Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 199

Clink.

Nershaln poured black tea into Philia’s teacup. It had been several days since they arrived at the Imperial Palace, but his beloved lover didn’t seem to be adjusting to the place at all.

It was understandable, considering she had lived her entire life in a poor village on the outskirts. Even when she first entered the Hiel manor, she was overwhelmed by its luxury, but this place, the Imperial Palace, was on a different level altogether.

‘Philia, we’re alone, so please sit comfortably.’

‘Do I look uncomfortable?’

‘Quite a bit.’

Philia smiled awkwardly and smoothed her hair. The sleeve of her dress swayed softly with her touch. Ian had prepared it for her to wear comfortably, but somehow, it felt awkward, like she was wearing someone else’s clothes.

‘I think I’m more suited to working outside. I’ve only been like this for a day, and my body can’t stay still.’

‘They said the gates would open soon. Our work is done for now, so it’s okay to enjoy some luxury. More than anything, you deserve it.’

Nershaln said this as he handed her the warm tea.

In the beginning, the Chunryeo [a group of warriors known for their rough nature] were unmatched in the physical work of clearing rubble and pushing away debris. But soon, as the administrative work became the main focus, Romandro provided the warriors with Gail’s palace as their residence.

‘Even so, staying at His Highness’s residence… It’s beyond the scope of luxury.’

Especially since the etiquette of the Imperial Palace was said to surpass that of the nobility. Philia, being of common birth, was doing her best to maintain a stiff posture, worried that she might make a mistake and burden Ian. On the other hand, Nershaln leaned back comfortably and kissed the back of Philia’s hand.

‘Philia, we didn’t come here as guests, but because Ian asked for our help. And even though Romandro is friendly towards us, he wouldn’t let us stay here for no reason.’

There were several reasons. First, to protect Gail. It seemed that the power struggle would depend on the safety of Prince Gail, so protecting him was the first priority.

‘Second, to hide. If the border tribe were to openly roam the Imperial Palace, it would only add to the confusion of the Empire’s citizens. Besides, Gail’s residence is off-limits. It’s a good place to hide.’

Well, whatever the reason, it was definitely Romandro’s favor. It was the Prince’s residence, after all. The warriors were resting, feeling like they had fallen into a new world.

‘…Nershaln, how should we go back?’

Philia asked cautiously, fiddling with the edge of her teacup. No matter how she thought about it, this place didn’t seem like somewhere she belonged. She missed the Hiel manor, that warm manor. It had only been a few days.

‘It would be easier if the Magic Department could raise the Black Moon again, but that seems impossible. It would draw too much attention, and it seems like a last resort for the mages. That means it’s unstable.’

‘I suppose so? Then we’d have to take a carriage, but I heard it takes about fifteen days to get from here to Hiel. I’m fine, but I’m worried the warriors might be uncomfortable.’

‘Philia, those guys can endure both the dawn and noon in the desert. I’m more worried about you. And there’s no rush, is there? It’s been a while since we saw Ian, so let’s catch up properly before we leave.’

‘I’m worried I might be a bother. Ian is doing such important work right now. I’m just glad to see he’s doing well.’

Philia stammered, hiding her disappointment as she smiled. She couldn’t even get a proper look at his face. She knew her son was running around without even having time to sleep. She was grateful that he had taken the time to prepare clothes for her.

‘Or…’

Nershaln rested his chin on his hand and slowly looked at Philia. His gaze was tender and warm, as if he was pressing down on every part of her.

‘Shall we have a simple wedding here?’

‘Pardon?’

‘We don’t have many chances to be with Ian. Let’s pledge our love in front of your son, and then pledge our eternity when we return to Hiel. That journey will be the first memory of our days together.’

Once they returned to Hiel, they wouldn’t be able to leave the territory. So, it was a proposal to return leisurely, as if on a honeymoon. Philia was so surprised that she covered her mouth.

‘Huh? What do you think?’

‘I-‘

Bang!

Just before her acceptance, filled with emotion, could be uttered, a loud noise came from outside. Such a commotion in a place where Prince Gail’s stability was the priority. Both of them turned their heads towards the door at the same time.

‘What could be the matter?’

‘Don’t worry. The warriors are just a bit rough.’

It was certain that some of the hot-blooded warriors had caused an accident. Nershaln maintained his smile, but inwardly cursed. Whoever it was, their timing was terrible. How dare they interrupt his lover’s answer? Especially when it was about their engagement?

‘Philia.’

‘Ah, yes, yes. I-‘

Thud! Bang!

Nershaln was eager for an answer, but the commotion broke out again. Philia looked at the door with a worried expression.

‘I think I should go check.’

‘I’ll go. You stay here and rest.’

Swoosh.

Nershaln smiled sweetly and made Philia sit back down. He seemed to be smiling, but somehow, he looked menacing.

Left alone, Philia kept her ears perked, trying to gauge the situation outside. The faint but continuous roar didn’t stop.

‘His Highness Gail will wake up.’

Philia thought this as she opened the door facing the one Nershaln had gone through. They were in a small reception room between the bedroom and the main reception room. It was a space where mages and doctors rested and waited, and it was convenient because it provided easy access to various places.

Click.

Gail’s bedroom came into view. Philia peeked her head out slightly to check if everything was okay. The prince was still sleeping soundly, as if he were unconscious. And there was a child looking down at Gail by his bedside.

‘Your Highness Jin?’

It was a familiar figure with silver hair and familiar clothes. Philia had never seen Arsen, so she naturally assumed it was Jin. The child turned his head slightly.

‘Your Highness, what brings you here? I apologize, but…’

Was it okay to speak to the prince first? Ian was a minister, but wasn’t the prince more important? Did Ian’s no-entry order include the prince? Prince Jin and Ian were said to have a special friendship, so was it okay?

Philia was confused and didn’t know what to do.

‘Your Highness, please wait a moment.’

She needed to call Nershaln. Philia made that decision and turned around. Then, a firm command was issued.

‘Stop.’

‘Yes?’

Swoosh.

Arsen turned his head. Philia was momentarily flustered, but Arsen smiled and gestured to her, as if telling her to come closer. Philia lowered her posture as much as possible, bowed, and approached.

‘Ah…’

‘Are you Ian’s mother?’

‘Yes, that’s right. My name is Philia.’

The child’s face had no scars. Also, despite the time they had spent embracing each other against Marib’s attack, he was acting as if he was seeing her for the first time. Philia realized that the child was Jin’s twin brother.

‘You must be His Highness Arsen? It’s nice to meet you.’

‘…How annoying.’

‘Pardon?’

‘No, it’s just that in the past, there were many who were confused about whether I was Jin or not. But now, they can tell just by looking at my face? How boring.’

Arsen muttered as he sat on Gail’s bed.

She felt a sense of danger. She only turned her head to check on Gail. Judging by his gently rising and falling chest, there didn’t seem to be any problems.

‘There were times when even the mother who gave birth to me couldn’t recognize me, but now even strangers can distinguish us without hesitation. What a predicament. Isn’t that right?’

‘I, I don’t know.’

‘Hmm? Why?’

Philia barely managed to answer, feeling tense.

‘His Highness Jin is His Highness Jin, and His Highness Arsen is His Highness Arsen, isn’t he? No matter how similar they are, they can’t be the same person. It’s natural to be able to tell them apart, and I think it’s a good thing.’

Arsen, who had been smiling brightly, hardened his expression. She had clearly touched a nerve. Arsen slapped Philia’s cheek with his small hand.

Slap!

‘How rude.’

‘…I, I apologize.’

‘Is it because you’re Ian’s mother? You act just like him. The way you irritate people, anyone can tell you’re mother and son.’

Arsen grabbed Philia’s chin and shook it. It was a weak touch, but it made her feel dizzy. She couldn’t dare to resist. She felt dizzy and her vision spun.

‘Hmm.’

Arsen looked down at Philia, who was barely holding herself up. It had been noisy outside for a while now. If the Chunryeo tribe was stationed there, it must be the commotion they were causing. It seemed that his hidden subordinates had been discovered.

‘This is not a good opportunity.’

Arsen clicked his tongue. He was already exhausted from breaking through the security once. If the warriors were to rush in at the same time, there would be no way out, even for him.

He tapped Gail’s chest near his heart with a dagger, then turned to Philia.

‘Philia?’

‘Yes, yes, Your Highness.’

‘Jin and I were always one. But to be distinguished by a mere scar. How lamentable, really.’

Philia touched her dizzy forehead and nodded without realizing it. She couldn’t hear what Arsen was saying, but she felt like she had to agree.

‘Y, yes, that’s right.’

‘So, won’t you help me?’

‘What, what is it?’

‘You know Jin’s scar, right?’

A line running from his left forehead to his right jaw. It was exactly the same as Jin’s, as if drawn with a finger without an inch of error. Arsen smiled as he handed Philia a dagger.

‘Look closely. From here to here.’

‘Ah, Your Highness…’

‘You make it. My brother has been avoiding me since he got the scar, and it hurts my heart so much. Maybe if I had the same scar, Jin would like me? I would be so grateful if you helped me.’

The sound of footsteps outside grew louder. The warriors were coming here with the guards. It wasn’t the right time to kill Gail, but in another sense, it was perfect.

‘Come on, hurry. Draw it.’

It was strange. Philia felt as if warm milk had been poured into her head, making her feel white and wet. She grabbed the dagger without realizing it, and without realizing it, she leaned closer to Arsen.

‘Your Highness, that…’

‘I am the Emperor of the Empire, so if you help me, it will also help my son, Ian. As a mother, don’t hesitate.’

‘Ian’s mother tried to harm the Fourth Prince. She held a sword and drew blood.’

That was the situation Arsen wanted. If he did that, even if he couldn’t kill Gail right away, he could establish a favorable position.

The tip of the sword touched Arsen’s forehead.

‘Ian.’

Philia muttered, repeating Ian’s name. Her pupils widened. Reflexively, she brought her other hand and grabbed the blade of the dagger.

‘Ah!’

She couldn’t, harming Arsen would not help Ian, someone seemed to be shouting next to her. As Philia stepped back, cutting her own palm, Arsen frowned.

‘It was an order.’

‘Your Highness, no!’

‘Shut up. I’m already very tired, even without you.’

Arsen grabbed Philia’s hand and tried to stab his forehead. He was so violent for a child, Philia screamed with tears in her eyes.

‘Your Highness!’

Thwack!

That was the moment.

Arsen’s head suddenly snapped back.

The child glared at his opponent with a look of intense anger. They were looking at each other upside down, but their gazes were unwavering.

‘…What are you doing?’

‘Brother. You’re more alive than I thought.’

It was Gail, who had regained consciousness. Arsen’s eyes widened as he laughed out loud.

‘You can’t even die properly, so there was a huge sigh in the Imperial Palace. Why, did the one who went ahead tell you not to come?’

Bang!

At Arsen’s taunt, Gail grabbed the child’s hair and slammed him into the table. As he fell limply, the door opened.

Thud!

Ian, Romandro, and the warriors and guards.

Everyone frowned at the strange situation in the room.