Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 375

Noah gazed out the window for a moment. Beyond the barrier marking the capital’s entrance, the Vergos legion remained distant, setting up camp without advancing. From an invader’s perspective, a swift, decisive battle should have been their goal, yet destroying two villages hardly seemed like a significant victory. A prolonged war would undoubtedly favor Clifford. He couldn’t fathom their lack of action.

“It appears their reinforcements are delayed. What’s your assessment, Sir Ian?” Noah asked, turning to Ian, who stood beside him, also observing the scene. Ian nodded in agreement.

“Indeed. Their objective should have been to breach the capital before the earthquake, but their movements are sluggish. We can assume they’re awaiting reinforcements and facing internal strife.” He paused, then added, “Specifically, Timothy’s desertion.”

Even a rumor of a common soldier deserting would cause unrest. But a high-ranking Foreign Affairs official, who had been at the forefront, fleeing on horseback in the dead of night? The impact on morale would be devastating, and the Vergos royal court would have another major concern.

‘Timothy. What will become of you this time?’

Ian hoped for Naum’s existence. He wished for him to live a full life, even without him. While he hoped Timothy would come alone, retracing his steps from their previous life, he also accepted that it would be fate if Timothy’s family reunited, even if the distant future remained unchanged. That was why he had issued three passes.

Where was Timothy now, and what was he doing?

Knock, knock.

“Your Highness.”

A soldier entered, holding a letter. It was an interim report detailing the deployment of royal palace personnel to block supply routes, as Ian had suggested.

Noah immediately untied the string and spread the report on the table, angling it for Ian to see.

“I’ve been informed that the three mages you provided, Sir Ian, have just departed south. There are three possible routes for transport through the dead lands. If the mages patrol the skies, we should receive news soon.”

“Excellent. Is the border conflict between Clifford and Luswena still ongoing?”

“Yes. They remain in a standoff, wasting time. Since we shared information about the black armor, our side will focus on defense, avoiding provocation as much as possible.”

Ian, carefully examining the report, raised an eyebrow. He noted that Bariel had indefinitely suspended trade with Luswena and Vergos. More accurately, they had imposed stricter restrictions on Luswena’s imports and Vergos’ exports.

“Ah.”

Only one person in Bariel could make such a decision: the most esteemed figure in Gaia and Bariel’s only hope for the future, the young Crown Prince.

A smile appeared on Ian’s lips, making Noah look at him suspiciously. The smile soon turned into laughter, and the more he laughed, the more serious Noah’s expression became.

“S-Sir Ian?”

Why? Why did that man’s laughter feel so unsettling? It was a flawless smile, yet its meaning eluded him, causing him to feel flustered.

Ian composed himself, his laughter subsiding. He shook his head.

“No, Your Highness. My apologies.”

“I-If you’re going to laugh, I wish you’d share the joke.”

“This measure was taken because Luswena is considering using Bariel, not the dead lands, as a supply route to Vergos. My lord is deeply concerned about the war here. Please remember this honor, Your Highness.”

“Surely, even so, would Luswena make such a choice?”

“I cannot say for certain. Considering King Eriphony’s nature, it’s possible. Regardless, Bariel has decided to aid Clifford at a significant cost. I believe you understand the implications, Your Highness.”

It was a decision made because they anticipated that the war’s damage would outweigh the financial losses from trade. It meant they wanted Clifford to stand firm, and it was also proof that they prioritized the safe return of the mages.

“I understand. I understand very well.”

“Ah, this is unexpectedly good news. Truly.”

It was a decision made possible by capable officials like Prime Minister Romandro and Quintana, but it was undeniable that Jin’s growth was remarkable.

Ian smiled and continued reading the report, then frowned again.

“What’s wrong now?”

“They report that Bariel has sent reinforcements. They will advance along the border between Luswena and Clifford…”

The Imperial Defense Minister’s name was not Volv, but Maxim Tweller. The forces built to counter him, including Jayrut, were part of the Imperial Defense Department. But the head of the Imperial Defense Department had changed? A major upheaval. Ian realized that a significant shift had occurred in the imperial palace during his absence.

“Good heavens.”

‘Your Highness. I think I overlooked something. That you were someone who ascended to the Emperor’s throne like me. I failed, but you succeeded and remained in history…’

“Sir Ian?”

Noah tapped the table to get his attention. His expression was unreadable, but Ian quickly regained his composure and smiled brightly.

“The reinforcements from Bariel are coming as planned, correct?”

“Of course. The Imperial Army’s goal is to prevent Luswena’s intervention and join the mages. Furthermore, it’s to prevent any cracks from forming here. Clifford, you just focus on confronting Vergos, who is stubbornly holding their ground. We will handle the rest.”

Reinforcements were coming from Vergos, but also from Bariel. The more momentum each side gained and the more countries involved, the safer it became, but it also led to a greater catastrophe. This was the paradox.

“Since we’ve blocked trade with Bariel, Luswena has no viable option other than the route we’ve predicted.”

They wouldn’t be able to evade the mages’ watchful eyes, making a clash of forces inevitable.

Ian called for Tommy.

“Yes, you called for me?”

Tommy was in a small room adjacent to the strategy room. Behind him, Acorella and Beric were eating. One’s gaze was fixed on the magic stone, while the other held a handful of rice in both hands.

“Do you know a man named Maxim Tweller?”

“Maxim Tweller? Ah, yes. I know him.”

“I heard he’s become the head of the Imperial Defense Department.”

“What? What are you talking about?”

“Literally. Volv has stepped down, and the head of the Imperial Defense Department has been replaced.”

At the unexpected news, Acorella’s gaze shifted slightly. Beric also perked up his ears, showing interest. But their expressions remained largely unchanged.

Tommy, flustered, stroked his chin and clicked his tongue, as if impressed.

“I’ve seen him a few times during monster battles. I believe he had connections with the Prime Minister, but I recall he was repeatedly passed over for promotion because he wasn’t from a military academy. But he’s very experienced, and above all…”

“Above all?”

“He is strong.”

Not in physical strength, but in mental fortitude. A true warrior who had never relinquished his weapon while fighting on the battlefield amidst neglect and contempt. An old general who considered the fundamental yet often overlooked truth that one must be prepared to die to kill an opponent as his primary weapon.

Tommy recalled that his spirit was considerable every time he saw him.

“I see. It seems His Highness has accurately appointed a talented individual.”

“Wow, the Imperial Defense Department will be in an uproar. It’s the first time someone not from a military academy has become the head. Such a radical personnel change in a place with a clear hierarchy.”

Tommy shook his head, unconsciously. He could almost feel the storm of blood that would engulf the imperial palace, or rather, the Imperial Defense Department.

‘Tommy called it a radical personnel change. The fact that he can do such a thing shows His Highness’s status. He has brought the Imperial Guard to his side. It’s impossible otherwise. He persuaded Jayrut.’

Ian tapped the table rhythmically. His eyes were unfocused, as if he was lost in deep thought.

‘The fact that the Imperial Guard has begun to follow the Crown Prince instead of the Emperor means that His Majesty’s authority has been effectively suspended. Then, currently, there are a total of four people who know this, including me.’

“I will dispatch additional mages.”

“Wait a moment.”

“Yes?”

To support Crown Prince Jin, Minister Tweller must succeed in his mission. Therefore, it’s crucial to identify the supply route as quickly as possible.

Ian gestured to Tommy and instructed him to select more suitable individuals.

“Send three more people, including Nakina, to the east. Share this information with them as well, and ensure they faithfully follow the new minister’s orders.”

“Ah, yes. I understand.”

Noah was surprised by the sudden order and paused. Hadn’t Ian already sent the mages, calculating the maximum effect with minimal manpower? Why send more?

It was welcome news for Clifford, but he couldn’t help but be curious.

“Sir Ian. Are you certain this is wise?”

“Yes. Of course. Above all-”

Ian looked down at his hand and murmured.

“I can feel my power gradually returning. I will give you more of my subordinates.”

* * *

Clifford-Bariel border.

A massive legion could be seen approaching in the distance. Armor reflecting the sunlight, and the Bariel imperial flag fluttering proudly. The border soldiers, having been notified in advance, opened the barrier gate and shouted.

“Reinforcements are arriving from Bariel! Open the gate!”

“Let them pass without delay!”

“Hurry and push! Push!”

“One, two, three!”

Screech!

The barrier, which had been tightly locked, was opened wide, and they watched the approaching soldiers from the top. Even though it was a foreign army entering their homeland, it strangely felt reassuring.

“I heard they’re heading straight to the southern end from here?”

“From there, they’ll cross the border again into the dead lands.”

Clatter, clatter!

Hee-hee!

At that moment, the Bariel soldiers passed through the Clifford barrier. Horses ran powerfully, and soldiers followed with strong spirits. They all wore armor with blue decorations on their shoulders.

“Hey there! We’re in your care!”

“We’re in your care! Welcome!”

Boo-boo-boo-

The soldiers shouted and cheered loudly, but even that sound was drowned out by the majestic sound of the water horn.

A Bariel military officer approached Tweller and asked.

“Minister! We’ve entered Clifford! It would be wise to divide the legion now!”

“Not yet! We’ll divide it at the forest a little further down. Everyone remembers, right!”

“Yes! Minister!”

“Gero, you take the route that connects directly from the southern city of Luswena, Piz! You go below that! I will take the lowest route!”

“Understood!”

“Crown Prince Jin said that the mages would scout ahead and wait for us to arrive! When you join the mages, send me a messenger bird!”

“Don’t worry!”

“Do you remember how long we’ve been running like this!?”

Tweller took a deep breath and shouted with a roar.

“The years are countless! But one thing is certain! We ran for this very moment! We will surely complete our mission! If not, I will kill myself, so you must also be prepared to die!”

“We will definitely do it!”

“Minister! I see the forest!”

Clatter, clatter!

Tweller reached behind him and pulled out his weapon. It was a crude, long-handled axe. It was suitable for fighting against armored men, but above all, it was a weapon that symbolized him.

“Let’s go!”

“Waaaaa!”

Boo-boo-

The Bariel legion entered the forest. It was their first time in the forest, but they moved in perfect order and split into three routes. It was a movement they had learned over many years of traversing various battlefields.