Chapter 248

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Jin’s RequestMargrave’s Bastard Son was the Emperor

Melania’s eyes narrowed slightly. What was that question supposed to mean? To express himself as if he were a third party.

But Ian paid no heed and kept examining the amber raw stone. It was very similar to the stone Mariv used during the rebellion, and the one under the Silasque flowerpot.

‘On the surface, it looks like Idgal. I’ll need to examine it more closely.’

Didn’t Akorella say that? If you cut an artificial stone in half, you can see geometric patterns. That’s the trace of an alchemist’s production, their unique pattern.

If this was indeed made by the illegitimate Ian, it would show a completely different texture from ‘Idgal’.

“Ian.”

Ian turned his head at Melania’s call. Her eyes held considerable doubt. A gaze that clung persistently, and a distance that was gradually closing. Melania carefully asked again. Having composed her emotions, her tone became more formal.

“Lord Ian, do you really have no memory at all?”

Though it was a question, it was essentially no different from probing. This was a very important variable for Melania.

If Ian had lost his memories, it would create an information imbalance about the past. This would be a great opportunity for Melania, who held the information.

“You smiled, didn’t you? You were so happy that the flush on your face wouldn’t subside. So…”

Melania hesitated as she was about to say something. If Ian didn’t remember, wouldn’t it be more advantageous to throw out something abstract rather than a situational explanation that might directly provide clues?

Ian noticed her intention and responded with silence. Admitting to remembering carried too many risks, and denying it wasn’t a good move. Even ambiguously deflecting the question would be a form of admission.

While Ian was at a disadvantage regarding the past, Melania was the one in need when it came to the current situation in the palace. The longer he dragged out the silence, the more likely Melania would speak first.

Rustle.

Without answering, Ian took the pressed flower. The Silasque, taking on a red hue in the lamplight. It had been difficult to find traces of it even in the center, yet here it appeared again with the amber raw stone. Just like in the desert.

He could certainly guess that the Rutherford merchant group was related to the flower, and that Melania’s claim had some credibility.

While Mariv had also used Idgal, only Ian, among all those he had met so far, had a connection to this flower.

“Say something. Please. Like this, it’s as if…”

As if you’re a different person, as if you’re treating it like someone else’s business beyond just not remembering, Melania barely swallowed these absurd words and continued.

“Doesn’t it seem like I’m lying? When the evidence proving that day is so clear.”

“Hmm.”

Ting!

Ian lightly responded while flicking the amber raw stone. He had caught quite a good lead.

Idgal had an effect comparable to magic-sealing stones, making it extremely threatening to mages. Therefore, tracking down the Rutherford merchant group, confiscating this, and destroying it would be one of the long-term goals the Ministry of Magic would pursue.

But the illegitimate Ian, especially he who holds the position of Minister of Magic, is related to the birth of Idgal? Moreover, a vow with Rutherford?

“What about this note? Don’t you recognize the note either?”

Rustle, Melania unfolded the old note, pressing Ian. Just as he was about to answer that it was an unfamiliar script, Ian realized he had seen it somewhere before.

The unfamiliar script he had seen when he first opened his eyes in the Bratz count’s mansion and entered the illegitimate son’s room. Likewise, he couldn’t decipher it.

‘It’s a secret she’s revealing to save the Hayman family. She must have judged it sufficiently threatening to me, with enough value to exchange for their salvation. Though it’s cautious since I don’t know what it is-‘

The Ministry of Magic Minister creating Idgal is almost a contradiction. It has no effect on non-mages, and it’s creating something that only tightens their own noose. There would be extreme backlash within the department.

‘In the current situation, it’s actually fine.’

If used well, it’s not bad.

Prince Jin, the heir apparent, trusts Ian. From the imperial family’s perspective, Ian would be judged as the right person for the power balance of the Ministry of Magic, which would give Jin a sense of stability.

Stability means strong cohesion. It will become a foundation for the Ministry of Magic to be more trusted within the empire. In other words, there might be some turbulence, but it means a virtuous cycle can be achieved.

“Melania. I’ve constantly told you that I have no connection with you. You say it’s evidence, but aren’t these all subjective claims? What kind of relationship were we supposed to have? For such a relationship, it seems we’ve pointed swords at each other too sincerely.”

If Arsen’s true identity hadn’t been a demon, Jin and Ian’s position would have been precarious, on the verge of collapse.

And if this were truly a threat to Ian, she would have played this card long ago. Especially when the correlation between Mariv and Rutherford was mentioned in the trial, there was clearly an opportunity to implicate Ian.

“Even if we had some kind of relationship, don’t force memories you’ve kept alone as shared reminiscence. I’ll be confiscating these. As they can’t be easily overlooked, wait for their disposal.”

Click. Ian put the items in the jewelry box, then closed the lock.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

As if she had expected this, Melania stared intently at Ian. There was no change in his expression even after seeing the note, so he must truly have lost his memories. Otherwise…

“Before autumn, Rutherford will enter Bariel. When you meet him, Ian. You won’t be able to go against fate.”

As far as Melania knew, vows were permanent and unique. They wouldn’t disappear just because the subject doesn’t remember.

“Melania. For the dignity of Bariel, I’d like to treat you in a more humane way.”

It was a warning not to provoke needlessly. He could use torture to make her talk, but this was the final consideration in honor of Hayman’s achievements. It was true that thanks to them, Bariel’s currency circulation had been smooth.

But Melania didn’t back down.

“Cut off my hands and feet as much as you like. But I will cut my own tongue.”

It was a response saying she wouldn’t easily talk no matter what was done to her. Melania changed her expression, approached Ian closely, and pleaded pitifully.

“I’ll hand over Hayman’s bank note shares. And taxes too, we’ll endure as much as we can bear. We humbly accept the demotion of our title. I don’t want anything else. Continuation, that’s all. Please, I beg you. If you do, I’ll awaken all the memories of that day that Lord Ian doesn’t remember. The extinction of Hayman might be meaningful to the imperial family, but it’s not good for Lord Ian at all.”

Ah. Ian looked at her and then turned his gaze to the side of his ear. Outside the window, tree branches were swaying refreshingly.

Arsen had said similar things before he died. Meaningless words making him choose between Bariel and himself. Then as now, Ian’s answer was always set, without hesitation.

“Melania. What’s meaningful to Bariel is meaningful to me. Wait quietly without causing a disturbance. If not, you’ll miss the path with your family.”

“Lord Ian!”

If you want to meet your family, stay quiet. Ian left those words and exited the reception room.

The servants waiting outside glanced at the jewelry box in Ian’s hand. He handed over the amber raw stone from inside and instructed:

“…Send this to Captain Akorella to check if it’s the same as Idgal.”

“Yes, understood.”

“And-“

Ian tapped the window frame, falling silent for a moment. The sudden influx of information left him with an overflow of thoughts to organize.

First, there’s a need to find out what the vow placed on the illegitimate Ian’s body, which Melania mentioned, is about.

‘It’s impossible to let those who committed treason go unpunished. If a precedent is set, it surely won’t be good for future generations. Without going far, the discipline in the palace would become lax first.’

“Keep a particularly close watch on Melania. In the evening, tell mother and Nersarn I’d like to see them.”

“Yes, understood. Shall we escort you to the Ministry of Magic?”

“What about Prince Jin? Is he at the Ministry of Magic?”

“No. He’s at Lady Dilaina’s quarters.”

Ian, who had started walking outside, checked his pocket watch. Quite some time had passed since they parted. He probably went straight to see his mother, but he’s still there. Although there doesn’t seem to be any problem given the lack of special messages from Xiaoshi, it’s still curious.

“Let’s go there. I’ll return to the Ministry of Magic with Prince Jin.”

Rustle.

At Ian’s instruction, the servants split left and right and hurriedly walked ahead. They were preparing to ready a carriage.

Ian briefly looked back at Melania’s tightly closed reception room before turning away without lingering. Even Gale’s death, which will be erased from history, is known by God and himself.

But would Melania be the only one in the world who knows about the illegitimate son’s vow?

‘I hope it’s not too troublesome.’

Ian thought this as he unfolded the note and then carefully folded it back.

The illegitimate Ian. What on earth was his identity? He had traces of magic, and even talent in alchemy. It’s curious what kind of life he lived before eating in the backyard of the Bratz count’s mansion.

‘But I know one thing.’

Emperor Ian waking up as the illegitimate Ian. There were more causes and effects mixed in than expected.

Ian carefully held the jewelry box as he boarded the carriage.

***

A dim bedroom.

Faint light seeped through the thick curtains, but even that would soon be gone.

Ian entered the small room leading to Dilaina’s bedroom. Xiaoshi, who had been sitting in a chair, stood up to greet him.

“Where is His Highness?”

“He’s inside.”

“Still?”

“Yes.”

Creak.

Surprisingly, there was the smell of impending death. This was different from when Beric was brought in all battered.

The pungent smell of blood rather reminds one of being alive, but this faint, drifting smell of medicine gives the feeling of barely prolonging life.

“…are you?”

In the short space connecting Xiaoshi’s room and the bedroom. Ian stopped upon hearing Jin’s intermittent soliloquy.

The child was lying down next to Dilaina’s bed, speaking to her affectionately.

“When I first got a tutor. Actually. I was the one who was praised for literature then. I was too foolish to say it.”

“……”

“What if I had caught those slightly misaligned moments earlier? Mother. At least you wouldn’t be lying here like this, would you?”

“……”

Though his mother gave no answer, the child didn’t stop. He caressed her withered hand, sniffling, imagining his mother’s responses alone. Then he buried his forehead in her shoulder again.

Jin wiped away his tears and then affectionately spoke again when something else came to mind.

“When I see yellow flowers, I think of you, Mother. Do you know? Yellow suits you very well.”

“……”

Like this, he seemed to be repeating and repeating conversations they couldn’t have over the past ten years.

Ian leaned against the wall and quietly waited for this. As the sobbing sounds intensified, Ian thought of his own birth mother. When she passed away, did he cry like this too? He couldn’t remember.

“…Ah.”

“Mother.”

Jin recognized his mother’s call, which sounded like a groan, and listened closely. Ian couldn’t hear it. Tears rolled down the child’s blue eyes, and soon he frowned sadly and rubbed his lips against his mother’s forehead.

“No. No. There’s no need for that. I will live long. I will live so long that I won’t even remember the memories of these ten years. So, please don’t.”

Dilaina weakly raised her hand and placed her finger on her son’s scar. And then slowly, she moved along it. As if measuring the scar inflicted by Mariv and herself.

Thud.

And in an instant, she lost strength and dropped her hand. Surprised, Jin quickly grabbed her wrist, but by then he clearly felt it.

“Mother?”

Dilaina had taken her last breath. Jin trembled, letting out choked screams. It was so heartrending that one might wonder if it was really the child making those sounds. And for good reason, as Jin was now truly alone. His father’s presence had always been distant, and he had lived here with at least his mother and siblings…

“No, no, don’t! Mother, just a moment!”

“Your Highness.”

“Lord Ian! Lord Ian!”

Jin, who was about to cry out for help, drew in a sharp breath. But despite his breath stopping, tears continued to flow endlessly.

“Your Highness. I’ll call for people.”

“Hic…”

I’ll call for people. At Ian’s words, the child wiped away his tears with his sleeve. He curled up, trying to cut off the unending sorrow. Precious ones shouldn’t show their tears, Ian had told him so.

“Your Highness.”

As Ian reached out his hand, Jin hid his face in his outer garment. Xiaoshi, hearing the commotion, briefly checked inside. At his low call, the outside became bustling.

“Please call a doctor. We need a death declaration.”

“Oh my! J-just a moment!”

“Wait. Is there no one outside?”

Pat pat pat!

“…Cover for me, Lord Ian.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will cover for you.”

“And, stay here like this.”

“Yes. I will stay like this.”

“Like this, continue…”

“……”

Though servants and a doctor rushed in urgently, Ian put his finger to his lips as if telling them to handle it quietly. They passed by, pretending not to see Jin, and diagnosed Dilaina’s condition.

“…We’ll need to prepare a black cloth.”

Thus, Jin’s mother passed away.