Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 542

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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 541
Fire. The Coronation
One step, one day.
Another step, one year.
Then another step, ten years.
With each stride toward the coronation hall, I recalled the past. Rather than memories retrieved by thought alone, it would be more accurate to say I was reviving memories carved into my heart.
The Demon’s whispers that nestled in my embrace.
My mother’s touch as she abandoned me.
Blood and tears flowing down my chin.
And the vow I had whispered—that I would sever anything and everything for Bariel’s sake.
Creeeeak.
Boom!
As the coronation hall doors opened, brilliant light poured forth alongside a majestic melody. The Nobles, who had waited in tension, turned their heads in unison to catch sight of their new Emperor, and gasps escaped them at the sight of the long, trailing cloak.
“It’s so beautiful, truly.”
“All of Bariel’s history is woven within it—it’s too dazzling to even look upon.”
The golden thread embroidered upon the crimson cloth was so elaborate and delicate that it seemed impossible it could have been crafted by human hands. From Bariel’s founding through the age of the previous Emperor, every thread of history was densely woven without a single gap. At first glance, one could not discern whether it was golden thread upon crimson cloth or crimson thread upon golden cloth.
“The Prime Minister follows directly behind.”
“Next is Minister Maxim Tweller of the Imperial Defense Ministry. I thought it would be the Magic Department, but this is somewhat unexpected.”
“Did they not say there would be a war council immediately after the coronation? With war on the horizon, it is the right decision to elevate the Imperial Defense Ministry above the Magic Department. The Magic Department moves by its own existence alone, but the Imperial Defense Ministry ultimately moves by the hearts of the Citizens.”
“How wonderful it would have been if the Empress stood beside him as well.”
“I was just thinking the same thing.”
“Oh, do not speak of such things. There are many from House Davion about.”
Following the path I had taken, the palace Ministers entered in procession. The Prime Minister carried a small golden dagger, while the other Ministers held burning golden candelabras.
“Roel, there’s my brother!”
“…Yes. I see him.”
Vivi spotted Ian and shook Roel with evident emotion, then whispered softly.
“Do you know what the dagger the Prime Minister carries means?”
“…No.”
“It means to serve and counsel the Emperor closely, to share in the governance of the realm. Moreover, it is a vow sworn with one’s own breath—to speak truthfully about right and wrong.”
“What about the candelabra?”
Roel looked down at Ian as she asked, though whether she was facing him directly or watching my retreating figure ahead, I could not tell.
“The candelabra means to dedicate oneself to illuminating the path the Emperor walks. It is also the light that connects the palace to the Citizens. It tells them that he is there, and that I am here.”
I see. So that is it.
Vivi and Roel’s whispered exchange gradually faded beneath the orchestra’s performance.
Meanwhile, I reached the base of the dais. Before ascending to the throne, I had to pass before the statue of an angel—the Messenger who had once connected Bariel and God at the time of the founding.
“Holy water.”
At that moment, the High Priest approached with the holy water and bowed deeply. I brushed the water away with my fingertips and, with reverent gesture, traced my forehead, beneath my eyes, and below my chin. Before ascending to the Emperor’s seat, I wished to show God one final time the form of a mere human.
I knelt before the statue.
Whoosh.
“My name is Jin Berosion. I am descended from Bariel, blessed by God, and carry the blood of the imperial house. I offer this prayer to God: I beseech you, Messenger, that my voice may reach heaven in its entirety.”
The melody ceased, and silence flooded the space. The only sound was Jin’s calm voice—a whisper so soft it bordered on murmuring, yet it resonated through the hall with such clarity that everyone present heard every word.
As Jin bowed deeply, a single drop of holy water traced down his chin.
“From this moment forward, I shall become the father of all things in Bariel. The warm sunlight and verdant leaves, the bitter cold that pierces the heart, someone’s laughter and tears—all that exists shall bear my name.”
A sharp sound echoed through the chamber.
The Nobles lifted one hand to their chests, their eyes fixed upon the statue.
“Therefore, I humbly beseech you. May the blessings that have sustained this great empire for 1111 years continue to flow, and grant me the wisdom to envision the empire as God desires. I swear this oath: if Bariel wills it, I offer every breath, every drop of blood, and my entire fate. But should you find me unworthy—”
Jin lifted his head, his gaze meeting the statue’s. The holy water made it appear as though he wept.
“Then strike me down where I stand. If such is God’s will, I shall die gladly for Bariel’s sake.”
The coronation prayer was an ancient tradition. Unless one died in that very moment, one would gain the justification of receiving God’s blessing.
Most understood it was merely ceremonial, yet once someone invoked ‘death’ before God, tension became unavoidable. Because—
“In a thousand years, exactly two people have died during the coronation prayer.”
Vivi whispered this through her teeth, barely audibly. She thought Roel, having grown up in the desert as a child, might not know.
“I don’t remember their names exactly. They never became Emperor, after all. Anyway, one was crushed to death by a chandelier that fell due to a political rival’s scheme, and the other died from poison disguised as holy water.”
Deaths caused not by God, but by human hands—yet their reverberations were undeniable. They were recorded as those who failed to receive God’s blessing, and their deaths provided ammunition for opposition factions to rise.
Though such a thing seemed unlikely, every Noble watched Jin with bated breath, harboring that faint worry.
A sharp whoosh cut through the air.
The curtain covering the window behind the statue was drawn back. Brilliant light poured in, and the statue’s shadow stretched long across the floor—as if its arm were gently caressing Jin.
The Prime Minister bowed deeply, and the Ministers followed suit, lowering their postures.
‘…God’s blessing.’
Ian saw his own reflection through Jin’s prostrate form. On that day, when he himself ascended to the coronation, had he been like this? Had God granted him blessing, caressing him through shadow?
Suddenly, he remembered the God who had embraced him in the abyss, and a smile played at his lips.
“Prime Minister.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall serve with utmost devotion.”
Before ascending the throne, Jin greeted the retainers who had followed him by touching cheeks. The Prime Minister and Minister Maxim Tweller offered their careful respects, and then it was Ian’s turn.
“Your Majesty. Thank you.”
“That should be my line, Count Ian.”
No. Truly, from the depths of my heart, I thank you.
By your ascension to the throne, my history has finally begun. Bariel shall flourish beautifully along its destined path, and at its end, I shall be waiting.
Your Majesty. There was a time when I realized and envied this: unlike me, you are one who will leave a mark upon history. Your fate, unlike my own which fades away, seemed so complete and solid that nothing could shake it.
But now I understand anew. Because you are so steadfast, I can begin anew in the days to come. And to witness that beginning—that is the fortune granted to me.
A soft embrace.
Jin and Ian held each other in silence, their hearts united in purpose.
Then, slowly, Jin exchanged farewells with the other retainers before ascending the steps. With his movement, the golden cloak rippled and swayed.
A sweeping sound filled the air.
“I, Jin Berosion, hereby declare my ascension as the 15th Emperor of the great empire Bariel.”
Jin seated himself upon the throne and grasped the imperial sword at his side. At this, all retainers and Nobles who had been bowing low prostrated themselves fully, marveling at the Emperor’s coronation.
A deep, resonant bell toll rang out—then another.
The sound of bells ringing from somewhere distant.
The Citizens who had gathered at the imperial palace erupted in cheers, clasping their hands together. Thousands upon thousands of people simultaneously prostrated themselves, celebrating the birth of their Emperor.
“Jin Berosion, our Emperor!”
“Wow, congratulations everyone! A new era has begun!”
“Bariel! Bariel! Bariel!”
“May God’s blessings be upon us all!”
Ba-riel!
The dawn of glory that God holds in his embrace—
Gaia’s heart, tinted gold when the rains fall—
Lift your head high, ever higher, and then you shall see—
That light in the distant heights, Bariel’s beacon—
A hymn of unknown origin gradually swelled through the crowd. Jin stepped out of the coronation hall and waved to the citizens, who erupted in cheers and showered flower petals upon him.
Buuuu—
Buuu—
The blasts of buffalo horns rang out in succession. People who had been wondering what was happening looked around, and one by one they pointed toward the sky.
“Look! There!”
“It’s a Dragon!”
“Woooow!”
—Kyuuuu!
The crimson Dragon soared powerfully through the sky with a mighty cry, and the people waved their hands in delight. At first, they had thought it was a demon that had crossed through the Black Moon, but hearing it was a gift from Ruswena, their hearts swelled with joy. None knew the deeper circumstances behind it.
“A new era for the great empire of Bariel has dawned.”
Ziiing. Zing.
The Mages connected their magical artifacts to amplify my voice. The Emperor’s words whispered to every ear. The people gazed up at me with sparkling eyes.
“As Emperor, I shall endeavor for the empire’s prosperity and your well-being, and furthermore, I shall eternally protect Bariel’s glory. Those who would stand against this—whatever they may be—shall receive no mercy. They shall atone with blood, and through them, Bariel’s dignity shall be proclaimed to all.”
“Woooow!”
The crowd cheered with clenched fists, and soon the procession of soldiers began in the distance. Their flawless marching steps carried an air of solemnity.
Thud! Thud!
“Burgos. A neighboring nation that has long shared borders with Bariel, yet now they kill one another, having lost all national pride. Moreover, they have slain our Bariel’s envoys. I, Jin Berosion, cannot overlook this. Let the valiant warriors of Bariel march forth to Burgos and show them what justice truly is.”
The vanguard of the imperial army departed from the palace. Dozens of white horses led the way, bearing the flags of Bariel, and those who could not enter the palace blessed the soldiers’ departure with fervent enthusiasm.
“Go forth safely and return!”
“Bring us victory! Victory!”
“Proud soldiers of Bariel! You are the empire’s heroes! Thank you!”
“Eileen! Eileen!”
Then, a man in the crowd recognized a familiar face among the soldiers and called out repeatedly. Eileen, who had been focused ahead with tension, glanced sideways at the man. It was the tavern owner she owed a debt to.
“Eileen! Take care of yourself and come back safely!”
“….”
“Don’t die! Don’t get hurt!”
“….”
“When you return, come to the tavern! I’ll buy you all the drinks!”
She was no longer a server working at the tavern, but a soldier in the vanguard. She could not even turn her head carelessly, so she could only wink and smile with one eye.
At that smile, the tavern owner who had been following Eileen through the crowd nodded in relief. Pushed back by the ever-growing crowd, he could not keep pace with the procession, but he shouted one last time with all his might.
“Eileen! You are a warrior of the empire! You’re amazing!”

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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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