Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 682

‘The Masantar Temple is a place only the chosen can enter.’ This wasn’t a metaphor. The temple entrance, hidden deep within a dense forest, remained unknown even to those who had lived nearby for decades. Not even the local wildlife seemed aware of it, merely circling around its perimeter.

A bureaucrat from the Tollen Royal Palace entered the forest, his steps measured and familiar. Following the sound of a small stream, he would soon reach the temple where he had spent his entire life.

*Saaak.*

The temple was a white, square building, devoid of windows. It was impossible to discern what was happening inside from the outside.

The knights guarding the temple’s entrance noticed his approach and turned their heads. They exchanged a simple nod, confirming each other’s identities without a word. The silence was so profound that even the slightest sound was amplified. Before entering, the bureaucrat noticed someone standing near the stream’s source.

“Lady Banusa.”

It was Banusa, the water elementalist. She had come to the Masantar Temple to resolve her doubts about why the Tollen Royal Palace had attempted to kidnap Ian Hielo’s mother. The small spirits flitting around her seemed more lively than ever.

“Have you been well? It’s been a while since the cabinet meeting.”

“I’ve been at the Masantar Temple since that day. What brings you here? Is there something happening in the capital?”

“Ah, no. There’s nothing to worry about. Your family is handling the fire department duties in the capital perfectly. Everything is stable, except that everyone misses you.”

Whether that was true or not, he couldn’t tell. Instead of answering, Banusa turned her head back towards the stream. Small streams originated from various points, a wondrous sight. These constantly flowing streams would eventually converge to form the great river of Vergos.

“Yes. That’s a relief then.”

“His Majesty highly values your abilities. He is pleased, but are you?”

*Have you grasped the intentions of the royal palace, and truly confirmed what they are hiding?* the bureaucrat was asking, though not directly. In response, Banusa tapped the cheek of a spirit, looking at the signal flag fluttering above the temple. It was time to work again.

“I don’t know. This place is too much for me to handle.”

“Then you understand. Then you know everything. Congratulations.”

“…Go inside.”

“Yes, then I’ll be going. I look forward to seeing you in the capital.”

Banusa jumped into the water with the spirit. Her whole body scattered like water droplets, disappearing without a trace in an instant. The water flowing into Vergos must have risen even higher.

*Squeak.*

The bureaucrat entered the temple. The interior was so dark that even in broad daylight, one couldn’t see an inch ahead without a lamp. Following the guidance of the priests, he descended the stairs. Down, down, and down, until he felt it was a little hard to breathe.

“Be careful from here.”

“It’s quite bad.”

At the priest’s warning, the bureaucrat took out a white cloth and covered his nose and mouth. The stench was considerable, as they were simmering a collection of rotting monster corpses. Unable to bear it, the bureaucrat quickly turned away, and the priests poured the thoroughly boiled monster poison into the flowing water. It was the water flowing out of the temple.

“But it seems there’s no damage from the monster poison in the vicinity.”

“That’s thanks to Lady Banusa. She is safely guiding the monster poison so that it doesn’t spread until it goes beyond the Tollen border.”

“As expected.”

*Cough, cough!* The bureaucrat asked for a moment to catch his breath. He was trying to compose himself before meeting the high priest. When he nodded as if he was ready, the priests opened the huge doors to the left and right. A sharp, humid heat rose up, but he stepped inside as if he was used to it.

“It’s been a while-”

Despite being underground, there was a window behind the high priest. The blue water was rippling, giving the illusion of being underwater. Then, the high priest, who had been looking out the window, turned his head, and the bureaucrat bowed deeply.

“High Priest Raju.”

“Yes, it’s been a while. How is life in the royal palace?”

“Thanks to you, High Priest, the country is filled with peace.”

High Priest Raju gave a benevolent smile. The bureaucrat had lived in the temple since childhood, but the high priest hadn’t changed at all.

“It’s too noisy around here to say it’s filled with peace.”

“I apologize.”

“It’s not your fault. Raise your head. Yes, what does the King want to tell me?”

At Raju’s question, the bureaucrat took out a letter from his pocket. Raju’s eyes flashed sharply as he read it.

“…I see. Understood. Just tell the King not to worry. And a divine revelation has just come down-”

*Thud.* Raju casually threw the King’s letter on the desk, and the priests brought a bowl of water. As if he had touched something unclean, he began to wash his hands thoroughly.

“It’s a divine revelation about a suitable sacrifice.”

“By suitable sacrifice, do you mean those of the royal family?”

Those of the royal family. Those who are believed to be rooted in faith, like gods. Offering those who had inherited the bloodline was the best, but it was extremely difficult. So, they had been trying to secure half-blooded individuals while waiting for an opportunity.

‘The Bariel imperial family was unfortunately a failure.’

If only there had been the heir of that imperial family, whom the black seed, Arsen, had targeted, things wouldn’t have become so complicated. Now that he had become the Emperor of the Empire, there were not many opportunities to target him as before. Was there any way to take the Emperor’s head other than victory in war?

‘The Vergos side was cut off when King Damon was captured, so what’s left is-’

What was left was the embodiment of God, itself. Ian Hielo, the one who appeared in the world according to God’s will. What the Shadow seeks to achieve is that itself, so there would be nothing else that could grow the Shadow as much as his breath and blood. But Ian Hielo was as difficult to reach as the Emperor. He stood behind the shield of magic, a miracle, so it was a pity, but he had to be removed for now.

Then what truly remains is…….

“It means those of the royal family… and Philia.”

Philia, the woman who shares a body with Ian Hielo. According to the divine revelation, there was an unwavering faith deep within her heart that no one could break. A woman who not only shared blood with the embodiment of God but also possessed inner strength. It would be difficult to find a more suitable sacrifice.

“Philia has another child.”

“Yes, I heard it’s a daughter.”

“Although their blood is mixed, that child also shares a body with Ian Hielo. Since they moved according to fate, there will surely be an opportunity in the end. Tell the King not to let his guard down. Even if they cannot be offered as sacrifices, just their disappearance from Gaia will be of great help to our God. Do you understand?”

“Yes, High Priest. I will certainly convey the message.”

“Good. Then go back. I earnestly pray that God’s blessing be with you.”

The bureaucrat bowed deeply and then carefully stepped back. Beyond the water visible through the window, a huge something repeatedly appeared and disappeared faintly.

*Squeak.*

As the door closed behind him, the bureaucrat straightened his clothes and slowly stood up.

‘Philia and her daughter are moving. The only route they could be moving on now is towards Hielo. The King’s puppet on that side is Karenna…. Hmm.’

The primary goal was their death, and the next was to recover their bodies and use them as sacrifices for the temple. The bureaucrat bowed deeply to the firmly closed door. It was a final greeting that he did not even give to Kumasha of the royal palace. He nodded to the priests, urging them to hurry out. The stench of the terrible monster poison was making him dizzy.

* * *

*Tap tap.*

“Are you comfortable?”

A Bariel officer asked, lightly tapping on the carriage window. Roel sat upright, looking straight ahead. As if he were Ian Hielo’s brother, his posture and movements were upright. Roel shook his head briefly.

“I’m fine. It’s the imperial soldiers who are having a hard time moving. Don’t worry and do your job.”

“You are very mature.”

“It’s a step for the alliance of Hielo, for Chunryeo [Roel’s family]. But before that, isn’t it also a step for Bariel?”

Roel was part of the advance team of the support troops that had departed from the center. Even though he was in a carriage, he had given up a lot of comfort for mobility. Moreover, it was a long forced march, so it was natural that a child of about ten years old would have a hard time. Roel was the younger brother of the Minister of Magic and also the successor of Chunryeo. They had to be very careful.

“Still, if you have any discomfort, please tell me immediately.”

“Thank you.”

*Taptaptap!*

“Pick up the pace!”

The officer checked on Roel’s condition and then gave orders to the front. The carriage shook violently as if it would tip over, but the soldiers were skilled. No one knew what was happening in Hielo. They would never slow down to protect the Empire.

*Taptaptap!*

And a group closely following behind them. It was the movement of Balijuad. The Hawan Merchant Guild, which delivered goods faster than anyone else using magic stone drawings [a form of teleportation or fast travel]. They had evacuated to the center as soon as the magician’s attack reached Hielo.

“Madam, how are you feeling?”

Since they were crossing the border without permission, it was clear that they would not be welcomed by the authorities. So, they were hiding and observing the situation when an unexpected breakthrough appeared. It was Philia who had urgently found someone in the back alleys who could move her quickly.

“I’m fine! You can go faster, even faster!”

“Yes, I understand. Hold on tight.”

Wasn’t Philia Ian Hielo’s mother? If they helped her, they would surely receive the grace of the imperial palace someday.

“But Madam, let me ask you one thing! Why are you following the support troops instead of going to Hielo? Can’t you tell me now? If you were going to the border, there was a drawing that led to Merelop!”

“I’m trying to find my child!”

“Child?”

Did Ian Hielo have any siblings?

They were not going to Merelop, but were moving to a small village in the middle, following the trail of the support troops.

“Yes. If I go there, everyone will surely worry. My husband, my son, and even the magicians. So, I have to meet Roel before I get there!”

“Hmm. I don’t really know what the situation is, but I understand. At this speed, we should be able to catch up with the support troops around… Karenna.”

“Karenna?”

*That’s a relief. I can catch Roel before he goes to Hielo.* Philia held the reins tightly, relieved. Her golden hair fluttered in the wind.

“…….”

Meanwhile, Roel felt something strange and leaned out the window. Only dust was swirling on the road they had passed. Just as the child was looking around with a puzzled expression, an unfamiliar flag waved largely in front of them.

“Officer! In front-!

“It’s the Karenna flag! It seems they’ve come to greet us!”

The Karenna guards signaled by waving their flags. It was still safe here, and they were waiting for them!

The mayor, who had been watching from afar with binoculars, ran with his short, plump legs and hugged his wife.

“They’re coming! The Bariel support troops! We’re saved now, honey!”

“Welcome! Hurry!”

The people cheered and waved their hands. The mayor’s family was the same, sincerely welcoming the arrival of the support troops. Very sincerely.