Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 83: Welcome

Several days later.

Ian-nim! Ian-nim!

Ian was reading a book in front of the fireplace when he heard Hannahs call. Turning his head, he immediately saw a letter in her hand.

The familiar design and seal indicated it was from Merellof.

Another message from Merellof?

Yes. They insist on an immediate reply and have a servant waiting downstairs.

Its only been a week.

Beric, who had been lounging, got up groggily. After causing a ruckus that day, he had miraculously returned to normal life. Fortunately, there were no aftereffects.

Ian took the letter, glancing at Beric. Beric, oblivious to Ians gaze, jumped down and approached him eagerly.

What are you waiting for? Read it.

The letter bore a seal and handwriting unfamiliar to Ian, suggesting it was written by Merellof himself. Beric leaned in, curious, but could only make out the yellow paper and black ink.

What does it say?

They want to purchase more Grula.

I knew it. Who would be satisfied with just one small bag?

Did the messenger say anything else?

It seems there was a robbery at the mansion.

A robbery?

Given their conversation with Lady Merellof, Ian suspected it might be her ploy rather than an actual theft.

And the messengers?

They went to the kitchen, asking about recipes.

Beric snorted at Hannahs addition. Once dismissed as worthless weeds, Grula was now in high demand. Ian folded the letter and placed it on the table.

Well, if they want more, we shall provide.

Should I prepare a bag?

Yes, but this time, tell them a single servants worth isnt enough. We wont sell for less than fifty gold coins per bag. Make sure to include that well provide larger ones, especially considering the winter season. We have no choice, right?

Understood, Ian.

Draft a detailed reply. Where is Sir Romandro?

He left this morning. Should be back soon.

Ian rummaged through his drawer with his left hand, looking for documents previously discussed with Romandro about Merellof. They had calculated how much Grula the Merellof estate would need, considering its size and overall situation.

What was the agreed quantity for a repeat transaction?

Romandro, an expert in reconstruction, had calculated the necessary amount of Grula, considering the needs of the Merellof estate.

100 bags would mean, after planting half and cultivating for a month, the estate can comfortably consume the rest. The planted half should proliferate enough to be evenly distributed among the estates people after a month.

I wonder if anyone in Merellof knows that Grula dies when exposed to snow.

Probably not. After all, they would need to have an interest in it in the first place.

Ian recalled Romandros words as he unfolded a new sheet of paper and drafted a proposal for 100 bags at fifty gold coins each, totaling 5,000 gold coins.

100 bags, thats a lot. When will we ever transport all of them?

If a bulk transaction happens, it will be the last. Merellof will then have the capability to cultivate and consume Grula on their own. Of course, after this winter, Grula will overflow throughout Bariel.

So, for the last transaction, should we increase the quantity or the price? We must grab at least one of those, right?

Yes. And considering Count Merellofs nature, hed psychologically prefer to buy in bulk at a lower price.

Moreover, Romandros calculations werent just empty talk; they were based on solid reasoning. With Countess Merellof subtly influencing from the side, the transaction seemed promising.

Ian carefully completed the proposal and handed it to Hannah.

Here it is.

Understood, Ian. Ill deliver it right away.

And give the messenger some Grula to snack on during the journey.

Few in Merellof, apart from the Count and Countess, knew the taste of Grula. Those whove tasted it often crave more. Hannah nodded at Ians instruction and then asked:

Will you continue to prohibit trades among the estates people?

Why do you ask?

Well, its not a big deal, but it seems many from Merellof keep requesting trades, and its causing some dilemma on our side.

Now that theyre well-fed and comfortable, they naturally want to fill their pockets, not just their storerooms. Its regrettable not to sell when offered money, especially with spring coming and plenty of opportunities to spend it.

Hmm.

Ian nodded, understanding. Once the contract with the Count of Merellof is settled, they might open up the trade. After all, the initial prohibition was just for this occasion.

Or, how about selling only roasted Grula?

Roasted Grula?

Yes. If we sell roasted Grula seeds, they cant be cultivated, only consumed.

Ians eyes widened at Hannahs suggestion, realizing a significant hint in her words. He patted her shoulder affectionately.

Good thinking. Well discuss it with Sir Romandro once he returns.

Okay. Ill deliver the letter now!

As Hannah left, Beric tilted his head, asking with a serious expression:

But Ian, what if Merellof reacts badly to the fifty gold coins per bag and decides to march soldiers over here? People can get crazy over food, right? Are we heading into another battle?

His eyes sparkled with excitement, as if eager for another wound as soon as the previous one healed.

You seem rather thrilled about it.

Of course not! Im so scared! My hearts racing with fear. Or should I say pounding?

Beric laughed lowly, deeply inhaling the smoke from his burnt leaf. He looked like a well-fed, content predator.

Both beasts and humans have their differences, but there are definite commonalities too. Do you know what the biggest one is?

Guess well find out.

Even when they attack, they instinctively know their limits. They understand theres a line they shouldnt cross because their lives are precious, just like ours.

Ha ha ha! True! Im standing my ground here. They wouldnt dare to come at us. We still have some of the Cheonrye warriors left. Ha ha ha!

Beric laughed heartily, thinking Ian was praising him. He kicked cushions around in self-satisfaction. His mood seemed good, so Ian decided not to correct him.

My point was about the central kingdom, Beric.

Ians actual reference was the imperial palace.

Nobles waiting for the emperor and advisors to bestow a surname. Attacking Bratz at this time would be perfect for causing misunderstandings. It might look like Merellof is trying to increase its influence by attacking the central kingdom and absorbing Bratz.

Well be an easy target if we provoke them. After watching Dergha and the Bratz family being crushed by the central army, theyd consciously avoid such a confrontation.

Thump!

Ian closed the drawer with a loud sound and picked up his book again. He expected a reply from Merellof soon, probably by tomorrow. He anticipated that the Count of Merellof might personally get involved this time.

Knock, knock.

Ah! Lord Ian, Im back.

Welcome back. I heard you went out.

Yeah, I was buying gifts for my wife and child.

Romandro entered cheerfully, arms laden with bags. He looked a bit wary of Beric, probably due to his recent pranks.

Romandro, Im fine, really.

Who said anything? Its just your usual blank stare.

Eh? Really? Ian, do my eyes look like that?

Sometimes you do seem a bit off.

Do you think Count Merellofs terrible personality could be due to drugs?

Thats unlikely. The countess was waiting for winter. Shes probably starting her plan now.

A hallucinogenic anesthetic that slowly consumes a person over a month, leading to hyperventilation and death. Romandro shuddered at the thought.

What a bold woman.

That just shows how desperate she is.

Beric fiddled with Romandros gifts, asking,

Do they not do such things in the central kingdom?

In the central? Even more!

But why borderlands?

The central kingdom, where more than half of the nobility resided, was the epicenter of scandals, erupting with new ones every other day. Romandro twirled his mustache, grumbling.

Still, these days, theyre more discreet, keeping things to private villas or masked balls. I remember Prince Gale mentioning

Gale. Ian hadnt expected the Second Princes name to come up in Romandros conversation. Encouraging him to continue, Romandro laughed awkwardly.

It startles me every time. In the palace, we dare not even mention his name. Too many ears around, and things can easily be misconstrued.

I understand.

The palace is the most intense place for taking sides, isnt it? Its no surprise that Sir Romandro, a subordinate of the First Prince Mariv, wouldnt casually mention the name of Prince Gale.

Anyway, His Highness Prince Gale, I remember, when was it? Last year? He caused a bloodbath at a party held by the nephew of a duke.

A bloodbath?

For a non-heir prince like Gale, maintaining power was crucial, which involved building a network among nobles. But to cause a disturbance at a dukes nephews party? A man who would later even instigate a rebellion for power?

He killed all the slaves of those who were so high on drugs they couldnt distinguish reality.

Is that possible? Really?

It happened because he did it. Dont you know? Even in the borderlands, you must have heard stories.

In any world, there are always those who live life detached from reality. That was Ian back then. What did it matter if the emperor changed? He was too busy trying to survive.

Of course, it caused an uproar among the families. After all, those were their assets. Drugs might be a crime, but it was a common practice, especially since it was an act of the imperial family against the nobility, almost like a show of force.

How did they handle the aftermath?

Money.

Huh?

He replaced all the killed slaves with new ones.

Crazy bast*rd.

Beric muttered in disgust, but Ian was genuinely shocked. Romandro sighed and faintly smiled, realizing Ians astonishment.

Actually, even though Im serving His Highness Prince Mariv, Prince Gale is no ordinary person either.

Slaves, after all, are commodities that can be bought and sold. If proper compensation is made, there should be no problem. But the crux was that these slaves were gifts from Gale.

Truly remarkable in many ways.

Actually, after that incident, Prince Gales followers significantly increased. Rumors spread that Wesleigh, head of the Magic Department, funded the replacements, further solidifying Gales power base.

Why would that increase his followers? If it were me, Id think hes insane and confront him.

Beric, be thankful were in the borderlands. In the imperial palace, even portraits have ears.

So explain it to me.

As Beric fiddled with his ear, Ian sighed and began to explain. It was a move so brilliantly executed that even Ian, who had been an emperor, could dare say it was a stunningly perfect political maneuver.

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