Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 811

The Crossroads of Conflict

“By the way, Minister Ian,” Jin said.

“Yes, Your Majesty?” Ian replied.

Jin, still examining the treaty, spoke quietly, his gaze lowered as if the matter were unimportant, intentionally so.

“I heard you made a statement at the conference regarding the exclusive distribution of mana stones. Is that true?”

Ian smiled inwardly. A quick check of the conference records would reveal the truth. Jin likely already knew the whole story.

Yet, the Emperor asking him, ‘Is that true?’… It was a blatant display of affection.

“It is,” Ian confirmed.

Jin raised his head, his eyes questioning the sincerity of the answer.

“Mana stones are crucial materials directly linked to the Empire’s safety. A stable supply is necessary, but external interference is disrupting it with personal feelings and gains. Furthermore, if ordinary people handle mana stones, which are still not fully understood and lack sufficient research, accidents are bound to happen. To prevent such situations, the Ministry of Magic’s active intervention is necessary.”

Every word was correct, but that wasn’t what Jin wanted. Jin put down the treaty and looked directly at Ian.

“Minister Ian, a significant matter like the exclusive distribution of mana stones isn’t something the Ministry of Magic can decide on its own.”

It was an issue that required the Emperor’s permission, as well as consideration of the interests of each department.

Above all, there were already many merchants established in this business. If their interests were suddenly restricted, there would naturally be repercussions. How could the Ministry of Magic handle this alone? This was an issue for the entire Empire. Minister Ian couldn’t possibly be unaware of this, could he?

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I am well aware of your concerns. It was an issue that naturally arose during the conference, so I admit I was somewhat reckless.”

Jin, about to add more, paused. With Ian being so forthcoming, what more could he say? Just as Jin was about to wave his hand in dismissal, Ian spoke again.

“I would be grateful if you would attend the next conference and discuss the distribution rights of mana stones with us.”

“…Minister Ian. I have no intention of allowing that.”

Jin’s brow furrowed slightly. Ian, as if he hadn’t expected this at all, raised his eyebrows. After a moment of silence, Ian spoke first.

“Why is that?”

The justification for the Ministry of Magic managing the distribution rights had already been explained. Cooperation from other departments? What was that? If the Emperor approved and the Ministry of Magic took the lead, no one would be able to object.

Jin stood up and sighed softly.

“Minister Ian, from the Hawan incident to the construction of the annex, the Ministry of Magic is already under excessive scrutiny. No matter how strong the justification, you must be cautious when necessary. And you, your health is not good right now. It would be better to rest and wait for the right time.”

Jin was indirectly persuading him. Telling him to take it easy because he wasn’t feeling well was sincere, but it was also a subtle way of letting him know that ‘everyone is closely watching your health.’

In response, Ian only smiled, as if he knew nothing.

“There is nothing that surpasses justification, Your Majesty. I appreciate your concern, but-”

“It really won’t do. I have said that I will absolutely not allow it. This time, you must step back.”

Jin turned his head, indicating that he wouldn’t discuss it any further.

Then, Ian sensed that the ‘time’ had come. Finally…

“Very well, Your Majesty.”

“The Ministry of Magic already has so much to do-”

“Then, I will do it my way.”

“What did you say?”

Jin turned his head, wondering if he had misheard. Ian was smiling, his hands politely folded. Jin couldn’t understand the meaning of that smile.

“While I was resting, the officials looked down on the Ministry of Magic so much that they manipulated the mana stone prices. The more I think about it, the more I realize this isn’t an issue to be overlooked. Since Your Majesty cannot allow it, I will have no choice but to resolve it in my own way.”

“No, Minister Ian. I didn’t mean to hand it over. Is it so difficult to wait for the right time?”

“That time is now. If we miss this opportunity, it will become vague, and it will be difficult to seize another chance.”

“Minister Ian!”

Jin couldn’t hold back and shouted. It was the first time. So, Jin unconsciously covered his mouth with his hand.

Ian frowned slightly. It wasn’t a reaction to the shouting. It was a reaction to the hand covering his mouth. Although Jin understood it the other way around.

‘You’re cornered. Minister Tweller must have secured testimony from Banusa. That I am the source of the rumors.’

“Um, Minister Ian.”

“I apologize, Your Majesty. Your Majesty has your position, and I have mine, so this is unavoidable.”

Let’s see who wins. Your Majesty, try to stop the Ministry of Magic from monopolizing the distribution of mana stones. I will take it.

However, I recommend using any means necessary. If the Ministry of Magic succeeds this time, it will be the beginning of the decline of the Imperial Palace’s power.

‘Remember that the officials are watching everything, Your Majesty. I hope you succeed.’

“Oppose me, Your Majesty. I will do it my way.”

“Minister Ian!”

“Then, I will take my leave. I apologize.”

Ian bowed slightly and left the office.

Jin, flustered and dumbfounded, took a deep breath and then slammed his desk roughly. The attendants waiting outside flinched reflexively.

“Is anyone out there!”

“Yes, Your Majesty. What is your command?”

“Bring Minister Quintana. Tell her to come with the ministers related to the mana stone price issue. She will understand.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Damn it!”

*Bang!*

Jin slammed his desk again in frustration.

Minister Ian was truly heartless. How could he not understand his concern for him and the Ministry of Magic? Moreover, he had even directly told him to step back this time, yet he declared war like this. It was too much.

“Your Majesty, Minister Quintana and-”

“Enter!”

It was a permission that was closer to a shout.

Quintana and the ministers following her paused and took a deep breath. They knew that the Emperor’s mood was not good. With Quintana in the lead, the ministers cautiously entered the office.

“What on earth are you all-!”

“Gasp!”

Jin, upon seeing their faces, roared like thunder. Whatever it was, they were dead. They reflexively bowed and apologized.

“We are sorry!”

“How did you all mess things up so badly that the Ministry of Magic is trying to take over the distribution rights of mana stones! If you were going to challenge them so poorly, you shouldn’t have started at all! If you lack the ability, isn’t it basic to quietly wait for an opportunity?”

So, it was because of the mana stone distribution rights. But, when they reported earlier, he didn’t say anything, so why suddenly?

Well, whatever it was, it didn’t matter. Judging by his reaction…

‘Is he trying to fix it?’

“Tell me everything, right now, without missing a single detail! If it is revealed later that you have hidden even one thing, I will truly not forgive you. I will make you walk on all fours across the entire Bariel [a fictional land].”

“T-That is an outrageous statement, Your Majesty!”

The Emperor’s power was essential to stop the Ministry of Magic. But if they told him everything, they would be handing their mistakes directly into the Emperor’s hands.

Was this the moment to choose how they would die? The ministers hesitated for a moment, but then quickly came to their senses under the Emperor’s sharp gaze and prostrated themselves.

“T-There was no other intention!”

“Shut your mouths and only speak based on the facts! Who did what, and what were the consequences?”

“……!”

Quintana closed her eyes tightly, as if it was all over.

* * *

Ian looked out of the carriage with a calm expression.

He suddenly remembered the carriages that were rushing into the main palace when he left. They were probably high-ranking officials from other departments. They must have been rushing in after receiving the Emperor’s summons.

‘If Jin conducts an investigation to understand the situation, he will naturally hold the lives of the high-ranking officials in his hands. It’s like strengthening his power in an instant. If that happens, everyone will unite to oppose the Ministry of Magic.’

Ian thought of Jin, who was worried about his health. Judging by the nuance, it seemed that Minister Rayburn had very appropriately leaked his health issues to the Emperor.

And this would be a good driving force for them to unite.

But-

‘It’s a last resort, as it is directly related to my dismissal.’

The current Jin would never use that.

However, this was only the case ‘now.’ Who knew what would happen later? What if he continued to fail to stop the Ministry of Magic? This was a separate issue from the special relationship between Ian and Jin.

How the officials watching this would judge the Emperor was more important. How would they view an Emperor who couldn’t even control the Ministry of Magic? If he continued to step back, he would eventually lose the center of the Imperial Palace. To the Ministry of Magic or another official.

And if that happened, to be honest…

‘It would be disappointing.’

Jin shouldn’t be like that. How could he be, after all that he had been taught? Restricting the Ministry of Magic’s distribution rights of mana stones was a trial that he had to overcome.

“Romandro.”

“Hmm?” Romandro, who was writing in his notebook, raised his head.

“Send a letter to Davion. Let’s start soon.”

“You mean about the royal marriage? But, all the envoys from each country are here. Is it really necessary to do it now?”

“It’s natural to point out that the Empress’s seat is vacant at a grand event like the victory ceremony. We can start from there. Davion probably knows it too.”

“Hmm. I understand.”

“And about Aileen.”

“Ah, don’t worry. I’ll bring her to the Imperial Palace right away-”

“No.”

Ian cut off Romandro’s words with a smile. What are you talking about? Have you ever seen someone who needs a new identity wandering around outside? We need to clean up the traces first.

“Secretly tell Aileen that I want to see her. I will see her outside the Imperial Palace.”

Until the identity laundering is complete, it would be best to send her to Cliffopord to receive basic royal education and etiquette lessons.

‘Very quietly.’

If possible, without Jin knowing.

*Tap tap.* Ian tapped the leather of the carriage sofa with his fingertips and thought. If Jin found out that Ian was controlling Aileen’s whereabouts, how would he react?

‘We can handle Cliffopord appropriately. They can’t ask about the Emperor’s love life in detail, and above all, they said that the two are not yet in a romantic relationship, so they can’t interfere rashly.’

“Ian, you seem to be having fun?”

“Does it look like that?”

Ian smiled brightly and leaned his head against the window. He had a lot of cards to beat Jin, but he was curious about how Jin would try to beat him.

“Ah, and by the way. When you go out, create a fictional character and approach the mana stone traders.”

“…Are you planning to buy mana stones personally?”

“Since His Majesty cannot help, what other way is there? Fortunately, Luswena has given us a large sum of money, so we don’t have to worry about money. Let’s prioritize buying Idgal [a type of mana stone].”

He would buy as much as possible and dispose of it all.

“I understand.”

Romandro, unaware of his intentions, just smacked his lips. If money came in, he should save it up and bury it in land or buildings, but he was doing this while he was sick…

‘What is he going to live on when he retires? Well, he probably has many ways to make a living. It’s Ian, after all. No, even so, that’s a bit much!’

But then, Romandro sighed and wrote down the instructions in his notebook with a resigned expression.

It was said that the most useless thing in the world was worrying about Ian. He must have a plan.