Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 133

Flash!

Beric, who had been unconscious, opened his eyes and got up all at once. His last memory was of the Imperial Palace training grounds and Ian. But when he came to his senses, he was on an unfamiliar bed.

Ah.

Even a slight twist of his body brought a pain that felt like his muscles were being torn apart. And what about his skull? Since Jeirutt had mainly focused his attacks on his face, it was impressive that he could even open his eyes. Beric carefully touched his nose.

Phew, fortunately. My nose is properly attached.

Just as Beric was about to go look for Ian, he heard murmuring voices coming from the curtain next to the bed. Peeking his head through the gap, he realized that the place he was lying in was the infirmary. The several empty white beds, warm sunlight, and smell of alcohol were oddly reassuring.

Are your injuries alright?

That would be a question better directed at the Barons swordsman.

As a rule, the one who is hit hurts as much as the one who hits.

Jeirutt fell silent, tapping his bandaged hand on his knee. Then soon, he brought up the name of his friend from his memories.

Petreio said. Barsabe told me. That you watched over his last moments.

It seems the rumor has already spread within the Imperial Palace Guards. He fulfilled his duty, and I also acted according to my position. Petty revenge is out of the question.

Clatter.

Ian lightly scolded as he picked up his teacup. Despite the appearance of a middle-aged man and a boy, it was clear from their words and actions who was the superior.

So, how were his skills?

Are you referring to the Barons swordsman?

Beric, who had been peeking through the curtain, pricked up his ears while hiding his presence. Honestly, he was curious about how he would be evaluated, as he was among the best of the countless warriors he had seen so far. If it was unfavorable, he would immediately pounce again to change their minds, Berics eyes sparkled.

For having a terrible foundation, he was quite useful. He has innate talent in many ways. Except for his ability to hide his presence, which is dismal.

As Jeirutt muttered while turning his head, Beric pulled the curtain open. His face turned bright red, seemingly flustered.

Swoosh!

Hey, why were you peeking?

Youre the one whos absurd. You were the one peeking.

Beric, Im glad you came to your senses. If you had been a little later, I was going to leave you behind. Its almost time for the joining ceremony.

Ian smiled brightly and clicked his pocket watch. It had already been three hours since he passed out at the training grounds. It was admirable how he had woken up at just the right time.

Leave who behind, how am I supposed to find my way home?

Youre not a child, surely you can find your way home.

And its not over yet! Since it was interrupted by this old mans cowardly attack from behind, we have to go at it again.

Beric. Thats what you call losing.

No its not? I didnt lose?

Beric insisted stubbornly, but Ians expression remained gentle and unwavering. Jeirutt only swallowed a sigh while looking at Beric like that. It was unpleasant, but wasnt it the duty of the Captain of the Guard to recruit even someone like him for the sake of the imperial familys safety?

Beric. As the Captain of the Imperial Palace Guards, I have a proposal for you. Join the Imperial Palace Guards and for His Majesty the Emperor

Nope.

The meat dishes are also good.

Still nope.

Why?

He even threw out the tempting bait he had heard from Ian, but the reaction was very lukewarm. Beric wiped his face with a wet towel on the table and replied.

What would I learn under a captain who cowardly attacks from behind?

This impudent

Thish impyoodent~ If it hadnt been for that earlier, I would have won. Really.

Beric stuck out his tongue mockingly and rolled his eyes back. Jeirutt had a look of having seen something he shouldnt have at the childish insult. As sparks flew between the two again, Ian intervened to stop them.

Now now, enough of that. Beric, think about joining slowly, but I also recommend going to the training grounds to train. Its not easy to do that at Romandros residence.

It was not easy to train stamina in the small front yard. Moreover, there was a pregnant woman in the house, so violent actions were also forbidden. Beric seemed to be slowly persuaded, scratching his chin and nodding.

Plus, although not as skilled as Captain Jeirutt, there are several experts there who will be good for you. I will also have to commute to the palace regularly once I join, so we can go together.

Really? Then thats good. You know Im very shy.

As Beric grinned brightly, Jeirutt looked at him with eyes that said nonsense was abundant. Ian stood up from his seat and nodded to Beric.

Then, act with manners from now on. While youre at the training grounds, Captain Jeirutt will help you.

Manners?

It was a matter that could be negotiated because the captain had seen Berics potential. To guide Beric and make him a talent of the palace. On the other hand, it would bring personal growth for Beric, so there couldnt be a better deal than this.

Manners. Mmm.

Berics eyes narrowed. In fact, it was questionable whether he could even open them properly with his eyes swollen, but he glanced at Captain Jeirutt and then bowed his head deeply. It was clearly a greeting, but there was no sense of respect at all.

Theres a long way to go.

As the captain held his forehead, Ian also stood up.

Lets discuss the details another time, well leave it at this for today. Dont forget what I asked of you.

Understood.

The mysterious black sword and Berics existence, which was too bizarre to be called a swordmage. As the Captain of the Imperial Palace Guards, it would be easy for him to access information. As Ian left the infirmary, Beric also quickly followed after him.

Request? What request?

You dont need to know. Is your nose bone intact?

Yep yep. No problem breathing.

Rattle! Thud!

Jeirutt clicked his tongue at the closed door.

Just as the Baron said. Its questionable that he can get up and walk so energetically in that state.

If he was a swordmage with advanced abilities, it was possible to heal his own wounds with magical power. But healing abilities were the most challenging even for magicians, so how much could a swordsman do? Clearly, there was something more than just being a swordmage.

If we leave him as an enemy, he will become a burden to Bariel someday. That much is certain. So its best to grab him from the start for the sake of the empire.

Thud.

Huh? Did Baron Ian and the crazy guy leave?

They left? In that condition? He can move?

Barsabe entered with the doctor from the storage room inside the infirmary. Jeirutt just shook his head from side to side as if he didnt know the reason either.

***

At that time, in the main conference room of the Ministry of Magic.

It was rarely used except for irregular meetings, but it was the perfect place to hold a joining ceremony to introduce a new recruit.

Did you hear that? I heard Captain Jeirutt opened up his magical power at the Imperial Palace training grounds today.

What? How? Did a magic beast appear?

No, what was it? They said he ended up like that after a match with an external knight, and it was really worth watching.

An outsider? Haha. That guys days are numbered. If he did that much against Jeirutt, isnt he eligible to join right away?

I dont know if his master will readily sell him. The Ministry of Magic has been getting a lot of budget allocations these days, so the Guards are always complaining. Those swordmages, not even thinking about how much they eat.

By the way, Baron Ian Hielo is joining today, right?

Its almost time

Kwang!

It was the moment the magicians gathered and looked outside. The door swung open and the people from the Magic Operations Department entered. The core members were Hail, the commander, along with Tomi and Nakina. As they entered, whispers could be heard from the surroundings again.

What did they say about Baron Ian Hielo being assigned?

Not much? You know Commander Hails personality.

Skilled but doesnt know how to grab the real power.

Tomi frowned and looked back at them, but the magicians didnt stop muttering. Hail nonchalantly chewed on his cigarette and checked his watch.

Commander Hail. Have you seen the new recruits face?

Yeah. At the New Years party. Pretty.

Tomi! I thought Id escape being the youngest, but a noble joined. How will you properly act as a senior?

Better than how you do it.

Sharp jokes were exchanged between the Magic Support Department and the Magic Operations Department. Other departments just observed from a step away. As time passed, the front door of the conference room opened wide.

Creak!

Head Wesleigh is entering.

At the assistants announcement, everyone fell silent and looked forward. And following behind her was a blond-haired, green-eyed boy. Those who had seen him at the New Years party once again marveled inwardly, and those who saw him for the first time just rolled their eyes and showed awkward smiles. Why didnt anyone tell them he was this good-looking?

Is everyone here?

Yes. Head.

As youve all heard, a new recruit has joined the Ministry of Magic today. Baron Ian Hielo. They say hes the first noble magician in the history of Bariel, but well have to see if he lives up to that reputation.

It was a quite deflating voice for introducing a new recruit in several years. The magicians blatantly sneered, but Ian had an indifferent expression as if his ears were plugged.

If you have any greetings, go ahead.

At Wesleighs words, Ian stepped forward and glanced around. And he easily found Hail, who would be his direct superior. Ian looked at him and slowly opened his mouth.

Please dont feel uncomfortable thinking of me as a noble, and I ask for your generous guidance.

No matter how many flowery words he attached, the lack of response would be the same. At the concise greeting, everyone fell silent with absurd expressions. The first to applaud was Nakina.

Clap clap clap.

Welcome.

It was a truly awkward atmosphere. Wesleigh also clapped perfunctorily, and soon other magicians also sent obligatory applause. Wesleigh gestured for him to come down from the platform, then instructed Hail.

From now on, Hail from the Magic Operations Department will be in charge of Baron Ian Hielo. Do well as you see fit.

Yes. Head.

And she tried to add something, but left just like that. Tomi and Nakina approached and held out their hands.

Nice to meet you. Im your superior, so speak comfortably. Im Nakina.

Nice to meet you too. Thanks for the other day.

Im Tomi. Ask me if you dont know anything from now on.

Yes. I will. Thank you.

While exchanging greetings amicably, the magicians from the Magic Support Department approached and looked Ian up and down. They were clearly the ones who had tampered with the magic circle.

Well see each other often coming and going? Hm?

You seem to be from the Magic Support Department.

Yeah. Shall we shake hands?

A man grinned and reached out his hand. Ian reflexively tried to grab his hand, but faltered at the magical energy he felt from his fingertips. It was clear that a magic circle was drawn on his palm.

What? You dont want to? Is it because youre a noble, you dont even want to shake hands with lowly beings?

What, hes got a temper from the first day.

I dont know if we can work together like that. The Magic Operations Department weirdos are already a pain in the ass.

Commander. Commander Hail will hear you.

Im saying it so he can hear. Whats with the new guy?

It was a very classic and childish prank, wasnt it? But for the sake of his external image, it was right to shake hands. Ian smiled, planning to open up his magical power and reflect it back instead of grabbing it.

I look forward to working with you in the future.

But at that moment.

Sizzle.

Argh!

Hail put out the cigarette he had in his mouth directly on the back of the magicians hand. Despite the violent action, no emotion showed on his face.

Your palm, is dirty.