Chapter 306
Ian nodded calmly.
It wasn’t surprising that the prince greeted them in person. In that sense, Seras’s reaction was rather puzzling.
Was it not the Princess who called him here...?
While he was thinking, Seras turned to Kedric this time.
"This is the great Sir Ian Hope, Agent of the Platinum Dragon and Dragon Slayer, the superhuman of the North."
At that moment, the soldiers holding torches all bowed their heads in unison. It was probably the most courtesy they could offer. After all, their knees would only touch the ground in front of the Emperor.
"Welcome, Agent of the Saint!"
Finally, a smile spread across Kedric’s face as he faced Ian. It was a smile that was half prideful arrogance, half refreshing warmth—a signature of the royal family.
Spreading his arms slightly, Kedric continued, "We finally meet like this. You cannot imagine how long I’ve been waiting for this moment."
"Is that so?" Ian asked calmly, and Kedric’s smile deepened."Why wouldn’t I be? You, Agent of the Saint, are nothing less than a living legend. I doubt there’s a single person in the capital who doesn’t want to meet you."
As he spoke, he walked leisurely toward Ian. "The bards in the streets sing of your legendary battle in Bellium, and children run around the alley calling themselves the dragon slayers. The nobles would probably bring their heirlooms hoping to receive your blessing, and the royal family, myself included, is no different."
Kedric stopped in front of Ian and shrugged his broad shoulders.
"I’ve read every document related to you, Agent of the Saint. I promised myself we’d meet one day. And now, that moment has finally come. Today’s meeting will go down in history."
"I see..." Ian responded with a sigh in his voice.
To be honest, he was getting tired of this fame. Of course, it was useful most of the time, but it wasn’t particularly enjoyable to see everyone making such a fuss every time they met him.
And seeing people jumping to conclusions was even more tiresome.
"Truthfully, I didn’t have high expectations at first. I was far more worried than anything else. It’s dangerous outside the capital, isn’t it? But as I expected…"
Kedric casually glanced at Seras. "My sister never fails to impress. You’ve done well, Seras. I’m proud of you."
"... You’re too kind, brother," Seras replied with a smile, lifting only the corners of her lips.
Despite risking her life in an adventure to support the prince, she didn’t seem pleased with the current situation.
"You’ve arrived a day earlier than the schedule you mentioned. Why didn’t you send a word to me first?" Kedric smiled back at her. "It gave me quite a scare. If I hadn’t been waiting just in case, I might not have even come out to greet my hard-working sister."
"I thought you would, so I didn’t want to trouble you unnecessarily."
So, she had kept it a secret after all. But why?
While Ian was thinking to himself, Seras spoke up, "So, what did Father say? Did he agree to meet immediately?"
"Yes." Kedric nodded. "He ordered that when the Agent of the Saint arrives in the capital, we are to escort him directly to the royal palace."
The royal palace, huh? Well, the treatment certainly has changed.
Ian nodded, shaking off his doubts.
Of course, it wasn’t at all glorious for him. Still, there would be a better reward waiting compared to before, when he had to take orders from a voice behind a wall that might not even be real.
He was also a little curious about the face of an Emperor who had never been of any help.
"Then let’s talk as we walk." At that moment, Kedric turned his body slightly to the side and raised an arm. "His Majesty is waiting."
Ian began walking without hesitation.
While Seras gestured to Asme and Phaden behind them, Kedric naturally moved to Ian’s right and lowered his voice.
"I received the thoughtful gift you sent from Garad, Agent of the Saint. I will put it to good use."
"Agent of the Saint, I appreciated the meaningful gift sent from Garad. I will make good and practical use of it."
He was, of course, referring to Prince Felix.
Treating him like a mere object, Ian thought, glancing at Kedric. As their eyes met, Kedric offered a cold, almost unsettling smile and added, "This is a favor I will not forget. Not even after I ascend to the throne."
"You’re free to forget," Ian replied nonchalantly.
Kedric’s smile only grew wider. "You are quite generous, Agent of the Saint."
I mean it, Ian thought, clicking his tongue inwardly.
He truly didn’t care about the succession battle of the royal family. Handing over Felix was a personal revenge, as well as a convenient way to avoid dealing with the aftermath. However, looking at it, it seemed Kedric had completely misunderstood the gesture.
"This doesn’t seem like the right place for such a conversation, brother," Seras added from Ian’s left.
Kedric shrugged, and as he did, the guards naturally formed a circle around them. The flames from their torches cast a bright light within the circle, leaving the surroundings in shadow, making it impossible to see in—or out.
As if sensing Ian’s thoughts, Kedric spoke again. "Don’t worry about them. They’re here to ensure the Agent of the Saint’s safety."
More like, you just want to announce to the entire capital that I’m here., Ian mused with an inward scoff.
The formation of guards essentially broadcasted their presence to the entire city. While no one could approach, anyone from above could easily see what was happening. It was, in essence, a quiet parade of triumph, with Ian as the trophy.
Kedric turned to Seras. "And as for you, wait at the front gate, Seras."
He caught her gaze before adding, "I’ll escort the Agent of the Saint in myself."
Ian watched as Seras bit her lower lip in frustration, and that’s when a sly smile finally curled up the corner of his lips.
Ian’s smile deepened slightly.
So that’s why she had that expression earlier.
She had probably foreseen this situation, which explained why she hadn’t informed him of their arrival ahead of time. It made sense—there was a significant difference between having her achievements stolen and supporting Kedric with her accomplishments.
The Emperor would know that Seras brought Ian, but with Kedric escorting him into the palace, he would ultimately officially attribute the credit to him.
"I’m sure you understand this is the right decision for both of us, Seras," Kedric said, his voice calm and confident.
However, Seras couldn’t refuse him. Doing so would invalidate her own position, straining their sibling bond and giving their competitors an opportunity. Kedric knew this, which was why he made his demand so boldly.
... What a tiresome life, Ian thought to himself before speaking up.
"I don’t think that will be possible."
Both Seras and Kedric turned to Ian at almost the same time.
When Ian added nothing further, Kedric, unable to hold back, finally spoke up, "What do you mean by that, Agent of the Saint?"
"My contract is with Her Highness," Ian replied coolly, finally turning to look at Kedric. "Not with you, Your Highness."
Kedric blinked in surprise, then let out a short laugh. "Ah, I see. So the rumors were true. You truly carry out tasks as a mercenary. I was curious to see what that meant, and now I understand."
Kedric, looking at Ian’s calm face, added, "However, Agent of the Saint, the Princess and I are practically one. The Princess escorted you here entirely for my sake. So naturally, the Princess would agree to—"
"The Princess’s wishes are irrelevant," Ian interrupted again.
Kedric, who had been looking toward Seras, shifted his gaze back to Ian. "Changing the terms of the contract midway is the same as invalidating the contract itself. It’s enough reason to end it. And besides...."
Ian’s eyes shifted toward Seras, who was watching him with an unreadable expression.
"The Princess has already risked having a contract voided due to negligence, and there won’t be any more chances."
"Ah, you are absolutely right...!" As if realizing the implication behind Ian’s words, Seras hurriedly opened her mouth.
"I didn’t have the chance to tell you in advance, but the Agent of the Saint carries out his contracts strictly by the rules. He doesn’t tolerate any ambiguity or falsehood. However...." As she continued, worry and guilt naturally mingled on her face.
Seras glanced at Kedric, looking apologetic. "I overlooked that fact and almost had the contract ended. I failed to inform him beforehand that someone might try to take my life."
"... Someone was trying to kill you? Wasn’t it just in Garad?" Kedric asked, his brows furrowing slightly.
Seras nodded. "We’ll discuss the details later. What’s clear is that without the Agent of the Saint’s help, I wouldn’t be here today. And he was even merciful enough not to end the contract."
"...."
"However, if we change the terms of the contract again here, I’m sure he won’t be so merciful a second time. The Agent of the Saint that I know...." Seras turned her gaze to Ian.
"He will turn around and leave the capital. By tomorrow, one of the other siblings will surely find him... Isn’t that right, Agent of the Saint?" Seras bit her lower lip, but this time it was clear she was holding back a smile. Despite the tension, her gaze toward Ian was warm, almost soft.
Looks like that worked, Ian thought to himself as he nodded calmly.
"It would be a chance to find out how much I am worth in the capital."
"... Are you serious, Agent of the Saint?" Kedric asked, visibly baffled.
Ian shrugged. "Why wouldn’t I be? I am a mercenary, after all."
Kedric’s mouth fell open slightly in disbelief.
Ian, of course, didn’t care about the details of who escorted him to meet the Emperor. However, doing this would add another debt of gratitude that Seras owed him. And Seras was not the type to forget a favor, which would undoubtedly benefit both Philip and Elia directly.
Of course, it was also because Ian didn’t like Kedric’s attitude of casually swooping in to take credit, as if it were the most natural thing.
"…I’m sorry, brother," Seras spoke up, casting her eyes downward in a sorrowful gesture as she looked back at Kedric.
"It’s entirely my fault that the Agent of the Saint is being so stubborn."
Finally, Kedric clicked his tongue in displeasure and muttered, "Not everything in life goes according to plan."
As much as it grated on him, he couldn’t just flip the table here. After all, they were already in the midst of a grand, almost triumphant procession. If Ian turned back now, Kedric would suffer a huge public embarrassment. It seemed the prospect of losing face was even more frustrating for him than losing Ian.
"Thank you for understanding, brother... I can see the palace already." Seras nodded and turned her gaze, clearly trying to change the subject. At the same time, she wrapped her arm around Ian’s.
At Ian’s gaze, her eyes subtly curved into a smile.
"Shall we hurry a bit, Agent of the Saint? I don’t want to keep my brother waiting for too long."
Without waiting for Ian’s response, she led him forward, her grip still firm on his arm.
***
The Imperial Palace, located in the deepest part of the capital, resembled a grand fortress more than a traditional palace. Over the years, several generations had expanded it, culminating in the massive structure that now towered above them.
The two identical twin spires, which acted like lighthouses, flanked the palace, rising symmetrically on either side.
It really is enormous, Ian thought, casting his gaze over the palace’s gleaming white walls as they climbed the long staircase toward the main entrance.
As Ian ascended the tall stairs leading to the main gate, his eyes swept over the pristine white walls of the Imperial Palace. Just the exposed windows alone numbered in the dozens. The adjacent wings of the palace extended at sharp right angles, appearing as if the walls connected solely them. Unlike the grand palace itself, these wings resembled more of stately mansions. The spires that occasionally rose above their roofs were also shorter compared to the twin spires of the main palace.
Of course, they were still tall enough to offer a clear view beyond the fortress walls. The royals living in these wings likely climbed up there at times to gaze down upon the Hillisen River and the capital.
And now, instead of watching over the capital, they fixed their eyes on him. Silhouettes of people were visible through the many windows of the side palaces, their gazes making the back of his neck tingle with unease.
By tomorrow morning, the entire capital will know about my visit...
Ian clicked his tongue inwardly but continued walking without pause. As he approached the towering gates, the forms of two Imperial guards standing under the flickering torches came into view. Both guards wore identical, heavy, full-body plate armor, each holding a long halberd upright in one hand.
Despite recognizing Kedric and Seras, the guards offered no formal greeting. They simply raised their left hands in a signal to halt. Ian calmly came to a stop, with Kedric and Seras doing the same.
"Tch…" Clicking his tongue, Kedric shot Seras a glance and stepped back.
The soldiers who had been trailing them since they ascended the steps also retreated a few paces. Finally, the Imperial guards, standing with precise formality, each grasped one of the massive doors and pulled it open. The colossal gates parted silently, revealing the soft glow of light and long shadows within.
Beyond the doors stood three women, clad in flowing white robes that resembled priestly attire, with their long sleeves trailing behind them. Though they varied in age and appearance, there was something about them that strangely reminded Ian of Asme. The woman in the center, with black hair, glanced between Seras and Ian before giving a light curtsy.
Seras nodded and stepped forward, whispering softly.
"This way, Agent of the Saint."
What an unnecessarily dramatic atmosphere...
Though Ian grumbled inwardly, he followed her into the palace.