Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 247

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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 247
A Bloody Wind. Melania’s Plea
Ian recalled the day he had faced Melania.
Before Gail’s quarters, bathed in moonlight, she had called his name with flushed cheeks in such a familiar manner—as if greeting an old friend with easy intimacy.
He had thought it merely a slip of the tongue brought on by drink, but no matter how he pondered it, that could not be the case. For her to speak the name Bratz again—the surname of a traitor.
‘Could the illegitimate Ian have had some connection to House Bratz?’
Unknowable. How could Emperor Ian possibly know the distant past of the illegitimate Ian?
As Ian’s brow furrowed slightly, the servant stepped back. He judged that the Emperor’s mood had soured at the mention of those facing the stripping of their titles and the destruction of their house.
“My apologies. Shall I refrain from speaking of such matters henceforth?”
“No, it is well. After I attend to my duties, I shall see her in my spare time. Is not Princess Melania the youngest daughter of House Haiman? Have all her brothers entered the palace as well?”
“Only the Countess and the Eldest Son have entered the palace.”
“It is common for the Second Son to remain with the family, as in their case. Investigate and ascertain their numbers so that they cannot gather in force.”
“I shall convey your instructions.”
The enforcement officials dispatched to the scene were men who drew their salaries for such work. Whether they secured carriages or did anything else, they would surely perform their duties well. Yet there was no harm in exercising caution, was there?
Ian made a light gesture, and the servant withdrew entirely from sight. He bowed his waist and met Jin’s gaze.
“Your Highness, the palace soldiers are performing their duties admirably. Seven heirs of noble houses have already entered the palace, I hear. I too must go and receive them.”
“Shall I come with you as well…?”
Jin let his words trail off while studying Ian’s expression. Ian laughed playfully in response—a clear refusal.
“…That would not do, would it?”
“Why do you think it would not do?”
How mischievous. He had just conveyed as much through his laughter.
Jin stopped and rested his chin in his hand, thinking carefully. Tick-tock, time passed, and the sound of servants’ footsteps echoed and faded from afar several times, yet Ian waited for the boy without any sign of hurrying him.
Soon after, Jin opened his mouth.
“Through the matter of stripping titles, I have already demonstrated an active will to check the nobility—limited though it is to House Haiman and its faction, the other nobles are nonetheless acutely sensitive. To prevent this, you have drawn in House Sereo.”
It is more convenient to frame this as ‘the palace’ against House Haiman rather than ‘the imperial family’ against the nobility.
The palace contains not only the imperial family, but also officials, and among them are those who hold titles.
By placing the nobles arrayed in opposition, including Sereo, at the forefront, the intent is to dilute the backlash, checks, and vigilance directed at the palace.
“It seems advantageous to your position to appear moderately and then withdraw from the scene. Moreover, I am still too young, and it would be somewhat awkward for me to be in the investigation bureau—”
As the sole heir without cause for restraint. There is no risk of being set aside for not stepping forward.
Jin swallowed this last thought without speaking it aloud. Ian placed his hand lightly upon his chest and offered a bow in the palace manner.
“If such is Your Highness’s intention and judgment, I shall do so gladly.”
Ian gestured to the servants following at a distance to attend to Jin. They understood that the two had different destinations and slowly divided into two groups. Xiaoxi, who had been among them, walked toward Jin.
“Move closely with Xiaoxi at all times. I shall see you again shortly.”
“Very well. Thank you for your trouble.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Ian turned the corner first and departed. Numerous servants and guards followed in his wake. Jin watched them go, then glanced briefly out the window.
“…Sia.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Let us go to where Mother is.”
Arcen’s venom was so thick and potent that it threatened even mages. A serpent hiding in the depths could kill a human with such poison, yet Arcen was a demon beast of centuries past. One who had boldly crawled into the palace to diminish Bariel. It was only natural that an ordinary human body could not withstand it.
‘If Count Ian would mention my mother, it means the situation has reached a critical point.’
Jin drew a light breath, held it, then moved forward with determined steps. The direction was toward the separate palace where Deilaina resided.
Xiaoxi and the servants who attended the boy walked farther apart than usual. They feared the dignified and sole heir to the imperial family might display something he did not wish to be seen.
* * *
Melania unconsciously caressed the jewelry box resting on her lap. Her mother and eldest brother had left to conduct an investigation, but hours had passed without any word.
She stared at the firmly closed door and bit her lips finely. She felt like a lone creature cast into the den of a beast. When she asked about her family’s whereabouts, the servants remained silent as if their tongues had been cut out.
‘Was the signal from Bratz too weak?’
What if Ian ignored her request for an audience?
What would she do then?
Contacting Prince Gail might not be a bad choice either. Unaware that Gail was dead, she continuously devised and dismantled countless plans, flicking her fingernails against the armrest.
‘The magical power verification ceremony—everything went wrong from that point onward. Something must have happened there. It’s most likely that Lord Arcen’s magical power was false. Something serious enough to concern the imperial dignity or the very existence of a house.’
Knock, knock.
“Count Ian Hielo has arrived.”
“…!”
The sudden announcement. Melania nearly gasped without thinking, but immediately composed her expression and straightened her dress hem. Her firm jawline, upright posture, and unwavering gaze were all perfect.
The door opened, and Ian entered alone, leaving his servants outside.
“Good day to you, Count Hielo.”
“It has been a while. I apologize for being late due to the heavy duties at the imperial palace. I hope you understand that I cannot spare much time.”
Not just one or two, but seven houses in total. He was simultaneously arresting and investigating them, so this was truth rather than mere courtesy. Ian sat on the sofa with his legs crossed, deliberately not removing his gloves.
“And Melania, lest you be unaware, I must warn you beforehand. Bratz was erased from the map of Bariel long ago for treason. To dare speak that name in the imperial palace? This is an extremely dangerous way to conduct oneself. Especially in a situation like this.”
Everyone in the imperial palace was desperate to seize even the smallest pretext. Yet she had directly mentioned to Ian—a survivor of a house extinguished for treason—the name of that very family?
This was as good as Melania placing her noose directly into Ian’s hands. She had no other choice, so it was unavoidable.
“But would Count Ian have granted me an audience if I had not done so?”
Ian lowered his gaze to the jewelry box placed on the table. All the assets of the Haiman residence should be under seizure, so what was this? Based on Melania’s behavior thus far, it did not seem to be a simple bribe….
One could never be certain. Judgment errors born from desperation were common enough.
“Very well. Let me hear it then. What is this matter regarding ‘that territory’ you wish to bring to my attention?”
Melania swallowed dryly. Her heart pounded heavily with tension. She keenly felt how important and precious this moment given to her truly was.
An opportunity to determine not merely her family’s lives, but the very survival of her house. Melania knew that in such moments, she must keep her wits sharp and act with confidence.
“Before that, allow me to speak first.”
“Say what you will.”
“I am here as a member of House Haiman, seeking to prevent my house from falling. I desire nothing else.”
Even if it meant paying some price, Melania wished to protect her house. Haiman—that great and noble name—was her foundation, her origin.
Ian raised his eyebrows slightly and returned her gaze steadily.
“Is that so? I am here to bring about the ruin of your house. I desire nothing else.”
“Count Ian.”
Melania deliberately ignored Ian’s words and posed her question. Her deep gaze pierced through his green eyes, as if attempting to read his innermost thoughts.
“Do you remember? Long ago, when I was disrespectful before Prince Gail’s quarters.”
“Of course. How could I forget?”
“I have a friend with whom I formed a connection in Bratz.”
“In Bratz? How did the youngest daughter of House Haiman venture to such a remote place? How surprising. It sounds like a lie.”
Ian smiled faintly and pointed out the credibility issue.
Isn’t that right? From a common sense perspective.
“I spent most of my childhood in Ruswena. And when I turned ten, I returned to Bariel. Through the Hawan Kingdom.”
“The Hawan Kingdom. The Hawan Kingdom, you say. Was it because of a marriage alliance?”
“Yes. Like my mother. Those pushed aside in the succession of Ruswena’s throne scattered to neighboring countries. My cousin married into the Hawan Kingdom. My schedule was to attend the wedding and return to Bariel.”
And naturally, the escort for that journey and the transport of goods were entrusted to Rutherford, with whom House Haiman had been conducting regular business.
“You know of Rutherford, don’t you?”
“Of course. The amber gemstone merchant company that Prince Marib used during the rebellion. I heard they have several alchemists.”
“Is that truly all?”
Princess Melania bit her lip slightly and asked as if clinging to his words. Ian merely tilted his head with an impassive gaze. As if to say he had no idea what her intention was.
Her breathing grew slightly ragged. It seemed to be a reaction born from excitement, frustration, and tension.
“I asked if that was truly all.”
“Princess Melania. I don’t understand what you’re saying.”
“I met a boy with blonde hair, green eyes, and pale skin in Bratz. To be honest, it was long ago so I’m not certain of his face. But Count Ian. The moment I saw you, it felt as though the fog in my mind lifted.”
Ian laughed brightly. Was Melania trying to manipulate him now, or had the bastard Ian actually had a connection with her? He couldn’t tell.
“So I thought if I called you by that name like back then, you would recognize me too.”
“It seems you are mistaken, Your Highness.”
“I thought so too. But no matter how I think about it, it’s too much of a coincidence, isn’t it? How many children of your age and appearance could there be in Bratz? And that ability.”
Ability. Melania stared down at Ian’s gloved hand and muttered firmly.
“Who else could possibly possess that?”
Ian opened his hand. Now that he thought about it, hadn’t Philia mentioned this in her letter?
When the bastard Ian was very young, he had gone on an errand to the merchant company and brought back a red flowerpot. The person who gave him the pot praised him greatly, saying he had “talent.”
“Have I ever displayed magical power to you?”
So the bastard Ian was indeed a mana user. As Ian tried to conclude this, Melania opened a jewelry box and showed him a note, a pressed flower, and an amber gemstone. Ian immediately recognized what the pressed flower was.
Silask.
That flower which, once bloomed, never withers.
“Why do you keep pretending not to know?”
“Your Highness.”
“…You made this, Ian.”
Melania pressed the amber gemstone in her hand into Ian’s palm and whispered. Begging him to please acknowledge it.
“That’s why Rutherford even praised you. Said you had talent. Why do you keep pretending not to remember? You even made an oath over the gemstone. Why…!”
Melania now seemed certain that the friend from her memory was Ian, and had chosen to believe it.
The amber gemstone split in half. Ian found himself muttering without thinking.
“I made this?”

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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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