Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 62

“Okay. Let’s take a look.” Romandro scratched his nose, reviewing the documents. Ian and Kakantir sat across from him, also flipping through papers. It was their usual end-of-day meeting after dinner. He asked Ian, “Is there nothing to rebuild in the inner part of Gilsem Village?” “No. They say the bridge was cut off first during the battle, so they were isolated and suffered no damage. The bridge reconstruction is underway, so once that’s done, it’ll be mostly finished.” “Good. Then let’s reduce the quarry orders a bit.” Romandro felt good, as if he had overcome a major hurdle in erasing the traces of battle from the Bratz territory. He took a sip of wine and continued to ask, “How’s the Gula distribution going?” “It seems like it’s time to start. It’s spreading rapidly through the territory residents who received it in advance. It would be good to announce it before it flows into Mereloff.” “I see. Are you going out again today?” “I plan to do it for about three more days.” “You work during the day and at night. They say magic users have exceptional talents, but yours seems to be stamina.” Ian was surprised and laughed at the unexpected compliment. Wasn’t Ian the one who used to collapse after just one outing when he first stayed in Bratz? It seemed he was gradually getting stronger while traveling through the Great Desert. “Let’s review the details again. Hmm, Gula cultivation, distribution, and consumption within the former Bratz territory are free, but all sales to the outside must go through the mansion.” Specifically, through the Imperial Palace advisor, and more specifically, through Ian. Given Gula’s characteristics, this winter will likely be the first and last time Bratz has a monopoly. Because it is such a fast-breeding and common crop, it will soon be consumed throughout Bariel if awareness is improved. Romandro mulled over the sentence and muttered, “Should I add a condition about Mereloff…?” “That’s not a good idea. It would give them an excuse. We are at a disadvantage right now.” “Hmm. Actually, they were the ones who started it first.” “The one who hits first never remembers.” “Well, that’s true. Then, the related fines…” As they adjusted the details, the moon was already hanging in the center of the sky. Ian glanced at the clock and nodded. “I think that’s enough for now. Do you have anything else to say? Ah. Nersarn.” At Ian’s words, Nersarn, who had been standing behind Kakantir, raised his hand. He had been relatively quiet throughout the meeting. “We received a message from the Great Desert.” “From the Great Desert?” “The tribal chief’s health has deteriorated again.” He was the old man who had survived a near-death experience with the Silask [a rare medicinal flower] Ian had given him. It was a relief that he had recovered, but it seemed that he couldn’t resist death pushing him. “So, we decided to use all the remaining Silask.” “Oh, dear.” “Even if we plant it, we don’t know how to cultivate it without information, or how long it will take.” “Wait a minute. Can I get in on this? Who is the tribal chief, and what is Silask?” Romandro, who had been listening quietly, raised his hand. He didn’t know anything from start to finish. Especially Silask, it was a name he had never heard before. Ian briefly explained what had happened. “…So, to cure the gypsy’s illness, a red flower called Silask was needed, and I happened to have it. The Cheonryeo tribe overcame a crisis with one of them, and they were debating whether to plant the other for future generations or use it for Chief Winchen. That’s the decision they made.” “Silask? I’ve never heard of it.” If the advisor from the Imperial Palace didn’t know, that said it all. In fact, even Ian, who was an emperor in his past life, was unfamiliar with it, so it was probably right to assume it was hard to find in Bariel. “Our decision was greatly influenced by the current situation in Bratz. You know our funeral customs, right?” “Yes, I do.” When a clan leader or tribal chief dies, the entire clan goes into seclusion for a year. If a family member dies, only that family would do so, but the leader is everyone’s family. Especially someone like Winchen, who had held that position for so long… “Romandro.” “Yes?” Ian tapped the table quietly and called him. It was time to say what he had been avoiding. “Has there been a reply to the report sent to the Imperial Palace?” “No. Not a single one yet.” “I’m asking about a reply from Prince Marib.” He knew that they were sending carrier pigeons every day. The first prince was clearly keeping the Molin group in check, which was the same as keeping Prince Gail in check. Everyone knew that he wouldn’t be interested only in the reconstruction of Bratz. “…There was one reply.” “Excuse me, may I ask what it was?” “It wasn’t much. It was just to convey the situation of the territory in detail, and…” Romandro glanced at Ian. “Since I reported that you are a magic user, he told me to keep a close eye on you. Ahem. That’s really all. Nothing special, right?” Based on Ian’s guess, one of Gail’s main pillars was the magic department. Ian remembered the incident where many magicians were purged due to the failed rebellion. So, Ian being a magic user could be a bit of a problem for Marib. Marib would also be aware of this power structure, so he might misunderstand Ian as being on Gail’s side. “Advisor. As you can see, I don’t have a good relationship with the Molin group.” “Hmm. Yes. I see. Haha.” Romandro chuckled awkwardly and took a sip of wine. He seemed a little nervous about what Ian was going to say. “Prince Marib seems to want to appoint a new lord of Bratz who is not related to the Molin group. Is that correct?” “…There are circumstances among the higher-ups.” “I also agree with that intention, Advisor.” “I was actually expecting that a little.” “Since you expected it, it’s easier to talk. Romandro, I know you want to return to the center. If a lord is appointed quickly, it will be good for you as well.” “Ian…” “Please recommend me as the lord.” The power to appoint a lord belongs to the emperor, but the recommendation of the first prince, who is the first in line of succession and the real power, would also have a strong influence. Even if the blood of a sinner flowed through him, it was a futile restriction as long as Ian was a magic user. For the development of Bariel, someone had to hold onto him. “Otherwise, I will have to return to the Great Desert. The new lord would not leave me, a descendant of the previous family, alone. Also, the Imperial Palace will try to monopolize my abilities as a slave.” “That’s true, but…” “It’s the only way to protect my safety and the peace of Bratz. There will be no one more suitable than me for the public sentiment that the Imperial Palace was concerned about.” Not only that, but the work he had done, which was written in detail in the report, was remarkable. The discovery of Gula was the same. Just eliminating the great famine of the empire was frankly not enough for such a remote lord position. Of course, it hasn’t progressed that far yet. Romandro took out a cigarette as if he had made up his mind. “Okay. I’ll be honest with you.” “Please speak.” “Prince Marib doesn’t understand the relationship between you and Molin.” From a third-party perspective, Ian had reported his father through Molin, and as a result, things had turned out this way. It was the same as creating a stepping stone to make Molin’s people the lord. Moreover, a magic user. If he entered the Imperial Palace, he would surely belong to the magic department. It was an open secret that the head of the magic department, Wesley, was Gail’s woman. No matter how you looked at it, Ian was someone who fit well with Gail. “If that’s the reason, I’ll prove it.” “How?” “I will meet Prince Marib and tell him directly. No matter how detailed I explain, there will be parts that cannot be conveyed in writing. But I can prove right now that the Molin group and I are on truly opposite paths.” By dying. Romandro felt a slight chill down his spine as he read Ian’s calm eyes. He hadn’t said anything, but why did he feel so precarious? “I, I’ll convey that to Prince Marib.” “Thank you.” In fact, Romandro also knew that Ian was the right person. But because of his background and situation, he couldn’t easily bring it up. Moreover, the moment he brought it up, it was like throwing himself directly into an unknown political vortex. Romandro just wanted to finish the reconstruction quickly and return to his main family in the center. To that house where his beautiful wife was waiting! “Then, let’s stop for today.” “While we’re at it, may I ask one more favor?” “What is it?” “Could you find out if there are any merchants in the center that handle Silask?” The capital of the empire was the center of the world. If he wanted to find information, he would surely get something. Romandro nodded readily, as it wasn’t a difficult task. “Okay. I’ll check it out.” “Thank you.” “It’s too late. You should rest too.” “Thank you for your hard work. See you tomorrow.” Squeak. Romandro and Nersarn tidied up and left the meeting room. Ian patted his stiff shoulders and called Beric outside. “Beric. Let’s go out and come back early today.” “Are you tired?” “Yes. My eyes keep closing, so I can’t do it.” Ian smiled and put his hood over his shoulders, then turned off all the lights in the meeting room. It was a pitch-black night, without even the moon. * * * “Ian is here!” “Shhh. Keep your voice down.” “Ian. We’ve been waiting for you.” “You’re all still awake.” “Of course. By the way, I tried roasted seeds for the first time yesterday. They were really delicious!” The rumor that Ian was distributing Gula at night had already spread far and wide. Everyone pretended to be asleep and locked their doors, but when they heard a sound, they rushed out to greet him. Perhaps it was because of the excited atmosphere. It felt like the aftermath of a forbidden festival. “What should I do? I don’t have much prepared today.” “Already? I only got a handful…” “I’ll bring more tomorrow.” “Don’t make it difficult for Ian! Isn’t he helping us while avoiding those Imperial Palace bastards!” “Oh, you idiot. Those Imperial Palace bastards will hear you. I told you to keep your voice down.” Even though it was so noisy, they didn’t find it strange that the guards weren’t coming. No, they didn’t even seem to think about it. It was as if they were intoxicated by the joy that Gula gave. “You have to give it to me first when you come tomorrow. Okay?” “Okay. So go in and sleep now.” Beric shook the sack he was carrying, indicating that the Gula was empty. The territory residents, who were disappointed, scattered one by one, and Ian also turned around to go back. Thud, thud. As they came out of the alleyway, only the sound of their footsteps could be heard. Perhaps it was because he was more tired than usual. Ian walked silently until he realized that Beric had stopped. “Aren’t you coming?” “Ian.” Beric wiggled his eyebrows ‘three times’ playfully. Their gazes met with the cool breeze. Ian also took off his hood and smiled faintly. “Let’s go.” There were three sets of footsteps following behind. Ian pretended not to notice and continued to walk ahead, and Beric also swung his arms as if to show off. As if to show that he had no weapons in his hands.