Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 507

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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 507
Two Noble Houses and Ian
Hollin and Davion.
If one were to ask which noble houses currently represented Bariel, everyone would speak those two names in unison.
Hollin, which had solidified its wealth by acquiring all the prime lands near the imperial palace, and Davion, which occupied key positions within the palace itself. It was difficult to determine superiority given how divided opinions were, yet the sharpest point of contention lay between the young heiresses of marriageable age from each house.
“Chloe. Are you well?”
“Yes, Father.”
“You seem tired.”
“Do I? That shouldn’t be the case.”
Count Davion observed his daughter maintaining her posture rigidly even within the carriage, and released a quiet sigh. In the end, she had left the coming-of-age ceremony without exchanging a single word with Prince Jin. Despite the weight of her elaborate dress and ornate headdress, Chloe adjusted her appearance in the mirror without complaint.
“You saw the Hollin heiress earlier, didn’t you?”
“I did.”
He had just come to realize that the other girl was equally formidable. Watching her maintain absolute composure with that venomous gaze, not moving a single fingertip, made his tongue involuntarily retreat.
“It is true that we fall somewhat short.”
“Chloe.”
“You know it well yourself, Father. Hollin is a Marquis house, while we are merely a Count house. It’s only one rank of difference, yet we haven’t overcome it for decades now. Moreover, war with Burgos will soon arrive. It’s inevitable that Hollin, which supplies weapons to Burgos, will draw more of the Prince’s attention. It’s only natural.”
Chloe swept her long crimson hair aside and gazed out the window. Dawn was breaking, and those who had risen early hurried about their business. Her golden eyes traced their movements without missing a detail.
“Unless God himself fires an arrow the moment Prince Jin and I lock eyes, there’s no chance of victory through direct confrontation.”
“Chloe. Do not worry. I shall have your brothers arrange a private audience with Prince Jin before Hollin does.”
As her father spoke soothingly, Chloe smiled softly.
“Thank you, Father. But more important than that is for me to be recognized by Prince Jin as someone of value. That meeting with me would be more beneficial to Bariel than meeting anyone else.”
“Hmm. I shall gather opinions. The Judiciary and Administrative branches will naturally recommend us. We’re still making contact with other departments, however.”
“The Ministry of Magic, you mean.”
“The Ministry of Magic?”
“Yes. Minister Ian Hielo has not yet returned, has he? I hear the Prince trusts him greatly and follows his counsel.”
“Indeed. Their bond must be quite special. The fact that the Prince proceeded with the annex construction in the Minister’s absence speaks volumes. I cannot explain in detail, but extraordinary events once occurred within the imperial palace.”
“If he would abandon even a coming-of-age ceremony that happens only once in a lifetime, I believe I understand the significance. So, what if we push the Ministry of Magic over the other departments?”
“Hmm?”
“If Ian Hielo recommends me to the Prince as Empress material, the Prince would likely take it seriously.”
At Chloe’s words, Regride nodded.
It was not an unreasonable assessment. From what he’d heard, the Minister of Magic’s presence had been remarkable at the late-night conference. He had organized the situation clearly and, with information gathering that made the gap seem unbelievable, had led the discussion forward.
Prince Jin had also shown unwavering trust in him, making it clear that the palace would henceforth revolve around the Ministry of Magic.
“Very well. I shall look into it.”
“The annex construction.”
Chloe turned to her father and tilted her head.
“What if we took care of that for him? Isn’t that a matter the Prince has been continuously concerned with? They say he showed discomfort whenever it was brought up in meetings.”
“That may be true, but we have maintained a position of supporting the Prince’s views. I’m not certain it would be meaningful.”
“Rather than for the Prince, isn’t it a true servant’s duty to persuade those who oppose and request their cooperation? Father, let us bring the annex construction to completion. Honestly, who else but us could do it? Isn’t that right?”
Regride understood Chloe’s intent. The reason construction had proceeded, however slowly, was because Davion’s officials had supported Jin.
So if the Ministry of Magic did not push Davion forward, wouldn’t they also have no need to accommodate the Ministry’s convenience? Even if Jin took offense, as long as they didn’t obtain the Empress position, that was not a concern.
“Understood. I’ll look into it.”
“Yes, Father. And earlier, I noticed the Hollin Heiress had such a peculiar hair ornament. I wonder if it came from Burgos. Could you also verify whether it was formally imported? If so, I’d like to purchase one for myself.”
The Count acknowledged her request and pressed his lips to the back of his daughter’s hand. Chloe finally released a sigh, let out a small yawn, and leaned back against the chair.
* * *
Sunlight streamed through the window, and I opened my eyes.
The first thing I saw was a clear, blue sky. Next came the slowly swaying curtains. And on the sofa beside me was Heil, asleep with his legs crossed.
I gazed at the ceiling again and flexed my fingers. It had been quite some time since I’d enjoyed such deep, restful sleep. My entire body felt refreshed, almost melting with comfort.
I savored the soft, fluffy texture of the blanket beneath my fingertips and closed my eyes again. Ah, I wanted to sleep more.
Crash!
“Berik, I told you to stop causing accidents!”
“Then stop telling me to do things.”
“Honestly, I’m the fool here. Put that down!”
But hearing the commotion outside, I considered opening my eyes, yet I remained still instead. If I stayed quiet, I might be able to fall back asleep.
Creak.
“Oh no, how do I process this?”
“Take it to Romandro.”
“But it came from there.”
“What? Why would it come from there?”
Whoosh.
Hearing that much, I decided it was hopeless and got up from bed. After draping a blanket over the soundly sleeping Heil, I opened the door to find the office in complete disarray. Everyone was buried under piles of papers and looked up at me in surprise.
“Ian! Did you sleep well?”
“You’re awake?”
“…How long was I asleep?”
My voice was quite hoarse. I thought it would be at most a day, but the answer I received was shocking.
“A week, sir.”
“…What?”
“Precisely, a week and nine hours or so?”
“How troublesome.”
“It’s fine. At that age, people grow while they sleep.”
“Heil is still lying inside.”
“Yesterday or the day before? Since he wouldn’t wake up, he started fussing about putting some magical energy into him, and he collapsed. Tsk tsk. Ian, there’s a journal and reports on your desk. You can review those to understand the current situation. I’ll go check with the Administrative Bureau for a moment. Oh, wait!”
Akorelra hurried toward the door but turned back to speak.
“It’s about Prince Clipoford. Prince Noah. He’s been holding on until you woke up. Call him later. The Mages stationed in Clipoford still haven’t arrived. I’ve been checking the letters coming in regularly, and they haven’t been detained. Incidents keep happening one after another. Whether it’s coincidence or inevitability, I’m not sure. Anyway, I’ll be back!”
“M-Me too! Everyone, Ian is awake!”
“Oh, really. Ian, did you sleep well?”
“Yes, thanks to you all.”
The Mages passing by the door poked their heads in to greet me, and I smiled lightly as I took the documents. A week of sleep—it was unbelievable. In the imperial palace, where something happened every single day, how much must have occurred in that time?
As I threw on my outer robe, Berik raised his eyebrows.
“Huh?”
“What?”
“Your sleeves have gotten shorter. The hem too. Did you grow while you were sleeping?”
I shrugged uncertainly, unsure myself, and checked my journal. Fortunately, nothing significant had occurred since the coming-of-age ceremony. Things had simply progressed step by step, centered around preparations for war with Burgos.
-Burgos Delegation assembly completed. Coordinating departure date.
-Warrant issued for the arrest of the secret-devouring Gypsy and Melania.
-Intelligence received that the Dera Tribe has departed from Rajasan.
The three items above were the most critical. The rest were merely useful for handling administrative matters.
I had received two meeting requests—one from the Cliffford side, as Akorelra had mentioned, and the other from Count Davion.
“…Count Davion?”
My eyes gleamed with keen interest as I repeated the name. Whether it was a scheme or genuine business, I needed to discern their intentions. I tapped the name with my fingertip, then covered the documents.
“Berik. Tell Romandro to come in.”
“You’re really going to work right after waking up? How much of your strength has returned? Let me see. Hmm?”
Berik lingered around me annoyingly, but I ignored him lightly and picked up my pen.
“Excellent.”
“That’s it? Explain in detail. That Akorelra is a quack. You didn’t just sleep, did you?”
“Want to know how excellent?”
“Yeah, yeah.”
I brushed my hair back and spoke playfully. It had been an eternity since I’d felt my body in such perfect condition.
“Good enough to enter Burgos alone and take Rutherford’s head.”
“…That’s a grim way to put it. Alright. Romandro! Romandro!”
Bang!
The door burst open immediately as Romandro rushed in. Judging by the sweat dripping from him, he’d been running before Berik even called.
“Oh! Ian, you’re awake?”
“How did you know?”
“The Mages were talking about it as they passed by. How’s your body? Are you alright?”
“Yes, I’m fine. Actually, I heard the Dera Tribe will be arriving at the capital soon.”
“Ah, we’re expecting them today or tomorrow.”
“I’d like you to bring my belongings from your residence. The things I brought from Hielo—do you remember the Drifter? It’s a small metal device.”
“Drifter? Ah yes! I remember. That scrap metal lump whose purpose I can’t even fathom.”
At Romandro’s assessment, Berik clicked his tongue and wiggled his fingers. Suddenly that arrogant expression? Unaware that Romandro’s eyes were narrowing, Berik cleared his throat with a self-satisfied air.
“Hmm. Romandro, if you talk like that in front of the Mole, you’ll get a hammer to the head real quick.”
“What are you saying? Anyway, I understand. I’ll send someone to bring it.”
“And one more thing.”
I organized the documents neatly and selected a few.
“Count Davion has requested a meeting. Have you received any prior indication about this?”
“No, he just said he wanted to congratulate the Minister of Magic on his return. You can refuse if you want. When were you ever close? I’m swamped as it is.”
It seemed likely he was angling for something regarding the Empress’s elevation, but I couldn’t be certain. I acknowledged and moved the Davion matter to the back of the pile.
“I see. When the Dera Tribe enters the palace, discussions regarding weapon production will take place. I understand Marquis Hollin currently controls that business. It would be better to meet with Hollin before Davion. Please contact him and arrange a meeting.”
“Understood. Though the Prince has been pushing directly since before, and they won’t budge. It won’t be easy.”
“With war approaching, how will everyone view a noble who doesn’t cooperate with the nation? I’ll meet with them myself. If it doesn’t work out, so be it.”
Tap.
Perhaps it was the result of a good night’s sleep, but my skin seemed to glow with renewed vitality. My smile radiated accordingly.
Berik scratched his head as he asked.
“If there’s no other choice, what happens then?”
“Berik. Have you forgotten? What became of all those nobles who once stood against the Imperial Family in the past?”
“…Their heads on pikes?”
“Well, that’s roughly correct.”
I unfolded the letter with an elegant gesture. It was a missive to be sent to Marquis Hollin.

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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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