Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 316

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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 316
Fire. Through Alena
“So, what happened next?”
“What comes next? Embarrassed, he fled to the provinces. I’ve heard nothing of him since.”
Eriponi sprawled halfway across the plush sofa, tapping long ash from her cigarette. Wisps of smoke curled lazily with her low laughter—a gift from the Princess Alena sitting across from her, who had shared such an amusing tale.
Life was all the same, she mused. Whether it was Bariel, Ruswena, or the nobility’s social circles, they were all a complete mess. As Eriponi swept her hair back, the quick-witted Princess Alena immediately fanned the embers of her cigarette to life. The nobility’s social circles were all equally chaotic—whether Bariel’s, Ruswena’s, or anyone else’s.
“Alena, for a noble lady, your hands are quite industrious.”
“Thank you.”
Eriponi exhaled smoke deliberately in her direction, as if to prove a point.
It wasn’t idle flattery but genuine appreciation. That night at the banquet, watching her desperately climb upward had already charmed her somewhat, and now she proved genuinely useful in every way. Though she seemed to chatter and gossip endlessly, her words were laced with information no foreigner could possibly know.
“So Haiman’s fortune was fragmented into ten banks total. Which one is being managed most extensively?”
“The House of Laksher. As I mentioned earlier.”
“Ah yes. The second son who tore his crotch while riding?”
“Yes. He took out his frustration about his short legs on the horse. A merchant who couldn’t bear to watch bought it as a stud, and apparently its offspring swept first place in every major equestrian competition.”
“Hahahaha! Not only was his crotch torn, but his pride was shattered too.”
Princess Alena felt relief each time Eriponi laughed aloud. It was the sensation of her own value being proven.
The King seemed to show no interest in her brother, so perhaps it was better for her to become someone of significance to the King instead.
“Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
Just then, Eldetr, who had been waiting outside, appeared. A visitor had arrived. There were few in the Imperial Palace who would seek her out….
“King Damon has come to call.”
“Hmm. Is that so?”
She had heard that Damon visited the Magic Ministry separately yesterday and was curious about what he could have wanted with Ian. Eriponi made an uncertain murmur and glanced sideways at Princess Alena.
“I shall take my leave, Your Majesty.”
“No, stay. Show King Damon in.”
As Eriponi raised herself up, Princess Alena tidied her hair. At last, she would meet the King of Burgos face to face. This was an opportunity she could not afford to miss!
Princess Alena steadied her composure and fixed her gaze on the door. Soon after, Damon entered under Eldetr’s guidance.
“Welcome, King Damon.”
“Have I interrupted a pleasant moment?”
“How could you say such a thing? Today is our last together, after all.”
“I have no intention of staying long.”
By order of the Prince, Burgos would be the first to depart the palace. He had likely stopped by briefly to complete final preparations before returning to the main palace.
“Are you Princess Alena?”
“It is an honor to meet you. I am Alena Sereo.”
“Are you comfortable? The tobacco smoke seems rather strong overall.”
His tone was considerate, but his true meaning was clear—he wanted her to leave. Just as Princess Alena began to rise, Eriponi raised her cigarette holder, blocking her path. It was an order to stay put.
“It’s fine. We’ve been together all this time, so there’s no need for sudden formality. Wouldn’t you agree, Princess?”
“…Yes. I’m quite comfortable.”
“In any case, King Damon, what brings you here? With so little time before meeting the Prince, your visit is truly an honor.”
Eriponi urged him to get to the point, and Damon’s expression hardened. Was it truly appropriate for Princess Alena, a fallen noble clinging to foreign support, to be present at such a meeting?
Damon considered issuing another expulsion order, but recognizing the lack of time, he abandoned the idea.
“I wish to confirm once more the matters Burgos has requested, Your Majesty, King of Eriponi.”
“Of course. This is a transaction between nations, is it not? Upon my return, I shall inform you of the progress as the agreement proceeds.”
What could they be discussing? Alena lowered her gaze awkwardly, her ears perking up attentively.
It seemed as though something was being exchanged between Burgos and Ruswena, but the vagueness made it impossible to understand. It must be official business, surely? They had mentioned a transaction between nations, after all.
“And regarding Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Department—”
Even as Damon spoke, he continued observing Alena carefully. Would she truly remain silent upon hearing discussion of carving up her own homeland? No matter how he looked at it, she seemed like a dangerous element.
The King of Eriponi, for his part, simply continued smiling enigmatically.
“—it would be wise to prioritize that matter first.”
“Hmm. Since it concerns the true power of the Imperial Palace, that is certainly appropriate. But is there a particular reason you mention this? I heard you visited the Magic Department yesterday.”
“Upon meeting them, I came to understand.”
“Understand what?”
“That approach is easier.”
Easier? The King of Eriponi paused briefly before grasping Damon’s intent. In other words, rather than pounding forcefully on the gates of Bariel from without, it would be better to have them opened from within.
“I hear the Prince has relocated his residence from the Magic Department.”
“So I’ve heard. They say the palace, damaged by the rebellion, has been repaired.”
Damon’s eyebrows twitched. Could it be merely that? It was a matter concerning the Crown Prince’s residence in the Empire. One need not speak to understand how many entangled interests must have been woven into such a decision.
‘The Imperial Palace will move to check the Magic Department Minister, centered around the Crown Prince.’
It was evident. The flow of politics he had witnessed during his stay at the palace throughout the inauguration festival made this abundantly clear. The Magic Department, which held the center in every trivial matter. And the other departments, which had no choice but to follow without dissent.
Alena, who had been staring only at the table, carefully interjected.
“Forgive me, but—”
“What is it?”
“I’ve heard that the Imperial Guards once experienced friction with the Magic Department. It was during a period of new talent recruitment, and the Magic Department attempted to exert influence over both the Guards and the Defense Ministry. Since then, there have been rumors that the Guards’ standing has been gradually rising.”
As Alena rattled off information, the King of Eriponi laughed. Look at this. Was she not truly useful? The pride of a nobleman crawling along the ground to survive. There was nothing quite so entertaining.
She gazed at Alena with satisfaction and affection, as one might regard a well-trained hound.
“If the Crown Prince has separated his residence, those opposition factions who had been restraining themselves will find it easy to show their hand. Though I’m uncertain if it will succeed. Count Ian is no easy opponent.”
The Crown Prince is far too young, and the Magic Department has no equal. It may seem unlikely to succeed, but there will be those who rush forward hoping it will—such as the Imperial Guards Alena just mentioned.
“Honestly, wouldn’t it be easier for Burgos and Ruswena to deal with Crown Prince Jin rather than Minister Ian?”
“Indeed. I found Crown Prince Jin rather more endearing myself.”
Once the whirlwind of checks and balances strikes, the strategy is to push Jin’s side forward.
Not quite as forcefully as the officials would drive it, but sufficient to aid or sever the flow at crucial moments. If Bariel helps by severing his own limbs, leaving him helpless, then one need only consume him when the time comes….
“This seems easier than expected.”
“Yes. Precisely my thought.”
The King of Eriponi tapped his fingernails thoughtfully. For instance, one could officially invite the Magic Department on a national level to disperse their personnel, or alternatively, raise the price of mana stones.
If that were done, the Imperial Palace could adjust the Magic Department’s resources under the pretext of discussing appropriate levels. And so forth—there were endless stratagems available.
“But hasn’t Burgos concluded a trade agreement with the Magic Department regarding mana stones? Is it falling through?”
“No. That will proceed as planned. From what I can see, it serves as a detonator.”
Whether the separate building construction proceeds or not, the conflict between the Imperial Palace and the Magic Department continues centered upon it. Thus, naturally, one must add kindling to the fire.
“For now, my intentions are clear.”
The opposition faction of the Imperial Palace, centered around the Crown Prince, will draw their blades, while from the opposite side, foreign nations will aim their arrows at Ian’s back.
What could I do about it, the pitiful thing? Eriponi scoffed as she recalled Ian’s noble retreating figure.
‘That’s right. If Ian loses his place in the imperial palace, I could bring him to Ruswena. His luck isn’t great, but his abilities are said to be historic in magnitude. He far surpasses the previous Minister Wesley.’
With each passing day, those wishing for Ian’s downfall multiplied—both within and outside the imperial palace.
Click.
King Damon rose from his seat, checking his pocket watch. Only the briefest of moments had been granted to him.
“Then, I shall send word regarding the details upon my return home.”
“Are you leaving already?”
“The Prince is attending the grand council, I’m told. Thanks to that, I’ve found only a small window of time, so I mustn’t delay my departure.”
It was to pay respects before leaving the palace. Eriponi let out a wistful exclamation, yet her eyes betrayed no regret as she saw him off.
Go on then, be gone. She would chat with Alena instead.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
“Yes. Depart safely, and we shall meet again.”
Timothy, who had been standing guard at the door, bowed respectfully to Eriponi. After exchanging silent farewells with their eyes, the Burgosian delegation vanished.
Alena settled back onto the sofa and placed a spark into the King of Eriponi’s pipe. The King had left without sparing her a single glance—something had gone wrong.
“Your Majesty.”
“What is it?”
“What will happen if the Prince fails to restrain Count Ian?”
Fails to restrain him? Then what is there to consider?
Tap! Eriponi laughed, striking the marble table with her pipe.
“A truly new era will dawn. Along with chaos.”
The fog that chaos would bring would carve a path for foreign powers, and thus, regardless of what happened, it would be advantageous for other nations.
“Your Majesty. But won’t Ruswena be departing soon as well?”
“Indeed. We shall be the very last to leave.”
Alena pondered how best to broach the subject.
Had she not proven herself worthy enough not to be dismissed even in the presence of King Damon? It was clear she had gained considerable trust in that brief time, yet he had made no promises to her whatsoever.
No promises such as taking her with him upon his return, or summoning House Sereo after his departure.
“I have never seen Ruswena. I hear it is truly beautiful….”
Take me with you. Or give me something—anything—as proof. As Alena made this plea, Eriponi exhaled smoke.
“Ah yes. I was about to say the same.”
“Please command me, Your Majesty.”
“Upon my return home, I shall extend an invitation. Until then, remain in the capital and send me letters daily.”
She needed eyes and ears planted in the center.
As Eriponi commanded with a broad smile, Alena hesitated. For how long?
“You can do that, yes?”
“Of, of course, Your Majesty. It is an honor.”
“Before you come, I must carefully examine whether my Ruswena has a position befitting you.”
A single drop of anxiety spreading through a heart full of hope. Yet Alena deliberately ignored it and composed her expression. She knew all too well that she had nowhere else to fall.
‘Hmm. How charming.’
She had gained useful eyes and ears—why would she let them slip away? No matter what happened, she would keep her here.
Eriponi regarded Alena with a predatory gaze, her thoughts resembling a serpent toying with its prey, seemingly unaware of the resemblance.
* * *
Meanwhile, the carriage rushed toward the main palace. The Coachman’s whip cracked repeatedly to meet the tight schedule.
Even as the carriage swayed violently, I maintained my composure and continued signing documents. The festival had ended, and today was finally the day our first guest departed. Just as the beginning was crucial, so too was the conclusion, and my workload continued to mount accordingly.
“Romandro, the next document, please.”
“Right. Here it is. And Ian, the Daughter of House Sereo has visited the King of Eriponi’s private residence again.”
“Is that so?”
“I’m not sure we should let this slide. No matter how I think about it, isn’t it rather presumptuous?”
Unlike the worried Romandro, I merely raised my eyebrows.
“That is precisely why we allow it.”
“Hmm? What do you mean?”
“The King of Eriponi is no private man, and he will not genuinely welcome those who cling to him.”
If they regard us as merely eyes and ears to watch the center, then we should regard them the same way—as eyes and ears to observe Eriponi.

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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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