Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 775

“If the rebels are from Minister Shatima’s faction?”

“That is correct.”

“Ah, so their lineage continues.”

“Indeed. I thought they’d collapse after their leader died.”

The officials were genuinely surprised. The rebels had lost two leaders—Shatima and her successor, Erica.

Yet, they continued to fight the government forces. This showed their underlying strength and the public sentiment in Hwan.

“But asking for help to end the civil war? Bariel just finished a war. We can’t mobilize troops again for Hwan.”

“I agree. The mages and magic swordsmen are exhausted. More importantly, we have no justification to help Hwan. As Minister Ian said, they attacked Bariel.”

“That’s right. There are circumstances, but that fact remains.”

The Prime Minister nodded, understanding.

“Correct. But they don’t want direct military support. They want the people of Hwan to believe they won without foreign intervention.”

“Then, what are they suggesting?”

“First, they want Bariel to officially recognize them.”

If a great empire like Bariel recognized the rebels as the government, it would create a clear justification internally. That might be more important than winning the civil war.

The officials paused, surprised. They expected a request for material support.

“What’s the price?”

“There are proposals, but they need review. I’ll organize them and present them to His Majesty first.”

“Hmm. Understood.”

As the officials agreed, the Prime Minister turned to the Emperor.

The officials from the administrative and foreign affairs departments also turned, showing their agreement.

“So, Your Majesty.”

“Speak.”

“How about we convene a peace treaty with the leaders of each nation, along with discussions on reparations?”

A peace treaty. It was timely, and only the victorious great empire could wield such power. That was how it appeared externally, but Jin and Ian understood the Prime Minister’s intention.

“You mean to invite them to the treaty ceremony and indirectly recognize them as the official government?”

“That is correct.”

No need to deal with them separately. By sending an invitation with other countries, their request would be fulfilled.

The officials agreed, thinking it was a good idea.

“Hmm. That’s appropriate. It’s not right to exclude a large country like Hwan from a gathering to achieve peace in Gaia.”

“But we should correct the order. If they apologize first, then we send an invitation. And discuss war reparations separately.”

Though there were process differences, most agreed on inviting Hwan to the treaty ceremony.

At that moment, the officials realized Ian hadn’t spoken. The Prime Minister subtly asked him.

“What do you think, Minister of Magic?”

Ian’s hand, tapping the report, stopped. He paused, choosing his words.

“I agree as well.”

‘For now,’ there was no reason to object.

“If we conclude a peace treaty, Clifford might object, but it won’t be a significant issue.”

“Why would Clifford object?”

At the question, Ian’s gaze cooled slightly, as if asking not to ask the obvious.

“Because Luswena will be included in the peace treaty. They’re leading on behalf of Bariel, and if the treaty proceeds, they’ll have to give up what they’ve been holding onto, so they’ll object.”

But that was all. Clifford couldn’t go against Bariel. They would likely strategize to cooperate and gain rights over Luswena.

However, that was a facade. International relations could change.

“In Luswena, their own war is taking place. Clifford is secretly colluding with pro-Luswena forces to reduce Bariel’s influence. Luswena might move under the calculation that Clifford is easier to deal with than Bariel.”

If they colluded, it could disadvantage Bariel.

Of course, it was minor. No matter how much Clifford and Luswena squabbled, they were still within Bariel’s framework.

“Anyway, I favor the peace treaty, but—”

But? The officials tensed, wondering what was next.

“I believe we should be cautious about inviting Hwan. Especially since I am the lord of Hielro.”

Ian reminded them he owned Hielro. Wasn’t it in Hielro that the tragedy created by Luswena, Hwan, and the Eastern mages occurred? Ian, using his position, made it clear he opposed inviting Hwan.

There was a calculation behind this.

‘There’s something there.’

The Prime Minister’s selected information. There was a clue. Ian couldn’t agree until he knew what it was. The most likely guess was—

‘Probably firearms.’

The only weapon humans could use against mages.

Why hadn’t the rebels fallen despite two leadership changes? There was one reason: the firearms from the East. No other secret weapon was as powerful, capable of turning the tide of war.

‘They might offer to hand over the firearms after the civil war ends.’

Recognizing the rebels as the government had significant benefits. It would check the Magic Department and hinder neighboring countries’ military power. A perfect deal.

‘But it can’t be.’

Not now.

Firearms entered Gaia much later, in Ian’s time. It wasn’t like a major disaster was expected if history wasn’t changed like Gula, and Bariel was solid at the center of Gaia. No need to change the big picture, and—

‘Their purpose is impure.’

If firearms were introduced now, they’d be used to check the Magic Department, not to strengthen national defense. That was unacceptable.

Being checked and criticized was enough for him. If he could erase his traces and provide a stepping stone for Jin, he’d be happy.

‘But not the Magic Department.’

According to his plan, the Magic Department shouldn’t be involved, but the sudden import of firearms complicated matters.

Ian tapped his fingertips, organizing his thoughts.

“Alright, I understand for now.”

Jin lightly tapped the desk, drawing attention. Whether to accept Hwan’s proposal could be discussed after seeing the price. It was best to conclude this matter here.

“Let’s put this on hold. Instead, we’ll proceed with a peace treaty for Vergos, Toolun, Luswena, and Clifford. Prime Minister, please take charge of the preparations.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Next.”

Shuffling sounds. The reports were turned, and someone brought up a new agenda. It was an interesting topic.

“Your Majesty, next is regarding the execution of King Damon and Rutherford.”

King Damon had been living like a living corpse in the Magic Tower for over ten years. His tongue was cut, and he tried to take his own life dozens of times. But he was kept alive to maintain the division in Vergos, but now there was no need for that.

The same was true for Rutherford. Now that the war was over, it was time to set an example and hang their bodies in the streets.

“Hmm.”

Jin pondered before turning to Ian. Everyone watched Ian. It was crucial, and though the question was for the Emperor, they knew who the decision-maker was. Even Jin himself, the Emperor.

“Please give your opinion, Lord Ian.”

Matters related to the Underworld were under the Magic Department’s jurisdiction. Ian paused, then answered quietly.

“I believe King Damon and Rutherford will not have a next life. But this is just my personal guess, so I’m not sure. It would be a disaster if we killed them rashly and problems arose, so how about we seek guidance through a divine oracle?”

“An oracle.”

“An oracle isn’t always right, but it will be enough to serve as a guide.”

“Then it would be good to contact the Carbo Temple.”

“It is His Majesty’s maternal family and has been with Bariel’s history, so it is the right place.”

And they had already received help during the Arsen incident. It was a place with deep meaning.

Jin nodded.

“We will request an oracle from the Carbo Temple.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“And if death is permitted, Damon’s body will be taken by the Holin family. It will be helpful when establishing a new dynasty in Vergos.”

If Kyla took Damon’s body, it could bring harmony between the royalists and anti-royalists in Vergos.

If her royal authority became solid, it would benefit Bariel. Unlike before, when they deliberately disrupted the situation, it was now time to promote stability in Vergos.

“That is a wise decision, Your Majesty.”

“Ah. I apologize for interrupting.”

Quintanna, who was checking something, raised her hand. Something was missing from the financial report.

“Minister Ian. Are you going to purchase the magic stones sent from Vergos to Bariel through the Magic Department?”

She was referring to the magic stones mined by Acorella and Chloe near Kalamat. They had already arrived at the Imperial Palace and were waiting to be disposed of.

“That is correct.”

“Then I will include that payment as well.”

“Excuse me, Minister Ian?”

An official called out, flustered. Magic stones were the Magic Department’s responsibility. But what did it mean to purchase them with payment? It sounded like they were being used for something other than Imperial Palace business.

Ian, understanding, answered clearly.

“They will be used for the construction of the Magic Department’s annex.”

The meeting room froze.

It was an issue the Magic Department and other forces had been fighting over for over ten years. Since Ian had gone into the abyss, Jin had taken the lead, but even that was suspended due to a shortage of magic stones.

But now, it was being brought up again through Ian’s mouth. Yes. Everything was good, this was it. Except for one reason.

“That, the timing is not appropriate.”

“What do you mean by timing?”

“The war has just ended. There are too many things to handle besides the construction of the Magic Department’s annex.”

“It is the Magic Department’s business. You don’t need to worry about it.”

It was a simple fact. Ian then asked with a slightly provocative smile.

“Who will object?”

The officials were startled and hesitated. Ian’s voice was monotonous, but there was a dangerous feeling to it.

“This is a project that His Majesty led when I was not here.”

It meant that since the Emperor led it, who would object?

Jin hesitated and smiled.

‘That’s right. That’s definitely right.’

In case Ian, who had disappeared into the abyss, might return. He had pushed through the construction of the Magic Department’s annex, overcoming the officials’ objections.

But now? Ian had returned, and there was no need to proceed with it now. Especially with the strange rumors circulating about Ian.

Just as Jin was about to stop Ian, he realized something was wrong.

“…….”

The meeting room was silent. The officials’ cries of protest, saying it was absurd, that there were too many things to do, that such a thing couldn’t be prioritized, and that it was questionable whether the Magic Department even needed an annex, were not heard.

‘…The status of the Magic Department—’

Jin looked around. The officials were clearing their throats and exchanging glances. The Magic Department had been unique before, but now it was incomparable. Opposition for the sake of opposition. Checks for the sake of checks. It was as if none of that was allowed.

‘It’s changed.’