“It seems Wesleigh suspects I have a collaborator within the Ministry of Magic.”
Given the successful execution of the magic confirmation ceremony, it was a possibility. However, it was highly improbable that Ian, freshly arrived from the frontier, had established a power base. Wouldn’t they then be unable to overlook the chance he was connected to Mariv?
“So, before choosing, I should inquire with His Highness Mariv. Whether he has other eyes and ears planted besides me, as Wesleigh suspects. Minnie, prepare to send a letter immediately.”
Clack!
As Ian instructed with a flick of his hand, Minnie swiftly procured pen and paper from the study. Romandro, who had been listening quietly, moved to Ian’s side, surprised.
“What are you thinking of doing then?”
“If His Highness confirms there is someone planted, entering that department would attract less suspicion for us both.”
“What? You should pretend not to know and enter separate departments!”
“How could we place people in another department? If we enter the same place, all eyes there will be fixed on me.”
Also, just in case. To monitor and keep Ian in check, a spy from the same department may approach him. However, this was a last resort, and the priority was to confirm if Mariv was using someone other than Ian.
“I don’t know if His Highness will tell me properly. Anyway, it seems right that they gave me these options to test me.”
In fact, he intuitively knew Mariv had no other cards, but thought it prudent to send a letter explaining going to a department other than Magic Stone Management.
“So if there happens to be His Highness Mariv’s pawn, you will go there…”
“If not, I will go to the Magic Operations Department.”
“Isn’t the workload high there due to the abundance of tasks?”
“But it’s likely the only department where loyalty to their commander exceeds that to Head Wesleigh. Isn’t that how all field work positions are?”
No matter how many superiors there were, there couldn’t be as much trust as the commander who leads through hardships while working outside. Moreover, from what he saw in passing, the department’s atmosphere itself would be quite good.
“The Magic Support Department isn’t bad either, but that’s like putting your head in the lion’s mouth.”
Especially if they were mostly involved in the magic circle’s malfunction, it would be very difficult for Ian to work there. How could he do other things while spending all day with people monitoring and trapping him from all sides?
“The relatively balanced Magic Operations Department is better. This is all based on the assumption His Highness Mariv doesn’t have a spy, though.”
Swish swish.
Ian wrote the letter in an elegant style, soon receiving a reply from Mariv that afternoon. It contained the message that there was no one in the Ministry of Magic who could assist Ian.
***
Knock knock.
“Enter.”
“Head Wesleigh. Baron Ian Hielo has sent an application to join.”
At the assistant’s report, Wesleigh turned his head. It was expected he would join, but she was truly curious about which department he would choose.
“Which department?”
“He says it’s the Magic Operations Department.”
“Haha. The Magic Operations Department?”
Well well, Wesleigh chewed her lips, arms crossed. It was where Nakina, who had acted suspiciously at the magic confirmation ceremony, was located, and the commander there, Hail, was a very difficult person to deal with. An old-fashioned man who stuck to principles, he often had minor conflicts with Wesleigh.
“This is really a headache when it turns out like this. How annoying.”
“Is it true he has a connection with Nakina?”
“Then he wouldn’t have gone to the same department.”
“Could there be a traitor somewhere else…”
It felt like it kept twisting without an answer. Since a perfectly clear result was not visible, Wesleigh suddenly recalled Gale’s words.
‘It’s true that Ian fixed it.’
That Ian, that rascal like frontier chaff, fixed the magic circle in a short moment. Then wouldn’t everything become clear without having to engage in such a dizzying game of wits? But Wesleigh couldn’t bring herself to admit it.
‘No way. There’s no way he can do what even I can’t…’
This was a problem for herself, putting Gale aside. Wasn’t Wesleigh the youngest head in the Empire’s history? That meant her magical ability was second to none, but with Ian’s appearance, everything could disappear into the back alleys of history.
“Ian definitely, definitely has an accomplice.”
At the sight of the superior muttering as if half out of her mind, the assistant let out a soft sigh. Wesleigh abruptly turned to the assistant and asked.
“When did he say he would enter the palace?”
“He didn’t specify in detail, but it seemed he was thinking of sending the his escort knight to the Imperial training grounds soon.”
“Escort knight? The redhead?”
“Yes. He said he would enter the palace on the free training day during the week, so he asked to send a letter before then. If you just give permission, after taking care of business at the training grounds, he would formally greet the members and start working the next day.”
Wesleigh’s brows furrowed. Somehow, it seemed like he had a clear grasp of the joining process. From here to the Imperial training grounds, each and every movement was concise, wasn’t it?
“Anyway, Romandro.”
She didn’t like how he was sticking close and helping with this and that. She got up and grabbed her outer garment, leaving the office.
Kwang!
The Magic Support Department, not far from the office.
As Wesleigh roughly threw open the door, the magicians buried in documents flinched and looked up.
“H-Head? Wh-What brings you here?”
It was the first day of work after getting scolded for the magic circle malfunction at the magic confirmation ceremony. The tense atmosphere clearly showed how nervous they were. Wesleigh clicked her tongue inwardly and instructed.
“Prepare to welcome Baron Ian Hielo.”
“Is, is he joining? Where?”
Their expressions were strange. It was an expression created by a mixture of not wanting him to come to the Magic Support Department and, conversely, wanting him to come. They had a grand plan to work him to death from overwork if he came.
“Since he said he’s going to the Magic Operations Department, inform them as well.”
“Ah, yes, yes. Understood.”
“…Get your act together properly.”
Although it was a new recruit coming in after several years, he was no ordinary person. Moreover, he was a guy with Mariv himself trailing behind him. At Wesleigh’s request, everyone blinked their eyes and nodded.
“Of course. Don’t worry.”
“I’m really looking forward to it. Hahaha!”
“You’re kidding… Just do your work.”
“Oh, yes, yes.”
Screech!
Bang!
At Wesleigh’s scolding, the magicians once again buried their noses in the documents. After the superior left, they all sighed in relief and looked at each other.
“A new recruit is coming.”
“Right. It’s been a really long time. How many years has it been?”
“We need to give him a proper welcome. And check if the light of the oracle was real or not.”
They were suspicious that the magical power might have been further amplified due to the malfunction of the magic circle. The magicians started moving busily again to prepare for the new recruit.
“Did you hear? Baron Hielo is going to the Magic Operations Department.”
“What? Really? Then are they the ones who really got shafted? Since he made great contributions in the Roxane Battle, I thought he would really establish himself this time.”
“Probably not? Head Wesleigh handed over the right to choose, and Sir Ian directly chose it.”
“Anyway, it will be difficult for the Magic Operations Department. Suddenly having to take charge of Ian. They’ll completely fall out of favor with Minister Wesleigh.”
“Think about it carefully. This might actually be an opportunity. Wouldn’t it be a chance to score points if they just discipline Ian well in place of Minister Wesleigh?”
“Shh. Watch your words! No matter how much of a runt he is, a noble is still a noble. Hahaha!”
The rumor that Ian would join the Magic Operations Department spread quickly. The Ministry of Magic had a small number of people to begin with, but since it was a matter that was being watched from the outside, there was no one in the Imperial Palace who didn’t know about this.
“Huh?”
Except for the Magic Operations Department, the actual party involved.
Hail, the commander of the Magic Operations Department, who was eating in the cafeteria, dropped his spoon and looked back. When the people who had been chattering made eye contact with Hail, they hurriedly moved their seats.
“What is this about? Nakina. Did you hear that?”
“Just now. Since they’re talking about it everywhere, I heard it well.”
“You’re saying you didn’t know either.”
Tomi, who had been burying his face in the food tray, asked Hail while gulping it down.
“Is there a problem? A new recruit is joining.”
“No. There isn’t.”
“Then just eat.”
At Tomi’s words, Hail sniffed and picked up his spoon again.
Well, does it matter? They just needed to keep working as they were now. The three of them ignored the sharp gazes piercing the back of their heads and kept shoveling food into their mouths.
“Ian! Iaaaan!”
“You’re noisy, Beric.”
“Hurry up and get ready. Why are you so slow?”
Ian looked at Beric, who was hanging on the doorknob and whining, in disbelief. Today was the free training day at the Imperial Palace as well as the day of Ian’s welcome ceremony to the Ministry of Magic. The person who usually prepared last was now urging him like this, so it was just funny.
“Are you that excited?”
“I heard it’s teeming with guys like the Cheonryeo Clan, right?”
“Yeah. Your nose will probably be smashed by the time you come back today.”
Ian muttered while fastening his cuffs. The free training day was literally a day when the training grounds were open. People who could enter the Imperial Palace gathered together to gauge each other’s skills and build friendships, a kind of day to take a break.
“What do I need to do when I get there?”
“It’s not difficult. When you go, everyone will probably be chatting or training, so you just politely greet the person you want and request a match.”
Normally, a swordsman who made a name for himself outside the palace would meet a sponsor and get help to even enter the palace, but Ian and Beric had already built that relationship over a long time.
“You fool, consider it an honor. Do you think you get a chance to compete with the Imperial Knights often?”
“Sir Romandro. Ha, this is really absurd. Watch carefully. It will be an honor for the knights. Where else would they get the experience of being smashed like that?”
“The one getting smashed will be you. Tsk tsk. Should I call the doctor in advance…?”
Whether he knew of Romandro’s concern or not, Beric just fondled his sword, puffing out breaths and absorbed in himself. Ian, who had finished preparing, turned to him and asked.
“Bring a different sword.”
“Why? No!”
The mysterious black sword that absorbs energy and explodes. Ian lightly frowned and advised.
“Almost half of them there will be swordmages, so wouldn’t it be troublesome if something happens to the sword?”
“Are you worried the sword will break?”
“Your neck bones.”
“Ahh. If it’s that, it’s fine! Everyone will fight with their own weapons when they go, so I can’t be the only one holding a practice wooden sword. Right? Isn’t that right, Master?”
“…Do as you wish.”
Beric bounced around, swinging his sword excitedly, and Romandro tried to stop him, looking disgusted. The coachman outside honked, signaling that he was ready.
“Let’s go. Ah, and Sir Romandro.”
“Hmm?”
Ian reached out his hand to him and smiled. Romandro, who unconsciously clasped it, just smiled back, not knowing why.
“This is the last greeting. They say shaking hands with a magic user brings luck, and by the time I return from the palace, I will have already become a magician.”
“Ah, right! Let’s do it one more time!”
“Of course.”
“Me too, shake hands with me too!”
“Okay. Move that sword away.”
The three of them shared luck while firmly grasping each other’s hands. Without even gauging what would happen in the future.
“It seems Wesleigh suspects I have a collaborator within the Ministry of Magic.”
Given the successful execution of the magic confirmation ceremony, it was a possibility. However, it was highly improbable that Ian, freshly arrived from the frontier, had established a power base. Wouldn’t they then be unable to overlook the chance he was connected to Mariv?
“So, before choosing, I should inquire with His Highness Mariv. Whether he has other eyes and ears planted besides me, as Wesleigh suspects. Minnie, prepare to send a letter immediately.”
Clack!
As Ian instructed with a flick of his hand, Minnie swiftly procured pen and paper from the study. Romandro, who had been listening quietly, moved to Ian’s side, surprised.
“What are you thinking of doing then?”
“If His Highness confirms there is someone planted, entering that department would attract less suspicion for us both.”
“What? You should pretend not to know and enter separate departments!”
“How could we place people in another department? If we enter the same place, all eyes there will be fixed on me.”
Also, just in case. To monitor and keep Ian in check, a spy from the same department may approach him. However, this was a last resort, and the priority was to confirm if Mariv was using someone other than Ian.
“I don’t know if His Highness will tell me properly. Anyway, it seems right that they gave me these options to test me.”
In fact, he intuitively knew Mariv had no other cards, but thought it prudent to send a letter explaining going to a department other than Magic Stone Management.
“So if there happens to be His Highness Mariv’s pawn, you will go there…”
“If not, I will go to the Magic Operations Department.”
“Isn’t the workload high there due to the abundance of tasks?”
“But it’s likely the only department where loyalty to their commander exceeds that to Head Wesleigh. Isn’t that how all field work positions are?”
No matter how many superiors there were, there couldn’t be as much trust as the commander who leads through hardships while working outside. Moreover, from what he saw in passing, the department’s atmosphere itself would be quite good.
“The Magic Support Department isn’t bad either, but that’s like putting your head in the lion’s mouth.”
Especially if they were mostly involved in the magic circle’s malfunction, it would be very difficult for Ian to work there. How could he do other things while spending all day with people monitoring and trapping him from all sides?
“The relatively balanced Magic Operations Department is better. This is all based on the assumption His Highness Mariv doesn’t have a spy, though.”
Swish swish.
Ian wrote the letter in an elegant style, soon receiving a reply from Mariv that afternoon. It contained the message that there was no one in the Ministry of Magic who could assist Ian.
***
Knock knock.
“Enter.”
“Head Wesleigh. Baron Ian Hielo has sent an application to join.”
At the assistant’s report, Wesleigh turned his head. It was expected he would join, but she was truly curious about which department he would choose.
“Which department?”
“He says it’s the Magic Operations Department.”
“Haha. The Magic Operations Department?”
Well well, Wesleigh chewed her lips, arms crossed. It was where Nakina, who had acted suspiciously at the magic confirmation ceremony, was located, and the commander there, Hail, was a very difficult person to deal with. An old-fashioned man who stuck to principles, he often had minor conflicts with Wesleigh.
“This is really a headache when it turns out like this. How annoying.”
“Is it true he has a connection with Nakina?”
“Then he wouldn’t have gone to the same department.”
“Could there be a traitor somewhere else…”
It felt like it kept twisting without an answer. Since a perfectly clear result was not visible, Wesleigh suddenly recalled Gale’s words.
‘It’s true that Ian fixed it.’
That Ian, that rascal like frontier chaff, fixed the magic circle in a short moment. Then wouldn’t everything become clear without having to engage in such a dizzying game of wits? But Wesleigh couldn’t bring herself to admit it.
‘No way. There’s no way he can do what even I can’t…’
This was a problem for herself, putting Gale aside. Wasn’t Wesleigh the youngest head in the Empire’s history? That meant her magical ability was second to none, but with Ian’s appearance, everything could disappear into the back alleys of history.
“Ian definitely, definitely has an accomplice.”
At the sight of the superior muttering as if half out of her mind, the assistant let out a soft sigh. Wesleigh abruptly turned to the assistant and asked.
“When did he say he would enter the palace?”
“He didn’t specify in detail, but it seemed he was thinking of sending the his escort knight to the Imperial training grounds soon.”
“Escort knight? The redhead?”
“Yes. He said he would enter the palace on the free training day during the week, so he asked to send a letter before then. If you just give permission, after taking care of business at the training grounds, he would formally greet the members and start working the next day.”
Wesleigh’s brows furrowed. Somehow, it seemed like he had a clear grasp of the joining process. From here to the Imperial training grounds, each and every movement was concise, wasn’t it?
“Anyway, Romandro.”
She didn’t like how he was sticking close and helping with this and that. She got up and grabbed her outer garment, leaving the office.
Kwang!
The Magic Support Department, not far from the office.
As Wesleigh roughly threw open the door, the magicians buried in documents flinched and looked up.
“H-Head? Wh-What brings you here?”
It was the first day of work after getting scolded for the magic circle malfunction at the magic confirmation ceremony. The tense atmosphere clearly showed how nervous they were. Wesleigh clicked her tongue inwardly and instructed.
“Prepare to welcome Baron Ian Hielo.”
“Is, is he joining? Where?”
Their expressions were strange. It was an expression created by a mixture of not wanting him to come to the Magic Support Department and, conversely, wanting him to come. They had a grand plan to work him to death from overwork if he came.
“Since he said he’s going to the Magic Operations Department, inform them as well.”
“Ah, yes, yes. Understood.”
“…Get your act together properly.”
Although it was a new recruit coming in after several years, he was no ordinary person. Moreover, he was a guy with Mariv himself trailing behind him. At Wesleigh’s request, everyone blinked their eyes and nodded.
“Of course. Don’t worry.”
“I’m really looking forward to it. Hahaha!”
“You’re kidding… Just do your work.”
“Oh, yes, yes.”
Screech!
Bang!
At Wesleigh’s scolding, the magicians once again buried their noses in the documents. After the superior left, they all sighed in relief and looked at each other.
“A new recruit is coming.”
“Right. It’s been a really long time. How many years has it been?”
“We need to give him a proper welcome. And check if the light of the oracle was real or not.”
They were suspicious that the magical power might have been further amplified due to the malfunction of the magic circle. The magicians started moving busily again to prepare for the new recruit.
“Did you hear? Baron Hielo is going to the Magic Operations Department.”
“What? Really? Then are they the ones who really got shafted? Since he made great contributions in the Roxane Battle, I thought he would really establish himself this time.”
“Probably not? Head Wesleigh handed over the right to choose, and Sir Ian directly chose it.”
“Anyway, it will be difficult for the Magic Operations Department. Suddenly having to take charge of Ian. They’ll completely fall out of favor with Minister Wesleigh.”
“Think about it carefully. This might actually be an opportunity. Wouldn’t it be a chance to score points if they just discipline Ian well in place of Minister Wesleigh?”
“Shh. Watch your words! No matter how much of a runt he is, a noble is still a noble. Hahaha!”
The rumor that Ian would join the Magic Operations Department spread quickly. The Ministry of Magic had a small number of people to begin with, but since it was a matter that was being watched from the outside, there was no one in the Imperial Palace who didn’t know about this.
“Huh?”
Except for the Magic Operations Department, the actual party involved.
Hail, the commander of the Magic Operations Department, who was eating in the cafeteria, dropped his spoon and looked back. When the people who had been chattering made eye contact with Hail, they hurriedly moved their seats.
“What is this about? Nakina. Did you hear that?”
“Just now. Since they’re talking about it everywhere, I heard it well.”
“You’re saying you didn’t know either.”
Tomi, who had been burying his face in the food tray, asked Hail while gulping it down.
“Is there a problem? A new recruit is joining.”
“No. There isn’t.”
“Then just eat.”
At Tomi’s words, Hail sniffed and picked up his spoon again.
Well, does it matter? They just needed to keep working as they were now. The three of them ignored the sharp gazes piercing the back of their heads and kept shoveling food into their mouths.
“Ian! Iaaaan!”
“You’re noisy, Beric.”
“Hurry up and get ready. Why are you so slow?”
Ian looked at Beric, who was hanging on the doorknob and whining, in disbelief. Today was the free training day at the Imperial Palace as well as the day of Ian’s welcome ceremony to the Ministry of Magic. The person who usually prepared last was now urging him like this, so it was just funny.
“Are you that excited?”
“I heard it’s teeming with guys like the Cheonryeo Clan, right?”
“Yeah. Your nose will probably be smashed by the time you come back today.”
Ian muttered while fastening his cuffs. The free training day was literally a day when the training grounds were open. People who could enter the Imperial Palace gathered together to gauge each other’s skills and build friendships, a kind of day to take a break.
“What do I need to do when I get there?”
“It’s not difficult. When you go, everyone will probably be chatting or training, so you just politely greet the person you want and request a match.”
Normally, a swordsman who made a name for himself outside the palace would meet a sponsor and get help to even enter the palace, but Ian and Beric had already built that relationship over a long time.
“You fool, consider it an honor. Do you think you get a chance to compete with the Imperial Knights often?”
“Sir Romandro. Ha, this is really absurd. Watch carefully. It will be an honor for the knights. Where else would they get the experience of being smashed like that?”
“The one getting smashed will be you. Tsk tsk. Should I call the doctor in advance…?”
Whether he knew of Romandro’s concern or not, Beric just fondled his sword, puffing out breaths and absorbed in himself. Ian, who had finished preparing, turned to him and asked.
“Bring a different sword.”
“Why? No!”
The mysterious black sword that absorbs energy and explodes. Ian lightly frowned and advised.
“Almost half of them there will be swordmages, so wouldn’t it be troublesome if something happens to the sword?”
“Are you worried the sword will break?”
“Your neck bones.”
“Ahh. If it’s that, it’s fine! Everyone will fight with their own weapons when they go, so I can’t be the only one holding a practice wooden sword. Right? Isn’t that right, Master?”
“…Do as you wish.”
Beric bounced around, swinging his sword excitedly, and Romandro tried to stop him, looking disgusted. The coachman outside honked, signaling that he was ready.
“Let’s go. Ah, and Sir Romandro.”
“Hmm?”
Ian reached out his hand to him and smiled. Romandro, who unconsciously clasped it, just smiled back, not knowing why.
“This is the last greeting. They say shaking hands with a magic user brings luck, and by the time I return from the palace, I will have already become a magician.”
“Ah, right! Let’s do it one more time!”
“Of course.”
“Me too, shake hands with me too!”
“Okay. Move that sword away.”
The three of them shared luck while firmly grasping each other’s hands. Without even gauging what would happen in the future.
