesty the Emperor. But Beric, no guard member has better luck than you. Other members live in dormitories with strict lights-out and wake-up times. Hmm? But you…”
Boom!
Just as Romandro started nagging, backward-walking Beric hit his head on a door. The door suddenly opened at the presence – it was Barsabe. She glanced disdainfully at Beric who was crouching and clutching his head.“…Welcome.”
“Ow, you did that on purpose, didn’t you Lord Romandro!”
“Did I tell you to walk backward? Doing that himself then complaining.”
Ian passed by Beric and followed Barsabe inside.
The first thing visible was the golden badges filling the wall. All belonged to warriors of the Imperial Guard. Those who met honorable deaths facing enemy forces or magical beasts for Bariel. In Ian’s time, these had overflowed to extend along the adjacent wall.
‘It feels strange anew.’
That this palace where he now stood was from a hundred years ago. As Ian paused in this gap of memory, Jeirutt stood beside him also looking at the badges. Deep reverence showed in his eyes.
“Do you know? The number of these badges matches the number of Imperial Guard members who have passed through history.”
“Captain Jeirutt.”
“Dying honorably. That is the true period at the end of an Imperial Guard member’s sentence.”
The badge of former Third Captain Riama who had betrayed them was not hung here. He had been stripped of his qualification entirely.
In the whirlpool of history where numerous emperors ascended and vanished. Naturally, the Imperial Guard members protecting them couldn’t expect peaceful deaths either.
“I ain’t got no badge though?”
Beric poking in between Ian and Jeirutt. Barsabe grabbed him by the scruff of his neck and pulled him away, telling him not to interrupt.
“When you die. I’ll polish it well and hang it up.”
“Are you joking? What good is gold or silver when you’re dead? Give it while I’m alive! Already getting minus salary-“
“Please, just shut up and follow me.”
Ian smiled at Jeirutt while watching Beric being dragged away. Wasn’t this their first meeting since the recruitment tournament? As he had rapidly emerged as a center of opposition forces, meetings themselves weren’t easy.
“It seems it’s been a while, Captain Jeirutt. I wanted to apologize about Beric causing so much trouble, but hadn’t had the chance.”
“It’s fine. We accepted him knowing what to expect to some degree. I know you’re busy with the inauguration ceremony. But there’s something urgent to discuss. This way please.”
A large round table sat in the middle of the common office area, where the new captains Simon and Bonita were standing. They were carefully examining spread-out maps and letters, but noticed Ian and greeted him.
“Hello, Minister. Third Captain Simon.”
“Bonita.”
A light handshake. Though they maintained courtesy, it was utterly stiff. Understandable, as although they were equal rank captains, wasn’t Jeirutt, their senior and pillar, wary of Ian? They weren’t warriors to dress up their words with unnecessary pleasantries.
“Actually, we received contact from the southern border patrol. When checking the magical anomaly detection devices, they found the readings abnormally different from usual years.”
“By how much?”
“…They say it’s triple.”
Ian skimmed through the report stamped with the border patrol seal. He showed no signs of questioning.
Simon and Bonita exchanged slightly surprised glances. They had expected him to at least ask what a magical anomaly detection device was.
“Excuse me, but what is that?”
Just like this Romandro.
Simon handed over another report while explaining:
“It’s a kind of alarm device installed at regular intervals along the borders. Though Bariel is relatively safe from magical beast attacks, we can’t be careless. The north and west are so rough that yearly records fluctuate between 5 and 6.”
“Does it detect magical power?”
“Yes. Though it’s not actually limited to just magical beasts. However, they say this is the first time such readings have been recorded in the south, near Clifford.”
What was happening across all of Gaia, centered on Bariel? Ian tilted his head while flipping through the report.
“The reason for the unexpected inspection of magical anomaly detection devices was due to earthquake aftereffects.”
“We were thinking of dispatching our members and mages to investigate the entire border. Lord Romandro, didn’t you work as a reconstruction advisor examining earthquake-damaged areas before becoming an assistant?”
“Ah yes. That’s right. I was active in that role until just before going down to Brats- no, Hielo. It’s true that both small and large earthquakes have become more frequent.”
Thinking about it now brought tears to his eyes again. To be posted to the provinces right after returning. Romandro clenched his fist, vowing never to leave the central region again.
“How many personnel to dispatch?”
Then came Ian’s question cutting in. Having finished reading all the reports, he placed the stack on the table. Simon and Bonita carefully offered their opinion while watching Jeirutt’s reaction:
“The more the better.”
At those words, Romandro, who had been lost in memories, snapped to attention. When mages were already scarce, to split them up and send them on business trips to all four directions. The intention was too clear.
They were trying to divide them.
Whether influence or whatever else.
“The Imperial Guard? Wh-why do you say that about how many people?”
“We’re thinking to inspect based on set numbers from the Ministry of Magic. The Imperial Defense Department said they’ll support with escort forces where needed, so there’s no need to worry about safety.”
“Now see here.”
When Romandro bristled to object, Ian lightly raised his hand to stop him. It was a very slow and quiet gesture, but enough to silence the surroundings.
“Everyone leave except Captain Jeirutt.”
At his request, Romandro withdrew with a cough, and Simon and Bonita too disappeared after getting Jeirutt’s permission.
Ian traced the borders of Bariel marked on the map with his fingertips.
“Captain Jeirutt. I’ll answer first. I won’t send mages to the border. Even if I did send any, one is the maximum I could spare.”
What Ian wanted was to check himself, not the Ministry of Magic. The Ministry of Magic, specifically the mages, were practically Bariel’s central axis. If this wavered, Jin ultimately couldn’t move forward.
‘Is this the limitation of warriors? Though they seem to have aligned understanding with the Imperial Defense Department to some degree, still…’
They seemed to need someone to view the political situation on their behalf. A righteous heart was strong power. But if misdirected, it could be worse than having none at all.
Ian flicked the map and smiled brightly.
“It seems I’ve somehow earned Captain Jeirutt’s displeasure while I wasn’t aware. Perhaps because I left you with an unruly one like Beric?”
“Not at all.”
“There has been a lot of talk lately. Since I have ears, it keeps reaching me and truly bothers me. Though things are certainly unsettled with His Majesty the Emperor preserving his position as he is, aren’t all officials doing their best in their respective positions?”
They were the Emperor’s guard. For those with that as their foundation, it would be advantageous in many ways to be closer to the Administrative Department than the Imperial Defense Department.
“The Ministry of Magic too. There’s constant talk that our treatment is excessive, but if even palace mages are reduced, it’s clear as day there will be problems with department operations. I trust you anticipated I would refuse.”
Jeirutt simply nodded calmly. As Ian said, he hadn’t expected immediate approval at all.
“Yes. Then it seems unlikely you called me just to discuss this.”
Ian sat in a chair and clasped his hands. Then Jeirutt heaved a deep sigh and reached into his breast pocket. A bundle of letters in his hand. He handed them to Ian to read.
“What is this?”
“You’ll understand when you see.”
Jeirutt’s voice was unusual. Ian untied the string, and soon pressed his temple as if surprised.
***
“Where’s Ian?”
“Hey you, what are you doing?”
Romandro who had come out approached Beric with a highly displeased expression. For some unknown reason, Beric was doing a handstand against the wall. Romandro crouched down and grumbled incomprehensibly.
“What’s he saying? Where’s Ian?”
“He’s in there meeting with Captain Jeirutt.”
“Damn, I’m not gonna get scolded, right?”
“Did you do something wrong again?”
Whoosh! Beric got up with a light movement and strongly denied it, making an X with his hands. Did he not know that strong denial was affirmation?
“Absolutely! Absolutely not!”
“…Right. Sure.”
“By the way. When’s the inauguration ceremony actually happening? I heard outside is completely crazy right now. Like alcohol flowing through the sewers, strangers dancing and singing in the streets, everyone’s busy partying.”
He wanted to go out and play too. When Beric’s eyes sparkled and he drew close, Romandro pushed his face away.
“Don’t even dream about it until after the inauguration and the guests leave. How could someone eating imperial rice play around like common folk?”
Eripony had just arrived as the first guest, and he was saying this!
Beric clicked his tongue and lay right down on the floor. The Third Captains Simon and Bonita seemed used to it, discussing something among themselves while pretending not to see.
“Is Viviana coming for the inauguration?”
“Of course, since His Highness Jin invited her.”
At the mention of Viviana, Romandro’s expression softened slightly.
The inauguration itself would take place before nobles and a few invited guests, with the schedule concluding with walking the Emperor’s path while wearing the crown.
Creeak.
“Oh? Ian!”
“Ian! How did it go, did you coordinate well?”
Though Ian’s expression wasn’t particularly different from usual, Beric sniffed saying something seemed strange. Horrified at this sight, Romandro yanked Beric’s sideburns.
“Beric! Whatever else, you can’t do that while wearing the uniform!”
“Our business is concluded. Shall we return to the Ministry of Magic?”
“Ah, yes. Alright.”
“Beric, what about you?”
“I wanna come too! I finished all today’s training!”
Though he seemed to have judged arbitrarily without asking his superiors Simon and Bonita. Ian nodded and left eye greetings with the two.
“Well then, goodbye.”
“Please go safely.”
The two bowed politely, and Ian set off without hesitation. He seemed somewhat hurried.
Romandro attached himself to the left side while running and asked:
“Ian, what’s wrong? What did Jeirutt say? What about the mages?”
“We won’t send any mages.”
“Right? Ah, yes. I said the Imperial Guard was being a bit much!”
And Beric running on the right side. Though he also pestered to be told, it was drowned out by the gesture of a mage standing beside the carriage. The mage shouted loudly upon spotting Ian:
“Lord Ian! They say Clifford’s carriages have started appearing!”
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 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