Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 879

Ian sat quietly, observing how the Magic Department operated.

It seemed that order within chaos was the norm here. The mages bustled about, yet never collided, and though the office appeared cluttered, items were easily found when needed.

Romandro sat beside Ian, explaining the mages’ duties and subtly introducing the members of the department.

“Although it’s not visible from the palace, there’s a dome-shaped barrier constantly in operation. Maintaining that is one of the Magic Department’s main tasks.”

“You mean it’s set up in the air?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It doesn’t seem like there would be any danger in that direction.”

“In the over 1000-year history of Bariel, the barrier has been breached only three times. The most recent was about 100 years ago, due to a mage from the East.”

“A mage from the East.”

‘Wow. A mysterious figure from a mysterious world,’ Ian thought, his lips parting slightly, unable to fully grasp the concept. Romandro chuckled, telling him not to worry.

“There were several issues at the time, but in the end, they were resolved peacefully. However, the Magic Department realized the seriousness of the situation and aimed to further develop Gaia’s magic, achieving remarkable success. Now, even if a blind mage were to slam—no, accidentally bump into it, it wouldn’t budge!”

‘Why would a blind mage be slamming into the air?’ Ian smiled, puzzled, listening intently to Romandro. The more he heard, the more it seemed like there were many interesting events in the past.

“And now, Ian, you will be joining in that glorious development.”

“So, the duty of a mage is to ensure the safety and prosperity of the Empire.”

“That’s right. Exactly. There are many mages in Gaia who are not affiliated with the Empire, but each country has close alliances through agreements. By any chance, are you familiar with basic diplomatic relations?”

At Romandro’s question, Ian answered clearly, as if he had studied for this very moment.

“Yes. The Vergos Dynasty in the West is of Bariel noble descent, and the Clifoford in the South has close ties with the Bariel Imperial Family through marriage.”

“Oh my, whose child is this—”

‘Oh, right. He’s from the Hadel family.’ Romandro, who had been about to praise Ian with a beaming face, quickly regained his composure and straightened his expression. Just then, someone passed by and placed a chocolate on the table.

“Eat this while you wait.”

“Ah, thank you.”

“Romandro, you should only have a little.”

“What? That’s too much!”

Whoosh! They passed by like the wind, not even showing their faces properly.

Ian stared at the chocolate that had been left behind. Romandro nodded, as if to say it was okay to eat it.

“The person who just passed by is from the Magic Stone Management Department. Do you remember the potion I used on the bandits in Onlihole Village?”

“Yes, I remember.”

“That’s the department that takes the lead in making it. They’re known for being a bit eccentric, but I guess researchers in any field are a bit like that.”

Just as Romandro was about to unwrap the chocolate, muttering something, a mage rushed over and placed something else on the table.

“Huh?”

Snacks, candies, more chocolate, and bread… The mages casually placed their emergency rations on the table as they passed by.

Little by little, the welcome gifts piled up. Romandro, looking dumbfounded, called out to the mages.

“Hey! When I asked for a single candy last time, you didn’t even pretend to hear me?”

“Me? When was that?”

“This, this is the 20th-anniversary limited edition A-Long-Sa-Tae flavor from Fanta Candy! You said you couldn’t get it last time!”

“I got it after that.”

“This is too much!”

But Romandro’s complaints vanished into thin air. The mages didn’t hear him because they were busy moving around. Whether they were busy or just shy, who knows.

While Romandro grumbled and snorted, Ian munched on a piece of chocolate.

“Ian Hadel?”

And then, after a while. Arena, the head of the Magic Department, who had roughly finished her work, came out to the lobby with her aide. She tilted her head, looking at Ian, Romandro, and the pile of snacks in front of them.

“…Do you like sweets?”

‘Did he bring only snacks when he came up from Hadel?’ Arena was dumbfounded, realizing that the mages had given them as they passed by. Ian pushed the wrapper of the single chocolate he had eaten to the side and stood up.

“Hello. I’m Ian Hadel.”

“Arena. Head of the Magic Department.”

Arena crouched down and offered Ian a handshake, which Ian accepted. ‘Oh my, he’s so small.’ Arena looked the child up and down, then gestured to go inside, saying they should go in first.

“I’ve received some information, and without dragging it out, shall we go check?”

‘To see if you really have the qualifications of a mage, and if you are qualified to join the Magic Department.’

Ian nodded with a determined expression, as if he had been waiting for this.

“Yes, Head.”

“Hmm.”

Arena stared at Ian’s round cheeks for a long time, then turned her body. She wanted to grab him and pull him close, but she couldn’t. Ian Hadel, who was not yet a member of the Magic Department, was a noble’s child.

‘Is there anything that could get me reported?’

‘No, that can’t happen.’

Cough, Arena looked back at Ian, who was following her. He had a determined face, as if he were going to a major battle. She glanced at Ian and muttered.

‘He’s cute, though.’

* * *

Thump.

An open space that seemed to be the backyard of the Magic Department.

Ian glanced around at the mages who were watching him with interest. Before he knew it, they had gathered one by one, and the entire group of mages had taken their seats. Maintaining a certain distance, it was clear that he had to do something…

Snap.

Arena snapped her fingers in front of Ian’s eyes and smiled, telling him to come to his senses.

“You can’t be nervous already over something so small, can you?”

As she lightly raised both hands, the main building and annex of the Magic Department in the background seemed to sparkle for a moment.

“This is the Imperial Magic Department. The heads of all departments in the Imperial Palace are appointed by His Majesty the Emperor, but the Magic Department is an exception.”

It was a place where meritocracy was strictly applied, so they elected their own head.

Of course, there were various criteria, but the most important was, of course, magical power. Therefore, it was very important for mages to accurately grasp the depth of each other’s magical power.

“If you’ve raised the light of the oracle [a sign of magical awakening], it means your soul has opened, so you should be able to unleash some power, right? Show us your abilities to the best of your ability, as much as you can.”

Arena stepped back a couple of steps, leaving Ian hesitating.

“Don’t feel pressured, since we’re not expecting much.”

Just using magic properly would bring applause. It was like a routine event for the Magic Department, where it was rare to see a new member.

The mages munched on snacks, watching Ian.

“Crazy. He’s so small, I can’t even see his face properly.”

“Is he nervous? He’s not moving.”

“Even if he’s a noble young master, this situation must be unfamiliar.”

“He is a magic user, right?”

“Romandro brought him, so he must be.”

“Ian Hadel! Just do it! Let’s finish quickly and eat!”

Five years old. And a magic user who had just opened his path. No one expected much from Ian. If he could create even a small flame, they would welcome him as the youngest member of the Magic Department.

But Ian hesitated for a long time, as if something was wrong.

“Ian Hadel?”

Arena called out to the child, twitching one eyebrow. Could Romandro have made a mistake? That he wasn’t a magic user, or something…

“Um, Head of the Magic Department.”

“Is there a problem?”

With an expression that showed she didn’t know what he meant, Ian added an explanation.

“What if someone gets hurt, or a building gets destroyed? Is it okay to use power without any safety measures? I’m worried.”

“What? Hahahaha!”

Arena bent over, laughing so hard that she was doubled over, and Ian’s eyes narrowed slightly.

‘Was this something to laugh about? Wasn’t this the middle of the Imperial Palace? The buildings, the trees, and even the stones were all living witnesses of history. What if he were to damage them by mistake?’

There was a stir among the mages who heard Ian’s words.

“…What is he saying?”

“Wow, I’m jealous. If I were five years old, I’d get less teasing. Seeing him like that makes me want to understand him.”

“That’s right. You were like that too, weren’t you? ‘What if the building flies away?’ That kind of thing. How was it back then? A candle-like thing popped and then immediately disappeared, right?”

“Senior, how is your memory so good? You usually forget everything you have to do.”

“Is it because he’s a noble? His self-consciousness is amazing.”

“He’s a kid, a kid. It could happen.”

Some understood, some sneered, saying they knew it would be like this, and some just laughed.

Ian looked around at the suddenly noisy atmosphere and realized that he had made a mistake. In the distance, Romandro was giving an awkward smile, as if he felt sorry. With a face that said he should have explained in more detail.

“Ian Hadel. Those worries are, well… about as likely as getting killed by a shower of money.”

It was a way of saying that it wouldn’t happen, so don’t worry about it.

Ian’s earlobes flushed slightly. The light he had seen at the Hadel mansion was so bright and dazzling that he was worried, but it seemed that it was nothing in the world of mages.

‘It’s okay.’

‘He didn’t know, that’s why.’ Ian tried to brush off his mistake and nodded. And then, he carefully gathered his hands and collected the power of magic flowing from within.

Zzzing! Zzzing!

The child’s blue eyes instantly turned gold. His fine, soft hair fluttered, and a wind swirled around him. The grass shook and flapped greatly.

“……?”

Arena took a step back without realizing it, frowning. When magic was released, changes in the air flow like this did occur, but this was something…

‘It’s different.’

It wasn’t the flow, but the weight that felt different.

As soon as Arena realized that, a streak of light like a lightning fragment shot out from Ian’s grasp.

Fzzzzzt!

“……!”

“……!”

Thud, the mages dropped what they were eating, their mouths agape. Romandro, who already knew its true value, was also surprised and hid behind a tightly held pillar. The golden sparkle was unusual.

“Th-that-”

“Chief!”

“Head!”

The streak of light that Ian created grazed Arena’s cheek as if to cut it, and then scattered in all directions.

Fzzzzzt! Fzzzt!

Ian’s magic strongly struck the barrier in the air.

Crack, crack, cracks appeared as if it would break at any moment, and the terrified mages reflexively released their magic to add strength to the barrier.

Zzzzzing!

“Wait, Head!”

The situation was turning serious, but the golden streak of light showed no signs of subsiding. It was because Ian had his eyes tightly closed. As if he was ashamed to watch his own insignificant power with his own eyes.

“Head! Ian Hadel-!”

“Stop! Ian Hadel! Stop!”

“Th-this is crazy!”

‘Otherwise…!’

Crack!

The barrier that had been solid for over 100 years was breaking! And because of a five-year-old child who had just entered the Imperial Palace!

To prevent this unprecedented situation, the mages collectively rushed in and suppressed Ian’s magic.

Ugh. Feeling the force, Ian groaned softly and released his magic even more fiercely.

‘I have to prove that I’m meaningful.’

‘That’s how I can fight against Crony with the help of the Magic Department.’

As Ian lost his focus, Arena pushed through the power being released and slowly approached the child, grabbing his shoulder.

Squeeze!

“Ian!”

“Ah.”

When Ian stopped in surprise, the magic stopped abruptly.

The air, which had been tense, suddenly loosened as if it was a lie. Everyone gasped for breath, looking at Ian. The chaos from just now had completely disappeared. As if it had been an illusion. Ian carefully looked around and asked.

“Um, is it okay?”

The meaning of those words was, ‘Am I a suitable person for the Magic Department?’ but the mages took it completely differently. As if he was asking if they could handle his power.

“This, it’s not okay-! You little brat!”

In the end, Arena, unable to hold back, stretched Ian’s cheeks.

‘…Little brat?’

Ian, surprised by the unfamiliar situation, widened his eyes, but soon smiled brightly. The fact that the head of the Magic Department was calling him that meant that he had become the youngest member of the Magic Department.