Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 616

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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 615. An Unexpected Encounter
As the Bariel Soldiers entered Calamat Castle, they lifted their heads high. The royal palace visible in the distance was staggeringly tall. It stood majestically atop a steep slope as if reaching toward the heavens. It was clear that neither foreign invasions nor even the footsteps of citizens could easily traverse this place.
Neigh!
“Push! Push harder!”
“It would be better to distribute the cargo and climb!”
“More coming from behind! We cannot stop!”
Along the path leading to the royal palace, soldiers strained and pushed against the rear of the wagon. How had the King of Burgos managed his supplies? The cargo cart drawn by two horses creaked precariously forward, one step at a time.
“Hah.”
“Eileen, are you alright?”
“Yes, I can manage.”
Eileen, bracing the wagon with her back, took in the panoramic view of Calamat spread below her feet. Beyond the exhilaration of the vista, her assessment was simple.
‘Barren.’
Withered black vines seemed tangled in chaotic disarray. Life persisted here, yet barely—no different from death itself. What I had sensed upon first entering the castle gates became far more apparent now, seeing it with my own eyes.
“That Damon bastard—I thought he had a terrible personality, but living in a place like this explains it. Has he ever even set foot outside?”
“Captain Akorella, stop your grumbling and put more strength into it. You keep tilting to one side.”
“What can I do? The wagon is heavy.”
“Your magical power is more than enough. That’s what I’m saying.”
“Berik! Berik! Earn your keep! Something’s rolling down there!”
“Do I look like a dog to you? Have someone below pick it up!”
“Tuck! Hurry!”
“There are things meant to stay on the lower level anyway! Just wedge it there!”
The Mages and Mage Knights were transporting the large wagons and important supplies. Now I understood why Mrs. Danit and the Royalist Officials had established their encampment on the outskirts of Calamat. Without Mages, the journey here demanded far too much effort.
Ian, observing the entire column from above, turned his head at the sound of footsteps. The main gates of the royal palace swung wide open.
“Welcome.”
The Royalist Officials came out to greet the Bariel Soldiers personally. Those who reached the flat ground sighed with relief and wiped their sweat, while those still facing the steep climb gritted their teeth and pulled the ropes.
“We have been waiting. Where is His Majesty the Emperor?”
“He is on his way, but first I shall survey the interior.”
“Of course. This way, please.”
“Imperial Guards, advance.”
The palace’s layout needed to be assessed first. At Ian’s gesture, the Guards moved swiftly into the royal palace.
Berik was among them.
“Yes!”
“Berik, you madman! That’s heavy!”
As Berik dropped what he was carrying and dashed off, a barrage of complaints followed him.
Whoosh.
The Mages also flew in behind the Mage Knights, checking for any possible traps or dangers.
A vast banquet hall. With its floor, walls, and ceiling all of marble, a chill permeated the space. Beyond cleanliness lay emptiness. Not a single decoration was visible.
“Lest there be any misunderstanding, I should mention that the royal palace was well-preserved even during the civil war.”
Jorge, the leader of the Royalists, added this clarification. He spoke of how, untouched by plunder, the palace had merely borne the weight of ten years. He then noted that the aesthetic of emptiness was a taste passed down through generations of the Runkvis family.
Ian walked slowly, observing the portraits of kings hanging on the walls. At the far end hung the portrait of Damon Runkvis, whose youthful features were quite apparent.
“…When His Majesty the Emperor arrives, we’ll organize our surroundings briefly and then convene the conference.”
He felt quite different from the Damon I’d seen at Bariel’s magic tower. I gazed up at the enigmatic violet eyes in the portrait and muttered to myself.
“The first matter to be discussed will concern the distribution of mana stones.”
“The distribution of mana stones, you say?”
Jorge asked back, caught off guard by the unexpected topic.
Bariel had bloodlessly occupied Kalamata, Burgos’s capital, and everyone was sharpening their blades in anticipation of the newly established dynasty. But mana stones? He seemed puzzled as to why the first conference would focus on that.
“Are you aware of the Magic Department’s auxiliary building construction project that has been ongoing for quite some time?”
“Yes, well. I’ve heard of it.”
I’d heard rumors that the Emperor was spearheading the construction of the Magic Department’s auxiliary building to strengthen his control. But it was vague information I’d picked up in passing.
“His Majesty the Emperor, of course, and I, as the Minister of Magic, have devoted nearly ten years to this great undertaking. However, the civil war in Burgos has halted mana stone transactions, so construction has come to a standstill.”
Jorge, who had been listening quietly, brightened. He realized the Minister of Magic was now giving the Royalists a meaningful hint.
So mana stones were the very first thing Bariel was demanding from Burgos. Jorge pondered for a moment before speaking.
“Mining has stopped partly due to the civil war, but we also need to newly establish ownership rights to the mining sites. Especially the mines near Kalamata—countless soldiers have passed through there over the past ten years. For now, I’ll reach out to those who own the mining sites on our end. Mana stones, then… What specific type do you need?”
“Akorelra.”
“Yes! Yes! Yes!”
Akorelra, who had been standing at a distance, understood as if by magic and came flying over immediately. She then pulled out a bundle of several sheets of paper and began rattling off information.
“First, to put it simply by grade, the high-grade rare type 1 is the most urgent, right? The extraction process is tricky and takes time, so it’s best to check that first. It’s called Erectosia 12.1—it was originally 12, but the ones that come from Burgos have better heat resistance than the originals—”
“Hand it over.”
Jorge, sensing Akorelra’s explanation would grow lengthy, snatched the papers from her. He then prioritized checking the deposit locations rather than the mana stone names.
“The intermediate mana stone type 1 is deposited within my territory.”
“Really? Perfect! Let’s start mining right away!”
“And the high-grade mana stone… Hmm. I’ll need to verify, but I suspect it’s currently abandoned as wasteland. There was a landslide in that area a few years ago, and it hasn’t been restored yet.”
“I’ll explain in detail during the conference. Is there anything else you should know?”
Akorelra clenched both fists and thrust her face forward, but she was thoroughly ignored. Her eyes, which had been brimming with vitality, gradually began to flicker and dim.
At this unexpected sign of extreme anger, her subordinates quietly crept closer to her side. Just in case something happened, they needed to stop her.
“Apart from the mana stone matter, His Majesty has given no other special instructions. If anything is decided before the conference, I’ll inform you again.”
“Understood. We’ll be using the East Hall, so please let us know if anything comes up.”
“One more thing.”
Jorge hesitated and turned back.
“What of the residents of Kalamata’s resistance?”
“Resistance?”
At my question, Jorge burst into laughter.
As before, they had no choice. How could those scraping by in their territories involve themselves in the tidal wave of history? He shook his head as if there was nothing to worry about.
“There’s nothing to concern yourself with. Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Whoosh.
Akorelra continued to watch Jorge’s retreating figure with gleaming eyes. Moments later, as he turned the corner and disappeared, she whispered between her teeth.
“He’s got no manners. And he seems rather foolish too.”
What had been Bariel’s justification for declaring war on Burgos? The execution of Rutherford, the center of the anti-Royalists. Bariel had accomplished that successfully, quickly organized the northern territories, and entered the capital.
“Shouldn’t we first discuss what to do with the remnants of the anti-Royalists in the north, and how to resolve the resulting bandit infestations? We need to settle that before we can even think about rebuilding the nation. Idiot.”
“Based on his remarks about Rutherford’s execution rights, he doesn’t seem like someone without thoughts. But from what he just said, it seems he believes that the common people without a central figure have no power.”
“Still, you lack any sense of awareness. It’s been quite a while since you’ve had a superior, hasn’t it?”
“Captain Akorella was like that too when Ian wasn’t around.”
“Cok! Shut your mouth. You’ll get yourself killed.”
I mentioned the mana stones first, setting aside other important matters, because those men were going to be dead anyway. It was more reliable and faster to learn about the burial site’s ownership and mining status through the officials.
“Ian, now that I think about it… wouldn’t it be better if such a dimwit became King of Burgos? We share a border with them, and if Burgos grows too large in the future, it could become a problem.”
“One might think so, but even foolishness requires moderation. When someone who understands neither themselves nor their opponent holds power, it only becomes troublesome.”
Once the Emperor left Burgos and Bariel’s attention turned toward Toollun, their actions would become unpredictable. The Hollin Family, who understood their position well and had family in Bariel, was the more suitable choice.
I opened the study drawers one by one, searching for anything else, but they were all meticulously empty.
“Ian. His Majesty the Emperor will enter the palace shortly.”
“Understood. Let’s do a final inspection. Did you receive the palace blueprints?”
“Yes, I obtained them immediately upon arrival and examined them carefully. There are no issues.”
“Divide into two teams and examine them thoroughly. There will certainly be secret passages or hidden spaces. Akorella, organize the perimeter.”
“Understood! You bastards, keep up the good work!”
“Ugh. Captain, you shouldn’t say things like that.”
Soon the Emperor’s soldiers poured into the palace interior. Xiaoxi gave me a light bow, and I gestured with my eyes as if to say ‘do your best’ as we passed each other.
Tap tap tap!
Xiaoxi and his subordinates immediately began mapping the internal structure, focusing on the east wing where the Royalist officials were stationed.
“Search every inch.”
“Yes, Xiaoxi!”
Among the busily moving soldiers, Xiaoxi walked slowly toward the reception room. He opened the door without hesitation, and the Royalist officials sitting on the sofa smoking cigarettes turned with puzzled expressions.
“W-what is this about?”
“….”
Their obvious panic made it clear they had been discussing something related to Bariel.
Xiaoxi quickly memorized the faces of the men in the reception room. One, two, three, four. Where were the rest?
“We’re conducting an inspection in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances. My apologies.”
“Ahem. Now look here. Where would we hide troops in a place like this? Next time, give us some warning!”
“…Where are the other officials?”
“I’m not entirely sure, but they’re probably somewhere in the east wing. By the way, what is your position?”
“…Excuse me. Please rest.”
“W-wait—!”
Xiaoxi closed the door without answering the question. Some of them didn’t hide their displeasure, but there was nothing they could do about it.
“I heard there were seven officials total, but I only see three. Confirm the whereabouts of the others.”
“Yes, Xiaoxi.”
They said they were somewhere in the east wing.
Xiaoxi followed the sounds and descended into the lower level of the east wing, where he soon discovered a group of soldiers moving supplies. Just as he was about to pass them—
“Excuse me. Let me through.”
Chloe’s voice rang out.
Chloe carefully twisted her body with her arms crossed, squeezing through the narrow space, and her peculiar movements caught Xiaoxi’s attention completely.
She’s always been someone who catches my eye. Xiaoxi immediately followed Chloe, and it wasn’t long before he spotted her making contact with someone.
‘…The author.’
“Oh! What’s this?”
“Wait, let me just….”
“Okay! I’ve always admired people with a fighting spirit. Come this way.”
It was Akorelra, unexpectedly.

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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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