Chapter 231
Chapter 231
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 231
Chapter Title: What is Your Identity?
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The massive main gate of the imperial palace swung open wider and taller than usual. For people and carriages to pass, only the first mechanism needed to be released, but for something as large and delicate as the Light of the Oracle, the second one had to be unlocked as well.
"Clear the way ahead. Coming through!"
"Slow the horses. Move even slower."
"Whoa, the Carbo Temple's is way bigger than the others."
"It was smaller than this at the New Year's banquet, right?"
"Carbo. It's Carbo. A temple that's been there since the founding of the empire. Suits the name, doesn't it? Keep going steady! Mage, you're drifting left. Apply force evenly."
Ssslruk!
Covered in layers of thick cloth and secured with ropes, the object crawled into the palace like a snail. Surrounding and protecting it were white-robed priests. Despite the arduous journey, not a speck of dust marred their pristine appearance. They moved so uniformly it was hard to believe there were people under those veils.
"Those must be the priests. From Carbo?"
"Carbo Temple— isn't that Lady Dillaina's family home?"
"I'd like to ask for a prayer. Wonder if they'll stay in the capital long."
"Lucky us. Getting to see a priest procession."
The imperial citizens who had stepped aside buzzed with excitement. It was a rare sight indeed. Temples were mostly located in remote areas, sacred places inaccessible unless there was war or disaster.
Kkiiik.
"Alright, everyone waiting for entry, step back and wait."
"Step back, please. Wait here!"
"Oh man, scratch that about being lucky. It's closed off! Should've come earlier."
"How long do we have to wait?"
"Until the Magic Department takes custody of the Light of the Oracle. It'll be soon, don't worry. Won't take long."
Kuuung! Kkiiik!
The gatekeepers gave those instructions and fully shut the main gate. They began verifying each priest's identity and compiling an entry list.
Dillaina's subordinates and the mages did the same, handing over their identification with weary gestures to signal their return.
Tadak tadak!
Just then, the sound of hooves echoed from afar. Sure enough, it was the Magic Department's banner. The blond boy leading the charge pulled expertly on the reins and looked down.
Ta-at!
"Lord Ian."
"…Sorry."
The mages who had drawn near whispered softly. They had tried to delay entry until after the Grand Council, but it had failed.
Sabotaging the cart's wheels had its limits, and above all, if the Light of the Oracle shattered in the process, it would be a disaster. Dillaina's subordinates had clenched their teeth over it too.
"It's fine. Good work. Must've been tough from Stone Mountain all the way here. All mages who went out for support, go in and rest. We'll take it from here."
Ian patted their shoulders reassuringly. At that, the cart hovering three centimeters off the ground slowly settled to the floor. It was a measure to ease the horses' burden and prevent jolts and shocks.
"Lord Ian. How high should we lift it? Keep it at three centimeters?"
"Yeah. Too high is risky. Four of you, center it and apply force evenly from all sides."
Ziiing. Ziiing.
At Ian's command, the mages moved in perfect unison.
A priest approached them. No fingertips were visible, like Avidiel or Makael, but a hunched back hinted at age.
"Greetings. I am Lily, High Priest of Carbo Temple. It's an honor to meet you. May the gods' blessings be upon you."
"Pleased to meet you. I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Magic Department. It must have been a long journey. May the gods' blessings be upon you."
Ian placed a hand on his chest, and the High Priest bowed his head slightly. The priests behind him did the same.
"But the cart with the Light of the Oracle aside, why do you have no carriages of your own?"
"While waiting at Stone Mountain, we considered moving by cart, but those broke down too. Without Lady Dillaina and the Magic Department's swift aid, we would have been in real trouble. Thank you."
"No need for thanks. It was our request, so it was only right. Avidiel and Makael, who arrived first, are waiting at the Magic Department. Before that, which priest here received the oracle?"
There had been two oracles between Avidiel and Makael. One was guarding the temple, the other had come along, so one must be here.
The High Priest asked puzzledly.
"Why do you ask?"
"I have matters to confirm with Avidiel, Makael, and that person. High Priest, you'll need to join us as well. The rest of you, rest at the prepared quarters."
…Puzzling, but no need to hide. The High Priest glanced back, and the one in the center stepped forward.
"I am Ranko. I received the oracle before Priest Makael. You mean the one about the earthquake in the nearby village, right?"
"Pleased to meet you. No time to waste— let's move."
What could this be about? Why hadn't Avidiel and Makael come to greet them? Questions abounded, but the High Priest and Ranko decided to follow Ian for now.
"Load the priests' luggage onto carts and take it to the Magic Department."
"Please board the carriages. This way, priests."
"Welcome. Come on in."
Aside from the mages handling the Light of the Oracle, others welcomed the priests. They needed to clear out quickly so the palace gate could reopen for citizens. Everyone was bustling to tidy up.
Tadak tadak!
Hiiing!
Splendid carriages raced toward them excitedly. The wildly cracking whips suggested the occupants were urging the coachmen.
"Looks like Lady Dillaina."
"Yeah. She's quick too."
Romandro whispered awkwardly, and Ian just smiled. The Magic Department naturally handled palace entry security, so they knew fast, but how did they?
Hiiing!
Ttak!
The moment the carriage stopped, Dillaina grabbed her dress hem and hurried down. Though all priests wore the same robes and veils, she spotted the High Priest and greeted warmly.
"Lily!"
"Oh, Lady Dillaina!"
"Good to see you. It's been too long. Safe travels?"
Forgetting decorum, Dillaina hugged the High Priest lightly. Lily had personally tended her postpartum care, and more— they shared a piece of childhood memory.
Though Carbo Temple and her family were no longer as close, their roots were undeniable.
"The Light of the Oracle?"
"Safely handed over to the Magic Department. Lady Dillaina, why have you gotten so thin?"
"Busy times. Arsen!"
"Ooh, Prince Arsen. You've grown so fine. The gods must be pleased. It's a joy to meet you."
Dillaina pulled Arsen to her side and had him greet the High Priest. The High Priest merely bowed, but Arsen grinned and offered a handshake.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Arsen."
Bold as brass. With rumors of him being a demon beast spreading through the palace, the boy sought to prove his innocence by contact. Attendants alighting behind gasped inwardly, watching.
"My apologies, Your Highness. Priests cannot casually touch others. Please accept it in spirit."
The High Priest politely refused.
The officials solidified their faith at Arsen's nonchalant attitude. For a demon beast, wouldn't that be dangerously provocative? Arsen clearly harbored no darkness.
"Is that so? Too bad."
Arsen shrugged and approached the Light of the Oracle, then placed a hand on it with a clear laugh.
Nothing happened. The temple's most sacred object should react to a demon beast.
But all was quiet. Even a gentle breeze blew, making the world serene.
"So this is the Light of the Oracle? Bigger than I thought. The one Lord Ian used must've been a toy. Right?"
The boy stared straight at Ian, but Ian didn't answer. Ignored him, really. He wasn't idle enough for such petty jabs— petty 'demon beast' jabs, precisely.
"Ian."
Dillaina, who had been watching, called sharply.
"Yes, Lady Dillaina."
"I heard the rumors in the palace."
"The palace is full of idle gossip. I don't know what you mean."
Dillaina let out a hollow laugh but said no more. With priests present, she couldn't utter that Arsen was a demon beast. Even pronouncing it would be shameful, insulting.
She leaned close to Ian and whispered.
"I'd love to behead you right now, but for our weary guests, I'll hold back. With the Light here, we can't delay the Mana Confirmation Ritual. Best do it soon. So die crushed under your own words."
"No feelings for you, Lady Dillaina. Just worry. Whether you can endure knowing Prince Arsen's true nature."
"To the end—!"
The High Priest silently surveyed, clueless. It wasn't just Ian and Dillaina. Mages and unfamiliar attendants bristled with tension.
'What the hell?'
If Prince Arsen was a Mana User, wasn't it the empire's blessing? He expected confetti and festivals.
Instead, it was icy cold— lucky not to freeze. Breaking that ice was Arsen himself.
"With the Light here, we could do the Mana Confirmation Ritual right away. I'm fine anytime. What do you say?"
Arsen beamed at Ian again. Ian looked down at him. Those light blue eyes gleamed oddly.
"Magic circle's being drawn under the Light. Not today, but tomorrow morning if we rush it. Prince 'Arsen'?"
The title ended questioningly, implying doubt of his imperial blood. But the boy kept smiling, staring into Ian's eyes unperturbed.
'Come on, then…….'
Ian itched to test his ability. He met the gaze steadily. As the eerie silence stretched, their subordinates panicked, eyes darting.
"Then, excuse us. Detailed schedule by this afternoon. What are you all doing? Move!"
Ian turned away curtly, as if wasting time. Arsen's brow furrowed instantly. Something felt off, right?
Ta-at!
Arsen grabbed Ian's arm. Everyone froze at the sudden move, Ian included. He started to shake it off irritably but paused, noticing Arsen's strange expression.
"……."
"What are you doing?"
"You……?"
Maybe because he was a mage, and a powerful one fit for minister, it didn't work?
But the sensation differed. An utter powerlessness, as if he couldn't even attempt it. Arsen stared blankly, then smirked oddly.
"You, what are you?"
Just like with the imperial family?
Ian bent low and whispered to Arsen, voice tiny for their ears only.
"…And you, what the hell are you?"