Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 265

Spring had come to Bariel, but few noticed it right away. The eyes of the Empire’s citizens were fixed on the Imperial Palace, not on the flower buds that had just begun to bloom.

In just a short time, the world had changed. They looked more often at the Imperial flag, unsure of where it might flutter next, than at the trees planted in their yards. And slowly, as everything stabilized, they turned their heads to look at their own daily lives.

‘…When did it get like this?’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Have you arrived? I mean the weather. I didn’t realize it was spring until I came to my senses.’

A pub had just opened for business. Two men sat on the outdoor terrace, watching the street. It was a late lunch, so it was quite quiet. Children could be seen scurrying through the alleys, and a cat was sprawled out on a roof, basking in the sun.

Besides them, there was only one other group in the pub, making it very quiet. The only sound was the pleasant tinkling of the music box the owner had put on.

‘Summer will be here soon. And then autumn, and winter. Oh, by the way, all the bodies in the central square have been cleared away. It feels like the trial was just the other day, but it’s already been over a week.’

‘It’s better to clear that stuff away quickly. It’s an eyesore.’

‘Want to grab a drink and go somewhere? How about a game of cards? It’s that day today.’

‘Uh-uh, can’t. I have work.’

At that moment, the pub owner brought them ice-cold beer. Thick honey was spread all over the bottom of the glasses. One of the men picked up his glass and asked,

‘Work? What kind of work?’

‘They asked me to help with the sign replacement at Hyman Bank. I have to have a drink before I go.’

Hyman’s downfall had left a huge mark on history, but in reality, it didn’t have much of an impact on the average person.

Most of them didn’t even have accounts at the bank, and most of those had only seen Hyman for the first time in the central square. If it hadn’t been written who was who, they wouldn’t have been able to tell them apart, they were in such a mess.

‘Bank signs? Ah, right. I heard that other nobles are running them now? Aejane or something? I heard they’re launching a new product this time. Low-interest loans for small business owners. I might use that to pay off what I borrowed from our landlord and switch over. I’m dying every winter paying interest.’

‘I heard that there are five banks in the center alone.’

‘Ugh, will just changing the signs be enough? You’re going to have a hard time today, aren’t you?’

‘The guy next door said he’s going to the center tomorrow.’

‘The guy next door? He works for the Capulu family, right?’

‘They got a bit of a stake in the banking sector this time. They’re going to set up a bank in the Capulu territory, so all the employees packed their bags. I don’t know if they’ll be back by summer.’

The man who had been listening quietly stopped as he was about to drink his beer. He felt like the group sitting diagonally across from them was eavesdropping on their conversation.

Except for one person who was constantly gulping down beer, the other three were sitting there blankly, subtly turning their heads in their direction.

‘What’s up with them?’

Judging by their appearance, they seemed to have been raised quite preciously somewhere. Except for the red-haired boy who was drinking beer like a hippo.

‘Do you know them?’

‘No. I don’t.’

‘They keep looking over here. It’s annoying.’

Among the reasons for fights in pubs, the most common is ‘What are you looking at?’ The peaceful atmosphere suddenly became tense. The two men also glared at the unfamiliar group with the whites of their eyes.

‘…They don’t look normal.’

‘Agreed. Especially that red-haired brat. The way he’s dressed is crazy.’

It looked like he had bought and put on everything he liked on the street. Is he a bodyguard? He’s carrying a sword, so I guess he is, but how can he be wearing such flamboyant, flashy rags?

‘The gray-haired one isn’t any better. He came all the way to the pub just to drink water. He’s not normal.’

‘They keep noticing us. Ugh. It’s ruining my appetite. Let’s just finish this and get up.’

‘Yeah. That’s better.’

They might be petty swindlers, but there are two people with swords on the other side. And even a child clutching a milk carton with his shoulders stiff. It was definitely a strange combination that wouldn’t be beneficial to get involved with. Just as the two men raised their glasses for a toast.

Thud.

The child got up with his milk, didn’t he? Then, very timidly, he toddled towards them. At the same time, the four men who seemed to be his guardians watched the child’s back as if cheering him on.

The men paused, tense, but soon realized that there was no malice in the blue eyes.

‘Um…’

‘Why, why are you doing this? Huh?’

He was too young to speak informally to, but his aura was too unusual to speak casually to. Up close, he was a child who was different from the start.

‘A, a, a toast!’

‘Huh?’

‘Could you please have a toast with me?’

‘Ah…’

The child’s cheeks were red as if he had made a big decision, holding out his milk. Unbelievable. The men looked back at the group behind the child. What on earth was going on?

‘Please.’

Then Ian elegantly nodded his head. It was amazing that his meaning was conveyed without a single word.

They were momentarily distracted by Ian’s radiant smile, but soon realized that Beric was rolling his eyes and growling.

‘What the hell are you doing? Aren’t you going to toast?’

‘The hand holding the milk is waiting.’

Beric and Siaosi’s eyes also clearly conveyed what they meant. Romandro was just clenching his fist, silently cheering Jin on.

‘Ah, yes, yes. Well…’

Clink!

The two men clinked their glasses against Jin’s milk. The child’s blue eyes sparkled with the clear sound.

It was his first toast with the citizens of the Empire!

As the child gulped down his milk, the men hesitated before gulping down their beer. After all, if you clink glasses, it’s only natural to empty them. Whether it’s alcohol or milk.

‘Thank you. Have a good day.’

Jin wiped his mouth and returned to his seat. Ian pulled out a chair for him and greeted him. Then, he told the men,

‘Thanks to you, my brother had a pleasant experience. The drinks are on us. Owner, put two beers on our tab.’

‘Oh, no, you don’t have to do that.’

‘Anyway, thank you for the drink. Ahem.’

They had expected to be challenged, but it was too polite and elegant. They scratched the back of their necks awkwardly and gave a casual greeting.

‘Are you from a noble family? I’ve never had a drink with people like you before. I’m going to brag about it later.’

‘Ah, we’re not nobles. My uncle is running a small business. He invited us because the spring in the center is particularly beautiful.’

They were rich kids. No wonder, they smelled of money. They looked at Romandro and nodded as if they understood the uncle relationship. Yeah, the father is a bit off. Unless the mother is incredibly beautiful, it’s impossible.

Jin, who was fidgeting with his empty milk glass, added hesitantly,

‘I’m the younger brother!’

‘Huh?’

‘I’m the younger brother, and, and, I’m the older brother.’

‘Yes. Anyone can see that you’re brothers.’

‘Well, then we’ll be going. Thank you for the drink.’

‘Please go ahead.’

Ian nodded his head and finished the conversation. Then, he naturally turned to Jin and asked,

‘How was it, Jin?’

‘Ah, it was very good. Brother.’

‘Good. Next time, we should…’

What should they do? Romandro took out a memo from his inner pocket and whispered.

‘Go to the park and feed the pigeons.’

‘Okay. Let’s finish this and go out too.’

‘Let’s do that, brother. I want another glass of milk.’

‘Owner.’

As the owner gestured as if he had taken the order, Beric quickly added,

‘Give us three more servings of grilled meat too!’

‘Oh my, tsk, tsk. This isn’t a restaurant, it’s a pub. It costs five copper coins for three or four pieces, why are you eating so much? Are you going to fill your stomach here?’

‘It’s not Romandro’s money. What’s it to you?’

‘Ian, let’s leave him behind next time. He’s too noticeable.’

It was more like an outing disguised as an undercover trip. Originally, the purpose was to observe the lives of the Empire’s citizens, blend in with them, and identify their difficulties. In reality, it was just a hair’s breadth away from playing around. And on top of that, it was Jin’s first outing, wasn’t it?

‘More than anything, it would be good to cut off his allowance.’

‘Take it back after giving it? Wow, that’s too much! You’re a cheapskate!’

‘No. I mean I’m not going to give it anymore. You keep buying weird things from the stalls and wearing them, so you can be recognized from far away.’

‘This was chosen by His Highness Jin-‘

Clang!

As Beric was about to make a mistake, Romandro hit him in the face with a silver tray. The owner whistled and admired it as if he had seen a very interesting sight.

‘The clothes and protective gear seem to fit well, but there’s no weapon that fits Siaosi, which is a problem. Maybe we should have one made.’

‘B, brother! But isn’t the selection of personnel proceeding faster than expected? The second blacksmith we visited was the fastest, but it still doesn’t meet the schedule.’

Jin seemed to have gotten a taste for calling Ian ‘brother’. He didn’t miss that title whenever he said anything. And he seemed to be subtly enjoying the fact that the power dynamic between Ian and him had changed.

‘Let’s look around one more time, and if there’s still nothing, come separately next time.’

‘Yes, Master.’

‘Originally, fighting with bare hands is the best! Oh, the meat is here. Oh, wow. Why is there so much?’

‘You ordered seven plates of grilled meat while sitting down. It’s a service. A service.’

Beric began to gobble down the meat, holding a fork in both hands. Ian paid in advance and looked around.

‘As rumored, the drinks and food are excellent. Owner.’

However, he was indirectly asking why there were so few customers. The owner didn’t understand at first, but then he burst out with a sound of understanding.

‘Ah, it’s nothing special. The area has been quiet around this time for the past few months. There’s a big gambling den nearby. Everyone’s playing and eating there, so they don’t come this way. Then, around dawn, after they’ve lost everything, they start to trickle in.’

‘A gambling den?’

‘Yes, yes. They play cards, odd or even, and there are many things to see. I don’t know because I haven’t been there.’

So there was such a thing.

Ian looked at Romandro.

Did you know about this?

No, not at all.

While the two were exchanging signals, Beric emptied his second plate.

‘It seems like the period for the den is long for a permanent one. It’s once a month.’

It was highly likely to be illegal. Romandro wrote a memo at Ian’s murmur. There were already so many things to deal with after walking around all day.

‘I guess so. I’ll check it out.’

‘Okay, let’s get up now.’

‘Ugh, wait a minute. I, I haven’t finished this yet-‘

‘Owner. Thank you for the meal.’

Squeak.

Beric hurriedly shoved the meat into his mouth, but they didn’t wait for him and cleared the table. Jin, who was in a good mood after two glasses of milk, grabbed Ian’s hand and shook it vigorously.

‘Is the park far from here? Brother?’

‘It should be close. Romandro has planned the route very efficiently.’

They were walking instead of taking a carriage. Passing by in a carriage was something they could do anytime, but walking with all five senses was something they could only do when they were determined to go undercover.

Tap tap.

As they got closer to the park, the crowd grew larger. It seemed that the gambling den the pub owner had mentioned was nearby.

Ian held Jin’s hand tightly and signaled Beric and Siaosi to be more alert. There would be knights who had blended into the surroundings like air, but in any case, they were the closest to Jin right now.

‘Hehe. I won that, you idiot.’

‘Oh! Are you kidding me? I put all the money on the table!’

‘I’ll buy you a drink. A cheap one.’

Subtle cigarette smoke seeped out from the alleys around them. The rough, unrefined words of the people, the darkness and smell of alcohol that couldn’t be seen inside even during the day, and the sound of someone retching.

Ian smiled brightly and looked at Romandro.

‘You planned the route well.’

‘Sorry.’

Jin, who was holding Ian’s hand tightly, glanced into the alleys. They were threatening, but they were also a part of Bariel. With the guards and Ian, there was nothing to fear.

‘Hey, Ian.’

‘No, you can’t.’

For a child, the pub was the limit of their deviation. They had to hurry past this place, Ian thought, and urged them to move faster.

‘…?’

Until he saw a familiar figure entering the alley.

Jin, who was walking with Ian, also saw the same thing and smiled softly. Then, he whispered very quietly,

‘The person who just went into the alley looks a lot like Timothy. Don’t you think so, brother?’