Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 212

Was it because Jin’s voice was so clear? A profound silence settled in the courtroom. It was so quiet that even someone coughing on the second floor could be heard distinctly.

Everyone in the hall looked at Jin. Among them, Marib’s gaze was particularly peculiar.

“L-Lord Ian.”

Is this right? Ian had said it was okay to cast his vote, but why were there no follow-up words? Jin glanced at Ian, but he was only smiling faintly.

“It’s alright. You did well. We’re the only ones who can step forward here right now.”

Ian whispered very quietly, sharing a look with Marib. He was even raising his chin and letting out a soft chuckle.

‘This is the moment when power is shifting. By showing a more proactive stance than anyone else in the execution of the prince, we must gain an advantage in the next power struggle. And above all, wasn’t Jin under Delilah’s protection until recently?’

Not only was the young prince free from political entanglements, but even if attacks were directed at Jin, it would be the same as targeting Delilah. No one would easily dare to touch him.

“Ian Hiel, as the Minister of Magic, I also support His Highness Jin’s decision.”

It was a situation where they could take both a defensive and offensive position simultaneously. Ian smiled at Marib, signaling his support for Jin’s will. ‘Go ahead and expose anything you want. It would fall on Delilah, not Jin, so wouldn’t it be a way to strike the opponent without lifting a finger?’

‘Besides, the Ministry of Magic has also recently changed leadership. If Wesley were still in office, it might be different.’

Ian also had vulnerabilities regarding the Ministry of Magic. He was a new minister who had not been in office for long. All past mistakes could be blamed on the deceased Wesley.

Marib seemed to have noticed Ian’s scheme, as he continued to wear a knowing smile.

“This is…”

Arsen was the same. Watching from the opposite side, he bit his lip and muttered. He had only thought of distancing himself from Marib’s self-destruction, overlooking Jin’s position.

“Arsen, what’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing, Mother. Just stay still.”

Exposing Jin’s past would ultimately become Delilah’s weakness. Wouldn’t it be advantageous for Ian to provoke Marib and draw that out? Above all, he would gain political standing by leading the effort to bring down the prince who had caused the rebellion.

There was another problem. Arsen couldn’t do anything in response.

“I am Quintana from the Administration Department. I also believe that the punishment given to Prince Marib is justified.”

Following that, Quintana, who was sitting on the side of the Administration Department, spoke. Ian looked around ostentatiously, observing those who were hesitant.

“Marib unintentionally set the stage for us. Romandro, please remember the order of those who speak from now on.”

At Ian’s whisper, Romandro quickly took out his notebook. Those who hesitated too much here would have their basic qualifications questioned, wouldn’t they? It was reasonable to suspect that.

If not, it meant they were Marib’s people to the core, so they would naturally be the first to be removed and dealt with.

“…Jin.”

Marib called out to Jin with his arms crossed. It was the attitude of a criminal that could not be imagined during a trial, but no one pointed it out. He was a prince, and he was about to die. Jin clenched his fist and retorted.

“Speak, Brother.”

He was scared because he couldn’t guess what he would say. Would he bring up his mother again to insult him? Or would he fabricate old stories that he didn’t remember? But Marib said something unexpected.

“You, your voice is quite good?”

“Yes?”

“It seems like it’s the first time I’ve heard your voice properly.”

It seemed like a trivial response, but Ian knew it was Marib’s best move. He didn’t find any fault with Jin. The exposure would be an attack on Delilah and Arsen, and he had seen that it would help Jin.

“I also agree!”

“Ahem. I am Ashburster from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!”

“I am Wellinger Mabe. I agree.”

“Wyvern will also add his name.”

Even though Quintana had broken the ice, when Marib remained silent, opinions of agreement poured out like a flood. Those who declared stood up from their seats, placed their hands on their chests, and pledged their honor to Bariel [the name of their empire or god].

A natural flow continued like a stream of water. If individuals stood out, they would become Marib’s targets, but if everyone was united, there would be no problem. Now, those who remained seated would be noticed by Ian and Delilah. If they hesitated because they were troubled by Marib, they might face real trouble from the next generation of power players.

Even the nobles on the second floor, who had no authority, all stood up and agreed to execute Marib. This was a political endorsement sent to either Jin or Arsen. Marib looked around at those who had risen to condemn him, wearing an inscrutable expression.

“Marib Verosion, if you have any final words, I will allow it.”

Once the final words were over, the order to conclude the verdict would be given. This was the last will he could officially convey before his execution.

Marib’s lips twitched, then he straightened his face as if he had given up. Now, there was really nothing more he could do.

“I-”

Calmly, but with a hint of injustice, Marib frowned slightly and muttered.

“I just loved Bariel. That’s why I had to become the Emperor. Because that is the right path for Bariel and for you. This day will remain a lifelong stain on Bariel. See how your mistakes change the future.”

“…I will deliver the verdict.”

When the words did not continue, the judge raised his gavel high. It was a matter where there was no need to count the ayes and nays.

“First Prince Marib Verosion, in the name of the Great Empire of Bariel, I order that he be stripped of his royal surname and be executed by hanging.”

Clap clap clap!

“The execution department, prepare for the execution ceremony.”

“The execution department, prepare for the execution ceremony!”

Along with the order, everyone’s applause erupted. Everyone stood tall and celebrated Marib’s death. Jin found the scene somewhat strange and looked up at Ian.

“Ian.”

Leaving aside individual personalities, this was the nature of those who played politics. Yesterday’s enemy becomes today’s ally, and today’s friend becomes tomorrow’s foe.

The strongest light casts the darkest shadow. The imperial palace was a place where someone’s death could be taken in the name of profit.

Of course, Ian, who was in this place, was no different, but he wanted to tell him just one thing.

“…Your Highness, look. No matter how much of a prince Marib was, if powerful subjects attack him when he makes a mistake, there is nothing he can do. From now on, you must be mentally prepared and do everything fiercely. There are countless people who will pounce on every breath and glance. Especially since what you hold in your hands is the future of Bariel.”

Glory will be given to the victor, and death to the loser. The path Jin had stepped onto to survive would be more difficult than he thought, and Ian knew that well.

“Yes. I will be firm.”

Jin hardened his expression and kept his eyes on Marib’s back as he was being escorted away. He would never end up like that. When a scar cut across his face, the child had already died once.

“I won’t die twice.”

“……”

Ian patted the child’s shoulder at his small resolution. At that moment, Romandro approached and informed them of the next schedule. Now that all the nobles and officials were gathered, the execution was scheduled to proceed immediately.

“It seems the execution will take place in about an hour. How about we take His Highness Jin to the Ministry of Magic? I think that would be better.”

“Let’s ask His Highness Jin. By the way, what about the Administration Department?”

“They left the courtroom as soon as the order was given.”

Since Marib had been expelled from the royal family, it was natural that there would be no history of him officially passed down to posterity. His biography would be downgraded to general records, and the numerous footprints left by the prince would also be quickly erased one by one.

“They will be the busiest for the next few days.”

“I know. That’s why I got all the documents to be approved in advance. And over there, Serio.”

At Romandro’s gesture, Ian looked up at the second floor. A familiar young man took off his hat and greeted them. He was the eldest son of the Serio family, who would be used to keep an eye on the Hyman family. Ian also nodded his head in response.

“We agreed to meet at the Ministry of Magic after the execution ceremony.”

“Understood. Everyone is moving, so let’s go too. Your Highness Jin. Will you join us? There is no problem if you don’t watch.”

“No. I will go.”

Jin said firmly. Seeing Arsen surrounded by officials and smiling, it seemed like he would attend the execution ceremony. If so, Jin had no choice but to go as well.

In line with the reputation of being the first royal family member to use magic, the officials and nobles were swarming around Arsen, showering him with all sorts of sweet talk, even though the trial was over.

Of course, there were those who approached Jin as well.

“Your Highness.”

“Quintana!”

“How have you been?”

“Of course. You are Ashburster, Wellinger, and Wyvern. It seems like we’ve met before.”

“Yes, Your Highness. When the rebellion broke out, we were taking refuge in the Ministry of Magic. We passed by each other then. We also met at the Grand Assembly. Your Highness. The courage you showed earlier was truly amazing.”

Quintana and others who had formed a bond after several crises. As rumors spread that Arsen was a magic user, their numbers had decreased sharply, but Jin thought it was rather okay.

‘After all, Ian doesn’t believe in Arsen’s magic, and I can appreciate the value of those who remain by my side.’

“Will you attend the execution ceremony?”

“Yes. Let’s move.”

“Let’s go. We have a lot to talk about. Lord Ian?”

To be precise, they had more to say to Ian than to Jin. Ian smiled and asked for their understanding at Quintana and his followers’ questions.

“Excuse me. I have something to finish. Siao Shi, please escort His Highness Jin. I will join you soon. Your Highness.”

“Yes. Come quickly.”

Siao Shi, who had been hiding his presence like a shadow, appeared and followed Jin. It was none other than the execution ceremony of a royal family member, the first prince. It was not just about hanging him by a rope, so there were many things to take care of. Especially the dramatic effects that could only be done by the Ministry of Magic.

“Where did the execution department staff go? I told them to change the rope, but it’s still the same?”

“Mage, please call the execution department staff.”

“Move! I’m passing through!”

“This is where the nobles will sit. Space the seats further apart.”

“Wouldn’t it be troublesome if blood or filth splattered?”

“The Ministry of Magic will take care of that. Ah, Lord Ian!”

The place where the execution ceremony was held was the central first garden of the imperial palace, an outdoor opera theater. There was an audience seating area, a platform for reading the verdict, and a perfect spot for the protagonist, Marib, to stand.

Ian helped them finish the preparations and then entered the waiting room where Marib was.

He was gagged and bound. If he were to commit suicide before the execution ceremony, it would cause problems for the honor of the imperial palace, so it was a natural measure. There was no need to consider the position of someone who was no longer a member of the royal family.

“Everything is fine. Keep watching him carefully.”

“Yes. I understand.”

It was just a visit to check on the subject’s condition. As Ian turned to leave, Marib groaned and grabbed him.

“…Marib, your right to speak is over.”

He was a man with a serpent’s tongue. There was no reason to remove the gag.

“Ugh!”

“You said earlier? That this day will remain a lifelong stain on Bariel. See how your mistakes change the future.”

Ian bent down to meet his eyes and then smiled.

“You should watch from the sky. What this day means to Bariel. It’s the first step in finding its orbit, so I’m sorry, but-”

“……”

Marib stopped resisting. He truly felt that death was approaching. Ian quietly whispered in his ear.

“There are too many people who love Bariel as much as you do.”