Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 277

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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 277
Criticism
Berik regained consciousness that afternoon, as dusk settled in. He jolted upright so suddenly, as if struck by lightning, that Romandro spilled the tea he’d been drinking.
“Good heavens, what a fright.”
“What? What about me?”
“What do you mean what? You fool. You were unconscious, and now you’re awake. How’s your body? Any pain anywhere? The doctor came by earlier and said fortunately there’s no infection.”
There was nothing particularly painful, but I couldn’t remember anything. I’d definitely won consecutively and climbed into the top ranks, even crushed that bastard Hamp, and with Sia…
“Ah. Sia!”
My mind flashed with fragmented memories. Sia getting beaten by me, that filthy old bastard Jairot, the continuous matches that wouldn’t stop, Ian’s encouragement, and more.
Berik, patting his own body, muttered with a serious expression.
“Insane. Sia must have spiked the water with alcohol.”
“You, you still haven’t fully woken up, have you?”
“This feels exactly like the day after getting completely drunk.”
“Usually we call that getting knocked out cold from a direct hit to a vital point.”
I got knocked out from one hit? Me? Berik blinked, utterly unconvinced. That couldn’t be! Honestly, I might not be sure about other things, but I’m confident in my durability!
As Berik tried to kick off the blanket and get up, Romandro pushed his chest and made him lie back down.
“Today’s schedule is finished. Starting tomorrow, you’ll keep fighting until you’re battered, so take care of your body. As time goes on, you’ll face stronger opponents. They’re all people like you who climbed up by stepping on others.”
“Did I win?”
“Yes. You won.”
It was a decision victory, but that still counted as a win.
Xiaoxi would have only a couple more matches to confirm his ranking, while Berik would push toward the peak over a schedule lasting nearly two weeks.
Berik flopped backward and asked.
“Is Sia badly injured?”
“He’s a bloody mess.”
Berik hugged a pillow as if something bothered him and let out groaning sounds.
Romandro, fetching medicine, glanced at him without seeming to notice. Certainly, this was the first time Berik had shown such an expression after fighting someone, wasn’t it?
Captain Jairot’s methods were unilateral and questionable, yet the effects seemed tremendous. He’d drawn out emotions Berik was thought not to possess. Romandro recalled what Ian had told him.
‘Berik’s skills are excellent. There’s no problem with him joining the Imperial Guards. Captain Jairot will continue to scrutinize Berik. A dangerous Atan Clan member cannot be kept close to the Emperor. However, if Berik continues to show such qualities as today, he will eventually be acknowledged. It will be painful, but that is how everyone lives, and Berik too will eventually come to understand.’
His voice had been impressive—calm yet tinged with slight regret, as if he knew everything. Romandro handed over lukewarm water and medicine, then stood up.
“Take this and get some more rest. The doctor said your wounds are fine, but you’re severely fatigued. Remember you have a long schedule ahead, and I’ll have a meal ready for when you wake.”
“…Do you dislike me for beating Sia?”
“This guy, you really haven’t fully woken up. What are you talking about?”
“But why are you being so kind? It’s creepy, like I won’t see you again.”
“Never mind! You eat on your own.”
“Aaaah. Sorry. Romandro, I’m sorry.”
Berik slid down from the bed and grabbed Romandro’s pant leg. Following his footsteps, Berik was dragged along playfully. Soon, smacking his lips, he asked carefully.
“Is Ian okay too?”
“Yes. So let go of this!”
“Yes! I want beef!”
Once Berik confirmed everything was fine, he lay back on the bed reassured. Romandro didn’t acknowledge it, but it was fine. Even so, he wasn’t stingy with food. In fact, Ian paid for all the meals, so he had no authority in the matter anyway.
“Just take your medicine!”
“Okay, okay. Look at me. I’m taking it!”
Squeak!
Slam!
Berik forced water down his throat, but the door shut firmly against him.
Romandro sighed softly and walked toward the room where Xiaoxi lay resting. Since work hours had ended, the corridor was quite empty.
“Romandro.”
“Your Highness. What brings you out here?”
“The doctor said he would examine him.”
Jin sat perched on the corridor window, gazing out at the sunset. His silver hair was tinted pink by the crimson sky. Jin nodded as if inquiring after Berik’s condition.
“A man whose body is his greatest asset is fine. I even saw him get up in the middle of it. Tomorrow’s sparring should pose no problems.”
“Is that so? Thank goodness.”
“It’s Sia I’m worried about.”
Faint unconscious cries leaked through the door gap—sounds born of instinctive pain despite his lost consciousness.
Unlike Berik, Xiaoxi was a body that couldn’t even receive healing from the mages. He had no choice but to endure everything alone.
“But Your Highness, weren’t you with Count Ian?”
“Ah, Count Ian is…”
Jin smiled awkwardly. He’d gone to report on the first day of the talent selection at the council meeting, but Ian hadn’t returned yet.
Romandro clicked his pocket watch in puzzlement. It should have ended long ago and he should have returned by now. For him to be this late meant the meeting had dragged on, and with high probability, Ian was currently holding the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Defense Ministry in his grasp.
“Your Highness. I should go meet him.”
“Do so. Don’t worry—both Berik and Sia are safe.”
Jin, who had been following hurriedly behind Romandro, suddenly paused and asked.
“But… doesn’t Count Ian seem angry?”
“Pardon? What do you mean?”
“It’s not that exactly, just… a feeling.”
“It’s likely because—”
Romandro knelt down to meet Jin’s eyes.
“Berik and Sia are those who guard Your Highness most closely. Regardless of intent, acting without consultation has produced poor results. A gap has opened in Your Highness’s security.”
And if the two advanced to the upper ranks and distinguished themselves in their respective departments, it would certainly prove a great help to Jin in the future. Yet they’ve been eliminated like this—what a shame.
Viewed microscopically, this is merely an injury to escorts, but viewed macroscopically, it could be seen as a check against Ian and an obstruction of imperial authority.
“Do not worry. Count Ian will surely handle this well. Berik too. For Your Highness, he will win all remaining matches.”
“What is there for me to worry about? I simply wondered if there was anything I could do to help.”
“Then all the more reason to hurry and bring Count Ian. Besides, I have something to report. The responses to Your Highness’s invitation to the coronation ceremony sent to each nation have arrived at the capital. They say they’re currently inspecting whether there are any issues, so you should receive them by tonight.”
“Oh, truly?”
“Yes. Please confirm it together with Count Ian.”
Jin nodded with a smile, and Romandro gestured to the servants to attend to His Highness before heading toward the Magic Ministry entrance. They were a group that always followed, but Jin felt oddly uncomfortable. There was no one walking beside him anymore.
“I’ll take a walk before the sun completely sets and then return.”
The doctor hadn’t emerged yet. He didn’t want to see Sia suffering through treatment, and Sia probably wouldn’t want to be seen either.
But why was there no response at all?
Jin turned around in puzzlement.
“….”
The servants simply kept their heads bowed, waiting for Jin to move. If it were Xiaoxi, he would have given some instruction—’very well’ or ‘that won’t do.’ Jin felt oddly awkward and turned back toward the garden, clutching the edge of his sleeve.
Tap, tap, tap.
With the talent selection underway as a major event, the Magic Ministry was nearly empty. Most departments probably shared the same atmosphere. Jin wandered slowly through the silence.
Then, in the distance, I saw someone standing.
‘A mage?’
The robe was indeed from the Magic Ministry, but I couldn’t see his face. As I drew closer, the mage bowed respectfully to me.
“Your Highness, are you taking a stroll?”
“Indeed. And you? Ah.”
“Do you remember me? I’ve mentioned my name several times before….”
I’d definitely seen this mage pass by a few times. But I couldn’t recall his name. Since he said he’d told me before, it felt awkward to ask again.
As I pondered what to say, the mage carefully made a suggestion.
“I was just about to leave work. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, might I walk with you?”
“There is but one path, so how could I refuse? Let us walk together.”
“It is an honor, Your Highness. Truth be told, I’ve long wished to hear your words like this.”
“I always wish to hear from you all. I still have much to learn, so do not hesitate—come find me.”
The servants followed behind, and we walked within the Magic Ministry. A brief conversation with one mage was nothing remarkable. It was as natural as taking a meal.
I walked with the mage, carrying only the discomfort of not knowing his name. It was a trivial matter that would leave no impression.
Surely.
* * *
Outside the Imperial Palace, the talent selection had created a festival atmosphere. Those who failed the examination consoled themselves, while those who passed celebrated together. Orders for wine and meat poured in like a flood.
This would not end in a single day. As time passed, people arriving from the provinces with news would fill the empty seats. The streets were filled with the breathless laughter of innkeepers.
Only outside the Imperial Palace, though.
‘This is maddening.’
The main palace hall where the grand council convened was like a different world, thick with tension. More than a few held their breath so carefully you could hear them swallow.
They looked at the Prime Minister, then at Captain Jairot, then swept their eyes across the Imperial Defense Ministry officers. But ultimately, their gaze settled on Ian Hielo, seated to the Prime Minister’s right. The boy minister.
Tap. Tap, tap.
Ian drummed his fingers on the desk slowly as he gazed down at the report. His coldly sealed lips showed no sign of opening. Instead, he only deepened the long silence, occasionally furrowing his brow.
“Why, why is he like that? On such a fine day.”
“Exactly. The number of participants exceeded expectations, and it’s been a successful start in many ways. I simply cannot fathom it.”
“Shh. Everyone can hear you. Keep quiet.”
“Didn’t you hear? The Imperial Guards and Imperial Defense Ministry each assigned two guards to Count Ian.”
“What? That Mage Knight and the slave-born?”
“They’re his guards now. Why on earth did they do that?”
“If Captain Jairot arranged it, there must be a reason, but… hmm. It is rather perplexing.”
Whispers, whispers—the officials quietly shared information to understand the situation. Yet the more they did, the more they realized there was nothing they could do.
Ian lowered the report he had been reading in a low voice.
“…Captain Jairot.”
“Yes, Minister.”
Ian finally spoke. Everyone perked up their ears, concentrating intently.
“There was a dispute regarding the outcome of the second promotion examination conducted by the Imperial Guards. Explain the matter in detail. Note that the controversy was reported by observers, not internal parties, so your explanation must be convincing.”
The sound of pens writing erupted simultaneously from all directions. Ian’s expression looked far from pleased, so every answer had to be delivered with absolute precision.
“Also, Acting Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry.”
“Yes, yes. Minister of Magic.”
“I hear that the Imperial Defense Ministry offered opinions regarding the bracket composition. That is clearly the authority of the Proceedings Department. How do you explain this?”
“That is to say—”
“And the Proceedings Department must disclose the criteria for bracket composition transparently and explain today’s matches.”
Ah. Damn it. The officials maintained their expressions while despairing inwardly. He clearly had no intention of wrapping this up quickly. The other officials glanced at Captain Jairot and the officers, their gazes carrying pressure—as if asking why they had to stir up trouble and invite scrutiny.
Captain Jairot stroked his beard thoughtfully and turned the papers over with difficulty.
“…Would it be appropriate if I spoke first?”
“Yes, do that, and then we can all discuss the problems together and debate solutions. Since this is the first day, we must identify as many issues as possible. To make the two-week examination period perfect, you understand. Those selected during this time will be the strength of the Imperial Palace and the very foundation of the Empire.”
Creak.
Then the firmly closed door opened. The officials’ heads naturally turned. They prayed it was their steward—that some urgent matter would allow them to leave early!
“Excuse me—”
‘Oh, damn it.’
‘It’s Count Ian’s steward.’
But the person who entered was Romandro. He scratched the back of his neck sheepishly under the sudden barrage of gazes.
“Ian. I have something urgent to report.”
“…!”
“…!”
My goodness! Everyone’s mouths fell open as they replayed what they had just heard. Ian frowned at Romandro, as if asking whether this was truly so urgent that it couldn’t wait until the meeting ended.
“What is it?”
“A response to the invitation for Jhin’s inauguration ceremony has arrived.”
“….”
Ian briefly scanned the officials. They quickly composed their expressions and lowered their eyes.
“Prime Minister.”
“Hmm?”
“Regarding the agenda, have Captain Jairot and each officer report individually and circulate their findings.”
“Agreed! Let’s conclude today’s meeting here.”
Bang! Tap tap!
The moment the Prime Minister consented, sighs of relief echoed from all around. They were saved! The meeting was finally over!
As Ian stood and left the conference room, a simultaneous wave of relieved breathing erupted. And then came the reproachful glances directed at Captain Jairot.
Captain Jairot raised both hands to show he took responsibility. But he harbored no regrets. And he wouldn’t in the future either. Of course, he hadn’t informed the deflated officials of 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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