Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 261

“Ahem, ahem.”

Romandro shook off the awkwardness with an unnecessary cough. Why was he so nervous and embarrassed? He stood in front of the blackboard, fidgeting with the pen handle.

When dispatched to disaster sites, he used to recite reports in front of dozens of people two or three times a day, but strangely, he felt more nervous now compared to then.

Just four people.

And they were all familiar faces.

“Romandro, I’m counting on you.”

Was it because Jin, the future Emperor of Bariel and the current sole heir to the imperial family, was looking at him with sparkling eyes full of expectation?

“Sir Romandro. Please begin.”

Or maybe it was because he was in front of the boy who had risen to 4th in the imperial hierarchy with his bare hands, the Minister of Magic.

Come to think of it, this was the first time he was presenting information to Ian in this way. He’s a brilliant and meticulous superior. If he made even one mistake, he’d likely be pointed out immediately.

“Come on, hurry up so we can go eat!”

“…”

While Jin and Ian were sitting side by side with their desks pushed together, Beric was sprawled on the sofa, and Xiaoshi was standing near the door.

Romandro coughed again and picked up the chalk. These were the two people leading the Bariel Empire. He had been tasked with introducing foreign affairs, which they knew nothing about, for the first time. How weighty was this responsibility? Excluding personal emotions, his primary goal was to convey just the facts plainly.

As he flipped over the map he had prepared in advance and began his introduction:

“The Great Empire of Ba-riel!”

“Wow, you’ve got quite a voice there, Sir Romandro.”

“Located on the central continent of Gaia, it’s difficult to see the sea except at the southernmost tip. Instead, it has achieved stable development due to its vast territory, abundant resources, and the mountain ranges surrounding its borders. Look at the mountain ranges. Don’t they look like they’re being embraced by the hands of a god? This is evidence that Bariel has received divine blessing.”

“Oh? Here! Ian, here’s Hielo. Hielo.”

Beric frowned as he glared at the map, then spotted the Hielo territory and rushed over to point at it. Nearby, the Monne mountain range where Luron stones were discovered was colored in dark.

Romandro waved his hand as if to say “get out of the way,” but Beric just kept alternating between looking at the center and Hielo, marveling.

“Wow, it’s really far from here to here.”

“It took fifteen days by carriage.”

“That’s right. This is Karenna! Where we met Hasha!”

Who’s Hasha? As Jin tilted his head, Ian pointed to the northwest of Bariel with his fingertip and explained.

“The northwest border is currently in chaos due to civil war, natural disasters, and so on. The country is divided, with many community units close to tribes, and even if not, looking inside, the conflict between factions is serious. Hasha is a necromancer from a country called Astana among those.”

“I’ve heard of that. Former Minister Wesleigh invited necromancers from various regions for cultural and academic exchange purposes. But underneath, there was an intention to raise influence by creating a place of peace among the conflicting countries.”

He had volunteered to act as a kind of mediator. Aside from the grand cause of resolving conflicts, numerous intentions and desires were hidden underneath. In particular, it was a project largely based on Wesleigh’s misguided love.

“Yes, Your Highness. That’s correct. You know well.”

“Hmm. Just this much.”

Jin smiled shyly as if embarrassed.

Ian quickly sketched a central map at the edge of his notebook, then roughly pointed out the outlying areas.

“The necromancers are currently continuing their academic research in the outskirts of the central area. Most returned to their countries when Wesleigh died, but a few are still fulfilling their agreed study periods without canceling them.”

Since their research requires corpses, they have no choice but to do it as secretly as possible. Jin nodded repeatedly, taking in Ian’s words.

Seeing this, Romandro pushed Beric aside and approached closer, almost in tears. He was going to explain that! He had lost the lead because of that damn Beric.

“Your Highness, please! I’ll explain the rest!”

The information and knowledge Jin gains now shapes him and will complete the future Bariel. Romandro, thinking he couldn’t lose this glorious starting point, passionately pointed at the map.

Bang!

“The Hielo territory is in the east of the country, and adjacent to it is the Kingdom of Hawan. Hawan shares borders with Bariel and Ruswena. The countries in the northwest are small and their internal affairs are chaotic, so you don’t need to worry much about them. Your Highness, just focus on three countries. Three countries. I’ll tell you in clockwise order.”

Ruswena in the northeast.

Clippoford in the south.

Burgos in the west.

“Oh…”

Jin murmured softly. He had learned about this in his prince education, but hearing it again like this felt unfamiliar. Ian also raised his eyebrows as if pleased to hear these country names after a long time.

“You must know Ruswena well. It has a deep history, excellent granary regions, and is where black jewels come from. Currently, Queen Eriphony is ruling, and her cousin came as an envoy.”

“What kind of person is this Eriphony?”

Swoosh!

He had been waiting for that question!

Romandro flipped the map to reveal a crude portrait. Long blue-green hair, white skin, and eyes sharply slanted to the sides, especially the sanpaku eyes (showing white above or below the iris) that caught the eye. Overall, she was a woman with bold features.

“While judgment is for posterity to make, currently her reputation is not bad both internally and externally. I’m not sure if you saw the Eldert delegation that came to the palace.”

“Yes. I saw them. With Lord Ian. He was handsome.”

“Blood doesn’t lie, they look exactly alike. You could say they’re almost the same, just different genders. Ah, I heard she enjoys hunting. They say she’s incredibly skilled with a bow, but well, rumors about leaders tend to be exaggerated in every country. Ahem.”

“Will the queen come herself for the appointment ceremony?”

“Since the letter hasn’t been sent yet, it’s difficult to gauge their response. It’s most likely that Eldert will come again.”

Ian, who had been quietly listening to Romandro’s explanation, stared intently at the portrait of the Ruswena queen with his arms crossed. No matter how strong the power of bloodline is, could they really look that similar to the Eldert envoy? It’s truly strange.

“Next is Clippoford. Their first prince has been confirmed as the successor. Traditionally, the successor has taken on the role of foreign envoy, so it will likely be the same this time. The first prince, Noah.”

This is similar to Mariv. Mariv, as the first prince, also led the reception of foreign envoys. He intentionally visited foreign countries after coming of age. In that process, he met the Rutherford merchant group, the source of amber raw stones.

While Ian was examining the portrait, Beric raised his hand as if something was bothering him.

“Ah, but Sir Romandro. Who the hell drew that?”

“…Why?”

“I could draw better than that with my feet. The eyes look like a beggar’s. Isn’t it just lines drawn randomly?”

“That’s, well, because he’s smiling, it’s folded like this…”

Romandro bit his lip with a hurt expression. It was clearly a reaction indicating he had drawn it himself. Jin hurriedly comforted Romandro.

“It, it looks very well drawn.”

“R-Really?”

“Of course. I think I’ll be able to recognize him easily even when we meet at the appointment ceremony. Thank you, Romandro.”

Prince Noah had tanned skin and orange hair. Unlike the Ruswena queen, he had squinting eyes with a broad smile.

If Romandro had drawn the portrait like that, he must be someone who always wears a smile. Jin could roughly guess what his personality might be like.

“Clippoford places great importance on song and dance. Not just Prince Noah, but it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s related to their founding myth, um. To put it simply, it’s a story about how the gods were impressed by the dance of a red bat-eared fox and gave it a human body.”

“Your Highness. What can you infer from this myth?”

At Ian’s sudden question, Jin’s eyes widened. But soon, he fumbled, folding his fingers as he listed what came to mind.

“That they like song and dance, and their symbolic animal is a fox? They probably have temples like Bariel. Um, ah! And their founding history must be deep as well.”

“Yes, correct. Having a founding myth means they have existed for so long that it’s difficult to gauge their origins. It’s also a common point among the three countries Romandro pointed out.”

It means they’re not powers that were born and disappeared between large and small wars and conflicts, but have guarded a part of the continent for a long time along with Bariel.

Beric flipped to the last page as if bored.

Charak!

“Huh?”

The last one, Burgos in the west.

Unlike the previously explained Queen Eriphony of Ruswena and Prince Noah, this page was filled to the brim with a drawing. As soon as Beric saw it, he muttered as if he had realized something.

“…Well, well, they’re all that.”

“That what?”

What nonsense is he going to spout now! Romandro tensed up and raised his hand, ready to chop down on his forehead if necessary. But Beric didn’t even blink an eye as he picked his ear.

“Eriphony is a blue-green snake, Noah is a red fox, and this guy is a black bear, right?”

Ah. What should I do with this ignorant troublemaker? Romandro shook his head pitifully, holding his forehead.

“In my opinion, Beric you bastard, the gods must be watching over you. It was the same in Hielo. Your given lifespan is too long compared to your behavior. Instead of loafing around, you’d better go out and offer some prayers.”

“Huh? Did I say something wrong? Try to refute it.”

“Never say such things in front of others! I’ll really hit you!”

Beric squawked that it was unfair, while Romandro grumbled for him to be quiet. While the two were causing a commotion, Jin quietly looked up at the portrait.

Due to its low quality, it was smudged here and there from fingerprints.

“…It’s incredible. I can feel the spirit even from the drawing.”

Scars haphazardly filling the face, the left ear half cut off with an ornament taking its place, and a rugged, angular jaw that looked solid and firm.

Truly an amazing man.

Just as Jin let out an admiring exclamation.

“…Timothy.”

“Do you know this person? Lord Ian?”

“Yes. I think I’ve heard it somewhere. Sir Romandro. Is this man’s name Timothy?”

“Yes! That’s right, Timothy!”

Ian’s expression was somewhat subtle as he stared straight ahead with his arms crossed. He frowned as if trying to recall something, remaining silent for a while.

Jin waited patiently, but Ian ultimately just smiled without saying anything.

“Your Highness. You should recognize these portraits well so you can greet the guests excellently at the appointment ceremony.”

“Don’t worry!”

“Yes. I’m not worried. Because I’m sure Your Highness will do well.”

Ian answered thus and stood up from his seat. Seeing him even remove the pen nib and put it down, it seemed he was about to go out.

“Sir Romandro. Please continue explaining to His Highness Jin. I just remembered some unfinished business, so I’ll be back soon.”

“Iaaaan! Where are you going?”

“I told you, I’m going to take care of some work.”

“Let’s go together! Let’s stop by the dining hall on the way back.”

Bang!

Beric, who had been grabbing Romandro’s collar, immediately chased after Ian as he left. Surprised by the sudden action, Jin just stared at the half-open door.

Creeak.

Until Xiaoshi completely closed the door. Jin lightly shrugged his shoulders and picked up the pen Ian had put down. Then he looked at Romandro, his eyes asking him to continue explaining.

“Ahem. Your Highness, then shall we continue just the two of us?”

“Yes, yes. Let’s do that. I’ll ask a lot of questions!”

“I welcome it. Um, ah, and Your Highness. It’s just my concern, but may I speak…”

What is it? Jin smiled and gave permission.

“When foreigners are present, you must never, ever speak about imperial secrets. Even if you become close later. Lord Ian may be trustworthy, but in the future, you shouldn’t tell even Lord Ian. A true servant would voluntarily block their ears the moment they hear imperial secrets.”

The smile slowly faded from Jin’s face. As if he didn’t understand what the man was saying at all.

“Ah, of course, I’m not saying Lord Ian did anything wrong. But for mutual trust and a better relationship, it’s better to keep what should be kept… um. It’s my small request.”

Romandro smiled awkwardly and gripped the chalk.

“Then, shall we continue!”

Navigate to Other Chapters

• MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's End
• MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
• MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
• MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
• MBSE Chapter 05 - Plans
• MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
• MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
• MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
• MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
• MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
• MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
• MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
• MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
• MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
• MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
• MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
• MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
• MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
• MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
• MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
• MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
• MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
• MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
• MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
• MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof

• MBSE Chapter 26
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• MBSE Chapter 114
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• MBSE Chapter 117
• MBSE Chapter 118
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• MBSE Chapter 120
• MBSE Chapter 121
• MBSE Chapter 122
• MBSE Chapter 123

• MBSE Chapter 124
• MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
• MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
• MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
• MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
• MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
• MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
• MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training Grounds
• MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
• MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
• MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's Letter
• MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
• MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
• MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
• MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
• MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
• MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
• MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
• MBSE Chapter 142 - Black Smoke
• MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
• MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
• MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
• MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
• MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
• MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal

• MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
• MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
• MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave Caravan
• MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal Slaves
• MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
• MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
• MBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through Checks
• MBSE Chapter 156
• MBSE Chapter 157
• MBSE Chapter 158
• MBSE Chapter 159
• MBSE Chapter 160
• MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
• MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
• MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
• MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal Flare
• MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
• MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
• MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's Seal
• MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
• MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
• MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
• MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
• MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
• MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child

• MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
• MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
• MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
• MBSE Chapter 177 - The Black Moon
• MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
• MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, Now
• MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
• MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's Eyes
• MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
• MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
• MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
• MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
• MBSE Chapter 186
• MBSE Chapter 187
• MBSE Chapter 188
• MBSE Chapter 189
• MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
• MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
• MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
• MBSE Chapter 193
• MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
• MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
• MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
• MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
• MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions

• MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
• MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
• MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
• MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
• MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
• MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
• MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
• MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
• MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black Armor
• MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
• MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
• MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
• MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
• MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
• MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
• MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
• MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
• MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
• MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
• MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
• MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
• MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
• MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
• MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
• MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud

• MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
• MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
• MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
• MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
• MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
• MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's Whisperer
• MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
• MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
• MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
• MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
• MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
• MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
• MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
• MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
• MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
• MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
• MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
• MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
• MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
• MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
• MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
• MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
• MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
• MBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's Plea
• MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's Request

• MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
• MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's Signatures
• MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Palace
• MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
• MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
• MBSE Chapter 254 - Pillars
• MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
• MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
• MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's Bariel
• MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
• MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
• MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
• MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures
• MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
• MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts
• MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch

• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub