Chapter 160
Chapter 160
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 160
Chapter Title: The Beginning of the Clash
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In the dignified Grand Council chamber, Gail's presence stood out particularly, and not just because he was the star of the day. He exuded complete leisure, utterly unlike someone facing judgment. He had his hand brazenly on Melania's waist, dripping honey all over.
"Lady Melania Haiman. It's been a while."
"Oh, hello. Yes, it has. First time since the New Year's banquet, right? Father mentions you now and then when sorting his letters."
"But what brings you here today?"
"I came along because it's an important meeting for Your Highness Gail."
"Yes? Ah, aha! I see. Mm-hmm."
House Haiman. The great family that held Bariel's economy in its grip. Part of their prestige came from royal blood from another kingdom mixed in, but their status was incomparable to ordinary nobles. There was even a saying: "Between imperial blood and nobility, House Haiman."
"Prince Gail, the atmosphere in the council chamber is quite heavy, isn't it? I should have dressed more formally."
"No. It suits you perfectly. No need to worry."
"I'm glad to hear that."
While everyone else wore muted uniforms, Melania's dress captured the essence of spring. It was vibrant and sparkling, with every accessory impossible to ignore.
Ian saw through it as Gail's simple yet highly effective ploy. It ensured everyone entering the chamber noticed Melania.
'Gail has captured the daughter of House Haiman. In other words, House Haiman backs Gail.'
Not just any noble house, but Haiman. It explained why he'd been so reclusive lately. Everyone in the chamber was watching them.
Just then, Gail draped an arm over Melania's shoulder and glanced back. His eyes met Ian's exactly, and he grinned, gesturing toward her with his eyes. Then he mouthed something.
'How about it?'
Ian remained expressionless, merely dipping his head slightly without reacting. Gail shrugged and faced forward again.
"Prince Gail is really something."
"It wasn't long ago he was glued to Wesley."
"Reckless. Watch your tongue."
"...My apologies, Minister."
Ian silenced his subordinates, then waited for the meeting to begin. Soon, Marib and his followers entered, easily spotting Gail and Melania up front. Marib halted, letting out an incredulous laugh.
"...Gail. Good grief."
"Good morning, brother."
Gail detached from Melania and approached with a greeting. Instead of shaking hands, Marib turned his head slightly and muttered in a contemptuous tone.
"They say a dog's habits die hard, and you're still the same. Then again, like mother, like son."
He referenced Gail's birth mother, a lowly provincial noblewoman. A woman who had risen to the highest position attainable through beauty. Even the Emperor called for her in his sleep.
At Marib's blatant insult, Gail's jaw clenched tight.
Crunch.
Gail grabbed Marib's arm as he tried to pass, smiling brightly. His lips curved, but his gaze was ice-cold.
"Say that in front of Father."
"You tell him yourself. You'll be chased out of the palace soon enough. Might as well ease His Majesty's worries. 'Father, don't worry about me. I've got my leeching bloodline to take care of me.'"
Slap!
Marib brushed off his hand lightly and walked on. Amid the growing tension, Melania stood ramrod straight, watching Gail.
'If I die, Bariel falls? His Majesty and I die too? Ridiculous. Gail, today is your last day living under the imperial name.'
Marib glanced at Ian, checking if preparations were in order. Ian nodded, and soon the not-trial began with the Emperor's arrival.
"His Imperial Majesty the Emperor arrives!"
"All rise!"
Supported by Dillaina, the Emperor ascended the highest dais. His complexion was earthen every time Ian saw him, barely seeming able to move. Humans weaken before time, but with an invisible hand after his throat, it was inevitable.
"Begin."
"Magic Department Minister, Viscount Ian Hielo, step forward."
Thud thud thud!
As the Prime Minister's staff rang out powerfully, Ian advanced with the prepared vial cushioned.
"I am the newly appointed Magic Department Minister, Ian Hielo. By imperial order, all previous Truth Serums have been discarded, and this is the newly produced batch."
The clear, pristine liquid in the glass vial reflected the chamber's yellowish light. Nobles leaned forward with interest, peering down. If commercialized, it would surely permeate their daily lives—a major magical potion.
"Thanks to mass supplies of Luron Stones, research proceeded on multiple fronts. We've resolved several side effects, including the notorious vomiting of blood."
"Was the Luron supply arranged by Lord Ian Hielo?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Marib emphasized it deliberately. Bolstering Ian's authority while ensuring he'd bear full responsibility if issues arose.
The Prime Minister called Gail forward.
"Prince Gail. In His Majesty's name, I question you."
"I shall answer with utmost reverence and sincerity."
The Prime Minister adjusted his glasses and paused briefly.
"Prince Gail, you were cursed by former Magic Department Minister Wesley. Correct?"
"Correct."
"Thus, starting with Your Highness's death, a shadow of death will fall over countless Bariel subjects, leading to Bariel's decline and fall. Is that curse also correct?"
"Yes."
Gail raised his hand in oath. His believers sighed in sorrow, while opponents scoffed anew.
"Finally, the death curse also applies to First Prince Marib and His Majesty the Emperor. Is that fact as well?"
Everyone swallowed hard. Marib crossed his arms with a scornful expression; the Emperor's wrinkled face was hard to read. Dillaina gripped the Emperor's hand, closing her eyes briefly.
"It is fact."
Boom!
"Prince Gail, you go this far."
"Ahh. A curse of ruin on Bariel—!"
"Silence!"
"Silence!"
Someone's indignant shout rippled out. The commotion spread uncontrollably, and the Prime Minister banged his staff repeatedly. Despite calls for quiet, the unrest lingered—until Gail raised the Truth Serum.
Swish.
"What's with all the noise? It's no different from before, is it? We're here to face the truth, so look closely."
"......"
He took a sip of the Truth Serum, then demonstratively lifted his head. His throat bobbed with his breath, confirming the potion sliding down his esophagus. Gail wiped his mouth and nodded to the Prime Minister.
"...Prince Gail. Here today, did you lie in answering my questions?"
As Gail smiled faintly, Marib shot to his feet unwittingly. But words couldn't outpace the response.
"All truths."
Thud thud! Thud!
"Prince Gail spoke no lies!"
"From now on, His Highness's safety is Bariel's safety. We must protect him strictly. Harm to His Highness shall be treason!"
"Impossible!"
"Prince Marib! What is the meaning of—"
Marib's followers swarmed him in panic. Amid the shouting from all sides, Marib stared blankly at Gail. He slowly rose and removed his glasses.
"Gail."
...That curse is real? Impossible.
As Marib approached Gail with murderous intent, his followers excitedly followed. But the dignified Prime Minister's warning halted them.
"Disrupters of the chamber's decorum will be ejected without warning and charged with blasphemy."
Marib faced Gail. After glaring long, he turned to Ian. His fury seeped through gritted teeth.
"Ian, I heard the Truth Serum is flawless."
"Yes. It is."
"Then why—!"
"Brother."
Gail calmly intercepted. His level tone somehow carried amusement.
"If it's not the truth you wanted, it doesn't vanish. Or do you wish to turn lies into truth?"
Veins bulged at Marib's temple. Ian approached, whispering to urge restraint.
"His Majesty watches. Calm yourself and show restraint. And I stake my life: the potion is fine."
Marib glanced at the dais. The Emperor slowly shifted his eyes, overlooking his sons' clash. Without looking away, Marib muttered.
"...Is that so? Then we verify. You there!"
Regaining composure, Marib turned with a smile. But the instinctively felt threat made his followers hesitate.
"Anyone, come drink the potion."
"...Pardon? Your Highness, what do you mean?"
"I said anyone, come forward."
Those who once fawned eagerly now froze awkwardly. Drink Truth Serum here?
"...Your Highness."
"Lord Kailot? Won't you step up? Or Norerven? You? Ah, right. Beckman! You drink it."
The named ones paled, lips dry. With the Emperor and palace watching, opposing factions ready to pounce—even a saint would balk.
"Your Highness. I'll drink and prove it."
"No. Exclude anyone tied to the Magic Department."
"You distrust me."
Ian furrowed his brow as if hurt. Acting gave him chills down his spine. He'd felt it since the border: he had no talent or constitution for it. Excited Marib seemed not to notice much.
He stood breathing heavily, words caught.
'...Damn.'
Ian was Magic Department Minister and useful in many ways. Too valuable to lose to excitement. Marib realized his mistake instantly.
"Or brother, you drink."
Gail slowly spun the vial. The half-full liquid sloshed.
"If you trust no one, best you do it yourself, no?"
He smirked, as if hoping Marib would.
"I have questions for you too. Does Father know you're unwell lately? Any useful merchant groups abroad? Things like that."
Marib's eyes widened at his words.
"Well? Will you drink? How can you force subordinates to do what you won't? Looks bad."
"Gail......"
Their whispers were so quiet only Ian heard. Unable to bear the awkward silence, the Emperor intervened.
"Marib. Enough."
"...Your Majesty."
At the Emperor's command, Marib's expression twisted spectacularly—opposite Gail's smugness.
"...May we continue the report then?"
"Ian Hielo Minister. Report what?"
Clink.
Ian took the Truth Serum from Marib's hand and placed it on the table. Marib eyed him oddly. Having empowered one side, fairness demanded the other too, right?
"Forbidden Magic curses. However powerful the spell, a curse is a curse. Every problem has a solution, so curses have countermeasures too."