Chapter 259

1Those reveling in the victory of the trial shared their joy with loud laughter. Having overcome a major hurdle, they approached Ian and Jin to offer congratulations and establish familiarity.

With the cheers of the crowd added, it was a festival scene beyond compare. Except for the seven families facing their demise, and a few others.

“Your Highness Jin. Today’s testimony was truly impressive. As expected of your brilliance, I’ve never been so moved. I look forward to working with you in the future.”

“I suppose the next time we meet, you’ll be the heir to the Empire.”

“Has the date for the appointment ceremony been set? By chance, do you know of the silk our family imports? Though it pales in comparison to Your Highness’s radiance, the harmony of gold and red threads is quite remarkable. If it pleases you, our family would like to offer Your Highness’s ceremonial robes for the appointment.”

“You’re getting ahead of everyone else, aren’t you? Haha! Your Highness, our specialty is wine. Since it’s a grand imperial celebration, we’ll have wine flowing through the streets.”

“Thank you. I still can’t drink, but those who enjoy it will be satisfied.”

Centered around a single child, the central nobles formed a tight circle. They were engaged in subtle jostling to get closer or avoid being pushed out. If Ian hadn’t been standing firmly beside him, even the faint semblance of order would have disappeared.

“Lord Ian.”

At that moment, a mage barely squeezed through the crowd to call him. There were matters to report, including the upcoming execution schedule. The nobles glanced around and subtly stepped back.

“We will escort the prisoners to Central Square, the execution site. Will Your Highness Jin be accompanying us?”

“His Highness…”

At Ian’s murmur, Jin shook his head. Wasn’t the imperial palace already at capacity with the crowds swarming like clouds? If he were to join, it would increase the burden on the guards and mobilized personnel. Confusion would be unavoidable when mixed with the crowds.

Another reason was that while he might have watched Mariv’s end as she was his sister, there was no need to do so for the final moments of the seven families.

“Only Lord Ian should go.”

“Yes, Your Highness. A wise decision. I shall do so.”

Twenty-one corpses would be swinging from high places in Central Square. What good would it do to endure the trouble of going to see such an unpleasant sight? Jin had never left the imperial palace before. He didn’t want to use his first outing to watch someone’s death.

“I’ll go alone. Prepare.”

“Yes, and Lord Ian. About Captain Akorella…”

“Akorella?”

At the mage’s words, Ian looked towards Akorella’s seat.

An empty chair. From when she arrived by carriage until just before the trial began, she had looked quite unwell. She had disappeared amidst the commotion.

“She left during the recess and still hasn’t returned.”

“…I’ll look for her. You focus on preparing for the escort and execution.”

“Yes. Understood.”

“Your Highness, it’s time for you to return.”

“Yes. Alright. Lords, it was a pleasure meeting you all. Until next time.”

As Ian and Jin wrapped up, the nobles simultaneously placed their hands on their chests. Soon, the crowd parted like the sea, and Jin left the courtroom, preciously holding the yellow flower.

“I’ll see you this evening.”

“I leave the rest to you.”

“Of course. Xiaoshi, take good care of His Highness.”

“Yes, Master.”

Ian personally opened the carriage door for Jin and watched until he left the main building, surrounded by soldiers as escorts.

The crowds slowly followed, calling out to Jin. The carriage window opened slightly. Fingertips wiggled, trying to come out, then retreated. Likely stopped by Xiaoshi.

“Ian, clean this up too.”

“Yes, Sir Romandro.”

Ziiing. Ziing.

Ian took off his gloves, savoring the relief of having overcome a great obstacle. Then, emitting a very faint magical energy, he sensed Akorella’s presence. Her aura was felt not too far away.

Tak tak tak.

He passed through the corridor, continuing deeper inside. As the commotion faded, Akorella’s magical energy felt stronger.

Just as he was about to turn a corner, he discovered bloodstains on the wall. They were stretched out long, with the end sharply cut off. It was a trace of someone collapsing weakly and grasping the wall.

“…Akorella?”

“Ah, shit…”

Akorella was crumpled at the end of the corridor. There were even drops of blood scattered on the floor. As Ian approached in surprise, she weakly tried to stop him.

“Don’t come closer.”

“Akorella. What happened? First, let me give you some magic. As a temporary measure…”

Akorella turned her head with her forehead pressed to the floor. Her upper clothes were completely soaked in blood, as if she had been coughing up blood severely. As Ian hesitated in shock, Akorella chuckled.

“Ah, Lord Ian. I think I’m fucked.”

“Akorella.”

“It seems a bit too severe to just be a side effect of the magic amplification potion. I, right now, keep…”

Akorella stared blankly into space and then flinched. As if her consciousness had faded and then returned.

“…I keep losing my memories.”

Losing memories? How could the side effects of a magic amplification potion cause such symptoms? Ian first helped Akorella up, then poured as much magical energy as he could into her.

Ziiing! Ziing!

The wave was so explosive that the mages cleaning up the courtroom in the building all flinched simultaneously. It certainly seemed to be the Minister’s magic, but why so suddenly?

“What was that just now?”

“Where is the Minister?”

“He went to look for Captain Akorella.”

The mages put down their magical tools with puzzled faces. Something must have happened. They all rushed out the door at once, following Ian’s traces.

Tak tak tak!

Tat!

“Lord Ian!”

“Captain Akorella!”

“I can feel Lord Ian’s magic over there!”

“Lord Iaaaan! Huh? Blood?”

“Whose is it? Is it the Minister’s?”

“It looks like Captain Akorella’s!”

“Aaaaah! Captain Akorella, what’s wrong? Why are you like this?”

Her colleagues were shocked to see Akorella sprawled out. Although her magic might have been lacking compared to other captains, wasn’t she stronger than anyone as a person?

She had been fine after inhaling all sorts of chemical fumes in the basement, unscathed from explosions, and would just cackle even after shaking beakers for three days and nights. Yet now she was in such a state.

“Ugh. I’m one step away from kicking the bucket.”

“Get on my back, Captain. Pull yourself together.”

“Prepare a carriage! A carriage!”

“Control the people and clear the way! Hurry!”

The subordinates from the Ministry of Magic, especially from Akorella’s Magic Stone Management Division, panicked and supported her.

“Hey. Are you crazy?”

“Huh?”

Tat!

But Akorella lightly brushed off their hands. Her subordinates asked back, puzzled by her inexplicable action, and Ian put his hand to his forehead. He had understood Akorella’s intention.

“There are people gathered outside, and it would look great if a Ministry of Magic captain is carried out while spewing blood, right? Do you know what day it is? Want to light a candle, you little shits? Do you know what kind of rumors will spread with so many eyes watching? Fuck.”

“Are, are you crazy? What are you saying?”

“Wait, I said. I’ll go out when there are fewer people.”

“Captain!”

The mages turned to Ian. As if asking him to stop her. But Akorella’s argument had a point. It was an occasion to show the Empire’s citizens that the imperial palace was safe, but there a mage would be carried out while coughing up blood.

Ian gestured for everyone to step back.

“…Only Romandro and Hale will stay.”

“Lord Ian! This isn’t right!”

“That’s right. How did Akorella end up like this!”

“I won’t say it twice. Only those two stay, everyone else return to your positions.”

At the Minister’s firm order, the mages bit their lips and stepped back. Then hesitantly, with steps that could hardly leave, they turned back, leaving her behind.

Ian rubbed his forehead and nodded to Hale.

“Hale, carry Akorella on your back.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“There’s a secret underground passage from this main building to the back of the small garden. Turn right in the corridor and go to the second room, remove the still life painting. Sir Romandro, please have a carriage waiting in the small garden. It’s in the bushes diagonally left below, with your back to the fountain. There should be fewer people in the small garden than here, so we’ll put her in the carriage there and send her to the Ministry of Magic.”

A secret underground passage in the main building?

How does Ian know about that?

Isn’t that something only the imperial family knows? Perhaps His Highness Jin told him?

Hale and Romandro were puzzled, but their thoughts scattered at Akorella’s coughing up blood. While Hale carried Akorella on his back, Romandro ran outside to prepare the carriage.

“…I’ll finish up the schedule and return.”

“Yes. I’ll see you soon.”

“Oh my, Lord Ian. Bye-bye!”

“Akorella. Don’t lose consciousness.”

Tak tak tak!

The quickly disappearing figure of Hale. Ian briefly looked down at the blood on his hands. But soon he put on the gloves he had tucked in his chest, hiding it.

As he came out, turning the corridor, the mages greeted him with worried looks.

“…L-Lord Ian.”

“Hale took Akorella out, so don’t worry. We have our own tasks to do. Haven’t we come a long way? We can’t turn back when our destination is in sight.”

Knowing this, Akorella had also looked at the outside situation before herself.

The mages breathed sighs of relief at Ian’s message. It was truly fortunate. Perhaps she had used some concealment magic? However it was done, it was truly a relief that Akorella could leave without delay.

Ian patted his uniform sleeves and asked.

“The preparations.”

“Huh? Ah, yes, yes. No problems.”

“…We’re heading to Central Square.”

“Yes. Understood!”

Tak tak tak!

The mages took the lead in escorting Ian. As they came out of the main building, the citizens waiting for the mages cheered.

“It’s the mages! The mages!”

“Oh my, I’m seeing them for the first time! Mr. Magician!”

“Is that Ian Hielo, the Minister, in the middle?”

“My, he’s really young. Even younger than I thought.”

Tat!

“Wooooah!”

“They flew! They flew into the sky!”

Those walking at the very front leapt into the air in an instant. The heads of the numerous crowd tilted up to the sky, following them. Ian mounted a horse and slowly pulled the reins, following the path guidance coming down from the air.

Neigh!

“Make way!”

“Clear the path! The execution will begin in Central Square! Everyone leave the palace and return!”

“Slowly, in single file!”

The prisoner transport carriages, which had been waiting for the mages to join, slowly moved. A full twenty-one people. The procession stretched out long, creating quite a spectacle. Ian drew a beam of light next to it with magic, making the prisoner transport visible even from afar.

They moved at almost walking speed. At this rate, it would take a full hour to reach the city gates.

Clatter clatter.

Ian noticed the carriage curtain being slightly pulled back. It was Hayman. His hands were tied, and a soldier sat between him and his wife, but his eyes were as calm as if he were going on an outing.

“Close the curtain. If people know you’re there, stones will fly.”

“Hahaha. Stones, you say.”

“…You think it’s a joke?”

Hayman silently looked at Ian. Even as the carriage shook and the horse swayed, his gaze remained steady. Although they were walking side by side, Ian noticed a smile spreading across his lips. Hayman gestured as if asking him to come closer.

“Hey, soldier. What are you doing? Close the curtain.”

“Yes sir! I’m sorry.”

“I heard Melania is missing. Is it true?”

The soldier pulled on Hayman’s shoulder, but he leaned in closer and asked back.

“They say the Imperial Defense Department is having a hard time finding Melania.”

“You’ll see where your daughter is when you’re dead.”

“Aha, hahaha! Ahaha!”

Hayman burst into a hearty laugh, truly for the first time in a long while.

Melania! His lovely and proud youngest daughter!

He had always been satisfied with how she shone brighter than her brothers, and she proved herself to the very end. If even one person bearing the name Hayman survived, wouldn’t that mean the continuation of the family line?

“It’s Duke Hayman!”

“Kill him! Kill him!”

Nevertheless, Hayman’s satisfied smile did not easily fade.

Even until the very last moment –

When a thick rope was placed around his neck –

When the ground beneath his feet gave way –

When his whole body was dirtied by stones and filth thrown by the crowd.

Screech!

Thud!

“Die! Let all the other families die!”

“Waaaah! Kill them!”

The curses of the angry and excited crowd.

Ian, watching Hayman’s swaying corpse, tightly clenched his palm. Under the leather gloves, he felt the sticky blood.

As twilight seeped in, twenty-one corpses from the seven central families were hung in the square.

Navigate to Other Chapters

MBSE Chapter 01 - Emperor's End

MBSE Chapter 02 - The Bastard of House Bratz

MBSE Chapter 03 - The Marquis Estate

MBSE Chapter 04 - Shackles

MBSE Chapter 05 - Plans

MBSE Chapter 06 - A Stroll

MBSE Chapter 07 - Illiterate

MBSE Chapter 08 - Intentions

MBSE Chapter 09 - The Second Luncheon

MBSE Chapter 10 - The Brooch

MBSE Chapter 11 - Alcohol and Water

MBSE Chapter 12 - The Proposal

MBSE Chapter 13 - The Flower Pot

MBSE Chapter 14 - The Training Ground

MBSE Chapter 15 - Beric

MBSE Chapter 16 - The Mage Knight

MBSE Chapter 17 - Enemy

MBSE Chapter 18 - Preparation

MBSE Chapter 19 - Informant

MBSE Chapter 20 - The Door

MBSE Chapter 21 - Diamond

MBSE Chapter 22 - The Tutor

MBSE Chapter 23 - The Warrior

MBSE Chapter 24 - Nersarn

MBSE Chapter 25 - Proof

MBSE Chapter 26

MBSE Chapter 27

MBSE Chapter 28

MBSE Chapter 29

MBSE Chapter 30

MBSE Chapter 31

MBSE Chapter 32

MBSE Chapter 33

MBSE Chapter 34

MBSE Chapter 35

MBSE Chapter 36

MBSE Chapter 37

MBSE Chapter 38

MBSE Chapter 39

MBSE Chapter 40

MBSE Chapter 41

MBSE Chapter 42

MBSE Chapter 43

MBSE Chapter 44

MBSE Chapter 45

MBSE Chapter 46

MBSE Chapter 47

MBSE Chapter 48

MBSE Chapter 49

MBSE Chapter 50

MBSE Chapter 51

MBSE Chapter 52

MBSE Chapter 53

MBSE Chapter 54

MBSE Chapter 55

MBSE Chapter 56

MBSE Chapter 57

MBSE Chapter 58

MBSE Chapter 59

MBSE Chapter 60

MBSE Chapter 61

MBSE Chapter 62

MBSE Chapter 63

MBSE Chapter 64

MBSE Chapter 65

MBSE Chapter 66

MBSE Chapter 67

MBSE Chapter 68

MBSE Chapter 69

MBSE Chapter 70

MBSE Chapter 71

MBSE Chapter 72

MBSE Chapter 73

MBSE Chapter 74

MBSE Chapter 75

MBSE Chapter 76

MBSE Chapter 77

MBSE Chapter 78

MBSE Chapter 79

MBSE Chapter 80

MBSE Chapter 81

MBSE Chapter 82

MBSE Chapter 82

MBSE Chapter 83

MBSE Chapter 83

MBSE Chapter 84

MBSE Chapter 85

MBSE Chapter 86

MBSE Chapter 87

MBSE Chapter 88

MBSE Chapter 89

MBSE Chapter 90

MBSE Chapter 91

MBSE Chapter 92

MBSE Chapter 93

MBSE Chapter 94

MBSE Chapter 95

MBSE Chapter 96

MBSE Chapter 97

MBSE Chapter 98

MBSE Chapter 99

MBSE Chapter 100

MBSE Chapter 101

MBSE Chapter 102

MBSE Chapter 103

MBSE Chapter 104

MBSE Chapter 105

MBSE Chapter 106

MBSE Chapter 107

MBSE Chapter 108

MBSE Chapter 109

MBSE Chapter 110

MBSE Chapter 111

MBSE Chapter 112

MBSE Chapter 113

MBSE Chapter 114

MBSE Chapter 115

MBSE Chapter 116

MBSE Chapter 117

MBSE Chapter 118

MBSE Chapter 119

MBSE Chapter 120

MBSE Chapter 121

MBSE Chapter 122

MBSE Chapter 123

MBSE Chapter 124

MBSE Chapter 125 - The First Noble Mage

MBSE Chapter 126 - Arsen and Jin

MBSE Chapter 127 - The Hidden Oracle

MBSE Chapter 128 - The Morning Guest

MBSE Chapter 129 - Behind the Scenes

MBSE Chapter 130 - New Magician, New Swordsman

MBSE Chapter 131 - Imperial Palace Training Grounds

MBSE Chapter 132 - Meeting a Worthy Opponent

MBSE Chapter 133 - Joining Ceremony

MBSE Chapter 134 - The Mayor's Letter

MBSE Chapter 135 - Love is Crazy

MBSE Chapter 136 - Proving in the Midst of Chaos

MBSE Chapter 137 - To Gale First

MBSE Chapter 138 - I Swear

MBSE Chapter 139 - I Swear Again

MBSE Chapter 140 - Dogs are Best at Finding People

MBSE Chapter 141 - Love and War

MBSE Chapter 142 - Black Smoke

MBSE Chapter 143 - Fall from Grace

MBSE Chapter 144 - Forbidden Magic

MBSE Chapter 145 - Ashes

MBSE Chapter 146 - It Really is a Curse

MBSE Chapter 147 - Truth Serum

MBSE Chapter 148 - A Secret Deal

MBSE Chapter 149 - Candidate Registration for the Next Minister

MBSE Chapter 150 - A Sloppy Letter

MBSE Chapter 151 - Fakens Slave Caravan

MBSE Chapter 152 - Illegal Slaves

MBSE Chapter 153 - Whole Pig Party

MBSE Chapter 154 - Between Threat and Negotiation

MBSE Chapter 155 - Balance Through Checks

MBSE Chapter 156

MBSE Chapter 157

MBSE Chapter 158

MBSE Chapter 159

MBSE Chapter 160

MBSE Chapter 161 - Mother

MBSE Chapter 162 - Because You are like a Wildflower

MBSE Chapter 163 - Proving the Truth

MBSE Chapter 164 - Signal Flare

MBSE Chapter 165 - Xiaoshi

MBSE Chapter 166 - Assassination Attempt

MBSE Chapter 167 - The Emperor's Seal

MBSE Chapter 168 - That Night

MBSE Chapter 169 - A Mess

MBSE Chapter 170 - Neutral Forces

MBSE Chapter 171 - Spreading Spark

MBSE Chapter 172 - The Fate of the Twins

MBSE Chapter 173 - Jin, A Precious Child

MBSE Chapter 174 - Moving Forward, Bit by Bit

MBSE Chapter 175 - Variable

MBSE Chapter 176 - Mana-Sealing Stone

MBSE Chapter 177 - The Black Moon

MBSE Chapter 178 - Dark Side of the Moon

MBSE Chapter 179 - The Third Imperial Palace, Now

MBSE Chapter 180 - Surrender

MBSE Chapter 181 - Angel's Eyes

MBSE Chapter 182 - The Day Ends

MBSE Chapter 183 - Emergency Meeting

MBSE Chapter 184 - The Next Emperor

MBSE Chapter 185 - The Chronicle of Roberside

MBSE Chapter 186

MBSE Chapter 187

MBSE Chapter 188

MBSE Chapter 189

MBSE Chapter 190 - The Grand Council Meeting

MBSE Chapter 191 - Restricting Parental Rights

MBSE Chapter 192 - Blood That Taints the Truth

MBSE Chapter 193

MBSE Chapter 194 - Trust

MBSE Chapter 195 - Merry Daily

MBSE Chapter 196 - Extra! Extra!

MBSE Chapter 197 - Opening the City Gates

MBSE Chapter 198 - Amidst the Commotions

MBSE Chapter 199 - The Atan, Tribe of Blood

MBSE Chapter 200 - Wound Me Too

MBSE Chapter 201 - The Emperor Mage

MBSE Chapter 202 - For the Sake of Position

MBSE Chapter 203 - D-7

MBSE Chapter 204 - Rainy Days

MBSE Chapter 205 - D-6

MBSE Chapter 206 - Imperial Guard

MBSE Chapter 207 - Breaking the Black Armor

MBSE Chapter 208 - Chatur Zone 3

MBSE Chapter 209 - Premium Grade A+++

MBSE Chapter 210 - D-5

MBSE Chapter 211 - The Trial Begins

MBSE Chapter 212 - The Defense

MBSE Chapter 213 - The Verdict

MBSE Chapter 214 - The One Who Was the First Prince

MBSE Chapter 215 - In the Greenhouse

MBSE Chapter 216 - I Object

MBSE Chapter 217 - A New Prophecy

MBSE Chapter 218 - D-4

MBSE Chapter 219 - One Step Back

MBSE Chapter 220 - One Body, One Mind

MBSE Chapter 221 - A Trap Script

MBSE Chapter 222 - Push

MBSE Chapter 223 - Stamp Thud

MBSE Chapter 224 - D-3

MBSE Chapter 225 - The Voice of God

MBSE Chapter 226 - Little Devil

MBSE Chapter 227 - A Silent Response

MBSE Chapter 228 - D-2

MBSE Chapter 229 - The Demon's Whisperer

MBSE Chapter 230 - D-1

MBSE Chapter 231 - What are You?

MBSE Chapter 232 - Of Royal Blood

MBSE Chapter 233 - D-Day

MBSE Chapter 234 - The Owner of the Voice

MBSE Chapter 235 - The Last

MBSE Chapter 236 - Consider it an Honor

MBSE Chapter 237 - Leaving Behind

MBSE Chapter 238 - Without Ian

MBSE Chapter 239 - Three Hours Ago

MBSE Chapter 240 - Whispering

MBSE Chapter 241 - Calling Names

MBSE Chapter 242 - Ruswena Delegation

MBSE Chapter 243 - Purge While on Bed

MBSE Chapter 244 - This is the Bloodwind

MBSE Chapter 245 - Central Nobility

MBSE Chapter 246 - A Secret for Ruswena

MBSE Chapter 247 - Melania's Plea

MBSE Chapter 248 - Jin's Request

MBSE Chapter 249 - Pat-pat and Bicker-backer

MBSE Chapter 250 - Opposition Noble's Signatures

MBSE Chapter 251 - Leaving the Palace

MBSE Chapter 252 - Mud Pit

MBSE Chapter 253 - Rumors

MBSE Chapter 254 - Pillars

MBSE Chapter 255 - Caught in a Trap

MBSE Chapter 256 - The Trial of the Seven Families Begin

MBSE Chapter 257 - Jin's Bariel

MBSE Chapter 258 - The Verdict

MBSE Chapter 259 - Side Effects of the Mana Amplification Stone

MBSE Chapter 260 - Before Preparing the Appointment Ceremony

🔒70MBSE Chapter 261 - Introduction of Three Countries' Figures

🔒70MBSE Chapter 262 - The Reason for Remembering Timothy

🔒70MBSE Chapter 263 - Each Person's Thoughts

🔒70MBSE Chapter 264 - A Side Branch

🔒70MBSE Chapter 265 - Emancipation

🔒75MBSE Chapter 266 - The First Secret Inspection

🔒75MBSE Chapter 267 - Secret Eater

🔒75MBSE Chapter 268 - Pretending to Know

🔒75MBSE Chapter 269 - Each Other's Well-being

🔒75MBSE Chapter 270 - Underground Brawl

🔒75MBSE Chapter 271 - The Best Banquet

🔒75MBSE Chapter 272 - The King's Circumstances

🔒75MBSE Chapter 273 - What Only Ian Knows

🔒75MBSE Chapter 274 - Selection Exam

🔒80MBSE Chapter 275 - Who Rigged the Tournament Bracket?

🔒80MBSE Chapter 276 - Each Other's Purpose

🔒80MBSE Chapter 277 - Criticism

🔒80MBSE Chapter 278 - Their Own Reasons

🔒85MBSE Chapter 279 - A Different World

🔒80MBSE Chapter 280 - Head-on

🔒80MBSE Chapter 281 - Beric Goes Forth

🔒80MBSE Chapter 282 - After Victory

🔒85MBSE Chapter 283 - The Award Ceremony

🔒85MBSE Chapter 284 - The Half Moon Rises

🔒85MBSE Chapter 285 - Time to Trade Secrets