Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 564

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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 564
Fire. The Day of Final Battle
Have you ever felt time flowing through all your senses?
I gazed up at the sky and found myself pondering this question.
The humid wind brushing against my hair, clouds that never lingered for a moment, the cries of soldiers reporting, the increasingly rich scent of grass—every sense told me we were passing through the waist of night. And at the end of all these things, with the coming dawn, would come fierce battle.
“Count Ian.”
Whoosh!
The mages who had been examining the interior of the barrier from that height in the sky shook their heads.
“Beyond ordinary soldiers, we’ve detected nothing unusual.”
“We cannot identify any modern weapons or the presence of mages. It’s simply too dark, and they’ve intentionally set up long tents over there. If we lower our angle and approach closer, we might be able to see, but it’s quite dangerous.”
“The problem is, we cannot determine whether the black armor worn by the ordinary soldiers belongs to Ruswena or not. Since Burgos armor is generally dark in color, identification is difficult at night.”
“Very well, you’ve done good work.”
At my gesture, the mages bowed their heads and withdrew.
Jin, Tweller, and the officers were seated around a map spread beneath candles that had burned down to almost nothing. After hearing the mages’ report together, they shifted their gaze to the map, concealing their disappointment.
“We’ve gained some understanding of the surrounding terrain, but the structure within remains a mystery. It would have been easier if this were the capital, Kalamat, but since Bariel has never had direct contact with Agiar, there is virtually no information available.”
“There’s a central stronghold within the barrier?”
“We’ve combined testimonies from civilians, but it’s difficult to trust them completely. After all, they are Burgos people.”
Agiar consisted of three layers of barriers in total.
The outermost Third Gate, which Bariel’s forces now faced.
And the Second Gate, which was said to be roughly half again taller than the Third Gate.
Finally, the First Gate, which was twice as tall.
“The entrance narrows progressively, making the structure increasingly favorable for defense the deeper one goes.”
“It’s accurate to say that ground warfare offers almost no chance of victory. Ordinary soldiers cannot even attempt it.”
“Now I understand why Rutherford chose this city as his stronghold. Count Ian, are you well?”
I examined the map carefully before answering.
“Yes, I am well. In fact, this is fortunate. As you’ve said, if we were to break through via ground warfare, the unnecessary casualties would be far too great. I heard there is a river nearby called the ‘Milk of Burgos.'”
“It’s around here.”
“Please cut off their water supply in a way that doesn’t pollute the river. They won’t be able to hold out long, so even a temporary interruption would suffice. Minister Tweller.”
“Hmm. Understood. I’ll bring a golem and handle it. Once dawn breaks, will we be able to discern the structure within the barrier?”
“I cannot be certain, but yes.”
“Minister Ian and the mages will take the vanguard, which means aerial combat. If we push from outside with golems leading the way while simultaneously applying force from within, entry should be possible much more easily. Your Majesty, what do you think?”
There were five golems in total. One would be directed toward the river, leaving four.
“I think that’s quite appropriate. Since Agiar is at high elevation and the barrier walls are considerable in height, it’s right to use the golems first.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Then I shall order that priority be given to assessing defensive forces, understanding the city’s structure, and neutralizing the barriers.”
The moment I acknowledged Jin’s decision, the area outside the tent became somewhat noisy.
Was it a night raid? Tweller reflexively rose from his seat, but the report from the soldier who entered with Jin’s permission was, fortunately, something else entirely.
“Forgive the intrusion, Minister Ian.”
“What is the matter?”
“There is a woman who wishes to see you. Her identity is unknown. As for her name, she says she will tell you directly upon meeting you….”
What in the world is this?
Ian, Jin, and Tweller exchanged glances simultaneously, their expressions betraying confusion. Not just anyone, but someone seeking an audience with the Minister of Magic—without even revealing their identity? In the midst of war?
Tweller deliberately adopted a stern tone to reprimand them.
“How dare you bring such trivial matters before us!”
“Ah, yes. We, we thought they might be mad and tried to turn them away, but what they presented seemed unusual, so…”
The soldier carefully placed half a jewel on the table. Even to his untrained eye, it appeared to be no ordinary object, which was why he had brought it to their attention.
Ian and Jin recognized the jewel immediately.
‘Imperial jewels.’
A woman possessing imperial jewels yet unable to reveal her identity. Both men’s minds turned to the same person simultaneously.
“Bring her here discreetly.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
As the soldier departed, Jin gestured to the officers to clear the tent.
Once Ian confirmed the surroundings were quiet, he spoke to the bewildered Tweller.
“It is Melania.”
“Melania? Of House Haiman?”
“Yes. As a survivor of an exterminated house, her name cannot be spoken freely anywhere. The jewel, too, is likely one of those that vanished into the abyss ten years ago during that incident.”
Shortly after, a woman draped in a deep robe entered the tent. The soldiers assumed a defensive posture, but could only withdraw at Ian’s gesture.
Melania bowed deeply to Jin.
“I humbly present myself before Your Imperial Majesty.”
“Is this Melania?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Forgive me, but I cannot speak that name carelessly.”
As Melania drew back her robe, Jin and Tweller widened their eyes in apparent surprise. Indeed, she appeared unchanged from ten years prior.
The two men placed covers over the candelabras, dimming the light. It would not do for word to spread that a survivor of an exterminated house was here.
“What is the meaning of this?”
It was a question laden with many implications. How had Melania reached Abyss, what became of the Gypsy and Clark, and what was her purpose in coming to Bariel’s camp?
Melania remained prostrate, her forehead nearly touching the ground, as she slowly recounted all that had transpired.
“I made a bargain with the Secret-Eating Gypsy and was able to escape the abyss safely. I traveled with a man named Clark, a native of Merelrof, and as our intentions aligned to some degree, we journeyed together.”
“Your intentions aligned?”
“Your Majesty. You surely remember the past transgressions of my house. All the disloyal acts that occurred under the name Haiman.”
“Of course. I remember well how greatly the Imperial House was endangered by House Haiman’s treachery. And if I am honest, this wound of mine was also carved into me by the flow of that history, was it not?”
At those words, Melania slowly raised her head.
Ten years—what a long span of time it had been. How had that small prince grown so tall, bearing the full dignity of an emperor? Melania prostrated herself once more and continued.
“I survived under Count Ian’s hand. Through me, he sought to track Rutherford’s location, and I, in turn, sought my own means of survival.”
“Minister Ian.”
Tweller turned to him with feigned surprise, but Jin raised his hand in defense.
“I already know of this matter. It was accomplished with my permission, so there is no cause for concern.”
“Only the rarest few in the Imperial House know of it.”
Melania added carefully, gauging the atmosphere.
“I did encounter Rutherford in that process, but I fell into the abyss unintentionally, along with the Imperial assault. Your Majesty, I beg your understanding. I have never once denied being a Burgos person.”
“Yet you cannot deny being a survivor of an exterminated house either. Time is limited. State what you desire, and tell me what you can offer. Then I shall judge.”
Melania paused to collect herself, then made her proposal in a low voice.
“Grant me a new identity, I beseech you. And give me the opportunity to make a fresh start in Bariel.”
“What will you offer in return?”
“Just as Count Ian first desired, I can reveal Rutherford’s whereabouts.”
“What do you mean?”
“Clark will approach Rutherford with half the jewel. Since he once served in Rutherford’s inner circle, there will be no obstacles to them working together. From now on, every path Rutherford takes will be within Bariel’s grasp.”
Tweller’s fingertips trembled. It was far more than merely a jewel. If a tracking device were attached to Rutherford, the possibilities for its use would be limitless.
Ian seemed to agree as well, offering Jin an approving glance.
“And—”
Melania’s revelation was not yet complete.
“The Secret-Eating Gypsy will seek out Rutherford to hear his secrets. If you wish to prevent this transaction, you must act with urgency.”
“Does Rutherford possess secrets?”
“Neither I nor the Gypsy know of any, Your Majesty. However, since Rutherford occupies a considerable place in Count Ian’s past, the Gypsy has made that judgment.”
A meeting between the Gypsy and Rutherford.
I pondered this for a moment.
It was troubling if Rutherford’s secrets were consumed, but far more dangerous if Rutherford were to cut open the Gypsy’s belly.
“Count Ian. Why do you hesitate?”
“If the Secret-Eating Gypsy’s belly is cut open, the world descends into chaos.”
“In what manner?”
“I cannot say with certainty, but when I encountered the Gypsy on the street before, I felt it unmistakably. She harbored no fear of my death, and possessed an unwavering conviction.”
“Then Rutherford would be delighted indeed.”
Tweller interjected at last.
“Is he not one who seeks to create chaos?”
If the world fell into turmoil, who would bear the brunt of the impact? Burgos, already fallen to the depths?
No—it would be Bariel. Bariel, standing firm at the center of Gaia. This was the only alternative path for Rutherford and his faction to achieve their aims.
“Clark will be at Rutherford’s side. He will do his utmost to observe the situation closely and prevent the worst outcome, but even he does not know what will transpire if the Gypsy’s belly is cut open.”
At Melania’s words, I tapped my forehead lightly.
“Another task has been added.”
“To prevent the Gypsy’s belly from being cut open?”
“Yes, I hope she can continue moving as swiftly as before. But I cannot be certain.”
Whether that would work on Rutherford remained unknown.
As I fell silent, a buffalo horn sounded grandly from outside.
Buuuu—
Buu—
It was the signal that dawn was breaking.
Jin extinguished the candle completely with his hand and commanded Melania.
“You shall remain here for now. Matters regarding your new status will be decided after consultation between myself and Count Ian. Until then, if there is anything that could aid Bariel, speak without hesitation.”
Melania remained prostrate without moving until everyone had left the tent. I passed by her and soon observed the dawn sky tinged with blue light.
“What of the barrier?”
“There has been no response yet.”
The edge of the sun was slowly rising. At most, thirty minutes remained. I clicked my pocket watch and issued orders to the Mages.
“Prepare for battle.”
“Yes, Ian.”
“I will bring back Rutherford’s head.”
“I will follow you to the very end.”
I pulled my gloves tight, and the Mages stripped away my robes from my shoulders.
The day of the final confrontation had arrived.

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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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