Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 689

“So, Cedric is a magic swordsman?”

“Did I hear that right?”

That was what Cedric wanted to ask. He was a magic swordsman? Was his hearing off?

However, the mage’s demeanor was firm, like a diagnosis from a competent doctor, leaving no room for doubt.

“Your name is Cedric?”

“Yes, it is.”

“Are all names ending in ‘ric’ like this?”

“Excuse me?”

It was a rather serious mutter, but the question itself was absurd, and he didn’t know how to respond.

Hale took out a cigarette, lit it, and then asked,

“What are you going to do?”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“I’m asking if you’re going to the Imperial Palace or not.”

The onlookers’ mouths dropped open. They were witnessing the rise of the neighborhood troublemaker kid who had barely scraped by with his grandfather.

A magic swordsman? A magic swordsman?! The soldier who had just slapped the child’s cheek also looked back and forth between the two in disbelief.

“I recommend going if possible. It’s a path to success regardless of your status, and above all, working for His Majesty in the Imperial Palace is the greatest honor for a Bariel.”

Cedric’s grandfather looked like he had no idea what Hale was talking about. It wasn’t that he didn’t understand, but that he hadn’t processed it properly at all.

“Besides, we’re in the middle of a war.”

“Are they short on people?”

“Well, a lot have died. But it’s not like they’ll immediately throw someone like you into the thick of it. Still, you might get a chance to gain some practical experience.”

For the Imperial Guard, the top priority is the Emperor, followed by their comrades. If there is a new recruit, they will receive the full protection of the Imperial Guard until they shed their recruit status.

But to start as a trainee magic swordsman during this war? You could gain endless experience under the solid protection of the Imperial Guard.

Who else could benefit from the war this much?

“…Can I ask you something?”

“Anything. But we don’t have much time.”

What was he curious about? Salary? Treatment? Or the reality of war? Or perhaps a contemplation on magic?

However, Cedric’s question was far from what he expected.

“If I become a magic swordsman, can I beat that guy?”

Cedric pointed to the soldier who had caused the commotion. The man, who had been blankly observing the situation, was startled and took a step back.

“…Well. Respecting soldiers who dedicate themselves to the empire is a basic virtue of a magic swordsman… but if you want, you might get a chance.”

At Hale’s answer, Cedric jumped up.

“What about my grandfather?”

“The families of Imperial Palace employees are supported by the palace. Once you settle in, you can bring him to the center.”

“Okay. I’ll do it.”

The boy whispered something to his grandfather, then nodded. Did you understand? What did you say? I’ll be back soon! I’ll earn money and come get you, Grandpa! Our begging days are over!

Then, he strode up to the soldier and glared at him. His cocky yet bold attitude was quite something.

“What’s your name?”

“Wh-what?”

“Your name!”

The way he spoke was also like Beric. He was determined to repay the humiliation of today someday.

Hale, as if things were roughly settled, flicked his cigarette and told the residents,

“I’m sorry, everyone. It seems there was a small issue. Please return to your daily lives and fulfill your duties. And please take good care of the people from Hielo.”

At Hale’s guidance, the hesitant residents scattered and returned to their homes. Relieved curses could be heard here and there, indicating that the pointless squabble was finally over. The soldiers also retreated, watching their step.

In the now quiet open space, Cedric held his grandfather’s hand tightly and asked Hale,

“When do I have to go?”

“Well, I’m not sure.”

Ian wanted to leave right away, but Hale was a bit against it. He clearly needed some time. And above all, with Roel’s eyes in that state, it was better to step back and move carefully.

Cedric seemed satisfied and shook his grandfather’s hand lightly as he replied,

“Then I’ll have a meal with my grandfather. Let me know before we go. But am I going straight to the center?”

“Burgos. You’ll go to Calamat. All the Imperial Guard members are there.”

“Hmm. Unexpectedly, it’s a foreign place?”

Well, it didn’t matter. Once he left Karenna, the center or Calamat wouldn’t be any different. Anywhere would be unfamiliar, amazing, and a new world.

As Cedric helped his grandfather away, Hale returned to the market mansion. Tommy, who was standing guard at the door, waved his hand.

“What happened?”

“It’s nothing much. It looks like we’ll be taking one more person when we go back. I found a magic swordsman kid.”

“Huh?”

A magic swordsman was in Karenna? Tommy followed Hale, intrigued.

“He’s lucky.”

From the kid’s perspective, that is.

Karenna was a city, but it was so small and remote that mages rarely came unless there was a significant reason.

Due to the nature of magic swordsmen needing to be awakened by a mage, many with the potential die without ever realizing it. Many never even realize they are magic swordsmen their whole lives.

“He hasn’t even held a sword yet, but he’ll definitely be an asset to the Imperial Guard someday. When was the last time a magic swordsman joined?”

“I think it was three years ago.”

“What about Ian?”

“Well, um….”

He’s still the same.

Hale glanced through the door at Ian’s back. He was still standing stiffly, staring out the window. He would probably stay like that until the doctor’s examination was over and Roel woke up again.

“…Hale. Tommy.”

Hale was about to sigh and take out a cigarette when Ian suddenly called out, causing him to put the cigarette back and turn around.

Ian’s gaze slowly moved through the door.

“Are you there.”

His voice was still weak, but it was slightly moist. Hale thought it was a relief. Something completely dried up was easy to break.

“Yes, Ian. We’re here.”

“Give me your orders.”

“…Thank you.”

“Excuse me?”

For what?

Hale and Tommy asked back, puzzled, and Ian added,

“My mother said it was warm at the end.”

“…It’s nothing. I’m sorry.”

“I am indebted to you both.”

Ian, who had been wandering between memories and recollections, suddenly realized that the duty of those who remained was important to honor the loved ones.

At that moment, the doctor opened the tent flap.

Swoosh.

“Um, Ian.”

“How is Roel?”

“I’m sorry. It’s safe to say his left eye is almost blind, and his right eye will also gradually lose its sight. Depending on how he manages it, it will be at most half a year before…”

Ian closed his eyes and sighed.

How much could a child who had gone to the Great Desert manage? It felt like he had embarked on a long journey, knowing there was a cliff at the end, yet unable to stop.

“Is Roel asleep?”

“Yes. He just fell asleep after taking painkillers.”

“Thank you for your hard work.”

Tap, tap. Ian watched the sleeping Roel and tapped his fingernails. The gauze wrapped around his face continued to show faint traces of blood.

Ian pondered. He needed a guide to protect the child and go with him to the Great Desert. If possible, if he was really allowed, he wanted to volunteer himself, but….

“How did the soldiers guarding Roel seem?”

“They seem quite dedicated to their mission, but overall, they seem to lack initiative.”

Ian frowned at Hale’s harsh assessment. In fact, their abilities were one thing, but the fact that their opponents were ability users centered around ‘sorcerers’ was more concerning.

No matter how well-trained the soldiers were, they were just humans. It would be reassuring to have someone with something beyond human capabilities with them.

“……!”

Ian’s eyes widened slightly as he habitually looked out the window. Hale, who noticed the small change, also cautiously looked outside.

People were gathered in front of the mansion entrance. He wondered if they were residents angry about the earlier incident, but upon closer inspection, it was not.

Swoosh.

Ian dragged his heavy body down the stairs and opened the mansion door. Then, an unfamiliar scent of grass wafted in.

Then, Hanna, with her eyes swollen, and the Hielo territory residents, upon seeing him, burst into tears.

“Ian!”

“Oh my, heavens. Ian!”

“Hanna, and….”

Ah, again.

Again, memories overlapped with reality.

It was the memory of that day when they brought food and flowers to the Hielo mansion for him.

“Are you alright?”

“We heard that Roel is also very, very sick.”

“Ian, please don’t be too heartbroken, and don’t feel guilty.”

The weary territory residents awkwardly comforted him, and Hanna silently hugged Ian tightly and whispered,

“We couldn’t protect Hielo, but we can endure. We will keep Ian’s name and rebuild Hielo until you return.”

“Hanna.”

“Don’t worry about Roel, and please, just follow the great ray of light.”

Ian smiled faintly.

It was funny and strange. It was funny that those who had experienced great power had decided to move forward again, and yet it was strange that they seemed truly capable of enduring. Both Ian and them.

“Yes, Ian. I will take Roel to the desert even if it costs me my life.”

“And you are?”

A man appeared from the crowd. Tanned skin, a superhuman physique, and the scent of the desert that could be felt from somewhere.

Ian looked up at him with a slightly surprised expression. It was Chunryeo.

“I am Mui, Hanna’s husband.”

“Ah. You are….”

He was the one who had settled in Hielo instead of the Great Desert for his marriage with Hanna.

He had been reported missing while recovering Kakan’s body and informing people of the mage’s intrusion, but he had eventually returned alive. Like an unyielding sun, like an endless wind.

“I have returned shamelessly. It seems the gods still have work for me to do with my life.”

“Don’t say such things. Hanna’s heart will ache.”

Hanna bravely wiped away her tears and took her husband’s hand. She had a look that said she was grateful for being alive and facing each other now, even though the danger of separation would come every moment.

“…Okay. If it’s you all-”

He could trust them. They were the ones who were more sincere than anyone in protecting Hielo. Ian lightly clasped Mui’s hand and asked,

“Please take good care of my sister.”

“Of course. Roel is the future of the Great Desert, isn’t she?”

And Ian Hielo, you are the future of Bariel.

Ian smiled faintly at Chunryeo’s firm promise.

At that sight, Hanna was reminded of Philia, the woman who was like a wildflower. To hide her tears, Hanna hugged Ian again.

* * *

“I’m sorry, brother.”

Roel stammered as she grabbed Ian’s hand. She had looked at blood because she didn’t want to see anything, but instead, her strange senses had become clearer, and she had lost the preciousness of everyday life.

For example, not being able to see her brother’s face as he left, or only being able to feel the intensity of the Great Desert through her skin.

Ian held Roel’s hand in return.

“There’s no need for that. I’m the one who should apologize. Roel. I’m truly sorry that I can’t go with you.”

“…Please be safe.”

“Please, take care of yourself.”

“Will we see each other again, brother?”

“Of course. We’ll see each other again when the war is over.”

Tap.

Ian gently touched his forehead to Roel’s forehead and spoke kindly.

He didn’t know if it would really happen. But just like Hanna and the territory residents had done, if he spoke with his heart, it felt like it would really happen.

“If anything happens, send letters to the center and Calamat.”

Ian instructed the residents of Karenna and drew a portal magic circle. There must be many who were worried since there had been no contact since they had urgently crossed over.

While Hale was assisting Ian, Tommy brought a child forward.

“Ian. This is the child.”

It was Cedric, the trainee magic swordsman.

Ian looked the child up and down, and the child also looked Ian up and down. He had heard that the Minister of Magic was young, but at this point, could he just talk casually?

“Hello. I’m Cedric.”

But the child was perceptive. Seeing how respectfully Hale and Tommy treated him, he bowed even lower.

Ian looked away and assessed.

“His eyes are good. Unlike someone, he has potential.”