Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 832

Charlotte, inside the carriage, repeatedly touched his lips, looking perplexed. The situation was far from what he had expected. He glanced out the window to see his eldest brother, sitting across from him, tilting his head in confusion.

“Didn’t you meet Ian Hielo?”

“Yes, I did meet him.”

“Then why the long face?”

While he wanted to maintain ties with Minister Ian, who was politically vulnerable, he couldn’t ignore the Imperial Palace’s scrutiny. Thus, Charlotte, the second son, had gone to the hotel instead of the eldest.

Charlotte ran a hand through his hair, unsure how to handle the situation.

“Listen, brother.”

“What is it?”

“It’s true that Ian Hielo rounded up the Iedgar and got rid of them.”

“Hmm. So he’s going all the way.”

“It seems the Imperial Palace is systematically removing the means to keep the Ministry of Magic in check. And his feelings towards the high-ranking officials seem stronger than his loyalty to His Majesty.”

“That’s understandable. He was originally on good terms with His Majesty.”

“I think he’s going to cause trouble.”

At Charlotte’s murmur, his eldest brother fell silent. He had an idea of what kind of ‘trouble’ he was referring to. It was a guess so frightening that he had to be cautious.

“His Majesty isn’t a ten-year-old child anymore; it won’t be easy.”

“But Minister Tweller isn’t there either. The only one he keeps by his side is Siao Shi from the Imperial Defense Department, and even he is with Chloe….”

Thinking of Chloe, Charlotte’s neck stiffened.

She was originally the woman who would become Empress. So, Charlotte was disappointed but let her go without any regrets. But now? With Siao Shi, a low-ranking noble from a slave background? It was absurd.

‘Anyone would think they were lovers.’

The eldest brother glanced at his younger brother with a pitying look and sighed. That wasn’t the important point right now.

“Siao Shi was able to marry Chloe largely due to Minister Ian’s help. He can’t ignore Ian Hielo.”

The Emperor had no one by his side. It was a reality that was foreseen the moment he turned his back on the Minister of Magic. Charlotte took out a handkerchief and dabbed his forehead, adding,

“And the health issue rumor, or whatever, it was nonsense. He looked perfectly fine. Enjoying cake and tea.”

“Did he say that himself?”

“Of course. He seemed wronged. I would be too, if I were him. He has such great power, yet he’s facing all sorts of slander. It seems he’s reached his limit and is even planning a public relations campaign.”

Appealing to the people and exposing the Imperial Palace’s actions.

It was a plan that would be impossible for anyone else, but Ian, the Minister of Magic and war hero, had the absolute support of the people. It was one of the reasons why the Imperial Palace was keeping him under such close watch.

“What do you think will happen?”

Charlotte whispered cautiously.

“If Minister Ian really makes up his mind.”

“……”

The eldest brother couldn’t easily answer, but that alone was as good as an answer.

If Minister Ian, who had sealed the underground god and had the absolute support of the Ministry of Magic, truly decided to draw his sword, who wouldn’t offer their neck? No matter how much of an Emperor he was, it would be difficult to stop him with just the weapon of being of the Imperial bloodline.

“Don’t act rashly. We’ll be the first to go if things go wrong.”

“Minister Ian asked me to inform the nobles of his grievances.”

Do you understand what this means? It means to find those who agree with him and gather them together. If the fuse is lit, it was clear what would happen next.

The eldest brother clicked his tongue and pondered. Ian Hielo had asked him, so he had to tell the nobles, but….

‘Is this okay?’

If the Imperial Palace found out about this, they certainly wouldn’t stay still.

It was a very important moment of choice. The two brothers pondered deeply until the carriage arrived at their mansion, where they discovered a line of unfamiliar carriages.

“What is this?”

“It seems we have guests.”

As the brothers got out of the carriage, the butler guided them inside. The inside was packed with guests. It was no exaggeration to say that all the scions of the central nobility had gathered.

“Hey, everyone?”

“Charlotte! I heard you went to see Minister Ian Hielo?”

“The rumors spread fast.”

Charlotte smiled awkwardly and took off his coat. The butler took his coat, and he naturally sat in the middle of the sofa, crossing his legs.

“Is that why you’re here?”

“Haven’t you heard the rumors from the Imperial Palace?”

“What, which one? The one related to the Hyman family?”

He already knew that the Imperial Palace would issue a statement and a rebuttal article. Charlotte replied confidently, taking out a cigarette, but the other party shook his head.

“Not that. The head of the Ministry of Magic’s Acorella, she was arrested for disobeying the Imperial order and misusing magic, right?”

“Acorella? She’s Ian’s right-hand woman.”

“Exactly!”

“Was she still in the Imperial Palace?”

“That’s not the point, she was arrested! Head Acorella made a strange potion and fed it to a low-ranking official, and, crazy, they had the memory of ‘Ian Verosian’ implanted in their heads!”

Thud. Charlotte dropped his cigarette in shock. Now he understood why everyone was making such a fuss and gathering here.

“…That’s insane?”

“Head Acorella is Ian’s right-hand woman. And she made a potion that makes them believe that he is ‘Ian Verosian’? What do you think about this?”

“Moreover, she called Minister Ian Verosian in front of His Majesty. It’s undeniable. It’s treason.”

“Ha! I’m going crazy.”

“But why did you go to see Minister Ian at a time like this? Do you want to get involved too?”

As Charlotte got up and paced around the room, words of concern flew in one by one. Of course, they weren’t genuine concerns. They were all just trying to probe the situation by provoking Charlotte.

‘It’s a fuse.’

Charlotte made a decision.

“I was wondering whether to tell you this or not-”

“What is it?”

“If things go this way, it’ll be impossible to turn back.”

“Just say it. Don’t beat around the bush.”

“Minister Ian is planning a coup.”

“What?”

Those who had been watching from a distance were simultaneously shocked and stood up. A coup? Really?

“I met him myself. It’s certain. He seemed ready to rise up at any moment. If Head Acorella was arrested like that, it’s only a matter of time.”

The noisy reception room became silent for a moment.

Then, someone jumped up and took a step back.

“I, I have to inform the Imperial Palace.”

“Hey, John!”

Charlotte grabbed him.

“Think carefully.”

“Crazy, what is there to think about?”

“What I mean is, calm down. Ian is so strong that he has no equal in Gaia. He also has the absolute support of the Ministry of Magic. And if it’s true that Head Acorella made the potion, it’s obvious how he’ll use it.”

“Right! Remember how the mages scatter flower petals during the New Year’s party every year? If he uses the potion to make it rain, everyone will be helpless. No, ‘helpless’ isn’t the right word, they’ll be influenced.”

If used on the people, he could also secure the legitimacy of the rebellion. If the hidden Verosian bloodline is returning to its rightful place, who would say anything? Rather, public opinion would likely favor Ian, the mage, over the current Emperor.

“If the Emperor changes, the era changes.”

Not to mention the officials under him, it would also have a big impact on the central nobles who had barely established their positions. The new Emperor would implement policies centered around those who had supported him.

It could be an opportunity or a crisis for the family. If they just remain neutral, they would save their lives, but they would have to endure the gradually declining family fortune.

“You’re all out of your minds. No matter what, he’s a bastard from the border. Do you want to serve such a person as Emperor?”

“Actually, if we’re talking about the qualifications of an Emperor, Minister Ian is not lacking either. Objectively.”

“Stop making such rash remarks!”

Some of the more upright individuals got up and left the mansion. But they were only a few. Most of them remained seated, racking their brains to gauge the situation.

When there was no progress in their discussions, someone suggested,

“Instead of this, why don’t we bring Minister Ian here?”

“Here?”

To Charlotte’s mansion? Everyone turned to Charlotte, trying to gauge his intentions. It would be less conspicuous than them all going to the hotel.

Since there was a responsibility for the one who started it, Charlotte reluctantly agreed.

“I’ll send someone. If Minister Ian accepts the invitation, we can know his intentions more clearly. Right?”

The nobles tried to remain calm and took out cigarettes. Thinking that this might bring about a cataclysmic change in the world.

* * *

Knock knock.

“Who is it?”

“Is Mr. Romandro there?”

At the stranger’s call, Romandro cautiously opened the door. Inside, there were double locks hanging all over. He fully opened the door after confirming that it was a delivery person.

“Miss Melania sent this.”

“Oh, really. It seems she got into the Imperial Palace safely. Thank you.”

“And this too.”

“Hmm? What is this?”

“They said Head Acorella sent it.”

“This is also from the Imperial Palace?”

“Yes.”

Huh. Something was wrong. Why was Acorella’s letter coming from the Imperial Palace? Romandro hurriedly took the letter and tore open the envelope, and the delivery person, having completed his mission, disappeared leisurely.

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

“A letter came from the Imperial Palace, but something’s strange.”

“What now? You’re making me anxious.”

“Let’s see….”

-Mr. Romandro. I’m currently locked up in the Imperial Palace’s dungeon. Don’t ask anything else, just write a petition and send it. And Ian said he’s delegating the next minister position to me? From this moment on, all decision-making authority is mine, so keep that in mind, and go to Ian right away. I don’t know what he’ll do, so tie him up and watch him closely. Surely Ian won’t harm you, Mr. Romandro.

Ah, damn it. This is so frustrating. The guard watching me is looking at what I’m writing, so I’ll cut it short. It’s an order! Immediately capture Ian and lock him up.

Romandro almost fainted while reading the contents. Vivianna, who was reading it with him, supported him and muttered.

“What is this? How are things going in the Imperial Palace?”

The more reports he received, the more confused he seemed to be. Romandro shook his head to clear his mind, then staggered into the bedroom.

“Clothes, some clothes.”

“Are you going right away? Ian told you not to come.”

“The person in command has changed. I need to check if it’s true first. But, how did Acorella end up in the dungeon? I’m going crazy, really!”

While Vivianna was getting Romandro’s clothes, Bibi, who had noticed the commotion, peeked her head in. Bibi fidgeted and asked carefully.

“Dad.”

“Honey, Dad’s busy, later.”

“Is it because of Ian Verosian?”

“Huh! Bibi!”

Where did she hear that?! Romandro and Vivianna were startled and grabbed their daughter’s shoulders.

Bibi confessed in a faint voice, looking at the newspaper on the table.

“Dad. Actually, it’s me. I knew that Ian was Verosian.”

“…What?”

“It was written in my novel. I don’t know when it was written, but it was.”

Bibi handed the book to Romandro, tearfully.

“Dad, am I going to get arrested now? Sob.”

Romandro was flustered, but he pretended not to be and opened the book.

“What is this….”

From beginning to end, everything about Ian was written in detail. Romandro stood there, flipping through the pages, losing track of time.