Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 199

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

Chapter 199
The Blood Clan, Atan
Bariel bore countless rings within its history. Some faded with time, yet others displayed a distinctly darker hue. The history of Bariel connected to the Atan Clan belonged to the latter category.
‘The Great Calamity of Monsters.’
It was an event that shook Bariel profoundly—a nation that had claimed divine blessing and positioned itself as a safe haven from monster attacks compared to other lands.
The upheaval that occurred in the north had elevated the Atan Clan to prominence, and I had learned that the Empire’s soldiers, including the Imperial Guard, had subjugated them at that time.
“The Atan Clan. You know of them.”
I moved with Jairot to the end of the corridor and lowered my voice.
Servants continuously replaced soiled cloths, and I could see the summoned medical staff rushing into Berik’s chamber. Watching this, I muttered calmly.
“Yet why do you mention the Atan Clan? Berik lost his family, but he is a man of Bariel born in the borderlands. If this is because of the black sword, that would be a misunderstanding. He obtained it by chance on his way up to the capital.”
I possess a letter sent by the Market Master of Karenna. It is equivalent to an interrogation report of the Bandit Leader, and it will prove that the black sword was never Berik’s to begin with. I could vividly recall the words written in that letter.
-Regardless of the truth, please understand that I am merely relaying what has been reported. The Atan Clan are those who sustain themselves by drinking the blood of monsters, so it is questionable whether they are truly human.
They were mere rumors until they distinguished themselves during the Great Upheaval. Because they consume monsters, the Atan desired greater chaos, while the Imperial Army sought to suppress and eliminate them.
According to historical records, victory belonged to the Empire. Whether the Atan were the cause of the Great Upheaval remains unclear, but regardless, it was evident that they left a significant mark upon history’s rings.
“Minister.”
Jairot swallowed dryly with caution.
“The Atan Clan are said to be an Awakened Race. They do not continue their lineage through reproduction, but rather awaken at some moment and realize their true identity.”
“…!”
“If Berik possesses the characteristics of the Atan, then where he was born, who his parents are, none of it matters. Not even his race itself.”
“…List what these characteristics are.”
“A madness beyond mere belligerence, an obsession with victory and defeat, a complete lack of hesitation in taking life—a raw morality. Extraordinary recovery and remarkable vitality that defy common sense are typical examples.”
Every single one of those traits belonged to Berik. I opened a window to clear my complicated thoughts for a moment. The cool breeze seemed to dispel the scent of blood.
‘Awakening, then. If that is the case, when monsters appeared in Bariel during the Great Upheaval, it would explain another reason for the Atan Clan’s rise to prominence. Contact with monsters must have served as the catalyst.’
“I cannot say with certainty, but it is indeed highly suspicious. Please keep this in mind and observe carefully. This is not just anywhere—it is the Imperial Palace. No one knows when he might awaken and change drastically. I recommend his removal within the near future.”
“Captain Jairot, that is premature.”
“Minister.”
“He is my subordinate, so I shall handle it as I see fit.”
Jairot does not know that the Great Upheaval will occur. Monsters will flood the land, and the Atan Clan will surely rise to prominence. But what if Berik stands by the Empire’s side when that happens?
‘It would be problematic if Berik is absorbed into the Atan Clan. He is a man strong enough to have troubled Captain Jairot, is he not? It would be better to persuade him to monopolize the monsters alone on the Empire’s side. And above all—’
Without realizing it, I glanced back toward Berik’s chamber. A faint groan could be heard. It was the sound of the unconscious man moaning softly despite himself.
To give trust to one who has lost his form by my command is only natural human sentiment.
“…I shall observe and wait.”
“I am one who guards the safety of the Imperial Palace.”
“I too am one who cares for the Imperial Palace no less than you do.”
Do not speak so presumptuously. At my light rebuke, Jairot bowed his head. While he wandered outside the Imperial Palace in confusion, I had saved the Emperor and suppressed the rebellion. I had led the recovery efforts and been foremost in restoring the daily life that had been lost.
Jairot quickly acknowledged his misstep.
“My apologies.”
“I shall think deeply on this matter, so do not worry yourself too much. For now, finding Barsabe should be the priority, should it not?”
Whether Atan or not, Berik lies torn and Barsabe is missing. With the priorities clear, Jairot saluted and took his leave.
Creak!
“To add another point, the Atan Clan bears a fate of returning to their stronghold. Since they’re scattered across various regions, it’s perhaps a natural instinct. And so, it’s said that one will inevitably encounter traces of Atan somewhere. I cannot say whether it’s truly coincidence that Berik, who was in the borderlands, has risen to the imperial palace and now wields the black sword of Atan.”
It was a statement that all but confirmed Berik was Atan. Instead of answering, I offered a formal salute and sent him on his way, then returned to Berik’s chamber.
The air was thick with the heat radiating from the mages. I approached the bed and made my presence known.
“Ah, Count Ian.”
“You’ve worked hard. Let me take over.”
“It’s fine. I slept well yesterday.”
“I’m well enough myself.”
Zzzzzt. Zzzt.
I dismissed the mage who was channeling mana into Berik and took his place. The gaping wounds had been crudely stitched together. My golden eyes never left Berik’s face.
‘Atan.’
Berik, what became of you in the original history? Did you perish grinding away in Count Derga’s private army? Or did you march northward following the Atan’s fate and die there?
‘Either way, you must have died tracing Bariel’s rings.’
I patted the back of his hand, but Berik remained unconscious, only groaning in pain.
Time passed. When the mages had all filed out and the doctors, having nothing more to do, were organizing their needles.
“Count Ian, I believe you should review the report.”
Romandro brought the documents. His eyes were swollen from weeping at the sight of Berik’s pitiful condition.
“Prince Marib’s trial date has been set. It will be in four days. The judiciary has contacted us requesting that all relevant evidence be submitted. Should I include the interrogation records?”
I was cautious because Marib’s ravings were vividly recorded—hadn’t he repeatedly spouted nonsense about how I ordered it, how I was the one behind it?
But I couldn’t simply redact the necessary portions. I nodded and granted permission.
“Four days. At the fastest, a week.”
From the end of the trial to Marib’s execution—at the fastest, a week. In other words, he had only a week left to live.
“According to law, it will be a public execution. Prepare the imperial palace thoroughly for that day. How many people in total?”
“Including him, six key individuals. Prince Marib will be beheaded, and the others will be hanged. No matter that they’ve been stripped of the imperial surname, he is still the Emperor’s son.”
‘Derga was also hanged.’
There was nothing more dishonorable than dangling and thrashing before spectators. To sever cleanly in a single stroke for the sake of dignity—beheading was the imperial palace’s final gift to Marib.
“What of Prince Gail?”
“We’ve requested a postponement. There’s no precedent for summoning both princes simultaneously. And Prince Gail’s physical condition is in such disarray—would he even be able to answer properly if put on trial? Besides, there are various interests at stake. Heh heh. Ahem.”
Romandro swallowed his remaining words and laughed awkwardly. Though only the mages, reduced to pulp, were nearby, he was being cautious just in case.
With Gail alive, capturing the Haimanga would be easier, so the factions that opposed Haiman had united to postpone Gail’s trial.
“I see. Understood.”
I signed the report and handed it to Romandro. The moment he took the papers, something occurred to me and I asked firmly.
“What of the security around Prince Gail’s quarters?”
“Yes? We’ve reinforced it as you instructed.”
“Didn’t two mages leave for this location?”
Unexpectedly, a mage had been pulled away to heal Berik. I’d stationed guards in front, but the opposition was Arcen and Haiman. Especially according to Xiaoxi’s experience, Arcen was someone to be particularly wary of.
‘Someone entered Gail’s quarters during the night with ease. I still don’t know how. They’re clearly hiding something.’
Magic? No, if it were that, I would have known first.
In my previous life, I earned the title of ‘the first noble mage.’ That very title implied there were no others with mana even among the imperial family.
‘It couldn’t be magic.’
Zzzzzt.
Whether from the mana she’d expended or her worry, my brow furrowed slightly. Romandro quickly clutched the documents to his chest and assured me.
“There’s no need to worry, sir!”
Prince Gail’s safety was their safety! His confident declaration seemed quite convincing.
At his outburst, Berik muttered irritably.
“Ugh, quiet…”
“Oh! Sorry, sorry. Berik. But you’re awake?”
When Romandro grabbed his hand, Berik wriggled free unconsciously. Though it was an unintentional gesture, Romandro seemed hurt and his eyes glistened with tears again.
I wiped away the blood with a handkerchief and stood up.
“Let’s go see for ourselves. I’m curious how dependable this escort is.”
* * *
Guards stood before Prince Gail’s quarters, but beyond a short distance, not a soul could be found. The imperial palace was in such disarray from repairs that only minimal personnel had been stationed.
Whoosh.
Arcen entered the palace with four sturdy subordinates. His gait was confident and unhesitating, as if he’d passed through this place countless times before. With his silver hair flowing, Arcen issued orders to his followers trailing behind.
“While I’m inside my brother’s bedchamber, no one is to enter under any circumstances.”
“Yes, sir. However, Count Ian has forbidden all access to Prince Gail’s quarters. Even entering seems…”
At his subordinate’s addition, Arcen stopped and turned around. Could a small child’s gaze be so piercing? The subordinate fell awkwardly silent, his eyes downcast.
“Refrain from unnecessary talk unless I ask.”
“I-I apologize, sir.”
Tap tap tap!
As they turned down the corridor, their footsteps grew louder against the marble floor. The closer they drew to the quarters, the more his subordinates tensed and crouched low, but Arcen remained perfectly upright.
Strangely, wherever the boy went, there were no people. Despite it being time they should have encountered someone.
“Wait here.”
“Yes, sir.”
Whoosh.
Arcen gestured to his subordinates and moved forward first. The moment he turned the corner, Prince Gail’s quarters came into view, yet no sound of life could be heard. One subordinate poked his head out in suspicion, but the two guards standing before the door gazed peacefully ahead.
Tap.
Strange and surprising. While his subordinates remained hidden, waiting for Arcen’s return, a peculiar sound echoed from far away.
“So that’s how I heard it, I’m telling you?”
“Yeah. That wasn’t heavy at all.”
“Want to try? Do it properly?”
“Come on. Yeah, let’s try!”
Celestial Warriors draped in rough cloth—Cheonryeo. They held their breath even more, suppressing any sound. They had no idea why they were in Prince Gail’s quarters.
“I’m hungry. Everyone stop and let’s eat.”
“By the way, where did Berik go? Can’t see him, that bastard. He’s disappeared.”
“Oh, wait.”
The Cheonryeo Warriors chattered away, then suddenly fell silent. With their bestial senses, they detected something strange.
They exchanged glances and quietly lowered their bodies.
“…I smell a rat.”

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