Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 97

Chapter 97

The path was set.

Romandro kept his pen scratching until the wax was nearly melted away. He was meticulously drafting the document, detailing the usual behaviors of the Earl of Merellof and the entire course of events, without lies but as favorably as possible, to the point where his eyes nearly popped out.

Rustle.

“Lord Romandro, should I leave this here?”

“Ah, Hannah. Yes, please. Thank you.”

It was the testimony of the servants of the Merellof mansion. Most of them were illiterate, so it only contained their thumbprints, but these would serve as documents proving the countess’s innocence and Dive’s pilgrimage.

“But this is going to surprise capital as well.”

“Of course. The Count was killed overnight by a slave, and his only successor, his brother, is a heretic who believes in the Underground God.”

“Not just that, but they’ll also be surprised that you planted Grula seeds in Merellof. The response to your report didn’t mention anything about the popularity of Grula yet.”

“Has there been a response from the central?”

At Ian’s question, Romandro hesitated for a moment. His demeanor suggested that the response wasn’t very positive.

“Well, the prince has asked to send Lord Molrin to the capital first.”

“His Highness Mariv?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Oh dear.”

Ian genuinely clicked his tongue. It was a clear indication of who was winning and losing in the power struggle between Mariv and Gale.

“It’s regrettable, but not too difficult. They aren’t people we need to treat with high regard. I’ll have a carriage prepared immediately.”

“Are you sure? If we do this, we’ll meet again in Central.”

“What can we do? When we meet again, our positions will be clearly defined.”

Ian was a noble and a mage. Molrin was a high-ranking official in the administration.

The difference was apparent.

“Anyway, since Grula hasn’t been approved for consumption in Central, many people will struggle this winter.”

“What about the Grula crops in Merellof?”

The Count had traded for the Grula seeds intending to distribute them, but they were still stored in the warehouse, the ink on the contract hardly dry when the trouble started.

“Well, we’ve already received payment, so it would be best to follow the countess’s wishes.”

“The countess seemed keen on distributing them quickly and cultivating them for a bountiful harvest.”

“Then let’s do that. Also, fully liberalize the trade of Grula with our people.”

This meant including not only roasted Grula but also the seeds for cultivation in the trade. Romandro put down his pen and glanced at a chest in a corner of the office.

“Two chests have already arrived. Looks like I’ll need to visit the bank again soon. How much would it be? About 200 gold coins per chest, I suppose.”

As Romandro murmured, Ian also began calculating. With these small earnings, the 3,500 gold coins from Grula sales, and the 5,000 gold coins gratuity from the countess, he had almost gathered the entire amount for the payment fees.

“Congratulations. At this rate, you’ll reach the goal by next summer. Then you’ll become a true noble. Ah, I’ll be sure to address you respectfully when that time comes.”

“Please be at ease. Your assistance alone is a great favor to me.”

Romandro’s cheeks lifted in a smile as Ian genuinely praised him. He meticulously wrote the report to be sent to the royal palace, each letter crafted with care.

“Well, once things with Merellof are wrapped up, we should start packing for our departure. Leaving in a fortnight should give us ample time to reach Central.”

“Let’s do that. I don’t have much to pack anyway. Not many family members to bring along.”

It wasn’t a relocation but merely Ian and a few companions moving. All his belongings would fit in one carriage. In Central, he planned to stay at Romandro’s residence, so taking too much would only be a burden. Beric was the only ‘family’ he would bring.

“Let’s see, is this everything I need to organize?”

Romandro asked, sorting through a thick stack of documents. Given the volume, it seemed impossible to manage with just one carrier pigeon.

“By the way, how’s your mother?”

“My mother?”

“Philea, right? Is she still living in the forest?”

“Ah, I told her to come down to the village, but she seems to have no intention of doing so. She only plans to come down if the cold becomes unbearable. For now, I’ve asked the village woodsmen to check on her from time to time.”

Bratz had disappeared, and the village had changed a lot due to the remnants of battle. But for Philea, it seemed she was fully immersed in her life in the forest, which was not just a beloved and nostalgic hometown.

“It’s a pity we won’t see her for a long time once we head to Central.”

“Even if she came along, I wouldn’t see her often.”

“True. The Magic Department won’t let you be idle, will they? Ah, sorry. That’s just my personal speculation.”

Romandro muttered casually and then smiled awkwardly. But Ian understood his meaning immediately.

“I think so too. Minister Wesleigh, was it? Whether a remedy or a poison, she’ll be right there. I might be torn apart.”

“Right. Those mages who go out at dawn to watch the stars and come back in. Even if we bring you mother, we won’t be able to take proper care of her.”

This implied that the workload and training at the Magic Department were enormous. But Ian, having experienced it before, didn’t think too deeply about it. There was a chance he might be reassigned before being placed in the Magic Department.

“But Beric is still not back, and I have no idea what he’s doing.”

Romandro muttered, looking at the darkening outside. It had been half a day since Beric went to chase Puulu, the leader of the Merellof’s three knights. It was natural to be worried since there was no sign of his return.

“The warriors went with him, didn’t they?”

“Yes. If something happened, a hawk would have been sent. Let’s wait until tonight. Sir Romandro, once you’re done with the report, please check the trading company in Hawan Kingdom next.”

“Oh, right. I will.”

The aftermath of Dive’s situation was to be handled by the Hawan Kingdom. More precisely, it was the trading company going through Hawan to Toorlun Kingdom.

“I wonder if there’s a suitable one.”

“It doesn’t matter the cost; we need someone reliable and responsible. Probably best to look at older, established companies.”

“What about the mode of travel?”

Romandro’s eyes narrowed. There were various methods of travel for those in need. Traveling inconspicuously with the trading company, moving under strict escort, or…

“Something certain would be best.”

“Yes. I agree.”

Or moving securely like transporting a prisoner.

It seemed the latter method would suit Dive best.

“A pilgrim should be accompanied hardship and adversity, shouldn’t they?”

Ian’s joke elicited a hearty laugh from Romandro, a sound he hadn’t made in a while.

“And the investor?”

“The cost will be covered by selling Dive’s mansion in Merellof. It should be finalized soon, ideally before we leave. I’ll make the decision tomorrow with my subordinates.”

“Tell Countess Lien to decide who will take responsibility for Dive up to Hawan and then to Toorlun.”

“Hmm. Another layer of assurance would be good.”

‘Personally, I think Clarke would be the right choice, but that’s for the Madam to decide.’

It was timely that many soldiers were stationed on the way to Hawan due to Erica’s appearance. The misunderstanding of them being thieves due to Erika and her investigation team had yet to be resolved. There had been no news of where Erica and her team ended up after all the chaos.

“And Hannah.”

“Yes?”

Hannah had been busily moving miscellaneous items around and eavesdropping on their conversation. Ian gestured for her to come closer.

“Have you been listening closely?”

“Uh… It wasn’t meant to be a secret, was it?”

“Right. So remember it well. Learn thoroughly while you sort out things together over the next fortnight.”

“Learn thoroughly?”

“Just ask the steward at Merellof to teach you about the work from tomorrow.”

Hannahh looking confused, blinked and tilted her head. Romandro, watching from the side, let out a chuckle.

“Me, doing the steward’s work?”

“Yes.”

“Me? Me? Am I managing the mansion?”

“You’re really slow on the uptake.”

Hannah covered her mouth with her hands, but her gaping mouth was still visible. It was evident she had never even considered the idea.

The position of a steward required thorough knowledge of noble etiquette and systems, literacy, and the ability to perfectly manage the mansion in the owner’s absence.

“I don’t think I can do it.”

“Why not?”

“I haven’t learned anything…”

“That’s why I’m telling you to learn. His name is Simon. He’s competent, and you’ll learn a lot from him. Anything else?”

It was a firm response, implying that if there were no other reasons, she should accept the role. Hannah stood still for a moment and then murmured.

“May I run in the corridor a bit?”

“Yes. No one is sleeping yet.”

“Excuse me.”

Click.

Hannah left a formal goodbye, unusual for her, and exited the office. Immediately, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed. Hannah, overwhelmed with joy, was running down the corridor.

Romandro shook off his laughter.

“Really, I wonder if she can handle it.”

“Hannah is trustworthy. There are many who can compensate for her lack of work experience. There’s Lord Nersarn, and didn’t you say two of your subordinates are staying?”

“I intended to leave only one originally, but with the situation in Merellof, the palace will surely send various verification orders. I’ve told them to report back after seeing to that.”

“I hear the ones staying are bachelors.”

“That’s their fate. Who told them not to marry?”

Ian smiled slightly at Romandro’s playful remark. With that, the office was filled once again with the nice sound of pens scratching paper.

Tap, tap. Tap.

As the night deepened, something tapped at the window. A black hawk with golden eyes seemed to be summoning Ian.

“Oh.”

“Is that a warrior’s hawk?”

They had joked that if there was a problem with Beric, a hawk would come, but it wasn’t a joke anymore. Ian immediately opened the window to let the hawk in. A small note was tied to its ankle.

Rustle.

“What does it say? Beric isn’t dead, is he?”

Romandro stood up from his seat, but Ian just made a strange expression without answering. He showed the note and shrugged.

“Apparently, the warriors who went with him aren’t proficient in Barielian.”

– Beric. Knight. Monne. Pursuit. Forever.

The note only conveyed the situation with a list of words, making it hard to understand the meaning. Even for two people as perceptive as them, it was impossible to guess.

“Anyway, it seems to be a problem.”

“That’s the only thing we can be sure of.”

“Monne, that’s the mines, right?”

“Correct. It seems the pursuit has led there.”

The mine was not within the domain but deep in the mountain range bordering Merellof and this territory.

“Should we go there?”

Romandro asked in a somewhat weary voice. A mountain of parchment was piled up beside him, the smell of ink strong enough to mask the fireplace’s aroma.

Ian, grabbing a thick coat, shook his head.

“Sir Romandro, please continue with your work. We have only a fortnight left, and we need to be diligent. I’ll go see Beric. Is anyone there?”

“Yes, lord Ian. Did you call for me?”

“Prepare a carriage and an escort.”

“At this hour? Where are you going?”

The servant asked in surprise, but Ian just smiled and adjusted his clothing.

“To Monne. To fetch Beric.”