Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 617

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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 616. The Price of Power
Chloe stared at her reflection in the water basin.
My hair, matted and twisted haphazardly atop my head, my skin blotched and discolored, the faint stench of grime pricking at the tip of my nose—all traces of my former elegance and beauty had vanished, leaving only the weathered visage of one who had endured the ravages of war.
I sighed briefly, then cupped the murky water in my hands and scrubbed my face. I had learned to be grateful for even the simple privilege of washing.
‘Since leaving Bariel, I haven’t had a single private audience with His Majesty.’
There had been so much to contend with. Barely after the campaign began, we were caught in a demonic beast attack in the northern territories, and since then, skirmishes had followed relentlessly. Moreover, after crossing the Burgos border, I hadn’t slept more than three hours a day. It was because I belonged to the supply unit.
I rubbed my weary eyes roughly and chased away sleep with the cold water.
‘While I’ve been wasting away my time suffering, Princess Kaila has already earned her merits.’
Since our unit primarily handled supplies provided by the Davion family, all the soldiers under my command had ties to them. It meant that information, even without seeking it, reached us quite readily.
The most recent news to arrive was…
‘The Hollin family is apparently eyeing the throne of Burgos?’
Impossible! I stretched my cheeks and silently screamed in frustration.
Wasn’t the Hollin family already among the most powerful in Bariel, second to none? If they were to establish a new dynasty in Burgos, there would be no way for the Davion family to check their influence. I had followed them to the battlefield chasing only the position of Empress, and now I faced the prospect of withdrawing after nothing but suffering.
‘That absolutely cannot happen!’
I needed merits of my own. Achievements in war comparable to Kaila’s—something so absolute that it would sear my existence into the Emperor’s mind.
I glared at the tree across from me, then clumsily raised my hand in a knife-strike and rushed forward.
Crack!
“Ah!”
I had imagined the enemy and attacked, but the pain in my hand felt as though it were splitting in half. I swallowed a groan between my teeth and collapsed, unable to stand again for quite some time.
Right. Who fights with bare fists in war? Of course, swordsmanship!
“Hah!”
I grabbed a long wooden stick as though it were a sword and swung it earnestly. If Kaila could do it, so could I! Probably! Damn it!
“Damn it! Damn it!”
But I soon grew frustrated. My lethal ability was truly like a handful of ash—barely perceptible, and even that scattered away at the slightest breeze, utterly worthless.
I lay prone and tore at a handful of grass. Why couldn’t I do what Kaila did? If only I had been chosen like the Mages, I would never have felt such despair.
“…Hic. Sob.”
I finally burst into tears. Part of me desperately wanted to abandon everything and return home. Yet another part of me refused to give up, refused to lose.
I was wiping away my tears and trying to compose myself when—
“Captain, please stop this. I’m begging you.”
“Stop what? Stop what?!”
“Even the imperial research laboratory has produced all sorts of things, but if this was made in a carriage with insufficient materials and poor facilities, what more is there to say?”
“Exactly! Every single Mage is precious right now. We can’t afford to lose personnel over something like this.”
“Ian didn’t approve it either. That’s the problem.”
Mages. They seemed to have come requesting supplies, but their pace was hurried as if they were being chased. It was because of Akorelra, her hair tied up messily, muttering incessantly.
I used my quick footwork to block their path and waggled a single finger left and right.
“Oh my. Such ignorant fools, knowing one thing but not two!”
“No effect. Just calling you an ignorant fool.”
“Research always demands sacrifice! And where research leads is always progress. The spirit of experimentation saves Bariel!”
“Then drink it yourself. No problem then.”
“I drank something different yesterday. Today’s substance conflicts with yesterday’s—if I drink it, I’ll die.”
Ugh, what a crazy superior.
The Mages sighed and parted left and right to pass by her. Then they handed Chloe a supply list and greeted her.
“Hello. Could you provide some personal supplies?”
“Oh, just a moment.”
Chloe hurriedly wiped her eyes, worried that her crying might be noticed, but given her already disheveled appearance, no one paid attention.
Meanwhile, Akorelra continued to whimper, burying her face against her Subordinates’ shoulders.
“Don’t be like that, just one sip. Hmm? Even if you ask for more, I won’t give it!”
“I refuse. And please change your methods. Last time you did this and said I’d die if I didn’t eat more, so I ate until my stomach burst. Turns out that was a different experiment. Don’t you remember?”
“Oh, that was you? Then this time, you!”
Akorelra pointed at the Mage beside her, and he made an X with both hands.
“I still have side effects. Sometimes when I burp, a breath comes up. I’m not even a Dragon, but it feels oddly beautiful.”
“Sigh, honestly. To think talent for this great endeavor is so scarce! What a tragedy, what a tragedy! I, Akorelra, am so sorrowful I shall perish here! Sob!”
And with that, Akorelra dramatically collapsed to the side. Chloe flinched in surprise, but the Mages, as if accustomed to this, paid no attention and accepted the supply boxes.
“Yes, Captain. Go ahead. We’ll offer a quick prayer for your soul.”
“Please refrain for now. Why are you in such a rush with Kalamat right ahead? Honestly. If Ian asks for you, I’ll report that the Captain has passed away.”
“My, this is heavier than expected. Thank you for your hard work.”
The Mages passed by the sprawled Akorelra widely. She tried to subtly grab at several of their pant legs, but they brushed her off quite skillfully, shaking their legs free.
Chloe stared at Akorelra in bewilderment.
‘…How long is she going to stay lying down?’
“I’d like to request supplies too.”
“Oh, yes.”
Still lying down, Akorelra pulled out only the list from her pocket and handed it to Chloe. As Chloe gathered the items while gauging her mood, she cautiously asked.
“Are you a Captain from the Research Division?”
“I’m from the Mana Stone Management Division.”
“Then why…?”
“Because mana stones and potions are inseparable!”
Suddenly jumping up and shouting, Akorelra startled Chloe terribly.
“A true Mage must always pursue truth and yearn to advance into new worlds! My heart breaks because of these youngsters lacking drive. Oh, and please put in two packs of cigarettes.”
…An unusual person indeed. Instead of answering, Chloe nodded and grabbed two packs of cigarettes. Then something suddenly occurred to her.
“Excuse me, Mage.”
“It’s Akorelra.”
“Is there perhaps a potion that, if consumed, would allow even ordinary people to use magic, or maybe become incredibly strong?”
“Magic is for those chosen by God. Magic itself is impossible, but becoming stronger is entirely feasible.”
“Oh! Then, what about swordsmanship?”
“…What do you want?”
Akorelra rested her chin on her hand, her eyebrows twitching. As if she had sensed something interesting.
Chloe pushed the supplies aside and leaned close to Akorelra, whispering.
“I want to make a contribution in this war.”
“Oh, a patriot, I see. And then?”
“Right now, there’s nothing I can do.”
“Why would I not be working? I’m still diligently at my tasks.”
“I need to achieve remarkable results. If you could help me, I would be deeply grateful. I can compensate you however much you ask.”
“Do you have money?”
“I am Chloe Davion.”
“Ah! Davion! My, it seems you’ve been through quite an ordeal. I hardly recognized you.”
Akorelra struck her palm with her fist as if startled. Yet her eyes sparkled, and an unconscious smile played at her lips. Unaware of this, she pressed her brow with her hand and shook her head as if to say it wouldn’t do.
“My creations are designed for Mages. I cannot guarantee what side effects a common person might experience. The worst-case scenario varies from person to person, but you may well need to prepare yourself for death.”
“D-death?”
“Moreover, the Princess is a daughter of House Davion. If something goes wrong, she’ll truly flip out. I also happen to be someone who engages in social life, so I have certain considerations. Well then, I’ll be going.”
“Wait, please!”
Chloe desperately grabbed Akorelra’s arm.
“Isn’t there something you could do within reasonable limits? I’ve truly suffered greatly coming here. Sniff, sniff.”
“Why are you crying? Someone might think I made you cry.”
“I don’t know! I don’t understand myself! You’re a genius Mage who created the Truth Serum Potion, Akorelra. Please help me somehow. I’m begging you. Waaah.”
A genius Mage?
Akorelra turned to look at Chloe with her nostrils flaring. One was crying while the other was laughing, so their expressions were similar. Akorelra patted Chloe’s shoulder and whispered.
“Princess. Seeing you cry like this troubles my heart so. Ahem. Truth be told, I do have a masterpiece I’ve been wanting to test on ordinary people… As I mentioned, I cannot guarantee the side effects. But if you’re willing to accept that risk and still wish to gain power—!”
“Yes! I want to gain it!”
“Don’t decide so hastily. Think it through carefully and come find me. You’ll be able to obtain what you desire. However, you must bring a written agreement when you come. Do you understand?”
Chloe nodded with tears brimming in her eyes, and satisfied with this, Akorelra swirled her robe and vanished like the wind.
‘I can get a chance!’
Chloe wiped away her tears and snot with the back of her hand, then clenched her fist with determination—
‘Hehe! Test subject secured!’
Akorelra hummed merrily, transforming her limp into a dance as she scurried away excitedly.
* * *
“Okay! I’ve always liked people with a spirit of challenge. Come this way.”
At Akorelra’s gesture, Chloe hid herself deeper inside. Then she quietly produced the written agreement she’d hidden between her arms and handed it to Akorelra. It stated: “In the name of Chloe Davion, I will not hold anyone responsible for any side effects or consequences, and this is entirely my own choice.”
Akorelra nodded with satisfaction and tapped the paper.
“Normally I don’t take these, but since you’re such an esteemed Princess. You understand, yes?”
“Yes. So please, hurry and give it to me.”
“You’re quite impatient. Very well, here it is.”
Akorelra withdrew a small potion bottle from her bosom. It contained a thick liquid filled with pink pearls.
Is this actually safe for humans to consume? Chloe looked at Akorelra skeptically, and she whispered in her ear.
“Just drink this and you’ll have no problem taking on a hundred opponents.”
“Y-yes, what exactly is the expected effect?”
“It is—”
“What are you two doing?”
Just as Akorelra was about to explain, Xiaoxi appeared. The two startled figures quickly hid each other behind their backs and stepped away.
“Oh! W-what is it, Sir Xiaoxi.”
“That’s what I’d like to ask. What are you two doing here?”
“Nothing? That’s… that’s right, isn’t it, Princess?”
“Yes, yes. Exactly.”
“What are you hiding behind your back?”
…I’m screwed. As Xiaoxi approached, Akorelra froze with a smile caught on her lips. This was definitely going to be reported to Ian, and I’m truly screwed!
Chloe’s mind also went blank, but only for an instant.
Pop!
Thinking ‘I’ll be stopped if I’m caught,’ Chloe’s hand moved first. She removed the cap and quickly poured the liquid into her mouth.
“…!”
A startled Xiaoxi hesitated, and Akorelra clenched both fists, waiting for Chloe’s transformation. Thump-thump, what would happen?
Chloe also examined her body with a tense expression. And then—
“Ah.”
She felt her heartbeat racing faster and faster.
As if it would burst at any moment, burning hot!

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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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