Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 405

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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 405
Fire. Zaira’s Persuasion
“A rift?”
Prince Eriponi flicked his cigarette lightly as he repeated the question. A rift? It was a word he had never considered.
When speaking of Clippoford’s value, one would naturally mention fertile lands, verdant foliage, and the deep crimson sunsets that blanketed the region. The seven cities Ruswena would claim were likely no different, yet a rift?
Prince Eriponi looked toward Eldetr to confirm he had heard correctly. Seeing the confusion on his face as well, it seemed he hadn’t misheard.
“Yes. I heard passing Mages mention it while treating the wounded. They said a massive rift was undulating beneath Clippoford’s earth, which prevented the Bariel Mages from wielding their power easily. It seemed almost a settled fact. Even Clippoford’s soldiers appeared to know of it.”
“Wait. By rift, you mean the one I’m thinking of? The one called the foundation of monsters?”
“Yes. That would be correct.”
“For a rift to occur, there must be a great earthquake—”
A great earthquake.
Prince Eriponi involuntarily froze. Now that he thought about it, hadn’t that bastard Damon mentioned it first? That a great earthquake would soon strike Clippoford.
Prince Eriponi chewed on the end of a fresh cigarette while pressing his fingers to his brow.
“This is infuriating. These Burgos dogs have been playing false games with Ruswena all along.”
“Your Highness. Please calm yourself. Nothing is certain yet.”
“No. The circumstances prove him right. That small piece I found puzzling when I met with Damon—I didn’t know what it was and felt uneasy about it, but now I understand. Knowing the earth would be corrupted anyway, they agreed to the alliance without offering any other terms. These wretched bastards.”
Prince Eriponi could not contain his rage and shot to his feet, slamming his hand on the table. With a thunderous crash, Zaira flinched and pressed herself even flatter against the ground.
“Your Highness. Please compose yourself. I will send people to verify this. If even Clippoford’s soldiers know of it, it should be easy to uncover.”
Land corruption alone was not the issue. If the rift prevented the Mages—especially Ian—from wielding their full power? What if the unforgettable return of that colossal Flame Spirit descended upon Ruswena with even greater strength?
Could the ragtag Ruswena Mages withstand it compared to Bariel? Would they barely manage to survive only by casting forbidden magic with each of their lives?
Prince Eriponi irritably gripped his hair.
“Ugh, I’m going mad.”
“Your Highness. About Minister Ian Hielo, who fought with our grandmother last time.”
“What about Ian?”
“He appeared to be suffering from magical side effects. I cannot be entirely certain of this myself, but based on the fact that most mental-type magic carries side effects, I am confident it is so.”
Really? Prince Eriponi recalled the Ian he had seen during the prisoner exchange on the earth earlier. He seemed slightly gaunt, but otherwise appeared unchanged.
If anything, his edges were sharper, and he was formidable. He had even brazenly ignored the King’s questions in full view of everyone. It was infuriating.
“Do mental-type magics bring psychological side effects?”
“It varies by magic, so I cannot say with certainty. High-tier magic is so rare that records are scarce. If I return to Ruswena, I could find out….”
Zaira lifted her head slightly.
If she returned to the residence where she had lived and researched alongside her grandmother her entire life, she could retrieve the records. Knowledge was power, and those records might be essential for confronting Mages in the future.
It would have been unnecessary had her grandmother still lived, but as everyone knew, she had fallen into the abyss.
“We cannot afford to send even a single Mage back to our homeland now.”
But Eldetr drew the line.
Ruswena’s presence in this current war stemmed from exactly two things: the black armor and the Mages. Should either be removed, the balance of power would shatter, and the tide of war would shift accordingly.
Eldetr shook his head at Prince Eriponi to indicate it was absolutely impossible.
“It is absolutely impossible, Your Highness.”
“I see. If the Mages are withdrawing due to the rift, then unless our Mages take action first, we won’t see any particular response from them, will we? The black armor has been primarily countered by the Mage Knights, and if Ian is suffering from side effects, he seems even less likely to act first.”
“Strength is not merely in action. Possessing something itself is strength. And Your Highness, first allow me to verify whether this Mage’s words are true. Grant me a little time.”
‘That one’. And ‘that Mage’.
Zaira realized that the number of ways people referred to her had increased. Within the Clippoford barrier, she had heard every diminutive under the sun—little one, baby, you name it.
“However, due to the head of the Mage from Burgos, it will be difficult to predict their movements. I sensed the entire Clippoford was in turmoil.”
“Yes. Damn mongrel. After this war, I’ll slaughter them all without mercy.”
Prince Eriponi muttered while clenching a cigarette between his teeth.
It was inevitable. Even if they crushed Bariel and Clippoford and seized this land, it was certain that Ruswena and Burgos would clash over who gained more profit afterward.
Burgos had deceived Ruswena so blatantly. This was a future that could only be foreseen—a path that countless histories had already shown.
“It would be wise to observe how Bariel treats Burgos.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I will increase the scouts.”
“Is there anything else?”
The King confirmed whether the boy had reported everything he had heard and seen. Zaira slowly raised her body from its prostrate position, then made a proposal.
“There is.”
“Good. Continue.”
‘Those who know their own worth cannot be treated carelessly by anyone.’
Zaira pondered, recalling Ian’s words. The Mages she had seen within the barrier were precisely those who fit that statement. They shone by virtue of being Mages themselves, and everyone revered and honored them accordingly.
But here? Everyone under the King’s command was being used like tools.
Zaira paused with her eyes wide open. When no further report came, Prince Eriponi and Eldetr simultaneously raised their eyebrows, looking down at the girl.
“I am said to be exceptionally talented.”
“What?”
What was this sudden nonsense? Ignoring the bewildered expressions of the two, Zaira spoke in a clear, ringing voice.
“One cannot measure the limits and depths of magical power by age alone, but Count Ian said so of me. That I am remarkably outstanding. He said I shine when compared to those Mages in that place.”
She had embellished slightly with a lie, but it was not entirely false. When Ian had bound her with his magic before, he had stated with certainty that only her magic would be effective.
Prince Eriponi chuckled and tilted his head to one side.
“And?”
“I would like you to know this: just as Count Ian is there, I am here.”
“Yes. You are truly reassuring. That is all I need to hear?”
How amusing and adorable. Prince Eriponi chuckled and said so, while Zaira simply bowed her head briefly without answering. Then, the murmur of subordinates echoed from outside.
“Your Highness. The Clippoford barrier has opened wide.”
“The barrier opened?”
“Yes. It appears they intend to send soldiers out. It would be best to go and confirm.”
Whoosh!
Before the subordinate could finish speaking, Prince Eriponi swept aside the tent and seized a spyglass.
The barrier gate was indeed wide open. Soon, Clippoford soldiers in tight formation emerged in an orderly manner. From the angle of their advance, their target appeared to be Burgos rather than Ruswena.
He had expected retaliation for beheading Bariel’s Mage, but he had not anticipated it would come so quickly. Had they not just returned from completing the prisoner exchange moments ago?
Prince Eriponi gestured an order to Eldetr.
“Send a messenger to Burgos. If Clippoford engages Burgos, the rear and right flank of the barrier will be completely exposed—this is our opportunity. However, if that damned rift is real, there is much to reconsider.”
“Yes, Your Highness. I will convey the message swiftly.”
“Your Highness. May I return now?”
Zaira brushed off her knees and straightened her posture. Though her shoulders were set somewhat presumptuously, Prince Eriponi’s gaze remained fixed on the spyglass and he did not notice.
“Yes. Go back and await further orders.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Zaira hurried out of the tent, turning back toward where the Mages waited. The metallic stench of Jang’s blood still lingered in the air.
“Zaira. What did the Prince say?”
“Come here. Let me channel some mana into you. Bariel didn’t do anything rough, did they? From what I can see, you’re not injured anywhere.”
“Yeah. I’m fine. Not hurt at all.”
Zaira leaned lightly into the Mages’ embrace, then pulled away. She whispered very softly.
“Soon, Bariel and Burgos are going to clash in a major way.”
“Zaira?”
“Listen carefully. But Prince Eriponi can’t move forward or backward now. If he tries to back out at this point, he’s already in too deep. And if he commits all his strength to supporting Burgos, not only does it feel like a betrayal, but he can’t put the Mages on the front lines.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Just listen. Hear me out, then decide.”
Zaira gestured for the Mages to gather closer.
“The Bariel Mage—Count Ian and the enemy Mages—should be handed over to Damon. After all, they have a clear justification for clashing since they beheaded a Mage. That means Ruswena will have no choice but to face Cliffford, right? They’ll need more troops and support.”
“War is always a matter of manpower and supplies.”
“Once we leave the palace, let’s go back.”
“What?”
The Mages blinked at Zaira’s words.
“Let’s go to the palace, gather our families, and go to Bariel. I’ve already worked everything out with them. We’ll go and research forbidden magic together. They said they’ll help us find a way to save Grandmother. We’ll move carefully, watching the situation, then escape.”
Does the Boy even understand what she’s saying? Desertion? And reclaiming family held captive in the palace, then defecting on top of that?
When the Mages placed their hands on Zaira’s forehead, she raised her palm to show them.
“Does anyone here know contract magic?”
“Contract magic. I’ve heard of it.”
“Really? I didn’t know. Look at this.”
Zing. Zing.
Zaira activated her mana and drew out the contract inscribed deep within her body. Countless concentric circles bloomed from her palm, moving in perfect order to form one vast magical circle.
“Proof that we can return to Bariel. It’s a contract I made with their Mage. Anyone who wants to stay in Ruswena can stay. But if possible, let’s go together. We’re family, after all.”
Zaira grasped the Mages’ hands, coaxing them—those who had lived their entire lives together in the forest, her family, colleagues, and friends.
As long as those held hostage weren’t involved, she’d planned to return and hide deep in the forest anyway. In a forest deep enough, what did it matter whether it was Ruswena’s land or Bariel’s?
“But can that really happen? War doesn’t flow as easily as words suggest—”
Boom! Bang!
As if cutting off the Mage’s objection, a tremendous sound erupted from above. Zaira grinned and pointed upward with two fingers. The sound came from the sky. Everyone would know its source.
“Even if it doesn’t flow easily, it can flow the way we want. From what I’ve seen, Count Ian is like that.”
“Zaira. Were you brainwashed?”
The Boy had been taken as a prisoner and returned, yet kept mentioning Ian like this? When the Mage placed a hand on Zaira’s forehead again, the Boy grasped it and nodded.
“Yeah. I was brainwashed. So I won’t listen no matter what anyone says. They said they can save Grandmother—why would I refuse? So everyone, come with me. Otherwise, we’ll be crushed forever under the King’s name.”

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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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