Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 799

“Ian, say ‘ah.'” A mage hesitantly held out a spoon, and Ian frowned. At that reaction, another mage pushed forward, offering a fork with fruit on it. Unable to watch any longer, Romandro grabbed the mages by the scruff of their necks and pulled them away. “Are you all completely crazy?” “Why! If you’re sick, Romandro, we’ll do this for you too!” “I have Vivianna!” “Ian doesn’t have Vivianna!” “Ugh, stop making such a fuss and go do your work! Ian can eat perfectly well on his own.” It had been three days since Ian regained consciousness. He could now eat by himself, walk a little, albeit slowly, and, most importantly, hold a pen. This meant he was handling urgent matters while lying on the sofa. Romandro flipped through the reports on the table, checking if the signatures were correct. The handwriting was neat, though the pressure was not as strong as before. “Romandro, I think I can attend the afternoon council meeting. Please inform them in advance.” “Don’t push yourself. His Majesty ordered you to rest completely.” “I’m fine. If I keep lying down, I’ll feel worse.” “I, well, I understand what you mean…” “The Prime Minister is also absent, so the Minister of Magic can’t be absent as well.” Ian leaned back against the sofa and sighed softly. Honestly, he thought he was hallucinating. When he came to, the Hawan rebels had been dismantled, the Eastern mages were imprisoned in the dungeon, and the Prime Minister was under house arrest. Ian struggled to turn the page of the report. ‘The reason for the Prime Minister’s house arrest is confidential.’ He didn’t know if it was just for appearances or if there was another issue. But at least the most pressing matter, the import of firearms, had been postponed indefinitely, so he could consider it roughly settled. “Hey, Ian.” “Yes?” Romandro looked at Ian worriedly and asked, “Are you really okay?” All the renowned physicians in the Imperial Palace had examined him, but they couldn’t diagnose a specific illness. Therefore, they could only assume it was a side effect of magic, but the problem was that there was hardly any data on the magic of pursuit, so the mages couldn’t help Ian’s recovery. All they could do was keep sharing their magic power. “Are you worried?” “Is that even a question?” “I’m fine. As you can see.” Ian smiled faintly and held up both hands. His wrists, exposed from his sleeves, were too thin. Romandro’s nose tingled, and he picked up the spoon and fork the mages had left behind. He thought it was more important to get him to eat something. Knock, knock. “Ian, His Majesty the Emperor has arrived.” “His Majesty? Show him in.” However, the sudden appearance of the Emperor caused the spoon and fork to lose their purpose. As soon as the door opened, Jin strode in and looked at Ian. He was clearly relieved just to see him sitting up. “Ian!” “You’ve arrived.” “Please, sit. I’m so glad you’ve recovered.” Jin was overjoyed and approached Ian. In fact, when he first received the news that Ian had regained consciousness, he wanted to rush over immediately, but with the Prime Minister absent, he had no time to leave his post. “Thank you for your kind words.” “No, I’m the one who’s grateful.” Jin nodded as if everything was settled. If only Ian recovered, the Imperial Palace would continue to enjoy spring days without any trouble. He was the true Bariel that Jin desired. Jin placed his hand on the back of Ian’s hand, expressing his previous regret. “The payment of support funds to the veterans has begun. In addition, there will be commendations for the Ministry of Magic, and Ian, I’ve been thinking hard about what I should give you.” “I’m fine. If there’s anything you would give me, please distribute it to the mages.” He knew he would say that. Ian, who was the Minister of Magic, didn’t even have a house. Jin smiled again, thinking he was indeed a role model. Romandro, who was listening, also sniffled as if he was impressed. “I mean it, Your Majesty.” Ian added, as if their reactions were a little funny. He was someone who would return to the future someday, so what did these commendations mean to him now? But Jin shook his head. “You may think so, but I can’t. Ian, I’m going to grant you a new title of Count and provide you with a mansion in the center of the city.” With all the suspicions cleared, all that remained for him was the merit of defeating the Underground God. He wanted to give him the title of Duke, but it was thwarted by strong opposition from the vassals. The Duke was the highest of the noble titles, and in fact, it was mainly held by the royal family from the collateral lines. No new ducal family had appeared since the fall of Hyman ten years ago. “I, I, Ian! That’s great! Oh, no. I shouldn’t call you that anymore.” Romandro stammered, as excited as if he had received the title himself. But Ian’s reaction was calm, as if he was contemplating something. Jin looked at his face, tilting his head in confusion. “Why do you look like that, Ian?” Aren’t you happy? At his question, Ian just smiled awkwardly. “I apologize, Your Majesty.” The surname Hielo was not in Ian’s Bariel. He should be returning the existing title and erasing his name from history, but a Count? And a mansion in the center of the city? This was not what Ian wanted. “Ian?” “Your Majesty, may I ask you something?” “Anything.” “Do you trust me, Your Majesty?” When something happened in Hawan, he had concluded that it was not the Ministry of Magic’s doing based on his word alone. He had placed the Prime Minister under house arrest in a situation where the balance of the Imperial Palace was disrupted, and furthermore, he was granting him the title of Count. This was impossible without trust. Jin answered without hesitation. “Of course.” Jin thought he understood Ian’s intentions. What he had said to Erin in Tolun, and all the things that had strangely created discord and tension in the Imperial Palace, were all intentional acts by Ian for his sake. Ian smiled and nodded. “I see.” “That’s a strange question.” “Your Majesty, earlier you asked me if you were worried about me. I think my mind is still confused after overcoming the recent crisis.” As Jin looked at Ian in confusion, Romandro intervened to mediate the situation. They both seemed to think that Ian was truly unwell. “I’m happy, Your Majesty.” After a long silence, Ian offered a quiet word of thanks. Jin responded with a smile. “You’re saying too much.” “But I still cannot accept the title. I will also refuse the mansion.” “Why?” Ian patted Jin’s hand. Their time together flashed through his mind. The child who was fascinated by his magic orb. The child who was abandoned by his mother and cried with a torn face. The child who climbed the main palace stairs with him, looking forward to his first council meeting. The child who first scolded his vassals, saying he was a prince… “Because I’m grateful.” “Ian.” “Because I’m grateful, I will give it to you.” “…I don’t understand.” Ian’s life was short. This was a clear fact. And the cleaner his traces here were erased, the more unchanged his Bariel would be. “I mean to give you everything that has been given to me.” Just as Jin trusted Ian, Ian also trusted Crony. Now, Ian was by Jin’s side, but someday he would be left alone. But what if a guy like Crony appeared by Jin’s side then? Jin would surely be able to distinguish right from wrong, but breaking trust would not be easy. Ian himself had experienced it. “I will give everything I have to create a truly perfect Bariel for Your Majesty.” Literally everything. He didn’t know what it was, but now was not the time to ask. Jin was so moved that he couldn’t speak, and just held his hand tightly. “Thank you, Ian.” “Please, just trust me, Your Majesty.” “Of course. I trust you without a doubt.” Romandro’s eyes welled up at the heartwarming scene he had witnessed for the first time in a long time. He dabbed at his eyes with his sleeve and comforted Ian. “Ian, even if it’s just for show, shouldn’t you accept the title and mansion, considering His Majesty’s sincerity?” “Please do so, Ian. At least for my sake.” “Absolutely not. I’m really fine.” Ian answered with a brighter smile than ever before. “There won’t be any complaints from those around us. If I were to become a Duke, I would have no choice but to accept it for the sake of Your Majesty’s reputation.” Jin and Romandro paused for a moment. They sensed a sharp intention in Ian’s words. It was as if he was saying that the commendation was not great enough to consider his reputation, and at the same time, he was asking for the title of Duke, not Count. Ian tilted his head as if asking why. “Please don’t misunderstand, Your Majesty.” “Ah, yes. Of course.” “I really have no desire for a title. In fact, I’m thinking of returning the Hielo territory as well.” “Return it? Why?” At the sudden shocking confession, Jin and Romandro’s minds were immediately diverted. The reaction they had just paused was gone, and they were focused on Ian’s statement. Ian freely used rhetoric that completely shook his opponents. “Since I haven’t been able to care for the Hielo territory, the previous tragedy occurred. If I’m going to continue working in the center, I think it’s right to send Hielo away to find another owner.” A slightly subdued voice. Ian was not unfamiliar with his current behavior. It felt similar to when he first opened his eyes in Bratz, when he was acting to deal with Derga. The only difference was that somewhere in his heart, he felt a stinging discomfort. “Your concern is valid, but…” Jin trailed off. How could someone who was going to return his territory have the title of Duke in mind? His previous statement must have been a mistake because Ian was unwell. “It’s been over ten years since I’ve taken care of the territory. The Thousand Tribes of the Great Desert are still busy recovering, but since my sister has become the leader, there’s no need to worry about invasions and conflicts.” In other words, there was no longer a reason for Ian Hielo to be the owner of that land. “I’m more disappointed.” “It’s okay. Instead of returning it, I would like to receive a lump sum payment.” “That’s something to discuss with Minister Quintana. Let’s calm down first and discuss it slowly.” “Yes, Your Majesty. I was planning to attend the council meeting this afternoon anyway.” “In that condition?” “It’s not difficult for me to sit. Since the Prime Minister is also absent, it’s right for me to keep my place.” “There is no one who thinks of Bariel as much as Ian.” “You flatter me, Your Majesty.” Ian bowed his head lightly, thanking him for the compliment. Then, he casually asked about one of the matters he had overlooked. There were so many things to handle. Really, it felt like the remaining four months wouldn’t be enough. “By the way, how is Siao-shi doing these days?” “Siao-shi?” “I’ve heard some good rumors. About Lady Chloe.” “Ah.” Jin chuckled. It seemed like something quite enjoyable had happened. Ian also smiled, following him, but his eyes were subtly cold. When Romandro glanced at him worriedly, Ian nodded, saying he was fine. As if he was just tired.