Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 137

“Is that genuine, or just youthful bravado?”

Gale had a strange smile on his lips. How could he speak so confidently, knowing he might be subjected to something called a Truth Serum? Besides its ability to reveal the truth, it was one of the reasons why high-ranking officials were so uneasy. They never knew what the Magic Department might do to their bodies.

“It’s genuine, and it’s the truth.”

“Well, let’s hear it. Those who swear an oath usually have something they want.”

It was an invitation to persuade him. Ian placed his hand on the box’s lid, carefully choosing his words. From now on, he had to speak exactly as he had planned, without a single error. Since there was a high chance Gale would use the Truth Serum, it was best to create a protective shield with every nuance.

“I became a lord with the help of His Highness Marib, but I am not his man. Of course, there are tasks I was instructed to do in return. I believe His Highness Gale is aware of this.”

“That’s something not only I, but also the scribes of the Magic Department know.”

“His Highness Marib wanted me to go to the Mana Stone Management Department.”

Mana Stone Management Department? Gale’s brow furrowed slightly. It was a small clue, but enough to understand Marib’s intentions.

“You were trying to find out about the Truth Serum.”

“I am aware that it is a hot topic in the palace right now.”

“But you didn’t go to the Mana Stone Management Department. Why? Did you think it was easy enough to access?”

“You are correct.”

Ian nodded, slowly extending the box. Gale’s eyes were filled with curiosity, though he was still suspicious. He nodded as if to give permission, and Ian opened the lid.

Swoosh.

“I believe you will recognize it immediately.”

“…Luron?”

Most of what Gale had seen so far was in powder form. At most, he had seen small, fingernail-sized granules, but this was the first time he had seen it in a lump. How many kilograms was that?

“According to the data, the Magic Department currently has about 10 kilograms of Luron stone in storage. About 10 grams of Luron are used in one dose of the Truth Serum, so on the surface, it seems like a very generous amount.”

However, the problem was that the research was still ongoing. They had already used about 5 kilograms in the research so far, and they expected to use about 1 kilogram more to improve its completion.

‘Besides, Luron is a high-grade mana stone with high scarcity. It would be useful not only for the Truth Serum but also in other areas, so it’s clear that they’ll run out if they conduct research a few more times.’

Just because there were 10 kilograms left didn’t mean they were in a comfortable position. That was why they were so desperately targeting the Bratz border, which was suspected to be a deposit site.

Gale held up the lump of Luron, letting the light from the ceiling illuminate it as he muttered.

“…So it was in Bratz.”

Gale’s blue eyes flickered. A faint possibility had not only appeared but had rolled in on its own.

“All the deposits in the Hielo territory have been mined and are currently being managed by the central government.”

Ian deliberately emphasized the name Hielo. As if to say that the owner of the border had changed a long time ago. It was also a way of telling him not to look elsewhere and to focus on him.

Gale kept touching the Luron stone and laughing. It seemed things were unfolding in a very interesting way.

“That’s just a small part of it.”

“I admit, I’m quite surprised, to be honest.”

“If you wish, I will trade Luron stones with the Magic Department. I will supply them at market price. Then, you can easily dismiss the absurd claim that you are against it because you are wasting mana stones.”

That was one of the main arguments of the opposition.

How could they use such a precious high-grade mana stone for a one-time drink? Usually, it was used as an auxiliary tool for magic, so it was natural that there would be resistance to a method of use that made it disappear after drinking.

“Are you trying to pay the tribute with the proceeds from the trade?”

“There are many places to spend money now that I’m in the capital.”

One should respond to a subtle remark with a subtle remark. As Ian smiled, Gale fixed his gaze on the purple Luron stone. It was so beautiful and mysterious.

“So, what do you want?”

Now, tell me what’s on your mind, Gale asked languidly, leaning back on the sofa.

“Please nurture me to become the next Minister of the Magic Department.”

“……!”

It was a series of shocks from beginning to end. He was now curious about what was going on in that small head. Gale opened his mouth slightly, then burst out laughing.

“Ah! Ahahaha! You’re crazy!”

No matter how much high-grade mana stone he supplied, wasn’t the price he was asking too high? The Minister of the Magic Department, no less! He must have gone completely mad.

Gale couldn’t stop his hearty laughter, and Ian patiently waited for him to calm down.

“It’s true that securing Luron stones would make things easier, but that’s it. It would only shut down the nonsense about wasting mana stones. Ian, aren’t you getting carried away?”

“Supplying Luron stones is just my goodwill towards His Highness Gale.”

“Is that so? Then what else is there?”

Anyone could tell that he was talking as if he was coaxing a child. Ian stared at him, and soon Gale’s laughter completely disappeared.

“I will pass the Truth Serum proposal.”

“…Your jokes are getting too much, it’s not funny anymore.”

“It will be fun when it becomes reality.”

“What can you do? You’re just a lower noble with the title of Baron.”

He didn’t have the qualifications or the requirements to attend the meeting. Yet, he was so confident in saying he would do it. It was nothing but deception.

“The whole department except the Magic Department is going crazy over this issue, and you’re going to handle it? And that’s why you want to be made Minister?”

“I didn’t say ‘make me,’ I said ‘nurture me.’ Please dismiss Minister Wesley at the next personnel meeting next week. Then, a power struggle will occur within the Magic Department, and I will take care of the rest.”

He was arrogant. But it was an attitude that came from genuine confidence.

Gale was silent, resting his chin on his hand as he stared at Ian. The child met Gale’s gaze without a hint of fear.

“You’ll take care of it?”

“Isn’t the Magic Department the most merit-based department?”

Gale suddenly recalled Ian during the mana confirmation ceremony. The mana that had captivated not only the nobles but also the entire imperial family. Wesley’s flustered expression was especially vivid.

“Did you tamper with the magic circle during the mana confirmation ceremony?”

“Yes, I did.”

“…How on earth?”

“Magic is not something that can be explained in words. I apologize, Your Highness.”

It was an answer that meant that no matter how much he explained, he wouldn’t understand, so he shouldn’t ask. Ian only smiled, and Gale’s mind became even more complicated.

‘Perhaps, Ian’s mana might be superior to Wesley’s. If so, even if Wesley isn’t dismissed from the position of Minister of the Magic Department this time, Ian will eventually catch up to Wesley.’

One by one, reasons why Wesley wasn’t necessary were emerging. Above all, if Ian was right and Gale was the target of necromancy, it was right to quickly resolve the situation without hesitation.

But….

“Wesley loves me and is loyal to me. How will you be loyal to me? You should know what it means to sit at the head of the Magic Department.”

It meant that he would soon become Gale’s complete subordinate. He would admit that he had as much potential as Wesley, but he was asking if he had the same mindset to be loyal to him.

“Your Highness Gale, I believe.”

Ian finally said the words.

“I don’t think His Highness Marib is fit to be the Emperor.”

“…Ha!”

“So, please use me without any hesitation.”

Ian wasn’t lying. The next emperor would be either Arsen or Jin. At his blatant words, Gale snapped his fingers, and a subordinate hidden in the shadows appeared.

“Did you call, Your Highness?”

“Bring the Truth Serum.”

“Understood.”

Swoosh.

Even while his subordinate moved, Gale didn’t take his eyes off Ian. He looked like he would devour him if he showed even the slightest sign of wavering.

“What if I reject everything you’ve said here?”

“If you’ll excuse my boldness, I will go see His Highness Marib as I am. I will report that Minister Wesley is trying to harm Your Highness Gale with forbidden necromancy.”

Then, Marib would kill Wesley without hesitation. For the crime of daring to harm a member of the imperial family. This was like cutting off Gale’s arms and legs without giving him any countermeasures.

Clang.

Gale took out a cigarette and lit it, then drew his sword. He slowly brought the blade close to Ian’s neck.

“Ian, you survived in the desert like this.”

“You flatter me, Your Highness.”

“What about this case? You must have thought about this case too, right? Tell me. I can’t think of any other way but to kill you right now.”

Ian calmly looked down at the blade. The dim light of the bedroom subtly reflected off the sharp edge.

“I haven’t thought about it. I believe Your Highness Gale is someone who will make a wise decision.”

“You must have honey on your tongue.”

Whether Ian lived or died, Wesley’s misdeeds would be reported to Marib in some way. Therefore, it was much better to put Ian on his side than to give Marib the sword of execution.

Swoosh.

The tip of the sword slowly moved up his neck and towards Ian’s mouth. As if to tear his mouth apart. Gale was warning Ian that he could kill him with just a little force.

“Your Highness. I have brought the Truth Serum.”

At the sound of his subordinate’s voice from behind, Gale threw the sword to the floor. A transparent liquid in a crystal bottle. Gale personally opened the lid and shook it.

“If Wesley is dismissed, the Minister’s seat will be left vacant, and another meeting will be held. In the meantime, it is up to you to gather support within the Magic Department.”

“I am confident.”

There would be a huge ripple effect. Wasn’t the Minister of the Magic Department someone who could make even a flying bird fall? From the moment he was dismissed, all the mages in the Magic Department would clash fiercely. If a department produced a minister, it would receive the benefits of power, just like the current Magic Support Department. During that chaotic period, Ian, or Ian’s faction, had to make their presence known.

“I like that your answer is concise.”

Clack.

Gale placed the Truth Serum on the table. He even gestured for him to drink it, as if urging him to do so. He was a man who looked very dangerous with his bright smile.

“Go ahead and drink it. Why, does it look like poison?”

“It’s not that. As I said, I believe I am helpful to Your Highness Gale.”

“I haven’t even tasted it myself, so I’m very curious about the taste. Tell me in detail.”

Ian carefully drank the Truth Serum. He felt like his throat was burning, and his heart was pounding rapidly. He felt a rush of heat, not unlike strong alcohol.

“Ah-”

Ian slowly opened his mouth as Gale instructed. Suddenly, black blood gushed out. There was no pain, but he couldn’t help but be flustered.

“There’s no need to be surprised. It’s normal.”

“…No wonder the other ministers are so desperate not to drink it.”

“Haha! Yes, it doesn’t look good.”

Gale moved closer to Ian and asked.

“Lord Ian, is there any falsehood in what you have said to me?”

Ian was about to wipe the blood with the back of his hand when he involuntarily blurted out the answer.

“I swear, there is not a single lie.”