Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 200

Clink.

Nersarn carefully poured black tea into Philea’s cup. It had been several days since they fell into the palace, yet his beloved seemed unable to adapt to this place.

It was understandable. She had lived her entire life in a poor neighborhood on the frontier. Even when she first entered the Hielo mansion, she was at a loss amidst the splendor, but this palace was on a whole different level.

“Philea, it’s just us, so sit comfortably.”

“Do I look uncomfortable to you?”

“Quite so.”

Philea smiled awkwardly and stroked her hair. The sleeve of her dress flowed softly with her touch. Ian had prepared it for her to wear comfortably, but she felt utterly uneasy as if wearing someone else’s clothes.

“I guess I’m just the type to work outside. I’ve only been like this for a day, but my body can’t stay still.”

“Didn’t they say the city gates are opening? Our work is done for now, so you can enjoy a bit of luxury. Above all, you deserve it.”

Nersarn said this as he handed her the warm black tea.

Initially, the Cheonryes’ presence was unrivaled in the physical cleanup, such as removing rocks and pushing building debris. However, as administrative handling became the focus, Romandro arranged for the warriors to stay at Gale’s palace.

“Even so, staying in His Highness’s residence is beyond luxury.”

She heard that palace etiquette, in particular, surpasses that of nobles. As someone of commoner origin, Philea feared making a mistake and burdening Ian, so she did her best to maintain an upright posture. In contrast, Nersarn leaned back comfortably and kissed the back of Philea’s hand.

“Philea, we didn’t come as guests but at Ian’s request for help. And no matter how favorable Romandro is to us, he wouldn’t let us stay here without reason.”

There were several reasons. First was protecting Gale. With the power struggle, Prince Gale’s condition seemed likely to sway the situation, so guarding him was the top priority.

‘Second is hiding. If frontier people openly roamed the palace, it would exacerbate the confusion among the imperial subjects. Moreover, access to Gale’s residence is restricted. It’s suitable for keeping a low profile.’

Well, whatever the case, it was indeed Romandro’s goodwill. Of all places, the prince’s residence. The warriors were taking a break, feeling like they had fallen into a new world.

“…Nersarn, how should we return?”

Philea gently asked, fiddling with the edge of her teacup. No matter how she thought about it, this didn’t seem like a place for her. She missed the Hielo mansion filled with warmth. It had only been a few days.

“It would be convenient if the Ministry of Magic could summon the Black Moon again, but that seems unlikely. It draws too much attention, and it seems to be a last resort for the mages.”

“Right? Then we’ll have to take a carriage, and from what I know, it takes about half a month from here to Hielo. I don’t mind, but I’m worried it might be uncomfortable for the warriors.”

“Philea, those guys can endure both the dawn and noon of the desert. I’m more worried about you. And there’s no rush, is there? You’ve seen Ian after a long time, so take your time and enjoy his company before leaving.”

“I’m afraid I’ll be a bother. Ian is handling such a big matter right now. Seeing that he’s safe and well is enough for me.”

Philea smiled, stumbling over her words, hiding her regret. They couldn’t even see each other’s faces properly. She knew her son was running around without time to sleep. She was grateful he even managed to prepare clothes for her amidst all this.

“Then…”

Nersarn rested his chin and slowly gazed at Philea. It was an affectionate and passionate gaze that pressed on every part of her without exception.

“Shall we have a simple wedding here?”

“What?”

“We won’t have many opportunities to be with Ian. Let’s vow our love in front of your son and pledge our eternity when we return to Hielo. That journey will be the first memory of our days together.”

Once they return to Hielo, they can’t leave the territory. So it was a suggestion to leisurely return, making it their honeymoon. Philea was so surprised that she covered her mouth.

“Huh? What do you think?”

“I-“

Bang!

Just before her grateful acceptance. A noisy sound came from outside. Such a commotion in a place where Prince Gale’s stability was the priority. The two simultaneously turned their heads towards the door.

“What’s going on?”

“Don’t worry. The warriors are quite rough, after all.”

It must have been an accident caused by a few hot-blooded warriors. While maintaining his smile, Nersarn inwardly cursed. Whoever it was, the timing was terrible. How dare they interrupt his lover’s answer? An answer about their engagement at that?

“Philea.”

“Ah, yes yes. I-“

Bang! Boom!

Nersarn yearned for an answer, but another commotion erupted. Philea looked at the door with a worried gaze.

“I think I should go out and see.”

“I’ll, I’ll go. You sit and rest.”

Swish.

Nersarn smiled and sat Philea back down. He seemed to be smiling, but how brutal it was.

Left alone, Philea kept her ears perked up, observing the situation outside. The booms didn’t cease, though faint.

‘His Highness Gale will wake up too.’

With that thought, Philea opened the door facing the one Nersarn had left through. They were in a makeshift reception room between the bedroom and the main reception room. It was a space where mages or doctors rested and waited, convenient with access to various places.

Click.

Gale’s bedroom came into view. Philea slightly poked her head out to check if there was a problem. The prince was still in deep sleep as if unconscious. And a child gazing down at Gale by his bedside.

“Your Highness Jin?”

The silver hair and familiar attire. Philea had never seen Arsen, so she naturally assumed it was Jin. The child slightly turned his head.

“Your Highness, what brings you here? I apologize, but…”

Is it all right to speak to the prince first? Ian may be the minister, but isn’t the prince of higher rank? Does the no-access order issued by Ian include the prince too? I heard His Highness Jin and Ian have a special relationship, so is it okay?

Philea was at a loss, unable to figure it out.

“Your Highness, please wait a moment.”

I should call Nersarn. Philea made that judgment and turned around. Then a resolute order fell.

“Stop.”

“Pardon?”

Swish.

Arsen turned his head. Philea’s confusion was short-lived as Arsen smiled brightly and gestured for her to come closer. As if telling her to approach. Philea lowered her posture as much as possible to show respect and approached.

“Ah…”

“Are you Ian’s mother?”

“Yes, that’s correct. My name is Philea.”

The child’s face had no scars. Moreover, despite the time they embraced each other against Mariv’s attack, he treated her as if seeing her for the first time. Philea realized the child was Jin’s twin brother.

“You must be His Highness Arsen. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“…How annoying.”

“Pardon?”

“No, in the past, many people were confused whether I was Jin or not. But now they distinguish us just by looking at our faces? How boring.”

Arsen muttered as he sat on the edge of Gale’s bed.

Something felt dangerous. She only turned her head to check on Gale. Judging by the slightly rising and falling chest, there seemed to be no problem.

“There were times even the mother who gave birth to us couldn’t recognize us, but now even those seeing us for the first time distinguish us without hesitation. What a disappointment. Don’t you think?”

“I, I don’t know.”

“Hm? Why?”

Philea answered with tension, barely managing.

“His Highness Jin is His Highness Jin, and His Highness Arsen is His Highness Arsen. No matter how much you resemble each other, you cannot be one person. It’s natural and fortunate to be distinguished.”

Arsen, who had been smiling brightly, stiffened his lips. It was clear she had struck a nerve. Arsen slapped Philea’s cheek with his small hand.

Slap!

“Insolent.”

“…My, my apologies.”

“Is it because you’re Ian’s mother? Your actions are just like him. Anyone can see that you’re a mother and son with the way you grate on people’s nerves.”

Arsen grabbed Philea’s chin and shook it. It was a feeble touch, but her mind seemed to cloud. She couldn’t even dare to resist. Dizziness washed over her, and her vision spun.

“Hmm.”

Arsen looked down at Philea, who had collapsed, barely supporting herself on the ground. It had been noisy outside for a while. If the Cheonrye tribe was stationed here, it must be the commotion they were causing. His hidden subordinates were probably discovered.

‘The timing isn’t good at all.’

Arsen clicked his tongue. He was already exhausted from breaking through the security to enter. If the warriors rushed in simultaneously here, there would be no escape no matter who he was.

He tapped Gale’s heart area with a dagger and glanced at Philea.

“Philea?”

“Y-yes. Your Highness.”

“Jin and I have always been one. But to be distinguished by mere scars. How lamentable, oh.”

Philea nodded unconsciously while holding her dizzy forehead. Arsen’s words didn’t register in her ears, but she felt compelled to agree.

“That’s, that’s right.”

“So won’t you help me a bit?”

“With what, what?”

“You know Jin’s scar?”

A line extending from the left forehead to the right jaw. Tracing it with a finger was identical to Jin’s without an inch of error. Arsen handed Philea the dagger and smiled.

“Take a good look. From here to here.”

“Ah, Your Highness…”

“You make it for me. Ever since he got the scar, my younger brother has been distancing himself from me, and it breaks my heart. Perhaps if I have the same scar, Jin will be pleased? I’d be really grateful if you helped me.”

The presence outside grew louder. The warriors were coming here with the guards. It wasn’t suitable for killing Gale, but it was perfect in a different sense.

“Come on, hurry. Cut it.”

It was strange. Philea felt as if warm milk had been poured into her head, leaving it white and damp. She unknowingly grasped the dagger and unknowingly leaned closer to Arsen.

“Your Highness. That…”

“I am the emperor of the empire, so if you help me, it will also benefit your son Ian. As a mother, don’t hesitate.”

‘Ian’s mother tried to harm the 4th Prince. She wielded a sword and finally drew blood.’

It was the situation Arsen wanted. If so, even if he couldn’t immediately kill Gale, he could establish a sufficiently advantageous position.

The moment the tip of the blade touched Arsen’s forehead.

“Ian.”

Philea murmured Ian’s name. Her pupils dilated. Reflexively, she brought her other hand and grasped the blade of the dagger.

“Ah!”

Someone seemed to shout beside her that it was wrong, that cutting Arsen wouldn’t benefit Ian. As Philea cut her own palm and backed away, Arsen frowned.

“It’s an order.”

“Your Highness, you mustn’t!”

“Shut up. I’m already extremely tired, you know.”

Arsen grasped Philea’s hand, trying to stab his own forehead. How brutish for a child, Philea let out a scream mixed with tears.

“Your Highness!”

Snap!

That’s when it happened.

Arsen’s head suddenly snapped back.

The child glared at his opponent with a heated expression. They were looking at each other upside down, but their gazes collided without faltering.

“…What are you doing?”

“Brother. You’re quite well, I see.”

It was Gale, who had regained consciousness. Arsen laughed out loud, his pupils dilating.

“You can’t even die properly, so the palace was filled with lamentation. Why, did the one who went ahead tell you not to come?”

Bang!

At Arsen’s sarcasm, Gale grabbed the child’s hair and slammed his head into the table. As he weakly rolled around, the door opened.

Bam!

Ian, Romandro, and even the warriors and guards.

Everyone frowned at the strange situation in the room.