Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 144

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 144. Forbidden Magic
The mages couldn’t say a word. Or rather, they chose not to react at all, fearing they’d be swept up in this chaotic situation if they did.
No matter that it was an order from Prince Gail, Wesley wasn’t their direct superior? And as the head of the Magic Division, she represented all the mages. How could they possibly… and why would they kill her?
“Your Highness, that would be difficult.”
“Why?”
Someone gathered their courage and stepped forward. He appeared to be older, and his intention to convey the position on behalf of the others was evident. Though it would certainly displease Prince Gail.
“We must first understand why Wesley has come to this state. It appears to be a magical side effect, and finding a way to save Wesley is also the way to save all the mages. If you would summon the captains from within, we may find a solution.”
“State your name.”
“I am Shailot of the Mana Stone Management Division.”
“Shailot, after this incident concludes, you will be tried for insubordination.”
A warning that he would tolerate no further nonsense. With that, the mages who had been about to add their own words could only clamp their mouths shut. If only there had been captains to mediate and organize the situation from within, this wouldn’t have happened. They glanced at Wesley, who stood before the barrier.
Boom! Boom!
Both her ears were torn off. Was that why she couldn’t hear their pleas? Wesley repeatedly struck the golden wall with her fists, trying to shatter the barrier.
“What are you all doing? I said kill her!”
“Do you all want to be dragged away for insubordination?!”
….
Prince Gail’s subordinates shouted, but the mages didn’t budge. At that moment, Prince Gail realized that his ability to command the Magic Division under his authority had truly been thanks to Wesley.
‘It’s the right time to change things.’
Perhaps this was fortunate. This opportunity would allow him to completely reshape the landscape and imprint upon them who their true master was. Prince Gail slowly turned his head to search for Ian. That man seemed to have a way to advance the situation.
“Ian!”
Why was Prince Gail seeking Ian? Setting aside that he was a new recruit, wasn’t he Prince Gail’s man? Everyone turned to look at Ian standing in the back with puzzled expressions.
“Yes, Your Highness.”
Ian clicked his tongue inwardly while smiling brightly and bowing his head. It wasn’t bad. In the future, when I built my influence in the Magic Division, it would give the impression that I had the support of both princes.
“What are your thoughts?”
His eyes didn’t match the question at all. Prince Gail was urging Ian to make the first move. But Ian thought carefully and calmly.
First, justification was the most important thing, wasn’t it?
“Your Highness, if I may be so bold, I would appreciate it if you could tell me what decision was reached regarding Wesley’s matter in the inner council.”
If I removed the title of head of the Magic Division that preceded Wesley’s name, I could handle the mages more easily. Since Prince Gail had left his seat and rushed here, her dismissal was certain.
“…Wesley has been dismissed from her position as minister effective immediately. The next minister of the Magic Division will be selected after receiving candidates in the near future.”
Though he didn’t show it, Prince Gail seemed somewhat flustered. He had barely grasped Ian’s intention and provided an appropriate answer. He filled his words only with content that gave direction to future actions.
“Wesley has been dismissed from her position as minister?”
“Dismissal means she’s not even a civil servant anymore. Does that mean she’s been demoted to civilian status?”
“More than that, they’re accepting candidates!”
“So that’s why the captains didn’t appear.”
“If they’re selecting a new minister of the Magic Division…”
“Wait, there’s no law saying only captains can be candidates.”
Wesley was no longer their leader. Continuing to serve her was acting against the imperial will, which amounted to treason. Moreover, candidates for the next minister? Anyone could become the second Wesley.
“I hear the Magic Division has many skilled individuals. I’m quite curious.”
Prince Gail smiled slowly and threw out a single remark. By killing Wesley, prove your loyalty and ability. So go ahead and make a proper impression on me.
Zzzzzing! Zing!
Boom!
“LC!”
One of the mages unleashed an attack spell first. A blue light burst from his palm, aimed at Wesley’s body, but it dissipated before drawing near—like a shard of ice cast into lava.
“Damn it! My apologies, Wesley!”
“Those maintaining the defensive formation, keep your mana flowing!”
“…Wait, listen here!”
“Open your mana to maximum! Our opponent is Wesley!”
“Are you all insane? Get your heads straight!”
“Those in the way, fall back!”
Tap tap tap!
The mages clustered by department and swiftly formed a large formation. Only those still unconvinced—specifically, the mages from the Magical Support Division—stood bewildered. The others shoved their shoulders roughly with harsh warnings.
“His Majesty the Emperor is inside. If we cannot stop Wesley here, we all face execution. If you intend to annihilate the Mage Division, I’ll kill you first.”
“No, wait, calm down!”
The Magical Support Division could not comprehend the sudden shift in attitude from the other departments. It was a difference in perspective born from the privileges of power.
Zing! Zing!
Boom boom boom! Boom!
“Don’t give them an opening! Keep going! Keep going!”
“Damn it, put some real power into it!”
Once the domino falls, it never stops. The mages unleashed their mana indiscriminately, launching attacks at Wesley. However, since they were all desk workers with few trained in offensive magic, the effects were minimal.
“Magical Operations Division! Why are you just standing there?!”
“Yeah, do what you normally do!”
One mage wiped cold sweat from his brow and shouted. Everyone was struggling to perform unfamiliar magic, yet Tomi and Nakina simply watched from the sidelines—their attitude perfectly captured the phrase “watching a fire across the river.”
“We do not attack without Captain Heil’s orders.”
“What? You bastards are out of your minds.”
“Yeah, get lost. You think I haven’t gotten screwed over rushing in without knowing what’s going on? Just maintain the defensive barrier. You lot should just sit tight until the captains arrive, then join in.”
“What don’t we know? It’s Wesley!”
“Her body is burning right now. Does that look normal to your eyes?”
“That’s it, that’s insubordination. Everyone take note! See what the Magical Operations Division is doing!”
The mage seemed to be shouting at his colleague, but in truth, he was glancing at Prince Gail. Tomi and Nakina burst into hollow laughter and scratched their ears.
“Idiots. Honestly.”
Regardless of the reason, I thought Ian’s judgment was rather wise. The smoke Wesley was trailing grew increasingly toxic.
“Prince Gail, I have brought the bow and arrows.”
Prince Gail took the bow from his subordinate and immediately assumed his stance. The bowstring drew back with force, and the arrow bound with black cloth had its tip aimed without hesitation at Wesley’s head.
“…These so-called mages are all equally useless.”
“Everyone, move aside! Mana-sealing stone arrows!”
“The mana-sealing stones are here! Fall back!”
Screech!
Whiz!
Mana-sealing stones were called the Achilles’ heel of mages, possessing the power to neutralize everything. They were of the highest rarity grade, and only a select few of the royal family could nominally possess them. The mages hastily cleared a path, and the arrow cut through the gap.
Boom!
She pierced through the magical barrier in one blow. That was the moment the attack hurtled toward Wesley.
A sharp whistling sound.
Like any other magical attack, the arrow vanished, leaving only smoke in its wake. The mages who witnessed it stiffened collectively and stumbled backward.
“Wait, didn’t you say that was a mana-sealing stone arrow?”
“If it didn’t work, that means….”
“Wesley! Surely you didn’t mix blood into your magic?”
“Damn it! Captain Jeirat! Don’t! Don’t get any closer!”
As the mages fell into panic, the outsiders too grew flustered and huddled closer together. Romandro, who had been clinging to me like a shell, trembled violently and tugged at my collar.
“Why, why is she doing this? Ian?”
“It appears Wesley is using forbidden magic.”
“What is that?”
It was Nakina who answered instead. Despite saying she wouldn’t participate, mana continued to condense in her palms, ready to protect everyone should something suddenly go wrong.
“We’ve never actually seen it ourselves. It’s forbidden magic, after all. We don’t even know if ‘mixing blood into magic’ is the actual invocation method.”
Its very existence shatters the balance of power. Even as Emperor, I stood at the center of magic, but I’ve only witnessed it once—when Naum made his final sacrifice before my death.
“In any case, forbidden magic enables transcendence of space and time, or the reversal of life and death, and such things. It defies the laws of nature. Therefore, mana-sealing stones have no effect on it.”
That’s why I could transcend space and time without issue even when imprisoned in the underground dungeon. I touched the back of my neck, bewildered by this unexpected turn of events.
‘Gail, you’re not handling this well at all.’
If you’re going to deal with something, do it properly. How did Wesley end up shrouded in forbidden magic? I turned to look at Gail. He too wore an expression of considerable shock.
“Did you bring the arrow correctly?”
“Y-yes, of course, Prince Gail.”
“Then why isn’t it working?”
It was while Gail was pressing his subordinates that Wesley, who had been standing in silence, finally spoke.
“Gail.”
This was not the voice of the living. It was laden with such sharp, venomous malice that hearing it made one’s head spin. Everyone prostrated themselves and covered their ears, while Gail remained standing, his brow furrowed.
“We spent so much time together. I found you because it felt a shame to end things like this.”
“Damn it, what’s gotten into you all of a sudden?”
“Is it because of the mana-sealing stone?”
The sensation of a mana-sealing stone—something no mage could ever forget. Gail’s arrow, which had been suppressing Wesley’s consciousness, had awakened her mind. Gail let out a hollow laugh and drew his bowstring again.
“I didn’t know you were such a pathetic woman.”
A piercing shriek!
Whoosh! Ping!
Arrows continued to fly, but they could not neutralize Wesley. She walked slowly toward Gail. The mages, now alert, rushed at her en masse, but they couldn’t stop her advance by even a single step.
“Protect Prince Gail!”
“Wesley! Have you lost your mind? Stop advancing!”
“Captain Jeirat! Give the order!”
“Everyone, release your mana!”
“Your Highness, please retreat inside!”
“Fall back, fall back now!”
The guards and subordinates continued to retreat while protecting Gail. I simply patted the trembling Romandro and watched the situation unfold. Was she trying to kill Gail? Or did she have other intentions?
‘There’s no particular need to help.’
If Prince Gail died here, the Magic Ministry’s standing would plummet to the depths, but that was all it would amount to. Since I also held leverage over Prince Marib, it wouldn’t significantly impact me.
‘Ah, the annex construction would certainly become far more difficult.’
Even with the Magic Ministry in a dominant position, I hadn’t been able to push through the annex construction. Hmm. Should I lend them a hand, if only to maintain balance?
Romandro muttered as though nearly losing consciousness.
“I-Ian. If it’s forbidden magic, is there truly no way to counter it?”
“No, that’s not quite right. If we can muster a force stronger than the caster’s own magical power, suppression should be entirely possible.”
“Summon the Captains! We must pool all our strength!”
And then, one more thing.
Zzzziiing. Zzzing.
Uncertain whether it would work, I released my magical power. Forbidden magic is countered by forbidden magic, after all. If I, as its product, were to try…
Whoooosh!
The sphere of magical energy I casually hurled struck Wesley’s body directly. Unlike the other mages, this was the first time it succeeded as a physical attack without being neutralized.
“…What?”
“Wh-what?”
“Just now…”
I found myself staring down at my own palm in shock, unable to comprehend what had just happened. The other mages felt the same.
A crisis had occurred, and for the first time, a heavy silence descended.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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