Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 615

Chloe stared at her reflection in the water basin.

Her hair was disheveled and pulled back haphazardly, her skin was blotchy, and a stale odor lightly stung her nose. Her once glamorous and beautiful appearance was gone, replaced by the weathered look of someone who had endured the hardships of war.

She sighed briefly, then cupped the murky water in her hands and rubbed it on her face. She had learned to be grateful for even the chance to wash her face.

‘Since leaving Bariel, I haven’t had a single private audience with His Majesty.’

There had been so many things happening. As soon as they set out, they were caught in a demonic beast attack in the northern region, and since then, there had been a constant stream of minor battles. Moreover, since crossing the Burgos border, she hadn’t slept more than three hours a day. This was because she was part of the supply unit.

Chloe roughly rubbed her tired eyes, using the cold water to chase away the sleepiness.

‘While I’ve been wasting time and suffering, Lady Kayla has already made a name for herself.’

Since her unit was mainly in charge of supplies supported by the Davion family, all the soldiers with her had connections to that family. This meant that a lot of information came her way even if she did nothing.

And the most recent piece of information was…

‘The Holin family seems to be aiming for the Burgos throne?’

That was absurd! Chloe stretched her cheeks this way and that, letting out a silent scream.

Wasn’t the Holin family already the second most powerful family in Bariel? If they were to take over the new dynasty of Burgos, the Davion family would have no way to keep them in check. She had followed them all the way to the battlefield, chasing after the Empress’s seat, only to end up suffering and being forced to retreat.

‘That absolutely cannot happen!’

Chloe needed to make a contribution. A significant war contribution that would rival Kayla’s, something that would strongly imprint her existence on the Emperor.

She glared at the tree opposite her, then awkwardly raised her hand like a blade and charged at it.

Thwack!

“Ah!”

She had imagined it was an enemy and attacked, but her hand felt like it was about to split in half. Chloe bit back a groan and slumped down, only managing to stand up again after a while.

Right. Who fights with their bare hands in a war? It’s swordsmanship, of course!

“Hwit!”

Chloe grabbed a long wooden stick like a sword and began swinging it around enthusiastically. Kayla had done it, so she could do it too! Probably! Damn it!

“Damn it! Damn it!”

But Chloe was soon frustrated. Her fighting ability was truly like a handful of ashes. It was so insignificant that it would be blown away by the slightest breeze.

She lay down and plucked a handful of grass. Why couldn’t she do what Kayla could? If only she had been chosen like the mages, she wouldn’t have to feel this miserable.

“…Hwaaang. Uuung.”

Chloe finally burst into tears. She desperately wanted to give up and go home. But at the same time, she absolutely didn’t want to give up, didn’t want to lose.

It was when Chloe was wiping away her tears and trying to compose herself that she heard voices.

“Captain, please stop. I’m begging you.”

“What did I do? What did I dooo!”

“They’ve come up with all sorts of things in the Imperial Research Lab, but isn’t it obvious that anything made in a carriage with insufficient materials and poor facilities is going to be bad?”

“That’s right! Every mage is precious right now. We can’t afford to create unnecessary casualties with that.”

“You didn’t get permission from Ian, did you? I’m reporting you right now.”

It was the mages. They seemed to have come to request supplies, but they were walking quickly as if they were being chased by someone. It was because of Acorella, who had her hair in a mess and was being overly friendly.

She used her nimble footwork to block the mages and wiggled a finger from side to side.

“Aha. You foolish ones who only know one thing and not two!”

“It has no effect. I’ll just be a fool.”

“Research always involves sacrifice! And where research leads is always progress. The spirit of experimentation will save Bariel!”

“Then you drink it yourself. It’ll be fine, right?”

“I ate something else yesterday. Today’s stuff has a substance that clashes with yesterday’s, so I’ll die if I drink it.”

Sigh, a crazy superior.

The mages sighed and parted to pass her. Then, they handed a supply list to Chloe and greeted her.

“Greetings. We’re here for our personal supplies.”

“Ah, just a moment.”

Chloe quickly wiped her eyes, worried that they might notice she had been crying, but since she already looked disheveled, no one noticed.

Even then, Acorella was still swaying and pressing her face against her subordinates’ shoulders.

“Come on, just one sip. Huh? I won’t give you any more even if you ask!”

“No, thank you. And please change your tactics. You did this last time, saying we’d die if we didn’t drink more, and we ended up eating until we were about to burst. And it turned out that was a different experiment. Don’t you remember?”

“Oh, was that you? Then this time it’s you!”

Acorella pointed at the mage next to him, and he made an X with both hands.

“I still have side effects. Sometimes when I burp, I breathe fire. It’s not like I’m a dragon, but the feeling is quite beautiful.”

“Sigh, honestly. How can there be so few talented people to join in this great endeavor! It’s a tragedy, a tragedy! I, Acorella, am so sad that I might just die here! Haa!”

Then, as if to show off, Acorella collapsed to the side. Chloe was startled, but the mages didn’t even glance at her, as if they were used to it, and just took the supply boxes.

“Yes, Captain. Go ahead. We’ll offer a quick prayer for your soul.”

“Please refrain for a while. What’s the rush when we’re in front of Kalamat? If Ian asks, we’ll report that you’re dead.”

“Oh my, this is heavier than I thought. Good luck.”

The mages passed by the fallen Acorella, avoiding her by a wide margin. She tried to grab the hems of some of the mages’ pants, but they just shook her off with practiced ease.

Chloe stared at Acorella in bewilderment.

‘…How long is she going to lie there?’

“I’d like to request supplies too.”

“Ah, yes.”

Acorella, still lying down, took out a list from her pocket and handed it to Chloe. Chloe, glancing at her, asked cautiously as she packed the items.

“Are you the captain of the research unit?”

“I’m from the mana stone management unit.”

“But why…”

“Mana stones and potions are inseparable!”

Eek! Chloe was startled by Acorella, who suddenly stood up and shouted.

“A true mage should always seek the truth and yearn for a leap into a new world! My heart is breaking because of those unadventurous bastards. Oh, and please include two packs of cigarettes.”

…She was an unusual person. Instead of answering, Chloe nodded and grabbed two packs of cigarettes. Then, something suddenly came to mind.

“Excuse me, mage.”

“It’s Acorella.”

“Do you happen to have any potions that could make an ordinary person use magic, or maybe make them super strong?”

“Mages are chosen by the gods. Magic is impossible, but making someone stronger is definitely possible.”

“Oh! Then, what about swordsmanship?”

“…What do you want?”

Acorella tilted her head, resting her chin on her hand. It was as if she had sensed something interesting.

Chloe moved the supplies aside, then leaned closer to Acorella and whispered.

“I want to make a contribution in the war.”

“Oh, so you’re a patriot. And?”

“Right now, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Why not? You’re working hard right now.”

“I need a remarkable achievement. If I could get help, I would like to ask for it. I’ll pay you any amount.”

“Do you have money?”

“I’m Chloe Davion.”

“Ah! Davion! Oh my, you’ve been through a lot. I didn’t recognize you.”

Acorella smacked her palm with her fist as if she was surprised. But her eyes were sparkling, and a smile was unconsciously forming on her lips. Not knowing this, Chloe frowned and shook her head as if it was impossible.

“My creations are for mages. I can’t guarantee what kind of side effects there might be if an ordinary person drinks them. The worst-case scenario might be different for each person, but you might have to be prepared to die.”

“D-die?”

“Besides, you’re a daughter of the Davion family. If anything happens, I’m really done for. I also have a social life, so I have superiors too. Well, then.”

“Wait a minute!”

Chloe desperately grabbed Acorella’s arm.

“Is there anything I can do that’s not too risky? I’ve really suffered a lot here. H-Huuuuh.”

“Why are you crying? Anyone would think I made you cry.”

“I don’t know! I don’t know either! You’re the genius mage who made the Sildam potion, Acorella. Please help me somehow. Please. Hwaaaang.”

A genius mage?

Acorella flared her nostrils and turned to look at Chloe. One was crying, and the other was smiling, so their expressions were similar. Acorella patted Chloe’s shoulder and whispered.

“Young lady. Seeing you cry like that makes my heart ache. Ahem. Actually, I do have a masterpiece that I’ve been wanting to test on an ordinary person… As I said, I can’t guarantee the side effects. If you’re willing to risk that to gain power-!”

“Yes! I want to gain it!”

“Don’t decide right away, think it over carefully and then come find me. You’ll be able to get what you want. But you have to bring a written oath when you come. Do you understand?”

Chloe nodded, her eyes still full of tears, and Acorella, satisfied, disappeared like the wind, her robe fluttering.

‘I can get a chance!’

Chloe wiped the tears and snot from her face with the back of her hand, then clenched her fist bravely-

‘Nyaha! I’ve secured a test subject!’

Acorella skipped along happily, turning her limp into a dance.

* * *

“Okay! I always like people with a challenging spirit. Come this way.”

At Acorella’s gesture, Chloe hid herself deeper. Then, she slipped the oath she had hidden between her arms to Acorella. It stated, ‘In the name of Chloe Davion, I will not hold anyone responsible for any side effects or results, and this is entirely my own choice.’

Acorella nodded in satisfaction and tapped the paper.

“I usually don’t accept these, but since you’re such a noble lady. You understand, right?”

“Yes. So, please, please give it to me.”

“You’re so impatient. Here you go.”

Acorella took out a small vial from her pocket. It was a thick liquid filled with pink pearls.

Was it safe for a person to drink? Chloe looked at Acorella suspiciously, and she whispered in her ear.

“If you drink this, you’ll be able to take on a hundred people without any problem.”

“Yes, what are the expected effects?”

“It’s-”

“What are you two doing?”

Just as Acorella was about to speak, Siao Shi appeared. The two of them, startled, hid behind each other and stepped back.

“Tteuat! W-what is it, Sir Siao Shi?”

“That’s what I want to ask. What are you two doing here?”

“Nothing? R-right? Young lady?”

“Yes, yes. That’s right.”

“What are you hiding behind your back?”

…This is bad. As Siao Shi approached, Acorella froze with a smile on her face. Ian would definitely be informed, and she was really done for!

Chloe’s mind also went blank, but only for a moment.

Poong!

Thinking that she would be stopped if she was caught, Chloe’s hand moved first. She opened the lid and quickly poured the liquid into her mouth.

“……!”

Siao Shi, flustered, paused, and Acorella clenched her fists, waiting for Chloe’s transformation. What would happen?

Chloe also looked at her body with a tense expression. And then-

“Ah.”

She felt her heart beating faster and faster.

Hot, as if it was about to burst!

Oh