Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor - Chapter 635

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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 634. An Uninvited Guest at the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace of Toollun was in disarray, as if a storm had swept through it. Both the exterior and interior were in chaos.
The floors were flooded with water from the power of the spirit sorcerers, and ivory-colored pillars bore scorch marks. Vanusa moved with angry strides, leaving the bustling soldiers behind.
Crash!
She ignored the servant’s guidance and threw open the conference hall doors with her own hands. The Prime Minister and ministers had gathered in what they called an emergency session. And at the highest seat, veiled and seated, was her own king.
Vanusa turned to the Prime Minister and shouted.
“Now, explain yourself!”
“Explain what? How am I to account for Bariel sending assassins?”
“Philia!”
This time she called out the name, turning disrespectfully toward the king. The silhouette barely visible through the veil showed no movement. As if she knew nothing of it.
“The situation has spiraled beyond control. What purpose did the palace have in kidnapping the Empire’s Minister of Magic?”
“Kidnapping? Mind your words. That is merely their one-sided claim. It is not a matter for a spirit sorcerer of the palace to speak of.”
“Please! To resolve this, you must come clean. Even within our own ranks, rumors spread in all directions. How can we overcome difficulties against Bariel like this? Your Majesty!”
Just then, Ardo, the fire spirit sorcerer, arrived late and assessed the situation. When the ministers frowned, Ardo raised both hands helplessly. Vanusa’s anger was justified, and he too sought to unite their purpose.
“Vanusa.”
A clear, childlike voice rang out. Within its emotionless monotone, Vanusa sensed the king’s anger. And well she might, for had not the palace been toyed with by mere handful of people?
Kumasha had not known that Barsabe possessed the ability of doppelgänger magic. Nor did he know how his own abilities would manifest when meeting such power.
“If you are so curious, visit the Masantar Temple.”
“…The Masantar Temple?”
“Yes. There you will find answers to your questions. And Ardo.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Fire suppression falls under Vanusa’s family’s domain, but palace security is led by your family, is it not? Allowing enemies to reach the palace gates was a clear oversight on your part.”
At Kumasha’s rebuke, Ardo bowed his head. Of course, the palace had a Defense Ministry, and many soldiers operated under their command.
But this opponent was a mage and a Mage Knight. Those capable of confronting them were limited to sorcerers in Toollun’s palace, so naturally the responsibility fell to Ardo.
“I apologize. I did not expect them to flee.”
“This incident has revealed how vulnerable Toollun’s palace defenses are. Focus on expanding the Defense Ministry and increasing troop numbers. Under Ardo’s leadership, have the spirit sorcerers recruit mercenary mages.”
To oppose a mage, a mage was certainly necessary. But they feared the puppeteers who moved their opponents freely. Once entangled, one could lose their will at any moment without knowing when or how.
So the command was not for Toollun’s palace to act openly, but for the spirit sorcerer families to take full responsibility and ‘lure’ mercenary mages to their side.
“The number matters little. You understand what I mean, I trust.”
Ardo hesitated and deferred his answer. But that did not mean the order would be reversed. Kumasha turned his gaze to Vanusa, who glared at him from beyond the veil.
“Vanusa. If you wish to resolve your doubts, you are free to depart whenever you choose. If that is not your intention, return to your post. Your carelessness in letting information slip to Berik has thrown the external situation into disorder.”
Everyone had seen and heard it all. The senses of a puppeteer were as those of a god within their domain. Just as Ardo had known, Kumasha too was aware that Vanusa had misspoken.
Vanusa gently bit her lower lip. If she left her post, the fire suppression system of Toollun’s capital would suffer, and agricultural lands would be affected as well.
‘He’s asking if I can bear that cost.’
He would not speak plainly to the end. Vanusa pondered briefly, then bowed lightly.
“Yes. I understand. I shall go myself. I will prepare to depart at once.”
“As you wish.”
When Vanusa spoke thus, Kumasha replied. His voice carried a faint hint of amusement.
“Then, I shall take my leave.”
Vanusa turned without hesitation. The problem was that she would be away from the capital for several days, but if she did not learn the palace’s true purpose now, Toollun might face an even greater crisis. Small sacrifices were necessary.
“Return before it grows late. Otherwise, I fear I shall succumb to longing and seek out a doll that resembles you.”
Those who grasped the meaning hesitated. The warning was clear—if they dared to act foolishly, none could predict what would become of a doll connected to a spirit sorcerer.
Vanusa felt a chill run down her spine, but she forced herself to respond.
“That shall not come to pass, Your Majesty.”
* * *
“The Masantar Temple?”
“Indeed. It is where Damon’s Siblings were relocated by Rutherford. Since it lies within Toollun, the Royal Palace could not possibly be ignorant of it, and there must certainly be something there capable of threatening Bariel. While strengthening our forces through soldier recruitment is the priority, to achieve victory in war, we must delve into that matter.”
At my report, the Prime Minister adjusted his glasses lightly. Before us sat the imperial officials, gathered in a circle—a sight we had not witnessed in quite some time. Looking at the scene alone, it differed little from the ordinary days before the war.
“Hmm. Your words hold merit, Minister.”
“Then the testimony of the sorcerer Katimako is absolutely essential regarding Mrs. Philia’s abduction. Let us send an official letter containing this information to Astana. Please report directly to His Majesty the Emperor.”
“Yes, of course. His Majesty will likely wish to depart for Toollun immediately once Astana’s testimony is secured. The imperial court should pay closer attention to the situations in the east—Hwaun and Ruswena.”
*Rustle.*
As I handed over the report, the officials followed suit, examining their copies. With Philia’s testimony now secured and all that had transpired in Toollun shared at once, the matter became clear. After all, there were limits to what could be conveyed through messenger birds.
“Still, I am relieved you have returned safely, madam.”
“I apologize for the trouble I have caused.”
At the Prime Minister’s welcome, Philia lowered her gaze. She felt genuinely ashamed, imagining how much trouble everyone had endured searching for her in all directions.
“Not at all. Minister Ian, I have grasped the overall situation. Then you intend to return to Burgos immediately?”
“Yes, there is no reason to delay our return.”
I answered the Prime Minister’s question. Philia and Romandro wore expressions of slight disappointment, but had they not already spent the night together reconnecting? Berik, Heil, and Barsabe seemed indifferent to the matter.
The Prime Minister tapped the documents and rose from his seat with an understanding expression.
“Please make the portal back to Burgos as small as possible. The capital has been in complete upheaval for the past day.”
“My apologies.”
“Ah, and what of King Damon?”
He was asking whether I would bring King Damon, who was confined in the Magic Tower, back with me.
Since internal divisions among the Royalists in Burgos were occurring centered around the Hollin Family, King Damon’s presence could unite them. It was merely speculation, but given how far we had come, it was worth considering.
“The Magic Tower falls under the jurisdiction of the Magic Department, so if you wish it, Minister, you may make that decision.”
“I believe Princess Kaila will manage well without King Damon’s assistance. Before that, I would prefer to honor His Majesty the Emperor’s wish—that King Damon not set foot on Burgos soil alive.”
“Hmm. I see. It is truly regrettable what has become of Princess Kaila. I shall meet separately with Marquis Hollin soon to discuss the matter.”
That her legs had become completely unusable was lamentable indeed. He did not yet know that Chloe had also fallen into a peculiar state.
“Ah, Prime Minister.”
“Speak.”
As I rose to leave, I added something that had come to mind.
“As you mentioned, I shall make the return portal as small and discreet as possible. So when necessary, please make appropriate use of this in diplomacy.”
Sparks from the fierce conflict between Hwaun and Ruswena might well fly toward Bariel. Conveniently, the Emperor is absent and all the mages have gone to Burgos, so from the enemy’s perspective, there could be no better opportunity than now. Thus, if needed, it would be acceptable to deceive our opponents into believing I remained in Bariel.
“My return to the capital has already spread as rumor, so as long as word of my departure does not leak out, Ruswena will not dare turn their gaze toward Bariel.”
“I understand your meaning. The atmosphere there is already ominous. Among the information that arrived yesterday was word that the King of Hwaun has died. It appears Prime Minister Shatima held an execution ceremony. It is not certain, but if true, it would be more than sufficient to provoke Ruswena.”
The Prime Minister extended his hand, and I grasped it respectfully. Now I need only go to the Magic Department, gather my belongings hastily, and prepare for departure once more.
Along the corridor leading to the Magic Department, Heil searched his memory and recalled what the mana stone was that Akorelra had sung to. He would be at the mine by now, but no matter. Once I gathered it, I could make good use of it whenever needed.
“Heil. Gather your belongings and come out.”
“Minister Ian, shall I inscribe the portal formula?”
“Right. Since it cannot be suspended in the sky, I shall open a new one on the ground. The backyard of the Magic Department would be ideal.”
“Understood. I’ll gather the materials and head to the backyard right away. Please proceed first.”
“Heil, would you like some help?”
“Romandro. I’m fine. Though I must say, the Magic Department is quite a quiet place.”
“I find it rather lively after so long.”
Heil offered a faint smile before disappearing into the Magic Department. I selected a flat stretch of ground, swept it clean with my hand, and began tracing a magic circle with my fingertips.
“…?”
Yet almost immediately, I sensed something amiss. I tilted my head in confusion and straightened up, then slowly surveyed the surroundings, searching for something.
“Ian, what’s wrong? Is there a problem?”
“It seems there is.”
“What?! Really? What is it!”
Berik, who had been sprawled lazily on the ground, jolted upright in alarm. But I paid him no attention, continuing to examine the ground as I walked. One step to the right, two steps, then forward again….
Whoosh.
I came to a halt before a massive willow tree. As Berik approached, I gestured with my chin.
“Berik. Stab here.”
“Stab? What? The tree?”
“Ian, why, why are you like this. It’s frightening.”
“Romandro, please withdraw with your mother for a moment. Stand over there beneath the awning, if you would.”
Though bewildered, Romandro complied, supporting Philia as they retreated. Berik remained utterly confused, scratching his nose.
“Come on, stab already.”
“Uh, so you mean… the shadow here?”
“Yes. Count to three, then thrust. If the blade doesn’t penetrate easily, you may release your mana.”
“Release my mana? This is absurd. Fine! If you say so!”
Berik rolled up his sleeves and gripped his sword with both hands.
“Here goes! One, two, threeee-!”
And just as he was about to bring the blade down with all his might—
“Wait, wait, wait!”
An urgent cry came from somewhere. Berik blinked in surprise, but all he could see was the well-maintained, expansive backyard.
I furrowed my brow, having anticipated this. I crouched down.
“Show yourself. Shadow of Insufficiency, Natan. Otherwise, I will kill 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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