Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 823

The Chess Game

“Your Majesty, are you referring to the entire Magic Department?” the Prime Minister asked, his voice laced with concern.

The Magic Department’s unity was renowned, even among other departments. Their bond was exceptionally strong, especially after Ian Hielo became Minister. It was almost unparalleled.

“That would be dangerous.”

The Emperor knew better than anyone the implications of dismissing all members of the Magic Department. He had witnessed their power firsthand on the battlefield.

Considering the fall of countries like Lusswennah, the answer was even clearer. What if they didn’t return after being dismissed?

“Your Majesty, while dismissing Minister Ian Hielo of the Magic Department is understandable, including the entire department would be a grave mistake. It would be impossible to rectify if things went wrong.”

However, Jin firmly shook his head.

“No. If I dismiss Ian, all the magicians will follow him. Do you remember that the position of Minister of the Magic Department remained vacant for the past ten years when Ian wasn’t there?”

“Of course, I remember.”

“It wasn’t just my will.”

The Prime Minister couldn’t argue. He had felt it too at the time. If Ian didn’t want the position, no one else could fill it. This suggested that even if the Emperor appointed a new Minister, they wouldn’t be able to perform their duties effectively.

To control the Magic Department, Ian’s influence was indispensable. Dismissing him would be the same as turning the entire department against them.

“If I dismiss Ian, there will be no way to manage the situation afterward. To normalize the Magic Department and make them participate in state affairs, I have no choice but to accept all of Ian’s demands. Do you understand what I mean?”

When that time came, there would be no room for negotiation on anything, whether it was the distribution of magic stones or the appointment of the Empress. Because without him, there would be no Magic Department.

In fact, even if he were asked to give up the throne, he wouldn’t be able to easily refuse. It was obvious what the subjects and people would miss more: a Bariel without an Emperor or a Bariel without the Magic Department.

“But conversely, as long as Ian is affiliated with the Magic Department, other magicians have no choice. Even if they are told to leave, they are the ones who will return if Ian is there.”

“I understand what you mean.”

The Prime Minister slowly nodded. Minister Ian and the magicians were deeply connected. The target for pressure in the Imperial Palace now was not the entire Magic Department, but Minister Ian himself.

“Minister Ian will understand the implications of the Magic Department’s dismissal.”

In the past ten years, when Ian was absent, the Magic Department had nearly disintegrated. All the magicians who had said they would leave the palace had magic sealing stones implanted in their bodies, and the areas where they stayed were under constant surveillance by the Imperial Palace. They couldn’t immigrate to other countries, and even going outside the central area, where surveillance was less strict, was not easily permitted.

‘A life lived forever in a non-daily life.’

Moreover, magicians had families. They had parents, partners, and children. The magicians who came from Lusswennah had formed families among themselves, but they had already established strong ties here over the past ten years. It wouldn’t be easy to give up everything and run away, no matter how much they valued Ian.

“So, for the sake of the magicians, Ian will reconsider. In the end, what’s important is not the Magic Department itself, but the magicians.”

Ian was a clever man, so he would realize it immediately. What the Imperial Palace had taken hostage was not just simple magicians, but their precious lives.

“Your Majesty, it is uncertain how the magicians who learn of this will react. The risk is still great.”

“What are you talking about? This is something that will be conveyed only to Minister Ian, not to the magicians.”

Jin frowned and retorted. The dismissal of the entire Magic Department was a card only for Minister Ian. So, there was no need to inform the magicians. They shouldn’t know.

“Even if they only realize that the Imperial Palace is holding the dismissal card, the message will be conveyed, so strictly forbid it to the magicians. It will be over before it is known anyway.”

“It might not end.”

The Prime Minister calmly asked.

“What if Minister Ian truly has disloyal intentions?”

Ian might attempt a coup, using the magicians’ situation as an excuse. If the magicians decided to act, the current power of the Imperial Palace would be unable to stop them.

Jin was silent for a moment, then turned to the Prime Minister.

“That’s not possible.”

No matter what else, Minister Ian was not the kind of person who would destroy the Imperial Palace itself. The trust he had shown so far, and which still remained in Jin’s heart, assured him of that.

“Minister Ian is absolutely not the kind of person who would destroy the Imperial Palace.”

“…That’s an excessive assumption.”

The Prime Minister was certain. If he wasn’t that kind of person, then what was the current situation all about? Since one could never truly know a person’s heart, it was unwise to make such a definite statement. His long life experience had taught him that, especially when facing such an important decision.

“Anyway, Minister Ian is a responsible person. He wouldn’t ruin things by ignoring the magicians. Let’s end it here.”

As Jin sighed and took out a cigarette, the Prime Minister looked slightly surprised. He could vaguely sense how frustrated the monarch was.

“Prime Minister, please deliver this directly to Minister Ian.”

“I will obey your command. But, Your Majesty.”

“Is there anything else to add?”

“Just in case, it would be wise to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances.”

He meant the measures the Imperial Palace should prepare in case Minister Ian changed his mind and made a wrong decision.

Jin stared into the air for a moment, then took out a bundle of reports from among the piles of documents.

Thud.

“This is the testimony obtained using the Verity Potion [a potion that compels truth-telling] on the Eastern magicians.”

The Prime Minister carefully read it. It was the result of interrogating Eunrang and Hohan in separate spaces. If there were no issues with the Verity Potion, and if the magicians with sealed magic did not have the ability to self-purify, it was reliable information.

“First of all, they said that no unusual traces of magic were found on Rutherford’s body. What’s important here is the bottom part.”

It was the testimony of the situation when Eunrang and Hohan first met Minister Ian. Jin pressed his temples and muttered.

“What they say is consistent. It’s not that there was any confrontation of power, but that Ian left the scene as soon as he started a fire.”

At the time, Ian was on the verge of death, so no one believed it. They just thought that they were lying to lessen their guilt. The Magic Department itself was also worried that if Ian’s condition was leaked to the outside, there would be unrest, so they concealed it.

“But after Ian regained consciousness, there was no mention of this. And above all-”

Jin paused. After thoroughly examining the reports within the Magic Department, one clear fact was revealed.

“Ian’s power is not the same as before.”

It must be due to the aftermath of the war.

Although magic power could not be quantified, it seemed clear from the situation. Since then, there had been no cases where Ian directly participated and used magic in the work of the Magic Department, and the increase in the dosage of Acorella’s magic amplifier, etc. Reports indicating that there was a problem with Ian were found one after another.

“Oh, dear.”

The Prime Minister frowned.

It was a complicated matter. It was fortunate that Minister Ian could be subdued if he had malicious intentions and caused problems, but the weakening of the entire Magic Department’s power was a concern. On the other hand, wasn’t it a matter that was truly worrying on a personal level?

“They say that a magician’s magic power can be recovered.”

“I know that too.”

“There were no problems with daily life other than using magic, so there’s nothing to worry about separately.”

Jin nodded slightly. Other than the lack of magic power, there seemed to be no problem with Ian’s health.

The Prime Minister got up from his seat as if relieved.

“Then that’s good. More than anything, it has become undeniable that now is the right time.”

Before Minister Ian’s power returned, it was right to see the end of the conflict. It was the perfect opportunity to solidify the power of the Imperial Palace by firmly preparing measures to check the Magic Department.

“I understand, Your Majesty. I will deliver the relevant information to Minister Ian.”

Then, the Prime Minister turned to the Emperor as if he had suddenly remembered something.

“About Miss Melania.”

“Hyman’s?”

“It seems she is in central Bariel now.”

It was the news that Marco, the informant who met Hohan and Eunrang, had come to the Prime Minister’s house to deliver. The bloodline of a traitorous family was alive and breathing in the center. The Prime Minister conveyed it in a low voice, watching the Emperor’s expression.

“Shall we look for her?”

When the daughter of the traitorous family was sent away alive, Jin had also agreed at the time, but the situation was different now, ten years later. If this became known to the outside world, doubts would be raised about the prestige of the Imperial Palace. Hyman’s charge was none other than ‘treason.’ It was absurd that there was room for life at the end of a traitor.

“…Later.”

However, even knowing this, Jin shook his head. It was a weapon he didn’t particularly want to use. Even if he did use it, it wasn’t now.

“You heard it from an informant.”

“Yes. But you don’t have to worry about it leaking out.”

Marco, who had come to the Prime Minister’s mansion on his own, was already dead.

The Emperor turned his body as if telling him to leave, and the Prime Minister bowed deeply. It was the same expressionless face as usual.

* * *

Tap tap!

Lina Hotel, a high-end accommodation in the center.

When a carriage with the Imperial Palace flag stopped in front of it, the manager came out to greet them in person. It was not surprising that the Imperial Palace visited, as it was a place where wealthy merchants, as well as nobles or royals from other regions, mainly stayed. However, the problem was that the current situation was turbulent, and Minister Ian Hielo, who was at the center of it, was staying at the hotel.

“The Prime Minister has come in person.”

“I’ve come to meet Minister Ian Hielo.”

“I will contact him. Just a moment.”

The manager glanced at the Imperial Guard members who had followed the carriage and went inside. In the meantime, the hotel staff guided the Prime Minister to the lobby.

Clank.

The sword sheaths clanked every time the Imperial Guard members walked. They were fully armed in preparation for any unforeseen circumstances. The Prime Minister waited for Ian with tension, and soon found the person coming down the stairs.

“Minister Ian. I’m here.”

Ian was lightly dressed. He nodded his head in greeting, then looked at the Imperial Guard members. The situation was unusual. This was something that not only Ian, but also the general staff passing through the lobby noticed.

“What brings you here? For the Prime Minister to come in person.”

If there was anything to investigate, he had told them to send someone, but the Prime Minister had come in person. Ian sat on the sofa and crossed his legs. Had the matter of the Idgal disposal [a type of magical artifact] reached the Imperial Palace?

“It’s a serious matter.”

“Is it the Emperor’s word?”

“To be precise, it is the will of the Imperial Palace.”

The Prime Minister raised his eyebrows as if he didn’t know how to say it. After a moment of silence, he opened his mouth.

“Minister Ian. It’s not good for either of us to be at odds with the Imperial Palace like this. Come back to the Imperial Palace, share your opinions, and promote the stability of Bariel.”

“I have already conveyed my opinion. I cannot agree to any matter decided by the Imperial Palace.”

“…If you do that, you will be dismissed.”

Ian paused while holding the teacup that the staff had brought. Finally, had they made a decision? Regarding his dismissal? He had expected it and was prepared for it, but when he actually faced it…

“Not just you, but the entire Magic Department.”

Ian paused. He slowly raised his head and looked at the Prime Minister. His gaze seemed calm, but it was just as desolate.

“…The entire Magic Department?”

“Minister Ian. In the worst case, all magicians except you will be dismissed if you continue to seek the rights of the Magic Department.”

The dismissal of the magicians.

Ian’s breath stopped for a moment. It was only after a long time that he let out a short exclamation, after realizing what the meaning of that sentence was.

“Ha.”

It was absurd, embarrassing, and dazed. To be honest, he felt like he had been caught off guard.

Ian put the teacup down as if dropping it.

‘This-‘

“Are you serious?”

Clatter, tea spilled from the cup. The Prime Minister, who was watching it, shifted his gaze to Ian, as if trying to read his mind.

‘I’ve been outmaneuvered, Your Majesty.’

The Prime Minister then shrugged his shoulders slightly. It was unknown whether he had read Ian’s inner thoughts. However, what was certain was that from now on, everything depended on Ian.