Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 49

“If the lord’s seat remains vacant, the chaos will only worsen.”

To the Prime Minister’s cautious rebuttal, Marib offered an alternative.

“Instead, we can dispatch an advisor as a temporary measure. We can monitor the results, take care of the public sentiment, and then appoint a lord later.”

“Erica, the head of the investigation team, is already there. She’s probably working on the situation right now.”

Marib burst into laughter at Wesley’s comment, as if to say, ‘Don’t talk nonsense.’ At his blatant disregard, Wesley’s expression hardened.

“The head of the investigation team is, from the perspective of the territory’s people, the one who killed their families. Moreover, she’s only managed to capture three people, and hasn’t even identified two of them.”

Thud.

He threw the documents down, making no effort to hide his displeasure with the investigation team. Everything he said was true, leaving no room for argument. The ministers simply nodded, indicating their agreement.

“Since this was an order from the Emperor, the Empire needs to quickly resolve this. That is also the honor of my father, the Emperor, and Bariel.”

“…No objections.”

“Your words are wise.”

Every single word was correct.

Moreover, the Bratz territory’s production was significantly lower compared to other regions. Was it because it was a bit far from the capital? The ministers, who didn’t think much of it, didn’t care who governed such a place.

“Then, we will dispatch an advisor and observe the progress. We will discuss the appointment of a lord again after that.”

“Since Bratz is far away, it would be best to send a letter immediately after the meeting ends. Let’s send a messenger hawk to ensure it arrives as quickly as possible.”

“I agree.”

Marib decided not to give Gail any room to interfere. Everything was a reasonable proposal, so the Prime Minister raised his gavel to finalize the agenda.

But Wesley’s words stopped him in mid-air.

“If you’re talking about an advisor for reconstruction—”

She quickly interjected, asking,

“Who do you have in mind?”

“Well, Romandro seems to be the most suitable. He showed his capabilities in the earthquake-stricken area near the White Temple not too long ago.”

“Then, I will send Sir Molin down with him.”

“Sir Molin?”

It was a persistent intention that she would not give up on. Marib stroked his chin and muttered.

“Sir Molin hasn’t been here for long.”

“But he is certainly the one who knows the most about that territory in the Imperial Palace. If we ask him and he’s willing, it’s only right to send him along.”

At Wesley’s gaze, the ministers glanced at each other. Was this really a problem that needed to be dragged out this long? There were mountains of state affairs to take care of. Sensing the mood, the Prime Minister slammed his gavel and replied.

“No objections.”

Bang, bang, bang!

“Now, the next agenda is…”

“The sea route to Blaster Sea…”

‘Damn it. What is it?’

She pretended to look at the documents as if nothing was wrong, but she couldn’t clear her complicated mind. If he was acting like this even after attending the morning meeting, Marib must have other intentions.

‘At least I stopped them from sending just the advisor…’

When Wesley glanced at him, Marib just raised an eyebrow and smiled. The problem was, whenever he smiled like that, something bad always happened to them.

“…Then, let’s conclude today’s general meeting here.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“We will see His Majesty in the afternoon.”

As the meeting ended, Marib left the conference room without any hesitation.

The ministers bowed behind him. They were tense, wondering if they should have tea with him. Marib quietly instructed his subordinate, who was waiting outside.

“Call Romandro.”

“Romandro?”

The subordinate asked back, slightly perplexed. Romandro had just returned to the center after dealing with the White Temple. He had been separated from his wife for two months during their honeymoon. If he knew that Marib was calling him again, he might submit his resignation. Seriously.

“Why are you just standing there?”

“No, um. Understood.”

But what could he do? If he was told to do it, he had to do it.

Persuading Romandro and bringing him was also part of the subordinate’s job. Marib, whether he knew his subordinate’s dark thoughts or not, glanced at Wesley and turned away.

* * *

“Are you sure you’ll be alright? Without us?”

“Don’t worry about me, and hurry up and leave.”

Erica waved her hand, reassuring the central army commander. Among the minimum forces that had to remain at the mansion, Erica was included.

“It feels like we’re leaving you in a den of beasts.”

“If they harm the investigation team, it’s an act of rebellion against the central government. That Ian guy may be unpleasant, but he’s quick with calculations, so he won’t do anything reckless.”

Only five elite members, including Erica, were to remain at the mansion. It was much more efficient to have Erica guarding the place than a hundred nameless soldiers.

She wasn’t a key figure in actual combat, so this was the best strategy. All the troops except them were about to leave Bratz, following Mary and Chel.

“Then, we’ll be on our way.”

“Please, please recover even their bodies.”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Let’s depart!”

“Depart!”

The soldiers organized their ranks and left the mansion. Children ran around the streets to watch, and the territory’s people gathered in small groups, gossiping about the central army’s withdrawal, which wasn’t really a withdrawal.

“They say they’re going to find the Lady and Master Chel? So the rumor that they left the castle alive was true.”

“Hey, be careful what you say. Aren’t they traitors?”

“Oh my! My heart feels so refreshed! Go and never come back! Go straight to the center, to your home!”

“Go away! Don’t ever come back!”

“Get lost!”

The territory’s people, who had lost their families and homes in the battle, threw stones and made a fuss, but the central army soldiers could only glare at them, unable to do anything. It was because of the Cheonryeo people standing among them.

“Farewell. We won’t see you off.”

“Let’s pour molten metal on the castle gates when those guys leave!”

“Then how will we get out, you fool.”

“Just eating and wasting food, you bastards.”

“Hey, they can hear you.”

They couldn’t cause trouble right after their departure, especially before leaving the territory. It was also true that they had taken the territory’s people’s food while they were stationed there.

Unlike those who were agitated, there were also those who were purely happy and running around. The children.

“Wow! The central army is leaving!”

“Mom, Mom! The soldiers are all leaving!”

They looked like defeated soldiers from a foreign land. That was the perception of the territory’s people due to the battle, and that was the reality. In terms of distance, the Cheonryeo tribe and the Hawan Kingdom were much closer than the center.

“Everyone’s excited.”

Erica clicked her tongue as she watched the scene from the mansion. She turned towards the main gate to go back to her room. But, Cheonryeo warriors blocked her way.

“What, what is it?”

“We will be using the main building from now on. Since you have a small number of people, you should use the tents from now on.”

“Are you crazy! Who do you think you’re talking to!”

“If you have any complaints, go tell Kakantir.”

Erica was dumbfounded. The central army hadn’t even left the territory yet. And yet, they were already making enemies like this?

Just an hour ago, she could freely enter and exit the main building, but she didn’t know what her situation was now.

“Alright, let’s see. Your leader. I need to talk to him.”

“…Follow me.”

Erica was guided by the warrior into the reception room. Kakantir and Ian were there together.

Bang!

“Are you kidding me? Huh?”

“Is there a problem? The central army has left, right?”

“Shut up. It’s none of your business. You’re going to use the main building? Don’t make me laugh. Aren’t you the ones who live in tents outside?”

Her screaming and ranting was a sight to behold. Ian sighed and stared at Erica.

Kakantir also clicked his tongue as if he was used to it, and scanned her up and down. They had been living together for a long time, but he still couldn’t get used to her expression.

“Hey. If you want to use the main building, why don’t you reduce your number of family members? If you want, I can give you a room. There’s a storage room left at the end of the hallway.”

“…Hey, you…?”

“By the way, if it’s hard to reduce your family members, I can help. My sword is getting rusty, so it’s time to cut some meat.”

At his blatant threat, Erica’s face turned pale. Barbarians were definitely barbarians. Seeing how their attitude changed as soon as the central army left, she realized once again that they were people she should never associate with.

Ian intervened between the two, changing the subject.

“Anyway, it’s good that you came. The investigation team’s report and data to be sent to the Imperial Palace are all bundled up, so you can take them, and now we’re going to proceed with Derga’s execution.”

Derga’s execution was suddenly brought up. Erica made an X with her hands, as if to say she would never allow it.

“Everything has a procedure. Derga’s execution will proceed after Mary and Chel are secured.”

“What if Mary and Chel are not secured? Will you stay here forever?”

It was an attempt to drive a wedge. If they didn’t show results within a set period, whether it was a week or a month, they would be forced to leave the territory.

Erica bit her lip.

“…Your words are excessive.”

“I apologize. I thought you would be less offended than being called a freeloader.”

Just as Erica was about to shout something at Ian’s words, Kakantir naturally intervened, flicking his dagger.

“One week. If the execution is not carried out within that time, we will cut off Derga’s breath.”

There were two intentions behind this.

One was to express the Cheonryeo people’s position to the Imperial Palace. They had confronted and driven out the investigation team and the central army, but this was not to save Derga against the Emperor’s orders, but to prove that it was truly for the sake of the territory.

And the second was a warning to Erica. If she continued to resist, her breath would be cut off along with Derga’s. In any way possible.

“Haa.”

Erica was grinding her teeth, wondering what to say in response. Then, a commotion was heard from outside.

“Erica! Erica!”

It was one of the investigation team members. He threw open the door to the reception room without knocking, and then flinched at the fierce atmosphere.

“Erica, it finally arrived, huh!”

“…Arrived? What?”

At the same time, Ian and Kakantir also turned their heads. Everyone’s attention was focused on the subordinate. He seemed to be the youngest, and his face was full of joy.

Erica felt a glimmer of hope rising in her heart.

Could it be, maybe, damn it, finally?

“…A letter has arrived from the center.”

“……!”

“……!”

“Those bastards, they’re all dead!”

“Erica, congratulations!”

“Congratulations!”

Erica cheered and clenched her fist. The subordinates behind her also confidently placed their hands on their sword hilts. It was the best of good news, the one card that could drive out Ian and the Cheonryeo people at once!

If the appointment of a lord was carried out, she would officially become the owner of this place. She would crush that vulgar, unpleasant commoner bastard and the beast tribe at once.

“The central letter! Where is it, I’ll go down right now!”

“Ah, no! You don’t need to go down. It came by messenger hawk.”

At those words, the atmosphere that had been so high seemed to deflate. They knew what it meant that the central letter had arrived by ‘messenger hawk.’

Only Kakantir and the investigation team’s subordinate could understand this strange atmosphere.