Chapter 213
Chapter 213
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 213
Chapter Title: Verdict
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Was it because Jin's voice rang out so unusually clear? A deep silence settled over the courtroom. It was so quiet that even someone coughing on the second floor stood out prominently.
Everyone in the hall looked at Jin. Among them was Marib's gaze, which was quite peculiar.
"L-Lord Ian."
Is this right? He'd cast his vote thinking Ian was okay with it, but no follow-up words came. Jin rolled his eyes toward Ian, but he was just smiling faintly.
"It's fine. You did well. Right now, we're the only ones who can step forward here."
Ian whispered very softly while exchanging glances with Marib. He had his chin raised, letting out a hollow chuckle in disbelief.
'The regime is changing hands. He needs to show the most proactive will in punishing the prince to gain an advantage in the next succession struggle. And above all, wasn't Jin under Dillaina's protection until just recently?'
Not only did the young prince lack any political vulnerabilities, but even if attacks were poured on Jin, it would be tantamount to targeting Dillaina. No one would dare touch him easily.
"I, Ian Hielo, the Magic Department Minister, also stand with His Highness Jin's intent."
It was a situation where he could defend and attack simultaneously. Ian smiled at Marib, signaling his support for Jin's will. Go ahead, if there's something to expose. It would rebound onto Dillaina, not Jin, allowing him to strike the opponent without lifting a finger.
'Besides, the Magic Department has also seen a recent regime change. If Wesley were still in office, it might be different.'
Anything connected to the Magic Department gave Ian plenty of escape routes. He was a new minister who hadn't been in position long. Any past misdeeds could be pinned on the now-deceased Wesley.
Marib seemed to see through Ian's scheme, wearing an endlessly incredulous smile.
"This is ridiculous."
Arsen was the same. Watching from the opposite side, he bit his lip and muttered. He'd only thought to step back from Marib's self-destruction, overlooking Jin's position.
"Arsen, what's wrong?"
"Never mind, Mother. Just stay put."
Exposing Jin's past would ultimately become Dillaina's weakness. Ian was provoking Marib to draw it out, which would benefit him. Moreover, he'd gain the political standing of having led the charge against the prince who incited rebellion.
And there was another problem. Namely, that Arsen couldn't respond or do anything about it.
"I am Quintana of the Administrative Branch. I also believe the punishment handed down to Prince Marib is appropriate."
With that.
Quintana, seated in the administrative section, spoke next. Ian deliberately scanned the room, eyeing those hesitating.
"Marib unintentionally laid out the board for us. Lord Romandro, remember well the order of those who speak from now on."
At Ian's whisper, Romandro quickly pulled out his notepad. Those who hesitated badly here had fundamental flaws in their character, didn't they? It would allow for reasonable suspicion.
If not, it meant they were die-hard Marib loyalists, naturally making them top priority for purging.
"...Jin."
Marib called to Jin with his arms crossed. It was an attitude unthinkable for a criminal on trial, but no one pointed it out. He was a prince—and one about to die.
Speak, brother.
Jin clenched his fists and retorted sharply, unable to guess what he might say. Would he drag in his mother for insult again? Or fabricate some forgotten childhood incident? But Marib said something unexpected.
"Your voice is quite good, isn't it?"
"Pardon?"
"It's like the first time I've properly heard it."
It seemed trivial, but Ian knew it was Marib's best effort. He hadn't nitpicked anything about Jin. He must have realized that any exposure would become an attack on Dillaina and Arsen, ultimately benefiting Jin.
"I agree too!"
"Ahem. I am Esbuster of the Foreign Affairs Department!"
"Wellinger Mabe. I agree."
"Weyburn will add his name as well."
Even though Quintana had taken the lead, with Marib staying silent, agreements burst forth like a dam breaking. Those who declared stood from their seats, placing hands on their chests and dedicating it to Bariel's honor.
With that.
The flow continued as naturally as a stream rising. Standing out individually would make one a target for Marib, but united, there was no issue. Now, those still seated would catch Ian and Dillaina's eyes instead. Backing off to spare Marib's embarrassment might lead to real trouble from the next power holders.
Bang! Bang bang!
Even the nobles on the second floor without authority rose, agreeing to Marib's execution. This was political support sent to either Jin or Arsen. Marib scanned those who had stood to kill him, his expression inscrutable.
"Marib Berosion, if you have any final defense, permission is granted."
Once the defense ended, the verdict's concluding incantation would be issued. This was his official last words, deliverable from beneath the gallows.
Marib's lips twitched, then he composed himself in resignation. Now, truly, there was nothing more he could do.
"I—"
Calmly, yet with a hint of injustice. Marib briefly furrowed his brow and muttered.
"I merely loved Bariel. That's why I had to become emperor. Because that was the right path for Bariel and for all of you. This day will remain an eternal stain on Bariel. Watch how your mistake alters the future."
"...I shall deliver the verdict."
With no further words, the judge raised his staff high. There was no need to count yeas and nays.
"First Prince Marib Berosion, I strip you of the imperial surname and sentence you to hanging, in the name of the great Bariel Empire."
Bong!
Clap clap clap!
"The Execution Division shall prepare the execution ceremony."
"The Execution Division shall prepare the execution ceremony!"
With the incantation, applause erupted from all. Everyone stood tall and dignified, celebrating Marib's death. Jin found the sight strangely eerie and looked up at Ian.
"Ian."
Beyond individual personalities, this was the habit of those in politics. Yesterday's enemy becomes today's ally, today's friend tomorrow's foe.
The strongest light always casts the darkest shadow. The palace was a place where one could claim another's death as gain.
Of course, Ian here was no different, but he wanted to tell him this one thing.
"...Your Highness, look. No matter how great Prince Marib was, when retainers pounce on a blunder, there's no counter. From now on, steel your mind and fight fiercely for everything. There are those who lunge at every breath and glance. Especially what Your Highness holds will shape Bariel's future."
To the victor goes glory, to the loser death. The path Jin had stepped onto to survive would be more arduous than imagined, and Ian knew it well.
"Yeah. I'll do that firmly."
Jin hardened his expression and watched Marib's retreating figure as he was escorted away, committing it to memory. He would never end up like that. When the scar crossed his face, the child had already died once.
"I won't die twice."
"......"
Ian patted the boy's shoulder at his quiet vow. Then Romandro approached, announcing the next schedule. With all nobles and officials gathered, the hanging would proceed immediately.
"It seems they'll execute in about an hour. Wouldn't it be best for His Highness Jin to head to the Magic Department? That might be safer."
"Ask His Highness Jin. By the way, what about the Administrative Branch?"
"They left the courtroom the moment the order dropped."
With Marib expelled from the imperial house, there was no official history to pass down for posterity. His biography would be downgraded to general records, and all his footprints as prince swiftly erased one by one.
"They'll be the busiest for the next few days."
"I know. That's why I've collected all the pre-approvals. And over there—Serro."
At Romandro's glance, Ian looked up to the second floor. A familiar young man removed his hat in greeting. It was the eldest son of House Serro, used to check House Haiman. Ian nodded back in acknowledgment.
"We'll meet at the Magic Department after the execution."
"Understood. As everyone moves, we should too. Your Highness Jin, will you join? It's fine if you don't watch."
"No. I'll go."
Jin said firmly. Seeing Arsen surrounded by ministers and smiling, he seemed sure to attend the execution. If so, Jin had no choice but to go too.
Matching his fame as the first mana-using imperial, ministers and nobles lingered around Arsen even after the trial ended, showering him with flattery.
Of course, people approached Jin as well.
"Your Highness."
"Quintana!"
"Have you been well?"
"Of course. You all are Esbuster, Wellinger, and Weyburn. We seem acquainted."
"Yes, Your Highness. When the rebellion broke out, we took refuge in the Magic Department. We brushed past you then. And at the Grand Council too. Your Highness, the courage you showed first earlier was truly remarkable."
Those who'd formed ties after several crises, led by Quintana. Their numbers had plummeted with rumors of Arsen being a mana user, but Jin thought it fine.
'Anyway, Ian doesn't trust Arsen's mana, and this way I can appreciate the value of those who remain.'
"To the execution?"
"Yes. Let's move."
"Shall we go? I have much to say. Lord Ian?"
Precisely, much to say to Ian, not Jin. At Quintana and her followers' question, Ian smiled and excused himself.
"Pardon me. I have wrapping up to do. Xiaoshi, escort His Highness Jin. I'll join shortly. Your Highness."
"Yes. Hurry and come."
Xiaoshi, who had hidden his presence like a shadow, appeared and stuck by Jin's side. It wasn't just any execution—it was an imperial prince's, the First Prince at that. Far from merely a noose around the neck, there were many things to attend to, especially dramatic effects only the Magic Department could produce.
Clop clop!
"Where's the Execution Division in charge? I told them to replace the rope, but it's still the same?"
"Mage, please call the Execution Division officer."
"Out of the way! Coming through!"
"Seats for the nobles. Space them further."
"What if blood or filth splashes? That'd be trouble."
"The Magic Department will handle that. Ah, Lord Ian!"
The execution site was the central first garden of the palace, an outdoor opera theater. Spectator seats were set, a podium for reading the verdict prepared, and the spot for the star, Marib, perfect.
Ian helped finalize the site, then entered the waiting room where Marib was held.
Creak.
He was bound and gagged. Suicide before the execution would tarnish the palace's honor, so it was standard. No need to consider the feelings of one no longer imperial.
"No issues. Keep guarding him well."
"Yes, understood."
It was just a check on the subject's condition. As Ian turned to leave, Marib groaned, grabbing at him.
"...Marib, your right to speak is over."
A viper's tongue. No reason to remove the gag.
"Mmph! Mmph!"
"I said it earlier, didn't I? This day will be an eternal stain on Bariel. Watch how your mistake changes the future."
Ian bent down to meet his eyes and smiled.
"You watch from the heavens. What this day means for Bariel. The first step back to its proper orbit, so sorry, but—"
"......"
Marib stopped resisting. He truly felt death approaching. Ian whispered quietly in his ear.
"There are too many who love Bariel as much as you do."