Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 123

‘Minister Wesley, the main component of the Light of the Prophecy has arrived. Please give it a brief confirmation.’

Wesley, who had been glaring at Ian with displeasure, turned her attention away. The surrounding magicians, who had been snickering, followed suit. They quickly moved to prepare for the arrival of the main component.

‘You, wait here.’

Ian nodded, seeing no point in arguing further. Wesley’s frown deepened as she headed outside.

A glossy black velvet curtain separated the interior from the exterior. The increasing murmur of voices and the lively melody indicated that the social gathering was in full swing.

‘Ian, you just smiled, didn’t you?’

‘Huh? Me?’

Beric glanced around at the now-quiet area and noticed numerous magic circles drawn on the floor. Should he avoid stepping on them? He subtly moved his toes away, but Ian walked right over them without a second thought.

‘What if those get erased?’

‘Magic circles don’t easily erase just from being stepped on, unless they’re covered by something else. The main component of the Light of the Prophecy will probably be set up around here.’

Ian murmured, examining the magic circles. It was a chaotic mix of complex formulas written in flowing script and overlapping circular shapes.

‘Wesley seems like she’s up to something. It’s really unsettling, you know?’

‘She probably already has. The Magic Department would want my magic to be unimpressive.’

First, to humiliate the arrogant newcomer, and second, to provide external justification for assigning Ian to a lower department.

‘Since I’m seen as someone from Marib’s faction, it’s naturally a burden to place me in a core department.’

‘Isn’t the minister the head of that department? Can’t she do as she pleases? Who would say anything? Then do you have to just do menial tasks while being mindful of others?’

It was an independent and unique department, but ultimately, it was just one of the many gears in the Imperial Palace. There were too many factors to consider to push Ian down without a clear reason.

‘What kind of trouble would they get into if they mistreated a noble who received the Emperor’s grace without a good reason? The nobles wouldn’t be happy either. No matter how different their backgrounds are, if there’s no respect for those who have been granted a title, there will definitely be checks and balances.’

It was especially clear that she intended not to give Marib even the slightest advantage.

‘So, that means there’s nothing to worry about?’

‘It’s not that simple.’

‘Ugh, this is giving me a headache.’

‘Beric, I appreciate you worrying about me, but you don’t have to. The outcome is already decided.’

Ian murmured, noticing a magic circle that caught his eye.

It was a formula that was subtly different from the activation spell for the Light of the Prophecy that he remembered. There were still many people moving around. They were too busy to pay attention to him, but if he were to release his magic, he would immediately become the center of attention.

‘Looking down from above is easy, but looking up from below is difficult.’

The Magic Stone Management Department that Marib wanted was relatively less popular, so it wasn’t difficult to approach. Therefore, it was important to gain an advantage first and broaden the range of choices.

That meant making his presence known as much as possible right here.

‘And above all, there will be talk among the nobles because I’m from a commoner background.’

He needed to show it clearly.

Even though he was a bastard, he was qualified to be a noble like them. And furthermore, that he possessed a more noble and precious ability than them.

‘To maintain balance between Marib and Gale, a third force is needed.’

Of course, it could be the 4th and 5th princes, who were candidates for the Emperor, but for now, the power of the crowd was perfect. The core of Bariel, bound together under the name of ‘nobles’.

Swoosh.

After checking the incorrect magic circle formula, Ian gestured for Beric to come closer.

‘Beric, lend me your finger.’

‘Finger?’

As if telling him to bite it and draw some blood, Beric bit his index finger. Ian squatted down and pointed out the parts to erase.

‘Cover this part and this part.’

‘Ugh, if I knew this was going to happen, I would have brought something useful!’

‘Yes. My bad.’

‘Yeah. A week of meat dishes.’

When Ian nodded, Beric happily rubbed one side of the magic circle. It was a small part, about the size of an index finger joint, so it wasn’t very noticeable.

Whirring.

It was when Ian was doing a final check of the magic circle with his eyes. The sound of wheels rolling smoothly echoed from behind. Beric, who had turned around without much thought, widened his eyes and hesitated.

‘Ian, that…’

‘It’s the Light of the Prophecy.’

The Light of the Prophecy. It resembled the shape of a giant golden harp. The smooth curves, the frame firmly supporting the base, and the delicate decorative carvings made it look like a celestial instrument given by the gods.

‘But it doesn’t have strings to make sound. Do you see the light that falls softly instead of strings?’

At Ian’s explanation, Beric stared with wide eyes. There were so many magicians and officials around that they couldn’t get close.

‘No. I don’t see it.’

‘Look at it later. It’ll be quite a sight.’

The New Year’s Party. It was a place to provide a spectacular sight at the most important imperial banquet of the year. Especially for the royal family and nobles. It had to show a light as beautiful as the pollen that was scattered all over Bariel.

‘Baron Ian Hiel.’

‘Yes, Minister Wesley.’

At Wesley’s call, Ian slowly approached. The Light of the Prophecy was placed in the center of the magic circle, ready to be activated. Beric’s small bloodstain was hidden under the base of the Light of the Prophecy and was not visible.

‘Do you know how to do it?’

‘You’ve never told me, so how would I know?’

‘When the Magic Department starts the Light of the Prophecy, you just need to place your hand on this surface and activate your magic. It would be good to remember that the atmosphere of the banquet hall will change depending on the wavelength and intensity.’

Ian clicked his tongue inwardly. Even if she had the intention of messing with him, she was being so vague. Ian just nodded, indicating that he understood.

‘Everyone, finish the preparations!’

‘Yes, Minister.’

Whirring. Whirring.

Wesley turned her back, meaning that she had nothing more to say. One by one, the magicians released their magic and poured it into the magic circles on the floor.

The magic circles sparkled as if they were lit up.

Beric watched with sparkling eyes, as if amazed.

‘The golden light is shining even more!’

The flow of magic created a wind in the enclosed space. The velvet curtain, which was shaking slightly, was accompanied by the increasing murmur of people filled with anticipation. Along with that, the orchestra’s performance became faster.

‘You, are you Baron Ian’s escort? Step back.’

‘Huh? Ian?’

‘Go on, Beric. It’s okay.’

It was the moment when Ian lightly waved his hand, telling him not to worry. A magician who was passing by him bit her lip and turned back.

‘Excuse me.’

It was a woman with short, pink hair, like a man. Ian immediately recognized who she was. It was Nakina, from the Magic Department, who had been praised for her contribution to the Battle of Roxan, right after Ian.

‘Hail, Tommy, Nakina. Among these three, there’s only one woman’s name.’

‘What is it?’

She looked around, then sighed inwardly. And she quickly recited the magic confirmation method that Wesley had not told him.

‘Are you right-handed?’

‘Yes, I am.’

‘Then, hold the large stand with your left hand and release your magic with your right hand. It’s important to place your entire palm on the surface of the light, and your hand movements should also be smooth to create a beautiful and natural illusion.’

‘Nakina!’

‘Okay! I’m going!’

The one who called her was also a man who had been praised for his contribution to the Battle of Roxan. Nakina glanced around, specifically at Wesley, and passed by Ian. Fortunately, although some magicians were watching, it seemed that she was not in Wesley’s sight.

‘Nakina, I told you not to get involved in unnecessary things.’

‘No, but still…’

Wouldn’t there be a limit to making a fool of someone who didn’t know anything? Because she didn’t know that Wesley had put a trick on the magic circle, Nakina grumbled with a lot of annoyance.

‘I don’t feel good about taking advantage of a kid.’

‘You’re always like that.’

‘Okay, let’s go down. I don’t want to watch this.’

‘That’s a good idea. Shall we have a beer for the first time in a while?’

‘Is Hail buying?’

They chose to leave the palace and open a keg in a noisy back alley rather than watch the uncomfortable magic confirmation ceremony. Ian looked at them and repeated their names.

‘The Battle of Roxan. Hail, Tommy, Nakina.’

Ian had attended the magic confirmation ceremony countless times in the past. Of course, he knew the method, but their thoughtfulness was impressive.

Swoosh.

At that moment, light poured brightly beside Ian. The velvet curtain that had been dividing the banquet hall was pulled back. The atmosphere of the hall, which was more relaxed than before, came into view at a glance.

‘Oh! It’s Baron Ian Hiel!’

‘It seems like it’s finally starting.’

‘It must be hard to run two events in one day. Haha.’

‘No, think about it. He’s someone who barely made a living in the back alleys, so how hard could it be?’

‘I’m seeing the magic confirmation ceremony for the first time. I’m excited!’

‘But, sister, no matter how you look at him, he’s handsome, right? Honestly, if you only look at his appearance, it doesn’t matter that he’s from a commoner background.’

‘Shhh! Stop talking so carelessly.’

All sorts of noisy voices filled the air. Someone’s sneers, contempt, interest, and goodwill were mixed together, creating a huge wall. An invisible wall between the platform where Ian was standing and the nobles who were watching him.

‘Ian! Good luck!’

Romandro, who was clenching his fists behind him, was also visible. When he raised his gaze slightly, he could see that the Emperor and the royal family were watching Ian. Gale and Marib’s eyes were particularly intense, but Ian ignored them and approached the Light of the Prophecy.

‘I am Wesley, the Minister of the Magic Department.’

Wesley hid the coldness she had shown to Ian and put on a smile befitting a minister. Her gaze was trying to reach Gale on the second floor. Whether it reached him or not, only Gale would know.

‘Everyone knows that the power of magic is very important to support the Great Empire of Bariel. However, it is truly regrettable that there have been no new talents in the past few years. But on this last day of the year, it seems that a new blessing is being bestowed upon the Magic Department, and even Bariel, and I am truly happy.’

Wesley smiled, curving her eyes. The Magic Department had a particularly large budget allocated to it compared to other departments. Where did that budget come from? It came directly from the nobles’ taxes.

‘I swear that the magic that Baron Ian Hiel will show will be used gloriously for the Great Empire of Bariel.’

Clap, clap, clap.

As Wesley clapped and stepped aside, the nobles also reflexively clapped. It was not to cheer, but rather a habit that was ingrained in their bodies.

‘Hmm.’

Ian’s expression did not change. The nobles’ piercing gazes poured down on him, but without any hesitation, he grabbed the Light of the Prophecy.

Tap.

It was the moment when Wesley’s lips were about to curl into a sneer at his hesitant action. Ian very naturally leaned the Light of the Prophecy on one shoulder and took a stance. As if he were about to play a harp without strings.

‘This is how it was, right?’

Long ago, the memories of being an Emperor and a magician created a familiar gesture.

Whirring. Whirring.

‘Oh my. Oh my goodness.’

‘Look at that. His eye color has changed!’

And at the same time, his magic was released. His green eyes turned gold, and a wind swirled around him. Ian placed his hand on the surface of the light with his right hand and then gently rubbed it.

Swoosh!

Whoosh!

‘Ah…’

Following Ian’s touch, thousands of colors scattered. If you could see celestial music with your eyes, it would be just like that, and the nobles’ minds turned blank.