Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 504

The officials exchanged bewildered glances.

They had sensed he was no ordinary person from the start of the meeting, but this was a bit beyond common sense. A man who had returned to the center today after being in the abyss for ten years knew a justification that even the officials didn’t know?

However, judging from the child’s attitude, it didn’t seem like nonsense, which made it even more absurd.

“You must know of the Atan tribe.”

“The Atan in the north?”

“Yes. Beric of the Imperial Guard had a meeting with the Atan tribe under His Highness’s orders. As you can guess, the content was to request the Atan tribe’s cooperation to prevent the spread of the northern rifts.”

‘Oh, he’s talking about me!’ Beric, who had been slumped in a corner of the conference hall, perked up his ears and jumped to his feet. The officials, who were confused about who Beric was, recognized him after checking his face and exclaimed in understanding.

‘That crazy bastard.’

The red-haired magic swordsman, the archenemy of the Imperial Palace chefs and the one who caused incidents every other day.

“And?”

“Beric clearly stated that he was a member of the Imperial Guard and that he was there under the orders of His Highness the Crown Prince. However, instead of staying in Bariel and cooperating, they chose to make contact with Rutherford of Burgos. There was a battle in the process.”

“Battle scars, here! Look at where I got beat up!”

Beric turned his face this way and that, showing off his wounds. They had healed a lot and weren’t very visible, but since he said he was hurt, well.

Commander Jerritt slightly bit his lower lip as a warning not to act up. Regardless, Beric just picked at his ear.

“Wait a minute, Sir Ian. Contact with Rutherford?”

“It’s the same context as Lhasida of the Technology Development Department wondering if Rutherford and I possess Idgal [a type of magical technology] manufacturing technology.”

Rutherford had the will to expand the rifts and also held the initiative in Idgal, which could control them. From the perspective of the Atan tribe, who consumed monsters, it was necessary to find out if Rutherford had really appeared and what his intentions were.

“I don’t know what the Atan tribe’s position will be, but it seems certain that they have crossed over to Burgos.”

The officials immediately grasped the situation. In short, they could enter Burgos by chasing the Atan tribe.

There was a buzz of murmuring here and there, and Ian completely closed his report. As if he had done everything he needed to do at this meeting.

“How did the battle end?”

“The Atan tribe chased Beric in, but when the mages joined, they retreated and crossed the border.”

“Perfect. That’s it, that’s it.”

“But, Sir Ian, how did you know that…?”

“Beric was my escort. I was also at the scene at the time.”

It was hard to tell if it was skill or just plain luck. Ian bowed his head to Jin and requested.

“Therefore, Your Highness, it would be better to send an envoy directly to the anti-Royalists, not the Royalists. Use the pretext of subjugating the Atan tribe to request permission for Bariel soldiers to enter, and if they refuse, I recommend dealing with them together. If they agree, they can be stationed there and attack in cooperation with the Royalists.”

The chances of them agreeing were extremely low, though.

“Alright. So be it.”

Jin nodded calmly, but there seemed to be a smile on his lips.

“That is the right decision.”

“Any objections?”

Jin asked, but the conference hall was silent. Judging by the lack of further comments, it didn’t seem like any other special agenda would come up.

Checking the time, it was already two in the morning. Jin rose from his seat, indicating that he would end it here.

“Each department is to organize the agenda of today’s meeting and submit it by the afternoon.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“You’ve all worked hard until late. Everyone, please rise.”

As Jin was the first to leave his seat, the tense atmosphere of the conference hall relaxed and became chaotic. The officials seemed to be gathering among themselves, and the subordinates among themselves, to discuss what to do next.

Ian was the same. He neatly organized the documents in front of him and rose from his seat.

“Sir Ian. It’s truly good to have you back.”

“Yes, thank you. I’m glad you seem to be doing well.”

“I look forward to working with you.”

“I also look forward to working with you again.”

Those who were friendly to the Magic Department approached and offered a handshake, and Ian naturally took their hands. Eyes were pouring in from all directions, but he lightly ignored them and left the conference hall.

Then, the commotion accelerated even more.

“He’s crazy. He really is the Minister of Magic, just like the rumors said.”

“When and how did he come up with that justification?”

“Now I understand how he was the real power of the empire at such a young age. Haha. Seriously.”

“If we can just finish the budget issue, it seems like there won’t be any problems. When will the Magic Department request the repayment?”

“Sir Ian is a man who puts meaning into even the slightest gesture. He will probably request it at the optimal time that is most helpful to the Magic Department, so it’s better to prepare as soon as possible.”

“It’s going to be a hassle, and why does it have to be the Magic Department? If it weren’t for the Magic Department, the officials’ influence would be strong enough to handle appointments, but the Magic Department is its own world, so it’s impossible.”

Meanwhile, the mages following Ian glanced back. They pretended not to notice, but the gazes from all directions were obvious and unpleasant.

“Those officials keep glaring. It’s annoying.”

“Hey, they’ll hear you. Lower your voice.”

“Let them hear. It looks like they’re glaring at us on purpose.”

“Anyway, Sir Ian. You’ve worked really hard today. You did great. His Highness Jin seemed satisfied as well. He kept smiling while pretending not to.”

“Oh? You saw that too? Me too, me too.”

“Sir Ian, will you go to the Magic Department or leave the palace? It’s late, so if you’re leaving the palace, I’ll send a carriage in the afternoon.”

“To the Magic Department.”

It was the moment Ian smiled, as if asking the obvious. The officials who passed by were chattering about some interesting things.

“What are the nobles who gathered at the banquet hall doing?”

“They’re probably chatting and having fun. Ah, I’m really jealous at times like this. Some are in meetings until two in the morning, while others are just drinking.”

“Don’t think too much about it. They also have their own enormous difficulties. Especially the nobles with daughters of marriageable age. They can’t go anywhere all night, waiting in case His Highness returns.”

Come to think of it, it was about time for Jin to receive marriage proposals. He had grown up splendidly and was the only heir to the imperial family, so it was needless to say that the seat next to him was even more radiant and desirable.

Ian briefly pondered who the empress was in Jin’s era. But unfortunately, he had almost no memory of her.

“Sir Ian?”

As the mage opened the carriage door and urged him on, Ian smiled and was about to get in. But that was only for a moment. Ian put his hand on his stomach as if something was wrong with his physical condition.

“What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?”

“Ah…”

He had asked lightly, but instead of answering, Ian clutched his stomach and slowly squatted down. The surprised mages lowered themselves as well and were at a loss, not knowing what to do.

“Sir Ian. Why, why are you doing this? Are you in pain?”

“…It seems to be a side effect.”

“Yes? A side effect? What kind?”

As Ian’s complexion turned pale, the mages also turned ashen as if their blood had drained.

The child’s gaze reached Acorella, who was slowly coming down the stairs. She was chatting with acquaintances along the way, and more than anything, her walk was uncomfortable, so she was only about halfway there. She paused, feeling the gaze, and then the mages rushed towards Acorella as a group.

“You finally fed that to Sir Ian! Commander Acorella!”

“Huh? Why all of a sudden? What? What did I do?”

“They said Sir Ian is having side effects!”

“To someone who just entered the palace today, how could you! You idiot!”

“Ah, side effects. I thought it was something else. Let’s hurry.”

Acorella waved her hand and broke through the mages, then shouted to Romandro, who was standing next to Ian.

“Romandro, what are you doing? Get Sir Ian in the carriage quickly.”

“Is, is it better to call a doctor? But this is because of the mana recovery potion, would it even work?”

“What doctor? Call the chef over there.”

“The, the chef, why?”

Ian staggered and grabbed Romandro’s arm, sweating coldly with a pale face. And then, as if he couldn’t stand it any longer, he muttered softly.

“Let’s go, let’s go quickly, Romandro.”

* * *

Squeak!

Neigh!

Jin, dressed in light clothing, got out of the carriage and quickened his pace. It was because rumors had spread that Ian had collapsed clutching his stomach as soon as he left the conference hall. It was the time when dawn was breaking, but Jin didn’t care and rushed out of the Crown Prince’s palace.

Did he have a problem with his physical condition after returning from the abyss? While others had passed through time, he had been alone, so wouldn’t it be natural for problems to arise?

Taptap!

Even though it was dawn, the entire palace was bustling with work. He thought the Magic Department would be the same, but the lobby was surprisingly quiet. It was a sight that accelerated his anxiety, and Jin’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Sir Ian!”

Bang!

“Ugh, you startled me.”

“Huh? Who is it?”

“It’s His Highness, Your Highness!”

Before an answer could be heard, Jin opened the door himself. Then, he met the eyes of the mages sitting all over the Minister’s office.

They were buried in documents on chairs, sofas, and all over the floor. And a servant was carrying a trolley full of dishes. Ian looked at Jin with a sandwich in his hand.

“Your Highness?”

“Sir Ian. Are you alright? There were rumors that you collapsed.”

“Ah, yes. There was a slight problem because of Acorella’s recovery potion, but I’m fine. I was just extremely hungry, more than expected.”

Next to Ian was a dish that was taller than a person. That was the amount that the servants had just cleared away.

Jin approached in disbelief and asked. This was something even Beric wouldn’t do…

“…Are you really alright?”

“It’s said to be a reaction that occurs during a rapid recovery phase. Objectively, I’m not in good condition, but I’m fine. Your Highness, aren’t you hungry?”

Ian glanced at the pile of sandwiches next to him. There was nothing better than this to eat while working, right?

“No. No, I’m fine.”

“He’s crazy, he’s crazy. It’s the first time I’ve seen Ian eat more than me.”

Beric was sprawled out leisurely among the busy mages. He kept muttering those words, and none of the mages, including Ian, looked up from their documents. As if they didn’t know why a member of the Imperial Guard was sitting here when they were so busy.

“I apologize for causing concern, Your Highness. I am sorry.”

“No, no. It’s a relief if it was just a rumor.”

“Acorella said that I might sleep for days after eating like this, so I’m glad I got to see you before that.”

“Why? Others can submit the reports. You just returned to the palace yesterday. I don’t like the fact that you’re doing this.”

“No. I feel at ease when I’m doing my job. Everyone, let’s take a short break.”

“Oh, thank goodness. Thank you.”

“Let’s go wake up. Haaam.”

“Excuse me. Ugh.”

It was a signal to clear the space for a moment. The mages stretched and went outside, and Beric was still rolling around on the back of the sofa. He figured he didn’t need to go out since he hadn’t done any work.

“Beric. You too.”

“Huh? Why me?”

“Is it something that even Beric shouldn’t hear?”

Jin asked in confusion, and Ian put down his pen and shook his head.

“No. It’s a question related to Your Highness’s private life.”

“…I don’t know what it is, but speak. It’s alright.”

“Perhaps-”

Beric’s ears perked up, and then he jumped up, his eyes sparkling. As if he had heard something very interesting.

“Do you have someone special in mind?”