Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 803

“Very well.”

Unlike Ian, who seemed quite satisfied, Count Davion looked as if he might collapse at any moment; his complexion was terrible. Even when Chloe subtly nudged her father, he remained blank, lost in thought.

Then, with a clink, the sound of Ian placing his teacup down made the Count finally blink. The Count and the young lady looked up at Ian, who had risen from his seat.

“Then, how about we conclude our meeting here today? It would be best to set a separate date and place to discuss this important connection.”

“Ah.”

Damn it, damn it, damn it. Wasn’t that a reference to a formal meeting between families? As the Count’s face contorted, Chloe’s face lit up with a bright smile. Unable to contain her joy, she jumped up and down, patting Beric and Romandro on their shoulders.

“Kyaaa! Oh my god, this is so great!”

“Ah, yes, yes. Congratulations.”

Unlike Beric, who calmly accepted her pats, Romandro winced, looking like he was about to cry from the pain. Anyway, as the two clapped, Ian gestured slightly to everyone, signaling them to calm down.

“Young Lady Chloe, if you have any belongings, please bring them out.”

“Belongings? Why is that?”

“You can return to the Count’s mansion and wait for further contact.”

“Return?”

“Did you think you would stay here?”

Even so, there were many people around who were watching and listening. It wouldn’t be good to create more gossip here.

Chloe hesitated, looking back at her father. She seemed worried that even though Ian was there to help her now, she might be trapped again once she returned to the mansion.

Nevertheless, Ian reached out his hand to Chloe, signaling her to follow him.

“It’s alright, young lady.”

He would take care of such problems.

It seemed she didn’t bring any luggage. It was a love escape, so it was understandable. Ian chuckled and guided Chloe and the Count outside.

“I will visit you in person soon, young lady. There are still many things we need to discuss.”

He was referring to the fact that if Ian helped Chloe succeed in her marriage with Siao, he would grant her request.

Since it wasn’t a favor without a price, Chloe was even more pleased. She grabbed Ian’s hand and muttered resolutely.

“Of course. Anything, yes, please come and tell me.”

“I am grateful that you say so.”

“Siao!”

Chloe clenched her fist and shouted. Beric, relieved that the noisy people were finally leaving, was already sprawled on the sofa.

“I’ll be back!”

“…Go carefully. I will contact you.”

“Yes. I’ll be waiting. Father, come here! Why are you walking so unsteadily? You’re going back as you wished.”

Count Davion walked out, staggering as if he was half out of his mind. The people of the Davion family, who had been anxiously waiting, rushed to the two of them and were startled by the Count’s condition. Regardless, Chloe yelled.

“Let’s go!”

“Ah, young lady, where are we going this time?”

“Where else? The mansion, of course. Quickly, escort my father to his carriage.”

“Y-you’ve finally come to your senses!”

“Yes. I was foolish; this wasn’t the time for that. Let’s call the dressmaker right away and commission a dress.”

“Huh? A dress?”

“Hurry! Hurry!”

Neigh!

The people felt like something was wrong, but they escorted the Count and fled from Siao’s mansion as if they were running away. As the carriage disappeared, the surroundings became quiet as if a storm had passed.

“C-congratulations, Siao!”

The first to pat Siao on the back was Romandro. As the only married man among them, he was genuinely happy that Siao was starting the second act of his life.

Siao nodded slightly and replied.

“Thank you. And Ian-”

Ian, who was checking to make sure everyone had left, also looked at Siao.

“Thank you so much.”

From the slave market to this place, if it hadn’t been for him, his life would still be trapped behind bars. He had met a new world by meeting him, which was a grace that could not be expressed in words. Ian waved it off lightly as if it was nothing.

“You’re welcome. It is His Majesty’s consideration.”

It also meant that if he wanted to repay the favor, he should do it to His Majesty, not him.

Meanwhile, Beric approached Siao and examined his eyes again.

“Ian, but is Siao really from that noble family? I’ve met all sorts of people, but I’ve never seen anyone with odd eyes except for Siao.”

“It’s hard to say. The Laali family was destroyed a long time ago. But that’s why it was suitable.”

Suitable? Beric scratched his head, but Ian just smiled faintly. He poured the remaining tea and drank it. The tea was good. It was the highest quality tea that Siao had obtained for Chloe, and it suited Ian’s picky taste well.

Romandro watched Ian enjoying it and glanced at the tea label. It would be good to have it stocked in the Magic Department! It was a worthwhile thing to do after a long time.

“Neither the claimant nor the verifier can prove anything. Now that it has come to this, Siao, you just have to enjoy it.”

“Enjoy it? I don’t think that’s appropriate.”

“If I were you, I would have immediately used the existence of the Laali family as soon as I found out about it. You’re too honest.”

This was a positive assessment, but negatively speaking, it also meant that he was not good at scheming. If he was going to work closest to the Emperor, he needed to have some flexibility. Ian didn’t add any more words, but instead, he raised his eyebrows slightly as if giving a piece of advice.

“When Minister Tweller returns, he will likely support the theory that you are a descendant of Laali, so you don’t have to worry and just focus on preparing for the wedding. Romandro.”

“Huh?”

“Romandro, could you help him a bit?”

“Ah, yes! This is my specialty.”

“Romandro, you’ve only been married once.”

“You crazy bastard, of course, I’ve only been married once, would I do it twice?”

“Agh! That’s why I’m saying, don’t act like an expert when you’ve only done it once!”

Since Siao didn’t have a family, there would be many difficult aspects. Romandro said that he and Vivianna would take care of it, and he grabbed Beric’s hair.

Ian watched them and lightly raised his teacup. It was as if he was making a toast.

“And who knows? Maybe Siao, you really are a descendant of the Laali family.”

“……”

Siao recalled his mother’s blurry face. It was too long ago, and the time they had spent together was too short, so he couldn’t remember. Was she also odd-eyed? He didn’t know.

“Anyway… thank you.”

Ian ignored Siao’s blunt gratitude. It didn’t sound like it was directed at him. It was a praise from someone who was so happy now that he was grateful for his very existence, directed at his parents.

Ian smiled and thought. If his parents had heard it, they would have been even more grateful.

“Oh, by the way, Ian.”

Beric, whose hair was now disheveled, turned around and asked.

“What were you going to ask Chloe earlier?”

“Young Lady Chloe! How can you still mess up the honorifics when you’re a commander?”

“Didn’t you see Chloe punching us earlier? We’re already friends. Her punches were no joke. I still feel like I’m under the influence of Acorella [a type of magical herb]. Siao, if you get married, treat her well. If you get hit on the back, oh man. I’d die.”

“Hey! Beric, stop being rude!”

This time, Romandro grabbed his cheeks and squeezed them together. But even while doing so, he seemed curious about Beric’s question. He glanced at Ian, as if wanting to hear the answer.

“Ah.”

Ian replied as if it was nothing.

“I was thinking of a proposal, and it seems like it would be easier to pass if we gather our positions. Siao, the Davion family will also make a decision based on their own interests, so you don’t have to worry.”

“I’m not worried. Because it’s you, Ian.”

Ian paused at Siao’s nonchalant reply. Why did the words ‘I trust you because it’s Ian’ bother him so much?

Ian emptied his teacup and stood up again.

“Then, we should go back too.”

“You’re not feeling well. Thank you for coming.”

“I’ll be fine as long as I don’t use magic.”

At those words, Romandro pursed his lips as if he was displeased. He said he was fine, but no one knew. Not even the imperial physicians.

Beric patted his hair and warned Siao.

“Everything worked out well, so return to your post immediately. It’s killing me that two Imperial Guard Commanders are missing, and it’s all because of you! Me! Alone! Huh? Damn it. Rubbing salt in the wound.”

“Beric, you should find someone too.”

“Ah, is it something you can find just by looking?”

“That’s true. It’s not easy for you.”

“Why? I’m handsome, I have a good personality, and I make good money.”

Ian, Siao, and Romandro, who were heading towards the entrance, stopped abruptly. They all had dumbfounded expressions. When they turned around, Beric himself looked embarrassed.

Romandro put on his coat and refuted him one by one. He said, you’ve been caught, don’t say such nonsense.

“You’re ugly, you have a terrible personality, and you make good money, but you spend it all on food. You, man, if you meet your match, you’ll have to serve them.”

“Hmph. Many people say I’m cute, you know?”

“Who? Who says that? Are they all blind?”

“Would you know them if I told you? Hehe, pfft.”

“See, I told you.”

Beric stormed out and got into the carriage first. Then, Ian and Romandro got in, and the coachman cracked the whip loudly.

“Anyway, congratulations again! Let’s keep in touch!”

“Hurry back to your post!”

Even as they were leaving, they stuck their heads out of the window and shouted loudly. So loudly that the passersby were startled.

Siao smiled faintly and waved at them.

* * *

Neigh!

Beric got off in front of the main palace, and the carriage carrying only Ian and Romandro stopped in front of the Magic Department. The waiting mages rushed over and opened the door themselves.

“Ian, have you returned safely?”

“Yes. Were you all waiting?”

“Of course. Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

“It’s just unnecessary worry.”

Ian replied, but everyone knew. His steps going up the stairs had become noticeably slower. It was clear that his physical condition was not the same as before.

Should we just get rid of these stairs? The mages felt sorry for him and pressed their lips tightly. Ian looked back at them, puzzled.

“Report.”

If they had come down here to wait, it meant they had something to report, right? At Ian’s instruction, the mages composed themselves and answered.

“Ah, yes. A divine message has been received from the Carbo Temple.”

“What did it say?”

“The answer regarding the execution was interpreted positively. It seems we can proceed according to schedule. The delegation from Vergos is scheduled to arrive next week. It seems other delegations will not be much different. But-”

The mage flipped through the report and added.

“Another divine message has been received.”

“Another one?”

“Yes. But the meaning is ambiguous, so they couldn’t interpret it.”

Ian stood in the middle of the stairs and received the report. In an instant, his eyes widened.

-Since you know everything, do not fear the rain.

“It seems like there will be heavy rain this year, huh.”

“This matter will also be dealt with at the general assembly.”

“…Okay.”

“Ah, and also.”

It was when Ian was about to go up the stairs again. The mage looked towards the annex site and said.

“Timothy has arrived. It’s about the start of the construction of the Magic Department’s annex. He is waiting in the Minister’s office.”