Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 278

‘I believe you understand what I’m saying.’

At Ian’s words, Sio recalled.

The first time he wrote his name, the time he understood what the nobles were saying behind their fans, the time he could distinguish the seals of the departments, and so on. Each moment broadened his horizons and allowed him to see the world more clearly.

Lying in bed and looking at Ian, he knew instinctively. Once again, his world was about to expand.

‘An ideal imperial palace is one where the emperor is strong and the distance between powerful subjects is constant. But look at this place now. Is there anything here that matches what I said?’

The emperor was lying in his sickbed, not showing his face, and Ian was at the center of all power. It was not strange that his power was overflowing and engulfing someone. Even if that someone was Jin.

‘As time goes on, the forces trying to check me will unite. But you, by my order, are by His Highness’s side and call me master. You are a more dangerous person to cut off than Beric.’

‘…I understand.’

‘So, Sio. The time for you to choose is approaching.’

His status had already been restored to freedom, but Sio still felt like he was standing between the shade and the sun. Even when he resolved to move forward, he felt like his shadow was still following him. He had overlooked the fact that the shadow would lengthen over time. He needed to gather his strength and take a big step.

Ian sat with his legs crossed and told him.

‘If you want to stay by His Highness Jin’s side according to your will, it’s better to erase me from you. This is close to a recommendation. His Highness Jin cherishes you very much, so it would be better for you to be there in many ways. Isn’t he a lonely person?’

Sio raised his upper body. Right now, Ian’s words were flowing like water. They were so natural, but it felt like they were slipping through his fingers, unable to be grasped.

Sio asked again, as if tracing the traces. Ian was in front of him, but it felt like Ian was not there.

‘…Why do you say that?’

‘Because the things that will happen in the future are problems that cannot be proven, stopped, or even confronted.’

No matter how much he shouted that it was for Jin, Ian would eventually be checked. Once a flow is created, no one can stop it until the outcome of the political situation is newly established.

So, should he confront it?

In Jin’s Bariel, with whom? And for what?

‘What should I do?’

‘Nothing. Or anything.’

‘…I don’t know why you’re telling me this.’

‘There’s no need to think deeply. It’s because I know you, and you’re someone close to His Highness. Also, I want you to know that the reason you were frustrated when you first relied on me was because of the situation.’

At least, someone who can be placed by Jin’s side with peace of mind. That was what Ian thought of Sio.

Isn’t Jin a bit special compared to other emperors? He has parents but doesn’t, and his power is the same. Currently, if there is a support for Jin, it is only Ian…….

‘If he is left alone after the construction of the Magic Department’s annex, it will be truly dangerous. Romandro is loyal to Bariel, but he has a precious family. Beric is out of the question. In many ways, it’s hard to find someone as suitable as Sio.’

‘…Is it Commander Jayrut? Who is trying to check you, Master?’

‘It’s likely, but I don’t know yet.’

At least, I hope that the forces checking him are those who truly think about the safety of the imperial palace and Jin. If they do, they can naturally distribute and pass on the weight of Jin that is focused on me.

Ian chuckled and nodded his head once.

‘Everything I’m saying is based on the premise that you want to be by His Highness Jin’s side. You have time to think.’

This was the same for Ian. At least until the outline of the checking forces is grasped and the Magic Department’s annex is built, he will stand firmly in front of Jin.

Perhaps, the reaction of the opposition will be certain at the start of construction.

‘Master.’

He’s calling me master again. Ian smiled as if scolding him, but Sio didn’t notice.

‘…I wasn’t frustrated.’

‘Really?’

‘The reason I went to the selection was because I wanted to find my usefulness as a human, not as a slave.’

A slave has value in their very existence. Because their price is clearly set. But what about a human? They had to prove their existence and increase their value by living on their own.

This was the reason why Sio continued the sparring even though he was reluctant. If he won, and if everyone wanted him, it would be the first time he would stand in the world as a human.

Therefore, he wanted to show Ian. That he was enjoying the freedom you had spoken of.

‘But you just told me again. There are many ways to show my value, so I’m not frustrated.’

‘As I said, it’s based on your choice.’

‘Yes. I will choose.’

Sio replied firmly.

‘I have chosen.’

‘…….’

Ian smiled faintly and nodded. It was a welcome thing for him, as he had found someone he could entrust Jin to with peace of mind. As Ian got up from his seat, Sio quickly added.

‘Ian.’

Not master, but Ian. Ian smiled as if he had heard something pleasant.

‘So, Ian, you should also choose.’

‘What?’

‘Anything. Whatever you want.’

‘I…….’

Ian trailed off. What he wanted to do?

Reading books with Naum in the annex, listening to the laughter of the imperial citizens in the carriage, and watching the sunlight and moonlight settle in Bariel.

Ian grabbed the doorknob and muttered.

‘I have already chosen what I want, Sio.’

Squeak.

The door closed, and Sio quietly exhaled as he stared at the wall.

‘Ian has another world.’

Sio glimpsed the world that Ian was hiding, and as a result, his own world expanded a little.

He didn’t know where he truly wanted to be.

But what was certain was that it was not here.

* * *

‘In order, the kingdoms of Luswena, Clifford, and Burgos. The gift boxes were opened from below first to check for any hazardous materials or unusual items.’

Jin stared intently at the three letters placed on the gold tray. The luxurious texture was a masterpiece befitting the dignity of a kingdom. Moreover, the boxes that contained each letter were filled with flowers and jewels.

Jin tapped his feet lightly as if he couldn’t stand it.

‘Why is Sir Ian so late?’

‘That’s what I’m saying. Oh, he’s here.’

As Ian entered the office, Jin gestured as if urging him to sit down.

‘Sir Ian. Shall we read them now?’

‘Yes. Your Highness. Bring a knife.’

‘I want to open them myself.’

‘No, you can’t. There have been cases where poison was applied to the paper.’

Of course, if a kingdom dared to do that to Bariel, it would immediately lead to war. But anyway, it’s better to be careful.

The attendant who was waiting carefully cut the seals with a knife. Below, a reply written in gold-inked ink appeared.

‘I will read it to you, Your Highness.’

‘Okay, okay!’

-To His Highness Jin Verosian, the 5th Prince. We have learned from the invitation you sent that spring has arrived in the Bariel Empire, which shares our destiny. We sincerely congratulate you on your official appointment ceremony, and Luswena is also pleased to be able to share in that glorious occasion.

It was a formal reply. It was probably not much different from the letters that previous emperors had received. But for Jin, it was the first time, and it would be a moment he would never forget.

The child’s eyes sparkled as he urged him to keep reading.

‘Is the king coming?’

‘Yes.’

‘I thought he wouldn’t come-‘

Romandro, who was organizing things within reach, stopped reflexively after replying.

‘…Sir Ian, is he coming?’

‘Yes. Your Highness.’

‘I, Ian. Did you say he’s coming now?’

‘That’s right, Romandro.’

Except for Ian, Romandro and Jin blinked with wide eyes. Wasn’t it something they hadn’t expected at all? They had thought that the re-visit of the delegation led by Eldert would be more likely!

Romandro congratulated Jin.

‘Your Highness, congratulations. If the King of Luswena comes in person, it will add more meaning to Your Highness’s appointment ceremony.’

‘I, it’s amazing. I didn’t expect it at all.’

‘Well, isn’t His Highness Jin the only prince now? For the future, it’s better to move early and make connections. If the King of Luswena comes, the scale will be enormous. We need to prepare more thoroughly than I thought.’

Unlike the excited Romandro, Ian was just staring at the letter. And he gestured to the attendant to open the rest as well.

Swoosh.

The attendant ran his fingertip over the edge of the paper and handed it to Ian. Ian’s brow furrowed little by little as he quickly read the letters, and a sneer even appeared.

‘Why, why is that? Ian?’

‘This has become interesting.’

As expected, Clifford’s first prince, Noah, decided to visit.

The problem was Burgos.

‘The King of Burgos is also coming. The Timothy delegation will be with him.’

‘From Burgos too? This is truly a festival! Your Highness, this is an unprecedented festival of unity!’

As Romandro was genuinely happy, Jin also smiled slightly.

But why was Sir Ian’s expression so bad? Prince Noah was also a successor, so if you think about it, the leaders of each country were all gathering to congratulate Jin’s appointment ceremony.

‘Sir Ian. May I see the letters?’

‘Of course. Your Highness.’

Jin received the letters, wanting to find out why before asking Ian why.

But he couldn’t figure it out at all. Only neat and elegant handwriting caught his eye, and there was nothing particularly alarming in the content.

‘Your Highness. Do you remember why I wanted to gather the leaders of each country in Bariel?’

Ian noticed Jin’s intention and asked casually. The reason why he said he wanted the king to come in person instead of the envoy?

‘It’s not the emperor’s coronation, but the prince’s appointment ceremony, so it would lower the national prestige for the king to attend in person. It’s because they have no choice but to acknowledge that they are under Bariel’s sphere of influence, isn’t it?’

‘That’s right.’

But on the other hand, it was because the current political situation in the imperial palace was chaotic. They would also know that the palace had been closed several times due to the rebellion and the Arsen incident.

It would be very troublesome if the countries surrounding Bariel on all sides harbored dark intentions. To prevent that, Ian wanted to strengthen diplomacy by meeting them face-to-face and let them know that the imperial palace was still standing.

‘It’s not easy for the three kingdoms of Luswena, Clifford, and Burgos to gather in one place. It’s understandable for the two countries that share a border, but still. Our diplomats are watching in each country, so how can they meet recklessly?’

‘If the three countries form an alliance, even Bariel would be a bit burdened. It’s better to maintain a proper distance from each other-‘

It was the moment when Romandro was adding an explanation to Jin while agreeing. While explaining, he realized it himself.

Ah, they are using Jin’s appointment ceremony to gather the three countries at once.

‘The overlapping schedules are almost the same, based on the day of the appointment ceremony. Usually, if they are conscious of Bariel, this is impossible.’

Even if he gave the invitation directly to the king, it was a move thrown under the calculation that it would not be accepted.

‘We’ll have to keep an eye on the King of Burgos, though.’

‘Why the King of Burgos?’

‘There is an issue related to the Gypsies.’

‘Ah, I heard. The one I saw in the park?’

‘There’s a possibility.’

Burgos, yes. Burgos was still a bit of a mystery. But Luswena also accepted at the same time?

‘It seems that they have some secret communication among themselves. Just as we are trying to show that the imperial palace is standing strong, they are coming to see the cracks in the imperial palace.’

But if there was such a thing, they could have done it secretly as they had done so far. Showing their faces directly and giving a hint like this was a signal that they wanted to move to a different phase than before.

Since the emperor was bedridden and the only successor was a ten-year-old child, they must have thought that there was no better opportunity. It was expected that a surprise alliance of the three countries was likely.

‘Then what should we do?’

When Jin asked with a slightly worried tone, Ian smiled brightly.

It was a good thing. Even if they came to take advantage of the situation, the imperial palace was the one creating that situation.

‘Your Highness, you just need to smile brighter than anyone else on the day of the appointment ceremony.’