Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 84

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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 84. The Price is Fixed
“First, one could say the drug party itself was a favorable situation for Prince Gail. Even if slaves are mere property, they’re people with thoughts and feelings, aren’t they? Since Prince Gail sent this slave, there’s no way to know what kind of person they might be.”
“If I refuse, it becomes a direct rejection of the imperial palace’s apology. Moreover, losing that much manpower will burden the family no matter what.”
That’s not all.
Not only did he effectively communicate his stance against drugs, but he also managed to reduce the shame of being helplessly toyed with by the Prince. It was truly a sharp move without any room for hesitation.
“If the slave the Prince gave bothers you, just sell them at the slave market and buy a new one.”
“The central region doesn’t hold slave markets regularly. And as I said, this is a ‘gift’ directly given by the Prince—how could I sell it? That would certainly give them grounds to criticize me later.”
After hearing Romandro’s explanation, Berik nodded in understanding.
“He simultaneously checked the nobility while perfectly displaying his own presence. Was her name Wesley? The Minister of Magic?”
“That’s right. Her authority in magic is tremendous. I don’t even know her age. Nothing is known about her except her name.”
When I ascend to the central region, I will certainly meet her. As a mana user, I was destined to become a valuable talent in the Ministry of Magic. Therefore, naturally, she would be my superior, and we would inevitably clash repeatedly.
“In any case, the more I think about it, the more impressive the move is.”
“Actually, Prince Gail has a somewhat sharp personality and doesn’t get along with Prince Marib, but if you think about it, he’s quite aggressive. I don’t understand why the two of them are so eager to devour each other.”
“It can’t be helped.”
The heir and the challenger threatening that position.
It was a natural relationship. Even if they were brothers from the same womb, it would be fitting to draw swords against each other, let alone when they have different mothers.
“Both of them know it well. Each possesses what the other lacks. Perhaps that’s precisely why they sharpen their blades against each other.”
“What kind of person is Prince Marib?”
“Prince Marib is….”
Romandro carefully chose his words, but found no suitable expression. He was far more complex and incomprehensible than Prince Gail.
As Romandro’s answer grew longer, Berik tilted his head back dismissively.
“Never mind. What’s the point of knowing? We should focus on preparing to receive Marquis Merelrof.”
“Right. Berik, while we’re on the subject, get moving.”
“Ugh, seriously! The doctor said my fatigue is severe!”
“He also said it’s surprising how cleanly your wounds have healed.”
I laughed and sent Berik out. Then, suddenly, I pondered Prince Gail’s scheme and asked a question.
In the central region, there wasn’t really a place formally called a slave market. The times when slave merchants stayed in the central region were essentially market days. Of course, transactions occurred in secret, but those were mainly exchanges of existing slaves.
“By the way, about the slave merchants heading to the central region. They do pass through Merelrof, correct?”
“Hmm? Well, they’re the type to wander everywhere without discrimination. They would pass through Merelrof too. If they enter through the Hawan Kingdom, there’s no other way, is there?”
‘Indeed, since Countess Lien Merelrof and that man Clark are said to be of slave origin, it makes sense that slave caravans come and go through Merelrof.’
I tapped the desk with my fingertips, lost in thought. Romandro, as always, glanced at me and then carefully organized gifts to send to his family.
* * *
Another day passed.
“When do you plan to ascend to the central region?”
Pitter-patter.
Hena poured warm tea as she asked. From the borderlands to the central region took two weeks by carriage. Considering it was winter, it would be prudent to set a departure date soon.
That meant I was looking at finishing the year with about a month and a bit more remaining.
“I’m still uncertain. I should begin preparations gradually, though.”
“Will you stay at Romandro’s residence when you go?”
“If the imperial palace provides lodging, I’ll stay there. Otherwise, I’ll do as you suggest. I’ll let you know once I arrive.”
Ian felt a slight discomfort settle in his chest as he spoke. He had already resolved that once he entered the imperial palace, he would rush straight to the Magic Ministry’s separate residence without hesitation or second thoughts.
He would investigate Naum’s magical traces there and find answers about this reincarnation. If he discovered a way to return to the original timeline, Ian would not hesitate to take it.
That meant leaving the Bratz estate would be his last moment with these people. Ian lowered his head over his book, trying to hide the turmoil of his thoughts.
“The imperial palace, you say. Just thinking about it makes my heart race. They say it’s the most beautiful palace in the world. I heard the outdoor gardens are covered with a glass dome, so when it snows, it feels like being inside a massive igloo.”
“Ah, yes. Such gardens do exist.”
“Really? You know about it?”
“…No. I merely heard about it.”
Ian had inadvertently misspoken while agreeing with her. Hena laughed at his awkward response and continued chattering away.
“And there’s also a room where rain falls whenever you wish it to, and another where flower petals dance through all four seasons, or so I’ve heard.”
“Romandro must have told you about it?”
“Yes, of course!”
What Hena described must be where the Magic Ministry was located. Unlike ordinary rooms, that place contained many spaces where supernatural phenomena occurred with surprising frequency. Even he, who had been both Emperor and a mage, could admit he did not know every corner of it in detail.
“When will you return, sir?”
“Well, I’m not certain.”
Ian smiled faintly. If Emperor Ian disappeared, would the original body’s owner—the illegitimate Ian—return? He could not dare to guess, nor could he say anything with certainty.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
“Count Ian! There’s a visitor here.”
The door opened urgently at his permission. Ian simply nodded calmly. There was only one place they could have come from.
“Is it the Marquis Merelof?”
“Yes, sir. He’s come with his wife.”
“I see. Show them to the reception room. Call Romandro as well.”
At Ian’s gesture, Berik spat out the betel leaf he’d been chewing into the fireplace. Then he straightened his collar and checked the sword at his waist. Hena did the same, quickly verifying that Ian’s collar, buttons, and knots were all properly arranged.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, sir. Right away.”
“I-Ian, sir. Is there anything special we should prepare?”
“Tea should already be downstairs. Have Gula bring out some light refreshments.”
“Yes, young master.”
Tap, tap, tap.
Swish!
Ian drew back the curtain and examined the area below. Behind the carriage that had brought the Marquis and Countess Merelof, servants were waiting in attendance. For such an unexpected visit, the scale was quite large. It seemed they intended to finalize ‘today’s’ transaction.
“Not bad.”
“What isn’t?”
“It means we’re halfway there.”
“So what does that actually mean?”
Berik tilted his head in confusion, but Ian showed no intention of answering. As they descended to the reception room, servants were already lined up in the corridor, looking bewildered.
“Count Ian!”
“Romandro.”
Romandro, who had come running at Hena’s call, was clearly just woken up. He blinked his eyes repeatedly while pressing down his disheveled hair.
“The Marquis and Countess Merelof have come?”
“Today is the day we settle this.”
“Good. Do your part as my inside man properly.”
The two exchanged glances and steeled their resolve. When the servant opened the door, they approached the Count and Countess with an air of casual welcome.
“Marquis Merelof and Countess! How have you been? What brings you here without notice?”
“Ahem. I hope we haven’t interrupted your busy schedule.”
“Not at all. Could there be anything more important than a visit from the Marquis?”
I clasped hands with the Marquis respectfully. The Countess extended the back of her hand with an even brighter smile, and I kissed it without hesitation.
“Forgive the sudden visit. The matter is rather urgent, and I thought it would be better to speak face to face. Especially since it’s been quite some time since you’ve visited Bratz, Marquis.”
“I see. Please, have a seat.”
At my invitation, Marquis Merelof sat down with an awkward air of dignity. He was a gaunt man, yet he seemed to have gained a bit of weight. Was it Gula’s doing?
“Did Gula eat all of it by herself?”
“Shh! Berik!”
Berik whispered this to Hena after seeing it. Though she jabbed him in the ribs for such crude words. Instead of the Marquis, who seemed reluctant to speak first, the Countess softened the atmosphere.
“Gula was truly exquisite.”
“It seems the taste pleased you.”
“I hear the common folk here are mad about it, and now I understand why. The flavor varies so remarkably depending on how it’s prepared.”
The Countess was quite skillful. Not a trace of their secret dealings could be found between them.
“Did it suit your tastes as well, Marquis?”
“Indeed. Well, it wasn’t bad.”
They would have come even without the theft. Eating only a little once or twice a day had eventually led them to dig up the seeds they had buried in the ground.
“I’m glad.”
Now that we had gauged each other’s intentions, what remained was obvious.
I interlaced my fingers and leaned back. This was to create a relaxed atmosphere compared to the Marquis and Countess, who sat with their spines rigidly straight.
“I suspect your visit today is for the sake of trading Gula. Am I correct?”
“Indeed. Count Ian.”
As the Countess Merelof assented, the Marquis opened with a low voice.
“You calculated well?”
“What do you mean, sir?”
“The amount of Gula you need. After some thought, I determined that certainly about a hundred bundles would be necessary to sustain both cultivation and livelihood. So this transaction seems like it will be quite large, and I came myself because I was curious about why the price is as it is.”
“That’s right. Count Ian. Considering this is the second transaction and a bulk purchase, I believe the price should be lowered. What good is being a good neighbor, after all?”
Romandro cleared his throat and looked for a chance to interject, but it wasn’t easy. I signaled to Romandro with a glance that it was fine.
“First, the reason I cannot lower the price despite the bulk purchase is that Gula is a foodstuff capable of long-term storage. It’s not a crop that must be sold quickly in fear of spoilage.”
“Then you must have even more inventory on hand.”
“Which is precisely why there’s no reason to rush into sales. I simply store it and take it out when needed.”
My measured refutations were firm. It was as if I were subtly saying there would be no price negotiations whatsoever.
Marquis Merelof’s face grew rigid, while the Countess nodded subtly in understanding.
“Moreover, trading Gula with Merelof means setting aside a portion of our consumption, which is both a gain and a loss.”
“A loss? Things gathered for free from mountains and fields have turned into fifty gold coins, and now you speak of loss?”
“My apologies, but what was obtained from mountains and fields has already disappeared into the bellies of the villagers. What I’m providing now are crops they’ve cultivated through their sweat.”
I yielded not an inch. The Marquis tried to add something more, but I ignored him and continued.
“And did you know? Gula grows in dry sand and even in water, but it dies the moment it touches snow.”
From his expression, it seemed he hadn’t known. I gauged the timing with my fingers.
“It’s weather where snow could fall at any time. It’s clear as day that Gula’s harvest will be restricted. Since we must also build a greenhouse after bulk sales to compensate for the yield, we need to receive a price befitting that. I trust that Marquis Merelrof will understand this is a decision for the Estate Villagers.”
When I went to obtain crops for relief, hadn’t I raised prices for reasons like these? I was no different. It was a sign of the ‘reasonable line’ created by circumstances, and I smiled slightly.
“Therefore, I cannot conduct business for less than fifty gold coins. This is in service of the Estate Villagers and, moreover, His Majesty the Emperor’s will to rebuild this place.”

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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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