Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 142

“Why is it so noisy outside?”

“I’ll go check it out.”

“If it’s a disturbance, let me know which department is responsible.”

“Yes, yes, I understand, Lord Paal.”

Marib’s aide urged the attendant. How could such noise be heard through the door during an important meeting? He bowed his head, noticing Marib’s gaze from the high platform. This was a meeting where the downfall of the Magic Department was expected, so no problems could arise.

“Please be quiet. We will now begin the personnel meeting for the year 1101 of the Imperial Calendar. Everyone, please rise and swear an oath of loyalty to His Majesty.”

Thud.

At the Prime Minister’s direction, everyone seated rose and placed their hands on their chests. Marib and Gale, seated closest to the Emperor, did the same. The Emperor, seated at the highest point, simply looked down at them with dignity.

“I swear by my honor that the purpose of this personnel meeting is to contribute to the proper development of the Great Bariel Empire by appointing the right people.”

“I swear.”

It was ridiculous. They only sought fair and just individuals in words, while their hearts were filled with their own selfish desires. Those with voting rights spoke first, followed by those with only the right to make proposals.

“Now, let’s begin. First, the Legislative Department. The current head of the Legislative Department, Cartes, please come forward.”

The current head needed to actively argue what he had done for Bariel over the past year and what achievements he had made. It could be for reappointment, but it was also a matter of honor for someone who had received a salary.

“Next, I will call out the five candidates for the head of the Legislative Department. Please rise in order of Bariel language and introduce yourselves.”

The internal candidates had already laid the groundwork through behind-the-scenes maneuvering before the meeting. The other candidates were merely placeholders, gaining experience for the future. Marib watched the meeting proceed with a solemn expression.

“Your Highness.”

It was then. Paal, the aide who had returned behind the platform, called him. Marib kept his gaze fixed forward, only tilting his head to the side.

“I’ve been told that the mages outside are setting up a magical barrier.”

“A barrier? The captains are all in the meeting.”

“A mysterious smoke that started in the north is coming this way. Outside, there’s a clash between those trying to stop the meeting and those trying to continue it.”

Marib frowned. He didn’t know what was going on. In that gap, the Prime Minister announced that it was the Magic Department’s turn.

“Next is the Magic Department. Minister Wesley is absent, but since there are no registered next candidates, it is decided that she will be reappointed…”

“I object.”

It was Gale who cut off the Prime Minister’s words. He raised his hand and stood up from his seat as if he had been waiting for this moment. A murmur quickly swept through the meeting hall.

“No way, is it not?”

“Is it true? Lord Gale and Minister Wesley?”

“Shhh, be quiet.”

The moment they saw with their own eyes what they had only heard as rumors. Everyone in the hall focused on Gale. The Emperor was no exception.

‘Your Highness. If by any chance the Minister is ousted and an opportunity comes to me.’

Marib recalled what Ian had said in the middle of the night. Honestly, he was half-doubtful and thought there was a hidden agenda. But was there any better news for Marib than Wesley truly falling from grace?

“I oppose the reappointment of Minister Wesley.”

“Oh my! Heavens!”

“Lord Gale, what are you saying?”

“Your Highness! It’s Minister Wesley of the Magic Department! That Wesley!”

“Hey, let’s stop the meeting for a moment.”

“We cannot. There’s nothing wrong with the statement.”

“Everyone, be quiet!”

Clang!

The Prime Minister struck his staff, and the commotion stopped abruptly. If they were to be kicked out in this situation, there would be no greater disgrace. Gale slowly looked at his brother, Marib.

‘This is what you wanted, isn’t it, Marib?’

It seemed as if he was saying that. Marib let out a gasp, his face flushed. Just as Ian had said, something must have happened between the two. It was cut off before it became a bigger poison, that was the only way to explain Gale’s attitude.

“Lord Gale, please continue your statement.”

“It has been quite some time since Minister Wesley was appointed to the Magic Department. The Minister is capable, but she has not shown any will to develop, disregarding the continuous problems that have been raised.”

Excessive budget allocation. Opaque work processes. Private personnel management. Extensive overreach of authority, and so on. Each time Gale pointed out one thing, people’s expressions turned to shock. As if they couldn’t understand why Gale was doing this.

Wasn’t he the beneficiary of all those corrupt practices?

“Therefore, I believe it would be beneficial for the Magic Department to oppose the reappointment of Minister Wesley and appoint a new Minister. What do those with voting rights think?”

Gale’s question caused the murmuring to grow louder again.

“If Wesley is ousted, what will be the aftermath? Will the witch stay still?”

“Right, if we didn’t know, it seems Wesley doesn’t know either.”

“Hey, are you that blind? Don’t you know what it means that Minister Wesley didn’t come to the meeting?”

“Did Lord Gale already take care of it?”

“Oh my, how did this happen…”

“There must be someone he has in mind for the next Minister of the Magic Department.”

“It seems Lord Gale is trying to control the Magic Department directly. Oh my, I can’t believe it.”

Confusion was rampant among Gale’s faction, or rather, the faction that relied on the Magic Department. It was true that they served Gale, but their connection to him was clearly through Wesley.

“Brother, say something.”

Gale smiled and spoke to Marib. Nearly half of the people here were part of the First Prince’s faction. He had lit the fuse, so it was up to them to do something.

Swoosh.

“Lord Marib, please speak.”

When Marib raised his hand with a strange expression, everyone in the hall fell silent again. He looked at Gale, not the audience, and made his point.

“…I also agree with Wesley’s dismissal.”

At the same time, a chorus of approval erupted. Those who followed Marib had lent their support after hearing the First Prince’s intentions.

“I agree! I also agree!”

“That’s right. The Magic Department needs to change gradually.”

“I agree! I unconditionally agree!”

“No objections!”

“Since the Minister is absent, there’s no need to hear any objections! Let’s move on! We can receive the next Minister candidates again!”

Only the pro-Wesley faction, including the Magic Department, remained silent amidst the storm in the hall. Not only did they not have the right to speak, but if the situation continued like this, it would be wise to let go of the Wesley line. If only she had been here, she might have been able to come up with a plan…

“Oh my, this is…”

“What, what are you saying? Minister Wesley is being dismissed?”

“This can’t be happening!”

“Shut up! The captains under the Magic Department have no right to speak!”

“That’s absurd! No! Something is wrong!”

The captain of the Magic Support Department especially went into a frenzy and shouted, so the Imperial Guard escorted him away. The meeting hall had turned into chaos in an instant. The Prime Minister repeatedly struck his staff to restore order, but those who were already excited did not easily lower their voices.

Hiel was also in shock, calmly stroking his beard.

Clang!

It was then.

A huge roar was heard from outside, and the ground shook. The Imperial Guard moved quickly, and the Prime Minister struck his staff again, ordering silence.

“Lord Gale.”

Gale noticed that his aide’s voice was trembling. He frowned for a moment. Then, he bit his lip tightly and glared at his aide with a fierce gaze.

“How did you handle the matter?”

“I, I apologize. I clearly dealt with Wesley’s aide, but as soon as the body was sent out of the palace, it turned into wood chips.”

“So, where is Wesley?”

“It seems she broke free of her shackles with the aide’s help.”

“You better be prepared when this is over.”

“…Yes, Your Highness.”

That’s why mages are! Gale clicked his tongue and stood up from his seat, and the Prime Minister looked at him with a puzzled expression.

“Continue the meeting. My brother will cover my shortcomings. Brother, I will take care of the outside.”

After all, the biggest issue of this meeting had already been raised. If the commotion outside was Wesley’s doing, he had to go out and deal with her directly. Before any unnecessary words came out of her mouth. Gale preemptively prevented Marib from leaving his seat and turned his back.

“Lord Marib, what should we do?”

The Prime Minister asked Marib’s intentions in a crawling voice. Even though the Emperor was standing right behind him, the fact that he was asking him instead of the Emperor was proof of who the real power in the palace was. Marib looked at Gale’s empty seat and nodded.

“Continue.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Even if he didn’t go out, there were many eyes and ears. It was something that would be reported later. Right now, it was a priority to finalize Wesley’s dismissal.

‘It’s almost the first time Gale and I have been on the same page.’

Although they were hiding different intentions, Marib thought that this would be Gale’s misstep. He had lost an important force called Wesley, and because of that, Marib had discovered that he had a significant weakness.

“Silence! We will continue the meeting!”

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Even if the world turned upside down, even if the building collapsed, the meeting would continue. The obsession of those who were about to seize power was burning everywhere.

Clang!

Another roar was heard, but this time no one paid attention. They desperately ignored it. What they needed to focus on was inside the meeting hall.

* * *

Tap tap tap!

Gale ran out to the lobby, escorted by his aide and the Imperial Guard. He unconsciously touched his waist, but it was empty. Noticing his gesture, the aide quickly instructed the attendant.

“Bring His Highness’s sword that was left when entering the meeting!”

“Yes, I understand.”

“Bring the bow too. And the arrows with the magic sealing stones.”

As Gale added, the attendant turned around and ran back in a hurry. By the time they reached the end of the hallway, they could clearly see the entire lobby.

Zzzing! Zzzing!

“Damn it! The magic circle! I’m running out of power!”

“Ugh! I’m at my limit!”

“Get a grip! Lady Wesley! Please stop!”

“Someone give me some magic power!”

“Lady Wesley! You can’t just come in like that!”

A magical barrier, an opaque golden wall, was drawn. It was a barrier created by the mages. They were all pressing their palms against the wall, squeezing out every last bit of their strength.

Several dozen mages, facing just one person.

“Please! What on earth have you done?!”

Wesley. It was her.

Her body was burning. As if a fire was raging inside. The hot heat, along with the black smoke emanating from her skin, could be felt even from here.

“What are you all doing?”

“Ah, Lord Gale.”

“Lord Gale!”

Everyone turned around, delighted at Gale’s appearance. They didn’t know about the situation of her being ousted inside, so they didn’t know what to do with Wesley. But Ian could grasp the situation just by the fact that Gale had left his seat.

“Your Highness, that is Lady Wesley’s condition…”

“This is the main meeting hall. Inside, His Majesty and all the high-ranking officials of Bariel are gathered. Yet, she is trying to enter in such a state. This is a threat to safety, and furthermore, a serious crime.”

“…Your Highness?”

Is Gale, Wesley’s lover, really saying that? Everyone looked at him, bewildered, but Gale commanded without a single waver.

“Kill that thing.”