Margrave's Bastard Son was The Emperor-Chapter 319

The bustling garden, where moments ago everyone had been debating whether the incarnation of an angel should eat meat, fell silent in an instant. Even the pianist forgot to press the keys, struck by her appearance.

Philea shyly grasped the hem of her dress and tilted her head.

“…Why is everyone acting like this?”

Though she knew she was beautiful, this was a moment when the holiness bestowed by the white dress and veil struck anew. Philea glanced around awkwardly, fidgeting with the lace as if something felt off.

Beric was the first to break the silence. With his mouth still full of meat, he raised his hands high and clapped.

Clap clap clap!

“Wow, this is insane. You’re absolutely gorgeous!”

“Hey, watch your language, you fool!”

“What’s wrong with saying it’s insane? Okay okay, I’m about to faint here.”

The warriors also approached Philea, showering her with unrestrained praise and admiration.

“…Where’s Lord Nersarn? Suddenly feel like punching him. Just gotta win, right?”

“Want to die on this happy day? Control yourself.”

“Lady Philea, the dress suits you perfectly. Like the Milky Way flowing across clear desert skies.”

“Shut up, that’s Lord Nersarn’s line.”

“Congratulations, Lady Philea. You look absolutely stunning.”

These were greetings rough around the edges but filled with sincerity. Philea laughed shyly as she brushed back her hair, then spotted Ian. He nodded with a radiant smile.

“Yes, indeed. You’re truly beautiful, it’s wonderful to see. Today, Mother, you are the star of the world.”

Tears welled up in the woman’s smiling face. When Philea stretched out her arms to embrace him, Ian opened his arms without hesitation.

Mother and son held each other tight. Philea stroked the back of Ian’s head repeatedly, remembering when he was small enough to carry in one arm.

Truthfully, it hadn’t been a complete life. In days when even breathing wasn’t permitted in darkness so deep you couldn’t see an inch ahead, who would have thought such a happy day would come?

“Mother.”

“Yes?”

When Philea’s eyes welled up with tears, Ian carefully wiped them away. He wasn’t this woman’s biological son. Therefore, whatever words he spoke, perfect communication would be difficult. 𝘳𝐀NŏᛒЕ𝒮

But today, he had something to say to the star of the world in her pure white wedding dress. These were surely words that Ian, the illegitimate son, would have wanted to say if he were here.

“In a world where it’s hard enough to live alone, thank you for taking me in. Now, please, seek only your own happiness.”

In the end, Philea burst into tears. She had expected to simply nod, but instead wrapped her arms around Ian’s neck and drew him close. The mother whispered to her son.

“You know what? Lord Nersarn told me that in some tribes, they carry incredibly heavy stones whenever crossing fierce rivers. To keep from being swept away by the current.”

Though it crushed their entire body painfully, they would surely be swept away by the river if they didn’t. Philea hugged her son even tighter as she expressed her gratitude.

“Ian, without you, I would have died, swept away by the currents of the world. Thank you.”

Those eyes of that little one that used to look at her as if she were his entire world. That was the weight Philea would carry. My precious stone that allowed me to move forward without wavering even when fierce currents rushed in from all directions, telling me to die.

“……”

Ian felt his chest constrict. This was what it meant to feel a mother’s love flowing genuinely, beyond flesh and blood.

Viviana handed them handkerchiefs and separated the two. If she left them like this any longer, it would surely become an unstoppable flood of tears. Her husband Romandro was already sniffling.

“Come now, my lady, no more tears. On such a joyous day.”

“I’m sorry. What if my makeup gets ruined?”

“Even that would be a trace of happiness, so it’s fine. However, it would be troublesome if we can’t proceed with the ceremony.”

Philea burst out laughing as Viviana playfully tapped her forehead.

At that moment, Nersarn appeared, dressed in Cheonrye tribal formal wear. With his hair neatly swept back and a red cloth draped over one shoulder, he froze like his mind had stopped working the instant he saw his beloved.

“Oh my, Lord Nersarn?”

“Lost your mind? That won’t do. There are guys everywhere here just waiting to punch you in the ribs.”

Beric sat beside the pianist, constantly fidgeting, while the warriors were busy teasing Nersarn.

Ian walked with Philea toward him. Nersarn reached out as if enchanted. Ian placed his mother’s hand in his.

“Please take good care of Mother.”

“…Of course. I will love Philea more ardently than the desert sun.”

“Wow, Lord Nersarn must be crazy. Didn’t even blink saying that.”

“Oh my goodness! Save those words for the ceremony!”

“Hahaha! Seriously, what’s he going to say during the vows then! Lord Nersarn must be nervous.”

Though it was the kind of thing one would say while exchanging rings, Nersarn was so nervous he accidentally blurted it out in front of Ian. Since it was such a rare mistake from Nersarn, everyone burst out laughing.

“Well then, shall we begin the ceremony? Everyone seems to be getting hungry too.”

“I’m hungry! Meat! Meat!”

“Beric, you rascal! Stop bothering the pianist!”

Zing… Ziiing

Ian lightly flicked his fingertips, creating a shower of flowers. Until recently, it had fallen endlessly in the streets, but now it was the mage’s blessing reserved only for this small garden. Beyond the grand festival, this was a moment just for them. Ian returned to his chair and nodded to Hale.

“Thank you for joining us.”

“Please don’t say that. Besides, you haven’t fully recovered yet. It would be troublesome for me if you collapsed again.”

Hale loosened his tie slightly and added his power to Ian’s magic. A gentle force that made the already sparkling surroundings even more radiant. Exclamations could be heard from outside.

“Wow, flower rain! It’s only falling inside. He really is a mage!”

“I told you so, didn’t you believe me?”

“No, for a mage he’s too-“

Rustle

Hearing that sound, Romandro looked at the wall while holding his wine glass. Round heads visible through the gaps. Philea whispered with a smile.

“They’re neighborhood children. Somehow strange rumors spread, and they occasionally come to peek. They’re just curious – very sweet and adorable children.”

“Are they close with you, Lady Philea?”

“I’d like to think so, but I’m not sure about the children. Even when I give them snacks sometimes, they run away.”

“Is that so? Well well, these rascals.”

Romandro playfully walked toward the wall and unlatched the bolt. The fence gate swung open, and the children clinging to it jumped back in surprise.

“What are you all doing here?”

“Aaaah! Y-you scared us!”

“If you’re guests, come inside. If you’re here to cause trouble, scram. The engagement ceremony of the most beautiful person in the world is about to begin.”

When Romandro tilted his head with a mischievous expression, the children looked at each other uncertainly. Could they go in? What if the mage cast a spell on them? And what about those strange foreigners?

As Romandro gestured like he was about to close the door, one child stuck their foot in.

“C-can we really go in?”

“Yes, if you can quietly and properly celebrate with us.”

“B-but we don’t have any gifts.”

“That’s fine. I came without one too.”

Oh, these adorable things. Romandro tried to suppress his rising smile as he crossed his arms. The little ones cautiously stepped inside, creeping forward full of wariness and curiosity.

“Th-then we won’t refuse.”

“Hmm. Come on, hurry up.”

Just then, Romandro noticed one child turning away. Creak creak, they moved awkwardly, advancing with the same hand and leg in confusion.

Though their face was hidden behind a mask, the silver hair peeking out and familiar frame were recognizable.

That’s Prince Jin!

And more than anything, the man with him was unmistakably Xiaoshi.

My, what could such an esteemed person be doing here? Romandro was about to call out to Jin but remembered Ian’s words.

‘Having me by Prince Jin’s side would be bad for both of us. Creating another pillar, ensuring His Highness doesn’t waver because of it, and allowing an ideal Bariel to be built – that is my wish. So please understand this too, Lord Romandro. Things can no longer be as they were before.’

It’s easy to flow into power, but incredibly difficult to break away from it. His small superior had chosen to attempt this difficult task and was carrying it out. Accordingly, Romandro had a duty to support him in this.

However…

“H-hey there, child.”

But still, just a little, just once.

Romandro twisted his beard awkwardly as he called out to Jin. The child who had been stumbling away in panic stopped and grabbed Xiaoshi’s arm.

“Aren’t you coming in?”

“Ah, well…”

“All your friends went in, are you leaving?”

“C-can I come in too? No, may I?”

“…If you wish.”

Romandro gestured for them to come. Jin looked up at Xiaoshi, who also nodded that it was fine.

Jin slowly walked into Romandro’s mansion. The neighborhood children who had gone in first were chattering as they surrounded Philea.

“Actually, those snacks you gave us were so delicious.”

“Really? I’m glad. When you come visit next time, I’ll give you more.”

“Is that handsome brother your younger brother? He’s super good-looking.”

“No, he’s my son. Ian, the little one says you’re handsome.”

“Aaack! Why did you tell him that?!”

Aside from Hale, they were practically the only outside guests. Everyone watched intently as the children created their lively commotion.

Creeak, at the sound of the fence gate closing, Ian turned around. One child stood there, tightly holding Romandro’s hand.

“Seems like our last guest.”

“…Ah.”

Shuffle shuffle, Jin stood at attention looking straight ahead. Though their expression wasn’t visible, they were clearly nervous. Philea covered her mouth in surprise, and Ian also slowly tilted his head.

Prince Jin.

That’s the Crown Prince!

Everyone clearly recognized Jin at a glance. Even the Cheonrye tribe members who had only seen him a few times.

The child awkwardly raised their hand in greeting.

“N-nice to meet you. Congratulations, Philea…”

The child’s nape turned red as a radish. Though it was clearly Jin, they seemed to want to hide their identity, so no one dared greet them properly.

Everyone looked to Ian for cues on how to act. Ian stared intently at the child while resting his chin on his hand, then pretended not to notice as he patted the seat beside him.

Pat pat

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“Mother. We have many young guests today.”

“Mm-hmm, yes we do.”

“Child, come over here. Thank you for coming.”

With Ian’s permission, Jin approached Philea one step at a time. The two naturally embraced each other. The child repeatedly congratulated Philea in a tearful voice.

“Congratulations. I missed you so much.”

“The earrings are quite pretty, aren’t they?”

“Yes. They suit you perfectly – you’re radiant.”

Philea smiled sadly at Jin’s murmurs. Though she didn’t know the reason, Jin must be in a situation where this was necessary. Romandro provided chairs for the neighborhood children as well, signaling the start of the formal engagement ceremony.

Rustle

Jin sat next to Ian. The child pressed their mask down further and only looked ahead. As if telling themselves they didn’t know Ian, that they were just a child visiting this place for the first time.

Ian simply let their arms touch ever so slightly.