Betrayed and on the brink of death, Ian Verocian, a mage and the emperor of the Variel Empire, is sent a hundred years back in time by a forbidden spell. He wakes up as Ian Vratz, a margrave's illegitimate son, and soon learns he's about to be sent off to a desert tribe as part of a political treaty. Now, Ian must use his wits and powerful magic to gather allies and figure out the plots lurking around him. The question is... can this young mage change his fate before time runs out once more?
Margrave’s Bastard Son Was the Emperor is a regression fantasy that emphasizes strategy, politics, and long-term planning over raw spectacle. After dying as the ruler of an empire, Ian Verocian is given a rare second chance—this time reborn far earlier in history and in a far weaker social position.
What sets the series apart is its focus on calculated growth. Rather than rushing toward dominance, Ian carefully navigates noble politics, hidden enemies, and fragile alliances, using knowledge from his past life to stay several steps ahead of those around him. His magic is powerful, but it’s his experience and foresight that truly define his advantage.
While the story relies on familiar reincarnation and regression mechanics, its execution is deliberate and thoughtful. Readers who enjoy intelligent protagonists, court intrigue, and slow-burn empire-building will find this manhwa particularly rewarding.
