Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 517

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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 516
A Fateful Encounter in Dreams
Crash!
“Watch where you’re going!”
“My apologies.”
“Move! Get out of the way, sir!”
“Tch. You move, you punk!”
“Berik, stop fooling around!”
I kept my gaze fixed on Jin’s back while tugging at Berik’s collar. Just as we were chasing after Jin, he pursued the woman without a single misstep.
Though the surging crowd made it difficult to take even a single step, I was able to move forward smoothly under Berik’s protection. Given my small frame, it would have been quite challenging without him.
“Sir, I mean… Master, why are you like this? Seriously!”
“We cannot lose her.”
“Yeah. Don’t worry about that.”
Besides Berik, the Imperial Guards shadowing us would be concealed throughout the surroundings. However, with so many people, even they faced restrictions in their movements. It would be difficult to respond if something went wrong.
Berik shouted at Jin, pleading for him to stop.
“Master! Damn it! Hey, you there!”
Then the woman turned into an alley. Jin twisted his body to follow, and I quickened my pace along with Berik.
Inside the alley. Though far quieter than the main street, the maze-like side passages meant losing her trail even briefly would be problematic. I sensed the Imperial Guards’ presence nearby beginning to fade, and finally shouted loudly.
“Brother!”
Jin, who had been turning a corner, came to an abrupt halt.
….
His gaze fixed blankly into empty space. His expression was that of someone half-awakening from a trance, and his eyes held a subtle glimmer containing far too many conflicting emotions.
Regardless, Berik threw his head back and poured out frustrated complaints.
“How am I supposed to react when you suddenly stop like that? You’re really something. Sheesh. I almost got my head smashed by Jairot… Huh? What is it?”
As Berik rushed forward with his tirade, Jin turned his head slightly. Behind him lay the blank side of a building with no windows—a dead end. At the moment I called out, Jin had stopped, realizing he’d lost the woman.
“Where did the woman go?”
“…I lost her.”
“Was she even human?”
“I’m not sure. I wonder if I took the wrong path.”
As Jin leaned his back against the wall and furrowed his brow, I concentrated my senses to check for any remaining traces of magical energy.
But I felt no particular flow. Perhaps he simply took the wrong turn, or she might have been a Gypsy rather than a mage. Like that one who devours secrets.
“What is the matter, Your Highness? If you require pursuit, I shall issue orders immediately.”
I checked that no one was nearby before restoring the proper form of address. For whatever reason, even if Jin wanted to capture that woman, there was no justification for him to move so directly. Simply giving orders and waiting would be the correct and efficient approach.
Yet Jin remained silent with his arms crossed, then shook his head.
“Never mind.”
“Your Highness. May I inquire about the circumstances?”
“…A very long time ago.”
“Pardon?”
Tap, tap, tap!
Faint sounds of movement echoed from deep within the alley. It was likely Xiaoxi or another Imperial Guard. Jin’s gaze remained fixed on one point as if sifting through memories, muttering softly.
“So, Count Ian, after you disappeared into the abyss, I could not meet with Roberside.”
“Roberside?”
The ancestor of the Carbo Temple connected to Jin’s maternal family. Whenever I read 【The Chronicles of Roberside】, he would always appear in my dreams and offer various counsel—a transcendent being.
“I had so many questions I wanted to ask, yet he cruelly never appeared for even a single night.”
When will Count Ian return? No, can he return at all? Is he dead or alive? Can I survive in the imperial palace without him? What happened and what would Count Ian have done in such circumstances? Is the Emperor’s throne truly mine…?
…It was when the unspoken questions and childish complaints had piled up like mountains in my chest. One day, I had a strange dream.
“In the middle of that field where I met Roberside, a woman began to appear.”
A woman sitting with her head bowed, her graceful form poised.
I simply watched. The chestnut hair scattered by the wind glimmered gold in the sunlight. In the recurring dream, the woman never revealed her face, remaining in that position.
I too made no effort to see her face. That isolated world, cut off from everything outside, was so peaceful and precious that whenever it came without warning, I savored it with all my heart.
“Earlier, I said my gaze caught on something strange. The moment I turned around, that scene from the dream came back to me.”
“That woman?”
“Once I chased her, I became certain. It was definitely her.”
“Hmm.”
“Uh.”
Unlike Ian, who was deep in thought, Berik simply sniffled, clearly not understanding. So what’s the conclusion? Capture her or not?
“If she is someone who has entered that field where you met Roberside, Your Highness would also sense it. Whether she is a threat or not. In my opinion, like Roberside, she seems to be someone who would benefit Your Highness.”
Jin merely shrugged and laughed. I let go of the Puppeteer who had insulted me and the imperial family, and instead lost track of the one who had defended me. The situation had truly become strange.
Berik scratched his ear and asked.
“Should we search for her? We have a rough description, so it should work out somehow. She should be nearby.”
“Never mind.”
However, I waved my hand to stop it. I had chased after that familiar silhouette, but what would I even say if we came face to face? Why did you appear in my dreams? The listener would be beyond confused, utterly bewildered.
Tap tap tap!
“Your Highness.”
“Sia.”
“Huff, huff, heuuugh—!”
“Romandro. Are you alright?”
“Ah, I, I’m, not alright, there’s a bit of a problem.”
Then, rounding the corner came Xiaoxi and Romandro. While Xiaoxi’s breathing was normal, Romandro was leaning against the wall as if he might collapse at any moment, retching violently. Beads of sweat dripped steadily from his chin.
“Romandro, a problem you say?”
“The Puppeteer was no ordinary person. He vanished in an instant, and we could find no trace. And above all… we’ll need to investigate further, but it appears all the puppets used in the puppet show were made of human skin.”
“…Human skin?”
Ian froze at the unexpected word. Not just any puppet, but one shaped like a person. Moreover, it was the puppet named the Crown Prince. To think such a thing was made from human skin? The intent was not merely impure but evil—a matter that could not be overlooked.
“If the target was the Crown Prince, would it not be wise for His Highness to return for his safety?”
“That would mean the secret itinerary was leaked. Is that possible?”
Only the Magic Department and the Imperial Guards were involved. Even then, aside from Ian and Romandro, the Magic Department knew nothing of the detailed schedule. They only knew that the Crown Prince and Ian would be temporarily absent from the palace for official reasons.
Xiaoxi, who had been pondering, turned his gaze toward Ian. Understanding his meaning, Ian bowed his head to Jin and spoke first.
“I will investigate within the Magic Department first.”
It was difficult to suspect a traitor in both departments without more evidence, but for now, stating it that way would avoid formal complications.
Yet Jin simply waved his hand dismissively, telling him not to worry. It was meaningless. Based on meeting the woman from the dream, everything happening now was the product of inevitability, the beginning of fate itself.
“It’s settled. Quite the reunion after all this time, wouldn’t you say? Especially the Magic Department. Don’t raise concerns over uncertain matters. There are already enough vultures circling, waiting for an opening.”
“Yes. I’ll investigate discreetly within appropriate bounds. And regarding that puppet as well—”
“A thorough investigation would be wise.”
“I’ll also deploy guards near the plaza to prevent any unseemly performances.”
“…The benefits of covert action are substantial.”
Jin hastily adjusted his outer robe and took the first step forward, signaling it was time to move.
“Shall I prepare the imperial carriage?”
Xiaoxi’s question gave Jin pause. He carefully surveyed Romandro, Ian, and Berik in turn, unable to speak easily. This was his first covert operation with Ian in ten years, and it felt premature to return so abruptly. Ian sensed Jin’s hesitation and promptly offered a suggestion.
“Perhaps we could visit Lord Romandro’s residence instead? Since we’re heading that direction anyway, it would be good to catch our breath and assess the situation.”
“Hmm. Romandro, would that be acceptable?”
“Yes? Of course. If Your Highness graces us with a visit, my wife and daughter—and Mrs. Philia as well—would be tremendously honored. Shall we share some refreshments together after so long?”
“Very well then. Let’s proceed to Romandro’s residence.”
“I’ll have the puppet sent to the imperial palace first.”
“Agreed.”
It’s a shame to miss the honey mead, but this works out better. A private residence would allow for a more comfortable meal than the streets.
Shortly after Jin led the group out of the alley, a woman carrying boxes in both hands crossed into the opposite passage. It was the same woman Jin had been pursuing earlier.
Thud.
“Ugh, this is exhausting.”
“Eileen. Did you move all this by yourself?”
“One crate at a time makes it manageable. Could you open the door?”
“Sure thing.”
The tavern owner opened the back door and took the load from Eileen’s hands.
“By the way, you said a strange man was chasing you earlier?”
“Yes. I lost him easily enough. I’m not sure what he wanted, but he was so obvious about following me it was almost ridiculous.”
“Since you lost him in the alley, he’s probably not from around here. Be careful, Eileen. There are more outsiders coming with the coronation approaching.”
Eileen stacked the boxes neatly and smiled softly.
“You should be more careful, owner. Once I leave, how will you collect all those debts?”
“Are you really going? I was hoping you’d stay and keep working. I’ll pay you more.”
“No, that’s enough. I was never going for the money anyway.”
“True enough. Who else would march toward a battlefield for coin, unless they were one of those high-ups?”
Eileen placed her hand over her heart and offered a formal imperial salute, then laughed playfully.
“Honor and glory.”
“Right, right. For the homeland.”
“I’m only coming in next week, so let’s settle our accounts before then. Owner, bring the ledger.”
“Anyone watching would think you’re the owner. Wait here!”
“Okay!”
Eileen sat in a chair and gazed around the worn tavern. Tucked away in a remote corner of the alley, business wasn’t particularly brisk, but this humble space had sustained her—a girl abandoned on the streets with no family—and for that she was grateful.
There’s really not much time left now. Eileen tied her long hair back tightly and wielded the broom with vigor.
* * *
Meanwhile, the Puppeteer arrived near his hideout, breathing heavily. He carefully surveyed his surroundings to ensure no one was following, circled the area for some time, and only then cautiously stepped inside.
The stale, musty air hung thick in the dim light. Wooden planks had been nailed across every window, allowing sunlight to seep through only in nail-thin cracks. The Puppeteer collapsed into a chair and immediately clasped his hands together in prayer.
“Ugh… Forgive me. I have lost the precious, most precious puppet that the God bestowed upon me. Please, I beg your mercy. Forgive me, forgive me.”
In the windless space, his fingertips began to tremble uncontrollably, and soon his entire body shook like an aspen leaf. The wooden floorboards creaked loudly beneath him, and the candlelight flickered erratically.
Witnessing this, the Puppeteer’s face drained of all color. He threw himself prostrate on the ground, drool and sweat streaming down his face. Prayers poured ceaselessly from between his lips.
“…Forgive me, forgive me, Underworld Deity. P-please forgive me…”

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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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