Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 732

As Beric stepped out of the tent, he was immediately met by the Royal Guard, who were huddled together. They flinched, startled, and took a step back, but then cautiously approached to check on Beric. Their faces were a mix of curiosity and concern.

“…Are you crying?”

“Get lost.”

“Well, I don’t know what to say.”

“Yeah, so if you have nothing to say, get lost.”

“You brat, even when we’re worried about you!”

Despite the harsh words, the guards had faint smiles on their faces. He was the same Beric they knew. His insides might be charred and crumbling, but it was a relief that things had ended here.

The guards sighed softly and patted Beric’s shoulder.

“Commander Jeylotte wants to see you. Go to His Majesty’s quarters.”

Beric silently touched the back of his head and remained quiet. He knew what his hesitation in front of his sister must have meant to Jin. He felt sorry, but at the same time, he had no other way. He would either get a severe scolding, be met with disappointment, or even be kicked out of the Royal Guard. Ah, what would he say to Ian?

“I’ll go first. Sorry, but please give my sister something to eat.”

…Something delicious. It was the last gift Beric could give to his sister.

The guards told him not to worry and nudged him on his way. Beric took a long time to walk the short distance. Knowing he was going to be scolded, his steps felt heavy.

“Your Majesty, this is Beric of the Royal Guard.”

“Enter.”

A short permission came from inside. It was the same monotonous tone as usual, but not to Beric’s ears. He rubbed his unpleasantly throbbing chest and stepped inside.

Inside, Jin, Jeylotte, Tweller, and Eirin were sitting. It seemed they had been in the middle of a conversation.

“You called for me.”

“Yes, Beric.”

Jin pushed his teacup aside and rested his chin on his clasped hands. The Emperor didn’t add any words. He just remained silent.

That was because it was Beric’s turn to speak first. Beric lowered his head and slowly knelt on one knee.

“…I’m sorry.”

Being part of the Royal Guard and not following the Emperor’s orders first. Furthermore, being by the Emperor’s side and following Ian instead. Looking at it the other way around, he was truly out of line. If Ian became the Emperor in the future, how could he leave a Royal Guard like him by his side? He could say it for sure. Get rid of a guy like that.

“Sorry, you say.”

Jin muttered softly. He sighed deeply and looked down at the back of Beric’s head. The spirit that always burned like a flame was now completely broken.

“Did you talk with your sister?”

“…I think it’s meaningful that I conveyed what I wanted to say.”

“It’s a shame, but that’s enough. It’s not always possible to have a conversation just by facing each other. Beric, stand up and look at me. And sit here. We will now have a conversation.”

Tap, tap. Jin lightly tapped the table.

Beric cautiously stood up and glanced at Jeylotte and Tweller. They were staring straight ahead and didn’t make eye contact, only Eirin was watching him with a gentle smile.

“What….”

“The imperial order is the guide for the Royal Guard. It is right to follow only that, but Beric, you seem to have lost your way. So, I want to ask you. Beric, where do you want to go?”

He came to the center following Ian, and volunteered for the Royal Guard at Ian’s suggestion. But what about after that? When Ian wasn’t there, was the reason he stayed in the Imperial Palace only to wait for him? It was certainly one of the major reasons, but it wasn’t the only one.

“I cherish you, Beric. Since you were a prince, you have saved me from many dangers. Ian’s will was also included in that, but let’s put that aside. Ian is not here.”

Jin smiled. It meant that he wasn’t asking to scold him, but to truly find his path, so he shouldn’t be nervous.

“I’ll ask again. Where do you want to go?”

“…I, I don’t know. I just want to stay like this. The Imperial Palace has good food, many strong guys, and they pay well regularly….”

At Beric’s answer, Jeylotte squeezed his eyes shut. Was that something to say in this situation?

But Beric continued, stammering but without hesitation.

“I like the people I spend time with.”

As much as Ian.

Jin pondered his answer for a long time, then nodded, saying he understood.

“Alright, Beric. The Imperial Palace needs you, and you also need the Imperial Palace, so I won’t dismiss you. But remember, there is no next time. The rules of the Imperial Palace are clear and certain. Everyone must keep them thoroughly in mind.”

“Yes, I’m sorry.”

Beric bowed his head again.

“Have you made up your mind about your sister’s punishment?”

“…I think it’s inevitable.”

If he hadn’t made up his mind, he wouldn’t be kneeling before the Emperor like this. He would have immediately broken his sister’s shackles and run away.

Jin asked back in a much softer tone.

“I heard you have another sister.”

“I have a younger sister besides my older sister. But it seems my older sister doesn’t know where she is either.”

“Still, like how you met this time, wouldn’t you be able to meet her someday?”

“Yes. My sister said so too.”

Just like Beric and Helna met, wouldn’t they meet again someday, like a coincidence, like fate? For that, he wouldn’t live thinking he was dead. He would live thinking he was alive and find her for sure. And like he did to Helna, he would apologize to his younger sister too. Then, maybe, his younger sister would tell him it was okay.

“Alright. Calm yourself, and if you want, you can be excluded from future battles.”

“I don’t want to.”

He knew it. Jin nodded in satisfaction and patted Beric’s shoulder. Tweller watched the scene quietly, and Jeylotte unconsciously stroked his beard, relieved.

“What?”

Beric cautiously asked Tweller, who was looking at him. It was quite short, but it wasn’t as arrogant as before. Because of the situation, he couldn’t help but maintain a polite posture until he left the tent.

Tweller waved his hand as if to say it was okay.

“It’s fine. His Majesty has already said everything, so what more can I say? Beric, if you ever need to find me, come anytime. I will gladly welcome you.”

Bullshit. Why would I go to you? Beric narrowed his eyes and thought inwardly.

“It’s because of Masantar’s contribution, so don’t overinterpret it.”

“Overinterpret what? What is that?”

“Hahaha. If not, then it’s fine. Then, I will step down first, Your Majesty.”

“Thank you for your hard work, Minister Tweller. The hill is still full of conspirators from the Toalun Monastery.”

“Don’t worry. I will no longer cause Your Majesty any concern. Commander Jeylotte. It seems there are no more Bariel people being held hostage, so from now on, please leave it to the Imperial Defense Department.”

“Understood, Minister.”

Jeylotte lightly placed his hand on his knee and bowed. He looked sorry for causing a disturbance because of his lacking subordinate.

“Only Eirin remains, you may leave.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jeylotte gestured for Beric to get up. Beric glanced at Eirin, and she nodded with a faint smile. Did you see? Didn’t I say it would be okay? You are loved by the gods.

At the smile that said so, Beric carefully muttered.

“Eirin, thank you for your help.”

“Yes, I also received help, so it’s even.”

“When?”

At that reaction, Eirin’s eyes widened. When they arrived at the small village with Taoma, didn’t he save her from the priests who were chasing her?

‘Ah.’

He doesn’t even remember the personal things. He must be helping so many people that he doesn’t keep it in mind. Eirin chuckled, and Jeylotte grabbed Beric’s collar, telling him to come out.

Rustle.

As the tent was opened and closed, only an awkward silence filled the inside. His Majesty told her to stay, so he must have something to say…. Eirin carefully raised her gaze and looked at the Emperor.

“Your Majesty. Do you have any orders?”

“Eirin.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor seemed to be choosing his words for a moment. And then, he carefully said.

“…Like Beric, I also wanted to say thank you. I was so caught up in the external things that I couldn’t see the essence. Looking at Beric now, I think things would have been terrible if you hadn’t been there then.”

“…You are too kind, Your Majesty. Even if it wasn’t me, Your Majesty would have surely made the wisest decision. Rather, I am honored that you listened to the humble opinion of a mere soldier.”

“I heard from Ian. A holy knight reads signs, right?”

At the sudden question, Eirin looked up at the Emperor’s face.

“Perhaps, I mean.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jin hesitated for a moment. As Eirin said, she was a holy knight, but she was just a low-ranking soldier without any rank. He didn’t know if it was appropriate for an Emperor to confide his worries to such a person. But somehow, he felt naturally relaxed in front of Eirin. Like he was talking to the Roverside he met in his dreams as a child.

“I think there might come a time when Beric will struggle between me and Ian. What do you think?”

“It will happen. Even I, who knows nothing, can feel it.”

Unlike Jin, who hesitated for a long time, there was no hesitation in Eirin’s answer.

“I see. But when that time comes, I don’t know what to do.”

“Your Majesty. There is nothing more wasteful than worrying about a future that has not yet come. I learned that it’s like the foolishness of trying to win a fight with a shadow-”

She paused. Was it okay to say this to the Emperor? Eirin bit her lower lip at the words that came out without her knowing. But since he wanted her answer, she had to say it.

“If such a time comes, Beric will follow Your Majesty’s will.”

“Why?”

“Because Your Majesty’s will is also Ian’s will. And conversely, Ian’s meaning is also Your Majesty’s meaning. I heard that the two of you have such a relationship.”

Ian creates Jin’s present, and Jin creates Ian’s future. The two are two but one. So, of course, their wills must be the same.

Jin stroked his chin as if he understood something.

“Your Majesty’s humility in seeking answers from a humble person like me is truly honorable, but there is only one thing I can say. Your Majesty. Do not worry. Nothing will go wrong.”

However, the process would be a little painful. Just one sister he had been separated from for half his life had caused such a big ripple, if a new wave were to hit the Imperial Palace, everyone would surely suffer as if they were submerged in water.

At this, Jin leaned his upper body towards Eirin and asked back directly.

“Is that a revelation as a holy knight, or a comfort as a subject?”

Eirin lowered her gaze for a moment, then smiled brightly and answered.

“Whatever Your Majesty wants to believe.”