Chapter 55: To Romandor

-Ilhan, the illegitimate son, has come to the territory with the Tianli clan, claiming his rights. Under the pretext of an alliance with Brats, he has occupied and is managing the territory... There is nothing I can do about it.

Molin gritted his teeth. Originally, there was no reason for him to go down there. Erica was supposed to manage the territory and transfer the troops, a simple and clear plan, wasn't it?

However, the appointment as lord was indefinitely postponed, and Ilhan, who should have been in the Great Desert, is now here?

'By now, Erica must have received the message.'

Molin was deeply concerned about Marib's interference. He suspected that Ilhan had a scheme and was on his way to personally deal with him.

Since he has the blood of Derga, he should be made a slave. Though he is clever, if he acts recklessly, he must be taught a lesson.

'I don't know why the Tianli clan is siding with Ilhan, but that boy is not worth it.'

How far has his sweet tongue bewitched the beast clans? Does he know that his mother is alive? Or that he is of illegitimate birth?

Molin continued to grind his teeth, his sharp gaze flashing. He was unaware that his letter had crossed with Erica's.

Clatter, clatter—

"We're almost there."

At the driver's words, Romandor leaned closer to the window. In the distance, a building presumed to be the Brats mansion was visible. It looked peaceful, hard to believe a battle had taken place there, even though it hadn't been a month yet.

"It's more lively than expected."

"Indeed, it is."

Romandor muttered hopefully. With this atmosphere, he might be able to return to the capital much sooner than expected. He reminded Molin of his position.

"As an advisor, are there any customs of the former Brats territory that we should be cautious about?"

"Well, since it borders the barbarian tribes, most of the people here are dirty and rough. The land is barren, and food is always scarce."

Molin mumbled, pulling out fragmented memories. Unpleasant emotions had taken over, and his words were not gentle.

"Stop! State your affiliation and purpose!"

The carriage, which had been rushing towards the mansion, stopped. They had arrived at the entrance to the territory. The driver informed the gatekeeper that they were from the palace, and the gates were opened as if they had been waiting.

Creak.

As they passed through the village, Romandor rubbed his eyes, thinking he had seen a mirage. People in exotic clothing were scattered everywhere.

Not Barial, but foreigners? Who else could be foreigners here except the barbarian tribes they border?

"Those, those are the Tianli clan, aren't they?"

"Indeed. The Tianli clan is stationed here."

"Is this what it is? Shouldn't we turn back? I didn't receive any report about this!"

Unlike Romandor, who was astonished, Molin remained calm. It was a matter of time, and it would be resolved within that time. The palace, especially Prince Marib, should not know about it.

"Where are the investigation team and the central army...?"

"They must have arrived at the mansion."

"Shall I open the door?"

As Romandor clung to the carriage door, the driver asked, flustered. The door opened slightly. He faced a younger man than expected.

"Who are you...?"

"Ilhan Brats."

It was Molin who answered. He opened the door and spat out the words slowly.

"The illegitimate son of Derga."

"Greetings, Sir Molin. Oh, Sir Mack and Sir Degor are here too. I was quite disappointed when you left for the capital without saying goodbye."

Ilhan placed his hand on his chest and greeted formally. Then he firmly corrected.

"Be careful. There is no one here who uses the Brats name."

Molin frowned in displeasure, but Romandor felt relieved. At least there was someone who maintained formality among the barbarians. And it seemed he held a significant position among them.

"The distance is far, so the letters must have been delayed. Please come in. I will explain everything."

"Hmm. Then..."

Ilhan led the way, guiding the guests. The mansion, now quieter with fewer people, maintained its warm atmosphere. Ilhan, Romandor, and Molin's party entered the reception room.

Click.

"Lord Kakanter, guests from the palace have arrived."

"You've come a long way."

"Ah. Yes. Well..."

"This is Lord Kakanter, the chief of the Tianli clan, and his brother, Lord Nersarn."

Romandor shook hands with them lightly, but Molin lay on the sofa without a word. It was presumptuous for these lowly people from the border to sit with central officials.

Romandor, having crossed many wars and borders, had no strong aversion to status.

"Brats and the Tianli clan are allies. When I was in the Great Desert, I heard that a major battle had occurred in the territory, causing difficulties. The Tianli clan entered to uphold their honor and learned of the former Baron Brats' crimes."

While explaining to Romandor, Ilhan's gaze was fixed on Molin, as if telling him to listen carefully.

"Since it was a state punishment, there was nothing to be done, but the pain of the territory is a different matter, isn't it? The investigation team would only fulfill their investigative duties, and there was no force to manage the territory. So the Tianli clan, as neighbors, helped out."

"That's... Indeed, the border is far. I didn't see this in the reports."

"Is that so? I thought it was an important matter, and Captain Erica would have reported it immediately."

"Ah. Captain Erica is..."

"Chasing after the information that Derga's wife and son had fled."

Thud.

At that moment, Molin pulled out a document from his coat. It was an order to deal with Ilhan, not bearing the emperor's seal but issued by the responsible department.

"Aren't you also Derga's son? Did Captain Erica leave you alone? According to the law, you should have been reduced to slavery, yet you live here in luxury. If Captain Erica is not insane, the only interpretation is that you used force."

Ilhan glanced at the order and casually threw it on the table. Mack and Degor's eyebrows automatically furrowed.

"I am a man who has crossed the border. My heart is in Barial, but officially, I reside in the Great Desert. If you intend to punish me, I will have no choice but to return to the desert."

"Return? Who says so?"

"The owner of the desert. The life in the territory has largely returned to normal, and the Tianli clan is gradually returning to their base, leaving only a minimal number of people."

What is the minimal number for? It was the manpower to safely bring Ilhan back to their territory.

If they ran, it would take only four days to reach. But for those who had only seen the desert in pictures, it was not a path they could follow.

"There's no need to decide things too hastily."

Romandor interjected. Without Captain Erica, if these people had managed the territory, their help was essential from the advisor's perspective. And most importantly, he didn't know Molin's intentions, so it was right to oppose him.

'Prince Marib warned me to be cautious of Molin. If Molin is wary of Ilhan, he must be useful.'

"If the advisor says so."

Ilhan smiled and bowed slightly. This was a greeting to emphasize that the main person in this group was Romandor.

"I was truly looking forward to the experts in reconstruction sent by the palace."

"From what I saw on the way, the situation is better than expected."

"Everyone has united in hope to overcome it."

"Romandor!"

Bang!

Molin, who had been ignored, could not contain his anger and slammed the table. At that moment, Ilhan realized that Molin and Romandor were in opposing positions.

"Is this a matter to be calmly discussed? Bringing the Tianli clan into Barial itself is a sign of treason! How can you think of putting the territory under the influence of an external force, especially barbarians?"

"Treason?"

Ilhan burst into laughter at Molin's words. Though he didn't say it, weren't you the ones planning treason? Ilhan's gaze asked if he should say it.

Romandor interjected.

"When it comes to life and death, what difference does it make if the Tianli clan helps or not? There's no problem."

"The advisor is right. As I said, the Tianli clan was allied with the former Brats. They extended their goodwill based on friendly relations. To say otherwise would be a clear diplomatic blunder."

At Ilhan's words, the two men looked at Kakanter. Though his expression didn't change, it was clear he was uncomfortable. Romandor swallowed and changed the subject.

"Thank you for your efforts."

"But I have a question. Are you, Romandor, a candidate for the next lord?"

Ilhan's question made him shake his head. Then he pulled out the letter he had carried for a fortnight. It was an appointment letter with the council's seal.

"Rebuilding the territory is my main task. My goal is to restore the tax levels of last year by this winter, including calming the people. I expected it to be difficult, but now it seems possible."

Calming the people.

The palace clearly recognized the special nature of the border