Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 217

Gaile sat alone at the edge of the bed, listening to the ticking of the clock. The cigarette burned down in his hand, but he didn’t seem to care. There were already many unsmoked butts piled up at his feet. He leaned forward, watching the smoke rise.

‘Marib is dead.’

And he died while he was sleeping, hanging in the sky.

At first, he couldn’t believe it. ‘That’ Marib? The object of his contempt that seemed to bind him forever. It was strange to think that even Marib was human and could die. Marib, who had always been ahead of him. That he was dead.

“Haha, ha.”

He felt relieved, a surge of irritation, and a sense of futility. And a complete sense of defeat. As Ian had said, the two of them would not be remembered in history, a complete defeat.

Knock knock.

“Your Highness Gaile, it’s the doctor.”

“Excuse me.”

Though he hadn’t given permission, the door opened. The doctor had rushed over after hearing that Gaile had woken up. It seemed he had been called from his sleep, as one side of his hair was severely flattened. He frowned at the smoke filling the room.

“Your Highness. You injured your neck. Why do you keep smoking…”

“Why? Are you telling me to be careful so I can testify at the trial? I’m going to die anyway, so I might as well smoke as much as I can.”

A life that would be trampled on when it was no longer useful. Neither Jin nor Arsen had any reason to leave him alone. Gaile raised an eyebrow, deliberately inhaling the cigarette he was holding. The doctor couldn’t bring himself to take it away and opened his bag to take his pulse.

“So, what is Ian doing now? Since Marib is dead, is he having a celebration?”

“The Imperial Palace is generally solemn.”

“Hmm. Is that so? Well, the time has come for the twins to clash in earnest. You’d better choose your side carefully. It might be more intense than when Marib and I fought.”

The doctor rolled up Gaile’s sleeve and prepared the syringe. He tapped the needle tip and muttered.

“Well, I think the result is already out.”

“Marib is dead too. No one knows.”

“Isn’t His Highness Arsen a mana user? Then it’s only a matter of time before he absorbs the Magic Department, and his position will generally rise above His Highness Jin. Oh, and a new oracle has been issued from Carbo.”

“An oracle?”

“‘Cursed one, you cannot defy fate, so die for Bariel. Then, glory will be bestowed upon the world.’ Well, something like that, which has driven the nail in. Telling His Highness Jin to step down…”

The doctor, who was giving the injection, trailed off. Everyone in the Imperial Palace was focused on the twins. The truly cursed one was here! And it was a curse of taboo and perpetuity, given by a mage who burned his soul.

Gaile chuckled.

“It sounds like a message from God to me.”

“I, I don’t know.”

The doctor hurriedly packed his medical bag and left. Gaile was left alone again. He lay down and pondered the oracle. If he died, glory would be bestowed upon the world?

‘…Is it a glory that will be remembered in history?’

Even Marib, who was the first prince, had vanished without a trace. It was clear that he would suffer the same fate, so if he was going to die anyway, wouldn’t it be better to die a glorious death?

It seemed like God had given him one last chance. A body that had once given up everything. He had been lucky to survive, but he had already crossed the line. The second time would be easier.

“…Is anyone there?”

Gaile murmured quietly, very quietly. The mages must have set up something in the bedroom. That’s why they left him alone without any soldiers. As if to prove it, the door on the left wall, not the hallway, burst open.

“Your Highness Gaile, is something the matter?”

It was Philiada, Ian’s mother. Nersarn was also with her. The two had not been apart since the Arsen incident. When Philiada made a fuss and tried to call the servants, Gaile stopped her with a gesture.

“It’s alright. There’s no problem.”

“Ah, is, is that so.”

Philiada hurriedly lowered the doorknob. She didn’t move for a long time, so Gaile had no choice but to look at her. It was a sign that she could speak if she had something to say.

“Your Highness, I was grateful at that time. I was so flustered that I couldn’t thank you properly, and it’s been bothering me.”

Philiada bowed deeply in gratitude. She had almost scarred Arsen’s face, driven by an unknown force. She realized how much of a weakness that would be for Ian. If Gaile hadn’t woken up, she would have been in despair. He was a lifesaver.

Swoosh.

Nersarn, who was standing behind her, also bowed with a neat gesture. He was a warrior with a strong spirit, so even when he lowered his body, it didn’t feel like he had lowered it much. Gaile waved his hand, dismissing them.

“It’s bothersome. Leave.”

He hadn’t helped Philiada with any intention. He was out of it when he had just woken up, and he had just grabbed Arsen because his energy was unusual.

“If you need anything, please tell me anytime.”

As Philiada and Nersarn left the bedroom, Gaile rummaged through the table again. A cigarette was in his hand once more. White smoke swirled as if to engulf the room, and Gaile fell asleep, pondering the oracle.

* * *

Thud!

“Huff, huff, kueeeek…”

Romandro propped himself up on the desk with both hands. But then, a sudden wave of nausea. He had said he would send the indictment when the sun rose, but Ian’s revisions and Acorella’s report had come in. Romandro rubbed his bloodshot eyes and sobbed.

“That’s it. Oh, it’s over.”

“Uh, uh… Are you done?”

“Chief Acorella, you shouldn’t be sleeping here either, go down. I need to get some sleep before I submit the indictment.”

Acorella, who had curled up on the sofa in the corner of the office, barely opened his eyes. He had been waiting to immediately resolve any questions that Romandro might have while collecting and understanding the reports. Looking outside, the morning sun was already shining brightly.

“Then I’ll go down. Contact me if there’s any problem.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

“Good work.”

Even as Acorella waved his hand and left, Romandro was still busy organizing the documents. He did it, he did it! He didn’t think it was possible, but he did it. People can do anything if they try. Even this huge Imperial Palace was built by people, so of course, an indictment is nothing!

Creak.

“Oh my. You’re awake?”

“Vivianna. You’re up early. How are you feeling?”

“I’m always fine. How about you, Romandro?”

Then, Vivianna came in with breakfast on a tray. Romandro, who never tired easily even in disaster situations, looked visibly thinner as the chaos in the Imperial Palace continued. Still, he was quite robust compared to the average person.

“Just soup. I feel like I’ll throw up if I eat anything else. Is there a mage with free hands outside?!”

At Romandro’s call, two mages poked their heads in. They were also on duty, their faces tired. Romandro clicked his tongue in pity and instructed them.

“Get ready. We’re going to submit the indictment, so I’d like you to escort me. I’ll give you a half-day off when we get back.”

The two mages nodded and glanced at the thick stack of papers on the desk.

“You don’t need any extra hands?”

“It’s okay. It’s heavy, but we’re going by carriage.”

“Yes. Understood. We’ll prepare to leave in two hours.”

“Okay, okay.”

Thinking that he had finished a big task, Romandro smiled happily as he ate his soup. The submission itself was just the beginning, but where else could he enjoy such a small moment of leisure? He might even be able to spend time with Vivianna before the tournament schedule came out.

“The indictment is submitted to the Judicial Department, right? It’s the furthest place from the Magic Department.”

“I’ll just submit it and go through the formal review process, so I think I’ll be back around three in the afternoon.”

“Then I’ll prepare a meal for then.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

Romandro kissed Vivianna on the cheek and happily changed into his outdoor clothes. When the mages informed him that the carriage was ready, he hurriedly finished the rest of his soup and rushed out.

Neigh!

“Please get in.”

“Thank you. Ugh.”

Romandro got into the carriage, clutching the indictment tightly in his arms. The mage who had taken a seat also knocked on the window as if to signal the start, but it was strangely quiet. The coachman informed him from the driver’s seat, looking embarrassed.

“I’m sorry. There’s something wrong with the horse’s reins.”

“Take your time!”

He was in a good mood, so what did it matter! Romandro waved and smiled at Vivianna, who was watching him from the top of the stairs. Then, the mage asked cautiously.

“If you’re going to sleep for a while, I’ll hold it for you.”

“Oh, that’s a good idea! I’m afraid I won’t be able to focus during the review if I sleep.”

“…Is that so?”

“Yeah, yeah. Oh, the weather is so nice today!”

Romandro smiled as he looked outside. Behind him, the two mages exchanged glances. It was just when the coachman had finally solved the problem and was about to leave.

Tap tap.

Siaosi, who had approached unnoticed, knocked on the window.

“Lord Romandro. Are you going to submit the indictment?”

“Siaosi, what’s the matter?”

“Lord Ian has ordered you to be accompanied.”

“He’s awake? But there are two mages going with me.”

“…Lord Ian has ordered you to be accompanied.”

“O, okay. If the master says so, I have to. Get in!”

Romandro opened the door and made room for him. As a result, the two mages were squeezed further inside.

“Let’s have a chat on the way. Keep talking so I don’t fall asleep. No, it’s better if I talk. I didn’t think this would be possible even yesterday, but haha! I did it.”

“……”

Romandro was the only one talking among the four of them. Siaosi just nodded occasionally, watching the two mages. It was a strange atmosphere, but the drowsy Romandro didn’t notice.

Clatter clatter!

Neigh!

The carriage sped off without stopping. Romandro, who had been humming a tune, saw the Judicial Department building in the distance. It was the place that handled all the central trials, so its grandeur was immense.

“We’ve arrived.”

“Thank you for your hard work. Wait here.”

Creak!

It was still early in the morning, so it was quiet. Perhaps because there were few people going up and down the huge stairs? The sound of shoes hitting the marble floor was particularly loud. Romandro found his way inside.

“Huh?”

But why were there so many people here, where the indictments were submitted? And…

‘Did everyone stop talking when I came in?’

Romandro looked puzzled, and the clerk in charge approached him and asked.

“What is your business?”

“I, I came from the Magic Department. To submit an indictment.”

“Ah, is that so? Just a moment. As you can see, there are many people waiting. Please wait a moment.”

“Okay. I will.”

He sat on the edge of the sofa, clutching the indictment tightly in his arms. Siaosi also stood firmly by his side. Small whispers could be heard from all around. Romandro glanced at Siaosi with the whites of his eyes and whispered.

“Something’s, a bit, off, right?”

“……”

“Tsk.”

The two mages also sat down next to Siaosi and Romandro. Tick-tock, Romandro took out his pocket watch and kept checking the time. But for some reason, the people waiting didn’t move and just stood there. No one seemed to be doing any work, and the staff seemed to be the same.

Swoosh.

When Romandro, unable to bear it any longer, stood up to protest, a new clerk approached him from inside, smiling.

“You’re from the Magic Department?”

“That’s right.”

“Please give me the indictment.”

The clerk reached out his hands, asking for it. Romandro was about to hand over the indictment, but he hesitated and took it back.

“Before that, show me your ID. And isn’t Ericse the person in charge here? I’ll give it directly to Ericse.”

“Lord Ericse hasn’t come out yet.”

“Why not?”

The clerk smiled kindly and urged him again, so Romandro took a step back.