Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 819

The atmosphere in the banquet hall was heavy. It was no wonder, as those who remained were fighting off sleep while trying to understand the situation in the Imperial Palace.

Occasionally, some, failing to grasp the gravity of the situation, would munch on cream pies and make silly jokes, but it was far from enough to lighten the mood.

“Did he say anything specific?”

“They say all the mages have left the palace.”

“Minister Ian’s investigation…”

Creak.

At that moment, the door slowly opened. Everyone reflexively glanced towards it without much expectation, only to be shocked. It was Ian Hielo, the man of the hour, who appeared with a composed expression. The drowsiness that had been creeping in vanished instantly.

“Minister Ian?”

“So, there were still people holding their ground. More than I anticipated.”

“Is it wise for you to be here?”

“Of course. This is also part of the Imperial Palace.”

Ian poured and drank some wine, and the nobles exchanged glances. There was a purpose behind this. Otherwise, he wouldn’t show up like this while under investigation.

“It’s truly regrettable that such an unpleasant incident occurred on such a glorious day. I apologize to you all. You must have been looking forward to the party, but, well…”

“Ah, no. It’s the fault of that Rutherford, not Minister Ian’s.”

It was a subtle attempt to test Ian. Ian smiled and offered him a glass. The clear sound of the glasses clinking was pleasant to hear.

“Minister Ian, are you truly alright?” someone asked cautiously again. If the charge of deceiving the Imperial Family was proven, then even drinking with him like this would be risky. Ian nodded firmly.

“Of course. His Majesty the Emperor has formed a special investigation team to confirm the full details of the incident. If those who are being impudent don’t interfere, the Imperial Palace will soon return to normal.”

That is, if the insolent group within the investigation team didn’t fabricate evidence to frame Ian.

The nobles immediately recognized that the ‘group’ Ian was referring to was the Davion family, led by Minister Rayburn. The Davion clan members gathered there also recognized this and subtly avoided eye contact.

Ian deliberately greeted them and gestured for them to come closer.

“Ah, so you are guests from the Davion family. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Ahem.”

“Why are you standing like that? Have a drink.”

When Ian raised his wine, they reluctantly offered their glasses.

“Do you know why the current situation has occurred?”

“…What do you mean?”

“It’s because the Imperial Family is unstable. Since His Majesty the Emperor is the only one who carries the name of Verosion, even the slightest breeze is taken as a typhoon, causing a great commotion.”

‘That typhoon is you, though.’ The nobles pursed their lips and swallowed their words.

“The Imperial Family must be stabilized quickly to prevent such incidents.”

“That’s certainly the right thing to say, but…”

“Once this situation is resolved, I intend to suggest this to His Majesty the Emperor. Since the Davion family has also agreed to cooperate, it will surely be accepted, right?”

“Well, yes…”

The petition was a petition, and the Imperial Family’s problems were the Imperial Family’s problems. The Davion family members smiled awkwardly and covered their mouths with their wine glasses.

“However, when His Majesty asked me if there was a suitable person, I don’t know what I should answer.”

“… !”

Everyone’s eyes widened as they turned to Ian. What did that mean? Wasn’t that a sign that he would receive a list of candidates for the Empress?

“There are rumors that there are many excellent young ladies in the Davion family besides Miss Chloe. Is that true?”

“Ah, ahem. That is-”

“My daughter has come of age for marriage this time.”

“Ah. Lord Redoll Davion, I’ve heard of you. I’ve heard that your daughter has very beautiful blonde hair.”

“That’s an overstatement. If I had known this would happen, I would have told her not to leave the palace.”

“No. It’s too late.”

Chloe was recommended without question because she was the daughter of the Davion family head, but in fact, there were countless young ladies of marriageable age in the Davion family.

It was a foregone conclusion that Chloe would be engaged to Siao Si, and even if she wasn’t a direct descendant, it would be great if an Empress came from the Davion family. It was just something they hadn’t expected.

‘If my daughter becomes the Empress…’

‘If I become the Emperor’s father-in-law…’

They might be able to shed their past lives full of resentment as a member of a collateral line and gain a new title.

The members of the Davion family took sips of their wine and racked their brains. Their intentions were evident in the way they looked at each other.

‘If Ian Hielo is found innocent and returns, his position in the Imperial Palace will be even more solid. When that happens, the gathering of vassals will be meaningless.’

A political position was essential to ascend to the position of Empress. If they had someone like Ian Hielo as their backer, they could sufficiently, very sufficiently, urge the Emperor to grant them the position of Empress.

“Anyway, I suppose I should speak to His Majesty after this situation is completely resolved. I don’t know how long it will take.”

Ian added with a smile.

In order for the current situation to be resolved, the petition from the Davion family, led by Minister Rayburn, would have to be withdrawn, and there should be no blind meddling in the investigation process. It was a proposal that if they cooperated, he would make their child the Empress. Well, who among them would seize that position was another matter.

‘Let’s weigh it.’

The nobles pretended to drink while weighing their options. Would Ian Hielo really fall because of this incident? He was the top contributor to the war, a genius mage, and had the solid support of the Magic Department.

Moreover, he was the Emperor’s closest aide since childhood. Even if the strange rumor of ‘Ian Verosion’ continued to follow him, there would be no way to deal with it if he actively denied it.

‘On the other hand, what are the benefits of staying on this side?’

If Minister Rayburn and his forces won, what would they get in return? Whatever it was, it would be less beneficial than siding with Ian. The number of those who already supported him was too great.

‘In a way, Ian Hielo is asking us for help. This is a real opportunity.’

The nobles inwardly praised themselves for staying in the Imperial Palace until the end. Yes, good things come to those who wait.

“But, Minister Ian.”

“Yes, please speak.”

“I heard that His Majesty has a woman he has his eye on.”

Someone asked about Aileen. Everyone already knew of her existence. Along with the lackluster sentence, ‘A holy knight who awakened on the battlefield stole the heart of His Majesty the Emperor.’

“He is at an age where he is full of vigor. It is possible that he has someone he has his eye on. But that’s all it is.”

How could the position of Empress be granted to a woman from a commoner background? And even if she somehow managed to seize it, how long could she maintain her position without any political standing? The nobles, who knew the ways of the Imperial Palace, nodded in agreement.

“It seems like an inappropriate topic to discuss right now. The investigation has not yet concluded.”

“Ah, that’s right. It’s right to solve the immediate problem first.”

“Indeed, that criminal is a criminal until death. How could he make such outrageous remarks and make things difficult for Minister Ian?”

“His Majesty knows Minister Ian’s heart, so the misunderstanding will be resolved soon. It is a special investigation team directly ordered by His Majesty, so there can be no insolent meddling.”

“I wonder if the petition… has been submitted?”

“Already? Oh, dear.”

“As a member of the Davion family, I had no choice but to join forces, but in fact, I don’t even know what it’s about.”

“The Count was so urgent in his request, haha.”

It would be better to withdraw the petition. If they did, Minister Ian would definitely be found innocent.

It was also necessary to closely monitor the investigation process. They all knew that Minister Rayburn and his close associates were ready to do anything.

“Oh, by the way, are you feeling alright?”

On the surface, they seemed to be worried about his health, but deep down, they were checking if Minister Ian’s position was still solid. Ian shrugged his shoulders as if it was obvious.

“I’m fine. I don’t know where everyone heard the wrong information, but they think I’m about to die.”

“Ha…haha. That’s absurd.”

Romandro watched the scene of laughter and chatter, and slightly twisted his lips. ‘Look at that, he’s really good at acting. With a body that’s not even healthy.’

‘But he succeeded in causing a division in the Davion family. If Davion falters, Minister Rayburn’s side will also falter greatly. Hmph, you foolish noble lords! Our Ian is, you know! He’s enthusiastically supporting His Majesty’s love!’

What did he do to make Aileen the Empress? He even had her registered in the Clifford royal family! How could they be swayed this way and that without knowing anything! What fools, tsk.

‘No matter how skilled the nobles are, how can they win against royalty? And Aileen, who is loved by His Majesty the Emperor? Anyway, now all that’s left is to finish the investigation. Because Ian might not be in the Magic Department later.’

Romandro, who was organizing his thoughts, suddenly became depressed. It was because he had imagined the Magic Department without Ian.

Everyone wished Ian would take care of his health, but if this was known in the current situation, it would become a weakness. Romandro resolved to run to the Emperor and inform him of Ian’s condition as soon as the investigation was over.

“Romandro.”

“Huh?”

Ian snapped his fingers to get Romandro’s attention. It was time to return to the investigation room.

Romandro, who understood the meaning, quickly went outside to prepare the carriage. It was a light step, for the first time in a long time.

* * *

Meanwhile, at the Magic Department.

The surroundings were dark, but the Magic Department building was brightly lit, as if to catch every rat that passed by. Just then, several carriages stopped in front of it, and the Imperial Guard approached to check.

“Greetings.”

“Oh, you’ve worked hard.”

“What brings you here?”

“We have something to investigate regarding the mages of the East. Rutherford’s body is in the back, so please take it down to the underground prison.”

‘Why the mages of the East?’ The Imperial Guard frowned, but soon cooperated and lowered the coffin containing the body.

“We plan to examine the body for traces of magic.”

“Do you trust the mages of the East?”

“I don’t. That’s why we’ll be using Siltham potion [a potion used to detect magical residue]. To investigate magic, the power of a mage is necessary, so there’s no other way for now.”

“It’s a matter decided from above.”

“That’s right. Hurry up. The prevailing opinion is that Rutherford was talking nonsense because of Laromedia’s hallucinatory effects [a type of magic]. If we add the testimony of the Eastern mages to this, the situation will be resolved in an instant.”

They were believers in the Magic Department’s innocence. They waved their hands as if to tell them to hurry.

Soon, while the instructed soldiers were moving the body, the Imperial Guard went up to the second floor, the magic stone management department, to find the Siltham potion.

Click.

“Siltham potion…”

It should be somewhere… Since they weren’t members of the Magic Department, it wasn’t easy to find even one potion. The Imperial Guard searched the office thoroughly, looking at the shelves that were lined up in rows, when-

Rustle.

“Hmm?”

A faint sound of movement was heard from somewhere. The Imperial Guard looked around the quiet office and exchanged puzzled glances. Did they hear wrong?

“Ah. I found it. Siltham potion.”

“But there are several.”

“Which one is the newest?”

The Imperial Guard, who had been standing there for a long time because they couldn’t even find one potion properly. At this, Acorella, who was hiding under the office desk, covered her mouth and glared irritably.

‘Seriously, they should just leave quickly.’

‘Why do they keep coming up to the second floor? I need to secretly make the memory recovery potion… The so-called recollection potion! The masterpiece was just about to be completed.’

“Huh? But over there-”

One of the Imperial Guard members, who was about to leave with the potion, discovered an alcohol lamp lit on the experiment table. And also, a strange liquid was boiling on top of it.

“Why is this on?”

“I don’t know. Is the captain crazy? I heard that the kid who was sitting on the chair in the first-floor office was struck by lightning.”

“Crazy. Let’s go quickly. We might get hurt too.”

Whoosh! The Imperial Guard turned off the lamp without hesitation and left the office.

Acorella, who was hiding under the desk, once again shed tears and gritted her teeth. ‘They turned it off again, those bastards……’