Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 329

How long had they been galloping? The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of twilight. Berik, growing bored with the continuous ride, frowned. All he could see was dense forest, and he wondered if they were even going the right way. Though he didn’t voice it, he figured everyone else felt the same, judging by their gazes at Noah’s back as he led the way.

Phillip, still bound and slung over a horse, showed no signs of waking.

“Hey, how much furth-”

Just as the mage was about to ask May, Noah pulled on the reins, slowing their pace. They had emerged from the woods.

Below them stretched an endless expanse of vineyards. The trees were planted in perfect, straight lines, as if drawn with a ruler. Thick vines and luscious grapes hung abundantly.

The blue leaves were tinged with the colors of the sunset, as if a red wave was washing over parts of the field.

“This is Clifford,” Noah announced.

Prince Noah’s hair, too, was now a deeper shade of orange in the twilight. Behind him, Clifford’s royal palace came into view. The tall, ivory domes reflected the sunlight, sparkling beautifully.

Ding-dong.

A bell rang out from somewhere, and people began to appear from all over the fields. They were offering their thanks to the gods. They had completed their sacred labor for the day, and the gods would surely look upon them with joy.

Ah- oh- ah-

They raised their hands and hummed. It was a simple, repetitive melody and lyric, but it had a strangely calming effect.

As they walked along the road between the fields, Berik looked around curiously. Occasionally, farmers would make eye contact and tip their hats in greeting.

“But why are there only fields? Where do people live?”

“This is the outskirts. While Bariel doesn’t separate residential and commercial areas from the palace, Clifford does. Everything outside the castle walls is used for agriculture. It’s to make efficient use of the limited land,” May retorted, rolling her eyes. Still, a guest was a guest, especially one who could decide Clifford’s fate. As she explained, some farmers recognized Noah and bowed deeply with joyful expressions.

“Halt and state your identities.”

“Royal passage permit. Open the gates.”

“Your Highness? Why are you without a carriage…?”

“There were circumstances.”

“Understood. Please wait a moment!”

The guards on the walls bustled about. Soon, the massive gates swung open. Through the gap, a glimpse of Clifford’s life came into view.

Screech.

Outside, everything was serene, sacred, and natural, but how could it be such a different world just beyond the gates?

Groups danced in circles through the streets, merchants carried wine barrels, old men smoked pipes on arched rooftops, laughter and nonsensical songs filled the air, the walls of buildings were covered in vines, and the sweet scent of grapes permeated everything.

“Whoa, what is this!”

“Don’t get distracted and follow me. Everyone is taking a break after their day’s work. The crowds are pouring into the streets, and it’s easy for newcomers to get lost.”

“Ian! Let’s finish our business and come out here for a drink, okay?”

“Berik, hold your reins properly.”

A merchant, recognizing them as strangers, gestured with a bottle of wine as if to welcome them. Berik was the only one who accepted it.

They soon arrived at the royal palace. The delegation’s late arrival had caused some concern. The welcoming was brief, as they glanced back with puzzled looks.

“Your Highness! What on earth happened?”

“Where is the carriage? What about the other delegates? Why are you alone…?”

“Who are these people?”

“I will see my father first. These are Ian Hiel, the Minister of Magic from Bariel, and his subordinates.”

“M-mages!”

“The Minister? That Minister?”

The attendants took a step back in surprise. As Ian and the mages nodded in greeting, they scurried to prepare for the guests.

“This way.”

As they were led to the main palace, Berik chuckled and whispered to Ian. He hadn’t noticed it when he was just with Noah and May, but it seemed like all the people in Clifford looked alike.

“Ian, everyone here looks the same, right? Their hair color, their narrow eyes, everything.”

“Shh, Berik.”

Just as Ian was telling him to be quiet, an attendant opened the door to the reception room. What they saw was…

“Noah, why are you here so late?”

“Brother, why are you so late?”

“Brother, I heard you came without a carriage? What happened?”

Children, who looked exactly like Noah and appeared to be under ten years old, ran to hug the prince. Soon, the king and queen appeared.

“Hup.”

Berik was about to say something in surprise, but Barsabe quickly covered his mouth.

Short, reaching only to the chest, with round cheeks, narrow eyes, and smiling lips. He was too approachable and warm to be a king. The queen was a mirror image of him.

Would Noah become like that when he got older? The younger siblings were quite cute, though.

“The Minister of Magic from Bariel, Ian Hiel, I presume.”

“It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Majesty. I apologize for this discourtesy, but the matter was urgent. Please forgive me,” Ian said, placing his hand over his chest. The mages followed suit. The King of Clifford gestured towards the sofa, ordering the guests to be seated.

“Minister, please take a seat. The subordinates may rest from their journey.”

“We will escort them to the next room.”

The mages followed the attendant out. Noah’s younger siblings, after exchanging glances, also ran after them. Since there were no mages in Clifford, it was bound to pique their curiosity.

“So, Noah, did you have a good trip? I don’t know what happened, but you look a little thin. I’m worried.”

“It’s nothing, Father.”

“Well then, tell me quickly. What brings the Minister of Bariel all the way here?”

The King of Clifford’s tone was as gentle as his appearance. He felt more like a kind father than a king. The atmosphere of the royal family was quite pleasant, as were Noah’s younger siblings.

Unlike Bariel, where siblings fought with swords, sons harmed their fathers, and mothers tried to kill their children.

“Actually…”

Noah recounted the events that had occurred during the inauguration ceremony. The king listened intently, nodding, but when he heard about the curse being exposed, he stood up abruptly.

“Father.”

“…So, you’re saying that Sir Ian knows about the royal family’s curse?”

“To be precise, it’s me and my close associates who know, but we are keeping it a secret ‘for now,’ so there’s no need to worry too much.”

Everyone in the room understood the implications of the word ‘yet.’ The king looked flustered, and Noah lowered his head in apology.

“I’m sorry, Father.”

“No, no. That’s not what we should be discussing now. So? What happened after that?”

So much had happened. The failed alliance with Burgos, the fertilizer contract, the golden diamond and attack given by Jin, and even Idgal [a valuable jewel]. The king’s face changed rapidly, turning dark, pale, and white, providing quite a spectacle.

When the report was finished, silence filled the reception room. It was unclear whether they were thinking of a solution or if their minds had simply stopped working.

Finally, Ian broke the silence.

“Your Majesty.”

The king turned to Ian, startled. The more he thought about it, the more serious the situation seemed. If they cut ties with Burgos and also with Bariel, Clifford would truly be isolated.

“…Speak.”

“I am truly sorry about this situation. I understand the prince’s concern for his country, but I am also a citizen of Bariel and a servant of the imperial palace, so I cannot simply overlook this.”

“I acknowledge the discourtesy. Clifford will do its best to show its intentions to Bariel.”

At the king’s words, Noah closed his eyes tightly. He had wanted to do well, but he had ended up making his father say such things. It was truly heartbreaking, miserable, and regrettable.

“I also do not wish for any problems to arise between Clifford and Bariel. We have just begun to work together, and we shouldn’t be divided by such a small obstacle.”

“I am truly glad to hear you say that.”

“Therefore, I propose that you enter into a contract magic with Bariel.”

Contract magic.

It was said that a single word was heavier than a thousand pieces of gold. That weight was embodied in magic, engraved on the heart, and fulfilled until one’s last breath, showing complete faith.

The effect was tremendous, but it required careful consideration. Just once. A single vow could last for a person’s eternity. Of course, it could be canceled by mutual agreement, but it wouldn’t be easy when magic was used to bind them.

“What do you think? If you are willing to form an alliance, it seems like a pretty good offer for Clifford as well.”

It wasn’t wrong. If Clifford pledged a friendly relationship and cooperation, Bariel would naturally do the same.

“Me, with you?”

“How could I ask the king to make a contract with me? My lord is in the imperial palace. First, make a contract with me that you will make a contract, and then with Prince Noah as well.”

A contract for a contract. Ian smiled and nodded at Noah. In a little while, Noah would inherit the throne, so it was only natural to tie him down as well.

“…What are the terms?”

“Could you please provide paper and pen?”

At Ian’s request, the king gestured.

Ian, after smoothing out the crisp, high-quality paper, began to write without hesitation. It was the contract regarding fertilizer that he had made with Prince Noah. Every word, perfectly.

“This was the original contract, but it needs to be revised. You know the reasons for the changes, so I don’t need to explain them separately.”

“…To what extent?”

“I will adjust the price. I will export at a lower price than Burgos, but it is impossible to maintain the previous price. Although it is not detailed, the period may also be adjusted.”

He stepped back, saying that the details should be discussed with the imperial palace, but they knew. Everything would go according to Ian’s intentions.

“I am just informing you in advance that the original contract may change. If His Highness the Crown Prince shows mercy, it may change significantly. Next is the part about the military alliance. The emergencies defined by each country are as follows. If a foreign power enters without permission…”

As Ian moved his pen, the king and prince moistened their dry lips. Eventually, Noah, unable to bear it any longer, stopped him with his hand.

“Stop. Didn’t you say that the original contract would be with the Crown Prince? Don’t discuss the future, tell us what you will do now.”

Ian smiled and put down his pen. Then, what he had to say was very simple.

“Clifford will form a friendly alliance with Bariel.”

If this was not fulfilled, the King and Prince of Clifford would be in danger. An alliance was a mutually agreed-upon relationship. In the process of negotiation, the absolute superior and inferior would be determined.

But if they refused the contract here…

‘They would be isolated among the surrounding countries, and Bariel would secure justification through the jewel case. In the event of a multi-national war, there could be moves to seize Clifford first.’

If they refused, it would be endless chaos. Noah stepped forward and asked again.

“Wouldn’t it be enough to make a contract with me? Father is the King of Clifford, so it would be more appropriate to do it with the Crown Prince.”

“No, Your Highness. You are too responsible.”

Too responsible, to the point where he could give up his life without hesitation. If he made a contract and then committed suicide, it would be a disaster.

“Instead, Clifford should also benefit. It is a contract, after all. If you swear to form a friendly alliance with Bariel, I promise to keep the royal family’s curse a secret.”

The king pondered for a moment before nodding. Ian, as if he had made a good decision, elegantly rolled up his sleeve and extended his hand to him.

“Will you give me your hand?”

“Ah, does it hurt?”

“Of course not.”

Zzzing. Zzzing.

As Ian activated his magic, a bright light emanated from their clasped hands. Unlike the tense king, Ian smiled and patted the back of his hand. And just as he was about to activate the magic.

“… !”

Thwack!

A tremendous pain, as if thousands of needles were piercing his heart, surged through him.

Ian involuntarily released the king’s hand and collapsed forward. The shock was so great that he couldn’t breathe.

“S-Sir Ian?”

“Huk, huk…”

“Why, why is this happening?”

“Someone outside! Is anyone there?”

“Go and call a mage! Why, why suddenly…”

The pain of his organs being torn apart.

As his mind went blank, Ian realized the cause. The illegitimate son, Ian, had already made a contract magic with someone before.