Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor
Chapter 233

The sun of that fateful day rose.

Ian sat askew on the sofa, looking tired, as he received the attention of servants. They neatly combed his hair, fastened his buttons, and pinned the Ministry of Magic minister’s badge, awarded by the imperial family, to his chest. As a servant presented leather gloves on a golden tray, there was a stir outside.

“Lord Ian. Are you ready?”

It was Viviana. She too was dressed in a more formal gown than usual. Apart from being an important palace event, it was to be someone’s last day.

The other side believed it would be Ian, but Ian’s close associates believed it would be Arsen.

“Viviana. Are you joining us too? I heard you weren’t feeling well.”

“It’s nothing. If I can stand behind you, Lord Ian, I should go. Besides, Sir Romandro seems to be struggling, so I think it would be mentally comforting for him if I’m there.”

They would be on the defensive. The forces supporting Jin were visibly dwindling compared to those supporting Arsen.

So Viviana wanted to fill a spot, even if just one more person. Although she couldn’t enter the inner area due to the danger.

“Are you feeling alright, Lord Ian? It seems the side effects of Captain Akorella’s stamina potion are slowly emerging. You look tired, and they say once you fall asleep, you’ll sleep for days…”

“I can still endure. How is His Highness Jin?”

“He’s finished.”

“Good. Let’s go.”

Grip. Ian put on his gloves with force. As he went outside, Jin, Xiaoshi, and Romandro were waiting for him along with the mages. Ian extended his hand to Jin, and the child silently grasped it.

“Did you have a good dream?”

“…Yes. What about you, Lord Ian?”

“I too had a very good dream.”

Last night, Jin had another dream about Arsen while Ian hadn’t slept at all. But the two smiled at each other as if to imply that today’s luck was on their side.

Clip-clop!

“The magic circle?”

“It’s completed. You just need to give it a final check, Minister. We’ve instructed to notify us when the mana confirmation ceremony attendees enter the main gate, and we’ve requested troop deployment from the Imperial Guard just in case. There’s been no response.”

Unlike Ian’s previous ceremony, this mana confirmation ceremony was to be held in the Ministry of Magic’s conference hall. There were no additional events like the New Year’s gathering, and it was to be conducted entirely under the Ministry of Magic’s supervision.

Moreover, the Ministry of Magic was far more useful than the main palace building for preparing various contingencies.

Rustle.

“A little more to the right, to the right! Good!”

“What should we do with this curtain? Should we close it?”

“Is the wine preparation complete? Make sure there are enough glasses.”

“Lend me a hand. Here, hold this here!”

The light of the oracle, now uncovered, was truly beautiful. Although it took the shape of a harp, the densely embedded jewels under its milky curves made it look like a work of art. It was fitting for the reputation of Carbó, which had shared in the glory of the empire’s founding.

“Lord Ian.”

“Grand High Priest.”

Grand High Priest Lily, who had been weaving through the mages, recognized Ian and approached. As she sighed, her bent back heaved greatly.

“I’ve prepared as you instructed, but honestly, I’m not sure. Whether this is truly the right path.”

“There is no right path. There are only paths each of us must walk. You just need to watch from behind and make your choice, Grand High Priest.”

The Grand High Priest showed an attitude of accepting doubt rather than accepting the claim that Arsen was a demon. She would help with the verification process but decide what to do after seeing the results. Behind her, Abidel and Makael could be seen placing their hands on the light of the oracle and praying.

“Lord Ian. Lady Quintana from the Administration Department has arrived.”

“Five carriages just passed through the main gate. Central nobles Leontis, Fileto, and Delma from the Culture Department.”

Despite the early hour, it was clear the guests were hurrying, as everyone had been waiting for this day.

Ian asked Romandro to greet the guests and climbed onto the platform. Under the light of the oracle, the massive magic circle drawn by the mages was gleaming with light.

“There are no issues, Lord Ian.”

“Good. Well drawn.”

His demeanor was meticulous as he examined each formula with his fingertips. The mages surrounded him, watching intently as if their homework was being checked. As a smile appeared on his lips, the mages too smiled with relief.

“Bring in the orchestra. We shall begin the festival.”

***

Several hours later.

The hall, filled with rich melodies, was packed with people to the point where there was no room to step. Some without invitations might have mixed in, but the Ministry of Magic didn’t particularly try to stop them. The more people, the merrier the festival, right?

“So this is what the Ministry of Magic looks like. To be honest, it’s my first time here. My goodness. It’s beautiful. Flower petals falling continuously.”

“I hear there’s even a room in the Ministry of Magic where snow and rain fall constantly. It doesn’t seem to be an exaggeration.”

“By the way, Minister Ian is nowhere to be seen.”

“Me? I thought I had misheard. His Highness Arsen being a demon, it’s nonsense, isn’t it? But because it’s such a heavy statement, I can’t help but wonder, just in case.”

“I hear there are differing opinions even within the Ministry of Magic. Minister Ian hasn’t shown any particular stance since the general assembly.”

“He declared that one of the two would die. There will be much to see today.”

The nobles and officials whispered among themselves, covering their mouths as they looked around. Although it was no different from the parties they had enjoyed all their lives, somehow a sharp tension pervaded the air.

Today, now, soon.

The future of Bariel would be determined.

“Lady Dilaina and His Highness Arsen have arrived!”

“Duke Hayman has arrived!”

Creak.

As the doors slowly opened, the surroundings instantly fell silent. As if time had stopped. If not for the slow music of the orchestra, everyone would have thought so.

Dilaina, Arsen, and Duke Hayman entered the hall together. Behind them were their supporting factions, each taking up a position.

“Oh, welcome, Your Highness Arsen.”

“Lady Dilaina. How have you been?”

Some nobles quickly moved to greet Arsen. They were no different from a swarm of ants that had caught the scent of sugar, causing Romandro, who was guarding the door, to click his tongue and frown.

Whir. Whir.

At that moment, a small resonance arose in everyone’s ears. It was the familiar ringing heard whenever the Ministry of Magic used magical devices to make announcements. The crowd immediately looked up at the platform and could see Ian shining more brightly than usual.

“I am Ian Hielo, Minister of the Ministry of Magic. I extend my gratitude to all who have attended despite your busy schedules. We will now conduct the mana confirmation ceremony, earnestly hoping for the birth of the first royal mage in Bariel’s history.”

Ian smiled, looking straight down at Arsen. It was an ironic smile, as if saying he desperately hoped Arsen would be a mage. As he elegantly gestured towards the stage stairs, Arsen’s head turned involuntarily.

“Your Highness Arsen, today’s protagonist. Please come up.”

“Before that, Lord Ian. Isn’t there something you should address?”

It was a provocation, asking him to repeat what he had said at the general assembly.

“You called me a demon, disgracing His Majesty the Emperor, my father. Not only that, but you’ve also inflicted an indelible disgrace upon my mother. You’ve not just tarnished the honor of the royal family, you’ve shattered it to pieces.”

Insulting the royal family.

“You even said you would kill me.”

Attempting to assassinate a royal.

“Your despicable attitude of using my cursed brother, Jin, as a shield to seize power is excessively vile. If I prove that I possess the qualities of a mage, can you kill yourself?”

The crowd held their breath, looking back and forth between Ian and Arsen.

Sharp gazes without an inch of retreat. Ian was the first to smile.

“…Let everyone hear. I will officially state once again. Arsen is the brother of the last demon that died in Bariel, a devil that will lead the country down the path of decline. He can use the ability of brainwashing and possesses a power similar to mana, making him adept at deceiving humans.”

Gasps erupted from various corners. Having thrown down the gauntlet so blatantly, there was now truly no room for retreat.

“It was he who manipulated His Highness Jin’s oracle, and it was he who stole maternal love from Lady Dilaina.”

“Lord Ian! You’re being disrespectful!”

“If by chance I’m wrong, I will kill myself. But if it’s revealed that Arsen is a demon, I will personally kill him.”

Hayman, Dilaina, and the ministers nodded, exchanging glances. This was what they had hoped for. An opportunity to effortlessly crush the heavyweight Minister of Magic had arrived. And by his own volition at that.

Dilaina gripped Arsen’s shoulder and proposed:

“Very well. I hope you keep that word, staking your honor on it. But before that! I cannot trust the magic circle you’ve created. How can we know what tricks you’ve employed to make Arsen appear as a demon?”

“The magic circle was drawn with the combined efforts of the entire Ministry of Magic.”

“Those who follow you!”

Unease flashed across the faces of mages who didn’t deeply follow Ian. What if Ian fails? Wouldn’t their heads roll too for having followed Ian?

“What do you want?”

“The magic circle is meant to activate the light of the oracle even with minimal mana, correct?”

“That’s right. In general cases.”

“But the one drawn this time must be modified.”

It was information Ian had revealed at the general assembly. That with the help of the high priests, it would show a different reaction if a demonic presence was embedded.

“That’s correct.”

“How can you prove that this modification is purely to detect demons? Let’s remove the magic circle and conduct the ceremony with just the light of the oracle.”

“Without the amplification function, only a very faint light will appear. Is this how you want to mark the beginning of the first royal mage?”

“A faint light? No matter how dim, it’s the first light originating from the royal family. It will be more brilliant than anything else. If you refuse this, I will consider that you’ve placed other devices in the magic circle.”

Dilaina raised her chin. It was an attitude showing she had no intention of backing down. Ian remained silent for a moment, and as he did, the murmuring of the nobles grew louder.

“Why isn’t Lord Ian answering?”

“That’s right. Tsk tsk. This is troubling.”

“Lady Dilaina’s request is reasonable, isn’t it? Well, the Carbó Temple is still trustworthy. The light of the oracle itself should be pure, shouldn’t it?”

Snap!

Ian snapped his fingers to ask for silence, then once again pointed to the stairs. It was a resolute gesture indicating he would no longer tolerate any refusal.

“…Very well. Have it your way.”

Rustle! Rustle!

The mages and high priests pushed the light of the oracle backwards. When it was about three steps away from the magic circle, Arsen slowly walked through the nobles. The crowd parted, making way for the young prince.

“Make way. This is my stage.”

Arsen whispered to Ian as he placed his hand on the light of the oracle.

There was no unusual reaction despite touching it with bare hands. The nobles exchanged glances, assuming that Arsen indeed was not a demon.

“As you wish.”

With even Ian stepping down, Arsen was alone on the stage. The child confidently raised his fingertips into the air.

And then-

Whir. Whir.

Just as mages typically do, he burst forth with mana, his eyes glowing.

A long, beautiful stream of light.

The orchestra, which had been maintaining silence, also began to play, and streams of light spread in all directions to the intense melody. The crowd gasped in admiration, covering their mouths.

“Didn’t they say there was no amplification device?”

“It’s incredible! Incredible!”

“Wow. It’s amazing. They say this represents the power of mana, right? Isn’t it on par with Lord Ian? This truly is Bariel’s blessing!”

Without the magic circle, it’s as brilliant and beautiful as Ian’s time. With flower petals even scattering from the ceiling, it’s as if heaven itself has been transplanted here.

Arsen looked at Ian, feeling elation. As if to say, look at this, this performance will be the last you hear, not hiding his joy.

“Huh…?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Look at that.”

“What is it?”

“Isn’t something strange?”

At that moment, someone muttered curiously. It was the moment Ian, watching Arsen from below, smiled.

“…His Highness Arsen has no shadow.”

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 110
• MBSE Chapter 111
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• 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