Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 302

As twilight faded into the complete darkness of night, lights illuminated every building of the grand and majestic imperial palace.

The lights reaching the tips of the spires looked like stars ascending, and the Bariel flag, hanging at the very top, remained visible even in the night.

Surely, it would be clearly visible even from outside the palace.

Thus, the fervor of the imperial citizens would not cool down either.

‘…Queen Eriphony of Luswena.’

Queen Eriphony of Luswena, having stepped out of her carriage, gazed at the sight. Wasn’t it truly magnificent? That too must be the power of a mage, and it made her understand why Bariel had taken the position of ‘victor’ throughout history.

‘Let’s go in. You’re being impatient.’

‘My apologies. There is a banquet schedule.’

The official bowed his head in embarrassment, urging her again. He had told her to enter, but she was just standing there, admiring the scenery.

She gestured for him to lead the way, grasping the hem of her dress. Behind Queen Eriphony, the adorned Eldert and the Luswena delegation followed in an orderly fashion.

Tap.

The grand hall of the main palace.

It was said to be the place where various major events, including the New Year’s celebration, were held. The level of the decorations placed everywhere, and the huge arched corridor, were astonishing.

Just as the gradually audible melody of the orchestra became clearer, the official stopped.

‘Queen Eriphony, please come with me to the second floor, and the delegation, except for one close aide, please enter the central hall.’

The leaders needed to enjoy the banquet on the upper floor, in a place where miscellaneous noises would not mix. Every single conversation they had would determine the fate of their countries.

The delegation all bowed their heads to see off the queen. Only Eldert would remain by the queen’s side. Encouraging gazes were poured upon him in silence.

Creak.

‘Am I the first guest?’

The formal dining table was lavishly decorated with flowers and candles. The official silently guided her to her seat, and Eriphony frowned slightly, as if annoyed.

Even if it was the order of entry, Clifford was not yet a king, but a prince, so shouldn’t he be entering later than her?

Looking down at the lower floor, the officials and nobles of Bariel were warmly welcoming the Luswena delegation.

‘Prince Noah of Clifford has arrived.’

‘Oh, my.’

‘Queen Eriphony, I presume.’

‘It’s a pleasure to see you, Prince Noah. It’s been a while.’

The prince appeared with the May envoy, dressed in Clifford’s traditional attire.

Eriphony greeted him without much thought, but somehow, Prince Noah’s gaze was unusual. She took a sip of the pre-dinner drink and asked, puzzled.

‘I heard you were feeling unwell, are you alright?’

‘It’s surprising how you heard that. Yes, thanks to you.’

‘The imperial palace is noisy, so private words are easily heard. I haven’t done anything, but you’re thanking me, so I’m truly grateful.’

‘Due to the abnormal reaction test from Luswena, mages came directly to check my condition. So, it’s natural to say it’s thanks to you.’

Prince Noah’s narrow eyes became even narrower. The cause of everything that had happened today was, when you think about it, the abnormal reaction to the dragon antibody. If it weren’t for that, his identity wouldn’t have been exposed in the imperial palace.

It was the moment Eriphony was about to retort with a dumbfounded expression.

‘The abnormal reaction to the dragon antigen and antibody, we also…’

‘King Damon of Vergos has arrived.’

Creak.

Damon’s entrance cut off the conversation.

Noah turned his body towards the entrance with a sulky look, and Eriphony frowned, looking at Eldert, as if asking if he knew why he was acting like that.

‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, Queen Eriphony, and Prince Noah. It’s the first time the three countries have gathered in one place.’

‘Yes, indeed. More than anything, I didn’t expect to be here with Vergos like this. My father asked me to convey his regards.’

‘Ah, yes. Please convey my regards when you return.’

Vergos and Clifford, which shared a border.

The two countries had not been on good terms before, so this meeting was truly encouraging and meaningful. They shook hands lightly and sat down.

A moment of silence flowed. The three exchanged glances, confirming that they were all thinking the same thing.

‘The true prince is not here.’

Normally, the one who hosted the meal should be the first to appear. However, Jin was the successor to the Bariel throne. Was it because of the difference in status? But seeing the attendants waiting outside the door, they had doubts.

Eriphony chuckled and moistened her throat with the pre-dinner drink.

‘I heard that mages can also eavesdrop, but it won’t be easy.’

It was a kind of game, a trap.

To watch what the three countries were talking about.

The three knew that, so they selectively remained silent, waiting for Prince Jin to enter. On the lower floor, the orchestra’s melody was growing louder.

‘Prince Jin is entering.’

‘Be quiet! His Highness the Prince is entering!’

At that moment, news came from both the upper and lower floors simultaneously. In an instant, the hall became quiet, and even the melody seemed to die down.

Creak.

The doors swung open, and Jin entered with Ian. His hair was completely swept back, and he was adorned. Eriphony couldn’t help but chuckle.

‘The little one, he’s trying to show off. How cute.’

When Eldert gestured for her to restrain herself, Eriphony just raised an eyebrow.

The child stood on the railing before sitting at the head of the table and looked down. The vast hall was filled with people from all over.

Zzzing. Zzzing.

As Ian held the magic tool close, Jin’s voice reached everyone without much difficulty.

‘Thank you all for being here.’

The leaders of the three countries bowed their heads, and the delegation on the lower floor did the same.

Ian received a glass from an attendant and handed it to Jin. The contents melted down in a golden color. It was one of the tributes from Clifford. It was close to a drink without alcohol, but there was no other color that could create such an atmosphere.

‘I will not forget the three countries that are joining in the new history of Bariel. Luswena, Clifford, and Vergos are welcome to enjoy the grace of Bariel.’

As Jin raised his glass, those gathered on the lower floor followed suit. Even the kings had no choice. It was rather sensitive content for a congratulatory speech, but what could they do?

‘Enjoy the festival, and only those who laugh will take everything back. Let the banquet begin.’

Clang! Clink!

‘It is an honor, Your Highness!’

‘May only honor be with us! It is truly a joyous occasion!’

‘Congratulations! Hahaha!’

The sound of glasses clinking could be heard from everywhere. Jin toasted with Ian, who was nearby, and the kings of the three countries toasted among themselves, wetting their lips with wine.

As Ian looked down at the orchestra and gestured, the music that had stopped began to play again.

‘Prince Noah of Clifford, it’s my first time seeing you. Is your condition alright?’

‘Ah, yes, Your Highness. It’s thanks to your consideration. I am truly grateful and apologetic.’

Noah glanced at Ian and answered. Prince Jin should know that he was a beastman, but there was no special reaction in his attitude. Well, it was advantageous for both of them.

‘Let’s eat.’

‘Yes, Your Highness.’

At Jin’s command, the banquet began in earnest. A little quieter and more cautious than the lower floor.

The first to break the silence was Eriphony. It seemed that Luswena was being misunderstood regarding the abnormal dragon reaction, so she thought it would be better to address it.

‘By the way, Your Highness.’

‘Speak.’

Jin lightly cut the pre-dinner food and replied.

‘It’s about the abnormal dragon reaction you mentioned. You said it started in Luswena, but there are no reported cases in our country. It’s not just us, I heard that Clifford has also completed the test. As you can see, there are no problems with the results.’

When the words ‘abnormal dragon reaction’ came out, Noah and Damon’s expressions were contrasting. Noah had a look of annoyance, while Damon had a look of suspicion.

Jin nodded as if he had brought up a truly timely topic.

‘Therefore, I humbly ask you to refrain from mentioning Luswena so hastily, as it is a sensitive matter.’

‘There was a case of someone who touched the dragon scales that came from Luswena and got infected. Judging by the fact that the Queen doesn’t know, it seems to be an illegal breeding ground. It would be good to investigate it secretly when you return.’

‘Dragon scales themselves are illegal items. How do you know that their origin is Luswena?’

‘First of all, among the neighboring countries, Luswena is the only one that officially operates a breeding ground, and more than anything, it was found by confiscating the property of someone you know well.’

Eriphony paused. A Bariel person she knew well? And whose property was confiscated? Only one person came to mind.

‘Haiman?’

Jin smiled innocently and continued.

‘I had many doubts. But it seems that the Queen truly doesn’t know, so that’s a relief. If there is any deficiency in the investigation, I will dispatch an investigation team from the imperial palace.’

…Let’s stop here for now. Haiman was a person who was destroyed for treason. The fact that his name was involved in a conversation with the prince was a burden for Luswena.

Besides, I heard that the person who left the palace due to infection was a mage, so if they demanded compensation, it would be priceless. How can the value of a mage be converted into numbers?

Moreover, the offer to dispatch an investigation team meant that they would officially plant Bariel people in Luswena.

‘No, it’s possible enough within our means. I will order a related investigation as soon as I return.’

‘When will I be able to receive the good news?’

‘…I will see you again before summer.’

Jin did not gloss over it and set a deadline, putting an end to it. If there was no contact by then, it was a declaration that Bariel would send people to Luswena.

Damon, who had been watching, quietly put down the fork he was holding.

‘Something’s strange.’

They said they conducted the test to guard against the epidemic. But what about them? Vergos had not received any treatment since entering the palace. This was proof that the imperial palace’s attitude towards the epidemic was not as serious as they thought.

Luswena and Clifford, who had completed the test. It was something that was ‘worth doing’ only in relation to those two countries…….

‘Luswena is said to be the source, so that’s understandable, but what about Clifford? Why didn’t we do it, and why did Clifford do it?’

Damon met Noah’s gaze. A routine eye contact was exchanged, but Damon continued to scan Noah. Ian’s arm slipped in between them. He was holding a wine bottle, with a polite smile.

‘Your glass is empty. May I pour you a glass?’

‘Of course. Minister Ian Hielo.’

‘Thank you. Timothy, how about you?’

When Ian asked, Damon nodded. At the permission to drink, Timothy came closer and received the glass.

‘Your Majesty. It is truly an honor to meet you like this. Before, I heard about you from Timothy, and I have been waiting for this day to come.’

‘Really? What did he say? Did he not curse the lord who sent him out to work while leaving his family behind?’

‘Your Highness! What are you saying? That’s not true!’

Timothy, who was drinking, was startled and denied it. Ian laughed in agreement, but Damon did not easily twist his lips. From his cold expression, Ian felt something strange.

‘…Did Your Highness also hear about me from Timothy?’

Ian threw out a word with a nonchalant smile. How is it, you who are living a second life? In your first life, was there an Ian Hielo like this?

Damon looked into Ian’s green eyes with his cold, purple eyes.

‘Yes, I heard.’

Ian Hielo.

‘But it’s a bit different from what I expected.’

Damon’s cryptic words. Ian pondered the meaning, took a sip of wine, and smiled. There was enough time for the meal. Slowly, like being immersed in alcohol, it was something that could be dug into.

* * *

At the moment when the banquet of kings was taking place on the upper floor. Among the nobles on the lower floor, there was one who kept looking up.

‘Serio, won’t you have a drink?’

‘Ah, yes.’

‘You don’t have to be intimidated even on a day like this. It’s a festival! Everyone is enjoying it.’

‘I know. I’m enjoying it.’

‘Then smile a little!’

Malon Hope Serio, a noble who had tried to get on Ian’s good side but had failed miserably, could not take his eyes off the upper floor.