Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 702

Melania looked up at the portrait hanging on the palace wall. The dynasty that had lasted for hundreds of years was over, and now a new era would begin under the name of the Hollien family. She carefully touched the royal name ‘Runkvis’ engraved in gold leaf, and was filled with emotion. In that moment, the name ‘Hyman,’ which had been a part of her life, flashed across her mind. ‘Hyman is not dead yet.’ It was not arrogance, nor was it a denial of reality. She, the only one who survived the purge of the seven families, was still alive and well. So, she could assert that Hyman was not dead, though she couldn’t say it out loud. In any case, the problems Melania had to deal with to rebuild her family were enormous. They were so critical that getting involved in even one of them could mean losing everything. Those were: ‘Treason. And the connection with Rutherford.’ Yet, surprisingly, Melania, who was connected to all of this, had survived. Moreover, she was living in the same castle as the Emperor. Tap. Tap. She tapped the name Runkvis with her fingertips, her gaze cold. Soon, war would break out between Bariel and Toolun. And as history dictated, Bariel would win. The existence of Ian, the Emperor from the future, was proof of that. So, what should she do in this situation? ‘War is an opportunity. It leads some to ruin, and others to glory.’ What she could do based on Bariel’s victory. A way to rebuild the Hyman family. Absolute merit was needed. Melania noticed the presence of people in the main hall and subtly turned her head. Lady Kyla and Mrs. Danit were coming out after their audience with the Emperor. ‘That’s it.’ She heard that the Hollien family was in charge of transporting the mined magic stones to Bariel? Melania grabbed the hem of her dress and went up the stairs. Just then, Ian was also coming out into the hallway after finishing his meeting with the Emperor. “Ian.” “Melania.” What’s wrong? A look of bewilderment appeared on Ian’s face. In fact, Melania’s existence should not be known to the world, so special care was needed in her movements within the palace. Even though it was 10 years ago, there were definitely people who would recognize the youngest daughter of the Hyman family. Of course, even if they recognized her, it wouldn’t turn the world upside down, it would just be a ‘commotion,’ but there was no need to create unnecessary trouble. She knew that better than anyone. But Melania’s expression was resolute. “I have something to tell you.” “Shall we take a walk?” Ian moved the mages back and walked alongside Melania. She cut to the chase. “I will bring the mages from the East.” Melania knew that the fire cannons that threatened the mages in the Luswena War had come from the East. So, if Bariel could establish contact with the Eastern mages, wouldn’t they be able to find a way to deal with the fire cannons to some extent? Ian seemed surprised by the unexpected proposal, but he didn’t stop walking. “How do you intend to do that?” “The method is not yet certain, but the means have been decided. I will use my ‘bloodline.'” Bloodline. Only then did Ian remember a fact he had forgotten. Melania’s bloodline had a lot in common with the situation of the Runkvis family. ‘Above all, Melania is a noble of Bariel and a distant relative of the Luswena royal family.’ The first time the illegitimate son Ian and Melania met was when Melania visited Bratz to attend the Luswena royal wedding. During the Hyman purge, she was used here and there under the pretext of being a descendant of the Luswena royal family. It was definitely useful. But Ian was cold-headed. “But Melania, if you suddenly appear after 10 years, it could cause confusion. Do you understand what I mean?” It meant it was useless. The walls of Elvasa were collapsing, and what power would a distant relative of the royal family, who was thought to have died 10 years ago, suddenly show? It was better to leave the cleanup to Clifford. However, Melania did not give up. “I’m not saying to use me as a propaganda tool like the Hollien family. At this point, when there are concerns about Hwan’s checks on the fallen Luswena, I will go directly to Hwan to find out the whereabouts of the Eastern mages.” It sounded good, but the risk was too great. What would happen if Hwan found out about Melania’s existence? Bariel would be left with the stain of not having completely eliminated the traitor, and Hwan would gain the advantage of having a Luswena royal bloodline in their hands, ‘at least for now.’ An unpredictable situation. Melania’s existence was like a lifeline that Hwan could grab in the fog. “It will surely be easier. It’s much better than risking mages entering or forcing a path through a military clash with Clifford.” “……” “Ian, you know me, don’t you? Just as Clark went north to find his place, I will do anything to find my place.” I can do it well. Have you forgotten me, who rolled and rolled on the dirt floor to survive 10 years ago? Melania stopped in front of Ian and bowed, and Ian pondered for a moment. She still didn’t know. In the future, in Bariel when he was Emperor, the name Hyman existed. “Can I trust you?” “I believe you know what I desire. Ian, I am a noble of Bariel.” It was quite an arrogant answer for a survivor of a family destroyed for treason, but there was no other way. It was the best oath she could make now. “Alright. Do as you see fit. But the situation is different from Clark’s. Lady Melania, the palace will not help your journey, and will deny any suspicion of backing. The same goes for your very existence.” “Of course. That is who I am now, and accepting it as it is will only increase my value.” “And whatever you hope for, I cannot give you a definite answer.” The reconstruction of the family? I’m sorry, but it’s absolutely impossible in the era of Jin. It was the cause of the scar that cut across the Emperor’s face, and the incident that led to the death of his mother and father. Melania noticed that Ian’s words were somewhat strange. ‘I can’t give you a definite answer.’ If it were the Ian she knew, he would have said this. ‘No matter what merit you achieve, reconstruction is impossible.’ Melania’s eyes sparkled without her realizing it. In the future, in Bariel where Ian is the Emperor, does the name Hyman exist? Can she have a small hope? “…A definite answer, it’s okay if you don’t have one. I will decide my own fate.” Melania bowed again to Ian. Then, she strode back the way she had come. Even if the palace didn’t help, it wouldn’t hinder her journey. The Hollien family was said to be organizing a convoy to Bariel. They were the new dynasty of Vergos and a family of arms dealers. She could make a deal with them. As Melania disappeared, the mages whispered. “Lady Melania seems very happy.” “It’s her nature, I guess. The kind who feels alive when throwing herself into a storm.” “She’s like Captain Acorella. She’s so reckless.” “What are you talking about? The Captain is more on the side of being cautious because of his research. He’s not interested in politics or factions.” Is that so? The mages scratched their chins and asked Ian. “By the way, Ian, is Beric doing well?” “Even the Imperial Guard is very worried. That’s why they sent Cedric, an apprentice magic swordsman, with him.” “Well……” It would be a lie to say that he wasn’t worried at all, but Ian decided to trust his experience rather than his reason. “He always causes worry, but Beric never fails his mission.” “Really?” Is that so? The mages stopped walking and began to fold their fingers one by one. Come to think of it, it was Beric who found Ian in Mount Laja, it was Beric who was active during the attack of the great demon in the north, it was Beric who caught Rutherford, and it was Beric who brought back important clues wherever he went…… “That’s strange.” “He’s quite underrated……” “I guess that’s why your usual behavior is important. Wow.” Amazing! The mages were startled and shook their bodies as if they had discovered a new magic circle. If you only look at his objective achievements, he was no different from the next captain? It was an unbelievably shocking fact. Ian chuckled and walked past them. “Focus on preparing for the expedition. We will end this war in one go as well.” Just like they had pushed Luswena away, they would turn everything that stood in their way to ashes. At Ian’s command, the mages nodded at the same time. * * * “Uahbyo! Chahat! Chat!” Taoma’s shouts were quite strange and funny. But his attacks were surprisingly effective, because the priests, like Beric and Cedric, were seeing his weapon for the first time. How could a club connected by a chain be so powerful? Swish! Thud! Not only did he twist and throw away the flying swords with the chain, but he also quickly struck the attacker’s face. Unlike how it seemed to be swung randomly, the accuracy of the strikes was considerable. Tap! Tap tap! Tap! “Ahooo-!” Swish! As three or four priests fell on the spot, Beric clapped lightly. He didn’t know why he had asked for an escort. “You’re doing well on your own. You made a busy person come to help for nothing.” “They’re priests, priests! They’re no match for warriors. Ahem. Uhahaha! Still, I’m pretty good, right?” “Hmm, it’s amazing. Let me try it too.” “No! This is so precious. Even though it looks like this, I paid double the price because it came from across the sea.” “Who cares? Give it to me!” As Beric and Taoma argued over the nunchaku, the remaining priests bit their lower lips. The big guy was using an unknown weapon, and the other two seemed a bit lacking, but they were still magic swordsmen. They were not opponents they could handle. It seemed better to return to the temple, inside the barrier, and report the situation, and get help from the High Priest. “Retreat!” Tap tap tap! At someone’s shout, everyone started running away, vying with each other. “Huh? They’re running away.” What should we do? Cedric looked back at Beric in an awkward posture, and Taoma and Eirin also waited for his ‘instructions.’ Beric, who had become the leader by chance, scratched his ear and waved his hand casually. “Let them run away. They’re not going anywhere far anyway, right?” “There’s a barrier around the temple. It won’t be easy to get in.” “Ah, is that so?” “And Banusa, who delivered the letter. She seemed to need Bariel’s help. She seemed to be detained in the temple, so maybe she could help us.” At Eirin’s ‘report,’ Beric frowned deeply. “Hmm. Let’s see……” A barrier…. Beric remembered when he crossed the Luswena border with Ian. It seemed like they had buried something in the ground to create a boundary…… Okay! Then it’ll work. Red magic began to rise from Beric’s hands. Ziiing. Ziiing! “Taoma. We’ve finished our mission here since you brought us to the village. You can look for the painting on your own.” “What are you going to do? Why don’t you help me find it?” “No. I’m busy, busy. Eirin, stick close behind me.” “Yes, sir!” “Cedric, you-” Beric smiled as he slung his red-hot greatsword over his shoulder. His sharp fangs gleamed. “Watch and learn, kid.” Taat! Swish! Beric instantly leaped and rushed into the bushes. He was like a beast chasing after fleeing prey. Eirin followed him with all her might, and Cedric, not wanting to be left behind, bit his lower lip and ran. Only Taoma was left behind, shaking the collar of a fainted priest. After a while, the priests who sensed the pursuit shouted. “Th, they’re coming after us!” “Hurry!” But they would never know. That Beric was chasing them while maintaining a constant distance. After going up the river for a while, the temple barrier appeared. The moment the priests reached out towards the barrier. “Okay.” Ziiing! Whoosh! Beric’s red greatsword created a huge fire, burning everything around it. A firestorm raged, and hot winds swirled wildly. Everything that touched the flames turned to ashes in an instant, but- “It’s very visible.” The inside of the barrier was still green. It was like drawing a line on the ground. Beric realized that the barrier was a huge semi-circular shape and gauged it with his eyes. A shield generator? It should be somewhere around here? Oh well, whatever. “I guess I can just blow everything along this barrier.”