Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 424

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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 424
Fire. The Return of the Magic Bureau
Prince Jin’s expression hardened as he heard my preliminary report. Behind the light of victory that was Bariel and Clifford, he had come to recognize a massive shadow—the Cracks.
Jin pressed his forehead between his palms and murmured.
“If we’re facing a flood of magical beasts, what degree of damage should I anticipate?”
“No one can know for certain. That is precisely why the Magic Bureau has returned early. There should be a guide within the imperial archives—please do not despair.”
“I understand that the shift of power from north to south is far more complex than it appears. Humans exist woven into nature itself, yet nature exists only as it is and cannot comprehend us. It can bring calamity at any moment—I know this well.”
The ecosystem would change, and through it, Gaia’s political landscape and balance would twist.
Bariel would stand at the center of it all, yet I could not guarantee he could walk upright as he does now. Even if we were to walk inverted, suspended by our arms, those of us living within history would struggle to perceive the world’s inversion. The aftermath would fall to our descendants. During that arduous march, there would come a moment when we could no longer continue—when we would collapse. That moment surely existed in the future.
The consequences would be carried by those who came after. In that moment of inevitable collapse, the future was certain to arrive.
“For now, I shall report to Your Highness as planned, then return to the Magic Bureau to investigate the archives and continue interrogating King Damon. Thus, I will provide further details at the late afternoon council meeting.”
“Can you discover anything in such a short time?”
“It will be difficult, but not impossible. And if it is not impossible, then it must be done. Your Highness, is that not the duty of myself and the Magic Bureau?”
As I bowed my head slightly, reassuring him not to worry, my golden hair fell downward. It was a decisive statement that cut through concern cleanly.
Jin smiled softly in understanding, then glanced at Berik. Berik sat rigidly beside Xiaoxi, his gaze fixed upon him with unfamiliar intensity. He appeared deeply displeased about something.
“When do you expect the Chieftain of the Atan Clan to arrive at the imperial palace? They are swift as wind, so I wonder if the invitation will even reach them.”
“They are quick in all matters. No matter what, they will arrive at the appointed time. Once Your Highness sets a date with the King of Eriponi, they will know as if by divination and appear alongside her.”
“Berik. How was it meeting the Atan Clan?”
“Efdiram? That reckless woman?”
“Reckless?”
Was it crude language, or a slip of the tongue?
Jin’s expression showed confusion, yet Berik’s gaze remained fixed upon Xiaoxi’s side, unwavering. He seemed deeply discontented that he alone in this room lacked a title.
Romand, a commoner who had served as Imperial Advisor his entire life, stood openly beside them. Yet Berik’s thoughts could not reach that far.
“It was unpleasant.”
“Was it?”
“Yes. He kept asking me to call Ian ‘father,’ which honestly startled me. But Your Highness… could you grant me a title as well?”
“Pfft—!”
At the sudden statement, Romand sprayed the tea from his mouth. He had never even imagined someone would dare request a title, yet here he witnessed it happening before his very eyes in real time.
Romand wiped the tea from the back of his hand and sternly rebuked Berik.
“You fool! I told you to stay silent if you cannot discern propriety! My apologies, Your Highness.”
“No, it is fine. It is Berik, after all.”
“Berik, listen well. To directly request a title from the imperial family is a grave breach of courtesy. Since only the imperial family can grant such honors, this is a sacred prerogative that must be exercised solely through imperial will—through the will of the Emperor and the Prince. The moment external pressure is applied, it signals that imperial authority has been shaken. Berik, no matter how ignorant you are, be more careful. Yes? Consider it fortune that His Highness is merciful and that only we are present here. Otherwise, you would have been stripped of your position and cast out of the palace!”
“I fought alongside Xiaoxi during the rebellion! I took a massive wound to my abdomen back then and lay bedridden for days! And this time, I went to war directly!”
“You cannot even handle a position if given one—why are you suddenly like this?”
Berik hummed a tune while avoiding Romand’s gaze. To anyone watching, his expression was full of discontent and feigned indifference.
Perhaps he envied Xiaoxi’s advancement—a man he had been close to. Jin seemed to understand this sufficiently, pushing food toward Berik as he explained.
“Berik, I am well aware of your contributions to the imperial palace. However, granting Xiaoxi a title this time was not merely to commend his achievements, but to solidify my own position. By appointing Maxim Tweller as Minister and elevating Xiaoxi to Officer, I established a benchmark for measuring my influence within the palace.”
Berik quietly took a pastry and bit into it. Yet his sullen expression remained unchanged throughout.
“The Imperial Defense Ministry was the target of the purge. Since Xiaoxi belongs to that division, I had no choice but to utilize him. Berik, I know you distinguished yourself in the rebellion and the war. But I need a more plausible justification. Among the countless who have given their lives, I need a reason to raise your hand. That is what I require.”
“….”
The way he coaxed and soothed people was quite convincing and appropriate. I sipped my tea while carefully observing Jin’s profile.
Where had that young Prince Jin gone? They say a year in a child’s life equals a decade in an adult’s, and truly, his growth was dazzling. Not a trace of his past darkness remained.
“Is it something only I can do?”
“Yes. Let’s discover what that is together.”
When Jin patted the back of Berik’s hand, Berik straightened his half-turned body as if he’d been sulking. Something only I can do… The thought consumed Berik’s mind in an instant.
The Atan Clan. A single word that dominated his thoughts. Within the imperial palace, he was the only one connected to the Atan Clan, so perhaps he should pursue that angle?
Romandro narrowed his eyes and asked Berik.
“I never knew you were the ambitious type. Even for the sake of those who would call you by a title, I’d say your peerage is a bridge already crossed in this lifetime.”
“But if I receive a title, I get a fief too, don’t I?”
“Hmm? Well, that’s true.”
What? Not just honor, but material wealth as well? Romandro looked surprised, but everything shattered with Berik’s next words.
“Then I’m going to raise cattle there.”
“…”
I need not hear another word. Romandro shook his head and wiped away the tea with his handkerchief.
I naturally shifted the conversation.
“Your Highness. Regarding Minister Maxim Tweller.”
“Ah, yes. I observed him below. What do you think? I came to know of him through the Prime Minister’s recommendation.”
“Though I have not dealt with him long, he retains the bearing of a true warrior. He possesses what the previous supervisor lacked, so I would say he suits Bariel’s imperial palace well.”
You have purged Volb most thoroughly. And the process itself was excellent. Filling the vacancy with suitable talent and demonstrating the will to correct systemic abuses—I offer my applause. That is what I was saying.
Jin’s faint smile deepened gradually, then blossomed fully.
‘When he smiles like that, he is indeed the Prince Jin I knew.’
“I too have waged war in this place.”
“Magnificent, Your Highness.”
“Thus, just as you brought us tidings of victory, I too wished to show you all a triumph. Count Ian. Now all people shall know the sanctity of mages and hold them in reverence.”
I am seizing control of the imperial palace’s power. So Count Ian need no longer retreat into the shadows, nor look up at me from below. Restraint for the sake of growth has become meaningless—I am doing well.
So, so…
“I ask for your continued support as before.”
So, continue to aid me from my side as you did before, and devote yourself only to Bariel’s prosperity. My growth is Bariel’s growth, and a rare talent like you, Ian, is the pillar of Bariel.
His tone was firm, nearly commanding, yet his gaze was plaintive. He still desperately needed my guidance.
Swish.
I bowed silently without lifting my head. Making no answer. Just as Jin was about to press further—
Knock, knock.
“Your Highness.”
Not long after, a sound came from outside. Not those who had been summoned, but others from different buildings bringing new matters to attend to.
Jin bit his lip softly, alternating his gaze between the door and me. There was still so much he wanted to say, but he hesitated, wondering what could drive those outside to make their presence known so directly.
Perhaps sensing his heart, I rose from my seat and straightened my outer robe neatly.
“Your Highness. Then I shall go ahead to the Mage Division. As I mentioned, there is still much to handle. We shall meet at the conference, and again after it concludes.”
Let us settle our hearts after all official schedules are complete. At my gentle words of reassurance, Jin nodded.
“Very well. Let in whoever stands outside.”
Berik also sprang up from the sofa and stretched, while Romandro followed in my wake, lost in thought.
This was exactly what I wanted. Returning to the Magic Ministry with Ian! Romandro shed tears of joy, trembling with emotion, while Xiaoxi, standing firmly behind Jin, watched him.
Squeak.
“Then, I’ll take my leave.”
A light farewell exchanged through glances. As Ian stepped out the door, an official waiting outside brushed past him, cradling an armful of documents.
Ian found something odd about the sight and turned his head. Back when I was at the Magic Ministry, Jin’s usual spot was the office sofa. My entire job consisted of sitting there reading books, but now he had become someone who sat properly at his desk and processed documents. I smiled mysteriously and headed outside, where I spotted the mages waiting.
“Lord Ian. Half the people already went to the Magic Ministry first. Since it’s been so long, I’m worried they might get lost.”
“Right. Let’s go too. I wish I could tell everyone to rest and recover, but I’m afraid that’s not possible. I hope you understand.”
“It’s fine. The ones who went to the archives will gather all the documents related to the rifts. We’d appreciate it if you could get approval quickly.”
“I’ll contact the Administrative Bureau directly.”
“Yes, understood.”
The moment Ian climbed into the carriage, Romandro’s eyes sparkled as he handed over documents. He had anticipated this and prepared an inter-departmental cooperation request form in advance at the Administrative Bureau. Ian raised his eyebrows in satisfaction and readily accepted the documents.
Scratch, scratch—hearing the familiar sound of Ian’s pen after so long, Romandro felt a surge of happiness. Ah, so this was his fate, to serve like this for life. Could there be anything more fulfilling than watching his superior work?
Clatter, clatter!
Whiiiing!
The carriage hurried along and arrived at the Magic Ministry. Ahead, the carriages they had been riding since Clifford were lined up in a row. Everyone seemed busy moving Akorelra’s materials into the Magic Ministry.
“Akorelra!”
“Who called me? Huh? Lord Ian. Yes, yes. Akorelra is here!”
“Do we have any Truthserum Potion left with usable time remaining?”
“We have two bottles that are cutting it close. Should I make a fresh batch?”
“How long would it take?”
“Here, I could make it with my eyes closed. Just give me two hours.”
“Good. Prepare for King Damon’s interrogation.”
“Kyaaaah! Yes! This is my first time using Truthserum Potion on a king—I’m so excited!”
“Chief, didn’t the Prince use it before?”
“Kids shouldn’t know about such things. There are matters only adults understand.”
I removed my robe and climbed the stairs. Thanks to the familiar sight, my vision and heart filled with a strange sense of stability.
As I crossed the corridor, Romandro and several mages exchanged documents, smoothly handling the accumulated work.
Click.
And finally, I arrived at my office. I recognized the familiar figure standing before my desk.
“Timothy?”
Timothy. His massive frame remained unchanged, but he emanated an atmosphere as if something at the core of his heart had been twisted. Timothy lightly brushed the dust from the desk, then turned toward me.
“I apologize for entering without permission. I came before anyone worthy of granting it could arrive.”
“It’s been a while. I heard you’ve naturalized.”
“Yes, thanks to you.”
“…That’s unfortunate.”
“It was unavoidable.”
I seemed to have anticipated Timothy’s actions to some extent, but it was truly unavoidable. Timothy shook his head, indicating he had nothing more to say on the matter.
There was only one reason he had come here.
“King Damon has been captured as a prisoner, I hear.”
“Yes. He should have been moved to the basement of the Magic Ministry by now.”
“Please allow me to meet him.”
“….”
To meet the architect of a past that had shaken his family and himself to their very roots.
“I beg you, Count Ian. Please let me meet King Damon.”
Ian approached the desk slowly and finished sweeping away the dust. He had extracted Damon’s solemn word on the condition that he would not allow Timothy and Damon to meet. If things proceeded this way, it would be troublesome.
Ian tilted his head slowly and settled into his chair. A sense of perfect comfort enveloped his entire body.
“…Why?”
“Because there is something I must ask him, or rather, hear from him—”
“No. That is not what I mean, Lord Timothy.”
Ian continued slowly.
“My question is why I should show Damon to you.”

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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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