Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 240

“…Is there a reason to oppose it?”

Jin recalled Haiman’s earlier gaze. Now, it was his turn to present a valid reason.

He adopted a more relaxed demeanor, as if to persuade the Duke. The smile that suggested he should admit his own foolishness if he disagreed was an added touch. The subtle tilt of his chin made Ian’s image strongly overlap with his own.

“The reason depends on what Your Highness provides.”

“You bring up the topic, and I have to provide the reason?”

The more the Magic Department’s power grew, the more it would primarily benefit Jin. Without any blood relatives to rely on, including his parents, Ian had firmly taken on the role of his protector. As long as he was the Minister of the Magic Department, the department’s power would be directly linked to Jin’s position.

It might be different if it ever became a threat to the throne, but the Ian that Jin knew was intelligent enough to prevent such a problem from even arising.

“It’s not that I truly want you to oppose it. Don’t you ever wonder what kind of fish live in the water? It’s a kind of advice, like using a stick to stir things up. Your Highness is still young and may not know, but there’s nothing as murky as people’s hearts.”

Jin wiped the smile off his face and glared at Haiman. A very familiar feeling crept in. It was quite similar to the venomous words that Arsen had used to mock him for ten years to break his spirit.

“I agree. It’s so murky it’s rotten.”

He wouldn’t be fooled anymore. He had heard it until his ears were aching, and he had engraved it until his heart was calloused. That was just nonsense disguised as concern, trying to control his potential and suppress his will.

‘Your Highness is the center of the world, and your belief is the truth.’

Jin turned, following Ian’s voice echoing in his ear. With a resolute expression, he sat on the chair and waited for the meeting to resume.

With an overt force that allowed no further remarks, Haiman wore a subtle expression and was once again surrounded by his faction.

“…Sia.”

Siaosi, who had been waiting behind him, concealing his presence, took a step closer. Jin quietly ordered, covering his mouth with a report.

“Go to the Magic Department and bring the accusation that Romandro wrote and submitted. Can you do that?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Good. Hurry. If any problems arise, ask Vivianna for help.”

Jin watched Siaosi leave, fiddling with the edge of the thick report. If Ian were here right now, what would he have gained? The more he pondered, the clearer one answer became.

Squeak!

An hour later, the Prime Minister re-entered the hall, looking no different than before. At Jin’s gesture asking what had happened, he only nodded as if to ask him to wait a moment.

“Excuse me. Let’s continue the meeting. Please, everyone, take your seats. And the Magic Department has informed us that they will prioritize using the Geas magic…” [Geas magic is a type of magic that involves binding oaths or compulsions.]

The Prime Minister trailed off, awkwardly stroking his beard. His pale eyes briefly scanned Duke Haiman.

‘To bring in Rusweena. Honestly, do they have any awareness of being a Bariel noble or not? Even if they have a marriage alliance with them…’

He couldn’t gauge how much information Haiman had leaked to Rusweena. Especially the variable, Dilaina. Could she have also informed Haiman about the Emperor’s incapacitation?

No. Even if it was Dilaina, she wouldn’t have shared that much. The Emperor’s inability would be a threatening move for both herself and Arsen. The Prime Minister naturally pressed his temples and continued his words.

“There isn’t a mage who specializes in Geas magic, and above all, it seems that the magic consumption is quite high, so they say that five people at most can leave today.”

That meant only five people could leave the palace tonight. The nobles unconsciously tried to exchange glances but stopped. It was because Duke Haiman and his faction had signaled them not to interfere. Haiman spoke, raising one hand with dignity.

“Prime Minister. As you know, the Haiman family runs several businesses, including banks. If I cannot leave today, I assure you that the damage will not be limited to my family.”

He was the one who controlled the flow of the Empire’s wealth. It was a plausible excuse, but no one agreed with it.

The Prime Minister pondered for a moment, holding the staff. Considering the Rusweena matter and the accusations of treason and collusion with Arsen, it would be best to keep him in the Imperial Palace.

But…

‘Is it okay to do that?’

Haiman was the central figure of the central nobles, and if he were to shake him, he couldn’t guess how the others would react. Although there were restrictions on the number of private soldiers the nobles could have, what if they all united? Moreover, it was Haiman who possessed the black armor.

Could the Imperial Palace handle it? The Emperor was gone, and Marib and Gale were gone too. The civil war between the two princes had also dispersed the troops. The Magic Department and the Imperial Guard were short on manpower due to the Arsen incident.

The Prime Minister personally felt that the Imperial Palace was in the worst situation. It was clear and obvious, the justification was certain, but he had no choice but to worry like this.

“I oppose it.”

It was when the Prime Minister was deep in thought. As if the worry was meaningless, Jin’s resolute voice cut through.

“Duke Haiman. You are suspected of participating in the civil war in collusion with Gale. Furthermore, you tried to place Arsen, who was a monster, in the position of successor. Whether intentional or not, your actions continue to threaten Bariel. It would be best for you to stay in the Imperial Palace and undergo further investigation.”

“Your Highness. I have already explained myself regarding that matter.”

“Do you think that an explanation can replace a judgment? A few days ago, the Magic Department filed an accusation against Duke Haiman. However, the decision to refer it to trial was not made because most of the members did not attend the general assembly.”

They needed to obtain a majority, but the number of people present was not even a majority, so it was a natural outcome.

Jin smiled and looked around at the officials. They simply lowered their gazes, hoping to avoid any fallout.

“I suspect it was probably Arsen’s doing. Otherwise, how could so many people be absent at once? Don’t you think so?”

“Y-Your Highness…”

“It just so happens that everyone is gathered under the pretext of a general assembly. There is no scribe, but there are enough people to make a decision, so is there any problem? Let’s discuss Haiman’s referral to trial together.”

At that moment, Siaosi handed over the original copy of the accusation from behind. Jin threw it in the middle of the round table, indicating that those who wanted to check it could do so. The seal indicating that it was a formal accusation was stamped largely on the cover.

“It is right to remain silent on matters concerning Arsen, but this is separate. When Sir Ian wakes up, I will personally inform him of the results.”

If anyone opposed it here, he would remember their names. He, the sole heir of the Empire, and Ian, the center of the political situation, would remember and not let them be. The child was smiling brightly as he warned them.

“The officials should all remember this content.”

“Your Highness, that is…”

“Ah, are you having trouble remembering due to brainwashing? Should I read it out loud for you?”

“No, it’s not that.”

Those with voting rights were watching Haiman’s reaction. If he came out like this openly, there was no justification to counter it.

Jin gestured to the Prime Minister to proceed. The Prime Minister let out a sigh of relief inwardly as he grabbed the staff. No matter how much he was acting as the Emperor’s proxy, he was just the Prime Minister. If Prince Jin took the lead like this, it would be much easier.

“Well, then, although it’s sudden, this is a matter related to Duke Haiman’s departure from the palace, so let’s address this first. The accusation number is 52398.”

Clatter.

Quintana confirmed that the accusation was the real original and that there were no problems. The nobles’ murmuring grew louder.

“What happens after the trial date is set?”

“His Highness Gale is not here.”

“It’s not a problem that one witness is missing. I heard from a friend in the judiciary that there are many other charges besides treason. It seems that even if it’s Duke Haiman, he won’t be able to get away with it easily.”

“What will happen to us if the Haiman family disappears?”

“Overall, we’ll all face demotions, but some of us will take Haiman’s place. Does Sir Ian have a particular family he wishes to support? There haven’t been any rumors.”

“I heard the Serio family has proposed a marriage alliance.”

“Oh my, goodness.”

Haiman clenched his jaw, his grip tightening on the railing. As a noble without an official position, he had no voting rights. He glared at the officials who had been taking his money, a murderous look in his eyes. It was a warning: if they betrayed him now, he would unleash hell upon them.

“…The accusation, the corresponding claims, and the evidence have all been approved by Officer Ericse. Let’s proceed to a vote. Those who agree to refer accusation number 52398 to trial, please indicate your support.”

Bang! Bang!

Jin raised his hand first, followed by Quintana. The soft rustle of fabric filled the air as others raised their hands. A few more joined, but it was still far from a majority. Jin slowly called out the names of those who had raised their hands, emphasizing each one.

“Those who have raised their hands are Quintana from the Administrative Department, Mattingly from the Judiciary, Cyril Paulson, Harvey Bodkin, and Ashburster and Wyvern from the Foreign Affairs Department. Is that correct?”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“I was worried I might not have memorized your names since I haven’t been attending meetings for long. But it seems my concern was unnecessary.”

Calling a name held a powerful force. It showed he remembered those who had voted and was aware of those who had not. Here and there, hands were reluctantly raised.

“Oh. Wellinger Mabe.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Right. You’re also from the Foreign Affairs Department.”

Swoosh.

It was difficult to push a huge stone, but once it started rolling, it would gain momentum. The closer they got to a majority, the more likely a decision became, and those who opposed it began to fidget. If they held out until the end and the trial was set, wouldn’t they be tied to Haiman and face ruin?

‘Even now?’

‘Ah, if that person also agrees…’

‘Three people, three people…’

“I, I also agree.”

“Right. Bayes. It’s the first time we’ve met like this. Is that a majority now?”

The Prime Minister nodded, calculating, and the remaining people agreed simultaneously, cutting their losses. Among those with voting rights, everyone agreed without exception. The Prime Minister was appalled and clicked his tongue.

“With the majority’s approval, accusation number 52398 is recognized as valid. The Judiciary Department should prepare for the trial.”

Thud! Bang! Bang!

As the Prime Minister struck the staff, the nobles outside the railing erupted in chaos. Those not related to Haiman were agitated, and those who were reacted even more strongly.

“Hey, this was supposed to be an emergency meeting about the Arsen situation! What is this?”

“That’s right! It’s invalid!”

“Damn it, no, hey! You! Bayes! You shouldn’t have done that!”

“Calm down, calm down! Where do you think you are, shouting like that!”

“This is absurd. Isn’t this a complete railroading?”

Everyone was furious, but they couldn’t cross the railing. The Imperial Palace guards had their spears drawn. If they were in their own mansions, with their private soldiers at their disposal, they would have overturned the meeting long ago.

The Prime Minister kept banging the staff and shouting.

“How dare you! With the Prince present, how can you use such insulting language? Do you want to be summarily executed?”

Clang! Bang!

But these were people who might soon lose their heads. Such warnings were useless. As the atmosphere grew increasingly heated, Quintana gestured to Siaosi to protect Jin.

“Your Highness, I’ll contact you again after things are settled. Please go to the Magic Department for now.”

There were many details to decide, such as who would leave the palace, but with the situation as it was, it was impossible to proceed. Jin agreed, got into the carriage, and returned to the Magic Department.

Tap tap!

“Your Highness?”

“Your Highness, you’ll get hurt if you run.”

Jin ran as soon as he got out of the carriage. His face was flushed. Ignoring everyone around him, he ran towards one destination: Ian’s office.

Squeak!

Bang!

Ian was lying in the same upright posture as when he had left. Jin approached and buried his head next to the bed.

He wished, he wished that Ian would wake up soon. So he could tell him what had happened at the meeting. He would receive praise, and Ian would smile, saying he had done very well.

The child whispered softly, soothing his regretful heart.

“Sir Ian, you know, I think I did pretty well at the meeting today.”

“…”

“It might not be, but that’s what I think. So, please wake up and tell me. Whether I did well or not.”

“…What did you do?”

“Huh!?”

Ian replied softly. His eyes were still closed, but the slight twist in his mouth indicated he had spoken.

“Sir Ian! How did you wake up?”

“…Berik, it was so noisy…”

“Ah, now that I think about it, Berik isn’t here!”

“…”

He had regained consciousness, but he still seemed unable to overcome his fatigue. He was barely responding with a mumble. Jin quietly watched Ian and then asked.

“…But Sir Ian.”

“…”

Why did Haiman’s words suddenly come to mind? He wanted to ask. What would happen if he opposed the construction of the Magic Department’s annex?

But Jin shook his head and smiled.

“It’s nothing. Have a good dream.”

Later, when he was sure he would be okay with any answer, that was when he would ask. The child put the thought aside.