Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 786

Traces of Vivi

…Is it finally over?

Romandro sent Ian into the minister’s office and then patted his chest. He had been so anxious while Ian was in the Emperor’s office. The palace was already buzzing with rumors, and then the massacre of the rebel forces happened on top of it all.

“Ugh. I thought we were really in big trouble.”

Honestly, he had to admit that the situation was objectively quite suspicious. But! What kind of person was Ian? He was a patriot who worked day and night for the empire. Even if the importance of the Magic Department was significant, he wasn’t the type to complicate things so much.

“Of course! Even if it was Ian, he would have handled it more cleanly. Those guys don’t know anything, tsk.”

“Lord Romandro, you’re back early?”

“What’s the word? Is it true that no one is coming from Hawan?”

“Yeah. They say the rebel leaders were all killed. The situation has become complicated. There are no special instructions, so don’t worry and get back to work. Was there anything else?”

“That’s a relief. Otherwise, the guys in the administration and foreign affairs departments would have been ready for another fight. Oh, and there was a message for you from your house, Lord Romandro.”

“A message?”

“Here it is. Then.”

The mage handed over the letter and returned to his post. What was it about? They usually never contacted him at work first.

Romandro, worried, immediately checked the letter and quickly got up. He opened the door while making a noise.

Knock knock!

“Ian!”

Ian, who was covering his mouth with a handkerchief, stopped in surprise and naturally hid it, scolding Romandro.

“If you do that, there’s no point in being quiet.”

“M-my bad. But it’s urgent. Ian, look at this. It’s a message from Vivianna.”

“My wife? Is it for me?”

Ian asked, puzzled, and took the paper.

-Honey, we have a guest at the mansion. She said she couldn’t contact the palace, so she came here. Her clothes are shabby, but she seems dignified. She said to introduce herself as ‘one who has been to the abyss.’ Then you’ll know, she said. I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m passing it on. The young lady said she’ll be waiting in front of the left building on 23rd Street in the central commercial district at midnight tonight. She didn’t seem dangerous. Honey, I hope it’s nothing serious.

Your loving Vivianna.

P.S. Please say hello to Ian. And if it’s okay, could you ask if we can send him some food?

A person who can’t contact the palace. Shabby but dignified. One who has been to the abyss. Ian easily recognized the woman’s identity.

“It’s Melania.”

“Yes! Melania! Huh!”

Romandro lowered his voice, worried that someone outside might hear. What was the daughter of the Hyman family doing here? If she was lucky enough to survive, she should have erased her existence and hid.

Ian said it was okay and folded the letter, handing it back.

“Heil and Acorella know.”

“Wh-what?”

“That Lady Melania went to Hawan.”

“Hawan? Why there?”

“To rebuild her family. War is an opportunity, isn’t it?”

“Wait! She went to Hawan? But she’s back?”

Romandro’s face turned pale as he felt something ominous. Melania’s existence was a stain on the palace and Ian. Although it was intentional, it was proof that they had failed to exterminate the traitorous family.

But such a person, at this time, was in Hawan and then returned? Now, when everyone was in chaos because the rebel leaders were all dead?

“No. Isn’t the timing a bit off?”

Romandro muttered, calculating the dates of the foreign ministry’s letters, the dates of the incidents, and Melania’s travel time. But Ian knew that it wasn’t that important.

‘Melania returning and looking for me means she has achieved something. She has brought in a mage from the East.’

For mages, traveling from Hawan to Bariel in an instant was no problem. In other words, the deaths of the rebel leaders were likely related to Melania or the Easterner. No, considering the current circumstances, it was highly likely.

“I’ll have to go. Tonight.”

“Yeah. Okay. I’ll contact my house too.”

“Are you going with me?”

“Of course? Isn’t it obvious?”

‘I’m your aide, after all?’ Romandro retorted, looking more bewildered as Ian looked surprised. Ian hesitated for a moment, then shook his head, saying it wouldn’t work.

“No. I’ll go alone.”

“Why? It’s dangerous!”

“…You’re in more danger than I am, Lord Romandro.”

“Oh, right. But still, wouldn’t it be better to have two people than one? I’m worried. More than anything, Lady Melania is from a traitorous family, so there might be problems.”

What if they met secretly and someone saw them? This time, they really couldn’t handle it. Melania was alive because the Emperor had allowed it, but if the rumors got out of control, it would be meaningless.

‘The forces trying to keep Ian in check will seize the opportunity, and that will be fatal!’

So, shouldn’t he at least be there to watch the situation and prepare for any possible events? Ian quietly watched Romandro, who was clenching his fists.

“Thank you for your concern, Lord Romandro. But it’s likely that Lady Melania is connected to the deaths of the rebels. There could be problems, so you shouldn’t come with me.”

“No, listen.”

“You have a lot to protect.”

He meant that he should stay in the palace and enjoy his salary for a long time without getting caught up in the storm. Romandro was a capable person, and he was someone’s husband and father.

But Romandro retorted, as if he was dumbfounded.

“Yes! I have to protect them. The Magic Department and you!”

‘Oh, this kid is so talkative.’ Romandro took out a new notebook from his pocket, as if he wouldn’t say anything more. It was completely new, as it was the one he had bought after Ian had burned the previous one.

“There might be rumors from outside, so I’ll say that we’re going to my house together today. If someone who eats and sleeps in the Magic Department suddenly leaves, everyone will be curious.”

“……”

Ian didn’t answer, looking a little surprised. Romandro wouldn’t be unaware of the danger of being with him. He thought for a while, then muttered quietly.

“There’s no need to make excuses.”

“Huh?”

“We can just go for real. Could you ask my wife if tonight is okay?”

“Gasp!”

Romandro’s mouth dropped open, and his eyes welled up with tears. Then, he hugged Ian tightly and nodded repeatedly.

“Oh, of course! Of course! Vivianna will be very grateful. Thank you, Ian.”

“I’m the one who should be grateful for the invitation.”

“You don’t know. Really, thank you.”

Romandro’s heart broke every time he saw his wife struggling. But, if Ian visited the mansion, wouldn’t Vivianna be less stressed now? Romandro sniffled and hugged Ian tightly again.

Squeeze.

Ian looked a little awkward, then smiled faintly and patted his back. An unknown emotion. It wasn’t something to be sorry about, but he wanted to say sorry. It felt like something to be grateful for, but he couldn’t say thank you.

Ian didn’t know what to say, so he just kept accepting Romandro’s sobs.

* * *

The eight-person dining table was filled with food. It was so full that there was no space left, and it was even stacked on top of each other.

Ian looked back at Vivianna, holding a fork and knife. She was still not done, and the wife was holding a silver tray.

“Madam?”

“Yes, Lord Ian?”

“There’s too much.”

“It’s okay. Please eat a lot.”

Vivianna smiled, saying this was the last one.

Romandro and Vivi were so stunned by the table setting that they had never seen before, they were frozen in place. Seeing them like that, they looked like a perfect father and daughter. Ian smiled softly and picked up his fork and knife.

“Then, I’ll enjoy the meal.”

“Yes. Let’s all eat.”

“Thank you for the meal!”

“I’ll eat well, honey.”

Ian elegantly cut the chicken and put it in his mouth. Then, he tasted it quite carefully and praised Vivianna, as if he was satisfied.

“It’s delicious, Madam.”

“Really?”

“Of course. I wish the palace chefs could see and learn from this. You’re amazing.”

And then another bite.

Vivianna, who had been watching Ian diligently eat with a pleased expression, finally burst into tears. She smiled and kept wiping away her tears, gesturing to Ian that she was sorry.

“I’m sorry. While you’re eating.”

“…It’s okay.”

She was sorry and grateful. And she kept thinking of her dear friend Philia, whom she had lost because of her mistake. She was proud, pitiful, and the world seemed too cruel, but on the other hand, she was glad that Ian was there… It was such a complex emotion.

Romandro got up from his seat and stood next to Vivianna, wiping away her tears.

“What are you doing, honey, at the dinner table?”

“I know. I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Madam.”

Ian put down his knife and called out to Vivianna.

“Take the burden off your heart. It’s not your fault. I think so too, and my mother will think so too.”

“…Yes. I understand.”

“The food is very delicious. I hope you come back before it gets cold.”

Vivianna nodded several times and left the dining room. To cry her heart out and wipe away her tears for the last time. Romandro followed her, and only Ian and Vivi were left in the dining room.

“How have you been, Vivi?”

“Yes. I’ve been the same, going to school every day. I wonder how Roel is doing?”

Vivi asked, adjusting her glasses. She had been sending letters to Hiel, but she didn’t really expect a reply. Roel had gone deep into the Great Desert.

“Probably.”

It was a fact that Vivi didn’t know that Roel had gone blind. Ian smiled bitterly and drank some water.

Vivi kept fidgeting with her fingertips and watching Ian, as if she had something to say.

“Is something wrong?”

“Well, you know.”

That’s when it happened. Romandro, who had gone out to comfort Vivianna, came back in with a smile. From Vivi’s point of view, it was close to an intrusion, and the child ended up shutting her mouth.

“Aha- Ian! You were eating.”

“How is Madam?”

“She said she’s going to wash her face. She’s fine now, so don’t worry. Vivi, you weren’t eating either?”

“How can I eat when Mom is crying like that?”

“Well, yeah. Hahaha. Okay, it’s getting cold. Let’s eat.”

Ian glanced at Vivi with a puzzled look, but the child had changed her mind and didn’t show the same signs as before. What could it be? It seemed like she was about to say something.

“Vivi, are you okay?”

“Yes? Oh, yes!”

He asked casually, but Vivi waved her hand, saying it was nothing. Eventually, Ian also lost interest and focused on his meal.

Soon, Vivianna brought out some good wine. It was their first drink in a long time. As the adults’ glasses clinked, Vivi’s head also tilted back.

It was almost midnight. Romandro signaled to Ian that it was time to get up.

“Honey, we’ll be going now.”

“Please both of you be careful.”

“Thank you, Madam. Today’s meal was really great.”

“Please come again. You’re welcome anytime. Really.”

Vivi also rubbed her sleepy eyes and greeted Ian.

“See you again. Please let me know if you hear from Roel. Haaam.”

“Okay, Vivi, take care. You can come to the Magic Department anytime.”

It meant that if she had anything she wanted to say, she could feel free to say it. Vivi sniffled and nodded slightly.

‘No. I can’t. It’s better to keep it a secret.’

“Then, we’ll be going.”

“Honey, go to sleep soon. You’ve worked hard. I love you.”

“Dad! Me too!”

“Oh, of course, I love my darling daughter.”

Kiss!

Vivi couldn’t understand it at all. How could the beginning of her autobiographical novel have nonsense like ‘Ian Hiel was an emperor from the future’? She had never imagined or written anything like that!

‘If I get caught, I’ll be in big trouble, right?’

The child decided that it was better to keep it a secret and not tell anyone.

“Bye-bye.”

Ian and Romandro waved their hands and disappeared into the darkness.

Oh