Margrave’s Bastard Son Was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 838

The nobles entering the audience hall wore stiff expressions. This crisis could determine the fate of their families. Accused of treason overnight, their emotions teetered between tension and anxiety.

Some had rushed over without even dressing properly. They spoke quietly, as if they couldn’t believe what was happening.

“What on earth have our children done…?”

“I know, right? A rebellion, out of nowhere?”

“Minister Ian showed some signs before, but not us. There’s no way.”

“Be careful what you say. Are you implying that we actually started a rebellion?”

“We haven’t even been able to see our children. We need to know exactly what happened to come up with a plan, but they won’t show them to us under the guise of an investigation.”

“Is it really confirmed?”

“Of course. Would His Majesty make a public announcement if it wasn’t? Minister Ian is also locked up in the dungeon.”

The nobles sighed. If Minister Ian was imprisoned, the incident seemed real, but they couldn’t understand it no matter how much they thought about it.

“Isn’t it too quiet for Minister Ian to have started a rebellion? There isn’t a single place that’s been damaged on the way here.”

“The entire Magic Department blocked Minister Ian under His Majesty’s orders. Ah, now that Acorella is the Minister of Magic, we should be careful what we say. Especially at times like this.”

Along with the rebellion, the minister was officially replaced. What did this mean? The nobles groaned repeatedly, waiting for the Emperor to appear.

Squeak.

As they heard a sound, the nobles’ heads turned simultaneously. But it wasn’t the Emperor; it was other nobles. Those who were not involved in this rebellion.

They frowned with pity as they looked at the restless nobles. But was it just their imagination, or did the corners of their mouths seem to be turned up?

“Oh my. What is going on with everyone?”

“I know, right? Most of the central nobles are involved in this, so His Majesty must be very upset.”

“Involved? Be careful what you say! Nothing has been revealed yet!”

“Ah, hello. Count Mondor? I heard your son just finished his meal in the dungeon. I know you’re busy with business, but shouldn’t you also focus on your children’s education?”

“Hey!”

“I apologize if you felt offended. But what can I do? It’s ‘treason,’ after all. Because of the nature of the charges, I couldn’t help but react sharply out of concern for the Empire.”

The central nobles openly frowned, but they couldn’t retort. These people were like hyenas trying to steal the central nobles’ status. They couldn’t say anything that might give away information or be used against them.

“What brings you here?”

“When we heard that a rebellion had occurred in the Imperial Palace, we couldn’t just stand by, worried about His Majesty’s safety. We came to check on His Majesty and to help if there’s anything we can do.”

The smirking smile was truly hypocritical. Check on him? Help with what? The central nobles gnashed their teeth and endured. They were clearly trying to push out the central nobles and take their place.

“His Majesty the Emperor is entering!”

Squeak.

At that moment, a sound was heard from outside. The nobles immediately bowed to greet the Emperor, and Jin entered with a slightly tired look.

Jin glanced at the nobles lightly, then indifferently turned his gaze and sat at his desk. He busily moved his pen and asked,

“Do you all have nothing to do? I would have called you when the time came, but you all rushed here.”

“Your Majesty! I am sorry, but-”

“Every time you open your mouth, you say you’re sorry, but how do you only do things that make you sorry? It’s so absurd that I now doubt your sincerity. You either lied or you’ve gone mad and can’t remember what you said. Even if it’s the former, I won’t care anymore.”

Thud.

Jin threw a file in front of the nobles. The nobles hesitated and picked it up, their faces turning pale.

“You’re the ones who even started a rebellion, so would a few lies change your sentence? Go ahead and say whatever you want.”

“Your Majesty! This, this is all a misunderstanding! There must be some misunderstanding. A rebellion? That’s absurd!”

“Yes, how could we do such a thing?”

“Please, look into the truth!”

As the nobles prostrated themselves and begged, Jin rested his chin on his hand. His eyes were deep in thought. He tapped the desk with his fingertips, then shook his head as if he couldn’t do it.

“Look into the truth…”

It was the moment Jin was about to say something. The third group of nobles, who had been standing back, raised their voices, saying it was nonsense.

“Your Majesty, please do not listen to their false excuses. If what they say is true, then how did your children gather together and enter the Imperial Palace with Ian at that exact time? You have to admit what you have to admit.”

“That’s right. And I heard that the conspiracy took place at Lord Charlotte’s mansion. Did you really not know about this, Lord Charlotte? I highly suspect that you were trying to gain profit by using your children.”

“Shut up! How dare you!”

“Oh my, such harsh words in front of His Majesty? How scary. It’s not like you’ve already gone too far.”

“Your Majesty! You must punish those who participated in the rebellion to restore the Empire’s discipline and prestige!”

The nobles who had been waiting for an opportunity rushed in and pushed the central nobles to the edge of a cliff.

Is this why you need to keep like-minded people by your side? They were saying everything that needed to be said on Jin’s behalf, and their momentum was considerable. If they fell, they would gain a benefit.

Clack!

As the atmosphere became heated, Jin gestured with his chin. The chief attendant brought an empty glass as if he had been waiting for it. Jin took out a red brooch from his inner pocket and put it inside.

“Shall we listen together?”

“Yes?”

“Shhh.”

Jin put his finger to his lips as if telling them to be quiet. After a moment of silence, a faint voice was heard from somewhere.

-Is the Magic Department moving together… Will that be enough? His Majesty’s… there are imperial guards by his side… The date is… Don’t worry… Minister Ian. We will be together. Yes, it is the proper… course of history. It is the failure of the Emperor who lacks virtue.

The central nobles closed their eyes tightly. This is insane!

“There’s no parent who wouldn’t recognize their child’s voice, right?”

“Y-Your Majesty!”

“Why? Are you going to claim that this is also Minister Ian’s mind control?”

Could they do that? As the central nobles hesitated for a moment, the other nobles who were watching stepped forward and argued.

“The Magic Department directly stepped in to subdue Minister Ian. If there was mind control, there would have been traces of it.”

“That’s right! How can the central nobles not admit their mistakes and try to get away with lies? You should all be ashamed.”

Those, those bastards…. It’s like the saying, ‘the meddling sister-in-law is more hateful.’

Jin watched the scene with amusement. They were fighting among themselves, making a mess. He watched them for a long time, then raised one hand.

“Stop.”

The commotion subsided at once. Jin continued,

“Those who are not involved, please leave for a moment.”

The third group of nobles clicked their tongues as if they were a little disappointed, but they couldn’t disobey the Emperor’s order. Meanwhile, the central nobles were completely confused and looked at Jin.

“The sins of the children are the sins of the parents.”

“Y-Your Majesty.”

“No matter how much you say you didn’t know, the system of guilt by association applies to treason. The principle is to destroy the family and make all their members slaves to atone for generations.”

If it were another matter, they would have protected their family by ruthlessly cutting off their involved children, but in the current situation, even this was impossible. Everyone had to take responsibility for the current situation.

But-

“However, an exception may be applied to this case.”

Jin decided to give them some breathing room.

All seven major central families were involved. No matter how much the Imperial Palace had a clear justification, they didn’t know what they would do if they were cornered. If they pushed them to the end, a real rebellion might break out.

Even though there were plenty of people around who were aiming for the Magic Department and the central nobles’ positions, further commotion was not good for the Imperial Palace either.

‘It doesn’t matter who sits in the noble’s seat. Whether they are the ones who plotted the rebellion or not, as long as they are loyal to the Imperial Family.’

“The investigation will take a little longer. It’s an unusual case. It’s an incident that happened mainly among the young heirs, not the heads of the families.”

However, regardless of the exception, they would not be able to avoid responsibility.

“If the situation is acceptable to the people of the Empire, and if it is something that fits the Empire’s banner, I will leave the possibility open. But you should think carefully. The authority and honor of the Imperial Family are so noble that they cannot be exchanged for anything.”

They might be able to avoid death. And if they did well, they might even be able to save their family name. But they would have to give up all the various businesses and interests they had enjoyed, as well as the estates and valuables that had been passed down through their families.

‘If it’s to cover up treason, they will have to give up everything without hesitation. If they calculate even a little, it will be the end.’

Jin’s intention was clearly conveyed to everyone who heard it. The faces that held both hope and despair were telling the story.

“The nobles who attended, listen as well. Since you have come to the palace, you will also be investigated. Any family that has even a slight connection with these people will be subject to investigation.”

At Jin’s sudden remark, the attending nobles looked as if they had been struck by lightning. That was because, no matter how much they were enemies, it was very rare for families to cut ties. So, that meant that all the nobles gathered here would be subject to investigation.

“Ah, by now, the Imperial Palace soldiers should have arrived at your mansions. I hope you will actively cooperate with the search. Any more noise will not be good for you.”

When they searched their homes, they would find out about the nobles’ hidden business secrets and various transactions between families. And this would become a great leash for the Imperial Palace. Under the pretext of searching the central nobles, they would be able to secure and exercise influence over all the nobles.

‘What a great gift, Minister Ian.’

Jin chuckled and turned to the guards standing behind him.

“What are you doing? Take them away. To the investigation room.”

“Y-Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty! Just, just a moment!”

The nobles protested fiercely, but they couldn’t bring themselves to push away the soldiers. For fear of offending the Emperor.

Jin sharpened his pen and asked,

“The Prime Minister?”

“He has entered the palace.”

“Tell him to come in the afternoon. He must have a lot to deal with right now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Jin sighed softly. It was good. This was an opportunity to reorganize the personnel for his own Bariel. The closest position would be the starting point. Since the Minister of Magic had already been changed, the signal flare had already been launched.

“In the investigation room? Is there any new report?”

“The Magic Department used Veritaserum [a truth serum] on the young heirs. As a result of the investigation, parts that matched the circumstances of the charges have been confirmed. The individuals are still claiming that even that is unfair.”

“Minister Ian?”

The hand holding the pen tightened involuntarily. He wanted to talk to him soon, but the situation was such that he couldn’t find an opportunity.

The chief attendant bowed his head and replied,

“Minister Ian is also cooperating diligently with the investigation. Your Majesty. I don’t think you need to worry anymore.”

* * *

“Tell me the truth! Don’t even think about lying here.”

In the investigation room connected to the dungeon. The guards who were guarding the outside were just looking at each other, keeping their lips tightly shut. They still couldn’t believe that former Minister of Magic Ian Hiel had plotted treason. But the shouts and harsh words coming from inside were telling them that everything was true.

Bang!

“How dare you! Betraying His Majesty! It’s a disgrace to the Magic Department! Ian Hiel, I’m asking you again. Explain what you talked about at Charlotte’s mansion. The sound quality of the conversation recorded on the magic stone is not good, and there are many parts that are cut off!”

When a mage slammed the table and shouted, another mage whispered,

“Hey, isn’t the word ‘disgrace’ a bit much?”

“Ah, is it?”

Cough! Then again.

The mage slammed the table!.

“Do you admit your crime or not?!”

Then another mage narrowed his eyes again.

“Hit it gently. The cake plate is shaking.”

“Cough. Okay.”

Ian, who was sitting across from them, lightly ate the chocolate cake on the plate with a fork. Then he answered calmly,

“…I said I admit my crime, many times already.”

How unvaried his lines were. At that, the mages smiled awkwardly and shouted loudly again.