Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 127

‘Hehe. Hehehe.’

Was he having a pleasant dream? Beric, sprawled out on the living room sofa, kept chuckling. Mini, who was carrying tea, shook her head in disbelief at the sight.

‘Anyone would think Lord Beric was the star of the New Year’s celebration. How did he come back so drunk?’

It was the time when the moon shone brightest. Ian and Romandro had brought the drunken Beric back to the mansion. Vivianna and Mini, who couldn’t sleep, along with the coachman, had tried to move Beric, but they couldn’t manage to drag him up the stairs.

‘And he’s not even that big, but how can he be so heavy!’

Chatter, chatter, Mini kept glancing at Beric, recalling the hardships of the previous night. Romandro just sipped his tea and muttered.

‘Even if you look at him, he’s a knight. His body is solid, so he’s heavy. Ugh, still, it was a bit too much. Don’t you think so, Ian?’

Ian, sitting across from him, nodded with a smile. Did Beric know that all the mansion staff gathered in the kitchen were gossiping about him? Beric smacked his lips and unconsciously picked at his ear.

‘I think I should impose a drinking ban on Beric.’

‘That wouldn’t be bad. Look at him, he hasn’t even had his coming-of-age ceremony yet, and he’s already developed such a terrible drinking habit.’

Romandro put down the newspaper and looked out the window. It was a dim morning, as the sunrise was late in winter. The official admission request from the Magic Department would arrive when it got brighter, but there was something he needed to confirm with Ian before that.

‘Hey, Ian. There’s something I’m curious about.’

‘Yes. Please, go ahead.’

Romandro’s voice was a bit more serious than usual. Ian, noticing the change, stopped stirring his teacup, and Mini naturally went into the kitchen, leaving them alone.

‘When you had an audience with His Highness Marib last time, he asked about the donation, didn’t he?’

‘Yes, he did.’

Ian nodded. He wondered why he hadn’t asked, but it seemed he was just waiting for the right time.

‘But why didn’t you mention that the donation was prepared? And about the Luron magic stone. I know that you are the owner, so I’m not in a position to interfere. But I’m curious, so I’m asking for your intentions. Perhaps, that…’

Cough. Romandro cleared his throat again and continued. Unlike himself, a civil servant, Ian was a mage who had to throw himself into the whirlpool of the Imperial Palace alone. Whatever choice he made, he was ready to respect it.

‘Perhaps, if you want to find your identity as a mage, tell me. I’ll help you in my own way.’

Even if he sided with Gale, he would help him personally. That’s what he was saying.

Ian listened to Romandro’s words while drinking his tea. Through his slightly trembling Adam’s apple, it was clear that he was speaking sincerely.

‘If he knew that Gale was preparing a rebellion, he wouldn’t say that.’

A smile appeared on Ian’s lips, and Romandro, who had been tense, widened his eyes. As if asking why he was smiling.

‘Lord Romandro, you are a man of His Highness Marib, aren’t you?’

‘It’s disappointing to say that. I’m just a salaried worker. His Highness Marib is my superior, but…’

He was someone he wouldn’t see if he resigned. But Ian was someone he would continue to see, wasn’t he? It would be a shame if his superior changed, but if that was the fate of a mage, there was nothing he could do.

‘First of all, let me make it clear. I have no intention of working for His Highness Gale.’

‘Oh, really? Ahaha! Oh my, I was so nervous!’

He had misunderstood because he had seen Ian meet Gale on the day he first entered the palace and talk to him alone at the New Year’s party. Romandro waved his hand, bursting into awkward laughter.

‘But I won’t tell His Highness Marib everything about my situation, including the Luron magic stone.’

‘Oh, why…’

‘Because there’s no reason to. There’s nothing more dangerous in the Imperial Palace than showing all your cards too soon. Lord Romandro, you said so yourself.’

‘I did? Did I say that?’

Of course, it was a lie. But Romandro, with Ian’s nonchalant attitude, just tilted his head and then agreed.

‘The past me gave some pretty good advice. Yes, that’s right.’

‘It’s unlikely, but if His Highness Marib asks, Lord Romandro, you can answer according to your beliefs. You don’t need to worry about me. Lord Romandro, you have a family, don’t you?’

At Ian’s words, Romandro’s expression became strange. It was true. What was most important to Romandro now was Vivianna and the child who would soon be born.

‘Live for them. I will live for myself. But even so, you don’t have to worry too much. You know me well, don’t you?’

His ability to handle situations was not just outstanding, but unique. He had not only crossed the Great Desert without anything, but had even established a new family. Romandro sipped his tea and muttered.

‘If you say so, I understand. I’m worried about you, but I don’t distrust you. If you ever need to discuss anything, let me know. You seem to have a plan for the Luron magic stone, so I’ll find a place to store it for now.’

‘I am truly grateful for your words.’

‘We’ve spent quite a few days together.’

Ian just smiled at Romandro’s words. Perhaps it was a true stroke of luck that Romandro had come down to the border. Just as the two were about to resume their breakfast,

Ding! Ding-ding!

The doorbell at the front gate rang. Mini, who was in the kitchen, tilted her head in confusion.

‘Has the Magic Department already arrived?’

‘I don’t know. It’s still early.’

‘Just a moment. I’ll go see.’

Mini ran to the entrance and opened the door slightly. Ian and Romandro also got up halfway and were checking the outside.

‘Lord Ian. You have a guest?’

‘A guest? At this hour?’

‘It’s someone named Barsabe Brute.’

‘Ah. The Imperial Guard?’

Ian finally understood and let out a small exclamation. Then, he put on his jacket and followed Mini to the entrance. Only Romandro, who didn’t know who it was, hurriedly woke Beric and urged him.

‘Hey, you, get up now.’

‘Uhm. Pig, a pig is talking…’

‘Is he crazy! You! Who are you calling a pig!’

Thwack!

Romandro gave him a good smack on the head, but Beric, still half-asleep, only showed a dull reaction. He just rubbed his forehead with his eyes closed and yawned widely.

‘The Imperial Guard has come to see Ian. I don’t know what’s going on, so hurry up and get ready and come out. You’re supposed to be Ian’s guard, for goodness sake!’

‘Uhm. Guard?’

‘Hurry!’

Ignoring the commotion from inside, Ian approached the front door. Then, Barsabe, dressed neatly in her uniform, greeted him with a salute, her lips tightly closed.

Thump.

‘Greetings. I am Barsabe Brute of the Imperial Guard, Lord Ian Hiel.’

‘Yes. It’s been a while.’

Her beret, gloves, and even the decorations on her sword sheath were all by the book. Ian crossed his arms and looked at Barsabe with interest.

‘It’s not much different from the guard uniform 100 years from now.’

‘I have come to retrieve my father’s belongings.’

She had come here, trusting Ian’s words that he would hand over Petreio’s belongings if she visited formally and politely. It was her only option.

‘It’s early for a formal visit.’

‘I apologize for the intrusion.’

‘Well, it’s better than coming at night.’

Thump, thump!

‘Ian! Iaaan!’

It was then. Beric, still half-asleep, came running out with his sword sheath in hand. Romandro, who had been pushing him from behind, stopped when he saw Barsabe.

‘Are, are you alone?’

‘Yes, I am.’

‘Then, is it personal business?’

‘Oh? Her? The one who got knocked out in the alley. Her molars were shattered, and she had a nosebleed. Nice to see you again, it’s been a while!’

Beric recognized Barsabe and greeted her, but she only glared at him fiercely. Judging by the fact that there was no sound of teeth grinding, her molars were still missing.

‘…How dare you insult me.’

‘Insult? Lord Romandro, did I throw up yesterday?’

Half-asleep, half-drunk. It was a complete mess. Ian pushed Beric behind him and invited Barsabe inside.

‘Ignore him, let’s go to the living room. Lord Romandro, is that alright?’

‘Ah, of course. Of course.’

‘Beric. Go upstairs and bring the small wooden box with my belongings.’

At Ian’s nod, Mini guided Barsabe inside. Romandro followed behind, and Beric grumbled but dutifully went up the stairs.

‘She is Petreio’s daughter.’

‘Petreio? Oh, really? Wait, what?!’

Romandro, who had been half-listening in shock, jumped up. The daughter of Molin’s henchman, the man who had tried to kill them! While Ian explained the situation, Beric brought the box.

‘Ian, is this it?’

‘Put it down.’

Click.

Barsabe, who had been standing straight with her eyes fixed forward, lowered her head involuntarily. Ian rummaged through the box and took out a small ring wrapped in paper.

‘This is Petreio’s ring.’

‘Ah. This…’

‘Do you know it? It’s poisoned, so be careful. The moment it touches your skin, it will cause necrosis and melt away. You will die a painful death.’

‘Did my father use this?’

‘It would have been a very appropriate response to hide his identity after the assassination attempt.’

Barsabe placed the ring on her palm and slowly looked at it. As if trying to find her father’s last moments there. Her eyebrows furrowed as she bit her lip.

‘It’s my father’s ring. But I didn’t know it had a suicide function.’

When she asked why he wore it so often, even though it wasn’t a wedding ring, and if he had met someone new, she remembered the bitter smile her father had given.

That was the meaning. When she found out the meaning of the ring, her father would be gone.

‘When did he start wearing it?’

‘After he retired from his position as the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard and got a new job.’

‘It’s the ring he started wearing when he served Molin, so it must have been given by him.’

Since it was a poison often used in human trafficking, if they investigated this, they might be able to prove the connection with Molin. And that would lead to Gale.

‘Alright. Take it carefully. The poison has hardened, so it probably won’t be easy to touch.’

Mini, who had been listening from the corner, brought out a small wooden box the size of her palm. It was a case she had received when she bought jewelry, and it was perfect for holding a single ring.

‘This will be safer than wrapping it in cloth.’

‘…Thank you.’

‘And Petreio seemed to trust you very much.’

When asked if he wasn’t worried about his remaining family, he was unwavering. As if he trusted his daughter.

‘That’s all. That’s all I can give you.’

At Ian’s words, Barsabe held the box tightly with both hands. Then, she stood up and saluted as a sign of gratitude, bowing deeply. More sincerity was felt than in a thousand words.

‘Then, I’ll be going.’

‘Ah, if you see us at the palace, please take care of us.’

Specifically, that Beric who was yawning across from them.

When Barsabe frowned, not understanding, Ian added with a smile.

‘I’m planning to send Beric to the Imperial training grounds soon. If he’s lacking in any way, please help him.’

‘Me? Me? To the training grounds? I don’t know what you’re talking about, but great! The Imperial Palace is amazing, right!’

Beric was just as clueless. Wasn’t it a place where he could fight stronger opponents and grow? Barsabe left the mansion without answering, and Beric followed her out, shouting.

‘Hey! Let’s meet again at the training grounds! I’ll knock out your other molars!’

‘Shut that mouth of yours!’

‘Front teeth are a bit much~!’

Wham!

After Barsabe’s visit, which had swept through like a storm, Romandro felt drained for no reason. He was sprawled out on the sofa, panting like Beric had been earlier.

Ding! Ding-ding!

The doorbell rang again. Romandro, thinking it was Barsabe again, didn’t think much of it. But this time, he jumped up when he heard Mini’s words.

‘Gasp! It’s the Magic Department! The admission request has arrived!’