Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 51

The investigation team member looked around nervously. The faces of his colleagues, including Erica, had frozen solid. In an instant, the heat that had been boiling seemed to have cooled and shriveled away.

Swallowing her dry saliva, Erica hesitated and asked, You came from the Western Region? Is it true?

Ah, yes, yes. Its here.

Thwack!

Erica swiftly caught the letter. Since it came by pigeon, there was naturally no imperial seal. Instead, there was the distinct seal of the General Assembly. She felt a throbbing headache.

Why is that womans reaction like this, Kakantir mumbled slowly.

At this, Ian threw a glance and smiled. Though he didnt know what was happening, the situation was clearly turning in his favor.

You cant send an imperial edict through the Western Region. So even if it came from the central administration, its likely to be some other form of order, not an official appointment, Ian speculated.

No matter how much he calculated, it seemed like the appointment was either delayed or canceled. The more Erica was in a tight spot, the better it was for Ian. Sure enough, Ericas expression while reading the letter was priceless.

What theno way, this is insane

Ian swiftly snatched the letter from Ericas hand. Though the investigation team members reflexively rushed towards him, the Cheonrye warriors were a step faster.

Stay back, warned one of them.

You wont hand it back?

I warned you to stay back.

Armed or not, the investigation team could not deter the bare-handed Cheonrye warriors. The murderous intent was palpable; one more step and heads would roll. Now that she had verified the centrals letter, Erica had crossed a line she could not return from.

Holding his glass leisurely, Kakantir requested, Read it, Ian.

Of course, Kakantir.

Ian cleared his throat and began reading the letter slowly.

Due to the rebellion led by Dergha Bratz, we estimate significant damage to the territory. This will likely impact next years production and taxes. Therefore, the palace will send a temporary advisor responsible for reconstruction. The delegates are Romandro, Molrin, Mack, and Dgor. Authority lies with Romandro, who is also responsible for dealing with Dergha Bratz. Appointment of a new lord will take place after stabilization. It is crucial for the entirety of the Bratz territory to cooperate. Additionally, investigative team leader Erica is to promptly complete the annihilation of Bratz. The end.

An advisor is coming, Ian noted.

What role will this advisor play? Kakantir asked.

As the letter indicates, he will be responsible for the overall reconstruction of the territory. The evaluation for myself and the Cheonrye tribe heading to the palace will also depend on him.

Hmm, more important than the person standing right here, then, Kakantir pointed at Erica with his chin and chuckled. The warriors joined in with soft laughter, while Erica felt suffocated. While she was angry, she felt more bewildered at the situation.

This cant be happening

She repetitively stared at the letter on the table, as if the words would change.

Investigation team leader Erica.

Ian called her with a graceful tone.

Do you understand what it means for the authority to handle Dergha to be transferred to the advisor Romandro?

Though the appointment of a new lord was delayed, it essentially meant she was no longer a candidate. To put it bluntly, she was like a dog chasing the tail of a traitor without even the authority to execute him.

Theres a saying that the real protagonist of an execution is not the prisoner but the investigator. Its unfortunate how this turned out.

Displaying a beheaded prisoner to the world only serves to heighten the Emperors glory and the competence of the investigatora sort of show. Erica stood stiffly, her face momentarily drained of color.

Now, shall we talk? I may not know much, but when it comes to the execution, I can help you, Commander Erica, to carry it out.

What?

Isnt it just a matter of keeping our mouths shut since weve read the letter? Its not the emperors order but a directive from the Assembly, so we can handle it flexibly in this remote area.

How?

There are about two weeks left before Romandro comes.

It was simple. Hang Derghas head in a short time, and when Romandro comes, just say the job was done before receiving the letter. There shouldnt be a significant issue.

However, leave the actual execution of Dergha to the Cheonrye tribe. Were currently short-staffed and will need their help to prepare. From what I see, its a good opportunity for both parties.

Right, Erica. We can ease your burden. Hang Dergha in the air, then pierce his heart with a spear. There wont be a more impressive execution.

This wasnt a suggestion. How could you call an option that couldnt be refused a suggestion? Erica hesitated for a moment before responding.

Knock, knock.

Soon after, the voice of a Cheonrye warrior was heard from outside.

Kakan. Sir Ian. There seems to be a problem.

Hold on.

Yes. Understood.

What could it be? There shouldnt be any factors that could cause a problem at this time. If one had to pick something, it might be a problem regarding Mary and Chel, but the central army has not been gone long, so that cannot be it.

Ian casually wrapped things up with Erica.

Anyway, Commander Erica. Please prepare for Derghas execution ceremony quickly. We will prepare the rest while you write the public announcement.

Has that bastard ever even witnessed an execution? How does he know a public announcement is needed? Erica looked at Ian as if perplexed, but retreated under the overtly dismissive atmosphere.

Let me think about it.

The longer it takes, the more tiring it will be for both of us.

Lets go.

Bang!

Though she said that, as soon as she returned to her room, she took out a pen and paper reluctantly. She would first need to write a letter of complaint to Molrin.

Kakantir, who was drinking wine, called the warrior who was waiting outside.

Come in.

Kakan, what should we do?

Whats the matter?

The warrior hesitated before pulling out the body of a dead bird from his back pocket. The white cloth tied around its neck was soaked with the birds blood.

Is this a messenger bird sent from the central region?

It seems so.

Ah. Damn it. I killed it without knowing. What should we do? I threw a stone, and it hit the bird directly.

Let me see.

Judging from the way the cloth was tied, it was indeed a messenger pigeon. But it wasnt from the imperial palace.

Kakantir mildly scolded the warrior at that sight, Why are you throwing stones at a poor bird?

Im sorry. It kept pecking at the window, and it was noisy, so I just

The window?

The head investigators room. 4th floor, the room that used to be Countess Marys. I didnt really think it would hit. Ah, am I really that good at throwing?

Enough with the nonsense.

Im sorry.

Then it must have been a messenger pigeon for Erica. Ian quickly found the letter inside a well-stitched pocket in the pigeons clothing.

Rustle.

May I read it first?

As you wish. Today is just that kind of day. The central army is gone, and sparrows and pigeons are flying around.

Kakantir mumbled incomprehensibly and took another swig of wine. Quickly skimming through the letter, Ian exclaimed, Ha, ha, with an indescribable chuckle.

Commander Berti Erica, listen. Theres a problem. Dergha has written a letter to Crown Prince Mariv. I can guess the content, but Im not sure. I can only guess what it says, but nothing is certain.

Thanks to this, Crown Prince Marib suddenly attended the meeting and revoked the appointment of the lord. Dont get too upset and wait, Im also watching for an opportunity to fix this. I will be heading down to Bratz with my advisors soon.

Whats written there?

Now I understand why Commander Ericas lord appointment was unexpectedly revoked. Indeed, it was strange for them to change plans so suddenly

They had raced for two weeks to get to the change, risking their lives in battle. All of that was done to lay the foundation for rebellion. If the promised reward to Erica were not given, they might not be able to handle the repercussions.

Kakantir, who received the letter, clicked his tongue.

I thought as much, its a power struggle. But Dergha wrote a letter? When did he?

Im not sure, but its amusing. The perceptive Crown Prince took advantage of everyone. We benefit from this, while Dergha essentially caused his own downfall.

Ian placed the letter on a candle and burned it. Either way, the more Ericas and Morins relationship became strained, the easier things would be for him.

When Advisor Romandro arrives, we must treat him well. Crown Prince Marib may suspect that I am colluding with Molrin, and might think of us as part of the second princes faction.

But wont Molrin be annoyed with us?

Especially with Ian. Even if we overlook Derghas denouncement, Ian bringing in the Cheonrye Tribe was not in Molrins plans. Because of this, it made it difficult to occupy the territory.

Thats why Im saying, we should clarify our position. Otherwise, well be caught between the crossfires.

You seem to favor the first prince.

Hes both an enemy and the heir. Also, hes the person formally authorized by the palace to oversee the reestablishment of the territory. Depending on his decision, the Cheonrye Tribes withdrawal timing may also be decided.

Ian was of imperial descent. Even though it was a short tenure, he had legitimately ascended to the throne. He understood the palaces ecology better than anyone else.

I was about to bring that up. If Dergha dies, we have already accomplished our goal. Well slowly send back the warriors to the desert before autumn.

Understood.

Securing the lordship by cunningly attracting the Central [party] is entirely up to you, Sir Ian.

Do well, otherwise, the assistance from the warriors will all be in vain, Kakantir implied.

Ian nodded with a slight smile.

Then, we shall hastily prepare for Derghas execution. As soon as the execution is over, we will expel Commander Erica and the remaining forces from Bratz. As for the authority to handle the corpse

Forget it, whats the point in taking a rotten piece of meat. All we want is to take Derghas life with our own hands.

The eyes of Kakantir, who was usually playful yet relaxed, turned cold.

***

And that evening, dyed in violet hues, Kakantirs hawk Zeno safely returned to Bratz. Upon confirming the red and blond hairs entangled in the talons, Kakantir contentedly scratched Zenos neck.

Mary and Chel are dead.

Oh, is that so?

Good then.

Since shadows loomed, it was impossible to discern what expression Ian wore at those words. The warriors exchanged congratulatory fists, celebrating the completion of a step further in their mission.

We will return tonight.

Demo-sha!

Demo-sha!

Kakantir shook his hands in the wind, sending their hair flying. Like corpses never to be found, the hairs dispersed and disappeared as well.

A cheer erupted from the warriors who were delighted at their comrades safe return, while Ian turned his head away, staring at the half-broken flagpole of Bratz.

In a few days, that symbol would fade into history.

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