Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 505

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

Chapter 505
Side Effects
The officials exchanged bewildered glances among themselves.
They’d sensed something extraordinary from the moment the conference began, but wasn’t this pushing the bounds of common sense? A man who’d spent ten years in the Abyss and only just returned to the capital today—how could he know justifications that even the officials weren’t aware of?
Yet judging by the Boy’s demeanor, it didn’t seem like idle talk, which only deepened their confusion.
“You would know of the Atan Clan.”
“The Atan in the north?”
“Yes. By Prince’s orders, Imperial Guard Berik held negotiations with the Atan Clan. As you might guess, the purpose was to request their cooperation in preventing the spread of the northern rift.”
Oh, he’s talking about me! Berik, who’d been tucked away in the corner of the conference hall, perked up his ears and suddenly jumped to his feet. The officials, uncertain who Berik was, confirmed his face and let out exclamations of recognition.
‘Ah, that madman.’
The red-haired Mage Knight who was the palace chefs’ sworn enemy and constantly caused incidents.
“And then?”
“Berik made it clear that he belonged to the Imperial Guards and came by Prince’s orders. However, instead of remaining in Bariel to cooperate, they chose to make contact with Rutherford of Burgos. Combat ensued during that process.”
“Battle scars, right here! Look, see where it burst open!”
Berik turned his face this way and that to display his wounds. They’d healed considerably and weren’t very visible, but since he claimed to be injured, well.
Captain Jairot bit his lower lip slightly as a warning for him to stop fooling around. Regardless, Berik merely scratched his ear.
“Wait a moment. Count Ian. Contact with Rutherford, you say?”
“It’s the same context as Rashida from the Technology Development Department wondering whether Rutherford and I possess Idgal manufacturing technology.”
Rutherford possessed both the will to expand the rift and control over Idgal technology to manage it. From the Atan Clan’s perspective, they needed to ascertain whether Rutherford had truly appeared and what his intentions were.
“I cannot say what the Atan Clan’s position will be, but it seems certain they’ve crossed into Burgos.”
The officials immediately grasped the situation. In short, they needed to pursue the Atan Clan into Burgos.
Murmurs of discussion arose from various corners, and I completely covered the report. It seemed I’d accomplished everything I needed to in this conference.
“How was the combat concluded?”
“The Atan Clan pursued Berik inside, but when the Mages joined, they retreated and crossed the border as is.”
“Perfect. That settles it.”
“However, Count Ian, how did you…?”
“Berik came to escort me. I was present at the scene as well.”
It was unclear whether it was skill or simply good fortune. I bowed my head toward Jin and made a request.
“Therefore, Your Highness, I recommend sending an envoy—not to the royalists, but directly to the anti-royalist faction. Request entry permits for Bariel soldiers under the pretext of subjugating the Atan Clan, and should they refuse, I recommend dealing with them together. If they consent, they can remain stationed and launch a joint attack with the royalists.”
Though the likelihood of their consent was extremely low.
“Very well. Let it be done.”
Jin nodded calmly, though there seemed to be a smile lingering at the corners of his mouth.
“A wise decision, Your Highness.”
“Does anyone object?”
Jin asked, but the conference hall remained silent. With no further remarks, it seemed unlikely that any additional agenda items would emerge.
Checking the clock, it was already two in the morning. Jin rose from his seat, signaling an end to the proceedings.
“Each department shall organize today’s conference matters and submit them by afternoon.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“You’ve all worked hard into the late hours. Please, rise.”
As Jin stood first and left, the tense atmosphere of the conference hall suddenly relaxed into disorder. The officials gathered with their colleagues, and subordinates with their subordinates, discussing matters to be handled going forward.
I stood up as well, tidying the documents spread before me with quick, decisive taps.
“Count Ian. I’m genuinely delighted to see you return.”
“Thank you. I’m relieved to see you’ve been well.”
“I look forward to working with you going forward.”
“I as well. Thank you for your continued support.”
Those favorable to the Ministry of Magic approached and offered their hands in greeting, which I accepted naturally. Though I felt countless eyes observing the exchange from all directions, I dismissed it lightly and exited the conference hall.
The commotion only intensified in my wake.
“Unbelievable. He really is the Minister of Magic, just as the rumors suggested.”
“When and how did he even establish his justification for this position?”
“Now I understand why he was truly the empire’s power broker at such a young age. Remarkable.”
“The budget matter seems manageable, but when do you think the Ministry of Magic will demand repayment?”
“Count Ian is the type to imbue meaning in even the lightest gesture. He’ll likely demand repayment at the most opportune moment for the Ministry of Magic, so it’s best to prepare immediately.”
“This is going to be troublesome. Of all ministries, it had to be Magic. If it were anyone else, the bureaucrats could exert considerable influence over the appointment, but the Magic Ministry operates as its own world entirely. We have no leverage whatsoever.”
Meanwhile, the mages following me glanced backward. Though they pretended otherwise, the stares directed at them from every direction were unmistakably unpleasant.
“These bureaucrats keep needling us. How irritating.”
“Careful, they’ll hear you. Lower your voice.”
“Let them hear. They seem to be needling us on purpose anyway.”
“In any case, Ian. You worked incredibly hard today. You did wonderfully. Prince Jin seemed quite satisfied as well. He kept smiling, trying to hide it.”
“Really? You noticed that too? So did I.”
“Ian, will you be heading to the Ministry of Magic, or will you be leaving the palace? It’s late, so if you’re departing, I’ll send a carriage this afternoon.”
“The Ministry of Magic.”
As I smiled at the obvious question, passing bureaucrats began discussing something quite intriguing.
“What are the nobles gathered in the banquet hall doing?”
“Probably just chatting away and enjoying themselves. Ah, times like these make me envious. Some of us are in meetings until two in the morning, while others are just drinking themselves silly.”
“Don’t think of it that way. They have their own considerable burdens. Especially those nobles with marriageable daughters. They can’t go anywhere all night, waiting anxiously in case the Prince returns.”
Now that I thought about it, marriage proposals would soon be coming for Jin as well. He had grown into a fine young man and was the empire’s sole heir, so the position beside him would be all the more prestigious and desirable.
I pondered briefly who Jin’s empress would be in his era. Unfortunately, my memories on that subject were nearly nonexistent.
“Ian?”
A mage opened the carriage door and urged me forward. I smiled and began to board, but something was wrong. I placed a hand on my abdomen, sensing something amiss with my body.
“What’s the matter? Are you unwell?”
“I…”
Despite the casual question, I gripped my stomach and slowly crouched down instead of answering. The startled mages lowered themselves as well, floundering helplessly.
“Ian. Why? Why are you like this? Are you in pain?”
“…It seems to be a side effect.”
“Side effect? What kind?”
As my complexion grew ashen, the mages’ faces drained of color as well.
The Boy’s gaze fell upon Captain Akorella, who was slowly descending the stairs. She had been chatting with acquaintances she passed, and her gait was so labored that she was only halfway down. She paused, sensing the attention, and the mages immediately sprang to their feet, rushing toward her.
“You actually fed him that! Captain Akorella!”
“Huh? Why suddenly? What? Me, what?”
“Ian’s side effects are starting to show!”
“Just arrived at the Imperial Palace today, and you’re already causing trouble! Fool!”
“Ah, a side effect. What was I thinking? Let’s hurry.”
Akorelra waved her hand dismissively, pushing through the mages, and immediately shouted at Romandro, who stood beside me.
“Romandro! What are you doing? Get Ian on a carriage, now!”
“S-should I call a doctor? But this is because of the mana recovery potion… would it even help?”
“Never mind a doctor. Call the chef instead.”
“The c-chef? Why?”
I staggered and gripped Romandro’s arm, my face drained of color as cold sweat poured down. Then, unable to hold back any longer, I muttered quietly.
“Let’s go, quickly. Romandro.”
* * *
Screech!
Whine!
The moment Jin descended from the carriage in light clothing, his pace quickened. Rumors had spread that I had collapsed clutching my stomach the moment I left the conference hall. Though dawn was breaking, Jin paid no mind and rushed out from the Crown Prince’s Palace.
Had my condition worsened after returning from the Abyss? While others passed through time normally, I alone remained there—so it was only natural that problems might arise.
Tap tap tap!
Though it was dawn, the entire Imperial Palace was in chaos from administrative work. I had assumed the Ministry of Magic would be the same, but the lobby was surprisingly quiet. The anxiety only intensified my frown.
“Count Ian!”
Bang!
“Oh, you startled me.”
“Huh? Who is—”
“Your Highness, Your Highness!”
Before anyone could answer, Jin opened the door himself. Then his eyes met those of the mages filling the Minister’s office.
They were buried in documents scattered across chairs, sofas, and the floor. A servant was stacking dishes high on a mobile trolley. I was holding a sandwich as I looked at Jin.
“Your Highness?”
“Count Ian. Are you well? There were rumors you had collapsed.”
“Ah, yes. There was a slight issue due to Akorelra’s recovery potion, but I’m fine. The hunger was simply more severe than anticipated.”
Beside me sat a bowl taller than a person. This was merely what the servants had cleared away once.
Jin approached in disbelief and asked. This wasn’t even Berik…
“…Are you truly certain you’re alright?”
“It’s a reaction that occurs during rapid recovery stages, or so I’m told. Objectively, my condition isn’t ideal, but I have no problems. Your Highness, are you not hungry?”
I glanced at the sandwiches piled high beside me. What better way to handle work than with these?
“No. No, I’m fine.”
“He’s lost it, I tell you. First time I’ve seen Ian eat more than me.”
Berik lay sprawled lazily among the busy mages, muttering the same thing over and over. Neither I nor any of the other mages responded, our eyes fixed on documents. We were swamped with work—no one understood why this Imperial Guard was lounging here.
“I apologize for the concern, Your Highness.”
“No, not at all. If it’s merely rumor, that’s fortunate.”
“According to Akorelra, I might sleep for days straight after eating like this, so I’m grateful we’ve met before then.”
“Why? Others can submit reports. You only just returned to the Imperial Palace yesterday. I don’t approve of you working in this state.”
“No, Your Highness. I find peace when I do my work. Everyone, take a brief rest.”
“Ah, we’re saved. Thank you!”
“Let’s go get some rest and clear our heads. Yawn.”
“Pardon me. Ugh.”
They were asking for a moment to step away. The Mages stretched and filed out, but Berik remained sprawled against the sofa’s backrest, rolling about lazily. Since he hadn’t done any work, he saw no reason to leave.
“Berik. You too.”
“Huh? Why me?”
“Is this a matter Berik shouldn’t hear, for some reason?”
When Prince Jin asked with puzzlement, I set down my pen and shook my head.
“No, Your Highness. It’s a question pertaining to your personal affairs.”
“…I’m not sure what this is about, but go ahead. It’s fine.”
“Well—”
Berik’s ears perked up, and he immediately sprang to his feet, eyes gleaming. As if he’d just heard something utterly fascinating.
“Is there someone special who has captured your heart, Your Highness?”

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