Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 258

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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 258
Sentencing
Jin Berosion.
The moment the boy spoke that name aloud, he understood.
For the first time in his life, he had claimed his own imperial bloodline. He, who had lived in the shadow of his brothers, had finally survived and now stood bathed in the radiant gaze of the citizens of Bariel.
And above all—
‘This is what Prince Marib and Prince Gail desired.’
Truthfully, his young mind had not comprehended them. How could two who possessed everything in this world clash so fiercely, envy one another so bitterly, and cross blades? Was there meaning in obtaining the crown through harming their father and cutting down their brother?
For Jin, the throne had merely been a destination for survival, a position that Ian had shown him.
But now he truly understood.
Now he genuinely grasped his brothers’ hearts.
‘This is what they wished to see.’
Bariel’s cheers made his heart resound, and their laughter tickled his chest. Nothing gleamed or shone as precious as the light in their eyes directed toward him. Their lives would become his history, and their existence would prove his own existence anew.
‘Ah. Yes.’
My brothers knew this long ago. That is why they sought it even at the cost of blood and breath. Even in failure, it was worthy enough to accept death with grace.
Simply standing to testify felt overwhelming, as though his entire body might shatter. He could not even fathom what it would feel like to ascend to the throne.
Jin gripped the magic staff lightly and cleared his throat.
“Within a short span of time, the imperial palace was sealed twice. This was unprecedented in history, a source of anxiety for our citizens, and a shame upon the imperial house.”
The crowd embraced those beside them, gazing up at Jin. The young prince’s voice whispered through the magic staff to their ears—delicate yet brimming with strength. The noble bearing of the imperial house emanated from every word.
“The turmoil centered on Prince Marib and Prince Gail, but there were others who encircled them and kindled even greater fervor.”
Jin carefully and methodically unraveled the events of that day. Though Ian had already informed them once and the press had reported it, there was a different significance when the very foundation of the imperial house spoke directly.
To the citizens, Bariel was the imperial house, and to the imperial house, Bariel was its people. By confirming one another with their eyes, they would solidify their trust and create tremendous power.
“Those blinded by false glory who trampled their own honor. The seven houses standing here are precisely such. What happened cannot be undone. The scar upon my face is the very truth of that day.”
Duke Haiman gazed up at Jin without any change in expression. Even now, facing imminent death, this child made one suddenly contemplate what life truly meant.
During the rebellion, he had been an insignificant child, abandoned by his mother in place of Arcen. Now he stood alone, having surpassed all competitors. His fate had transformed from clear defeat to sole victor.
“I testify vividly. Duke Haiman’s black-armored soldiers shattered my mother’s palace, slew those who fled, and clashed with Prince Marib to usurp the seal.”
He immediately refuted the false claim of ignorance and lack of intent.
“And in that process, my mother and my brothers perished.”
This struck at the attempt to escape charges of rebellion by empowering Arcen. Though bound together by the word “brothers,” the result posed no problem whatsoever.
“All charges raised by the Magic Ministry and the imperial house, I swear upon my name are true. Therefore, I humbly beseech you to render just punishment upon the criminals for the stability of the imperial house and the peace of our realm. Judge.”
The Judge Chief answered by placing his hand upon his chest and bowing his head slightly.
“For Bariel.”
“For Bariel.”
The elderly judge and the young prince swore by a single value.
The crowd watching this drew closer to the palace walls, murmuring among themselves. The soldiers blocked them with spears, but how could they contain such fervent heat? They stretched out their hands, calling for Jin.
“Your Highness, have Deilaina and Lord Arcen passed away?”
“You didn’t know? It was in the papers.”
“Your Highness Jin! Show us your face again, the scar!”
“You are Bariel’s only remaining hope. Please, come closer!”
“Your Highness! Your Highness! Prince Jin!”
“Your Honor, for Bariel’s sake, please exterminate all the noble families who have thrown this nation into chaos.”
“Exterminate them! Exterminate them!”
“Wasn’t it their greed that snuffed out the precious life of the imperial family? When the Princes incite rebellion, isn’t it their role to stop them and guide them toward the righteous path?”
“The Emperor is watching!”
“Conduct the trial fairly!”
“Stand back! If you come any closer, I’ll have you removed!”
“Back! Move back, go back!”
In an instant, the courtroom descended into pandemonium. I had merely spoken a few words, yet the sheer volume of voices erupting felt like hundreds of people screaming at once.
The nobles flinched at the tremendous roar, unable to hide their bewilderment. How dare these commoners raise their voices so loudly in this place? Even the nobles themselves were holding their breath.
“Shouldn’t they all be charged with disrespect?”
“Tsk, tsk. Such uncultured people…”
“I knew this would happen. Opening the gates to secure tax revenue was the problem from the start. I doubt they even understand what dignity means.”
“What if they climb through the windows? The Imperial Guards should set up barriers beforehand.”
Everyone glanced toward me, hoping I would take some action. But I paid them no mind and waited for Jin to finish.
“That concludes my statement.”
“Yes, I’ve heard it all.”
Clap, clap, clap!
I raised my hands once more, deliberately. This time, the others reflexively began applauding first. Amid the thunderous encouragement, Jin descended from the platform with my support.
Our eyes met briefly. The boy wanted to go near the window, and I understood his desire. But we were in the midst of a trial that would determine the fate of noble houses, so I gently shook my head to dissuade him.
“Now then…”
Thwack! Bang, bang!
The judge, recognizing the magical artifact, brought the gavel down with greater force. The crowd simultaneously covered their ears and froze.
“Silence, please. The trial will continue. I ask that all citizens follow the instructions of the Imperial Soldiers and maintain order.”
Jin returned to his seat and sat upright, his gaze fixed forward. I felt the intense stares of the citizens from beside him.
Unable to endure it any longer, I glanced to the side, and they were watching Jin with bright, eager eyes. The trial itself had long since been pushed to the background.
“Next is House Avalia.”
The trial continued. Just as with House Haiman, procedures were not omitted to show respect to those who would disappear. The difference from Haiman was—
“Yes. I admit to all charges.”
“Understood. I apply the charge of conspiracy.”
Thwack!
“I will not deny it.”
“Again, I apply the charge of conspiracy.”
Thwack!
“…I have nothing to say.”
“I accept it.”
Most had lost their will and given up. Unlike Haiman, who denied everything to the end and argued his case point by point, few nobles put up such resistance. Some might call that dignified, others weak. Perhaps some would deem it rational.
As I observed the trial proceeding like water flowing downstream, I glanced at Haiman. Only the back of his head was visible, but his posture remained rigid. His expression was likely the same.
“Are there any further arguments?”
“…”
“Then please wait a moment.”
The judges rose from their seats to deliberate on the verdict.
Unlike Prince Marib, who was of royal blood, Iza and the others were nobles. They could pronounce judgment under the judges’ authority without needing to follow a majority opinion.
“We shall adjourn for ten minutes.”
Execution was certain, but they needed to discuss the method, the order, and the subsequent handling of the bodies.
As the judges departed, the tense atmosphere dissolved. Joy bloomed across the faces of the citizens who caught Jin’s gaze. When would they ever have the chance to encounter such a precious member of the imperial family again? Though proper etiquette demanded they prostrate themselves, the citizens continued to reach toward Jin with newfound courage.
“Your Highness, this is—”
“Stand back, please.”
“My apologies, my apologies.”
A single flower extended through the ranks of soldiers.
Jin looked up in surprise at Xiaoxi. Xiaoxi approached the window on the prince’s behalf and called to the soldier. The soldier received the flower, passed it to Xiaoxi, and it was soon handed to Jin.
Jin cradled the single yellow wildflower tenderly and murmured softly.
“Thank you.”
“We are grateful that Your Highness is safe.”
It was the first gift Jin had ever received from a citizen. He smiled brightly, repeatedly brushing the petals against the tip of his nose. Romandro, resting his chin in both hands, watched with quiet contentment. Ian too wore a faint smile, though it lasted only a moment.
“Xiao.”
Ian called Xiaoxi quietly and whispered. It was a very discreet reprimand, spoken so softly that even Romandro beside him could not hear.
“Should you carelessly hand to His Highness something offered by a stranger? Be especially cautious.”
“My apologies.”
“It is settled. I bear some fault for not instructing you beforehand.”
“What shall we do with the flower?”
“Leave it for now. His Highness seems so pleased with it.”
How could one suppress such a radiant smile? At Ian’s nod, Xiaoxi sat beside Jin, who continuously showed him the flower and whispered something. He was clearly showing it off.
Romandro made no effort to hide his raised cheekbones. Like one admiring something endearing, his hand resting beneath his chin gathered together adorably.
“Now that I think of it, His Highness has never ventured outside the imperial palace, has he? The heir appointment ceremony must be prepared with great splendor and perfection.”
There exists a golden road stretching in a straight line from the capital’s entrance to the imperial palace. It was exclusively for the use of the royal family, typically employed when royalty departed or returned, or during official ceremonies such as coronations.
By becoming heir, Jin would venture outside the palace for the first time to meet Bariel.
“Yes, indeed. There will likely be many foreign guests as well.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course. You are the sole prince.”
The phrase “sole prince” carried multiple meanings. Positively, it meant the next emperor; negatively, it signified that the Bariel imperial house had been weakened by internal strife and turmoil.
From the perspective of foreign powers, it was an opportunity to enter the imperial palace directly, assess the situation, and make an impression on Jin. While a king’s visit was unlikely, the possibility of heir apparent delegations was quite high.
Creak.
At that moment, the judges re-entered. They held black verdict documents on velvet. Everyone fell silent at once, waiting only for the judgment to be announced.
“Thank you for your patience. We acknowledge that the seven central houses dedicated themselves to Bariel in days past. However, crimes related to rebellion are grave offenses that cannot be diminished by any excuse. Therefore, the Imperial Court hereby pronounces the following verdict.”
Rustle.
The chief judge pointed to the heads of each house one by one as he spoke.
“All tangible and intangible assets of the seven houses, including House Haiman, shall be confiscated and transferred to the imperial treasury. Furthermore, all those bearing the family name shall be executed by hanging, and their corpses shall be displayed in the streets for one week as a warning against treason.”
Bang! Thud thud!
Duke Haiman, who had remained expressionless, finally grimaced and closed his eyes. Angry cheers erupted from outside, and the nobles cried out in complex emotion. The officials all rose to offer their congratulations to Ian and Jin.
“You have endured much. Your Highness.”
“It’s all over now. Your Highness, congratulations.”
“Count Ian, you’ve done well. Truly well!”
“Not at all. This was only possible because everyone lent their support.”
“Good heavens, Romandro! You there! Now go and get some rest!”
Ian responded to the congratulations echoing from all around while keeping his arm draped across Jin’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Duke Haiman and the nobles were dragged away by the Imperial Guards, and the Judge declared the trial concluded.
“With that, I hereby declare this trial adjourned.”
Bang! Bang!
It was a flawless victory for the Imperial House—one that no one could contest.
At least, for now.

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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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