Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 810

‘Of course, it’s a wizard,’ I thought, damn it. Ian’s question was like a magic spell. It brought back that day, which had faded into the recesses of my memory. Long ago, in the capital of Cliffopord, I had agreed to support the Empire’s wizards in suppressing the rifts, in exchange for Ian’s favor in the future. When Noah didn’t respond, Ian smiled softly. “It wasn’t that long ago, was it?” There was no way to deny it. Although the rifts would no longer occur since the underground god was sealed, Bariel’s help was still needed for the cleanup. In fact, even setting aside all the reasons, the other party was Ian Hiel, the Minister of Magic. He was a dangerous man to ignore. Noah nodded as calmly as possible. What favor was he going to ask? It seemed to be related to the royal marriage, but honestly, he had no idea. “Don’t be so nervous. Didn’t I tell you back then? It’s not a burden for Cliffopord. You might even welcome it.” “Then tell me clearly.” “The woman His Majesty has in his heart is a commoner.” “…Huh?” All the resolve he had mustered was for naught as Noah’s eyes widened. Though they were still close to slits. “What did you just say?” “It’s not an easy matter. In Bariel’s history, a commoner has never ascended to the position of Empress. The lack of precedent means that, regardless of whether it’s right or wrong, it’s something that will make a mark on people’s perceptions.” “The high officials are one thing, but the nobles won’t stand for it, will they?” The Empress’s position isn’t simply created by love. As the closest position to the Emperor, there must be clear political and economic benefits. If she’s a commoner, she won’t have any backing, so the high officials’ criticism will be fierce, and the nobles will rush to seize that position. “Could it be?” Prince Noah suddenly realized what Ian’s proposal was and paused. As if that was correct, Ian smiled. “Are you asking me to register her into the Cliffopord Royal Family?” “That’s right. I’ve heard that the Cliffopord Royal Family has many relatives, unlike Bariel. I believe it won’t be a difficult task for you.” It was true. Just Prince Noah’s own siblings numbered four. His father hadn’t had any concubines, but there were so many siblings that it would be exhausting to count all the relatives. While Noah was calculating the situation in his head, the eyes of the May envoy also gleamed keenly. Seeing this, Ian realized that the two were quite similar. “Why not just make her a concubine?” “That won’t do. Eirin is Empress material.” Otherwise, there would be problems for his future. Besides, he wanted Jin to marry someone he loved and live a richer life. Wouldn’t that be good for everyone? If only he could. ‘Oh my.’ Noah’s head throbbed at Ian’s firmness. The sight of the Minister of Magic trying to firmly grasp the Empress’s position made an unknown emotion surge within him. If the Minister of Agriculture of Cliffopord were to interfere in his marriage? He would go berserk and tear up all the vineyards in his yard right away. “You’re sure she’s the one?” “Absolutely. It’s fate.” May discreetly tapped Noah’s arm. No matter how the situation in the Imperial Palace turned out, the result would be a significant benefit for Cliffopord. ‘If the Empress of Bariel is from the Cliffopord Royal Family, the alliance will be strengthened, and the nation’s status will rise.’ It would be closer to a blood alliance, not just a simple alliance. If the woman was a troublemaker like Beric, it would be a bit embarrassing, but the benefits would still be overwhelming. “For your information, Eirin is a paladin [a holy warrior]. She can use holy power to deal with monsters, so she will be a great help in rebuilding the Cliffopord Royal Palace. However, the Cliffopord Royal Palace must directly ask Eirin for help. Well, given the situation, and her personality, she won’t refuse.” “Well, yeah. But a paladin? That’s amazing!” “Her contributions in the war are also significant, so public sentiment is good.” “Yeah, yeah.” Approved! The woman chosen by the Emperor of Bariel and verified by the Minister of Magic couldn’t possibly be like Beric, right? Noah nodded, relieved without realizing it. Then, the May envoy cautiously asked. “Is it just a matter of registering her?” It was because he thought that if Eirin was sent to the Imperial Family, they might demand a large sum as a dowry. For example, that Cliffopord would be responsible for all the costs of the royal marriage. In the long term, this would also be a worthwhile benefit, but the current situation in Cliffopord could not be ignored. “That’s right. We will only borrow the royal family’s name and will not ask for anything else.” “Even a collateral line, not a direct one, is fine?” “It’s for the purpose of laundering her identity, so just provide a suitable position.” If it was a collateral line rather than a direct one, the burden would be reduced. If Eirin got involved in some incident in the Imperial Palace, it could be difficult for Cliffopord. But if it was a collateral line, they could just cut ties. Moreover, since Cliffopord would hold the secret of the Empress’s origin, it would also serve as a kind of insurance. “Isn’t it a good proposal?” “Yes. For now.” When May showed a positive reaction, Noah also looked at Ian as if agreeing. “I’ll send a message to my father and discuss it. When are you planning to send this Eirin?” “That’s not certain.” “Not certain?” “Eirin doesn’t know about this yet.” In fact, he didn’t even know how far Jin and Eirin’s relationship had progressed. Last time he heard, they had met at the pub where Eirin worked… “Wait a minute, Minister Ian. The Emperor and Eirin, they’re in a romantic relationship, right?” “It will be.” “…I’m going crazy.” Why would he throw out these words first with such a thought? Unlike the bewildered Noah, Ian was calm. As if it would really happen as he said. And that was because the development of their relationship was really just a matter of time. “What if this Eirin doesn’t form a relationship with His Majesty? We received the proposal, but they broke it, so we can consider it fulfilled.” “Is there any chance of that happening?” “There could be?” “He is the Emperor of the Empire, handsome, kind, excellent in swordsmanship, erudite, and even young. Is there any woman who wouldn’t be swayed by such a person’s interest?” Damn it. Prince Noah pursed his lips. He was like an old man bragging about his late-in-life child. How could that young boy have such sentiments? While Noah was confused, May nodded as if convinced. “That’s true.” “May!” “Ah.” Noah scolded, but May just smiled awkwardly and scratched his cheek. It seemed like the conversation was mostly over, so Ian got up from his seat. “Anyway, I’ll send another message with the details later. Then, please rest comfortably, and I’ll see you at dinner. Oh, and about Lord Parais, the envoy of Lusweena.” “He’s reasonably perceptive and ambitious.” Since he had already established a friendly relationship with Cliffopord, Prince Noah reflexively defended him. Under the guise of a peace treaty, who knew how Lusweena’s interests would be determined? Those two had to join forces to have a say in Bariel’s huge decisions. Ian smiled knowingly. “I was going to say that the compensation was generous and I liked it. The Ministry of Magic has a lot of expenses these days. We welcome it, no matter how much.” “Uh…” “Then, goodbye.” Ian left after saying goodbye. Noah and May glanced at each other and shrugged. How could the compensation for Hiel’s territory go to the Ministry of Magic? It didn’t make sense, but well. There must be a reason? * * * Knock knock. “Come in.” Jin said, looking at the records of the conference. The administrative and magic departments had each written them, and although there were differences in the descriptions depending on the important issues, there were no particularly noteworthy differences. He pressed his temples and remained silent. At first, he thought it was just the officials talking nonsense, but Ian’s remarks were more blatant than he had thought. ‘The Ministry of Magic’s monopoly on the distribution of magic stones. Preemptive measures, post-reporting measures…’ It was written in a stiff manner, but Jin could fully imagine what was said in reality based on the records. Just then, the head attendant came in with a silver tray. “What is it?” “The Cliffopord and Lusweena delegations have arrived. The Ministry of Magic is escorting them directly. And this is a report from Minister Maxim Tweller, who just arrived from Toolun.” “From Minister Tweller? Over here.” He had been wondering when he would arrive. He had been a little worried about leaving the man, who was about to retire, in Toolun. Even though it was for reconstruction, he had to work alongside Banusa, who harbored hostility. Thud. Jin removed the seal and took out the letter from the envelope. A dense report of about six pages. It contained how the reconstruction was going, the current situation in Toolun, a report on the supply of goods, the future schedule, and the return date. -Your Majesty, greetings. I am Maxim Tweller, Minister of the Imperial Defense Department. Our garrison has left the capital and arrived in a small city on the outskirts, focusing on restoring the livelihood of the people and recovering public sentiment, centered around the spirit mages. The capital has a deep historical significance, so it cannot be completely abandoned, but at least for the time being, it is believed that it will not be able to fulfill its role. Banusa is a trustworthy person. She knows how to distinguish between public and private matters, and she has a deep heart for her people. In addition, her abilities as a spirit mage are outstanding, so if there are no special changes, Bariel will communicate with Toolun through her. And one more thing. About the identity of the strange rumors that spread in the capital of Toolun. Jin paused. It was the rumor that had been persistently following Ian for the past 10 years. That Ian was of imperial blood. -The source of the rumors was Banusa. However, she says that everything she says is true. She says she saw and heard it all herself. “What?” Jin frowned, muttering to himself. He didn’t know what it meant to have seen and heard it himself. -I questioned her in detail about what it meant to have seen and heard it herself, but she did not add anything. However, I suspect that Minister Ian was involved in it. It is right to hold him accountable for harming the dignity of the Imperial Family, but the current situation is not favorable, so please keep my letter as evidence and use it at an appropriate time. And I ask that Your Majesty also investigate carefully. “Your Majesty, Minister Ian has arrived.” Jin snapped back to his senses at the message from outside. He roughly gathered the letter and hid it in a drawer. He couldn’t burn it like before. Was it because of Minister Tweller’s request to ‘use this as evidence’? “…Come in.” “Your Majesty. I apologize for interrupting you while you are busy.” “It’s alright, Minister Ian. What is it?” “All the envoys from each country have arrived. It seems that Hawan will not be attending. This is the peace treaty to be used in the agreement ceremony. I have added and supplemented the magic-related items. This is the final version, so please check it.” Jin smiled back at Ian’s smile. Then, he casually accepted the report and checked the contents. Meanwhile, Ian recalled what the head attendant had said earlier. “Please wait a moment, Minister Ian. His Majesty is currently reading a report from Toolun.” But now, there was nothing on the desk. Jin reviewing the treaty and Ian watching the empty desk. On the surface, nothing seemed different from everyday life, but inside, a gentle wave was crashing within them.