Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 268

The corridor connecting the arena and the entrance was a place where the penniless lingered, unable to leave. Those intoxicated by alcohol, drugs, and the bleak reality created a quiet uproar, laughing and crying.

At the dead end of the corridor, the combination of a rough, hulking man and a blond boy was clearly out of place, but no one paid them any mind. They were too busy dealing with their own misfortunes that were rising to their throats.

‘Will you have one?’

When Timothy offered a cigarette, Ian politely refused. It was strange, but an unexpectedly comfortable silence followed. Was it because they knew each other? The light of a lighter briefly illuminated his face and then faded.

Until a puff of smoke dissipated, the two gauged the ‘present’ through silence rather than sharing information aloud.

‘He called me Timothy. That means he recognized my identity. Did he follow me after seeing me by chance? What an incredible coincidence.’

When the Vergos Kingdom sent an envoy, Timothy was usually the representative. So, naturally, there would be quite a few people in the Variel Imperial Palace who knew him.

However, it was unexpected that the young minister of the Magic Department, who had just been appointed and was busy cleaning up the mess in the Imperial Palace, recognized him immediately.

‘I can’t deny it.’

They were already certain of each other’s identities. There was nothing more ridiculous than pretending not to know at this point. He cleared his throat and began.

‘I was a little surprised. I never expected to meet you in a place like this.’

‘I feel the same way. It’s unlikely that the envoy from the Vergos Kingdom would come to congratulate His Highness’s appointment in advance.’

Ian smiled brightly, taking the initiative. Although rumors of him becoming the successor were widespread, no formal invitation had been sent yet, so he meant not to make any hasty excuses.

Timothy pondered for a moment and chose to properly introduce himself first. Although it was unofficial, it was better to remember it as an official meeting within that context.

‘I formally greet you. I am Timothy Ovia, an envoy from the Foreign Affairs Department of the Vergos Kingdom.’

‘I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Magic Department of the Variel Imperial Palace.’

‘Did you recognize me and come here?’

‘Yes. I don’t know about Envoy Timothy, but I don’t have hobbies like this.’

Timothy was about to add that he didn’t have such hobbies either, but there was no opening. Ian stepped back to avoid the smoke, leaning against the wall and smiling.

*Ah. Right. Don’t be fooled by that young appearance. He’s the one who took over the Magic Department and cleaned up the Imperial Palace before his coming-of-age ceremony.*

‘By the way, it’s truly amazing. It’s only been a short while since I showed my face in public, and you recognized me. I didn’t know Vergos’s intelligence was this outstanding. Ah, of course, it’s thanks to Envoy Timothy’s hard work in secretly entering the country.’

He didn’t get to that position just with magic. The way he spoke was exactly like the old bureaucrats he had seen countless times in Variel. The fact that the envoy representative was suffering in a place like this after sneaking into the country, wasn’t it also an attack for recognizing him?

Timothy swallowed his saliva along with the smoke. This might be a little more difficult than he thought.

‘I was also unsure at first.’

‘Really?’

Most people had trouble even making eye contact with him. But Ian was looking at him straight on, surprisingly.

Moreover, in a situation where it wouldn’t be strange to die at any moment, there was no fear or panic. It was as if he had something to rely on, composed and carefree. This caught his attention even more than Beric’s commotion.

‘…Especially when his companion called him Ian, that was the deciding factor.’

‘I see. Anyway, it’s nice to meet you.’

‘Yes. Nice to meet you.’

The two shook hands lightly. They also shared a smile, but it didn’t reach them meaningfully in the darkness. Above all, didn’t the source of their emotions differ?

For Ian, it was the first time he had met someone with a personal connection, not a blood relative, since coming to a hundred years ago. Although it was an unfamiliar relationship as a descendant of a friend.

He had lived with Naum and heard his praises and boasts until he was sick of them. *This is truly amazing and fascinating.* It was rare to feel such excitement, and he felt good.

‘Since you called yourself an envoy from the Vergos Kingdom, may I ask now? Why are you here?’

On the other hand, Timothy’s smile was a reflexive one for public use. Although he hadn’t entered the country illegally, the fact that he was here was a disadvantageous situation.

If Ian were to report him or use magic to subdue this place, he would also have to be investigated.

For an official envoy of the Vergos Kingdom to be caught in such a low-level illegal gambling den! There would be no problem even if they tried to make an issue out of it. It was troublesome in terms of prestige and position.

‘Especially, the current Variel is in a period of transition in power, whether it’s the Imperial Palace or the nobles. It’s impossible to predict what policies Prince Jin will implement targeting neighboring countries. I heard that the central nobles have already been executed.’

When a country is in turmoil, it’s best to turn that attention outward. There’s nothing as suitable as war. An already young prince, wouldn’t it be certain to have a cause for war to strengthen the Imperial Palace’s internal unity and secure resources?

Therefore, it was natural for Timothy to be nervous. Rather than daring to outwit a magician, it was a reasonable calculation to speak first.

‘First of all, I have entered the country with official permission.’

He showed his entry permit from his inner pocket, and Ian just smiled as if he wasn’t interested. Under the pressure to get to the point, Timothy finally confessed.

‘…I am looking for someone.’

By looking at the iron bars on the ceiling, he already expected that. The problem was, who was he looking for that he came all the way to Variel?

‘The people they handle are slaves. Illegal slaves at that. Envoy Timothy, you’re saying something quite remarkable.’

When Ian said mischievously, Timothy’s cigarette burned down by half in an instant. It was because he inhaled sharply in panic.

‘No. No. Of course not. There are slave markets in Vergos too. I am…’

He hesitated for a moment, but realizing there was no turning back, he said,

‘I am looking for a Gypsy.’

Vergos was the one who most vividly witnessed the conflicts in the northwestern countries where Astana was located. Vergos, located to the west, was closer than Variel.

Ian raised his eyebrows as if he was very surprised. It didn’t seem like he was lying, but the content was absurd.

‘You came all the way here to find one Gypsy?’

Due to the refugees and migrants from the conflict zones, a new era had opened in the Vergos Kingdom. A large number of people who were outside the realm of magical power, such as Gypsies and sorcerers, had flowed in, causing changes in the new social culture.

In particular, their king was actively trying to utilize things related to ‘prophecy.’ The future was something that would never be reached, just like the truth of the universe.

‘It’s a Gypsy with a deep story. I came all the way here while tracking him. I’ve traveled through quite a few countries in the past few months. The most recent information I heard was that he was sighted in this area, and his condition is not good, and there happens to be a trading place like this…’

If it were a place with a system like Variel, it wouldn’t matter much, but smaller countries would have easily adjusted the entry and exit procedures, trusting Timothy’s envoy experience.

‘You’ve been traveling for a long time.’

‘Variel is the last stop, and I will now return. As you said, His Highness the 5th Prince’s successor appointment ceremony is soon.’

Timothy stubbed out the remaining cigarette and blew out the remaining smoke. His gaze passed over Ian’s shoulder. An employee was approaching.

‘Sir. We’ve inquired around the area, and the person doesn’t have a scar on his cheek. His limbs are also fine.’

‘Are you sure?’

‘Yes, yes. Other than that, he looks similar to what you described. Would you like us to connect you? Please note that since he’s not one of our items, you’ll have to pay the fee twice.’

Timothy shook his head.

‘No. It’s okay.’

He flicked a coin as a tip and tried to end the transaction. But even after receiving the money, the employee didn’t leave, so Timothy and Ian looked at him with puzzled expressions.

‘Ah, well… are you two acquainted?’

‘Why do you ask?’

The employee gestured towards Ian. The rumors had already spread among the employees. A rich sucker had come in, so they were preparing to strip him to the bone after the game.

They wouldn’t know. Who Ian was, that he had never been called a sucker in his life, and that he never would be.

‘We have some business. If you’re not acquainted, sir, please go first.’

For various reasons, it was a bit awkward if Timothy was with him. He looked like he had a lot of spirit, and what if he helped Ian? They would have to bring all the employees from the next building.

Timothy, who had roughly figured out the situation, chuckled softly.

‘We are acquainted.’

‘Yes?’

‘If you’re done with your business, why don’t you leave?’

Timothy waved his hand, telling him to get lost. They were acquainted, right? They had just met.

‘Okay…’

The employee disappeared with heavy steps. It was Timothy’s courtesy and consideration, even though he knew that a magician would be fine. He checked his pocket watch and asked.

‘It would be better to leave here first. There are more crazy people at night.’

‘Ah, I’d like to, but I left something in the iron cage.’

It wasn’t that he was worried. It was just that he was annoyed by the complaints and whining that Beric would pour out on him later when he returned.

Timothy paused for a moment, realizing Beric’s presence. Ian was the real power in the Imperial Palace, and Timothy was a dispatched envoy. Since the power relationship was clear, their actions were also determined.

‘I will negotiate. The gold coin I was going to give earlier is actually an excessive price, so it will be easily resolved.’

‘Oh. I’d appreciate that.’

Ian replied nonchalantly, as if he didn’t expect him to be so kind. Even though he knew.

‘Then I should return the favor. Before you leave the center, come find me. I’ll treat you to tea.’

‘…Yes. Thank you.’

Timothy clicked his tongue inwardly. He said he would treat him to tea, but what was the meaning behind it? He would formalize his visit to the center, forcibly share the results of the investigation, and unilaterally convey the message to the King of Vergos.

Whether he knew his worries or not, Ian smiled plainly and headed towards the arena.

Perhaps the two would have continued walking like that. If it weren’t for the sound of dozens of footsteps coming down the stairs.

Squeak.

Clatter! Clatter!

Ian and Timothy turned around at the same time. The employee who had taken the errand money had returned with his colleagues. They were all fully armed.

‘Are those the guys?’

‘Yeah. The blond one won at least thirty gold coins with just chips, and that big guy said he’d pay five times the price to buy an old slave. If we empty their pockets, we don’t have to work for a while.’

‘What kind of people are they to have so much money?’

‘Hey, we’ll pretend we don’t know you. That blond guy is a friend of the one who turned the place upside down, so we can’t let him go. Just leave your money bags.’

The man standing in front chuckled and swung his sword. The sound of footsteps continued. It seemed that all the collaborators in the area had gathered. For the sake of the burly Timothy.

‘What will you do, Timothy? They’re telling you to leave your money bags?’

When Ian asked casually, Timothy rolled up his sleeves. Was that even a question? If Ian was hurt even a little here, he didn’t know how it would boomerang back to Vergos.

In the worst case, a false rumor could spread that Timothy had instigated Ian’s harm. It seemed like a leap, but in the world they lived in, it was a common slander.

‘You know my answer. If Ian is killed or injured here, I will be in trouble.’

Ian stepped back and looked at him.

‘Actually, I feel the same way.’

If Timothy was killed or injured here, it would be truly troublesome.

Because Naum might disappear in the future.

Timothy paused for a moment at Ian’s muttering, and the man standing close threw his sword like a spear.

Whoosh!

Clang! Clang!

Thwack!

At the same time as Ian activated his magic, Timothy knocked away the sword with his arm, which was protected by armor.