Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 10

What does the favor entail?

Its been a week since I arrived here, but Ive hardly been able to go out except for coming and going from the mansion.

And so? Dergha replied with an unknowing expression, but everyone could guess what was coming next. Ian gently bit his lower lip and swallowed his joy.

Thus, if you permit it, I would like to ask young master Ian to introduce me to your domain. I understand that the Count and his wife has been very busy, so I dared not ask. Haha.

Quietly listening at the side, Mack and Dgor joined in at the perfect moment.

That sounds like a great idea! Lets have lunch together. Sharing food while conversing would be delightful, wouldnt it, Dgor?

Well

The wife considered interrupting, but ultimately chose to keep her mouth shut. It was too overwhelming for her to guide three strange men she had just met. Dgor responded as if he hadnt heard the wifes words.

Of course. Furthermore, didnt young master Ian live outside until recently? You surely must know some interesting things that we dont.

Dgors we included the foreigners and meant the people of Derghas household. Do you guys know about the alleys of the common folk? It strongly implied that only Ian could do it and that they should not interfere.

Ahem.

Dergha seemed deeply flustered. He rolled his eyes while unable to swallow the wine in his mouth, thinking of a reason to refuse.

But what reason could there be for not allowing an adult man to go out? Furthermore, the very sound purpose of an academic discussion was added.

Its not customary for guests to frequent a mansion. If you give your permission, we can invite you to our place. We have a very kind carriage driver.

Molrin delivered the coup de grce (the final blow). Ian, who had been silently observing the situation, opened his mouth. If he was being pushed forward, he had to push back.

Your Excellency, Molrin, where do you live?

Its near the park in the third district of Fortloga.

Ah, Fortloga?

You seem to know it well.

Well, I was born and raised here after all.

A vague response that was up for interpretation hung in the air. Even though the actual Ian had said so, Emperor Ian didnt have a clue about what kind of district Fortloga was. It was just that Molrin pinpointed the park, so he could vaguely make things up.

Then it works out even better. It would be nice to take a walk in the park and contemplate. Isnt the sun quite warm these days? It looked like there were pleasure boats floating on the small lake, but I havent dared to get on one as Im an old man. I might have the courage if young master Ian helps me, Molrin smiled, his eyebrows raised in amusement.

They seem to have an agenda too.

Ian observed the Counts expression. While Dergha managed to squeeze out a forced smile, his face was stiff. As if there werent enough reasons to refuse, plausible reasons kept piling up.

Count-nim?

Ian, your opinion is what matters.

In the end, the Count played his final card. He passed the decision-making power to Ian. While his mouth wore a gracious smile, his eyes were icy cold. There was immense unspoken pressure, signaling him to handle the situation well.

Interesting.

It was a scene of a power struggle over a single child between Dergha, a native of the countdom, and Molrin, from the central administration. It was not dull even in the imperial palace, but it felt different watching from below rather than above.

I wonder.

Ian placed his words on the tightly pulled string. It was certainly beneficial to go outside, but it wasnt bad to shake things up before the game was over.

If my guidance is clumsy, wouldnt it just be a nuisance? Im still young and Im not sure if I can satisfy your noble tastes.

At his unexpected reply, the faces of Official Molrins group stiffened slightly.

Dergha covered his smile with his wine glass and nodded. Well, its not often that we get to learn from those who come from the capital. If its a luncheon with academic discourse, rather than a guided tour

Ian stole a glance at Dergha. His jaw, chewing on the wine as if savoring it, was stiff. Then, Dgor naturally intervened.

Count-nim. If we are lacking in any way and make you feel uncomfortable, I apologize.

He skillfully took control of the conversation. It was a surprisingly adept way of speaking, uplifting each others status and coaxing a positive response.

The answer to that question was already determined for Dergha. Thats not the case. Its unthinkable.

Im glad. When would be a good time for you?

Thats a question for Ian, isnt it? Ian?

Once the focus was again on Ian, this time Molrin stepped forward with dignity.

Since the Count is permitting us, it would be best if the Count could set the date. After all, all matters of Bratz are carried out by the Count.

His rhetoric was so excellent that even Emperor Ian admired it. As expected from someone working in the central government, he was very nimble. The arrogant nobles of the frontier, like Dergha, could never beat them with words.

What could they be up to?

At first, he thought it was just a minor check by Molrin. The more they met and conversed, the easier it would be to find faults in the third son.

But watching the three of them pushing and pulling, it was clear they had other objectives. They were investing a lot of effort for what seemed like a secondary opportunity. Had Dergha noticed?

He has noticed.

The touch stroking his beard was careful. And his rolling eyes? In any case, unless there was a reason to refuse, he would cooperate to understand their intentions.

Then, how about lunch tomorrow?

Dergha asked Molrin, but his gaze was on Ian. He had already finished calculating in his head, and wore a languid smile. His stern face from earlier was now completely gone.

Oh, thank you, Count.

But I have a request of my own, he said this, then looked at Chel.

All eyes followed Dergha to the child. Chel, who had been about to take a bite of his steak, hesitated and froze.

Since you came from the central government, as Ian said, I dont doubt you will make excellent teachers. Therefore, I would like for Chel to join and share in the learning.

It was a bother, but it wasnt a difficult request.

Mack, Dgor, and Molrin quickly exchanged signals. Their communication was just by eye contact, so no one noticed.

But Father, I have school

Alright. There is no better place for the intelligent young Master Chel. I look forward to the lunch discussion.

Thank you for saying so.

Before Chel could even speak, the adults had reached a conclusion. Chel glanced at Ian with a sulky face. It was already awkward, and now he had to stick with him all day? And outside the counts house?

Shall we bring out the dessert now?

Yes. It was an excellent meal, Ian also agreed, nodding his head. A satisfied smile lingered around his mouth. He had gotten everything he wanted from this meal. He would have been full even if he hadnt eaten.

Todays meal was an honor, Count Dergha.

Lets meet again next week.

Young master Ian, I will send a carriage for you at lunchtime tomorrow.

The subsequent conversation was really a bland chat, completely devoid of substance. The boisterous laughter that was exchanged as a courtesy was also gone. Everyone entered a state of calm, losing interest in the conversation. Molrin and his group rose to their feet, leaving half of the dessert.

Yes, please go carefully.

Madam, until next time.

After leaving a farewell kiss on the back of Marys hand, the three guests got in the carriage and disappeared. As the meal was cleared away and Ian was about to return to the mansion, Dergha called his two sons.

Chel. Ian.

Yes, Father.

You must relay to me every single detail they discuss behind us. Be fully alert.

It was a reasonable order. As Chel and Ian both nodded, Dergha watched Ian with a cold gaze. And you, follow me to my office.

Mary and Chel turned in surprise but said nothing. They disappeared into the corridor to return to their respective rooms, and Ian followed Derghas retreating figure to his office.

Squeak.

The office was largely unchanged from his last visit. There seemed to be more documents, but he couldnt be sure. Dergha rummaged through a drawer without offering Ian a seat, searching for something.

Rustle.

Hmm.

What he pulled out was a small brooch. A panther and a yew tree crest embedded with a red jewel. It was unmistakably the Bratz family emblem.

Wear this when you go tomorrow.

Unlike when he threw his mothers purse at him, Dergha personally stepped forward and pinned the brooch on Ians chest. Ian immediately understood what it was.

Its a magic stone that can record and track location.

In the era when Ian lived, these were commonly used, but they would have been difficult to come by a hundred years ago in this kingdom. It must be a tool secretly used by the family lineage when a threat was posed to their safety.

Dergha brushed off his chest lightly and warned him, You must never lose it. Care for it as if it were tens of times more precious than your worthless body.

I I will remember.

There were limitations to relying on the childrens report. Especially when dealing with three robust men from the central office. Would they not be able to handle a single naive Chel? They would surely push Chel aside and approach Ian.

I will also assign people to watch you, so do not rashly cause any trouble. Report to my office immediately upon your return.

Does this mean that Ian is fully on Derghas side? The one who shook the life rope of his mother, planning to sell me out to the border? He had no choice but to take out the precious magic stone brooch of the family.

Yes, Father.

However, Ian clicked his tongue at the magic stone attached to his chest. It was an attitude asserting that he would not fall into Derghas trap. As if he was reassured by sticking such a useless thing to me. It was not even funny.

Squeak.

Ian bowed politely and left, returning to his room to examine the brooch closely. When he breathed magic into it, it was quickly drained. Meaning, its capacity to store magic was low.

Buzz. Buzz.

The lowest of the low.

With this level, Ian could control it if he wished.

The location tracking is done with a homogenous magic stone, so that doesnt matter.

Dergha was probably staring at a compass in his office. It was not an ordinary compass but one made with a magic stone identical to the brooch, able to track the targets location based on direction and the intensity of light.

I just need to figure out the recording.

As Ian focused and sent magic into it again, the gem shone even brighter. His golden eyes glowed softly.

Ah.

Then suddenly, he remembered. One of the reasons he was going out was to meet his birth mother. Ian rang the bell to call for the attendant.

Ding!

Did you call, young master?

Bring some snacks.

Snacks after just finishing a meal? The servant bowed his head, hiding his surprised expression. But Ian was in high spirits, humming a tune and looking out the window. He was waiting for someone not the snacks, but the person bringing them.