Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 309

Ba-ri-el!

The beginning of glory that the gods embrace-

The heart of Gaia that turns golden when rain falls-

Raise your heads high, high, and you shall see-

That light in the heights, Bariel’s beacon-

As soldiers began the hymn while pulling the ropes, hundreds of Bariel imperial flags rose simultaneously, covering the castle walls.

The crowd waiting in front of the imperial palace recognized the start of the appointment ceremony and screamed in excitement.

Ba-ri-el!

Countless voices joined together to shout Bariel’s glory, showing strength enough to reach the main palace.

Philea noticed the commotion flowing to her ears and turned her head. Though nothing was visible through the window outside, the fervor reached her hotly. Like the noon sunlight beating down.“What’s wrong, my lady?”

“I’m a bit nervous. I never dared imagine I’d attend an imperial event in my life. And the official heir appointment ceremony of His Highness the Prince at that.”

Viviana gently smiled while taking Philea’s hand. Though she was already too noble to use the word “dare,” she seemed unaware of it.

“You’re the birth mother of the Minister of Magic and someone cherished by His Highness Jin. Don’t say such things. The nobles gathered here would feel ashamed.”

“How could you say that…”

“Who else could receive a gift personally from His Highness?”

Viviana playfully nudged her arm while wrinkling her nose.

When Ian presented a small box saying it contained jewels His Highness had personally selected from the tributes, Philea truly thought she would faint. Her eyes reddened again as emotion welled up once more.

“My lady. You mustn’t cry. Everyone is watching us.”

Viviana whispered while covering her mouth with a fan.

First, their seats were right below the imperial family and foreign kings in the VIP section, drawing attention. Moreover, this woman’s beauty was extraordinary, and she even looked exactly like Ian.

Now, before the appointment ceremony began. They were receiving so much attention it was hard to tell who these seats were meant for. The gazes of the three foreign rulers were little different.

“Eldert. Does that lady remain in the center?”

“According to information, she’ll go down after the appointment ceremony.”

“Then it seems she came up for this occasion.”

Eripony asked while thinking the relationship between Ian and Jin might be closer than expected. But Eldert’s response was rather unsatisfying.

“My apologies. Everyone maintains silence regarding Lady Philea. Though there are unconfirmed rumors she formed ties with the Thousand Hunt tribe.”

“The Thousand Hunt? The predators of the Great Desert I know?”

“Lady Philea might have been behind the alliance between Hielo and the Thousand Hunt.”

Since Ruswena bordered the Hawan Kingdom, they occasionally received news about Great Desert affairs. Was she saying Philea played a central role in that process?

Eripony scanned Philea with curious eyes. Then suddenly, an ardent gaze felt from the lower tier.

Allenara.

Rustle.

Allenara slightly bowed her head as if greeting Eripony. Their first meeting since spending quite an interesting time on the banquet night.

When Eripony raised an eyebrow in acknowledgment, a smile settled on Allenara’s face.

“Everyone please rise!”

Just then, the announcement signaling the start of the appointment ceremony rang out.

The low orchestral melody grew heavier, drawing people’s focus. Through the large windows, cavalry and military bands could be clearly seen arriving and waiting before the main palace.

As Philea and Viviana rose while holding their dresses, the massive doors at the entrance swung open to both sides.

Creeak!

The first to enter was the Prime Minister of the Bariel Empire.

The Prime Minister in formal attire and numerous officials following behind. On a golden tray lay the crown permitted only to the official heir.

The title of Crown Prince, allowed only to one who would succeed the Emperor. Though some nobles unconsciously recalled princes who had vanished into history, they soon let it pass with applause.

The officials split and lined up on both sides, followed by continued entries of high-ranking officials.

“Now…”

The Prime Minister spoke while pulling close the magical device supported by a mage.

“We shall conduct the appointment ceremony of the 14th Imperial Crown Prince of the Great Empire of Bariel. This is carried out under His Majesty the Emperor’s name.”

Everyone knew the Emperor’s remaining breath wasn’t even a handful. And most believed the Emperor would pass once Jin became Crown Prince.

But even with undisputed legitimacy, what could a young Crown Prince do? Whether ascending or sitting on the throne, he’d just hold Ian’s hand.

Rustle.

Next appeared the Ministry of Magic. Ian’s expression at the front was beyond solemn, rigid. His gaze seemed to see right through the minds of the disrespectful ones.

As he entered the hall and surveyed the nobles’ seats, gazes naturally scattered. The reaction of those who mistakenly thought their eyes had met.

‘Ian!’

Only Philea clapped enthusiastically with a bright smile. Viviana too. She didn’t hide her proud expression while gesturing to Romandro standing behind Ian.

“In line!”

“In line!”

Finally, the Imperial Guard entered and raised their swords. Beric standing at the end. Philea and Viviana covered their mouths in surprise.

Admirably, besides his red hair, there wasn’t much out of place. The power of a month’s worth of meat meals.

Boom! Thump thump!

Music that penetrated to the heart. The Imperial Guard stood with swords planted on the floor, and finally the protagonist of the day revealed himself.

With the thick Crown Prince’s cape trailing long behind.

Slowly-

“Good heavens.”

Eripony unconsciously ground her molars while muttering. Because she knew how heavy that was even for adults. Looking so hard to appear dignified!

‘…How cute.’

As attendants entered together arranging the cape’s end, the child’s steps became slightly lighter. With each step Jin took, the badges and jewels on his chest sparkled dazzlingly.

Rustle.

Jin facing the Prime Minister.

Though normally procedure would require kneeling, this was omitted due to the child’s small height. Eripony completely covered her lower face with her fan.

“Jin Verocion.”

Jin lightly clasped his hands together and brought them to his forehead as if praying. The imperial family’s traditional etiquette and thanks to the gods.

The Prime Minister, on behalf of the Emperor, removed the badges on his chest one by one. As he advanced from the position of Prince to Crown Prince, the previous ones were relics of the past.

“What I now speak are truly His Majesty the Emperor’s words. Answer the calling and swear, showing your will to all.”

“Anything, with all my truth.”

“Jin Verocion, 5th Prince of the Great Empire of Bariel, do you understand and respect your duties to the empire, and have you made the determination to make them your destiny?”

Duties to the empire.

Jin raised his right hand and swore.

“I, Jin Verocion, understand my duties to the empire. That is to fulfill my mission under the name Verocion for Bariel’s eternal glory and lofty pride, and to walk for the prosperity and stability of the imperial family and the complete and meaningful lives of the empire’s people. All living beings within Bariel’s borders are my other self, beings I shall love with all my soul.”

Jin spoke in a clear voice. A perfect oath without a single slurred pronunciation.

The child suddenly recalled the path he had walked and his eyes reddened. His father the Emperor, his mother Dilaina, and his brothers. Though all would have wished for this moment, none were here now? Only he had survived to stand here.

“For Bariel, I shall devote all my destiny. For Bariel, I shall offer my tears and blood. Those who defy this, I shall boldly cut down, and those who obstruct this, I shall sever without hesitation.”

Watching from the Ministry of Magic’s section, Ian too felt a strange ache in one corner of his heart. It felt like watching his own coronation.

He realized how peculiar it was that himself in Jin’s place, and Naum in his current place, were connected across one timeline.

‘Naum. When you watched me from this place, how did you feel? Did your heart ache like this? Or were you proud?’

Though Ian had good memory, strangely he had no recollection of meeting Naum’s eyes that day.

All that remained engraved was the weight of the crown placed on his head.

Crown’s embrace.

The heavy sound of nobles’ applause.

And the cape weighing on his shoulders…

“I swear to the gods, I shall do so.”

As Jin finished his declaration, applause erupted again. As if everyone welcomed the birth of the new Crown Prince.

The Prime Minister carefully lifted the golden crown, and the child bowed his head.

“Jin Verocion. In the name of His Majesty the Emperor, I appoint you as the 14th Crown Prince of the Great Empire of Bariel. This means permission for the next history book to begin with your name.”

Rustle.

Jin wore the Crown Prince’s crown. It fit perfectly, as if finding its rightful owner. New badges were pinned to the child’s chest, and in his left hand he held the Crown Prince’s scepter.

All nobles knelt to show reverence to the new Crown Prince. The kings of the three nations did the same.

“Congratulations, His Highness Crown Prince Jin Verocion!”

“Congratulations! Your Highness the Crown Prince!”

“May God’s blessing be upon the empire’s path!”

Jin smiled lightly at the congratulations bursting from everywhere. The Imperial Guard raised their swords again to escort Jin’s exit, and officials followed behind.

Now it was time to face not the nobles, but the empire’s people.

Neigh! Neigh!

“Everyone prepare for the procession!”

“Open all imperial palace gates!”

“His Highness Crown Prince Jin departs!”

Centered around the massive golden carriage, cavalry and military bands moved. As majestic trumpet sounds rang as if piercing the sky, the horses responded.

Jin boarded the open carriage and straightened his back firmly.

“Your Highness. We’ll depart now. Expected duration is about two hours, and defensive formations are in place for any possible situations. Please don’t extend your hand out this side…”

Ian hesitated while speaking out of concern. Because the child’s gaze as he listened while wearing the golden crown was different from before, more dignified. He even felt the child would handle everything well without his cautions anymore.

Did the Crown Prince’s oath have such power?

Was he himself this different before and after ascending?

“Lord Ian?”

Why did he stop mid-sentence? Jin asked with wide eyes. Though he couldn’t tilt his head due to the crown’s weight.

“It’s nothing. I believe you remember well.”

“Mm. I did keep hearing from Romandro and the Prime Minister.”

“Yes. Then we’ll depart soon.”

“Lord Ian.”

Just as Ian was about to turn at the mages’ call, Jin placed his hand on Ian’s.

“From being a shadow of the imperial family to becoming owner of the crown, I well know Lord Ian’s efforts.”

“Your Highness.”

“You’ve worked hard. And, thank you.”

“No. Your Highness…”

He was going to say you originally qualified for this, you were originally this noble. But he noticed Jin’s eyes were filled with tears, and his words were stopped by what followed.

“So Lord Ian. Please continue, helping me like this.”

Answer me, the child’s tightly gripped palm grew damp. Sweat seeping out from tension and anxiety. Ian looked up at Jin with a sympathetic expression.

“Your Highness. Don’t look down.”

“…Lord Ian.”

“We’re departing! Lord Ian!”

“Preparations complete! Military band to the front!”

Instead of answering, Ian gently whispered while handing over a handkerchief.

Please, don’t look down.

Because then…

“Your tears will fall.”

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MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's EndMBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House BratzMBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis EstateMBSE Chapter 04 - ShacklesMBSE Chapter 05 - PlansMBSE Chapter 06 - A StrollMBSE Chapter 07 - IlliterateMBSE Chapter 08 - IntentionsMBSE Chapter 09 - The Second LuncheonMBSE Chapter 10 - The BroochMBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and WaterMBSE Chapter 12 - The ProposalMBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower PotMBSE Chapter 14 - The Training GroundMBSE Chapter 15 - BericMBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage KnightMBSE Chapter 17 - EnemyMBSE Chapter 18 - PreparationMBSE Chapter 19 - InformantMBSE Chapter 20 - The DoorMBSE Chapter 21 - DiamondMBSE Chapter 22 - The TutorMBSE Chapter 23 - The WarriorMBSE Chapter 24 - NersarnMBSE Chapter 25 - ProofMBSE Chapter 26MBSE Chapter 27MBSE Chapter 28MBSE Chapter 29MBSE Chapter 30MBSE Chapter 31MBSE Chapter 32MBSE Chapter 33MBSE Chapter 34MBSE Chapter 35MBSE Chapter 36MBSE Chapter 37MBSE Chapter 38MBSE Chapter 39MBSE Chapter 40MBSE Chapter 41MBSE Chapter 42MBSE Chapter 43MBSE Chapter 44MBSE Chapter 45MBSE Chapter 46MBSE Chapter 47MBSE Chapter 48MBSE Chapter 49MBSE Chapter 50MBSE Chapter 51MBSE Chapter 52MBSE Chapter 53MBSE Chapter 54MBSE Chapter 55MBSE Chapter 56MBSE Chapter 57MBSE Chapter 58MBSE Chapter 59MBSE Chapter 60MBSE Chapter 61MBSE Chapter 62MBSE Chapter 63MBSE Chapter 64MBSE Chapter 65MBSE Chapter 66MBSE Chapter 67MBSE Chapter 68MBSE Chapter 69MBSE Chapter 70MBSE Chapter 71MBSE Chapter 72MBSE Chapter 73MBSE Chapter 74MBSE Chapter 75MBSE Chapter 76MBSE Chapter 77MBSE Chapter 78MBSE Chapter 79MBSE Chapter 80MBSE Chapter 81MBSE Chapter 82MBSE Chapter 82MBSE Chapter 83MBSE Chapter 83MBSE Chapter 84MBSE Chapter 85MBSE Chapter 86MBSE Chapter 87MBSE Chapter 88MBSE Chapter 89MBSE Chapter 90MBSE Chapter 91MBSE Chapter 92MBSE Chapter 93MBSE Chapter 94MBSE Chapter 95MBSE Chapter 96MBSE Chapter 97MBSE Chapter 98MBSE Chapter 99MBSE Chapter 100MBSE Chapter 101MBSE Chapter 102MBSE Chapter 103MBSE Chapter 104MBSE Chapter 105MBSE Chapter 106MBSE Chapter 107MBSE Chapter 108MBSE Chapter 109MBSE Chapter 110MBSE Chapter 111MBSE Chapter 112MBSE Chapter 113MBSE Chapter 114MBSE Chapter 115MBSE Chapter 116MBSE Chapter 117MBSE Chapter 118MBSE Chapter 119MBSE Chapter 120MBSE Chapter 121MBSE Chapter 122MBSE Chapter 123MBSE Chapter 124MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble MageMBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and JinMBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden OracleMBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning GuestMBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the ScenesMBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New SwordsmanMBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training GroundsMBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy OpponentMBSE Chapter 133 - Joining CeremonyMBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's LetterMBSE Chapter 135 - Love is CrazyMBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of ChaosMBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale FirstMBSE Chapter 138 - I SwearMBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear AgainMBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding PeopleMBSE Chapter 141 - Love and WarMBSE Chapter 142 - Black SmokeMBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from GraceMBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden MagicMBSE Chapter 145 - AshesMBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a CurseMBSE Chapter 147 - Truth SerumMBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret DealMBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next MinisterMBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy LetterMBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave CaravanMBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal SlavesMBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig PartyMBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and NegotiationMBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through ChecksMBSE Chapter 156MBSE Chapter 157MBSE Chapter 158MBSE Chapter 159MBSE Chapter 160MBSE Chapter 161 - MotherMBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a WildflowerMBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the TruthMBSE Chapter 164 - Signal FlareMBSE Chapter 165 - XiaoshiMBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination AttemptMBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's SealMBSE Chapter 168 - That NightMBSE Chapter 169 - A MessMBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral ForcesMBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading SparkMBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the TwinsMBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious ChildMBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by BitMBSE Chapter 175 - VariableMBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing StoneMBSE Chapter 177 - The Black MoonMBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the MoonMBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, NowMBSE Chapter 180 - SurrenderMBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's EyesMBSE Chapter 182 - The Day EndsMBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency MeetingMBSE Chapter 184 - The Next EmperorMBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of RobersideMBSE Chapter 186MBSE Chapter 187MBSE Chapter 188MBSE Chapter 189MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council MeetingMBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental RightsMBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the TruthMBSE Chapter 193MBSE Chapter 194 - TrustMBSE Chapter 195 - Merry DailyMBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City GatesMBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the CommotionsMBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of BloodMBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me TooMBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor MageMBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of PositionMBSE Chapter 203 - D-7MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy DaysMBSE Chapter 205 - D-6MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial GuardMBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black ArmorMBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial BeginsMBSE Chapter 212 - The DefenseMBSE Chapter 213 - The VerdictMBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First PrinceMBSE Chapter 215 - In the GreenhouseMBSE Chapter 216 - I ObjectMBSE Chapter 217 - A New ProphecyMBSE Chapter 218 - D-4MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step BackMBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One MindMBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap ScriptMBSE Chapter 222 - PushMBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp ThudMBSE Chapter 224 - D-3MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of GodMBSE Chapter 226 - Little DevilMBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent ResponseMBSE Chapter 228 - D-2MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's WhispererMBSE Chapter 230 - D-1MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal BloodMBSE Chapter 233 - D-DayMBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the VoiceMBSE Chapter 235 - The LastMBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an HonorMBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving BehindMBSE Chapter 238 - Without IanMBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours AgoMBSE Chapter 240 - WhisperingMBSE Chapter 241 - Calling NamesMBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena DelegationMBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on BedMBSE Chapter 244 - This is the BloodwindMBSE Chapter 245 - Central NobilityMBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for RuswenaMBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's PleaMBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's RequestMBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backerMBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's SignaturesMBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the PalaceMBSE Chapter 252 - Mud PitMBSE Chapter 253 - RumorsMBSE Chapter 254 - PillarsMBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a TrapMBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families BeginMBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's BarielMBSE Chapter 258 - The VerdictMBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification StoneMBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment CeremonyMBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' FiguresMBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering TimothyMBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's ThoughtsMBSE Chapter 264 - A Side BranchMBSE Chapter 265 - EmancipationMBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret InspectionMBSE Chapter 267 - Secret EaterMBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to KnowMBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-beingMBSE Chapter 270 - Underground BrawlMBSE Chapter 271 - The Best BanquetMBSE Chapter 272 - The King's CircumstancesMBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian KnowsMBSE Chapter 274 - Selection ExamMBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's PurposeMBSE Chapter 277 - CriticismMBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own ReasonsMBSE Chapter 279 - A Different WorldMBSE Chapter 280 - Head-onMBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes ForthMBSE Chapter 282 - After VictoryMBSE Chapter 283 - The Award CeremonyMBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon RisesMBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade SecretsMBSE Chapter 286 - Damon RunkvisMBSE Chapter 287 - Forgotten PageMBSE Chapter 288 - The Guests are ComingMBSE Chapter 289 - Young Lion CubMBSE Chapter 290 - A Queen's ProvocationMBSE Chapter 291 - A Peculiar TasteMBSE Chapter 292 - Things to EndureMBSE Chapter 293 - A Private Talk with JeiruttMBSE Chapter 294 - The Carriages StopMBSE Chapter 295 - Pointy EarsMBSE Chapter 296 - And Then, This and That HappenedMBSE Chapter 297 - ExaminationMBSE Chapter 298 - The Fox PrinceMBSE Chapter 299 - The VariableMBSE Chapter 300 - Inner ThoughtsMBSE Chapter 301 - Time to Change the MeaningMBSE Chapter 302 - The Taste of MagicMBSE Chapter 303 - Banquet of KingsMBSE Chapter 304 - The Whereabouts of the JewelsMBSE Chapter 305 - According to PlanMBSE Chapter 306 - This is an OpportunityMBSE Chapter 307 - Noah Gets DrunkMBSE Chapter 308 - The Appointment CeremonyMBSE Chapter 309 - Don't Look DownMBSE Chapter 310 - Just Ten Steps Please🔒85MBSE Chapter 311 - There are No Eternal Secrets🔒85MBSE Chapter 312 - Who Knows?🔒85MBSE Chapter 313 - Three Passes🔒85MBSE Chapter 314 - A Bond Woven by Secrets🔒85MBSE Chapter 315 - The Dilemma🔒85MBSE Chapter 316 - Through Alenara🔒85MBSE Chapter 317 - I Want to Go🔒85MBSE Chapter 318 - A Small Engagement Ceremony🔒85MBSE Chapter 319 - The Child with a Mask🔒85MBSE Chapter 320 - Time to Return🔒85MBSE Chapter 321 - Break of Dawn🔒85MBSE Chapter 322 - Formation of the Investigation Team🔒85MBSE Chapter 323 - Harboring Thorns🔒85MBSE Chapter 324 - Before Crossing the Border🔒85MBSE Chapter 325 - Stop🔒85MBSE Chapter 326 - Before the Border🔒85MBSE Chapter 327 - Secret Contract🔒85MBSE Chapter 328 - Discovering Ian🔒85MBSE Chapter 329 - To Meet the King🔒85MBSE Chapter 330 - Entering Clifford🔒85MBSE Chapter 331 - Those Who Hold Idgal🔒85MBSE Chapter 332 - On the Brink of Explosion🔒85MBSE Chapter 333 - The Mages' Grand Council🔒85MBSE Chapter 334 - Magic Amplification Drug🔒85MBSE Chapter 335 - We're Going Too🔒85MBSE Chapter 336 - Those Mages in the Vineyard🔒85MBSE Chapter 337 - Laughter Gathered in One Place🔒85MBSE Chapter 338 - An Unexpected Target🔒85MBSE Chapter 339 - The Popularization of Idgal🔒85MBSE Chapter 340 - That Which Cannot be Seen🔒85MBSE Chapter 341 - Bargos's Desperate Move🔒85MBSE Chapter 342 - The Signal🔒85MBSE Chapter 343 - The Interrogation Continues🔒85MBSE Chapter 344 - The Palace's Small War🔒85MBSE Chapter 345 - The Midnight Assassin🔒85MBSE Chapter 346 - The First Operation