Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 294

It was a beautiful day, with flower petals falling like rain.

Philia stared blankly at the sky, lost in thought. Could heaven look like this? Everything sparkled, laughter echoed from everywhere, and lively music never stopped.

The world was so beautiful that simply existing felt blissful. And to top it off, she was with the person she loved.

‘Philia, my lady.’

‘Yes?’

‘You’re holding the needle the wrong way around.’

‘Oh my, thank you.’

Viviana, who had been watching from the side, chuckled as she sipped her tea. Her belly was now larger than ever, as her delivery was fast approaching.

‘It’s a bit of a shame. It would have been nice if the baby was born on a day with flower petals falling. It’s not like the New Year, which comes around regularly. Perhaps babies born during the festival will receive even greater blessings from Bariel [a deity or celestial being].’

Aside from the New Year, when else would one have the chance to see such flower petals? It was a blessing only those connected to the history of the Imperial Palace, like those having an inauguration or coronation, could enjoy.

That’s why many people would mark significant life events during this period to give them meaning. Like a wedding, for example.

‘Don’t be sad. When the baby is born, I will celebrate and bless them with all my might.’

‘Thank you, my lady. I will do the same.’

However, Philia couldn’t because she was invited to Jin’s inauguration. More than anything, those she wanted to be with, including Ian, were too busy. Even the small pubs in the alleys were packed, so she could only imagine how busy the Imperial Palace was.

Creak.

Knock knock.

‘Excuse me. Is Lady Viviana here?’

‘Yes. What is it?’

When they heard a voice outside the fence, Viviana pulled back the blanket and stood up. Philia did the same. She put down her knitting and turned her head to follow Viviana.

‘I’m from the Magic Department. Lord Ian has ordered me to deliver a letter to Lady Philia, and Lord Romandro has ordered me to deliver one to Lady Viviana. They contain precautions and other matters for entering the palace on the day of the inauguration.’

‘I see, would you like to come in? Would you like some tea?’

‘Thank you for the offer, but the Cliffopord carriage is passing nearby right now. I came out briefly while we were together, so I must return immediately. Then, I’ll be on my way.’

‘Thank you. Take care.’

She was curious as to why they were entering with Cliffopord, but the letters were welcome news. The two of them moved their teacups aside and unfolded the two letters.

‘It says to show the letter when entering the palace and that we’ll be guided separately. The guards will provide assistance. Let’s see, why are there so many things needed? Mini!’

‘Yes, Madam!’

While Viviana called a servant to pack their things, Philia gently touched Ian’s handwriting. It was neat and tidy, and it naturally reminded her of the child.

‘What does Lord Ian say?’

‘Uh…’

-Mother, the weather is getting warmer. Are you not tired? Once Jin’s inauguration is over, it would be good to hold the engagement ceremony as soon as possible. If it’s delayed, we might miss the timing. I will ask Lord Romandro to prepare the details.

Viviana hugged Philia tightly, as if her heart was fluttering. The auspicious day was truly approaching. Philia smiled as well, but strangely, a part of her heart felt uneasy.

‘Congratulations, Lady Philia! Let’s tell Nersarn as well.’

‘Th-thank you, my lady. But… what does it mean by ‘we might miss the timing’? Shouldn’t we take a breather after the inauguration?’

When Philia pointed out the sentence with a puzzled look, Viviana pondered for a moment and then shook her head as if it was nothing.

‘I’ve worked in the Imperial Palace for a long time, but there hasn’t been a single day of leisure. All the leaders of each country will gather for the inauguration, won’t they? Perhaps there will be more things to handle regarding that. And more than anything, it shouldn’t overlap with my due date.’

If the baby was born, it would be difficult to even stay at the mansion as a guest, let alone have an engagement ceremony. So, although it was a shame, it was right to finish what needed to be finished and go down to Hiel.

‘That must be what he means. What Lord Ian is saying.’

‘Do you think so? I hope that’s all it is.’

‘Let’s go look at dresses first. I don’t know if there will be any left since it’s the festival period. It seems like we’d have enough time if we get them custom-made, but Lord Ian is telling us to hurry. Oh my… how beautiful will it be? Won’t Lord Nersarn faint on the spot?’

Viviana giggled, thinking about the banquet day. The face of the warrior who was stunned after hearing about Philia’s pregnancy! It was fun no matter how many times she thought about it.

‘Mini! Let’s get ready to go out!’

While the lady excitedly shouted as she went into the mansion, Philia kept fiddling with the edge of the paper. Strangely, her heart was pounding and wouldn’t calm down.

What was it? Philia, who was pressing her chest with both hands, heard whispering voices from outside.

‘You know that this is a mage’s house, right?’

‘Really? But why is it so small?’

‘It’s completely different inside! It’s an illusion.’

‘Never mind that, let’s go to the main street quickly. The Cliffopord performance troupe is supposed to be amazing. They say they dance and sing on one foot on horseback! And Burgos is coming soon, too?’

Philia smiled as she cautiously looked outside. There were about six or seven children, all huddled together and peeking inside. Their faces were covered in ridiculous doodles, and they were wearing all sorts of strange ornaments.

‘Let’s go!’

‘Waaah!’

Burgos was coming soon too. Philia thought of Ian as she watched the children’s backs as they walked away. She hoped that Ian could run around as happily as they did.

* * *

‘The tribute from Cliffopord is as follows: thirty barrels of hundred-year-old wine, ten barrels each of five types of fruit wine, and three platinum brakuis [traditional instruments], which are the kingdom’s traditional instruments and were specially made to celebrate His Highness Prince Jin’s inauguration.’

Unlike the Luswena carriage, the Cliffopord carriage went directly to the annex. Considering the prince’s condition, the meeting was postponed, but the procedures were still necessary. Instead of Prince Noah, May, the head of the delegation, presented the tribute directly to Jin.

‘And these are silks. Fifteen bolts, and high-quality dyes have also been prepared to match.’

‘Thank you for your hard work. How is the prince’s condition? He said he didn’t need a doctor, but I’m a little worried.’

Jin, who had heard the situation, asked cautiously. He was said to be so sick that he couldn’t meet him upon entering the palace, but he didn’t need a doctor, which was strange.

After experiencing Eriphony [a past event or situation], he couldn’t easily overlook even the smallest things.

‘I am truly sorry for causing His Highness concern. However, the doctor who has been in charge of the prince since the kingdom has accompanied him, and we were truly sorry to cause trouble upon arrival, so please do not misunderstand.’

It seemed they understood his intentions. May bowed as respectfully as possible, with her hands clasped together. It was their country’s way of showing gratitude for the consideration. Jin stepped back at May’s smooth and gentle attitude.

‘I understand. I will discuss the details with the prince, so you may leave.’

May bowed deeply again and left the reception room.

The officials did not gather as they had before, since the prince had not come. When they were alone, the child asked Ian with a suspicious look.

‘Lord Ian. What do you think?’

‘It’s possible that he might have caught a cold from the long journey.’

‘Might have,’ meant that Ian also sensed something suspicious. The servants who had suffered while moving the luggage were fine, but the prince, who had only been riding in the carriage, had caught a cold?

‘…Isn’t it a ploy to deceive me?’

Ian shook his head at Jin’s question. Romandro, who was also tired from going back and forth, added from the side.

‘That’s unlikely, Your Highness. He didn’t even give a definite answer about attending the banquet. It’s a gathering where Your Highness and the leaders of the three countries will all be present, so it would be difficult to be absent unless there was a very good reason.’

It was a very important occasion. It was a gathering organized by the allies to celebrate Jin’s inauguration, wasn’t it? In fact, it was the reason why the leaders of the three countries had traveled such a long distance.

‘It’s a place where they would come even if their limbs were broken, so if they’re hesitating, it must be something serious.’

‘Hmm.’

Jin pondered deeply and let out a small groan. But he couldn’t just sit here and watch the prince. Instead, it would be better to prepare for the other possibilities.

‘If something were to happen to Prince Noah in the Imperial Palace, what would be the impact?’

The child’s gaze reached Ian. He was truly meticulous in his work. Ian smiled with satisfaction and answered.

‘I also kept that in mind, so I requested the head of the May delegation to write a certificate regarding the refusal of the Imperial Palace doctor. The Magic Department is also in the process of identifying and bringing out magic stones with recording capabilities, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.’

It was a bit slower to bring out and process the magic stones since Acorella was not there.

At Ian’s confirmation, Jin leaned back on the sofa as if relieved.

‘Beric is nowhere to be seen.’

‘I sent someone to investigate. He will be back soon. Is there anything you would like to order?’

‘No. I was just curious.’

Jin hesitated and trailed off. It seemed like he had something to say, but it wasn’t easy.

Romandro, who had been watching from the side, clicked his tongue inwardly and glared at the back of Ian’s head. Look at that, they must have fought! It was obvious that His Highness was having a hard time!

‘Your Highness, is there something you want to say?’

Romandro gently placed his hand on Ian’s shoulder and smiled brightly. He was saying that he would help, so don’t worry and say what you want.

Jin gestured to Siao Shi to bring something.

Swoosh.

‘It’s one of the tributes that came from the provinces.’

It was a small jewelry box the size of a palm. When he opened it, there was a jewel that looked exactly like Ian’s green eyes.

‘I invited Philia to the inauguration as well. I want to give this to her as a thank-you gift and a congratulatory present.’

He couldn’t help but think of the absinthe-colored eyes as soon as he saw the jewel. Since Philia had good things happening to her, he wanted to give it to her to celebrate. It was a kind of request for permission.

Romandro clapped his hands exaggeratedly and shook Ian’s shoulder.

‘Oh my, it’s so beautiful. Your Highness. Lady Philia will be very happy. Right, Ian?’

A gift was the best way to reconcile! Romandro gave Jin a thumbs up and made a fuss, while Ian smiled. Their intentions were too transparent. Both Romandro and Jin.

‘Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much. My mother will surely like it. A jewel directly from His Highness, she will keep it as a family honor.’

Romandro felt like giving a standing ovation. Yes. They had exchanged gifts like this, so now they would be back to normal again…….

Thud! Bang!

Clatter!

‘Ian-ah!’

Before he could enjoy the moment of emotion, Romandro glared at the door with wide eyes. Such a commotion in the reception room of the main palace, of all places.

‘Beric! How many times have I told you! This is-!’

‘The, the, the Podo country prince, he’s a fox!’

‘…What?’

‘He’s a fox prince!’

‘…….’

Beric was flushed with excitement. Ian, Romandro, Jin, and Siao Shi. They all stared at Beric with blank expressions. When Romandro gestured, Siao Shi went closer and sniffed.

‘…I don’t smell any alcohol.’

Then Beric tore at his hair and wailed. He was clearly speaking the same language, so why couldn’t they understand?

‘Really. I saw it! Ears, ears, fluff! Fluff!’