Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 84

Chapter 84: Welcome

“First of all, the starting point of the drug party was an advantageous situation for His Highenss Gale, and even if a slave is considered a mere item, they are still people with thoughts and feelings. Since it was him who sent it, we can’t know what kind of person the slave will be.”

“However, refusing would mean directly rejecting an apology from the imperial palace, and most importantly, it would be a burden on the family since we’re already short on manpower.”

Was that all?

Not only did it effectively convey an anti-drug stance, but it also allowed for a reduction of the shame of being helplessly outplayed by the prince. It was truly a sharp and relentless move.

“If what the prince gave is troublesome, why not sell the slave in the market and buy a new one?”

“In the central regions, the slave market doesn’t always open. And as I said, it’s a ‘gift’ directly from the prince. How could we sell it? It would surely provide a pretext to be caught out later.”

Listening to Romandro’s explanation, Beric nodded his head, somewhat understanding.

“It’s a check on the nobility while perfectly displaying his presence. The Minister of Magic, Wesleigh, was it?”

“Exactly. Her authority in the magic field is enormous. I don’t even know how old she is. Apart from her name, nothing much is known.”

Ian would surely meet her when he went to the central regions. As a mana user, he was destined to become a valuable asset to the Ministry of Magic. Naturally, his superior would be Wesleigh, and it was certain they would clash.

“Anyway, the more you think about it, the more impressive the move seems.”

“In fact, His Highness Gale is a bit sharp and doesn’t get along with His Highness Mariv, but if you think about it, he’s quite aggressive. I don’t understand why those two are at each other’s throats.”

“It can’t be helped.”

The successor and the challenger threatening his position.

It was a natural relationship. Even brothers born from the same mother should rightfully cross swords, not to mention they have different mothers.

“They both must be aware of it. They have what the other lacks. Perhaps that’s why they’re even more on edge with each other.”

“What kind of person is Mariv?”

“His Highness Mariv is…”

Romandro carefully chose his words, but he couldn’t find the right way to express it. Mariv was that much more perplexing and inscrutable compared to Gale.

As Romandro’s response grew longer, Beric leaned back, shaking his head.

“Never mind. What’s the use of knowing? We better prepare for Count Merellof’s arrival.”

“Alright. Beric, since it’s brought up, go and get moving.”

“Ah, seriously! The doctor said I have severe fatigue accumulation!”

“He also said it’s surprising how cleanly your wounds have healed.”

Ian laughed and sent Beric outside. Then, suddenly pondering over Gale’s incident, he asked a question.

In the central region, there wasn’t a market specifically named ‘slave market’, but the times when slave traders stayed in the central region were practically market days. Of course, there were secret trades happening, but those were mainly exchanges of existing slaves.

“But about the slave traders going to the central region. Are they passing through Merellof?”

“Hmm? Maybe. They wander around everywhere without discrimination. They’ll probably pass through Merellof. If they’re coming through the Hawan Kingdom, there’s no other way.”

‘Indeed, since Lady Lien Merellof and someone named Clark are also said to be of slave origin, it makes sense for slave traders to pass through Merellof.’

Ian tapped the table with his fingertips, lost in thought. Romandro, as always, glanced at him and then meticulously arranged gifts to send to his family.

***

Another day passed.

“When do you plan to go up to the central region?”

Clink

.

Hannah asked while pouring warm tea. It was a fortnight by carriage from the border to the central region. Considering it was winter, it would be better to start planning the departure date soon.

That meant, the end of the year was just over a month away.

“I’m not sure yet. I should start preparing soon.”

“Will you be staying at Lord Romandro’s place when you go up?”

“If the imperial palace provides accommodation, I’ll stay there, but otherwise, I think so. I’ll let you know when I go up.”

Ian said so, feeling a bit uneasy. He had resolved to rush to the Ministry of Magic’s annex without hesitation once he entered the imperial palace.

If there, he would investigate Naum’s magical traces and find answers about this reincarnation. If he found a way back to his original time, Ian would do so without hesitation.

That meant leaving the Bratz territory would be the last time with these people. Ian bowed his head over a book, trying to hide his complex thoughts.

“The imperial palace, huh. Just thinking about it makes my heart flutter. They say it’s the most beautiful palace in the world. The outdoor garden is covered with a glass dome, so when it snows, it feels like being inside a giant igloo.”

“Ah, yes. There is such a garden.”

“You know?”

“…No. I’ve just heard about it.”

Ian unknowingly played along and then realized he had misspoken. Hana laughed and continued her excited chatter.

“And when it rains, there’s a room where rain pours down, and another where flowers and wind whirl around all year long.”

“Did Lord Romandro tell you that?”

“Yes! Of course.”

What Hannah was talking about must be the Ministry of Magic. Unlike ordinary rooms, that place had many spaces where supernatural events frequently occurred. Even he, the Emperor and a magician, couldn’t claim to know every nook and cranny of it.

“When will you return if you go?”

“Hmm. I’m not sure.”

Ian smiled faintly. If Emperor Ian disappeared, would the original body’s owner, the bastard Ian, return? He dared not guess anything, nor could he conclude.

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

“Lord Ian! There’s a guest.”

Then, the door opened urgently upon permission. Ian simply nodded his head calmly. There was only one place they could be coming from.

“Is it Count Merellof?”

“Yes. That’s right. The Count and his wife have come together.”

“Alright. Escort them to the reception room. Call Sir Romandro too.”

As Ian signaled, Beric spat out the chewing tobacco leaf into the fireplace. He then straightened his collar and checked the sword at his waist. Hana did the same, swiftly ensuring Ian’s collar, buttons, and knots were properly arranged.

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir. Let’s proceed.”

“Ian, sir. Is there anything else to prepare?”

“The tea should have already been served. Bring some light snacks with the Grula.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Tak tak.

Swoosh!

Ian drew the curtains and looked downstairs. The Merellof couple’s carriage was followed by servants standing by. It was a large entourage for an unexpected visit. They must be planning to finalize ‘today’s’ deal.

“Not bad.”

“What is?”

“It means they’ve come more than halfway.”

“What do you mean by that?”

Beric asked, tilting his head in confusion, but Ian didn’t seem inclined to explain. As they descended to the reception room, the servants were lined up in the corridor, looking unsure of what to do.

“Ian, sir!”

“Lord Romandro.”

Responding to Hana’s call, Romandro, who had clearly been asleep, rushed in. His hair was a mess, and he blinked sleepily as he pressed it down.

“Count and Countess Merellof are here?”

“Today’s the day of reckoning.”

“Good. I’ll play my part well.”

The two exchanged a determined look. As the servant opened the door, they casually greeted the count and his wife.

“Count Merellof and madam! How are you? What brings you here without notice?”

“Ahem. I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.”

“Not at all. What could be more important than the count’s visit?”

Ian courteously shook hands with the count. Lady Merellof extended her hand with a radiant smile, and Ian kissed it without hesitation.

“I apologize for the sudden visit. But there was an urgent matter, and I thought it better to discuss it face-to-face. Especially since it’s been quite a while since you visited Bratz, count.”

“That’s true. Please, take a seat.”

Guided by Ian, Count Merellof awkwardly took his seat, puffing up with importance. He seemed to have gained a bit of weight since last time. Was it due to the Grula?

“Did you eat all the Grula by yourself?”

“Shh! Sir Beric!”

Beric whispered this to Hannah, despite the crudeness of his words. The countess, noticing the count’s reluctance to start the conversation, smoothly broke the ice.

“The Grula really is a delicacy.”

“It seems you found the taste to your liking.”

“I heard that the locals here are crazy about it, and now I understand why. The taste varies so much depending on how it’s prepared.”

The countess was quite sly. There was no trace of any secretive deals between them.

“And you, count, did it suit your taste?”

“Yes, it was not bad.”

They would have come even if there hadn’t been a robbery. What they said about eating a little once or twice a day ultimately led to digging up the buried seed.

“That’s good to hear.”

With a rough understanding of each other’s intentions, the rest was obvious.

Ian interlocked his fingers and leaned back, trying to create a relaxed atmosphere in contrast to the Merellofs, who sat up straight.

“I presume today’s visit is about the Grula trade. Am I correct?”

“Yes, that’s right, Sir Ian.”

The countess agreed, and then the count spoke in a low voice.

“You did the calculations well?”

“Which calculations are you referring to?”

“The amount of Grula needed. Based on my estimates, we’ll indeed need about 100 bags to balance cultivation and living. So, it seems this will be a large transaction. I was curious about the pricing, which is why I came in person.”

“That’s right, Sir Ian. As this is our second transaction and it’s a bulk purchase, I believe a price reduction is fair. What else would be neighborly?”

Romandro tried to interject with a cough, but it wasn’t easy. Ian signaled with his eyes that it was okay for Romandro to stay quiet.

“The reason we can’t lower the price, despite it being a bulk purchase, is that Grula can be stored for a long time. It’s not a crop that needs to be sold quickly for fear of spoilage.”

“So, you must have plenty of stock.”

“That’s exactly why we don’t have to actively sell it. We can just store it and use it as needed.”

His firm rebuttal was like an indirect way of saying there would be no negotiation on the price.

Count Merellof’s face grew stiff, and the countess nodded subtly, indicating she understood.

“Also, trading Grula with Merellof means we’re sharing part of our consumption, which is both a benefit and a loss for us.”

“A loss? You’re turning things found for free in the woods and fields into fifty gold coins, and now you say it’s a loss?”

“Sorry, but what was obtained from the woods and fields has already gone into the bellies of our people. What we’re offering now is the result of their hard labor.”

Ian didn’t yield an inch. The count tried to add something, but Ian ignored him and continued.

“And did you know? Grula grows in dry sand or water, but dies if it gets snowed on.”

It seemed they didn’t know that. Ian estimated the timing with his fingers.

“Snow could fall any day now, making it obvious that Grula harvesting will be limited. After a large sale, we must build a greenhouse to compensate for the harvest, so we must maintain that price. It’s a decision for the people, and I trust Count Merellof understands.”

When Ian had gone to obtain crops for relief, he hadn’t raised the price for similar reasons. It was the same for him now, a ‘reasonable line’ created by circumstances, and he smiled lightly.

“Therefore, I cannot trade for less than fifty gold coins. This is in line with the wishes of the late Emperor, who sought to rebuild this place and its people.”