Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 249

The Opposing Faction’s Noble Signatures

The office was quiet. It was the time when the sky was just beginning to brighten.

Ian, with a focused gaze, was reviewing documents when he rubbed his brow. The conversation he had with Jin earlier kept replaying in his mind. Was it because he was reaching his physical limits again? It was hard to concentrate.

‘Your Highness, please keep this a secret between us for now. Mother would be the first to tell us if there was good news. Since she doesn’t seem to know, it’s best if we pretend we don’t either.’

‘Okay. I will!’

‘But, did he say she was beautiful?’

‘Very, very much so.’

It had already been proven during the Arsen incident that the Riversaid Jin met in his dreams was not an illusion. Vivianna’s hint also suggested it, and now, a sibling. He didn’t know what kind of ancestor he was, but each of his hints was something that couldn’t be ignored.

Could it be that Philia had given birth to another child besides the illegitimate Ian? If not, another illegitimate child of Derga Bratz?

Toc toc.

No. Ian lightly shook the pen tip, removing the excess ink. If Derga had another illegitimate child, he would have known by now.

Did he have more opportunities? Surely, rumors would have spread among the residents during the fall and reconstruction of a territory. Philia and Nersarn were the most likely candidates.

‘Then it is right to bless them.’

Ian simply thought that and signed the document. Philia wasn’t his biological mother, and even if she were, it wouldn’t be a problem.

It was something to be welcomed. Since he was unlikely to go down to Hielo territory in the future, the child of the two would be the first step towards cultural integration and the cornerstone of a strong alliance.

‘Most of all, it’s truly fortunate for Philia. Yes. Living happily. That’s all there is, what else could there be?’

The process of everyone in the Imperial Palace fiercely arguing, conflicting, and reaching agreements was all for that purpose.

A complete life that makes up a grand history. Sometimes, when the surroundings are too turbulent, one forgets where they are going. But at those times, Ian surprisingly always found his way in the small moments of everyday life.

“Kuh-urr…”

For example, the snoring of Beric, who had fallen asleep in front of the magic fireplace. In a way, that too could be seen as a complete life.

Hmm. Ian seriously observed him for a moment before closing the file.

……

Unlike the peaceful atmosphere of the office, the documents he was looking at all had titles that could cause a stir.

Knock knock.

“Excuse me.”

“Come in. It’s all done.”

“Ah. That’s a relief. I was just coming from Seroh-”

A mage, looking haggard, entered as if she had been waiting. She carefully held the stack of documents in her arms, then stopped when she saw Ian. Pale skin, deepened eyes, and…

“Sir Ian. You have a nosebleed.”

“Huh?”

A faint red mark was visible below his nose. Ian was surprised and raised his head, and the mage quickly handed him a handkerchief. Beric, who had been snoring, noticed the commotion and suddenly sat up. Drool was hanging from his mouth.

“Huh, what’s going on? What’s going on!”

“You’re being loud, Beric.”

“You’re bleeding, Ian! Crazy! Double nosebleed!”

“Are you trying to wake everyone else up?”

“Should I wake them up? Should I?”

“…Go and bring Captain Hale only.”

Ian lightly gestured, instructing Beric.

He staggered greatly and rolled out the door. Seeing that, he understood why strange rumors were circulating in the Magic Department. Ian held the handkerchief to his nose, leaning back in his chair.

“Anyway, why from Seroh?”

Ian asked, closing his eyes, exhausted. The mage, who had been quietly observing his appearance, was startled and continued her report.

“The resistance from the seven families, including Haiman, is more severe than expected. It seems that since they were the ones supporting the center, there are many difficulties in the judicial and administrative departments.”

It wasn’t just about their lives, but the very existence of their families was at stake. Moreover, it was seven families. If you included all the members, servants, and even minor connections through regional and academic ties, Bael would be making a sacrifice no different from cutting off its own left arm. It was a sacrifice that could never have been made without envisioning a better future.

“So?”

“Because the schedule is delayed, the Seroh family, representing them, has gathered signatures from the opposing central nobles.”

“Opposing central nobles?”

Look at that? Opposing faction?

Only then did Ian raise his eyebrows and look at the mage. As if he was a little surprised.

It was very early. It had only been a few days since Haiman was cut out from the lump that was the central nobility. Yet, in that time, the remaining members had defined their meaning and formed a group? Wasn’t it surprising? Especially since it was an ‘opposing faction.’ It was even more significant because it was impossible to specify what they were opposing.

“Yes. It has been submitted to the judicial department, and the matter has been made known throughout the streets. Of course, not about the ‘Magic Identification Ceremony’ incident, but about the rebellion of the seven families.”

Seroh was just a temporary measure. It was a way to fill Haiman’s vacancy, dilute the blatant checks from the Imperial Palace, and bind other nobles as desired.

But, they took the lead and gathered signatures from the opposing faction? Ian lightly shook the feather attached to the back of his pen.

‘It’s natural that Haiman and the seven families should be purged quickly for them to have a chance. They are probably waiting for Haiman’s downfall as much as the imperial family. But to move without any notice like this…’

It was, how should he put it? Annoying.

Half of the central nobles were Haiman’s forces, and the other half were those who condemned him. If Seroh were to take the center of them ‘more exceptionally’ than expected?

If the seven families disappeared, how much could Seroh’s body grow from the spoils? Could he really guarantee that a second Haiman wouldn’t be born?

‘If you show too much enthusiasm depending on the situation, that’s also troublesome, Lord Seroh.’

Ian clicked his tongue inwardly. He couldn’t be sure of his intentions. Whether it was to drive a wedge of loyalty into Jin and Ian, or to open a new horizon in the noble world by planning for the future.

Whatever it was, he was now trying to step on the line that Ian had set, precariously. He hadn’t even given him permission to step on it.

“I understand for now.”

First, it was something that had already happened. Whatever the intention, it was wise to accept it.

At that moment, Captain Hale urgently burst into the office.

Thump thump thump!

Crash!

“Minister! You’re having excessive bleeding!”

“Oh, Captain Hale. Come here and give me some mana.”

“Ma, mana?”

Ian waved his hand casually, and Hale stopped in his tracks.

What? He wanted mana? Again?

He had never been physically exhausted before, but Hale could feel cold sweat running down his back. He couldn’t even guess how big Ian’s mana pool was. It would be cleaner and easier to go to a monster battle and roll around a few times.

Beric, who had followed, pushed Hale’s back, urging him on.

“What are you doing? The master wants mana!”

“Hey. This isn’t your business, is it?”

“Your business is your business! My business is your business!”

The mage, who had been listening quietly, offered a new handkerchief and suggested.

“Sir Ian. Why don’t you get some sleep? Even if you’re a mage, there’s a limit to recovering your stamina with external mana. It would be more effective to get a good night’s sleep. You only slept for a day and then kept working.”

It was contradictory that she was worried but still taking the approval documents from early morning, but well, Ian thought it was reasonable advice. He went into the inner room where the bed was and asked.

“Seroh must have left the palace by now, right?”

“Yes. He was the first to receive the Geum-eon magic [a type of magic that allows one to leave the palace] and leave.”

A privilege he had gained by wanting to become Ian’s force.

Ian sat on the bed, pondering something. Seroh seemed very excited at the thought of succeeding Haiman, but if he openly rebuked him, there would be new variables to calculate.

Then-

“After lunch, bring Lady Melania here. Let’s have a meal together.”

“Here?”

“As you can see, I’m busy, and the lady is not imprisoned.”

“Understood. Then, I will do so. Please sleep well. I’ll come back for the rest of the reports then.”

The mage shrugged her shoulders as if she didn’t understand and left the office. Captain Hale also tried to sneak out, but Beric grabbed his arm with all his might.

“Where are you going! Ian wants mana!”

“I think he’d be better off with you.”

“Oh? Is that so? Ian, is that right?”

“No, it’s not. Captain Hale. Please come here.”

Ian neatly arranged the pillow. Then, he lay down properly and neatly, only flicking his fingers.

Captain Hale stroked his rough beard and pulled a chair next to him.

Squeak.

“I think I need to get a mana amplifier.”

“I heard that Captain Acorella got one because of me. Are the side effects okay? If there aren’t any major ones, I think it would be better for me to get one myself.”

Haiman’s charges included ‘Dragon Scales.’ Acorella’s active cooperation was needed, but she had not been seen on the ground since receiving the mana amplifier. Some said it was because of the side effects, while others thought she was researching as always.

“Yes. Well. When I saw her yesterday, she seemed the same as usual, except for sweating a bit. It’s still in the experimental stage, so even the person who made it doesn’t know what the side effects are. I was just measuring her temperature, laughing, and recording things… I thought she was crazy.”

“Captain Acorella was always crazy.”

Buzz. Buzz.

Ian chuckled at Beric’s retort. It was something that shouldn’t come from Beric’s mouth, of all people.

Ian tapped the side of the bed to tell them to be quiet, and soon, he fell into a deep sleep.

* * *

Neigh!

Squeak!

Melania got out of the carriage, completely covered in a robe.

After Ian left, she didn’t know how much she had blamed herself and bit her lip. She shouldn’t have said that then, she should have approached him a little more like this, if she had, Ian would have reacted more strongly, etc. Since her surroundings were dark, even the smallest hope was more desperate.

“This way.”

Ian had called her again. This meant that Ian had shown interest in some way. Melania calmly followed the mage’s guidance to the office.

“No, wait a minute! Romandro, that’s mine?”

“You brat, where is yours here? Ian bought it all.”

“I eat the most here, so it’s mine!”

“Sia, come here and eat some too.”

“No, master. I’m fine.”

“Tsk tsk. You’re both the same confidants, but your cost-effectiveness is so different. Beric, you need to reflect. Ack! Did you bite me? Did you bite me now?”

The mage, who was about to announce their arrival, glanced at Melania. It wasn’t the kind of commotion that would come from the Magic Department Minister’s office, it was more like a lunch break at a remote school. The mage cleared her throat, about to announce Melania’s arrival.

“But Ian. Why are you calling Haiman’s youngest daughter?”

At Beric’s question, Melania quickly grabbed the mage’s wrist. Just for a moment, she desperately asked to eavesdrop. It was an inappropriate action, so the mage was flustered and stopped.

“Hmm. Beric. Have you ever seen a fighting match?”

“I’ve even participated in one? But why a fight all of a sudden?”

“There’s a winner and a challenger. If you think about it, Haiman is the winner, and Seroh is the challenger.”

“What about us?”

“We are the organizers of the match, the managers?”

Ian smiled faintly and only said incomprehensible things. Melania, who was listening with her ear close to the door, frowned.

“Then, Lady Melania. Stop eavesdropping and come in.”