novelraw Chapter 300
Chapter 300
Chapter 300Damon Runkvis, King of Burgos. He watched outside the window with his black shoulder-length hair tied down.
Unlike his barren country, this was a land flowing with milk and honey, where people knew how to enjoy festivals. To see them so delighted over a mere appointment ceremony of a prince – not even an emperor – who’d had such a faint presence.
As he tilted his head with a sigh, his loosely tied hair slipped down.
“Looks like Burgos just arrived.”
“Never seen such stylish black carriages before.”
“Hello! Burgos!”
“Welcome! We’ve been waiting! His Highness Jin must be too!”
“Burgos! Wave to us!”
Since Clifford had just passed through, the people’s enthusiasm was particularly hot.
Having seen their horse acrobatics, winking attitudes whenever eyes met, and chest-thumping band performance, their expectations were thoroughly inflated.Timothy, sitting behind the coachman’s seat in front of the king’s carriage, awkwardly averted his gaze.
Clip-clop!
Crack!
Burgos’s guards and knights, even down to the lowest servants, walked in dignified formation. No room to accept even a single flower offered by a child through the gaps.
Except for the occasional buffalo horn sounds marking their rhythm, Burgos’s march was utterly silent.
The tension felt more like an enemy nation entering during wartime than coming to celebrate an appointment ceremony. Those who’d been tossing flower petals from the railings stopped as if deflated, propping their chins.
“Why are they like that? Smile! Don’t ruin the mood!”
“That country never changes either. Leave them be. They’ve always been like this. Cold and frigid. To put it badly, just unpleasant. Though I thought they might’ve changed since the king changed.”
“What about the king?”
“He’s young. Probably just a bit older than our Ministry of Magic head? Well, there’s so much talk about their royal family, figured he wouldn’t be ordinary.”
“What kind of talk?”
“They say bastards are running around claiming royal blood.”
“What? Hahaha!”
Though Burgos’s march was silent, the central district was filled with thousands of people’s chatter and songs. Even if drunk people spouted unfriendly words, they wouldn’t reach the carriage.
Rustle
“Your Majesty. We’ll reach the palace shortly.”
In the distance, Bariel’s soldiers could be seen at the end of the central road. When Timothy reported through the window connecting to the carriage interior, Damon straightened his posture and gaze.
Is he not here?
The secret-eating gypsy.
Just because he knew the past and future, he acted so impudently as if he knew the truth. If he knew he was being hunted, he’d surely be mixed in the crowd, watching mockingly.
Damon bit his inner cheek while looking up at the window connected to the coachman’s seat. Timothy’s profile was visible through the opaque glass.
…How will it go this time?
Honestly, Damon still couldn’t be certain. Whether this Timothy was truly the same person as the Timothy from his previous life.
As he regressed and Burgos’s history twisted, many people’s fates changed. Timothy must have been affected too.
Then, would the end be different as well?
Though there were big and small changes, some things remained unaffected except for direct derivatives.
If this were his third life, he would have known everything without wavering.
Damon closed his eyes briefly. He could feel the carriage gradually slowing. Entering the palace would be like throwing himself into a storm.
Click, as the carriage door opened, he opened his eyes. His violet pupils, hidden in shadow, became dyed in Bariel’s sunlight. In his previous life, his father had come here instead.
Creeak
“Welcome, King of Burgos.”
Someone who appeared to be Bariel’s Prime Minister greeted politely with his hand on his chest. Palace officials stood in a fan formation behind him.
As Damon descended from the carriage, they too simultaneously raised their hands in courtesy. The wind particularly whirled at that moment.
“Was your journey not too taxing? His Highness considers how you’ve traveled this long way for Bariel. This way, please.”
As the Prime Minister turned while guiding them, golden hair behind him caught Damon’s eye.
An astonishingly young boy.
Damon recognized him as Ian Hielo, who had been in Timothy’s reports. The Head of the Ministry of Magic and allegedly a border region bastard.
***
Pale.
If the officials’ first impression of Damon had to be defined in one word, that would be it.
He seemed to have a sensitive temperament. Though the Prime Minister paused briefly indicating him to follow, he stood still, just staring at Ian.
“King Damon, is there any problem?”
“…No. Let’s go.”
Ian kept his gaze lowered until Damon passed. There was no need to hastily exchange words with that person.
Even if it were just simple greetings, all interactions contain information. The other’s breathing, tone, gestures, frequently used words, and so on.
If Ian’s existence was something Damon was seeing for the first time, there was even more reason to be careful.
Rustle
Damon brushed past Ian. Led by the Prime Minister and Damon, Burgos’s delegation and palace officials followed in line.
When Timothy’s eyes met Ian’s, he nodded slightly in greeting. Ian returned the nod with a smile, as if saying “good work coming here.”
“Ah, welcome, King Damon.”
“This is our first meeting, Your Highness Jin. I sincerely congratulate your appointment ceremony, and truly hope that flower petals will rain down on Bariel’s future as they do today.”
When Jin rose from the sofa extending his hand, Damon gripped it respectfully while offering praise. Despite his sharp atmosphere, his greeting was quite gentle.
Jin smiled brightly and gestured for him to sit.
“You are our final guests.”
“Oh my. I apologize. We’re not late, I hope?”
“Not at all! Anytime the central road is open, you’re not late. Come, everyone please sit.”
At Jin’s invitation, Damon took a seat across from him.
The Prime Minister and Jin did likewise.
Trickle
Jin unconsciously smiled awkwardly watching the rising black tea. How many cups was this today? Queen Eripony, Delegate May, and snack time… This was already the fourth tea time.
Xiaoshi, standing behind, noticed this and frowned worriedly. With the three nations gathering, they couldn’t easily change even a teacup without showing discrimination.
“Your Highness.”
“Hmm?”
“If it’s not discourteous, might we delay the tea? Having just left the carriage, my stomach isn’t feeling well.”
Just then, a very timely request came. Had he read his mind? Though Jin was inwardly surprised, he quickly contained his emotions and expressed that he didn’t mind.
“Of course.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Damon merely touched his lips out of courtesy and placed his teaspoon on the saucer. Indicating he wouldn’t drink anymore.
Since the guest wasn’t drinking, Jin had no need to match him. The boy responded with a light smile.
“I’ll send a physician to your detached palace. Spending long hours on the road must be quite taxing on the body.”
“…Thank you.”
While Timothy placed the tribute gift boxes on the table, Damon slightly lowered his gaze. The young prince would never have left the palace. How could he empathize with travel fatigue?
Perhaps there was an issue with one of the nations that arrived first?
That would be troublesome.
And Ian watching him like this. Unlike with Ruswena or Clifford, this time he stood shoulder to shoulder with other officials. Some officials who noticed this difference in attitude exchanged awkward glances.
Click
“These are the tribute gifts. The nobles of Burgos specially selected them from across the territory, so please consider their sincerity.”
“Tell me about them.”
“This is dried legume leaves. We’ve prepared fifty bundles of ten kilograms each. It’s a representative crop produced in the dry lands of Burgos.”
“Ah, I’ve heard of this. Mainly used as an anesthetic, I believe. Usually called Burdo legume leaves rather than just legume leaves.”
“Burdo is the family leading maximum crop production. Legume is the official name. And next is the golden diamond from House Kakel. It’s been a family treasure passed down from the head of the house, but they offered their heirloom to celebrate Your Highness’s appointment ceremony. Over there.”
When Damon gestured, a man mixed among the delegation bowed his head. Jin peered at the small jewel with curiosity. Given that only one was presented, its rarity was self-evident.
“I see. I accept with joy.”
“And next is…”
How many samples they had prepared in the small boxes. The tribute gifts were incomparably more abundant than the previous two countries. Jin and the officials listened to the introduction with interested exclamations.
“Ooh, I see. So that’s what grows there.”
“Yes. Though Burgos is barren and dry, we have diverse crops that are born and grow adapted to those conditions.”
Click. Ian quickly checked his pocket watch and signaled the Prime Minister. The man who had been laughing “haha” caught Ian’s signal and cleared his throat. With the banquet time set, it meant to wrap things up here.
“Your Highness.”
“…Hmm?”
“Since we seem to have confirmed all the tribute gifts, how about concluding here? King Damon recovering from his journey fatigue will make the upcoming banquet even more abundant.”
“Right. That’s true. I was momentarily caught up in my delight with the tribute gifts. The Burgos delegation needs time to unpack too.”
They’d talked too much, especially with someone who said they weren’t feeling well.
“Not at all, Your Highness. Seeing Your Highness’s joy makes our long journey worthwhile.”
“You’ll be guided to the detached palace. Separate notice will come regarding the banquet. Prime Minister.”
“Yes, Your Highness. King of Burgos, let me guide you.”
“Thank you, Your Highness. I’ll see you at the banquet.”
Damon paid his respects as formally as when they first met, then left the reception room.
Though his exterior suggested someone who didn’t know how to bow, his attitude toward Jin was quite the reversal. The officials too left the reception room sequentially following the delegation.
Creeak
Bang!
After the last official left, only close associates including Ian remained in the reception room.
Jin stretched his legs with satisfaction. Both the quality of tribute gifts and the king seemed better than expected. Above all, the official daytime schedule was complete. Now just get through the banquet and he could rest properly!
“Ian? What’s wrong?”
But Jin turned his head at Romandro’s question. Though smiling, Ian was rubbing his chin with something off about his expression.
“Lord Ian?”
“…Your Highness.”
What was wrong?
Ian sat close to Jin and gripped his hands tightly. Though traces of the afternoon’s awkwardness remained faintly, Ian’s smile was too savage to remember it.
“Listen carefully. Among the three nations, you must be most wary of Burgos.”
“Hm? What do you mean? Is it because he’s shrewd?”
He immediately noticed Jin didn’t want to drink tea. Though he was certainly quick-witted, looking at overall attitude, wasn’t Eripony the most dangerous?
“Your Highness. Please examine the tribute gifts received so far carefully. Isn’t something different?”
At Ian’s words, Jin and Romandro searched their memories. With such variety in types and quantities, they couldn’t pinpoint what was different.
“…The other kingdoms prepared tribute gifts with the kingdom as the main body. But for Burgos, everything was offered by the nobles. Do you not understand what this means?”
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 StopMBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy EarsMBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That HappenedMBSE Chapter 297 - ExaminationMBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox PrinceMBSE Chapter 299 - The VariableMBSE Chapter 300 - Inner ThoughtsMBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the MeaningMBSE 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🔒85MBSE Chapter 335 - We're Going Too🔒85MBSE Chapter 336 - Those Mages in the Vineyard🔒85MBSE Chapter 337 - Laughter Gathered in One Place🔒85MBSE Chapter 338 - An Unexpected Target