Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 23

“Gosh! What brings the Chunryeo tribe here…?”

Ian was wondering the same thing. How on earth did the Chunryeo tribe arrive here? Their base was at least a three-day ride away from the Bratz territory. They wouldn’t have ridden their Kusiles [a cross between a horse and a camel, used for desert travel] for a trivial reason.

‘It seems like a sudden visit.’

If it were a scheduled meeting, Hanna would know. She would have been busy preparing for guests since the day before.

Ian noticed the Chunryeo tribe’s gaze turning towards him.

“T-they’re looking this way.”

“Ugh…”

Berric could only groan weakly from behind. They whispered among themselves and then split into two groups. The one who seemed to be the leader went through the main gate towards the main building, while the subordinates approached Ian.

“T-they’re coming! They’re coming this way!”

It was natural for the people of Bratz to react like Hanna.

They were the enemy, with whom they had a long, ambiguous truce, unknown beings, and barbarians with transcendent power. They couldn’t hide their confusion, fear, and excitement.

“Hanna, you don’t have to be so dramatic.”

“But they’re the Chunryeo tribe! And w-why is that bird so big?”

“They came all the way here without any interference. They don’t have any hostile intentions.”

While reassuring Hanna, a Chunryeo man examined them.

“Excuse me.”

The man who approached was looking down at Ian from his Kusile. His sharp eyes, without double eyelids, were quite intimidating. They scrutinized Ian’s hair and features intently.

“Are you Ian, the second son of Count Bratz?”

“That is correct. Who are you?”

Hanna quietly hid behind Ian. For a borderlander, he spoke Bariel quite fluently.

“We have come with an urgent letter from the Chunryeo tribe. It seems we should meet with the Count, so it would be good if you could come with us now.”

An urgent letter.

Judging by their request for Ian’s company, it must be related to the peace treaty. Ian nodded to Hanna with a wink.

“Give Berric some fruit and cool water when the training is over.”

At the same time, Berric’s face crumpled. It meant that he had to continue training even without Ian.

“Ian! Ian!”

As expected, servants came rushing out of the main building, calling for Ian. He left the Chunryeo man behind and went up to Derga’s office. The butler was wringing his hands in a flustered manner amidst the chaotic atmosphere.

“Father, did you call for me?”

“Come closer.”

The leader who had entered the main building earlier was sitting on the sofa. There were countless thick scars below his neck.

Derga grabbed Ian’s shoulder with a benevolent smile.

“Ian, greet him. This is Nersarn, the envoy of the Chunryeo tribe. He is the younger brother of Chief Kakantir.”

The Count’s hand was gripping tightly. It was a reminder to stay sharp. Everything he had done so far was practice to show these people.

“It is an honor to meet you. I am Ian Bratz.”

The dark eyes scanned Ian up and down. He then put his hands together as if in prayer and responded. It was the Chunryeo tribe’s custom.

“I am Balamay Chin Nersarn.”

“What brings you here?”

Derga, as if distrustful of Ian, quickly interjected. Although tea hadn’t even been served yet, Nersarn answered without hesitation.

“We need to adjust the peace treaty schedule.”

He was direct without beating around the bush. It was partly due to their nature, but it also meant that the situation was urgent.

“Chief Winchen’s health has suddenly deteriorated. She was old and had some underlying conditions, but it’s the first time she’s been bedridden. Only the gods know what the future holds, so we are trying to prepare as much as we can.”

It was due to the Chunryeo tribe’s funeral customs. When a family member died, they would seclude themselves for a year to pray for their soul’s rest, and when a leader died, all the tribe members had to do the same.

Until now, the deaths of the chiefs were due to rebellions, so those who were ousted from their positions did not receive such treatment and only held ceremonies with their families.

But what about the chief Winchen?

Even Derga couldn’t know when her reign began. She was the root of the Chunryeo tribe. If they were to seclude themselves as a group, the peace treaty ceremony would be impossible. That’s why they had rushed here to adjust the date.

‘Considering it’s enemy territory, it’s understandable that the chief’s brother would come.’

“Are you saying you want to move the date forward?”

“That is correct.”

Chief Winchen was a gypsy who could discern lies. Since a new peace offering was entering the community, she wanted to use her ability to see through Ian’s impure intentions.

“Therefore, we would like to ask for your understanding, Count and Ian. We would be grateful if you could consider it a gesture for peace.”

Although he used polite words as he was in a position to ask, the nuance was quite ambiguous. If they refused, there would be no peace treaty, and they would smell the stench of blood again instead of peace. It was a veiled threat.

Derga hid his displeasure with a cough and asked,

“There’s only a month and a few days left. How much do you want to move it forward?”

“We would like to proceed with the simplest ceremony possible.”

Nersarn added that it was possible as early as the coming weekend.

The Count chose to remain silent for a moment instead of answering. This was quite troublesome because he had to send Molin to the capital immediately to proceed with his registration.

‘If we can’t make the time, there’s no other way…’

They had to conclude the peace treaty first.

After all, registration was a procedural matter, so it had nothing to do with the Chunryeo tribe. They would be curious if Ian had Derga’s blood, and they would trust Winchen’s word more than hundreds of documents.

“…You must be tired after riding for days?”

“I am fine. It’s nothing.”

“Even if you are, your Kusiles won’t be?”

If they returned to the Great Desert, they would have to ride through sandstorms again. It would be a very tiring schedule for the exhausted Kusiles.

“How about staying for the day and leaving tomorrow morning?”

It meant that he would give an answer then. For Derga, it was right to discuss this matter with Molin and then set a date.

Nersarn’s brow furrowed slightly at the hesitant answer, but that was it.

“…Thank you for your kindness.”

“It’s nothing. It’s only natural for a friend of an ally. Butler! Prepare rooms for our guests!”

The butler, who had been waiting outside, quickly came in and guided the guests. After Nersarn and his subordinates left the office, Ian turned to Derga. He was biting his fingernails, lost in thought.

‘Is it something to worry about? That’s unexpected.’

The registration confirmation could only be issued by the Imperial Palace, so it would take time even if he applied now. Since the Chunryeo tribe had changed the date first, it was okay to give it to them later.

The preparation for the peace treaty ceremony must have just begun. The important thing was the agreement itself, so if they agreed, it was possible as early as this weekend, as Nersarn had said.

‘It doesn’t seem like he’s trying to gain anything.’

There was no room for negotiation. The list of exchanges was already set, and if Winchen died, they didn’t know what would happen to the peace treaty. This time, it was beneficial for Derga to cooperate as much as possible. That way, he could gain an advantage in future deals.

“Father?”

Ian called him. He was biting his nails more and more. It was more of a question of bewilderment than worry. The Count suddenly came to his senses at the child’s voice.

“…Aren’t you gone yet?”

“I’m asking if I should help with the guests.”

He needed instructions before leaving.

At Ian’s words, Derga waved his hand. It meant that he should stay in his room and not cause any trouble.

“Nersarn is the chief’s beloved brother. He’s very perceptive, so don’t think of dealing with him carelessly.”

“I will keep that in mind.”

“Is anyone out there?”

“Yes, Master.”

“Prepare the carriage! Quickly!”

Derga shouted as he grabbed his coat. It seemed like he was going to run to Molin to share the situation.

Ian turned and glanced at the office door. The makeshift bedroom was still tightly locked. With the aide’s position vacant, he must be very busy.

‘The timing is amazing.’

If he had delayed any longer, Molin would have returned to the capital without receiving the secret document. It felt like he was being blessed by the gods.

As Ian smiled faintly and came outside, he saw Berric sprawled out. Hanna was fanning him diligently.

“Young Master! Are you done with your business? What on earth happened?”

“It’s nothing much. It seems like the date of the peace treaty ceremony will be changed. Did you finish the laps around the garden already?”

“Can’t you see? I’m dying, damn it! Ugh…”

“That Chunryeo tribe, they’re not going to stay at the mansion for long, right? I saw them being guided to the annex by the butler.”

Hanna chattered without stopping her fanning. They couldn’t keep strangers in the main building, and there had been an unpleasant incident in the office recently. On the other hand, the annex had plenty of rooms for guests. They were probably assigned to the floor above Ian’s.

‘The surveillance will be fierce.’

Soldiers would be guarding the building all night. Still, if Ian was determined, he could make contact. After all, they were the ‘peace’ targets. They couldn’t put guards right in front of the door.

“Young Master, should I ask the butler to change your room just for today?”

Hanna asked worriedly. She seemed uneasy about sharing a building with the Chunryeo tribe. Ian shook his head and smiled.

“It’s fine. They’re the ones I’ll be living with in the future. Berric, get yourself together and follow me. Hanna, you can go do your work.”

At the firm command, Berric staggered to his feet. Ian, who had been watching quietly, grabbed his forehead and pushed his magic power into him.

Ziiing-

“I told you to get yourself together.”

“Damn it. Giving me poison and then the antidote…”

“Think of it as a whip and a carrot.”

Berric spat out bitter saliva and barely took a step. Gradually, his gait became normal. As they entered the annex building, they could hear the servants’ anxious chatter.

“Did you see them? They’re much bigger than I thought!”

“That’s why they say that even a dozen soldiers wouldn’t be able to handle them. Ugh. They’re like beasts.”

“What kind of food should we serve them? The butler didn’t say anything, did he?”

“They’re barbarians, so wouldn’t they just eat raw meat?”

Were they ignorant or evil?

Ian clicked his tongue and made his presence known. The servants greeted Ian without much surprise.

‘They’re ignorant.’

“I heard we have guests?”

“Since there were no suitable rooms, we have accommodated them on the floor above the Young Master’s. You should sleep in the main building today.”

“Or should we set up a night watch?”

“You must lock your door and sleep!”

Ian tried to ignore them and gave instructions.

“That’s enough. Prepare some simple snacks and wine with care and bring them up. This is not a meal, so don’t tell the butler.”

They had arrived like a storm, and they hadn’t even been able to serve tea in the office. It was an unacceptable breach of etiquette for a nobleman to treat a guest who had ridden for days like that. Derga had told him not to interfere, but Ian had no intention of doing so.

Knock knock.

“This is Ian Bratz. May I come in?”

“…Come in.”

He entered the room with the servants carrying trays. They were all standing in place like caged beasts. The servants hesitated and set the food on the table.

“You must be hungry after traveling so far, please have some snacks. It was a sudden visit, so everyone is a bit slow in preparing. Please understand.”

At Ian’s greeting, Nersarn approached. And he looked down at him as if he were looking at a very strange creature. It was a gaze where each regarded the other as an unfamiliar beast.

“When I saw you earlier, I was puzzled because you didn’t look like the Count at all. How can the bloodlines of the nobles of the Great Empire be so different?”

The leader’s blunt joke made his subordinates burst into laughter. Nersarn neatly turned his head and winked at them. It was a signal to eat.

“But looking at you now, you are definitely a noble.”

It was like a compliment, but not quite. It was like he was using honorifics, but not quite. The subtle nuances continued. Nersarn smiled brightly and added,

“That’s a compliment, Young Master Ian.”

If Derga was the one holding the leash, these people were the ones holding swords to his neck. But…

‘Your swords will soon become my swords.’

Ian smiled brightly back at him and then approached calmly.