Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 50

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Chapter 50. The Night of Annihilation
“If the position of lord remains vacant, the chaos will only deepen.”
At the Prime Minister’s cautious objection, Prince Marib offered an alternative.
“Instead, we can dispatch an advisor on a temporary basis. We monitor the results while attending to the people’s sentiments, and establish a new lord afterward as is proper.”
“Investigator Erika is already there. She’s likely conducting cleanup efforts as we speak.”
At Wesley’s opinion, Prince Marib burst into laughter. As if to say she was speaking nonsense. At his blatant dismissal, Wesley’s expression hardened visibly.
“The investigator is the one who killed their family from the perspective of the territory’s people. Moreover, she’s only apprehended three suspects while failing to identify two others.”
Thwack.
He threw down the documents, making no effort to hide his displeasure with the investigator. There was nothing to refute—every word was true. The ministers simply nodded their heads in agreement.
“Since this occurred by imperial decree, swift resolution is necessary at the empire’s level. That is the honor of my father, the Emperor, and Variel.”
“…There are no objections.”
“A most reasonable statement.”
Every word was perfectly sound.
Furthermore, the Bratz territory’s production was significantly lower compared to other regions. Was it too far from the capital? The ministers, lacking ulterior motives, cared little who governed such a place.
“Then we shall dispatch an advisor and observe the situation. We can discuss the appointment of a new lord again afterward.”
“Since Bratz is distant, it would be best to send a letter immediately upon the conclusion of this meeting. Let us dispatch a courier to ensure the fastest arrival.”
“I agree.”
Prince Marib had decided not to give Prince Gail even a chance to interject. Since every proposal was reasonable, the Prime Minister raised his seal to finalize the agenda.
He paused mid-air at Wesley’s words.
“If you speak of an advisor for reconstruction—”
She quickly interjected with a question.
“Whom do you have in mind?”
“Well, I believe Romandro would be the most suitable candidate. He demonstrated his capabilities recently in the earthquake-damaged area near the White Temple.”
“Then I shall have Count Mollin sent down as well.”
“Count Mollin?”
It was a tenacious intention not to yield. Prince Marib stroked his chin and murmured.
“Count Mollin has only recently arrived at the capital.”
“However, it is certain that in the imperial palace, he knows that territory best. We should ask him directly, and if he agrees, it is proper to dispatch him together.”
At Wesley’s gaze, the ministers exchanged glances. Was this really an issue worth prolonging? There were mountains of state affairs requiring attention. Reading the atmosphere, the Prime Minister brought down his seal and responded.
“There are no objections.”
Bang, bang, bang!
“Now, the next agenda is….”
“The sea route to Blasterhaelo….”
‘Damn it. What is this?’
She pretended indifference, lowering her gaze to the documents, but she could not clear the complicated thoughts from her mind. If he attended the morning meeting to this extent, Prince Marib surely had ulterior intentions.
‘I did manage to prevent sending the advisor alone….’
When Wesley glanced at him, Prince Marib smiled with only a twitch of his eyebrows. The problem was, whenever he smiled like that, something unfortunate happened to them.
“…Then let us conclude today’s general assembly here.”
“Thank you for your efforts.”
“I shall meet with His Majesty this afternoon.”
As the meeting concluded, Prince Marib left the conference chamber without hesitation.
The ministers bowed behind him, nervously wondering if they should offer tea. Prince Marib quietly issued instructions to his subordinate waiting outside.
“Summon Romandro.”
“Romandro, sir?”
The subordinate responded with slight discomfort. Romandro had only just returned to the capital after settling the White Temple matter. His newlywed wife had already been separated from him for two months, and if he learned that Prince Marib was calling for him again, he might very well submit his resignation. Sincerely.
“Why do you stand there gawking?”
“No, sir. I… understand.”
But what choice did he have? Orders were orders.
It was the subordinate’s responsibility to persuade Romandro and bring him. Whether Prince Marib knew his subordinate’s true thoughts or not, he glanced toward Wesley and turned away.
* * *
“Will you be alright without us?”
“Don’t concern yourself with me. Make haste and depart.”
Erika waved her hand dismissively to reassure the commander of the Central Army. Among the minimum forces that had to remain at the estate, Erika was included.
“It feels like leaving you in a beast’s den.”
“If anyone harms the investigation team, they defy the capital itself. That scoundrel Ian may lack luck, but his calculations are sharp—he won’t resort to crude violence.”
They had decided to leave only five elite soldiers at the estate, including Erika. One Erika standing guard was far more efficient than a hundred nameless foot soldiers.
Since she wasn’t particularly skilled in actual combat, this was the best strategy available. All other forces would pursue Mary and Chel, preparing to leave Bratz.
“Then I shall depart and return swiftly.”
“Please, by all means recover their bodies.”
“Yes, understood.”
“Move out!”
“Move out!”
The soldiers organized their formation and departed the estate. Children ran through the streets to watch, and the residents gathered in small groups, gossiping about the Central Army’s withdrawal—or rather, their hasty retreat.
“They say they’re going to find the lady and young master Chel? So that rumor about them leaving the gates alive was true.”
“Mind your tongue. Aren’t they traitors?”
“Oh, what a relief! Go and never return! Just keep going all the way to the capital and your homes!”
“Go! Don’t come back!”
“Get out of here!”
The residents, who had lost families and homes in the conflict, threw stones and caused a commotion, but the Central Army soldiers could only glare at them without taking further action. The Cheonryeo Warriors standing among them prevented any escalation.
“Go well. You won’t get far.”
“Once they’re gone, let’s pour molten metal into the gates!”
“How would we leave then, you fool?”
“Wasting our food, you bastards.”
“Careful, they can hear you.”
They couldn’t afford to cause trouble immediately upon departure, before even leaving the territory. It was true that they had depleted the residents’ food supplies during their stay.
Unlike the agitated ones, there were those who ran forward in pure joy. The children.
“Yay! The Central Army is leaving!”
“Mom, mom! All the soldiers are going away!”
They resembled defeated foreign soldiers. That was how the residents perceived the Central Army after the battle, and that was reality. In terms of distance, the Cheonryeo Tribe and the Hawan Kingdom were far closer than the capital.
“Everyone seems delighted.”
Erika watched from the manor and clicked her tongue in disapproval. She turned back toward the main entrance to return to her room, but her path was blocked by Cheonryeo Warriors.
“What, what is this?”
“The main house will be used by us from now on. Since your numbers are small, you will use tents going forward.”
“Have these barbarians lost their minds! Who do they think they’re talking to!”
“If you have complaints, take them to Kakantir.”
Erika’s mouth fell open in disbelief. The Central Army hadn’t even left the territory yet. And they were already making enemies like this?
Just an hour ago, the main house had been freely accessible, but now I couldn’t fathom what this situation had become.
“Fine, let’s see about this. You, commander. I have words for you.”
“…Please follow me.”
Erika was led by the warrior into the reception hall. Kakantir and Ian were there together.
Crash!
“Are you joking? Huh?”
“Is something the matter? The Central Army has departed?”
“Shut up. It’s none of your concern. You barbarians will use the main house? Don’t be ridiculous. Aren’t you the ones who pitch tents and live outside?”
The sight of her ranting and raving was pathetic. Ian swallowed a sigh and stared intently at Erika.
Kakantir also clicked his tongue as if he’d heard it all before, his eyes sweeping over her from head to toe. Though they’d been living under the same roof for some time now, his expression showed he still hadn’t grown accustomed to her.
“Listen. If you want to use the main house, why not reduce your household size? If you wish, I can spare you a single room. There’s a storage room left at the end of the corridor.”
“…You, you…?”
“By the way, if reducing your household numbers proves difficult, I can help. Since my blade might rust, it’s time I had some meat to cut.”
At the blatant threat, Erika’s face went pale. Barbarians are truly barbarians. Now that the Central Army had left, their attitude shifted so drastically—she realized anew that these were people she should never associate with.
Ian stepped between them and changed the subject.
“In any case, welcome. The investigation team has organized the reports and materials to send to the imperial palace into bundles, so you can take them with you. Now we intend to proceed with Count Derga’s execution.”
The sudden mention of Derga’s execution made Erika draw an X with her hand, indicating absolute refusal.
“Everything has procedures. Count Derga’s execution will proceed only after we secure Mary and Chel.”
“And if Mary and Chel’s custody cannot be secured? Will you simply remain here indefinitely?”
He was driving a nail home. A week, a month—if no results were shown within a set timeframe, it was a clear demand to leave the territory.
Erika bit her lip.
“…Your words are excessive.”
“My apologies. I thought you’d be less offended by that phrasing than if I called you a parasite.”
Just as Erika was about to shout something in response, Kakantir naturally interjected, flicking his dagger.
“One week. If the execution doesn’t proceed within that time, we will cut off Derga’s breath ourselves.”
This statement carried two intentions.
First, it was a declaration of position to the imperial palace from the Cheonryeo people. Though they had confronted the investigation team and Central Army and driven them out, this proved it was not to defy the imperial decree and spare Derga, but truly for the sake of the territory.
Second, it was a warning to Erika. If she continued to resist, her breath would be cut off along with Derga’s—whatever form that might take.
“Sigh.”
As Erika ground her teeth, wondering how to respond, a commotion erupted from outside.
“Miss Erika! Miss Erika!”
It was one of the investigators. He burst through the reception hall door without knocking, then flinched at the murderous atmosphere.
“Miss Erika, they’ve finally arrived—gasp!”
“…Arrived? What has?”
At the same moment, Ian and Kakantir turned their heads as well. All eyes converged on the subordinate. He appeared to be the youngest among them, his flushed face brimming with joy.
Erika felt hope bubbling up from within her heart without even realizing it.
Could it be, was it possible, damn it, finally?
“…A letter has arrived from the Central Authority.”
“…!”
“…!”
“You bastards, you’re all dead!”
“Lady Erika, congratulations!”
“Congratulations!”
Erika cried out in triumph, clenching her fists tightly. The subordinates standing behind her also placed their hands confidently on their sword hilts. This was the greatest fortune, the single card that could drive out Ian and the Cheonryeo in one fell swoop!
Once the lordship appointment proceeded, she would officially become the master of this place. She would crush that vulgar, ill-fated lowborn bastard and the beast tribe in an instant.
“The Central letter! Where is it, bring it down at once!”
“Ah, no! There’s no need for you to come down. It arrived by messenger bird.”
The atmosphere that had been so heightened seemed to cool abruptly. She understood what it meant that the Central letter had arrived by messenger bird.
Only Kakantir and the investigator subordinate could sense this incomprehensible shift in mood.

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————