Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 403

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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 403
Fire. The Arrow Shot at Eriponi
“Watch your tongue. Ian’s furious right now.”
Berik warned Zaira as he opened the door.
The Boy lifted her bound hands with a sharp gaze, then deliberately tilted her chin upward with defiance. Her wrists were bound by mana-sealing stones. Unless one was a fool, keeping quiet was obvious—a silent retort telling him to mind his own business. Berik seemed not to understand it, but regardless.
Creak.
As the door opened, I could see the Mages divided left and right with me at the center.
They focused their gaze on the Boy, but the atmosphere was distinctly different from what I’d witnessed last night. More hostile, more sensitive, sharper. Yet beneath it all, a grim resolve hung heavy in the air.
“Minister Ian. A Ruswena Mage has arrived.”
Before the bitter resentment from today’s clash had even faded, Burgos had sent over a colleague’s severed neck. It was only natural that Ruswena, allied with Burgos, would receive thorns in their gaze.
Zaira stepped forward hesitantly, then knelt before me as I sat by the window. I said nothing to her, simply watching. Under my cold gaze, the Boy carefully prostrated herself in proper courtesy.
“Minister Ian Hielo. I greet you formally once more. I am Zaira, a Ruswena Mage.”
Next time we meet, come with proper decorum—Zaira faithfully carried out my command.
My gaze descended from the Boy’s composed face to her fingertips. Not a tremor. Whatever she proposes next, I must acknowledge at least her spirit. Not trembling in such circumstances meant her vessel was no ordinary thing.
“Very well, Zaira. I hear you have something to report.”
“I wish to speak with Minister Ian alone.”
“Denied. All future operations and their execution will move as one with the entire Magic Ministry. Your words will be heard by all.”
I was aware my judgment had flaws, and I knew I needed my Colleagues’ help in such decisions. Therefore, Zaira’s message would have to be shared.
Zaira bit her lip and straightened her posture. Then she carefully spoke what she’d thought through and mulled over all night.
“Honestly, I don’t care how the war ends. As long as the Mages—the Ruswena Mages—survive, and my family remaining in the palace is safe.”
“Are many held in the palace?”
“My brother and anyone with even a trace of our blood have been captured. At first, I was invited to a celebration for the Mages’ deployment, and I thought we were being welcomed. But now that I’ve come here, I understand the truth.”
When I left the palace, I was happy. I believed that with us going to war, my family would live comfortably in the palace, well-fed and at ease.
But it wasn’t so. It was nothing but restraint dressed in a beautiful facade.
Zaira bowed deeply again, pleading.
“If I don’t return, my brother in the palace will die.”
“That’s unfortunate. But it’s not my concern. You surely didn’t come alone, yet I sense no trace of the other scout Mage. This means our information has leaked to Ruswena.”
“If Ruswena wants me, please send me back.”
“I consider trading you for Jang. But what can I do? Your King is so busy that I still haven’t heard from him. Pray in your heart. Should anything happen to Jang, we will make you his guide.”
Crack.
Zaira pressed her palm firmly against the floor.
Ruswena’s response was delayed, but on the other hand, I had faith. If the scout Mage returned, word of my capture would have reached them.
Then my fellow Mages wouldn’t stay idle. They would somehow petition the King to rescue me. It was only a matter of time—there was no other problem beyond that. Surely.
“The war is outside my concern, but forbidden magic has deeply entered my life. If you help me, I wish to dedicate my lifetime to researching ways to break forbidden magic.”
“That’s quite different from the recklessness you showed earlier. Since one can never know a person’s heart, I’m inclined to distrust you now.”
Why would I accept you on my side?
I opened a path for her to speak of matters related to Eriponi. Zaira was a clever girl. She didn’t miss the opportunity I offered and seized it eagerly. Just one side first.
“I cast magic on Prince Eriponi.”
“Is that so? What kind?”
“Before that, please promise me first. No matter how things unfold, I must return to Ruswena. I’ll bring your words that you’ll accept the Mages and my family. And above all, I have research and accumulated materials at my residence in Ruswena. I need to retrieve them.”
Research findings? Akorelra’s ears perked up. She rapidly calculated in her mind whether magical stones only existed in Ruswena.
Ian was the same. The Ruswena Mages appeared talented, but compared to Bariel, they seemed considerably primitive, their texture distinctly different.
From their reliance on cold magic that didn’t harmonize well with other mages, to their ignorance of what was considered the most fundamental basics—it was clear that while they had developed within their own history and time, their direction had been vastly different.
“Where is the Ruswena settlement?”
“Northeast of the royal palace, Your Grace. It takes about four days on horseback, but we can travel faster using magic.”
“You’re planning to bring all of that to Bariel?”
“To be precise, I’m bringing it for my research. If I were to say it’s for Bariel, that would be a lie to escape the current situation, so I won’t answer to that.”
Look at that. Ian gazed down at the Boy with an intriguing smile.
The makings were evident. The depth of magical power, the intellect pursuing cleverness, and boldness. If nurtured properly, this child could become a key talent for Bariel’s future. What was the King of Ruswena doing with such a child?
Ian tilted his head to one side, then asked Zaira.
“So what you’re saying is you want to be sent back first. But listen, little one. Even if you return intact, the King of Eriponi will suspect you and prevent you from achieving your goals. You need a proper process. We can create that for you, and if that gesture you’re showing now is genuine, we’re willing to help you.”
So tell me. What did you do to the King of Eriponi?
Detecting the slight softening in Ian’s tone, Zaira confessed with a tense breath.
“…I cast 「Radiant Dazzle」.”
Radiant Dazzle? The Mages exchanged glances, unfamiliar with this magic. Their gazes circled and finally settled on Ian.
Ian’s expression was somewhat fresh, clearly showing pure surprise and fascination.
“You used Radiant Dazzle?”
“Yes. Three of the arrows that rained down on you, Your Grace. All of them took lives, so the magic will definitely activate.”
The Mages simultaneously raised their hands. As if asking to join the conversation. Ian let out a small exclamation and soon explained kindly.
“Radiant Dazzle is a type of trap magic. There’s a time delay before activation and it requires specific conditions—it activates when the target experiences intense joy or happiness, true to its meaning.”
“Ah, so what does Radiant Dazzle mean?”
“It means to be shining, Berik. In essence, it’s the closest thing to a curse among existing magic.”
Whether in this era or the future.
Death met at the most brilliant moment. The instant one feels a step of achievement and envisions the future, their own transgression announces there is no tomorrow.
“Eriponi will receive the arrows she shot back during the brilliant moments she encounters in the rest of her life.”
If the arrows she shot pierced a soldier’s neck, her neck too will be pierced. If they pierced a heart, her heart will also be pierced.
No matter how much she investigates the suddenly appearing arrows, they are hers, and by then, the Ruswena Mages will have each sought their own paths to survival.
“A most fitting retribution in every way.”
Ian murmured admiringly. In hindsight, it was a flawless revenge considering everything. What surprised him most was that this small child could wield such magic.
“Little one. Do you know the price of Radiant Dazzle?”
“Yes. I know it. My Grandmother taught me. She—”
What is that about? The Mages blinked curiously, but Ian remained silent on the matter. Zaira too seemed reluctant to speak of it, her eyes slowly lowering.
“…Heil. And Akorelra.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
“Why?”
Ian nodded to the two he had called.
“The development of Ruswena magic is certainly different from Bariel’s. What do you think? If we accept these people and fuse our knowledge together, we could dream of a better future. What are your thoughts?”
“Your Grace’s will is our thought. We will follow.”
“Little one, have you also researched magical stones? As I understand it, there are only five types of magical stones that come exclusively from Ruswena. Is that correct?”
“Magical stones are outside my interest. There is someone suitable, but that person is currently in the Ruswena camp.”
“Ah, I need to see your face quickly. Ian. I approve. It looks like there will be plenty of uses for this.”
At Akorelra’s blunt remark, Zaira’s brow furrowed, though it wasn’t entirely wrong. Zaira was currently kneeling, while they stood looking down at her.
“Good. Zaira. One hour from now. If no message arrives from Ruswena, we will immediately attack Burgos and open the curtain on our second major battle.”
So we’re going to rescue the Mages. Zaira swallowed hard, listening intently. Please, let the Mage in Ruswena be safe. Otherwise, the process of her and the Ruswena Mages joining Bariel would undoubtedly become treacherous.
“At that time, I’ll create an opportunity for you to escape appropriately. You’re welcome to return to your camp. However, you must swear an oath to us before you go.”
“An oath?”
“Who will step forward?”
“I will. You, do you know the magic of oaths?”
“…What is that…”
As if they were standing back-to-back, the magic they had each wielded thus far was entirely different.
One of the Mages volunteered and raised his hand, then extended it toward the Boy. A small shake, urging her to take it. Zaira glanced at Ian’s expression before grasping his hand.
“It’s an oath made through magic. Since you stake your life on it, breaking it means death. Child, can you swear to God about all the conversations we’ve shared now? That they were true and will become reality?”
“Yes. But in return, please protect Bariel as well. Support the research to undo forbidden magic, as you promised.”
“That much I welcome and promise my active support for. Zaira. I say this repeatedly, but I support your faith.”
As Ian spoke so warmly, Zaira’s lips curved into a small smile. He could have been like that from the start—why was he so cold before?
The Mage hesitated as he tried to activate his mana.
“Ian. It’s a bit difficult because of the mana seal stone.”
You may release it. Ian closed his eyes gently and granted permission, and the Soldiers approached and handed over the key.
Click, as the key turned, the Mages discreetly released their mana behind their backs. Ready to respond immediately if Zaira acted up. Ian was the same.
Though their eyes didn’t turn golden, everyone’s gaze was concentrated on Zaira. Yet the Boy herself only frowned, rotating her numb wrists.
Zing. Zing.
“We begin.”
Zaira grasped the Mage with both hands and proceeded with the oath contract. Amid solemnity and the relief of having crossed a great mountain, commotion sounded from outside.
Tap tap tap!
“Ian. Pardon the interruption. A message has arrived from Ruswena.”
Zing. Zing.
The Messenger had returned. Zaira, having completed the contract, waited nervously for his words.
“They proposed an exchange of Bariel Mage and the Ruswena Mage. But they said they would prefer if you came directly, Ian. It seems they wish to discuss specific negotiations. W-what will you do?”
“Ha, yes!”
“It’s done, Ian. We’ve rescued Jang.”
“What do you mean! We must bring him here at once!”
“Prince Noah? Is he in the war room?”
“Yes, yes. He said he supports all your decisions, Ian.”
Ian descended from the window frame and met Zaira’s gaze. In that smiling face, she felt a small satisfaction.
“No need to wait an hour. Child, let’s go. As we bring Jang, I’ll tell you how to handle Eriponi from now on.”
Zaira nodded, and Ian wrapped his arm around the Boy’s shoulder as they stepped outside. Then he gave instructions to the Mages.
“Everyone finish your battle preparations and come out. When we make contact with Ruswena, the sun will be fully risen. We’ll be able to see Burgos directly.”
“Yes, Ian!”
“Let’s prepare! Let’s go get the kids!”
“Move quickly!”
Crash! Bang bang bang!
As the Mages stirred about in chaos, I refilled Zaira’s mana seal stone once more. This time, gently—without causing her pain. Zaira alternated her gaze between her trembling wrist and me.
I had said it myself. That the fulcrum of life lay far away. Zaira felt it shifting now, ever so slightly, infinitesimally slightly. Toward this new world called Bariel.

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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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