Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 295

Chapter 295

On a bright day when flower petals rained from the sky.

Philea gazed absently at the heavens, wondering if this was what paradise might look like. Everything sparkled, laughter echoed from all directions, and vibrant music played without cease.

The world felt so beautiful that merely existing was intoxicating. And better still, wasn’t she sharing it with the one she loved?

“Lady Philea.”

“Yes?”

“You’re holding the needle backwards.”

“Oh my, thank you.”

Watching this exchange, Viviana took a sip of tea and chuckled. Her belly had grown incomparably larger with her due date approaching.

“It’s a bit of a shame. It would have been wonderful if the baby was born on a day when flower petals are falling. Unlike the New Year, this isn’t something that comes regularly. Children born during the festival will surely receive Bariel’s greatest blessings.”

Besides New Year, when else could one witness such a rain of petals? It was a blessing reserved only for those whose lives intertwined with palace history, like appointment or coronation ceremonies.

During this period, many would mark significant life events to imbue them with meaning. Marriage, for instance.

“Don’t feel disappointed. When your child is born, I’ll celebrate and bless them with all my heart.”

“Thank you, my lady. I shall do the same.”

However, Philea couldn’t do so as she had been invited to Jin’s appointment ceremony. Moreover, everyone she wanted to share the moment with, including Ian, was far too busy. If even the small taverns in the alley were swamped, one could only imagine the palace’s state.

Creeak

Knock knock

“Pardon me. Is Lady Viviana present?”

“Yes. What is the matter?”

Hearing movement outside the fence, Viviana pushed aside her blanket and stood up. Philea did the same, setting aside her knitting to turn her head alongside Viviana.

“I’m from the Ministry of Magic. Lord Ian ordered me to deliver a letter to Lady Philea, and Lord Romandro one to Lady Viviana. They contain important details and precautions for entering the palace on the appointment ceremony day.”

“I see. Would you like to come in? Perhaps some tea?”

“I appreciate the offer, but the Clifford carriage is passing through nearby. I briefly stepped away while accompanying them and must return immediately. Then, I’ll take my leave.”

“Thank you. Take care.”

Though puzzled about why they were traveling with Clifford, the letters were welcome news. The two women cleared away their teacups and unfolded their respective letters.

“It says to show the letter and receive separate guidance when entering the palace. The guards will assist us. My goodness, why are there so many requirements? Minnie!”

“Yes, madam!”

While Viviana called for her servant to discuss packing, Philea tenderly traced Ian’s neat handwriting. His tidy, proper script naturally brought his image to mind.

“What does Lord Ian say?”

“Um…”

Mother, the weather has grown warmer. Are you not finding it taxing? After His Highness Jin’s appointment ceremony concludes, we should proceed quickly with the engagement ceremony. If we delay, we might miss the opportune timing. I will ask Lord Romandro to handle the preparations.

Viviana hugged Philea tightly, her heart clearly racing. The joyous day was truly drawing near. Though Philea returned her smile, she felt an inexplicable unease in one corner of her heart.

“Congratulations, Lady Philea! Let’s inform Sir Nersarn as well!”

“Th-thank you, my lady. But… what could he mean about missing the timing? Wouldn’t things calm down after the appointment ceremony?”

When Philea questioned this peculiar phrasing, Viviana pondered briefly before dismissing it with a shake of her head.

“Though I worked at the palace for years, there was never a truly peaceful day. Won’t all the national leaders gather for the appointment ceremony? I imagine there will be more matters to handle regarding that. Besides, it absolutely cannot overlap with my delivery date.”

With a baby on the way, forget an engagement ceremony – even staying at the mansion as a guest would become difficult. So despite the disappointment, it was right to wrap things up and return to Hielo.

“That must be what Lord Ian meant.”

“You think so? That’s a relief then.”

“Let’s go look at dresses first. With the festival period, I’m not sure what will still be available. Custom-made would give us more time, but Lord Ian said to hurry. My goodness… how beautiful will it be? I wonder if Lord Nersarn might faint standing up?”

Viviana giggled, recalling the banquet. The warrior’s dumbfounded face upon hearing of Philea’s pregnancy! It remained amusing no matter how many times she thought of it.

“Minnie! Let’s prepare to go out!”

While the lady excitedly called out as she entered the mansion, Philea kept fidgeting with the edge of the paper. Her heart wouldn’t stop racing for some strange reason.

What could be causing this? As Philea pressed both hands to her chest, she heard whispering from outside.

“Hey, you know what? This is a mage’s house!”

“Really? But why’s it so tiny?”

“They say it’s completely different inside! It’s an illusion!”

“Whatever, let’s hurry to the main street. I heard the Clifford performing troupe is amazing! They dance and sing on horseback standing on one leg! They say Burgos is coming soon too!”

Philea smiled gently as she carefully peered outside. A group of children, appearing about six or seven years old, were huddled together trying to peek inside. Their faces were covered in silly drawings, and they wore unidentifiable ornaments dangling all over.

“Let’s go!”

“Yaaaaah!”

So Burgos is coming right away. Philea thought of Ian as she watched the children’s retreating figures. She hoped that Ian too could dash forward joyfully like them.

***

“Clifford’s tribute gifts are as follows: thirty barrels of hundred-year-old wine, ten barrels each of five different fruit wines, and three platinum bracui – the kingdom’s traditional instruments specially crafted to celebrate His Highness Jin’s appointment ceremony.”

Unlike Ruswena’s, most of Clifford’s carriages headed straight to the detached palace. Though the face-to-face meeting was postponed considering the prince’s condition, procedure was procedure. May, the delegation’s chief, personally presented the tribute gifts to Jin on behalf of Prince Noah.

“And these are silk fabrics. Fifteen rolls, with premium dyes prepared to match the quantity.”

“You must be tired from your journey. How is the prince’s condition? Though he said a doctor wasn’t necessary, I’m somewhat concerned.”

Jin probed carefully after hearing the situation. It was strange – the prince was too ill to meet upon entering the palace, yet claimed no need for a doctor?

After experiencing Eripony, he couldn’t easily dismiss even minor matters now.

“I deeply regret causing Your Highness such concern. However, the prince’s personal physician from the kingdom has accompanied us, and we felt it would be discourteous to impose immediately upon arrival, so please do not misunderstand.”

May seemed to grasp his meaning. They bowed deeply with hands clasped – their country’s custom expressing gratitude for the consideration. Seeing May’s completely non-threatening demeanor, Jin backed down.

“I understand. I will discuss details with the prince later. You may withdraw.”

May bowed deeply once more before leaving the reception room.

Unlike earlier, the officials hadn’t gathered since the prince wasn’t present. Left alone with his people, the boy asked Ian with a suspicious look.

“Lord Ian. What do you think?”

“The long journey could have caused illness…”

Could have – these words meant Ian had detected something suspicious too. The servants who actually moved luggage were fine, yet the prince who only rode in the carriage was ill?

“…Could this be a ploy to deceive me?”

Ian shook his head at Jin’s question. Romandro, exhausted from running back and forth, added from the side:

“That’s unlikely, Your Highness. They couldn’t even confirm attendance at the banquet. It would be difficult to skip such an occasion where Your Highness and the leaders of the three nations all gather, without serious cause.”

It was an extremely important occasion. Wasn’t it essentially the reason the allied leaders had traveled such distances, under the pretext of celebrating Jin’s appointment ceremony?

“They’d drag themselves there even with broken limbs, so if they’re hesitating, something must really be wrong.”

“Hmm.”

Jin let out a small groan while deep in thought. But they couldn’t just sit here examining the prince. Better to prepare for other possibilities instead.

“What would be the impact if something happened to Prince Noah in the palace?”

The boy’s gaze fell on Ian. Such thorough consideration of matters. Ian smiled with satisfaction as he answered:

“I had that in mind as well, and requested the Clifford delegation chief to prepare documentation regarding their refusal of palace physicians. We’re also sorting out magic stones with recording capabilities from the Ministry of Magic, so there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

Though things were moving a bit slower without Akorella.

Jin leaned back against the sofa, apparently relieved by Ian’s assurance.

“I don’t see Beric.”

“He’s been sent to investigate. He should return soon. Did you have something to command?”

“No. Just curious.”

Jin hesitated, letting his words trail off. He clearly had something to say, but seemed to be struggling.

Watching from the side, Romandro mentally clicked his tongue while glaring at the back of Ian’s head. Look at that – they must have fought! Anyone can see His Highness is having difficulty!

“Your Highness, did you have something to say?”

Romandro gently placed his hand on Ian’s shoulder with a bright smile. He was indicating that he would help, so His Highness shouldn’t worry and should speak freely.

Jin gestured to Xiaoshi to bring something.

Rustle

“It’s one of the tribute gifts from the provinces.”

A small jewel box, about the size of a palm. Opening it revealed a gem that exactly matched Ian’s green eyes.

“I invited Philea to my appointment ceremony as well. As thanks for that, along with various congratulatory gifts, I’d like to give her this.”

It was impossible not to think of those absinthe-colored eyes upon seeing the jewel. With all the good news for Philea lately, he wanted to give this as congratulations. It was a kind of request for permission.

Romandro clapped his hands dramatically while shaking Ian’s shoulders.

“Oh my, it’s so beautiful! Your Highness, Lady Philea will be overjoyed. Right, Ian?”

Gifts are best for reconciliation! As Romandro gave Jin an enthusiastic thumbs up while making a fuss, Ian smiled brightly. Their intentions were completely transparent – both Romandro’s and Jin’s.

“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much. Mother will surely love it. A jewel received directly from His Highness – she’ll preserve it as our family’s honor.”

Romandro wanted to give a standing ovation. Yes, now that they’ve made up like this, things can go back to how they were before…

BANG! CRASH!

THUD THUD THUD!

“IAAAAAN!”

Romandro glared at the door with bulging eyes, his moment of joy cut short. Such a commotion, and in the main palace’s reception room no less!

“Beric! How many times have I told you! This is-!”

“The w-w-wine country prince is a fox!”

“…What?”

“A fox prince, I tell you!”

“……”

It was Beric, his face red with excitement. Ian, Romandro, Jin, and Xiaoshi all stared at him expressionlessly. At Romandro’s gesture, Xiaoshi approached to sniff him.

“…He doesn’t smell of alcohol.”

Beric clutched his head and wailed in despair. They were speaking the same language, so why couldn’t they understand!

“It’s true. I saw it! His ears, his ears went BOING! BOING!”