Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 128

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 128. A Morning Visitor
“Hehe. Hehehehe.”
Perhaps he was dreaming something pleasant. Berik, sprawled across the reception room sofa, kept letting out continuous laughter. Mini, who was moving the tea, shook her head in disbelief at the sight.
“If anyone saw this, they’d think Lord Berik was the star of the New Year’s gathering. How did he return so thoroughly intoxicated?”
At the hour when the moon shone brightest, I and Romand returned to the estate with the drunken Berik. Viviana and Mini, who hadn’t been able to sleep, along with the coachman, attempted to move Berik, but they couldn’t manage to drag him up the stairs.
“And he doesn’t even have much flesh on him, yet somehow he’s so heavy!”
Mini chattered away, recalling the hardship from the previous night, constantly glancing at Berik. Romand merely sipped his tea and muttered.
“Looking at him, isn’t he a swordsman? His body is solid, which is why he’s heavy. Phew, still, it seemed a bit excessive. Don’t you think so, Ian?”
I, sitting across from him, also nodded with a smile. Did Berik know that all the household members gathered in the kitchen were speaking ill of him? He smacked his lips and unconsciously scratched at his ears.
“I’m considering imposing a drinking ban on Berik.”
“That doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Look at him—the fellow hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony and already has such terrible drinking habits.”
Romand set down his newspaper and gazed out the window. Since it was winter, the sunrise was late, and the morning remained dim. Once the day brightened, the Magic Ministry would send an official enrollment request, but before that, there was something I needed to confirm with Romand.
“Say, Ian. There’s something I’m curious about.”
“Yes. Please speak.”
Romand’s voice carried an unusual gravity. Noticing the change, I stopped stirring my tea, and Mini naturally withdrew into the kitchen, giving us space.
“When I had an audience with Prince Marib the other day, he asked about the donation fund, didn’t he?”
“That’s right.”
I nodded. I had wondered why he hadn’t asked sooner, but it seemed he had simply been waiting for the right moment.
“But why didn’t you tell me the donation fund was prepared? The same goes for the Luron magic stone. I know that you’re the master and I’m not in a position to meddle in such matters. However, I’m curious, and I’m asking about your intentions. Perhaps… that is to say…”
Romand cleared his throat again and continued. Unlike himself, a civil servant, I had to throw myself into the whirlpool of the Imperial Palace alone as a mage. Whatever choice I made, he was prepared to respect it.
“Perhaps, if you wish to find your identity as a mage, tell me. I’ll do what I can to help you.”
Even if you sided with Prince Gail, I would help you personally. That’s what he was saying.
I listened to Romand’s words while sipping my tea. Through his slightly trembling throat, there was no doubt that he spoke sincerely.
‘If he knew that Prince Gail was preparing for rebellion, he wouldn’t be able to say such things.’
A smile played at my lips, and Romand’s eyes widened in surprise. As if asking why I was smiling.
“Aren’t you Prince Marib’s man, Romand?”
“That’s a harsh way to put it. I’m someone who eats a government salary. Prince Marib is my superior, but…”
He was someone who wouldn’t look back once he submitted his resignation. But I was someone he would continue to see regardless. If the superior I served changed, it would be unfortunate, but such was the fate of a mage.
“First, let me be clear. I have no intention of working for Prince Gail.”
“Really? Ah! Phew, I was nervous for nothing!”
He had misunderstood because I had met Prince Gail on the day I first entered the palace, and he had watched us talk alone at the New Year’s gathering. Romand burst into embarrassed laughter and waved his hand dismissively.
“However, I won’t tell Prince Marib about the Luron magic stone or my circumstances either.”
“Why… why is that?”
“Because there’s no reason to. Revealing all your cards prematurely is one of the most dangerous things in the Imperial Palace, is it not? You said so yourself, Romand.”
“Me? Did I say that?”
It was obviously a lie. But faced with my brazen attitude, Romand merely tilted his head in confusion before nodding in agreement.
“My past self gave quite convincing advice. Yes, that’s right.”
“Though it’s unlikely to happen, if Prince Marib should ask, you can answer according to your conscience. You don’t need to help me. You have a family, Romand.”
At my words, Romand’s expression became complicated. It was true. What mattered most to Romand now was Viviana and the child soon to be born.
“Live for those two. I will live for myself. And you needn’t worry too much about me. Don’t you know me well enough?”
My conduct alone is not merely outstanding—it’s unparalleled. Crossing the Great Desert with nothing to my name was merely the beginning; I even went on to establish a new house. Romandro murmured while sipping his tea.
“If you put it that way, I understand. I worry about you, but I don’t distrust you. Whenever you need counsel, speak freely. As for the Luron mana stone, it seems you have plans for it, so I’ll find a place to store it for now.”
“I’m truly grateful for your words.”
“We’ve spent quite many days together, haven’t we?”
I could only laugh at Romandro’s words. Perhaps his descent to the Borderlands had been genuine fortune. Just as the two of us were about to resume breakfast—
Ring! Ding-ding!
The doorbell at the front entrance chimed loudly. Mini, who had been in the kitchen, poked her head out in confusion.
“Has the Magic Ministry arrived already?”
“I doubt it. It’s still early.”
“Just a moment. I’ll go check.”
Mini rushed to the entrance and cracked the door open slightly. Romandro and I also half-rose from our seats, sensing the presence outside.
“Master Ian. We have a visitor.”
“A visitor? At this hour?”
“Someone named Barsabe Brute.”
“Ah. The Imperial Palace Guard?”
I let out a small exclamation of recognition. Then, throwing on my outer robe, I followed Mini to the entrance. Only Romandro, not knowing who this was, hurried to wake Berik and urged him along.
“Come on, boy. Wake up already.”
“Mmm… pig, pig is talking…”
“What’s wrong with you! Who are you calling a pig!”
Smack!
Romandro delivered a proper blow, but Berik, still half-asleep, showed only a dull reaction. With eyes closed, he merely rubbed his forehead and let out a jaw-cracking yawn.
“The Imperial Palace Guard has come looking for Ian. I don’t know what it’s about, so hurry and get ready, then come out front. The man’s supposed to be Ian’s escort, after all!”
“Mm… the guard?”
“Hurry!”
Leaving the commotion from inside behind, I approached the front entrance. There, Barsabe, dressed impeccably in uniform, pressed her lips firmly together and saluted with a raised hand.
Snap.
“Good morning, Viscount Ian Hielo. I am Barsabe Brute of the Imperial Palace Guard.”
“Yes. It’s been a while.”
From the beret to the gloves and every ornament hanging from the scabbard—everything was by the book. I examined Barsabe with interest, arms crossed.
‘Not much different from the guard uniforms a hundred years from now.’
“I’ve come to retrieve my father’s belongings.”
She had visited trusting only my word that I would hand over Petreio’s effects if she came formally and courteously. There was no other choice—it was the only option available to her.
“For such a formal visit, you’ve arrived rather early.”
“My apologies.”
“Well, it’s better than coming at night.”
Thud-thud!
“Ian! Iaaaan!”
That’s when Berik, still not fully awake, came rushing out with his scabbard in hand. Romandro, who had been pushing him from behind to hurry him along, stopped short upon seeing Barsabe.
“Ho, alone?”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Then this is personal business?”
“Huh? Those guys? The ones who got knocked down in the alley with a single blow. Their teeth got smashed in. Blood pouring from their nose. Good to see you, it’s been a while!”
Berik recognized Barsabe and greeted her, but she merely cast a cold glare in return. Given the absence of that grinding sound, it seemed her teeth remained missing.
“…You’re being insulting.”
“Take a bath? Romandro, did I throw up yesterday?”
Still half-asleep, still half-drunk. Utterly disheveled. I gestured for Berik to step back and invited Barsabe inside.
“Never mind him. Let’s go to the reception room. Romandro, would that be acceptable?”
“Ah, of course. Of course it is.”
“Berik. Go upstairs and bring down the small wooden box containing personal effects.”
At my gesture, Mini guided Barsabe further inside. Romandro followed behind, and Berik grumbled but dutifully climbed the stairs.
“This person is the daughter of Petreio.”
“Petreio? I see, eh? What?!”
Romandro, who had been half-listening in shock, jumped to his feet. The daughter of Mollin’s right hand, the man who had tried to kill them! As I explained the situation thus far, Berik emerged with the box.
“Ian, is this the one?”
“Set it down.”
*Thud.*
Barsabe had been standing rigid, eyes fixed forward, but her gaze involuntarily lowered. I rummaged through the box and withdrew a small ring wrapped in paper.
“This is Petreio’s ring.”
“Ah. This…”
“Do you know? It’s coated with poison, so be careful. The moment it touches skin, the flesh will necrotize and decay. A truly agonizing death awaits.”
“My father used this?”
“After the failed assassination, it would have been a most appropriate measure to conceal his identity.”
Barsabe held the ring in her palm and gazed at it slowly, as though seeking her father’s final moments within it. Her lips pressed tightly together, her brows furrowed deeply.
“It is my father’s ring. But I never knew it had a suicide function.”
When I had asked why he wore it constantly, when it wasn’t even a wedding band, and whether perhaps he had met someone new, I recalled the bitter smile he had worn.
This was what it meant. By the time she understood the ring’s purpose, her father would no longer exist in this world.
“When did he begin wearing it?”
“After he retired from his position as Lieutenant of the Imperial Palace Guard and took on new employment.”
‘Since he began serving Mollin, the ring must have been given to him by that man.’
This poison was frequently used in connection with human trafficking. If we investigated this, we could prove the connection between Mollin and this matter. And that would directly link to Prince Gail.
“Yes. Take it with care. The poison has hardened, so it shouldn’t be easy to touch.”
Mini, who had been listening from the corner, brought out a small wooden box the size of a palm. It was a case received when purchasing jewelry, and it was perfectly suited to hold a single ring.
“This will be safer than wrapping it in cloth.”
“…Thank you.”
“And it seems Petreio trusted you greatly.”
When I asked if she wasn’t worried about her remaining family, she remained unwavering and resolute. As though trusting in her daughter.
“This is all I can convey to you.”
At my words, Barsabe clutched the box tightly with both hands. Then she rose from her seat, offered a military salute in gratitude, and bowed deeply. Her sincerity was felt more profoundly than a thousand words could express.
“Then, I’ll take my leave.”
“Ah, if the palace happens to notice us, I would appreciate your discretion.”
To be precise, it was that fellow Berik yawning away across from me.
When Barsabe merely frowned in confusion, I smiled and added,
“I’m planning to send Berik to the Imperial Palace training grounds soon. If there’s anything he lacks along the way, I’d appreciate your assistance.”
“Me? I’m going? To the training grounds? I don’t quite understand what you’re saying all of a sudden, but that sounds great! The Imperial Palace is supposed to be amazing!”
Berik was equally bewildered. Wasn’t it a place to face stronger opponents and grow? Barsabe left the mansion without answering, and Berik chased after her, shouting.
“Hey! Let’s meet again at our training grounds! I’ll knock out your back teeth!”
“Shut that mouth of yours!”
“Your front teeth aren’t so great either~!”
Crash!
As Barsabe’s door slammed shut like a whirlwind, Romandro felt all the energy drain from him. While he lay sprawled on the sofa like Berik had been earlier, breathing heavily.
Ding! Ding ding!
The front door chime rang again. Romandro, thinking it was Barsabe returning, didn’t give it much thought. But this time, hearing Mini’s words, he truly jumped to his feet.
“Gasp! Someone from the Magic Ministry has arrived! An application for admission has come!”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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