Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 262

Chapter 262

“Ian, let’s walk a little slower! And just in case you don’t know, I’ll tell you. The dining hall, isn’t it that way? It’s the complete opposite direction? Have we really come this far?”

Ian turned to look at Beric, who was trotting along behind him, with a quizzical smile. This was Beric, who had sprawled on the sofa even with the prince present. His body was still in terrible condition, yet seeing him push himself like this meant he must have an ulterior motive.

Ian asked back without slowing his pace.

“Did the person in charge ban you from the dining hall?”

So why didn’t you just steal meat in moderation, Ian didn’t bother to add. Whether he said it or not, it probably wouldn’t mean much to Beric.

Instead of wasting time on regret and reflection, wasn’t it more his style to look for another entrance to the dining hall?

“Huh, how did you know?”

“It’s written all over your face.”

“My face?! Huh?!”

When was the last time Ian had gone to the dining hall? Usually, he rarely had time for meals due to his heavy workload, and lately, he had been confined to his bed, not leaving his office.

But with Beric constantly trying to lure him towards the dining hall, it was a natural suspicion. However, Beric seemed genuinely surprised, feeling his face while peering into a window.

“Where are you going? We’re getting further and further from the dining hall!”

“The Imperial Palace Central Archives.”

“Why that boring place?”

“Have you been there before? I’m surprised.”

“Huh? What are you talking about? It’s that place, right? Where black boxes are stacked up.”

“That’s the Ministry of Magic archives. Where we’re going now is the Imperial Palace, specifically the Administrative Department’s archives.”

There was something he needed to check. Timothy, the reason Ian remembered him across a span of a hundred years.

As they got closer to the archives, more people recognized him. While exchanging quick nods of greeting, just as they were about to turn a corner—

“Ah.”

Ian stopped, recognizing a familiar figure approaching from the opposite direction. It was Quintana. She seemed to be in the process of moving boxes herself along with Administrative Department staff. She too spotted Ian and greeted him cheerfully.

“Isn’t it Minister Ian? What brings you here?”

She looks in an extremely good mood. Ian suddenly realized that most of the smiles Quintana had shown until now were not genuine. Except for the occasional kindness she showed to Jin, she was always refuting, countering, and pushing her opinions in meetings.

“These are the property deeds of the seven families, including House Hayman. Impressive, isn’t it? Just the land documents alone are this much, so their arrogance in calling their mansions ‘second imperial palaces’ wasn’t entirely unfounded.”

Ownerless mansions, lands, and various jewels and assets would be transferred to the imperial palace, gaining new value. Whether to dispose of them or keep them under imperial ownership would be decided through discussions between the Administrative Department, the Prime Minister, and Jin.

“By the way, it seems you were heading somewhere.”

“I was on my way to the Imperial Palace Central Archives. I have something to check briefly.”

“Oh, I see. I heard some ancient books will be arriving soon too. If you have time, bring His Highness Jin to the Culture Department. The artworks should have arrived first. They’re quite worth seeing.”

This is one of Quintana’s rare moments of leisure, happening only a few times a year.

Following the securing of trial funds and the confiscation of central noble families’ assets, the consecutive influx of revenue would not only completely cover the damages from the civil war but even create a surplus. For someone managing the national treasury, there could be no greater joy.

“Ah, and the Prime Minister said he’ll convene a grand council by tomorrow. I’m not sure if you’ve heard.”

“Yes, I’ve heard.”

“Then do you know this too? Captain Jeirutt has proposed a reorganization of the Imperial Guards to the Administrative Department. The same goes for the Imperial Defense Department.”

Two of the three captains of the Imperial Guards, who serve the Emperor closely, had died. One in the civil war, the other by monsters. Even if the Emperor was bedridden, they needed to maintain the number of people befitting the position of the three captains.

“It seems they’ll be recruiting and selecting talent soon. I suppose all the magic swordsmen in the empire will have a chance?”

Quintana said this while glancing at Beric standing behind. He was rough and crude, not fitting in with the imperial palace at all, but he was a man kept by Ian and Jin. Curious, she had inquired about him and was surprised to learn he was a magic swordsman. One skilled enough to draw out magic release from Captain Jeirutt.

“Is the Imperial Defense Department doing the same?”

“Yes. The approach is similar. My guess is that the Imperial Defense Department is aiming for the trickle-down effect of Imperial Guard applicants. Didn’t the former head of the Imperial Defense Department participate in the civil war on the First Prince’s side? Someone else is temporarily in charge, but it’s certainly time for reorganization and troop replenishment.”

With the purge of the central nobility completed, now was undoubtedly the best time. Moreover, wasn’t Jin’s appointment ceremony as the next heir also approaching? In many ways, it was appropriate now, at the starting point of a new era.

‘Especially the Imperial Defense Department will want to wrap things up before Jin becomes the official heir. From the civil war to the Melania incident, their position hasn’t been good at all. They’re trying to consolidate internally before Jin forms his cabinet.’

“Everyone’s busy with their own appointment ceremonies.”

Quintana seemed to have noticed their intentions too, as she added casually. Ian smiled in agreement.

“Well then, I’ll see you at tomorrow’s grand council.”

“Indeed. Keep up the good work.”

The staff bowed their heads and disappeared, following Quintana.

Ian’s mind became complicated. There was a mountain of things to sort out, both administratively and procedurally. Although each department was sharing the workload, most of it would ultimately be reviewed by the Ministry of Magic, or more precisely, by Ian.

Because he was Jin’s guardian. Since he was reviewing each of Jin’s signatures together, in the end, it was no different from Ian seeing everything himself.

‘First, let’s propose the distribution of authority over magic sealing stones. 50% to the Emperor, 30% to the rest of the imperial family as a whole, 20% to the Ministry of Magic.’

The important point is that it’s “authority over the total amount of magic sealing stones.” This way, even if the number of sealing stones increases or decreases, the power of checks and balances will continue to be maintained according to the ratio.

‘The problem is Idgal…’

A product of alchemy with abilities similar to magic sealing stones.

To prevent confusion, a bill officially excluding Idgal would inevitably follow. The fact that the illegitimate son Ian was related to it was currently the most concerning part.

But it couldn’t be helped. It was an area that had to be stepped into for the healthy balance of the imperial family, the Ministry of Magic, and Bariel.

‘And next is proceeding with the sale of Hayman Bank, and the Imperial Defense Department…’

“Ian! What are you thinking about so much?”

“Ah.”

At that moment, Beric grabbed Ian’s arm. Lost in thought, he had reached the end of the corridor. They had walked three or four steps past the archives. Ian smiled slightly and shook his head.

“It’s nothing. I was worried about whether you’d be able to enter the Imperial Guards well. If skilled people from all over the country apply, Captain Jeirutt might reject your entry.”

“Come on! Don’t worry about that, worry about what we’re going to eat today. Those bastards who come there, I’ll, huh? I’ll half-kill them all and eat the captain.”

“The captain? Hahaha.”

Ian burst into genuine laughter. And for good reason, it was a combination he had never even considered. Beric and the Imperial Guards captain.

Beric was briefly surprised at this reaction, but finding Ian’s audible laughter curious, he followed suit and raised the corners of his mouth.

“You’re laughing. If I beat Jeirutt, don’t I become the captain?”

“What would you do as captain?”

“Hmm. Should I make the subordinates offer me meat? What do you think if I become captain? Wouldn’t that be good?”

“Well. I suppose so. Since the Imperial Guards captain is close to the Emperor, it would be easier to cooperate on various work matters.”

“With two positions open, it should be doable, right?”

“Well. I think Jeirutt might try to kill you before that.”

Rattle!

As they opened the door, the archives staff stood up to greet Ian. The atmosphere wasn’t much different from a library. The musty yet strangely calming smell of paper, sunlight pouring in from the ceiling, and silence bordering on quietude.

“Isn’t it Minister Ian Hielo?”

“I have some materials I want to check.”

“Yes. Please tell me.”

“All materials on Bariel’s exchanges with the Kingdom of Burgos for the past ten years from the current point in time.”

“A-All of them? That would be quite a lot…”

“Then five years, or even three years is fine.”

“Just a moment. There was no separate loan application, so you’re going to check them here directly, right?”

“That’s right.”

To take Administrative Department materials outside, it was only possible through a loan application form. The procedure was definite, only three or four staff were involved, and unless it was an urgent matter, it took a long time.

Rustle.

The staff member muttered while examining a thick document.

“Neighboring countries category 0423 classification, Burgos… Ah, please come this way.”

The two followed the staff member’s guidance deeper into the archives. The smell of yellowed paper books grew stronger. Beric wrinkled his nose, while Ian looked up at the ceiling edge that reached dozens of meters high.

As it was a place with more than ten floors, wooden stairs connecting the floors moved smoothly. That too was with the help of magic.

‘The appearance hasn’t changed much from a hundred years ago to now.’

“Lord Ian. These are five years’ worth of records related to Burgos’s economy and politics. Culture and society are in the basement, so I’ll bring them now. Please take your time looking.”

“Thank you.”

“It’s nothing.”

Beric’s mouth slowly opened. There were five bookshelves taller than himself. And they were filled to the brim with bundles of paper, without any empty spaces.

He’s going to look at all this here?

And there’s more on culture and society?

“Ian, are you crazy?”

“I didn’t tell you to come along.”

“You’re going to read this here? You’ll definitely get a nosebleed again.”

“Beric. Reading isn’t as difficult as you think. I told you to study a bit with Xiaoshi.”

Ian skimmed through the covers and pulled out what he needed without hesitation. Then he sat comfortably in a chair and started flipping through the materials. Since he wasn’t reading everything from beginning to end, but looking for necessary information, there was no need to strain himself.

“You’re insane.”

Ugh. Beric sat next to him, resting his chin on his hand and waiting.

“What are you looking for so intently? Are you looking for that Timothy guy, the prince from that country?”

“Timothy isn’t royalty. He belongs to the Foreign Ministry of the Kingdom of Burgos. A royal coming to the heir’s appointment ceremony is an exceptional case like Clippoford. Usually, it’s common to send a delegation like Ruswena.”

“Really? But anyway, you are looking for Timothy, right? With that muscular build and strong body, he seemed like he could fight well. Does their country’s Foreign Ministry fight well too? How about a friendly match when he comes? Huh?”

Ian ignored Beric’s chatter and kept flipping through the documents. Timothy, Timothy, Timothy…

‘Ah. Found it.’

Timothy had officially visited Bariel five times. Each time, he stayed for periods ranging from a week to half a year, so there were clear records. Ian examined his traces and compared them to see if there was anything different from what he knew.

‘Promotion of Lorant Plain development, formation of cultural delegation. Hmm, he came to coincide with Gale’s coming-of-age ceremony at this time. A magic cooperation exchange group was created…’

Flip.

-…Timothy, the diplomat from the Kingdom of Burgos, showed intention to supply 25 types of magic stones (omitted below) needed for the construction of an annex to Minister of Magic Wesleigh at a price lower than the market price, and Minister Wesleigh showed intention to select five excellent mages and dispatch them for 3 years. No specific agreement was made regarding this.

“As expected.”

Ian muttered without realizing. As far as he knew, Timothy was an immigrant ‘from’ a foreign delegation. It meant he was Timothy of Bariel, not Timothy of Burgos.

There were numerous immigrants in the hundred years of history, but the one and only reason Ian remembered Timothy.

‘…He’s Naum’s ancestor.’

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
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• 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
• 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