Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 211

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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 211
The Trial Begins
The dim light of dawn broke over the Imperial Palace, and its lamps ignited early. Everyone dressed in silence, donned their formal uniforms, and gathered for a neat morning meal.
Ian was no exception. I fastened my buttons slowly under the servants’ careful hands, pinning every badge and insignia awarded to the Minister of Magic upon my chest without omission.
Today was the day Prince Marib would vanish from history, and in another sense, a day that would be etched into it forever.
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
“Ah, Ian. You’re nearly ready.”
“You’ve arrived. You didn’t wake me yesterday.”
Romandro too cut a rare figure of refinement. The hair that usually flew about, tousled this way and that, now lay neatly in place—surely Viviana’s handiwork. Romandro shook his head while tapping a leather folder.
“There’s nothing urgent, so a person should rest when they can.”
“Did you get some rest yourself, Romandro?”
“Of course! With Viviana by my side, I didn’t need to go home, so my heart was at ease and I slept deeply for the first time in ages. I’ve organized everything that needs final review here—all you need do is attend the trial.”
I sat cross-legged before the mirror. After briefly dismissing the servants’ hands, I reviewed the reports. I could say with certainty that last night was the first peaceful night in a long time when I could truly sleep. It was thanks to everyone holding their breath before the momentous event.
“What of Prince Marib?”
“I visited the prison early this morning. He appears to have no problems, so there’s nothing to worry about. And the accusation letter to House Haiman will receive approval from each department by tomorrow and be delivered. Everyone seems busy, and since House Haiman is also attending the trial, no one wants to create an awkward situation.”
“Isn’t Count Sereo also attending the trial?”
“We’ve arranged to gather after it concludes. Since Count Sereo’s health isn’t good, his eldest son, Malon Hof Sereo, will attend in his stead, or so I’ve been told.”
“Ah, that’s fine.”
In many ways, isn’t it better to meet someone familiar than a stranger? I’ve seen Malon Hof Sereo at the New Year’s gathering, and I’ve seen him when Berik sparred with Jairot. He’s young and gentlemanly, so there should be no difficulty in conversation.
As I turned the page of the report, the servants approached and finished adjusting my attire.
“Then bring Prince Jin here.”
“Understood. Let’s meet outside.”
Romandro sniffled in acknowledgment. Now that he was neatly groomed, he looked every bit a nobleman. Though rumors abound that some marquis’s heir is handsome, he wouldn’t dare present his credentials before me.
The door creaked open.
After Romandro left, I checked my appearance one last time and stood. Unlike usual, robed Mages gathered throughout the lobby. They too were among the trial’s important observers and would move alongside me.
A soft rustling sound.
“Count Ian.”
“Has everyone assembled?”
“Yes. Everyone except the Mana Stone Management Division has gathered.”
“And Captain Akorella’s research findings are prepared?”
I was asking about the results regarding Idgal, the amber-colored gemstone Prince Marib had used. The Mages responded by presenting documents in turn. They were witness statements from the scene and signatures condemning Prince Marib as key personnel in the situation’s resolution.
“No problems. Let us depart.”
“Count Ian!”
It was Jin. The boy approached briskly under Romandro’s guidance, dressed in a small but dignified formal uniform. Even Xiaoxi had clearly taken care to present himself properly.
“Your Highness. Good morning.”
“Yes. Good morning.”
“Are you fully prepared?”
“Yes. I just need to go.”
After the situation concluded, preparation to meet a mother I’d never seen before and Arcen. At the boy’s answer, I extended my hand, and he grasped it without hesitation. The two of us descended the stairs of the Magic Ministry building at the fore.
Tap, tap, tap!
Dozens of mages followed in my wake. The cold morning breeze stirred their robes, yet their expressions remained resolute. I glanced back briefly, committing each of those who stood with me to memory.
* * *
An endless procession of nobles entered the palace for the trial. Among them were those accused of treason, including Duke Haiman, yet I insisted that every central noble participate without exception. Thus, I ensured they would witness with their own eyes the consequences of rebellion.
No matter how noble one’s birth, threatening Bariel would result in this fate. The nobles would forever remember Marib’s example and refrain from foolish schemes. It was a warning of sorts.
Tap, tap, tap!
Neigh!
“Ah, Countess Charlotte. Good day to you.”
“Come now, let us enter. What are we doing standing here?”
“The trial will conclude in a single day, will it not?”
“Well, what reason is there for it to drag on? His Majesty has been injured, and the ruins of the imperial palace stand as evidence. I am curious about what form of execution will be imposed upon Prince Marib.”
“If he is expelled from the imperial family, I suspect it will be hanging.”
The crowd resembled a New Year’s gathering. Carriages lined the courtyard before the trial chamber, and the nobles entered solemnly, exchanging whispered words. All wore clothes of neutral tones.
Viewed from above, the sight created the illusion that not a trial, but a grand funeral was taking place.
“It is Deilaina and Lord Arcen.”
“Oh, they have arrived. Have you heard the rumors?”
“That Lord Arcen is a mana user?”
“The world is truly fascinating. How remarkable that Lord Arcen demonstrated his abilities in such circumstances. By the way, I heard he was injured, yet he appears to have recovered splendidly.”
“Lord Jin and Count Ian have found themselves in quite a difficult position.”
“Hush. Come this way.”
Deilaina and Arcen stood out distinctly among them. The two ascended the stairs hand in hand, leading their supporters. Among them were those who had cast their votes for Jin mere days before. The nobles parted to either side and bowed their heads, and Deilaina recognized Duke Haiman and approached him.
“Duke Haiman.”
“Lady Deilaina.”
The two exchanged greetings and whispered something to each other in secret. Deilaina furrowed her brow and nodded, and the watching nobles confirmed what had been mere rumor. Haiman, the financier of Bariel, and Arcen, the mana user, had met. The next emperor was already decided, it seemed.
Screech!
Tap, tap, tap!
Then, carriages arrived in succession, producing harsh grinding sounds. They were carriages bearing the flags of the Magic Ministry. The nobles hurried into the trial chamber, fearing stray sparks, and Deilaina stopped in her tracks, gazing downward.
“Your Highness, descend carefully.”
“Thank you.”
It was Jin. The boy descended from the carriage with Ian’s escort. It seemed he had grown slightly taller in just the short time since we last met. Deilaina bit her lip, unable to tear her gaze from Jin. Arcen merely looked up at Deilaina with dry eyes.
“Ah.”
Jin, climbing the stairs earnestly, spotted Deilaina. And then, Arcen beside her. Arcen offered Jin a greeting in place of his mother.
“Jin. It has been a while.”
“….”
“Your wounds have healed well. I have missed you.”
Jin felt strangely unsettled. These were people I had spent my entire life with since birth. Yet after such a brief separation, could things feel this awkward? I had believed them indispensable to my life, but now it seemed otherwise.
Now I stood firm and steady. I gazed straight ahead, and Arcen’s greeting did not shake my heart.
“…Yes.”
Yes? An answer to what? Arcen’s eyebrows twitched as he met my gaze.
‘How interesting.’
His gaze was sharp. Lord Arcen inwardly scoffed as he studied the Boy carefully. His complexion wasn’t poor at all—it seemed the Magic Ministry was nurturing him with meticulous care.
“Count Ian. Are you serving ‘our’ Jin well?”
To Arcen’s glib greeting, Ian responded with a slight smile.
“Of course. ‘Our’ Lord Jin is brilliant and thoughtful, so everyone in the Magic Ministry praises and serves him. How is your health, Lord Arcen?”
“As you can see, I’ve recovered, but the wounds to my heart remain unhealed. As long as Prince Gail lives, I doubt I’ll ever truly heal.”
It was a criticism of Ian for protecting Gail. No matter that he was a Prince, it was clear he was a criminal, yet they kept him alive instead of executing him. It was a warning that Arcen’s displeasure was considerable. But Ian pretended not to understand, shaking his head smoothly.
“I understand your concern, but I hope you’ll find peace.”
“How could that be so easy? How could I forget one who tried to kill me? I absolutely cannot do that.”
Arcen growled low. Those who had tried to kill him included not just Gail, but Ian as well. Though he hadn’t given the direct order, hadn’t he urged the matter forward?
When Arcen roughly grabbed Ian’s arm, Jin immediately slapped his hand away.
Crack!
“There are watching eyes.”
“…Jin?”
“Ian, go inside. Arcen, please care well for my Mother. For my sake as well.”
Jin greeted his Mother with a nod of his head. Ian did the same. He brushed the wrinkles from his sleeve and straightened his clothes.
“Then, I’ll take my leave. Lord Arcen. We’ll meet again.”
The Mages who had been waiting a few steps away filed past Arcen and Deilaina. If Arcen were a mana user, he would have close ties with the Magic Ministry, but the overall atmosphere was coldly hostile.
Creak.
“The Magic Ministry has arrived.”
“Soon. We’ll begin shortly.”
“Tsk, tsk. Prince Marib is truly remarkable. Look at Lord Jin’s face. Such wounds on a young Prince.”
The ceiling of the courtroom was a massive dome that curved downward. The judges’ seats prepared on the platform numbered fifty-five in total. Given the gravity of the matter, all those with authority in the judiciary would come and sign the verdict.
“The authority over the verdict is divided as follows: half to the judiciary, half of the remainder to the Imperial Family, and the rest to high-ranking officials of the palace. Lord Jin may also cast one vote. However, since this will be made public, you must make your position clear.”
It was a form of participatory trial. The noble spectators sat on the second floor, while the Imperial Family and high-ranking officials took their seats on the first floor. Behind the judges, an enormous imperial throne sat empty. Had the Emperor not been frozen, he would likely have sat there, looking down upon the courtroom.
“I understand what you mean.”
“Don’t be nervous. There’s someone else who should be nervous today.”
Could anyone be more afraid than one facing death? Jin moistened his lips with saliva and straightened his posture. Soon the doors opened and judges in velvet robes entered in a line.
“Everyone, please be silent. We will now proceed with the trial regarding Prince Marib’s charges of treason and the attempted assassination of His Imperial Majesty.”
Bang, bang!
The sound of the chief judge’s gavel instantly silenced the commotion in the hall. All the judges took their seats and gazed forward with dignity.
“Bring in the defendant.”
Creak.
Everyone turned their heads toward the sound.
A blond-haired, blue-eyed man surrounded by Soldiers entered. His long hair was tied back, and he wore glasses as always. His chains had been removed for the sake of propriety, and he still bore the dignity of a Prince as he had before.
“Prince Marib, Your Highness.”
“How can he be so…?”
“Shh. Be quiet.”
The whispers soon ceased. Marib took his seat calmly and looked up, surveying his surroundings. All the nobles in the center were looking down at him. Those who had been busy licking his feet now gazed upon him with contempt, pity, compassion, or anger.
‘Ha.’
Marib then spotted Ian. He lifted the corner of his mouth slightly and whispered something wordlessly. Ian, unable to understand it, furrowed his brow, and Marib smiled and straightened his head.
“What is the defendant’s name?”
“…I am Prince Marib Verosion of Bariel.”
Prince Marib’s history was beginning to come to an end.

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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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