Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 503

Raw questions failed to elicit any answers. If Ian, and the Magic Department, hadn’t returned, Bariel would have had only one path to take.

‘A war of forceful entry.’

They could guess how much resource consumption would occur in the process, and how many lives would be extinguished, but it wasn’t a significant issue for the officials. The glory of victory was far greater.

Jin glanced around the silent conference hall and began to speak.

“It seems there’s been some agreement regarding the reinstatement of the Minister of Magic. Is there anyone else who wishes to speak?”

It was a benevolent smile, as if he would listen to anyone, but no one dared to step forward easily. Hadn’t the Cultural Department set an example? If they made a mistake here, they might not even break even.

Someone chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

“Is there more to say? Hahaha, from what I see, even without using a homunculus potion [a potion that creates an artificial human], it’s clear that it’s Sir Ian Hielo.”

“Yes, yes, it might have only been ten days for Sir Ian, but for us, it’s been ten years. Ah, but seeing him in person, it’s so vivid.”

“Hahaha! Indeed. Sir Ian, congratulations once again on returning from the abyss. Yes, yes, you’ve worked hard. You’ve done a great job.”

“If it weren’t for Sir Ian, no one knows what disaster would have befallen the Imperial Palace back then! It’s only right to acknowledge it.”

“That’s right. It’s right to go through verification, and it’s right to commend what deserves commendation. Everyone, let’s stop here, yes, yes. Wouldn’t it be better to conclude the discussion?”

There were some who had changed their stance, but most were just exchanging pleasantries, welcoming the unity of the Magic Department and Ian’s return.

If the Magic Department became stronger, they would be able to gain an overwhelming advantage not only in war but also in any diplomatic issue. It was Bariel’s good fortune.

“Any objections?”

As Jin asked one last time, someone hesitantly raised their hand. At the Crown Prince’s nod, everyone’s gaze turned.

The one who raised their hand was a woman who seemed newly appointed. She looked a bit rustic, and her nervousness was evident. Then, someone jumped up and shouted her name.

“Rashida!”

“I, I, I’m Rashida from the Department of Technological Advancement!”

The one who stood up was Rashida’s superior, the Minister of the Department of Technological Advancement. As he tried to stop Rashida from speaking, Jin gestured to stop him. Rashida was trembling as if she were vibrating, and it was impressive that she had requested to speak in that state.

“I, I had a question about the answer regarding Idgal earlier. Is it, is it okay to ask an additional question?”

“Yes, please ask your question.”

Ian calmly nodded and picked up his pen again.

“You said that you, you manufactured Idgal with Rutherford in the past. Is that still, still possible now? I’m also curious if, if Rutherford still has the manufacturing technology. Thank you!”

Even after finishing her question, Rashida was still chattering her teeth, and the Minister of the Department of Technological Advancement rubbed his forehead before adding an explanation.

“Since Sir Ian disappeared, no new Idgal has been distributed in Bariel or neighboring countries. Therefore, we are identifying Rutherford as the core of its manufacturing, and since he has returned, we are asking this question. And above all, as you said, Idgal is currently a crucial device for controlling the rifts. It has two sides, but it’s better to have more than the opponent. Sir Ian. Can you make Idgal?”

Rashida nodded enthusiastically, saying that was exactly the question she wanted to ask.

Ian put down his pen and smiled, surprised. He had intended to refrain from mentioning it in an official setting if possible, but he had been caught.

“I have no memory of the manufacturing process. I don’t know the detailed method, so I can’t confirm whether Rutherford still has the technology. However, I know how to regain my memories, so please wait.”

“How do you intend to regain your memories?”

“That’s information that cannot be disclosed at this time.”

“…Understood.”

The question wasn’t completely resolved, but it couldn’t be helped. Judging from the Crown Prince’s reaction, it seemed that a report had already been made to him. The Minister of the Department of Technological Advancement lightly raised both hands to signal the end of the questioning.

“Is there anything else?”

Ian, with his pen in hand, scanned the officials. There were coughs here and there, but that was all. Ian looked at Jin, and Jin nodded, indicating that he would conclude the discussion.

“From this moment, I officially announce the reinstatement of Ian Hielo as the Minister of Magic.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I will uphold your will.”

The wizards, without exception, simultaneously grabbed the hands of those next to them and exchanged glances. How long had they waited for this moment? Without saying a word, their eyes, comforting each other, were filled with emotion. The hands they held were even tighter, intertwined firmly without any sign of loosening.

“It’s done. You’ve worked hard all this time.”

“You’ve worked hard.”

“Sir Ian, we sincerely welcome your return.”

“We were waiting for you.”

At the greetings from behind, Ian smiled brightly and turned his head. It was a light, reproachful smile, indicating that the meeting was not over yet. The wizards nodded frantically and looked forward again.

Jin stared at the scene for a moment before slowly opening his mouth.

“And there’s a small problem.”

“Your Highness, if you say a problem, what…?”

“I received a certain revelation, but I can’t figure it out. I’d like everyone to put their heads together and interpret it.”

At Jin’s gesture, documents were placed in front of each department.

-A place where the sunset is deep, and black spears are rising everywhere. There is a low hill towards the sunset, and there are blood-stained flowers. People in black armor are burying corpses.

“What on earth does this mean?”

“Hmm. What could the black spears be? Windows, or weapons?”

“Since black armor is mentioned, wouldn’t it be right to see them as weapons? Then, does it mean the black armor mixed with magic stones from before?”

“It could simply mean the color black. Burgos comes to mind. I know that the weapons and armor of the Burgos Royalists are black.”

“The sunset is in the west. Judging by the blood-stained flowers, it seems to directly indicate Burgos, which is in the midst of a civil war.”

While the opinion that it was Burgos was dominant, opposing opinions were also voiced.

“The sunset and hills are typical features of the southeast region. It could be where Clifford and Luswenna meet.”

“The sunset is famous in Clifford, and the hills are typical of Luswenna. I’ll also cast my vote in that direction.”

“The black armor came from the Hyman family, which is related to Luswenna. And above all, Burgos is barren, so it’s hard to see a field of blooming flowers, or anything like that?”

“Luswenna also recently suffered greatly from a power struggle. The ‘blood-stained’ part seems to signify that.”

With so many mouths open, there were many opinions. Jin raised his hand, indicating that it was enough.

“Each department should organize and submit their guesses.”

“Your Highness, but what kind of revelation is this about?”

“I’ll tell you when you find the answer.”

“…I will do my best.”

This was also one of the top secrets.

The officials carefully stored the documents with faces that showed they had no idea what was going on. Next was the matter of Rutherford, who had returned to Gaia with Ian.

“It is presumed that Rutherford is currently in Burgos. It is not known whether he is regrouping his forces, and there are no special movements in Burgos yet, but it will not last long. Anyway, the first achievement I want to make after my coming-of-age ceremony is to end the civil war in Burgos. Isn’t that fitting?”

The beginning of the history that Jin Verosian would write would be Burgos. The Royalists had already turned pro-Bariel, so it was practically a sandcastle that would collapse with a mere touch.

However, what was important was the justification. He had planned to use various reasons, but with Rutherford’s appearance, the process seemed to be a bit easier.

“Anyway, I’m thinking of sending an official delegation from Bariel to Burgos. What are your opinions?”

“That seems right. Rutherford was an anti-Royalist, so it would be good to take this opportunity to greatly increase support for the Royalists and further expand our dominance.”

“I agree. If we support the Royalists and end the civil war, it will be over quickly.”

“However, Your Highness. The Royalists’ position may be a bit different. No matter how pro-Bariel they are, they are still Burgos people, and they are fighting a civil war for Burgos. If they realize that Bariel is trying to intervene, they might unite and resist, wouldn’t they?”

“That’s why we’re sending a delegation.”

“The delegation will try to understand the other side’s intentions, and in doing so, our intentions will naturally be revealed as well. It’s better to cut off the possibility of them uniting altogether. It’s better to push forward.”

“But the justification is weak.”

The justifications that Bariel currently had were few. Refugees, the recovery of lost treasures, and unpaid damages after the Clifford-Burgos war, etc. In fact, they were more like diplomatic issues than seeds of war.

Then, an official smiled and waved his hand.

“The justification for all wars is made up with words. Why are we being so serious about it? Haha.”

“It’s a well-known fact that Burgos and Luswenna are tense after Your Highness’s coming-of-age ceremony. It’s right to see that there are movements within.”

“The Royalists and anti-Royalists are uniting? What’s the evidence?”

“Since there isn’t any, that’s why we’re sending a delegation to confirm it. Ah, you’re such a frustrating person.”

“A frustrating person? What did you just say?”

Clang!

What a mess. How can the factions change with every topic? Those who had been united over Ian just a moment ago were now pointing fingers and raising their voices.

“Enough.”

As Jin frowned, the officials suppressed the words that were rising to their throats and restrained themselves.

The conference hall was overheated in a different way than before. Jin, deciding that it would be good to take a break, was about to get up from his seat.

“Your Highness.”

It was Ian. He raised a small, white hand, quietly indicating that he had something to say. The officials, who had been exchanging opinions here and there, stopped what they were doing and focused on Ian.

“In my personal opinion, it would be more efficient to directly capture the anti-Royalists rather than trying to infiltrate the Royalists.”

“Sir Ian. It seems you don’t know the current situation well, as you haven’t been back from the abyss for long. The Royalists are directly pro-Bariel. Isn’t it the norm to open that path to flow into Burgos without any burden?”

At an official’s rebuttal, Ian flicked his pen.

“Have you ever seen a war go according to the norm?”

“What? Haha. Look here. Even if you’ve seen war, I’ve seen it many times more than you.”

“Which department are you from?”

Oh, is that so? When Ian asked for his name, the official laughed in disbelief and looked around. Between himself, an old veteran, and a fresh young boy, who would have experienced more war?

Ian explained without waiting for an answer.

“First. If we capture the anti-Royalists, it will be efficient in securing Rutherford. If we’re lucky, we might even find a crucial clue. Second. We can completely block the Royalists’ suspicion. As someone said earlier, they are Burgos people before they are pro-Bariel. Let me emphasize this again. Are the Royalists definitely pro-Bariel?”

“Yes. It’s unofficial, but everyone knows it.”

“Then, it’s right to actively use that. When the civil war and war end someday, the Royalists will play a big role in preventing hatred from arising when the people of Burgos meet Bariel soldiers. It means it’s more important to gain support than suspicion.”

“I know. I know, but what we’re arguing about now is the beginning. The beginning of the war. The anti-Royalists have no connection with Bariel, so there’s no justification. There’s no other way but to go through the Royalists, that’s what I’m saying.”

“There is.”

Ian frowned and smiled.

“A justification. To go directly to the anti-Royalists.”