Chapter 128
Chapter 128
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 128
Chapter Title: Morning Guest
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“Hee hee. Hee hee hee.”
Was he having some pleasant dream or other? Berik, sprawled across the parlor sofa, kept letting out chuckles nonstop. Mini, who had been carrying tea, shook her head in disbelief at the sight.
“Anyone who sees you would think you were the star of the New Year's banquet, Sir Berik. How on earth did you come home so utterly plastered?”
The moon had been shining at its brightest. Ian and Romandro had brought the drunken Berik back to the estate. Vivianna and Mini, who hadn't been able to sleep, along with the coachman, had all joined in to try moving him, but they hadn't managed to drag him all the way up the stairs.
“And he's not even carrying extra weight, but how is he so heavy!”
Chattering away, Mini kept glancing sideways at Berik as she recalled the ordeal from the night before. Romandro merely sipped his tea and muttered to himself.
“Looks like a swordsman to me. His body's all solid muscle, so of course he's heavy. Whew, still, it felt a bit much. Don't you think so, Ian?”
Ian, seated across from him, nodded with a smile as well. Did Berik have any idea that everyone gathered in the kitchen was mocking him? He smacked his lips and unconsciously dug at his ear.
“Maybe I should issue a ban on alcohol for Berik.”
“Not a bad idea. That guy hasn't even had his coming-of-age ceremony, and he's already got the worst drinking habits.”
Romandro set down his newspaper and glanced out the window. It was winter, so dawn was late, leaving a dim morning haze. Once the sun rose, an official entry request from the Magic Department would arrive, but before that, there was something he needed to confirm with Ian.
“Say, Ian. I've got something I'm curious about.”
“Yes. Please speak.”
Romandro's voice was a touch more serious than usual. Ian stopped stirring his teacup upon noticing the change, and Mini naturally retreated into the kitchen to give them space.
“The other day, when you had an audience with Prince Marib. His Highness asked about the tribute gold, didn't he?”
“That's right.”
Ian nodded. He'd been wondering when the prince would bring it up, and it seemed he'd just been biding his time.
“But why didn't you tell him the tribute gold was ready? Same with the Luron mana stone. I know you're the owner anyway, so I have no right to interfere. I'm just curious and asking about your intentions. Perhaps...”
Ahem. Romandro cleared his throat again and continued. Unlike himself, a civil servant, Ian was a mage who had to throw himself alone into the whirlpool of the imperial palace. Whatever choice he made, Romandro was prepared to respect it.
“Perhaps, if you wish to pursue your identity as a mage, just tell me. I'll help you in my own way.”
Even if he sided with Gail, he would help personally. That was what he was saying.
Ian listened attentively to Romandro's words as he drank his tea. There was no doubt about his sincerity, given the slight tremble in his throat.
‘He wouldn't say that if he knew Gail was preparing for rebellion.’
A smile tugged at Ian's lips, causing Romandro, who had been tense, to widen his eyes in surprise. As if asking why he was smiling.
“Aren't you Prince Marib's man, Sir Romandro?”
“That sounds unfair. I just draw a salary. Prince Marib is my superior, but...”
He was someone Romandro wouldn't see again if he submitted a letter of resignation. But Ian was someone he'd keep seeing like this indefinitely. It would be regrettable if their superior changed, but that was the fate of a mage.
“Let me say this clearly first. I have no intention of working for Prince Gail.”
“R-Really? Ahaha! Whew, I was so tense for a moment!”
He had misunderstood because Ian had met Gail on his first day at the palace and because he'd seen them talking alone at the New Year's banquet. Romandro let out awkward laughs nonstop and waved his hands.
“But I won't be telling Prince Marib everything about my situation, including the Luron mana stone.”
“Wh-Why not...”
“Because there's no reason to. In the imperial palace, nothing is more precarious than rashly showing all your cards. Didn't you say that yourself, Sir Romandro?”
“Did I? Did I say that?”
It was obviously a lie. But at Ian's brazen attitude, Romandro just tilted his head, then soon nodded in agreement.
“My past self must have given some pretty sound advice. Yes, you're right.”
“It probably won't happen often, but if Prince Marib asks you, just answer according to your beliefs. You don't need to look out for me. Don't you have a family, Sir Romandro?”
Romandro's expression grew peculiar at Ian's words. That was certainly true. To Romandro, the most important things right now were Vivianna and the child soon to be born.
“Live for those two. I'll live for myself. Even so, you don't need to worry too much. You know that, right?”
His judgment was not just excellent but peerless. He'd crossed the Great Desert with nothing and even established a new house. Romandro sipped his tea and muttered.
“If you say so, I get it. I'll worry about you but trust you fully. If there's ever anything to discuss, feel free. The Luron mana stone seems like you have plans for it, so I'll find a place to store it long-term for now.”
“I'm truly grateful you say that.”
“We've spent quite a few days together.”
Ian just smiled at Romandro's words. Perhaps Romandro's assignment to the border had been a true stroke of luck. It was then, as the two were about to resume breakfast.
Ding! Ding-ding!
The doorbell at the front gate rang out. Mini, in the kitchen, poked her head out curiously.
“Did the Magic Department arrive already?”
“Who knows. It's still early.”
“Wait a moment. I'll go check.”
Mini dashed to the entrance and cracked the door open. Ian and Romandro had half-risen as well, peering out at the presence.
“Sir Ian. We have a guest.”
“A guest? At this hour?”
“Her name is Barsabe Brute.”
“Ah. The Imperial Palace Guard?”
Only then did Ian let out a small exclamation of realization. He slipped on his outer jacket and followed Mini to the entrance. Romandro, not knowing who it was, hurriedly shook Berik awake.
“Hey, you. Time to get up already.”
“Urgh. Pigs... pigs are talking...”
“Have you lost your mind! You brat! Who's a pig!”
Smack!
Romandro gave him a solid flick on the forehead, but Berik, still half-asleep, only reacted dully. With his eyes closed, he just rubbed his forehead and let out a massive yawn.
“The Imperial Palace Guard came looking for Ian. I don't know what it's about, so hurry and get ready, then come out front. You call yourself Ian's escort? Honestly!”
“Mmm. Palace Guard?”
“Hurry!”
Amid the clattering commotion from inside, Ian approached the entrance. There stood Barsabe, impeccably dressed in her uniform, lips pressed tight as she saluted crisply.
Snap.
“Good morning, Viscount Ian Hielo. I am Barsabe Brute of the Imperial Palace Guard.”
“Yeah. Long time no see.”
From her beret and gloves to the decorations on her scabbard, everything followed regulations to the letter. Ian crossed his arms and eyed Barsabe with interest.
‘The Palace Guard uniform hasn't changed much from a hundred years ago.’
“I've come for my father's effects.”
If she visited formally and politely, he would hand over Petreio's belongings, so she'd trusted Ian's words and come like this. It was her only option, with no other recourse.
“For such a formal visit, it's awfully early.”
“My apologies.”
“Well. Better than coming at night.”
Thud thud!
“Ian! Ia-an!”
It was then. Berik, still groggy from sleep, came rushing out scabbard in hand. Romandro, who had been shoving him along, froze upon seeing Barsabe.
“Y-You're alone?”
“Yes.”
“Then it's personal business?”
“Huh? That girl? The one who went down with one hit in the alley. Her molars got smashed. Nosebleed like crazy. Nice to see you! Long time!”
Berik recognized Barsabe and greeted her, but she just shot him a fierce glare. Judging by the lack of crunching sounds when she gritted her teeth, her molars were still missing.
“...How insulting.”
“Told you to bathe? Sir Romandro, did I puke yesterday?”
Still half-asleep, half-sober. A total mess. Ian pushed Berik back and invited Barsabe inside.
“Ignore him. Come to the parlor. That's fine, right, Sir Romandro?”
“Ah, of course. Of course.”
“Berik. Go upstairs and bring the small wooden box with my belongings.”
At Ian's nod, Mini guided Barsabe inside. Romandro followed behind, and Berik grumbled but dutifully climbed the stairs.
“This is Petreio's daughter.”
“Petreio? I see... Huh? What?!”
Romandro, who had been listening distractedly in shock, jumped to his feet. The right-hand man of Molin, the man who had tried to kill them! As Ian explained the situation, Berik brought down the box.
“Ian, is this it?”
“Set it down.”
Clack.
Barsabe stood ramrod straight, staring ahead, but her head involuntarily dipped downward. Ian rummaged through the box and pulled out a small ring wrapped in plastic.
“This is Petreio's ring.”
“Ah. This...”
“You recognize it? It's coated in poison, so be careful. The moment it touches skin, it necrotizes and melts away. You'll meet a truly agonizing death.”
“Did my father use this?”
“If it was to hide his identity after the assassination failed, it seems like a very apt response.”
Barsabe placed the ring in her palm and peered at it closely. As if searching for her father's final moments in it. Her brows furrowed deeply as she bit her lip.
“It's my father's ring. But I didn't know it had a suicide function.”
She recalled the bitter smile her father had given when she'd asked why he wore a ring that wasn't his wedding band everywhere, and if he'd met someone new.
That had been its meaning. By the time she learned the ring's purpose, her father would be gone from the world.
“How long had he been wearing it?”
“Since he retired from his position as deputy commander of the Imperial Palace Guard and took a new job.”
‘He started wearing the ring given to him once he began serving Molin, so it must be from that man.’
It was a poison commonly used in human trafficking, so investigating this could prove a connection to Lord Molin. And that would link directly to Gail.
“Alright. Take it carefully. The poison has hardened, so it probably won't be easy to touch.”
Mini, who had been listening from the corner, pulled out a palm-sized wooden box. It was a case she'd received when buying jewelry, perfect for holding a single ring.
“Wrapping it in cloth would be less safe than this.”
“...Thank you.”
“And Petreio seemed to trust you deeply.”
When asked if he wasn't worried about his remaining family, he had been unshakably firm. As if he trusted his daughter.
“That's all. Everything I can pass on to you.”
At Ian's words, Petreio clasped the box tightly with both hands. She rose, gave a salute of gratitude, then bowed deeply at the waist. It conveyed more sincerity than a thousand words.
“Then, I'll be off.”
“Ah, if you see us in the palace, please look after us a bit.”
More precisely, the one yawning hugely across from him. As Barsabe frowned in confusion, Ian added with a smile.
“I'm planning to send Berik to the imperial training grounds soon. If you spot any deficiencies while coming and going, help him out.”
“Me? I'm going? To the training grounds? No idea what you're talking about all of a sudden, but sure! The palace is amazing, right!”
Berik was just as clueless. Wasn't it a place to clash with stronger foes and grow? Barsabe left the estate without a word, and Berik chased after her, shouting.
“Hey! Let's meet at the training grounds! I'll knock out the other side's molars!”
“Shut that trap of yours!”
“Your front teeth are kinda...~!”
Boom!
After Barsabe's visit swept through like a storm, Romandro felt utterly drained despite doing nothing, just like Berik earlier—sprawled on the sofa, breathing heavily.
Ding! Ding-ding!
The front gate bell rang again. Romandro paid it no mind, thinking it was Barsabe returning, but he bolted upright upon hearing Mini.
“Gasp! It's the Magic Department! The entry request has arrived!”