"Was the meal to your liking?"Marquis Derga asked as he set his utensils aside. The luncheon, which had lasted for a couple of hours, was finally coming to a close. The sun, which had been high in the sky, had long since shifted towards the mountains."It was excellent. Comparable to the meals served in the imperial palace."Ian, who had been quietly folding his napkin, faltered.It was a remark that dared to compare with the imperial palace, the center of the world and the highest dignity. In Ian's era, it would have been quite astonishing, but judging by the reactions of Marquis Derga's people, it seemed unremarkable.'Is it common?'If so, it could be inferred that the palace's power was not that strong. Going back nearly a century, even excluding the short-reigned emperors, one had to trace back seven generations."I'll have dessert prepared.""Thank you, Marchioness."While Ian was deep in thought, the gathering fully dispersed. Marchioness Mary smiled gracefully and kindly as she looked at her two sons."Chel, Ian. The adults have some matters to discuss, so why don't you two have some refreshments in the next room?"They would undoubtedly be discussing Ian's adoption, without the person concerned present.In fact, while the adoption was practically a foregone conclusion, the frontier, where the palace's influence had not reached, would meticulously scrutinize the process as a form of check and balance."Yes, Mother."As Ian spoke sharply, the corners of Marchioness Mary's mouth twitched slightly. It seemed to be quite a struggle for her to pat the shoulder of a lowborn.She merely tapped his cheek to show a superficial display of affection. The more she did so, the more Chel's eyes narrowed."This way, Sir Mollin.""Oh my. It's truly magnificent."They left the back garden and entered the main building.The spacious reception room that occupied the center of the mansion was so luxurious that it was dizzying. The glittering gold ornaments in all directions reflected the sunlight, illuminating the room.Creak.As the adults entered the inner reception room, only Chel and Ian were left. The two sat facing each other, looking at one another. More precisely, Chel was glaring, while Ian was observing.'That rascal really takes after Marquis Derga. Even a passing dog would know they're father and son.'The red, curly hair and the freckle-covered nose bridge. Despite being at an age full of vigor, his protruding belly undeniably showcased Derga's bloodline.Ian, as seen in the mirror, had blond hair and absinthe-colored eyes, seemingly taking after his unknown mother. He was pretty and delicate, bearing no resemblance to Chel whatsoever."Young Master Chel, Young Master Ian. I'll bring in the refreshments."A servant approached respectfully and set down tea and cookies. Chel's eyes narrowed, and he slapped the servant's head with his hand.Thwack!"Ah!"Hot tea spilled over the servant's hand. Ian instinctively reached for a handkerchief, but a lowly bastard wouldn't possess such a thing."Say that again.""Pardon?"The servant rubbed the back of her hand on her apron, looking startled. Fortunately, it was slightly swollen but not badly scalded."How dare you address me by name, you impudent thing?""Ah, m-my apologies, Young Lord."It was a title signifying that he was the marquis's sole bloodline and heir apparent.Even Ian, well-versed in etiquette, was not unaware of it, but Chel's sharp reaction was somewhat puzzling."Take responsibility for spilling the tea.""…I'll bring more.""Bring more, you say? Do you not know how precious this tea is? I'll deduct it from your wages, so take what you spilled. You may even lick it up, as you'll never have the chance to taste it in your lifetime.""It was my mistake. Please forgive me just this once.""Rubbish."It was a display of viciousness rarely seen. How could his temperament be so cruel? Surely, it was the fault of his parents for raising him poorly."The tea is sufficient, so go and tend to your hand first."At Ian's quiet order, Chel's expression contorted. The servant, caught between the quarreling brothers, hastily picked up the tray and retreated.Her judgment was correct. Chel looked as if he would grab Ian's hair at any moment, his eyes flashing."What do you think you're doing?""What do you mean?""Your elder brother was speaking. How dare you interject and order me around?"Ian spoke with a serene face as if asking what was so obvious."If you treat the servants in this manner, you may soon have to handle the mansion's work yourself. It would be wise to refrain from causing problems with your temper and maintain your proper place."At the calm and logical retort, Chel's eyes bulged."You lowborn bastard, how dare you speak of proper places… Just because Sir Mollin praised you a bit, you've grown arrogant? Do you think you've become a true nobleman?"However, his voice was soft and quiet, as there were guests just a door away. At least he had that much sense.Ian sipped his tea and smiled."And if I'm not a nobleman?""…What?""Then you'll be the one sold to the Cheonrye tribe."Even as he said it, he found it amusing.Despite being an emperor for only three years, he had been at the pinnacle of Bariel. Chel needed to understand that this was a clear honor.Judging by his face turning red and blue, he seemed to think Ian was mocking him."Y-you've gone mad!"Chel raised his hand to strike Ian's cheek, but it was blocked in midair. Ian's grip tightly held his wrist."Your name is Chel, right?"Ian was skinny and small for his age. If Chel overpowered him, he would be easily subdued.However, Chel couldn't do so. When Ian softly called his name, it felt as if the back of his neck stood on end."If a bruise appears on my face here, what would Sir Mollin think? Hmm? And the marquis and his wife? They're eagerly trying to sell me off in there, yet as their son, not only are you not cooperating, but you're also trying to sabotage it."The emperor placed his hand on Chel's cheek and tapped it lightly.It was a gesture telling him to come to his senses."What if I disappear because of that?"At those words, Chel's frightened eyes gradually took on a sly gleam."Hah, you?"His grin, as if he had caught a weakness, was not that of a child. It closely resembled a lifelong ruffian from a back alley, making it clear why the Bratz family was known as vulgar among the nobility."Just try it. Then your mother's head will be cut off and kicked around like a ball in the marketplace. Hahaha!"Ah, Ian inwardly let out a low gasp.As an emperor, he had never received such a crude and raw threat. It should have been more, what should he say, a refined barb.In any case, Ian gleaned another piece of information from Chel's words.'So my mother is a hostage.'There was a reason why Ian had to cross the border without protest. The chances of a poor child escaping Derga's clutches were nearly nonexistent.'Right. Come to think of it, there must be a reason why I entered this child's body among countless options.'As Ian pondered briefly, Chel misunderstood that his attack had been effective."Prostrate yourself. Only then can you prolong your life and your mother's by even a day. Even if she's rolling in the marketplace, no one will notice with her filthy body."It was at that moment.Ian grabbed Chel's hair and looked him straight in the eye. His absinthe-colored eyes turned golden as mana surged. It was an involuntary reaction, as if blood was flowing in reverse."Foolish child."Ian rebuked him, feeling the mana throughout his body.It was insignificant compared to when he was in the emperor's body, but it was not something Chel could handle. Moreover, wasn't Ian the brightest star in the history of magic?"No matter how young, the weight of words remains the same. The tongue, though short, is long enough to change a life. If you're not careful, it will be cut off."A century ago, the current Bariel Empire's perception of mages was non-existent compared to the time Ian had ruled. Even the capital's nobles would be lucky to have a connection, let alone the frontier."Ah…"Thus, even when faced with a bizarre phenomenon, they didn't know what it meant. Chel's face turned deathly pale, and he nearly fainted.Thud.As he slumped onto the sofa, he wet himself. Ian clicked his tongue inwardly and stepped back. Standing with his back to the sunlight, Ian looked like the incarnation of an angel. Chel continued to make mistakes without any sign of stopping.'…This is maddening.'Just as he thought to call a servant, the reception room door suddenly opened."Young masters, I hope you enjoyed the refreshments…"Mollin came out with a benevolent smile but faltered. He had directly faced Ian, who was bathed in sunlight. For a brief, fleeting moment, his golden eyes turned absinthe.'Just now?'Was it a trick of the light?Something seemed strange about that.Mollin scrutinized Ian's eyes, recalling that momentary instant. Until the marchioness's fuss broke his concentration."Chel! What is this?!"Marchioness Mary discovered Chel standing in a daze. The child stammered and looked at Ian, but his expression was indifferent.'It wouldn't be good to say anything reckless.'It was a warning conveyed through silence, but Chel seemed to understand. The child made an excuse, almost in tears."…I-I spilled the tea.""Oh my. Oh my. Heavens!"Only then did Mollin notice Chel's state and coughed awkwardly, turning his back. Derga closed his eyes tightly.It was the height of humiliation! A seventeen-year-old, grown son had an accident in the reception room! If rumors spread, he truly wouldn't be able to show his face in public."Is anyone out there? Anyone will do, hurry!""What's the matter, milady?""Bring clothes, towels, and something to wipe with."While the marchioness called for servants and caused a commotion, Mollin quietly sought Marquis Derga's understanding. As a central government official who had come down to the frontier, he had no urgent matters to attend to, but it was still a struggle to continue standing there."Marquis? I have a pressing matter to attend to. For now…""Ah! Of course. Today has been a true honor.""Likewise. If it's alright with you, may I request Ian to see me off?"Derga was so flustered that he nodded before he could think. It was because Chel had started sobbing."Thank you for your permission, Marquis. Ian, the mansion is quite large, so please assist this old man.""Certainly, Sir Mollin. I'll gladly guide you."He had no idea about the mansion's layout, but it would be much better to leave with Mollin than to stay here. As for guidance, he could simply grab a passing servant and have them carry his coat."Shall we go?"Ian smiled brightly and escorted him.Once again, Mollin faced those absinthe-colored eyes. With a gaze filled with years of experience, he carefully examined the child.