Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 279

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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 279
A Different World
“I believe you will understand what I’m saying.”
At Ian’s words, Xiaoxi recalled moments from my past.
When my name was first written down, when I understood what the nobles whispered behind their fans, when I learned to distinguish the seals of different departments—each moment had expanded the horizons of my life and allowed me to see the world with greater clarity.
Lying in bed and gazing at Ian, I could sense it instinctively. My world was about to expand once more.
“An ideal imperial palace maintains a certain distance between powerful ministers, centered around a strong Emperor. But look at this place now. Is there even one thing that matches what I described?”
The Emperor lay hidden in his sickbed, and Ian stood at the center of all power. His influence overflowed so abundantly that it would be natural for him to consume even someone like Jin.
“As time passes, the forces seeking to check me will gather their strength. Yet you stand by Jhin’s side at my command and call me your master. You are a dangerous figure who should be eliminated before Berik.”
“…I understand.”
“So, Xiao. The time for you to choose is approaching.”
Though my status had already regained freedom, I seemed to stand between shadow and sunlight. Even with resolve to move forward, shadows continued to follow. I had overlooked how those shadows lengthened with time. I needed to gather my strength and take a bold step.
Ian sat with crossed legs and explained.
“If you wish to remain by Jhin’s side of your own will, it would be better to erase me from yourself. This is more of a recommendation. Since Jhin holds you in such high regard, your presence will be beneficial in many ways. He is a lonely person, after all.”
Xiaoxi raised my upper body. Ian’s words flowed like water right now, so natural yet slipping through my fingers like something I couldn’t grasp.
Xiaoxi asked, tracing the threads of meaning. Though Ian was before my eyes, he seemed absent.
“…Why do you say such things?”
“Because what will happen next cannot be proven, stopped, or even confronted.”
No matter how much I cry out that it’s for Jin’s sake, Ian will still face opposition. Once the current is set in motion, no one can stop it until new political outcomes emerge.
Should I confront it then?
From Jin’s Bariel, against whom? For what purpose?
“What should I do?”
“Nothing. Or anything.”
“…I don’t understand why you would say such things to me.”
“Don’t think too deeply about it. I know you, and you are someone close to Jhin, that’s all. Also, I wanted you to know that your frustration—you who first ventured forth with hope—stems from circumstances, not from failure.”
At least someone I can leave at Jin’s side with peace of mind. That was how Ian thought of Xiaoxi.
Isn’t Jin somewhat special compared to other Emperors? He has parents yet doesn’t, and his power is the same. Currently, Jin’s only support is me… but…
‘If he’s left alone after the Magic Division annex is built, it will truly be precarious. Romandro is loyal to Bariel, but he also has a precious family. Berik is out of the question. In many ways, it’s difficult to find anyone as suitable as Xiaoxi.’
“…Is it Captain Jairat who seeks to check you, Master?”
“It’s likely, but I don’t know for certain yet.”
At least, I hope those opposing forces genuinely care for the imperial palace and Jin’s wellbeing. If they do, I can naturally distribute and transfer the weight of Jin that has concentrated on me.
Ian nodded once and smiled.
“Everything I’ve said assumes you wish to remain by Jhin’s side. You have time to think.”
The same applies to me. At least until the opposing forces take shape and the Magic Division annex is built, I will stand firmly before Jin.
Perhaps the opposition’s reaction will come clearly once construction begins.
“Master.”
There you go calling me master again. Ian smiled reproachfully, but Xiaoxi didn’t notice.
“…I was not frustrated.”
“No?”
“I participated in the selection because I wanted to find my worth as a human being, not as a slave.”
A slave possesses value simply by existing. Their worth is clearly established. But a human? I must live for myself, prove my existence, and elevate my own value.
This was why Xiaoxi continued the duels despite his reluctance. If I win, if everyone desires me, then for the first time I will stand in this world as a human being.
So I wanted to show you. That I am enjoying the freedom you spoke of.
“But you just told me there are many ways to demonstrate my worth, so I will not despair.”
“As I said, it requires your choice first.”
“Yes. I will choose.”
Xiaoxi replied with firm conviction.
“I have chosen.”
….
Ian smiled faintly and nodded. I have found someone I can entrust Jin to with confidence—this is cause for celebration. As Ian rose from his seat, Xiaoxi quickly added something.
“Ian.”
Not master, but Ian. Ian chuckled as if he’d heard something pleasant.
“Then you must choose as well.”
“Choose what?”
“Anything. Whatever you desire.”
“I….”
Ian trailed off. What do I wish to do?
Reading books with Naum in the annex, listening to the laughter of the citizens from within the carriage, watching sunlight and moonlight grace Bariel.
Ian grasped the door handle and murmured.
“I have already chosen what I want. Xiao.”
Creak.
The door closed, and Xiaoxi gazed quietly at the wall, exhaling softly.
‘Ian has a different world.’
Xiaoxi had glimpsed the world Ian concealed, and through it, his own world had grown slightly wider.
I do not know where he truly wishes to be.
But one thing is certain—it is not here.
* * *
“In order: Ruswena, Clifford, and the Kingdom of Burgos. The gift boxes were opened first downstairs, and we confirmed there were no dangerous substances or unusual matters.”
Jin examined the three letters resting on the golden tray intently. The texture was exquisite, befitting the kingdom’s dignity. And that was not all—the boxes that had contained each letter were filled with flowers and jewels.
Jin could not restrain himself and tapped his foot lightly in excitement.
“Why is Count Ian so late?”
“Indeed. Oh, he’s here.”
As Ian entered the office, Jin gestured for him to sit quickly.
“Count Ian. Shall we read them now?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Have someone bring a knife.”
“I want to open them myself.”
“That is not advisable. There have been cases where poison was applied to the paper.”
Of course, if a kingdom dared such a thing to Bariel, war would break out immediately. Still, it is better to be cautious, is it not?
A waiting servant carefully broke the seal with the knife. Beneath it, a response written in gold-inked script appeared.
“I shall read it for you, Your Majesty.”
“Mm-hmm!”
-To His Highness Jin Berosion, Prince 5. We have learned through your invitation that spring has arrived in the Bariel Grand Empire, where we share our fates. I sincerely congratulate you on your official appointment as heir, and I am delighted that Ruswena may also be present at this glorious occasion.
A formal reply. Likely no different from the letters previous Emperors had received. Yet for Jin, this was a first—a moment he would not forget for a long time.
The boy’s eyes sparkled as he urged me to continue reading.
“The King is coming?”
“Yes.”
“I thought he wouldn’t-”
Romandro, who had been organizing papers beside me, reflexively began to respond before stopping short.
“…Count Ian is coming?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Ian… is coming now?”
“That is correct, Romandro.”
Except for Ian, both Romandro and Jin widened their eyes and blinked. This was entirely unexpected. We had thought the delegation led by Eldetr would likely make a return visit!
Romandro offered Jin his congratulations.
“Your Highness, my congratulations. If the King of Ruswena comes in person, your appointment ceremony will carry even greater significance.”
“It’s… remarkable. I never expected it.”
“Indeed, Your Highness is now the only Prince, is he not? For the sake of the future, it is wise to establish connections early. If the King of Ruswena comes, the scale will be tremendous. We shall need to prepare even more thoroughly than anticipated.”
Unlike the excited Romandro, I simply gazed at the letter. Then I gestured to the servant to open the remaining correspondence as well.
Swish.
The servant ran his fingertip along the edge of the paper before handing it to me. As I read through the letter quickly, my brow furrowed deeper and deeper, until a wry smile crossed my face.
“Why… why do you look like that, Ian?”
“This has become quite interesting.”
Clifford, as expected, had Prince Noah, the First Prince, planning to visit.
The problem was Burgos.
“Burgos is also sending their King. Ambassador Timothy will accompany him.”
“Burgos as well? This is truly a festival! Your Highness, an unprecedented grand celebration of unity!”
As Romandro rejoiced sincerely, Jin too smiled slightly in response.
Yet why did Count Ian’s expression look so displeased? Prince Noah was also an heir, and after all, the leaders of each nation were gathering to celebrate Jin’s appointment.
“Count Ian. Will you show me the letter?”
“Of course, Your Highness.”
Rather than ask Ian why, Jin took the letter to find out for himself.
But I could discern nothing. Only the neat and elegant script caught my eye, and the content revealed nothing particularly alarming.
“Your Highness. Do you remember why I wished to gather the leaders of each nation in Bariel?”
Ian, perceiving Jin’s intent, posed the question subtly. The reason he had hoped the Kings themselves would come instead of envoys?
“This is not an Emperor’s coronation, but a Prince’s appointment ceremony. For Kings to attend in person would diminish national prestige. They would have no choice but to acknowledge being under Bariel’s sphere of influence, would they not?”
“Precisely.”
But on the other hand, the current state of the imperial palace was chaotic. Through the rebellion and the Arcen incident, the palace had been sealed off multiple times—they would surely know of this.
If the nations surrounding Bariel harbored ill intent, matters would become most troublesome. I had sought to prevent this by meeting face-to-face, solidifying diplomacy, and demonstrating that the imperial palace remained intact.
“It is no easy matter for three kingdoms—Ruswena, Clifford, and Burgos—to gather in one place. Even accounting for the two nations sharing borders with us. Our diplomats stationed in each country are watching; they would not meet so carelessly.”
“If three nations form an alliance, even Bariel would find it somewhat burdensome. It is best that they maintain appropriate distance from one another-”
It was the moment Romandro chimed in with his agreement and added an explanation to Jin. As he spoke, he realized it himself.
Ah, so they’re using Jin’s appointment ceremony to bring all three nations together at once.
“Based on the appointment ceremony date, their stays overlap almost perfectly. Normally, if they were conscious of Bariel, this wouldn’t be possible.”
Even if he had sent invitations directly to the King, it was a calculated move made under the assumption that they would never be accepted anyway.
“Though we should keep watching the King of Burgos for a while longer.”
“The King of Burgos? Why?”
“There’s a matter related to the Gypsies.”
“Ah, I’ve heard about it. That thing you saw in the park?”
“There’s certainly a possibility.”
Burgos, yes. I still wasn’t sure about Burgos, but Ruswena accepting at the same time?
“It seems they have some secret dealings with each other. Just as we’re trying to demonstrate the Emperor’s strength, they’re coming to see the cracks in the imperial palace.”
But if such things existed, they would simply hide them as they always had. The fact that they were showing themselves so directly and giving hints meant they were signaling a shift into a new phase.
After all, the Emperor was bedridden, and the sole heir was a ten-year-old child—there would never be a better opportunity than this. My prediction was that a sudden alliance of the three nations was most likely.
“Then what should we do?”
When Jin asked with a slightly worried tone, Ian smiled softly.
Rather, this was fortunate. Even if they came to exploit the situation, it was the imperial palace that created that situation in the first place.
“Your Highness need only smile brightly on the day of the appointment ceremony, more than anyone else.”

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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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