Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 506

Hollin and Davion.

If you were to ask who the most representative noble families of Bariel were, everyone would unanimously say those two names.

Hollin, who had amassed a strong fortune by owning all the prime real estate near the Imperial Palace, and Davion, who had occupied key positions within the Imperial Palace. It was difficult to determine which was superior, with opinions divided, but the most fiercely contested point was the young ladies of marriageable age from each family.

“Chloe, are you alright?”

“Yes, Father.”

“You look tired.”

“Really? I shouldn’t be.”

Count Reglid Davion sighed softly as he looked at his daughter, who maintained a straight posture even in the carriage. In the end, she was leaving the palace without having exchanged a single word with Crown Prince Jin at the coming-of-age ceremony. She should have been tired from the heavy dress and headdress, but Chloe calmly adjusted her appearance in the mirror.

“Did you see Lady Hollin earlier?”

“Yes.”

He had just realized that the other family’s daughter was just as formidable as his own. Seeing her not even twitch a finger with that venomous gaze made him involuntarily click his tongue.

“It’s true that we are somewhat lacking.”

“Chloe.”

“You know it too, Father, don’t you? Hollin is a ducal family, but we are only a count family. It’s just a one-rank difference, but we haven’t been able to overcome it for decades. Moreover, there will soon be a war with Vergos. It’s inevitable that Hollin, who supplies weapons to Vergos, will attract His Highness’s attention more. It’s only natural.”

Chloe swept back her long red hair and looked out the window. Dawn was breaking, and those who had greeted the morning early were busily moving about. Her bright yellow eyes scanned the scene without missing a detail.

“Unless the gods help me and shoot an arrow the moment I make eye contact with His Highness Jin, there’s no chance of winning head-on.”

“Chloe, don’t worry. I’ll tell your brothers to arrange a private meeting with His Highness Jin for you. Before the Hollin family.”

As her father comforted her gently, Chloe smiled.

“Thank you, Father. But more important than that is for me to be recognized as a valuable asset to His Highness Jin. That my meeting with him will be more beneficial to Bariel than meeting anyone else.”

“Hmm. I’ll gather opinions. The judicial and administrative departments will naturally try to recommend our side. We’re still in contact with other departments, though.”

“The Magic Department, you mean.”

“The Magic Department?”

“Yes, hasn’t Minister Ian Hielro returned? I heard that His Highness trusts and follows him very much.”

“That’s right. It seems their relationship is quite special. Just the fact that he oversaw the construction of the annex in place of the absent Minister of Magic is telling. I can’t explain it in detail, but there were some very big things that happened in the Imperial Palace before.”

“Even to the point of neglecting the coming-of-age ceremony, which only happens once in a lifetime, I think I understand the significance. Therefore, how about pushing the Magic Department more than the other departments?”

“Hmm?”

“If Ian Hielro recommends me to His Highness as the Empress, I think His Highness would take it seriously.”

Reglid nodded at Chloe’s words.

It wasn’t wrong. According to the news, the Minister of Magic’s presence was significant at the night’s conference. He had organized the situation clearly and led the meeting with an information network that belied his absence.

His Highness Jin had also shown unwavering trust, so it was clear that the Imperial Palace would revolve around the Magic Department from now on.

“Alright. I’ll look into it.”

“The annex construction.”

Chloe tilted her head, looking back at her father.

“How about we take care of that? Isn’t it an issue that His Highness Jin has been constantly concerned about? He seemed uncomfortable every time it was brought up in the meeting.”

“That’s true, but we’ve been consistently supporting His Highness Jin’s opinion. I’m not sure if it would be meaningful.”

“Isn’t it the duty of a true subject to persuade those who oppose him and request their cooperation, instead of His Highness? Father. Let’s take over the annex construction. Honestly, who else would do it if not us? Don’t you think so?”

Reglid understood Chloe’s intention. The reason why the construction had been progressing, albeit slowly, was because the officials of the Davion faction supported Jin.

So, if the Magic Department didn’t support Davion, they wouldn’t need to accommodate the Magic Department either, would they? Even if Jin was displeased, it wouldn’t matter as long as she didn’t secure the Empress’s position.

“I understand. I’ll look into it.”

“Yes, Father. And I saw earlier, but Lady Hollin’s headdress was quite unique. I suspect it’s from Vergos. Please check if it was officially imported. If so, I’ll buy one too.”

The Count nodded in agreement and kissed his daughter’s hand. Only then did Chloe let out a sigh of relief, yawning softly and leaning back against the seat.

* * *

Sparkle. Ian opened his eyes to the sunlight streaming through the window.

The first thing he saw was the clear, bright blue sky. Next, the curtains swaying gently. And then, Hale, who was asleep on the sofa next to him with his legs crossed.

Ian looked up at the ceiling again and wiggled his fingers. Wasn’t it the first time he had slept so soundly in a long time? His whole body felt so refreshed that it felt like it was melting.

The boy savored the soft texture of the blanket on his fingertips and closed his eyes again. Ah, he wanted to sleep more.

Bang!

“Beric, stop causing trouble!”

“Then don’t tell me to do it.”

“Seriously, I’m such an idiot. Put that down and get out!”

But then, the commotion outside. He was about to open his eyes, but Ian remained still. He thought he might be able to fall asleep again if he stayed like this.

Creak.

“Ugh, how do I approve this?”

“Take it to Lord Romandro.”

“It came from there.”

“What? Why did it come from there?”

Swoosh.

Upon hearing that, Ian got up as if he couldn’t take it anymore. He covered Hale, who was completely knocked out, with a blanket and opened the door, revealing a messy office. Everyone was buried in piles of papers and turned to Ian with surprised eyes.

“Ian! Did you sleep well?”

“You’re awake?”

“…How long did I sleep?”

His voice was quite hoarse. He thought it had only been a day at most, but the answer he received was shocking.

“A week.”

“…What?”

“Exactly, a week and nine hours?”

“That’s troublesome.”

“It’s okay. You’re supposed to grow while sleeping at that age.”

“Hale was lying inside.”

“Was it yesterday or the day before? He was trying to put some magic into you because you wouldn’t wake up, and then he passed out. Tsk tsk. Lord Ian, there’s a journal and reports on your desk, so you can review them to get a grasp of the work. I’ll go to the administrative department for a bit. Oh, right!”

Accorella turned around, about to rush out, and said,

“About Prince Clifford. Prince Noah. He was waiting until you woke up, Lord Ian. Please call him later. The mages stationed in Clifford still haven’t arrived. I’ve checked the letters that come regularly, and they’re not being held captive. It seems like things keep happening. Whether it’s a coincidence or fate. Anyway, I’ll be back!”

“Me, too! Hey, everyone, Lord Ian is awake!”

“Oh, really. Lord Ian. Did you sleep well?”

“Yes. Thanks to you.”

The mages who were passing by the door poked their heads in and greeted him, and Ian smiled lightly as he flipped through the documents. He couldn’t believe he had slept for a week. So many things must have happened in the Imperial Palace, where all sorts of things happen every day.

As Ian put on his coat, Beric raised his eyebrows.

“Huh?”

“What?”

“The sleeves are shorter. The hem too. Did you grow taller while sleeping?”

Did he? Ian shrugged, not knowing, and checked the journal. Fortunately, there hadn’t been any major incidents since the coming-of-age ceremony. Things had been progressing steadily, focusing on preparations for the war with Vergos.

-Vergos delegation formation complete. Coordinating departure date.

-Order to apprehend the secret-eating gypsies and Melania issued.

-Word that the Dera tribe has departed from Mount Laja.

The most important were the above three. The rest were things that would help with work if he knew them.

There were two interview requests for Ian, one from Clifford, as Accorella had mentioned, and the other from Count Davion.

“…Count Davion?”

Ian’s eyes flashed keenly as he repeated the name. He didn’t know if it was a ploy or a business matter, but he was trying to figure out their intentions. Ian tapped the name with his fingertip and then closed the document.

“Beric. Tell Lord Romandro to come in.”

“Are you really going to work as soon as you wake up? How much has your strength returned? Let’s see. Hmm?”

Beric hovered around Ian, bothering him, but Ian lightly ignored him and picked up his pen.

“Very good.”

“That’s it? Tell me in detail. That Accorella, that quack. I wonder if she just put you to sleep.”

“Do you want me to be honest? How good I feel?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Ian swept back his hair and then said playfully. It had been so long since he had felt this good, he couldn’t even remember.

“I feel good enough to go into Vergos alone and cut off Rutherford’s head.”

“…You’re explaining it so brutally. Never mind. Lord Romandro! Lord Romandro!”

Bang!

The door opened immediately at the call, and Romandro rushed in. Judging by the sweat dripping down his face, he must have been running even before Beric called him.

“Oh! Ian, you’re awake?”

“How did you know?”

“I heard the mages talking as they passed by. How’s your body? Are you okay?”

“Yes, I’m fine. It’s just that, I heard the Dera tribe will be arriving in the center soon.”

“Ah, yes, it’s expected to be today or tomorrow.”

“I would like you to bring my luggage from your mansion. It’s something I brought from Hielro. Do you remember the ‘dripper’? It’s a small machine made of metal.”

“Dripper? Ah, yes! I know. That piece of scrap metal that I have no idea what it’s used for.”

At Romandro’s comment, Beric clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers. Where did that arrogant expression come from all of a sudden? Beric puffed out his chest and cleared his throat, not noticing Romandro’s narrowed eyes.

“Hmm. Lord Romandro. If you say that in front of a mole, you’ll get a hammer to the head.”

“What are you talking about? Anyway, I understand. I’ll send someone to bring it.”

“Ah, and one more thing.”

Ian neatly organized the documents and picked out a few.

“Count Davion has requested an interview. Have you received any hints about it?”

“No, he just said he wanted to congratulate the return of the Minister of Magic. You can refuse. It’s not like you’ve been close. I’m already busy enough.”

It seemed like they wanted to talk about the Empress’s recommendation, but he couldn’t be sure. Ian nodded in understanding and moved the Davion matter to the back of the list.

“I see. When the Dera tribe enters the Imperial Palace, there will be discussions regarding weapons production. I heard that Duke Hollin currently holds that business. It would be better to meet Hollin before Davion. Please contact them and arrange a meeting.”

“Hmm. I understand. But, His Highness the Crown Prince has been pushing for it himself, but they haven’t budged. It won’t be easy.”

“How would everyone view a noble who doesn’t cooperate with the country before a war? I’ll meet them once. If it doesn’t work, there’s nothing I can do.”

Tap.

Perhaps because he had slept so well, Ian’s skin seemed to have become much brighter. His smile was radiant as well.

Beric scratched his head and asked.

“If there’s nothing you can do, what happens?”

“Beric. Have you forgotten? What happened to the nobles who opposed the Imperial Family in the past?”

“…Head chop?”

“Well, that’s close enough.”

Ian unfolded the letter paper with an elegant gesture. It was a letter to be sent to Duke Hollin.