Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 576

Tweller downed the remaining alcohol in one gulp, then let out a regretful sigh.

Emperor Jin Verosian was so firmly in his place, and his side was filled with those who were loyal to him.

But how could it be that in Ian’s Bariel, the country had declined as if its national fortune had run out? What on earth had happened in Bariel during those 100 years?

“Sir Ian. 100 years is quite a long time in human terms, but it’s just a fleeting moment in history. I can’t shake the feeling that things suddenly went downhill after Emperor Jin’s reign. What happened?”

Ian simply shook his head lightly, as if he could only guess.

“Well, everything is organically connected, so it’s impossible to pinpoint exactly where things went wrong. The battle with the Atan tribe in the northern region, the loss of power of the Imperial Guard as a result, the fall of Agiar, the missed Rutherford, the current empty Imperial Palace, etc. Everything is part of history.”

He added, looking at Jin. As mentioned earlier, Ian’s existence was proof that Jin’s history existed, and Jin’s present was the foundation of Ian’s future.

“However, one thing is certain. In God’s judgment, it is ‘the right time’ for me to be here with you.”

“I agree with that. If it weren’t for Sir Ian, we would have faced countless difficulties.”

“In the midst of great dangers like the Arsen incident, you were a beacon of light. I think I’m starting to understand God’s will.”

“Sir Ian, was there no war in your timeline? The fall of Bariel seems to be due to the shadow of God based in Toolun.”

“There must have been traces of the shadow that had infiltrated the Imperial Palace, like Arsen. Otherwise, Bariel could not have fallen so far in such a short period of 100 years.”

Ian raised his hand as if to ask for a moment of calm.

“There may be some slight differences due to my intervention. But history is unfolding within a grand framework. The annihilation of the Atan tribe in the northern region and the religious war with Toolun are historically recorded events. And the new religion that started in Toolun had a great influence throughout Gaia, except for Bariel.”

“…So, the influence of the Undergod will completely engulf Gaia in 100 years. Even if it couldn’t directly enter Bariel, it must have had some kind of negative impact.”

“Yes, I agree with that.”

Minister Tweller stroked his white beard repeatedly, then let out a deep groan as if thinking about something. Empty bottles were already lined up in front of him, but his complexion remained unchanged.

“In my opinion, Sir Ian.”

“Please, speak freely.”

“The clash with Toolun is recorded as a historical event, so isn’t God looking for something more than that?”

“What are you talking about? Can you explain it simply? There are some dummies here too.”

When Beric, who was chewing on jerky, interjected, Tweller glanced at him with a look of pity, albeit briefly.

“So, the clash with Toolun has already happened, so that alone cannot be a turning point to save Bariel. But there must be something more that Sir Ian can do, so I think God has led him here.”

“Ah, you should have said that earlier. Ian, do you have any idea?”

“No, I don’t know. I guess we’ll have to see when we get there.”

“Yeah, yeah, let’s go, let’s go-!”

Clang!

Beric slammed his glass down roughly and took a short breath. The undisguised anger was clearly felt in his rough breathing.

“We just need to take down the Undergod, right?”

Then there would be no problem in Bariel 100 years later, and Ian wouldn’t be oppressed and killed by Chrony. The solution was very simple and clear. It was a problem that there was a separate problem.

“Sir Ian. I understand that it is God’s will, your will, and ultimately for the sake of Bariel to eliminate the Undergod. But if that happens, what about you?”

Jin, who had been listening in silence, asked. This was not a question about ‘Ian Verosian’. It was a question about ‘Ian Hielro’.

Just as there was Jin’s Bariel, he knew that there was Ian’s Bariel, so it was a given that he would leave someday. But before that, what about Ian Hielro?

“Ian Hielro was not originally a part of history.”

“What are you talking about? Look at how much you’ve done here.”

“Beric, it’s the truth. I was familiar with the surname Hielro, but that’s all. In my time, Ian Hielro did not exist.”

Beric’s pupils trembled and widened slightly. What did that mean? That someday Ian’s traces would be completely erased from this world?

Beric’s mouth hung open, unable to speak, and Jayrut looked at him worriedly, thinking to himself.

‘So that’s why he was so open about it.’

The shocking fact that he was the emperor 100 years later was because he was sure that his existence would disappear someday.

Jin seemed to have expected it, but Beric was so shocked that he just blinked his eyes.

“Didn’t King Damon also live his life twice?”

“That’s right, Minister Tweller.”

“Is there a connection?”

“I went back in time by God’s will, but Damon is clearly related to the Undergod. If we want to find out, we have no choice but to catch Rutherford.”

“Hmm. I see. I understand roughly.”

Swoosh.

Jin quietly slid a piece of paper and a pen forward. Unlike his questioning gaze, Ian reflexively grabbed the pen.

“Why are you doing this, Your Majesty?”

“Write down all the signatures of those who conspired with Chrony at the time, including Duke Hilon. And also record the institutional shortcomings and the state of the Imperial Palace that you remember.”

Ian had helped Jin so far, so now it was the other way around. To completely eradicate the seeds of future impurity.

He wanted to wipe out the entire family related to Chrony so that he would not be born, but that might affect Ian’s existence. After all, the two shared blood.

“Your Majesty. The current Bariel is ideally solid and prosperous. The Imperial Family should just watch over the future and focus all their efforts on defeating the Undergod. That alone is enough.”

“…For now, let’s just keep an eye on the Hilon family.”

“Yes, if that is your will, please just keep an eye on them.”

Having overcome the crisis of the fall of Agiar, everyone had a new goal. To stop the Undergod, win the war, and completely seize control of Gaia. Vergos was just a part of the process, and the real target to be wary of was Toolun above.

Tweller vowed victory as a warrior, and Jin held power in his heart as an emperor. The problem was…

“Beric?”

Jayrut snapped his fingers in front of his eyes, but Beric was unresponsive, as if he was out of it. He seemed to be thinking deeply about something, but on the other hand, he looked like he had fainted with his eyes open.

Beric slowly raised his gaze to look at Ian, then bit his lower lip.

“…Ian.”

“Yes, Beric.”

“You said you definitely met God.”

“My existence is proof of that.”

Okay. Beric closed his mouth tightly and nodded vigorously. If there was a God, there must be a way. A way for Ian and them to run on the same timeline. If not, he would beat it out of them, damn it.

“Minister Ian.”

Swoosh.

Jayrut turned away from Beric and tilted the bottle. Ian’s empty glass was filled again.

“You’ve worked hard. It’s been a long time, but I want to sincerely apologize for misunderstanding you.”

It was an apology for having kept the lone prince in check, fearing that Ian might wield him, more than a decade ago.

Ian shook his head and praised him instead.

“You did well. At that time, the power of the Magic Department was absolute, and His Majesty was too young, so the balance could have been broken. To be honest, if you hadn’t kept me in check, I would have been worried about that.”

He thought that the empire’s weakness had started from here, and he might have reorganized the Imperial Palace greatly. The fact that Ian was kept in check meant that those next to Jin, such as the Prime Minister and Jayrut, were trustworthy. Ian was rather pleased with that.

“Balance. Yes, it’s important.”

While Ian and Jayrut lightly clinked their glasses, Jin muttered with his arms crossed. No matter how he thought about it, there was no sign of collapse in the current Imperial Family.

Then there was only one answer.

The Undergod. That was the root of all evil. The fundamental cause that had bound, oppressed, and prevented Ian from smiling.

“I will reorganize the army in Agiar for about two days and wait for the contact from Barsabe. Also, do not stop searching for the buried barrier. We will recover all the remains of our missing subordinates.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will obey your command.”

“When the preparations are complete, we will move south to closely observe the movements of the Vergos royalists, capture the capital Kalamat, and then advance directly to Toolun. It would be good to send a messenger to the Imperial Palace to find out the situation in Toolun.”

“Your Majesty. I am sorry to say this, but it would be good to keep an eye on the situation in the east of Bariel, Ruswena and Hawan. If we go up to Toolun, we will be quite far from Bariel, and it will be difficult to respond immediately if something happens.”

“Do you think so even though Clifford is there?”

“Of course. It is the soldiers of their own country who protect their country. Clifford is an ally, but in the end, they will move for their own sake. In order to fully protect Bariel, we have no choice but to be wary.”

“The pursuit team is also looking for the Ruswena wizards, so it would be best to wait a little longer before making a decision. What do you think, Sir Ian?”

At Tweller’s question, Ian showed his agreement.

“Yes. For now, it would be good to focus on completely clearing Agiar and then taking a breather to move on to the next step.”

“I understand. I will do so. Tonight, I will give the soldiers alcohol and meat to encourage them to relieve their fatigue.”

“That is a wise decision, Your Majesty.”

“And Sir Ian-”

Tweller’s sigh carried a faint smell of alcohol.

“I’m sorry.”

“What are you talking about?”

“My responsibility for the future as the Minister of the Imperial Defense Department, no matter what the Undergod did. That’s my apology. I have no choice but to be more determined and set my will straight. That is my apology to you.”

It was respect that seemed to be from human to human, beyond the positions of minister and emperor. How could that child have survived and become such a great being?

When Tweller raised his hand to his chest and gave the imperial salute, Ian responded with a smile and a bow.

“Our Ian. Oh my, you’ve suffered so much because of that bug-like bastard.”

“Acorella!”

Acorella, who was a little drunk, wrapped her arm around Ian’s shoulder and rubbed her head against him as if she was sorry, and Hale slapped her hand to try to get her off.

“Yeah, Ian, if I ever see that Chrony bastard, I’ll give him a good beating. The more I think about it, the more he’s a crazy bastard, right?”

“That’s right, that’s right! Our puppy Beric is right!”

“Aco, are you drunk?”

“Haa, I’m drunk with sadness, you bastard.”

Ian just smiled and patted Acorella on the back. And Hale, who was nearby, and Beric, who was running over, and Jin, who was slowly approaching. He lightly patted and hugged everyone on the back.

It was warm and familiar. Ian realized that this was similar to the warmth that Chrony had given him, but he shook his head in denial.

‘…No. It’s warmer.’

It was a gift that God had given him.