Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 321

“Your Highness.”

Siaosi’s voice was a soft whisper. Jin, who had been dozing with his chin on the desk, straightened up as if nothing had happened. Footsteps echoed from afar. Soon, the door opened, and the Prime Minister and ministers entered together.

Ian and Romandro were among them. Had they gone in late last night? Ian looked fine, but Romandro’s complexion was alarmingly bad.

“Your Highness, thank you for attending the meeting so early in the morning.”

“It’s my duty, why such formalities? Take your seats.”

Ian, meeting Jin’s eyes, bowed his head with a hand on his chest. It was a simple, unadorned greeting. It was hard to believe that this was the same person who had been laughing and chatting in the same place just yesterday, or rather, a few hours ago. He was so dry and business-like.

Jin nodded in response. Everyone looked particularly tired, having rushed in at the crack of dawn.

“An early start, it will be a truly rewarding day.”

“You’re certainly diligent. I’m going back to sleep.”

“You live two days in one. You’re so diligent. Haha.”

“Alright, everyone, quiet down. You’ve all heard the message. Let’s get straight to the point. Your Highness, let’s begin.”

Thump! Thump!

Rustle. Rustle.

As the Prime Minister tapped his staff, the sound of reports being turned filled the room. The first to speak was the Minister of the Imperial Defense Department, the one who had received the report from the guards and passed it on to the Prime Minister.

“The guards report that there seems to have been an unidentified battle, and Clifford claims to know nothing about it. Is that the gist of the meeting?”

“That’s correct.”

They repeated the conversation that Ian and Romandro had in the Magic Department. They spoke as if assuming either a mistake by the guards or a lie from Clifford.

Romandro, standing behind and listening, glanced at the back of Ian’s head, a look of admiration on his face. Everything was exactly as Ian had predicted, without a single deviation. Since there was nothing particularly new, Romandro just drew meaningless lines in his notebook to show he was paying attention.

“Then, isn’t it the work of Burgos?”

“The tribute brought by Burgos was top-tier. They might have staged this to get it back.”

“But…”

Jin, who had been listening quietly, raised his hand to speak. The middle-aged ministers stopped talking and turned to look at the Crown Prince.

“But wouldn’t that be neither the best nor the second-best option for Burgos? Causing a disturbance within Bariel would immediately give us cause to act.”

The expressionless Romandro snorted and drew a circle vigorously. That’s it, Your Highness Jin. That’s exactly it! How did that little kid’s thoughts become so profound?

While Romandro was internally applauding, Ian was tapping his documents with his fingertips. He was listening to every word Jin said, not missing a single one.

“That makes sense. It would certainly be a burden for Burgos, and the losses would outweigh the gains.”

“Then who on earth…”

Silence fell over the meeting room. It wasn’t Burgos, nor Luswena, nor any nearby bandits. If there was a force in Bariel capable of such a feat, there was only one place: the Imperial Palace.

As the Prime Minister realized this, his eyes darted around, shaking. Some of the officials also seemed to have realized it, their gazes filled with caution.

A rather long silence ensued. Siaosi, who had been listening intently, approached Jin and whispered something.

“Huh?”

It wasn’t clear what he had said. But judging by the way his eyebrows furrowed, it didn’t seem like pleasant news.

“Why, why is that, Your Highness?”

“It’s nothing. Don’t mind me, everyone, continue the discussion.”

Even if he told them to continue, it wasn’t easy to speak. Wasn’t it a theory close to a conspiracy? Why would the Imperial Palace, which had just successfully completed the inauguration ceremony, jeopardize relations with another country? Who on earth…

‘Crown Prince Jin has moved his residence from the Magic Department to another location.’

Everyone glanced at Ian with the whites of their eyes showing. It was clear that there was some unspoken signal in their relationship, so if anyone was capable of it, Ian was the most likely candidate. Of course, it was just a suspicion without any evidence, but it was inevitable that their thoughts would turn that way.

One of the ministers cautiously spoke up.

“…Sir Ian. What do you think?”

“Please add your thoughts. You’ve been silent, haha. Did you have some good wine yesterday?”

It was a subtle jab at Philia and Nelsarn’s engagement ceremony. Since they had gained a new son-in-law from the barbaric Cheonryo tribe, there were rumors circulating among the nobles. However, given who they were dealing with, they were being careful and keeping quiet.

The Prime Minister frowned as if telling him to be discreet, but how could a silent scolding reach him? Ian put down his pen and replied.

“Yes. I’m not much of a drinker, so I didn’t expect this. I still feel a bit out of it, like I’m still feeling the heat.”

It was a warning not to bother him with nonsense since he was still hungover. The minister who had been openly rebuked hardened his face, but what could he do? If he went any further, he would only be at a loss.

Ian checked the schedule that Romandro handed him.

“Either way, it would be best to form an investigation team and dispatch them. Before Clifford crosses the border. The Imperial Defense Department will handle the guards, and the Magic Department will meet with Clifford.”

“They should be leaving Bariel by tomorrow or the day after. Shouldn’t we hurry?”

“It just so happens that today is my day off, so my schedule is open. I’ll select a few mages and go.”

“How…”

Jin was about to ask in surprise but stopped himself. He remembered the black moon that had appeared in the sky during the rebellion. It was a laborious task, but there was no faster way to travel long distances.

“Your Highness. I have a question.”

“…I permit it.”

When Ian turned to look at Jin, the child flinched and answered. It was the first time they had spoken since the start of the meeting.

“If, during the investigation, unusual behavior from another country is confirmed, how would Your Highness like to handle it?”

“What do you mean?”

“The guards suspected a battle. The Magic Department and the Imperial Defense Department will be prepared for any unexpected situations, and all of this will be done under Your Highness’s direction.”

It was always a private spark that ignited the fuse. If there was a conflict with another country, the response would have to be determined by the decision-maker.

“…If possible, I want peace. I am guaranteed safety in the Imperial Palace, but the people who live in that area are in danger. I don’t want to hear their screams.”

“Understood. I will take it to heart.”

Ian glanced at the Imperial Defense Department and nodded. It meant that they should try to resolve the matter as quietly as possible, in accordance with the Crown Prince’s wishes.

‘The Imperial Defense Department is a department that grows on blood.’

They hadn’t been able to stand out within the Imperial Palace. Since there was a high possibility that they would cause trouble under the guise of an opportunity, Ian gave them a warning through Jin.

Right now, it was a priority to deal with the three countries outside first. The other ministers broke into awkward laughter, trying to smooth over the atmosphere.

“Ahem. If it was a mistake by the guards, it would be best if we could resolve it without any issues.”

“That’s right. Who should we select as the general from the Imperial Defense Department to go to the site…”

“I’ll take my leave first.”

Swoosh.

Ian closed his report. He wondered if there was another issue he hadn’t anticipated, but it seemed like everyone was thinking similarly. There was no reason for him to stay.

Besides-

“The teleportation circle is quite complex. If we want to use it properly, it’s best to start now.”

“Y-yes. Please do.”

“If there’s anything to convey, please let me know separately.”

Wouldn’t they be able to talk more freely if he wasn’t there? As Ian got up from his seat and walked out the door, the ministers’ gazes followed him.

Thump!

“Your Highness Jin. It seems we shouldn’t just send the Magic Department, but also have someone from another department accompany them.”

“That’s right. I agree.”

They didn’t directly say that the Magic Department was suspicious, but their caution was clear. Jin’s gaze subtly shifted towards Siaosi.

‘Your Highness. Do you remember? Last time, Sir Ian said that there was a traitor left in the Magic Department.’

What Siaosi had told him earlier was about the existence of a traitor he had forgotten. If a third party was involved, that person was the most likely candidate. Ian must know this too.

Jin unconsciously fiddled with his bangs as he pondered.

“Of course. We do need someone to monitor them appropriately. I will directly order another department.”

“Yes. That is a wise decision.”

The ministers breathed a sigh of relief and praised his decision. They didn’t know that Jin had selected the ‘Imperial Guard’ as the other department.

Sending Barsabe and Beric would be appropriate from an external perspective, and it didn’t seem like it would particularly hinder Ian. Jin gestured to Siaosi and whispered.

“Bring me the list of mages that Sir Ian will select when it’s made.”

“Understood.”

The traitor remaining in the Magic Department. Looking at Ian’s list, he thought he might be able to figure out who he suspected.

The Prime Minister tapped his staff, asking the ministers to be quiet. Ian’s seat was empty, but the meeting continued. Of course.

* * *

“Ian. Should we issue the summons?”

He still vividly remembered how chaotic it was when they were drawing the magic circle during the rebellion. Of course, they had more time and energy now, so it was fine. But wasn’t there a need to hurry?

Ian nodded and instructed.

“Please do. Everyone will be surprised from the morning.”

“Will they be the only ones? It’s better than hearing it while drinking.”

Ian continued walking without replying. Romandro blocked his path and held up a report.

“Ian. The mage we talked about earlier, it’s that traitor, right? The one we couldn’t weed out last time.”

A single note that Gale had used to threaten Philia.

He wondered if there was anyone else in the world who was as lucky as him. He had seen with his own eyes what happened to the traitors. If the gods had given him a once-in-a-lifetime chance, he should have lived in the shadows. Why did he reveal his identity in such a commotion?

“I don’t know yet.”

“Don’t know? Do you think I don’t know you?”

“Do you know the principle of presumption of innocence?”

“Don’t joke around!”

As Ian tried to pass by, Romandro followed him and blocked his way. Judging by his firmly closed mouth, he didn’t seem like he was going to move easily. Ian tilted his head, asking what he wanted.

“Before making the magic circle, shouldn’t we catch that guy first? And tell His Highness Jin again not to get close to him.”

“…That’s a bit difficult.”

“Why?”

Ian finally leaned against the window. They had even had a meeting, but it was still early morning, and no one was around.

“If it’s the traitor from that time, you can probably guess who he’s connected to.”

“Haiman?”

“So, it seems he’s holding a slightly difficult hand.”

“How is that difficult? It’s advantageous for us. If he’s involved with a ruined family, we can deal with him more easily.”

“Romandro. Do you remember? When the Clifford envoy arrived in the center, you briefly met with Commander Jeyrut.”

“Yes. He said there was a report of an anomaly in the magic power detection device at the southern border.”

“He was suspicious.”

“Huh?”

Romandro remembered. Ian and Jeyrut had a private conversation. Ian had never told him what they had talked about.

“Commander Jeyrut is suspicious of the circumstances of sending Melania alive and then attaching a shadow to her. From what I saw, it seems that the traitor heard about Melania’s news and leaked it to Jeyrut.”

So how could he fix it right away? He needed to completely understand and dig into everything about the other party. Ian slipped past the dumbfounded Romandro and said.

“Go call Philic first. I will lead the investigation team myself and go with them.”