Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 808

“What’s with all this commotion so early in the morning?” Jin’s annoyance was clear. Although the Grand Council was the officials’ domain, with the Prime Minister absent, Jin aimed to attend as many meetings as possible to guide them.

But look at this. Piles of documents overflowed from his desk onto the floor. He was stuck, stamping seals and dealing with urgent matters, and then they suddenly barged in, saying what?

“Minister Ian is attempting to launch a new project. It involves the Ministry of Magic overseeing the distribution of magic stones throughout Bariel.”

“I haven’t heard anything about this.”

“Yes. That’s why we rushed here to inform you immediately after the meeting. It seems the Ministry of Magic made the decision without even consulting Your Majesty. This is a critical matter requiring your approval. We implore you to severely punish Minister Ian’s disrespectful actions.”

Only then did Jin drop the documents with a thud and look at his vassals. They were acting like a bunch of fools. Did they expect him to believe this?

As Jin glared coldly, the officials subtly lowered their gaze. But it was true…

“Step aside. I will look into it myself.”

“Your Majesty.”

“Is there anything else to report?”

“It’s about Minister Ian’s health.”

“What about Ian’s health?”

His tone had softened slightly. Minister Ian always described his condition as fine, with no issues. So, it would be more objective to hear about it from someone else.

Foreign Minister Rayburn cautiously spoke up.

“He didn’t look well. Have you heard anything about it?”

“What happened at the Grand Council?”

“Nothing in particular, but-”

Rayburn trailed off, watching Jin’s reaction. The Emperor also seemed unaware of Minister Ian’s condition. Either there was truly no problem, or Ian was keeping it a secret.

“The Eastern mages continue to insist they did not attack, which is quite puzzling. They wouldn’t give false testimony now that everything is over. We urge you to investigate.”

“Investigate what?”

“Rumors are spreading that Minister Ian’s magical power is not what it used to be due to the war’s aftermath.”

It was a slight exaggeration, but an exaggeration whose truth could not be verified, a useful tactic when trying to elicit a desired reaction from someone.

As expected, Jin frowned, lightly twirling his pen.

The rumors about Minister Ian’s diminished magical power held many implications. It could mean a simple health issue, but it could also mean his political standing was faltering. At least, that’s what it meant to the officials.

“Do you base your reports to me on rumors?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Step aside. I cannot spare any more time. Unless, perhaps, someone here can take my place.”

Who could take the Emperor’s place? You? Or you? The officials quickly backed away at Jin’s warning gaze. That was enough for today. They had dropped the hint to the Emperor, and that was sufficient.

“Your Majesty, we apologize.”

“It’s enough if you know you should. The vassals are leaving. Prepare the carriages!”

Jin directly announced his orders outside, instructing them to prepare for their departure. The office door opened, and the officials bowed respectfully before cautiously retreating.

Once everyone was gone, Jin put down his pen and ran his hands through his hair. Not a single day passed without some kind of disturbance. If possible, he wished Minister Ian would be a bit more restrained, but that was not in his nature…

‘He probably hasn’t fully recovered yet. Is he having a hard time?’

No, if he was having such a hard time, why was he constantly working? Jin worried, got angry, and then resigned himself, sighing.

Then, he heard a presence outside.

“Your Majesty.”

What now? Jin glared at the door without realizing it. He wondered if those foolish officials had come back again.

But the news was different.

“The envoy from Burgos, Kayla Holin, and Prince Noah of Clifford have arrived. The Burgos representative will be staying at the Holin estate to recover from their journey, and Prince Noah of Clifford will arrive at the center this afternoon. It is said he is accompanied by a noble from Luswena.”

“Clifford’s chosen representative from Luswena.”

“That is likely the case.”

‘Finally…’

Jin nodded, counting the days. As the guests from each country arrived one by one, the executions of Rutherford and Damon would soon take place. This would truly mark the end of the war.

Jin picked up his pen again and instructed,

“Bring me the Ministry of Magic’s report on this matter. And also, the Grand Council’s records.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jin continued his paperwork, focusing intently. He would finish his work quickly and go check on Minister Ian’s condition.

* * *

“Kayla!”

Duke Holin rushed out, forgetting all decorum, and embraced his daughter. She had stood firmly on her own two feet when she left for the battlefield, a girl who could swing a sword more brilliantly than anyone, but now she could barely walk, and her movements were restricted.

Kayla secured the wheels of her wheelchair and lightly hugged her father.

“Have you been well?”

“I was very worried after hearing your news.”

“I’ve changed a bit, haven’t I?”

“What kind of joke is that…”

Should I not have sent her? If he had known that Chloe, who was competing for the Empress’s seat, would fall for Siao Shi, he would have kept her here and waited for an opportunity… He slightly regretted that no one had opposed Kayla’s departure at the time.

Kayla noticed her father’s thoughts and smiled lightly.

“Father, aren’t you happy that I’ve returned?”

“Of course, I am.”

“Then smile. Your daughter has won a throne in the war. Where else can you find a victory as valuable as this?”

It wasn’t some small, unheard-of border country. The Holin family was marking the start of a new dynasty in Burgos, which was, in a way, a greater honor and benefit than becoming Empress.

Kayla greeted her other siblings who had come to meet her.

“Let’s go inside. We have a lot to talk about.”

“Yes. This way.”

“I heard on the way here that the price of magic stones has skyrocketed. Do you know anything about it?”

Straight to business. Her other siblings glanced at each other, impressed, but Duke Holin nodded calmly.

“I heard there was a problem with the construction project overseen by the Ministry of Magic. It seems some forces tried to interfere for a moment.”

“Those must be some powerful forces. To treat something that could cost them their hands as a prank. Are they getting paid too much?”

Kayla immediately realized that Ian’s political rivals were behind those forces.

Duke Holin chuckled and pushed the wheelchair. The butler offered to do it, but he firmly refused.

“Minister Ian has taken a strong stance on this. He’s declared that the Ministry of Magic will manage the distribution of magic stones throughout Bariel.”

“Really?”

“Who knows? Maybe it’s just a warning. There have been many attempts to keep the Ministry of Magic in check since the end of the war.”

“Keep in check? Is that even possible?”

Does that even make sense? What can they do by keeping them in check? Look at the contributions Ian and the Ministry of Magic made during the war.

Duke Holin shook his head, telling her not to even mention it. From the rumors that Ian was a member of the Imperial family to all sorts of other things. So much had happened in the short time since the end of the war.

Kayla tapped the handle of her wheelchair and muttered.

“If the Ministry of Magic monopolizes distribution, it will be disadvantageous for us.”

The more buyers there are, the higher the price goes. But if the only buyer in the entire empire is the Ministry of Magic?

Moreover, Burgos was a defeated nation, and the Holin family was a family registered in Bariel. If the Ministry of Magic ‘suggested’ a price adjustment, there would be no way to refuse.

Duke Holin agreed.

“It’s the Ministry of Magic, after all.”

There was only one positive scenario if the Ministry of Magic monopolized distribution. That was if the Ministry of Magic intentionally set the price high. This was the only way to use the advantage of being able to set the price.

But that was also an absurd assumption. Ian and the Ministry of Magic would never do that. They were meticulous about these kinds of things. They weren’t some shady characters.

“We should oppose it too.”

“The Imperial Palace has already contacted us.”

“Asking for help?”

“Yes. It seems the news has reached the merchants as well. They say that Ian Hielo can buy up all the supplies with the money he made from selling his territory, so we should all join forces.”

“He’s selling his territory? Why?”

“He says it’s difficult to manage.”

“Unbelievable.”

She had never heard of a lord selling their territory because it was difficult to manage. Here, ‘management’ was entirely dependent on the living standards of the people in the territory.

What did it matter how they lived as long as the profits kept coming in? As long as they paid their taxes and filled the coffers with money.

Kayla clicked her tongue in disbelief. Ian Hielo. He was indeed an unconventional person. She had dealt with people below common sense, but this was the first time she had encountered someone who was so far removed from it.

“What about King Damon’s body?”

“It will be recovered and returned. It’s necessary for the legitimacy of the new dynasty.”

“Alright. Let’s rest for now and go to the palace tomorrow.”

“Oh, I heard some interesting news on the way here-”

Kayla raised her head and looked at her father. A look that said, ‘Don’t tell me.’

“Chloe is getting married, you know?”

“Ah.”

But when did she start omitting the title ‘Lady’? Duke Holin was curious but let it slide. Maybe they had developed camaraderie while fighting together on the battlefield.

“Ha! I can’t believe it, really.”

“Why can’t you believe it?”

“I don’t know? It’s just… weird.”

“…Minister Ian has some influence here too. Minister Ian and Siao Shi have a special relationship. There are also rumors that they made some kind of deal regarding the Davion family’s cooperation.”

“What kind of cooperation?”

“That much is not known.”

“This is all turning out strangely.”

If they were using this to push through the magic stone issue, it was dangerous. Kayla thought it would be good to meet Chloe.

“Excuse me, Master.”

“What is it?”

A servant approached and whispered.

“We have a guest.”

“Who?”

“It’s Lady Chloe Davion.”

“Who?”

Kayla asked again, dumbfounded.

And at the same time, Chloe appeared. There was nothing that didn’t sparkle, from her hair and dangling accessories to the fabric of her dress.

Chloe waved at Kayla, her voice high-pitched.

“Oh my, Kayla! I heard you were back and came to see you.”

With the back of her hand facing outward.

On her ring finger was a large ring with a huge gem. It was probably her engagement ring with Siao Shi. The way she was giggling was cute, but it was probably just cognitive dissonance from the fatigue of the journey, right?

Kayla, not to be outdone, tucked her hair behind her ear. Diamonds were dangling everywhere.

“Really? Thank you. You’re quick with the news and quick with your actions.”

Did she have nothing else to do all this time?

“I’m full of energy these days.”

Because I’ve been so happy lately. Do you want to hear me brag?

“…”

“…”

For a moment, their gazes clashed fiercely in the air.

But their expressions quickly changed.

“That’s good. I wanted to see you anyway.”

“You’ve become a politician. Not even a dry throat.”

“Would you like to come in? You have something going on with Minister Ian, right?”

She was curious about what kind of ‘cooperation’ had been made between the Davion family and Minister Ian. Chloe raised her nose and gestured for some good tea to be brought out.

“Well, yes. I even received a letter from the Ministry of Magic before coming here. Do you want to hear it?”

They were so annoying. Kayla smiled tightly and replied.

“Of course! I’m so curious about what happened to Chloe.”

Watching this absurd conversation, Duke Holin and the servants subtly averted their eyes. …Regardless of anything else, it was clear that Kayla had made a ‘friend’ on the battlefield.