Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 115

The Man in the Detached Palace

Click.

Marib opened the drawer of the tea table and took out his glasses. He then gestured to his aide to bring the documents. The man, who had been waiting like a shadow, placed a leather-bound report in front of them.

“You know about magic stones, don’t you?”

“Yes, I do.”

“Cough-!”

Ian nodded politely, sitting upright, but Romandro, feeling guilty, started coughing and making a fuss. It seemed Ian was trying to hide something about magic stones, but the prince had brought up the word directly.

“Oh dear, Romandro.”

“I-I apologize.”

Marib frowned, and the aide approached, handing him a handkerchief. Then, he carefully suggested that Romandro go outside. Coughing and sputtering in front of the prince was hardly proper.

“Sir Romandro, why don’t you get some fresh air outside for a moment?”

“Yes, I will. Ahem. Excuse me.”

Romandro glanced at Ian worriedly as he rose from his seat. He wondered if Ian could manage alone, but it was a needless worry. Ian was looking only at Marib’s face, without any sign of agitation.

Squeak.

As Romandro left, Marib put on his glasses and gestured. It was a signal that Ian could look at the documents.

“When the Magic Department decides on your division, they will probably ask for your opinion first.”

Ian turned the page and chuckled inwardly. From the first page, there were detailed notes along with a picture of a high-grade magic stone, Rulon. If Romandro had been there, it wouldn’t have ended with just a cough.

“The Magic Stone Management Division within the Magic Department is always short-staffed. It seems that the mages are only interested in their magic training and spiritual pursuits, and not so much in secondary research like magic stones.”

“I suppose it’s similar to how knights prefer swinging their swords rather than researching weapons.”

“Judging by Sir Ian, you seem to have a deep talent for scholarly pursuits.”

It was an order to join the Magic Stone Management Division.

Ian smiled and nodded. He had to consider the overall situation, but in front of the prince, he had no choice but to agree.

“Yes, Your Highness. I am always thirsty for knowledge due to my lack of learning.”

Besides, this was quite a significant gain.

To have information about magic stones, which had only remained as faint memories, organized like this! Judging by the thickness of the report, it was clear that the information had been taken directly from the Magic Department.

“That’s fortunate. If you are assigned to the Magic Stone Management Division and inform me of the magic stone deposits, I will actively assist with your donation. Especially focusing on the Rulon on the first page.”

It wasn’t a promise to give 10,000 gold coins, but to help. It seemed like he meant to reopen the general meeting and reverse the decision…

Ian was momentarily speechless, his mouth slightly open. He was trying to gauge Marib’s intentions, setting aside the unreasonable proposal.

He already knew that Gale wanted to obtain the Rulon magic stones. Since his main support was the Magic Department, it was somewhat understandable. But seeing Marib, who had no connection, getting involved suggested that there were more political maneuvers at play.

‘And the Rulon deposit, doesn’t that mean Bratz? Of course, there are other places, but Bratz is definitely one of the major deposits.’

If he finds it? What does he plan to do after that?

If his intention was to monopolize Rulon before Gale, things might become easier. But on the other hand…

‘If he intends to eliminate all the Rulon so that Gale can’t use it?’

He would become a difficult opponent for Ian, just like Gale. Not only the mines in Bratz, but the Rulon that Ian had brought could also vanish in an instant.

Ian first bowed his head, indicating that he would follow the order.

“Thank you for your words. I will do my best.”

Marib smiled contentedly and took off his glasses. In his experience, those who didn’t ask ‘why’ when given an order usually did a good job. Marib, curious himself, asked a question.

“By the way, Sir Ian, are you always so agreeable? We haven’t known each other for long, but you only say positive things, which makes me suspicious.”

Ian met Marib’s blue eyes. It was hard to read his expression, as expected of a prince, but he could sense a hint of playfulness. It was a question that would have been considered quite menacing if asked by someone else.

Ian immediately lowered his gaze and replied.

“From the time Sir Romandro went down to the border, I have considered that I had already met you, Your Highness.”

Although they had met for the first time, he had been receiving the prince’s orders for a long time. Marib laughed and tapped the armrest of the sofa.

“I see. That’s true. I heard that it’s fashionable to paint with pigments mixed with magic stones these days, so I’m thinking of supporting the artists I sponsor.”

Marib added, trying to lighten the mood. The report also mentioned the Siltham potion, but it was entirely up to Ian’s ability to interpret it politically. If he understood, he would prove his ability, and if he didn’t, he could just do as he was told.

“Then, let’s get up now. Hmm, it seems Romandro was taken to the infirmary, so there’s no need to stop by. Just leave the palace.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“In the future, if you have anything to convey, don’t go through Romandro, but directly to my aide.”

It was a sign that, although he couldn’t believe they were on the same boat yet, he acknowledged that they were looking in the same direction. Ian once again placed his hand on his chest and bowed.

“It was an honor to meet you.”

“The pleasure was mine as well.”

“Then, farewell.”

Squeak.

As soon as Ian stepped out of the reception room, he met Romandro, who was loitering at the end of the hallway. He quickly ran over to Ian and grabbed his arm.

“I-Is it over?”

“Why didn’t you come in? Let’s go.”

“No, it’s just that it was a bit awkward to go back in. But I have to say goodbye, don’t I?”

“His Highness Marib said there’s no need to stop by, just leave.”

“Oh my, thank goodness. Let’s go!”

He felt relieved to be out of his superior’s room. Romandro grumbled, embarrassed, saying that his legs felt heavy and he couldn’t move when he tried to go back.

“So, what did he say? And what was that report about?”

“Sir Romandro, you should know. In the Imperial Palace, even portraits have ears.”

Shhh, Ian covered his mouth with his finger and smiled faintly. It was a signal that he would tell him once they were out of the palace.

“It seems we should stop by the Magic Department on the way out. It would be best to leave the palace before the sun completely sets, wouldn’t it?”

“That’s right. If it gets dark, the security guards at the entrance will become more meticulous, which will be a hassle.”

The two hurried down the grand staircase of the main building. In a space that seemed like it could accommodate hundreds of people at once, only the soft sound of their footsteps echoed.

Tap tap!

“Let’s go out through the Magic Department.”

At Romandro’s words, the coachman gripped the reins tightly. The carriage carrying the two quickly exited the main building of the First Imperial Palace. Romandro, who had completely relaxed, groaned and whimpered.

“Oh my, it’s so tiring to do a face-to-face report after so long.”

“You’ve worked hard. But Sir Romandro, are there more princes?”

“Huh? More princes?”

At Ian’s question, Romandro turned around, wiping away cold sweat.

“There are quite a few princes.”

Including the First Prince Marib and the Second Prince Gale, there were about a dozen, which made Ian exclaim, “Ah.”

“But in reality, it’s fair to say that no one else has any standing in the Imperial Palace except for those two. The Third Prince passed away a few years ago due to a fall, and the Fourth and Fifth Princes below are too young.”

In terms of succession, it was right to say that there were no others below them. Even if the princes below them grew older, they were far behind in the rankings and didn’t have the ability to surpass Marib and Gale.

“There is one concubine who is currently the only one by His Majesty’s side. Her name is Dilaina, and she is the mother of the Fourth and Fifth Princes. She is so trusted that she prepares the New Year’s celebration on behalf of His Majesty.”

The Empress’s seat was vacant, and many concubines did not dare to step into the power struggle.

How could they fight against Marib and Gale, with an emperor who was as weak as a flickering candle? But Dilaina had no choice.

‘To protect her princes, the only person she can rely on is the Emperor.’

If Marib or Gale were to ascend the throne, it was clear that the other successors would be purged under the guise of checks and balances.

“His Highness Marib especially…”

“Dislikes Lady Dilaina, it seems.”

“It would be more accurate to say he ignores her.”

Romandro seemed to struggle with each word, clearing his throat and looking around. Even though there were only him and Ian in the carriage.

‘It seems like one of the other princes will become the next emperor.’

It was just a corridor he had passed through every day as a habit. To recall the unconsciously imprinted information, a clear catalyst was needed. For example, a direct image like the current Emperor’s face.

“We’ll be able to see everyone at the New Year’s celebration, won’t we?”

“If there are no special circumstances, we will. It’s the most important and largest event in the Empire.”

New Year’s celebration. It was clear that it would be a very important event, even setting aside the investiture ceremony. Ian noticed that the scenery was gradually changing in the darkness. It was because they had reached the central main building of the Second Imperial Palace.

‘We’re here.’

Ian unknowingly pressed his face against the window.

“Please let me off here.”

“Huh? Here?”

“If Sir Romandro is seen near the Magic Department, there’s no telling what rumors might spread. I’m not known yet, so it’s okay for me.”

“But…”

“It’s alright. I was just thinking of taking a look outside for a moment.”

It was a reasonable point. If Romandro, known as Marib’s subordinate, was seen loitering, who knew what rumors might circulate. The Imperial Palace was a place where even a breath had to be taken carefully.

Squeak.

“Ian, if anything happens, come running right away.”

“What could happen in the Imperial Palace, Sir Romandro?”

Ian got out of the carriage and turned back to him for a moment.

What if he found Naum’s magic traces when he went to the detached palace? And if he could return to Ian’s original form, his original time? This would be the last time he was with Romandro.

‘Ah, right. I should have said goodbye to Beric properly.’

That was a bit of a shame. But what could he do?

He was someone who shouldn’t have been here in the first place.

Ian smiled bitterly as he patted Romandro’s shoulder.

“Thank you truly. Please take good care of Beric too.”

“What’s with you all of a sudden? Hurry up and go. If Beric is late, he’ll throw another fit.”

Ian didn’t answer the words to come back. He just walked along the familiar path with a smile. When he felt his breath getting shorter, Ian realized he was running.

‘To my original world, and to Naum-‘

I want to save him. Naum, Ian’s only teacher and friend.

A small building made of ivory-colored bricks came into view. It was a rest area used by the guards of the Magic Department. If he turned from there, it would be the detached palace.

Thump!

His heart was pounding, but his steps suddenly stopped.

“…The detached palace is gone.”

It was gone. Instead of the detached palace belonging to the Magic Department, there were dozens of huge, beautiful trees. It was too messy to be a garden, and it was too unnatural to be a naturally formed space, with meaningless flagpoles stuck in various places.

Thud.

Ian walked between the trees, unable to hide his dismay. The moonlight shone brightly through the swaying branches. The colorful flags also fluttered in the wind. The mysterious feeling was short-lived, and Ian turned his head at the presence he felt behind him.

“Ah, so you’re Ian?”

Swish.

Black hair and blue eyes. A man with a large, sturdy build and sharply torn eyes that looked very cold. Although the atmosphere was completely different, Ian immediately recognized that he was Marib’s brother.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I am Gale.”