Chapter 115
Chapter 115
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 115
Chapter Title: The Emperor's Portrait
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“Shall we prepare the carriage?”
It was a question asking whether he was wrapping up the fellowship meeting and heading back. Prince Marib covered his mouth with his wine glass, simply smiling without the slightest change in expression. Gail was still watching their side, so it was to hide his answer.
“No need. They’re waiting, so tell them to do so.”
“Yes. Understood.”
“And keep watch.”
“…I shall obey.”
It was an order without a direct object, but the aide grasped its meaning. He bowed his head at once and stepped out, and Gail’s gaze shifted away as well. The other officials who had been chatting together subtly inquired what was going on.
“Is something urgent, Your Highness?”
“No. What could be more pressing than sharing this meaningful gathering with you all? Please continue explaining the artwork.”
Of course, it was only natural to be more drawn to the young bastard from the border who had dominated the Great Desert than to these dull old nobles before his eyes. Gail must have heard about the two of them entering the palace as well.
“Yes, Your Highness. The next piece is painted with pigments mixed with mana stone powder. It actually glows at night.”
“Oh? Mana stone powder?”
“It’s all the rage these days to mix this and that into paints.”
Prince Marib nodded as if listening to the official’s explanation, stealing a glance toward Gail. Gail was enjoying some socializing with his arm around Wesley’s waist.
No matter what, whoever moved first would end up exposing their back. Prince Marib’s aide would have his senses sharpened to the movements of Gail and Wesley’s underlings.
‘What will you do, Gail?’
When Gail had proposed a donation of ten thousand gold coins, Prince Marib hadn’t opposed it. Quite the opposite—he’d acted as if it was a fine idea and hurried along to the next item on the agenda.
It truly didn’t matter to him, and he did want to test Ian’s abilities. But more than that, the main reason was that the place he planned to use Ian later was the Magic Department. Leaving some subtle leeway wasn’t a bad idea.
‘Gail won’t fall for it, but it might fool some of the denser fools in the Magic Department.’
The same held true now. There was no need to greet Ian even while breaking up the fellowship meeting. They acted as if they didn’t know about Ian’s existence, holding their positions until the very end.
* ♟ *
“…Ugh.”
Romandro stretched quietly with a slight ache. The bright sunlight had gradually deepened into a sunset glow. It was natural for his body to loosen up from the exhaustion of waiting. But Ian, seated beside him, showed not the slightest disarray.
“Ian. You alright?”
“With what?”
“Your back, man. Your back. Must be the perks of youth. I’m dying to lie down here.”
Ian gave a faint smile at Romandro’s grumbling. It wasn’t intentional, but being in the imperial palace seemed to make him maintain an even straighter posture. Gazing down at his cold tea, Ian made a guess.
‘They’re taking much longer than expected, so he must really be with Gail.’
It was then.
Knock knock.
“Prince Marib has arrived.”
“Eek!”
Startled by the sudden presence, Romandro jumped to his feet. Ian casually straightened his rumpled jacket and looked toward the door.
This was the first imperial blood relative Ian had laid eyes on after crossing over a hundred years of time. In a way, he was an ancestor, kin who had shared the glory of the imperial palace. Though distantly related, almost like a stranger by blood.
Creak.
The door opened. A blue-eyed man with long golden hair tied back in a single ponytail stepped inside. His softly curving eyes were striking. They made him look like he was smiling even without moving his lips.
“Romandro, it’s been a while.”
“I greet Prince Marib.”
Romandro immediately bowed at the waist, placing his hand over his chest in imperial protocol. Ian, standing a step behind, gestured elegantly as well. Truth be told, he was more accustomed to receiving greetings than giving them, but this didn’t feel too awkward either.
“You’ve worked hard. Must’ve been tough leaving your family behind and coming down here.”
“Not at all, Your Highness. I am honored to add luster to the glory of Bariel and Your Highness.”
Ian barely suppressed a slipping smile. For Romandro, that was some impressive rhetoric. He rattled on without pause about how wonderful life in Bratz had been.
After some routine exchange.
“…So you’re Ian.”
Prince Marib’s gaze passed over Romandro and settled on Ian.
Ian slowly raised his head. The deep orange glow of the sunset poured over his face. Just like when he unleashed his mana, the boy’s left eye tinted gold.
“I greet Prince Marib. I am Ian.”
His eyes held confidence without arrogance, his voice strength without irritation. The lifted chin, straight shoulders, and upright posture were the very picture of the nobles Ian had seen countless times.
No, to be honest….
‘Unexpected.’
He sensed a refinement beyond that. Prince Marib gestured for them to sit and praised Romandro.
“Romandro seems to have taught you imperial etiquette quite well.”
“Not at all, Your Highness. Lord Ian was so exceptional that I had little to teach him.”
It was beyond expectations. It was hard to earn this much favor from just a first impression. As the three men took their seats, servants swapped out the cold teacups for warm ones.
“So, Lord Ian.”
He hadn’t received his title yet, but he was a noble-to-be regardless. Prince Marib used a suitable honorific and asked.
“How does it feel to come to the center?”
“It lives up to the rumors. There’s good reason it’s praised as the pillar upholding the world of Bariel.”
It was sincere. Even if he weren’t seeing the capital for the first time, Emperor Ian viewed the capital that way.
Satisfied with the answer? The prince broke into a pleased smile. Romandro might not have noticed, but it was the first genuine smile the prince had shown since entering the reception room.
“I’ve grasped the events in the borderlands through Romandro’s reports. Romandro, ensure those brought back are processed and approved within the week.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Romandro has returned home, but Lord Ian has left his. I imagine quite a few saw you off.”
Ian smiled brightly.
Prince Marib, who knew better than anyone that Ian had no family, phrased it that way—clearly, there was a hidden meaning.
“Indeed. From the mansion servants to the territory folk, they held send-offs day and night. The Cheonryeo people along the border did the same. Knowing they wouldn’t see me for a while after I headed to the center, they eased their regrets that way.”
It was a question probing what position Ian had secured in his territory before coming, and the answer was quite satisfying. Popular support and the alliance with the Cheonryeo tribe—these two were the biggest factors in seizing the lordship.
“I see. Ian, you’ll make a trustworthy lord.”
“You overpraise me. Everyone knows it was thanks to Your Highness’s aid.”
Prince Marib was impressed that Ian had read his intent. He was definitely useful. Beyond wielding mana, his perceptiveness in grasping context was no ordinary thing.
‘Influence of the count?’
For a bastard raised in a brothel, his presence was formidable. He must have learned it the hard way enduring humiliations from the count. And crossing the Great Desert must have toughened his spirit, for he showed not a hint of trembling before a prince.
“You know the New Year’s gala schedule? The imperial New Year’s is always special, but this year even more so.”
Right—the noble title ceremony for common-born Ian, followed by the mana user confirmation and a slew of other events.
Romandro cautiously interjected with an answer.
“My apologies, but we only arrived today and haven’t heard.”
“Is that so? The schedule is mostly set. I’ll have my aide deliver it before you leave the palace.”
“Yes, Your Highness. We’ll prepare with care.”
“After the New Year’s gala, there’s an event hosted by the Magic Department. They’ll measure your mana and assign you to a division….”
Prince Marib glanced at Ian’s left eye. The sunset glow had faded, returning it to green. He thrust forward the blade of words in earnest.
“But first, Ian. Do you think you’re suited to be a lord?”
It was a highly sensitive and awkward question. Ambiguous as to whether it probed his origins or his abilities. Romandro, who had been listening quietly, unwittingly held his breath and bit his lip.
‘Answer no, and he’ll grab that; answer yes, and he’ll grab that too.’
What use was a lord who deemed himself unworthy? But overdo it into arrogance, and it’s worse than lacking.
Yet Ian nodded without much deliberation, as if the answer was predetermined.
“Of course.”
A bold, confident response.
Romandro felt the breath he’d drawn catch in his throat. Prince Marib’s eyebrow arched upward—a expression Romandro knew came with intrigue or displeasure. Meanwhile, Ian continued calmly.
“What Your Highness has decided and forged—I dare anyone say otherwise? My sole duty is to perfectly fulfill Your Highness’s will in all things.”
‘…Simpler than expected. Does he see me as just the young border bastard?’
It was a blatant question. The intent behind mentioning the Magic Department was so transparent it was almost simplistic, drawing a hollow chuckle.
A reminder that he himself had placed Ian in the lordship, a pledge of loyalty, and an order to faithfully serve as a spy in the Magic Department.
“You speak with such confidence. I like that in a man.”
“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”
Prince Marib smiled contentedly and sipped his tea. Romandro, reading the mood, took that moment to sip his own.
But then. As Ian kept scrutinizing Prince Marib’s face, a strange feeling came over him.
‘Blond with blue eyes. Typical imperial features, of course….’
Had he seen Prince Marib in any of the past emperors’ portraits?
The corridor from the detached palace to the emperor’s bedchamber was lined with portraits of past emperors in chronological order. Ian had passed them two or three times a day—he couldn’t have missed it.
But.
‘I don’t remember seeing that face in any portrait.’
Gail’s rebellion was sure to fail. Thus, naturally, he’d assumed rightful heir and rival Prince Marib would take the throne. That is, until they met face-to-face.
‘Is there another successor contender?’
But there didn’t seem to be any notable figures.
Ian hid his expression and set aside his tangled thoughts. For now, focusing on the present to gain the prince’s trust was key. No matter how it turned out, Marib alone seemed a match for Gail at present.
“Lord Ian.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“How goes the preparation for the donation due to the center?”
He had gold coins from the goela trade and a trove of high-grade mana stones—no issue there. But Ian lightly shook his head. He couldn’t reveal his hand to someone who might or might not become emperor.
“No, Your Highness.”
“Hmm. That’s a pity. Then allow me to make you a fine proposal.”
Unaware of Ian’s true intentions, Prince Marib set down his teacup.
Only Romandro, who had caught Ian’s lie, kept his head bowed low, fidgeting and sipping tea endlessly. His expression absolutely must not give it away.