Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 554

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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 553
Fire. Crossing the Border
Outside the infirmary where Jairot and Berik were being treated.
Jin noticed the interior was unusually chaotic. He dismissed the servant who was urging him to move on and personally pulled back the tent flap to enter.
Could his wounds be so severe that he was having convulsions? Or were those the sympathetic exclamations of the onlookers? Jin held his breath carefully, and then his eyebrows twitched slightly.
“Wow, that dog really is ugly when you think about it.”
“Berik, are you listening? He says you’re ugly.”
“Yeah. It’s fine. People tell me that all the time anyway.”
“But seriously, what does this guy think of his own body? It’s amazing his organs are still intact.”
“Maybe all that eating is compensation? Since he keeps getting holes in him, his stomach probably thinks ‘I can’t live like this’ and keeps demanding more food.”
“You’re being too loud, so go somewhere else and chat!”
“Who’s taking the next shift?”
“How long have you been at it? Keep going a bit longer.”
“Ugh, I really have no strength left!”
Zzzzzing! Zing!
The mages were seated in a circle around Berik, channeling their mana into him, while Ian was tending to Jairot beside them.
Then, where were the other Mage Knights?
“Could I have some more food, please?”
“Yes, *gulp*. I still need much more.”
Similarly, after taking Akorella’s mana recovery potion, they were regaining their strength through meals. Fortunately, aside from these two, there didn’t appear to be any other serious casualties, so Jin found himself exhaling in relief without realizing it.
Barsabe was the first to sense the unfamiliar presence. She had frozen mid-bite, a handful of meat in her mouth.
“Y-Your Majesty!”
“What? Where?”
“Gaahhhhh!”
“*Cough* My throat—it’s blocked.”
“You idiot. Just swallow it!”
When did he arrive?
Everyone was startled by Jin’s sudden appearance and didn’t know what to do. Ian greeted him with his hand still resting on Jairot’s abdomen.
“Your Majesty, you’ve arrived.”
“I came to check on Captain Jairot and Berik’s conditions. Everyone, focus on your recovery.”
“W-We apologize, Your Majesty.”
The Mage Knights mumbled with food still stuffed in their mouths. They hastily tried to clean up, but it wasn’t exactly the posture one should display before the Emperor, was it?
Jin pulled up a chair next to Ian and asked.
“So, are both of them unharmed?”
“Yes, their lives are not in danger.”
“And you?”
“I am also unscathed.”
“That’s fortunate. Everyone returned safely.”
Jin gazed upon Jairot, who lay there powerlessly.
He was somewhat surprised. He had unconsciously believed that the Captain was always strong and steadfast, that he could never fall like this. Or perhaps, knowing well what consequences the defeat of the Three Captains in the previous Emperor’s crisis had brought to the Imperial Palace, he was simply afraid.
As Jin gazed down at Jairot quietly, I added calmly.
“Please do not worry too much. The Captain’s condition is a blessing for Bariel. It is the work of God’s grace.”
Had the brainwashing not been broken, it would not have ended in mere injury but in death. My golden eyes regarded him steadily.
“And above all, there are not many talents who can fill the void left by Jairot.”
There were the three captains Bonita and Simon, and though Berik was in his current state, he would display monstrous recovery abilities.
Just as the previous Emperor had done, I myself had once faced the blades of the three captains, but Jin would never face such a situation. God wills it, and I shall prevent it.
“I have also received reports regarding Idgal.”
“Yes, I recalled it unintentionally.”
Though the memory was faint, it was an experience where my mind became clear as if I had received a revelation. I smiled softly, recalling that warmth.
“Regarding the Idgal supply, it seems you can set your mind at ease. There are no magical limitations, and his body has no problems.”
At my words, the Mages flinched simultaneously. They wanted to tell him to refrain just in case, but how could they interrupt a conversation with the Emperor? They all groaned and took out their frustration by pulling at poor Berik’s hair.
“…Your Majesty.”
Then Jairot’s voice leaked out. All of the Imperial Guards forgot their propriety and rushed to hold him down.
“Captain! Are you coming to your senses?”
“How do you feel? Do you recognize us properly?”
“If there’s any problem, tell us right away, yes?”
“…All of you, how disrespectful.”
“Ah, our apologies.”
As Jairot frowned and muttered, the Mage Knights stepped back. He turned his head toward Jin and sighed softly.
“I apologize for showing you such a state, Your Majesty.”
“No, it is well. You have returned alive, and that is enough.”
“It seems I have grown old as well. To be defeated by someone like Berik, haha.”
Jairot’s eyes lingered briefly in empty space. He seemed to be thinking of something, his lips moving then stopping.
Though he spoke no words, both I and Jin perceived what emotion had colored his heart.
“Later, Jairot.”
Jin grasped his hand and spoke softly.
Later, after the war ends, I shall listen. I can sincerely bless you stepping down from your position as Captain and embracing a new life, but not now. Now your existence is needed by all.
“Yes, I understand, Your Majesty.”
Jin conveyed this with his gaze, and Jairot nodded.
I glanced sideways at Berik, who had collapsed with his mouth agape. When the war ends, a new era will dawn for the Imperial Guards as well. I knew it would eventually come to pass, but witnessing the prelude with my own eyes felt strange.
“Do not give Berik any hints about this.”
I cautioned the Mages and Mage Knights gathered around. He might lose all sense of propriety in his excitement and cause trouble.
“O-of course. Yes yes, if that fool starts acting up, there’s no end to it. We’ll guard our tongues.”
“Sigh, the opportunity is only now. Everyone, let’s train while Berik is lying down. We need to break him down. Rather than let him become that, I’d rather become it myself.”
“If you’re going to do it, then I will.”
“No, I will….”
The Mage Knights glared at each other with meat stuffed in their mouths. Though hierarchy between seniors and juniors was important, skill was valued even more highly. As if by agreement, they all began eating meat frantically.
“Your Majesty.”
Minister Maxim Tweller’s voice came from outside. It was a signal that the squad organized around spearmen was ready. Jin rose from his seat saying he understood, and gestured to stop the Mages and Mage Knights who tried to follow.
“All of you rest well and recover your strength. There is not much time left before we cross the border.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Jin left with a small smile, and the mages and Mage Knights simultaneously let out tense sighs of relief, sprawling about. They were so startled by his sudden appearance! Phew!
I thought they were all behaving quite comfortably for the circumstances, but I didn’t reprimand them harshly. I gestured to Akorella to bring out more mana recovery potions.
“Akorella. Bring recovery potions for Captain Jairot.”
“Yes. Understood.”
And there was that smiling face. Even as she retrieved the recovery potions, Akorella’s affectionate gaze remained fixed on me. It had been like this ever since I demonstrated the creation of Idgal.
The mages, witnessing this, grew wary of Akorella and subtly blocked the space in front of me.
“Captain. Your eyes have gone astray.”
“What? Me? Why? I’m perfectly normal right now. I’m in a great mood. So could you move? I can’t see Ian’s face.”
“Just speaking politely doesn’t make everything you say refined.”
“Ugh. Fine, fine. Ian. Once Captain Jairot drinks that, we won’t need to inject more mana, right? Would you like to come to the makeshift laboratory with me? I’m curious about something. Hehehehe.”
“That’s not allowed! Ian! Captain Akorella, this is the strangest state I’ve ever seen her in.”
“Ugh. Shut up, all of you. Everyone, zip it. Kyahahaha!”
Hum, hum, hum. Akorella was in such a good mood that she hummed while collecting the mana recovery potion bottles.
I checked my pocket watch briefly, then rose from my seat as well.
“Since Captain Jairot and Berik’s conditions have stabilized, return to your posts and continue resting. You must fully recover your mana within the next few days. Understood?”
“Yes, understood!”
“No problem!”
“Ian! Where are you going!”
“Hey, grab him. Grab the captain!”
Whoosh.
I pushed aside the tent flap and stepped outside.
Down below that distant hill, at the entrance to the encampment. Two severed heads hung side by side. They were Efdiram with her thick, coarse hair, and her subordinate Beno.
It was a display showing the soldiers what became of those who had ambushed the vanguard and attempted to block Bariel. That they would not escape death. That they would meet a shameful end.
Clang! Slash!
“Form a line!”
And before them, I could see a reconnaissance unit of five hundred spearmen preparing for deployment. It was a force sent to investigate whether any demonic beasts had leaked through the Imperial Guards from the northern territories.
“Forward, march!”
Clang, clang! A solemn yet confident march followed. I watched quietly, and soon sensed someone’s presence. It was Chloe.
“Ah, Princess.”
“I hear you accomplished something great in the north.”
She wore plain clothing with not a single ornament. Yet she had clearly taken care with the fabric and her hair.
I merely nodded and gazed forward again. There was nothing more beautiful and magnificent than the procession of Bariel soldiers walking into the sunset.
“It was nothing significant.”
“Everyone said it was an attack by a great demonic beast.”
When the title that history would use came from her lips, I laughed briefly. I had suddenly realized that all of this existed in history.
“What amuses you?”
“I will send a letter to my main house, and if there is anything you need, I will request additional support. Please tell me freely. It would be even better if you could arrange a private audience with His Majesty.”
What she managed was limited to personal items provided by House Davion. I thought for a moment before finally speaking.
“Princess Chloe.”
“Yes, Count Ian.”
“Do you hold His Majesty dear to your heart?”
It was an unexpected question, but Chloe composed herself and answered immediately.
“Of course. I admire him greatly.”
“I see. Very well. When the council convenes, we shall discuss matters of supply. However, Princess, do not strain yourself too much.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
Ian recalled the words Roel had whispered before his departure.
‘His Majesty’s destined connection shall reveal itself. On the battlefield.’
Chloe had certainly participated in the war, so she had her qualifications, but still. Ian offered a polite smile and added his thoughts.
“Connections naturally find their way to us, so do not force it. Farewell.”
Ian turned away, leaving Chloe standing there, while the woman repeatedly swept back her crimson hair with a frustrated expression.
Connections naturally find their way? No. They say God weaves hearts together, but hands must reach out of their own accord.
Chloe gently caressed both her cheeks and steeled her resolve, while Xiaoxi, who happened to pass nearby, witnessed the sight with both eyes.
* * *
A scorched world.
The verdant grasses had burned to ash, and the surroundings reeked with an indescribable stench of corpses. It was the mark left by Bariel’s first victory.
Soldiers climbed the northern hillside slowly, and soon erected a towering imperial flag that pierced the sky.
“Look, look at that.”
“Wow, my goodness. Are those all jewels?”
“The Mage created those?”
And between the gaping chasms lay massive amber gemstones, hardened and gleaming. The soldiers could not tear their eyes away as they walked, marveling at the magical beasts preserved alive within them.
Behind, commotion arose.
“Kyaaaaa!”
“Captain Akorella! Captain! Wait a moment!”
“Please, let us maintain our dignity!”
At that loud voice, Berik’s eyes snapped open. Immediately, he sat up with a jolt, forgetting that there was a hole through his torso.
In the carriage, Ian, who had been reading documents across from Berik, glanced sideways.
“You’re awake.”
“Ian! What’s going on!”
“What else? You were transported near Lazasan and then brought back up.”
“What about the old man?”
“In the carriage behind.”
Thank goodness. He didn’t die.
Berik lay back down and gazed at the slowly swaying sky above. Perhaps from sleeping so long, everything felt distant like a dream.
Then, from outside came the cry of a soldier.
“We’re crossing the border!”
“We’ve left Bariel! Stay sharp!”
Oh, jackpot. Berik whistled and rubbed his belly. Indeed, the wound was healing well.

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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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