Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 633

The Imperial Palace of Toallun was in disarray, as if a storm had swept through. It was a mess both inside and out.

The floors were flooded by the power of the spirit mages, and the ivory pillars were scorched. Banusa, leaving the busy soldiers behind, moved with angry strides.

*Thwack!*

Ignoring the attendant’s guidance, she personally flung open the doors to the assembly hall. As if it were an emergency, the prime minister and ministers were gathered in one place. And at the very top, her king sat veiled.

Banusa turned to the prime minister and shouted,

“Please, explain yourself now!”

“Explain what? What explanation can I give about the attackers sent from Bariel?”

“Philia!”

This time, she impudently looked towards the king and called out that name. The silhouette, faintly visible through the veil, did not move at all, as if she knew nothing about it.

“The situation has spiraled out of control. What is the purpose of the Imperial Palace kidnapping the mother of the Empire’s Magic Department Minister?”

“Kidnapping? Watch your words. That is their one-sided claim. It is not something a spirit mage of the Imperial Palace should mention.”

“Please! To fix this, you must reveal the truth. There are conflicting stories even within our ranks. How can we face the challenges against Bariel? Your Majesty!”

Just then, the fire spirit mage Ardo arrived late and assessed the situation. As the ministers frowned, Ardo raised both hands, helpless. Banusa’s anger was justified, and he also wanted to unite their intentions.

“Banusa.”

A clear child’s voice was heard. In that monotonous tone devoid of emotion, Banusa sensed the king’s anger. And for good reason, the Imperial Palace had been toyed with by a mere handful of people, hadn’t it?

Kumasha did not know that Barsabe had the ability of clone magic. And she also didn’t know how her own abilities would manifest when faced with clone magic.

“If you are so curious, go to the Masantar Temple.”

“…The Masantar Temple?”

“Yes. That will satisfy your curiosity. And Ardo.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Although firefighting is the responsibility of Banusa’s family, isn’t the security of the Imperial Palace led by your family? Letting the enemy infiltrate all the way to the front of the palace is a clear mistake.”

Ardo bowed his head at Kumasha’s rebuke. Of course, there was the Imperial Palace Defense Department, and many soldiers under their command.

However, this time the opponents were mages and magic swordsmen. Since only mages in the Toallun Imperial Palace could confront them, the responsibility naturally fell on Ardo.

“I am sorry. I did not expect them to flee.”

“This incident has shown how lax the defense of the Toallun Imperial Palace is. Focus on expanding the Defense Department and increasing troop numbers, and Ardo, lead the spirit mages in recruiting mercenary mages.”

Mages were definitely needed to counter mages. But they were not only wary of but also afraid of the puppeteers who freely controlled their opponents. Once entangled, they might lose their will at any moment.

So, instead of the Toallun Imperial Palace taking the lead, the spirit mage families were to take charge and ‘entice’ mercenary mages.

“It doesn’t matter if the numbers are small. You understand what this means, don’t you?”

Ardo hesitated, looking troubled. But that didn’t mean the order would be reversed. Kumasha turned her gaze to Banusa, who was glaring at her from behind the veil.

“Banusa. If it is to resolve your doubts, you are free to leave at any time. If not, return to your post. Because you let a gap slip to Beric, the situation outside is chaotic.”

They had seen and heard everything. The puppeteer’s senses were like those of a god within their domain. Just as Ardo knew, Kumasha also knew that Banusa had made a slip of the tongue.

Banusa lightly bit her lower lip. If she were to leave her post, not only would the firefighting system of the Toallun capital be disrupted, but the agricultural areas would also be affected.

‘She’s asking if I can bear that.’

She never gives a straight answer to the end. Banusa pondered for a moment before giving a light bow.

“Yes. I understand. I will go myself. I will prepare to leave immediately.”

“As you wish.”

Kumasha replied as Banusa said that. Her voice had a slight hint of laughter.

“Then, that’s all for now.”

Banusa turned away without hesitation. It was a problem that she had to leave the capital for a few days, but if she didn’t know the purpose of the Imperial Palace now, Toallun might fall into an even greater crisis. A small sacrifice was necessary.

“Don’t be late in returning. Otherwise, I might not be able to bear the longing and find a doll that resembles you.”

Those who understood the meaning paused. It was a warning that if they played any tricks, they didn’t know what might happen to the doll connected to the spirit mage.

Banusa did her best to ignore the chill running down her spine and replied,

“That will not happen, Your Majesty.”

* * *

“The Masantar Temple?”

“Yes. It is the place where Damon’s siblings were moved by Rutherford. It is within Toallun, so the Imperial Palace cannot be unaware of it, and there must be something there that could threaten Bariel. Strengthening our forces by recruiting soldiers is a priority, but to win the war, we must delve into that place.”

At Ian’s report, the prime minister lightly adjusted his glasses. Before them, the imperial officials, whom they hadn’t seen in a long time, were sitting in a circle. If one only looked at the scene, it was no different from everyday life before the war.

“Hmm. That makes sense, Minister.”

“Then, regarding the kidnapping of Mrs. Philia, we definitely need the testimony of the mage Katimaco. Let’s send an official letter containing this information to Astana. Please report directly to His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Yes, of course. His Majesty will probably want to move to Toallun immediately once Astana’s testimony is secured. The Imperial Palace should pay closer attention to the situation in the east, in Hawan and Luswena.”

*Rustle.*

As Ian passed the report, the officials followed suit and examined it. With Philia’s testimony secured and the events in Toallun shared at once, the matter became clear. There was a limit to what could be exchanged by carrier pigeon.

“Still, I’m glad you returned safely, Madam.”

“I apologize for causing you concern.”

Philia lowered her gaze at the prime minister’s welcome. She was truly ashamed of how much trouble they must have gone through searching for her when she went missing.

“It’s nothing. First of all, Minister Ian, you have grasped the overall situation. Then, will you return to Vergos immediately?”

“Yes, there is no reason not to return.”

Ian answered the prime minister’s question. Philia and Romandro looked a little disappointed, but they had already shared their stories last night, hadn’t they? Beric, Hale, and Barsabe didn’t seem to care.

The prime minister tapped the documents and rose from his seat with an understanding look.

“Please make the portal back to Vergos as small as possible. The center was turned upside down yesterday.”

“I apologize.”

“Oh, and what about King Damon?”

He was asking if they would take King Damon, who was imprisoned in the Magic Tower, back with them.

It was said that internal divisions among the royalists in Vergos were occurring, centered around the Holin family, so King Damon’s presence could unite them. It was just a hypothesis, but since they had come this far, it was worth considering.

“The Magic Tower is under the jurisdiction of the Magic Department, so Minister, you can make the decision if you wish.”

“It seems that Lady Kayla can do well without King Damon’s help. Before that, I will follow His Majesty’s wish not to let King Damon set foot on Vergos soil alive.”

“Hmm. I understand. It is truly regrettable that Lady Kayla has become like that. I will meet with Duke Holin separately soon to discuss this.”

It was a pity that she could no longer use her legs. And he didn’t even know that Chloe had become a little strange.

“Oh, Prime Minister.”

“Yes?”

Ian, who was about to get up, added as if he had thought of something.

“As you said, I will make the portal back as small and discreet as possible. So, when necessary, please use this appropriately in diplomacy.”

The sparks of the fierce battle between Hawan and Luswena might fly to Bariel. Since the Emperor was not here and all the mages had gone to Vergos, there would be no better time for the enemy to strike. So, if necessary, they could deceive the enemy by making it seem as if Ian was still in Bariel.

“The rumor that I have returned to the center has already spread, so unless the news that I have set out again leaks out, Luswena will not dare to turn its head towards Bariel.”

“I understand what you mean. The atmosphere there is already unsettling. Among the information that came in yesterday, there was also news that the king of Hawan had died. It seems that Prime Minister Shatima, who seized power, has held an execution ceremony. It’s not confirmed, but if it’s true, it’s enough to provoke Luswena.”

The prime minister extended his hand, and Ian respectfully grasped it. Now, all that was left was to go to the Magic Department, pack their things, and set out again.

In the hallway leading to the Magic Department, Hale recalled what the magic stone that Acorella had sung about was. It would be in the mine by now, but whatever. If he took it, he could use it well anytime.

“Hale. Pack your things and come out.”

“Minister Ian, are you writing the portal formula?”

“Yes. It shouldn’t be in the sky, so I will open it anew on the ground. The backyard of the Magic Department would be good.”

“Understood. I will pack quickly and come to the backyard. Please go ahead.”

“Hale, shall I help you?”

“Lord Romandro. It’s okay. But the Magic Department is such a quiet place.”

“It feels like it’s been noisy for a long time to me.”

Hale entered the Magic Department with a faint smile. Ian chose a flat spot on the ground and swept it with his hand, and soon began to draw a magic circle with his fingertips.

“……?”

But that was only for a moment. Ian tilted his head as if something was strange and stood up. Then, he slowly looked around, searching for something.

“Ian, what’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

“I think so.”

“What?! Really? What is it!”

Beric, who had been lying down carelessly, jumped up in surprise. But Ian didn’t even look at him and continued to walk, looking only at the ground. One step to the right, two steps, and then forward again…….

*Swoosh.*

The place where Ian stopped was in front of a large willow tree. As Beric approached, Ian gestured with his head.

“Beric. Stab here.”

“Stab? What? The tree?”

“Ian, why, why are you doing this? It’s scary.”

“Lord Romandro, please step back with your mother for a moment. It would be good if you stood over there, under the awning.”

He didn’t know what was going on, but well, if he was told to do it, he had to. Romandro supported Philia and moved back, while Beric still scratched his head with a bewildered look.

“What are you doing, stab it quickly.”

“Uh, so… are you talking about this shadow?”

“Yes. When I count one, two, three, stab it. If your sword doesn’t cut well, you can release your magic power.”

“Release my magic power? Oh, geez. Okay! If I have to do it, I have to do it!”

Beric rolled up his sleeves and gripped his sword with both hands.

“Here I go! One, two, three-!”

And just as he was about to strike down with all his might-

“Waiiiit!”

A desperate shout came from somewhere. Beric blinked in surprise, but all he could see was the well-kept, vast backyard scenery.

Ian, as if he had expected this, frowned and squatted down.

“Show yourself. Natan of the Shadow Tribe. Or I will kill you.”