Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 196

The wind soared even further, reaching higher into the sky.

Everyone instinctively reached out. They guessed that the white papers, fluttering like flower petals and falling like the first snow, contained all the answers to their questions. The gates slowly opened, but everyone was too engrossed in reading the extras to notice.

Creak.

‘Vivianna!’

‘Ian!’

The firmly closed gates were now wide open. She had never felt the origin of the wind before, but this time was different.

This wind, the one that had pierced through the wagon, had originated from the Imperial Palace. More precisely, from Ian and his Ministry of Magic.

‘The gates are open!’

‘Did Prince Marib and Prince Gale cause a rebellion?’

‘If this is true, what will happen?’

‘What do you think will happen? Both princes will be beheaded. Tsk, tsk.’

‘They were known to be wise. How did this happen…’

‘Come to think of it, the central nobles were summoned the day before the lockdown. If they were involved in the clash, they won’t be safe either.’

‘Wait, our client’s family was also at the palace the day before!’

‘The gates are open, I tell you! Everyone, line up!’

Ian, observing the chaotic scene, signaled to the gatekeeper. He meant to let the wagon in first. Five o’clock in the afternoon. Everything was going according to plan. Except for Vivianna being alone, that was outside the plan.

‘Clear the way! We’re bringing in the wagon!’

Clang! Clang!

The gatekeepers raised their spears to clear a path. The wagon barely squeezed through the gap and entered the Imperial Palace. Ian helped Vivianna down and asked,

‘Vivianna, are you alright?’

‘Yes, yes, I’m not hurt at all. Are you alright, Ian? What about my husband? Beric said he was safe, but I’m worried…’

‘Romandro is also safe and unharmed. He’s on his way here from the Second Imperial Palace, so you’ll meet him soon.’

‘Ah, that’s a relief, a relief.’

She pressed her chest and let out a sigh of relief. Ian frowned, noticing the bloodstains on the wagon wheels.

‘What happened?’

‘Ah! Beric!’

Vivianna wiped the sweat from her chin and cried out. The last time she saw him, he was in a terrible state. If he hadn’t been a magic swordsman, he would have been dead. She felt a sinking feeling and grabbed Ian’s sleeve.

‘While printing the extras, black-armored thugs attacked. Was it, Barsabe? The knight who came to the mansion for the ring relic. She helped, but I don’t know if she’s alive. Beric, too…’

He might be dead. Vivianna bit her lip, trying to hold back the tears welling up in her eyes.

Black-armored thugs. Ian immediately recognized them as remnants of the Haiman family.

‘I thought the armor wouldn’t be able to move.’

If they were capable of rational judgment, that is.

Gale, who had conspired, was still alive, and the Duke was in a difficult situation. But to bring the armor to the forefront and target Ian’s subordinates? This was a self-destructive move, and Ian knew it couldn’t be the Duke’s doing.

‘Besides, with the gates closed, there’s no way the Duke could have given separate orders. It’s likely a pre-existing command was carried out without understanding the situation.’

It was a mistake to assume that Beric alone could handle some small fry. Ian kissed the back of her hand.

‘Vivianna.’

It was a greeting filled with gratitude and apology. Despite saying she wasn’t hurt, she had a long scratch. Ian hugged Vivianna and comforted her.

‘You did well.’

‘I’m glad I could help. I’m also a citizen of Bariel, aren’t I? And someone who will work for the Imperial Palace again someday.’

Vivianna smiled brightly and tidied her hair. Romandro would surely worry if he saw her like this. She wanted to look as unaffected as possible.

‘Excuse me, are you Minister Ian Hielo?’

‘That’s right.’

‘I’m the president of the company that printed the extras! I don’t have my business card, things are so chaotic. Ahaha! And you, madam?’

Vivianna gasped softly at the man’s gesture to introduce herself. Now that she had received something, it was her turn to give back.

‘There were many circumstances. But in the midst of it all, you printed the extras very quickly. In return, how about giving them exclusive rights to report on the events of the past three days at the Imperial Palace?’

Vivianna smiled awkwardly. It was probably the best choice she could make given the circumstances. Ian smiled and nodded readily.

‘I’ll issue a recommendation that the Imperial Palace not engage with other media outlets. There are many things to take care of right now, so wait here.’

‘Yes! Thank you! Thank you!’

‘Vivianna! Vivi!’

Tap tap!

As the man bowed deeply, Romandro’s shout came from behind. He rushed over with his short legs and hugged his wife tightly.

‘Oh, Vivi, I missed you!’

‘Are you alright? You look pale.’

‘It’s because I’ve been working day and night. What about you, Vivi? And our baby?’

‘We’re fine. I missed you so much.’

The couple rubbed their noses together, confirming their love and breath.

Ian turned away from the two. The Imperial Palace guards saluted sharply, awaiting Ian’s orders.

‘To the magic tools.’

‘To the magic tools!’

‘Summon the healing mages from Prince Gale’s residence, and bring the horses. We’re going out.’

‘Yes! Please wait a moment!’

It was the amplification magic tool that Ian used to announce the end of the situation at the Ministry of Magic. Outside the wide-open gates, a crowd of people was looking inside.

The gates are open, so can we go in now? Are the people inside coming out? Marib and Gale clashed, is that true? The murmuring was muffled, but their doubts were clear.

‘Set it to reach as far as possible.’

‘Yes, I understand.’

The mage who brought the magic tool carefully adjusted dozens of dials. Even if it didn’t reach every corner of the center, it would reach the ears of everyone nearby.

Among them would be a dying magic swordsman, and those who had escaped in black armor.

Weeeeee.

Ian slowly whispered into the magic tool.

[I am Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic.]

A clear and elegant voice spread through the magic tool. Those who had been chattering stopped and fell silent. They were confused by the strange feeling of being spoken to directly in their ears.

‘Is that, magic?’

‘Shhh! Be quiet, he’s saying something!’

‘It feels like it’s echoing inside my eardrums?’

Even those guarding the deserted stalls, the children running through the empty streets, the drunks sprawled out, and those going about their daily lives at home. Those near the Imperial Palace could hear Ian’s voice.

[Three days ago, First Prince Marib and Second Prince Gale clashed, disrupting the Imperial Palace. The list of officials and central nobles who participated is not short, and His Majesty the Emperor is deeply saddened. The Imperial Palace is the center of Bariel, and thus the center of the world. Those who disrupt it will never die peacefully.]

‘That’s right, those big-headed princes caused a lot of trouble.’

‘Be quiet!’

[Therefore, the Ministry of Magic, under the orders of His Majesty the Emperor and Prince Jin, subdued the two princes and secured the safety of the Imperial Palace.]

‘Who is Prince Jin?’

‘Isn’t he one of the twin princes? I thought he was still young. Hmm.’

[The reason for the lockdown was to effectively resolve this situation, so the Emperor’s citizens can rest assured and return to their daily lives. As of this moment, entry to the Imperial Palace is permitted. Those entering must maintain order. And-]

Ian paused. Those who were curious about what he would say next also fell silent. Then came a cold and chilling voice.

[Those who oppose the will of the Imperial Palace, listen.]

Those who seek to harm Bariel will never crawl out from the depths of hell.

[Offer your necks and beg for forgiveness. Otherwise, you will be annihilated, and I will show you what true death is. If you can hide, then hide. And prove that there is no place in Bariel where the Emperor’s gaze does not reach.]

Whether they were nobles who controlled the purse strings of the great empire, or of the noble imperial bloodline, no one was an exception. Those who defied authority would die. It was also for the safety of the citizens of the empire. Ian knew of countless countries that had fallen due to civil war.

[On the other hand, those who offer glory to the Imperial Palace will also find glory in their lives. Make your own destiny shine. This has been Ian Hielo, Minister of Magic.]

Ian gestured to cut the connection, and the light of the magic tool faded. The gatekeepers orderly organized the people and began the process of allowing entry.

Ian looked around and pulled his robe over his head. The horses were ready, but the healing mages were nowhere to be seen.

‘Where are the healing mages?’

‘They seem to be on their way.’

‘Then let’s go first. Tell them to come to [the location where Beric is].’

Following him, several mages and guards grabbed the reins of their horses. Romandro, holding Vivianna’s hand tightly, asked.

‘Ian! What about me?’

‘You stay here with Vivianna and take care of things. We’re going to get Beric, and those without magic won’t be of much help. Hurry and send the healing mages out.’

‘Ah, I understand. Please be careful! And tell Beric, that bastard, if he dies, I’ll kill him!’

Hee-hee!

Instead of answering, Ian forcefully kicked the horse’s side, and soon they were out of the gates. Unlike when Beric had gone out, there was no concentrated attention, perhaps because the lockdown had been lifted. Ian, guided by his escorts, rode to where Beric was.

Tap tap!

‘This way!’

‘Clear the way! Make way!’

‘Oh my, why are they driving the horses so hard?’

How long had they ridden? As they entered the alley, the stench of blood hit them. The horses slowed down. Besides the clattering of hooves, nothing else could be heard.

‘There, huh!’

A pool of blood filled the area in front of the building. Buildings were scattered and broken, but there was no sign of life. Ian dismounted and approached the fallen Beric.

‘Beric.’

‘……’

Even the word ‘terrible’ was too mild. His left arm was mangled, and his leg was bent beyond its normal range of motion. His skin was all scraped off, and he was soaked in blood, making it impossible to tell where one wound ended and another began.

At the horrific sight, a guard covered his mouth and put his finger under Beric’s nose.

‘I, I don’t think he’s breathing.’

‘Move.’

Ian pushed him aside and pressed his ear to Beric’s chest. Beric’s tightly closed eyelids were torn.

‘I, Ian.’

‘Everyone, shut up. Don’t make a sound.’

The outside noise made it hard to hear. He would hear his heartbeat. Surely, he would hear it.

Ian released his magic and poured it into him. Thump thump, something was beating. Ian realized it was his own heartbeat.

‘Beric.’

‘……’

‘Beric.’

Zzzing. Zzzing.

Zzzing.

Ian gently shook Beric’s chin. Yet, he continued to give him endless, limitless magic. He was a guy who had survived with his insides turned out in the desert. He wouldn’t die like this.

‘Beric.’

Sweat dripped down Ian’s nose. He felt dizzy, but he didn’t stop. A faint mark was left on Beric’s neck where the sweat had fallen.

‘Beric.’

‘……’

Twitch, his eyelids moved slightly. Ian was surprised and focused his attention on his chest again. Thump thump, thump. He heard a different heartbeat.

‘Try to come to your senses.’

‘…It’s hard.’

‘Yes. Try to speak, and open your eyes.’

‘Ian, ah, it really hurts.’

‘It’s okay. Wait.’

Zzzing.

The other mages also joined forces and poured magic into Beric. Beric mumbled with his eyes closed.

‘…It’s annoying. I lost.’

‘You’re alive, that’s what matters. Do you remember what the old men said? If you don’t die, you haven’t lost. You’re alive, so you’ll win someday.’

‘Right? Ah, but I’m hungry.’

‘You’ve done well.’

‘…Beef.’

‘Yes.’

Beric smiled faintly, saying that he had finally earned the right to eat beef. With those words, he fainted again and remained unconscious for a long time.