Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 264

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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 264
Branch Roads
As darkness settled, the officials’ shoulders sagged in unison. The grand conference had been ongoing for five hours now. Those without matters to propose had taken turns slipping out for breaks, but the Prime Minister, Jhin, and other key figures—including myself—remained seated, attending to our duties without respite.
Jhin didn’t realize his body was leaning toward me. The Boy looked exhausted, propping his forehead with one hand while absently fiddling with the edge of documents.
“Your Majesty, are you struggling greatly?”
“No, I can manage still.”
I noticed Jhin’s condition and whispered softly. Five hours was merely the measure of time—but how burdensome must it be for the Boy to continuously perceive, judge, and make decisions through his own body during all that duration?
I understood because I had experienced it myself. It was the same when I first ascended the throne.
Whoosh! Swish swish!
Moreover, at the back of the conference room, Berik stood with one leg crossed, leaning against Romandro. The moment our eyes met, he drew an X with his hand and silently screamed in protest.
He was saying we should wrap this up and leave. He’d come to fetch us because we hadn’t shown up, and now everyone looked half-dead. They were trying to make a living, yet couldn’t even eat!
“Prime Minister, what if we conclude after this final matter?”
Watching Berik’s antics, I made a subtle suggestion to the Prime Minister. Instantly, the eyes of the officials seated nearby lit up with hope.
Yes! Let’s stop already! It’s not like today is the only day—why are we holding a conference for five hours?
“Hmm. Very well. The hour has grown quite late. The final agenda concerns personnel replenishment for the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Defense Ministry. Captain Jairat?”
At the Prime Minister’s call, Jairat rose. He was dressed in proper uniform. Participating in a grand conference was itself a rare occurrence, so he was showing appropriate courtesy.
“I am Jairat, Captain of the Imperial Guards. Currently, two of the three captain positions are vacant due to unfortunate circumstances. We wish to select two new captains from within the Guard and recruit new members.”
“What is the method?”
As Jairat stepped forward, Berik uncrossed his leg and leaned in closer. Romandro grabbed him by the nape and urged restraint, but—
“We will select the two most qualified individuals by combining fifty percent from sparring matches and fifty percent from evaluations by colleagues.”
“Colleague evaluations? Was this part of the original system?”
“No. While protecting His Majesty’s person is our foremost priority, we recognized that without faith, morality, and loyalty, such individuals could instead become a threat to His Majesty. This is our proposed solution to address that concern.”
“Hmm. The title ‘Three Captains’ announces the empire’s greatest masters, does it not? If external evaluation factors are introduced, that honor could become tainted.”
“Skill is important. But if someone lacks even basic character, they are no different from beasts.”
As Jairat spoke thus, he was looking directly at Berik. Surely his words were directed at Berik—a warning. Berik, catching this remark while sitting quietly, pointed at himself with an incredulous expression.
‘Me? Are you talking to me right now?’
Since I had signaled him not to open his mouth, he could only express himself through gestures with all his might. Jairat lightly ignored him and continued.
“Since we are selecting captains for the Guard, please grant us autonomy.”
“Yes. Very well. Autonomy is indeed important.”
“I have no objections. I support it.”
“Yes, yes. I agree as well. I concur.”
Those exhausted in body and spirit rushed to voice their approval. The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses and asked further.
“What of recruitment for regular members? Are you searching for Mage Knights?”
“Ah, that is—”
“Might we explain that on their behalf?”
Someone cut off Jairat’s words and interjected. It was Volb, the interim Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry.
The previous minister had been removed for involvement in the rebellion alongside Prince Marib, and the cabinet had temporarily appointed Volb in his place. Unless something significant occurred, he would be formally inaugurated.
Though we were assuming “unless something significant occurred,” we had already suffered a setback with the Melania matter.
“Captain Jairat?”
“Yes. That is acceptable.”
Captain Jeirat gestured lightly, indicating he would yield the floor.
“Thank you. The Imperial Guards are an elite unit that serves the Emperor closely. I believe there’s no need to explain the difference between ordinary soldiers and Mage Knights. However, what’s clear is that the Imperial Guards didn’t initially set out to select Mage Knights—rather, in selecting the strong, Mage Knights naturally gathered. Isn’t that right, Captain Jeirat?”
“Yes. There is no Mage Knight requirement in the enlistment conditions.”
“Due to several recent disturbances, the Imperial Defense Ministry is severely understaffed. Therefore, I humbly propose this: What if the Imperial Guards conducted a test to establish rankings, then distributed personnel in order?”
I tapped the document with my pen. Just as Quintana had suggested, I was trying to break through the current tension with some clever thinking. The Imperial Guards handled security within the palace similarly to the Magic Ministry, but with better standing, so I was looking to ride on their coattails.
“When you say distribution, what method do you mean?”
“The superior candidates would decide whether to go to the Imperial Guards or the Imperial Defense Ministry. Once the Guards are fully staffed, the rest would fall under our jurisdiction. Rather than troubling ourselves with two separate recruitment drives, this saves both time and expense.”
The Imperial Guards, being smaller in number, held far greater prestige and recognition than the Imperial Defense Ministry. So there was no real concern about losing talent. Quintana mentally calculated and cast her vote in favor first.
“I strongly support this. Events should prioritize cost reduction based on duration. We could cut palace expenditures during the selection period by up to thirty percent, excluding recruitment announcement costs.”
“If the Imperial Guards approve, I would like to proceed. Of course, since we’ll have more personnel, we’ll bear the full burden of administration.”
It was an attempt to leverage the Imperial Guards’ image while maintaining control over troop recruitment.
All the officials turned to look at Captain Jeirat. Would he agree? It wasn’t a loss, but if they were inserting themselves like this, shouldn’t there be some benefit? Everyone waited expectantly for his response.
“Yes. I accept. If it reduces the palace’s burden.”
“Thank you, Captain Jeirat. It seems insufficient to call this mere convenience, but it’s good to show sincerity. I propose transferring two of the black armor sets that will belong to the Imperial Defense Ministry to you. Would that be acceptable?”
Ah, there it was.
The officials let out small exclamations of understanding. The black armor confiscated from Haimanga was to be distributed equally between the two departments, and he was offering two sets as compensation. The Prime Minister tapped his seal, indicating no objection.
“Since each department has reached agreement, this is not a matter for the grand council to debate. Then I shall conclude this agenda. Provide a detailed report later regarding the recruitment announcement. This concludes the session.”
Thwack! Bang bang!
The seal’s sound was like a trumpet from heaven. The officials collapsed sideways and groaned with relief. Finally, it was over!
Of course, mountains of work awaited back at their offices, but the fact that this was finished was what mattered. Jhin also seemed completely drained, stretching out as he lay sprawled across the table.
“Me, me, me!”
Crash! Bang!
As the officials began leaving one by one, Berik vaulted over the railing and rushed over. He blocked Captain Jeirat’s path and grinned widely. What nonsense was he about to spout now? The captain looked down at him with his arms crossed.
“What is it?”
“I’m applying!”
“….”
“My name’s Berik. I’d appreciate a good salary. If not, I’ll reconsider. But I want the captain position unconditionally.”
“Captain position? Ha ha ha!”
“Damn, you’re laughing too. Did I say something funny!?”
Both Ian and Captain Jeirat burst into laughter whenever the captain position came up. Berik glared and took a step closer to Jeirat.
“I’m serious.”
“I’m not laughing as a joke either.”
Captain Jeirat said this and brought his hand toward Berik’s ribs. Was he trying to tickle him? Berik, caught off guard for a moment, flinched in surprise and grabbed his arm.
But it was too late.
Captain Jeirat twisted Berik’s wound and spoke in a low voice.
“With your body in this state, how dare you mention the captain position? Does the empire’s pinnacle seem so easy to you?”
“Ahhhhh! It hurts! It hurts! You bastard!”
“I will accept you. Mage Knights are precious. However, once you join the Guards, I’ll thoroughly correct that vulgar and presumptuous attitude of yours. Be prepared.”
“Let go! Let go of me!”
Whoosh!
Berik lay sprawled on the ground, clutching his side. His breathing came in ragged gasps, and his defiant gaze remained unchanged—hardly the demeanor of one who’d been dead and brought back to life. Truly, a descendant of the Atan Clan. Captain Jeirat wiped his hands with a handkerchief and nodded toward Ian.
“You’ll be fine, won’t you? Minister Ian Hielo. I’ll educate him to be worthy of the Imperial Guards.”
“First, he needs to rank among the top tier.”
“Ian! Don’t you know me? I’m Berik! Berik!”
“If you could fix that temperament of yours, I’d be grateful.”
“Wait and see! Captain Jeirat, you bastard, the wound’s reopened! Ugh, bleeding again! I barely managed to stop it by stealing meat! If I become captain, I’ll kill you. For real!”
“Go ahead and try. If the alternative is watching you become captain, death might be preferable.”
Berik let out a groan of frustration, but Ian left the conference room without hesitation. Those who had paused to watch this spectacle, as if observing something curious, resumed their own paths.
The surroundings quickly emptied. Ian organized the thick stack of documents before him, glancing around.
“Where is Jhin?”
“His Majesty? He seemed to be speaking with Quintana for a moment.”
Romand answered while tending to Berik’s side.
On the outdoor terrace connected to the conference room, Quintana knelt on one knee, her gaze meeting Jhin’s.
* * *
“Your Majesty, you’re truly all right, aren’t you?”
“Of course. Why do you ask so suddenly?”
Jhin smiled faintly and tilted his head. Quintana did worry about him often, but something felt different about her today. Jhin remained unaware that he himself had been the one acting differently.
“During the first half of the meeting, you couldn’t concentrate, and you kept glancing at Count Ian. I wondered if perhaps Count Ian had been disrespectful to you.”
If not, it would be a relief, but if so, please tell me now. Quintana’s gaze fixed on Jhin was unwavering.
Ah. I’ve been found out. Jhin cupped his cheeks with both hands, his expression crumbling.
“No. It’s absolutely not that. Count Ian has always treated me well, as he always does.”
“…Then, separate from Count Ian, is there another concern troubling you? Your Majesty. Your worries are Bariel’s worries, and soon they become ours as well.”
Jhin knew Quintana’s intentions were pure. Yet he couldn’t bring himself to speak carelessly. Weaknesses become weaknesses the moment they’re revealed, and worries double in weight the moment they’re voiced. Jhin shook his head repeatedly.
“No. Nothing at all.”
“…I’m relieved to hear you say so. If there is anything you wish of me, please call upon me at any time.”
“Thank you, Quintana.”
To be honest, I was confused. According to what Romand said, Ian knew the secret passage that only the imperial family knew about… but I had never told him, so that wasn’t it.
Then could it be Prince Marib or Prince Gail? Why would either of them tell Ian? I couldn’t think of any reasonable explanation, which troubled me.
On top of that, Arcen had shouted that Ian was of imperial blood, and the scheming of Haiman weighed on my mind, making it difficult to even look at Ian.
‘But I distributed the rights to the mana-sealing stones. That wasn’t an easy decision. It’s not a price worth paying just to deceive me. Perhaps he learned of it while investigating the Emperor’s secret passages during the rebellion?’
It was a hope I’d constructed myself, an expectation. Too afraid to ask Ian directly, I simply built walls of avoidance, like constructing castles from sand.
Creak.
“Your Majesty. Shall we go?”
At Ian’s call, I smiled and approached. The warmth of his hand greeting me as gently as always was comforting. Ian and I exchanged farewells with Quintana and left the conference room together.
“Your Majesty, what did Quintana say?”
Just as I had resolved when I saw Ian collapse, I would wait a little longer. When no answer could shake me, then I would find the courage to ask.
For the first time, I playfully deflected from Ian.
“It’s a secret.”

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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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