Margrave’s Bastard Son was The Emperor

Chapter 49

To First Prince Mariv, Your Highness,

I am Count Dergha Bratz, and I must be concise in my communication. Sir Molrin from the administrative office, dispatched from the capital to assess the heirs qualifications, once informed me of Second Prince Gales plans. He extended an offer for me to join a coalition between the Second Prince and the nobility. Out of my unwavering loyalty to the Imperial Palace and my recognition of the implications this would have on you, First Prince Mariv, I declined.

Subsequently, I faced grave threats. Upon my return to the Imperial Palace, Sir Molrin and his associates wrongly accused me of tax evasion. The downfall of the Bratz lineage would likely result in Sir Molrin and his group, who are familiar with Bratz, assuming power in our domain.

This situation would undoubtedly disadvantage Your Highness. I beseech you to show compassion to the Bratz lineage, who have tirelessly defended our borders against barbarians for generations.

Warm regards.

Mariv slowly put down the letter after reading it and fumbled with his spectacles on the table.

This was unexpected content. His aide was also watching the outside with an unusual expression. The Imperial Palace was such a place where even a small breath was noisy.

Aide, read this.

The aides face grew heavy as he read the letter handed to him.

What do you think is true, and what do you think is false?

Its difficult to discern his words intentions, theyre mixed in too well.

First, lets go through it one by one. Its certain that Gale is maintaining a friendly relationship with the local nobles. Although its not mentioned, they seem to have a gathering of their own.

The central and local governments are mutually restraining relationships.

As the 1st Crown Prince and heir to the throne, Mariv naturally wanted to suppress the nobles, while Gale, having been pushed out of succession, was more free to associate with them.

But I cant believe that Count Bratz refused for my sake. We dont have a special relationship.

I agree. From the Counts position, it would be natural to welcome Gales proposal. But in the end, it appears he refused.

Then, we must see that theres a reason to distance himself from Gale. Accusations of tax evasion have been brought forward, and an investigation team has been dispatched. It must be because of that issue.

As they quietly organized the situation, they insightfully pieced together the inner workings of Bratzs remote territory, based on limited information and a letter.

Then, its right to reject his claim of innocence, and its also correct that Molrin will oversee the aftermath if the Bratz family falls. Whos the investigation team leader?

The aide hesitated at Marivs question, as there were hundreds of names mentioned daily in the palace. How could he remember them all? But soon he recalled and responded.

A person named Erica.

Relationship?

None as far as I know. There was a cousin of Molrin who was accused of illegal land development, and Erica testified not guilty. Ill check on this.

Thats fine. Its not important.

It also lends credibility to the idea that Gale is plotting a rebellion.

Molrin is on Gales side.

Mariv playfully shrugged at the aides words, as if he could not be entirely sure. But it was better to act in advance when things were ambiguous.

In the Imperial Palace, where one small mistake could lead to downfall.

Tell them I will attend the ministers conference tomorrow, no, this morning.

Mariv instructed softly, wearing his glasses. It was a state meeting where the ministers gathered in the morning to discuss and vote on issues. Since Mariv usually received reports with the Emperor in the afternoon, he rarely attended.

Theyll be surprised if they hear about it in the morning.

Yes, Your Highness.

And since youre back, take care of some work.

I came prepared.

Thank you.

The aide, who had come to work in the middle of the night, smiled faintly and bowed. Mariv put Derghas letter in the drawer carefully and then instructed.

Bring all the recent data related to Bratz territory, especially focusing on the reports submitted by Molrin.

Yes, Your Highness. Please wait a moment.

Creak.

The door closed slowly. Mariv returned to his documents, but he couldnt help but be bothered by Derghas letter in the drawer.

Gale You shouldnt be doing anything foolish.

And when the sun rose, in the Imperial Palace conference room.

One by one, the heads of each department gathered, finding their seats. And unlike usual, they discovered a new seat had been prepared.

Who is coming today?

The 1st Crown Prince, Mariv, will be attending.

Mariv, His Highness?

Didnt you hear the news?

No! Why wasnt I informed?

A servant was sent this morning.

The Cabinet General Assembly was held every morning. It was a place where Mariv could attend, but since it was an occasion for the ministers to coordinate opinions before submitting matters to the Emperor, it was undoubtedly an awkward situation.

Does anyone know whats going on?

I dont know. I havent heard anything either.

Even those closely related to Mariv shook their heads in confusion. Let alone those who had turned to Gales side, they felt blocked up from the early morning breeze. They thought about contacting Gale right away, but there wasnt much time left until the meeting.

Its driving me crazy. I already feel suffocated.

Me too. What on earth is todays agenda that hes coming in person? Well see him again in the afternoon anyway.

Come to think of it, we see him twice a day now.

I had a bad dream

His Highness Crown Prince Mariv is here.

At the servants words, the chattering ministers sprang to their feet and bowed. Mariv also bowed his head and entered the conference room.

Im glad to see your faces this morning.

Your Highness, what brings you

What indeed? Hahaha.

His sudden behavior itself was evidence of ulterior motives. He neither spoke indirectly nor showed his real intentions. The chairperson struck the gavel to signal the beginning of the meeting.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Ahem. Lets begin the meeting.

Yes. First of all, from me.

Though it was a hot summer morning, everyone felt like they were walking on thin ice. Ministers from a few unrelated departments hastily took turns speaking. Everyone occasionally glanced at Mariv, but he merely smiled.

Then, during the meetings climax:

Oh, by the way. Last night, a message arrived from Bratz. Its from Commander Erica.

At the Minister of Justices words, Mariv looked up.

Dergha found evidence to prove the tax evasion charges, and some of the mansions property has been confiscated. However, there was resistance from the Count.

Resistance?

It seems there was a battle between the investigation team and central support troops with Derghas mercenaries and local citizens. Now they have won and imprisoned Dergha, and they are in the process of recovery. However, they are still pursuing the Counts direct family, his wife, and son.

Resistance with soldiers on top of tax evasion! A beheading execution would be appropriate.

Well present the matter to the Emperor.

As the secretaries frantically wrote down the ministers words, Marivs voice made them stop abruptly.

Hold.

Yes, Your Highness. Please speak.

Does the execution target include the Count, his wife, and one son? Is there not a second son named Ian?

That one was deemed ineligible due to the report on the driven situation. Besides, he has already crossed the national border by forming a friendly relationship with the Cheonrye tribe.

Of course, if we follow the letter of the law, demoting him to slavery might be appropriate, but Ive heard the second son was the one who issued the fake documents. Shouldnt it be taken into regular consideration?

Is there any mention of the second son in the commanders report?

Ah. There was.

Show me the report.

Mariv was handed documents sorted out by the Minister of Justices assistant at his words. As Mariv quickly skimmed through, the Minister added,

According to the national law, only those who are qualified to be executed will be executed. For this case, the slave penalty is appropriate.

Minister, I trust you too. Its not that I dont believe you, I just wanted to confirm.

If Molrin and the younger son conspired against Dergha, could it be that the younger son also aligned himself with Gale? What implications would this have on ties with the Cheonrye tribe? It would be a complex predicament if the barbarian tribes rallied behind Gales banner

Mariv tapped on the table and remained silent.

The ministers naturally kept their mouths shut, their eyes darting around. After some time, Marivs mouth opened.

What shall we do with the management of Bratzs territory if we execute him? Since tax evasion has been revealed, the amount of tax coming from Bratz will increase.

How about sending someone from the Imperial Palace? The remote regions are already highly autonomous, and if absorbed by neighboring territories, their power will grow too much.

Thats right. The Imperial Palace must manage it. Then we can collect more taxes. We can also demand the taxes that havent been collected so far.

But considering the situation, the accumulated taxes should be paid when a new lord is established, setting a period for it then

Didnt the administrations backlog of administrators take charge of Bratz? It would be good for the Minister to consult with that person and select a suitable one.

Opinions flowed like running water. What stopped them was Marivs expression.

Im a little worried.

What are Your Highness worried about?

The report shows the battle seems to have been quite fierce. Moreover, even the territorial people joined later. Apart from Derghas guilt, the central army has devastated the home ground, and how will the territorial people react if the next lord is from that side?

Do we need to consider the farmers reactions?

Its not a matter of reaction, but a problem directly related to production. Especially since Bratz borders the great desert. Everyone here must be aware of the characteristics of Bratzs territory.

It was a bit tricky. Barren and vast, touching the desert, but also full of steep mountains towards the direction of the Empire.

And the Cheonrye tribe. They have been dealing with Bratz. Is there anyone here who can speak Cheonrye?

Apparently, the barbarians speak the common language well.

Then the initiative goes to them.

It seemed like the opinion would be concluded with Lets establish a new lord, but digging into it revealed more complexity.

So, what would be the solution?

Then, a melodious voice rang out. It was the Minister of Magic, Wesleigh, who had been sitting in a corner. A woman rumored to be the hidden lover of the 2nd Prince Gale, and the only woman here who could meet Marivs eyes.

At this, Mariv smiled faintly.

Lets postpone the appointment of the lord.