Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 847

The atmosphere in the Grand Council Chamber was different from usual. The ministers, united by a desire to survive, had gathered, heads together, not even bothering to be mindful of outside eyes. Knowing that all conversations within the Imperial Palace were being relayed to the Emperor through the Magic Department, there was no need to hide anything. “Are you certain?” “Yes. A corpse was brought into the Magic Department.” “You’ve done well. This is clear evidence.” “And next…” Quintana sighed as she watched them. She couldn’t understand why the officials had become like this. She had thought they were holding their positions well, as they were important figures in the Imperial Palace. But from some point, they had completely tilted, and now they were acting like this, having thrown away all pretense of dignity. “His Majesty the Emperor is arriving!” At the announcement from outside, the ministers rose from their seats in a flurry. Accompanying the Emperor was Acorella, the Minister of Magic. She, too, did not seem to be hiding her discomfort. *Today’s meeting will be intense,* Quintana thought, bowing her head. “Be seated.” As everyone took their seats, silence fell. The Emperor had not even offered a customary greeting. Rayburn and his faction glanced around cautiously before speaking first. “Your Majesty, we apologize, but it seems we need to revisit the matter we discussed previously.” “Revisit, you say.” “It is the suspicion that the Magic Department is showing preferential treatment to Ian Hiel, providing unnecessary conveniences during the investigation process, and further, that they are using trickery in his punishment.” “Trickery? That’s going too far, I’d say.” Acorella frowned deeply, showing her displeasure. But Rayburn presented the prepared documents to Jin and Acorella, asking, “There are testimonies that the Magic Department found a boy’s corpse in the central hospital and prison. One of the places contacted has already handed over the body to the Magic Department. What do you intend to use it for?” “We intended to use it for experiments. It’s magical research, and I doubt you’d understand even if I explained. There’s a mountain of materials coming in and out of the Magic Department, do I have to explain all of that? To other departments that have nothing to do with it? Does the Magic Department look like-” She wanted to add, *’Do you think we’re fools?’*, but Acorella admirably held back. She smiled thinly, clenching her teeth. “Do you think we’re dog food?” “Minister Acorella! Control yourself!” “That’s not all.” Jin crossed his arms and examined the documents Rayburn’s side had presented. He had heard about it, but it seemed that they were desperate, as their lives were on the line. “This is a newspaper circulating in the streets. The majority of the Empire’s citizens are questioning Ian Hiel’s treason.” The central nobles held large and diverse businesses. That meant there were many people who relied on them for their livelihoods. It didn’t matter if the owner changed to the Emperor, but it was true that the sudden upheaval was causing confusion. “Questioning, as in, what?” “The process and intent are unclear. This is not good for His Majesty’s reputation, so it would be best to address it quickly.” *Bringing in a newspaper from some unheard-of company…* Jin exchanged a look with Acorella, signaling each other. “Indeed. If there’s something to correct, it should be done. Minister Rayburn is speaking, so please continue. What do you suggest we do?” Jin spoke as if he was annoyed, and Rayburn nodded, thinking this was his chance. “We suggest that the investigation process of Ian Hiel be made public, or that his execution be carried out swiftly. Also, please minimize the Magic Department’s involvement in the execution, to prove that there is no foul play in front of everyone.” “Hmm.” Jin stroked his chin, pretending to ponder. The longer his answer was delayed, the more Rayburn and the ministers clenched their fists, thinking they had succeeded. “Is it really necessary to go that far?” “Yes, Your Majesty. Ian Hiel’s charge is treason.” Judging by his hesitant attitude, Rayburn’s guess was correct. They didn’t seem to hold any resentment towards Ian Hiel’s treason. They thought that if they secured Ian’s custody, they could try to rise again at any time… “Very well, then.” “Pardon?” Jin agreed as if he had no choice. The ministers, who had been so on edge, asked back in confusion, but he continued as if nothing had happened. “Since that is the ministers’ wish, I shall do so. Let’s set a date for Ian Hiel’s execution. Since he has confessed and admitted to everything, I believe a separate trial will not be necessary.” *What about the implicated central nobles?* “The investigation into the nobles will continue, and we can deal with Ian Hiel first, can’t we? It’s a priority to calm the Empire’s citizens’ doubts.” “Y-Your Majesty, please restrict magic at the execution site.” They were trying to prevent the mages from switching Ian Hiel with another body. If that happened, they would have no choice but to kill Ian? Were they still going to proceed with this? “Very well. It’s not that difficult. Commander Acorella, did you hear that?” “Yes, Your Majesty. I heard it.” “Ian Hiel is already wearing magic-sealing shackles, so he cannot use magic. The Magic Department will be completely prohibited from intervening in the execution process, and his body will be made public.” *What is this? What is going on?* Rayburn was staring blankly, as if he had lost his mind, while the other ministers covered their mouths with their hands and whispered. “It’s better to hurry. Ian Hiel doesn’t look to be in good health. Due to the aftermath of the war, and in many ways.” “……!” Rayburn’s mind snapped back at the subtle remark. An execution without a trial. And Ian Hiel’s health was not good? *’They intend to say he died in prison!’* If they announced it like that, what more could they do? It seemed the body was already prepared, so they would just put a spell on it and display it outside the Imperial Palace, and it would be over. Jin nodded as if he was satisfied. His calm gaze was fixed on Rayburn. “Is that alright?” “Minister Rayburn.” “Say something.” “I didn’t know you all cared so much about Bariel and me. I don’t know what I would do without you all.” Jin smiled, slightly creasing his brow. Rayburn jumped up at that, and Acorella asked, “Where are you going? We’re in the middle of a meeting.” “I-!” “Ah, are you perhaps going to check on Ian Hiel’s condition? There’s no need.” Acorella placed her hands on the shoulders of the mages standing behind her. “My subordinates are keeping a close watch 24/7. If anything happens, they’ll contact me immediately.” It was a warning that the moment Rayburn or anyone else tried to approach or check on Ian Hiel, they would be informed of his death. They would immediately take Ian out of the palace and hide him. A perfect checkmate. In fact, the blade that Jin and the Magic Department had aimed had already sliced through their necks. “Minister Rayburn! What are you doing?” “This, just a moment! Just a moment, Your Majesty!” When the confident Rayburn didn’t say anything, the ministers rushed at him, urging him on. Jin watched them for a while before calmly declaring, “…Everyone, be aware of that, and let’s hurry with the execution. Well, if you want, we can do it right away.” * * * “Then, I’ll cancel the portal that was going to open to Astana.” “Let’s tidy up the body, yes. We can prepare it.” The mages muttered, writing down the instructions they had received from Acorella. Their voices were all lacking in energy. The time for Ian to truly leave was approaching. Romandro clapped his hands repeatedly, trying to liven up the atmosphere. “Instead of that, let’s all finish up well. The place Ian is going isn’t that far. It’s only a three or four-day carriage ride, right?” The mansion where Ian would stay was in a rural territory west of Bariel. It was known to be a peaceful countryside with few incidents, as it was not a place with a separate owner. Ian would disguise himself as the young master of a fallen noble family and live peacefully there. Eating delicious food, sleeping when he wanted, doing everything he wanted. It would be a much better life than being locked up in the Imperial Palace’s underground prison. His health could improve too! “We’ve also found people to work at Ian’s mansion, it’s all perfect. No problem.” “Yes, if it’s for Ian, that would be good.” “That’s right. The underground prison has too much mold…” Acorella handed the relevant documents to the mages, instructing them, “Be careful with the magic you put on the body. Rayburn’s gang is really persistent. They’ll probably try to prove that it’s not Ian no matter what, so stay sharp.” “Yes, we understand.” “What about the carriage for Ian to ride out?” “It’s ready.” “Then all that’s left is to pack.” Acorella muttered. Well, there wouldn’t be much to pack. “Romandro, please bring Ian out.” “Okay, I will.” “The rest of you, follow me.” The mages followed Acorella to the back garden of the Magic Department, and Romandro ran to the underground prison where Ian was. It was a dark night. Nothing illuminated the surroundings except for the guards’ torches. *Tap tap!* “Ian, are you awake?” Romandro called out carefully, and Ian, who had been reading a book, turned his head. He realized that the time had come and got up from his seat. “I’m awake, Romandro.” “W-Well, that is…” As Romandro hesitated, finding it difficult to speak, Ian smiled, saying it was okay. The child opened the prison door himself, carrying only the book he had been reading. As Acorella had expected, there was nothing to pack. “Can we go?” “The carriage is ready.” “I see.” “I didn’t want to send you off like this-” Romandro bit his lip tightly, as if he was at a loss for words. But he then smiled awkwardly, making excuses. “That’s just how things are in the Imperial Palace, isn’t it?” “Of course. I know it better than anyone.” “Ian, there…” Ian slowly reached out his hand to Romandro. Romandro hugged Ian, tears streaming down his face, and they buried their heads in each other’s shoulders. “Thank you. It would be wonderful if my Bariel had someone like you, Romandro.” “I’m more grateful. Please take care of your health. I’ll come to see you, so live happily and joyfully. I don’t know how you’ll feel about this, but Ian, you… you were like a son to me.” Ian smiled brightly. He said that he felt the same way, and that was why he was even more grateful. “I’m grateful. To be able to say goodbye like this.” “Hic, I’m really sad, honestly.” “Please give my regards to your wife and Bibi.” Ian pulled Romandro’s hand, saying it was time to go. As expected, there was no sign of anyone. They got into the carriage and headed towards the Magic Department, and Ian took one last look at the Imperial Palace, shrouded in darkness. *’Farewell.’* And let’s meet again in the future. I hope nothing has changed. So that I can easily recall my memories of them. While Ian pressed his forehead against the window, savoring his last moments in the Imperial Palace, Romandro kept wiping away his tears with a handkerchief. “You’ll change carriages at the back gate of the Imperial Palace. The coachman is someone who can’t hear or speak, so keep that in mind.” “Yes, I understand.” “The travel expenses and the funds to use at the mansion are in the luggage compartment.” Romandro explained Ian’s journey in detail, and Ian just listened. After passing the Magic Department, the back gate of the Imperial Palace came into view. The carriage that Ian would transfer to… “Ah.” The mages were standing around the small carriage. And Beric, Barsabe, and Siao Si as well. They were all wearing their uniforms and waiting for Ian. Jin, who was standing in the middle of them, looked towards Ian and gave a faint smile. Hee-ing! As the carriage stopped, everyone, starting with Jin, raised their fists to their chests, giving the Imperial Palace salute. The moon was quietly descending on the night. Ian hesitated before opening the carriage door, and then got out to face them. *Thump.* Ian also raised his fist to his chest. Then, everyone lowered their heads, bowing deeply. As if it was an honor to welcome Ian Verosian.