Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 25

Nersarn wet his throat with liquor, his gaze sweeping over Ian from head to toe.

His features stood in stark contrast to theirs white skin, blond hair, and green eyes. And what about the bone structure? It was as if he was looking at a different species, his eyes filled with fascination.

From the letter you sent, I thought youd be younger.

This misunderstanding was caused by the childlike handwriting of the letter. Although the man before him couched his words in politeness, Ian could decode the implied message.

I still have much to learn. Im striving not to become a burden to the Cheonrye tribe, so please bear with me.

Nersarn had initially deemed Ian insignificant. He raised an eyebrow and exchanged glances with his comrades, a bemused smile dancing on his lips.

Your mother was the second wife, wasnt she?

Yes, thats correct.

Dergha had crafted a narrative to mask Phileas existence, claiming she had died. The backstory depicted that Ians birth mother had passed away when he was a toddler, and he had been residing in the mansion ever since.

But they were oblivious to the fact that she was very much alive, deprived of her child, without the title of a concubine.

It seems like youve inherited a lot from your mother.

Yes, its quite astonishing how the count produced such a face

Soo! Hold your tongue.

Oh, Im sorry.

The youngest-looking woman in the group, Soo, awkwardly raised her hand in apology. From their disparaging remarks about the count, it was evident how they perceived the Bratz family.

Thats Soo, my niece, and this is Gansha, and Mujurun.

No apologies were offered. Nersarn casually introduced his companions, steering the conversation elsewhere. Unless any unforeseen circumstances arose, if Ian managed to cross the border alive, these would be the individuals accompanying him for the rest of his journey.

I bet its disappointing having to leave your homeland sooner than anticipated.

Considering it from a celebratory perspective, hastening our union through marriage would indeed be an honour. It is regrettable, though, that Chief Winchen is unwell.

Nersarn failed to append his thoughts to the tail end of Ians statement, due to Ians crisp and tactful choice of words. Despite his tender years, Ian exuded the typical elegance of the nobility, the distinctive eloquence of the empire glaringly evident.

But, did Chief Winchens ailment struck abruptly?

Given the chiefs advanced age, abrupt might not be the most fitting description, but it certainly is all-encompassing.

I hope theres no misunderstanding. Since youve come all this way, if you wish, I can call the attending physician.

Surely, the Cheonrye tribe must possess their own medicinal practices. Yet, what could they possibly accomplish within their tribal unit? At most, their methods might encompass folk remedies and herbal concoctions. Even though remotely located, they could not match a physician of the Bratz family, which was part of an imperial family.

Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. We have our own way of doing things.

It meant they had traditions that had been carried on for hundreds of years. Initially, they had bodies that wouldnt easily be injured, and underlying their perspective was the belief that even death was part of Gods will.

Or, lord Nersarn. What about asking for that? The Red Grass.

A man named Gansha interjected, only to be silenced by Nersarns stern glance.

Red Grass? What is that? Ian pondered over the term with a composed look but drew a blank.

Anyway, I am grateful for your hospitality in light of my unexpected visit. Please extend my gratitude to the Count as well, Nersarn expressed his thankfulness with an underlying suggestion of wanting to depart.

But Ian did not recede. After all, there was still a pressing matter at hand.

Certainly. The reason for my visit, in fact, involves a request.

A request?

In fact, if these people hadnt come, it would have been somewhat annoying. To cross the border with Beric, he had to take on the role of an informant and watchman to win Derghas trust.

But the main problem was with Beric himself.

With his limited understanding of manipulating people, earning Derghas trust was a daunting task. It almost seemed as though he would have to traverse the desert alone and instruct Beric to head to the Cheonrye tribes garrison.

I have a friend who wants to go across the desert with me.

Do you mean the servant and the redhead who were with you earlier?

The one who saw Ian with Hannah and Beric was Mujurun.

At the mans words, Ian shook his head, Just the redhead. Hes an orphan with no family.

Everyone loses their parents as time goes on.

I didnt mean hes pitiable. I meant that since he has no lingering attachment to Bratz, he could work for the desert.

Nersarns face turned cold.

Desert life was not merely challenging climate-wise but also demanded a harsh way of life. Mere survival and enjoyment were unattainable tasks.

Probably one of the reasons why Ian would not be welcomed there. There would be limited things that a nobleman, who had lived luxuriously all his life, could do there.

Work for us? In what manner? Can he navigate through sand dunes? Is he immune to scorpion venom? Or can he grow sprouts without water?

The litany gave a fragmentary sense of what life was like for the Cheonrye tribe. From their perspective, it would be a nuisance to bring along someone who could contribute nothing.

Nonetheless, Ian remained undeterred.

Hes proficient in combat and has good stamina.

Proficient in combat? Hahaha!

Hearing this, Nersarn laughed purely for the first time. The audacity to tout individual combat prowess before the Cheonrye tribe! They were, after all, a tribe against which no confrontation was possible without magic or weaponry.

I see now. You, sir Ian, enjoy making jokes.

Its not a joke. Ian faced him with a placid expression, indicating his seriousness.

Nersarn gradually wiped away his laughter and looked Ian up and down. This small guy is quite bold.

Theres a certain thing called courtesy.

The young boy in his presence had catered to a guest, not even of noble birth, and even proposed to summon a physician for Winchen despite the inconvenience. To Nersarn, the boy was merely fulfilling his duty, devoid of any malice.

However, this was a separate issue.

A single Ian Bratz was enough luggage.

Ian Bratz, you are a token of friendship, but what use is your redhead to us? If he cant earn his keep, we cant take him.

Thats something we dont know yet.

We can tell without seeing. The small guy being proficient in combat. What nonsense.

If you find it hard to believe Ian interjected. His determination to stand his ground was evident. How can he prove it?

Look at this.

After a moment of hesitation, Nersarn looked at Soo. Soo, who was chewing on a mouthful of bread, widened her eyes. She sensed an annoying task coming her way.

Fine. You say hes proficient in combat. If he can outmatch Soo in a duel, well take him along with us.

Why must it be me? Gansha is here, and so is Mujurun!

Youre about the same size.

Ugh. Seriously!

After traveling for several days, not having a chance to rest, and now a duel?

Soo furrowed her brows, clearly irritated. However, Nersarn and his party seemed indifferent, as if this was a common occurrence.

How about it? Can you manage?

Since youve given me an opportunity, I ought to be grateful.

In a Cheonrye tribes duel, theres always bloodshed. Bear that in mind.

Beric enjoys shedding blood too. Hell be pleased.

With that, Ian scrutinized Soo.

Despite her small stature, she was an asset that Nersarn had painstakingly recruited and brought to an enemy camp. She was not one to be underestimated.

Then, well see you after dinner. Rest up.

Meat! Please give us lots of meat. No, I mean, please!

Understood, Miss Soo.

With a polite bow, Ian exited the room. As soon as he closed the door and rounded the corner, he was met by a group of anxious servants.

Master Ian! Why are you so late?

We thought something happened.

They were all worried about him, hovering nervously. Instead, Ian simply smiled, made dinner arrangements, and woke up Beric, who was curled up and asleep on the sofa.

Beric.

Uh huh

We need to have dinner and then duel with the Cheonrye tribe.

At these words, Beric opened his eyes wide as if electrified. What now? With whom?

Remember the woman among the people we saw earlier? We need to defeat her to go to the desert together. Otherwise, youll have to follow alone.

Berics eyes sparkled. He seemed more thrilled by the prospect of facing off against that Cheonrye tribeswoman than the possibility of crossing the desert alone.

But with a woman?

If you underestimate her, youre in big trouble. Shes the person who came to Bratz with the Chiefs brother. She looked quite strong.

It was clear that Gansha and Mujurun were intended as escorts. Their martial aura was palpable, and theyd probably survive even if they were thrown into a lions den.

However, due to the nature of this mission which required as rapid movement as possible, if there was a problem, they needed to move faster than anyone. It was the certainty that a light physique could give.

Rubbing his face on the cushion, Beric mumbled, Its not a race, what does speed have to do with anything? If caught, its over.

It would be a relief if we could catch her.

Huh?

Ian looked out the window and thought for a moment.

Yeah, if we could catch her

Beric, listen closely. Ill teach you how to win.

Ian sat opposite the sofa and shared all possible tactics. Until the sky turned a little darker, and the torch of the mansion lit the red flowers by the window.

* * *

After having their meal in the room, Nersarn and his companions continued to stay there. They couldnt move recklessly due to the soldiers guarding outside the mansion.

Of course, physical limitations were not a problem for them.

***

How is she going to escape?

In the backyard, a little away from the annex, human figures flickered in the lit window of the fourth floor. As all the soldiers of the mansion were guarding the annex, the backyard was eerily quiet.

Huh?

At the opening of the window, a figure abruptly plunged down. Beric was caught off guard, but Ian raised his head as if he had anticipated it.

Then he began counting. One, two, three

Hello!

The figure popped out from the bushes. She had covered a fairly long distance in about ten seconds. It was almost beast-level speed.

Hmm. Its nice here. Its been a while since Ive smelled grass.

The others?

Resting in the room. We have to leave early tomorrow. This is why being the youngest sucks.

With no one else listening, she started talking freely to Ian. This was exactly what Ian would face when they crossed the border. The position where even the youngest of the group would lightly treat him.

Beric stole a glance at Soo before turning his gaze back to the annex.

Did you jump from that window?

Yes. Why?

How will you climb back?

Same way, I suppose?

Soo stared back as if there wasnt a problem. Beric laughed lightly and nodded in satisfaction. Yes, as expected of the Cheonrye tribe.They should be capable of this!

Youve got 5 minutes. If you knock me down within that, I accept my defeat.

5 minutes? Isnt that too short?

If you cant do it within that time, you wouldnt be able to do it even if given a day.

Hah, ridiculous. Can you even fight?

It was absurd that they were talking so casually without having seen each other fight. Ian crossed his arms and slightly stepped back.

In fact, the absence of other spectators meant that they were completely ignoring them. Yet, this created distinct advantages for Ian and Beric.

Beric. Come here.

Swoosh.

Ian grabbed the back of Berics head and infused him with his power. The golden radiance of his eyes would be hidden by Berics head. Magic activation was relatively simple here, and most importantly

Remember what I told you earlier.

It allowed them to employ strategic maneuvers.

Soo flicked her ears as if asking when they were going to start.