Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 812

Parise, the representative of the Luswena delegation, awkwardly looked around and focused on cutting his food. He had come to the grand dinner hosted by the Emperor with tension and anticipation, but was this it? Aside from the clinking of silverware, not a single word was spoken.

“……”

The mainstays of the silence were none other than the Emperor and the Minister of Magic.

Prince Noah, also taken aback by the unexpected situation, kept cutting his vegetables with his fork. If he ate meat at a time like this, he would surely get indigestion.

Meanwhile, Kayla put a piece of appropriately sized meat into her mouth, actively observing the Emperor and Ian. She had planned to initiate a conversation if their eyes met, but the two were completely focused on their meals.

“Ah, excuse me-”

In the end, it was Parise who bravely broke the silence.

Unlike the firmly allied Vergos and Clifford, Luswena was in an absolutely subordinate position. With the fate of their nation hanging on this peace treaty, they could not afford to waste precious time, even if it meant risking his own neck.

“Your Majesty, I thank you once again for inviting us to the beautiful Imperial Palace of the Great Bariel. We have offered a small but sincere tribute, and I hope it meets with your approval.”

Jin took a bite of meat and stared intently at Parise. His gaze suggested he was debating whether to make an issue of it or let it pass.

A strange silence followed, and the corners of Parise’s mouth, which had been forced into a smile, began to tremble. But then, Jin gave a small nod and replied. Fortunately, he had decided to let it go.

“Luswena’s sincerity is well received.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I am glad to hear you say so.”

“Is everyone enjoying their meal?”

It was practically the first greeting he had offered. Prince Noah and Kayla gave perfunctory smiles. Would they be?

“Representative Kayla.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You requested to receive the body of King Damon.”

“I would be grateful if you would allow it.”

“Of course, I grant it. It is of no use in Bariel. Then, it would be best to execute King Damon by poison.”

Jin glanced at Ian. He continued to eat his meal as if nothing was amiss, oblivious to his inner thoughts.

“However, there is a condition.”

“Please, anything you ask.”

Kayla replied as if she had expected it.

Prince Noah and Parise exchanged glances. It was a signal to prepare themselves, as the real negotiations were about to begin. After Vergos, it would be Clifford and Luswena’s turn.

“Recently, there has been a sharp fluctuation in the market price of mana stones in Bariel. It has been normalized immediately, but I think it would be good to establish a systematic countermeasure in the future.”

“That is a wise decision. Vergos will also do its best to help if there is anything we can do.”

“The beginning of market price stabilization is based on a smooth supply. I demand a tax exemption on all mana stones and fifteen raw material items traded with Bariel.”

Kayla immediately understood the Emperor’s view on the Ministry of Magic’s monopoly on mana stone distribution. It was a clear opposition.

This was in line with Kayla’s opinion. The tax exemption was a bit painful, but Vergos was, after all, a defeated nation. They had no choice but to comply with Bariel’s demands until their internal affairs stabilized.

“If you agree to this, I promise full support for the development of mines within Vergos.”

Mine development would become Bariel’s lifeblood. At the same time, it would greatly help to revitalize the economy and industry within Vergos.

Kayla thought this was a reasonable deal. They had so many expenses, from paying war reparations to recovery and reconstruction.

“The reparations will be the same as previously stated. The period is ten years. In addition, Vergos will cede the Caritona and Alton regions in the east, establish Bariel consulates in ten major cities, including the capital Calamat, and station diplomats dispatched from the central government. Furthermore, the flag of the new Vergos dynasty will be bestowed by Bariel. Do you agree?”

Parise’s vision spun. It wasn’t his country’s issue, but this was too ruthless. He was afraid of Luswena’s turn, which was soon to come.

“I agree.”

On the other hand, Kayla answered very simply. She was determined to sacrifice anything for the launch of the new dynasty. Well, even though she had Vergos blood, she was born and raised in Bariel, so it was understandable that she had no qualms.

“And Luswena.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“You all……”

Jin trailed off, as if he had too much to say. It was understandable, considering they had not only launched a preemptive attack on Bariel but also violated the Dragon Sacred Inviolability Treaty.

“Luswena will also pay the full amount of reparations within ten years and cede the Hailerner region in the west and the Alcon region in the north. In addition, all trade tariffs will be abolished, and a consulate will be established in the capital Elvasa. Furthermore, all black armor will be surrendered, and the related manufacturing technology will be discarded-”

Parise’s vision darkened as the list of Luswena’s obligations continued. But what could he do? He could only lower his gaze and listen quietly.

The only fortunate thing was that the Bariel side did not demand hostages. This was the same for Vergos. It was clear that they intended to receive all reparations in material resources only.

“Finally, 30% of the reparations received from Luswena will be transferred to Clifford. Other matters will be negotiated independently between Clifford and Luswena, but the content must be shared with Bariel. Do you have any objections?”

“No, Your Majesty.”

“This is the general content of the agreement. And-”

Was there more? As everyone was surprised, Jin turned to Ian. Ian smiled as if he had been waiting for his turn.

“The core content of the magic-related clauses that will be common to all three countries is as follows: all Idgal [a type of mana stone] possessed by each country will be collected and delivered to the Imperial Palace. No contact with magicians from continents outside of Gaia will be made without Bariel’s consent. Furthermore, new technologies, including firearms, need to be handled under the leadership of Bariel.”

Isn’t it simple? Ian added, putting the meat into his mouth.

“Detailed items for each country can be checked at your accommodations. If you have any objections, you can speak up at any time, but please do so by the night before the main ceremony at the latest.”

The night before the main ceremony was now. He was indirectly saying that they should just shut up and sign.

Ian smiled and raised his wine glass. The finest wine brought from Clifford shimmered.

“Let us create a peaceful Gaia together with the Great Bariel. Glory to His Majesty.”

“Glory.”

“We will do our best.”

“I agree.”

As everyone raised their glasses, Jin also had no choice but to raise his. Wasn’t he being too mean for someone who wanted his glory?

As they lightly clinked their glasses, a beam of light flashed at the entrance.

“Minister Ian.”

“Yes, Representative Kayla.”

“Would it be possible to meet King Damon briefly after the meal?”

“He cannot speak.”

“I am aware, but conversations are not always conducted through voice alone.”

She seemed eager to talk to the last survivor of the Lunkvis royal family. Whatever meaning or intention she held.

“I understand. Let’s go together. There are still things to sort out anyway.”

It was also to release the frozen Rutherford, not just Damon.

Kayla nodded gratefully. Over her shoulder, Jin’s angry gaze, having emptied his glass, glared at Ian.

* * *

Damon looked out the window. The only scenery he was allowed was the arched entrance of the building and a single evergreen tree. To feel the change of seasons, it was better to look at the sky.

He had been imprisoned in the magic tower for a long time, but he could roughly guess the situation from the soldiers’ chatter. The war was completely over. And Bariel had won.

‘The end.’

What did this mean? For Damon himself, it meant there was no next life, and for Lunkvis, it meant eternal defeat.

The vow to tear Ian Hiel to pieces and bring down Bariel, if not next time, then the time after, had long since faded.

Clank.

Damon turned his head at the sound of the lock opening. It was Ian. His appearance was still the same.

Ian thought the same when he saw Damon. Except for his slightly longer and rougher hair and haggard appearance, Damon was the same.

“Damon, it’s been a while.”

“……”

Instead of answering, Damon looked at the person standing behind Ian. It was a woman in a wheelchair, and for some reason, he burst out laughing. After the mute king of Vergos, was it the crippled king?

“King Damon Lunkvis, I greet you. I am Kayla Holin.”

Ian instructed the soldiers to bring Kayla inside, keeping her at a distance from Damon. It didn’t matter now whether Damon took his own life or not, but Kayla’s safety was important. Damon’s body also had to be intact.

Damon sat on the old sofa and raised his head, as if asking what was going on. Ian walked past, tapping the newly added furniture with his fingertips.

“Your death has been decided. As a courtesy to the former dynasty, you will be given poison.”

It was ridiculous that they had kept him alive for over ten years and were now killing him because he was no longer of value. Poison? He couldn’t taste the bitterness since he had no tongue. Thankfully.

“Representative Kayla, here is a pen and paper for written conversation. This is Bariel’s property and cannot be taken outside.”

It was Ian’s way of saying that he would review it after the conversation. There wouldn’t be anything special, but it wouldn’t hurt to know.

A magician outside sent a signal. Ian turned to look at Damon as he left the bedroom. Damon’s eyes blazed, as if telling him to say something, but Ian left the room without saying a word.

“Rutherford?”

“He’s downstairs. The preparations for unfreezing are complete.”

Squeak.

When the door opened, Rutherford was seen lying calmly with his eyes closed. His limbs were tightly bound by mana sealing stone shackles.

Ian ordered everyone to leave, just in case.

“Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes.”

Then, he opened the lid of the potion that Acorella had made.

The magicians cautiously stepped back, and Ian slowly poured the potion into his mouth. His complexion seemed to return little by little, and then the eyelids of the man who had been closed began to flutter.

“Rutherford. Are you conscious?”

He stared blankly at the ceiling and then realized that his limbs were bound. Was it the underground prison of Agiar? Or-

“This is the Bariel Imperial Palace. The war is over, and you have been defeated. As a price, your execution will be held tomorrow.”

“…Oh.”

He was back again. To the Imperial Palace.

Rutherford let out a small sigh as if resigned. It was somewhat pleasing that the soul that had been eroded by infinite reincarnation was coming to an end. However, it was regrettable that he had failed to destroy Bariel, the object of his resentment and hatred.

Rutherford looked up at Ian and muttered.

“Well, maybe it’s a natural result. Unlike you, who came from the future, I came from the past.”

“……!”

Ian’s eyes widened. He had overlooked it. While everyone in Gaia had lost their memories by being rained on or drinking the rain, Rutherford had been frozen.

Ian smiled in relief.

“That was close.”

It would have been a problem if he hadn’t sent the others away.

Rutherford frowned, not understanding the meaning of that smile.