Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 421

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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 421
Fire. To Bariel
“There, Count Ian.”
The moment we stepped inside the barrier, Noah seized my arm.
It was an acknowledgment that Clipoford had survived under Bariel’s full support. Thus, I refrained from involving myself in war reparations or subsequent measures, leaving everything entirely to my will and that of Bariel.
However, regarding matters of national importance, I could not help but harbor questions.
“Why did you not place a binding spell on the King of Eriponi? She is the heart of Ruswena, so should you not prioritize controlling her above all else?”
I listened to Noah’s words while clicking my pocket watch open and shut. Evening was already approaching. When the new day dawned, I would leave Clipoford and head toward Bariel. Where my Bariel and Gin awaited me.
I moved my steps slowly and offered an explanation. It was understandable that one who knew nothing of the ‘Hyunyeo’ spell Zaira had cast upon the King of Eriponi might think this way.
“A spell has already been placed upon the King of Eriponi. When the conditions are met, she will lose her life of her own accord.”
“A spell has been placed? Did a Bariel mage do this?”
“Remarkably and fortunately, it was done by a young mage of Ruswena.”
A young mage of Ruswena.
The moment Noah heard those words, he recalled Zaira. That young boy who fearlessly charged into the barrier, thrashing about like a wild colt. The image of him screaming desperately about losing his family remained vivid. Driven by that rage, he had plunged his blade into his own lord’s back.
“What are the conditions?”
“They are ambiguous, and difficult to explain. But one thing is certain—if a binding spell were officially placed and that spell activated upon Eriponi’s death, Bariel’s position could become precarious. Every nation has those who await the collapse of the established order. If Bariel raises even the slightest suspicion regarding the King of Ruswena’s death, we hand them justification. I do not wish for that—”
What I prioritize first is Bariel.
Second was because of Zaira.
By employing the Hyunyeo spell, which borders on a curse, the child has taken upon himself an enormous sacrifice. I cannot render that meaningless, can I? When I did not continue, Prince Noah turned his gaze.
“Why do you hesitate?”
“It is nothing. In any case, my decision not to place a binding spell directly upon the King of Eriponi was for Bariel’s sake, and by extension, for Clipoford’s. Please do not worry yourself.”
I bowed my head slightly toward the King of Clipoford beside me, and he nodded in return.
Inside the barrier, the sounds of people moving about busily could be heard. All of it was activity to prepare for my and the mages’ journey home.
“Once we report to the Imperial Palace, His Highness will decide on appropriate follow-up measures. At that time, it would be advantageous for you to come to Bariel in person and seek common ground. It will be a gathering where Damon, Eriponi, and all those responsible for this war convene, so it is only fitting that you voice your position directly.”
Luggage began to be stacked onto the carriage one by one. Certainly, I had arrived with nothing but my bare body falling from the sky, yet it seemed there was much to take with me after such a brief stay. Half was Akorelra’s research materials, and the other half were gifts sent out from the Clipoford royal palace.
Amid the commotion, they were meager as tokens of gratitude for victory, but the King could not send me away empty-handed. This was a display of sincerity at the national level, and a matter of propriety. Large and small treasures, bound with cord, were carefully stacked in the back seat.
“Of course, I shall remain here tending to the capital and await the call of Prince Gin. Noah, see off the Bariel mages tomorrow.”
“Yes, Father.”
“But what do you intend to do about those people, Count Ian?”
The King’s gaze fell upon the towering banner of House Sereo. Unable to advance or retreat, caught in an awkward position. Even as our conversation proceeded, Sereo remained at a loss, simply holding their ground as they had arrived.
I looked toward the Ruswena encampment and murmured.
“House Sereo has a daughter.”
“A daughter?”
“A woman intimate with the King of Eriponi, but given that she has not shown herself yet….”
It was clear that after our discussion concluded, Eriponi had seized Alena and entered into another strategy meeting.
There was little Alena could do for Eriponi. What could a woman of the social circles, without rank or position within the palace, accomplish?
By my estimation, direct action would soon commence, and if so, it was highly likely she would remain out of sight for now.
“You need not concern yourself with it. Since you are mobilizing personnel, use them for damage recovery instead. Do not allow them inside the barrier, but they would be quite suitable for transporting corpses outside.”
Since they have come but cannot move, the only choice is to give them something to do.
“May we do so?”
“Yes, of course. Since I came of my own accord, how could I refuse to help? Please send me back together with the remaining Bariel Soldiers and Mages when they return to their homeland.”
“Then I won’t refuse. As you know, my own citizens have fallen, and the land crumbles around us. Every hand, no matter how small, is precious.”
Sereo, thoughtless as ever, would inevitably and willingly assist in the cleanup. This way, he could insert himself into the discussions of merit and reward that would follow the victory, creating an opening to influence the imperial palace. He moved through Alena, and Alena moved through Eriponi.
“Yes. Ruswena currently maintains the stance of a victim, so they won’t initiate combat immediately. To do so would contradict everything they claimed in the negotiations. Until they meet with the imperial palace and the Prince, they will move quietly behind the scenes. I hope Clipoford uses this opportunity to restore order to the nation.”
A gust of wind swept through, tousling my hair.
I, who had been offering counsel in sharp, decisive tones, fell silent for a moment, gazing upon the blood-stained earth. This would be Clipoford’s final sunset. I smiled faintly, as if with a touch of regret.
“…It was beautiful.”
The sprawling vineyards and the sunset seeping between them. The sweat and laughter of farmers. And the Elder singing atop the roofs, the children dancing with such joy. The beauty that the nation itself radiated was truly profound. And so, witnessing the current devastation with my own eyes pierced my heart.
The King of Clipoford turned his head alongside me, his gaze troubled.
“Clipoford will remain beautiful in the days to come.”
A wish like self-hypnosis. Even now, with monsters flooding to the very brink, the King still saw his kingdom as truly beautiful.
If only the corpses piled like mountains across the fields and the stench of blood could be erased. Just days ago, those peaceful times now felt like a dream.
“Today, focus only on preparing for departure, Count Ian.”
The King of Clipoford extended his hand to me. By this point, everything felt like destiny itself. That I, Ian, happened to be in Clipoford—through this chance encounter, their kingdom had survived. At this, Prince Noah and all the soldiers around him knelt.
“I am truly grateful. That I have no other words to offer is a matter of deep shame. Clipoford will maintain an even deeper relationship with Bariel going forward, firmly supporting you who stand at the center of Gaia. Please convey my heartfelt sentiments to His Majesty and Prince Gin. I shall visit soon to offer my respects—that day, which this small king of Clipoford truly awaits.”
“Beneath Bariel’s glory.”
“And beneath Clipoford’s glory.”
A firm clasp.
I naturally grasped the King’s hand and shook it gently. In that moment, the difference in station meant nothing whatsoever.
The King raised his hand in greeting to the Mages looking down from the stairs.
“Mages of Bariel, thank you.”
“It was the will of the Ministry of Magic, Your Highness.”
The Mages too bowed slightly in response. Meanwhile, the Soldiers and Mages who had grown close embraced one another, their words of gratitude flowing without end.
“We are truly grateful, Mages.”
“Yes. We depart with fond memories.”
“Haha. Perhaps we shall meet again someday.”
“Please take care of yourselves. We shall pray for your prosperity and well-being, Mages.”
“Come now, the carriage is still too light for farewells! Everyone, let’s finish what we’re doing! I can’t move all this alone!”
“Which Mages are leaving first?”
“Me, and him, and that one over there….”
“If you speak that way, how will anyone know their names?”
Crash!
Through the noisy commotion, Berik burst through the door and tumbled out. Tangled with him was Efdiram. For reasons unknown, they grappled at each other’s hair as they tumbled down the stairs.
The people of Clipoford gasped in shock, eyes nearly bulging from their sockets, but the people of Bariel merely flinched before recognizing Berik and showing little other reaction.
“Are you insane?! Really!”
“You lunatic, trying to get yourself killed!”
“Fine. Today I’ll send one Atan Clan member to the gods. Someone like you deserves a single blow.”
“I can see all your attacks now!”
Crash! Bang!
After tumbling and rolling, the two of them landed with a thud at my feet, still gripping each other’s hair as they looked up at me. My green eyes remained calm, though my gaze of exasperation was unmistakable.
“No, Minister of Magic. Sia, if you summon someone, shouldn’t you offer them a seat at the table? Why must I share a meal with this fool Berik? Do you think I’m someone who’ll eat with just anyone?”
“I was eating first, and you stole it from me!”
Even as they shrieked at each other, the two never once released their grip on each other’s hair.
“…Efdiram.”
Ian crouched down slightly and whispered to her. Berik’s ears perked up as well, but Ian kept his voice as low as possible.
“Instead of my secret, shall I tell you King Damon’s secret?”
“Not interested. What use is the secret of someone about to die?”
“He’s living his life twice over.”
“…What?”
Efdiram’s surprise caused her to release Berik’s hair, and he cried out in triumph. Though he was immediately kicked in the abdomen for it.
Thud!
“I wiiiiiin!”
“What? What did you just say?”
She followed after Ian, pestering him with questions, but received no answers. He had given her what she wanted—what more could she ask for? Ian laughed cunningly and shrugged his shoulders.
“Who knows? We’ll be taking King Damon to Bariel, so if you’re curious, come to the palace for the next council meeting. In exchange, you must take a very cooperative stance regarding the monster outbreak.”
“No, why do you have to be so infuriatingly vague? Hey!”
“Continue your preparations. We depart at dawn, so time is short.”
“The Imperial Defense Ministry has had Minister Tweller select a successor and delegate the cleanup, and the Imperial Guards are withdrawing entirely.”
“How many Bariel soldiers remain?”
“They said they’re confirming the minimum personnel needed to disband the Burgos forces, so no word has come in yet. They said they’re closely monitoring the Cliffford situation.”
“Excuse me, Minister Ian Hielo? What did Damon say?”
“It’s a secret. Disclosure is forbidden.”
“How can I leak something I don’t even know!”
Watching Efdiram follow after Ian, she was certainly cut from the same cloth as Berik. The mages clicked their tongues and hurried their preparations for departure.
* * *
The sky breaking into dawn.
The bluish morning held every hue of light. The barrier gate opened, and carriages moved slowly, passing through the street of corpses. Ian and the mages followed behind them. The sound of hoofbeats was loud enough to wake the soldiers of both Burgos and Ruswena.
In one of those many carriages, their king surely lay bound. The Burgos soldiers felt an inexplicable sense of melancholy and watched the northbound procession until the very end.
Clop clop clop!
Ian surrendered himself to the horse’s movement and gazed forward. Only those with a predetermined path could move with such clarity. Prince Noah, who rode as his escort, had the strange impression that Ian was throwing himself toward the breaking sunrise.
Continuing their silent gallop, they gradually slowed their pace as they approached the border. Bariel soldiers, who had been notified in advance, were waving the imperial flag in welcome. The brilliant mages of the empire bearing tidings of victory—their triumphant return.
“Count Ian.”
Prince Noah extended his hand to Ian from atop his horse, and Ian clasped it without further words. They would see each other again soon enough anyway. There was no need for lengthy farewells.
“Let’s go!”
Neigh!
Ian pulled hard on the reins and commanded. Go, to my Bariel. And to Jin and Romandro, Xiaoxi, and countless other citizens of the empire who awaited him.

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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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