“Ian, let’s walk a little slower! And just in case you don’t know, I’ll tell you. The dining hall, isn’t it that way? It’s the complete opposite direction? Have we really co this far?”
Ian turned to look at Beric, who was trotting along behind him, with a quizzical smile. This was Beric, who had sprawled on the sofa even with the prince present. His body was still in terrible condition, yet seeing him push himself like this ant he must have an ulterior motive.
Ian asked back without slowing his pace.
“Did the person in charge ban you from the dining hall?”
So why didn’t you just steal at in moderation, Ian didn’t bother to add. Whether he said it or not, it probably wouldn’t an much to Beric.
Instead of wasting ti on regret and reflection, wasn’t it more his style to look for another entrance to the dining hall?
“Huh, how did you know?”
“It’s written all over your face.”
“My face?! Huh?!”
When was the last ti Ian had gone to the dining hall? Usually, he rarely had ti for als due to his heavy workload, and lately, he had been confined to his bed, not leaving his office.
But with Beric constantly trying to lure him towards the dining hall, it was a natural suspicion. However, Beric seed genuinely surprised, feeling his face while peering into a window.
“Where are you going? We’re getting further and further from the dining hall!”
“The Imperial Palace Central Archives.”
“Why that boring place?”
“Have you been there before? I’m surprised.”
“Huh? What are you talking about? It’s that place, right? Where black boxes are stacked up.”
“That’s the Ministry of Magic archives. Where we’re going now is the Imperial Palace, specifically the Administrative Departnt’s archives.”
There was sothing he needed to check. Timothy, the reason Ian rembered him across a span of a hundred years.
As they got closer to the archives, more people recognized him. While exchanging quick nods of greeting, just as they were about to turn a corner—
“Ah.”
Ian stopped, recognizing a familiar figure approaching from the opposite direction. It was Quintana. She seed to be in the process of moving boxes herself along with Administrative Departnt staff. She too spotted Ian and greeted him cheerfully.
“Isn’t it Minister Ian? What brings you here?”
She looks in an extrely good mood. Ian suddenly realized that most of the smiles Quintana had shown until now were not genuine. Except for the occasional kindness she showed to Jin, she was always refuting, countering, and pushing her opinions in etings.
“These are the property deeds of the seven families, including House Hayman. Impressive, isn’t it? Just the land docunts alone are this much, so their arrogance in calling their mansions ‘second imperial palaces’ wasn’t entirely unfounded.”
Ownerless mansions, lands, and various jewels and assets would be transferred to the imperial palace, gaining new value. Whether to dispose of them or keep them under imperial ownership would be decided through discussions between the Administrative Departnt, the Pri Minister, and Jin.
“By the way, it seems you were heading sowhere.”
“I was on my way to the Imperial Palace Central Archives. I have sothing to check briefly.”
“Oh, I see. I heard so ancient books will be arriving soon too. If you have ti, bring His Highness Jin to the Culture Departnt. The artworks should have arrived first. They’re quite worth seeing.”
This is one of Quintana’s rare monts of leisure, happening only a few tis a year.
Following the securing of trial funds and the confiscation of central noble families’ assets, the consecutive influx of revenue would not only completely cover the damages from the civil war but even create a surplus. For soone managing the national treasury, there could be no greater joy.
“Ah, and the Pri Minister said he’ll convene a grand council by tomorrow. I’m not sure if you’ve heard.”
“Yes, I’ve heard.”
“Then do you know this too? Captain Jeirutt has proposed a reorganization of the Imperial Guards to the Administrative Departnt. The sa goes for the Imperial Defense Departnt.”
Two of the three captains of the Imperial Guards, who serve the Emperor closely, had died. One in the civil war, the other by monsters. Even if the Emperor was bedridden, they needed to maintain the number of people befitting the position of the three captains.
“It seems they’ll be recruiting and selecting talent soon. I suppose all the magic swordsn in the empire will have a chance?”
Quintana said this while glancing at Beric standing behind. He was rough and crude, not fitting in with the imperial palace at all, but he was a man kept by Ian and Jin. Curious, she had inquired about him and was surprised to learn he was a magic swordsman. One skilled enough to draw out magic release from Captain Jeirutt.
“Is the Imperial Defense Departnt doing the sa?”
“Yes. The approach is similar. My guess is that the Imperial Defense Departnt is aiming for the trickle-down effect of Imperial Guard applicants. Didn’t the forr head of the Imperial Defense Departnt participate in the civil war on the First Prince’s side? Soone else is temporarily in charge, but it’s certainly ti for reorganization and troop replenishnt.”
With the purge of the central nobility completed, now was undoubtedly the best ti. Moreover, wasn’t Jin’s appointnt ceremony as the next heir also approaching? In many ways, it was appropriate now, at the starting point of a new era.
‘Especially the Imperial Defense Departnt will want to wrap things up before Jin becos the official heir. From the civil war to the lania incident, their position hasn’t been good at all. They’re trying to consolidate internally before Jin forms his cabinet.’
“Everyone’s busy with their own appointnt ceremonies.”
Quintana seed to have noticed their intentions too, as she added casually. Ian smiled in agreent.
“Well then, I’ll see you at tomorrow’s grand council.”
“Indeed. Keep up the good work.”
The staff bowed their heads and disappeared, following Quintana.
Ian’s mind beca complicated. There was a mountain of things to sort out, both administratively and procedurally. Although each departnt was sharing the workload, most of it would ultimately be reviewed by the Ministry of Magic, or more precisely, by Ian.
Because he was Jin’s guardian. Since he was reviewing each of Jin’s signatures together, in the end, it was no different from Ian seeing everything himself.
‘First, let’s propose the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. 50% to the Emperor, 30% to the rest of the imperial family as a whole, 20% to the Ministry of Magic.’
The important point is that it’s “authority over the total amount of magic sealing stones.” This way, even if the number of sealing stones increases or decreases, the power of checks and balances will continue to be maintained according to the ratio.
‘The problem is Idgal…’
A product of alchemy with abilities similar to magic sealing stones.
To prevent confusion, a bill officially excluding Idgal would inevitably follow. The fact that the illegitimate son Ian was related to it was currently the most concerning part.
But it couldn’t be helped. It was an area that had to be stepped into for the healthy balance of the imperial family, the Ministry of Magic, and Bariel.
‘And next is proceeding with the sale of Hayman Bank, and the Imperial Defense Departnt…’
“Ian! What are you thinking about so much?”
“Ah.”
At that mont, Beric grabbed Ian’s arm. Lost in thought, he had reached the end of the corridor. They had walked three or four steps past the archives. Ian smiled slightly and shook his head.
“It’s nothing. I was worried about whether you’d be able to enter the Imperial Guards well. If skilled people from all over the country apply, Captain Jeirutt might reject your entry.”
“Co on! Don’t worry about that, worry about what we’re going to eat today. Those bastards who co there, I’ll, huh? I’ll half-kill them all and eat the captain.”
“The captain? Hahaha.”
Ian burst into genuine laughter. And for good reason, it was a combination he had never even considered. Beric and the Imperial Guards captain.
Beric was briefly surprised at this reaction, but finding Ian’s audible laughter curious, he followed suit and raised the corners of his mouth.
“You’re laughing. If I beat Jeirutt, don’t I beco the captain?”
“What would you do as captain?”
“Hmm. Should I make the subordinates offer at? What do you think if I beco captain? Wouldn’t that be good?”
“Well. I suppose so. Since the Imperial Guards captain is close to the Emperor, it would be easier to cooperate on various work matters.”
“With two positions open, it should be doable, right?”
“Well. I think Jeirutt might try to kill you before that.”
Rattle!
As they opened the door, the archives staff stood up to greet Ian. The atmosphere wasn’t much different from a library. The musty yet strangely calming sll of paper, sunlight pouring in from the ceiling, and silence bordering on quietude.
“Isn’t it Minister Ian Hielo?”
“I have so materials I want to check.”
“Yes. Please tell .”
“All materials on Bariel’s exchanges with the Kingdom of Burgos for the past ten years from the current point in ti.”
“A-All of them? That would be quite a lot…”
“Then five years, or even three years is fine.”
“Just a mont. There was no separate loan application, so you’re going to check them here directly, right?”
“That’s right.”
To take Administrative Departnt materials outside, it was only possible through a loan application form. The procedure was definite, only three or four staff were involved, and unless it was an urgent matter, it took a long ti.
Rustle.
The staff mber muttered while examining a thick docunt.
“Neighboring countries category 0423 classification, Burgos… Ah, please co this way.”
The two followed the staff mber’s guidance deeper into the archives. The sll of yellowed paper books grew stronger. Beric wrinkled his nose, while Ian looked up at the ceiling edge that reached dozens of ters high.
As it was a place with more than ten floors, wooden stairs connecting the floors moved smoothly. That too was with the help of magic.
‘The appearance hasn’t changed much from a hundred years ago to now.’
“Lord Ian. These are five years’ worth of records related to Burgos’s economy and politics. Culture and society are in the basent, so I’ll bring them now. Please take your ti looking.”
“Thank you.”
“It’s nothing.”
Beric’s mouth slowly opened. There were five bookshelves taller than himself. And they were filled to the brim with bundles of paper, without any empty spaces.
He’s going to look at all this here?
And there’s more on culture and society?
“Ian, are you crazy?”
“I didn’t tell you to co along.”
“You’re going to read this here? You’ll definitely get a nosebleed again.”
“Beric. Reading isn’t as difficult as you think. I told you to study a bit with Xiaoshi.”
Ian skimd through the covers and pulled out what he needed without hesitation. Then he sat comfortably in a chair and started flipping through the materials. Since he wasn’t reading everything from beginning to end, but looking for necessary information, there was no need to strain himself.
“You’re insane.”
Ugh. Beric sat next to him, resting his chin on his hand and waiting.
“What are you looking for so intently? Are you looking for that Timothy guy, the prince from that country?”
“Timothy isn’t royalty. He belongs to the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Burgos. A royal coming to the heir’s appointnt ceremony is an exceptional case like Clippoford. Usually, it’s common to send a delegation like Ruswena.”
“Really? But anyway, you are looking for Timothy, right? With that muscular build and strong body, he seed like he could fight well. Does their country’s Foreign Ministry fight well too? How about a friendly match when he cos? Huh?”
Ian ignored Beric’s chatter and kept flipping through the docunts. Timothy, Timothy, Timothy…
‘Ah. Found it.’
Timothy had officially visited Bariel five tis. Each ti, he stayed for periods ranging from a week to half a year, so there were clear records. Ian examined his traces and compared them to see if there was anything different from what he knew.
‘Promotion of Lorant Plain developnt, formation of cultural delegation. Hmm, he ca to coincide with Gale’s coming-of-age ceremony at this ti. A magic cooperation exchange group was created…’
Flip.
-…Timothy, the diplomat from the Kingdom of Burgos, showed intention to supply 25 types of magic stones (omitted below) needed for the construction of an annex to Minister of Magic Wesleigh at a price lower than the market price, and Minister Wesleigh showed intention to select five excellent mages and dispatch them for 3 years. No specific agreent was made regarding this.
“As expected.”
Ian muttered without realizing. As far as he knew, Timothy was an immigrant ‘from’ a foreign delegation. It ant he was Timothy of Bariel, not Timothy of Burgos.
There were nurous immigrants in the hundred years of history, but the one and only reason Ian rembered Timothy.
‘…He’s Naum’s ancestor.’
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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 - eting 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 ssMBSE 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 - Ergency etingMBSE Chapter 184 - The Next EmperorMBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of RobersideMBSE Chapter 186MBSE Chapter 187MBSE Chapter 188MBSE Chapter 189MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council etingMBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental RightsMBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the TruthMBSE Chapter 193MBSE Chapter 194 - TrustMBSE Chapter 195 - rry 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 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 NasMBSE 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 - lania'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 Appointnt CeremonyMBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' FiguresMBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Rembering 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 Tournant 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 - Ti 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
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