Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 239

Whispering

The Prime Minister paused, holding his staff.

When was it? It wasn’t that long ago.

Before the New Year’s party, every morning, officials from each ministry would gather to discuss agendas, and in the afternoon, they would present them to His Majesty. It had become routine.

But from some point on, major conferences for important matters were being convened at any time. Ah. Was it after the Marib and Gale rebellion?

In any case, both princes were already dead, and things had come this far. A conference without a scribe! This had significant implications for Bariel.

“I’ll inform you in advance. This conference will not have a scribe, which means it is our intention not to record it for posterity. Do not leave any trace of any words spoken, and erase your memories the moment you turn away.”

The Magic Department would assist in this.

The mages were looking for a suitable way to seal the secrets. A forbidden spell or potion, and if that wasn’t enough, they would even use magical tools. Either way, Ian’s approval was needed.

Thud! Thud!

The Prime Minister harshly struck the staff, announcing the start. At the same time, the doors closed firmly. Because not only officials but also nobles were present, the air was more stuffy than usual.

“It would have been better if Sir Ian were here, but we understand his absence considering his condition. Instead, please refer to the report that was distributed earlier.”

That day, no one from Haiman’s or Arsen’s faction had attended. To be precise, it was the meeting where they failed to get a resolution on the acceptance of the accusation.

The report detailed the curse and oracle that had started at the Carbo Temple, as well as the testimonies of Jin and Avidel.

Rustle.

The sound of papers turning echoed softly here and there. Jin was the same. Each time he read a sentence, it felt like he was objectively retracing the traces of his dead brothers.

“Of course, these were just mere allegations at the time. But everyone knows they were true. The Carbo Temple must be punished accordingly. Is there any relevant law regarding this? The Judiciary Department?”

“Since the oracle does not have legal effect, there are no precedents or case laws yet. Above all, it was the work of a monster, so it is considered unintentional, making it difficult to charge them with deceiving the Imperial Family or other crimes.”

“How about letting the Carbo Temple handle it internally? There should be independent rules within the temple.”

The statements went around one by one, stopping at Jin. In fact, he was the biggest victim of the oracle. It was only right that his opinion was considered the most important.

“…I also think it is right to leave it to the temple. Avidel may have received the oracle incorrectly, but when she realized its true nature, she did not turn away and helped Ian. Her willingness to rectify the situation was evident.”

The ten years had been painful, but he couldn’t lose the future for what was already lost.

Keep emotions as emotions.

Don’t let them lead to decisions.

Jin spoke, recalling Ian’s teachings.

“And I heard her cries. They were so desperate that even the gods would pity and comfort her. She was already trapped in a swamp of pain and didn’t know what to do, so further punishment is excessive.”

“If His Highness Jin says so…”

“Understood. We will inform the Carbo Temple accordingly.”

Thud! Thud!

The Prime Minister quickly concluded the resolution. There wasn’t much time. Since the Imperial Palace was closed, they had to quickly handle things before harsh rumors spread outside. He adjusted his glasses and mentioned ‘that’ name.

“Next is about His Highness Prince Gale. Arsen’s records are only for ten years, so it’s difficult, but it can be erased.”

Moreover, Arsen was just a child who had only received prince lessons, pushed aside by Marib and Gale. He had never been named in Imperial affairs or external activities, so erasing his records was not entirely impossible.

But what about Gale?

“However, Prince Gale’s data is extensive. We cannot deny his existence, so it would be better to rewrite the circumstances of his death.”

“I agree. His status as a prince was maintained since the trial hasn’t happened yet, and it’s easier to add than to erase.”

He had directly stabbed Arsen’s heart with a sword, but no one knew. Not even Jin. The god and Ian, who had seen his end, were silent.

“Then, since he’s already involved in treason, why not say he was suppressed after starting a rebellion? It will serve as a lesson for posterity, and the flow will be natural.”

“I agree.”

“What about the mages who died on the scene?”

“Hmm…”

The deaths and injuries of external forces, such as the nobles who rarely entered the palace, were not a big problem. But the mages were talents of the Imperial Family and assets of the Empire. They were people who had made their names in history, so their deaths could not be glossed over.

“Let’s record that they died during the rebellion.”

“That seems appropriate.”

“Since there were many casualties at the time, let’s include them in that.”

It was when the officials were creating gaps in history, passing words back and forth. Jin slightly raised his hand, cutting off their words.

“Unlike Gale, the mages do not have any charges. They were fighting against the monster to protect Bariel, so it is right to honor them.”

“Ah, well. That is also a valid point.”

One official clicked his tongue and awkwardly replied. No matter how much of a prince he was, he was just a ten-year-old child. Moreover, it hadn’t been long since he had started attending meetings in earnest.

“It would be best to coordinate the opinions of the entire Magic Department and decide when Sir Ian wakes up. It’s not an urgent matter right now.”

Everyone smiled awkwardly and fell silent. Trying to handle the Magic Department’s sacrifices by linking them to the rebellion was an attempt to keep the Magic Department in check in the long run.

Now that everyone knew the achievements of the Magic Department and had handed over the power, it would eventually fade, and in the future, their existence would only be measured by records.

If the Magic Department was linked to the rebellion, a future check, that is, someone from the Imperial Family, could use it effectively. In any way.

“Your Highness.”

A voice mixed with laughter called out to Jin. It was Duke Haiman. He was wearing a strange smile with only the corners of his mouth raised, and his intention was clear.

‘Ah, look at that young and foolish prince. He’s easy prey.’

“…Speak.”

“It would be helpful to Your Highness to tie the deaths of the mages to the rebellion. Why do you oppose it? May I ask the reason?”

It was an urging to confess that there was no reason, just a lack of calculation. The nobles covered their faces with fans and whispered. It was unknown what kind of expressions they were making beyond what was visible.

Instead of answering, Jin slowly looked around the conference hall and soon realized their hidden intentions. They had survived thanks to Ian, yet they were trying to take advantage of Ian’s absence. It was remarkable.

Was it because it was a meeting without a scribe, one that would disappear immediately after it ended? Was it because there was no one to directly receive Ian’s backlash that they were doing this so freely?

“Didn’t you just mention the reason? They are heroes who died fighting monsters, so let’s respect them as much as possible.”

When the prince’s silence grew longer, Quintana stepped in to smooth things over. But Haiman only smiled, his gaze fixed on Jin. It was blatant disregard and pressure.

“They are already dead. They are deaths that will not be recorded in history, yet you seem to be overdoing it to honor them.”

“…Sir Haiman.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin called out to Haiman in a melodious voice. It was so clear and distinct that the resonance was clean. When he lifted his chin, his blue eyes sparkled even more due to the lighting.

“If the end of those who died for the Empire is miserable, then who will step forward in times of crisis? Do not insult those who sacrificed themselves. They did so for the greater good, and we have a duty to be grateful for it. Respecting their honor. That is the least that the living can do.”

Above all, wasn’t it something that nobles, of all people, should not say? When the Empire was in danger, for example, in a war, the nobles were the first to be drafted and sacrificed. So how could they make such a statement?

“If you are someone who would just watch the Empire’s crisis, well. You wouldn’t be able to understand the souls of those who sacrificed themselves. Hmm. If you have any other opinions, please feel free to share them. I am still inexperienced, so it was just a small personal opinion.”

If they added more here, wouldn’t they become ‘those who would just watch the Empire’s crisis’? When Jin smiled brightly as if he didn’t know anything, Quintana and the Prime Minister exchanged glances, hiding their surprise. Being young and inexperienced was Jin’s absolute weakness. But instead of awkwardly hiding and embellishing it, he was openly revealing it and using it as a weapon.

‘Sir Ian has taught him well. The result is different, but he has firmly taken after his spirit.’

This time, everyone’s gaze was on Haiman. He bit the inside of his cheek as if he was dumbfounded, but soon straightened his face and continued his opinion.

“…No. I was just concerned about Your Highness. Please do not misunderstand.”

“Misunderstand? Nonsense. Isn’t this what a meeting is supposed to be? To find the best, the existence of the second best is also important. That’s how you know the best is the best.”

To say that Haiman’s statement was useless in such a roundabout way. Quintana almost exclaimed in admiration. Wasn’t it truly interesting? He had a firm grip on his venom.

That was because the opponent was not just any noble, but Haiman. The core force of the restrained Arsen, and the essence of the nobles who had been against them since the Marib and Gale rebellion.

“By the way, Duke Haiman.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Are you alright?”

At the sudden question, Haiman paused. But regardless, Jin asked about his well-being, feigning innocence.

“You were the one who had the most contact with Arsen, who was a monster, except for my mother.”

It was a move to point out that he had been in league with a monster. Most of the attendees were those who had turned away, believing in Arsen’s magic, so everyone was tense, their lips dry.

“Yes. I was unknowingly brainwashed and almost became corrupted. But the mages and priests have reconfirmed that I am fine now.”

“Really? Brainwashed?”

He was calmly telling a lie that would be exposed when Ian woke up. But Jin just kept nodding, pretending to ponder something.

“By the way, Your Highness…”

It was the moment Haiman was about to say something. The Prime Minister’s subordinate came in from outside and urgently conveyed something to him. The Prime Minister’s brow furrowed instantly as he looked at Haiman.

What could it be? Jin was about to ask in confusion, but the Prime Minister struck the staff to stop him.

Thud! Thud!

“Excuse me. We will have a break for about an hour.”

Leaving the bewildered nobles behind, the Prime Minister whispered to Jin. In the current situation where Marib, Gale, and even the Emperor were absent, he was the only one left in the Imperial Palace.

“Your Highness. An official delegation from Luswena has arrived. I will meet them first on my end, so please stay in your seat for now.”

Luswena! Why now? Jin managed his expression and glanced at Haiman. He was also urgently discussing something with the other nobles. But they wouldn’t know yet.

As the Prime Minister left the conference hall, Haiman cautiously asked about his well-being.

“Your Highness. Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.”

“It seems to be thanks to the blessing of the Imperial Family. That’s a relief. But there’s a truly absurd rumor going around, and I was wondering if you could confirm if it’s true.”

“What is it?”

“It is said that before the monster died, Sir Ian said he was a member of the Imperial Family. Is that true?”

Quintana, who had gotten up to smoke, turned around in disbelief. What nonsense was this? It was far beyond the realm of common sense. Haiman had gone too far, she clicked her tongue without realizing it and retorted.

“Duke. Your statement is astonishing. Even if there is no scribe, this is the Imperial Palace. What kind of talk is that in front of Your Highness-”

“Even the holy high priest, full of divinity, fell helplessly. But it’s strange that Sir Ian is unharmed, so I’m just asking again. Why are you reacting so sensitively?”

As Quintana was about to retort, breaking her pipe, Jin stopped her with his hand. The child was constantly smiling.

“Duke. Ian is the head of the Magic Department. His magic is extraordinary, so it’s only natural that the monster’s tricks wouldn’t work on him, isn’t it?”

And he slowly got up and approached the duke. Even though it was a break time, everyone seemed to be doing their own thing, but they were subtly paying attention to the two of them.

“And even if that’s not the case, the monster might have used its abilities to exclude Ian to cause confusion.”

“That’s right. It could be.”

“Ian being a member of the Imperial Family. Hahaha. You seem to be more conscious of the monster’s words than the one who saved the Imperial Palace twice. Perhaps, are you not fully recovered from the brainwashing? Go to the Magic Department and get additional tests.”

Haiman also lightly bent his waist to match the eye level of the child who had come closer. The fact that Ian was a member of the Imperial Family was just a tool to create a reaction. The essence was to shake the relationship between Ian and Jin. He made a very small suggestion. Like a devil’s tickling whisper.

“I’m just worried about Your Highness. The monster said that Ian was hiding his true intentions, didn’t it?”

“So-”

“So, why don’t you test him?”

The work that Ian had actively pushed for, taking on external opposition, when he became the head of the department. No matter how much he thought about it, it was unnecessary, yet he hadn’t given up on it unreasonably.

“The construction of the Magic Department’s annex would be appropriate. It’s just to expand the power of the Magic Department, so I’m curious to see how Ian will react if Your Highness opposes it.”