Holy Kingdom – Ian

Ian quickly reached the Holy Kingdom via Warp Magic at the Tower Lord’s request.

Though he came to the Holy Kingdom reluctantly, Ian initially approached the matter with a positive mindset.

‘It can’t be helped since it’s Master’s request. It wouldn’t hurt to figure out what kind of person the Hero is.’

However, contrary to that resolve, Ian’s days in the Holy Kingdom became a continuous test of his patience.

From his very first day in the Holy Kingdom, Ian was forced to attend banquets.

The only saving grace was that thanks to some magical adjustments, hardly anyone recognized or approached him.

Of course, “hardly” was the key word.

Someone approached Ian as he was eating in a corner, pulled out a chair, and sat across from him.

-Creak.

“Hoho, isn’t this Ian? I didn’t expect to see you here. Do you remember me? Lionel, the diplomat from the Rika Kingdom.”

“…You recognized me well.”

Lionel was someone who remained in Ian’s memory.

‘To think I’d meet him here of all places.’

When Ian tried to leave the Rika Kingdom for the Magic Tower after graduating from the academy, Lionel had relentlessly tried to persuade him to stay.

From Ian’s perspective, even seeing Lionel’s face now was tiresome.

“That prickly tone of yours hasn’t changed. I was hesitant at first… but seeing your face up close confirmed it. Must be the wisdom of age. Anyway, I have a request for you. Come back-“

“No.”

Ian cut Lionel off mid-sentence.

Though it was incredibly rude, Lionel showed no sign of displeasure.

Instead, he stubbornly continued what he wanted to say.

“At least hear me out first. The Rika Kingdom is willing to provide everything you need. If you return, you won’t regret that choice.”

“Are you done spouting nonsense?”

“Your family is still in the Rika Kingdom, isn’t it? Ah, right. I have some new information about your family. Don’t you want to hear it? It’s quite interesting.”

“…”

-Tap. Tap.

Instead of answering, Ian silently glared at Lionel while tapping the table with his finger.

“Hmm… If mentioning your family upset you, I apologize. I’ll take my leave now. Enjoy the banquet, Ian. But do consider my offer before leaving the Holy Kingdom. The Rika Kingdom will always welcome you.”

-Creak.

Ian watched Lionel walk away.

‘He’s quick to read the room. No wonder he’s a diplomat.’

Lionel never crossed the line when dealing with Ian.

Though Ian was briefly tempted by the news about his family…

If he’d agreed to listen, Lionel would’ve undoubtedly pestered him much longer in exchange.

‘It has been a while since I last saw my parents. I should visit our territory once I finish preparing my thesis.’

He could meet his family anytime if he wanted.

At that moment, Ian felt several gazes directed at him.

“Do you know who that is?”

“Hmm. Not exactly, but his face seems familiar somehow…”

As Ian conversed with Lionel, the diplomat, other banquet attendees began showing interest in him.

‘This is going to be troublesome.’

To avoid further encounters like before, Ian reluctantly slipped out of the banquet hall.

Once outside, Ian planned to rest briefly in the garden.

‘A short walk wouldn’t hurt.’

But even Ian couldn’t have imagined what worse ordeal awaited him there.

While strolling through the garden, Ian suddenly heard strange noises.

-Churup… Eup… Jju…

‘What is that sound?’

The lewdness was too suspicious to ignore.

Eventually, Ian headed toward the source and witnessed a shocking scene.

“Ugh, Rena…”

“This time, I’ll use my breasts.”

By fate’s cruel joke, he’d discovered the Hero and his companion engaging in indecent acts outdoors.

That alone gave Ian a headache, but the absurdity didn’t end there.

When Ian made a few sarcastic remarks at the ridiculous situation, the Hero drew his sword and charged at him.

‘I crushed him effortlessly… but even now, it’s hard to believe.’

Recalling his encounter with the Hero, Ian shook his head repeatedly.

The so-called Hero was already obsessed with women and far weaker than his power suggested.

Did Master send Ian here to witness this spectacle?

She’d said the Hero might grow on him.

Now the Hero had become not just disliked but utterly despised by Ian.

“Has Master gone senile already? She should’ve been sane at least until I broke through the wall.”

Ian muttered a small complaint about his Master.

‘Should I go in now?’

Finishing his business quickly and leaving the Holy Kingdom would be best.

-Creak.

As Ian slowly entered the Papal Chamber, the Pope seated at the far end welcomed him warmly.

“Welcome. I’ve been waiting for you.”

“Greetings. I am Ian from the Magic Tower.”

“I’m well aware of your reputation. I never dreamed the Magic Tower Lord’s disciple would grace us with his presence.”

‘…Word travels fast.’

While Ian was quite famous within the Magic Tower, becoming the Tower Lord’s disciple was a recent development.

No wonder he was the leader of the Holy Kingdom.

Ian mentally upgraded his assessment of the Pope.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. I came at the Magic Tower Lord’s behest. And-“

At that moment, Ian’s appearance began changing abruptly.

-Srrrt.

His brown hair turned fiery red, and his dark eyes instantly crimson.

‘…Is this a barrier that dispels magic?’

Quite an unpleasant sensation.

The divine power surging through the room had dismantled the magic concealing Ian.

‘The Holy Kingdom’s barrier…’

Interesting. How far can it hold?

Intrigued, Ian decided to test this fascinating toy.

Vwoom- Crackle.

Blue energy repeatedly dispersed and coalesced around Ian’s hand.

Undeterred, Ian gradually increased the output.

-Clatter, clang.

Nearby objects began shaking from the backlash.

-Boom!

“Stop right there! Do you intend to destroy this place?”

At the angry voice, Ian ceased his test and dusted off his hands.

-Tap, tap, tap.

“Not bad. It’d neutralize most magic.”

At this level, even he’d find it troublesome to cast spells here.

After completing his evaluation, Ian turned to inspect the chamber’s corner, where a man glared at him while gripping a spear.

“What is this insolence before His Holiness the Pope?”

“Hmm… Judging by the weapon, you must be Cardinal Daniel, wielder of the Pope’s Spear. Rather, I’d like to ask-since when does the Papal Chamber have such traps? I merely responded cautiously, suspecting a possible ambush.”

“This barrier is the minimal precaution to protect His Holiness. Surely you’re aware of what happened to him days ago.”

“A member of the Hero Party colluded with demons to assassinate His Holiness…”

Ian naturally knew about the incident-the Papal Court had been in uproar that day.

‘Judging by how things unfolded, something smells foul… but it’s none of my concern.’

The Pope mediated the tense standoff between them.

“Hoho, everyone calm down. Cardinal Daniel, you should lower your weapon.”

“…Understood.”

Though clearly dissatisfied, Daniel obediently sheathed his spear.

“My apologies for not mentioning the barrier earlier. I see you were concealing your appearance.”

“Ah. My hair color is rather conspicuous.”

His unique hair color was one of Ian’s biggest headaches when avoiding unnecessary attention.

Fiery red hair and matching eyes stood out everywhere.

“Let’s get to the point. My visit isn’t solely due to your invitation. There are matters to discuss between the Magic Tower and the Holy Kingdom.”

“Ah, so that’s why you wanted to meet me directly… This must be about the Potion Business issue.”

“Since you’re aware, I’ll be direct. Cease controlling potion distribution and profiteering.”

‘If only this could end peacefully…’

Ian held a sliver of hope.

If the Pope accepted, Ian’s mission here would be complete.

Then he could return to the Magic Tower.

But the Pope’s answer betrayed Ian’s expectations.

“That would be difficult.”

“May I ask why?”

As expected.

Ian had anticipated the Pope wouldn’t comply easily.

Had the Pope cooperated, Ian wouldn’t have needed to come here in the first place.

“First, ‘profiteering’ seems exaggerated. The Holy Kingdom merely raised prices slightly due to recent production issues.”

“Hmm… It’s hard to believe the Holy Kingdom-with its numerous priests and Holy Knights-faces potion production problems.”

“The Holy Kingdom has its circumstances. Under current conditions, we have no intention of lowering prices-only raising them further if needed.”

“I’m curious about these circumstances. What could compel the Holy Kingdom-tasked with spreading the Goddess’s mercy-to make such choices?”

‘He’s clearly trying to monopolize divine power for profit.’

The Pope’s blatant greed made Ian frown.

Yet the Pope maintained his shameless demeanor.

“I hope you’ll understand that I cannot disclose that.”

“Potions are collaborative products between the Magic Tower and Holy Kingdom. The Magic Tower cannot stand idly by while prices are manipulated at will. If you refuse to cooperate… we’ll have no choice but to take action.”

“Hoho, I believe if potion supplies halt, more people will seek our priests. That outcome wouldn’t benefit anyone.”

The Pope shrugged with a smile.

“…Tch.”

So he’s exploiting his monopoly over divine power.

‘This Pope is more like a sly fox.’

Who’d have thought the Holy Kingdom’s leader harbored such dark intentions?

Ian’s head already ached at the realization this wouldn’t be easily resolved.

Having mostly grasped the Pope’s intentions, Ian saw no point in further argument.

“…Very well. I’ll take my leave for today. It was an honor meeting Your Holiness.”

“Hoho, the pleasure was mine. Feel free to visit anytime. I hope we’ll soon find common ground regarding the potion matter.”

-Thud.

“Phew…”

Exiting the Papal Chamber, Ian sighed deeply.

‘Looks like I’ll be stuck in the Holy Kingdom for at least another week.’

He planned to contact the Tower Lord first and decide his next move after consulting her.

At that moment-

-Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap!

A woman with fluttering crimson hair sprinted toward Ian at blinding speed.

She reached him instantly, then panted violently as if exhausted.

“Huff, huff… There you are. I’ve been looking for you.”

“You…”

Though momentarily stunned, Ian immediately recognized her.

“Annie? Why are you here…?”

“O-oh, long time no see.”

Annie scratched her cheek sheepishly, then uttered the term she always used for Ian.

“Brother.”