Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 253

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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 253
A Bloody Wind. Rumors
“Good day, Count Ian.”
“Welcome.”
I clasped Sereo’s hand in greeting, my eyes naturally assessing him. His overcoat, necktie pin, and shoes had all been replaced with considerably superior quality goods.
Where once he’d worn merely adequate attire befitting a nobleman’s station, he now displayed items of the highest caliber—clearly meant to flaunt his newfound wealth.
A house that had barely maintained itself through rental income wouldn’t suddenly have money falling into its lap…
“You look quite distinguished today.”
“To hear such words from Count Ian is embarrassing. Ha. Thank you.”
It had to be one of two things.
Either he’d drawn on anticipated future profits to spend lavishly, or other nobles had gifted him money under the guise of maintaining balance.
Regardless, it was an unwelcome change. A truly capable person carries weight that doesn’t shift with circumstances—they know how to maintain their center of gravity.
Sereo noticed Jin sitting on the sofa and his eyes widened momentarily in surprise.
“Oh, Your Highness Jin. Good day. Malon Hof Sereo offers his respects. I didn’t realize you were here together. How have you been?”
“Well enough. Please, sit.”
Sereo nodded politely and took a seat across from me. Just as I had assessed him, he was now surveying my office in his own way.
“Bring tea.”
“Yes, Count Ian.”
The steward Romandro, the towering stack of documents beside him, Captain Jairat’s red-haired guard who’d been thoroughly beaten, the man Odai—everything remained unchanged, including the relationship between Jin and myself.
The Prince still hasn’t moved his residence? If Jin appears here without a guardian, it becomes impossible to gauge my authority. Sereo rubbed his palms together and smiled broadly.
“I heard your health has deteriorated considerably.”
“Is that so? From where?”
“Pardon?”
When I asked abruptly, Sereo countered in surprise. It was common knowledge whispered everywhere—how was he supposed to answer such a question? There were rumors that a traitor had emerged from the Magic Ministry. Was he suspecting that?
As Sereo stammered in confusion, I smiled faintly.
“It’s not a pleasant sight, and I apologize for it. Thanks to everyone’s efforts, I’ve improved considerably now.”
“I, I see. Th-”
He’d wanted to say it was fortunate there wasn’t greater damage for having faced monsters. But before he could even realize it, his throat constricted painfully, and he broke into a fit of coughing.
‘A silencing spell?’
I pretended not to notice Sereo’s coughing and changed the subject. Why waste time on unnecessary pleasantries? I’d be far more productive reading with Jin or attending to work.
“So, what brings you here? I’ve heard that nobles have been avoiding the palace.”
Whenever they entered, something would inevitably happen and the palace would be sealed off. Some had decided to abandon the capital entirely.
“It’s nothing special, though you may not have heard. Nobles who share my convictions have united and submitted a petition. Including all their subordinates.”
I raised an eyebrow. Jin, watching me, did the same. Sereo hesitated upon seeing our expressions but continued.
“We hoped it might assist the Judiciary in scheduling the trial in some small way…”
“Yes, I’ve heard.”
“However, I understand that Princess Melania of House Haiman has left the palace. I was somewhat concerned about it.”
Jin turned to look at me. He was asking why I’d let Melania go when he himself was running about in all directions trying to bring matters to a close.
“There’s nothing to worry about. Thanks to your assistance, the Judiciary contacted me just in time.”
“The trial date has been set? Ah, I didn’t know.”
“…It’s only natural you wouldn’t know. I only just learned of it myself.”
Romandro, who had been eavesdropping quietly, stopped his pen and rolled his eyes. Did Sereo not understand what he was saying? He carried himself as though he should know the palace’s affairs as intimately as Ian did. Slowly, his toes crept toward an invisible line.
“And Princess Melania was never a subject of investigation in the first place. Since she entered the palace of her own volition, we saw no reason to make a great issue of her departure. Count Sereo, you should know this—the other direct family members of the Seven Houses remain outside the palace.”
“Yes, yes. I’m aware.”
“What are they doing?”
It was a question thrown out as though it were nothing, yet Sereo detected the hidden barb within it.
After the rebellion and the Arcen incident, the palace’s military strength had been depleted. It was only natural, then, that Sereo’s role was to monitor and pressure the remaining noble remnants, thereby easing the palace’s burden. He should not be consolidating forces and giving them a name like “opposition faction.”
Sereo habitually rubbed his palms together again. Sweat seeped through slightly.
“What could they possibly do? They merely send letters requesting assistance. I’ve been gathering the nobles and keeping watch over them. I’ve handled matters well in the middle.”
Gathering and watching was hardly accurate—he’d been enjoying their gatherings. So whenever servants from those Seven Houses came to make contact, he would openly read their letters and mock them, tearing them up before their eyes and rejecting their overtures, all while building a thick bond of resentment.
As Sereo fabricated his plausible story, Ian opened his eyes wide and asked.
“Is that so? Which noble houses were attempting to make contact? It seems the Seven Houses are grasping at the edge of a cliff. I think it would be good to keep watch.”
Clink.
The sound of the teacup was ominous. Sereo sensed that something was going wrong.
The ones the Seven Houses had tried to contact were those who had burned alcohol and tobacco together at his residence. He had built a fence around them as a single force, invited them inside, and boasted of future glory—and now he was being asked to give up their names?
And to suspect them of disloyalty?
‘That’s rather…’
What difference was there between nobles saying they’d do well together in the future and then tattling to the palace about such matters behind their backs? It was the same as Sereo selling out others to gain Ian’s trust.
But to stay silent now…
“Count Sereo?”
“Ah, yes, yes.”
“What’s the matter?”
Wasn’t he openly defying Ian?
His directionless gaze wavered roughly. No matter how much he thought, he couldn’t find the right words to escape the situation. Sereo ultimately selected only a few suitable houses and reported them to Ian.
“…Eijein and Count Baukman.”
“I see. Thank you. Based on your counsel, Count Sereo, I shall keep watch on them personally.”
At least for Eijein and Baukman, the suggestion that “Sereo said the Seven Houses were close enough to request help” would be an effective warning.
And the arrows of both houses would point toward Sereo.
‘Tsk. Ian, you’re something else.’
Romandro clicked his tongue inwardly. The skill of manipulating three houses while sitting still was quite impressive. The boy’s gaze beside him never left Ian, and he wondered what was being etched into that young mind.
“…I’m truly relieved to confirm that the Princess’s departure poses no problem. Personally, I had no concerns, trusting Count Ian as I do, but I’ve been hearing words of worry from various quarters.”
“That’s unfortunate. To think faith in the palace runs so thin.”
“Count Ian, and forgive me for rushing ahead, but once the trial concludes and the sale of House Haiman’s bank proceeds, how much preparation should we undertake?”
Since House Haiman would be extinguished through rebellion, the vast majority of its wealth would revert to the crown.
Territorial lands, residences, and tangible assets like paintings and sculptures were relatively easy to distribute and settle, but enterprises like the Haiman Bank required considerably more complex procedures.
Especially a bank—wasn’t it a massive artery running through Bariel’s economy? Perhaps the crown would maintain ownership while entrusting its operation to the nobles.
“The full scope of the Haiman Bank has not yet been fully grasped. As you know, it’s not confined to the capital alone. Regarding that matter, I myself am in a position to receive reports, so you’ll need to wait a bit longer.”
“Yes, of course. Of course I can wait.”
“You seem quite eager.”
“Eh? Aha ha!”
He doesn’t say no.
Ian smiled gently following Sereo and concluded the conversation.
“Next time, I’ll bring my sister Alena as well.”
“Ah.”
At the mention of his sister, Jin and Romandro’s heads snapped up. Were they still harboring the marriage proposal they’d pushed in the greenhouse back then?
The atmosphere shifted noticeably, but Sereo didn’t notice as he adjusted his coat.
“Haha. In fact, when I said I was entering the palace today, my sister was so eager to follow. Count Ian, leave the nobles entirely to me. Without a single worry, I’ll handle them well. Your Majesty Jin. Please set your mind at ease as well!”
Ian was the right arm handling imperial palace affairs in Jin’s stead. Then I shall become the left arm governing noble society in his place. Sereo made this resolve and placed his hat against his chest.
“Go carefully.”
“Your Majesty Jin, we shall meet again.”
“…Go.”
Creak.
The moment he left the office, Romandro and Jin simultaneously set down their pens and books. Their expressions clearly showed displeasure. Ian casually ordered a servant to clear away his teacup, saying there was no need to worry.
“But why does that guy’s sister look at Ian?”
Berik crumbled Gula into his mouth and chewed away. Honestly, I understood only about half of what they said. Romandro tapped his pen tip and explained.
“That fellow pushed a marriage proposal on Ian before. He declined politely, but the guy keeps subtly pressing it. Tsk tsk.”
“What!? A marriage proposal? The marriage proposal I know about?”
“Is there another marriage proposal besides that one you know of?”
“Crazy. Does he have some money?”
“If he does?”
“Tell him not to be so presumptuous.”
Tell him not to be so presumptuous—Romandro found Berik’s refreshing words amusing and laughed while holding his belly. It wasn’t limited to matters of marriage proposals. Certainly, there were quite a few attitudes that were rather precarious.
“Ahem. Will Princess Melania dampen that fellow’s momentum?”
“I wonder. As I hope for it—”
The Princess is sharp and spirited. Just as I wish, she will drag Sereo into the dirty mud-slinging fight that only nobles can wage. Even if his entire body becomes a mess, he’s the type who aims to survive.
* * *
Meanwhile, Sereo left the palace and returned to his residence. The street in front of the mansion was still lined with carriages. Traces of those waiting for Sereo to enter the palace.
He had met Ian, whom one cannot easily meet, and the Prince was even there with him. When he told them this news, their guests would be so delighted they’d faint. The moment the carriage stopped, Sereo rushed inside.
Creak.
“You’ve returned?”
“Yes, that’s right. Where are the guests?”
“They’re inside, but….”
“Heh. Why are they waiting here? I would have contacted you eventually.”
“Young master.”
The butler stopped Sereo. The elderly man’s brow furrowed deeply as if something was amiss.
“I happened to overhear the guests’ conversation in passing, and I’m asking just in case. Have you conducted any business with House Haiman?”
“Business with Haiman? What are you talking about?”
“They say we leased the Cheture district to Haiman. It was apparently prompted by the connection between their second son Youngsik and Lady Alena. But now they’re saying they have no connection with Haiman.”

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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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