Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 6

Heave-ho! Heave-ho!

The time when the still azure moon hung in the dawn sky.

Ian sat by the window, gazing outside vacantly. He had lost his sleep due to having much to think about, only to be awakened by some noise.

Align to the left!

March forward!

The sound was of Bratzs soldiers going out for their dawn training. Ian leaned on his chin, meticulously observing their formation.

Thats quite a number of soldiers.

The number of soldiers hustling out one after another through the main gate was not insignificant.

Considering the ratio of soldiers stationed at the mansion to general soldiers deployed across the fiefdom, it seemed as though Lord Derga held an excessive amount of troops.

It is rather difficult to reduce the number of soldiers. Itd indeed give me a headache.

Any other lord would decrease their number of soldiers once they entered into a peaceful alliance.

Unemployed soldiers would return to their original jobs, till the fields, sell goods, and in turn pay taxes to the lord. An alliance often brought economic benefits along with peace.

But the Count of Derga, even after forming an alliance from past generations, didnt reduce the number of soldiers. It must be because the alliance was perfunctory and lacked faith.

The Counts second brother was killed crossing the border, and Ian was essentially a sacrifice, being sent off assuming his death.

Rather than this, it might be better to break the alliance.

The economy of the fiefdoms citizens had to support the maintenance of the army. At the moment, there were far too many soldiers compared to the economys capacity.

It would make more sense if there were frequent battles. If battles continued, the number of soldiers the citizens had to support would decrease, and if they were successful in occupying, theyd even gain new labor and capital.

Of course, the assumption of defeat is another problem. As people often say when their worries grow, its a headache. This had to be resolved before anything else.

War if its war. Peace if its peace.

One of the two had to be ensured, but if this half-hearted situation continued, everyone would only suffer more.

Just look at Hannah. She was a servant working at the Counts mansion, but without Ians errand money, wouldnt she starve?

Squeak.

After adjusting his ragged clothes, Ian stepped out of his room. He saw a servant nodding off in the hallway. The servant was likely on night duty, keeping watch over Ian.

Hey.

M-master I-Ian?

The air outside seems fresh. Lets go out.

Is this a dream or reality? The servant blinked his eyes, wiping the corners of his mouth. It was the first time Ian had come out at dawn. Until now, hed only confirmed that there was no issue overnight when handing over the breakfast tray

Where, where are you planning to go?

Just taking a stroll, you see?

At this ungodly hour? Could there be some hidden agenda?

Seeing the servants eyes narrow suspiciously, Ian grinned and nodded, his gaze icy cold.

What are you staring at?

It meant, get out of my way.

Although the servant lowered his head to pull himself together, he couldnt hide his troubled expression. It felt wrong to let Ian go since the mansion was so quiet and it felt like he could harbor ill intentions. But he didnt have a proper reason to stop him either.

Erm, Ian-nim

You can follow me if you like.

Ian permitted him as if there were no more words needed and led the way down the hall.

Ian took the lead through the corridor as if there was nothing more to say. Despite his warning not to follow, they decided to ignore it, and besides, Ian was utterly unfamiliar with the mansion. He thought it would be helpful for them to learn a few things while they wandered around.

Is that annex over there locked?

Its intended for guests, so we clean it every day.

Thats a roundabout way of saying its unlocked. Then what about over there?

The armory, as youd expect, prioritizes security.

Theyre rather tight-lipped, I see.

The servant didnt give a straight answer, constantly gauging Ians reactions. The moment surveillance ended, it was clear they would rush somewhere to report. Despite the obviousness, Ian didnt pay it much mind. He wouldnt do anything that could cause trouble.

The real problem was something else.

Sigh.

He let out a heavy breath, straightening his back. He had been keen on gathering information, but the first issue he noticed was the childs stamina.

An untrained body. He had guessed as much, but it was worse than expected. To think merely walking around the mansion could be so tiring. If it hadnt been for meeting the Heavenly Tribe, he mightve collapsed at the border from exhaustion.

And the second problem.

It doesnt seem like theres any grulla here.

Despite inspecting the well-maintained garden and even the rarely trodden backyard, he saw no grulla.

Considering its a plant that thrives in reproduction and survival, it mustve been pulled and burned on sight. One wouldnt find it outside of deep mountains and such places. Not being able to go outside posed another problem.

Master Ian. Dawn has come. Lets eat.

The servant, suppressing a yawn, suggested. It was time to end their night shift. Rude, considering their position, but understandable given Ians circumstances. Ian nodded obediently.

Alright. Lets head to the main buildings dining hall.

Huh? The dining hall in the main building? The servant was questioning his meaning. Didnt he have dinner served to his room yesterday?

Ian probably preferred his meals that way. However, Ian didnt have such intentions. His hunger had grown, and he needed to face the members of the Counts family who held his life in their hands.

Oh, Ian-nim? Hello?

What brings you here.

The servants bustling in front of the dining hall were flustered when they saw Ian. Judging by the number of dishes, it seemed two people were already inside.

I came to eat.

But the Countess and young master Chel are present.

And DerghaI mean, my father?

He hasnt returned since he went out yesterday.

Tsk. A letdown, but on the bright side, without Dergha, he could deal with the other two more easily.

Open the door.

Upon Ians command, the servant had no choice but to pull the handle, revealing the grandeur of the dining hall.

The expressions of the two waiting for their meal inside were polar opposites. The startled Chel with wide-open eyes, and Countess Mary, narrowing hers in displeasure.

Whats this about? Her tone was sharp.

Ian retorted nonchalantly, Good morning, mother. Its a lovely day. After greeting them casually, he took a seat opposite them.

Chel looked at his mother, at a loss for words, but Countess Mary didnt notice, too focused on glaring at Ian. Her expression was so malicious, it was hard to believe she was the same gentle lady he saw in the garden yesterday.

You should have your meal in your room.

Despite her thinly veiled command, Ian calmly moved forward to the dining table. Indeed, I did that last night. As I nibbled on a piece of bread, it occurred to me that it didnt seem quite right.

What did you say?

Werent you quite surprised because I had to drink the finger bowl yesterday? The two children of the Counts family making such blunders.

At his words, Chels face turned a fiery red.

Mary forcefully put down her knife and clamped her mouth shut. Her eyes were warning him to shut up if he didnt want to be slapped.

Father also admonished me. He told me to diligently pursue my studies. Learning manners is difficult when dining alone with a tray, so its better to do so together.

He spoke deceitfully well. It wasnt something ordered by Derhaga, but he made it sound as if it was his intention.

Mother?

Sit.

She looked as if her stomach was boiling since morning.

Countess Mary held her fork and knife nervously, slicing the frittata. Chel just sat still, as if his appetite was gone, sneaking glances at Ian. Ian exchanged glances while smiling broadly.

Indeed, receiving a meal at the table is better than from a tray, right? Hyung-nim?

Eh? Uh Yes.

The quantity was much larger. Ian elegantly and busily filled his hunger. All the while, he examined the lady in detail. All the items adorned on her body, from jewelry to dresses, were precious even in the times of Emperor Ian.

The servants didnt have enough to eat, looking at even the young masters bowl, yet the lady indulged in luxury.

Its a complete mess of a family overall.

Mother, I have something to tell you.

Cant you shut up and eat?

Please change my room. I would appreciate it if you could also provide a candle.

Hah!

The lady finally looked at Ian, bursting into an incredulous laugh. You dont know your place. Change your room? What do you need a candle for? An ignorant boy who cannot understand a single letter is going to waste. Indeed, you take after your mother who was all vanity and nothing more.

It was beyond insulting, it was downright abusive.

Chels body visibly stiffened. It was clear he was worried that Ian would show his golden eyes in anger and possibly unleash an unknown power.

Of course I take after my mother, the Countess. Everything the lady has said is correct.

However, Ian responded with a clear smile. He effectively pointed out that she was the vain woman she described.

His polite tone meant the lady didnt immediately understand his insult, but she soon realized the nasty implications and her face turned red.

You!

Sir Molrin will be visiting next week and has requested to see my room.

Just as she was about to shriek in outrage, Ian cut her off cleanly. It was a lie, but a manageable and useful one.

We cant show such a room to a valuable guest, can we? Even if we change it just for the day, hes an astute person and will notice something is off right away. We have spare rooms, itd be better to give me one of them now, wouldnt it?

Where did you learn to speak so boldly!

If I show my ignorance and shortcomings, it will solely burden Chel-hyungnim. Mother wouldnt want that.

Although its just a formal procedure, Molrin is a central bureaucrat sent from the palace. Naturally, hes meant to keep check on provincial nobles. If things go wrong, Chel might really have to be sent in his place.

Ill do my best, Mother.

Ian smiled warmly, teasing the meat with his fork. His gaze seemed to say, Just help me without asking questions.

The countess was beyond perplexed, veering into disbelief. In just one day, how had that bumbling fool become so audacious?

Bam!

Clearly annoyed, the lady abruptly stood up and left the room. Chel also slowly stood up, after hesitating for a while.

Hyungnim?

Ah? Uh huh?

Chel, who had been quietly about to leave the room, turned back.

Dont worry about yesterdays incident. Everyone makes mistakes, dont they?

Well, thats true, but

Only lowly people dwell on the past.

His words seemed to comfort Chel for his mistake on the surface, but underneath it was a message to forget what he had seen yesterday. Without a word, Chel just nodded and quickly ran out.

A lot of food will be left over, wont it?

Ian raised an eyebrow, glancing at the bountiful spread before him. He left enough for himself to eat, then pushed the rest aside for the servants.

Hmm.

Ian leisurely tasted his food while taking in the scenery outside. It was truly peaceful to be sitting alone in the spacious dining room. This was a tranquility he hadnt experienced in his previous life.

Then suddenly, he caught his reflection in the windowpane. A small, puny, unfamiliar face.

Ian.

If Emperor Ian is here, where has bastard son Ian gone?

Facing the serene face of the child in the reflection, Ian rested his chin in his hand. The beautiful willow in the garden swayed elegantly.

Meanwhile, later that afternoon.

The countess, despite her fury, had no choice but to move Ians room to the annex. As the servants rummaged through Ians room to pack his few belongings, they discovered a strange piece of paper.

Whats this?

It was Ians writing about the history of Bariel from the previous night. But it was thoroughly soaked in a cup of water; the ink was smeared all over, and the paper was torn and crumpled. It was impossible to make out any of its contents.

Did Master Ian actually study?

But why did he soak it in water?

Why? He must have been ashamed of it, even by his own standards.

Without even knowing what the paper contained, the servants dumped it in the trash bin. Everyone in the mansion had no doubt that bastard son Ian was completely ignorant.