Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 372

Minister Maxim Tweller seemed to firmly believe he would one day reach that position.

Even when his colleagues were promoted or retired because they couldn’t endure, he clearly had no doubt that he would one day achieve what he desired. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to purge the opposing faction so quickly and accurately.

The speed at which he identified who to remove first and who was suitable for their positions was impossible unless he had been planning it all in advance. Almost every day, the Imperial Defense Ministry’s new system and personnel arrangements were being updated in the administration.

“Your Highness, it seems you’ve grown a bit taller lately.”

At the attendant’s words, Jin looked down at his shortened sleeves.

Jin without Ian was truly peculiar. He was experiencing explosive growth, both physically and mentally.

Jin spread his arms out to the sides, and the attendant, as if used to it, began to measure his body again. Jin nodded at Siao Shi, who was reflected in the mirror.

“Is the Imperial Defense Ministry still in such a state?”

“Yes. It seems to be nearing completion, but there’s still some internal strife. I believe it will be resolved within a few days.”

Volv was dead, and many of his close aides, the officers, had resigned.

As Minister Tweller was proceeding with appointments regardless of background or status, as he had stated at the hearing, many were protesting, not just those from Volv’s faction.

However, that was Tweller’s job to handle. Jin had not made any statements regarding the Imperial Defense Ministry since then. This silence was direct and indirect evidence that Jin actively supported Tweller.

Knock knock.

“Your Highness. A message has arrived from Clifford.”

“What?”

Jin was surprised and immediately turned around. The measuring tape that was wrapped around his body was quickly removed, and Jin hurried over to check the note on the gold tray.

The neatly folded note was exactly as it had been when it was attached to the carrier pigeon. This indicated that Jin had received the report before the Prime Minister.

Swoosh.

Jin quickly unfolded the note and read the words. It was Ian’s handwriting. Neat, upright, and flowing with strength. Jin felt a deep joy, as if he had met Ian through the writing.

Everyone held their breath, watching Jin’s face. What was happening in Clifford? In this day and age, was a war really about to break out?

Jin neatly folded the note, put it in his pocket, and ordered Siao Shi.

“Summon the Prime Minister, Romandro, and the ministers for an emergency meeting. Oh, and Quintanna as well, exceptionally.”

“Yes, Your Highness. Understood.”

“Finish the preparations. Hurry.”

Siao Shi, who was about to leave, hesitated and turned back. It seemed that this would be a major meeting of international importance. He chose a calm-colored outfit from the clothes the attendants were holding.

“Your Highness. It would be best if you wore this today.”

“Good. Is there a size that fits?”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will prepare it right away.”

Jin, understanding Siao Shi’s intention, nodded, and the attendants moved busily. The ministers were always staying in the Imperial Palace in preparation for wartime, so it wouldn’t take long.

As Jin finished putting on his jacket, word came that everyone had gathered in the nearby conference room. Dozens of attendants followed behind Jin.

Tap tap tap!

Squeak!

“Crown Prince Jin Verosian enters!”

As Jin entered, those gathered stood up in unison and paid their respects. It was the first official meeting convened since Tweller was appointed as minister. Jin, feeling a sense of novelty, gripped the armrest tightly and straightened his gaze.

Perhaps because they knew about the bloodbath in the Imperial Defense Ministry, most of the ministers avoided making eye contact with him.

“A message has arrived from Clifford. It says that the Vergos side has broken through Clifford’s walls and crossed the border.”

“Good heavens. What on earth is King Vergos thinking?”

“Indeed. Oh, my! How dare they cause trouble when Variel is watching with open eyes.”

“The fact that they did this despite knowing about the alliance agreement between Clifford and Variel is a significant issue. Your Highness, what did Sir Ian report? And when is he returning? With all due respect, without the mages, everyone’s work is a bit…”

In fact, he did return. However, it was not an easy return.

Since the mages, who were taken for granted, were gone, there was inconvenience in work, and rumors began to spread outside the Imperial Palace. That all the mages of Variel had disappeared.

It was still being dismissed as nonsense, but if this situation continued, the anxiety of the imperial citizens would be uncontrollable.

“It doesn’t seem like he’ll be back soon.”

“Yes? Why is that?”

“Vergos used something called a composite monster.”

Composite monster? What was that? The ministers looked around, but no one seemed to know.

Then, Minister Tweller cleared his throat and raised his hand to speak. He was the only one present who had experience fighting monsters.

“It means a monster created by combining two or more monsters. It’s rare for them to be created through crossbreeding; usually, necromancers stitch together corpses to make them.”

“It’s a well-known fact that there are many sorcerers in Vergos. If a composite monster is such a thing, it makes sense.”

The conference room buzzed with chatter.

Vergos was mobilizing monsters! Such a war had only happened hundreds of years ago, and since then, humans had paid a heavy price due to the monster outbreaks.

This meant that Vergos was fully committed. After swallowing Clifford, they were trying to reach Variel.

“Therefore, Sir Ian said he would remain in Clifford to deal with the composite monsters. This is not just because of a conflict between nations, but to prevent the monsters from coming down south. However, if that happens, there is a possibility that Luswena will intervene.”

Jin turned to Minister Tweller and continued.

“He’s asking for reinforcements. What do you think, Minister of the Imperial Defense Ministry?”

Tweller bowed his head slightly to show respect to Jin’s call. Being recognized as a minister was such a delightful feeling. He smiled and answered as if there was no problem.

“If Sir Ian has requested reinforcements, then of course we must go. If possible, I will go myself.”

“You yourself? Is that possible?”

The work of the Imperial Defense Ministry was not yet fully completed. Everyone knew that the situation was noisy with purges, accusations, and protests. Yet, he would go himself?

“Yes, Your Highness. I will complete the preparations for departure within three days.”

However, Tweller showed a confident appearance. This was a confirmation that he could quell the unrest within three days.

In fact, he had a plan. The more chaotic the inside, the better it was to turn attention to the outside. If he stood at the forefront and achieved good results, it would strengthen his position as minister.

And above all, this was a war between Clifford and Vergos. It was a good opportunity to gain honor without much effort. For Tweller, Ian’s request for support couldn’t have been more welcome.

“If Minister Tweller says so, then I will trust you.”

“I will certainly live up to Your Highness’s trust.”

“Then, I will entrust this matter entirely to Minister Tweller. How many reinforcements do you think would be appropriate?”

“Although the details are not specified, I think about 5,000 would be sufficient. We will go and assess the situation and then agree with the Magic Department to devise a strategy. The priority will be the safe return of the mages.”

He looked at the other ministers and smiled. Everyone was constantly clamoring about when the mages would return, so if they returned, it would also be because of the efforts of the Imperial Defense Ministry.

Jin was satisfied and allowed the departure, and each minister handed over the related documents to their aides.

“But there is one question I have.”

“Please ask, Your Highness.”

Jin fiddled with the end of the note Ian had sent, thinking of him. Judging by the content, what Ian was worried about was Luswena’s participation.

With two countries surrounding Clifford, if they attacked at the same time, the forces would be dispersed, and the war situation could become unstable. And above all, an irreversible multi-national war would break out.

“Sir Ian is facing Vergos in Clifford, but it seems like he’s worried about the Luswena side, isn’t he?”

“Hmm, yes. That is quite true.”

“Then, is there anything we can do from the Imperial Palace?”

Jin urged the ministers to come up with an answer.

However, no opinions came out easily. It was clear that they were being cautious, fearing a clash with the Imperial Defense Ministry, which was currently riding the wave of power.

Jin changed the question.

“Minister Tweller.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“What is the most important thing in war? Specifically, what can we do to help Sir Ian in the process of war?”

He was silent for a moment at the child’s question.

What was important.

“If Luswena and Vergos have formed an alliance, then cutting off their communication network would be the priority. But finding carrier pigeons is not easy.”

Communication. Luswena and Vergos were communicating.

Information sharing was the main purpose, but it felt like they were exchanging something they wanted from the time of the appointment ceremony. Jin rubbed his temples slightly and muttered.

“I think Luswena will provide supplies to Vergos. I know that Vergos has poor land and lacks a lot of supplies, including food.”

“That is also an excellent point. Cutting off supplies is also a shortcut to victory.”

“…The black armor of the Hyman family. Does Luswena know about that too?”

As if realizing something, Jin raised his head, and the Prime Minister answered absentmindedly.

“Of course. Because Mrs. Hyman is from that side.”

“Bring the map!”

At Jin’s command, the attendants unfurled a huge map on the table. And he gestured to Tweller.

“If they don’t pass through Clifford when going from Luswena to Vergos, they have no choice but to go through the dead lands. Sir Ian would surely be aware of the contact between the two countries and would have informed Clifford. What do you think, Minister Tweller?”

“Yes. That path seems right. When we join the Magic Department, we will search that area and try to cut off the supply route.”

Then, we need to increase the number of troops. That was the moment Tweller thought so.

“…Variel.”

“Yes?”

“What if Luswena, fearing this, doesn’t go through the dead lands? If they try to take a different route, anticipating what Sir Ian would guess? The only remaining path is through Variel, and there are no walls except where the border guards are stationed, right?”

Everyone looked as if they couldn’t believe it. No matter how bold they were, would they really supply goods to Vergos through Variel?

But Jin remembered Eriphony clearly. A woman like a blue-green snake. Aggressive, bold, and, on the other hand, surprisingly clever.

“No. I think it’s possible. Luswena is blocking imports and exports to Vergos. Yes, that’s exactly right. Listen, what is the extent of the damage caused by temporarily blocking trade with Luswena?”

“Well, just a moment. Excuse me, Your Highness.”

At Jin’s sudden question, the relevant departments moved urgently.

“How long should we set the period for?”

“Calculate it on a weekly basis.”

“Yes, I understand.”

Quintanna ran around with documents, calculating the expected damages with the ministers of each department.

“We import a lot of grain from Luswena, so there will be some impact, but fortunately, it’s not winter, so it seems better than expected. Hmm…”

“Vergos is our export destination. It is not expected to be a big problem.”

“Your Highness. Even so, wouldn’t it be difficult to completely block trade? It’s not even certain.”

At one minister’s words, Jin firmly refuted.

“Think about the damage that would occur if the scale of the war grew due to contact between Vergos and Luswena. Would temporarily blocking trade be greater than that?”

“…Ah, the calculation was wrong. Your Highness. I think I can organize and report by tonight. There will be a margin of error, but it will be within acceptable limits.”

“Okay. After reviewing it, I will inform Luswena of the decision along with Minister Tweller’s departure.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Jin gestured to the Prime Minister. It was a signal to strike the gavel.

Bang! Bang!

As soon as it was announced that the meeting was over, the ministers rushed out, followed by attendants carrying piles of documents.

Siao Shi, watching Jin’s back as he elegantly observed this, felt the traces of Ian.