Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 496

“Mom, when are we leaving? We’re going to be late at this rate.”

“Bibi, we were just about to leave, weren’t we? You shouldn’t rush. You’ll get your dress dirty. Your father told us to arrive on time, so let’s leave at a leisurely pace.”

“I heard that the time before it starts is more fun!”

“That’s because of the noble children. There’s a separate coming-of-age ceremony for nobles in the fall, so they’re trying to make an impression on society before that. Bibi, we don’t need to participate in that.”

“Hmm. It still sounds fun.”

“Then, do you want to go and observe? But you must not cause trouble for your father by interrupting conversations, and you must be impeccably dressed. There might be rumors that someone who isn’t a noble is using the power of the Magic Department to get ahead. How about it? Is it still okay?”

Viviana’s strict proposal made Bibi’s eyes roll. How could she turn the conversation around? After a moment of thought, the child spotted Philia and Roel coming out of the mansion and ran towards them. Viviana, as if she knew it would happen, put her hands on her hips and smiled.

“Roel, you look so handsome! It suits you so well. Mrs. Philia, you look like an angel. If someone asks what spring is, I’d tell them to look at you.”

“Oh my, Bibi, how can you speak so beautifully? Thank you. Your dress suits you well too. You look very cute and pretty.”

“Your green earrings are also wonderful.”

“Oh, this?”

Philia smiled, lightly touching her earlobe. It was a jewel that Crown Prince Jin had given her as a wedding gift. It’s already been 10 years since then, and it’s moving to think about the passage of time.

Nersarn also appeared, dressed in his imperial conquest attire. It was a bit awkward, but it suited him quite well.

“Wife and children, you should leave first. I’ll check on a few things and then follow at a slower pace.”

It was a gesture to show gratitude for the Central’s consideration of Hiel’s circumstances. Although the lord was missing, the imperial palace had overlooked it, allowing Hiel to remain as it was. Moreover, they had also taken their situation into account through tax cuts, so this much sincerity was nothing.

Philia nodded and took Roel’s hand.

“Then, we’ll go ahead. See you at the imperial palace.”

“Okay, let’s go. Let’s leave.”

“Yay! We’re leaving! Roel! Sit next to me!”

Bibi pulled Roel next to her and pressed her face against the window.

Clatter, clatter! As the carriage started, a slightly different downtown Central unfolded. People were all out on the streets enjoying drinks and food, and in various places, they were dancing with bands.

“…From midday?”

Bibi was taken aback by Roel’s dry comment.

“The coming-of-age ceremony is only one day! From the moment the morning bell rings, everyone is very busy having fun! Actually, it’s my first time at the imperial coming-of-age ceremony, so I don’t know much, but I heard that it’s normal for flower rain to fall. But recently, there’s a shortage of wizards, so they’re refraining from it. You can only see it once a year, at the New Year’s party.”

“Flower rain?”

“Still, isn’t it lucky that His Highness’s coming-of-age ceremony is in spring? Even if magical flower rain doesn’t fall, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, so it’s pretty!”

“Yeah. It is.”

The blooming of countless flowers that he couldn’t see in the desert. Roel seemed to find the sight more worthwhile than he thought, as he stayed close to Bibi and didn’t move.

Soon, the carriage arrived at the imperial palace. The crowd that had gathered to celebrate Jin’s coming-of-age ceremony was enormous. If the guards hadn’t made a path, many would have surely been trampled on this auspicious day.

Clatter, clatter!

“The Roman Dro family and guests from Hiel are here! Open the gates!”

“Open the gates! Let the carriage in!”

Screech!

“Wow…”

Roel wasn’t a child with many emotional expressions. Therefore, it was possible to guess how deeply moved he was by the short exclamation. In response, Viviana and Philia exchanged glances and smiled.

The carriage entered the main banquet hall of the First Imperial Palace, where the coming-of-age ceremony would take place. Carriages with the seals of each family were lined up endlessly.

“Honey, Bibi!”

“Dad!”

Roman Dro, who had arrived earlier, found his family and rushed over. He was dressed in his uniform and had paid his respects, but his face was a mess from staying up for several nights. Viviana wrapped her arms around his cheeks and murmured as if she was sorry.

“Oh, honey. You’ve worked so hard, haven’t you?”

“I’ll be able to take a breather after today, so it’s okay.”

“Um, Roman Dro. I’m sorry to say this as soon as we meet. But, by any chance-”

“There’s still no contact from Ian.”

“Ah, I see.”

“He’ll be coming down from the north with the wizards, so it shouldn’t take too long. Wife, it’ll be hard, but let’s wait a little longer.”

“Yes, of course. Waiting isn’t that hard. The one who’s traveling is the one who’s having a hard time.”

“Then, this way. Today is not just a gathering of imperial nobles, but also foreign royalty, so it’s best to be careful. Especially our little darling, Bibi! You!”

At Roman Dro’s warning, Bibi playfully pretended to salute.

“Where, where are they?”

“The Clifford Prince’s delegation and the Luswena delegation. Vergos only sent tributes, and Hawan and other small countries weren’t invited in the first place. Because the enthronement ceremony isn’t far off.”

Ah. Bibi took a sip of the drink that a servant handed her and looked around.

People dressed in fancy clothes were laughing and chatting, having unknown conversations. The enchanting melody of the orchestra naturally filled the space between them.

It was the social circle she had only heard about in rumors.

‘Wow.’

Unlike Bibi, who was wide-eyed, Roel only followed Roman Dro’s gaze. He was trying to figure out where the wizards were and who the Luswena delegation he had mentioned was. Since it was a country bordering the Great Desert, Roel couldn’t help but be concerned.

“Ah, it looks like it’s about to start.”

As the orchestra’s performance grew louder to the point of interrupting conversations, people’s chatter naturally subsided. It was a very natural and elegant progression, without needing to shout for attention.

Boo-oo-oo-

Following that, the beautiful sound of a trumpet announced the appearance of a noble. Without anyone saying anything, applause erupted from everywhere.

Jin, wearing a pure white uniform and the imperial seal on his chest, slowly walked out. His neatly combed hair and impeccable collar seemed to show the dignity of the imperial family.

Clack.

And at that moment, the noble ladies of marriageable age simultaneously lowered their fans, revealing their faces.

It was the day that the only imperial descendant was finally becoming an adult. Welcoming an empress and concubines was also an important duty of the Crown Prince. A fierce battle of nerves was taking place from all directions to rise from noble to royal.

“Everyone, thank you for coming.”

Jin’s voice echoed in their ears. Bibi was startled and looked at Roman Dro at the mysterious feeling as if he was whispering in her ear, and he flicked his hands left and right as if it was magic.

“Today, on my nineteenth birthday, I am reborn as an adult. As the only one who carries the name of Verosian, its meaning is truly profound.”

Jin paused for a moment. Once a worthless child who had gone to the brink of death, he had survived and become an adult. And furthermore, he had completely taken Bariel into his hands. The miracle wasn’t somewhere else, but within himself.

“Many things will change from now on.”

He would participate directly in wars, and the things he had traditionally stepped down from because he was young would also be buried in the past.

Jin raised a glass of wine. Then, everyone in the room followed suit as if they had been waiting for it. Bibi and Roel also looked up at Jin with their drinks in hand, their hearts pounding.

“But this is a process to move towards a better Bariel. You must trust me. I also trust you and will endlessly seek the glory of the Bariel Empire. Let us watch together how brilliant the days ahead of me will be.”

As Jin lightly raised his glass, cheers erupted from everywhere.

“For the glory of Bariel!”

Clink!

Everyone deeply celebrated and clinked their glasses. Bibi and Roel lightly, Viviana and Philia gently. And Roman Dro and the wizards celebrated the end of the event with vigor!

“Everyone, laugh, dance, and get drunk to your heart’s content. There should be no worries today.”

As Jin gestured, the conductor of the orchestra swung his baton greatly. The sound of the performance filled the banquet hall in an instant. Naturally, couples appeared, dancing through the crowd that had split to the left and right.

“Wow. Roel, let’s go too!”

Seeing that, Bibi excitedly grabbed Roel’s arm, and Viviana and Philia just shrugged their shoulders and watched the children’s backs.

“There, Sir Nersarn is coming.”

“Ah, excuse me. Madam.”

“Take your time and chat with His Highness. I’ll watch the kids. Honey, Sir Nersarn is here.”

“Madam. Sir Nersarn. This way.”

Roman Dro led Nersarn and Philia and approached Crown Prince Jin.

Many nobles had already gathered, wanting to exchange a word with the Crown Prince. Jin was nodding, receiving the nobles’ congratulations, but soon recognized Roman Dro’s signal and readily agreed.

“You are guests from Hiel. Come here.”

Unlike Jin, who was welcoming, the nobles covered their mouths and whispered. Hiel? Isn’t that the shame of the empire, where the lord is missing and they’ve colluded with barbarians? They didn’t openly oppose them, but the atmosphere wasn’t good. Ten years was enough time to forget the glory.

Nersarn, as if he noticed that, responded with fluent imperial greetings.

“I greet Jin Verosian, Your Highness. I am Nersarn of the Thousand-Li Tribe.”

“I know. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. How have you been?”

“Yes, it’s all thanks to Your Highness. I sincerely congratulate you on your coming-of-age ceremony. The future of the empire will shine like Your Highness.”

“Thank you. Ah, Philia.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin gestured for Philia to come closer, and then gently held her hands and whispered.

“Did you hear?”

Did you hear the news that Ian is alive and coming back?

“Yes, Your Highness. I heard.”

As Philia smiled with tears in her eyes, Jin also smiled. Isn’t it unfair to smile like that with a face that looks exactly like Ian?

“Your Highness, we have prepared a small token of sincerity in the name of Hiel. It includes some of the taxes that have been reduced, high-quality embroidery made directly in the Thousand-Li, and Gurut leaves. We have also included foreign silk from Hawan, so I hope you like it.”

“Good. I will receive it with satisfaction.”

“Thank you.”

As the tribute proceeded amicably, the nobles who had been watching quietly hurriedly intervened. Unless it was a very high-end item, it was advantageous to give the tribute first. As time went on, similar items would pile up, so they wouldn’t be able to leave a strong impression.

“Your Highness, please give us a chance next.”

“Oh, isn’t that Count Lakiron? How is your health?”

“Thanks to your concern, I’m much better.”

Under the pressure of the nobles, the two briefly bowed and tried to turn away. They had received excessive privileges for someone from the edge of the border with no title.

As the two were coming down the stairs-

Thump-!

A heavy noise was heard from somewhere. Some of the nobles turned their heads as if they were puzzled and looked for the source. But, no matter how much they looked around, they couldn’t find it. It seemed to have come from outside.

‘…Check it.’

‘Yes, Your Highness.’

Jin instructed Siao Shi, and Roman Dro also led the wizards and quietly headed outside. In the meantime, Roman Dro winked at the orchestra, and the conductor played the music even louder to keep the scattered attention of the audience.

Rustle.

At that moment, a petal fell in front of Jin, who was listening to the nobles’ words without much interest. It was indoors, so there wasn’t even a breeze. Was it a leaf from a decorated plant?

“……?”

The petal that had fallen on his fingertip. Before he could even touch it, it sparkled and faded, and Jin’s eyes widened.

Screech.

And, the doors of the banquet hall slowly opened.

Along with the warm breeze, pollen swirled everywhere. It wasn’t clear because of the backlight, but the figure of the person standing at the front was clear. Blonde hair that had absorbed the sunlight. And-

‘Fresh green eyes.’

Everyone in the banquet hall unknowingly held their breath and watched the boy’s appearance. And dozens of wizards followed behind him. Their robes swayed as if dancing to the melody of the orchestra.

Clatter, clatter!

Jin unknowingly jumped up from his seat, and Ian slowly approached him and knelt on one knee. The wizards also lowered their posture following Ian. From the ends of their sleeves, a strand of red cloth flowed down.

“Your Highness, it’s been a while.”

“Ian……”

The moment Jin faced Ian, the dust of the past years was all swept away. The blurry image of Ian from the past 10 years was completely and fully recalled. Thanks to the fact that he hadn’t changed at all since then.

Ian, understanding the confusion, greeted him with a bright smile.

“Your Highness, please say that it took a long time, but it’s not too late. That is my only wish right now.”