Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Sending a son who hasnt even been legitimized yet! This is deception!

Exactly! How could they stab us in the back like this!

Ian sat back leisurely, watching the elders explode in anger. They seemed to find it unbelievable that they were treated this way during a formal event called, an alliance ceremony.

Let me emphasize again, I am indeed my fathers son. That part is clear.

What about your biological mother?

I wonder.

Ian gave a bitter smile to Kakantirs question. It was a silent answer that said interpret it as you will. There was no need to mention that she was from the red-light district in this already tense situation. It wasnt important information.

I really want to break your neck right now.

But you are the leader of the Cheonrye tribe. You will surely make a wise decision.

Kakantir snarled with a ridiculous laugh. Since he had declared to treat Ian as a guest of the empire, he couldnt kill him now. It was a matter of principle.

Can we attack Bratz? No. Its reckless now that the central army is coming down.

You.

Kakantir chewed on a rolled-up leaf, bewildered. The formal address, Sir, had long fallen from his lips, whether it was intentional or not. Regardless, the fact that Ians neck was still attached was proof that he was still being respected.

Keep babbling on. Have anything more to say?

If the chieftain desires, certainly.

The elders behind him grew louder. Ian smiled and continued speaking, Ah, yes. More specifically, what tasks are to be done and how they will be carried out.

I hope they are interesting. Enough to clear up the noise in my head at once.

Kakantirs gaze fixated on Ians throat, seeming to suppress a surge of impulse.

Lets assume. If I become the Count Bratz with the help of the Cheonrye tribe, I will turn Bratz into the most powerful territory in Bariel.

Why?

Because thats the only thing that can support me, are you all, people from the borders.

And then?

Once I gather enough power, Ill head to the central capital, specifically to the imperial palace.

Kakantirs brown eyes flickered. What was this little thing saying? Going to the central capital? That meant voluntarily walking into the mouth of the empire.

Even if one set aside what he would do there, what would happen to a territory left vacant by its lord? It would fall into decay, either due to internal corruption or outside invasion.

Thats the reason why I crossed the desert without fleeing, even though I havent been legitimized. Kakantir. We need to change now.

True alliance and peace.

Not simply exchanging trade goods and being tied by numbers and letters. Someone a lord could trust. It meant seeing the Cheonrye Clan not as barbarians on the frontier but as allies.

Im not sure if its interesting, but at least they cleared my thoughts.

Glad to hear it.

As Kakantir began to chew on another rolled leaf, Nersarn raised his hand.

Sir Ian, there is one thing to point out.

Please speak.

Will there be time for Dergha when the central army arrives? Time to send a message, I mean.

Wow. Ian almost felt like applauding. Kakantir, you have a quite remarkable person at your side.

The chieftains secretary had a deep thought, mentioning a point no one else had considered.

Probably. The investigation will be carried out, so the time will be roughly two weeks. Essentially, the central forces will definitely be deployed.

Then, its all more problematic.

Nersarn, what is it?

Neither Kakantir nor the other elders could figure out what the man meant.

A cornered rat will even bite a cat. If there is no chance for him to escape, the only thing left for Dergha is execution, and annihilation. If given the opportunity, he would certainly raise an army to oppose. And then

hell ask for help from the Cheonrye tribe.

They had just formed an alliance through an official ceremony a few days ago. Kakantir nodded as if he finally realized.

We cannot refuse.

Indeed. Especially just after the ceremony.

Politically, it was an action that shouldnt be taken. Breaking the alliance without a reason would be like proclaiming the Cheonrye tribe as barbarians.

This could later provide an excuse to the empire. Kakantir found this situation unpleasant. Either way, it looked like they were being played by the empire.

When he stepped outside, the whole tribe had gathered, their ears pricked.

Hes out!

I heard a loud noise inside, but he didnt die.

Wow, its true.

As Ian and Beric approached, the crowd parted like a red sea. Among them, he saw a familiar face. It was Soo. Ian approached her and asked for a favor.

Soo.

Huh? Uh.

If you have time, will you help us?

What ?

Her eyes, bewildered at first, soon shone like stars at Ians words.

Berics training.

* * *

Idiot! Slowpoke!

Will you shut up?

Even a desert ant would be faster than you!

Really, f*ck! If I catch you, Ill really break your nose!

Swish!

Ian watched from the shade, eating fruit, as the sandstorm blew. There was a trail made by Berics clumsy steps and Soos movements. The two had been running under the blazing sun for two hours, yet neither showed signs of fatigue.

Beric! You okay?

What?

Never mind.

Dont talk to me! Damn it!

Swish!

Hes certainly quick to adapt and accept. Hes already adjusted to the heat after only a few days. He seemed to have acclimated to the heat in just a few days. Furthermore, being in this environment, the sand made the training even more intense.

Beric. Youre really something.

Its because my foot keeps getting stuck!

Ah-ha? Really? Im not having any trouble? How much fat must be on your legs for only you to get stuck?

This is muscle! Damn it!

Yeah, yeah. Sure.

Shrik! Shh!

While the two kept exchanging blows, Ian relished in the sweet and refreshing fruit. He had planned to carefully trap the Cheonrye tribe, but thanks to Silasque, the situation was resolved quickly and easily.

Until they returned to Bratz, all Ian had to do was enjoy the desert. Ah! What a real gift from God to relax like this after so long.

Sir Ian.

Then, one of the tribesmen approached Ian, holding a tray with new wine and Ians pot.

Winchen-nim has finally opened her eyes.

Oh. Is that so?

Winchen had fainted while extending a greeting to Ian. A small amount of Silasques concentrated liquid was dribbled into her mouth, and though recovery was gradual, it was definite. Her pulse returned to normal, her convulsions stopped, and her complexion began to improve.

Thats a relief.

Thank you.

The nameless tribesman cautiously conveyed his thanks. The celebratory atmosphere was unmistakable and seemed to surpass that of any ordinary festival. Ian simply acknowledged it by taking a hearty gulp of his wine.

Well, we will hold a formal welcome party for you soon.

Really? It doesnt seem much different from a feast right now.

Anyway, thank you so much. Everyone is grateful to you, sir.

Dont mention it.

Oh, and by the way, we found this when we were moving the soil.

He handed over the pot. Inside the empty pot was a necklace, silver with a pumpkin-colored gem.

This is yours, right, sir Ian? Did you hide it?