Chapter 199
Chapter 199
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 199
Chapter Title: The Blood Clan, Atan
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The Variel Empire bore countless rings etched into its history. Some faded with time, but others stood out in bold, dark hues. The history tied to the Atan tribe belonged to the latter.
‘The Great Magical Beast Incursion.’
It was an event that delivered a massive shock to Variel, which had boasted of being a safe haven from magical beast attacks compared to other nations, claiming divine blessings.
Due to the cataclysm in the north, the Atan tribe had risen to prominence, and he recalled learning that imperial soldiers, including the Imperial Guard, had subjugated them at the time.
“You know of the Atan tribe.”
Ian moved to the end of the corridor with Jairut, lowering his voice.
Servants continuously changed out the bloodied cloths, and he could see the summoned medical team rushing into Berik’s room. Ian muttered indifferently as he watched.
“But why bring up the Atan tribe? Berik lost his family, but he’s a Variel man born in the borderlands. If it’s about the black sword, that’s a misunderstanding. He acquired it by chance on the way up from the border.”
He had the letter from Karenna’s mayor. It was as good as an interrogation report on the bandit leader, proving the black sword hadn’t been Berik’s from the start. Ian could vividly recall the words written in it.
—Regardless of the truth, please understand that I am simply relaying what I’ve been told. The Atan tribe sustains itself by drinking the blood of magical beasts, so it’s questionable whether they are truly human.
That was the reason the once mere rumors had shone during the great cataclysm. As devourers of magical beasts, the Atan sought even greater chaos, and the imperial army had moved to stop and exterminate them.
According to historical records, victory had gone to the empire. Though it wasn’t confirmed that the Atan were the cause of the cataclysm, it was undeniably a thick ring carved into Variel’s history.
“Minister.”
Jairut carefully swallowed dryly.
“The Atan tribe is known as a manifested race. They don’t continue their line through reproduction but awaken at some point, realizing their true identity.”
“……!”
“If he possesses Atan traits, it doesn’t matter where Berik was born or who his parents were. Not even his race matters.”
“…List their traits.”
“They display madness beyond mere belligerence, an obsession with victory or defeat, no hesitation in taking lives, raw amorality. Exceptional recovery beyond common sense and astonishing vitality are the hallmarks.”
Every single one fit Berik perfectly. Ian opened a window to cool his complicated thoughts. The cool breeze seemed to wash away the scent of blood.
‘Awakening. Then, when magical beasts appeared in Variel due to the cataclysm, that must have been another reason the Atan tribe gained the upper hand. Contact with magical beasts acted as the trigger.’
“It’s not certain, but the suspicion is strong. Please keep it in mind. This is the imperial palace, after all. No one knows when he might awaken and turn. I recommend dealing with him swiftly.”
“Captain Jairut, that’s premature.”
“Minister.”
“He’s my subordinate, so I’ll handle it.”
Jairut didn’t know the cataclysm was coming. With magical beasts about to overrun and the Atan tribe rising, what if Berik stood by the empire’s side then?
‘It would be trouble if Berik got absorbed into the Atan tribe. He’s strong enough to put even Captain Jairut in a tough spot. Better to coax him to the empire’s side and let him monopolize the magical beasts alone. And above all—’
Ian unconsciously glanced back at Berik’s room. A faint groan came from within. It was the unconscious man groaning in pain without realizing it.
It was only natural to give trust to someone who had lost everything on his command.
“…I’ll keep an eye on him.”
“I am the one who guards the imperial palace’s safety.”
“And I value the palace’s safety no less than you.”
Don’t get cocky. At Ian’s light rebuke, Jairut bowed his head. While he had paced outside cluelessly, Ian had rescued the emperor and quelled the rebellion. He was at the forefront of the cleanup, restoring daily life.
Jairut quickly acknowledged his slip.
“My apologies.”
“I’ll think deeply on it, so don’t worry yourself. Isn’t finding Barsabe the priority right now?”
Atan or not, Berik lay torn apart, and Barsabe was missing. With priorities clear, Jairut saluted in farewell.
Snap!
“Adding to the wind and snow, the Atan tribe has a fate of returning to their stronghold. Scattered everywhere, it’s only natural instinct. Thus, they say one inevitably encounters traces of Atan. So whether Berik coming from the border to the palace and wielding an Atan black sword is mere coincidence... I’m not sure.”
It was as good as confirming Berik was Atan. Ian sent him off with a salute in return instead of words and soon returned to Berik’s room.
The air was stifling hot from the mages’ fervor. Ian approached the bed and made his presence known.
“Ah, Lord Ian.”
“Good work. I’ll take over.”
“It’s fine. I slept a lot yesterday.”
“I’m fine too.”
Ziiing. Ziiing.
Ian pulled away the mage infusing mana into Berik and took the seat himself. The gaping flesh had been roughly stitched. His golden eyes couldn’t tear away from Berik.
‘Atan.’
Berik, what did you do in the original history? Did you roll in Der’s private soldiers at House Bratz and die? Or did you follow Atan fate northward and perish?
‘Either way, you died carving another ring into Variel’s history.’
Ian patted the back of his hand, but Berik continued groaning unconsciously.
How much time passed? The mages had all collapsed from exhaustion, and the doctors, with nothing more to do, were packing away their needles.
“Lord Ian, you might need to see this report.”
Romandro brought over documents. His puffy eyes were from crying nonstop at Berik’s wretched state.
“Prince Marib’s trial date is set. In four days, they say. The Judiciary contacted us to submit all related evidence. Can I send up the interrogation results?”
It was cautious because it vividly captured Marib’s nonsense, repeatedly claiming Ian had ordered it and was behind it all.
But they couldn’t just cut out the necessary parts. Ian nodded in approval.
“Four days. Then swiftly, a week.”
From trial end to Marib’s execution, swiftly a week. Meaning his lifespan had only a week left.
“By law, it’s public execution. Prepare the palace thoroughly for the day. How many in total?”
“Including His Highness, six key figures. Prince Marib will be beheaded, the others hanged. Even stripped of imperial blood, he’s still His Majesty’s son.”
‘Der was hanged too.’
Nothing was as dishonorable as dangling and thrashing before spectators. A swift cut for dignity. The beheading was like the palace’s final gift to Marib.
“And Second Prince Gail?”
“We requested a delay. No precedent for trying two princes at once. His Highness Gail’s condition is a mess too—doubt he could even answer properly in court. And well, various interests are entangled. Heh. Ahem.”
Romandro swallowed his trailing words with an awkward smile. Though only battered mages were around, he was cautious just in case.
With Gail alive, catching House Haiman was easier, so forces checking Haiman had united to postpone Gail’s trial.
“Got it.”
Ian signed the report and handed it to Romandro. As he took the paper, something occurred to Ian, and he asked firmly.
“The guard on Second Prince Gail’s quarters?”
“Yes? We’ve secured it tightly as instructed.”
“No mages came over here?”
Unexpectedly, mages had been pulled to heal Berik. Guards were posted, but the opponents were Arsen and Haiman. Especially, per Xiaoshi’s experience, Arsen warranted particular caution.
‘Slipped into Gail’s quarters at night. Still don’t know how. Seems like they’re hiding something.’
Magic? No, Ian would have sensed it first.
In his previous life, Ian had been called the ‘First Noble Mage.’ That implied no imperial kin possessed mana.
‘Can’t be magic.’
Ziiing.
Whether from pouring mana or worry, Ian’s fine brow furrowed slightly. Romandro quickly clutched the documents to his chest and assured him.
“No need to worry!”
Gail’s safety was their own! His confident declaration looked quite assured.
At his shout, Berik muttered irritably.
“Ah, shut up…….”
“Gasp! Sorry, sorry, Berik. Wait, are you conscious?”
As Romandro grabbed his hand, Berik twitched and pulled away. An unconscious reflex, yet Romandro looked a bit hurt and teared up again.
Ian wiped blood with a handkerchief and stood.
“Let’s go see. I’m curious how sturdy the guard is.”
* * *
Guards stood before Gail’s quarters, but even a short distance away, presences were hard to detect. With the palace cleanup consuming everyone, only minimal personnel were assigned.
Swish.
Arsen entered the palace with a few burly subordinates. His steps were bold and unhesitating, as if he’d frequented the place countless times. Arsen, silver hair fluttering, instructed his following loyalists.
“When I’m inside my brother’s bedroom, let no one enter.”
“Yes, Your Highness. But Lord Ian has forbidden all access to Second Prince Gail’s quarters. Entering is already…….”
At his subordinate’s remark, Arsen halted and turned. How could a child’s eyes burn so fiercely? The subordinate fell awkwardly silent, lowering his gaze.
“Say nothing beyond what I ask.”
“I-I apologize, Your Highness.”
Clack clack!
Turning the corner, footsteps echoed louder on the marble floor. As they neared the quarters, subordinates tensed and crouched, but Arsen remained ramrod straight.
Strangely, no one was along the child’s path. Though it was time they should encounter someone.
“Wait here.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Swish.
Arsen signaled his men and advanced first. Rounding the corner to Gail’s quarters—no presence. One subordinate peeked out suspiciously, but the two guards at the door stared calmly ahead.
Tap.
Bewildering and astonishing. As subordinates hid awaiting Arsen’s return, a strange sound came from afar.
“No, I swear that’s what I heard.”
“Yeah. That wasn’t heavy at all.”
“Wanna try? Do it right this time?”
“Come in. Ah, let’s do it!”
Savage warriors draped in burlap—Cheonryeo tribesmen. They held their breath even tighter, minimizing presence. No idea why they were at Gail’s quarters.
“Hungry. Everyone stop and let’s eat.”
“By the way, where’s Berik? Haven’t seen that bastard. Skipped out.”
“Ah, hold on.”
The Cheonryeo warriors chattered away, then suddenly froze. Beast-like senses detecting an odd aura.
They exchanged glances and quietly crouched low.
“…Smells like rat bastards.”