Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 462

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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 462
Fire. Master of Destiny
Meanwhile, Tweller rushed down the corridor, draping the armor his subordinate handed him across his shoulders.
The summons had been sudden, but it wouldn’t take long for all forces to assemble. Fortunately, foreign envoys were currently within the palace for peace negotiations, so the palace guards had already entered a state of semi-mobilization for the sake of mutual safety and peaceful dialogue.
“There are three armories total—what’s the exact location?”
“The largest one, the central armory.”
“Minister! A body has been discovered in the garden leading to the Secondary Palace! The trauma is evident, so we believe it’s the work of intruders!”
Tweller stopped in his tracks. The Secondary Palace was far removed from this place of chaos. Yet the intruders had reached there? A deep sigh escaped him, and cigarette smoke scattered chaotically.
“If they’ve already moved that far, considerable time may have passed since the initial breach.”
“The route as well. Separate from the explosion we heard here, they may have infiltrated through another entrance. We should search the Secondary Palace gardens as our focal point—no, the entire palace grounds.”
“According to Romandro’s report, Rutherford is here. We can’t disperse our forces. The Magic Ministry is in the Secondary Palace, so request support from those on duty there—”
The moment the Magic Ministry was mentioned, a figure flashed through Tweller’s mind. King Damon Runkvis.
“Isn’t King Damon currently detained in the Magic Ministry?”
“Yes. The Magic Ministry is handling the interrogation….”
“Ah!”
That Rutherford stood behind Damon had already been revealed during the peace negotiations. Hadn’t the Burgos delegation itself openly declared they were following Rutherford’s orders, setting aside their national duties?
Burgos, defeated and left without a king.
And Rutherford, extending his influence there.
“…This is an attempt to abduct King Damon. Quickly relay this to the Magic Ministry and strengthen their defenses!”
“The Burgos delegation could also be a target.”
“Keep King Damon secured in the Magic Ministry, and move the Burgos delegation to the furthest possible location.”
“Move quickly!”
Tap, tap, tap!
As the officers scattered in all directions, Tweller headed out to command the scene directly.
Before the massive arched passage leading into the armory, soldiers stood uneasily with drawn swords, as though troubled by something invisible. When Tweller approached, they reported in bewildered tones.
“Minister!”
“Can’t we enter?”
“No. We cannot get in. It appears to be some kind of protective barrier….”
Zing. Zing.
Tweller placed his hand against the transparent, shimmering empty space. Sparks erupted in protest at the contact, leaving a sharp heat upon his palm.
Magic. A mage had cast a protective barrier over the entire building. The problem was that he couldn’t determine whether it belonged to the Magic Ministry or to Rutherford’s faction.
“Minister. If this were the work of palace mages, they would never bar soldiers from entering. Didn’t Count Ian send Romandro to alert us while simultaneously requesting reinforcements?”
“I agree. What if we use the mana-sealing stones allocated to the Imperial Defense Ministry to break through?”
“The one who benefits from isolation is Rutherford’s faction. A swift decision would be safer for the mages inside as well.”
“If they’re trying to defend this building, could there be a passage connecting to the outside within it? If so, we must resolve this as quickly as possible.”
“Minister Tweller! Make a decision!”
“Or perhaps I should have the mana-sealing stones brought first. Then consider—”
Everyone urged Tweller with one voice. Situationally speaking, it was Rutherford’s doing to block the palace guards’ entry.
Though they were wary of mages, they paradoxically understood their importance well, which made the officers’ pressure all the more urgent.
Then, a ruffian’s cry echoed from behind.
“Yes!”
Brief as it was, I could immediately tell who had called.
“Berik has arrived! Why are you all lingering here?”
Behind him, Barsabe appeared as well.
“Pardon me, Minister. Prince Jin is concerned for the wellbeing of Count Ian and the Mage Division. He has dispatched two Imperial Guards to verify their safety. Regardless of Rutherford’s arrest, we shall first confirm that Count Ian is unharmed.”
Unlike the colt, Barsabe presented herself with utmost courtesy and rationality, clearly stating her identity and purpose.
Tweller stepped back and made way.
“If it is the Prince’s command, then naturally.”
“Thank you.”
“However, a protective barrier has been erected, so it will take time.”
“A protective barrier?”
As Barsabe rolled up her sleeves and approached, Tweller hesitated. Right. He had completely forgotten because of that colt. Most of the Imperial Guards were Mage Knights who possessed mana. Unlike ordinary mortals, they could instinctively sense magical power.
Barsabe carefully placed her hand on the protective barrier, and her expression immediately darkened.
“An unfamiliar aura? Surely the work of Rutherford and his associates?”
“Then we must hurry to dispel it-!”
“No.”
Barsabe firmly refuted the officers’ words.
“This is from the Mage Division.”
* * *
Rutherford stared intently at Ian, who kept his head bowed.
As time passed, the silence grew increasingly strange. Displeased with this, his brow gradually contorted. Normally, any response would be natural to hear. Yet this lowborn boy was not even breathing audibly.
“I-Ian?”
“Goodness, Ian! Are you all right?”
“Y-you madman! How dare you do such a thing to Ian-!”
And then, unwanted presences.
Rutherford slowly turned his head. Judging by their attire, they were mages from the palace. He had no idea what the red bands wrapped around their heads signified, but they looked remarkably foolish.
Rutherford deliberately tapped the back of Ian’s head with his fingertip, as if to show them all what the boy everyone called Minister truly was in his grasp. Throughout it all, Ian remained completely motionless.
“Bariel’s proud mages, I see.”
“How insolent! Step away from Ian at once!”
“Haha. Ian, is it.”
“What are you—”
“You know nothing. How filthy he is, how thin, how foul his stench.”
“What are you—”
Rutherford slowly walked past Ian. With each deliberate step, the mages’ hearts seemed to sink.
That Ian had knelt without even resisting. Whether it was magic or illusion, they could not even discern. Could they truly face this man alone? Rutherford by himself might be manageable, but through the half-open exhibition hall entrance, the number of his associates seemed formidable.
“Stop! Do not move!”
“Those who seek to capture me—why would they fear me drawing near?”
“What have you done to Ian? You bastard!”
“I merely exchanged greetings after so long. Is there a problem?”
Ian lowered his posture and remained silent. That was all. Just as they revered Ian, he now knelt before Rutherford as if in reverence.
Upon that realization, the Mages’ pupils flickered for a moment. The creator of Idgal was Rutherford. And Ian, who had confessed to playing a part in it. Like interlocking gears grinding into motion, the truth seemed to shift and reveal itself.
The Mages retreated while calling out to me.
“Ian! Please, come to your senses! Can you not speak? What should we do?”
“Damn it! Tell us what’s happening!”
“Please, Ian, tell us!”
But there was no answer.
Rutherford swung his long cigarette holder lightly, a satisfied smile on his face. He could not tolerate silence directed against him, yet this silence that pushed others away pleased him.
“Let’s see. I should reduce the number of Mages a bit. Ah, forgive me, but I harbor no personal grudge. All of this unfolds as a single plan under God’s will.”
Hoo. Rutherford exhaled a plume of hazy smoke and murmured thus. Should I kill, or should I spare? Should I spare, or should I use? The attitude of one who recognized himself as a perfect predator.
The Mages seemed to be drowning in despair, fear, and bewilderment—until they noticed my hand pressed against the floor.
“…Ian, your hand.”
A fist clenched so tightly that the bones of the back of my hand jutted out white. Though there was nothing to grasp, the trembling seemed desperate, like searching for even a handful of straw.
The Mages, who had been staring blankly at it for a moment, stopped their retreat.
Thud.
One by one, the Mages removed their robes and laid them on the ground. It was a conscious act—hoping that even if their entire bodies burned away, some trace of their existence would remain in this world through their robes. This meant they had resolved themselves to death.
‘His body won’t move according to Ian’s will.’
‘We are the only ones who can help Ian now.’
‘We must stand against this. If we don’t, everything will crumble.’
Whether it be the palace, Bariel, or even Ian himself.
Zing!
The Mages simultaneously unleashed their magical power, covering the building with a massive barrier. Though their intention was partly to bind Rutherford and his men, they were also concerned that someone in the palace might catch sight of me.
Ziiing!
A boy with brilliant golden hair and fresh green eyes gazing upon the world.
One who could soar higher than any among those close to divine power.
Their guide connected through a sixth sense.
Ziiing!
Whoooosh!
The only one who could make Ian kneel was Bariel alone.
The power extended by the Mages instantly filled the surroundings. Rutherford watched this with interest, his expression clearly showing he had anticipated even this.
“…How futile.”
Their secret passage was a painting, after all—what use was sealing the building? He swung his cigarette holder gently.
“I told you, this unfolds as a single plan under God’s will.”
Whoosh!
As ash scattered, those who had been hiding like shadows revealed themselves before Rutherford. A blue light rippling from their fingertips. Mages.
The palace Mages and Rutherford’s Mages stood in direct confrontation, wary of each other.
“…This is the palace. Surrender peacefully. You were fortunate to enter, but leaving will not go as you wish.”
“Fortune? I have never relied on something so small and faint. I came this far through our will alone.”
“Do you understand what it means to manufacture Idgal?”
“It means placing a Mage’s lifeline in the creator’s hands! Why do you support Rutherford?”
“How many times must you make me repeat myself?”
Rutherford’s mages lowered their stances.
“By divine will.”
And the blue light grew steadily deeper.
In response, the palace mages drew forth a deep yellow radiance. In that instant, their gazes locked with lethal intent, each seeking to sever the other’s breath.
“…Stop.”
A clear voice rang out. Small, yet impossible for anyone to ignore. It was Ian.
Everyone in the chamber, including Rutherford, turned their gaze. A boy leaning against the wall, swaying unsteadily. His golden hair hung limp, obscuring his face.
“Ian! Are you alright?”
“Are you regaining consciousness?”
“…!”
Unlike the delighted mages, Rutherford’s expression darkened with confusion. How could he be standing? I never commanded it. Rutherford turned his entire body and walked toward Ian.
“Ian. Playing commander seems to have amused you greatly. Moving about without sense or reason.”
“…You?”
“What?”
Ian gasped for breath, muttering something incoherent. Unable to hear from a distance, Rutherford leaned his upper body forward himself.
Then Ian seized his half-open collar and yanked it hard.
Crunch.
“…!”
“A plan to be realized by divine will?”
Blood trickled from Ian’s lips. The inside of his mouth had split from the force of his grip.
“I’m curious. Did your plan include something like this?”
Zing! Zing!
Through the strands of Ian’s golden hair, his emerald eyes transformed in an instant to golden. Realizing in that fleeting moment how dangerously close they had become, Rutherford attempted to pull back, but he could not break free from Ian’s grasp.
“If it did, then I believe the master of that fate is me.”

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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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