Chapter 240
Chapter 240
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 240
Chapter Title: Whispering
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The Prime Minister paused for a moment, seal in hand.
When was it? It hadn't been that long ago.
Before the New Year's banquet, it had been routine for officials from each department to gather every morning to discuss agendas, then present them to His Majesty in the afternoon.
But at some point, Grand Councils for major issues had started being called at all hours. Ah, right after Marib and Gail's rebellion?
Either way, both princes were already dead, and things had come to this. A Grand Council without a scribe! This carried huge implications for Bariel.
"I will inform you in advance. The Grand Council beginning now will have no scribe, meaning we intend for it not to be known to posterity. Leave no trace of any words spoken here today, and the moment you leave, carve out the memory."
The Magic Department would assist in making that possible.
The mages were searching for suitable ways to seal secrets. Silence Spells or potions, and if those weren't enough, even magic amplifiers. Ian's approval would be needed either way, though.
Thwack! Thud thud!
The Prime Minister slammed the seal down roughly to commence the meeting. At the same instant, the doors sealed shut tight. With not just officials but nobles present too, the air felt stuffier than usual.
"It would have been best for Lord Ian to be here, but considering his condition, we understand his absence. Instead, refer to the reports previously distributed."
It referred to that day when neither Haiman's nor Arsen's factions had attended. Specifically, the meeting where they failed to get council approval on accepting the indictment.
The reports detailed the curse and oracle originating from the Carbo Temple, the [Legend of Roberside], testimonies from Jin and Avidel, and more.
Rustle.
The sound of pages turning echoed nicely here and there. Jin did the same. Reading each line felt like objectively retracing traces of his dead brothers.
"Of course, these were mere suspicions at the time. But everyone knows they were true. The Carbo Temple deserves fitting punishment. Is there a relevant law? Judiciary?"
"Oracles hold no legal force, so there are no precedents or cases. Moreover, since it was the monster's scheme, it's seen as lacking intent, making it hard to charge them with imperial insult or other crimes."
"What if we leave it to the temple to handle internally? They must have their own independent regulations."
Speakers went around one by one, stopping at Jin. After all, he was the oracle's greatest victim. His opinion naturally carried the most weight.
"…I agree it should be left to the temple. Avidel mishandled the oracle, but once he knew its truth, he didn't turn away and helped Ian. He's already shown willingness to make amends."
Ten years of agony had been painful, but he couldn't lose the future over what was already lost.
Leave emotions as emotions.
Don't let them influence decisions.
Jin spoke thus, recalling Ian's teachings.
"And I heard her wail. It was so heartfelt that even the gods would pity and console her. She was already lost in a swamp of torment, not knowing what to do—further punishment would be excessive."
"If Your Highness Jin says so……."
"Understood. We'll inform the Carbo Temple accordingly."
Thud thud!
The Prime Minister swiftly concluded the vote. Time was short. With the palace sealed, they had to wrap things up before harsh rumors spread outside. He adjusted his glasses and uttered 'that' name.
"Next is regarding Prince Gail. Arsen's records only span ten years, so while difficult, they can be excised."
Moreover, Arsen had been a mere child taking prince lessons, pushed aside by Marib and Gail. He had no imperial duties or public activities on record, so erasing them wasn't entirely impossible.
But Gail?
"Gail's records, however, are vast. Since we can't deny his existence, it might be best to rewrite only his death."
"Agreed. With the trial pending, his princely status remains, and adding is easier than erasing."
No one knew Arsen had a sword plunged into his heart—not even Jin. The god and Ian, who witnessed his end, remained silent.
"But he's already tied to treason, isn't he? Make it a rebellion raised and then suppressed. It sets an example for posterity and flows naturally."
"Agreed."
"What about the mages who died on site?"
"Hmm……."
Deaths or injuries to outsiders, like rare visiting nobles, weren't big issues. But mages were imperial talent, empire assets. Those whose names graced history couldn't have their deaths glossed over.
"Record them as deaths during the rebellion."
"Sounds fitting."
"There were many casualties then—slip them in among them."
As officials traded words to weave gaps in history, Jin subtly raised his hand to cut them off.
"Unlike my brother Gail, the mages bore no crimes. They fought the monster to protect Bariel and fell doing so. Honoring them is only right."
"Ah, well. That's a fair point."
One official smacked his lips awkwardly in response. No matter that he was a prince, wasn't he just a ten-year-old boy? He'd barely started attending meetings properly.
"When Lord Ian rises, it might be best to coordinate the Magic Department's full opinion then. It's not urgent."
Everyone smiled awkwardly and fell silent. Linking the Magic Department's sacrifices to the rebellion had been meant to check them in the long term.
Now everyone knew their feats, so handing them real power was fine, but in time it'd fade, and posterity would judge them only by records.
Tying the Magic Department to the rebellion would give some future imperial checker—someone on the palace side—useful leverage. One way or another.
"Your Highness."
A voice laced with amusement called Jin. Duke Haiman. He smirked with just the corner of his mouth, his intent plain.
'Look at this young, foolish prince. Ripe for devouring.'
"…Speak."
"Grouping the mages' deaths with the rebellion aids Your Highness. Why oppose it? May I ask the reason?"
It was prodding him to admit he had no reason—that his thinking was shortsighted. Nobles whispered behind fans. Who knew what faces hid there.
Instead of answering, Jin slowly scanned the room, soon grasping the hidden intent. They'd survived thanks to Ian, yet now sought to exploit his absence to the fullest. Impressive gall.
Was it because no scribe meant the meeting would vanish upon ending? No one here to face Ian's backlash directly, so they felt free?
"You just gave the reason. They're heroes who died fighting the monster—let's respect them as much as possible."
As the prince's silence dragged, Quintana stepped in to smooth things. But Haiman kept grinning at Jin. Clear disdain, pressure.
"They're already dead. Deaths unrecorded in history—seemed unnecessary to strain for praise."
"…Lord Haiman."
"Yes, Your Highness."
Jin called Haiman brightly. So clear and resonant it rang cleanly. Chin up, the light made his blue eyes sparkle brighter.
"If those who die for the empire meet miserable ends, who would step up in crisis? Don't insult the sacrificed. They did it for the greater good, and we owe them gratitude. Respecting their honor—that's the least the living can do."
Especially nobles saying that? When empire faced peril—like wartime—the first drafted and sacrificed were nobles. How dare they?
"Anyone who'd just watch the empire's crisis? Well, they wouldn't grasp the spirits of the sacrificed. Hm. If others have views, share freely. I'm still immature—this was just my humble opinion."
Add more, and you'd be the one 'just watching the empire's crisis,' right? Jin smiled innocently, and Quintana and the Prime Minister exchanged surprised glances. Youth and inexperience were Jin's absolute weaknesses. But rather than hide them clumsily, he flaunted them as weapons.
'Lord Ian taught him well. The resolve is different, but he's taken on his momentum firmly.'
Now all eyes turned to Haiman. He bit his inner cheek in exasperation but soon composed himself and continued.
"…No. I only raised it out of concern for Your Highness. Don't misunderstand."
"Misunderstand? Nonsense. Isn't that what meetings are? To find the best, we need alternatives too. That's how we know the best is best."
Implying Haiman's words were utterly useless. Quintana nearly gasped. How amusing? He was seething with venom.
And rightly so—the opponent wasn't just any noble, but Haiman. Core of the faction that checked Arsen, essence of nobles opposing Marib and Gail's rebellion.
"But Duke Haiman."
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Are you alright?"
The sudden question made Haiman falter. But Jin feigned innocence and inquired after his well-being.
"You interacted most with Arsen—who was a monster except for his mother."
It pointed out his ties to the monster-bound. Most attendees had turned to Arsen trusting his mana, so they tensed, lips pursed.
"Yes. I was unknowingly brainwashed, nearly committing a grave sin. But mages and priests reconfirmed—no issues now."
"Is that so? Brainwashed?"
A lie that'd unravel once Ian woke and time passed, yet he said it coolly. Jin just nodded repeatedly, pretending deep thought.
"But, Your Highness……."
As Haiman opened his mouth, the Prime Minister's subordinate entered and urgently whispered something. The Prime Minister's brow furrowed instantly as he eyed Haiman.
What was it? As Jin wondered aloud, the Prime Minister slammed the seal.
Thwack! Thud!
"My apologies. We'll take an hour's recess."
Leaving flustered nobles behind, the Prime Minister whispered to Jin. With Marib, Gail, even the Emperor absent, he was the only royal left in the palace.
"Your Highness. An official envoy from Ruswena has arrived. I'll meet them first—stay put for now."
Ruswena! Why now? Jin kept his face neutral, glancing at Haiman. He too urgently discussed with other nobles. But they wouldn't know yet.
As the Prime Minister left, Haiman casually asked after him.
"Your Highness. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
"Seems the imperial blessing's grace. Fortunate. But a truly absurd rumor circulates—could you confirm if true?"
"Which?"
"They say before dying, the monster claimed Lord Ian is imperial blood. Is it?"
Quintana, rising to light a cigarette, turned in disbelief. What nonsense? Far beyond common sense. Haiman's gone too far, she tsked involuntarily.
"Duke. Shocking words. Even without a scribe, this is the palace. Before His Highness, what—"
"Even the holy High Priest fell helplessly. Ian unscathed is suspicious—I'm just asking. Why so sensitive?"
As Quintana gripped her pipe to retort, Jin blocked her with a hand. The boy kept smiling.
"Duke. Ian's the Magic Department Minister. His mana strength is exceptional—monster tricks naturally fail him, right?"
Then he slowly approached the duke. Recess time, everyone seemingly busy, but subtly watching the two.
"And even if not, the monster might've targeted everyone but Ian to sow chaos."
"Right. Possible."
"Ian being imperial blood? Hahaha. You seem more hung up on the monster's words than the man who saved the palace twice. Perhaps your brainwashing lingers? Visit the Magic Department for further checks."
To the approaching boy, Haiman bent slightly to meet his eyes. Ian being imperial was mere tool to stir waves. The essence: shake Ian and Jin's bond. He whispered very softly, devilish tickle.
"I'm just worried for Your Highness. The monster said Ian hides his true intentions."
"So—"
"So test it once."
The Magic Department annex construction Ian pushed despite external opposition after becoming minister. Seemed pointless, yet he stubbornly refused to drop it.
"That annex project fits. Just expanding Magic Department power—if Your Highness opposes, wonder how Ian reacts."