Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 309

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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 309
Fire. Do Not Look Below
Bariel!
The beginning of glory cradled by the divine—
The heart of Gaia that turns golden when rain falls—
Lift your gaze high, ever higher, and then you shall see—
That light in the distant heights, the beacon of Bariel—
As soldiers led the chant and pulled the ropes, hundreds of Bariel imperial flags rose simultaneously, covering the fortress walls.
The crowds waiting before the imperial palace recognized the beginning of the investiture ceremony and let out excited screams.
Bariel!
Countless voices merged into one, proclaiming Bariel’s glory with such force that it reached the inner palace itself.
Philia noticed the commotion flowing into her ears and turned her head. Beyond the window, though nothing was visible, the heat of it washed over her intensely. Like the blazing midday sun pouring down from above.
“Why do you seem troubled, Countess?”
“I’m a bit nervous. I never imagined in my life that I would dare attend an imperial ceremony. And of all things, the official investiture of Prince Jhin as heir.”
Viviana smiled kindly and took Philia’s hand. She was already a woman of considerable standing—too refined to use the word “dare”—yet she seemed unaware of it.
“You are the mother of the Minister of Magic and cherished by Prince Jhin himself. Please, do not speak such words. The nobles gathered here would be embarrassed.”
“I shouldn’t say such things…”
“Who else could receive a gift directly from his highness?”
Viviana wrinkled her nose playfully and waved her hand in jest.
When Ian presented a small box, saying that among the jewels presented, this was one his highness had personally selected, Philia thought she might truly faint. Emotion welled up again, and her eyes grew red.
“Countess, you mustn’t cry. Everyone is watching us.”
Viviana whispered while covering her mouth with her fan.
Their seats alone were positioned directly below the imperial family and the foreign kings—in the place of honor. And that woman’s beauty was extraordinary, and she bore a striking resemblance to Ian.
Before the investiture began, this seat drew far more attention than seemed appropriate. The gazes of the three foreign kings were no different.
“Eldetr. Does that woman remain at the center throughout?”
“According to intelligence, she departs after the investiture ceremony.”
“Then it seems she came for this occasion.”
Eriponi wondered if the bond between Ian and Jhin might be deeper than she had thought, and asked further. But Eldetr’s response was hardly satisfying.
“My apologies. Everyone maintains silence regarding Countess Philia. Only unconfirmed rumors suggest she has ties to the Cheonryeo Tribe.”
“The Cheonryeo Tribe? Those predators of the great desert I know of?”
“Countess Philia may have played a central role behind the alliance between Hielo and the Cheonrye.”
Ruswena, being not far from the Hawan Kingdom, often heard news of the great desert. Had Philia been instrumental in those developments?
Eriponi studied Philia with curious eyes. Then suddenly, she felt an intense gaze from below.
It was Alena.
Swiftly.
Alena bowed her head slightly to Eriponi as if in greeting. This was their first meeting since that night of the banquet, after a most entertaining time.
As Eriponi raised her eyebrows in acknowledgment, a smile graced Alena’s face.
“All please rise!”
Then came the announcement signaling the beginning of the investiture ceremony.
The low orchestral melody deepened, drawing everyone’s attention. Through the large windows, mounted guards and a military band could be seen arriving and taking their positions before the inner palace.
As Philia and Viviana grasped their dresses and rose to their feet, the massive doors at the entrance swung open to both sides.
Creeeeak!
The first to enter was the Prime Minister of the Bariel Empire.
The Prime Minister in full ceremonial regalia, followed by numerous officials. Upon a golden platter rested the golden crown, permitted only for the official heir.
The so-called Crown Prince—a title granted only to he who would succeed the Emperor. Some nobles inadvertently recalled the princes who had vanished into history, but soon swept the thought away with the sound of applause.
The officials split to either side and lined up, while the procession of high-ranking dignitaries continued to enter.
“From this moment forth….”
The Prime Minister drew the magical artifact held by the Mage closer and spoke.
“We shall hold the investiture ceremony for the 14th Crown Prince of the Great Bariel Empire. This is done in the name of His Majesty the Emperor.”
Everyone knew the Emperor had but a handful of breaths remaining. And most of them believed that once Jin became Crown Prince, the Emperor would pass.
But even if legitimacy were granted without hesitation, what could a young Crown Prince accomplish? Whether ascending to or sitting upon the throne, he would merely grasp Ian’s hand.
Whoosh.
The Magic Division then appeared. Ian’s expression at the forefront was not merely stern but rigid. His eyes pierced through the minds of those with impudent thoughts.
As he entered the hall and surveyed the nobles’ seats, gazes naturally scattered. The reactions of those who mistook eye contact for recognition.
‘Ian!’
Only Philia beamed brightly and clapped her hands enthusiastically. Viviana did the same, waving at Romandro standing behind Ian without hiding her proud expression.
“Line up!”
“Line up!”
Finally, the Imperial Guards entered and raised their swords. At the very end stood Berik. Philia and Viviana gasped and covered their mouths in surprise.
Quite admirably, save for his crimson hair, there was scarcely any awkward movement. The power of a month’s worth of meat meals.
Boom! Thump thump!
Music that reverberated through the heart. The guards planted their swords upon the ground, and at last, the protagonist of this day revealed himself.
With the thick Crown Prince’s mantle trailing long behind.
Slowly—
“My goodness.”
Eriponi unconsciously clenched her teeth and murmured. She knew how heavy it was even for an adult. Trying so hard to appear dignified!
‘…How adorable.’
As the servants adjusted the mantle’s hem and entered alongside him, the boy’s steps grew slightly lighter. With each step Jin took, the badges and jewels adorning his chest gleamed brilliantly.
Whoosh.
Jin stood before the Prime Minister.
According to proper procedure, kneeling would be customary, but the boy’s height was far too small for this. Eriponi simply concealed the ceremony with her fan.
“Jin Berosion.”
Jin lightly clasped his hands together and brought them to his forehead as if in prayer. It was the imperial tradition of courtesy and a gesture of gratitude offered to the divine.
The Prime Minister, in place of the Emperor, removed the badges one by one from his chest. From the position of Prince to that of Crown Prince he advanced. What came before was a relic of the past.
“What I now speak is truly the imperial decree of His Majesty the Emperor. Make your vow and oath, and show your resolve to all.”
“In all things, I shall fulfill my truth.”
“Jin Berosion, the 5th Prince of the Great Bariel Empire, do you understand and respect your duty to the Empire, and have you made the resolve to accept it as your destiny?”
Duty to the Empire.
Jin raised his right hand and took the oath.
“I, Jin Berosion, understand my duty to the Empire. It is to fulfill my mission under the name of Berosion for the eternal glory and exalted pride of Bariel, and to walk the path for the prosperity, stability, and wholesome, meaningful lives of the Empire’s citizens. All living beings within Bariel’s borders are extensions of myself, and those whom I shall love with all my soul.”
Jin spoke in a clear, ringing voice. Every word was a perfect oath, with not a single slurred syllable.
The Boy suddenly recalled the path he had walked, and his eyes grew red. His father, the Emperor; his mother, Deilaina; and his siblings. They had all yearned for this moment, yet now none of them were here, were they? Only he had survived, standing here alone.
“For Bariel, I pledge all of my destiny. For Bariel, I offer my tears and my blood. Those who oppose this, I shall cut down without hesitation, and those who obstruct it, I shall sever without mercy.”
Ian, watching from his place among the mages, felt an odd ache in his chest. It was as if he were witnessing his own coronation.
He realized something truly strange—that Jin now stood where he once had, and Naum now stood where Ian currently stood, connected across a single thread of time.
‘Naum. When you stood in this place and looked upon me, what did you feel? Did your heart ache like this? Or were you proud?’
Though Ian possessed an excellent memory, strangely he had no recollection of meeting Naum’s eyes that day.
What remained etched was only the weight of the crown placed upon his head.
Chroni’s embrace.
The heavy applause of the nobles.
And the cloak settling upon his shoulders….
“By oath to the Divine, so shall I do.”
As Jin finished his declaration, applause erupted once more. Everyone welcomed the birth of the new Crown Prince.
The Prime Minister carefully lifted the golden crown, and the Boy bowed his head.
“Jin Berosion. In the name of His Imperial Majesty, I appoint you the 14th Crown Prince of the Bariel Empire. This signifies that the next history book shall begin with your name.”
Whoosh.
Jin placed the Crown Prince’s diadem upon his head. It fit perfectly, as if finding its rightful owner. A new badge was affixed to the Boy’s chest, and the Crown Prince’s scepter was held in his left hand.
All the nobles knelt, expressing reverence toward the new Crown Prince. The kings of the three nations did the same.
“Your Highness, Crown Prince Jin Berosion. Congratulations!”
“Congratulations! Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”
“May the Divine’s blessing guide the Empire’s future!”
At the congratulations erupting from all around, Jin smiled lightly. The Imperial Guards raised their swords once more to escort Jin’s departure, and the officials followed in his wake.
Now came the time to face not the nobles, but the citizens of the Empire.
Neigh! Neigh!
“All units, prepare for the procession!”
“Open all the palace gates!”
“His Highness, Crown Prince Jin, departs the palace!”
With an enormous golden carriage at its center, cavalry and a military band began to move. As a majestic trumpet fanfare pierced the sky, the horses responded.
Jin mounted the open carriage and straightened his posture.
“Your Highness. We shall now depart. The journey is expected to take approximately two hours, and defensive formations have been established in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances. Please refrain from extending your hand beyond this side….”
Ian began with concern but hesitated mid-sentence. The gaze of the Boy, crowned in gold and listening intently, held a dignity different from before. It even seemed that he would handle everything well without Ian’s further guidance.
Did the Crown Prince’s oath possess such power?
Had he himself changed so drastically before and after his ascension?
“Count Ian?”
Why did he stop speaking? Jin opened his eyes wide and asked in return. Though the weight of the crown prevented him from tilting his head.
“It is nothing. I trust you will remember well.”
“Yes. I have continued to hear it from Romandro and the Prime Minister.”
“Very well. Then we shall depart shortly.”
“Count Ian.”
Just as Ian turned at the mages’ call, Jin placed his hand upon the back of Ian’s hand.
“From the shadows of the imperial palace to becoming the master of the golden crown, I am well aware of Count Ian’s efforts.”
“Your Majesty.”
“You’ve worked hard. And… thank you.”
“No, Your Majesty…”
I had meant to say that he was always worthy of this, that he had always been this noble. But I noticed tears brimming in Jin’s eyes, and the words caught in my throat.
“So, Count Ian. Please continue to help me like this.”
As if demanding an answer, the boy’s tightly clenched palm grew damp. Sweat born from tension and anxiety. I looked up at Jin with a sorrowful expression.
“Your Majesty. Do not look down.”
“…Count Ian.”
“We’re departing! Count Ian!”
“Preparations complete! Military band leading the way!”
Instead of answering, I handed him a handkerchief and whispered tenderly.
Please, do not look down.
If you do…
“Your tears will fall.”

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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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