Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 769

Ian entered the Emperor’s tent about ten minutes later.

When Ian Hielo, the Minister of Magic, announced that he had come to report in person, Jin leaned forward. He didn’t say anything, but his body language clearly showed his delight.

“Let him in at once.”

*Rustle.*

The fabric was pulled back, and Ian appeared.

The atmosphere inside the tent changed rapidly. Everyone present had witnessed Ian’s final battle with their own eyes. There was a mix of awe as a warrior, relief at his safety, and a kind of fear, as if they were looking at an unknown being.

Ian stepped before the Emperor and bowed respectfully.

“Your Majesty. Ian Hielo, I greet you.”

“Yes, Ian. Are you feeling better? Is it not too much for you to move around like this?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I have recovered, thanks to you. I apologize for leaving my post.”

“Don’t mention it. Your well-being is important to everyone.”

Ian smiled gently, expressing his gratitude. Then, he handed over the report through an attendant.

Jin looked back and forth between the thick report and Ian, as if surprised. ‘When did he do all this…?’

‘Unbelievable. I still have a long way to go,’ he thought with pure admiration.

As Jin took the report, Ian explained.

“Your Majesty, first, I will report on the current situation of the Magic Department. Although we are recovering individual magic power through Commander Akorella’s magic amplification potion, the accumulation of physical strain is preventing us from showing the same recovery rate as before.”

“Hmm. Yes. Everyone has worked hard.”

“Therefore, I think it would be best to stay in the capital and focus on recovery until the supplies are exhausted, and then open a portal to return home.”

“You mean to open a Dark Moon [a type of portal] to Bariel?”

“Yes, that is correct.”

“Is that possible?”

He had heard that getting from Burgos to here was quite difficult, but even further to Bariel? Jin asked back in surprise. Not only was the distance a problem, but the condition of the mages was also a concern.

However, Ian nodded calmly.

“It is possible.”

Because he could open it himself.

Now that he had defeated the Shadow God and ended the war, there was no need to conserve his strength. Burgos? Luswena? Who would dare to raise their heads again? The victor had been decided.

“I suggest sending a messenger to Bariel first. If we coordinate the schedule and open the portal, Bariel can send the necessary supplies here, and the main force can move to Bariel.”

The supplies were for the garrison left behind in Toolun to handle the aftermath. They needed supplies to use until things normalized and they could become self-sufficient.

“Speaking of which, I would like to discuss something. Who would be suitable as the commander of the garrison? And we also need someone to be the temporary leader of Toolun.”

Ian answered as if he had been waiting for the question.

“I recommend Minister Maxim Tweller.”

“Minister Tweller?”

The gazes of the officers focused at once. The Minister of the Imperial Defense Department as the commander of the garrison? It was excessive. It was something that could be handled by an officer. There was no resistance force, was there?

“Minister Tweller said that this war was his last mission. He has devoted himself to the Bariel Empire for a long time, so I think it would be meaningful to arrange for him to complete his last mission.”

“But-”

It was too subjective a reason. And it didn’t even consider Minister Tweller’s position.

As an officer tried to step forward, Ian added without giving him a chance. A look that said, ‘Sorry, but shut up,’ was a bonus.

Tweller also gave the officer a scolding look, as if telling him to stay still. The other party was the Minister of Magic, Ian. He must have a reason for saying this.

“Besides, there is also the issue with Banusa.”

“The issue with Banusa?”

“She is the one who helped the Imperial Army from the Masantar Temple. Considering her family status, sorcery abilities, and relationship with Bariel, she is suitable to be the next leader of Toolun. But…”

“What is it?”

“I found out that she cleaned up the believers during the final battle.”

“Ah.”

Jin sighed softly. Banusa had been cooperative with Bariel to overthrow the royal palace. That was not much different from wanting to protect Toolun.

But now that they knew she had mercilessly cut down even the children, Banusa had every reason to be furious.

“Fortunately, she understood that it was an unavoidable process. Instead, she set a condition.”

That was-

“That Minister Tweller, who was in charge of the mission, would stay behind and take charge of the reconstruction of Toolun. That would show that they are honoring the dead and respecting Toolun.”

What if they refused?

“Banusa will travel around the outer regions of the capital, gather the remaining forces, and fight. Of course, it is too trivial to predict the outcome of that fight, so it is not a problem, but-”

The Bariel forces had already suffered severe losses. The number of mages and magic swordsmen had been halved, and even the survivors were not in good condition.

Moreover, the soldiers were intoxicated with victory and were only waiting for the day they could return home. What would happen to their morale if they were told to prepare for war again? And what about supplies? Didn’t they say there were only fifteen days’ worth left?

“I think it would be better to appease her and end things here.”

It wasn’t about admitting to massacring the people of Toolun and apologizing. It was just about having someone with some responsibility and authority stay behind to take care of things. It was more beneficial to accept her request than to cause unnecessary resistance and complicate the situation.

Jin rubbed his chin and nodded.

“Minister Tweller. What is your opinion?”

“…I agree with Minister Ian’s opinion. If I can resolve the situation with just myself, I will gladly stay.”

Tweller bowed his head and said he would accept. There was no reason to object. Everything was reasonable, and the argument made sense.

Something felt uneasy, but Tweller tried to erase the thought. It must be because he had become sensitive due to the rumors about Ian. Ian added in a very gentle voice.

“You don’t need to set a long reconstruction period. What’s important is the justification and appearance, so please send a messenger when things are somewhat settled. The Magic Department will open the portal again. You can return home comfortably that way.”

“Thank you for your consideration, Minister Ian.”

“You’re welcome. Isn’t it natural to do that much for those who are working hard?”

Ian’s smile was subtle, as if he was glad that the agreement had gone well.

Tweller was thinking about the work he would be doing with Banusa when he suddenly remembered.

‘Wait a minute.’

The beginning of the strange rumor. Wasn’t it the ‘woman reflected in the water’? If he hadn’t seen things in his sleep, the woman must be a strange ability user. Like Banusa, who manipulates water.

Tweller’s gaze naturally reached Ian.

“Why do you ask?”

Looking at the child’s green eyes, Tweller’s mind became even more complicated. Was Banusa really the source of the rumor? Ian seemed to have already contacted Banusa, did he know the truth?

Questions kept popping up, but the place was not appropriate. It was not something to say in front of everyone.

“It’s nothing.”

“If you have any opinions, please feel free to share them. Banusa said she would appear in two days. It seems she intends to hide and ensure her safety until the Empire makes a decision.”

“…When did you meet Banusa?”

Tweller asked carefully. He wanted to compare it with the time the rumor had spread.

As if he had noticed the hidden intention, Ian smiled quietly and answered vaguely.

“I’m not sure exactly. I kept waking up and falling asleep. But don’t worry. The message was clear.”

“Yes. Surely I wouldn’t worry about that. You are Minister Ian.”

“Then, what are you worried about?”

Ian’s question, which came out of nowhere, was somehow sharp.

Tweller closed his mouth for a moment and remained silent, and the officers were just watching, sensing the sudden change in atmosphere. Jin also read the flow and lightly passed the report.

*Rustle.*

“Ian, is there anything else to report?”

“No. That is all I have to say for now.”

“Alright, I understand. Then go back and rest. According to Commander Akorella’s report, there may be unrecognized side effects on your body.”

“Did Akorella report that?”

Smart thing. There was no such content in the report he had reviewed, so she must have deliberately omitted it. Ian firmly denied it.

“I know the meaning and weight of my well-being. And I am fine now. Akorella’s concern is excessive, so please do not worry, Your Majesty.”

“If that is so, then that is a relief.”

“Then, I will take my leave first.”

Ian made eye contact with the people present and left the tent.

As soon as he disappeared, Jin glared at Tweller.

“Tweller. That was excessive.”

“…I apologize.”

He had been constantly worried about Ian’s existence since before.

But didn’t Jin know? Ian was not dangerous…

‘Hmm?’

…Why? Why had he thought of him as ‘not dangerous’ until now? Because he was the one who held his hand when he was young? Because he had risked his life to protect him whenever there was danger?

That was not enough. Ian was still an object of complete trust, but it felt like there was no absolute reason to support it.

‘What is it?’

Jin frowned in confusion. It felt like there was a reason that no one could refute, but he couldn’t remember it.

“Ian sacrificed himself to protect Bariel.”

He loved Bariel more than anyone-

“He wasn’t afraid of death even when facing the Underworld.”

A man strong enough to confront the shadow of God.

Therefore… If he had no faith, he was more dangerous than anyone.

*Thud.*

Jin slammed the table without realizing it. It was to break the impure thoughts that had come to his mind.

It was only after a long time that Jin managed to complete the sentence by barely speaking.

“…So, treat him with trust. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will keep that in mind.”

“Everyone, leave.”

With Tweller in the lead, the officers left the tent. Jin, left alone, covered his forehead as if he was confused and froze.

…I don’t understand at all.

Where his faith came from.

* * *

Ian walked ahead with a calm expression after leaving the tent. The mages, not knowing what kind of conversation had taken place inside, were just blinking their eyes out of curiosity.

*Halt.*

Ian’s steps finally stopped. Would he turn around and look at them?! The mages were shooting out sparkling eyes, but Ian did not look back.

“Wait here for a moment.”

“Yes? Where are you going?”

What caught Ian’s attention was Eirin. She was sitting on a makeshift chair, polishing her combat boots, and her focused profile was impressive. Ian left the mages behind and approached her.

“Are you busy?”

“Ah!”

Eirin was startled and flinched her shoulders greatly. But she quickly recognized that it was Ian and stood up quickly to salute.

“No, I’m not. Minister Ian.”

“Sit down. Make yourself comfortable.”

“T, thank you.”

She said thank you, but why? Eirin seemed to be asking with her eyes. She smiled awkwardly and placed her hands politely on her knees.

Ian whispered as if it was nothing.

“I have something I’m curious about.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“May I ask you? It’s a very personal question.”

“Of course.”

What, what is it? A sense of unease was growing. As Ian’s voice lowered, Eirin became nervous.

But then, her eyes widened at the unexpected question.

“What do you think of His Majesty the Emperor?”

Oh