Chapter 8

Chapter 8

Ian. My little child. Ahem.

The private tutor coughed slightly and watched Ians reaction. Surely, the illiterate recipient of this letter must have asked someone else to read it for him.

The most natural choice was the private tutor.

Ians eyes sparkled in anticipation as he clasped his chin.

Please continue reading, Teacher.

Are you doing well over there? Your mother is living comfortably, thanks to Count Dergha. Not having to work, she finds joy in every passing day. Devote yourself to your studies in gratitude to the Count. Master Chel, although your half-brother, should be treated with respect. Dont forget that. Take honor in being a symbol of unity. Above all, build a solid relationship with the Cheonrye tribe. You and Master Chel are the hope of future generations.

As the teacher recited the letter, he stealthily observed Ians reactions.

And I have one request.

Yes. The main point of the issue.

The Cheonrye tribe smoke gureut leaves instead of tobacco, I hear. Your mother would like to try it as well. Can you bring some seeds secretly when you come back on your birthday next year?

Gureut leaves were a kind of stimulant used by the Cheonrye tribe.

They were chewed whole, or rolled into leaves and smoked. It was a mystery what plant it came from, or even how it was made, a secret of the Cheonrye tribe.

What was certain was that they would always bite into a leaf before heading into battle.

And the flower from the pot you took such care of bloomed. I wont be able to see you once you cross the border.

Hmm.

The last sentence reads like this. Write down a verse of the song I often sang for you when you get this letter. I love you always. My son.

Presumably, the dried flower petal in the pocket was the real gift sent by his mother. And likely, only the last paragraph was the real content of the letter. She must have put some thought into it. By demanding a secret code, she forced the Count to pass on the letter and send a reply.

It seems like she mixed in the task of smuggling gureut leaves with the letter.

What was strange was Derghas approach. Why would he coax Ian with such a complicated method? If he threatened his mothers life like he always did, Ian would comply. There would be no need to go roundabout like this.

Master Ian?

Yes, teacher. Thank you. Please keep the contents of this letter a secret.

Of course.

Dergha must have some hidden intentions. Ian made a resolution to uncover them.

The tutor pulled out a clean piece of parchment and asked, Would you like to write a reply today?

No. I have a lot to say, so I need to sort out my thoughts. Ill ask you another time.

Is that so? Your mother must be waiting.

Whats he rushing for?

But it was problematic since he didnt know the song.

If I write the wrong lyrics, there will be an uproar on my mothers side. Theyll think something has happened to me.

The shackles both bound Ian and offered him protection. What if his mother mistakenly committed suicide? He couldnt predict what Dergha would do to ensnare Ian.

At worst, I could be confined until the day of the unity ceremony.

It would probably be best to meet her in person.

Fortunately, tomorrow was the day for a luncheon with Molrins entourage.

If he played his cards right, he could have both an opportunity to leave the mansion and understand Derghas intentions.

Ah, Your Excellency Molrin.

Its been a week, Count Dergha.

As previously arranged, Molrin arrived at the mansion with his aides. They were young, jovial men, clearly the juniors that Molrin was guiding in the central administration.

Pleased to meet you for the first time, Count.

We sincerely thank you for your hospitality at the luncheon.

The men introduced as Mack and Dgor kissed the back of the Countess hand. Countess Mary elegantly smiled and brought her son Chel forward.

We hope you have an enjoyable time.

Ah, is this young master Chel? Then who might this be?

Actually, there was no need for confusion.

As heard, Ian had bright golden hair that resembled sunlight. It was merely a formality for politeness sake.

Ian. Youre from the slums, arent you?

Attempting to make him admit to his lowly origins like an ostrich burying its head in the sand. There couldnt be a more solid testimony than having three central bureaucrats hear it at the same time.

Ian? Sir Mack is asking you.

The countess urged him on with a smile. It seemed she had no idea about the political intentions in each word spoken. Of course, the same went for Chel.

Well, I think he might not have-

Chel!

As Chel began to stutter, Dergha quickly cut him off. With a clatter, the surprised Chel dropped his fork. However, Dergha calmly disciplined his son, Didnt Sir Mac ask a question to Ian? Its not polite to interrupt. Be careful.

It was a demand for silence.

Chels expression darkened and he clamped his mouth shut, while Countess. Mary secretly grabbed her sons hand under the tablecloth. Her gaze at her husband was unavoidably sharp, as if saying How could you yell for such a minor mistake? Isnt he already disheartened from the mistake he made last week?

Ive never tried it.

Is that so?

Ian put down his knife and answered firmly.

For now. It was better to show a submissive attitude beside Count Dergha.

Even though I was raised outside the mansion, my father always took good care of me. No matter what anyone says, I am proud to be a member of the Bratz family.

O-ho, thats certainly true.

A funny situation where everyone knew it was a lie, but pretended not to know and turned a blind eye.

Molrin laughed very satisfactorily. Seemingly satisfied with how well Ian detected the attack that came in without warning.

Although I havent tried it, I would like to try it if I have the opportunity.

Dergha frowned but couldnt say anything. Ians answer was accurate, and his flow was quite natural.

Is that so?

Where is the disdain in what comes from nature? If it can alleviate hunger, isnt that a blessing in itself? Especially when they say its a delicacy.

Molrin felt a strange sense of dj vu at Ians response.

It was a claim he had certainly heard somewhere before

It sounds like something the Prince would say.

Dgor had hit the nail on the head.

Prince? Who?

From Ians point in time, several generations would have to pass to reach the current Emperor. And how many princes were there in between? They usually had more than ten children each.

In other words, even Ian, who was once an Emperor, wouldnt know who the prince from 100 years ago was.

Its Prince Gale II (the second). He made such a remark quite calmly while discussing with the nobles about street food. Haha.

Although he didnt say anything at the time, there must have been quite a bit of criticism behind his back. A prince of a nation uttering such uncultured words.

But Gale II It sounded incredibly familiar from somewhere

You two would get along well.

How could Ian dare to

No, I think its a great opinion.

Amidst Derghas pretense, Dgor chuckled and waved his hand.

He was sincere. In a time where tens of thousands of people starve to death each year, whats the big deal about street food? The priority is to survive.

Keeping up appearances can be truly scary. Regardless of it being street food, it has value and is consumed nonetheless.

Thats true. But the reality is even more grim. Even commoners dont even glance at the food that the lower class eat.

The Countess intervened in the lamentations of Mack and Dgor.

Even if a new crop is discovered, it will take a while before its distributed, right?

It was a decent topic, but the context was off. Without realizing it, Ian shook his head sideways.

No, Mother. Actually, distribution is not the problem.

Really? Young master Ian, you seem to have an opinion. Molrins tone seemed to test him.

Ian smiled as if to say why would someone who knows it all ask such a question.

an alcoholic drink taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite.[]