Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 543

Booo-ooo-

Booo-

“Hurry! The Imperial Palace gates will open soon!”

“Oh my, let’s go! We’ll miss it at this rate!”

“To go to war right after the coronation. What a decisive leader! Our Emperor is! Hahaha!”

“Aren’t you excited for the future of Bariel?”

“Bless the Emperor!”

“Blessings! May Bariel have endless glory!”

The area in front of the Imperial Palace was crowded with a sea of people. It was clear that everyone in the city had come out to the streets. Soldiers held onto each other, securing the path for the march, while people were eager to get as close as possible.

Above the Imperial Palace gate, a wizard watching the scene clicked his tongue.

“Wow, how are we going to get through that?”

“I know, right? It’s no joke. We’ll be exhausted before we even start.”

“Sir Ian! We can’t delay any longer! The crowd is getting bigger. Forget about the departure, we can’t even guarantee the safety of the people.”

“Understood. I’ll pass it on.”

Ian nodded at the wizard’s signal.

The preparations were mostly complete. Soldiers waiting to depart, supply wagons piled high with military supplies and provisions, and even the Emperor’s chariot.

“Sir Ian. The Imperial Defense Force is ready.”

“Yes, Minister Tweller. Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s only the beginning, why are you saying that?”

“The Imperial Guard is also on standby.”

“Sir Xiaoshi! Deploy all your soldiers to the front!”

“Yes, I understand.”

Maxim Tweller and Xiaoshi of the Imperial Defense Force also looked incredibly busy. Ian left them behind and entered the main palace, soon finding the delegation members lined up in front of him. They all recognized Ian and made way for him.

Knock knock.

“This is Minister Ian Hielo.”

“Enter.”

Creak.

Inside, the final meeting of the leaders was taking place. King Clifford, King Hasha of Astana, Prime Minister Shatima of Hawan, and Emperor Jin of Bariel. They all looked at Ian at the same time, sensing that the time had come.

“Your Majesty. All preparations are complete.”

“Very well. I understand. Let us confirm our alliance with Bariel one last time. Astana-”

Hasha bowed his head in respect.

“Bariel will advance to the north, so you will go with us. The main force of Astana will meet us at the border.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have already sent a messenger bird, so they will be waiting.”

“Clifford.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You will also depart with Bariel, but you will return home midway to gather your troops and prepare for war. You will be responsible for Hawan and Ruthwena, preparing for any unforeseen circumstances.”

“I will obey your command.”

If Bariel’s forces went north, the south would inevitably become relatively vulnerable. By entrusting it to Clifford, they were securing the rear to some extent.

“It would be easier if Prime Minister Shatima survives, but if not, it will be a bit difficult. Clifford, share all battle situations with Bariel so that you can help each other.”

If Shatima’s rebellion succeeded, they could pressure Ruthwena together, but if it failed, Clifford would have to handle both countries alone. At least until Bariel returned after dealing with Vergos.

Shatima lightly lifted the cloth wrapped around her head and said,

“Your Majesty. Please do not worry. Hawan will also stop Ruthwena with Clifford. I will make sure of it.”

“Your spirit is strong, which is good to hear.”

Jin said this while looking at King Clifford. It meant not to trust carelessly and be negligent. It was safer to think of Hawan as a card they didn’t have right now. If they put too much hope on Shatima’s rebellion succeeding, they might face unexpected setbacks.

Jin lightly tossed a rolled-up scroll towards Shatima.

Thud.

“This is an order with the Emperor’s seal. Shatima, your return is by the order of the Emperor of Bariel, and remember that the investigation team accompanying you also belongs to Bariel.”

He was referring to Erica. Shatima bowed her head deeply, took the scroll with both hands, and bowed deeply again.

“Then, let us all rise.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The final meeting was over. The attendees, each carrying their mission, wished each other success with a nod.

The kings and Shatima left first, and Ian waited for Jin to finish adjusting his armor. After tightly fastening his wristbands and putting on a lavish decorative belt over his golden armor, he looked so strong that no spear or arrow could make a scratch.

“Is the Magic Department alright?”

He had heard about the commotion from yesterday. Ian immediately realized that the question was not about the Magic Department but about the wizards from Ruthwena.

“Yes. Even if they are not, they have to be alright today.”

“If they wish, you can entrust them with the delivery of the Ruthwena delegation’s heads. Anything to ease their minds is important.”

Resentment. A feeling of injustice, anger, and on the other hand, frustration. If they could soothe that, they wouldn’t be picky about the method. At Jin’s consolation, Ian shook his head briefly.

“No. Two wizards from Ruthwena drank Acorella’s forgetfulness potion yesterday.”

“Forgetfulness potion?”

“Yes. It’s not a finished product yet, so we are being careful. I was worried about the side effects before the departure, but they were in so much pain that I couldn’t stop them in the end. I apologize.”

“Acorella is truly amazing. To have created something like that.”

“They don’t remember about an hour before and after the incident last night. So, those who do remember are not sharing yesterday’s events rashly. Therefore, please leave the delegation’s bodies to another department.”

Jin raised an eyebrow. The existence of the forgetfulness potion was surprising, but the fact that wizards had used it was quite shocking, making him realize how difficult it must have been.

Just then, there was a sound from outside.

Knock knock.

“Minister Ian Hielo.”

“What is it?”

“We have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

Now, before the departure? Who could it be? Ian blinked for a moment, and Jin immediately recognized who it was.

“Let them in. It must be Romandro’s consideration.”

Then, he gave the order instead of Ian, who was standing there puzzled.

After a while. When the door opened, Philia, with her abundant golden hair tied up in a single braid, carefully entered. Next to her were Roel, Vivianna, and Bibi.

“Mother.”

“Ian.”

Philia called Ian first, but also glanced at Jin. She couldn’t show disrespect in the Emperor’s palace. But Jin nodded as if it was okay, and Philia hugged Ian tightly with tears in her eyes.

“Ian. I don’t know when I’ll see you again if you leave today, so I came like this. I know you’re busy, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s me who should be sorry. I haven’t had a moment since the coronation.”

“I know. I know. You were so amazing. Our Ian.”

Has he lost some weight? Philia gazed at her son’s features with moist eyes. She was grateful that he was alive, and he was such a wonderful child.

“Come back safely this time too. Okay?”

Ian smiled and placed his hand on Philia’s. Then, Jin answered instead this time.

“Madam Philia. Do not worry. I will bring Sir Ian back safely.”

“Your Majesty, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. My husband was unable to attend the coronation, but he sincerely congratulates Bariel on its good fortune. He also showed his willingness to help Hielo from the dangers of Ruthwena and Hawan. I was wondering how to convey this, and I am grateful for this opportunity.”

The central army was going north, but the eastern and southern borders would be guarded by border regions like Hielo, acting as the empire’s shield. Jin smiled brightly and kissed Philia’s hand.

“That’s commendable. There are various ways and forms to protect the country, so you must fulfill your duty and uphold the pride of the people of Bariel.”

It was an order to maintain friendly relations with Cheonryeo.

Philia suddenly smiled sadly, remembering Jin from her childhood. He had become someone so distant, but he was still precious to Philia.

“Yes. Your Majesty. Please return safely as well. Everyone in the empire will be waiting.”

As if he had read her emotions, Jin brought his lips to her hand again instead of answering. If he had to pick women who were as precious to him as his mother, it would be Quintana and Philia. Those two.

This time, Ian added,

“Yes, Mother. I will safely serve His Majesty.”

“Okay. I’ll pray. Roel, don’t you have anything to say to your brother?”

Roel looked up at Ian calmly, then gestured for him to lend an ear for a moment. Whispering, the child told Ian something while looking somewhere in the air.

“…?”

The moment Ian tilted his head and looked back at the child, Minister Tweller’s call came from outside.

“Your Majesty.”

The time had really come. They couldn’t delay any longer, so they all left the Emperor’s palace together.

Hee-heeing! Hee-heeing!

It was a chariot pulled by four white horses.

Armed Maxim Tweller and Xiaoshi, and members of the Magic Department were waiting for Jin next to it. Officials from other departments also came out to watch Jin’s departure.

“Your Majesty! Please be safe and return victorious.”

As the Prime Minister said earnestly, clasping his thin hands together, Jin nodded as if it was obvious.

Tap!

“Let’s go. It’s time to depart!”

“It’s time to depart!”

“Open the Imperial Palace gates!”

“His Majesty the Emperor is leaving!”

Booo-ooo- Booo-

Swish! Swish!

Horsemen carrying the Bariel flag moved first, followed by Jin’s chariot slowly moving forward. Ian sent a silent hand signal to the wizards, ordering them to escort.

Grab!

“Ian!”

Then, Romandro grabbed Ian’s arm. He was teary-eyed and sniffled.

“Please come back. If that Beric doesn’t listen, beat him up yourself, serve His Majesty well, and return everything to that Rutherford guy. And then, let’s have another delicious dinner at my place.”

Romandro was to protect the Imperial Palace alone. Ian hugged him lightly and asked.

“Please take care of the Imperial Palace.”

“Yeah! Of course!”

Zzzing! Zzzing!

Tap!

Ian nodded one last time and then flew into the sky. The other wizards followed. Romandro waved a white cloth repeatedly, seeing them off.

“Be safe!”

Then, Lady Chloe passed by him.

She was driving a horse, mixed in with the supply wagons. As the supply manager supported by the Davion family, she was participating in the war. She was looking straight ahead as calmly as possible, but she couldn’t hide her nervousness.

“Oh my, Lady Chloe is really going too.”

“She’s amazing in many ways.”

“Huh? Isn’t that a dragon over there?”

“Dragon! You be safe too! But Romandro, what’s his name? He talks a lot.”

Krr-hung! Romandro just wiped his nose at the questions from the other department officials.

“Perry Formance Ray Dragon-”

“Huh?”

“-Ian, no, our minister gave him a new name, but, *sniff*! Just call him Gyu.”

“Oh yeah. Gyu is better. Than Perry Forformance whatever.”

“I know, right? Sir Ian’s naming sense is not that great.”

While everyone was chattering, Romandro was just wiping away tears and waving his handkerchief. Just when he seemed to have regained his composure.

“Ro-mandro!”