Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor
Chapter 236

“Your Highness Gale, have you finished?”

Philea murmured dejectedly. Despite the imperial chef putting his heart and soul into preparing the meal since dawn, its intended recipient refused it without so much as lifting a finger.

By the looks of it, he hadn’t even touched the knife and fork. It was clear that the doctor would be furious, unable to administer any medication.

“Yes.”

Seemingly oblivious to the concern of those around him, Gale lay in bed, just smoking his cigarettes. With each exhale of “hoo,” long wisps of white smoke dissipated.

Since Philea entered the room, his gaze hadn’t left her once. Philea was well aware of this and tried her best to pretend not to notice, but…

“…Ah, I can’t.”

Due to his persistent and tenacious nature, she finally raised the white flag. When Philea suddenly blurted this out, Gale shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly.

“What? I didn’t say anything.”

“You want me to go with you to the magic confirmation ceremony, don’t you? I can’t. I don’t have the authority. I can’t help until Ian gives permission. I’m sorry.”

“Philea. Do you consider your son to be above the prince? Impressive. Being the mother of such a person, you must be so precious that I can’t even look at you.”

“Th-That’s not what I meant…”

As Philea stumbled over her words awkwardly, Gale let out a low chuckle. Could this woman, who couldn’t even handle a mischievous joke, really have given birth to Ian? If it weren’t for their strikingly similar appearances, he would never have believed it.

Just then, there was a sound of movement, and Nersarn appeared.

“Philea.”

“Lord Nersarn.”

It was a call to wrap things up and leave. Philea turned to look at Gale as she set down the dishes. As if it was time to go. In the meantime, he had lit a new cigarette.

“Hey. Desert warrior.”

“…Yes, Your Highness Gale.”

It was rare for Gale to address Nersarn directly. Not only was there the difference in status between the empire’s prince and a minority ethnic group from the frontier, but Philea also acted as an intermediary between them.

“Ian said my half-brother is a demon, didn’t he?”

“That’s correct.”

“And he declared that one of them would die today.”

Philea felt her heart drop with a thud. It was truly a terrifying and frightening statement. She still couldn’t believe that Ian had risked his life to kill someone.

At times she wondered if the imperial palace had always been like this, but on the other hand, she felt sorry that he had something so precious that he was willing to risk his life for. Just as she regarded Ian in that way, Ian must also regard something in the same manner.

“That is also correct.”

“Arsen is my half-brother. If Ian doesn’t die, Arsen will die. Don’t I have the right to see the last moments of my family?”

Nersarn pondered how to respond. The political situation in the imperial palace changed almost daily. There must be a reason why Gale was acting like this, but he couldn’t figure it out. They had been cooped up in a separate palace under the pretext of protecting Gale and to avoid causing trouble if the empire’s citizens saw him. Unless Ian informed them, their information was bound to be limited.

“I apologize.”

So the conclusion was simple. Refusal.

As Nersarn and Philea were about to leave the bedroom, they heard the sound of a drawer opening. Gale straightened his upper body and rummaged around as if looking for something.

Rustle!

“I understand you’re doing this for your son’s safety.”

“Thank you for understanding.”

“And I understand that you’ve drawn the line at ‘no’ for now, since the imperial palace isn’t as easily comprehensible as the frontier.”

“…”

“I have business not only with Arsen but with Ian as well.”

“Then please tell me. I will convey every word without omission.”

“Hmm. That won’t do. Do you know what these are?”

Small pieces of paper wedged between the prince’s index and middle fingers. Aside from being crumpled, they were covered in food stains.

Nersarn looked back at Philea, but she shook her head, indicating she didn’t know either.

“These are traces of the traitors Ian weeded out using my name.”

As soon as rumors spread that he would seek asylum in Ruswena, the reactions were immediate. Notes were slipped between food items at every meal, and carrier pigeons tapped on the windows at all hours.

“Some revealed their names, while others didn’t. But a handwriting analysis or an investigation by the Ministry of Magic could easily identify their owners.”

Gale demonstratively burned one of the notes with his cigarette. The paper instantly blazed up before crumbling into ashes. His smile was like that of a child playing with fire.

“If you don’t take me with you, I’ll burn all of these.”

“Your Highness, this is truly troublesome!”

“Philea, don’t worry. Ian will be in the most trouble, having to trust his back to comrades who might be carrying hidden knives.”

It was a threat involving his son. Even if Ian returned alive from the magic confirmation ceremony, what use would it be if traitors were lurking around him? He would soon face another crisis.

Ting!

Gale flicked a jewel towards Philea. Unable to react, Nersarn caught it in mid-air on her behalf.

“If you want, I’ll give you jewels too. Even confined like this, I’m still the empire’s prince. Providing as much wealth as you two desire is no problem. Desert warrior, aren’t you something of a tribal leader? I imagine you know well how much warmth a plentiful treasury can bring to spring.”

“We don’t need such things. I just want what my son-“

“Hahaha! Your face is all red.”

“I want what my son wants.”

“Yes. This is what your son wants.”

The scraps of paper fluttered at Gale’s fingertips.

Cogitation was, as far as God allowed, humanity’s own flawless sanctuary. Identifying traitors meant invading and thoroughly searching that place.

It was a task of having to read and doubt the hearts of allies, not enemies. Wasn’t it truly difficult, arduous, and delicate work?

“Why do you think Ian did this? The Ministry of Magic knows how to neutralize truth potions. I benefited from that a bit. So without these papers, it seems they might have a hard time.”

Nersarn inwardly heaved a sigh. It wasn’t just about the notes; it didn’t seem like the prince would give up even if they turned back now. What if he caused trouble once out of their sight?

“Please tell me one thing truthfully.”

“Gladly.”

“How do you intend to go?”

“…”

It was almost as good as acceptance. Gale tidied himself up and put on his outer garment. The bundle of notes went into an inner pocket. Finally, he checked his cigarette case with a faint smile.

“In my view, now is the most opportune time. Don’t you think God would agree?”

***

Due to Gale’s participation, the schedule was slightly delayed. They changed to a larger carriage, brought along warriors just in case, and dressed them in imperial attire.

Gale realized it had been a very long time since he’d been out. Although traces of his fierce battle with Mariv remained here and there, the imperial palace still looked as it had been ingrained in his memory throughout his life.

Neigh!

The carriage shook, but Gale’s gaze remained steady. He simply gazed in awe at the peach-colored castle walls, golden patterns, and well-laid red bricks.

Ah. The imperial palace was this beautiful. Gale bit his lip hard, deliberately erasing the memories that surfaced. Memories sometimes create regrets, after all.

“We’re almost there, Lord Nersarn.”

“Huh? But everyone there…”

“Just a moment. We should stop around here, shouldn’t we? There are so many people that the carriage won’t be able to enter.”

A crowd swarmed in front of the Ministry of Magic. Carriages, guards, and disheveled nobles and officials were tangled up, creating a commotion.

It was a chaotic situation, but strangely, everyone was looking in one direction. Philea naturally turned her head to follow their gaze.

“What, what could that be?”

An eerie black energy descending the stairs of the Ministry of Magic. As if warning people not to approach, it drew a distinct boundary.

Philea got out of the carriage with an ominous expression and looked around.

“Lord Ian! Lord Ian! Let go of this! I said let go!”

“Sir Romandro!”

“Let goooo! Mother and Ian are inside!”

“You can’t, Your Highness. Please!”

Not far away, Jin was struggling to shake off the guards. He kicked and shouted to be let go, to be left alone, but no one could do so. Jin was now the only remaining heir.

Philea grabbed Romandro’s arm and shouted.

“What’s going on? Sir Romandro!”

“Lady Philea! Huk, you see…”

“Philea! Lord Ian is inside. Arsen will kill Lord Ian. Why is everyone just watching?”

“Oh my, Your Highness, please calm down.”

Several soldiers who had tried to approach the building were already sprawled on the ground. They couldn’t get close without their heads feeling like they were about to split open and becoming dizzy, so there was no solution.

The Ministry of Magic was trying to come up with countermeasures, but all the high-ranking officials were inside. It was truly a troublesome situation.

“Jin.”

At that moment, Gale took out a cigarette and put it in his mouth. At the quiet call, Jin turned around hesitantly.

Why was Brother Gale here?

“It’s noisy.”

“Wh-What?”

“Is Arsen really a demon?”

“…Brother.”

“I see. So he was.”

Gale stared into space for a moment. Not just himself, but the fate of a child born alongside a demon was truly tragic. He took a breath, then without hesitation, stepped into the poisonous energy.

“Your Highness Gale!”

“Why is His Highness here?”

“He went into the poisonous energy!”

“My goodness, what on earth…”

It was a bit suffocating, but not particularly dizzying or difficult. Gale climbed the stairs and glanced back briefly. Then he threw the bundle of notes he had kept in his breast pocket to Philea and said goodbye.

“Philea. Thank you for dining with me all this time.”

“Your Highness?”

“When Ian comes out, give these to him.”

“Your Highness!”

With that, Gale ran up the stairs. People who hadn’t managed to evacuate were collapsed here and there. A quiet space. Gale bit down hard on his cigarette and walked slowly.

-O cursed one, you cannot defy fate. Die for Bariel of your own accord. Then glory will descend upon the world.

He had been waiting for this moment since the day he saw the oracle. He was a prince of Bariel, after all. Rather than returning to the wind like Mariv, it was better to face death under the glory of the world.

Even if it wouldn’t be recorded in history, the glory would remain.

“G-Go ahead and stab me! If you kill me, you’ll die too. And if you die, Jin won’t last long either!”

…Is that Arsen’s voice? What a truly disgusting voice. He followed the sound and soon pushed open the door leading into the hall.

Creeeeak.

Thud.

“Quite a heated party for broad daylight. Mind if I join in?”

Mysterious light filled the hall. For a moment, Gale thought he might be in heaven.

Ian, who had been holding his sword aloft, turned around, and the palpitating heart in front of him burst with poisonous energy.

“What is this?”

“Do you remember the new oracle that came down?”

“…”

The cigarette flicked. It would be the last smoke he exhaled.

“It might not be Your Highness’s oracle.”

“It doesn’t matter. If I say it is, then it is.”

Gale picked up a sword that had fallen to the floor and slowly approached Ian.

“If I die here, I leave behind glory.”

And if he doesn’t die?

“If I don’t die, I will have dealt with the demon nestled in the imperial palace with my own hands, and that too is glory.”

The blood vessels of the panting heart in the fluid became particularly prominent. Gale calmly aimed the sword at its end. Ian gently grabbed his arm.

“…No one will know.”

Could they record in history that a demon had nestled in the imperial palace? Absolutely not. They would erase every trace completely. The impious past decade would disappear into the light without leaving even a shadow.

So even if Gale sacrificed himself through death, who would know?

“No. God knows.”

Gale smiled as he placed the sword against Arsen’s heart. He signaled Ian to activate his magic power and murmured.

“And you know.”

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