Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 871

Crunch! Crunch! Romandro munched on stir-fried gulla [a type of food], observing the mansion’s atmosphere. Though the mansion was splendid and beautiful, far beyond what one would expect from a provincial estate, there seemed to be an eerie aura, perhaps due to the recent deaths.

Just then, Ian, Crony, their entourage, and the servants returned to the mansion after completing the burial.

‘Ah, it was truly mesmerizing.’ Romandro rested his chin on his hand, gazing at Ian with affection. When he closed his eyes, the beautiful light from before vividly reappeared.

It was the most stunning sight he had ever witnessed. If the people from the Magic Department had seen it, they would have gone wild.

‘I’m really looking forward to the future.’ Just as he was about to break into a silly grin, he noticed something strange.

‘Hmm?’ As Crony approached Ian, the servants awkwardly moved away. Their movements were unnatural, and the atmosphere was suspicious.

Romandro tossed the remaining gulla into his mouth and carefully observed the scene. He was too far away to hear what they were saying.

“Uncle Ian, may I have a word with you?”

“Yes, please speak.”

Crony lowered himself to look directly into Ian’s eyes. His eyes were slightly swollen from crying so much during the burial.

“Uncle, you must not go to the Imperial Palace.”

He sounded genuinely worried, his tone full of concern.

“The Imperial Palace is a truly frightening place. It’s not a place where a child like you can endure. Do you know what it means that there hasn’t been a noble-born mage until now?”

“…It means that all the mages in the Imperial Palace are commoners.”

“That’s right. It’s a place filled with rough individuals, not just uneducated but practically vagrants. And that’s not all. The Imperial Palace is a place where people are blinded by power and engage in all sorts of schemes. If you must go… it would be safer to enter after you’ve grown a bit more.”

“Safer…”

“I know this because I’ve worked in the Imperial Palace, and I’m telling you this because we’re family by blood.”

Crony gently grasped Ian’s shoulder. It was a warning, telling him to listen, or something terrible would surely happen.

Ian was speechless. Safety? What could be more dangerous than being with the person who killed his parents? Ian wanted to retort, but he held back and shook his head.

“Thank you for your words, Lord Crony. I understand your concern.”

“Good. Since you’re so clever, you’ll understand my meaning-”

“However, a guest has already come from the Imperial Palace, and there are procedures to follow, so I will comply.”

It was useless to say that the Imperial Palace wasn’t scary or that it seemed safe. Ian had never seen the Imperial Palace, and Crony was someone who worked there. If he did that, they might see him as a naive child and do something unpredictable. So, it was better to follow Romandro for now and postpone his decision until later.

Crony frowned, clearly dissatisfied with the answer.

“Uncle Ian, I don’t think you understand what I’m saying.”

“No, I understand. Aren’t you worried about me?”

Ian smiled brightly as he answered.

“I’ll ask for help if anything happens. Thank you.”

Annoyance surged within him. Just as Crony was about to grab the child’s arm tightly and shout something,

“Excuse me. Is everything finished?” Romandro, who had come down at some point, approached and asked.

At his appearance, Crony turned around awkwardly and nodded.

“Thanks to you, it went smoothly.”

“I’m glad it was resolved without any issues.”

“Hey, Romandro?” Crony changed his mind. Since the child didn’t seem like he would listen, it would be better to deal with the Magic Department. He gently wrapped his arm around Ian’s shoulder and said with concern,

“It’s truly amazing that Uncle Ian has the aptitude of a mage, but he’s still in shock from losing his parents… I’m worried about him going to the Imperial Palace right away.”

“What do you mean…?”

“There are inheritance procedures to take care of, and since he’s so young, I’m worried he might make mistakes because he’s not familiar with the etiquette and culture of the Imperial Palace. Perhaps it would be better for him to enter the palace after some time and sufficient training.”

It was a ploy to buy time. Before Ian entered the Magic Department, he had to resolve the inheritance issue. Why else would he have gone to such lengths? There were so many places where the Hadel family’s wealth needed to be used. If things fell apart here, it would be a real problem.

“Hmm.” Romandro stroked his chin and made a sound as if he was pondering, and Ian’s heart pounded. He wanted to shout that he wanted to go to the Imperial Palace, but he couldn’t speak because of Crony’s fierce glare.

“I-”

“Well, although Young Master Ian is young, he seems flawless at first glance. He has the basics of etiquette and manners, and above all, his magical talent is incredible. Oh, don’t misunderstand. He’s at a level where even a blind fool would rush to take him in.”

Romandro grinned at Ian, and Ian’s face gradually brightened.

“So, don’t worry-”

“Romandro. Were my words difficult to understand?”

“Yes?” Romandro paused at Crony’s sharp retort.

“There are mountains of things to handle, such as the inheritance issue. While the Imperial Palace’s cause is important, resolving the chaotic situation within the family comes first. It seems you’ve overlooked the fact that it’s only been a week since Lord and Lady Hadel passed away.”

“Ah.” Romandro nodded as if he finally understood. But after looking at Ian’s expression, he replied nonchalantly.

“So, there was such an issue. Well, Lord Crony must be busy with his own affairs, so you must be overwhelmed with cleaning up after your young uncle.”

Clap! Romandro clapped his hands as if he had a good idea.

“Then, the Magic Department will help.”

“…What?”

“Lord Crony, please go back and take care of your own business. The Magic Department will handle Young Master Ian’s inheritance issue instead. From start to finish, cleanly.”

“Ha! Look here-”

“Hey, don’t be like that. It’s also my job to accommodate the mages. As long as the inheritance tax is paid, there’s nothing complicated, right? Young Master Ian, is that okay with you?”

Instead of Crony, he would help the child, and the Magic Department would handle the Hadel family’s assets.

Ian nodded desperately. Who would be worse than the person who killed his parents, whom he had met for the first time a few days ago? When Ian agreed, Crony shouted.

“What are you saying! Are you suggesting we entrust the family’s inheritance procedures to an outsider?”

“He’s not an outsider. It’s not me, but the Magic Department doing it. Or do you not trust the Magic Department, Lord Crony?”

Crony paused at Romandro’s question. The Magic Department was one of the central departments of the Imperial Palace. It was also the core of central power, so denying them was akin to denying the Emperor.

“From the moment he was identified as a mana user, Young Master Ian is a resource of the Magic Department. Young Master’s affairs are the same as the Magic Department’s affairs, so it’s right to provide him with the utmost convenience. We will hire the best experts to ensure there are no problems with the inheritance, so Lord Crony, please don’t worry, and yes, if you have urgent matters, you may go ahead.”

Wow. Ian’s eyes sparkled. He had just witnessed what it meant to subdue an opponent with words alone, without violence. It was truly amazing. To fend off the person who killed his parents and held his life in his hands, just by standing there.

Crony belatedly realized he had made a blunder and quietly bit his lip.

“Young Master Ian?”

“Yes, Romandro.”

“If your schedule is finished, would you like to have some tea with me? We can also talk about the Imperial Palace, as Lord Crony mentioned.”

The distance to the capital was only four or five hours by carriage. The Magic Department would probably send a reply by tomorrow afternoon, so it would be good to convey some precautions beforehand.

Ian cautiously turned to look at Crony and then followed Romandro, trotting along. Crony’s glare was piercing his back, but it didn’t matter. It didn’t feel as sharp anymore.

Ian shouted towards the mansion,

“Let’s go in, Hanna!”

“Hanna hasn’t been seen since earlier?”

“Ah.” That’s right. She had suddenly disappeared after bringing the mana stone? Ian looked around with a puzzled expression and then ordered another servant to prepare tea.

“…” Crony watched their retreating figures for a long time before returning to his group. It was not part of the plan. Things had gone terribly wrong.

“…Damn it.”

“That Romandro, he doesn’t know his place…”

“What should we do, Lord Crony?”

“Now that he’s been identified as a mana user, we can’t take him away. Mages themselves are important resources, and if we’re not careful, we could turn the entire Magic Department against us.”

“Seriously… This is a bolt from the blue.”

Crony took out a cigarette, lit it, and gazed at the magnificent mansion. He had come this far, he couldn’t just leave it like this. If he couldn’t use Ian Hadel, the child was worthless. He was more of a hindrance.

Rather-

“Let’s get rid of him.”

It would be better to get rid of the child and make arrangements for the next heir in advance.

There wasn’t much time. If the child entered the Imperial Palace and awakened as a mage, it would become even more difficult, so he had to deal with it before that.

“On the way to the Imperial Palace.”

He would send assassins disguised as bandits. Although there were officials from the Magic Department, they were all ordinary people. With a little force, they could be easily dealt with.

“Understood. I will prepare.”

“Damn it, things have become complicated.”

“Let’s hurry!”

“Yes, let’s go.” The group exchanged signals and rushed out of the mansion. Crony stood there for a while, smoking his cigarette, and then slowly walked into the mansion, following Ian and Romandro.

* * *

Meanwhile, at the Imperial Palace.

The Magic Department was in an uproar after hearing the news from Romandro. Mages gathered for a meeting, led by the Magic Department Minister Arena, and they pressed their foreheads in disbelief as they looked at Romandro’s report.

“Ian Hadel? If it’s the Hadel family, aren’t they a branch of the Imperial Family? And the lord and his wife died this time?”

“That’s what they say. The lord died of a long-term illness, and the wife hanged herself the day after the lord died.”

“Wow. Crazy.”

“Well, there are rumors of other circumstances, but anyway, that’s not important. Finally, the first case of the ‘Mana User Special Protection Act’ has come up. Ian Hadel, five years old.”

“Five years old? Wow, that’s too young.”

“It’s not something to be happy about. There are many problems to solve if we want him to join the department in the same way as other mages.”

Joining the department was one thing, but what came after was the bigger problem. Work? That’s a joke. Would he even be able to count properly?

Other mages also added their complaints with dissatisfied expressions.

“Of course, there are. We’re busy enough with our work, and now we have to take care of a child?”

“And he’s a noble, right? I can just imagine how stubborn that little thing will be… It’s obvious.”

“I’m telling you in advance, I can’t do it.”

“Me neither. Find a nanny somewhere else.”

“Let’s just confirm that he’s a mana user and bring him in after some time? Even if he doesn’t have parents, he must have a guardian.”

“Well, that’s true, but…” The Minister flipped through the documents and trailed off. According to the law, the child was to be raised in the Magic Department until adulthood. It was quite a hassle. She clicked her tongue and put the report aside for now.

“Let’s think about it slowly. He’ll be coming to the capital anyway, so let’s decide after seeing the child. I have no intention of working while catering to a stubborn child’s whims.”

“Yes, understood.”

A noble birth, a five-year-old child. Just these two things were enough to imagine what kind of personality the child would have.

The mages shook their heads and sighed deeply.