Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 809

“Ugh, it’s hot.”

Even as Chloe fanned herself, she made sure her hand was turned so the back of it faced outward. A servant brought cool tea and a fan, but she just blinked her eyes coquettishly. She kept showing off the ring by waving her hand in front of Kayla, making sure it was visible.

At this point, Kayla had no choice but to back down. This crazy woman would probably stay like that for hours until she got what she wanted.

“What’s with the ring?”

“Oh my! You saw it? Oh, my, it’s so sparkly that they say it can be seen from far away. You might have heard, but I’m getting married to Sir Siao Shi.”

‘Figures! Unlike Chloe’s usual taste, the gem is so simple! It suits Sir Siao Shi’s character very well!’ she wanted to shout from the bottom of her heart.

However, Kayla just forced an awkward smile, tensing her tongue. She had to do this to find out about the deal between Ian and Davion.

“…Congratulations.”

“Ohoho! Thank you. So many things happened, but in the end, I overcame them all and found happiness. Actually, Minister Ian’s help was huge. Sir Siao Shi is very close with Minister Ian, you know.”

“I was wondering about that anyway-”

“Well, they say he’s giving the Hielo territory to Sir Siao Shi. And you know there’s a mine in Monne, right? It’s very accessible because it’s close to Hawan, the Great Desert, and even Luswena. They say our Sir Siao Shi is going to manage such a prime piece of land!”

It was hard to bear, but the reward was immediate. She got to hear firsthand how Ian had helped Chloe.

After taking a sip of tea, Chloe chattered on and on, as if she was having the time of her life.

“That doesn’t mean Minister Ian is someone who handles things emotionally, right? You know that too, right? Instead of just helping us, he asked for one thing.”

“What is it?”

Chloe raised her eyebrows as if intrigued.

“He said he’s going to propose a bill. About the royal marriage.”

“Royal marriage? Does that mean he’s looking for an empress?”

“Yeah. You know the Emperor has a lover, right?”

“I don’t know if she’s his lover, but I know he has a woman in his heart.”

Kayla vaguely knew of Eirin. She had heard that she was a holy knight from a commoner background, and that her achievements in the war were enormous. On top of that, the Emperor had her in his heart. Even she, who was in Vergos, knew about it, so it was no exaggeration to say that everyone in Bariel knew.

“Anyway, there’s no reason for my family to oppose the royal marriage that Minister Ian is pushing for. From the Imperial Family’s point of view, it’s also more stable for the country to quickly establish an empress. Frankly, it’s unsettling that the Emperor is the only one in the Imperial Family’s bloodline. Even though the war is over, no one knows what the future holds, right?”

“…That’s true.”

“It felt like we were getting a free ride, but what can we do if that’s what he wants? Kyahahaha!”

As Chloe burst into laughter, Kayla glared at her. She’s so happy. Like a fool. Anyway, she was relieved that it wasn’t about the magic stone distribution, and Kayla also breathed a sigh of relief.

‘But, will it work?’

Has there ever been an empress from a commoner background in Bariel’s history?

Kayla and Chloe had given up, but there were so many noble ladies in Bariel who were suitable for the position of empress. They would all be vying for it with their eyes burning, but would there be enough justification to push Eirin forward while pushing them back? The war wasn’t fought by Eirin alone.

“But Minister Ian is also very strange. I can’t guess his next move. To try to influence even the empress’s position. Isn’t that too much?”

“He even gave away his territory. Now that he has nowhere else to go, he must be planning to spend his whole life in the Imperial Palace. It’s natural to seize an opportunity when it arises.”

For Eirin, a commoner, to rise to the position of empress, the Emperor’s trust alone would not be enough. She would need a force to help her, and judging by the way things were going, it seemed that Minister Ian would play that role.

The prestige of the Ministry of Magic was already so high that it had reached the heavens, but if he also took control of the empress’s backing….

“He’s amazing.”

Kayla clicked her tongue. Ian Hielo. He was always someone who reached beyond his limits. She became even more convinced that the monopoly of magic stones should not be handed over to the Ministry of Magic. Once the balance was tipped, there would be no way to reverse it.

“People tend to feel a little restless after they’ve been sick. So, I think he’s trying harder.”

“Are you talking about Minister Ian?”

“Yeah. There are rumors that his magic isn’t what it used to be. He looked the same when I saw him a few days ago, though. You and I both know how important magic is to a mage. Maybe he’s trying to compensate for that? Assuming the rumors are true.”

Chloe smiled brightly. Whatever the case, it was certain that Minister Ian holding power in the Imperial Palace would have a positive impact on her and Siao Shi’s marriage. She could think about what to do after the marriage later.

“Magic, huh…”

Kayla muttered as she put down her teacup. Ian losing his power was not a simple matter. It would bring changes to the complex and tangled international relations. Kayla thought it would be good to find out about this when she entered the palace.

As the conversation came to an end, Chloe fanned herself again and laughed.

“Ugh, it’s so hot today! Ohohohot!”

“Chloe, maybe the jewelry doesn’t suit you? You keep saying it’s hot, so I’m worried. Did Sir Siao Shi buy something strange? It’s hard for ordinary people to distinguish lower-grade magic stones.”

“That can’t be-”

“Ah. Did you buy it yourself?”

“You, really-!”

“Just kidding. If you keep feeling hot, make sure to ask Sir Siao Shi to change the ring. You’re going to wear it for the rest of your life, so what if it keeps doing that?”

Having heard all the information she needed, Kayla couldn’t hold back and blurted out everything that was on her mind. Chloe’s eyes flashed, and Kayla also raised her chin and snorted, ‘Hmph!’ Go ahead and brag all you want. Do you think I’ll even blink?

The butler, who was entering the reception room with desserts at that moment, subtly stepped back at the unusual atmosphere.

* * *

Prince Noah stopped in his tracks as soon as he saw Ian smiling at him.

It must be a sign of welcome. He was a delegate from another country, and the prince of Cliffopord. It was natural to greet him with a smile….

‘Why does this feel so ominous?’

Prince Noah rubbed the back of his neck without realizing it and looked at Ian with a sullen expression.

“It’s been a while, Prince Noah. Is there anything that’s bothering you?”

“No, it’s just that I haven’t recovered from the journey yet.”

“I see. You must have had a hard time coming all this way.”

“Hello, Minister Ian.”

“Envoy May. It’s been a while indeed. It’s been since the Luswena Palace. I’m glad to see you’re well.”

The carriages they had brought were filled with Cliffopord wine and treasures from the Luswena Palace. Gifts from an allied nation and tributes from a defeated one.

While the mages and palace staff were moving and organizing them one by one, Prince Noah gestured to someone.

“Sir Parais. Please greet him. This is the Minister of Magic of Bariel, Sir Ian Hielo.”

“Greetings, Minister. It is an honor to meet you. I am Count Toolo Parais of the eastern region of Luswena.”

He was a short, thin man. He looked to be in his mid to late thirties. He bowed politely and waited for Ian’s greeting.

He was a suitable person selected by Cliffopord from among their friendly forces. He was also someone who was helping with the Luswena recovery, and someone who would exercise his vote in the peace treaty. Ian extended his hand, showing his welcome.

“You’ve come a long way.”

“It’s nothing. It is an honor once again. And I would like to apologize for the mistakes of the previous dynasty. I am truly sorry for the tragedy in the Hielo territory. Although there is nothing we can do now, I hope this will be of some small comfort….”

At Parais’s signal, the servants opened the back of the baggage carts wide. It was gold and silver treasures prepared separately as compensation for the Hielo territory, in addition to what was offered to the Emperor. There were many sparkling things that made the passing mages gape.

‘That’s quite a lot.’

It was the fate of a defeated nation. To bow to the one who had destroyed their palace, offer jewels, and apologize. Parais knew that Ian was a key power in the Imperial Family, and he had willingly emptied all his vaults to buy his favor.

“Hic! What is all this?”

Romandro also glanced into the carriage and turned to Ian with a surprised look. This, this, there is such a thing as natural luck. Some people struggle their whole lives without being able to buy a single house, while others sell their territories and burn all their money, yet money keeps rolling in from somewhere?

As Romandro looked at Ian with envious eyes, Parais smiled with satisfaction.

‘I heard he has a strong sense of loyalty. Even if I do this, he will surely say to offer it to His Majesty the Emperor-’

“I’ll take it.”

“Pardon?”

“I said I’ll take it.”

Ian nodded, saying he wouldn’t refuse, and instructed Romandro.

“That’s not an offering, so please set it aside.”

“Ah, I understand.”

Good. I had a lot of things to spend money on these days anyway. Ian seemed to have no hesitation, as if he was thinking just that.

At that unexpected reaction, Parais glanced at Prince Noah. It was as if things were going a little wrong from the start.

“His Majesty the Emperor’s workload is heavy, so you will greet him at the evening banquet. Until then, please rest and recover from your journey. If you need anything, please let us know.”

Ian guided Prince Noah and Envoy May, and another mage took charge of Parais. He seemed a little flustered as the building split, but there was no other way.

“This is-”

“It’s the same building where Prince Noah stayed before. You’ll be reminded of your previous memories.”

So many things really happened. Noah chuckled and stepped inside. But Ian stood there without any sign of leaving, looking at Prince Noah.

“…Sir Ian?”

That’s right. I knew something was strange from the moment Sir Ian greeted me with a bright smile. It wasn’t for nothing that I felt a chill down my spine.

“I have something to tell you.”

“…That’s scary.”

“Why do you say that? How do you know what I’m going to say?”

“Please, sit down. Judging by the fact that you’re doing this as soon as we arrived, it seems urgent.”

“It’s not so much urgent, but it’s an important matter to coordinate.”

At Prince Noah’s invitation, Ian smiled and sat down at the table.

Ian was surprised when he saw Noah’s face. He hadn’t had a good look at his face in Luswena because things were so urgent, but hasn’t this guy changed at all? His dark, tanned skin and orange hair were still the same. His aura had matured a bit, though.

Ian got to the point.

“Currently, His Majesty the Emperor is the only direct descendant of the Imperial Family.”

“That’s right.”

“The war has also ended successfully, and the time will come when the stability of the Imperial Family will become the stability of Bariel. To solidify this, it is important for His Majesty the Emperor to quickly find a spouse.”

“Why are you….”

Noah thought about something and then jumped up in horror.

“My younger siblings?!”

“Your Highness. The princesses are too young, aren’t they?”

“Exactly! That’s what I’m saying!”

They were only thirteen years old now? It had been ten years since he had ridden on Beric’s back and played horse. The position of Empress of Bariel was an unparalleled opportunity, but Prince Noah could never accept it. How could he send such a small child?!

“That’s what I think too. And above all, His Majesty has someone else in his heart.”

“Oh, really?”

“However, the situation is a bit difficult.”

Noah coughed awkwardly, feeling embarrassed that he had jumped to conclusions. The situation is difficult, so what? Why is he telling me that?

Ian smiled brightly and added.

“You’re not asking. What the situation is.”

“I thought it would be annoying if I knew.”

“I like that you’re honest. I’ll tell you.”

“No, it’s okay, I said?”

“I think it would be good to get help from the Cliffopord Royal Family on this matter.”

“Our Royal Family? Why?”

Ian tilted his head as if he didn’t remember.