Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 836

The mages sat in a circle, drinking the potion Acorella had given them, not leaving a single drop. They acted like people who had found the water of life in a swamp of death.

Soon, each of them recalled Ian Verosian in their own way, and once again, a commotion broke out.

“Ah, this is insane.”

“Sir Ian, you’ve gone too far! Why! Whyyyy!”

“Calm down, you idiot. This is His Majesty’s residence.”

“No, but how on earth did he lose his memory? There’s nothing that even hints at it.”

“The scope is vast, from Tolun to the Empire.”

Thud.

Acorella set down the empty bottle, signaling everyone to be quiet.

“Rain.”

“Yes? Rain?”

“Yes, rain. The only common anomaly in Tolun and Bariel at the time was rain. I bet that bastard in the underground did something there.”

“Ha, so he did that as he was fading away?”

“Understood. I understand that much, but what’s going on now?”

The mages had faithfully followed Ian’s orders since the day they left the palace. They had been cooped up in the mansion, blocking their eyes and ears, so they were still not fully aware of the situation outside.

Perhaps if Romandro hadn’t gone door to door, asking for help, they would still be waiting, not knowing anything. Waiting for Ian to call them.

Romandro glanced at Jin and muttered.

“Well, ahem. So, the last I knew of Ian, he was, uh…”

“Seems to be plotting treason.”

Jin cut off Romandro’s words, and the mages’ eyes widened. What did he just say? Treason?

Romandro had seen the situation at Charlotte’s mansion with his own eyes, so he couldn’t possibly make any excuses.

“Sir Ian said he would give me a gift.”

He didn’t know it would be this.

The decisiveness to swing a sword without hesitation even at those he cherished and kept close, the resolve to not give his heart to anyone, and furthermore, the opportunity to strengthen the imperial authority by handing over the necks of the nobles who had joined the rebellion. Jin sighed deeply and ran a hand through his hair.

Romandro defended Ian again.

“Actually, Sir Ian isn’t feeling well, Your Majesty.”

“I know.”

“Yes? How did you know?”

“Sir Ian told Acorella, and Acorella told me.”

He must have sensed his death, so he wanted to use his fading life in a meaningful way. He must have thought that it was a life that would disappear anyway.

“Besides, if he’s charged with treason, he’ll be subject to obliteration of records under imperial law. It’s the perfect choice for Sir Ian.”

“Still! Still, it’s too much!”

“No. It wouldn’t be for Sir Ian.”

If he didn’t do this, there might be problems in Ian’s Bariel [a personal domain or sphere of influence] in the future.

Jin pondered for a moment. It was fortunate that everyone had regained their memories, but the problem still remained.

“Just as Romandro noticed that Sir Ian is plotting a rebellion, our imperial palace has also noticed. According to the report that just came in, they seem to think that a rebellion is bound to happen.”

“No, isn’t it? If we go and stop him now…”

“Does anyone know for sure what Sir Ian discussed with the nobles?”

He wouldn’t have met with the nobles for a trivial chat. Ian must have mentioned rebellion, and the central nobles present must have heard it clearly.

Once words are spoken, they can’t be taken back. Especially if it’s such a heavy and significant statement.

“Even if we persuade Sir Ian to call it off, the nobles won’t stand still. They’ll insist on punishing Sir Ian for mentioning rebellion, trying to severely weaken the power of the Magic Department. If the Magic Department is checked by forces outside the imperial palace, it will soon become a crisis for the imperial palace.”

“Can’t we just tell everyone the truth? That Sir Ian is actually Verosian, and it was all for Your Majesty?”

“It’s impossible.”

Acorella’s potion already had a strong negative reaction from the public. Just looking at the reactions of the two officials who had drunk it earlier was enough to see that.

“Besides, Sir Ian might not want that.”

It was Hale’s opinion, who had been listening quietly. It was true. He had gone this far to erase his traces here… The mages groaned and racked their brains.

“That’s right. And what if there are nobles who are tempted by Sir Ian’s proposal? Then it’s even more of a problem, isn’t it?”

“We should assume there are, unless there’s someone who’s reporting to the imperial palace. What time is it? Romandro, when did Sir Ian meet with the nobles?”

“Hmm. It was earlier in the day… It’s been a while.”

“There are no informants. That’s surprising in itself.”

“Anyway, even considering the situation, Sir Ian can’t be the only one to get away with it. Those who have joined the rebellion won’t just stand by and watch either. No matter how it happened, it’s essential to punish those who have impure intentions.”

What if they could make it as if it never happened?

“Like, like what Lady Melania did! What if we say it was all the imperial palace’s intention?”

“Does that make sense? It’s treason, not something else.”

“It’s different from Lady Melania’s case. That eventually led to the achievement of subjugating the underground, but this situation only has the purpose of strengthening the imperial authority by using the downfall of the nobles. There’s a force that will resist.”

If it becomes known that the nobles were tested and that Ian personally used the serious crime of treason for his own purposes, the dignity of the imperial palace will be shattered. Once it had started, they had to see it through to the end.

“It’s already spilled water. Instead of trying to pick it up, let’s think about cleaning it up.”

Snap!

Acorella snapped her fingers and suggested.

“Let’s think positively. Your Majesty, now that it’s come to this, let’s properly receive Sir Ian’s gift.”

To subdue the great mage Ian, who defeated the underground, in one fell swoop, to punish the nobles who participated in the rebellion at once, to increase control over the central nobles, and to become the iron-blooded emperor who achieved absolute imperial power on this foundation.

“Sir Ian wouldn’t really harm His Majesty, and he’ll just pretend to do it and provide an excuse, right?”

“I suppose so.”

“It means we can finish things without causing too much of a stir.”

“…You’re saying we should sneak Sir Ian away.”

“That’s right. He may not receive a pardon like Lady Melania, but he can live, can’t he?”

Jin frowned. But no matter how much he thought about it, there was no way to save Ian, who had already stepped into the line of treason.

It would be best to erase his records as Ian intended and stay with him in a place where no one knows him until he goes to the future. That seemed like the best option.

“Anyone have a better idea?”

Acorella asked, looking around, but no one dared to speak up. A way to punish only the participants while leaving the leader of the rebellion out? Well, would there be such a thing?

“Ah, but.”

Nakin raised her hand and asked.

“Is there no movement of troops?”

“There’s nothing reported yet.”

“Then I’m a bit worried. Even if the nobles are a bunch of airheads, how can they try to overthrow the imperial palace without any troops? Sir Ian must have thrown out the bait that he would carry out the coup with his own power.”

Then isn’t that a good thing? They can just sweep up the nobles cleanly. Why is that a worry? The mages blinked.

“Even if Sir Ian made a big decision, he wouldn’t be planning to take all the responsibility and go to the execution stand, would he?”

“Well, he wouldn’t. Even if he is Verosian, such an end is…”

“Then isn’t the answer obvious?”

The mages’ eyes rolled simultaneously. They were shocked and jumped up.

“No way!”

Ian’s real purpose—

To end his life in the process of the rebellion.

“Sir Ian, if you use even a little bit of magic now, it’ll be a disaster!”

“You barely survived last time, it’s absolutely not allowed!”

Everyone ran around in a flurry. They had to stop Ian from using magic at all costs. In a way, they might have to worry about Ian’s condition rather than the rebellion.

“Acorella.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Cleaning up the imperial palace after this situation is over is a matter for later. First, they had to save Ian safely.

“I will give separate instructions to the guards of the palace. But just in case, have the forbidden magic ready. It may be necessary to silence those who witnessed the rebellion.”

“Understood, Your Majesty.”

“Is anyone out there!”

At Jin’s call, the chief attendant approached, making his presence known. He still had a complicated expression, not knowing what was going on. Not only had he released Commander Acorella, but he had also brought so many mages into the palace. If something really bad happened, who would be able to handle it? The chief attendant seemed to be contemplating whether to inform the minister about this.

“What are your orders, Your Majesty?”

“As of this moment, I am withdrawing the suspension order that was placed on the Magic Department. The Magic Department is to resume its duties as before.”

“Ah, but Your Majesty.”

The chief attendant stammered in confusion. The mages were watching intently, so he didn’t openly express his opposition.

‘What did they do to the Emperor?’

Since the imperial blessing protects him, it couldn’t be mind control. Then, why all of a sudden? Could it be, Acorella’s potion?

“Put away your vain thoughts.”

Jin spoke softly, having seen through the chief attendant’s thoughts.

“The head of the Magic Department is Acorella. She and the mages have sworn allegiance to the imperial palace again, and they have proven it by reporting Sir Ian’s rebellion. Therefore, the Magic Department can no longer be rejected.”

“Ah…”

It wasn’t just the chief attendant. Many people in the imperial palace would try not to believe the truth, and this was something Ian didn’t want either. So, they had no choice but to persuade them in a different way.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I will convey it as such.”

That the conflict between the imperial palace and the Magic Department was over.

As the chief attendant retreated, Jin instructed Romandro.

“Have a mansion prepared for Sir Ian to use as his residence, Romandro. If possible, it should be far away from the center. To a place so far that no one will recognize Sir Ian.”

In the end, separation was inevitable, but this alone was enough. If he had time, he could go see Ian anytime.

Romandro nodded repeatedly, telling him not to worry.

“Yes, I’ll find a place with very good water and fresh air.”

“Prepare it. If it’s Sir Ian, it won’t take him long to arrive at the imperial palace. Beric, go out and receive another report on the movements of the nobles.”

Beric’s reaction was quite calm even after regaining his memory. However, the burning gaze that seemed to say, ‘Ian, you idiot. Just you wait,’ was sharper than ever.

“…Understood. I’ll be back.”

“We will too!”

“We’ll prepare!”

Following Beric, the mages also ran out in a flurry. It was the first time in a long time that the Magic Department was lit up.

* * *

“Ian, you crazy bastard!”

“Ian!”

“Sir Ian!”

Thud!

Ian paused as he saw Beric, Romandro, and the mages running towards him.

They rushed at Ian with all their might, and soon they all tumbled backward in a tangled mess. Even in the midst of that, they held onto Ian tightly. So that he would never use magic.

“Ah.”

Where did it go wrong? How did it come to this? As he slowly fell, he met Jin’s eyes. An expression that was indescribably complex.

‘So, this is Your Majesty’s Bariel.’

No matter how strong a person is, if they harbor rebellious thoughts, they will inevitably fall, and those who share their hearts will unite their strength and ultimately protect what is precious. How could he not have known that Jin’s Bariel was different from his own?

Thump.

Ian lay down, embraced by the mages, and looked up at the ceiling of the imperial palace. It was the first time he had looked up like this. It was unfamiliar yet new. It felt like he had realized something he hadn’t known before.

‘Ah—’

That’s right.

Yes. That’s what it was.

Ian murmured with a very faint smile.

“I have lost.”