Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 422

A new day dawned.

It was the day the mages, the solid foundation and pride of the great Bariel Empire, returned home victorious from war.

Ba-ri-el!

The beginning of the glory held by the gods—

The heart of Gaia [Earth], which turns golden when it rains.

Raise your heads high, and you shall see—

The light in the high place, the beacon of Bariel—

Just when it seemed to end, someone would shout ‘Ba-ri-el!’ again, and then someone would readily take up the following verse. Thanks to this, the Bariel anthem continued without pause for hours.

“Louder, shout louder! So the mages far away can hear!”

“I heard your son went to war with the Imperial Defense Force this time? Congratulations. You raised a hero.”

“No, madam. It’s all thanks to the Empire’s blessings. I received a letter recently, saying he volunteered for the cleanup at Clifford. It might take him a little longer to come home, but the mages have paved the way, so it won’t be hard.”

“That’s admirable! Hey! Another beer here!”

“This one’s on the house. On a day like today, you have to celebrate properly! Come on! Bring your empty glasses!”

“What’s with the cheapskate?”

“Didn’t you know? The owner’s son is eligible for conscription. He’s been so on edge since the war started. But the Mage Department cleaned things up so neatly, he must be relieved. Even if you wear the Bariel Empire flag on your chest, does that mean spears and swords will avoid you? The best thing is not to send him to the battlefield.”

“I see. Owner! I won’t refuse! Fill it up cool, without the foam!”

“Foam is good for you, man.”

“Oh? Look there! The flag is waving from the wall!”

“It seems they’ve all arrived! Oh! Let’s hurry and get up!”

Clatter, clatter!

It was a commotion reminiscent of a crown prince’s appointment ceremony. The only difference was that back then, the world sparkled thanks to the power of the mages.

But now, it was filled solely with the cheers and shouts of the imperial citizens. They were releasing white balloons and scattering white flower petals, celebrating the safe return of the mages and the victory of the war.

Those who were quick on their feet had already gathered on the central road. The Bariel Empire flag could be seen in the distance. It was stained with blood, but that made the flag look even more perfect.

“Ian! Mages!”

“Wow! They’re here! The Mage Department has finally returned!”

“Congratulations! Thank you! You all worked so hard!”

“Look over here! Here!”

“Imperial Defense Force! And the Imperial Guard! We won’t forget! You have brilliantly protected the history of Bariel!”

As the crowd surged, the imperial soldiers blocked them with their bodies, maintaining order.

Hands reached out from time to time. And white flowers were thrown along with those hands. White balloons continued to rise into the sky, and the sounds of laughter and the band could be heard here and there.

Ian showed his face through the open window and smiled, while Berik leaned halfway out, constantly bumping palms with the imperial citizens.

“Oh! What is it, what is it? I’ve become so popular!”

“Berik, it’s not just you, it’s a welcome for all of us. Haha! Thank you. Oh my, what.”

The mages were looking straight ahead to maintain their dignity, but they couldn’t completely ignore the enthusiastic cheers of the people.

With their cheeks twitching slightly, they were completely disarmed and accepted the gifts of the imperial citizens as they came within reach.

“Ian! The Imperial Palace is in sight!”

“Yes. I see it.”

The mages clutched their excited hearts as they looked at the approaching Imperial Palace. How long had it been since they had returned? When they were eating and sleeping in the Imperial Palace, it was a workplace they wanted to escape from, but seeing it from afar, it was like home.

Some mages were moved to tears, while others continued to receive greetings from the imperial citizens.

“Ian! Congratulations on your safe return!”

“Berik! You don’t have any cuts, do you? You’ve come back safely!”

“Open the gate! I’m hungry!”

“Hahaha! He’s still the same!”

The Imperial Palace guards leaned out over the wall and laughed.

Just as Berik found it strange to enter the center, Ian also felt a strange emotion rising. The Imperial Palace he experienced in Verosian’s life and the Imperial Palace he was experiencing now. It was so diverse that it was hard to believe they existed on the same timeline.

Even a short moment of a hundred years was like this, so how splendid and magnificent must the name of Bariel be, spanning hundreds and thousands of years?

Squeak!

Clatter, clatter!

The coachman skillfully turned the carriage, crossing the Imperial Palace. In the distance, the end of the First Imperial Palace Main Building could be seen. And those who had come out to greet them. Judging by their numbers, it was clear that all the officials currently in the Imperial Palace had gathered.

Ian naturally looked for the silver hair through the window.

“…”

But somehow, it didn’t easily come into view. He must not have come out yet. As soon as the carriage stopped, Ian got out and greeted the Prime Minister.

“Lord Ian! Goodness! Look how haggard you’ve become.”

“Mage Department Minister Ian Hiel, I have safely returned and entered the palace. I apologize for causing everyone concern.”

“No, how can we accept an apology from a war hero? If we do, the old men of the Imperial Palace will be ashamed, so please stop. It’s a relief that you’ve returned safely.”

“Iaaaan!”

At that moment, a familiar voice was heard from the right. The mages and Berik also reflexively turned their heads.

It was Romandro, his face wet with tears and snot. It seemed that guarding the Mage Department alone had been difficult, as he looked fatter and his face was puffy.

When Ian smiled, Romandro wiped his nose with his sleeve and trudged over. A humble and insignificant man, but one who had firmly protected the heart of the Imperial Palace.

“Lord Romandro.”

“Oh my, why did you come so late! Are you hurt anywhere? The report said you overdid it, and you’ve lost more weight. Berik! Berik! Berik, this little mutt?!”

“Ah, my ears hurt. What is it? Why did Lord Romandro get fatter? He looks like he’s got a bigger belly than Vivianna.”

“Judging by your words, you’re fine too! You! I missed you, you rascal! Did you listen well? Are you hurt anywhere?”

“I listened well. Ask Ian.”

There was no time for that. The mages who got out of the carriage after him found Romandro and came running, jumping for joy.

“Wow! Lord Romandro!”

“Everyone! Waaah. I missed you. Why did you come so late!”

“We’re sorry. Were we too late?”

“All of you, submit your field reports by tomorrow. Along with the reports.”

“Ah. If you do this as soon as we meet, the emotion is ruined.”

“No. Use this opportunity to gather the reports and submit them yourselves. If I keep cleaning up after you, I’ll die before I see my baby.”

“Oh! That can’t happen!”

Contrary to his disgusted tone, Romandro was jumping around, putting his arms around the mages. He was hugging and greeting the people he was happy to see, checking if they were safe.

Soon, he ran to Ian and hugged him tightly without hesitation. Ian, surprised, awkwardly raised his arms, but Romandro didn’t care and hugged him even tighter.

“Ian. I’m truly glad you returned safely. Truly. I missed you.”

“Yes. Thank you for your hard work. Thanks to you, I was able to worry less about the Imperial Palace while I was on the battlefield.”

“Huh? Lord Romandro, are you crying? Are you crying?”

“I’m not crying, you rascal!”

“Hahaha! Are you crying? Me too. Hug me too.”

“Oh, you rascal. Come here!”

When Berik playfully tackled their shoulders, Romandro shed tears and hugged the two of them at once.

A familiar scent brushed past Ian’s nose. It was the nostalgia of that small, cozy mansion where Philia’s engagement ceremony was held. Ian whispered softly while hugging Romandro.

“…How are my mother and stepfather?”

“They were ready to leave the mansion a long time ago. But when you suddenly became like that, and I couldn’t go to the mansion often either… they’re staying a little longer for Vivianna. Philia was so eager to see her son’s face, you have no idea.”

“I see.”

If he hadn’t suddenly collapsed due to the side effects of the contract magic, things wouldn’t have turned out this way. Ian smiled bitterly and pulled away from Romandro.

“I must go greet His Highness. Let’s move.”

At Ian’s words, the mages who had been laughing and chatting with the officials lined up and reorganized their ranks. The Prime Minister checked his watch and then, as if he had been waiting, led them inside the Imperial Palace Main Building.

“Your Highness. Mage Department Minister Ian Hiel has returned.”

“Enter.”

Squeak.

As the short permission was given, the attendants opened the door to welcome them.

Jin was sitting, leaning back on the sofa in the reception room. And Siao Shi was standing guard behind him. Their eyes met first through the slightly opening door.

‘Ah.’

Ian was a little surprised. He knew the Crown Prince was young, but he hadn’t realized it.

Seeing Jin’s grown-up appearance, he could feel how small the child of the past had been. Everything, including his height, had grown significantly.

A mature gaze, straight back and shoulders, slightly longer hair. And above all, the dignity that had taken him one step closer to the name of Emperor.

Ian bowed and entered the reception room, offering his greetings according to etiquette.

“Your Highness. I am Mage Department Minister Ian Hiel. I have brought the future of Bariel from the war between Clifford and Burgos. I hope that Your Highness is pleased and will forgive my lack of virtue for being away for so long.”

“Lord Ian.”

Jin fidgeted with his fingertips inside his sleeve. He wanted to check if he was hurt anywhere right away, but there were many eyes here, including the other mages. Jin slowly gestured to an empty sofa.

“Sit down.”

“Thank you.”

“…I have much to share.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I also have much to give.”

Jin felt a wave surging inside him. Like waves crashing against rocks, something inside him was constantly noisy with joy and cheers.

Did you see the letter? You must have heard that I purged Minister Volb, right? What are your thoughts on actually seeing and working with Maxim Tweller? He seems trustworthy, did Lord Ian feel the same? What happened in the war? You don’t look hurt, but are you in pain anywhere?

All sorts of questions swirled around the tip of his tongue, but Jin calmly suppressed them and gave a faint smile.

“Is it certain that you have brought the future of Bariel?”

“Yes, Your Highness. How could I lie when I am in such a position? There is someone who witnessed this firsthand, so I would like to prepare a place for him in the Mage Department.”

Putting aside all sorts of personal questions, the first thing that came out was about a matter of national importance. Ian smiled, feeling proud, and bowed his head.

“…I am curious. What kind of future has come to me through your hands.”

Although he was trying his best to maintain a calm expression, Siao Shi immediately noticed that the child was excited. So, he pretended to look at his watch and reminded the others of the time.

“Won’t the meeting this afternoon be short on time?”

“Ah, yes, yes. Of course, Lord Siao Shi.”

“It is a meeting where the Mage Department will directly report the results of the war. As you said, I hope everything goes as planned.”

“Then… excuse me for a moment.”

“Me too. Ahem.”

Those who understood Siao Shi’s intention left their seats one by one. It was to allow Jin to greet Ian more comfortably.

As Siao Shi stepped forward in front of the officials and personally adjusted the schedule, Berik’s mouth dropped open.

“Did I just hear the words ‘Lord Siao Shi’? Is that real?”

“Berik. You’re still the same.”

“Sia! You-”

“Berik.”

Ian called Berik as he lifted his teacup.

“Address him as Lord Siao Shi. He is a Baron like me.”

“Really? Do I really call him Lord? Sia, tell me!”

Shhh. When Ian frowned and told him to be quiet, Siao Shi patted Berik’s shoulder. It was the look he had when teasing someone who was easy to tease.

“Call me Lord. Berik.”

“Y-y-you crazy-”

Berik stepped back with his mouth agape, and Siao Shi grabbed the doorknob, leaving only Romandro and Berik inside.

“Since there aren’t enough sofas, it would be better for the other mages to use the next reception room. Please guide them.”

“Yes. This way, please.”

Squeak.

His skill in naturally organizing the surroundings was superb.

Berik blinked awkwardly at Siao Shi, while Romandro sniffled and approached Jin.

As the door closed completely, the child unknowingly reached out his hand to Ian. It was the hand that had been fidgeting inside his sleeve.

“Lord Ian.”

And the child’s voice, devoid of all dignity. Ian smiled and clasped Jin’s hand with both of his.

“Yes, Your Highness. I have arrived.”