Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 218

The evening after Marib’s execution, Dilayna, having refreshed her attire, stood at the entrance of the reception room. Her makeup was heavier than usual, and her ornate jewelry seemed to offer a slight cover for her diminished spirit.

The attendants glanced at Dilayna, who stood before the door. Listening to the voices of the ministers seeping from within, she stared resolutely at the door. The lower staff had no way of knowing why they weren’t being let in.

‘This is the real deal now.’

Marib’s death was not just a simple matter. It was a convergence point for everyone in the Imperial Palace, friend and foe alike. Having passed that point, everyone would now have to go their separate ways.

The destination was singular: the throne.

Since the first to arrive would be the victor, even the slightest gap or carelessness would be fatal.

“Mother.”

Arsene, who was by her side, noticed his mother’s tension and quietly comforted her. Dilayna nodded, as if she had regained her composure.

“Announce me.”

“Lady Dilayna is entering!”

Creak.

As the door slowly opened from the relatively dark hallway, the ministers’ chatter subsided, and only the bright light poured out. Dilayna stepped forward with a stiff expression.

“Lady Dilayna, welcome.”

“We’ve been waiting.”

“Your Highness Arsene is also with you. It’s an honor.”

Those in formal attire were scattered freely throughout the reception room. All eyes, which had been surveying the surroundings, were now focused on Dilayna and Arsene. They were the eyes of loyalty, as if they had met the future master of Bariel, the next emperor.

Dilayna, with her chin held high, walked into their midst and sat on the sofa. Her thick dress billowed, creating a beautiful silhouette.

“There are some faces I saw earlier, and some I haven’t.”

Dilayna looked around at the ministers. Then, Duke Haiman, who was sitting nearby, introduced a few people who approached.

“This one is assisting with business in the Haiman family. I ordered him to enter the palace, as I thought he would be of help to Lady Dilayna and Your Highness Arsene.”

The central core nobles, centered around Haiman, high-ranking officials from each department, and well-known financial magnates were all gathered in one place. For Dilayna, or rather, for Arsene.

“There’s a rumor that Sir Ian will present an indictment to Haiman. I’ve heard that the preparations are already complete and they were just waiting for the trial of former Prince Marib.”

Though it was said that they had ‘heard,’ no one believed it. Haiman’s wealth was like water that seeped everywhere. It was also like the air that one breathed without realizing it. It was reasonable to assume that he had planted people in the Magic Department as well.

“What’s the content of the indictment?”

“As you know, the main charge will be treason due to collusion with His Highness Gaile. There may be other minor charges, but they are not important.”

“Duke, is the disturbance in the Chetur district also included?”

“Well, Sir Ian seems to think I’m the owner there. He’ll try to latch onto even the smallest thing.”

Haiman cleverly deflected the question, not directly admitting anything. The bond of those entangled in greed must always be guarded against. Just as he had planted people, who knew if Ian had done the same?

“There aren’t many talented people in the judiciary…”

Someone muttered. It meant that Arsene’s influence within the judiciary was minimal. Although there were a few people affiliated with the judiciary among those gathered here, none were powerful enough to issue an indictment. The law was a realm of fairness, and the Imperial Palace carefully appointed those in charge.

“If it’s accepted, a Grand Council will be convened, and a trial date will be set immediately, won’t it? In a few days, Your Highness Arsene’s mana confirmation ceremony will be held. How about trying to block it until then?”

“I agree. If the Magic Department officially recognizes His Highness’s mana, there will be nothing to hinder us. We can also put pressure on the judiciary.”

“There’s no need to go to trial. If we get a majority, we can cut it off at the Grand Council.”

If Arsene were to be reborn as a mage, the next emperor would be as good as decided. The foolish followers clinging to Jin would also fall away, and the head of the judiciary would lean towards Arsene for his reappointment next year.

The nobles looked at Arsene and cautiously asked,

“Your Highness, are you feeling alright?”

“We were very worried when we heard the news that you were attacked by Prince Gaile.”

In fact, the rumors were rampant, but no one had seen it directly. Only the fact that the Magic Department was preparing for the mana confirmation ceremony proved that it was not just a baseless rumor.

Wasn’t it strange? That those who opposed Arsene were supporting his position.

“Your Highness, if it’s not too much to ask, could you show us your mana? It’s the first blessing of the Imperial Family. Please grant us that honor.”

A noble pleaded as if he had honey on his tongue. Everyone had been watching, but now that someone had stepped forward, they all seemed delighted.

If they saw it directly, they would be even more convinced and side with Arsene. They waited silently for Arsene’s answer.

“I, too, would like to grant you that honor, but as you know, the mana confirmation ceremony is when the light of the oracle shines beautifully according to its power. For that once-in-a-lifetime day, I am preparing myself, so please understand.”

“…Of course, Your Highness.”

It was a clear refusal. But since there was nothing they could do about it, the noble simply smiled and bowed his head. Then, an official from the administrative department threw out a new topic to change the atmosphere.

“Oh, did you hear the news? There was a message from the Carbo Temple. They say the light of the oracle has safely departed, and a new oracle has also been given.”

A new oracle!

Those who heard it for the first time were surprised and stirred, and Arsene’s pupils also widened. When the child looked at Dilayna, she shook her head as if she didn’t know either.

‘How could I not know, when my family is the foundation?’

The child’s brow furrowed in annoyance. The reason he could gain an advantage over Jin was entirely thanks to the oracle. That meant that Jin could also use the oracle to influence the situation.

Unaware of Arsene’s concerns, the administrative staff member continued, laughing loudly.

“They said that Jin should not defy fate and should kill himself. Hahaha!”

“Oh my! Is that true? That’s good news after a long time.”

“I read the note myself. As expected, it’s Carbo, who has been with us since the founding. They don’t cling to blood ties and only convey the truth, do they?”

It was a great event helped by heaven and earth. While everyone in the reception room was sighing in relief, only Dilayna and Arsene remained silent.

“Lady Dilayna?”

At Duke Haiman’s call, Dilayna snapped out of her thoughts. Although he had left her, what kind of oracle could there be for a child who was only ten years old! She wanted to shout that, but what came out of Dilayna’s mouth was the opposite, a chilling blessing.

“It seems the gods are watching over Bariel.”

On the other hand, Arsene did not relax his expression and only tapped his folded arms. He seemed to be deep in thought, so Haiman quietly watched him.

“Is it true that it was given to Jin?”

“Yes? Ah, yes, yes. It was given to the cursed one, and since there was a mention of fate, everyone thought it was Jin.”

“Is that so?”

“Why do you ask?”

“No, it’s right to think it’s Jin. It has to be. Then, it would be good to go back to discussing the indictment issue. In my opinion, as I suggested earlier, it would be better to delay it a bit and have the Grand Council convened after the mana confirmation ceremony. Four days should be enough.”

It was confidence that the mana confirmation ceremony would be without problems. Some agreed with Arsene’s opinion and added.

“Honestly, isn’t it just a matter of not getting the indictment stamped?”

Until the seal is stamped or the document is sealed, it is not considered decided, so they would block it by throwing themselves in the way. It was more like a protest than a physical fight.

“That’s true, but it’s different from before. The current atmosphere in the Imperial Palace is also a bit tense. We need to handle it as quietly as possible and without giving them any reason to criticize us.”

“Isn’t it an indictment related to treason? If we get caught on a technicality, we’ll be implicated and provide them with an excuse.”

“I believe Ericse is the person in charge there.”

“Hmm. Ericse. Where does he live?”

“Ah, then I’ll take care of it. I have a suitable person among my cousins. Finding people is easy.”

What distinction was there between the main road and the side road when it came to achieving a great cause? If they could block it by any means, it was important to block it. They were people who had rolled around in noble society, in business, and in political maneuvering, so their minds worked exceptionally well in this area.

“Good. Then, let’s start tomorrow, no, from midnight onwards.”

“Lady Dilayna.”

The clock hands would soon announce the next day. Haiman, wrapping up the situation that was roughly being settled, called out to Dilayna. She raised her wine glass, and soon everyone gathered there followed suit.

“For the glory of Bariel.”

Clink- Clink!

They sipped their wine at the same time. Their glistening lips curved like crescent moons.

* * *

“Why are you doing this?”

“I asked you to show me your ID, didn’t I?”

Romandro raised his hand, signaling not to come closer. It wasn’t even some unknown pawnshop in the market, so why did it feel so out of place? This was the Imperial Palace. The judiciary where the emperor’s dignified orders were enshrined, and the laws of Bariel were enforced!

Everyone stared at Romandro with strange looks. Among them were the two mages who had accompanied him.

“Here’s my ID.”

The staff member, looking a bit dumbfounded, took out her ID from her pocket. It was undoubtedly an Imperial Palace staff ID. She crossed her arms at her waist and scolded Romandro, looking displeased.

“Can’t you see I’m busy? I was trying to be accommodating since you came from the Magic Department, but you’re being too much.”

“……”

Romandro groaned inwardly and handed the ID to the staff member. She took it back but didn’t lower her hand.

“Aren’t you going to submit the indictment?”

“Sir Romandro, what’s wrong?”

“I’m tired, let’s get this over with and go.”

The mages, who had been watching quietly from the side, urged Romandro. One of them even yawned loudly, as if to say that he was the only one who felt sensitive about the situation. Romandro, unconcerned by the glares, stepped back.

“When is Ericse coming?”

“We received a message that he was in a carriage accident this morning. It doesn’t seem like a major injury, but I’m not sure.”

“Is that so? Then I’ll come back later.”

“Sir Romandro!”

When one of the mages grabbed him, Siaosi reflexively pushed him away. He didn’t know what was going on, but he also realized that something was strange. Ignoring the dumbfounded mage, Siaosi whispered to Romandro.

“Shall I draw my sword?”

“Are you crazy? Absolutely, absolutely not.”

He had only felt suspicious, but nothing had actually threatened him. If Siaosi drew his sword here, it would only make them look strange.

Romandro shook his head wildly from side to side, stopping Siaosi. Fortunately, he was different from Beric, who couldn’t understand what he was saying.

“Then what should we do?”

Romandro looked around and grabbed the doorknob to go outside. Ian had assigned Siaosi to him. If so, wouldn’t he have anticipated this situation to some extent? Whatever it was, it would be better to return to the Magic Department.

Romandro clenched his teeth and whispered as if using ventriloquism.

“Let’s run, let’s run away.”