Chapter 24
Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 24
Chapter Title: Nersarn
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“G-Good heavens! What are the Cheonryeo Tribe doing here……?”
That was something Ian was wondering too. Just what had brought the Cheonryeo Tribe all the way here? It was a three-day ride nonstop from their encampment to Bratz territory. They surely wouldn’t have saddled up their kusilles for something trivial.
‘It seems like a sudden visit.’
If it had been a scheduled meeting, Hanna would have known. She would have been busy preparing for guests the day before.
Ian noticed the Cheonryeo Tribe’s gazes turning toward him.
“T-They’re looking this way.”
“Ugh…….”
Berik could only groan from behind, straining with effort. They whispered among themselves, then promptly split into two groups. The one who appeared to be the leader passed through the main gate toward the manor house, while his subordinates headed straight for Ian.
“T-They’re coming! They’re coming this way!”
That was the natural reaction for anyone from Bratz territory, like Hanna.
They were the enemy they’d maintained an uneasy truce with for so long, mysterious beings with transcendent power and barbaric ways. They couldn’t hide their panic, fear, and excitement.
“Hanna. No need to make a fuss.”
“But it’s the Cheonryeo Tribe! W-Why are those birds so huge?”
“They made it here without any interference. They mean no harm.”
While reassuring Hanna, a Cheonryeo man approached and eyed them.
“Pardon the intrusion.”
The man drew close atop his kusille and looked down at Ian. His sharp, monolidded eyes were intensely intimidating. They scrutinized Ian’s hair and features relentlessly.
“You are the second son of Count Bratz, Ian?”
“That I am. And who might you be?”
Hanna quietly slipped behind Ian. For border folk, he spoke the Bariel tongue remarkably fluently.
“We’ve come from the Cheonryeo Tribe with an urgent message to deliver. It concerns the count as well, so it would be best if you came up with us now.”
An urgent message.
Since he was requesting Ian’s presence, it was surely related to the peace accord. Ian nodded to Hanna.
“When training’s done, give Berik some fruit and cool water.”
At that, Berik’s face crumpled. It meant he had to keep training even without Ian there.
“Ian! Ian!”
Sure enough, servants burst from the manor house calling for him. He left the Cheonryeo man behind and headed to Derka’s office. Amid the chaos, the steward stood wringing his hands awkwardly.
“Father. You called for me?”
“Come closer.”
The leader who had entered the manor first was seated on the sofa. Countless thick scars ran down the back of his neck.
Derka flashed an overly warm smile and gripped Ian’s shoulder.
“Ian. Pay your respects. This is the Cheonryeo envoy Nersarn. He’s Clan Leader Kakantir’s younger brother.”
The count’s grip tightened. A warning to stay sharp. Everything they’d done so far had been practice to show these people, hadn’t it?
“It’s an honor to meet you. I’m Ian Bratz.”
The man’s pitch-black eyes scanned Ian up and down. He then clasped his hands in prayer-like fashion and responded. It was Cheonryeo etiquette.
“I am Balamei Chin Nersarn.”
“But what brings you here?”
Derka cut in quickly, as if he didn’t trust Ian. Tea hadn’t even arrived yet, but Nersarn answered without minding.
“We need to adjust the peace accord schedule.”
Straight to the point, no beating around the bush. It was partly their nature, but it also meant the situation was that urgent.
“Tribe Chief Winchen’s health has suddenly deteriorated. She’s elderly and has had chronic ailments, but this is the first time she’s taken to bed. Only the gods know what lies ahead, so we wish to prepare everything we can.”
It was due to the Cheonryeo funeral customs. When a family member died, they secluded themselves for a year to pray for the soul’s rest, and if the leader died, the entire tribe joined in.
Until now, clan leaders had died in rebellions, so the ousted ones received no such honors and held rites only with family.
But what of Tribe Chief Winchen?
Even Derka couldn’t fathom when she had first appeared—she was the root of the Cheonryeo Tribe. If the tribe secluded itself, the peace accord ceremony would naturally be impossible. That was why they’d rushed here to reschedule.
‘Even considering this is enemy territory, it’s fitting for the clan leader’s brother to come.’
“You mean to move the date forward?”
“Indeed.”
Tribe Chief Winchen was a gypsy who could discern lies. With a new peace offering entering the community, she intended to conceal Ian’s impure blood with his abilities.
“Thus, we seek the count’s and young master Ian’s understanding. It would be appreciated if you viewed it as consideration for peace.”
Though he used polite words befitting his position of asking a favor, the nuance was quite ambiguous. Refuse, and there’d be no peace accord—just the stench of blood once more. A veiled threat.
Derka cleared his throat to mask his displeasure and asked,
“We have only a month and a few days left. How much earlier do you wish?”
“We’d like to simplify it as much as possible.”
Nersarn added that even this coming weekend would work.
The count chose silence over an immediate reply. The problem was, this would make things quite inconvenient—they’d have to send for Inspector General Molin right away to proceed with the registry.
‘If we can’t match the timing, no choice…….’
They’d have to do the peace accord first.
The registry was just a formality on paper anyway, irrelevant to the Cheonryeo Tribe. They’d be curious if Ian carried Derka’s blood, and they’d trust Winchen’s word over hundreds of documents.
“…You must be weary after riding for days?”
“We’re fine. This much is nothing.”
“You might be, but not your kusilles?”
Once they returned to the Great Desert, they’d have to charge through sandstorms again. It would undoubtedly be grueling for kusilles already fatigued.
“Why not rest here tonight and depart tomorrow morning?”
It meant he’d give an answer by then. For Derka, it was proper to consult with Molin first before setting a date.
Nersarn’s brow furrowed faintly at the evasive response, but that was all.
“…Thank you for your kindness.”
“No need. It’s only natural for allies and friends. Steward! Prepare rooms for the guests!”
The steward waiting outside hurried in to guide them. Once Nersarn and his men left the office, Ian turned to Derka. He was lost in thought, gnawing at his fingernails.
‘Is it that troubling? Unexpected.’
The registry certificate could only be issued from the imperial palace, so even applying now would take time. Since the Cheonryeo had requested the change first, it was fine to deliver it late.
Preparations for the peace rite had only just begun anyway. The accord document itself was what mattered, so as Nersarn said, it could happen this weekend if they agreed.
‘Doesn’t seem like they’re after anything specific.’
No room for maneuvering. The exchange list was already set, and if Winchen died, who knew what would happen to the peace accord. For Derka, cooperating fully was advantageous in every way. It would give him the upper hand in future dealings.
“Father?”
Ian called to him. His nail-biting was getting worse. It was more curiosity than concern. At the boy’s voice, the count snapped to.
“…Still not gone?”
“I wanted to ask if I should assist with the guests.”
He needed word to know whether to go or not.
Derka waved him off dismissively. Stay out of sight and hole up in his room—don’t stir trouble.
“Nersarn is a younger brother the clan leader cherishes. He’s no ordinary sharp one, so don’t try anything half-baked.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Anyone outside?”
“Yes, my lord.”
“Prepare the carriage! Hurry!”
Derka snatched his coat and shouted. He seemed intent on rushing to Molin to share the situation.
Ian glanced at the office door as he turned to leave. The small adjoining bedroom was still firmly locked. With the aide’s position vacant, things would be hectic in many ways.
‘Talk about perfect timing.’
If he’d stalled longer, Molin might have returned to the capital without receiving the push notice. It felt like divine intervention.
Ian stepped out with a faint smile and saw Berik sprawled out. Hanna was fanning him vigorously beside him.
“Young master! Did you handle everything? What’s going on?”
“Nothing major. The peace rite date’s changing. Did you finish circling the garden already?”
“Can’t you see? I’m dying here, damn it! Urgh…….”
“Those Cheonryeo won’t be staying long in the manor, right? The steward guided them to the annex earlier.”
Hanna kept chattering without stopping her fanning. They couldn’t house foreigners in the main building, especially after the recent unseemly incident in the office. The annex, meanwhile, had plenty of guest rooms. They’d probably been assigned to the floor above Ian’s.
‘Surveillance will be intense.’
Soldiers would stand guard around the building all night. Still, if Ian wanted, he could make contact easily enough. After all, they were the ‘peace’ partners. They couldn’t post guards right outside his door.
“Young master. Should I ask the steward to switch your room just for tonight?”
Hanna asked worriedly. Sharing a building with the Cheonryeo clearly unnerved her. Ian shook his head with a smile.
“No need. They’re the ones I’ll be living with from now on. Berik, pull yourself together and follow me. Hanna, go do your duties.”
At the firm command, Berik staggered to his feet. Ian, who’d been watching, grabbed his forehead and infused him with mana.
Ziiing—
“Snap out of it.”
“Damn. Whipping and then the carrot…….”
“Think of it as the stick and the carrot.”
Ptoo! Berik spat bitter saliva and finally took a step. His gait steadied bit by bit. As they entered the annex, anxious chatter from the servants drifted over.
“Did you see? They’re way bigger than I thought!”
“That’s why they say a dozen soldiers couldn’t take one. Ugh. Like beasts.”
“What food should we serve? The steward didn’t say much.”
“For barbarians, just give them raw meat—they’ll eat it.”
Ignorance or malice?
Ian clicked his tongue and made his presence known. The servants greeted him without much surprise.
‘Ignorance, then.’
“Guests arrived?”
“No suitable rooms, so we put them on the floor above you, young master. Sleep in the main house tonight.”
“Shall we set a night watch?”
“Lock your door tight!”
Ian gave instructions, trying to let their words go in one ear and out the other.
“Never mind. Prepare some light snacks and wine with care and send them up. This isn’t a meal, so no need to tell the steward.”
They hadn’t even offered tea in the office due to the sudden arrival. For guests who’d ridden days nonstop, it was inexcusable for a noble. Derka had said not to bother, but Ian had no such intention.
Knock knock.
“Ian Bratz. Pardon the intrusion.”
“…Enter.”
He entered with the servants carrying trays. Like beasts in a cage, they all stood in place. The servants timidly set the food on the table.
“You must be hungry after the long journey. Please, have something. Our preparations are a bit slow due to the sudden visit. Forgive us.”
At Ian’s greeting, Nersarn approached. He peered down as if observing a fascinating specimen. Each viewed the other as an exotic beast.
“When I saw you earlier, I wondered at how little you resemble the count. I thought the nobles of this great empire must have strangely diluted bloodlines.”
His subordinates burst into laughter at the leader’s blunt joke. Nersarn crisply turned away and signaled them with his eyes. A sign to eat.
“But up close, you’re certainly a noble.”
Praise or not? Honorifics or not? The ambiguous tone continued. Nersarn added with a grin,
“That’s a compliment, young master Ian.”
If Derka held the leash, these were the ones pressing a sword to his throat. But……
‘Your swords will soon become mine.’
Ian met his gaze, smiled brightly, then approached casually.