Report
The massive front gate of the Imperial Palace swung open, wider and taller than usual. Normally, only the first set of locks needed to be released for people and carriages to pass through. However, for something as grand and sensitive as the Oracle’s Light, even the second set of locks had to be disengaged.
“Clear the way! You’ll get hurt if you stand there!”
“Slow the horses. Move more carefully!”
“Wow, the Carbo Temple’s item is much larger than others, isn’t it?”
“It was smaller during the New Year’s Festival, wasn’t it?”
“Well, it’s the Carbo Temple. Carbo, after all. It’s a temple that’s been with the nation since its founding. Fitting for its name. Keep pushing steadily! Mage, the left side is unbalanced. Apply even pressure.”
Slide!
The item, covered in several layers of thick cloth and secured with ropes, crept into the palace like a crawling beast. Surrounding it were the white-clad priests, protecting it on all sides. Despite the arduous journey, it was spotless, without a speck of dust. Their movements were so synchronized that one might wonder if there was even a person underneath the veil.
“Look at the priests. They say they’re from Carbo.”
“The Carbo Temple? Isn’t that Lady Delaina’s family’s temple?”
“I want to ask them for a prayer. Do you think they’ll stay in the center for long?”
“Lucky us! We get to witness the procession of the priests.”
The citizens of the Empire, who had stepped aside, whispered excitedly. It was a rare sight indeed. Temples were mostly located in remote areas, and unless there was a war or disaster, they were sacred places with restricted access.
Creak.
“Alright, all those waiting to enter the palace, please step back.”
“Please move back and wait!”
“Ah, so much for being lucky. The road’s blocked now! Should have come earlier.”
“How long will it take?”
“Until the Department of Magic takes over the Oracle’s Light. It won’t be long, so don’t worry.”
Thud! Creak!
The gatekeepers gave their instructions and then shut the front gate completely. They began verifying the identities of the priests one by one and recording them on the entry list.
Delaina’s subordinates and the mages did the same, presenting their identification cards with weary gestures as they reported their return.
Tap, tap, tap!
Just then, the sound of horse hooves echoed from afar. As expected, it was the banner of the Department of Magic. Leading the charge was a blond boy who skillfully reined in his horse, looking down at the scene below.
Swish!
“Ian, sir.”
“…My apologies.”
The approaching mages whispered in hushed tones. They had intended to delay the arrival as much as possible, ideally until after the Council meeting, but they had failed.
They couldn’t sabotage the carriage wheels indefinitely, and more importantly, if the Oracle’s Light were damaged, it would be a disaster. Delaina’s subordinates had clenched their jaws, making it even harder to interfere.
“It’s fine. You did well. It must have been tough coming all the way from the rocky hills. All mages who assisted, go inside and rest now. We’ll handle it from here.”
Ian gave them a reassuring pat on the shoulder, indicating there were no issues. The cart, which had been floating about three centimeters off the ground, gently lowered to rest on the ground. It had been levitated slightly to ease the strain and prevent shocks during transit.
“Ian, sir. Should we keep it levitated at three centimeters as it is?”
“Yes, don’t lift it too high—it could be dangerous. Center your strength around four people and apply force evenly from all sides.”
Whirring, whirring.
Following Ian’s command, the mages moved in perfect unison.
Approaching them was a priest, his figure obscured like Abidel and Makael, with no visible fingers or hands, but his hunched back hinted at his age.
“Greetings. I am Lily, High Priest of the Carbo Temple. It’s an honor to meet you. May the blessings of the gods be upon you.”
“Well met. I am Ian Hiel, Minister of the Department of Magic. It must have been a long journey. May the blessings of the gods be upon you as well.”
Ian placed a hand over his chest in a gesture of respect. The High Priest nodded slightly, and the priests standing behind him followed suit with a bow.
“By the way, it’s understandable for the Oracle’s Light cart, but why don’t you have any carriages?”
“While we were waiting in the rocky hills, we attempted to use carriages, but all their wheels were broken. Without the swift help from Lady Delaina’s men and the Department of Magic, we would have been in a dire situation. We are grateful for your assistance.”
“No need to thank us. It was our request, so it was only right for us to assist. Abidel and Makael arrived earlier and are currently waiting at the Department of Magic. But before that, who among you received the oracle here?”
There had been two oracles given between Abidel and Makael. One of them remained at the temple, while the other had traveled with them, so it must be someone among this group.
The High Priest looked puzzled and asked again.
“Why do you ask such a question?”
“I need to verify something with Abidel, Makael, and you, High Priest. You should come with us. As for the other priests, have them rest and recover at the prepared quarters.”
The High Priest glanced back, slightly hesitant, but there was no reason to hide anything. The figure standing in the center stepped forward.
“I am Ranko. I received the oracle before Priest Makael. It was regarding the earthquake in the nearby village, correct?”
“Good to meet you. Let’s get moving—we don’t have much time.”
It wasn’t clear what this was about. Why hadn’t Abidel and Makael come out to greet them? Although there were many questions, the High Priest and Ranko decided to follow Ian for now.
“Load the priests’ belongings onto the cart and take them to the Department of Magic.”
“Please, step inside the carriage. This way, priests.”
“Welcome! Please come in.”
Apart from the mages handling the Oracle’s Light, other members of the Department greeted the priests warmly. They needed to clear the area quickly so the palace gates could reopen, allowing the citizens to pass through. The scene was bustling as everyone hurried to tidy things up.
Clip-clop! Neigh!
A grand carriage raced toward them, the driver cracking the whip urgently. It was clear the occupant inside was in a hurry.
“That looks like Lady Delaina.”
“Indeed. She’s as diligent as ever.”
Romandro whispered awkwardly, while Ian merely smiled. The Department of Magic naturally had access to palace entry updates, but how had they found out so quickly?
Neigh! Crack!
The carriage skidded to a halt, and Delaina hurriedly stepped down, lifting her dress as she moved. Despite the priests all wearing identical robes with their faces covered, she immediately recognized the High Priest and greeted her warmly.
“Lily!”
“Oh, Lady Delaina!”
“It’s so good to see you. It’s been a while. Thank you for coming all this way.”
Delaina, forgetting her usual composure, lightly embraced the High Priest. Lily had personally taken care of Delaina after childbirth and held fond memories from her childhood. Though the relationship between the Carbo Temple and Delaina’s family had changed, their shared roots couldn’t be denied.
“And the Oracle’s Light?”
“It has been safely handed over to the Department of Magic. But Lady Delaina, you look so thin. Have you been well?”
“I’ve been dealing with a lot lately. Arsene!”
“Oh, Prince Arsene! You look so gallant. The gods must be pleased to see you. It’s a joy to meet you like this.”
Delaina pulled Arsene forward to greet the High Priest. The High Priest bowed respectfully, while Arsene flashed a bright smile and extended his hand for a handshake.
“Good to meet you. I’m Arsene.”
It was a deliberate move. With rumors of him being a monster spreading throughout the palace, Arsene was publicly interacting with the High Priest to prove his innocence. The officials who had stepped down from their carriages watched in awe.
“I’m sorry, Your Highness. As a priest, I cannot make physical contact with others. Please accept my greeting in spirit.”
The High Priest gently declined. However, Arsene’s confident demeanor only strengthened the officials’ trust in him. If he were truly a monster, wouldn’t this be a dangerous provocation? It seemed clear that Arsene had nothing to hide.
“Oh, that’s unfortunate.”
Arsene shrugged nonchalantly and approached the Oracle’s Light, placing his hand on it with a cheerful smile.
Nothing happened. This was the most sacred item of the temple; if he were a monster, there should have been an immediate reaction.
But all was calm. A gentle breeze rustled through, making the entire scene feel peaceful.
“So, this is the Oracle’s Light? It’s much bigger than I expected. The one Ian used must have been a mere toy in comparison, wouldn’t you say?”
Arsene looked directly at Ian as he spoke, but Ian didn’t respond. In fact, it was more accurate to say he ignored him. He wasn’t interested in engaging in petty arguments, especially not with someone who might be a monster.
“Ian.”
Delaina’s voice cut through sharply as she watched the exchange. She was already frustrated by the absurd rumors circulating in the palace. And now, Ian had the audacity to ignore Arsene?
“Yes, Lady Delaina.”
“I’ve heard the rumors spreading around the palace.”
“There are always plenty of baseless rumors in the palace. I’m not sure which one you’re referring to.”
Delaina let out a dry laugh but didn’t continue. With the priests present, she couldn’t openly accuse Arsene of being a monster. Just speaking the words would be a humiliation and an insult.
She leaned in close to Ian, her voice low and venomous.
“I’d love nothing more than to have you executed right here, but out of respect for our guests who traveled a long way, I’ll hold back. Now that the Oracle’s Light is here, we can no longer delay the Mana Verification Ceremony. It would be best to proceed quickly. I hope you choke on the words you’ve spoken.”
“I have no ill will toward you, Lady Delaina. If anything, I’m concerned. I wonder if you’ll be able to handle the truth once you learn who Prince Arsene really is.”
“You insolent—!”
The High Priest, confused by the tension, remained silent, looking around the room. It wasn’t just Ian and Delaina; even the mages and unfamiliar officials were exuding a palpable hostility.
‘What is going on?’
If Prince Arsene were a legitimate mage, it would be a blessing for the Empire. He had expected this to be a moment of celebration, like a festival with confetti in the air.
But instead, the atmosphere was icy cold. It was Arsene who broke the silence.
“Now that the Oracle’s Light is here, we can proceed with the Mana Verification Ceremony right away. I’m ready whenever you are. What do you say?”
Arsene, still smiling brightly, addressed Ian again. Ian looked down at him, his piercing blue eyes gleaming.
“We’re currently drawing the magic circle beneath the Oracle’s Light. We can’t conduct the ceremony today, but if we proceed quickly, it can be held tomorrow morning. Prince Arsene?”
The title “Prince” ended as a question, implying doubt about his royal lineage. Yet Arsene showed no sign of displeasure, only continued smiling while meeting Ian’s gaze directly.
‘Well then…’
It seemed Arsene was ready to test his abilities. Ian didn’t look away, meeting Arsene’s gaze head-on. The tense silence stretched, making the subordinates shift uncomfortably, unsure of what to do.
“Very well. I’ll excuse myself. We’ll notify you of the detailed schedule by this afternoon. Why is everyone standing around? Get moving!”
Ian turned away abruptly, as if this were a waste of time. Arsene’s expression darkened for a moment. Was something off?
Swish!
Suddenly, Arsene grabbed Ian’s arm. The unexpected action made everyone freeze. Ian, startled, was about to shake off Arsene’s grip when he noticed something strange about the boy’s expression and paused.
“…?”
“What are you doing?”
“You…?”
Was it because Ian was a powerful mage, or was there something else entirely? The sensation was different—an unsettling, complete lack of response. Arsene stared at Ian for a moment before slowly breaking into an eerie smile.
“What are you?”
It felt like the same sensation he experienced when using his powers on a royal. Ian leaned in close, whispering so only Arsene could hear.
“…And what exactly are you?”
