This Emperor Is Running a Marriage Scam - Chapter 213

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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 213

“Oh, you know about Pocket Dimension Bags?”
At Bloden’s amused response, I confirmed what this was and felt my confusion deepen.
“But that’s supposed to be just a legend, isn’t it? I heard even a king of a nation would struggle to find one?”
“Right, a Pocket Dimension Bag would be the third one in existence.”
“Your Majesty is correct. A Pocket Dimension Magic Stone is so rare that even the earth spirits are born with only one.”
Bloden nodded and gazed at Camen with a pleased expression, while I was left speechless at the absurdity of it all.
‘What exactly did I just receive?’
And Camen had said she knew what it was when she gave it to me.
‘At this rate, feels like she’s given me everything.’
But even after receiving something so extraordinary, there was no time to discuss it further.
Bloden pulled two ancient books from his pocket and placed them on the table, then dropped a bombshell.
“I actually called Raven here because of this. Hailey was curious about something, and I wanted to show it quickly.”
“What is it?”
“I called him because I believe it’s related to Hailey, so make sure you keep this strictly confidential.”
After making Raven swear to absolute secrecy, Bloden revealed what the books contained.
“They appear to be materials related to Innate Abilities across the various royal families.”
It had only been a few days since Baron asked the question—disguised as curiosity—yet he’d already found the relevant materials.
“I found this in the underground chambers of the Otix Royal Palace.”
Raven, opening the book Bloden offered, furrowed his brow.
“Hmm, ancient script.”
“Right, I remembered hearing you had some expertise in deciphering ancient texts.”
‘Wait, Raven is skilled at decoding ancient texts? Ah, so it wasn’t because he’s a merchant who understands the value of a Pocket Dimension Magic Stone—he was called here to decipher these books.’
Now I understood why Bloden had brought in Camen and called for Raven.
While I nodded in acknowledgment, Raven cleared his throat and replied.
“Well, I do have some talent for it. But how long do I have to work on this?”
“As quickly as possible.”
Raven sighed as he turned the pages.
“It’ll take a full month at minimum. And if I’m to secure the necessary reference materials immediately as needed, I’ll have to stay in the Imperial Palace Library.”
“Do that then. I’ll have a dedicated office set up for you in the library, so live there.”
There was no way a minor baron like Raven could refuse a command from the Emperor, and sure enough, he submitted without resistance.
“I accept your command.”
Though his expression was decidedly glum.
‘In a way, this is my fault, so I should probably treat him to something nice when it’s done.’
While I managed my expression to hide my growing sense of guilt, Bloden offered me the second book.
“And after you finish that, do this one too.”
Raven, taking the book and opening it, let out a long sigh.
“This is yet another ancient script.”
“Right, I found that one in the underground chambers of the Meridian Royal Palace.”
My ears perked up at that.
“Could I take a look at those books as well?”
Both Bloden and Raven readily handed the books to me.
The book from the Otix Royal Palace was completely incomprehensible.
But the one from the Meridian Royal Palace I could read, haltingly though it was—and when I spotted the word “Innate Ability” clearly written there, my heart began to race.
‘Now I can find out if I have an Innate Ability?’
Bloden and Raven watched intently as I examined the books, their expressions grave. I quickly smiled at both of them.
“Wow, this writing really is impossible to make out. Though the script from this country does look rather beautiful. May I study it a bit more?”
“Of course.”
With his permission, I flipped through the pages rapidly, only to realize that reading this way was impossible. Since I wasn’t familiar with the script, I needed to study it carefully to make out the characters.
‘Maybe I should just be satisfied knowing there’s information about Innate Abilities in here.’
I felt a bit bad for Raven, but once he deciphered it, I could ask him later anyway. Still, how did Bloden manage to get this book in the first place?
With these various questions on my mind, I eventually asked Bloden what any normal person would be curious about.
“But Your Majesty, didn’t you say the Kingdom of Meridon is teeming with Demon Beasts?”
“Ah, there are Commanders with nothing to do lately, so I send them ahead to handle and eliminate them.”
“…?”
“Large Demon Beasts sometimes escape from Meriden Island and spread to the surrounding areas, so we have to prevent the danger.”
As he said this, he also told me about a large Demon Beast that had escaped from the island before.
“Four escaped across the sea back then—two of them made their way to the Ilpein Empire Capital, and the other two were discovered in Tillan Kingdom waters, which we eliminated today.”
Thanks to that, the number of Demon Beasts remaining near the Meridian Royal Palace was said to be quite small.
“I’m not sure if we can close the Gate, but if we give it a little more time, we’ll be able to manage it. Once that happens, the people of the Kingdom of Meridon who’ve been wandering and suffering will be able to reclaim their homes.”
At this point, I felt genuinely grateful toward Bloden.
Here I was, possessing Adeline’s body, yet I couldn’t do anything for the Kingdom of Meridon.
“In that case, wouldn’t it be appropriate to bring Meriden Island under the territory of the Ilpein Empire?”
“Under the Empire?”
Bloden shook his head with a laugh at my suggestion.
“Members of the Royal Family might still be alive somewhere. We can’t just seize it for ourselves.”
No, I would give you permission. I’m the only surviving member, and frankly, I lack the capacity to govern a nation.
“Still, Your Majesty is a virtuous ruler, so the Royal Family would surely feel reassured by your stewardship.”
“No. The right thing to do is to find the rightful owner and return it to them.”
…….
‘Why does he have no appetite for conquest?’
As I swallowed those unspoken words, Bloden checked the time and stood up from his seat.
“Goodness, is it really this late already? I should be going.”
He handed Raven the book from the Otix Royal Palace and put on his robe as he spoke.
“Start with decrypting that book first. I’ll let them know at the Imperial Palace Library, so feel free to use it.”
“Understood.”
“Dinner was delicious. I’ll see you next time, then.”
Bloden slipped out the door before I could even escort him properly. And then Raven quickly took his leave as well.
“Have a good evening, Hailey.”
I stood there bewildered for a moment before I noticed the book still in my hands and hurried after them.
“Wait, you forgot your book!”
But Bloden was already out of sight, and Raven’s House had its lights just going dark.
“If you leave it behind like that…….”
Though I found it absurd, I also thought it worked out rather well. At least I had time to examine the book at my leisure.
‘It’s an important book, so he’ll come looking for it. Or else I can just hand it to Raven tomorrow.’
I sat back down at the table and assessed the book’s thickness. It was thin enough that I didn’t think it would take long to read through.
‘Let me read it quickly and return it.’
I opened the book.

* * *

“Ah, thank you. It seems His Majesty was preoccupied last night.”
When morning came and I passed the book along to Raven, mentioning that he’d forgotten to take it, that’s what he said.
“That does seem likely. He left in such a rush for some reason.”
I answered with a smile, but then Raven looked directly at my face and asked.
“But Hailey, did you get any sleep?”
“Well, I managed a little.”
The book was thin, but as I read, I encountered unfamiliar characters.
So I went through it multiple times, gleaning meaning from context and extracting the necessary information. That meant I’d gotten only about ninety minutes of sleep.
“You look exhausted.”
“It’s just… I made a lot of rice cakes on skewers yesterday.”
“I see. But in your current state, trying to sell rice cakes seems like it would be too much. Why don’t you hire some help for today and rest?”
“That’s a kind thought, but bringing in someone on such short notice seems impossible. I’ll rest once today’s work is done.”
“It’s no trouble at all. There are so many people who are desperate to help you. Just wait a moment.”
.
.
.
Raven was right.
Everyone volunteered to help, and thanks to them, I was able to leave the sale of rice cakes to Susan, Ben’s wife, and Cosette from the Workshop, and retreat to rest.
After changing into comfortable clothes and lying down on the bed, I recalled what I’d read in the book all night.
In short, the Meridian Royal Family also had an Innate Ability passed down through their lineage.
That ability was the rapid recovery of Mana. The text explained that the ability manifested at the fingertips of those who had awakened it, and that its effects could be enhanced through a Crook.
‘Cosette mentioned that the Crook was a secret vessel from the Meridian Royal Palace, supposedly for storing fermented foods.’
According to the book, the ability could be used directly, or it could be infused into fermented foods preserved in a Crook. Fortunately, there was no particular price to pay each time the ability was used.
But then there was the matter of the awakening condition for that ability…….

[Innate Ability Awakening Condition: Only applies when a bloodline member of the Meridian Royal Family survives the brink of death, or is brought back to life after having died.]

‘This is absolutely monstrous!’
To be honest, the moment I learned what the Meridian Royal Family’s Innate Ability was, I’d felt a flutter of excitement thinking of Bloden.
Since I’d found a way to lift the curse, things wouldn’t get worse, but still—if I became someone with Mana Recovery in a world where Gates opened so recklessly, it could only help Bloden.
And yet, no matter how I thought about it, the instant this knowledge came to light, my life would be in danger.
‘If the House of Ilpein had known this, they might have dragged every last member of the Meridian Royal Family in and left them half-dead long ago. And if I were unlucky, I’d end up the same way.’
Lying on the bed, I lifted my hand and stared at my fingertips, then stretched both arms toward the ceiling and focused my concentration.
“…….”
Nothing happened.
‘When I first opened my eyes right after possession, I was in such a state that starvation wouldn’t have been surprising, so I thought I’d be able to use the Innate Ability…….’
It seemed I hadn’t eaten, but I wasn’t quite at death’s door yet.
I closed my tired eyes and sought sleep, but unease crept in.
If I’d at least undergone awakening, I wouldn’t have to worry about dying again afterward.
‘If Bloden learns all of this, will I be safe?’

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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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