Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 303

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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 303
A Banquet of Kings
As twilight surrendered to the embrace of night, every structure within the grand and majestic imperial palace blazed with light.
The flames climbing to the spires’ peaks resembled ascending stars, and the Bariel flag hanging at their summit remained vivid even in darkness.
Surely it would be visible even beyond the palace walls.
Thus, the fervor of the citizens would not cool.
“…Your Majesty, Queen of Eriponi.”
Eriponi, the Queen of Ruswena, descended from her carriage to observe the spectacle. Truly magnificent, was it not? Such displays were undoubtedly wrought by mages’ power—now I understood why Bariel had claimed the victor’s seat throughout history.
“Come now. Stop gawking.”
“My apologies. The banquet schedule awaits.”
The official bowed awkwardly, urging her forward once more. He had ordered her to enter, yet she stood motionless, admiring only the view.
She gathered her dress hem and gestured for him to lead. Behind Eriponi, the adorned Eldetr and the Ruswena delegation followed in orderly procession.
Tap.
The grand hall of the main palace.
I had heard this was where major events, including New Year celebrations, were held. The caliber of decorations scattered throughout was remarkable, as were the enormous arched corridors.
Just as the orchestra’s melody grew clearer, the official halted.
“Your Majesty of Eriponi shall proceed to the second floor, while the delegation, save for one attendant, shall enter the central hall.”
Leaders required a separate dining space on the upper level, free from extraneous noise. Every word exchanged among them would shape the fate of nations.
The delegation members all bowed respectfully to their queen. Only Eldetr would remain at her side. Encouraging glances poured forth in silent support.
Creak.
“Am I the first guest?”
The formal dining table was lavishly adorned with flowers and candles. The official silently guided her to her seat, and Eriponi frowned with slight irritation.
Regardless of the order of arrival, Cliffford was not yet king but merely a prince—was it proper that he arrived after me?
Gazing down to the lower level, I observed Bariel’s officials and nobles warmly welcoming the Ruswena delegation.
“Prince Noah of Cliffford has arrived.”
“Oh, my.”
“Your Majesty of Eriponi.”
“Delighted to see you, Prince Noah. It has been quite some time.”
The prince appeared in traditional Cliffford attire, accompanied by the Mei Envoy.
Eriponi greeted him without particular thought, yet something about Prince Noah’s gaze seemed unusual. She brought the aperitif to her lips and asked with curiosity.
“I heard you were unwell. Are you recovered?”
“I’m surprised you learned of it. Yes, thanks to their care.”
“The imperial palace is quite tumultuous, so trivial matters reach my ears easily. I appreciate your thanks, though I did nothing.”
“The mages from Ruswena came personally to examine my condition due to the anomalous reaction from dragon antibodies. So naturally, I owe them my gratitude.”
Prince Noah’s narrow eyes grew even more slitted. In truth, all that had transpired today stemmed from the anomalous reaction of dragon antigens and antibodies. Had that not occurred, the imperial family would never have discovered my identity.
Just as Eriponi was about to respond with an incredulous expression—
“The anomalous reaction of dragon antigens and antibodies is something we also—”
“King Damon of Burgos has arrived.”
Creak.
Damon’s entrance severed the conversation.
Noah cast a sidelong glance and turned his body toward the entrance, while Eriponi furrowed her brow at Eldetr as if asking why he was acting so strangely.
“Welcome, King of Eriponi. And Prince Noah. It’s the first time three nations have gathered in one place.”
“Yes, indeed. Above all, I never expected Burgos and us to come together like this. My father specifically asked me to convey his regards.”
“Ah, yes. When you return, please convey my regards as well.”
Burgos and Cliffford, which bordered each other.
The two nations had never been on particularly good terms before, so this meeting was truly encouraging and meaningful. They shook hands lightly and took their seats.
A brief silence fell. The three exchanged glances and confirmed they all shared the same thought.
‘Prince Jin isn’t here.’
Normally, it would be customary for the host of a meal to appear first.
But Jin was Bariel’s heir to the throne. I wondered if it was due to the difference in status, but seeing the servants waiting outside the door made me feel uncertain.
Eriponi smiled and moistened her throat with an aperitif.
‘They say mages can even eavesdrop, but this won’t be easy.’
It was a kind of stage, and a trap.
Watching what the three nations discussed when gathered together.
The three understood this, so they chose to remain silent and waited for Prince Jin’s entrance. From the lower floor, the orchestra’s melody was growing increasingly intense.
“Prince Jin enters.”
“Silence! His Highness the Prince enters!”
Then, announcements came simultaneously from the upper and lower floors. The hall fell silent in an instant, and even the melody seemed to fade away as if holding its breath.
Creak.
The doors swung open to both sides, and Jin entered with Ian. His hair was completely swept back in an elegant arrangement. Eriponi couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
‘The little thing put on quite a show. How adorable.’
When Eldetr signaled her to restrain herself, Eriponi merely raised her eyebrows.
Before taking the seat of honor, the boy stood at the railing and looked down at the hall below. The vast hall was filled with people from all corners.
Zing. Zing.
When Ian brought the magical artifact close, Jin’s voice reached everyone without much difficulty.
“Thank you all for being here.”
The leaders of the three nations bowed their heads, as did the envoys on the lower floor.
Ian received a goblet from a servant and placed it in Jin’s hand. The contents shimmered and melted into gold. It was one of the tribute items brought from Cliffford. Though it had no alcohol content and was more akin to a beverage, there was no color quite like it for setting the atmosphere.
“I will not forget the three nations joining in the new history of Bariel. Ruswena, Cliffford, and Burgos are welcome to enjoy Bariel’s blessings.”
As Jin raised his goblet, those gathered on the lower floor followed suit. The kings had no choice either. For a toast, it was quite a delicate statement, but what could be done?
“Enjoy the celebration, and only those who smile will take everything home with them. Begin the banquet.”
Clink! Clang!
“It is an honor, Your Highness!”
“May only glory shine upon us! What a joyous occasion!”
“Congratulations! Hahaha!”
The sound of goblets clinking together echoed from all around. Jin and Ian, who stood nearby, toasted with the three kings, moistening their lips with wine.
As Ian gestured down at the orchestra, the music that had stopped resumed playing.
“Prince Noah of Cliffford, I haven’t seen you before. How is your health?”
“Ah, yes, Your Highness. Thanks to the accommodations you provided. I am truly grateful, and I apologize for the trouble.”
Noah answered thus, glancing at Ian. Prince Jin surely knew that he was a beast-kin, yet there was no particular reaction in his demeanor. Well, that was advantageous for both of them anyway.
“Let us dine.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At Prince Jin’s command, the banquet began in earnest. Quieter and more cautious than the gathering below.
It was Eriponi who broke the silence first. She judged it best to address the matter directly, as Ruswena seemed to be receiving unwarranted suspicion regarding the dragon anomaly.
“However, Your Majesty.”
“Speak freely.”
Jin replied while lightly cutting his appetizer.
“It concerns the dragon anomaly you mentioned. You said it originated from Ruswena, but there have been no reported cases in our homeland. It is not only us—I heard that Cliffford has also completed their inspection. As you can see, the results show no issues whatsoever.”
At the mention of the dragon anomaly, Noah and Damon’s expressions diverged sharply. Noah’s face betrayed irritation, while Damon’s revealed skepticism.
Jin nodded as if acknowledging the timely topic he himself had raised.
“Therefore, I humbly request restraint in hastily mentioning Ruswena, as it is a sensitive matter.”
“There was a case of infection from someone who touched dragon scales imported from Ruswena. Since Your Majesty appears unaware, it seems to be an illegal breeding facility. I suggest you investigate the matter discreetly upon your return home.”
“Dragon scales themselves are illegal contraband. How can you be certain their origin is Ruswena?”
“First, among neighboring nations, only Ruswena officially operates a breeding facility. Moreover, they were discovered through the seizure of assets belonging to someone you know well.”
Eriponi faltered. Someone from Bariel she knew well? And their assets were seized? Only one name came to mind.
‘Haiman?’
Jin continued with an innocent smile.
“I confess I harbored considerable doubts. Yet Your Majesty appears genuinely unaware, which is truly fortunate. Should the investigation prove insufficient, I shall dispatch an investigative team from the imperial palace.”
…Let us pause here. Haiman was someone whose entire clan was extinguished for treason. The mere entanglement of that name in conversation with the Prince was a burden for Ruswena.
Moreover, I heard that the one who left the palace due to infection was a Mage. If we demand compensation, the price becomes whatever we ask. How can one even quantify the value of a Mage in numbers?
Furthermore, the mention of dispatching an investigative team—this meant officially planting Bariel’s people within Ruswena.
“That is unnecessary. We are fully capable of handling this ourselves. Upon my return, I shall immediately order a thorough investigation.”
“When might I expect to hear good news?”
“…I shall ensure we meet again before summer.”
Jin did not let the matter slide vaguely; he set a specific deadline, punctuating his point. It was a declaration that if there was no contact by then, Bariel would send people to Ruswena.
Damon, who had been observing this exchange, quietly set down his fork.
‘Something is odd.’
They said inspections were conducted to guard against contagion. But what of Burgos? We received no such treatment after entering the palace. This suggested the imperial palace’s approach to contagion was far less serious than one might think.
Ruswena and Cliffford, both having completed inspections. Only these two nations were subject to such “reasonable precautions”….
‘Ruswena being the source nation, that much makes sense. But Cliffford? Why were they inspected while we were not? Why the difference?’
Damon’s eyes met Noah’s. A perfunctory exchange of glances passed between them, but Damon continued to study Noah intently. In that moment, Ian’s arm slipped smoothly into view. Holding the wine bottle with a composed grip, he wore a courteous smile.
“Your glass is empty. Might I pour you another?”
“Of course. Minister Hielo of the Magic Ministry.”
“Thank you. Timothy, will you have some as well?”
As Ian asked, Damon nodded. With permission granted, Timothy approached and received his glass.
“Your Majesty. It is truly an honor to meet you thus. Previously, upon hearing word from Timothy, I have awaited this day.”
“Is that so? What did he say? Did he not curse his lord for sending him away on business, leaving his family behind?”
“Your Majesty! What are you saying? That is not so at all!”
Timothy, who had been drinking, startled and denied it vehemently. Ian laughed in agreement, but Damon did not readily soften his expression. In his cold demeanor, Ian sensed something peculiar.
“…Did Your Majesty also hear about me from Timothy?”
Ian smiled with practiced nonchalance and tossed out a remark. “Tell me, one who lives a second life—did you have Ian Hielo by your side in your first life as well?”
King Damon gazed into Ian’s green eyes with his cold violet pupils.
“Yes. I’ve heard of it.”
Ian Hielo.
“But it’s somewhat different from what I expected.”
King Damon’s cryptic words hung in the air. Ian pondered their meaning, then smiled while sipping his wine. There was plenty of time during the meal. He could unravel it slowly, as if drowning in the wine itself.
* * *
While the kings’ banquet unfolded upstairs, there was one noble below who kept his gaze fixed upward.
“Sereo. Won’t you have a drink?”
“Ah, yes.”
“There’s no need to be intimidated on a day like this. It’s a festival! Everyone’s enjoying themselves.”
“I know. I’m enjoying it.”
“Then smile a little!”
Malon Hof Sereo, the noble who had fallen into ruin trying to stand against Ian, could not tear his eyes away from upstairs.

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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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