Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 266

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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 266
First Secret Errand
Spring had arrived in Bariel, yet few noticed it immediately. The citizens’ eyes remained fixed upon the imperial palace rather than the properly budding flowers.
Had the world truly changed so much in such a short time? They gazed far more often at the imperial flags that might scatter in any direction than at the trees planted in the courtyard. And gradually, as everything stabilized, they turned their heads to observe their own daily lives once more.
“…When did it become like this?”
“What?”
“Has it come? The weather, I mean. Before I knew it, spring was here.”
At a tavern that had just opened for business, two men sat on an outdoor terrace watching the street. It was quite empty, perhaps because it was a late lunch hour. Children could be seen rummaging through the alley, and a cat lay sprawled on a roof, basking in the sunlight.
Apart from them, there was only one other group in the tavern, making it remarkably quiet. Only the gentle tinkling of the music box the innkeeper had wound played pleasantly—ding-dong, ding-dong.
“Before long, summer will arrive. Then autumn, and winter after that. By the way, they’ve cleared all the bodies from the central square. The trial felt like it was just yesterday, but it’s already been over a week.”
“It’s better to clean those things up quickly. It’s unsightly.”
“Have a drink and head out somewhere? Want to play cards for a change? Today’s the day for it.”
“No, I can’t. I have work.”
Just then, the tavern owner set down frosted mugs of beer before them, their bottoms thick with sticky honey residue. One man lifted his glass and asked.
“Work? What kind of work?”
“They asked me to help with replacing the sign at Haiman Bank. I need to finish this drink and head over.”
Haiman’s downfall had left a tremendous mark on history, yet it had scarcely made a real impression on ordinary people.
Most of them didn’t even have accounts at banks, and of those, most had seen Haiman for the first time in the central square. Had his name not been written somewhere, they wouldn’t have been able to distinguish him at all, given how mangled his appearance was.
“The bank sign? Ah yes. I heard different nobles are running them separately now? Eijein, was it? I heard they’re launching a new product this time—low-interest loans for small business owners. I’m thinking of paying off what I borrowed from our owner and switching over. Every winter the interest payments nearly kill me.”
“I heard there are five banks divided up in the central district alone.”
“Ugh, just changing the sign won’t cut it? I’m going to have a rough time of it today.”
“The neighbor said he’s heading to the central district tomorrow.”
“The neighbor? Doesn’t he work for the Kapulu family?”
“They received some banking shares in this arrangement too. They’re building a bank in the Kapulu territory. All the employees have packed their bags. I wonder if they’ll be back by summer.”
The man who had been listening quietly paused before taking a sip of his beer. He felt as though the group sitting diagonally across from them was eavesdropping on their conversation.
Except for one who kept gulping down beer, the other three sat motionless with their heads subtly turned in their direction.
‘What’s this?’
By their appearance, they seemed to be people raised quite privileged somewhere. Except for the red-haired boy who was guzzling beer like a hippopotamus.
“Do you know them?”
“No. I don’t.”
“They keep looking over here. It’s irritating.”
The most common cause of disputes in taverns was precisely ‘why are you staring at me?’ The peaceful atmosphere suddenly grew tense. The two men also began watching the unfamiliar group warily with wide eyes.
“…Something feels off.”
“I agree. Especially that red-haired bastard. The way he’s dressed is insane.”
He seemed to have bought everything he liked on the street and draped it on himself. Was he a guard? Judging by the sword at his side, probably, but why was he wearing such a garishly ornate mess?
“The ash-haired one isn’t any better either. Coming to a tavern and only drinking water. That’s not normal.”
“They keep watching us. Tch. The taste of the beer’s gone. Let’s just finish this and get out.”
“Yeah. That’s better.”
If they were mere petty swindlers, it wouldn’t matter, but there were two sword-bearers over there. And even a boy gripping milk so hard his shoulders were tensed. It was an odd combination that would surely bring no good if they got involved. The moment the two men raised their glasses to toast.
Click.
The Boy stood up with milk in hand, then approached them very timidly, moving in quick little steps. Simultaneously, the Four Men who appeared to be his guardians watched over the Boy’s back as if cheering him on.
The Men tensed for a moment, but soon realized there was no malice in those blue eyes.
“Um… there…”
“Why, why are you doing this? Yes?”
He was too young to address formally, yet his aura was far from ordinary. Up close, the Boy had something distinctly different about him from birth.
“A, a, a toast!”
“Pardon?”
“Would you not do me the honor of toasting with me?”
“Ah…”
As if having made a great decision, the Boy’s cheeks flushed as he offered the milk. Bewildered, the Men turned to look at the others behind the Boy. What in the world was this situation?
‘Please.’
Then Ian nodded gracefully. Without a single word spoken, his meaning came through clearly.
They couldn’t tear their eyes from Ian’s radiant smile, but soon they noticed Berik rolling his eyes back and trembling.
‘Damn it, what are you doing? Aren’t you going to toast?’
‘The hand holding the milk is waiting.’
Berik and Xiaoxi’s eyes conveyed their meaning just as clearly. Romandro simply clenched his fist, silently cheering Jin on.
“Ah, yes, yes. Well…”
Clink!
Two Men clinked their glasses against Jin’s milk. With the clear sound, the Boy’s blue eyes sparkled brightly.
His first toast with Citizens of the Empire!
As the Boy gulped down his milk, the Men hesitated before chugging their beer. After all, once glasses were clinked, they had to be emptied. Whether it was alcohol or milk.
“Thank you. Have a good day.”
Jin wiped his mouth and returned to his seat. Ian pulled out the chair to welcome him, then addressed the Men.
“Thanks to you, my younger brother had a delightful experience. That round is on us. Innkeeper, bring us two more beers.”
“Oh, well, there’s no need for that…”
“In any case, it was well enjoyed. Ahem.”
They had expected trouble, but his manner was far too courteous and refined. The Men scratched their necks awkwardly and offered a subtle bow.
“Might you be young nobles? I’ve never had a drink with people of such standing before. I’ll have something to boast about later.”
“Ah, we’re not nobles. My uncle runs a small business. Hearing that spring in the capital is particularly beautiful this year, he invited us here.”
So they were children of wealthy families. No wonder they had that air of money about them. The Men nodded in understanding as they looked at Romandro, accepting the uncle relationship. Yes, the father wouldn’t quite fit. Unless the mother was exceptionally beautiful, it would be impossible.
Jin, fidgeting with the empty milk glass, added hesitantly.
“I’m the younger brother!”
“Pardon?”
“I’m the younger brother, and he, he, he’s my older brother.”
“Yes, anyone can see you’re brothers.”
“Well then, we’ll be going. Thank you for the drink.”
“Please, go well.”
Ian nodded to conclude the conversation. Then he naturally turned to Jin and asked.
“How was it, Jin?”
“Ah, it was wonderful. Brother.”
“Yes. Next time, let’s see…”
What should I do? Romandro pulled out a memo from his inner pocket and whispered.
“Go to the park and feed the pigeons.”
“Right. Just finish this and let’s head out.”
“Very well, brother. I’d like another glass of milk.”
“Innkeeper.”
As the Innkeeper gestured to acknowledge the order, Berik quickly added on.
“And three more servings of grilled meat here, please!”
“Tsk, tsk. This is a tavern, not a restaurant. At four or five coins per plate, why do you keep stuffing your face like this? Are you planning to fill your belly here?”
“It’s not even your money, Romandro. What’s it to you?”
“Ian, let’s leave him behind next time. He’s far too conspicuous.”
It was closer to a leisurely outing disguised as an incognito inspection. Originally, the purpose was to observe the lives of the citizens and immerse myself in their world to identify their grievances. In truth, it was barely different from simply playing around. And wasn’t there the added justification that this was Jin’s first outing?
“Regardless of other matters, I think it’s best to cut off his allowance.”
“Give and take away? Wow, that’s harsh! You cheapskate!”
“No. I mean I won’t give you any more. You keep buying strange things at the market stalls and wearing them, making you recognizable from a distance.”
“But this was chosen by Lord Jin—”
Thwack!
Just as Berik was about to slip up, Romandro struck his face with a silver platter. The Innkeeper whistled in admiration, clearly entertained by the spectacle.
“The clothes and protective gear seem roughly adequate, but the problem is finding a weapon that suits Xiao. Perhaps we should have one custom-made.”
“Yes, brother! But hasn’t the recruitment of talent been progressing faster than expected? The second blacksmith we visited was the quickest so far, yet it still falls short of schedule.”
Jin seemed to have grown fond of calling Ian “brother.” He never failed to use that title whenever he spoke. And subtly, he seemed to find amusement in how the hierarchy between Ian and himself had reversed.
“Let’s take one more look around, and if we still can’t find anything, we’ll come back another time.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Fighting is best done bare-handed anyway! Oh, the meat’s here. Wow. Why is there so much?”
“You ordered seven plates of grilled meat from where you were sitting. It’s on the house.”
Berik began devouring the meat with both hands gripping his fork. Ian paid in advance and looked around.
“The rumors are true—the taste of the liquor and food here is excellent, Innkeeper.”
Yet he was indirectly asking why there were so few customers. The Innkeeper didn’t understand at first, but soon caught on and let out an appreciative chuckle.
“Ah, it’s nothing special. A few months back, around this time, the area becomes quiet. There’s a big gambling den that opens nearby, you see. Everyone goes there to gamble and eat, so they don’t come here. Then, around dawn, they all lose everything and come trickling back.”
“A gambling den?”
“Yes, yes. They play cards, odds and evens, and there are supposedly many other attractions. I haven’t been myself, so I wouldn’t know.”
So such things exist here too.
Ian looked at Romandro.
Did you know about this?
No, not at all.
While the two exchanged a brief signal, Berik finished his second plate.
“For a temporary operation, the gambling period seems quite long. Once a month, after all.”
It’s highly likely to be illegal. At Ian’s murmur, Romandro began taking notes. They’d already accumulated quite a list of matters to address from their day of wandering around.
“Right. I’ll look into it.”
“Well then, shall we be on our way?”
“Ugh, wait a moment. I still haven’t—”
“Innkeeper. That was delicious.”
Screech.
Berik hastily shoved meat into his mouth, but they didn’t wait and cleared the table. Jin, delighted by two glasses of milk, grabbed my hand and shook it vigorously.
“How far is the park from here, Ian?”
“It should be close. Romandro planned the route very efficiently.”
We continued walking without taking a carriage. Taking a carriage was something I could do anytime, but walking with all five senses engaged like this was only possible when I made a deliberate effort to move incognito.
Tap tap tap.
As we approached the park, the crowds grew denser. The gambling den the tavern owner had mentioned must have been nearby.
I gripped Jin’s hand firmly and signaled Berik and Xiaoxi to heighten their vigilance. There would be knights seeping through the air like mist around us, but for now, these three were the closest to Jin.
“Heh heh. I won that, you bastard.”
“Damn it! Are you joking? I put up all those stakes!”
“I’ll buy you a drink. A cheap one.”
Faint cigarette smoke seeped from the alleys branching off around us. Rough, unrefined speech and behavior, darkness that couldn’t be seen even in daylight, the stench of alcohol, and the sound of someone retching.
I smiled and glanced at Romandro.
‘You certainly planned the route well.’
‘Sorry.’
Jin, gripping my hand tightly, peeked curiously into the depths of the alley. It was threatening, but those places were also part of Bariel, weren’t they? With my escorts and me here, there was nothing to fear.
“There, Ian.”
“That won’t do.”
For a child, visiting a tavern was the maximum extent of rebellion. I quickened my pace, thinking we should hurry through this place.
‘…?’
Until I saw a familiar figure entering the alley.
Jin, walking beside me, saw it too and smiled softly. Then, very quietly, he whispered.
“The person who just entered the alley looks remarkably similar to Timothy, doesn’t he, Ian?”

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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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