Chapter 127
Chapter 127
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 127
Chapter Title: The Hidden Oracle
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“Arsen.”
After moving the Emperor to his bedroom and catching her breath, Dillaina looked down at her son. Unlike usual, the stern glint in her eyes was far from ordinary. But Arsen just rolled his eyes and grinned innocently.
“Yes, Mother.”
“What was that reckless behavior earlier?”
“Are you really mad?”
She had told him not to even breathe loudly with Marib and Gail around, yet he had stepped forward and even demanded to see Viscount Ian Hielro’s mana. If the other imperial princes hadn’t been there, it could have turned into a real disaster.
“Arsen. Sometimes I really don’t understand you.”
“I’m sorry. But you saw it too, didn’t you, Mother? How beautiful Lord Ian’s mana was. How could I hold back when I had the chance to see it up close?”
Arsen smiled coquettishly and rubbed his face against his mother’s arm. Dillaina had resolved to scold him harshly, but as always, she lost her steam when he acted like this.
‘Haa.’
Ever since receiving the oracle, he had been her sore thumb. Born under a prophecy of misfortune, she had kept him by her side constantly during his infancy, cradling him close. Perhaps because of that, Arsen never feared his mother Dillaina, nor did the frail, aging Emperor.
Click.
“Lady Dillaina. His Highness the True Prince has arrived.”
At the servant’s announcement, Dillaina sighed and turned around. Jin entered with his usual impeccable posture. The complete opposite of Arsen, who was sprawled messily on the sofa.
‘If only it weren’t for that oracle….’
Dillaina bit her lower lip and barely managed to offer words of encouragement.
“Jin. You worked hard today.”
“No, Mother. You’ve had it far worse, preparing for the New Year’s gathering.”
Jin removed his gloves and set them on the corner of the table. A signal that the day’s official duties were finally over. Arsen crunched on his candy with amusement, glancing back and forth between his mother and Jin.
“And Jin. Remind your brother Arsen once more what we mean to Marib and Gail. I was truly terrified earlier. I won’t live to see my natural lifespan at this rate.”
Dillaina lightly embraced Jin as she vented her lament. How could brothers from the same womb be so utterly different? If only Arsen had even half of Jin’s temperament, she wouldn’t have a single worry.
Knock knock.
“Lady Dillaina. His Majesty the Emperor summons you.”
“His Majesty? Yes. I’ll be there shortly.”
At the servant’s call, Dillaina straightened her dress and left the drawing room.
As the door closed, only the ticking of the clock echoed through the quiet night. Arsen rested his chin on his hand and gave Jin a sly glance.
“Little brother. Come to scold me as Mother asked?”
Jin simply stared at Arsen. Unable to bear the brief silence, Arsen tapped his foot and muttered peevishly.
“No answer? What, don’t want to talk to me?”
“That’s not it. You know full well you were in the wrong this time.”
Was the Third Prince’s fall truly an accident? Jin knew better. The Third Prince had met his end because his gaze had locked directly with Marib and Gail’s.
“We’re only getting a pass from our brothers because we’re young. That won’t last forever.”
As Jin spoke cautiously, Arsen’s face openly twisted in irritation. Propping his chin, the boy shot Jin a cheeky look.
“It’s partly thanks to our father the Emperor’s grace, but Mother’s always said it’s because Prince Marib and Prince Gail don’t care about us that we enjoy this luxury.”
Arsen shot to his feet and thrust his head close to Jin’s. Just as he had with his mother, he buried his face in his brother’s nape and murmured softly.
“Jin. Watch your words. It’s not because we’re young. It’s because of the oracle.”
Beyond the publicly known oracle—‘The one born later will harm the one born first’—there was one more hidden truth.
“And if the brother closest to the throne dies, the imperial line will end completely.”
Arsen said it proudly, as if it were a magic spell protecting him. Jin merely stared at his brother. Though it didn’t specify who, everyone assumed it was Arsen.
‘The younger brother will harm the older, and if that happens, the imperial line ends.’
Jin replied through gritted teeth, as if refuting it.
“Arsen. Oracles aren’t always right.”
“But they’re not always wrong either.”
The sweet scent of candy wafted from his approaching brother. Arsen kept nuzzling against Jin, who patted him gently as always.
“Jin. I really like you.”
“…Me too.”
The oracle concerning the imperial line was known to only a select few: Dillaina, the Emperor, and a handful of princes.
‘As if I’d ever harm you.’
Jin had no such intention, yet whenever those around him treated him as if he might, it felt like his breath caught in his throat. He hadn’t done anything wrong, yet he already felt like a criminal.
“Jin. So don’t kill me.”
“Stop with those jokes.”
“Ahaha. Got it, got it.”
Arsen giggled and popped another candy into his mouth. Jin naturally slipped the gloves off his brother’s hands. Today had felt exceptionally long.
* * *
Returning to the second-floor banquet hall, Ian came face-to-face with Gail, who had been waiting for him. Having downed wine nonstop, Gail’s face was flushed red. Most of the imperial family had already moved to the first floor to mingle with the nobles, leaving just the two of them.
“Ian, did Father leave well?”
“Yes.”
“Hmm. I see.”
Ian sat across from Gail and studied him. How could he remain so unmoved while his father was carted off coughing like that? Sensing the gaze, Gail shrugged with a smile.
“Father’s been like that for a while now. He chokes in his sleep all the time, only to wake up fine the next day. I’m not surprised anymore—it’s Marib who’s odd, making such a fuss. As if Father’s actually going to die this time.”
“No matter how used to it you get, worry doesn’t vanish easily.”
At least from what Ian had heard, the Emperor favored Gail over Marib. He was the son of the Empress, and while he seemed to respect that outwardly, he cherished Gail more in private.
‘Then the power granted to him must come from that. Gail should be the one regretting the Emperor’s death, yet he’s so nonchalant.’
Ian clicked his tongue inwardly and bowed his head. He could roughly guess why Gail had kept him behind.
“About that mana confirmation ritual earlier.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“It left quite an impression. Have you ever seen a mage separately out in the borderlands, by any chance?”
Gail knew Wesley had tampered with the magic circle. And yet Ian had perfectly produced the oracle’s light. So the conclusion was one of two things.
‘Either Wesley slipped up, or Ian fixed the circle himself.’
Wesley’s temper was fiery, but when it came to magic, she was flawless, unmatched by any. Even without Ian, the New Year’s event would have proceeded without a hitch.
“No. There are many in the borderlands who’ve never even heard of magic. I’ve seen gypsy-like folk, but no true mages.”
“I see? Then was the blood on the floor yours, Lord Ian?”
He must have spotted the mark from Berik’s blood. Ian had precisely erased the crystal part of the magic circle, so naturally, he’d suspect Ian. Otherwise….
‘There’s a faction in the Magic Department helping Ian.’
“No. I didn’t shed any blood.”
Ian glanced coolly at his palm as he replied. A blood test would confirm if it matched his.
“I see?”
“Yes. There must have been an issue with the magic circle, but thankfully the ritual ended without mishap.”
Gail scrutinized Ian’s hand but saw no wounds. Ian smiled brightly, thinking to himself.
‘I need to get Berik and head home quick. If he inspects Berik too, we’re in trouble.’
“What about the proposal I made last time?”
“You mean truly joining the Magic Department?”
Gail affirmed with silence. The cheerful clamor from below drifted up faintly, creating an odd atmosphere. Was it the alcohol? Gail’s words felt more direct than usual.
“It would be an honor. Of course I will.”
“I see? How will you prove it?”
Gail’s lips twisted in amusement.
“By twisting your master’s neck and bringing it here?”
“Your Highness. My apologies, but the banquet hall has many ears.”
“But words spoken here don’t leak outside.”
The magic he’d felt climbing the stairs. Not just a barrier, but something blocking secrets from spilling. All under Wesley’s direction, who oversaw magic, so it was safe for secrets as Gail willed.
“…If you wish, I will prove it. But—”
Ian met Gail’s gaze cautiously as he responded. Should he probe? He was drunk—might be okay to test the waters.
“You must prove it to me as well, Your Highness. That it’s the right path for me.”
Gail’s eyes narrowed, then he burst into hearty laughter. Clearly in high spirits. Ian’s ritual had succeeded despite the mystery, and now he pledged to become a true mage—music to Gail’s ears.
“Very well. But let’s clarify the order. You first. Prove it.”
As Ian bowed his head, footsteps approached from behind.
“Ah, there he is.”
It was Romandro. He’d watched the Emperor leave, and when Ian didn’t return, he’d grown worried and come up. Blocked by the knight’s scabbard, he couldn’t enter, but they spotted each other.
“Pardon the interruption. I have a message for Viscount Ian Hielro.”
“Romandro! Oh, Romandro!”
“Oh, it’s been a while, Your Highness Gail.”
“Indeed. You worked hard in the borderlands—I was impressed. Won’t you join us?”
Romandro’s face plainly showed he’d stepped in it. After all, he was Marib’s man who had thoroughly sabotaged Gail’s operations in the borderlands.
“Thank you, but I have urgent news for Viscount Ian Hielro.”
“Didn’t you do the same on the first floor and drag Ian away?”
He’d heard everything. Ian glanced at Gail in slight surprise.
“The knight Lord Ian brought—er, the knight….”
Berik? Ian felt a sudden ache at the back of his head. He bowed politely to Gail and stood.
“My apologies, Your Highness. The knight came from the borderlands and isn’t used to such events. I fear he might cause a scene and ruin the New Year’s mood. Please allow me to take my leave.”
Gail clicked his tongue and picked up his wine glass again. Permission granted. Ian bowed once more and hurried after Romandro down the corridor.
“Lord Romandro. What’s wrong with Berik? What happened?”
“Nothing to be shocked about. He came to fetch you, as I said.”
“Shh. Here, everything reaches Prince Gail.”
“Oh gods, damn it. W-Well, half right!”
Romandro clapped a hand over his mouth in horror. Back at the banquet hall garden from earlier. Berik was crouched in a bushy corner, digging at the ground nonstop.
Thud! Thud!
“Uhehehe. Uhe.”
“Berik’s properly drunk. Stop him before he digs a full tunnel. Let’s head home.”
“Oing! Ian! IIIan!”
Ian felt his tension melt away as he rubbed his forehead. He grabbed Berik’s fingertips and scanned the surroundings. The wound was hidden by dirt, barely visible.
“Yeah. Let’s go home now.”
“Yay! Let’s go! This place has booze but no meat!”
“Shut it, you! You stuffed yourself with everything!”
Good enough. Ian dragged Berik away, leaving the New Year’s revelry behind. Who knew when Gail’s grasp might close in.
‘It’d be a headache beyond fixing.’
Romandro hastily kicked dirt over the hole and dashed after Ian.