Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 537

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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 536
A Cow’s Hind Legs Catching Mice
“Berik, you bastard! Get down here!”
Romandro’s voice tore through the air, but there was no chance it would reach Berik. Berik glanced down briefly, then tugged at the dragon’s neck irritably, pulling it this way and that.
“This thing’s stubborn as hell. Come on! Listen to me!”
“Get down here! You madman!”
“It won’t come down! What do you want me to do? I’m not a mage, and if I jump from here, I’ll die!”
“I know you don’t die, you idiot! Get down! Everyone inside can see this, and if you don’t stop, Ian’s going to scold you! This isn’t about whether you eat or not!”
“Sigh, this is how I’m treated. Unbelievable.”
Berik scratched his ear, but he didn’t miss the part about Ian scolding him. After a moment of thought, he began tapping the dragon’s forehead repeatedly—a signal to descend.
“Ugh, come on down already!”
Roaaaar!
“What, you’re talking back? Just because I bit your neck? Huh? If you’re mad, bite me too.”
The dragon thrashed its tail violently, and Berik dodged deftly before biting its neck again. The dragon’s eyes bulged wide, and as if seized by a chill, its wings spread with a sharp snap. Here we go again.
At least it wasn’t leaving the garden. Whether it was thanks to the mages’ magic or because the creature had some sense, he couldn’t tell.
Either way, it was a headache. Romandro made a hand-shade and gazed helplessly at the distant sky. How was he supposed to deal with this brat?
“Romandro!”
“Ah, thank goodness! Berik’s lost it. He’s finally lost it!”
“Berik, do you know what day this is?”
“I know! That’s why I came to the banquet hall for meat!”
“Get down! I’ll catch you!”
“Trust you? Come on, you think I’m an idiot?”
“Sigh. Looking at you, you really are an idiot!”
Zing! Zing!
Whoosh!
The mages, understanding the situation, rushed urgently into the back garden and immediately soared into the sky. Last came Heil. He flicked his cigarette to the ground, rolled up his sleeves, and activated his magic.
Binding Chains.
Whoooosh!
Romandro, standing nearby without much thought, flinched and stepped back. He’d seen this magic so many times that he clearly remembered its form and aura. Yet Heil’s Binding Chains looked slightly different from Ian’s.
“Ropes?”
Unlike Ian’s, where light pillars fell from the sky along the ground and walls, Heil had shaped and fired rope-like forms. The mages in the air did the same.
They wrapped the ropes around the dragon’s neck, legs, wings, and tail, then pulled down with all their might. It wasn’t easy, given how heavy it was.
Whoooosh!
“Wait, this wasn’t the original form of that magic.”
“I haven’t been idle for ten years, Romandro.”
“A modification? Impressive. Well, you must have suffered a lot up north! Want help?”
“Once the dragon comes down, please pull out Berik’s hair.”
“Sure! Don’t worry about that! I’ll do it well!”
“On one, two, three, we put in our strength!”
“Understood, Captain!”
“So Tomi is handling the left wing and Nakina the right?”
“Yes! But as expected of a dragon, it’s no joke.”
“On three, pull the wings in opposite directions! We can’t manage with weight alone!”
Ziiing!
Those who had spent most of their lives together through thick and thin moved as one. At Captain Heil’s command, the mages held their positions and straightened their stances.
“One, two, three!”
Craaash!
The dragon resisted with all its might, but with its wings bound, it couldn’t move properly. Gradually and slowly descending, the dragon eventually surrendered, exposing its belly as it flopped down flat.
Thud!
“Ugh! I’m, I’m being crushed!”
Berik, clinging to its back, couldn’t bear the weight and thrashed about. He barely managed to push his face out to breathe, but shadows fell over him. The mages were grinning wickedly.
“Well. Hello.”
“Hello? Hellooo?”
“It’s not my fault. That bastard suddenly took off.”
“Whether it took off or not, why did you climb on it?!”
“Ugh! Wait, I’m being crushed! Crushed!”
“Shut up! That’s why we’re beating you!”
“Damn! I’ll remember this, ugh! Agh!”
The mages rushed at him simultaneously, mercilessly grabbing his hair, cheeks, and nose as they vented their frustration, leaving Berik helpless beneath them. Romandro tried to squeeze in and help, but the mages were so fierce he was pushed back.
“Everyone, stop.”
“Huff, huff…”
“But I haven’t hit Berik yet.”
“Ugh, this is exhausting. Beating someone is hard work.”
At Heil’s command, the mages collapsed, breathing heavily. Their bodies were already worn out from maintaining the white night, and this additional exertion was infuriating the more they thought about it.
Heil lit a fresh cigarette and gazed at the dragon sprawled out.
“This one’s no pushover either.”
It wasn’t unconscious, nor was it frozen in shock. It knew its weight kept Berik immobilized and deliberately didn’t move to let him suffer. This was no ordinary creature.
Even now, the dragon noticed Heil speaking of it and turned its head, blinking its eyes rapidly. So adorably, with such charm.
-Kyuu?
“Ugh. What was that sound? Did you make it? With a body the size of a mountain, where do you get off being cute—”
-Kyuuu?
“Agh! My back, my back’s breaking!”
The dragon shook its body back and forth, crushing Berik further, while the mages simply watched before flopping backward. Berik reached out to Romandro for help, but he too turned away, pretending not to see. He thought it would do Berik good to suffer properly.
Realizing no one would help, Berik could only cry out desperately.
“Iaaaan!”
* * *
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the banquet hall was somewhat different. The dragon illusion moved frantically through the second floor, ceiling, and floor, creating the sensation of being inside a planned performance.
The dragon’s vivid movements, the wonder of flight through the sky, the mystery of observing an unfamiliar creature up close—everything converged at once, filling the banquet hall.
And urgently searching through it all, one mage.
“Ian. Should I cut the magic?”
Could I continue showing it? At Berik’s unexpected appearance, the mages seemed flustered and at a loss.
However, I raised my hand lightly to stop them, and fell silent, asking them to wait a moment. I quickly read through the chaotic reactions rippling through the banquet hall.
“Berik? Is that fellow the Imperial Guard Mage Knight?”
“Yes. Count Ian brought him from outside.”
“There were rumors he eats voraciously, but his appearance is quite different from what I expected. But what is he saying? He seems to be shouting something.”
“I’m not sure. I can’t hear him.”
“I wonder if safety measures were taken.”
“Ah, he’s a Mage Knight—such things aren’t necessary.”
“My goodness, such boldness. He must fear nothing.”
“Remarkable! Simply remarkable!”
Fortunately, the vulgar conversations drifting from the garden went unheard. To all appearances, Imperial Guard Mage Knight Berik was skillfully handling the unfamiliar dragon and soaring freely through the sky, which struck the audience as a refreshing shock.
I covered my mouth and whispered to the mages.
“When I signal, cut it then. All of you prepare to redirect attention. Where is Captain Heil?”
“He went out to respond immediately.”
“Good. Take your positions.”
“Yes, sir.”
The nobles laughed and treated the dragon as entertainment, but Lepin merely scratched his mustache in displeasure. He had tried to find fault, claiming the gift wasn’t presented directly, but that opportunity had completely slipped away.
Moreover, with such a presentation. It wasn’t merely showing it—the dragon’s majesty and mystique were being displayed without reservation.
“…Tch.”
“But why is a Guard riding on the dragon?”
“Indeed. I’m not entirely sure about that either.”
“Could it be a mistake? The mages’ movements also seem unusual.”
“Hmm? Really?”
Lepin’s eyes darted back and forth at his attendant’s hint. Minister of Magic Ian Hielo’s face showed no change, but the scattered mages seemed to display signs of confusion.
‘I wish he’d fall and die like that!’
Inwardly, I prayed again and again for that red-haired man to fall. If that happened, wouldn’t Bariel’s reputation also plummet to death? The loss of top-tier forces would be a bonus.
As Lepin watched the dragon illusion while cursing, he suddenly felt a cold gaze. Turning slowly around, Jin was watching him with his chin resting in his hand.
“…!”
“Isn’t it enjoyable to watch? It’s certainly a remarkable gift.”
“…Yes, yes, Your Highness. Since Your Highness finds it enjoyable and remarkable, we can only express our gratitude.”
That was when the dragon illusion positioned itself in the center of the banquet hall. Beams of light extended from all directions, swiftly binding the dragon.
What appeared next were the mages who had taken flight, surrounding the dragon. The beams of light extending from their hands adorned every corner of the banquet hall. A brilliant and beautiful sight.
“Oh my, the mages!”
“Wow, are they flying through the sky right now?”
“Look how the dragon can’t move at all. Truly remarkable. No matter what monster comes, it stands no chance before the mages. I’m eager to see their performance in war!”
“Yes. The tide of battle is clear to see! Victory shall be Bariel’s alone!”
As the mages subdued the dragon in perfect unison, the nobles burst into admiration once more.
This was not merely a confrontation between mages and dragon. It was a creature from an enemy nation, something other than human—a monster. The dragon symbolized Ruswena, Burgos, and the Rift itself. No matter how great a danger might descend, as long as the mages existed, there was no problem, the nobles agreed in unison.
“That’s enough.”
I gestured to the mages in the banquet hall, and simultaneously all magical power was withdrawn. The image of the dragon plummeting downward vanished in an instant, leaving only pollen scattering in its place.
King Clipoford, who had been watching with keen interest, rose to his feet as if on cue and began applauding.
Clap, clap, clap!
“Magnificent! Bariel’s true power is remarkable!”
The entire Clipoford delegation rose in turn, joining the applause, while the Hawan Kingdom delegation seated nearby added their own praise. The nobles also gracefully raised their hands in gratitude for the entertainment.
I placed my hand over my chest and nodded slightly, then descended from the platform to conclude the audience.
“Lepin Envoy.”
“Yes, yes, Your Highness.”
“I have confirmed all the precious tributes. You may withdraw now and enjoy Bariel’s festival.”
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
Jin waved his hand dismissively as if there was no need to linger further, and the audience concluded. While the Ruswena delegation gathered their items to depart, I approached the Clipoford side and bowed lightly.
“Your Highness. Thank you.”
To conclude things well, the audience’s applause and cheers were essential. I could have orchestrated it myself, but having a third party like Clipoford take the initiative made the atmosphere feel more natural.
King Clipoford’s cheeks flushed with excitement as he broke into continuous laughter.
“Splendid, splendid! Yes, you elevated Berik because the dragon is red, so you chose the red-haired one? Truly excellent judgment. I have one suggestion—if you display that performance at the military departure ceremony, the soldiers’ morale would be extraordinary.”
“….”
I paused for a moment, studying the King’s expression. Berik’s appearance was a mistake—did he not know? King Clipoford handed me a wine glass with bright, eager eyes, and I accepted it smoothly.
“…I will give it careful consideration.”
“Yes, yes! Hahahaha! Ah, it was magnificent! I truly enjoyed the spectacle.”
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
I gave a small nod to the mages who were watching me with concern, signaling that all was well. Then I issued my instruction, wearing a bright smile since many eyes were upon me.
“Bring Berik.”

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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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