Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 71

Meanwhile, as soon as Cielonia, who had completed the mission of delivering the imperial decree, returned, the place she sought was the office of the second prince, Gale. Even though sunlight poured through the large window, his office strangely always felt cold.

“You just confined Molin and his group in the underground prison?”

“Yes. There was no torture, just confinement and neglect without any special treatment, as confirmed.”

Gale crossed his arms, tapping his fingertips. It was a habit he had when deep in thought. His sharp eyes, a carbon copy of his mother’s, turned towards Cielonia’s back, towards Wesley, who was reading a report.

“He seemed well-versed in the imperial court etiquette?”

“Yes. As soon as I mentioned Your Highness, his expression changed instantly. Even Romandro, the advisor, seemed unaware of it.”

At that moment, Wesley, who had been walking around while reading documents, turned her head sharply. Her beautiful black hair and red lips were as perfect as ever.

“It’s certain. He seems to have had a connection with Marib.”

“Don’t jump to conclusions, Wesley.”

“Otherwise, it doesn’t make sense. A child who lived in a brothel due to poverty received a short period of education and crossed the desert. He should have barely learned the basics, yet he knows imperial court etiquette.”

Wesley’s words were logical from beginning to end.

“From the start, Marib recommending Ian as lord was a clear sign. How many people are throwing money at Marib, wanting to get on his good side? Yet, that Ian was chosen over them.”

“Wasn’t he said to be a mana user?”

“Still, it’s too much.”

Marib was the next emperor recognized by the empire. There was a line of people trying to flatter him, long enough to circle Bariel. Especially since the appointment of a lord was an opportunity to reverse one’s status, Marib could have easily given it to someone with more influence if he had wanted to.

“The fact that the territory is on the border is also a big factor. It has such distinct characteristics that there are many restrictions.”

Wesley threw the report in front of Cielonia, who was cautiously adding her opinion. Although there was a significant age difference, Wesley was the Minister of Magic, while Cielonia was just one of many administrators. The difference in status was clear.

“Anyway, good work. You can leave now.”

“…I’ll take my leave.”

Cielonia bowed politely and left Gale’s residence. Wesley mumbled, a pipe in her mouth,

“Ian, shall we kill him?”

Gale chuckled, resting his chin on his hand at her words. It was even funnier because he knew it wasn’t a joke.

“How?”

“When he comes up for the lord appointment ceremony at the New Year’s celebration, he’ll be under the Ministry of Magic. There will be many opportunities and ways.”

The smoke she exhaled filled the room. Gale took the pipe from her mouth. Wesley continued, slightly annoyed.

“I don’t like how he’s suddenly interfering with things as if he fell from the sky. He’ll become a slave of the Ministry of Magic if he can’t repay the 10,000 nips [currency] of tribute anyway, so I’d like to cut him off before that.”

Wesley whispered, embracing Gale’s neck. Her dangerous smile continued, but Gale didn’t budge and turned his head away.

“No matter how I think about it, you’re not suited to be the Minister of Magic.”

“Me?”

Gale meant it literally, but Wesley seemed to misunderstand. As if she was more suited to be Empress Gale’s consort than the Minister of Magic.

“If that is what Your Highness Gale says, then so be it.”

Gale looked out the window, smiling bitterly. Wesley was perfect as a woman, but not as a colleague in state affairs. How could the Minister of Magic so easily suggest killing Ian?

Especially in this time when the number of mages was decreasing.

If she truly wanted the revival and development of magic, she should have tried to persuade him and find a way, even if Gale wanted to kill him. That was the attitude of the Minister of Magic.

“Gale. Look at me.”

Did this beautiful woman not know that the empress was also the emperor’s political ally? Even if Gale pushed Marib aside and ascended to the throne, he couldn’t be sure if Wesley would be by his side.

Gale shook off the woman’s seductive touch and stood up.

“Where are you going?”

“To my brother.”

“You mean His Highness Marib?”

Gale fastened his cuffs, staring intently at Wesley.

There it was again. That look that sometimes seemed to test him. Wesley managed her expression, not losing her smile.

“Why didn’t Ian kill Molin and just leave him be?”

“…Well, he’s an administrator of the imperial court, and if something happened, it would be troublesome if we had to send another investigation team. It hasn’t been long since the incident with Commander Erica.”

“Hmm. I see. That’s it.”

Gale didn’t ask further. He just concluded that Wesley’s view of the situation was limited to that. There were no second chances, and no shared opinions.

Wesley followed Gale out.

“Or why else?”

“Why else? I asked because I don’t know either.”

Kiss.

Gale gave Wesley a farewell kiss and turned away without hesitation. His subordinates followed him like shadows, and the woman just stood there, looking forlorn.

She was also the head of the Ministry of Magic, praised by the public. Born a commoner, she had gained both wealth and power, and her name would be recorded in history. Yet, in front of Gale, she always felt infinitely small.

“Damn it…”

Her small curse didn’t reach Gale’s feet, nor even the servants following him, and scattered away. It felt like an invisible aura was swirling chaotically.

Taptap!

“Your Highness, where shall we take you?”

“To Marib’s palace.”

“Understood.”

Gale replied briefly, and his subordinates ran ahead, clearing the way so that Gale’s steps wouldn’t stop.

‘Ian is keeping Molin alive because of Marib.’

Wesley’s words were half right, of course.

If Molin died in the situation with the Cheonryeo tribe, the seriousness of the matter accepted by the central government would increase significantly. It was a problem that could lead to the dispatch of regular troops, not just an investigation team.

So, he had passed the decision-making power to Marib. It was a choice that showed he perfectly understood the power relationship between Marib and Gale and had decided on his course.

Anyway, Molin’s life was in Marib’s hands, and Gale was in a situation where his life was quite valuable. There were few people he had recruited from the administration, and old veterans like Molin were rare.

Neigh!

The carriage moved with the horse’s loud cry. Gale, who had been pondering while looking at the sky, opened the window and ordered,

“…Wait. Change the route.”

“Yes?”

“Instead of going to Marib, I should go to my father.”

“You mean the Emperor’s palace?”

“Yes. Hurry.”

At their master’s command, the horses slowly turned the corner and went back the way they had come. Their heads were now fixed towards the Emperor’s residence in the east, instead of Marib’s palace in the north.

* * *

The mansion was bustling from dawn.

It was the day that Kakanthir and fifty-five warriors were returning to the Great Desert. Although it was a distance where they could meet whenever they wanted, it wasn’t easy, so everyone couldn’t hide their disappointment.

“When will we see each other again?”

“Thank you for everything.”

“Here, this…”

“I packed dried meat and water. Please return safely.”

“Kakan! How do we send the Kusile seal?”

The front gate of the mansion was as chaotic as a marketplace. Ian was also hurrying to prepare for his outing to accompany them to the border. As he was checking the gifts, rewards, and food for the last time, he noticed Hana, who was particularly teary-eyed, in the corner.

“…Goodbye.”

“I’ll come again.”

The tips of the two men’s and women’s hands lightly touched. The affection was so obvious that it was clear what kind of emotion it was. Ian unknowingly turned his head and pretended not to see, rolling his eyes.

Berik, who saw that, picked at his ear.

“What did you see to make you like that?”

“Berik. Come here.”

“Oh, look at that? Ha-!”

“Berik! Shut up, you clueless fool!”

Thwack!

It was Romandro who hit Berik’s head. Ian also glared as if to warn him. Berik, who was rubbing the back of his head as if he was wronged, kept grumbling.

“My head is the neighborhood drum, damn it.”

“It seems there were more people you grew fond of than you thought.”

“Even in passing moments, relationships are formed, and the Cheonryeo people have spent a season here.”

A relationship that came in the hot summer and left in the fall.

Ian pondered for a moment and nodded. It wasn’t a bad phenomenon. The best way to further solidify the alliance with the Cheonryeo tribe or achieve cultural integration was ‘marriage’.

‘…Was that too political of a judgment?’

Ian restrained himself, looking at Hana, who was still sobbing.

‘Ian, your choices will change someone’s life, so listen to the voices beneath the words. You shouldn’t just check the agenda that comes up, but feel it with your heart.’

Suddenly, the advice Naum had given him before his regression came to mind. Naum, the only friend and mentor who had tried to protect the dying emperor until the end. Ian clenched his teeth and turned his head away.

“Ian, the preparations are complete.”

“Okay. Let’s depart.”

“Open the main gate!”

“Let’s go back! To our Great Desert!”

“Woooaaah!”

“Take care!”

“Hey, let’s meet in Cheonryeo!”

The Cheonryeo people who were staying at the mansion laughed heartily and waved their hands. Nersarn was also among them. Kakan walked out of the mansion with a dignified posture. The people of the territory who had come out after hearing the news saw them off.

“Thank you! Go safely!”

“Thank you so much for everything!”

“What would we have done without you guys, really!”

Swoosh!

Wildflowers and fallen leaves fluttered everywhere. Even the gulla [a type of plant] swaying in a row along the wind was a spectacle.

Kakanthir ran to the front and looked down at the child who was handing him a bouquet of flowers. It was the child who had fallen and cried at his feet when he first entered Bratz. The child remembered that brief encounter.

“Th, thank you.”

The child’s hand was trembling. Kakan accepted the bouquet and was about to leave, but he stopped and turned back.

“Demosha.”

He didn’t bother to check the child’s face. Kusile [a type of horse] moved again. It wouldn’t be long until they reached the border.

And soon, the time for a real farewell came.

“This is it. Lord Ian.”

“Kakan. Thank you for your hard work.”

It was the place where Ian had been sold as a peace offering. Two huge rocks marking the border. And a small, abandoned shrine.

“I will start on the Mereloff matter as soon as I return to Cheonryeo.”

“I would be grateful if you did.”

“I hope you do well when you go to the center. Otherwise, this day will be our last.”

“I will do my best. This is gulla and a reward.”

Kakanthir looked at Ian for a moment, then only took the gulla seeds. The bouquet of flowers was swaying in his right hand as if to show it off.

“My hands are full. That’s enough.”

“Ah.”

“Let’s go! To Cheonryeo!”

“Demosha!”

“Demosha! Farewell!”

Berik also shouted loudly at the warriors’ chant. They ran powerfully into the desert and disappeared. Their movements were faster than the wind and lighter than the sand. Ian and Berik watched their backs for a long time.

“…Let’s go back too.”

“Okay. What shall we do when we get back?”

“What do you think?”

Berik also smiled at Ian’s smile and grabbed the reins.

What they were going to do was already decided. The gulla cultivation work and…

‘The Mereloff drowning operation.’