Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 31

“Sending a child who isn’t even registered! This is a deception!” “That’s right! How could they stab us in the back like this!” Ian leaned back, watching the elders erupt in anger. They couldn’t believe they’d been tricked like this during an official peace negotiation. “I emphasize again, I am indeed my father’s son. That much is clear.” “Then what about your mother?” “Well…” Ian gave a wry smile at Kakhantir’s question. It was a silent answer, telling him to interpret it as he wished. The situation was already tense. There was no need to mention that she was from a brothel here. It wasn’t important anyway. “I want to break his neck right now.” “But Chieftain, you are the leader of the Thousand-Eyed Clan. Surely you will make a wise decision.” Kakhantir growled with a humorless laugh. Having declared that he would treat Ian as a guest of the Empire, he couldn’t just kill him like this. It was a matter of principle. ‘But can we attack Bratz? No. Knowing that the central army is coming, that would be reckless too.’ “You.” Kakhantir chewed on a gurrut leaf [a type of stimulant leaf], dumbfounded. The honorific title he used to call him had long since disappeared from his lips. Whether it was intentional or not, the fact that Ian’s neck was still attached was proof that he was being respected. “Keep blabbering. Is there anything else to say?” “If the chieftain desires it, there will be.” The elders’ murmuring behind him grew louder. Ian smiled brightly and continued. “Ah, I see. You do have something. More specifically, how things will proceed.” “I hope it’s interesting. Enough to clear my noisy head at once.” Kakhantir’s gaze was fixed on Ian’s neck. It seemed like he was struggling to suppress his impulse. “Let’s assume. If I become the lord of Bratz with the help of the Thousand-Eyed Clan, I will make Bratz the best territory in Bariel.” “Why?” “Because that’s the only way to support me, a person from the outskirts.” “So?” “After gaining enough power, I will go to the center, specifically, to the Imperial Palace.” Kakhantir’s brown eyes gleamed. What was this little thing saying? Going to the center? That meant willingly walking into the jaws of the Empire. Even putting aside what he would do there, did he not know how a territory would fall if its lord left? It would either rot from the inside due to the corruption of insiders or be destroyed by external invasions. “This is why I, who wasn’t even registered, crossed the desert without running away. Kakhantir. We need to change now.” True alliance and peace. It wasn’t just a relationship where they exchanged trade goods and were bound by numbers and letters. It was a relationship where the lord could show his back. It also meant that he would see the Thousand-Eyed Clan not as a barbarian tribe from the outskirts, but as an ally. “I don’t know if it’s interesting. But it certainly cleared my head of unnecessary thoughts.” “That’s a relief.” Just as Kakhantir was about to chew on another gurrut leaf, Nersarn raised his hand. “Lord Ian. There’s one thing we need to address.” “Please, speak.” “When the central army arrives, will Derga have time? Time to send a message?” Wow. Ian felt like applauding. Kakhantir, you have a pretty good guy by your side. As the chieftain’s strategist, he had considerable depth of thought. He had brought up a point that no one had thought of. “Probably. Because an investigation has to be conducted. That period is about fifteen days at most. In fact, the central government is coming down with certainty.” “Then it’s even more of a problem.” “Nersarn. What is?” Kakhantir and the other elders couldn’t grasp what he meant. “A cornered rat will bite a cat. If there’s no chance to escape, all that’s left for Derga is beheading. And the destruction of his family. There’s a possibility he’ll raise an army to resist. And…” “He will ask the Thousand-Eyed Clan for help.” They were allies who had just made a peace treaty a few days ago. Kakhantir nodded as if he had just realized it. “We can’t refuse.” “That’s right. Especially since it’s right after the peace treaty.” It was an action that shouldn’t be done politically, before any principles. Breaking the peace without justification would be like the Thousand-Eyed Clan declaring themselves barbarians. This could later provide an excuse for the Empire. Kakhantir was displeased with this situation. Either way, they were being played by the Empire. “The peace treaty is the problem. Our position has become difficult because of the peace treaty, so we need to solve this first. Is there no way to nullify it?” Nersarn shook his head. “It’s not easy.” “Why? They deceived us. They sent a child who wasn’t even registered.” “Kakan, Ian may not be registered, but he is still Derga’s son.” “That’s right. It’s a valid point.” Ian agreed with Nersarn’s words. “Besides, my father revealed that I was an illegitimate child before the peace treaty. And they wouldn’t know that I colluded with the central government to delay my registration, so even if we raise an objection, it won’t work.” “It’s like you’re urging us to kill you. Keep talking.” “I have a way.” Ian’s declaration silenced the room. Kakhantir also closed his mouth and waited for the next words. “All history is built on justification. And all justification is created by people. I will create it for you.” “What do you mean?” “Justification to break the peace treaty. And even justification to refuse Derga’s request for help.” And Ian picked up a gurrut leaf placed on the edge of the table. His eyes shone, saying that this was the answer. “My father secretly instructed me. When I return to Bratz for my birthday next year, to smuggle gurrut leaves.” “Good heavens. Haha!” Kakhantir burst into laughter at Ian’s quick answers. He had decided before crossing the desert, and it seemed that it wasn’t a lie. “The lord, of all people, ordered smuggling. And gurrut leaves, which are absolutely prohibited, through the peace treaty partner, who is a symbol of peace. Isn’t that enough?” “That’s right. It’s a backstab that deserves to be ground to dust. It’s more than enough. What about the evidence?” “Unfortunately, there’s nothing visible right now. But this can also be confirmed through Winchen.” With this, they could also strongly protest about the registration issue. Protest? No. They could just unilaterally break it, and the other side would have nothing to say. “Of course, I had no intention of doing that.” “What you said today is something you should swear to God, beyond Winchen.” “I will if you wish.” “I’m going crazy. What is Bratz…” Like father, like son, he thought that Derga only had fools like Chell. The handwritten letter Ian sent had reinforced that belief. But look at the atmosphere now. A foreigner with blonde hair and green eyes was leading the leaders of the Thousand-Eyed Clan? “…Is that all you want? A statement that the Thousand-Eyed Clan supports you.” “That’s enough. I’ll take care of the rest.” No matter how he looked at it, it was a deal with no flaws. If anything, it could be said to be a little advantageous. In the worst case, Ian would lose his life, but the Thousand-Eyed Clan would just return to the desert. If the central government invaded, they would fight with the desert at their backs, as they always had. He tapped the table and added one last thing. “We have no intention of shedding blood for you.” “I don’t want that either.” “Aren’t you afraid of death?” “Not at all.” Ian’s bold attitude. Kakhantir asked out of pure curiosity. He was much younger, but his spirit overwhelmed that of the Thousand-Eyed Clan’s warriors. “I’ve died and come back to life once.” “That’s a great resolve.” It wasn’t a figurative expression, but Kakhantir didn’t realize it. Well, how could he know? That Ian was living a second life, and that this meant he was blessed by God. Besides, he still had a hidden card. That he was a magic user. “Including the pursuit of Silask, write down what the Thousand-Eyed Clan wants specifically on paper.” “There’s plenty of time. There will be the joy of negotiation.” Ian smiled brightly and expressed his gratitude. And he turned to look at the physician, who was still standing there blankly, watching the situation. “Is the medicine not ready yet?” “Huh? Ah! Yes, yes. I’m going! I have to go!” The physician was startled and picked up the potted plant. He planned to feed him just one root first to observe the effect. It wasn’t too late to decide what to do with the rest later. Whether to cultivate it for future generations, or to give it to Winchen after seeing his condition improve. “Then I’ll be going too.” Ian also walked towards the tent entrance. Kakhantir grabbed him and asked, half-expecting nothing. His rough tone had softened a lot. “Lord Ian. Is your intention to go to the center related to the Emperor’s mental state?” From Kakan’s perspective, he was a truly curious child. His father was a nobleman from the outskirts, but his mind was connected to the Imperial Palace? Judging by the fact that he didn’t talk about his mother, there seemed to be a clue there. Ian realized that he didn’t expect an answer and just smiled. As he came outside, the entire clan was gathered, their ears perked up. “He’s out!” “I heard loud noises inside, but he didn’t die.” “Oh, oh. It’s true.” As Ian and Beric took a step forward, the crowd parted like the Red Sea. In the middle, he saw a familiar face. It was Su. Ian approached her and asked. “Su.” “Huh? Uh-huh.” “If you have time, would you help us?” “What…?” Her eyes shook in confusion. But soon, they shone like stars at Ian’s words. “Beric’s training.” * * * “Idiot! Snail!” “Can’t you shut up?” “Even a desert ant is faster than you!” “Wow, that! If I catch you, you’ll really get a bloody nose!” Whoosh-! Ian ate fruit in the shade, watching the sandstorm rise. It was the trace of Beric’s kicks and Su’s movements. They had been running in the scorching sun for two hours already, but neither of them showed any signs of fatigue. “Beric! Are you okay?” “What?” “…Never mind.” “Don’t talk to me! Damn it!” Whoosh! He was definitely quick to learn and adapt. It seemed he had adapted to the heat after a few days. Moreover, because of the environment, the sand made the training even more intense. “Beric. You’re really amazing.” “It’s because my feet keep sinking!” “Ah? Really? Mine aren’t sinking? How much fat must have accumulated on your legs that only you are sinking?” “This is muscle! Damn it!” “Yes, yes. I’m sure it is.” Swish! Swish! While the two continued to exchange blows, Ian just munched on sweet and cool fruit. He had planned to slowly and carefully win over the Thousand-Eyed Clan, but the situation was resolved very easily and quickly thanks to Silask. Until he returned to Bratz, Ian just had to enjoy the Great Desert. Ah! How long had it been since he had rested so freely? It was almost as if this was the true gift given by God. “Lord Ian.” At that moment, someone from the clan approached Ian. They were holding a tray with new wine and Ian’s potted plant. “Lord Winchen has finally opened his eyes.” “Oh. Is that so?” Winchen had fainted at the same time as he greeted Ian. After slowly dripping the Silask-infused water into his mouth, the progress was slow, but it was definitely showing. His heart rate had stabilized, his seizures had disappeared, and his complexion had improved. “That’s a relief.” “…Thank you.” The nameless clan member carefully expressed their gratitude. The village atmosphere was clear. It must be like a festival. Ian simply responded by sipping his cup. “They say that they will hold a formal banquet to welcome Lord Ian soon.” “Really? It’s no different from a banquet now.” “…Anyway, thank you so much. Everyone is grateful to Lord Ian.” “You’re welcome.” “Oh, and I found this while moving the whole pot of soil.” He put down the potted plant. Inside the empty pot was a necklace. A silver chain with an amber gemstone. “This is Lord Ian’s, right? Did you hide it?”