Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 149

The first round of candidate registration included seven people, with Jean and Ian among them. Three of them were not from the Commander ranks.

Fewer Commanders than expected had stepped up to challenge, likely because taking over directly from Minister Wesley was a burden. Her abilities aside, just cleaning up the mess she had made was a problem.

‘The current situation is like a storm. If you jump in recklessly, you’ll be torn apart. It’s better to wait for an opportunity later.’

That seemed to be the Commanders’ consensus. Of course, there were also those like Hale who seemed to have no interest at all. In any case, even if the next Minister was chosen within the Ministry of Magic, they would still need the approval of the Imperial Family.

No one knew when or how the political landscape would change.

“Alright, we’ll conclude the candidate registration here, and we’ll set a date for the election sometime next week. The process will be managed fairly by the Commanders who did not register as candidates. We’ll do it in the name of the honor of wizards.”

“There will be a simple procedure, including a magic power check, so please be aware. We will notify the candidates separately, and the results will also be shared.”

“Then, how about we take a break for now? Gale is said to have woken up safely, so it would be good to rest a bit and then discuss countermeasures again.”

While Ian was at the emergency meeting, the wizards had also had a tough time. It was evident from Tommy and Nakina’s slumped postures. Ian nodded, indicating his agreement.

“Very well. All wizards currently out on field investigations and those checking the forbidden magic books, please rotate shifts in each department. Also, all communications from the Imperial Palace will go through me, so keep the emergency summoning magic open at all times.”

Jean’s lips twitched. How could such a young and inexperienced guy be so assertive? If they had been at the scene, they would have subdued Wesley without any problems. They might have even stopped the curse from being placed on Gale. There’s no ‘what if’ in the past, but people’s minds are always full of them.

“And Commander Acorella.”

“Hmm? What is it!? Minister Ian!”

“She’s crazy. Acorella is crazy!”

Acorella’s eyes sparkled as she answered Ian’s call. The other Commanders asked her to maintain decorum, but she didn’t budge. She was also a formidable person in her own way, Ian thought with a smile.

“Commander Acorella, please speak with me for a moment. I have something to discuss regarding the Luron Stone payment.”

“Good! Very good!”

“Alright, then, haa, we’ll go first.”

“Jean, you should stay for a bit too.”

“Ahem. Good work. If anything happens, issue a summons immediately.”

The wizards all got up and left the conference room in a rush. Only Acorella, her subordinates, and the Magic Operations Department remained in the empty space.

Ian turned to Hale and asked,

“Commander, if you’re hungry, you can go ahead.”

“It’s fine. Let’s eat together. We’re family.”

He said that, but it was to help Ian when he negotiated with the Magic Stone Management Department. Judging by Acorella’s reaction, she seemed half-convinced already.

Acorella couldn’t hide her excitement and moved closer to Ian. Her crimson eyes gleamed dangerously.

“So, where is the Luron Stone now? I heard it’s being kept at Romandro’s mansion, is it there?”

“No, it’s being stored elsewhere.”

“Let’s go! Let’s go right now!”

“Um, Commander Acorella. Can you receive 80 kilograms at once?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Ian casually sat on the edge of the table and counted with his fingers, as if to tell her to listen carefully to what he was about to say.

“As you said, 80 kilograms of Luron Stone is an extremely expensive item that far exceeds the Ministry of Magic’s budget for several years. It’s not good for the Ministry’s current situation to carry over the purchase to the next year.”

The Imperial Family had realized that a wizard’s power could sway the fate of Bariel, so they would surely impose restrictions as a check. The most basic of these would be budget cuts. Acorella was dumbfounded and reacted fiercely.

“N, no, that can’t be! I was so excited earlier! I haven’t been able to do any other research because of the Siltham Potion research! The higher-ups tell us to save every single grain, but honestly, is that even reasonable? Let’s use it in chunks! Please!”

“Please calm down. Therefore, I propose that I supply all 80 kilograms at a slightly lower price than the market rate at once, and we’ll receive the payment over a long period.”

Even though it was over a long period, the amount was so large that getting about 10,000 gold coins right away wouldn’t be a problem. Acorella calmed down, breathing heavily.

“…Really?”

“Yes.”

“You’re indeed Minister Ian.”

Clap!

She reached out her hand with satisfaction. Tommy and Nakina looked at Acorella’s subordinates with pity. The state of their Commander was not good, so they could only imagine how hard it must be for her underlings.

“But there must be something I have to do in return, right?”

Ian smiled as he took Acorella’s hand.

“The Ministry of Magic is a network of all departments, but I know that there are specific departments that collaborate more often than others.”

“That’s right. Especially for other departments that need magic stones, we are very, very important! Ahahaha!”

Magic stones were used more widely than one might think. They could be used to reinforce areas with weak defenses, in magical tools, and in potions that supplemented weakened magic power. It was no exaggeration to say they were used everywhere except in magic circles.

Due to the nature of wizards who preferred magic training, the Magic Stone Management Department had low recognition, but its influence was definitely not lacking.

‘Well, there are no unnecessary departments in the Ministry of Magic.’

“Please tell them, Acorella, that if I become Minister, there will be no budget cuts for the Ministry of Magic, and I will push for the commercialization of the Siltham Potion.”

Everyone paused at Ian’s words. Not only the members of the Magic Stone Management Department but also Hale, Tommy, and Nakina. The Siltham Potion issue was something that all departments except the Ministry of Magic were vehemently opposing, wasn’t it?

But he was saying he could push it through?

“Ian, are you serious?”

“This is an issue that has already been discussed with His Highness the Prince.”

He didn’t specify which prince. But most of them knew that Ian and Marib were colluding.

‘Certainly, it was Prince Marib’s faction that opposed the Siltham Potion, so if Ian becomes Minister, it might be possible. However, the entire Ministry of Magic would be colored by Prince Marib’s influence.’

Acorella didn’t care. In fact, it was the right thing to do. With Gale cursed, if they continued to back him, they would be swept away together.

The Ministry of Magic was ultimately under the Imperial Palace. Power was bound to change, and that was the natural flow of history.

“I’m fine with anything, as long as I can continue my research.”

“If the Siltham Potion is commercialized, additional income for wizards will also be guaranteed. Also, the prestige of the Ministry of Magic, which is shaken by the Wesley incident, can be restored. This applies not only to the related departments but to everyone.”

Besides, the reason wizards followed Gale was largely due to Wesley’s influence. Without her, there was no reason why it had to be Gale.

“Okay! I understand!”

Clack!

Acorella excitedly snapped her fingers repeatedly. And she shook her body as if she was thrilled from head to toe.

“If I vote for you, my research will be prosperous! Is that it?”

“That’s roughly correct.”

“I see. Then, before the magic power check, I’ll contact other departments and spread the word. I’ll also create opportunities. There are so many guys who secretly received the potion from us! I’ve recorded them all in the ledger! Ahahaha!”

If they didn’t vote for him, she would reveal it! They had received it secretly from their lovers, so what would they have used it for? It might cause quite a stir. Watching Acorella laugh maliciously, Ian realized that he had brought a surprisingly dangerous person to his side.

Indeed, one should not easily mess with those who are obsessed with something.

“…That’s welcome news.”

“Hale, you have a very capable junior!”

“If he becomes Minister, he’s not a junior.”

Acorella then shook hands with Hale. The same went for the members of the two departments who had been standing guard in the back. They were colleagues who worked together daily, but it felt strange to be colluding like this.

“There won’t be another candidate who has the support of a prince.”

And both Marib and Gale at the same time.

Honestly, it didn’t seem difficult for Ian to take the Minister’s seat. The real problem was what would happen after he became Minister, after the Ministry of Magic’s annex was built in a stable situation.

‘As the investigation into forbidden magic progresses, I’ll surely find clues about Naum’s magic.’

In a way, Wesley’s misdeeds were a boon for Ian. Thanks to them, he had not only risen in status but also found various clues.

Ian suddenly recalled Naum’s last words.

-Ian, it’s okay. There are always, always opportunities. God does not give problems without answers.

If he went back, would he be able to meet Naum alive? Or would he return after everything was over? If so, had he found the right answer?

What if he couldn’t go back….

“Ian.”

His thoughts stretched endlessly, but they were easily cut off by Commander Hale’s call. Ian immediately straightened his expression and turned to him.

“Yes, Commander.”

“It seems we have a visitor.”

“A visitor?”

Ian turned his head, following Commander Hale’s gaze. A round face was slightly visible through a small opening. It was Romandro. He smiled awkwardly and cautiously called out to Ian.

“Um, are you all very busy? I went to your office, and it was completely empty.”

“No, we’ve finished everything.”

“Okay. Then, let’s end it here. Ian, just wait for my call. I’ll, hehehe, kill all those who get in the way.”

Acorella let out a wicked laugh and winked at her subordinates. They bowed lightly and left the conference room. Romandro glanced at her retreating figure and wiped his sweat with a handkerchief.

“Are all wizards like that?”

“She seems a bit unique. But what brings you here? Aren’t you busy?”

After Wesley’s incident, Romandro had also had a hectic day. The Imperial Palace being turned upside down meant that the administration was also turned upside down. He had been working non-stop, barely finding time to take a break.

“Viviana contacted me. She said a vagrant came to the mansion and asked for payment for delivering these.”

He grinned at Commander Hale and then whispered to Ian. Romandro was holding a crumpled piece of paper and a compass connected to a magic brooch. It was what Beric had taken.

“It seems Beric has left the center.”

“I don’t know. The vagrant said he came from a slum not too far away. Anyway, Viviana immediately sent someone to the administration. Check it out.”

Swoosh.

He wasn’t someone who would die from a beating, but it was worrying that this was the first contact in a week. Ian unfolded the paper, and Romandro also leaned in to read it together.

-Ian. Come get me. Found it. Together!

“This is….”

Was it written with a piece of charcoal? The handwriting was terrible, and it was so blurry that it was hard to read. Romandro scratched his chin and muttered.

“Could it be Hasha who wrote this?”

“Romandro, Hasha is a dog.”

“Oh, right.”

“It’s more likely that he drew it as Hasha instructed.”

“What should we do? Should we go get him?”

At Romandro’s question, Ian checked the compass. Something must have happened that he couldn’t come alone, so he had contacted them like this.

Ian smiled faintly and nodded.

“I happen to have some time.”