Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 306

A wine glass, so precarious it seemed like it would spill with the slightest tremor.

Noah stared at it blankly, then twisted his lips. Seriously, what was with this? Pushing from the front, pulling from the back, what were they doing? Did they think Clifford was so easy to handle?

Anger surged with the alcohol, but perhaps because of the curse, his eyes reddened first. Prince Noah emptied the glass in one go, then frowned with all his might.

‘Prince Noah?’

His eyes, already as narrow as slits, made it hard to see his pupils. Damon tilted his head as if puzzled, and Mei, who was watching from the side, poked the prince in the ribs.

‘Y-Your Highness. Please calm down.’

King Damon wouldn’t raise the price of fertilizer. The tribute was made to show sincerity to Bariel, but it was also a way to indirectly showcase their country’s technological prowess.

But fertilizer, among so many items? What could be more degrading to national prestige? Besides, Bariel didn’t even know that Vergos’s fertilizer was high-grade.

This meant that there was hardly any trade between them. Even with tax exemptions, they wouldn’t be able to fully benefit from it.

It was like the tail wagging the dog. It was not common to expect that people would consume unnecessary goods just because they were tax-exempt.

‘Clifford needs Vergos’s fertilizer, and most of Vergos’s exports go to Clifford. Yet, the fact that they’re mentioning this means they’re willing to take a loss to maintain their relationship with Clifford.’

It was a subtle probe into the three-nation alliance. If one had to be precise, it wasn’t pushing, but rather pretending to push while pulling.

However, due to the curse and the alcohol, Prince Noah kept wrinkling his nose. If he relaxed his facial muscles even a little, he felt like he would burst out in anger.

‘…Prince Noah? Are you alright?’

Damon noticed that Noah’s reaction was strange. He expected a natural retort, but instead…

‘Is he drunk?’

But it was well known that Cliffordians were heavy drinkers. Wasn’t it a country where alcohol was cheaper than water? There was even a saying that it was better to pour alcohol than water to kill a tree. There was no way he would lose his mind after drinking just this much at this hour.

As Damon’s gaze lingered, Mei felt her lips drying up.

Swoosh.

At that moment, a hand cleared away Noah’s empty glass. It was Ian. He placed his hand on his chest and spoke politely. To Noah, and to Mei.

‘It seems His Highness has not yet recovered from his journey.’

‘Ah, yes. It seems so. It must be.’

‘His Majesty will surely understand with this much sincerity. It would be best for him to go in and rest. Even if one suffers from the same illness, the night is always more difficult than the day.’

It was also time for the curse-hiding medicine to wear off. As Jin gestured, the waiting attendants supported Noah.

‘Yes. I am satisfied that the prince has graced the banquet despite not feeling well. I too will be going in soon, so you may leave first.’

‘Thank you, Your Majesty. Then, we shall take our leave. Your Highness. Please get up.’

‘I…’

‘Yes, yes. I understand. It must be hard, please bear with it a little longer.’

Noah’s lips drooped downwards. Mei’s spine tingled at the sight of him looking like he was about to burst into tears. No, absolutely not. She quickly turned her chin from side to side and pulled the prince’s arm.

Thud!

‘Uwaaah.’

‘D-Don’t make such noises, Your Highness.’

‘It hurts.’

He was staggering and bumping into things, making a commotion. Damon watched Noah’s retreating figure suspiciously, and even after the door closed, he didn’t easily take his eyes off it.

‘There’s definitely something there.’

What was Noah’s secret?

If the gypsy were here to help, it would be easier to find out. Damon sipped his wine, trying to ease his disappointment. It would be good to find out before the inauguration ceremony and his return home.

‘Um, but Sir Ian.’

As if reading his lord’s mind, Timothy poured Ian some wine and asked.

‘What happened to that matter?’

‘What are you referring to?’

‘About the gypsy who is being sought.’

‘Ah.’

To the outside world, it was only known that ‘the King of Vergos is looking for a gypsy with whom he has a special connection.’ Timothy had asked for an investigation while he was away, and Ian had agreed, so there should be some results.

Damon turned his head from the door towards Ian. As if he had been looking at him, their eyes met.

‘The border guards have strengthened security and are checking, but there is no special news. Rumor has it that there is a canyon in the north that is mainly used by illegal immigrants, so it is expected that they may have used that to go to another country.’

‘Why do you think so? I was informed that they were last seen in Bariel.’

Damon pointed out the contradiction. Timothy and the pursuit team had last found traces in Bariel, yet Ian was speaking as if he was almost certain that the gypsy had left for another country.

Then Ian smiled, as if asking the obvious.

‘I am saying this because, despite searching in the name of the Imperial Family, we ultimately failed to find them.’

In Bariel, of all places, are you looking down on the power of the Imperial Family? Unlike his gentle smile, his words were harsh.

Timothy naturally intervened to lighten the mood.

‘If it’s the northern canyon, what does it connect to?’

‘Part of it is Luswena, and part of it is the northern war zone. Since there are many gypsies there, it’s more likely than Luswena. If you want to investigate, it would be best to go there.’

A war zone.

It was a community divided into small tribal units, and the terrain was rough, making movement and investigation difficult.

Just as one hides a tree in a forest, the gypsy probably went there to hide himself. Timothy nodded, understanding fully.

Swoosh.

‘I will also leave my seat now. Similarly, I seem to have not fully recovered from my journey, as I arrived late.’

Damon got up from his seat instead of continuing the conversation. Eriphony was said to be coming in late, but she hadn’t shown her face, and Jin had said he would be leaving soon. There was no reason to stay here any longer.

‘King Damon.’

‘Yes, Your Majesty.’

At Jin’s call, he bowed politely. As Ian gestured with his eyebrows, the child gave an order with a rather solemn face.

‘Vergos shall leave the palace before the other countries after the inauguration ceremony. Isn’t the production period for the new tribute shorter than other countries? Leaving first will help save time, so that would be good.’

He was certain that Vergos would be sending a new tribute to Bariel. This was an indirect way of showing that they could not go against a great power, and it was a measure to block contact with other countries on the way home, under the guise of providing convenience.

‘…It is a benevolence like that of the heavens. I shall obey.’

Damon finished with an emotionless formality and left the banquet hall.

Then Jin leaned his head back on the chair, looking tired. Siao Shi supported him, but he felt his strength gradually fading. It seemed that maintaining his composure at the banquet until this hour, in a child’s body, was no easy task.

‘Your Majesty, you should go in as well. The lower floor doesn’t seem to be cooling down even in the early morning chill.’

‘Is it alright to do so? Eriphony hasn’t returned.’

‘Yes. It’s fine. Most of the guests have already left. And that side…’

Ian patted Jin’s shoulder as he yawned.

The report the mage had given earlier was about that. Alenara of the Serio family had entered a small room in the main building’s annex with Eriphony.

‘It seems that side is busy in their own way. They say they are having a good time with the daughter of the Serio family.’

‘Are you referring to Lady Alenara?’

‘Yes. I will take care of the cleanup. Please go in and rest first. You must maintain your best condition to show a dignified appearance during the procession.’

Everyone was busy laughing and enjoying themselves, but the person at the center of the festival was exhausted. Jin couldn’t hold back a yawn and decided to follow Ian’s advice.

‘Your Majesty. You did very well today. You’ve worked hard.’

Jin smiled brightly, then paused. Then, he asked very carefully.

‘If you are too tired and cannot sleep even when you lie down—’

If you can’t, can you read me a book like before?

Ian waited patiently for Jin’s unspoken words. But when he didn’t open his mouth, he spoke first.

‘If you can’t sleep, shall I read you a book?’

‘Well, um. If you wish.’

‘Yes. I understand.’

Jin mumbled, looking away. And then, with light steps, he left the banquet hall.

Creak.

Wasn’t it a truly long day?

He had greeted and responded to all the leaders of the three countries, and even led the banquet. Jin vowed not to fall asleep right away, but all night long, he did not hear Ian offer to read him a book.

Snore, snore, he did hear that His Majesty had fallen asleep while washing his face.

* * *

Flash!

It felt like the breath that had been held was suddenly released.

Noah blinked and looked at the white ceiling. The fancy and delicate lighting, it was the bedroom of the accommodation that Bariel had provided as a separate palace.

Why was he here like this? Just a moment ago, he thought he was talking to the King of Vergos? Was it a dream? How much of it?

‘…Me, Mei?’

It was the moment Noah mumbled.

A terrible hangover struck like a thunderbolt. His head felt like it was being hammered with nails, and he twisted his body, now feeling nauseous.

He couldn’t move, but it was also painful to stay still. It was the first time he had ever experienced anything like this.

‘…Ah, Mei!’

‘Oh, you’re awake!’

Berik came into Noah’s view. He was at the head of the bed, so his face was upside down. When Noah frowned, Berik frowned as well.

‘Wow, the smell of alcohol is really strong. It’s still there.’

‘…Why are you here? Where’s Mei?’

‘Ian called her to go eat. Good thing you’re awake, I’ll go too? They said I can get my own meat during the festival.’

‘Wait.’

As Berik was about to run to the door, excited, Noah grabbed him. He flicked his fingertips and pointed to the water bottle on the table.

‘Water.’

‘Uh-huh. I don’t usually do this kind of thing.’

The only reason he didn’t usually do it, but had to, was because Ian had told him to serve him well.

‘What happened yesterday?’

‘Not yesterday, the day before.’

‘What?’

‘The day before, I said. Two nights have passed.’

Noah, who was drinking water, blinked in surprise.

So, according to Berik, he had been lying down for two whole days after getting drunk at the banquet.

Wasn’t this the first time this had happened? It was the first time he had such a bad hangover, and the first time his memory had flown away like he had fainted.

‘What the…’

‘Ian said it seems like it was a side effect of the medicine, and something like that.’

‘If two days have passed, what about the inauguration ceremony?’

‘Ta-da! Of course, it’s today!’

‘Damn it.’

The conversation was completely pointless. As Noah frowned and glared at Berik, he received the gaze with a slightly curious look.

‘It’s true.’

‘What is?’

‘They said your personality changes when the curse is lifted, and it’s a bit…’

‘You’ve become like a beggar,’ the words rose to his throat, but he held them back. Ian had warned him to be careful, so if he caused trouble, he might not be able to eat during the entire festival.

Swoosh.

Noah felt his head. Two days had passed, so the time of the curse had passed while he was sleeping. He let out a sigh of relief and leaned back on the pillow.

‘Hurry and call Mei.’

‘Yes, yes. I understand. Do you remember anything?’

‘Remember? Remember what?’

At Noah’s question, Berik raised his water cup.

‘I am the prince of the Cream Grape Kingdom! How dare you mock the Grape Kingdom, hwaaah!’

‘…?’

‘This is tears, snot. Vomit, ueeek.’

‘I’m not in the mood for jokes right now.’

‘Oh, I’m not joking either.’

As Noah looked at him coldly, Berik scratched his nose awkwardly. The moment he put down the water cup.

Creak.

Mei and Ian, who had finished their meal, came in together. It was true that it was the day of the inauguration ceremony, as they were both in full uniform. Ian checked his watch and greeted him.

‘It’s fortunate that you woke up on time. It would have been a problem if there was no news from you again today. The main inauguration ceremony is in a few hours, so please hurry and prepare, and then review the proposal and stamp it.’

‘Proposal?’

‘…Since Your Highness was crying sadly because you were being pushed here and there, I wrote a proposal and submitted it. Please listen to the details from Envoy Mei. Berik. Let’s go. Let’s depart.’

Crying? Me? Damn it, damn it!

Noah was bewildered, but he maintained his composure and accepted the documents. He didn’t know what kind of proposal it was, but if it wasn’t a big deal, he would tear it up….