Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor-Chapter 313

“…They’re coming.”

A mage muttered.

In the distance, they could see the carriage carrying the King of Burgos approaching. The guards straightened their postures, hurrying to prepare for the carriage’s arrival, while the mages also stopped what they were doing on the steps to wait.

Screech.

“Welcome, Delegate Timothy. How was your meeting with Director Akorella?”

Timothy appeared first. As a mage held the door while asking, he merely gave a slight nod.

“Yes. Well, he seemed unwell, so we just confirmed the trade list and quantities before leaving promptly.”

“Oh? We heard she had almost recovered. If not, the attending physician wouldn’t have permitted it. Though the risk of infection is low for adults, it’s not impossible.”

“He was delirious with fever, mumbling to himself then shouting, completely unpredictable.”

The concerned mage hesitated awkwardly. The words rose to his throat that this wasn’t illness – it was Director Akorella’s normal personality.

That unstable mental state was her normal condition. Though he wanted to clear up the misunderstanding, he decided against it since there was nothing to gain.

“What about Minister Ian Hielo?”

“King of Burgos. The Minister is working in his office. He requests your understanding that he cannot leave his post.”

Damon stepped out next. They’d said he’d caused quite a commotion outside – it must have been true. His already pale cheeks looked even whiter and colder.

Damon strode ahead, his cloak billowing, followed by Timothy and his subordinates. The commanding presence emanating from his small frame. The mages bowing in the lobby felt a strange sense of déjà vu.

“Doesn’t he give off a similar vibe to Lord Ian?”

“Watch what you’re comparing. Want to die?”

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“Sure, let me pluck out your eyeballs and polish them for you.”

“No, I mean just the atmosphere, the atmosphere.”

Though they joked outwardly, everyone somewhat agreed. After the King of Burgos and his subordinates disappeared around the corner, the mages secretly peeked their heads out to follow.

“But why did the King of Burgos ask to see Lord Ian?”

“Don’t know. Heard it was a sudden request.”

Jin had been elevated to Crown Prince, and within a day, orders came to move his quarters. Even the dullest person could sense how the political situation was whirling like the wind. Naturally, everyone wondered what intention the King of Burgos had in requesting to see Ian. R̃áΝÔＢƐ𝘴

Knock knock.

“Minister. King Damon of Burgos has arrived.”

“Show him in.”

As the attendant cleared the way, Damon took a slight breath before entering. Timothy’s expression behind him was dark. Though it was a reaction born of worry from not knowing his lord’s intentions, Damon dismissed him with a nod.

“Timothy. Wait here.”

“…Yes, understood.”

If Timothy harbored other thoughts, he might interfere with the private audience. Damon lightly adjusted his collar as he entered the office. As he went in, Romandro, who had been waiting in the opposite corridor, appeared.

“Delegate Timothy.”

“Lord Romandro. Why are you out here?”

“Haha. I was kicked out. It seems our lords have something confidential to discuss.”

Romandro laughed good-naturedly while glancing at the Burgos subordinates. His look suggested he was concerned about them standing there without any hospitality. Understanding his meaning, Timothy checked his pocket watch and asked.

“Can you estimate how long it will take?”

“Well. That would be up to the king who requested it.”

“Ah. I asked a thoughtless question.”

“Not at all. If you’re amenable, instead of everyone standing here, why not move to the reception room? It’s difficult for mages to pass when you’re guarding the door.”

They were already tired from traveling outside the palace. Everyone silently looked to Timothy for direction.

“True. There’s no need for everyone to stand here. I’ll keep watch, so the rest of you can leave.”

“This way please. It’s the room right next door.”

After the subordinates left under the attendant’s guidance, only Timothy and Romandro remained in the corridor.

The silence spoke clearly. As Timothy leaned against the wall, Romandro looked around.

“Do you have something to say, Lord Romandro?”

“Not from me, but a message from Lord Ian.”

Swoosh.

What Romandro pulled from his breast was a small letter. Could it be some sort of proposal related to magic stones? Though he’d prefer not to accept it if possible, he couldn’t refuse something the minister ordered delivered personally. Timothy examined the contents with full caution.

“This is…”

“A travel permit. It’s one of the Minister’s authorities – showing this allows border crossing in and out of Bariel without other identification. For both exit and entry.”

“I know that. What I’m curious about is why give this to me…”

“For now-“

For now?

Timothy raised an eyebrow as he looked at Romandro.

Surprisingly, his expression showed he too had no idea what was going on. Though he was following Ian’s instructions, he seemed just as curious about the exact reason.

“He said he regrets that Bariel couldn’t help with the gypsy pursuit. Though we expect the gypsy crossed borders, who knows when they might cross back and forth again. So it’s meant as a gift to facilitate investigation at least along Bariel’s borders…”

Romandro unconsciously trailed off. In truth, for someone of Timothy’s diplomatic status, entering Bariel officially wouldn’t be particularly difficult. Wasn’t that why he had already secretly entered the palace before to investigate the gypsy?

But why give a travel permit for what must be such an urgent investigation? These were usually given to knights assigned border duty…

“Lord Romandro?”

“It’s nothing. Anyway, please accept this gift from our Minister. Though it’s a travel permit, records are still kept by the border guard. You understand?”

Should he accept it?

Timothy fell into brief contemplation. Since the king seemed unable to let go of his obsession with the gypsy, he might receive orders to resume the pursuit after returning home. This permit would be helpful in various ways then. How much time was spent on a single entry and exit?

Better to accept it for now. It would prove useful.

“Yes. I understand.”

“And there’s a usage limit.”

“A limit?”

“Three times total, and it counts for companions as well.”

“…I’ll keep that in mind and use it well. His Majesty will be pleased by such thoughtful consideration.”

Full of questions indeed.

Thinking this, Timothy placed the permit in his inner pocket. Romandro lowered his voice and carefully added.

“Mm. Since this is only for Delegate Timothy, please be careful not to let word spread elsewhere. It could put the Minister in an awkward position.”

“Of course. We too will put our sincerity into the magic stones we send back. We’ll specially select flawless, brilliant ones. Since they’ll be used for the Magic Department’s annex construction.”

After giving that answer, Timothy realized why the situation felt so awkward and unfamiliar. Though he was used to receiving diplomatic treatment, this was Bariel.

The strangeness now is because the roles are reversed. I should have been the one showing consideration to Lord Romandro. Could this be pointing that out? Should I offer something in return? But we don’t have extra resources right now…

As Timothy pressed his eyelids, Romandro tilted his head worriedly. He wondered why the reaction was so muted even after giving a gift.

“Are you alright?”

“Yes, yes. It’s nothing.”

Just as Romandro was about to offer to escort him to the infirmary if needed.

Crash!

A sound from inside.

Clearly something glass had broken.

Romandro and Timothy stared at each other in shock before hurrying toward the office.

Knock knock.

“Lord Ian. Is something wrong?”

“Timothy waiting here, Your Majesty.”

But there was no answer. The two men who had just been laughing while exchanging the permit immediately became alert and sharp. As Timothy placed his hand on his waist, Romandro also tensely fingered the whistle in his pocket.

“Your Majesty. If there’s no answer-“

Timothy mentally counted to three. If his lord’s voice wasn’t heard by then, they’d have no choice but to force their way in. Just as he was about to start counting.

Damon’s voice came through.

“It’s fine. It’s nothing.”

“Are you truly alright?”

“I said it’s fine. Withdraw.”

A clear command from his lord. Timothy reluctantly withdrew, unable to shake off his unease.

Meanwhile, inside the office, Ian was looking down at pieces of a broken vase. The carpet was wet, flower petals scattered about. The only light in the dim office was a single ray of sunlight filtering through the window.

“Your Majesty. Are you injured?”

“…”

“If your noble person were to be wounded, it would be troublesome for me.”

“Oh? I like that. If spilling blood could make you so troubled.”

Ian smiled faintly as he stepped past the glass shards and sat opposite Damon.

***

“Welcome, Your Majesty.”

The first thing Damon saw upon entering the office was Ian seated at his desk. He was dressed in casual clothes rather than his uniform and was just closing some documents. Though a king had entered, his gestures showed no intention of standing.

“Pardon me. Please understand the lack of formality given the sudden meeting.”

“I heard several mages collapsed – so you were one of them, Minister.”

Not standing for a king’s arrival – if not for physical discomfort, it would be an insult. Ian gave a faint smile that was neither confirmation nor denial.

“Perhaps my strength has waned from the long-prepared event. Please forgive the rudeness and make yourself comfortable. Shall I have tea brought?”

“No.”

Damon sat on the sofa and crossed his legs. As he considered how best to begin, Ian asked first.

“Perhaps there are aspects of the magic stone trade that need modification or supplementation? My apologies, but since approval will already be coming from the administration, we would have to proceed with a new agreement from the beginning, Your Majesty.”

Ian knew this wasn’t the real purpose. It was a question telling him to state directly why he came, without beating around the bush.

Damon propped his pale cheek on his arm resting on the sofa. What he needed to discover was clear.

Whether the palace knows the gypsy’s identity. If they do, whether they traded secrets and consumed mine. And additionally, whether there’s the matter of Timothy’s betrayal.

But the question was where to begin.

Ian patiently waited for Damon’s opening. Given the sensitive nature of the matter, merely bringing it up first would put one at a disadvantage. He had no choice but to probe gently.

“Minister Ian Hielo.”

“Please speak, Your Majesty.”

“I’ve heard rumors circulating in the palace. With His Majesty the Emperor in such a state, you must have many concerns. Since you’re the only one the Crown Prince can trust and rely on, I too would like to have many conversations with you.”

“There are several ministers in the palace. What am I? And above all, though His Highness Jin is young, he will fully carry Bariel forward. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to converse with His Highness rather than me?”

“That’s true as well. But don’t deny that you are the only support for His Highness, who has no maternal relatives. How can you cover the sky with your palm when such talk reaches even Burgos, a foreign nation?”

“His Majesty the Emperor stands firm, so what are you saying?”

“Firm?”

Damon smiled quizzically and tilted his head.

Though the current Emperor had lived long in his previous life, there was no law saying it must be so this time. When he’s lying down and not even showing his face.

“Minister, you seem certain His Majesty the Emperor will live long.”

Their gazes locked in earnest as he spoke in a probing tone.

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