Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 512

Clang!

The Duke of Hollin threw the door open with a bang.

The officials, who had been bustling about, were startled and turned around. After a brief moment, they put on their usual smiles and rose from their seats, having sensed the Duke’s mood as he stood there glaring at them.

The Duke slowly entered, his eyes scanning the faces of his guests, piercingly.

“What brings you all here so early in the morning?”

Although he already knew, the Duke threw out the question as if to say, ‘Let’s hear it.’ Minister Pilenelong cautiously offered a greeting.

“Good morning, Duke. The weather is quite-”

“Before even checking if the weather is good or not, you’ve all gathered here. I have nothing to say. I ask again, what is the matter? Since you’re all from the Imperial Palace, I’m deeply concerned. Has something happened?”

As the Duke sat on the sofa, crossing his legs, Kayla arrived in the drawing-room. Though it was morning, she was perfectly dressed. She nodded to the guests as she entered, and they, in turn, placed their hands on their chests to greet her. They seemed to think that talking to Kayla would be more effective than dealing with the Duke, who was clearly in a rage.

As Kayla passed, the guests parted to make way for her.

“Good morning, Miss Kayla.”

“Yes, it’s been a while. What brings you here so early?”

“Ah, it’s about the matter of the Magic Department’s request to purchase the territory and sell the infrastructure of the Hollin family.”

“We’ve already sent a reply.”

“Yes, we know. But, with all due respect, is there any way you could adjust the price?”

Kayla raised an eyebrow and glanced over the guests. What’s going on here? It wasn’t the Magic Department, but a large group of officials with ties to the Hollin family, making such a request?

Kayla realized that something was amiss and sat down, smoothing her dress.

“We have debts to pay to the Magic Department. We’ve been borrowing from the budget for the past ten years, and the Minister of Magic says that the contract amount with the Hollin family is too large, forcing them to demand payment.”

“Aha.”

It was a sigh of realization. Kayla tossed her glossy hair back, a playful smirk forming on one side of her lips.

“If the debts aren’t repaid, everyone will be brought to trial. Duke Hollin, for the sake of mutual benefit, how about adjusting the price to match the Magic Department’s proposal? If you do, we promise to process the customs procedures in Burgos [a city or region] within five days instead of a week.”

“From a broader perspective, it’s for the good of Bariel [the empire’s name], so it would be beneficial for Duke Hollin as well. Special weapons will reduce the influence of the Magic Department. You can get them back later.”

“Yes. And didn’t we already agree to pay double the purchase price of the territory? It’s not a loss.”

“Please, just give in this once. We’re all in this together.”

If the colluding officials were to be removed from their key positions, it would be a critical blow to the Hollin family. First, Davion, their rival, would surely gain power and take control of the Imperial Palace. If that happened, all the businesses the Hollin family was involved in would face scrutiny.

The Duke suppressed his displeasure and reached for a cigarette, while Kayla remained silent, tapping her toe.

“The problem is the debt?”

“Yes, Duke.”

“Then, isn’t it just a matter of us paying it? How much is it?”

Even if it meant pulling funds from other nobles, it was better to protect the territory. Once it was out of their hands, they knew they would never get it back.

The officials only gave awkward smiles at the Duke’s question.

“It’s not just the amount, but also, haven’t you received the official notice?”

“Official notice? What?”

“The Imperial Palace has issued a warning to the central nobles. It states that if any transactions related to official matters occur, the Imperial Palace will dispatch investigators.”

“What?”

The Duke looked at his butler, but the butler shook his head, indicating that he hadn’t received anything.

The Duke gritted his teeth. It was certainly not an oversight. It was probably being delivered ‘a little’ later than to others. The intention was quite blatant.

“Tsk, tsk.”

How much had he dedicated himself to the country, only to be treated like this? How much tax did he pay, and how many imperial citizens were under his care? The Duke chewed on his cigarette, suppressing his rising anger.

Then, Kayla covered her mouth with her hand and whispered to her father.

“Father, first…”

The officials tried to eavesdrop on Kayla’s whisper, but the butler was noisily moving teacups, making it difficult. Amidst the clattering noise, the Duke’s eyes narrowed, and he nodded in understanding.

“Ahem. I’m well aware of the problem. But before that, there’s one thing I need to point out.”

“What is it? Just say the word.”

“If it’s about supporting Miss Kayla as Empress, I will support it without question.”

“Of course! Miss Kayla is the only one fit for that position. Who would dare object?”

“Not that!”

The Duke lightly slammed the table as if to say, ‘Stop with the nonsense.’

“Even if I accept the Magic Department’s proposed price, can the deal really go through?”

“Huh?”

What was he talking about now? As everyone looked puzzled, Kayla added a calm explanation. Her low voice was surprisingly cold.

“I’m talking about the Davion faction. They would want you to fail in persuading us. If that happens, you’ll all lose your positions, and Davion will take them. It’s only a matter of time before Davion, who has seized key positions in the Imperial Palace, will pressure the Hollin family.”

“But what can they do? If the Duke agrees to trade at their price.”

“That’s right. It’s not something they can interfere with.”

“And frankly, since Duke Hollin is at odds with the Magic Department, it’s likely that Davion will take a stance and be more favorable to the Magic Department. It’s an opportunity for them.”

“Yes. That bothers us.”

Whether the deal fell through or not, Davion was in a position to gain. At the very least, they would break even, but Hollin was in a position to lose everything in an instant.

That was unacceptable. Kayla raised her head and frowned.

“I won’t ask you to bring me the Empress’s position right now. It’s not only impossible, but I also know that you don’t have much time left.”

The officials could immediately step forward to support Kayla, but it would be meaningless, and a hasty attempt would backfire. The choice was ultimately up to the true Crown Prince. To encroach on that authority, the officials’ influence needed to be stronger. The influence of those standing behind her.

Scribble.

The Duke of Hollin lightly wrote something on a blank piece of paper that was on the table. Then, he tossed it out for everyone to see. It had the names of the officials from the Davion family.

“Let’s take them down.”

“If you mean take them down…”

“If you remove these people from their positions, I will hand over the territory and infrastructure at the proposed price. And I will also leave a document for the future support of Kayla as Empress.”

“But, they’re not just low-level officials… they’re all in key positions.”

“That’s why I’m making this offer here. If there’s no other way, go and tell the Magic Department as it is. That great Minister of Magic must have some ideas.”

The officials from the Davion family were already part of the Emperor’s faction. There was no way they would do something that would clip their own wings, right?

It was a conditional offer, but in the end, it was the Magic Department pushing from behind and the Hollin family pushing from the front. The officials, with faces of dismay, puffed out cigarette smoke.

“Well, my business is done, so I’ll take my leave.”

“Duke! Duke!”

“Excuse me.”

“Miss, please, let’s talk for a moment.”

Squeak.

Kayla closed the door without hesitation and whispered to her father as she followed him.

“It was appropriate. It was an offer that would be beneficial even if it didn’t work out, so it’s perfect for stalling. Father.”

“Yes. What a bolt from the blue this morning.”

“They’ll come every day to complain. It’s best to wait and see. Just in case, should we prepare ‘that’?”

At Kayla’s question, the Duke nodded and patted his daughter’s shoulder. There was a commotion from behind, but the two of them didn’t even glance back as they went down the stairs.

* * *

Meanwhile, Ian was walking towards the Magic Tower with Romandro. Unlike the bright weather, the faces of the staff passing by were dark. Noticing this, Romandro muttered to Ian.

“Ian, it seems the Imperial Palace is a bit chaotic.”

“Besides the department that has to pay the debt, the Davion side will also be in a mess. If you visit other buildings now, they’ll either be empty or too busy to even talk. It’ll be one of the two.”

“Don’t we need to check on the Davion side?”

“They won’t take any special action. They’ll probably watch the flow between me and the officials and then naturally move to join forces.”

The Magic Tower was visible in the distance. A huge, towering structure that firmly guarded the east, west, south, and north of the Imperial Palace. The Bariel Empire flag seemed to be waving particularly freely.

“Then, what about Duke Hollin? Don’t we need to put more pressure on him? He seems quite resilient. It would be good to give them a push when the officials try to pressure him.”

“There are advantages to stepping back. If you get too close to a mud fight, you’ll get your clothes dirty.”

A guard who recognized Ian and Romandro saluted and raised his sword, then opened the way into the Magic Tower.

“We just need to monitor from a step behind.”

“Monitor, as in, how?”

“The Hollin family’s puppet.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I’m not sure either. It’s something the Hollin family would only use as a last resort.”

Squeak.

“Sir Ian. You’ve arrived?”

“Is he inside?”

“Yes. You may go in. As per the doctor’s recommendation, we’ll keep the restraints on but remove the gag. We’ll be with you during the conversation, just in case. Please let us know in advance if there’s any security information.”

Ian nodded, and the soldier pushed open the thick iron door.

A dark space with only a sliver of sunlight coming through a tiny, palm-sized window. A simple room with only a bed and a desk. The person sitting on the bed felt the presence of someone and slowly turned his head.

“It’s been a while.”

Damon’s eyes widened as he recognized Ian. His neat bob was the same, but his skin was paler, and his body was thinner. Ian pulled a chair and sat in front of him, then smiled.

“Did you miss me?”

“…”

“Since your tongue is already cut, what’s the point of making a fuss and wearing a gag?”

At Ian’s gesture, the soldier released Damon’s right arm restraint. His pale arm fell limply. He couldn’t even clench his fist, it didn’t even twitch.

Ian tossed a pen and paper and asked.

“You can ask if you have any questions. I also have something to ask, so isn’t this a fair trade?”

Damon stared at the pen for a moment, then slowly grasped it. The words were weakly drawn. Romandro scratched his mustache and handed the paper to Ian.

“Ian. This…”

-When will I die?

Ian shrugged as he read the words and replied.

“Well, when your value is completely gone and faded? It won’t be long. But you know, I have a rather interesting idea.”

As Ian moved closer, Damon only moved his eyes to follow him.

“A way to not give you the next life. The Abyss, you know about it, right?”