Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 369

“I’ve been to Astana before, too.”

Timothy was the first to speak.

It was a very natural start to a conversation, using his position as a diplomat. Hasha chuckled as he poked at the campfire with a fire poker.

“For sightseeing?”

Astana also had a king, but his existence was not the same as in other countries. Due to the civil war between the tribes, he had lost his credibility for not properly managing the chaotic state affairs, and having lost his credibility, he also lost his reputation.

There was no one to bow their heads to a king who was just a shell, so it would be more accurate to see them as beings who had simply survived for a long time.

“Among other things.”

Timothy accepted it with a light tone, without denying it.

What could be the reason why the successors of minority ethnic groups participated in the wars of other countries? It may seem different on the surface, but in the end, their primary goal was to grow their tribes and integrate and stabilize the country.

So, if you think about it, Vergos should treat them like foreign nobles. What other investment is there for the future? If Vergos receives help here, and as a result, they grow, that would be the true strength of Vergos.

‘The problem is that those who don’t think so are the decision-makers.’

Timothy thought it was nonsense that the officer had laid a hand on Hasha. Even if they were rough and tough warriors, how could they be so inconsiderate? They were the ones who moved the magical creatures that were the core of the war, and if you think about it, they were allied forces who had participated in the war of another country.

However, seeing Hasha’s torn cheek faintly illuminated by the firelight, it seemed that it was indeed true.

“…Then that’s a relief. Astana has truly beautiful scenery. The cliffs carved by the gods cover the sky, and the blue moss and leaves fill the earth. Rather than sightseeing, the word ‘travel’ would be more appropriate.”

“Yes. I agree.”

Timothy smiled slightly and gauged Hasha’s reaction.

Other than the wound on his cheek, there were no special injuries. The existence of the necromancer, their number, and their location would be the information the other party would want to know the most. How could there be no injuries?

‘It must be one of two things.’

Either the deal was made in a very easy way, or they didn’t touch Hasha over there.

‘It’s a little different from May’s case.’

May’s safety was protected to preserve her value for bringing the necromancer. What is Hasha’s safety for?

Timothy’s eyes narrowed without him realizing it, and Hasha realized that he had noticed something strange. But he didn’t seem to know for sure. It was a strange look, as if he couldn’t suddenly think of a word, like he knew but didn’t know.

Hasha quickly turned over the campfire and asked back.

“Why are you sitting here?”

“Huh?”

“Everyone calls you ‘Sir Timothy’ or ‘Lord Timothy.’ I’m asking why you’re here and not inside.”

Hasha recalled Ian’s advice and pierced deep into his lungs.

‘Timothy is not a member of the military, but he has not only participated in the war but is also running at the forefront. According to the Clifford Palace information, he is almost in the same position as a general.’

Ian, who had said that, paused. He chuckled as he pondered Damon’s intentions again, but Hasha did not know the meaning of that laugh.

‘Of course, he is quite high-ranking. But that’s why it’s more of a problem. There’s nothing that makes an authority figure more difficult than being in an unsuitable position. Whether it’s above or below. Anyway, it’s clear that Timothy is having problems with the current situation. So, try to talk to him by targeting that. The colder the reaction, the better for us. It’s proof that he’s been thinking about it for a long time.’

Just like Timothy had done, this time Hasha glanced at him. He was just staring at the dying campfire with a stiff face. And then he replied in a rather cold tone.

“That’s an internal matter, so outsiders don’t need to know.”

“Outsider? Is it because Vergos’s land is barren? Everyone’s words and actions are too dry. I’m sitting here with you now, so who is the insider and who is the outsider?”

As if he was in a bad mood, Hasha put down the branch. And he looked around, waiting for the soldier to come.

It was an action to show that he had no attachment to the conversation with Timothy, and at the same time, to check how much time was really left.

“I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

Timothy apologized readily. He didn’t want to end the conversation. He hadn’t found out anything, and he had only gained suspicious points, so he couldn’t stop.

“How was the inside of Clifford?”

“Hmm. It was better than here. It was made of bricks.”

“It seems they treated you quite humanely over there.”

“Do you want me to tell you honestly?”

“Isn’t that obvious? If you’re not honest, it’s strange that you’re sitting here. Wearing those clothes and weapons for Vergos.”

Hasha hesitated for a long time. As the soldier was about to approach to move him, Timothy moved his hand behind his back to stop him.

“No, I don’t think so. It’s okay, let’s stop here.”

“Wait. You must know that your attitude is offending me. If you leave without saying a word, you will be sent back to that tent.”

It meant that he would tell the general and officers to torture him.

Hasha was quite good at putting on a convincingly embarrassed face. His eyes wandered left and right without a destination, and he kept swallowing dryly.

“I was given a prophecy.”

“A prophecy?”

“Yes. Actually, it’s grand to call it a prophecy, it would be more accurate to say I had my fortune told. My grandfather was from a tribe that practiced divination, so I picked up some things. Honestly, it was nice talking to them, trying to please them. Better than here.”

Hasha said that he had the blood of a diviner, but there was no way to prove it here right now.

All the other necromancers had different origins, and even if they were the same, what could he do? In a world where even gypsies in front of the market tell fortunes, what’s so special about a prominent successor of Astana, famous for its diviners, telling a fortune?

The problem was that he had pleased the enemy.

“You pleased them, did I hear that right?”

“Uh-huh. Yes. You heard it clearly. Ah, let me tell you in advance, it’s not something I told the general. They didn’t ask me.”

The campfire was completely out. It was because Hasha had stomped on the remaining embers with his feet. He was starting to worry if he was doing it right, so he thought it would be better to hide in the dark.

“Don’t the people of Astana have any pride?”

“No. They are more full of pride than anyone else. That’s why they tried not to die at all costs. If I die, Astana dies too.”

“Is it pride to shamelessly please the enemy with nonsense? I’ve never heard such a contradiction in my life. Amazing. If I ever go to Astana again, I’ll go sightseeing then too.”

Astana will not develop. You will fight fiercely and die in that small and narrow place, but you will not find meaning.

Hasha frowned at Timothy’s insulting words. He had intended it, but hearing it directly made him feel even worse. He shouldn’t have put out the embers.

“What if it’s not nonsense?”

“What?”

“I said it wasn’t nonsense. I saw the fortune properly, and I saw Clifford’s victory. Clifford wanted those words to come out of my mouth, the enemy and their power, and I did. So what? What’s the problem?”

“That won’t do. Hasha, you’re excluded. I’ll tell the general to send you back to Astana right away. All the support that Vergos promised will be in vain. And above all, you will no longer be able to see your descendants in the north. I swear on the name of Vergos and my name-”

“You have a son, right? About five years old.”

Hasha whispered coldly.

“Before you send me to Astana, you should return home. It’s pathetic that you’re wasting time in a meaningless position, not even knowing that your wife and child are dying.”

Clang!

“You-”

“Lord Timothy!”

As Timothy drew his sword, the soldier who had been waiting rushed over in surprise. His mission was to take the man and move the synthetic magical creature, but he was surprised that Timothy was trying to harm him.

“Why, why are you doing this? This man is a necromancer. Is there a, is there a problem? If you want to execute him, you need the general’s permission…”

It was a thin and trembling voice, but it was enough to stop Timothy. He was a person who prioritized reason over emotion. Now was wartime, and this was a camp in front of enemy territory. Harming a necromancer without the general’s order could be a big problem.

“What’s going on?”

“Officer!”

“Lord Timothy? What are you doing now?”

An officer, who had noticed that the soldiers were acting strangely, shouted and ran over. Timothy was standing there, enraged with his sword drawn. And the necromancer who had gone out earlier. The officer was puzzled and had no idea what was going on.

“Lord Timothy?”

“…I apologize. Take the necromancer away.”

“Ah, yes! I understand!”

The soldier quickly gestured for Hasha to come over. Then Hasha shook off his coat and muttered.

“How can a mother just watch her child die?”

It was a small word that could only be heard by the soldier who was close to Timothy. As his eyes flashed again and his hand holding the sword tightened, the officer took a step closer.

“Lord Timothy! What’s wrong? Did you drink something?”

“Then I’ll be on my way.”

Hasha bowed his head and hurriedly followed the soldier. He was pretending to be calm, but inside, his legs were trembling so badly that he felt like he was going to die. How could he be calm when a huge man like a bear was rushing at him with murderous intent?

All sorts of thoughts flashed through his mind. Did Ian miscalculate? Was it right to do as Ian said? Ian, what do I do? If I mess this up, let’s consider this as paying back my debt to Ian, and so on.

Anyway, he was glad that he didn’t have to use the last resort. Hasha glanced at the Clifford wall and then hurried away.

* * *

“Lord Timothy. What is all this commotion about?”

Due to the officer’s witness, it reached the general’s ears intact.

Even if it was a regular soldier, the other party was a precious necromancer. How could he try to kill a prisoner who had been brought in at a high price? Timothy clearly needed to make an excuse.

However, Timothy only sighed and asked.

“What did you interrogate him about?”

“What?”

“It’s strange. It’s suspicious. He’s an untrustworthy person, so I’m asking why you joined him without any special measures. What exactly did you interrogate him about in the tent earlier?”

“Lord Timothy. Your words are excessive. I’m very displeased right now.”

“…I apologize, but I will return to Vergos.”

“What?”

“First, I tried to harm the necromancer without the general’s permission, so I will gladly accept the consequences, and second, frankly, the way the general and I handle things is very different. This is not a place for me, and even if I were here, I would not be of any help.”

“You are the one who creates the justification!”

“A justification for transporting the envoy? The situation has become so deep that it no longer has any meaning. It is enough to have officially stated it at the border. I will return.”

Timothy expressed his opinion quite strongly. The dissatisfaction that had been building up little by little had exploded when it met the spark of a false image. His family was dying. That damned sorcerer.

He was standing there with a rather unpleasant expression, but the general, who was facing him, had a troubled look.

‘His Majesty told me to keep this man at the forefront…’

“General.”

“…That’s not possible.”

At that moment, goosebumps rose around Timothy’s neck.

It was not a problem at all for Timothy to return. He could also act as a messenger along with the punishment, so how efficient would that be?

Nevertheless, the general wanted to keep him by his side?

Why? Why?

He was just standing there like a scarecrow?

“……”

Wasn’t it an act to keep him outside of Vergos?

He realized that something was going wrong. It was the moment when the illusion turned into suspicion.