Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 348

“Is everything ready?”

“Is there anything to prepare? It’s already a decided matter.”

“They said to proceed as with Minister Volv, so we just need to read it out. I’m sure Sir Maxim Tweller is already aware of the order of questions.”

“Life can change in an instant. Who would have known even yesterday that Sir Maxim Tweller would rise to become the Minister of the Imperial Defense Department?”

“I’m sure Minister Volv would have been the most surprised, if he were alive.”

“What about the Imperial Defense Department? Is there no contact?”

“Don’t even mention it. It’s in complete chaos, and we can’t get in touch. They’ll probably all come together on time, and it’ll be a miracle if there’s no backlash. They’re being forced to serve under someone who isn’t even from the military academy.”

“I think times are changing. What about Sir Maxim Tweller’s financial status? There’s nothing from the administration?”

“No. They say it was handled first.”

“Goodness, they’re fast.”

The officials preparing for the confirmation hearing, moving about the conference hall, clicked their tongues. It’s said that all history is built and destroyed based on a single moment, but it can’t come as suddenly as a bolt from the blue like this.

The young Crown Prince had seized control of the administration, the Imperial Guard, and the Imperial Defense Department in the blink of an eye. These were almost all the core departments, except for the Magic Department. Especially, he had taken control of both the left and right hands of Bariel’s military power.

“I wonder how the Magic Department will react when they return.”

“What choice do they have? By then, the disposition of Idgal will also be decided. Now, let’s finish this up. Time’s almost up.”

Summoned at the crack of dawn and immediately thrown into a confirmation hearing. The officials, hiding their fatigue, finished the preparations for the hearing.

As the giant clock hands ticked, the morning sun streamed in. In the distance, carriages could be seen speeding along through the windows.

“They’re coming.”

It was the flag of the Imperial Defense Department. The way they were rushing in, as if the heavens were about to fall, was unwavering.

The officials crowded around the windows, looking down at the group of officers. They were all in full dress uniform, their hair neatly styled, and swords at their waists. Under the long, flowing insignia, the blood-soaked badge of the Imperial Defense Department stood out.

“That’s Sir Maxim Tweller.”

“Is this your first time seeing him?”

“Yes. I don’t have any connections with the Imperial Defense Department. And there’s even less chance of meeting an officer who’s out and about.”

His tanned skin was layered with decades of sunlight. His graying hair was tied back, and he had a thick beard. His eyes shone brightly between the deep wrinkles. He was a small man, but his solid and resolute aura was immediately apparent.

“His Highness the Crown Prince is entering.”

“Everyone, please rise from your seats.”

It had begun. The officials straightened their clothes and rose from their seats, paying their respects to the Crown Prince as before. The position where the Prime Minister and Jairet followed. Jin gestured for everyone to sit and smiled.

“Before the confirmation hearing, let’s first conduct a simple ceremony of peerage appointment.”

It was a natural order. Jin seemed to want to promote Siao to an officer, so it was right to grant him a noble title first before proceeding with the matter.

Some officials nervously gripped their bundles of documents. There was no way to stop Maxim Tweller from becoming a minister, but no matter how they thought about it, it was unfair for Siao to rise to that position.

“At least let’s stop Siao’s appointment as an officer.”

“Will it work? Isn’t it just going to displease His Highness if we interfere…?”

“What’s not right isn’t right. I can’t accept it, so don’t stop me.”

“This is driving me crazy, really.”

“Can’t you see that the Imperial Defense Department people came in with their swords drawn? Commander Jairet is also armed.”

“That’s standard for full dress uniform. Don’t be intimidated.”

In various places, those with similar resolutions whispered and burned with zeal.

Meanwhile, Siao knelt before Jin with his usual calm expression. It was a formal attire that Romandro had hastily prepared. His hair was also neatly styled, making his heterochromatic eyes even more prominent.

“Siao. I know that you have made numerous contributions in various incidents and accidents since the rebellion. But due to the limitations of your status, it was difficult to reach that glory. Therefore, I highly value your abilities and achievements and bestow upon you the title of Baron.”

Jin pinned a badge on Siao’s chest. It was a gray wolf insignia with blue eyes.

“Siao Enrow. From now on, dedicate everything to Bariel.”

Enrow. It was the first surname Siao had ever had. He raised his hand to his chest as a sign of acceptance and willingly bowed his head.

Jin looked around and led the chant, as if telling everyone to follow.

“For the glory of Bariel.”

Clap, clap, clap!

Then, the officials stood up one by one, applauding and chanting.

Romandro’s wrist was practically twitching. Some glanced at him with sharp eyes, but what did he care? Romandro cheered even louder, as if to show off.

“Sir Siao, my goodness. Congratulations. This is why you should live long enough to see everything. Don’t you think so? I’m really looking forward to how Ian and the others will react.”

“Berik will probably demand one for himself too.”

“Will he? Heh heh. Anyway, congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Siao came down and accepted Romandro’s congratulations. He felt embarrassed, proud, and the weight of the insignia on his chest seemed heavy. He just smiled awkwardly and shrugged his shoulders.

Soon, the Prime Minister’s announcement was heard.

Bang! Bang!

“Now, as the matter is urgent, we will proceed quickly. Next is the matter of appointing the Minister of the Imperial Defense Department. First, we express our condolences for the sudden death of Minister Volv at his residence. However, the position of Minister of the Imperial Defense Department is one of the key positions supporting Bariel. It cannot be left vacant for long, so, according to custom, His Highness the Crown Prince will directly appoint Sir Maxim Tweller to the position of Minister. Sir Maxim Tweller.”

At the Prime Minister’s call, the doors opened to the left and right as if they had been waiting, and soldiers entered. They were probably Sir Tweller’s closest aides, who would be seated as generals alongside him.

And the man at the forefront. The oppressive power emanating from his small frame. The primal spirit of a man who had survived crushing dozens, hundreds of bones on the battlefield was immense. No matter how you looked at it, his rough appearance did not suit the formal attire at all.

“Sir Maxim Tweller. Please stand on the platform.”

The Prime Minister and Tweller exchanged glances for a moment. It was a mystery how the young Crown Prince had come into contact with a demoted officer, but the Prime Minister had acted as a bridge in between.

Tweller went up to the platform and looked around. And then, his laughter broke the tension.

“Heh heh. It looked high from below, but it’s even more so now that I’m up here.”

How many years had it been? He had suffered all sorts of humiliation among the officers for not being from the military academy. Even if he made contributions on the battlefield, he was blocked by an invisible wall, and he rarely attended the conference.

His juniors were promoted, and some even became ministers. Everyone wanted Tweller to retire. But look. If you endure, an opportunity will come someday. Just like now.

“Please make your declaration.”

“Yes. I am Maxim Tweller, the commander of the 5th Thousand Man Unit. I am from the eastern part of the province, I have served for thirty years since enlisting, and I have been a commander for thirteen years. To verify my faith, sincerity, and ability, I will speak only the truth without any falsehood. I swear to Bariel, and I swear to His Majesty the Emperor and His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Perhaps because he was a man who had roamed the battlefield, he was truly relaxed. It was partly due to his experience, but it was also because he knew that the situation itself was in his favor. Unless he acted crazy and rolled around here, his appointment as minister was as good as decided.

The sound of papers being turned could be heard here and there. Tweller’s subordinates swallowed hard, nervously watching their superior.

“Sir Maxim Tweller. Your family consists of your wife, three sons, and two daughters. Is that correct?”

“Yes. They are also training to join the Imperial Defense Department.”

“Your reported assets are three mansions, ten horses, and about a hundred gold coins, and there have been no updates since two years ago.”

“That’s because I was traveling the border last year. I went with my personal horse, so I couldn’t specify anything and couldn’t report it.”

“You went with your personal horse? Why?”

“Why do you think?”

How could supplies be properly distributed to a washed-up officer who was being pushed out of promotions and given the stink eye to retire? Moreover, he was not on good terms with Volv. Even the supplies needed for managing military horses were insufficient, so he had no choice but to use his own money.

When the official paused at the question, Tweller grinned. Some of his teeth were broken.

“I did so because I thought I couldn’t use the Imperial Palace’s assets without permission. There’s no problem with that, is there?”

His tone was clearly sarcastic. His eyes seemed to ask if any of the officials here had ever cared about their poor conditions. He had nothing to be ashamed of before the heavens, so it was a provocative warrior’s answer, daring them to try him.

“…When you become minister, who do you plan to select as generals under you? Please explain the exact criteria and also tell us about the operational methods you pursue for the Imperial Operations Department.”

Here it came. The content about the generals Tweller would select. This was closely related to Siao, so depending on his answer, the officials’ attacks and appeasements would be appropriately thrown.

Usually, a good answer would be something like ‘those who are suitable for the task and have no problems.’ Then, they could challenge Siao’s lack of experience. How could someone with no battlefield experience lead hundreds or thousands of soldiers?

Everyone was fidgeting, ready to raise their hands.

“There is no such thing.”

“Pardon?”

Tweller gave an unexpected answer.

“There are no criteria for selecting generals. Since the missions of each corps are different, those who may not seem suitable to the officials may be suitable in my judgment. So, don’t ask about the criteria, just ask about me. If there’s a problem, it’s my subordinate and my responsibility, so you can ask me about that as well.”

“No, but at least give us some kind of answer…”

“It will change depending on the situation and my judgment, so I cannot promise that what I say now will be kept. But if you still want to hear it…”

Tweller’s fingertips moved habitually. It was the movement of rolling a cigarette.

“I will go by ability. Look at our excellent Imperial Guard. They only look at ability, regardless of status or position, so they are worthy of serving His Majesty the Emperor. The Imperial Defense Department that I will lead will be like that in the future. I want an Imperial Defense Department that wins in battles and brings only victory in wars. Isn’t that what’s best for Bariel?”

On the surface, he seemed calm, but he was clenching his teeth tightly. A declaration that he would completely overhaul the Imperial Defense Department, not forgetting the humiliation he had suffered. This meant that there was unlimited potential for Siao’s appointment as a general.

The officials twirled their pens and exchanged troubled glances.

“Old man, he’s really putting on the pressure.”

“I can hear you. Be quiet.”

“He’s talking about reorganizing while mentioning the Imperial Guard, so if we oppose him here, aren’t we also challenging the Imperial Guard? Anyway, he’s like a sly fox…”

The officials whispered very quietly and closed their eyes tightly. They had tried to somehow pull Siao down, even if they had to accept Sir Tweller, but there was no opening.

“Next question, is there none?”

Tweller cheerfully sniffed and looked around. The officials, almost half-resigned, raised their hands and continued the formal hearing, and soon, it was almost over.

Knock knock.

Squeak.

Romandro, who had run in from outside, whispered to Jin. It was the message they had been waiting for.

“Your Highness. A message has arrived from Cliffopord!”