Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 456

“Is there? Huh? Is there?” Wouldn’t it be right to share that wisdom with everyone right away? As Romandro whispered excitedly, Ian raised his hand to cover his mouth. He could feel the eyes of everyone in the conference room slowly gathering. “There is, but it’s useless right now.” “Why?” “Just as Rutherford is consolidating his power within Vergos, Bariel is doing the same. Unlike Rutherford, who is trying to explode the internal chaos of Vergos caused by the war to the outside, Bariel is pushing a pro-Bariel figure to become king, thus shouldering the internal chaos. If that happens, the internal chaos will prevent the war from escalating. However, if that happens, the civil war will become very serious, and it cannot be guaranteed that we will be able to take all the benefits from this Clifford-Vergos war.” Above all, the problem was that there were few influential figures on the Vergos side who belonged to the pro-Bariel faction. The Vergos royal palace was already full of Damon’s henchmen, and that was the basis for the war. The only one who could be pushed by the imperial palace was Timothy, but he had already been purged, lost everything, and naturalized. He couldn’t return to Vergos, and even if he did, it would be difficult. ‘I don’t want that either.’ Timothy should no longer be tied to Vergos. Only by settling in Bariel can we hope for Naum’s future, right? “Then, what, what do we do?” “It’s a bit difficult, but for now-” A strong response was the right course of action. As a defeated nation, and an invading nation that started the war, it was unacceptable for them to hold their heads high and act so recklessly in the imperial palace. The imperial family, and Ian, that is. Even if the opponent unites through war, the first priority is to protect Bariel’s dignity. There was nothing more important than that. “We have no choice but to cut them down, protect the honor of the imperial family, and overwhelm the Vergos side.” In the end, it’s another war. A look of despair flashed across Romandro’s face. He was a reconstruction expert, after all. Although most of his work was in areas affected by natural disasters, he had also traveled through war-torn areas with Vivianna from time to time. The Clifford-Vergos war was still someone else’s problem, so he was less concerned, but now it seemed that Bariel was taking the lead. And that was against the western country where mysterious forces had gathered. “Ian. His Highness Crown Prince Jin has publicly announced that he will dispatch you to Clifford, and accordingly, some of the Magic Department’s personnel will also go with you.” “…We will not mobilize many people.” “That’s just your opinion! Anyway, but a war. Of course, it’s not that I don’t trust Bariel’s power. But to achieve victory as surely as possible without bloodshed, wouldn’t the presence of the Magic Department be necessary?” “Excuse me, can you see Minister Tweller’s expression?” “Maxim Tweller?” As Ian lightly nodded, Romandro barely turned his eyes to meet his gaze. The Minister of the Imperial Defense Department, Maxim Tweller, was sitting not far from Jin. It was as if he had smelled the prelude to the upcoming war, and he was happily twitching his nose. They were the ones who lived by drinking blood and grew stronger with screams. If it was a war led by the empire, not a war between other countries, it was like a well-prepared feast for them. “The Minister of the Imperial Defense Department would be happy. They are the ones who get promoted through war. The minister’s status will also be elevated.” “That’s also true, but what I’m looking at is his eyes.” “Huh? Eyes?” “Eyes that have properly harbored resentment.” What about his eyes? Romandro focused on Tweller’s eyes at Ian’s words. “He is someone who has waited his whole life for this moment to come. Even without a magician, he will be able to fully demonstrate his skills on the battlefield. Rutherford’s existence is a concern, but the opponent is a defeated nation. If a magician tries to intervene in this war, Minister Tweller will try to cut them off indirectly.” As if noticing Ian and Romandro’s gaze, Maxim Tweller raised his eyebrows at Ian. And a faint smile. He raised his dry, hard hand to his chest and showed reverence. It was as if he was saying that it was really fortunate that the Magic Department was going to Clifford and the Imperial Defense Department was going to Vergos. Romandro also smiled awkwardly in return. “That’s right. That’s right. The Magic Department did a great job in the Clifford-Vergos war, so this time, no matter what, the Imperial Defense Department will try to lead the war. Oh, my.” “It seems best to respect and follow the imperial family’s opinion for now. Let’s watch.” Jin whispered this and that with the Prime Minister, nodding several times. Once as if he understood, once as if he was giving permission, and then as if everything was over. Bania looked up at him with his chin held high. According to the orders of that young crown prince, the fate of the delegation that came with him, and even Vergos, would be decided. No matter what, the big picture would not escape Rutherford’s grasp, but it was an unavoidable human instinct to fear the immediate trials. Thump! Thump! The Prime Minister brought down his staff with a solemn expression, straightening out the noisy atmosphere of the conference room. “Representative Bania of the Vergos delegation.” “Yes, Prime Minister.” “As the Vergos delegation, you are maintaining your opinion that you will not accept Bariel’s negotiation proposal. Is that correct?” “It’s not that we won’t accept it, but-” “Bariel has made it clear that there is no compromise in the proposal. It would be wise for you to be aware of your position. I don’t know what you want, but don’t insult the imperial family’s conference room with other intentions in your heart. I will say it one last time.” Thump! The Prime Minister rarely spoke so loudly. The hand that struck the staff was full of force, and the officials tried to look straight ahead, trying not to flinch. “Is the Vergos delegation unable to accept Bariel’s proposal?” Bania took a moment to catch his breath, then swallowed a sigh as if what was coming had come. “Yes. We cannot accept it.” “How insolent! Utterly disrespectful!” “Since you have not accepted the proposal, bear the consequences! Your Highness, you must immediately behead them and send a warning to Vergos!” “Yes! That’s right! How dare they act like this here!” “It’s obvious what they’re up to. We must show them what death is like! It’s better this way! Let’s take this opportunity to occupy all of Vergos’s territory and destroy them!” “Everyone, be quiet!” Clang! Clang! Clang! The Prime Minister struck the staff roughly, as if it were the head of an enemy. Clifford was also in an uproar. They had decided to hand over the right to claim compensation to Bariel, but if Vergos acted like that, what would happen to Clifford’s position? Damon stared at the ceiling with languid eyes, wearing an ambiguous expression that made it impossible to guess his thoughts. “In the name of the Prime Minister of the Bariel Empire, I order. The Vergos delegation currently in the imperial palace, listen. The delegation has no intention of cooperating for friendly negotiations between Vergos and Bariel, and this is the same as an insult to Bariel, so I will not recognize those currently in place as a delegation.” Swish! At the Prime Minister’s order, soldiers who had been waiting outside rushed in fully armed. Those who had entered as a delegation had their qualifications revoked, so their future treatment was obvious. They would be treated accordingly for following Rutherford, who had publicly declared his involvement in the imperial family’s rebellion. Is Vergos going down the same path as Luswena? The King of Clifford watched the situation with tension, and the Vergos delegation was quickly surrounded by soldiers. “Especially Bania. You have publicly declared that you serve Rutherford, who contributed to the imperial family’s rebellion, and you have insulted the minister of the empire by associating him with Rutherford. Moreover, there is still suspicion that you were present when King Eriphony of Luswena caused trouble, so you will not be able to leave this imperial palace on your own two feet. And the rest of the Vergos people, listen!” Sharp spears and swords approached as if they would pierce their necks, but not a single one of them showed any sign of backing down. Ian read the unnatural flow of air. If they were human, even if they had a backer, they would show at least a little fear, but there was none. It was as if they believed they would not die. “Wait a minute.” Ian, who had been silent, raised his hand and slowly stood up. Jin and the imperial officials were surprised and turned to Ian. “Is there a problem, Minister Ian?” “Yes. It’s not a problem, but I have a suspicion.” Ian slowly approached Bania. Bania lowered his gaze, as if he would be exposed if he met Ian’s eyes, which seemed to be scanning his inner self. Ian tilted his head with more certainty at that small nod. “There is something more in their hearts. They are inducing war and causing their own deaths. Your Highness. If it’s okay with you, please allow the magicians to interrogate them for a while.” “Didn’t we already do that when they entered the main gate?” “Yes, Prime Minister. But only a few magicians interrogated nearly a dozen people. And that was in succession, important figures from three countries: Clifford, Vergos, and Luswena. I am making this request just in case, so please consider it.” “Hmm.” The Prime Minister glanced at Jin, asking what he should do. The decision regarding Ian’s actions had already been made, but he was worried that Jin might waver again. “If it’s just in case, what do you mean?” But Jin only asked indifferently. He was not the child who had been teary-eyed and bickering with Ian earlier. “I am sorry, but I think we need to investigate to find out. For example……” Ian elegantly brought his fingertips to Bania’s chin. Then, he slightly lifted his hand. Ian meticulously examined the inside of Bania’s lips. “Whether they are hiding something under their tongue like King Damon-” “Let go! How rude!” “You are no longer the representative of the Vergos delegation, so how can you talk about rudeness?” Bania roughly shook off Ian’s hand, but Ian responded with a smile. Thanks to his leather gloves, he didn’t get a single scratch. “Or maybe the intentions they harbor are different from each other.” “What do you mean?” “It’s a method mainly used by Vergos. At the very beginning, before the war broke out. The Vergos delegation that entered Clifford did not know that they were destined to die. So they were relaxed even in the face of harsh situations. Looking at them now, I am reminded of that time.” As Ian spoke calmly, the eyes of some of the Vergos delegates trembled slightly. Ian snapped his fingers and instructed the magicians. “Investigate the reception room where the Vergos delegation stayed.” “Yes, Sir Ian.” “And these people will go to the Magic Department for a while, is that okay? Your Highness.” “Your Highness. That is not acceptable. Didn’t you hear the testimony that Sir Ian is related to Rutherford? It is right to eliminate the risk factors. Bring them to the imperial palace.” “Still, magicians are the best for this kind of investigation……” “Your Highness. That is not acceptable. Leaving aside trust, it is not something that should be done externally.” As soon as Ian’s question was asked, the officials gathered next to Jin and whispered. Jin, who had been deeply contemplating, waved his hand and dismissed the private commotion. “Only Bania will be investigated in the imperial palace, and the rest will be investigated in the Magic Department. However, imperial personnel will be present as observers.” “Yes, Your Highness.” Then, it would be right to suspend the negotiations for now, right? Neither Luswena nor Vergos had found common ground, and everything had been overturned. The only one who had found their own rice bowl in this situation was Clifford. The king quickly scanned the remaining text and signed at the bottom. Clang! Clifford’s seal was also stamped, red and clear.