Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 334

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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 334
Fire. The Mana Amplifier
“I thought the meeting had ended. It seems I was mistaken.”
The Prime Minister muttered this while removing his outer robe. The Prince Jin, Captain Jairot of the Imperial Guards, and the Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry had all gathered in the office.
The Minister had organized the troops to be sent to the border and displayed the report, laying it on the desk. Everything was arranged for swift execution—the moment the deployment order was given, they could depart immediately.
It appeared the Defense Ministry had continued making appropriate preparations, likely because the discussion of the Three-Nation Alliance was such a sensitive matter.
Jairot looked at this and asked.
“Prime Minister. What do you intend to do regarding Idgal?”
“If I recall correctly, we shared opinions on this during the earlier meeting. We will track and investigate.”
“And after that?”
At Jairot’s question, Volb, the Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry, let out a soft laugh. He had risen to his position as a temporary appointment after the rebellion and had secured his place without significant issues, though he was now working to restore his standing. Of course, his position had been declining since losing Melania, among other things.
Regardless, he could be certain of one thing: this was an unprecedented opportunity for the Imperial Defense Ministry.
“You ask unnecessary questions, Captain Jairot. Of course, it will be used to its full worth for the advancement of the great Empire Bariel. What answer are you hoping to hear?”
“Volb.”
His manner of speech was somewhat rough. When the Prime Minister called his name, urging restraint, Volb nodded and stepped back.
“I cannot understand excluding Mages from this deployment. Please reconsider.”
“What do you mean? Jairot. I clearly gave the Magic Ministry permission to deploy.”
“You gave them a choice, not permission to deploy.”
If the Magic Ministry were to follow the Imperial Defense Ministry in deployment, the palace would seize that opportunity to interfere with the investigation of Idgal. This was a clear move of restraint.
To prevent this, the Magic Ministry would have no choice but to remain in place, which meant the Imperial Defense Ministry, deploying alone, would monopolize all gains from how the incident concluded.
No matter how one looked at it, this was a measure that concentrated power in the palace.
“I don’t understand why the Imperial Guards would speak thus. Didn’t Captain Jairot step forward directly to check Count Ian? Ah, why? It seems Idgal’s involvement is causing you trouble.”
“I say this because the Mage Knights also disappeared together. If problems arise, we will need those who can quickly share their mana.”
“Exactly. The Mages will accompany out of concern for their superior. I feel like this conversation is going in circles.”
“I ordered an investigation into Idgal, so the Mages cannot easily step forward! That’s what I’m telling you!”
Barsabe and Berik were together. Even though Berik was Ian’s man, he still wore the badge of the Imperial Guards, did he not?
Volb, with his arms crossed, circled around Jairot. At this openly sharp confrontation, Jin pressed his forehead with his hand, observing the two men. The Prime Minister, as if he had foreseen this, began reading through the report Volb had brought.
“…Captain Jairot.”
“Yes. Minister Volb.”
“The duty of the Imperial Guards is to protect His Majesty the Emperor. So why do you seek to privately interfere in the decisions of the Imperial Defense Ministry? Since Idgal is a threat to those who use magic, recklessness could result in the loss of advanced forces. This time, please trust and entrust this to our Imperial Defense Ministry.”
Volb tapped Jairot’s shoulder and laughed. On the surface, he claimed these were precious forces that could not be lost, but his true intentions were transparent. He sought to elevate the status of the Imperial Defense Ministry with this opportunity.
If he brought back Ian and the Mages, his standing would rise accordingly, and even if they were already dead, there was no better path to advancement than the outbreak of war.
Jairot brushed away Volb’s hand and hardened his expression.
‘This bastard….’
One of those in the palace who desired Idgal. His aim was to leap forward as an important force of Bariel, replacing the Imperial Guards whom he could never surpass.
The Prime Minister set down his pen and asked Jin.
“Do you share the same opinion, Your Highness? If so, I will comply. However, as I mentioned before, there has never been a better opportunity than now for the palace to exercise influence over Idgal.”
The gazes of three men suddenly turned to Jin. The one who represented the palace. The one whom the Prime Minister, who wielded the Emperor’s authority, alone lowered himself to follow.
The Boy looked between Jairot and Volb and deliberated.
‘All of this operation is built on the assumption that Idgal can be perfectly controlled by the imperial family.’
It must not leak to other nations, and it must not even fall into the hands of other departments within the imperial palace. Only the Emperor—and no one else—could be permitted to possess it, yet everything remained uncertain at present.
“…What takes priority is Minister Ian’s safe return.”
“Of course, Your Majesty. Bariel possesses no other weapon of such caliber.”
Volb placed his hand over his heart in acknowledgment. Simultaneously, Jin and Captain Jairat’s brows furrowed. Yet Jin continued, his fingertips merely tracing the edge of the sofa.
“And we require a thorough investigation into Idgal. Prime Minister, I fear that Imperial Palace involvement in the Mage Division’s affairs would lower morale and prove inefficient. According to Count Ian’s report, it appears channels have opened toward Burgos and Ruswena as well. I suspect this will become a race against time.”
The Prime Minister’s eyes darkened. He found it deeply unsatisfying that the young Prince would rush forward. Now was the opportune moment, yet the Prince seemed inclined to make an unfortunate choice due to past sentiment. However, the Prime Minister did not interrupt, merely removing his glasses and gesturing for him to continue.
“Count Ian’s life or death…”
Suddenly, Jin’s words caught in his throat. He had merely thought about it vaguely, but now that he tried to voice it aloud, his chest tightened painfully.
What if Ian were dead? If he could no longer see that man who spoke with both kindness and severity, what would he be stepping back for?
When Jin did not continue, Captain Jairat tilted his head in confusion.
“Your Majesty. Are you well?”
“Ah, yes. I merely thought that it might not be too late to deploy personnel to the Mage Division after confirming Count Ian’s status. However, if Idgal has been distributed to neighboring nations, this will become a full-scale military conflict. Therefore—”
Jin looked toward Volb, Minister of Imperial Defense. Though reluctant, he needed to throw a bone to those who would bare their fangs at the Mage Division while coveting Idgal.
“It would be good to confirm the progress of this situation and explore new possibilities for the Imperial Defense Ministry.”
Volb placed his hand over his heart in satisfaction, offering a bow. With increased personnel and expanded budgets and authority, he could suppress the arrogance of the stiffly standing Captain Jairat.
The Prime Minister rubbed his eyes briefly. Then came a small sigh.
Though unintended, that sigh made Jin’s heart sink. With Ian absent, the Prime Minister was filling that void. If any opposing positions were to form, it would be truly troublesome.
Jin suddenly realized how young and powerless a Prince he still was. This was why he could not find reassurance even in the compromise the Prime Minister offered.
“Understood. If such is Your Majesty’s will, I shall postpone the Imperial Palace’s deployment of personnel to the Mage Division. Instead, I shall direct inquiries toward Burgos and Ruswena to confirm Idgal’s distribution status.”
“As I understand it, Idgal is created through alchemy. The quantity should not be large.”
“I share that view. Little is known, but alchemy does not proceed so easily. If Burgos and Ruswena possess Idgal, I shall send a stern warning as well. Your Majesty, I request your approval.”
“…Yes. Very well.”
The conversation seemed to be concluding. With Ian absent, merely maintaining the status quo was beneficial for Jin.
He had managed to preserve the Mage Division’s independence, and Minister Volb could now anticipate an improved position. It was a strange situation where hollow satisfaction passed between them. The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses and asked Captain Jairat.
“Captain Jairat. What of you? Do you have more to say?”
Regarding Idgal’s existence, they held the same position as the Mages, but they were directly subordinate to the Emperor. Their circumstances differed slightly, so they had no choice but to unconditionally support Jin’s opinion. He was the future Emperor, their future sovereign. Just as Captain Jairat was about to shake his head.
Knock, knock.
“Prime Minister!”
A commotion came from outside. The door opened before permission was granted from within. The Prime Minister frowned, but from the Steward’s urgent expression, he sensed this was no ordinary matter.
“What is the matter?”
“A message has arrived!”
“What? From Cliffford?”
The Steward shook his head while catching his breath.
“No, Your Majesty. The Border Guards discovered dead messenger birds and sent them directly to the capital. They found two, but the others…”
“Dead messenger birds? What do you mean?”
“I do not know the details.”
Captain Jairat, who had been listening quietly, pressed his forehead. He suddenly recalled the magical disturbance detected at the border. However, he could not determine whether it had caused problems with the messenger birds’ mana stones. The Mages’ confirmation was necessary.
“Both birds carried the same message: Count Ian has suffered severe internal injuries and hovers at death’s door.”
“…What?”
“The other Mages are also in poor condition, it is said…”
Jin’s eyes widened in shock as he bolted upright. What was the messenger saying? Ian was on death’s door?
Volb muttered to himself, calculating how Ian’s death might shift the political landscape.
“Why?”
“It wasn’t specified.”
“Prime Minister. I shall mobilize immediately. Cliffford has certainly created a problem. If the report states that Ian is on death’s door, he may already be—”
Go. War. This was an unprecedented opportunity unfolding for the Imperial Defense Ministry.
“Volb! Hold your tongue!”
The moment Jin shouted with fury, something strange appeared beyond the window. A black moon rising in the blue sky.
* * *
“Coming back after so long, and the place is a complete mess.”
Akorelra murmured as she ran her fingertips across her dust-covered laboratory. Several Mages, including Heil, followed her inside and asked.
“Are you feeling alright? What brings you here?”
“Well, I was told all the Mages should gather, so I came. But when I got here, it feels like a funeral. Ian has gone missing? Beyond Cliffford. So everyone’s been trembling like wet dogs?”
“Akorelra, you—”
“Ahahaha! Just kidding! Ah, it’s so good to see everyone after so long! Lighten up.”
She leaned against the workbench with a bright smile. But Heil and the other Mages facing her remained grave.
If they went down to Cliffford, the Imperial Palace would seize the opportunity to interfere with the Idgal investigation, but they couldn’t just sit idle with their superior and colleagues missing.
“There’s no problem with it.”
“What do you mean no problem? Are you still sick? Is that why you’re not understanding?”
As Heil muttered while holding a cigarette, Akorelra snatched it away and threw it.
“No! I came back completely sharp!”
“You’ve lost it. Completely lost it.”
“We just open a portal and go. One day, done.”
“If that were possible, we would have—”
Just as Heil was about to speak, Akorelra danced with a rhythmic bounce and unfurled her coat. The moment the Mages thought she’d truly gone mad, a mysterious potion emerged from inside her coat.
“What could this be?”
“…What is it?”
“A mana amplification elixir! With absolutely no side effects—Akorelra’s masterpiece! Kyaaaah! I was literally dying to show you all this!”
The Mages hesitated and stepped back. A mana amplification elixir without side effects was remarkable enough, but the fact that she’d researched it while ill was even more astounding.
“Everyone take one dose each and open a portal. Then it’ll be possible.”
“Akorelra. It’s not that I don’t trust you, but you should rest when you’re sick. Yes?”
“I tested and verified it myself. Wow, you don’t trust me. Listen, you. Come here. I’ll make sure it doesn’t hurt.”
“H-Heil. Please spare me.”
Everyone’s response was disbelief. As Akorelra scratched her head like a deflated balloon, a message came from outside—the same one the Prime Minister and Jin had heard—
“Urgent news! Jeonseogoo has been found at the border! But, Ian…”
The news that Ian and his colleagues were on death’s door. The Mages stirred, unable to hide their bewilderment.
Akorelra kept her arms crossed, shaking the potion continuously, and finally Heil made the first decision.
“Bring the syringe.”
“Okay! My first customer!”
“Akorelra. Seriously, are you in your right mind?”
“Of course, of course. I promise. But I think you alone might struggle to open a portal. Who else will take the hit?”
A figure stepped forward.
“I will as well, if you’ll have me.”
“Yes. We cannot remain idle like this.”
“We should hurry before the Imperial Palace has time to interfere.”
“Please count me in as well, Akorelra.”
As Akorelra glanced around the room and posed the question, the Mages raised their hands one by one. Everyone present volunteered willingly.

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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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