Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 545

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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 544
Fire. The Departure
Whoooosh—
Whoosh—
“Hurry! The palace gates will open soon!”
“Come on, let’s go! We’re going to miss it at this rate!”
“To march out immediately after the coronation. What remarkable decisiveness! Our Emperor truly is extraordinary. Hahahaha!”
“Don’t you find yourself anticipating Bariel’s future?”
“Blessings upon the Emperor!”
“Blessings! May Bariel know endless glory!”
The space before the palace was congested with crowds as thick as clouds. Clearly, everyone from the central districts had poured into the streets. Soldiers held one another in formation, defending the path of the march, while the people pressed forward eagerly, desperate to draw closer.
Above the palace entrance, a Mage who had been observing the situation clicked his tongue.
“Wow, how are we supposed to get through that?”
“Right? This is serious. We’ll be exhausted before we even start.”
“Sir Ian! If we delay any longer, it won’t work! The crowds keep growing. Setting aside the departure itself, we cannot guarantee the safety of the masses.”
“Understood. I’ll relay the message.”
Ian nodded at the Mage’s signal.
Preparations were already largely complete. Soldiers standing by for departure, supply wagons stacked high with provisions and military supplies, even the Emperor’s war chariot.
“Count Ian. The Imperial Defense Ministry is fully prepared.”
“Yes, Minister Tweller. Thank you for your hard work.”
“This is only the beginning. Why speak such words?”
“The Imperial Guards are also standing by.”
“Commander Xiaoxi! Please deploy all your soldiers to the front!”
“Yes, understood.”
Maxim Tweller of the Imperial Defense Ministry and Xiaoxi appeared equally frantic with activity. Ian passed them by and entered the main palace, where he soon discovered envoy delegation officials lined up before him. All recognized Ian and made way.
Knock, knock.
“Minister Ian Hielo.”
“Enter.”
Creak—
Inside, the final summit of the monarchs was taking place. King Clifford, King Hasha of Astana, Prime Minister Shatima of Hawan, and Emperor Jin of Bariel. They all turned their gaze toward Ian simultaneously, instinctively sensing that the time had come.
“Your Majesty. All preparations are complete.”
“Good. I understand. Let us confirm once more that we are allies of Bariel. Astana—”
Hasha bowed his head in respect.
“Bariel will advance northward, so you shall march with us. We shall meet the main Astanan forces at the border.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I sent Jeonseogoo ahead, so they will be waiting.”
“Clifford.”
“Your command, sire.”
“You shall also depart with Bariel, but en route, return to your homeland to mobilize your forces and enter a state of war. Thus, you shall assume responsibility for Hawan and Ruswena, preparing for any contingencies that may arise.”
“I shall obey your command.”
With Bariel’s forces advancing northward, the south would inevitably become relatively vulnerable. By entrusting this to Clifford, I secured a degree of safety for our rear.
“If Prime Minister Shatima survives, things will become easier. If not, it will be somewhat burdensome. Clifford will share all battle situations with Bariel so we can support each other.”
If Shatima’s rebellion succeeded, we could pressure Ruswena together, but if it failed, Clifford alone would have to manage both nations. At least until Bariel returned after dealing with Burgos.
Shatima lightly unwound the cloth wrapped tightly around his head and spoke.
“Your Majesty. Please do not worry. Hawan will also work with Clifford to stop Ruswena. I will ensure it happens.”
“Your resolve sounds firm, which is good to hear.”
Jin said this while looking at King Clifford—a warning not to trust carelessly and let his guard down. It was safer to think of Hawan as a card they didn’t currently possess. There was no telling what disaster might befall them if they placed too much hope in Shatima’s rebellion succeeding.
Jin lightly tossed a rolled scroll toward Shatima.
Whoosh.
“This is an imperial decree bearing the Emperor’s seal. Shatima, remember that your return to your homeland is by Emperor Bariel’s command, and those who will accompany you as the investigation team also belong to Bariel.”
He was referring to Erika. Shatima bowed his head deeply, received the scroll with both hands, and placed it in his bosom, then bowed at the waist.
“Then, let everyone rise.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The final meeting adjourned. Each attendee, bearing their respective missions, bid each other well with respectful nods.
The kings and Shatima withdrew first, and Ian waited for Jin to finish adjusting his armor. With his wrists bound tightly and an ornate decorative sash draped over his golden armor, he looked so formidable that no spear or arrow could leave a single mark on him.
“Is the Magic Department alright?”
He had heard about yesterday’s commotion. Ian immediately realized the question was not about the Magic Department itself, but about the mages from Ruswena.
“Yes. Even if they weren’t, they would have no choice but to be on a day like this.”
“If they wish it, you may entrust them with delivering the heads of the Ruswena delegation. If it helps ease their hearts, the method matters little.”
Resentment—a feeling of injustice, anger, and frustration all at once. If it could be soothed, there was no need to be particular about the means. In response to Jin’s consolation, Ian shook his head briefly.
“No. Two mages from Ruswena drank Akorelra’s oblivion potion yesterday.”
“Oblivion potion?”
“Yes. Since it is not yet a finished product, we must be cautious. We were concerned about side effects before the expedition, but they were suffering so severely that we ultimately could not stop them. I apologize.”
“Akorelra is truly remarkable. To have created such a thing.”
“They cannot remember about an hour before and after the incident last night. Therefore, those who do remember are not hastily sharing yesterday’s events. So please entrust the delegation’s bodies to another department.”
Jin’s eyebrows twitched. The existence of the oblivion potion was surprising enough, but hearing that mages had used it made him realize how much they must have been suffering, and the shock was considerable.
Then it happened. A sound came from outside.
Knock, knock.
“Minister Ian Hielo.”
“What is it?”
“You have a visitor.”
“A visitor?”
Now, before the expedition? Who on earth could it be? Ian blinked for a moment, and Jin immediately recognized who it was.
“Let them in. It must be Romandro’s consideration.”
Then, instead of the bewildered Ian, he gave the order.
Shortly after, the door opened, and Philia, with her abundant golden hair tied back, entered carefully. Beside her were Roel, Viviana, and Vivi.
“Mother.”
“Ian.”
Philia called out to Ian first, but her eyes darted toward Jin. She could not afford to appear disrespectful in the Emperor’s palace. However, Jin nodded as if to say it was fine, and Philia’s eyes reddened as she embraced Ian tightly.
“Ian. If you leave today, I don’t know when I’ll see you again, so I came like this. I know you’re busy, and I’m sorry.”
“Not at all. I am the one who should apologize. There has been no time since the coronation until now.”
“I know. I know. You were so impressive. My Ian.”
Had he grown a bit gaunt? Philia gazed upon her son’s features with glistening eyes. I was grateful simply that he lived, and so very proud of him.
“Come back safely this time. You understand?”
Ian smiled softly and placed his hand over Philia’s. Once again, Jin answered in his stead.
“Mrs. Philia. Do not worry. I shall bring Count Ian back safely.”
“Your Majesty, I am overwhelmed with gratitude and know not how to contain myself. Though my husband could not attend the coronation, he sends his heartfelt congratulations on Bariel’s great fortune. He has also shown his willingness to aid Hielo against the dangers from Ruswena and Hawan. I wondered how best to convey this, but I am grateful for this opportunity.”
The Central Army would march northward, but the eastern and southern borderlands, like Hielo, would serve as the Empire’s shield to guard the frontier. Jin smiled broadly and pressed his lips to the back of Philia’s hand.
“Commendable. There are many ways and forms to protect a nation, so you must fulfill your duty and preserve the pride of the Barielian people.”
It was an order to maintain favorable relations with Cheonrye.
Philia suddenly recalled Jin as a child and smiled sadly. He had become such a distant person, yet he remained precious to her.
“Yes, Your Majesty. Please return unharmed as well. All of the Empire will be waiting for you.”
Perhaps sensing her emotion, Jin brought his lips to the back of her hand once more instead of answering. If asked to name the women most precious to him, as dear as his mother, they would be Quintana and Philia.
This time, Ian added his words.
“Yes, Mother. I shall serve His Majesty safely and return.”
“Good. I will pray for you. Roel, do you have nothing to say to your brother?”
Roel looked up at Ian calmly, then gestured for him to lend her his ear. Whispering softly, the boy spoke to Ian while her gaze remained fixed on some distant point in the air.
“…?”
The moment Ian tilted his head in confusion and turned to look at the boy, a call came from outside—Minister Tweller summoning them.
“Your Majesty.”
The time had truly come. With no further delay possible, they all departed the Emperor’s palace together.
Neigh! Neigh!
A chariot drawn by four white horses.
Armed Maxim Tweller and Xiaoxi, along with the Mage Disciples, waited beside it for Jin. Officials from other departments had also come out to witness the Emperor’s departure.
“Your Majesty! Please take care of yourself and return victorious!”
The Prime Minister clasped his thin, gaunt hands together and spoke earnestly. Jin nodded without hesitation.
Crack!
“We depart. This is our expedition!”
“The expedition!”
“Open the palace gates!”
“The Emperor departs!”
Whoooosh- Whoosh-
Creak! Click!
Cavalry bearing the Barielian flag moved first, and then Jin’s chariot slowly advanced forward. Ian sent a silent gesture to the mages, directing them to provide escort.
Crack!
“Ian!”
Then Romandro seized Ian’s arm. His eyes glistened with tears as he sniffled.
“You must come back. If Berik doesn’t listen, I’ll beat him myself. Serve His Majesty well, repay Rutherford for everything we owe him, and come back. Then we’ll have another delicious dinner together. At our home.”
Romandro would remain to guard the Magic Department alone. Ian embraced him gently and made his request.
“Please look after the palace well.”
“Of course! Naturally!”
Zing! Zing!
Whoosh!
I gave one final nod before launching skyward. The other mages rose with me. Romandro waved a white cloth enthusiastically, seeing us off.
“Have a safe trip!”
Princess Chloe passed before him.
She rode her horse nestled among the supply wagons. She was participating in the war as a quartermaster supported by House Davion. She kept her gaze fixed forward as calmly as possible, though she couldn’t hide her tension.
“My goodness, Princess Chloe is really going.”
“She’s quite remarkable in many ways.”
“Wait, isn’t that a dragon over there?”
“A dragon! Safe travels to you too! But Romandro, what’s that one’s name? It talks quite a lot.”
Snort! Romandro merely sniffed at the questions from the other department officials.
“Perry Formance Ray Dragon—”
“Huh?”
“—that’s what our Minister, I mean, what Ian gave as the new name, but ugh! Just call him Kyu.”
“Right. Kyu sounds better. Better than Perry Popo-whatever.”
“True. Count Ian’s naming sense isn’t as good as I thought.”
Even as everyone chattered away, Romandro continued waving his handkerchief while wiping away tears. Just when I thought his emotions had settled somewhat.
“Ro-Romandro, sir!”
“Ugh! Berik! Waaah! Berik!”
“You’re crying so hard you look really ugly!”
In the distance, Berik in his uniform made a V-sign with his fingers, grinning. Romandro’s tears streamed freely as he raised his fist in response.
“Quiet! Don’t cause trouble, and you better come back alive!”

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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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