Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 32

The necklace shimmered in the sunlight. Ian could only describe the color as ‘amber,’ unable to pinpoint it further. Even Ian, who had spent his life surrounded by treasures, had never encountered a gem quite like it.

‘Ian, what on earth is this?’

How could a bastard from a brothel be raising a Silask [a rare, magical plant] and possess something like this? No, if we start from the beginning, Ian might not have known about it.

‘His status aside, his actions don’t add up. Knowing the hardships his mother, Philia, endured, if he knew it was valuable, he would have sold it to help his family.’

And above all, the necklace was hidden in the soil. It was clear that whoever planted the Silask had buried it.

‘Was he asked by someone? To take good care of this.’

The only plausible guess right now was that. Wouldn’t that explain it to some extent? He cherished it, but not enough to take it with him when he entered the Bratz mansion.

Clink.

“I can’t figure it out. Truly.”

The most puzzling thing since he opened his eyes was Ian’s existence. It was always this little kid who made him worry.

“What can’t you figure out?”

“Is everything broken?”

“Who’s broken! It was neck and neck!”

“Yeah, yeah. Okay.”

Ian replied, putting on the necklace. Whatever it was, now that he had found it, he had no intention of ever taking it off. The Thousand-Eyed Clan member who brought the pot added,

“And after your rest, the Chieftain has asked you to come see him.”

“Really? Then let’s go now. Since everything’s broken.”

“I said it’s not broken! I’m not broken!”

“Wipe the sand off your mouth before you speak, Beric.”

Ian chuckled and left the tent. Now that Winchen had regained consciousness, they probably wanted to confirm if Ian’s words were true. And more importantly, they needed to finalize the details of the preferential negotiation rights between the Thousand-Eyed Clan and Ian.

“……?”

“Oh!”

Ian, who was about to open the tent, stopped. The Thousand-Eyed Clan members were gathered at the entrance. Beric, who was following him, also peeked out and looked around.

After an awkward silence, they placed what they were holding on the ground. From soft kushile blankets [a type of desert fabric] to sturdy baskets, they were items that would enrich their lives.

“What is all this?”

“…We’ve prepared things necessary to live in the desert. It’s insignificant compared to what you gave for Chieftain Winchen, but the Thousand-Eyed Clan warriors never forget a favor or a grudge until they die.”

It seemed they had been ordered to treat Ian as a guest, as they were using honorifics for the first time. He smiled brightly and nodded.

“Thank you. I’ll use them well.”

“Th, then…”

They scattered in a hurry, looking embarrassed, and Ian couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s so funny?”

“Aren’t they cute? Even those who the world considers barbaric have kindness when you look closely. They are human, after all.”

“Look at the saint.”

“Beric, organize these things until I return.”

Damn it! Ian took back the saint comment and, leaving Beric who was jumping up and down, went to find Winchen’s tent. Inside, the old woman was lying down, not much different from the first day.

Chak-!

“Lord Ian, welcome.”

Kakhantir was kneeling close to her, whispering something. Seeing it like this, you could definitely feel the old woman’s status. A person who leads a tribe, kneeling without hesitation.

“Chieftain Winchen, I’m so glad you’ve recovered.”

The old woman smiled faintly and looked towards the entrance. The smile of a sage who had been to the brink of death was enough to bring peace to the heart.

“I called you here to conclude our previous conversation.”

“Very well. Everything I told Chieftain Kakhantir is true, and I swear by the heavens that I will keep my word. Of course, there are still some things I haven’t mentioned, but they are unrelated to the Thousand-Eyed Clan.”

Ian smiled brightly and took the initiative. Kakhantir also looked satisfied with his straightforward attitude. Winchen put her hands together and greeted Ian again.

“The gods…”

A voice squeezed out with difficulty. Her condition was so bad, he thought she wouldn’t speak again. The attendants strained their ears to catch the old woman’s words.

“…told you to change everything about yourself.”

“Pardon?”

“…even if it is your existence.”

Ian turned to Kakhantir with a surprised look. Winchen was giving a divine revelation. Hearing the words of God outside of a temple was unheard of, but Kakhantir nodded as if he was used to it.

“The Imperials wouldn’t understand. You believe you can only understand God’s will in a temple.”

“That’s true. We believe that only those who can decipher the holy scriptures can convey God’s will.”

If the Papal States knew, they might call it heresy. Ian bowed to show his gratitude for receiving the divine message.

“But the message isn’t very pleasant.”

“Of course not. It’s always meaningful.”

Ian immediately denied it. Just because humans don’t know, doesn’t mean the truth disappears. Kakhantir realized that he was growing more fond of this blond foreigner. Wasn’t he a warrior with everything?

‘He’s bold, courageous, and calm like a deep flowing river.’

“I heard my brothers brought you gifts.”

“I received them gratefully.”

“Now we will adjust the details of the preferential negotiation rights, but before that, tell me if there is anything you need.”

It was a roundabout way of saying that he wouldn’t concede even the smallest thing once the negotiations began. But at the same time, it was a very favorable offer. Ian pondered for a moment before answering.

“Isn’t the Thousand-Eyed Clan a tribe of warriors?”

“That’s right. We are the ones who rule the Great Desert.”

“I would like you to teach everything about being a warrior to the redhead I brought. He wants to think he’s the strongest in the world, but he’s still lacking.”

“You mean Beric?”

Caring for one’s subordinates was a virtue of a leader. It wasn’t a difficult task, so Kakhantir readily agreed.

“I’ll see to it.”

“Thank you.”

“Bring the paper.”

Chak-!

At Kakhantir’s call, attendants from outside brought paper and brushes. They began to create a true contract, leaving Winchen behind.

* * *

Thud! Thud thud! Clatter!

The sudden noise caused Derga’s pen to stray off course. He was almost done, and now he had to start all over again.

“Count! Count!”

“What’s all the fuss!”

Swoosh!

Derga reflexively threw the ink bottle as soon as the door opened. It wasn’t like the sky was falling, so why were they acting like this! He was already having a headache from calculating taxes!

The servant, who was hit directly by the bottle, panicked and wiped his pants.

“I, I’m sorry. But you need to come out right now. People from the capital have arrived.”

The confirmation of registration was supposed to arrive, so wasn’t that normal? But the servant’s behavior was strange. Derga hid behind the curtain and looked out the window.

“……?!”

Normally, if it was just for delivering documents, two people would have come. But there were many carriages from the main gate to the entrance, and at the front, a familiar flag was fluttering.

“Isn’t that the Imperial Investigation Team?”

“The butler is currently greeting the guests, but…”

Something felt off. Derga gathered the documents on his desk and shouted.

“You, take these documents to the aide’s office right now! And wait inside with the door locked. There are plenty of ink bottles in the left storage. If the situation seems strange, pour them all out. Do you understand?”

“Yes? Yes. Ah, I understand.”

“Damn it!”

Derga gave firm instructions and went down the stairs. The servants were all gathered at the central entrance, looking uneasy.

“M, master. What is all this…”

“Get out of the way!”

He adjusted his clothes and stepped forward. The butler stepped back with a troubled look, and Derga faced the head of the Imperial Investigation Team.

“Are you Count Derga Bratz?”

“Yes, I am. But I don’t know what’s going on.”

“I am Bertie Erica, the head of the Imperial Investigation Team dispatched from the Imperial Palace. This is a permit personally stamped by the Emperor. We have been dispatched to investigate treason due to tax evasion, and we swear to conduct a sincere and truthful process.”

Treason due to tax evasion.

As soon as he heard the reason for their dispatch, Derga felt his heart drop. How did these bastards know? How? But the words he spoke were brazen and confident.

“This is very unpleasant. I am protecting the borders from those barbarians with all my heart for the sake of Bariel! And what? Treason due to tax evasion? That’s absurd!”

First, he would deny it. Until the crime was confirmed. Derga was still a Count, and this was his territory. Although a dozen carriages had come, in terms of power, he was still superior.

Erica, as if used to it, took out another document from another pocket.

“Is this the Bratz seal?”

A pattern of a tiger and laurel. It was clearly stamped on top of someone’s hastily written sentence.

-I am reporting the tax evasion of the Bratz family. Your Majesty, please investigate without a single doubt.

When Derga tried to grab the letter, Erica firmly pushed his hand away. If it was a report with a seal, they had the right to search the mansion right away.

“We will manage the mansion for the time being. All employees, including the Count, are to follow the instructions of the deputy head. The infantry will arrive soon, so please clear the garden for them.”

It was a warning not to think rashly, as additional forces would arrive soon. At Erica’s signal, her subordinates drew their swords and rushed into the mansion.

Thud thud! Thud!

“Kyaa!”

“W, wait a minute!”

“Everyone shut up and follow me!”

“M, master! Master!”

“You there! The one going up the stairs!”

“Uwaaa!”

Since they couldn’t tie up a noble Count, they were first subduing the servants, who were their hands and feet. Erica stepped in, stomping on the carpet with her boots.

“This mansion is quite magnificent.”

“You…”

“Young Master Chell and Madam Mary will also be returning soon. You don’t have to worry, just stay still and follow the instructions. Everyone, sweep from the top floor!”

At Erica’s shout, Derga’s head rang. Didn’t these guys know that the office was on the top floor? That was information not written in the report. That meant it wasn’t just the paper that was sent.

‘Mollin!’

That bastard, I fed him meat and treated him well! How could he do this…! Derga’s face turned red as if his blood was boiling. Erica smiled faintly and passed him, and all he could hear were the screams of the servants.

“Count!”

The one running up the stairs was the butler. He was dragged down, but Derga was lost in thought and didn’t move.

‘Mollin, how did that bastard get the seal? Is it related to the aide? But that guy hasn’t woken up yet. I’m still watching him…’

Derga let out a ridiculous laugh. If he had to pick one person who was close to Mollin in Bratz…

“Iaaaaan!”

The soldiers glanced at the outburst, but no one stopped him. It looked like he was about to collapse from high blood pressure. Since he was going to die anyway, dying early wouldn’t be a bad choice.