Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 210

The Trial Begins

In the dim light of dawn, the Imperial Palace was bustling early. Everyone silently dressed, donned their uniforms, and ate a simple breakfast.

Ian was no different. He slowly fastened his buttons with the help of his attendants, ensuring every badge and patch of the Minister of Magic was displayed on his chest.

Today was the day Marib would be erased from history, and in another sense, a day that would be remembered in history.

Knock knock.

“Come in.”

“Oh, Ian. You’re almost ready.”

“You’ve arrived. You didn’t wake me yesterday.”

Romandro also looked unusually neat. His hair, which was always messy, was neatly pressed down. It must have been Vivianna’s handiwork. Romandro shook his head, tapping a leather document case.

“There’s no rush; people should rest when they can.”

“Did you get some rest, Romandro?”

“Of course! With Vivianna by my side, I felt at ease even without going home, so I slept soundly for the first time in a while. I’ve finalized everything here, so all I have to do is attend the trial.”

Ian sat cross-legged in front of the mirror. He dismissed the attendants for a moment and checked the reports. It was safe to say that last night was a peaceful one where Ian could finally sleep soundly. It was thanks to everyone holding their breath before the big event.

“How is His Highness Marib?”

“I went to the prison early this morning. He seemed fine, so there’s nothing to worry about. And the indictment against the Haiman family will be approved by each department and delivered by tomorrow. It seems everyone is busy, and they don’t want to create an awkward situation since the Haiman family will also be attending the trial.”

“Didn’t you say the Serreo family would also be at the trial?”

“We’ve decided to arrange a meeting afterward, so let’s have a meal together. Count Serreo’s health isn’t good, so his eldest son, Marlon Hoff Serreo, will be coming instead.”

“Ah, that’s good.”

In many ways, it was better to have someone familiar than a stranger. Ian had met Marlon Hoff Serreo at the New Year’s party and when Beric sparred with Jerrot. He was a young and gentlemanly man, so there would be no problem in having a conversation.

As Ian flipped through the report again, the attendants came and finished adjusting his clothes.

“Then, bring His Highness Jin.”

“I will. Let’s meet outside.”

Romandro sniffled and answered that he understood. He looked like a nobleman when he was all dressed up. Although it was rumored that the young master of a marquis family was handsome, he couldn’t compare to Ian.

Squeak.

After Romandro left, Ian checked his appearance one last time and stood up. Unlike usual, mages wearing robes were gathered all over the lobby. They were also important observers of the trial and would move with Ian.

Swish.

“Ian.”

“Is everyone here?”

“Yes. Except for the Mana Stone Management Department, everyone is here.”

“And the research report from Commander Acorella is ready?”

It was a question about the report on the amber-colored gemstone, Idgal, that Marib had used. At Ian’s question, the mages showed their documents and answered one by one. They were witnesses at the scene and key personnel in handling the situation, and they had signed a statement to condemn Marib.

“Everything is in order. Let’s go.”

“Sir Ian!”

It was Jin. The child was walking briskly, guided by Romandro. He was wearing a small but dignified uniform. Siao-si had also clearly put effort into making him look presentable.

“Your Highness. Good morning.”

“Yeah. Good morning.”

“Are you ready?”

“Yeah. I just need to go out.”

Ready to meet his mother and Arsen, whom he had never seen since the incident was resolved. At Jin’s answer, Ian held out his hand, and the child took it without hesitation. The two of them led the way down the stairs of the Magic Department building.

Tap tap!

Behind them followed dozens of mages. The cold morning wind shook their robes, but their expressions were firm. Jin glanced back and took in each of the people who were with him.

* * *

The procession of nobles entering the palace for the trial continued endlessly. Among them were nobles with charges of treason, including Haiman, but Ian urged all the nobles in the center to participate in the trial without exception. He wanted them to see with their own eyes what the consequences of treason were.

No matter how much of an imperial prince he was, if he threatened Bariel, that was what would happen. He wanted the nobles to remember Marib’s case forever and not to do anything foolish. It was a kind of warning.

Tap tap!

Neigh!

“Ah, Sir Charlotte. Good morning.”

“Come on, let’s go in. What are you doing standing here?”

“Is the trial going to end today?”

“Well, why would it take long? His Majesty was injured, and the ruins of the palace are proof. I’m curious about the method of execution for His Highness Marib.”

“If he’s expelled from the imperial family, wouldn’t it be hanging?”

It was like a New Year’s party. Carriages were densely packed in front of the courtroom, and the nobles entered the courtroom, whispering solemnly. They were all dressed in monochrome.

The scene from above gave the illusion that it was a huge funeral rather than a trial.

“It’s Lady Delina and His Highness Arsen.”

“Oh, they’ve arrived. Have you heard the news?”

“That His Highness Arsen is a mana user?”

“The world is so interesting. How could His Highness Arsen show his abilities in a situation like this? By the way, I heard he was injured, but he seems to have recovered.”

“His Highness Jin and Sir Ian are in a bit of a predicament.”

“Shhh. They’re coming this way.”

Delina and Arsen stood out among them. Holding hands, they led their supporters up the stairs. Some of those who had voted for Jin a few days ago were also mixed in. The nobles parted to the left and right and bowed their heads, and Delina recognized Haiman and approached him.

“Duke Haiman.”

“Lady Delina.”

The two exchanged greetings and whispered something secretly. Delina frowned and nodded, and the nobles who saw it were convinced of what had only been rumored. Haiman, the money source of Bariel, and Arsen, the mana user, had met. It seemed that the next emperor was already decided.

Squeak!

Tap tap!

At that moment, carriages arrived one after another, making rough friction sounds. They were carriages with the Magic Department’s flag. The nobles quickly fled into the courtroom, fearing they might get caught in the crossfire, and Delina stopped walking and looked down.

“Your Highness, please get out carefully.”

“Thank you.”

It was Jin. The child was getting out of the carriage, escorted by Ian. It seemed like he had grown a little taller since they last saw each other. Delina bit her lip and couldn’t take her eyes off Jin. Arsen only looked up at Delina with dry eyes.

“Ah.”

Jin, who was diligently climbing the stairs, found Delina. And then, Arsen next to her. Arsen greeted Jin on behalf of his mother.

“Jin. It’s been a while.”

“……”

“Your wounds have healed a lot. I missed you.”

Jin felt very strange. They were people he had been with all his life since birth. But after being apart for such a short time, it felt so awkward. He had thought they were indispensable people in his life, but now it seemed that was not the case.

Now Jin was standing firm. He was looking straight ahead, and his heart did not waver at Arsen’s greeting.

“…Yeah.”

‘Yeah’? What was that an answer to? Arsen raised an eyebrow and met Jin’s gaze.

‘Oh, my.’

His eyes were sharp. Arsen sneered inwardly and carefully examined the child. He looked quite good, as if the Magic Department was taking good care of him.

“Sir Ian. Are you taking good care of ‘our’ Jin?”

At Arsen’s nonchalant greeting, Ian smiled and replied.

“Of course. ‘Our’ Jin is so bright and thoughtful that everyone in the Magic Department praises and serves him. How is your health, Your Highness Arsen?”

“As you can see, I have recovered, but the wounds in my heart have not healed. As long as Gale is alive, I don’t think I’ll be able to recover easily.”

It was a criticism of Ian, who was protecting Gale. Even if he was an imperial prince, he was keeping a clearly guilty person alive without disposing of him. It was a warning that Arsen was quite displeased. But Ian pretended not to understand and shook his head nonchalantly.

“I hope you can recover well, even if you have a lot of worries.”

“How can that be so easy? How can I forget the one who tried to kill me? I can never do that.”

Arsen growled lowly. The one who tried to kill him included not only Gale but also Ian. Although he didn’t directly order it, he had urged the disposal, hadn’t he?

When Arsen roughly grabbed Ian’s arm, Jin quickly pulled it away.

Thud!

“There are many eyes watching.”

“…Jin?”

“Ian, let’s go in. Arsen, please take good care of Mother. Even for my sake.”

Jin nodded to his mother as a greeting. Ian did the same. He brushed off his wrinkled sleeves and straightened his clothes.

“Then, goodbye. Your Highness Arsen. See you again.”

The mages who had been waiting a few steps away passed by Arsen and Delina in a line. If Arsen was a mana user, he would have a close relationship with the Magic Department, but the overall atmosphere was cold and hostile.

Squeak.

“The Magic Department has arrived.”

“It’s time, it’ll start soon.”

“Tsk tsk. His Highness Marib is quite something. Look at His Highness Jin’s face. Such a wound on a young prince.”

The ceiling of the courtroom was a huge dome that curved down. Above the platform, the seats for the judges were fifty-five in total. As the matter was serious, all the authorities in the judiciary would come out and sign the verdict.

“Half of the authority regarding the verdict belongs to the judiciary, and half of the remaining half belongs to the imperial family, and the rest belongs to the high-ranking officials of the imperial palace. His Highness Jin can also cast a vote. However, this will be made public, so you must make your position clear.”

It was a kind of participatory trial. The nobles, who were just there as onlookers, observed from the second floor, and the imperial family and high-ranking officials took their seats on the first floor. Behind the judges, a huge imperial throne was placed alone. If the emperor had not been frozen, he would probably have sat in that seat and looked down at the courtroom.

“I understand what you mean.”

“Don’t be nervous. There’s someone else who should be nervous today.”

Who could be more afraid than someone facing death? Jin moistened his lips and straightened his posture. Soon after, the doors opened, and the judges wearing velvet robes entered in a line.

“Everyone, please be quiet. We will now begin the trial regarding the treason charges of Prince Marib and the attempted assassination of His Majesty the Emperor.”

Bang bang!

The sound of the presiding judge’s gavel silenced the commotion in the hall. The judges all sat down and looked forward with dignity.

“Bring in the defendant.”

Squeak.

Everyone turned their heads toward the sound.

A man with blond hair and blue eyes, surrounded by soldiers, entered. He had his long hair tied back and wore glasses as usual. He had even removed his chains for the sake of appearances, and he looked just like the imperial prince he once was.

“It’s His Highness Prince Marib.”

“How could he be so…”

“Shhh. Be quiet.”

The murmuring was brief. Marib calmly took his seat and looked around. The nobles in the center were all looking down at him. Those who had been busy licking his feet were now looking at him with hatred, pity, compassion, or anger.

‘Ha.’

Marib then found Ian. He raised the corners of his mouth with a smirk and whispered something silently. Ian frowned, unable to understand it, and Marib smiled and straightened his head.

“What is the defendant’s name?”

“…I am the first prince of Bariel, Marib Verosion.”

Marib’s history began to come to an end.