Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor [EN]: Chapter 902

It had been a month since Cronie left for the north. Ian, chin in hand, watched the clouds drift by outside the window. It was so peaceful, it felt like living in a painted world. Unreal, yet so vivid that he couldn’t help but accept it.

‘Is this okay?’

Since that day, the day Cronie had visited the Magic Department, Ian hadn’t faced him.

Or rather, he couldn’t? The departure ceremony was held on a weekday morning when he had classes, and by the time he got out of school, the northern expeditionary force had already left the capital.

‘He told me to visit his manor, but there’s no reaction even if I don’t go.’

There were only two letters that came to Count Jack’s manor. Just as Cronie had said, it was a request to come, as his father was settling his affairs. The first letter was written by Cronie in advance, and the second letter seemed to be written by a butler, judging by the different handwriting.

“Hey.”

Hans, sitting next to him, poked Ian in the side, as if asking what he was thinking about during class. At the same time, the professor lightly tapped the blackboard and called Ian.

“Ian Hadel.”

“Yes, Professor.”

Even though he was spacing out, his answer was very natural. The professor must have thought so too, as he moved on to the question without any further warning.

“What are your thoughts on the question I just raised?”

Ian quickly scanned the blackboard and answered without hesitation.

“War is a storm of intertwined interests. Once it starts, it destroys everything until it subsides. Therefore, my opinion on the Imperial Defense Force’s northern expedition is against it. Although there have been several disputes with the northern minorities, they have been resolved through escalating tensions without major casualties. I don’t think there is a need to provoke them by moving troops.”

Hans pouted. ‘Does he keep one ear open even when he’s spacing out?’ The boy took notes on Ian’s opinion while focusing on the professor and the blackboard.

Today’s discussion topic was ‘Bariel’s Northern Expedition.’ The hottest topic in Bariel right now, centered around Cronie, whom he had met at the Magic Department.

“Even so, why did the Imperial Defense Force push ahead with the expedition?”

“Because it benefits them.”

Just as magic is the core of the Magic Department, war is the core of the Imperial Defense Force. War with other countries, victory, and profit. All of these are organically connected, a force that lives and breathes like a single entity.

The professor adjusted his glasses and asked,

“Does their benefit mean personal gain? Is that what you are saying as the basis for opposing the Imperial Defense Force’s decision?”

“…That’s not it. The Imperial Defense Force’s benefit is also Bariel’s benefit. If they win the war, Bariel will surely gain a lot. However, whether it is worth breaking the balance with the northern forces and having Bariel’s soldiers die for it, we will find out later.”

Hmm. The professor raised his eyebrows and drew a circle on the grading sheet. His speaking attitude, consistent arguments, and logical support were all excellent. His class attitude… well, people can be like that sometimes.

The professor moved his gaze to the next student and continued the lecture.

“Okay. Next… you, the student in the back-”

Ian, back in his seat, picked up his pen as if nothing had happened, and Hans just glanced at Ian a few times. He wanted to shake off his thoughts about Cronie, but everyone was talking about it both inside and outside the school, so he seemed tired.

“That’s all for today’s lecture.”

“Thank you.”

As the lecture ended, Hans packed his bag and asked,

“Are you going straight to the Magic Department?”

“Yeah. Why? Wanna come with me?”

“I brought some clothes for you. Seriously, what kind of company doesn’t let people go home? It’s been a week since I saw your face!”

At first, he was just happy to have struck it rich, but as the days went by, he was faced with the dirty and heinous reality of the Magic Department.

Working over 18 hours a day was a given, and overtime was a must. Explosions were always happening, and his clothes were always getting burned. This was worse than Energes [a likely reference to a previous, difficult work experience].

“It’s a relief that they at least give you regular meals, or else you would have collapsed already.”

“It’s been busier lately. The Thanksgiving Festival is coming up soon. I didn’t know the Magic Department was in charge of preparing for the event. Everyone is taking medicine like water.”

“There’s a reason why they pay so much. Ugh, my poor brother.”

The two of them packed their bags and walked towards the main gate. In the distance, the coachman who was waiting for Ian waved his hand.

“Hans, when are you moving?”

“Next week. It’s near Central Avenue, so the house prices were really expensive, but since you’re a mage, the loan came through easily. There’s even a small garden? The security is good, so there are a lot of people taking walks in the park at night. It’s a bit further from school, but you said you’d rent a carriage by then.”

“That’s great!”

When Ian gave him a thumbs up, Hans chuckled and grabbed his hand. ‘He was the one who should be saying thank you, you fool,’ he thought.

“Master Ian, you’ve worked hard today. Master Hans is here too.”

‘Master Hans!’ Hans’s head spun at the unfamiliar title. It was another moment when he realized how great the status of a mage was. Just having a mage in the family meant being treated so well by someone. ‘Was this right?’

“But it seems you should go to the manor today, not the Magic Department.”

“Huh? Why?”

Ian handed his bag to the coachman and asked. The coachman looked around as if checking for prying eyes, then squatted down and whispered to Ian. Hans also perked up his ears to listen.

“I don’t know the details, but from what I’ve heard… the Imperial Palace is in chaos right now. Everyone is out of their minds, so the Minister seems to have issued a no-work order for you, Master Ian.”

“What?”

The Imperial Palace was in chaos? Just yesterday, no, even this morning when he left Count Jack’s manor, there was nothing unusual. Commander Herch also went to work as usual.

The coachman lowered his voice even more and said,

“The Minister of the Imperial Defense Force has been murdered.”

“……?!”

Ian’s eyes widened at the unexpected news. And then, Cronie’s smile naturally came to mind.

He didn’t know what it was, but it was clear that the prelude to that smile had begun.

* * *

“The Minister of the Imperial Defense Force, Sharto, is dead?”

The news of Minister Sharto’s death was delivered in the afternoon, just after lunch. Arena, who had been mechanically stamping documents, jumped up in surprise.

“Yes, that’s the news that just came in.”

“How? Did he have a disease? That man, even though he was a bit plump, was sturdy. The way he yelled every day, I thought he’d live to be 100.”

“I don’t know the details yet, but it seems like it was a murder.”

“Ah.”

‘Shit.’

Arena unconsciously muttered a curse. She couldn’t gauge the extent of the impact that the death of the Minister of the Imperial Defense Force would have on the Imperial Palace.

“What happened?”

“A servant at his manor found him collapsed in the bathtub, and there was a deep cut on his neck.”

“Wow, things are taking a strange turn.”

Let’s say that the Minister of the Imperial Defense Force died. But a murder, and the culprit displayed the body as if showing it off.

The fact that they didn’t disguise the death as a suicide or an accident during sleep was an act of announcing that someone was involved in the Minister’s death. And actively so.

“So?”

“The guards are investigating the manor, but there doesn’t seem to be any report yet. Let’s go into an emergency meeting first.”

“Ha, damn it, old man. Even in death, you’re going out like an artist.”

Arena muttered as she put on her uniform jacket. Although she spoke lightly, an ominous feeling was not easily erased. She informed the mages of the situation and rushed out.

“Everyone, stay safe in the office. Pay more attention to the shields, and keep a close watch on the outer posts, just in case.”

The Minister of the Imperial Defense Force was dead. The culprit was surely someone who would benefit from his death. If so, it was highly likely that it was an inside job within the Imperial Defense Force. If even the soldiers moved in the chaos, it would be a national emergency.

“Yes, I understand.”

“And about Ian Hadel. Tell him not to come to the Imperial Palace until I say so. He might see something bad if he comes.”

“Yessir-! Have a safe trip.”

“Okay.”

*Taat!*

The carriage carrying Arena sped towards the main building of the Imperial Palace. Inside the slightly swaying carriage, she pressed her temples and frowned.

‘This doesn’t seem like an incident that will end as a mere happening. It’s intentional, and there’s clearly something behind it. What was the reason why His Majesty couldn’t dismiss Sharto even though he opposed the northern expedition?’

The solidarity of the Imperial Defense Force. He knew that no matter who he put in that position, they wouldn’t be much different from Sharto.

‘But that Sharto was killed by someone.’

She needed more information.

Already, ministers and officials from other departments who had heard the news had gathered in front of the main palace. As Arena climbed the stairs, the ministers crowded around her and spoke.

“Minister Arena, have you heard?”

“I heard, that’s why I’m here.”

“Oh my, what is going on all of a sudden?”

“Minister Sharto himself must be even more bewildered.”

Solving the case was the job of the guards, and it was the job of the officials to gauge what impact Sharto’s death would have on the Imperial Palace.

“What about His Majesty? Will he attend the Grand Council?”

“I don’t know, he’s not feeling well. But considering the situation, shouldn’t he come? If he doesn’t show up even in this situation…”

It would fuel the rumors that the Emperor was practically a living corpse. The situation was not favorable in many ways.

The Prime Minister, who had arrived earlier, rose from his seat to greet the officials.

“Everyone, please sit down.”

“What about His Majesty?”

“I’ve contacted him. He said that we should handle the situation ourselves first.”

‘Oh dear, the Emperor can’t get up.’ The officials exchanged glances and shook their heads slightly.

“The death of Minister Sharto of the Imperial Defense Force has been revealed to be a murder. A clear investigation must be conducted.”

“The culprit is likely the one who benefits from Minister Sharto’s death. Frankly speaking, shouldn’t we prioritize suspecting the inside of the Imperial Defense Force?”

“That’s right. But that’s that, and we can’t leave the position vacant for long, especially a key position like the Minister of the Imperial Defense Force.”

“We can’t hastily appoint a new minister before the full details of the case are revealed. What if that person is the culprit?”

The hall quickly became noisy due to the unprecedented situation. The Prime Minister banged his staff on the table, drawing everyone’s attention.

“What is the atmosphere like inside the Imperial Defense Force?”

At this, an official standing behind stepped forward and reported.

“It’s chaotic. Some are furious, some are calm, some are running around trying to find the culprit, some are watching… the work is almost paralyzed.”

‘Ugh.’ The officials scratched their heads as if they were troubled and fell silent. One of them carefully asked,

“…What about the Deputy Minister?”

The most suspicious person at the moment was the Deputy Minister. He was the one who would benefit the most from the Minister’s death.

Moreover, there were rumors that he had a falling out with the Minister over the northern expedition not long ago. The Deputy Minister position was originally Cronie’s, they said.

“We can’t reach him.”

“Oh dear, oh dear.”

As everyone sighed, Arena crossed her arms and quietly surveyed the current situation. ‘Wasn’t something strange? Something that felt uncomfortable, like it was all too perfectly planned.’

“Then, how about we select someone who is not from the Deputy Minister’s side and appoint them as an interim minister? I cautiously suggest.”

“Yes, well, safely… I think that’s not a bad idea either.”

“Commander Soren is a close aide to the Minister. He’s a cousin’s in-law, I hear.”

“Oh, is that so?”

Arena was listening to the officials’ words with one ear, but her eyes widened at the words she suddenly heard.

“…And, well, this is definitely unrelated to Commander Cronie. He was a close aide to Minister Sharto, but he’s in the north now.”

That was it.

The strange discomfort that Arena felt.

*Bang!*

She unconsciously stood up and slammed her hand on the desk. Everyone’s gaze turned to Arena.

“……?!”

“……?”

‘What on earth is she going to say-‘

With faces of half expectation and half concern.