Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 691

“This is bad…”

The officials gathered in the conference room groaned in dismay. Ian’s report from Karenna contained some rather shocking information.

First, the deep reach of To’olun’s influence throughout Variel. Second, his mother had died in an attack. And third, the border defenses with Hielo were completely gone.

“Sir Ian, this is truly unfortunate. Please accept my deepest condolences.”

“Thank you. I am sorry to bring such bad news.”

Jin also silently reviewed the report. The words describing Philia’s death were clear, but it still didn’t feel real. Jin still remembered Philia smiling in her pure white dress.

Minister Tweller raised his hand and asked,

“Then, Sir Ian, can we assume that the Great Desert’s Cheonryeo [a nomadic warrior tribe] are almost completely annihilated?”

“Yes. There are a few surviving warriors, but it’s unlikely they’ll be able to fight at their previous strength. My sister, Roel, has gone to the desert to rebuild, but I cannot say how long that will take.”

“Then, we have no choice but to rely on Clifford for the eastern border of Variel. I heard they are also cleaning up after Rusweena.”

“Yes. It seems that’s the only option for now.”

Clifford’s help was desperately needed. To completely subdue Rusweena and defend the east from Hawan.

“Especially since Hawan’s situation is still unknown. With the civil war causing chaos, we have no idea how many people are under To’olun’s influence, or where they might be.”

At Ian’s answer, Tweller stroked his beard. His gaze was focused on the new variable, the ‘fire cannon’.

“…If we’re lucky, this will be a race against time.”

The main force was already gathered in Vergos, just waiting for a chance to move on To’olun. While the mages were gathered here, what options did To’olun have?

“Now that the other side has a new option, the fire cannon, To’olun will try to expand its control over Hawan to push back Variel.”

“That’s right. Especially since Hielo’s forces have collapsed, it’s their only option.”

“We have to strike first before they move.”

“I agree. You said the King of To’olun is suffering from side effects. We should move quickly.”

The officials looked at Jin and added their thoughts.

“And in fact, isn’t the testimony of Katimaco of Astana unnecessary now?”

“That’s right. Besides, To’olun has already shown its true colors in the Rusweena war.”

Katimaco’s testimony was about finding traces of a To’olun puppeteer during the investigation of Philia’s kidnapping.

This would have been grounds to strongly protest to To’olun and justify crossing their land without permission.

But they had killed Philia, and the mages had witnessed it. There was no need to wait for a letter from the central government.

“Sir Ian.”

What should we do?

As Jin asked, Tweller’s brow furrowed slightly. But no one noticed. Only Ian, sitting across from him, sensed the subtle change.

“I also think it’s better to move quickly. Variel and Clifford are strong allies, but our relationship is based on mutual goals and benefits. Since To’olun is constantly leaking ‘contaminated water’, we can use this to strengthen our eastern defenses.”

In exchange for quickly dealing with the contaminated water, Clifford would focus on defending the eastern part of Variel. It was an excellent choice that complemented both sides.

“I see. Understood. Then, let’s set a date for the expedition. Minister Tweller, please check the current state of the soldiers and supplies and suggest a suitable date.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And the Magic Department should recover as much magic power as possible before the expedition to ensure there are no problems in battle.”

“Understood.”

Ian said this with a slight smile inside. The Emperor had ordered them to rest well, so he knew how happy the mages would be.

“You should also take care of your body and mind.”

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jin quickly added an explanation, worried that Ian might have misunderstood.

‘The Emperor seems very concerned.’ Well, they had known each other since childhood. The officials coughed and flipped through the remaining pages of the report.

“Still, it’s not a complete loss. I heard a new magic swordsman was discovered in Karenna.”

“They are still young, so they can’t be deployed in actual combat, but it’s a remarkable development. Is the Imperial Guard in charge?”

Commander Jerritt, who was standing behind the Emperor, stepped forward.

“Yes. After checking their magic sensitivity, they are a very promising talent. According to the original regulations, they would join the Imperial Guard after passing the selection test, but given the special circumstances, we plan to take charge of their dedicated training.”

“With a magic swordsman, we have to make an exception.”

“I hope this will bring a positive momentum to the Imperial Guard.”

At their words, Jerritt gave a rather complex smile. Only Jin and Ian, who knew the meaning, looked away and pretended not to notice.

“Yes, well. They are already playing a positive role in the Imperial Guard. In many ways.”

* * *

“Beric, that cold, nasty bastard. How many laps is he making him run now?”

“I don’t know. I think I counted twenty laps last time?”

“I hope he doesn’t kill the kid.”

The Imperial Guard members, shirtless and resting in the shade, were covered in sweat after an hour of intense training. Even for them, who were superhuman, high-intensity training was tough.

“Huff, huff…”

So, it was inevitable that they felt sympathy for Cedric, who was running like crazy under the scorching sun. He was the youngest, and only a teenager.

A guard shouted at Beric.

“You’re going to kill the kid, you bastard! Go easy on him!”

“Shut up. You take over if you want.”

But Beric ignored him completely. Then, as if to show off, he sipped a cool drink in the shade.

The guards clicked their tongues and turned away. But they soon gulped down cool water themselves.

“Huff, huff…”

“Oh, his pace is slowing down. Run faster. This is all basic training in the Imperial Palace, you know? If you can’t keep up with this, you won’t have anything to do in the Imperial Palace.”

It wasn’t wrong. They had even run carrying huge water jugs.

Cedric glared at Beric with annoyance, then started to speed up. The kid was also showing off, as if he didn’t care if he died.

Thud. Thump.

And then, he collapsed just before the finish line.

Beric chewed on his jerky, staring at the kid. The Imperial Guard members also held their breath, watching them. One minute, two minutes, three minutes… time passed relentlessly-

Swoosh.

After more than ten minutes, Cedric finally got up. Then, he crawled and touched the finish line with his fingertips.

Then, Beric, carrying a cool water jug, looked down at the kid.

“…”

Even though he looked like he was about to die, his eyes were burning brightly. Eyes that used poison and anger to fuel his will to live. Ah, this is annoyingly familiar.

Splash.

Beric poured water on Cedric and ordered.

“Get up.”

“…Is this the kind of training Imperial Guard members usually do?”

“Yeah. Don’t you believe it?”

Do you think I’m just messing with you to be mean? Honestly, I’m a bit annoyed that I got stuck with this annoying job…

“No. I thought it was amazing.”

But Cedric’s answer was unexpected.

“That’s why you can get to the highest place, I think.”

“Oh, you’re buttering me up? What are you going to do when you get up there? Beat up that soldier or whatever?”

Cedric just looked up at Beric. He was too tired to even think about getting up.

“Do I have to say everything as it is?”

“You don’t have to lie, do you?”

“…”

Cedric stared at Beric. Beric, realizing what he meant, laughed in disbelief.

“You want to beat me up?”

“Is that not allowed?”

Puhahahaha!

The Imperial Guard members all turned their heads at the sudden burst of laughter. What was that crazy guy laughing about again? Then, they exclaimed in surprise.

“… !”

“Beric! You idiot!”

Zhiing! Zhiing!

Swish!

Beric had created a magic sword.

A huge blade burning like a flame. Cedric’s eyes widened at the sight he was seeing for the first time.

“It is allowed. Why wouldn’t it be? That’s why we’re doing all this.”

“W-what is that?”

“A magic sword. Every magic swordsman has their own unique weapon. You’ll have one too. Probably.”

“Me too?”

“Yeah. But you have to find out how to get it yourself!”

Swish!

Beric lightly swung his sword, and flames shot out from the tip. Cedric rolled to the side to barely avoid it, and felt his heart pounding as he watched the flames die down.

“You need something like this to kill me.”

“I didn’t say I would kill you. I said I wanted to beat you up.”

“Did you? To me, those words mean the same thing!”

Swish! Swish!

Beric swung his sword repeatedly.

The Imperial Guard members, who had been about to stop him, paused halfway, because they didn’t sense any killing intent in Beric’s attacks. It wasn’t serious, it just seemed like he was sharpening his blade to push Cedric around.

“Oh, that ignorant fool.”

“Why did Commander Jerritt leave the youngest with that guy? What if he runs away? We don’t get new recruits often.”

“If he runs away, that’s it. How can he protect His Majesty with that kind of mentality?”

“That’s true, but he’s still young.”

“It’s okay. There’s no age in front of a sword.”

Swish! Swoosh!

Cedric also realized that Beric was going easy on him. Right, left, then right again. It was an intention to teach him basic movements through a regular pattern.

Then, someone threw a wooden stick at Cedric.

“Cedric! Try to counterattack if you can!”

Taat!

But the wooden stick was too insignificant in front of the blazing flames. And so was his own existence.

Beric, thinking it was enough for now, pushed his sword towards the kid’s forehead.

“… !”

“… !”

But something amazing happened. The wooden stick that Cedric was holding burst into flames and transformed into a magic sword. It was small, but it was a clear sign of a magic swordsman.

Not only Beric, but also the Imperial Guard members who were watching, were shocked and opened their mouths.

“No…”

Was that even possible? For a young child who had just become aware of his identity to create a magic sword on his own? It was a process that usually took more than a year of grueling training in the training grounds.

Cedric, panting, raised his magic sword to try and block Beric’s sword. But at that moment-

Swish!

The sword disappeared without a trace. At the same time, Cedric’s eyes rolled back and he fell backward.

Beric was surprised and grabbed the kid by the collar, then froze in disbelief.

“Th…”

And then, the interest that flickered in his eyes. If he was trained and refined well, he would surely become a swordsman that would amaze the world.

Beric dropped the kid’s collar and squatted down, looking closely at Cedric.

“This is a very interesting kid.”

On the palace balcony, Jerritt and Ian were also watching this scene with interest.

“They are very compatible, without a doubt.”

“Yes. I think so too.”

Cedric was one thing, but it would also be a good stimulus for Beric. Would he just sit back and watch his junior become stronger than him? He would crave growth even more to avoid being surpassed. Putting aside personal feelings, the two were a very good match.

“But Sir Ian.”

Jerritt asked Ian quietly.

“What happened with Minister Tweller in the conference room earlier?”

Ian wasn’t the only one who had seen his brow slightly furrow. Ian smiled faintly and turned to look at him.