Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor
Chapter 32

“Sending a son who hasn’t even been legitimized yet! This is deception!”

“Exactly! How could they stab us in the back like this!”

Ian sat back leisurely, watching the elders explode in anger. They seemed to find it unbelievable that they were treated this way during a formal event called, an alliance ceremony.

“Let me emphasize again, I am indeed my father’s son. That part is clear.”

“What about your biological mother?”

“I wonder.”

Ian gave a bitter smile to Kakantir’s question. It was a silent answer that said interpret it as you will. There was no need to mention that she was from the red-light district in this already tense situation. It wasn’t important information.

“I really want to break your neck right now.”

“But you are the leader of the Cheonrye tribe. You will surely make a wise decision.”

Kakantir snarled with a ridiculous laugh. Since he had declared to treat Ian as a guest of the empire, he couldn’t kill him now. It was a matter of principle.

‘Can we attack Bratz? No. It’s reckless now that the central army is coming down.’

“You.”

Kakantir chewed on a rolled-up leaf, bewildered. The formal address, ‘Sir,’ had long fallen from his lips, whether it was intentional or not. Regardless, the fact that Ian’s neck was still attached was proof that he was still being respected.

“Keep babbling on. Have anything more to say?”

“If the chieftain desires, certainly.”

The elders behind him grew louder. Ian smiled and continued speaking, “Ah, yes. More specifically, what tasks are to be done and how they will be carried out.”

“I hope they are interesting. Enough to clear up the noise in my head at once.”

Kakantir’s gaze fixated on Ian’s throat, seeming to suppress a surge of impulse.

“Let’s assume. If I become the Count Bratz with the help of the Cheonrye tribe, I will turn Bratz into the most powerful territory in Bariel.”

“Why?”

“Because that’s the only thing that can support me, are you all, people from the borders.”

“And then?”

“Once I gather enough power, I’ll head to the central capital, specifically to the imperial palace.”

Kakantir’s brown eyes flickered. What was this little thing saying? Going to the central capital? That meant voluntarily walking into the mouth of the empire.

Even if one set aside what he would do there, what would happen to a territory left vacant by its lord? It would fall into decay, either due to internal corruption or outside invasion.

“That’s the reason why I crossed the desert without fleeing, even though I haven’t been legitimized. Kakantir. We need to change now.”

True alliance and peace.

Not simply exchanging trade goods and being tied by numbers and letters. Someone a lord could trust. It meant seeing the Cheonrye Clan not as barbarians on the frontier but as allies.

“I’m not sure if it’s interesting, but at least they cleared my thoughts.”

“Glad to hear it.”

As Kakantir began to chew on another rolled leaf, Nersarn raised his hand.

“Sir Ian, there is one thing to point out.”

“Please speak.”

“Will there be time for Dergha when the central army arrives? Time to send a message, I mean.”

Wow. Ian almost felt like applauding. Kakantir, you have a quite remarkable person at your side.

The chieftain’s secretary had a deep thought, mentioning a point no one else had considered.

“Probably. The investigation will be carried out, so the time will be roughly two weeks. Essentially, the central forces will definitely be deployed.”

“Then, it’s all more problematic.”

“Nersarn, what is it?”

Neither Kakantir nor the other elders could figure out what the man meant.

“A cornered rat will even bite a cat. If there is no chance for him to escape, the only thing left for Dergha is execution, and annihilation. If given the opportunity, he would certainly raise an army to oppose. And then…”

“…he’ll ask for help from the Cheonrye tribe.”

They had just formed an alliance through an official ceremony a few days ago. Kakantir nodded as if he finally realized.

“We cannot refuse.”

“Indeed. Especially just after the ceremony.”

Politically, it was an action that shouldn’t be taken. Breaking the alliance without a reason would be like proclaiming the Cheonrye tribe as barbarians.

This could later provide an excuse to the empire. Kakantir found this situation unpleasant. Either way, it looked like they were being played by the empire.

“The alliance is the problem. Because of the alliance, our position is difficult. We need to solve this first. Isn’t there a way?”

Nersarn shook his head.

“It’s not easy.”

“Why not? They deceived us. They sent a child who hasn’t even been legitimized.”

“Kakantir, although he hasn’t been legitimized, Ian is still Dergha’s son.”

“That’s right. That’s a valid argument,” Ian chimed in with Nersarn’s words. “Besides, my father declared that I was his adopted son before the alliance ceremony. Plus, they don’t know that I colluded with the central to delay the investment, so even if we raise an objection, it will be useless.”

“It sounds like you’re urging us to kill you. Keep talking.”

“I have a way.”

The hall fell silent at Ian’s proclamation. Kakantir also firmly shut his mouth, waiting for what was to be said next.

“All history is built upon justification. And all justifications are made by people. I will create it for you.”

“What do you mean?”

“The justification to sever the alliance, the peace pact. Also, the justification to refuse help when Dergha requests it.”

Then, Ian picked up the gureut leaf placed at the corner of the table, his eyes strongly stating that this was the answer.

“My father secretly instructed me. When I briefly return to Bratz on my birthday next year, to smuggle in the gureut leaves.”

“Unbelievable. Haha!”

At Ian’s rapid responses, Kakantir burst into real laughter. It seemed his determination to cross the desert was indeed no lie.

“It’s the lord himself who commanded smuggling. Even the gureut leaves, an absolutely prohibited item, through the alliance ceremony, which is a symbol of peace. Isn’t this enough?”

“Yes, it’s more than enough. A backstabbing that doesn’t feel good even when avenged. Do you have proof?”

“Unfortunately, there’s nothing immediately visible. But this can also be confirmed through Chief Winchen.”

With this action, they could vehemently object, even leveling accusations of bribery. Objecting? No, simply nullifying their agreement without discussion, leaving the other party with no say in the matter.

“Of course, I never intended to do so (breaking the alliance).”

“What you said today is something you should swear to God, not just to Chief Winchen.”

“If you wish, I will do so.”

“I’m going mad. These Bratz people…”

He believed he couldn’t be deceived by Ian, a descendant of lesser significance, much like the foolish Chel, another offspring of Dergha. Furthermore, Ian’s personal handwritten letter had only strengthened this conviction.

But look at the atmosphere now. Isn’t this blond foreigner with green eyes leading the leaders of Cheonrye right now?

“…Is that all you want? A declaration that the Cheonrye tribe stands behind you?”

“That’d be enough. I’ll take care of the rest.”

No matter how they looked at it, it was a faultless deal. On closer inspection, it could even be seen as somewhat favorable for them. In the worst case, Ian would lose his life, but the Cheonrye tribe would just return to the desert. If the central powers invaded, they would just have to fight with the desert on their backs.

He added a final thought, tapping the table. “We have no intention of shedding blood for you.”

“Neither do I want that.”

“Aren’t you afraid of death?”

“Not at all.”

Ian’s confident attitude. Kakantir asked out of pure curiosity. The young one’s demeanor even overwhelmed the warriors of Cheonrye.

“I woke up once after dying.”

“What a noble resolve.”

It was not a metaphorical expression, but Kakantir did not realize it. Anyway, how could the man have known? That Ian was living a second life and that this meant he was under divine protection.

And there was still a hidden card.

That he was in fact, a magic user.

“Write down everything the Cheonrye desires, including the pursuit of Silasque, on paper.”

“We have ample time. Coordinating will be an enjoyable task.” Ian smiled warmly, expressing his thanks, and then looked at the council member who was still standing, blankly observing the situation. “Aren’t you going to prepare the medicine?”

“Huh? Ah, yes! Let’s go! We must go!”

The council member jumped up, startled, grabbing the pot. They were going to first give one root to observe the effect. They could decide later how to use the rest.

Whether to cultivate the Silasque for future generations, or to present to Winchen depended on the current war situation.

“Then I shall leave as well.”

Ian also approached the tent entrance. Kakantir caught him and asked, half without expectation. His rough tone had also softened significantly.

“Sir Ian. Is your intent going to the central capital related to the imperial’s essence?”

From Kakantir’s standpoint, Ian was a truly curiousity. While Ian’s father was a noble of the frontier, but his essence was related to the imperial palace? It seemed that clues were on the mother’s side, but Ian just smiled, knowing he didn’t expect an answer.

When he stepped outside, the whole tribe had gathered, their ears pricked.

“He’s out!”

“I heard a loud noise inside, but he didn’t die.”

“Wow, it’s true.”

As Ian and Beric approached, the crowd parted like a red sea. Among them, he saw a familiar face. It was Soo. Ian approached her and asked for a favor.

“Soo.”

“Huh? Uh.”

“If you have time, will you help us?”

“What …?”

Her eyes, bewildered at first, soon shone like stars at Ian’s words.

“Beric’s training.”

* * *

“Idiot! Slowpoke!”

“Will you shut up?”

“Even a desert ant would be faster than you!”

“Really, f*ck! If I catch you, I’ll really break your nose!”

Swish!

Ian watched from the shade, eating fruit, as the sandstorm blew. There was a trail made by Beric’s clumsy steps and Soo’s movements. The two had been running under the blazing sun for two hours, yet neither showed signs of fatigue.

“Beric! You okay?”

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“…Never mind.”

“Don’t talk to me! Damn it!”

Swish!

He’s certainly quick to adapt and accept. He’s already adjusted to the heat after only a few days. He seemed to have acclimated to the heat in just a few days. Furthermore, being in this environment, the sand made the training even more intense.

“Beric. You’re really something.”

“It’s because my foot keeps getting stuck!”

“Ah-ha? Really? I’m not having any trouble? How much fat must be on your legs for only you to get stuck?”

“This is muscle! Damn it!”

“Yeah, yeah. Sure.”

Shrik! Shh!

While the two kept exchanging blows, Ian relished in the sweet and refreshing fruit. He had planned to carefully trap the Cheonrye tribe, but thanks to Silasque, the situation was resolved quickly and easily.

Until they returned to Bratz, all Ian had to do was enjoy the desert. Ah! What a real gift from God to relax like this after so long.

“Sir Ian.”

Then, one of the tribesmen approached Ian, holding a tray with new wine and Ian’s pot.

“Winchen-nim has finally opened her eyes.”

“Oh. Is that so?”

Winchen had fainted while extending a greeting to Ian. A small amount of Silasque’s concentrated liquid was dribbled into her mouth, and though recovery was gradual, it was definite. Her pulse returned to normal, her convulsions stopped, and her complexion began to improve.

“That’s a relief.”

“…Thank you.”

The nameless tribesman cautiously conveyed his thanks. The celebratory atmosphere was unmistakable and seemed to surpass that of any ordinary festival. Ian simply acknowledged it by taking a hearty gulp of his wine.

“Well, we will hold a formal welcome party for you soon.”

“Really? It doesn’t seem much different from a feast right now.”

“…Anyway, thank you so much. Everyone is grateful to you, sir.”

“Don’t mention it.”

“Oh, and by the way, we found this when we were moving the soil.”

He handed over the pot. Inside the empty pot was a necklace, silver with a pumpkin-colored gem.

“This is yours, right, sir Ian? Did you hide it?”

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