Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 213

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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 213
The Verdict
Perhaps it was Jin’s voice ringing out with such crystalline clarity that cast the courtroom into profound silence. The quiet was so complete that a cough from someone on the second floor became distinctly audible.
Every eye in the chamber turned toward Jin. Among them was Prince Marib’s gaze, his expression peculiarly enigmatic.
“C-Count Ian.”
Was this right? Jin had cast his vote with Ian’s approval, yet no words followed. Jin’s eyes darted toward Ian, but he merely smiled faintly in return.
“It’s fine. You did well. Right now, only we have the will to step forward first.”
Ian whispered softly, exchanging a glance with Prince Marib. The prince tilted his chin upward, releasing a hollow, incredulous laugh.
‘This is the moment when power transfers. By demonstrating more active resolve than anyone in bringing down the prince, I must secure an advantage in the next succession struggle. And above all, wasn’t Jin under Deilaina’s protection until recently?’
The young prince lacked political vulnerabilities, but any attack directed at Jin would be equivalent to an attack on Deilaina herself. No one would dare touch him easily.
“I am Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic, and I too stand with Jin’s position.”
It was a situation where one could defend and attack simultaneously. Ian smiled toward Prince Marib, signaling his support for Jin’s will. As if to say: go ahead and expose what you can. It would fall not on Jin but on Deilaina, allowing him to land a blow without lifting a finger.
‘Moreover, the Ministry of Magic recently underwent a change in power. It would be different if Wesley still held office.’
Matters related to the Ministry of Magic offered Ian many escape routes. He was a newly appointed minister who had barely taken office. All past failures could be blamed on the dead Wesley.
Prince Marib, whether he saw through Ian’s scheming or not, merely continued smiling incredulously.
“How troublesome.”
Arcen felt the same. Watching from the opposite side, he bit his lip and muttered. He had only thought to retreat a step from Prince Marib’s self-destruction, overlooking Jin’s position entirely.
“Arcen, what’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing, Mother. Just wait.”
Any past revelations about Jin would ultimately become Deilaina’s weakness. Ian would provoke Prince Marib to draw it out—wasn’t that advantageous? Moreover, he would gain the political standing of having led the charge in bringing down the prince who sparked rebellion.
But there was another problem. Specifically, that Arcen could do nothing in response.
“I am Quintana of the Administrative Ministry. I too believe the punishment imposed on Prince Marib is justified.”
Swiftly.
Quintana, seated in the Administrative Ministry section, then spoke. Ian deliberately looked around, gauging those who hesitated.
“Prince Marib has inadvertently set the stage for us. Romandro, remember well the order of those who speak from this point forward.”
At Ian’s whisper, Romandro quickly pulled out his notebook. Those who hesitate severely here could reasonably be suspected of lacking basic competence, could they not?
If not that, then they were Marib loyalists to the bone, naturally making them the first priority targets for removal and purge.
“…Jin.”
Prince Marib called to Jin with arms crossed. His demeanor hardly seemed that of a condemned criminal during trial, yet no one pointed it out. He was a prince, and soon to be dead. Jin clenched his fists and responded.
“Speak, brother.”
I was terrified, unable to guess what he might say. Would he attack Mother again and humiliate me? Or would he fabricate some forgotten incident from the past? But Prince Marib said something unexpected.
“Your voice is quite pleasant, isn’t it?”
“Pardon?”
“I think this is the first time I’ve properly heard your voice.”
It seemed like a frivolous remark, but Ian knew it represented Prince Marib’s best effort. He had found no fault with Jin. Any exposure would become an attack on Deilaina and Arcen, ultimately benefiting Jin. He had grasped this.
“I support it as well!”
“Ahem. I am Ashbuster of the Foreign Ministry!”
“I am Welinger Mabe. I support it.”
“The Wyvern will add its name too.”
Though Quintana had broken the ice and Prince Marib remained silent, voices of support now poured forth like a flood. Those who had declared their position rose from their seats, placing hands over their hearts and pledging honor to Bariel.
Whoosh.
The flow continued as naturally as water rising. If individuals stood out, I would become Marib’s target, but if we all moved together, there was nothing to fear. Now, those seated would catch the eyes of Ian and Deilaina instead. If they hesitated to deal with Marib, the rising powers might subject them to far greater troubles.
Clang! Bang bang!
Even the nobles on the second floor without authority rose to their feet and agreed to execute Marib. This was political support sent to either Jin or Arcen. Marib looked around at those who had risen to kill me, his expression unreadable.
“Maribe Verosion, if you have any final words, I shall permit them.”
Once his words ended, the pronouncement that would seal the judgment would be delivered. This was the last testimony he could officially convey beneath the gallows.
Marib’s lips trembled, then he seemed to resign himself, his expression hardening. Now, truly, there was nothing more I could do.
“I—”
Calmly, yet with a hint of grievance, Marib muttered softly, his face contorting slightly.
“I merely loved Bariel. That is why I had to become Emperor. It was the right path for Bariel and all of you. This day will remain a lifelong stain upon Bariel. Witness how your mistakes reshape the future.”
“…I shall render judgment.”
As his words trailed off, the Judge raised his gavel high. There was no need to weigh support and opposition.
“Prince Gail Maribe Verosion, I decree in the name of the Great Empire Bariel that you be stripped of the imperial surname and executed by hanging.”
Clang!
Clap clap clap!
“The Execution Bureau shall prepare the execution.”
“The Execution Bureau shall prepare the execution!”
With the pronouncement, applause erupted from all. Everyone held themselves upright with dignity, celebrating Marib’s death. Jin, finding something strange about the sight, looked up at Ian.
“Ian.”
Beyond individual character, this was the nature of those who engaged in politics. Yesterday’s enemy became today’s ally, and today’s friend became tomorrow’s foe.
The strongest light cast the darkest shadow. The imperial palace was a place where one could claim another’s death as profit.
Of course, Ian sitting here was no different, but there was one thing I wished to tell him.
“…Your Majesty, observe this. No matter how great Prince Marib was, when powerful ministers attack beneath a misstep, there is nothing to be done. From now on, you must steel your resolve and approach everything fiercely. There are countless who will claw at you for every breath and glance. Especially since what Your Majesty grasps in your hands is the future of Bariel itself.”
The victor would receive glory; the defeated would receive death. The path Jin had stepped upon to survive would be far harsher than imagined, and Ian knew this well.
“Yes. I shall steel myself firmly.”
Jin hardened his expression and watched Marib’s departing figure until the end. I would never meet that fate. When the scar had torn across my face, the boy had already died once.
“I won’t die a second time.”
“….”
At the boy’s quiet resolve, Ian patted his shoulder. Then Romandro approached and informed him of the next schedule. With all the nobles and officials gathered, the execution would proceed immediately.
“It seems the execution will take place in about an hour. What if we had Jin’s Majesty taken to the Mage Bureau? I think that would be better.”
“We should ask Jin’s Majesty. By the way, what of the Administrative Bureau?”
“They left the courtroom the moment the pronouncement was made.”
Since Marib had been expelled from the imperial family, it was natural that no official history of him would be passed down to posterity. His biography would be downgraded and treated as general records, and the countless traces he had left as a prince would be swiftly erased one by one.
“They will be the busiest for days to come.”
“I know. That’s why I had all the documents that needed approval prepared in advance. And over there, Sereo.”
At Romandro’s glance, Ian looked up to the second floor. A familiar young man removed his hat and bowed. He was the eldest son of House Sereo, whom I would use to check House Haimanga. Ian acknowledged him with a nod as well.
“We agreed to meet at the Mage Bureau after the execution.”
“Understood. Since everyone is moving, let us go as well. Your Majesty Jin, will you come with us? There is no problem if you do not attend.”
“No. I will go.”
Jin spoke firmly. Seeing Arcen surrounded by ministers and smiling, it seemed he would attend the execution. If so, Jin had no choice but to go as well.
Living up to his reputation as the first mage-wielding royal, the Ministers and nobles lingered around Arcen even after the trial concluded, showering him with honeyed words.
Of course, there were those who approached Jin as well.
“Your Highness.”
“Quintana!”
“How have you been?”
“Splendidly. You are Ashbuster, Wellinger, and Wyvern, I see. We’ve met before, it seems.”
“Yes, Your Highness. During the rebellion, we took refuge in the Magic Ministry. We glimpsed each other then, and again at the Grand Council. Your Highness, the courage you displayed just now was truly remarkable.”
Quintana and several others I had bonded with through past crises. Though rumors of Arcen being a mage-wielder had caused their numbers to dwindle, I found it acceptable.
‘After all, Ian doesn’t trust Arcen’s magic anyway, and I can appreciate the value of those who remain by my side.’
“Will you attend the execution?”
“Yes. Let us move to another location.”
“Let us go. I have much to tell you. Count Ian?”
Though technically, it was Ian they had much to say to, not me. Ian smiled at Quintana and her followers’ inquiry and asked for their understanding.
“Forgive me. I have matters to attend to. Xiaoxi, please escort His Highness. I shall join you shortly. Your Highness.”
“Very well. Come when you can.”
Xiaoxi, who had been concealing his presence like a shadow, revealed himself and fell into step beside me. This was the execution of none other than a royal—specifically, Prince Gail. It would not end with merely a noose around the neck, so there were many details to attend to. Particularly the dramatic effects that only the Magic Ministry could produce.
Tap, tap, tap!
“Where did the execution officer go? I told them to replace the rope, yet it’s still the same!”
“Mage, could you call the execution officer?”
“Move aside! Coming through!”
“This is seating for the nobles. We need more space.”
“What if blood or filth splashes? That would be most unpleasant, wouldn’t it?”
“The Magic Ministry will handle that. Ah, Count Ian!”
The execution was to take place in the central garden of the Imperial Palace, an outdoor opera theater. Spectator seating had been arranged, a platform for reading the verdict was prepared, and the place for the protagonist, Prince Marib, was perfect.
Ian helped them finish preparing the venue, then entered the waiting room where Prince Marib was held.
Creak.
He was bound and gagged. It was a necessary precaution—if he took his own life before the execution, it would damage the honor of the Imperial Palace. There was no longer any need to consider the dignity of one who was no longer royal.
“All is well. Continue to guard him carefully.”
“Yes. Understood.”
It was merely a visit to check the subject’s condition. As Ian turned to leave, Prince Marib groaned and tried to grab him.
“…Prince Marib, your right to speak has ended.”
A man with a serpent’s tongue. There was no reason to remove the gag.
“Mmph!”
“You said it yourself, didn’t you? That this day would remain a lifelong stain upon Bariel. Watch how a single mistake can alter the future.”
Ian bent low to meet his eyes, then smiled.
“You, watch from heaven. See what this day means for Bariel. It is the first step toward finding our true path, so I’m afraid—”
“…”
Prince Marib ceased his resistance. He truly felt death drawing near. Ian whispered quietly into his ear.
“There are far too many who love Bariel as much as you do.”

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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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