Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 257

The Verdict

Jin Verosian.

The child realized it the moment he spoke the name aloud.

For the first time in his life, he had declared himself a member of the Imperial family. He, who had lived in the shadow of his brothers, had finally survived and was now receiving the radiant gazes of the Empire’s people.

And, more than anything—

‘This is what Brother Marib and Brother Gale wanted.’

Honestly, his young mind hadn’t understood them. Why did the two, who seemed to have everything, compete so fiercely, clash so violently, and even draw swords against each other? Was there any meaning in obtaining the crown by harming their father and killing their brothers?

To Jin, the Emperor was merely a destination for survival, a position that Ian had told him about.

But now, he truly understood.

He truly understood his two brothers’ hearts.

‘This is what they wanted to see.’

The cheers of Bariel resonated in his heart, and the smiles tickled his chest. Nothing was as precious and sparkling as the gazes they sent him. Their lives would become his history, and their existence would once again prove his own.

‘Ah, yes.’

His brothers had known this all along. That’s why they had been willing to give their blood and breath to obtain it. Even if they had ultimately failed, it was something worth accepting death for.

He felt overwhelmed, as if his whole body would break, just from standing there to give testimony. He couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to ascend to the Emperor’s throne.

Jin lightly grasped the magical device and cleared his throat.

‘In a short span of time, the Imperial Palace has been sealed twice. This is an unprecedented event in history, a source of anxiety for the Empire’s people, and a disgrace to the Imperial family.’

The crowd looked up at Jin, embracing the person next to them. The young prince’s voice whispered in their ears through the magical device. It was a delicate yet powerful voice, imbued with the noble dignity of the Imperial family.

‘The incidents were centered around Brother Marib and Brother Gale, but there were others who fueled the flames around them.’

Jin slowly and carefully unraveled the events of that day, one by one. Ian had already informed them once, and the press had reported it, but there was a different meaning in the Imperial family itself conveying the truth.

To the Empire’s people, Bariel was the Imperial family, and to the Imperial family, Bariel was the Empire’s people. Confirming their faith in each other by seeing each other would create tremendous power.

‘Those who were blinded by false glory and trampled their own honor. The seven families standing here are exactly that. We cannot say that it never happened. The scar on my face is the truth of that day.’

Haiman looked up at Jin without any change in expression. Now, facing death, he was suddenly reminded of what life was by this child.

The child who had been abandoned by his mother in place of Arsen during the rebellion, as if he were invisible, had now surpassed all his rivals and remained alone. His fate had changed from a clear loser to the sole victor.

‘I testify vividly. Duke Haiman’s black-clad soldiers shattered my mother’s palace, killed those who fled, and confronted Prince Marib to usurp the seal.’

He immediately refuted the lie that they had no intention because they didn’t know.

‘And in that process, my mother and my brothers died.’

This was a statement pointing out that they had tried to support Arsen to escape the charge of rebellion. Although it was grouped under the term ‘brothers,’ there was no problem with the result.

‘I swear on my name that all the charges brought by the Magic Department and the Imperial family are true. Therefore, I ask that you, Chief Judge, impose just punishment on the criminals for the stability of the Imperial family and the peace of the nation.’

The Chief Judge placed his hand on his chest as if in response and bowed his head lightly.

‘For Bariel.’

The elderly Chief Judge and the young prince swore for one value.

The crowd, watching this, whispered and moved closer to the palace walls. The soldiers blocked them with spears, but how could they stop the excited fervor? They reached out their hands and called out to Jin.

‘Your Highness, are Lady Dilaina and Prince Arsen really gone?’

‘You didn’t know? It was in the newspaper.’

‘Prince Jin! Show us your face, your scar again!’

‘You are the only hope left for Bariel. Please, come closer!’

‘Your Highness! Your Highness! Prince Jin!’

‘Chief Judge. For Bariel, please destroy all the nobles who have disturbed the nation.’

‘Destroy them! Destroy them!’

‘Isn’t it because of their greed that the precious lives of the Imperial family were lost? If the princes cause a rebellion, isn’t it their role to stop them and guide them on the right path?’

‘His Majesty the Emperor is watching!’

‘Conduct the trial fairly!’

‘Step back! If you come any closer, you will be removed!’

‘Step back! Go back, go back!’

In an instant, it turned into chaos. They had only thrown out a few words, but was it because there were so many of them? It was no different from hundreds of shouts erupting at once.

The nobles were startled by the tremendous noise and couldn’t hide their embarrassment. How dare those commoners make such a loud noise here? Even the nobles were holding their breath.

‘Shouldn’t they all be punished for treason?’

‘Tsk tsk. Those uneducated…’

‘I knew this would happen. Opening it up to secure taxes was the problem from the start. I doubt they even know what ‘solemn’ means.’

‘What if they come over the window? The Imperial Guard should prepare some measures in advance.’

They all glanced at Ian, hoping he would take some action. But he didn’t care and waited for Jin to finish.

‘That’s all. I’ve finished my statement.’

‘Yes. I’ve heard you well.’

Clap clap clap!

Ian raised his hand again as if to show off. This time, others reflexively applauded first. Amidst the thunderous applause, Jin was helped down from the platform by Ian.

The two made brief eye contact. The child wanted to go near the window, and Ian read his mind. But now, it was during a trial that would determine the fate of the families, so Ian shook his head lightly from side to side to stop him.

‘Now, then…’

Thump! Thump thump!

The judge recognized the magical device and struck the gavel more forcefully. The crowd simultaneously covered their ears and paused.

‘Be quiet. We will continue the trial. The people of the Empire are expected to maintain order precisely according to the instructions of the Imperial soldiers.’

Jin, having returned to his seat, sat upright and looked straight ahead. He could feel the fervent gazes of the Empire’s people beside him.

Unable to hold out any longer, he turned his gaze, and they were staring at Jin with wide, sparkling eyes. The trial was long forgotten.

‘Next is the Avalia family.’

The trial continued. Just as with the Haiman family, the procedures were not omitted to maintain respect for those who were about to disappear. The difference from Haiman was—

‘Yes. I admit to all charges.’

‘Understood. We will apply the charge of conspiracy.’

Thump!

‘I will not deny it.’

‘We will also apply the charge of conspiracy.’

Thump!

‘…I have nothing to say.’

‘I accept it.’

Most of them had lost their will and given up. There were few who, like Haiman, denied everything to the end, pointed out each point, and defended themselves. Some would consider it dignified, while others would consider it weak. Perhaps some might even think it was reasonable.

Jin watched the trial proceed smoothly and glanced at Haiman. Only his back was visible, but his posture was still upright. His expression was probably the same.

‘Do you have any further arguments?’

‘……’

‘Then please wait a moment.’

The judges rose from their seats to coordinate the verdict.

Unlike Marib, who was a member of the Imperial family, these were nobles. They could pass judgment under the authority of the judges without following a majority opinion.

‘We will take a ten-minute recess.’

The death penalty was the death penalty, but it was to discuss the method, order, or subsequent handling of the bodies.

As the judges left, the tense atmosphere relaxed. The faces of the Empire’s people, who met Jin’s gaze, were filled with joy. When else would they be able to face such a precious member of the Imperial family? It was right to prostrate themselves, but the Empire’s people continued to reach out to Jin and took courage.

‘Your Highness, this…’

‘Hey, step back.’

‘Sorry, I’m sorry.’

A single flower was extended through the soldiers.

Jin looked at Siao Shi in surprise. Siao Shi, on behalf of the prince, approached the window and called a soldier. The soldier received the flower, handed it to Siao Shi, and it was soon given to Jin.

Jin carefully wrapped a yellow wildflower and murmured.

‘…Thank you.’

‘We are grateful that Your Highness is safe.’

It was the first gift he had received from the Empire’s people. Jin smiled happily, constantly rubbing the petals against the tip of his nose. Romandro, with his chin resting on his hands, watched him with a pleased expression. Ian also had a faint smile, but it was fleeting.

‘Sia.’

Ian quietly called Siao Shi and whispered. It was a very secret scolding, so that even Romandro next to him could not hear.

‘How can you carelessly hand something given by an unknown person to His Highness? Be especially careful.’

‘…I’m sorry.’

‘It’s alright. It’s also my fault for not telling you in advance.’

‘What should we do with the flower?’

‘Leave it for now. His Highness seems to like it so much.’

How could he stop that dimpled smile? At Ian’s nod, Siao Shi sat next to Jin, and Jin kept showing him the flower and whispering something. He was clearly showing off.

Romandro did not hide his bulging cheeks. As if looking at something lovely, his chin-resting hands were gathered cutely.

‘Come to think of it, His Highness has never been outside the palace, has he? The successor appointment ceremony must be prepared grandly and perfectly.’

There was a golden road that stretched in a straight line from the entrance of the capital to the Imperial Palace. It was only for the Imperial family, and it was usually used when the Imperial family went to war or returned, or for official events such as coronations.

By becoming the successor, Jin would go outside the palace for the first time and meet Bariel.

‘Yes. We must do so. There will probably be many guests from foreign countries as well.’

‘Will you do that?’

‘Of course. He is the only prince.’

Being the only prince had several meanings. Positively, it meant he was the next Emperor, and negatively, it meant that the Bariel Imperial family had become vulnerable due to the rebellion and turmoil.

From the perspective of foreign powers, it was an opportunity to enter the Imperial Palace directly to assess the situation and make an impression on Jin. It would be impossible for kings to come, but it was highly likely that their successors would visit.

Squeak.

At that moment, the judges re-entered. They were holding black velvet verdicts. Everyone fell silent in an instant, waiting for the verdict to be announced.

‘You have waited long. We acknowledge that the seven central families have devoted themselves to Bariel in the past. However, the crime related to the rebellion is a serious crime that cannot be diluted by any excuse. Therefore, the Imperial Court hereby declares the following.’

Rustle.

The Chief Judge pointed out each of the family heads one by one.

‘All tangible and intangible assets of the seven families, including Haiman, will be confiscated and returned to the Imperial family. In addition, those who bear the family name will be executed by hanging, and their bodies will be displayed on the streets for a week as a warning against treason.’

Thump! Thump thump!

Haiman, who had been expressionless, finally frowned and closed his eyes. A roar of angry cheers erupted from outside, and the nobles groaned in complex emotions. The officials all stood up and shook hands with Ian and Jin.

‘You have worked hard, Your Highness.’

‘It’s all over. Congratulations, Your Highness.’

‘Sir Ian, you have done well. You have done well!’

‘No, it’s all thanks to everyone’s help.’

‘Oh my, Romandro! You! Go and rest now!’

Ian responded to the congratulations coming from all directions while embracing Jin’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Haiman and the nobles were dragged out by the Imperial Guard, and the Chief Judge announced the end of the trial.

‘This concludes the trial.’

Thump! Thump!

It was a perfect victory for the Imperial family that no one could refute.

At least, until this point.