Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 214

Sunlight streamed through the greenhouse’s glass ceiling. Though from the same stem, each leaf displayed a unique hue.

Ian entered the greenhouse in the inner palace garden and turned back. Quintana and several officials who had followed him were seated around a table.

“The weather is truly magnificent. It’s worthy of being recorded in history.”

“Indeed. You’ve worked hard, Lord Ian.”

“What did I do? It’s all His Majesty’s will.”

Ian chatted while carefully observing them. They wouldn’t have requested to see him without a reason. At his gesture for them to speak, they all offered awkward smiles. Quintana was the first to step forward.

“May I speak first?”

“Ah, yes, please do. Vice Minister Quintana.”

Despite her request for permission, no one objected, and they all nodded. Quintana signaled her attendant to bring a piece of paper. It was a budget plan, filled with a dizzying array of numbers.

“Is it true that His Highness Arsen is a mana user?”

The official next to her involuntarily covered his mouth. It wasn’t the kind of question Quintana would typically ask first, given her nature. She was someone who charted her own course regardless of the political climate.

Ian also looked surprised and asked in return. It didn’t seem like a question to ask with a budget plan in front of them.

“Why do you ask such a thing, Vice Minister Quintana?”

“If His Highness joins the Magic Department, a double maintenance fee will be imposed. Furthermore, His Highness Arsen’s budget is allocated to Lady Delilah, which is only done when a prince is a minor or has no other economic income. If he joins the Magic Department, he will receive an allowance, so we need to recalculate everything.”

“Hmm.”

“As you know, our current finances are not abundant. To reduce the burden on the country even a little, please tell us the Magic Department’s position on His Highness Arsen.”

It was a plausible reason, but it was just that—plausible. Ian sat on a tree stump and smiled. Wasn’t she using the budget as an excuse to find out the truth?

“Does the Magic Department’s position matter much? Everything will proceed according to procedure.”

‘Is Arsen really a mana user? If so, what would happen to Ian’s position as the head of the Magic Department? And what about Jin, whom Ian was supporting?’ Questions swirled in Quintana’s mind, but she patiently suppressed them.

“Soon, the light of the oracle will come from the Carbo Temple [a temple known for its oracles]. Then, we can be sure through the mana confirmation ceremony. The official position of the Magic Department will be announced after that. It won’t take long, so can you wait that much, Vice Minister Quintana?”

The officials exchanged glances. Wasn’t the meaning of ‘can be sure’ quite subtle? Ian was indirectly suggesting that there were doubts about Arsen being a mana user.

“And as you may have heard, there are confiscated items from the Chetur district. The Magic Department is currently analyzing their components, and if they turn out to be mana stones, it will also help the finances.”

“Ah, Chetur, the place you went with the Imperial Guard? I heard rumors that it’s related to the Haiman family…”

Clack!

Ian snapped his fingers as if to say, ‘You brought it up well.’ For a moment, it was unclear whether it was magic or sunlight filtering through the glass, but a light flickered in the air.

“That’s right. It seems to be related to the black armor that Prince Gale brought in during the rebellion. We are currently treating those arrested at the scene, and as soon as they regain their senses, we will interrogate and collect evidence. Based on this, we will formally file a complaint against the Haiman family.”

The officials involuntarily clenched their fists. Was this why they said things came in waves? Due to Marib and Gale’s rebellion, the next conflict was foreseen. This time, with Haiman involved, the winner would seize the next throne.

“Once the complaint is filed, the matter will be formally processed in the Grand Assembly. The Haiman family is trying to hold too much for their vessel. If it breaks, it will be a drought not only for Haiman but also for Bariel, so I plan to open the floodgates little by little and distribute it here and there.”

“Are you saying you will start full-scale regulation of the Haiman family? In what way?”

“Well, taxes are the most important thing.”

“The Haiman family won’t stand still. The central nobles will unite to oppose it.”

Worried concerns leaked out from here and there. Quintana lightly tapped the table, pondering something. If Haiman lost power, the taxes collected from there could fill the national treasury.

‘And surely, His Highness Arsen too…’

Ah. Quintana roughly ruffled her hair. From her perspective, Jin and Arsen were not much different as princes. But why, why, and for what reason! She didn’t know why she had always been more drawn to Jin than Arsen.

It was the same now. She naturally thought of checking Haiman and Arsen. Ian glanced at her and continued.

“I have prepared a plan to resolve the unity of the central nobles. So, if you intend to participate, I hope you will support me in the Grand Assembly.”

It meant that the Magic Department would lead, and they just had to add their strength. The glory they would receive in return would be quite significant compared to the work they would do.

“Lord Ian. What exactly is the content?”

“It would be good for us to prepare, so it would be good to know…”

“They say even the paintings in the palace have ears. I hope you understand that I cannot reveal the details of the regulations here. However, the reason I brought this up is because of the sincerity I have seen in you all.”

Since the structure of Jin and Arsen was established, they were the ones who had never wavered. They had also shown their will in the courtroom, following Quintana. Compared to those who flew around like bats because Arsen was a mana user, they were the ones who had substance.

‘I don’t know if they have other thoughts inside, but what they show is enough, so this much information is okay.’

And anyway, Haiman would also expect Ian’s attack. Just as they were gathered in the greenhouse to discuss, the other side would also be sitting around discussing countermeasures.

Swoosh.

“Lord Ian. Marlon Hope Serio has come this way with His Highness Jin.”

At that moment, Romandro whispered cautiously. When Ian sent a questioning look, he quietly opened his pocket watch and showed it. He thought it was a simple conversation, but thirty minutes had already passed. Jin and Serio, tired of waiting, must have met in front.

“I’m worried about how Haiman will react. I wonder if they will cause another rebellion in the chaos…”

“They won’t. Lady Delilah and His Highness Arsen, who are in collusion, won’t allow it. What is more important than the legitimacy of the emperor’s qualifications? If Haiman acts up because they are cornered, they will be immediately abandoned. The Duke knows that well.”

“That’s right. Besides, the reason why His Highness Arsen sought out Haiman is, frankly, because of Lord Ian’s check, isn’t it? It’s presumptuous, but your contribution to resolving the rebellion is great, and since the entire Magic Department supports His Highness Jin, Haiman was found as an alternative.”

“But now that His Highness Arsen is said to be a mana user, the dependence on Haiman is greatly reduced. The balance is broken, and now Haiman is a bit regretful. If they don’t seize the next power, they can be immediately charged with treason.”

“Then, it’s likely that they will divert domestic funds overseas. The Kingdom of Luswena is their maternal family, right?”

“Yes. Then let’s keep an eye on the trends in the banking business.”

“That’s good. Vice Minister Quintana is doing business with them, so it’s a perfect fit!”

While Ian was receiving the report from Romandro, the officials were guessing Haiman’s moves and discussing among themselves. Although they were few in number, they were veterans of the palace. The division of work was also quick and accurate.

“Excuse me. I have a prior appointment.”

Ian interrupted their heated discussion. The officials, who had been talking excitedly, stopped abruptly. The greenhouse was already warm, and their faces were flushed with heat.

“Oh, is that so? Well, it was a sudden meeting.”

“Do you have anything else urgent to say? If not, let’s meet again in the evening.”

“Yes, yes. I understand. Now that we know the Magic Department’s position, it’s enough for now. Then, we will step back for now. See you in the evening.”

Swoosh.

The officials nodded and left the greenhouse. Then, they must have met Jin, as small greetings were heard.

“Ian!”

“Your Highness, you’ve been waiting long. I apologize.”

“No. I was walking with Sia, and I naturally came here. I also met Lord Serio in front.”

Jin smiled brightly and ran over. Marlon Hope Serio slowly appeared behind him. He took off his hat and greeted Ian.

“It’s been a while, Lord Ian.”

“Yes. How have you been?”

“Thanks to you. I know you’ve been busy lately, so it’s an honor to see you like this.”

Serio was the same as ever, except that his hair was a little longer. He was a typical noble son, with a gentle and refined demeanor.

At Ian’s gesture, Serio took off his coat and handed it to his attendant. With Jin joining them, the three men sat around the table.

“My father earnestly wished to come himself, but he is unable to move, so I came alone. Please understand.”

“Oh, dear. He should recover soon.”

“Well, he is getting old, haha.”

Marlon was the eldest son of the Serio family. The fact that he had no companion at a meeting that could determine the fate of the family meant that he was the likely next head of the family.

Ian scanned him and smiled. Jin, who was sitting next to him, followed Ian’s lead. The sunlight fell on his deep dimples.

“How is your business going?”

“Thanks to Bariel’s protection, yes, there are no problems.”

“Well, I’ve always felt a bit sorry compared to the reputation of the Serio family. There aren’t many families that have been established in the center and have maintained their position until now.”

Serio smiled slightly bitterly. Indeed, Ian was right. Compared to their long history, their influence in the center was not very deep. For a noble to gain power, they had to succeed greatly in business, enter the palace as an official and seize power, or achieve merit in war. But the Serio family had nothing to show for themselves except for the rental business.

“I know you have been informed through my subordinate.”

Ian sipped his tea. Since their purposes and intentions were clear, there was no need to beat around the bush.

“The palace will impose sanctions on the Haiman family. I would like the Serio family to take charge of that. If you do, it will probably be the golden age in the history of the Serio family.”

A portion of the stake in the financial business that Haiman was running, promotion to Duke, tax reduction, and even the protection of the next emperor.

Ian didn’t say it, but even the benefits that were immediately visible on the surface were enormous. If they had ambition, it was an opportunity they couldn’t pass up.

“…We may have to fight not only Haiman but all the central nobles.”

“But the palace is behind you. It will be worth fighting for.”

“Worth, yes. I know. I can’t miss this either, and I thank you for the offer. But before that, I have a question.”

“Go ahead.”

“Why our family?”

Were there only one or two noble families in the center? They could have found someone else if they wanted to. So, this was even more important to Serio. The reason why it had to be them. Only then could he understand the offer.

“Serio is one of the families that did not participate in the rebellion.”

“It’s proof that we weren’t noticeable enough for Prince Gale to choose us.”

Negative. Ian raised his eyebrows and put down his tea. Then, no matter what he said, he would pick out the reason. In this case, it was better to let it flow.

“Lord Serio was the first person to talk to me at the New Year’s party. There is no other reason.”

“…”

It seemed like he had nothing to say. Serio moved his lips for a moment and nodded.

“I understand. And I have a proposal.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“The Serio family also needs a safety net based on trust.”

Ian paused. He felt like he knew what he was going to say.

“Lord Ian, please get engaged to my younger sister.”

“What?”

“Puh-!”

It was Jin who was surprised and asked back with eyes as big as a rabbit, and it was Romandro who was waiting behind who spat out his tea. The two shouted at the same time.

“That’s absurd!”

“No, that’s a bit…”