Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 878

“Hoo…”Ian and Romandro stepped out of the Emperor’s bedroom. Unlike Ian, who remained calm, Romandro slumped, breathing heavily. It was his first time being so close to the Emperor.

Ian patted his shoulder and asked, “Are you alright, Romandro? He seemed kind, just as you said.”

“Y-yes. Well, it’s not about whether he’s kind or not for me. It’s more like, ahem, a natural reaction for a salaried official.”

“Your legs giving out?”

“You’re still young, Ian, so you don’t understand. *Sniff*.” No, maybe he’ll never understand? What could a noble child, destined to become a court mage from a young age, possibly fear? Romandro wiped his sweat with a handkerchief, while Ian struggled to pull him up, grunting.

“Can you get up? Should I call Hanna?”

“No, I have to get up. I can’t exactly roll away…” Romandro dusted off his pants and stood up, then followed the chief of staff outside.

Ian wanted to see the portrait from earlier again, but he realized the path had changed. Was the way in different from the way out? The Imperial Palace was truly a complex and fascinating place.

“Romandro, can I learn more about the history of Bariel?”

“You’ll learn it step by step when you go to school, but do you want to get ahead?”

“It’s partly to get ahead, but mostly to satisfy my personal curiosity.”

“Hmm. Just a moment.” Romandro stroked his chin, pondering Ian’s answer. The Imperial Library was right next door, so he thought about borrowing some books and giving them to Ian. He was only five years old, but Romandro believed Ian could read them.

Just then, Hanna and the coachman were seen by the carriage. Romandro waved his hand. “Hey there!”

“Is your schedule finished? Shall we head to the Magic Department?”

“Did they tell you to come straight from the Magic Department?” The coachman shrugged at Romandro’s question. “There was a message that the Magic Department is too busy, so we should wait for a while.”

“That’s good. Then we’ll stop by the library for a bit, so wait here. Ah, what about Nersarn?”

“Nersarn hasn’t left the Imperial Palace yet.” That was unexpected. The death of a thousand-year leader wasn’t really a big deal in the Imperial Palace.

Even Nersarn himself didn’t know why he had to deliver the message in person, so Romandro thought he would just deliver it and leave. Romandro tapped his fingers, acknowledging the message. “Ian, this way.”

“Yes!” Ian waved to Hanna and followed Romandro, trotting along.

As they entered the palace connected to the main palace, the atmosphere changed drastically. It felt more business-oriented and chaotic. Ian held onto Romandro’s sleeve tightly, sticking close to him so he wouldn’t get lost.

“Excuse me.” Just then, someone approached Ian and Romandro and greeted them. It was a man in uniform with a sword at his waist. Ian instinctively became wary, wondering if he was one of Chrony’s subordinates from the Imperial Defense Force.

“Are you perhaps Master Ian Hadel?”

“…Yes, but how did you know?”

“I apologize for the late introduction. I am Herch Zak, the second son of Count Zak. I guessed it was you when I saw Romandro with a child I didn’t recognize.”

Herch Zak. So, he was Count Zak’s son. “And more than anything, you look just like your mother, Lady Zeria, so I recognized you right away.”

Ian lowered his head slightly in courtesy, and Herch gestured for his subordinates to step back. “I hold one of the three positions in the Imperial Guard. I’m a mana user [a person who can use magic]. We’ll be seeing each other often. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“You’re in the Imperial Guard?”

“Yes. I’m tasked with being the Emperor’s sword and shield by his side.”

“Then, are you also a magic swordsman, Herch?”

“That’s right.” Herch crouched down and gave Ian a kind smile. He had come to the Imperial Palace at such a young age.

Some might think it’s amazing or enviable, but Herch knew it was a sad thing. Just five years old. Thinking about how close he was in age to his own children, the child had entered such a cold place too early.

“Since we’ve met, let me introduce you around. Do you have time?” Herch turned to Romandro, who waved his hand dismissively, saying it was no problem.

“Ian is very interested in the history of Bariel, and we were on our way to borrow some books. The Magic Department seems to be in chaos right now, so we were looking for a place to spend some time.”

“That’s perfect. The other three commanders are currently with the Emperor, so I can’t introduce you to them-” Ian searched his memory. The Emperor’s chambers had felt so empty and quiet. There were no people, no furniture, no decorations, but the three commanders had been there the whole time? That was a bit surprising.

“-but it would be good to make eye contact with the other members. Magic swordsmen and mages have a lot in common. They both wield the power of mana, and they both work in the central institutions of the Imperial Palace, so they often work together.” Herch slowly introduced each of his subordinates by name, and Ian made eye contact with each of them, determined to memorize their names. After the brief introductions, Herch opened the office door and led them inside.

Squeak.

“Commander Herch, you’re here? And who is this…? Is this your child?”

“I only have three daughters.”

“Ah, my apologies.” Ian exchanged glances with the members and looked at the badges on the wall. They filled the entire wall. There must have been hundreds of them…

“These are to honor the past members of the Imperial Guard. All members of the Guard wear these badges, and when they face a moment where they must risk their lives, they take them off to leave a trace.”

“…That’s amazing.” Ian stared in awe at the hundreds of names. All these names belonged to those who had given their lives for the Emperor and the Imperial Palace… An overwhelming sense of respect washed over him.

‘…Dying for someone.’ For some reason, Ian suddenly thought of his mother. When you think about it, she had died for him as well. After a moment of silence, Ian unintentionally spoke his thoughts. “How can you do that?”

Herch’s eyes widened slightly. The child’s question was not easy to answer. After a moment of thought, he replied, “We all cherish the Bariel Empire and His Majesty the Emperor.”

If it’s for something you cherish, nothing is too precious. Ian nodded at Herch’s explanation. Then, he clenched his fist tightly. His mother must have cherished him so much to do that.

“Ah, here.” Herch pointed to a badge, telling him to look at it. “This is an ancestor of the Zak family.”

Ian leaned closer and read the name. “…Cedric Zak.”

“If we were to judge his talent as a magic swordsman, he was the best in history. He was a commoner, but he was awarded a title for his countless achievements and founded this family.” Cedric Zak. Ian checked the names displayed next to his name.

‘Jaylott, Barsabe…’

“In honor of these people, our Zak family has a custom of inheriting their names. I named my daughter Barsabe.” Ian frowned, realizing that they had all lived in the era of Jin Verosian.

“…” Then, Ian’s gaze stopped at one place. The child carefully touched the badge and murmured, “…Berik.” It was a name that resonated deeply. For some reason, it was a name he kept repeating. It was strange. He couldn’t explain the emotions that kept rising, and it was frustrating and difficult.

“He was a great man as well. In many ways.”

“In many ways?”

“He was Cedric’s senior and mentor. He was an alien named Atan, and he is a historically significant figure.” Could he learn about this too? Ian looked at Romandro, his eyes showing that he wanted to go to the library soon.

“Ah, well, we’ve seen everything, so shall we go now?”

“Yes, please. Will you be coming to the Count’s residence later, Master Ian?” Ian nodded at Herch’s question. “I’m going to thank the Count for his help and tell him about my mother. I’ll be staying there for a while.”

“Staying? Don’t say that. Lady Zeria’s, I mean, your mother’s son is my son and my father’s grandson.” “…Thank you.”

“You’re the same age as my daughter, so I hope you become good friends. Then, I’ll guide you out.” Herch opened the door and saw Ian and Romandro off. The two of them said goodbye to the Imperial Guard members and headed to the library, soon returning with their arms full of books.

“Oh my, what are all those…” Hanna and the coachman were startled by the sight and ran up the stairs. The books contained a wide variety of information. First, there were books related to the founding myths of Bariel. Ian smiled, showing his teeth, as if he was satisfied.

“Hanna, there were so many books in the Imperial Library!”

“A-are you going to read all of these?”

“It’s just the story of Bariel’s founding.” It would take a lot of time to learn a history spanning over a thousand years. Hanna and the coachman loaded the books into the back of the carriage and helped the child into the back seat.

“Then, we’re heading to the Magic Department now!”

“Okay, let’s go.”

“Oh my, finally the Magic Department!” Romandro leaned back against the seat, exhausted, saying it had been a long journey. On the other hand, Ian sat up straight, focusing on the direction the carriage was heading. The Magic Department, what a grand and exciting place it must be! Ian shrugged his shoulders, suppressing the laughter that was bubbling up.

* * *

“I’m gonna die, I’m gonna die. We’re all gonna die here!” “Then you should have met the deadline.”

“What? Are you saying that now? We mages should stick together!” “Has anyone seen the stamp on my desk?”

“No, seriously! Why do you keep writing documents like this! Are you trying to pick a fight with me? Huh?!” Thud! Bang!

Ian stopped abruptly at the commotion he heard from afar. He hadn’t even entered the Magic Department yet, but how could he hear shouting? And why were they saying such things? Ian’s expression, which had been full of anticipation, gradually cooled down.

“Let’s go up the stairs, Master Ian.” “Um, Romandro, is it okay to go in now? It seems like there’s a problem.”

“Huh? It’s quiet compared to usual? It’s okay, this way.” This was quiet? Ian followed Romandro with a blank expression, as if he couldn’t believe it. Romandro continued to explain.

“This is the main building of the Magic Department. Unlike other buildings, it’s characterized by not having a clear number of floors.”

“You mean you don’t know how many floors there are?”

“That’s right. Magic is the power of God and the mystery of the world, so anything that deals with its source is not clear. Ah, but that’s an exception.” Romandro pointed to the right. It was a small annex that looked relatively new.

“That’s the Magic Department’s annex. It’s where various materials and supplies are stored.”

“Yes.” Ian glanced at the Magic Department’s annex and realized that the stairs had ended. A vast lobby. It was chaotic with mages scattered everywhere and staff running around busily.

“Ahem! Romandro, I’m back!” He shouted at the top of his lungs, but no one paid attention. As Romandro mumbled awkwardly, “Ian Hadel is here too.”

Stop. The mages simultaneously stopped and turned to look at Ian. It was as if time had stopped. Ian, who had been clinging to Romandro’s side, became nervous and looked around. The gazes of the mages directed at him were unusual.

But that was only for a moment. “Ah. What? Why did you come so early?” “Is this early?” “We’re busy, let’s talk later.” Watching the mages walk past with cold indifference, Ian bit his lip. It wouldn’t be easy. He had to do well.

Tap! Meanwhile, the mages also raised their eyes and bit their lips, trying to control their fluctuating emotions. Seeing this, the mages inside the office approached and asked, “Ian Hadel is here?” “Yeah. In the lobby.” “How is he?” “How is he? Well, he’s just a kid…” A kid who is the first noble mage or whatever…

‘H-he’s so cute!’ The mages maintained their composure and shouted inwardly. They had the dignity of mages, so they couldn’t make a fuss while drooling! Everyone else was acting normal, so they couldn’t be the only ones making a scene!

“Ahem.” They were still clumsy at expressing themselves. The mages just looked at each other and coughed, then quietly went back into the office as if they had agreed to do so.