Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 349

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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 349
Fire. Maxim Tweller
“Are all the preparations complete?”
“What preparations are there to speak of? It’s already been decided.”
“Since you’ve instructed us to proceed as we did with Minister Volb, we need only read through the script. Count Maxim Tweller likely already knows the order of questioning.”
“How swiftly one’s life can change in a single moment. Who could have known yesterday that Count Maxim Tweller would ascend to Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry?”
“I’m certain of one thing—Minister Volb would never have known, had he lived.”
“What of the Imperial Defense Ministry? Have they sent word?”
“Don’t even mention it. Everything’s in complete chaos over there, and they’re not responding to anything. They’ll probably arrive all together at the appointed time, and we can only hope there’s no resistance. After all, they’re now taking orders from someone who didn’t even graduate from the military academy.”
“I believe the times are changing. What of Count Maxim Tweller’s financial status? Has nothing come up from the administrative branch?”
“No. It’s already been processed, they say.”
“My goodness, he certainly works fast.”
The officials moving about the great conference hall preparing for the confirmation hearing clicked their tongues. They say all of history pivots and crumbles at a single moment, but surely nothing could strike with such sudden force as this.
The young Prince had seized control of the administrative branch, the Imperial Guards, and the Imperial Defense Ministry in the blink of an eye. These were nearly all the core departments, save for the Magic Ministry. In particular, he had grasped both the right and left hands that wielded Bariel’s military power.
“I’m curious what will happen when the Magic Ministry returns.”
“What can be done? By then, Idgal’s punishment will have been decided as well. Come now, let’s finish this up. Time’s running out.”
Summoned before dawn and brought in immediately for a confirmation hearing—the officials concealed their exhaustion and completed their preparations.
Between the great clock hands ticking away, morning sunlight streamed through the windows. In the distance, carriages thundered past, visible through the glass.
“They’re arriving.”
The banners of the Imperial Defense Ministry. They descended with such thunderous force that heaven and earth seemed to tremble, yet without the slightest disorder.
The officials crowded against the windows, peering down at the cluster of officers. All were dressed in full uniform with their hair neatly arranged, swords secured at their waists. Beneath the flowing insignia, the badge of the Imperial Defense Ministry, stained with blood, stood out distinctly.
“So that’s Count Maxim Tweller.”
“Is this your first time seeing him?”
“Yes. I’ve had no dealings with the Imperial Defense Ministry. And the chances of meeting an officer who ventures outside are even slimmer.”
Bronzed skin layered with decades of sunlight. Hair tied back in a single knot, streaked with gray, and a thick beard. Sharp eyes gleaming between deep wrinkles. Though his frame was compact, he carried the solid, unyielding bearing of a seasoned soldier.
“The Prince has arrived.”
“Please rise from your seats.”
It had begun. The officials straightened their collars and stood, paying their respects as the Prince entered—the same entrance as before, with the Prime Minister and Captain Jeirat in attendance. Jin gestured for everyone to sit and smiled.
“Before the confirmation hearing, we shall first conduct a simple ceremony of noble title conferment.”
It was the natural order. Jin seemed intent on elevating Xiaoxi to the rank of officer, so it made sense to grant him a noble title first before proceeding with the hearing.
Several officials gripped their bundles of documents tightly, tension etched across their faces. There was nothing to be done about Maxim Tweller becoming Minister, but no matter how they thought about it, Xiaoxi ascending to that position seemed fundamentally unjust.
“At the very least, let us prevent Xiaoxi’s officer appointment.”
“Can we succeed? Won’t we only offend the Prince by stepping forward unnecessarily?”
“That may be true. But I cannot accept this, so do not stop me.”
“This is maddening. Truly.”
“Didn’t you see? All the Imperial Defense Ministry personnel came in with bayonets fixed. Even Captain Jeirat is armed.”
“That’s standard protocol for dress uniform. Don’t be intimidated.”
Throughout the hall, those harboring such resolve whispered amongst themselves, their determination burning bright.
Even as this unfolded, Xiaoxi knelt before Jin with his usual composed expression. He wore formal robes that Romandro had hastily prepared. His hair was neatly arranged, making his heterochromatic eyes stand out all the more distinctly.
“Xiaoxi. I am aware that you have rendered considerable service in the incidents and disturbances that began with the rebellion. Yet the limitations of your station have prevented you from reaching that glory. Therefore, I, recognizing your abilities and merits highly, bestow upon you the rank of Baron.”
Jin fastened a badge to Xiaoxi’s chest—a gray wolf with blue eyes, the seal of Bariel.
“Xiaoxi Enrou. From this moment forward, you shall dedicate everything to Bariel.”
Enrou. It was the first surname Xiaoxi had ever possessed. He placed his hand over his heart in a gesture of acceptance, then bowed willingly.
Jin looked around the assembly and began the chant, signaling for all to follow.
“For the glory of Bariel.”
“For the glory of Bariel.”
Clap, clap, clap!
The officials rose one by one, applauding and joining the chant.
Romandro’s wrists were fluttering with enthusiasm. Though some cast sharp glances his way, what did he care? Romandro clapped even louder, making a grand show of it.
“Count Xiaoxi, no less. How remarkable. My congratulations. This is why one must live long to see such things, is it not? I wonder what Ian and his companions will think when they hear. I truly cannot wait.”
“Berik will likely throw a tantrum as well, I suspect.”
“Perhaps? Kekeke. In any case, my congratulations.”
“Thank you.”
Xiaoxi descended and accepted Romandro’s felicitations. He felt embarrassed, yet proud, and the weight of the seal pinned to his chest seemed almost unbearable. He could only smile awkwardly and shrug his shoulders.
Soon, the Prime Minister’s announcement rang out.
Bang! Bang!
“Given the urgency of the matter, we shall proceed swiftly. Next is the appointment of the Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry. First, I express our condolences for Minister Volb, who passed away suddenly at his residence. However, the ministerial position of the Imperial Defense Ministry is one of the vital pillars supporting Bariel. It cannot remain vacant for long. Therefore, in accordance with precedent, the Prince wishes to appoint Count Maxim Tweller directly to the position of Minister. Count Maxim Tweller.”
As the Prime Minister called his name, the doors swung open as if on cue, and soldiers entered. They were likely Tweller’s closest subordinates who would assume positions as generals under him.
And at their head stood a man—a figure of small stature radiating an oppressive force. The primal bearing of one who had crushed dozens, hundreds of bones on the battlefield and lived to tell of it was formidable. No matter how one looked at it, his rough appearance seemed entirely at odds with his formal attire.
“Count Maxim Tweller. Please take the podium.”
The Prime Minister and Tweller exchanged a brief glance. It seemed odd that a young prince would have connections to a demoted officer, but the Prime Minister had arranged the connection behind the scenes.
Tweller ascended the podium and surveyed his surroundings. Then came his laughter, dispelling the tension.
“Heh. It looked high from below, but now that I’m up here, it seems even higher.”
How many years had it been? Suffering all manner of humiliation among the officers simply because he was not a graduate of the military academy. Despite his accomplishments on the battlefield, an invisible wall blocked his path, and he rarely attended major conferences.
Those were the days when his juniors advanced in rank and even assumed ministerial positions, when everyone wished for Tweller’s retirement. But look now. If one endures long enough, opportunity always arrives. Just like this.
“Please make your declaration.”
“Yes. I am Captain Maxim Tweller of the Fifth Thousand-Man Brigade. I am from the eastern provinces, have served for thirty years since enlistment, and have held the rank of captain for thirteen years. To verify my integrity, sincerity, and capability, I shall speak only truth without any falsehood. I swear by Bariel and by the Emperor and the Prince.”
As one who has traversed battlefields, he possessed remarkable composure. Perhaps it was his experience, but more so because he already knew the situation favored him. Unless he acted mad and threw himself to the ground here, the ministerial position was as good as assured.
The sound of rustling papers echoed throughout the chamber. Tweller’s subordinates stood tense, their eyes fixed solely on their commander, swallowing hard.
“Count Maxim Tweller. Your family relations are listed as one wife, three sons, and two daughters. Is this correct?”
“That is correct. They are currently training to enlist in the Imperial Defense Ministry as well.”
“Your registered assets consist of three residences, ten horses, and approximately one hundred gold coins, with no updates since two years ago.”
“That is because I spent last year patrolling the borders. I personally led my own horses, so nothing could be specified, and thus I could not file a report.”
“You led your own horses? Why?”
“Why indeed?”
How could proper supplies have been allocated to a washed-up officer passed over for promotion and facing retirement? Moreover, he had poor relations with Volb. With even the supplies necessary for horse management inadequate, he had no choice but to use his own funds.
When the official hesitated at the counter-question, Tweller grinned. Several of his teeth were chipped.
“I thought it improper to use imperial resources without permission. There should be no issue with that, should there?”
His tone was clearly sarcastic. His gaze questioned whether any official present had ever shown concern for his dire circumstances. He harbored not a shred of shame before heaven, so his response was that of a defiant warrior—go ahead and try if you dare.
“…If you become Minister, whom do you intend to select as generals beneath you? Please explain your precise criteria and describe the operational methods you intend to pursue for the Imperial Defense Ministry.”
What needed to come out has come—Tweller’s criteria for selecting generals. This was deeply connected to Xiaoxi, so depending on his answer, the Officials would unleash their attacks and inducements accordingly.
Generally, a well-received answer would be something like “those suitable for the mission with no undue burden.” Then they could seize upon Xiaoxi’s lack of experience. How could someone with zero battlefield experience command hundreds or thousands of soldiers?
In the moment when everyone tensed, preparing to raise their hands.
“There are no such criteria.”
“Pardon?”
Tweller delivered an unexpected answer.
“There are no standards when selecting generals. Since each legion has different mission requirements, what the Officials may deem unsuitable could very well be suitable under my judgment. So please don’t ask about criteria—ask only about me. If problems arise, they are my subordinates’ responsibility and my own, so you need only direct such questions to me.”
“But surely you could provide some explanation….”
“It will vary depending on circumstances and my judgment, so I cannot promise that what I say now will be upheld. If you still wish to hear it….”
Tap, tap. Tweller’s fingertips moved habitually—the motion of rolling a cigarette.
“We will proceed based on ability. Look at our magnificent Imperial Guards. Regardless of status or rank, considering only ability, are they not worthy of serving beside the Emperor? The Imperial Defense Ministry I will lead shall be the same going forward. I desire an Imperial Defense Ministry that wins in battles and achieves victory in wars. Is that not precisely what serves Bariel?”
Outwardly composed, yet his teeth were clenched tightly. A declaration that he would not forget the humiliations he had endured, would carve them into his bones, and completely overhaul the Imperial Defense Ministry. This meant that the possibilities for Xiaoxi’s appointment as a general were limitless.
The Officials twirled their pens, exchanging only awkward glances with one another.
“The old man’s really wound up.”
“He’ll hear you. Be quiet.”
“He’s talking about reorganizing the Imperial Guards, so if we object here, won’t we be questioning the Imperial Guards too? Anyway, such a cunning fellow….”
The Officials whispered very quietly, their eyes squeezed shut. Never mind Count Tweller, but they had hoped to drag down Xiaoxi alone—yet there was no opening.
“Are there any further questions?”
Tweller turned around cheerfully, sniffing. The Officials, nearly half-defeated, raised their hands and continued the formal hearing perfunctorily, and just as it was nearly concluding.
Knock, knock.
Creak.
Romandro came rushing in from outside with quick steps and whispered to Jin. This was the message they had been waiting for.
“Your Highness. Word has come from Cliffford!”

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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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