Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 263

‘You are the empire’s blessing. The first noble mage! Pleased to meet you. I am Naum Ovia. Please call me Naum.’

When the original Ian was fifteen, Naum was the first person he met and exchanged names with upon entering the imperial palace. It was a summer day meeting that everyone considered a blessing without doubt, and thus couldn’t predict how it would sway both of their lives.

‘I’ll call you Ian comfortably too. You don’t know how long the Ministry of Magic has been waiting. It’s been years since we had a new colleague! You haven’t seen all of the Ministry of Magic yet, right? Let me introduce you.’

Like his short, soft brown hair, his smile was also gentle. As Naum moved, the mages averted their gaze, pretending to be busy. Most of them were from commoner backgrounds, having experienced the depths of hardship. Their persistent gazes were mixed with antipathy towards nobility itself, concern that class distinctions might form in the previously egalitarian Ministry of Magic, and wariness that Ian might harm the department by asserting his noble identity.

Naum waved his hand at them with a smile.

‘You’re all dying to meet Ian, aren’t you? Sorry, but I’m in charge, so step back and get to work. Greet him at the induction ceremony.’

Ian had never seen someone so naturally jovial as Naum before. Among nobles who were always lofty, pure, and measuring dignity, it felt like entering a new world. Of course, it was a natural sentiment since the Ministry of Magic was an unfamiliar place to him.

Anyway, was that why? Following him came naturally. Not just on the path through the Ministry of Magic, but also on the path of life.

Naum was undeniably a trustworthy colleague, an excellent teacher, and an indispensable friend. The difference in years was merely a concept. Certainly.

In a modest study inside the Ministry of Magic’s annex. Ian and Naum enjoyed visiting there to read whenever they had time. Ian, who had turned his gaze from the book to the window, suddenly said so. It was the season when the fresh summer leaves were turning to autumn colors.

‘For what?’

‘…’

For what? Can one count them one by one?

As it was an endless answer, Ian remained silent. Naum also observed the changing seasons.

‘Ian, do you know? This window is the largest in the Ministry of Magic annex.’

‘Why?’

‘When the annex was first built, this space originally didn’t exist. But the ancestor in charge of construction felt it was a shame and created it anew. Since it wasn’t in the original plan, they replaced the wall with a window, they say.’

‘Was his name Timothy?’

‘Yes. You saw it when you came to our house last time, right?’

Naum smiled proudly.

Timothy, they said, was an immigrant from the Kingdom of Burgos. The Bariel Empire citizenship certificate he received upon naturalization was preciously kept by Naum’s family. To commemorate the gratitude for allowing them to live as citizens of Bariel, not the declining Kingdom of Burgos.

‘Timothy probably didn’t know. That you and I would cherish this place so much in the future.’

‘It’s not like we only use this study.’

‘Hmm. Is that so? But there are things we can only do here.’

Ian pretended not to know and slightly turned his head.

Did he notice that I always came here when things were tough? Just as Naum was about to turn the page with a silent smile, footsteps loudly echoed from somewhere.

Tap tap tap!

This was the innermost space in the annex, where people rarely came. As it was unusual, Ian and Naum simultaneously looked towards the door.

The door opened roughly, and a cold wind rushed in. Pages fluttering, a mage’s flushed face, and a heart strangely pounding hard.

‘Ian, Naum! Damn, how long have I been looking for you!’

‘What’s wrong?’

‘His Majesty the Emperor has passed away.’

Ian had an intuition that he would never forget that moment. He felt with all five senses what a turning point in life was.

‘Ian. You’re being mentioned as the next emperor.’

‘…’

‘Did you expect it?’

It would be a lie to say he hadn’t expected it. In fact, he had guessed from the moment he entered the palace. The emperor was on his last legs, there was no heir, and Ian was a collateral bloodline of the imperial family and a sacred mage.

Moreover, he was young. From the perspective of the powerful who couldn’t directly ascend to the throne, it was a perfect condition. However, as it was such a solemn position, Ian intentionally tried not to be conscious of it.

‘Krony is looking for you.’

At the name Krony, Naum frowned. He was Ian’s nephew, the vice minister of the Imperial Defense Department, the son of Ian’s guardian who stood in for his parents. And the one who had urged Ian to hide his magical power.

As Ian tried to stand up, Naum held him back.

‘Just because he’s looking doesn’t mean you need to meet him, Ian.’

I know you always come here after meeting Krony. Naum shook his head, forcibly swallowing his words. Who knows what nonsense he’ll use to stab the child’s heart this time.

‘It’s alright. As you said, I expected this moment. So now I’m meeting him because I need to.’

Ian stood up. As he did, his pale eyes and platinum blonde hair shone even brighter in the sunlight.

Seeing this, Naum also felt he would never forget that moment. It was the moment Ian stepped forward on his own at a turning point in life, and he realized that its end was the beginning of the next emperor.

‘Naum.’

‘…Yes.’

‘I tried not to think about it, but I kept thinking. I realized that what one truly wants can’t be ignored even if you try to turn away from it.’

Emperor, the pinnacle of Bariel, one who can support and change the world.

The reason he couldn’t easily extinguish the spark of thought was probably because of the smiles and tears of the imperial citizens he met while working as a mage.

Ian lightly touched Naum’s shoulder.

‘And the position of Minister of Magic suits you.’

‘Ian.’

‘As always, I hope for your help in the future too.’

The next minister, so if Ian becomes emperor, it’s as if even a kind of cabinet has been decided. The mage bowed his head, pretending not to hear, and walked out the door. Ian also had no hesitation.

Left alone, Naum held his forehead and closed the book Ian had left open. Of course, he too would always stay by Ian’s side if he could.

Like this, it would be an unparalleled honor to help with the aftermath, like closing a book, and lead the empire’s brilliant future together.

But before that-

‘Ian. Becoming emperor means abandoning yourself.’

It’s just regrettable.

What kind of place is the imperial palace? It’s a place where blood storms lurk silently aiming for each other’s necks, and where numerous desires gather to form a deep pool.

Can a child standing alone really endure it?

He probably can endure. He might break, but.

‘Haah.’

Swish.

Naum also tidied up the book he was reading and stood up. When Ian returns here after meeting Krony, it might be better if he’s not around.

If he had decided to devote his life to Bariel, then he had no choice but to join him. Even one connection was a miracle, yet they had formed bonds as teacher and student, friends, and colleagues.

‘May God’s protection be with you’

Naum unconsciously drew a small magic circle on the window. Hoping that when Ian comes here to relieve his sorrows, it won’t be too painful.

***

The ministers and officials from each department gathered for the grand council exchanged awkward glances. With a mountain of matters to discuss, bundles of documents were placed at the back of the spacious conference room. Even if they proceeded urgently, it wouldn’t be enough, yet two key figures were lost in thought.

“Well then, next item. It’s from the Culture Department. Of the 105 paintings received from House Hayman, they propose exhibiting 30 at the Imperial Palace National Art Museum, 17 for the imperial family’s private collection, and putting the rest up for auction. Your Highness Jin. Have you checked the list?”

“Huh? Ah, yes. I’ve checked.”

One was Jin-

“Then do you agree?”

“…As far as I know, not all the official appraisal reports have been submitted yet.”

And the other was Ian.

As Jin answered hurriedly, Ian added while flipping through documents. On the surface, he looked no different from usual, but Romandro and some other officials knew. That Ian was continuously lost in silent contemplation. Usually, he would have told Jin what to say before he answered like that.

The Minister of Culture continued his report, watching the two carefully.

“House Hayman conducted separate art appraisals annually. We plan to proceed based on that instead of official appraisal reports. But because there are so many, it’s taking a long time.”

“I object. We can’t trust House Hayman’s appraisals. Some might have been intentionally undervalued to evade taxes, and others inflated for profit.”

“Well, that… The appraiser in question worked for the imperial palace until two years ago. We thought there wouldn’t be an issue with trustworthiness, but.”

“Then it would be easier to appraise the appraisal reports rather than the artworks themselves. What do you think, Your Highness?”

Ian turned his head to the side to ask Jin’s opinion. Jin, who had been staring blankly at him, startled and turned his head.

“Oh, I think that’s right.”

“Then, that would be best.”

What’s this?

Quintana tilted her head, fiddling with a dry cigarette. His Highness Jin’s attitude was clearly strange. Wasn’t he usually the one who would look at Ian with sparkling eyes and follow his every move?

But now he seems uncomfortable, and there’s an awkward feeling.

As if he’s suffering alone…

‘Lord Ian is definitely different too.’

Wasn’t his perception usually extraordinary? It’s wrong from the start that he hasn’t noticed Jin’s obviously different attitude.

“Very well. Let’s handle the matter of appraisals that way. Next item.”

Bang bang!

The Prime Minister tapped his gavel without delay, leading the meeting. Dealing with relatively less important matters quickly would help reduce the meeting time even a little.

If Ian and Jin continue in this state, the meeting might go on until the next day.

“It’s about the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. An agenda from the Ministry of Magic. Hmm, regarding the total known quantity, they propose 50% for His Majesty the Emperor, 30% for other imperial family members, and 20% for the Ministry of Magic.”

As the Prime Minister recited, Jin startled and looked down at the documents. The same was true for officials from other departments. Weren’t magic sealing stones the only means to check mages?

It was a way to bring those close to divine power down to human level, yet they’re handing over more than half the authority to the imperial family. This was something even Wesleigh, who had close ties with Gale, couldn’t do.

“Are these ratios correct? Minister Ian Hielo?”

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“Yes. As Minister of Magic, I felt many things while experiencing the civil war. First, a comprehensive inventory and definite management of magic sealing stones is necessary, and balanced relationships are always needed for absolute power. For the wellbeing of the imperial family and an unwavering center, I believe this is appropriate. Currently, besides His Majesty, Your Highness Jin is the only imperial family member, so it would be right to give Your Highness Jin 30% authority over magic sealing stones.”

Jin’s eyes grew wider and wider. It was no different from handing over a knife with the sharp part towards the Ministry of Magic.

“Hmm. What about Idgal?”

“…The Ministry of Magic is conducting its own investigation. It seems we’ll settle on tracking and eliminating it as the way to reduce confusion.”

“I see. Your Highness Jin. What is your opinion?”

“Me?”

Arsen’s whispers, Hayman’s instigation, and Ian knowing about passages only the imperial family should know. While his mind was confused and complicated, surprisingly, he felt like it was clearing up. Jin nodded dazedly.

“…I agree.”

Ian, facing him, raised his eyebrows and smiled. As if asking what’s wrong. He had finally noticed Jin’s strangeness. Jin smiled to indicate it was nothing.

Quintana watched the two quietly, then slipped the cigarette back into her pocket. It seemed this needed to be looked into more deeply.

Navigate to Other Chapters

• MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's End
• MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz
• MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate
• MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles
• MBSE Chapter 05 - Plans
• MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll
• MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate
• MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions
• MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon
• MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch
• MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water
• MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal
• MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot
• MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground
• MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric
• MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight
• MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy
• MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation
• MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant
• MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door
• MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond
• MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor
• MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior
• MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn
• MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof

• MBSE Chapter 26
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• MBSE Chapter 91
• MBSE Chapter 92
• MBSE Chapter 93
• MBSE Chapter 94
• MBSE Chapter 95
• MBSE Chapter 96
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• MBSE Chapter 99
• MBSE Chapter 100
• MBSE Chapter 101
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• MBSE Chapter 103
• MBSE Chapter 104
• MBSE Chapter 105
• MBSE Chapter 106
• MBSE Chapter 107
• MBSE Chapter 108
• MBSE Chapter 109
• MBSE Chapter 110
• MBSE Chapter 111
• MBSE Chapter 112
• MBSE Chapter 113
• MBSE Chapter 114
• MBSE Chapter 115
• MBSE Chapter 116
• MBSE Chapter 117
• MBSE Chapter 118
• MBSE Chapter 119
• MBSE Chapter 120
• MBSE Chapter 121
• MBSE Chapter 122
• MBSE Chapter 123

• MBSE Chapter 124
• MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage
• MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin
• MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle
• MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest
• MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes
• MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman
• MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training Grounds
• MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent
• MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony
• MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's Letter
• MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy
• MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos
• MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First
• MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear
• MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again
• MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People
• MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War
• MBSE Chapter 142 - Black Smoke
• MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace
• MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic
• MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes
• MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse
• MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum
• MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal

• MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister
• MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter
• MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave Caravan
• MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal Slaves
• MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party
• MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation
• MBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through Checks
• MBSE Chapter 156
• MBSE Chapter 157
• MBSE Chapter 158
• MBSE Chapter 159
• MBSE Chapter 160
• MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother
• MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower
• MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth
• MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal Flare
• MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi
• MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt
• MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's Seal
• MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night
• MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess
• MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces
• MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark
• MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins
• MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child

• MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit
• MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable
• MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone
• MBSE Chapter 177 - The Black Moon
• MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon
• MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, Now
• MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender
• MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's Eyes
• MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends
• MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting
• MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor
• MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside
• MBSE Chapter 186
• MBSE Chapter 187
• MBSE Chapter 188
• MBSE Chapter 189
• MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting
• MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights
• MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth
• MBSE Chapter 193
• MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust
• MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily
• MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!
• MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates
• MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions

• MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood
• MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too
• MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage
• MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position
• MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7
• MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days
• MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6
• MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard
• MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black Armor
• MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3
• MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++
• MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5
• MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins
• MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense
• MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict
• MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince
• MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse
• MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object
• MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy
• MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4
• MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back
• MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind
• MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script
• MBSE Chapter 222 - Push
• MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud

• MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3
• MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God
• MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil
• MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response
• MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2
• MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's Whisperer
• MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1
• MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?
• MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood
• MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day
• MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice
• MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last
• MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor
• MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind
• MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian
• MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago
• MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering
• MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names
• MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation
• MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed
• MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind
• MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility
• MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena
• MBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's Plea
• MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's Request

• MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer
• MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's Signatures
• MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Palace
• MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit
• MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors
• MBSE Chapter 254 - Pillars
• MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap
• MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin
• MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's Bariel
• MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
• MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
• MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
• MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures
• MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
• MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts
• MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch

• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows
• 🔒75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth
• 🔒80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 286 - Damon Runkvis
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten Page
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are Coming
• 🔒85MBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion Cub