Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 133

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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 133. The Initiation Ceremony
Snap!
Berik’s eyes flew open and he jolted upright from unconsciousness. My last memory was of the imperial training grounds and Ian, but now I found myself lying on an unfamiliar bed.
“Ugh.”
Even the slightest twist of my body sent searing pain through my muscles as if they were being torn apart. And my skull? Jairot had focused his attacks on my face, so the fact that I could open my eyes at all was a miracle. I carefully touched my nose.
‘Thank goodness. At least my nose is still intact.’
Just as I was about to search for Ian, I heard muffled voices coming from beyond the curtain beside my bed. Peeking through the gap, I realized I was in the infirmary. Several empty white beds, warm sunlight streaming through the windows, and the peculiar smell of alcohol somehow brought a sense of calm.
“How are your wounds?”
“That would be a question better directed at your Viscount’s swordsman.”
“As the saying goes, the one who strikes suffers just as much as the one who is struck.”
Jairot tapped his bandaged hand against his knee and fell silent. Then he spoke the name of an old friend from his memories.
“…Petreio. Barsabe told me. She said you witnessed the end.”
“It seems word has already spread through the imperial guard. He fulfilled his duty, and I acted according to my own position. Petty revenge is beneath consideration.”
Clink.
Ian picked up his teacup and offered a light reprimand. Though one was a middle-aged man and the other a boy, their words and bearing made it abundantly clear who held authority.
“So, what of his skill?”
“Your Viscount’s swordsman?”
From behind the curtain, I held my breath and perked up my ears. Honestly, among all the warriors I’d ever seen, he was the finest, and I was curious what assessment would be made of me. If it was unfavorable, I was ready to challenge him again immediately and set the record straight. My eyes gleamed with anticipation.
“His fundamentals are sloppy, but he showed promise. He has natural talent in many ways. Though his ability to conceal his presence is dreadful.”
As Jairot turned his head and muttered, I suddenly yanked the curtain open. My face flushed—I seemed embarrassed at being caught.
Whoosh!
“Why were you spying like that?”
“How absurd. You’re the one who was spying.”
“Berik, I’m glad you’ve come to. A bit longer and I would have left without you. The initiation ceremony is almost upon us.”
Ian smiled and clicked open his pocket watch. Three hours since I collapsed on the training grounds. My timing in regaining consciousness was remarkably convenient.
“Leave me? How am I supposed to find my way home?”
“You’re not a child. Surely you can find your way.”
“And we haven’t finished yet! You stopped it by hitting me from behind like a coward, so we need to fight again.”
“Berik. That’s what we call losing.”
“No, it’s not. I didn’t lose.”
I stubbornly insisted, but Ian’s expression remained serene and unmoved. Jairot could only sigh inwardly at the sight of me. He was clearly displeased, but wasn’t it the duty of the Guardsmen Captain to overlook such things and work toward the Emperor’s security?
“Berik. As the captain of the imperial guard, I have a proposal for you. To join the imperial guard and serve His Majesty the Emperor….”
“No.”
“…We serve excellent meat dishes.”
“…Still no.”
“Why not?”
Even after dangling the tempting bait I’d heard from Ian, the response remained lukewarm. I wiped my face with the damp cloth on the table and answered.
“What would I learn from a captain who hits people from behind like a coward?”
“You cheeky brat….”
“You’re the cheeky one~ If you hadn’t done that sneak attack, I would have won. For real.”
Berik stuck his tongue out mockingly and rolled his eyes back. Jairot’s expression showed he’d witnessed something he wished he hadn’t. As sparks flew between the two once more, I stepped in to mediate.
“Come now, enough of that. Berik, take your time considering joining formally, but I encourage you to access the training grounds and practice. It won’t be easy at Romandro’s estate.”
The small front courtyard made physical training difficult. Besides, with a pregnant woman in the house, vigorous activity was inadvisable. Berik seemed gradually convinced, scratching his chin and nodding.
“Moreover, while not quite at Captain Jairot’s level, there are several skilled practitioners who will be good for you. When I join, I’ll need to commute to the imperial palace regularly, so we can go together.”
“Really? That works for me then. I’m quite shy around strangers, you know.”
Berik grinned widely, and Jairot regarded him with an expression suggesting he’d seen it all. I stood and gestured to Berik.
“Then conduct yourself with proper courtesy from now on. While you’re at the training grounds, Captain Jairot will assist you.”
“Courtesy?”
Since the Captain had recognized Berik’s potential, this was negotiable. Training Berik to become a talent of the imperial palace—meanwhile, Berik would gain personal growth. There was no better deal than this.
“Courtesy. I see.”
Berik’s eyes narrowed. In truth, I couldn’t tell if his eyes were even properly open beneath those swollen lids, but he glanced at Captain Jairot before bowing his head. It was clearly a greeting, though utterly devoid of respect.
‘He has a long way to go.’
As the Captain pressed his forehead, I also stood.
“We’ll discuss the details another time. Let’s call it a day for now. Don’t forget what I asked of you.”
“Understood.”
The mysterious black sword and Berik’s existence—too peculiar to call him merely a Mage Knight. As a Guardsmen Captain, Jairot would have easy access to information. As I headed toward the infirmary, Berik scurried after me.
“A request? What request?”
“You don’t need to know. Is your nose intact?”
“Yeah, yeah. No trouble breathing.”
Click! Thud!
Jairot watched the closed door and clicked his tongue.
‘Just as the Viscount said. It’s questionable how he can stand and walk about in such a condition.’
A Mage Knight of considerable ability could heal his own wounds with mana. Yet even mages found healing magic the most troublesome to master—what could a swordsman accomplish? Certainly, there was something before “Mage Knight.”
‘If he becomes an enemy, he’ll eventually burden Bariel. That much is certain. So containing him from the start is what serves the Empire.’
Tap.
“Huh? Did Viscount Ian and the madman leave?”
“They left? In that condition? He can move?”
Barsabe emerged from the storage room inside the infirmary with the Doctor. Jairot simply shook his head, equally bewildered.
* * *
At that moment, in the grand conference hall of the Magic Department’s main building.
Rarely used except for irregular conferences, it was perfect for introducing newcomers and holding an induction ceremony.
“Did you hear? They say Captain Jairot opened his mana at the imperial palace training grounds today.”
“What? How did that happen? Did a monster appear?”
“No, what was it… they said he sparred with an outside Knight and it happened that way. Apparently it was quite a sight.”
“An outsider? Ha. That fellow’s made his fortune now. If he did that much to Jairot, shouldn’t he be eligible for immediate enrollment?”
“Who knows if his master will sell him off willingly. Besides, the Magic Department’s budget allocation has increased lately, so the imperial guards and security are always complaining. These so-called Mage Knights don’t even think about their consumption costs.”
“By the way, Viscount Ian Hielo is joining today, right?”
“Time’s almost up…”
Bang!
Just as the mages gathered to look outside, the door burst open and people from the Mana Operations Division entered. Led by Heil, the division chief, with Tomi and Nakina as the core members. As they arrived, whispers resumed around the room.
“Ian Hielo, Viscount is being assigned? What are you talking about?”
“Nothing special. You know how Captain Heil is.”
“He’s got the skills but doesn’t know how to actually wield power.”
Tomi frowned and glanced back at them, but the mages continued their murmuring without pause. Heil checked his watch with an indifferent expression, cigarette dangling from his lips.
“Captain Heil. Did you see the newcomer’s face?”
“Yeah. At the New Year’s gathering. He’s pretty.”
“Tomi! I thought we’d finally be rid of the youngest, but a noble just walked in. How are we supposed to mentor him properly?”
“Better than you do it.”
Sharp-edged banter flew between the Magic Support Department and the Magic Operations Department. The other departments simply stood back and observed. As time passed, the conference room’s front doors swung wide open.
Creak!
“Minister Wesley is entering.”
At the Steward’s announcement, everyone fell silent and looked ahead. Following her came a blonde-haired, green-eyed boy. Those who had seen him at the New Year’s gathering marveled inwardly once more, while those seeing him for the first time simply rolled their eyes and wore awkward smiles. Why hadn’t anyone mentioned how handsome he was?
“Is everyone here?”
“Yes, Minister.”
“As you’ve all heard, a new recruit has joined the Magic Department today. Ian Hielo, Viscount—supposedly Bariel’s first noble mage in history. We’ll have to see if he lives up to that reputation.”
For an introduction of a newcomer arriving after several years, her tone was remarkably deflated. The mages let out obvious scoffs, but Ian remained expressionless, as if deaf to it all.
“If you have anything to say, go ahead.”
At Wesley’s words, Ian stepped forward and quickly surveyed his surroundings. He easily spotted his direct superior, Heil. Looking at him, Ian slowly opened his mouth.
“Please don’t be uncomfortable because I’m a noble. I ask for your generous guidance and instruction.”
No amount of flowery language would change the lack of response. Everyone fell silent at his concise greeting, their expressions bewildered. Nakina was the first to clap.
Clap, clap, clap.
“Welcome.”
The atmosphere was truly awkward. Wesley also clapped conventionally, and soon the other mages offered obligatory applause as well. Wesley gestured for him to step down from the platform, then gave instructions to Heil.
“From now on, Heil of the Magic Operations Department will be responsible for Ian Hielo, Viscount. Handle it well.”
“Yes, Minister.”
He was about to add something more but simply left instead. Tomi and Nakina approached and extended their hands.
“Glad to meet you. Since I’m your senior, speak comfortably. I’m Nakina.”
“It’s a pleasure. Thank you for your help before.”
“I’m Tomi. Ask me if there’s anything you don’t know.”
“Yes, I will. Thank you.”
As they exchanged pleasantries, mages from the Magic Support Department approached and looked Ian over. They were clearly the ones who had tampered with the magic circle.
“So we’ll be seeing you often, yeah?”
“You’re from the Magic Support Department, I take it.”
“That’s right. Shall we shake hands?”
A man grinned and extended his hand. Ian reflexively moved to grasp it but hesitated as he felt the mana emanating from his fingertips. There was clearly a magic circle drawn on his palm.
“What? Don’t like it? Is it because you’re a noble—you don’t want to shake hands with lowborns?”
“Look at him, got an attitude on day one.”
“I don’t know how he’ll manage working with us. The Magic Operations Department guys are already stubborn enough as it is.”
“Captain. Captain Heil is listening.”
“Let him listen. What’s wrong with the newcomer acting like that?”
A rather classic and childish trick, wasn’t it? But for the sake of public image, a handshake was necessary. Instead of grasping his hand, I simply opened my mana and smiled with the technique of deflecting it.
“I look forward to working with you.”
But in that moment.
Sizzle.
“Ugh!”
Heil extinguished the cigarette he had been holding in his mouth directly on the mage’s hand. Despite the violent action, his expression showed no emotion whatsoever.
“Your palm is dirty.”

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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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