Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 114

Chapter 114

“Ah, this hot water is divine.”

“Indeed. I had no idea our home bath was this delightful. Ha-ha-ha!”

After a long-awaited bath in hot water, Romandro and Beric leaned back on the sofa, muttering in bliss. It had been a journey where, without civilian homes, they could barely wash off the dirt with melted snow. Viviana gently smiled as she placed tea on the table.

“I’d advise further relaxation to ease the travel fatigue, but it’s nearly afternoon. It would be best to return early and rest.”

“Yes, I think so too. After all, there’s nothing special until the New Year’s party once we submit our report. Ah! But why can’t I seem to move?”

“My dear, you wouldn’t want your child to hear you exaggerating like this.”

“Eh? That won’t do! Ugh, let’s get moving!”

Romandro sprang up, briskly dusting off his clothes. On the other hand, Beric just sniffled with half-closed eyes, not hiding his reluctance to follow.

—Madame, may I also request some water?

“Of course, Hasha.”

Viviana accepted Hasha’s presence more gracefully than expected, probably because of their shared experiences in reconstruction areas before her marriage, broadening her perspective. Hasha, refreshed and dry, trembled slightly as he sipped the warm water.

“Hasha, stay and rest in the mansion. On our way back, I’ll look into arrangements for traveling to Astana.”

“Me too?”

Beric murmured in a drowsy tone, barely keeping awake.

“It’s you, Beric. Stay here with Hasha.”

“What does that mean, master? You’re being considerate, right?”

“Why? You think I’m leaving you behind because I’m worried you’ll cause trouble?”

“…Never mind then. I’m all for it! Haha!”

Beric let out a hearty laugh and then slumped into a semi-conscious state. Romandro clicked his tongue in disapproval and whispered quietly.

“Remember, on our way back, we need to buy a magic stone to check the recording on the brooch. While staying at the mansion, make sure to get whatever personal items you need.”

They had recorded Hasha’s testimony on Dergha’s brooch during their journey, which required a magic stone to play back. Ian nodded, picking up his coat.

“Alright. We’ll stop by the commercial district then.”

“…?”

The commercial district, Romandro mumbled, seemingly surprised by the term. It was commonly used by central bureaucrats, but the nobles usually referred to it as ‘the center’, ‘town’, or ‘shopping district’. For commoners, it might simply be ‘the market’.

“Ian, have you been studying in secret?”

“Studying? What kind?”

“No, never mind. Let’s go. Make sure to dress properly, we’re going to meet His Highness Mariv. Mini! Is the carriage ready?”

“It’s ready. I’ve also transferred the documents.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

Romandro left a kiss on Viviana’s cheek and stepped outside. A clean and stylishly designed carriage awaited at the front gate, replacing the worn one used for the journey.

Neigh!

While the carriage sped down the road, Ian absorbed every detail of the streets, noticing both the unchanged essence and the nuanced differences from a century ago.

‘It looks like that’s where Hayman Bank used to be. They must’ve constructed the building right from the start.’

From the man tossing newspapers while on the run to the stalls displaying fresh vegetables and meat, and even the children earning tips for lighting cigarettes, Ian felt an inexplicable surge of emotion.

Screech.

The carriage didn’t travel far before being halted by the Central Guard of the Imperial Palace, who peered inside. Romandro presented his ID and greeted them.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“Thank you for your cooperation.”

The massive gates, akin to the outer city walls, opened on their own. The city within a city. The Imperial Palace remained unchanged in Ian’s memory. Instinctively, his gaze turned towards where the Ministry of Magic was located.

“Sir Romandro, when we’re done with our business and heading back, could we stop by the Ministry of Magic?”

“Of course. The Ministry is located in the Central Main Building of the Second Imperial Palace. We might not be able to go inside, but you can get a feel for the atmosphere from the outside. To clarify, the First Imperial Palace houses the imperial family’s residences and the bureaucrats’ offices, while the Second Imperial Palace contains the various departments.”

Considering Ian’s background as a magic user, it was natural for him to be interested. Romandro pointed out directions and meticulously explained the layout.

“Over there is the Third Imperial Palace, used by the staff, servants, and slaves, and the Fourth Imperial Palace is where the central departments interact with outsiders and conduct their business…”

Ian responded with a smile, but his thoughts were solely on the Ministry of Magic. Naum had mentioned it before: when he cast a forbidden spell, the Ministry had promised an opportunity if he reported to their direct annex.

‘If I go there, I should be able to learn everything.’

Why he ended up in the body of the illegitimate son Ian, what became of Naum in the world where Emperor Ian lived, and whether he truly died or not, among other things. It felt like spotting a faint light through the dense fog of uncertainty that obscured everything ahead.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Thank you for your efforts. Let’s alight here.”

“This is the eastern building of the First Imperial Palace. May I know the purpose of your visit?”

The central guards at the entrance approached with authority, inquiring about their business. Romandro leaned towards the guards, while Ian glanced outside through the opposite window.

‘This was that Crony’s palace.’

Having never walked the path of a prince, nor having any siblings, Ian naturally used the Emperor’s palace from the moment he entered the palace, making this place, his nephew Crony’s domain.

“Ah! It’s been a while!”

“Lord Romandro! Welcome back.”

“I’ve come to report my entrance to the palace. Could you help with the luggage?”

They were at the building housing His Highness Mariv’s office within the First Imperial Palace. The guards recognized Romandro and greeted him warmly, taking the boxes of documents.

“Will you be seeking an audience with His Highness Mariv?”

“Yes, I have many matters to discuss directly.”

“Please, come inside. From what I’ve heard during the shift change, he might be out.”

“Out? Wait a moment. What day is it today?”

Romandro counted the days on his fingers and clicked his tongue. It just had to be the afternoon of the palace’s social gathering.

“Can’t be helped. I’ll have to wait a bit. It seems like it’ll be over soon.”

“Very well. I’ll call an attendant. We’ll put the documents in the office beforehand.”

Guided by the servants, they entered a reception room. True to the reputation of the Imperial Palace, everything was elegant and harmonious. Ian observed the room’s atmosphere, pondering about Prince Mariv.

‘The decorations bear the influence of neighboring kingdoms, and the books seem to have been left mid-read… The sun-faded marks on them are quite distinct. Moreover, there are no fresh flowers, which are usually present in reception rooms.’

Isn’t this interesting?

The deliberate placement of artifacts from neighboring kingdoms was likely a tactic to foster a more intimate atmosphere with foreign guests, indicating a certain level of diplomatic skill on his part.

The sun-faded books were also a part of this extension. The image he pursued and the political roles he pushed forward were subtly visible.

‘Especially placing harmonious elements where the sunlight is strong…’

There’s a saying that those who like animals and children are usually of good character. The same goes for a nature-friendly approach. It made him think that the personality could be somewhat cool-headed and demanding.

Unless there was an allergy, of course.

Knock knock.

“Lord Romandro, I’ve sent a message to the social gathering’s location.”

“Thank you. Much appreciated.”

The servant bowed slightly, casting a sidelong glance at Ian, presumably wondering if this was the infamous illegitimate son of the Bratz family. A hot topic in social circles, he was known for ousting his noble father and seizing the lordship with his lowly blood.

‘He looks younger than expected?’

Given the rumors of him subduing the barbarians at the frontier, one would expect a more aggressive man. However, Ian appeared more delicate and gentle at first glance.

Creak.

As the reception room door closed completely, Ian gazed down at his tea and inquired.

“The palace social gathering involves high-ranking officials, correct?”

“Indeed. It often involves hunting, but sometimes we appreciate art. The value of an artist can skyrocket after such events. It’s all intertwined with various interests, isn’t it?”

Romandro, sipping his tea, smiled blissfully. As if to say there’s nothing quite like tea in the palace.

“Then His Highness Gale must also be present.”

“Eh?”

“If the message reaches His Highness Mariv, His Highness Gale would likely know of our arrival in the capital early on.”

What he meant was that the troublesome and thorn-in-the-side ‘Ian’, who had disrupted their grand plans, had arrived. Romandro cleared his throat before responding, a light Italian accent in his voice.

“Well, His Highness Gale doesn’t often attend these gatherings.”

“Is that so?”

Really? Sincerely?

Being the Second Prince, he might be exercising caution to avoid being seen as a threat. However, knowing that he had plunged into open conflict with His Highness Mariv by choosing to save Molin, it was uncertain if he would maintain such restraint, especially now that their grand rebellion faced an unforeseen variable.

“…Perhaps? Maybe?”

Romandro mumbled uncertainly, catching the implication in Ian’s query, then started gulping down his tea as if his lips were parched.

“Why so tense? There are no secrets once you enter the palace. The Ministry of Magic must have been informed as well since the city gates open with magic. Whether today or tomorrow, what does it matter?”

“The issue is, well, there’s no issue per se. It’s more about the psychological burden, perhaps?”

Romandro cleared his throat again. Having served as an advisor in Bratz, he was likely worried about when Gale would summon him. Ian looked at the rustling artificial flowers and smiled faintly.

“If it’s a hunt, they would have gone to the outskirts, so the servant couldn’t have relayed the message so quickly. It seems they’re appreciating art today.”

Ian gestured towards a wing of the First Imperial Palace, his direction precise without a hint of error.

* * *

“Ah, is this the statue you mentioned last time?”

“Yes, yes. I thought I’d have to wait due to the backlog of orders, but luckily, I received it immediately. That sculptor is quite popular these days.”

“This is art. This is what art is all about.”

“Oh, would you like to see this as well?”

Groups of bureaucrats from various departments gathered in small clusters, sharing their own pieces of art. Though it appeared to be a casual social gathering, clear lines were drawn.

Between Mariv’s imperialist faction and Gale’s opposition.

Of course, being noble, everyone pretended not to notice these divisions. Yet, a subtly tense atmosphere settled as quietly as the first snow.

“Your Highness Mariv.”

At that moment, Mariv’s aide approached, whispering despite the risk of rudeness.

“Romandro and Ian have entered the palace. They are currently waiting in the office reception room.”

Oh

. Mariv’s eyebrows twitched in amusement at the unexpected news, while Gale, observing the scene with a wine glass in hand, also received a whisper from Wesleigh. The sharp gazes of the two princes intertwined in the air.

“Ian Bratz and the advisor have entered the palace.”