Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 41

“That’s seriously messed up… no, disgustingly messed up.”

Erika couldn’t help but light another cigarette.

But at the same time, her mind raced, sensing that the situation was far from normal.

What was the meaning of bringing the Cheonryeo [a powerful warrior tribe]?

It suggested that they were even willing to use force if necessary. Unlike the Central Army, which was half-defeated from the battle, the Cheonryeo warriors were burning with fighting spirit.

‘What’s worse is that there’s nothing to criticize about Ian’s bloodline.’

Just stepping outside the mansion’s front gate, one could hear the screams of the territory’s people, cursing the Central Army. Those who had opposed them were Derga’s private soldiers, but to the territory’s people, they were family, friends, and neighbors.

‘For the time being, the territory’s people’s resentment and hatred will be deep. But if a descendant of the Bratz bloodline steps forward, they can be controlled efficiently. And above all, the border barbarians, who are the most important in the frontier, have come out in support… Ha, damn it.’

Her head throbbed.

If the Central Army were to send additional troops, they could surely drive out the Cheonryeo and achieve a complete victory in Bratz.

But it was uncertain whether Erika and her unit would be part of that glorious moment. They would likely end up as mere victims, receiving faded tributes.

Erika’s lips twisted.

“…The appointment of a lord is the Emperor’s prerogative.”

“I know. Before the Emperor’s appointment, no one has authority.”

No one, yet anyone could.

Erika could do it, but that meant Ian could too. She chewed on her cigarette, glaring at Kakantir. He leisurely continued to emphasize Ian’s necessity.

“Ian was born and raised in the Bratz territory, so he will be a great help in its reconstruction. If it’s not Ian, the Cheonryeo will not give priority to any other force in Bariel, and for peace, we will have to go through the process of getting to know each other from the beginning.”

It was practically a declaration of severing ties. And this was not much different from a declaration of war. Since it came from the Cheonryeo chieftain, it carried significant weight.

“They’re really backing him up. Damn it.”

“It seems that Ian was indeed from a lowborn background, as he said.”

“Can’t you shut your mouth? You border bastards, really…”

Kakantir glared at Erika with a fierce look. But she didn’t back down and raised her head.

How much had she struggled to get here from the bottom? With the goal of becoming a lord right in front of her, she was about to have it snatched away while she was wide awake.

“…Just so you know, if you kill me, it’s the same as declaring war on Bariel, you know?”

“Oh, thank you for telling me. Otherwise, I might have broken your neck right away.”

“Ugh…”

Kakantir laughed, pressing his foot on the neck of the fallen man. The subordinate instinctively gasped and trembled. Erika felt cold sweat running down her back.

“Okay. I roughly understand what you want.”

Erika took a step back, crossing her arms and changing the subject. She had been the designated administrator of this territory since Molin had offered her the position of investigation team leader. Her name was surely written on the lord appointment that Ian was aiming for.

So, she couldn’t back down here.

“But I haven’t yet secured Derga, Mrs. Merry, and Chel. I also have a duty to capture all the opposing private soldiers and uphold the Emperor’s authority.”

“You are absolutely right.”

“I cannot leave the mansion until my mission is complete. If you truly want to alleviate the suffering of Bratz, do as you see fit. But I hope you only act for peace. Otherwise, the imperial sword will fly here from the center.”

Until the message arrives from the center that Erika is appointed as the lord of this territory. She just had to hold out until then. Once she received the authority, she would crush all those mouths that were talking so arrogantly.

“Very well. Then we will also help in the arrest of Derga.”

Ian nodded as if it was a satisfactory meeting. He had successfully slipped his foot in.

As Erika said, if they could capture Derga and the key figures in the mansion, it would be the same as giving the Central Army a reason to stay here.

“Also, we will take the lead in the cleanup. Didn’t the investigation team and the Central Army incur the resentment of the territory’s people? Please step back for efficient progress.”

Could it be that they were secretly trying to save Derga?

Erika narrowed her eyes at the sudden thought. She flicked away the half-burnt cigarette butt and gestured to her subordinates.

“If you try anything funny, you’d better be prepared.”

“Erika, it seems you’re not that close to Molin?”

“What?”

“I’m saying this because you don’t seem to know the relationship between me and Derga. You don’t have to worry about that. I’ll bring Derga and prove it. How sincere I am to the center.”

This was a moment that would play an important role in solidifying Ian’s position later. He was of Derga’s bloodline but vehemently denied him. He had laid the foundation with the secret report he had given to Molin, so he needed to solidify it further.

“Ha. Bring Derga? Try it if you can. The Central Army is struggling with the pursuit, wandering in the mountains.”

As the situation was roughly settled, Kakantir straightened his clothes and turned around. And he declared with a voice full of laughter.

“Hunting is our specialty, so you guys just stay here and take care of that woman.”

Kakantir gestured with his head towards Erika’s subordinate, whose neck was broken. Ian also followed the Cheonryeo, lightly nodding his head.

“Then. See you soon.”

Clang!

As soon as the door closed, Erika spat out her cigarette and rushed to her subordinate, grinding her teeth.

“Bring me a messenger bird right now!”

“Yes, Erika.”

At their lord’s shrill command, the subordinates moved busily. They had to send an urgent message to the center. The only thing that could protect Erika here was the lord appointment with the Emperor’s seal.

She could only hope that Molin would handle things quickly.

* * *

The next day, in a forest not far from Bratz.

The soldiers, crouching between the rocks, gripped their swords tightly and swallowed hard. Rustling sounds, whether from animals or the enemy, could be heard from all directions.

Perhaps it was the tension of not knowing when the enemy’s attack would come. Derga was soaked all over and trembling uncontrollably.

“Count. This way.”

Deo, covered in blood, walked ahead. Because he had been crawling, his face was covered in rough grass marks.

“Haa, haa, how far down are we going?”

“I heard that Merelov has completely locked the city gates, so we will have to go around that way and enter the Hawan Kingdom.”

Saying it was going to the Hawan Kingdom was no different from fleeing. Even if they arrived there, they would have to hide their identities as much as possible for safety reasons. Everything, including the land they had lived in all their lives and their pride and honor as nobles, had been shattered.

“Damn it.”

The Count glanced back, checking on the soldiers following him. Their strength had been reduced to less than half. And they were all missing limbs. It was a defeat, even if they had fought well.

Clink.

The Count idly touched the bundle hanging on his back. He could feel the emergency funds he had secretly hidden. Small and large jewels and gold coins. They were important assets that would be responsible for Derga’s future. If God helped, he might be able to return to Bratz using this as a stepping stone.

Rustle.

“Wait. Stop.”

“Stop.”

“Behind! Stop!”

Deo stopped, sensing a presence. At the same time, the soldiers who had been following like sausages lowered their stance and guarded their surroundings.

Screech!

The sound came from a nearby large tree. Derga and Deo simultaneously raised their heads. A hawk the size of a deer was glaring down at them.

“Haa.”

So that was it. Derga held his trembling heart and let out a sigh of relief.

That’s when it happened.

Thud!

The head of the soldier who had been guarding his side fell to the left. A dagger had flown and pierced his temple.

‘Huh?’

It was instant death. The dead man wouldn’t have realized he was dead, and neither would Derga, who was watching from the side. It had happened in a literal instant.

“Uhhh…”

“Aaaah!”

“It’s the enemy! The enemy!”

“Everyone calm down! Calm down and raise your shields!”

Deo shouted, but the soldiers, who had already tasted the edge of death, scattered and screamed. A few knights who were still sane gripped their bows and swords.

“It’s on the right!”

“It came from the right!”

“Protect the Count!”

“Duck your head!”

The fear that a sword could fly at any moment. Derga trembled and hid behind the knights.

“Hey. Derga.”

Swish!

Clang!

An arrow flew towards Derga. A knight quickly deflected it with his sword, protecting his lord.

Sunlight poured down like rain through the leaves. On the hill, figures wearing sand-colored hoods began to appear.

“Long time no see, you’ve changed a lot.”

“Ka, Kakantir!”

“It’s the Cheonryeo! It’s the Cheonryeo!”

The red pigment made them look like they were covered in blood. Derga couldn’t understand what was going on. Hadn’t they rejected his help outright? Even sending back Knight Bell’s head.

“Why, why are you here?”

“Are you curious?”

“Damn it! Count, run!”

“Alex! Form a defense!”

The knights grabbed Derga’s arm and shouted. The warriors standing next to Kakantir had all drawn their bows.

Kakantir smiled, gesturing with his head towards Derga’s back.

“If you’re curious, why don’t you ask your son?”

At that moment, Derga and the soldiers felt their tension snap. They turned their heads in the direction the wind was blowing.

“Father.”

Whoosh.

He looked like a spirit living in the forest. His golden hair, shining strand by strand, fluttered in the wind, and his green eyes were beautifully curved.

It was Ian. His son, whom he had sold to the Cheonryeo.

“I, I’ve returned.”

“Ian…! You! You bastard!”

After the shock, Derga remembered that it was Ian who had colluded with Molin to put him in this state. The cursed piece of his flesh and blood, who had dragged him down from his honorable life as the head of the territory. The shame of the past and the hatred of the future was Ian.

“I will kill you, Ian! I will tear you to pieces and feed your flesh to your mother! And I will throw both of you into a fire alive! I will make you feel like living is hell!”

Derga’s rage, which he was screaming out, filled the forest. Ian’s expression didn’t change. At his relaxed smile, Derga felt his blood pressure rise even more.

“You bastard!”

“Count!”

Thud thud thud!

Derga unconsciously gripped his sword and ran towards Ian. Although his body was tired and injured, Derga leaped up and aimed for Ian’s neck. And Deo followed, guarding his back.

Clang! Clang!

It was Su who knocked away Derga’s sword, and Beric blocked Deo’s attack that followed immediately.

“Ah.”

Beric frowned, looking down at his stomach as if it hurt a little from the impact. But that was only for a moment. He grinned and waved at Deo.

“Hi. You dog.”

“…Dog, dog?”

“Don’t you remember me? I remember you.”

Beric swung his sword wildly and charged at Deo.

“At the training ground. You beat the crap out of me?”