Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor
Chapter 231

The massive main gate of the imperial palace opened higher and wider than usual. While only the first locking mechanism needed to be released for people and carriages to pass through, the second mechanism had to be unlocked for large and delicate objects like the light of the oracle.

“Clear the way in front! You might get hurt!”

“Move the horses slowly. More slowly!”

“My, the one from the Carbó Temple is much larger than the others.”

“Wasn’t it smaller than this at the New Year’s gathering?”

“It’s Carbó, isn’t it? Carbó. The temple that’s been with us since the founding. It’s fitting for its name. Keep pushing steadily! Mage, the left side is tilting. Apply force evenly, please.”

Swish!

Something covered in multiple layers of thick cloth and secured with ropes entered the palace, crawling like a creature. White-robed high priests surrounded and protected it. Despite their arduous journey, not a speck of dust was visible on them. They moved in perfect unison, making one wonder if there were really people under those veils.

“Those must be the high priests. They said Carbó, right?”

“If it’s the Carbó Temple, isn’t that Lady Dilaina’s family?”

“I’d like to ask for their prayers. I wonder how long they’ll stay in the capital?”

“We’re lucky. We get to see the procession of high priests too.”

The imperial citizens who had stepped aside whispered excitedly. It was truly a rare sight. Most temples were located in remote areas, and unless there was a special event like a war or disaster, they were sacred places inaccessible to the public.

Creak.

“Come now, those waiting to enter the palace, please step back and wait.”

“Please step back. Please wait!”

“Oh my, I take back what I said about being lucky. We’re locked out! If I’d known, I would have come earlier.”

“How long do we have to wait?”

“Until the Ministry of Magic receives the light of the oracle. They’ll be here soon, so don’t worry. It won’t take long.”

Boom! Creak!

The gatekeepers said this and then completely closed the main gate. They began verifying the identities of each high priest and recording them on the entry list.

The same went for Dilaina’s subordinates and the mages. They handed over their identification cards with tired gestures, reporting their return.

Clip-clop!

At that moment, the sound of hooves was heard from afar. Sure enough, it was the flag of the Ministry of Magic. The blonde boy galloping at the front skillfully pulled on the reins and looked down.

Whoosh!

“Lord Ian.”

“…I’m sorry.”

The mages who approached whispered quietly. They had tried to delay their arrival as much as possible, preferably after the general assembly, but they had failed.

There was a limit to how much they could damage the carriage wheels, and above all, if the light of the oracle were to break in the process, wouldn’t that be disastrous? Dilaina’s subordinates gritting their teeth had also played a part.

“It’s fine. You’ve done well. It must have been tough from Stone Mountain to here. All the mages who went out to support, go in and rest. We’ll take over from here.”

Ian patted their shoulders reassuringly. As he did so, the cart that had been floating about 3 centimeters in the air slowly touched the ground. It was a measure to make pulling the carriage easier and to prevent shaking and impacts.

“Lord Ian. How high should we lift it? Should we keep it at 3 centimeters?”

“Yes. It’s dangerous if we lift it too high. Four people should apply force simultaneously from all sides.”

Whir. Whirr.

At Ian’s instruction, the mages moved in perfect coordination.

A high priest approached them. Like Abidel and Makael, not even a fingertip was visible, but her bent back suggested her age.

“Greetings. I am Lily, the Grand High Priest of the Carbó Temple. It’s a pleasure to meet you like this. May God’s blessings be upon you.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Ministry of Magic. You must be tired from your long journey. May God’s blessings be upon you.”

As Ian placed his hand on his chest, the Grand High Priest bowed her head slightly. Simultaneously, the high priests standing behind her also greeted in the same manner.

“But while I understand about the cart for the light of the oracle, why don’t you have carriages?”

“While waiting at Stone Mountain, we thought about moving by carriage, but all their wheels broke down. If it weren’t for the swift help from Lady Dilaina and the Ministry of Magic, we would have been in real trouble. Thank you.”

“It’s nothing. We requested it, so it’s only natural. Abidel and Makael, who arrived earlier, are currently waiting in the Ministry of Magic. Before that, who among you is the high priest who received the oracle here?”

Of the two oracles that were said to have been between Abidel and Makael, one was guarding the temple, and the other had come along, so they must be among this group.

The Grand High Priest asked curiously.

“Why do you ask that?”

“There’s something I need to confirm with Abidel, Makael, and that person. Grand High Priest, you should join us as well. The rest of the high priests can rest from their journey in the prepared quarters.”

…It was strange, but there was no reason to hide it. The Grand High Priest glanced back slightly, and the person standing in the middle stepped forward.

“I am Ranco. I received the oracle before High Priest Makael. It was about the earthquake in a nearby village.”

“Nice to meet you. Now, we don’t have much time, so let’s move.”

They didn’t know what was going on. Why hadn’t Abidel and Makael come out to greet them? There was much to ask, but the Grand High Priest and Ranco decided to follow Ian for now.

“Load the high priests’ luggage onto the cart and move it to the Ministry of Magic.”

“Please enter the carriage. High priests, this way.”

“Welcome. Please come in.”

Mages other than those in charge of the light of the oracle welcomed the high priests. They had to clear the area quickly so that the imperial palace gates could be reopened and citizens could come and go. Everyone was bustling about, trying to tidy up the scene.

Clip-clop!

Neigh!

Splendid carriages were racing excitedly towards them. Judging by the vigorous whip-cracking, it was clear that the owner inside the carriage was urging the coachman on.

“It seems to be Lady Dilaina.”

“Indeed. They’re quite diligent over there too.”

As Romandro whispered awkwardly, Ian just smiled. The Ministry of Magic, of course, could quickly know about palace entries as they were in charge of security, but them?

Neigh!

Thwack!

As soon as the carriage stopped, Dilaina hurriedly alighted, holding her dress skirt. Although all the high priests wore the same clothes and had their faces covered, she somehow recognized the Grand High Priest and greeted her joyfully.

“Lily!”

“Oh, Lady Dilaina!”

“It’s good to see you. It’s been a long time. You must be tired from your journey.”

Dilaina forgot her dignity and lightly embraced the Grand High Priest. Lily was the one who had personally taken care of Dilaina’s postpartum recovery, and moreover, she held a piece of childhood memory.

Although the relationship between the Carbó Temple and the family was not what it used to be, their shared roots couldn’t be denied.

“The light of the oracle?”

“It’s been safely handed over to the Ministry of Magic, Lady Dilaina. But why have you become so thin?”

“I’ve had a lot on my plate. Arsen!”

“Oh, His Highness Arsen. You look very gallant. God must be pleased to see you. I’m truly delighted to meet you like this.”

Dilaina pulled Arsen to her side and had him greet the Grand High Priest. The Grand High Priest merely bowed her head, but Arsen smiled brightly and offered her a handshake.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Arsen.”

As if to prove a point. Now that rumors of him being a demon had seeped to every corner of the palace, the child wanted to demonstrate his innocence by making contact with the Grand High Priest. The ministers who had alighted from the carriage behind watched the scene, inwardly exclaiming in admiration.

“I apologize, Your Highness. As a high priest, I cannot casually make physical contact with others. Please accept it in spirit.”

The Grand High Priest politely declined.

Arsen’s attitude of having nothing to fear once again solidified the officials’ belief. If he were a demon, wouldn’t this be an extremely dangerous provocation? It was clear that there wasn’t a shred of darkness in Arsen.

“Is that so? That’s a shame.”

Arsen shrugged and approached the light of the oracle. Then, with a clear smile, he placed his hand on the object.

Nothing happened. Being the most sacred object from the temple, if he were a demon, it should have shown some unusual reaction.

But the surroundings remained quiet. With the wind blowing gently, the whole world seemed peaceful.

“Is this the light of the oracle? It’s much bigger than I thought. The one Ian used must have been nothing more than a toy in comparison. Isn’t that right?”

The child looked straight at Ian as he asked, but Ian didn’t answer. Rather, it would be more accurate to say he ignored him. He wasn’t leisurely enough to respond to such petty provocations. More precisely, it would be petty provocations from a ‘demon’.

“Ian.”

Dilaina, who had been quietly observing, called out in a sharp voice. She was already twisted inside from the absurd rumors. And now he’s blatantly ignoring Arsen?

“Yes, Lady Dilaina.”

“I’ve heard the rumors circulating in the palace.”

“There are always many baseless rumors in the palace. I’m not sure which one you’re referring to.”

Dilaina just let out a dry laugh without continuing her words. In front of the high priests, she couldn’t bring herself to mention that Arsen was a demon. Merely uttering it would be shameful and insulting, wouldn’t it?

She leaned in close to Ian and whispered.

“I’d like to behead you right now, but I’ll restrain myself for the sake of our guests who’ve traveled from afar. Now that the light of the oracle has arrived, we can’t delay the mana confirmation ceremony any longer. It would be best to proceed quickly. So, die crushed under the words you spat out.”

“I have no ill feelings towards you, Lady Dilaina. Rather, I’m worried. Worried if you’ll be able to endure once you know His Highness Arsen’s true identity.”

“Until the end-!”

The Grand High Priest remained silent, looking around as if she couldn’t understand what was going on. It wasn’t just Ian and Dilaina. Even the mages and unfamiliar ministers were all exuding a sharp aura.

‘Why on earth?’

If His Highness Arsen was a mana user, wouldn’t this be a blessing for the empire? She had expected flower petals to be fluttering as if in celebration.

But everything was so cold that it would be fortunate if they didn’t freeze to death. The one who broke this thin ice was none other than Arsen.

“Now that the light of the oracle has arrived, we could proceed with the mana confirmation ceremony right away. I’m ready anytime. What shall we do?”

Arsen addressed Ian again with a bright smile. Ian looked down at him. His green eyes gleamed particularly brightly.

“We’re drawing a magic circle under the light of the oracle. It’s not possible today, but if we proceed quickly, it should be ready by tomorrow morning. Your ‘Highness’ Arsen?”

The title ‘Your Highness’ ended with a question. It carried the nuance of questioning whether he was truly of royal blood. But the child continued to smile without showing any displeasure, staring intently into Ian’s eyes.

‘Well then…’

It seemed like he was about to try using his ability. Ian calmly didn’t avert his gaze. As the strange silence between the two lengthened, their respective subordinates rolled their eyes in confusion.

“Well then, excuse me. I’ll notify you of the detailed schedule by this afternoon. What are you all doing? Not moving?”

Ian turned his head abruptly as if it was a waste of time. At this, Arsen’s brow immediately furrowed. Something felt off, didn’t it?

Whoosh!

Arsen grabbed Ian’s arm. Everyone paused in surprise at this sudden action. Ian was the same. He was about to shake off the hand in displeasure when he realized Arsen’s complexion looked strange and stopped.

“…”

“What are you doing?”

“You…?”

Was it not working because he was a mage, and because he was powerful enough to hold the position of minister?

But the feeling was different. A strange sense of powerlessness where he couldn’t even attempt it. Arsen stared at him blankly and then smiled oddly.

“You, what are you?”

It felt just like when he had used it on a member of the royal family, didn’t it?

Ian bent down low and whispered to Arsen. In a very soft voice that only the two of them could hear.

“…And you, what exactly are you?”

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
• MBSE Chapter 27
• MBSE Chapter 28
• MBSE Chapter 29
• MBSE Chapter 30
• MBSE Chapter 31
• MBSE Chapter 32
• MBSE Chapter 33
• MBSE Chapter 34
• MBSE Chapter 35
• MBSE Chapter 36
• MBSE Chapter 37
• MBSE Chapter 38
• MBSE Chapter 39
• MBSE Chapter 40
• MBSE Chapter 41
• MBSE Chapter 42
• MBSE Chapter 43
• MBSE Chapter 44
• MBSE Chapter 45
• MBSE Chapter 46
• MBSE Chapter 47
• MBSE Chapter 48
• MBSE Chapter 49
• MBSE Chapter 50

• MBSE Chapter 51
• MBSE Chapter 52
• MBSE Chapter 53
• MBSE Chapter 54
• MBSE Chapter 55
• MBSE Chapter 56
• MBSE Chapter 57
• MBSE Chapter 58
• MBSE Chapter 59
• MBSE Chapter 60
• MBSE Chapter 61
• MBSE Chapter 62
• MBSE Chapter 63
• MBSE Chapter 64
• MBSE Chapter 65
• MBSE Chapter 66
• MBSE Chapter 67
• MBSE Chapter 68
• MBSE Chapter 69
• MBSE Chapter 70
• MBSE Chapter 71
• MBSE Chapter 72
• MBSE Chapter 73
• MBSE Chapter 74
• MBSE Chapter 75

• MBSE Chapter 76
• MBSE Chapter 77
• MBSE Chapter 78
• MBSE Chapter 79
• MBSE Chapter 80
• MBSE Chapter 81
• MBSE Chapter 82
• MBSE Chapter 82
• MBSE Chapter 83
• MBSE Chapter 83
• MBSE Chapter 84
• MBSE Chapter 85
• MBSE Chapter 86
• MBSE Chapter 87
• MBSE Chapter 88
• MBSE Chapter 89
• MBSE Chapter 90
• MBSE Chapter 91
• MBSE Chapter 92
• MBSE Chapter 93
• MBSE Chapter 94
• MBSE Chapter 95
• MBSE Chapter 96
• MBSE Chapter 97
• MBSE Chapter 98

• MBSE Chapter 99
• MBSE Chapter 100
• MBSE Chapter 101
• MBSE Chapter 102
• 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

• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict
• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone
• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony
• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures
• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy
• 🔒70MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts
• 🔒70MBSE 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

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.