Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 420

“Hey, Ian.”

As soon as they entered the barrier, Noah grabbed Ian.

It was an acknowledgment that Clifford had survived under the full support of Bariel. Therefore, matters regarding war reparations or follow-up measures were left entirely to Ian’s and Bariel’s discretion, without any interference.

However, he couldn’t help but question matters of national importance.

“Why didn’t you place a contract magic on Queen Eriphony? She is the heart of Rusweena, so shouldn’t securing her be the top priority?”

Ian listened to Noah’s words and checked his pocket watch. It was already approaching evening. When the new sun rose, they would leave Clifford to Bariel. His Bariel, and Jin, were waiting.

Ian slowly moved his feet and explained. For someone who didn’t know about the ‘Bewitchment’ magic that Zaira had cast on Queen Eriphony, it was understandable that he might think that way.

“Queen Eriphony is already under a spell. If certain conditions are met, she will take her own life.”

“She’s under a spell? Did a mage from Bariel do that?”

“Surprisingly, and fortunately, a young mage from Rusweena did it.”

A young mage from Rusweena.

As soon as Noah heard those words, he thought of Zaira. That young one who had fearlessly jumped into the barrier and ran around like a colt. The sight of her screaming, having lost her family, was still vivid. With that anger, she had betrayed her own lord.

“What are the conditions?”

“They are vague, so it’s difficult to say. But one thing is certain: if the magic is activated and Eriphony dies when a contract magic is officially placed, Bariel’s position could become difficult. In any country, there are those who wait for the established powers to collapse. If Bariel leaves even a slight doubt about the death of Rusweena’s queen, it will give them a cause. I don’t want that—”

Bariel was the first priority.

The second was because of Zaira.

By using the Bewitchment, which was close to a curse, the child had taken on a huge sacrifice herself. How could he make that meaningless? When Ian didn’t finish his sentence, Prince Noah turned his gaze.

“Why are you doing that?”

“It’s nothing. Anyway, not placing a direct contract magic on Queen Eriphony is for Bariel, and furthermore, for Clifford, so please don’t worry too much.”

Ian slightly lowered his head towards the King of Clifford next to him, and the King also nodded.

Inside the barrier, the sounds of people coming and going were loud. All of it was movement to prepare for Ian and the mages’ return journey.

“If you report to the Imperial Family first, His Majesty will decide on appropriate follow-up measures. At that time, it would be advantageous for Your Majesty to come to Bariel in person to find common ground. It will be a place where Damon, Eriphony, and those responsible for the current war will all gather, so it is right for Your Majesty to voice your opinion directly.”

Luggage began to pile up on the carriage. It was clear that they had arrived empty-handed, but they had so much to pack after staying for only a short time. Half of it was Acorella’s research data, and the other half was gifts from the Clifford Royal Palace.

In the midst of the commotion, it was a small token for the victory, but the King couldn’t send Ian away empty-handed. This was the sincerity and courtesy that the country had to show. Large and small treasures were tied with string and stacked in the back.

“Of course, I will be in the capital, waiting for Crown Prince Jin’s call. Noah, see off the Bariel mages tomorrow.”

“Yes, Father.”

“But what do you intend to do with those people, Ian?”

The King’s gaze reached the Seroh family’s flag, which was towering high. They were in a strange situation, unable to go forward or backward, stuck in the middle. Even during the talks, Seroh was at a loss, just staying put.

Ian muttered, looking towards the Rusweena camp.

“There is a daughter in the Seroh family.”

“A daughter?”

“A woman who is close to Queen Eriphony, but she hasn’t shown herself yet, so…”

It was clear that Eriphony, who had returned after the talks, had grabbed Alenara and was once again in a meeting to discuss countermeasures.

There wasn’t much Alenara could do for Eriphony. What could a socialite with no position or status in the royal palace do?

It was expected that there would be a direct action, and if so, it was highly likely that she would not show herself now.

“You don’t have to worry about it. While you’re mobilizing manpower, use it for damage recovery. Don’t let them inside the barrier, but they will be very suitable for transporting bodies outside.”

If they came but couldn’t move, there was no choice but to give them a reason to move.

“Is that alright?”

“Yes, of course. They came voluntarily, so how can we send them back? When the remaining Bariel soldiers and mages return home, send them back with them.”

“Then I won’t refuse. As you know, our people are dead, and the land is devastated. We are short of even one hand.”

The thoughtless Seroh would inevitably and willingly help with the cleanup. Only then could they have a say in the rewards after the victory and have a chance to intervene in the royal palace. He would move through Alenara, and Alenara would move through Eriphony.

“Yes. Rusweena is currently maintaining the position of a victim, so they will not start a fight right away. If they do, it would be completely contrary to what they claimed in the talks. They will move quietly behind the scenes until they meet His Majesty in the Imperial Palace, so Clifford should use that time to resolve the national chaos.”

Whoosh, the wind blew and ruffled Ian’s hair.

Ian, who had been advising in a firm and resolute tone, stopped speaking for a moment and looked at the blood-stained land. It would be the last sunset in Clifford. Ian smiled slightly, as if he was a little sad.

“…It was beautiful.”

The long vineyards and the sunset seeping through them. The sweat and laughter of the farmers. And the old man singing on the roof and the children dancing joyfully. The beauty of the country itself was truly profound. Therefore, the current situation, which he was seeing with his own eyes, made his heart ache a little.

The King of Clifford turned his head with Ian, with a heavy heart.

“Clifford will continue to be beautiful.”

A wish like self-hypnosis. Even now, when the flood of monsters was right at the edge, his kingdom was truly beautiful in the King’s eyes.

If only they could erase the corpses piled up like mountains in the fields and the smell of blood. It was a moment when the peaceful days of just a few days ago felt like a dream.

“Focus only on preparing for departure today, Ian.”

The King of Clifford reached out his hand to Ian. At this point, everything felt like fate. Because Ian was unexpectedly in Clifford, their kingdom had survived. At this, Prince Noah and all the soldiers around him knelt down.

“I am truly grateful. It is lamentable that I have nothing else to say. Clifford will continue to maintain a deeper relationship with Bariel and firmly support you, who are the center of Gaia. Please convey my heartfelt feelings to His Majesty and Crown Prince Jin. I will see them soon and greet them, and the small king of Clifford is truly looking forward to that day.”

“Under the glory of Bariel.”

“And under the glory of Clifford.”

Firmly.

Ian naturally took the King’s hand and shook it lightly. It was a moment when the difference in status didn’t matter at all.

The King raised his hand and greeted the mages who were looking down from the stairs.

“Mages of Bariel, thank you.”

“It was the will of the Magic Department, Your Majesty.”

The mages also slightly bent their knees and responded to the greeting. In the meantime, the soldiers and mages who had become acquainted hugged each other, sharing their faith, and the words of gratitude did not stop.

“Thank you so much, mages.”

“Yes. We had a good time.”

“Hahaha. If we have the chance, we will meet again someday.”

“Please take care. I will pray for the prosperity and well-being of the mages.”

“Alright, alright, the carriage is still light to say goodbye! Everyone, do your job! I can’t move this alone!”

“Who are the mages leaving first?”

“Me, him, her…”

“If you say it like that, we don’t know their names.”

Bang!

In the midst of the noisy commotion, Beric burst out of the door and rolled out. The one tangled with him was Efdram. For some reason, they were falling down the stairs, grabbing each other’s hair.

The people of Clifford were surprised, their eyes popping out, but the people of Bariel only flinched for a moment and showed no particular reaction after confirming it was Beric.

“Are you crazy! Seriously!”

“You crazy bastard, you wanna die!”

“Yeah. I’ll send one Atan [a unit of measurement or a term for a person] to God today. I’ll send you with one blow.”

“I can see all your attacks now!”

Thud! Bang!

After rolling and rolling like that, the two of them dropped at Ian’s feet. They were still grabbing each other’s hair, looking up at Ian. His green eyes were calm, but his gaze was clearly pathetic.

“Hey, Minister of the Magic Department. Damn it, if you called someone, shouldn’t you give them a seat at the talks? Why do I have to eat with this Beric bastard? Do you think I’m someone who’s okay with just food?”

“I was eating, and you took it!”

Even while yelling, the two of them never let go of each other’s hair.

“…Efdram.”

Ian squatted down slightly and whispered to her. Beric also perked up his ears, but Ian kept his voice as low as possible.

“Instead of my secret, shall I tell you Damon’s secret?”

“Not interested. What’s the point of knowing the secret of someone who’s about to die?”

“They say he’s living his life twice.”

“…Huh?”

When Efdram was surprised and let go of Beric’s hair, Beric shouted excitedly. Although he was kicked in the abdomen in one go.

Thud!

“I wonnnn! Ugh!”

“What was that? What was that sound just now?”

She followed Ian, asking questions, but she couldn’t get an answer. He had given her what she wanted, so what more was there to say? Ian shrugged his shoulders with a sly smile.

“I know, what could it be? We’re taking King Damon to Bariel, so if you’re curious, come to the Imperial Palace for the next talks. But you’ll have to be very friendly to us regarding the monster outbreak.”

“No, why are you talking so tantalizingly and then stopping? Hey!”

“Continue the preparations. We’ll be leaving at dawn, so we’re running out of time.”

“The Imperial Defense Department has appointed Minister Tweller as the successor and entrusted him with the follow-up, and the Imperial Guard has decided to withdraw completely.”

“How many Bariel soldiers are left?”

“They said they are checking the minimum number of soldiers to disband the Vergos forces, so there is no word yet. They said they will closely monitor the situation in Clifford.”

“Hey, Minister Ian Hielo? What did Damon say?”

“It’s a secret, so don’t leak it.”

“How can I leak it if I don’t know anything!”

Looking at Efdram following Ian, she was definitely the same kind as Beric. The mages clicked their tongues and hurried to prepare for their return.

* * *

The sky at dawn.

In the bluish dawn, all sorts of colors were present. The barrier gate opened, and the carriages slowly moved, passing through the path of corpses. Ian and the mages followed behind. The sound of the horses’ hooves was enough to wake the Vergos and Rusweena soldiers.

One of those many carriages must have their king bound. The Vergos soldiers clicked their tongues with a strange feeling of melancholy and watched the northward procession to the end.

Clatter, clatter!

Ian entrusted his body to the movement of the horse and looked straight ahead. It was a movement that only someone who had a set path could show. Prince Noah, who was escorting him, had the illusion that he was throwing himself towards the rising sun.

In the silence, they continued to run, and only when they approached the border did they slowly reduce their speed. Bariel soldiers, who had been contacted in advance, were waving the imperial flag in welcome. The triumphant return of the Empire’s brilliant mages, who had brought news of victory.

“Ian.”

Prince Noah reached out his hand to Ian from his horse, and Ian took his hand without saying anything. They were destined to see each other again soon anyway. There was no point in a longer farewell.

“Let’s go!”

Hee-ing!

Ian pulled the reins hard and said. Let’s go, to his Bariel. And to Jin, Romandro, Siao Shi, and the countless other citizens of the Empire who were waiting for him.