Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 872

“Romandro, please get the clothes on top.”

“This one?”

“Yes, thank you.”

At Ian’s request, Romandro placed the clothes on the bed. As the small, adorable outfits spread out, Ian examined them thoughtfully.

Romandro had explained that once Ian went to the capital, he wouldn’t be able to return to the mansion for a while—or, more accurately, not at all.

‘I can’t trust anyone except Hanna.’

Later, when he could protect himself, finding the traitors wouldn’t be difficult.

But until then? It seemed wise to hide in the Imperial Palace or the Magic Department, as far away from the mansion as possible.

“What are you pondering so deeply? They’re all wonderful and beautiful clothes. You should take them all.”

“…Wouldn’t it be better to minimize luggage since a place to stay hasn’t been decided yet?”

“Usually, mages commute, but Ian’s case is special, so I’m not sure what will happen. But whether you stay in the Imperial Palace or find a mansion outside, this much clothing is manageable, so don’t worry too much.”

“Th-then, I’ll take them all.”

As Ian neatly folded the clothes with his small hands, Romandro helped him. ‘Why isn’t there a servant to assist?’ he wondered. Just then,

Knock knock.

“Young Master, it’s Hanna.”

Hanna peeked her head in, announcing her presence.

Ian, spotting her, glared with a sulky expression. ‘How long have I been looking for you? And now you show up! I’m organizing clothes here!’

“Where were you?”

“I’m sorry. Th-that is-”

Hanna glanced at Romandro, who was folding clothes, oblivious. ‘Should I tell him?’

“The mana stone for learning went crazy, I think… It kept making strange noises. It didn’t stop even after several hours, so I hid in the warehouse.”

“Mana stone?”

Romandro tilted his head, puzzled. He didn’t seem to suspect that she had tried to cheat during the mana appraisal. He laughed heartily, as if it were nothing.

“Ah, it must be because Ian’s mana is too strong. Young Master, I’m so excited. You will surely be a person who will go down in history.”

Ian smiled awkwardly, and Hanna snatched the clothes from Romandro’s hands.

“I’ll do it! You’re packing, right? Is it just clothes we need to take?”

“For now, yes. If there are any books or items you want to take, send them downstairs. The luggage cart will arrive tomorrow morning.”

“Understood.”

Just then, a messenger bird flew in through the window. It was probably a reply from the Magic Department.

“Then, please take care of the packing. Young Master, I’ll be going now.”

Romandro bid farewell to Ian and left the room. Soon, shouts from the Magic Department staff could be heard from outside the door. They were calling for Romandro.

Creak.

Thud.

“Haa, the tension is finally gone.”

As the door closed, Hanna slumped down and muttered. She couldn’t believe that Ian was a mana user and that they had overcome Crony’s scheme. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Ian packed his favorite books and dolls into his bag and said,

“Hanna, you pack your things too. You’re the only one coming with me.”

“Me too?”

“Of course, did you think I’d go alone?”

“Of course not!”

At that reaction, Ian chuckled and opened his jewelry box. Inside were precious jewels left by his mother, the family seal, various keys, and certificates.

Hanna took out the mana stone from her pocket and placed it inside.

“Ian, this contains Crony’s group’s secret conversation.”

“Secret conversation? What kind of secret conversation?”

“They were talking about the Lord’s assassination. It was in the drawer, so the voices are a bit quiet and cut off, but… it should still be evidence.”

Ian’s eyes sparkled as he picked up the mana stone. Seeing the child’s unusual reaction, Hanna grabbed his hand.

“Are you going to use your mana?”

“Huh?”

“It took hours just to stop it. Ian, wouldn’t it be better to check it when you’re more skilled at using mana? Or at least when you’re in the capital, when no one is watching?”

There were too many eyes and ears in the mansion. If Crony found out about the mana stone that could be used as evidence, who knew what he would do? Ian nodded, taking Hanna’s advice to heart.

“I understand.”

“By the way, it seems like there are no more blockages after using your mana once.”

“Yeah. Something changed naturally. Romandro said that the ‘path of the soul’ has opened. He said that once I’ve become aware of my power, I can use it freely from now on. Isn’t that amazing?”

“Yes. You’re truly amazing.”

Hanna’s heart ached with pride for Ian. How proud would the Lord and Lady have been if they had seen this? She wished they knew that their beloved only son was a mage.

“Okay. Hurry up and pack.”

“Yes! Ian!”

Hanna hugged Ian warmly and then began packing energetically.

Seasonal clothes, handkerchiefs knitted by the Lady herself, shoes, valuable accessories, and the child’s favorite outfits. She neatly reorganized what Romandro and Ian had haphazardly folded, packing everything tightly into the travel bags!

Her hand movements were indeed different. Ian was impressed and exclaimed ‘Ooh’ with a small smile.

* * *

“Is everything loaded?”

“Yes, this side is full.”

“There’s quite a lot, haha.”

“We also packed the doctors’ things…”

In front of the Hadel mansion, about six carriages were lined up. It was bustling with people moving busily, because not only Ian and the Magic Department were going to the capital, but also Dr. Kelly’s group.

Since the patient who came for treatment had passed away, there was no reason to stay in the Hadel territory. Philia also glanced at the mansion as she loaded her luggage onto the carriage.

‘It seems Crony’s group isn’t leaving.’

Under the pretext that there were not enough carriages, Crony’s group was said to be leaving the mansion in a few days. ‘What are they planning to do, staying in a mansion without an owner?’

Crony, noticing her gaze, smiled and greeted her.

“You were Philia, right?”

“Ah. Yes.”

“Dr. Kelly says you’re unmatched in herbal medicine, that’s impressive. I’ll visit you once I go to the capital. My father hasn’t been feeling well lately.”

Philia didn’t answer and bowed her head. Fortunately, the surroundings were chaotic, so no one found it strange.

On one side, the servants were tearfully saying goodbye to Ian.

“Ian, please take good care of your health. Eat well, and don’t eat too much chocolate cake.”

“Hmph. Do you think I’m a child?”

“Yes! You’re very much a child!”

“Butler, please take good care of the mansion in my stead. It’s a four-hour carriage ride, so I can come and go in a day if I want.”

“Of course. If anything happens, please come back right away. We’ll always keep the mansion sparkling clean.”

Ian, while watching Crony, instructed,

“Crony said he would oversee the territory and mansion affairs until he arrives in the capital, but you, Butler, must check more thoroughly. Contact me when the guests leave.”

“Understood. Don’t worry about here and just think about yourself, Ian. Sigh, I’m worried if you, so delicate, will adapt well in the Imperial Palace.”

“I’ll contact you.”

Ian bid farewell to each of the servants and then turned to Crony. He smiled kindly and met Ian’s gaze.

“I’ll see you in the capital, Uncle.”

“Yes, Lord Crony. Please travel safely.”

Perhaps he found those words amusing. Crony burst into laughter and took the child’s hand.

“You should be careful, Uncle. There are rumors that bandits are rampant these days.”

He had never heard such rumors. Even Romandro, who had come from the capital, hadn’t mentioned anything.

Ian felt a sense of unease, but the coachman’s silent urging brought the conversation to an end.

“We’re departing! Everyone is on board, right?”

“Yes, let’s go! Depart!”

Heeheeing!

Ian, sitting on Hanna’s lap, waved to the family through the window. It was the first time he was leaving the territory. Fear, anticipation, and excitement thumped in the child’s heart.

“Young Master Ian!”

“Have a safe trip!”

“We’ll take good care of things here!”

People from the territory were lined up along the road to see Ian off. They were all born there and had lived their entire lives there. They deeply mourned the late Lord and Lady Hadel and knew that their only remaining son was their master, so they couldn’t help but worry about the child going to the capital alone.

Taptap!

Ian leaned against the carriage window and looked back until everyone disappeared. Romandro, Philia, and Hanna were sharing snacks and chatting happily.

The territory was soon far away, and fields and plains stretched out. Ian, fascinated by the rapidly changing scenery, kept looking outside. He was starting to feel sleepy from the peaceful view.

‘Hmm?’

Something unfamiliar caught his eye.

Far across the river, a man was riding a horse in the same direction as the carriage. He was galloping, his red and gold robe fluttering. It was clear at a glance that his horsemanship was top-notch.

‘Is he a traveler?’

He hadn’t even left the territory yet, and he was already seeing interesting people. Ian munched on the chocolate Hanna gave him, unable to take his eyes off the man. He couldn’t see him clearly, but he seemed quite large.

“What are you looking at so intently, Ian?”

“Philia. There’s a man riding a horse over there.”

“Are you fascinated by a man riding a horse?”

“Yeah. His robe is unusual.”

Philia, intrigued by the child’s words, also looked. It was indeed a robe with an exotic pattern.

But soon, the road turned, and the bushes obscured the view, and the man disappeared. Ian straightened up and asked Romandro,

“By the way, Romandro. Is the road ahead dangerous?”

“Dangerous? Bandits and robbers sometimes appear on secluded roads, but when there are so many people moving, they-”

Boom!

Heeheeing!

“… !”

No sooner had Romandro spoken than the carriage shook violently. The carriage at the front had overturned.

Romandro, Philia, and Hanna, startled, grabbed Ian tightly at the same time.

“Ian, are you, are you okay?”

“Ouch, my back. What suddenly-”

Because of the overturned carriage, they couldn’t move forward. But the road was too narrow to turn back. They were stuck in place.

Hanna, rubbing her twisted neck, looked out the window and was horrified.

“Gasp! Th-there!”

Swish!

People hidden in the bushes rushed out, brandishing swords and charging! They grabbed the coachman who was trying to escape and beheaded him. The horses, startled by this, ran around, creating chaos. The surroundings instantly turned into a scene of pandemonium.

“Kill them! Kill them all!”

“Where is he?”

“The back! Check the back!”

Clang! Clang!

The Magic Department staff drew their swords and fought back, but they were severely outnumbered. Romandro quickly opened the door and picked up Ian.

“Hanna, Philia! Run back the way we came!”

“Romandro, over there!”

“It’s okay. Those staff members are guards. Stay far away so you don’t get hurt.”

Romandro gripped his sword tightly with trembling hands. If Ian could at least use basic attack magic, it would be different, but he was just a five-year-old who had barely opened his mana. He was the only one who could protect the child.

“Neeeeeaaah!”

As the attackers mercilessly cut down the porters and doctors, Romandro closed his eyes tightly and charged. Unfortunately, he stumbled and fell forward before he could take a few steps.

In that gap, one of the attackers spotted Ian and signaled. As if to say, ‘There, that’s the target.’

Whistle!

One of the attackers, hearing the whistle, drew his bow taut. Ian’s forehead, held by Philia, was the target.

Thwack.

‘Ah.’

Ian realized. Why Crony’s group hadn’t left with them.

Peeng!

It was for an alibi. A series of deaths in the Hadel family. If Crony was always at the center of it, wouldn’t someone become suspicious?

In the end, they were trying to kill him this time. By disguising it as a bandit attack, with that arrow aimed at his forehead…

Ziiing!

It was the moment Ian instinctively released his mana.

Swish!

But in that instant, a strange man on horseback cut in behind Philia and caught the arrow with his bare hand. Very lightly and nonchalantly.

Thud.

Then, he casually snapped the arrow in half.

Philia, startled, turned around and stumbled, losing her balance. The man grabbed her arm to steady her.

“…What is going on?”

An unfamiliar accent. He didn’t seem to be from Bariel. Philia looked up at the man with the tanned skin, and Ian also stared at him with sparkling eyes.

“Ah.”

A man reminiscent of the desert-

The sunlight shone like a halo around him.