Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor Chapter 90

Count rellof dumped the reclaid valuables on the table. Lady Lien, seated before him, began to re-adorn herself with the jewelry, just as she had the day before, including the pumpkin-colored ring in question.

Look closely. He seed to fancy it, so he might have taken it.

Thats absurd.

The Count was subtly probing, watching the Ladys reaction. Was the suspicious atmosphere he had felt before a re misconception? Just then, the steward cleared his throat to speak.

Cough. My lord, theres a problem.

A problem? What kind of problem?

Upon leaving the Bratz estate, I noticed an unusual number of locals around. It seems Lord Ian has opened up Grula trading to the villagers.

Grula trading? So, hes been controlling the share ant for my estates villagers as well?

The Count failed to grasp the crux of the issue. He couldnt have imagined that Grula trading would have been opened to the villagers within just a day. The steward bit his upper lip in a troubled manner, which gradually turned the Counts face pale.

No, surely not.

The villagers from Bratz were selling Grula to those from rellof estate. The word spread quickly, and it was quite a bustling scene.

That wretched, despicable scoundrel!

Clang!

Involuntarily, the Count threw a teacup onto the table. The Countess, the steward, and the attending servants all flinched, their attention fixed on the Count.

Please calm down, my lord.

Calm down? Youre telling to calm down now?

The villagers were selling roasted Grula, which are only edible and cant be used for cultivation. It shouldnt significantly affect the operation of the estate.

For each sack, thirty-five gold coins were needed. To break even, the Count had no choice but to sell the Grula cultivated from these seeds to his estates villagers. He could use the increased yield as a pretext for raising the next years taxes or sell them in exchange for money.

Currently, theres a food shortage within the estate, so its not entirely bad. The issue is the suddenness of it all, without any discussion

Indeed, when looked at objectively, the Count should be grateful to Ian. The Grula would help keep the villagers sustained until their own crops could be cultivated. However, the Count couldnt help feeling strong displeasure and even a sense of threat from Ians unilateral action.

What if we release raw Grula after the cultivating season when supply stabilizes?

It seed like a clear intention to sabotage. The Count kept tapping the desk, frowning deeply. He should have been wary from the mont Ian started talking about freedom of economic activities.

This bastard, I swear

For now, I suggest calming down like Simon said. Theres still ti and we cant confidently guess Lord Ians motives.

Lady Lien, who had been listening quietly, signaled a servant to clear the broken teacup. It was dangerous to have sharp objects around when tempers were high.

And he, um, made a personal proposition to .

What? Ian did?

Yes. He asked if I could help with the training of his mansions stewards during my personal ti. I indirectly declined, saying I needed your permission, but he then offered to pay separately and even return Clark if I wanted.

Absurd. As if I care about getting so slave back.

The Count dismissed the idea as ludicrous, but Lady Lien took it seriously. So I can have Clark back if I send over the steward? Or after its all done?

Its hard to tell, really.

In the past, Count rellof had beco extrely sensitive about sending letters to Ian, especially after sending him gifts and congratulations. He had many questions he wanted to ask, but couldnt act rashly.

Send another letter.

To Lord Ian?

Invite him to dinner at the mansion.

It was a guise of expressing gratitude for the gourd trade, but internally, it was a plan to issue a proper warning. The Count was uneasy about Ians behavior, which seed too bold, considering he had the central governnt backing him.

Understood.

You should prepare as well, dear.

Of course.

As the Count stood up, the servant cleaning up the broken pieces hesitated. Fortunately, the Count went outside to check on the gourd cultivation, bringing a sigh of relief to the room.

Sigh.

The Countess and servants simultaneously exhaled, relieved. They exchanged glances and awkwardly looked away.

***

Unbelievable.

Beric rubbed his eyes, mumbling in disbelief. It had been just one day since Ian allowed gourd trading in rellof. He had sensed the village outside the mansion was bustling but hadnt expected this extent.

This is what we earned in just one day?

It seems everyone is quite adept at business, dealing with those who live off comrce.

Ian laughed, looking at the chest full of coins. Most were silver and copper, but there were also so gold coins, likely taxes from the wealthier villagers.

So this is why people go on about easy money.

The nature of land and ho owners getting it all. Not that I can talk.

The revenue generated by the villagers trading had turned into tax revenue. Being the first day of implentation, there might have been so omissions or hiccups. However, as a side inco, it was more than satisfactory.

And since its the first day, its this much, but it will decrease gradually. Many villagers bought in bulk, and the surplus will eventually run out.

The Bratz villagers had set aside their share for the winter and were now making a profit. Not many had greenhouses. To prevent a shortage of Grula, Romandros n were constantly patrolling the village, monitoring the trade.

How much is all this?

Good question. Beric, what do you think?

Hmm, wouldnt I have to count it?

I suppose so. Go ahead and count it then.

Uh, sir?

Separate the gold, silver and copper coins. Ask for help if you need more hands.

From who?

Youve been taking Clark around like a servant lately, right?

Oh, him? Its no fun. Hes not entertaining.

Beric had quickly lost interest in handling people, as he had never really had anyone under him before. The biggest problem was that Clark wasnt suitable as a sparring partner for sword practice.

But Ian.

Yeah?

When you go up to the capital, will you take with you?

Beric crouched down, starting to sort the coins in the chest one by one. Ian sat opposite him and helped divide the coins, finding Berics actions both amusing and pitiful.

Thats up to you.

The deal between Ian and Beric was simple.

Ian would awaken Berics potential as a demon swordsman.

Beric would ensure Ians safety.

Realistically, now that Bratz had fallen and an alliance was ford with Cheonrye, there was almost no threat to Ians life. Going to the central, his status as a magic practitioner would also serve as a shield.

Theres no need to take many people with , especially if I end up at the Magic Departnts villa. Who knows what will happen there.

What could I learn there?

Obviously. Beric, its the imperial palace. The palace. All those who claim to protect Bariel will be there.

How do they compare to the Cheonrye clan? How strong are they?

Hmm

Ian pondered for a mont. There were too many factors to consider in asuring strength.

Magic practitioners directly involved in combat from the Magic Departnt would be almost unrivaled without control stones, and physically, there would be the Imperial Guard.

Theres no comparison. When was it, there was that incident up north

Up north? Whyd you stop mid-sentence?

He almost slipped. He had almost confused an event that hadnt happened yet with one that had. Beric asked again, annoyed, but Ian remained silent, not wanting to reveal more.

Whyyy?! Tell ee!

They say even northern warriors are powerless before the imperial guards captains.

Wow, nice bluff.

That obvious?

Id have to be an idiot not to notice.

Sorry, I actually forgot.

The incident in the northern part of the Bariel Empire. It was a shocking event for an empire almost free from monster attacks. Ian rembered studying that a descendant of the blood clan, the Atan tribe, had gained considerable power, but was ultimately defeated and killed by a captain of the Royal Guard.

Right. Thats going to happen soon.

There were also several significant wars, fights, and rebellions.

Instead of counting coins, Ian began counting the years. As he counted, Berics eyes shone with curiosity.

That many?

Hmm? Many what?

Captains. Theres that many?

Ah. Three is the standard number of imperial guards captains.

Excluding the chaotic situations like the Emperor being overthrown. The captains of the ImperialGuard in Ians mory were all rembered by their backs, either leaving him or dying in battle to protect him.

The palace is freaking huge.

Its not because its the palace itself, the capital brims with talented people. Borderlands are borderlands for a reason.

You talk like youve actually been to the capital.

I picked up bits here and there.

Then I wanna go too.

Beric decisively made up his mind. Going to the capital felt like an opportunity to level up, to get stronger. Swordsmanship, like physical strength, grows only with stronger stimuli.

Ill go! Take !

Alright, fine.

It seed like Beric hadnt thought much about what he would do once he got to the central, but for Ian, it was a favorable turn of events. The journey would be safer with Berics presence. If there was one thing he could trust, it was Berics combat skills, proven in an unexpected attack where he took down dozens.

Enlisting him in the army might not be a bad idea.

As a demon swordsman, Beric would be a highly valuable asset for the empire. It seed like a good choice for Bariels future and for securing a stable life for Beric.

Knock, knock.

Lord Ian. A letter has arrived from rellof.

Again? That old man sure has a lot of ti.

It must be about the Grula trading. I thought he would co storming in, but this is unexpected.

Ian laughed as he took the letter. It was an invitation for dinner either today or tomorrow.

What does it say?

Hes inviting us for dinner.

Ian handed the letter to Beric and stood up.

If we finish sorting the coins by the afternoon, Ill take you to the dinner. Beric, since its a formal invitation, there should be plenty of good food.

Woah, leave it to .

Beric quickly got back to work, but his enthusiasm waned when Hana brought in two more heavy pouches, claiming them as additional inco.

Lord Ian, are you going out this evening?

Yes, I received a dinner invitation from rellof.

Ill prepare your change of clothes.

Hana promptly took out a neat outfit and laid it on the bed. While changing, Ian suddenly rembered he was wearing the necklace. Since he seldom took it off, he often forgot about it.

Will you wear the necklace too?

Yes, itll nag at if I leave it out.

Then please change into sothing with a high collar.

Why?

Hannah answered as she rummaged through the wardrobe.

Didnt you say that Count rellof has soodd tendencies? Like jealousy issues.

I did.

It would be awkward if he comnts on you wearing the sa type of jewelry as Lady Lien.

Surely not.

Ian smiled faintly, finding it hard to believe. Even if soone was unhinged, it seed unlikely they would make a fuss over such a trivial matter. However, Hannah spoke matter-of-factly.

Youd be surprised. People with ntal instabilities often exceed what youd consider surely not. Wear this one.

Ian changed his clothes as Hannah suggested, pondering her words.

Hannah.

Yes, Lord Ian.

I think we should take Clark with us. Get him ready.

Ill prepare him right away.

Creak.

To Ian, Clark was a ans to keep the Countess in check, but to her, he was perhaps the only ally in the mansion. It seed right to send him back for safety reasons.

Ian! Im done!

Thump! Thump, thump!

Berics shouts of triumph echoed down the hallway. Ian chuckled softly and neatly buttoned up his shirt.