Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 143

The mages were speechless. Or rather, it would be more accurate to say they remained silent, fearing they would be swept up in the chaos if they reacted even slightly.

No matter that it was the Second Prince’s order, wasn’t Wesley their direct superior? And the head of the Magic Department could be seen as the representative of all current mages. How could they possibly kill such a person, and how were they supposed to do it?

“Y-Your Highness. That is difficult.”

“Why?”

Someone mustered the courage to speak up. It was an older-looking mage, and his determination to convey their position on behalf of the others was evident. It was a statement that would displease Gale.

“It is our priority to understand why Lady Wesley is in such a state. It seems to be a side effect of magic, and finding a way to save her is also a way to save the mages in the long run. If you call the leaders inside, there might be a solution.”

“State your name.”

“I am Shylot of the Magic Stone Management Department.”

“Shylot, you will be tried for insubordination after this matter is resolved.”

It was a warning that he wouldn’t accept any nonsense. At that, the mages who were about to add to the conversation had no choice but to shut their mouths. If only there were leaders to mediate the situation, things wouldn’t have turned out like this. They glanced at Wesley, who was standing in front of the barrier.

Thud! Thud!

Both of her ears were torn. Was that why she couldn’t hear their pleas? Wesley continued to strike the golden wall with her fists, as if trying to break the barrier.

“What are you all doing? I told you to kill her!”

“Do you all want to be dragged away for insubordination?!”

“……”

Gale’s subordinates shouted, but the mages didn’t budge. At that point, Gale realized that he had been able to control the Magic Department only because of Wesley.

‘It’s about time for a change, in many ways.’

It was for the best. This was a good opportunity to completely change the landscape and make it clear who the true master was. Gale slowly turned his head to find Ian. He thought that Ian might have a way to move the situation forward.

“Ian!”

Why was the Second Prince looking for Ian? Aside from being a newcomer, wasn’t he a member of the First Prince’s faction? Everyone looked back at Ian, who was standing behind them, with puzzled expressions.

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ian clicked his tongue inwardly but bowed his head with a bright smile. It wasn’t bad. In the future, when he built his power in the Magic Department, he could give the impression that he was supported by both princes.

“What do you think about this?”

His gaze didn’t match the question at all. Gale was urging Ian to attack first. But Ian calmly thought things through.

First of all, wasn’t justification the most important thing?

“Your Highness, before that, if I may be so bold, I would like to know what was decided regarding Lady Wesley’s agenda in the meeting inside.”

If he removed the title of head of the Magic Department from Wesley’s name, it would be easier to handle the mages. Since Gale had left his seat and rushed here, she must have been dismissed.

“…Wesley has been dismissed from her position as head of the department as of this moment. The next head of the Magic Department will be selected after receiving nominations in the near future.”

Although he didn’t show it, Gale seemed a little flustered. He barely understood Ian’s intention and gave an appropriate answer. He filled his words with only the information that would guide their future actions.

“Lady Wesley has been dismissed from her position?”

“Dismissal means she’s not even a public official anymore. Does that mean she’s been demoted to a commoner?”

“More than that, they’re taking nominations!”

“There was a reason why the leaders didn’t come out.”

“If they’re going to elect a new head of the Magic Department…”

“Wait, there’s no rule that only the leaders can be nominated.”

Wesley was no longer their leader. Continuing to serve her would be an act against the will of the Imperial Palace, which was tantamount to treason. Moreover, a candidate for the next head? That meant anyone could become the second Wesley.

“I’ve heard there are many talented people in the Magic Department, I’m curious.”

Gale smiled slowly and threw out a word. By killing Wesley, they should prove their loyalty and ability. And show him that they were worthy of his attention.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Poof!

A mage was the first to activate an attack spell. The blue light that burst from his palm aimed for Wesley’s body, but it sublimated and disappeared before it could even get close. Like an ice cube thrown into lava.

“Damn it! I’m sorry, Lady Wesley!”

“Those who have set up the barrier, keep maintaining your magic power!”

“…Wait, you there!”

“Open up your magic power to the maximum! The opponent is Lady Wesley!”

“Are you all crazy? Get a grip!”

“Those who are in the way, step back!”

Thud! Thud!

The mages quickly formed ranks, grouping by their departments. Only those who couldn’t understand, specifically the mages from the Magic Support Department, stood there bewildered. The others pushed their shoulders and roughly warned them.

“His Majesty the Emperor is inside. If we can’t stop Lady Wesley here, we’ll all be executed. If you intend to destroy the Magic Department, I’ll kill you first.”

“No, wait, calm down!”

The Magic Support Department couldn’t understand the sudden change in attitude of the other departments. It was a difference in perspective brought about by the benefits of power.

Ziiing! Ziiing!

Kugugugu! Thud!

“Don’t give her an opening! Keep going! Keep going!”

“Damn it, use your power properly!”

Once a domino falls, it never stops. The mages unleashed their respective magic powers and relentlessly attacked Wesley. However, since most of them were office workers and not many had trained in attack magic, the effect was minimal.

“Magic Operations Department! Why are you all just standing there?!”

“Yeah, do what you usually do!”

A mage wiped away his cold sweat and shouted. Everyone was exhausted from using unfamiliar magic, but Tommy and Nakina were just watching, as if they were watching a fire across the river.

“We do not attack without Head Hale’s orders.”

“What? You’re all crazy, really.”

“Yeah, get lost. Do you think you’ve only had one or two experiences of getting screwed over for jumping in without knowing anything? Just maintain the barrier well. You guys should just stay put and attack when the leaders come out.”

“What don’t we know? It’s Lady Wesley!”

“Her body is burning, does that look normal to you?”

“Look at that, that’s insubordination. Everyone, watch closely! See what the Magic Operations Department is doing!”

The mage seemed to be shouting at his fellow mages, but in reality, he was glancing at Gale. Tommy and Nakina snorted and rubbed their ears.

“Idiots. Always.”

Whatever the reason, Ian thought it was a wise move. The smoke that Wesley was emitting was becoming increasingly toxic.

“Your Highness Gale, I have brought the bow and arrows.”

Gale received the bow from his subordinate and immediately took a stance. The bowstring was pulled back powerfully, and the arrow was tied with a black cloth. Its tip was aimed at Wesley’s head without hesitation.

“…You mages, you’re all useless.”

“Everyone, step aside! It’s a magic-sealing stone arrow!”

“The magic-sealing stone is here! Step back!”

Squeak!

Whoosh!

The magic-sealing stone was known as the Achilles’ heel of mages, as it had the power to neutralize everything. It was the highest of the highest rare grade, and only a few members of the imperial family could nominally possess it. The mages scrambled to clear a path, and the arrow cut through the space between them.

Poof!

It pierced through the magic barrier in one go. It was the moment it flew towards Wesley.

Swoosh.

Like other magic attacks, the arrow also disappeared, leaving only smoke behind. The mages who saw it with their own eyes froze stiffly and took a step back.

“Wait, didn’t you say that was a magic-sealing stone arrow?”

“The fact that it didn’t work means…”

“Lady Wesley! Could it be, could it be that you mixed blood with magic?”

“Damn it! Head Jaylot! No! Don’t get close!”

As the mages fell into a panic, the outsiders also became flustered and shrank back even more. Romandro, who had been clinging to Ian like a shell, trembled and tugged at Ian’s collar.

“Why, why are they like that? Ian?”

“It seems Wesley has used forbidden magic.”

“What’s that?”

It was Nakina who answered instead. Unlike what she had said about not participating, magic power was constantly condensing in her palm. In case something unexpected happened, she could protect the people immediately.

“We haven’t actually seen it either. It’s literally forbidden magic. It’s often said that ‘blood is mixed with magic,’ but we don’t even know if that’s the actual activation method.”

Its very existence breaks the balance of power. Ian, too, had stood at the center of magic as an emperor, but he had only seen it once. It was right before his death, due to Naum’s sacrifice.

“Anyway, forbidden magic makes things like transcending time and space or reversing life and death possible. It goes against the laws of nature. Therefore, even magic-sealing stones don’t work.”

That was how Ian was able to transcend time and space without any problems when he was imprisoned in the underground dungeon. Ian rubbed his neck, as if he was troubled by the unexpected turn of events.

‘Gale, your handling of this is not good at all.’

If he was going to deal with it, he should have done it properly. How could he let Wesley appear with forbidden magic? Ian turned to look at Gale. He, too, had a look of considerable bewilderment.

“Did you bring the right arrows?”

“O-Of course, Your Highness Gale.”

“Then why isn’t it working?”

It was while Gale was scolding his subordinates. Wesley, who had been silent all along, opened her mouth.

“Gale.”

It wasn’t the voice of a living person. It was filled with a sharp, poisonous aura, and the reverberation was so intense that it made one’s head spin the moment they heard it. Everyone quickly knelt down and covered their ears, while Gale frowned while standing.

“We’ve spent so much time together, it’s a shame to end it like this, so I came to find you.”

“Damn it, why is she suddenly like that?”

“Is it because of the magic-sealing stone?”

The feeling of the magic-sealing stone was something that no mage could ever forget. Gale’s arrow had awakened Wesley’s spirit, which had been dormant. Gale snorted and pulled back the bowstring again.

“I didn’t know you were such a clingy woman.”

Squeak!

Whoosh! Ping!

The arrows kept flying, but they couldn’t neutralize Wesley. She slowly approached Gale. The mages who had regained their senses attacked her as a group, but they couldn’t stop her even for a step.

“Protect Your Highness Gale!”

“Wesley, you! Are you crazy? Stop coming closer!”

“Head Jaylot! Give the order!”

“Everyone, unleash your magic power!”

“Your Highness, please retreat inside!”

“Back, step back!”

The guards and subordinates escorted Gale and continued to retreat. Ian could only pat the trembling Romandro and watch the situation. Was she trying to kill Gale? Or did she have another intention?

‘There’s no need to help him.’

If Gale died here, the status of the Magic Department would plummet, but that was it. He also had Marib’s support, so it wouldn’t have a big impact on Ian.

‘Ah, the construction of the annex will definitely become more difficult.’

Even with the Magic Department in a dominant position, they hadn’t been able to push forward with the construction of the annex. Hmm. Should he help, just to keep things in check?

Romandro mumbled as if he was almost fainting.

“I-Ian. If it’s forbidden magic, is there no way to stop it?”

“No. It’s not like that. If there’s a power stronger than the user’s magic, it can be suppressed without any problems.”

“Call the leaders! We need to gather all our strength!”

And one more thing.

Ziiing. Ziiing.

It was not certain if it would work, but Ian unleashed his magic power. Forbidden magic was countered by forbidden magic, wasn’t it? If he was a product of it, perhaps…

Poof!

The magic sphere that Ian casually shot hit Wesley’s body. Unlike the other mages, it was the first time that a physical attack had succeeded without being neutralized.

“…Huh?”

“Huh?”

“Just now…”

Ian was surprised without realizing it and looked down at his palm. The other mages were the same.

It was the first time there was silence since the incident had started.