Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 589

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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 588
Fire. A Bright Place
Jin tapped the table anxiously with his fingertips.
Without realizing it, he kept his gaze fixed outward, listening intently to every small sound. The night air outside was illuminated by torches from the sudden capture operation against Rutherford that had erupted in darkness.
‘Will it be alright?’
Rutherford. A puppet of the Underworld Deity entangled with the illegitimate Ian for ages, the very man who had brought Ian to his knees and buried him in the abyss for nearly a decade. Was that all? The Idgal he had distributed was deeply connected to the princes’ rebellion, and viewed more broadly, he was a threat to my own imperial throne.
Because this man slipped through their grasp like water, Jin could not shake his worry that something might happen to his people—Ian, Xiaoxi, Tweller, and the others.
“I must trust them.”
Jin muttered softly to himself in reproach. If he did not believe in them, then who possibly could?
After guessing and dispelling his worries dozens of times over, Jin suddenly rose at the sound of footsteps from outside.
Whoosh.
Before the servants could move, he opened the doors himself and peered down the corridor. In the distance, Ian and the Mages were entering with slightly weary expressions.
“Count Ian!”
“Your Majesty.”
Ian, who had been walking, looked at Jin with a slightly startled expression. But soon, as if understanding Jin’s concerns well, he nodded. It meant everything had been resolved without problems.
“My apologies. We are a bit late.”
“No, you are not late. Is everyone safe? No injuries?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Fortunately, Captain Heil is unharmed, and the other Mages have completed their mission without issue and returned. Shall we step outside for a moment? It is quite late, so I intended to report briefly, but it would be proper to show you directly.”
Jin examined Ian carefully and soon realized that the blood smeared on him belonged to others.
But he could not be reassured. Even if that were the case, who could know what wounds might be visible under sunlight? The Agiar Palace held shadows that torchlight could not illuminate, and he was frustrated that he could not examine them properly.
“…Lead the way.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
The Mages likewise showed signs of fatigue, but none appeared seriously injured. Then what of the Imperial Guards?
The Palace Guards following behind in support also seemed curious about the fate of their colleagues. Jin quickened his pace and exited Agiar Castle.
Creak!
Boom!
The massive wooden gate stood half-open, and as Jin approached, it swung wide. Officers and Soldiers from the Imperial Defense Corps who had participated in the battle were gathered in one place, removing their armor, while Xiaoxi was consulting with Tweller about something.
“Berik! Are you alright?”
“Captain Jairot, are you unharmed?”
“Ugh, for heaven’s sake. I’ve got another hole in my belly.”
“You madman, did I want to make this wound?”
Berik’s wound appeared deep, but he lay there unconcerned, raising his middle finger.
Captain Jairot, who sat beside him, also appeared intact. Though sweat poured from him, it was only from exhaustion without having recovered his strength.
“Your Majesty.”
“Is everyone alright? Any fatalities?”
“None, Your Majesty. The Soldiers who faced Rutherford’s Mage Knights sustained some injuries, but they are merely light falls—nothing to concern yourself with.”
As Xiaoxi spoke, certain figures immediately caught Jin’s eye. Rutherford’s subordinates lay face-down on the ground with their wrists and ankles bound.
The Mage Knights had resisted to the end and were beaten into bloody pulps, while the Mages were in relatively better condition. Though they were equally bound by Idgal chains.
“The Mage Knights are Rutherford’s subordinates, while the Mages are forces under Ruswena. The Mages surrendered relatively easily. It seems they are taking their lead from Ruswena.”
“Ruswena appears to have been attempting to distance herself from Rutherford. According to their separate statements, Ruswena’s faction intended to return home, while Rutherford’s faction sought to go to Toollun.”
“And the problem is the Puppeteers….”
The Puppeteers were all dead. Soldiers had cut them down without realizing what they were, some had fallen off cliffs while fleeing, and others had bitten their own tongues in resistance. All the corpses had been recovered, but since they weren’t alive, there was no information to be gained.
“Very well. Then, what about that?”
“Yes. It’s Rutherford.”
His head was bound with cloth draped over it. When I gestured to confirm his face, Ian shook his head at me.
“That’s not possible right now, Your Majesty.”
“Why not?”
“Below the cliff, there was a final resistance in what appeared to be a Laromedia habitat. Rutherford consumed something from it and induced hallucinations in his opponent, but we need to investigate precisely what the medium was. The most likely candidate is his voice, but simple breathing or even his gaze could have an effect, so we’ve kept him covered.”
Heil and Berik attributed it to dust drifting inside the cave, but nothing was certain. For safety’s sake, there was no choice but to isolate Rutherford completely.
“I see.”
I looked down at the bound Rutherford, who lay as if dead, then turned my body. Countless people lowered their postures to gaze at me.
“You have all labored greatly. By capturing Rutherford and his associates—the very core of the Agiar battle—especially the Mage Knight and the Mage, there could be no greater victory. The glory and honor of the Empire shall shine for them, and I am proud that you stand with me.”
Thump.
At my words, everyone bowed their heads deeply. When Ian tried to lower his posture as well, I reached out and patted his shoulder with my own hand.
“Thank you for returning safely.”
“You honor me with such words, Your Majesty.”
“You’ve worked hard. Everyone focus on treatment and take care of your bodies and minds.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
The Officers led the Soldiers away, and Ian approached me, whispering quietly.
“Your Majesty. Berik was wounded by Rutherford’s Idgal.”
“By Rutherford’s Idgal?”
“Yes. Berik’s recovery has always been exceptional, making him a central pillar of our strength, but given that the bleeding continues, I suspect his return to full capacity will take longer this time. Captain Jairot’s condition isn’t good either.”
“This is troublesome. I heard Barsabe is also in critical condition.”
“Your Majesty. Forgive me, but the Imperial Guards are quite fatigued. The Mages are exhausted as well, but I cannot begin to measure the psychological burden they bear from such significant losses. Would it not be wise to extend our planned stay here?”
“Good. See that supplies are prepared without issue.”
“Yes. And during our stay, we should also investigate the Laromedia habitat. Previously, did not a suspicious individual manipulate a puppet bearing Your Majesty’s likeness on the central street of Bariel? This is our chance to uncover the truth.”
“Shall we entrust this to Astana?”
“Katimako provided counsel regarding Laromedia, so it would be good to entrust him, but I’m uncertain. Most of Astana’s Sorcerers have fallen in battle, so it may not be feasible.”
“Understood. When day breaks, I shall have a discussion with King Astana.”
“A wise decision. The Mage Knights shall be executed at an appropriate time, and we should observe the Mages’ disposition a while longer. Ruswena may respond first.”
“Shall I send word separately?”
“I shall defer to Your Majesty’s judgment. Either course seems acceptable to me.”
I pondered for a moment, recalling Eldetr. That cunning and arrogant teal serpent who had succeeded Eriponi. The more information I gave him, the more certain he would scheme.
In times like these, silence causes confusion. Let him spin endless imaginings in his own mind.
“I will not send word.”
“Understood. I shall inform them accordingly. Since sorcery and magic are different in nature, the Mana Seal Stones will not completely suppress Rutherford. I shall personally oversee his guard.”
He was, after all, one who created Idgals. Having other Mages nearby to watch him would carry considerable risk.
As I and Ian assessed the current situation and issued appropriate orders, the sky began to brighten. Then, gradually, the complexions of people hidden by darkness were revealed.
“The sun rises.”
“Sigh… why does a single day feel so long.”
“You haven’t slept, so of course you’re exhausted. Come on, let’s go get some rest.”
“This is why leaving home is such a nightmare! Hahahaha!”
“But if I’d stayed cooped up at home, how would I have earned the Empire’s honor and glory? Goodness, this is grueling!”
The Soldiers blinked wearily, haggard and utterly drained. Jin suddenly turned to look at Ian, wondering if any hidden wounds might be visible in the darkness.
But that worry proved unfounded. Ian’s green eyes sparkled even more brightly, and his expression was more at ease than ever, bearing the relief of having crossed a great mountain.
“Your Majesty should rest as well. The day has finally ended.”
From the collapse of Agiar’s walls to the pursuit and capture of Rutherford—just a single day had passed. Yet it felt impossibly long.
“…Yes. I can finally rest easy.”
Jin nodded and surveyed the surroundings once more.
Everyone was alive.
* * *
The third day of Bariel’s occupation of Agiar.
Though war had devastated the land and the nation teetered on the brink of collapse, the sun rose steadily. Thanks to Bariel’s clemency in sparing civilians, the people lived lives that were ‘close to’ normal.
“Is this all the laundry? There’s quite a bit today.”
“We trained twice yesterday.”
“Understood. Leave it here.”
“This is compensation. I’ll put your name down, so you can claim wheat at the next supply distribution.”
“Yes, thank you. I’ll work hard.”
“Oh, and could you gather some people who know how to sew? We need a group to mend something.”
“Of course. How many do you need?”
“About thirty people?”
The Agiar Residents provided labor in exchange for modest compensation or priority access to supplies, while Bariel systematized and took control of the city’s various districts.
The battle between Burgos and Bariel had long since ended. Now, residents with anti-Bariel and pro-Bariel leanings created a subtle atmosphere, waging an invisible war.
“But I noticed other Soldiers heading toward the castle earlier. Is something happening?”
The Resident who ran the laundry asked casually while organizing fabrics. Knowing how the situation was developing, even small details, was a form of competitive advantage.
The Soldier sniffed dismissively and chewed on dried meat.
“There’s an execution ceremony for the Mage Knights from Rutherford’s faction.”
“Ah, so it’s today?”
“Yeah. Lucky for us, we get a break from training. Though we trained twice yesterday.”
“It’s not a public execution?”
“They’re doing interrogations too, I heard. Anyway, thanks for your help.”
“Yes, understood. I’ll contact you.”
The Soldier, finally getting some rest, headed straight into a back-alley tavern. Only confused civilians trailed after the Soldiers, moving toward Agiar’s castle.
But the castle gates stood firmly shut. There was no way to know what was happening inside.
Creak.
The gates closed doubly, and Soldiers lined both sides in preparation for any contingency.
Ian sat upon the dais in a chair, his cold gaze fixed downward. Before him, masked figures knelt in a single line.
“Remove their masks.”
“Yes.”
Ian rested his chin on one hand and watched leisurely as they shook their heads, disoriented by the sudden light.
Among them, Rutherford looked up at me with his wits half-scattered, and I greeted him with a cold smile.
“You look even worse in the light.”
“….”
“Rutherford. I will begin the interrogation now. If you fail to answer truthfully, you will not die a pleasant death—I suggest you choose wisely. I will also grant your subordinates the right to speak. Should any of you wish to say something, you are free to do so.”

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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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